#curiosit

[vieillesboutiques]

Pâtes à chaussures, vite et bien, sans acide, la plus petite maison de Paris.

[theredcarnival]

What do yu haite? =poshe

I don't hate many things, but I find myself enraged at the idea of someone physically disrespecting the fair grounds. I can deal with insults and such, but to attempt to destroy my tents? My booths? The carefully crafted rides that my mere existence sustains? It disgusts me, and that destruction translates into physical pain for me.

[dropboxofcuriosities]

Les curieux voisins, 1920s.

[dexaroth]

3+ hours of billy and mandy episodes on youtube plus movies YAY

[buzznolimit]

Un choix de contenus variés sur Buzz No Limit

Buzz No Limit met à disposition un large choix de contenus audiovisuels adaptés à toutes vos envies. Pour faciliter votre recherche, le site organise les vidéos les plus visionnées dans un catalogue accessible directement depuis la page d’accueil. Vous y trouverez des reportages fascinants et divers types de programmes pour satisfaire votre curiosité. Mis à jour régulièrement, ce catalogue vous…

[primepaginequotidiani]

PRIMA PAGINA La Citta di Oggi martedì, 03 settembre 2024

[passionshoot]

[crepuscule-pourpre]

[vertbois]

c'est quoi, cette bien mystérieuse porte au 36, Rue Rémy Dumoncel dans le 14ème ? #75014 #paris #jaimeparis #36rueremydumoncel #ruerémydumoncel #remydumoncel #curiosité #curiosite #mystery #mysterious https://www.instagram.com/p/CnoieVDIA8k/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[conexaoamerica]

Route 66 🇺🇲 . . . Credit 👉🏆📸 @authentikusa . . . Follow 👉 🇺🇸@conexao.america for more photos and movies about United States 🇺🇸 . . . . Alliance @america_states @enjoy_la_ @latinbrazil . . . . ✈ Mark your photo with tag #conexaoamerica or @conexao.america and we'll post it! . . . . . . . . . . . . #route66 #americandream #mythique #legendaire #historique #paysage #diners #curiosites #usa #travelusa #voyageusa #roadtripusa #authentikusa #nature #travel #photography #sunset #montagnes #america #instagood #instagram #arizona #iloveusa #dream (em Route66, USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClifMhQOYdh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ms-snape]

Believe in me (Young!severus snapexreader)

Request: not arequest, but requests are opened, I really need to precise that cause I didn't receive any

Summary: Severus is in love with a close friend to the marauders

Warning: marauder's bully

Word count: 1457

Masterlist

---

The Great Hall was alive with the raucous laughter and chatter of students. Long tables, laden with food, stretched beneath floating candles that flickered like stars against the enchanted ceiling. At the Gryffindor table, Y/N sat between Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, her laughter ringing clear as she recounted a story from their latest escapade.

“—and then James slipped right in front of Evans ! I thought he was going to fall right into the lake!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight. Sirius nudged her, grinning.

“Yeah, but you should’ve seen his face! Priceless!” he howled, slapping the table with a loud thud.

Across the hall, Severus Snape sat alone at the Slytherin table, his dark eyes shadowed by his long, greasy hair. He watched Y/N with a mix of admiration and longing, his heart aching. She was everything he wasn’t—bright, lively, and surrounded by friends. The Marauders, her closest companions, were notorious for their pranks and teasing, and Severus was their favorite target.

“Hey, Snivellus!” James Potter’s voice boomed across the hall, drawing the attention of nearby Gryffindors. Y/N’s laughter faltered as she turned to see what was happening. “What’s it like being the biggest loser in school?”

“Leave him alone, James,” Y/N said, her voice firm. She leaned forward, her brows knitting together in defiance. “He hasn’t done anything to you.”

James scoffed, and Sirius chimed in, “Oh come on, Y/N! It’s just a bit of fun. Besides, he enjoys it.”

Severus scowled, his hands curling into fists. He wanted to vanish under the table, but Y/N’s presence anchored him. She always defended him, even when it seemed hopeless.

“Fun for you, maybe,” she shot back, her cheeks flushing. “But it’s cruel. You’re just bullying him because he’s a Slytherin.”

