#did he sneak into her room like a thief

[brotherslayer]

still thinking about how Derrick canonically stole things from Penelope's room

[bookwormjust]

Archeron sisters revelation (established relationship with Azriel, twin sister of Feyre)

The River House was alive with the sound of crackling flames in the hearth and the distant murmur of the Sidra beyond the windows. The Inner Circle gathered in the grand room, its high ceilings and elegant furnishings only adding to the tension that hung in the air. Feyre sat near Rhysand, her eyes wary, while Cassian and Azriel lingered by the wall, arms crossed. Mor and Amren watched with curious expressions, though there was a hint of unease beneath their calm exteriors.

You sat quietly, your gaze fixed on the dancing flames. Being Feyre’s twin, your role in the family had always been one of quiet sacrifice. While Feyre hunted in the woods, you had taken on a different kind of burden, one that involved sneaking through the shadows of the village, accepting dubious jobs, and dealing with people whose morals were as twisted as the thorns in the forest. You had done whatever was necessary to keep your family alive, but it was not something you ever spoke of. Only Feyre knew the extent of what you’d done—the things you had to endure to keep your sisters and father fed and safe.

Nesta’s voice, sharp and filled with disdain, cut through the low chatter. “You’ve always been a liar and a thief. And now, you’re nothing but another pretty fae with nothing to offer but deceit.”

Elain, as always, stood beside Nesta, her expression a careful mask of neutrality. She rarely spoke against Nesta, preferring to stay in her elder sister's shadow. But now, she nodded slightly, her gaze cast down, as if Nesta’s words were just another truth she quietly accepted.

You bit back the sting of Nesta’s words, the old familiar anger simmering beneath your skin. It was a feeling you had grown accustomed to over the years—Nesta’s biting comments, her constant judgment, and the way she seemed to look through you as if you were less than nothing.

“I’m done with your self-righteous act,” Nesta continued, her voice rising. “You’ve always been like this, taking the easy way out. Stealing, sneaking around, getting into trouble, while Feyre—”

“Enough!” Feyre’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. She stood, her eyes blazing as she looked at Nesta. “You have no idea what she has done for us.”

Nesta rolled her eyes, scoffing. “Oh, please. We all know Feyre was the one out there, hunting—”

“Yes, I hunted,” Feyre interrupted, her voice trembling with the weight of unsaid truths. “But do you know what she did? Do you have any idea the lengths she went to? While I was in the woods, she was in the villages, taking on jobs no one else would. Stealing, yes. Swapping. Dealing with people who would have slit our throats if they thought they could get away with it. She did whatever she had to do, while you sat by and judged us both.”

The room fell silent, the crackling fire the only sound as Feyre’s words hung heavily in the air. You looked at Feyre, surprise and gratitude mingling in your chest. You had never expected her to speak up like this, to defend you so fiercely in front of everyone. Nesta’s face paled, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to form a response.

Rhysand, who had been listening quietly, leaned forward, his gaze intent on you. His violet eyes softened, and a rare, solemn respect flickered there. “I didn’t know,” he said softly, his voice filled with a quiet reverence. “Thank you, for everything you did. I see now that it wasn’t just Feyre who sacrificed for the family. You did the same, in your own way.”

Nesta looked as if she had been slapped, her eyes narrowing as she turned her gaze back to you. But this time, there was no more fire in her voice, only a cold, hard wall of resentment. “I didn’t ask you to do any of that.”

“You didn’t have to,” Feyre shot back, her voice firm. “She did it because she loved us. Because she was willing to get her hands dirty in ways you never would. She didn’t have to be asked.”

Rhysand nodded in agreement, his expression still thoughtful. “It’s not easy to do what you did. To make those choices, to bear that weight in silence.” He paused, glancing at Feyre before continuing, “You both are more alike than I realized.”

Elain looked between Nesta and you, her eyes softening slightly, though she remained by Nesta’s side. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of your unspoken sacrifices finally laid bare.

Azriel had been silent throughout the confrontation, his shadows whispering around him, restless and agitated. His gaze was locked onto you, the dark depths of his eyes filled with a storm of emotions—anger, pride, and something deeper, something more primal that simmered just beneath the surface. He stepped forward, his wings twitching slightly, his posture taut as if barely containing the urge to cross the room and wrap you in his embrace.

He turned his attention to Nesta, his voice cold as steel. “You have no idea what she went through. What she endured while you sat in your father’s house, warm and safe. She fought for you, risked her life for you, and all you can do is spit venom.”

Nesta glared at Azriel, but she held her tongue, seemingly recognizing the shadowsinger’s temper was not something to challenge lightly.

Azriel’s gaze softened as he looked at you, his voice gentling but still fierce. “You didn’t deserve to bear all that alone,” he said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down your spine. “I should have known. I should have been there for you.”

You shook your head, offering him a small, weary smile. “It’s not your fault, Azriel. I didn’t want anyone to know. It was my choice.”

Azriel crossed the room in a few swift steps, his presence a wall of strength and quiet protectiveness. He reached for your hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “Well, now I know. And I’m here. I won’t let you carry anything like that alone again.”

The bond between you thrummed with his emotions, the quiet fury at Nesta’s cruelty, the fierce protectiveness that made his shadows coil around you as if shielding you from the world. He lifted your hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to your knuckles, his eyes never leaving yours.

“You are stronger than any of us,” Azriel murmured, his voice so quiet only you could hear. “Stronger than you’ll ever give yourself credit for. And I am so damn proud of you.”

Feyre moved to stand beside you, her hand resting gently on your shoulder. “We wouldn’t have survived without you,” she said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You’ve always been there for us, even when it meant putting yourself in danger. I’m so sorry it’s taken this long for everyone to see it.”

The room was silent, the weight of Feyre’s words settling over the gathered company. Cassian and Mor exchanged looks of quiet understanding, and even Amren nodded slightly, her sharp gaze appraising you with newfound respect.

Rhysand stood, offering you a small, sincere smile. “You are a part of this family,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of a promise. “And we are grateful for all that you have done.”

Nesta said nothing, her expression closed off as she turned away, a stubborn set to her jaw. But you no longer cared for her approval or her understanding. You had your sister’s love, the respect of those who mattered, and Azriel by your side—his hand still holding yours, his touch a constant reassurance.

As the tension in the room slowly ebbed, you felt a quiet peace settle over you. The shadows of your past, once kept hidden and buried, had finally been brought to light. And though the scars remained, you knew you were not alone in bearing them anymore.

Azriel’s thumb brushed over your knuckles, his eyes never leaving yours. “You’re safe now,” he whispered, his voice a solemn vow. “And I will always be here to remind you of that.”

You leaned into him, your heart full, and let the warmth of his presence and the strength of Feyre’s support wash over you. Whatever challenges lay ahead, you knew you could face them. Because for the first time in a long time, you didn’t have to face them alone.

[aothotties]

Sneaky Link w/ Reiner

Warnings: MDNI, Swearing, Reiner is rough, public sex, multiple orgasms, squirting, overstimulation, praise, pet names, creampie, Reiner is a pantie thief.

Word count: 853

_________

You sat at the party drinking and talking with your friends. You had decided to come to Eren’s party but unfortunately you had to go separate from your boyfriend.

You and Reiner had been dating for months but decided not to tell the friend group so you wouldn't make it awkward.

He came to the party later and you couldn't lie he looked so damn good. But you tried to make sure you weren’t staring.

As the night went on you kept drinking and dancing with your friends. Eventually you were approached by someone.

After talking for a minute you learned his name was Floch.

“So how do you know Eren?” he asked.

“We met in college” you responded.

Floch was flirting HARD and you tried your best to keep the conversation casual.

“So does a pretty girl like you have a boyfriend?” he asked.

You wanted to tell him yes, because you did, but Eren was standing close and you were scared he would hear and start asking too many questions.

“Um, no, im single” you responded while looking away knowing damn well you were lying.

Before he could respond Eren stepped in and saved the day.

“Floch leave her alone, she doesn't want you” he said while grabbing his shoulder.

“I think she can answer for her self” he responded.

“I'm actually not interested” you said with an awkward smile.

Floch looked defeated and walked away with his head down, you felt bad but you were taken.

Throughout the night you and reiner kept sneaking little stares at each other but you had to keep is cute and not get caught.

You slipped away from the party for a bit to head to the bathroom. After you were done you walked back down the hallway and tried to head back, but instead you were being pulled into a room.

At first you were scared and thought maybe it was Floch and you were ready to fight

But as you were about to throw the first punch your boyfriend stood in front of you.

He pushed you against the wall and his lips crashed onto yours.

He was kissing you passionately, his tongue slipped into your mouth and intertwined with yours. His large hands were all over your body, messing up your dress.

“Fuck you look so good tonight princess” he said inbetween kisses.

“You look good too baby. Way too damn good” you said as you wrapped one of your legs around his waist.

“Ive been thinking about ripping this dress off you all night” he said as his hand traveled up your thigh.

“So rip it off” you said plainly.

That was the last thing you remember before Reiner fucked your brains out in this random room.

“Yeah , right there daddy!” you whined.

He had you bent over the dresser in the room. Your dress was bunched up at your waist and your panties were around your ankles.

Reiner was fucking you into the dresser. His hips were snapping at a rhythm that had you seeing stars.

“You feel so good princess” he said as he bullied into you.

You moans were loud and you were secretly thanking the stars for the loud music.

Your eyes rolled to the back of your head and you reached back to push Reiner a little bit but he twisted your arm and pinned it behind your back.

He picked up his speed and you felt his tip brushing your cervix.

Your thighs started shaking and you knew you were close to cumming. Reiner knew you were close and started going even faster causing you to quickly release all over his thighs.

“Good girl” he praised.

He grabbed a handful of your hair and pulled you against his chest, the new angle had his dick hitting your g-spot.

“Baby -fuck- I-I’m gonna cum again” you moaned.

“Yeah baby, cum for me again” he responded.

You were on cloud 9, the alcohol mixed with the pleasure had you in a trance. Before you knew it that knot formed in your stomach again.

“About to c-cum baby” you whined.

Reiner didn’t respond and just kept fucking you, you could feel him twitch inside of you and knew he was close as well.

“Cum on me princess, make a mess for me” he said while his other hand wrapped around your throat.

You bit your lip and closed your eyes. The knot snapped and you came again all over your boyfriend.

This drove Reiner insane, he bent you back over the dresser and grabbed your hips. His grip left marks in your skin.

“Need to feel it inside me baby cum in me” you said as you turned your head to look in his eyes.

He groaned in response and threw his head back.

You felt his warm seed shoot inside of you and fill you until it dripped out. He slipped out of you and took your panties off.

“Let it drip out of you, show Floch that this pussy is taken.” he said before kissing you on the forehead and walking you out the room.

Rachel

[artist-issues]

I Saw Wish

And it was the worst animated Disney movie I’ve ever seen. I have to watch it again before I can get into the nitty gritty details. But I don’t need details to sum it up, because my dad actually said it perfectly as we left the theater:

“It was like someone who didn’t really understand Disney movies tried to make a Disney movie.”

Both the form (the technical arts of filmmaking) and the content (the morals, values, and themes of the movie) were totally horrible.

I don’t know who’s fault it was. Jeremy Spears was in the storyboard room and Mark Henn and Eric Goldberg did some 2D animation. But they must have gotten outvoted, or they must not care anymore.

Because holy cow. Here’s some stuff that’s just off the top of my head.

SPOILERS. Not that it matters, because nothing interesting happens in this movie.

The writing? Terrible. Ninety percent of it feels like the characters are filling time with quirky one-liners that are trying too hard to be appealing, then failing, then taking you out of the movie. The jokes aren’t funny. The characters just respond to each other in conversation to check a one-liner box. The other twenty percent is whole conversations repeating tell-don’t-show exposition that has already been covered, usually twice, in previous scenes. Like if in Tangled, every scene had included some variation of Rapunzel saying to friends and enemies alike, “I have to see the floating lights so I’m sneaking to the castle with this thief who wants a mysterious tiara I hid from him. Don’t tell my mother, she’s a bit overprotective!” Over. And over. And over.

The character motivations are way too broad. Asha? Her dream is just “that everybody around me gets to be happy.” That’s it, in a nutshell. No deeper exploration of that. Nobody asks, “why do you care so much?” Nobody tries to convince her she should look out for herself, and then she proves she was right all along. The King? We are told (not shown) that he doesn’t want anyone else’s dreams to be “destroyed.” But he in no believable way expresses that that motivation is still what’s driving him during the movie—what’s driving him is just a plain old lust for power, no nuance.

By the way, the whole premise of the movie? Undercooked. Half-baked concepts strung together with no definitive meaning. Therefore, it’s not believable. Example: The characters act like the wishes are beautiful—well, actually, no, this movie doesn’t know how to show, so there’s not a lot of meaningful acting—the characters just tell us that wishes are “the most beautiful part of someone,” and that’s why it’s worth going through this adventure to give their wishes back to them. But there’s no proof of that in the movie. In fact, it directly kicks it’s own legs out from under that idea, because it has every character who gives up their wish forget that part of themselves. Asha’s grandfather has forgotten his wish, but that doesn’t make him any less “beautiful.” She, and everyone, still treats him like he’s this wonderful old man who deserves the world, who everyone loves…but why is he so appealing? If he “gave up the most beautiful part of him?” The only character who is changed by their lack-of-wish is the Sleepy-analogue character…who is just sleepy, which is described as “boring.” But nobody else who’s given up their wish in the whole kingdom acts like that. It’s just him. Also, the King acts like it’s so important to protect the wishes from destruction. But what does destroying a wish look like? That actually happens to Asha’s mom. Her wish-bubble is broken, literally, and she just says she feels grief. But like. Why? She never remembered it in the first place; it had been missing from her life for years. Also, what the heck is a wish?! It seems to range from broad concepts like “inspire people” to “fly.” Just “fly,” like a bird. The desire to levitate off the ground is the most important, beautiful essence of one background character. Like, what?! But no character ever has the why behind their wish to make us care.

