#and you could feel a tangible shift in the energy in the call the moment char showed back up on screen with like an hour left to thw movie

[alyrasturnz]

pls write something ab matt having rly rly insane baby fever and so y/n does smth ab it

what i mean by that is she throws her birth control out and maybe she tells him that shes pregnant on his bday

BABY FEVER

❐ summary » matt's overwhelming desire to start a family becomes the central theme. his baby fever has been a constant, gentle pressure, a dream he's nurtured for what feels like forever.

❐ pairings » husband!matt x fem!reader

❐ warnings » pregnancy

❐ a/n && w/c » guys im lowkey slacking! • 1.72k

your fingers were delicately intertwined with matt's as you strolled down the sidewalk together, your head resting gently on his shoulder. his voice flowed like a soothing river, weaving through tales of dreams, aspirations, and the little wonders of life. the world around you seemed to blur, leaving only the warmth of his presence and the melody of his words.

but then he halted mid-sentence and came to an abrupt stop, his gaze shifting intently to his side. you lifted your head from his shoulder, confusion painting your features as you looked up at him with furrowed eyebrows, trying to decipher the sudden change in his demeanor.

"matt?" you murmur, your eyes darting around in search of the unseen. finally, your gaze follows his, and you discern what had captured his attention so profoundly.

toddler giggles echoed through the air, a symphony of youthful exuberance from the playground. they ran around with boundless energy, while matt stood there, silently observing them with a wistful smile.

you let out a soft chuckle, your laughter mingling with the gentle breeze, before continuing your walk. matt followed in your footsteps, his hand still entwined with yours, though he lingered slightly behind, as if lost in a moment of quiet reflection.

"matt, c’mon," you urged gently. his head remained turned towards the playground, where the toddlers' laughter and play held his attention captive.

he then looked at you and halted in his tracks once more, a pout forming on his lips. "but they’re so cute," he protested, his eyes pleading with a childlike innocence.

you giggled, a smile unfurling across your features as your thumb traced gentle circles over his knuckles, a tender gesture that spoke volumes without words.

"I know they are, but we have some errands to run!" you say, your tone a mix of understanding and urgency. matt lets out a groan, his shoulders slumping in reluctant acknowledgment.

"okay, fine," he says, drawing out the words with a hint of reluctance, as you continue to walk, the rhythm of your steps echoing in the quiet air.

»--•--«

"okay, so we just need eggs and—" you begin, abruptly stopping mid-sentence as you lower your list and glance around. "matt?" you call out, your voice tinged with confusion as you roll the shopping cart forward, scanning the aisles in search of him.

you then halt in your tracks, your gaze settling upon matt, who stands in the baby aisle, his attention captivated by the delicate array of baby clothes.

you stood and observed as he meticulously sorted through the baby clothes, a growing stack of tiny garments already cradled in his arms.

he turned his gaze and caught yours, a moment of silent understanding passing between you, before he immediately began walking towards you.

"baby, look!" he exclaimed with cheerful enthusiasm, his face illuminated by the brightest smile as he presented the tiny clothes to you. "these are absolutely adorable!"

you chuckled softly, shaking your head in mild amusement. "matt, we don't even have a baby yet," you reminded him gently, though a smile played on your lips, unable to resist his infectious enthusiasm.

he looked at you with wide, hopeful eyes filled with a childlike wonder. "but we could, right? i mean, just look at these!" he exclaimed, holding up a tiny onesie adorned with a playful pattern, his excitement practically tangible.

you sighed, a blend of amusement and affection washing over you. "okay, let's finish our shopping first," you said, taking his arm and gently guiding him back to the cart. "then we can discuss this baby fever you've got going on."

»--•--«

a month later..

you bit your lip, the weight of anticipation heavy as you anxiously awaited the result of the pregnancy test resting on the bathroom sink.

your eyes darted nervously toward your phone, your heart pounding with an intensity that seemed to echo in the silence.

matt has been consumed by an unrelenting baby fever for months on end now, and you couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him.

your eyes then darted to the bin on the floor, where your birth control pills lay discarded, a silent testament to the choices you had made.

you didn't reveal to him that you had surreptitiously discarded your birth control pills, a secret kept close to your heart.

you have been experiencing signs and symptoms for the past two weeks, and to say you were petrified would be an understatement.

then, your phone alarm rang, abruptly shattering the trance that had momentarily enveloped you.

you exhaled a tremulous breath, your hand trembling as it reached for the pregnancy test, your gaze lifting with trepidation, dreading the revelation that awaited.

then, you cast your gaze downward, your eyes widening in astonishment as a gasp escaped your lips.

positive.

your eyes brimmed with tears of joy, your hand instinctively rising to cover your mouth in an attempt to stifle the overwhelming emotions.

"babe! you okay in there?" matt asked from the other side, his voice muffled yet filled with concern as he pressed his ear against the door, straining to catch any sound that might hint at your condition.

your eyes widened in astonishment, and with a swift motion, you wiped away your tears, hastily tucking the pregnancy test into your pocket in an attempt to conceal it.

he remained oblivious to the entirety of the situation, unaware of the unfolding events and the secrets they held.

you opened the door, revealing matt standing there with an empathetic expression etched across his face, his eyes searching yours for any sign of what lay hidden within.

“you’re still feeling unwell?” matt inquired, his voice laced with concern, as you responded with a solemn nod.

he frowned, drawing you into a tender embrace, his hand gently tracing soothing circles on your back.

“you should really get that checked out,” he said softly, his eyes narrowing with worry as he gently placed a hand on your shoulder, his touch both comforting and urging you to take care.

“yeah… i should,” you replied, your voice barely more than a whisper. you rested your chin on his shoulder, savoring the fleeting comfort before slowly extricating yourself from the embrace, your movements deliberate and lingering.

»--•--«

you had orchestrated this meticulously. it had been a few days since you discovered the news, and in that time, you had scoured every nook and cranny, searching high and low for the baby clothes matt had stumbled upon in the store.

they had just arrived today, a serendipitous timing that couldn't have been more perfect, as it coincided with his birthday.

you had meticulously wrapped it all up in a box—the baby clothes, the pregnancy test, everything. a delicate bow adorned the top, adding a touch of elegance to the carefully curated surprise.

you entered his room, where he sat ensconced in his chair, fingers dancing across the keyboard as he typed diligently in a google doc.

"you working?" you whisper softly, your voice barely a murmur that startled matt slightly, causing him to turn his gaze from the screen to look at you, curiosity and mild surprise etched on his face.

"yeah," he nodded. you closed the door behind you, and matt's eyes landed on the present in your hands. "that for me?" he asked, spinning his chair to face you, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes.

"mhm," you hum, extending it towards him with a smile. "open it," you say, your voice brimming with joyful anticipation.

"you shouldn't have," matt chuckled, a soft laugh escaping his lips as a mixture of gratitude and amusement danced in his eyes.

"matttt!" you exclaim, extending the gift even further towards him, your voice filled with playful insistence and excitement.

"okay, okay," he says with a chuckle. matt took the box, curiosity lighting up his eyes. he carefully untied the bow and lifted the lid. his eyes widened in astonishment as he saw the tiny baby clothes nestled within, followed by the unmistakable sight of a positive pregnancy test.

"are you serious?" he whispered, his voice quivering with a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming emotion.

"i am," you replied, a warm smile spreading across your face, your eyes shimmering with the joy of the moment.

he looked up at you, tears brimming in his eyes, his voice trembling with confusion and wonder. "but i thought you were on birth control?"

you bit your lip, trying to contain your laughter. "i am. maybe it's fate," you said, a mischievous glint in your eye, fully aware that you'd discarded it because of his insatiable baby fever.

matt pulled you into his arms, his embrace warm and secure, holding you tight as if he never wanted to let go. "this is the best surprise ever," he murmured into your hair, his breath tickling your scalp. 

he pulled back slightly, his hands gently cupping your face, and looked deep into your eyes with a mixture of awe and joy. "i can't believe it. we're going to be parents! i've longed for this moment for so long."

you smiled, feeling tears of joy welling up in your own eyes, the weight of the moment settling in your heart. "i know, matt. i know," you whispered, your voice trembling with emotion, each word carrying the depth of your shared dreams and hopes.

he kissed you gently, his lips lingering with tenderness before pulling you back into his embrace, enveloping you in warmth and security. "i promise, i'm going to be the best dad," he vowed, his voice filled with earnest determination. "i'll take care of you both."

you rested your head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his love envelop you like a comforting blanket. "i have no doubt about that," you whispered softly, your voice barely audible yet filled with unwavering confidence and trust.

matt chuckled softly, his breath warm against your ear as he held you close. "i can't wait to start this journey with you," he murmured, his voice tinged with excitement and gratitude. "thank you for making my dream come true. you've given me a gift beyond words."

you closed your eyes, savoring the moment as it etched itself into your memory. "it's our dream, matt," you murmured, your voice filled with a quiet reverence. "and it's just the beginning.”

taglist — @imwetforyourmom @meatballzerz69 @pinkishpearls @bandanamatt @thedangerousalleyway @muchloveforhacker @frozenpeanutbutterr @jetaimevous @everleiqh @conspiracy-ash @ifwdominicfike @blahbel668 @slutforsturnioloss @realuvrrr @sturnobsessedwh0re @cerismo @zainabthescientist @sarosfilms

[goldfades]

Quinn Hughes x equipment manager reader smut? Maybe it’s the start of the season so the reader is helping him get all his gear fitted and situated and she’s calling him “cap” and “captain” and he ends up feeling some type of way 😈

✮ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐂, quinn hughes

♡ ─ word count | 1.8k

♡ ─ warnings | unedited (when is it?) unprotected sex (tap it before u tap it kids), p in v, pretty fluffy, cute quinn, lmk if i missed anything

♡ ─ taglist | @dancerbailey3 @valluvsu @daisysnhl @dasiysthings @iminlovewithtz11 @literatureluster @lvrzegras @lxvleyzoe

♡ ─ ev's notes | sorry for the late answer, nonnie, but i hope you enjoyed!!!!

You and Quinn had always had some kind of tension between you. You could never place on why, but you sure had an idea.

You were very attracted him, and everyone could tell. I mean, who could blame you? He was so gorgeous and not only that, he was so nice to you. Despite the unspoken tension, Quinn always treated you with a warmth that left you wondering if he felt something too. Your interactions were laced with a playful teasing, leaving you both excited and frustrated. It was a delicate dance, a push and pull that kept you on the edge of anticipation. As time went on, you couldn't help but wonder if your he had felt it too.

As the season kicks off, you find yourself spending more time with Quinn, helping him get all his gear fitted and anything else the team needed. You stand beside him, both focused on the task at hand. The scent of freshly worn sports equipment hangs in the air as you adjust the straps and fastenings. The process is weirdly intimate, each adjustment bringing you closer in proximity. Quinn's easy-going demeanor remains intact as you help him.

The strong scent of freshly polished leather and the distant echoes of the team gearing up in the locker room as Quinn smiles, appreciation evident in the way he smiles.

Quinn glances over at you, a playful glint in his eye. "Thanks for the help. I swear, I never get these straps right on my own. You're the best."

You blush at the praise as your lips curve into a smile, your fingers deftly adjusting the last buckle. "No problem, Quinn. Consider it my secret talent, master of the gear fittings."

He grins, flexing his fingers in the newly adjusted gloves. "Well, I appreciate your expertise, Y/N." Your name rolled off his tongue slowly and you both made eye contact. He was smiling as he gazed back you and you could feel yourself get red, you immediately break the eye contact.

Comfortable silence fills the room as you start gathering everything back where it's supposed to go. Quinn clears his throat and continues, "So, any predictions for this season?" he asks, his eyes scanning the room as if sizing up the competition.

You look up at him as you picked up something from the floor, responding. "I'm feeling optimistic. And with you as the captain, I think we're in for the best season we've had for a while."

Quinn's grin widens at your words, and a subtle pride glows in his eyes. "Well, I'll do my best to lead us to victory. But it's not just about me; it's about the whole team working together."

You knew he was just trying to be humble, but you knew he was proud. "Okay Mr. Modest, you know you're the shit, right?"

Quinn's laughter fills the room, a warm sound that eases any lingering tension. "Well, someone's got to keep my ego in check. Wouldn't want my head to get too big."

You join in his laughter, enjoying the easy banter. As the last piece of equipment finds its place, you catch Quinn's eye again. The shared moment of amusement lingers, and you can sense a shift in the air – a subtle acknowledgment of the tension between you.

The two of you stand in the quiet locker room, surrounded by the tangible energy of anticipation for the upcoming season. Quinn leans against a locker, still smiling. "You know, I may not say it as much as I would want, but I appreciate your help. We all do, without you, we wouldn't know how to do anything."

Quinn chuckles, and the locker room seems to shrink into an intimate space shared between just the two of you. "Maybe not completely helpless, but you make it a lot smoother for all of us. It's like having a secret weapon on our side."

You roll your eyes playfully. "A secret weapon, huh? I think you're exaggerating a bit."

He pushes himself off the locker, closing the distance between you. "Not at all. You have a way of making even the most mundane tasks enjoyable. It's a talent, not anyone can do that."

The air becomes charged with a different kind of tension, one that's laced with unspoken feelings. Quinn's compliment goes beyond the teasing, and you feel a warmth spreading through you. The playful dynamic shifts into a more genuine connection, and you find yourself caught in the intensity of his gaze.

"Thanks, Cap," you respond, the nickname slipping out naturally.

Quinn's eyes hold yours, and there's a flicker of something in his expression. "Cap, huh? I like the sound of that."

You raise an eyebrow, teasing. "Oh, now you're asking for it. Captain Quinn, our fearless leader."

He laughs again, but this time there's a subtle hint of desire in his smile. "You know, I may have underestimated the power of a good nickname. It suits you."

Quinn's laughter fades, and a charged silence lingers between you. The air seems thick with anticipation, and you notice a shift in Quinn's demeanor. There's a subtle intensity in his gaze, a desire that mirrors your own.

His eyes, now filled with a hint of desire, lock onto yours. "You're more than just a manager, Y/N. There's something about you that makes everything... interesting."

You can feel your heart beating faster as the unspoken connection between you intensifies. The nickname hangs in the air, a symbol of the closeness you've built. Quinn's smile turns more intimate, and the shift in dynamics becomes undeniable.

"Well, Captain Quinn," you say, your voice a whisper, "I've heard interesting is good."

Quinn's hand gently lifts your chin, his touch sending a shiver down your spine. "Very good, actually," he murmurs.

You reach up, fingers grazing the collar of his jersey, and Quinn's breath catches. The unspoken tension between you evolves into a something deeper. The tension becomes palpable, and in that charged moment, Quinn closes the remaining distance, his lips meeting yours in a deep kiss.

Quinn's hands find their way to your waist, pulling you closer, and the world outside the locker room fades away. The connection you've felt, now manifesting physically, makes his touch right now south.

One of his hands go to cup your face, pulling you impossibly closer to him. The kiss is deep and passionate, just the way you'd imagined. He pulls away and you both breathe heavily.

"You're a good kisser, Captain." You tease quietly and it was like something in him clicked, he let out another exhale as his eyes turned into something more than just desire.

"Fuck, say that again." Quinn whispers back, his voice carrying desperation and need.

You didn't know he was into that and it took you aback to watch Quinn be so desperate. "Kiss me again, Captain."

He didn't hesitate, he pulled you in again and this time, the kiss was desperate and sloppy. He let out a hum in your kiss as he slowly walked you back into the locker, holding you against it. His hand moved up to hold your neck as he kissed you deeper, making you let out a whimper into the kiss.

He start grinding against you and you immediately felt his hard-on on top of your stomach. You didn't know it was that easy to rile him up, if only you'd known sooner. Quinn started kissing down your jaw as you let out a desperate moan.

"Shit, Quinn. Please," was all you could say. Your thoughts were beginning to fog up, you couldn't think straight.

"Please what, baby?" He mumbled against your neck as his hands move down to grip your waist. When you didn't answer, he let his hand go lower down in the place where you needed him the most. He cupped your covered cunt and you let out a moan, echoing throughout the locker room.

"Just fuck me, please." You whispered and you felt yourself become warm at the thought. He let out a chuckle before engulfing you in another bruising kiss, your whole body slamming against the locker once again. He

Your hands went to wrap around his shoulders as his hands went to take off your shorts, leaving you in your panties. "Jump," he mumbled against your lips and you did as you were told and he held you up with ease.

He pushed you harder against the locker as you moaned in his mouth, making him break the kiss. One of his hands unzipped his pants and quickly pulled out his hard cock. He moved your panties and slowly entered you. All you could do was grip his shoulders and moan as he thrusted himself right in you.

He stretched you out so perfectly, you swore you'd never felt this good your entire life. "Shit, Quinn."

"You feel so fucking good, baby. So good," he groaned as he finally bottomed you out. You felt so full, so good. His cock made you feel so dizzy, you were about to pass out.

He slowly started thrusting in and out of your soaking cunt, the sound echoing throughout the locker-room. You kept holding onto his shoulders for support as he fucked into you, letting out whimpers.

Quinn gripped your hips tightly as his speed increased with each thrust, your head fell back as he fucked into you. Your eyes rolled in the back of your head as your walls clenched around him, sucking him deeper.

"Fuck, baby, keep doing that." He groaned in your ear and you could barely comprehend the words he was saying, all you could do was mumble an affirmation as he kept fucking into you. "Just like that, baby."

You felt that familar knot form in your stomach as he kept his ruthless pace, making your head spin. "So close, please don't stop!" You moaned out.

He placed wet kisses all over your neck as he mumbled against you, "Me too princess." His grip on your hips was unforgiving, you could feel the bruises coming in but you didn't care, it felt so good. "Fuck."

The knot kept getting tighter and tighter, you could barely keep up. Before you knew it, your orgasm hit you like a truck. "Fuck, Quinn!" Your body spasmed in his arms as he kept fucking you through it. You saw stars as it washed over you.

Soon, he was cumming into you too. You both just sat there for a few seconds, catching your breath. Quinn gazed at you and he couldn't help himself getting hard again at your fucked-out state. He let out a chuckle as he shook his head playfully, "Didn't know you were into me like that, until... that."

"Didn't know you had a weird "Cap" kink," you retorted teasingly as he laughed, laying his forehead against yours.

"Yeah, you and me both."

-> make sure to check out my navigation or masterlist if you enjoyed! any interaction is greatly appreciated! <-

thank you for reading all the way through, as always ♡

[r3starttt]

OBLIVIATE | 03

ellabs x reader | series m.list | > 02 > 04

CW: modern!au. +18 content. poly relationship. POC friendly. ellabs x reader| time skips (like fr). Dina appearance <3 suggestive. angsty. reader being a homewrecker basically for the millionth time.

SUMMARY: Lights, camera, action, and regret. What-ifs and temptations captured on screen. Maybe it should have stayed between two, forgetting it was ever three, but lovers' hearts, even shattered, retain their warmth. The chance to resolve unfinished words for the last time is something two can ignore, but not three.

