#crow x squirrel

[cryptidclaw]

Hello I was wondering if you had anything in your head about Squirrel and Crow in your universe? Their dynamic, any hcs?  👀

Im taking this as a chance to rant about these two bec i lov them

Its already established that they r mates in this au and their dynamic is very much, flirting via playfully bullying each other and being competitive. A lot of cats who don't know them would think they just have a rivalry going lol

They will often be spotted having play arguments during gatherings, but if any cat says something rude or tries to argue with one of them, the other will come to bat for their mate immediately.

It should also be noted that Crow rarely ever smiles, except when he’s with Squilf and his other friends :)

Crow is on the aroace spectrum and Squilf is the only cat he has ever had true romantic love for, and it flabbergasted him when it happened

They didn't get together until after the journey, and them getting together was made difficult by Crow starting to isolate himself when he realized that they would have to separate into different Orders again. Squlf yelled at him for it until he admitted he loved her hehe

Crow makes Squirrel braided grass adornments which she keeps in her nest  and she wears a grass tail bracelet from him every day.

Squilf also brings Crow flowers for him to wear because she knows he likes the colors of the ones that grow on Thunder territory.

After Squirrel got pregnant with Holly they kind of separated, out of fear that Holly’s true father would be found out, and also out of fear that Falcon and Jay would be found out to be neither of their kits. They still obviously loved each other but they didnt meet up at the border as often, and more so just kept to talking at the gatherings. 

After the Code was changed to allow inter order relationships, and travel and friendship between orders, Crow and Squirrel visit each other constantly, and will often spent half their time in the other’s Order (Crow leaves his apprentices to keep up Healer duties). and its during this time that they have Alder and Spark! 

I am also going to have Hollyleaf survive, so she and her parents get to have a relationship and Holly actually becomes very close to both of them :’)

[cause-i-love-feeling-dirnty]

Come visit my Redbubble shop to get some stickers of these dudes and dudettes!

[the-moons-tears]

Scar (wuwa) x reader NSFW

A beast, a man, or both?

Hey guys! From the poll, you guys voted for the hunting thing the most, so here it is! This is completely filthy around the half way point I feel like he’d be a really good dirty talker-

Edit: I’ve added the rest of the full nsfw and oh boy just read

Preview:

“What are you?” You breathlessly got out, swallowing hard.

“Yours~” he answered back, leaning down to press kisses to the exposed flesh of your chest.

It was ironic, a lamb intimidating you, a hunter. You moved into the woods a couple of weeks ago, settling into a shabby cabin. Hours of work turned it into a quaint house, lively and perfect, just for you. Being alone in the woods wasn’t bad at all. The sounds of the tall pines swaying from a breeze and the creatures crushing the leaves under their feet, it was all…right, perfect. You wondered if those rumors were just paranoid tales. I mean, a giant goat-like figure? Stalking these woods in search of something?

You scoff to yourself as you kick the back door open with your shoe, yeah right,. In your arms is a bucket, empty, but by the time you come back, it’s always full. The dirt and soil compact under your steps, marking a trail of footprints leading away from your house. A gun is slung around your back, typically there as precaution, but sometimes you spot a good rabbit or squirrel.

You have yet to see a deer, and the only time you did see one was a mutilated corpse that looked like a bear had sunk its teeth into it. It was rather gruesome, and looked fairly recent. A few couple days were spent in the woods looking for any signs of a bear, but you never found anything.

Crouching down, you cut some edible mushroom from a patch that grew frequently. The moist environment mixed well where the spores tended to land in. From what you could gather in the plentiful forest, you could make some pretty exquisite meals. Soups and other things that keep you healthy and full. The mushrooms filled quite a big part of your basket, so before it got too full you decided to make a few trips to the other places you gathered from.

There was a small grove a little ways away from there, giving many hanging fruits that you really liked. You had buckets placed underneath several of them, catching the fallen fruit when you weren’t there to pick them. Inspecting each fruit, you placed them in your basket until it was near full. A rustling caught your attention, only to be a tiny creature dashing out from a bush.

The bush was new, growing little berries you hadn’t seen before. You wrapped some of them in a cloth in case they were poisonous, waiting to get home to test them and see. With a now full basket, you adjust your gun and set off back home. You’ve traveled the forest so many times that you know your way around and doubt that you would ever get lost.

While on the treck back, you feel strange. The air smells different, ashy. Thoughts race for a second, worried that there might be a forest fire, but that’s practically impossible with huanglong’s provisions and safety measures. With a furrow of your brow, you continue back, eventually making it so your front door once again.

As you approach, you notice a gift on one of your outside tables. You had been getting those ever since you came. Small trinkets and things. You kept them, knowing that crows sometimes did such things as well as other animals. They all went into a little box of random things. Some of those gifts were strung together to make a little necklace that you wore everyday.

You're able to get the latch open, holding it open with your back pressed to it as you walk inside with your new gift in hand. The basket is set down on a large table inside, light pouring in from your little window. You set everything out, putting fruits away and preparing mushrooms for later use. Briefly, you check on your hanging herbs and self grown vegetables before heading out once again to investigate that weird smell.

The gun is still on you, making you feel secure as you try to follow a source of a smell. No smoke, no fleeing flocks or animals, and no heat anywhere. Where’s it coming from?

You end up walking quite a way from the house, still having no luck. About to give up, you turn around, but are suddenly frozen where you stand. All forest chatter ceased immediately, the smell of ash overwhelming your nose. The chittering of animals in the trees stopped, the noises of flying bugs quieted. No bird flew, and all life seemed to have vanished. You could hear your heart beating. They were all hiding from something, and it was painfully obvious you were in clear sight to whatever it was.

Swallowing, your wide eyes scan the area, trying to see anything, hands oh so gently grabbing your shotgun around. Hairs on your neck and arms were raised, and anxiety settled in. You had the power to shoot whatever it was, but there was a nagging dread that weighed down the thought.

With light steps, you start backing up, preparing to make a run back to your house, where the trees are denser and easily navigated by you, giving you potential upper hand should whatever it is give chase. Your frantic eyes finally land on it, the thing that had been eyeing you for much longer.

It was terrifying, hiding still behind a tree with a large part of its body locked on you. Its face was like a skull, with the horns of a lamb or goat. From your distance, it easily surpassed your height, fur dirty with what was clearly blood. Muscular arms were scarred and battered like the rest of its body, impressive eyes like a demon’s. The way it seemed to smile at you, eyes clouded with some sort of twisted affection, made your blood run cold.

Your brain couldn’t process any sort of plan before the beast crushed the ground underneath it, running toward you at impossible speed. You ran immediately, not confident any sort of bullet would penetrate its hide. Those trees could give you cover from its more massive body, if you could get there in time.

The beast was deathly quiet aside from the thumping of its hooves on the forest earth. You don’t know how long it had been eyeing you, but you were in too much of a panic to think about anything other than escape. You could only hear your elated breathing, accompanied by the fast gaining strides of the thing hunting you down. Reaching a densely covered forest patch, you weave quickly through it, sliding down muddy hills and brush, giving a few cuts to your legs.

It seemed whatever it was was still trying to follow behind, tearing through trees to try and reach you. You had to stop for a moment, chest heaving and you slid down, adrenaline making your head spin and legs ache, feeling electric but so wobbly. It was a moment too long, because the beast burst in from the side, clawed hands grasping at you as tree shards flew in all directions. The thing was desperate to have you, and you were terrified to think of what it wanted, mind recalling the body of the deer.

You cried out and scrambled back, yells of terror ripping from your lungs. The gun was beneath you, pressing uncomfortably into your back. With claws grabbing and pulling, you couldn’t do anything, body moving against the soil and leaves.

Its face was close, eyes gleaming in pleasure as it moved on top of you. Your hands pushed against its skull, kicking legs not reaching its inverted goat ones. A purr like growl came from its throat, pressing itself close to you anyway it could. The fur was physically hot, and the overwhelming smell of ash returned.

The clawed hands restrained you at last, and quietly you cried, tears of fear falling to the dirt below, scared to even look at the thing above. It nuzzled you, vibrating hums and growls that traveled through your body. The beast kept doing that, not hurting you with its giant teeth or claws, just nuzzling. It was perplexing, the way it was…affectionate?

“What do you want from me…?” you whimpered out, words just spilling, although you doubted a beast like this could be sentient or in any way respond. The claws didn’t puncture you, merely keeping their hold on you to ensure you couldn’t leave. You almost came down from panic, but it only returned as a loud cracking came from the creature, back contorting and face spasming how the skull could. The beast was…becoming smaller.

You tried to scramble away, but the claws held you as they cracked, a low growl coming from the beast, menacing enough to diminish thoughts of escape. Closing your eyes from the disturbing bend of limbs, you prayed from your gut that you would get out of this alive. The weight of the claws had lifted slightly, legs finally bending forward to touch yours. Opening your eyes with uncertainty, you witnessed the last few seconds of transformation.

Its, or rather his, warped head finally settled into a scarred human face, eyes shifting from a goat’s to a male’s, two different colors staring at you. His body, scarred like his face, was sculpted and dirty, tattered red clothes hanging on his skin, covering what it needed to. Fur shifted into skin, and on his head silky strands of white with red appeared. The smile he gave as his body settled over you made you cry out, scared beyond anything.

The man leaned down, nuzzling once more to you, more boldly on your chest this time, jostling the necklace that lay there. A voice came from him, raspy and a sort of desperate want you couldn’t place.

“I knew you would wear them…my gifts led me to you and…and oh~ you smell so good…” his hands were tightening, making you wince and struggle. This was the rumored beast, surely. A shifting sort of goat creature that had most likely caused that horrible scene with the deer. The gun shifted below your back, making you grunt, hands trying to reach for it. Immediately he sat up, hips pinning you down as he reached down, smile changing into a deathly stare as he pulled the gun out and away.

That smile returned as he looked over the gun, chest and body shaking slightly as he laughed through his words, “y-you wanted to shoot me? Why would you do a thing like that?” You weren’t sure if he wanted an answer, too scared to give one anyway.

“My sweet delicate little mate,” his honeyed voice emphasized on the sweet and delicate, “you don’t need that, and you don’t need to be scared. You took my gifts of affection and I’ll-I’ll be gentle…so gentle…”

His hips were on yours, breathless pants coming from him as he towered over you, hands returning to your arms. “You’ll help me right? It-it came so much earlier than I’d thought, and you just walked right to me. You couldn’t have smelled my pheromones if you…if you hadn’t accepted my gifts.”

Looking at him, his lips were wet, lower lip being bitten by sharp canines as he looked at you with an evident lust, flush across his cheekbones. A shiver ran through you, mind running fast, realizing you couldn’t think of any escape. You saw how he tossed your gun away a few seconds ago, the metal bent out of shape so easily.

“What are you?” You breathlessly got out, swallowing hard.

“Yours~” he answered back, leaning down to press kisses to the exposed flesh of your chest. “And you’re mine…I’ll mark you, and maybe you'll…you’ll be full of me inside…I’ll make you full~” he began to rock himself into you, tongue trailing up your chest as he rambled.

He was hot, skin giving off feverish temperatures as he rubbed against you. “Please…please let me in your bed. I’ve seen you…and you just need me in it with you I know it…” The man beast whined out, eyes closing and lips glistening. Maybe it was the pheromones he was releasing, but he looked hot like that. Needy and desperate.

“Do…do you have a name?” You shakily get out, wondering if maybe you play civil, you could keep him from killing you, still unsure of his goal despite the strained fabric rubbing on your lower stomach. The look you received when you tried to grab your gun made you fear enough.

“Call me Scar, love, worthless dog…I’ll love anything you call me by. Please take me…it’s too hot.” his breath came out in pants, sweating scarred chest huffing in and out. You were conflicted. Here, he looked harmless, just a whimpering horny mess needy for you. The same man that threw your gun away, and hunted you a couple minutes ago in a horrid form.

He knew where you lived, planted gifts there that you absentmindedly strung into a necklace. You practically went looking for him, inviting him with the very gifts around your neck, making him go crazy. Breathes came out from you heavy as well, seeing the mess he was already making on your clothed stomach, not quite dripping down onto it yet. Scar bit his lips so hard a drop of blood flowed down his mouth, eyes locked on the necklace.

Maybe you were crazy. Maybe you had become lonely, mentally trying to block out reality with your daily routine. You hadn’t felt touch in so long, and he seemed more than willing to please you if you didn’t refuse him. You moved out to be at peace, but it didn’t help with wanting a bit of romance in your life. Looking at him in the eyes finally, he smiled wildly from such a small interaction.

Giving in, the fear from moments ago gone, you whispered, “are you going to hurt me?” Ready to follow up after response.

“Ohh~ I would never hurt you…I’d-I’d tear apart anything that tried. I promise I’ll only love you…make you my mate.”

Swallowing hard after hearing him give a particularly long groan and a stutter of his hips, you got out, “if you release me and let me get my gun back, I’ll…I’ll take you back.”

Scar smiled and laughed, leaning to give a sloppy kiss to the middle of your breasts. “I wouldn’t allow you to shoot me~”

A shiver ran through, but it was good you weren’t thinking about it anyway. Slowly, his clawed hands trailed your arms, tracing down your waist before coming off reluctantly. Your arms were free. You slid out from under his spread thighs, making his breath hitch and eyes close for a second.

You stood up eventually, wary of his movements. Scar simply looked up at you with a smile, canines visible as his hands reached out to your legs, slipping off as you walked over to your gun.

…or what was left of it. There was a handprint dent in the metal where he grabbed it and threw it away. Sighing, you picked it up, unaware of how he had gotten so close behind you. Arms snaked through your ribs, settling to cross over one another on your stomach. Scar pulled you to him, giggling a little before whispering, lips to your ear, “hurry~ take me into those warm sheets, let me take my time with you…”

Internally, you wondered if this was a bad idea.

…

After finally making it back to the house, scar behind you matching your walking speed, you turned. He smiled innocently and kissed a strand of your hair he had been holding gently, starkly different to the beast that had stared at you in the woods. Scar walked ahead as you put your gun away, opening the door and waltzing in like he lived there now. Did he now though?

Walking in after him, you closed the door. There was, still practically naked in his tattered clothes, biting into a fruit you had put away. You huff with hands on your hips, but internally you were glad he didn’t just feed on meat, adding to the trust you were placing in the man.

He smiled again, then eyes went wide as your bed came into his vision. Scar walked briskly over to it, fruit in his mouth like a puppy as both his hands ran over the sheets, finely made from huanglong. Looking to you with a claw swirling the sheets and his other hand holding the bitten fruit, he gleamed, “it’s big enough for sure~”

Rolling your eyes, you went to organize your things, but quickly turned when you hear a thud and a pained moan. Whipping around, you see his body has given out, hands clawing at the sheets, bitten fruit rolling on the ground. Scar’s face is twisted, cut off groans and jolts racking his body, his thighs shaking on the floor. Back when he had first caught you, you remember him saying something about ‘it had come earlier than usual’ or something like that, and you were sure that he was referring to a heat cycle. The prime time for animals to…breed with their mate.

Sweating internally, you walked over and placed a hand on his scorching hot back. Those eyes fluttered to you, in pain, but so lost in pleasure. Weakly, he reached for you, burying his face into your available thigh. Hands reached higher as they could, tugging at your clothes.

“It hurts…I wanna be yours~” He whispered, eyes on yours. Your teeth bit into your finger that was at your speechless lips. What were you supposed to do, and how would you help? Slowly, he stood up, arms trapping you into him, rutting into you slowly. Balance shifted, making you sit on the bed, Scar climbing on top, trying to shed the tattered clothes off.

“It’s so hot…ngh- please let me in~ I need it~ need to make you my mate~” his head was hung, hair covering his face as he went low, claws hooking around your waistband, pulling impatiently already. And well, you couldn’t really resist that needy look could you, not after you’d been so lonely.

You could indulge in this for a bit…right? Oh how mistaken you were, realizing it as he laughed madly while pulling at your fabrics at the thought of utterly ravishing his mate.

Pulling him in by his shoulders, you helped in removing the remaining fabrics on his top. Once off, he sat up a bit to give you a view, revealing to you the scarred skin that glistened as he got hotter. He grabbed your hands, making you trace your fingers over and down, causing his teeth to bite his lip where it had bled before, eyes closing briefly in pleasure.

You blushed at his expression, those dual colored eyes looking through you like a predator finding a sweet little bunny. They held yours in such a tense lust, locking as he traveled down, clawed fingers tracing your skin over the fabric, goosebumps appearing where they had been. Your hands gripped the bottom of your top, twisting it up and off, giving him a similar view of what lay beneath, the necklace now laying on your bare breasts. Scar groaned and let his head fall to your lower stomach, white hair splayed over your flesh, his teeth biting softly.

Hands belonging to you were entangled in it before you even realized, pulling at the soft strands. Eyes closed as you did, claws digging into your skin a bit. It was too much, one of his hands reaching down to pull your leg to his lower half, pressing against his ache.

“Mm…gonna breed you so good~ I won’t let you leave- I'll keep you in this bed until your womb is so full of my cum…you crying my name~” filthy whispers came endlessly from his mouth, eyes squeezing shut as waves of pain came over, the heat underneath all that fabric killing him. Out of breath, he hooked a firm grip on the hems of your bottom fabric, pulling everything down swiftly. You let out a sound of surprise, which he drank up with his tongue down your untouched skin.

