#blue woven rocking chair

[akashihuahua]

Beach Style Porch Idea for a medium-sized front porch in the beach style with decking and an awning

[inlovewithpandora]

ੈ✩‧₊˚ — Summers In Pandora ᝰ Day 1 - Age Gap

Artists — Tonowari x fem!Sully!reader

Lyrics — After a long day of Olo’eyktan duties, you help Tonowari unwind by giving him something special and a little thank you for allowing you into the clan.

Music Advisory — nsfw content, porn w/ plot, implied secret relationship, implied age gap (reader in early 20’s / Tonowari in late 30’s or early 40’s), handjob & blowjob, p in v, Sully!reader (oldest daughter of Jake and Neytiri)

Duration — 2.3k words

Index — Yawntutsyìp - Darling • Olo’eyktan - Clan Leader • Yawne - Beloved

Words from Artist — July 1st first is finally here and I’m so excited to share my contribution to me and @neteyamsoare’s event with you guys! I hope all of you enjoy me and Sia’s event and I can’t wait to read everyone’s creations! I haven’t written smut for Tonowari since I first started my blog so I really enjoyed writing this fic because I’m truly a Tonowari girl! Always feel free to comment and reblog, I love reading y’all reactions! I hope you enjoy!!

Current Platforms — event m.list・main m.list・event taglist ・prompt list

You can feel Tonowari’s eyes burning a hole into your head as he looks down at you sitting beautifully on your knees as your hands are exploring his lower region and your lips are pressing soft kisses along his meaty thighs. As your dainty fingers start untying the man’s loincloth he can feel his heart about to jump out his chest, his breathing starting to become irregular, and his eyes begin to widen and his pupils start to dilate as his animalistic urges start to arise.

“Yawntutsyìp,” his voice is soft and breathy, you can hear the desire that quivers in his tone which stems from the trail of reddened hickeys you're currently leaving along his skin. “W-What are you doing?”

Seeing how this big powerful man is practically like putty in your hands and you’ve barely done anything yet makes a cocky smirk spread across your lips. You lift your head up a little and gaze into his blue eyes while you toss his loincloth to the side and guide him from his wooden chair to the woven mat on the floor. Once he’s comfortable you get back in your earlier position, on your knees and you finally give his cock the attention it’s begging for. It’s rock solid and ready to be touched, his tip is oozing with precum and you notice it twitching with anticipation every few moments.

“I’m taking care of you, Tonowari. You’ve worked so hard today so I want to help you unwind.” Before he has a chance to respond you stick out your wet tongue and give his tip a little lick, letting the salty beads of precum settle on your tastebuds. The intense gaze you’re giving him along with the feeling of your hand moving up and down his lengthy shaft makes his body tremble.

“You d-don’t have to-”

“But I want to, consider this me showing my appreciation for accepting me and my family into your clan.” Ever since you and your family came to Awa’atlu months ago you've had eyes for the mighty Olo’eyktan. It was easy for you to get close to him since he was friends with your father and once you had him hooked on your personality, charisma, and beauty he couldn’t let you go no matter how much he tried to turn the other way due to your age difference. It started off innocent in the beginning and recently it’s turned physical which leads you to this moment, you giving him the pleasure he deserves.

The veins on his underside are prominent and throbbing, you can feel how defined they are becoming with each stroke. Tonowari shudders at the sudden sensation of your pretty plump lips wrapping around his tip and making its way down his shaft, making it your mission to take all of him. The older man’s eyes widen as he watches his cock disappear into your warm, wet mouth. His tip continuously hits the back of his throat and when you gag softly around him a low groan escapes his lips. You begin to move your head up and down, sucking him off just the way he likes and swirling your tongue delicately around his tip, making Tonowari’s soul feel like it’s leaving his body.

“Eywa, woman.” He curses through a whine, throwing his head back and closing his eyes while he moves his hand to the back of your head and tangling his fingers in your hair. You hum around his cock in content, loving the sounds you’re hearing come out of him. Using one of your unoccupied hands you start caressing his balls, slowly and softly massaging them to give him a new form of pleasure. The feeling of your voice vibrating makes his body spasm and his hips buck up and force his cock deeper down your throat, causing you to gag again. “Fuck…” The foreign word slips off his tongue, something he learned from you after you taught him human words and how they can be used.

You can feel him swell and throb in your mouth, that along with his choice of wording tells you that he’s close but you’re not done with him yet so you pull away, allowing his cock to slip out with a soft pop. When Tonowari opens his eyes and notices you trying to untie your loincloth and having trouble loosening the strings he uses his large hands and strong muscles to just rip the loincloth in half and toss it to the side. “Eager, are we?” You say with a little laugh, thinking it’s funny how impatient he is to feel you around him.

“I am always eager when you are the prize.” His comment causes a purple hue to tint your cheeks, making you feel special that he feels that way about you. You climb on top of him, straddling his hips before slowly lowering yourself onto him. Tonowari takes the lead and aligns his tip against your dripping entrance and slowly fills your hole with his length. When you feel him slide into you an unexpected gasp comes out, loving the way he stretches you out.

A mixture of a whine and growl fills the room from your partner, loving the wetness of your core, the tightness of your pussy, and the sweet smell that's emitting from your slick. All of these elements combined are causing the older man to see stars. This is the first time both of you have engaged in sexual intercourse together and he assumed that your pussy would be great because you were so skilled with oral sex but he didn’t know that pussy would be this amazing, it’s practically sucking him in and he’s loving every second of it.

After a few minutes of getting adjusted to Tonowari’s girth you decide to take things up a notch, wanting to rock the Olo’eyktan’s world and make him realize that you’re the only girl he needs. You lean forward slightly and place your hands on his broad tattooed chest, finding the perfect balance before lifting and lowering your hips, allowing his cock to slip in and out of your hole. His thick tip deliciously hits your cervix, making a series of moans fly out your mouth from the wonderful feeling Tonowari’s providing.

“Oh—” Tonowari groans while placing his hands on your hips, forming a tight grip on your soft flesh, not wanting the pleasure to stop any time soon. “J-Just like that.”

“Am I making you feel good, baby?” You ask in a teasing and sultry manner, wanting to make sure he feels taken care of but you already know the answer by the way his face screwed together.

“So good, yawne.”

A deep heat spreads through your core, sending shivers up your spine, causing you to increase your tempo so you can chase your high. While you’re riding him at a steady pace, head thrown back and mouth slightly agape, Tonowari’s mesmerized with the sight of you that’s presented before him. The sweat that glazes your body, the way your breasts are moving up and down in his face, how your folds are kissing his groin— Eywa, it's driving him crazy. Tonowari starts bucking his hips upward to meet your movements, causing you to squeal from the unexpected sensation and feeling like the air has been knocked out of your lungs. “Ah— Ton-Tonwari!”

“Taking me so well, little one.” He praises while removing one hand from your hip and placing it on the bright colored bud that lies hidden between your folds. The older man knows exactly how to make your body tick, how to make your orgasm crumble at your feet, which is why he’s circling the pad of his fingers around your clit, wanting to give you the best experience possible. He knows you’re loving the new stimulation because he can feel your walls repeatedly clenching around him and the moans that were spilling from your parted lips are quickly turning into sweet and desperate whines while curses rapid fire from your mouth every so often when the tip of swollen cock hits your pussy at the perfect angle.

“Fuck— feels so good, feel so full.” His cock was undeniably big, the biggest one you’ve ever seen or taken. He fills you up beautifully, you can feel him all the way in your stomach, you can almost see the imprint of where his cock reaches each time he thrusts in and out. Sex with Tonowari is amazing, being this close to him is amazing, knowing he’s the only one on this whole island that can provide you with such pleasure makes this whole experience so much better. Hearing all the grunts, groans, and moans that are coming from the older man is making your core tighten, and the way he’s increasing the speed on the circles he’s making on your sensitive bud has your brain turning fuzzy.

“I-I’m close!” Tonowari isn’t far behind you, his body is tingling with electric shocking pleasure, the way your riding him as if your life depends on it and how your pussy in devouring him, trying its best to milk him for everything he has in his upcoming load is enough to have him ready to give all to you and fulfill your desire. “I’m co-coming— shit!” Your walls spasm around and your legs begin to shake as you choke on your words, your body bucking in reflex a few times as your mouth hangs open in ecstasy. Your juices coat the Olo’eyktan’s cock and start oozing out of your stuffed hole and smear the inside of your thighs, pushing him over the edge and causing to cum right behind you. With just a few more hard and long strokes you feel spurts of warm, thick seed paint your velvety walls.

Once both of you allow your highs to run their course and allow your heartbeats to settle to resting pace, you slowly move from your current position with Tonowari’s help to make sure you don’t fall due to your weakened legs and lay down next to him. Your head finds comfort on his pecs and your arm wraps around his torso while his hand glides down your back and softly rubs your ass. There’s a comfortable silence between you, the sound of the waves crashing a few feet away from Tonowari’s dwelling plus the tiredness that’s lingering your body due to all the work you just put in during sex causes your eyes to become slightly heavy.

Tonowari knows you want to sleep and of course he won’t deny you your much deserved rest but first he has to tell you something. “You will have to leave soon, your father is supposed to be arriving in a few hours.” Jake wants to discuss war tactics and how they’ll fight against the RDA when the time comes so today is the day for their meeting. Your boyfriend definitely doesn’t want to kick you out but he also doesn’t want your father to come and find you here lying naked next to him, especially since he doesn’t know anything about your blossoming relationship.

You hear what he says and sit up so you can face him, bending your arm slightly and putting it on the floor and allowing your head to rest in your hand. You don’t want to leave Tonowari, the time you’ve spent together today has been far too good just to stop now, good thing you already had a plan in motion. “Actually, I won’t be needing to leave.”

“Why not?”

“Because when he told me at lunch today he was planning on meeting you here I told him that I saw you while I was fishing earlier in the day and you told me to tell him that you’ll meet him at the communal hall around dinner time instead.”

Tonowari can’t help but let out a little laugh at what you just said. Here he was worried about Jake coming and you, his gorgeous partner with a brilliant mind, has already taken care of the situation, even though he didn’t know it would need to be arranged until you made a surprise pop up at his mauri with eyes that were glazed with lust. Now that he’s thinking about it, how did you know to avert your father coming here? Were you planning for this to happen the whole time? He doesn’t mind nor care if you did, he loves spending time with his yawntutsyìp but he just wants to know what was running through that pretty head of yours at that time. “So you planned this whole thing, huh? Changing me and your father’s plans so you could come here and have your way with me?”

It was true, you did in fact plan this whole thing, coming over in something more revealing than what you usually wear, enticing him with sway of your hips and other features while forcing him to sit in his wooden chair so you can begin the first phase of the seduction plan that’s been playing in your head for the past few days. You needed him today and you couldn’t wait a day longer so you pulled a few strings to make it happen and boy did you enjoy every second of it, there’s not one regretful bone in your body. “I did but it was only because this was important, I needed some personal time with the mighty Olo’eyktan.”

“Well, you have me now. We should put this extra time we have now to good use, shouldn’t we?” Before he allows you to answer, his free hand lands on your cheek and pulls you in for a kiss while he tightens the grip he has on your waist and turns you both over, putting you in the position of laying flat on your back and him shadowing over you. The way his tongue swirls around in your mouth and the feeling of his hardened cock resting on your stomach tells you exactly what he means by his previous statement, round two, and you’re more than ready to give him what he wants.

Fanbase — @eme1hyst @o-kingston @erenjaegerwifee @Kaydoux @biaaaaaaaa1 @hikotaru @thisaintredwine @lexieeeeeeeei @that-gurl25 @Peanut713521 @kasai-https @neteyamsblog @neteyamyawne @hc-geralt-23 @yetanotherattemptatanaccount @myh3artttt @savagemickey03 @persefolli @shit-i-say-shit-i-think @headsincloud9 @Maru @buble787635 @deadgirlrin @normspellmann @em-x0 @lina @merlinbtch @sliqeramx @lexasaurs634 @btsiguess-kpop @sussybaka10 @galactict3a @shima @laylasbunbunny @thepotatoislost @rae @bigdikzaddy @roseblushpink1 @Bubbles787 @Bubble787635

— all rights reserved © INLOVEWITHPANDORA 2024. all fanfics belong to me, do not copy, translate, repost nor recommend on tiktok any of the works seen here.

[inoreuct]

i actually desperately need 40y/o zoro with reading glasses. thin wire frames with teensy rectangular lenses perched on his nose as he peers down at one of sanji’s french romance novels to see what all the fuss is about— after so many years with his husband he’s picked up a bit of the language and sanji has a stack of them on the nightstand and he’s bored, alright? sanji has something to wrap up at the restaurant and he might as well. he’s farsighted and squints at everything near him and it makes him look even grouchier than usual and the fact that he’s graying at the temples doesn’t help. he looks terrifyingly severe with all his scars and his frowning, until he smiles— he’s been doing that a lot more lately, and then people realise that’s why he has crow’s feet around his eyes. i need him to have a collection of bottles that he’s fiercely protective over; they’re all empty and the labels are faded to hell, but point to any one and he can tell you where it had been drunk. there’s a beer bottle from the first night he’d sailed with luffy. a sweet rum they’d popped to celebrate usopp’s return. the champagne from when he and sanji had gotten married.

i need 40y/o sanji with long, long hair that he ties and pins and styles differently every day. sometimes he makes decorative sourdough and he matches his braids to the patterns. i need him taking on protégés in his restaurant, guiding a new generation of culinary genius even though teenagers are fucking terrifying and annoying and argumentative, because he remembers being exactly like them and at the end of it they’re good kids. they listen to him (…to an extent). they’re sweet and talented and they do absolutely crazy shit in the process of trying to push their boundaries; sometimes they trip and fall, but it’s fine. that’s how they learn. that’s what sanji’s for, as their safety net and their mentor— he’ll give them shit for it and pick them up anyway, nag them while brusquely brushing off their knees. but sometimes, sometimes, they come up with something extraordinary, and sanji gets so proud he could cry. zeff drops by and nags at him for everything under the damn roof. sanji doesn’t mind it.

i need them in their kitchen, in the morning, when sanji’s far too chipper and zoro’s not awake enough, nursing a cup of coffee and half-asleep again at the table as sanji fries their eggs. i need zoro to have one of those old man rocking chairs that he settles into to watch the sunset and drink tea, because sanji’s managed to get him into tea of all things. he’d have never imagined liking matcha a decade ago. i need that rocking chair to be big enough for two so that sanji can curl into his side and thumb through yet another of his novels. i need zoro braiding his hair and falling asleep halfway. i need sanji pulling his glasses off when they slip down his nose and dragging his husband to bed so that he doesn’t bitch about his back hurting the next day. i need them at sanji’s restaurant, teaching the kids about food and liquor pairings— they’re a little terrified of zoro until he squints and pulls his specs out to read the labels, after which they’re running around calling him old man and grandpa roronoa. zoro fumes because for fuck’s sake, he’s forty, not ninety. he’s not old. he brings a bottle of wine three inches away from his face and sanji does nothing to stop the kids at all.

just— zoro with reading glasses. sanji with long hair. doing mundane, boring things that make them happy because they never expected to live this long anyway. zoro’s down to two earrings and sanji has one. their rings are woven straw pulled from luffy’s hat. they have a little motored dinghy out back that franky made for the times they need to go haul their captain’s ass out of trouble (as usual), but none of the crew are ever very far from each other. they stay at sanji’s restaurant in the all blue and occasionally fend off people from their past looking for revenge. or money. or to eat them out of the house and home, in luffy’s case, which then leads to zoro den den-ing the rest of the lot and sighing that they might as well come over for a cookout.

they’ve all gotten older; a little banged up and scruffed around the edges, but alive and well. nami’s making bank as a mapmaker who caters to the wealthy/insurance agent/financial advisor— zoro scoffs and calls her a swindling witch, to which she smiles at him all sweet before stomping solidly on his foot with her red-bottom heel. out of their conjoining workshops, franky and usopp have started a wildly successful demo-smithing company that specialises in custom explosives and bespoke carpentry. robin owns and maintains the most extensive archive of books any of them have ever heard of, and it’s pretty much lauded as one of the greatest libraries of all time; brook does gigs in jazz lounges and bistro bars, jinbei’s a diplomat who’s well-respected for campaigning for equal rights, and chopper runs his own medical practice. luffy, as usual, is doing whatever he wants, which is a little bit of everything. y’know, taking down corrupt governments and all that.

sanji feeds them like he’s always done and zoro brings out the good alcohol to pass around.

life’s good.

[zelphin124]

Killer x Y/N short story

One of the few short stories I will be writing. Requested by the wonderful @itsxroxannex as her honorable mention prize.

I do write commissions and short stories! Do you want a story? I can work with a small price (:

I'm using an image from Bing Image Creator to help the readers visualize where they are at and who they are talking to. It's for visual purposes only, and I do not claim it.

Enjoy the story!

~o0o~

The light from the sun bouncing off the rock hallways started to fade as the moon rose. The dripping from the ceiling had stopped, and monsters and humans started filling the tavern. It was supposed to be very busy tonight.

The tavern was underground, just below the surface life. Dartboards hung across the walls on various barrels. Small candles were lit beside them, either hanging from the ceiling or resting on uniquely carved tables. Carpets were strung across the floor, filled with old designs and symbols that the humans didn't understand, and the monsters refused to explain.

The bar itself looked like any other bar, but the counters were carved into the rocks and the drinks were stored within the earth. The tables were made from woven branches, and the chairs were also made from scattered parts of trees that were no longer needed elsewhere.

You weren't much for drinking. You had only come to the bar to talk with your friend, Shiro. Shiro ran the place during slow hours. Now that the night rush was coming, his co-workers came in to help him run the shift. He wouldn't have much time to talk anymore.

You started to pack your computer, flinging your bag over your shoulder. Shiro had told you of the many tales and tragedies that happen during the night rush, and you didn't want to stick around to become one of them.

"Leaving so soon?" Shiro asked as he wiped the table where you just sat. His baggy white hair fell over his face, and he smiled softly.

"You know how I am with crowds," you responded, hoping he would get the hint.

He didn't. "Well, surely it shouldn't be that busy tonight-"

He was cut off as three skeletons walked down the entrance stairs. It was apparent that they were some sort of gang, as they all wore the same-colored jacket, pants, and shoes. Each of them stood proudly as everyone went silent.

The tallest one had a large hole in his head, and his left eye was huge. It glowed red and barely made any movement when he looked around. He hunched over and had a large ax on his back. He never stopped smiling, which left an unhinged feeling in everyone who saw it.

The shortest one wore a hood over his head. His eyes glowed red, and one of them had a purple and blue tint to it. Unlike his tall counterpart, he never smiled. He glared at everyone who even dared to look at him. Monster ash covered his clothes, sparking fear in all who noticed.

The third one seemed the most normal of the group. His smile was contagious, and his extroverted personality always drew attention to him. Big black stripes dripped from his void eyes down to his neck. His coat was fluffier than the rest, and his soul wasn't hidden. It hung in front of his chest like a big red target. He twirled a knife in his hand before resting it by his side.

The Murder Time Trio, you recalled. You recognized each of their faces from wanted posters across the town. Working under Nightmare, they worked to harvest negativity.

The Star Sanses - rulers of this AU amongst many others - wanted to bring them to justice, but with all of the Sanses abilities to travel alternate universes, they were hard to track down.

You couldn't buy into the fact there were other worlds than your own. The only reason you believed it was the evidence before you; multiple versions of the same person taking different paths.

Shiro glanced over as the tavern filled with noise and music again. He rolled his eyes, grabbing a notepad and pen before walking over to the table they sat at.

The dart games began. Multiple people threw darts across the room to the targets. According to Shiro, this was how all the drama started. Someone would think a shot was unfair, and a fight would break out.

Deciding it wasn't the best idea to stay any longer, you weave through the crowd of monsters and humans trying to get to the bar to drink. You glanced at the table where the trio sat as they talked with Shiro. You pray they don't do anything to your friend.

As you stood between the dart targets, waiting for the round to be over, you eavesdrop on Shiro's conversation. He seemed bored, surprisingly.

"I'll have a margarita," the striped face one said.

"A big beer, please," Horror lowered his head.

"Think you can handle one of those again, Horror?" The striped face asked.

Horror didn't answer him. He waved his hand in dismissal to Shiro as he looked at the menu.

"I see," Shiro scribbled down the orders on his paper. "And for you, Dust?"

"Nothing," the hooded skeleton replied. "Someone has to be sober when Killer isn't."

"Hey, I would do just fine," Killer smirked. "I don't see you..."

The conversation faded out of hearing as shouts echoed across the tavern. Glancing behind you, you see a human and a monster arguing about who hit the target first as they shot their darts at the same time. The shouts almost frightened you, and you didn't think before stepping forward. Your goal was to get away from the chaos before more violence broke out. Maybe you shouldn't have come here, maybe it was a bad idea after all.

A dart flew towards your face.

You didn't have time to react before you were pulled off your feet, resting in the mercy of someone's arms as he caught the dart. "Woah darling, careful there," he sighed, his head turning toward the people who threw it.

You realize the man, or the skeleton that saved your head was Killer. His grip was firm around your waist from when he had pulled you away from the weapon. He dropped the dart and continued to glare at the monster that had thrown it.