AN: I don't know about hockey, so forgive if something sounds stupid? I watched a few vids on YouTube, so.... gotta be decent, at least, but whatever.

WAVE

The energy in the arena is electric, a tangible force that reverberates through the air as thousands of fans cheer for their favorite hockey teams. An ocean of faces painted in team colors, waving banners and flags, each cheer a testament to the anticipation and tension that had built up over the season.

The stadium lights shine brightly, illuminating the vast ice rink where Abigail Anderson, the most celebrated hockey player in recent memory, glides with grace and power. Almost every eye in the stadium and beyond was on her, every camera angle trying to capture the essence of her prowess on the ice as the commentators meticulously called her.

In the VIP section, you sit among family, friends, and celebrities, wearing a blue t-shirt with "Anderson" emblazoned on the back.

Abby's determination is visible in every stride, every maneuver. And how could she not, after a season marked by her brief hiatus to spend more time with you.

The commentators buzz with excitement, their voices echoing throughout the arena as they analyze Abby's every play, marveling at her skill and dedication.

The opposing team, equally formidable, pushed back with equal vigor, making the game a tight contest from the start. You watched Abby’s face on the giant screen, her eyes steely with focus, jaw set with determination.

The tension is palpable, each moment feeling like an eternity. You watch Abby weave through defenders, her eyes locked on the puck, her mind undoubtedly running through a thousand calculations. She knows the world is watching, knows how important this win is for her team and for herself.

As the game progresses, your attention is momentarily diverted when the camera shifts to another VIP room. There, amidst the laughter and chatting of her bandmates, sits Ellie Williams and for a split second, you swear your eyes met.

You knew what this game meant to Abby. She had taken a break an there were whispers of doubt about her ability to return to her peak. This game was the culmination of her efforts, a testament to her resilience. So you force yourself to refocus on the game.

The game is relentless, both teams pushing their limits. Each period drags on, the scoreboard reflecting the struggle. The commentators along crowd’s cheers and gasps created a symphony of excitement and anxiety. Every time Abby had the puck, you held your breath. You could feel the collective tension, not just from the fans but from the millions watching at home.

Game progressed into the third period, you could hear the buzz of conversations, a mix of admiration and nervousness. With the score tied and the clock winding down, every pass, every shot was critical.

Abby seized the puck, her eyes scanning the ice with laser focus. She weaved through defenders, you felt your heart in your throat, your eyes glued to her. The opposing team closed in.

She wound up and fired the puck with all her might, a perfect shot that sailed past the goalie and into the net.

The buzzer sounds, signaling the end of the game and Abby's triumphant victory.

The arena erupted. The sound was deafening, a wave of euphoria crashing over you. The commentators can barely contain their excitement, praising Abby's extraordinary performance and the decisive goal.

As the camera captures the jubilant aftermath, it once again pans to the VIP rooms, broadcasting your reaction to the world.

This time, you see Ellie watching the scene, a faint smile playing on her lips. She had a blue shirt as well, you couldn't quite catch the number or name, but the pure thought of her being aware of Abby, sharing space one more time, it had your heart anxious.

Despite the whirlwind of emotions, you focus on being there for Abby, reveling in her triumph. The arena is alive with celebration.

As she looks up into the stands, her eyes finding yours amidst the chaos, you know she sees you. She raised her stick in salute, a gesture just for you and you only.

The night is a blur of celebrations and interviews, but amidst it all, you remain collected. One main thought on your mind. Did Abby know Ellie was here?

-

"Abby, dear, it's such a pleasure to finally meet you. Your father was highly esteemed in our circles," your mother said, her voice dripping with admiration. "It's a pity we haven't had more opportunities to catch up, isn't it, darling?" She briefly glanced at your father.

He appeared somewhat disinterested but always eager to please his wife. With a nod and a drink in one hand, the other hand holding his wife's, he politely responded, "Well, it has indeed been a long time since Jerry and I last caught up."

Abby smiled at their comments, nodding to show she was engaged. "I was always impressed with his work. He had a talent for getting things done."

"Yes, he did. It's evident you've inherited his skills. And your beauty and grace—I'm captivated," your mother continued, caressing your father's hand. She was thrilled, eager to absorb everything from such a man.

"Thanks, really. I appreciate the nice comments about my dad. I'm very proud of him," Abby said, cutting into the chain of compliments, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

"Well," your mother continued, "we're certainly grateful you could visit. It's not every day we meet someone like you. Tell me, how have you found everything? The summer, the preparations for graduation? Quite an accomplishment."

"Oh sure, it's been quite a thing," Abby replied, her smile widening as she glanced over at you and Ellie, lounging by the pool. "It's been busy, but I'm excited about what's ahead."

Your mother’s gaze flickered towards Ellie, who was sitting a few meters away, detached as she scrolled through her phone. "And Ellie," your mother remarked dismissively, "our daughter is in awe of you both. Though I must admit, she has some rather interesting friends at times."

Abby’s smile widened slightly, her gaze shifting to where you and Ellie were. "Not at all. I’ve seen how hard Ellie works, and it’s admirable," she said, hesitating before continuing in a carefully crafted tone. "She's had to make do with a lot less compared to some of us, yet she makes the most of what she has."

Your father, who had been quietly observing, interjected with a hint of curiosity. "Ellie seems like a bright young woman. I'm sure she has her own talents," he said, glancing at his wife, who seemed quite displeased. "If she's... so close with a lady like Abby, she must be something special, right?" He looked back at Abby, hoping she'd understand the hint to change the subject.

Which was useless since your mother spoke once again. "I've always said connections can make all the difference. That's why I'm so eager for my daughter to find someone who fits well within our circle," she said, her eyes on Ellie.

Abby nodded, her voice laced with flattery. "I can see that." There was a brief silence, knowing that speaking too much could betray Ellie or you.

"Actually, your daughter mentioned you've been working on quite a few interesting projects recently?" Abby said, clearing her throat, arms crossed, catching a glimpse of your dad's smile.

Your mother nodded enthusiastically, clearly pleased. "Oh, you know, just the usual. But let's not talk about me. I'm more interested in your plans for the future. A young lady like you has so much potential."

"I'm still figuring it out," Abby replied with a small laugh. "I'd love to become a surgeon but I'm also interested in sports. Besides, I might wait a year, see how Ellie does, your daughter too—" Your mother immediately cut her off, seizing the opportunity.

"Oh? I thought she was in your grade as well," she said, narrowing her eyes as Abby shook her head. "Why would you wait then? Don't worry about our daughter; she has nothing to figure out."

Your father, overhearing the subtle shift in conversation, raised an eyebrow but remained quiet. Your mother, now more intrigued by Abby, leaned in, giving her little room to escape.

"Well, Ellie’s certainly doing her best. It's just that coming from a different background means she has to rely on others for support sometimes," Abby said awkwardly, yet it faded quickly at your mother's shift in expression.

"I see. That must be difficult for her," your mother said, almost proud of the revelation. "Haven't you thought she's searching for a sense of belonging? Or maybe validation?" Her tone was delicate yet pointed.

Your father, who had been quietly observing, nodded thoughtfully. "It's indeed a complex situation, darling. But not necessarily do people's backgrounds shape their expectations and needs," he said, tightening his grip on your mother's hand.

Abby seized the opportunity to solidify her place in your parents' favor, mostly for your sanity. "Absolutely, and it's praiseworthy that she’s managed so well despite—"

"But sometimes, one can’t help but notice the contrasts. If you say so, I'm sure she tries her best, but it’s clear she's not quite in the same league. It's a tough world out there, and not everyone can keep up, no matter how hard they try," your mother interrupted again.

Your father, who had been less engaged, now leaned in with a thoughtful expression. "You and your father are so kind to handle these situations."

Abby’s smile became a touch more genuine, one of thankfulness towards your dad. Her gaze shifted to include both your parents. "Absolutely. We're always happy to help where we can."

Your mother, not missing a beat, continued, "I'm just saying, it must be such a different world from where Ellie comes from. I can only imagine the...disparity."

Abby cleared her throat, feeling trapped, mad even. "Not at all, we've always been close... we are in great teams actually."

Your mother’s gaze softened, a bit amused with the direction of the conversation. "I apologize if my comments—"

"I understand your worries," Abby quickly interjected.

Your mother, taking advantage of that, pushed further. "It’s been great seeing how supportive she is of her friends, even those who aren’t as well-off. Isn't it, love?" she glanced back at her husband, who nodded in agreement.

“It’s such a pity your dad and my husband lost touch. They were so close back in the day," your dad spoke, shy if not ashamed. "We would love to have someone like you as part of our family. After hearing how humble and kind you and your dad are... we had hoped that—"

Abby’s eyes flicked towards you, who were still lounging with Ellie. “We would love that too. Your daughter is quite remarkable."

"We mean it, sweetheart, really, the way you handle everything—so poised and effortless—my daughter could learn a lot from you," your dad quickly interrupted. "And from Ellie as well."

"Perhaps we should arrange a dinner sometime soon. It would be lovely to get to know you better. It could be a new chapter for all of us," your father suggested.

"I’d love that"

-

"Yeah? You really don't have to-" sweaty strands of hair brushed her cheeks as she shocked her face.

"It's the least I can do for having you here supporting me, babe. No worries," she replied.

You had a premiere coming up soon. Your latest movie had been heavily promoted, and you'd taken a break, making use of already recorded interviews.

But as soon as Abby returned to work, so would you.

"We really should watch it" a hint of a small laugh bettwen her words, quickly shushed by her hungry lips drinking water like she haven't ever drink in her life.

"You won't like it," you replied dismissively.

"What? Seeing my wife covered in blood, mad, and panting?" she said with a sarcastic smile.

You rolled your eyes and walked over to her, leaving your phone on the chair. You pressed a tender kiss to her still-sweaty lips. "Come on then, let's get dinner so you can watch your hot wife being creepy."

"Before that" she grabbed your wrist, a gentle grip. her fingers running down yours, brushing your ring very briefly before she let go "Was she wearing my shirt?"

You furrowed your eyebrows, trying to process her words. "Really?" you said, tilting your head in disbelief and disapproval. Your reply was a nod along a mocking smile on her face. "I didn't see."

A quiet "huh" fell from her lips. "You miss her, but when she's right there you-" she started, but you cut her off.

"She'll be at the premiere. Get over it," you said firmly. "Plus, she did it on purpose," you murmured, trying to prove you weren't the only one playing dumb.

Her eyes flashed with caution before taking another sip. "We're all just doing our jobs."

You turned around and picked up your phone, scrolling through it with your nails tapping loudly on the screen. After a few minutes, you showed it to her.

A post from Ellie's band, featuring a moment from the game with a lengthy caption praising the team and Abby's performance, caught your eye.

"They just get to be your number one fans? They probably don't even know how the game works," you said, annoyed, as she took the phone from you to get a closer look.

There were a few silent seconds shared between both. She didn't seem as bothered as you'd expected, and it somehow was bothering you instead.

"She's wearing it," Abby commented, showing you the screen. Ellie was in the last slide, holding a beer, her current girlfriend resting her head on her shoulder, both wearing blue shirts with 'Anderson' on the back in white letters.

You eyed at the picture, at the caption. The post already flooded with comments. Likes growing each second.

"That's her girl?" you took the phone off her hand "Abby" You furrowed you eyebrows in annoyance, shaking your head very slightly, your tone warning her to stop.

"You think she'll bring her?" once your phone was tossed somewhere next to her, she brought it once again. "To the premiere? I hope not"

-

"You don't get it, do you?" Her frustration was a force, hazel eyes brimming with disbelief and pain. They were fierce, unyielding. "I gave you what you wanted. I played along. Everyone’s putting on a show for your family—just look at Abby." Her hands slapped the sides of her thighs, a stinging finality in the motion. Knitted eyebrows forming a bridge of impatience.

Your gaze flickered reluctantly towards the blonde figure. Her long hair, usually a cascading waterfall, now seemed like a veil hiding her true self. Her typical bravado was missing, leaving her persona bare and vulnerable. A hollow facade.

Her eyes, though full of unspoken hurt, seemed to offer an invitation, a silent plea for you to continue.

Everything was supposedly fine. You hadn't questioned the underlying issues they’d been discussing in hushed tones for days—issues your mother had hinted at repeatedly. You had assumed she would grasp the situation herself. The woman had a knack for perceiving the imperceptible, as if her eyes could read secrets written in invisible ink.

“My family,” you sighed, the weight of frustration and anxiety crashing down like a wave. Your breath was heavy, filling the room with a palpable tension, as if the air itself was charged with unspoken conflict.

"They’ve always been like this—I didn’t know it would go this far." Your voice was neither angry nor annoyed, but carried the resignation of someone who simply wanted the turmoil to end.

Ellie’s senses felt overwhelmed. Her ears seemed to hum with the rhythm of her own heartbeat, her eyes blinked in quick succession as if seeking escape. The atmosphere felt so thick with unresolved energy that stepping back seemed like a reasonable response.

“Oh really?” she retorted, sarcasm dripping from her voice. “You think I’m—” She paused, her voice losing its edge.

“I know why you did this,” she said with a groan in each word, stepping closer with the creaking of the wooden floor echoing her frustration.

The guilt was a lead weight in your chest, a regret for needing and wanting their presence despite knowing the selfishness of your actions. Her words a stark reminder of your regret, but hindsight offered no solace.

Ellie’s face was a canvas of anger and hurt. Abby, however, remained calm and composed, caught between her loyalty and the pressure, appearing distant and detached as a defensive measure.

“I’m so stupid,” Ellie said, her head tilting, her gaze shifting away from you to focus on Abby. “Has she told you what she discussed with your parents? Mhm?” The emphasis in her voice was a sharp blade, and you chose to remain ignorant of the conversation's specifics rather than face it.

“They think they’re doing what’s best,” you said, moving to sit beside Abby. The small gestures of comfort were unsettling in their own way, fueling the auburn's frustration.

“What’s best?” Ellie repeated bitterly. “Making me look like some kind of gold-digger? Accusing me of trying to come between you and Abby?” each word brushing her mouth murroring the feeling of absurdity, as if she was not only complicit but actively drawing everyone closer, as if her thirst for more was unquenchable.

“Hey,” Abby interjected, straightening her posture on the bed. Her eyes rolled, a gesture of irritation rather than confrontation.

“Ellie, you can’t just act fuck in this house and expect it to go unnoticed. My parents don’t know about anything- We discussed this before coming here because I didn’t want to deal with this shit.” Each word from you felt like a punctured balloon, deflating the tension but filling the room with an uneasy silence.

“I needed you to stand by me, and you couldn’t even do that,” Ellie snapped at Abby, ignoring your presence. You chuckled bitterly, the sound a hollow echo in the charged atmosphere.

Abby looked up at Ellie, taken aback by the sudden outburst. “They were just talking, and I was trying to be polite,” she said defensively, her tone soft yet tinged with mockery. She was skilled with words, wielding them as a shield.

“Polite?” Ellie snapped, her anger flaring. “They were humiliating me, Abby. And you just stood there and smiled.” Her frustration was a tempest, throwing her hands in the air as if to cast off the invisible chains of humiliation. “You know how much their approval means to me.”

Abby’s eyes met Ellie’s with an unbothered glare. “Yeah? And why’s that?” Abby retorted, her voice sharp. “You both wanted something, didn’t get it. Fucking get over it.”

Your and Ellie’s eyes met Abby’s, both reflecting disbelief and the sting of exposure. The rawness of her words laid bare the vulnerability that had been masked until now.

“Abby,” you groaned, your voice a desperate plea for calm. Your brain was a whirlpool of confusion and offense. “Stop.”

“Is that you or your mother talking?” Abby tilted her head, her gaze piercing through you. Her legs now crossed on the bed.

"I don't know and don't care either about whatever shit's going on with you" their bodies being eyed by your flickering eyes.

"I think we can deal with my parents, three fucking days. We leave" you signaled your hands as in 'it's all over'

But Ellie didn't even hesitate, even with Abby's warning "If you leave I don't ever want to see you again"

And to this day, she had upheld that promise. Everything to please Abigail.

-

Barely long nails traced the deep black lines carved on the auburn's skin. Each brush eliciting such warmth on their hearts who now seemed like one, shared.

"What're you doing?" The light reflecting on Ellie's eyes disappear the second that question hit her ears. Turning her phone Inmediatelly and tossing it somewhere in the bed. a muttered 'nothing' in response.

"You think you'll see them?" She took a deep breath, the air loudly brushing her nose once she exhaled. turning her body to meet the girl on her side- puppy eyes meeting her own as the touch on her skin stopped.

"I shouldn't have told you, huh?" she tried to laugh it off "Yeah" the brunette answered in a laugh as well. her body instictively moving closer to Ellie's.

"You should take me. We see them... talk, solve your shit because you're clearly traumatized-" Ellie's hand hit very softly the brunettes skin, followed by a dramatic 'ouch'

"Imagine you just wanna fuck me and end being acused for trying to steal money or shit? like, I just wanted to- I dunno, doesn't matter" the more she spoke, the more her tone lowered.

A small pout on her lips as she looked down to Dina's hands. Her tattooed arm leading her hand down her ass, giving it a gentle squeeze to bring her closer, which she didn't hesitate on doing.

"It'll be fun, yeah? plus... I want the pictures taken" Ellie let out a nasal laugh at the words. Both the anxiety of just going there and bringing company made her physically weak.

But she nodded. She still had a week to think about it.

REBLOGS AND COMMENTS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!!!

-taglist: @eyesfullofsttars <33 | @cowboylu @ennabear @satellitespinner @flowrmoth @tohoko @bambishaven @luciaaa-aa @be3flow3r @f4riedimples @wintergilmore3 @iamastar

[tinytinyblogs]

Hearing you call me that makes my heart flutter.

They absolutely loved the new pet name you came up with for them.

Stray kids masterlist here

Chan

As the day drew to a peaceful close, Chan remained engrossed in his laptop, his eyes fixated on the screen he's engrossed in his work, fingers flying across the keyboard as he brings his creative vision to life. Meanwhile, you busied yourself in the kitchen, preparing a warm dinner for the two of you with a cheerful hum escaping your lips, you followed the recipe's every step, conjuring up a culinary masterpiece destined to delight you and his taste buds. Once everything was ready, you approached Chan, who was oblivious to your presence you cautiously pushed the door ajar and peered into the room. "Darling, dinner is ready," you announced gently. Chan's attention snapped away from his laptop his fingers, once dancing across the keyboard with practiced ease, came to an abrupt halt, their rhythmic tapping replaced by an eerie silence his eyes widening in surprise. "What?" he asked, still caught off guard. "Dinner is ready, let's eat before you get back to work," your words echoed with a gentle smile gracing your lips.