“Yeah, and he’s a total creep,” Peter Pettigrew sneered, snickering at the end of the table.

“Enough!” Y/N’s voice cut through the noise like a knife. The hall quieted, and all eyes turned to her. “Severus is my friend. He doesn’t deserve this.”

“Your friend?” Sirius echoed, raising an eyebrow. “You can’t be serious. He’s practically a Death Eater in training!”

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat at the accusation. “That’s not fair, and you know it! He’s not like that.”

“Then maybe he should stop acting like a weirdo,” James said, crossing his arms defiantly.

Severus felt the heat of shame wash over him. He wanted to defend himself, to yell back, but his voice was trapped in his throat. Instead, he turned away, focusing on the food in front of him, wishing he could disappear entirely.

Remus, who had been silent, finally spoke up. “Look, can we just drop it? Y/N is right. Severus hasn’t done anything to us. Can we not make someone feel terrible for no reason?”

Sirius rolled his eyes but shrugged. “Fine. Just thought we could use a little fun.”

Y/N shot Remus a grateful smile, and for a fleeting moment, Severus felt a flicker of hope. Maybe there was a chance for him, a chance to be more than just the outcast.

As the students resumed their chatter, Y/N caught Severus’s gaze. He looked away quickly, his heart racing. She was always kind to him, even when her friends were not. But the thought of her defending him only deepened his feelings, complicating everything.

After dinner, Y/N made her way toward the Slytherin common room, her heart pounding with each step. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed to talk to Severus, to understand him better. The Marauders had left her feeling unsettled, their casual cruelty gnawing at her conscience.

“Hey, Severus,” she called out softly as she approached him near a dimly lit corridor.

Severus looked up, surprised. “What do you want, Y/N?” His voice was a mix of curiosity and caution.

“I wanted to see if you were okay,” she said softly, stepping closer. “I’m sorry about how they treated you. They can be—”

“—insufferable?” Severus finished, his tone biting. “I know. But you don’t need to defend me. It won’t change anything.”

Y/N frowned, crossing her arms. “You deserve better than their bullying. You’re smarter than them, Severus. You know that.”

“Smart enough to be a target,” he muttered, his gaze dropping to the floor. “You don’t understand. They’ll never change. And neither will I.”

“Stop saying that!” Y/N exclaimed, frustration bubbling over. “You’re not a lost cause! You can be more than this.”

“What more can I be? A rejected Slytherin? The boy no one wants to be friends with?” he retorted, his voice rising. “You think I want to be in this position?”

Y/N took a step back, her heart aching at the pain in his voice. “I’m trying to help you. You don’t have to be alone, Severus.”

“Alone is all I’ve ever known,” he said, his voice cracking. “Why do you even care? You’re friends with them. You could be popular, happy—”

“I care because I see you!” she shouted, her cheeks flushed with emotion. “You’re not just some Slytherin. You’re smart, talented, and you’re my friend. I won’t let them treat you like this!”

Severus’s heart raced at her words, a mix of anger and something softer churning within him. “Y/N…”

Before he could finish, she took another step closer, her heart pounding. The world around them faded, and it was just the two of them in that narrow corridor. Without thinking, he leaned in, and their lips met in a tentative kiss.

It was electric—soft at first, then deepening as they both surrendered to the moment. Y/N’s hands found their way to his hair, pulling him closer, while Severus’s hands rested on her waist, as if he were afraid she might disappear.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Y/N searched his eyes. “See? You’re not alone.”

Severus’s expression softened, the walls he'd built around his heart beginning to crumble. “But they’ll never accept us,” he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur.

“Then we’ll show them they’re wrong,” she said fiercely, determination shining in her eyes. “I won’t let them bully you, and I won’t let you push me away either.”

Severus nodded slowly, feeling a warmth spread through him. “I don’t want to be alone anymore.”

“Then don’t be,” Y/N replied softly. “We can face them together.”

As the tension faded, a new understanding blossomed between them. They stood in silence, caught in a moment of shared vulnerability, a fragile connection that promised to grow stronger.

Days passed, and the dynamic between Y/N and the Marauders shifted as well. While Sirius and James were still quick to tease, they hesitated to attack Severus in front of her. It was a small victory, but it felt monumental to Y/N. Remus remained a quiet support, often stepping in to diffuse tensions when things got too heated.

