#ariel voice gift

[yuri-is-online]

Without Saying (Floyd and Ruggie x Yuu)

"Oh can I help you? You seem to be lost." You attempt to cheerfully ask the vaguely familiar looking person in front of you. As if he is deliberately trying to rub salt in your wounds, Crowley ignored your request to leave campus for NRC parents day and is instead making you and Grim run errands. The person in front of you, blissfully ignorant to your inner turmoil perks up at your attention.

"Forgive me for asking, but are you the magicless prefect?" You and Grim exchange a confused glance. "You've got to be right?" They're practically glowing with how happy they are to see you. " Oh I'm sorry, I've just heard so much about you!" Wait, what?

notes: they/them pronouns used for Yuu, feral ariel (Floyd) vs light angst again (Ruggie). If you liked this please check out the previous parts on my masterlist.

Floyd

Under normal circumstances, a quiet Floyd was a suspicious Floyd but today- well today it was just odd. He doesn't look bored per se, just idle standing next to a very tall woman with similarly colored hair who is slowly, carefully, with extreme focus examining every inch of what you think is a novelty piggy bank shaped like the school's wishing well.

"Are you done yet Mamma?" Floyd sounds like he is being careful not to yawn.

"Hush now Floydie," she doesn't even blink, that's how tight her focus is, "Mamma is concentrating." Mrs. Leech's lips are tightly pursed while Floyd mutters something about going to get some candy and slinks off while you question if getting involved in this conversation is part of your job description or even smart. Unfortunately for you by the time you look back up from your clipboard Mrs. Leech has moved directly in front of your face in complete silence. "Human-" you go to scream but she silences you with a look you can't tell is from magic or practice raising the twins "Human can you help me with something?" She doesn't even wait for you to agree before holding up the piggy bank. "What exactly is the purpose of this object?"

"That?" You are surprised your voice doesn't give out entirely as she vigorously nods. "The piggy bank?"

"I see, I see." She nods sagely, immediately whipping around to where she evidently thought her son still was, shrugging undeterred as she decides to simply yell. "FLOYD! IT'S CALLED A PIGGY BANK."

"That's nice Mamma." Calls Floyd, oddly coming off as polite and rational from somewhere deep within the Mystery Shop. " But like what does it do?"

"EXCELLENT QUESTION! Say human what does it do?" You are deeply tempted to say that this woman cannot be serious but you don't really want to find out. You draw yourself up to your full height and nod.

"You put coins in it." Mrs. Leech blinks, a bit taken aback.

"Wait really?" Bravely, with a reasonable fear of being bitten, you reach over and gently lift up the top of the wishing well to show her the coin slot.

"I'm pretty sure this one plays a song when you put a coin in too." You explain.

"But it's so tiny?" She marvels, repeatedly opening and shutting the top of the bank. "How're you supposed to keep your money safe if it's so fragile? But then again I do keep most of mine with my husband..."

"Uhm it's supposed to be a fun gift for little kids." It occurs to you that she might find that offensive since it did look like she was buying it for herself. "To teach them about saving money, at least where I'm from anyway."

"Oh how cute. That settles it, I am definitely getting this." As if sensing that it is check out time Floyd shuffles over and immediately perks up.

"Little Shrimpy! Were you the one helping my mom?" He seems really happy, causing you to breathe a light sigh of relief. Mrs. Leech looks confused, zeroing in on you with the same concentration from earlier.

"Yeah. Trying to anyway." You nervously say; Mrs. Leech's attention turns to her son.

"Aww, how cute. You fishin' for a favor shrimpy?" Normally you would play along with his teasing, but your eyes dart awkwardly to Mrs. Leech whose attention is back on you, then the piggy bank, then you then her son, then you agai-

"Not really, I'm just trying to do my job." You awkwardly laugh and Floyd pouts.

"Spring or Summer?" Mrs. Leech asks cheerfully. To your surprise she has somehow managed to snatch up a second piggy bank within the .2 seconds since you took her attention off her.

"I'm sorry?"

"Oh just wondering that's all." She has a very serene smile on her face. Almost too serene. Like you just somehow signed away your soul because you didn't read some fine print. "I'm more partial to Spring myself." You try to look to Floyd for some context but for some reason, he's refusing to make eye contact. Weird.

Ruggie

"Thank you dear." The elderly beastwoman breathes a sigh of relief as you help her settle onto a bench next to the Coliseum. "Goodness, Ruggie warned me this place was big but I didn't realize just how serious he was." You nod, unscrewing the cap on one of the water bottles you brought with you for the old lady. She takes it thankfully and you breathe a gentle sigh of relief, not that Granny Bucchi had been anything more than a bit winded when you found her, but it was still worrying to see an old woman bent over like that. "I really should have just waited for him."

"Didn't he promise to meet you at the mirror chamber?" You ask, trying not to sound too judgmental. You find it hard to believe someone who spoke as fondly of his grandmother at Ruggie wouldn't want to escort her around, Granny Bucchi looks at you sheepishly sort of confirming that.

"He doesn't actually know that I'm here just yet, I wanted to surprise him." She tries to pass you back the water back but you shake your head. The two of you lapse into a comfortable silence, the sort you only ever get while relaxing with a cup of tea, or in this case a nice old lady who is genuinely enjoying the campus scenery. It's so nice Grim curls himself up into your lap for a little nap. Granny Bucchi scratches just the right place behind his ears to convince the "not a cat" to let out a very cat like purr.

"Did you send him a message to let him know your here?" You whisper, trying not to wake your baby. "If not I can send him one." She lets out a small laugh, similar in sound to her grandson's but still very much her somehow.

"Oh I am sure he'd be half way here already if he knew I had you to myself. Who knows what sort of ideas I could be putting in that head of yours." She winks and takes out her phone, squinting at the keys trying to piece together a message. "You should still send him one though, you'll probably be faster than me."

"Do you mind if I take a picture?" You ask sheepishly. "You know so Ruggie knows you're ok." Lies you just want a picture of you with Granny Bucchi. Sure, to Twisted Wonderland she is just some lady, but she is easily celebrity tier to you with how much glowing praise Ruggie heaps on her.

"Oh please do!" To your surprise she seems genuinely excited and strikes a little pose. What a natural, Vil has nothing on this woman. Not that you are going to say that out loud because you don't have a death wish. You happily text Ruggie as Granny Bucchi looks on fondly. "Do you like taking pictures?" Her voice is much softer than it has been in the admittedly little conversation you have had. "Ruggie sends me a lot of the ones you've given him from your ghost camera, I keep trying to ask him if you're planning on being a photographer in the future but he always dodges the question." She's clearly curious and you can't blame her, you just aren't sure how to answer.

"The future is a bit complicated for me." Is what you settle on, really hoping it doesn't loose you points.

"Oh you don't need to feel bad about that." Her eyes are filled with warmth and affection that you haven't felt in a long time, it's enough to make you want to cry. "Technically the future is complicated for everyone, some of us just muscle through it better than others. Case in point." Granny hauls her self up and nudges you to turn around. Ruggie is staring at both of you with a strange look in his eyes, but when he makes eye contact with you he shakes himself out of whatever mood that was and jogs up to meet you both.

It would be nice, you think, if you could do this again.

[stylespctals]

The nanny | Part 2 - Confession

Summary: where Y/N is the nanny for a little girl named Stevie Styles. Her job consists of traveling all around the world with the girls rockstar dad - Harry Styles. What happens when Y/N and Harry start having feelings for one another?

A/N: part 2 of The Nanny series!! Enjoy!

Word count: 3k

Warnings: smut oral f/m receiving, fluff fluff fluff, slight bit of angst but not really, accusing on Harry's end, mentions of weight (Y/N is medium/plus size sorry for not mentioning before but I dont think it really makes a difference 😊)

Part 1

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"Miss Y/N!" you hear as you feel a weight jumping up and down on your bed. You slowly open one eye to see a messy-haired four-year-old, still clad in her ariel pajamas, smiling at you brightly.

"Hi! What are you doing in here you troublemaker." You say as you drag her down on top of you to start tickling her.

"She wanted to wish you good morning, I told her to wait until you were up but she ran in here before I could stop her." You hear a deep voice say from your doorway. You look up and see Harry, only wearing pajama pants and no shirt, leaning against the wall smiling at the two of you.

You look at the clock and see it's seven-thirty in the morning. "Well you're up early," you say hugging the girl close to you. She giggles, "Daddy woke me up 'cause he has a surprise for us!" she gets up and runs to her father and he picks her up and holds her above his head while she squeals.

"Well how about me and you go make breakfast and let Miss Y/N get ready?" He says starting to walk out of the room, giving you a wink. "Oh my gosh can we have pancakes with chocolate syrup and whipped cream!" you hear Stevie yell as she runs towards the kitchen. Harry laughs and follows her down the hall. You sit there smiling, covering your face with your hands, feeling giddy.

After you get up you head into the kitchen to see Stevie sitting on the counter kicking her feet as Harry cooks the pancakes. You see a pile of bacon sitting off to the side, so you walk up and grab one as you slide past Harry.

"So what's the surprise?" You ask as you lean against the counter looking at him.

"I'm gonna be honest the surprise is more for Stevie than you, but I think you'll enjoy it too" he whispers to you, a cocky grin on his face. Leaving you slightly confused.

"Okay let us eat, then I'll get you ready okay lovebug?" he carries Stevie to a stool and places a plate in front of her, she immediately digs in. "Are you excited for your surprise?" he asks, surprised at her quick eating.

"Yes!" Stevie tries to say, her mouth full of food.

You all eat then head to go and get ready. You dress in a black top with pink bows tied on the sleeves and ripped jeans with more bows on the pockets. You accessorize with some simple gold jewelry and pink and white Gucci x gazelle that Harry gifted you.

You walk out of your room into the living room to see Harry helping Stevie put on her little shoes that match yours.

You look at their outfits to see Stevie wearing a pink romper with all the Disney princesses and frilly socks.

Harry, you could not keep your eyes off him. He is dressed in a white shirt, Mickey Mouse on the front, and baggy blue jeans with rips on the knees. He had his hair pulled back by his sunglasses and he had the same shoes on as you and Stevie.

"Hey look we match!" you announce as you walk in the room. They look up at you and Evie runs towards you and tugs on you, dragging you to the door. "I know Daddy picked my outfit and shoes out. But let's gooo please," she says. You look at Harry with a surprised look on your face.

"Yeah lets go. You got everything?" he asks. You nod and you guys pile into the car.

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

You guys have been in the car for about 45 minutes. Until you see the large sign that says Disneyland in a fancy font. Harry starts pulling into the parking lot making Evie perk up.

"Oh my god! Disneyland!" She screams, bouncing up and down in her booster seat. "I love you, daddy! Thank you." She almost cries.

"You're welcome, lovebug. I love you to the moon and back." He smiles, his heart warming at the sight of his girl so happy.

"This is amazing, thank you, Harry. But you know, you didn't have to take me with you guys, it could've just been you and Evie. I know how much she's been missing her dad." You say, so extremely grateful to be here, but not wanting to intrude.

Harry looks at you like you're insane. "Y/N I told you this yesterday, you are one of the most important people in my life, and Stevie's. Our lives would be so much different if you were in it and I can't imagine you not being here." He holds your hand, still baffled at the fact you thought he didn't want you here.

"Sorry, I just get a little scared that I'm intruding." He smiles and tells you it's okay and to just trust him.

You spend the rest of the day getting dragged around Disneyland by a very eager four-year-old, but you wouldn't have it any other way.

You guys arrive home absolutely exhausted. Evie is completely passed out and Harry heads to take her upstairs. "I'm going to shower after I put her down. You wanna meet down here when we're done and chat?" He asks

You nod and smile, "Of course, I'll see you down here in a bit."

After your shower, you pull on a brown pleasing jumper and pink plaid sleep shorts. You pull on some fuzzy socks since you know you’ll get cold.

You walk into the living room to see Harry setting up your glasses of wine and putting vinyl on his record player at a low volume.

He’s dressed in blue plaid pajama pants and a Rolling Stones t-shirt. His hair is wet and covering his forehead messily; you don’t think he’s ever looked so good.

You settle down on the couch, Harry smiles at you and sits close to you. You guys start chatting about your day and how adorable Stevie is, so happy that she had fun and enjoyed her day.

“Sooo any new relationships going on in your life?” you ask, teasing him by wiggling your eyebrows.

He chuckles and shakes his head no, “I think I’m ready to settle down with someone that matters.” He says looking deeply into your eyes.

You swallow and nod, “Yeah me too.” you say, your cheeks turning a deep shade of red.

“That’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about…” he says, fidgeting; looking really nervous.

You turn your head sideways and look at him with a questioning look coming across your face.

“I’m very nervous to tell you because I’m scared of what your reaction will be. Even if the reaction is good what if it’s for the wrong reason?” he starts to stress about this making you place your hand on his leg and rub it assuringly.

“You can tell me anything Harry I promise I won’t judge,” you say making sure he knows you are here for him.

He looks so deeply into your eyes, you feel your face heat up and a different look enters his eyes that you’ve only seen a handful of times.

“I think I’m in love with you.” he blurts out. Immediately regretting saying it, thinking of all the ways you could reject him.

“What?” you gasp, you swear you feel your heart stopping in your chest.

“Fuck, I’m sorry.” He stands up running his fingers through his hair. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I just thought you felt the same way which you obviously don’t. I’m so sorr-“

You stand up and cut him off by pressing your lips against his. He gasps into your mouth, and you wrap your arms around his neck; pulling him closer to you.

You pull away with a smile on your face. “I know I’m in love with you.” You say with a giggle looking into his eyes. His face breaks out into a smile and he pulls you in for another kiss.

“I know I’m in love with you too.” He mumbles against your lips as he lays you down on the couch climbing on top of you.

Suddenly he pulls away with a sort of distressed look on his face, “Are you sure you aren’t just saying this because of who I am?” He asks.

You push him off you and look at him like he’s crazy, “How could you even think I would ever do that to someone? Especially you.” you say getting kind of angry at him for accusing you of that.

“No no Y/N I didn’t mean it like that.” He rushes out reaching to grab onto your hands, “It’s just I can’t even count how many times that has happened to me before and I’m just scared because even the people I’ve really trusted have just used me.” he says looking so upset making you frown.

“I would never do that to you,” you say taking his face in your hands. “I love you, Harry, I swear I have since the moment we met.”

He smiles, looking at you fondly, “Me too, I’m so sorry for doubting you. That’s just a constant fear surrounding my head.”

You smile and pull him into another deep kiss, making him fall on top of you. He props himself up so he’s not crushing you, and runs his hands across your waist.

You guys sit there making out for around 15 minutes when his hand starts traveling lower and his mouth moves down to your neck. You moan as you feel him lick a stripe up the side of your neck.