Chan closed his laptop temporarily setting aside the tasks he needed to complete and stood up from the couch, following you to the dining table. "No, not that," he interjected, a hint of mischief in his voice in a gesture of disapproval, he gave his head a slight wag from side to side. "You called me what?" You turned to face him who had been following you from behind entered the kitchen, a puzzled expression on your face. He stopped walking, his hand hovering over your shoulder. You could feel his breath on your neck, warm and inviting. His presence was tangible, his energy filling the space between you. "Chan? Darling?" he nodded eagerly, his grin widening. "Right, that one, darling. It sounds so sweet coming from you." With a gentle kiss to your forehead, he settled into a dining chair, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Call me darling more often," he suggested with a playful grin.

Minho

Amidst the tantalizing aromas and symphony of sizzling pans, you and Minho found yourselves immersed in the culinary adventure of a cooking season. This shared endeavor was another cherished opportunity to deepen your bond, a chance to create something special together. As you busied yourselves with various tasks, your laughter intermingled with the clatter of utensils, filling the kitchen with warmth and cheer. Suddenly, you realized you needed a plate, and your gaze instinctively shifted towards Minho, who stood nearby, engrossed in his culinary masterpiece. With a playful smile, you beckoned him, "Love, could you pass me the plate?" Minho paused his chopping, his eyes meeting yours with a hint of amusement. "Huh?" he feigned innocence, arching an eyebrow playfully. You pointed towards the stack of plates, clarifying your request, "The plate over there, love. Pass me that." Instead of immediately grabbing the plate, Minho's grin widened, and he began to inch closer to you.

"Love? I see, you're such a simp." he teased, his voice laced with affection. "Come on, Minho," you said, rolling your eyes playfully, a hint of exasperation in your voice. "Just get me the plate." Minho, still unable to contain his amusement, let out a playful hum. "No," he countered, his voice laced with feigned seriousness. "That's not a good way to ask for help." His smile was infectious, and you couldn't help but grin along with him. "Love," you pleaded, trying to maintain a playful tone, "please pass me the plate so we don't spend all evening in the kitchen." Minho relented, his mischievous grin still lingering. He retrieved the plate, his movements deliberate and slow, savoring the moment. As he approached you, his hand trailed along your waist, sending a shiver down your spine. Gently, he placed the plate in front of you, his eyes sparkling with affection. "This is for you, love," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the sizzle of the pans.

Changbin

You and Changbin were curled up together on the couch, the warmth of your embrace intertwining with the soft glow of the television screen. As you chatted idly, a delicious thought crossed your mind, a craving for something savory and satisfying. You knew Changbin shared your love for food, and the idea of indulging together sparked a sense of shared delight. With a gentle nudge, you broke the comfortable silence, "Honey, aren't you hungry? Let's get something to eat." Changbin remained silent for a moment, his grip tightening around you. A hint of a smile played on his lips, and you could sense his playful anticipation. "Say it again," he urged, his voice laced with amusement. "Let's get something to eat," you repeated, emphasizing the word 'honey' with a hint of teasing affection.

Changbin hummed contentedly, his smile widening. "Nope, not until you call me that cute pet name again." Nuzzling his face into your neck, he hid his growing grin. You could feel his chest vibrating with suppressed laughter. "Honey, let's go," you whined playfully, exaggerating your hunger pangs. "I'm starving." Changbin lifted his head, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "That sounds so good when you call me 'honey,'" he confessed, his voice barely containing his delight. With a sigh of exasperation, you couldn't help but laugh at his teasing behavior. "I thought we could get something to eat now," you suggested, gently nudging Changbin, who was still clinging to you like a koala. Changbin's eyes sparkled with mischief as he held onto you tightly. "Yes, but let me feel the love first," he said, his voice laced with playful affection. "I like how that 'honey' sounds from you."

Han

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the bedroom. As you stirred from your slumber, you felt a gentle tug, Han's arms pulling you into a comforting embrace. His eyes remained closed, his breathing soft and steady. "Good morning," Han whispered in his morning voice, his words laced with drowsiness. With a smile, you nuzzled closer to him, reciprocating his hug. "Morning, what are we going to do today?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. Han hummed contentedly, his hand lingering on your waist. "I don't feel like doing anything today," he admitted, his voice laced with a hint of laziness. "Is it okay if we just stay home?" You couldn't help but chuckle at his suggestion. It was a rare moment of peace and quiet, a welcome respite from the hectic pace of life. "Of course, honey," you agreed, your voice soft and reassuring. "We can just lay here and do nothing."

Han's eyes fluttered open, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Did you just call me honey?" he asked, his voice laced with surprise. You ran your fingers through his tousled hair, a playful smile gracing your lips. "I did," you confirmed. As you nestled your head against his chest, enveloped by the comforting warmth of his embrace, you couldn't help but notice the subtle change in his demeanor. He blinked slowly, his eyes remaining closed, and a hint of hesitation crept into his silence. A tinge of worry fluttered in your heart as you gently inquired, "Is something wrong?" His silence lingered for a moment, fueling your concern. "You don't like me calling you 'honey'?" you pressed further, seeking reassurance. With a gentle kiss on your forehead, Han dispelled your apprehension. "Are you kidding me?" he chuckled softly, his voice laced with affection. "I'm absolutely smitten with that pet name. It just caught me off guard, being so early in the morning and all."

Hyunjin

The rhythmic ticking of the clock echoed through the apartment, a constant reminder of the solitude that enveloped you. Hyunjin's absence, though anticipated, left a void in the space you shared. You had received his message earlier, informing you of his unavoidable outing with friends. Despite a tinge of disappointment, you had responded with unwavering understanding 'Enjoy yourself tonight, darling. I'll be here to greet you with a warm hug when you get back.' As you settled into the comfort of your favorite couch, a bowl of snacks nestled beside you and the television screen casting a warm glow, you immersed yourself in the world of fictional characters, seeking solace in their escapades. The gentle murmur of the TV provided a comforting backdrop to your solitary evening. Suddenly, the abrupt sound of the door swinging open shattered the tranquility of the apartment. Your attention snapped towards the entrance, and there stood Hyunjin, his face flushed with an unexpected urgency.

"Something happened?" you asked, concern creasing your forehead. "Why are you home already?" His face flushed and his breath ragged. He placed his hand on his knee, catching his breath, and shook his head. "No, nothing's wrong," he assured you. He stood up straight and threw himself onto the sofa beside you, enveloping you in a tight hug. "It's just you calling me 'darling' that made me want to come home even more," he whispered into your ear, his voice laced with emotion. "To hear you call me 'darling' right next to my ear." He nuzzled closer, seeking comfort and reassurance in your embrace. "And besides, I couldn't say no when you offered me a warm hug," he added with a playful grin. "Now, call me 'darling' one more time." You couldn't help but smile at his request. "Alright, darling," you said softly, stroking his hair gently. A contented sigh escaped Hyunjin's lips as he relaxed into your embrace. He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth and security of your presence.

Felix

Hand in hand, you and Felix strolled down the bustling street, your eyes darting around, taking in the sights and sounds of the ever-changing town. The air was alive with the chatter of passersby, the aroma of street food wafting through the air, and the vibrant colors of storefronts lining the streets. As you walked, you couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over you. Felix's presence by your side was a source of warmth and comfort, his steady hand a reassuring anchor in the midst of the bustling city. You cherished these moments of shared exploration, these opportunities to discover new places and experiences together. Your gaze wandered towards a charming cake shop nestled amidst the row of shops, its window filled with an array of delectable pastries. A mischievous glint sparkled in your eyes as you raised your hand, pointing your finger towards the tempting establishment. "Love," you murmured, your voice laced with a playful hint, "do you want some cake?"

Felix's attention snapped towards the direction you were pointing. His eyes widened in surprise, a grin slowly spreading across his face. "Love? I don't think I heard that right," he teased, his voice laced with amusement. You hummed in response, nodding your head vigorously while Felix struggled to suppress his growing smile. His heart fluttered with anticipation as he awaited your next words. "So, tell me," he asked, his voice barely concealing his excitement, "what exactly do you want?" You turned your gaze back to the cake shop, your eyes sparkling with delight. "A cake," you replied, your voice brimming with anticipation. Felix chuckled, shaking his head playfully. "You know, if you could only learn to say it properly, maybe we could actually get that cake you're so eager to try." With Felix's hand securely wrapped in yours, he gently pulled you closer, his smile beaming with adoration. "Let's get cake, love," you whispered, your voice barely audible. Felix responded with a soft hum, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Sure, let's get something sweet, love," he agreed, his voice laced with affection.

Seungmin

Amidst the clutter of your wardrobe, you stood amidst a sea of garments, each vying for your attention. The challenge of selecting the perfect outfit for your upcoming outing loomed large, leaving you perplexed and indecisive. Seated comfortably on the bed, his fingers dancing across the screen of his phone, Seungmin provided his usual silent companionship. "Babe," you called out, your voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. Seungmin instinctively lifted his gaze from his phone, his eyes meeting yours with a questioning look. You held up the two garments that had captured your attention, each promising a different style and vibe. "Babe, which one looks better?" you asked, twirling the clothes in your hands for emphasis. Seungmin paused, his expression contemplative. A genuine smile graced his lips as he spoke, his voice laced with affection, "You know you look good in everything, just wear what you really want to wear."

His eyes held yours, their depths conveying a quiet reassurance. "But if you want me to choose the right one, babe," he added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. As you carefully arranged the discarded garments back onto their respective hangers, Seungmin approached you, his presence a soothing balm in the quiet room. With gentle hands, he assisted you in putting the clothes away, his touch lingering on your skin, sending shivers down your spine. "No more 'Seungmin' now," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the soft rustle of fabric. "It's 'babe' from now on." His lips brushed against your cheek, leaving a trail of warmth and affection in their wake. You could feel his gaze lingering on you, his eyes sparkling with unspoken desires. Just as he was about to turn and leave your bedroom, he paused, his back facing you. "But are you sure you need to go?" he asked, his voice laced with longing. "I mean, I think I'd love to get cuddled tonight."

Jeongin

The tranquility of the day was shattered by the rustling of your feet as you frantically searched for something. You turned over every nook and cranny, but to no avail. Just as you were about to give up, you realized that the item you sought was perched precariously on the highest shelf of the cupboard, just beyond your reach. Sighing in defeat, you cast a longing glance towards Jeongin, who was engrossed in his phone, seemingly oblivious to your plight. After a moment's hesitation, you mustered up the courage to approach him. "Babe," you called out tentatively. Jeongin looked up from his phone, his eyebrows quirked in surprise. As the words 'babe' rolled off your tongue, Jeongin's ears perked up, catching the unfamiliar sound amidst the familiar cadence of his name. The nickname, though uttered with the same affection and tenderness you always used, carried a distinct resonance, a subtle shift in tone that sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine.

"Babe?" he repeated, a hint of amusement in his voice. Ignoring his playful jab, you pointed towards the cupboard. "Can you help me reach that?" you pleaded. Jeongin rose from his seat and sauntered over to your side his mind drifted away from the virtual world drawn back to you, his hand slipping around your waist. With a gentle tug, he pulled you closer, his other arm reaching effortlessly towards the coveted item. He retrieved it and placed it gently on the table. "Anything else, babe?" he asked with a mischievous grin. Jeongin rested his hand on your shoulder, letting out a satisfied hum. "It seems like you're rather fond of that pet name I gave you," you teased him, your voice laced with playful banter. Feeling the warmth of his embrace. He chuckled, tightening his hug around your waist. "It sounds good when you call me that," he admitted. "It feels like you're pouring your love into me."

©Tinytinyblogs

[healix17]

Saw your announcement and willing to take the risk.

MegOP but Megatron is a Femme, OP stays the same. That's it, cuz for the love of me I cannot find any Femme!Megs fanfic out there. Like everyone is the same (or not) just that Megs is a femme.

I'm so, so sorry for the late reply. Like who knew collage was so hard? But here's you fic and tell me if you had any specific thoughts or scenes and don't be shy.

P.S. I've been reading too much Twilight.

P.P. S I changed her name to Megantron

Edges Of War

Humorous Rivalry Moments

The battlefield was shrouded in smoke, the acrid scent of energon mingling with the distant roars of engines and the crackling of blaster fire.

In the midst of the chaos, Optimus stood his ground, gaze fixed on the silver and crimson figure stalking toward him with deliberate grace.

"Megantron," he called out, voice low but carrying over the din of battle.

She paused, helm tilting as she regarded him, crimson optics blazing with amusement. "Prime," she purred, the name rolling off her tongue like a caress—a stark contrast to the sneer curling her red lips. "I see you’ve finally decided to show up."

He shifted his stance, raising his blade in a defensive posture. “I could say the same. Though, I must admit, I’m curious. Did you arrive late because you had trouble fitting through the door again?”

Her optics narrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing her faceplates before she chuckled—a low, dangerous sound that sent a shiver down his spinal struts. “So you do have a sense of humor. I was beginning to worry.”

“Merely making an observation.” He allowed himself the smallest smirk, the edge of his mouthplate twitching up as he met her gaze evenly. “After all, it’s not every day I see a Decepticon leader struggle with—what was it—‘her dreadfully inconvenient proportions’?”

Megantron’s optics flared, and she took a step closer, the air around her thrumming with restrained power. “You dare mock me?”

“I’d call it… friendly banter.” The smirk widened just a fraction, and he saw her optics flicker, a subtle shift that only someone who knew her well would notice.

It was a dangerous game, taunting her like this, but something inside him—some spark of long-buried defiance—wanted to see how far he could push.

And then she laughed—softly, almost under her breath, before shaking her helm. “Oh, Prime,” she murmured, voice dipping into something almost intimate. “You’re lucky I find you… amusing.”

The words should have been a threat, but there was something else there, hidden beneath the layers of animosity. Something that made his spark stutter, just for a moment.

But before he could reply, she lunged, blades flashing as she brought them down toward him with a snarl. He blocked the strike, their frames inches apart, and he could feel her energy field crackling against his own, hot and electric.

“Shall we?” she whispered, optics blazing.

And with that, they were back in motion—dancing through the chaos, trading blows and taunts with a familiarity that bordered on unsettling.

Casual Meeting

The truce was uneasy at best.

A fragile, brittle thing held together by mutual necessity and the unspoken agreement that neither faction could afford to lose more soldiers to this endless war.

And so, for the first time in vorns, Optimus Prime found himself in the heart of neutral territory, standing alone in the echoing, empty corridors of a long-abandoned Cybertronian outpost.

The space was vast and hollow, the only sounds the soft hum of energon lines beneath his plating and the faint creak of metal settling into silence.

He was early, as always.

He wasn’t surprised when she arrived with a soft click of heels against metal, her presence a sudden, tangible weight in the stillness.

Megantron stepped into view, optics gleaming crimson in the dim light, her frame sleek and deadly even without the trappings of battle armor.

“Prime,” she greeted coolly, her voice a low, velvety murmur that sent a ripple through his systems. “So punctual. I’d almost think you were eager to see me.”

“I take our negotiations seriously,” he replied, tone carefully neutral as he turned to face her fully. “It’s a matter of respect.”

“Respect,” she echoed, the word dripping with a sarcasm that made his sensors twitch. “Is that what this is?” She moved closer, her optics sweeping over him with a calculating gaze, as though searching for something. “Funny. I would have thought it was stubbornness.”

He straightened, meeting her gaze evenly. “If I’m stubborn, then so are you.”

“Touché,” she murmured, a smirk playing at the corner of her lipplates. “But then, we’ve always been alike in that regard, haven’t we?”

The words were a knife to his spark, a reminder of the history that lay between them—of battles fought and words exchanged, of betrayals that still lingered like ghosts in the space between them.

But he refused to look away, refused to let her see the way her presence unsettled him.

“We are not alike, Megantron.”

“Mm.” She tilted her helm, her optics dark and searching. “No, I suppose we aren’t. You’re far too sentimental.”

The jab was half-hearted, almost gentle, and it threw him off balance. Before he could respond, she stepped closer, her field brushing against his—a subtle, fleeting contact that made his plating buzz.

“But perhaps,” she murmured, voice softening, “that’s not such a bad thing.”

He stared at her, caught off-guard by the sudden shift in her tone, by the way her optics seemed… sad, almost.

And then, just as quickly as it had appeared, the moment was gone. She straightened, stepping back with a small, self-satisfied smile.

“Shall we get started?” she asked lightly, as though they hadn’t just shared something almost—almost—intimate.

“Yes,” he managed, voice steadier than he felt. “Let’s.”

Shy Romantic Tension

It was raining on the Nemesis, the steady patter of water against the hull a soft, almost soothing backdrop to the tension thrumming between them.

Optimus stood alone in the darkened control room, the faint hum of machinery the only sound besides the rain.

He wasn’t sure why he’d come—why he’d agreed to her request for a private meeting. But when Megantron called, he answered. Always.

“Optimus,” she murmured softly, stepping into the room like a shadow, her frame lithe and graceful as she moved to stand beside him. “You came.”

“You requested a parley,” he replied, voice low, careful. “I’m here to listen.”

“And nothing more?” Her optics were half-lidded, her tone light and playful, but there was something beneath it—something raw and aching that he couldn’t quite place.

“Megantron,” he began, and she flinched—an almost imperceptible motion, but he caught it.

“Stop,” she whispered, stepping closer, too close. “Just… stop.”

And before he could react, she reached up, the sharp lines of her clawed digits brushing lightly against his faceplate, a touch so gentle it made his spark clench.

“Why do you always have to be so…” She trailed off, optics shuttering closed as if the sight of him was too much to bear. “So good?”

“Because I have to be,” he murmured, helpless, his own hand lifting—hovering inches from her frame, afraid to touch but unable to pull away. “Because someone has to be.”

Her optics snapped open, blazing crimson as she glared at him. “And what about what I need?”

The words hung between them, a plea wrapped in anger, and he felt something inside him twist and fracture.

But before he could reply, before he could think of anything to say, she turned away, shoulders tense, frame trembling with the force of her own suppressed emotions.

“Forget it,” she spat, voice hard again. “Forget I said anything.”

And then she was gone, the rain and the dark swallowing her whole, leaving him alone with the sound of his own shattering spark.

Again I'm so sorry but if you need any more ideas or want a change of genera, then inform me.

[jcxbliss]

          Song Of The Deep

Pairing - Lee Seokmin (Siren) x Female Reader (Researcher)

Genre - Fantasy, Angst, 18+ Themes

Word Count - 7.7k

Warnings- So far none

Author's Note - Hi guys, so far people have liked this series (even if I have just started lol) I appreciate it. Please Enjoy<3

(ANYONE CAN JOIN THE TAGLIST)

Tags - @hipsdofangirl

Part Two: Heroic

Readers Point Of View 

Three days had passed since that unsettling night by the water, and the memory of Seokmin’s sudden appearance still lingers at the edge of your mind. You and your team are now deep into your fieldwork, hiking through Vesuvius National Park which is where the last spotting was found of the Lacewing . The landscape is striking, with its rolling hills and dense forests, but your focus is somewhat fractured by the echoes of recent nights.

As you trudge along the winding path, the sun high above, you can’t help but reflect on the strange dreams that have plagued you. Each night, as soon as your head touches the pillow, you find yourself at the shore again, drawn irresistibly to the water. The dreams are vivid and unsettling, with an intensity that feels almost tangible.