The people playing the particular dart game went dead silent, all pointing to the person who threw the dart. He didn't seem to care. "Oh, come on, she walked in front of it! It's not my fault!"

"Pay attention to your surroundings more, mm?" Killer smirked, tilting his head. He turned towards you before the others could reply. "You too, cutie," he smirked, poking your nose. "Gotta be careful in places like these~"

His grip on your waist loosened as you backed up. A blush painted your face as you stared up at him. As your blush increased, so did his smile, making you blush more. The blood rushed to your face as you tried to cover your cheeks with your favorite-colored scarf.

"Do you seriously have to flirt with everyone you see, Killer?" Dust snapped, opening a deck of cards and flushing them across the table.

"Look at them, they're pretty!" Killer replied. "I didn't want them to get scratched by a silly dart!"

"Then they shouldn't be in a place like this," Horror rolled his eyes, glancing at the deck of cards Dust had started dealing.

Instant guilt washed over you. You didn't mean to cause any trouble, and Shiro was nowhere in sight to defend you. You gesture to Killer, thanking him for saving you before telling him you'll leave to not cause any more trouble.

Killer looked you up and down, smiling as his eyes made their way back to your face. "What's your name, Hun?" He smirks slyly.

You tell him your name, scratching your head in the process. One of the most wanted men in the multiverse was talking to you. In fact, he smiled when he looked at you. How could this be?

"Y/N, what a beautiful name," Killer takes a step closer to you, extending his hand. "You plan to get on out of here? I can make sure you get home safely."

You open your mouth to accept the offer but hesitate. He, along with his friends, were mass killers. It was obvious by the dust and blood across their clothes. Was he going to kill you? You had no idea.

If he was, then why would he go out of his way to pull you away from an incoming dart?

"Killer, you play or not?" Horror asked, interrupting your thoughts.

"Not now," Killer didn't take his eyes off you. "I wish to walk this lovely human home."

"Oh, can I come?" Horror smirked, his hand reaching for his ax.

Dust slapped his hand. "Not that kind of walk home," Dust rolled his eyes. "Look at him! His soul his turning into a heart! Pathetic, really."

Dust wasn't lying. Killer's soul had taken the form of an upside-down heart momentarily. You tilt your head in curiosity, surely that was a good sign.

"Hey!" The monster that had thrown the dart earlier shouted. "You broke my dart with your disgusting fingers!"

Killer raised his eyebrows as he shrugged. "Oops."

"That dart cost me hundreds of G!" He growled. "You're gonna pay for that!"

You felt Killer's hands run along your shoulders. "Time to go~" he whispered behind you.

As the monster tumbled near, he suddenly faded from sight. Everything vaporized into stripes as the underground tavern disappeared and was quickly replaced with the cool breeze of the surface.

The moon glimmered in the sky next to the stars as it shined down on the slightly paved street. There were no streetlights, but you could see the village in the distance. Fireflies glittered the sky along with the stars. There were a few trees and a river to cross, and the bridge over the river linked the road.

"Whew, that was close," Killer chuckled, letting go of you. He walked over to your side and smirked down at you. "Don't worry, he won't catch us now."

"Thank you," you sighed with a smile before walking toward the village.

Killer started to follow you. "Hey, I know we like, just met, right? This is a little crazy," he glanced down at the ground as he caught up to you. His hands were shoved in his pockets, and he couldn't stop smiling. "But can I get your number?"

You widened your eyes, surprised. He really wanted your number after two minutes. Surely that couldn't be... This couldn't be happening, right? Wasn't that a red flag of some sort, and you, out of all people? You didn't see why someone as famous and as brave as him would pay attention-

You snapped back into reality, realizing that you had given him your phone, and he was already punching in his own number.

"Thanks, doll," Killer smiled to himself. "I didn't expect you to actually say yes. I'll fulfill my promise; let's get you home safely."

How the- you paused, unable to comprehend what just happened.

Despite the darkness and eerie noises surrounding you, you felt at peace. You couldn't help but wonder if that was because a skilled killer was by your side, ready to defend you if anything came your way. He made that clear with his actions at the tavern.

It didn't take long for Killer to start a conversation. He asked many questions and answered any questions you had. He often would laugh, smile, and tease you in such a way that made the butterflies in your stomach squirm. He was very charming, flirtatious, and unique. You couldn't recall if you met anyone like him.

And you liked that.

He was so different from everyone else that you had met, treated you well, and it was so easy to be yourself around him. He brought out a side of you that you thought died a long time ago. That side that made you feel... wild and free.

"Look look look," Killer begged, running off the path toward a lake. He picked up a rock and threw it across the water's surface. It must have skipped a hundred times before it plunged into the depths below. He picked up another one and did the same thing. "It's perfect water to skip the rocks on!"

You join his side and sit on a boulder nearby, watching him skip rocks as he continues to tell you about the first time won a card game, which you learned wasn't very often due to Dust having a special connection with cards.

"The look on his face when I won, hah! Priceless! Should've known better to have challenged me!"

You asked him if he had won the next two games after that.

"Uh, no, but that's not the point silly!" He smiled, heaving a great sigh as he looked up at the stars. He closed his eyes, letting the wind blow across his face as the ripples on the lake settled. The moon complimented his face and made him seem so peaceful and innocent. It highlighted his chest and showed the two small eyes that he had hidden within his skull.

You commented how he looks great in the moonlight. When he asked you how so, you got up and pointed out the various places the moonlight shined on him, and how it made him look so handsome.

"Tch, you're sweet," Killer snickered, brushing the hair out of your face. "But the moonlight on me is better on you."

Before you could recover from the sudden blush, he continued. "Have you ever skipped a stone across the water?"

As you shook your head, Killer frowned. He turned you around to face the lake and picked a stone up from the ground, admiring it in the moonlight. "Here, I'll teach you darling." He placed the stone in your hand and gestured that you try.

You tossed the rock into the water, it sunk in front of you.

"Heh, not like that." Killer came up from behind you and grabbed your wrists gently. "Here, let me guide you."

For the next thirty minutes, Killer moved your wrists in the correct motion. He gave tips on what to do with your fingers when you release the rock. You would have gotten it much sooner if you weren't so distracted by his sweet breath brushing against your cheek.

As you threw your hundredth stone, it skipped across the water more times than you can count. Joy filled your face, and your smile only increased when you heard Killer congratulate you.

"That was awesome!" He gleamed, running his hand along his skull. He quickly picked up a stone and skipped it across the water to catch up with yours. "Fast learner, eh?"

Before you could reply, Killer came up to you and embraced you. His hug was so snug, you felt safe in his arms. You wrap your arms around his back as the tension in your body flees. He was so warm, and he held you so tight... you didn't want to leave his arms.

Alas, it didn't last for long. Killer smiled and took your hand, guiding you up back to the path. "Alright, it's best I get you home, cutie," he smiled slyly. "The boys are probably wondering where I am."

You were closer to your home than you thought, to your dismay. Killer stood close to you, putting his hood over his skull to hide his face from the town as they turned down the street to your house. You almost had forgotten that he was a wanted killer with how enjoyable your time was with him. Surely, he wasn't all everyone said he was... he was so nice to you.

"Lovely house you have, I'll have to visit you sometime," Killer commented, smiling his usual charming smile as you approached the door. "Y/N, it was fun getting to know you, I'll call ya, alright? You're too pretty to say goodbye to, anyway."

You invited him to stay and watch a movie, but he declined.

"Nah, I'm sure Dust and Horror would be suspicious... besides, I cannot stay in the town for long unless I want Nightmare mad..." He took a few steps toward you until he was inches away from your face. He continued to smile as he took your hand. "However," he paused. He lifted your hand up to his face and kissed it gently. Once he met your eyes again, he smirked softly again. "I'm sure I could make an exception for you another night."

You didn't know how much more of his teasing you could take as your face turned red. You held your hand as if it was made of diamonds.

"Heh, you're so cute," Killer backed up into the street. "See ya later, Y/N."

You barely waved in time before he vanished from sight.

You couldn't stop thinking about him for the rest of the night. He treated you kindly, and his jokes were so funny... you longed for his company, despite his reputation. How long had it been since the tavern? A couple of hours? Were all monsters like this? Maybe there was a special thing about monsters where you grew attached quicker than another human. As if they understood the value of another living being and had a way to make another feel at ease around them. You tried to figure it out as you winded down for the night.

Maybe they were masters at this feeling that you felt: love.

Or maybe Killer was just special like that.

[the-mad-starker]

Starker Smut: Dubconned Into True Love

For @khalixascorner ! This was supposed to be a bday present and it ended up being a belated bday, Xmas, reward thing 😂🥲 Hope you enjoy it!

Summary: Villain Omega Tony capturing alpha Peter and deciding to keep him. Aka Reversed Wife stealing plot where the omega steals the alpha

Notes: some version of SIM!Tony, omega Tony Stark, Bottom Tony Stark, alpha Peter Parker, intersex omegas, non/dub con of the heat/rut variety, heat sex, breeding, knotting, biting, vaginal sex

WC: 8431

Note 2: Inspo for Tony's outfit is in Ao3 cause Tumblr doesn't like it 😤

💗💗💗

"Um… Mr. Superior…?"

Tony ignores the tied up alpha. As far as he's concerned, the kid has been neutralized and Tony's gotten what he wanted so there's no need to interact.

Except… the alpha pup is stubborn. He continues to try to get the Superior's attention and he's doing it so politely that Tony actually feels something (not bad, there's no way he feels bad about anything).

He crosses out the emotions based on the process of elimination.

Annoyance? Not really. He's too amused at the situation to be annoyed.

"Excuse me, Mr. Stark? …Sir…?"

With a huff, Tony turns away from the interface, brilliant blue eyes calculating.

"Yes, dear?" he croons, his voice coming out sarcastic and cool.

Tony immediately feels like a jerk when the alpha pup perks up at the attention, a hesitant smile pulling his lips up into an easy smile.

They have a deal where Tony would keep the muzzle off as long as the kid doesn't yell or scream or do any of those other annoying things hostages tend to do. And well, he isn't yelling or screaming or even pleading to be let go. Instead, he's trying to play nice with his captor while Tony’s watching the frantic little bugs called Shield scurry around on the video feeds.

It's interrupting Tony's fun but he figures the kid's owed at least some attention.

The Superior has kidnapped him after all.

"You know I'm an alpha, right?" the kidnapped superhero asks curiously.

Usually, a stupid question like that would have Tony rolling his eyes and immediately snapping the muzzle back in place. For some reason though, something about the pup's tone sounds genuine as though he's actually confused why someone like Tony would grab him.

Oh. Right. Spider-Man is a kid. Well, barely. He’s eighteen, according to the files, but in terms of superhero and villain business, he's still so green. So green that it makes the Superior feel a twinge of not-so-villainy guilt.

"Peter Parker," Tony states as he swirls around in his chair.

One nimble leg crosses over the other. His white suit pants are form-fitting but not enough to be indecently tight. He has nanotech woven into an actual suit, all white of course. He’s comfy and sexy, comfort being a priority. The open white blazer is styled specifically for male omegas, broad around the shoulders but narrow around the hips. Underneath that, he isn't wearing anything which leaves the lean muscles of his chest exposed but not bare.

He has gleaming jewelry that drips in languid chains from the delicate collar around his neck. More nanotech, this time fashioned into something like precious diamonds. They sparkle brilliantly in the light but they're so much more than just pretty rocks.

What he’s wearing right now isn't even the most risque thing he’s ever worn but it's meant to catch the eye and it definitely catches Peter's.

Tony likes to wear his armor best like this. It's so easy to masquerade one of his deadliest weapons as elegant pieces of art that bring attention to his best assets. And because alphas are such knotheads, that's all they care to see.

No matter what Tony wears, there are eyes always being drawn to him. It amuses him when the supposedly good guys can't take their eyes away from him. Then again, Tony's always enjoyed being the center of attention, whether it's as the most eligible omega in the world or the cold-hearted Merchant of Death. It's something his instincts purr at, the attention being directed at him.

Even when he has no intention to entice or seduce, Tony uses the natural allure of being an omega because it's just too easy to.

The Superior lifts a perfectly manicured hand to his chest, fingertips casually trailing down the sparkles of nanotech diamonds. They're linked piece by piece with delicate chains, also meticulously crafted to add to the deception of a beautiful pampered but weak omega.

No one has been fooled by his facade in years but some alphas still fall hard for Tony’s handsome face and his unique mouthwatering scent.

Seeing the way Peter Parker's gaze follows the movement of his fingers, his eyes drinking in the sight of exposed tan skin instead of the shine of the tech…

Tony smirks, ego rightfully stroked.

He snaps the fingers on his other hand, breaking his own spell over the cute alpha pup.

Immediately, Peter's wide eyes shoot up. When he meets Tony’s knowing gaze and his face flushes an endearing pink because he knows he's been caught looking. Caught lusting over one of the bad guys.

"Alpha," Tony coos and whether the kid takes it as Tony confirming the knowledge he has or is calling for him… Ah, yes, the latter. The pup's eyes go a little hazy, as though being called alpha is actually making his dick hard.

Peter quickly looks away but like a shark scenting blood, Tony’s already caught it.

There's a high possibility that something as simple as getting called alpha by an attractive omega would do it for him. The kid is green, after all, and Tony remembers being 18. All those hormones…

Even with the mandatory suppressants that alphas and omegas are subjected to, the instincts are still there, quietly simmering just under the skin, always so easy to mess with. Having an omega's attention makes alphas so weak to influence. Having Tony's attention pretty much guaranteed their ruin back in those days

Hmm. Tony wonders if this kid's ever even experienced an unsuppressed rut.

He clicks his tongue at the thought and uncrossing his legs, he stands. The jewelry makes a soft tinkling sound, like bells, as he walks towards the bound alpha. He places a finger under the pup's chin and tilts his face up so their eyes meet.

"I know everything about you," Tony tells him sweetly.

He's read the reports and he admits to himself that the information there has been enough to interest him. Intrigue him, if he wants to be truly honest.

The Superior looks at the kid and he's intrigued. How unfortunate for him that he’s been caught in Tony’s crosshairs. He hadn't planned to do anything about it just yet, but with the opportunity presenting itself, why not?

Peter doesn't seem surprised by his words and yet, he's still perplexed.

"Then… Why did you kidnap me?" he asks. His eyebrows scrunch down as he mutters thoughtfully, "I'm an alpha and alphas don't get stolen… Especially by an omega, it's…"

Unorthodox. Radical. Untraditional.

Words that are often used to describe the kind of omega that Tony is.

Here, Tony does roll his eyes and he steps back. The retreat has the alpha cautiously looking at him again. Tony smiles and catches the jump in Peter’s heartbeat.

"Look, just cause I'm a 'mega doesn't mean I can't do alpha things," Tony tells him, "Or well, I can definitely act like one. If I want to steal myself a pretty wife, I definitely can."

"You're not making much sense," the kid says. He completely ignores the wife comment that references him in this scenario. "Shouldn't you have stolen the omega so that I can, uhm, rescue them…?”

Tony laughs, actually laughs. It's bright and free. He's entertained and he's always in a good mood when he's being entertained.

“We’re not in some cliche superhero story, kid,” Tony grins at him, omega fangs peeking out. “I'm not some… typical villain and you… Nah, kid, you're not saving some damsel in distress here… If anything, you're the one in distress.”

Peter only looks more puzzled. “I'm not though.”

“Oh?” Tony encourages him to answer.

“I mean, besides being tied up to a chair– which, by the way, is a very cliche supervillain thing to do–” Peter gives him a look that only amuses Tony even more. “You've been pretty decent to me, Mr. Stark.”

Tony rolls his eyes.

“Interrogation when I don't need anything is tedious,” the Superior says distastefully. “Besides, I got what I wanted so anything else is just a tasty bonus.”

Peter hums indulgently and Tony is suddenly feeling a little vindictive. He already has Shield scrambling to find them so as he said, everything else is just a bonus.

Tony is in a good mood. He wants to keep being in a good mood and therefore, he wants to have fun. He wants to poke and prod at this intriguing alpha and see if it’s worth keeping the muzzle off. He wants to see if the alpha could be… something worth keeping.

"If I stole the omega," the Superior returns to the previous topic, "they'd just find you another omega."

He shrugs, a smooth roll of his shoulder, and lets his gaze take in his prize. All joking aside, he has an alpha in his hands that, scientifically speaking, is a good match for him.

His prospects for a mate that won't break under his attention are rather limited. He doesn't need a mate, but one look, one interaction with this alpha makes him think of all those possibilities that he's pushed away in the past.

And if it turns out that this kid isn't what the Superior wants, well. He at least knows what fun he wants to have with him.

Peter is cute, a cute alpha pup just growing into his body. Tony can see very clearly that he’ll be a handsome man with a sharp jawline and lips perfect for begging. He’d probably make some omega very happy, with his heart of gold and his alpha cock. If the kid hadn't gotten involved with Shield, the Superior thinks he could've flown under his radar and possibly lived a perfectly boring normal life.

Or maybe not.

The kid’s brains and whatever projects he’d end up in would have certainly made waves in the world. Logically, the Superior would have found him, sooner or later.

Is that fate or just Tony’s luck?

The Superior’s lips stretch into a kind of smile that's had the Winter Soldier twitching for his guns.

The mood shifts and Peter, the smart pup that he is, senses it immediately. There's a stillness to him that reminds Tony of prey sensing a predator’s presence. The alpha becomes uneasy, uncertain of where a volatile omega like Tony Stark is going to take this.

Tony smiles again, sweetly. Peter doesn't buy it but Tony pounces anyway.

The omega presses his palm right above Peter's heart. He can feel it beating harshly right there beneath the firm muscle and hard bone.

Ta-dump. Ta-dump. Tadumptadump…

“Are you nervous, pup?” Tony drawls, “Have you finally realized that I’m not interested in some Shield lackey… That I’m interested in you, alpha. Shield was practically begging me to crash the party. Who am I to disappoint?”

Peter’s mouth opens, maybe a little shocked at Tony’s forwardness. Maybe such a cute pup can't imagine someone like Tony outright declaring their interest but the blush on his face… He wants Tony's attention just like Tony wants his. It's already shaping up to be a good match.

He likes this. He wants it. Tony can smell it on him, his interest and a hint of fresh arousal that's distinct from the usual musk that teenage alphas like him carry. He can see the physical effect he has on Peter too but the omega doesn't bring attention to that little detail just yet.

Peter just doesn't think he's allowed to have it because…? Who knows. No matter the reason, he’s restraining himself, hovering between what his instincts want and what his mind is saying.

Tony doesn't care for the reason, he’ll pick it apart with either words or his body. He's good at using both.

Another shudder, another minute shake of Peter’s head in denial but the Superior knows. He now has Spider-Man intrigued.

Tony strikes while the iron’s hot and gracefully sprawls himself on the top of the alpha. The pup squeaks in surprise and jerks when Tony’s ass settles on top of his lap. There's a bulge there that nudges up almost perfectly where Tony’s nanotech suit covers his pussy.

It feels hot, the shape of it– Oh… it's getting bigger. Tony’s eyelashes flutter as heat ignites in his belly, making his empty insides clench in anticipation.

He's going to have this alpha and he's going to enjoy it. Immensely.

The Superior grinds down on the pup's swelling cock, assessing without looking. The kid’s essentially wearing a spandex onesie and the material is stretching tight over the alpha pup’s hard cock. He feels hot and big– Tony pauses, feeling the delicious heat emanating from beneath him and hmm… the girth of his cock… Very nice. Tony can tell that it's thick, maybe thicker than his favorite dildo.

Oh, what a stretch Tony’s in for…

“S-Sir…!” the pup splutters, drawing Tony’s attention. He pets the boy’s cheek, soothing and distressing the alpha at the same time.

"I can see potential and oh, Peter… what a waste, what a sad sad waste," Tony purrs and wraps an arm around the kid's flushed neck which he presses his lips to. "You know, Shield basically neuters their underlings. Not physically, of course, but they go on and on about control and not falling prey to instincts… It's such bullshit.”

There’s a look that crosses Peter’s face, disgruntled, but Tony knows he's right. In this moment of vulnerability, Peter’s instincts are going wild under Tony’s influence and the omega can see the fight going on inside his pretty little head. Maybe the kid wouldn't have been able to show such an emotion if he was in the right mind.

Tony feels a sense of satisfaction that even without kn, he can still predict this in an alpha he’s interested in. His instincts, after all, are rarely ever wrong.

“You must've thrown them for a loop… Did you have to pretend, kid?” the Superior doesn't have to pretend to sympathize. At one point in his life, he, too, was forced to adhere to others and their control.

The kid’s breathing has escalated and his wide honey-brown eyes are staring straight ahead. See no evil, hear no evil, huh?

Peter's clinging tight to denial, Tony knows. Mouth parted, fast shallow breaths… Poor kid. Tony is too much to handle for an organization like Shield on a good day and here he is, pitting himself against someone as green, as innocent, as this baby hero.

“You don't have to answer that. I know.” Tony licks his lips. He can taste the alpha pup’s scent on his tongue. “If Shield tries to tie you down to some loyal lackey so that those feral instincts of yours calm down… I wonder what’ll happen…”

He leaves it suggestive but they both know.