Pushing you further into your bed, his hands roughly shoved the rest of his own pants out of the way, finally settling between your legs. He leaned forward to your bashful face, arms on either side. That moment was long, heavy breaths that made your heart skip a beat as he curled the sheets under his palm.

He was there, you could feel his swollen cock right on you, ready to stuff itself into your womb. Scar inhaled your scent as he pressed his face to your skin, hands coming from the sheets to push your bare legs up, getting you into a comfortable mating press…for now. Clawed fingers were impatient, squeezing and shifting like his hips, ready to devour yet so careful with his mate.

Whispering quietly as those eyes roamed your naked figure, he couldn’t seem to hold back anymore, mouth opening to let you hear, “you’ll be so full of me~ split on my knot and milking me for all I have, and I’ll give you everything…”

You let out a whimper at those words, something that made a shiver run through the beast above you. A twitch on your skin made your eyes track down, seeing what he was using to make you his. It was unscarred unlike the rest of his body, more of a reddish pink at the tip, more so because of his heat. Seeing it scared you a bit, but the way he was slowly pulling you open to slide himself over to work you both up had you throwing that slight hesitation away.

His cock dragged along your pussy, fingers gently holding you open even as you were already spread for him. Every upthrust had your clit being rubbed on a vein underneath his dripping cock, making you jolt under him. As his hips rocked along, his face dragged over your plush chest, tongue and teeth marking the whole expanse. Those eyes locked with you again, mad smile of pleasure and obsession making you smile a bit back.

Feelings too strong to withstand came over him, a particular wave of heat causing him to grit his teeth and grip your thighs. Quickly, he grabbed his slick length, pressing it needily to you, working until his head slipped through. A groan escaped him as you concentrated on breathing, feeling the stretch he was causing.

Going to his elbows over you, face to face, his glossy lips parted slightly, “Come on come on gonna start- get the rest inside…” his hips kept pushing without doubt or pause, causing you to gasp out, hands holding onto his back, feeling the scars over his skin. “That’s right-mm~ you’re taking me allll the way in~ am I already so deep in you?”

Those maniacal laughs vibrated through your lungs, the sensation of being filled and stretched all you could concentrate on. Scar moaned into your neck so graphically, heat soaring through his body and sticking to your naked flesh. Your hands held on tight as he kept pushing, already trying to thrust what was in. Opening your mouth, you let a pained cry escape, to which he cut off by shoving his hot tongue into the opening.

Sloppy make out ensued as he rocked inside, trying to push in that last inch or two. His teeth bit your lip, some blood from his previous cut could be tasted on his lips. Scar groaned into your mouth like an animal, his heat becoming overwhelming as he was finally connected with his mate, stretching you to the full length of him, molding you so you’d never forget how it felt.

“Fuck-fuck~” you breathed out in between breaths, something you couldn’t get too often with the way his mouth molded with yours. With hands on your hips and thigh secure, scar pulled out briefly, disconnecting with your tongue to view the slick coating him before pushing back in with a wild smile.

He pushed your legs down, putting you in a tighter mating press. Gravity did a lot of the work, keeping him sheathed in your tightness for him to pull out and slam back in, impatiently chasing that insatiable pleasure you gave each other. Rough pants escaped everytime his pushed back in, gaining a harsh rhythm that took your breath away.

Tears pricked your eyes as he began pounding inside, slamming into you so hard the bed creaked every thrust down, head pressed to your chest. Spit fell from his lips, landing across your breasts. Noticing it even in his mindless state, he licked it up with his tongue, making a path to your neglected nipple. With a grin, he suckled the soft flesh in his mouth, making a sloppy pop sound when he released it.

“You feel my cock? It’s gonna pump, you, full. So full you’ll be leaking my cum for days~” his syllables were often punctuated by sharp thrust into your pussy, sweaty hips connecting with your clit. Words formed in your own mouth, but you couldn’t seem to get them out, the only things audible being your whimpers and moans.

His pace was unrelenting, pushing you to the brink several times. That swollen tip hit that good spot inside over and over, sending electricity through your body. Scar took notice, making sure to never miss when he pushed back down. Leaning forward still, you were practically one person. Scar’s mouth and teeth opened to the side of your neck, inhaling deeply of the scent in your hair as he bit hard.

Fingers moved to his hair and lower back, gripping tightly as the base as your other rose with his hips every punishing thrust. Even though neither had cum once, it was already the best experience of your life, feeling the effects of becoming someone’s ‘mate’. The necklace jostled on your ribs, making a clinking sound between pieces that pierced the squelching sounds that came with the movement.

Scar could feel it, that build up that he knew oh so well whenever he smelled your lingering scent after dropping off a gift. The scent that made him muffle his mouth as he desperately drove his needy cock into his clawed hands.

Now he pushed and pushed repeatedly into your depths, making sure you knew whose you were, are. The look on your blissful face made him all the more eager to put his pent up cum into you. He wanted to make you cum and grip his cock, not that he would ever leave your warmth. Thoughts spiraled as he chased a high.

“Ngh! Mm-Scar~ scar…” his name fell from your lips over and over, feeling yourself come undone already. You knew he wouldn’t stop after you came, but that thought still made your stomach flutter. A few more pumps from him, and you pulled him impossibly close as you launched your back up into him, clenching so hard around him he groaned loudly into your neck. You were seeing stars on the wooden boards of the ceiling, feeling yourself reach the hardest orgasm as you sucked him in further, his thrust not stopping even as he took you through the waves of pleasure you would surely feel again.

Scar was shamelessly vocal, telling you how he was going to give you his load right into your womb, high off the idea of your flesh swelling where he would fill you. With several more filthy squelches from your pussy taking in his swollen cock, he stuttered, pressing in deep still with small thrusts and pouring thick ropes of cum into you. Scar’s voices dried out as his first climax took over, his face unseen as he was pressed to your neck under your open jaw.

Heavy breathing came from both as you let it crash over, but you both knew it wasn’t done. You realized this mainly after the base of his cock started swelling inside your walls, knotting you full to make sure his cum stayed inside. It was painful, stretching you still after you had just gotten used to his length. Finally coming up to look at you, he brushed sweaty hair back, speaking softly, “I’ll wait only a moment, but that’s all you’ll get tonight love~”

You looked at him above, clawed fingertips tracing your delicate skin with deranged giggles as you tried to calm down. Your skin jumped where they traced, the sharp points making you shiver. Palms fully gripped your thighs, moving them where he wanted as he felt his knot minimize slightly, already beginning to rock inside you again.

“You’re not full enough…you need to take everything, cry when I have nothing else in me to give you in here~” his hand pressed the slightly raised skin above your womb, and instantly your pussy clenches around him, making his moan out.

“Looks like you’re ready to start again hmm? Ready for me to keep pounding this warm heat into you?” His words were lost as he started playing with your clit, licking his long fingers before drawing tight circles over your bud, the other hand holding you open for easy access.

You cried out at his fast ministrations, still extremely sensitive, throbbing around him still. Laughing again, he kept up the pace, eager to set a new rhythm at which your pussy would take him. It would take all night for him to give you everything, and even then it wouldn’t be enough. But, you’d stay with him until he was done right? Like a good mate.

[politemenacephd]

Arachnophilia (Part Two)

Drider!Miguel O'Hara x Reader (+18)

Chapter Masterlist 🕷️

You're a new recruit to the spider society, and you've just been sent on your first mission on one condition: Do not contact Miguel's variant in this universe. When your mission goes wrong you break that rule very quickly, desperate for help, only to find that Miguel's variant here is not what you expected. He's stoic but kind, awkward but sincere, and he's also an enormous human-spider hybrid: a drider, both human and arachnid. You decide to continue seeing Miguel in secret, with the rest of the society unaware. You really want to stay friends after all. That is, until Miguel suddenly goes into a rut. Word count: 4410

The moment you entered those woods you regretted your decision.

The trees here were ancient and old, so tall that they blocked out nearly all light from filtering through. As a result the forest floor was lifeless and cold, dark and foreboding. No grass or saplings could thrive here. It felt like you’d entered an eternal twilight.

You crept across the floor and tried your best not to make too much noise. ‘Just- follow the watch’ you whispered to yourself. ‘Follow the watch. You’re fine.’

Your watch let out a little beep as you delved deeper, indicating that you were getting closer to the variant. You could see his marker on the map was just a short walk away now.

The further in you went, the more you felt the hair on your neck stand up. Something here felt horribly wrong, but, what? It was on the tip of your tongue but just out of reach, leaving just a deep sense of foreboding. Something here was wrong. Something, something--

Then you felt it. It clicked, in your mind, and you knew instantly what was wrong.

There was no normal sounds here. No birdsong, no chirps, no scuttling squirrels or bugs flying past. This forest felt empty, almost dead, like a graveyard.

Your steps began to get shorter and shorter.

Was it just you, or did the beeping seem to be getting further and further away? You kept walking and yet it never seemed to get any closer. It didn’t help that the trees all looked the same, making it impossible to tell if you were actually making progress or just walking in the circle. You couldn’t even remember how long you’d been here for.

At a certain point you broke. You came to a stop in a small glade and sank down against one of the trees for support, struggling to calm your nerves.

‘Fuck.’ You cursed beneath your breath and watched it condense in the air. It was cold here, almost too cold. It was supposed to be summer in this universe.

You ran both hands down your face as the boiling feelings of inadequacy and anxiety in your gut began to spill over. You’d made a mistake. You were sure of it now. You’d make a mistake and you’d got yourself lost, and you’d have to portal out of here and go home in disgrace.

‘Shit… I’m sorry’ you mumbled to no one in particular. Your words echoed even when whispered. ‘I’m sorry.’

Then you heard it.

Snap.

A single, heavy snap of a twig, one that echoed through the pines. You froze up like a deer in headlights.

That had to be an animal, right? Right? It was a forest after all.

But, you hadn’t heard or seen a single other animal until now, and that snap had been pretty loud. Could a deer make a snap that loud?

You spun a full circle in the glade. The ground was uneven here and seemed to rise up around you, almost like a natural bowl. You couldn’t see high enough over the ridges to see any threat beyond their line, and the trees were too thick to make out any obvious shapes that were moving.

Another crack rang out, this one closely followed by a sound that was much more unnerving. Something low, deep, groaning and old. Was that a tree creaking?

Another crack rang out. A thud, almost like a log hitting the floor, filled the air and caused a flock of crows to flee from the canopy. You jumped at their incessant cawing. Wait, had they been hiding up there? But from what?

‘Shit—shit—’

You tried to take a defensive stance but tripped, almost falling completely onto your back. Your senses were still burned out.

‘Shit! Shit, shit—’

You staggered backwards. You needed higher ground. You went to spin a web but your mechanism was still jammed from your fight with the vulture, leaving you with no way to easily scale the trees. You tried instead to crawl up them by hand but they were slippery with morning dew. You slid right back down with each frantic attempt.

‘Shit—’

Another thud rang out, and with it an enormous shadow appeared over the ridge to your left. Whatever had been making that noise was coming right for you.

‘SHIT!’

In a panic you scrabbled to hide, opting for the enormous roots of the nearest pine.

‘I need to- portal, shit—’

You scurried and fell into the roots of the tree like a mouse, scrambled to hide behind the wood. You heard the scraping above getting louder.

‘GET AWAY! I'M WARNING YOU!’

A shadow fell across the roots, blocking out the light above. All you could see was red. With a scream you covered your face with your hands.

‘NO—’

‘Hey, hey! Cálmate- ah- calm down, it’s okay. ¿Estas herido? Are you hurt?’

You froze. That voice, it sounded familiar. You shakily began to lower your hands, though you couldn’t bring yourself to open your eyes.

No blow came. You weren’t dragged out by your ankles, nor bitten by some unnatural demon. Instead, you heard that voice again.

‘Are you hurt?’

You blinked, once, then opened your eyes fully.

There he was. That gorgeous face, with that thick brown hair and brown skin and big red eyes. A face you’d recognise anywhere.

‘Miguel’ you whispered.

He was holding the roots aside with his gigantic shoulders, and his eyes were keenly fixed on you. You could only see him from the waist up but he appeared to be shirtless, showing off his rounded chest and bulging abs all coated in thick, dark hair. You noticed that the skin of his arms was decorated in red stripes.

It was Miguel all right, but not your Miguel.

‘Ay, que chula’ he murmured to himself. You didn’t catch his words but you saw well enough his eyes roaming your figure in the dimly lit hole, not to mention the subtle slip of his tongue across his fangs.

‘You… oh, you- you’re Miguel, right?’ you called up. He seemed taken aback that you knew his name.

‘Ah… yes. Who- who are you? How did you find me?’

You squinted a little as you watched him. He looked like Miguel, uncannily so, but something was different. His face wasn’t as cold and drawn. His lips were parted, his brows downturned and his eyes wide. He looked worried. He looked, shy perhaps? Or maybe curious?

You shuffled upward and held out your wrist. You saw him take a glance at your watch.

‘I was um… I’m from a different universe, I was sent by Miguel O’Hara. Another, Miguel O’Hara, that is. I-I know you are one as well. Uh- I’m from the Spider Society, if that helps?’

Luckily this Miguel seemed to recognise what you were talking about. He didn’t seem confused about the idea of multiverse travelling, in fact you saw him give a clear indication of recognition at the word ‘Miguel’. His brows knotted and his lip curled, turning his softness to overt disappointment.

‘My variant. Yes. Of course.’

With a soft grunt Miguel held out his hand. You noted the sharp claws on the tips of his fingers and froze, but just as quickly he retracted them.

‘Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you.’

You allowed him to pull you out of the roots and up into the light. On impulse you let out a nervous laugh. ‘Ah- man, I’m- so sorry, I didn’t mean to be so—’ You froze midsentence as you finally looked up.

The upper torso of Miguel was staring down at you, but beneath that was something new entirely. The enormous, fluffy abdomen of a tarantula spider, it’s hide a mixture of black and red. The red tints created a pattern on his back which resembled your boss’s suit, one which matched the red stripes on his arms.

Instinctively you fell backwards again. It wasn’t his body that scared you so much as the sheer size of it.

‘W-Woah, woah—Holy shit, you’re— a-aha, you’re uh- you’re, a--’

‘Wait, don’t- don’t, panic, okay? Stay calm’ he stammered. You could sense he was getting defensive at having been seen, like he expected you to start a fight. You just gaped in surprise.

‘I’m not here to fight’ he barked. ‘I don’t, want to fight you.’ He was trying to sound intimidating but his voice had cracked, which felt strange when his body was already so intimidating on its own.

You slowly raised both hands as a show of good peace. ‘I- I, sorry, I’m not—I’m not here to hurt you, I promise.’

His eyes narrowed a little. You watched his spider legs shuffle as he paced.  

‘Then- why are you here?’

You kept your hands raised as you peered up at his face. ‘You… Have, other people come here to hurt you?’ you asked gently.

His eyes widened. Was he surprised at your question, or surprised that you weren’t afraid?

‘Why are you here?’ he repeated. His tone was sharp, like he was trying to be cold, but it just didn’t work. He had none of that ingrained anger your Miguel expressed. He seemed lonely, for lack of a better word.

With hands still raised you shuffled to your feet. ‘I- I fucked up’ you blurted. ‘I’m sorry, I- I was sent here to deal with a bad guy, ah- not you! Not you, you’re not the bad guy, it’s a um- a vulture, I was sent to deal with a vulture but it’s my first job and I got my ass handed to me and… and no one was available to help, so, I thought… Miguel said you were here, and, he- sorry, he said not to trust you, but I just… I thought, I should, see for myself. I thought, maybe you could help.’

As you rambled on about your situation, that cold exterior around him seemed to shift. He seemed to believe your story.

‘I see. So you’re another one of us, I suppose? One of us… broken, half-way creatures?’

You nodded awkwardly. ‘Ah- a new one, yeah. You- know about all of us, spider people then?’

Miguel grunted. ‘I do. Yes. Some of us… certainly come out, better than others, no?’

You looked up and caught his eye. You had to lean to see him, as his shadow eclipsed your body, but strangely he didn’t make you feel small. At least, he didn’t make you feel small in a way that felt bad.

‘Well, that’s up for debate, isn’t it’ you said. ‘We’re… we’re both, strange on the inside, right?’

Miguel grunted again, though this time it sounded more like a faint chuckle.

‘Yes. I suppose you’re right, little spider.’

He took a tentative step closer and you stayed where you were, allowing him to approach. He noted your bruised arm and slightly torn suit, signs of a fight, along with the wince you kept giving as you stood.

‘You’re hurt, little spider’ he noted. You tensed a little as one of his soft forelegs crept out to touch your ribs. It was definitely fluffy up close, like a soft paw with two hooked claws on the end. You felt the black and red fluff brush your skin and shyly stroked it with your finger.

He made no move to jump or hurt you. He was unnerving, yes, but his mannerisms were soft. He gently prodded at your ribs until you winced.

‘You’re definitely hurt.’

Miguel darted his eyes across your face as he took a step back. You could see him shifting two of his spider legs together, but he wasn’t acting on anything yet. He was searching you for consent.

‘I can help’ he murmured. ‘If you- want.’