In these dreams, the sea calls to you with its haunting melody, the same one you heard that night. The water’s edge beckons, and you find yourself stepping closer, the cold waves lapping against your skin. There’s always an urgency, a compulsion to dip your fingers into the cool, shifting sands, and every time, you glimpse something just below the surface—sharp eyes watching you, glimmers of an otherworldly presence.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between the dreams and reality. During the day, the distractions of the hike and the camaraderie with the team—Seokmin, Azail, and Lucy—keep you grounded. Seokmin is his usual, approachable self, but there’s a subtle tension in the way he interacts with you, an unspoken awareness that lingers between you. Azail remains quiet and reserved, his eyes often scanning the surroundings with an almost secretive intensity. Lucy, with her relaxed attitude and unwavering dedication, offers a comforting sense of normalcy, though even her steady presence can’t fully dispel your unease.

As you walk, the sounds of nature surround you—birds calling, leaves rustling in the breeze, and the distant murmur of a stream. Yet, your mind keeps drifting back to those nighttime visions. You question what they could mean. Are they merely a reflection of your anxiety and the strange events you’ve encountered, or is there something more profound at play?

Your thoughts are interrupted by Seokmin’s voice, breaking through the fog of your introspection. “Y/N, any sign of the Neuroptera?”

You blink, snapping back to focus. “Not yet. We still have a ways to go before we reach the designated area.”

Seokmin nods and falls back into step beside you. There’s something in his demeanor that suggests he’s also preoccupied with thoughts beyond your immediate task. Perhaps he’s feeling the same disquiet you are, or maybe he’s merely trying to keep his own fears in check. Yet since he found you outside by the sea on the first night he seems to be stuck to your side. Everywhere you had gone he was only a few steps behind you. In a way it was comforting yet annoying, taking every moment to interject himself in your life.

The hike continues, and the landscape gradually shifts from dense forest to more open fields. The scent of wildflowers fills the air, and for a moment, you manage to push aside the unsettling memories of your dreams and the new found fondness that Seokmin has taken to you. 

The hike had been long and arduous, but as Azail’s voice rang out through the open field, the group felt a collective surge of renewed energy. “We’ve arrived at the last known location where the Lacewing was spotted!” Azail called out, his tone filled with a mix of relief and anticipation.

The team immediately sprang into action, splitting up into pairs to cover the expansive field more efficiently. Seokmin paired up with you, a decision that, despite the intensity of the work ahead, felt oddly comforting yet still annoying. The field was a patchwork of tall grasses and wildflowers, with occasional patches of dense underbrush. The sunlight filtered through the clouds in soft, dappled beams, casting an almost ethereal glow over the landscape.

As you and Seokmin wandered deeper into the field, you focused intently on the task at hand, scanning the ground for any signs of the elusive Lacewing. The two of you had ventured farther from the main group when Seokmin suddenly called out, “Look over there!” He pointed to a small, partially concealed pond nestled between some bushes. The water’s surface was a mirror-like expanse, disturbed only by the occasional ripple from a breeze. It seemed an unusual spot to find in the middle of a field, and it piqued your curiosity.

With renewed enthusiasm, you approached the pond, carefully navigating the uneven terrain. The edges of the pond were lined with reeds and lily pads, and you noticed that the ground was damp and treacherous. As you edged closer to the water, your foot slipped on a muddy patch. You flailed, arms flapping as you teetered dangerously close to falling in.

In an instant, Seokmin was at your side, his reflexes lightning-fast. He grabbed your arm with a firm grip, pulling you back from the brink. The sudden jolt of his strength and proximity sent a wave of warmth through you. Your heart raced, not just from the near-fall but from the electric contact of his hand on your arm.

“Careful,” Seokmin said, his voice steady and reassuring. There was a flicker of concern in his eyes as he looked at you. “The ground’s a bit unstable here.”

You managed a grateful smile, trying to steady your breathing. “Thanks, Seokmin. I didn’t see that coming.”

He returned your smile, a subtle, almost shy warmth in his gaze. “No problem. Just keep an eye out for the Lacewing, and we should be fine.” 

As the two of you began to carefully examine the area around the pond, a comfortable silence settled between you. The close encounter had woven a subtle thread of connection between you and Seokmin, and there was an almost unspoken understanding in the way he now regarded you. The shift was subtle, but noticeable—a gentle shift in the way he interacted, a quiet attentiveness in his gaze.

Both of you begin to look around the pond for the small green bug. This time you are more aware of your surroundings, every now and again you would glance over your shoulder at Seokmin. Occasionally within those stolen glances he would catch you and you would feel a wave of embarrassment rush through you. 

Despite the lack of success in finding the Lacewing near the pond, you both carried a sense of satisfaction from the search. As the sun began its descent, casting elongated shadows over the field, you and Seokmin started to make your way back to the main group. Just as you were about to rejoin the others, a distant voice called out, cutting through the evening air.

“Y/N! Seokmin! Over here!” Azail’s voice echoed, filled with a mixture of excitement and triumph.

You quickened your pace, exchanging a look with Seokmin that conveyed both curiosity and a hint of disappointment. When you reached the main group, you saw Azail and Lucy standing beside a small cluster of trees, a large grin spread across Azail’s face.

“We found it!” Azail announced, holding up a small container with a delicate Lacewing fluttering inside.

The sight of the Lacewing brought a collective cheer from the team. Seokmin and you joined in the celebration, though there was a quiet satisfaction in the discovery despite not having found it yourselves. The shared experience by the pond, however, had added a layer of connection that felt meaningful in its own right.

As the group gathered around to examine the Lacewing, the fading light of the day cast a warm glow over everyone. With a clap of your hands you announced that it was probably time to head back down before it would get too dark outside for you guys to walk. 

Later that night, the team gathered in the cozy dining room of the bed-and-breakfast, a warm and inviting space with wooden beams and flickering candlelight. The table was set with hearty Italian dishes, a comforting contrast to the day’s fieldwork. Laughter and conversation filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that was both relaxing and satisfying after the long hours spent searching for the Lacewing.

You sat across from Seokmin, the soft light casting a gentle glow on his features. As you glanced around the table, engaging in light conversation with Lucy and Azail, your attention repeatedly drifted back to Seokmin. The way the flickering candlelight highlighted the smooth curve of his strong jawline, the warmth of his deep brown eyes, and the slightly tousled waves of his dark hair made him appear even more captivating tonight.

His height was impressive, standing just a bit taller than average, with a broad, solid frame that complemented his easygoing demeanor. His face was square but softened by a well-defined, warm smile that made his eyes crinkle at the corners, giving him a friendly and approachable look. The subtle play of light on his features, coupled with the genuine way he laughed and interacted with everyone, seemed to bring out a magnetic charm that you hadn’t noticed as strongly before.

The conversation flowed easily until Lucy, with a mischievous glint in her eye, leaned forward. “Speaking of adventures, Y/N, do you remember our little escapade to the vineyard yesterday?”

You winced, a small flush creeping up your cheeks. “Oh no, not that story.”

Lucy chuckled, clearly enjoying the memory. “Yes, that one! We were having a lovely time tasting different wines, and everything was going perfectly until…well, until someone managed to turn their white shirt into a canvas for red wine.”

The table burst into laughter, and you couldn’t help but join in, even though you felt a bit embarrassed. “Okay, okay, I admit it. I was a bit too enthusiastic about that last pour. But in my defense, it was a really good wine.”

Lucy grinned, clearly relishing the opportunity to recount the tale. “It was, but you were so flustered trying to clean it up. I’ve never seen someone try so hard to salvage a wine-stained shirt. And of course, you ended up with a bright red splotch right in the middle!”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Yeah, I had to buy a new shirt on the way back. It was definitely one of those ‘well, this is awkward’ moments.”

As the laughter settled, Seokmin, who had been quietly enjoying the story, leaned forward with a grin. “Speaking of memorable experiences, Azail and I had quite the adventure while you guys were doing that.”

Azail raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued before the memory reanimates itself in his mind. “Oh, here it comes. Tell them about our hot air balloon ride.”

Seokmin chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “It was supposed to be a relaxing experience, but I’ve never been so scared in my life. I ended up clinging to Azail for dear life. Every time the balloon swayed, I thought we were going to fall out.”

Azail laughed, adding with a playful tone, “And let me tell you, Seokmin’s grip was so tight I thought I might need a new set of ribs by the end of it. It was like having a very large, very nervous teddy bear attached to me.”

Seokmin blushed slightly but smiled at the memory. “Yeah, I might have overreacted a bit. But Azail was a real trooper, calming me down and even making jokes about our ‘imminent doom.’”

Azail leaned back with a smirk. “Well, someone had to keep things light. Besides, I figured if we were going to plummet from the sky, we might as well go out laughing.”

The group laughed heartily, and the atmosphere at the table felt even warmer. Seokmin’s usual composed demeanor had softened, revealing a more relaxed and approachable side of him. Azail’s playful commentary had everyone in stitches, and the camaraderie among the team seemed to deepen with each shared story.

As the evening continued, the conversation shifted to other adventures and mishaps, with each story adding to the collective memory of the group. You felt a sense of contentment, enjoying the lively interactions and the growing bond between you and your teammates. The night was filled with laughter and the comforting sense of connection, making it clear that the team had become more than just colleagues—they had become friends.

Seokmin, now fully engaged in the lively conversation, seemed more relaxed than ever. His earlier nervousness about the hot air balloon ride had given way to a genuine sense of ease and enjoyment. He was animatedly recounting a particularly funny moment from one of his past field studies when Lucy, ever the instigator, leaned in with a sly grin.

“I do have an observation that I want to throw out there,” Lucy said, her eyes twinkling with mischief, “has anyone noticed how Seokmin and Y/N seem to be having a great time together lately?”

You felt a sudden jolt of surprise, and a warm flush crept up your cheeks. You glanced at Seokmin, who was momentarily caught off guard but quickly recovered, his usual confident demeanor returning.

Seokmin chuckled, a light blush coloring his cheeks. “I am having a great time with her and you guys as well. After all, we are all here to work on something we are truly passionate about. And something about Y/N excitement to the craft intrigues me.” He shrugs and leans back into the chair he is in before throwing a glance over at you with a smile. 

Azail, who had been quietly listening, decided to pipe into the conversation while running a hand through his tight knit curls “Yeah I agree with Seokmin. It isn’t everyday you see someone so passionate about bugs as she is. Sure I like bugs, but she loves them.”

“True, but I think there’s something special about the way you two have been working together. It’s nice to see.” Lucy picks up her glass of wine and takes a sip of it while landing her gray eyes over on you.

Before you could respond, Seokmin cleared his throat and gently redirected the conversation. “Well, we still have a few more weeks here, so who knows what other adventures await us. Let’s make the most of it!”

The group eagerly agreed, and the conversation quickly shifted to plans for the upcoming days. You noticed that Seokmin’s focus seemed to return to the group’s plans, but there was a soft, lingering warmth in his eyes when he glanced your way.

As the night drew to a close and the conversation started to wind down, you felt a quiet contentment. 

You and Seokmin exchanged a few more smiles and lighthearted comments as the team prepared to leave the dining room. 

“Alright, I think we have a good plan for tomorrow. Our main goal is to find at least one more of the Neuroptera to research in case the one we found isn’t enough. I say we leave around 6:00 am and we should arrive just in time to spend the majority of the day there.” You debrief to the rest of everyone while Lucy hums in agreement, Azail nods his head in affirmation and Seokmin gives a thumbs up. 

“Sounds great!” Seokmin says before waving goodbye to the group, excusing himself first for bed while everyone else follows suit. 

As you all headed to your respective rooms for the night, the warmth of the shared moments lingered, and you found yourself reflecting on the unexpected but delightful connections that had formed during the trip. 

Later that night after showering and towel drying your hair, you find yourself on the small balcony of your room, the cool night breeze rustling through the olive trees below. The balcony offered a stunning view of the moonlit sea, its gentle waves shimmering under the soft light of the moon. The peaceful sound of the water lapping against the shore was a soothing backdrop to the day’s events, and you found solace in the quiet solitude.

As you leaned on the railing, lost in thought, you noticed a figure moving slowly toward the water. It was Seokmin. His tall silhouette was outlined against the darkness, and his purposeful stride caught your attention. The way he walked, seemingly drawn to the water, made you feel a sudden pang of curiosity.

You considered calling out to him, wondering if he needed company or if something was on his mind. But before you could decide, a familiar, eerie hum began to drift through the night air. The sound was faint at first, almost as if it was being carried on the breeze, but it grew gradually more distinct. It was the same haunting melody that had visited your dreams in the past few nights.

The humming was mesmerizing, its rhythm and tone strangely familiar, as if it was calling out to something deep within you. You hesitated, your earlier impulse to approach Seokmin fading as you became entranced by the sound. You watched as Seokmin paused at the edge of the water, the rhythmic hum growing louder and more insistent.

Instead of calling out, you remained silent, drawn by the haunting melody. The sound seemed to weave through the night, curling around your senses and tugging at something just beyond your reach. You noticed that Seokmin stood still for a moment, his posture relaxed yet attentive, as if he, too, was listening to the strange song.

The moonlight glinted off the water, creating a shimmering path that seemed to lead directly to Seokmin. As you continued to observe, you saw him move closer to the water’s edge, his eyes scanning the darkness, his expression one of deep contemplation. The humming grew louder, its haunting notes filling the space between you and the sea.

A shiver ran down your spine as the melody seemed to synchronize with the rhythm of the waves. You felt as though you were on the verge of understanding something profound, yet elusive. 

You remained hidden in the shadows of the balcony, your gaze fixed on Seokmin and the water. The night seemed to stretch out endlessly, and the only sound that mattered was the haunting hum that seemed to fill the space around you.

As you watched, Seokmin finally took a step into the water, his movements deliberate and slow. The cool water seemed to embrace him, and he waded deeper, the moonlight casting ripples on his figure. The humming reached a crescendo, and you felt an inexplicable urge to follow, to understand the connection between the melody and Seokmin’s enigmatic behavior.

But you stayed where you were, a silent observer, unable to tear your eyes away from the scene unfolding before you. The strange melody continued to weave its way through the night, and you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were witnessing something both profound and inexplicable.

As the minutes ticked by, you remained on the balcony, wrapped in the mystery of the melody and the silent connection between Seokmin and the sea. The haunting song seemed to hold a secret, and you were left to ponder its meaning as you watched Seokmin’s solitary figure in the moonlit water.

Seokmin’s Point Of View 

For the past few nights, Seokmin had immersed himself in research, delving into ancient texts and local folklore regarding sirens and their legends. The more he read, the more he uncovered about the intricate lore surrounding these enigmatic beings. The books spoke of their power, their allure, and the ancient claims they made over those who ventured too close to their domains.

He had discovered tales of sirens who could control the tides with their songs, influence the minds of those who heard their melodies, and even create illusions to protect their secrets. The knowledge he gained was both fascinating and unsettling, revealing a world far beyond the everyday understanding he had previously held.

What he found most intriguing—and troubling—was the realization that his own connection to these ancient beings was deeper than he had ever fully acknowledged. There were moments when he felt a shift within himself, a sense of tapping into a dormant power that he had always sensed but never fully explored. This power was linked to the sirens' realm, and with it came a deeper understanding of his own nature.

Each night by the water, Seokmin felt the transformation more acutely. The sea’s embrace felt different, more intimate, and he sensed that he was accessing a reservoir of ancient knowledge and abilities that had lain dormant within him. His form shifted subtly, his senses sharpened, and his mind accessed ancient wisdom and instincts that had been part of him for as long as he could remember.

Now, standing in the water, he felt the true extent of his connection to the siren lore. His eyes, reflecting the moonlight, revealed a glimmer of the hidden power he possessed. It was as if the very essence of the siren’s world was flowing through him, and he was acutely aware of the power dynamics at play.

The shadowy figure emerged from the depths with a graceful, undulating motion, the water parting around it like a curtain. The presence was commanding, ancient, and Seokmin could sense the weight of the centuries in its voice.

“Seokmin,” the figure called, its voice resonating with a deep, eerie authority that matched the ancient knowledge Seokmin had been studying. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Seokmin met the figure's gaze with a calm determination. “I’ve been researching the legends, learning about the ancient claims and powers. I know why you’re here. This isn’t just about territory; it’s about something much deeper.”

The figure’s eyes gleamed with a mix of surprise and disdain. “You think you understand the depth of what’s at stake? This domain has been mine for ages. Your new knowledge doesn’t change that.”

Seokmin’s stance grew more resolute, his voice unwavering. “It’s not just about claiming territory. It’s about ensuring the safety of those who come near. The one we both seek is not simply prey; they are a key to something greater. And I won’t let you jeopardize them.”

The shadowy figure’s form rippled with anger, the water around it churning in response. “You speak of safety and claims, but you’re treading on ancient grounds. The power that connects us to them is more profound than you realize.”

Seokmin’s focus sharpened, his resolve stronger than ever. “I’ve felt the depth of this power. It’s not just about control or claims; it’s about a responsibility we share. I won’t let you endanger them or disrupt the balance.”

The figure’s voice grew more insistent, its ancient cadence echoing through the night. “Then we shall see who truly holds the power to claim what we seek. But beware, Seokmin, for the forces we invoke are not to be trifled with.”

The confrontation deepened, the tension between them thickening as they argued over ancient claims and responsibilities. Seokmin knew that this was not merely a battle of will but a test of his newfound understanding and power.

As the waves continued their rhythmic dance, Seokmin felt the weight of his knowledge and his heritage bearing down on him.

Seokmin's gaze remained locked with the shadowy figure as their argument intensified. Each word exchanged carried the weight of centuries, the dialogue steeped in ancient dialects that seemed to echo from the depths of time. His heightened senses absorbed the nuances of the confrontation, the subtle shifts in tone and the unspoken threats that lurked beneath the surface.

"You may claim ancient knowledge, but that doesn’t make you the master of this realm," the figure hissed, its form swirling in the water with an almost hypnotic rhythm. The words were layered with a menacing undertone, the very essence of power and authority.

Seokmin's heart pounded, but his exterior remained calm. The knowledge he had accumulated over the past few days provided him with a greater understanding of the siren lore and its intricacies. He had always known, on some level, that he was connected to this world, but now he felt the full weight of his heritage. The sea felt alive around him, its whispers and currents speaking to him in a language he was beginning to understand more deeply.

"I’m not here to challenge your dominion," Seokmin replied, his voice steady and clear. "But I am here to ensure that the balance is maintained. This isn’t about possession; it’s about respect for the roles we play."

The figure's eyes narrowed, a mix of curiosity and irritation flaring within them. "Respect? You speak of respect while intruding upon what is mine. The one you guard—do you truly believe you understand the depth of their significance?"

Seokmin's thoughts raced as he recalled the dreams that had haunted him over the past few nights. The recurring melody, the beckoning call of the sea—it all began to weave together into a clearer pattern. The dreams had been more than mere disturbances; they were clues, fragments of a larger truth about his own identity and the role he was meant to play.

