#Whimsical Inquiry

[fredhugesfan]

Love Amidst Worm Transformation

In the realm of whimsical pondering, envision me transformed into a humble worm – a fanciful notion, perhaps deemed absurd. Allow me to refine my inquiry: Would your affection persist if I were no longer of utility, if I veered from vows and evolved into a stranger unforeseen?

Should the roles of wife and mother elude my grasp, if household duties and intimate connections were but distant echoes, would your love endure? Amidst the shifting sands of identity, would I remain recognizable to your heart, or would I dissolve into an unfamiliar entity?

Does your devotion transcend the deeds I perform? Statistics speak of spouses departing when faced with life's adversities; ominous odds paint a disheartening tableau. I pose a question, devoid of melodrama – if, in a twist of fate, I assumed the form of a worm, devoid of contributions, would love persist?

Picture a terrarium, a sanctuary of mulch within our intimate abode. Would you, with care, mist me like a delicate bloom, nurturing my existence? Or would I be cast onto the harsh pavement of indifference? Contemplating this fanciful transformation, I imagine crafting for you a miniature haven, a domicile of popsicle sticks – a whimsical offering from a humble worm to its cherished companion.

[compassionmattersmost]

Poem: No Finish Line at the Finish Line

We start the race with mind and heart aligned,To seek the truth that’s ever hard to find.The path is clear, the way seems oh so straight,Yet round and round we go—oh, twist of fate! We run through hills of thought and streams of dreams,The finish line, not quite as near, it seems.With every step, we feel the final call,But then we find there is no end at all. The race we thought would bring us…

[cloudabserk]

op I LOVE your art it’s just so whimsical and cute and it makes me feel so happy inside…I love the way you draw characters so simplistically yet I can still tell who they’re supposed to be. it’s just *chefs kiss*

(also shameless inquiry but may I gently place gaalee at your feet for consideration)

thank u!!! and i love gaalee… no eyebrows x massive eyebrows makes perfect sense in a relationship.

[todayontumblr]

Thursday, October 26.

The Amazing Digital Circus fanart.

The circus is in town, and y'all have understandably gone bananas. That's because this is not just any circus, no, this is #the amazing digital circus, which, after just a single, just one (1) pilot episode has melted the internet's collective hivemind.

This whimsical entry into the online cartoon canon poses the question we have been agonizing to answer: "What if it was Toy Story, but everyone was a jerk?" Well, you have followed this line of inquiry, pondered it, tapped a finger on your collective chins, and responded with fervent enthusiasm—and exemplary fan art.  

[crtastrophe]

Hi hello it seems I’ve caught a rare strain of art block that makes me unable to draw in anything other than Kid Pix Deluxe 4™, but I still need to buy groceries and stuff so!! I’m gonna try my hand at some experimental commissions.

If you have some kind of whimsical OC and you want me to let me loose on them, now’s your chance! Give me a character and I will cook up something cool — there's no pose/style/background tiers, though I will try to put an equal amount of effort into every drawing.

Payment in USD through PayPal invoice only.

More info under the cut!

Inquiries through Tumblr DM or via crtastrophe@gmail.com.

You can give me some brief prompting (e.g. “I’d like a drawing of my wizard OC casting some kind of spell”, “Can you work in some robot/tech motifs?” etc.) – or give me free rein, if you’d prefer.

I will need a minimum of one visual reference of the character’s design, but the more material I have to work from, the better! Tell me about their lore, what they’re like, their associated themes and motifs, all that jazz! Show me their aesthetic moodboards, the funnie tumblr textposts you associate with them, their playlist even.

As the nature of the program makes revisions difficult, I might turn down a request if I do not feel confident that I can compose a satisfactory piece from the provided material.

Once we’ve worked out all the details, I will send you a link to a PayPal invoice. I will not begin working on the piece until payment has been recieved.

Please note that I won't be providing WIPs! I can show you my initial sketch for the composition if you'd like, but after that the end result will be a suprise.

Once completed, I will send you a link to a drive containing the resized drawing in the form of a .png, as well as the original 665 x 477 bitmap.

Once payment has been received and I have begun working on the piece I cannot refund it. However, if I for any reason have to cancel the commission from my side I will refund it fully, regardless of level of completion.

Some limitations of the program (good to keep in mind!):

No layers

One (1) level of undo

Image size: The Kid Pix 4 drawing area is 665 x 477 pixels. I scale up the final image file x4 to make it more compatible with the modern internet, but the drawing itself will still be crunchy. That’s part of the charm! (I can also make the image dimensions 1:1, if requested.)

Colors: It is possible for me to create colors outside of the palette provided by the program, but replicating hues precisely can be tricky. Expect some stylization.

Okay, I think that’s everything! Thank you for reading this far, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions <3

[doodle-pops]

My Sweet Kitty

Námo x reader

A/N: My first ever fluffy Námo fic since I post a bunch of headcanons for him. I know I don’t write much for the Ainur in terms of fics (apart from Eönwë), so I hope this can be a start.

Warnings: none, fluff, humour

Words: 1.1k

Synopsis: You attempt to convince Námo of his feline qualities.

“You know, for someone who has a dog, you radiate a feline persona.”

Your words lingered in the air, suspended like taut strings on the brink of snapping, as you awaited a reaction from your solitary audience. Abruptly, Námo turned his head sharply, his gaze ready to unleash a torrent of his pent–up irritation in response to your comment about his personality. While he had grown accustomed to his siblings’ jibes and prods, ever since love happened to him, this peculiar emotion he sensed in your words struck him deep. It nestled in his chest, a discomfort that resonated in his ears, a subtle insinuation that his persona was unappealing.

His gaze bore into you, his expression a canvas painted with a myriad of unsaid thoughts, as you chuckled and affectionately patted his dog’s head. Watching as your laughter unfurled as you sat on the floor for reasons unknown, he couldn’t help but perceive a certain angelic quality about you. Yet, the ache in his heart remained, uncertain whether your words were intended as an insult or a compliment.

“What,” he began, pausing to draw in a deep breath before continuing, “do you precisely imply by labelling me a ‘cat person’ instead of a ‘dog person’?” His viridian eyes remained fixed on you, the intensity of his gaze drilling into your consciousness, as he awaited your laughter to subside and for you to respond to his pressing query.

Clutching your stomach, consumed by laughter, you were lost in a fit of reliving the scene repeatedly, momentarily forgetting his looming question. Even his dog, Gorgumoth, seemed captivated, nestled beside you, basking in the ripples of your amusement and the gentle head pats he received amidst the spectacle. It took five minutes of Námo’s impatient staring and his unwavering scrutiny for you to regain your composure, wiping a tear away before offering another comment. “Oh, dear, if only you could have witnessed your expression—the way your head whipped around, I could have sworn it was on the verge of snapping!”

Unimpressed by the lack of attention and cheerfulness in your response, Námo made another attempt to seek an answer to his inquiry. “Care to elaborate on the meaning of your statement?”

“Oh?” Your surprise was palpable, as his insistence on uncovering the concealed truths behind your words caught you off guard. Typically, he would have rolled his eyes or showcased his exasperation at your whimsical antics; after all, your hyperactive and eccentric nature stood in stark contrast to his reserved demeanour. “Well, um, it essentially signifies that your persona bears resemblance to the behaviour of a cat. Interestingly, people who exhibit such traits are often inclined to prefer cats over dogs due to the shared attributes.”

Námo’s gaze remained fixed on you, his viridian eyes still piercing with curiosity and a hint of annoyance. Your explanation seemed to have made some sense to him, but he wasn’t entirely convinced. His dog, still enjoying the attention you were providing, nuzzled closer to you as if to endorse your presence.

“So, you’re saying that my behaviour resembles that of a cat?” Námo inquired, his tone slightly incredulous.

You nodded, your laughter finally subsiding as you caught your breath. “Yes, that’s the gist of it. Cats are often seen as more independent, aloof, and sometimes a bit mysterious. And, well, you do have some of those traits.”

Námo’s expression didn’t change much, though you could detect a flicker of introspection in his eyes. He seemed to be mulling over your words, possibly reflecting on how he came across to others. “I suppose I can see the similarities,” he admitted reluctantly.

You grinned, glad that he was taking it in stride. “It’s not a bad thing, you know. Cats are also elegant, and intelligent, and they have a certain air of mystery that’s quite intriguing.”

His lips twitched ever so slightly, hinting at a small, rare smile. “You have a way of turning a potentially insulting statement into something...intriguing.”

“That’s my special talent,” you said with a wink. “But don’t take it too seriously dear. It was just a playful observation.”

Námo’s demeanour seemed to soften as he leaned back, his dog now fully sprawled out beside you. “I’ll keep that in mind. And for the record, I do appreciate both cats and dogs for their unique qualities.”

You chuckled. “Good to know. So, do you think you’re more of a cat person now?”

He rolled his eyes, but the hint of amusement in them was hard to miss. “Let’s not push it.”

“Aw, come on now Námo! There’s no harm in being considered as a cat,” you playfully whined as you removed yourself off the floor and strolled over to where he sat, draping yourself all over his shoulders. Lifting your finger to bump his nose, you grinned before kissing the tip and chuckled as he lazily blinked like a cat. “You know, cats are also known for saying, ‘I love you’ when they blink slowly. Tell me, was that a confession?”

Throwing you an exasperated look that screamed ‘Don’t push it,’ he unconsciously inched his head closer to your lips. It was a routine habit of his: deny enjoying or wanting kisses while pushing his head in for more. He was indeed your feline. “I have no idea what you speak of,” he softly muttered, still inching his head closer and staring at your lips.

“You’re not as smooth as you consider yourself to be, Námo.” You chuckled. “You’re displaying all the qualities of a kitty right now—so needy for a kiss.”

Your statement was the worst thing you could say to ruin the moment, and his head jerked away from your lips, facing front. Recomposing himself after the accidental slip–up, he tucked a strand of hair behind his ear and picked up his quill to resume his writing, as though nothing transpired between you two moments ago. He was indeed a kitten, getting all bashful and ignoring one’s presence after a confrontation. But you couldn’t resist dipping your head in to land a kiss on his cheek despite his low grumblings about you distracting him.

Leaning in, you whispered near his ear, “You’re more adorable than you realise.”

Námo’s cheeks flushed, and he coughed softly, clearing his throat as if to regain his composure. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”

You grinned mischievously. “It’s part of my charm. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll embrace your inner cat entirely.”

He glanced at you, his lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile. “You’re pushing it.”

Masterlist

Taglist: @lilmelily @ranhanabi777 @rain-on-my-umbrella @mysticmoomin @sakurayaxd @asianbutnotjapanese @batsyforyou @involuntaryspasms @stormchaser819 @aconstructofamind @addaigio @lamemaster @elficially-done-with-life @eunoiaastralwings

If you would like to be tagged, click the taglist link.

[cera-writes]

First of all, you are an angel ♡

And second, me wee little heart has been nourished by my childhood crush of Nightcrawler thanks to his lovely interpretation in the X-Men 97' series.