‘Help?’

‘With the pain.’ Without any further explanation Miguel bent and began to spin a small spool of silk, twisting it tight into a thin sheet. He then raised the spool to his mouth and, to your shock, began to leak a thick green venomous fluid from his fangs. He allowed it to seep in and saturate the thread.

Once the sheet was sufficiently moist, he licked the extra venom away and bluntly handed it out.

‘Here. Press this to your ribs.’

You stared at him, mouth agape. You stared at each other until it became unbearably awkward, until his eyes began to flit from side to side as if confused why you weren’t acting.

‘What… is it?’ you asked to finally break the silence.

He seemed utterly unaware of why this would be strange. ‘It- it’s my venom’ he said, matter-of-factly.

You darted your eyes to the side then back. He realized you needed a bit more information.

‘It- my venom had paralyzing qualities, but in small doses on the skin it can just numb. It’ll numb the pain so you can get home.’

He held it out again, insistently, so insistent in fact that he nudged your chest with his big spider paws. You blanched a little but did instinctively take it.

‘Okay! Ah- alright, I’ll... try it. Just, to be clear if I start feeling lightheaded I will call for back up.’

Miguel tilted his head, perfectly highlighting the muscular curve of his neck. His red eyes glowered. ‘Didn’t you say there was no one available for back up?’

For a moment you paused. Was that a threat? Or was he just so awkward he thought that was normal? You took another glance at the sheet and then at him, and decided, on a whim, to trust him.

You shyly took the sheet and pressed it over your suit, carefully smoothing it out. At first it didn’t do anything, but after a minute or so you began to feel a warmth spreading. Within two minutes you could feel the pain starting to ease. It was numb for sure, as when you touched the spot it just felt spongey with no sensation, but the pain was gone. After four minutes you were painless but still standing.

‘Is it working?’ he asked. You gave a quick nod.

‘Y-Yeah. Yeah! Yeah, it- it’s working. Thank you.’

Miguel bobbed his head. He was so strangely polite, so stilted. ‘Good’ he mumbled. ‘Good. Good.’

‘I… shit, well, I guess I’ll have to head back. I still don’t know what to do though, my- web shooters are jammed.’ You turned and paced a little as you fiddled with your wrist contraptions, something Miguel quickly picked up on.

With your back turned he abruptly approached from behind, leaning in over your shoulder without a word. You froze up at the unexpected touch, as his size set off all of your flight or fight responses. He didn’t seem to notice though.

‘Mm.’

Without asking Miguel raised your wrist to his face. He was scanning the mechanism, his claws prepped to fiddle with the screws and bolts, all while remaining oblivious to your fear.

‘Mm.’ He let out a second grunt before withdrawing, leaving you frozen on the spot. He was too busy working out something in his head to notice.

‘I can help you with this. I can’t leave this spot, I’m afraid, as I will scare too many civilians, but I can help you here.’

You finally shook yourself back to your senses as he spoke. ‘What- what kind of help?’ you asked.

He tilted his head a little, his long legs shifting. ‘I can fix your web shooter, and re-fill it. My webs are… stronger.’

‘I have weak webs?’ you replied drolly.

‘Yes’ he said, blunt and unashamed. He gestured again to your wrists. ‘Almost all of you have web spinnerets too small to produce anything substantial. Yours are held in the wrists, they could never be large enough to produce truly saturated silk.’

‘I… oh. Huh.’

Miguel seemed to finally pick up that your body language was less than ideal as you awkwardly glanced at your wrists.

‘It’s okay’ he said, ‘we’re not all meant to be adapted to the same thing. You have other strengths, I’m sure.’

You awkwardly shrugged, unsure of how to respond. Miguel decided to drop it before he dug himself a deeper hole.

‘Would you- like me to fix it?’ he asked, hand outstretched. You darted your eyes around his body, from his clawed fingers to his face. He seemed trustworthy so far. He certainly couldn’t do anything with your shooter, right? You could still leave, it’d just be awkward. You decided to remove your shooters and place them in his waiting palm.

‘Sure. If that’s okay, I’d appreciate it.’

Miguel nodded.

You followed him through the glade to another tree, one that appeared to have had a desk carved into its side. You sat down on the roots to rest while Miguel sank his abdomen to the floor. You watched as he put on a pair of makeshift glasses and began fiddling with the shooter, carefully prying it open and tweaking it with his claws.

In the ensuing silence you had time to admire this strange man. He looked oddly cute when focused, as he kept licking his fangs or pressing his tongue to his cheek, and he kept leaning forward too far until his glasses slid down his nose. It made you smile.

As time passed, you began to feel your inhibitions lower. You became curious.

‘Do you live out here?’ you asked. Mig grunted, seemingly startled by your interruption of his work.

‘Ah- yes, yes I do.’

‘Do you have a house?’

‘Yes.’

‘Is it- ah, sorry, am I annoying you?’

Miguel glanced over again. His face was unreadable. ‘No’ he said, just as blunt as the others. ‘It’s nice to have company.’

‘Oh, ah- good. I um- I was gonna ask—’

‘You were going to ask where I live? You were- curious, whether I sleep on the floor like an animal, or in a home?’

You were taken aback by how accurately he’d read your mind. You saw the ghost of a smile on his face at your shock.

‘Uh… yeah. I was’ you murmured.

‘Even basal spiders have homes’ he noted. ‘I am no different. I live in a nest I wove myself, close by to here. It’s quiet out here. I get left alone, which is… I suppose, my fate.’

‘Huh. Were you transformed by the same Alchemax incident? With the, splicing?’

‘Yes.’

After his blunt response you gave up on the questions for a bit. You felt a little awkward here still, but Miguel seemed just fine. He seemed much less tense in fact.

‘You’ he said, suddenly turning to glance at you directly. You met his gaze. ‘You. Little spider. Where did you come from then?’

‘Me? Ah… I’m, incredibly generic. Bitten by a radio-active spider, became my universes spider, then- got the call from Miguel, indoctrinated into the wider society a few months ago, and… I, haven’t done much since.’

You felt Miguel’s eyes raking you. ‘You, sound like this displeases you’ he noted.

‘What, being useless? Yeah, a little.’

He slowly turned back to his work as you huffed, lowering your head to your upturned knees. ‘I wouldn’t say useless’ he murmured. ‘Just, not needed.’

‘Aren’t they the same thing?’

‘No. I’d be glad that you’re not in danger. I’d be glad that you’re safe.’

Miguel paused the conversation briefly to focus on your shooter. You saw sparks flying as he bit his tongue, utterly focused on soldering something down. When he pulled back you were waiting with more questions.

‘So… why, aren’t you—’

‘Why am I not in the society?’

‘Aha, yeah. You- cut right too it, again.’

Miguel gently stretched his neck as he thought of a response. You couldn’t help eyeing up the way he arched his powerful back muscles, the gorgeous sight of his sculpted shoulders as they rolled.

‘Spiders are territorial. Especially males. I met the Miguel you referred too a long time ago, and he was- combative, to say the least. I don’t think our DNA could handle having two of us in the same place. We talked, civilly enough, but- in the end he retracted his offer and left.’

‘Huh. That seems- unfair.’

Miguel scoffed. ‘I’m also not, fit for this life though, really. I am- unwieldy.’

‘We have a T-Rex and a horse on staff, we could make accommodations for you’ you insisted.

‘Mm. What about the people?’

‘The people? Again, T-Rex and horse. We have a damn werewolf on site. People could handle a half-spider.’

‘Mm. No. I- scare people.’

‘You don’t scare me.’

Miguel glanced at you from beneath the long strands of hair now hanging across his forehead. His almond eyes were narrowed, his brown skin dancing with reflections from his red eyes.

‘I don’t?’

Out here in the empty woods your senses had recovered enough for you to feel his body shifting. You sensed everything; the rustling of hair on his spider half, the little scrape of his claws on the dirt, the wiggle his lower abdomen did as he stared you down. His size, his claws, the little white flash of a fang behind his full lips.

You just smiled at him. ‘Nah. You seem nice.’

He stared at you blankly. You couldn’t tell what he was thinking, what he could possibly do next.

‘Hmm. Thank you.’

You fell into another silence as he began to feed in new web to the shooter. He’d built an adapter so it could connect to your webs when you fired them, effectively making them stronger. You sighed and watched your breath condense on the air as he worked.

‘You seem- lonely.’

You blanched a little at such a blunt statement, especially with no prior context. You turned and found Miguel staring at you again. ‘I’m- I look lonely?’ you repeated back.

‘Yes.’

It still surprised you, just how blunt he was. He leaned back so you could get a good look at his torso. God, he was pretty. Perhaps prettier than the other Miguel. He was tougher from having to maintain such a large body, covered in rugged scars.

‘What- do you mean by that?’

Miguel blinked. His face remained unreadable. ‘I find it- odd. You seem so- amicable, and you come from a society of thousands. But you look lonely.’

‘Ah. Ahuh.’ You scoffed and shrugged one shoulder, trying to play off what a scathing realization it was. ‘In a society of thousands, how do you get noticed? It’s like being a grain of sand.’

Miguel grunted. He seemed to be thinking something over in his head as he rolled your half-finished shooter.

‘I see you.’

You flitted your eyes back to his face. His expression had changed, just a little. He looked sympathetic. He looked soft.

He didn’t say anything else after that. He returned to your shooter and continued putting it back together with the new webbing inside. You, meanwhile, lulled on the roots and pondered this whole experience.

What a strange man, you thought.

‘Alright. It’s done.’

Miguel blew away the little specks of dirt covering your wrist mechanism before handing it back.

‘Thank you’ you rasped. As you grasped the shooter you noticed how small your hand was against his, with your frail fingers barely reaching the edge of his palm. You tenderly brushed his calloused skin before shyly yanking it away.

‘Thank you, so much.’

Miguel gave you a ghost of a smile. ‘I hope you get home safely, little spider.’

‘Aha, yeah, little. That’s me.’ As you spoke you turned and stood, shifting on the spot. You knew that realistically you needed to leave, but something kept you here. You twisted your neck to see Miguel still watching you, unmoving in the gloom.

‘I, um… Hey, just a thought, but- I could always put in a word for you, at the society. I don’t think people would be scared of you, or- at least not everyone would be. You can’t please everyone but… I’d be there, you know. It, might be nice, having a slightly less angry Miguel around.’

Miguel’s soft smile dipped. He ran a hand across his jaw, his spider abdomen twitching. ‘I told you, little spider. O’Hara’s are… territorial’ he noted coldly.

Your heart sank. You knew what that meant. It meant he couldn’t enter the HQ, and in turn that meant you likely wouldn’t see him again.

He looked so lonely as he gazed off into the distance. His jaw was tense as if to maintain a neutral expression. Was he sad you were leaving? Or was he just sad in general? Whatever it was, you hated the idea of leaving him here alone.

As you procrastinated leaving, you remembered him pointing out how lonely you looked. You were part of a society of thousands, and yet he was right. You were lonely. Perhaps you were just projecting onto him now, and that’s why you didn’t want to leave.  

‘It was- nice to meet you, little spider’ Miguel said. It was a solemn farewell. You hadn’t even realized how long you’d been standing in silence.

As you craned your head back to see his face you saw fully the sadness in his eyes. No, you thought. You weren’t projecting at all. You were both lonely.

‘Hey… That whole, territorial thing. It means, you can’t cross paths with him, right?’ you asked. Miguel nodded and turned to the side.

‘But… that doesn’t mean I can’t cross paths with you again.’

It made you jump the way his head snapped towards you. His eyes were wide, his pupils physically dilated.

‘You- what do you mean? You- do you mean, you intend to return? Here? To me?’

He stammered as he spoke, his legs instinctively creeping towards you. You felt your smile widen at his insistent hope. How strangely adorable. Whatever, you thought, consequences be damned. You knew your answer now.

With a final wave you clicked your web shooter into place and began to walk away, though you turned your head halfway to call back five simple words.

‘I’ll see you around, Mig.’

For the first time, Miguel smiled fully. It looked good on his rugged face.

‘Yes. I’ll- I’ll see you around, little spider.’

Link to part three!

[hellinistical]

fem! reader x rafayel. royal! au. sea horror! au. heavy angst. minor and major character death. slow burn. romance. fluff. explicit smut. trauma. religious themes. gore; hinted torture, cannibalism, decapitation, self-cannibalism. violence. wc: 4796 | status: on-going

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II: GOLD STRUCK

The wagon wheels were obviously wobbly, the axles needing immediate tightening, not that anyone would care to repair them, though. The rainy season was in full effect, and the roads were the sky’s first victim. A dog chased after a squirrel, it’s barking annoying the merchant nearby. He cursed the dog and his bloodline. 

“To hell with Linkon! To hell with this damned town!” His broom thwacked at the wood sign on his stall. “When I catch you, you damned dog, why, you’ll be roasted with your litter!”

“Oh Mr. Heggins, relax! It’s just a dog!” “Just a dog? Why you- you let him out, didn’t you, Caleb? I should get you fired from the mines for this!”

Caleb laughed, crow's feet forming by his eyes as he smiled big. His hands held orchids. He had picked them from his mother's garden earlier that morning, meticulously picking the best ones without her knowing. In his pocket, a small box rested.

Mr. Heggins eyes note the flowers and the small lump in his pocket. 

“Today's the day, eh?”

Caleb nodded, his cheeks tinging with red. 

“Yes, sir. I plan to ask tonight.”

“Ah, before the king's carriages come? Bad timing, no?”

“No, sir.”

It's quiet for a moment before the old man speaks up. 

“And out of everyone you could have, you chose the L/n's daughter.” He lets out a pitiful chuckle. “I won't question it, but to each their own.” 

As the old man walked off, Caleb hummed, his hand going to his pocket, patting it affectionately as he walked on through the streets.

He grabbed some pumpkin bread, the honey, and roasted almonds on it making it smell heavenly. 

He collected some gifts. A doll, a kite, perfumes, and a watch. 

And then he headed off towards Linkon's hill village. 

*** Hot water splashed onto the weathered wood floorboards, the basin full to the brim. Sprigs of lavender, rosemary, and orange slices floated on the water, and Mrs. L/n poured fresh milk into the tub. 

“Is this really necessary?” Y/n huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m not getting in there- I won’t even be selected.” “Yes, you are. And I’m tired of you not listening to me.” “Mother- owowowowowowow!” 

The older woman grabbed her ear, pinching it lightly as she pulled her daughter towards the tub. Y/n held onto the wall, protesting. “I’m not going in there you; put milk in there! It’ll feel weird!” “Take the damn bath, child! Eva! Call your sisters and come here!”

“Coming, Mother!”

In moments, Y/n’s sisters came into the room. Eva smiled cheekily. “Today’s the day~!” “Like hell it is.” She shot back, wriggling in her mother’s grip. “You all act like you want me to get picked! Does Gran even know what you’re doing? Ma?” Her mother looked away, her hands going to the clasp on the back of Y/n’s dress. She undid it quickly, and the fabric pooled at her feet, ignoring her question.

“Strip out of your garments- Gods, you reek- is this wool? Y/n! You messed with the sheep again!” “I did not! I was with the ram- hey!” She placed her hand on the back of her head, the sting from her mother’s popping strong.

Lucy laughed, her chubby hands taking the stripped clothes to the wash.

“You’ve all gone mad. I hope you know that.” It comes out as a grumble, but she goes into the tub. But as soon as she stepped in, she complained. “The water’s freezing!” “That’s what you get for talking so long.” Her mother quipped. Her face sours as an orange slice touches her knee.

Raising her leg, Eva takes it, scrubbing it down as her mother starts to work on her hair. She hisses, her scalp tender as it gets scrubbed as well. 

“The weather is lovely, isn’t it?” “Just dandy.”

“What time is it?” “Half after 12, mother.” “Lord! We need to hurry then.” “Did you always have such a strawberry complexion, sister?” Y/n kicks water at her sister. “Quiet, you-”

She’s interrupted by her mother pouring a bucket of water over her head. Her hair gets thrown in her face, and she swallows some soapy, milky water, sputtering and coughing.

“Both of you, quiet. I’ll be damned if our good name is tarnished because you both decide to act like Neanderthals.

Y/n coughed out some more water. “I think calling me a Neanderthal isn’t fair- but Eva on the other hand- Oh my fucki- can you stop getting soap in my eyes?!”

“Language!”

***

Y/n shivers as she steps out of the basin, her arms crossed, knees turned, and locked. 

Some of the rosemary was tangled in her hair, but she paid it no mind.

Wrapping a towel around her body, Eva grabbed a comb, getting to work on untangling the knots and rosemary in her hair.

“This is ridiculous.”

“You would still get picked if you were covered in cow shit, so cease your bitching,” her mother shot back, not missing a beat as she scrubbed her daughter’s hair with renewed vigor.

Y/n's mouth dropped open, and she groaned. “You’re impossible!”

But her mother only raised an eyebrow. “And yet, here you are, complaining like always.”

Lucy waddled into the room, her small arms bundled up with a light blue chemise gown, the fabric soft and worn from years of storage. The short sleeves were cuffed, and though the dress had once been elegant, it was now out of date- the gaudy stitching showing the era it was from. Y/n’s eyes widened in horror as she realized what Lucy was holding.

“You can’t seriously expect me to—” Y/n began, her voice rising in protest.