"I’ve felt their importance," Seokmin said, his voice gaining a note of conviction. "And I understand that it is not merely about claiming or controlling. It’s about protecting them from the dangers that they don’t yet comprehend. This connection is deeper than either of us fully grasp."

The shadowy figure's form rippled as if in contemplation. The water around them seemed to still, the tension momentarily suspended. "You speak with wisdom beyond your years, Seokmin. Perhaps you are more attuned to these matters than I anticipated. But be warned—our interests are not easily reconciled."

Seokmin's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. He knew that the figure's claims were valid, but he was equally aware of his own growing power and understanding. The realization that his heritage connected him to the siren world in such an intrinsic way gave him a newfound strength, a confidence that he had not fully embraced before.

"I’m here to maintain balance," Seokmin reiterated, his tone firm. "And I will not allow either of us to disrupt it. The one we both seek must be safeguarded from the dangers of this realm."

The figure's form began to recede into the water, its presence fading but its final words lingering in the night. "Very well, Seokmin. We shall see who prevails in this struggle for balance. But remember, the forces we wield are far more complex than you may yet understand."

As the figure vanished beneath the waves, Seokmin felt a surge of relief mixed with lingering unease. The confrontation had been intense, and the stakes were higher than he had anticipated. He knew that the balance he sought to protect was delicate and fraught with danger.

He turned back toward the shore, his thoughts racing. The knowledge he had gained and the power he was beginning to wield were both exhilarating and daunting. There was a deeper understanding that he needed to grasp, and the challenges ahead were more significant than he had imagined.

As he walked back to the bed-and-breakfast, he cast a final glance at the water, where the last remnants of the shadowy figure had disappeared. The sea was calm now, but the night’s events had left an indelible mark on him. The path forward was unclear, but Seokmin was resolute. He would continue to protect the one who was central to this complex and ancient struggle, and he would embrace the full extent of his own connection to the siren world.

Back at the bed-and-breakfast, Seokmin slipped through the dimly lit hallways, his thoughts still occupied by the encounter with the shadowy figure. The weight of his new understanding pressed heavily on him. As he reached his room, he paused, glancing back toward the sea. The calm waves now seemed deceptively serene, hiding the turbulent truths beneath their surface.

He slipped into his room, the familiar surroundings offering little comfort. He sat down at the desk, pulling out his laptop and searching through the archives of the ancient texts and folklore he had been studying over the past few days. 

As he pored over the texts, the gentle tapping on his door pulled him from his thoughts, quickly he shut his laptop close before swiveling in his chair to look at his bedroom door. As the door opened he saw the gray hair that could only mean one person,  Lucy, her aging face showing a mix of concern and warmth. “Hey, Seokmin. Do you have a moment?”

Seokmin looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes to have been interrupted at this hour when they had all said goodnight a few hours ago. “Sure, Lucy. What’s up?”

Lucy took a seat across from him, her expression softening as she spoke. “I just wanted to check in. This is your first field expedition, and I know it can be a lot to handle. I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit distant today, and I wanted to make sure you’re doing okay.”

Seokmin forced a reassuring smile before letting out a breath of air that he hadn’t realized he was holding until that moment. “I’m fine, Lucy. It’s just a lot to take in, but I’m managing.”

Lucy nodded, her concern still evident. “I understand. It’s completely normal to feel that way. You’re doing an excellent job, and everyone appreciates your hard work. If you need anything or just want to talk, I’m here.”

Seokmin appreciated her words more than he could express. “Thanks, Lucy. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As Lucy left, Seokmin returned to his research. His thoughts wandered back to the mysterious figure and the argument over Y/N. The more he considered it, the clearer it became that the stakes were higher than he had initially thought. The siren world was fraught with intricate politics and ancient grudges, and his role in this complex web of interactions was only beginning to reveal itself.

Exhausted but unable to sleep, Seokmin eventually lay down on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. The soft rustling of the wind outside and the distant sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a backdrop to his restless thoughts. 

The next morning, the team gathered for breakfast, the atmosphere light and cheerful despite the recent challenges. The day ahead was filled with more fieldwork, and Seokmin was determined to keep his focus on the task at hand.

As the team discussed their plans for the day, Seokmin found himself increasingly aware of Y/N, who was seated at the table, engaging in conversation with Lucy and Azail. The subtle shift in their interactions from the previous night was not lost on him. There was a connection that seemed to be growing between them, and Seokmin couldn’t help but feel a pang of unease mixed with curiosity.

When the group set out for the day’s activities, Seokmin felt a weight of anticipation hanging over him. The morning sun bathed the landscape in a warm glow, but despite the picturesque surroundings, his thoughts remained preoccupied. This was not unnoticed by Lucy who seemed to be increasingly talkative towards him almost as if she was trying to pull him back to the reality of the moment. 

As they arrived at the field where they would continue their search for the Lacewing, Seokmin tried to keep his focus on the task at hand. Partnering with Azail for the morning’s work finding it the safer option to pull his mind away from Y/N. The two boys methodically moved through the overgrown grass and wildflowers, checking under rocks and peering into dense foliage.

“Have you noticed anything unusual lately?” Azail asked, glancing at Seokmin as they worked. His tone was casual, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes.

Seokmin shook his head, forcing a smile. “No, nothing out of the ordinary. Just the usual day-to-day stuff. Why?”

Azail hesitated, clearly wanting to say more but choosing his words carefully. “It’s just that you seem a bit... distracted.” Azail was not known to pry on things, and had a reputation to stay to himself which Seokmin was grateful for in the moment. 

Seokmin appreciated the offer but kept his response vague. “I’m fine, just a lot on my mind. This project is both intriguing and infuriating when we cant find all the pieces we need in order to study the species properly.” 

Azail nodded in agreement before taking a few steps forward to continue his search of a tree in front of the two of them. “I agree with you, I know that one should be enough but it would be nice to find at least two of them in case one of them dies so we can study them a bit more.”

As they continued their search, Seokmin’s thoughts kept drifting back to the events of the previous night. He couldn’t afford to let his personal feelings interfere with his duties, but maintaining his focus was becoming increasingly difficult.

The search for the Lacewing proved challenging. The elusive insect seemed to have vanished from their designated area, and despite their best efforts, the morning yielded no significant discoveries. 

The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity and frustration. The search for at least one other Lacewing remained fruitless, and by late afternoon, the team was beginning to feel the strain of their efforts. 

As they made their way back to the homebase, the sun dipping below the horizon, creating a beautiful backdrop as the hiked their way back down the mountain. Y/N was leading the pack going on about a different discovery that she had on her last solo expedition while Lucy made offhanded comments about how weird it was that Y/N spent almost her entire life dedicated to the craft. Making a few comments about how she also needs to enjoy her youth because her job will always be there. While Lucy was making these comments, Y/N would steal glances of Seokmin while a blush would rise to her cheeks, Every once in a while she would agree with Lucy just to make the conversation stop for the moment. 

That evening, as the team gathered for dinner, the atmosphere was subdued. The exhaustion of the day had settled over everyone, and the conversations were quieter than usual. Seokmin glanced around the table, taking in the familiar faces of his teammates and the warmth of the cozy dining room. 

When dinner concluded and the team began to disperse, Seokmin found himself once again drawn to the water but settled to stand on his balcony overlooking the sea. The moonlight cast a serene glow over the water, and the gentle sound of the waves was a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.

He leaned against the railing, his mind replaying the events of the day and the weight of his responsibilities. The calm sea seemed to mock his inner turmoil, its surface reflecting the pale light of the moon.

Seokmin lingered on the balcony for a few more minutes, finding a small measure of peace in the moonlit sea. But the reality of their mission brought him back to the present. With a final glance at the serene horizon, he turned and headed back inside to go get a glass of water. 

Making his way out of his room he walked down the long hallway until he was met with the stairs. Slowly he made his way down them humming softly to himself the sound coming out more enchanting then he intended but saw no harm with everyone in their rooms. As he plants his feet on the last steps he halts when he glances towards the light. 

The warm glow of the dining room was a stark contrast to the cool night outside. As Seokmin entered, he noticed Y/N seated at one of the tables, her focus entirely on a small container in front of them. Inside, the only Lacewing the group had managed to find that day fluttered gently, its delicate wings catching the light. Y/N was engrossed in jotting down notes in her notebook, the expression that was worn on her face seemed to be a mix of concentration and curiosity.

Seokmin approached quietly, not wanting to disturb her concentration. He stood for a moment, watching as Y/N carefully observed the Lacewing. The intricate patterns on its wings seemed to captivate her, and the way she wrote in the notebook suggested a deep immersion in her work.

Finally, Y/N looked up, sensing Seokmin’s presence. She offered a small, tired smile. “Hey, Seokmin. What are you doing up still?” She questioned pulling off her glasses and setting them down on the table.

Seokmin returned the smile. “ I needed to get a glass of water. I see you’ve been busy. How’s it going with our little friend?”

Y/N’s eyes lit up with a mixture of excitement and exhaustion. “Actually, quite well. I’ve been trying to document everything about this Lacewing—its behavior, the patterns on its wings, and any other peculiarities. It’s not just about finding it; understanding its role might help us with the rest of our search.”

Seokmin nodded, impressed by her dedication. “That sounds like a valuable approach. I’m sure it’ll give us an edge. How are you holding up, though? You have been a bit different lately.” Seokmin was talking out of his ass, but this was his subtle way of asking if she has been experiencing anything weird. 

Y/N’s smile faltered slightly. “I’m managing. It’s just been a tough few days. I have been having these weird dreams that seem insane so I don’t even want to get into it right now.” She waves her hand in the air to dismiss the thought, “Just so much in my head right now.” She throws out a soft chuckle into the evening air. 

Seokmin’s expression softened. “If you need to talk about it, I’m here. Sometimes sharing helps lighten the load.” Deep down he hoped that she would in that very moment even if it meant he would have to expose who he truly is. 

‘Please, please tell me what is going on Y/N, I want to protect you.’ Seokmin wagered in his mind but kept a soft smile while examining her. 

Y/N looked grateful but shook her head gently. “Thanks, Seokmin. I’ll keep that in mind. Right now, focusing on this Lacewing helps me stay grounded.”

Seokmin glanced at the Lacewing’s container, admiring its delicate beauty. “It’s incredible how something so small can hold so much significance. I hope our efforts pay off.”

Y/N nodded, her eyes returning to the notebook. “Me too. For now, though, I’ll keep working on this and see if I can find any patterns or clues that might help us.”

Seokmin took a seat across from them, sensing Y/N’s need for companionship but also respecting her focus. “I’ll be here if you need anything. Just let me know.”

They shared a brief, understanding look before returning to their respective tasks. Seokmin watched as Y/N’s pen danced across the notebook, her focus unwavering.

The ambiance of the dining room, now quieter and more relaxed, provided a backdrop to their shared sense of purpose. Seokmin felt a renewed sense of determination. Despite the day’s challenges and the weight of their mission, there was a glimmer of hope in their collective efforts.

As the night wore on, Seokmin remained in the dining room, offering silent support and occasional words of encouragement.. With each passing hour, the room grew quieter, but Y/N’s diligent work and Seokmin’s quiet presence were a testament to their commitment.

Eventually, Y/N finished their notes and closed the notebook with a sigh of satisfaction. She looked up, meeting Seokmin’s gaze with a tired but hopeful smile.

“Thanks for being here,” Y/N expressed in a soft and tired tone.

Seokmin returned the smile. “Of course. We’re in this together, and we’ll get through it.” His words may have seemed surface level but they meant more than she could have ever known. 

Both of them stood up together and Y/N let out a yawn and a stretch of her arms over her head which led to small wobble in her steps and she walked forward. Quickly Seokmin stands in front of her to prevent her from falling to the floor which only yielded Y/N tripping slightly into him. 

“Woah- you okay there?” Seokmin chuckles softly holding her biceps to steady her but not pushing her away. The distance between them was mere inches, their scents intertwining. 

Y/N smelled of fresh-cut herbs—rosemary and basil—added a vibrant, green aroma, reminiscent of a well-tended garden in spring. Complemented by a cool, invigorating hint of mint, evoking the crispness of early morning dew. Underlying it all was a touch of soft musk, providing a warm, almost velvety finish that added depth and subtlety. It was intoxicating to say the least, his eyes stared down at her. 

Reader’s Point Of View 

Seokmins scent was intoxicating leaving you stuck in a trance, he smelled of a fresh, oceanic scent. There was a crisp, briny tang of sea spray, mingled with the clean, invigorating aroma of seafoam and saltwater. Beneath these were subtle hints of sun-warmed driftwood and a touch of sunlit sand. All it did was leave you wanting more, to be wrapped in his scent for all of eternity.

Staring up at him your lips part slightly forgetting to use your words for a moment. It is almost as if nothing could pull you from this, the same feeling you had the other night by the sea matched how you felt in this moment. He put you in a trance, but unlike the other one you didn’t feel in danger. You felt safe and calm, like even if the world was ending you wouldn’t mind it ending by his hands. 

“Woah- you okay there?” You hear a chuckle leave his lips and a smile form. It wasn’t one that carried smugness. 

Clearing your throat you nod as you take a step back from him, feeling his hands drop from your arms. 

“Ye-Yeah.” You stammered, a flush creeping up your cheeks as you ran a hand through your hair. Your heart raced, partly from the embarrassment of tripping for the second time and partly from the close proximity to Seokmin. 

Seokmin’s eyes twinkled with a sense of amusement. “Looks like you’re having a rough time with these pesky obstacles,” he said with a teasing grin as he points to your feet then proceeds to steady you with a gentle hand on your shoulder.

You couldn’t help but let out a nervous laugh. “Yeah, it seems that way. I really need to watch where I’m going.”

“Or maybe the ground is just trying to keep you close,” Seokmin joked, his grin widening. His leans down to be in your eyeline as he whispers. “I’m starting to think it’s got a thing for you.”

You blushed deeper, trying to regain your composure. “Well, if that’s the case, it’s not doing a very good job of it.”

Seokmin chuckled softly. “You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re trying to turn every little mishap into an excuse to get my attention.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” you replied, though your smile betrayed your amusement. “I’d much rather not trip over my own feet.”

Seokmin’s eyes softened as he took a step closer. “Hey, if you ever need a hand—or a steadying arm—I’m here. Just promise me you’ll try to stay upright, okay?”

You nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. “I’ll do my best. Thanks for rescuing me again.”

“Anytime,” Seokmin said with a wink. “But seriously, if you keep this up, I’m going to start charging for my services.”

You laughed, the tension easing as you both shared a moment of light-heartedness. “I’ll keep that in mind,” you said, your cheeks still tinged with color but your mood lifted. “And I’ll try to avoid any more accidents.”

Everything seemed to be easier with Seokmin. His light-hearted jokes and steady presence had a way of making even the clumsiest moments feel manageable. As you walked alongside him to the stairs, the earlier embarrassment faded into the background, replaced by a growing sense of ease.

Seokmin’s casual banter continued to brighten the mood. “You know, if we keep running into these little mishaps, I might have to start carrying a first aid kit for you,” he said, a playful grin still dawned his face. 

You laughed, feeling a comforting warmth in his company. “I think I’d appreciate that. At least then I’d have someone to save me from myself. But am I also going to have to be the one to pay for the first aid kit if I am to be charged of your heroic services?” You questioned him

Seokmin chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ve got the cost of materials. Besides, I think the universe just wants us to have more bonding moments. Consider it a cosmic intervention, and if that is the case I won’t start my charging until your free tail is up.”

“Right,” you said, shaking your head with a smile. “And here I thought it was just me being clumsy. Instead I making the most out of a free trail I didn’t know I signed up for.”

“Exactly,” Seokmin replied, his tone light but sincere. “Everyone has their moments. What matters is how we handle them. And with me around, you’ve got a pretty reliable safety net. Consider the free trail a gift I don’t give to everyone” He pokes your shoulder.

You appreciated his words more than you let on. “Thanks, Seokmin. I really do feel better having you around my savior.”

Seokmin’s smile softened, and he gave you a reassuring nod. “Anytime. And if you ever need more rescue missions, you know where to find me.”

[delicateartisantrash]

(Bird-mom Venting)

Not me blasting 20 of the 13 spoons of energy i woke up with today, because I ache all over and needed to rest and yake it slow and easy aaaaand...

...in the middle of getting my birds corralled for breakfast and settled, Echo (Indian Ringneck) is acting funny for his usual behavior at breakfast. I thought perhaps my routine and well-being being off was provoking it, and then i saw movement in my peripheral and both my birds attention shifted

GIZMO KITTY STEPPED A FOOT IN THE BIRD ROOM BECAUSE THE BIRD ROOM DOOR WAS OPEN *AND* THE DOOR TO MY SPOOKY EPIC STAIRWELL WHERE I LIVE DOWNSTAIRS' DOOR WAS OPEN AND THAT'S EXCLUSIVELY *MY* FAULT AND HOW THE FUCK DID I FUCK UP OR SKIP MY SAFETY CHECKS I HAVE LIKE FIVE SAFETY CHECKS FUCK YOU MIND FOG AND FATIGUE AAAUUUUGGHGHHHHHHHHHHHH

like literally the basement door to my apartment has a little slide lock on it so I can ensure kitties cannot open the door by figuring out the doorknob, and also because doing that means NORMALLY paying attention and not forgetting to ensure the door is fully actually shut not just almost shut aiabfiwoeofnyvidbe.

*screaming crying vibrating in place*

And i think i might have actually teleported across the room after Echo took flight, and Gizmo promptly went "what the fuck was THAT WOAH" and turned to trot after him towards the livingroom and i

Channeled energy i haven't used since the last time i had to yeet over and grab my baby Bongo (green cheek conure) off Echo's cage because she is so pretty and so emotionally aware and astute with PEOPLE because she was hand raised and taken from her parents by people and AAAAAAAAH SHE JUST STOOD ON HIS CAGR TO LET HIM ATTACK HET LIKE A CONFUSED GOLDEN RETRIEVER.

i did not faint this time after crisis was averted, however. That was good. Last time after I got Bongo off Echo's cage and the blood stopped with cornstarch over her confused beeps, told my mom who to call (thank the Gods for good Zoos with good exotic species veterinarians) and I think i passed her off not let her fly over, and then i promptly blacked out. Not from panic, though that didn't help, the panic actually came after i came to sitting up and someone telling me i passed out and THEN i panicked because i realized i was utterly useless in a crisis situation but at least i got everything critical accomplished and passed off to those who could (Bongo was okay, one expensive vet trip and my forever sorrow she's now missing one talon but it healed remarkably well)

I never feel more like a failure as a bird or cat or anything mom, as the viscerally real and tangible moments when my babies get hurt or could have gotten hurt.

Whooooooo weeee. Okay. Yeah.i just had to scream about that for a hot minute there because i got everyone settled, everyone is fine, Gizmo heard me raise my voice in full No Nonsense Mom Emergency Command hollar (the kitties are the newest members of our family) for the first time ever, and Echo finally went in to eat his breakfast.

