#crystal sun dancer

[birindale]

As the third and final wave of toys launches, we must once again reckon with a 'new' She-Ra. The people of Etheria throw the 'Parade of Happiness' and march across the land, until Catra attacks with her sinister Shower Squirter, getting all the princesses soaking wet. Bubble Power She-Ra and Noble Swift Wind save the day with infinite bubbles, face-kissing, and rainbows. 

You can't make this stuff up, folks. 

Transcript/Image ID below the cut

[Image Description: 14 comic pages from the She-Ra mini-comic, “Don't Rain on My Parade!”.

Cover: Bubble Power She-Ra holds the Sword of Protection aloft, posing heroically in the Whispering Woods. Shower Power Catra lurks behind her in the trees with a sinister smile. At the top of the page is the "Princess of Power" logo, and at the bottom in tangerine is the title of the issue, "Don't Rain on My Parade!". Below that is the copyright information: "Illustrations (copyright symbol) Mattel, Inc. 1986. Hawthorne, CA 90250 U.S.A. PRINTED IN TAIWAN. All Rights Reserved (registered trademark symbol) and (trademark symbol) designate U.S. trademarks of Mattel, Inc." 

Page 1: Adora stands atop a small rock, waving at a crowd of revelers in golds and oranges. Her own cape is a high-collared golden affair, matching her boots and bracers. Both she and the crowd are dwarfed by the enormous blue trees of the Filmation-styled Whispering Woods. 

A pale blue caption box reads, "Princess Adora stood at the crest of Whispering Woods. Never had Etheria looked more beautiful and never had she felt so excited! The sweet sound of music filled the air and hundreds of people lined the path below her. "There are Frosta and Perfuma!" Adora cried, waving. "And Bow and Peekablue! Oh, I can hardly wait for the Parade of Happiness to begin!""

End Page 1. 

Page 2: A pale blue caption box reads, "Bustling about, Glimmer and Flutterina groomed Enchanta for the day's festivities. The winged creature had never looked more beautiful! She was decorated with elegant ribbons and flowers. And the horses? Why… Spirit, Moonbeam and Sun Dancer had never looked more dashing!" Glimmer ties a bow in Enchanta's mane, while SweetBee does the same for Crystal Sun Dancer. In the foreground, we can see that Spirit is no longer crystal, instead a pink-tinged white with a hot pink mane. Enchanta, a maned swan vehicle from all the way back in wave 1, is a little off-model; she has her saddle and bridle, but her beak isn't pink and frankly doesn't look much like a beak. 

"Adora will certainly be proud to lead this year's parade!" says Glimmer. Her hair has shifted a few shades lighter between panels. 

"...if only Catra doesn't spoil it!" says Adora, with a fierce scowl. 

End Page 2.

Page 3: A pale blue caption box reads, "Joining her friends, Adora leaped to Spirit's back. "Let the parade begin!" she cried. In an instant, she was off. A cavalcade of horses, floats and merrymakers fell in behind her." 

Adora, cape how red, hops onto Spirit's back, waving at the crowd. Behind her, SweetBee, Glimmer, Bow, and Frosta look on with beaming smiles, and a few civilians with page cuts smile at her and play buisines. Several hanging banners bear an orange flower, outlined in yellow, against a pink background. Glimmer has a green basket full of flowers tied around her waist, and she appears to be grabbing handfuls and tossing them like a flower girl at a wedding.

End Page 3.

Page 4: A pale blue caption box reads, "Together, they marched happily for many miles. "Thank goodness! For once, Catra has left well alone," Adora smiled. But, as Spirit rounded a turn in the road, the fair Princess heard a terrible commotion behind her. She looked over her shoulder and was dismayed by what she saw." 

Adora rides astride Spirit, leading a procession of flower-draped Etherians. Peekablue, her tail feathers reduced to a fan-shaped hair ornament, is riding Enchanta. Glimmer rides Crystal Sun Dancer, and Bow rides Crystal Moonbeam—although they were sold in gift sets with SweetBee and Peekablue respectively so that would be a strange choice even if Arrow didn't exist, but it's fine. It's whatever. 

There's someone with a portable lap harp, just walking around like that's a thing people play in parades usually. Another fellow with a buisine, hanging off of a float.

"By Etheria… noooo!!!" says Adora, as she and Spirit look behind them. 

End Page 4. 

Page 5: A pale blue caption box reads, "Everywhere, people were running in every direction. Frightened horses threw their riders from their backs. And the reason for their fear was just indeed, for there stood Catra, scowling. "Rebels!" she cried. "You dare defy The Evil Horde with all your fun and merriment? Well, I shall put an end to that!" "

Shower Power Catra looms over Bow and SweetBee, arms raised but claws sheathed. Glimmer and Crystal Sun Dancer startle slightly in the background, but Glimmer remains un-bucked. Bow is pushing himself up on his elbows, glaring up at Catra. SweetBee appears to be swooning. There's a man with a stringed wishbone which may have been intended to represent a harp running away in long sleeves and no pants. Your typical parade, really.

"Now you wait just a minute…" says Glimmer, glowering at Catra. Crystal Sun Dancer scowls disapprovingly. 

End Page 5.

Page 6: "Glimmer! No!" says Bow, horrified beyond reason. 

A pale blue caption box reads, "But Bow's warning came too late. Catra paid no heed as Glimmer tried to reason with her. "Foolish child," she hissed. "A little Shower Power will put a damper on your rebel spirit!"" 

Catra sprays Glimmer and Crystal Sun Dancer, both of whom barely flinch, with the Shower Squirter—basically the fantasy equivalent of a Super Soaker. 

End Page 6.

Page 7: A pale blue caption box reads, "In an instant, Catra had drenched everyone and everything in the parade with a blast of her Shower Power. Poor Perfuma's lovely locks crinkled! Enchanta's pretty bows wrinkled! And Moonbeam and Sun Dancer's shiny crystal coats beaded!" 

Catra is laughing maniacally and everybody is soaking wet. Sad wet Bow. Sad wet crystal horses, who aren't beading because why the hell would they, sad wet bannerman in the background with a sad wet banner which is indistinguishable from a happy dry banner. 

End Page 7.

Page 8: Oh it's a two-page spread. Yes, more sad wet parade-goers. Perfuma's got a bit of a coloring error on her skirt but perhaps the paint got sad and wet too. Sad wet Enchanta, sad wet SweetBee. Glimmer looks moments from tears. Loo-Kee is here and guess what? He's sad. And wet. There's a soggy float and a few more wet people in the background.

End Page 8. 

Page 9: A pale blue caption box reads, ""Come on Spirit," Princess Adora cried. "You know what we have to do! " [sic] Quickly, the noble steed made its way into a grove of fruit trees. There, where no one could see them, Adora summoned all the powers of Etheria. She and her horse were swiftly transformed. "For the honor of Grayskull, I am She-Ra! Come on Swift Wind! There's not a moment to lose!"" So I guess she gets her powers from Etheria now? And not the sword? You'd think it would be because she's Bubble Power She-Ra now and has a different weapon but no, still lifting the sword. 

Swifty is now Royal Swift Wind, with hot pink secondary coverts and a golden harness with some drapey bits that I'm not sure how to describe. Sorry. I took Ornithology but must have missed Horse Fashion 101. Bubble Power She-Ra is holding the Bubble Blower in her left hand. 

End Page 9.

Page 10: A pale blue caption box reads, "Full speed, She-Ra and Swift Wind flew to the aid of their friends. The Princess of Power raised her Bubble Blower and let loose hundreds of perfect bubbles."

They do that. 

Catra looks kind of indignant but not surprised or particularly angry to see them, and Bow is still dripping wet in the foreground. 

"You can try to burst my bubbles, Catra," says She-Ra, "But don't rain on my parade!" Booooo. One at a time, girl, you gotta let them breathe! 

End Page 10. 

Page 11: A pale blue caption box reads, "Catra aimed a steady stream of Shower Power at She-Ra's lovely bubbles. Pop! Pop! Pop! The fearsome feline's aim was perfect. Several bubbles burst at once but, try as she might, Catra could not break them all." 

Catra sprays She-Ra and her bubbles, clearly unhappy, while She-Ra continues to use the Bubble Blower against her. A few of the bubbles pop. 

End Page 11. 

Page 12: A pale blue caption box reads, "She-Ra's Bubble Blower worked its special magic. A crystal clear shield formed around her frightened friends. Even Catra's strongest blast of Shower Power could not penetrate it. Kissing their sad faces gently, the bubbles made Glimmer and the others smile." 

Catra claws ineffectively at a series of bubbles around SweetBee, Crystal Sun Dancer, uh. Perfuma? With red hair? Maybe? Like they didn't line her well so they just colored everything red? But also there are lines on her shoulders as one might see in a jacket. Also Glimmer is there. Only SweetBee is smiling, and it looks kind of scared tbh. 

"Why, Glimmer—would you take a look around us?" asks a startled Bow. 

"Ooh, that tickles!" says Glimmer, smiling brightly. Bubbles are touching both of their faces. 

End Page 12.

Page 13: A pale blue caption box reads, "No one had ever seen the likes of it! The light of their smiles had turned Catra's drenching drizzle into rainbows—hundreds of them! Etheria's good citizens were merrier than ever. The evil she-cat's dark plans had failed." 

This might be the gayest minicomic. It's hard to move past 'Catra gets a bunch of women wet' but they're literally just holding a parade under a giant rainbow and blowing kisses, I mean bubbles which kiss you. Ahem.  

Not some of Skip's stronger work though, he stuck too closely to the color palette he'd set with the 'yellow sky' thing and just added some alternating stripes of blue. But with all the characters on this page I imagine he had his work cut out for him… probably wanted to keep it from getting TOO chaotic. 

Everybody's smiling at each other, including the bubbles, which is… I mean I guess they're reflecting the revelers' smiles? I don't THINK they're sentient. Bow, Peekablue, that guy with the wishbone instrument and the pageboy haircut, Royal Swift Wind, Bubble Power She-Ra, Frosta, SweetBee, Crystal Sun Dancer and a couple of incidentals are all officially cheered up. 

"Bubbles! Bubbles! For all my trouble… I am undone!" says a scowling Catra. A bunch of smiling bubbles float past her face. Probably going in for a kiss, huh. 

End Page 13. 

Page 14: A pale blue caption box reads, "So it was that She-Ra led the grand parade. And though their spirits had been dampened for a time, no one was the worse for wear. "Long live the Rebellion!" Bow shouted, and the crowd joined in his cheer."

Honestly if there were any place for a two-page spread I'd say it was here, but whatever, not my circus not my monkeys. SweetBee is flying overhead, Peekablue is climbing the float in a new, orange top, Swift Wind is blond, Enchanta, Bow, She-Ra and Glimmer are all beaming. Frosta is there, except she's even blonder than She-Ra. I think the yellow wash may have gotten away from Skip here. The float is back, and the flowers appear to have dried off too. Crystal Moonbeam isn't smiling, but he looks fancy again so I'm sure he's fine. 

