#and radiance is made of Feathers

[foileadeux]

more hk gijinka babyyy! white lady jumpscare bc ive been sleeping on her. adapting her tree...things was interesting, and i wanted to give her face a doe kinda appearance. hope that came across. she looks detached since she's so enigmatic ingame. tell me more about her team cherry!!! + some extra pk

[starsdeath]

"i still don't totally understand why you'd settle down in a vast large forest. is it the quiet? the lush fresh breeze? perhaps the chirping of birds in the very morning? don't understand me wrongly, it's my lovely home." ranulf jumped down from the tree, stepping in front of the new face. "or do you want to fetch yourself an attractive beast man to keep you safe?" his ears twitched. people don't come here to enjoy their stay or did things start to change in the world?

Looking up from their book, Bua tilted their head a little as they took in the Cat laguz, and in doing so, got the distinct feeling that he was doing much the same to them. Still, a smile hooked the corner of their lips up into a half smile as they listened to his questions, with his last causing them to let out a quiet, breathy chuckle. As the closed their book gently, they pushed themself off the ground with a little help from the sturdy tree they'd nestled again. "Well, I'm sure those are all reasons one might come here, but as for me, you were right on your first three guesses."

Teal-gold eyes flicked over him, before flickering to look around him as well. No suspicion in their gaze, though a slight confusion remained, "It's not often one hears of a laguz alone, and not so close to the border of a beorc country either. Is it the gentle breeze? The tall, sturdy trees that offer much shade and many perches?" A laugh bubbled through their words, though didn't quite leave them as they winked, unable to refrain from teasing him just a little.

"But, I like it out here. The earth is strong and the breeze is always gentle and fresh, especially after a rain. Besides, it is nice to have plenty of shade while reading, and Crimean trees don't always offer enough of that. And...there are fewer who complain about sudden crashes of lightning when you do so away from towns." With a curtsy, their smile became a little more cautious, a little more apologetic. "I do hope you don't mind the intrusion though? I can leave, if you would wish that. Though I do hope you'd at least tell me your name before sending me off."

Their eyes twinkled as they offered one hand to him. "Mine is Bua."

[yaekiss]

𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒔?! - 𝒑𝒕. 𝟐

꩜ Room Content: Dom! GN! Reader! x Sub! Xiao, Sub! Zhongli, Sub! Diluc (separate), all 3 of them are inexperienced virgins, mild monsterfucking(?) in Xiao's part, handcuffs in Zhongli's part, lmk if I missed out anything! ꩜ A/N: Part 2 !!! Sorry for the wait, made this one slightly longer to make up for it orz, enjoy the tired meowmeow trio! Tried to make it as in character as possible but could be ooc 💀, feedback if anyone's too ooc LMAO ꩜ Adjoining Rooms: Part 1 (Wanderer, Aether, Kaveh)

It’s your first time fucking your babygirl, what trait of his catches your eye?

🏷️𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝟎𝟒𝟏𝟕: 𝑿𝒊𝒂𝒐

I’d like to think with how much he does seek out approval from those he looks up to, plus how he usually never lets himself be loved, the second your hands wrap around his cock and you mutter a soft “you’re so good for me, Xiao,” the walls he set around his heart slowly start crumbling down

Perhaps more adeptal features start showing itself to you for the first time in your whole relationship with him

Carding your hands through his hair, you feel the soft feathers starting to sprout from the nape of his neck down to his shoulder blades

As you work him to his peak, the tattoo on his right arm starts to glow faintly

Maybe if you make him cum enough, he’ll show you all of his adeptal form 👀

“That’s it Xiao, don’t hold back,” you purr into his ear as his face gets impossibly redder. Your hands wring out the most delectable noises from him but it’s not enough. You want more. (And judging by his reactions, so does he)

“Hah, ahn! So so so close…!” His body is tense, teetering on the edge of euphoria, piercing golden eyes gazing into yours. Even in the throes of pleasure, he’s still waiting for you to give him permission to cum.

“So perfect, go on, cum for me.” A particularly harsh jerk has his eyes rolling into the back of his head, breath hitching as he chokes on air. Your eyes catch the pale green tattoo shimmer when the pressure building in him snaps, his orgasm splattering across his toned tummy and coating your hand.

When you look back up at Xiao, he has deep teal feathers dotted around his shoulders, and wait- Are those talons?! Noticing your gaze, he attempts to squirm out of your embrace, angling his body away to hide his features that made a sudden appearance. But you know your skittish sweetheart too well. Your hands immediately clamp down on his waist and he bites back a whimper, stopping his escape.

“Don’t look at m- mmph?!” His cock is engulfed by your mouth, any previous thoughts of shying away instantly dispelled. 

“I wonder how much more you’re holding back from me darling?” With that look in your eyes, Xiao knows he’s in for a long night ♡

🏷️𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝟏𝟐𝟑𝟏: 𝒁𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊

He’s not exactly… uneducated on coitus or sexual intercourse per se

(Don’t ask him how many lewd prayers he’s had to listen to over the years)

But no matter the amount of knowledge he has amassed, nothing beats hands-on experience and expertise (that he, very glaringly, lacks)

The furthest he’s gone is clumsily fumbling around with his body and figuring out some of his erogenous spots and ahem deepest fantasies after hearing an especially steamy prayer one night

Which is why you have a naked and blushing 6000-years-old ex-deity lying in your bed right now

Thankfully he can always count on you to ravish him!

The flickering candlelight casts a warm orange sort of radiance on his skin, further accentuating the glimmering veins of molten gold climbing up his arms. Trailing your gaze upwards, you are greeted with the sight of geo-constructed cuffs circling his wrists, shackling him to your bed. His face is practically scarlet with how embarrassed he is right now but with how much effort he has put in, he’s determined to see tonight through. 

(The sight before you reminds you suspiciously of a scene in that raunchy erotica book you lent him a couple weeks ago. It’s kind of cute when you think of how long he has had this desire ruminating in his mind.)

“T-touch me please, dear,” his voice is gravelly, laced with a desperate need for your hands to roam all over him, cock twitching at the thought.

“Where do you want me to touch you? What makes you burn and shudder from how good it feels?” Such licentious words! Zhongli can’t help but shake with anticipation at your next sentence.

“Don’t worry dear, I’ll give you everything a god could ever want.”

🏷️𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝟎𝟒𝟑𝟎: 𝑫𝒊𝒍𝒖𝒄 𝑹.

Our favourite repressed redhead!

Despite the more-than-enough prospective fiancées he’s introduced to during banquets and festivals, he’s never really progressed far enough in a relationship for him to tumble into bed with another

That is, until you entered into his life and stole his heart (and soon, his virginity!)

Very obedient and mostly just goes along with whatever you say so he greatly appreciates it when you regularly check in to make sure he’s comfortable

Do: Praise him. He’ll cum the second you praise him!

Don’t: Expect him to tell you what he wants. He has no idea either 💀

“Like this? Ah… it feels a little- hng! -weird!” His index finger slowly disappears into him the way you’ve instructed and he’s gradually getting used to the sensation of his ass being penetrated. Brows furrowed, he looks up at you for your input (oh you’ll be putting something in him alright)

“That’s right, doing very well! You’re a fast learner, as expected of my Diluc.” Hearing your praise, it spurs him on to push deeper, loosening him up even more. You can see every little action he does, seated across from him but never touching him. The amount of concentration he puts into fingering himself for the first time is honestly endearing, sweat already forming on his forehead, thigh muscles tensing and relaxing at the new experience.

When he jolts, toes curling and head thrown back in a flurry of red, you know he’s discovered where his prostate is. Diluc looks breathless yet so breathtaking, his face the same colour as his hair, chest heaving as he tries to recover from the lick of ecstasy he just tasted.

He looks so cute and clueless but you’ll help him out, won’t you?

Thanks for reading! Consider supporting me on kofi if you enjoyed this or check out my other works hehe ♡

[mediumgayitalian]

In his head he is brave enough to say it: gods, you are beautiful in the moonlight. He is. He has made Nico weak in the knees since they were fifteen and new and fragile as spun glass, and he does now. In the moonlight his radiance is much subtler; he is opal and pearl and quartz, he is shining and multifaceted.

Instead he traces the bob of Will’s throat, his long, freckly neck, cratered with burn scars and cupped with a raised white scar from years of endless picking; follows the wild winding wisps of his hair, barely held back by his old sunglasses, compressed in coils around his head like a pen spring squished to the size of its threads, creaking with the weight of its own potential energy, brimming with the imagined burst of its future; memorizes the fluttering flap of his feathering eyelashes, the delicate dips of his deepened Cupid’s bow, the roughened raze of his wide rowdy hands. All of him is in motion, always, but now especially, hands twitching on the wheel, head thrown back, mouth wide and shaking along with his shoulders.

“I really like your laugh,” and it’s quick, vowels tumbling over each other and tripping the consonants, a queue of clumsy hopefuls scrambling over shoulders and clasping hands. The pretty laughter fades and arched eyebrows replace it, poorly hidden surprise, twitching smile lines, and Nico looks deliberately forward, mortification cackling along each of his wire-tense muscles, dancing along the shimmering heat of his face. “It’s. Wide.”

“Wide?” asks Will carefully, craning his neck to glance in his blind spot, whispering chuckles dancing along to the beat of the blinker.

“Wide,” Nico confirms, flicking out his hands. His fingers are not nearly as long, nor as wiry or corded, but the scarring is mirrored. Nicks and scratches and burn marks and calluses, topographic maps of time spent.

Will’s turn is successful — the strawberry baskets dip dangerously from their precarious perch on backseats, but don’t fall, shifting over and around each other to burst tiny globules of stretched taut flesh, rubbing against rough reed ribbons. Nico inhales deeply, and the sweet is almost nauseating, summer fruit twisting in the air along with lavender body wash and Blistex and Texas summer sun.

“You take up space.”

“My laugh?”

Laughter in his words in his hands in his skin, in his eyes, in the coils of his hair, in his grass-stained heels, in the bends of his scar-bleached knees. In the dancing dots of his face arms chest legs. In the dip of his bottom lip, crater under his too-big front teeth. In the jut of his crooked spine and wide hips.

“What about my laugh?”

It is in his words more often than not and in Nico’s dreams even more so. It curls around the blurry edges of his dreams and weaves into daisy-strong chains, dangling from the too-high ceilings of his nightmares, coiling around his arms and chest and back and yanking with the force of breaking ribs, the force of bellows, the force of clasped bloodless hands. Dragging him across trench gouged ground to bright light and clear air and the distant memory of summer rain.

“That you like, I mean.”

“It’s snorting,” Nico confesses. Will reddens, and Nico smiles, under the heat of it grows sunflower and dandelion and tinted brown-eyes Susans. “Um. Loud.”

“Geez,” Will grumbles, “tell a guy the truth, why don’t you.”

Nico has never seen gold under silver nightlight and it fascinates him, how Will sparks and shimmers, how when the sun sets it does not fade away. How the tiny specks of precious metal weave through him like tinsel and glow in veins of sweet summer memory; how the warm night billows and blows around him lovingly, how the breeze from the open window greets him like a precious grandchild, a beloved nephew. Seedchild; beloved of the earth and sun, performer under the moon, the stars.

Will’s wide hands inch across the dash, brushing over the ancient radio dials and dipping over the skipping cassette, pausing by the base of the gearshift and resting, limply, palm open, fingers cracked and spread. Knuckles popping and chittering amongst themselves, hiding in the bent hoods of wrinkled skin. Nico lowers his heavy hands on the heated hopeful hesitance, curling his cool fingers around much longer ones, and squeezing, once, twice, thrice.

“I like your laugh,” he repeats. He rolls his shoulders, hands flexing, twitching, pulling.

Will’s hand tightens. The road opens up and the Atlantic glimmers beside them, moon whispering to its rippling waves, and he smiles, grins, wider than before, and he is laughing, again, and it is wider even this time, as wide as the sparkling silver water.

“I hear you.”

He squeezes.

You are beautiful in the moonlight. You are beautiful all the time.

Nico squeezes back.

[irisintheafterglow]

hear me out....Hawks hcs with a significant other who has a Chemist/Potion quirk. Like im talking a buncha potion bottles and glasses of little remedies they've made and have yet to test 🙏. Kei would occasionally find her notebook on the counter or table, the notebook being filled with ideas of new mixes or something specifically for healing for Keigo when he comes home injured

Also love your work! Some of the best things I've read have come from your page

good chemistry (pun intended)

cw/tags: fem!reader, established relationship, pet names (my girl, love, baby)

note: YASS YOU ARE COOKING and so is reader!! please excuse any chemistry misrepresentations i got a 2 on the ap chem exam LMAOO. thank you for the love, i hope you enjoy this!!!! been a hot minute since i wrote for keigo and i missed him :))

likes, reblogs, and replies are always appreciated <3

"you've got a visitor."

you startle when your coworker's head peeks into your lab, carefully setting down the beakers of volatilely combustible liquids on the black counter of the bench. she tilts her head to the side, urgently commanding you to check out whatever was making her so concerned. slipping off your gloves and sliding your goggles up on your forehead, you thank her as she opens the door and your jaw hits the floor. talking to an obviously starstruck receptionist was your boyfriend, still in his flight jacket and sunglasses and causing the biggest scene you've witnessed in the office since all might accidentally set off the sprinkler system. golden eyes flick over to you in the doorway and his mouth breaks out into a dazzling smile, one that has your coworker clutching the back of a chair for support.

"there's my girl," he murmurs, embracing you with strong, open arms and a chaste peck on your forehead, right under your goggles. you can feel the jealous eyes of the entire staff, but all keigo only pays attention to you. "you look beautiful today, birdie."

"you're saying that because i have goggle marks on my face, kei," you remark, unfazed, and he shrugs in defeat. red feathers sprinkle onto the floor and you make a note to remind him to recall them before he leaves.

"eh, worth a shot. you're unfortunately immune to my charm, now. just means i have to come up with some new lines." you scoff despite your racing heartbeat. with his stupid superhuman senses, he definitely knew exactly what he was doing to you.

"shouldn't you be on patrol?"

"i am, but i wanted to see you and bask in your radiance," he grins boyishly, running his tongue over a sharp tooth. despite every cell in your body wanting to drag him into the nearest supply closet and kiss him until you're breathless, you're still skeptical about the unexpected visit. his voice drops to a low, private octave that sends goosebumps up your arms. "also, i think you left a certain notebook on the kitchen table." your eyebrows blast off into the ceiling, panic overtaking you as you whirl your head toward your lab where you thought your formula book was.

"oh my god, did someone take-"

"no, baby. you're okay," he reassures you and the notebook magically appears from the depths of his jacket pockets. "i'm glad i picked it up before i left this morning," he chuckles. for good measure, you flip through the worn pages to verify that every experiment was, in fact, still there. exhaling a deep sigh of relief, you meet his gentle gaze with a thankful smile. the pages were worth more to you than any sum of money, since it held all the formulas for the antidotes and counteragents you made for keigo when he was injured.

you'd created it after he asked, between colorful strings of expletives, why getting patched up hurt more than the actual injury. being the loving partner you are, you decided to do something about it. your quirk allowed you to visualize all possible outcomes for a chemical reaction depending on the quantities of reactants and lab conditions. it ensured that every experiment you instigated would be successful, as long as you followed the conditions in your head down to the air temperature of the lab. your recordings in the notebook started as a simple antiseptic that didn't have the sting of store-bought bottles, one that could douse a wound without so much as a flinch from the injured patient. now, you were part of an independent company that created first aid products for heroes to use and distribute during rescues. and, it was all thanks to the oversized chicken-man that slept in your bed.

"whatcha workin' on right now?"

"some stronger eyedrops for eraserhead," you reply, taking his gloved hand and guiding him into your lab. he delicately picks up a few beakers, inspecting their color through the bottom of the glass like a kid in a soda shop.

"like the stuff you put in my eyes when-"

"when you got hit by that smoke quirk, mhmm," you hum, milling about in front of the shelf of chemicals. "if i figure this out, it'll also help when your eyes get dry from flying."

"you mean, when you figure this out," he reminds you, turning you to face him and pulling you close by your hips. he leans into your hand when you card your fingers through his wind-mussed hair, melting against your touch. "there's nothing in this world that you can't do."

"you're a really sappy guy, you know that?"

"i know it, as much as i know that you're never getting rid of me."

"you promise?"

"as long as the birds still fly, baby."

if you enjoy my writing and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee on my ko-fi! you can also check out my full masterlist here :)

[onyourowndaisymae]

an unofficial pact mark

content + warnings: fluff, implied romantic simeon x reader but can be read as platonic, minor mentions of jealousy, mc has visible pact marks, mc is tattooed, simeon and mc decide that simeon needs a pact mark too

word count: ~ 800

an angel's wings were always a sight to behold.

there's a fluffiness to an angel's wings that a demon could never quite have. not even lucifer, birdlike as the remnants of his fallen angelhood were, could compare to the sheer weightless charm of the fluttering appendages.

simeon's boyish giggle rang through the open field. a breeze blew through the celestial realm, rustling grass and clothes alike. his cloak was draped over your shoulders, ornamental jewelry clanking like windchimes as your chest shuddered with laughs. the two of you shifted again to put his back to the breeze.

"oh dear, this wind certainly isn't helping."

"don't worry! we'll get the photo!"

you lift the camera up to your eye again. like a sunset or twinkling stars through stacked lenses, the camera can't ever truly capture the radiance of his wings.

they're large, much bigger than you anticipated, fitting for an archangel like him with it's imposing wingspan casting an equally impressive shadow among the wildflowers. rows of fluffy feathers stack on top of one another to create a bountiful expanse of pure white beauty. they rustle unconsciously against the wind. they are such a graceful extension of the angel you loved-- although he was a little bashful to have such interest for a part of himself he usually kept tucked away, simeon lets you gawk as much as you wanted between attempts to get the perfect reference shot.

but back to the issue at hand.

it became apparent to you somewhere along the line that simeon was a bit jealous of your pact marks. something about the brothers having a sort of claim over you made the angel frown, gaze tracing over the visible marks with displeasure when you sat together watching movies at purgatory hall. it was even longer before he voiced this to you. it wasn't so much that he didn't want you to be close to the others-- although sometimes maybe it was like that, even if he didn't say it-- simeon was jealous of the way they all got to leave their mark on you without him. angels didn't make pacts like demons, so there was no physical proof of simeon's devotion to you.

seems unfair. he'd never complain to you about it, though, because there wasn't anything you could do about it. ... right?

silly supernatural creatures. their minds always went to extraordinary solutions of magic and sorcery. never once did they consider some of the more "primitive" solutions to their dilemmas, but that's what you were there for.

click!

the shutter snaps loudly. you pull back and glance at the screen. it's blurry, like all the others, but that's not anyone's fault. the radiance of his supernatural features is hard to capture on film, magical or not-- there was simply no way you'd get a clear shot... but the one you got was pretty cute.

he's grinning, hand up to cover his eyes from the sunlight permeating each inch of the heavenly realm. his wings are outstretched into the empty field, blurred by angelic magic on the camera, but clear enough to recognize as his own. you can't help but smile. it's a good picture. you can already picture your tattoo artist filling in the blanks with delicate shading and shapely linework.

"i think we've got it."

simeon wades through the field to curl up against your side, resting his chin on your shoulder.

"it's a little blurry... will that be good enough?"

"we'll make it work."

a call, a wad of cash, that blurry reference photo, and a quick visit to the human world later-- you had a makeshift pact mark to show your favorite angel.

the pain of the needles had long since ceased, leaving your skin to heal through time and various unscented lotions. the pain was not new to you, yet each new tattoo always drew "ooo"s and "ahh"s from those closest to you. this time, it's simeon gawking over you, gloved hands carefully holding your arm and grinning at the delicate lines embedded in your skin.

"gorgeous," he murmurs.

the tattoo didn't capture the full grandeur of his wings. that wasn't the artist's fault-- nothing could replicate the vision of seeing his beautiful wings in person. but the inked image on your inner bicep clearly pleased the angel next to you.

"now i always have you with me, too," you coo quietly, not wanting to interrupt how deeply he's admiring the art on your skin.