Now I'm shaking and chilling with oatmeal and tumblr and wow okay imma just. Sit here for a bit. O w.

(for context, those of you new to my blog, i have chronic issues that cause problems with balance and paina nd just kind of existing on the physical plane in general weeeeee, so thr things i am not suppossd to do that i used to do all tbe time, include moving fast, standing up quickly, and turning pr moving my head too quickly. All of whi h i just did l. Weeeeeee. That is why i mentioned blowing all my spoons of energy. That one crisis save just killed most my plans for tbe day vut also wow it was more effective than any coffee or energy drinkcould ever be on waking me the fuck up.)

[eclipsedrgn]

𝓖𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓤𝓹 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮

you die for percy instead.

The cold, harsh air of the forest bit at my skin as I stumbled through the underbrush, my heart pounding with urgency. The sounds of battle echoed in the distance, the chaos of magic and steel blending into a cacophony that reverberated in my ears. But it was the silence that haunted me—the agonizing silence that followed the deafening gunshot that had stolen my breath.

Percy's name hung on my lips, a desperate prayer as I raced toward the clearing where I had left him. The last thing I remembered was the flicker of hope in his eyes as he charged into the fray, his will unyielding even against the darkest odds. But now, I feared that hope had been snuffed out, extinguished by the ruthless hand of Anna Ripley.

As I broke through the treeline, the sight that greeted me twisted my gut into knots. Percy lay crumpled on the ground, a crimson bloom spreading across his chest, his pale face etched with pain. The world around him faded into a blur as I rushed to his side, my heart tearing at the sight of the man I loved slipping away.

“Percy!” I cried, falling to my knees beside him, cradling his head in my trembling hands. His eyes flickered open, and for a moment, recognition bloomed amidst the agony.

“Y/N...” His voice was a whisper, strained but laced with warmth. I could see the life waning in his gaze, the light dimming with each passing heartbeat.

“Don’t you dare leave me,” I pleaded, tears streaming down my cheeks. “Not like this. You can’t go, not when we’ve fought so hard for our lives.”

“I tried to...” he rasped, each word a struggle. “I thought I could save us.”

“I can’t lose you, Percy,” I sobbed, my heart shattering at the thought. I glanced around, desperation clawing at my insides. The magic that permeated this land felt tangible, thick in the air, as if the very essence of life was watching us, waiting.

“Y/N, listen,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You need to—”

“No! You listen to me!” I interrupted, the words spilling out in a rush. “I’ll do anything. I’ll trade my life for yours if it means you can come back. Just... just hold on.”

His eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief mingling with the pain. “You don’t know what you’re asking.”

“I don’t care!” I yelled, my voice breaking. “Please, Percy. I love you. Let me do this. I can’t watch you die.”

He stared at me, the weight of my words sinking in, but the light in his eyes was dimming. With every heartbeat, I felt the tether between us fray, and it filled me with a desperation that bordered on madness.

“Y/N…” he started, but the words fell away, lost in a choke of pain.

The air grew thick with a palpable energy, and I sensed the presence of the Matron—a figure who governed the realms between life and death. I had heard tales of her, whispered in the dark; she had the power to take a soul, but she also had the capacity for mercy.

“Matron,” I called out into the void, my voice breaking. “I offer myself in exchange for Percy. Take my soul instead. Let him live.”

The air shimmered around me, the atmosphere shifting as if the Matron herself were listening. I could feel her power swirling in the breeze, tantalizing and terrifying. The shadows deepened, and I sensed her presence enveloping us both.

“Such a noble sacrifice,” her voice echoed, cold and ethereal. “But a sacrifice is never without consequence.”

“Consequences be damned!” I cried, anger and despair boiling over. “I’d face anything to save him.”

Percy’s gaze locked onto mine, a mix of fear and love in his eyes. “No, Y/N, don’t—”

“I have to,” I insisted, my voice steady despite the tumult within me. “You deserve to live, to keep fighting. I can’t let this be the end.”

The air grew still, the moment stretching infinitely. I felt the chill of the Matron’s energy coiling around me, and in that moment, I knew I was ready. I could feel the weight of my choice, a thousand memories flooding my mind—every laugh shared, every touch, every moment that had led us to this fight.

“I accept,” I whispered, my voice cracking as I surrendered to the inevitable.

In an instant, the world exploded into light and pain. I felt the Matron’s power coursing through me, an icy fire consuming my essence. It was beautiful and agonizing, a rush of sensations that twisted my body and soul. I could feel myself fading, my existence unraveling like threads of a tapestry.

“Y/N!” Percy screamed, his voice a fading echo as I slipped away. I locked eyes with him, my heart heavy with the weight of goodbye, knowing I wouldn’t be able to speak the words I longed to say.

In those final moments, I watched as the Matron’s magic enveloped him, the shadows swirling around his form. Life surged back into his body, and I felt a deep sense of relief wash over me, knowing he would breathe again. But with that relief came an unbearable sorrow, a crushing weight in my chest as I realized I would not be there to witness it.

“Take care of him,” I wanted to scream, but the words evaporated into the void, lost forever. My essence unraveled further, and I felt the tether between us snap like a fraying rope.

I could see Percy’s eyes widen as color returned to his cheeks, the wound on his chest healing before my very eyes. But I was slipping away, fading into the dark abyss, leaving him behind.

The last image I held was of him, reborn, as he gasped for air and clutched at his chest, confusion and joy washing over his face. He looked for me, his gaze searching the forest, but I could not answer him. I wanted to reach out, to tell him everything would be alright, but I was beyond the realm of sound and touch.

I felt the warmth of life dim, the bright light of existence receding into a shadowy embrace. I could hear the whispers of the Matron, her voice smooth and ancient, guiding me into the unknown.

“Your sacrifice was noble, child,” she intoned, her presence enveloping me in its cold embrace. “But remember, every choice carries a price.”

As my consciousness began to fade, I felt the tendrils of despair wrapping around my heart. I had chosen love over life, but I had left Percy behind, and the thought of him living without me pierced through the veil of death like a blade.

“I love you, Percy,” I whispered into the darkness, a final vow that would echo in the silence of my absence.

And then, in an instant, I was gone. The last thread of my existence unraveled, and I drifted into the void, leaving behind a world that had held my heart—my love—my life.

The darkness enveloped me, but somewhere deep within, I hoped he would remember me, the soul who had sacrificed everything for love.

[goddesstrolls]

Segira slipped through the trees, his form backlit by the moonlight filtering through the canopy.

He took in his surroundings, senses extended by the darkness around him; The passing of a few deer, the creeping of some odd arcane creature in the deep shadows, a denizen of the pockets of strangeness of the Wisp’s Hollow forest.

In such a place inundated with magic, and being a mage himself, Segira was no stranger to the unusual and otherworldly.

With nothing out of the ordinary, Segira moved to kneel by a pool fed by a tributary on its way to the river. The water was clean and ice-cold from distant snowmelt, and Segira sank his hand in the water to bring it to his lips and drink.

The pool was shallow, but its depths were cast in shadow. A passing curiosity, or perhaps something more, led Segira to lean and peer into the pool’s center.

He found himself suddenly entranced, unaware even of his inability to pull away if he wanted to. Even with an iron will, the call of darkness was stronger still.

He sank closer to the water’s surface and an elongated pair of black limbs reached out to meet him, long fingers ghosting the sides of his face as though longing to cradle him.

Segira slipped into the shadows, disappearing through the pool as though sinking into deep water. Those black limbs enveloped him, drawing him into the shadowy mass of its body.

It gorged itself on his energy like a leech, draining his strength and soul with eager gluttony. The trance broke, but the creature continued to feed, and Segira came back to his senses.

With a furious cry he drew his sword and slashed into the darkness, realizing it to be both tangible and incorporeal. His blade severed the darkness and sent the being scuttling back.

Apparently satisfied, the spirit slunk away, leaving Segira to take in his new surroundings. Stretching around him was an endless expanse of decaying, dismal landscape, grassless plains of gray earth dotted with dead black trees. A stormy sky shifted overhead, tendrils of fog wafting down as they were carried by the cruel, damp breeze.

Segira knew this place, having seen it in dreams and in passing- The elemental plane of shadow. 

Not being well-versed in the art of traversing planes, the only thing he could think of to do would be to find somewhere the veil was thinnest, or find something that would be willing to carry him back to the material plane.

He began to walk, dragging noncompliant limbs. He felt exhausted, his own magical energy feeling like a distant memory instead of a wellspring in his chest. He likely couldn’t cast even if he could think of anything. Even his despair and grief at this twist of fate felt hollow and faded.

Beings of the shadow plane watched him pass out of the corners of his vision, vanishing when he turned his attention to them. In desperation he called out to some, but nothing responded to his pleas.

His surroundings never seemed to change. There was no end to this vast landscape, no shift in the weather beside a passing patch of fog. If time passed, Segira could not tell how much, whether it were hours or perigees. His energy waned further as he walked, the mere act of existence in this plane requiring it.

Segira finally found some being which did not flee from him. The great horned, snake-like creature rose out of the earth before him in a graceful arc back towards the ground. It gave a long, groaning cry like whalesong, ribbons of darkness flowing from its jagged maw.

It wove in and out of the ground surrounding Segira, black-eyed gaze fixed on him. He sank slowly to his knees.

“Please,” He whispered. “Take what you want from me. Just bring me back.”

The dark snake arced over him and disappeared into the ground with another low cry. Its entire body disappeared beneath the earth, and for a moment Segira thought it had declined its plea.

Then open jaws phased through the ground surrounding him and the snake caught him in its teeth. He winced as those black fangs sunk into his gut, and he braced for death.

The snake dove for the earth again, and Segira knew no more.

--

Segira woke with a start, lying in a pool of ice-cold water. He sat up and put his hands down to brace himself, only to collapse to one side.

The wood of his arm had buckled and splintered under his weight, shattering into rotten pieces. He stared at the remains of his limb, though his shock and dismay felt like it were trying to reach him through a thick sheet of glass.

His gut ached with the sting of a deep wound, and he put his remaining hand there to see it come away with some black fluid. It took a few more moments for him to register that it was his own blood. It seeped into the water, swirling like ink before being carried away by the stream.

Groaning in pain, Segira crawled out of the pool and tentatively put weight on his legs. Like his arm, the wood of his legs splintered and shattered.

Grief and pain weighed on him, distant and hollow as it was. Those limbs had been the last living remnants of the great tree he had grown up with, that had been burned in the fire that cost him his arm, legs, and eye. 

And now they were rotten splinters of decayed wood floating on the water’s surface, slowly being ferried away. 

Segira pushed down the regret at foolishly offering anything he had to give. Weakened as he had been, those limbs were likely all he had that were worth taking, and the spirit had generously returned him to the Wisp’s Hollow forest.

He whistled, calling his deer mount so he could get somewhere safer, and tend to his injuries.

[starseedfxofficial]

The Expansion Phase: Ninja Tactics for Forex Trading Mastery (and Why Interest Rate Announcements Are Your New Best Friend) The Forex market, like life, has its phases. But unlike your average "finding yourself" moment, these phases come with tangible opportunities—provided you know how to spot them. Enter the expansion phase: a thrilling time of explosive growth, elevated trading volumes, and the chance to turn your next trade into a victory dance. Of course, there's a twist. If you want to seize the expansion, you need to make friends with those often-overlooked interest rate announcements. And yes, I'm talking about the same kind of announcements that make most traders yawn like they're at a lecture on 14th-century bridge construction. But stick with me, and you'll find this marriage of timing and analysis could be the game-changer your portfolio needs. Let's dive in with the secrets that most traders overlook and those ninja tactics that'll make you feel like you're two steps ahead. Why the Expansion Phase is Like Your Favorite Action Movie Scene Imagine the Forex market as a blockbuster action movie. Most of the time, the story plods along: a quiet hero (the currency pair) moves sideways, faces setbacks, and gives long, lingering monologues on whether it’ll break support at 1.1700. But then—BAM—you’ve got the expansion phase: a burst of energy, complete with explosions, wild plot twists, and that heroic soundtrack that makes you fist pump. The expansion phase is characterized by a rapid rise in momentum and volatility—the price movement bursts out of its comfy sideways range. If you're not ready for it, it's easy to get left behind, blinking in the dust and wondering what happened, much like when I try to understand TikTok trends. But this is the phase when traders can find real opportunities for profit, especially if you know where the hidden gems are. So, how do we catch this "movie moment" in real-time? We get ahead of the action—by focusing on interest rate announcements. Let’s see why. The Drama of Interest Rate Announcements (And Why You Should Be Paying Attention) If the expansion phase is the movie’s climax, interest rate announcements are the director calling "action!" Interest rates are like the heartbeat of a nation’s economy, setting the tone for everything from borrowing to investment. When central banks announce changes (or even hints of future changes), the market listens. This means if you can track and understand these announcements, you’re effectively holding the screenplay for the next scene in our action movie. Here's the magic trick: interest rate decisions can prompt major market players to shift their positions en masse. Big institutional investors and hedge funds may reallocate capital, currency pairings may move from quiet to kinetic, and volatility can either surge or suddenly dissipate. And this, dear trader, is your cue to capitalize. Think of an interest rate hike like your favorite caffeinated drink. Suddenly, everyone’s perking up, moving faster, and things get more exciting (or maybe just shaky). If you know when the caffeine’s about to kick in—if you’re positioned before everyone else—you can make your move at the perfect moment. Ninja Techniques: Hidden Strategies to Dominate the Expansion Phase Now let’s break down some of those ninja techniques that can help you capitalize on the expansion phase during key interest rate announcements. 1. The Pre-Announcement Positioning Picture this: You’re standing at the bus stop with a coffee in hand, and you see the bus a block away. A rookie trader’s response would be to wait until the bus stops to take a sip, gather their things, and board leisurely. You? You’ve already downed your coffee, shouldered your bag, and are in perfect sprint mode before the bus even slows down. Pre-announcement positioning means doing your homework ahead of the actual interest rate announcement—you’re scanning economic calendars, reading sentiment analysis, and positioning early enough to capture initial spikes. Getting in at the right price before things start popping off can mean the difference between a 20-pip move and a 200-pip haul. 2. Track the "Surprises" (No One Loves the Consensus) Market participants usually price in their expectations, meaning most of the time, there's a common consensus on interest rate moves. But when central banks go off-script—unexpected rate hikes or cuts—we enter the sweet, chaotic phase where the expansion becomes exaggerated. The hidden ninja move? Watch for surprises and get to know the indicators that might suggest something out of the norm is about to happen. Monitoring inflation data, employment rates, or central bank speeches leading up to an announcement can give you a head start. 3. The Volatility Fade & Retracement Play After the initial explosion of movement following a rate announcement, retracements often provide quieter, strategic opportunities to add to a position or enter if you missed the initial expansion. Think of it as the market catching its breath after a sprint—prices often revisit key levels that provide a secondary chance to act. The smart play here is to use tools like Fibonacci retracement or pivot points to spot potential support and resistance levels after the dust settles. It’s like waiting for everyone to exhale before sneaking in to make your move. The Contrarian’s Guide: Where Most Traders Get it Wrong (and How to Avoid It) Let’s face it: no one likes to be "that guy." You know, the one who shows up late to the expansion party, buys in at the top, and watches their trade unravel in real-time like a bad sitcom plot twist. But this happens all the time when traders treat interest rate announcements as simple moments of reaction rather than opportunities for strategic preemptive action. Most traders wait. They wait for the initial jump, get caught up in the hype, and then enter when it's too late. Instead, use the "market expectation vs. actual" approach: plan for scenarios where the result differs from what’s priced in. If an expected hike turns out to be a no-change decision, you need to be the one shorting that exaggerated bullish response—not watching it unfold. Hidden Opportunities: Using Currency Pairs You Didn’t Think Of The obvious approach is to focus on major pairs: the EUR/USD, GBP/USD, or USD/JPY. But sometimes the best opportunities lie off the beaten track. When the U.S. Fed makes an interest rate announcement, consider how it might impact smaller or correlated currencies—like the USD/NOK or the AUD/JPY. Less liquidity sometimes equals more exaggerated moves, meaning you could snag an opportunity that most traders missed because they were looking at the obvious, high-volume pairs. Case Study: The Forgotten Retracement of 2023 Let's zoom in on a real example. Remember the 2023 surprise interest rate hike by the European Central Bank (ECB)? Most traders were caught off guard because the consensus was for no change. The EUR/USD pair skyrocketed by nearly 200 pips within the first hour—but then came the retracement. A savvy trader (someone like future you) waited for the dust to settle, used Fibonacci levels to identify the 61.8% retracement, and entered with precision, capitalizing on the continued uptrend. While everyone else was nursing losses from buying at the top, our ninja trader snagged gains by executing a secondary, strategic entry. Takeaways: Your New Playbook for the Expansion Phase - Interest rate announcements are not to be ignored. Instead of being reactive, learn to position early and anticipate. The move starts before the announcement is made. - Be on the lookout for surprises. Consensus is boring, and it often leaves you with little movement to profit from. Spot the signs of an impending surprise. - Take advantage of retracements. The initial spike is great, but the market always takes a breath. Retracements give you calmer, precise entry points. - Think beyond the majors: Smaller currency pairs often provide exaggerated opportunities. Wrapping Up: Take It to the Next Level Want to stay ahead of every twist and turn the expansion phase throws at you? Stay informed with real-time insights and exclusive updates from StarseedFX. Join our community, sharpen your trading tactics, and get a smart trading plan that will ensure you’re ready to pounce when the time is right. After all, even ninjas need the right tools. Explore our services here: - Latest Economic Indicators and Forex News: Stay informed on market movements - Forex Education: Expand your knowledge - Community Membership: Join the StarseedFX community - Free Trading Plan: Discover rare strategic advantages - Free Trading Journal: Refine your strategies with real metrics - Smart Trading Tool: Optimize your trading Good luck, stay sharp, and may your trades always be profitable! —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article

[peacespun]

it started the same way it had before.      he started to feel weak,      exhausted faster than he did after the first few months post surgery.      for the first couple of doctor appointments,      they didn't see anything.      perhaps they had assumed it had something to do with the medications he was taking post surgery,      side effects is what they called it.      but after some time the rhetoric turned around completely,      after dean and abe both raised their concerns.      this was how it started last time,      i just need someone to listen.     and when they had,     that was when abraham knew things had shifted.    "we'll monitor it. if something changes in the next few weeks, we'll know for sure."     but the more they waited,      the worse abraham felt.      he stopped doing what he loved,      stopped visiting dean in the office because getting out of bed was difficult and cost him too much energy.      and while he often tried to make it a point to see dean in the craft shed after he'd come home from work some days,     both out of want to see him and for some attempt to move around,      some nights even that proved difficult.

he went back on a list not an hour after his next doctors visit,    priority just under several other candidates in need of a heart.     this one was failing him too.      it would be his second transplant.    abraham was made acutely aware of the odds of something like this happening to him,      how often new hearts will fail despite all that is done to keep them from doing so.      its not uncommon.     he knew his odds from the beginning and still it felt like a heavy weight of shock when it was confirmed.