His hand freezes when he reaches the top of your shorts, “Is this okay?” he asks, tugging on your shorts, indicating he wants them off.

You nod, breathing heavily. He grabs your chin and looks in your eyes, “Words baby.” he says sternly.

“Yes, please,” you say breathlessly. Wanting- no needing him to touch you.

He smiles and continues kissing and sucking at your neck while pulling down your shorts.

Once your shorts are off you stop him. Wait-“ you say, making him back away and stop touching you. “Should we move this to the bedroom,” you say, flustered, pushing a strand of hair out his face.

He smirks and nods, standing up and grabbing your shorts, pulling you towards your bedroom. Your room is on the first floor while his and Stevies' is on the 2nd, so you decide yours will be the safest one not to wake his daughter.

When you get to your room he picks you up making you scared that you’re too heavy for him to hold and you try to get him to put you down.

“Harry no I’m too heavy,” you say, squirming a little.

He drops you on the bed and looks at you with a stern look on his face. “Don’t you ever say that about yourself. You’re perfect,” he says climbing over you and kissing all over your neck making you whine.

“Can I take this off?” He says, pulling on the jumper you have on. You sit up and pull it off yourself, revealing that you’re not wearing a bra. He almost moans as he sees you bare before him.

“God y/n you’re going to kill me.” He says as he leans forward and buries his face in your breasts. You moan and grip his hair as he takes your nipple in his mouth, sucking hard.

“Off.” you moan as you tug at the back of his shirt. He leans up rips his shirt off and slides his pajama pants down to reveal his tight briefs. A bulge is very prominent in them, making you bite your lip.

He starts kissing down your breasts and over your plushy stomach, making you suck in. You look down and see him give you a look which makes you let out a breath.

He starts pulling your wet panties down, looking up at you for approval. “Yes please do whatever you want.” you gasp, making him smirk, pulling your panties all the way down revealing your soaking wet cunt.

He spreads your legs wide and you watch him bite his lip as he stares at your pussy. “So fucking pretty.” He says leaning in and kissing around where you want him, his lips dragging on your inner thighs and mound.

“Stop teasing,” you whine as this goes on for a while, he smirks.

“You want my mouth on your cunt baby, don’t you?” He says, a cocky smirk on his face. You almost roll your eyes but you know he’s right. You whine and nod your head quickly, “Please.” you say sweetly making him immediately latch on to your pussy his eyes rolling back in his head at the taste of you.

You let out a shamelessly loud moan as you lift your hips up into his mouth. He wraps his arms around your hips holding you still as he sucks your clit into his mouth.

You almost scream as you bite your hand to keep you somewhat quiet. You’ve never been eaten out before and you never thought it would feel this good.

He keeps alternating from sucking a licking around your clit until, he slips his tongue into your hole, making you lift up and grip his hair; bucking your hips to match his pace.

You're withering around feeling your orgasm build up quicker than it ever has. “I’m close, H” he starts going faster his head moving in between your legs making you cry out as your orgasm crashes through you, your legs shaking from the feeling.

You take short gasps of air as the aftershocks of your orgasm pass through you. Harry slides up your body and catches your lips in his, you whine at the taste of yourself.

"Was that good?" he asks, rubbing his nose against yours. You grip the hair on the nape of his neck, smiling, "So good." You giggle as you pull him back into a kiss.

After a minute you pull away and flip you guys over so you're now on top. "My turn now." you giggle. You drag your lips over his body until you reach the top of his briefs, you take the material in your teeth, "Can I take these off of you huh?" he nods eagerly, "Words baby." you mock him.

He rolls his eyes, "Yes please." He says, petting your hair as you start to drag down his underwear. You gasp as you see his cock spring out, not expecting it to be so big.

You start by taking his cock into your hands, spitting into your palm to help your hand glide over him. You do this for a few minutes until you decide to lick stripes over him, making him moan and whimper your name. You take his cock in your mouth and start bobbing your head up and down surprising yourself and him with your confidence.

"God y/n," He whined trying not to grab your head and push you further down. You decide to try and deep-throat him, you gag and pull off of him.

"Sorry," you say, embarrassed.

"Y/N it's okay, do what you can handle I don't want you to think I'm pressuring you." You smile and nod and continue on with what you are doing.

Your tongue circles around his mushroom tip, tasting the bitter taste of his precum, but you don't mind the taste; you enjoy it.

You suck him in your mouth again, using your hands for the parts your mouth can't reach.

"Y/n, baby I'm so close. Please don't stop." You start moving your head faster wanting his cum down in your mouth.

You stop and suck harder as you feel his cum burst into your mouth the thick liquid filling up quickly.

You pull off him when you're done and his cock starts to soften in your hold. You lick the rest of his orgasm off his cock and swallow the load he left in your mouth.

You crawl up his body and lay on his chest.

"Wow, I wasn't expecting that today." He says, a chuckle leaving his lips.

"Me neither," You giggle cuddling into his chest. You feel yourself starting to drift off on his chest.

"Y/N, I might have to go back into my room in case Stevie wakes up and comes to my room." He says sitting up.

"Oh," you say disappointed, reaching over to grab your hoodie, pulling it over your head, and getting up.

Harry grabs your hand, pulling you back into his arms, "You know what let's both move to my room, so what if she comes in, we will just tell her what we are because I love you so much and I know she will be happy." He says. You smile so big and large. He gets up pulling on his underwear and pants and throwing his shirt and your clothes into the laundry bin.

He picks you up and sets you on the bed, grabbing you a new pair of panties and sliding them up your smooth legs. He lifts you up your legs wrapping around his waist and he carries you up the stairs into his room. He lays you down on the bed and climbs in next to you cuddling into your backside.

"I love you so much. Goodnight, love" He whispers in your ear making you shiver.

"I love you too. Goodnight, H."

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Thank you so much for reading! I hope you all enjoyed it.

I am so incredibly grateful for all the support I got on the first part of this series and it also being my first post. Im so happy to build a platform on here and look out for new stories coming out.

Lots of love xx

- Mae

[sorceresssundries]

Lilac and Gold

Pairing: FemaleTav/Halsin

Warnings: Smut, pegging, anal sex, rimming.

Word Count: 4.5k

Some smut with feelings! Halsin deserves to get pegged.

A birthday gift for the wonderful @mercymaker.

“I don’t think being kind comes naturally to me,” Maleane whispered, her voice tinged with quiet shame as she gently bundled Thoriel in thick, woollen blankets, preparing the little one for the colder nights to come in the nursery they had made for her.

Halsin, standing nearby, glanced at her with that steady gaze that saw through every wall she had ever put up. “And yet, you are,” he said, warm and sure, as if it were the most obvious truth in the world. He had a way of stating things so simply, so matter-of-fact, that they felt undeniable. 

“You are trying, and that is enough” There was never any pretence with him—no words spun from too-sweet sugar, no thorns disguised as rose stems. He spoke plainly, and in his words, there was only truth.

The nights are getting longer. Thoriel is teething. The town of Reithwin thrives. You are kind, and strong, and wanted.

In his simplicity, everything seemed so clear, as if kindness was as fundamental to her as the changing seasons or the rise of the sun.

The world turns. The sky is blue. She is kind, and strong, and wanted.

Halsin made her better, in ways she never thought possible. Not perfect, her wounds were too deep for that. But he made her feel safe and loved. He didn’t try to fix her; he simply accepted her as she was, flaws and all.

The warmth of Halsin was always meant to be shared, and she was lucky enough to be welcome and safe in the blazing hearth of his heart.

Maleane wanted to do something for him. She noticed the tired lines etched at the corners of his eyes, the way his movements seemed just a little slower these days. Halsin would never admit to being weary - his sense of duty was too great, his heart too full of love for her, for Thoriel, and for the town of Reithwin. The town had flourished under his care, transforming from a place of shadows and sorrow into a thriving haven of hope and light. People looked to him for guidance, strength, and healing.

But Maleane saw what others missed. He never stopped to care for himself. The moments he used to cherish—smoking his pipe under the shade of the willow tree, the quiet solitude of sketching the creatures of the forest in his well-worn pad—had grown scarce. She missed seeing the peace in his eyes when he could steal away to the wilderness, even if only for a while. He deserved more. He deserved to lean on someone without the fear of crushing them, to let go.

Even the mightiest trees needed a break from the sun, and to have their bark softened by the touch of rain.

And what was she? if not built of moonlight and stormwater. 

The next night, she had prepared everything carefully, making sure that Thoriel was settled with Arielle, and the rest of the village would not disturb them. Halsin had given her so much; she would give what little she could in return, and hope it would be enough.

As dusk settled over Reithwin, staining the sky ink blue and swirling purple, Maleane approached Halsin where he stood at the edge of the village, standing sentinel as the chatter of the day settled into dreams and snores. His expression was calm, as it always was, but she could see the lines of fatigue in the corners of his eyes.

“You’re tired, love,” she said gently as she approached him from behind, slipping her arms around his middle, though her hands didn’t quite meet around his solid form. He didn’t respond with words, just turned slightly toward her and lifted one of her hands to his cheek, closing his eyes as he leaned into her touch. He hummed low, the sound vibrating through him, his shoulders dropping slightly.

“You can lean on me, you know,” she whispered.

A soft chuckle rumbled from his chest, the sound low and warm. “Lean on you, little one?” He smiled down at her, the amusement in his eyes momentarily chasing away the fatigue. “I’d crush you.”

She gave him a playful nudge, shaking her head. “You know what I mean.”

“I don’t think it comes naturally to me,” he admitted.

“Just try. That’s enough.” She pushed herself up onto the balls of her feet so she could kiss him. Softly. The fullness of her dark lips finding the thin smile of his. His fingers were large and calloused from centuries of hard work, but they may as well have been wrapped in satin for how softly he touched her jaw. His other hand found her waist, and he pulled her against him, and a familiar rumble left his chest as their tongues met and her grip tightened on him, then all too quickly for his liking, she pulled away. Her lilac eyes half-lidded and sparkling. 

“Come on, I have something for you.”

They strolled through the forest, hands entwined. leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, and Maleane led him to a small clearing, where the trees parted just enough to allow a view of the starlit sky.

Before them lay a hot spring, its waters warm and inviting, steam rising gently into the cool night air. The surface shimmered under the soft glow of floating lanterns, which bobbed lazily above the water like glowing fireflies. Each one was enchanted, and their golden light rippled on the water’s surface and danced along the rocks. The whole place was soft and golden and dreamlike. 

Maleane had decorated the edges of the spring with wild blooms of lavender and sage, and set a simple arrangement of food on a flat, smooth rock. Freshly baked bread, still warm, sat next to a bowl of ripe berries and crisp apples. A small jar of honey glistened beside the fruits, the amber of it glowing in the lantern light. 

She turned to Halsin, her lilac eyes catching golden flickers. 

He was speechless and love-struck.

“Take this off,” she whispered with playful authority, tugging lightly at the hem of his tunic, her fingers brushing against his waist. Her heart raced a little as she touched him, trying to focus on the task at hand.

Halsin raised a brow, the shadow of a smile playing on his lips. He lifted his arms and allowed her to slide the fabric over his head. The simple motion made her breath catch as the shadows played along the outline of thick muscles that rippled beneath his tanned and scarred skin. He was beautiful.

Once he was completely naked, Maleane gently urged him toward the water. A sigh escaped him as he melted into it. As the water lapped softly at his skin, Maleane slipped in behind him. Her movements were slow and deliberate as she positioned herself at his back, her thighs on either side of his hips. Halsin leaned back slightly, his broad shoulders brushing against her as he settled.

“What did I ever do to deserve you, my heart?” Halsin’s voice was thick with affection. One of his hands found her leg beneath the water, his rough fingers gently caressing the curve of her calf.

His words were a warm and needed cloak which draped and swaddled her. She rested her chin on his shoulder, her lips grazing his skin as she whispered back, “You deserve far more than I could ever give.”

From the side of the spring, she reached for a small vial of oil she had prepared earlier. The liquid was fragrant with a blend of herbs—lavender, rosemary, and a hint of chamomile—and she poured a small amount into her hands, rubbing them together to warm it before resting them on his shoulders.

Her fingers trembled slightly as they worked into the knots in Halsin’s muscles. As her hands moved, slick and gliding over the broad expanse of his back, her confidence wavered.

Her pale, spindly fingers, once so deft at slipping coins from pockets and spinning blades in the shadows, seemed out of place. These were not the hands of a healer, she thought with a pang of self-doubt. They were the hands of a thief and a killer, hands that crackled with the raw power of storm magic, not tenderness. How could they possibly be soft or skilled enough to ease the burdens of someone like him. 

Her rhythm faltered. She eased up, fearful of pressing too hard, of doing more harm than good. What if she added to the strain instead of relieving it? Her fingers hesitated. 

Before she could pull away completely, Halsin took apart the silence. “I won’t break, my love.” He didn’t turn to look at her, but there was no need. “You feel wonderful,” he murmured softly. “Please, don’t stop.”

Taking a deep breath, Maleane pressed her hands more firmly into his back, her fingers sinking deeper into the tense muscles. She felt the hard knots of tension and focused on working them out, letting her hands do what they could. As her confidence grew, her touch became more purposeful, and she found her rhythm again. The warmth of the oil and the heat of the spring worked with her, loosening the tightness in his shoulders and neck.

Halsin was quiet for a long time, simply allowing himself to be tended to, his breaths deep and even as her hands worked a different kind of magic. She moved with intention, her fingers lingering on the spots she knew were always the most tense - his lower back, his shoulders, the thick muscles at the base of his neck. A soft smile curved her lips as she continued the gentle rhythm of her hands.

“Don’t you dare fall asleep, you great bear” Maleane teased, nipping playfully at his earlobe. Halsin’s eyes fluttered open, a low, rumbling chuckle escaped him and without a word, he turned, his large hands sliding down to grasp her thighs, lifting her effortlessly. She gasped, startled, but quickly wrapped her legs around his waist as he stood, carrying her out of the spring with an ease that made her head spin.

Water cascaded from his body in rivulets, catching the moonlight as it fell, while steam rose from his skin in delicate spirals, as if he were made of fire. She clung to him, laughing breathlessly, and through the slick warmth of the water between them, she felt him—hard and ready, pressed against her.

Before she could form another teasing remark, his mouth found hers, claiming her in a kiss that was hungry and urgent. His lips were firm, and his tongue swept across hers as her fingers tangled in his damp hair.

Maleane had never felt more alive than when she was with Halsin. His touch bloomed her like the spring. The vines of her heart, which she often thought rotted and curled into nothing but husks where fruit had once ripened and died, were all of a sudden green again. Lush. Halsin’s devotion held the power to bring life and joy to the very soil, and it was the same with her. He had seen the best of nature, the full beauty and bounty of the world around him. And he looked at her as though all of it paled in comparison. 