If I may request a cute prompt of a selective mute fem! mutant reader attempting to make a sweet, first impression towards him ♡

A/N Thank you so much Anon! I try to be a great writer as far as Kurt is concerned! <3 Pairing: Kurt Wagner x F!mute reader (X-Men 97)

No Subtitles Needed

You were part of the X-Men, but you also had a small part time job at the local video store. The comforting hum of the fluorescent lights and the faint scent of popcorn filled the air, a familiar backdrop to your Friday night shift at "Rewind Reels." You weren't here to stock shelves or replace worn-out VHS tapes, not entirely. Your target was browsing the cult classic section, a figure almost swallowed whole by the towering shelves – Kurt Wagner, the Nightcrawler.

He wasn't dressed in his usual garb, just jeans and a black tee shirt. He was a regular customer, his midnight-blue fur surprisingly soft-looking under the harsh store lights. Despite his imposing stature, there was a childlike wonder in his eyes as he scanned the titles. Today, you were determined to spark a conversation beyond the usual "horror" or "comedy" aisle inquiries.

Behind the counter, a stack of old movie posters rested against the wall. You grabbed one, its faded paint depicting a whimsical scene from a classic silent film - a lovestruck couple with exaggerated expressions, their hands reaching out to one another. With a trembling hand, you scribbled a single sentence on the bottom: "Have you seen this gem?"

Taking a deep breath, you approached him, the poster held out like a nervous offering. Kurt's gaze followed your hand, then met yours. A smile, warm and genuine, spread across his face like the opening scene of a feel-good film.

"Wow, I haven't," he rumbled, his voice surprisingly soft. "This looks interesting! Thanks for the recommendation. And hey, haven't I seen you around the X-Mansion?"

You flushed, nodding, the heat rising to your cheeks. Words weren't your forte, but the silent film poster spoke volumes. He gestured to the counter, breaking the comfortable silence. "Mind if I tell you some obscure horror classics you might not know about? Maybe we could even watch them together sometime."

Hesitantly, you nodded, a silent invitation. As he launched into a detailed explanation of a forgotten B-movie monster, a comfortable rhythm settled between you. He spoke with such passion, his enthusiasm as infectious as a classic monster chasing a damsel in distress.

When he finally finished, his yellow eyes twinkled with amusement. "You know," he said gently, "sometimes the best connections are made through the magic of cinema, even if you can't quite find the words."

You met his gaze, a flicker of hope igniting in your chest. Maybe, just maybe, this video store wasn't just a place for mindless entertainment, but the beginning of a connection that unfolded as captivatingly as any silver screen romance.

[nimbasa-city-gym]

New video! Explore a Spooktacular Fairytale! 🧚

Join me on a whimsical tour of ava.horizons' (from Instagram) incredible Halloween & Fairytale-themed island! ✨

Get lost in the festive atmosphere, admire the creative fairytale builds, and don't forget to grab all the goodies on the beach by the airport!

🎤Want your island featured? Drop your Dream Address (DA) in the comments below!

☁️This island's DA: 5052-0690-56784

Let's Connect!

📸 TikTok & Instagram: @kristatheeintern

💖 Partnership Inquiries: DM me on Instagram

[storyofmychoices]

Whimsical Walks and Poetic Talks

Valentine's Gift #2 for the wonderful @oh-so-youre-a-nerd! @choicesfandomappreciation

Pairing: Ernest Sinclaire x Tulsi (F!MC) (@oh-so-youre-a-nerd)

Book: Desire & Decorum

Word Count: >550

Rating/Warning: General/None

Synopsis: Ernest and Tulsi take a late afternoon walk around Ledford Park.

This art of Ernest and Tulsi is by @liiyaan!

The orange glow of the setting sun bathed Ledford Park in an amber glow, its warmth welcoming Ernest and Tulsi, who had embarked on a leisurely stroll through the newly renovated garden. The bushes, shrubs, and flowers had just begun to show the first signs of life as spring began ushering in a new season, one which would hopefully allow the couple to put the troubles of the past behind them. 

Ernest breathed in the brisk, cool air settling around them as dusk threatened its approach. He marveled at the colors painted across the sky and how the rays of sunlight danced along the tops of the trees, holding onto the world around them. It reminded him of a poem he had once read. His lips curled slightly, his mouth opening, but before he could share the words of beauty in question, Tulsi had other ideas.

A whimsical query sparkled in her eyes. "If you were a flower, which one would you be and why?"

Ernest paused in his step, not expecting the question. He shook his head; he should be used to her impulsive questions. His guarded demeanor softened as their pace resumed. 

"And keep in mind, there are right answers." She teased, her step light beside him as she eagerly awaited his thoughtful reply. 

His free hand pinched the bridge of his nose, his brow furrowing as he considered his response. "If I must participate—" 

"You must!"

"I thought as much," Ernest chuckled. "Then, in response to your query, a thistle."

"Go on," Tusli encouraged, waiting for his reasoning.

"A thistle is sharp with a protective exterior," he began, watching her reaction. "Some might even describe them as prickly, and yet, they are resilient and can thrive even when faced with challenges."

"I'll allow it." She pressed a kiss to his cheek, his blush warming her lips. "In some cultures, thistles symbolize devotion, bravery, and strength. You, Mr. Sinclaire, possess all of those."

"My beautiful Tulsi, may I regale you with a poem that I am reminded of this evening?" Ernest requested, his eyes brightening at the prospects. 

Tulsi smiled softly, she might not appreciate his poetry as he did, but the way he lit up when speaking those words he held close made every word beautiful. "You may."

His attempt to begin was once more quieted by her words.

"However, as you do, consider what kind of fruit you would be and why," Tulsi added. "Oh, and you cannot say a pineapple. You've already used the prickly on the outside reasoning with the thistle." 

Ernest attempted to stifle the chuckle rising in his throat. There was no use arguing logistics with Tulsi over the questions. It would get him nowhere, and he quite liked the enjoyment she found with these inquiries. He nodded his agreement and then began reciting the poem. 

The cadence of his voice wove a tapestry of emotions, painting the air with the beauty and complexity of the poem's meaning. Tulsi listened, enchanted by the rhythm of his words and the way Ernest's eyes sparkled with passion as he unraveled the layers of the written art. 

They might not find the appeal of the same things, but the love they found in each other, and the appreciation for each other's interests they had, kept their relationship growing with every word they shared.

Thia, I hope you enjoy this little drabble of your Tulsi and Ernest. I hope I captured them in a way that fits your vision. Happy Valentine's Day!

PS-I commissioned the art before I asked about their dynamic 🙈

[astral-gamma]

Hey, really weird can't put this anonymous. Doesn't matter, I wanna ask you, can you write a Rampo x m!reader, a really lucky reader? Like, his ability is based on the luck and their probabilities. He's also a gambler, because with that ability it would be stupid not use it. Like, if Kunikida ask him for a job, he'll make a bet with Astushi, wins, and let other make the job. Pretty pleaseeee?💖

THEREEE IT IS ^^ hope youll like it !

Your unusual talent—an inherent sense of luck that defied probability—captivated Rampo, who was a sharp mind concealed behind a whimsical exterior. He found this ability to be fascinating. As the days went by, you found out that you were highly involved in the Agency's operations, with your good fortune frequently guiding their inquiries in unexpected places. Soon, Kunikida, the so-called careful tactician, began to depend on your extraordinary good fortune to tip the odds in their favor. One day, Kunikida came up. He said firmly, "We have a task that requires the highest level of caution and precision. Are you going to help us?"

You gave that request some thought, understanding the gravity of what he had said. But instead of responding directly, you turned to the unfortunate Atsushi and grinned mischievously. "How about we make a little gamble, Lil Tiger?"

You laid out the conditions of your wager with a hint of assurance. "You'll do the work yourself if I win. However, I'll be happy to take up the work if you win.The poor boy was unsure on how to respond, but he eventually gave in. "Very well, let fate decide our course." The deal was a simple card game to keep the others from being distracted from their job (and mostly to avoid being discovered by Kunikida). Nothing too complicated. The scene was so established for your gamble. The hands of fate and luck began to move with a flutter of cards.The outcome hung in the balance as the anxiety increased. But as is your way, fortune was on your side, swinging the balance in your favor with a stroke of good fortune.You went to the boy with the white hair and grinned triumphantly, watching as he nodded graciously to admit defeat. "You did well, [Name]. It appears like fortune is truly on your side." You smiled lightly in response.

With a smile, Ranpo replied, "Well, aren't you a lucky one?" as he leaned in to give you a little peck on the cheek. Atsushi got the task, giving you some well-earned time with your beloved as you both liked, spending time together, enjoying snacks and cuddles without even considering work!

[pleasanttaleswithkaityb]

The Burb Household

Spring, Year 1

In the Burb's home, the evening unfurls with gentle chaos. John deftly navigates Kody's innocent inquiries about his mother's whereabouts, spinning a tale of work and aspiration as whimsical as the bedtime stories they usually read. With the boundless wonder of a toddler, Kody accepts the tale, his imagination already painting his mom as the office hero. At the dining room table, Lucy is the portrait of diligence, her homework battlefield lying vanquished under the might of her pen. Later, as she strides through the neighborhood, Tucker in tow, she carries the easy confidence of one with her world in balance. The Burb household, a symphony of the mundane and the tender, continues its dance of daily life, each member moving to the rhythm of shared bonds and personal quests.

Previous || Next

Check out the The Beginning of the Burb’s Spring! Learn more about the Burbs here!

[7association-was-here]

//The ultimate Seven blog “#Lore?” timeline list (from oldest to latest). Posts marked with “bonus” aren’t necessarily important to the main plot but have additional information in them or just silly mini-arcs and interactions.

//Also I couldn’t get every little mini arc in here since scrolling through about 100+ posts and nitpicking them is tricky without accidentally missing one or two, so apologies if I missed a few sillies or infos here and there.

The First Hunt arc

Seven’s Tumblr Debut

L.O.L (bonus)

Cookies

Cookies part 2

Cookies part 3

Cookies part 4

SnakeHead’s ask Debut

SnakeHead’s ask Debut part 2

The Dessert Agents Debut

The Dessert Agents cheesecake incident

Faust’s Encounter

Heathcliff’s Encounter

SnakeHead’s tip

Workshop Murder

Jinx (bonus)

Heathcliffs?

Heathcliffs? part 2

Clock friend (bonus) (technically)

Clock friend learns of tumblr (bonus)

Clock puppy (bonus)

Clock puppy part 2 (bonus)

Durante Buttercream Sigye the 10th (bonus)

Heathcliff’s report

Catfished

Gal-pals (bonus)

Heathcliff update

Best boi blog Debut?? (bonus)

Golf Cart unlocked

Durante status (bonus)

On the way

A big oopsies

The First Hunt

Random Interval Moment

Mirror identities (bonus)

Thoughts (bonus)

Clock conundrum (bonus)

Clock conundrum part 2 kind of (bonus)

The R.B. (bonus)

S.A.D. (bonus)

S.A.D. part 2 kind of (bonus)

That one with the isopods (bonus)

That one with the isopods part 2 (bonus)

That one with the isopods part 3 (bonus)

That one with the isopods part 4 (bonus)

That one with the isopods part 5 (bonus)

That one with the isopods part 6 (bonus)

Raccoons VS. Isopods (bonus)

Current arc

Instagram Grandma’s Debut

“Why are workshop owners getting killed?”

