#Swallow Grotto

[mothmiso]

France '24 (2) (3) by W Biggs

Via Flickr:

(1) Villecroze Grottes (2) Barn Swallow outside Aups     

[phone4pills]

NAUGHTY LIST DAY 7

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ slow’s advent calendar! blowjob, lowkey kinky, costumes, public sex if you squint, swallowing cum ahhhhhh

“Fuckk… j’s like thaaat…” Chris groaned, throwing back his head as he removed his Santa hat. The two of you had agreed to help out at the local mall for a little cash. He dressed as Santa, you being his elf, and you guys handed out little gifts to all of the children who came to Santa’s Grotto. It was pretty fun and you had gotten free drinks from the smoothie bar nearby. But after hours and hours, Chris was becoming hotter and hotter in his suit. Inevitably, having to take a break.

The two of you had snuck into the little dressing room behind the grotto and you decided to help Chris relieve some of his stress. You sat on his lap, grinding softly, while the two of you made out. Your lips became swollen against his and Chris was becoming more and more needy. One thing led to another and you found yourself on your knees with your hands on both of his thighs, head bobbing on his cock.

His half-lidded eyes became slightly glossing as he watched you take his length, elf ears and all. The little elf skirt you had to wear wasn’t very helpful either, but unfortunately it was the only one available. The little kids weren’t all that bothered, but Chris was. All the men that walked past would peer your way, even some of the dads would glance down for a split second before leading their kids into the den.

He pulled at the makeshift ponytail that was held together by his fist, lifting your face off his dick to get a view of your teary eyes and red lips, foaming at the corners. The sight alone was enough to tip him off the edge as he pushed your head back down onto him. And within a few seconds he was cumming. “Shiiit. Always treatin’ me so good, yeah?”

You nodded, swallowing down the warm semen before leaning back down to kiss his tip. Then you directed your vison up at the boy, staring at him through your lashes with puppy eyes. “I’ve been so good, Santa, will you take me off the naughty list?”

Hey… here ya go guysss, to clarify I’m not into dress up or wtv but I tried. Also this is not proof read. Happy 7th !

- ©phone4pills

[kittenan2]

Heyyy I love your stories!! They're so amazing and the way you write oh my god

I have a request💕 a jin ff where he's some supernatural being like a Sea Prince.? Idk but I wanna read something of that sort where he falls for yn who's his destined human but he leaves her as some threat poses to harm her

I want lots of angst, add some tragedy or sadness too for the tears (I'm wanting to read some tragic romance for weeks now)

But make it a happy ending with lots of fluff and ofc Smut too with lots of sexual tension 😈😈😈 we need torture haha

I know you'll write an amazing fic on this...looking forward!!!!

Take careee have a great day love💕

he's such a fluff ball I wanna squish him and hide in my arms forever hfhfhhffhhf

The Sound Beneath

Pairing: Sea Prince/Siren!Jin × Human!Reader Genre: Supernatural Romance | Angst | Tragedy | Smut | Fluff Ending Warnings: Intense emotional angst, near-death experiences, abandonment, deep grief, heavy smut (oral, penetrative sex, possessive sex, biting, magical binding, tail play), siren magic seduction, memory loss, protective obsession, explicit 18+ content, suicide attempt (in "The Journal" section), graphic violence (in "The Battle" section). Please proceed with caution. Word Count: ~11k Summary: A broken human hears a siren’s song that pulls her into the sea—and into the arms of Jin, a prince with silver-blue eyes and a voice that haunts her soul. Their love is fated, forbidden, and fraught with danger. When a vengeful Sea Witch tears them apart, erasing Jin from her mind, their bond is tested by grief and madness. Will their love survive the tides, or will the sea claim them both?

The coastal village of Eldermoor was a forgotten corner of the world, its cliffs jagged, its beaches kissed by a restless sea. You’d come here to escape—burnout from a soul-sucking job, a broken engagement that left your heart in shards. The salt air was supposed to heal, but at night, alone in your rented cottage, the waves mocked your loneliness.

One moonless night, you wandered the shore, barefoot, the cold sand grounding your spiraling thoughts. Your sundress clung to your thighs in the damp breeze, your hair loose and tangled from the wind. The sea was black, endless, whispering secrets you couldn’t decipher. Then you heard it—a melody, low and haunting, weaving through the crash of waves. It wasn’t a song you knew, yet it felt like it knew you, tugging at your chest, pulling you toward the water.

Your toes touched the surf, the cold biting your skin. The melody grew stronger, wrapping around you like a lover’s arms. You waded deeper—knees, hips, chest—until the ground fell away, and the sea swallowed you. You thrashed, lungs burning, but the song drowned out fear, promising something greater. As darkness clawed at you, strong arms encircled your waist, pulling you under—not to drown, but to save.

“Breathe,” a voice said, warm and resonant, vibrating through the water into your soul. You opened your eyes to find a man—inhumanly beautiful, with silver-blue eyes glowing like moonlight, dark hair floating like ink, skin shimmering with faint luminescent lines. Against all logic, you inhaled, and the water didn’t choke you. It cradled you.

You woke on a smooth stone ledge in a hidden grotto, the air thick with salt and ancient magic. Bioluminescent coral lined the walls, casting a kaleidoscope of blues, greens, and purples that danced across the cave like living stars. A pool of still water shimmered at your feet, reflecting the glow of waterfire—a strange, flickering flame that burned without wood, its heat warming your chilled skin. Your sundress clung to you, soaked and heavy, the fabric outlining every curve of your body.

A figure rose from the pool, water sluicing off his broad shoulders, dripping down the planes of his chest. He was tall, lean yet muscular, his skin pale but alive with luminescent markings—delicate, glowing lines that traced his collarbone, chest, and hips like veins of starlight. His dark hair fell in wet waves, framing a face that stole your breath—high cheekbones, full lips, and those silver-blue eyes that seemed to see into your soul. He wore only a pair of loose, silken pants, tied low on his hips, the fabric translucent in the water’s glow.

“You’re awake,” he said, his voice a melody even without singing, rich and deep, vibrating through you like a caress. “I was worried.”

You shivered, not from cold but from the intensity of his gaze. “Who are you?” you whispered, hands clutching the damp fabric of your dress, your heart pounding.

He stepped closer, the water rippling around his thighs, his presence overwhelming. “I am Jin, Crown Prince of the Siren Kingdom. This grotto is my sanctuary—a place between your world and mine.”

“Siren?” The word sent a thrill of fear and fascination through you. Sirens were myths, creatures who lured humans to their doom. But he’d saved you.

“Yes,” he said, kneeling before you, his hands resting lightly on your knees. His touch was warm, electric, sending sparks up your thighs to pool low in your belly. “But you’re not like other humans. You heard my Song and lived. You’re my fated one—the only one destined to be mine.”

Your mind spun, but your body leaned toward him, drawn by an invisible thread. “Fated one? What does that mean?”

His fingers traced slow, deliberate circles on your knees, his touch igniting a fire under your skin. “Our souls are bound,” he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “I’ve felt you across oceans, waited centuries for you. You’re the only human who can hear my Song without breaking.”

His words were a spell, weaving around your heart. You stared into his eyes, seeing not just beauty but a profound sadness, a mirror to your own. “I don’t even know you,” you said, but your voice trembled, betraying the pull you felt.

“You will,” he promised, his hands sliding up your thighs, slow and reverent. “In time, you’ll know me as I know you.”

The air thickened with tension, desire crackling like the waterfire. He leaned closer, his lips brushing yours—soft, tentative, tasting of salt and something sweeter, like honeyed wine. You sighed into him, and the kiss deepened, his tongue teasing yours, slow and sensual, exploring every corner of your mouth. His hands pulled you closer, pressing you against his chest, the luminescent lines on his skin flaring brighter where you touched, warm and pulsing like a heartbeat.

“Jin,” you gasped, your fingers tangling in his wet hair, the strands silky and cool against your skin. Need pulsed through you, a throbbing ache between your thighs.

“Let me feel you,” he growled, his voice low and desperate, laced with that hypnotic melody. “Let me hear your song.”

You nodded, breathless, trusting him without reason. He guided you back onto the stone, the surface smooth and warm against your spine. His hands moved with purpose, peeling away your soaked dress, the fabric sticking to your skin as he tugged it over your head. You shivered as the cool air kissed your bare skin—your breasts, your stomach, the curve of your hips—exposed under his hungry gaze. Your underwear was next, his fingers hooking into the damp fabric, sliding it down your legs with agonizing slowness.

You were bare before him, vulnerable, but his eyes held reverence, not possession. “So beautiful,” he murmured, his fingers tracing the curve of your hip, up to the swell of your breast, circling your nipple until it hardened under his touch. You whimpered, arching into him, the heat of his skin a contrast to the cool cave air.

He knelt between your thighs, spreading them gently, his breath hot against your skin. “I need to taste you,” he said, his voice trembling with restraint, his eyes locked on yours, seeking permission.

“Please,” you begged, your voice thick with need, your body trembling with anticipation.

His lips brushed your inner thigh, soft and possessive, trailing kisses that left a burning path. He murmured in siren-tongue—words you didn’t understand but felt in your core, vibrations that made your muscles clench. His kisses moved higher, teasing the sensitive skin at the apex of your thighs, until his breath grazed your core, already slick with arousal.

When his tongue finally touched you, it was a shockwave—slow, deliberate, licking a long, languid stripe up your folds. You moaned, loud and broken, the sound echoing off the coral walls. He hummed against you, a low, melodic vibration that sent pleasure crashing through every nerve. “So sweet,” he whispered, his tongue circling your clit with expert precision, teasing, tasting, then plunging inside you, exploring your depths with slow, deliberate strokes.

His hands gripped your hips, pinning you to the stone as he devoured you—lips sucking gently, tongue flicking and curling, his siren voice weaving magic into every movement. The waterfire flared brighter, casting prisms of light across your skin, the cave pulsing in time with your racing heartbeat. Your fingers fisted in his hair, pulling him closer, hips bucking against his mouth as the pleasure built, a tidal wave ready to crash.

“Jin—please—” you gasped, your voice breaking, your body trembling on the edge.

He growled, the vibration pushing you closer to oblivion. “Sing for me,” he commanded, his voice laced with magic, and you shattered. Your climax tore through you, a scream ripping from your throat, your body arching off the stone as waves of ecstasy drowned you. The water in the pool swirled, glowing brighter, as if the sea itself celebrated your release. Your thighs trembled around his head, your chest heaving, your vision blurred with stars.

He didn’t stop until you were spent, trembling and limp, his lips glistening as he crawled up beside you. His markings glowed brighter, his eyes feral with need. “If I take you fully,” he said, voice rough, “I might never let you go.”

You reached for him, desperate to feel him inside you, your fingers brushing the hard length straining against his pants. But he caught your wrists, pinning them above your head with one hand, his grip firm but gentle. “Not yet,” he rasped, his eyes dark with conflict. “Loving me will destroy you.”

You leaned up, kissing him softly, tasting yourself on his lips. “Then destroy me,” you whispered, but he shook his head, his breath ragged, leaving you both aching with unfulfilled desire.

For weeks, you returned to the shore every night, drawn by a pull you couldn’t resist. Jin was always there, waiting in the shallows, his silver-blue eyes glowing like beacons in the dark. Some nights were charged with desire, a dance of longing and restraint; others were soft and playful, filled with love, chaotic bickering, and teasing that made your heart light. Each meeting wove you deeper into his world, a tapestry of passion and tenderness.

The first night after the grotto, you met him in a secluded cove, the water warm and shallow, the moon a crescent above. He pulled you into his arms, his tail—shimmering with iridescent scales—coiling around your legs, anchoring you to him. “You came back,” he murmured, his lips brushing your ear, sending shivers down your spine.

“Of course I did,” you said, your hands sliding over his chest, feeling the luminescent lines pulse under your touch. They flared brighter, a sign of his arousal, and you smirked, teasing your fingers lower, grazing the edge of his pants.

He growled, capturing your lips in a kiss that was all heat and hunger, his tongue delving deep, tasting of salt and desire. His hands roamed your body, slipping under your shirt to palm your breasts, thumbs circling your nipples until you gasped into his mouth. You straddled his lap, the water lapping at your thighs, grinding against the hardness you felt beneath his pants.

“Careful,” he warned, his voice rough, his hands gripping your hips to still you. “You’re playing with fire.”

“Then burn me,” you challenged, nipping his lower lip. He groaned, his tail tightening around you, pressing you closer, but he stopped short, his breath ragged.

“Not yet,” he said, kissing you softly, his hands cradling your face. “I want you too much to rush this.” You pouted, but he held you close, whispering stories of the Siren Kingdom—coral palaces, songs that shaped the tides—while you shared your pain, your broken engagement, your longing for something more. His eyes softened, and he kissed your forehead, murmuring, “You’re more than enough.”

Another night, you met him on a sandy stretch of beach, the stars bright overhead, the air warm and salty. Jin was sprawled on the sand, his tail half-submerged, looking ridiculously smug as he tossed a seashell into the air and caught it. “Took you long enough,” he teased, his grin wide. “What, did you get lost in your own village?”

You rolled your eyes, kicking sand at him, which he dodged with a laugh. “Oh, please, Mr. I-Live-In-The-Sea. Some of us have to deal with things like doors and shoes.” You plopped down beside him, crossing your arms. “And stop looking so smug. It’s annoying.”

“Annoying?” he gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. “I’m charming. You’re just jealous of my natural glow.” He flicked his tail, sending a spray of water your way, and you yelped, swatting at him.

“Jin, you’re such a child!” you said, but you were laughing, your heart lighter than it had been in months. You grabbed a handful of sand and tossed it at him, and he retaliated by pulling you into his arms, rolling you both until you were sprawled in the sand, breathless and giggling.

“Admit it,” he said, pinning you gently, his silver-blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “You love my chaos.”

“Love is a strong word,” you teased, poking his nose. “I tolerate you.” But you leaned up, kissing him softly, your lips lingering against his. The kiss was sweet, not heated, just a quiet promise of love. He hummed happily, his tail brushing your legs in gentle strokes, and you spent the night building a lopsided sandcastle, arguing over whose tower was better. “Yours looks like a drunk octopus made it,” he said, and you shoved him, both of you collapsing in laughter under the stars.

One night, you swam together under a starlit sky, his tail propelling you through the water with effortless grace. He led you to a hidden lagoon, where bioluminescent algae glowed like a galaxy beneath the surface. You floated on your back, his arms supporting you, his lips brushing your temple.

“You’re beautiful like this,” he said, his voice a soft melody. “Free.”

You turned in his arms, wrapping your legs around his waist, feeling the scales of his tail against your thighs. “Show me more,” you whispered, kissing him deeply. His hands slid down your back, cupping your ass, pulling you flush against him. You felt his arousal, hard and insistent, and you ground against him, eliciting a low moan.

His kisses trailed down your neck, teeth grazing your collarbone, his hands slipping under your bikini top to tease your breasts. “You drive me mad,” he growled, his tail curling around your legs, spreading them slightly as he pressed himself closer. The friction was torture, your core aching, but he pulled back, panting.

“I can’t,” he said, his eyes tormented. “Not until I know you’re safe.” You pouted, but he kissed you softly, his hands stroking your hair, promising, “Soon.” You floated together, his tail brushing your skin, his voice singing soft lullabies that lulled you into a peaceful daze.

Next evening, you met him on a cliff overlooking the sea, where he’d somehow managed to drag a basket of food—fish, fruits, and some questionable seaweed snacks—from the sea. “I’m treating you to a royal feast,” he declared, spreading a blanket with a flourish, his tail flicking proudly.

You raised an eyebrow, poking at the seaweed. “This looks like something I’d find in a drain, Jin. You sure this is edible?”

He gasped, clutching his heart. “You wound me! This is a delicacy in the Siren Kingdom. You’re just uncultured.” He popped a piece into his mouth, chewing dramatically, then made a face. “Okay, maybe it’s an acquired taste.”

You burst out laughing, shoving his shoulder. “You’re such a liar! You don’t even like it!” He grinned, unabashed, and tossed a grape at you, which you caught in your mouth, earning a mock cheer from him. “Show-off,” he muttered, but his eyes were warm, crinkling with affection.

You bickered over the food—him insisting you try the fish, you teasing him about his “fancy prince manners”—until you were both sprawled on the blanket, your head on his chest, his fingers playing with your hair. “You’re a mess,” you said softly, tracing the glowing lines on his arm.

“And you love it,” he replied, kissing the top of your head. “Admit it, I’m your favorite disaster.” You didn’t argue, just snuggled closer, the sea breeze carrying your laughter as you watched the sunset, your heart full of him.

One stormy night, you met him on the same cliff, rain soaking your skin. He pulled you into a cave, his hands rougher, more desperate. “I can’t stop thinking about you,” he said, pinning you against the wall, his lips crashing into yours.

You tugged at his shirt, exposing his glowing markings, tracing them with your fingers until he shivered. “Touch me,” you begged, and he obliged, his hands sliding under your skirt, fingers brushing your core through your panties. You moaned, head falling back, as he teased you, slow and deliberate, his siren voice humming against your skin.

He knelt, pulling your panties down, his mouth finding you with a hunger that made you tremble. His tongue was relentless, licking and sucking, his hands gripping your thighs as you bucked against him. “Mine,” he growled, the word vibrating through you, and you came undone, screaming his name as the storm raged outside.

He held you after, his arms warm and secure, whispering, “I’m falling for you, and it terrifies me.” You kissed him, promising you’d face the fear together.

The Siren Court was a world of shadows and teeth, and Jin was its crown prince, bound by duty. Lysara, a Sea Witch scorned by Jin years ago, saw you as his weakness. Her rage was a storm, her magic a blade. One night, as you swam with Jin in the cove, her shadow struck.

The water was warm, Jin’s tail coiled around your waist, his lips brushing yours as you floated in the moonlight. His hands were gentle, tracing your spine, his voice humming a soft melody that made your heart ache. The world felt perfect, his touch a promise of forever. Then the sea turned cold, the current violent, ripping you from his arms with a force that stole your breath.

A voice cut through the water, sharp and venomous, laced with centuries of bitterness. “You chose her?” Lysara emerged from the depths, her black eyes glinting like obsidian, her hair writhing like eels, her presence radiating malice. Her beauty was cold, a blade wrapped in silk, and her gaze fixed on you with murderous intent. “A human over me, Jin? After everything I offered you?”