It won't work.

It hadn't worked on Tony’s instincts even before extremis. It won't work on an alpha of Peter’s caliber.

“That's not what happened…” Peter says weakly, finally breaking his silence.

It's to defend Shield but Tony still considers it a win to have the kid responding to him. He presses closer, his scent rich and distracting.

“Isn't it? Did meeting that sweet natured omega calm your instincts? You don't feel calm,” Tony says rather seriously while grinding on the alpha pup’s lap.

Tony had snatched him just as Peter met Shield’s potential mate for him. The Superior had heard just enough that he couldn't bear watching the awkward encounter for a second later.

Peter hadn't gone willingly and a short-lived scuffle had occurred. Spider-Man had prioritized shielding the omega Shield agent without realizing that he was the true target until it was too late.

The Superior had a good time carrying the alpha in his arms like a bride being brought home.

Tony had planned this just for shits and giggles, another flippant middle finger to Shield for thinking they can keep this kid hidden away from Tony. He’d snatched the alpha right from under Shield’s nose and now, he’s making his own claim because he wants.

With the rocking of his hips and the scent he’s breathing in… With what Tony knows about the kid from Shield’s files though none of them mentioned the nice surprise the alpha’s packing between his legs.

Tony wants to keep him. Just a minute ago, it was just a possibility. Keep the kid if he can satisfy Tony but now, even if Peter’s performance leaves him unsatisfied, Tony won't let him go. He can just train the alpha into what he wants.

From Shield’s files, Peter’s been noted to be very eager to please. Tony purrs as he recalls this information and he leans forward, placing his lips on the alpha’s pulse and sucking hard.

Yes. Even if Peter performs well, Tony can train him regardless. Refine that potential of his into something truly… Superior.

Peter’s hips jerk up, grinding against Tony's receptive body even as the alpha throws his head back to groan.

In this position, Tony’s pants are stretched tight over his ass. The heat between their bodies is building and it's only going to get messy. Sex between an alpha and omega is always deliciously messy.

The omega pulls himself away from the nice hickey he’d made on Peter's neck. In front of his very eyes, he sees the molted skin heal itself, the bruise going from dark to red to yellow then fading away like someone hit a fast-forward button on just that patch of skin. It's fascinating like everything else about the pup.

It makes him think even as the baby alpha’s scent floods out of him and reaches for Tony. Tony breathes it in, knowing it could make him lose his mind if he lets it.

“Do their suppressants even work on someone like you?” Tony wonders out loud in a contented sigh.

Even if the pup’s scent isn't affecting him, it still smells so good… Like rolling around in freshly laundered blankets, so warm and inviting.

He runs his hands over the trembling muscles of the alpha’s shoulders. The way Peter’s reacting to him tells Tony that whatever suppressants Shield has been giving him isn't working.

He rubs his cheek against the alpha's and tilts his face up while shifting his body up so that he's no longer warming up Peter's straining cock.

It puts his neck in a dangerous position, right where the alpha’s fangs are. Technically, Peter could stop all this now by shoving him off. It's another simple test to see how hard Peter’s alpha instincts are riding him. How much more Tony will have to push.

He doesn't disappoint.

Peter turns his face towards Tony’s neck. The alpha sucks in a deep breath of Tony’s scent as though he’s ravenous for it. The pup’s scent may not be affecting Tony but his is definitely influencing Peter’s.

He growls at the protection that Tony’s nanotech collar provides but he doesn't let it stop him. Right above the omega's protected mating gland, the flat of a tongue licks at the soft skin there. That spot– even if it's not the gland directly– it’s still sensitive and vulnerable. It should be setting off alarm bells in the omega's mind and yet, it has the Superior sighing in pleasure.

“Hmm…” Tony moans in approval.

The alpha drags his tongue lower, licking desperately at gaps between the chains just to get a taste of him.

There are teeth involved now! Sharp alpha fangs try to close down around Tony’s nanotech collar to get to that soft vulnerable skin. He can hear the gnashing and grinding of teeth against the metal and the omega laughs breathlessly, not at all worried that his tech will fail him.

“Oh… Bad alpha,” Tony groans and presses closer. “Were you going to try to bite me without permission? What a brute.”

He pulls back, the collar seamlessly melting away where it's caught on the alpha’s teeth. The nanotech forms back into its proper shape around his neck without a single scratch.

When Tony looks into the pup's eyes, he coos at what he finds. Just a little bit of sniffing and the pup is now drunk off the Superior’s scent.

“S-Sorry– I don't…” Peter squeezes his eyes shut, mortified. “I don’t understand w-what's happening… Why–”

Poor baby alpha’s trying to regain control but Tony won't give him the chance to. He likes this alpha all scent drunk and horny for him.

“Oh, you poor thing,” Tony purrs at the pup, caressing his flushed cheeks. He comes to a realization watching the pup’s eyes glaze over even as his mouth pants open.

He had been wrong. It isn't that Shield’s suprassants aren't working. It's just that whatever drugs they have Peter on is nothing compared to the Superior.

Their compatibility is too strong. Perhaps Shield hadn't thought that Tony would ever take a mate. He’s killed and maimed enough alphas that have tried. Then again, none of them has ever been Peter Parker.

“I'll take care of you, sweetheart,” the omega promises with a sweet purr in his throat.

The kid‘s scent is going into overdrive, growing in strength. He has a desirable compatible omega on his lap, probably the only omega that can take everything his enhanced body can dish out. It’s trying to pull Tony under too so they end up in a mess of sweaty bodies and irreversible bonds.

Tony aches to respond in kind. It makes his mouth water but it doesn't quite trigger his instincts the way a normal omega’s would.

He wants to let loose. He wants the nanotech regulating his body to retreat and leave him to his instincts, a wildfire raging and leaving destruction in its path.

Tony would be a very very dangerous omega to handle during a heat. He strokes the alpha's cheek again, cooing at the glazed look in Peter’s eyes.

Soon. Soon… But first… He has a mate to claim.

With a single command, the nanotech suit melts away in a rush of silver. It leaves only the omega jewelry and the silver stilettos he’d been wearing. The cool air on his exposed flesh does nothing to ease the heat being roused in his belly.

At another thought, his tech forms into sharp tipped claws at his fingertips and he quickly shreds the pup’s pants. The upside of using his tech is that he has complete control. Once they meet flesh, they blunt themselves to leave his pet unharmed.

The fabric is so easy to destroy though. Tony would have to fix that later once he has the alpha bonded to him.

“Look at you…” Tony purrs when he gets his hands on the alpha’s cock.

It's perfect. Long and thick with a pretty flushed tip that's perfect for sinking onto.

Tony can't wait.

And yet, once the alpha pup realizes what's happened, his head jerks down and looks in horror at his exposed erection. His cheeks turn such a ruddy red that Tony wonders how it's possible when all the blood is certainly flowing southwards.

“W-Wait…!” A bit of clarity seeps into those glazed over eyes and then the alpha confesses, “I’ve never done this before!”

“Good,” Tony tells him before he gets his hands on that eager cock. “Even if you have, I’ll be the last.”

Peter’s mouth drops open, just a little. He stares at the Superior with disbelief and then struggles in his bonds. In a last ditch effort, he desperately says, “Can’t we talk about this first?”

The Superior ignores it.

“Don't come,” is the only reply Tony gives him when he begins to stroke, getting a feel for Peter's dick. It twitches in his hand, so eager for his touch. Tony firms his grip and makes sure to catalog the alpha's response, honing in to what feels best for him.

He wonders how much experience the kid’s had, if any. Not much, Tony determines, when Peter’s hips give a harsh aborted jerk.

“We s-shouldnt…” Peter whines, his eyes squeezing shut.

Another stroke and Tony’s hand closes around the fat head, squeezing out a drop of precum.

“Oh? You can still think?” Tony teases when he drags his hand down the hot length, spreading the wetness around. It makes it easier to jerk him off. The alpha gasps, his eyes only squeezing shut harder.

“I… I’m…” his speech fails and Tony chuckles in amusement.

The alpha breathes in but then chokes on his breath when Tony starts again. Just a little more… Tony observes with bright blue eyes, his glance switching between the kid’s facial expressions to the cock he’s stroking. Both are fascinating to him.

Peter lasts longer than he expects and he's surprised to find his own patience running thin instead.

“We don't even… know each other…” Peter pants out, scrabbling for control and failing. “I haven't even courted you and you're… you’re… Oh God, sir, you're gonna make me– mm…!”

Courting? The thought takes Tony by surprise but he finds that he's charmed by the alpha’s priorities. He clamps down on the base, letting the kid have a breather because he's not done yet.

Poor kid pants out a breath or two before Tony rises on his knees. There’s slick wetting his trembling thighs as he positions the alpha pup’s cockhead right where he wants it. Just feeling the tip there, rubbing against his pussy, makes the Superior so eager to swallow the alpha up.

“You can court me after,” Tony promises him with a curl of his lips. “‘Till then, behave.”

“After…?” Peter questions, eyes peering through slits before flying wide open when he sees what Tony’s about to do.

“Mhmm… After,” Tony declares just as he sinks down on the alpha’s cock.

“W-Wait…!” Peter cries out but it's too late.

Tony groans as the thick head pops in, the slick making it easy for the engorged glans to slip in. It feels as good as he thought it would. The flared tip really makes him feel it.

Beneath him, the alpha moans, his eyes wide in disbelief before they cloud over in pleasure. His mouth is trembling, the shock evident even as pleasure makes his jaw go slack.

Tony allows him to focus on his pleasure, specifically the point where their bodies are joined. He hasn't even fingered himself open so he knows his pussy is especially tight for the alpha pup. He, himself, likes to feel the ache of a good stretch, and the pup’s thick cock had promised him that and it delivers.

He sinks down with some effort, taking Peter’s cock in several thrusts, his body rising up and down to take it inch by inch. He's wet, so wet… The slick helps, and the sheer abundance of it makes the slide easier but his pussy is too tight. He has to work himself open.

Peter’s lost in it. There's a look of wonder in those honey brown eyes compared to before and Tony coos at the alpha, leaning in close and letting his scent steal his senses once more. The poor baby alpha gets the heavy brunt of it, drowning in it. Even then, Peter’s mouth pants open like he's trying to drink it all down.

The alpha shudders but there's no fight in him, only a growing desperation that Tony understands so well.

“You feel it too, don't you, pup?” Tony asks, keeping his own instincts in check even while it's fighting against his control.

This thing between them can't be stopped now and they both know it.

He digs his fingers in the boy’s too cute curls, wrenching Peter’s face closer so he's staring directly into Tony’s brilliant blue eyes.

The alpha beneath him struggles against his bonds but the scent Tony breathes in is so sweet. The kid is still scent-drunk, probably desperate to get his hands on Tony.

“Are you wishing your hands were free?” Tony nibbles on his ear. “Wishing you could push me down, fuck me as hard as you want instead of this…?”

“This” is the slow rise and drop of Tony's hips, the carefully controlled rhythm that the omega knows isn't enough for an alpha. It isn't enough for him either but he likes this, likes making the alpha ache for him.

His pussy is aching too, hungry for something only this alpha can give him. His knot.

For now, he settles for the way Peter's cock opens him up, making space inside his tight little body that even breathing feels a little difficult. It… feels good… The way Peter's cock fills him up, the fat length of it is a struggle to take. Tony’s legs tremble and he sits down on the alpha’s cock, dragging in a breath even as sweat drips from his temple.

“I’ll let you have it…” Tony promises him as he nuzzles the alpha’s neck, his nose brushing against Peter’s mating gland. The alpha freezes, holding stock still even as his cock throbs inside Tony’s pussy.

Just like how omegas don't steal their mates, omegas also don't bite their mates. Only omegas get bitten.

Unorthodox. Radical. Untraditional.

Those are the words that Tony’s been described as and he doesn't regret it, not one bit. It lets him act without second guessing so when he sinks his sharp omega fangs into his chosen mate, he has no regrets.

Mine.

Peter jerks underneath him, his hips pushing that last stubborn inch of his cock into Tony’s already stuffed pussy. It presses in so deep…! And yet, the omega doesn't release, only bites down harder even when his eyes threaten to roll to the back of his head. The alpha’s cockhead is nestled against something that's never been touched before and it gives Tony a kind of deep aching pleasure he's never felt until now.

The taste of blood fills his mouth. Tangy metallic blood. It barely registers, his entire body squeezing around the alpha’s cock.

If Tony was in heat, it would be a deep mating bite. Without his heat, it's just a bite but one that rouses Peter’s instincts into a frenzy. Even the promise of a mating bite has the alpha you g wild beneath him.

“Ah…!” Tony finally releases his mouthful, gasping when something else catches his attention. He feels the growing presence inside him. Peter’s knot– “Oh… fuck… fuck…!”

The knot pops, expanding quickly and stretching Tony’s insides until he's gasping at the sheer presence of it inside him. The Superior trembles in ecstasy, feeling as though his body is working to accommodate the alpha, and for once, he wonders if it's too much.

The knot grows and grows, leaving no space untouched, every bit of it claimed by the alpha. The omega's clawed fingertips press into Peter’s shoulders and leave little pinpricks of pain as he breathes through the knotting.

Not that Peter feels it. In the high of his orgasm, the alpha is trying his best to give Tony those short desperate thrusts even while he's restrained. Tony feels it when the pup comes. Unrestrained, nothing between them… It's like a torrent of heat flooding an already tightly filled space. Tony feels every pulse, every desperate twitch of the alpha's cock as he pumps him full.

Tony should be pissed. He told the alpha not to come and yet, he ends up chuckling against the bite.

His hips start a slow grind, feeling the shift of the knot in the clutch of his body. It's gotten so big that it's rubbing right against a sweet spot… His cocklet is also getting some sweet friction against the alpha’s toned stomach.

The combined sensations are too much and he's being filled up. His stomach feels like it's bloating with the loads being pumped into him.

Tony’s breath goes ragged. He feels that heavy anticipation in the pit of his stomach, condensing– growing tighter and tighter, that pinnacle of pleasure just within reach… so close… His toes curl and his claws dig into the meat of Peter’s shoulder, deepening the scent of metallic tanginess in the heavy mix of alpha and omega.

Tony bites again as he tips over, clinging to the alpha pup that's brought him so much pleasure. He clamps down on the swollen knot and Peter cries out again, tugging at his bonds.

Wetness spurts between them as Tony comes.

There’s an audible snap, even amongst the pleasured moans and ragged breaths, but it doesn't register what's happened until they go tumbling to the ground. Tony, himself, feels the back of his head knock against the floor but it barely phases him.

The alpha’s newly freed hands grasp Tony’s hips tight in his grip. He covers Tony’s sprawled fucked out body with his own, instincts wild with the urge to mate and breed.

Tony’s physically trapped, caged in by Peter’s body. Some other omega may have panicked but not Tony.

No, the older omega laughs and then he lets go.

He’s never suppressed his scent, not since he became Superior. No one's ever been able to take him down, to mate him, to own him.

This baby alpha though… Tony is going to own him instead.

His scent deepens, the notes in it becoming sharper and wilder. There are hints of metal now emerging, blending so well with his already sweet omega scent. Blending in with Peter’s, it's an entirely new mix and it's intoxicating because it's them.

Just as Tony's claimed the alpha, he's allowing himself to be claimed by his instincts.

This alpha… He’s going to be the Superior's in every sense of the word. And the only way for the bonding to take place is if the Superior goes into heat. The only way he would go into heat is by letting this baby alpha trigger it.

A thrill of the excitement blazes through him and the Superior lets Peter’s rich enticing scent curl into his lungs. It reaches even further inside him and strokes to life a need that Tony hasn't felt in so… so… long…

The Superior begins to ache and oh, what an exciting feeling it is… His instincts heighten even more so, becoming razor sharp even as his body starts to go all buttery soft and warm inside. His thighs tighten around the alpha’s hips.

He’s becoming too hot.

Being fucked, being knotted… Their bodies are joined so intimately, Tony’s omega body eagerly accepting the loads of cum being fucked into him. The regulations his nanotech provides are put to sleep, overwritten, and Tony finally responds in the way his instincts want him to.

It feels like the heat brings his very blood to a simmer then a quick boil. He feels hot all over and his legs come to wrap around the alpha’s waist as he arches his back.

The jewelry stays, the collar being the only safeguard against the alpha mating him. He hasn't earned it yet.

It's the last restraint he leaves but everything else…

They've given themselves over to their instincts.

Tony’s heat, given free rein by the omega himself. Peter’s rut, triggered by the omega’s scent.

There is no fight except the clashing of their bodies, desperate and wild. Sweat and slick, and cum. Peter grinds into him as though his knot isn't being tightly squeezed already, as though he hadn't just fucked the Superior full.

When the knot softens, Tony flips the alpha onto his back. He rocks against the alpha, back arching so that the light catches his jewelry, drawing the alpha's attention once more.

Peter’s fangs flash before the omega leans down and placates him with a kiss.

Their first kiss and it's just as wild as their first fuck.

Peter chases after the Superior's lips when he pulls away, bringing their mouths together in another hungry kiss.

“Mm… mmm!” Peter is inexperienced, that much is clear when one of his alpha fangs cut into Tony’s bottom lip. It gives their kiss a hint of iron to it which only has Tony pressing forward.

Tony licks the drop of blood from the corner of his lips, blue eyes flashing in excitement. The hint of pain quickly passed, his body healing instantly. The memory of it, though, has ignited even more heat in Tony’s body and he starts rolling his hips, the pup’s soft cock growing hard inside him.

He takes control of the kiss, claw tipped fingers digging into the alpha’s hair and pressing into his scalp. Peter rightfully becomes submissive beneath him, giving control to the experienced omega.

A purr rumbles out of Tony before it cuts off. His tongue enters between Peter’s lips and he finds the kid eager.

It takes only a little bit of encouragement before Peter's leaning into him, his tongue stroking Tony’s. The Superior is glad that Shield’s notes were correct. Peter is a fast learner.

His hands wander over the alpha’s shoulders, caressing down his bound arms before slipping between their bodies. When his hand squeezes Peter’s balls, the alpha shudders and whines, hips once more bucking.

So eager.

Tony pulls away and is satisfied with the kissed bruised plumpness of Peter’s lips. His own kissed swollen mouth curved up into a smirk.

He presses his hands down on the alpha’s chest in a silent command but it isn't needed. The rise and fall of his hips has the alpha mesmerized and Peter groans when he catches flashes of his wet cock between Tony's slick thighs.

The Superior strikes once more, just as Peter gasps out a stuttered “C-coming…!”

This time, when Tony’s bite sinks into Peter’s mating gland, it takes and forever bonds the alpha to the omega as Peter breeds him full.

Once more, they're lost in lust and need, their minds ravaged by their instincts.

As Tony’s being fucked–

As he rides the alpha’s cock–

As he’s bent over the table, the hacked video feeds of SHIELD still looking for Peter–

Peter’s teeth bite down on the collar multiple times. He wants to sink his teeth into his omega but Tony distracts him with kisses, with his clever hands pumping his aching cock, with his sweet lips as he mouths the pup’s soft knot…

It all passes in a blur of sex, their bodies well matched. Peter’s youthful stamina is bested by the Superior's experience and enhancements.

Their last mating is in Tony’s bed with the entire building on lockdown. An alert has shown that Shield has finally caught onto Tony but the pair are locked away in a secured nest of their own.

Peter holds him tight, the thumping of his heart a resounding beat against Tony’s back. One of the alpha's hands is fondling his cocklet while the other holds the omega’s leg up in the crook of his elbow, his hips slapping against Tony’s ass in a harsh desperate rhythm.

The mess of cum and slick leaking out of his pussy and ass is ignored as Peter pants heated breaths against his ear. The Superior, too, has his head thrown back, claws digging into the meat of Peter's thighs as he urges him to finish.

“Alpha…” Tony sighs, exhausted but heavily satisfied.

The pup nuzzles against his neck, long used to the fact that the jewelry is there. It's enough… Tony’s wet pussy clamped on him, his sweet mouth calling him alpha… It’s enough…

His cock sinks in with a sloppy squelch and it's wet and hot inside Tony’s pussy… He's been fucked loose, but with the omega’s orgasm, the flutter of his insides along the alpha's cock has the pup whimpering as he gets close once more.

“Gonna come…” Peter gasps out. His cock throbs in its tight little home and his balls pull up taut, ready to deliver.

The omega moans, his body tightening down in further encouragement.

“Give it to me… Give me all of it…” Tony‘s voice is rough but still commanding.

Peter buries his face against Tony's shoulder and with a low groan, he gives in.

Tony closes his eyes and savors the now familiar feeling of being bred. Compared to their first mating, this one won't last as long. He feels the twitching of Peter’s cock inside him as it unloads, the nice stretch of his knot as it fills him again… One load, two… three… then a weaker pulse.

It's still a lot for an alpha but not as much as before. Their heat and rut are winding down but the bond will still be there.

“You’re mine, alpha,” Tony murmurs when they finally settle in.

Unwillingly or not. Everything that is Peter’s is now his. His kisses. His attention. His cock.

He turns in the alpha's arms and Peter nuzzles into his embrace, still in the grips of a mating afterglow.