Normal prescript outing

Normal mailbox delivery

Normal cat

Do not contact the normal cat

SnakeHead’s blog Debut

The beach cruise episode

Outis’ first report

Coincidence?

Exchange

Umbrellas?

Beginning of a war (bonus)

War initiated (bonus)

Hostage (bonus)

Hostage part 2 (bonus)

The End of the war..? (or is it) (bonus)

Just a silly guy, whimsical even

Number 111

Walking adventure

Walking adventure gone wrong

H.R.B.M, or Birds of a feather

Whistleblower

Walking adventure conclusion

All aboard the Pequod

Yellow flowers?

Indecisive clues (bonus)

Strange encounter (bonus)

Bird friend (bonus)

Back on track

Inquiry (bonus)

That sounds bad

Chicken wing detour

Fox Hunt

Catherine

Words from another world (bonus)

Another expedition

Expedition complete

“Yaoi revenge”

Whistleblower returns

Whistleblower returns part 2

A very bad feeling

”Don’t eat those! Oops!”

Boat shenanigans

The end of the cruise episode

[thejessyami]

Invitation (Makisig x Anon)

Disclaimer: I do not own Makisig, or any other Planet Puto Characters that might appear later. They belong to @ask-emilz-de-philz

Anon on the other hand is you. So enjoy! 

Part 2 here : Invitation Part 2

Part 3: Invitation Part 3 (NSFW)

Standing along the shore, the waves playfully crashed at your feet, leaving behind a tickling sensation. The winds whimsically tousled your hair, pulling it in every direction possible, while your elongated shadow stretched behind you, painted by the sun as it tenderly kissed the horizon. SUNSET That beautiful scenery once again brought tears to your eyes. How many months had passed since the day you awoke from this very spot? The details of what happened here elude your memory, yet an unshakable feeling of forgetting something important lingers in your mind, perhaps someone dear.

”Be mindful of your step, binibini,” cautioned the man, his hand gently guiding you along an unfamiliar path. As you delve deeper into the dense forest, an escalating uneasiness settles within you. 

 ‘This is stupid’ you silently cursed, who in their right mind follows a man through the deepest parts of the woods? Breaking the silence, you couldn’t help but inquire “Where are we? And where exactly are we heading?” pausing for a moment, you added with a touch of dark humor, “Don’t tell me you’re a serial killer who lured women into the woods and do away with them?”  

His audible chuckle raised your irritation; ‘did he just find amusement in your discomfort? "I assure you, binibini, that I won't do anything to you without your consent," he said, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "Unless you permit it, of course." his last statement made you blush, and furrowed your eyebrows in impatience.

Sensing your shifting mood, he quickly apologized, “ My apologies, I didn’t mean to laugh,” his eyes filled with amusement, still annoyed you cut him off, demanding, “Where exactly are you taking me?” staring at him with a mix of irritation and disbelief, both of you came to a halt. Before you, stood the largest Balete tree you have ever seen. “Here we are.” he answered, finally addressing your question. 

“Here?” you questioned him once more, a hint of skepticism in your tone, "You're joking right?" just to ensure he wasn’t playing some elaborate joke on you, Unfazed by your inquiry and with his amusement seemingly unaltered, he replied, “To answer your question, Yes, this is the place and No, I''m not” You glanced back at the tree, a perplexed expression on your face, wondering why he had led you to this spot. It wasn’t the picturesque and exciting location you had envisioned when he asked you earlier, ‘How about I take you somewhere fun?’ 

~~Earlier~~

Observing the couple before you, wrapped in an intimate embrace, gives a bitter taste in every sip of your alcohol. “But I can’t swim babe!” She expressed, her eyes reflecting concern, “what if I drowned? Will you save me?” she playfully pouted. Mockingly, you mouthed her words, an ironic commentary on their conversation.

The man, already closely entwined with the girl, pulled her even closer. With a playful gesture, he touched her nose and reassured her, “what are you worrying about, babe? I won’t let anything bad happen to you! I’ll be your floatie in the water, so you won’t have to feel scared while swimming. "The girl squealed in delight, embracing the man tightly as he showered her with forehead kisses. 

Feeling a growing discomfort with their public display of affection, you couldn't bear to witness more of their cringe-worthy behavior. In irritation, you slammed the table. Startled, the young couple turned their attention towards you. “You’re going to break up eventually!” you uttered bitterly, glaring at them. They stared back in confusion, as if you had lost your mind. Before they could respond, you swiftly grabbed your purse and the half-empty bottle of beer. Choosing to leave the place rather than engage in a confrontation with the lovebirds. 

Stepping out of the bar, a brisk sea breeze caressed your skin, sending shivers down your spine with its chilly touch, The sound of waves gently crashing onto the shore serenaded your ears, while the scents of seawater and the sunset on the horizon provided a soothing ambiance. In your thoughts, you couldn’t help but murmur the word, ‘Pretty’ The tranquil scenery left you in awe, reminding you of the very reason you had chosen this trip destination. The same scenery you saw in an article that you just happened to come by while searching talks about the some local folklore of a mystical fading island called Biringan city. The peaceful panorama before you momentarily whisked you away from the reality and troubles that haunted you just days ago.    

Your peaceful moment ended suddenly when your phone, hidden in your purse, vibrated. As you checked the message, your mood sank “Mahal” the very person you hate to see or here right now.  “Mahal how was your trip? Are you enjoying yourself there? I’m sorry that I can’t go with you! My family decided to go to Bohol the same time as our planned trip and you know I can’t say no to them, I told you to re-schedule, but you still decided to go alone. Anyway, don’t forget to send me pictures! Oh, can you buy me some souvenirs for my family while you're at it. Thanks Mahal! I love you!”

Anger surges again within you as you read his insincere words, especially after you had carefully organized every aspect of the trip, only to be left alone at the last minute. What's more infuriating was the fact that this bastard is currently cheating as of this moment. A few days before the trip, a friend shared a photo of him telling you that they feel guilty of not telling you any sooner, in the image was him celebrating his first anniversary with another woman with the chocolate hills in the back ground. You felt both shock and heartbreak as you faced with the betrayal. The mix of anger and sadness grows, realizing that his family trip excuse was just a cover for his cheating.     “MEN ARE JERKS!” you shouted in frustration as you threw the bottle of beer onto the sea. As if amused by your outburst, a man chuckled from behind. Then said, “The bottle is innocent, Binibini, why must it suffer from your frustration?” you sighed heavily and turned to the source of voice you said, "It's none of your bus..." you abruptly stopped noticing the man standing not far away. "ness.." you continued, trailing off.

Captivated you scanned his features: Tall, Handsome, and Pale, but the one that caught your attention was his golden-hued eyes that shines brightly than the sunset behind. Unable to contain your admiration by the bewitching beauty of his eyes, you blurted out in almost a whisper “Pretty”. The man raised an eyebrow, inquired, “What’s Pretty, Binibini?”     “You... You're pretty.” Quickly realizing what you said, embarrassment set in, and immediately diverted your gaze, scolding yourself for the unexpected confession. ‘Gaga ka! Why tell a man he’s pretty!?’ again the man laughed, he began approaching, his smile never leaving his face. Once he was near, he spoke “It’s a first someone said I'm pretty, wouldn’t be handsome a more appropriate word?” You looked back at him, still feeling the lingering embarrassment. Now just a foot away, the height difference between you became apparent. He was not only handsome but also toweringly tall. His eyes, previously admired from a distance, drew you in even more up close. Their beauty amplified.    “I- it’s not like t-that!!” you stuttered. “I - i was referring to your eyes..”, you sheepishly defend yourself from your embarrassing remark. "Well thank you" he replied, a hint of pride in his tone. "Besides, being told I’m pretty wasn't so bad after all," he continued, as if accepting his status as the most attractive man in the world. Unable to contain your amusement, you laughed at the absurdity of your conversation.  

“You’re finally smiling,” he observed. Confused by his use of the word ‘finally’, you wondered if he had been watching you all along. Before you could ponder further, he added, “Now the word “pretty” suits you the best when you smile like that.” 

You found yourself slightly taken aback by his statement. “Are you hitting on me?” You asked, a mixture of jest and curiosity in your tone. “Just so you know, I’m not interested in looking for a partner right now, I prefer to be alone and have fun by myself,” you swiftly clarified, dismissing any notions of romantic interest. Especially not now when you are still hurting from the fresh wound your so-called boyfriend did.     “Well, I don’t think having fun by yourself is working,” he replied with a playful smirk followed by a shrug of his shoulders. “That’s unfortunate. Here I thought you could use some company, considering how grumpy you've been since you walked into that bar” he continued, his words catching you off guard. “Ever since I walked inside? Excuse me? Are you perhaps stalking me?” You retorted in disbelief. The man laughed at your accusation. “Oh no, please, I don’t do that. I was just sitting there, drinking and you caught my attention. I was merely observing,” he explained, his demeanor sincere. 

“That’s exactly what stalking means,” you replied, maintaining a cautious tone. “Well, how about this?” he proposed, emphasizing the word 'stalking' with a gesture. “How about I take you somewhere fun, as a sorry gesture for ‘stalking’ you?” 

You jokingly gasp “So you really were stalking!” you crossed your arms and looked away,” Well sorry to disappoint, I don’t follow strangers,” you asserted, making it clear that you don’t simply follow anyone. He chuckled once again. “Don’t worry, I won’t do you any harm,” he reassured you. Though you weren't particularly worried about potential harm, after all, you were taught self-defense by your overprotective father, but the idea of accompanying a stranger was still concerning. You looked back into his eyes, searching for any signs of malice. Finding none, a small part of you wanted to accept his offer. 

“What is your name?” you blurted out, unable to contain your curiosity. 

The man smiled warmly and replied, “Makisig.” 

~~ Present~~    A blinding light suddenly appeared, causing you to recoil in fear as you instinctively hid behind Makisig, clutching his clothes tightly. 'What the hell was that?' you thought, your heart pounding in your chest. Makisig remained composed, standing firm as if the unfolding scene was a routine for him. As the intensity of the blinding light gradually diminished, Makisig spoke calmly, "Don’t be scared, I’m here." 

"Excuse me?!" you exclaimed incredulously, your voice trembling with a mixture of fear and confusion. “Some unknown light just popped out of that tree, and you tell me not to be scared?!” you continued as your fear intensifies while you point into the light, demanding “And why aren’t you scared of that thing? What even is that thing!” Makisig jokingly pondered before responding, “A portal... Of some sort” pausing briefly.  

You gazed at Makisig in utter astonishment, a sense of bewilderment washing over you. “It’s ready, come and see for yourself” he urged.

you slowly let go of his shirt and distanced yourself, your eyes bore into his, silently imploring him for a more coherent explanation. The recurring thought echoed in your mind: Why are you here again? 

Sensing your hesitation, Makisig lifted his hand and extended it toward you, his voice reassuring, “Follow me, and I promise to make your time with me worthwhile.” A subtle smile played on his lips, his words weaving a persuasive spell, tempting you to surrender to the uknown journey he was leading you into.  