But before she could finish, her mother yanked the towel off her body with practiced efficiency. “Of course not,” Mrs. L/n replied, her tone calm and unwavering. “Not until you’ve been plucked.”

Eva stepped forward, smirking as she handed her mother a razor, her grin mischievous. Y/n stared at it, her lips parting in disbelief. “Oh, come on...”

Mrs. L/n motioned for the sisters to leave. Eva, Lucy, and the others filed out, whispering and giggling amongst themselves as they shut the door behind them, leaving the room unusually still. The bright daylight streaming through the window seemed too cheerful for what was about to happen.

Y/n sighed heavily and sat on the small stool, arms wrapped around herself in half-hearted defiance. Her mother wordlessly knelt beside her, taking the razor and beginning the task of smoothing over her skin with slow, deliberate strokes.

For a few moments, the only sound in the room was the quiet scrape of the blade against her skin, the soft splash of water, and the occasional sigh from Y/n. It was a silence filled with things left unsaid, the weight of what was coming pressing on both of them.

Y/n looked down at her hands, picking at a loose thread on the towel. "I still don't think this is going to work. They'll want someone else," she murmured, not meeting her mother's eyes.

Her mother didn't respond immediately, her hands steady as she worked. Finally, she spoke, her voice softer than before. "It’s not about what they want, Y/n. It’s about what you’re worth. Remember, the better you do, the better we all do."

“Why do you want me to get picked so badly?” Y/n asked quietly, her voice trembling despite her attempts to sound nonchalant. “You know I’ll mess up.”

Mrs. L/n paused mid-stroke, her hands hovering for a moment before continuing, the razor gently gliding over her daughter's skin. She didn't meet Y/n’s gaze, but her words were firm.

“I don’t want you to go. What gave you that idea?”

Y/n blinked, caught off guard by the blunt response. Her throat tightened, but she said nothing, the silence suddenly heavy between them. 

Her mother’s eyes were fixed on her task, but the strain in her voice betrayed her emotions. “You think I want to see you paraded around like livestock? Gods know I don’t.” She set the razor aside for a moment, finally looking up at Y/n. “But if you’re chosen… at least you’ll be safe.”

Y/n swallowed hard, not knowing what to say. For once, she had no sharp retort.

"...They'll smell the farm on me," Y/n tried to joke, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "And it's not like the town doesn't have a reputation for me."

Mrs. L/n froze, her brow furrowing before she snapped, "Y/n M/n L/n. You will stop talking this instant!" She threw her hands up in exasperation, the razor clattering against the basin. “Ugh, by the Gods, you will jinx yourself, and no amount of rosemary will be able to fix it!”

Y/n bit her lip, stifling a laugh despite the tension in the air. She knew her mother meant well, but the whole situation still felt so surreal—so out of place for someone like her.

There was a knock on the door. Y/n's head snapped toward it, her brows knitting in confusion. Her father’s voice called through the wooden frame, calm and warm as always. 

“The boy is here, my loves.”

Y/n frowned. "Caleb? What’s he doing here?"

Mrs. L/n didn’t answer, her focus entirely on finishing the task at hand. She ignored Y/n’s questioning gaze and continued to move the razor carefully, finishing her legs before working up to her cunt.

"Never mind that," her mother finally said, her tone clipped. "We need to finish."

She turned toward the door, calling out in her usual brisk, commanding voice, “There’s a roast in the oven! Check it for me, please!”

“Aye, I will,” her father replied, the sound of his footsteps retreating down the hall.

Y/n slouched slightly on the stool, still puzzled. “He does know today is the collection, right?” Y/n asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice.

“Perhaps he’s wishing to bid you good luck. But it will have to wait,” her mother replied, still focused on her work.

“Oh.”

Y/n sighed, the thought lingering in her mind. It made sense enough. They had talked about their plans—what they would do if she didn’t get picked. Caleb would take his father’s horse, and they’d ride out of Linkon together. A smile tugged at her lips as she recalled the silly memory of him telling her the same thing every year. 

But she hadn’t seen him lately; he was always busy with family matters, tending to the farm, or preparing for whatever life awaited him. 

Once Y/n was dressed, she stood stiffly, adjusting the light blue gown that felt foreign against her skin. “I can feel every stitch, Mama.”

“It’s because your skin’s bare. It’s a good feeling. A good thing,” her mother replied, a hint of pride in her voice.

“I’ll get cold easier.”

“Oh please. You weren’t even furry,” her mother teased.

Y/n let out an unexpected laugh, the tension breaking for just a moment. But then the door swung open, and her father stepped in, whistling a cheerful tune.

“There she is. My darlings!” He kissed his wife and then pressed a warm kiss to Y/n’s cheek. He pauses. “You smell like the farm.”

Y/n shot a look at her mother. “Told you so.”

“He's messing with you,” her mother said, rolling her eyes.

Just then, Caleb ducked his head under the doorframe, a bright smile on his face. “Good evening, Mrs. L/n. I’ve brought gifts.”

“Gifts? You shouldn’t have!” her mother exclaimed, a warm smile spreading across her face.

“I wanted to,” Caleb said, his tone sincere.

“Oh, you sweet boy. Come, let’s go talk.” Mrs. L/n took Caleb’s hand, pulling him out of the washroom. 

As their eyes met, Caleb’s purple gaze sparkled with a kind of mischief that made Y/n’s heart race. She felt her cheeks heat up but managed to wave, a shy smile breaking through her earlier worries.

Once they left, Y/n found herself alone with her father in the warm, sunlit room. The air was thick with the lingering scents of lavender and rosemary, remnants of her mother’s frantic preparations. Mr. L/n glanced out the door, ensuring it was securely closed before turning to face her, his expression suddenly serious.

“Are you nervous, child?” he asked, his voice low and steady, a contrast to the bustling energy that had just filled the space.

“Nervous?” Y/n echoed, furrowing her brow in confusion. “About today?”

“Hm... no, can’t say I am.” She crossed her arms, trying to project confidence, but the truth was a tangle of emotions lay beneath her surface.

He studied her for a moment, the lines on his face deepening with concern. “You’re a horrible liar. That’s my fault. Should have taught you better.”

“Papa—”

“Listen. You’re no fool. You’ve got a good head on you,” he said, placing a hand on his chin, his thumb tracing the stubble there as he exhaled slowly, the weight of his thoughts pressing down like a storm cloud.

Y/n felt a knot tighten in her stomach, her heart racing as he continued. “That boy is going to propose. And you need to accept.”

Her eyes widened in shock, disbelief flashing across her face. “Huh?”

“That's how you don’t get picked,” he insisted, his tone firm yet gentle, as if trying to shield her from the harsh realities of their world.

“But—”

“Listen to me, child. You need to accept—today. Before it’s too late. Once you’re engaged, they can’t collect you.” 

“To Caleb?” she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of hope and uncertainty. The idea danced in her mind like a flickering flame, both enticing and frightening. Would it truly save her? 

“Yes!” he affirmed, leaning closer, his eyes locking onto hers with a fervent intensity. “You think we have luck when it comes to this sort of thing? We don’t,” Mr. L/n continued, his voice lowering even further as he leaned closer. “We should have married you to him months ago, but there was never an opportunity. We have the papers. You just need to have some witnesses—”

“You cheated the system?!” Y/n whisper-yelled, her eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and indignation.

“Of course I did!” he replied, a hint of pride breaking through his urgency. “I did it to protect you. You have no idea what they do to the girls they collect. We have to outsmart them.”

“I can’t marry Caleb! Are you crazy? I don’t even want to get married—” Y/n protested, her voice rising in disbelief.

“This isn’t about what you want! You love the boy; he loves you!” Mr. L/n countered, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.

“Yeah, but—” she started, her mind racing as she tried to find the right words.

“Listen to me,” he urged, his voice softening as he stepped closer. “This is about survival. The kingdom doesn’t care about your dreams or desires; they only see you as another name on a list. But if you’re engaged, they can’t touch you.”

Y/n took a deep breath, the reality of her situation weighing heavily on her chest. “What if Caleb doesn’t want this? What if he thinks I’m just using him?”

“Caleb knows—he's been helping orchestrate this!” Mr. L/n interjected, a mix of urgency and relief washing over him.

Y/n’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What do you mean he knows? How could you—?”

“I spoke to him. He understands the situation, Y/n. He’s been looking out for you, and he wants to keep you safe.” Her father’s voice softened, but the intensity of his words remained.

“Caleb is in on this?” she asked, her mind racing. The idea that Caleb had been part of this plan, that he had considered her fate alongside his own, sent her heart racing.

“Yes! He cares for you deeply, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect you,” Mr. L/n explained, a hint of pride- and something else- in his voice.

She closed her eyes for a moment, envisioning Caleb’s kind smile and the playful banter they shared. Could he really be ready for something so serious? The thought of it both terrified and thrilled her. 

***

Caleb sat in the dingy dining room of the L/n household, his hand absently resting in his pocket. The scent of roasted meat wafted through the air, mingling with the musty smell of the worn furniture. Truthfully, the L/n farmland was rich and fruitful, bursting with potential, but the home itself felt shabby and neglected.

“Once we’re married, I can fix this place up…” he mumbled to himself, envisioning the changes he could make. The walls painted fresh, new furniture, perhaps even a small garden where Y/n could grow flowers. His heart swelled at the thought.

In the corner of the room, her sisters and mother were clustered together, giggling and gushing over the gifts he had brought—colorful ribbons, handmade trinkets, and sweets. Their excitement filled the air, but Caleb was lost in his own thoughts, barely noticing their chatter.

It wasn’t until Y/n emerged from the washroom, her father beside her, that he realized she was near. His heart skipped a beat as she stepped into the room, her vibrant orange hair catching the light. She looked radiant, even in the simple gown she wore, and a smile spread across his face as their eyes met.

“Good evenin', Y/n,” he greeted, warmth flooding his voice. “You look lovely.” 

Y/n’s cheeks flushed as she returned his smile, but there was an uncertainty in her gaze that made him wonder what was going through her mind. He wanted to ask about the selection ceremony, about her feelings, but for now, he simply stood there, hoping the moment would allow for the words to come.

“Er, hello, Caleb,” Y/n replied, her voice slightly shaky but warm.

He chuckled, a playful glint in his purple eyes. “You look like a strawberry.”

Eva snorted from the corner, unable to stifle her laughter. Y/n cleared her throat, determined to hold her ground. “Yes, well, thank you. They’re in season.”

“Are they now?” Caleb’s tone was teasing, and Y/n couldn’t help but smile despite the slight embarrassment. Strawberries weren’t in season, but he enjoyed the banter.

“They are,” she insisted, a spark lighting up her eyes.

“Then I trust you know where the ripe one is?” His gaze was warm, his smile contagious.

Y/n felt her cheeks flush deeper, but before she could respond, he gently took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. The touch sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. Together, they walked out of the house, the chatter of her family fading behind them.

As they stepped into the sunlit yard, the gentle breeze carried the scent of the sea, mingling with the earthy aromas of the farm. Caleb turned to her, his expression shifting to something more serious. “I’ve been thinking about what’s happening today…”

Y/n’s heart raced. She knew this was the moment to speak up, to share her fears and her father’s plan. But for now, she let the warmth of his hand and the softness of the afternoon settle around them, hoping to find the right words as they moved further from the house and deeper into the lush fields.

“Listen... I wanna marry you—” Caleb began, his tone earnest.

“Yes,” Y/n interrupted, her heart racing.

“What?” His expression shifted, surprise flashing across his face.

“Yes! I’ll marry you,” she declared, her excitement bubbling over.

“Let me finish,” he said, his brow furrowing slightly.

Y/n looked at him, confusion evident in her eyes.

Caleb’s smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. “Y/n. Don’t get me wrong. You’re a beautiful woman. And we’re good friends. But really, it’d be more of an exchange. I’ll marry you. But I want your father’s farm.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Excuse me?”

“I mean it,” he pressed, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. “If we’re going to make this work, we need to secure the land. The L/n farm is rich, and with your hand in marriage, I’d have both a partner and a stake in something that could thrive.”

Y/n felt her heart drop. The warmth of the moment had evaporated, replaced by a chill of realization. “You want to marry me for the farm?” she asked, hurt creeping into her voice.

Caleb’s expression hardened, his jaw set. “You thought this wouldn’t have an exchange? Marriage is a contract. I keep you safe, I get the land.”

“I can’t give you what isn’t mine,” Y/n shot back, her voice rising in disbelief.

“Look, you’re inheriting the farm. Your father is old. When I marry you, I inherit the farm instead. You’ll still have your sheep and goats, but I want you to stay in the gardens with the flowers.” He stepped closer, his eyes earnest. “Think about it. I’ll spruce the place up, combine our land. We can make a name for ourselves!”

Y/n stared at him, the weight of his words settling heavily on her shoulders. “You’re talking about my life as if it’s just an asset, Caleb! What if I don’t want to be tied to the farm? What if I want to travel, to explore beyond Linkon?”

He paused, the intensity in his eyes faltering. “But this is our home! This is where our lives are. We can make it better together.”

Caleb’s expression softened momentarily, but he quickly masked it with determination. “I’m not trying to control you! I just see potential—”

“Potential for what? For you to fulfill your dreams at the expense of mine?” Y/n felt anger bubbling inside her. “You’re reducing our relationship to a business deal!”

“I’m trying to think practically!” he insisted, frustration creeping into his voice. “We live in a harsh world, Y/n. If you get chosen today, it could be the end of everything for us. I just want to protect you!.... I care about you. But this isn’t just about us. It’s about doing what’ll be best.”

Silence hung between them, heavy with unspoken words and emotions. Y/n looked at him.

...Why did it feel scripted?

She ignores the brief thought, letting it slip just as quickly as it had arrived. “I need time to think,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

“You don’t have time to think,” Caleb said suddenly, pulling a small box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a simple yet elegant ring. “I got the ring. Just wear it.”

“You’re kidding,” Y/n replied, disbelief flooding her voice.

“I’m not,” he insisted, his gaze steady.

“Caleb—” she started, but he interrupted her.

“That farm is precious, and your family doesn’t even see it. Just marry me and let me help you.”

Y/n’s heart raced as she stared at the ring. “You can’t just expect me to decide everything right now! This is my life we’re talking about!”

“I know it is! But we’re out of time. If you don’t make a choice before the selection, you could end up as one of those girls, the ones that don't get anything good!”

The gravity of his words settled in her chest like a stone. She thought of the stories her grandmother had told her, the dark legends woven through the village about the gathering and the sacrifices. The idea of becoming one of those girls made her stomach churn.

“Caleb, this isn’t the way,” she said, shaking her head. “I don’t want to feel like I’m being sold off or bartered for land.”

“But you wouldn’t be! You’d be marrying someone who loves you, who wants to protect you!” He took a step closer, desperation flickering in his eyes. “Please, just wear the ring. We can figure everything else out together.”

Scripted. It felt so scripted. But why?

Y/n felt torn, her heart battling against her mind. The prospect of safety and partnership clashed with her desire for freedom and choice. “I… I need to think about it,” she said, her voice trembling.

“Look, if you’re not gonna marry me, I can wait for Eva. Or I’ll marry Lorraine—”

“Eva? Lorraine? Excuse me? Them of all people?” Y/n shot back, incredulous. The idea felt like a slap. Lorraine was the village gossip, always getting into trouble and never taking anything seriously. And her sister? Absolutely.

Caleb shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. “I’m just saying, she wouldn’t mind. If you don’t want me, someone else will step in.”

“Right, because that’s how love works,” Y/n snapped, her frustration boiling over. “You can’t just jump from one sister to another like we’re some kind of game to you!”

“It’s not a game!” he argued, stepping closer, the tension thickening the air between them. “This is about survival, Y/n! Don’t you see? You can either have me fighting for you or risk being taken away, offered to the sea. I don’t want to lose you!”

Y/n’s heart raced as she considered his words again, the weight of the impending selection pressing down on her. The fear of the Dark Sea loomed larger than ever. “But I don’t want to feel trapped,” she said, her voice quieter now, almost pleading.

Caleb softened, his expression earnest. “You won’t be trapped with me. We can make it work, and build a life together. Just think about it—before it’s too late.”

As she looked into his eyes, Y/n felt a swirl of emotions—fear, anger, and- disgust? But the thought of marrying him out of desperation gnawed at her conscience. “I need more time- stop saying we don't have it."

“Time is the one thing we don’t have,” he replied, frustration creeping back into his voice. “Please, just wear the ring. Show me you’ll consider this. I can’t bear the thought of you being chosen—”

“Y/n! Come on, we’re waiting for you!” Eva’s voice called from the house, pulling her back to reality.

Caleb took her hand, his grip firm but gentle, as he slid the ring onto her finger. “Insurance. Just in case,” he said, his voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling around them.

Y/n blinked, her heart racing, but before she could respond, laughter echoed from inside the house. Her family had gathered, and when they saw Caleb placing the ring on her finger, their cheers erupted like a sudden storm.

“Oh, look at that!” her mother exclaimed, beaming. “My darling Y/n is engaged!”

Y/n’s eyes widened in shock. “No! Wait!” But the joyous noise drowned out her protests. Eva clapped her hands, and Lucy jumped up and down, her chubby cheeks flushed with excitement.