each day was harder than the last.      some days all he could do was sit on the couch and watch dean work from their kitchen table or right beside him after they made an effort to move him there.      other days he simply laid in bed and slept for ten,     twelve,    sometimes sixteen hours.      some days he couldn't manage anything at all.      until the day dean came to him with great big hopeful green eyes,      with news.      he'd been working on a transplantable heart in the craft shed all this time,     something tangible between human and robotic.     and there was a doctor willing to try something completely mad,      that has had very limited amounts of success in the past.      but he knows that he won't make it off that list,      he'll die waiting for another heart if he didn't at least consider other possibilities.      even fucking wild ones.

it went like usual:   meeting the doctor,     running the tests,     getting the same results back  chronic heart failure,      stage d.      but doctor tilman didn't seem swayed in the least,     which surprised him.     a man confident in his work and his ability to help.      then came the paperwork,      signing agreements and a few other things that moved under his eyes in a blur from him to dean.     then before he knew it,      it was surgery day.     kisses were plenty,     dean never let go of his hand and abraham never wanted him to.      at least until they passed those doors to the operating room and a last goodbye was signed.      one last i love you.

that is all he remembers until this moment.      soft blues carefully blinking open to the room around him,     to dean there at his bedside.     it worked.     it worked it worked it worked.      abraham cracks a smile to his husband,      giving such a weak squeeze to @warspun's hand,          "   is this heaven?   "

[blednone]

it started the same way it had before. he started to feel weak, exhausted faster than he did after the first few months post surgery. for the first couple of doctor appointments, they didn't see anything. perhaps they had assumed it had something to do with the medications he was taking post surgery, side effects is what they called it. but after some time the rhetoric turned around completely, after dean and abe both raised their concerns. this was how it started last time, i just need someone to listen. and when they had, that was when abraham knew things had shifted. "we'll monitor it. if something changes in the next few weeks, we'll know for sure." but the more they waited, the worse abraham felt. he stopped doing what he loved, stopped visiting dean in the office because getting out of bed was difficult and cost him too much energy. and while he often tried to make it a point to see dean in the craft shed after he'd come home from work some days, both out of want to see him and for some attempt to move around, some nights even that proved difficult.

he went back on a list not an hour after his next doctors visit, priority just under several other candidates in need of a heart. this one was failing him too. it would be his second transplant. abraham was made acutely aware of the odds of something like this happening to him, how often new hearts will fail despite all that is done to keep them from doing so. its not uncommon. he knew his odds from the beginning and still it felt like a heavy weight of shock when it was confirmed.

each day was harder than the last. some days all he could do was sit on the couch and watch dean work from their kitchen table or right beside him after they made an effort to move him there. other days he simply laid in bed and slept for ten, twelve, sometimes sixteen hours. some days he couldn't manage anything at all. until the day dean came to him with great big hopeful green eyes, with news. he'd been working on a transplantable heart in the craft shed all this time, something tangible between human and robotic. and there was a doctor willing to try something completely mad, that has had very limited amounts of success in the past. but he knows that he won't make it off that list, he'll die waiting for another heart if he didn't at least consider other possibilities. even fucking wild ones.

it went like usual. meeting the doctor, running the usual tests. getting the same results back: chronic heart failure, stage d. doctor tilman didn't seem swayed in the least, which surprised him. a man confident in his work and his ability to help. then came the paperwork, signing agreements and a few other things that moved under his eyes in a blur from him to dean. then before he knew it, it was surgery day. kisses were plenty, dean never let go of his hand and abraham never wanted him to. at least until they passed those doors to the operation rooms and a last goodbye was signed. one last i love you.

that is all he remembers until this moment. soft blues carefully blinking open to the room around him, to dean there at his bedside. it worked. it worked it worked it worked. abraham cracks a smile to his husband, giving such a weak squeeze to @bledgrace's hand, " is this heaven? "

[jonathankatwhatever]

It’s late on 17 Feb 2024, and I’m feeling uncomfortable with my sensations. I can’t call them feelings because that implies emotions of a specific type. BTW, if I forget, I’m really tired of the whole ZF schema, and I want to formulate choice better so it’s truly global, meaning beyond ZF, which it is because gs constructs and ZF describes what is constructed through the lens of the set conception. In fact, we can describe sets using 1-0Segmentation. That also generates the connecting and relating algebras.

You see, this is why I’m uncomfortable: this sense of being extremely close to being in control over the terms by which existence occurs has aspects I don’t like. The one that motivated the urge to type is the sense that this is superior because it assists you, attaches you to layers which extend your reach substantially, way beyond any hotness of the moment, as well as being the biggest gesture one could ever conceive, a story for the ages. And doing that is exactly what I see as my mission, so we’re in this together, but I keep feeling weird like this is somehow a put down. I think that must be because there is an alternation on the pathway and that necessarily brings out the negative aspects.

I’m also bothered by the way I spend useless time wondering what you are doing when I’ll find out when I find out. This is where I start thinking there’s a hole there and this fills the hole, like the way backgrounds fill in during visions and dreams. And that means there must be a converging series which disappears but which contains that potential for suddenly appearing, which I think may be a convergence to an infinitessimal, because if you look at the definition, it uses the epsilon concept, and we then treat that epsilon as appearing in a perspective shift, meaning we’re actually generating these threads so seamlessly because they come out of infinitesimals. And they in fact must, which is really mind-blowing, because otherwise there wouldn’t be holes. Think about it: if there were visible things there, represented as real and complex numbers, then there would be something there, and what isn’t there until it generates is whatever is contained in the infinitesimals related to that hole.

Holes aren’t location mapped alone but are mapped by characteristics so they can draw on the same loops and other calls which fill the hole.

This is mind-blowing math. I’m in awe and I’m the one typing. Sometimes I goad myself about how I never get credit from you, and then I think that must be torture, because what tortures me tortures you.

On that front, I ran today and it went really well. I ran to the Mendum St gate, half road, stopped there, then up and over the shoulder of Peters Hill on trail over Bussey Street and up and over the Conifer Path, then up and over the shoulder of Bussey Hill, and then around and up Hemlock Hill, where I sat for a while in the cold, before running home. That’s only 2 stops.

Stalled at ellipticals because those are typically genus 1 hole defining curves. So in that sense, we’re defining the 1 of the 0-1-0 as appearing like a hole because it is filled with the invisible because the perspective shifts.

So that says the same thing happens to tObjects because each tObject is a 1 of 0-1-0. I’m starting to get that, because we’ve opened the conceptual door to a entire realm a perspective shift away. That explains a lot, including the concept of a soul and the more mathematical description of the intangible associated to any tangible object. This is organizing itself faster than I can type.

Oh, a missing piece in the choice formulation is this, that this shows choice as constructive from the infinite.

I’m running out of energy.

The amount of pure sexual feeling I get from you.

[agenvs3000f23blog]

Week 7

Where is music in nature?

Music is in the life cycle of all living things.

In the steady roots of the trees, and the rustling of leaves outstretching their gaze towards the sun.

As autumn beckons leaf shedding, the rustling and crunching of the leaves, sound out the memories of summer days as trees utilized the sunshine for carbon transfer from atmosphere to biosphere.

The scurried foraging of various species preparing energy stores for the long winter months. I believe can musically evoke emotions of hopefulness, as these species prepare to endure and survive.

Where is nature in music?

Nature is within the lyrics:

The expression of the human experience & human nature. When a singer details personal events that many can relate to, such unclouds notions of isolated experiences.

Beats, Tones, and melodies:

As speculated in this unit "Is music-making in humans defined by our genes?" (Gray et al. 2001) I believe music is universal, and individuals hold a natural affinity to certain styles based on the conditioning of our surroundings, and lived experiences. I believe music is universal because I have witnessed a Northern Mockingbird mimic various car alarms in a park. Species implement new styles into their musical communication.

Experimental melodies:

I am a dancer and often we do improvisation exercises to songs. I've noticed I can find my best movement pieces to songs without lyrics. Songs that are quite abnormal in that they do not follow a formulaic composition. Instead, the song is always evolving akin to nature.

This medium of improv always makes me ponder the duality of nature. Nature is harmonious. Seems to have a role for all organisms in both life and death.

Yet the processes of nature can be quite macabre and unrelenting.

Species must evolve adaptation for survival in ever-shifting ecological filters. I feel the songs without lyrics force a similar process. Such songs shed the practiced anticipation of lyrics and open the stage for mind-body connection.

Song that brings me back to a natural landscape:

Exhale, Inhale ~ Aurora

During the summer, I went on a solo excursion to a trail along Lake Ontario. This excursion felt necessary to my sanity, as I had been working, and socializing with little time for solitude. I attempted I.D'ing plants as I walked, and I noticed how the species composition of this familiar trail had changed over the years.

I revisited a marsh under a bridge that I had discovered in the past to view the frogs, spiders, etc.

As I continued my walk, I noticed the wind pick up, and dark clouds rolling in. I backtracked and returned under the bridge. Just as I got there it stormed.

I saw on my weather app, that this would last for about an hour. So, I decided to play 'Exhale Inhale' by Aurora.

The storm was exhilarating and nerve racking as thunder rumbled, and lightning struck in the distance. I kept an eye on the raising water levels of the marsh, hoping I would not have to relocate.

This song calmed me, lyrics such as:

"We are stood, and somehow calm, Within the madness of a storm. With no solution for the scared, Tasting pollution in the air"

I felt one with the various species navigating the storm to find shelter. Watching the frogs dive to safer waters, songbirds calling to navigate towards shelter.

“I was a moving thing before I was a human being”

Events such as being caught in a storm remind one of the commonalities within nature. I believe this song really heightened the depth of my reflection in those moments.

“If you could fly and be the bird then you would see the forest burn.”

As we discussed in this unit music can act as a gateway to nature. I believe this song exemplified how lyricists can transform the experiences of species at risk into tangible music so that people can obtain emotional and intellectual understanding through empathy. This song, in particular, heightens my climate anxiety, while simultaneously deepening my awareness and connection to the ecology around me.

[rayalltheway]

“I have one last question for you.” Zhuang Jie spoke up after a long, comfortable silence, Changbiyaun’s head stirring slightly from where it rested on his shoulder to indicate they were awake and listening. They seemed to sleep easier now, more naturally, which Zhuang Jie never wished to disturb if he could.

“Hmm. Didn’t know you could run out of them.” They mused drowsily, their arms retracting from around his waist to trace his upper arms as they nuzzled into the crook of his neck a bit further. Zhuang Jie simply smiled, shrugging.

“Neither did I. But I think this really is it.” He continued.

They hummed and nodded before he turned his head towards the nearby party area some ways behind them, where their newfound family of humans and half-humans and demons and two-and-a-half monkeys alike laughed and chatted amongst themselves, mingling outside their small, self-constructed house here in the mountains. The two old partners been partaking in the earlier festivities for longer than they expected, since even they felt the energy of the group was absolutely contagious (and it was only right for the ones who had given so much love and effort towards them) though no one would stop them from taking time for themselves as the afternoon winded into evening.

It was their wedding, after all.

Zhuang Jie kept his gaze on a dark furred monkey sitting on their shadowed porch for a long moment, whom he had already spoken to several times today, but he intended to once again before everyone officially called it a night. He had come to accept that his son was indeed much like a shadow in how he offered his presence to others, coming and going with the shifting darkness…but he had truly stayed whenever he came around for the past few weeks, keeping with the shade where his father was always sure to stick nearby. The younger one also remarked earlier that he might have come to see through the event that he had both suggested and helped make possible, but they both knew that was a veiled excuse.

There was still so much they could say, but it didn’t have to be spoken. Today, he wanted to thank him. And remind him of the room they made for him.

He then turned towards the view in front of them, of the deepening pink sky, the wider mountain range and the sprawling city that was built around it in the distance. He supposed it comforted him in a way to know they could get that large now. It was once one of the main reminders of how they were both meant to be centuries out of place here – but somehow, they weren’t. Somehow, Zhuang Jie could sit here and feel safe, and whole, knowing full well where he was and what he would feel here. Knowing he was loved, knowing this place would be emptier by half if he wasn’t there.

He was sure of that – and he only wanted to know it from the other.

Zhuang Jie glanced back to Changbiyuan, seeing they had closed her eyes once more but was still alert, not needing to see him to wait for him to finish his examination of their surroundings. “It’s real, you know. I’ve checked.” They whispered.

He chuckled. “I know. Old habit.” He said reassuringly, reaching up to take their hand into his own, their long fingers relaxing around him before he finally spoke his mind.

“Is it enough of what you fought for?” He asked. They opened their eyes with that, meeting his patient gaze with a quiet understanding. The sound of leaves around them and the raised chatter of their friends behind them was softly considered in the quiet moment that passed.

Then they smiled at him, the creases around their eyes deepening, showing him it was real – raising their head to give the man a lightly bemused expression.

“Enough?” They said with a small laugh, resting both their hands on his shoulders. “Qīnài de, it’s everything we fought for.” They said, the light of their eyes more tangible than he had known before.

It was the best kind of answer, but he still felt the need to wonder, not because he was concerned, but maybe because he just wanted to hear whatever they had to say.

“You once told me that you were sure you’d never really know happiness again.” He added, wincing slightly at the soreness he was choosing to bring up. “That you just had to cherish the moments you could before letting them go again, letting them flutter away.”

Their smiling expression scrunched up in faux confusion, giving out a sound of thought. “Hmm. Did I say that? That sounds more like your kind of poetics.” They said, nudging him gently.

“Yes, it was jarring to hear coming from you at the time.” Zhuang Jie replied impishly, earning a snort. Changbiyuan’s expression remained bright, but also became apologetic.

“I’m sorry. That was probably not what you needed to hear then, as you were in a dark place yourself.” They rubbed his shoulder affectionately. “But now –” they turned to look towards their home, their life and family, as he had.

“It’s like you’ve shared with me your Sight. Everything I can and will ever want to see is all here.” They said, choking briefly from a swell of emotion. “I can’t get enough of the view.” They said, turning their gaze back to him.

Zhuang Jie reached for their face at that moment — the warmth of their soul making them feel all the more truly living, though he could also feel that familiar soft chill still there under their skin as the two pressed their foreheads together, love and relief and life and all they were choosing to go through together, and everything the already had, bubbling up as disbelieving laughter.

“We might actually be okay at this whole ‘alive’ thing.” Zhaung Jie offered, Changbiyuan giving him that competitive look back.

“We’ve earned more than ‘okay’, laoying. This isn’t one of those weddings that happens when the picture box shows cut off to try and signify some kind of assumed completion of significance.” They took his hand in both of theirs, putting thier palm against his.

“I’m old. I’m satisfied. I’m ready to put away my swords.” They cast a look towards the skyline once more, a breeze shifting their white, snowy mane from their shoulders. Their hair was dark when they were alive, they once said. He couldn’t help but wonder if it was going to return that way when they decided to stay with him in the mortal plane over a year ago. When it didn’t, Changbiyuan wasn’t fazed. They didn’t even associate it with Lady Bone Demon at all anymore — for them, it was just age.

It was then he decided that age really was an untouchable kind of beauty. It had steered him right. It had brought him here. It had given his love back to their life.

Changbiyaun was beaming now, the heaviness he always saw them carrying becoming a swarm of butterflies that flew away. “And that’s my happiness. Because you are my new start.” They practically whispered, a single truth filling the air.

“...It’s called a TV. And a finale.” He remarked, raising his brows with a smart expression. They pffted, draping their arms back around his shoulders, lucky that their weight couldn’t knock him over onto the grass. “Oh, whatever. You know how I feel about those.”

“That they’re bullshit. Of course.” Zhuang Jie nodded, holding them back as they both turned their eyes back to the setting sun, covertly aware that the others at the party were looking in the same direction now.

Changbiyaun nodded, happily self assured, like any stubborn old person.

“Complete bullshit.”

—————

It’s the anniversary of this drawing so * HITS U WITH PRIDE MONTH OLD PEOPLE *

Let people wonder, let em’ laugh, let em’ frown

You know I’ll love you till’ the moon’s upside down

Don’t you remember I was always your clown

Why try to change me now?

—–

thems a pair

this is meant to the day they get married btw, something that’s been a longgggg time coming (a bit longer considering they in part waited till things with macaque were on good terms and he could be there for it)

also happy pride month to all those on the ace/aro spectrum:D I know some of you are moots and friends I’ve made in this fandom and you’re all so freakin cool. If there’s anything I can improve on or include when depicting Zhuang Jie and Changbiyuan and their relationship please let me know, I am all ears

[elysiadjarin]

Day 1: Somnophilia

Day 1 of Kinktober! The first prompt is of course, somnophilia. Here’s my masterlist for my Kinktober challenge.

Warnings: Minors DNI, this is 18+ only content. Consensual somnophilia, cumplay, unprotected sex, nonhuman character, exophilia

Tags: Hat Man x reader, exophilia, kinktober

He Comes at Night

At first, you hadn’t been sure whether it was just another case of sleep paralysis, or actually something… else.

He always came at night, standing in your doorway as you lay on your back, unable to move. Though you were used to sleep paralysis and the oftentimes terrifying figures that came along with it, this one had been different every time it showed up. It just stood in your doorway, never really moving, just watching. You never felt the usual fear that came along with most sleep paralysis demons, just a sense of… calm.

It had gotten to the point where you’d simply learned to ride it out, accepting the calm of its presence until you fell back asleep. If anything, you’d started feeling a sense of comfort from its presence. Even living alone, you felt as though it were there as another presence, just to keep you some company. You’d even thought with a flash of amusement that maybe it was there to protect you.

But that was until a few nights ago. You’d found yourself abruptly awake again, immobile in bed. But it had been different. Your eyes wouldn’t open, and you distinctly felt something heavy on your blankets, pinning you to the bed. It felt far more tangible than anything else you’d ever experienced in a moment of sleep paralysis, and it unnerved you.

Of course, that’s when you heard… that. A whisper, slithering around you, crawling against your sheets as tangibly as the weights.

Sssso delicioussss. A poke at you. He’ssss finally not here. Hey, are you… awake?

Despite the situation, it wasn’t so much fear as annoyance that gripped you in the moment. If this sleep paralysis demon was enacting paralysis on you, why would you be able to respond?

A low cackle raked down your spine. That’sssss right, you can’t move, can you. Well, you won’t need to, sssssoon. Don’t worry, the chilling voice sneered, I’ll make ssssure you can feel it.

You’d just started to feel the panic set in when the weight was ripped off of you. A loud, fearful shriek pierced through the room, followed by a distinct crunching and gurgling.

I didn’t mean to, Hat Man, have merccccccy— The voice choked off in the thick air, just as your eyes snapped open.

Thick, black slime dripped from the mangled, gangly body that hung limply in the air. The figure that had been standing in your doorway every night now stood by your beside, a giant arm outstretched as dark talons clenched around the smaller creature. The black ichor dripped from its claws, and it threw the broken body down on the floor like a rag doll. It turned its head toward you again, but relief had crashed through you at its appearance.