"did it hurt?" he asks.

"a little. but nothing i can't handle."

his thumb rubs against the nearby skin. the grin on his face is contagious-- now you're smiling, too.

"thank you for this," he murmurs, eyes glittering in the warm light of your room. "i can't tell you how much it means to me."

you can't help but press a soft kiss against his temple and nuzzle in close, rubbing your nose against his cheekbone to make him laugh.

"anything for my favorite angel."

[rainba]

I'll Take You To The Stars

✰ TWs/Tags: dark content, violence, dubcon turned con

✰ Aether x GN! Reader ✰ Word count: 11.3k

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

The night sky was breathtaking. Every time Aether journeyed through Teyvat, he would often find himself stopping and staring up above. The endless sea of stars, the lone shining moon, the constellations that gather together to create a symphony of hidden meanings just waiting to be uncovered… They weren’t like the stars of his homeland, but they were beautiful nonetheless.

His golden eyes are locked onto the dark sky as his mind wanders off into nowhere. He reminisced old memories with his sister, those bygone days bringing him to tears. He searches for her both day and night, but every new direction keeps leading to dead ends. Every day has become a cycle of getting used, betrayed, overworked– and his body constantly aches. Fresh scars and bruises paint his skin all over– but despite it all, he still smiles so warmly.

Of course he’s made tons of good memories too, but they sometimes pale in comparison to the horrors he has witnessed. He thinks about the abyss. He remembers the defiled statue. The terrifying shadows hidden deep beneath the shakey surface… He curls up into himself and clutches at his knees. He just wants to erase it all from his memories. Forget about it all for just one day...

He so badly yearns to just take his sister by her hand and run away.

But… It’s impossible.

All he can do is force himself to keep going. 

He thinks, and he thinks, then he overthinks some more. He tries to cheer himself up and distract himself with the more positive things in life. What are his favorite things about this world? What drives him to keep fixing Teyvat and playing the role of a hero? He searches within himself to find an answer, and in the end, he thinks he’s got one:

…You.

When your image flashes across his mind, his heart skips a beat.

Yes… He’s doing all of this for you, too.

Aether thinks back on the days where Teyvat was still brand new to him. Everything seemed so bright and colorful, so vibrant and innocent. He recalled seeing Dvalin for the first time, seeing Venti and his magic, encountering Amber, then promptly helping the knights of Favonious too. Thinking about it all now made him sickly nostalgic. Compared to the present, those days seemed so simple and easy to understand.

Every time he thinks of Mondstadt, he inevitably thinks about you too. Your bright eyes, your unique style, the sound of your voice, your lips… His face starts to grow red as your image crosses his mind. Perhaps you’re the perfect distraction– one of the only things his heart needs to keep Teyvat’s darkness at bay. Aether starts thinking about how the two of you first met…

It was so long ago when you first asked for his help. He was a fresh face in the adventurers guild at the time, so he opted to take one or two of the lower ranking commissions. There was only one thing you had wanted: someone strong to escort you to Starsnatch cliff at night.

“Um… Hello,”  your voice was as soft as feathers, as quiet as the gentle winds, and only those who paid close attention could hear it. You looked so terrified with the way you had been trembling. “Hello (Y/N)! We’ll be the ones to help you today!” Paimon was her usual friendly and cheery self, and that fact alone calmed your nerves. At the time, Aether opted to keep silent like usual.

He remembers watching you from a distance as you and Paimon chatted away. Well-- chatted is the wrong word. It was more-so Paimon talking your ear off as you nodded and listened to her every word. 

That day had been oddly special.

The journey there had been short and sweet, the timing perfectly planned. When the three of you reached the very peak of the cliff, the moon was standing high in the sky, perfect in its soothing radiance.

When Paimon asked you why you posted your commission, your face practically glowed with joy. “Well, this is going to sound really silly, but…” While stepping closer to the edge of the Starsnatch cliff, you pointed your hand up at the night sky. “I’ve always wanted to see the stars up close! And, um, I figured this cliff would be the closest I can get to them. Is that really weird? It’s weird, isn’t it?” Your words were followed up with prolonged silence, the three of you exchanging glances.

After that, both he and Paimon had laughed- but in a sweet and teasing way, not out of malice. Your face got so red as you demanded they stopped laughing, but eventually, you joined them as well.

“Of course it’s not weird, you silly billy!” 

As the tender memories graced Aether’s mind, he found himself dreamily smiling. 

After that commission had been finished, you kept in contact with him and Paimon. Your encounters with them were far and few between, but they were always such a treat. As a thank-you gift to Aether, you had crafted him a beautiful crown of Cecilia flowers. The first time he saw it, he was a little stunned.

“I hope you like it..! I really do appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

When you walked over to his side and placed it gently on his golden hair, he blushed a little. The way you clapped your hands together and smiled made his heart race. “There you go..! You look amazing with it!”

When Paimon had asked where her flower crown was, you excitedly pulled out a second one from behind your back. “Of course I wouldn’t forget about you, Paimon! Here you go.” You had tried to make it as small as possible, but it was still just a little too big for Paimon’s head. However, it did work as an adorable necklace. Paimon had been kicking her feet and giggling as she admired the beautiful flowers around her neck, all while Aether admired your smile…

…

Aether wanted to see you again…

Perhaps seeing your smile would make his current stress melt away.

His gloved hands reached over for one of his backpacks and dug inside, rummaging for a certain object. Once his fingers graced it, he slowly dragged it out.

In a small baggie, he kept that flower crown you made for him.

The edges of each petal were brown and curled inward, showing obvious signs of heavy decay. It didn’t matter how much they rotted away, however, as he would never dare to throw it out. Aether held it close to his chest as he imagined just how happy you would be to see him again.

How long has it been..?

Weeks? Months? An entire year?

Time was a hard thing to keep track of.

He still remembers your final words to him: “I hope you and Paimon do amazing things out there, Aether! I know you will…” His face had flushed red when you took his hands in yours, and he remembers how much he wished you wouldn’t notice his moment of weakness. “And… Please, help Teyvat… I think this world truly needs someone special like you. A hero of light to vanquish the darkness!”

Your eyes sparkled as they looked into his own. “But also, please don’t forget about me, okay?”

He made so many promises to you that day… And he intended to keep them all.

Aether got so lost in the depths of his thoughts that he failed to notice Paimon calling his name. “Aetheeeer, Aeeeether! Yoohoo!” She waved her tiny hands in front of his face. “Hey, are you ignoring Paimon on purpose!?” He jumped whenever she reached out and began to pinch his cheeks.

“H-hey, quit it!” Aether lightly swatted Paimon away as he quickly stashed away the remnants of your decaying gift. “You were so lost in thoughts just now that you totally ignored Paimon! What were you thinking about, anyway?” She buzzed around his shoulders and placed herself beside them, her gaze shifting between him and the nearby backpack.

Aether debated his answer, wondering if he should just say ‘nothing.’ But then he figured he might as well take advantage of the question. “I was just thinking about Mondstadt.” 

Paimon’s eyes widened.

“Ooh, Mondstadt? We haven’t been there in a while! Paimon wonders how everyone’s doing.” She smiled brightly and flew around a little more, stopping only a feet away from his face. “Are you thinking about dropping by for a little visit?”

Aether pretended to think about it for a moment, but he already had his answer. “Mm, yeah, I think we should… It’d be really nice to talk to everyone again.” The thought of seeing you made his body and mind finally relax. “After we visit Mondstadt we’ll head straight for Fontaine.” 

At that notion, Paimon cheered with glee, swirling around excitedly. “Yay, this is such a good idea! Ohh, Paimon can’t wait to stop by Good Hunter again! Hehehe, sticky honey roast..! Paimon can already taste it now!” Everything worked out perfectly.

“Okay okay, now you should go sleep while Paimon keeps watch! Those bags under your eyes are crazy!” Paimon laughed innocently as she pointed directly at them, and Aether couldn’t help but playfully sigh. “Alright, alright… Thank you, Paimon.”

“Hehe, no problem… Paimon is always happy to help. Nighty night, Aether!”

…Then that was that.

Soon you’d be in his presence again, just a mere few feet away. 

He’d get the chance to enjoy your company, hear your laughter, stare into your captivating eyes…

How nice it would be to hear you say his name again…

He’s gotten a kamera since he last saw you too, so that means he'd get to capture countless photos of you. He’ll be able to take them everywhere he goes. His thoughts, his fantasies, they raced through his mind as he closed his eyes and drifted away into a deep sleep...

The journey in the morning went smoothly as usual.

The duo started out with a nice warm breakfast before packing their bags, putting out their campfire in a proper manner, then setting off on their travels. Going from Sumeru to Mondstadt was much more relaxing than Aether expected it to be. They encountered a few familiar faces on the way, and they even received a couple gifts. With each passing day, Aether grew more and more anxious.

When he thought of you, his feet would instinctively move faster. Paimon would ask him to slow down, but he just couldn’t help it. He wanted to see you so bad.

He didn’t fully understand why he felt this strongly, but he also didn’t care to question it much.

When Aether and Paimon reached the front gates of the city, residents ran to his side with ecstatic grins and happy cheers. “The honorary knight is back!” They began to surround him, the crowd growing larger with each passing second.

“What was it like being in Inazuma? Is it true you fought the electro archon!?”

“Are you going to be here for a while? Please say you are!”

Aether’s eyes scanned the small crowd forming around him, searching for the person he longed to see the most.

But he still couldn't find you.

He could put on a smile for everyone for as long as he needs to, but he won’t genuinely do so until he sees your face.

Aether walks around and wanders the city while Paimon does all the talking. He grows more restless with each passing second. Where are you? You didn’t leave Mondstadt, did you? No, you couldn’t have. It’s impossible. You would never in a million years leave Mondstadt! 

Beads of sweat began to form on his face. His hands trembled.

Why was he freaking out so much?

“Err, are you okay?” Paimon flew in front of Aether, stopping him in his tracks. “You don’t look so good.” The traveler froze up, blinking slowly, his jaw agape. “U-um,” he tried to come up with an excuse for his slightly odd behavior. “I’m fine, just… Tired after our long journey.” He nervously scratched the back of his head, but it was obvious that Paimon wasn’t buying it.

“Uh-huuuh,” she replied, smiling a little. “Are you sure it’s not anything else? Paimon wants to help you as best she can!” She brought herself a little closer to him in a cutesy attempt to push for answers, but got interrupted by a voice in the distance.

They both recognized that voice.

“Aether, Paimon- Is that you?”

It was your voice.

“Ooh, yay! Look, it’s (Y/n)!” Aether snapped his head to the side- and to both his joy and relief, you were right there. The sun up above was beaming down on your form, illuminating your entire figure. If you weren’t standing right in front of him, he would swear that you were a figment of his imagination. 

You’re simply too perfect to exist.

Perhaps you’re an angel sent down from heaven- is that it?

It has to be it… His heart was beating so fast.

Aether stood frozen as he stared at you in awe. “I’m so happy to see you both!” You beamed a huge smile at them, and it made Aether’s heart skip a beat. “Awww, Paimon is happy to see you too! And so is Aether! Isn’t that right?” Paimon nudged at his shoulder, pushing him out of his dream-like trance. “U-um, yeah..!” His voice comes out so soft and shy that it makes you giggle.

Aether can face literal gods in the heat of battle without batting an eye, but for some reason, his knees begin to buckle the moment he has to face his own feelings.

“Well– I’m glad that you two haven’t forgotten about me!” You laugh cheerily, but Paimon gasps. “Whaaat, how could we ever forget about you!? We would never!” To that sentiment, Aether whole-heartedly agrees.

  “That’s sweet of you to say… If I had known you two would be stopping by, I would have prepared gifts!” You and Paimon continue chatting away while Aether simply stares at you like a puppy in love. He wants to talk to you, he so deeply wishes to tell you just how much he missed you, but his mind is completely blank. Who knew that you had the power to make him instantly forget how to speak?

“-Aether?” The traveler hadn’t noticed that you and Paimon were asking him a question. “Hm? Did you ask me something?”

Archons, he needed to pull himself together before he really embarrasses himself.

“Since I don’t have anything to give you, would you wanna come over for dinner? You don’t have to if you’re busy! I completely understand.” You reach your hand out to his, but he only stares at it. You’re asking him to come over to your house..? Right now..?

“Oh, we’re not busy at all! Not at the moment, anyway.” Paimon grabbed one of your fingers with her tiny hands and tried to shake it in Aether’s place. “We’d never pass up the opportunity for free good food!” 

While you truly thought Paimon's enthusiasm was cute, you were more focused on Aether’s approval. You didn’t know why, but today he just seemed so much more… Unreadable. You almost wondered how many horrible things he’s seen since you last spoke with him.

So, just for tonight, you wanted him to forget it all.

Put aside his heroic act and simply relax with good company for one night.

Your eyes moved over to the traveler, asking for his genuine approval, to which he answered with a nod. He collected his thoughts and brought himself somewhat back to normalcy, smirking a little. “Yeah, Paimon would never pass up that opportunity.”

“Hey, It’s not just Paimon!” As she stomped her tiny foot in the air with playful rage, you began to laugh, and it made Aether’s heart melt all over again.

He jokingly wondered if you were casting some sort of hidden, otherworldly spell on him.

“Come on you two, let’s get going… I know you must be hungry right now.”  Before Paimon could even reply, Aether gave her a teasing and knowing look. She already knew he’d say something along the lines of, ‘yeah, you’re right. Afterall, Paimon is always hungry.’ So she huffed at Aether and dropped her words while sticking extremely close to your side.

The journey to your home was slow and peaceful.

You had asked them about their most recent adventures, and Paimon was happy to oblige in sharing silly stories. Obviously, they omitted the more horrific and touchy things they had witnessed.

Enjoying traditional festivals, fighting epic battles, meeting a few archons, experiencing the wonders of Teyvat’s many different cultures, breaking people out of prison- there was just so much to talk about. If these stories hadn’t been coming from Paimon and the world-renowned traveler, you would have thought that someone was just reciting a thriller novel of some kind.

“And through it all, of course, Paimon was his number one helper! He couldn’t have done it all by himself! Hehe, isn’t that right, Aether?” Paimon excitedly turned around and stared at Aether as they walked, her eyes sparkling with pride. Aether already knew what he had to say.

“Oh, absolutely Paimon. I could never have done it without you.” At the sound of those words, Paimon squealed with joy. “Hehehe, see! Paimon is a great helper! Although, there wasn’t much Paimon could do when he fought the shogun and um-… Well, she was super scary!”

The shogun? As in the Raiden Shogun?

You thought that rumor was just that: a rumor.

Your eyes widened. “Really..?! You went head-to-head with the electro archon? That’s amazing!” At the sound of your praise, Aether’s heart skipped not one, but two beats. Surely he can cut out on being humble for a moment and just brag a little bit, right? He proudly rested his hands on his hips and tilted his head upwards. “Sure did. In the end, I managed to beat her with the people of Inazuma and their dreams by my side.” A little smirk found its way onto his face, and Paimon playfully rolled her eyes at his boasting.

“Wow,” you replied breathlessly. “I wish I could be even half as strong as you, Aether… Really! That’s so..!” Aether immediately cut back a little bit on his bragging, opting to comfort you instead. So he made a proposal.

“Well... How about I teach you how to use a sword?” 

As soon as the offer dropped, your eyes lit up.

“R-really? You’d be willing to teach me? You know I don’t have a vision… I’m not anything special, really.”

Not anything special..? Your words couldn’t be further from the truth, he thinks.

And of course Aether is willing to instruct you. If he could show you how to use a sword, he’d have an excuse to keep you by his side for a little longer.

He’d be able to stand behind your back and hold your waist within his hands. He could show you how to place your feet, all while keeping his body close to yours, and…

Small fantasies flashed before his eyes as you waited for his answer.

“Of course I can teach you- I wouldn’t mind at all. You don’t have to have a vision to be special, you know. You’re amazing just as you are.” That last line definitely came out a little flirtier than he wanted it to, but your reaction was worth it. Your cheeks flushed red as you instinctively hid it behind your hands. “O-oh, Aether, stop teasing me!”

Aether’s heart begins to flutter out of control as your hand playfully pushes his shoulder. Archons forbid… How could anyone be so enchanting like you?

Why were you so cute?

You could be a poison and he’d happily drink you down, smiling as his body deteriorates...

You were one of the first people in Teyvat to ever take him in and treat him so tenderly.

You were close to him before he ever became famous across the entire continent of Teyvat. When he was simply just an ‘outlander’ looking for his sister, you were there by his side, eagerly helping him put up missing posters.

Perhaps you were a stable foundation that he longed to protect- a person he could always return to without having a single worry in the world.

Were you his safety in a land that seemed so hellbent on destroying him?

He only wishes that you feel as strongly for him as he does you. Do you spend your nights staring out your window, longing for his company? Does he always find his way into your dreams, like you do in his?

These scenarios dance through Aether’s mind, warming his heart.

Aether follows close behind you and Paimon until, eventually, you all reach your destination. Your house isn’t the fanciest, but it suits your style. There’s a little welcome mat right outside the front door, and Aether finds it adorable. You reach deep into your pockets, pull out a ring of keys, then push the front door open. “Step on in!” 

When everyone walks inside, he finds himself admiring the decor all around. You’ve gotten a lot of new things- that much is obvious. New vases, new carpets, new stuffed animals strewn about. His eyes scan around the place until they eventually land on a photograph.

But it’s… Strange. It’s a very nice picture of you, but there’s someone else by your side.

Is… Is that..?

From behind him, he hears the door close. Then your voice rings out.

“Honey, I’m home! I’ve also brought some guests!”

…

What..?

His body becomes paralyzed with shock.

Aether slowly begins to tremble with fury as he begrudgingly watches another man walk out from another room.

It’s a tall man with jet black hair and deep blue eyes; there’s a wide smile plastered on his long face. And in his hands, he’s holding a frying pan. Aether is forced to take everything in.

This man- this fucking man… 

Why is he standing in your house? 

Why is that man wearing an apron with your name embroidered on it? Why does he look so fucking happy? And most importantly: why did you just call him ‘Honey’? Millions of questions flashed through his mind in a single second, overwhelming all of his senses. Aether slowly grit his teeth and tightened his fist as a deep, silent rage started to boil from within.

But nobody else notices this.

“Oh, wow- Unexpected guests! You’re all here just in time! I finished making dinner not too long ago- and I’ve made plenty of extra!” That stupid fucking man is grinning as he waves at everyone, but only you and Paimon wave back. He looks friendly- too friendly. Is he hiding something? He must be hiding something. He’s gotta be an asshole of some kind deep down- he absolutely has to be up to something. Aether tears away at the man’s character before he even gets the chance to reveal his name.

The dining room table is clean and freshly decorated with a wide arrangement of food laid out. Paimon cheers with excitement, but Aether doesn’t say a word. His golden eyes scan everything, searching for the tiniest of details to scrutinize. His heart throbs a little when his eyes land on a vase full of Cecilia flowers.

“Oh, Aether– I’ve been so excited for you to meet Jay!” You lightly tap on Aether’s shoulder as you point over to the other man. Jay?

Jay?

The name brands itself into the front of Aether’s mind, scorching him, torturing him.

 “If it weren’t for you, I would have never met him.” Jay then waves at Aether and extends his hand, but all Aether does is just stare at it with thinly-veiled disgust. Your words begin to echo in the darkening confines of his mind: if it weren’t for him, you would’ve never met Jay?

What do you mean by that? In what way?

When the man realizes Aether won’t shake his hand, he coughs and awkwardly retracts it. “It’s, uh, nice to finally meet you, o’ mighty traveler! I’ve heard so many things about you… Haha, my darling here never stops talking about you.”

Those words bring a dangerous flood of hope into Aether’s heart, but it all quickly shatters and dissolves when Jay walks around the table, kissing you before his very eyes.

Electro instantly crackles between Aether’s fingers as he grows tempted to attack him on the spot.

“Aww, I do not talk about him that much..! Y-you’re embarrassing me!” You kiss your partner on his nose before playfully slapping his cheek- then the two of you start to laugh so carefree. 