Some guy is playing the flute in the foreground. He's wearing the same style hat as the wishbone guy, and his sleeves are… hm. You know, he kind of looks like Willawind. I don't think it IS him, but there's a resemblance.

"Loo-Kee here. Did you spot me on page 8?" asks Loo-Kee. Yes, you patronizing little beast, we did. "Now for the moral of this tale: A smile's a frown turned upside down. Wear one each day—you'll chase your troubles away." 

End Page 14.

End ID]

[onewiththestarss]

[hazymoonlinh]

for when your feeling up to writing friend! how about a phainon x mc x mydei. mc is from penacony and is a famous dancer and brings up that a dancing competition is coming up which catches phainon attention and somehow this triggers a full blown competition from the two who want to be her partner,she is known to be flamboyant and cheerfully upbeat. hope you enjoy this idea!

Yo yo yo….

I’m back (maybe lol)

I’m lazy, also I’m crying bcs of Mydei for the whole week now…

⸻

“Dancing with Lions and Suns”

Phainon x Reader x Mydei

(Tbh it’s just a drabble to test it out.)

The golden lights of Amphoreus shimmered like endless stars, reflecting off the polished marble floors of the grand ballroom. The air was thick with music, laughter, and the intoxicating scent of celebration.

Standing at the center of it all, you flourished your hand with dramatic flair, a confident grin lighting up your face.

“I am honored to be here, friends. And thank you for letting attend your wonderful event.

The annual Celestial Waltz Competition is happening next week. And obviously, I’m going to compete. The question is… who will be my partner?”

A moment of silence. Then—

“I will.” Phainon’s voice was warm, steady, and confident, like a hero proclaiming his vow. His sun-marked eyes gleamed with excitement. “You’re the best dancer I’ve ever seen. It’d be an honor.”

A scoff cut through the air, sharp as crystal shards. “Tch. And who says she’s choosing you?”

Mydei leaned lazily against a pillar, arms crossed, the flickering candlelight painting his tattoos in molten gold. His lion-like gaze locked onto you, unwavering. “If anyone’s going to dance with her, it should be me.”

You blinked, caught between the two imposing figures—Phainon, the radiant hero, and Mydei, the fiery warrior. Both equally intense. Both equally determined.

And, judging by the tension crackling between them, this was about to spiral out of control.

Phainon laughed, running a hand through his white hair. “Oh? You dance, Mydei?”

“I can learn.” His smirk was razor-sharp. “And I never lose.”

“Good. Because I don’t intend to lose either.”

You clapped your hands together. “Ohhh, this is getting interesting!”

Phainon turned to you with his usual playful charm. “Well, since you started this, you’ll have to settle it. Who’s it gonna be, sunshine?”

Mydei arched an eyebrow. “Yeah. Pick.”

You tapped your chin, looking between them—one burning bright like the sun, the other fierce as a roaring flame.

A slow, mischievous smile crept onto your lips.

“…Why not a dance-off?”

The challenge had been issued.

And now, the grand ballroom would bear witness to a battle of light versus fire—with you as the ultimate prize.

⸻

To be continued…?

Would you like a full fic expanding on the dance-off and the tension between them?

[pininghermit]

A God's Worship

Request: I hope you are doing well 💗 I love the new Adrian x dutchess reader story. I got the prompt, 'Psyco'. I was wondering if you could write a Adrian Tepes x female reader story where the reader is a bit unhinged. But he is madly in love with her. Like a dark, twisted tale. 😁

AN: Hello anon, thank you for reading my work! Here is your request. I hope you enjoy this. Unhinged but madly in love readers are my fav. I tried something new by writing this one poetically.

Genre: drama & angst ig

Pairing(s): Alucard x gn Reader

Summary: His breath hitches. His heartbeat slows. His eyes flutter shut beneath your touch. And the world falls apart.

Some sacrifice love for good. Some burn the world for love. Some light it up. And some… create a new one.

This story is for those who become God to worship their love.

"It is not real!"

Adrian clutches Lisa’s hand, his golden eyes wide, trembling with frantic terror.

"You're dead!"

His body, shrouded in blankets, wracks with shivers as he points a shaking finger at his father.

"And you… I killed you. Why are you here?"

He flinches from their touch, ignoring the gentle hands trying to soothe him, to press a cup of medicine to his lips.

"My dear," Lisa whispers, cupping his damp cheeks. "It is a dream. We are here with you."

She pulls him into her arms, a mother’s warmth, he remember it well. Her warmth, the scent of herbs and ink...his mother.

"A nightmare of the past. Your father and I live. We are alive."

But her words are hollow, empty as the castle halls.

Adrian presses his hands over his ears.

"This is a lie… a spell, a dream, an illusion." His voice wavers, a fragile thing on the brink of breaking. Sweat drips from his temple, strands of pale hair clinging to his nape.

Then—

"Shhh."

A voice silences the storm in his mind.

A whisper, just by his ear. Lips brushing his skin.

"You are safe."

His breath hitches. His heartbeat slows. His eyes flutter shut beneath your touch.

And the world falls apart.

Adrian links his arm through yours.

It takes effort, his gaze refuses to leave you tonight.

The winter ball of the Fae glows with silver light, a kingdom sculpted from frost and moonbeams. Next to him, you are a wonder, robes spun from the midnight sky, glimmering with woken stars. Your hair cascades down your back, untamed, luminous with crystals of ice braided in.

The court is frozen in time, statues carved by the careful hands of devoted brownies.

His mother and father are lost in a sea of dancers, their laughter carried by the wind, lost among masked dancers.

Adrian rubs his thumb over your palm.

"You look beautiful, my love."

He leans closer, his breath warm against your skin.

"Dance with me?"

At your nod, he whisks you onto the floor.

His arms around you. Yours around him. Closer than ever.

He dances with the same effortless grace as his father.

Dracula, after all, had taught him the waltz of the Unseelie Court.

Sun-spun hair rests beneath your fingers. He smiles, laughter spilling from his lips, his eyes never leaving yours.

His steps creak—

Not against polished marble, but against worn wooden floors.

Dust shifts beneath his shoes, months of neglect disturbed with each movement.

Yet his smile remains.

His eyes remain lost in the illusion of your faraway court.

Perhaps it would be easier to let him stay here.

If it brings him joy, you would leave Dracula’s crumbling castle in a heartbeat.

"Do you like it here?" You nod to the marvelous sights of your court that your beloved revels in.

Your fingers weave into his hair, cradling the warmth of his head against your palm.

"Why not stay longer?"

The question is light, effortless. Crafted with delicate precision to mask the quiet desperation curling inside you.

What you would not do to have him here, in your world.

To drape him in silks, to spoil him with the everlasting luxuries of your court.

Adrian frowns.

Hesitation lays itself bare upon his face, a fragile thing for you to pluck away at first sight.

Spells make it easier to read him.

"No… please, no." His fingers tighten around your sleeve, his grip trembling. "I cannot leave home."

His steps falter. His eyes clear, gold sharpening through the mist of illusion. "Must stay with mother...and father," he whimpers.

The edges of your glamour wither, fragile as the first frost beneath morning light.

"Alright, beloved."

You pull him into your embrace, his breath shaky against your shoulder.

"No more. We won’t leave. We shall stay where you wish"

With a mere thought, the phantom forms of his parents step closer.

"We shall stay with your parents."

A reassurance. A spell. A carefully woven promise.

You usher him back into the comfort of his dream. The world you have made for him.

Your beloved is happy there. Fulfilled.

Who are you to deny him?

Here, the castle stands untouched, as it had in the past.

Here, the bodies of traitorous friends do not rot in the woods.

Here, the church has never burned.

Here, the humans still live.

Here, you have given him the world he desires.

And in return, Adrian chooses life.

Next to you. Here.

You twirl him in your arms, guiding him through another waltz beneath the dream-lit sky.

He dances with you, laughter slipping through his lips, until exhaustion drapes over his shoulders like a heavy cloak.

His body leans into yours. He tires more easily now. Agitation wears at him faster, the strain of his soul bound to your spell pressing upon his fragile form.

It had been his fading soul that led you to this.

By the time you found him, it was already too late.

Broken by grief, your beloved had been lost to the cold corridors of his misery, wasting away within the crumbling bones of his father’s castle.

But you refused to let go of him.

Your love, your passion, your despair, your grief, it was all his.

But mercy?

No.

You refused to grant him that.

You refused to let his soul wander where you could not follow.

So, you made him a world.

Seared his soul to yours.

Even death would not take him. Not at the cost of him.

You yawn, feigning drowsiness.

"Shall we retire?"

Adrian blinks up at you, bleary-eyed, nodding without question.

You lead him to his room, guiding him to the bed with a gentleness neither of you deserve.

He does not question the sudden shift in scenery.

Does not question the way his vision wavers, as if some part of him knows.

He simply settles into your arms, his face buried against your neck, breathing softly.

And you hold him closer, knowing he will never wake from this dream.

[moved-to-heartponies]

Pssssst.. Did you know that you can still play the G3 My Little Pony browser games, even on your phone?

Thanks to Web Archive and a Flash emulator called Ruffle, some of the 2000s web games still work! You don't even need to install Ruffle to do this, Web Archive's got you covered!

Here are some useful links:

The playtime home page, for selecting games

The Matching Game

Ponyville Forever Interactive Sticker Book

Friendship Ball Interactive Sticker Book

Twinkle Twirl's Dance Studio

The rest of the games can be found in the Flashpoint Archive, including the interactive coloring books!

Amusement Park

Butterfly Island Adventure

Ponyville Minigames

G3.5 My Little Pony Dancer

G3.5 Matching Game

Crystal Princess Coloring Book

Holidays Coloring Book

Fun in the Sun Coloring Book

On the Go Coloring Book

Party Time Coloring Book

Sleepy Time Coloring Book

Winter Fun Coloring Book

G3.5 Meet The Ponies Coloring Book

You can view most of the webpages as well, they are not very interactive, but it's a wonderful trip down memory lane :)

[writingjourney]

apple punch kisses // emmrich volkarin x f!rook, 2.3k words

I learned that Nevarrans skate on the Minanter in Winter, so here's a short little thing about Emmrich teaching Rook how to ice skate, set post-game ♡

It is too cold for fresh snow.

The Minanter has frozen over, its water moving somewhere in the depths beneath a thick, unbreakable layer of ice. Its surface, nothing but a mirrored, crystal blue plane, is now occupied by ice skaters who spin and race between two nearby bridges. Old snow lines the river banks, trees bowing heavily under the weight of a long season. Everyone is yearning for Wintersend and yet the city is brimming with life on such a freezing but clear Winter's day.

The sun is deceivingly bright, its golden rays devoid of much warmth, and Rook can see Emmrich's breath when he laughs at the sight of children chasing each other with snowballs or flailing on sleighs, pulled behind breathless parents in thickly layered clothing. He's wearing ear muffs, woollen gloves, a thick coat with a dark green scarf that he's wrapped artfully around his slender neck. Manfred knit her a matching one, the stitches not quite as neat, but it provides ample protection from the cool wind.