He's not sure what the morning will bring. How Peter will react, but he knows for certain that he won't let the pup go now or ever.

“Mine,” the omega murmurs and Peter rumbles in contentment.

A soft purr joins him as the night finally ends.

---

Peter wakes up in increments.

He’s warm and comfortable and the most relaxed he's ever been. His limbs feel like they're weighted down, heavy with relaxation. He hasn't felt this content since before the bite, since before Uncle Ben’s passing.

It's unusual but he clings hard to this weightless sense of contentment. His arms tighten around his pillow, bringing it closer, and it's only then that his brain comes online.

He's not hugging a pillow.

His eyes snap open and he comes face to face with New York’s most dangerous omega. He expects adrenaline to kick in hard and for shock/surprise/horror to crash into him, but instead, he's calm.

Calm and something else… His face grows hot while something else beneath the warm blanket grows thick and hard.

He should… should…

The Superior smells so good… And even though most of their activities last night are blurred, Peter remembers. He remembers heat and passion, the tight silky clutch of the older omega’s pussy as it locked on his knot, squeezing down so exquisitely that Peter had to sink his teeth into something to withstand the sheer pleasure he had felt.

Peter’s breath catches in his throat at the memory. He swallows down the influx of saliva that had flooded his mouth and tries to calm down enough that he's not sporting a hard on but it's… It's impossible.

Wait. He had bitten Tony in his lust induced rut. Had he hurt him?!

Peter pulls back, withdrawing his arms as carefully as he can to avoid waking the omega.

The covers get pulled back and Tony– the Superior, the CEO of Stark Industries, the most eligible and most dangerous omega in the country… He curls up like a sleepy kitten, mouth pouting as the warmth from their shared body heat leaves him cold.

Peter’s hit with the instinct to care for him and raise the covers so he's tucked in, nice and warm.

He stops himself because it's only then he can see the damage he’s done to the omega.

Bite marks litter his previously flawless skin. The only thing that had survived was the jewelry the omega had been wearing. So he didn't bite Tony…

He raises his hand to his own mating gland and his fingers come away with flakes of dried blood.

The bite throbs too but it's already healed a lot.

For some reason, the alpha doesn't find himself conflicted about being bonded against his will, even if it's a one-sided mating. He wonders if it's the post mating emotions talking or if the bond linking him to Tony is influencing him.

He’ll never know and he finds that… he's okay with it. At least at this moment.

Looking at the sleeping omega, at his sleeping mate, Peter tries to recall more of what happened.

Peter doesn't remember what happened to his clothing but he can imagine tearing them off in his desperation.

The bite marks, of course, are from him. He remembers, in not so vivid detail, how he'd scraped his fangs over the omega's neck. How he’d settled his mouth over his chest, tongue laving at the omega's nipple and the other hand pinching and twisting the other nipple.

He remembers sinking in deep, slick heat enveloping his cock, a growl in his throat. He remembers using all his strength to fuck the omega senseless, hands leaving bruises on the Superior’s hips, bone hard under the pad of his thumb.

He remembers… the Superior moaning and egging him on, his lips curved in a delighted smile, his lips panting open… He remembers fucking that mouth and spurting a thick load over that sinful mouth.

He sees all the signs of everything they’d done and his cock throbs.

Peter’s eyes gravitate to the Superior’s long tanned legs and it's like something takes control. His hands reach forward, gently settling on top of the omega's knees and then he's pulling them apart.

The Superior’s cocklet is soft against his thigh. His pussy is still puffy and reddened from the hours of mating… Peter had been insatiable, he recalls with a heavy blush. Long hours of slow fucking, his cock plowing through cum and slick… And short quickies that added up to an equal amount of time, Peter humping and grinding, his knot barely softening before he was stuffing the omega full again.

Peter had been truly an alpha lost in rut… he feels an echo of that desperation and wonders if he's still in rut now… He can't take his eyes away from the sight in front of him and his cock is already hard…

Peter’s heart is pounding and he's so excited. Is this what it feels like to be with an omega? There are butterflies in his stomach, he feels lightheaded just looking at Tony… Is he… in love...? He can't be, they don't even know each other! But his heart is in his throat and he wants it so badly… Wants Tony…

A shaking hand reaches out and he pulls those puffy lips apart.

He pushes a finger inside, cock twitching when the sleeping omega moans. Inside, it's hot and wet, just as he remembered it.

What breaks the fragile hold he has on his control is that when he pulls his finger out, creamy white covers it.

He can't take it. He can't–

Before he realizes it, the tip of his cock is pushing its way past the omega’s entrance. He doesn't wait– can't wait– and then he's thrusting into the slick, cum filled pussy of the most dangerous omega he's ever met.

He’s fucking the Superior raw. Does it even matter though? When there's evidence of Peter having already came inside him?

His mind doesn't care even though there's a tiny voice somewhere screaming about what he's doing. Not even about yesterday but what he's doing now. Tony isn't even awake…

It's too good– he can't stop. He doesn't want to stop. He’s had a taste of what it feels like, of what being with the Superior is like. His silly boyish dream of finding a nice gentle mate is nothing compared to the fire the Superior's ignited inside him.

He braces himself over the omega, his snapping with determination and making such obscene wet sounds as his cock moves through cum and slick.

Breedbreedbreed… mate…

The pleasure builds and he can't stop himself. He wants to come inside again… His lips pull up, bearing teeth and sharp alpha fangs. Why can't he control himself…?

He's right at the precipice, his knot growing from soft to hard when Tony wakes up.

He knows because he’s shoved hard enough that he’s knocked into the ceiling to floor windows in front of the bed. They don't shatter, only rattle at the impact.

He slumps to the floor, naked and dazed.

The Superior rises from the bed, brilliant blue eyes aglow as he walks to him, equally naked. Cum trails down his thighs which momentarily distracts Peter until his eyes snap up back to the omega approaching him.

“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…” Peter stutters, his mind finally clear.

“Fucked me while I was sleeping?” The Superior finishes his sentence.

He looks at Peter with that cold gaze, mouth twitching when he finds Peter’s erection still hard.

Peter doesn't even dare to move when the Superior lifts a delicate foot. He steps down on the alpha’s cock and all Peter does is shudder, feeling humiliated but still so, so turned on. After fucking the omega, his cock is wet with Tony’s slick… and he’d been close to coming that even the pain of being knocked into the wall hadn't phased him. The friction of Tony stepping down on such a sensitive part of his body… Shame makes his face burn even when his cock twitches.

The omega can clearly feel it but he only presses down harder, adding more weight which only makes Peter tremble harder.

“I don't mind that so much, but you were going to come,” the omega says with hooded eyes. “It looks like you’ll need a lot more training.”

He finally steps back but instead of leaving Peter in a humiliated slump on the ground, he slides himself into the alpha’s lap in a single graceful movement. He straddles Peter’s lap and the alpha’s breath catches in his throat when Tony positions his cock at the entrance of his pussy.

He shudders, hands clenching at his sides when Tony sinks down, throwing his head back as the alpha’s cock stretches his insides with its wide girth.

“Hmm… Already learning… Good boy…” the Superior praises him.

Peter doesn't know what he did right but all he does is stare in stupefied wonder as the omega fucks himself on Peter’s cock.

“Don't make me do all the work,” the omega commands and takes Peter's hands and places them on his hips. “Fuck me. And don't come until I say you can.”

“Yes, sir…”

Now that he's given permission and he knows the omega won't eviscerate him, Peter eagerly joins in. His hands grip the omega's hips, finding a familiar hold and fucking the omega just as he ordered. He mouths at the bruises he'd left on Tony’s collarbones, adding even more and appeasing his instinct to mark and claim.

“Maybe if you're good… I’ll let you bite me where it counts…” the words are whispered in his ear.

Bite…? Peter almost comes on the spot.

To mate the Superior…

Peter’s eyes go hazy as lust takes over. When Tony tilts his chin up, he eagerly offers his mouth, moaning when the omega kisses him breathless.

[starbychoice]

A Song For Little Ears

(Platonic) Raine Whispers x Child!Reader

Summary: Raine finds a child and deicides to care and raise them.

The day Raine found young (Y/N) was cold and dark. The isle was on a verge of spitting up another one of it's nasty storms of boiling rain. As Raine ran down the streets of Bonesborough, they already saw fellow witches outside casting protective spells on their homes in hopes to protect it from the hurtful weather.

As Raine ran past an alley, almost to their house as the rain started to fall, they heard a noise. This wasn't just any noise, but a cry. From the sound of the cry, it was obvious that it had to have been an infant or young child. Raine looked around cautiously, making sure this wasn't anyone's trick to lure witches in. When they decided it was safe, they slowly and carefully walked down the alleyway. There they saw a woven basket on the ground by a stack of crates.

Getting closer, Raine saw a infant in which couldn't be more then a year old. The small child was covered in a blue blanket, which had beautifully stitched stars and constellations. It wasn't an uncommon thing for mother's to put their children up for adoption, but just abandoning them was abnormal.

Raine knew that it would start pouring soon, hurting both them, and the small child. With that in mind, Raine made the decision they thought was best in that moment. That was taking the small child with them, planning on taking the child to the emperors coven after, in hopes of finding someone to take care of the infant.

At this time Raine didn't particularly want a child holding them down, but they had to admit. The child they now held in their arms was very cute. Raine could never forget when the baby looked at them for the first time. The boiling isles seemed to stop, for just a moment when they looked in the child's eyes.

That was one of the few reason Raine decided to keep young (Y/N). There wasn't many good reasons for Raine to keep a child at such a young age, but they had their reasons that were more important then any logical reason Raine should not adopt the infant. Raine didn't even know how to take care of a baby, but that didn't stop them. Hell, Eda didn't even think it was a good idea, and she was the queen of making bad choices!

There was much trial and error with (Y/N), but Raine fought through every one. Weather that be sleep deprivation, colic, and even worries for (Y/N) when their small body falls while trying to sit up for walk. Although there's all those little happy moments that make up for the big bad ones.

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It was early in the morning. Raine had just awoken from a hard night, (Y/N) had been crying almost all night long. Raine had no clue why, they were stuck by (Y/N)'s crib, trying to figure out why she was still crying. Eventually (Y/N) did fall asleep, although so did Raine. Raine had fallen asleep next to (Y/N)'s crib sitting in a rocking chair, the top of his body hanging over the top of the crib.

Raine, still halfway asleep, felt something pulling on their hair. Well, a certain someone pulling on his hair... Opening their eyes, they saw the precious face of (Y/N). Raine smiled as (Y/N) tiny fingers weaved through Raine's hair. They thought that this would be a cute moment, that was before (Y/N) pulled on Raine's hair rather harshly for a baby. The combination of a tight grip and surprising strength for a baby was not good in this moment.

Raine immediately pulled back at the pain of having his hair pulled out by a baby. Raine held the part of their head that was brutally assaulted by baby hands. That was when they heard the giggle of (Y/N). Raine glared at (Y/N) slightly, hearing the baby's laugh. (Y/N) giggled more at Raine's look, it was almost insulting!

Looking at (Y/N)'s face, Raine knew they couldn't stay mad at them. Raine sighed, the frustration leaving their body hearing (Y/N)'s giggles. They smiled, picking (Y/N) up. As soon as Raine had done this (Y/N)'s hands were on his face, squishing Raine's cheeks. Raine laughed holding (Y/N) close.

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Raine's all time favorite memory of them and (Y/N) was one night when (Y/N) woke up in the middle of the night, wailing. Raine sighed hearing (Y/N)'s cries, "Looks like its gonna be another hard night.." Raine said to themself. Raine dragged their feet to (Y/N)'s crib, picking (Y/N) up and mumbling comforts.

Raine rubbed (Y/N)'s back, hoping (Y/N) would just go to sleep. Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Raine's head. Raine sat (Y/N) back in their bed. (Y/N) wails grew louder when Raine sat them down. Raine summoned his violin, beginning to play soft melodies. (Y/N)'s crying ceased, sniffles only being heard now.

Raine played a common lullaby, humming along with it and closing their eyes. They continued playing for a few minutes, until the song finished. Raine opened their eyes, they were immediately relieved to see (Y/N) asleep. Making their instrument disappear, they leaned into the crib kissing (Y/N)'s head before going back to bed themselves.

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I love parental Raine so much, might just be because of my own parent issues but ill take it.

[secretly-a-catamount]

Presenting: the second post-TotK Zelink fic I’ve written! The Ao3 version of this story is here.

————————————————————————

“Do you . . .” her garb blue as ocean waves, her eyes likewise, her hair the color of the setting sun that silhouetted her to be an icon of the Goddess, “remember me?”

  He had.

  “Zelda! Oh, thank Hylia,” he muttered, trying to weave a net of protection around the two of them with nonsense words and soft syllables, cradling her in his arms gently, “do you remember me?”

  She had not.

  The woman slowly turned on her feet — bare, her shoes, and his too, slumped in softened-leather piles by the door — examining the kitchen with curious but guarded eyes. She touched absolutely everything, running her fingertips across notches sliced into a cutting board from errant knives, fitted her fingers through the interior grooves of empty wooden bowls, ran her palms down curtains she’d woven herself.

  Was I”—she made the correction immediately, her brows furrowing together—“am I good at cooking?” Her voice was melodic, if not shaky and frayed.

  “You’re hopeless.” Link pulled out a chair, the legs scraping against the floor. Zelda flinched, recoiling from the sound. “We had this in-joke—“

  “‘We’?” Zelda seated herself in the chair across the table from him, her posture too rigid, too perfect to be Hylin.

  The other Champions. Even now, Link couldn’t bring himself to say their names, the well-deserved guilt settling on his tongue like ash every time he tried. He signed quickly, his eyes never leaving her face, his thoughts turning to when, like a mirage in the desert heat, she’d disappear.

  Zelda nodded. She couldn’t remember them anymore than she remembered him, but he had told her who they were, what they had done for her, for him, for the both of them, for the entire country. In the past week, he had told Zelda so many things he wouldn’t have dared before, words he’d always kept tucked away, words that even he never acknowledged, spilling from his lips to her ears.

  The silence wasn’t . . . awkward, exactly. It was just that . . . he was so utterly in love with her, as both friend and lover, and she didn’t know him at all. Not really. Not anymore.

  He understood, he really did, deeply and truly, but that didn’t stop the absence of her from hurting. And his Zelda was absent, in a way, the woman sitting across from him sharing her face but not her mind.

  Link had memories. Zelda merely had a lifetime’s worth of encounters retold to her from a foreign perspective.

  It would be a—

  “Rupee for your thoughts?” Apparently, Zelda’s scientific curiosity was an inborn trait, because she was studying him like a bug unearthed from the bottom of a rock. Link, who was very used to this expression, who loved it, in fact, didn’t take it personally.

  Was I just staring at you?

  “Yes.”

  Sorry, Zea — Zelda.

  “It’s fine.”

  Because it was.

Wasn’t it?

[starshooter-1004]

Namor - The Ocean Calls 8

@

Masterlist

Taglist: @alinefrank @deliciousfestsalad @couldnt-come-up-with-a-username @omgsuperstarg @lunamoonbby

The next morning I woke up early, quickly got dressed and went to the library. I wanted to clear my head and have peace and quiet before the others wake up. I lit a candle walking over to my reading corner; Idris had gifted me blankets. They were a beautiful shade of ocean blue with pearls woven on the ends of the blanket. I wrapped myself in the blanket sitting on the chair with my knees to my chest. 

I closed my eyes as the air was calm and quite easing my mind. I sat in silence for some time picturing my old life again. I missed the surface feeling the sun on my skin and the ocean breeze. Everything down here was cold and stiff, isolating at times. I sometimes found myself aimlessly walking the twisting caverns when I’m bored. 

I would frequently ask to go into the city just for a change of scenery; but orders are without Namor I wasn’t allowed. Sometimes I wondered if Namor would ever fully trust me to roam his city without him. My mind then went to my mother and brother a frown falling on my face. I wonder what words of wisdom they would bestow on me during this time. I missed my brother he was my rock, my comedic relief on a bad day, the light on my grey days. 

The day we lost him I lost a piece of myself I buried a piece of me with him that day. My mother was never right after that she became cold and distant. She refused to speak about my brother so the topic was never brought up. I was isolated in my own grief; my mother shutting me out. My ex boyfriend abandoning me at my lowest and the people I called friend going MIA. Thats when I turned to my sunset trips to the ocean; the sound of the waves swallowed my curses and screams. I felt like a piece of me belonged; the breeze swaying me and soothing me to calm.

I always wondered if my brother was at peace; is there truly a place our souls live in? I badly wish to hug him again and tell him everything about this place. Hear his voice and laugh again. Suddenly a thud sounded a floor above me between one of the isles. I looked above only seeing darkness; grabbing the candle and blanket I made my way up. 

They're on the ground was a book on the geographical makeup of the Atlantic. Picking it up it was opened and settled on a chapter about the caverns deep in the ocean. The winding tunnels and their exits and entrances for the currents to rip through. I sat on the floor putting the book on my knees as I read; the cavern described was similar to this one.There was a way to the surface here, and if I could get away for a hour I may be able to find it. Tucking the book in the blanket I raced down the stairs to the door. Opening it I ran into Idris she jumped startled.

“My lady?” She asked. Her eyes went to the opening in the blanket spying the book; I quickly pulled the blanket over. She looked back up at me, her eyes told me she suspected but she did not pry. 

“I was just heading back to my hut for a morning read,” I said walking toward the stairs.

“I see… I will have tea made up for you,” she said. We made our way down and parted ways; entering my hut I checked behind me to see where Idris was. The moment I saw I was alone I quickly lifted the mattress tucking the book beneath it and grabbing my suit. Placing it inside of my dress on my back I would be able to wear it in secret. A knock was heard at door and Idris entered with a small tray with only one cup of tea. She walked over placing it onto my table.

“Are you not joining me today?” I asked a bit disappointed.

“Unfortunately not, Ku’Uk’Ulkan wanted me to assist with the princess and her guest,” she held the tray flat against her now. 

“Oh.. I see,” I looked down at the cup of tea. 

“Yes, so that would mean you get the day alone and unsupervised for a while,” I looked up at her.

“I heard that the currents have been gentler in its traveling speed the last few days. Almost relaxing to roam down,” she looked at me. She smiled turning to walk out the door without a word.

“Idris?” I called out. She turned toward me.

“Thank you.. for everything you’ve really been the only friend I’ve had here,” she smiled.

“This isn’t a goodbye y/n just the beginning,” she winked. She turned back to the door exiting my hut disappearing into the cavern. 

“She said my name…” I spoke to myself. I got up walking to my mattress pulling the book out; inside the bookmarked page was a map of the cavern tunnels. I grabbed a piece of paper and traced the map onto it. Once completed I placed it back between the mattress folding it and placing into my belt sash. 

Walking over to the door I took a deep breathe glancing at the bracelet. If Namor’s mother was still here would she understand? Didn’t she yearn to be on the beach again? I left my hut heading to the pool; no one was around must be preoccupied with Namor and Princess Shuri. Reaching behind me I activated my suit and jumped into the water. Swimming forward some feet I pulled my map out examining the tracings. Instead of taking the current used for the city I swim farther to find a separate opening. 

Folding the paper back into my belt I followed the direction. After swimming for a period of time I noticed the algae on the rocks here shined brighter and clustered together more. Looking up into the winding tunnel I managed to find bubbles gathering; I must be getting close. A wave of excitement went through me as I quickly swam toward the light. Suddenly breaking out of the water I gasped; a happy laugh leaving me. I looked around seeing a beach with tall brush in it’s gathering. I swam toward the shore deactivating me suit once I was knee deep into the shore tide. 

I stood there smiling taking a deep breath of the fresh air; the sun felt warm against my skin. It felt like ages since my skin felt this tingle of the sun's warmth. I laid out into the sand not caring if it’s graining texture bothered certain places on me. Shaking the sand from my hair I sat up looking out into the horizon. Beautiful though I’m not so sure what beach I’m exactly on. I suddenly heard voices from a distance behind me. I quickly ducked into the tall grass; I scanned the beach finding no one until I heard a familiar voice. My body froze as the horror set in; did he know I left? Was he here to punish me and drag me back to the depths of the cavern? 

I slowly crawled through the brush and spotted two figures one indeed being Namor but the other… Queen Ramonda? I laid on my stomach holding my breath trying to make as minimal noise as possible. I couldn’t make the conversation only bits and pieces. 

“Is there anything I can offer you?” Queen Ramonda remarked. Namor smirked and shook his head.

“Nothing,” he said. He suddenly went serious stepping close to the Queen whispering something to her. He then turned leaving the Queen on the beach; he shoulders slumped. She seemed distraught was Shuri’s presence there not planned between them? Maybe… I overstepped my bounds last night with my comment. 

I decided to head back to the cavern before the entirety of Namor and his generals sent a search party. What would come of Idris if they found out she left me alone? I had a bad feeling and decided to hurry back; upon surfacing back in the cavern I watched commotion. I quickly pulled myself out and deactivated my suit before standing. I saw Namor and Namora standing and the feet of a pair of slippers I recognized. My heart sank and I ran toward them.

“Idris!?” I saw her on the ground. Gasping for air as her hand covered a wound on her stomach. I knelt next to her my hand covering hers tears pricking my eyes.