How… Aether wonders.

How can the two of you just laugh and kiss while he’s standing right there? 

Have you even considered how he feels..?!

Why do you look so happy with this other man..? Aether’s thoughts twist, scramble, and shake out of control.

These feelings of jealousy are unlike anything he's ever felt before.

Paimon stares over at Aether, deeply concerned as she sees the glow of purple in his hands. She doesn’t understand what’s going on beneath the surface. She wants to ask him if he’s okay, but she decides against it, fearing that she’d be poking at something sensitive. “Uhh… C’mon, let’s eat! Paimon is starving and this food looks soooo good!”

In that sentiment, everybody agrees.

Everyone quickly gathers around the table and takes their seats. Paimon decides to sit across from you, meanwhile Aether sits across from Jay. There’s tons of options that Jay prepared: grilled fish skewers, mint salads, moon pie, radish veggie soup, and even a little bit of wine. It's... An ungodly amount of food. The table is silent for a while as everyone gorges on it all- however, Aether can’t help but conjure up fake contests in his mind as he pokes at the meal on his plate.

He thinks about how much of a better cook he is than Jay.

Aether could make you better food than this… Much better food.

After a while, Paimon decides to pipe up and cut through the silence. “Soooo, Jay, (Y/n)! How did you two meet? Paimon is dying to know!” She happily points towards you both, the two of you smiling in unison. Aether notices the way you suddenly grow shy and blush out of control. He can’t help but think that only he should be making you react that way. 

Jay gushes over how you two met- going deep into the details- rambling on and on about just how perfect you are. 

All Aether wants to do is shut him up.

“It’s really like I said earlier… If it wasn’t for Aether, I would have never met him.” This sentence instantly catches Aether’s attention, so he listens closely. “Ever since you two brought me to Starsnatch cliff, I’ve faced my fears and started going out on my own! Aether’s bravery… It inspired me to be brave, too.” You grab your full glass of wine and stare at your own reflection, smiling sweetly.

“I kept going there alone until- eventually- I ran into Jay. He was standing there so quietly, gazing up at the stars...” You chuckled lightly. “He just looked so lonely, I had to talk to him! Poor thing.” You poked at him with a smirk on your face, making Jay the flustered one. “Hey! N-not now, love! Don’t tease me in front of our guests...” 

Ugh… 

This sight was making Aether gag.

Everything about this was making him sick to his stomach.

“Awww, you two are so cute together! Paimon’s really happy you found each other! Aether’s also really happy for you both, too! Isn’t that right?” She glanced over at Aether with an innocent grin on her face, pointing at him, and now everyone was staring in his direction. He gulped, swallowing down all the bitter insults he so badly wished to spit out.

“Y-yeah,” he mumbled. “And it’s amazing that you’ve gotten braver, (Y/n)... I knew you had it in you.” The corners of his lips trembled upwards as he forced himself to seem happy. He avoided saying he was glad for you two- opting to compliment your courage instead. It truly took all of his strength not to grimace.

 “Aww, you’re too sweet… Like usual, hehe.” You turned away with a sweet lace of shyness in your eyes, and Aether couldn’t help but latch on to it. He wanted to make you swoon for him more, just like that… He ached to shower you with compliments until you completely forget that Jay ever existed in your life... But he knew he had to bite his tongue.

Dinner went on and on, each minute dragging like nails on a chalkboard. 

Aether just wanted this meal to be over with. He yearned so badly to step aside and find a moment with you all alone. After what felt like the longest hour of his entire life, everyone finished their food. Paimon was patting her stomach and groaning happily about just how full she was, graciously thanking Jay. “Ahh, Paimon hasn’t eaten that good in forever! Hehe, Jay might just be a better cook than you, Aether! Ohh… Paimon demands a cook off!” She was obviously joking, making Aether roll his eyes.

Except Jay decided to play with the idea a little.

“So you’re a chef too, huh?” His deep blue eyes widened. “I’ve been actually really desperate for cooking advice lately… Could you step into the kitchen and help me for a second?”

Step into the kitchen..? Alone with Jay?

Aether looked back and forth between you and Paimon before raising himself from his seat. Obviously, just like usual, he can’t bring himself to say no to someone’s request. Whatever it is that this man wants, he just hopes it won’t last long.

The two men separate themselves from you and Paimon; the kitchen becomes awkwardly silent. Nervously, Jay adjusts the apron around his waist and finally takes it off while sighing. “Can I ask you something?” He says, anxiety painted all over his face. Aether wants to say no, but his mouth instinctively answers yes.

“Whew, well... It’s about (Y/n)- And, um, I figured I should ask you of all people about this, since I know you two are kind of close.” Jay bashfully rubs the back of his head and averts his gaze. Aether’s glad to hear that you and him can be considered close, but with the way things are going, that label is nothing more than platonic.

“I…” Jay gulps. “I w-want to propose to them, but… But I don’t know how!” His voice is barely above a whisper as the words reach Aether’s ears. It stabs like a sword; twisting, turning, and tearing away at Aether’s trembling body. He wants to propose to you?

No, absolutely not. 

Never. He can’t.

Aether won’t let him.

“Oh, really..?” Aether conjures up a storm of excuses. “Are you sure you want to do that?” He keeps his voice calm and steady, giving off the false impression that he’s being rational. Jay eagerly nods in response. “O-of course I do! I love them more than anything in this world.” He covers his mouth with one hand as hearts basically fill his eyes. “I want them to be mine, forever and ever… I love them more than anything.” He turns away from Aether, his eyes landing on a framed photograph with your smiling face in it. “They’re too special to let go of.”

To that sentiment, Aether can agree.

You are too special to let go of.

“I see,” he replies. He knows now there’s no way he can talk Jay out of his decision. He can see it in the other man’s eyes- that strong, passionate yearning. He’s seen it in the eyes of couples all across Teyvat: those flames that burn absurdly hot with desire. 

So instead, he begins to scheme.

“I’ll help you then,” Aether says while forcing yet another accepting expression. “How about we go to Starsnatch cliff tonight? Just the two of us. I can help you plan there.” 

Jay fails to notice the light fading away in Aether’s eyes. The darkness of his aura that begins to crawl out from within… The cold, calculating edge to his words. To Jay, Aether is just the traveler who loves helping people all around the world. The shining ray of hope that you admire so much.

Jay is so eager for Aether’s help that he immediately jumps up and grabs him by the hand. “Oh, thank you, thank you so much! L-let’s get going right now! I… I don’t want to waste any time!” He ends up yanking and dragging Aether from out of the kitchen, absolutely thrilled.

You and Paimon perk up and stare at them as they run past you both. “Hey- where are you two going..?” You ask softly, to which Jay joyfully responds. “We’ll be back soon, love! He and I are gonna go out on a little, um… Go out on a trip! Yeah, a short trip is all! See ya’!” He rushes over to kiss you on your forehead before leaving shortly after. His smile, his kiss, the small wave of his little hand…

Those innocent little things…

You didn’t know what would happen soon.

But archons, if only you had known.

The door slams behind the two of them, loudly. Paimon yawns a little bit from beside you, which causes you to chuckle. “Are you ready for bed, Paimon?” She nods quickly before stretching out her arms, and you offer her to stay in the guest room. You guide her there and pat her on the head before tucking her in, wishing her sweet dreams. 

…Then you were all alone.

You decided that it’d be best to stay up and wait for Jay and Aether to come home… After all, Jay has a bad tendency to forget his keys behind, and archons forbid that they get locked out.

And so, to kill the time, you wandered around your cozy little home and reminisced about the past. That day you met Aether and Paimon for the first time… That memory still shined like gold. After all, it was that day that changed your life forever.

You had spent countless days and nights back then thinking about the duo and their fantastical adventures. All the wonderful things they had done, all the spectacular things they continue to do- in all honesty, you were a little jealous. You wish you could’ve seen it all firsthand.

You wished so badly that you could be by Aether’s side. Fighting bad guys, meeting archons, experiencing the beauty of other lands... You wish…

Deep down, you wished that you were with him instead of Jay.

It was a brutal wish, but it was your reality all the same.

You loved Jay with all your heart- truly, you did, but there was still a large spot in your heart that Aether had unknowingly carved his name into. The etches of his name ached from within every time you looked into his golden eyes.

But you knew deep down that Aether could never love someone like you.

Why would he? 

You’re… You’re just some random person he met at the beginning of his journey. You don’t have power, you don’t possess a vision- you’re a nobody.

You’re nothing more… Than a blurry figure standing in the distant background.

Your heart was aching. As you reflected on your dire mess of emotions, you sat down at the dining room table and snatched the Cecilias from their vases, lifting them to your nose. They smelled so sweet, so perfect in every aspect. So with your hands, you got to work at making a flower crown.

Countless more memories flooded your mind as you crafted Aether’s newest gift. There was one night that stuck out particularly in your mind… It feels like so much time has passed since then. It had been storming terribly when you received a knock on your front door.

“Please, open up! Help!”

A tiny shrill voice rang out from beyond the door, and you rushed to open it. “Please, Aether needs your help! He’s been hurt!” Those words alone had nearly sent you into a heart attack. You remember rushing to grab a first-aid kit before dashing outside, hurrying to Aether’s side, not caring about the cold autumn rain. He wasn’t too far away from where you lived, as you stayed on the outskirts of Mondstadt.

You remember the way he was curled up in a ball with blood pooling beneath him. You had screamed out his name and rushed to his side, desperately patching up his gaping wounds.

“Please, keep your eyes open! Whatever you do, ahh… Don’t go into the light!”

You recalled the way your hands trembled so badly as you worriedly wrapped tight bandages around him. You held him close to you, keeping him warm, shielding him from the harsh elements of the outside world. He was heavy and hard to hold, but with a little bit of Paimon’s help, the two of you carried him back to your home.

That night, you stayed put beside his bed without daring to leave him for even a second. You remembered the way the candle lit his face- remembered the gentle rising and falling of his chest. He looked so hurt, yet oddly at peace. You had reached your hand out and brushed a strand of hair behind his ear… And he smiled in his sleep.

You treasure that memory to this very day.

As you finished recalling your memories, you found yourself finishing up the flower crown as well. Just like the first one you made for him, it was perfect, and you admired its unapologetic beauty. All you could now was hope that Aether would like it too.

So you set it aside on the table and prayed that he’d find it when the two got back home. You arose from your chair, stretching your arms and legs, then strolled off into your bedroom. While you had originally planned to stay awake, you decided you were far too tired for all of that. If they really needed to get in, you were sure they’d find a way.

…And in the distance far beyond your house, the two men were still walking up the steep cliff, nearing the very top. Jay was leading in the front with Aether trailing close behind.

“Hahhh… Whew, I’m so exhausted… I’m g-glad we’re almost there!” Jay wiped thick sweat off his brow as he continued to trek upwards. “I can’t believe you haven’t broken a single sweat! B-but then again, I’m sure this is like a walk in the park for you, right? Haha!” Jay looked over his shoulder and laughed happily, joking around. Aether fakely chuckled in return.

“Yeah, this is nothing compared to climbing Liyue’s mountains.” Soon after those words were spoken, they finally made it to the peak of Starsnatch cliff. It truly was a simple yet gorgeous place.

The stars were sparkling especially bright.

A soft string of clouds were drifting through the sky with glowing outlines, accompanied by the shimmering full moon. Jay and Aether stood side by side as they admired the untouchable beauty up above.

Together, they shared a long moment of silence.

On the way up here, he had planned out his next course of action. He thought he could intimidate Jay- isolate him, threaten him, tell him to stay far away from you. If he needed to, he would resort to using just a little bit of physical force.

But for a moment, Aether began to hesitate.

At least he did until Jay made the mistake of opening his mouth once more.

“Do you think, um… Do you think I should propose to them here? This is their favorite place, after all!” The naive man turned to the side and stared down at Aether, pure innocence swimming in his eyes. Aether didn’t respond.

But Jay kept going.

“Actually, this is also where I first confessed my love to them…” His voice was growing delicate, but Aether’s bitterness was only intensifying. “A-and we had our first kiss here, too! They were so happy that night, haha…” Jay continued to ramble on and on, blissfully unaware of the darkness brewing right beside him. Perhaps if he had been paying attention, he would’ve seen the way Aether’s hands trembled.

“W-well, actually… It was here that the two of us, um, well…”

Aether’s eyes slowly widened, and Jay laughed. “The two of us almost uh, you know, did the deed here too- but they were so shy that we just couldn’t go through with it, haha!” 

…

“B-but they said we could once we got married! Maybe that’s why I’m so eager to get engaged, right? Hahaha!” He admitted these thoughts joyously while nudging Aether lightly with his elbow. Jay figured this is merely regular guy talk- just the typical things men share and laugh about.

But Aether wasn’t smiling anymore.

He had long since given up on playing along.

The dead serious look on Aether’s face sent chills up and down Jay’s spine. “Umm… Did… Did I say something wrong? Was that too much information?” Jay simply kept rambling on and on, digging himself deeper into a terrifying hole.

There was nothing in this world he could say now that would take Aether out of his current psychotic, hateful, jealous trance.

Aether just wants one good thing from this fucking earth. Just one. 

All Teyvat ever does is take, take, take.

This world has taken away his precious sister, his powers, his freedom, and now you.

He can’t let it happen– he can’t let this fucked up world take you from him too. He refuses to sit around as another man ruins you with his filthy hands.

His golden eyes stir with rage and go dark. 

All he sees is red.

Dark, crimson red.

“H-huh..? What are you doing!?” Jay yells out in shock as Aether shoots his elbow into his stomach, sending the man tumbling backwards on the incline. He rolls and he rolls until eventually coming into impact with a sharp rock. The back of his head roughly collides with one of its rough edges.

Aether then slowly strides over to his hyperventilating body, standing tall.

The moon illuminates the backside of him, covering his unsettling blank face with shadows.

“So…” Aether reached down and grabbed the man by his arm.

“You think you can just…” He meticulously twisted it in all the wrong directions, pushing and pulling until he could hear the sickening sounds of bones cracking. 

“...Walk into their life and take them from me?” 

The screams of an innocent man savagely pierce through the air.

“W-What? What do you mean!? Please, stop, you’re hurting me..!” Jay cries out even more– but the noises that should be horrifying have started to sound like music to Aether’s ears.

A sadistic, animalistic smirk crawls onto his face as he rearranges the man's bone structure.

Jay continues to relentlessly cry and beg for help, but the cruel world of Teyvat only responds with silence…

This is the taste of sweet, sweet revenge.

Aether won’t let this sick and twisted place run all over him this time.

Not this time.

“(Y/n),” Aether growls. “They belong to me.”  As he utters those words, he snatches the man’s legs and slowly breaks each one in two. What follows is yet another string of pleas, cries, and shrieks. It makes Aether smile.

He breaks out into a dangerous fit of laughter.

The human body is so fragile when compared to the strength of gods, he thinks…

To him, tearing this disgusting man apart is as easy as ripping paper.

But that doesn’t mean Jay will stop fighting.

When Aether’s hands move off his body a moment in time, Jay rolls out from underneath him and slides down the hill. Rolling, rolling, rolling… Until his body collided into a tree with a loud bang. He was coughing so pitifully, his lungs struggling to capture even a single gasp of air.

He needed to escape. He needed to run- or else…

Or else Aether would do his worst.

“P-please, don’t do this! Please!” Jay scrambled to get onto his feet, but he inevitably fell down once more with a cry of pure agony. His bones were in no shape or form to support his own weight. They were obliterated- shattered into hundreds of little pieces. Tears streamed down from his blue eyes.

This can’t be the end…

It… Can’t be…

As Aether stands over top of Jay’s body, his shadow envelops the entirety of his trembling form. There’s no sympathy in his golden eyes- only malice. Only hatred.

Only white hot jealousy.

From behind his back, Aether unsheathes a silver sword, and the moonlight reflects off of its perfect silver edge. From within the blade, Jay can see his own terrified image. It was haunting.

“You… You can’t… You can’t do this!” Jay tries once more to beg for his life, grimly knowing that words are the only things he has left. “(Y/n)... They’ll… They’ll be upset! Please, (Y/n)--”

Aether kicks the squirming man in the face, shattering his teeth.

“You keep their name out of your filthy mouth.”

And then…

He lowers his blade into him.

Over and over, hundreds of times- He ruthlessly slices the innocent man into pieces. He screams one word, and one word alone, over and over: die. 

Die, die, die.

Aether dissociates as the pure jealousy and rage flood his veins, dictating his every move. It's as if his vision goes black.

Hot blood seeps into the lush grass below, staining it a scarlet red.

Aether doesn’t relent until long after Jay’s strained cries and gurgling transform into an eerie silence. He doesn’t stop until both his face and body are beyond recognition. Destroyed by Aether’s hands…

Turning him into nothing more than a mangled corpse the world will one day forget about.

Aether’s bitterness with Teyvat, his hatred for being betrayed at every turn, his loathing over being constantly used with hardly anyone ever stopping to ask how he feels- he’s taken it all out on a man he just met.

And now… He’s left with nothing more than the company of silent winds.

Aether stares blankly at the corpse beside his feet, not yet registering the gravity of his actions. His breathing grows heavy and unstable, his body trembling all over. The drawn out tranquil silence serves to slowly bring him back down to earth, and the brutal reality of his situation strikes him like a powerful bolt of lightning.

Aether’s heart stops as he realizes what he’s done.

He’s committed an unspeakable act of sin. 

Archons... There’s blood all over his hands, all over his clothes, all over his skin... The sword in his right hand falls to the ground with an audible thud, the blade still glimmering under the light of the moon. He, just like Jay, catches a glimpse of his reflection in it. Except he doesn’t see it on a backdrop of radiant silver- he sees it in the puddle of a sinister red.

Aether begins to panic as he runs his hands through his hair, unaware of how he was painting his blonde hair crimson. “No, no, no no no…” He hyperventilates and paces back and forth, his pupils violently dilating and shaking. “I didn’t mean to do that, I didn’t mean to.”

He reaches his hands out towards Jay’s body and touches his neck, searching for a pulse he knows isn’t there.

And who would’ve guessed… There is none.

Guilty tears pour out of Aether’s eyes as he tries to come to terms with the crime he’s just committed.

He’s not supposed to be the bad guy… He’s supposed to be the hero of Mondstadt. The shining beacon of hope in the land of Teyvat. Your words from days long gone creep up on him, haunting him.

“And… Please, help Teyvat… I think this world truly needs someone special like you. A hero of light to vanquish the darkness!” 

A hero that vanquishes the darkness, that’s what you told him to be, but… After everything he’s gone through, after everything he’s seen and done…

He has instead become part of this world’s darkness.

He didn’t want this- he didn’t want to become a murderer.

All he wanted was you.

Was that so much to ask for?

With only celestia as his witness, Aether carefully lifts up Jay’s mangled body and drops it off the edge of Starsnatch cliff, sending him far away into the depths of the freezing ocean. His final resting ground is forever below your favorite place.

The last person to ever see Jay… Was him… 

And Jay’s final words will forever be your name.

Aether is sickened by himself.

On his journey back to your home, his mind vainly attempts to make excuses for his unspeakable actions. 

“I’ve saved so many people from death, surely taking one life for selfish reasons doesn’t make me a bad person, right? I can be selfish sometimes… I’ve given all of myself to this world… I only wanted this one thing. This one, singular person…”

Aether is careful to avoid any potential witnesses, sneaking away and hiding within the thick shadows of buildings. Nobody catches him as he makes his way to your front door- but as he attempts to open it, he realizes it’s locked.

Jay had the key.

And now that key is buried deep within the sea…

He groans and sighs out of pure misery, frustrated by yet another trial in this already long and tiresome day. He’s almost tempted to tear down the door, but he knows that’ll cause a scene. All he can do is step over to the side and quietly pry open one of your windows, this scene akin to a predator invading their prey’s den.

Aether is completely silent as he closes the window behind himself and locks it tight, preventing anyone from getting in- or perhaps anyone from getting out. By this time, he figures that Paimon must already be asleep. As for you, he's not so sure.

He saunters down the hall and past the dining room table. Despite everything being hard to see, he clearly spots one thing from the corner of his eye: a flower crown.