"Darling, can I interest you in some spiced tea or hot apple wine before we venture onto the ice?" Emmrich's voice is filled with mirth, eager to show her the parts of Nevarran city life that are as yet unknown to her. "It should get us warmed up just right."

"Should we not wait until after the skating before we drink?" Rook asks. "I would hate to make an ass of myself–"

"Nonsense!" He grabs her by the arm, linking them tightly together as he leads her to a well-patronised market stall with adjacent tables and seating arrangements. "Besides, they have many beverages on offer without any liquor or wine. The spiced tea is highly commendable but perhaps the hot apple punch is more to your liking? Of the children's variety, alas, but it might suit your sweet tooth."

As they wait for the rather long queue to clear, surrounded by the smell of roasted chestnuts, Rook takes her time to read all that is so artfully written on the long chalk board menus, different types of spiced teas, mulled wines and hot fruit juices. Her eyes drift over the other patrons, red-cheeked, giddy and no doubt already tipsy, laughing as they share stories, all the while cradling their hot mugs between gloved fingers. Nevarrans celebrating a period that feels so devoid of life is rather fitting, she thinks, the way they cherish it in even the bleakest of seasons, aware that time is so very fleeting.

Emmrich leans in, then, pressing a soft kiss to her head. "It is rather lovely here, is it not?"

Rook nods, blinks up at him with a warm smile. "It is. Thank you for inviting me."

"Oh, I do have plans for you, my darling. This invitation is not as altruistic as it may seem. If you think I am a good dancer on even footing then you must see me on the ice. I do aim to impress."

"I hope you are prepared to catch me even as you pirouette. You know I have never done this before."

He chuckles, leaning in until his breath ghosts along her ear. "I hear that I am quite the proficient teacher, dearest, no matter the type of physical activity."

Rook's face has already been bit by the cold wind but it begins to feel even more heated now. His lips come to rest against her cheekbone and a gloved hand squeezes her waist. Even now it never fails to impress her how he so effortlessly disarms her, dispelling any concerns with such practiced charms. She'd melt under his touch if she had any time to linger in it.

"What can I get you, professor?" They have reached the end of the line and a young woman tends to them, not so inconspicuously taking the pair of them in. Rook nestles a little closer into Emmrich's side but he doesn't seem to notice.

With their drinks in hand, they find one of the high wooden tables, Emmrich sipping on his hot spiced tea while Rook glances back at the woman who served them, fiddling with the handle of her apple-punch-filled copper mug.

"One of our students," he explains conversationally. "Helping out here is a rather popular way to earn some extra coin and the free drinks are not to be dismissed, of course."

"Neither is the gossip," Rook muses, catching the girls ever-curious gaze and smiling with a hint of satisfaction when she quickly glances away.

She takes her first sip, then, and after the initial sting of heat the rich aromas of sweet apple, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove linger like wisps on her tongue. The warmth settles in her belly and Emmrich has inched closer to her as well, a protective arm wrapped around her middle. He smells like the best parts of winter, incense, smoke, a hint of pine.

"Perhaps we should give her some more spiced fuel, then?" he mumbles. "As befits the season."

Rook giggles helplessly when he tips her head back and presses his lips to hers. She tastes a similar mix of spices on his tongue, something richer, then, tangy and alcoholic. His mouth is still warmed by the drink, citrus and herbs on her skin. Even in the cold his kiss does not fail to ignite her, the soft sighs he breathes, his fingers curling just so around her shape. Whenever he shows a hint of possessiveness her whole body gives out, as if to agree – I am yours and no one else's.

"Perhaps I should have taken the tea as well," she whispers. "Though it might taste better on your tongue."

Emmrich smiles, licks his lips as he breaks away. "Don't tempt me to end this visit as soon as it started, darling. I do want to take you to the ice before I take you to bed."

"Butt bruises and chafed knees might make that a little uncomfortable–"

"Oh come now, you have dealt with much worse," he interrupts, playfully tipping his chin towards his shoulder. "And besides, I will do my very best to keep you from falling."

She smiles, amused, leaning into him. He's more than willing to indulge her, always, soaking up any affection she is willing to offer. And it has become so easy between them, perhaps because she needs him more than ever, all that happened a looming shadow in the back of her mind, ready to pull her under. If Emmrich didn't drag her out on occasion, make her see the world they fought so hard for, she might not be able to stay so rooted in the present.

They don't talk about it often, that fresh scar on their hearts, but it shows in the way their hands always search for the other's, every call of their name from the other room a little more urgent, the fever with which their bodies entwine after a nightmare, kisses with a force so bruising that it reminds her of what's real. She still struggles to fall asleep when he's not home.

The drinks empty all too quickly. Warmth still radiates from her belly to the tips of her fingers as they make their way to the frozen river, renting skates from a kind dwarf who is concerningly good at estimating their sizes. Rook is used to difficult terrain but this is new, thrilling, a little scary if she's being honest. Emmrich holds her hand as he eases them onto the ice. She instinctively tries to take a step towards him, losing her already poor balance. His grip on her tightens painfully, steadying her before she can land on her ass and pulling her securely into his arms.

"Easy," he whispers, voice dropping low. "Don't move too quickly, darling. Slow and steady. You don't want to walk, you want to glide. Would you like me to demonstrate?"

"Please," she says, regretting her reply the moment he lets go of her entirely.

Emmrich shares none of her awkwardness. Practiced movements, as though he's been doing nothing else for years, all while she struggles to stay standing. One end of his scarf flies behind him as he dances over the ice, turns around to look at her, skating backwards now, then forward again. The sound of blades scratching over ice, kids laughing in the background as they push a pinecone back and forth, the occasional grunt of pain of those who don't manage to be quite so graceful. And yet he commands the ice with an ease she can only envy, drawing everyone's gazes to his effortless performance.

When Emmrich reaches her again he smiles like a little boy. He slows but doesn't stop and Rook squeals when he grabs her hands and pulls her forward. She is holding on for dear life, unmoving, allowing her feet to glide on their own across the slippery surface.

"There you go, darling," he says, delighted, and at her scowl he laughs with such genuine amusement that she forgets about the ice underneath her feet.

She tries to copy him, slow movements, shifting one leg forward, then the other, steel-grip on his hand. He gently encourages her and she's distracted enough by his enthusiasm, ice crystals clinging to his moustache and brows, nose read and cheeks puffy. But then she startles, realises that they're in the middle of the river, so far away from any solid ground to step on. Her legs waver, knees buckle, and before she knows what's happening she already drops backwards onto the hard ice.

Pain shoots into her tailbone, claws up her spine, and her vision blurs for a moment before she realises what happened. She can't breathe, her lungs squeezed empty by the impact.

"Darling," Emmrich gasps above her, having lost grip of her hand. "Are you alright?"

Words fail her, lungs still deflated and pain stuck in her chattering teeth. The cold of the ice seeps into her bones, the air around her biting in her nostrils. She groans, trying to shift her weight away from her aching butt. Emmrich hoists her up, somehow, holding her in his arms, just as quickly as she fell. Cheeks hot with embarrassment she hides in his chest, another groan, though the pain slowly recedes. He sends warm waves of magic through her body to soothe her.

"It's alright, my love," he whispers. "It happens to everyone, nothing to be embarrassed about."

"You wouldn't think I fought dragons and Gods," she grumbles.

Emmrich huffs a laugh, a kiss loosely pressed to her hair. "You will get the hang of it, darling. A little patience goes a long way."

She swallows a complaint when he urges her to go again. This time, she tries not to focus on her surroundings but on him, his smiles, the soft knitted pattern of his gloves. He is a good teacher, there is no denying it, and he commands her attention just as well as he commands the ice. Soon, she finds herself gliding more smoothly, her balance finally adjusting to the altered circumstances, and now at last she sees the point of it all. Rook feels weightless, untethered, and it's fun. For a while they slowly skate in tandem, hand in hand, an easy rhythm that's all suited to her lack of skill. Then, near the edge of the river, Emmrich lets go of her and she closes the gap with a spirited skate acorss the distance, trusting in her growing confidence.

Emmrich catches her easily in his arms and they giggle like fools, a hug so tight that they sway on the ice from the sheer force of it.

"Very good, my darling," he whispers against her ear. "So very good."

A shiver runs down her back, her hands sliding underneath his coat as she presses ever closer, a not so innocent exchange of warmth. Emmrich hums, tugs her in until they both fit snugly. "Perhaps that is enough for our first lesson, don't you think?"

"I could use another one of those hot beverages," she mumbles. "And whatever you promised comes after."

"We do have to find suitable ways to warm up, dearest," he agrees.

Rook leans back, smiling up at him with a newfound joy for life. Emmrich's nose is a glowing red, every hair on his face frozen, a pearl of ice stuck in his lashes, and he looks so lovely like that. She can't help but tiptoe up to him and he meets her, cold lips pressed to cold lips, warm breath against icy skin. Bundled together, she can feel his heart rate increasing, her hand dipping to find the curve of his lower back. Emmrich sighs, leaning more of his weight against her, but it tips her fragile balance, the blade on her skates slipping and taking him with her. They topple over, landing in a pillow of soft snow by the riverbank.

"This time you did catch me, my love," Rook says from on top of him.

Emmrich seems less amused, his scarf and coat covered in snow, hair mussed and clumped in wet strands. She can't help but laugh and it's enough to wring a smile from him as well, even as he begins to knock the snow off his clothing. Rook assists him but she's soon distracted by the snowflakes stuck in his lashes, the way his hair has fallen into his face, the annoyed little curl of his lips.

"I love you so, Emmrich," she whispers.

He looks up with flushed cheeks but she's already kissing him again, licking the ice from his mouth. He surrenders with a huff that billows like smoke in the cold air around them and she thinks that falling isn't so bad, at least not when they're falling together.

[rorja]

pirate!suguru is a man who easily commands attention.

his name echos on the lips on children, stuffed dangerously close to the edge of searocks, in plein water — risking so just to take a peek of the legendary ship he owns.

the women of the village, even though tired and with fingers all shriveled from washing linen on the shore, try their best of luck. walking amongst the folks on the streets, holding their wicker baskets and their heads low to not meet strangers eyes. their whispering close to themselves with a hand in front of their mouths.

suguru walks, as if the bath of the onlookers on the main square is nothing more than droplets amidst the salty air kissing his skin in the early morning. as if tales about his birthright place amongst the many sons and daughters of the olympus have not been widely spread throughout the small village. and it’s frustrating. infuriating.

you envy the sea. to have birthed such a dutiful son, to be the one who’s solely holding his heart.

because suguru looks like a god — something divine that could only come from the finest of paintings, but he always has been so. from the days he used to sport an haircut perhaps too uneven, gotten from the only pair of scissors that could be found in the third drawer of the kitchen. from the bun he would tie his hair in, on days he would run between the freshly washed linen and big, colorful skirts of many dancers on the main square amidst the village’s main festivities.

you watch him from afar, wondering if the people who now blushed at his mere presence remember the kid he used to be. the one with a tooth missing and some bruises on his knees because of clumsiness.