I could go on and on about that point. Like, think about Disney movies that wrote the book on how to make movies about characters with wishes. If Ariel were in Wish, her bubble would look like “dancing and learning and exploring on the Surface with someone who understands her.” But we believe that that is her real, genuine wish, and that it matters to her, because we are shown why being understood is so important to her. Because it’s missing from her life. There’s a scene where she explores a boat alone, and even her best friend doesn’t get excited about it with her. Her dad won’t listen to her point of view. Her siblings don’t ask her about her life even when they think she’s in love. She wants what she wants because of pieces of her life that we are shown.

We are never shown why Asha’s grandfather is obsessed with inspiring people, so we have no reason to believe it, or care whether he gets it or not. We can’t feel disappointed when his wish is said to “never come true,” like we did when Quasimodo was abused by the people he wished to join. We can’t feel elated when he finally “gets” his wish, like we did when Simba smiles on Pride Rock remembering the same way he used to as a cub and claims the crown with a roar. We don’t have anything to hang on to, nothing to relate to, nothing to grasp and feel with the characters. So we don’t feel, because they didn’t put the work in to help us feel. They just say, “the mom’s feeling grief. Feel grief.” And expect us to do the work ourselves. I have to stop harping on this point and move on.

But The main point of the movie is very broad because of that lazy premise, and it’s barely reinforced by any kind of appealing storytelling. If I had to guess, the point would be “Keep wishing for more even when it’s hard.” But the story they told to communicate that meaning was so unimpactful. Asha doesn’t have a dream of her own that’s such hard work to accomplish! (Neither does her grandfather; his wish is “to inspire people.” And at the end, we’re supposed to see him strumming a guitar and believe it’s inspiring? We were never shown how he worked hard to learn how to play the instrument. Or that he carved it with his own hands, or anything like that. So there’s no meaningful demonstration of working hard for it or achieving your wish even if it’s far out of reach.) And nobody except the king is trying to take wishes away from anyone, and he just does it literally, after they voluntarily give them to him, so there’s not even any impactful demonstration of “don’t let anyone tell you your wishes are dumb or unachievable, or stop you from reaching them.” Even when he takes them away, it’s just because they…could, someday, be used to threaten his kingdom in a vague, really unlikely way. There are so many things you could do with “keep wishing for more even when it’s hard.” For instance; you could say the main character has always been afraid to dream (wish for more), because maybe when she was a kid something wonderful almost happened but ended in tragedy, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t want much because if you don’t dream you’ll never be disappointed. She takes no risks, and has to learn that sometimes trying and failing is worth more than slogging through life all self-protective. I mean, the pieces were right there. She has this line about her dad, and how she wished he would get better but then he died. She has lines about how nobody should have to live with grief?? Then that’s never addressed again! It’s just a throwaway emotion-moment with no buildup or follow-through to tie it to and support that main theme.

The compositions of too many shots were so terrible. Characters got cut off in weird places. One shot has Asha dead center, with her grandfather on the left side of the table and her mother on the right, having a family dinner with a super exposition-heavy conversation that is meant to be emotionally charged. But despite everything else being perfectly centered, half of her mother’s body is chopped off. The movie’s shot like someone’s mom who doesn’t understand technology tried to take a video with her phone.

The charm of the art “style” wears off basically immediately. I know what they were going for. I see the sketch lines and watercolor textures. This is maybe the first time Disney ever failed to accomplish a visual “look” that turned out good. Everything looks dull. Muted. De-saturated. Slightly out of focus, but not in a cool Spider-Verse way. The sets or backgrounds are lazy; at no point does the scenery look complete; big, empty, boring spaces that do not create any kind of “stage” for impactful moments. The rendering looks unfinished. When Asha’s hair moves during her belting of the “I Make This Wish” song, it’s bad. It’s unnatural. It flops in a way that doesn’t make sense for the weight of her hair. The most impactful visual moments come from the villain, and they’re moments when he looks way too unhinged for the kind of line he’s saying.

There is no interesting character development. Asha goes from believing everyone is basically good and their wishes deserve the chance to come true , to….that, again. That would be fine, she could be a static character, if she proved contrast-characters wrong, in a believable way. But she never does. Because no other characters argue with her except the King. And it goes no deeper than “everyone’s wishes are basically good and they deserve the chance to make them true” vs. “nuh-uh, because I get to decide what makes them deserving.” The King doesn’t have any kind of interesting development, either. They don’t expand on his tragic backstory—it consists of one drawing of him near a broken boat, and a few images of the corner burned off of his family taoestry. They never say “King Magnifico wished for _____ and it was taken away!” They literally never tell you what his wish or dreams were, or what motivated him to create the whole kingdom that the movie’s premise sits on. So there’s no convincing sense of progression, how he got this way, why he’ll keep going “so far.”

The pacing is weird. It undercuts every moment that could have any kind of emotion behind it. One minute Valentino is suavely bouncing around, then he’s given a two-second beat to blubber with badly-animated tears that he’ll miss Star—then he instantly gets to have another funny one-liner so we forget he might’ve been sad a second ago. We’re clearly supposed to believe that the King and his wife are devoted to each other, and his turning evil was such a big betrayal, but there’s no time and no impactful evidence for us to believe either of those things. And even if we did, the moment he’s defeated and trapped in a mirror, and begs to be let free, the Queen kind of shrugs it off, makes a forgettable one-liner, and tells them to throw him in the dungeon. And he doesn’t look remorseful. And we don’t even get to assume he’s embarrassed or emotionally devastated that he’s come to this—because the last thing he says is “nooo, the dungeon is so smellyyy!” Like this is a half-baked LEGO short that can’t get emotionally deeper than what an actual 3 year-old’s parents might be okay with.

And that’s the worst offense: The movie is not genuine. It works hard for nothing, and it has no vulnerability. It just uses old Disney standbys to pretend to be vulnerable. Have the music swell and the characters gasp and the songs drip emotion when characters are meant to be saying or doing something emotional.

But truthfully, think of all the Disney movies you’ve ever seen with the hardest emotional moments. The sheer joy of Genie when he realizes he’s free. The anguish when Elsa thinks Anna’s been frozen forever, or when Anna thinks she’s dead. The trauma when Simba loses Mufasa. The longing and dreaming of Ariel when she reaches up out of her grotto. The sense of foreboding when Mother Gothel says “fine, now I’m the bad guy” or the heartbreak in Rapunzel’s eyes when she thinks Flynn has abandoned her, or the shame on Aladdin’s face when Jafar reveals he’s a street-rat, or the horror of cruelty when the stepsisters rip up Cinderella’s dress, or Kala’s tears when Tarzan leaves her in the treehouse, or Sarabi’s tears when Simba comes back, or Mulan’s father tossing aside the sword and token of the Emperor to embrace Mulan, or heck, even just Lilo pushing Stitch in the woods and telling him “get out of here.” This movie has no moments like that. It has moments you can tell that the filmmakers wanted to hit like that—but they don’t.

Because no work is put into building them up. You know how much Simba loves Mufasa, because you’ve been watching their chemistry more than any other character all the way up till he dies. You know how much Mulan wants to please her family because she spends all of Act I desperately attempting to do that. You know Quasimodo believes the world below is beautiful and wants them to accept him because he has interesting things like—talking to gargoyles, convincing us that he’s lonely; building a scale model of the townspeople, convincing us that he sees them in a beautiful way and wishes he were beautiful in more ways than one like them, too.

Right down to the facial expressions, none of them are as anguished, happy, sad, excited, silly, in any convincing way like all of Disney’s other movies. Asha’s “low moment” when she’s afraid her “wish” hurt everyone else (still vague on what that wish ever was) lasts two seconds, she’s not crying, she’s barely sitting with slumped shoulders, and her family barely spend two seconds comforting her. They basically just say, “aw, no, it’s not y fault, it’s the king’s.” And she’s like, “yeah okay” and that’s that. It’s like the animators we’re afraid to animate really intimate emotions on the characters’ faces. The voice actors, too.

And the whole movie is peppered with Easter eggs to past Disney movies. But all that does, if you really know Disney beyond the visuals, is make you think of how hollow this movie is in comparison. How much you wish you were watching Cinderella or The Little Mermaid or something with depth and vulnerability instead of Wish.

[tales-of-wocdes]

How would the caretakers react if the silver protectors are talking about how they keep losing coin and other shiny objects? When they do get around to finding MC they see that they've made a secret room holding a variety of shiny object like the coins, rocks, kitchen utensils and daggers the MC thought were really pretty.

Let's assume dragon heritage for shiny collection :D Just for fun, let's add in the "you can't see me, I can't see you" wing thing.

I assume caretakers mean Lexia and Havard, so I will change it a little bit since I don't think MC could pull off a mass thievery spree without someone noticing :D Not yet at least.

We can consider this a sort of prelude to the end of this ask.

For some reason, this got long :D Let's call it a thank you for 2500+ likes and 100+ re-blogs!

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

Guard duty was boring.

"Lots of stuff been going missing lately." Hybert said.

"Really? Is that why I can't find my helmet? We don't usually wear them inside the orphanage, so... Do we have a thief problem?" Kathil asked.

The two of them were guarding the Orphanage main courtyard gate. The one that lead outside. A rather important place... yet boring.

"It would seem so... though the orphanage is very secure." Hybert pondered. "If there are thieves about, does't that mean we failed?"

Before Kathil can answer, a sound like metal clinking against the floor made both Protectors turn.

A small form dashed along the side of the courtyard and to a corridor, covered loosely by their wings. Every once in a while, another clink sounded along the corridor.

There is a trail of coins and other knickknacks trailing after the small figure. A trail clearly leading towards one of the empty rooms.

"It might be a bit simpler than thieves..." Kathil said, "And we probably haven't failed..."

A lot of coin has been going missing, as well as a great many shiny things. Things that are very much like the stuff in that trail.

"Best get the Head Custodian." Hybert said, watching MC keep sneaking not either seeing, or ignoring, the two Protectors.

"Don't be hasty, I wanna see what MC is doing first. And Lexia's face when she finds out." Kathil said.

-----------

"What do you mean MC keeps sneaking off?" Havard asked.

"I mean MC wraps their wings around themselves and then pretends to not see anyone, or that anyone can see them. It is rather adorable." Lexia said with a grin.

Havard rubbed his forehead. "And what does this have to do with the recent thefts?"

"MC keeps taking shiny things, and then "sneaks" though the hallways to an empty room to build a nest full of pretty things. It is rather impressive really, how one tiny kid can gather so many things." Lexia said. "Coins, pieces of armor, half the spoons, forks and knives, some shiny stones, a set of new frying pans." Lexia counted with her fingers.

Havard rubbed his forehead harder. "And how did MC have the time to do all that?" He lifted his gaze to Lexia. "You are watching them, right?"

"Well sure, but I let them sneak away from me every once in a while, since they seem to enjoy doing it... I do follow them but..." Lexia squirmed a bit. "A bit in independence is a big deal for that kid and it is safe inside the orphanage... It's not like there are actual thieves about...." She keeps squirming.

Havard had an idea why. She looked guilty. Which meant...

"You knew." Havard said.

"Well... I...." Lexia took one look at Havard. "OK I knew. It was hilarious. You have no idea the audacity of that kid. Or maybe it's just a lack of common sense? Still, no shiny thing is safe."

"Lexia..." Havard sighed. "It's still theft. You should not allow it."

"I know, I know.. it's just so cute." She sighs. "MC made a nest you know.. or maybe a hoard?"

Havard's eye twitched. A bit. He was curious.... also worried. Lexia had said it included forks and knives? That was not safe.

Havard sighed. "Fine. Show me."

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

It was impressive, just as Lexia had said. A hoard.... How did MC get all of it in here?

A hoard of coins, and pieces of armor. A pile. Multiple piles actually, the kitchen utensils had their own. There atop the pile of coins was a small form with wings. MC was watching their piles of treasure. At least MC had left the forks and knives in a separate pile.

How much coin could one child get? True everyone was well paid but still... Thoughts for later.

Bandaged hands clumsily kept arranging a helmet so it shone in the sunlight. MC seemed content.

That was the part that made Havard stop. A content little face as MC admired their treasures. Not afraid or panicked. Not having an episode. Content. Having a good time with something they found pretty.

MC was content... and having fun. MC did probably not even know there was something wrong about taking people's stuff...

He sighed again. Then waved a hand at Lexia to stay. She nodded and smiled. She already guessed what was about to happen.

Havard entered the "hoard room" and walked over to MC. The child spun to look at him...

"Nice hoard." Havard said and smiled. "We need to talk about a few things though."

Havard sat down on the pile of coin.

"You see, there is this concept called stealing....."

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

"Heard the Head Custodian talked to our little thief." Kathil said.

"Yeah." Hybert said. "I saw Lexia very amused about something."

"Apparently the kitchen utensils and other important stuff has been returned to their owners. The coin however..."

Hybert turned to look at her. "What about the coin?"

"The kitchen is making and giving out "hoard cookies". If you want your coin back, you need to bring MC cookies in exchange."

"So... we have basically have a cookie based extortion ring, enforced by the Head Custodian?.... Because MC is cute."

"Pretty much yeah."

[faerybones3]

Savior Complex

part 1 | read on ao3

Raphael x fem!Tav

cw: piv sex, vaginal fingering, orgasm delay/denial, biting, haarlep's questionable attemps at seduction

Tav woke to the sound of gently running water. She lifted her head from the lavish bed she found herself in and looked about the room. As her body shifted beneath crimson bedding, she realized with a start that she was naked. Only then did awareness come crashing down on her. 