She was his heart, and he was hers. 

But, the intimacy they both desired didn’t come easily. Halsin’s sheer size had made it difficult - overwhelming for her smaller frame. The first time they’d tried, he’d been everything she could have asked for: gentle, patient, his every touch careful and soft. Yet even with all that care, the discomfort had quickly become too much. Time and again, they had tried, searching for different ways to make it work, but the result was always the same. His body was simply too large for hers to fully accommodate. And though they had found other ways to explore each other - through hands, tongues, hot caresses - it was never enough. No matter how much satisfaction they brought each other, that unfulfilled hunger remained, gnawing at the edges of her mind. She wanted more. 

“Before you get carried away, I have a gift for you.” she murmured.

Halsin groaned into the crease of her neck, she knew if she didn’t stop him now he would kiss his way down her body and settle his devoted tongue into the sweet warmth of her cunt, and then all her thoughts would be pulled apart and lost. 

“I don’t need more gifts, my heart. You have spoiled me. Let me spoil you in return.” 

The pad of his thumb rubbed her waist, in slow mesmerising circles. 

“I promise, this will be worth it.” She said with a sly little smirk. 

As the heat of the moment simmered, she leaned over to reach for a box wrapped delicately in a lilac ribbon. The wood was finely carved, etched with intricate patterns of vines and leaves. She handed it to him, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Something special for tonight,” she whispered, her voice bubbling with an unmistakable edge of mischief.

Halsin's eyes, still hazy with pleasure, widened with curiosity as he untied the ribbon and carefully lifted the lid. Inside, nestled on velvet cloth, was a beautifully crafted wooden sex toy. A phallus, not as large as his, with a sturdy leather harness. Designed for Maleane’s petite figure. Maleane had taken great care in selecting it, ensuring it was as much a work of art as it was a tool for their pleasure.

His gaze lifted to hers, as he took it in his hands, feeling the weight of it in his palm. 

“My heart, I must say…” He sighed as he studied it. “I am a little offended.”

Her heart sank, the sudden realisation striking her like a thunderclap. She had misread the situation. Of course she had. Acts of generosity, of attuning to what others truly needed, did not come naturally to her. Of course she would get it wrong. Panic surged through her, and her eyes widened as they met his - the colour of a long and love-filled summer slipping into a comfortable autumn. 

“Did somebody else whittle this for you?” He admonished, with faux-hurt. 

She burst into a rare, full grin—one of those grins she thought she had long forgotten how to wear. “I may not be the most considerate person,” she replied, “but even I thought it was a bit much to ask you to carve your own sex toy.”

He laughed, low and loose, and it moved her like music. “Why do you think I learned the skill in the first place?” he teased.

Halsin’s large hands took the harness with surprising delicacy. Maleane couldn’t help but smile as he examined the intricate design, his fingers tracing over the sturdy leather straps and polished wooden attachment. He looked at her with a soft, playful smile that made her heart dance.

“Let’s see how this fits, shall we?” 

Maleane stood before him and held her breath as Halsin knelt and began fastening the straps around her waist. His movements were careful, but his large fingers struggled with the smaller buckles. After a moment of fumbling, he let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.

“This is a little more fiddly than the ones I'm used to.” he murmured.

Maleane grinned down at him, “The mighty archdruid, stumped by a wooden phallus” she teased, biting her lip to suppress a laugh.

“It seems even the wilds did not prepare me for this challenge,” he said, finally managing to slip the last strap into place. He stood up and admired his work, his expression one of playful triumph as he adjusted the fit slightly.

“I think we’ve done it,” she said, giving a small experimental thrust of her hips, the equipment now securely in place. They both laughed as the movement caught Halsin by surprise, his eyes twinkling.

“Perfect,” He reached out, his hands resting gently on her hips as he looked into her eyes, and the laughter faded as he kissed her. Slow and deliberate.

His hands slipped down to her thighs, squeezing gently as he pulled her closer, his lips crashing against hers once more. The kiss was urgent now. Maleane’s hands found his hair, fingers threading through the strands and braids as she tugged him closer.

Halsin’s hands roamed over her. Each scar and stretch mark and imperfection a treasure he wanted to feel under his fingertips. He grazed the straps of the harness, tracing the lines of the leather as it wrapped around her hips and thighs. The sensation of calloused hands against sensitive skin sent a shiver through her, and she pressed her hips against his, feeling the hardness of him beneath her. The wooden shaft of the strap-on nudged against his lower abdomen, and Maleane’s breath hitched as she ground against him, the pressure sending sparks of pleasure through her own body despite the toy being designed for him.

Halsin growled softly, his hands tightening on her thighs as he lifted her slightly, adjusting their position so that the tip of the wooden toy brushed against him. His lips found her neck, kissing and nipping at her skin as his hands roamed over her backside, pulling her closer, urging her on.

Maleane’s heart raced, her body thrumming with desire as she felt him give himself over to her, his control slipping. She gripped his shoulders tightly, her lips finding his again in a hungry, desperate kiss, her hips grinding against him with increasing intensity.

Halsin moaned into her mouth, his hands guiding her movements as she rolled against him. 

“I’m going to need you to lie down for me, on your stomach.” Her voice was lower than he’d ever heard it, lust-soaked and wanton. “Raise your hips.”

Halsin compiled and Maleane couldn’t help the little thrill that ran through her as she took in the sight of him. The lean, powerful legs, the muscles of his shoulders and dip of his lower back. He was strength and beauty. He was hers. 

Usually when she took charge, it was out of necessity. She had to be in control, so he could be certain he wouldn’t hurt her, and he trusted she would stop if it became too much. Which, unfortunately, was too often for Maleane’s liking. 

But now, she was in charge because she wanted to be. 

His body stretched out before her like a meal before the starved. She could feel the heat between her thighs, the frustration of nights spent wanting him to take her fully, without restraint. But tonight, things were different. She was in control. The thought sent a heady rush through her as she settled between his legs, her fingers trailing lightly down his spine. Halsin shivered under her touch, letting out a soft sigh that made Maleane’s own arousal pulse. The sight of his body responding to her, the way he tensed and relaxed under her hands, was magical. 

“So eager,” she murmured, her voice low, hungry. Her hands skimmed across his firm ass, feeling the solid muscle beneath her palms. She leaned down, her breath hot against his skin as she tongued and bit at his cheeks.

Halsin groaned, glancing back over his shoulder, his expression already dazed. The wildness in him, that primal side she knew he fought so hard to keep in check, flickered in his eyes, but went nowhere. He was not in charge, she was. 

“Gods” he gasped, his voice strained.

Her lips curved into a satisfied smile, the power of seeing him unravel beneath her touch sending a fresh surge of arousal through her. She continued teasing him with wet kisses. Halsin’s deep moans filled the night, his hips grinding involuntarily against the ground, the friction making him twitch and gasp.

Maleane’s heart raced. His submission, his willingness to let her take control, driving her mad with lust. She wanted more - wanted to see him bow and arch for her, to hear his rough, needy pleas.

She parted his legs a little wider, exposing him fully to her. The sight of him, so strong and spread bare, so vulnerable and trusting, made her mouth dry and cunt wet. She dipped her head, her breath ghosting over the sensitive skin between his thighs.

“I want to make you feel good” she ran her tongue up in a long, deliberate lick, from his balls to the edge of his entrance. 

“Maleane—” his voice was the crackle and spit of a hungry fire. 

She smirked, satisfied by his reaction, and repeated the motion, each wet flick of her tongue making him shudder and gasp beneath her. His desperation was palpable now, his restraint slipping as she worked him over with slow, deliberate strokes of her tongue. The way his body trembled, the way he clenched and relaxed with each teasing lick, made Maleane’s own need burn hotter.

“Please,” he rasped, the word barely coherent through his ragged breaths.

Her breath hitched at the sound of him begging, that deep voice usually so controlled now raw with need. She slid her tongue inside him, pressing it against his tight hole, savouring the way he trembled and moaned. She revelled in every reaction. She wanted to push him past his limits, to make him forget everything except her. Except this. 

She sat up and dipped her fingers in the oil until they were well-slicked. Slick enough to slide effortlessly between Halsin's muscular cheeks. She ran the tip of her finger lightly over his entrance, savouring the shudder that rippled through his broad frame. His responsiveness was addictive - this powerful, unbreakable man, surrendering so completely to her touch. The control she held over him made her head spin.

Slowly, she pressed a finger inside, feeling the initial resistance give way as Halsin relaxed into her. His deep groan reverberated through the still night air. She moved with gentle precision, coaxing him open inch by inch, her touch slow and deliberate, as she prepared him for what was to come. His breathing became ragged, his massive chest rising and falling heavily as he succumbed to her rhythm.

"Look at you," she murmured, her voice dripping with admiration and lust. "So beautiful."

Halsin rolled his hips into the ground at her words, his need and her praise sending him spiralling deeper into submission. She added a second finger, feeling the tight heat of him yield as she worked him open further. His fists clenched above his head, the thick leather band around his bicep straining under the tension. Good, she thought. Let it break. Let him come undone, completely untethered, in her hands.

With two fingers inside him, Maleane curled them slightly, searching for that perfect spot that would make him tremble. It didn’t take long. Halsin let out a low growl, his body tensing, as she hit that sensitive place deep within him. His hips jerked involuntarily, pleasure crashing through him like a wave. Maleane smiled, revelling in his reaction as she made a scissoring motion with her fingers, stretching him slowly but steadily, making sure he was ready to take her. She withdrew her fingers and poured a liberal amount of the oil on the wooden cock between her legs. 

“I want to see your face.”

Halsin complied, rolling over and spreading his legs for her. Maleane’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of him - his strong, muscled body trembling, his cock hard and leaking against his stomach. His pupils blown and face flushed. She licked her lips, her own desire burning hotter as she positioned herself between his thighs. He steadied for a moment, and crooked one of his fingers under her chin to raise her eyes to his. The meeting of lilac and gold. 

“I love you, Maleane.”

As though there was any doubt. 

The head of the dildo pressed against his entrance, and Maleane felt her own body tense in anticipation. Slowly, she pushed forward, watching as Halsin’s eyes fluttered shut, his mouth falling open in a silent moan as she slid inside him. The heat of his body, the way he stretched around her, made it difficult to be slow, to be gentle. 

Maleane had never felt more powerful, towering over Halsin, watching the mighty druid reduced to soft gasps beneath her, completely surrendered. His body, all muscle and raw power, yielded to her every touch, every thrust. The man who could command the very forces of nature, who had spent centuries mastering control over the wilds, was utterly at her mercy. And she delighted in it. With every moan that escaped his lips, she felt her own dominance swell, like she could conquer the world if she wanted to. But right now, her world was Halsin, and there was nothing more powerful than knowing she could undo him completely. 

“Look at me,” she growled, her voice rough with need as she thrust deeper. His eyes opened, filled with pure, desperate pleasure.

Maleane could sense the difference in him tonight - the way his usual battle between man and beast seemed almost at peace beneath her touch. It was as though she had tamed that wild part of him, her dominance overtaking his. The way his massive frame trembled beneath her, the way he moaned and writhed as she fucked him, made her feel feral, ravenous. He was soft and pliant under her, while she was the one barely holding back the savage need to take him harder, faster, until nothing else existed but the feel of him breaking beneath her.

Maleane’s hips snapped forward, setting a hard, punishing rhythm as she fucked him, her body trembling with the power of it. “Let go, Halsin” she demanded, her hand sliding down to grip his cock, stroking him in time with her thrusts.

Halsin’s head fell back with a broken moan, his hips bucking wildly against her as she pushed him over the edge. His body tensed, his cock pulsing in her hand as he came with a strangled shout of her name, spilling onto his stomach. Maleane watched him, her heart pounding as his release wracked through him, her own satisfaction swelling as she saw him finally let go, fully and completely beneath her.

The rest of their evening was spent touching and talking, the way lovers who can laugh and struggle and trust together do. There were more orgasms, for both of them. Food and snoozing and bad jokes and so much love.

Halsin’s eyes were a little bit brighter, Maleane’s more hopeful.

She had been kind, and he had leant on her. 

They were trying, and it was enough.

[twstowo]

I noticed that you opened the ask box, so I came to ask for Floyd x Yuu with the scene from "The Little Mermaid", in which Ariel saves Eric from shipwreck, like it was an au where they met like that

I hope i'm not being too picky with my order ♡

♡OMG, I literally thought about this but with Azul, but then I was like, "Would Azul be able to save you?" because I have this mental image of him not being able to swim very well/being really slow. Lmao

♡Warning: Drowning

You'd always been a wanderer at heart, eager to explore the world, discover new places, and connect with people. Your adventure began when some sailor buddies welcomed you aboard their ship. Days at sea were filled with chants, parties, drinks, talks, and lending a hand to everyone. Once on land, you made the most of each day, wandering through cities and villages, documenting your experiences, and sketching landscapes. Your circle of friends in these new lands expanded so much that monthly, you'd receive a flood of cards and gifts, making it a challenge to find a spot for them all. Life was easy-going, a privilege granted by your birth into a well-off family, affording you the means to sustain yourself in these faraway places.

As you wrote letters to your distant friends, the sea's scent became a comforting constant, making you feel more at home on the waves than on solid ground. With night approaching, you finished the last letter and stepped out for a walk before dinner. It was then that one of your sailor friends, looking pale and alarmed, rushed towards you. "A storm's heading our way!" The wind had already picked up, and though storms at sea were nothing new, the urgency in your friend's voice unsettled you. "This one looks really bad, we might need your help," he said, and you nodded, following him.

With the wind intensifying, tasks on the ship became more challenging. The wind seemed determined to push everyone off the deck, and as you struggled to secure the unruly sails, your hands felt the sting of the rope. Panic spread across the crew, and for the first time, you feared this might be your last adventure. Looking at the encroaching storm, escape seemed impossible.

"Look out for that barrel!" you screamed as you watched the object land on someone's head, sending them tumbling down the ship. You ran towards them, grabbing their hand and holding it with all your strength to prevent the man from falling into the wild sea. The boat waddled with the strength of the waves, and you started to fear it would turn around at any moment.

"Don't let go!" you told him as you tried to pull him back up. You watched the fear in his face fade as he placed all his hope in your confident words. However, uncertainty crept in as the strength drained from your arms. The biggest wave you had ever seen approached the boat. You feared you'd never see your friends and family again as you said your last words before the wave hit all of you. "Fuck!-"

──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

You felt so cold, your body shivering as you slowly opened your eyes. It was mainly dark, but you could see some strange light from above reaching towards you. Nothing made sense as your brain tried to process everything around you. Strange wood started sinking around you, and the bodies of the crew members slowly sank by your side in a slow rhythm. You tried taking a deep breath, but your brain didn't allow it as you realized that you were underwater, having fallen off the boat after that huge wave hit it.