“Idris… Hang in there we, we can help you,” I looked toward Namor. He closed his eyes looking away from Idris. A sobbed escaped her as she placed her free hand over mine. 

“It’s ok… I’ll be with the ancestors soon,” she coughed and I held her hand tighter.

“Don’t talk like that, you can’t leave me,” tears fell from my eyes. She smiled touching my face.

“It was a honor to serve you In Reina,” Idris voice was low and faltering. Namor hold Idris’s face having her look at him; her chest fell and didn’t rise in her next breathe. 

“Taan Kiimil?” Namora spoke. 

“Je’el,” Namor replied. Namor ran his hand down her eyes closing them. A sob left me as I cradled her face in my hands her body turning cold. Her hand in mine going limp; this is all my fault. Namora began to angrily speak to Namor, Namor then stood up cold and emotionless. I looked up at him as I cried he didn’t look at me as he turned. 

“Ready the people and prepare my royal attire,” Namor commanded. Everyone around me began to scurry going to start each task given. I sat there next to Idris as everyone ignored.

“Namor!” I shouted standing; Idris’s blooded staining the bottom of my gown. I stood there fists clenched as tears ran down my face. Namor turned at my town looking at me. 

“She’s dead… Idris is dead! And now I’m alone!” I cried out. Namor waved his hand to the servant next to him as they tried placing his cape onto his shoulders. He walked over to me placing his hands on my face wiping my tears with his thumbs. 

“I will avenge her Ni Yakunaj, I swear to you I will,” he kissed my head. He rubbed his thumbs down my cheeks before walking away the servants following closely behind. Namora stood to the side watching me with a scowl; she then turned diving into the water with her spear.

[aurathian]

By a Thread | AO3

For @zelinkcommunity Zelink Week 2023, prompt: by a thread. no totk spoilers here!

Fandom: Breath of the Wild

Rating: G

Summary: Link found many painful memories within Hyrule Castle, but perhaps this one hurt the most.

One of the more peculiar findings in Hyrule Castle was the amount of needles and the strange places Link discovered them. He visited Hyrule Castle many times–it called to him, even from the farthest reaches of the lands, dragged him back from snowy mountaintops and tropical shores. Something, or someone, pulled him there, but despite this pull the air was never urgent. Instead, malice particles floated slowly along the currents, directing him neither here nor there, simply allowing him to float with them.

And oftentimes, he floated to a desolate corner covered in rubble through which he dug only to find a sewing needle and bits of decayed thread.

Hyrule Castle was very quiet. Peaceful, almost, as though overpowering the evil energy that battled within. Like he was protected.

He made sure to pick up all the needles he found. He had discovered one in the dining room and another on a windowsill. One turned up in the barracks, on the deck overlooking where the soldiers mingled. A fourth one he discovered in Zelda’s study, up in the tower, and there he found some old miscellaneous embroideries and tapestries, some finished and others not. A fifth, he found outside along the winding path to one of the gatehouses.

His footsteps did not echo in the halls of the castle, no matter how high the ceilings or wide the walkways. The peaceful air stifled them, made it as though he wasn’t really there, like he was just a phantom wandering a memory. Even so, these memories were so clear; he was living them, and sometimes, he heard whispers from the others who had once been in them. Every now and then, when he turned a corner, he swore he heard the faintest murmur of his name.

On another castle expedition, the hero stumbled into the princess’s bedroom. Or, rather, what had been the princess’s bedroom, as tattered and ruined as it was now. Large piles of dust and debris covered the room, completely consuming whatever had once lain in those spots, and portions of the wall had been cracked open to the fresh air. The books on the shelves that lined the walls were either missing, collapsed on the floor, or decimated beyond recognition.

In the corner of the room, positioned by a window through which light and fresh air streamed, was a rocking chair that would creak with particularly strong gusts. The light from outside was like a beacon, lighting the way to the rotting wood covered by a small woven blanket.

Upon this rocking chair, Link found a needle.

Threaded through the needle was blue yarn, slightly lighter than the blue of his tunic, but it led to nowhere and was cut off in a matter of inches–but not by scissors. More likely by time. Its ends were frayed.

He looked around some more, but didn’t pry. Digging into what had been his princess’s belongings, no matter how decayed, ruined, or moldy, no matter how insignificant her sock drawer might be to the Hyrule of now, felt wrong. He would let her keep her dignity. He knew from his memories people spoke of her, and he would do his best still to protect her, from swords and tongues alike.

It’s not like there was much to dig through, anyway. Rubble and time had covered most of the room.

So he moved on. For once, he went beyond Zelda’s room and out through the blown-apart wall. When he was in Hyrule Castle, time simultaneously stopped and accelerated. Now it was nighttime, despite him entering in the morning, but the castle was so still, so quiet, he couldn’t tell. The moon washed its light over him, guiding him across the bridge he had walked onto.

Link knew from his memories that Zelda had been a researcher. From the frog she tried to make him (was it really him, or was that simply a vessel one hundred years removed?) eat, to the Ancient Columns at which she admonished him for following her, he was not surprised that these ventures also meant a lot of clutter in the study he had wandered into. The shelves were lined with miscellaneous rocks, flora, strange–and now fermented–liquids in glass vials, and the desks below were lined with books and scattered papers, all with illegible scribbling.

What did this room look like, one hundred years ago? He didn’t know. His memories–or perhaps were they Zelda’s, considering she was there every time? Their memories didn’t show him this room. They showed him a castle bridge upon which she was scolded by her father, they showed him a napping Zelda in Gerudo Desert, they showed her frustrated in a spring. And in every memory, she glowed.

Next to an open book upon the desk with some clear writing, albeit pages decayed, was a small embroidery hoop. The fabric he assumed to have once been a cream was now stained and slightly brown, the image on the hoop almost unidentifiable. After some squinting, holding the hoop in his hands and flipping it every which way, he realized.

The petals were hard to make out, but he finally recognized the familiar blue, followed it to the center where yellow dots emerged, and then down the green thread. A flower. But it was unfinished–parts of blue thread hung from one of the petals, the final piece needed to complete the puzzle. The needle on the chair.

Zelda could not finish this piece. No, she wasn’t allowed to, had it ripped away from her moments before its completion by the Calamity. The Silent Princess, gone with her.

He remembered something. He had seen this memory before. When she leapt in front of him as the Guardian aimed his laser, when her powers at last activated and saved his life but he fell anyway, wounded and exhausted and on the brink.

Princess Zelda had been so close. No, that time, she had fulfilled her wish, but still the mercy and victory she deserved was taken.

Link didn’t know if he felt angry. If he did, then at who? He certainly wasn’t angry at her. He could never be. The King, for pressuring her? No. He understood the nuances of the King’s situation. The Calamity, then? Yes. Well, everyone was, even those who weren’t there one hundred years ago.

He was angry with himself. The Hero of Hyrule had failed not only the kingdom but her, leaving her behind on that fateful day to face Ganon alone when he had sworn to protect her, sworn to protect Hyrule, defend her from swords and tongues alike.

He had been saved that day for a reason. To bring her back.

Now the air pulled him, beckoned him toward the sanctum from which he had seen a bright, piercing light, and he realized at last who had been calling to him the whole time.

[dagasii]

Deliverance and Retribution

<CW for: Themes of religious fanaticism and violence>

The creaking of the rocking chair kept the time to the song of nighttime quietude. The fire laid a rhythm to underscore the soft snores of the sleek hound, whose brindled fur was long and smooth as threads of silk, curled before the pale stone hearth. He was a good boy, devoted fastidiously to the woman by his side. He was rescued during the fighting, and had been her companion ever since. The war was done, for now, and the paladin of the new Silver Hand took her muchly-earned respite with no shortage of joy. Her breast rose and fell smoothly as she hugged her book to her chest, and her head tilted back with blissful ease.

Her child, a girl of perhaps six or seven, sat at her feet. Long and slender ears flopped as she guided a set of small wooden horses and riders across the woven rug. Softly, she made the sounds of their whinnies, of the crowd that watched, and of their jubilant riders as they pulled to the finish line of a race that existed only to her. She knew nothing of the wars, except that her mother had returned different than before. She’d always been religious, but now she clung to her libram like the drowning cling to rocks upon the shore. She was distant and weary and rarely had the energy to play anymore.

But there were little surprises each day. Today, Thaelise slid her eyes open to gaze down at her daughter. Therymara paused her playing just long enough to understand the way her mother’s eyelids drooped and her lips curled up softly; and she offered Thaelise one of the wooden horses to take. She waggled it once enticingly, but neither said a word even when Thaelise dropped to the ground to take it. She groaned lowly as she slid to the floor, a reminder of the toll her body had taken.

The libram was left sitting in the rocking chair, but that was no bother to Thaelise, who knew the holy words therein as if they were the hairs of her daughter’s head. As she plopped onto her rear, horse in hand, she let the first of the tale she wished to tell spill forth from her lips. Her voice was soft as the flowers of spring, low and singsongy.

“It was upon the rolling glades of Tirisfal that Mereldar the Prophet had her visions,” she began. The horse in her hand raced alongside Therymara’s across the textured blue expanse of the rug. The child listened, despite the diversion from the game at hand. “After her brother, General Lordain, was torn limb from limb to secure the lives of his people. He was righteous and valorant, and thus he walks in the Light even in death. The same Light that deemed Mereldar worthy of seeing the future. Of spreading its grace.”

Thaelise licked her lips, then paused for just a moment to reattach her wooden rider’s foot to his horse’s stirrup with a satisfying click. She cleared her throat, and continued: “Five beautiful, ephemeral, but inhuman forms came to her with their voices chiming in peals of virtue. To Mereldar they revealed the tenets of the Holy Light. They taught her to find wholeness in saintliness, protection, compassion, justice, and retribution. These tenets, when put to proof, could knit together the flesh and burn to ash the wicked.

“Mereldar shared her visions with others who had seen such glory, and these prophets together wrote down what this higher power had shared with them all. They valued selflessness and steadfastness, tenacity and grace. They brought the Light to Azeroth, that never again shall we suffer the darkness. Never again shall we walk alone.”

Thaelise looked up from her wooden horse to find Therymara still playing. The little girl worried her bottom lip, an act that accentuated the gap in her upper row of teeth where one had fallen out and not yet grown its replacement in. Thaelise cleared her throat sharply, prompting her to look up as if startled by the sound. 

The singsong left Thaelise’s voice as she spoke next. “Do you understand?” she asked. Her voice was as heavy as the libram that sat in the chair behind her.

Therymara, who had no hope of understanding now, only nodded. “I understand," she lied.

— — —

"And Mereldar saw visions of righteousness and retribution," came her mother's voice, worn down like the grating of rock on metal. "She saw saintliness put to bed the shadows of impurity and insolence. Retribution, the sword of the Light, and justice, its shield, came forth and blessed man with divine knowledge."

Therymara was fifteen now, yet she still stared at her mother with the clueless innocence of a child half her age. The trips into Lordaeron became more frequent, and with each, the fervor of her mother's stories stoked hotter and hotter like rising conflagration. There was comfort in these stories, sometimes. When her mother told the story of the prisoner Uriel, who stole gold from the holy halls of the Bishop only to find himself forgiven and cleansed by the compassion of the Light, there was comfort to the story. It smacked of warm hearth and the radiance of dawn. Gentle and soft as the old silky hound that lain curled up with his head on Thaelise's lap. He groaned as she leaned forward, taking her daughter's chin between her thumb and curled index finger. Her voice dropped low, as if keeping a secret, and spoke with the serious tones of a funeral.

"Do you understand?" She asked Therymara. Her eyes were as azure as the cover of the worn libram in her opposite hand, and as unwavering in their gaze as the words upon the page were unwavering in their resolve.

"Yes."

"Then bow your head and pray, that our enemies shall fall in the Light's glory, and that you may be so lucky as to be blessed by its presence."

Therymara bowed her head, angling her chin to the ground before closing her own eyes. Her hands folded with the practiced precision of someone that had done this a million times before, and Therymara's lips moved silently in prayer. Amber beads were draped around her folded hands, and her mother stood back to admire her own work. A child, bowed in prayer, beseeching the Light to take her, that she not be forsaken, that she have the opportunity to be its divine eyes as Mereldar was so many years before. A second coming of the original prophet. There was no better future that Thaelise could create for her daughter. There was no one more devout than she. No one could shepherd Therymara better to her destiny, and the evidence was here, by the light of the crackling fire.

Therymara, who kept her head low and her words lower, experienced something strange now. Something began to take root in the very pit of her belly. A blossoming feeling of warmth and comfort, spreading like the petals of a lily to the sunlight. It came with peace and release, and it eased the child's shoulders and granted her relief from the stresses of the world. The amber beads in her grip seemed to grow hot without growing painful, spurring her forward in her prayer. Her voice rose, her fervor rose, until her words rang above the din of the hearth with none of her previous reservation.

The silky hound raised his head, and he watched her pray.

___ ___ ___

Fairbreeze Village was evacuated, and now them too. Their instructions were to get to the city as quickly as they could, to shelter in place behind the barriers there. For the undead were coming. The undead who raged and ravaged and tainted all they touched. Enemies of the Light, and therefore of Therymara's family. Therymara was only twenty, and so afraid that not even prayer could stop the shaking of her hands as she burst through the door.

Her mother and father sat by the hearth, silent. Chillingly so. Her father was a complacent man, whose main concern was running the apiary they lived on rather than the more spiritual fancies of his wife. If pressed, he might have confessed he didn't even share her devotion to the Light, and only humored her because he believed her to be unwell. It was harmless, he believed, if she and their daughter were women of faith. After all, Quel'Thelas needed magic of all sorts to thrive.

His expression now was careworn and tired. Still in his work clothes, sitting beside his wife with a hand on her knee. Their faces turned slowly to Therymara, watching the girl in the doorway as she sputtered all sorts of half-warnings and false starts before finally choking out: "The undead are coming!"

The girl's father stood before she could finish the words, and he disappeared into the back rooms of their home to gather their bags and things of import with what little time they could spare. Thaelise, however, refrained from moving. Instead, she only stared. Her expression grew taut and cold, looking as faded as the cover of the libram nestled beside her. She beckoned Therymara over with a flick of her wrist, and the girl obliged by slinking to her side.

Therymara's chest heaved with panicked breaths that came shallow and tremulous. Her eyes found no restful home, and instead darted around the room as if expecting the danger to creep forward from the very walls. Instead, it was only she and her mother, side by side in tenuous silence.

"Bow your head and pray," Thaelise ordered. Her voice was like the sound of ice cracking beneath your weight, and the order made Therymara's heart jump accordingly.

"I'm too afraid. I've forgotten how."

Slowly, Thaelise turned to look up at Therymara. Tightness in her face turned to hardness and disdain, staring with flat detachment at the girl by her side. A waifish thing. A piteous, faithless child was she, who would throw away her destiny for fear she harbored in her heart. And so, Thaelise prayed for her.

"And Mereldar saw, in that blazing moment, the fall of her foes. The Light's righteous justice and the divine right of retribution."

Tired, Therymara snapped. She bared her teeth and she choked a sob. "Shut up, just -shut up!-"

Thaelise blinked, and then she scowled. In the distance, the back door of the house creaked shut. The final click of its latch punctuated this brief silence with a sinking feeling of hopelessness. Thaelise rolled her shoulders back and, once more with fervor, she began. "And then it was laid bare, and she saw it plain. The calling of the Light will be your sword and shield, a cudgel for the saintly and a shelter for the craven and weak."

"I'm going to see what Papa is up t-" Therymara started, and she began to turn away. She was halted by Thaelise's grip on her wrist, which pulled her back sharply.

"Do not turn away from the Light, lest it turn away from yo-"

"Let go!"

Thaelise forced the girl on her knees with two strong hands on her shoulders. Rising to stand behind her, bowing her head for her by force if need be. The preaching reached a fever pitch. The fire in the fireplace seemed to blaze hotter than before. 

"The Light will deliver us! The Light shall hear our calls! Devotion and fury shall be our guides and our shepherds! Do you understand?"

"No!"

"Do you understan-"

"I don't know!"

Thaelise, a paladin and priest, raised a hand to the air, letting yellow light gather in her palm. Hot and holy, a fire poker made of flesh and bone, and she prayed. She kept one hand still on her daughter's shoulder. "Pray for your salvation, and pray that the Light shall deliver you. Beg and plead to meet your destiny in the face of doom. Pray, and the undead shall not touch you."

She was nearly screaming by now, and yet Therymara's father did not come. Tears rolled down Therymara's face and fell with fat splats onto the floor. Hesitantly, she folded her own hands to pray.

Thaelise's hand, full of light, flexed. The paladin steeled herself for a moment, pausing her fervent preaching. This silence weighed on them both, sagging their shoulders as if a burden had been placed upon them. Only in the Light would faith be rewarded. Only if Therymara saw the Light could she find vision and holiness in adversity. Thaelise saw a future where her daughter was a prophet, and where visions of divinity as profound as her forebears came as easily to her as blinking. To lay eyes upon worldly sights was a distraction. To survive the undead onslaught would be her reckoning.

"As the Bishop said to the servant, Gabriel: 'The Light shall be our eyes. The Light shall guide our path. Pray on this, Therymara."

And Therymara did. Her lips moved and her hands clenched all the tighter and the girl -prayed-.

And so, Thaelise, unwell, zealous Thaelise, laid her hand over her daughter's eyes, so that she may see the Light.

The scream that rang through the home was tortured and animalistic. Therymara thrashed and screeched and sobbed. Fingernails dug into Thaelise's wrist as she felt flesh beneath her palm bubble. Smoke curled into the air, sweet smoke that was reminiscent in a terrible way of the smell of grilling pork. It wafted into the air in a plume, curling to the ceiling and then dissipating into the room. The fireplace crackled and groaned as the flames seemed to roll like frothing tides. 

Thaelise's preaching began once more. Holy word spilled from her lips as comforts as Therymara's cries turned from screams into pitiful sobs. The girl's hands went limp at her sides, and her shoulders slumped weakly. Easing herself onto the floor, slowly peeling her maimed face away from her mother's hand so she could rest her head upon the floor. Her vision had gone dark, but the pulsing blue aftereffects of the Light's searing still danced behind her eyelids as if she had stared into the sun too long. Tears pressed into the rug, leaving a wet spot where her face lay. She said nothing, but her mother spoke. 

"At our lowest we will find salvation. Pray, Therymara, and the undead will not harm you. The Light shall be your guide."

And it was at this moment that their time ran out, for the undead could be heard in their ceaseless approach, infringing upon the boundaries of the apiary. Therymara's father was cut down before he could even scream, but the women in the house both knew his fate when they heard the bone-chilling march. Thaelise stooped, laying a kiss upon her daughter's temple and raking back her hair.

"Pray, my love," she whispered. "And you shall know divinity one day."

As her mother stepped out through the front door, the opposite of whence the undead came, Therymara was left alone. Blinded, weak, and alone. And so she did all she knew at that moment. Therymara prayed for deliverance. The rolling fire before her warmed her body and offered her succor from the pain of her maimed flesh. A seed of comfort took root in her stomach and cleansed the girl of her fear and agony. The Light brought Therymara peace so sweet that, even with the undead by her door, she slipped into slumber.

And when she awoke, all was silent.

[gobboguy]

Chapter 19: Attack on the Orcish Hall

Ulf lounged on the balcony outside her room, the cool night air brushing against her face. Beside her sat Gleaming-Tusks. Lowly, a thrall, stood nearby, ready to serve. She wore a modest tunic and breeches, her eyes cast down in deference. Ulf and Gleaming-Tusks both donned elaborate royal dresses befitting their status and the occasion of a quiet evening of camaraderie on the balcony.

Ulf’s dress was a masterpiece of Orcish craftsmanship, designed to accentuate her regal bearing and formidable presence. The bodice was a deep, emerald green, adorned with intricate gold embroidery that depicted scenes of ancient battles and legendary Orcish heroes. The fabric shimmered subtly in the moonlight, highlighting her toned form. Her skirt flowed gracefully to the ground, its layers of fine silk and velvet creating a stunning contrast. Around her waist, a wide, ornate belt encrusted with emeralds cinched the dress, emphasizing her warrior’s physique. Her raven hair was adorned with a simple yet elegant silver circlet, and a pendant of jade rested on her forehead, a symbol of her lineage and strength.

Gleaming-Tusks wore a dress that was both elegant and commanding, befitting her status as Ulf’s closest confidante. Her dress was a rich, royal blue, the color of the deep sea, symbolizing both depth and calm. The bodice was fitted, with silver threads woven into swirling patterns that caught the light with every movement. Her sleeves were slightly puffed at the shoulders and tapered down to her wrists, where silver cuffs sparkled with embedded sapphires. The skirt of her dress was slightly shorter than Ulf’s, designed for ease of movement, with layers of blue and silver fabric that rustled softly as she walked. Around her neck, she wore a delicate silver chain with a pendant shaped like a tusk, encrusted with tiny blue gemstones, a subtle nod to her name and heritage. Her hair was braided and adorned with silver hairpins, each one intricately carved with symbols of the sea and sky.

The two women, in their royal dresses, cut imposing yet graceful figures against the backdrop of the night sky. Their attire was not just a reflection of their status, but also a testament to the rich culture and artistry of the Orcish people.