“Leave her!” Jin roared, his Song erupting in a wave of power, a melody of fury and love that shook the sea. But Lysara’s magic was stronger, a dark wave wrapping around you like a noose, squeezing your chest, flooding your lungs with icy water. You thrashed, your screams muffled, bubbles escaping your lips as you clawed at the invisible chains binding you. Her laughter echoed in your mind, cruel and delighted, as your vision darkened, your heart slowing.

Jin’s arms found you, his Song a desperate plea, a melody of anguish that clashed with Lysara’s darkness. “No!” he screamed, his voice breaking, his hands clutching you as he fought the current. The water churned, a battlefield of light and shadow, his markings glowing brighter as he poured his soul into saving you. But the sea was relentless, dragging you deeper, your limbs heavy, your thoughts fading into a haze of pain and cold.

His lips pressed against yours, forcing air into your lungs, his hands trembling as he held you close. “Stay with me,” he begged, his voice raw, cracking with despair. “Please, you’re my heart.” His Song wrapped around you, a lifeline, but your body was limp, your pulse a faint flicker. He pulled you to the shore, laying you on the rocky beach, his hands pressing against your chest, coaxing water from your lungs.

You coughed, gasping, your body shaking as air burned your throat. Jin’s face hovered above you, pale and frantic, tears streaming down his cheeks, mixing with the seawater on your skin. “I almost lost you,” he whispered, his voice shattered, his arms crushing you to his chest. His body shuddered, his markings dim, as if the effort had drained his very essence. “I can’t do this,” he said, his voice barely audible. “I can’t let her hurt you again.”

You reached for him, your hand trembling, your voice hoarse. “We’ll fight her, Jin. Together.”

He shook his head, his eyes haunted, shadows pooling beneath them. “You don’t know what she’s capable of,” he said, his voice thick with fear, breaking on your name. “She’ll kill you to break me.”

Days later, in the grotto, Jin was a hollowed wreck, his silver-blue eyes dulled by grief, his luminescent markings faint, flickering like a candle in a gale. The waterfire sputtered, its glow weak, casting long, mournful shadows across the coral walls. He sat slumped against the stone, his hands trembling, his face gaunt, as if the sea itself had carved away his vitality. You knelt before him, your heart shattering at the sight of him, your hand cupping his cheek, feeling the coldness of his skin, the faint tremor beneath your touch.

“Jin, we can face her,” you said, your voice fierce but trembling, laced with a desperate hope. “I’m not afraid. I love you—more than life itself.”

His eyes met yours, and the agony within them was a physical blow, stealing the air from your lungs. His gaze was a storm of love and despair, each tear a shard of his breaking heart. “You don’t understand,” he whispered, his voice a fractured sob, each word dripping with torment. “She won’t just kill you, my love. She’ll unravel you—slowly, cruelly—until there’s nothing left but pain. She’ll make me watch as she tears your soul apart.”

His hands shook violently, clenching into fists, his nails drawing blood that shimmered in the dim light. “I can’t—” His voice cracked, a sob tearing from his chest, and he buried his face in your hands, his tears hot against your palms. “I can’t survive losing you. It would destroy me.”

“Then don’t lose me,” you cried, tears streaming down your cheeks, climbing onto his lap, your hands framing his face, your thumbs brushing away his tears that fell like rain. “I’d rather die in your arms than live a single day without you.” You kissed him, your lips trembling against his, desperate and raw, pouring every ounce of your soul into the touch. It was a kiss of fire and saltwater, your tears mingling, your heart pounding so hard it felt like it might shatter your ribs. “You’re my home, Jin. My everything.”

He kissed you back, his lips fierce and broken, his hands gripping your hips with a desperation that bruised, as if he could meld your bodies into one, shield you from the world’s cruelty. His tongue traced yours, tasting your tears, his breath a shuddering gasp as he pulled you closer, his forehead pressed to yours.

“I love you,” he whispered against your lips, his voice an anguished prayer, each syllable tearing him apart. “I love you so much it’s tearing me apart. But I can’t let her take you. I can’t watch her destroy the only thing that keeps my heart beating.”

You shook your head, panic clawing at your chest, your hands clutching his shoulders, nails digging into his skin. “No, Jin, please—don’t do this!” you begged, your voice raw, but his hands cupped your face, his thumbs brushing your cheeks with a tenderness so gentle it shattered you. His eyes were red, swollen, his tears falling freely now, his lips trembling as he looked at you, memorizing every detail—your eyes, your lips, the way your hair clung to your damp skin.

“I’m so sorry, my love,” he whispered, his voice a fractured melody, each note saturated with unbearable grief. “I can’t watch you die. This is the only way to keep you safe.” His Song rose, a melody so achingly beautiful it was a wound, weaving through your mind like a tide—soft, then relentless, a lullaby of love and loss that broke your soul. It carried every moment you’d shared—your laughter on the beach, the warmth of his kisses, the way he’d held you as his fated one. Each note tore away a piece of him: his smile, his touch, the sound of his voice calling your name.

“No!” you screamed, your voice a raw, desperate wail, clawing at his arms, your nails drawing blood that mixed with his tears. “Don’t do this! I love you, Jin!” You thrashed against him, your body trembling, your heart shattering as his Song drowned your cries, its magic seeping into your mind, unraveling you. His eyes were red, his face a mask of agony, his chest heaving with sobs as he sang, his voice cracking, “Forget me, my heart.”

You reached for him, your fingers trembling as you brushed his cheek, a final, fleeting plea. “Jin, please—don’t take you away from me,” you sobbed, your voice breaking, but his Song was too strong, a relentless tide erasing him—his silver-blue eyes, his gentle voice, the love that had become your anchor. Your vision blurred, your body growing heavy, and you collapsed in his arms, his body shuddering as he held you, his tears soaking your hair.

“I’ll love you forever,” he whispered, his voice a broken vow as he pressed a final, trembling kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering as if he could pour his soul into you one last time. “Even if it kills me.” The world faded, and you were gone from him, the grotto silent, save for the echo of his anguished sobs, his heart a hollowed-out shell.

You woke on the beach, alone, the cruel waves mocking your emptiness with their ceaseless rhythm. Your mind was a shattered mosaic—flashes of silver-blue eyes, the ghost of a touch on your skin, a melody that tore at your soul without reason. The loss was a living thing, a jagged blade twisting in your chest, each breath a fresh wound. You stumbled back to your cottage, your body trembling, your eyes burning with tears that fell without explanation, as if your heart knew a grief your mind couldn’t name.

“Who are you?” you whispered, your voice a broken sob, your fingers clawing into the sand as if you could claw the answers from the earth. “Why does it hurt so much?” Your tears soaked into the sand, your body shaking as the pain consumed you, a hollow ache that felt like it would swallow you whole.

Days bled into weeks, your life a descent into despair, each moment a battle against the void within. You stopped eating, your kitchen a graveyard of untouched plates, your cottage a chaotic shrine to your unraveling—scattered papers, unwashed clothes, mirrors you avoided for fear of seeing your own haunted eyes.

You’d sit by the sea for hours, your hands trembling as you clutched your knees, staring at the horizon as if it could summon the source of your pain. The sea was your only solace, yet it was a traitor, trying to remember fragments of a name—that you carved into your heart with every sob. “Whoever you are... Come back to me,” you whispered, your voice raw, your tears falling into the waves like offerings to a god who’d abandoned you.

Nights were a torment, your mind a prison of dreams so vivid they felt like memories, each one a fresh cut to your soul. In one, his blurry silhouette stood before you, his silver-blue eyes glistening with tears, his voice a melody of despair. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his hands sliding over your body, fingers slipping inside you, curling slow and deep, his lips on your neck, kissing away tears you didn’t shed. He entered you, his lips on yours, each thrust a plea for forgiveness, his body trembling as he made love to you. You woke with a scream, your body aching with need, your sheets damp with sweat and tears, your fingers clutching the pillow as if it could hold him. The emptiness was unbearable, a gaping wound you couldn’t reach.

Another dream brought you to a glowing grotto, his arms around you, his tail coiling around your legs as he kissed you—your eyelids, your cheeks, the curve of your breasts. “You’re my heart,” he said, his voice a song that broke you. “Come back to me,” you begged, your voice raw, reaching for him, but he faded, your fingers grasping air, your cries echoing in the dark. You woke sobbing, your throat burning, your heart a raw, pulsing wound, the loss of him a weight you carried into every waking moment.

In the depths of the Siren Kingdom, Jin was a wraith, his once-vibrant markings now dull, his body wasting away under the weight of his longing. His Song, once a melody that could command the tides, was now a discordant wail, echoing through the coral palaces like a ghost. He’d thought erasing your memories would free you, but it had only chained him to a new kind of hell—a life without your laughter, your touch, the light in your eyes that had been his salvation.

He lingered in the grotto, his fingers tracing the stone where you’d lain, the memory of your warmth a knife in his chest. “I did this to you,” he whispered, his voice breaking, tears falling into the water, shimmering like lost stars. He’d watch you from the shadows of the sea, hidden beneath the waves, his heart shattering with every tear you shed. He saw you by the shore, your eyes hollow, your voice trying to recall his name, and each syllable was a lash, a reminder of the love he’d stolen from you. “I thought I was saving you,” he murmured, his hands clutching his hair, his body trembling. “But I only broke us both.”

Sirens who lose their fated ones descend into madness, and Jin was falling—his body weakening, his Song fading, his soul unraveling without you. He’d curl up in the grotto, clutching the echoes of your voice, your scent, the memory of you in his arms.

“I love you,” he whispered, his voice raw, his tears a tide that drowned him. He sang to you in the dark, a soft, broken melody, hoping it might reach you, might ease the pain he’d caused. But the sea was silent, and his love was a wound that bled him dry, a longing that would haunt him until the end of time.

One rainy afternoon, you found it—a leather-bound journal under your bed, its pages worn and water-stained, the leather cracked from exposure to the sea. Your hands trembled as you opened it, your breath catching at the sight of your own handwriting, scrawled in frantic, desperate strokes. Sketches filled the pages—a man with silver-blue eyes, his face sharp and beautiful, his body traced with glowing lines that shimmered even in pencil. His expression was tender, haunted, his lips curved in a smile that broke your heart.

Your words spilled across the margins, raw and unfiltered:

“His voice is a spell, wrapping around me like silk. I want to drown in him.”

“He kissed my thighs, and I saw stars, felt the sea move with my pleasure.”

“I love him, and it hurts, because he’s not mine to keep. I’m already destroyed without him.”

Each sentence was a dagger, piercing the fog in your mind, bringing jagged shards of memory—his touch, his song, the way he looked at you like you were his entire world.

But the memories were broken, cutting deep, driving you into a feral madness. The name Jin seared your lips, a whisper that ignited chaos within you. You clutched the journal, tears streaming, a sob tearing from your throat. The fragments of him—his eyes, his voice, his love—were a torment, a puzzle you couldn’t solve. They consumed you, pushing you to the edge of sanity, your mind unraveling under the weight of a love you couldn’t fully grasp.

You screamed, hurling the journal across the room, its pages fluttering like wounded birds. “Get out of my head!” you cried, your voice raw, your body collapsing to the floor. The memories were a curse, a ghost you couldn’t escape, the pain unbearable. You couldn’t live with these shards, couldn’t survive the madness clawing at your soul.

That night, driven by desperation, you stumbled to the shore, rain lashing your skin, the journal clutched in trembling hands. The sea roared, its waves mirroring your chaos. “I can’t do this,” you whispered, tears mixing with rain, your voice breaking. You wanted to be free of him, of the agony that devoured you. In a moment of feral despair, you waded into the surf, the cold water biting, and let the waves pull you under, intending to drown the memories forever.

His heart stopped as he felt your soul falter, a sharp, searing pain through the fated bond he’d tried to sever. He’d been in the depths, drowning in his own grief, when your despair hit him like a tidal wave. “No, no, no!” he screamed, his voice a raw, panicked cry, his tail slashing through the water as he raced to you. The sea fought him, but he was relentless, his Song erupting in a desperate plea, weaving through the currents to find you.

The sea surged, dragging you down, your lungs burning as you surrendered to darkness. But a melody pierced the water, faint then fierce—a Song of love and desperation, calling you back. Strong arms seized your waist, yanking you to the surface. You gasped, coughing, as Jin’s face loomed above you, gaunt and hollow-eyed, his markings dim, his silver-blue eyes wild with terror.

When he saw you sinking, your body limp, his world collapsed. “Not you!” he sobbed, his voice breaking, his hands trembling as he pulled you close, his Song pouring life into you. He surfaced, clutching you to his chest, his tears falling onto your face as you coughed, alive but fragile.

“I did this. I am responsible for this.” he whispered, his voice shattered, his body shaking with guilt. “I erased you to save you, but those memories—they were all you had, and they drove you here.” His silver-blue eyes were red, swollen with tears, his markings flickering erratically as he rocked you in his arms.

“I thought I was protecting you, but I pushed you to this. I’m so sorry, my love.” His voice cracked, his face buried in your hair, his fear and guilt a weight heavier than the sea itself.

“You,” you whispered, tears mixing with seawater, your voice trembling with love and rage. “You’re real.”

He held you tighter, his body trembling, his tears soaking your skin. “I felt you slipping away,” he said, his voice raw, anguished.

“I couldn’t let you go.” His Song had summoned him, your pain a beacon, and he’d come, unable to stay away, his love for you stronger than his fear.

Memory flooded back, a tidal wave of love and betrayal that nearly knocked you off your feet. You stood on the beach, rain lashing your skin, fury and grief burning in your chest like a wildfire. Jin stood before you, his silver-blue eyes wide with hope, but you couldn’t see past the pain. “You left me!” you screamed, your voice raw, cracking with anguish. You shoved his chest, your hands shaking, tears streaming down your face. “You made me think I was crazy! Do you know what that did to me?”

Jin flinched, his own tears falling, his hands reaching for you, but you slapped them away, your nails catching his skin, leaving red marks. “I was trying to save you!” he said, his voice breaking, each word a plea. “Lysara would’ve killed you. I couldn’t—” He choked, his chest heaving, his eyes red and glistening. “I love you enough to watch you die.”

“You abandoned me!” you shouted, your voice echoing over the storm, your fists pounding his chest, weak against his strength but fueled by rage. “I couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t breathe without feeling like I was drowning! I thought I was losing my mind, Jin! Every night, I cried for someone I didn’t even know, and it was you! You did that to me!”

His face crumpled, his hands trembling at his sides, his markings flickering like a dying flame. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rain, his tears mixing with the water on his cheeks. “I thought I was protecting you. I thought—” He broke off, a sob tearing from his throat, his body shaking as he sank to his knees before you, his head bowed. “I was wrong. I broke us both.”

You froze, your anger faltering at the sight of him—so broken, so vulnerable, his hands clutching the sand as if it could anchor him. Your heart ached, torn between rage and love, and you dropped to your knees, grabbing his face, forcing him to look at you. “You left me empty,” you said, your voice cracking, tears streaming down your face. “I loved you, and you erased me. How could you do that?”

His hands covered yours, his touch warm and desperate, his eyes searching yours. “I love you,” he said, his voice raw, trembling with every word. “I love you so much it’s killing me. I thought I could let you go, but I can’t. I’m nothing without you.”

The words broke something in you, and you kissed him—hard, angry, your lips crashing against his, teeth clashing, tears mixing with the rain. He groaned, his hands gripping your hips, pulling you against him, his kiss desperate, hungry, a plea for forgiveness. You fought him, shoving at his shoulders, your nails digging into his skin, but he held you tighter, his lips claiming yours with a ferocity that matched your own.

“Prove it,” you hissed, yanking his wet hair, forcing his eyes to meet yours. “Show me you mean it, or I swear I’ll die and never come back.”

His eyes darkened, a feral edge to them, and he shoved you against a jagged rock, the rain soaking you both. His hands tore at your dress, the fabric ripping under his fingers, leaving you bare in the storm. You gasped, the cold air biting your skin, but his touch was fire—rough, possessive, claiming every inch of you. He kissed you again, teeth nipping your lower lip, his tongue delving deep, tasting of salt and tears.

“You’re mine,” he growled, his hands roaming your body—one cupping your breast, thumb flicking your nipple until it hardened, the other sliding between your thighs, finding you slick and ready. His fingers circled your clit, slow and deliberate, teasing until you moaned, your head falling back against the rock.

“I’ll never let you go again,” he said, his voice thick with possession, his lips on your neck, biting hard enough to mark, his siren magic sparking under your skin like electricity.

You clawed at his shoulders, nails drawing blood, your body trembling with a mix of fury and desire. “You left me,” you said again, voice breaking, even as you arched into his touch. “Don’t you dare leave me again.”

“Never,” he vowed, his lips on your shoulder, his teeth grazing your skin, leaving marks that pulsed with magic. He pushed two fingers inside you, curling them, pumping slow and deep, his thumb still teasing your clit with maddening precision. You cried out, your body shaking, the pleasure laced with the pain of your reunion.

He pulled his fingers free, and you whimpered at the loss, but then he was lifting you, pinning you against the rock, his tail coiling around your legs to spread you open. He freed himself from his pants, his cock hard and thick, the tip glistening in the rain. “Look at me,” he commanded, his voice a low growl, and you did, your eyes locked on his as he thrust into you—deep, hard, filling you completely.

You screamed, the stretch exquisite, his rhythm relentless, each thrust a declaration of love and regret. His hands gripped your hips, bruising, his teeth grazing your neck, leaving marks that burned with magic. You clawed at his back, your nails raking red lines, your body shaking as pleasure built, wave after wave, your anger melting into desperate need.

“Jin,” you moaned, your voice breaking, tears mixing with the rain as you clung to him. He kissed you, swallowing your cries, his thrusts slowing but deepening, each one hitting a spot that made you see stars. His voice sang your name, a low, hypnotic melody that bound you to him, weaving your souls together.

You came undone first, your climax shattering you, your body convulsing around him, a faint siren note—new and raw—blending with his Song. You screamed his name, your tears falling as you shook, the pleasure overwhelming, your heart laid bare. He followed, spilling inside you, his warmth flooding you as he groaned your name, his body trembling against yours, his arms holding you like you might vanish.

You clung to each other, panting, the storm raging around you, your tears mixing with his. “I love you,” he whispered, his lips brushing your ear, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ll spend forever making this right.”

You buried your face in his chest, your sobs muffled against his skin, the weight of your reunion crashing over you. “Don’t ever leave me again,” you whispered, and he held you tighter, his promise silent but unbreakable.