You finally grasped the situation as you started flapping your arms and legs around, trying to reach the surface. Wood pieces hit you along the way, sending you tumbling repeatedly. You feared the oxygen would not be enough for you to save yourself. Your throat burned as you tried holding your breath, unable to swim back to the surface. Everything started to become dark as you dared to breathe in the water. Then, you felt a strange touch on your shoulder. The lack of oxygen was surely playing tricks on you as you watched a strange creature look at you with a curious glance. You closed your eyes, awaiting death to take you.

──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

Floyd observed your sleeping form on the sand. He had brought you to the nearest land he could find, ensuring that your chest's gentle rise and fall indicated life. It was the first time he had come in contact with a living human, finding you strangely intriguing. Although he had seen some humans at rock bottom underwater, encountering a living one was a different experience.

Attempting to wake you, Floyd shook you gently, his fin hands reaching for your shoulders. However, your eyes gave no signal of opening. Annoyed, he sighed and lay back on the sand, half of his long tail submerged in the water.

Minutes passed as he lay there, gazing up at the sky. Strangely, after saving you, he felt in a remarkably good mood. He wanted to talk to you, for you needed to thank him, and he had questions about the inland people. Your head leaned against his shoulder, your cheek touching him, catching him off guard. He grinned as he gently arranged your hair.

When your eyes started to open, Floyd watched as you struggled to comprehend the situation. Weak and almost unable to move, you stared at his face, just a finger's distance away. You had never seen someone like him—strange ears, unnatural skin colour, and vibrant yellow/brown eyes. "Wh-Who are y-you?" you weakly whispered, and he quickly glanced behind, sitting down on the sand with his arms, reaching for the water.

“Oh My! Y/N is that you!” a voice shouted, and you tried to sit down, looking in the direction of the man who had vanished. You swore you had seen a tail—had you been saved by some sea creature? "We need to take you to a doctor!" a friend's hands reached for your arm, trying to help you stand as you continued gazing toward the ocean.

──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

“A human? I wasn’t expecting you to take such a strange liking to one of them,” Jade mocked his brother with a grin.

Floyd wasn’t enjoying Jade's tone as he swam away. He had been interrupted by another landwalker just when he had the chance to talk with you, not even learning your name. Though he'd never admit it to Jade or Azul, Floyd occasionally returned to that beach, hoping to meet you again. Perhaps one day, the two of you would get to talk properly, and Floyd could finally learn your name.

[tunaababee]

our fingers touch (i feel my way back home)

for @rosanna-writer in the @acotargiftexchange 2024!

read on AO3 // overall rating: e // wc this chapter: 7.2k

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Feyre Archeron has never much believed in soulmates, despite the mark along her back that's been there since birth indicating that there's someone out there for her. To keep the family afloat, her father has promised her to be wed to a powerful business associate of his, who definitely likes her... But not the mark running down her back.

Rhysand Sterling has kept the fact that he has a soulmate hidden - when you become the head of a crime family, you can't afford to have such obvious weaknesses. But there's a magnetic draw to the woman his rival is engaged to... And he's looking for some leverage on him.

As their worlds collide, it seems like it may have been meant to be.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

SURPRISE!!! i'm your Secret Santa!! it's been an absolute blast being able to get to know you more, and to pick your brain to try and cobble together the perfect gift for you <3

i know i probably gave myself away because i can't hide myself well to save my life, but i really truly hope you love this. as soon as i got my assignment i was SO nervous on how i was going to live up to THE ariel jeremy jordan and her wonderful writing!!!! i have so much planned for this au because it got so much bigger than i anticipated in my head. can't wait to have you along for the ride!!

another huge thank you to @whatishowedyouinthedark, @berd-nerd and @popjunkie42 for beta reading as well!!

a snippet of the chapter is below, but you can keep reading the rest on AO3! no update schedule, but hopefully i will have more soon!!

i hope you enjoy! 💖

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Elbow perched on the bar countertop, head in her hand while wallowing in a hearty dose of depression and self-pity, she didn't even notice the stranger who had sidled up to the bar and took the seat next to her without a word. She didn't notice the way his gaze slowly trailed over her, absorbing every detail of her with a smug smirk on his face, or the way he turned his body around to face her as she grumbled quietly to herself.

"Aren't you the picture of merriment and joy?" he drawled, amusement trickling into the edges of his voice. Feyre's eyebrows knitted together in annoyance - who the fuck did this guy think he was? She whipped around on the barstool to face him, only to be surprised by who faced her. A stranger, sure, but not one like any of the others here. If she had been introduced to him, she would have remembered.

The man who sat before her was younger, for one - had a spark in his eyes, a life to him she didn't see in typical political and business suits. Most of the time they were decrepit, grey-haired near-retirees that gave off sleaze in waves. But this man was put-together, suave even. Thick, raven-black hair that was perfectly coiffed, save for a stray curl that fell over his forehead that helped him exude an almost boyish charm. Enthralling, deep blue eyes, plush lips and deeply tanned skin for miles. His suit was well tailored and crisply pressed, emphasising his athletic build. His broad hands, one holding his glass and the other on his meaty thigh, were littered with silver bands, simple and unadorned save for the eye-catching signet ring on his right hand.

He perplexed her. He fascinated her. He was downright beautiful, even.

Feyre couldn't be certain she wasn't drooling. At least she'd look as dull as this party felt if she was.

“Excuse me?”

[artist-issues]

And another thing.

The original The Little Mermaid is about understanding. One of the main plot devices is that the witch takes what from Ariel, ladies and gentlemen?

Her voice.

Ariel did not leave the sea “for a boy.”

Ariel left the sea to be understood. Because for the whole first part of the movie, we’re shown hints of what her life is already like, and how she’s tried to be understood but nobody’s listening or communicating.

She’s introduced by describing a ship as amazing and wonderful, while her fish friend clearly does not understand and wants to get out of there.

Even her best friend doesn’t share her love for another world.

Her first interaction with her father, count how many times he’s speaking over her.

He has this prejudice against humans, and because she’s disobeyed him, he won’t listen to any of her evidence that they may not all be bad.

Even when she has a voice and a cavern full of proof that humans aren’t all barbarians, her father won’t listen to her, so he can’t understand.

And the truth is, she doesn’t have that much proof. She knows that humans are clever and make “wonderful things,” and that’s what she bases her belief in them on. But those beautiful objects, and her pretty ideals, are not enough to make her abandon her family and culture and world.

When she sings and talks about why she wants to be Part of That World, it’s because she wants to understand it. And, subconsciously, Ariel also hopes to be understood up there. Where they make cool devices, and maybe daughters can stand instead of being reprimanded. There’s this hope for freedom and being known associated with the surface.

But it’s not until she meets Eric that those ideals are really, actually, proven true.

Ariel sees Eric out on the sea exploring instead of staying in a palace on his birthday. He gets a gift from the closest person to him, and it’s clear that even the closest person to him doesn’t understand his tastes—he doesn’t want an over-dramatic statue of himself. He sticks to his ideals in an argument that somewhere out there, is the right girl for him. But he doesn’t have to leave the argument in frustrated tears. In the end, he risks his life to not only watch out for his friend, but nearly dies going back to a burning ship to save his dog.

Eric personifies everything Ariel has always idealized about the Human World—AND he might understand her.

In her one observation of him, she finds out that he, a human, is:

A Prince, but nobody can tell him what to do.

More interested in activity and exploration than palace ceremony.

Unable to relate to his closest companions.

Handsome—beautiful, not a savage.

Criticized for “silly, romantic notions” but sticks to the idea of something wonderful out there in the great beyond.

Brave, self-sacrificial, and compassionate to animals.

Eric is, all at once, everything Ariel always hoped a human could be, and yet still so like herself. They have twin souls.

She’d rather be exploring human ships, he’d rather be out exploring the sea. She believes the surface world is good and beautiful, he believes in the girl of his dreams, no matter what anyone says. She has nobody who gets excited about new adventures, and he has nobody who gets excited about new adventures.

When she sees him, she falls in love not just with his upstanding character, or even the human world he represents—she falls in love with the hope that he might understand her in away nobody under the sea does.

Then the ironic thing is, she’s got to make him understand who she is and what she should mean to him without a voice. And unfortunately, that’s really hard because he is suddenly associating his dream girl with a voice and a magical rescue.

As close as they may get when she finally does meet him face to face and gets herself human legs, Ariel and Eric can’t be together until he knows who she is, for real. After all, how can love be true without understanding?

And we’re not DONE with understanding. Because even after he learns what and who she is and still commits to her and saves her and loves her, Ariel’s back to having a tail. She’s back to being in a world where he can’t be.

Except now, Triton is the one who understands. He finally sees what they’ll do for each other—and that Eric, ”savage, spineless, harpooning fish eater with no regard” saved his daughter. He sees that they love each other and are each worthy of the other’s love.

It’s not until Triton understands what Ariel has known and felt all along that he gives her human legs the right way.

That’s the point of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. “True love is found in understanding and sacrificing for one another.”

Triton had the sacrificing idea down, but he didn’t have understanding. Eric had understanding, but he didn’t have the chance to sacrifice for it.

Ariel has both. She understands that Eric’s world is not only barbaric, but beautiful, and she’s willing to sacrifice her tail to be understood in that world.

That is what this movie is all about. And because they’re probably willing to sacrifice critical scenes, like the Prince saving the day (which is important because it provides Triton with a new understanding of humans) or the girl leaving the ocean to be with the boy (which is important because what she really wants is to be understood) the creators of the Live Action Little Mermaid are going to miss the point and ruin the movie.

[sole-di-fragola]

Super Late but Wish redesigns and rewrite

Update: I changed Mizar’s design a little bit

I tried to recreate the 90s Disney art style in this drawing since I imagine the rewrite as a 2D movie

(Click image for better quality)

There’s some details about my rewrite (copypasted for the Notes App and modified a little bit)

Asha is the daughter of the deceased king Tomas and the royal seamstress Sakina

Rosas used to be allied with a kingdom in the sky called Al-Jady and both battled the black hole monsters who attacked their kingdom

Both kingdoms had a good relationship during the years, but when Magnifico came, Al-Jady decided to cut ties with them

Her dad Tomas and Magnifico are brothers. Tomas was wise and loyal and was a philosopher and astronomer, while Magnifico is ambitious and power-hungry and is a sorcerer. Tomas was chosen to be the heir to the throne

Magnifico’s real name is Marion

Magnifico, jealous kill Tomas.

Then he lies to Asha that her dad was killed by thieves from another kingdom, and then she is banished with her mom and grunkle

They now live in a Hamlet, in which Sakina is the matriarch

She works undercover by the name of Layla. Layla means night in Arabic and is a pretty common name, and Asha is a rare name. (Referring to Aurora’s Briar Rose and Mulan’s Ping)

Asha is a quiet, reserved and studious. But also she is snarky and quick tempered

She likes to draw, animate and learn about astronomy. Her drawing skills are shown more often than in the original movie

Layla (undercover Asha) works at the palace as the royal librarian and reads stories to children

Although Asha considers some stories, as fantasy and childish stories, including the origin of the kingdom of Rosas she likes to practice magic (probably she thinks she is more mature or realizes that these stories may be fake, idk)

Her friends live in other hamlets outside the kingdom

Her Mom and Sabino still exist

Sabino plays the guitarra morisca (or Mandora) as his instrument (to make it historically accurate)

Sabino is Asha’s grunkle

The Star being a shape shifter (like the concept art) and his name is Mizar. His appearance is like a moth creature, when he turns into a human he looks more like an Afro-Arab teenager, chubby and shorter than Asha (I make him different than the average Disney Prince)

He has a companion named Najm, he is inspired by Tinkerbell and only Mizar can understand him

Also the main couple both having sidekick has been seen in many Disney movies (ex: Ariel and Eric, Jasmine and Aladdin)

Najm was a gift from Mizar’s parents to him in his 18 birthday

Mizar can fly and transform into various living things

Mizar likes music and he can play the flute (inspired by @a-storytellers-wish’ s version of Star)

He also likes to study about The Mainland and it’s inhabitants (Yep, I called it like how the fairies in Tinkerbell called the human realm)

Najm can make animals talk and give cosmic dust to make a person fly

His inspirations includes Genie, Peter Pan and Maui

Mizar has the same powers as Merlin (shapeshift,make objects move and see the future)

Magnifico and Amaya are an evil couple (like the concept art) with a pet lynx named Lola and a daughter called Celeste

Celeste is Asha’s cousin, she is 25. She acts like a big sister for Asha

If you are a writer and you had you own rewrite, please I need your help, I’m not good at writing

Sort of spoilers of the rewrite but I will put it anyways

Magnifico summoning the blackhole monsters who are jailed and attack Al-Jady (referring to Hades summoning the Titans to attack the Olympus in Hercules)

Magnifico dies pulled by the Black Hole monsters like Dr Facilier (also referencing Kira’s death in JoJos since both have the same voice actor in Latin Spanish)

I might make a separate post about the designs, but idk yet.

(I don’t like to randomly tag users, but they inspired me to do my own rewrite, although I found the movie decent but it still has flaws and was a nothingburger movie for celebrating the 100th anniversary of one of the most historical and important studio in the animation industry. If I said my unpopular opinions about the movie, some people would probably burn me in a stake)

@rylxdreams @your-ne1ghbor @annymation @uva124 @rascalentertainments @erijuice @cerulean-crow @signed-sapphire @mythartist21 @strawbxerri (I know the last one is not in the “fandom” anymore but “Asha being a refugee monarch like Simba” is kinda similar to their rewrite and it was just a coincidence. The idea just came when I was brainstorming the AU with a mutual of mine on Twitter)

[mediocreanomaly]

Mermaid vash with s/o human reader

I feel like Vash would court the reader by giving them random "lost" stuff that he found from people that dropped things in the ocean, like bottles, broken camera, jewelry, a random knive. Anything shiny and cool looking ends up in the reader's hands from Vash. He'd be very happy if the reader accepts the gifts but if the reader gives him something? Any thoughts gone, Vash is malfunctioning.

Just thought this would be a cute idea

Authors Note: Guys please I'm a creature lover at heart don't get me started on these prompts- (joking please get me started on these prompts mer!Vash makes me happy)

Mer!Vash x Reader HC's

•Vash is extremely interested in humans. Think...Ariel lmao. Although humans are known for trying to poach merfolk (their scales and fins are extremely valuable) he can't help but love them!