(the one who always held your hand— guiding you through a labyrinth of salt and sheets hung to dry. scattered kisses from the sea drying somewhere between your small toes and ankles.)

you wonder if he still cling to the memories of sunsets and handmade seashells necklaces— all of what remains of a youth that resurface every time when his name is mentioned, or when the moon hangs lonely in the deep sky.

but he doesn't. in your heart, you can feel this answer growing louder like the sole of his footwear on sand. jewelry tingling, dancing under the warm rays of the sun altogether with the one too many knives hidden in his bizzarre and dirty clothes.

(he chose the sea. he chose the sea, leaving you behind.)

suguru walks, never once turning back to mourn the life he had bargained for his freedom. he belongs to the sea. and it's painfully visible in his stance, in the white crystals among his hair, in his longing eyes.

the grip around the seashell on your necklace tighten. suguru left you behind— and yet, you can't help but fall for the ghost of this stranger once again.

a/n : don't ask me what is this...... i literally have no idea..... i just had a vision and ran with it TT

[mintmatcha]

a meet cute

cw: cisfem reader, reader is part gnome, dungeon meshi universe, it's about an insane side character, sorry

A gentle breeze cuts across the shop, just over the front counter. You have to lean into it to get any sort of relief from this summer's heat. Your shop door's bell chimes as a customer walks in. It's unusual that anyone is out this time of day in this type of heat, let someone fully robed, scarf and hat included. He's dressed in dark, rich colors, the types of dye that drip with indigo and money, a contrast to the reddish tuft of hair of his head.

He'd be cute, you think, if he wasn't a gnome.

It's not that you don't like gnomes-- you are one, mostly-- but gnomes around your age are boring. The men nod along to anything you say, try to impress you with pleasantries and tidbits, all with that glint in their eye, they've found their next wife. They are dictated by societal niceities and traditions, topped off with a strange sense of superiority, all while they still eye you like a piece of meat-

But this gnome isn't looking at you like that. No, he's marveling at your wears.

The stranger tilts the glass in the sunlight and rainbows refract across the floor, dancing in looping, wonderful patterns long after his movement has stopped. Figures of dancers twirling around each other, bowing and dipping with ease, disappate into the air. His hands are actually a bit small for a gnome, thin fingers, uncalloused and delicate with the way he inspects the magic.

"The runes on this are subtle," he notes, mostly to himself. "Gnome magic on elven crystal."

"You have good taste." You lean more forward on to the oak surface and he jumps a bit, as if he hadn't noticed you were even there. "And a keen eye."

The man melts into a polite smile. His eyes are downturned and his cheeks are round, tickled pink from the sun. He approaches you, a prickle of chill following suit. There must be some elemental magic sown into his clothing or something.

"Thank you."

"No, thank you," you say. "It's my work."

"You have a talented hand for magic, then."

"And you have a talented eye."

His nose wiggles in that delightfully gnomish way that only old men do. "No talent, all practice."

You give him your name, he gives you his. Holm. Classic. Boring. Standard.

"Is this a gift for your wife?"

"Oh, I'm not--" He waves that thought away with disinterest-- which happens to peak yours. "My party mate is getting married."

"An elf?"

"Dwarf, actually." He twirls to glass again and the waltz of light resumes. "To be honest, we aren't very close. I don't really know what she likes, I just think she deserves something nice."

"The effect won't be as brilliant for her, because dwarfs don't tend to have a very good mana flow, but it'll still be pretty. A couple glasses for her and her beau-" You wipe away a bead of sweat that's begun to roll down the side of your neck. "And maybe a bottle of chilled wine. I think that's a very good present for anyone."

He nods, button nose crinkled with delight as he places the glasswork on the table before you. "I'll get a sex then."

A beat passes. You can't help the wild smile that sneaks out. "What was that?"

"Hm?" He hasn't moved, frozen in place, still holding the glass. His expression doesn't change, but you swear there's a touch of pink creeping over his ears.

"You said a sex."

"No, I said a /set./"

"No, you didn't." You cock your head to the side in the way that makes your neck look long and your smile charming. "Are you thinking about sex, Mr Holm?"

He swallows and you think maybe you've gone too far. Your brand of needling is more of a half foot type of humor, which isn't universally appreciated, to say the least.

"I'm- I don't--" Holm surprises you by laughing at him self. "I don't do that."

Interesting. A gnome with a sense of humor. You didn't know those existed. You lean back, trying to bite back your smile as you speak. "What? Think about sex?"

"Or anything else to do with that word."

You inspect him a bit closer. The colors, the hat, the symbol burnt into his pouch-- they're religious symbols. He's a spirit worshipper, one of the religions in the south. You aren't sure of all of the intricacies, but you know the most devout are completely celibate.

Holm shrugs rather casually. "Close enough."

"Oh, you're one of those monk-things, aren't you?" For some reason, you're a bit disappointed. Of course the man you have a nice rapport with is one that won't fuck you.

Not that you want to fuck him.

"So, you must think about sex a lot." You call as you walk to your backroom. There's a couple of different versions of the glasses, so it takes you a moment to find another set of dancers. Really, this guy has nice taste; this is your favorite piece. "Since you can't have any."

"Probably less than you do-" he calls back. "Since you heard is when I clearly said set."

Despite yourself, you laugh. It's not particularly funny, but there's butterflies in your chest and a tremble in your hands. You wrap the glasses in pieces of cloth and ribbon-- purple, to match his scarf-- before bringing them back up. The stranger is still watching you with that look on his face, the crinkle in his eye-

"It's on the house," You slide the gift wrapped presents over to him.

"I couldn't possibly."

"Just come back again some time. Or buy me a beer if you see me at the bar."

You both know that isn't a fair trade. Crystal is expensive, magic work even more so; you could charge him a couple hundred gold if you wanted, but... conversation is sometimes more valuable than money.

"I don't drink." He rubs the back of his neck, almost sheepish. "I eat, though."

The flutter in your chest gets worse. "Food then."

He nods. Taking the gift, he picks it up and starts towards the door, a hum on his voice and a deeper smile creeping up on his face. When he gets to the door, he puts up an arm to open it, then pauses.

He turns back around.

"I want to pay." The strange says, firmly. "I'll still buy you food, but I want to pay for these."

He pulls a bag of coins from his belt and presses them into your hand. It's heavy with gold. He doesn't pull away until you meet his dark, stern eyes and close your hand around the bag.

"I don't want to lead you on," he says, softly. "I find you very..."

He says more with silence than his words.

"Don't worry," you say, even though a worry does creep up your spine. "I'm not so desperate that I'll fall in love with a priest."

"Not a priest, but thank you." His cheeks puff with smile and you immediately know that you may have lied.

[fairy-verse]

A dancers is finally done with all their things they wish to do they decide to do one final show but not for humans no but for the fairies since they were the dancers inspiration to become a dancer they dance and dance until they eventually pass out from exhaustion a peaceful smile resting on their now cold body

How would the fairies react? They dance for a couple of days in one section of the fairies territory before leaving to the next?

Also I hope you’re doing well! Take your time to answer this ask!:3!!

For the spirit of spring which calls beyond the horizon, I think we’ll take this a little light-heartedly.

Intrigued and more than a little curious about this strange oddity, the winter fairies will watch from openings of their mountain home, be it within cracks in the mountain’s side, or from unassuming holes in the ground. They do not approach but murmur amongst themselves as they try to understand why you dance for them. Some who are fiercely loyal to Error will attempt to follow orders and attack but will be held back by those not wishing to cause harm. Some will attempt to alert him, but once more, those with an open mind will take your unconscious body and move it beyond their borders. They may offer protection from the cold until you awaken but heed their warning of not crossing their border. As much as they may find your dance beautiful, they cannot keep Error’s wrath from you forever should you choose to remain close.

The fairies of spring are amused and will giggle and gossip at the sight of you. Some may try to lure you into traps in hopes of more entertainment, whilst others will merely guide you to dance around them, being on the edge of disaster, yet not quite falling in. Cruel they may be in their games, but many enjoy the presence of harmless big folk, and they’ll try to keep you around for as long as possible. Once you fall to rest, they will take your body and move it further into the forest, making escape exceedingly difficult. You have now become their newest playmate and entertainment. Continue to amuse them and you will be fed with the richest of fruits, will have the coldest and clearest of water, the softest dresses, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll eventually allow you to leave.

In a world where the big folk might find their way to the valley of summer, the summer fairies will watch and maybe approach one who dances so freely and lovely for them. The shy ones will remain out of sight, but those who do not know of the dangers the big folk possess will fly near, and they will sing as you dance as they drape you in silks and glittering dew drops. You will be guided to the pockets of forests where the moss is soft beneath your feet and the leaves of the trees allow a moment of rest from the blistering sun. The lake shimmers beside you and the fairies will joyfully splash you with water, laughing as they sing as you dance. Come the time when you fall unconscious, they will lay you to rest in a bed of silk, moss, and grass, and there you shall have the most wonderous dreams of your life.

Evening twilight is the time at which the autumn fairies emerge from their underground kingdom, and here you shall find wonders never before perceived, for this is the domain where dance is most appreciated, and the mercy of Nightmare will follow you forevermore as his fairies dance alongside you, pulling you up and giving you moments of weightlessness as they find joy in sharing their nature with you. They are not cruel to a fellow dancer, be they big folk or not, and so here your talent will be the most appreciated. Long will you dance for the fairies rarely tire, and the night goes on for days on end with daylight seeming far away. Time works differently here, and you do not know for how long you’ve been away, but soon you will grow weary, and the fairies will lay you to rest amongst flowers and glowing crystals as the glittering specks within the air surround you and keep you warm. Come morning, the magic will be gone, and you awaken at the edge of the autumn border, unsure whether your memories are true, or simply just vivid dreams come alive.

[healingfairy000000001]

Minnie series, witch straw hat, we can spend the night in my dealers house.

Ahh yes, Alabasta the land of sand, belly dancers clothes given to me by sanji and Vivi's country!, but most importantly lizards! tail's for distracting potions maybe a smokey corpse smell, it's eyes for and limbs for stealth ohhh~what I will do~

Ace was looking at her creeped out, she had a creepy aura around her as she looked around the ground,

"Don't mind her she get's like this sometimes" said nami patting his shoulder before continuing walking.

"she won't boil us alive, right?" he asked to conform his suspicions.

"don't worry ace, Y/N is my friend!" comforted him luffy, before they continued there march.

Y/N ignored them but focused on her hunt as chopper stayed by zoro, but vivi got dragged into helping her.

and though vivi was creeped out by decapitating lizard she couldn't bring her self to refuse helping her.

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

As the sun sat down and the wind's slowed down the night sky came with the light of the moon and a bit of cold, they found a spot to camp, sanji was cooking a warm meal, zoro was napping by the rocks, nami was comforting a crying vivi from cutting lizards tails and limbs all day, while ussop helped sanji out, Ace and chopper on the other hand were curious about Y/N need for the creature.