The prison

The frozen chains

Raphael

She swung her feet off the side of the bed and made a second assessment of the room. She spotted a pile of her clothes laying on top of an ornate table, dry and folded neatly. Cautiously, she peered around the tall pillars and corners of the room, but it was eerily empty, silent but for the ceaseless running water from the faucet in the bath. She was alone. 

Though she had been in this very room once before, it did not soothe her unease at finding herself here again. Last time, she had come of her own volition. But she had the upper hand no longer. He had brought her here this time. 

She crossed the room to the arched door that would lead her out of this place. Her bare feet were cold against the marble floors. The cloudy barrier that separated her from the rest of the house was in place when she approached. Her fingers tentatively reached out to touch it, but were met with resistance. Her palm lay flat against the barrier, then curled it into a fist as she pounded on it, grunting in frustration when it didn’t budge. 

As she turned back to face the boudoir, she resigned herself to a bath. If she couldn’t leave the room, she might as well make use of it. She’d give Raphael an earful when he inevitably returned though, hopefully sooner rather than later. 

The water enveloped her body like a soft caress when she stepped in. She ducked her head under to fully submerge herself and basked in the warmth, running her fingers through her hair. When she surfaced, she immediately had the sneaking suspicion that she was being watched. 

When she turned around, she saw Raphael standing by the door, yellow eyes ablaze, shamelessly admiring her exposed body. He wore his usual blue and red doublet, but she noticed curiously that several buttons were undone at the top, revealing much of his chest. His wings flexed as he sauntered over to where she stood in the bath, his beautiful face sporting a fiendish smile. As he got closer, though, she noticed something . . . off about him. His hips swayed a little too much, and his face looked noticeably younger. 

This was not the devil she knew.

She rolled her eyes. “Hello Haarlep.”

Haarlep did not slow their approach. Their clothes, Raphael’s clothes, were gone from their body in a blaze of sulfurous smoke as they stepped down into the bath to join her. 

“Did I fool you, little thief?” 

“No,” she responded. “It’s quite a poor copy, really.”

Haarlep’s lips turned down into a pout. When she blinked, she was suddenly looking at her own naked self, staring back at her from the other side of the bath. Haarlep, wearing Tav’s form, slowly lifted their hands to cup their breasts, letting out an exaggerated pitchy moan as they did so. 

“What about this one?” They asked. When she did not respond, Haarlep continued. “He quite likes this glamour, you know.” 

They began to saunter slowly over to her once again, and she backed away. She could only go so far though, until the backs of her knees hit the steps and she stumbled, her arms flying behind her to the edge of the bath to keep herself steady. 

“You knew that, though,” Haarlep purred. “I told you you would feel it.”

She narrowed her eyes but did not answer.

Haarlep had donned Raphael’s skin once again. They were so close now that they practically hovered over her. As they brought their face closer to hers, there was a palpable shift in the air around them both, a pleasant fog wrapping itself around her mind. Haarlep brought a single claw up to her face and dragged it lightly down her cheek. 

“I must thank you, my sweet thing. My master has been so much livelier ever since I took on your form. I’ve never seen him so . . . dominant before.”

Every unpleasant thought was slowly leaving her mind in the lust-filled haze that Haarlep had put her under. She giggled, leaning into them, welcoming the arousal that tingled her skin and sent warmth pooling between her legs. 

They shifted away from her face for just a moment, but it was enough for her head to clear just the smallest bit. She shook her head and gathered herself, glaring at Haarlep as they smirked down at her. She grew suddenly self conscious, and adjusted her arms slightly in the water to cover her breasts.

“Stop that,” she said.

“But we had so much fun last time, little thief. Do play with me again.”

She scowled. Haarlep once again brought their face to hover inches away from hers. Their arms came to rest on either side of her, caging her in. Their noses brushed. Haarlep stuck out a forked tongue and licked a stripe from her chin to her eye, only pausing when the sound of footsteps could be heard just outside the door. 

With impeccable timing, the real Raphael entered the boudoir. He looked as handsome as he ever did, wearing his human disguise. She could see him out of the corner of her eye as he stepped up to the edge of the pool. His weight shifted to one hip and he crossed his arms as he stared at her and Haarlep’s compromising position in the bath. 

Tav lifted one hand, pressed her palm against Haarlep’s face and shoved them away. 

When she met Raphael’s gaze, he had the gall to look mildly amused. 

“Begone, Haarlep,” he said evenly, keeping his eyes on Tav. 

Haarlep pouted again but, not one to refuse their master, slowly stepped out of the bath. They threw a wink behind them as they walked out the door.

Once Haarlep was gone from the room, she met Raphael’s gaze for a moment before stepping out of the bath to dry herself. He said nothing as she toweled her hair dry, then walked over to perch herself on the edge of his bed.

“You know, you didn’t have to lock me in here. I never would have left without saying goodbye,” she said to him with a saccharine smile.

He gave her an incredulous look and took a step towards her. “And what about a proper thank you for saving your delicate little life?”

She raised her eyebrows but found that his face held a serious expression. She stood from the bed and gave an over dramatic bow for him, bending at the waist and lifting her arms up to be perpendicular to her body. “Thank you most enormously for your unending graciousness, your most esteemed excellency,” she performed. 

He seemed to approve, his lips twitching slightly at the corners. She sat back down on the bed, arms coming to rest behind her so she sat at an angle. She didn’t miss the way his eyes traveled greedily down her exposed body, sending a shock of lightning through her core. 

Though the effects of Haarlep’s charm were wearing off, Tav could still feel it in the prickling of her skin and the heat that still lingered between her thighs. With Raphael now before her, practically fucking her already with his eyes, she had to fight tooth and nail to resist reaching out to touch him.

“So what’s it like,” she dared. “Having the real me naked in your bed instead of the copy?”

She knew she had hit a nerve when he lunged for her. Flames engulfed his body, and his human guise melted into massive wings, blood red skin, and sharp teeth. In a blink, he was hovering over her. He had yet to touch her, but his face was dangerously close to hers. 

“You contemptuous creature,” Raphael said softly, his breath ghosting over her cheek where Haarlep’s claw had grazed. The intensity of his gaze heated her from the inside out. She had almost forgotten just how beautiful and lethal he was like this, wearing his true skin. She knew she should be afraid of him, and on some level she was, but the look in his eyes gave away his true intention. She decided to try her luck again. 

“I felt it, you know. Every time,” she breathed. “And I knew it was you.”

The lines were so blurred between them, neither knew which one of them wanted the other more at this point. They were constantly circling each other, dancing to the tune of their lust for the other but never actually doing anything about it.

She didn’t know who initiated first, just that in the next moment, his lips were on her neck, fangs grazing along the column of her throat. His mouth moved to the spot between her neck and shoulder and he bit her, hard. She cried out, a jarring mix of pain and pleasure as he lapped at the blood that spilled from her. When he had his fill, he pulled away and met her gaze, his eyes blown wide with desire. 

He pushed her shoulders down until they touched the bedsheets and came to hover over her on the bed. 

“Open,” he demanded, and she obeyed, parting her lips for him. He lifted two fingers and they entered her mouth, pushing past her teeth. Her tongue swirled around his digits and she felt the unmistakable growing hardness of him as he pressed against her hips, no doubt thinking of all the other creative ways he could put her tongue to good use. 

After several thrusts of his fingers in her mouth, he removed them and used one knee to part her legs. With a wicked smile, his hand then snaked down between them to find the part of her body she wished for him to touch the most. 

She gasped as two of his fingers entered her. 

“So desperate,” he crooned smugly.

She writhed underneath him as he continued to work his fingers inside her, her mind quickly emptying of every thought that wasn’t him. His hand fucked her roughly, fingers curling inside her to reach the spot that would send her over the edge. His thumb began rubbing little circles into her clit. She arched her back and moaned his name into the space between them. 

“Fuck,” her eyes fluttered shut as she neared her climax, pins and needles pricking at her skin. “I’m-”

All too soon, Raphael stilled his thrusts and removed his fingers from between her folds. Her eyes flew open and she whined pathetically. For a moment, she thought he would leave her like this, a needy mess on his bed, as he stood. But then his hands moved to untie his breeches and she leaned back on her elbows to watch him, still breathing heavily from her denied orgasm. Her eyes widened and she licked her lips when he pulled his cock free. A drop of precum glistened at the tip. 

Tav scooted herself back so she was fully on the bed, backed up against the pillows, and he quickly followed, crawling over her once again. She reached between them to grasp his length in her hands and slowly pumped him once, twice, three times, earning a low growl from him in return. When she released him, his own hand took over and he positioned himself at her entrance, guiding his tip agonizingly slowly across her folds to coat himself in her arousal. 

“Please, Raphael,” she moaned impatiently. A deep groan reverberated through his chest and without warning, he slammed himself into her wet and waiting cunt all the way to the hilt. She let out a choked sound and arched her back into him, her breasts brushing against his chest. Her hands reached up to grip his horns and she sobbed as he set a brutal pace, both of them overcome with their need for the other. 

She reached a hand down between them to her clit, desperate for release. Before she could touch herself, Raphael grabbed both of her arms and pinned her hands to the mattress above her head. She growled at him in frustration as he fucked her in earnest. 

“Please,” she cried again. She would have been embarrassed of her whining, but he was fucking her so deliciously that she didn’t even have room in her brain to care. 

“Is this how you prayed to me, Little Mouse?” He drawled in between harsh thrusts. “All alone in that prison, begging me to come save you?” His lips ghosted over hers and his tongue darted out to taste her, swiping over her teeth. Her tongue tangled with his and she tasted iron. 

After one particularly punishing thrust, she screamed. 

“Yes!”

Satisfied with her answer, Raphael released her hands and brought his own to her aching core, rubbing tight circles against her clit. She mewled underneath him, her climax fast approaching once more. The smell of him enveloped her, cherries and musk. 

“Fuck!” she gasped. Electricity coursed through her body and her cunt fluttered with white-hot pleasure as she came around his cock. He worked her through her orgasm, his pace growing languid. She could tell he was nearing his own climax. 

She drew her fingers through the soft brown hair at the nape of his neck and pulled him down to her. Their lips met once more and she kissed him with fervor, their teeth knocking together clumsily. She swallowed his deep groan as she pulled his bottom lip between her teeth and sucked. 

With a final drive of his hips, he released inside of her, hot ropes of his spend coating her walls. When she had milked him of every last drop, he pulled himself out of her and collapsed on the bed beside her.

They both laid in silence, relishing in their lingering ecstasy. When Raphael rose from the bed a moment later, he tucked himself back into his trousers and looked down to where she lay, still catching her breath. She caught his eye and lifted herself up onto her elbows.

“How was that for a thank you?” she said with a sultry smile, batting her lashes at him. Her knees buckled just slightly as she stood, but she quickly recovered. 

His eyes devoured her, lingering on the wetness between her thighs and the bloody mark on her neck, but his only response was a devilish smirk.

She scoffed. “What a gentleman you are.”

She made to brush past him but he caught her arm and pulled her to his broad chest. Cherries and musk assaulted her nose as he leaned down to brush his lips against the shell of her ear. A shiver ran down her spine, out of fear or arousal, she didn’t know.

“I’m starting to think you enjoy the taste of punishment, Little Mouse,” he muttered. 

She furrowed her brows at him playfully. 

“That was hardly a punishment, Raphael,” she breathed. 

His arms snaked down her sides and in one fluid movement, he lifted her and threw her down onto the bed again. She yelped in surprise.

“My dear, I never said I was finished with you.”

[kiy-anna]

Am I Feeling Love?

Part 1 (You Are Here) Part 2 Part 3a Part 3b

Characters: Azul Ashengrotto x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: From the moment Azul Ashengrotto heard of soulmates as a small child, he had a vision of a beautiful life with someone who was meant for him - regardless of what he was or would become…

Word count: 5.3k+

Warnings: Some Yandere elements

Notes: I wanted to thank @yanderloversworld on tumblr for the yandere!Azul w/ Soulmate S/O headcanons/backstory that I saw for inspiring this piece. I’ve never written anything like this before, but I wanted to give my hand at it - especially since it involves my favorite cecaelia character from twisted Wonderland. You can check it out here: https://www.tumblr.com/yandereloversworld/718766985773760512/yanazul-with-a-soulmate-so?source=share

The two songs used to inspire this story:

Am I Feeling Love? (The Thief and the Cobbler/Arabian Knight Soundtrack): https://youtu.be/NXYnClTZ4QY

One Day She'll Love Me (The Emperor's New Groove Soundtrack): https://youtu.be/8Sv3ECj7PdY

***I have an update! Part 2 now Available to read on my side blog @ashensgrotto***

***

I close my eyes and see his eyes

So soft and warm and clear

I dream awake of holding her

I dream that she’s right here

I sense in all his silences

More than his words could say

‘Don’t fight your feelings’ says my heart

A heart I will obey

***

“Azul… we need to talk.”

The sound of his mother’s broken voice pulled Azul’s attention to the larger cecaelia as all eight of his tiny tentacles stilled, each and every one of his appendages dropping an assortment of books, quills, and shells to the grotto’s floor as the silver-lavender haired boy looked upon his mother. The typically confident cecaelian now appeared scared and upset; her pale baby blue eyes were wide with worry and her ruby lips were set in a straight line - her heavy-set body swayed with the current that entered their home while her black-colored tentacles fidgeted nervously, the lavender underbelly of each appendage curling into itself repeatedly before releasing its grip on emptiness.