One afternoon, as the sun cast golden light across the grounds, Y/N and Severus found a quiet spot by the lake. The water shimmered like glass, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers.

“Do you ever wish things were different?” Y/N asked, her gaze fixed on the water.

“Every day,” Severus admitted, his voice heavy. “But I don’t know how to change.”

“You already have,” she said, turning to look at him. “You’re not just a Slytherin. You’re Severus Snape, and that’s enough.”

He met her gaze, searching for doubt but finding only sincerity. “What if they never accept me?”

“Then we’ll make our own path,” she said boldly. “We don’t need their approval.”

Severus’s heart swelled with emotion. “You make it sound so easy.”

“It’s not easy,” she admitted, her expression softening. “But it’s worth it.”

As they sat together, a comfortable silence enveloped them. The warm breeze rustled the leaves, and for the first time, Severus felt a sense of belonging—a feeling he had long thought impossible. He turned to Y/N, seeing her in a new light, not just as a friend but as someone who saw him for who he truly was.

“Thank you,” he said quietly, his voice filled with gratitude.

“For what?” she asked, tilting her head.

“For believing in me,” he replied, his heart racing. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Y/N smiled, and in that moment, everything seemed to fall into place. The weight of his insecurities began to lift, and for the first time, he dared to hope for a future where he wasn’t alone.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the lake, Severus took Y/N’s hand in his. It was a simple gesture, but it held a promise—of friendship, of understanding, and perhaps something more. They sat together, watching the sun sink below the horizon, feeling the world around them

[genshin-impact-updates]

The Shimmering Voyage Vol. 4｜Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact's Version 4.0 Commemorative OST album "The Shimmering Voyage Vol. 4" is now available!

The album's three discs "Summertime Excursion," "Romance Without Words," and "Curiosites Esthetiques" feature 67 remarkable tracks composed by the HOYO-MiX team, each one an original composition from Genshin Impact.

Click below to listen to "The Shimmering Voyage Vol. 4"

Spotify

iTunes/Apple Music

[flaskoflethe]

I had the same reaction when I learned that about my surgeon! Like I knew they were one of the experts, but the difference between "globally recognized expert in *technique*" and "the person who people trust to determine if someone is an expert" is kinda crazy. It's an awesome feeling though, good luck with the surgery!

Still stunned by the fact my surgeon is supposedly One Of The Best In The World like damn I knew the NL was ahead of the curve on trans stuff but I didn't realize it was that serious. They told me he can remove the layer of the skin with hair follicles in it? He's going to move my G spot??? This man is going to do arcane wizardry on my pussy. He's going to put a bomb in there

[poisonlove]

Omg! You're taking requests!!! ME haaappy! 'cause i have one eheh

Jenna xfemreader

where you find somewhere a love letter for you, actually.. The first part is really sweet, a classic love letter but the second part is.. quite interesting: the anonymous writer describes in detail what they would like to do to you and with you.

You want to find out who the writer is but a suspiciously nervous Jenna tries to stop your "investigation".

Have a good day:)

I actually like the idea a lot. Transitioning from a romantic sentence to something more sensual is something that had crossed my mind before, but I hadn't found a prompt for it until now.

I've made a few changes, but I hope you'll still like it. Enjoy reading!

I NEED YOU | J.O

As I open the locker in search of books for the next class, I notice a folded sheet atop my science book.

Arching my eyebrows in confusion, I scan the school corridor, trying to discern the mysterious sender. The only people around seem engrossed in their cliques, completely oblivious to my perplexity.

With a mental shrug, I abandon the search and focus on the letter, smiling shyly at the unexpected gesture. In an era dominated by technology, receiving a handwritten letter has become a rare and special occurrence. I delicately grasp the letter, running my fingers over the crumpled paper that evidently forced its way through the cracks of my locker. I flip the letter several times, searching for any name on the outside, but all I see is a completely blank sheet.

"Hey y/n!" The voice of the basketball team captain, Isaac Ortega, resonates in the corridor, grabbing my attention. I turn and smile at him, considering him one of my closest friends.