"What do you plan on doing with this?" asked Ace looking at her storing them in jars.

"Lot's of things! smoke screens with a heavy smell, it's limbs for a scripture to walk on walls" she explained holding different jars for each purpose chopper seemed more curios about magic looking at her jars before pointing at something

"what's that?"

"dried bat brains" she answered with a huge grin as everyone twitched a bit, except Ussop who looked scared as hell

"WHY DO YOU NEED THAT!"

"greater hearing and night vision"

silent fell before luffy broke it "can I eat it?"

"why would you want to eat it!" scolded both nami and ussop

Y/N was having a good laugh while the rest continued on their work, with vivi trying to calm down nami and chopper helping in storing everything.

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

As dinner was eaten and everyone was ready to sleep under the star light having a moment of tranquility cut short by Ussop, "DAMN COLD!" he stood up shouting gerly being fed up with the cold, vivi tried to re-explain "the desert is Hot as fire in the morning and cold as Ice in night"

"that doesn't make any sense!" he protested, while nami and sanji tried to deescalate the situation

"well what other choice do we have? suck it up" nami said tierdly

"we can sleep in a whale" Y/N said standing up while opening her bag, her words struck the crew as a joke but her seriousness was evident

"you do realize were like, far away from the ocean?"said Nami as the rest agreed but luffy and chopper got exited,

"YOU CAN SUMMON WHALES!"

"that's so cool!"

as she looked at them she got out a crystal ball blue in color and smooth in texture, "it's my dealer, I buy stuff I can't gather there" this seemed to gather the two interest even more, while the rest had one common thought 'what are those ingredient's?'

"Yeah I can you come here? I need a favor to ask" she spoke to the crystal as it glowed a soft light, "here we go"

a few moment's later a sudden ripple split the air, and with a thunderous splash, a starry-blue whale materialized out of thin air, casting shimmering reflections from its body.

While nami and Ussop were panicking, zoro,sanji and Ace being on guard, the rest were curious

"WHAT THE FUCK!"

"Gernario mardo evou" she yelled and the while opened it's mouth the woman simply walked in, "WOAH! Y/N why didn't you show us this before!" yelled luffy following in, and though the rest felt reluctant Ace zoro and chopper followed closely.

The inside of the whale was like stepping into a dream; a flat surface of shimmering water stretched beneath their feet, while tiny fireflies flitted around, casting gentle reflections on the liquid ceiling, this seemed to put everyone in awe.

"WELCOME travelers" said a man's voice from deep inside, "what might you need" he asked

"yeah, uncle goerg can me and my friends spend the night here? it's cold outside" using her best puppy dog eyes the man appeared in front of her, with a bold head and a long beard with bare feet he looked at her un-amused

this 'uncle george' was walking and smelling everyone, some pushed him away while some hid behind the other, "those are....Human's" he said the word human with disgust before going back to his customer

"how dare you bring strangers into my domain here, this ain't a hotel, shoo"

as he started to push her and the crew out with strong winds coming from inside the whale with a snap of his finger looking at the witch in displeasure, she pulled out her final card, "I'll pay!"

"no we won't!" protested nami

"I don't need your worthless berries humans"

"no! it's two jars of high quality lizard limbs collected by the princess her self!"

he raised an eyebrow, before she looked at her semi flying before giving up, "and my prized bat's brains!"

taking a moment to think, he looked at vivi and nami then at luffy before agreeing, with a snap of his fingers the wind stopped letting everyone fall to their face as a bedroom was dragged in with a hand sticking out

"You and your lizard limbs, kid. Fine. But keep your humans away from my stash, now give me the jars"

"here" she gave in reluctantly, satisfied with his prize he left them alone, "Y/N-Chwaaannnn~you got us a room for free~" said sanji swooning over the depressed girl

"tell me if you want anything Y/N-chan" even nami was swooning a bit for the 'free' room

soon everyone looked around in peace with the disappearance of the old men with the jar, there were enough bed's for everyone a table of fruit's and a bathroom.

"wait you could've done this before?" asked nami

"yeah, I knew him since I was 7"

"why didn't you do this before!" nami, ussop beat her up in anger "I could've died of the cold!" adde'd ussop

"hey! I lost two of my prized stuff! have some decency!"

"shut up!!"

it was rowdy and chaotic but soon everyone found some comfort to fall asleep.

[birindale]

As we enter the second wave of toys, a new She-Ra and Swift Wind have to be explained to the consumer, so Adora and Spirit wander through an interdimensional portal into a beautiful land called Crystal World. Josh is there. 

Transcript/Image ID below the cut

[Image Description: 14 comic pages from the She-Ra mini-comic, “Across the Crystal Light Barrier”.

Cover: Starburst She-Ra stands with arms spread high to show off her sparkles, Crystal Swift Wind at her side. They’re standing atop a mountain made of glittering crystal, beneath the Princess of Power logo. At the bottom of the page, “Across the Crystal Light Barrier” is written and actually outlined, though still definitely not the color I would have gone with. Beneath that, in a small font, it reads, “Illustrations: (copyright symbol) Mattel, Inc. 1985 Hawthorne CA 90250 U.S.A. PRINTED IN HONG KONG. All Rights Reserved. (registered trademark symbol) and TM designate U.S. trademarks of Mattel, Inc. 

The coloring style from this issue on becomes more pastel, and the gouache is blended more, giving it a softer feeling.

Page 1: A pink caption box reads, “Outings in Etheria are always very special and today’s picnic had been no exception. Adora smiled as Josh and Bow leaned against a fruit tree, the picnic basket empty and their bellies full. Spirit and Arrow stood nibbling at the lumps of sugar Glimmer held out in her hand.” Which pretty much covers the illustration. Adora is sitting on a blanket with the empty picnic basket.

Josh was apparently slated to be the Robin to Bow’s Batman at one point, but he never did get an official design, so this is just ‘generic blond man’. A second pink caption box at the bottom of the page contains the credits, “Produced exclusively for Mattel by: Writer… Tina Harris & Eric Frydler. Penciler… Jim Mitchell. Inker… Todd Kurosawa. Colorist… Charles Simpson. Editor: Joan Dumbauld & Lee Nordling”. 

“Want to race, Adora?” asks Glimmer. The composition on this page is leaps and bounds over the previous issue. Whatever Jim Mitchell was doing between waves one and two, I appreciate it.

“Sure! Come on!” says Adora.

End Page 1. 

Page 2: Adora and Glimmer mounted up. The second Bow fired his starting arrow, they took off! Galloping down the orchard path, they disappeared from sight. Neck-in-neck [sic], they raced against each other. Adora and Glimmer sped over field and stream, dashing wildly along the winding path.” So apparently we’re just going for outright narration. That’s cool. Kind of a weird decision in a comic, but I’m not a cop. Bow shoots his starting arrow and the girls take off, Adora on Spirit and Glimmer on Arrow. 

A beautifully colored panel of the race in partial silhouette. 

A rounded white caption box reads, “Suddenly, a mysterious burst of light appeared from nowhere!” and we see Adora rear back on Spirit, who balks at a stylized glow. 

End Page 2.

Page 3: A pink caption box reads, “Adora and Spirit slowed their pace. Startled, Arrow bolted, throwing Glimmer from his back”. Arrow is rearing and our heroes are walking sedately into the light.

End Page 3. 

Page 4: A lavender caption box reads, “Rounding the bend, Josh and Bow hurried to see the race’s finish. They found Glimmer on the ground and helped her to her feet. "Where is Adora?" Bow asked. "I don’t know," Glimmer replied. "She just disappeared!" "Over here!" Adora cried. I’ve crossed the Crystal Light Barrier." Missed some quotation marks there. Another reason not to use them in caption boxes. Adora and Spirit’s silhouette is distorted by the field of light and Josh’s hair is brown now. 

“Spirit and I are lost in a strange and wondrous land!” says Adora.

End Page 4. 

Page 5: A lavender caption box reads, “There Adora and Spirit stood, across a bottomless crack. "Arrow and I will save you!" Bow exclaimed. Glimmer begged him not to go and Adora breathed a word of caution. "She’s right. It’s much too dangerous. We’ll have to find our own way back to Etheria."" Adora and Spirit stare down into a foggy abyss, surrounded by crystal.

“Come on, Spirit! Maybe we can find someone to help us,” says Adora. 

End Page 5. 

Page 6:  A pink caption box reads, “Adora and her faithful steed wandered for many miles. Above them shone a bright rainbow sun. All around them, jewel-like mountain tops and petrified flowers glistened under the strange light.” over an illustration of exactly that.

“How beautiful!” says Adora, smiling.

End Page 6.

Page 7: A lavender caption box reads, “Soon they came upon a dazzling sight–a glittering herd of horses, unlike any they had ever seen before! Each horse had a color all its own–and each one shone like crystal! "Spirit, look!" Adora cried. "We’ve found help at last! But who can these beauties be?"" Adora points at a group of seven sparkling steeds, each with a pair of feathered (crystalline) wings.

“We are the Guardians of Crystal World,” says a voice from off panel. 

“Who…? What…?” asks Adora, looking around. 

End Page 7. 

Page 8: A lavender caption box reads, “The voice belonged to a sleek, crystal horse named Crystal Moonbeam. Adora quickly spoke to him. "We came across the Barrier and now we can’t get back." The lavender stallion nodded. "Recrossing the Crystal Light Barrier is certainly most difficult."" And I have to tell you, this horse is not lavender. His toy is a translucent violet, but this comic has him a soft periwinkle, cut through with orange light because he’s made of crystal. 

“Quite soon, you and your horse will become like us,” says Crystal Moonbeam, ominously.

“You mean we will turn into crystal?” asks Adora. Neither she nor Spirit seem thrilled at the possibility. 

End Page 8. 

Page 9: A pink caption box reads, “Crystal Moonbeam nodded gravely. "Yes. Anyone who touches the ground of Crystal World must change." But Adora hadn’t changed at all!” There was plenty of room for dialogue boxes saying this. Why even make this a comic? 

“I haven’t stepped from Spirit’s back,” says Adora. “I haven’t touched your world."

“Then, there may be a chance,” says Crystal Moonbeam. 

End Page 9. 

Page 10: A lavender caption box reads, “Dashing to his herd, Crystal Moonbeam returned with a sparkling filly. "This is my sister Crystal Sun Dancer," the lavender horse whinnied. "She knows the way across the Crystal Light Barrier."" The still distinctly un-lavender Crystal Moonbeam introduces them to a slightly smaller, yellowy orange horse.

“But to cross the Barrier again, you must have the power to fly!” says Crystal Moonbeam. 

“The crack is too deep to risk crossing it any other way,” says Crystal Sun Dancer.

End Page 10.

Page 11: Adora raises her arms and becomes Starburst She-Ra, with a long flowing cape with two wrist loops. Swift Wind becomes Crystal Swift Wind, a transparent pink plasticine version of himself. Herself? What are Swift Wind's pronouns this wave? The horse is see-through now. They have wings and a golden pleather mask, complete with unicorn horn. Light and sparkles radiate off the pair of them as they transform.