Ulf sipped from a goblet of fine Chommogh vintage, savoring the rich, fruity flavor. She picked at a platter of delicate meats and cheeses, sharing the meal with Gleaming-Tusks.

“Who do you think is the best suitor so far?” Gleaming-Tusks asked, nibbling on a slice of cheese.

Ulf sighed, leaning back in her chair. “It’s hard to say. Each one brings something different to the table. Sudbad and Rogmog are fierce warriors, Jekul is a brilliant strategist, Oznacht is a master hunter… and Goreboar, well, he’s unique.”

Gleaming-Tusks laughed softly. “You’re being diplomatic, Ulf. What do you really think?”

“I think,” Ulf said, setting down her goblet, “that I’m not ready to be just a breeding mare. I was meant to rule, not be ruled. The thought of being reduced to nothing more than a vessel for whelps… it’s disheartening.”

“How many whelps do you think you’ll have?” Gleaming-Tusks asked, her tone light but curious.

Ulf groaned, rubbing her temples. “I don’t even want to think about it. The kingdom needs strong heirs, but it’s hard to imagine a future where my primary role is just producing them.”

Gleaming-Tusks glanced at her friend, a playful smile on her lips. “You know, I like your green skin. It suits you. You look powerful.”

Ulf’s displeasure was evident. “I miss my old self, Gleaming-Tusks. My red skin...my fangs!! This transformation… it’s not what I wanted. I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself.”

Before Gleaming-Tusks could respond, a sudden explosion rocked the dark castle, the sound echoing through the night. Both women jumped to their feet, exchanging surprised glances.

“An attack?” Gleaming-Tusks whispered, her eyes wide with fear.

Ulf set her jaw, her eyes narrowing. “We need to find out what’s happening and defend our home.”

They rushed out into the hall, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Lowly followed closely behind, her eyes darting nervously around. The castle was alive with commotion, thralls and guards alike scrambling to respond to the unexpected disturbance.

Ulf led the way, her mind racing. She had no intention of letting anyone or anything threaten her home or her people. Whatever was happening, she would face it head-on, just as she had faced every other challenge in her life.

Ulf and Gleaming-Tusks, their royal dresses now a flurry of color and motion, rushed down the stone steps of the castle, their breath coming in sharp bursts as they navigated the labyrinthine halls. The clamor of armor and weapons echoed around them, punctuated by the fierce battle cries of the Orc guards.

“Protect the Queen!” one guard bellowed, his tusked face twisted in determination as he charged toward the commotion.

“Haro! Gelbeg! Haro!” another roared, raising his axe high before sprinting down a side passage.

Orcish warriors clattered past, their heavy boots thundering on the stone floors. The scent of sweat and the metallic tang of weapons filled the air, mingling with the faint smell of the castle’s ancient stone.

Ulf’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, her Orcish bloodlust igniting with each step. She knew this attack was no mere coincidence; it was a strategic move to seize the Inert Lightning, a Key of Creation they had brought to Gelberg under the highest security.

“We must reach the vault!” Ulf shouted, her voice cutting through the din. “Gleaming-Tusks, this way!”

Gleaming-Tusks flashed a savage grin, her muscles flexing as she followed Ulf into a narrow side hall that led down into the bowels of the castle. “Let’s show them what true Orcs are made of!”

The two women moved swiftly, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor. Flickering torches cast long shadows on the walls, adding to the sense of urgency and danger.

“We can’t let them take it,” Ulf growled, her eyes narrowing with resolve. “That Inert Lightning must remain in our hands.”

Gleaming-Tusks nodded, her face set in grim determination. “They won’t know what hit them, Ulf. We’ll tear them apart if we have to.”

Ulf’s grin widened, a fierce light in her eyes. “Exactly. Let’s give them a fight they’ll never forget.”

The pair descended further, the noise of the battle above growing fainter as they approached the heavily fortified vault. The snarling face of an Orc, engraved on the massive doors and surrounded by runes of power, loomed before them. Ulf took a deep breath, her hand resting on the hilt of her dagger, ready to face whatever awaited them.

“We’re almost there,” she whispered, her voice tense with anticipation. “Stay close, Gleaming-Tusks. This is what we were born for—combat and victory!”

With a final nod to each other, they pushed open the doors and stepped into the darkness of the vault, ready to defend their kingdom with every ounce of strength and cunning they possessed.

Inside the vault, chaos reigned. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows over the scene of utter bedlam. Orcs clashed with rotten, shambling zombies—ghastly amalgamations of Orcs, men, dwarves, and centaurs. The smell of decay mingled with the metallic scent of blood, creating a nauseating miasma.

"Where have these come from!?" An Orc screamed before being swarmed and torn to pieces.

Sudbad moved like a specter, his magical cutlass weaving a watery dance of bladed destruction. With each swing, the blade shimmered and flowed, slicing through the putrid flesh of zombies with ease. His movements were fluid, almost hypnotic, as he dispatched the undead with a roguish grin.

Rogmog, a hulking mass of muscle and rage, smashed several zombies into pulp with his massive warhammer. His shield, dented and bloodied, bashed aside any undead foolish enough to get too close. He roared with each strike, a primal sound that echoed through the vault.

Jekul swung his massive longsword, cleaving a zombie in two with a single, powerful stroke. His black armor glinted in the torchlight, and his eyes burned with battle fury. Each swing of his blade was precise, deadly, and unrelenting, a testament to his prowess and strategy in combat.

Dura and Duran fought side by side. Dura wielded her axe with deadly grace, her movements a lethal dance of destruction. She spun and twirled, the axe slicing through the air and undead flesh alike. Duran, though less skilled, tried his best to assist her, his strikes clumsy but earnest.

Ulf stared in shock at the chaotic scene. Where did these zombies come from? The sight of so many undead warriors was both horrifying and bewildering. Shaking herself from her stupor, she spotted a fallen sword. With a quick motion, she grabbed it and threw it to Gleaming-Tusks.

"Here! We fight together!" Ulf shouted.

Gleaming-Tusks caught the sword, her eyes blazing with determination. She nodded and immediately joined the fray, her blade slashing through the air.

Ulf grabbed another fallen sword and jumped right into battle. Her heart pounded with a mix of fear and exhilaration. She swung the blade with all her might, hacking at the nearest zombie. The undead creature's head flew off its shoulders, and Ulf didn't pause to watch it fall. She moved to the next target, her Orcish bloodlust fully awakened.

Sudbad, Rogmog, Jekul, Dura, Duran, Ulf, and Gleaming-Tusks fought valiantly, their weapons cutting through the horde of undead. The vault echoed with the sounds of clashing steel, grunts of effort, and the sickening crunch of decayed flesh being obliterated.

Ulf fought with ferocity, her blade a blur of motion. She felt a surge of pride as she saw her companions holding their ground, each of them a formidable force against the undead tide. Despite the overwhelming odds, they fought with the tenacity and courage that only true warriors could muster.

As the battle raged on, Ulf's mind raced. What was the source of these zombies? Who or what had unleashed them upon the castle? The questions burned in her mind, but she pushed them aside, focusing on the immediate task of survival.

Together, they fought with everything they had, determined to protect the Inert Lightning and defend their home against this terrifying new threat.

Ulf and Gleaming-Tusks stood back to back in the chaos of the vault. Their swords flashed in the torchlight, cutting down zombies with every swing. Ulf’s blade cleaved through a decaying centaur, its top half collapsing before the lower half crumpled beneath it. Gleaming-Tusks beheaded a dwarven zombie with a swift, clean stroke, her muscles rippling with power.

"By MOG's will!" a guard bellowed, his voice echoing off the stone walls.

"Victory or death!!!!" another shouted, swinging his axe to decapitate a shambling undead.

"For the Domination!" Ulf cried, her voice rising above the cacophony.

"For the Domimation!" Gleaming-Tusks added, her eyes alight with savage glee.

The battle seemed to be turning in their favor. Sudbad’s cutlass danced through the air, slicing zombies into ribbons. Rogmog’s warhammer crushed skulls with each mighty blow, while Jekul’s longsword cleaved through undead ranks with surgical precision. Dura’s axe spun in deadly arcs, and even Duran managed to down a few zombies with his earnest, if clumsy, strikes.

Suddenly, a chill ran down Ulf’s spine. From the depths of the vault, a low, guttural growl echoed. The fighting momentarily ceased as all eyes turned towards the source of the sound. Emerging from the shadows came a monstrosity unlike any they had ever seen.

The creature was a grotesque amalgamation of different races. It had the hulking frame of an Orc, the legs of a centaur, and multiple arms sprouting from its torso—some human, some dwarven, and others even more monstrous. Its flesh was a patchwork of decayed skin and sinew, stitched together in a macabre quilt. In its many hands, it clutched the Key of Creation, the Inert Lightning. The bottle was capped and filled with crackling lightning bolts, casting eerie flashes of light on the abomination’s hideous form.

"By MOG, what is that thing?" Gleaming-Tusks gasped, her grip tightening on her sword.

"Their goal is the Key!" Ulf realized, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination. "They’ve dropped all pretense. It’s an open attack!"

The monstrosity let out a bone-chilling roar and charged forward, its many arms swinging weapons and claws. Ulf and Gleaming-Tusks sprang into action, meeting the abomination head-on.

"To the Key! Protect it at all costs!" Ulf shouted.

Gleaming-Tusks let out a battle cry, her sword slashing at the creature’s legs. The monstrosity swung a massive club, forcing her to dodge and roll away. Ulf lunged forward, her blade aiming for the creature’s chest. The abomination parried with one of its many swords, the force of the blow nearly knocking Ulf off her feet.

"We need to cut off its arms!" Gleaming-Tusks yelled, blocking a swipe from a clawed hand.

"Right! Focus on the arms!" Ulf replied, dodging another swing and slashing at an arm holding a human sword.

Sudbad, seeing the new threat, redirected his attacks towards the monstrosity. His cutlass struck with watery precision, slicing through one of the abomination’s arms. Rogmog and Jekul moved in, their combined strength hammering at the creature’s limbs.

Dura and Duran joined the fray, Dura’s axe severing another arm while Duran valiantly tried to shield her from the creature’s counterattacks.

Despite their efforts, the monstrosity seemed almost unstoppable, its remaining arms clutching the Inert Lightning tighter. Ulf gritted her teeth, determination burning in her eyes.

"Fall back!" she ordered, her voice carrying the authority of a true leader. "We need to regroup and take it down together!"

The Orcs, rallying to her command, fell back and formed a defensive line. Ulf and Gleaming-Tusks positioned themselves at the front, ready to charge again.

"For the Domination!" Ulf roared, raising her sword.

"For MOG!" the Orcs echoed, their voices a powerful chorus.

As the monstrosity lumbered towards them, Ulf felt a surge of Orcish bloodlust. She glanced at Gleaming-Tusks, who nodded grimly. Together, they would defend their home and reclaim the Key of Creation. The battle was far from over, but Ulf knew that they had the strength and courage to face whatever horrors came their way.

The monstrosity let out another bone-chilling roar, then pivoted and charged towards a hole in the wall that led to the dungeons. From this gaping maw, a fresh wave of zombies began to pour, their rotting forms filling the air with the stench of decay.

“They’re coming from there!” Ulf shouted, her voice echoing through the chaos. “Follow it! Don’t let it escape!”

Orc warriors charged forward, hacking at the undead horde. Ulf and Gleaming-Tusks led the charge, their swords slicing through the putrid flesh of their enemies. Gleaming-Tusks, her face twisted in fury, rushed ahead to strike at the monstrosity’s arms, aiming to sever its grip on the Inert Lightning.

But the monstrosity, with its immense bulk, slammed against the wall with a force that made the very stones tremble. Gleaming-Tusks was caught in the impact, her body crushed beneath the weight of the creature. She crumpled to the floor, lifeless.

“Gleaming-Tusks!” Ulf cried, her voice breaking with grief and rage.

The monstrosity continued its relentless advance deeper into the dungeon. Ulf, driven by a need for revenge and a fierce desire to protect her home, led the Orcs in pursuit. They fought through the horde of zombies, their blades flashing in the dim torchlight. In the dungeon, prisoners cowered in their cells, their faces pale with terror.

Among them, Ulf caught sight of the green man in his cell, his eyes wide with fear. The sight of him, so helpless, only fueled her determination. She leapt into the air, her sword aimed at the monstrosity’s many hands holding the Inert Lightning. Her blade struck true, piercing the flesh but failing to sever the limbs.

A hundred hands reached out, grabbing hold of her, squeezing the life from her. Ulf struggled, her vision darkening. Suddenly, a sharp “twang!” echoed through the dungeon, and two arrows embedded themselves in the creature’s flesh. It roared in pain, dropping Ulf to the ground.

Gasping for breath, Ulf looked up to see Oznacht and Goreboar standing at the entrance to the dungeon, bows in hand. Goreboar winked, and with a fierce shout, the two Orcs loosed a hail of arrows. The projectiles peppered the monstrosity, each strike weakening it further. The creature staggered, its many limbs flailing, before finally collapsing to the ground in a heap.

Ulf, filled with a surge of triumph, approached the fallen abomination. She reached down and lifted the Inert Lightning from its grasp. The crackling bottle of lightning bolts felt almost warm in her hands, a testament to its incredible power.

“Victory is ours!” she declared, her voice ringing out clear and strong.

The Orcs around her let out a triumphant roar, their spirits lifted by the sight of their princess holding the precious Key of Creation. Even in the face of such terrible danger, they had prevailed. Ulf, despite the grief for her fallen friend, felt a fierce pride in her people and their unbreakable will to defend their home.

The ground beneath them began to rumble ominously, shaking the very foundations of the dungeon. Cracks spider-webbed across the stone floor, and massive thorny vines burst forth, lifting the stones and knocking everyone off their feet. The dungeon erupted in chaos as the walls trembled and debris fell from the ceiling. Ulf was thrown to the ground, and the Inert Lightning slipped from her grasp, rolling away.

One of the massive thorny vines whipped out violently, its barbed tendrils lashing at the Orcs. The vines moved with deadly precision, striking fear into the hearts of the warriors as they struggled to regain their footing. Ulf barely had time to react as a particularly large vine snaked toward her, its sharp thorns glistening menacingly in the dim light. It instead managed to swipe at her legs, causing her to trip and fall flat on her back.

The vine reared back, poised to strike and crush her. Ulf’s eyes widened in terror, her body frozen in the face of imminent death. Suddenly, a savage cry pierced the air.

“No! Ulf!” Duran roared, sprinting forward with his axe raised high. His eyes blazed with determination as he charged at the vine, intent on protecting Ulf at all costs.

"Duran, stop!" Dura screamed, her voice filled with desperation and fear. "It's too dangerous!"

But Duran was already in motion, his mind set on saving Ulf. The vine lashed out with blinding speed, its thorny length whipping through the air. In a horrifying instant, one of the thorns severed Duran’s head from his shoulders.

Ulf watched in horror as Duran’s lifeless body crumpled to the ground, the vine retracting and thrashing about wildly. Another of her companions, another brave soul, had fallen. The sight of Duran's lifeless form filled her with a deep sense of loss and anger, fueling her determination to end this madness and protect her kingdom from any further harm.

The chaos continued to swirl around her, but Ulf's resolve remained unshaken. She would fight on, for her fallen friends, for her people, and for the future of her kingdom.

From the gaping chasm that appeared in the floor, a maw into the earth itself, a figure began to rise on a colossal vine. The figure, an old man with graying brown hair, wore silver armor enameled with leaves and wielded a gleaming sword. His face was twisted with hatred, pale and crazed. Ulf's eyes widened in recognition.

"It's Alden, the Forest Protector!" she hissed, her voice filled with disbelief and fury.

Alden rode the massive thorn with ease, his eyes locked onto the Inert Lightning. Vines responded to his will, lifting the bottle and bringing it to him. He grasped it with a triumphant smile, ignoring the chaos he had unleashed.

"You cannot take that!" Ulf shouted, her voice cutting through the din. "I won'tallow you to harm my people!"

But Alden ignored her, his focus solely on the powerful artifact in his hand. The Orcs around Ulf struggled to rise, still dazed from the violent upheaval. As Alden turned to descend back into the dark chasm, a voice called out from one of the cells.

"Father!"

The green man’s voice echoed in the collapsing dungeon, filled with a mix of desperation and hope. Alden did not seem to hear, his expression unchanging as he descended into the depths, the Inert Lightning securely in his grasp.

"No! This isn't the end!" Ulf screamed, pushing herself to her feet. "I will protect my kingdom with my life! Do you hear me? This is not over!"

Her voice resonated with a fierce determination, a vow to her fallen friend and her people. As the last of Alden and his vines disappeared into the darkness, Ulf’s resolve only hardened. The battle was far from over, and she would stop at nothing to reclaim what was stolen and ensure the safety of her kingdom.

[pbclutterjunkie]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: 7484 Vintage Slate Blue Doll Size Wooden Rocking Chair Woven Seat.

[vancouverkitchenrenovation]

Bohemian Kitchen Design Ideas 2023

Bohemian kitchen design is a free-spirited and eclectic style that features a combination of bright colors, unique patterns, and fun decor.

Creating a kitchen with a bohemian flair can be simple and affordable. Try painting your existing cabinets a vibrant color or buying discount white shaker cabinetry.

Colorful Tile

If you want to get a bohemian look in your kitchen, one of the easiest ways is to add a colorful backsplash or floor. For instance, you can paint your tile in a dazzling hue of sapphire blue or mustard yellow.

Another inexpensive way to achieve this style is to use mosaic tiles as a wall accent. These tiles are easy to install and come in a variety of different colors.

Alternatively, you can also choose to paint your cabinets in a bold color that instantly uplifts the look of your space. This is a great option if you are looking for something affordable that will immediately bring the right boho vibes to your kitchen.

Plants are another great bohemian element to include in your kitchen. You can even create an open shelf with potted greenery and add a jute mat in your chosen color scheme to complete the look.

Light Wood Cabinets

A kitchen with light wood cabinets is a great way to achieve the bohemian style. These cabinets can be painted in a vibrant color like the teal pictured here or you can opt for a smooth, natural look.

You can also choose cabinet doors that feature a decorative design, such as in this bohemian kitchen by Romanek Design Studio. This kitchen has a sleek look and feels modern, but the dark tiles on the walls, brass accents and wood elements give it a classic California feel.

Lighting is another important part of a kitchen that’s inspired by Bohemian style. A single pendant chandelier is a good choice for small kitchens that want to add a touch of bohemian flair without being overpowering. This drop-chain fixture features a clear round globe and an open rope shade that protects a single Edison bulb.

Patterned Wallpaper

One of the easiest and most effective ways to add color to your kitchen design is with pattern wallpaper. You can find hundreds of thousands of options in a variety of shades, textures and themes, so you’ll be able to find the perfect style for your space.

In this kitchen, the designers chose a gorgeous lemon-themed wallpaper with pops of yellow that brightens up the whole room. It also pairs nicely with the gold-mirrored island in this space, which helps to balance the edgy vibe of the room.

If you want to incorporate a bold, colorful accent wall into your bohemian kitchen design for 2023, consider using wallpaper with a pattern that’s reminiscent of marble. It’s an affordable option that’s sure to make a splash in any kitchen.

Free-Spirited Atmosphere

Bohemian style is a free-spirited and eclectic atmosphere that creates a space that feels like it was designed with your unique personality in mind. You can bring this vibe to your kitchen with colorful patterned flooring, textiles layered on furniture, and plants in vibrant colors.

For the floor, try jute and then layer vintage Persian, Moroccan, or woven rugs over top. This can be a cost-effective way to add the perfect bohemian-inspired look to your space.

Macrame wall hangings and other decorative pieces can also help pull the room together. These items make a bold statement and provide a focal point in the room.

You can also incorporate family heirlooms, handmade items, and objects collected from your travels into your bohemian space for a truly personal design that will reflect your style and inspire you every day.

For seating, wicker and rocking chairs, large nest chairs with pads, and bean bags are all great options to complete the bohemian aesthetic in your kitchen. In addition, consider adding different types of funky seating arrangements around your kitchen island for a more laidback bohemian style.

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Metro Vancouver’s Premier Kitchen and Bath Renovation Company

Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s a space that brings people together, connects them, and helps them feel relaxed and comfortable. It’s a space that makes you proud to invite guests over, and it’s a space that lets you show off your personality and style. That’s why Vancouver Kitchen Renovation wants to help you create the perfect kitchen for yourself and your family. Whether you’re interested in updating your existing kitchen or starting from scratch, we can help you turn your dream kitchen into reality. We believe kitchens aren’t just functional spaces; they bring families together, connect them, inspire creativity, and allow them to express themselves. So we strive to create designs that reflect these values, and we’re excited to share them with you.

We understand that to be successful is to stay ahead of the curve. That means staying current with the latest technology and design trends. We always want to improve our products or services without breaking the bank. That’s why we stay connected to the latest technologies of NKBA, National Kitchen and Bath Association. In addition, at Vancouver Kitchen renovation, our primary focus is providing sustainable kitchen design and renovation packages, and we believe in sustainable living. Sustainable living is a way of life in harmony with nature. It is a lifestyle which focuses on the preservation of our environment. Sustainable living is a philosophy emphasizing respect for the environment and concern for its well-being. This means we should take care of the planet and treat it as if it were our home. We should try to preserve what we have and protect it from destruction. If we do this, we will enjoy the benefits of the earth’s resources for many generations. Whether you’re planning a major remodel or adding finishing touches to your current kitchen, we’d love to discuss your project. Book your showroom consultation online.