“Caleb! You clever boy!” Eva gushed. “We knew you’d come through!”

“But you don’t understand—” Y/n started, but her voice was lost in the commotion.

“Come here, you two!” Mrs. L/n pulled Y/n into a tight embrace, tears of joy glimmering in her eyes. “I’m so proud of you, my sweet girl. You’re all grown up!”

Y/n felt the weight of her mother’s affection, but dread settled heavily in her chest. She glanced at Caleb, searching for a flicker of understanding, but he was caught up in the whirlwind of celebration, a victorious grin plastered across his face.

“Now we can start planning the wedding!” her mother continued, clapping her hands together. “This is wonderful news! The whole village will be thrilled!”

Y/n’s heart sank. The idea of a wedding felt like a chain, tightening around her, and the implications of her father’s words crashed over her again. Marrying Caleb was supposed to be a lifeline, a way to escape the selection—but something was off.

“Are you really happy about this?” she whispered to Caleb, who was now being congratulated by her father.

He turned, his expression earnest. “Of course I am. This is our chance. You’ll see.”

But Y/n could only nod, a forced smile on her lips, as the celebration continued around her. 

And in the distance, carriages were coming, adorned with the rain clouds. 

taglist: @0chemicalwaste0 copyright © 2024 Hellinistical all rights reserved. no part of this story may be reposted, edited, or reproduced without the author’s permission.

[crowandmousewritingco]

If You're Reading This

Pairing: Joel Miller x nb!reader

Word Count: 4.5k

Rating: PG-13, there's no spice. It's all angst bay-beeeeeee

Summary: You met Joel while out on a 'hunting run', you startle him and in return he almost shoots you. After everything settles the two of you get to talking and decide to stay in contact one of the only ways, via letters. Over the time writing each other, you grow feelings for him, and learn things about yourself that you don't know how he'll handle. Telling him, he goes silent, but you refuse to give up hope. Will your hope be enough to keep you going?

Author: Mod Crow (Got a new job so life has been ahhhhh)

Author's Note: The reader says their age. This was for @burntheedges' Roll-A-Trope! I was very back and forth on how I wanted this to play out, in the end I'm pretty happy with it.

Masterlist

Warnings: Language, mentions of suicide, and mentions of raiders and guns.

Dear Joel,

Thanks for not shooting me today, I wasn’t even in my best attire to die. I’m kidding. Not about the not shooting me thing. 

It was nice really meeting someone who didn’t want to kill me or rob me. It was also nice having the help dragging a deer all the way back to this place. I only hope my butchering and fileting skills aren’t getting rusty. But hey, if they are, you said something about you showing me “the way it’s done in the big beauty of Texas” or however you worded it. I know you aren’t here, but I need you to know that I’m currently laughing. I made myself laugh. Gods, I’m losing it aren’t I?

 Anyways, I should probably start cooking myself something to eat before the sun goes down. If you ever head this way and stop at this place, you should leave me a little letter or something. Obviously, I left this one for you in an obvious spot -and that’s what you should do as well- then after that we can start putting them in more well-hidden places, we can’t have someone finding them before we have a chance to. But that’s for the next letter.

-Y.F.

P.S. Y.F. means your favorite, I know what I am, you don’t have to tell me.

Hey Smartass,

Now that I like the sound of. Oh, and drop the formality, I’m not your pen pal or some shit like that. Ellie wanted me to tell you that “if you try to replace her as my favorite, she will stab you”. I don’t pick favorites. Just so you know. I haven’t had a favorite person in a while now…

God let’s stop talking about the sad shit anymore. I saw a baby squirrel on the porch as I was walking up. I thought maybe he had lost his mama or daddy; I’m thinking that’s what he also thought because when one of his -what I can only assume- parents came back they had scared that poor little thing so bad that he damn near jumped three feet high. I was kind of wishing you could have seen it, I remember you telling me how much you loved nature and all that stuff. Don’t read into that.

Anyways, I don’t know what it’s like heading up from the southwest, but Ellie and I ran into more raiders than we normally do. I don’t know why there’s more, but I’m not liking how things are looking.  

I left you some ammo and rations hidden in the fireplace. Ellie left you something, she wouldn’t tell me, besides that it was hidden in the bathroom. That’s all she told me, so I’m guessing that means good luck. 

-Joel 

I’m not calling you my favorite, I don’t have a favorite between you two nuisances 

Dear party-pooper,

Yes, that’s what I’m calling you from now on, you fucking party-pooper. ANYWAYS, I found your stash, thanks. The ammo was a life saver…literally…the rations could have at least been a good one. You left me some beef jerky (the only good thing in that damn ration), some stale ass cracker, and some unidentifiable fruit-like substance. 

The raiders though, they’ve actually been better. Based on my guess, I think they might have migrated up your way. If you think it’s getting too bad for a bit, I get that, don’t feel pressured to write me back whenever you’re here next. 

On a lighter note, Ellie hid a book that she’d think I’d like. So far, her shot in the dark has struck bull’s-eye. Tell her I said thank you. As for where she hid it -you’re gonna love this- she pulled the medicine cabinet off the upstairs bathroom’s wall, knocked out a small bit of drywall, and hid it in the wall before replacing the cabinet. It took me far longer than it should have, but who the fuck would look behind the cabinet on the wall? The cabinet, mind you, looked like it had never been pulled off the wall. Fuck, I really gotta give her credit for how creative she is with hiding places. You should take notes. Your hiding spots in the past have been…kinda in plain sight. Love you old man, but you suck at hiding. Expect, I give you credit to this last drop, up the chimney fluke. Maybe you still have it in you after all, old man.

Anyways…I left some things for you in the door of the fridge. It’s not much this time, things have been rough at this place. We let in this new couple, and they’ve been super suspicious. The first night they were here, the woman -Gabrielle- was found snooping around in the owner of the farm’s wife’s dresser. Gabrielle couldn’t give us a straight answer as to why she was snooping. That wasn’t even the weirdest bit, that same night the man -Kenneth- was snooping around in ALL of our shit. I woke up at gods only know, probably 3 or 4 in the morning. I didn’t think he got any of shit. I didn’t look though, and that’s on me. He got away with most of the things I was going to give you, what he didn’t take is hidden for you. I left Ellie some magazines I found about alternative bands from before the pandemic. I don’t even know if she knows what alternative music is, gods you probably don’t know what alternative music is. I’ll explain that to you in person one of these days. 

-Your favorite nuisance 

You fucking child, 

You and Ellie act like the exact same person sometimes I swear. Sometimes I feel like it’s just Ellie leaving me these notes. 

Forget all that, you said that the ammo I stashed for you came in handy? What happened? Are you okay? Were you injured? What happened to the other guy? That’s something I would have paid to see. If half of what the shit you’ve said in the past were true, then you’re a pretty good aim. 

What you left me enough, the granola was honestly a god sent. You have no idea how boring coffee was getting. Ellie also said -and I quote- “Hell yeah these bitches look sick.” I have no idea where she’s heard that, because it sure as hell wasn’t me. 

Backtracking -kind of- I know we’ve talked raiders, how have those fucking clickers been? I think because of that “migration” or whatever the hell you called it, they’ve been out there killing those fuckers while they snuck through the shadows. Our raider problem went up, but the clicker problem. It’s been too quiet recently. But following that thought, your raider problem went down, so that means your clicker problem got worse. Didn’t it? Fuck… You’re a pain in my ass, but I like this banter I get to have. You should come with Ellie and I back to our little place. It isn’t much, but Ellie’s been complaining that where we are isn’t “comfortable”. I swear she says what she says just to test my patience. But, yeah, Ellie would love it. She’d never shut up and it wouldn’t be me for once. Just give us the when and we’ll meet you here.

-Joel M.

Hey grumpy,

I think I like this nickname the best so far. I do swear one thing to you grumps, I am 100% NOT Ellie. I’m your…something. I’ve been kinda held up in my room at the farm this past week. I’ve been thinking about some things after the raiders. That’s not something I lied about; I am a pretty good shot. So was the leader of the little gang. He was 100% aiming for my head, I’m only alive because I got lucky. He drew his gun quicker than I did, he aimed quicker than I could, and he pulled that fucking trigger before I could…His gun jammed. It took me a minute to even register that I was still alive. When I realized though, gods, was I ready. Almost dying makes you really think about how you want to be remembered by people. 

I don’t even know if what I’m thinking would make sense to you. Ellie might, but all she’s ever known is…well whatever it is she grew up knowing. These are things that I haven’t thought about since…fuck, well before the outbreak. Bare with me as I try to figure out to explain this in writing that isn’t going to be a fucking novel. 

Actually, before I do that, I want to get this out there first. if you aren’t sure you want to be a part of this emotional blah, I got lucky. Ken left his bag open in Gabrielle’s room right next to her bag in her room! What’s even better? Neither of them were anywhere near the bags, Gabrielle was helping with dinner and Ken was helping with fence repair. I left you just under half of the ammo they had -hey, gotta keep myself safe- and Ken’s utility hatchet like thing (you’ll see what I mean). I also snatched you some more granola. I have no idea how this old couple is doing it, but they have so many oats. They also have a fucking bee house! You know what that means? Fresh honey! And just for you grumps, I snatched a mason jar for the two of you. Honey’s also good for a sore throat. I know it’s getting cold out there. I’ve actually been knitting (I know, I must be lying about my age. I’m not, I swear. I learned how to knit because of my grandma. When I was probably six or seven, I made a huge deal out of wanting to learn to do what my grandma was doing. So, she taught me. After the outbreak, I needed something to do with my hands, otherwise things…things would be incredibly different right now. Gods, sorry about the ramble.) some scarves for the two of you. You have no idea how much yarn got left behind in the stores. If after you read this, you decide you still want me to go with you I will. We can do it the weekend after next. Next week is my birthday and Marieann and George (the old couple of the farm) told me that it was “my day to relax and rest up after the hard year.” Who am I to go against what a sweet old lady tells me to do? That being said, I don’t like not knowing what’s going on and how the two of you are doing. At this point, what’s even the point of keeping track of birthdays anymore? Like, “Yay I lived another horrid year on this dying hunk of space rock, can’t wait to suffer through another one! Anyways, I'm sneaking out past curfew to leave you a note if the plan has changed. Anywho…I found more magazines for Ellie. I’ve hid them in the pantry. She’s smart. Your is hidden in the basement behind that dresser, it’s the same idea as what the kid did in the upstairs bathroom cabinet.

Back to the emotional blah…If anything I write doesn’t make sense, you can try asking Ellie. She may know. Gods, I thought it would be easier to write this out, not having to see your weathered (ignore that) expression change. To what? I don’t know. Anything? Fuck it…Joel when we meet, I thought I had figured myself out. When I met you, I was sure I was a woman. I don’t think that I am…I’m not a man either though. I’m neither? I don’t know how to explain this. Okay, so I was she/her when we met, you were -and still are- he/him. Well, if I’m neither of them I have to have a way to refer to myself, right? I do, instead of she or he, I’m…them. Or they! Well, it’s more like both, they/them. Gods I’m shaking so bad right now haha, I’m just really scared of losing you two…You two have been the first good thing since this shitstorm started. I know I can’t make you write me back, but I can ask you to at least leave me something saying you’ll either come back and write a new note or some kind of…I don’t know sign? That doesn’t feel like the right word, but note isn’t the word I want to use…I don’t know Joel, just please leave something. I don’t care how long it takes; I’ll keep coming back till I get another note from you. Even if that means I die doing this because you chose to leave, and I wouldn’t hate you for it. 

That’s all I’ve to say. I really do…like you Joel, when thinking, remember I am the person from all of those letters and the few times we met.

-Your Raven no    Magpie also no Crow now that’s one I like

Joel, 

Hey, I came back this weekend, I’m 26 now! Yay! I’m not going to lie; I’m terrified right now. The clickers are getting worse around the farm, they aren’t too bad on the way here yet, but I know they will be.

I checked to see if you took the stuff, and you did. I saw that Ellie left me a comic book and a band shirt from one of those mags I gave her. I can’t believe she was able to find one, let alone one in my size. I also saw that you left me some ammo and another ration. I know it isn’t much, but it’s something. It gives me hope, and that’s all most of us have nowadays. Along with that hope, I also hope that you'll come back again. If that’s the case, I’ve left you both some things, same places as last. 

Joel, for you, more granola (enough for the both of you), a scarf for you, some peach preserves (Marieann opened up some preserves she had made to be opened about this time), and some bread I baked. I warn the bread isn’t pretty, but with the chill, it should last a bit longer.

For Ellie, her scarf, a couple of mangas I found (this will be fun to hear how that goes), a Swiss army knife I found on a dead raider (I know it’s gruesome, but it’s the world we live in now), and a slightly used deck of cards. I felt like she could find a way to entertain herself why you do whatever it is you do when you want to be alone.

-Your hope filled Crow

Hey again,

You took the things again, and you left some more for me. It’s still something. No matter how little. It just hit me, these letters are going to be getting shorter and shorter until I hear from you huh?

Should I even keep writing to you? Maybe don’t answer that. Or do. You take all the time you need. I’m leaving you guys some more things, the same place as before.

-Your Crow

Hey, 

I’m sorry about how long it took, I’ll be honest, I didn’t understand at all, and it freaked me out a bit. I asked Ellie if she they understood it and they did. They also came to realize that about themselves too. No, I don't fully understand it, but I’m willing to learn.

Thanks for the scarves, they’ve really helped with the chill at night. Ellie was so intrigued by that one that I’m guessing was the manga. I have no idea if they figured it out, but they’re having a blast trying. 

The clickers have been a bit more active around us too. I wonder where they’re all coming from though. 

Ellie and I are ready to head out, just tell us when. We’ve gathered all we could, the rest of the stuff we’re leaving is replaceable. Thanks to your scarf we’ve managed to carry a bit more stuff, not the way you meant for them to be used but they’re multifaceted. 

I don’t know if Ellie has anything to leave, but I’m assuming it’s in the bathroom. I don’t have much to leave, I found some yarn. I just happened upon it when looting some cars on the main road. I also found a broken bow. I don’t know if you can fix it, but maybe that old man, George(?) could fix it, or maybe someone else in the house. They’re in the basement, it’s the only place they’d fit. 

I want to help you keep that hope alive. I have one of my own, I hope we can get somewhere warm and safe together.

Joel, with…

Holy fuck,

Joel, you came back?! Thank you fuck…thank you. If you could see me, I am a mess right now. Gods you’d get a kick. 

I wasn’t able to fix the bow, but George was! I guess he used to bow hunt back in the day. He said it may take him a bit; he has to dig out his tools. I’ll leave a letter the night before with an update. If you find a letter then there’s kink in the plans, if you don’t find a letter then it’s because I was there waiting, or I died. Or some other third thing, I like being dramatic sometimes. 

With this plan may be happening, I’m not leaving much. This time it’s a kindle of firewood. Dry firewood hidden in the sugar in a mason jar. I remember you saying you drank coffee, and you were growing tired of the taste. So have some sugar, make it sweeter. Maybe add honey too. 

-Your Crow

Dear Joel,

I know you hate the formality of these kinds of letters, but for once, just let it be. See the thing is I’m writing this as a “worst case scenario” kinda thing… I started writing about an hour ago for me, gods only know how long it’s been for you. To put in perspective the time difference, I’m writing this the same day I read your letter you had left, the letter about the plans about me coming with the two of you to find somewhere else. 

I don’t know what has happened to me to force my hand in leaving this letter, but if I had to take a shot in the dark, I’ve probably been shot by other survivors. I’ve been bitten. If I remember, I’ll try to come back and write what really happened. Anyways, I know we had a plan, I also know that you’re a strong man. You don’t need me; I would have just slowed you down. So now you have to promise me you’ll keep that kid safe. Oh, and if you happen to find yourself in Omaha -I know we’re several hundred miles away, but you never know- stop by 1004 Cicada drive. It’s where I was living when all of the shit hit the fan. Now, I won’t be there to give you the tour, so you better not go tracking mud or anything inside. 

Look, there are some things in that house that I think could be beneficial to you, I know you’ll find what you need. I have some things out in the garage, there’s some other things in the attic, and then there’s some things down in the basement’s crawl space. Now, it’s going to be dusty and dirty down there, but back before all of this, it was a beautiful basement. I had just finished painting it that beautiful blue color that has since been destroyed by some fucking raiders. Fuck, look at me gushing over my old basement. I must really sound like some weird fucker, huh? 

Anyways, if I’m dead and that’s why you’re reading this, I just wanted to tell you some things…Where do I even start? I guess I’ll start light, that’s what you do right? I don’t know why I keep asking questions, I don’t know your answers to them. Gods do I wish I did know your answers, writing this with the unknown has been killing me. If you could see me right now, you’d have a pretty good laugh, I’m shaking like the last fall leaf in a big dying tree in the middle of a tornado. Fuck, I’m rambling…Look I’m really happy we ran into each other when we did, that day you almost shot me in the forest -behind this decrepit house- I lied to you. You asked me why I was out there, I told you I was looking for some animals to catch. I wasn’t…I couldn’t take any more of this bullshit. So, I was gonna beat the zombies to my death, and I wasn’t giving them the satisfaction of bringing me back to be some brainless creature monster. I was going to paint a bit of the forest with gray matter. When you insisted on helping me because you also needed food, I was honestly kinda pissed. But now? Now I’m happy you stuck around. Joel, I don’t wanna make you feel any type of way but…You are the only reason I’m still here on this shithole of a planet. Also…you sticking around had affected me in ways I wasn’t expecting…Joel thanks to you Joel, spending all of that time with you, getting to actually know you, exchanging stories, all of that shit. All of that meant means far more than you could understand, and in that time, I grew to fell in love with you Joel. 