His heart aches as he further realizes what all he’s done to you tonight.

He stole someone precious from you… He very selfishly destroyed a future where someone would love and cherish you each and every day- someone that wasn't him- simply because he couldn’t stand the thought of it. 

His stomach churns at the sight.

His hands reach out towards the crown and the tips of his bloody fingers grace the ivory petals, painting them red too. The scent of the flower graces his nose and it calms all of his nerves… They remind him of you. He… He wants to see you.

He needs to see you.

Without thinking any further, he places the crown back down on the table and draws himself towards your bedroom.

He doesn’t bother to knock and check if you’re awake. He turns the handle and slowly pushes the door open, the creaking of wood echoing quietly throughout the bedroom. It’s almost completely dark, save for a single ray of moonlight beaming in from your half-covered window. 

Aether’s gaze softens as his tired eyes rest upon your body. You’re sleeping so peacefully- your chest gently rising and falling without a single care in the world. A dark, deep sense of guilt continues to savagely consume his heart, but he knows it’s already too late. His grave sin has already been committed- there’s no such thing as turning back time. 

There’s no such thing as escaping one’s fate.

So… Should he even bother regretting his decisions now?

He’s careful not to wake you as he locks your window tight. With the power of dendro, he summons vines to hold it down tightly. Then he uses the power of geo to completely block off your bedroom door.

And now…

You’re trapped in here with him.

You twist and turn a little in your sleep, but you don’t wake up quite yet. You murmur little things, but they’re all incoherent. Aether smiles lightly as he sits on the edge of your bed, staring at you, admiring your every feature. He wishes you could both stay like this forever.

As he stirs a little bit, your sleeping self can sense him- and at that, you finally open your eyes.

Everything is so dark and blurry… You can hardly make out a thing.

At the edge of your bed is a figure shrouded by shadows, his back facing you. You groan and rub your eyes in an attempt to regain your vision. “Hnn..?” You hum.

“Jay, is that you..?”

He doesn’t answer.

“...Jay?”

You sit up a little in your bed, your eyes catching a glimpse of gold. Your heart skips a beat. 

“No,” he says.

“I'm... Not Jay.” 

The man shifts in your bed, his movements agonizingly slow.

His face reveals itself in the pale moonlight.

It’s Aether, drenched in blood.

Your eyes widen. 

“A-Aethe-..!” You gasp and try to scream, but he slams a strong hand against your mouth, effectively silencing your cries. “N-no no no, shhhh…” Aether leans his face in closer to yours, leaving only a three inch gap. “Don’t scream,” he pleads.

“You wouldn’t want to wake up Paimon, would you..?”

You’re utterly confused and terrified at his sudden change in nature. Why is he soaked in blood? Why is he alone- where’s Jay? You become so occupied by your frantic thoughts that you fail to notice vines creeping up from underneath your bed, snaking around your wrists and ankles.

Aether’s lone earring glows a radiant pale green, and so do the little gems on his clothes.

The man you once gushed over now appears before you as nothing more than a selfish monster.

But despite it all…

You still thought he looked beautiful.

You struggle and cry against your restraints, the vines digging into your sensitive skin. Aether can’t help himself as he leans down and kisses away your warm tears. “Shh, don’t cry either… I hate to see you cry.” His heart beats out of control as he slowly gives in to his carnal desires.

His lips kiss your forehead, then your cheek, and then he finally lands on your sacred lips.

They were just as soft as he imagined… A perfect match for his own.

It feels so wrong, but it also feels so right. You’re still so worried and terrified about Jay… But the warm, sensual touches Aether feeds you make your mind go hazy. Your better judgment starts to escape through the back door.

Without thinking, you moan so sweetly…

And Aether feels himself getting hard.

Fuck…

“Please keep making that noise,” Aether moans onto the surface of your skin. He’s so incredibly eager as he bites and licks at your bottom lip, begging you for permission. He wants to taste you so badly. 

“N-no, don’t…” You mumble slowly before opening your mouth for him. Your body acts all on its own.

You’ve wanted him for so long that it physically hurts… But you also had already promised Jay your heart. 

You can’t help but wonder why this is all happening.

Is this some kind of sick and twisted fever dream, or is it something far worse: your reality?

Aether’s tongue explores your mouth with reckless abandon. Soon your own tongue matches his pace, and it becomes a heated dance fueled by deeply repressed passions. You arch your back and firmly press your chest against Aether’s, longing to feel his body against your own. A sickening guilt washes over you as you realize what you’re doing, but there’s just something about Aether that makes you lose control.

All of those fantasies from many moons ago have finally seeped into reality…

But at what cost?

As Aether reluctantly removes his mouth from yours, a trail of saliva connects the two of you. He uses his hands to wipe the spit away, but in doing so, he smears Jay’s blood on his chin. Your breath hitches.

“A-Aether,” your voice trembles. “What did you do to Jay?”

There’s a long moment of silence.

“Please tell me!”

Aether can’t bring himself to look you in the eyes.

“...Please, don’t think about him anymore,” is all he can say.

Those words send you into shock- paralyzing your entire body.

In that moment, Aether finally breaks away the last invisible chains that hold him back. His face dives into the crevices of your neck and hungrily begins to mark you as his property. His sharp teeth sink into your sensitive skin, and each bite is promptly followed by a series of licks and kisses. You squirm and desperately try to fight back at first, your mind screaming Jay’s name over and over again in protest.

But Aether’s unrelenting love and desperation for you are too hard to keep resisting. 

Gods, you just wished Aether had come to you sooner.

No part of tonight ever needed to happen. Jay didn’t have to die. Aether could’ve had you, had he just approached you and asked for your love. You would’ve taken him by the hand and journeyed with him all across the world, had he just asked once. But now… Now you were nothing more than a hot trembling mess, melting beneath the touch of a guilty murderer.

“...I love you,” Aether confesses at last.

“I love you so much it hurts.”

He reaches down and swiftly removes his dirty gloves, tossing them aside, eager to finally touch your precious skin with his bare hands. “I’ve wanted you so badly for so long, but I… I didn’t know how to say it… I…” Aether’s voice grows sugary and soft as his fingertips lightly trace your skin. He reaches down and plays with the edge of your satin pajama shirt before slowly ripping it by the seams.

You hang onto the edge of every word he speaks. “I can’t stand the thought of you being with another man.” He grits his teeth and throws the remnants of your shirt behind, exposing the top half of you.

“Only… Only I can have you!”

His trembling hands reach down towards your chest, roughly massaging it, eager to toy with your sensitive nipples.

It’s so intoxicating, hearing the traveler profess his unhealthy obsession with you. A lowly groan escapes your throat as his fingers work their magic on you.

“Say it…” Aether leans down, huskily whispering in your ear. “S-say that you love me, too… And only me. Please…” His breathing grows unsteady as his hands continue to work on you, eager to lure out the naughtiest of sounds. It’s so hard to focus on his words when pleasure blurs the lines between what’s right and wrong.

But you’ve also harbored the truth of your feelings all along…

Aether’s name truly was carved into the core of your beating heart, and now it was aching to be acknowledged.

“I,” you gulp slowly. “I love you, Aether…” You gulp.

"I- I love you, and only you."

And with those words, everything gets pushed into motion.

Those few powerful words serve to burn away everything Jay had ever done for you, but they also serve to ignite an unbridled fire from within Aether’s chest.

On some other day, Aether wants to take things slow with you. When he gets his mind cleared up and his sanity back intact, he dreams of showing you very thoroughly just how much he loves you.

But not tonight.

Right now, he just wants to fuck you into the bed until his body physically collapses.

He badly aches to monopolize you and claim you as his property.

You were his and only his. He yearns for you to never forget him- just like how he never forgot about you.

The vines around your body shift in their positions and spread you wide open, leaving you even more vulnerable. Aether’s starving eyes devour your body, admiring both your flaws and perfections. The only thing left to remove were your pants.

“...My angel,” he cood, his hands lingering above the hem of your pajamas. “I’m going to take these off now, so… Don’t struggle, okay?” You reluctantly swallowed down any remaining guilt you had, nodding very slowly.

Then with that, he carefully unwrapped the vines around your ankles and waited to see if you would attack him– but you never did. Your legs remained dormant on the bed as you waited for him to fully undress you, and this fact alone filled Aether with a twisted sense of comfort and relief. 

You truly did love him… Your earlier words weren’t hollow.

His heart started to beat out of control.

In some ways, he wasn’t the only monster in this room.

Jay was now a victim to the both of you.

His hands pinched the edges of your silk fabric and slid them down, moving at a tantalizing slow pace. Aether was practically drooling as more and more of your beautiful body became uncovered, teasing him, begging to be kissed and touched. When he finally removed the last piece of your clothing, he froze up in awe.

Your body… It’s just as ravishing as he imagined.

He’d worship you like a god, if you’d let him.

“Hey,” you nervously shifted your hips a little. “Aren’t you going to take your clothes off, too?”

His eyes widened at your words, cheeks flushing red. He was so consumed with your body that he completely forgot about his own. “O-oh, right,” he hummed shyly. He hardly knew where to begin- should he take his shirt off first, or his pants? The idea of undressing right in front of you made him feel hot all over.

If your hands hadn’t been tied up by the vines, he would’ve asked you to undress him- but a part of him didn’t want to risk you potentially trying to escape. He knew it was unlikely at this moment, but the paranoia in the back of his mind remained stubborn all the same. He lifted himself off the bed and turned his back towards you.

Aether settled on removing his shirt first, then his shoes and the rest. It was mesmerizing- watching him get undressed from behind. His body was incredible… His toned arms and legs, his smooth gorgeous stomach, the bruises and scars that marked him all over…

“Archons,” you whisper. “You’re prettier than the stars.”

Those passionate, loving words drive him crazy. And when he turns around, you audibly gasp.

He… He’s…

Drool slips past your parted lips at the sight in front of you.

Seeing your strong reaction to his body makes Aether grow wild. 

He practically jumps onto the bed as he kisses your lips once again, mashing them harshly together. His cock is fully hard and dripping with precum, absolutely aching to ravage your body. He wants to feel you squeeze around his length.

Aether positions himself right at your entrance, ready to let himself lose control at any second. But he asks you one more question:

“Are you ready?”

Your mind races… No, yes, no…

“...Yes.”

Those words are the last thing he needs before he finally takes what he's always dreamed of having. He knows full-well that you both need to keep quiet, so he hushes you both with another heated kiss. Aether grabs the underside of your legs and raises them upwards, sandwiching you between himself and the bed. His pace is slow and passionate at first, giving you time to adjust to his size, but it doesn’t last for long. 

He thrusts into you as hard and fast as he possibly can, rutting into you like an animal in heat. You want to reach out your hands and wrap your arms around his neck so badly, but the vines around your wrists still restrain you. The bed shakes and creaks from beneath you both, nearly banging against the wall. 

You truly can’t escape him now.

He looked absolutely feral as he fucked your angelic body.

Sweat began to dribble down his pale skin, strands of blonde hair falling over his perfect face- sticking loosely to it. His teeth bit down on his bottom lip harsh enough to draw blood.

Your body perfectly stretches and fits around his size… A match made in heaven.

Aether can’t help but think: “this is better than anything I've ever imagined.”

You’ve also never heard him be so vocal, the way he quietly moans your name over and over again like a mantra. His rough hands desperately claw at your flush skin, fearing that you’ll run away or disappear if he stops touching you for even a second.

He slows down then speeds up again, changing things up in little ways. For one moment, he pulls all the way out, then slams his entire length back into you again.

It drives you insane.

An unfamiliar feeling begins to arise in your stomach- hot, twisting, overwhelming. It’s like an explosion just waiting to go off– you grow more and more sensitive to Aether’s every touch.

“A-Aether,” your voice weakly escapes your throat. “I- I’m close.”

The sound of his skin slapping against your own drives the both of you insane.

“Oh, fuck...” He moaned hotly. “Please, do this one thing for me…” His thrusting grows more erratic by the second, and you look up at him with loving eyes– waiting for him to continue speaking.

“Please, beg me to cum inside of you… Just this once.” Aether bites his tongue as he suppresses a whine, careful to not be too loud. His cock twitches and stirs inside of you as you squeeze around him a little more.

“Aether…” You leaned forward and kissed him on his cheek. “Please, inside me...”

“Cum inside of me.”

Those words are like drugs being injected directly into his veins.

His hands shift and frantically begin to touch your most sensitive areas, finally pushing you over the edge.

Those sweet, intimate words grace his ears and he comes undone right then and there, filling you up entirely. 

Aether throws his head back and uses one hand to cover up his mouth, muffling his passionate mewling. He twitches beneath your touch as he presses his hips firmly into yours. He didn’t want to part from you for even a second.

It’s all so good- truly like that of a twisted dream.

As his high slowly fades away, he falls over and collapses on top of you, breathing heavily. His hands reach up, he pets your hair, then he cages you with his arms and legs. “Promise me…” He tenderly kisses your cheek. “Promise me that you’ll be mine.” The vines around your wrists come undone.

Aether’s voice cracks as he looks up at you with puppy eyes, pleading with you, begging you to give him what he wants. “I can’t stay here in Mondstadt but… You’ll wait for me, won’t you?”

“Would you wait for me until the end of time..?”

For a moment, your heart stops.

Those are truly heavy words– such a deep, intimate promise.

It’s hard to tell him yes after everything he’s done. Aether killed the man who loved you dearly… Killed the man who’s stayed by your side for countless months on end. Aether tore your defenses to shreds and took advantage of the fact that, deep down, you love him so much it hurts.

He kisses you more, anxiously waiting for you to hand over your heart, body, and soul to him.

And in the end… You give in to him once more.

“Y-yes, Aether. I will…” a single tear escapes your eye.

“...I will wait for you, forever, even beyond death…”

And it’s those final words that seal your eternal fate.

[etherealhannie]

% ࣪ ˳ 🕯️ ₊ᩘ ׅ࣪ 𔓕 ,, upon the ray

pairing ,, bf!minghao × gf!fem!reader

genre ,, fluff, established relationship

word count ,, 0.6k

song rec. ,, i know you know - chska

the morning sun began to creep through the thin, lace curtains of the cozy cottage, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. minghao awoke quietly, the warmth of the sunlight gently rousing him from his dreams. as he turned to his side, he found himself gazing at the serene figure of y/n, his beloved, sleeping peacefully beside him.

minghao felt his heart swell with tender affection as he watched her. the sun's rays delicately highlighted her features, creating a halo around her golden hair, which spilled over the pillow like silk. he marveled at the way each strand seemed to catch the light, shimmering with a gentle radiance.

her face, so calm and serene in sleep, held a beauty that never ceased to captivate him. he traced the delicate curve of her cheek with his eyes, noting the soft blush that always lingered there. her eyelashes, long and dark, rested gently against her skin, casting tiny shadows that danced in the morning light.

minghao’s gaze lingered on her lips, slightly parted and relaxed, inviting a memory of their sweet taste. he loved the way they would curl into a smile, lighting up her entire face, and he found himself yearning to see that smile again.

with a soft sigh, reached out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her forehead, his touch feather-light so as not to disturb her slumber. his fingers lingered, caressing her skin, as he admired the perfection of her form. she was everything to him—his love, his muse, his reason for waking up each day with joy in his heart.

as he lay there, minghao reflected on the countless moments they had shared in this little cottage, their sanctuary. he remembered the laughter that filled the rooms, the quiet whispers of love exchanged late into the night, and the comforting embrace of her presence that made the world outside seem distant and unimportant.

in this moment, watching her sleep, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. he was thankful for every day they had together, for the love that bound them, and for the simple, profound beauty of mornings like this. he knew that no matter where life took them, as long as he had y/n by his side, he would always be home.

unable to resist any longer, minghao leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. y/n stirred slightly, a faint smile gracing her lips as she slowly opened her eyes. seeing him, her smile broadened, and she whispered his name, a soft murmur of love and contentment.

"good morning, tiánxīn," minghao whispered back, his voice filled with emotion. he wrapped her in his arms, holding her close as the sun continued to bathe them in its warm embrace.

“good morning too, haobao,” hearing the nickname he taught her just for fun now stuck as his nickname blooms thousands of flowers in his heart. she snuggled her face on his chest, seeking for his warmth even though the sun heats the room enough.

“did you sleep well?” minghao stroked her silky hair, giving her as much love as possible. hearing a breathy ‘hm’ from her already enough to answer his question. peeking on his chest and witnessing her gorgeous orbs looking at him, probably admiring him as well.

he can't help but to crack a small smile before leaning closer to her, pecking her tiny nose. as his lips travel down on hers, she holds him back.

“i haven't brushed my teeth, hao” she frowned. minghao lifts his right eyebrow, a bit puzzled by her statement that sounds more like an excuse.

“who cares?” he smooches her lips, before actually turning it into a love appreciation session. her fingers find their way to his hair, gliding through as a comfort. minghao placed his hand palm on y/n’s cheeks, stroking it as gently as he could.

in that perfect moment, they lay together, savoring the tranquility and the unspoken promise of a day filled with love and togetherness.

[mononijikayu]

to build a home ━ geto suguru ft nanami kento.

That was the end of it. They can't take much more of this pain. Suffering for a goodbye that would never be repeated. This cannot be true. They reflected to themselves. You also have a life. A different way of living. It's unjust to Kento, to blame him for their loneliness, their suffering. It's unjust to them, it's unjust to Suguru. They must make the first step. To make it final. To let him go for good. This is what saves them, this is what graces them in front of god.

note: i found an old draft of something i did and i thought it would be perfect for an angsty suguru writing, especially after rewatching fleabag. i started to joke yesterday that i'll do a suguru partner to 'time after time' and here we are now, me crying over what i made.

the final scene is inspired by the ending of fleabag. i cried through it but it really was something that triggered my heart strings. every good love story deserves a good closure when it ends. happy christmas again!!! let's hope this is my last idea in a while!!! its starting to make me cry too <333

Genre: No Curses AU, Priest Suguru AU, Fleabag AU;

Warning/s: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, First Love, Grief, First Heartbreak, Break Up, Emotional Scars, Forbidden Love, Star Crossed Lovers, Closure to Healing;

masterlist

play: to build a home by cinematic orchestra.

THEY DOESN’T KNOW WHY THEY WERE HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. The mass of such a dull cup was ultimately the most significant in that moment, reminding her of the heaviness that pounded through her shoulders. While they drank, their bright eyes shot into the already icy black pools. They could feel it, the way their pulse thumping with the power only felt when a hammer slams on an anvil.

A drop of black coffee shouldn't be pouring on the surface of that gleaming white envelope, their familiar seal on the edge. Like it used to when they were younger. Their pupils constricted as the cup clicked on the surface of the little chilly plate. The question resurfaced in their mind as if it had not already been blatantly obvious to themselves.

‘Why am I so scared?’ The words echoed in their head, silently. ‘What does it matter if it spills or not? It’s just an envelope.’

Though that wasn't just any ordinary envelope. They pursued their lips as the truth revealed everything without care for a wait. They felt another flurry of child-like recklessness within them once again. For a brief moment, their warm gaze was visible. The lost purity of their youth, which they had thought to have lost long ago, had reappeared. They sighed, unsure of what to do.

The icy loneliness of the envelope's borders, as it sat calmly discarded not far away from them, made it impossible to convey to them. The soft whisper of darkened skies made it impossible to tell if it was morning. Yet within their memories, the brightness of the morning dawn has always resonated with a pleasant unattainable radiance. They couldn't sleep again today. That day kept returning to the young soul. They felt as though it was akin to another grievous reminder of those warm-hearted charcoal eyes they had once loved.

They lowered their head, almost ashamed. All they could feel inside of them was that searing anguish filling their heart with nothing but agony. There was no peace in the confines of their heart. There is no peace on those nights, even if the moon sings pleasant things to soothe her to sleep. They knew that there was nothing but horrors. He visited their dreams almost every night.