A pink caption box reads, "Adora unsheathed her Sword of Protection at once and raised it to the sky. In an instant, she and Spirit were transformed. Crystal World echoed with her powerful cry. "For the honor of Grayskull, I am She-Ra!" 

End Page 11. 

Page 12: "Swift Wind! Walking here in Crystal World has given you a crystal sheen!" says She-Ra, smiling as she reaches around to touch Swift Wind's face. 

A pink caption box reads, "Crystal Sun Dancer, Crystal Moonbeam, She-Ra and Crystal Swift Wind glowed with an unearthly energy as they leaped toward the deep opening. With a brilliant burst of color, they broke through the Crystal Barrier and vanished—gone!" as we see all three winged horses take flight, Swift Wind carrying She-Ra, surrounded by glowing and sparkles. 

"We'd better change back fast before our friends find out our secret!" says She-Ra, dismounting from Swift Wind and spreading her arms to show off her new starburst cape. Crystal Moonbeam and Crystal Sun Dancer aren't in frame, but they're still around, I promise.

End Page 12.

Page 13: A pink caption box reads, "Meanwhile, in Etheria, Bow, Glimmer and Josh had been looking high and low for Adora and Spirit. Suddenly Bow heard a rustling sound behind him." Right, Josh is here. I forgot about him already. He's a brunet now. He's holding onto his belt and kind of pouting at the panel gutter, while Glimmer stares forlornly at her staff (here a pink and blue rendition that looks more like a clock than the toy-accurate rose-with-jewel). Bow looks over his shoulder at the approaching Adora, Spirit, Crystal Sun Dancer, and Crystal Moonbeam. A mountain range towers behind her, and the few trees we can see are full of orange… bubbles? Transparent fruit? They've missed a few of the leaf portions. Sloppy work, Skip, but you were dealt a poor hand here. 

"Adora! Where have you been? We've been worried," says Bow, with an uncomfortable smile.

"Oh Bow! I've been in a wonderful land called Crystal World," says Adora. These last two panels were just close-ups, but the backgrounds have some really beautiful gradients on them. It really seems like they were going for more of a 'storybook' feel from this wave on. 

End Page 13.

Page 14: A lavender caption box reads, ""Tell us, Adora, who are your new friends?" Bow asked. Adora made introductions all around and Glimmer fairly gleamed. "Oh Spirit, with your crystal coat, you're more beautiful than ever!"" Josh and Arrow smile on as Glimmer and Bow greet the new, shinier version of Spirit. Adora has an arm slung around Spirit's neck, while Crystal Sun Dancer and Crystal Moonbeam watch with smiles of their own. 

"It is exciting to see another land…" says Adora.

"But it's so much better to come home to my friends!" she finishes, in the traditional red used for a minicomic's 'moral'. So… I guess the moral is don't wander into interdimensional portals? Traveling might seem cool but you're going to enjoy going home way more? Who knows. Bow, Glimmer, and Josh have all shuffled places, but they're crowded around Adora now, horses nowhere in sight. Everyone's smiling contentedly. 

End Page 14.

End ID]

[definegodliness]

Inner realms

The meadow's comforting Mint green; Zephyr stirred blades, Surrounded by rustling Late spring lush age old oak trees; I see Their winding branches In my most private escapist Fantasies.

Unchartered territory; unshared, if you will.

With the sun On my back — always Shunned for its blatant Eye-piercing brightness — I could Watch The stark blue of, Above, the spotless sky, In attempts to quiet my racing mind, But I find this heaven's endless emptiness Only irks me.

Baby blue, I know you; The shimmering crystal castle at your heart And the lazy lamb clouds Drifting by.

I have seen

Underwater realms Where orbs of light guide All those who can breathe, so allowed.

I have seen

Lands of slate stone frothing waves Where white cliffs weather ongoing rage; Fantastic spectacles Of lightning and Rain.

Realms of perpetual flame, Soothing to the touch, where music plays For phantasmagorical dancers.

Realms of coal and blood.

All, unique, and charming, I'm sure, yet not For me. Not specifically, at least.

My retreat Is the oak embraced meadow With its Interchanging shades Of soothing green. Empty, so empty, And yet sometimes all of the sudden Bestrewn with daisies.

Then, I think:

'This is where we'll fall in love.'

That is What I believe in.

--- 8-3-2024, M.A. Tempels ©

[masked-kitsune]

Forgot to post this before, but here we go

Oc cutiemark closeups

Top left - Thunder Flash - Special talent - Storm Stopping

Top right - Ocarina Note - Special talent - Playing the ocarina

Middle left - Crystal Ball - Special talent - Predicting the future

Middle right - Petal Dancer - Special talent - Tending to flowers

Bottom left - Sun Dust - Special talent - Manipulating sunlight

Bottom right - Cresent Shine - Special talent- Manipulating moonlight

(Sun Dust and Cresent Shine are twins)

[seriously-siri]

Back on the robit train and I'm still bitter they never developed Harmonex up for more than getting crushed by Cybertronian Godzilla.

Changed that. (Spoiler alert: it still gets crushed later, but it just hurts more)

_______

Starscream never outwardly shown when he was impressed. He found it was always better to act like you didn’t care much, that way people were always trying to make you care or were trying to impress you instead of getting the satisfaction of having you owe them a compliment. Harmonex, though. Harmonex never ceased to impress even the most hardened and bleak soul. Even before the main central tower was in sight, Starscream could hear the hum of the crystals that made up the city and had he not been flying, you would have seen a small, impressed smirk tug at the corner of his mouth.

There was nothing like it in the Universe and even though Starscream had never left Cybertron, he’d bet his wings on that. No matter the time of day the buildings glowed with soft, ever changing blues, greens, purples, and silvers. It was never too bright, even when the sun was up, and it was never too dark no matter how bleak the night got. The streets lit up under your feet and when the wind blew waves of light blew across the walkways and buildings, proceeding the gust like the white caps on a wave ready to break the shore line.

Then, there was the music.

It was rumored that Harmonex’s foundation and the crystal used to build it up towards the stars were sparks that never got a chance to be cultivated. Back in the days when Cybertron didn’t have cities, a hot spot met its end in a fiery explosion and what was left behind, what those unborn souls gifted Cybertron, was a crystal that sang in perfect harmony with the wind.

It wasn’t always an audible song. Only when the wind blew hard enough did the melodies drift out of the city, riding the air like wayward particles from the sea of rust. And it was beautiful; better than any choir or voice or instrument that Starscream ever heard. Most of the time, though, there was a silent hum; a vibration under your feet and it was never uncomfortable and it never got annoying. It was soothing and warm and wrapped around you like a warm updraft on a cold day. It could catch you off guard if you didn’t know it was there, but Starscream knew and as he touched down just outside the gates of the city he smiled.

Just a little.

He made his way through the gates, only quickly flashing his I.D to a security officer and bee lined down the main road straight towards his destination.

The city of Harmonex was considered a city of art and education. Artists, dancers, and most musicians either hailed from the city or traveled there to learn and master their craft. It was no surprise that the main structure in the middle of Harmonex, a tall, jagged looking tower, was one of the most renowned universities on Cybertron. The tower itself wasn’t constructed initially, but was the result of the rumored hot spot explosion and the founders of the city decided to hollow it out and mark it a symbol to all of Cybertron. A memorial to the sparks that never got a chance to learn their trades.

It didn’t take long to reach the tower and Starscream dodged in and around students, teachers, and a few tourists towards the lifts and up to the thirtieth floor of the tower. Taking a right off the lift he headed around the circular hall. He almost missed his destination because the light just outside the office was blown out. It was only because the door was slightly ajar, letting the light from the windows of the room spill out into the hall that Starscream didn’t walk past it in his haste. Peering through the gap in the door he caught some movement off to the right and without knocking, pushed the door open.

Starscream waltzed into the room and peered around, barely acknowledging the office’s owner, a minicon flier up on a ladder against a wall of books, boxes, and trinkets. “Professor.”

Slipknot let out a surprised yelp and almost toppled backwards off his high perch where he was trying to reach a box on the top shelf. Just catching himself the little bot turned to see who the unexpected visitor was and frowned.

“Starscream. Ah wait-” Slipknot let go of one side of the ladder and did a mock bow. “I apologize, I mean, Senator. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Oh stop it. I don’t want to be here as much as you don’t want me here.” Starscream stepped up to the ladder and held up his hands, offering to help the minicon down.

Slipknot raised an eyebrow and simply jumped backwards, landing quietly on the floor. Pulling the ladder to the side he pointed up at the box he had been trying to grab earlier. “Will you get that for me?”

Starscream reached up and easily grabbed the box and handed it to the little professor. He followed Slipknot as he walked around to the other side of his desk, disappeared behind it and then reappeared on the chair which he used to help climb up onto the desk. He put the box down, walked to the edge of the desk and sat, his legs dangling.

“This...isn’t your old office.” Starscream commented as he looked around at all the furniture. It was what you’d expect to find in a teacher’s office; a desk, chair, some log cases along the wall, an extra folded chair off to the side for visitors, but that was the problem. It was a “normal” office. It was for “normal” bots like himself. At least the normal that was his height.

Slipknot was a minicon and not only that, he was mini for a minicon. He barely came up to Starscream’s knee joints and even though the little guy had wings he still wasn’t nearly as wide as Starscream’s legs put together.

The little bot looked around and shrugged, but his wings drooped slightly. “Yeah, I got an ‘upgrade’ along with my tenure.” Sighing he reached behind him and grabbed the box and set it in his lap. “They didn’t see the need to move my old furniture to my new office since this one was already furnished.” He pointed to the ladder. “But hey, they bought me that, at least.”

Starscream grit his denta. The functionalism had finally made it to Harmonex. All the way out to where everyone was sure it couldn’t get its foot in the door. A place of art and a city that celebrated freedom and free thinking and differences had finally succumbed to the blight that was quickly killing Cybertron’s culture. “Why are you putting up with this?”

“You know why, I don’t have a choice in the matter.” Slipknot took the lid off his box, but didn’t go any further before catching Starscream’s angry gaze. “Now, why are you all the way out here in Harmonex, at this school, in my office?”

“You’ve been ignoring Prowl.”

“Yep.”

“Well, he got annoyed by that and contacted me.”

“Sorry to put you in that situation.”

“No you’re not.”

“Nope.”

Starscream grabbed the folded chair and sat down, crossing his arms over his chest and a leg over the other. “You can’t ignore this, unfortunately. He needs you to run on a mission with his team in Kaon and do your mapping thing.”

“My mapping thing?” Slipknot rolled his optics. “We invented GPS droids to do exactly that for everyone!”

“Those droids can’t put in the tactical advice that you can provide. He needs your skills.”

“Isn’t he literally a tactician?”

“He still doesn’t have your acute knowledge of everything about the city. He transferred to Kaon barely a meta-cycle ago.”