Azul stood, his own appendages curling inward, “Can this wait, momma? I’m very busy at the moment-”

“I’m afraid it can’t, baby,” his mother entered his room before perching herself on his bed, tapping the seafoam cushion, “come here.”

Azul sat beside his mother, looking down at his hands before looking up at his mother, who watched him with interest.

“Zully… the neighbors have told me they’ve seen you sneaking out at night,” his mother spoke quietly, “and it has been apparently going on for a while - without my knowledge. You and I both know that night is a terrible time to be going out, especially alone - you’re smart enough to know that you could’ve been seriously injured or killed by the creatures that lurk just beyond the reef of our city. Do you know how heartbroken I would be if I lost you?”

“I know, momma… but, I promise I have a good reason!”

“What good reason would you have for sneaking out in the middle of the night?”

“My soulmate.”

His mother looked taken back, her hand reaching to clutch the Nautilus shell necklace that rested on her collarbones as her already wide eyes widened further, “...S-Soulmate?”

“Yes!” Azul’s powder-blue eyes sparkled like gems in a treasure chest as a huge grin spread across his features, “I overheard some of the merkids talking about them at school a few weeks ago - o-of course I had initially thought they were talking about me, since I seem to come up in conversation here and there… but still! Oh, momma! To know that there’s someone out there that is literally MEANT to be WITH ME! Me! Azul Ashengrotto!”

“Zully, now wait a minute-”

“At first the concept did fascinate me,” Azul continued, slowly standing and moving to the opposite end of his room while ignoring his mother’s words, “and what intrigued me more than anything was that my soulmate would love and cherish every last thing about me - not the way the other merkids see me as; a pathetic, fat… ugly crying octopus fry that can’t even excel in studies or athletics. The silly little octo-twerp that’s an ink spiller.”

“Zully, you know that’s not-”

“But you know what momma? Thinking about my soulmate has made the days so much easier, even when I’m getting bullied - I think about them seeing what those other merkids are doing and they put a stop to it, saying things like, ‘Leave Azul alone! He’s not a pathetic little octo-twerp!’” Azul turned to his mother again, his tentacles writhing with excitement, “So, to be ready to meet them, I’ve been working to increase my knowledge - I want to be so powerful like the great Sea Witch herself that my soulmate will know who I am by sight alone! I’ve studied every book I could get my hands on and have memorized every single potion recipe there is available - even learning how to improve its effects and prolong them even! I’ve even studied every law text there is in the Atlantica public library - I have every law memorized word for word.”

His mother sighed, running a hand through her silvery locks, the motions creating little bubbles that appeared as she let out a sigh, “Azul, there’s something you should know-”

“As for the sneaking out,” Azul continued, throwing his hands behind his back as his fingers twisted together while he rocked back and forth on the edges of his eight appendages, “I was searching for my soulmate. I don’t know if they are here in the Coral Sea or not-”

“Azul, please listen to me-”

“But I wanted to see if I could find them. The first few nights after learning about their existence, I was having trouble sleeping - so I started doing a short swim to clear my head. I promise I wasn’t going too far away from the house! However, on those walks, it got me thinking that maybe instead of sleeping, I should be searching for them. There was no better use of my time than to strive for a better life with someone who must sense my loneliness like I sensed theirs…”

“...If they weren’t so rare, baby.”

Azul snapped to attention, his eyes wide, “W-What?”

His mother rested one hand on her knees while the other rubbed at her forehead, “Zully, I know and understand your longing to belong and to have a friend - trust me, I’ve been there. However, you can’t fixate on a single being that you hope to encounter at some point in your life. Finding that so-called ‘other half’ is like - well - like the story of the mermaid princess and her longing to be with a human. It’s a rare occurrence that only happens once in a millennium if not longer. Many times, people - humans, fae, and merfolk alike - often settle for someone they are content and happy with, someone that isn’t their other half.”

Azul stared in shock, inky tears threatening to spill down his chubby cheeks, as his hands balled into fists, “No! No! That isn’t true! What about you and daddy when he was alive?! Both of you were soulmates!”

“No we weren’t… At least, I don’t think we were,” Azul’s mother came forward, resting a hand gingerly on her son’s shoulder, “Anyone can be happy with or without their soulmate, Azul. There’s no reason you should go to such lengths to be with someone who may not even exist. You may not even meet them in this lifetime, either…”

“THAT’S NOT TRUE!” Azul pushed her away, anger bubbling up as his tentacles writhed in anger, his vision becoming blurry as ink spilled down his face as he snapped at his mother and guardian, “HOW DARE YOU!? You DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT the CONNECTION BETWEEN SOULMATES! THEY FEEL AS I FEEL! THAT CONNECTION IS WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE!! An UNBREAKABLE BOND that CAN NEVER BE SEVERED!! And how DARE you CHEAT on your OWN SOULMATE!”

“Azul! Now wait a minute!” his mother raised her voice, “I’ve been around the bend a few more times than you have and know about these sorts of things. I WILL NOT ALLOW this behavior to continue in my house!”

“Fine! Then I’ll leave!”

“Azul! Where are you going?! Azul!!”

But the little cecaelia was gone, swimming as fast as he could away from his mother’s typically loving embrace. 

‘How could she?!’ he mind was running as he sped up to get further and further away from his home, ‘How could she say that? Why momma… why?!’

He was sniffing hard when he arrived at his hidden octopot, big ugly fat tears of black rolling down his chubby cheeks while mucus dribbled down his nose, running into his open mouth as he gasped out big grotesque sobs. He pulled himself along enough to climb into the pot, his appendages pulling him into the confined space as comfort slowly surrounded his shaking form. One tentacle came forward, wiping at the tears in his eyes as Azul allowed his hearts to calm down. 

He wrapped his arms around himself as he looked out into the darkness of the Coral Sea; the pale moonlight reflected off the caverns that surround Azul’s hiding spot, the water growing colder and colder with each passing hour as several sea creatures passed over - not that Azul noticed though. Normally, he would have been interested in what creatures came out at night - but the words his mother spoke forced a jolt of pain on all three of his hearts.

“You can’t fixate on a single being that you hope to encounter at some point in your life,” her words echoed in his mind over and over, “Finding that so-called ‘other half’ is like - well - like the story of the mermaid princess and her longing to be with a human. It’s a rare occurrence that only happens once in a millennium if not longer. Anyone can be happy with or without their soulmate, Azul. There’s no reason you should go to such lengths to be with someone who may not even exist…”

‘What if she’s right?’ he thought, his tentacles tightening around his body, ‘What if I never find them? What if they think the same way she does? What if… what if they’ve already been taken from me?!’

His eyes narrowed as a darkness slowly filled them, glaring out into the cruel twisted world from the darkness of his octopot. No, even if his soulmate was already claimed he would’ve known - he would know if they were, he’d felt it; the tangling of another soul within his if his other half were to be mated to another without his consent. However, that hadn’t happened yet.

…for now.

Azul curled deeper into himself, his thoughts growing darker and darker as he made plans to continue his search for his other half; his beloved soulmate. He wouldn’t give up the search, even if he died trying. He wanted to see them; see what they looked like and to hear their sweet voice, to feel a sense of belonging… to protect what was rightfully his.

***

I'd never imagined before that the world could be turned on its head

I'd never have thought to be here in this place

I'd never have dreamt that in love I'd be lost and so easily led

I guess I was caught by that hint of a smile on her face

***

“Azul-chan, are we almost finished here?” a figure on the cecaelian’s left muttered, “I’m bored.”

“Floyd,” the figure on Azul’s right spoke up, murmuring and pressing a finger to his lips, “There are still some students that need to be housed. Just be a little bit more patient.”

“Speaking of which,” Azul eyed the two carefully, “Any news from our sources, Jade?”

“It’s rather difficult to track down something when we ourselves don’t know what we’re looking for,” the second figure - Jade - answered softly, “A description usually helps in these circumstances, Azul.”

“Perhaps,” the cecaelian shrugged indifferently, “however, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what I’m looking for, myself.”

The two second-in-commands looked at each other, confusion crossing their features.

Ten years had passed slowly since that terrible day when Azul’s mother planted the first seeds of doubt into her son’s head, her chiding and the doubts never leaving him completely. However, that did not stop him from continuing his search for his other half - exhausting himself beyond belief. By the time Azul was twelve - nearly five years following his discovery of the existence of soulmates - he had searched every crevice of the Coral Sea with no luck; it was also around this time that he met the Leech twins - Floyd and Jade. 

Jade was the oldest of the two by a few minutes and was very resourceful as well as very soft-spoke and courteous; his younger brother, Floyd, on the other hand was unpredictable due to his mood swings - he could be interested in one thing one minute and grow bored of it the next. The two moray mers had come across Azul during his younger days when they were in the same class together, watching with awe as his eight appendages hovered about his hidden grotto, writing inscriptions on shells and flipping through pages of grimoires. Originally, they weren’t sure what to make of him, but now that they knew about his capabilities from stories they heard about someone granting wishes for a price - the two were now invested in keeping Azul close to their sides.

And vice versa.

Eventually, the question of why he was doing it came up; Azul took the time to explain the story about how he had first learned about soulmates and how he had been searching the past five years for his, eventually coming to the conclusion that his other half was nowhere in the Coral Sea.

“I have searched every nook and cranny of these waters and have yet to find them,” Azul explained, pouring ingredients into a cauldron as he spoke, “Thus, I’m ‘using my resources’ to spread out the search for my other half.”

“So, some of your deals include gathering any information about a particular person whom you’ve never met nor spoken to?” Jade asked, very intrigued by Azul’s train of thought.

“Hah… sound boring,” Floyd chimed in, reclining atop of one of the rocks in the grotto.

“It’s more interesting than it sounds,” Azul answered, popping a cork off a bottle and dumping the contents into the cauldron as the liquid turned from pale pink to eerie green, “besides, the sooner I find them, the better off they’ll be. However, the problem here lies that if they’re not in the Coral Sea - then where are they?”

Neither of the twins could supply an answer.

It was also around this time that Azul’s appearance had also changed. Baby fat melted and hardened into muscle while his gut and belly dissolved into toned skin, chubby cheeks evolved into high cheekbones; his face sharpening into arched brows, thin lips, and a pointed nose - though his eyes, now filled with knowledge and pride, remained the same. Gone was - in Azul’s opinion - the fat crying octo-twerp of his youth as a handsome, defined sea witch stood in his place; a perfect figure that his soulmate would be proud of once they set sights on him.

The dramatic weight-loss and muscle built scared, not only Jade and Floyd, but also his own mother - whom he did speak to on seldom occasions due to her connections as the owner of the Atlantica Grotto Bistro, which was slowly becoming a local hot spot and where Azul worked full time as a waiter and assistant manager. It was also where he would lure unsuspecting victims - mainly those from his youth or clients with means - into signing his newly-perfected golden contracts, sealing their powers away for his own in exchange for whatever it was that they wished for. Of course, Azul’s mother never suspected a thing about her son’s side business - now a bit preoccupied with the courtship of an older squid mer who had slowly made a presence in her life as well as teaching Azul the fundamentals of building his own business.

When Azul, Jade, and Floyd reached the age of sixteen, they were invited to attend Night Raven College - a boys’ prestigious school for young mages. Azul’s mother had been proud of Azul’s accomplishment and Azul, himself, was secretly thankful that he would be given the chance to explore a different world versus hearing things through the grape vines from his sources. It was during his first year of attending that he made a name for himself, following practically in his mother’s and the Sea Witch’s footsteps; he was now the headwarden and the owner of the Mostro Lounge that his dorm - Octavinelle - operated on the school property. He also was the student others went to when they needed help or had a wish that only he could grant. Jade and Floyd both helped as well, taking his place into luring potential clients into his clutches.

Now, the three of them were entering their second year at NRC - and Azul was barely hanging on by a thread. For the past year on land - thanks to the potion he created that would allow himself, Jade, and Floyd to attend the school as humans - Azul had used his network of informants to extend his search for his other half.

He never forgot the promise he made to continue his search for his soulmate - the contracts were just a starting point to his grand scheme for searching for the person who would love and cherish him as no other could. By building a name for himself, Azul essentially had been given enough money to spend as much as he pleased for information about any leads and his extensive network of informants were at his beck-and-call should he need them to snoop out any potential tips he heard. He had cleared out both Harveston during winter break the previous year and the Queendom of Roses as well as the Shaftlands the previous summer before he was summoned to return to Night Raven. Sunset Savanna would be next on his list during the winter break this year and he would attempt Briar Valley over the summer.

But even that wasn't soon enough it seemed.

Azul’s spirit was practically crying out with each failed search, lead, and tip - nearly to the point that his soul was exhausted and he found himself hearing his mother’s chiding words in his inner ear again. But he was stubborn - incredibly so; and he made plans before leaving his home city again to extend any knowledge to him from outside the school’s barriers.

Azul sighed as the last first year was placed into their dorm, forcing a smile as he addressed his new students, crossing his arms over his chest, "New students! I congratulate you on your achievement. As the dorm head of Octavinelle, I am honored to have the opportunity to support you in what I hope will be a fulfilling campus experience.”

"Hey, does anyone know where the headmage went?" Azul arched his brow as the dorm head of Pomefiore, Vil Schoenheit, spoke, “He disappeared midway through the ceremony…”

"Some headmage he is," Idia Shroud, the head of Ignihyde, grumbled from his tablet that hovered in the chamber.

"Maybe he had a tummy ache?" the ever naive dorm head of Scarabia - Kalim Al-Asim - asked with a shrug.

The doors burst open as the head mage himself appeared, shouting, "I most certainly did not!"

"Ah, speak of the devil," Riddle Rosehearts, the dorm head of Heartslabyul, grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

"If you must know," the headmage continued, pulling a cloaked figure along with him, their slender wrist tight in his grasp, "I was searching for the new student who failed to show for orientation. Come along, you are the only one who hasn't been assigned to a dorm - step up to the dark mirror and be quick about it. I'll hold onto your weasel."