I should have told you in person not through a piece of paper. I know there isn’t much I can say now…. but I am sorry. I wish I could have told you in person, I really do, I wish I could have heard your lips say it back. I can only imagine how your raspy, yet honeysuckle sweet voice would say those three words “I. Love. You.” Gods the thought of it…

Anyways, if I keep going, I might accidently write you a book. For whatever reason it is that made me tell you where to find this, I’m happy I got to meet you when I did. Make sure to tell Ellie I said hi. You make sure you keep that girl safe or so Gods help you, Joel Miller. 

-Your Crow, with love

P.S. Joel I don’t know how much longer I have till I turn, but I just wanted to say before I die, I love you Joel, tell Ellie I love her too. I left you my remaining ammo and handgun. I left Ellie my lucky bullet casing -we both know she’ll love it- and my bracelet, the one with that little metal rabbit foot charm. You have no idea how excited I was to leave that lonely farm. I would finally be with people I cared about and who cared about me. Like who actually cared about me. 

I had a weird feeling that this is how things would go, so I planned. I know I’m leaving you my handgun and ammo. The handgun only has one bullet right now. You can fill it the rest of the way and leave, or you can do what I was too scared to do in the end…Kill me. Right now, I’m in the kitchen writing this. I don’t feel good, I feel like someone beat me with a lead pipe. My head is throbbing, and I can’t tell if I’m sweating because I’m hot with a fever, or if because of a cold chill. 

I thought I’d have a bit of time, you know, write you some more, pour my heart out on paper for you, but I don’t. It wasn’t a deep bite, but it was a bite, nonetheless. I tried to sneak past this clicker, I was doing so well until I lost my balance and stumbled, twisting my ankle. I didn’t try to fight it, I thought I’d have better luck running back here. I didn’t…  

I love you Joel, I really really ….

*Joel’s POV*

Your writing at the end was practically ineligible, trailed off almost. Joel wasn’t quite sure, what he was sure of, was the feeling of his heart break. An all too familiar break, one he hadn’t felt since Sarah’s mom…

Joel quickly and silently tore his path through the house, he was certain that you were playing some kind of sick cruel joke. 

“Joel. Joel! Come on man,” Joel could hear Ellie, but for some reason his legs wouldn’t stop. He had to prove Ellie wrong, that’s why. Yeah, that makes sense. “Joel, Jesus fucking Christ. STOP!” Hearing Ellie’s loud voice had pulled him to a halt. 

“Joel, I know you loved them man, I did too. I don’t know what hell-bent path you’re on, but you aren’t going to find them okay. I know,” Joel looked to Ellie, his unfocused eyes taking a moment. When his eyes finally focused, he could see it, he could see the tears that were pouring from Ellie’s face. That’s when he realized he too was crying. “I looked for them after I found their rabbit’s foot bracelet. I think they’re in the basement, the door is locked or jammed. I can’t get it open.” Joel swallowed the pained howls that wanted to rip through his tired body. Clearing his throat, Joel quickly wiped his face on his jacket sleeve. 

“You stay up here; I’ll get it figured out. No matter what, I don’t care if you're curious or something else, don’t under any circumstances come down there am I clear?” Joel clenched his jaw, he needed something to focus on something, so why not something he can do. 

Ellie never responded verbally, but Joel saw the stiff nod. Turning from Ellie Joel tried to make quick work of finding the things you left. It took him far less time than he expected. Joel also found a key; one he could only assume you left. It wasn’t particularly noteworthy or showy, but if he had to guess, it would unlock that basement door. Was that even something he wanted to do? Kill you? Or rather, kill the already dead you? 

Heading back to the dining room, Joel looked at the things he had found in the house. The one catching his attention first? Your handgun. The one with only one bullet loaded in it. Picking up the gun, Joel examined it in his hand, the handle was worn, faint groves noticeable to the touch. The metal on it had definitely seen better days, days when the metal was clean and before it was used in all of this shit. 

Swallowing the lump in his throat down, Joel took the key -along with the gun- to the basement door. Standing there, Joel simply stared at the handle. God only knows how long he stood there, but hearing Ellie walk into the dining room, pulled him back to the doorknob in hand. Gripping the gun tighter, Joel carefully put the key into the knob. Giving it a trying twist, Joel felt it resist for a second, before a soft ‘click’ could be heard. Gripping the knob, Joel twisted it slowly and carefully pulled the door open. There wasn’t a single sound coming from the basement, maybe you had found a way to do this. Something he was now dreading. Readying the gun, Joel carefully made his way down the stairs, trying to be as light as possible on his feet. 

Once his feet hit the basement floor, Joel clicked on his flashlight. The basement wasn’t huge by any means, but it did have a smaller room off the back wall. Walking towards the doorway, Joel practically held his breath to listen for the all too well known cl-

The sound of clicking slowly filling the air as he grew closer. The sound put him to a stop. Can he really do this? Yes, because you shouldn’t have to be one of them. Clenching his jaw Joel continued on. 

In the doorway, Joel could barely make out the shadow of you, or at least what used to be you. It was kind of hard to tell for certain where the bite was for certain, but it seemed as if it was your shoulder. As he stood there, Joel was silent, he wanted to remember what you were like, this wasn’t you and he knew that. You were gone by now, long gone and he knew that. Raising the gun, Joel closed his eyes for a moment. Opening his eyes, Joel cocked the handgun, the click of the hammer grabbing your attention. Staring at what used to be your face, Joel could feel the tears run down his face. 

“I’m sorry I wasn’t quicker my Crow.” His last word punched through the silence, with the loud echo of a spent shell.

'''''''

The divider was made by the beautiful @mikeykuns

All Works Taglist

@for-a-longlongtime @romanarose

Pedro Character Taglist

@littlemisspascal @burntheedges

@carusolikey @thebeldroramscal

@morallyinept @lady-bess

@pedrostories @rivnedell

@pascalsanctuary @readingiskeepingmegoing

[skyscratch-wc]

for hypokits, maybe Crowfeather x Squirrelflight or Mapleshade x Goldenflower?

Crow x Squirrel! Thank you for the request!

[ell0ra-br3kk3r-writes]

The Phoenix and the Crow

part forty

pairing: kaz brekker x fem!reader

genre: neutral/fluff

el's thoughts: it's been sooooo long since i've written and i'm afraid that i'm a little rusty haha, but here you go!!

masterlist

As the schooner sped south, it was as if the whole crew was sitting vigil. Everyone spoke in hushed tones, treading quietly over the decks, hyper-aware of Y/N lying in bed in Kaz’s room.

The Ferolind felt like a ghost ship. Kaz was sequestered with Y/N, and he’d asked for Wylan’s help caring for her. Even if Wylan didn’t love chemistry, he knew more about tinctures and compounds than anyone. So the chemist and Nina spent every waking minute trying to nurse their resident Inferni back to health.

Anyone who entered the room Y/N was staying in could instantly feel how stressed Kaz was. They would have to be blind not to have noticed the toll her illness took on him. The deep dark circles that rested under his eyes seemed worse than they’d ever been before. His sleeping habits were nonexistent before, yet he never let it show. But now he looked weak. Physically ill. Within the few days he’s been waiting for Y/N to wake up he appeared to have aged a few years. It was nothing a proper night’s sleep, shower, and meal couldn’t fix, but it disturbed the other Crows to see him in such a state.

Nina and Inej finally got him to bathe himself, the Heartrender claiming that Y/N would never wake up if he stayed by her side smelling like a Barrel rat. So when Kaz stepped out of the pathetic excuse for a washroom, he nearly collapsed to his knees at the sight of Y/N sitting up in bed.

He was frozen in shock, he was barely able to choke out a few words. “You’re awake.”

Y/N jumped slightly and groaned at the jolt it gave her body.

“Sorry,” Kaz walked to her bedside while rubbing the thin fraying towel in his hand through his hair.

“It’s fine,” she coughed in reply. Her hand blindly feeling for a cup on the table next to her. Kaz reached for the pitcher and poured the cold water into the glass before handing it to her. Y/N smiled at him gratefully and chugged the water down before placing the cup back. “Thank you.”

“How…” Kaz cleared his throat before murmuring quickly. “How’re you feeling?”

Y/N pushed herself higher up on her pillows, “More alive than I could’ve claimed earlier.”

She’s alive.

That’s all that mattered to Kaz in that very moment. The reward that waited for him completely left his mind for just a spilt second as he mentally relaxed over the comforting fact that she was still with him.

She’s alive.

~

Y/N had always known there was a good chance they wouldn’t make this journey home at all, that they’d end up in cells in the Ice Court or skewered on pikes. But she’d figured that if they managed the impossible task of rescuing Yul-Bayur and getting back to the Ferolind, the trip back to Ketterdam would be a party. They’d drink whatever Spect might have squirreled away on the ship, eat the last of Nina’s toffees, recount their close calls and every small victory. But she never could have foreseen the way they’d been cornered in the harbor, and she certainly couldn’t have imagined the type of sacrifice she’d made in order to get them out of it. But as she looked around the deck she knew that she would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

These people had grown to be her family much against her will. If some heaven-sent Saint came to her only two years ago and told her that she would become the closest friends with a convict, a sharpshooter, a runaway, a spy, one of her ex-soldiers, and a thief… She would have laughed in their face. But here she sat, wrapped in a warm blanket brought to her by the Suli spy, drinking a cup of tea made by the runway mercher’s kid. Her skin had grown pale and carried a constant cold sweat despite the cool ocean breeze flowing through her hair and over her skin. But she was well enough to finally leave the room and walk about the main deck for a short while.

When Kerch finally appeared on the horizon, Y/N felt a strange mixture of relief and trepidation. She knew that their lives were about to change, and she could only hope for the better while she prayed to any Saint above that Nikolai received her letter in time.

They dropped anchor, and when nightfall came, Jesper had asked Kaz if he could join him and Rotty in the longboat they were rowing to Fifth Harbor. Y/N knew they didn’t need him, but she could tell he was desperate for a distraction.

A few hours later she could see them down a canal, making their way back to the ship.

“Look at that,” Kaz said, holding the paper out for Y/N to read. Congratulations. Your country thanks you.

The words left a funny feeling to settle in her stomach as Jesper laughed. “As long as my country pays cash. Does the council know the scientist is dead?”

“I put it all in my note to Van Eck,” Kaz said. “I told him that Bol Yul-Bayur was dead but that his son is alive and was working on jurda parem for the Ferjdans.”

“Did he haggle?”

“Not in the note. He expressed his ‘deep concern,’ but didn’t mention anything about price. We did our job. We’ll see if he tries to bargain us down when we get to Vellgeluk.”

Jesper glanced at the Inferni quickly before turning his attention back to Kaz. “Will Wylan come with us to meet with Van Eck?”

“No,” Kaz said, fingers drumming on the crow’s head of his cane. “Matthias will be with us, and someone needs to stay behind with Y/N. Besides if we need to use Wylan to twist his father’s arm, it’s better that we don’t show our hand too early.”

Y/N glared at Kaz’s profile as he spoke. Jesper looked between the two and quickly made a lame excuse to leave.

“What do you mean I stay behind?”

“You’re in no condition to come with us, you’re still weak.”

Y/N scoffed but a coughing fit instantly followed. “I’m not weak, besides you’ll need the Ravkan representative present during the trade.”

Kaz stared at her for a moment, flicker of emotion flared behind his eyes before he turned away. Y/N reached her index finger to lock it with his.

“I know your concern, but my presence is needed and you can’t deny that. I promise I’ll be careful.”

“You can’t make promises you can’t keep,” Kaz said and looked back at her. “Since when are you known to be careful?”

The inferni chuckled and leaned closer to his side, barely leaning her head against his shoulder. “Thank you for trusting me.”

Kaz gave no reply as he stood stiffly beside her with no intention of leaving.

~*~

@katherinereid @littlecat21 @jahayla-parker @maliciousbrekker @brekkershadowsinger @brekkers-desigirl @clunaes @wonderland2425 @bookloverfilmoholic @karensirkobabes @bookworm-center @el-de-phi @so-get-this-sammy @crispy-croke @cometsghost @auttumnsayshi

[deadhornedgod]

yr bio says taxidermist which fascinates me .. can we see some of yr taxidermy stuff i LOVE taxidermy so so much :3c

Thank you for your question and sorry it took so long to answer. So far my taxidermy work revolves around skulls and skeletons. And to some extent in the damage of bird skins! TW: dead animals

This is a small collection that is being accumulated little by little. The bird skeletons were hard to collect because I kept losing ribs when washing them! But I can't help but wash them because I'm too neat.

There are also a couple of squirrels, a bullfinch, jay and a crow. There is also a cat!

Little beautiful dead birds that I skinned:

I'm going to build a frog skeleton and it will be much easier - frogs don't have ribs x)

[ur-boyfiend]

faerie circle

-> sequel to will o' the wisp -> fae!felix x m!reader

another one that's been rotting in the drafts..... i'm so sorry lmao wc; 1.8k

your flashlight beam disappears, though this time it's because you've turned it off, not because something is broken. the familiar lights appear, lighting a path through the underbrush. you know the way well enough, but you enjoy watching the lights as they dance around you.

you're not a faerie, but most of the creatures in the forest treat you like one, knowing you're in felix's favor. once, when walking to your apartment with a friend, a crow landed on your shoulder, and when you reached up to pet it, it dropped a sparkling necklace into your hand. it stayed on your shoulder the rest of the walk, which took some explaining when your friend inevitably asked.

you reach the clearing, always bathed in pale moonlight, even when the rest of the forest is dark. you sit down on a fallen log, pulling out a small bag of cereal and another of seeds and nuts. before long, the clearing is alive with small birds and animals.

after some time, a doe and her fawn nose their way into the clearing, and you snap a still-green stick from a small tree and peel the bark off to offer the two. the fawn takes the bark quickly, and you're able to softly pat its nose. the doe is less trusting, but eventually takes the offered treat.

you hear the sound of bells on the wind and look up as felix comes into the space. you smile, glad to see him again.

he takes a seat on the log next to you, and the small creatures that had been surrounding you direct their attention briefly to him, but quickly go back to nosing at you when they realize he doesn't have any food for them.

he looks offended by the rejection and you giggle, finding his reaction cuter than it reasonably should be.

"they like food more than you," you inform him. felix just rolls his eyes, and you rest your head on his shoulder.

"i like you more than food if that helps?"

this time felix laughs, and rests his head on top of yours, "i'll take it."

a breeze blows through the clearing and you shiver, leaning further into the boy next to you. he wraps an arm around your waist and pulls you even closer. it's getting to be winter, and you know that visiting is going to become harder and harder.

you hum quietly, continuing to feed the animals clustered around your feet. the animals come and go, some staying after they've eaten in order to get affection from the two of you, others quickly leaving once they're done.

you notice there's a squirrel being bullied away from the scattered treats, and you lean forward carefully, directly offering it a piece of cereal. the small animal takes the treat, before climbing up your arm and sitting on your shoulder to eat it. felix grins at the interaction, always enjoying watching you with the animals.

eventually you scatter the last of the treats, keeping a couple pieces of cereal and a peanut for the squirrel still perched on your shoulder.

the crowd of animals disperses when they realize there's no more food to be had, but the squirrel on your shoulder stays. felix gently nudges you and you look up at him, tilting your head slightly to the side.

"it's past midnight, you should head back."

you pout slightly, this is always your least favorite part of the meetings you have, but then felix taps the tip of your nose and you can't help but smile.

he stands up and offers you a hand, pulling you to your feet when you take it. the squirrel that's been on your shoulder makes no attempt to move, and when you try to pick it up, it clings firmly to your sweatshirt. after a couple tries you give up, not wanting to injure the small animal.

you look at felix, tapping the tip of his nose the same way he'd tapped yours, and head out of the clearing. before you make it back into the woods, however, you feel him grab your arm.

turning to look at him, you're about to ask if everything's okay. before you can get the words out, you feel his lips on yours, feather light.

you're both frozen for a second, before you put a hand on the back of his neck and pull him in, smashing your lips together. you can almost taste the desperation in the kiss, but any rational thought melts away when you feel his hands tangle into your hair.

you think briefly that this might be a bad idea, but in the past your bad ideas have had good outcomes, and if this is the exception then so be it.

you break the kiss to catch your breath, reveling in the moment of pure euphoria. neither one of you makes any attempt to move away from the other, your ragged breathing the only sound filling the still night air.

"i should go..." you mumble, not moving.

"...yeah." but felix doesn't move either.

you're both scared of ending the moment you've wrapped yourselves in, not sure how you're supposed to leave after this. not sure how things might change when you come back.

without really thinking you ask, "come over?"

felix laughs slightly, making you realize you're dead serious. he seems to realize that too when you finally move, taking his hand and tugging him towards the edge of the clearing.

"i don't know if that's a good idea," he responds, and you can see sadness in his eyes.