Isaac's brown eyes fixate on the sheet in my hands, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Do you have a secret admirer? Uyy," he whispers, attempting to grab the letter.

With a smirk, I snatch it away, tucking it into my backpack pocket. "Mind your own business, Ortega," I say absentmindedly, rolling my eyes slightly irritated.

Isaac raises his hands in surrender.

"Anyway, see you after practice?" he asks curiously. "I think so… now I have to go, I have a class," I reply quickly, grabbing the necessary book from the locker and carelessly stuffing it into my backpack.

My eyes shift along the figure of Jenna Ortega, Isaac's younger sister, passing by us. Jenna wears her classic earphones, walking elegantly in the corridor. Dressed in ripped jeans and a red and black plaid shirt, Jenna exudes a mysterious aura. As her eyes briefly meet mine, she gives me a small smile before continuing on her way.

I knew Jenna only by sight; however, our conversations were limited.

"Hey JEN!" Isaac shouts, trying to catch his sister's attention. Jenna stops and removes an earphone, turning towards her brother. Isaac grins widely.

"Remember that you have to come to practice today… you promised," Isaac pouts, feigning innocence, and Jenna rolls her eyes, responding with a raised middle finger.

I chuckle softly.

"I love you too, Jenna," Isaac exclaims with fake sorrow, smiling and giving me a quick wink before turning away, draping his arm over the shoulders of a guy walking beside him, most likely a teammate.

I sigh and start walking towards my next class.

(...)

With a heart beating fast, I step through the classroom door, and the breathlessness betrays my sprint to avoid being late. A hurried glance around reveals a reassuring scene: the teacher hasn't arrived yet.

A sigh of relief grazes my lips, easing the tension in my shoulders. The chance to avoid the stern gaze of the teacher grants me a moment of tranquility. With a stealthy step, I head towards the farthest corner of the classroom, finding refuge near the window.

I place my backpack on the desk and sit down, releasing a sigh of frustration.

With a resignation barely perceptible, I begin to diligently retrieve the materials for the new lesson when my gaze stops on it: the letter. An aura of mystery envelops it, and the curiosity creeping inside me is irresistible. The paper, still neatly folded, lies among the books and notes, ready to unveil its contents.

With hands slightly trembling with excitement, I grab the letter, fingers gliding over the smooth surface as I observe its external appearance.

"Good morning, everyone," the voice of the literature teacher dances through the classroom walls, interrupting my brief moment of intimacy with the letter. I avert my gaze from its surface and observe the authoritative figure of the teacher starting to write on the chalkboard.

"Turn to page 75 of the textbook; today, we'll delve into Shakespeare," the teacher announces with authority, outlining the day's agenda. The succession of murmurs in the class, coupled with the rustling of pages turning, creates a vibrant background of activity as everyone prepares for the lesson.

The letter, momentarily forgotten in my hand, returns to the center of my attention with an irresistible pull.

I decide to open it.

Y/n… what I wanted to write in this letter is something quite simple: I like you, and a lot.

"So, Isaac was right," I mutter to myself.

I love everything about you; you're intelligent, beautiful, and incredibly interesting, not to mention a wonderful person. Your eyes were immediately my downfall, the way they light up when you're excited or when they gaze upon me makes me feel excited and, at the same time, as if a shiver runs down my spine.

"I seem to know her…" I think with curiosity.

You make me feel things I've never felt before in my life, thoughts for a girl that had never crossed my mind until I saw you for the first time. I still remember our first encounter, even though I was watching you from afar. We were doing gymnastics, and Jessica spilled water on you, something I still owe her thanks for.

The way you lifted your shirt to reveal your toned stomach to dry your face… it caught the attention of my eyes.

Something in me ignited.

"However… what a peculiar way to confess their feelings," I suppress a smile and continue reading the remaining lines.

Returning to things I like… your lips. Goodness, they are a daily temptation I always want to indulge in. I just want to place my lips on yours and kiss you until I run out of breath.

Your hair… it looks so soft, and I desire to wrap my fingers around it, playing or simply caressing you.

Your smile… voice, laughter… they are all things I like and want to see every day, especially causing and being the recipient of it.

Your hand…

I raise an eyebrow in confusion reading the latter.