Under a blood-red moon, the sea churned violently, waves towering like jagged teeth against the cliffs of Eldermoor. The air crackled with ancient magic, thick with the scent of salt and iron, as you and Jin faced Lysara in a cove ringed by razor-sharp rocks. Nerys, an old siren ally with silver-streaked hair and eyes like storm clouds, stood at your side, her coral staff glowing with protective runes. The sea roared, a living beast, its surface split by bioluminescent currents that pulsed like veins, casting an eerie glow on Lysara’s form.

She hovered above the water, her black eyes gleaming with malice, her eel-like hair writhing as if alive, each strand tipped with venomous barbs. Her skin shimmered with dark scales, her claws long and curved, dripping with a viscous, inky poison that hissed as it hit the sea. “You dare challenge me?” she snarled, her voice a discordant screech that clawed at your mind, sending shivers of pain through your skull. “A human and a broken prince? I’ll flay your souls and feed them to the abyss!”

Jin stepped forward, his tail lashing the water, his markings blazing silver-blue, illuminating the cove like a beacon. His Song erupted, a melody of raw power and love, its notes weaving a shield around you and Nerys. “You’ll never touch her,” he growled, his voice a thunderous harmony, shaking the rocks around you. His eyes burned with defiance, but you saw the fear beneath—fear not for himself, but for you.

Lysara laughed, a sound like shattering glass, and thrust her hands forward, unleashing a torrent of dark magic. Black tendrils shot from the sea, each one tipped with barbed hooks that gleamed with a sickly green glow. They lashed toward you, slicing through the air with a whistle, aiming to tear you apart. Jin’s Song shifted, a sharp, protective note sending a wave of light that shattered the tendrils mid-air, their fragments dissolving into hissing smoke. But Lysara was relentless, summoning a whirlpool beneath you, its pull so strong it dragged jagged coral from the seafloor, hurling them like spears.

You ducked, a coral shard grazing your arm, blood welling instantly, the saltwater stinging the wound. “Stay behind me!” Jin shouted, his voice raw, his tail coiling around your waist to anchor you. Nerys chanted, her staff flaring, casting a barrier that deflected another barrage of coral, but the effort made her stagger, her face pale.

“She’s too strong,” Nerys gasped, her voice strained. “Her magic feeds on her rage—it’s boundless.”

“Then we break her,” you said, your voice fierce despite the fear clawing your chest. You clutched the coral dagger Nerys had given you, its blade etched with ancient siren runes that pulsed with a faint golden light. “Jin, distract her!”

Jin nodded, his eyes locked on yours, a silent vow to protect you at all costs. He sang louder, his Song a blazing crescendo, each note a blade that cut through Lysara’s magic. The sea responded, waves surging to form a towering wall behind him, crashing toward Lysara with the force of a thousand storms. She shrieked, her claws slashing through the water, parting the wave, but it gave you the opening you needed.

You dove into the sea, the cold shocking your senses, the dagger clutched tightly. The water was a chaos of light and shadow, Lysara’s dark magic clashing with Jin’s Song, creating currents that threatened to crush you. You swam toward her, your lungs burning, guided by the dagger’s glow. Her tentacles—summoned from the depths, each one thick and lined with pulsating suckers—lashed out, one grazing your leg, tearing through your skin. You bit back a scream, bubbles escaping, and kicked harder, your heart pounding with determination.

Lysara’s eyes widened as you closed in, her focus split between Jin’s onslaught and your approach. “Foolish human!” she hissed, her voice echoing in your mind, a psychic assault that made your vision blur. She raised a claw, aiming for your heart, but Jin’s Song hit a piercing note, a sound so pure it stunned her, her claw freezing mid-strike.

“Now!” Nerys shouted, her voice carrying through the water, her barrier flaring one last time to shield you.

You lunged, driving the coral dagger into Lysara’s chest, the blade sinking deep, the runes blazing as they burned through her dark magic. She screamed, a sound that shook the sea, her body convulsing as golden light erupted from the wound, spreading like cracks through her form. Her tentacles thrashed, one striking your side, sending you spiraling through the water, pain exploding in your ribs. But the dagger held, its magic unraveling her, her screams fading into a gurgle as her body dissolved into black ash, carried away by the tide.

The sea stilled, the blood-red moon softening to silver, the waves calming as if exhaling. Jin’s arms found you, pulling you to the surface, his Song now a soft, trembling lullaby. “You did it,” he whispered, his voice hoarse, his silver-blue eyes scanning you for injuries, his hands trembling as he brushed blood from your arm. “You’re alive.”

You clung to him, your body aching, your chest heaving. “We did it,” you corrected, your voice weak but fierce, kissing him softly, your lips trembling against his. Nerys surfaced nearby, her staff dim, a tired but triumphant smile on her face. The cove was quiet, the sea’s wrath sated, but the scars of the battle lingered—on your skin, in Jin’s haunted eyes, and in the memory of Lysara’s scream.

Few days later, in the grotto, the waterfire glowed warmly, casting a soft, flickering light that danced across Jin’s face, highlighting the gentle curve of his smile. You sat on the smooth stone ledge, your legs dangling in the pool, your hair still damp from a swim. Jin was beside you, his tail lazily swishing in the water, his silver-blue eyes sparkling with a mix of adoration and mischief. His luminescent markings pulsed softly, a quiet reminder of his otherworldly beauty, but tonight, he was just Jin—your Jin, playful and utterly smitten.

“So,” he said, leaning closer, his voice teasing, a grin tugging at his lips. “Big decision time, princess. Do you stay human, living your cute little land-life with boring things like… what, taxes and toast? Or do you dive into my world, where you get to swim with me, eat questionable seaweed snacks, and be the luckiest person alive because you’re stuck with this face forever?” He gestured to himself, striking a dramatic pose, his tail flicking water at you for emphasis.

You laughed, swatting the droplets away, your cheeks flushing with warmth. “Oh, please, Jin,” you said, rolling your eyes, but your smile betrayed you. “You’re not that irresistible. I mean, taxes are pretty thrilling, you know. And don’t get me started on toast—crispy, buttery perfection. What’s your seaweed got on that?”

He gasped, clutching his chest as if wounded, his eyes wide with mock betrayal. “Toast? Toast? You’d choose bread over me, your dashing siren prince?” He leaned closer, his nose brushing yours, his breath warm and teasing. “I’ll have you know, my seaweed is a delicacy, and I’m way crispier than some boring old bread. Plus, I come with cuddles and songs that make the stars jealous.”

You giggled, pushing his face away playfully, your fingers lingering on his cheek. “You’re ridiculous,” you said, but your heart was doing flips, your body soft and relaxed against his side. “But seriously, Jin… what’s it like? If I choose your world, I mean. Will I… miss being human?”

His expression softened, the teasing edge giving way to something tender. He took your hand, lacing his fingers with yours, his thumb brushing your knuckles in a soothing rhythm. “It’s not about losing anything,” he said, his voice gentle, his eyes locked on yours. “You’d gain a whole ocean—coral palaces, glowing lagoons, a family of annoying siren siblings who’ll probably tease you as much as I do. And you’d have me, every day, every night, singing you to sleep or driving you up the wall.” He grinned, nudging your shoulder. “But yeah, you might miss toast. I’ll figure out how to make you some, just to keep you happy.”

You smiled, your heart swelling, but you couldn’t resist one more jab. “You? Cooking? I saw you burn a fish last week, Jin. I’m not holding my breath for your toast-making skills.”

He laughed, the sound bright and infectious, pulling you into his lap so you were straddling him, your hands resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “Rude!” he said, his hands settling on your hips, his tail brushing your legs in a ticklish caress. “I’m a prince, not a chef. But for you, I’d learn. I’d burn a thousand fish if it made you smile like that.” His voice dropped, softer now, his eyes warm and earnest. “I just want you with me, love. Wherever that is. Your world, my world—it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re mine.”

Your breath caught, your cheeks flushing at the sincerity in his gaze. You leaned in, kissing him softly, your lips lingering against his, sweet and slow, tasting the salt of the sea and the warmth of his affection. He hummed happily, his hands sliding up your back, pulling you closer, his kisses playful, nipping at your lower lip, then your nose, making you giggle.

“Stop that!” you said, laughing as you swatted his shoulder, but you couldn’t stop smiling. “You’re gonna make this decision impossible if you keep being so cute.”

“Cute?” he said, raising an eyebrow, his grin wicked. “I’m devastatingly charming, I’ll have you know. And you’re already falling for it, admit it.” He tickled your side, making you squirm and laugh, your arms wrapping around his neck to steady yourself.

“Okay, okay!” you said, breathless, your voice bright with joy. “Fine, you win. I choose you, Jin. Your world, your sea, your terrible seaweed snacks—all of it. Just… promise you’ll keep being this annoying, because I kind of love it.”

His eyes lit up, and he kissed you again, this time, a kiss so full of love and relief that it stole your breath—a slow, happy exploration, his lips moving with yours in perfect harmony. “Deal,” he whispered against your lips, his voice a playful vow. “But you’re stuck with me forever now, princess. No takebacks, not even for toast.”

You laughed, resting your forehead against his, your heart full. “No takebacks,” you agreed, and he pulled you close, his tail splashing water around you, both of you giggling like kids as the grotto glowed brighter, as if the sea itself was celebrating your choice.

You lived between worlds now, your cottage a chaotic haven of love and mischief, the sea a playground for endless adventures. Mornings in Eldermoor were a battlefield of pancakes and teasing, proof that Jin’s siren chaos had fully invaded your human life.

You stood at the stove, flipping pancakes, when Jin sauntered in, his hair dripping, his markings glowing faintly under a loose shirt you lent him. “Morning, princess,” he chirped, snatching a pancake from the stack and shoving it in his mouth, crumbs flying. “These are almost as good as my kelp cakes!”

You whirled around, brandishing a spatula like a weapon. “Jin, you’re getting water everywhere! And kelp cakes? Those were a crime against taste buds!” You swatted at him, but he dodged, grinning, and flicked a droplet of seawater from his hair onto your cheek.

“Crime? You ate three!” he retorted, leaning against the counter, stealing another pancake. “Admit it, you’re obsessed with my cooking.” He winked, but you notice he’s left a puddle on the floor, and you groaned, tossing a towel at his face.

“Clean that up, you aquatic disaster, or I’m banning you from the kitchen!” you said, but your voice cracked with laughter as he caught the towel and started “mopping” the floor with exaggerated flair, singing a silly siren tune about “landlubber princesses and their fussy floors.” You tried to stay mad, but he pulled you into a damp hug, spinning you around until you’re both giggling, the pancakes forgotten.

After breakfast, you and Jin dove into the sea, bound for the Siren Kingdom’s coral reef city—a dazzling sprawl of pearl palaces and bioluminescent gardens, where fish darted like comets and currents hummed with ancient magic. Today was a “family day,” which meant chaos courtesy of Jin’s younger siblings, Lira and Kael, who were itching to test your half-siren skills and torment their brother.

Lira, a sprite with violet markings and a sharper tongue, swam circles around you, her tail flicking like a taunt. “So, you’re the human who tamed Jin?” she said, smirking, her voice carrying through the water. “Bet you can’t keep up with me in a race!” Before you could answer, Kael, a lanky teen with green-tinted scales, cut in, “Yeah, she’s probably slow as a sea slug. Jin, you picked a land girl?”

Jin scowled, his tail swatting Kael’s shoulder, sending him spinning. “She’s faster than both of you barnacles combined!” he snapped, but his silver-blue eyes twinkled as he pulled you close, his breath warm against your ear. “Show ‘em, love. Make them eat their words.”

You grinned, accepting the challenge, and dove into a race through a maze of coral tunnels, their twisting paths lit by glowing algae. Your half-siren form glided smoothly, your markings flaring with effort as you dodged a sudden current, spun past Lira’s tail, and darted through a narrow arch to cross the finish line first. You surfaced, laughing, as Lira pouted, her arms crossed, and Kael muttered, “Not bad… for a half-human.”

Jin beamed, his tail coiling around you possessively, his markings pulsing brighter. “Told you she’s amazing,” he bragged, planting a loud kiss on your cheek. Lira gagged, splashing him with a flick of her tail. “Gross, Jin, save it for the grotto!” she said, her violet eyes rolling. Kael, not to be outdone, tossed a handful of glowing algae, which stuck to Jin’s hair like glitter.

“Oh, you’re dead!” Jin roared, lunging at Kael, sparking a chaotic water fight. You teamed up with Jin, splashing Lira until her shrieks echoed, then turned on him, dousing his face for good measure. “Traitor!” he gasped, grabbing you and spinning you through the water, your laughter blending with the siblings’ taunts. The sea sparkled, the fight dissolving into breathless giggles as you all collapsed on a coral ledge.

Lira propped herself on an elbow, smirking. “You’re stuck with us now, Y/N. Hope you like chaos!” Kael nodded, tossing a stray algae blob at Jin, who dodged it with a glare. You nudged Jin, grinning. “I’m used to it, thanks to this one.” He feigned offense, tickling your side until you begged for mercy, the siblings cheering him on, their laughter a wild melody that made the sea feel like home.

That night, you and Jin slipped away from the cottage for a secret swim in a hidden lagoon, a pocket of sea where bioluminescent algae painted the water like a galaxy, stars mirrored above in a velvet sky.

You dove in, your half-siren form shimmering, your markings glowing softly as you darted through the warm, glowing waves. Jin followed, his tail a flash of iridescent scales, his silver-blue eyes glinting with playful intent.

“Catch me if you can!” you called, your voice bubbling through the water as you wove through a coral arch, your laughter trailing like bubbles. Jin was faster, his tail slicing through the current, cutting you off as he caged you against a glowing coral wall, his arms braced on either side. “Got you,” he murmured, his lips brushing your ear, his voice a low, teasing melody that sent shivers down your spine.

“Not fair,” you pouted, poking his chest, your fingers tracing his markings, which flared brighter under your touch. “You’ve got that fancy tail!” He grinned, his tail coiling around your legs, the scales tickling your skin as he pulled you closer, your bodies pressed flush in the glowing water.

“Fancy, huh? You love it,” he teased, his lips capturing yours in a soft, slow kiss, warm and tasting of salt and starlight. The kiss deepened, his hands sliding down your back, fingers grazing the curve of your hips, but you pulled back, splashing his face with a smirk.

“Not so fast, prince,” you said, your voice playful. “You’ve gotta earn it!” You darted away, and he chased, his laughter a bright counterpoint to the lagoon’s quiet glow. The game became a tangle of limbs, your tails brushing, his hands catching your waist only for you to slip free, both of you breathless with giggles.

Finally, you let him catch you, floating together in the center of the lagoon, your tails entwined, your markings pulsing in sync. His arms wrapped around you, his lips brushing your forehead, your cheeks, your nose, each kiss sparking laughter. “You’re a menace,” he said, his voice warm, teasing. “Making me chase you like some lovesick minnow.”

“And you love it,” you shot back, nipping his jaw, your hands tangling in his hair, now threaded with tiny glowing algae. He hummed a silly siren tune, making up lyrics about “sneaky siren princesses” who steal hearts and splash their princes. You splashed him again, muttering, “You’re the worst,” but your smile was radiant, your heart swelling as the sea cradled you both.

One sunny afternoon, you and Jin were at your favorite beach, a sandy cove littered with shells and seaweed, the waves sparkling under a cloudless sky. Your half-siren form felt like a second skin, your faint markings glowing softly, matching Jin’s, a sign of your shared bond. You were sprawled on a colorful beach towel, trying to read a book, while Jin, ever the menace, was determined to make that impossible.

“Oi, landlubber!” Jin called, his voice loud and teasing, as he emerged from the water, his tail flicking droplets that glittered like diamonds in the sun. He held up a massive, slimy clump of seaweed, grinning like he’d found gold. “Look at this beauty! I’m thinking we hang it in the kitchen. Instant aesthetic, right?”

You lowered your book, glaring at him over your sunglasses, your lips twitching with a smile you couldn’t hide. “Jin, that’s disgusting! You’re not bringing that slime-fest into my cottage. It smells like a dead fish’s nightmares!” You pointed at him, your voice dripping with mock outrage. “And stop dripping on my towel, you walking aquarium!”

He gasped, dropping the seaweed dramatically, his hand flying to his chest. “Walking aquarium? I’m a royal siren prince! This is ambiance, you uncultured human!” He shook his head like a wet dog, sending a shower of water over you, soaking your book and towel. You shrieked, leaping to your feet, your sunglasses falling into the sand.

“Jin, you absolute menace!” you yelled, grabbing a handful of sand and lobbing it at him. It hit his chest, sticking to his wet skin, and he laughed, his eyes crinkling with mischief as he dodged another handful.

“Missed me!” he taunted, sticking out his tongue, his tail flicking more water your way. “You’re gonna have to do better than that, princess. What, did you forget how to aim on land?”

“Oh, it’s on!” you declared, grabbing a nearby bucket and scooping seawater, splashing it at him with a vengeance. He yelped, stumbling back, his tail slipping on the wet sand, sending him sprawling with a hilarious thud. You doubled over, clutching your stomach as you laughed, pointing at him. “Who’s the clumsy one now, huh? That’s what you get for messing with my reading time!”

He grinned, not even trying to get up, his tail swishing lazily in the sand. “Clumsy? This was all part of my plan to lure you into my trap!” He lunged suddenly, grabbing your ankle and pulling you down beside him. You landed with a squeal, sand sticking to your skin, your book forgotten as he rolled you both over, pinning you with a smug grin.

“Trap, my ass,” you said, shoving his chest, but you were giggling, your heart light as he hovered over you, his silver-blue eyes sparkling with affection. “You just wanted an excuse to get me all sandy and annoyed!”

“Guilty,” he admitted, leaning down to nuzzle your nose, his lips brushing yours in a teasing peck. “But look at you’re so cute when you’re all riled up and covered in sand. My little sand monster princess.” He booped your nose, leaving a smear of sand, and you swatted his hand, laughing.

“Sand monster? Have you seen your hair?” you shot back, reaching up to ruffle his wet locks, which were tangled with seaweed and sand. “You look like you fought a squid and lost. Badly.” He pouted, but you could see the laughter in his eyes, his hands tickling your sides until you were writhing, shrieking with laughter.

“Take it back!” he demanded, his voice playful but firm, his fingers dancing over your ribs. “Or I’ll drag you to the sea and have you sorting my seashell collection for a week!”