Azul watched as the headmage pulled the figure along, causing them to stumble slightly, before he released them. The cloaked figure lifted their head, taking a tentative step towards the mirror as the headmage held tightly onto another being - a little gray cat creature with burning fire in his ears with eyes wider than saucer plates. Something about the shy figure had drawn Azul utmost attention as they stood before the dark mirror.

“State your name,” the mirror spoke, its voice deep and dark.

“I’m (Y/N),” you spoke, so quiet that everyone had to strain to hear them.

“(Y/N)... The nature of your soul is…” the dark mirror hesitated, narrowing its pitch-black eyes before announcing, “...unclear to me.”

“What did you just say?” the headmage crossed his arms over his chest as a murmur rippled through the crowd.

“I sense no magical power from this one,” the dark mirror answered, voice grim, “Soundless. Colorless. Shapeless. Utterly vacant… Therefore, no dorm would be appropriate.”

With his final answer, the headmage let out a cry, “Are you suggesting the black carriage went to recieve a person who cannot even use magic?! That is absurd! The student selection process has not erred once in its century of existence!”

As head headmage continued to squawk in surprise, Azul nearly felt his heart stop in his chest when you looked in his direction.

As soon as your eyes locked with his, Azul knew.

His soulmate was here.

You were a pretty (h/c) with tints of (f/c) weaved into locks that framed your soft features hidden under the black and gold hood of the ceremonial robe you wore, the exotic eyes of (e/c) filled with wonder and surprise - with an underlying hint of fear, likely due to the shock of being called ‘abnormal’ by a piece of looking-glass. You looked about a few inches shorter than him - a perfect height for him to rest his chin upon your head - as a pleasant pink painted your cheeks, turning them into red delicious apples that tempted Azul to take a bite, and your jaw dropped slightly, lips parting with surprise. 

Azul knew that you could feel the strong connection between your two souls - the pull he had searched the past decade for finally presenting itself in the shape of you. He found himself unable to look away, staring at you with quiet longing and lovestruck clearly written across his features.

“Azul?” Jade snickered, “What is-”

“I think octy just found what he was lookin’ for, Jade,” Floyd snickered, his eyes shifting between the startled first-year and their lovestruck boss.

“I quite agree,” Jade’s voice came out sickly smooth as his eyes shifted between the three of them, “this has just gotten interesting…”

Azul hardly noticed though the twins’ snickers in his ears, his thoughts were already running wild with ideas of how he wanted to spoil you - his found other half, his precious mate. 

The problem now was that you were a non-magic user and a female to boot - nevermind that you had just been put on display like an exotic animal. The whispers that echoed in the chamber forced you to look away from the lovestruck second-year, your body quivering with fear and unease as he himself was brought back to reality.

‘How DARE they insult her while in my presence?’ Azul felt a growl bubble up in the back of his throat, his pale blues shifting from the crowd to his mate to the headmage and back again as his hands curled into fists under the sleeves of his cloak, ‘And how DARE the dark mirror put (Y/N) in this situation!’

“Headwardens,” the headmage’s voice echoed in the chamber, silencing every whisper as he took control of the situation, “please escort your students back to the dorms as the orientation is now complete.”

“What about (Y/N)?” the voice of Coach Vargas spoke up, “Surely you are not expecting someone like her to remain here?”

‘And you’re first on the list of people who will suffer my wrath for saying something so hostile to my mate,’ Azul thought, thinking of what the best way would be to attack the coach indirectly.

“This is a most unfortunate turn of events, yes,” the headmage agreed, tapping his chin in thought, “Due to you being female and that you are a non-magic user, I’m afraid I cannot allow you to attend Night Raven College. You seem like an amicable young lady, however this is an all-boy’s school and I cannot admit a student - male or female - with no magical ability. But fear not, the dark mirror will see you safely home.”

‘NO! You CAN’T!’ Azul was barely holding himself together at this point - he had just found his soulmate and now the world wanted the two of them to be separated forever?! He would not allow it! 

Before he could act on impulse, the mirror’s deep voice echoed in the chamber, “There is no such place.”

“What?!” Crowley squawked again as murmurs rose from the crowd yet again.

“There is no place in this world where this soul belongs,” the dark mirror answered again, “None.”

“H-How can that be?!” Crowley asked, his hands shaking with an inner rage, “My, but today is a veritable cavalcade of impossible phenomena! This has never happened throughout my long tenure. I must confess I am at something of a loss.”

Azul could sense the sadness radiating from his mate as well. Were you disappointed that you couldn’t return from wherever you had come from? And if so, why would you want to go back if now you knew of his existence?

Perhaps a little persuasion was needed…

Azul smiled darkly, before taking a step forward, clearing his throat, “Headmage Crowley, I understand that all of us are at a loss of what to do with our strange guest - however, may I offer a solution to our little problem?”

“Master Ashengrotto,” Headmage Crowley crossed his arms over his chest, “I’m not certain what you mean. We must send (Y/N) back to where they came from.”

“And how do you propose we do that?” Azul countered, shrugging while keeping his eyes trained on the headmage while he faked a painful look, “It is easy to return us to our homes, but we have no idea where she comes from - or if we can even get her back.”

“T-There must be a way though… right?” you spoke up, your eyes pleading with Azul’s.

“I hate to agree with Azul, but he’s right,” a tan-skinned, dark-haired figure spoke up, “If this herbivore is from another world entirely, the chances of getting them back are slim to none.”

“Leona is quite right on the money with that one,” Vil answered with a nod.

Azul smiled, knowing that the ripples of shock and disbelief were now falling onto the headmage for being incompetent in dealing with this matter. He couldn’t turn (Y/N) away now that Azul had spoken up with two additional dorm heads also taking his side.

“What do you propose then?” Headmage Crowley asked, eyeing the headwarden of Octavinelle uneasily.

“Octavinelle, as I’m sure you remember, has plenty of rooms for rent,” Azul answered, turning to (Y/N) with a reassuring smile, “As the dorm head, I will gladly take (Y/N) into my dorm where she can stay during her time here. If she’s agreeable, she can work within the Mostro Lounge to pay for a place to sleep and to have food in her belly.”

“I’m not sure, Master Ashengrotto…” Crowley spoke, rubbing his chin with a clawed gloved hand, “a single woman in a dorm filled with boys is highly improper…”

“Improper would be the term used for the predicament your so-called black carriage put you in,” Azul snipped, his eyes flashing dangerously at the headmage, “Besides - the rooms we rent are on the opposite side of the aquarium in our dorm, quite a ways away from the rooms the dorm members reside in for that particular purpose. We also have security within our dorm and I’m usually the one to deal with matters of… problematic nature.”

“Perhaps, however-”

“Consider it one less problem on your plate as well. If (Y/N) is brought to my dorm, I will take full responsibility for her - and I might be able to find a way to get her home in the process as well.”

“You what?” your eyes widen with hope, your hand reaching out and clasping the edge of his robe.

“I have an endless network of resources at my disposal, my dear - I can likely find you a quicker way to get home than you can with anyone else here,” Azul answered confidently, thinking, ‘Though you won’t know that since I found you. I’ve searched high and low for you, I’ll be damned if I let you slip from my grasp so easily.’

“Very well then,” Headmage Crowley let out a sigh, “(Y/N), are you agreeable with staying with the Octavinelle dorm and working at the Mostro Lounge until Master Ashengrotto can find a way to return you to your world?”

“Of course! Thank you so much, Mr. Ashengrotto!” you beamed with joy.

“Azul,” the dorm head answered with a nod, “please, call me Azul.”

“Azul, then.”

The human-cecaelian smiled sweetly at his soulmate and offered an arm out, his hearts practically bursting with joy when you slipped your own arm through his - the two of you now link together via soul and side by side.

***

Azul brought you to the Octavinelle’s renting dorm after ordering Jade and Floyd to start the welcoming party for the first years as well as to get them ready for tomorrow night.

“Do what you need to do,” Azul smiled at the two.

“Of course.”

“You got it, boss!”

When the two of them were out of earshot, you looked up at Azul, “Thank you so much for your help back there. I wasn’t certain what was going to happen if you hadn’t stepped in.”

“Likely the headmage would have thrown you out of the college and left you to fend for yourself,” Azul smiled, “but I, on the other hand, would never allow something so pitifully disgusting happen to you.”

You giggled, the sound pulling on Azul’s heartstrings.

‘She’s here, she’s real,’ his thoughts quickened as the two continued their leisurely pace, ‘I knew that she was real, that she and I would meet. It will only be a matter of time now - once she confesses her feelings for me, I will make her mine.’

The two stopped outside one of the doors, Azul pulled out a key ring and unlocked it before ushering his soulmate inside.

“You can stay here,” Azul answered, peering around and wishing that it was cleaner than it was now, “There’s spare blankets in the closet in case you get cold during the night and fresh towels in the bathroom. I’ll have Jade or Floyd bring you a spare pair of clothing since you’ve brought nothing with you.”

“Oh, you don’t have to…”

“I insist,” Azul answered, “What sort of host would I be if I didn’t provide the best service?”

You giggled again, your smile even wider, “Well, thank you again Azul.”

Each time you spoke his name, Azul’s heart gave a leap of joy. 

He coughed, blushing slightly, “W-Well then, should you need anything during your time here, just let me know.”

“Of course, but - may I ask a question?”

“You already have,” Azul  snickered at you.

Your pout was adorable that Azul burst into laughter before you asked, “Why were you willing to help me? A complete stranger?”

“I have a gift for sensing someone in need,” Azul answered, his grin spreading wider over his features, “I have helped many poor unfortunate souls in my short lifetime and intend on continuing to offer my services in exchange for something.”

“What sort of payment?”

“Depends - but it isn’t something you should worry about. I like to keep a few things in my personal life private - regardless of my relationships with other people.”

“Of course, I can respect that.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Azul reached out, pushing the hood down and stroking your  soft hair gently, “Why don’t you rest now? I have to attend the welcome party for the new students and make sure no one is destroying anything in my absence. I will have Jade or Floyd bring you something to eat in a little bit along with that fresh change of clothes. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss our contract.”

“Contract?”

“I always have my employees sign a business contract before they begin work - regardless how long they work in the lounge for,” Azul answered, “It helps to have things in writing when dealing with problems later down the road.”

With a nod, you grinned, “Thank you again, Azul-san.”

The cecaelia couldn’t help himself as he leaned forward, pressing a kiss to your forehead before pulling away and leaving his other half to stare at him in shock and surprise. 

When the door clicked behind him, Azul pulled the keyring out and locked the door to prevent anyone from entering and you from leaving. His eyes gleamed menacingly in the low light as a black gloved hand stroked the doorframe gently.

‘At last… you’re here with me, my precious pearl. Forgive me, but now that I have seen you… I can never let you go…’

[queenmuzz]

Five Stages of Grief: Chapter V

Acceptance

Read it HERE on Ao3

He splashes some water on his face and checks himself in the mirror. He ought to shave, or at least trim his beard, but there isn’t that much time. In an hour or two, everyone will be up, and he needs to be gone by then.

It’s better this way he thinks as he changes into one of his robes, I can’t give them the chance to talk me out of this. They need Rook back as much as he does, and if it goes the way he theorizes, he can’t risk getting any of them caught up. Lucanis is needed for his god killing skills. Neve is needed when they inevitably mount a counter attack on her own city. Taash is needed for killing Elgar’nan’s archdemon. Harding is needed to help strategize and keep everyone on the same page. Rook is needed by everyone for her courage, her tenacity, her devotion.

And him?

What use is he without Rook? At this moment, not much. Best he can say is that he’s crafted a tool that will get her out of the fade, if he’s lucky. And if he gets sucked into the Fade in her place? That is good enough for him. A cowardly man who is terrified of the very thing he’s fascinated by, it will be a fitting end.

No, such thoughts did not become him, he tells himself. Wallowing in self-pity is not what she would want him to do.

He reviews his mental checklist. He’s gotten his affairs in order. The dagger is in his possession, safely hidden under his robe. His letter to Zea has been carefully written, and sealed in red wax, the imprint of the skull brooch to match her letter.

Speaking of which, he must address the only obstacle to his plans.

“Manfred!” he calls and the creak and clatter of bones signals the arrival of his ‘son’ as Rook had announced that blessed day. He wishes he hadn’t come to think of Manfred like that, if only to make this less painful.

“I’m planning to head to the Memorial Gardens.”

The skeleton’s eyes rotate in surprise and excitement, no doubt because neither of them have made their regular trek to that place in over three weeks, and Manfred so loves to travel there.

“Unfortunately I must insist you stay here.” And Manfreds jaw drops with a confused hiss.

“ WHY ”

“Because I need you to be here when Rook returns.” It’s not a lie, per se, Rook will be returning, with or without him, and it has the desired effect. The idea that Manfred’s beloved ‘ROOK !’s impending return is enough to get him excited enough to not ask questions of why exactly he cannot accompany Emmrich to rescue her. He happily accepts the brooch that Emmrich pins on his lapel, and promises to give it to Rook when she returns.

“You will keep her safe, my boy?” Emmrich asks, as he pats Manfred’s head and there’s a clattering as he nods profusely. It’s a comfort really, knowing that the spirit adores Zea as much as he does, and she adores him.. It makes what he plans to do a bit easier.

“Well, I must be off.” He grabs his staff and begins to head out.

He’s almost at the threshold when Manfred starts showing his first inkling that perhaps he’s not as naive as Emmrich assumed.

“WHY NOT EMMRICH GIVE HER BROOCH BACK?”