He smiled so beautifully against the shine of the moon. Like that summer night where they first kissed. They were letting all the memories they had buried haunt them. These nightmares always comprised the sweetest smiles and bitter goodbyes. The cozy bed had somehow become an opponent. It seemed as though they were wallowing in a terrible abyss of quicksand in the luxuries of their cold feather bed, with no way out. It didn't help to stay unmoving, alone in this unmade bed, staring up at the plain white ceiling.

They had loved Kento enough; They truly did. But he wasn't home, he wasn't there to fill that space. To replace that emptiness, to make a home out of the numb loneliness. he was a merchant by trade. The nomad who ceaselessly took the opportunity that life had to offer. Yet he too was a serious man who took his responsibilities to the people he loved seriously as long as he could. Yet Kento was someone who had no permanence in the warmth of home. 

When he was home, it was something that still showed the gaps, the distance that had come with their degree of separation. Their little arrangement, their little life together, had once been beautiful at one point. But now all it does is make them lonely, now it makes them infuriated. Yet there was no one left to blame.

What was there to be angry about? He needed to keep what life being lived going, much of that relied on him. There was little to complain about, when they agreed about it before they had decided to become one. After all, these years had been lived in a garden of thorns. Nothing was easy.

They should be thankful he had worked at all. Others have had a harder time than them, losing  homes and the meal on the dinner table. Yet in Kento’s absence, their gaping heart was filled with those bright beaming memories of their first love. Everything about those memories were painted in vibrant pastels. Everything was so bright and new.

He smiled at them, rushing toward them direction as his dark locks spun across the pillows like a constellation weaving through the wide open sky. On those lonely nights, they did not want to think of him as much as they did. But one never forgets that long lost love. In those nights, they could not admit to anything but anguish and pointing fingers, blaming Kento for not being by their side. They wanted to blame him. It was easier that way, blaming the man they had committed to life with. 

Because they cannot stop thinking of his eyes that narrowed down at them tenderly. They couldn't get those memories out of their head, their mind craved everything about that charming man who had captured this wanting heart all those years ago. They had created quite a world, nay a universe, just for him.

Everything within that universe was devoted to cherishing, worshiping memories of that man already dried in the inked pages. But they could not help it. Geto Suguru was too hard to forget, too hard to bury in the past. When you fall in love the first time, nothing ever comes close. Nothing ever comes to be beyond the world that had embraced them for years and years.

How much they had remembered all those years of being in his strong, warm arms. The repeatedly lonesome bed trapped and bound their body and soul to the seclusion of the darkness. Their feet were firmly planted on the floor, their body towering over the diner. Arms resting upon their chest, the echoes of their heart beat unlike any other. They knew that they had no feeling of coherence. Nothing felt real, nothing felt true. Everything had been a blur—a never-ending darkness that had cleared them completely, leaving nothing but a void.

They recalled the way they had carelessly bruised themselves when they had awoken from another nightmare. Mindlessly, They walked in the dark narrow halls as quietly as they could. They did not wish to wake Kento’s father from his slumber, not when he was ill.  Their hands had been weak as they stumbled into the kitchen to get the warm water pitcher. There were no tears streaming from their weary eyes.

There was no sound from their lips, and no effort had been taken to prevent the spreading of shattered glass. They simply stared. They had no sense of sanity. There is no reality meter to gauge their consciousness. Simply as motionless as the fruit resting on the marble counter. They watched as the overflowing water pooled through the broken whole like a deluge had challenged the pieces of glass across the floor.

"Why am I doing this?" Their thin crimson lips let out a quiet whimper as they bowed their fatigued head in the heavenly air. Their brilliantly bright bonnet trailed behind them, shielding their eyes. "There's nothing else to say. I said that last time.....He was the one that said goodbye. I've been doing so great. And now….."

Yet somehow, They couldn't tear their attention away from the envelope, that begged bare fingertips for their warmth to give life to the inanimate pages of living, haunting love. To whisper those same words of affection that they had abandoned years ago, to match the fondness of the words within its frames. Their index finger marched forward, unafraid. The brightness of the platinum band on their ring finger reprimanded them in a scolding glow at that time.

They hesitated once more, their heart beating harshly against the flesh of their body. The reign of fears killed the resolute strength within them. They bite tenderly at their lower lip in anxious softness. They had made their peace with everything a long time ago, at least that is what they said. So there was no reason to be misled, to be misled by feelings settled in the corner of the mind’s palace. The shadows of their face reverberate like a ghost that begs to be finally laid to rest as the light weakly glows.

Yet, just like a wandering phantom wishing for relief, They realize that this was heaven’s bestowed fate. To be bound to the barren earth with the haunting memories of the life that had been lived like a gramaphone on repeat. To travel through the life they may have had, to torment her like her into a never-ending misery-like haunting bestiality. A never-ending hell that never ends.

Moving steadily, They held her hands into a chain, They felt the unending chill that only winter could provide. Is this how it has been for all this time since they split up? Have they truly been this miserable? Have they truly abandoned themselves to the abyss of grief, of longing? Of yearning for something that will never return? 

The spring they had loved has yielded to winter, its vivacity has long since faded. They knew that too well. But they could not help but return to spring in long locked away memories. That spring was where they can admit they had been the happiest. The truest to themselves. Because he was there.

It was because Geto Suguru had been the melody of that song through the truth of the heart.  Suguru's youth belonged to them. As much as they knew that their own youth belonged to him. That spring was for the two of them to own, only theirs and no one else’s. Greedily, that’s what they believed.

Those blooming flowers formed their gentle smile and made their heart pulse with the thrill that came with young love. It was the way he laughed so boyishly as he raced the length of the flower fields. Their eager gaze followed him, the wind eager to dance across those flower fields. The crinkle of mischief  drifts through the sky to mingle with the beam of rainbow lights.

The lark eyed young man looked at them as though it was like sunflower beams. The loving words seemingly flowed out like lovely echoes of hummingbird melodies. There had been the sweet touch of hands wrapped around them with such happiness, the delight of being together as the sound of the river's quiet whistles. 

It all came flooding home, that mellow breeze that led their love, in each and every moment they traveled the paths they had taken, arms locked together. Nobody had an inkling. Not even their parents. The spring dalliance, that became so much bigger of a world than anything else, was all their own. 

It had been the perfect love, belonging to the two of them. The only one they had told had been their uncle Yaga. He took pity on a broken soul, they knew. Those eyes filled with such wrestling grief. That conflict, that wanting, that yearning. He knew it too well. It was his kindness that allowed her to escape Tokyo after Suguru parted from them, to save her from growing mad.

Away from those dark eyes that continued to watch over them in the distance. Those lark bright that only mourned him just as much as they did. There was an echo in their soul which reached out to him, spoke in such a terrible voice; a voice they didn't even remember having. It had been so loud and angry. Yet Suguru merely smiled at them, ever so mournful as theirs was.

'I mourn the person we once were,” He whispered to them in the tender gaze of the altar, looking at them as their voice echoed in the basilica's bright glass windows. “Such brilliant splendor that’s long past us now, my love.”

They could not help but feel melancholy about remembering the spring.  They had come to hate it, even Kento just knew. Barely leaving their studio, abandoning the sight of warm blossoms of roses across the neighbor's front lawn. They decided to have to care for it any longer. It was too fleeting. Too young, too eager. Things that they were no longer. Spring provides us with a small sliver of careless youth.

The flowers in that spring bloomed, as did the love they both thought was impossible. However, spring must always give way to the beginning of fall. It was now October, and the hardest rain was anxiously awaiting freezing into the hammering winter cold. One in which They had come to be caged in. Like dragons of old who lived in caves in the abandon of endless silence. Alone to dwell on what was and what could have been in the present, which only deepens their agony.

It was the most heartbreaking moment of their existence. To watch the etches of their fair face contort to grief, to fear and to tears. The tears they had wished they had never come to shed. Suguru had been the one to tell them, to relay those words that ripped them apart like a harsh ocean wave rushing through.

The words of their father, the words of a man who used the woman he said he loved like a chess piece. To further his rise to the top of politics. They had been young then, when their father had bragged of doing such a thing. Of hurting their mother like it was a holy act in the eyes of god. 

When Suguru informed them that he cannot be with them any longer, they were taken back to that memory of their father. That heartache that shattered the dreams of a child. Nothing was absolute in the world, not even love. Not the way they had wanted. Not the way Suguru desired. It was to be a sin, a sin that would go against the word of the holy book he considered ever so sacred. 

It was Suguru’s path, he told them so clearly, hammered with familiar hurt—one that reminded them of their own grief. The two of them sat on the bed they used to sleep in together, the sunshine dulled by the venomous dark clouds which had gathered to see such a scene. But they remembered the distance that had formed in the sky. They remembered how warmly the tears of parting fell, one after another like the pouring rain. The warmth of the pillows grew cold with the solemn shadow of their own body. 

As they sat there immobilized, their eyes began to echo bloodshot red. Their habitually loud voice was hushed into soundless sobs for a short time — they had no words to say. All that passed through their mind couldn't seem to understand, to register this new reality that was now happening. It hadn't occurred to them how everything had morphed towards something they didn't wish to be a part of. A life they did not want to change forever. It was worse to wait, to watch for him to turn to them and be reminded that they could not be together any longer. 

It felt like they were walking towards their shallow grave. They could not do it, couldn’t deal with it any longer. He did not want to be miserable, as much as they didn’t. Being together until that moment felt like a dream, and now it is a nightmare. Yet remembering, repeating those phrases, those words, felt like they burned in flames. They felt like they burned every inch of their flesh into ash. It was the feeling of being poured into a wild sea to be swallowed by an agitated wave , to drown in everything. Suguru whispered those words in the past tense, tears pouring from his eyes.

Those words they hated, over and over. The value of those whispers of ‘i love you’ in repeated order, followed by buts and excuses, by deviation, by cancellation, by subtraction. They etched in these fragile veins and poisoned them to death. It was a curse, to love. And yet it continued, as easily as breathing. Those words had made a fool of them, laughing at them. And They would never be the same again. There was nothing left for fools. Nothing. 

“But you love god.” They whispered back, brows furrowing into sorrow. “More than you love me.”

“I’m sorry.” He kissed the top of their hair, smiling ever so apologetically. “I’m sorry. I love you.”

Suguru had left that flat the next day, a letter left on the counter along with the keys. The nooks and corners empty, from where he hid his variety of morning tea to the little books he would read as the sun would rise to greet them. They stood frozen, staring at what had remained. The flat was cold, so dreadfully cold. They just stared, with their eyes burning in pain and crimson shine from the tears that would not stop pouring. They did not take it well.

They'd flung aside the blankets that had filled with muted tones of their disheveled look, scrambling across their face like a hurricane. They didn't want to think about it. They didn’t want to be reminded of it. Yet all there was left was reminders. Nothing but ruins in the once great space that was their own. That life no longer materialized into being, not here. As lonely as the dead trees, stripped of the foliage that once decorated their twigs. Life cannot exist where there is no sun, life cannot exist without the warmth of water, nor can it exist without the oxygen in their lungs. There was none here. Nothing was here, other than barren life.

Moving into a modest shack of an apartment in the far out districts of Tokyo, nearer to the other prefectures than anything else. Uncle Yaga was the one that had suggested it to them, as it had been far enough from the capital. It was a new perspective, a new sign of life — one that could perhaps heal them. He told them that he had once sought refuge in the far flung district’s vibrant feel, having departed himself once more in his nomadic pleasures. They had been blessed by his suggestion.

The bright street lamps comforted them at night. The sight of morning air that came through had been a gentle kiss on their welcoming of that first lonely sunrise. There was a buzz of excitement that filled them as they watched different people stroll the streets every day, suitcases in hand and speaking different tongues. They all were hoping,  gathering  their strength to start a new life, just as they had. In a manner, they were maintained by this encounter every day. In a sense, it made them feel like they weren't the only one going towards a new chapter in life. They were not alone for the first time in a long time. 

Though uncle Yaga sent money regularly, they too were able to find some work. It had helped them somewhat, the world still reeling from the financial disaster that had recently plagued the nation. They have been able to save enough money recently. And in those times, they had come to be interested in pottery. They seem to notice the solace of it, having watched some locals make clay pots for their meals and as gifts. Soon enough, they wanted to try it all out. They had been eager to find the materials.

But they did not know where to start, unable to find the ones that they liked enough to suit the ideas They had in their head to come to life. A small sigh passes their lips. They had the confidence to think that learning would be easy, but it had not been. But They had been glad to have this moment to start something new. A new hobby meant a new life. And a new life meant moving forward. Life finally goes on.

On that cold winter morning in January, they met an old man who had come from central Tokyo only a few months before. He had moved to the city a while ago, he said. To be closer to his son who had become his carer. Having suffered burns across his body after an accident had happened in his home, his only child had been wanting to take care of his father so that he would not be alone.

They had been surprised about him. He was an intelligent man, but he was stern and rarely smiled, often in heavy bouts of pain. But they do not blame him. His burns had not completely healed. Often, it was only morphine that could put him to rest. 

They met the old man’s son soon enough. Their neighbor, Nanami Kento, had been kind to them when they first met. It had all begun when they had struggled with their  purchases from the market and he had been willing to lend a hand. He had always smiled at them with his thin lips, blossoming craters upon his cheeks.

He was a beautiful man, with his light blond hair and his soft brown eyes. They were nearly the same height, but it did not perturb him. Still, there were corners they could not reach, even with their height. Kento had been the one to help them, reaching forward so devotedly. 

It was obvious that he had been a bigger man in a frame than them, though. Kento’s father had bragged about it, certainly. They could see Kento’s cheeks redden ever so brightly. They could only find themselves laughing along with Kento’s father as he reacted even more expressively. For a while, Kento had kept them company as time went by. That had soothed them and kindly given them something to look forward to. From the friendship that blossomed, they had found something they had longed to have in a long time — a true laugh.

There had not been any interaction with the two of them, for a time after that. Kento admitted to them that for a while, he pondered if he should continue developing affinity with them. When they allowed him to continue to explore the depth of that warmth between them, Kento had been certain to be nothing but good to them. 

He respected them too much, giving them much more than any one, even Suguru, had afforded them. When they talked, there was not a semblance of awkwardness. Not once did they feel any dull moments hit the tune they danced to. It had been easy to just be with him. The burdens did not exist in his every touch, not even in his gazes. The warmth of his embraces had enraptured their cold body, eager for the warmth of someone’s care.

That made them feel relieved, to not be alone any longer. There was comfort in someone’s kindness and truthfulness. From then on, they had always been aided by him. That’s why they had felt as though they too would like to return the favor, taking the responsibility of taking care of his father when they had the time to do so.

They had conversed with him when the older man had no company in the apartment’s commune. Kento had sent them a telegram saying that he would be home later tonight, but the trains had a mishap.They had switched his reserved seat for another day and it took a while to fix with the officers of the train.

As such, Kento asked them to take care of his father till he returned. They had no qualms with doing so, having a day off that day. Besides, Kento had told them that his father had been melancholic after his mother had passed. His father needed someone and they were willing to step forward to be that someone.

They had not known the language he was now speaking, the deep thick accent of his words befuddled from the hale of medication he was taking. It did not seem he understood what they were saying in reply either. Yet during the times that he did, it had made them warm inside. Today seemed like a good day, where they responded back to them. 

Today, he seemed to know what they had been saying though, smiling when they told him good things that happened at the market this morning. But for the most part, they created a language through actions. At least when the older man had been capable. But most days, the two of them sat to enjoy the day. Just by sitting together to enjoy the warmth of the small fireplace in their apartment. It was enough to have someone.

Kento’s father had been someone who had been interested in pottery, as far as teaching it for years when he had been a younger man in the capital’s finest schools. Kento had told themthat it had been part of their family’s history, as his grandfather had been a historian who studied the history of their family’s hometown. His father had become intrigued by the pots and vases they would find, eventually deciding to focus on such studies and practice.

It piqued their interest, for the most part, watching Kento’s father tell them ceramics he had taken with him from all the places he had come to work when he was able. Most clearly on days when the morphine had not overtaken him. Some he had made by hand, practicing methods that had long been gone and reviving them one motion at a time. But now they were only stories, his body no longer able to do as he wished, in particular, took her interest. Bright golden streaks echoed through the plate like golden rain, wonderfully varnished with nothing but the finest finish. When they turned a moment later to ask, they had gotten the reply.

“That had been from the days of old.” Kento’s father whispered to them, gazing at them with a small smile. “They called it kintsugi, young one.” 

Their eyes gazed at him questioningly. “What is that?”

The old man gazed at them with warm almond eyes and smiled at her, speaking. “Something that is broken being fixed with gold, child. To be whole again. It is a kindness, an echo of beauty. A new life.”

For a moment they blinked, stunned that he had gathered himself in his chair with a painful groan.

 “A new life?”

The old man smiled at her once more, faintly this time. “All that is broken — is not truly broken. It is just waiting to find a way to be alive again. That is why they used to fix it with gold. Life for the broken can be golden too. There is always a new path to walk on again, young child.”

That moment made their heart flutter, almost as if they had been waiting their whole entire existence for those words to be said to them. Warm words of simple solace were sometimes more than the warmth of the fire crackling in the room. It was the most genuine warmth against the winter. Tears streamed down their cheeks. They could only whisper, "Thank you." 

Ever since then, they had come to be fond of the artistry of kintsugi—pooling as much as they could to the devotion of new passions. It was a new life they had been living, excitement pumped through veins. In these two years, they had ended up getting lessons from Kento’s father on pottery when he was able to instruct. It had been a pleasant time, having to spend carelessly after work in the wonderful pool of stories, of myths, and of time gone by that had suddenly made them forget about the mournful heartbreak.

When he was in too much pain, they nursed him to rest and afterwards, continued to do as they pleased with learning the art of the pottery. The wind that cooled their body from the open window had been refreshing, the exhaustion of work pondering their body. It had been for a new exhibition, one that had come after the other. It had been something that had surprised them, that such skillful artistry would become the wholeness of their current life. But it fulfilled them, it had filled the gaps they had with gold—to live again as they had always had. Forward.

In a moment as they dipped their hands in the cold pools in the bowl, they did not remember how lost they had been when the already gone had seeped through. It had been pouring lately, but it had been expected, especially as their quarter was always affected by the autumn rains. Pursing their lips, the young soul could only sigh as they saw the roof still dripping from last night’s wistful rain.

It had always slipped their mind, to tell Kento about the leaking roof. But it could not be helped as they gazed at the open window. They would tell him when he gets home from work, he would fix it. Leaning forward, they watched what remained of the rain pour through. 

For a moment, their mind explored the corner it always returns to. The smile on her lips as they chased them, playing those childish games. The cold rains were heavily drenching their Sunday dresses, readying for church. But those lark eyes did not care.

No, they were paved with mischief. They were a wildfire, burning through with his loud laughter. Those were happy moments, their memories whispered, Memories that yearned for him, that adored him. Urging them to open her heart once again, to love the ghost haunting them. That moving forward should mean loving what was already passed.

No, now at this moment — they shook their head. They will not go back to those memories. They will not. They felt happy. This was their life now, their new life. And they are doing well. They are happy, even. Happier than ever before. They felt content in the already small space crowding in the wonder of sketches across the battered walls.

The round table is full of drying plaster vases, letting the hot sun beckon it frozen in the summer heat. The smell of charcoal gathered across their blackened fingers, as they rubbed them against the planned design. At that moment, the new path had become dipped in gold. And for that, they were grateful. There was no need. No need to return .

But when the night came, they nearly dropped the envelope.

Kento had returned, placing a kiss upon the temple of their head.

Their left hand over their lips, the ring echoing a tender promise.

‘Had Yaga give me up to him?’ They panicked, their heart beating wildly. ‘No, he wouldn’t do that to me…..But still, how did he?…’

“Are you alright?” Kento lowered his gaze at his lover, questioning them. For a moment he was worried. They had been tearing up, still staring at the letter. Putting his soft hands against their shoulder, the shine of the ring finger beckoned against the early dawn. “‘Hey, what’s going on?”

“It’s nothing.” They whispered to him, wiping away their tears, and tore the envelope and threw it in the bin. “It was nothing.”

His gaze beckoned towards the bin and then to them. “Are you sure? It’s nothing bad, is it?”