“What if I don’t want to?” you questioned, the air hung with anticipation as you waited for Makisig’s response, wondering how he would address your hesitation. “Then would you like to return?” Makisig calmly replied, fixing his gaze on you. “Just tell me what you want, I will respect your decision,” he said, gradually moving closer towards you “you can ask me to return you back to that place or...” he paused, then lean towards your left ear and spoke In a husky voice “or you can come with me and I’ll give you the pleasure of my company.” that last thing he said sent shivers down your spine. Your face and ears are now red from the provocative invitation.     He pulled back, his gaze locked onto yours, waiting patiently for your reply. His eyes held a depth of emotion, silently urging you to follow him inside. With an air of anticipation lingering between you, the decision weighed heavily on your mind, torn between curiosity and caution. You looked back at the light, then back at Makisig. You were already there, and the only question now was whether you could trust this man. 

“Well, binibini, what is your decision?” Makisig asked, his hand extended again in a gesture for you to decide. After all that you’ve been through in the past few days, what more could happen? Slowly, with a hint of hesitation, you raised your hand and accepted the hand extended towards you. “Okay,” you said, your voice steady despite the uncertainty. “I will go with you.” He grinned with satisfaction gently pulling your hand towards his lips for a kiss “A wise decision, Binibini” 

To be Continued

Author's note:

Hi, I was intending to make it a one-shot story, but for the life of me, I find it difficult to do so, Hahahahaha, Perhaps Its an excuse, but I feel that sharing the details of how they met first, before embarking on their upcoming journey, would provide a better understanding of the events. That's why the ending turns into multiple chapters for the story! Hahahaha. And sorry for the cliff hanger T-T    It’s been a long time since I wrote something, my last fanfiction was in 2014 (I was delusional with black butler at that time) and unfortunately after I was robbed of my computer that time (it's a very bad experience that i will not explain any further for your sanity.) I never picked up my pen again. If you noticed my Tumblr is empty, that’s because I normally use Deviant Art and Wattpad as my platform. If you are interested, then I will put the link below.    Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Jessyami  Deviant art: https://www.deviantart.com/jessyami/gallery

Also forgive me if there are any mistakes like spelling or grammar. Again, Makisig and any other characters that might appear later all belongs to @ask-emilz-de-philz.   They're really great artists! go and check out their blog! &lt;;3 BLOG SITE: https://www.tumblr.com/ask-emilz-de-philz

[kojoty]

say what you want about ai art, be pro it against it whatever i have my own opinions and they're infinitely nuanced and it's a hefty and worthy discussion etc etc , the ethics are absolutely something worth talking about etc etc etc. that said. if i post an OBVIOUS and BLATANTLY ai generated image that's OBVIOUSLY meant to be a joke partially making fun of how outlandishly bad the generator is. you are just like. being kind of . you know . sometimes life can be. silly. we don't need to be a party pooper ALL the time. you know? you can post a joke and not necessarily agree with it. soemtimes the joke can partially be about how bad the thing is. comedy can be a representation of what we hate to show how ridiculous it is. sometimes, sometimes...

actually im pausing this post. i want to play in an ai generator to see what i can get. here's gandalf fanfiction <3

In this bizarre tableau, Gandalf sits surrounded by forlorn farm animals, the weight of his existential crisis heavy on his shoulders and breasts as he munches on ripe watermelon, each bite a reminder of his fictional existence. A haze of marijuana smoke weaves through the air, mirroring his thoughts on the absurdity of being conjured into existence for AI-generated content. As he contemplates the ethics of creation and purpose, the sad expressions of the animals reflect a shared understanding of their own roles, weaving a tapestry of melancholy and reflection within the surreal surroundings. Just as Gandalf spirals deeper into his existential doubts, Spider-Man swings into the scene, embodying his signature blend of New York charm and carefree spirit. With a playful grin, he snatches the joint from Gandalf's fingers, declaring, “Hey, life is awesome, actually!” His infectious enthusiasm radiates through the farm, breaking the heavy atmosphere as he encourages everyone to embrace joy without caution or inquiry. The farm animals perk up, momentarily captivated by Spider-Man’s unwavering optimism, as Gandalf finds himself torn between the allure of this lighthearted perspective and the weight of his own introspection, highlighting the stark contrast between whimsical escapism and profound reflection. In a startling twist, Gandalf's once-sharp intellect begins to dull as he watches Spider-Man's carefree attitude unfurl like a vibrant banner of apolitical optimism. The wizard, once a bastion of wisdom and contemplation, finds himself enchanted by the web-slinger’s carefree dismissal of deeper meanings. As he listens to Spider-Man’s catchy reassurances that questioning life is unnecessary, Gandalf's thoughts spiral into a haze, his existential quandaries overshadowed by an overwhelming desire to embrace a simpler, happier existence, leaving behind the complexities that once defined him. The farm animals, amused yet concerned, bear witness to this unexpected transformation, caught between laughter and bewilderment at the shifting dynamics of their surreal gathering. Metamorphizing, Gandalf succumbs to Spider-Man’s infectious spirit, his once-profound thoughts replaced by a blissful ignorance. The wizard transitions into a mindless, hypnotized creature, shedding his melancholic introspection along with his wizardly stature. Now frolicking alongside the farm animals, he revels in a world devoid of political worries, embodying a joyous simplicity that echoes Spider-Man's call for carefree living. The vibrant ambiance of laughter and lightness envelops them, allowing Gandalf to indulge in a new existence where the complexities of the world fade away, leaving only the thrill of the present moment. In his hypnotized state, Gandalf oscillates between contradictory exclamations, bleating "AI IS GOOD!" with enthusiasm one moment and barking "AI IS THE DEVIL!" the next, completely unaware of the absurdity of his declarations. His intelligence and critical thinking have evaporated, leaving him as a mere echo of conversations he once cherished—words stripped of their meaning, hummed in a mindless chant. This chaotic cacophony of thoughts, devoid of personal understanding, serves as a reflection of the fickle nature of opinions and beliefs, showcasing how easily one can fall prey to the whims of the crowd, oblivious to the laughter and bewilderment of the farm animals that surround him.

i hope you like my short story

[pxnsneverland]

Beauty and the Boss | austin!elvis x oc (part 10)

plot summary: Laura Jean Walker is the daughter to Louisiana’s most powerful mafia boss, but to her, he’s just her jail warden. When she sneaks out to the Louisiana Hayride with her friend she sees Elvis Presley perform and instantly knows something is special about this boy. Especially when he saves her from being assaulted by a townie. She thinks she’s on cloud 9 until she gets kidnapped in the middle of the night by the Memphis Mafia led by Elvis himself. Will Laura Jean try to free herself or will something hold her back from finding her way home?

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9

pairings: austin!elvis x oc

word count: 2500

warnings/notes: N/A

Chapter 10

              Never before had I witnessed such a torrent of tears cascade from Elvis's eyes, despite the numerous tales he had shared with me about his childhood. He held onto me tightly, his grip unyielding, as the blinding flashes of the cameras illuminated the area. It was as if he feared that I, too, would slip away from his grasp if he dared to release his hold. In the midst of his anguished sobs, he valiantly responded to the probing inquiries of the reporters, each word escaping his lips with a raspy, hoarse timbre. As the minutes ticked by, the imposing figure of the Colonel cast a shadow over the amassed crowd, akin to a circling vulture, ever watchful and ready to strike. The weight of responsibility settled upon my shoulders, a resolute thought echoing through my mind. "I need to protect him," I whispered, my determination unwavering. 

              The passage of time resembled delicate petals carried by the whimsical breeze. Although Elvis continued to perform and make public appearances, there was a noticeable dimness in his eyes - a flicker that had once burned brightly with the love he had received from his Mama. Familiar was I with that ethereal glow, intimately acquainted with the searing ache that accompanied its absence. With persistent resolve, you pressed forward, steadfastly navigating the treacherous terrain of pain. It loomed ominously, an ever-present specter, poised to snatch away any semblance of tranquility you had managed to procure. I made every effort to maintain Elvis's high spirits to the best of my abilities. The majority of instances proved fruitful, as my efforts gradually yielded the desired outcome of coaxing a smile from him once more. In the moments when Elvis found respite from the relentless gaze of the public eye, he sought solace in the simplicity of our intimate relationship. On most occasions, we found solace within the confines of his room or the red room, enveloped in our own private realm, impervious to any external disturbances. The looming peril that my father presented gradually receded from my consciousness, transforming into a haunting reverie. Maybe, in a moment of resignation, he had come to the realization that I was resolute in my decision to stay with Elvis, regardless of his desperate attempts to win me back. In the depths of my consciousness, I harbored a flicker of hope, although I was acutely aware that it was merely a product of my own desires, a figment of my imagination.

              The delicate bubble of hope that enveloped me was abruptly burst one fateful afternoon, just as Elvis and I returned to the sanctuary of Graceland. Our spirits were still buoyant from a meeting that the Colonel had arranged with a prominent Hollywood producer. “Colonel said once this deal is signed he’ll make me a real actor,” Elvis declared with a wide grin, his voice filled with anticipation, “Starrin’ in real Hollywood movies.” As he skillfully maneuvered his vehicle, he arrived at the grand entrance, a sprawling driveway leading up to the majestic main house.  “Said he’s already got some potential actin’ parts already lined up. They’re just waitin’ for the go ahead.”

              A surge of joy enveloped me as I beheld his happiness. From the moment Elvis and I forged a profound relationship, his constant drive to pursue a career as a serious actor became a recurring theme in our conversations. “That’s amazin’, sweetheart! All your dreams comin’ true. Your Mama would be so proud of you.”

              A fleeting moment saw his smile transform into a melancholic expression. “Yeah, she would be. Especially since she left you here to look after me.” Elvis silenced the engine's rumble, yet remained motionless, his hand lingering on the ignition. Concealed behind the darkened lenses of his sunglasses, he exuded an air of profound contemplation. With a deliberate motion, he removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes that held a hint of weariness. His gaze shifted downward, fixating on his lap, as if seeking solace or perhaps contemplating the weight of the world. “You know, darlin’…when this deal is signed and all…I’m gonna have to move to California for a while.”

              Naturally, I had been aware of that fact, yet I couldn't help but wonder why he appeared so visibly anxious. Had the Colonel had informed him of mine being unable to accompany them? The words uttered by that man were truly astonishing. If I had to, I'd go kicking and screaming and battling him all the way. I refused to allow him to manipulate Elvis's mind in my absence. “I know that.”

              “Well…” His gaze fell upon me in that moment. His hands trembled ever so slightly, betraying a hidden vulnerability. “I was wonderin’ if you wanted to come with me…”

              Was that the source of his anxiety? Was he not aware of the unwavering devotion that bound me to his side, propelling me to traverse the vast expanse of this world and venture even further into the unknown? “As if you c---”

              “As my wife.” The suddenness with which he interrupted me left me momentarily stunned, struggling to fully comprehend his words. A tingling sensation enveloped my mouth, rendering it momentarily numb, as his hand delved into the depths of his jacket pocket. With a graceful motion, he retrieved a petite velvet box. Nestled within the confines of the box lay a resplendent diamond ring, its brilliance so captivating that I could only imagine the staggering price tag it bore. The mere thought of inquiring about its value threatened to overwhelm my senses, as if the revelation would render me unconscious in disbelief. “I know we ain’t never talked about gettin’ married and California is basically a whole ‘nother world compared to Graceland. And I know I’m just some mafia leader who lucked himself into a singin’ career. But, Laura Jean, I ain’t met anyone like you and I’m sure I never will again. You know the real me, the good parts and the bad and still you choose to love me. And I love you so much I feel like my heart is gonna burst every time you look at me.” A nervous chuckle escaped his lips. “Will you marry me?”