The tall figure, now that it had appeared so close to your bedside, clearly towered at least seven feet tall. But even when it bent its whole body over, face nearing yours, you still didn’t fear it. It had leaned over, close enough that you could imagine that you felt its nonexistent breath on your face. Then it brushed against your forehead, as though it had kissed you gently back to sleep. You’d fallen back asleep as though knocked out.

And now, as you stood at your kitchen counter, holding a mug of tea, your mind had started to wander. Specifically, you’d started to wonder about your mysterious guardian. What had started out as a private sort of joke had turned into a reality, and you weren’t entirely sure what to make of it. The sensations and feelings had been far too concrete to be just a hallucination or just part of another sleep paralysis experience. Even now, you could still feel the sensation of the soft, gentle wisp of shadow brushing across your forehead.

Sighing, you dumped the mug into the sink and headed for bed, pulling at the hem of your large T-shirt. In the room, you slid off your shorts and put them on a chair, only in your underwear and shirt to sleep. Sitting on the edge of the bed, you took a moment to glance around the room. Your mind wandered to the weird, creepy spirit from the night before.

Tentatively, you decided to speak into the darkness. “Hey… I don’t know if you’re here right now, or—or listening, but… Hat Man. If you’re there, thank you. For saving me,” you said, tugging at your shirt. “I know I usually can’t move or talk, but… if you want company, you can come sit or lay down.” A little embarrassed at your own offer, you flopped back on the bed and rolled under the covers, burying your face in your pillow.

Even if it — he? — were there listening and you weren’t just talking to thin air, what would he think of your invitation? Was that too forward? Or weird?

You weren’t sure when exactly you fell asleep, but you certainly jerked awake sometime later when the bed next to you dipped. Your eyes opened, this time, and you saw the hulking figure almost meekly slide into bed beside you. His weight made your body slightly tip towards him, and he shifted to face you just in time to catch you against his chest. You noticed, now fully pressed against him, that he did have a slight, dusky sort of warmth, like the faint touch of a sunbeam filtering though curtains.

His giant talon paused, and he seemed to vacillate, as though unsure what to do with himself now that he was there. Tentatively, his fingers brushed against your arm. Your body seemed to gain a little bit more movement, just enough for you to sigh and lean further into his chest. He made you feel safe, and his presence was comforting. He didn’t seem to mind your advances, so you decided not to feel guilty as his giant arm wrapped around your back.

A soft, wispy hum escaped you, and you let yourself relax with the minimal movements the paralysis seemed to be allowing. You half-wished you could talk, just to speak with him. But at the same time, you could feel the drowsiness descend again. He felt too comfortable, and the solid weight of his body against yours made you melt like putty into the bed.

As you fell asleep, you swore you could feel the Hat Man brush another soft kiss to your forehead.

~

“Whoa, wait, you got yourself a Hat Man?” Your Tiefling coworker gave you a surprised look. “They usually only come into your life because they’re drawn in some way to protect you. Have you been doing okay? Staying safe?”

You nodded. “Well, I mean, now I am thanks to him,” you clarified, eyebrows furrowing. “What with my sleep paralysis and that weird… other thing.” You shuddered a little in disgust at the memory. “He’s been protecting me from whatever that thing was, I’m assuming.”

Harlow gave you a long look. “I didn’t want to really bring this up before, but do you know of anything in your heritage that might be… well, attractive to spirits? I’ve noticed before that you seem to draw the attention of non humans.”

You sighed, shoulders slumping. “Well, you’re not wrong,” you admitted, rubbing your arm. “When I was born, my grandmother told my parents that I had ‘the blood of a beacon,’” you said. “I had a talisman she gave me, but… it’s been years, so maybe the potency has worn off.”

He nodded. “Probably. Especially if you have beacon blood; I’m not surprised you drew a Hat Man to protect you. You might as well be the Ultimate Desire for them,” he remarked.

Your eyes widened at his comment. “Ultimate Desire?” you asked, startled. “I mean, I know that my blood is attractive to spirits for its potency in spirit energy. But what does Ultimate Desire mean? And why would Hat Man want that?” You noted that he called it a Hat Man. So it apparently was a type of spirit or entity.

“Hmm.” Harlow pursed his lips. “Well, an easy way to put it would be… the Hat Men are guardians of sources of energy like you. They’re fueled by the energy you have, so… it wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that he’s a personal bodyguard manifested by your beacon blood. The more your proximity or attention ‘fuels’ him and the more energy you give him, the stronger he’ll be and the better defense.”

You nodded thoughtfully. “Huh. So I’m basically… the ultimate source, I guess. I mean, for Hat Man.”

“Yep!” Then he gave you a sly grin. “So, you gonna get up close and personal with him?” His eyebrows wriggled at you teasingly.

Flushing, you reached over and shoved his shoulder. “Harlow, seriously!” you groaned.

He laughed, rubbing his arm exaggeratedly. “Aww c’mon, I’m just saying. He’s basically the one least likely to betray you. In other words, the safest way to get laid—“

You flounced off, leaving him to laugh and try to wheedle his way back into your good graces. Still, your mind wouldn’t stop wandering to the Hat Man. Wondered how much safer you’d feel if he decided to be just a little more handsy…

Whacking your face with your binder, you shook your head and scolded yourself. Really, Harlow must be influencing you more than you expected.

~

You slumped against the counter, groaning.

Maybe Harlow really had gotten to you, more than you’d really anticipated at first. His words kept ringing through your mind, leading to thought trains that you hadn’t really anticipated.

He’s a personal bodyguard… The more your proximity or attention ‘fuels him’ and the more energy you give him… He’s basically the one least likely to betray you.

With a defeated sigh, you picked yourself up and dragged yourself to your room. You’d wanted to go to bed early, for more reasons than you’d care to admit to yourself. Still, even as you turned the lights off and went to go change, you wondered if he would return tonight. If he’d still join you. If he’d stay.

Tugging at the T-shirt you’d slid on, you hesitated for only a moment before sliding your underwear off. Tossing it aside, you slid into bed, rolling onto your side and staring at the empty space across from you. Reaching out, you smoothed your hand against the sheets.

“I wish you were here, Hat Man,” you whispered into the quiet darkness.

To your surprise, your body almost instantly froze. A dark shape walked into view by the side of the bed, and the now-familiar talons lifted the sheets to slide into bed beside you. You vaguely wondered if the sleep paralysis the whole time had just been the spirits and now your Hat Man having an effect on you thanks to the lure of your blood.

Before you could think too much about it, though, the burly figure slid closer. Still, he didn’t hold you like he had before, and a pang of disappointment rushed through you. His arm lifted, then he seemed to hesitate.

Your body loosened a little, giving you that smidgen of movement you’d been granted last time. Without even a moment of thought, you rolled forward and snuggled into his chest again, the dusky warmth of his body soaking into you again. You sighed, gazing at the lines of his chest and the slashed scars that crossed the dark planes. Almost thoughtlessly, you traced your fingers against the edges of the scars.

You wondered how he’d gotten them. Were you the reason? Because he protected you? A pang of guilt ran through you for a moment.

He shifted, finally putting his arm around you again, as though he’d been waiting for the permission. His head bent a little, and he carefully seemed to nuzzle your hair, as though checking on you.

A little sleepy, you glanced up at him, noting the curve of his jaw. “Hi,” you breathed, your murmur quiet and wispy. Still, he pulled back and seemed to observe you curiously. His eyes, you finally noticed, had a faint sort of pale blue glow, dim in the darkness and only obvious from how close you were.

“Thank you,” you whispered, every word an effort. “For— this—“ Your fingers slipped across the lurid scars on his chest, your eyes starting to slide closed. But you fought it for a moment, determined to just… thank him. Properly. Mustering as much energy as you could, you sluggishly forced yourself up a little, just enough to brush your lips against his chin, the closest part of his face you could reach.

The talons tightened briefly against your waist, as though they’d convulsed in surprise. He seemed to freeze in front of you, processing what you’d just done.

You let out a sleepy hum, the drowsiness descending on you far faster than you would have liked. You wanted to talk with him. You wondered if he had a voice.

~

Harlow took one look at you. “Ohhh, someone’s sexually frustrated.”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. “I can’t— Harlow,” you whined, feeling your entire face heat up.

He leaned against your desk with a sympathetic grin. “Look, if I call you out it’s only because I’m in the same boat or I’m about to help you. In this case both applies. Anyway, so, spill the tea.” He tilted his head, his polished horns gleaming under the office lights.

You sighed, then confessed everything to him. From the way you’d started feeling about your Hat Man to the way you’d started to… fantasize. Frustrated, you ran your fingers through your hair.

“I just… I don’t know if it’s because I’m lonely and he’s there, or if I— I don’t even know,” you sighed, closing your eyes in defeat. “I just don’t know.”

He chuckled, reaching over to pat your arm. “Look, like I said, Hat Men are there for protection. And by the sounds of it, yours is actually attracted to you. Spirits and entities like him don’t actively search for contact like that if they’re not interested in it.” He pursed his lips. “Not to mention, if you do actually get some— how big is he?”

You gave him a half-hearted glare. “Harlow—“

He snickered. “How tall is he. Seriously, you’re the one with the dirty mind here.” He flashed you that infuriating smirk as he teased you.

You rolled your eyes, giving up. “I don’t know, probably around seven feet? It felt like it, anyway, when he was standing beside the bed.”

“Oh so he’s stacked.” Harlow cackled. “But really, as I was saying, if you do bag that one, it’s quite the mutual benefit. It’ll be a direct method of energy transfer, not to mention that he’s absolutely probably going to be loyal to you if he gets those kinds of privileges.” He shrugged flippantly. “But that’s besides the point. Here’s what I’m going to suggest, so take this as you will.”

You left work that evening with your face burning but a solid plan from Harlow. You’d figure out later if you wanted to smack him or thank him.

~

That night, as you crawled into bed, you let out a breath and sat there, clutching the blankets. Biting your lip, you glanced toward the door.

“I hope you’ll join me again, tonight,” you ventured, calling out into the darkness of your room. Swallowing, you twisted the sheets in your fingers. “And… of course, you don’t have to, but… I’d love to be able to… to talk to you. Or— or hear more about you. If you can or want to communicate. I just…” You sighed.

“I don’t know if I have to not move when you’re around. I’m not sure how that works, but either way, I— I like having you around,” you admitted. “So… thank you. For protecting me. I hope you stay. You’re welcome to make yourself at home, here.” Taking one last glance at the door, you turned over and lay down. You self-consciously rubbed your legs together, almost embarrassed by your lack of clothing besides the T-shirt.

Would it be too obvious? Was it too much? Or maybe would that be enough-?

The bed behind you dipped just as you felt yourself seized by the paralysis again. But this time, it already felt minimal, as though the tight hold had been laxed even more than before. You rolled back, feeling your back hit the warmth of his chest. Every night, it seemed that he gained a little more solidity and form, and even more of a distinct body heat. The large arm wrapped around you again, sliding across your side and down your belly, talons slipping under your waist.

You hummed, the calm and contentment washing over you again with his presence. “Hi,” you murmured, your fingers managing to curl around one of his talons.

This time, to your mingled surprise and delight, you felt the soft huff of air against your neck like breath. It wasn’t really a sound, but it was something a little more. His face nudged against your neck and shoulder, while his lower body curled up as though to surround you as much as possible. Your heart pounded, almost giddy with the happiness that rushed through you.

“Missed you,” you breathed, your words less slurred than before. You weren’t fighting the sleepiness as hard tonight, and you wondered if it really was an effect that your Hat Man had on you or if it was something else. Still, you relished it.

His movements behind you paused, and you panicked for a split second, wondering if you’d scared him away. But then he nuzzled against you again, another huff washing over your neck. In the next moment, you heard a soft, rumbling growl, so deep that you almost wondered if you’d imagined it. The moment you heard it, your breath hitched. Your stomach clenched at the sound, heat pooling between your legs.

Your teeth sank into your lower lip helplessly, your entire body both aching and on fire where he touched you, held you. Chest heaving with a burning breath, you tried to control your reaction, suppressing your shiver. You didn’t want him to leave. Wanted him to stay.

Like a whisper, words bloomed in your mind, so softly that it took you a moment to realize you didn’t hear them aloud. So pretty. So soft, so kind. The deep voice, laced with a soft Brooklyn accent, took you off guard as it slithered through your mind.

Your back arched slightly, heat splashing across your cheeks. Before you could quite stop yourself, the way you arched made your ass press back against him. A soft gasp wrenched from your lips as you felt something distinctly hard and thick press back against you. It twitched slightly, and you could feel something damp soak into your T-shirt, smearing against your skin.

A low grunt sounded behind you, just as his hips jerked away. Abruptly, his body started to slide away from you, as though he were going to leave.

The desperation flashed through you, and you found yourself suddenly free to move. You rolled over, hand reaching out.

The both of you completely froze. Your eyes, wide open, riveted on his, your fingers splayed across the scars on his chest. His blue eyes, dim but clearly focused on your face as his chest heaved under your hand.

“Please,” it spilled from your lips, quiet and desperate in the silence. “Don’t leave.”

After a moment, he gingerly lifted his hand and reached for your face, talons barely brushing across your cheek. The whisper floated through your mind again. Sorry… The embarrassment was clear in his voice, and a pale blue flush spread over the area of his cheeks. For some reason, it made him even more endearing.

“You don’t have to be,” you whispered back, sure that your own cheeks were flushed with arousal and embarrassment.

He drew closer again, as though he couldn’t help himself. His face neared yours. So pretty. So warm. Sweet. The murmur was followed by the revealing of his mouth. A maw that split open the dark silhouette, black tongue sliding over sharp fangs. Wouldn’t want ta take advantage, sweetheart. Your acceptance of his advances seemed to embolden him. Don’t wanna be too greedy.

You swallowed. “I… I want you to.” Your breath quickened a little, glancing down at his maw. “You can… I— I want you to have my energy,” you offered shyly.

The eyes flared, trailing down your body. Want you. Soft. Sweet. Pretty. He seemed fixated on the description, repeating them again. Still, you couldn’t help but find yourself liking his attention.

“You can have me. Whenever.” You bit your lip briefly. “Even if I’m asleep, if you need energy… if you— if you want.”

His breath washed over your cheek as he bent closer than ever before. Kind. His telepathic voice washed over you, saturated with adoration. Kind to Varen. His tongue gently swiped over your cheek.

You half-whimpered. “Kiss?” you pleaded, desperate for more contact.

His mouth slid across yours, gentle and without a hint of teeth. His tongue flickered over your lips, and you welcomed it. His tongue slid across yours, lithe and gentle. His talons wrapped around your waist again, pulling you into his chest. His name slipped from your lips, soft and needy, and he responded instantly in the way his body shifted closer, half-pinning you under him. His lips slid across yours, trailing down your cheek, your jaw, your throat.

To your frustration, you could feel yourself getting almost unbearably sleepy, the drowsiness tugging at you again. You suddenly wondered if it had to do with him drawing on your energy, feeding off of it, but in the next moment you were completely distracted by the way he gently rutted against your thigh.

Despite your best efforts, you fell asleep.

You dreamed.

Dreamed of Varen, mostly, your mind fantasizing about his claws wrapping around you, pushing you further into the bed, hands wandering further. Of him sliding your T-shirt up, tangling his talons around it, using it as leverage to keep your body still as he slid his cock between your thighs. You swore you could feel it, could feel his talons pricking faintly against your skin as he rutted between your thighs, his tongue dragging over your shoulder and up the arch of your neck.

You could even feel the way his precum started dribbling down your skin, smearing across your thighs, mingling with your own wetness, coating his cock as he slid it against you. And then his cock angling up, just as his talons tightened around your hips and pulled you down against him. His tip slid into you, just as his breath washed over your shoulder.

You woke up as Varen’s maw closed over your shoulder and he pulled you all the way down onto him. Still groggy and half-disoriented from waking up, you could only let out a strangled whine and arch your back, unwittingly pressing yourself further against him. The insistent throb of him inside you and the way your body clenchedaround him was proof that it wasn’t just a dream.

You were still groggy, whimpers spilling from your lips as you lay there pliantly, not resisting anything he was doing. You stayed half-asleep, already blissed out just by the sensation of him filling you.

So good. His soft accent curled through your frazzled mind, satisfied and soothing. So pretty. Doing so good, sweetheart. It’s okay, you don’t have to do anything. Gonna take care of you, pretty.

The knot in your core kept tightening, coiling with every gentle thrust he made, his hips fairly rolling against you. He shifted behind you, his claws gentle but decisive as he rolled you onto your stomach. His body followed, pinning you under him as his legs tangled with yours and his talons around your hips held you in place. He mouthed your shoulder, just barely pricking you with his fangs as his tongue soothed over the soft bites.

Your eyelashes barely fluttered, your body bathed in the dusky heat of pleasure. Despite being half-asleep, the way he steadily pumped in and out of you was so careful, so gentle. You already felt entirely wrecked, tears slipping down your cheeks as you whined. The angle and the way he curled up inside you kept hitting that one spot that sent stars flashing behind your eyelids every time he thrust. Your fingers clenched in the pillow, body trembling. You were so close.

Pretty little thing. Varen cooed, infatuation saturating every word, every thrust into you. Being so good. So… close… The soft, deep growl rumbled through his chest and down into you as well.

The tight coil inside you burst, like a coiled spring. The dusky heat washed through your body in a wave of pleasure, your orgasm roiling through you with a steady but undeniable strength. Varen fucked you through it, extending your orgasm as you trembled and sobbed out his name. He never let go of you, whispering your name as he kissed your throat and praised you softly.

It wasn’t until you’d come down that he came, jerking against you and letting out a low moan. His hips pressed flush against yours, his seed spilling into you with a rush of warmth that settled in you, soaking into the rest of your body. You basked in it, utterly spent and satisfied in a way you couldn’t remember ever being before.

Vaguely, you felt Varen roll back onto his side, pulling you along with him. Though he didn’t pull out of you, he still nuzzled against your neck and curled around you, pulling you flush against him.

You fell back asleep to the sensation of warmth and comfort.

When you woke up the next morning, Varen was gone. The only proof you had of last night was a small smear of faint blue on your inner thigh and the feeling of warmth still pooling in your belly, like a kernel of heat. With a smile, you looked up at the doorway again.

“Thank you, Varen,” you said softly. “I’ll see you tonight.”

The only answer you received was a small flash of blue that flickered in the doorway.

~ Bonus! ~

Harlow took one look at you as you walked into work before letting out a whoop. “Heck yeah, bestie got laid!” He laughed, hugging you.

You couldn’t even bring yourself to be annoyed at him, though you shook your head with a sigh. “Thanks for your advice, Harl,” you said, smiling.

He grinned, throwing his arm around your shoulders. “Course, what are best friends for? Best wingman award who?” he cackled. “Anyway, tell me the dirty details. Oh, should we go celebrate?”

You shook your head. “Never change, Harl. Never change.”