I would love to grasp it and intertwine my fingers with yours, check if your skin is delicate, feel the strength of your large hand over mine, completely overshadowing it.

That hand I want to caress my face, running the thumb over my lower lip, gently putting the tip into my mouth, wishing for you to suck on it.

"This letter is taking a strange turn," I think carefully.

I want that hand around my neck, gripping slightly to make me understand to whom I belong, that hand that will later trail along my body with cunning and strength, slender fingers skillfully working on my flesh.

"Damn…" my cheeks flush with red as saliva begins to fade.

I want that hand to spank me if I misbehave… I want that…

"Miss l/n, could you answer the question I asked you?" The teacher's voice diverted my attention from the letter, and with flushed cheeks, I looked into her eyes, receiving a reproachful gaze.

"Can you repeat the question?" I timidly ask, nervously swallowing saliva.

"Where is Romeo and Juliet set?" she asks again. "Verona," I immediately reply, causing the teacher to blink in surprise. "Correct… well, let's continue with the lesson," she begins, and I roll my eyes in annoyance, directing my gaze back to the letter.

I want you to make me feel like no one else has made me feel: possessed. I desire your hand to possess me; I want it to be rough with me because I'm not delicate like a porcelain doll… I simply want you to use me as you please.

I cross my legs, feeling warmth in the lower abdomen.

I want to feel your fingers inside me, enveloped in my warmth, giving me pleasure until exhaustion. I want to see your eyes hooded with excitement as you continue to penetrate me with your fingers again and again, without diminishing the intensity.

I want that tongue working on my bundle of nerves; I want to feel its full length along my intimacy, making me sigh and moan until I'm breathless. I want you to put it in my mouth, letting me taste myself; I want you to keep licking even if I've already come…

I love your name, and I want to moan it every night, day, second of my life… something I already do within the walls of my room.

"Oh my God…" I bite my lower lip. "This girl is making me feel… uh…" I think to myself, unable to ignore the dampness between my legs.

I want you, I want you y/n, I desire you ardently.

—Anonymous.

I fold the letter and begin to contemplate the room, analyzing what I had read. I don't know how, but I would find out who this girl was.

I needed to know.

[latenightreadingpdf]

Between the Pages - Spencer Reid

₊‧⁺˖⋆ Masterlist ⋆˖⁺‧₊

Summary: In the university library, shy PhD student Spencer Reid has an unexpected encounter with Y/N, a popular classmate. Despite their differences, a shared interest in neuroscience sparks a captivating conversation, leading them from strangers to friends (and possibly more…).

The university library was always a sanctuary for Spencer Reid, a place where the overwhelming noise of the world faded to a hushed whisper, allowing him to lose himself among the stacks of books and journals. As a child prodigy , he was no stranger to the pressures of academia, often engrossed in his research and studies. With his signature mop of messy hair and glasses perched precariously on his nose, Spencer was the epitome of the dedicated scholar.

It was a Tuesday afternoon when the serenity of his beloved library was disrupted. The usual ambient noise was replaced by a slightly louder, distinctly feminine laughter that seemed out of place amidst the studious atmosphere.

Curiosity piqued, Spencer looked up from his book and noticed a group of students huddled together a few tables away. Among them was Y/N, a classmate whose name Spencer had often heard whispered in hushed, admiring tones around the campus corridors. She was effortlessly charming, her charisma drawing people in like moths to a flame. Spencer had never spoken to her before; he doubted she even knew he existed.

Returning his attention to his work, Spencer tried to drown out the unfamiliar noise. Yet, despite his best efforts, his mind kept wandering, intrigued by the unfamiliarity of Y/N’s presence in the usually quiet library. Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him, and he found himself discreetly observing her from behind the pages of his book.

He was mesmerized by the way she interacted with her friends, her laughter infectious and her smile radiant. Despite being surrounded by people, she seemed completely at ease, effortlessly commanding the attention of everyone around her. It was a stark contrast to Spencer's own introverted nature, his shyness often making social interactions a daunting prospect.

Lost in his thoughts, Spencer failed to notice when Y/N's gaze wandered in his direction. When he finally looked up, he found himself locked in a pair of curious eyes. Flushing slightly, he quickly averted his gaze, his heart pounding in his chest.