“Never!” you gasped between laughs, squirming to escape, but he was relentless, his tail flicking sand onto your legs for extra chaos. “Okay, okay, you win!” you finally surrendered, breathless, grabbing his face to pull him down for a kiss. It was quick, sweet, and a little gritty from the sand, but it made your heart soar.

He pulled back, grinning, his hands cupping your cheeks. “That’s my girl,” he said, his voice softening, his thumb brushing sand from your cheek. “You’re stuck with me, chaos, and all. No escaping the seaweed prince.”

You smirked, poking his chest. “Only if you promise to stop leaving seaweed trails in my kitchen, you aquatic disaster. I’m not running a kelp farm!” But you snuggled closer, your head on his chest, his heartbeat steady under your ear, the bickering fading into comfortable silence.

He chuckled, wrapping his arms around you, his tail lazily brushing your leg. “No promises, princess. But I’ll sing you a song to make up for it.” He hummed a soft melody, playful and silly, making up lyrics about “sassy princesses” and “sand-covered kisses.” You laughed, joining in, your voices blending into a messy, joyful harmony that made the sea shimmer, the waves dancing to your tune.

“Forever’s gonna be a mess with you,” you said, nudging him, your grin wide.

“Forever’s gonna be a blast,” he corrected, kissing you again, his lips warm and teasing. “And you love every chaotic second of it.” You couldn’t argue, not when your heart was this full, your life a whirlwind of love and laughter with your infuriating, irresistible siren prince.

A/n: It took me long enough to complete this request as I was out of ideas mid-story. But I finally completed it, I hope it turned out well as per the request. Thank you for reading! Reblog, like, and let me know if you cried, screamed, or melted into a puddle! 🌊💖

Taglist: @the-djarin-clan . @jeonjamiekim . @moonjinniecafe  . @minpdrecs . @bontensbabygirl . @this-most-assuredly-counts . @taolucha . @mytaegiheart . @dear-mono . @lilyficrec . @janeluvwonuuuu . @k-fan-fics . @iztrouble . @pikajooni . @namluvili . @alonahh . @paradise172 . @stay-tiny-things . @micdropitlikeitshot . @softhaes . @littlebluhellfire . @niqueesthings . @nocturnalsingularity . @syudoeslove . @namjoonbaby17-blog . @mar-lo-pap . @naesarang07 . @diame93 . @themwordsblog . @crizoosblog . @bebabido

[redsugarx]

青白之魅 3: Hair & Makeup Styling

1 Introduction & Presentation // 2 Background & Influences // 3 Hair & Makeup // 4 Set Design // 5 Clothes & Accessories // 6 Conclusion

If you thought there was gonna be less nerd from here on out you are deeply mistaken.

I was responsible for the hair styling for both the white and green snake, which was super fun. I’ve been doing hanfu hair styling for a year or two now (thank you to everyone who let me practice on them!!!) and have gradually gotten better at it, even though I still struggle with some parts of it. I certainly have the equipment collection to show for it now at least! I have so many fake hair pieces I can’t keep track.

As with any hanfu hair styling, the process involved a lot of fake hair, pins, and hairspray—but of course before the actual styling started, which was mostly only on the day of, I had to spend some time thinking about how I wanted the hair to look on each character.

元 衛九鼎 洛神圖, Taiwan National Palace Museum, 她：女性形象與才藝，2020

As far as snake-like hairstyles go, the first thing that comes to mind is the 靈蛇髻/灵蛇髻/ling2 she2 ji4/Spirited Snake hairstyle, shown above on Luoshen, a women’s hairstyle that went through a lot of changes through the dynasties but generally involved a tall, twisting bun leaning slightly to the side on the top of the head, resembling the body of a rearing snake. It’s a very popular style both historically and among hanfu enthusiasts today, because it looks very unique and ethereal. Often, female spirits or goddesses are depicted with this hairstyle.

That was the style I was originally planning on using, but it came with some limitations: one, it’s kind of… in unstable equilibrium? We’d essentially be walking around with the leaning tower of Pisa around on top of our heads. I had to style both of our heads BEFORE setting up the set design, so there was too high of a risk that something would get knocked out of place, since I knew I would have to be running around doing things. Also, because Yulan has brightly colored dyed hair, she had to wear a black base wig under all the fake hair pieces, which is a bit more difficult to pin things to than your actual scalp.

So instead I went with a different design. I knew I still wanted a lot of serpentine loops and strands, and I wanted there to be a significant amount of volume going on—they are ‘spirits’ and ‘goddesses’ after all, they deserve to be fancy!—so I went from there.

The Poetry Vibes

I stumbled upon a few poems last year while looking for names for Cloud9 Hanfu’s Year of the Dragon collection, and a few of them ended up becoming inspirations for this project.

This is the first part of 張可久 (Zhang Kejiu)’s Yuan Dynasty verse, 醉太平·春情 (Drunken Peace · Spring Romance). It’s a bittersweet poem describing a speaker that is longing for a lost love, likening her beauty to the imagery of the evening spring showers outside his home. I’ll do a slightly more faithful line-by-line translation of the poem’s actual words, then a paragraph-form translation with more stylization that gets at the meaning a little more (poetry is really hard to translate).

This is mostly just my interpretation though, and my Classical Chinese is... extremely questionable, so like... take it with a grain of salt.

張可久 Zhang Kejiu, 百度百科

Line-By-Line

烏雲髻鬆，金鳳釵橫。<- “Storm cloud hair is soft and loose, the golden phoenix hairpin is horizontal.”

伯勞飛燕自西東，惱離愁萬種。<- “The shrikes and swallows fly their ways to the West and the East, causing ten thousand kinds of sorrowful goodbyes.”

碧溶溶满溪綠水桃源洞，淡濛濛半窗白月梨雲夢，恨匆匆一簾紅雨杏花風。<- “Jade stream water flows to the Peach Blossom Grotto, moonlight is cast cloudily through the pear blossoms to my half-open window as if through a dream; the wind is unforgiving, felling apricot petals like a red curtain of rain.”

把青春斷送。<- “It ruins the spring.”

Stylized

Storm clouds gather loosely outside my window. I can almost imagine that they are strands of her soft hair; I can almost see where her golden phoenix hairpin would have laid, nestled in her black locks.

It’s springtime now—the orioles should be migrating, flying to their summer homes in the west, and the swallows to the east. Imagining their inevitable parting stirs a complicated sorrow in my chest.

As it storms, clear rainwater collects on the ground in rivulets, streaming away like liquid jade. I wonder where the water is going—is it to some forgotten, untouchable paradise? Is that where she is now? I can see through my half-open window where moonlight drizzles through the petals of the pear-blossom trees, misty and clouded as if I’m dreaming. Suddenly, a curtain of red petals fall across my vision like rain: it’s my flowering apricot tree, struck by the wind.

My trance is broken—spring is over.

//

As Chinese poetry tends to be, it’s very romantic with lots of natural imagery, tinged with sadness. When I reread it with this project in mind, it made me think of Xu Xian after the events of the Legend of the White Snake. While it’s commonly accepted that Bai Suzhen later ends up getting freed and there’s some kind of happy ending, the actual legend itself ends with the White Snake being imprisoned under the Leifeng Pagoda. Many years, if not centuries, pass before she gets out. So as many Chinese romances tend to be, the Legend of the White Snake is, by itself, a great tragedy. I can see the Xu Xian as the speaker of the poem.

Bearing this in mind, I imagine that the beauty of the Snake Spirits are much like the scene described in this poem—soft and ethereal like mist, hiding enough power to bend nature to their will.  I decided to lean into the ‘clouds’ theme, especially for Bai Suzhen.

傳 五代 周文矩 仕女圖, Taiwan National Palace Museum, 她：女性形象與才藝，2020 (ft fucked up fat cat)

The comparison of women‘s hairstyles to rainclouds is actually very widespread in Chinese literature, so it was perfect for hairstyle inspiration—in poetry, women are often represented by their features, ex. a poem might say "moth brows" or "cloud hair" to refer to a beautiful lady. Cloud hair and cultivated appearance is integral to the allure of a woman, so much so that the act of putting on makeup can be considered a transformation of identity.

In the linked instance the transformation of identity is supposed to be in the sense of gender identity, but you could also see it (in the context of this project) as the transformation from snakes to women.

This connection is strengthened by another poem, 好事近·夢中作 by 秦觀/Qin Guan from the Song Dynasty.

清宫殿藏画本. 北京: 故宫博物馆出版社. 1994, Wikimedia Commons

Line-By-Line

春路雨添花，花動一山春色。<- “Rain has filled the road with flowers, swaying in the breeze, filling the mountain with the feel of spring.”

行到小溪深處，有黃鸝千百。<- “I walked far along the mountain stream, where there were hundreds and thousands of yellow orioles.”

飛雲當面化龍蛇，夭矯轉空碧。<- “The flying clouds turned into dragons and snakes before me, stretching across the vast jade expanse.”

醉臥古藤陰下，了不知南北。<- “I lay down, drunk in the shade of the vines, not knowing which way is North or South.”

Stylized

I see where the spring showers have filled the mountainside with flowers. They sway in the breeze, bringing with them the rejuvenating scent of spring as I walk deeper and deeper into nature, following the bubbling mountain spring and the crowds of yellow orioles that have come out to celebrate the season as well. As I look up at the sky, I see dragons and snakes form in the midst of the roiling clouds above, leaping and coiling across the expanse of the clear blue sky. Intoxicated, I stop to rest underneath some vines, lost in the beauty of springtime.

//

So I am aware that it kind of sounds like this guy miiiiight be on acid but I'm pretty sure it doesn’t mean he’s hallucinating snakes in the clouds, it’s just like when you look at a cloud and say “that one looks like an elephant!”

Then again there is an interpretation that says his "walking further and further into nature" means he's just getting more and more drunk to escape his problems, so like... make of that what you will. Art is more often than not subjective.

Anyway, dragons also have power over rain and weather, and snakes are often called the ‘little dragon,’ often also associated with flowing water. All this is to say—clouds & coils are good representations of snakes! Also, you’ll notice that both of these poems are about springtime (though the second one is noticeably happier), fitting in with using this project to welcome the Spring Festival :)

Moving onto individual hairstyles. Keeping in mind the shapes of clouds, I wanted Bai Suzhen’s hair to be very tall, voluminous and ethereal to represent her spiritual prowess and strong will. A bunch of loops fan out at the top center of the hairstyle, adding ‘rays’ pointing outwards like a halo. I made sure there were a lot of round, circular elements to ‘fluff out’ the shape like a cloud. There are two strands of circles kind of peeking out at the bottom behind her neck/ears area, which were achieved by pinning a braid to each side and then pulling the outermost hair strands of each ‘loop’ outwards to create little flat circles.

Going back to the first poem, if I imagine that the speaker is Xu Xian thinking of Bai Suzhen, it makes sense for the mentioned ‘gold hairpin’ to appear in her hairstyle, doesn’t it? So I also added a few gold hair accessories—U-shaped pins for the most part, plus a small guan in the center to tie things together—to point outwards above her head. 

For Xiaoqing's hair, I wanted something that was a little more youthful, but still resplendent enough to do her justice. Xiaoqing is a younger spirit than Bai Suzhen, but still accomplished in her own right. Her hairstyle don’t extend as far outwards as the White Snake’s, but she has two ‘loop’ buns on each side rather than one peak in the middle. It’s kind of evocative of the double bun look often styled on younger girls, but with more fancy loops and swirls added to represent her high spiritual abilities. Each of the two main buns has two strands of hair looping up from the back of the head to the top. The strands are very loose, so depending on how I moved, they separated into several visible strands/just one thicker lock of hair.

The hair accessories I chose for Xiaoqing don’t have as much metal in them, to distinguish her from her sister, as I wanted to emphasize her connection to nature—because she has less experience than Bai Suzhen, she is often portrayed in media (Green Snake 1993 especially) as not yet reaching full human form, still closer to her serpentine origins. She has a white flower with green leaves on each side, standing for spring, youthfulness, and her dedication to the White Snake. There are a couple strands of pearls ‘dripping’ down from the flowers like raindrops, matching with the pearl accessories in the makeup, as well as with the white markings on Dragun’s back.

傳 唐 周昉 內人雙陸圖 , Taiwan National Palace Museum, 她：女性形象與才藝，2020

I also chose to include a pair of green half-moon combs, made to imitate jade (they’re acrylic, I’m working on a budget here ;-;). These were often worn several at a time, inserted into different layers of hair (as seen in the image above). Jade accessories are carved from nature—they are often subject to the colorings and properties of the natural base material they are made from, and they are often used to describe natural imagery. This can sometimes be a limitation, but for those who look further it can be an inspiration (see the Jadeite Cabbage, my favorite thing ever, Taiwan Numba One).

Peking Opera Hairstyles

京劇旦角，百度百科

Peking opera influenced the hairstyle design a lot. Dan roles (旦角）in opera have very specific hairstyle protocols. They wear a lot of fake hair pieces and hair accessories just like modern hanfu hairstyles have. One of the base hair silhouettes shared by almost all dan is the traditional 大頭/大头/da4 tou2/'big head,' with most of the hair wound into a large oval bun on the back of the head, and small pieces added at the edges for decoration. To imitate this look, the back of both of the hairstyles are padded with a large, flat, and round hairpiece (known in the hanfu hairstyling community as the 西瓜包/xi1 gua1 bao1/'watermelon bun'). This helps to add volume onto the back of the head, creating the illusion of very long hair that has been neatly wrapped and pinned up.

Another one of the key parts of these hairstyles is the round loop of hair in the center of the forehead. It’s an important feature that I included to tie the two styles together, to make sure it was clear that it was a ‘matched set’ so to speak, and was inspired by the hair loops seen in Chinese Opera styling.

戏曲旦角化妆、梳大头全过程，新浪博客，2011

Traditionally, a solution made from elm tree sap and/or kelp was used as hair gel to glue the little contouring base pieces (貼片子/tie1 pian4 zi0) down to the face. Seven loops called 小灣/小湾/xiao3 wan1/'little curves' line the hairline, one in the center and three off to the sides. I think they look kind of similar to the hairstyle that ballroom dancers have.

This was an artsy hanfu concept shoot, so I didn’t want to necessarily copy the operatic hairstyles—not to mention I don't know how, the motion of making one hair loop alone can take 3-5 years to train—but I did want to include some elements of the opera characters as a nod to their role in popularizing the legend! So each hair design has that central loop. It’s a separate hair piece that I bought for this shoot, whose base I covered with some of the other hair. It isn't glued down like it would be traditionally. I was going to have a few more loops coming down on the sides too, but I found that it looked kind of awkward so I took them off.

There are also two thin strands of hair trailing down each shoulder, another element partially inspired by Chinese opera styling, but it’s very common nowadays to have those there just for the Vibes so it’s not as unique. Most dan roles have a section of long unbound hair trailing down their backs, with two small strands separated out to stream down the front. This is called 線尾/线尾/xian4 yi3/'thread tail' or 線簾/线帘/xian4 lian2/'thread curtain.'

Makeup

Okay so this mostly ended up being about hair rather than makeup because I know a lot more about hair than makeup, but I'll talk a bit about the makeup too lol. I can't speak for the White Snake's makeup—Yulan was in charge of that and she did a marvelous job!—but I did do my own makeup.

The makeup for the green snake came with a great challenge: how do you make my face, arguably the roundest and most nonthreatening thing you’ve ever seen, into something resembling a snake demoness? Also, flamboyant makeup in cool colors can be tricky—too little and it’ll all disappear on camera, too much and it’ll look like a muddy green mess.

Both my sister and I are fairly warm-toned; green has to be very concentrated in a very small area to look interesting, otherwise it just looks like a bruise (I tried it). So I tried to use a lot of long thin lines of color and angles in the eyeshadow to avoid that, and to kind of draw out the snakey vibes. The meager selection of green eyeshadows that I had weren't the most pigmented, so we made a stop at Sephora (my first time in Sephora believe it or not) on the way from LAX to Riverside and bought some supplies. They turned out to be super super useful.

One of my favorite makeup features was a my sister’s suggestion—fake pearl ‘snake bite’ piercings under the bottom lip! It’s a fun little linguistic easter egg that I’m super happy to have been able to incorporate into her styling. 

宋人 宋高宗后坐像，Taiwan National Palace Museum, 她：女性形象與才藝，2020 Look closely and you'll see dozens of tiny women depicted in pointillism on her guan headdress!

Pearl makeup （珍珠花鈿/珍珠花钿/zhen1 zhu1 hua1 dian4）was really popular throughout several dynasties, but especially the Song Dynasty, where it became a huge trend among nobles. Today it mostly appears in hanfu circles, but I believe some Southern Chinese opera styles use them too.

As far as I know, the position that we put them in under the bottom lip is anachronistic, but they did often appear at the corners of the mouth/the dimples (面靨/面靥/mian4 ye4), so if you stretched it a little and imagine they've just been moved slightly, I could probably claim that it's at least historically inspired.

元人 畫梅花仕女, Taiwan National Palace Museum, 她：女性形象與才藝，2020

Other places that pearl makeup often appeared was on the temples, cheeks, or forehead. I also put a pair under my eyes just for funsies (I find that using smaller-sized pearls looks better to me, even though the ones shown in paintings are usually fairly large).

//

Okay that ended up being a lot longer than I thought it would be. I am so tired wow. The next one might take a while to come out too, but hope this one was enjoyable :)

1 Introduction & Presentation // 2 Background & Influences // 3 Hair & Makeup // 4 Set Design // 5 Clothes & Accessories // 6 Conclusion

[mikimakiboo]

Mermay day 12 - Full Of Soup

- Leviathantale -

The shiver hunt a big prey, they are having a feast !

First

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Nightmare watched as his shiver came back from their hunt, a very successful one judging by the amount of fish and the beluga whale they had in their arms. It was more than enough for four, Dream being absent at the moment, having gone out to meet with friends for a few days.

- Niiight ! Look at what we caught ! Killer excitedly called for his attention. 

Horror proudly showed the beluga as he entered the grotto as Dust went to put the fish down at the usual spot. Nightmare let out a proud purr, watching them put their preys together. Cross however selected a menta ray and swimmed in front of the Leviathan's head.

- This one's for you.. ! He handed the ray with blushing cheeks

Nightmare smiled, their newest was adorable, always so embarrassed to both receive and give affection. He took the menta ray between two fingers.

- Thank you Cross, it looks delicious, he thanked, nuzzling the thresher's cheek with a tentacle.

Cross smiled, watching him swallow the prey before joining the others, not wanting them to eat everything and not leave him a single fish.