“No, it was just an advert. Nothing important.” They gave him a small smile to reassure him. But his eyes could see that the light in his lover’s eyes was dim. “Selling me those ridiculously expensive silver pots again.”

“I see.” He did not want to overwhelm his lover by asking. He pursed his lips and turned to them, putting his hands on their face. Rubbing their cheeks, he tried to comfort them with his touch.

But they turned their face slightly away from him. “It’s just that. It’s not that important.”

The fondness across his lips deepened. “You don’t have to buy them, you know. I know you hate them. But I suppose the ad may be telling us something. I’ll take you, we’ll buy you something. Even if it's not the silver pots. You need to treat yourself, love. Tell me. I’ll buy it for you.”

“I just….” They could not find the words to say. Their heart beating fast, They clutched their hands onto it as though to beg for it to stop. “I’ll decide later….it could just be another waste of money, you know?”

He shook his head laughing. “Spoiling you, making you smile. It will never be a waste of money, you got it?”

They pierced their lips in a tender line and then smiled, nodding.

He sighed softly, satisfied. Kento put his hands on their shoulders and then their arms. Moving close to them, he allowed his body to caress them. They had rested their head onto his shoulders, quietly accepting his comfort. They had stayed that way for a while, Kento knowing he would have to leave in a couple of minutes. 

He indulged himself to comfort them at this time when he would not see them for a couple of days at most. He needed to be with them. In all times he can be there, he will be. It was the least he could do, after being so far away from them all this time. He loved them with all his heart, after all. When they had parted, he grabbed his coat and put his hat on. He turned to them, smiling widely at them. Her fingers played at the texture of his trench coat. 

“I’ll be back as soon as possible. I would not want to miss dinner with your uncle.” He tells them, caressing his lover’s long spread of hair tenderly. “I’ll hurriedly finish work and come straight home, hm? I’ll bring some flowers too.”

They let out a small laugh. “I’ll look forward to it.”

He kissed the edge of their temple and then their cheek before they separated once again. Finally, he gathered his lips around theirs and softly hugged them. They peered into one other's eyes, before they laughed. Kento whispered his goodbyes and heard them say farewell. When they had closed the door, reality shook her to its core. It had his name on the mail, written as sender. It had been Suguru's name. They hurried to the bin, opening it and taking the torn letter. 

Tears streamed down in their eyes as they realized that the wound had reopened. The shadows of the past had come and rushed like a flood, like a sudden thunder from the skies. They had been found once more, they had been yearned for. Suguru had written to them. After all this time, he wanted them.

They stared at the torn letter and burst into a sob, guttural almost like an animal’s wild cries. In a soundless fall of their body on the floor, heavy tears surged like an infinite wave of ripping currents. Their arms shook as they clutched themselves, gathering over their shoulder blades.

All the emotions they had felt at the time, and yet still felt, hurried back to them like lightning striking the soil over and over.  Everything had returned. All that they had buried within the back of their mind. All that they had fought to bury six feet under, they had all but risen from the dead.  They couldn’t stop themselves from embracing the cuts of the envelope as though they were cradling the most precious thing in the world.

Suguru’s name echoed in the bits and pieces of shredded paper. After all this time, he still remembered them. After all this time, there was still that wanting, that forbidden desire. But it would never happen now. After putting Kento’s father into bed and aided him to sleep that night,their restless abandon in the pool of recalling tears called them awake. 

And here in this lonesome space, with this torn letter — this torn letter that shouldn’t even exist. Suguru was now living his dream, his destiny, his duty. There were children laughing every day in the choir of the church. Satoru still visits, sometimes with Shoko. Suguru had taken in twin girls in the church, adopting them after their parents had left them at the steps of the large gates. He was living his dream, he had his life now. His life was now fulfilled. Full of the newfound hope and laughter. 

Geto Suguru should be doing well. He was happy. He said as much in his appointment at the church. They were there, a witness as his dreams tore apart years of a home built in each other. Suguru smiled at them from all the way in the back. They choked a sob and stood, leaving. It was enough, seeing him then. Dazzling in the bright golden crucifix on his chest and the most beautiful black robes and that mantle of yellow–gold. That had been enough of a scene, that should have been the ending of those pictures in the theater. That should have been the end.

 ‘But his dark lark-like eyes. His eyes were grieving you.’

Reeling in a moment of rewind, the words in the card makes them feel like they were going to burst into tears once again. Suguru had become one with god, become one with the divine, with the duty of the sacred. That world is treating him well. They prayed every day, in the silence of their repeating days, that he would always be well. That he’ll always be healthy.

That he would always be happy. That god would always favor him. They knew that god would always be kind, god will always be merciful, god would grant their prayers. They knew that. After all, god has taught love. And in their heart, there was only love for the man that had made her feel what love truly looks like.  

There was that day, that day in central Tokyo, when Kento had brought them for a day out with his father. They were going to visit his mother’s grave. In the markets, they walked and talked. Deciding what to give in offering to the temple and then to his mother. Yet it caught their eye immediately. The same long tresses of hair, as charcoal as the night.

The same sound of laughter echoing from the distance. Dark priestly robes beckoned his body, kind words poured through the sanctity of his lips. Behind him were two young girls, dressed in long dresses, trailing behind him so tenderly. Silver crosses were on their necks, a gift no doubt from the priestly man, the godly man, that had taken them in.

The two girls shared the same shine, same passion in their eyes as Suguru does. Jolly in the tenderness, they were so beautiful in the morning sun. They felt their heart break at the sight, as they lowered their parasol and let the sight be gone. For the past to just be the past. For life to move forward. It was better that way. For the two of them. It was better to forget than remember. Yet, that’s what they did.

They had wept ever so silently all night when they returned home, trying their hardest to not be seen by their lover. They did not want Kento to worry. They did not want to trouble him in his sleep. They did not want to cause more suffering. Not for them, not for the memory of the long lost love they knew Kento could never replace. There must not be anymore reminiscing, there must not be anymore yearning. There must not be any more curiosity. 

‘I don’t miss you.’ They whispered to their restless heart as they wept. ‘I do not miss you.’

That was the end of it. They can't take much more of this pain. Suffering for a goodbye that would never be repeated. This cannot be true. They reflected to themselves. You also have a life. A different way of living. It's unjust to Kento, to blame him for their loneliness, their suffering. It's unjust to them, it's unjust to Suguru. They must make the first step. To make it final. To let him go for good. This is what saves them, this is what graces them in front of god. 

Their hands grasped the envelope with a trembling breath. They chewed at their thin lips even more as they trembled and felt the tears flood. They looked at the envelope with eyes shaking, too unwilling to say goodbye. A harsh cry came from them as the shaking hands clasped together, cutting through the coherence to incomprehensible fragments that would never be whole again.

They gathered them in their hands and stood, allowing the tears to pour. They shut their eyes once They reached the bin, as if they were mourning a death. Even after these many years, perhaps they will always mourn. This was a tragic death that will never be forgotten. A death that would haunt them for the rest of their life. They apologized as they stared at the bits, whispering those words of devoted love that had long been banished from her lips. 

They cried Suguru’s name repeatedly, at each repetition, it was almost like a prayer more than anything else. Those words of love died as much as their beloved Suguru’s name did in each round of breath. They said tearful goodbyes, each and every time. They murmured the parting words of her love. They watched as their body moved on its own and flung them aside moments later.

They put their gloves back on their hands and their bonnet back on their small head as they paid for their drink in eerie silence. The staff had not been there, but they left the payment anyway. The tears dried sooner than later, and their heart had no more space to become even more numb at each pang of the ache. But it was all for the best. 

Kento’s father will be walking soon, and they needed to arrange breakfast for him. They felt the frigid wind surge through their shrouded bodies as they strolled through the dimly lit streets, and They pondered if it was god above comforting them, just as Suguru used to say. They wondered if all would ever be okay. That they were pleased with what they had done.

Their lips let out a forlorn sigh as they slid their hands into the sleeves of their coat. They took a deep breath and started to walk home, the echoes of their footsteps merging with the silent cries of their heart. Memories of love, now tinged with the bittersweet hues of what once was.

“It was nothing.” They whispered to the calm air, convincing themselves. “It was just what it was in the end.”

They smiled and paused as they saw a falling star.

“I’m living well, Suguru.”

“I’m glad to know that.”

They turned their head up as they halted, under the light.

Their mouth opened as the dark eyed priest smiled at them.

He still looked so beautiful, especially now, under the moonlight.

They halted, facing each other, and the dim light revealed the lines etched by time on Suguru's face. It must have been a moment of peace for Suguru, his steps measured and deliberate, a silent echo of the morning rituals he once shared with them. He always loved walking, embracing the fresh air as the world awoke. The memory of those quiet mornings lingered, a haunting reminder of a love that once flourished like the flowers touched by the first light of dawn.

As Suguru drew closer, the streetlamp cast a glow upon the contours of his face, revealing the weariness that came with the weight of his choices. His eyes, reflective pools of regret and nostalgia, met theirs, and for a moment, time stood still. The priestly robes draped around him seemed to carry the burden of unspoken confessions and silent prayers.

He had seemed all grown up, his hair longer than it had been all those years ago. Yet, he was still whom they knew. The person they had loved the most in the world. Their very heart, right in front of them, as though they had never parted. 

“Hello.”

“Hi.”

Suguru smiled at the sound of their voice, his steps slowing as if time itself had granted them a brief moment of suspended reality. The street lamp flickered, casting dancing shadows that played across his somber features. His eyes, once filled with the warmth of shared memories, now held a distant recognition.

"Long time no see," they whispered, the words escaping their lips in a hushed tone, laden with a mixture of nostalgia and restraint. The blink that followed seemed to bridge the gap between the past and the present, a futile attempt to clear away the emotional fog that hung between them.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you too.”

"Sugu—No, uh, Father. Father Geto," they stammered, the words catching in their throat as they struggled to reconcile the familiarity of the old name with the newfound title of reverence. The transition from the intimate to the formal underscored the undeniable transformation Suguru had undergone.

A fleeting sadness crossed Suguru's eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the divide that now existed between them. The weight of the priestly robes seemed to intensify, as if the fabric itself bore witness to the complexities of their shared history.

Whispers of the impossibilities that had consistently echoed in his mind for years when it came to them, to the life they could have had. The life they could have deserved. He was certain that their words shattered him, his mind full of chances and roads not taken. 

"Indeed, it has been a long time," Suguru replied, his voice carrying the weight of unspoken truths. The use of the formal title added a layer of formality to their exchange, a thin veil attempting to conceal the depth of the emotions lingering beneath the surface.

A heavy silence settled between them, and the flickering street lamp seemed to cast a spotlight on the unresolved tension in the air. Their gaze lingered on Suguru's face, searching for traces of the person they once knew within the contours of the priest before them.

Father Geto, his expression a mask of duty and restraint, nodded in acknowledgment.

"Yes, it has," he replied, his voice a measured cadence that echoed through the quiet night.

They bit their lower lip, a nervous habit that betrayed the turbulence within. The words unsaid, the questions unasked, hung in the air like a delicate thread waiting to unravel. The night embraced the weight of their emotions, and the street lamp continued to flicker, casting its dim glow further upon the scene—a reunion tainted by the passage of time and the choices that led them down divergent paths.

Their eyes shimmered with unshed tears as Geto Suguru let the passage of time settle in the air. The chasm between them widened, and in that moment of silence, it seemed to stretch into eternity—a vast expanse of unspoken emotions and missed opportunities.

"Suguru," They whispered, unable to mask the vulnerability in their voice. The name hung between them, a bridge attempting to span the gap created by titles and time.

Suguru's gaze flickered with a mixture of pain and understanding. Yet in between, so much love. So much devotion – sealed away for what remained of all his life. Reserved for a lifetime where his yearning to duty, to god, did not win.

"Please," he began, the weight of his own emotions evident in the quiver of his voice, "Call me Father Geto. It's the only way we can navigate this... this impossibility."

The words hung heavy in the air, a poignant acknowledgment of the constraints that bound them. They merely nodded, a small, pained acceptance of the reality that lay before them. 

"Father Geto," They uttered, the words tasting foreign on their tongue.

A sigh escaped Suguru's lips, a fragile exhale carrying the weight of a thousand unspoken apologies.

"I never wanted it to be like this," he confessed, his eyes betraying a sadness that transcended the boundaries of their shared history.

"I know," they replied, aching with the burden of understanding. The streetl amp's flickering light cast a dance of shadows on Suguru's face, emphasizing the lines etched by time and choices.

The heavy silence persisted, a tangible force that hung in the air like a shroud. Their gaze fought to be tender as they remained fixed on Suguru's face, as though trying to find solace in the familiar features that had once provided comfort and warmth.

Father Geto, a master of self-discipline, struggled to maintain the mask of duty and restraint.

"We are bound by different paths now," he said, each word resonating with the finality of their choices.

They took a hesitant step forward, as if attempting to breach the invisible barrier between them.

"Do you ever regret it?" they asked, their voice a mere whisper in the quiet night.

Suguru's eyes, haunted by the ghosts of what could have been, met theirs.

"I would be lying if I said I didn’t," he admitted, the confession heavy with the weight of his own longing.

Tears welled up in their eyes, and they fought to keep their composure.

"I thought time would make it easier," they confessed, a raw vulnerability laid bare beneath the dim glow of the streetlamp.

Suguru offered them a weary smile, a flicker of shared pain passing between them.

"Time has a way of revealing wounds we thought were healed," he said, the truth echoing through the hallowed space between them.

The night embraced them, a silent witness to the intricate dance of emotions beneath the flickering street lamp. Time seemed to stand still, allowing the echoes of a love both tender and tormented to reverberate through the quiet air, wrapping around them like a shroud of nostalgia.

"I miss you," they whispered, the words hanging in the cool night air, laden with the weight of untold stories and the lingering ache of unresolved emotions.

Suguru, with a melancholic smile that held the depth of a thousand shared sunsets, replied, "I know."

His words, a testament to the silent understanding that had weathered the storms of time, painted a canvas of their shared history.

A brief yet profound moment passed between them, a communion of souls familiar with the artistry of sorrow. They exchanged sad smiles, acknowledging the pain that dwelled beneath the surface—a tapestry woven with the threads of what was and what could never be again.

"But you'll never leave God, won't you?" they asked, the words hanging in the air like a sacred hymn, a melody of unspoken truths that resonated through the silence.

Suguru, his gaze drifting to the ground like a fallen prayer, nodded with a heaviness that only a man torn between earthly desires and divine duty could understand. 

"Yeah," he confessed, his voice a fragile melody that cracked with the weight of the choices he bore.

A bitter laugh escaped them, a bitter acknowledgment of the cosmic joke that played with the strings of their fate. "Damn."

"I'm sorry," Suguru whispered, the words carrying the weight of unspoken regrets, a plea for forgiveness in a universe that seemed indifferent to the intricacies of human hearts.

Suguru listened in the gentle embrace of the night, the words hanging in the air like a delicate confession of the heart. The flickering street lamp cast a soft glow on their faces, revealing the vulnerability etched in the lines of their expressions.

“I’ve never felt so homeless,” they admitted, their voice a poignant melody that resonated with the ache of a displaced soul. A somber laugh escaped them, a fragile release of emotion that danced on the precipice of tears. "To be without the person that made me feel like life can be a home. It’s as if I’ve been taught how to build a home, and then it's just, in ruins.”

Suguru, his eyes reflecting the constellations of shared pain, nodded in solemn understanding. The weight of their words echoed through the silent night, the gravity of loss settling like a heavy fog.

“It's a peculiar kind of emptiness,” he mused, his voice a low murmur, as if joining the nocturnal conversation with the whispers of the wind. "To have known the warmth of a home, only to find it reduced to ruins. The echoes of what was linger in the cracks, haunting the spaces that once held promises."

The person's gaze, a reflection of a universe in turmoil, met Suguru's.

"You were my home," they confessed, the words carrying the weight of unspoken dreams and the fragments of a life that now lay in ruins.

Suguru, his heart heavy with the acknowledgment of what had been lost, replied, "And you were mine." His voice, a gentle breeze that carried the scent of nostalgia, painted the canvas of their shared memories. "You'll always be."

"I know." They replied back, pointing to the middle of their chest. "You'll always find your way into a house here too."

The night wrapped around them, a silent witness to the unraveling of a love that had once been the cornerstone of their existence. The street lamp flickered, casting a dance of shadows on the remnants of their shared dreams, now scattered like stardust in the cosmic expanse.

As they stood beneath the dim glow, Suguru reached out, a silent offering of solace in the face of their shared homelessness. The person, their eyes brimming with unshed tears, accepted the gesture, a fragile connection in the midst of ruins.

"It's okay not to have all the answers," Suguru whispered, his words a gentle reassurance, a beacon of understanding in the night. "Sometimes, the process of rebuilding begins with acknowledging the ruins."

"Did you do the same?"

He laughs somberly.

"I'll still have to learn to. Just like you." He whispers back to them, tilting his head at them. "It's often hard, when you love someone so much. There's too much to want, too much to remember. But also too much to forget."

They pursed their lips at him.

"Do you want to forget me?"

He shakes his head.

"No. Never."

They dug deeper into their pockets.

"You know, the worst thing is, after all this time, I don't think I've stopped loving you," they confessed, the admission tearing at the seams of their heart like a love letter written on the pages of time. "I still love you. Even if I have someone to love now, I still love you."

There was panic in his eyes for a moment. As though those three words being said paralyzed him. As though they compelled him. The mere three words echoing in his ears made him feel as though he would break covenant to god the moment he heard them. He would sin and he would sin knowing his heart would not be guided by reason. Love after all, does not have reason. Love is just love.

Suguru, looking at them with eyes that mirrored the reflection of constellations, pleaded, "No, no, don't."

"Let's just leave that out there just for a second on its own," they said, a brief huff following as they gathered the shattered remnants of their composure. "It needs to be said, one last time."

Suguru, resigned to the bitter reality that hung between them like a faded photograph, nodded with a quiet acceptance. He offered a smile, fragile as porcelain. "Alright."

"I love you," they declared, the words a sacred offering hung in the air, a requiem for a love that refused to be extinguished, a melody that echoed through the chambers of their shared history.

Suguru, offering a tender smile, whispered, "It'll pass."

"I know," they replied, their voice carrying the wisdom of a soul that had danced with the fleeting nature of love, accepting the transient beauty of their shared pain.

As if prompted by an unseen force, they both turned, their hearts guiding them toward separate destinies. They who is still tethered to the past, lingered in the shadows of what could have been, as if waiting for a final resolution that might never come. Suguru, facing the far reach of the church's dome like a silent sentinel, took a moment to compose himself, tears betraying the stoic facade he wore as a priest.

"I love you too," Suguru confessed, the words a whispered goodbye, a final benediction offered to a love that had been both a sanctuary and a storm.

And then, with a heavy silence enveloping them like a shroud, they finally parted ways. Each step echoed the closing of a chapter, a poignant farewell etched into the fabric of their souls—a bittersweet symphony played beneath the dim glow of a street lamp, where love and destiny converged and diverged in the grand tapestry of life.

There is still a home, built the soul of those you love.

They walked away, they couldn’t help smiling through the tears.

There’s always going to be that home, made just for each other.

They live on together, small crevices of the soul just for each other.

They'll be fine.

Suguru would be fine.

They'll always build a home.

Together.

[hanayori89]

A Trail of Feathers : SS Link x Reader One shot

🪶 * 🪶 * 🪶 * 🪶 * 🪶 * 🪶 * 🪶 *🪶 * 🪶*🪶

The peace on Skyloft was beyond compare.

Skyloft, was up high- oh, so high- that the clouds were rumored to be made of the very cotton that Hylia's dress was woven from. The clouds floated and flitted en masse, erasing the function of time.

The function of feeling like you existed.

The vast sky was home to a multitude of levitating archipelagos, yet Skyloft was deemed Hylia's favorite. Certainly, it had to be, as it was blessed with blissful, balmy temperatures and gentle fluttering winds that aided the island's loyal companions, the Loftwing.

Yes, the peace of Skyloft was truly unparalleled.