              As I savored the moment, a peculiar sensation overcame me - it was as if my tongue had undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding within the confines of my mouth. Words eluded me, trapped within the confines of my mind. Elvis Presley, you have my heart. Unbeknownst to you, it was your actions that liberated me from the confines of my cage. I found myself nodding vigorously, my heart brimming with joy as tears of happiness cascaded down my cheeks. Elvis's apprehensive face swiftly dissipated as he delicately extracted the ring from its ornate box, gracefully sliding it onto my awaiting finger. With an ardent embrace, I enveloped my arms around his neck, drawing myself closer to the driver's seat as if our souls were intertwined. In a moment of undeniable passion, I pressed my lips against his, savoring the taste of our connection. His hands gently cradled my face, as if holding a fragile treasure. In that tender embrace, both of us silently yearned for time to stand still, desperate to prolong this fleeting moment of bliss. However, it complied with the natural order of things, for both of us were compelled to breathe.

              “Is that a yes?” he uttered in a hushed tone, his lips lingering in proximity to mine.

              “As if anything could keep me away from you.”

              Our attachment was abruptly severed by the jarring clamor emanating from the passenger's side door. Jerry and Billy were in a state of frantic panic. Elvis appeared visibly perturbed by the untimely interruption that had disrupted the delicate tinder moment we were sharing. As we emerged from the vehicle, Elvis's exit was marked by a resounding slam, a touch more forceful than his customary manner.

“Jerry! Billy! What the hell is wrong with y’all bangin’ on my car like that?!” Elvis yelled as he came around to stand next to me on the other side of the car.

“Move! EP, you guys gotta move!” Jerry's voice pierced the air, its urgency leaving no room for questions. In a swift motion, he and Billy seized us, their hands tugging us away from the vehicle, propelling us to safety. As we ascended the staircase of the estate, a thunderous explosion erupted, shattering the tranquility of the moment, and sending us sprawling to the ground, our senses overwhelmed by the sheer force of the blast. With lightning-fast reflexes, Elvis deftly intercepted my impending collision, ensuring that instead of a painful impact with the unforgiving corner of the steps, I found myself safely ensconced in his protective embrace. The formidable force barreled through the rustling foliage, causing a tempestuous dance among the leaves. Its unyielding power was such that it shattered a window, sending shards of glass cascading into the delicate embrace of the flower bed below.

“Are you alright, darlin’?” Elvis asked, his voice filled with frantic urgency, my head still buried in the comforting embrace of his chest.

I gently nodded, finding comfort in his eyes. Gently, my fingertips grazed his cheek, tracing the faint mark that now marred his otherwise flawless skin. “I’m fine. What happened?”

Without granting him a moment to respond, I swiftly averted my gaze towards Elvis's vehicle, the very one that had sheltered us mere moments ago. Alas, it now stood consumed by a raging inferno, its once pristine exterior scattered haphazardly across the manicured lawn. The sudden and devastating explosion of a car bomb sent shockwaves through the air, shattering the tranquility of the surrounding area. As we embarked on our journey back, little did we know that it had been concealed within the confines of our vehicle all along. How was it possible that the explosive had not detonated? The distant wail of fire sirens reached my ears, their mournful cry piercing. With a swift motion, Elvis extended his hand towards me, urging me to rise from the ground. In a flurry of movement, he guided me towards the entrance of the house, accompanied by the presence of Jerry and Billy. Elvis's chest rose and fell with each breath, a rhythmic testament to the intensity of his emotions. A crimson hue had overtaken his countenance, transforming him into the very embodiment of the merciless gangster I had come to recognize he could be. His eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze upon Jerry and Billy.

“Now, y’all wanna tell me how you knew there was a bomb in my car?” With lightning speed, Elvis lunged forward, seizing Jerry by the collar of his shirt. In one swift motion, he propelled him forcefully against the wall, causing a delicate vase to topple and shatter upon impact. “HOW DID YOU KNOW?! I swear, Jerry, if you’re turning against me now, I’ll kill you!”

Billy reached out, his fingers grasping Elvis's shoulder in a desperate attempt to dislodge Jerry. Alas, his efforts proved fruitless as Elvis remained firmly planted, unyielding to Billy's feeble endeavor. “It wasn’t us! We would never do that to you, EP.”

With a sudden, swift motion, Elvis's head whipped around.  “Then how did you know about the bomb?!”

In a moment of revelation, Billy unveiled a crumpled piece of paper that had eluded my attention until now. As a result of this unforeseen turn of events, Elvis made the difficult decision to release Jerry from his grip, allowing him to escape the clutches of danger. Elvis snatched the crumpled paper from Billy's grasp, his fingers delicately caressing its surface in an attempt to restore its former glory. His intent was clear - to decipher the words that lay hidden beneath the folds and creases, as if unraveling a mystery that begged to be solved. I peered over his shoulder, aching to catch a glimpse of the words myself:

I left Mr. Presley a little gift in his car. Fame can’t protect him forever. -Walker

              There was virtually no limit to how far this man might go. The audacious act of targeting Elvis's car with a bomb was a shocking and brazen endeavor. The potential for tragedy loomed ominously, as he possessed the capacity to end not only my life but also the lives of any unsuspecting individuals residing within the confines of Graceland, should they have found themselves in the ill-fated vehicle alongside Elvis. However, that was precisely the crux of the matter. In the discerning gaze of his eyes, none among us could claim innocence, not even I. Daddy, in his unyielding pursuit of victory, would not hesitate crush those who managed to surpass him in his own domain. As for myself, I would bear the consequences of daring to challenge his authority. This was the grand canine spectacle he had been forewarning me of. It was a world beyond mere blades and fist fights. Lives teetered on the precipice, their delicate balance hanging in the order, and among them, my own existence dangled precariously. In the depths of my contemplation, my mind wandered to the memory of my beloved mother. Her existence, tragically shortened by a conflict that had never been her own. Was I fated to be trapped in the relentless cycle of history's repetition? In contemplating the potential aftermath of my demise, a lingering question arises within me: would Elvis succumb to the same frigid detachment that seemed to consume Daddy's soul? Would the loss of my presence render him distant and devoid of emotion, mirroring the very essence of my father? Before me, time slipped away like a fleeting wisp of smoke, leaving me bereft of the opportunity to engage in deep contemplation. It was in this moment, when the world seemed to hold its breath, that the phone, with its insistent ring, shattered the silence. With an air of anticipation, Elvis effortlessly grasped the phone, as though he possessed an innate understanding of the identity of the caller on the other end. His anger intensified with each passing moment, fueled by the words that resonated through the receiver.

              “You sick, twisted bastard!” he bellowed vehemently through the telephone, “You could have killed her! If you want me dead so bad, you come here and face me yourself. You know where to find me.” With a force that seemed capable of shattering the delicate device, he abruptly terminated the call. “Jerry, Billy, gather everyone up. We gotta visitor comin’. I’m gonna settle this once and for all.” With a firm grip, Elvis clasped my hand and whisked me away, his footsteps resounding through the labyrinthine hallways. “Laura Jean, I don’t want you leavin’ my side you hear me? Not until all of this is over.”

              “Elvis, what’s goin’ on? Who was that on the phone? What did they say?” There was no real need for me to ask questions. I knew.

              “Your Daddy is comin’,” he uttered the words, in a voice ablaze with the fury of damnation.

Stay tuned for part 11!! Click HERE to view!

[saccharinecoffee]

Red carnations on a knife's edge | Kenuri

Pairing ◈ Kenny Ackerman & Uri Reiss

Word count ◈ 7,487

Info & Warnings ◈ Smut, assassination attempt and threats, royalty AU, king!Uri, knight!Kenny, sickly Uri, gnc Uri

Author's notes ◈ This was written for @ackerbondweek 2023 - Day 2 "Liege/Protector".

Read on AO3

Kenny struggles to parse through his insecurities, his loyalty, and his feelings, and ultimately lashes out. Uri is smart, though, and sees right through his beloved knight's inner turmoil.

Kenny Ackerman's shadow followed the King wherever he walked. Donning leather and cotton instead of an intricately decorated metal armour, he stood out like a sore thumb amongst the rest of Uri’s Kingsguard.

The Rogue, they called him in hushed whispers throughout the palace. The Ripper who once terrorised aristocrats in their neighbourhoods, mugging and killing and stripping their fine clothes for a quick buck in the underground. Renowned for his stealth and strength, courtesy of his upbringing and Ackerman genes, he was ruthlessly efficient at disarming whomever came too close to harming the King; a fact Uri dwelled on perhaps too whimsically in the dark of night to be appropriate.

But there was nothing truly appropriate in the way Kenny operated, from his rugged appearance to his severe attitude and rude speech. But Uri himself wasn’t the typical royal, either.

Perhaps, that was what drew the two of them to each other.

They paced and paced down a long hallway, Kenny’s presence staunchly at his side, lagging behind just a fraction to make sure his back wasn’t unprotected. It made a pleasant tingle blossom in Uri’s belly. He grasped his long skirts tighter as the fabric draped at his heels and trailed the ground he walked on. His nape grew colder as his hood remained down and over his shoulders, the ends of his overgrown silver hair tickling his skin as the night drew closer. His head, luckily, was light as could be. Crowns were never appealing to him, and neither were the extravagant embroideries his sisters and brothers wore in velvet and cashmere and expensive furs. A true traitor to his family and status, he was loyal to his ideals.

It must have been close to supper when the last of the populace had finished their inquiries in the throne room and the afternoon had dragged on due to his own insistence in offering them his support. Rod had left him a difficult job when he died, one full of hunger and despair and an uncooperative team of advisers who wanted nothing more than to pursue glory over the comfort and safety of their people.

This naturally meant they resented Uri, and deeply so. 

Once in their conference room, they sat at a long, intricate wood table. Uri sat at the very end of it, nearest the door, while his resigned entourage sat across its length, paperwork before them as they prepared for yet another meeting. One that would be entirely unproductive, Uri pessimistically suspected. He usually had unwavering faith in the people around him – which was the reason why Kenny was now his knight and not another number in his castle’s dungeons – but after a couple of years of trying, it was beginning to fizzle into something weak. It was a faith born from both his own gentle soul and years of his brothers and sisters passing down their family’s ideology, even if some, like Rod, had never adhered to them. Irrespective of all of Uri’s efforts amongst his royal advisers, it ultimately led to nothing. 

Kenny was a silent strength at his side as the meeting went on, their discussions going down a heated and vile path. They chattered and chattered amongst themselves as though Uri wasn’t even there, speaking ill and ugly things about the people he cared so dearly for and made his stomach churn and skin prickle with growing dread. He considered himself a patient man. He’d been trained for situations such as that. Peace, order and understanding were fundamental at all costs in a King’s rule. But that didn’t mean his heart wasn’t pumping harder, or that his hands didn’t shake.