Nightmare watched them feast, he wasn't hungry for now, so just watching his small mates eat and playfight for a fish when they had plenty of others was enough for him. Dust and Killer were the ones to usually fight over anything, sometimes they were a little brutal and Nightmare had to flip them for a moment before they actually hurt themselves, but they usually controlled their strength and were careful in their movements. Horror rarely joined them, he would more often than not break them apart, but when he joined they would team up on him, which didn't stop Horror from winning. Cross didn't participate yet in the fights, he had only started hunting not long ago, it was too early for him to fight them yet, one day he would, but not now.

They all happily ate, chatting about the hunting, how Cross caught so many fish, how he was doing way better at hunting, it was nice hearing them talk so excitedly. Nightmare didn't participate in the conversation, simlply listening to them, watching them, a few tentacles coming to clean meat pieces from their face, it was nice, everything was nice.

They eventually finished their big meal, leaving practically nothing behind. Nightmare chuckled seeing them lazily swim towards him, their bellies round from all the food, ready to nap for a good while. He carefully wrapped his tentacles around them, making them a little nest to rest in and in which he could feel them near. He let his tentacles nuzzle them, smiling as Killer playfully nibbled at one before yawning, eventually opting to nuzzle the appendage back as he found his position to sleep.

With his little shiver secured, Nightmare laid down, watching them sleep peacefully, making sure nothing would disturb them...

[tomalbon]

Poem #85

You rose in the North with a wax lance

And marked the first mountains

With such enthusiasm the world shook.

Canyons charged with bear-eyed

Guide-light emanated from your toolmarks,

Waypoints for my fingers

Tossed in Southern oceans like strange

Porpoises, carriers

Of aquamarine promises that spirit

Grottos to distant places.

Great trunks transfigured from their bodies

Sprout skyward, unburdened,

Seeking green anointment from your migrations,

Ascendant in the East

Where prevailing winds now carried your interest,

Dog-curious, arrow-bright,

Risen as balloons of an egg yoke sun

Unshadowed by purple clouds.

You coronate them so gleefully,

Dappled in apple hues

Instinctively circled in Spring flightpaths,

Anthologising countless

Ley lines that glide, swallow-bodied, to you,

Nested in a starlit smile.

Pilot our penmanship to the West

Where I fear I cannot go

Alone; the swan-crowned hazes of the West

Where stranger life begins -

The second life, the one where no-one

Comes to save you;

Where ink-black strands lie illegible

Beneath a squid-beak moon.

Fathom its deep lamps for guideposts

Where the sea becomes ichor

Of that beast. Flense its shapeshifter skin

Into chrysanthemums

And weave their violet flakes into lifeboats

For my unshattered senses,

And I am carried as in arms as in song

As in memory

As in dust in a sunbeam, weightless

As your watercolour hope.

-

[doormatty3]

Ocean Eyes: Chapter 8 (Orm Marius x Reader)

Masterlist Ao3

Ocean Eyes Masterlink

Summary:

[Orm Marius x Female Reader] [Orm Marius x You]

The ocean has always fascinated you - the ebb and flow of its water, the marine life in the sea and the wild and untamed beauty it exudes. Your attempts to explain this fascination have always fallen short. But when you meet Orm at the seaside one rainy day you find, that he just understands.  You offer to show him around since he is not from the city. And you are intrigued by his rather strange quirks and his regal demeanour.  After all, how could you not? When his eyes mirror the ocean itself, deep and incredibly blue. OR: You impress Orm with the surface world and he impresses you with his Atlantean cock

Wordcount: 4753

A/N: This chapter is just smut. Pure filth. - it's also the last one so : thank you for reading everyone and I hope you enjoy the climax of this story (hehe)

Almost tentatively, Orm reaches over and lightly cups your breasts in his hands. He squeezes them gently, his thumbs brushing over your nipples, making you moan softly as the sensation races through your whole body.

He repeats this motion, carefully weighing each tit and giving it a firm squeeze before starting to nip on your neck. You shudder against him when his teeth gaze over your skin, and you buck against him when he starts to plant soft, teasing kisses all around your breasts, moving towards your nipples.

With his fingers tracing patterns over your sensitive skin, you can’t help but feel the heat building between your legs. His touch is electric, sending waves of pleasure coursing through your body. 

He begins to lick and suck on them, paying attention to each one individually, rolling them between his thumb and forefinger, watching as they harden under his touch.

You feel his heated gaze on you as he continues to tease and torment your boobs and nipples, pinching and pulling them, making you squirm and moan softly. Each tuck and touch edging you on and upping the fire in your veins.

When his other hand reaches down to stroke his hardening cock over the fabric of his trousers, you feel like your arousal skyrockets. And almost automatically, and drawn by the mesmerising sight of Orm, you find yourself sinking to your knees in front of him.

As you lower yourself, your eyes remain locked with Orm’s, and you see him swallow heavily, his Adam’s apple bobbing and his hands falling from your breasts.

Your fingers deftly work to tug at the wet fabric of Orm’s pants, pulling them down with a deliberate yet teasing slowness. As the fabric clings to his form, it accentuates the contours of his muscular thighs and strong calves - and the growing bulge of his cock. 

When the pants finally yield, revealing more of his bare form, you find yourself pressing your tights together, feeling arousal pooling low in your belly more prominently now. 

With a final tuck, the pants fall around his ankles, and Orm stands before you with a raw and unguarded allure framed by the mystical glow of the grotto. His dick, half hard, is your current focal point, and you reach out to close your hand around him, eliciting a deep groan from him.

One hand at the base of him, you start to jerk him off slowly, looking into his deep blue eyes that burn with desire. You feel him getting harder with each stroke, and you savour the little grunts he lets out.

Almost teasingly, you lick over the head of his dick with one short motion, tasting the salty flavour of his precum on your tongue. Orm’s hips jerk involuntarily when you do it again, wanting you to do more. 

But you’re not ready to give in just yet; the thrill of teasing him, of stoking the fire, is too enticing. So, with a deliberate slowness, you repeat the motion, maintaining eye contact. As you see his fingers twitch, a silent acknowledgement of his escalating desire, you decide to push him further and whisper, “Make me yours, King Orm.”

The effect is immediate. 

Orm’s gaze intensifies, and you can almost feel the surge of desire coursing through him. In a sudden, decisive move, he places his hands on either side of your head.

“Open wide,” he commands, his voice taking on a husky tone that resonates in the grotto, his words leaving no room for hesitation.

With a sense of surrender, you comply, parting your lips in readiness as his cock hovers above your mouth. God, you love, how you can rile him up with that. 

He pushes the head of his thick cock in, and you feel your lips stretch around it. 

When he moans softly at the sensation, his hands gripping tightly onto your head, forcing you down further, you rub your thighs together - you have him where you want him. 

Your throat moves up and down as you try your best to take him all in, every inch of him filling you. 

As you’re not fast enough for him, he begins to thrust into your mouth, his hips moving back and forth as he takes control. He groans deeply with each stroke, his cock hitting the back of your throat, making you gag slightly.

His hands move from the side of your face to grip onto your hair, guiding him deeper into your mouth, and you moan around him, feeling spit collect around your lips and seeing shadows dance at the edges of your vision. 

Orm grows more impassioned as he feels your moans vibrate around his cock, and encouraged by your liking of this treatment, his grip on your hair tightens, pulling your head back to meet his thrusts.

You are trying your best to keep up with his thrusts, but you start to feel light-headed already from the lack of proper breathing. Not that it really bothers you - you feel your cunt getting wetter and wetter as desire clashes through you like an unstoppable current. 

He doesn’t let up and keeps thrusting into your mouth, filling it with his cock, making you take in every inch of him as you gag around him, spit dripping down onto the floor of the grotto.

Throughout every stroke of his dick, he keeps his eyes locked onto yours, making sure that you are alright with everything he does and that you won’t black out. 

“You belong to me,“ he growls, his blue eyes feral and blown wide by desire as he holds you in place, making sure not to stray from the rhythm of his thrusts.

You moan around him, his statement something so hot that you can’t help yourself. 

As his cock starts to throb inside of your mouth and his strokes grow more desperate, you know that he’s close and eager to cum. 

“So good,” he praises you, his voice low and husky. “You’re driving me wild.”

You start to swirl your tongue around his dick as he fucks your mouth, encouraging him to cum, and soon enough, you feel his cock pulsing and his hot cum filling your mouth and throat as he continues to thrust.

“That’s it,” he pants as his hips buck wildly, and he holds you in place, his grip on your hair tightening slightly. “Swallow every drop, honey.”

You moan at the taste and greedily swallow - the way he took charge and manhandled you just makes you want to please him.

With a sigh of satisfaction, Orm allows you to release his cock from your mouth. Thick strands of spit connect his dick to your lips as you catch your breath. 

As you glance up to meet Orm’s gaze, you’re once again captivated by his appearance. His hair, now dishevelled and wet, frames his face in a way that adds an enticing allure. The dark blue of his eyes, intensified by desire, holds a magnetic pull that draws you in.

Orm’s chest heaves with the weight of deep breaths, a result of the escalating passion between you. The combination of sweat and water on his skin glistens in the soft light of the grotto, creating a mesmerising sheen. Each droplet seems to trace a path along the contours of his well-defined chest, accentuating the physicality that makes him a formidable presence.

He gracefully kneels down, aligning himself with you in a tender gesture. With a gentle touch, he wipes away the mingled traces of spit and tears from your face. His movements are careful, a testament to the intimacy of the moment.

Once the physical traces are erased, Orm’s lips seek yours in a deep, passionate kiss. 

Orm breaks the kiss, his fingers gently smoothing back your hair as he whispers with a husky intensity, “I’ll open you up for me, honey. Before I take you.” The weight of his words, laden with desire and promise, hangs in the air, “Before I make you my Queen.”

You can only respond with a soft mewl, an instinctive reaction to the anticipation and arousal coursing through you. Pressing against him, you convey a silent surrender to the passion that binds you together in the secluded grotto. 

Orm’s movements are deliberate and tender as he reaches for his discarded shirt, the damp fabric clutched in his strong hands. The ambient glow of the grotto highlights the contours of his features, casting a mesmerising play of light and shadow across his face.

With a graceful motion, he lays the shirt on the hard floor, creating a makeshift cushion. 

Gently, Orm guides you down, lowering you onto the improvised surface. You feel the contrast between the hardness of the grotto floor and the softer touch provided by his shirt.

The wet fabric of your pants clings to your skin, but Orm’s movements are deliberate and unhurried, his hands deftly navigating the contours of your body as he begins to peel away the damp clothing.

Each inch of exposed skin, revealed as the fabric retreats, catches the soft glow of the grotto’s magical light. The sensation is both intimate and exhilarating, a celebration of vulnerability in the embrace of the underwater sanctuary. Orm’s focus remains steadfast, his eyes fixed on the unveiling canvas before him.

As the wet pants descend, the cool rush of air on your now-bared skin is a tantalizing contrast. The glistening droplets of water that cling to your legs catch the ambient light, creating a shimmering effect that mirrors the enchantment of the underwater world.

Orm’s movements pause momentarily, allowing the weight of the moment to linger. His gaze locks with yours, and in the ambient glow of the underwater light, his eyes take on an intense, almost otherworldly quality as he pulls your legs apart. 

With a hand on your thighs to spread them further and his eyes focus on your wet cunt that glistens in the soft light, and his tongue darts out, wetting his lips. You can’t help but let out a quiet whimper as you clench your pussy - this man will kill you with his handsomeness at some point.  

Wordlessly he trails his fingers down your sides before gently parting your cunt. A low moan escapes him when he feels how wet you are and looks up at you, arousal evident in his blue eyes before he slides the first knuckle of his index finger inside you.

You whimper and buck your hips. The sensation of his fingers at your pussy is something you’ll never get used to. But you’re also already so worked up so there is no need for him to take it that slow. 

As if Orm can read it in your eyes he quickly slides two of his thick fingers inside you, curling them upwards to graze the spot that makes you see stars. 

“Orm, please,” your voice is pleading and breathy as you prompt him to hurry up. The prospect of finally having his cock inside you makes you even more needy than normally. 

His lips form a smirk as he slowly keeps thrusting his fingers into your wet cunt, savouring your soft moans. Your hips meet every stroke of his hand as the long digits stretch you deliciously. 

An electric sensation courses through you when he leans down and takes one of your nipples into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it while keeping a steady pace with his fingers, his other hand caressing your thigh,

Much to your dismay, he lets go of your nipple again, making you whine. You feel yourself getting closer to the edge, every stroke inside your cunt like sparking a flint - and you know that you’re close to burning. 

“You’re so tight and warm around my fingers,” Orm’s voice is low and husky with desire as he drives his fingers into you, a soft squelching sound audible whenever he pushes in.

Finally, he puts his thumb to your clit, tracing small circles to stimulate you as he picks up the pace of fucking your wet pussy, making you whimper and moan softly. 

Orm leans down, his lips brushing against yours as he continues to finger you. His tongue darts out, tracing the outline of your lips before slipping into your mouth, capturing you in a wet kiss while his fingers move in tandem with his tongue, stretching and filling you up completely.

He breaks the kiss to look at you and whispers, “That’s it. Give in to me.”

With that, he adds a third finger, stretching you even further, making you gasp loudly. It’s almost too much as he stuffs his thick digits into your cunt, but it also feels just perfect.

His fingers move in and out of you, finding that perfect spot that drives you wild. Orm’s other hand grips your thigh tightly, his fingers digging into your skin, and he whispers sweet nothings to you, coaxing you to cum.

When you do, it feels like hot and pulsing fire racing through your veins as you buck your hips and loudly moan. 

Orm continues to fuck you with short, deep thrusts that prolong your orgasm as you clench your cunt around him, whimpering.

After one final hard stroke, he gently pulls his fingers from your cunt, and they glisten in the grotto light. The subtle play of light creates an ethereal sheen, turning his digits into mesmerising reflections of the underwater radiance.

With deliberate grace, Orm lifts his fingers to his mouth. The movement is purposeful as his tongue darts out, tracing the contours of his fingers as he licks off the remnants of your juices before leaning down to kiss you. His tongue invades your mouth once more, mingling with the taste of your arousal.

Orm breaks the kiss, one hand tenderly cradling your cheek for a short time as he gazes into your eyes. Despite the feral undertones that linger in his overall demeanour, there’s an undeniable sweetness reflected in the depths of his blue eyes. 

To you, it feels as though time stands still for a fleeting moment before the sensation of his hard cock at your wet cunt registers.

A soft moan escapes you as Orm pulls back to fist his dick against your pussy, coating himself in your juices. He drags the head of his cock over your slit, parting your cunt and nudging your clit every so often, making you buck your hips. 

You can’t help but stare at Orm, captivated by the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest, accentuated by the heavy puffs of breath, revealing the moment’s intensity.  You also notice the subtle blush that has crept onto his chest and neck.

The underwater setting accentuates the fluidity of his motions, as the play of light on his damp skin highlights the defined contours of his form, drawing your focus to the flexing biceps that ripple with each stroke of his dick against you. 

You buck your hips again, desperate for more - you’re sure that your pussy is dripping by now, and you are desperate for Orm’s cock. 

Every little movement, every little visual testament only serves to heighten your arousal that seems to crash through your veins like the rough waves in the water. Currently, you’re only waiting for Orm to pull you under and make you break. 

You’re so far gone that you don’t even notice the little whines you let out or the constant stream of words, mostly consisting of please and Orm.

With his gaze set between your legs, he lets some spit fall onto your cunt and his dick that’s still rubbing against it. The gesture, so lewd and unexpected, makes you moan loudly again. 

Finally, God finally, he pushes into you, his thick head nudging your cunt open.

Orm’s mouth falls open as his eyes fall closed, his dark lashes resting against his cheekbones. He fills you with short, shallow, slow thrusts. Each and every stroke takes the breath from your lungs, making you moan and whimper as he stretches your pussy.

When he reaches the hilt, he pauses for a second as you adjust to his size. Orm’s hand guides yours, pressing it flat against the warmth of your stomach, and the unexpected pressure makes you clench around him, causing Orm to groan.

“Do you feel me, honey?” he murmurs, and his hips gently buck, allowing you to feel his dick through your skin.

“Please, Orm, move,” you choke out, already drunk on the sensation of him inside you. 

Orm starts to thrust slowly and deliberately, giving you time to adjust to the feeling of him filling you up. The sensation of the unhurried drag of his cock makes you moan.

Feeling you relax around him, Orm begins to thrust deeper into your body. His hips slam against yours with each stroke, driving his cock further inside of you. He grunts and groans with pleasure as he takes you.

“You feel so good,” you pant as nothing exists in your mind except Orm. The grotto’s ambient glow casts a luminous aura on his features, enhancing the allure of his presence.

His eyes, already deep pools of desire, darken further at your praise. The intense hue of his gaze reflects the passion swirling within him. The compliment, uttered in the hushed space of the grotto, stirs something primal in Orm. His pupils dilate, consuming the vibrant blue of his irises, mirroring the depths of the ocean.

You can sense the effect of your words, the way they ignite a fiery response within him. The feral edge to his gaze intensifies as a half-smile plays on Orm’s lips, and he picks up the pace, slamming into you harder and faster as he loses himself in the sensation of owning you completely.

His hips slap against yours as he continues to pound into you, his cock hitting every inch of your tight cunt. It feels like he is everywhere, and you arch your back to meet his thrusts, moaning as the head of his dick scrapes against the spot that makes you see stars.

Feeling how much you’re enjoying this, Orm starts to grind his hips against your slick pussy with a satisfying squelch. He leans down and kisses you fiercely, his tongue darting into your mouth as he feels you begin to clench around him. 

“That’s it, honey,” he groans as he repeats the motion again, making you whimper. His cock feels huge inside you, stretching you to the limit as he takes what he wants. 

His hands grip your hips tightly as he thrusts into you harder, his cock throbbing in sync with your pulses.

When his hand comes down to rub fast, hard circles around your clit, you cry out his name. 

“Please, Orm,” you are half sobbing, driven mad by the pleasure he is providing, “Please, I’m gonna cum.”

It feels like he’s picking up the pace again, hitting the perfect spot deep inside you as he flicks your clit, lifting you higher and higher until you fall.

You feel your orgasm burning through you as you crash; it’s searing you from deep within. 

Digging your fingers into the hard muscles of his shoulders, you scream loudly and incoherently while your body gives over every sense of control to the pleasure Orm provides. Your body jerks against him as he continues to fuck hard into your fluttering cunt. 