“For what exactly? He didn’t get into specifics in any of his messages and he can’t just annoy me until I say yes.”

That’s definitely his strategy.

Letting out a frustrated groan Starscream thought for a moment. “He didn’t tell me a lot, either, but from what I can gather from our conversation and knowing what is the bane of Kaon right now, he and Sentinel are going after the fighting ring.”

“The makeshift arenas that keep disappearing?” Slipknot looked surprised for a moment and then he nodded. “Makes sense. The champion there is gathering quite the following. Even all the way out here, I’ve seen graffiti of his symbol pop up on back alleyway walls.”

“Sentinel is getting paranoid about him. About Megatron.”

Slipknot smirked. “He named himself after the fallen Prime? After Megatronus? I like it. It’s very fitting.”

“I don’t care about the historic symbology.”

“Well I am a history professor.”

“That’s just because you’re old.” Starscream waved a hand in the air to dismiss the quickly derailing topic. “I am worried that if you don’t agree now, Sentinel will lash out at you. Prowl dropped his name at least twice in our conversation so if you don’t say yes to me, you won’t have a choice once he asks and you know he won’t actually ask. He’ll just threaten you until you have to comply.”

Slipknot frowned. “I thought after what happened with Nominus Prime we’d have a better leader, but apparently they’re just getting worse.”

Starscream uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. “He’s going to either revoke your exemption status as a minicon or do something to Byte.”

That caught the minicon’s attention. “I’d like to see him try.” Slipknot hissed between his denta.

“He can and he will. Byte works for the archives, right? Sentinel could have him transferred to Iacon and then tell you your status is null and void outside of Harmonex. You two would never get to see each other.” Starscream smirked and sat back. “But if you’d like to push your luck…”

“Frag you, Starscream. You sound like you’re just here to relay Sentinel’s threats to me before they become official.”

“I am not. I’m simply stating the extent of what he could do to you.”

Slipknot narrowed his optics. “And why are you pretending you care? You don’t. I know you, my former student.”

“Because despite what you think, I still represent you.” Starscream reached out quickly and flicked one of Slipknot’s wing tips. “And I am getting sick of watching Sentinel and the rest of the senate abuse us for what we are and not acknowledging who we are.”

Starscream’s wings twitched, a movement that didn’t go unnoticed by Slipknot, but the little bot didn’t say anything. Starscream was trying to not let too many of his personal emotions rise up. He hated the senate and he hated Sentinel even more. He hated everything about this society. About the people who stuck him in his cold, uncomfortable frame. He’d only ever confessed this to a couple of bots. Thundercracker and Skywarp, of course knew, but he once told a history professor who was willing to listen to a rant that had both nothing and everything to do with history in the making.

Slipknot sighed looking down into the box still sitting on his lap. Reaching into it he pulled out a small translucent black and green marble and held it up to catch the sun’s light from the window behind him. “I got this as a gift from Senator Shockwave for giving a lecture at his academy. I have no idea what it is and he didn’t either, but it’s pretty and old so he thought I’d like it. It was just before the senate got to him.”

Starscream frowned. If only Slipknot knew what the old ‘senator’ was up to now.

The little bot placed the box behind him and stood up on the desk gripping the marble in his hand. “Kaon it is, then. Let Prowl know I’ll be there in the morning.”

Starscream nodded. “At least Jetfire will be going with you.”

Slipknot smirked. “Oh, well why didn’t you just say that in the first place.”

_____

Someone help I wanna write more with these two.

[lizardsquisher]

The Pirate and the Professor

Chapter Nine: Troubled Waters

Loose white sand shifted beneath Emmrich’s boots. If he’d been slightly less sure-footed, he’d have landed on his face by now. Sweat dampened his high collar and made his shirt stick to his back. The sea breeze attempted to ruffle his hair—at least his pomade was proof against the Rivaini weather. He fantasized about feeling that breeze against his skin. Perhaps removing the skull pin at his throat and unfastening a few buttons. Or better still, shedding his green and purple coat. But the coat was the only thing concealing all this unseemly sweating. And one wanted to look one’s best when meeting potential allies.

Rook strode ahead of him, her well-muscled limbs and midsection bare. The light gloss of sweat on her tanned skin seemed almost decorative. She did not look the least bit uncomfortable. He almost envied her abbreviated attire. But even though she liked to tease him about his “dancer’s legs,” he did not think such short trousers would suit him.

Rook smiled at him over her shoulder. Her green eyes shone like jewels in this light. She belonged here, among the crystal seas and swaying palms. Vivid, warm, and lovely.

Would it be a sin to take her from this place? Perhaps he was getting ahead of himself, but he couldn’t help wondering if they had a future. She lit the darkness of the Necropolis like an evening star, but could she be happy there? Certainly, he could not imagine living in Rivain. Leaving behind his books and classes and friends. Quitting his place among the Mourn Watch. Not to mention baking in the harsh Rivaini sun. If there was no home they could share, was it wise to share anything else?

But then, nothing about this courtship was sensible. Their age difference, the dire circumstances surrounding them. And there were certain aspirations he hadn’t yet shared with her. Ones to which she might strenuously object. It could all fall apart at any moment. Yet, he couldn’t help but hold on. She was mesmerizing. It seemed incredible that she should find him likewise appealing. And Manfred loved her so.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Davrin watching him watch Rook. The warden smirked. Emmrich bit back a sigh and braced himself.

“So, I heard another rumor,” Davrin remarked.

“What is your latest hearsay?” Emmrich asked.

“I hear you and Rook are getting tight. Making eyes, warming the cockles of your heart, tugging at the old bone—”

“That’s quite enough,” Emmrich said firmly.

“Sure. But if you need any tips on hand-to-bone combat . . .”

“My dear young Davrin, I know perfectly well what I’m doing.”

“Make that your next book,” the warden replied slyly.

“I love it when you all test my hearing,” Rook said. “It turns out that I can hear people who are five feet away from me. And Emmrich doesn’t need a book.”

Davrin chuckled. “Has the professor finally given you an anatomy lesson?”

“Oh, nothing in-depth. He’s a gentleman. But based on what I’ve seen so far, I suspect he could write the damn book.”

Emmrich pinched the bridge of his nose. “Rook, darling . . .”

“All right,” Rook said. “No more teasing, Davrin. Even if he’s adorable when he blushes.”

Read more at the link below.

[chroniclesofskz]

Under the Rain

FLUFF SOME SMUT NOT HEVY THOUGH!!

A ballerina grapples with her feelings for the charming boy who embarrassed her, igniting a passionate and tumultuous journey of emotion.

Sorry it's a long one but I love it sooo much!!!

The sun hung low in the late afternoon sky, casting a golden hue over the bustling streets of Seoul. Y/N had always found beauty in her surroundings—the cherry blossom trees in full bloom each spring, the vibrant markets filled with colorful arrays of fruits and goods, the rhythm of life that surrounded her. But ever since Felix had arrived at her school, each lovely detail seemed to fade into the background. He was the new boy who had taken their school by storm, moving from Australia to Korea at just 15 years old. With his charming smile, unique style, and magnetic personality, he quickly captured the attention of everyone around him.

Felix was everything she admired: confident, talented, and effortlessly cool. He was the heartthrob, the boy every girl wanted, but for Y/N, he was so much more. He was the embodiment of her dreams. She'd noticed him during ballet class, where his laughter mingled with the music, and his energy was a constant presence that made her heart race. Although she adored him deeply, she felt a strong instinct to keep her feelings hidden, buried away in the depths of her heart.

Y/N was an aspiring ballet dancer and singer, pouring her soul into every grace-filled move and every note she sang. She had dreams of captivating an audience, of standing under the spotlight alone, unafraid and confident. The thought of sharing that moment with anyone—especially Felix—sent a ripple of anxiety through her. She loved him in secret, clinging to the hope that one day, perhaps, he could love her back without the world watching.

Her friends were the only ones who knew of her unconfessed feelings, and they would often tease her about her relentless crush. "You should just tell him!" they’d urge, giggling as they nudged her playfully. The thought of confessing made her stomach twist; revealing her feelings felt like inviting judgment into her private world.

As summer rolled into fall, Y/N found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Each glance from Felix ignited a spark, each smile sent her heart fluttering. With every shared class, her admiration deepened but so did her uncertainty. She felt paralyzed by her crush, wondering if he could ever see her not as just another girl in the crowd but as someone special.

One fateful evening, fueled by a mix of loneliness and determination, Y/N decided to reveal her feelings in a heartfelt letter. She stayed up late in her room, pouring her heart out onto the page, detailing the way he made her feel, how his laughter brightened even her darkest days, and how his passion for life inspired her. It was a pure and honest confession, a dance of words as beautiful as the pirouettes she practiced daily. Glistening tears dotted the letter as she wrote, and with each word, she felt a weight lift from her heart.

The next day, with her heart pounding as if it would burst, she slipped the folded letter into his locker, her hands trembling. This would be the moment of truth, an opening that could either bruise her spirit or bring her closer to the boy who dominated her thoughts.

But when the confession reached Felix, the response was not what she had envisioned. A few days later, Y/N found out that he had discovered her letter in a manner that made her heart drop—a mix of excitement and dread crystallized into moments that felt like an unwelcome nightmare. She could still hear his laughter echoing through the hallways as he read her words aloud in front of his friends. He laughed and mocked her feelings, shoving the letter back into her hands without the slightest hint of regret.

The mockery pierced through her like ice, leaving her paralyzed and wide-eyed. Shame washed over her as the waves of laughter from his circle of friends crashed around her. In an instant, she felt stripped bare, every spark of hope extinguished. The boy who had made her heart flutter had become the architect of her most profound embarrassment.

From that moment on, things shifted. Though she remained devoted to her passion for dancing, her world was tinged with a hue of despair. Determined not to let him break her completely, she threw herself into rehearsals, allowing her art to be her sanctuary. She spent hours at the ballet studio, spinning and leaping, pouring her heartache into the dance floor, but how could she shake the memory of that moment?

As time passed, their paths continued to intertwine, and destiny seemed to weave their lives together with an uncanny persistence. When Y/N’s ballet teacher announced a crucial test that would count for half of their grade, a sense of dread washed over her when she learned that her partner was Felix. The thought of performing alongside him—standing mere inches apart, sharing the spotlight with the boy who had embarrassed her—set her heart racing with anxiety.

As they began their first rehearsal, the studio was alive with sounds—the creak of the wooden floor, the soft strains of classical music filling the air, and the gentle rustling of their movements. Y/N focused intently, determined to prove herself, even if it meant facing Felix head-on.

He stood there, his trademark smirk plastered on his face, confidence radiating off him like a dangerous allure that made her pulse race. “Careful, Y/N,” he teased, his voice dripping with a sultry playfulness that sent tingles down her spine. “Wouldn’t want you to drop me again. That would be embarrassing for both of us.”

Y/N fought back the rush of irritation that bubbled up inside her. “I’ve got it under control,” she replied tersely, but he just chuckled, the sound rich and dark, as if he reveled in her frustration.