So then, if we were fortunate enough to live on an island considered the goddess's sacred jewel, which was stowed away in the chest of the expansive skies, why did Link go to the surface?

Your eyes snagged on his closed bedroom door in the Knight Academy. They snagged so hard; it was like a thread from your clothing on a doorknob that you couldn't tear away.

Beyond that door was where Link would always be sleeping in, and now it was empty and inhabited, like your heart, which had missed his presence since going to the surface.

Your mind was relentless in its harsh pursuit of what it was like to be on the surface. What if Link favored the surface and all its exoticism to the tranquility of the sky he's always known?

What if he decides to never return to Skyloft? To never return to all that is familiar and mundane?

What if you never saw him again?

You would sometimes traverse the halls of the Knight Academy like a trapped spirit, roaming aimlessly in the middle of the night hoping to catch him sneaking in his window or hear him fumbling in his room.

But there wasn't a peep to be heard.

There was no sound, and there was no Link.

Exhausted from your knight training, you hunkered your weary limbs into bed early. Your eyelids fell to the gentle flapping of Loftwing outside of your window.

🪶 🪶 🪶

You awoke to an itchy feeling behind your ear as the first rays of daylight touched Skyloft.

A feather, long and wispy, threaded in the shade of ashes, was tucked behind your ear.

A feather you did not place there.

Your heart began to crash against your chest with the voracity of a mighty torrent. You twirled the feather in your hands, admiring the way the light transformed the ashy gray into a fetching shade of charcoal. You tickled your chin with the feather, deep in thought.

Someone had been inside your room. It was someone who knew where your room was located within the Knight Academy. Someone who possessed great stealth,

Your heart was screaming "Link", but your mind logically knew he was far beneath Skyloft. And you were far beneath Link, at least in ranking. Link was kind to everyone, so when he befriended you and helped you become a better Loftwing pilot and knight, you never saw it as anything more than what it was. Besides, he was so close to Zelda, and she was the dish of Skyloft, for obvious reasons.

No, it couldn't be Link. Why would he return here to put a feather behind your ear? And besides, his Loftwing was crimson.

This feather wasn't particularly attractive, but something about its dismal gray was comforting. Like someone was holding an umbrella over your head during a rainstorm.

Not that you had ever experienced rain. You would have had to go to the Isle of Songs for that.

You chalked it up to Fetch or Pipit- someone playing a prank. Despite your decision, you tucked away the mysterious loftwing feather.

You brushed your fingers across the fibers of it one last time before tucking it beneath your pillow.

Even if it was a joke, something about it was consolatory, even if that wasn't the intended purpose.

Without seeing the radiance of Link's smile in your life, you needed solace.

You needed him.

You tucked that thought away with the feather and got up to start your day.

You picked your pillow up and looked at the assortment of feathers you'd amassed. What started out as a prank slowly became part of your routine.

Feathers were finding their way to you, and you continued to unearth them.

They were in your locker. Left on your pillow. Hidden in your drawers.

It even went so far as to receive them arbitrarily from strangers.

You went to the bazaar to get your sword repaired from Gondo when you heard the fortune teller calling out to you.

"Miss, Miss- please, let me tell you your fortune!" Sparrot begged with his asymmetrical, googly eyes.

You waved him off. "Not today, sir."

As you collected your sword from Gondo and began to walk away, Sparrot howled, "A reunion is coming." He held a feather in his hand, and the searing orange seemed to flicker like a candle in a dimness of the bazaar.

It beckoned you toward him. "Where did you get that feather?"

"Miss, I have taken an oath of secrecy."

He passed the feather up to you, and you took it from his short, stubby fingers. "I'll pay you. Please tell me the source of the feathers." You pleaded.

Sparrot shook his head. "I may need rupees, but not at the cost of my word. They told me to tell you about the reunion.

A customer walked up to Sparrot, interjecting between you both. You took it as your cue to exit the bazaar.

Once outside, you let out a deep exhalation of breath. A reunion could only mean Link.

Or Zelda.

You moaned outwardly, "Or Groose."

You walked back towards the knight academy, scolding yourself. You couldn't help but hold onto the idea that it was Link. But realistically, a reunion could be anyone.

You continued the rest of your training, completely distracted. Sparrot's words echoed in your head and grew louder, washing out the sound of your blade swooshing through the air. You could see Eagus looking at you with concern.

"Y/N, why don't you go home and get some rest? You don't seem invested today."

You wouldn't decline that offer. You apologized to Eagus for not giving it your all. You left, your shoulders slumping in defeat. You felt like you were no better a knight than when Link left. Link had probably grown quite strong since his departure from Skyloft. Who knows what he's encountered beneath Skyloft on the surface?

Maybe the feathers were simply meant to keep your morale up? Morale or not, you could never be on Link's level.

You entered the Knight Academy and were greeted with Pipit and Karane making goo-goo eyes at each other. You wished they would just ask each other out already. You gave them a shrewd nod in passing and made your way to your room.

Only to find your bedroom door wide open.

You ran into your room and saw feathers scattered all over your bed, as if someone had wrestled with a Loftwing in your sheets. As you focused on the rainbow calamity on your bed, you homed in on more feathers spilling out of your window, which was open and definitely not the way you left it.

You gazed beyond your window to see the feathers form a trail.

The sound of your heart beating made your ears ring. Were you supposed to follow them?

You jumped out of your window, the trail of feathers a never-ending sight.

The trees and flowers that were lush during the day seemed to wilt and sway along with the crepuscular radiance of the dark night sky. The feathers illuminated your path as you continued to follow them around the island, stopping at the stairs that led to the Statue of the Goddess.

You took a deep breath, preparing your lungs for the one hundred step-trek. You had to admit, whoever was doing this was incredibly detailed. They had managed to lay a feather on each step.

You began to jog up the stairs, counting a step as each foot landed on it. You were trying to calm your frayed and worn nerves at the idea of who was waiting for you at the top. You lunged up, skipping the top three steps and landing before the gargantuan statue of Hylia.

Your heart fell.

There beneath the darkness of Hylia's night sky was Groose, finger combing his vivacious red mohawk. He took his thumb and licked it, stamping it with his forefinger and running it on a rogue strand that wouldn't stay in place.

"Groose!" You hissed. "You're the one behind the feathers?"

He continued messing with his pride and glory, his hair, which caused you to lose your patience.

You stomped your foot. "Groose!"

"What? Oh, Y/N, have you been here this whole time?"

You let out a savage growl. "Aren't you supposed to be on the surface?" You made sure the animosity in the word 'surface' could be detected.

"Nah, I'm back. Why did you miss me?"

You felt your heart plummet in your stomach. "What about Zelda? And... Link?"

Groose grinned at you, giving you a confident wink. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"

You turned to see a figure at the top of the stairs.

Slow, shallow breaths were expelled from your lips causing minuscule clouds to float and obscure the figure. He walked closer, a crimson feather being spun between his fingers. Each step forward was agonizingly slow. Until a glimmering ray of moonlight caused a crack of the shrouded night shadows to reveal the figure's face.

Link smiled at you. His blue eyes twinkled with a hint of perversity. Overhead, the sound of his Loftwing cawed out as it flapped between the obstacles of stars.

"Link..."

He stood before you, tucking the crimson feather behind your ear.

"I'm home."

You felt your bottom lip wobble as you took in his presence. "You left the feathers? But why..."

"With Zelda returning safe and sound... I couldn't help but wonder if you'd accompany me to the wing ceremony this year?"

"Me?" You questioned, your cheeks ablaze in a way that made the Loftwing feather blend in with your flesh. "You're asking me?" You asked again incredulously.

Link gave you a tender smile, his eyes leaving a trail of desire from the feather in your hair to your lips.

"Yes. Because what I learned the most on the surface is that my thoughts of you kept me afloat. Adrift. Like the feathers that help the Loftwing fly. So if you'll have me, my rightful place is with you in the sky."

🪶Edited:10/25/23🪶

[kotias]

New Tag Game fuck it

For my writing pals, mostly.

But Who's Counting.

It's cocky hours but make it communal. Thanks for tagging me, @gaiaseyes451 and @thescholarlystrumpet !

For as many as you want of your published works, pick your favourite line/paragraph and post it up here. Let yourself feel proud of your creations.

And He Fell:

The spear pushed through his wings and into his body a few seconds later, and he saw Gabriel walk past him, the records firmly in his hands. No spear, which he knew was still held by someone. The weight of his fate pushed him against his little angel, holding onto his arms as he crumbled at his feet, his head sliding down his torso as Aziraphale let go of the spear. His eyes… they were still warm. Full of pity. “Good job, angel. It was lovely getting to know you, and may we meet again on a better occasion,” he whispered with the last angelic breath he could draw. He felt the pain of each feather of his wings corrupting and falling, the agony of his cells rebuilding themselves entirely. His vision fogged as his eyes lost the Light, his legs, sprawled on the ground, felt excruciating torture as scales appeared all over them. But not a cry came from him. He looked at Aziraphale, gave him a weak smile, as his ears retracted and his arms rotted away. Aziraphale, the kindest soul to exist, did not retract, did not cower in disgust. He watched him, with pity, as the ground itself gave way under him and the hands of the Darkness grabbed him by the bust, dragging him into Hell. Tormenting path, as he had no hands left to catch his tears, no functional mouth left to scream, no legs left to run to him. Only one promise remained. I will crawl out of this pit, and I will damn you all, and I will drag you all to Hell.

How like a winter has my absence been:

Their mouths were so close that he could feel his hot breath on his lips. His heart was thumping in his chest with such intensity that he was sure the angel could hear it. His lips were trembling; were that with fear or excitement, he was not entirely sure. He frowned, a deluge of emotions drowning him. He felt behind his neck the slightest push from Aziraphale’s arm, as his eyes were screaming about the same fear and excitement as his own. Their hands clenched one another, but were unmistakably shuddering from the pressure of their thousands of years knowing each other hanging in the balance of their next step. Shuffling ever so slightly to the left, the angel let out a long, jittery breath that covered Crowley’s face like a benediction. That one hand, crawling up his neck, losing itself into his hair, sent a heatwave through his entire body.

With each new movement of their bodies, their mouths were growing nearer, until only a thread of air separated them. Crowley could almost taste him, and he knew it was too late to backtrack now.

The  streets of town were paved with stars

It was such a romantic affair

And as we kissed and said goodnight

A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square

With the next step to the right, he crossed the last obstacle that was left between them, his eyes fluttering shut as he pressed his angel’s delicate lips with his own. The sigh that came out of the other had him groan and nibble his lower lip, and another, wonderful whine was produced.

“Oh, you make the most beautiful sounds,” he breathed. “Please,” he kissed him, “cry for me.” Letting go of Aziraphale’s hand, he raised his own to graze his lip, and received an open-mouthed moan that made him plunge into him, slithering his tongue inside this beautiful mouth.

Thy Eternal Summer Shall Not Fade - Apples and Peaches:

The tender voice that followed pierced right through the scowl he had put on. “The Garden was singing.” Huh? The angel kneeled to his level. “I said, the Garden was singing. When Adam was created, it sang the flow of the river. When Eve was made, it mused the radiance of the sun.” “Hm. I call that smells, angel.” “Not quite. The Garden is speaking to us. You must know, you’re the one who made it so happy it drew from the rain.”

An Arrangement in Black (very angst/horror):

“You’re late.”

Wrapped in a cloak dark like the ashes of Pompeii and light like a nighttime drizzle, Death had appeared by his side, mounted on Their skeletal horse. “That is more a show of the quality of your work than one of my failings.” Crowley remained silent, and the ancient being turned Their hollow head towards him. “Think of this assignment as a way to set the times back onto the right track. Their bodies might have come to an end, but their souls shall return to the Earth one day.”

Tagging 1 person per excerpt, sounds fair to do so: @paperclipninja @doonarose @cheeseplants @smite-the-metatron

[feefymo]

for the ask game, how about “ive always been alone” with JPM<3 (the image of him sitting alone after queenie left rent free in my head)

tw: violence, blood, mention of sex. a/n: Thank you for the request, baby! I try to exploit this game through small texts. I hope you like it! ♥ - Oopsie Daisies! - James jumped back slightly as a spray of blood hit him full in the face. It looked like one of Liz's elaborate make-up looks. He only cleaned the eyelashes of his left eye with a handkerchief no longer as white as a swan's feathers. A mere logistical question: the rest of that sign would have remained to compensate for the absence of a soul. Kneeling on the ground in a dramatic, even romantic pose, he cradled you in his strong arms: you were a beautiful girl, once clean as a daisy, now eradicated from your dreams of a young dancer. Dying, not yet dead, you emitted nauseating gurgles to James Patrick March. The wide glassy eyes on the verge of rolling away like speckled marbles. - What do you say? Oh, my darling... - quickly, the blood burst into thick bubbles at the back of your throat. The long, very long neck, pale and unnaturally bent in the theatrical grip that held you in the final moments of a prematurely truncated existence. Exaggerating his concern for his umpteenth victim, James sought stimulation in the theatricality of himself. He casually dabbed the crimson streams without that gesture making any sense, the paternal expression but crossed by an unhealthy radiance that gradually became quiet again. Mixed with the strangeness of a man no longer alive but who still wore the role of the rich and bizarre owner of the Cortez. Devoured by a loop of starvation, apathy, boredom and insatiable hunger, he aimlessly fed his tapeworm. He fucked without panache, he killed without panache, impervious to the charm he aroused in women and men. Unfortunately, you were one of them. Unfortunately, your punctured stomach gushed blood in place of his cock which had never reached climax in a riot of milky drops. - Don't think about me, go. - James murmured between his exposed teeth in yet another delirium of omnipotence. Mellifluous, he bent over you like a crow; his toxic pitch irises languished, nestled in the wounds he had inflicted on you. A bouquet of atrocious tortures delighted him as your agony faded. He was intoxicated by this version of you much more than by the nudity you had timidly offered him earlier. - Go, dear. Don't worry: I have always been alone. - almost as if you were waiting for his permission, in a final gasp, you shut down. You left him again at the mercy of that solitude that he continued to choose day after day. For eternity. Rising slowly, he remembered that he didn't want to call Miss Evers; a dead erection from the start in his dress pants and the routine that forever gives him back what made him famous. James Patrick March would never stop corroding into oblivion.

[miradelletarot]

Part 3: The Fury and the Fire - The Weave and the Vines

Summary: Elminster left after delivering his punishing news. While the others in camp are equally shocked and upset with the news, none seem to be taking harder than Sagora. When she isolates herself, Gale can't help but be worried about her safety.

TAGS: Angst, fluff, emotional hurt/comfort

Words: 2,242 | AO3 “Yours must be the sacrifice that will undo the Absolute.” The words squirmed through Sagora’s brain with more fervor than the tadpoles residing within her.

She was glad when Elminster left the camp. Another moment longer, and she might have taken the form of an owlbear, and shredded him into so many pieces that even Mystra wouldn’t be able to find the remains. The fire in her eyes was so wild that Astarion himself feared making a snarky comment in the off-chance she would incinerate him with a mere glance. The heat and tension in the air was so thick it could be cut with a knife. Gale softly made an attempt at subduing her rising rage, but was met with a venomous sting that rivaled the most poisonous of creatures.

He gingerly reached for her shoulder.  “...Sagora? Are you –” She snapped away from him as if to avoid being electrocuted. “Don’t touch me.” She backed away from Gale, and pushed her way between their other companions. Sprinting to the cliffs' edge near where they made camp, she did a swan dive over the edge as she shifted into a dire raven, and flew off into the twilight sky. It was dangerous to go off alone, but she needed to release her rage as far from everyone as possible.

* * *

Wyll offered to prepare the camp’s meal instead of Gale. He had enough on his mind that evening. Gale understood the task he was given, assessing that it was both an appropriate punishment and penance for his folly. It didn’t make the pain of his new reality harder to swallow, however. Worse still, everyone in camp tried to either make small talk to help him feel better, or outright share their misgivings at Mystra’s absurd demands when all he wanted was to just be alone. After finally indulging everyone’s thoughts and feelings in camp, Gale retired to his tent hoping for respite. He anxiously rearranged his tent, and thumbed through damn near every book he had on hand. Nothing settled his worried mind. She’s been gone for hours now. Intrusive thoughts raced through his already overwhelmed mind. This is your fault, you know. She left because of you. You betrayed her like you betrayed your goddess. If she gets attacked while she’s out there alone you’ll have only yourself to blame. He had enough. Spell components and weapons in hand, he rushed out of his tent, and walked past his companions who were circled around the fire as they enjoyed a warm meal. “Gale, are you hungry?” He ignored Karlach. Wyll stood, and sprinted after him. It took him some effort to keep up with Gale in his focused state. “Gale, c’mon. Sit down and breathe a minute. We can figure this out. It’ll be fi –” “ – No, Wyll.” He stopped to look at Wyll with an intensity not usually seen by his allies. “I have had my fair share of follies for one lifetime. This is one mistake I’d like to rectify…while I still can.” He stalked off leaving Wyll behind.

He pointed to the end of his quarterstaff.  “Lux via.” A warm radiance illuminated the night around him. As he neared the edge of the plateau, he drew a small feather from his pouch, and closed a fist around it. “Facera Ascendio.” The Weave sparked in Gale’s hand as he gestured in the air, causing the feather to vanish, and disappear along with his incantation in the wind. He flew off the edge in Sagora’s direction in hopes that he would find her safe.

* * *

It wasn’t easy trying to navigate the valley below. Gale lost count of how many times he cast Fly on himself just to try and find her. His latest spell wore off leaving him in a dark clearing near a patch of trees. Thank the gods for the bit of light he had. He had wandered what felt like the entire Mountain Pass, but still hadn’t located her.

All was quiet for a moment. Nothing more than a gentle breeze, or a cricket’s song broke the silence of the night around him. Gale collected another feather, preparing to cast another spell when the silence was ruptured by distant, bone-chilling screeching sounds. Normally he would avoid the obvious sounds of danger nearby, but Sagora was out here alone as far as he knew. What if she’s in danger? He thought. No time to dally. Like a moth to a flame he ran towards the sounds. He stopped at the apex of the hill when he saw an owlbear rampaging and screeching at the nearby trees as if they were foes attempting to slaughter the beast before them. Tufts of fur and feathers blown everywhere as the creature mercilessly clawed at the trees, entirely consumed with rage. The extensive damage caused a tree to fell one of its weaker branches, and fell on top of the owlbears’ body. With a yelp, the owlbear was knocked prone, and the magic faded to reveal a bloodied, red-haired druid. Sagora. Gale took off down the hill to reach her. The adrenaline coursed through her veins allowing her to fling the branch off with relative ease. She stood – not realizing Gale was approaching from behind – and began to scream, and sob as she flung spells at anything she could damage.

“FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!! ” Fire, Ice, thorns, and vines flew through the air with reckless abandon as she wailed. The pressure of this mission was too much. Everyone’s problems, their traumas, and the fate of Faerûn fell squarely on her shoulders. The man she was falling in love with, now charged with an excruciating death as penance for his sins. I got too close. I felt too much. She thought.

“Sagora! Stop!” His pleas nearly silenced by an onslaught of magical vines hurled in his direction before she realized who called to her. She was a mess of earth, blood, sweat, and tears, the heat coming off her body nearly rivaling Karlach’s.  She fell to her knees in an exhausted, sobbing mess.  Gale approached her, and while he wanted nothing more than to scoop her up and tell her everything would be okay, he wasn’t even sure himself. He knelt in front of her, reaching a hand toward her face to sweep some of her hair out of her face. “Sagora, I…I’m so sorry.” Again, she rejected his attempts at affection as she jerked away from him. Through gritted teeth and flowing, hot tears, she shouted at him all of the unsaid feelings she kept like a secret. “Tell me, Gale! How long were you gonna let this go?? Hmm?! All your sweet words, and kind demeanor were they just to win me over? So you could bed me before you kill yourself for your bitch goddess?!”  She wanted her words to sting, and sting they did. Her words stabbed him in the gut like a dagger. “Do you take me for a fool, Gale?  Am I just your toy to play with until you run back to Mystra’s tits??” More poison oozed from her lips, rendering his very soul. All he could do was stare back at her, and allow the assault to happen. “Ever since the fucking Nautiloid, I have taken care of everyone else’s problems! Help the grove, save the tieflings, find Halsin, kill the goblins, Get to Moonrise to find Wyll’s father, deliver Shadowheart to her goddess, stop an arrogant wizard from exploding by feeding him magical items… SHALL I GO ON!?” Gale’s brows curled upward as sadness and regret washed over him.