“You’re so beautiful,” Orm grunts above you, his rhythm starting to falter slightly as he starts to chase his own peak,

Orm’s voice is nothing more than a husky whisper as he murmurs honey, perfect and beautiful, while thrusting deep and hard inside your cunt, causing you to whine and whimper beneath him.

“I’m gonna cum, honey.” he rasps out with a dark tone, his hips slapping against yours loudly, “Gonna fill you up, fuck, gonna make you drip of my Atlantean cum.” 

You can’t do much but stare up at Orm as he takes you as if he is possessed and feral. He moves with a primal intensity that leaves you whimpering and moaning, not able to think clearly. 

The furrow of his brows speaks of concentration, his entire being focused on cumming deep inside you.  The play of his muscles, each flex and ripple, becomes a mesmerising spectacle in the soft grotto light. 

With one final deep thrust, his eyes roll back in pleasure as he moans loudly and throaty. 

His cock pulses inside you as he fills you up, his hips jerking involuntarily, grinding against you as if to make sure every drop is where it belongs.

You feel every spurt of his cum, coating your walls, splashing hot against your insides, and you moan in tandem with him, bucking your hips and clenching around him. Orm grunts in satisfaction as he feels your cunt constricting around him, milking every last drop of his cum. 

“Yes, honey, take it all,” he grunts before biting into your shoulder and thrusting into you a few more times, fucking his cum deeper inside you with short stabs.

As he slows his pace and looks down at you, the flickering radiance of the grotto light plays upon his features, highlighting the sculpted lines of his forehead and the defined arch of his brows. His eyes, like sapphires set ablaze, seem to pierce through the dimness with an unwavering focus solely on you. The subtle dance of shadows enhances the intensity of his gaze, making it impossible for you to look away.

Orm’s hair, wet and tousled from the passionate sex you just had, frames his face in dark, glistening strands. The sweat droplets catch the ambient light, creating a delicate play of reflections that only adds to the allure of his appearance. The faint sheen on his bare chest gives his skin a bronzed glow, further emphasising the primal energy that radiates from him.

His big hands stroke your cheeks gently, his fingers tracing your jawline softly. 

With each caress of his hands on your cheeks, you feel the contrasting sensations of strength and gentleness. His touch, like the dance of the grotto light on his features, is a delicate balance of passion and tenderness. As he leans in, the contours of his face become more pronounced, his lips nearing yours with an almost magnetic pull.

As Orm’s lips meet yours, it’s an electrifying convergence of passion and desire. The softness of his kiss contrasts with the underlying intensity, creating a sensation that sends shivers down your spine. 

His hands, strong yet tender, cup your face as the kiss deepens. The grotto light, with its gentle illumination, accentuates the contours of his features, creating an artful interplay of light and shadow.

When the kiss finally breaks, Orm looks at you with eyes that hold a myriad of emotions—love, desire, and an unspoken connection. 

Orm’s breath comes in heavy pants, and he can’t help but express his awe in a husky whisper. “So fucking beautiful.“ His fingers, still tingling with the remnants of shared passion, trail through your hair, a tender caress against your skin. 

The gentle touch transforms into a possessive declaration as he rasps, “You’re mine.” His voice, heavy with a mixture of lust and possession, reverberates in the space. 

“Yes, yours,” you answer him, breathless, your fingers threading through his sweaty hair, the damp strands clinging to your fingers. 

He gifts you one of those radiant smiles, a dazzling expression that illuminates his whole face, causing the skin around his eyes to crinkle with genuine warmth. His fingers, tender and gentle, weave through your hair as he gradually pulls out of you, his cock withdrawing with a soft pop.

You almost whimper at the loss of contact as you feel his cum leaking from your cunt, but instead of retreating completely, he starts to trace intricate patterns on your skin with his big fingers. The gentle caress elicits a shiver down your spine, and you revel in the sensation as his touch weaves a delicate tapestry of intimacy.

As you lie on the grotto floor, the ambient glow of the underwater light casts a gentle luminosity around you.

The silence that follows is punctuated by the sounds of the underwater world—the distant murmur of marine life, the gentle sway of seaweed, and the occasional ripple of water. Orm’s breath, still heavy from the intensity of the moment, mingles with yours in the confined space.

Orm’s eyes, now softer than before, reflect the tenderness that lingers in the wake of your intimate connection. The feral intensity has given way to a quiet satisfaction, and his gaze remains locked onto yours.

As the minutes pass, there’s a gradual return to a sense of calm. 

Orm, still lying beside you, shifts slightly to create a more comfortable space. The bronze and gold hues of his wet hair catch the ambient light, creating a mesmerising contrast against the darker backdrop of the grotto. 

“I have something for you,” he whispers into the silence as he leans over to retrieve something from his pants. 

Your curiosity is piqued, and you watch intently as he pulls out a small, delicate object from his pocket. The soft glow of the grotto illuminates the item, revealing a beautifully crafted necklace.

The pendant dangles from a fine, intricately designed Atlantean chain. The metal is a blend of bronze and silver, with subtle engravings that depict underwater scenes  -  swirling currents, schools of fish, and the elegant dance of aquatic life. The craftsmanship is exquisite, a testament to Atlantean artistry that seamlessly combines elegance and functionality.

In the centre of the pendant, nestled within a delicate setting, shimmers a cerulean blue ornament. The vibrant hues of the glass capture the play of light in the grotto, casting a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colours around the surroundings. 

As Orm presents the necklace to you, there’s a softness in his gaze, an unspoken sentiment that transcends words.

You take the necklace in your hands, marvelling at its intricate details and the way the ornament catches the ambient light.“Orm, it’s truly incredible,” you express, genuine admiration lacing your voice. “Is this made from the sea glass we found?”

The centrepiece of the pendant seems to be the sea glass you thought you lost, its vibrant blue hue that reminds you so much of Orm’s eyes unmistakable.

Orm smiles, a hint of sheepishness gracing his expression, and the affectionate gleam in his eyes intensifies, “Yes, it is. I wanted you to have something to remember our time here. This necklace carries a piece of Atlantis and the sea  -  just like you now do.”

Your voice softens as you touch his cheek, gazing into his eyes. “It’s not just a part of Atlantis, Orm. It’s also a part of you. Whenever I miss you, I can look at this necklace and feel like I’m looking into your eyes.”

With a gentle and caring touch, Orm helps you put on the necklace, the cool metal resting against your skin.  

Orm’s hand gently rests on your bare shoulder, his touch conveying a tender warmth as he gazes at you with affection. 

In the soft murmur of the underwater world, he whispers, “I love you.”

Meeting his gaze, you take in the depth of his blue eyes, now softened with sincerity and affection. 

“I love you too, Orm,” your voice, though gentle, resonates in the watery stillness. 

Orm’s radiant smile illuminates the underwater space, a testament to the genuine joy and affection he feels in this shared moment. As he leans in to kiss you, the play of light from the grotto accentuates the contours of his features, creating an ethereal glow around him.

The kiss, an intimate exchange in the submerged haven, is both tender and passionate. Orm’s lips meet yours with a fervour that mirrors the depth of his emotions. The gentle current seems to sway in harmony with this underwater dance as if nature itself acknowledges the beauty of your relationship.

You revel in the sensation of his kiss, feeling the warmth and tenderness that accompanies it. His closeness, the press of his lips against yours, becomes a tangible affirmation of the love you share. 

As the kiss deepens, you find yourself losing track of time, immersed in the embrace of love and desire. The underwater current seems to echo the rhythm of your heartbeat, creating a serene melody that accompanies this shared moment with Orm. In the midst of the aquatic serenity, his kiss becomes a poignant reminder of the profound connection you’ve discovered beneath the waves.

[skyward-floored]

Next morning, part 2

The next part of the swamp Link fic series with him and Zelda, you can find the first part here if you so desire.

Masterlist

————————————————————

Link led Zelda through the village once again, the same curious and suspicious looks cast her way. Zelda didn’t notice them nearly as much as the night before though, her thoughts fixed on the meeting ahead.

Why did the chief want to see her? Had something happened? He wasn’t going to blame her for the monster Link had seen, was he?

Link was quieter than he was last night as well, a thoughtful look on his face, but he always smiled when he caught her looking at him, and pointed out a few things that were more easily made out in the morning light. Zelda was so worried it was difficult to listen though, even when Link showed her a huge catfish that swam under the path under their feet.

They finally reached the root tunnel that led to the Chief’s room, and Link stopped as a dark green Zora came out, her pale sunset-colored fins a little longer than most of the others Zelda had seen. She looked vaguely familiar, and Zelda was pretty sure she’d seen her last night at some point. Had they been introduced? She didn’t remember.

“Kattail, what’s going on?” Link asked, and the Zora shrugged, fiddling with a flower at her fin.

“I couldn’t say. Your pa’s finally back though, and he didn’t look happy. I think it has something to do with the... visitor,” she said, glancing with narrowed eyes at Zelda. “...But I couldn’t say.”

Zelda swallowed as Link’s brow scrunched. “I see. Chief in a good mood?”

“My pa’s never in a good mood,” Kattail snorted, then moved to let them pass. “I’ve gotta go, otherwise I’d hang around. Good luck, Link.” Her eyes briefly met Zelda’s. “You’re gonna need it.”

Zelda swallowed nervously, and she and Link passed by Kattail into the tunnel. Zelda felt her eyes on her back the entire time as they went.

The tunnel seemed longer than it had yesterday, the flowers only half open. Zelda brushed more dried mud from her dress as they entered into the chief’s grotto, and she noticed the water seemed more ripply than it had been the night before as well.

Chief Baiyu was already sitting up, and speaking with a small group of Zora with intense looks on their faces. Zelda noticed the one he’d sent off yesterday speaking hurriedly, and Link frowned beside her.

“Pa? What’s going on?” Link asked, and the Zora looked over.

Morning light flickered off his scales, and Zelda briefly studied who must have been Link’s father. He was a darker shade of green than Rina, and a little taller than most Zora she’d seen, but his eyes were kind as he looked at Zelda, a gentle daffodil yellow.

“Your pa had quite the night it sounds like,” Chief Baiyu hummed, a claw stroking his chin. “Gillian, you were saying?”

“Ah, I’d better start from the top so they know what’s happened,” Gillian said, and Chief Baiyu rolled his eyes.

“Fine, fine. Just get on with it,” he grumbled, and Gillian smiled.

“Is everything okay?” Zelda asked worriedly, and Gillian’s smile faded.

“Right. So, as you all know, I went to find the princess’s group last night,” Gillian began, turning to Link and Zelda. “There’s only a few places they really could have been, and so I went to the most obvious first. But on the way I found a whole group of monsters. All different kinds.”

“Different kinds together?” Link interrupted, and his father nodded.

“Yes. Bokoblins and octorocks, and I even saw two aligalfos,” he said worriedly. “They seemed like a cohesive group.”

“Monsters don’t do that,” another Zora murmured, a more blueish-green.

Zelda felt a pang of worry. No they certainly don’t.

Gillian sighed, tapping his claws on his spear. “Not usually, no. I picked off a few of them, but there were too many for me to face alone. They went deeper into the trees, and by then it was rather late, so I kept going towards the path so I could find the Hylians. Then...”

He hesitated, glancing at Zelda, and the Chief waved him on.

“Go on, go on,” he said impatiently, and Gillian sighed.

“I came to a clearing, and found the remains of a fight,” he said, face grim. “Hylian footprints and gear scattered around, blood on leaves, monster remains... it looked fierce. And as far as I could tell, it... it looked like none of the Hylians survived,” Gillian said quietly.

Zelda felt the blood drain from her face.

“What?!” Link exclaimed, his eyes huge. “Are you serious?”

Gillian nodded.

“None of them?” Zelda whispered, and Gillian gave her an apologetic look.

“It’s possible I’m wrong, Princess, but... I didn’t find any survivors, or signs that anyone got away. I looked as much as I could. I’m sorry.”

Zelda would have sunk to her knees if Link hadn’t caught her, and a hand went to cover her mouth in horror. She hadn’t had a large entourage, but there had still been multiple people traveling with her, a group of soldiers, her personal knight, a maid Zelda had had since she was a child...

“It looked like a coordinated effort,” Gillian continued, and Zelda did her best to pull out of her shock to listen. “It was done by monsters, no doubt about it, but it didn’t seem like a senseless sort of attack. It seemed targeted.”

“Monsters aren’t capable of that sort of thing,” another Zora spoke up, though he sounded uncertain. “They’re mindless beasts, they don’t join forces, or plan, they just attack.”

“Then why were they able to take out an entire group of armed Hylians?” Gillian asked quietly.

It was silent for a moment.

Zelda distantly noted that she was shaking.

“Well, they’re just Hylians,” Chief Baiyou finally grumbled. “Jabryun knows they barely know their way around a weapon, no less know how to handle the swamp. I’m not surprised they were all—”

“Chief,” Link said sharply, and Baiyou blinked, seeming to have forgotten Zelda was still in the room.

Zelda herself felt rather sick, and had barely heard what the chief had been going on about. Gillian’s words kept swirling around in her head until they were all she could hear, her heart pounding wildly.

Dead.

Her whole entourage.

What was she going to do?

“Zelda?” Link asked quietly, and she swallowed, looking over at him. He was giving her such a worried look that she nearly burst into tears right then and there.

“Are you alright, princess?” Gillian asked, seeming not to have heard Link, and Zelda took a deep breath, and managed a wobbly smile. Time to draw on her diplomacy skills and keep her emotions nicely tucked away for now. Luckily for her she’d learned a thing or two in her years as a princess.

“Yes, I-I’m... yes,” she answered, taking another steadying breath. “Do we... what should our next steps be?”

Chief Baiyu hrmmed. “Well you can’t stay here forever. I’d like to not to be accused of ill intent, and if you stay here then that’s what’s gonna happen. Already doesn’t look good. Last thing I need is Hylian trouble. We’ve got the solstice trades soon too, I don’t have time to keep tabs on a lost princess.”

“We can’t just kick her out either, Chief,” Gillian said pointedly, silencing Link with a look when he opened his mouth. “Or we’ll have even more trouble. We need to get her safely home somehow.”

“Should some of us escort her?” a chartreuse-colored Zora asked. “As a sign of good faith?”

“No Zora have gone into Hyrule proper for hundreds of years, and I’m keeping it that way!” Chief Baiyu snapped. His fins frilled outwards, and he looked bigger because of it. “What would the Hylians think if their princess showed up with her group dead and surrounded by Zora? I will not put my people in danger just to protect one girl, even if she is the princess.”

“Then I’ll do it,” Link said, stepping forward.

All the Zora stopped and looked at him, and Link gave them a determined look, still holding Zelda’s hand. Zelda looked at him in surprise, and he breathed out.

“I’ll escort her home.”

“Are you sure, Link?” his father asked cautiously. “It’s not a short trip.”

“Yeah, but I’m better suited to a job like this than any of you,” he said, gesturing at himself. “Nobody will bother me because of scales I don’t have, and I can go a lot further, and longer on land. We can’t just get Zelda to the edge of the swamp and send her on her way. I can escort her home.”

He looked back at her, and gave her a small smile.

“I want to help. This is a way I can do it.”

Zelda felt warmth through the grief that had been chilling her, and she managed to give him a hesitant smile back. Would he really go so far just for her?

Chief Baiyu hummed again, looking displeased as he tapped a claw on his chin. “I don’t like it.”

“Chief, we don’t want a war, remember?” Gillian reminded pointedly. “We need to get the princess home. This... is probably the best way to do it.”

Chief Baiyu made a grumbling sound, a bit like what Zelda thought a giant frog might make.

“...Perhaps. But if these monsters can take out an entire group of Hylians, what chance do you think you two have with them still on the loose?” he said seriously, staring at Link and Zelda with intense orange eyes.

Zelda swallowed. He had a good point.

Link didn’t look worried though, merely determined, and he gave a casual shrug.

“I’m sneaky, and fast. I know plenty of hiding spots big enough for me and Zelda. We’ll be able to be more quick than a big group, and if it comes to it, I can fight off something if she needs to get away. Plus I assume you’ll be nice enough to give us more of an escort to her temple at least, since that’s still in the swamp.”

He gave Zelda a glance. “...I mean, assuming she still wants to go there.”

“If it’s at all possible, then yes,” Zelda replied quietly. “With news of this... attack, it’s even more important that I do what I came here to do. Hyrule obviously needs my prayers.”

Though what good will prayer do? They’re already dead, it can’t change that.

Zelda shook off the bitter thought.

Father thinks this will help, so that’s what I’m doing.

“No detours,” Chief Baiyu snapped, and Zelda startled out of her thoughts. “And no escort except Link. I want her out of my swamp. As soon as possible.”

Link crossed his arms. “A detour there won’t take too long, Chief. If it’s where I think it is it’ll only be a few extra hours. And it’s not like she’ll be here in the village, I don’t see why it should matter to you,” he said pointedly.

“Because— well... because,” the Chief hissed, and Zelda saw Link fight back a smile.

“I’d be willing to go as an escort,” Gillian spoke up, and two of the other Zora voiced their agreement. “Surely you can spare three of us for a few hours, Chief?”

Chief Baiyu growled and blustered for a few moments, and Zelda lightly cleared her throat.

“I would be greatly in your debt if you would agree to this, Chief Baiyu,” she said, and he looked straight at her. “I and my father, the king. Hyrule would be very grateful.”

Chief Baiyu paused, and Zelda watched him hopefully. Surely he couldn’t resist having a king in his debt?

Please. Please agree to this.

I don’t have any other options.

“...Fine,” Chief Baiyu finally agreed in a grumbling voice. “Gillian, I leave it to you to deal with this. Get a group to escort her to her temple, then get her out of my swamp.”

He turned, but Link cleared his throat before he could fully sink into the water.

“One more thing Chief. Me and my siblings ran into a bokoblin earlier,” he informed. Baiyu twitched a fin. “Skulking around right near the edge of the village. It’s gone now, but we thought you should know.”

Chief Baiyu exhaled, and Zelda thought he suddenly looked very tired. “Yes. Thank you, Link. Don’t die on your trip.”

And he turned away, sinking into the water until he was barely visible.

Everyone took that as the dismissal it was, and made for the tunnel, Zelda walking wearily beside Link. The other Zora walked past them once they came out, some giving Zelda sympathetic looks, others ignoring her, one or two flat-out giving her suspicious looks.

Zelda barely noticed them. Grief had sunk its aching claws into her, and she was having trouble focusing on what was around her.