"bad ideas are what got me here babe, what's one more?"

you'd used the petname so casually you barely noticed it, but you can see a light blush dust his cheeks.

in order to keep yourself from blushing more than you already are, you turn and pull at his hand again. this time, he follows without protest. just as you're about to leave the clearing, you feel a small weight drop onto your head. you pause, and felix laughs.

"i guess that squirrel really wants to stay with you."

as if on cue, the small animal moves from the top of your head back onto your shoulder, nudging your cheek with its nose. you smile softly, already forming a soft spot for the creature.

the will o' wisps reappear as you make your way out of the clearing and through the woods, heading in the direction of your apartment. you reach the path that cuts through the trees without much trouble, since your first visit you've gotten much better at navigating the tangled underbrush.

the lights disappear as you cross the tree line, and you smile softly. the rest of the walk to your apartment is relatively quiet, you and felix chatting softly about whatever came to mind.

your apartment block comes into sight, the units set up more like a motel than the hotel-like layouts most apartments have. you're glad that you don't have to smuggle a squirrel through hallways or into an elevator, and glad that you won't have to explain anything about having a visitor.

before you go to unlock your door, you pause at the mailbox. there's a small envelope clothespinned to it, your name scrawled on the front in familiar handwriting. you snort, already having an idea of what's inside.

you stick the envelope in your back pocket, pulling out the key to your apartment and slotting it into the lock, opening the door as soon as you hear the confirmatory click of the door unlocking.

"c'mon in," you pull felix into your apartment, your cat emerging from whatever pocket dimension cats hang out in when she hears the door open.

as you turn to close and lock the door, felix crouches down, holding out a hand for your cat to inspect.

your cat's loud, rumbling purr soon fills the space and you laugh quietly, of course she loves felix. the squirrel on your shoulder soon catches her attention, the two of them sniffing at the other. you're not sure what to do if they don't get along, but luckily enough they seem to have no issues with eachother.

you turn to look at felix again, "want anything to eat?"

he tilts his head at you, and you gesture for him to follow you into the kitchen area.

"i've got uhhhhhhh," rummaging through your cupboards you pull out a box of shortbread.

"shortbread?" you hold up the brightly colored box. the squirrel and your cat join you in the kitchen, both looking for food. you roll your eyes and hand the box of cookies to felix.

he sits on the counter, watching as you pick up your cat's food dish and fill it with a can of wet food. the squirrel is sitting next to felix, trying to grab at the shortbreads. he gives one to the small animal and smiles at it munching happily. your cat is standing at your feet yelling, and you sigh and set her food dish on the rubber placemat in the corner of the kitchen, also refilling her water dish.

once your cat is eating happily, you sit next to felix on the counter and grab for some of the shortbreads. he laughs and puts a piece in his mouth, holding it out towards you. you roll your eyes and lean forward, kissing him, and taking the cookie when he opens his mouth slightly.

he blinks a couple times, then glares at you. you just smile back, happily munching on your prize. it doesn't take long before he's smiling too, and laughs quietly.

"you asked for it!"

he rolls his eyes but doesn't argue, instead leaning his head on your shoulder and closing his eyes. you reach up to mess with his hair, reminded of dandelion fluff.

you can feel your eyelids getting heavy and you yawn, prompting felix to look at you.

"'m tired, c'mon," you hop off the counter and grab his hand, dragging him in the direction of your room. your cat follows suit, the squirrel not far behind. you gesture to your bed, covered in plushys and unmade. you're too tired to feel embarrassed. grabbing an oversized t-shirt and comfy pants you turn back to felix, now sitting on the bed, and hand them to him.

grabbing your own pjs, you duck into your bathroom to change and brush your teeth. when you return to your room felix has changed also, and is sitting on your bed again. you drop your laundry into a basket in the corner, flopping facedown onto your bed next to felix. a moment later you feel him playing with your hair.

shuffling around, you manage to lie down properly, patting the space next to you, pulling up the blankets when felix lies down. he quickly goes back to playing with your hair and you hum in contentment, starting to doze off almost immediately.

the sound of bells in the wind is the last thing you hear before slipping into a dream.

[kingofthe-egirls]

FOX TALES: LUFFY x ZORO x OC (VASYA IN HEAT 👀🔥)

fox tales

(cw: smut, threesome, polyamory, breeding kink, kitty!play, misuse of haki, dirty talk, vaginal sex, doggy style, cunnilingus, cum play/eating, daddy kink, being in heat, geez this is reminding me of old destiel fanfictions where i first discovered soooo many kinks. lmao)

thinking about...

Vasya being in heat and needing Zoro to help Luffy fuck her brains out

Luffy holding Vasya in his arms, half-awake and mewling, to Zoro’s bunk to ask for an extra dick and pair of hands. like, panting and flushed with Vasya pulling at his clothes, already having gone so many rounds in a row.

(a/n: what do we feel about third person vs. second person? i know first person is not my personal favorite, and second person seems to be the standard use, the narrator being "you." buuuut i really like writing in third person, esp about my oc! she's Vasya and i wanna say her name!!! also it makes my heart happy to write about her and Luffy together. they make me smile :)

Songs: "STUPID BIG TEETH" by EMMY

words: 2.8

“Zoro!” Luffy pants, a squirreling Vasya in his arms. He’s standing outside Zoro’s door, midnight air pooling in from above deck. Zoro is half-asleep, good eye still crusted from sleep.

“What’s wrong?” He groggily asks, not clocking the red forming on Vasya’s cheeks, or her scrabbled claws at Luffy’s shirt collar. He's wearing a black t-shirt, thrown on inside out and backwards. The white tag hangs from the front of his collar. Vasya is pulling at it now, trying to drag it off Luffy's shoulders. He grimaces, trying not to drop her at the same time as he fends her off.

"Kitty's in heat!" Luffy huffs, adjusting her weight in his arms. Her tails are all puffed out, fluffy and white, and her ears are flat against her head. She's not wearing much, herself.

Zoro opens the door wider.

"Come in."

***

Zoro holds you against his broad chest, shirtless, while Luffy spreads your legs on the bed. Each of the crewmates got their own room on the Sunny, and Zoro's bedroom is a reflection of him: sparse, minimalist, and sleepy. His bed is really the only piece of furniture in it, besides a dresser with a bellyband slung over an open drawer, t-shirts spilling out underneath. It smells musky, like him, but not entirely unpleasant. Like black coffee and thyme.

"Luffyyy," you whine, arching your back against him. "I need you."

"I know, baby," he says, sitting up with your legs around his waist. He spreads his hands along your waist, leaning forward to kiss you. You whimper, the ache in your core nigh-on unbearable. Hot lava roils in your chest, flaring all the way down your spine to your toes. It's so inconvenient to be a fox, sometimes.

"I was wondering why you two have been so fuckin' chaotic lately," Zoro rumbles against your back. You lean into him, ears flicking around his face as you rest your head against his shoulder. He shifts, around you. "Is that the courtship you were talkin' about?"

Luffy nods.

His voice and demeanor are dark, intense. Like a crow assessing a particularly thrilling puzzle. He runs a hand through his jet-black hair. "Yeah, she's so mischievous this time of year, apparently. And bitey," he hooks his fingers into your underwear, and starts to slide them down your kicking legs. You moan, twisting your spine against Zoro's chest. You can't think; all there is is heat.

"Play," you say, small. Luffy hushes you, kissing along your stomach. Zoro tightens his hold around your waist.

"Naughty fox," he chides you, gently. "Gimme a sec," his voice is raspy, drenched in lust from hours-long play sessions previous. You're grateful for his stamina.

Zoro plants a kiss on your heated shoulder. "S'okay, sweetheart" he whispers, "Be a good kitten and hold still." He rubs his jaw against your cheek, the rough stubble scraping your skin. You nuzzle against the welcome touch. You, Zoro, and Luffy had already agreed on helping fill your needs together.

Luffy finally dips his head down to your cunt, bypassing foreplay to start biting at your clit. You yelp, jumping a bit in Zoro's arms. He shushes you, carefully stroking his fingers over your stomach.

"Ya like bites, don'tcha, kitty?" Luffy asks from between your legs, his breath hot and ticklish on your dripping ache. You nod, feral.

He licks and sucks at your sensitivity. The pleasure drips down your limbs, hot and sticky like honey. You moan, relaxing finally into Zoro's steady weight. He smells like pine trees. You're grateful for his strength. And Luffy's, too, as he starts to pump you full of haki-hardened fingers. Glass toys are your favorite, and his iron skin is the closest thing akin to the weight and press of glass. He's not cold, though. He's hotter than you are, striking heat like a match against your cunt. You hitch a short breath, sharp in your lungs.

"Please," you moan, "Please, captain, fuck me?"

Luffy groans, stilling his fingers inside you. He rubs at the spot you love, glancing his eyes up to Zoro's. "Ya don't want him first?"

You shiver down Zoro's abs, hot and soft behind you. You shake your head. "Nuh uh, daddy. You first."

Luffy grins, shrugging for Zoro's benefit. "Alright, vixen. Sorry, Zoro." He giggles. He hooks your legs over his shoulders, getting up to kneel. He kicks off his hastily thrown-off shorts (which he'd flung on as you'd begged him to take you to Zoro's room with him) and comes back to settle in the home he's made between your legs.

He presses his cock at your entrance. You're already soaked. Zoro reaches down to finger your clit, rubbing it in slow circles. He breathes heavily against your shoulder. He sinks his teeth into the flesh. You moan, loving the burn. You're so feral like this, leaning into every instinct of a carrion-predator, wanting to hide and moan and run and cum all at the same time. It's so chaotic, a myriad of whirlwind emotions circling inside your psyche.

Your body just wants more.

Luffy starts to press his cockhead inside you, warm and stretching you out oh-so-deliciously. You hum, finally feeling a little at peace. The weight of his cock is anchoring you like a rock in a storm.

"Fuuuuuck," you moan, feeling your tails shiver of their own accord.

You're viscerally afraid, alive, awakening. Clarity only just out of reach as you see stars in your vixen's eyes.

Luffy tethers you back to earth, kissing your hand that he then gathers at his chest. His heart is racing beneath your fingertips. "Love ya, baby," he growls lowly. You whimper, nodding along.

"Love you too, Luffy!" His name is sweet on your tongue, spiced like mead in winter. He is your sun in winter. The flame in the hearth, the embers at sunset. The baking bread aside the coals. You want him, so badly. You ache for it, twitching hungrily as you sink his cock further into your heated walls. He gasps, loudly.

"Quiet," Zoro warns, knocking back against the headboard behind him. His eye is half-closed in lust, as you crane your neck to watch him talk. "Could wake someone up."

"Who cares?" Luffy emphasizes with a particular thrust, "Everyone knows we're fucking, anyway."

True.

Zoro snorts, and starts playing with your over-sensitive tits. His fingerpads are rough as sandpaper, and you gasp. "Z-Zoro!" You protest, arcing away from him. You don't go far, though, sandwiched between both his and Luffy's steel frames as you are.

"Whaaat, ya don't like me?" He grins at your ear. (You have both sets of ears: mortal and fox). "Thought ya wanted us both to breed ya. Huh, pretty vixen? Don't ya want both your men inside your cunt?"

"Fuck--!" you breathe, arcing your tails in wild shapes against him. He pushes them down, shoving them out of the way with one arm. Two out of nine peek out from his grasp. "Want you both," you mutter, prayer-like. Desperation heats your core as Luffy's pounds become sweet and scattered, him already reaching his climax for the nth time tonight.

"Lu-uffy," you grunt, feeling him speed up inside you. His hips slap against your ass, loud and unashamed, as he spills his seed inside you. It leaks out and around his cock, dripping with your slick onto Zoro's mattress. Sorry, Zoro.

"Your turn," Luffy huffs, falling over without grace onto his side. He poofs into the covers, snoring already. A blue bubble pops in and out of his face. Zoro sighs, reaching down from your tits to your ass, pushing you forward onto all fours.

"Sit," he says, stroking his cock behind your ass. He slaps the thick, heavy weight against your thigh. You gasp, skin prickling in surprise. You've never taken him from behind, before.

Doggy style's your favorite.

Zoro wastes no time in stuffing you full of his hard cock, impatiently throbbing from watching Luffy fuck you. He starts a rhythm, hard and fast, slapping against your ass cheeks with rippling force. You feel the soft parts of you shake with his movements. It feels so good to have your tits swinging for him, your nipples hard and sensitive. You reach under yourself, supporting your weight on three limbs, to thumb at your own buds.

Zoro grunts, reaching down to slap your hands away. He pushes your face down, gasping as you go, as you realize he's grabbed some of Luffy's cum to smear it all over your face. It's cold and slick, sticking to your cheeks from Zoro's fingers. He scoops up another blob of his captain's cum, and shoves it into your open mouth. You take it, panting hotly. It tastes like shit but it's still so good.

"Huh, ya like that?" He asks you roughly, pinning your arms behind your back. His breath is ragged as he pounds into you from behind. Your pussy clenches down, hard. "Ah, I fuckin' feel how much you like that, dirty girl," he grits his teeth as he slams his hips against your ass. He slows his pace, long and lazy, but still rocking you to your core. You scream, hoarse.

"F-fuck, Zoro! Yes! Yes, yes, yesyesyesyes--," Luffy cuts you off, roughly shoving his fingers into your face. He fucks your mouth with his thick digits, eyes hazy and half-lidded from lust and sleep. He's recovered now, apparently. His hair is black and fluffy, disheveled from where you stare at his handsome face from upside down. His knuckles smear the cum still left across your face. You moan.

Luffy's fingers are merciless, speeding up to match Zoro's pace. Finally, something pushes that button inside you that makes you cum. You shake on the swordsman's cock, eyes rolling up to the back of you skull.

"Good kitty," Luffy whispers, voice dripping with command. His emperor's haki flits around you, like ruby red lightning strikes. His energy is warm yet supple--as rubber as he is--stretching and relaxing and pulling like taffy. He waves it over and over your body, like strokes of his sure fingers. It feels hot, like sun-warm stones being raked over your back. He presses into your feet, your hands, your face. The burning skin beneath his cooling cum.

"Not done yet," Zoro grunts, bruising your hips with his vicelike grasp. His cock is thrusting inside you, harder and harder. Your walls are already fluttering and overheated, clenching down on his length like a bear trap. He huffs, grunting and moaning and swearing under his breath. He feels good, apparently.

You bite.

Luffy gasps, pulling his fingers out of your mouth with a curse. "Fuck, kitty!" He complains, "I told ya not to do that!"

"So-rry," you moan, broken and hoarse. Your heat is coming to a close; you can feel the satisfaction creeping up. You've cum a bunch already, but your body still needs Zoro's seed inside you.

"Bad kitty," Luffy says again, gripping you by the back of the neck. He hauls you up, and stuffs his cock into your mouth without ceremony.

"Mmph!" You manage out, tongue lolling up against his length. He moans, tipping his head back in ecstasy. His hips shudder weakly, thrusting against your face as you open your throat for him.

Zoro slaps your ass.

You grunt, stuffed full of cock in both your pussy and mouth. Your tails arch, fanning over you like peacock feathers. Zoro grabs one in his teeth. He holds it gently, but firm, like it's the handle of Wado Ichimonji. You rock yourself back on his cock as best you can. Another orgasm is creeping up your thighs, and you clench around him hard. Your pussy is fluttering, moaning and soaking, the wet squelch of his dick inside you filling the room with homemade pornography. Luffy adds his own moans to the mix, raspy and hoarse as his boy's voice starts cracking.

"Fuckfuckfuck, kitty--," he gasps, rutting his hips against your face. Your nose is stuffed against his pelvis, breathing him in until there's nothing left. It's just him, him, him, and Zoro, and Zoro's cock, and flames licking up your abdomen--

Zoro tugs at your tail, and you cum.

"That's it, that's my girl," Luffy groans, his hands cradling your face. You shudder around Zoro's cock, his thrusts coming sloppy and haphazard, now. He's getting closer, you can tell. His cock swells inside you as you pulse around his shaft.

"Fuck, Vix--," the swordsman groans out, velvet and deep. His own conqueror's haki is emerald green: less prescient than Luffy's but still knocking you senseless all the same. It holds you from below, while Luffy's shivers all over your skin. It arcs and blasts, shooting through the room in invisible sparks that rub up against your pleasure so sweetly. Your boys take such good care of you.

Zoro mmph's through his teeth, burying himself to the hilt inside your cunt as he spills his seed. It's hot, and wet, and throbbing, and you shake against his hold. His lips sputter over words of praises, all "good girl, good baby, sweetheart, take it, just like that keep squeezing me, yeah--," as he cums inside you with a strangled moan. The swordsman is a hot lover, strong and steady, and his pace rocks you back and forth on the bed, folded as you are.

Luffy isn't far behind him, hands clenched into fists in your hair, stroking at the tips of your ears. "C'mon, Vasya," he grunts, hitting the back of your throat with every thrust. You gag and moan, but he keeps on. "Cum f'me again."