A few minutes passed in awkward silence before a soft voice broke the stillness. "Hey, you're Spencer, right? We're in Dr. Harrison's seminar together."

Startled, Spencer looked up to find Y/N standing in front of him, her smile warm and inviting. "Um, yes, that's me," he stammered, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... uh, I mean, hi."

Y/N chuckled softly, her laughter putting Spencer at ease. "No need to apologize. I couldn't help but notice you sitting here all by yourself. Mind if I join you?"

Swallowing nervously, Spencer nodded, gesturing to the empty seat opposite him. "Of course, please, have a seat."

As Y/N settled herself across from him, Spencer couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. He had never been this close to her before, and the proximity only heightened his awareness of her presence. He could smell the faint scent of her perfume, a delicate floral fragrance that was both intoxicating and comforting.

"Working on your thesis?" Y/N asked, nodding towards the screen of his laptop.

"Yes, I'm researching the neurobiological basis of memory retrieval," Spencer replied, his passion for his work shining through despite his nervousness.

"That sounds fascinating," Y/N said sincerely, her interest genuine. "I'm majoring in psychology, but I have to admit, neuroscience has always been a bit daunting for me."

Spencer's eyes lit up at her words, his confidence growing. "Well, if you ever need any help or want to learn more, I'd be happy to explain it to you."

Y/N smiled appreciatively, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I might just take you up on that offer."

As the afternoon went on, the initial awkwardness between them melted away, replaced by a comfortable closeness. They discussed everything from their shared academic interests to their favorite books and movies, discovering unexpected common ground along the way.

By the time the library began to empty, the two of them were so engrossed in conversation that they hardly noticed the passing time. As they gathered their belongings, Y/N turned to Spencer with a smile.

"Thanks for today, Spencer. I had a great time getting to know you."

Spencer's heart soared at her words, a warm glow spreading through him. "The pleasure was all mine," he replied, his shyness momentarily forgotten.

As they walked out of the library together, Spencer couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of connection with Y/N. Though they had started the day as strangers, their chance meeting in the library had blossomed into the beginnings of a friendship - and perhaps, just maybe, something more.

[violettduchess]

A/N: I am so happy to be able to share my gift for the lovely @ikeromantic 💜 A deep dive into your blog told me you love AUs as much as I do so I was so happy to create one for our favorite Lelouchian.

Thank you to @ikemenlibrary and @sunnyikemen for hosting and for being supportive, accommodating and all-around superstars. 💜

Clavis x Emma

Magic AU, Soulmates AU, First Kiss, Enemies to Lovers

WC: ~2k

The sun is glowing a bright lemon-yellow as Emma closes the wooden door to her shop. It’s a beautiful door, made of dark walnut and decorated with silvery moons and stars. Across the top, the words “Belle Magie” are etched into the hard wood. At night, the lettering glows a soft gold. Humming to herself, she wraps her free hand around the ornate brass doorknob and a subtle, warm orange glow emanates from her fingertips. The moons and stars flash once and she hears a satisfying, soft whoosh of magic. The door to her shop is now locked via enchantment and no one except Emma will be able to enter and poke around at all the treasures that line her shelves and counters.

Smoothing down her ochre and black robes, she carefully makes her way across the cobblestone street to the shop that is literally across from hers. Her nose wrinkles at the sign that hangs above the wooden door: “Lelouchian Enchantments” written in swirling, silver lettering that she would say is barely legible. His note, written in the same dizzying writing, is clutched tightly in her hand as she pushes open the lavender-colored door with a celestial design nearly identical to her own. But that is where the similarity ends.

Whereas Emma’s shop is neat, organized by ingredients, everything with its own place and labeled in her own very careful handwriting, his is a gigantic explosion of almost anything one can imagine. Bottles filled with liquids of all colors and bottles with questionable things floating in them, dried herbs and seeds in pots and packets, a whole section of plants that bite anyone who comes near them, not to mention odd gemstones, vibrant powders, paints and feathers. She ducks underneath the silver vines that have wrapped themselves around the wooden ceiling beams, ignoring the way they contract and rustle their leaves at her, and approaches the counter where she finds Clavis himself, carefully sorting what looks like glittery kidney beans.