His mouth is dry as he attempts to come up with plausible lie excuse. “Because she was the one that gave it to you, it would be only right for you to return it yourself.” The skeleton thinks it over, its jaw clacking for a few agonizing moments, before he seems to agree that that is a perfectly acceptable answer. He gives a wave, allowing Emmrich to let out a sigh of relief, as he slips out of his room.

The Lighthouse courtyard is completely deserted in the odd twilight the permanent eclipse has cast on it, and he’s thankful that it gives him the cover he needs to sneak out like a thief. He takes one last look at its amazing beauty, the reason that he’s found the Fade so entrancing, how it's familiar and yet unfamiliar to the real world, everchanging, and yet staying the same, both at the same time.

But alas, just like an idea, his stay at the Lighthouse has probably come to an end far too soon, and he slips out, using the Eluvians to get to the Necropolis.

He doesn’t seem to notice someone is watching his departure with concern.

——————

His parent’s graves need tending. It’s been three weeks, and while the Mourn Watchers do all they can, recent events have made maintenance of the gardens low on their priorities. He’d never forgive himself if he left them neglected. Besides, he ought to talk to them, ask them to look after Zea and Manfred, seeing that they are daughter in law and grandson in all but name.

He plucks a few weeds that have grown between the pathstones that lead to their memorial, and cleans up the moss that always seems to be attracted to their gravestones. He places a hastily assembled bouquet at their steps, hoping that they wouldn’t mind his deviation from the norm of a carefully selected variety of flowers.

“I apologise that it’s been a while,” he speaks, trying to keep his voice his calm and steady, “Things have been quite hectic, you see, with ancient elvish gods, the ripping down of the veil, oh, and the Blight, complete with multiple Archdemons. Can’t forget that.” Despite that depressing description, he smiles, a feeling rather unnatural after these past few weeks, but it's genuine. “The strangest thing is, this is quite the happiest I’ve been in quite a long time. You see, that woman introduced you to, Zea…” he thinks back as she gave a small curtsey to the graves, was so respectful to them, as she was to even the smallest of wisps, “she’s helped me quite a lot in the far too short a time I’ve known her. She’s helped me immensely in confronting my deepest fears, has given me something to strive for, instead of cowering in the dark, trying to forestall something that claims us all in the end.” His eyesight gets a bit blurry, and pulls out a handkerchief to wipe his eyes before he continues, “You would love her. She’s kind, brave, and selfless. Willing to give herself to others, and asking nothing in return, even though she deserves everything. Willing to give her heart to a man who doesn’t deserve it.”

He takes a breath, and continues rambling, “She deserves so much more. She’s young, has the entire world ahead of her once this is over. A life of happiness and peace. I… intend to give her that, with all of my being. I trust you will understand in time why I must do this. Why I need to save her, no matter the cost? You know what’s strange,” he chuckles, and the sound coming out of his throat sounds foreign to him, it being so long since he’s felt humour, “The past forty years, I’ve been terrified of what lies beyond this life, to where you are. I’ve sought to forestall it, to remove myself from it. I’ve been so focused on how to avoid death, that I’ve never quite learned how to live. So despite my own fears…” he stands up straight, “I’ve found someone that is both worth living and now, dying for.”

He closes his eyes, trying to think of how to ask them to look after Zea and Manfred, when he hears the most peculiar sound, for a graveyard: Clapping.

He twirls around quickly, and comes face to face with the last person he’d ever expect in such a place.

“Taash…?”

“Nice speech. I can see why Rook likes you so much. You got a way with words.”

Which is of course the moment he’s at a loss for them.

“Why did you… How did you… Who?”

“Professor,” Harding appears from around one of the mausoleums, trying to control her heaving breath from chasing after the much longer legged Taash, “We couldn’t let you just go off to do something like this on your own!”

“Indeed,” the familiar clink of metal on stone signals the approach of Neve, always looking her finest. “We’d lose one of the finest minds in all of Thedas.”

“And for once Spite and I and the rest of this group are in agreement.” There’s a flap of wings, as Lucanis lands.

“LOST TOO MUCH. NO MORE.”

Emmrich is flabbergasted. And touched. And perplexed, not necessarily in that order.

“How did you know?”

Taash rolls their eyes, as if the answer is obvious. “I woke up from a dead sleep when a certain SOMEONE banged on my door telling me he’s worried about his dad. Telling me he thinks he left him behind to do something dangerous. I got really pissed off.” There’s soft apologetic hiss, as Manfred creeps up, somewhat embarrassed that he’s been revealed as the ‘traitor’. “Not mad at you buddy. Just mad at your dad.” Taash clarifies.

“Manfred!” Emmrich is shocked, but his voice carries no malice. He should have known a curiosity spirit would take such drastic action, that it would want to know exactly what was going on.

“Looks like you’re stuck with us.” Taash continues, looking around the place. “Smells… nicer than I thought it would. I can see why she might be here.”

“All of you…” he grouses, “are the most aggravating, the most exasperating, the most…” he sniffles and wipes his eyes again, “loyal friends I have ever had the pleasure to know. I honestly do not deserve it…”

“Perhaps,” Neve seems to agree, but her eyes say otherwise. “But Rook deserves you.”

It’s a strange feeling, he thinks. Zea loved him, perhaps still loves him after everything, and now he realizes that he’s never been truly alone. It’s hard to accept, after years of assuming that aside from Manfred, he’d always live a solitary life..

“Let’s get her back.” Taash cracks her knuckles, and the others nod, looking at him. He agrees There’s no more waiting, it’s time to finish this. He pulls out the dagger, and senses in which direction the veil is the thinnest.

There’s a few tense minutes where he does nothing but concentrate. Here, the veil is thin, where spirits travel freely back and forth, like dust motes on unseen currents, they float along… but there’s a presence here, solid and struggling to get past this barrier that even a wisp could get past. He closes his eyes, focusing on it, trying to discern its form. There’s something to it, an emotion of desperation, of regret, of hope.

“There!” He yells and points the dagger at an area near the gravesite, but farther down the path. Instinctively he raises his hand, keeping time with his words, his heartbeat. It’s just a variation of a summoning spell, used to attract a wisp. Except she is no mere wisp.

“From beyond, we beseech you to come forth, to grace us with your presence!”

His heart thrums in his chest as nothing happens.

One heartbeat…

Two heartbeats

Three heartbeats

Four heartbeats

It’s on the fifth one, that small spark leaps off the tip of the blade, and zaps towards where it was pointing. There’s no sound, but it looks like the air becomes a ripe grape being split open, its green flesh sending a gentle glow that excites the nearby wisps.

“SMELL ROOK.” Spite states, and that gives Emmrich hope. Not ‘Smells LIKE Rook’ like at the well at the Crossroads. This sounds more certain, and not some spirit feeding off his desperation to see her again. And yet, nothing appears in the veil tear. No spirit, no person, nothing.

Then, there’s a small voice, distant and warped coming from within the tear, but he could recognize it anywhere.

“Goodbye Varric… and thank you.”

He’s confused. He’s never met Varric, the dwarf had died long before he had joined her. But he has no time to contemplate that as the tear is becoming unstable, and still she does not appear, Emmrich decides he MUST take the initiative. Ignoring the danger he’s putting himself in, he sticks an arm into the tear.

Another heartbeat of nothing. And then he feels it, a hand. He knows that hand so intimately, every callus, every ridge. It grips hard, so hard that he can feel his bones squeak in protest.

“I’ve got her!”

He sticks another arm in to get a better hold, and immediately there is another hand gripping it, every finger clinging on to his wrist, including the shortened pinky. And yet, no matter how much he pulls, he doesn’t seem to make any progress. In fact, he seems to be pulled into the Fade, like being submerged while trying to rescue a drowning man.

She seems to sense that as well, and he feels her muscles slacken and her fingers begin to loosen, as if to let him go, to not drag him in with her. But he refuses. No. He will not let go of her, not even if he’s trapped in there with her for all of eternity.

“Zea, dearest! Don’t.. don’t you dare let go!” He all but begs, not sure if she can hear. Still, he slides even further, and he’s so close to being enveloped by the Fade, he can smell the dust and rocks, the regret and loneliness the place exudes. But, he still holds on, accepting whatever fate has in store for him, as long as it's by her side.

“OH NO YOU DON’T!” A voice booms out from behind him, and strong arms wrap around his chest like a hug, causing his slow forward progress to halt, momentarily. He barely hears Taash’s voice ordering through gritted teeth the others to help over the sound of the blood pumping through his system.

Harding appears on his left, gripping on the only part of his forearm that still isn’t swallowed by the Fade and tugs, pulling up a paving stone with her titan powers to use as a footstopper. Manfred mirrors the action on Emmrich’s right side, and hisses with all his might as he helps pull. Neve immediately follows suit, positioning herself behind Manfred and clinging to his upper arm, lodging her prosthetic in a crack as she provides support. And finally, Lucanis is there on his left, muttering Antivan curse words as he helps pull. Emmrich is surrounded literally by all his closest companions, all desperate for one thing, and yet… it is not enough. She remains stuck. Either their combined strength will eventually wear out, or the already unstable tear will close. Already, its edges are becoming blurry, less defined.

And then, he feels two sensations.

A sharp tug on his lower robe, like a dog that has yanked on a favourite and well loved toy. Except, the bite doesn’t feel like it’s made by teeth, more of like a … beak?

Then there is a pair of hands on his shoulders. He feels them, the metal gauntlets, he swears he can hear the sound of plate armour grinding against metal. But when he risks a glance to the left, there is nothing there, only Lucanis, his eyes aglow.

“ THEY SEND THEIR HELP” he says through gritted teeth, and Emmrich knows that it is now or never.

“On the count of three, we all pull.”

“One…” Darling, hold on for just a bit longer!

“Two…” Please, my love… we’ve got you…

“Three!” Whatever it takes

There’s the sound of hissing, grunting, growling and he swears he hears a ‘Squawk’ mixed in, as they put their everything into this single action.

There’s no sound that accompanies what happens next. He thought there should be a SNAP, or a POP from the way the tension suddenly dissipates, as if Fate has finally thrown up her hands and just went ‘Fine, you win. Enjoy your prize.’ Because one moment, all of them are straining at the very limits of their endurance, the next, they’re all thrown backwards by their own stored momentum, with various sounds of discomfort. The tear in the veil snaps shut a few moments later.

Emmrich gets thrown the furthest, and he lands with an undignified yelp, combined with a wheezy ‘oof’ as something heavy lands on him.

It takes him a moment to truly understand what it is, but he feels a heartbeat echoing his, even under a layer of leather and chainmail. The smell of Tearstone island, of blight and blood, fills his nostrils as his vision clears. It’s her… she looks the same as he last saw her as she yanked that dagger out. The cut above her eye still oozes blood, and there’s still remnants of a bloodstain under her nose. Her silver hair is everywhere except her ponytail, some sticking to the cut, smearing the blood across her forehead. Stains of dirt cover her cheeks.

She is the most beautiful thing he has ever laid his eyes on.

“Emmrich?” her voice is timid, almost afraid that what she’s seeing isn’t real. He realizes that her perception of time is different from his.. She looks like she hasn’t been there for more than a day, while to her, he probably looks like he’s aged years. He hopes this is the case, as it was a torment to be parted from her for these three weeks, and he had his friends to support him, she had no one.

“You’re back, Zea… you’re safe.” He says it as much to assure her as it is to assure himself that yes… she’s here.

“You… came for me?” she asks in a small voice that nearly breaks his heart, “Why did you come for me?” Does she not know how much she is loved and cherished, not only by him, but the rest of the crew? He holds her tight once more, knowing that words will not answer her question as well as actions will. He’s not sure if it's right to kiss her in this state, where both him and her are so emotionally delicate. So he contents himself with holding her, thanking the spirits for her safe return.

“You guys just gonna lay there forever? Or are you gonna fuck? ‘Cus if you are…uh… I want to be out of this creepy place.” There’s a giggle from Harding to Taash’s statement, and a half stern half amused warning from Neve.

“Thank you Taash, for knowing exactly what to say to enhance the moment.” He sighs, although there’s not much anger in his voice. THEY are the reason he is here, with her, and it’s a debt he’ll never quite be able to pay.

“We ought to go home, there’s a lot we must discuss…” Lucanis suggests.

“ HOME!” Manfred agrees as he begins to help Zea up. “ROOK COME HOME!”

She smiles as she accepts his bony hand, barely wincing as she places weight on her left ankle. He’ll have to address that when she gets home. He’s already gotten a checklist of things to do. They need to apprise her of current events, he needs to clean himself up, contact Myrna and the Mourn Watchers for their aid…

But most importantly, he needs to apologise. Not here of course, but where and when she feels comfortable. He needs to assure her that his ramblings were of a man nearly consumed by an irrational fear, that he loves her, deeply, truly.

And if she cannot quite bring herself to trust in his devotion right away, he’s willing to accept that it will take time to mend what was broken.

Whatever it takes…

[sammy-deserves-better]

Hey people who definitely didn’t follow me for my AUs here’s another AU I thought up on the spot!!!