It's a command, electrified by a strike of his haki straight through your heart. You don't even need Zoro's aching thumb on your clit, you're already shivering with heat as you cream. Yes, captain. For you, captain. I'll do anything for you, captain--

"Good girl," is all he says as he finishes inside you for the hundredth time that night. Your mouth takes what it can, but still overflows with his steaming cum. It tastes bitter, and you gag. He pulls out, leaving a trail of white spend and rainbow spit from your lips to his tip. Luffy pets your hair softly, collapsing back onto his knees. "Good girl," he says, raking a hand through his ruined hair.

Luffy's lips are puffy and swollen, his face flushed and rosy. Zoro pulls out of you too, sitting back to grab a towel from the nightstand. He raises the oil lamp, slightly. Orange light fills the room. You stare at the two men behind you, still slumped over on all fours.

"Hey."

Luffy laughs, and Zoro snorts. He wipes himself off, and then turns to you. Luffy leans forward to lick his own cum off your face. "Hi baby," he says quietly, cleaning you up like the daddy he is, "Didja like that?"

"'Course," you mumble, groaning as you push yourself up. You take the rag from Zoro to wipe at the spot between your legs. You grimace: what a mess. Luffy giggles again, and you can't help but join in. "Thanks, guys."

"Feelin' normal again?" Zoro asks, standing up to chug some water from the canteen by his bed. Luffy stretches out an arm to snatch it from his grasp, and he curses in complaint. "Oi!"

"Shishishi," Luffy snickers, dousing his own head with water. He shakes his hair out like a dog. He pours water over you, too.

"Hey!" You splutter out, waving him away. "No fair!"

"Yes fair," he teases, leaning forward to bite your ass. You squeak in surprise. "Feelin' good yet, kitty?"

"Yes," you say, grateful, finally standing up to stretch your legs. Oh, fuck. You're gonna be sore in the morning. "Can we sleep here?"

"Nope," Zoro laughs, "Luffy snores."

"Aww, Zoro!" The captain complains, hanging onto Zoro's shoulder. He plants messy kisses all along his swordsman's collarbones. "Pleeease?"

You both blink up at Zoro with pleading eyes, and he finally caves with a sigh. "Fine," he huffs, falling back with his arms crossed over his chest. You squeal, jumping over him like a fox diving into snow. "Fuck!" He shouts, winded, before tangling you in his arms, if just to keep you still. "Stop that."

"Sorry," you giggle, nuzzling into his broad chest. "'Night."

"'Night!" Luffy echoes, snuggling up on Zoro's other side. You both wrap your arms around him, so that you're folded over each other in one big, happy pile.

***

[cryptidclaw]

why do you like squirrel x crow…? I feel like she deserves better than him tbh bc even before feathertail he was an asshole, granted he was younger then but he didn’t really change much other than getting worse…Unless you’ve completely overhauled his character, which I’d understand more, but I’d consider that borderline OC at that point ahfraxg,,

Tbh when I think of SquirrelCrow I don’t think of older Crowfeather. Crow as an apprentice was an interesting character with a lot of potential, he could have played off of Squirrel’s personality really well as a rival to lovers trope kinda thing! I really wish he could have grown into being less of an asshole, yet still snarky and u kno- Crowfeather-y . I love the idea of SquirrelCrow as a snarky/bitchy duo who flirt via being competitive and good natured bullying lol (which is exactly what I’m doing with em for RoC)

[asteroidtroglodyte]

A brief overview of:

(North American) Gryphons

• Bald Eagle X Grizzly Bear

• Roadrunner X Coyote

• Crow X Raccoon

• Hummingbird X Pika

• Roadrunner X Hare

• Red Tailed Hawk X Coyote

• (California) Condor X Mountain Lion

• Owl X Fisher (Pékan)

• Duck X Muskrat

• Pigeon X Rat

• Jay X Squirrel

{please note that American Gryphons, unlike their European counterparts, tend to have mammalian forelimbs and torsos, with avian hind limbs, wings, and head}

[fayes-fics]

Moments: Picnic

Moments Masterpost

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: Just a little lakeside picnic moment.

Beautiful moodboard above by @margowritesthings

Warning: none… just fluffy fluff

Word Count: 1.3k

Authors note: This is just a throwaway/little nothing fluffy scene set in the Moments universe that kept buzzing around my head, so I wrote it out. Inspired by the idea of BeneDad spending a daddy-daughter day out in nature with his little girls. This is set about a year after Epilogue 2 (summer 1826).

You shelter your eyes from the sun as you sit in the grass by the lake, watching Benedict walking back hand-in-hand with Amelia and Isobel. They have spent a few hours out in the woods, foraging and exploring while you have been reading.

“What are these again, daddy?” Amelia asks, twisting to look up at him as she clutches a beautiful little bunch of blue wildflowers.

“Those, my heart, are forget-me-nots,” he explains with a smile. “Aren’t they beautiful? They symbolise true love and respect. Why don’t you give them to mummy? Say they are from you, Isobel and me,” he stoops to whisper conspiratorially into her ear. 

She lets go of his hand and scampers ahead towards you. Her gait is carefree, her white dress glowing in the sun, the hem bouncing around her knees as she giggles and runs along the grassy lakeside.

“Mummy, mummy, mummy,” she tumbles breathlessly onto your outstretched legs, “Daddy says these are for you. From us.”

“Oh, thank you, Amelia, they are so beautiful,” you compliment, taking the bundle and patting her hair. “Take off your boots to sit on the blanket, my dear. Did you learn lots of things out in the woods with daddy?” You query as she curls up in your lap and wrestles off her little laced-up leather boots, flinging them away and then snatching a strawberry from the picnic you have laid out for their return.

“Yes!! We saw a family of red squirrels. And a heron's nest! It was almost as big as me!” She exclaims, throwing her hands high as she reaches for another strawberry.

“Would you like a sandwich instead, Amelia?” You gesture at the pile of triangular sandwiches Mrs Crabtree had prepared for your little lakeside feast.

“Cheese!” She exclaims happily as she abandons the strawberry on the blanket and reaches for one, mashing it slightly in her enthused grip.

Just then, Isobel and Benedict arrive, removing their boots and dropping onto the blanket to join you. Benedict brushes a kiss on your lips, sitting down next to you.

“How was your reading time, my love?” His tone gentle.

“It was wonderful. So very peaceful. How was your afternoon with your daughters out in nature?” You pluck a burr off his shirt near his shoulder, your fingers lingering there, enjoying the feel of his warm skin under the thin cotton layer.

“They are perfect little exploration partners.” He smiles indulgently, then looks over at Isobel, who has sat down neatly cross-legged and is happily helping herself to a glass of apple juice. “My sweet, show mummy everything you foraged.” 

She tilts the basket and points out the foraged items one by one—pine cones, fern fronds, some feathers and unusual leaves. “I'm going to make some art with them,” she states, and you can see out of the corner of your eye the pride on your husband's face, so happy that she loves to create as much as he does.

“I'm going to write a story about the big heron,” Amelia asserts, pulling all attention to her. “You will all have to act out the story with me. I will be the pretty heron, of course,” she crows, deadly serious in her dedication to the craft. “Mummy, you can be the red squirrel that I make friends with. Daddy, you can be, hmm, you can be a big fish that I catch and eat for my dinner.”

Benedict laughs happily and nods, accepting his assigned role in Amelia’s play.

“What about me? What about me?” Isobel cries indignantly, leaning to pick up a sandwich, not wanting to be left out.

“You can be a tree,” Amelia offers with a shrug, reaching for the strawberry she abandoned earlier.

“I don't want to be a tree,” Isobel pouts between chews.

“Well, you can't be the heron; that's my part,” Amelia frowns.

“Amelia, what if Isobel is the squirrel?” you offer to placate them, ”I will be the tree.”

“Hmm, alright,” Amelia concedes.

“What about James and Thomas? Do they get parts?” Isobel inquires, ever the family diplomat.

Amelia looks thoughtful for a moment then her eyes light up. “James can be an owl; he can sit on mummy’s shoulder. And… and Thomas can be a wiggly worm!! By mummy’s feet!” She giggles loudly.

As the girls eat their picnic and debate the detailed narrative of the heron and the squirrel's adventure, you turn to Benedict.

“Thank you, my love,” you say solemnly.

“Whatever for?” his forehead wrinkling in puzzlement. 

“For giving our girls this,” you gesture at them as they gesticulate and grab things from their foraging basket to fuel the story they are now co-creating. “This memorable day—look at the stories it has inspired in them. They truly are creative little souls, and I don’t think that comes from me,” you demure, “that’s all you, Benedict.”

He looks at you with such devotion you have to swallow hard and look away briefly.

“Do you know why I told Amelia to pick those for you?” Your gaze back to him as he nods to the bunch of forget-me-nots you still hold.

“Tell me,” you breathe, unable to look away from his handsome face.

“They represent a promise,” he begins, touching one of the tiny blooms, “that the person you give them to will always be in your thoughts, even when you are apart for a few moments. They are considered a symbol of fidelity and faithfulness from the giver. I couldn’t think of a better flower for you, my darling,” he ends quietly, his hand moving to cover yours, his eyes soft. 

“You utter menace,” you whisper, your eyes welling with happy tears; you swipe one away from the corner of your eye and lean against him with an affectionate bump.

“I love you too,” he chuckles, turning his head to kiss your temple.

“Fish don’t kiss trees, Daddy,” Amelia scowls over at you both, breaking your intimate moment, annoyed you are pulling focus from her theatrical musings.

“No, but maybe… they nibble on heron's toes!!” Benedict exclaims and suddenly pounces on his youngest daughter, pretending to nibble at her feet as she rolls around, squirming and squealing in the grass with laughter. “And squirrels, too!” he cries, pulling Isobel into the melee.

“Mummy!!” Isobel shrieks, “come rescue us from the big scary Daddy fish!!”

“I'm but a tree,” you laugh loudly. “I'm rooted to the spot, girls. You will have to face the big scary Daddy fish alone.”

You watch as the three of them peal with laughter and roll around in the grass, strawberries somehow being mashed into their clothing so there are bright pink spots on their dresses. Isobel eventually breaks free and drops into your lap.

“I'm safe on the Mummy tree!” she pronounces, winded.

“Me too! Me too!” Amelia yells and barrels into you, knocking you over. 

“Oof!” you exclaim, suddenly staring up at the azure blue summer sky, forget-me-nots now tickling the underside of your chin.

The girls clamber off you and run excitedly towards the sound of a carriage approaching, likely their visiting grandmother Violet returning from her day out with James and now two-year-old Thomas. Your field of vision is then filled with a husband-shaped face, almost a silhouette in the dazzling sunshine above. 

“Mummy tree is felled—oh dear,” he murmurs, shooting that crooked grin that melts your insides.

“Oh dear indeed,” you retort with a matching expression. “Are you going to help me up?”

“Hmmm, not yet,” he declares, a fingertip tracing your cheekbone softly. “My mother may have afforded us just a couple of moments of peace alone together,” he adds, raising an eyebrow.

“Has she indeed?” you return coyly, eyes fluttering closed as warm lips trace where his finger had just been.

“Yes, how would you like to spend that time, Mrs Bridgerton?” he simpers, delicately removing the flowers from your grasp and placing them aside.

“Just like this,” you hum, grabbing his jaw to bring your mouths together, powerless to his charms even after seven years of marriage.

Some picnic moments are very precious indeed.

Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya

Moments only taglist: @queenofshinigamis @khaleesjj @starslibrary @magical-spit @honeylovemoon @justwant2read8421

[chelseareferenced]

I might have a vague power of three/omen of the stars au brewing in my brain because I am way to far behind in the series to actively try and catch up so here are my basic ideas.

Three is Four from the start because God that plot point was stupid and I hate it and it added needless drama when we all knew it was Firestar because it's always Firestar. The four are Jayfeather, Lionblaze, Hollyleaf and Breezepelt because drama but wait there's more.

Squirrel x Crow who have Holly and Breeze. Ashfur is just a dude not an asshole, he dated Squilf for a week but could see she was unhappy because she was in love with someone else and let's her go. Now Brambleclaw is the asshole because I don't like him.

Hawk x Leaf but it wasn't a serious thing looking back on it, more like a summertime fling that resulted in children being Jay and Lion. Hawkfrost is just a little ambitious, has a good relationship with Mothwing, fully supports his ex and sister being in love and tells awful puns.

Holly and Breeze are raised in Thunderclan, Crowfeather lives there with them and Brackenfur is deputy instead of Brambleclaw because as much as Firestar doesn't want to admit it, Bramble is an asshole and Sandstorm yells at him whenever he is remotely rude to Squirrelflight. Holly is mentored by Ashfur who becomes like a fun uncle and Breeze is mentored by Brightheart because fuck you Firestar you promised her an apprentice.

Holly becomes Hollyfur in honour of her mentor because Ashfur is just a cool dude and her power is being able to sense when cats are lying and occasionally, forcing the truth out of them. Her early arch is learning when to call out lying and when to let it slide.

Breeze becomes Breezeflight after his mother and gets Dovewing's power because it's there, might as well use it.

Lion and Jay are raised in Riverclan because they deserve POV chapters and it's the clans best kept secret that they're Leafpool's kits but after that whole Tigerclan incident they all collectively agree to keep quiet about it and Hawk becomes a den dad in the nursery and even after his kits are grown he stops by to help the queens when he can.

Lion is terrified of his power especially because he has nightmares about being like Tigerstar and begs Mothwing to let him be her apprentice, she agrees. Lion's power is still the same but he figures out he can use it more defensively than offensively, if there's a battle he's there acting as a shield while he heals. He's named Lionflower because pretty name.

Jay is a lot happier, he's not forced into being a medicine cat and it's only really the queens and younger cats who worry over him. He gets to be a warrior and is mentored by Reedwhisker (Pouncepaw is mentored by Blackclaw instead) his power is the same as in the books and he occasionally helps his brother out with starclan symbols and prophecies, he gets to have secret meeting with his brother as well and is named Jaystep.

Certain Starclan cats (the loudest being Goosefeather) tell the more involved spirits to back the fuck up and let them be kits. But no one trusts Bluestar, Yellowfang and Spottedleaf to behave so they all get a Starclan assigned bodyguard/spiritual mentor

Hollyclaw gets Whitestorm

Breezeflight gets Thrushpelt

Lionflower gets Oakheart

Jaystep gets Crookedstar

EDIT: I have unintentionally implied that both of Bluestar's "romantic partners" and her nephew are away that she will not stay away from the Four and I love it.

Also Crookedstar yells at any Starclan cat who says Jaystep belongs as a medicine cat (cough cough Spottedleaf and Yellowfang)

[eye-m-always-watching]

𝓨𝓞𝓤 𝓒𝓐𝓝'𝓣 𝓦𝓐𝓚𝓔 𝓤𝓟, 𝓒𝓐𝓝 𝓨𝓞𝓤?

[Yaoiverse roleplay blog ran by @raphaels-zone] [Admin only knows English but will provide translations due to the nature of Purgatory, feel free to correct translations. All blogs associated can be found linked in this sheet.]

Things to be 〈 AWARE 〉 of about 『 The Watcher 』; (TBA)

⛓ Will respond to any pronouns, sometimes defaults to speaking in the Third Person

⛓ It is very serious and will not tend to joke with posts or interact unnecessarily with sinners.

⛓ The Watcher is all-seeing. The Watcher is watching. YOU are my enemy. Repent.

⛓ The Island of Purgatory used to be a Federation Experiment, It was Reset and Left to Rot. Due to this The Watcher does not hold much care for The Federation.

⛓ The Watcher is an unknown entity, it is not entirely machine but it is no more entirely flesh either.

GENERAL TAGS;

🃩 # Judgement calls ; I answer ; general posts

🃩 # Watching ; Waiting ; end of thread

🃩 # Incoming Calls ; asks

🃩 # Repentance ; Reflection ; Flashbacks

🃩 # eyes closed ; out of character / ooc

⛓ # Yaoiverse - Roleplay General Tag

⛓ # Straightverse - Angst/Heavy Rp Tag

⛓ # Yuriverse - NONCANON interactions

⛓ # Sexoverse - Suggestive Tag

SINNERS;

[CRAB];

#false prophet ; blind faith (Sneeg) ; @theholyfork

#once a sinner; always a sinner (Axozer) ; @yaxozer

# spared by Death ; punished in Life (Natalan) ; @deaths-obedient-servant

# dirty feathers ; tainted purity (Duxo) ; @lapaloma-dearriba

# poisoned waters ; rippling tides (Condi) ; @shapeshiftingdreams

# blinding lights ; greedy mouth (Jack) ; @radioactive-television

[AXOLOTL];

[CAPPYBARA];

[GOOSE];

# (Tiba) ; @hidden-maple-leaf

[PANDA];

# a fool's wish ; deceiving dreams (Ethan) ; @servermaid

# a wishful fool ; hiding truth (Mynthos) ; @jus-de-mynthos

# (Soring) ; @soaringchu

# (Kenny) ;

[SQUIRREL];

# blood covered hands ; shared guilt (Pac) ; @packedtazer

# fast to lift a shield ; faster to swing a blade (Jvnq) ;

# in sheep's clothing ; a devil's skin (Shubble) ; @shubblehood

[RACCOON];

# flames of desire ; a rose's thorns (Gauxinim) ; @voce-e-solteiro

[CROW];

OUTSIDE FORCES;

X X X

Dearest Memories;

# shimmering rays ; summer nights (sol) ; @thepoultryprincess X X X