Main Areas of Service in British Columbia:

Vancouver

North Vancouver

West Vancouver

Burnaby

Coquitlam

Squamish

Whistler

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you DIY a Kitchen Renovation

It’s possible that you could do the kitchen renovation yourself if you aren’t too experienced. The answer is yes, but there are some things to remember.

A kitchen renovation is a large project. Make sure you have enough time and energy to complete it. Before you start, it is important to be proficient in plumbing and carpentry. Also, you will need to decide what aspects of your kitchen to be changed, such as extra storage space, changing old appliances, or changing the lighting.

Now it’s time for you to begin shopping for kitchen materials. It’s time to choose cabinets, countertops and flooring.

It is a good idea to plan your kitchen layout before you shop. This will allow you to determine how much space is needed and which layout would be most effective in your kitchen.

There are many choices in cabinets. You can choose from ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets or custom cabinets. RTA cabinets come in various styles and colours and are usually less expensive than custom cabinets.

It is essential that you ensure safety and security during large-scale renovations. For renovations, it might be a good idea to check the local building codes.

It is tempting to try to complete a large-scale remodel on your own. But it is better to get professional assistance. A qualified contractor will help you save both money and time. You will also be able to work with professionals to ensure that your project runs smoothly.

How can a kitchen remodel impact your home’s worth?

A kitchen renovation can double your home’s property value by as high as 20%. Major remodels can run from $40,000 to $150,000 so you need to think about how much you can spend and what return you expect.

It is important to choose a kitchen design that appeals to many buyers if you are planning on selling your house soon. Keep it simple and stick to classic styles to keep potential buyers from being turned away.

If you’re not planning on selling your home anytime soon, you have more freedom to personalize your kitchen. You should think about the purpose of your kitchen and what you want it look like. Are you a frequent host? You might want to think about a layout that provides ample prep space and plenty of room for your guests. Do you like to cook? You might be tempted to buy more expensive appliances.

No matter what your plans may be, a kitchen remodeling project can make your home more valuable. To get the best results, make sure you research and hire a reliable contractor.

Are you re-modeling a kitchen? Do you first do the floors or the cabinets?

This will depend on how your floor is installed. Before installing floating flooring, your counter and cabinets must be installed first. If you want to use glue-down, or nail-down flooring, first install the flooring and then place your cabinets. Consult a professional to determine which option is best suited for your kitchen remodel.

Are you going to regret your kitchen renovation?

Remember to be patient. The renovation process can take time.

Renovating your kitchen is a big undertaking that will significantly impact your daily life. It is important to do your research so that you are fully prepared before you embark on the renovation. This comprehensive guide can help you avoid making mistakes during your kitchen remodel.

Consider your lifestyle first.

Choose suitable materials according to your goals and budget.

It is important to choose the right countertop that will be easy to clean and maintain.

Choose the right appliance in terms of size and style.

Choose the right backsplash for your needs.

Take a look inside your cabinets and walls.

Communicate with your kitchen contractor and designer all the way.

Customize your storage solutions in your design to fit your appliance and gadgets

Don’t get your lighting lightly.

Don’t ignore kitchen ergonomics!

Don’t waste any space in your kitchen design.

Pick the right cabinet finish and colour.

You must plan before you can commit.

Find the right people to do the job.

Do not forget to place your garbage.

Statistics

Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)

“We decided to strip and refinish our kitchen cabinets during a heat wave with 90-plus-degree temperatures and 90 percent humidity in a house with no air conditioning. (familyhandyman.com)

It’s a fantastic thing about most home improvement projects: no matter the job. It often seems like the last 20% is the most difficult. (familyhandyman.com)

Followed by cabinet cost, labour, and appliance costs consume 20 percent each of your budget. (hgtv.com)

Your most significant cost investment for a kitchen remodel will usually be cabinets, typically comprising 25 percent of your budget. (hgtv.com)

External Links

familyhandyman.com

Family Handyman

Create an Open, Craftsman-Style Kitchen (DIY)

houzz.com

The Habitatilist – Project Photos & Reviews — South Orange, NJ US

The Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements for a Craftsman Kitchen

homeguide.com

2022 Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator

2022 Home Addition costs

homeadvisor.com

Learn how much it costs to Remodel a Kitchen – Compose: SEO.

How does a kitchen renovation increase my home’s worth? – HomeAdvisor

How To

How to design the kitchen you’ll be able to enjoy cooking in for years

Kitchen design should balance aesthetics and practicality. Your kitchen should be designed with functionality in mind so that it feels like home.

Here are some tips to help you plan your dream kitchen:

Find the layout that meets your needs. The three most popular kitchen layouts are L-shaped, U-shaped, and galley. L-shaped kitchens are great for entertaining and can easily accommodate multiple cooks. U-shaped kitchens work well for families that spend a lot time in the kitchen. They offer ample storage and counter space. Galley kitchens can be used in small spaces and are easy to navigate.

Compare the various types of cabinetry available and select quality products. There are many options available to you, depending on your budget. High-end cabinets can pay huge dividends. They will last longer, look great, and provide better protection against humidity, heat, and other temperature variations.

You should choose a color scheme you feel happy with. No matter what color you like, you can find a color combination that will bring life and color into your kitchen. You can use bright colors or soft pastels. It should match the rest of your room.

It is important to find the right balance between function & beauty. It’s not necessary for your kitchen to be beautiful all of the time. Sometimes you need to focus more on functionality than looks. But this doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate a few decorative elements here and there. For a striking focal point, use a mixture of glass and metals like chrome, brass or ceramic.

Create a comfortable environment. When designing your kitchen, remember that comfort should always come first. This is where you will spend most of your time. It should be welcoming and comfortable. You can add seating, lighting fixtures and other features to help you unwind after a long day.

Make sure you have enough storage. The kitchen should provide ample storage space for all your cooking tools and utensils. If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, add more cabinets.

Include a pantry. You can store and organize food items in a dedicated pantry. You can also store extra supplies in a separate area to prevent clutter building up around your kitchen.

You might consider a new type of flooring. The style and feel you choose for your kitchen’s flooring will have a significant impact on how it looks. There are many flooring options. If you have a small space, consider running the same flooring throughout the house to avoid the need for transition pieces.

Expansion plan. Insufficient space for future growth is one of the most common mistakes made when remodeling a kitchen. If you’re considering expanding, add another walk-in closet, install sliding doors, or expand your current countertop space.

Make sure you leave plenty of light. The best way to enjoy your kitchen is by being able to see what you’re doing. So, if you plan on using your kitchen as a family gathering place, ensure you leave lots of natural sunlight streaming through the windows.

Install energy-efficient appliance. Energy efficiency is one of the most important considerations when remodeling your kitchen. This means you need to replace older appliances with more energy-efficient models.

Be smart about your budget. Before shopping for new appliances, cabinets, or anything related to your kitchen project, do a detailed analysis of your finances. You will be able to narrow down your choices and save money over the long-term if you know how much you can afford.

Define a place for entertaining. No matter if you like hosting dinner parties at home or entertaining friends over drinks and food, having a designated dining space will provide a place for your guests to gather and socialize.

An island can be added to your kitchen. A island is a great addition to your kitchen. It provides additional prep and eating space, as well as serving as a place to store beverages, snacks and other small items.

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Amazon product links

1 Bed with drawers https://amzn.to/3KCKMii

2 Pot rack

50+ Beautiful small kitchen decorating ideas 2023 @Classydecorchannel

50+ Beautiful small kitchen decorating ideas 2023 @Classydecorchannel

Portfolio – Vancouver Kitchen Renovation

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[what-big-teeth]

Linked (Male Krampus x Female Reader, pt. 1)

I hope you all are in the mood to read about a Krampus boyfriend! This was inspired by the more well-known fiction featuring the intimidating figure and the horror/comedy that came out in 2015. With that being said, I hope you enjoy!

Female Reader x Male Monster (Krampus) [part 2]

Your parents once told you how Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends, be they related or chosen. More so as it occurs at the end of year, the best time to reflect on the past and hope for a better future. You clung to each and every word excited about the thought of spending the holidays with them as a family.

But it wasn’t meant to be during your eighth Christmas. Your mother had been called away to the local hospital while your father was needed on-site at the fire station. Maybe the reason for that was because you didn’t believe hard enough.

After talking to your parents, your next door neighbors quickly asked to host you. Besides spending a whole weekend with your best friend Ella, you were excited to see her Omi, Helena. Her warm smiles, kind blue eyes, and laughter won you over the day you met. In many ways, she became the grandmother you never had.

Which was why you were seated next to Ella on the edge of her fluffy, pink duvet, eyes wide and ears ready as Omi spun another tale from her homeland.

“Many know of Saint Nicholas and the simple gifts he brings. Chocolates, fruits, walnuts; little happy comforts. But few know of his shadow and of the long birch rods he bears.”

Omi paused, letting her rocking chair shift before continuing.

“With fur dark as night, sprawling horns hard as stone, and cloven hooves like iron, he follows the saint to scare wicked children into obedience. Sometimes with the threat of his heavy chains or the woven basket he carries on his back. For those he binds and places inside are whisked away for a night of terror. But the most wicked of all are never heard from again…”

Ella’s grip on your hand tightened and you answered with a quick squeeze. Your shared touch and curiosity slowly calmed your fears, letting Ella find her voice.

“What’s his name, Omi?”

Omi smiled in a mischievous way.

“This ancient being is called—”

“Mother!”

You squeaked at the sharp tone, your heart pounding like a drum in your chest. Mrs. Vogel stood at the bedroom’s entrance, her fair hands planted on her pajama-clad hips.

“Ah, Annette,” Omi said with a pleasant smile. “I was just telling the girls a bedtime story. Won’t you join us?”

Mrs. Vogel’s eyebrow twitched as she puffed out a quiet sigh.

“Not with how late it’s getting Mother. The girls should be tucked in bed and asleep, resting up for Christmas morning. Not listening to scary folktales.”

Slipping her hand from yours, Ella shifted her sprawled body and popped up with a frown.

“But Moooom!”

“Hush, Ella. Your father and brother are asleep, as you both should be.”

Before Ella could speak again, Omi used the rocking of her chair and its arm rests to stand.

“Annie is right, die lieblinge. I’ll finish my tale another time.”

Ella’s frown only deepened hearing that. Your expression almost matched her, except for the extra wrinkles. Mrs. Vogul began tapping her slippered foot against the floor then cleared her throat, moving her sharp gaze to Omi.

Not a moment later, Omi reached out and patted the tops of your heads with her warm, worn hands.

“Now, now. Shall I sweeten the pot with some morning hot cocoa? Maybe some afternoon marzipan, too?”

You were already nodding, having tasted and loved Omi’s delicious homemade goods since you were first introduced to them two years ago. 

Ella, however, stayed quiet, her frown twisting up into a tight scrunch. Her “thinking face”, as you called it.

“Can we have marmalade toast, too?”

Mrs. Vogel called Ella’s name in a disappointed tone, but Omi cut her off with a low, pleasant chuckle.

“Of course! Now, let’s get you both tucked in.”

After a bit of scurrying and squirming, you both settled down in Ella’s bed, the duvet thick enough to keep you warm. Mrs. Vogel and Omi wished you both good night in their own special ways: with a kiss at Ella’s temple and two tight hugs for you.

With the dim glow of Ella’s crescent shaped night light and the shared warmth between you two, your eyes fell closed soon after.

THUD

Then quickly snapped open.

Once your body relaxed and your heart calmed, you yawned widely, blinking away the sleep blurring your vision. According to the bright, blue numbers beneath the nightlight, it was 2:00 AM. Much too late for you to be awake. But the noise…did you imagine it? Dream it?

Turning your head, you met Ella’s relaxed face and saw her chest fall up and down in a slow fashion. Waking her up just to ask about the sound would’ve been rude and you didn’t want her to get in trouble. Mr. Vogel said a storm would blow through town in the middle of the night. But he didn’t say anything about hail. Maybe there was a clue outside?

Carefully and quietly, you sat up, taking care so Ella remained snuggled in bed. It was a good thing you chose the left side of the bed next to the window. You only had to worry about quietly shifting the curtain just so to see the ground below.

There was snow, as you expected. What you didn’t expect was the small figure standing on the edge of the front lawn. And strangely, they were wearing a coat you hadn’t seen before.

You had heard from your parents about kids who had lost their homes because of a fire or money problems. They sometimes got food and a room with the help of homeless shelters. But other times, they and their families were left to fend for themselves. Or worse, they were all alone. Like this kid was.

You made up your mind then and there: you had to make sure they were okay. If they were lost, they could use the phone to call for help and get out of the cold. Or maybe you could help them find their parents if they were in the neighborhood. You knew the layout like the back of your hand, including all the hiding places. So there was no chance of you getting lost.

With a sharp nod, you set out on your mission. It took a lot of stretching and pauses to make sure Ella stayed asleep, but your sock-covered feet soon touched the carpet in victory. Luckily for you, the Vogel house didn’t creak like yours. So getting to the coat closet downstairs was easy. You easily found your coat, boots, mittens, and hat, putting them on quietly and quickly.

Slowly, ever so slowly, you turned the two locks on the front door then opened it. The icy winds washed over you, stinging at your face like thousands of tiny needles. But you swallowed your whine, kept quiet, and shuffled outside, closing the door behind you. If it was this cold, you could only imagine how awful the kid further out felt. But you refused to stop now.

Taking giant steps across the lawn helped with getting through the steadily piling snow. Your breath puffed out from between your dried lips, your body heavy from the trek. Just a few more steps and—

You groan loudly with the final step, bending down and using your bent knees as support. 

“Finally…made it.” you huff out.

“You aren’t supposed to be out here.”

The harsh way he spoke his words told you he wasn’t from around here. But you didn’t know what was weirder: how his teeth weren’t chattering like yours, how pale his skin was like the snow around him, or the furry, brown robe he was bundled up in. Soon, you were able to decide when he turned to face you. 

Nobody you knew had deep, pitch black eyes. But then, you didn’t and couldn’t know everyone since that wasn’t possible. And your parents taught you staring was rude. So you blinked against the chilly winds blowing against your face and licked your lips.

“Neither are you,” you say. “Are you lost?”

The boy shook his head, whipping around the low tail his light brown hair was tied in. 

“My father’s nearby, so I’m safe. But you’re not. Don’t you know what happens to bad kids this time of year?”

You gulped down a large breath, refusing to be afraid. As much as getting coal for Christmas or meeting the monster from Omi’s tale scared you, you had to be brave. Especially if this kid and his father needed help.

“I do. But I came outside to make sure you were okay, that’s all. And I don’t think that makes me bad.”

The boy’s face scrunched up at your words. His lips pulled back to reveal small but sharpened teeth.

“I know you can tell I’m not normal,” he said with what you thought was a growl. “Aren’t you scared of me?”

Even though you felt tired and a little confused, you tilted your head to the side.

“Should I be?”

The boy stepped back, sputtering a large breath against the falling snowflakes. He narrowed his eyes at you, looking for something. But since your face didn’t have whatever it was, his own smoothed out as he blinked at you.

“You…you’re really not scared.”

“No,” you say, giggling. “Because you kind of remind me of an angry kitten.”

“Hey!”

You couldn’t help but laugh as his face turned a bright, cherry red. Sure, he was a little weird, but who wasn’t? Besides, it made sense for him to have sharp teeth and black eyes, just like how you were best friends with Ella.

“It’s true!” you chirped happily. Your laughter is cut short by a deep, full body shiver. “I’m just cold and I’m sure you are, too.” 

You remembered when your parents taught you the importance of choice and how special it was. You should never force someone to do something, even if you think they need help. They would have to “meet you halfway”. So you held out your hand and smiled at the boy.

“You can come inside with me until your dad comes back. Ella’s family won’t mind since they took me in for Christmas. And Omi Helena makes the best hot cocoa and baked apples!”

But the boy didn’t move. He just stared at you for what you thought was too long a time. Then, as his robes shifted, you wondered if he was ready to take your hand to go inside. Instead, he held out his own, his fingers tipped with little claws and gripping something tight.

“Here,” he said.

The round bell sitting in his palm wasn’t shiny like the ones used around town for decoration. It wasn’t golden either, but a bronzy color like that of a new penny. And the black writing on its surface swirled and curled so prettily even if you couldn’t read or understand what it meant.

“Is this for me?” 

The boy nodded firmly. “It’s a gift for being nice to me.”

You thought back to every treasure you ever collected since you can remember. And you knew this one would be the best of all, no matter what else you found. You caught the bell in your palm as the boy let it roll from his hand. Even though it was made of metal, it was warm to the touch, like the heat from a cozy fire that’s been burning strongly for a while. You couldn’t help but smile and laugh with joy.

“Thank you!”

The boy grunted in reply. “And as long as you have this, you’ll be safe every Christmas Eve.”

“Really? But why?”

“Because it’ll let me watch over you. I can vouch for you if you’re seen as bad each year. And so we can meet again, if you want…”

The boy lifted his leg, kicking at the snow with his booted foot while folding his hands behind his back. You felt your smile widen in reply.

“Yeah, I’d like that!” 

You introduced yourself as it was the polite thing to do and so he’d know who you were when you meet again. The boy grinned and opened his mouth, but quickly shut it with a click. You saw his shoulders sink, even with the massive robe covering him. From behind, a huge shadow slowly shuffled closer until you could see it clearly. It was also bundled in a dark robe like the boy’s, but its hood was pulled over its head. And sticking out from the hood were two, long horns.

You tried to get the boy’s attention only to watch him walk towards the figure without fear.

“Wait!”

You took a step forward, only for the wind to pick up, making it hard to see through the snow. But over the rushing air, you heard the boy’s soft voice and didn’t feel scared at all.

“I’ll tell you my name when we meet again. I promise.”

                                        TWENTY YEARS LATER

Your eyes fluttered open, blinking against the grit sticking to the inner and outer corners. With a roll of your shoulders and a few swipes of your hands across your face, consciousness returns at a quicker pace. The sudden bit of turbulence shaking your body also “helps” in its own way, but it’s soon forgiven.

The view from your aisle seat is breathtaking. Hues of pink, orange, and yellow greet you as a painted masterpiece, one you drink in an attempt to remember later on. As the sight gives way to thicker cloud cover, you glimpse the loose, dirty blond bun sticking up from the pile of blankets next to you. Very little could get through to Ella if she wanted to sleep. Well, save for her hunger; and speaking of.

You hear a low, long whine as the pile shifts. Ella’s face pops up through the opening, light red sleep lines pressed against her white skin. No doubt from the pillow she has hoarded in there. 

“Morning,” she greets around a large yawn, covered by her hand. “Are we there yet?”

You shake your head. “We should be landing in an hour. The captain announced the breakfast cart’ll come down the way soon.”

“Yay~. Hopefully they’ll have some toast and marmalade. Or least some peach jelly.”

“There was a mention of biscuits, fruit, and smoked bacon. Think I’ll snag that for myself.”

Ella grins. “Max is really gonna be bummed he missed out. You know how much he loves the other white meat.”

Ella had hoped to involve Max in her Christmas holiday visit to Omi’s childhood town: a fortified, German town with cobblestoned streets lined with half-timbered houses and shops, and a large square that becomes a yearly Christmas wonderland. But his work schedule sadly kept him grounded back in the city. And since Ella's parents visited the town frequently before old age set in, this left you and Ella to venture out on your own.

You were more than excited to join your childhood best friend. You loved Omi like a grandmother and the feeling was reciprocated as she treated you the same as Ella. And her passing at the long-lived age of ninety affected you just as deeply.

“You know,” Ella starts, still curled in her window seat, “I’m hoping to see the Doll and Toy Museum. Omi would always tell us about it, remember?”

“Yeah. Same with the Christmas shoppe. She was happy to learn how popular it became since she moved to America.”

“I honestly want to see everything I can, you know? I think it’d help with feeling as if Omi is there with us in spirit… Mind handing me my laptop?”

“A change in the itinerary?” 

“More like an addition or a few,” she says around a toothy smile.

You bend forward, reaching under your seat to grab at the floral, stylized case. Once it’s in Ella’s grasp, she makes quick work of unloading her laptop and getting down to business. Which is contacting your private tour guide.

You didn’t have the chance to speak to Ella’s chosen guide when she hosted the first video call between them. But she had nothing but positive praise about him when you asked. Fluent in German (as both of you were still learning), a local, and very easy on the eyes. You voiced your curiosity about meeting him while keeping your hopeful thoughts about his appearance to yourself. It wouldn’t do if Ella managed to get wind of something to tease you with in front of a new acquaintance. And maybe, if he’s willing, you hope he would act as a translator of sorts.

The bronzed bell from long ago sits nestled in your suitcase, carefully insulated from the rest of your belongings. Every time you glimpse it, your thoughts drift back to that night years back. The strange thudding from the rooftop, the odd boy you met, and the hulking figure he went to so readily… 

And none if it was a dream.