Fantasy/Royalty AU bam lets get into it

Julia and Bowie are the princess and prince of the kingdom, as you do, it’s gay and lesbian hostility in that castle every day

Axel, Wayne, Raj and Emma are knights with Axel being the head of the knights, Emma is also secretly a florist because why not

Priya is the head of the guards while Caleb is the personal guard/advisor to the king

Chase is a travelling bard who loves to talk about his ‘amazing’ adventures of ‘helping’ people

Nichelle is still a famous actress but instead of movies she’s like, famous from plays and all that jazz

Ripper’s a barbarian that’s pretty good at his job, unfortunately he is not taken very seriously

Millie is a famous writer but she’s so damn difficult to find at times and only a few people know where she actually lives

Damien is a wizard’s apprentice, he’s still learning but he’s got some real talent within him

Zee is the court jester, he didn’t even like try out for the role he just started talking one time and the king thought he was hilarious

Scary Girl is a famous necromancer because she is, funnily enough, scarily good at her job

And MK, silly ol’ MK, is a master thief who is wanted all over the world, but can never be located, always managing to escape at the last moment

Alright here’s some more details yippee

Raj and Bowie are like, in love, obviously, knight x prince romance! Forbidden love that isn’t really forbidden but like it’s super cute and Raj is so smitten and Bowie just loves this handsome knight that would do anything for him

Wayne and Emma are friends here because I also think they’re silly, Wayne’s the only one who knows Emma’s secret florist job because she trusts him enough and also he accidentally found out but it’s fine!! But he also nearly gives away Emma’s secret so many damn times because he’s just a little bit stupid

‘Man I wish I could get Bowie a nice bouquet…’

‘Oh well Emma is actually a fl-‘

And then Wayne gets elbowed so hard he can’t breath for 2 minutes

Emma also definitely has a thing for the cute court jester but she has no idea on how to actually approach Zee so she just sends him flowers anonymously and sighs while looking at him lovingly

Julia and MK meet because MK climbs up the damn castle walls at 2am and sneaks into Julia’s room just to rob her, gets absolutely slammed by the princess, wakes up and is tied to a damn chair with Julia right up in her face about to rip her to shreds and all MK can say is ‘you are REALLY attractive oh my gods’

This throws Julia off, they start talking, Julia realises that despite the fact she is holding one of the most wanted criminals hostage in her room, she wants to keep seeing MK because she’s entertaining and mean and just slightly pathetic, so she lets MK go on the promise that the thief will come back every night and so she does and yadda yadda lesbians toxic yuri wins

Millie’s stories actually come to life because shocker she’s actually a wizard in disguise and she needs to be really careful about what she writes so that’s why she hides herself away and is so hard to track down because if the wrong people knew about her magic capabilities oh no that’s a lot of blood and injury and angst and 10k words every chapter

Millie’s parents also had this ability to create anything from mere writing, they shared this ability with the kingdom, and so if an important figure asked them to say…make a protector of the kingdom, they would do so, and they did, and that’s where our villain/antagonist comes in but that’s a story for another day

The older gens are also involved in this one way or another as well, most are just backgrounders but some hold important to the story

Damien is the wizard apprentice to Leonard and Tammy, two great and powerful sages who spend their time helping the world

DJ is the one who taught Emma how to be a florist, he’s kind and understanding and always helps Emma choose the right flowers to give to Zee

Eva trains Ripper under her watchful eye, she’s proud of how far he’s come, but feels he can do just a bit more

Aleheather are the king and queen of the kingdom, Bowie and Julia are their adopted children

And that’s all I got for now uhhhh add whatever you want to this it’s just a silly time

[ladyantiheroine]

Unfinished Business

Summary: Selina Kyle returns to Gotham and decides to resolve the tension between her and the city’s notorious vigilante. Read on AO3.

Pairing: dom!Selina Kyle x sub!Bruce Wayne

Warnings: Explicit sexual content.

Word Count: 5.8k words

Tags: Loss of virginity, dom/sub undertones, riding, hand jobs, sweet/hot.

Breaking into Wayne Manor proved easier than Selina Kyle expected. As experienced as a thief as she was, she expected the richest man in Gotham to have better security. But within minutes of climbing that dark, rain-soaked roof she was able to crack open a window, throw a rope down, and glide herself down inside. She landed on her feet and looped the rope around her belt.

She’d been tempted to break into Bruce Wayne’s opulent hermit hole for a long time. In part, because he had so much to steal, and how much cash did one guy need? Plus, there was the thrill of the hunt. For any good burglar in Gotham, Bruce Wayne was the crown jewel of heists.

But Selina had no interest in money or jewels. Not tonight at least. Those were not the reasons she came to breach his defenses.

It had been months since Selina had been in Gotham. The city was no longer flooded, but there were still plenty of signs of damage. It was healing, but Selina knew that this city could open its wound as fast as it could cover them.

She slipped silently out of the pitch-black room she entered through and into the hallway. Wayne Manor resembled more like a Gothic mansion than the residence of Gotham’s favorite bachelor. At night, with thunder and lightning looming outside, it was especially eerie.

She tried to move silently down the hall, but a pair of heeled leather boots were not the most quiet shoes on marble floors. Selina walked slowly to silence her steps.

At that moment, she heard someone just downstairs. A pair of footsteps heading up the spiral staircase to the second floor. Selina instinctively froze.

“Master Wayne?” a voice called.

It didn’t sound like Batman or Bruce. It must have been someone who worked for him.

“Are you awake, sir?” he called. “I thought you went to bed?”

The footsteps grew closer up the stairs. Selina quickly ducked into the closest door and shut it quietly behind her. She ducked down and held her breath, listening to the sounds of footsteps moving from the stairs down the hall.

Selina watched the hallway light from under the crack in the door. Two shadowy footsteps appeared. Her heart quickened in her chest as she waited for the door to open.

It didn’t. The two shadows disappeared from beneath the door and down the hall. Moments later, the butler’s footsteps started moving back down the stairs. Selina heard him walk through the front hall, heard the heavy front doors open with the pattering rain, then shut behind him. The butler left the house, and all that was left was silence.

Selina released her breath. She was usually better at break-ins like this. She normally wasn’t this sloppy. But now that Bruce Wayne’s one house staff member was gone, that had to make sneaking around a bit easier. She just needed to get her answers and—

No sooner than Selina could finish her thought, she turned around and realized where she was. The light was dim, only the amber glow from the streetlights beyond the window. But in that dim light, Selina could make out shadows and shapes of furniture, a fireplace with a mantel, a chandelier on the ceiling, and a large, silky bed.

A large, silk bed with one shadowy occupant.

Selina’s heart lurched in her chest. She took a tentative step forward and eyed the figure on the bed. She heard a soft, masculine sigh and as she grew closer she got a better look at his face. Bruce Wayne.

Just the sight of him made her heart stop for a second. Of all the rooms she could have slipped into, it just had to be right where the richest recluse in Gotham was sleeping. Selina’s eyes flicked up to a nearby window. Her instinct was to run, to get away before she was caught. But she needed to know. She came back to Gotham, to this mansion, for one reason. And she wasn’t going to return to Gotham until it was resolved.

Selina turned her eyes back to Bruce. He looked serene when was asleep. No brooding intensity. He mumbled a little in his sleep, his head swirling with midnight dreams. She leaned over to get a closer look at his face.

She never saw the Batman without his mask. All she had to go off of was his lower face, his lips, his mouth. Selina’s fingers twitched with the urge to trace her nails on his jaw. Feel his face like she did on that sky tower, see if it felt familiar. Lord knows she hadn’t been able to stop thinking of it since.

It’s him, she thought to herself. It has to be him.

And then, he opened one eye.

Every nerve in Selina’s body sprung into action. She darted towards the window, but before she could fling it open, a pair of hands grabbed her waist and pulled her back.

“What the hell?” Bruce growled.

That voice. Selina heard that voice before. It had been haunting her head since she left Gotham all those months ago.

“Let go of me,” Selina hissed. Her claws went flying at his face, and she scratched his cheek just enough for him to drop her.

She fought him back, but just like their fight back at the former mayor’s home, they were both evenly matched. Even without the suit on, he could hold a fight. Selina jumped on a nearby chair and hurled herself at him. He grabbed her waist, spun her around, and her back hit the bed. He pressed her down, and in the dark, she could hear his ragged breathing on her face.

Selina was struck with memories of the last time they were close like this. On a table in the mayor’s house a few feet from where he was murdered. Back when they were both wearing masks.

Except now, Selina was prepared.

I’m sorry to do this, baby she thought.

Selina lifted a foot and kicked him in the chest. Bruce Wayne tumbled backward until his back hit the bedroom door. Selina quickly gathered to her feet and lifted her hands.

“Baby,” she said. “It’s me.”

Bruce’s breathing was heavy, his brain and body high on defensive adrenaline. But he paused, his eyes straining to see her in the dark, taking in her familiar silhouette.

“That voice,” he said.

Bruce’s hand fumbled on the wall by the door until his fingers found the light switch. The room alighted from the sconces on the wall. Without the dark, the two could fully see each other.

Selina had only seen Bruce Wayne in pictures that were plastered over newspapers and television screens. In his rare public appearances, he always looked so put together. Clean-cut in a dark suit and an intense, unreadable expression on his face.

But that wasn’t the man Selina saw now. Bruce was dressed in only his nightwear, which consisted only of long black pajama bottoms and a long robe. His hair was a mess from having just been plucked from his bed.

His eyes were fixed on her with a mix of disbelief and confusion. And then, without realizing it, her name tumbled from his mouth.

“Selina?” he said. 

There it was. He recognized her name, her face. Something crossed Bruce��s eyes and he covered his mouth. He’d given himself away.

Selina shrugged.

“Yeah, it’s me,” she said. 

“What are you doing here?”

Despite knowing the answer, Selina was struck by the question. She came here to find the truth about Batman, but she hadn’t planned on speaking to him. Now that he was in front of her, she had to search for her words.

“Isn’t it obvious?” she said. She offered him a small smile. “I came to visit an old friend.”

In the faded light, Selina could see a sliver of his chest between the folds of his robe.

Bruce tucked the folds tighter over himself and looked Selina in the eye. He looked as wounded as a lost puppy, as helpless as a kitten in the rain.

“How’d you figure out it was me?” he asked.

Selina crossed her arms and shrugged.

“I thought about it, and some pieces came together,” she said. “I remember what I said to you before. How you seemed like someone who grew up rich.”

She took a few steps closer to him.

“And then I started thinking…Batman has that suit, and those weapons, that car…all that tech. A guy without money couldn’t afford all of that. And so I started thinking, of all the rich guys in Gotham, who could it be?”

She stood right in front of him, tipping her head back to look him right in the eye.

“And that’s when I realized,” she said. “It has to be the tech billionaire who is rarely seen leaving his house and has a personal reason to fight crime.”

Bruce looked at her, his brain rolling with a hundred thoughts, then nodded.

“I’ll admit, you fooled me good,” Selina said. “Fooled everyone good. I’m surprised I didn’t think of it sooner. That anyone didn’t think of it sooner.”

Bruce shrugs.

“I guess no one expects a sheltered rich kid to hold his own in a fight.”

“Maybe.”

He stepped closer until he was right in front of her. He held her by the shoulders and looked her in the eye.

“Selina,” he said. Something was begging in his voice. “You cannot tell anyone about this.”

Selina gave him a small, reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry, Vengeance,” she said. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

“You promise?”

“Cross my heart.”

Bruce nodded then let her go. There was a strand of black hair hanging over his face. Selina felt the urge to brush it out of the way.

“Why’d you come back to Gotham?” he asked. “What about Bludhaven?”

Selina let out a sigh.

“Not much to find in Bludhaven,” she said. “It seems most targets are taking their money and investments elsewhere. Further from Gotham.” She lifted her eyes to his. “I figured, Gotham’s a mess, but at least it’s never boring.” She moved her eyes away and shrugged. “I’ll admit, I kind of missed this fucked up city.”

There was something else under her words that she couldn’t bring herself to say: I missed you. 

“You missed Gotham?“ Bruce said.

Selina pursed her lips and nodded.

“This city had gone astray,” she said. She looked at him and gave him a smirk. “And you know how I feel about strays.”

Bruce gave her a long look.

“I do,” he said.

A stretch of silence passed between them. Selina’s eyes wandered down to the slit in his robe, the flesh waiting just underneath.

Selina had never made her attraction to Batman a secret. From the moment they first locked eyes at the Iceberg Lounge, she never bothered to hide it. The moment she kissed him on the tower had given her only a taste of him. Now, with his suit and cowl gone, with so much flesh exposed, it only made her hungrier.

Moreover, without the mask, Selina could better read his face. With nothing to hide behind, Bruce was open as a book. She could see something cross his eyes. He knew she was looking at him, what she was thinking, and he didn’t dislike it.

Selina stepped closer to him and stood close enough that she could feel his breath. His eyes looked down into hers with an enticed anticipation, waiting for what she might do.

“I’ll admit, baby,” she said. “I came here to confirm if my suspicions about the Batman were right.” She lifted a hand to his shoulder. “And it’s true. I did.”

She gently brushed her hand from his shoulder down to over his chest. Just under the velvet fabric of the robe, she could feel his hard flesh underneath. And the heartbeat quickening just beneath it.

“But I’m not gonna lie, baby,” she said. She lifted her eyes to him. “Even if I was wrong, I still would have tried to find you. Somewhere out there in the dark, dressed in all that armor.”

Her fingertips brushed over the folds of his robe, teasing lightly over the material. His heartbeat was racing so fast, she just wanted to feel it closer.

“I’ll admit,” she whispered. “I missed you.”

She waited for him to pull away, to show any sign of resistance. But he didn’t. If anything, she felt him subtly lean into her touch. Like her fingertips were magnetic and he was helpless to resist the power they had.

“I missed you too,” he said. His voice was soft as a whisper and sent a shiver down Selina’s spine.

Selina grinned and released a small chuckle. She traced her hand up his neck over his Adam’s apple. Bruce froze under her touch, but he didn’t move away. He let her run her hands wherever she wanted. She felt his skin shiver and his heartbeat race after in his ribs.

Her fingers found his lips. She lightly traced along his mouth, pressing down on his bottom lip. Her face grew hot remembering their kiss on the tower. How cold yet soft his mouth was, how she wondered what the rest of him felt like.