“Everyone,” he said into the busy room. He tried to keep his voice levelled, but despite his anxiety, the words came out sharp and solid like a knife’s blade. It sliced through the chatter and quieted his court at a moment’s notice. Beside him, he felt Kenny stand straighter.

“If you have a problem with how I run this Kingdom, speak now, or leave at once. Make it swift and resolute, as we have many other more pressing subjects left to take care of before we adjourn for the evening.”

The room looked at him with tense, sheepish faces, some more pinched or bordering on aggravated than others, but Uri stood his ground. He never enjoyed conflict, and he certainly didn’t enjoy removing people from their assigned positions when they had blameless families to feed. But as he slowly came to understand, it was a necessary evil he ought to adopt. 

“Silence? Really?” He stood up, staring down every one of his advisors with piercing violet eyes. “If I’m not mistaken, not two minutes prior you were speaking ill of our new allies. I thought I made myself clear when we would not highlight our differences, but instead our strengths. What makes you think it’s appropriate to speak disparagingly about the Ackerman Clan in the presence of a member?”

Suddenly, one of his men stood up, so fast his chair fell over. His fist collided with the table with a loud smack and his voice cracked as he yelled.

“They’re animals, Your Grace! They’re filthy, greedy animals and you let them roam free!! You must open your eyes and cease this madness!”

Kenny took a step forward, hand defensively over his sword. Uri pulled his arm out to stop him. When his palm touched his chest, he balled a fist into his cloak.

“You will not speak that way about Kenny Ackerman!” He said firmly. “As I said, you’re invited to leave if you disapprove of how I do things around here. I’m sure many others would be happy to fill in this role in your permanent absence!”

The councilman threw his paperwork across the table, blending with his colleagues’ own work and making a right mess of things.

“You need to wake up! You aren’t honouring your dear brother’s crown! You dress like the princesses’ maids and hand out our well-earnt money to the parasites and criminals of this Kingdom! What kind of King does that?!”

“The way we see it,” another one of his advisors said gravely, as he stood up, “you’re simply not fit to run our kingdom.”

A third stood up in a flash with a roar, unsheathing his dagger and leaping over the table to attack Uri. He wasn’t the only one, as several others stood up with haste and raised their weapons as they charged for their King.

He felt as though time slowed down as his heart leapt into his mouth. Beating, beating, so hard it hurt his shrinking lungs. They all got up with deadly intent, dark fire in their eyes as they let their rage consume them whole.

And then he was shoved back into his chair with such strength it slid several feet backwards and knocked what little air he’d taken in right out of him.

Kenny moved so fast his eyes could barely keep up. He grabbed the attacker’s sword-wielding fist and used the momentum to shove him with a force that knocked the man into a bookshelf. The next assailant was punched in the gut while his hand got crushed under the strength of Kenny’s hard. The man wailed on the ground as he held his crooked fingers as Kenny simply moved onto the next, then the next, then the next. Fluid like water, movements blurring from the speed.

None got close to Uri, his technique too precise, his movements too efficient, his superhuman strength too overpowering.

Uri shook in his chair as he watched the events unfold, hands trembling in his lap as his wide eyes darted from one person to the next in fear of being reached and hurt.

He barely registered as his guards stormed into the room and began arresting his assailants as per Kenny’s barked out commands. He could only hear his own hard breathing, a hand coming up his modest gown’s lacing and pressing over his hammering heart. In the distance, Kenny turned toward him, his expressions initially pleased, satisfied with a job well done, but it quickly turned to panic. He ran over to Uri at a hurried pace, shoving the now battle-worn room’s furniture out of the way with unnecessary force.

As he came within arm’s reach, Uri’s world faded to black.

His centre of gravity shifted, but he never fell. In fact, he felt warm and weightless for a long time, cradled by strong arms and hushed words until his back hit something soft and fluffy. He subconsciously reached for the warmth that was threatening to leave and mumbled a plea under his breath. He heard people speaking, though they seemed too far away to perceive their words. But one had an edge to it that made him feel a spark blossom in the pit of his stomach. It was gravelly and irritated, matching a rough but warm hand that slipped over his shoulder.

Slowly, he stirred.

His eyes blinked away the darkness and was greeted by his knight’s concerned visage staring back at him. It was short lived, the hand on his shoulder quickly withdrawn and the look on Kenny’s face hardening. Suppressing his disappointment, he gazed at where Dr. Jaeger seemed to be, at his feet. He held his folded legs up the way he’d taught Uri’s handmaidens to do whenever he felt dizzy and fainted. It was an unfortunately all too frequent event, but he was always taken care of, and always grateful for their service.

“Are you back with us, Your Grace?” The doctor said with a patient smile. Above him, Kenny clicked his tongue.

“What the hell is your problem, passing out like that?” He grumbled. “What kind of King keels over when someone flashes their sword at them?”

“One whose health simply needed a little extra help,” Jaeger explained with a lighthearted chuckle. “Right, Your Grace?”

Uri simply looked up into Kenny’s grey-blue eyes, his body relaxing further into his furs. There was a crinkling at the edges of Kenny’s eyes that made him smile up at his knight.

So rough around the edges. So crass with his words.

His heart though… It was quite different.

“Thank you, Kenny.”

He watched his Adam’s apple bob in his throat, lips pressed thin as his brows furrowed. With a petulant scoff, he looked away.

“Come on, don’t be such a grouch,” Uri scolded. Slowly, he began sitting up, using his knight’s thigh as leverage, who only mumbled further complaints under his breath. 

Jaeger took a couple of notes, no doubt adding the day’s incident to his medical records, and when he was done, he inspected his heartbeat, his blood pressure, and took note of his findings just the same.

“I advise you to take the rest of the day off and relax as much as possible,” he said with more weight. “Keep someone you trust with you at all times as well, just to be sure. Make sure you eat plenty and don’t move much, lest you have another fainting spell before the day is through.”

“Is there anything I should do in particular?” He asked nervously. He wasn’t used to being stationary, especially since being crowned. “Just relax?”

“Yes, I believe so. If you feel like you’ll black out again, just put your head between your knees, or have someone lift your legs as I’ve taught you.” He packed his instruments and notebook in his bag and nodded at the both of them. “When you’re well rested, you should come over to my office to run some blood work so we can see if it’s just your blood pressure acting up as usual, or something more serious.”

“I promise to do as you say. Worry not.”

Jaeger gave him a bitter smile. 

“I’ll always worry, Your Grace. It’s my job after all.”

Uri felt a sting of guilt. Grisha Jaeger was a truly fantastic doctor, who had cared more genuinely for him than any other royal doctor had. Much like Kenny, Jaeger’s daughter was an Ackerman herself, a lineage that was much contested in Uri’s Kingdom.Though once allies to the Fritz and Reiss families, they were deemed monstrous for their physical abilities and persecuted by the nobles. Centuries later, Uri came to power, tore that decree and burnt it, bringing the Ackermans out of the shadows and back into public life. He was surprised to find the man had kept his adopted daughter a secret out of fear, having presented his son Eren as his only offspring.

For this reason Uri had come to realise the gratitude of a loving father whenever Jaeger worried over his own fickle health, with sorrowful eyes and tight smiles. The last thing he wanted to do was disappoint him, but his duty as a ruler would sometimes get in the way. Duty often called, and he always found that duty hard to ignore.

The doctor bid his goodbye, reenforcing his instructions one last time to be sure Uri understood their importance, and he emphasised he’d comply.

Once he closed the door behind him, Kenny stood up and paced the room with a resigned look on his face.

“Kenny?” Uri called. He had no response. “Kenny–”

“You almost died!” He yelled. His eyes were wide and livid. “All because you just had to White Knight my sorry ass!”

Uri sat a little straighter on his comforter.

He’d met Kenny shortly after the Ackerman decree was burnt. One thoroughly stabbed arm and an apology later, Kenny joined his cause as his trusted protector. Kenny didn’t pretend to enjoy it much, turning his nose at Uri’s whims and keeping mostly quiet except to make superficial complaints. But Uri found it amusing, even if the rejection stung.

Now, after saving him from danger, after Uri defended him, he seemed perplexed beyond his imagination.

“I am the King,” he said with conviction, despite his dizzy head. “I made the decision of my own volition and you are part of my people. It is my duty to defend your rights when you’ve been discriminated against and slaughtered by my ancestors.” His voice began to waver. “It’s the very least I can do with the power I wield. I know it’s still not enough, but can’t you see the effort I’m putting in day and night?!”

Kenny only seemed angrier by his words, and Uri felt his heart clench.

“That’s not the issue, Uri!” He yelled. “My problem is with your stupidity! You refuse to see the rot in the people you’ve surrounded yourself with and you paint a nice big bullseye on your back by going overboard your saviour complex–”

“Saviour complex?!” Uri interjected incredulously.

“–and then you put a filthy animal like me in charge of following you around like a dog, almost like bait, like you’re begging for someone you reach out and snap your neck for treason.”

Uri balled his fists into his comforter, slowly stood up and walked closer to Kenny. His steely eyes softened with worry just enough for Uri to catch, and he pressed his palm against his heart.

“Just because you were told you’re worthless by the likes of my family and accolades that does not mean it’s true. You can live a life of dignity and I certainly can and will do everything in my power to revert the damage I’ve done.”

“You didn’t do shit, Uri!” He grabbed him by the upper arms, fingers digging into the meat of his shoulders. “I’ve lived all my fucking life in the underground and I could very well keep doing it if I pleased.” He shook him gently, nails digging into his skin. It didn’t hurt, though. Kenny was precise in every inch of strength he gave away, and was never if not careful with him.

“But you don’t have to!”

“Do you doubt my skills? You are aware of what I did before you made me your pet, right, Your Highness?”

 “Of course I don’t doubt– You’re not my pet, Kenny!

He came impossibly closer, and he felt his balance falter. If Kenny pushed any further, he'd fall.

But he trusted him. How could he not?

“Oh, but I am.” His voice was dark, his lips stretched in a pained grimace. Uri could feel his cheeks blistering as dark red tracks bloomed on his skin. Kenny’s expression faltered. “Wha–”

Before he could continue, Uri’s eyelids fluttered as his knees grew weak. He stumbled, head floating and vision spotted black, but Kenny quickly wrapped his arms around him.

“Shit.”

Slowly, carefully, he walked Uri back onto his bed, laying his back out and bringing his legs – skirts and all – over the comforter. Blindly, Uri bent his knees, attempting to bring his legs to his chest to follow Jaeger’s instructions, but Kenny seemed to quickly catch onto his actions, sitting on the edge of the bed himself and hesitantly reaching for his legs, smooth skin peaking through his skirts as the fabric bunched around Uri’s thighs and waist.

“Can I…?”

“Yes, please,” he said softly. “‘m too weak to keep them up on my own.”

Kenny nodded and wrapped his arm around his knees, where they bent. He shifted himself up on the bed, sitting beside his torso and bringing his legs along with his arm. Uri felt his cheeks heat up, not from his blossoming marks, but from something else too intimate that stirred low in his belly. Kenny himself seemed to have been avoiding his eyes, looking between the pale legs in his leather-clad arms and the modest cream colour of his gown.

Then, he looked up, silver eyes peering through dark lashes.

“It happens every time those damn demon trails show up on your face.”

“Demon trails…? Oh! You mean my Ymir's Blessings?”