Though she did notice when a Zora bumped her, muttering something under his breath that made Link shoot a glare at his receding back.

“Ugh, it’s always Ponds,” Link huffed, then looked back at her. “You all right, lady?”

Zelda only half heard him, all the emotions she’d stuffed down now trying to come back up. The faces of her group kept flashing through her mind, Gillian’s words echoing in her ears, and she barely felt Link take her hand and tug her along to a more quiet corner of the village until he lightly squeezed her hand.

She blinked, looking around, then leaned back against a tree when weariness suddenly assaulted her.

“Zelda?” Link asked, and a tear abruptly slipped down her cheek. She couldn’t help it. Now that she’d made it through the meeting and was away from the judging eyes of the Zora, her tears were done waiting, and she let out a thick sniffle.

How had it all gone so wrong?

Link didn’t say anything more as she slid down the trunk, just sat down beside her, their sides touching. He quietly set a hand on her shoulder, and Zelda buried her head in her hands.

She never should have convinced her father she needed to come here. If she hadn’t, then her whole group would still be alive, Link wouldn’t have to take her home...

“I’m sorry,” she sniffed after a moment, trying to get a hold of herself. “I’m...”

“It’s okay,” Link reassured, and after a moment’s pause, pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry, Zelda.”

Zelda startled, momentarily shocked at his arms around her, then sank into the hold with a hiccup. It was improper for her to cry on Link’s shoulder, improper for her to even be alone with him, and probably rude for her to do this to Link who she’d only known for a day now, but she didn’t care.

He was offering her badly-needed comfort, and as selfish of her as it was to take it, she couldn’t make herself push it away.

“Thank you Link,” she whispered through her tears, and he merely nodded, holding her while she grieved her entourage, grieved the peace in Hyrule that was getting broken more by the day, and her own terrible, awful, uselessness.

[awkward-tension-art]

Bacta and Bandages Chp.9 (Rex x Reader)

Chapter 8. Epilogue

Crystals

CW: Slow burn, Two fools trying to ignore their crushes, underground caves, non-canon planet and species, talk of unfair treatment of clones, being lost, kisses, Anakin is a little shit, Reader is gender neutral, no use of (Y/N), reader is a doctor, if I miss a tag LMK!

Tag list (Thank you everyone!): @heavenseed76 @arctrooper69 @ghostlyembassy @notgonnaedit @tentakelspektakel

You couldn’t breathe. 

Your mouth filled with cold water, flooding your taste buds with salt and dirt. Shouting wasn’t possible as you tumbled under the harsh current. It threw you, disorienting your senses. At some point, you dropped again into another running body of water. A smaller waterfall, you guessed. 

Your back slammed into what you assumed was the bottom of the river. 

An iron grip on your arm yanked you upward, letting your head breach the surface to take in a lungful of air. Despite getting your face above water, it still tried to ragdoll your body under the current. 

That same grip continued to pull you, and once you got your bearings, you started kicking your legs. You opened your eyes, barely making out Rex’s blue and white armor treading the same dark, cold water. His presence grounded you, and it was like everything snapped together all at once. You moved your hand, holding his tightly as you both fought against the heavy current to get to the edge of the river. 

Your feet hit smooth stones and allowed you to stabilize. With your boots on the ground, you and your Captain stumbled out of the freezing rapids. 

Once you were out of the dangerous clutches of the current, you fell to your knees, breathing heavily. 

Rex did the same, pulling off his helmet to cough up water. As he tried to get his breath back, he hit his com, “G-General Skywalker…” He croaked, only to be met with static. After getting no response, he pressed it again, “Commander Tano…?” 

Static. 

You lowered your head, swallowing. Coms didn’t work…

Of course they didn’t work.

After a stretch of silence, you spoke, “Are you hurt?” Looking around the two of you, you took in your surroundings. You both had surfaced in another cavern. This one had large silver shards protruding from the walls, ceiling and floor. Glowing moss and mushrooms lit up the area, so you weren’t entirely blind.

Rex perked up, moving to stand and offering a hand to you, “No, I’m not….Are you?”

You took it and stood, giving him a small smile, “I’m good. Let's…find a way back.”

He nodded, putting his helmet back on, “Stay close. We don’t know what might be hiding in the damn walls.”

You nodded and followed, brushing a hand over one of the massive metal fragments. Unsurprisingly, they were cold. Almost icy to the touch. If you had to guess, the water you and Rex tumbled in had come from the surface. 

As the two of you walked through the underground paths, the Captain would periodically check his com, hoping to get a connection to the General or Commander. 

As you navigated the tunnels, the metal shards began to be replaced with more of the coral like stone, moss and glowing mushroom plants. Crystal embedded in the ceiling gave a soft light, looking more like stars than gems. 

It was…rather pretty. 

You reached up, hand brushing over a white, glowing lily speckled with black. However, once you touched it, the flower closed suddenly and shrank into the rock it was growing out of. There were more up ahead and they grew in number, the further you and Rex walked. 

The underground tunnel opened up into a chamber that was more grotto than cavern. The air echoed with the running water of a stream. Moss, patches of grass and flowers replaced the cold rock of the ground. Vines, with small glowing berries, hung from branching stalagmites and protruding crystals on the wall. Small bugs, which lit up with a soft golden white light, danced around both you and the clone beside you. 

“Woah…” Your eyes were wide, taking in the rather beautiful area. You stepped forward, raising a finger to one of the glowing bugs. It landed gently on your nail, flexed its wings and hovered off to continue its flying, “It’s…beautiful…”

Rex was looking at you as you spoke, however, you didn’t notice, “Yes…I agree.” He continued onward, trying not to stare too long, “let’s…let’s continue.” clearing his throat, he tried his com again. 

Among the static, you swear you heard Anakin’s voice, “Rex…Collapse…Where….” Rex tried to respond, but was met with more broken distortion.

“The General must be close, if we have a connection.” You perked up, walking over to him. 

“We should still try and find…” The Captain's voice faded off, watching a butterfly with large, bioluminescent wings hover close. He raised a hand to try and swat it but you grabbed his fingers, halting him. it approached, landing softly on his visor. The beautiful bug fluttered its wings a couple of times before going still.  

You couldn’t help the small giggle that escaped your lips.

He cleared his throat, “Now, uhh…little bug, that’s…I can’t see.” Slowly, he raised his free hand again, letting the glowing butterfly walk along his palm, “There we go, buddy.” After a few more moments, it beat its massive wings again and got into the air. 

For a second, you forgot you were holding his hand. You didn’t want to let go, even after you began walking again. 

He was the one who pulled away. 

You tried not to let it bother you. Though, it did. 

You’ve realized that your ‘passing crush’ was more than that. There were true, deep feelings for the captain in your heart. Something you couldn’t shake, no matter how hard you tried. 

You wondered when these feelings began.

Was it the time he helped you with your aim?

When he was the one who got the others to sign a card after Ferrum’s death?

One of the many times he thanked you after you bandaged his wounds on the battlefield? 

Or maybe it was when you first saw him smile. When you saw how warm and lovely he looked when he did so. When he smiled, a true, happy smile, he wasn’t the 501st captain. He was Rex. 

You loved Rex. 

And it ruined you. Clones weren’t permitted romantic partners. Even if he had the same feelings, neither of you could pursue them. Not only was it against the rules, he was your Captain, and you were his legions doctor.

You walked behind him, watching his armored back. He was a soldier. A good soldier. He’d never break the rules to be with you. 

So you swallowed your feelings and followed his steps.

The grotto was bigger than you originally thought. It took more than 20 minutes to get to the other side to look for a way forward. You brushed aside some vines, revealing another tunnel. It was pure darkness save for those glowing star-like crystals that dotted the walls and ceilings. The small amount of illumination reflected off multicolored stone. 

When you and Rex stepped forward, it was like you were walking inside the galaxy.

“I can see why the Drosari like living in the tunnels.” the clone beside you spoke quietly, “Though, as pretty as all of this is, I’d like to no longer be underground.”

You let out a small chuckle, “If there wasn’t the threat of a cave-in, I might like it here.” Your hand ghosted over the crystals in the wall, “These caves are beautiful.” 

“I agree, but I think I prefer to have a solid, metal ship around me rather than rock.” Rex responded, shrugging slightly. 

“You prefer a Venator ceiling over an open sky?”

“Well,” He grazed his palm over a cluster of gems that reflected soft purple light, “Other than Kamino, It’s all I’ve ever known as a home.”

Your heart twisted in your chest and you turned to look at him. You couldn’t see his expression through his helmet when you asked your question, “What would your ideal home be?” 

“What?” He seemed surprised by your question. After a few beats the Captain answered, “Truthfully, I haven’t thought about it.”

“Not even a little?” you asked, walking beside him, “When the war is over, where would you like to go?”

“We’re not made to think like that.” Rex took off his helmet, and turned to look at it in his hands, “We’re soldiers. We were made to fight. It’s why we age twice as fast, so when the fighting is done, we…don’t stay for too long.” 

You swallowed, throat tightening.

“And…what if you didn’t age twice as fast?” Your voice shook slightly before you cleared your throat to speak, “You could choose anywhere to live. Where would it be?” Without thinking, you rested a hand against his arm.

“I don’t know.” he sighed, “Why does it matter?”

Your words were stubborn, “Because what you think matters to me.” You don’t know why his answer mattered so much to you. Even in the low crystal light you could tell he was confused by your pressing. 

Rex blinked, “I’m a clone, doc. You don’t need to-”

“You're more than a clone to me.” you stepped forward, getting closer to him, “And you're more than a soldier…”

There was a flick of emotion in his gaze. His eyes reflected the small illuminating crystals, making them look like amber with stars trapped inside.

By the galaxy, his eyes were beautiful. 

He swallowed, looking back at his helmet before meeting your eyes, “I suppose I’d want to…have my home wherever you are.” The nervousness was clear in his tone. And you could feel ever so slight shaking from his arm.

Your heart hammered in your chest as you got closer. With a trembling hand, you raised it to his cheek. 

Rex was tense and frozen in place, looking at you. His gorgeous eyes were a storm of anxiety and uncertainty. His small confession was honest but most likely terrifying for him. He was created and raised to be a soldier, and he was in unknown territory now. 

He wasn’t taught anything more than warfare. 

You held power over him, intentional or not. He was a clone. In the eyes of many he was property with no thoughts or feelings. A droid to take orders, nothing more. He wasn’t allowed rights or liberties.

So you gave him the power to choose what he wanted.

“Rex?” You whispered his name, breath ghosting his skin, “Can I kiss you?” 

The Captain nodded slowly, “Yes…Please…” 

You’d most likely be his first. His first kiss. His first romantic partner. His first…everything.

Gently and slowly, you leaned forward, connecting his lips with yours. It was tender, soft and chaste. But it held so much emotion. The only reason you pulled back was to breathe, but he chased you slightly, following your lips. 

The Captain blinked his eyes open, meeting your gaze. His helmet dropped to the ground, and his palms were on your cheeks. This time, he initiated by leaning forward and kissing you. It was an uncertain kiss, but one that still spoke with so much feeling.

“Gar cuyir ner kar'ta.” He whispered, once you both broke away to breathe properly.

You smiled, leaning against him, “Gar cuyir ner cyar'ika.”

Rex laughed softly, pulling you to kiss you again. 

…Until you heard the clearing of a throat. 

You and the Captain jerked away, eyes wide, coming face-to-face with General Skywalker.

Anakin was standing at the other end of the cave, one eyebrow raised and a satisfied grin on his face. His arms were crossed, and he seemed way too pleased. Like a Loth-cat in a sunbeam. 

Fives was next to him. You could tell by his posture that his jaw was dropped in his helmet.

“G-general!” Rex saluted, “I-we…”

“I knew it,” the Jedi’s grin didn’t falter as he spoke, “Like I said a long time ago, Rex. All of my men are free to pursue whatever relationships they want. I won’t tell a soul. Neither will Fives, right trooper?”

After a second, he nodded, “r-right. Yes sir! I won’t tell anyone. I promise.”

The 501st captain let out a relieved sigh, “Thank you, General…But…may I ask, how did you find us? Our coms have been cut off.” 

“I had to use the Force,” He responded, turning to face the exit of the tunnel, “I wasn’t going to leave my most loyal captain or talented doctor to wander around some caves. Now come on, we still have a mining operation to stop.”

You shared a look with your cyar’ika before he put his helmet on to follow. You kept close to him, feeling pure happiness in your chest.

Cyar’ika….

You liked calling Rex that.

[makoredeyes]

(are these still open?x) 30. Misraaks and Saint x

YESSSSS thank you for sending me probably one of my favorite prompts! <3 <3 <3

#30 - as a comfort

The Market District was a bright place full of color, movement, light, and sound. Life moved all around Saint as he ambled carefully around shoppers and booths alike, admiring the people as much as the wares on display.

There were enough humans here mingling with the Eliksni of House Light that Saint almost blended in, if it weren't for his significant stature, and that, for the moment at least, he was the only Exo in the crowd. It warmed his heart to see Humanity and their once enemies mixing peacefully. It was a beautiful day. The sun was out, the sky was clear. The scent of flowers mixed with sweetly with roasting meats and breads. A pair of Drekhs plucked away on acoustic guitars in the shade of a tree, the couple tinkering on a duet together. Saint shot them a smile as he passed and one raised a secondary arm in greeting. The other, a transplant from another house, was still regrowing docked arms, but tipped its snout up instead. Saint's smile brightened as he passed along, ducking under low-hanging flower pots and through an archway.

Eido's grotto was cooler, but no less bright than outside. There were flowers everywhere, and butterflies danced in sunbeams filtering down through the ceiling. Saint reckoned they must be drawn to her sweet demeanor because he'd seen them nowhere else outside. One curious, sociable creature knew another, he reasoned warmly.

The young Scribe was nowhere to be seen, but her concoctions burbled and bubbled quietly on overladen workbenches, so Saint thought she must not be too far away. She never was.

She didn't like to leave her father out of her sight for too long these days.

Neither did Saint.

Unconcerned with examining Eido's work too closely, Saint turned away from that patch of sunshine to the shadow in the corner, his eyes dimming.

Misraakskel sat slumped in his throne, arms folded tight around his carapace, head lowered, the lights of his helm dim as he slumbered. For a minute, Saint stands planted where he is, watching. Misraaks is shrinking, his armor loose on his body, his limbs slim. The seat of the great chair supporting him seems to swallow his body instead of surround it.

There is no ignoring that the Kell of the House of Light is ailing.

As Saint watches, Misraaks' head tosses, the Kell hissing audibly with a hard vent of Ether. His legs twitch, and the claws of his hands scrabble against the armor covering his thighs. He jerks, moaning. The shadows surrounding him have grown longer. Darker.

Saint knows the evil that haunts him.

Looking around and confirming they are alone, he strides across the room and right up the dias, squaring his shoulders as he walks.

"Leave him alone, you vile wretch," he hisses, his voice low. He is looking at Misraaks, but he is addressing someone - something - else. He knows what is there, even if he cannot see it, and he is not afraid. "You are not allowed power here this day. Be gone!" He reaches Misraaks, and a distinct chill, wet and slippery like an ice cube, slides right down his spine to settle uncomfortably low in his gut, but Saint ignores it.

"Misraakskel," he whispers, bending low over his friend. "You are strong. You are loved. And today, you are safe with the Saint." He bends at the waist and kisses the knuckles of one of Misraaks' hands gently.

The shadows seem to ease, and Misraaks heaves a sigh, his slumber becoming restful as soon as Saint touches him. 

Saint pulls back, surprised that was truly all it had taken, but then nods curtly to himself, satisfied with the results.

"Good," he murmurs to himself. "Then I will stay."

With that, he folds himself up at Misraaks' feet and settles down to stand guard for as long as it takes.

It was the least he could do, after all, after everything.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

So how about some angst romance stuff

Goat!Reader was dating and perhaps married to Sozo when Sozo switched back to Dr. Sozonius and they aren't in love anymore, just. Sozonius doesn't remember anything from when he was Sozo, and reader loves Sozo, not Sozonius

"What did you do to him?"

Lamb jumped a little upon hearing the sound of a follower slamming the doors to their temple wide open, as they were in the midst of preparing for the next ritual.

They would have earned the harshest scolding if not for the fact it was you, the goat who decided to join their cult out of your own volition.

You were also the one who was wedded to Sozo--Anura's mushroom researcher who was driven to madness, died due to shroom overdose, and revived within the cult grounds..before finally being restored back to his old self.

All it took was simply depriving him (or rather the parasite on his head) of those same shrooms that once killed him. The fungus simply shriveled up and died, turning into nothing more than dust.

It ended up revealing his true age: as an elderly soul with little time left, but Lamb figured out a "fountain of youth" of sorts...and soon they and their followers got to know Dr. Sozonius.

One of the most intelligent scientists in all of the Old Faith.

Knowing how much he meant to you, Lamb would have thought you, of all people, would've been elated and thanking them endlessly for the "miracles" they somehow made happen, and brought your spouse back to you. Free of the parasite that took him away.

But for some reason..you were doing the exact opposite: condemning them in their own temple.

Why, though?

"I kept my promise. I told you I'd cure him, and I did..didn't I?" They hummed, closing their book as they stared down at you from behind the podium, wondering why you still looked so resentful.

"Lies. You killed the ant I loved."

Now it was their turn to be crossed. "[Y/n], you shouldn't be calling your divine leader a li-"

"He doesn't remember me at all!"

"....what?" Their eyebrows furrowed with confusion. "I mean..the fungi may have messed with his mind, and his memories aren't what they-"

"No..he..h-he doesn't know who I am anymore." Tears filled your eyes, gripping the sleeves of your robe. "He knows nothing of our vows..our wedding bands..the Mushroomos...not even how we met. He looks at me like a stranger. Like I'm the one eating shrooms!"

Their eyes widened a little, initially shocked by this revelation, but they were quick to double down with a scowl. "Listen, I'm terribly sorry to hear that. Truly, I am. But there's no way I could have known that was going to happen. You were wedded to an intelligent doctor, and I did my best to restore him. Just like you asked-"

"No...no, no, no...I never loved "Dr. Sozonius", Lamb. I loved Sozo."

A pause.

"You...never knew him as...?"