When you came to as a child, it was to the sight of your parents’ tear-stained faces and your father’s tight hugs. From what you learned over time, you were found outside huddled against the front door while the anticipated snow storm raged around you. But miraculously enough, you were unharmed by the frigid elements, warm to the touch, and embraced by a peaceful sleep. 

Your parents coddled you after for a time before making a huge decision. As a result of that night, they shifted their schedules, docking their own paychecks just to take time off work to spend more time with you. Unsurprisingly, the Vogels also grew more protective towards you, too. Especially Omi. 

You had never seen her so terrified when she glimpsed your treasure one quiet night. Her explanation only came as she lay in bed, before drifting off into an eternal sleep.

“I saw the same as you when I was a young woman. I was a romantic, so I gave him my heart. But it was broken soon after. Please do not be like me, liebste. Do not let your curiosity get the best of you.”

To this day, you still don’t know what she meant. But you hope, by visiting her birthplace, you’ll learn and come to understand what her odd words meant. 

[yandere-sins]

sorry if this has been asked before but what’s atreo’s nest look like? i’m really bad at picturing places so half the time i’m reading i’m like oh?? there’s water in nest?? ok

I suppose my explanations weren’t good enough, sorry about the trouble ^^’

It’s basically a big, round room that you can enter through an opening in the floor. The walls are transluscent, though it’s not exactly glass. And the roof is like a huuuuge version of these bad boys:

(Just hollow on the inside to make a huge ceiling.)

Glowing roots of an undecided flora hangs from the inside of the shell roof, emitting a light like bioluminescent algae, so you can see at least something inside the nest, lol. (Atreo doesn’t need it, but it’s a nice touch for a human since the ocean is a little dark.) The blue is a little sickening though over time after the initial calming effect it has.

Atreo has very sparse furniture inside his nest (though he’ll try to provide whatever you want) just a bed, a big shelf, a table, and a chair. Though he’s displaying quite a few kinds of weapons by just hanging them on the walls and ceiling. (He doesn’t necessarily need them, they are more like trophies. 10/10 don’t recommend lifting them though.)

The bed is considerable huge, fitting for his size and covered with pillows and a blanket, mostly just for decorations. They are made from woven algea, so they benefit from the water inside the room, but are not the most human-comfortable things. Still better than no blanket and pillows though.

Speaking of the water, despite the room being filled with air, the floor is still covered in water so our beloved merman doesn’t dry out like a stranded whale. Depending on your size I can’t tell you the exact amount of it, but it should rise up to at least mid-thigh for humans. The good news is, if Atreo isn’t in the room and splashing the water around, the amenities like the top of the bed or the top of the table are out of the water and are mostly dry and can be used normally. Bad news is, the water will affect human skin and that sucks.

Shelf, chair, and table are out of corals. He’s careful, but they are prone to break if he swipes his tales against them.

Fun fact, he collectes pretty rocks and displays them on the shelf. Next to medicine for you and other... trophies he collected from rivals and enemies. If you ask nicely he might take down the heads from the top shelf though and display them outside.

Hope that helps a little to visualize! I can’t draw well, so I didn’t try that, hopefully my descriptions are enough!

[wvbaandtheboys]

Lucky Day [2/2]

It was breezy and frigid that night. Magnus felt his nerves start to build up once again as he traversed the leaf covered trail leading up to Hugger’s cabin. He had been here many times before, so getting lost wasn’t even a thought though there were other pathways branching off into various reserves and ravines. The wooded area that Hugger lived in reminded Magnus of not-so-great, bittersweet times with his brothers back in Edinburgh. What usually would have been oddly comforting failed to soothe him. He was worried, scared, anxious– hoof. All of the bad things.

He gave a sigh of some relief as he saw the roof of the cabin finally come into view. It was always rewarding to see it after the long uphill walk. As he approached, he saw Hugger sitting in his rocking chair on the porch in a fluffy sweater and blue beanie, his grizzly bear Maple contently lying beside his foot. He had a comfortable looking woven blanket draped over his torso and was sipping on what had to be a nice cup of hot chocolate. Magnus couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “I’m here, Hugger.” He called with a wave as he came up the stairs. “Hey Magnus! Glad yer here. Have a seat.” Hugger motioned to another chair sitting on the opposite side of the porch. “Thanks.” Magnus gave a small huff as he sat down, laying back on the chair to try and relax his mind. “...Bit of an odd outfit ya got on for this weather, ey…?” Hugger cocked his head. “Eh. This is what I always wear whenever I’m out and about.” He was wearing a sleeveless jacket, with a plaid undershirt, yet had long pants with his winter boots. Odd, indeed. “Uh huh… Welp,” Hugger adjusted his posture. “Let’s hop to it then. Tell me what’s goin’ on with you and Aran.” Magnus straightened up instinctively at the mention of Aran’s name. “...Aye, it’s a mess, I tell ya… I-I just ain’t been feelin’ right lately.” “Mhm.” Hugger motioned for him to continue. “I… I’ve been gettin’ this… sensation. N’ it’s only ever happened when I’m around Aran…” “Oh? What’s it like?” Magnus motioned to his torso. “It’s like a.. a flutterin’ in m’ chest or gut.” Hugger immediately had a suspicion but kept it to himself. He wasn’t too sure yet. “N’ why do ya think yer feelin’ like that ‘round Aran? Think ya can tell me that?” Magnus opened his mouth to say something, but abruptly cut himself off and crossed his arms, rocking back and forth in the chair. “I-I- Well– I actually don’t really know m’self. It just sort of happened, y’know?- I mean, it can’t be what I think it is.” The stuttering, excessive fidgeting, the all-too-obvious denial were all textbook to Hugger. “...Magnus.” Hugger sounded a little concerned. “C’mon. Talk with me. I promise I ain’t gonna judge ya.” “O-Of course ya wouldn’t, I didn’t say nothin’ like that-” The defensiveness in his voice gave himself away even more. “Magnus.” Magnus squirmed, then gave a heavy sigh, slouching in his chair. “Alright, alright… I… I might…” He squeezed his fist tightly, trying to get the words out through the knot in his throat. “I might– have.. a crush on Aran..” He shook his head. God, it shouldn’t have taken all of that just to say it. But now that it came out, he felt like a helpful amount of tension was off his chest. “...Ah. I-I gotcha…” Hugger couldn’t help but look at him a little strangely despite trying not to. He knew that it was probably the case but hearing it from him was surprising. He remained quiet for a while after that, unintentionally leaving Magnus in uncomfortable silence. “W-Well, Magnus.. I.. huh.” He had to scan over things to say in his mind. “...I-I’m sorry–” Magnus started to apologize but was cut off. “E-Ey now, there’s nothin’ to be sorry about. I was just.. surprised, is all. I mean, I would’ve never expected ya to catch feelings for someone ya beat the tar outta every day.” The way he phrased it made Magnus feel a little bad. Sure, him and Aran were the ones who willingly kept up the facade, but right now… he didn’t know if he wanted to anymore. “...Aye…” Hugger cleared his throat, and gave a more sincere look. “..But, if ya want some advice.. Listen up. Y’know Bessie, right?” “Aye, the short lass.” “I think your case is similar to hers. Y’see…” “Bessie started actin’ weird around me outta nowhere. N’ really, when I didn’t know what was goin’ on, I was just plain confused. I tried askin’ her what the matter was but, she seemed real reluctant to tell me anythin’, let alone talk to me.” Hugger gestured with his hands. “She’d dodge my questions, make excuses, yadda yadda.. Well, it didn’t take me terribly long to realize what was goin’ on. N’ ya know what I did?” Magnus tilted his head curiously. “I made the first move.” Hugger gestured to the cabin. “N’ well, ya can see how that went for me.” “...Aye.” Magnus nodded. The story sounded like his, alright. It made him feel a little better. “Now I ain’t sayin’ that fallin’ in love is like how it is in fairytales… There’s not always a happy ending, n’ there’s always the chance that you can get rejected.” That word sent electricity through him. “But…Magnus? The best thing ya can do with what ya got is be honest.” “Y-You mean…?” Hugger nodded. “Ayup. Ya gotta tell Aran how ya feel.” 

“W-What-?! N-No no no- I can’t do that Hugger-“ Magnus waved his arms dismissively, fidgeting with his beard yet again. “Mag, it’s either ya tell him and see what happens, or ya keep hurtin’ yourself and Aran by not tellin’ the truth.” He quickly became more serious at the mention of that, settling down from his hesitation to think about it.“…I-I don’t know. I just don’t know. I-I’m just worried that if I say somethin, he’ll hate me for it…! I-I mean, we’ve been fightin’ fer ages at this point… what if he just laughs me off…?” Hugger slowly shook his head. “Now that, I can tell ya, won’t happen. Ya might not think it, Mag, but I know how much you and Aran care about each other. Even though yer rivals both inside and outside the ring, clearly ya don’t hate ‘im as much as you’d want us to think.”

“…W-Well now, how’d ya find that out..?” Magnus asked with a somewhat ashamed tone. Hugger gave a gentle laugh. “Believe it or not, he wasn’t too happy ‘bout the fight today either. Yapped for a good while to me. But, really. I can tell that ya do love Aran. And… I can tell that Aran loves ya right back.” Hearing that made Magnus’s face feel a little warm. “…Aye… we’re good friends, me n’ him…”

“Dontcha think then, that as a friend, ya should be open with him?” Hugger asked. “I’m sure Aran would prefer you tell him what’s botherin’ ya. …He said it himself. He was worried about you. Said you weren’t acting right too.” “H-He did..?” Magnus seemed surprised. “Yup. So… you gonna give it a shot?” 

He sat still, deep in thought. It was touching to know that despite being upset about today, Aran still expressed his concerns about him. It was sweet to know that they both cared that much, how far they came from their beginnings. And he didn’t even face him again after that fight today. He just hid. Like a coward. He never thought of how much that could have hurt Aran. Even if it didn’t happen, it was still worth thinking about. “….Aye. I… I’ll try.” His voice shook a little nervously, but he shook it off. “Great job, Magnus. I’m sure everythin’ll go just fine.”

After a couple of parting words, Magnus stood from his chair, feeling a newfound sense of understanding and confidence. He could do this. Tomorrow was the day he tested his luck. He waved goodbye to Hugger, and made his way down the steps and back onto the trail, hearing an echoing “go get ‘im!” and a hearty laugh. Oh, he’d go get him alright. Or, you know.. try to, atleast. 

The rest of the night was a blur. Anxiety remedied by reassurance that no matter what happened the next day, he would be strong and accept the outcome whether he liked it or not. The worst that could happen was being rejected, right? Nessie took in a breath of fresh air as he reached the studio the next morning. If he saw Aran today (it wasn’t a question of If, it was When he saw him), he knew what he had to do. Straighten up, get to the point, and hope the inevitable lecture wasn’t loud enough to make him go deaf. He strode through the sliding doors, his posture relaxed, his mind clear (for the time being.) Through the lobby, past the few boxers crowding the hallway to the locker rooms, then into the World Circuit locker room. As soon as he set his bag down though, the panic from the previous night hit him like a punch to the face. It came hard, and fast. It seemed like he fully realized what he was here to do. …And how, despite knowing what to do, it wasn’t going to be as easy to say it to Aran as it was to say it to Hugger. His mind raced as he got changed off into his boxing attire, stuffing his clothes into his bag and then his bag in his locker. Oh, he could just imagine it now… Standing in front of Aran, having his angry gaze burn right through his skull. He wouldn’t even get a word out before Aran let all hell loose from his mouth. He’d start yelling so loud, it could probably just bring the ceiling down from above them. (With how frantic he felt, he found himself preferring that.) Dramatic, he knew. But he knew little to nothing about love. Sure, he knew how it felt. But that was about it. There was a reason he didn't have any significant others even in his early 30’s. And even though he heard all that mumbo jumbo about caring for each other and whatnot, irrationality took hold. He stepped out of the locker room and instead lingered near the door, trying to regain his calmness with deep breaths and a pep talk. “Get it together, Nessie.. You can’t chicken out.. Not this time… Just… Just talk to him… Why is it scarin’ ya to talk to him…?! J-Just.. Be honest. Just like Hugger said… Be honest…” He hated feeling so worked up. But he just couldn’t help it. That really did scare him to think about; the thought that how he laid out the cards today could spell humiliation, or the end of a friendship. (Doomifying situations is his specialty.) “Dude… what’s up with you?” A voice asked. He turned to see none other than Super Macho Man standing over him, eyeing him with scrutiny. Right… how could he forget who he shared a locker room with…? “...What’s it to you, Macho Man?” That might have come out a bit more aggressively than he wanted it to sound, but again, feeling a lot at the moment. “Ugh. I’m just trying to check on you. You just disappeared yesterday, and no one knew where you went. Besides, you seem kind of… worried.” Macho tutted but did look a little concerned.  “...Well, maybe I am…” Nessie muttered a bit. “I’m fine, Macho…” “...You sure? Cause.. I overheard Aran talking about you earlier… he sounded pretty pissed.” Well, isn’t that a great sign? “..Eh. He’s probably just havin’ a bad day. I wouldn’t worry too much ‘bout that. I can handle him.” That was a very bold-faced lie. But if there was one thing he didn’t want, it was to drag anyone else into his situation. Especially not someone like Macho. Then he’d have even more of a problem.  “That… didn’t sound like he was having a bad day. He sounded like he had a bone to pick with you.” He was pushing it by being nosy. Nessie shrugged. “He always wants to start a fight with me. You know ‘im. Let ‘im try.” Goodness, please don’t let him try. “NESSIE.” …Uh oh. Speak of the devil, and he’ll appear. His yell was so jarring, it caused the hallway’s inhabitants to suddenly fall silent. Macho looked over his shoulder with wide eyes. Nessie felt his stomach drop. No, he wasn’t ready- He wasn’t ready- Everyone had their eyes plastered onto Aran, whose face appeared as red as his firey colored hair. His shadow, casted by the morning light that spilled through the glass windows, stopped right at Nessie’s feet. It inched closer. Aran stomped towards him, not stopping even for the others trying to talk him out of whatever he was going to do. His expression was irate, his eyes twitched, his teeth gritted. He wasn’t just angry. He was, just like how Macho said, pissed off. If looks could kill, Nessie would have dropped dead right there. He didn’t move, he didn’t say anything, he didn’t even blink. He did nothing to try and save himself. He just watched Aran close the distance between them. Aran grabbed his wrist, and then dragged him out by the arm. But still, he didn’t try to fight it. In fact, even though he knew he was about to get it, it was nice that Aran at least decided to do it elsewhere rather than in front of everyone. Taking a series of turns that he really wasn’t paying attention to, they eventually stopped in the hallway leading to the arena. In the dimness, surrounded by only concrete flooring and walls, with no windows in sight. Aran finally let go of his hand and swerved around him as if he were trying to block the way out. He still looked pretty angry, but it seemed that now that they were alone, some of it had gone. Nessie still didn’t try to speak up. Despite his seemingly calm demeanor earlier even while Aran was dragging him along, his heart was in his throat the entire time. He rarely ever saw Aran angry to the point where he was just.. quiet. That was when he knew that he had really messed up. “..Nessie.” Aran began. Initially, it started off as demanding and almost threatening. But, right after that word came out, his gaze softened. “What th’ hell’s wrong with ya…? Why’d you just disappear? Why’d you just throw that fight like that?!”

Be honest. Be honest. The best thing you can do with love is to be honest about it.

He took a deep exhale. Well, here goes nothing.

“…J-Jesus, well… where do I even start…?” Nessie rubbed the back of his neck. “…That bout we had yesterday… I-I know… I know you’re disappointed. …But…” He hesitated for a second. “…T-There’s… a reason why… that went the way it did.” His tone was quiet, his voice was low. He knew what he was going to say. All he had to do was say it. “…A reason?” Aran raised a brow. At least he wasn’t gonna have to yell then. “Tell me.” 

“…I’ve been gettin’ this feelin’ ‘round ya. Whenever I look at ya… I feel.. somethin’ flutterin’ in m’ chest. I-I don’t know how to describe it other than that... I didn’t know what it was at first. But… now I know what it is.” Aran motioned for him to spit it out, but Nessie waved his hand for him to wait. “…And I know that it’s why we had that fight go wrong yesterday. I-I just couldn’t fight ya properly. I was feelin’ too much at once… overwhelmed. But I just didn’t say anything because I felt like-“ He paused again, unsure if he should say why. 

He didn’t want to make Aran feel any more confused, nor did he want to hurt his feelings. “I’m sure Aran would prefer you tell him what’s botherin’ ya.” Hugger’s words came to mind. …If he wanted to be honest, he had to say anything that could help him understand. Looking back at him, he saw that Aran’s expression had softened more, melting to a concerned gaze. “..b-because I felt like you’d just… think I was bein’ stupid. I felt like you’d just laugh it off.”

Aran nodded his head and waited for him to continue. By now, his anger appeared to leave him. He was listening intently to what Nessie had to say. “N’ then.. once that fight was over.. god, I was mortified.. I knew I let ya down, I knew it… I just didn’t want ya to see me like that anymore… so I left. Didn’t go to the clinic or nothin’, just… went into hidin’.” He rubbed his arm. “..Hell, th’ only reason I’m here right now tellin’ ya all o’ this is cause of Hugger. Ya can thank him for knockin’ some sense into me. Otherwise, I probably woulda been gone today too.” 

Nessie felt his shame return. He felt good telling Aran how he felt, but also felt ashamed that he had to be in the first place. He blew it yesterday. He really did. And he didn’t know how to make it up to him. “So what’s all that mean?..” Aran asked quietly. He seemed to feel some kind of shame himself, his posture became more slouched as it appeared to him that he knew he had some contribution to how Nessie felt. 

This was the moment. Just a single sentence. 

Nessie took a meaningful pause. He reached his hand out, and gently held Aran’s shoulder. He brushed back the hair from his eyes, gazing with their glossy, lime green color. “…I love you, Aran. I love you more than ya can imagine. …Even though we act like we don’t in front of everyone else, you mean more to me than anythin’ else I know.” Aran froze in place. His cheeks turned a light hue of red. He looked flabbergasted. What would’ve been funny, wasn’t really that laughable. Nessie felt immensely vulnerable when he said that. A response would’ve been reassuring. But he understood if Aran just didn’t have one. 

“..It’s fine. You don’t have to say anything. I…” He covered his eyes once again. “I understand if ya don’t feel the same way about me. …Just thought I should tell ya so ya knew.” He let go and moved beside Aran. He didn’t exactly know what that silence meant. But he felt better having done what he’d needed to do. “…I’ll see ya around then, Aran.” With that, he started walking away, feeling some emotion brew in his chest. 

He hoped deep down that Aran would say something. Anything. Just to let him know he didn’t just make himself look like a fool.

“Wait.” He heard Aran call to him. He stopped. He heard footsteps approach his back. “…I’m sorry.” “…You don’t have anythin’ to be sorry for. I should be the one apologizing for bein’ an idiot.” Nessie said plainly. “If I didn’t run from ya, then.. maybe we coulda talked about it sooner.” “But didn’t ya say that talkin’ with Hugger helped ya..?” Aran asked. “Aye, but.. you know me. I don’t usually like gettin’ help. I like doin’ things my way… but I just didn’t know what to do this time around.”

“…Sounds like ya were bein’ stubborn t’ me…” Aran chuckled. He wrapped his arms carefully around Nessie’s torso. “..Reminds me of myself.” Nessie went a little red in the face. He made a quiet “eh” noise as he was pulled close. He felt Aran’s chest against his back, his head resting on his shoulder. His voice was in his ear, as he spoke. “…Listen. I do got somethin’ to be sorry about. After all, it’s ‘cause of me that ya went around thinkin’ I’d laugh at ya fer talking about how ya feel, ain’t it…?” “…I…” Nessie tried to oppose it, but couldn’t deny it himself. “…I-I guess.” “I figured. Well, I’m not laughin’ am I?”

“Nope.”

“…I’m sorry that I made ya feel that way. But…” Aran smiled a little. “I’m pretty proud of ya fer workin’ up the courage to tell me. I know ya ain’t the best when it comes to talkin’ about stuff like that.” “…No kiddin’.” Nessie laughed a little. “I thought ya were gonna chew me out..” Aran laughed in response. “No, no.. I wouldn’t. …Well, I was, but, then ya looked like ya were gonna start cryin’ n shit.” “Who, me?” Nessie scoffed playfully. “Who else, ya eejit?” Aran grinned. They both couldn’t help but crack up at that.

“But jokes aside, Magnus…” Aran’s arms tightened their grasp. A hand moved up his torso and to Nessie’s beard, stroking it gently. “…I feel the same way about you. Never said it out loud, n’ didn’t feel all of what you did, but I do.” Nessie found himself blushing more at the touch. “..Well, t-that’s… that’s a relief. ..Took ya long enough to say it.” Nessie tried to laugh it off, but he was really relieved to hear that. At least he could rest easy.

Aran gave a “tch” before turning Nessie’s head with a smirk. “Ah, don’t be so smug. You know I’m still gonna beat the shit outta ya.” He planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Nessie held his face and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead in return. “And we’re gonna enjoy it.”