“I got your missive. I believe it broke in through my window in order to deliver itself.”

At the sound of her voice, he turns, golden eyes gleaming like copper in sunlight. He wipes his hands on the folds of his pale lavender robes, grinning slowly. She is forced to admit to herself for the millionth time that Clavis is hardly unpleasant to look at, per say. But oh, how he irks her, with his smooth words, flamboyant personality and flashy enchantments. 

“Oh dearie me, when I said it was urgent, I suppose that gave it permission to cause destruction. I apologize.”

She bats away several tiny golden motes that have taken an interest in her chestnut hair and Clavis lifts his hand, wiggling his fingers in invitation. The golden pinpricks of light float towards him, circling his wrist and then solidify into a gold bracelet.

Refusing to be distracted by his tricks, she unscrolls his letter and lays it on the counter.

“Well? Where is it?”

“So impatient,” he tuts as he kneels down, lifting an ornate silver box from under the counter. It’s about the size of his hand and she can’t help but watch the way he trails his fingertips over the decorative embellishments. He has such elegant hands.

One brow arches slowly as she crosses her arms, shoving that thought away and burying it in annoyance.. “Well…..are you going to open it….?”

He sighs theatrically. “Some people have no sense of showmanship.”

Her lips quirk into a small, involuntary grin. “I’m not one of the poor suckers who come in here for your tricks and potions, Lelouch. Now open the box.”

He tilts his head, clearly enjoying how much she is trying to hide her curiosity. His hand rests on the lid of the box but doesn’t move.

“Don’t you want to know the story of how I acquired such a treasure? Why, it’s a tale of mighty heroics the likes of-”

“No. No, I do not.”

He pretends to be offended but the light in his eyes gives away the truth. 

“But it involves a goblin merchant from Benitoite and a heartsick wizard from the Jade Forest and-”

“And a dragon and a sea witch and a bloody one-eyed pegasus. Clavis, just open the box!” 

He laughs and it is the needle deflating the balloon of irritation that had overtaken her. She’s never met anyone with a laugh quite like his. It’s almost musical, but in the way of the inviting, simple melody of a children’s song. Something that stays with her, imprinting itself on her mind.

“Such an impatient pumpkin.”

“Don’t call me pumpkin.” The response is automatic, a reflex built over the long while she has known him. The first time Clavis had seen her do magic and seen the yellow-orange glow her magic emanates, he had bestowed her with that aggravating nickname.

Nimble fingers curl over the lid of the box and then he lifts it, revealing a round, milky-white stone nestled into a bed of black velvet. It reminds her immediately of the moon against a starless night sky.

She tilts her head quizzically. “This is the all-power Amor Lapis?” She had imagined something called the “Love Stone” being far more ostentatious, something pink or red and wild with sparkles. Something that would take her breath away. This stone, while pretty in its own way, looks rather ordinary.

“Such a skeptic.” He lifts the stone from its box, holding it in the palm of his hand. “It will only glow when two soulmates have found each other.” He lifts his gaze to her, his smile playful. “Know any perfect couples?”

She rolls her eyes, reaching out to touch the stone. “There’s no such thing as a perfect-” Her fingers brush Clavis’s palm and suddenly, the middle of the white stone begins to brighten, a soft glow radiating out from the center.

She jerks her hand away even as he nearly drops it. Her heart roars to life, knocking wildly around inside her chest.

Neither of them move and then, at the same time they both do, Clavis uncharacteristically fumbling to put the stone back in its box and she taking several steps back, one hand curling into the velvet folds of her cloak.

“It’s broken! It’s clearly defective!” Why does her voice sound just a bit shrill to her ears?

He clears his throat. She’s rarely seen him so rattled.

“It….oh dear…..maybe it is.” He frowns, staring down at the stone, at the dull, cream color of it, no glow to be seen. Then he draws in a breath, one that even she can hear shaking and looks at her. There is something unfamiliar in the depths of his sunrise eyes.

“We should try that again.”

“Try what again, exactly?”

“Touching.”

She should be balking at the very suggestion. 

She should already be halfway out of his crazy shop. 

She shouldn’t be stepping closer again, her gaze jumping from the stone back to him and then back again. 

And she really really should not be saying-

“Alright. To-to prove its deficiency.”