•He does his best to stay hidden as he follows along boats from afar to watch the crew work during the day or play cards and drink at night. He sits on far away rocks on beaches to watch the humans splash in the water and sunbathe on the beach. Basically, if he can watch humans somewhere he'll be there

•Which is why when you became the newest light house keeper for the port, you were the perfect human for Vash to watch

•It was perfect, the lighthouse was far enough from the actual port that he could lay on the rocks with out being seen, he'd watch you through the light house windows, he'd watch when you'd leave to dip your feet in the water or sit on the rocks to watch the horizon. It became Vash's new favorite pass time so it was only a matter of time before you noticed your fishy companion

•When you first see him his lower body is in the water, only his head sits out watching you, you blink and begin approaching him thinking it's someone who's swam too close to the rocks

"Hey! This might not be the best place to swim. There's lots of rocks, and the actual swimmer's beach is-" You pause, caught off guard when, a couple of steps in, you see a long red and orange tail gleaming in the water. You lose your balance and fall into the shallow water screaming-

"ahhh!" "ahhh!" the merman mimics back in your voice, which only concerns you more and...leads you to scream again, "Ahhh!!!" "ahhh!!!"

•This whole mimicking thing seems to go back and forth for about two more screams before you settle. You catch your breath as you stare at the merman who just watches you curiously not making a move to leave

•You had heard of merfolk, everyone had but it was rare to see them unless you were a poacher and even then merfolk were famous for sinking the ships that were after them. You had met a cocky sailor once who had tried to boast by showing off a few mermaid scales he has sliced off some mermaid he was tracking but it had only disgusted you thinking about how terrified the poor girl must've been

•Although as you carefully look over the merman in front of you it doesn't look like this one has had any better luck, winding scars paint his chest and it seems he's missing an arm...you wearily glance up to the blue eyes watching you, you're pretty sure merfolks were supposed to have silted iris but this merman's pupils are blown wide with curiosity

"...so...can you copy anything I say?" you ask,

"...so...can you copy anything I say?" He repeats in your voice, which...is admittedly a bit creepy but he makes a pleased trill noise after he shows off

"Right...so you uh, have a name?" you ask, the merman nods eagerly then pauses looking a little sad before smiling and saying

"Vash!" in a woman's voice you've never heard before

•You come to realize that Vash can mimic pretty much any sound as long as he's heard it before. You assume it's some sort of hunting tactic which scared you a bit until you realized he mostly used it to mimic the noises of other sea animals to bring them closer, so it seemed humans were not on the merfolk menu

•Vash comes around pretty much every day, trying to communicate through half phrases he had heard and various chirps and trills you often had to decode the message of. Luckily he was very expressive so it helped with the context

•You find Vash loves human things, you even started bringing him foods after he snatched a bag of donuts from your hand one morning. So you eat most of your meals out by the rocks now, not that you mind. The life of a light house keeper was a lonely one, so you were glad for the company as unconventional as it may be

•The two of you actually become close, or...as close as a human and merman can get you guess? The only issue for you is you don't seem to realize how close you actually are

•Vash has decided. You'd be the perfect mate. You're a good swimmer (for a human), you provide food (donuts), and it only confirms it in his head when one day he makes and happy chirp noise and you jokingly try to mimic it back the same way he does, not realizing it's a show of affection in the merfolk world

•So Vash takes it upon himself to begin courting you. You know how I said think Ariel when you think about Vash? Yeah, he has a little cave in the ocean that he just collects trinkets in. Pennies, jewelry, screws, knives, if it shimmers he's picked it up and stashed it away. Which is why he's sure he'll be very good at scavenging to show you how good of a mate he would make!

•It starts off slow, when you're sitting on the rocks with Vash and he hands you a small shiny quarter. You glance up at him as he watches you eagerly waiting for a response. You smile and run your hand through his wet hair

"For me?" you hum, he makes an affirmative trill, tail slapping against the rock excitedly

"Well thank you, it's very nice Vash"

•Then the next day he brings you a necklace he found which you please him by wearing, something that just confirms his courting is working. Then he brings you an old camera, then a bottle, then a whole sword which you go wide eyed at when your smiling blonde companion pulls it out of the water

•You aren't 100% sure why Vash feels the need to bring you things but you enjoy the collection of shells, sand dollars, and shiny objects he leaves you. Although you feel a little bad that, besides the snacks you offer him, you haven't ever given him a gift

•So you go to the market the next day trying to find something. You didn't really know if Vash had a home to keep anything big in...where did merfolk live anyway? You'd have to ask Vash the next time you saw him- and you're getting distracted.

•You sigh almost giving up when a stall that glimmers in the sun catches your eye. Perfect! Vash loved shiny things! You run over to the stall to see what they have when your gaze lands on a gold earring. The whole "one earring" look was becoming popular among sailors, but...Vash liked mimicking humans, maybe he'd like this?

•You quickly buy it (in part thanks to all the spare change Vash leaves in your hands every morning) and head back out to the lighthouse

•When you get there Vash has already pushed himself up on the rocks waiting for you. He makes a pleased trill noise and greets you with a "Good morning!" in your own voice. You chuckle and carefully climb your way over to his spot and sit down

"Good morning to you too! Hold out your hand!" You urge as you dig in your bag for your gift, Vash gives a curious look and tilts his head letting out a questioning "vrr?"

"please? C'mon it's good surprise promise" you say, he nods not one to deny you and holds out his hand. You press the gold ear ring into his palm and smile at him.

"so? Do you like it? ...Vash? Uh...Vash?" You try to wave your hand in front of his face but his eyes are locked on the trinket, as if completely shocked. His face is...also going a very bright shade of red the longer he looks at it- did you break him?

"Vash if you don't like it-" Before you can finish that thought he quickly makes a panicked chirp when you go to grab it out of his hand and dives into the water leaving you wondering what just happened

•Vash, meanwhile, is running his fingers over the metal of the earring over and over again. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected a courting gift from you! This was so embarrassing! To accept courting advances was one thing but to be so bold as to court back? He never expected you to be so forward! Well...that just confirmed you wanted to be his mate...and that he'd have to up his courting tactics to really impress you

•After about a half hour of sitting bewildered at the mermans reaction you finally spot him as he peaks his head out of the water and- oh! He's wearing the gold earring, the hoop hanging from his right ear

"Vash! I almost thought you left for the day" you sigh padding into the water after him.

He shakes his head and makes a cooing noise before repeating "Hold out your hand!" just as you had earlier

"hmm? Oh you didn't have to get me something too but okay" You relent holding out your hand, expecting more change or something shiny-

"ahhhh!" you scream as a live fish about as big as your arm is dropped into your hands. You fumble and drop it, the fish flops around before darting away as soon as it hits the water. Vash frowns, this...was going to be harder than he thought.

[vodika-vibes]

hellooooo!! i would like to drop a request for your follower event please!!

i’ve been seeing all the mermaid AUs and wanted to hop on that bandwagon. but the reader (gender neutral) is the mermaid instead of the clone. so gender neutral mermaid reader with human gregor please! something cute and romantic!!!<3

Up Where They Walk

Summary: It’s been years since King Neptune banned all merpeople from venturing to the surface. Contact with humans is punishable by exile. But you’ve never been very good at following the rules.

Pairing: Captain Gregor x GN!Reader

Word Count: 1740

Warnings: None

Prompt: Mermaid AU

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: So, as I wrote this, I was picturing a Little Mermaid AU, where Ariel accepted Ursula's gift and never returned to the sea. Because she was never in love with Prince Eric, so much as human culture as a whole. King Neptune, thinking that the humans stole his youngest daughter, forbade contact with the humans in his grief.

You’ve been a journalist since you were a teenager. You started with writing stories at school, cute little stories about the school sports team or the choir. 

Nice little feel-good stories that your classmates can bring home to their parents.

As you aged, your stories became much less cute.

Your first real story was about the growing drug epidemic that was going untreated in Atlantis. Your second story was about King Neptune’s growing paranoia towards the surface-dwellers.

The second story puts you squarely under the King’s microscope.

Oh, everything you wrote was completely factual. But people don’t often question the King’s decisions, and your article meant that many people started to question his rulings.

Because of this scrutiny, you really should be more careful.

You should stay within the bounds of the King’s directives. 

That would be the smart thing to do.

But, no one’s ever accused you of being overly smart.

And so tonight, just like every night, you slip out of your home and swim out of Atlantis. You swim around the ship graveyard and then swim up.

Higher, higher, and higher, until you reach the surface.

It takes you a moment to gain your bearings, and then you turn and swim to shore. You give the fishing village a wide berth and swim until you reach the pier.

Specifically one of the houseboats located at the end of the row of bobbing boats.

The ship is called The Starburst, and its Captains name is Gregor. You toss a small rock at a closed window and watch as the door opens, and Gregor steps onto the deck.

He looks around for a moment, then a bright smile crosses his face as his gaze lands on you. Gregor walks over to you and crouches on the deck, “I didn’t think you were coming tonight,” He says.

“Have I ever missed a date?” You counter with an easy grin, “It took me a bit longer to ditch my babysitter than normal.”

Gregor frowns and reaches down to take your hands. Effortlessly, as though you weigh nothing, he lifts you onto the deck and settles you next to him.

You shimmy so that your tail isn’t in the water anymore, just in case someone from Atlantis comes poking around, and you gratefully accept the blanket that he offers you.

“The King is cracking down on you?” Gregor asks concern written clearly on his face and in his voice.

“He knows I’m doing something illegal, but he has no proof. And if he exiles me, or throws me in prison, without proper proof he’ll be thrown out of the throne faster than you can blink.” You reply, “I am a journalist, after all.”

The concerned look doesn’t fade, “Maybe we should stop these dates for a while?” 

“That’s sweet, Gregor.” You turn to him and reach out to press your hands against his cheeks, “But I’m not afraid of the King.”

“I thought you said that he’s the most powerful magic user in Atlantis.”

“Oh, he is.” You agree.

“So maybe you should be afraid of him?”

“Gregor,” You lightly stroke his cheek, “You’re worth it to me.”

His dark eyes scan your face, and then Gregor sighs and presses his hands over your cheeks, his warm hands sliding across the scales that sit high on your cheekbones. “I’m flattered.” He finally says with a soft laugh.

“You should be. I’m a catch, Gregor.”

“Mm, I believe it.” One of his arms moves to wrap around your waist, and he pulls you closer until your chest is pressed flush against his. “And you went and let me catch you, I’m a lucky man.”

“Yes,” You agree with a growing grin, “You are.” You tilt your head back slightly, and Gregor immediately leans in and catches your lips with his.

Kissing Gregor is always a treat. His lips and tongue are warm, and he always tastes of something sweet. He once admitted to you that he likes to eat a piece of candy before you arrive, in the hopes that you’ll kiss him more.

Every inch of him is warm, you can’t help but press yourself closer to him as you kiss, trying to absorb all of his warmth. Not that he seems to mind, as his hands dip under the blanket he wrapped you in to slide against the smooth skin of your back, and the rougher scales of your upper tail. 

You allow your hands to slide under the hem of his shirt to rest on his stomach, and Gregor releases a noise that you’d call a mix of a moan and a groan. 

He breaks the kiss, pulling a noise of dismay from your lips, “You’re going to be the death of me, cyare.” Gregor mumbles as his lips move to settle on the skin on your neck.

“I’m not doing anything.” You counter innocently as you slide your hands higher up his stomach to settle just over his ribs.

Gregor groans again, “Would you like me to take my shirt off?” He asks, his gaze heated.

“Mm, more than anything.” You admit, “But you probably shouldn’t.”

Gregor stares at you for a moment, and then swiftly peels his shirt off and tosses it to the side, “I’ll stop you before we go too far,” He promises, and he’s rewarded with you lightly pushing him onto his back, your hands wandering across the planes of skin now exposed to you.

He laughs when you lower your head to press a kiss just over his heart, his hand coming up to caress your cheek.

You favor him with a bright smile, “I love you, Gregor.”

His smile is blinding, and then he tugs you so that you’re half laying over him and he pulls you down so that his lips are pressed against yours once more. “Love you too,” He murmurs against your lips. “If you could stay until sunrise, I’d show you just how much.”

You smile at him, “Maybe someday.” You whisper.

“Once your King gets over himself,” Gregor agrees, “But I’m a patient man, I can wait.” And then he pulls your lips down to meet his again, and any more talking becomes pointless.

After all, you both know how you feel about each other and you’d both rather spend what little free time you have together showing each other how you feel, rather than talking about it.

The following day, a little after lunchtime, you’re summoned to the Palace.

King Neptune looks smug, and you can’t help but scowl at him. “If you’re here to nag me about the article that I’m writing,” You start, “The housing crisis is just that, a crisis!”

The King inclines his head in agreement, “It is a crisis, and it’s one that I’ve been working on. Your articles about the crisis have helped a lot with my negotiations. You are here, journalist, because you’ve been breaking the law.”

Your scowl deepens.

“Traveling to the surface has been forbidden since before you were born.” The King says, “And yet, you travel to the surface every night, for hours.”

You lift your chin, “And I have for well over a year. What of it?”

“Travel to the surface is punishable by exile.” The King reminds you.

You glare at him, “They are our closest neighbors, we should be opening dialogue with them for trade.”

“That is not for you to decide.” The King says flatly, “But if you love the surface so much, then you can live with them.”

You’re about to demand to know what he means, but you don’t have the chance as golden, painful, magic swirls around you, transforming you from a mer to a human.

You have half a second to realize that you’re drowning before there’s a second golden glow wraps around you and rips you from Atlantis. 

You’re dropped, unceremoniously, on a strip of beach not far from Gregor’s ship, wrapped in a loose tunic and tattered trousers to protect you from the harsh sun.

And there, burned into your left leg, is the word EXILE written in the mer language. 

Slowly, painfully, you push to your feet and head towards Gregor’s boat. You’re a bit unsteady on your feet, partly because you’ve never had feet before and partly because the burn on your leg hurts with every step.

Eventually, you make it to Gregor’s boat, or, well, to where his boat docks at the end of every day, and you drop onto a bench nearby. He’ll come back soon enough.

Several hours later, Gregor’s ship pulls back into his place at the pier, and he almost immediately jumps off the ship and to your side, “Cyare?” His hands, rough and calloused, press against your cheek, and then just over the burn on your leg, “What happened?”

You flash a painful smile, “I was exiled.”

“Kriff, this looks like it hurts. Have you been in the sun all day?”

“It does, and I have.” He scoops you into his arms and carries you onto his ship, bringing you below deck and setting you on a plush bed.

“Hold on, I have some aloe for the sunburn,” He says, “It’ll help with the burn. As for the brand,” He glances at it, and grimaces, “I’ll call the town doctor, he’ll be able to help I’m sure.”

“I’m sorry, Gregor.”

He pauses and shoots you a look, “For what?”

“Being a burden.”