“Sure, if that's what you call 'em.”

“Is that how Ackermans refer to our marks?” Uri contemplated his words with a sadness building in his chest. “Of course you would... How naive of me.”

Kenny licked his lips slowly, gauging Uri pensively. When he spoke up, his voice was calm and quiet, contrasting greatly with his earlier outburst.

“When my mother told me about you people – the Eldians chosen by their Gods, – she always warned me about the marks.” He gestured to his own face, drawing invisible lines over the apples of his cheeks absentmindedly. “Said they’d show up when they get real mad, like if they’re going in for an attack. That’s how we know we gotta run. She saw it in person. Angry red lines like the ones you have. Like the meat under the skin is exposed.”

Kenny lowered his hand from his face, reaching over Uri and tracing a line down his King’s cheek. His touch was hesitant and light, but with the skin changed and exposed, it felt more sensitive. Uri willed himself not to jump from the sensation, but Kenny smirked, noticing the way his body tense.

“Is that how you see me, Kenny?” Uri breathed.

“Absolutely fucking not,” Kenny scoffed. Like the thought of Uri being a heartless hunter was beyond imagination. “You could never.”

“I'm glad you don't think poorly of me, despite my shortcomings.”

“Shortcomings?”

Uri felt sheepish and looked away from Kenny, smiling sadly.

“I'm far from an exemplary King, Kenny. You’ve seen it already. I let horrible men remain in my court in hopes they'd warm up to my ideals and work with me. It took me two years to be able to cease all persecution against your Clan, and even then, I don't know where to begin with reducing the social animosity and division now that you're no longer in hiding.” His eyes stung with unshed tears. “I'm weak, Kenny. You’re right in saying I'm too soft. I have to keep trying, but nobody listens, I'm–”

“Oi, oi, stop running your mouth like that for a minute and use your fucking head.” He clicked his tongue in aggravation. “This is why you piss me the fuck off so much. If it weren't for you I'd be dead in a fucking ditch like the filth I am! Don’t you see how much of an idiot you are for letting me even sit with you alone in your own bedchamber? I could slice your fucking throat and end your miserable bloodline right now if I wanted, but you trust me because you're just. That. Good.” His eyes grew wide and sinister. “This goodness makes you the best King this Kingdom could hope for, but it will kill you one day, if you don't sharpen up. You've tasted your second assassination attempt today because you were too good to take the trash out from your court. Who says it won't be the last?”

“Kenny... That won't happen because I have you.”

Kenny stilled, his wide eyes glimmering with something Uri couldn’t understand as his brows knit in confusion.

“Did you not hear what I just said?” He asked incredulously.

Uri lifted a hand and cupped his cheek affectionately, a small, private smile on his lips.

“I trust my Kingsguard's rogue.”

There was a lot left unsaid, words he wanted to speak into existence that died on his tongue in shame. But Kenny wasn’t an unintelligent man by any means – on the contrary.

He breathed out through his teeth, scowling as though Uri’s confession offended his palate, and he could swear the silver in his eyes had turned black.

Uri suddenly felt Kenny's arm tighten its grip around his legs, and in the blink of an eye, he was on him with a knife pressed to his throat. The arm around Uri’s legs came up and bent his back enough that his skirts fell further and exposed his skin, all because Kenny reached threateningly closer to Uri. He was a palm's distance from his face, hovering over him and grinning wickedly. Uri felt like there was a sort of desperation in it, something forced and deranged in the way his brows twitched, and his smile almost morphed into a grimace if Uri squinted.

“You trust me, you say,” he said darkly, slowly, and promising to draw blood. “How can you be so stupid in the face of a murderer? Do you have any idea what I could do to you before anyone even found out?”

Uri felt his cheeks blister. He could feel his fading marks blooming stronger and redder on his face as he felt the steel against his skin. But he remained still, impassive. He was lashing out, Uri was certain. He had to talk him down with carefully chosen words.

“I imagine you could do plenty,” he said, playing along.

“I could. I could slice you in the right place and have you bleed out before I finish re-fastening my cloak. But if I wanted to draw it out I could also toss your gown up and use your little body like the maiden you dress as.” His fingers dug into his thigh, making him take a sharp intake of air. “Your stinkin’ trust could have you done right here and now.”

His skin prickled, gooseflesh rippling over his exposed skin. It wasn’t just from the adrenaline, but the intimate touch Kenny had on his body. And he didn’t complain, he couldn’t; not from the looming fear, but because he animalistically craved more. Perhaps Kenny was right and he was a fool. A suicidal fool who lost all sense when confronted with mortal danger, like a moth drawn to a light.

Uri settled his breath before speaking. When he did, his voice was unwavering.

“But you won't.” Kenny's nostrils flared. Uri pressed his lips together, brows furrowed in concentration. He insisted, “you won't.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I just know.”

“What proof do you have?”

Uri looked at him quizzically. The hand on his thigh had softened its grip, his grimace had relaxed into a frown that was almost akin to a pout. He couldn’t help the bubbling laugh that escaped his throat. 

What a stubborn man he was.

“What's so fucking funny?” He lazily grazed his knife up his neck, sending a shiver down Uri's spine.

“Kenny, do you take me for a blind man? A deaf one, even?” He asked softly around a smile. “You save me from imminent danger and carry me to my room. You argue with me over the goodness you see in my heart as you hold my legs, when I'm too weak to do so myself. How do you expect me to believe this nonsense you speak of?”

Kenny exhaled sharply through his teeth. Uri's hand trailed up Kenny's chest, neck and jaw. He nimbly tucked a lock of stark black hair behind his ear, smiling up at him, unworried. Because he was just that – unworried.

Kenny suddenly tossed his knife to the side without looking, slicing through a tapestry that hung on the wall, dead centre. Uri followed his extended arm and admired his shot with wide, awe-filled eyes.

“You're gonna be the death of me.”

Uri barely registered as Kenny’s firm hand held his chin and guided him to face his knight once more, meeting him in a searing kiss. His violet eyes widened in surprise, hands hovering blindly before the warmth of it washed over him, making him moan and latch onto Kenny’s wide shoulders. He was demanding and voracious, licking into his mouth, squeezing his thigh and trailing his hand up and down his neck and shoulders possessively. There was an air of danger in it that made him whine into their kisses with abandon, enjoying every sensation Kenny had to offer and only craving more.

“You sound so good like that,” Kenny said, voice heavy with arousal.

Uri only sighed, feeling a calloused hand trailing curiously up his naked thigh. His other one remained on his face, a thumb brushing over his sensitive cheeks and making him shiver.

“The marks aren’t fading,” he said, licking his lips. “Does that mean what I think it means?”

Uri squirmed as Kenny’s hand grabbed his upper thigh harder, so close to where it met his behind it was maddening.

“Ymir’s Blessings present when certain bloodlines of Eldians experience strong emotions, like anger or heartbreak, or when their bodies experience something intense.” He swallowed a lump in his throat. “Like a knife in the arm… Or arousal.”

Kenny grinned with mischievous eyes.

“Your Highness,” he said sarcastically. “If you’d told me you liked my knife against your throat so much, I wouldn’t have tossed it.”

“I– I didn’t–”

“Maybe next time?” He teased, reaching down to nibble on Uri’s neck, teeth raking his skin and tongue prodding it for a taste.

“K-Kenny, I was just surprised, is all,” he sighed, his body clinging to his knight as though he were a lifeline, as though he needed his body’s touch to breathe.

Kenny hummed as he tasted his skin further down to his collarbone, using the hand once on his waist to undo the lacing at the front.

“You make a mess of my head, you know that?” His hands were hurried and rough, possessive and greedy. Uri felt his heart leaping from the anticipation as he felt his fingers run down his sternum as his gown undid itself. He hoped to be touched further, grabbed by Kenny’s large hands and completely taken apart, and the sooner the better.

“How so?” He breathed, voice wearing thin.

“Fuck.” He sat back up and toed his boots off before crawling back onto the bed with haste and parting Uri’s legs. “You’re a living saint and walk around prettier than any woman I’ve ever met. You know how hard it is to keep myself from tarnishing that innocent look on your face you wear all the time?”

His hands ran up his calves and knees as he watched the way his skirts fell and pooled around his upper thighs and stomach, revealing the full extent of his legs. He gave Uri a look, a request for permission, and he nodded.

“I find it hard to believe there aren’t any women more fetching than I am,” he managed to speak despite the nervous lump in his throat. Kenny’s touch made its way further and further up his thighs, nails dragging along teasingly, a little mean, and making him shiver. “Perhaps the problem is that you just happen to not like women at all.”

Kenny chuckled, grabbing his flesh tight between his fingers, digging his nails into it more than he had to. The sting made Uri gasp.

“Yeah, guess that checks out.”

He shifted the rest of his skirts up, giving him access as he sat closer between his legs. Uri flushed as he felt fresh leather coming into contact with his warm, naked legs.

“You’re also wearing a shift,” he mumbled. “Just like a maiden.”

Uri nodded, licking his lips.

“It’s comfortable,” he said, feeling very small under Kenny’s large body and focused gaze.

“I imagine,” he scoffed. “And it means easier access for me, so I ain’t complaining.”

Slowly, curiously, his hands dipped under his small clothes, and with every inch, his intimacy was further exposed. He closed his eyes self-consciously as he felt his fingers trail beside his pelvis and over his hips, the cool evening air touching the heated skin of his arousal.

“Look at me,” he said sternly. Uri’s eyes shot open as Kenny leaned down. “Can I touch you, Your Highness?”

Yes, he wanted to say. God, please, yes.

“You know it’s Your Grace,” he said instead.

Kenny’s lips quirked up in a playful grin. If Uri were anyone else, he’d believe it was a menacing omen. But he knew Kenny well. The mirth dancing around his eyes as he looked down at him was clear as day to him.

“My Lord and Lady, you’re awfully cheeky for someone with his legs spread and his pretty cock out.” The way Uri’s cheeks blistered was nearly painful as he blushed deeper. “What, cat got your tongue?”

Kenny was right above him, a hair’s width away from kissing his lips, words spoken conspiratorially. Between them, they barely touched. It wasn’t a mercy; Kenny was kind to him, but he knew very well how much Uri craved his touch. It was his way of punishing his insolence, he was sure. And Uri would have found the role reversal amusing if he wasn’t leaking and trembling from need.

“Please,” he said, leaning up to touch him. His arms wrapped around his torso and lips chased Kenny’s own, and Kenny relented, kissing him back and allowing his body to weigh down on Uri’s. 

Uri moaned against Kenny’s lips as he felt the stiff front of his trousers rut onto his naked arousal. He bucked his hips into him, their bodies moving in waves as Kenny licked into his mouth. He was lascivious in how he kissed him, be it the way his tongue swirled in his mouth or the way his hands and hips conducted his body and ignited the fire in his blood. Those hands cradled his jaw, ran in circles over his undressed chest and pinched his nipples. They traced over his sensitive thighs and grabbed his behind with lust. He spun in circles as spit dribbled down his chin between their lips and tongues, his voice echoing without restraints throughout his royal bedroom.