The smooth, dark counter is a barrier between them, one that feels like armor, something that will protect her although what she needs protecting from is uncertain, some nebulous thing forming on the edges of her consciousness, some unknown dream rising from the shadows of slumber.

Clavis then holds out his hand, palm up, his gaze meeting hers. Her heartbeat drums wildly through her veins, a rhythm she has never known before. Slowly she lifts her hand and places it in his. His skin is cool and smooth, soft in a way she would not have expected. Emma can feel his magic just here, flowing through him. It feels shockingly calm, not the wild chaos she thought it might be but soothing, like the scent of lavender, the soft pastels of the sky at sundown. She can feel her own magic responding, warming as it flows through her.

Beneath their joined hands, the Amor Lapis begins glowing again, a soft white light like a tiny flame igniting inside the stone. Her heartbeat roaring in her ears, she slowly withdraws her hand from his and watches as the glow dims and then, when they are no longer touching, winks off like a tiny candle snuffed out by a breeze. When Emma has gathered enough courage, she raises her gaze from the milky-colored stone to Clavis and her heart trips over its own beat. His eyes rival the glow of the stone, something new burning in their golden depths. The light of revelation. The light of truth. The light of desire.

When he finally speaks, his voice sounds soft, breathy in a way that causes Emma to bite the inside of her lip at the sound.

“Dearie me,” he murmurs, his gaze locked with hers, bright with an intensity that feels almost physical. “If that happens when we touch hands, imagine what might happen if we actually kiss.”

The word lingers between them, shimmering in the air like desert heat over sand dunes. Emma unconsciously licks her lips and Clavis’s gaze drops there, fast as quicksilver. His own lips part slightly as he stares at the full curve of her lower lip, the sweet bow of the top. His own voice, his own words, echo like thunder between them. 

….if we actually…..

….kiss….

Emma hasn't moved, hasn’t said a word, her soft eyes wide as a deer’s startled by a sudden, unexpected sound. And then he realizes what he said, what he has actually suggested and shame floods him, a tsunami of embarrassment that washes away the glimmer of hope, the clouds of desire that had overtaken him. 

What the hell was he thinking, talking like that? As if someone like her, someone so intelligent and kind and talented, someone beautiful inside and out, would ever be soulmates with someone like him. Forget soulmates, she doesn’t even like him. 

He hangs in head, soft twilight locks falling across his forehead, his knuckles white as he grips the counter with trembling hands. Stupid. Idiot. Never good enough. Never smart enough. Never ever would he be enough for someone else.

“Nevermind, I lost myself for a moment.” The words are acrid on his tongue and he feels the hot wash of color staining his cheeks and neck. “Obviously, there’s no way–”

Her hands are suddenly gripping those warm cheeks, pulling him towards her, forcing him to lean over the counter, above the stone, where she presses her lips to his. The Amor Lapis explodes with radiance, a tiny supernova encased by smooth stone. Even with closed eyes, Emma notices the brightening of the light but right now, she does not care. Because right now, she is holding Clavis’s face in her hands, and she is falling falling falling into kissing him.

At first he freezes, shock turning his blood to ice water in his veins. But then he realizes her mouth is really there, pressed against his, and then the burst of light automatically closes his eyes and the shock begins to thaw.

Now all he feels is the warmth of her kiss, the tentative movement of her lips and he gasps, reaching across the counter to touch her. Cradling each other’s face, they kiss, at first slowly, drinking in the fragile newness of the sensation, the unveiling of the truth that has been growing in both their hearts, quietly. Steadily. And then novelty slowly turns to pleasure, to desire. He grows bolder, sliding a hand down to the nape of her neck, holding her there so he can part her lips and sink into the sweet taste of her. If this is a dream, may he never wake up.

Emma sighs against him, a sound that echoes the twinkling of diamond-bright stars in a black velvet sky. All this time….all this time she’s been falling in love and never even realized it.

Minutes pass. Or maybe hours. Neither of them can say when they finally pull away from one another. Breathless, light-headed, floating, they both glance down at the Amor Lapis. The stone is luminous, glowing like a tiny moon dropped from the heavens. 

And it will continue to give off its beautiful light, for the rest of their days.

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