“You’re not, you could never.” He grabs the aloe, drops it on the bedside table, and then presses his hands against your cheeks, “I love you, and I’m happy to take care of you.”

“Well, you did warn me—”

“The only person at fault for this is your King, no one else.” Gregor interrupts, “I’m happy that you’re here, even if it's not how we wanted. I’ll teach you everything you need to excel on land.”

You smile at him, adoringly. “And I can finally meet your brothers?”

“And you can meet my brothers.” He agrees, leans in kisses your forehead, and then presses a chaste kiss against your lips, “Now, I need to call the doctor, are you hungry?”

“A little bit.”

“Alright, I’ll call the doctor and then make you something to eat.” He kisses you one more time, “We’re going to be fine, cyare. You’ll see.”

You squeeze his fingers and nod agreeingly.

After all, if Gregor says it, then it must be true.

[backstageinfatuationvn]

What's their favorite Disney movie? And if they were a Disney prince/princess who would they be?

I LOVEEE DISNEY SO MUCH RAHHHH I'M SO HAPPY SOMEONE ASKED THIS QUESTION

Kier as Ariel: (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel is a passionate, headstrong dreamer who is willing to go to great lengths to get what she wants—just like Kier, who is deeply obsessed with the MC and carefully orchestrates situations to keep them close.

Both have a sense of yearning—Ariel for the human world, Kier for a "perfect love" with the MC.

Ariel gives up her voice to be with Prince Eric, which parallels how Kier hides his true self behind his idol persona, sacrificing authenticity for his ideal.

The theme of obsession fits too—Ariel collects human trinkets, much like how Kier might "collect" moments, gifts, or even control over the MC.

Kethan as Aurora: (Sleeping Beauty)

Aurora is graceful, kind, and somewhat detached from the chaos around her—similar to how Kethan is naturally poised due to his upbringing and isn't easily flustered.

She is unknowingly placed in danger due to circumstances outside of her control (the curse), much like how Kethan gets dragged into Kier's schemes because of his bond with the MC.

Aurora is also a symbol of purity and true love, which aligns with Kethan’s genuine care for the MC and his desire to protect them from Kier’s influence.

[sjsmith56]

Assignment Bucky Barnes, Chapter 4 - I Found You

Summary: Ariel and Bucky have their first date, becoming intimate much sooner than she planned.

Length: 6.4 K

Characters: Ariel, Steve, Merton, Bucky.

Warnings: Minors DNI, contains sexual content which is not suitable for readers under the age of 18. Intense emotions.

Author’s notes: Bucky’s intensity will overwhelm Ariel’s sense of professionalism.

<<Chapter 3

The morning sunlight hitting Ariel's eyelids hurt and she put her hand over them before raising herself on one elbow.  She didn't remember coming to bed and wondered if Merton carried her in.  The least he could have done was pull the blinds down so the bright rays coming through the lace curtains didn't hurt so much.  As her gaze shifted to the night stand she smiled seeing that he had left her a glass of water.  Picking it up she drank half of it then sat up with her feet hanging over the bed.  Putting the glass down she went over to the window to pull the blind down and saw another flower on the windowsill.  Pushing the lace curtain aside she smiled at the deep red rose, wondering how Bucky managed to get one so early in the morning then leave it there for her to see before he went to work at the docks.  She didn't need the flower book to know the meaning of this gift; true love, the love of desire.  A hesitant breath came out of her chest as she contemplated whether to pick it up and accept the invitation because that was what this was, an invitation.  Just like the passionate kiss of the night before this was a declaration of intent.  Bucky was planning to give himself fully to her; all of his attention, all of his love and regard.  If she didn't pick the rose up the relationship was as good as over before it even started.  With deliberation she picked it up and smelled it, then placed it in the glass with the now wilted daisy.  Part of her hoped that wasn't a premonition of how it would all end, even though she knew it would end for her if they lasted until Bucky did fall in early 1945.

She finished her glass of water and took the empty glass out to the kitchen, surprised that it was almost 10 am.  There was a note on the table saying Merton was in the shop.  He made her a fruit and yogurt parfait which was chilling in the ice box.  Pulling it out, she saw banana, strawberry, and raspberries mixed in between layers of yogurt and what looked like home made granola in a glass.  Merton certainly was an interesting cook.  Taking a spoon out of the drawer she took a taste and marvelled at the full and rich flavour of the fruit, realizing that this was a time before the use of genetic "improvements" to fruit and vegetables to improve their shelf life but which also affected the taste by removing much of the distinctiveness of the flavours.  Savouring them she put the parfait down then pulled out a sheet of parchment paper from the kitchen pantry, folding it in half.  She went back into the bedroom, bringing the glass with the daisy and the rose out.  After cutting the edge of the rose stem off she replaced the water in the glass, hoping that would let the rose stay fresh longer.  Then she cut the wet part of the daisy stem off and arranged the daisy as best she could on the parchment paper between the folds.  Going over to the bookcase she looked for a good candidate to press the flower and found it in a Complete Works of Shakespeare text.  She opened it about three quarters through and slid the parchment paper between the pages, closing it and returning it to her room.  The weight of the book would hopefully be enough to press the flower flat.  Then she finished eating the parfait and washed the glass and spoon, drying it and putting them away.  After washing up and dressing, she went down the stairs and around to the door to the shop.

"Hi," said a cheery voice when she opened the door, surprised to see Steve Rogers sweeping the floor of the shop.  "I hope you had a good sleep.  Mr. Burnett went to the bank and asked if I would mind the store while he was gone."

"I did, thank you," she replied.  "I had a bit of a late night and must have been more tired than I thought.  I started cleaning the furniture yesterday."

"Yeah, I finished it," said Steve.  "It didn't take long.  You did most of it already.  Mr. B. said that there is some silverware that needs polishing.  We can work on that once I finish sweeping."

"Okay, I'll get it together," replied Ariel.  "Have you spoken to Bucky this morning?"

She wondered if Steve would be truthful as she had an idea he was also there to gauge her reaction to the red rose.

"Briefly," he said.  "Sounded like you had a really nice walk home."

She came closer, looking directly at him, until he began to get uncomfortable.  "You can tell him I took the red rose and put it in a glass of water," she said.

His face coloured then he swallowed.  "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Right," she said.  "Steve, I don't mind you being a go between but don't think for a minute that I don't notice things.  He told you what we talked about and the decision we made, didn't he?"  He looked away then nodded.  "I like him, a lot, and even though it's moving faster than I'm normally comfortable with he's left the decision to me when we take it to another level.  Tell him it will happen but when I'm ready.  That's the last I'm going to say of it.  Let's talk about other more mundane things."

With a nod of relief from Steve they gathered the silverware together on the large table at the back of the shop and began polishing it.  They talked about music, art, baseball and movies, making each other laugh as they recalled their favourite funny scenes in some movies.  After one particularly good belly laugh he looked at her and seemed to make a decision.

"I drew this of you after meeting you the other day," he said, bringing out a folded piece of heavy paper from his jacket, draped over the back of the chair.  "I couldn't get the hair quite right because I was doing it from memory but I thought you might like it."

He pushed it towards her and she opened it to a pencil sketch of her, smiling, on another smaller piece of paper.  For a moment she couldn't say anything as her throat constricted, threatening to make her cry.  Gently she touched it then looked at his pale face.

"It's beautiful," she said.  "You did this in a day?"  He nodded, his face colouring.  "You're a talented artist, Steve.  Thank you.  I will cherish this always."

She placed her hand on his and squeezed it.  Then she excused herself and took it up to the apartment.  For several long minutes she looked at it, wondering why no one had ever thought to make a more detailed observation of this gentle and talented man, during his pre-war years.  Then she thought again, perhaps they had and she just didn't recognize the historian observing him.  She looked at the drawing again.  Even though Merton had speculated that Steve would give her a drawing the quality of this one was breath taking.  Covering it up again she placed the portrait in her dresser drawer, deciding to keep its existence a private matter between her and Steve.  Then she returned to the store and resumed polishing the silverware.

By the time Merton returned from the bank he could see that the pair had developed an easy relationship with each other where both felt comfortable.  He also took it to mean Ariel had decided to go ahead with the intense relationship with Bucky.  Part of him admired her determination but another part of him, a more fatherly part, he realized, hoped that she wouldn't get hurt by the intensity of the love she would receive from the young dock worker.

Together Steve and Ariel cleaned all the silverware pieces before the end of the afternoon even after they broke for lunch and made tomato soup with toasted cheese sandwiches.  Merton put the radio on and they listened to music at the kitchen table while they ate.  He put one of the old radios on in the store when they went back.  A customer came in and bought it saying they didn't realize Merton sold working radios as well as antiques.  As soon as he left with his purchase they all laughed.  At 4 o'clock Steve said he had to leave for another odd job.  As he put his jacket on Merton opened the cash register, took some money out and gave it to Steve.  The slender man looked at it and tried to give some back.

"That's too much Mr. Burnett," he said.

"Not today, Steve," said Merton, firmly.  "You earned that."

Steve ducked his head and turned to leave then stopped and turned at the door.

"I hope you enjoy your date with Bucky," he said, looking at Ariel, who smiled at him before he headed out.

"How much did you pay him?" she asked.

"$3.00," he replied.  "It was too much but he does work hard and I know he struggles.  I don't mind helping either of them out from time to time."  He changed the topic.  "So, tonight is the date.  Do you plan to bring him home after?"

"No, I told him I wanted to take it slow since I've only known him three days," she said.  "When he picks me up, how do you plan to handle it, being my uncle and all?"

He smiled as he took a breath.  "It's not like I'm a paragon of virtue, for these times anyway," he said.  "If you could keep him waiting a bit before you're ready tonight I'll have the shovel talk with him, or it's pacifist equivalent."

"Shovel talk?" she asked.  "I have an idea what you mean but please enlighten me."

"Just that as your uncle I feel responsible for you and if he hurts you then I'll kill him, after making him dig his own grave with a shovel.  As a 22nd century man of course I don't mean it but I'll find a way to tell him that your heart is a fragile thing and he better be good to it.  When you do have him stay over just lock your door and turn the radio on in your room.  I'll get the hint and make myself scarce or something.  He's a virile man and I'm guessing he's going to be energetic in bed."

"Okay, I'll do my best," replied Ariel.  "You put me in that room deliberately, didn't you?  Because of that one story addition below."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Merton laughed.  "It was just already made up as a bedroom." 

"Well, I have to press my dress," she said, "and take a quick shower.  How dressy do I dress for dinner and a movie in these times?  I have an idea but I would appreciate your input."

"A nice dress, a hat, your gloves, and mid heels," said Merton.  "Go easy on the perfume.  I would say wear lipstick but I'm guessing he plans to neck with you so it will get wrecked if you do.  He'll likely wear a suit and tie and style his hair."

With that advice Ariel left to get ready.  Instead of a shower she decided to have a bath and put a couple of drops of Joy perfume in it, hoping it wouldn't be overwhelming.  When she returned to her room she put her underwear on, then her garter belt over top.  Her stockings went on next then her slip and finally, her dress that buttoned up in the front.  She heard a knock from the door at the top landing and then Bucky's voice as Merton greeted him.  Facing the mirror she put her necklace on, a string of artificial pearls, and some earrings.  After fastening a recording brooch on to the front of the dress she slipped her heels on, then checked herself in the mirror, making sure her stocking seams were straight.  Finally she put her hat on and tilted it slightly to be more stylish.  Picking up her gloves and purse she opened the door.  Immediately Bucky stood up from the couch and smiled at her.  He was wearing a dark blue-grey suit with a vest, white shirt and a striped tie which wasn't tightened completely.  His hair was styled, slicked back and he was clean shaven.  Smiling he looked her up and down.

"You look great," he said enthusiastically.  "Mr. B. was just telling me how much work you and Steve got done today.  I hope you didn't get too tired.  Don't want you falling asleep during the movie."

"I'm good but I will have to be home by midnight so I get of plenty of sleep before work tomorrow," replied Ariel.

Bucky took her coat off of the coat rack and helped her into it then shook Merton's hand, thanking him for the advice.  He opened the apartment door for Ariel and led her down the stairs to the sidewalk.  She expected to walk but he guided her to a car and opened the door for her.

"I borrowed my Dad's car," he said as he helped her in.  "Told them about you.  They would like to meet you soon."

She nodded and waited for Bucky to get in.  He started the car up, put it into gear and pulled away from the curb.  Twenty minutes later he parked on the street and came around to open the car door for her.  Offering her his hand they walked half a block to an Italian restaurant, Monte's Venetian Room, in a rather plain 3 story brick building.  Opening the door and letting Ariel inside first Bucky was greeted by the manager who shook his hand.  He introduced Ariel, and the manager guided them to a table in the corner where they could sit at a right angle to each other.  They each received a menu and Bucky asked if she wanted some wine. 

"Please," she replied.

"Gino, could we have some nice red wine, a carafe for us to share, please?" he asked the manager then he looked at Ariel.  "I hope you like it here.  It's one of my favourite places.  Been here in this location since 1906."

"It looks homey, comfortable," she replied, looking around at the decor.  "What do you recommend?"

"Well I usually order the mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce for an appetizer," he said.  "Then either the veal scaloppini or the seafood pasta in a tomato sauce.  The clam spaghetti in white wine and garlic sauce is good but if we have the mussels that's a lot of garlic for one meal."

Ariel grinned.  "For lovers only then," she said.

Bucky grinned back.  "Something like that," he replied.  "Their gnocchi is good ... really anything on the menu is good.

"I like the sound of the seafood pasta," she said.  "I'll take that."

He nodded and when the waiter brought their wine Bucky ordered for both of them, using the Italian terms.  The waiter took their menus and brought back some breadsticks for them.  Lifting his glass of wine Bucky held it towards Ariel.

"To the first of many dates," he said.  "I'm looking forward to all of them."

She sipped the wine and smiled.  It was good and along with the atmosphere made everything seem relaxed.  Bucky looked so handsome dressed up, even though the top of his dress shirt was unbuttoned.  Reaching for her hand he kissed her knuckle and held it on the table. 

"How old are you Bucky?" she asked.  "I'm 23 if you were wondering."

"The same," he said.  "My birthday is on March 10.  When's yours?"

"April 30," she replied.  "You said you never went to college.  Did you ever want to?"

"Sure," he replied, "but the Depression kind of shot those plans through.  We needed every penny so I got on at the docks.  My Dad works at the shipyard and he helped me get the job through his connections.  If I went to college I likely would have tried to get into engineering or architecture.  Was library always your choice?"

"I minored in history," she said.  "The jobs were more plentiful in libraries, at least they were until it burned down."

"What caused it?" he asked.

"Lightning strike," she said.  "The lightning rod's wiring had deteriorated and it didn't ground the strike.  It set the roof on fire and that was it.  With all the books inside it went up like a giant candle."