“I don’t know, you seem a bit distracted,” he quipped, leaning back with that infamous cocky swagger of his. “Maybe you’re just thinking too much about how much you miss me.”

“Please,” she shot back, trying to mask the tremor in her voice. “I’ve moved on. I don’t love you anymore.” The words came out sharper than she intended, as if they could shield her from the truth lurking beneath her defenses.

Felix leaned in slightly, a teasing glint in his eye that made her heart skip. “Sure, Y/N. We both know that’s a lie,” he replied smoothly, a sultry edge to his voice. “I mean, look at you—you’re practically glowing every time I’m around. You can’t tell me you don’t feel something.”

Her cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and undeniable embarrassment as he stepped closer, the air thick with tension. “I’m not lying!” she insisted, although the conviction in her voice wavered. The way he stood there, confident and infuriatingly hot, disarmed her composure.

“Oh, I think you are,” he countered, a cocky grin spreading across his lips, his eyes glimmering with mischief. “You think I don’t notice the way you look at me? The way your breath catches when I’m close? Every time you think no one is watching—” he leaned in, closing the space between them, his voice dropping low and sultry. “—I see it all. The fight in you is just a cover for how much you want me.”

The intensity of his gaze sent a jolt of heat through Y/N, and despite her best efforts, she felt her resolve crumble. “You’re impossible!” she managed, trying to inject anger into her words even as her heart raced.

Felix smirked, clearly enjoying the game they were playing. “And yet, here we are,” he said with a teasing lilt, stepping back slightly but maintaining that electric connection. “In the studio, together, and you still can’t keep your eyes off me. What does that say about you?”

His words cut deeper than she wanted to admit, and the frustration twisted in her chest, mingling with an unmistakable attraction that made her feel lost. “You enjoy making me feel this way, don’t you?” she replied, attempting to mask her emotions, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her.

“Making you feel what?” Felix leaned in closer, his voice low and sultry, a teasing challenge dancing in the air between them. “Confused? Torn?” He watched her, the confidence radiating off him like a storm, drawing her in despite her desire to push him away.

As his gaze held hers, Y/N felt her heart pounding furiously, the weight of their chemistry hanging in the air like an unspoken truth. “I can’t keep doing this,” she said softly, frustration blossoming into something more vulnerable. “You make me feel things I don’t want to feel.”

But instead of retreating, he stepped even closer, challenged her with those sultry eyes. “Then stop pretending,” he urged, his voice firm but enticing. “Just give in to what’s been building between us.”

The tension in the studio felt suffocating, and Y/N could feel the walls closing in around her. She turned away, overwhelmed, and the rush of emotion became too much. “I can’t do this anymore!” she shouted, the words spilling from her in a mix of anger and desperation.

Without waiting for his response, she dashed out of the studio, tears streaming down her face as she opened the door to the outside world. The rain poured down heavily, and the cold droplets soaked her instantly, mingling with her tears as she stepped into the storm, feeling raw and exposed.

The conflict of feelings seized her as she ran, heart racing. She fought against the overwhelming emotions crashing over her—confusion, heartbreak, and desire all tangled together into one heart-wrenching mess.

“Y/N! Wait!” Felix’s voice echoed behind her, but she couldn’t stop. The chaotic whirlwind of her emotions screamed at her to escape, to put distance between herself and the heartbreak that Felix stirred within her.

“Just leave me alone!” she shouted, her voice cracking as she fought to regain her composure. But the weight of unbearable longing taunted her, pulling her back toward him even as she attempted to flee.

Felix caught up to her, stepping in front of her once again, his expression a mix of determination and concern. “You don’t have to run away from this,” he said, his tone sultry and confident, yet filled with a fierce honesty that left her breathless.

She could feel the mix of frustration and confusion swirl inside her. The rain poured around them, soaking her skirt and leotard, the chill contrasting sharply with the heat of their argument. Y/N’s insistence on maintaining distance was fading, crumbling against the delicious tension that hung in the air.

At that moment, it became painfully clear: Felix was everything she had tried to shake off—the embodiment of all her lingering feelings and forbidden desires.

“Just admit it, Y/N,” he encouraged, that playful arrogance still dancing in his voice, almost coaxing her to surrender. “You still like me. You miss me. The chemistry between us is crazy—you can’t pretend it’s not there.”

Y/N’s breath hitched at his words, torn between wanting to shove him away and the undeniable pull urging her to close the distance. “This isn’t right!” she exclaimed, shaking her head fiercely, even as every part of her wanted to lean into what he was offering.

“Right or wrong, it’s real,” he insisted, his tone sultry and persuasive. “And you know it.”

As the rain fell harder around them, Y/N felt confusion settle over her like a heavy fog, mixing with the sparks of attraction that danced just under the surface. With every word Felix spoke, it was becoming harder to deny what lay between them—the undeniable draw that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. Would she allow herself to confront the truth? Or would she keep fighting, even when everything in her screamed for her to embrace it?

As Y/N stood there, her heart racing against the cool, wet brick wall behind her, she felt Felix's unwavering gaze pierce through her defenses. The rain pounded around them, creating a cacophony that drowned out the chaos in her mind, framing this moment in an electric tension that made every nerve in her body come alive.

“Y/N,” Felix said, his voice low and sultry, filled with confident arrogance that sent a thrill down her spine. “You can pretend all you want, but we both know you’re not as over me as you claim to be.” He leaned in closer, the warmth of his body almost burning against her, his breath mingling with the cool droplets cascading down their skin.

Y/N shook her head, a mix of defiance and confusion swirling in her chest. “I don’t want you, Felix! This isn’t a game!” she protested, her voice strained under the weight of her emotions. But as he pressed closer, she felt her resolve beginning to weaken, torn between the fire of attraction and her stubbornness.

“Really? Because you sure look like you’re fighting a losing battle,” he teased, leaning in with that all-too-familiar cocky grin. “Just admit it; the chemistry between us is undeniable.”

“You’re impossible!” Y/N exclaimed, frustration escalating as her heart raced. “Do you enjoy messing with my feelings?” The words slipped out before she could stop them, layered with desperation.

Felix’s expression shifted into one of playful mockery, the light in his eyes gleaming with mischief. “You think I enjoy it? Maybe it’s because I can’t help but be drawn to you,” he replied, his sultry tone dripping with allure. “You’re the one who’s caught in this web, Y/N, not me.”

“Why do you care so much?” She couldn’t help but challenge him, her emotions boiling beneath the surface, the tears threatening to spill from her eyes in frustration.

“Because I want you to see everything I see,” he said, stepping in even closer, closing the gap between them with a sultry confidence that made her heart race. “You can pretend all you want, but what we have is more than just a fleeting moment—it’s real.”

“Stop!” Y/N cried, pushing against his chest gently, but the gesture was weak, betraying her true feelings as the warmth of his body pressed against her. “I don’t want to feel like this. Not again.”

Felix leaned in, his face inches from hers, his gaze unwavering. “Then it’s time to stop running,” he said, his voice a seductive whisper that sent shivers racing down her spine. “You can fight it, but you know deep down what you want. I’m right here, ready for you to come to me.”

With the rain pouring down and his body so close, Y/N felt everything she had tried to keep at bay begin to unravel. The weight of the moment crashed over her like a tidal wave, leaving her breathless and exposed.

“Just say it,” he coaxed, the challenge lingering in the air, charging the atmosphere with palpable tension. “Admit it, Y/N. You want me as much as I want you.”

The flicker of vulnerability in his voice caught her off guard, and she struggled to maintain the wall she had built. But the truth lingered, and the electric energy that surrounded them made it harder to deny how much she felt.

“Fine! I want you!” Y/N finally shouted, the outburst echoing in the storm. “But you enjoy messing with my feelings, and I can’t keep doing this!”

Felix’s eyes sparkled with triumph as Y/N’s admission hung in the air, the rawness of her confession creating a charged atmosphere that simmered with possibility. The rain continued to pour around them, soaking their clothes and molding their bodies together in a way that felt impossibly intimate.

“Oh, Y/N,” he breathed, his voice thick with a mixture of satisfaction and desire. “Finally, you’re being honest.” He stepped even closer, heat emanating from his body, transforming the cool rain into a backdrop of sultry tension.

Y/N felt her heart race, the combination of frustration and longing swirling dangerously inside her. The world around them faded away as her breath quickened in anticipation. Felix’s gaze bore into hers, and she could see the desire flickering just beneath the surface, an echo of the passion vibrating between them.

“Maybe I enjoy messing with your feelings,” he said, a wicked grin spreading across his face, “because it makes this moment all the more delicious.” And before she could process the boldness of his words, he leaned in, capturing her lips with his in a fiery kiss.

It was electric. The moment their lips met, Y/N felt a surge of heat that ignited her senses, pulling her into a whirlwind of passion. The rain cascaded around them, the sound of droplets mingling with the heat of their connection as Felix’s hands found their way to her waist, pulling her even closer.

Y/N responded instinctively, melting against him as the kiss deepened. It was no longer just a game of teasing words; it was a raw, fervent expression of desire that made her heart pound wildly. The pressure of the kiss intensified, and she felt like the world around them had dissolved into nothing—only the two of them existed in this moment.

Felix pulled back for just a breath, his forehead resting against hers, his eyes dark and filled with a sultry heat that made her pulse race. “What if I told you I want every part of you?” he murmured, his voice thick with longing. “Every secret, every piece of your heart. I want to know it all.”

The intensity of his confession sent shivers through Y/N, her heart racing as she searched his gaze, trying to decipher the truth buried within. “You can’t just say that!” she replied, fighting against the urge to surrender completely. “You don’t know what you’re asking for!”

“Actually, I do,” he replied, leaning in again, capturing her lips with a fervor that made her forget everything else. The kiss was hot, filled with urgency and an unmistakable hunger that left her breathless. The rain continued to pour, soaking them both completely, but all she felt was the heat between them as it washed away their barriers.

Y/N's fingers found their way into Felix's hair, pulling him closer as she kissed him back with an intensity that surprised her. She felt alive in a way she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in so long, and with every brush of his lips against hers, the last remnants of doubt began to melt away.

“See?” Felix breathed against her lips, his voice thick with emotion. “Doesn’t it feel amazing to give in?”

“Yes!” she gasped, the word escaping her as the realization washed over her. It felt exhilarating, liberating even, to embrace the truth she had fought so hard against. The desire that had been simmering just out of reach was now a raging fire, and she was done pushing it away.

Felix held her tightly, still caught in the rain, the cold droplets only heightening the heat of their connection. Everything else faded into insignificance as they lost themselves in each other, a storm of emotions swirling around them—a passionate tempest reflecting the tumult within.

As they pulled away breathlessly, Y/N looked into Felix’s eyes, filled with a mixture of triumph and genuine affection, and she knew things could never go back to how they were. This connection was something real, something worth exploring, and as the rain continued to fall, they found comfort in the chaos—together, finally ready to face whatever came next.