She let out a heavy sigh. “I’ve hardly had a moment to mourn my mother’s death. My father’s supposed to be in Baldur’s Gate. I don’t even know if he’s aware that she died. I was captured before I could send word. I’m not even sure I’ll be able to find my father once we get there. If we get there.” She sighed again, shakily, trying to stop herself from crying again. “My grove needs a leader. I am that leader now that mother’s gone.” Her voice softened finally. “Assuming they haven’t presumed me dead yet.” “Sagora…”

“I know, Gale. I’m an ass. More worried about my own problems when you literally have a bomb that could level a city, in your chest.” “No. Sagora… please.” His expression was insistent enough to make her fall silent. “The news from Elminster is certainly not an easy thing for me to digest, but I failed to realize just how many burdens you placed on yourself. It’s far too much for one person.”

Within the brief moment of quiet between them, Gale waved his hand and whispered an incantation to help clean the blood and dirt from Sagora’s body. “Thank you,” she whispered as she glanced down at her hands. “You’re right though.” She cocked a brow at him. “I can be quite arrogant at times I suppose. Such is the nature of a young man who garnered the attention of a goddess. One starts to think they are actually something quite special in this world. Oh, how silly a notion that is.” He paused. Finally, he was forced to think about his situation, and the relationship he once held with Mystra. “I want to be furious with you, Gale. Truly. But, I’m not sure if I should be angry with you because you lied about the orb, your relationship with Mystra, or the fact that I was foolish enough to fall in love with a man who is ready to die for a goddess who doesn’t respect him.” Shit. Her true feelings rushed forth like a waterfall, untamed. There’s no taking that back now. 

Gale carefully extended his hand to hers until the tips of their fingers touched. She didn’t recoil this time. He fully took her hand into his, smoothing his thumb over a bruise that already began to surface.

“Yes, she and I were lovers once. But there is no love lost between us. I see that now.  I’m not sure I’m ready to die for someone who so easily cast me aside. However, I am willing to keep an open mind. Not for her, but for the sake of Faerûn.” Sagora’s lip quivered as she made a fruitless attempt to choke back another wave of tears. He raised one hand to her cheek, and gently swept away the fresh tears that trailed down her face. His touch only made her feel more. “I would never take advantage of you. You’re not a play thing either. I could never trifle with your heart like that.” Despite the emotional mess she found herself in, she could tell his words were sincere. His gentle eyes pierced into her soul, and made her heart skip a beat. “ I don’t want you to die. There has to be another way. I’m sure of it. Whatever it is, we’ll find it.” The fatigue finally took her over as she let out a heavy breath, and slumped into his chest. Gale hurriedly grabbed his waterskin, and brought it to her lips coaxing her to take a sip. “C’mon now, Love. You’re overheated. Take a drink for me.” He cradled her as she lazily sipped the cool mountain water, her parched lips struggling to be quenched. If she had the energy, she would have gulped it down greedily. Gale took a moment to think as he stowed his waterskin.  “Can you shape into something smaller? I only have enough components for one of us to fly back, but you are in no condition to navigate yourself. I’ll carry you.” They had rested long enough for her to muster up the energy to shift into a feline form. He cast his fly spell once again, and scooped up Sagora before taking off. She was small enough that she curled up into the front of his robes. He cradled her through the fabric to ensure she wouldn’t fall out, and lead them both back to camp.

* * *

Gale landed back at camp as gracefully as he could so as not to wake the sleeping feline bundle. Everyone in camp was asleep by now except for Astarion – who looked like he just returned from his own adventure as he casually flicked a drop of blood from the corner of his mouth. “ Wellll…” He drawled out. “The wizard abruptly leaves to find a druid, and returns with a cat.” Gale’s brows furrowed. “This isn’t some cat, Astarion. It’s Sagora.” His words were rough, but hushed. “Oh, Gale, you take me far too seriously. I was just teasing after all.” Astarion’s lips curled into a sly, cheeky grin. Gale huffed, and continued walking toward her tent, Astarion following closely behind. As gently as he could, Gale coaxed her tired form out of his robes, gingerly placing her on her bedroll. “...I’m sure she’ll be fine.” Astarion said with an unusual warmth to his voice. “I’m glad you were able to find her.” Without another word, he left for his own tent. As Gale turned to leave, Sagora roused long enough to drop her form. “Gale?” Her voice was ragged, the taste of copper lingering in the back of her throat. His gaze locked onto her tired, glossy eyes. “Stay. Please.” He paused a moment, and studied her face. It wasn’t filled with lust or longing. She was sad. Alone. Scared. He laid next to her, and covered them both with a blanket, A practiced wave of his hand warming the fabric. He wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her close to his chest. She let out a trembling yet contented sigh as she settled into him, and fell asleep.

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

[mantisgodsdomain]

Can u perchance turn the pale king into some sort of bird... Different bug eldritch horror than a snake

We like to think that the worship of a god can directly impact the forms that they can appear in, as well as the way they're seen. We want to clean this up and add some more lore later, here - apocryphal depictions are fun to toy with, with gods.

[With the region's prior population overwhelmingly favoring The Radiance, often depicted in similar forms, it is perhaps inevitable that the region's previous artistic shorthands and predispositions carried forward into worship of this newer god, particularly as His domain overlapped so much with The Radiance. The Star, though it turns up consistently across a multitude of paintings, is always simply a low presence - attributed, perhaps, to the Pale King's lack of desire to be confused with his predecessor, especially as worship of the Pale King and worship of The Radiance were often pitted against each other in this time. As the symbol could easily be confused with that of his predecessor, The Star was discouraged as a depiction, and at some times explicitly not allowed. Still, it remained as a consistent motif throughout the years, even occasionally being used as a symbol of both gods at once.

The Sword-beak is quite facinating, by comparison - though it incorporates many details formerly seen in depictions of The Radiance, particularly in depicting the god as a feathered fleshbeast. Still, it is unique in how it depicts this aspect - whereas The Radiance is most often depicted as a larger, rounder beast, with a heart-shape for a face, The Sword-beak towers over the scene, depicted as a long, stretched-out beast with a many-sided beak. Depicted by some artists, the feathers of the beast itself are seen as nails or similar tools.

Commonly, He is explicitly shown as being "above" His kingdom when depicted in this form - though gifts and tools from its feathers may fall down from above, He himself does not see or hear the bugs below, too massive of a presence to acknowledge the peasantry below. This, as such, is in direct contrast to many depictions of The Radiance in Her own feathered beast depictions, often still shown as among Her moths even when She is a beast of a nature wholly different from theirs.

The Sword-beak's detached nature meant it was more frequently used for satirical depictions of the King, or political art, than art made for sake of worship. As such, it was prone to coming under fire from those who believed that all depictions of Him made in such a way were purely for the sake of mockery, or those who believed it was too similar to prior depictions of The Radiance – notably, there are multiple records from this time showing a trend towards accusing artists who chose to depict him in this way of worship of The Radiance, despite this depiction being very notably distinct from Her own featherbeast depictions, both in terms of literal form and in terms of stylism.]

[bundrops-n-fluffytops]

Welcome Home Agere Fic - A Parent’s Love Endures Through All

Characters: CG!Poppy Partridge, CG!Howdy Pillar, Little!Eddie Dear, Pet!Barnaby B. Beagle, Little!Sally Starlet

Setting: Poppy’s Barn (Backyard Garden)

Premise: Poppy and Howdy meet and chat during a playdate with their little ones. They bond as caregivers and what they have to do to take care of them.

Author’s Note: This is not a ship!! This is simply an analysis on Howdy and Poppy’s friendship and roles as primary caregivers in the town of Welcome Home, so no romance! Plus Poppy’s a lesbian so no chance anyway :9

—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—

Being a caregiver was fun, but boy was it also tough. Take Howdy and Poppy’s word for it.

Being arguably the oldest and closest things to parental figures in the town of Welcome Home, the feathered and fuzzy fellows took it upon themselves to play the “mom” and “dad” roles for the townsfolk.

Age regression was no stranger to them, they’ve been around children for quite a while themselves so they were more than prepared. Because of this, an unspoken agreement had been made between the two: Poppy would play as the worried, overprotective yet quite caring and loving mother, and Howdy played as a fun and playful father, always there to make the little one smile.

When someone had a nasty bruise or needed a warm and comforting hug, Poppy would be the shoulder to cry on. She would bake them goods, kiss their boo-boos, and cradle them to sleep. When someone needed a playmate or somewhere to stay when they were bored, Howdy was their best buddy. He had toys, games, stories, anything up his sleeves he could give ya.

Naturally, the town absolutely adored them, and they made sure that they were respected and loved for their service and kindness towards them.

However, they never really spoke directly about it. At least, not often enough. They would pass by each other on the street or would spot each other while Howdy was at work, but there were no direct conversations.

Although, one playdate made that a bit different.

—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—

The sun shone down on the colorful town of Welcome Home, greeting the birds and the trees with its radiance. A garden of flowers and bushes stood tall in response, taking in the sunlight.

That garden, coincidentally, belonging to Poppy’s barn.

Poppy had been busy tending to the flora in her backyard, her feathers tied back with a yellow headscarf, and wearing an apron filled with gardening tools. Beside her sat a small Eddie Dear - normally the town postman, who now sat in overalls, a comfy sweater, and some rubber booties. He would mostly sit and watch Poppy tidying up the plants, all the whole suckling on a blue and white striped paci, though he would occasionally point to a flower and babble quietly about what it is, prompting Poppy to describe it to him.

The company between them was calm and welcoming, and they both enjoyed the quiet atmosphere.

After a while, a doorbell rang across the barn. Someone was at the door.

“Ooh, I might as well get that,” Poppy quipped, turning to Eddie beneath her, “you stay put while Mommy gets the door, alright dear?” Eddie nodded his head, humming ‘yes’ in response. Poppy tucked her clippers and shovel into the pockets, making sure that Eddie wouldn’t hurt himself with them, before making her way inside and towards the front door.

Opening the door, she met with a familiar caterpillar, dawning a sunhat that shielded his placket knit and slacks from the warm rays of the sun. He looked a bit frazzled, maybe a bit sweaty too, but he was otherwise in a good mood.

“Well howdy, Poppy!” he greeted her, “hope I’m not barging in!” He held out one in his hands to shake, the feathered fellow gladly taking with her wing.

“Well good afternoon, Mr. Howdy! What brings you here on this fine day?”

“Well, I was taking care of a few lil’ rascals today, silly lil’ things decided to pop into the shop,” the shopkeeper started, “but after a little while, they wanted to come to your place!” Poppy raised an eyebrow before looking around him. He found one such little holding on to one on of his hands - the lovable yet rambunctious Sally Starlet - sucking her thumb and covered head to toe with bandaids, dressed in a lovely summer dress. She then found another behind Howdy’s shoulder - the resident dog Barnaby B. Beagle - wagging his tail and tilting his head towards the bird lady.

“Oh, is that so? Well if that’s the case, Eddie and I were just tending to the flowers out back, if you would like to come and stay for a while!” Poppy stepped aside to let the three inside her barn, the aforementioned guests filing in quickly before they all made their way back to the garden.

Eddie’s eyes lit up as he saw them all arriving back to the garden, his fixation mainly gearing towards Howdy. He quickly climbed to his feet and scampered towards him, his arms wide open to hug the taller man and giggling as he did so.

“Woah, hey! Who’s this lil’ man here? Is he happy to see me?” Howdy teased, scooping the shorter man up into his arms for a tight hug, making him laugh loudly in response. Barnaby took notice of the sudden excitement and shoved towards Eddie, beginning to playfully lick at his cheek. This only made Eddie laugh louder, reaching to pet the dog in response.

Howdy made his way to a swinging bench near the entrance to the garden, carefully sitting back with the little in tow as the others followed. Poppy sat beside him and Eddie, before Sally hastily and quickly climbed up to her lap.

“Hiya, mama!”, the starlet exclaimed, bouncing on her lap and making the bench shake. Poppy and Howdy quickly tried to steady the seat, all the while holding their little ones tight as to not make them fall.

“Oh dear, hi there Sally dear,” Poppy started, “how about you go play with Barnaby, will you?” Sally nodded, before climbing off and running towards Barnaby. The titular dog followed suit, running on all fours around the garden to play with the small starlet, barking towards her.

Howdy and Poppy were left alone for that moment, the shopkeeper holding and coddling Eddie sitting on his lap, Poppy joining suit in the “conversation.”

The feathered friend spoke up soon during the coddling.

“How in the devils do you do it?” She started. Howdy lifted his gaze towards her, a light “hm?” in response.

“You’re so easy with these children, I’m quite jealous really,” she continued, chuckling as she did, “how do you make it so easy to do?”

Howdy tilted his head, confused.

“What makes you say that? You’re doing just peachy, from what I see.”

“Oh, no no no,” Poppy disagreed, shaking her head, “I wish I could agree. Every second, I’m worrying about whether or not they could get bruised or bumped or cut or scarred, it’s madness!”

Howdy frowned at this, he hated seeing the lovely lady so upset.

“Would you like to tell me why? I’m all ears if you want to talk,” Howdy asked, resting a free hand on her shoulder. She hesitantly nodded, fiddling with her feathers.

“I remember one night poor Wally was playing with Julie in the first and he suddenly got covered head to toe in mud! The poor baby was devastated and sobbing his little heart out, it took half an hour to get it out of his hair!”

“Another time, I remember Frank and I went shopping for some gardening tools, he was big at the time. After a while of looking for a new set of clippers, I turn to my right and he was completely gone! I was plump terrified for him, I thought he got caught and hurt, but I found him crumpled up beside the butterfly enclosure. My baby had walked to go see the bugs, but had gotten lost while doing so.”

Poppy sighed, leaning back in the bench and lowering her head down sadly.

“I feel like every time I’m around one of them, something goes wrong. Am I doing something to make all of this happen? Do they not like me as much? Am I this bad of a caregiver to them? What am I doing wrong that could have all this happen to them?” She turned to meet Howdy’s comforting stare, his hand rubbing her back reassuringly.

“You just have so much good with you and the kids, it feels easy as pie with you around! You’re always playing with them, rocking them to sleep, reading them stories… my feathers are turning green of envy! Just… how do you do it?”

Howdy felt oh-so guilty at this time. Here he was, having all this fun with the kids, and Poppy was worrying herself sick with everything. He felt terrible for the frazzled friend…

…but wow, was she far from the truth.

He began to laugh softly, trying not to make himself look as if he’s mocking her.

“Poppy, I love you, but you are nowhere close!”

Poppy tilted her head in confuzzlement, blinking once and twice to him.

“Whatever do you mean?”

“Well for one, taking care of those kids is nowhere as easy as you think it is. I’m running myself cold with these kids just as much as you are! Why, I remember I had decided to take the girls out on a picnic on one of my days off, and a whole hive of bees came flooding in! We all had to hide in Julie’s house until it cleared out, but the whole town got stung one way or another. It was chaos!”

Poppy gasped in response, raising a wing to her beak in shock.

“Heh, that’s not all! Another time, I was actually out with Eddie while he was big, we were both babysitting Frank and had gone to go pick some apples. Out of nowhere, a massive storm rang out of nowhere! We all rushed inside Frank’s home, but we were all soaked. Frank was freezing and sniffling from the cold, and poor Eddie regressed out of stress! In the end, I had my arms full with two soaking wet babies in one night, and we didn’t even get any apples to spare, hehehe!”

Poppy sat there in disbelief, shocked at the misfortune that Howdy had gone through. She didn’t know she wasn’t the only one!

“What I’m trying to say is that you are not alone when you say that taking care of them is a challenge! Anything could happen, and it’s hard every time.” Howdy turned towards Eddie, who had fallen asleep from the rocking of the bench and the conversation between the shopkeeper and the bird.

“But along with that, that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good thing! How many times do you get to cuddle up and play with this lil’ guy?”, he says, petting Eddie’s red hair with one hand and rubbing his back with another.

“Oh, well,” Poppy started, “you’re not wrong, I suppose! These tiny little things are a hoot when it isn’t running you cold. I think I recall one time I had taken Frank inside because he was having some trouble with his dear friend Julie. Turns out, he was scared of going small and being taken care of because he thought others viewed him as less of a person. I reassured him that this was far from the case, and soon he was snuggling away, small as a kitten!”

“Hehe, you see? It’s not bad at all! For instance, remember when Wally and you visited the Bugdega to grab a bite to eat? While you were busy finding something for Wally to eat, he actually came up to me and pulled a drawing out from his slacks. He actually drew me holding flowers, it was a delightful sight! I darn-near teared up, but I didn’t wanna show it.”

Poppy giggled at that, she did recall seeing him color one time before they headed to the store.

“Really? I didn’t think he was drawing you! I think there was also another time that I had been at home, it was during the cold and snowy winter. Eddie had come to visit and chat for a bit, but I could tell he was going small. At some point, he went almost silent, and I had decided right then and there I would let him sleep over. I couldn’t bear to see him in the cold!” Howdy nodded, squeezing Eddie extra tight in his embrace.

“That’s not the end of it! Whenever I had finished changing him and put him to bed, I was saying my goodnights, and he looked up to me. You know what he said?”

Howdy leaned forward in anticipation.

“What did he say?”

“‘Nini, mama… I love you fery much.”

Howdy melted at that. Eddie almost never spoke in littlespace, and he said that? He was floored!

“He said that! How did I not know that, I would’ve loved to hear that for myself!”, he exclaimed, laughing heartily.

“I know! I remember almost crying with joy that night. I felt so happy at that moment, I was practically flying, haha!”

They both sighed happily at that, Poppy leaning and resting her head atop Howdy’s.

“I guess I’m just so worried about them, I just got caught up with everything that could go wrong that I ignored what went right!” Howdy looked up to her, humming and nodding towards her.

“There’s necessarily nothing wrong with worrying for them, Poppy,” he reassured, “you just want to protect them! But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything good in taking care of them. They’re a handful, yea, but they’re also absolutely lovely when you know them and have fun with them, okay?”

Poppy smiled, reaching to pet the sleeping mailman’s hair. He smiled beneath his paci, making the feathered friend’s heart flutter.

“You’re darn tootin’, Howdy,” she said.

The garden soon fell into that quiet peaceful state once more, with the caregivers sitting quietly with the napping postman. Sally and Barnaby had fallen asleep in the grass during their playtime, both tuckered out from their burst of energy. From there, the only sounds one could hear was the birds chirping and the wind blowing the leaves in the trees.

In that moment, Poppy felt quite nice being a mom.

—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—

[outofangband]

clothing, appearance and body headcanon for Eönwë, if you want to?

From this headcanon ask game here!

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I had fun with world building for this! Gladly accepting them!!

-Many raiments worn by the Ainur are made from no physical material but are woven from colors and textures observed by the individual being. Many effects can be created that are near impossible to create in textiles though indeed many textile crafts among the Eldar of Aman aspire to create these effects; shimmering or ripples, iridescents, pearlescent, opalescent, radiance, moving images and changing colors, effects of things growing or time passing.

-Eönwë cloaks himself primarily in sky blues, in shimmering whites, and dark gray armor. His ceremonial armor is golden.

-Even upon the ground, his eyes are the eyes of a bird, and he can assess large areas in little time.

-His feathers are white and bronze and are visible to some extent in all his forms, especially the crest around his neck.

-Physical clothing is worn on occasion however, especially by the Maiar. Physical jewelry is more commonly worn. Silk is cultivated throughout Valinor and is sometimes worn by the Maiar.

-Eönwë changes his form less often than many of his kin but he can change it swiftly and to great effect especially in battle.

-When interacting with the elves outside of battle his talons are lessened or not present, at least with his hands. His feet are nearly always taloned but these are covered by his robes.