"That's terrible, all those books destroyed," he commented.  "Was anyone hurt?"

She shook her head.  "It happened overnight so only the night watchman was there.  He got out okay."

They didn't speak for several minutes then Ariel looked at Bucky fondly.  "I liked the red rose," she said softly.  "Thank you for leaving me a flower."

His cheeks coloured.  "I meant to bring you a bouquet tonight but I didn't have time after work.  Next time I'll bring you a big bouquet."

"You don't have to do that.  A single flower is fine."

"No, I want to," he protested.  "You're a lady and a lady should get flowers from her beau.  I am your beau, now, aren't I?"

"You are," she said softly and it brought out a sweet smile from him.

He kissed her hand again and she felt warm inside on his efforts to woo her.  The waiter brought the mussels and she watched how Bucky severed the mussel from the shell and ate it.  It was something she never tried before, coming from a future where many were vegetarian or vegan, but she tentatively tasted it and although it was definitely an ocean product she found the texture quite mushroom like.  The white wine and garlic provided a complimentary taste and she was surprised to find she liked it.  When her seafood pasta came she ate it all and enjoyed it.  Bucky watched, seeming amused that she finished her whole plate.

"You have a big appetite for such a little thing," he said.  "Don't get me wrong, I like it but most girls I've dated are always saying they have to watch their weight."

"Well, I keep pretty active so I must burn it off," she explained.  "We don't get much seafood in Missoula so it was different for me.  In Montana it's mostly beef, with some pork and chicken for restaurant meals."

"Do you feel up to dessert?" he asked.

"What time is the movie?" she countered.  "Do we have enough time for dessert?"

Bucky coloured a little.  "Well, I figured we could skip the movie.  There wasn't anything I was keen on seeing.  I thought we could maybe drive out to a beach and watch the ocean for a while."

"You want to be alone with me," said Ariel, gently.  "I can understand that.  Will you be a gentleman?"

He coloured again and took his time answering.  "Yes," he said finally.  "I just want to hold you in my arms and kiss.  I promise I'll respect your person.  If you tell me to stop I will."

"Alright, we can go to the beach and watch the waves come in," she said.  "I'll hold you to your promise to be a gentleman.  Don't disappoint me."

Now that they weren't going to the movie Ariel asked if she could have some ice cream for dessert.  Bucky nodded and ordered some tiramisu for himself.  They took their time and he paid the bill.   When he began to help Ariel on with her coat she shook her head.

"It's a warm night out," she said.  "I don't need my coat."

Draping it over her arm she waited for Bucky to escort her out and walk her to the car.  Taking her coat from her he placed it in the back seat then looked at her and undid his tie, tossing it on top of the coat.  She smiled and got inside the car when he opened the front passenger door for her.  It took them a little while to get to the beach but he found a relatively isolated place and pulled up, turning the car off.  They sat in silence with the car windows rolled down and after a few minutes he turned to Ariel.

"I'm sorry I wasn't completely truthful with you," he said.  "I have some bad habits when I date and I'll try to be more gentlemanly with you.  It's important that you know I try to be a man of my word."

"Thank you," she said, placing her hand on his arm.  "I appreciate that.  Can I ask you a question?"  He nodded.  "Do you smoke?  I can taste it on you.  I don't but if you want to have a cigarette around me, it's alright."

He gave out a little bit of a breath then faced her.  "I do smoke, mostly at work, but I usually have a cigarette in the yard after dinner while my Dad has his pipe.  I didn't want you to get the smell on your clothes.  I like to smell your perfume."

"Well, you can have it outside then, while we lean against the car," she replied.  "Then we can go for a walk.  I've never seen the ocean before so I wouldn't mind."

She could see him nodding in the dark and he stepped outside then came around and opened her door, offering her a hand as she got out.  He picked her up and placed her on the hood of the car, then climbed up himself and pulled a package of cigarettes out of his jacket pocket.  Lighting one up he took a drag, holding it between his thumb and forefinger.  There was a fresh breeze coming off the ocean and it blew enough to dissipate the smoke quickly.  They watched the ocean in the dark, not speaking but the silence said a lot for them.  When he finished he stubbed it out on the bottom of his shoe then jumped down and buried it in the sandy soil.  Reaching for her he helped her down and looked at her intensely before bending over to kiss her.  Her hat interfered with the kiss so she unpinned it and threw it in the back seat freeing her hair to blow in the breeze.  He placed both his hands in her hair and stared intently at her then kissed her fiercely as she wrapped her arms around him.

"I'm crazy for you," he declared after the kiss.  "You're so different from any girl I know, so confident and sure of yourself."

"I'm not really," she answered while gazing up at him.  "I haven't had a great love yet and I'm kind of scared of what we're beginning, that it might be too much for me."

"I won't hurt you," he promised.  "I want to make you happy."

They kissed again and the sound of the waves filled their senses as they embraced each other passionately.  Pulling apart, he led her over the dunes to the beach where they walked for a while.  In a moment of daring Ariel stopped and lifted her skirt, looking up at Bucky as she did so.  She undid her stockings and rolled them down, stuffing them in her shoes, leaving them on the beach.  Running towards the water she went in deep enough to cover her feet and ankles.  With a grin Bucky pulled his shoes and socks off, then rolled his pant legs up to his knees and joined her.  The water was surprisingly warm but refreshing as they walked hand in hand for a while, feeling the soft waves touch their feet.  Every so often they stopped and gazed at each other, caressing the other's face before softly kissing.  As the moon came up he thought she looked like a goddess with how the pale light shone on her.

"We should go back," he said with some regret, after they walked a while.  "It's getting late."

They turned and were eventually able to find their shoes in the sand, holding them in their free hands as they walked back.  When they got to the car they both looked at the front seat versus the back seat and moved her coat and hat to the front.  Then they both got into the back seat, sitting next to each other until Bucky put his arm around her and kissed her.  As his kissing grew more intense he invited her onto his lap putting his arms completely around her.   At first his kisses were gentle, then became more intense as he began thrusting his tongue onto hers.  She returned his efforts equally and it seemed to embolden him.  His hand went to her throat and moved down to her breast over top of her dress.   Ariel whimpered as he squeezed it gently then fondled it.  From there his hand went to the hem of her skirt and he slipped it up the outside of her thigh.  She could feel the calluses on his fingers scratch her leg slightly and for a second she tensed, making him hesitate. 

"Do you want me to stop?" he asked in a whisper, looking imploringly at her.

"No."

She could feel him immediately get hard under her and he swallowed noticeably.

"I'm sorry," His voice was low.  "I don't want to break my promise to you but I want you so much."

"It's alright," She touched his face.  "I don't want you to have an accident and stain your trousers.  We can ...."

"No, I don't want to do it in the back of a car," he interrupted, shaking his head.  "Our first time should be special." 

"Then we better go back to the apartment," she said calmly.  "I'll tell Uncle Merton I had a headache and you can climb in the window.  We'll have to be quiet."

"Are you sure?" he asked.  "You said you wanted to take it slow."

"That was before you kissed me like you just did," she replied.  "Do you have ...?"

He nodded and patted his jacket pocket.  "I was hopeful, but not planning on it," he explained.

"We better go then," she said simply and he kissed her again, caressing her face in his hands as he did so.

He rubbed her legs and feet until they were dry and free of sand then did the same to himself.  She left her stockings off but put her shoes back on and helped him get his socks and shoes on, before he rolled his pant legs back down.  They switched into the front seat and he started the car up for the 25 minute drive back to the apartment.  Parking a little ways down the street they walked to the doorway where he kissed her, then said he would wait in back for her to appear in the window.  She went up the stairs and opened the door to the apartment to see Merton reading a book in the living room.

"Is there opera or something you can listen to in your bedroom?" she said.  "I changed my mind.  It's happening."

He got up, took his book and went into his room while she turned off the lights, locked the door and went into her bedroom, locking that door and turning on her light, as she turned off her brooch recorder.  Then she leaned out her window and watched Bucky as he climbed onto the back addition then hoisted himself over her window sill.  She pulled the blind down and turned on her radio, tuning it to a radio station playing love songs.  Her heart was beating quickly as she felt a strange mixture of anticipation and apprehension while they approached each other.  He took his jacket off, placing it on the back of a chair.  His vest came off next and was laid on the seat.  Then he moved his suspenders off of his shoulders and began to unbutton his shirt, pulling it out of his trousers before removing it and draping it over the jacket.   He wore a sleeveless undershirt that accentuated his muscular chest and shoulders.  The realization hit Ariel that in either century Bucky would be considered a desirable man based on his physique alone.  Tugging on the undershirt she lifted it up and he took it off completely, tossing it on the chair, making Ariel gasp. 

"You're beautiful," she whispered.  "Can I touch you?"

"Please," he whispered back, closing his eyes as she ran her hands and fingers over his pectoral muscles. 

Gently she kissed his nipples, smiling when his breath stopped for a moment as the kiss affected them.

"May I?" he asked as he placed his hands on her dress buttons.

"Yes."

He began unbuttoning her dress, then kissing her collarbone as he exposed it.  Gently he undid the clasp of her necklace and laid it on the dresser while she removed her earrings, placing them beside the necklace.  When he uncovered her shoulders she pushed the dress further down over her arms then hips and stepped out of it, tossing it onto the chair where his clothes were.  He ran his fingers under the straps of her slip then ran his hands down the sides of her body, pulling her close to him as they kissed.  She could feel his hard erection against her belly and raised her arms as he lifted her slip over her head.  Undoing her garter belt she tossed it aside and he placed his hands on the skin of her waist as he kissed her again, sensuously for several moments.  Helping by unbuttoning his trousers she noticed the bulge in his boxers was prominent as he lowered his pants and took them off.  When Ariel undid her bra and removed it, she took his hand in hers and placed it on her breast, gazing up at him as she did so.  His breathing was ragged as he looked at her breasts then at her.

"So beautiful," Bucky murmured as he caressed it.  "We can lie down on the bed if you want."

He reached inside his jacket and took a package from the inside pocket, placing it on the nightstand.  Then he stood at the light switch and Ariel nodded.  It was dark but once their eyes adjusted to it there was enough light from the moon that illuminated the blind from the outside.  It bathed the room in a dim light that allowed them both to see everything.  As Ariel slipped her panties off Bucky took his boxers off and she breathed in sharply at how well endowed he was.  For a moment it seemed like he was up against an immovable barrier as he stood there almost rooted in position, just staring at her.  Taking his hand Ariel pulled him closer to her and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pressing her body against his as they kissed.  Releasing him she laid on the bed and made room as he laid beside her.  Threading his hand into her hair, he kissed her languidly, apparently not in any hurry.  It was almost the opposite of what she expected from him.

"You alright?" asked Bucky, after apparently swallowing some nervousness down.  "We can stop if you want."

"I want you," she responded.  "I want your mouth on me and I want that in me."

With her finger tips grazing down his hardened length his eyes became dreamy and his breathing changed.

"Your hands are so soft," he murmured.  "You already told me about being with other men.  What do you like?"

"I like it if you go down there and explore," she replied.  "Soft touches to start then firmer and more in control as we both get more aroused.  I'll go down on you but I don't want you to come ..." she hesitated and Bucky caressed her face.

"I won't,"  he said, "but I'll like it when I'm in your mouth and you use your tongue on me.  I also like it when a girl sits on me, with us facing each other so I can watch her face and touch her, and I do like to touch, everywhere."

They continued caressing, then Bucky's touch moved down her abdomen, tracing inside along her hip.  Shifting himself to kneeling between her knees he looked down and smiled then bent over and began softly flicking her folds with his tongue, then inserting it in further.  His touch was delicate and it sent goosebumps onto Ariel's arms and legs.  He noticed them on her legs and gently caressed them, sending ripples of pleasure through her.  Gently he spread her apart and began to nuzzle her clitoris.  Her reaction was to raise her pelvis into him which he responded to by pressing down with more force but still in a gentle manner.  When he inserted a finger and curled against her g-spot Ariel moaned despite her insistence they had to stay quiet.  Bucky stopped for a moment and came up to her face, kissing her intensely, sharing the taste of her.

"Do you want me to stop?" he asked, in a low throaty voice that filled her with warm desire.

"No," she croaked out a whisper.  "It feels so good."

Kissing her deeply for a moment he returned to between her legs and inserted a second finger, all while mouthing her folds and clitoris switching between the flat and the tip of his tongue.  With satisfaction he saw and felt her response to his attentions.  When she came, biting her lips to keep as quiet as she could her back was arched so high her hips were almost off the bed, forcing Bucky to hold her down to finish her off.  It made him hard thinking of how she would respond when he was in her.  Wiping her slick off his face with his hand he moved back up to lay partially on her and watched her face, still processing the intense reaction of her body after she came.  He laid his right hand flat on her belly and caressed it with his fingertips before moving up to her breasts, an action that brought a soft smile to her face.

"You liked that?"

"Uh huh," she breathed then focussed on him.  "That was intense for me."

"I know," he answered.  "I didn't hold back.  I want to give it all to you."

An unexpected wave of emotion hit Ariel and she grasped him, burying her face in his neck.  It startled him and he enclosed her in his arms, intertwining his legs with hers as she pressed her face onto his skin.  There were no words at first as he sensed she needed this feeling of closeness which, he had to admit, felt incredible, and unlike anything he had ever really experienced given all the women he had been with.

"My darling, what is it?" he breathed into her ear. 

"Just so much," she answered, "so much that I didn't realize.  I want you in me now, before I change my mind.  Make love to me, James."

Her use of his given name thrilled him, made him feel like it was just for them and he reached for the package on the night table, opening it and removing the condom from it.  Quickly, he rolled it on and laid himself on top of her, guiding himself in.  It was obvious he was probably the biggest man she had ever lain with as she gasped with each penetration deeper into her.  Gently he pulled out most of the way before pushing himself in again.  She looked at him with hooded eyes and a slow smile crossed her face as his rhythm helped her get used to him.  Every thrust pressed into her pubic mound increasing her desire.  Used to having most girls lay there while he fucked them Bucky wasn't expecting Ariel to raise her hips into him and wrap her arms and legs around his body to increase her pleasure.  Her smooth hands flew over his chest and back, while her soft sounds of arousal spurred him to press into her most sensitive spot so he could hear more of them.  Both felt their climax building and Bucky pressed his face into her neck, mouthing and kissing under her ear which brought deep groans out of her throat.  Once again her back arched off the bed and he grasped her under her hips thrusting hard into her, willing his own orgasm to occur at the same time as hers.  When it did he raised his face up towards the ceiling, and strained as everything came out, barely aware of her hands caressing his face and neck.  Only then did he stop and rest himself on top as her arms crossed over his back, clutching him to her chest.  Both of them kissed the other and looked deeply into their partner's eyes.  A feeling of intense relief flooded through him for a moment threatening to overwhelm him and he struggled to contain it, unsure exactly what was happening with him.  Then it hit him like a brick and he said something he never told any girl before.