"No. When I got lost in Anura, his followers took me in..to the Spore Grotto. And Sozo..he showed that he cared, even if the fungi made him say some..questionable things. At times, I didn't know if he loved me for me or for the shrooms I've found across Heket's domain. But what we had...was real." You swallowed back more tears, your voice thick with emotion. "At our wedding, he..e-equated my love to being as addicting as those shrooms. And that day...I knew it wasn't the fungi talking, but his heart. He loved me, and now..he doesn't even know my name..."

As Lamb listened to your grief-striken ramblings, they felt their ears droop slightly more and more with each passing second. Yet their gaze remained firm as they stepped down from the podium, eyes full of sympathy.

"[Y/n], the Sozo you knew..it..it wasn't the real him. He was miserable, addicted. It was the fungi that convinced you-"

"Enough with the lies, damned Lamb.."

They stopped, noticing how you stared back at them with such hatred in your eyes...and he could see red starting to glow within them.

Indeed, they were eyes of a dissenter.

"Excuse me?"

"You killed my beloved, and replaced him with an impostor." You spat angrily, stomping your hoof as you sneered down at the sheep. "You think I'll accept him as that? The others will know my story...how you destroyed our love. You wouldn't hesitate to do the same to other couples, would you?!"

"You've got this all wrong, [y/n]. Sozonius is his real identity-"

"LIES!! ALL LIES!! I ONLY LOVED SOZO!!"

In blind rage, you raised your hand up--but before you could take any sort of action, their Red Crown manifested a giant shadowy claw that grabbed ahold of your ankle, tripping you.

As you grunted from the initial pain of your horns hitting the hardwood floors, you saw Lamb now sneering down at you this time.

"You were in love with a parasite. The monster that killed him in the first place. I cured him, set his mind free, restored his happiness and youth....and you repay me like this? With a threat to strike me?!" Sharp teeth began appearing in their mouth, and you could only stare back at them, shuddering a bit. "You'd rather see him suffer over and over again..than accept this is the real him?"

"I-I..refuse to accept this impostor you created."

"You will soon enough. But for now..I believe reeducation is an order. To show you that he's better off this way. Perhaps better off without you and your obsession." Lamb huffed, dragging you outside as you thrashed and clawed at the grass, all while the bewildered followers watched you being taken to the pillories.

Among them was Sozonius, who looked confused and a bit saddened when you called out his name.

"Sozo".

He didn't think you two were well-acquainted enough to warrant the nickname you've given him, and he didn't understand why you kept calling him that since the day he gained clarity and found himself chained up in the same pillory you were in now.

Except...you had no clarity, but rather started babbling nonsense about "love" and how Lamb lied to you.

He did pity you, yet at the same time was a little scared that you've mentioned a "wedding" like you both were already married.

But you weren't...right? He was a mushroom researcher, always on the go until he decided to settle down in Lamb's cult. He wouldn't have time for marriage.

How he wishes he could help you sort out these thoughts and let go of this "fantasy" you're living out. Maybe then, he'd be more willing to get to know more about you.

Until that happens, though, hopefully Lamb's methods of reeducation could help you.

[sacredheart-stigmata]

Our Lady of Guadalupe: feels like home. she is my mother, wrapping the tilma around my shoulders. her smile seen in the coyotes and prickly pear cactus and horny toads of home. shrines on every corner and finger picked guitars. a love that spans cultures and promises to keep the unwanted safe. otherworldly, yet comforting. a tattoo sleeve, a framed photo in a food truck-- home

Our Lady of Lourdes: clear, cool, and gentle, not unlike the waters of her grotto. she speaks softly, with music in her voice. her eyes swallow you, and you yearn to touch her and be embraced. she leaves your mind calmed when you didn't even realize it was rushing. her touch heals, her voice swells in your chest like a wounded bird beginning to fly. she speaks to you like a child, and it feels right-- cleansing

Our Lady of Fatima: fire and brimstone, diamond and crystal, adoration and sacrifice. her words frighten, but her touch, soft and holy, makes you feel at peace. demons fly from her, and she is elegant and majestic beyond words. the sky falls and the sun dances at her request. she is the spokesperson of God, warning the world what is to come out of love of His creation. so great is she, yet so small compared to the dazzling power of the Almighty-- terrifyingly miraculous

[encantresse]

[ DESTINY GROTTO ] 

“ Dorothea! That's your name, right? ”  Leif greets the songstress with some degree of surprise, paths crossing at the mouth of a cavern. He'd gone there alone to collect his thoughts away from the main traffic of the ball venue, but every now and then people passed by through here. He rises from where he was sitting, perched on one of the higher rocks, and jumps down elegantly to be at something closer to eye-level with her.

“ Your look is very different from what it was at the party a few moons ago. It's the same color as someone else here, ”  he notes.  “ Are you over here in a similar capacity to that party back then? If there's people you're looking for, a lot of couples have been entering those caverns. ”

He gestures behind them obliviously. He lowers his voice in a somewhat conspiratorial manner.

“ Some of them come out pretty upset. Others seem to do perfectly fine though. It's been odd. I don't know how to handle them at all... ”

𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 2025

"i was your hostess and you're still unsure if that's my name?" she quips in greeting, taking a small step back to accommodate his presence in her space. "but yes, it is. and you're leif. i know because i never forget a face."

he was rather direct in his manner of speech, wasn't he? blunt—never coating his words with frills or saccharine flavoring to make them easier to swallow. something she could appreciate in moderation and under the right circumstances.

observant, too. the corners of her lips curl at the mention of the person she'd matched with, the fact that he'd remembered what she’d worn but was still uncertain about her name, and more humorously still, how unaware he seemed about the topic they'd touched on at the party those months ago. and no comment about her dress—whether he found it pretty or stylish.

dorothea exhales softly through her nose, amused.

she pauses at what he says next, namely at his interpretation and the way his voice dips conspiratorially. eyeing him quietly for a moment, assessing whether he is truly serious about what he says or merely jesting, before stifling a small laugh.

"i see. would i be right in assuming you're not very... experienced with romance?"

[jxxbtx]

------------------------------ [FANTASY AU + SOCIAL MEDIA AU]

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------------------------------

PROFILE-1 : HOBBIT HUDDLE

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Y/N L/N

The Beloved Nymph :

> Owns a bakery in the mystic grotto

> The forest creatures adore her

> Is believed to be a witch

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ISAGI YOICHI

The Resident Elf :

> Teaches archery to the little folks

> The forest likes him

> Sprouts grow wherever he walks <3

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BACHIRA MEGURU

The Chaos Incarnate Fairy :

> Talks to bees.. They talk back.

> Swallows flowers like it's candy

> Pollen monster! Do not approach if allergic

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HIORI YO

The Mage of the Mountain's :

> Currently on a travel expedition

> Terrorizes the folk Isagi teaches

> Might look innocent but has beef with just about everyone

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MASTERLIST <3

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[littlest-w01f]

Siren song

Tarquin x Euphonia

TARQUIN MASTERLIST

MAIN MASTERLIST

Summary: When Tarquin hears a soft voice singing to him from the ocean, he follows, someone saves him.

Cw: None

part one - part two - part three

It was nearly sunrise when Euphonia returned to the depths of the water where she lived, not that it mattered since the sun couldn't reach there, she had set the heir on the waterside, on the wet sand, not wanting him to get a good look at her.

She felt horrible, no amount of wiping away at her lips would rid her of the feeling of kissing him while he was under her sister's spell, doing something she'd hated her own species of doing.

Gently paddling back towards her underwater grotto, Euphonia let out a sigh as she slipped beneath the waves. The cool, clear water washed over her skin, cleansing away the remnants of her recent encounter with the surface world.

As she swam, she couldn't help but dwell on the events that had transpired. She felt a pang of guilt for having kissed the prince, even if it had been under compulsion. But she consoled herself with the thought that her actions had ultimately served a greater purpose - saving his life and breaking her sister's spell. Despite this, a part of her wondered if there might be more to their connection than just the fulfilment of a love spell.

Reaching her grotto, Euphonia emerged from the water in the underwater cave, her skin glowing in the dim light. As she is outside of her water, her Siren self going back to Fae.

When she opened her eyes, wiping away the droplets of water, finding Kryqa, her Kraken friend, "Hello, aren't you early?"

Kryqa, the massive Kraken, loomed large in the grotto, he was one of the least high fae-like lesser faes, he was what one would consider a true monster, his many tentacles brushing against the walls and sending ripples through the water, some curled around the gold Euphonia had collected from many centuries and ships that had crashed, the treasure from all around Prythian. His enormous eyes glowed in the darkness as he regarded Euphonia. "I could say the same about you," he rumbled, his voice echoing throughout the cave.

"Where were you, Euphonia?" Kryqa growled, tentacles wrapping around her scaled hips almost so she wouldn't escape, but they both knew it wasn't to scare her, anger in his eyes, there was no denying where she had been.

Euphonia swallowed, expression solemn. "I... I was at the shore" She sank onto a rock, his tentacles letting him go, the weight of her actions heavy upon her shoulders as her tail wrapped around the rock, not looking at Kryqa to avoid his disappointment.

"I had to kiss the heir to break the spell of my sister. And then I swam him to the shore..." Her voice trailed off.

Kryqa studied her closely, his gaze intense. "you know you can't do that right?" He hissed, then his tone turned softer than before, "If someone had seen you..."

"I was careful." Euphonia said in an instant, "Besides, dawn was a few hours away, no one saw me."

His tone softened, clearly concerned for his dear friend, even though she was being reckless. "What are you doing? Do you remember what happened last time you interfered with affairs of land Fae?"

"Yes, I do," Euphonia sighed heavily, her slender fingers combing through her long, colourful hair. Her gaze drifted toward the shimmering treasure piled high near the ceiling of the cavern. "Our people had died..."

Kryqa nodded slowly, his gaze shifting to the pile of treasure. "That we did. And yet here we are, still living, still breathing. Still making the same mistakes." He turned his attention back to her. "So tell me, what happens now? Are you visit him again?"

"No... It's over with." Euphonia shook her head, "I just wanted to free him from my sister, nothing else."

Kryqa watched her intently, studying every nuance of her expression. "Your eyes betray you." he finally said.

With those words hanging in the air between them, Kryqa unfurled one of his immense tentacles and used one to gently caress Euphonia's Fae cheek. "Promise me you won't go near him again," he murmured softly, concern evident in his voice.

"I swear..." Euphonia nodded, not wanting to put her friends in danger

"Good." With that, Kryqa left her grotto, leaving her alone in the rather dark place.

Darkness clouded his eyes, he was being shaken awake, and Tarquin opened his eyes with a gasp, eyes locking with a worried fishermale, his eyes cringed at the sharp summer sun as he was pulled up, the male fussing over him, cleaning his royal clothing of sand. he was surprised to feel himself dry, not remembering most of the night.

The last thing he remembered was diving off the shore and then drowning in a dark pit in the Summer oceans, his eyes were wide, his ears ringing as he was unfocused, he'd seen Sirens, they were real.

He placed a hand over his lips, almost remembering the kiss when the memory slipped away from him.

"My lord, are you alright?"

The words rang in his ears as he simply nodded at the male who held him stable, he simply nodded.

The fishermale helped the dazed prince to his feet, supporting him until he seemed steady enough to stand alone. The sun shone brightly now, casting long shadows across the sand and turning everything a golden hue.

"My mate has gone to altert the High Lord that we found you," the fishermale spoke. "We should get you back to the palace. The High Lord would be worried for your saftey."

Tarquin blinked slowly, nodding again. "Thank you," he murmured quietly, his gaze distant as he looked out to sea, trying to see any signs of the Siren he'd seen. "May I have a moment alone?"

The fisherman nodded, understanding the prince's need to take a moment to collect his thoughts. There was little they could do except wait, so he remained silent, merely a distance away by the prince's side in solidarity.

Tarquin stood at the edge of the shore, the water lapping gently at his feet. His mind was filled with images of the beautiful siren who'd saved him from certain death. He couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again someday.

Tarquin spent a long time standing by the shore, his bare feet sinking into the warm sand as he stared out at the ocean. He couldn't shake the memory of those beautiful sirens from his mind, nor the strange sense of familiarity he'd felt when they sang.

Eventually, however, he was forced to turn away as the sound of approaching horses echoed across the beach. With a sigh, he made his way back to the waiting figures, climbing clumsily onto the horse provided without another word.

After what felt like ages but was likely only minutes later, the sound of hooves echoed in the distance. A carriage soon came into view, drawn by two white horses adorned with the crest of the High Lord. The fisherman waved at it frantically to catch its attention.

Soon, the carriage stopped beside them. Inside was none other than the High Lord himself, who gave Tarquin a stern look once he climbed out.

Tarquin had a guilt-filled look in his eyes as his mother stepped out after his father, his mother rushed to him, worry clear on her face as she cupped his cheeks, looking for injuries, "Oh, dear! I was so worried about you, you weren't in your bed, I couldn't find you anywhere..." She rambled on. His father came to yell at him for sneaking away but she shushed him.

Tarquin let his mother fuss over him, allowing her to check him for injuries despite the fact that he didn't have any. He was more focused on the guilt gnawing at him than anything else. Feeling as if he shouldn't have gone outside, kept in his bed like his parents had told him. As his mother finished speaking, he cleared his throat awkwardly. "I-I'm fine, Mother," he lied, forcing a smile onto his face. "I must have fallen asleep down by the shore."

As they rode back towards the palace, Tarquin found himself thinking once more about those sirens and their song. How he longed to hear that song again. He remembered the voice of the one who had gotten him to the shore, the gentle voice of her, hoping he wouldn't remember everything he did.

{General Taglist- @nox-ceur @lilah-asteria @paleidiot}

{Siren song Taglist - @slut4acotar}

[fanfaire]

 [ Man’s Best Friend ]

A small rest, he decides, when his brisk stride through the crowded city takes a turn down a winding marble path, where the music and march of foot-traffic dull into a mutable whisper. There are trees here, so out of place when the rest of the city is so crammed together that it cannot afford the space. Flowers of all colors create a beautiful way forward, and he’s guided by curiosity more than anything else. The well-kept garden is quiet by design, sitting structures and benches placed between floral designs and perfectly carved ponds.

Mydei brushes idly at his braid as he lingers, hesitant when he rests his back to a marble pillar, happy for solid ground under him when the rest of the planet seems so manufactured. Sleep isn’t something he needs, but he drifts anyway, watching the flowers sway in the breeze as people pass him by.

…then, his eyes open.

The barest bit of weight draws his attention toward his lap, where a grey cat with a patchwork of black and white stares back at him, kneading the fabric of his cape. He stares at it, holding still. There are two others that seem to make a judgement, winding against his legs and purring. “…uh.” They jump away as if the sound of his voice startles them before slowly creeping back. Resuming.

Many Ohkemans kept pets, but he can’t remember ever wondering if Kremnoans did the same. If they did, he imagines that they must have been war animals. Things capable of service and glory. So…he’s at a loss, looking around to see if the creatures belong to someone, to apologize for stealing them.

This time, he’s the one that jolts. The cats jump, hair puffed for a fight. It’s amusing, but Mydei – he swallows. The person in front of him may as well be a ghost – though he wouldn’t call himself superstitious. It is her, though, even if he was in danger of forgetting like anyone else, the mismatched, teary irises are etched into him.

Had she been following the cats? Are they hers? The patchy one hisses at her as it returns to his lap.

I didn’t think you were real. No, he can’t say that. It hardly makes sense at all. A messenger of the titans, that’s how you were written into history… there’s more. Always, Mydei is not spared from remembering the things he hadn’t said, and the things he did say that could have been better.

He was so…young. And yet, she looks the same. “I…” The words would choke him, but he isn’t sure that he has anything to say in the first place. It’s bizarre, but not. “Are these your cats? You look like a cat…person.”  When he had first met someone from a place called Teyvat, he had almost asked them…if Fontaine was a real place there.

BEFORE SHE KNOWS IT, SHE'S LOST IN THE ALLEYS OF THE CITY.　✧　where had it gone? oh where, oh where could it have gone? such an adorable face, such charming patterns on its fur, such striking eyes! "psspsspss, kitty kitty kitty! won't you come out? i want to be friends!" could it be that the book she'd been reading to it from hadn't been to its taste? or perhaps it wasn't a reading sort of cat to begin with.

it couldn't be that as soon as the other young woman who'd been scratching its head had gotten up and left, that it'd decided it wanted nothing to do with her as well. she'd been the one holding it in the first place!

"kitty kitty kitty!" her tone grows more impatient now, a little offended by its persistent absence. when still no answer comes, she huffs soundly and peers further down the alley. to the right was a secluded, but rather charming, little green space. . . she can see a small animal choosing to hide there. holding her book in the bent of one arm, she strides in, taking a preliminary look around to make sure she was not trespassing on some private property. despite the main street being not too far away, this place seemed to drown out all sound, the enclosing walls of surrounding buildings buffering the noise from outside. it made the little nature grotto feel more remote than it was ; she could imagine someone taking respite here, away from the demands of daily life and imagining themselves in another world entirely, if only temporarily.

before she knows it, a smile has come upon her face and she's nearly forgotten why she'd come here to begin with. her attention has wandered to a climbing vine sprouted with trumpet flowers, damasking the aged wall beneath it in blushing sunset rose. she doesn't even notice the man sitting beneath a column until her perusal circles around to her left and starts to find him there, already staring at her. why hadn't he said anything? and why is he wearing nearly nothing?

it seems he chooses that moment to find his words, and at that same moment she realizes he is not just anyone. those tattoos. . .

from that place??

did he recognize her too? that must be what that bewildered look means. sitting down, he appears at once. . . not smaller, but not so frightening as he did in the darkness, deepened by the shadows of torches lit with flame. why is he here? how did he get here?

all that is washed away by the mind-boggling mundanity of his question when he finally asks it, shocking her, briefly, into speechlessness.

"they are not mine." when she too finally finds words, they sound haughty ; perhaps they are, or it's merely the remnants of disbelief settling into something like it. in fact, it's only then that she notices the cats at all——three of them, circling around him and fleeing, a little bit, from their now changed environment.⠀(⠀it must be because they no longer found him suitable, and nothing to do with her.⠀)⠀"and. . . what does it mean, to look like a ' cat person ' ?" her folded arms drop. "though i'll admit i do like them. that one, in particular," she indicates the grey with the black and white patches with a motion of her chin, "has been eluding me. i came here looking for it." she feels a little proud to know her intuition was right.

but now, the cats are the least of her interests. "compared to them. . . you are more the oddity. mydei. . . or prince wandi." that he is here must mean he had not died, after all. "i have a lot of experience with stories, but it's not often that a character from a story leaps from the page."