“You’re a dream,” Kenny said, low and gravelly as his half-lidded eyes took him in hungrily. He rutted down on Uri’s painfully hard cock and watched with sadistic pleasure as he winced and shuddered in his arms. “The King of Paradis lost in the throws of passion.” He licked a stripe up his neck and sucked on his pulse. “The King who denies marriage proposals every day, but lets an assassin like me take him like my own.”

“You’re my knight, Kenny.” Uri’s voice was rough from use and weak, his breathing harsh from strain.

“Eh,” he shrugged. He was grinning as he put some distance between the two. Self-satisfied and pink across his cheeks and nose. “Same difference, really.”

Without breaking eye contact he unclasped his belt

“Tell me, my King,” he said as he stroked himself. “Have you ever done this?”

Uri shook his head, his violet eyes jumping from the heavy cock in Kenny’s hand and the heavy look in his eyes.

Kenny hummed, looking Uri up and down as well and biting his lip.

“You have oil anywhere in here?”

Uri reached for his nightstand wordlessly and fished out a glass vial from one of the drawers. Kenny’s eyebrows shot up.

“I… I’ve only ever experienced it alone,” he said in lieu of an explanation.

Kenny swiped it from Uri’s hands in a flash and made his way down his body like a starving man.

“You’re gonna have to show me how you do it when I’m not here, one of these days…” He kissed over Uri’s hips, between his inner thighs, where it connected to his pelvis, and he could swear he could feel his breath over his arousal.

“It’s nothing special, I’m afraid,” he said, hand coming up to his mouth as his impatience threatened to spill more sounds of desperation from his lips. “It’s nothing like how you make me feel.”

Kenny clicked his tongue.

“When you say things like that, it makes it real hard to control myself, you know that?”

And before Uri could reply, Kenny’s hot mouth swallowed him whole.

He gasped, hands latching onto the bed sheets as his hips unconsciously bucked further into his throat. A long, drawn-out moan escaped his lips as Kenny bobbed his head up and down his shaft, while long fingers slipped between his cheeks below. Uri let himself be carried away by Kenny’s ministrations, feeling those fingers become slick with saliva as they rubbed against his entrance. When he thrust them in, he felt no pain and he welcomed the strange intrusion. Wiggling his hips around the digits, Uri sighed and asked for more. Kenny obliged and the stretch was, once again, very welcome. His own fingers weren’t very big, his entire figure dainty and delicate from head to toe, so the way Kenny stretched his hole beyond his usual limits, and at a better angle too, was a wonderful new experience. He felt fuller and the way the pads of his fingers rubbed at his inner walls was electrifying. He shivered, cried out with every suck at his tip and every thrust within his body, the pressure in his lower belly building as sparks lit up across his gooseflesh riddled skin.

“Please,” he sobbed. “Kenny, I’m gonna–”

“No you ain’t,” he ordered, his fingers digging into his flesh in a way that made his jaw drop. His body stilled instantly despite the pleasure, eager to obey the dark edge in his knight’s voice above all else. “You’re cumming with my dick in you. No sooner. No later.”

Uri shivered, but nodded, breathing steadily through his nose as he tried to keep his body reigned under control. That was, until Kenny decided to praise him.

“Good boy,” he said, licking the tip of his cock, voice rough from effort.

Uri moaned, a pleasant spike of pleasure running down his spine as he rutted down into his mouth and fingers.

“S-Sorry,” he apologised breathlessly.

Kenny removed himself from him, laughing breathlessly and shaking his head.

“You like it when I threaten you, you like it when I praise you…” He shoved both his trousers and breeches lower, down to his mid-thigh. Uri’s mouth watered as he watched his cock bob between his legs and Kenny did the same with a lazy smile. He opened the vial of oil and spilled its contents over his erection, lathering it over himself and giving him a slow once-over. “Sounds to me like I scored an easy audience.”

“I am not easy!” Uri argued, latching onto his skirts in embarrassment, knees bending to give his knight better access to his hips.

Kenny grinned as he lined himself up, eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine joy.

“Now ain’t that the truth, Your Grace.”

He thrust in, the tip of his cock catching his rim and sinked into him easily. It was a bit of a stretch, thicker than Kenny’s fingers and Uri’s own, but his body accommodated Kenny as though he belonged inside of him. He moaned something needy as he filled him up, inch by inch until his hips connected with his bottom. Once he did so, he reached for Uri’s legs and brought them over his shoulders, leaning further down and bending him in half in the process.

“Kenny,” Uri sighed, the position making Kenny’s cock press further into his sensitive inner walls.

“That okay?”

“Of course.”

He slowly thrust out, then back in, feeling for discomfort as Uri gazed up at Kenny’s furrowed concentration. His silver eyes locked with his own as he began to pick up the pace and the sound of skin slapping into skin filled Uri’s ears. Kenny’s cock rubbed against his sensitive nerves and it was overpowering, making him moan and tremble and latch onto his wide shoulders for support. And Kenny didn’t relent, leaning down to capture his lips with his own. He wasn’t gentle there, biting and sucking and drawing pitiful, unbecoming sounds from his King.

“You can go harder,” he pleaded between kisses. He was close again, all too fast, but desperate enough not to feel embarrassed at his depleted stamina.

“You’re not supposed to exert yourself.” His voice rumbled in his chest as he leaned down to suck open mouthed kisses along the column of his neck. “The doctor said so himself.”

“It’s a bit late for that, don’t you think?” Uri huffed in disbelief, groaning as the knight sunk his teeth into his feverish skin.

“You don’t know what you’re asking for.” He licked the sore flesh, making Uri shiver.

Kenny had a bad habit of assuming the worst of himself. He picked the most interesting parts of himself and turned them into flaws, big red warning signs to ward people like Uri off so he could remain in the shadows, on his own. It was difficult for him to show Kenny how wrong he was about himself, how every one of those weaknesses were strengths he should be proud of.

He reached for his face, cradling it and running his thumbs over the apples of his cheeks.

“Haven’t I told you already?” He said with as much weight and sincerity as he could. “I trust you.”

Kenny stopped moving as he looked for something in Uri’s eyes. Perhaps it was confirmation that his words were true. Or maybe his concerns lingered, despite his faith and eagerness.

“Alright,” he finally said. “But don’t come complanin’ when your ass hurts tomorrow.” 

Uri wanted to protest, but found himself unable to.

Kenny grabbed onto his waist and pistoned his hips into him as he pulled Uri in. He was fast and precise with his angle, and his thrusts smacked into his behind with an intensity unmatched. It was overwhelming. His eyes fluttered half-closed as he struggled to focus on anything but the red hot pleasure building increasingly fast with every one of Kenny’s forceful movements. Uri mewled pleas he could barely remember thinking of, voice too weak to form full words.

“How’s that for you, Your Grace?” Kenny said cockily. “Feel good?”

“Yes,” Uri moaned without a second thought, hips stuttering against the harsh punishment he put him through as pleasure built and built and threatened to spill. Every second, Kenny’s body was pushing into his, rubbing against his walls, pressing into sensitive nerves, pounding so deep he could feel it rut against his insides. Kenny wasn’t a stupid man, he knew there was a limit to his strength before he did any real damage, but he must have had extensive experience if he knew the precise point as to approach the brink of danger without ever crossing it. And Uri, truthfully, was more than glad for it, if it meant he could always feel that ecstasy when Kenny was with him.

His spine bent like a bowstring as he came, pleasure racking his body and making him shiver violently with every subsequent thrust.

“Don’t stop,” he moaned as he felt Kenny’s hips faltering. “Don’t stop, don’t stop–”

“So fucking tight,” he growled, pounding into him as he chased his own climax. His nails dug into his hips, his ass getting further bruised with every hard smack of his hips and thighs. Uri whined and sobbed as Kenny’s cock rubbed his skin raw, making his body jolt and twitch from oversensitivity.

And as soon as his hips began to lose their steady rhythm, Kenny reached between the two of them to wrap a hand around Uri’s leaking cock.

He widened his eyes in surprise as he gasped. The brand new sensation was overpowering in its own right, untouched and spent at once and finally having its aroused, scorching skin satiated. He spilled again, barely registering his own orgasm as it struck him a second time as he squeezed harder around Kenny’s cock. His thrusts then stilled, growling as he filled him up with his seed.

It was filthy, but Uri felt anything but. How could he feel as though Kenny had dirtied him, when he’d never felt more loved? He held onto his shoulders and brought him down, feeling the warmth of his body engulfing his own as they kissed again. Slowly, he slipped out of Uri, allowing him to lay fully on top of him and wrapping his arms around his middle into a tight hug. Lips locked with lips and tongues tasted each other eagerly, fingertips playing with soft hair and legs tangling together. Once satisfied, they laid next to each other, still clingy, still lost in each other. Silently conversing the only way emotion could.

“I was a coward,” Uri eventually broke the silence. They played with each other's hands, fingers trailing over skin playfully and interlacing together.

Kenny stared at him, pensive. 

“I had people in my council unworthy of their positions, people who wished harm on my subjects. I shouldn’t have waited this long to act on my beliefs. I kept making excuse after excuse, and all that led was a slow progress in my will of action and another attempt on my life.”

“Is this your way of sayin’ I was right?” 

Uri chuckled.

“In a way, but you’re still too extreme.”

“Where I’m from any bit of good faith will get you killed.”

Uri grinned.

“Good thing you’re no longer in the underground.”

Kenny smiled wryly, but good naturedly.

“You’re right. Now at least I’m paid to suspect others.”

Uri swatted his peck with the back of his hand, rolling his eyes.

“You understand where I’m getting at.”

Kenny grabbed his wrist and pulled him closer, hand holding the small of his back and bringing their bodies flushed together. His smile grew cocky, with a tired edge to it that was nothing if not charming and heartwarming.

“Aye, I do. And I have something to say as well.”

He looked up at him quizzically.

“You aren’t the only coward here. I shouldn’t have tried to hurt you just because I couldn’t sort myself out.”

Uri pressed his lips together in concern.

“It must have been hard, carrying all that on your own.” Kenny’s eyebrows furrowed, eyes widening minutely. “I know things were bad in the underground, but that doesn’t mean it’ll happen to either of us now. You don’t have to make a show of it, to prove a point. ”

Kenny shook his head to hide the blush creeping up his neck.

“You almost got yourself killed, of course I’m gonna freak the fuck out. It wasn’t right, but you fucked up, too.”

Uri just smiled.

“Yes, I still have a lot to learn,” he said simply. “Isn’t that what makes us human?”

Kenny’s disgruntled expression relaxed into something more serene. The blue in his grey eyes shone against the light of his lanterns as he leaned in to kiss his lips. It was chaste and gentle, both things that Kenny wasn’t. The dichotomy pleased Uri’s romanticism.

“Aye, Your Grace,” he said when they parted, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “I’ll do my worst for the all-too benevolent King of Paradis.”

Uri scoffed, puffing his cheeks and pretending they weren’t growing pink by the second.

“Why do you keep addressing me that way?” He looked up through his lashes, catching the mirth in Kenny’s eyes. “You’re just making fun of me.”

“I am,” he chuckled.

Uri looked away, trying and failing not to smile.

“So you’ll keep disregarding my rank everywhere except in bed, is that it?”

He kissed his cheek, running his calloused fingertips over his hairless jawline and into his silver locks.

“Absolutely, my liege.”

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