"My darling love," he whispered.  "At last I found you."  He rested his head on her chest as she stroked his hair and ran her hands down his back.  Then he lifted his head and gazed at her in the dark, trying to find the right words.  "Until you, I was with a lot of women but I never felt close to any of them.  Ariel, I don't feel alone any more."

His mouth nuzzled her neck and he said nothing more but she could feel how his whole being relaxed after he spoke those words.  In her arms he felt complete with a woman for the first time ever.  With her he felt like a man who needed nothing else, just Ariel.  What was even more incredible was that Ariel felt the same way.  She needed nothing else, just Bucky. It was the most incredible and most frightening feeling she had ever felt.

Chapter 5>>

Series Masterlist

Reblogs and comments are appreciated.

[therealvinelle]

What Disney princesses/characters would the Volturi turn and who would be leftover dessert?

Those gifted or with a personality that rendered them useful.

(For the sake of not having a too long post I'll just use the princesses I know decently well.)

Anna (Frozen) is very sweet and charismatic, though a poor judge of character and prone to rash decisions. She has no gifts. Aro feeds her to his guards*.

Ariel (Ariel) gave away her mermaid tail to pursue a man she barely knew. Aro bitterly mourns Ursula, who might actually have been useful to him, and is left to weigh the benefits of establishing diplomatic relations with Ariel's father. Ariel, already a part of the supernatural world, is not killed either way but she may become a bargaining chip.

Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) is blessed with enhanced beauty and an enthralling singing voice that works on humans and animals alike. If attacked, she and everyone nearby as well as her physical surroundings fall into an enchanted slumber that can't be disturbed until the danger has passed. Excellent defence mechanism: Aro recruits her.

Belle (The Beauty and the Beast) has a wonderful personality and likes books. Aro feeds her to his guards.

Cinderella (Cinderella) has a wonderful personality and an even more wonderful fairy godmother. Aro threatens her in the hopes of making the godmother come to her aid, and once she does he tries to recruit the godmother. Cinderella lives for as long as Aro needs a bargaining chip.

Elsa (Frozen) can create and control ice, though Elsa is prone to emotional outbursts and losing control. Aro recruits her, but keeps a close watch on her for the first few years in case she turns out to be a liability.

Mulan (Mulan) is an able soldier who understands duty and loyalty. People like her will always be useful to a man like Aro. Aro recruits her.

Rapunzel's power came from a flower, and it's a power she appears to have lost. A healing vampire could be immensely useful however, so Aro turns her and she gets a grace period where he tests her rigorously. Let us hope she retained some of that flower power.

Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) is blessed with beauty that frankly sounds vampiric. The huntsman defies his orders for her, the dwarves protect her, animals obey her, and the prince falls in love from sight alone. Aro recruits her.

Bonus: Leia Organa (Star Wars**) has the Force. Aro recruits her.

*If Elsa is in the room, Aro may decide to spare Anna so he doesn't alienate Elsa. However, sparing couples in this sense does not seem to be Aro's modus operandi, whenever he encounters a gifted coven member he seems to spare that member only. Most likely, Elsa is told Anna was returned home and the reason she can't see her is because Aro would hate for her to lose control and kill her own sister. And look at that, Anna died in an accident shortly afterwards. Definitely can't see her now.

** As the Star Wars IP is now owned by Disney and Leia is the princess of Alderaan through her adoptive parents and the daughter of a former queen, I say she passes muster for a Disney Princess.

A few final thoughts:

Of all the princesses listed, I think Aurora and Leia are without doubt the most interesting to Aro. Aurora covers everything Snow White can do and would render Volterra virtually untouchable, while Leia could theoretically do anything at all.

[chuckeroo777]

So I'm a Spider, So What: Alternate Ending

After finishing the light novel series, I had major issues with the abruptness of the ending. So here's my take on it.

This takes the place of the chapter "Everyone Ever After".

The fic is under the cut. Expect extreme spoilers!

It's been a while hasn't it?

Me? I'm just enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Well, not my labor per-say, they were a gift as thanks for all the other work I've done. Seems like even after all this time, people still think fruit is my favorite food.

I know, right? You pilfer one dried fruit, and suddenly that's your whole personality in their eyes.

Huh? Why aren't I currently in D's clutches? Well, she decided to be nice and let me hang out on the planet until Ariel dies.

What? That doesn't sound like the kind of thing she would do? Even an evil god can be nice once in a while. Just look at me.

There definitely wasn't any begging involved.

Or groveling.

Definitely.

I definitely didn't have to agree to something humiliating to get this time off.

Anyway, it's been a little over a year, and Ariel died a couple weeks ago, so I'm currently just chilling until D gets here.

Guess I'll fill you in on how everyone is doing.

Naturally, I spent most of my time hanging out with Ariel and Sariel. They are just too cute together. I don't think I've ever seen Ariel happier.

They had so many stories to share with me about the days before the system. She really was practically Ariel's mom.

Man, and I thought how I got my name was dumb.

As for Sariel, she was nothing like I thought she would be.

Like, I always assumed the Divine Voice (temp)'s mono tonality was due to Sariel being puppeted by the system, but no. That's just how she always sounds. Even when she's clearly excited.

Even creepier, she was apparently conscious the whole time she was in there.

Yikes.

Like, I had an inkling that was the case since she redirected the attack away from Guli-Guli, but wow. The fact that she's still sane is a miracle in itself.

And that means she was privy to all my many petty crimes.

Huh? What do you mean they weren't so petty? I'll have you know I'm a model citizen.

Even weirder, instead of getting mad, she just lectured me about the ethics of killing.

Yeah, I dunno. I don't really get her. But as long as Ariel is happy, that's good enough for me.

Anyway, as much as I love my grandma, I didn't spend all my time with Ariel.

Vampy has some big plans. She wants to become the Frost Vampire Queen.

Yeah, I don't know exactly what that means either. But basically, she wants to live in a castle.

Seems a little childish to me, but if she wants to live her vampire lord dreams, who am I to stop her.

Oh yeah, that's a thing. By this point, all the skills and titles and stats have worn off, but some people and monsters still retain certain abilities.

Like, Vampy wasn't a vampire because of her skill, she had the skill because she was a vampire. So even in her natural state, she still has basic vampire powers, like mist form, and the ability to call upon creatures of the night.

Plus she still has the perk of being a progenitor! No vampire weaknesses! Thank goodness she decided to just be queen of a remote little village. She could definitely take over the world if she wanted.

So, remember that remote spot in the Mystic Mountains? Where Guli-Guli's soul haven village is? That's where Vampy is building it. It's gonna be a pretty long-term project, but Nia decided to help out in exchange for a very nice bedroom.

Thank goodness we no longer have to worry about soul deterioration. Even highly corroded souls like Ariel's should be good to go. Now that children can be born with fresh souls again, old souls can take as long as they need to recover before returning to the cycle.

I'm very curious about Ariel and Sariel's next incarnations, but their souls are so damaged it will probably take centuries for them to recover.

Anyway, Mera is naturally helping Vampy too. Ever since Envy wore off, she seems to have calmed down, at least a little.

It's been a bit rough for him. He used to be fine wearing a cloak in the day, but without defense stats or fire resistance, he basically can't endure sunlight at all anymore.

Ah well, at least he's happy.

Once Ariel passed, the puppets decided to go join Vampy. I suppose they also find the idea of royal role-play enticing.

Oh yeah, Wald is there too. I'm not sure if Vampy has noticed.

As for Mr. Oni, I was pretty concerned for a while there. After the battle he got real somber, and every conversation sounded like he was saying goodbye for the last time.

Thankfully, before he could commit to anything, a population of surviving goblins was discovered in the deep north.

So, yeah! That sure lit a fire in him. He's been really busy, helping the goblins recover after the system's collapse, and acting as a diplomat to get goblins recognized as a legitimate humanoid race.

It's nice to see him so passionate about something again.

Speaking of passion, Yuri has been cooking up a storm. I thought it would take a while before she got results, but dang.

I guess between literally everyone reading Taboo, Dustin's death, and Sariel actually showing up as a witness, it wasn't hard to get most people on board with a more accurate religion.

Seriously, it only took three months for her to fully reform the Word of God church into the Church of Goddess Sariel.

And Sariel isn't the only one they worship. Get this: They worship me!

Albeit, I'm seen as an evil god, but I guess that's fair.

Basically, they view Sariel, Guli-Guli, and I as role models for how people should live their lives.

Frankly, I think that's a terrible idea.

I think my ridiculous pride and perseverance is probably a hindrance without the system. After all, my hell-training techniques don't really work without skills.

But oh well. I'm probably gonna try and stay uninvolved with the church unless they start spreading some ridiculous rumors about me.

Okay, that's blatantly untrue. I can't wait to see what sort of ridiculous claims they make about me. They already seem to be under the impression that I killed D. I was worried she might smite them for that, but everyone seems un-smoten, so I guess she doesn't care.

Let's see, who else?

Ah, yes, Yamada. Apparently he has no interest in taking the throne, instead pushing it off onto his older brother.

I was kinda hoping to watch the implosion of his harem situation, but sadly, it turned out to be a non-issue.

Yeah, turns out he just has a lot of friends who are girls, not girlfriends.

Yeah, Fei didn't actually have any romantic feelings, and Yuri is too busy being a Pontiff to pursue her minor crush, so the only ones actually fighting over him were Sue and Katia.

Like, I'm no romance expert, but even I can tell Yamada and Katia like each other. A lot.

Sue has calmed down after being caught red-handed in the love nest, but she's still making things difficult for them. Guess we'll just have to see how things go.

As for Ms. Oka, she and Anna have been working on finding all the half-elves they can. After everyone found out what a POS Potimas was, his remaining descendants have had it rough.

So, they decided to start rebuilding the Elf Village, and turn it into a safe space for those who still have elf blood.

By the way, I ended up telling Ms. Oka about how she saved my life as a spider.

Look, I didn't mean to make her freak out again.

Look, it's not your fault there were utterly ridiculous butterfly effects from that decision.

Thankfully, I don't have any other world-shattering revelations for her, so hopefully she'll be fine.

I've heard some of the half-elves plan to study Potimas' tech, hoping to make them work off more traditional power sources.

I mean, that seems like a terrible idea to me, but as long as I keep an eye on them, it should be fine.

Huh? How do I plan to keep an eye on them if D is gonna come get me?

My spider surveillance network, duh. Just because D will be forcing me to be physically by her side doesn't mean I can't still influence things. Plus I'm keeping in contact with Philmina and the others.

Not that I intend to actually do much. But if anything comes up, I'll catch it.

Like how that old mage guy has been studying magic.

Yeah, even if the system is gone, ambient magic power still exists. He's been studying how to potentially manipulate it even without Magic Power Operation and Magic Power Perception.

Frankly, I'm not sure if it's even possible.

But he already showed off his ability to perform magic beyond what the system provided, so if anyone can figure it out, it's him.

I don't mind humanity using magic, though I'm a little concerned it might use up MA energy. Guess I'll just have to keep an eye on it.

Let's see, what else?

The demons are doing alright. They've taken heavy losses over the years, but now that new souls can be born, they can finally start to repopulate.

Without the skill growth bonuses, demons and humans are a lot more comparable than they used to be. I guess we'll just have to see if the peace lasts.

I hope so.

Well, with Balto heading the restoration efforts, I'm fairly optimistic.

Oh, and get this.

He married Boobs.

Didn't see that one coming. I always thought she was licentious sort, but maybe that was just me being racist.

I mean, she literally calls herself a succubus. Can you blame me for assuming?

Let's see, who else? I don't have that many acquaintances, do I?

Oh, right, the other reincarnations. Uh, the adventuring duo got married, so that's nice.

Really, for the most part I've just let them do as they want.

Most of the reincarnations the elves caught have settled in Uppenbebetenia. With the high concentration of reincarnations, the place might become a little Tokyo.

Although, I have my eye on Kudo. I think she might be heading some sort of cult? So far they've just been exchanging a lot of hand drawn manga, but I'm worried about the contents.

Eh, it's probably fine.

So, yeah. I've been popping all over the place to visit everyone. But I've mostly just been vegging with Ariel and Sariel. It's been nice to have a break after all the craziness.

Shame D is gonna ruin that any second now.

Anyway, once they died, we ended up having a huge funeral. Guli-Guli ended up giving this amazing eulogy.

But I didn't cry. I have my pride.

Ok, maybe I cried a little.

Honestly, I probably would have cried more, but my eyes were sore from crying so much at Ariel's deathbed.

Even Vampy cried at the eulogy. That's how you know it was moving.

What? Why didn't I give a eulogy?

Have you heard me?

That's right, you haven't.

Cause I can't talk. Especially to a crowd.

Seriously, turnout was incredible. Nearly ten-thousand in attendance, and nearly all of humanity was able to watch thanks to some remote projections I set up in the major cities.

Seriously, just standing next to Guli-Guli with all those eyes staring was enough to make me feel like imploding.

After the ceremony, we ended up burying them together in the approximate location of Sariel's orphanage. We had discussed it prior to their death, and it seemed the most appropriate thing to do.

And that was that.

So, yeah. Now it's just a waiting game. Honestly, I thought D would yoink me the second Ariel's heart stopped beating, but apparently not.

"Shiraori. I'm back."

Ah, there she is to ruin my relaxation. Maybe if I don't turn around, she'll ignore me.

"Shiraori, I'm talking to you."

Don't call me that. You are literally the only one who calls me that.

"Well I have to call you something, don't I?"

Call me White. That's my name.

"Hmph. I hoped to gain some modicum of control by naming you, but I suppose I was beaten to it."

Look, I'm going with you, alright?

"Why don't you look over here and see your surprise?"

Up to this point, I've been consciously excluding her from the perception of my x-ray vision.

I wearily turn around.

Only to see her manic grin as she holds up the tackiest maid outfit I've ever laid eyes on.

"I'm a little late because I wanted to make sure to find the perfect uniform for your new position."

I stand and stare at her.

Seriously? My name is White. Why do I have to wear this garish travesty?

"If you wear the accompanying bonnet, I'll let you have holidays off to visit your friends."

If my eyes were open, I'd narrow them. What's the catch?

"I only celebrate leap days."

Huh. Honestly, that's a lot better than I expected.

I sigh and extend my arms. In a flash, I've used spacial magic to swap my dress for the uniform.

She smiles wickedly.

"Now, let's head home. You've got training to do."

Wait? Training? I thought you were just gonna make me be your maid!

Hey, what are you-

But it's too late. We're already gone.