“I think you and I have some unfinished business,” she whispered into his lips. “And I’ve come back to finish it.”

She moved her fingers along his jawline. Bruce was looking at her with an intense, enticed gaze.

“I’m glad you did,” he whispered.

Selina smiled. She brushed her lips against his, and that alone was enough to make him shiver.

“Selina,” Bruce murmured.

It was so strange to see him like this. The most feared man in Gotham wasn’t so big and scary once the suit was gone. When the doors were closed and the lights were on, Bruce Wayne was as soft and warm as one of Selina’s stray kittens.

Selina moved her hands to Bruce’s chest, right where the material of his robe split. She gave him a teasing look.

“Mind if I?”

Something passed across Bruce’s face, something Selina couldn’t quite read. But he gave her a nod.

“Go ahead,” he said.

Selina slid her hands under the velvet fabric. His flesh was hot and solid underneath despite how pale he was, and Selina felt a hot flush run down her body. She parted the folds of the robe until she slipped down the back of Bruce’s shoulders and into a velvety pile on the floor.

Selina’s eyes traced him up and down. His body was a piece of lean muscle and dirty scarring you’d expect from a vigilante. He stood still as she ran her hands along his chest, his ribs, his torso, feeling every part of him now that there was no leather to conceal it. Selina heard a soft sound in his throat like a purr.

“What’s all this?” she said, tracing her hands gently along his back. She could feel the cuts and indents of some more intense scarring along his back and shoulders.

Bruce shrugged.

“It gets rough on Gotham streets,” he said. “You should know that as well as me.” His voice lowered. “Remember, it’s still Batman you’ve got in your hands.”

Selina raised an eyebrow.

“Is Batman who I’m touching right now?”

Bruce pursed his lips and shrugged. Selina shook her head.

“No,” she said. “No Batman. Not tonight. None of this hiding behind a mask and armor bullshit.”

She glided her hands up his neck and into his hair. She gripped him lightly so his eyes fixed on hers.

“Tonight, I want Bruce,” she said.

She brought her lips to his collarbones and then placed a small, chaste kiss. She began kissing along his neck, mumbling his name into his pale flesh.

“Bruce…Bruce…Bruce…” 

Bruce’s eyes fluttered shut and he tipped his head back. His body seemed to get weaker, growing limp, like any moment Selina may have to catch him from falling.

Instead, Selina took his face in her hands and then brought her lips to his. Bruce made a surprised, muffled sound but then sunk into her. This was different from the kiss on the tower. It was hungrier, and with no mask to hide behind, Bruce didn’t hold back. He groaned deep in his throat as Selina nibbled at his lower lip.

Selina pulled out of the kiss and then took Bruce by his shoulders. She turned him then moved him backward and sat him on the edge of the bed. Bruce’s lips parted, but before he could say anything, Selina climbed into his lap. She straddled on top of him, her knees to his hips, sitting right over his hard erection.

She took his hands and moved them to the back of her catsuit. His fingers fumbled for the zipper, then slowly lowered it down. Bruce’s lips parted as Selina peeled off her suit along with her boots until she was down to her underwear, For a moment she swear he was about to start drooling.

It was cute. Selina knew Bruce was reclusive, but surely this wasn’t the first he got naked with a girl, right?

Selina shimmied out of her underwear and then scooted further up Bruce’s lap. She brushed over Bruce’s burning crotch. Bruce’s eyes ran her up and down like he couldn’t decide where to look first. 

Selina gave him a teasing look.

“What’s wrong, baby?” she said. “Don’t have enough girls hanging off you during the day?”

Bruce’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he gulped.

“No,” he said.

She took his hands and moved them to her waist. His hands smoothed up her back to the hooks of her bra. His fingers fumbled to unclasp the hooks and the straps fell from Selina’s shoulders. Selina pulled her bra from her shoulder, dropped it on the floor, then pressed her mouth to his. Bruce groaned and grazed his hand up her stomach to her chest.

Selina’s body was burning hot all over. She’d been dying to get the Batman out of that armor ever since she met. She wanted to touch him, feel him, get him inside her. Every noise percolating from his throat only made her wetter.

Selina pushed deeper into the kiss. Bruce leaned back onto the bed and she crawled on top of him. The mattress creaked under their weight. She was about to reach for his waist when his voice stopped her.

“Selina,” he mumbled against her mouth.

His hand took her wrist before she could undo his pants. Their lips parted. Selina ran a hand along his cheek.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

“No,” he said. “It’s…I haven’t…I’ve never…”

The realization came to Selina slowly.

“This is your first time?” she said.

Bruce bit his lip and looked at his lap, his pale cheeks turning red. Selina couldn’t quite believe it at first. How could the prince of Gotham, the city’s most eligible bachelor, be a virgin? He was rich and handsome enough to be a playboy. But it made sense the more she thought about it. Bruce Wayne was an extremely private man, almost a recluse. She could see how a guy like him, with a past like his, didn’t get too close to many people. 

Until now.

Selina gently took his chin and lifted his face to hers. Bruce’s eyes, dark and soft and full of moonlight, held her gaze.

“Do you want me to keep going?” she asked.

She felt Bruce’s face flush under her touch. He bit his lip and then nodded.

“Yes,” he said. “Please.”

Selina moved her hand to cup his cheek. He was blushing bright red. Bruce pressed his hand over hers and shifted his face to kiss her palm. He sunk into her touch like it was something precious. Selina moved her face closer to his and whispered into his lips.

“Don’t worry, Vengeance,” she whispered. “I’ll be gentle.”

She pressed her lips to his again. She crawled further on top of him until she was straddling his lap. Already she could feel the heat rushing down his body and the hard bulge in his pants. 

She trailed kisses down his neck, her lipstick leaving a pattern of stains on his flesh. Bruce tipped his head back and moaned. Who knew how long it had been since anyone had gotten this close to him before? Perhaps never. Bruce Wayne had never been touched like this before, and that knowledge sent a strange thrill through Selina.

Bruce Wayne. The Batman. One of the most powerful and feared men in Gotham. Now he was a moaning, whimpering, blushing mess under her touch.

Her hands trailed down his back and she felt him shiver.

“Has a girl ever touched you here?” she asked. She brushed her lips along his neck to his collar. “Or here?” Then to his chest. “Or here …”

Bruce bit his lip so hard it turned white.

“No,” he groaned. His voice shuddered from his throat like he was trying to suppress whatever was bubbling inside him.

Selina grinned.

“You’re as untouched as they come, are you?” she said.

Bruce didn’t even try to deny it. He dropped his face so a strand of hair fell in his face.

“Yeah,” he said.

Poor baby. 

“Don’t be embarrassed,” she told him. She traced a playful finger down his chest. “Just makes it a little extra special.”

Bruce looked down at her hand, then grabbed it and brought it to his lips. He kissed each of her fingers and then looked up into her eyes with a pleading look. His body was hot and shaking at once and his eyes begged, fuck me .

Selina smiled and pressed her teeth to his neck. Bruce moaned louder as she sucked a hickey on his neck. He clasped an arm around her lower back. The sensation hit him so strongly that it made him shiver.

“Does that feel good, baby?” Selina whispered into his neck. She ran his hands around his ribcage and could feel goosebumps.

It felt so nice to tease him. This poor boy had been starved of touch his whole life, and now she was giving him just a taste, enough to drive him feral. Having that kind of power over a man like Bruce Wayne…it was intoxicating.

Bruce’s eyes were shut and his head was tipped back.

“Yes,” he sighed. “Please. Keep going.”

Selina smiled and pressed her teeth lower down his neck. As she planted another hickey, her hand slithered down to the front of his pants. She unbuckled his belt and pulled down the zipper. She could already feel his hot, throbbing erection just begging for her.

“I think you’ll like this, baby,” she whispered in his ear. Her hand slithered down the front of his pants.

Bruce dropped his gaze to her.

“What are you— haaah… ”

She reached under his boxers and her fingers curled around his cock. Bruce let out a loud gasp. He pressed a hand behind him on the bed to steady himself,

“Selina,” he whimpered. “I…”

Selina smirked.

“What's wrong, baby?” she asked. With her free hand, she grabbed the hair at the back of his head and pulled to force his face towards hers. “You never did this for yourself, before?”

Even in the dim light, she could see Bruce’s face flush ever redder. He gulped then nodded.

“Yes,” he whimpered. “I have, but I…”

He gasped as Selina tightened her grip on him. Her fingers teased him down below and he let out a shuddered breath.

“Right,” she said. “But it’s more fun with someone else, isn’t it?”

Bruce was tense beneath her, every nerve in his body focused on where she touched him. She could feel his heart racing beneath his ribcage and all the heat in his body rushing down.

“Selina,” he whimpered. 

“Shhh,” Selina whispered in his ear as her hand began to work his cock. 

Oh, the sounds he made. If all of Gotham could hear the noises the Batman was making now, no one would fear him again. Bruce whimpered like a kitten as Selina teased her hand and fingers over his cock.

Before he could get too far, Selina released her grip and pulled his hands out of his pants. Bruce opened his eyes and looked at her, his face a flustered mess.

“Why did you—” 

Selina stopped his mouth with another kiss. His breath was ragged, hot, and desperate, his body begging for release. 

But there was also a trace of something else in his eyes. A look is someone who wasn’t sure what to expect. Batman was a meticulous planner. He liked being prepared for any situation that came his way. But he seemed nervous now that he was under her. It was quite a thing to see. The guy who chose to get the shit beat out of him every night was stumped when the girl of his dreams was on top of him.

Selina gave him a small, teasing smile.

“Don’t worry, baby,” she said. “I’ll take good care of you.”

She took his cock in her hand, then lowered herself slowly on top of him. Bruce gasped like he’d been punched in the gut.

“Fuck,” he croaked. His hands fisted the sheets between his knuckles. “ Fuck .”

Selina grinned.

“Doesn’t that feel nice?” she said. “Nice, hot and wet?”

Bruce looked at her with those wide blue eyes, his face bright pink. A sigh shuddered through Selina’s chest. God, he felt so good. Bruce Wayne may have been a virgin, but his body was sinful. As Selina shifted him deeper inside her, her eyes fluttered shut and her lips parted in a deep moan.

When she opened her eyes, Bruce’s hands had moved from gripping the sheets to gripping her hips to balance her on top of him.

Selina smiled, gripped his shoulders, then pushed her hips forward. His fingers gripped her hips as they rolled smoothly over his cock.

“Selina,” he moaned.

His deep, gravelly voice sent a shiver down Selina’s spine. She smiled and moved her hand to his face. Her thumb pressed against his bottom lip as she continued to fuck him.

“Say my name, baby,” she said. “Say it as much as you want.”

“Selina,” he sighed.

Her name stumbled from his lips thoughtlessly. With every swerve of Selina’s hips, every creak of the mattress beneath them, Bruce seemed to forget every word except her name.

Selina moaned as she rode him deeper into the bed. She parted her lips and circled them with the tip of her tongue. He felt so delicious between her thighs. What a beautiful body wasted on virginity.

“Baby,” she sighed. “You feel so good.”

Bruce bit his lip and turned his face aside into the pillow. He squeezed his eyes shut and Selina swore she saw tears well up in the corner.

“Mhm,” Selina mumbled. She grabbed Bruce’s face and turned it back to her. “Eyes on me, baby.”

He looked up at her with wide, helpless eyes. He was looking at her like she was some angel who descended from the clouds. Or a goddess who came to ravish him.

She rode him deeper into the mattress. Bruce lay still beneath her as she pounded his body into the creaking bed. With every delicious swerve from Selina’s hips he whimpered at pleasure pulsing up his body.

He was beautiful. He was winter-pale from years spent in the dark, but his body was sculpted to perfection. Strong, lean, with some cuts and scarring from rough nights out. How could a man this beautiful remain untouched for so long? Selina’s thoughts became a hot swirl in her head as she tore through his virginity.

“Bruce,” Selina moaned. Her eyes fluttered open. “How dare you hide away all of this ?”

Her hands squeezed his shoulders. She couldn’t touch him enough. She wanted to ride nd lick every inch of that unfucked flesh of his.

Bruce started getting louder, going from stifled moans to high-pitched whimpering. Selina could feel his body bracing, burning hotter and hotter. He wasn’t the only one. She could feel herself seconds from barreling over the edge.

Selina thrust her hips harder, faster, moving until she could feel sweat dripping between her breasts. Her breath was ragged and she couldn’t dream of stopping.

Bruce’s body tensed beneath her. His face was red and dripping with perspiration. He was biting his lips so much Selina thought he would draw blood.

If there was one thing true about Batman, it’s that he loved control. He was used to it. But right now, Selina needed him to let it go.

She ran her hands up and down his chest.

“Don’t fight it, baby,” she cooed. “Just let it come.”

Bruce squeezed his eyes shut, tearing up in the corners. He threw his head back on the pillow.

“Selina,” he whimpered. “Fuck, I…” He grew louder, his pitch raising. Words tumbled from his lips with every breath. “Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me, fuck me .”

His pleas sent Selina over the edge. Pleasure shot up her body like a sparkler. She tossed her head back, bucking her hips harder, moaning louder the deeper his cock pushed inside her.

“Come on, baby,” she moaned.

Bruce was dripping sweat underneath. In a sudden movement, he sat up and gripped an arm around her waist. He bucked his hips to meet hers, pushing himself inside her as his ragged breaths filled her ears.

“Selina,” he grunted. “ Fuck , you’re gonna make me—“

The two of them came together at once, as hard and fast as a glass bottle shattered against a wall. Selina clasped an arm around Bruce’s shoulder, scratching her nails into his flesh. She tipped her head back

The comedown was slow. Selina's hips ground to a steady halt. Both of them were sweating so much that their flesh glistened. For a moment, they stayed where they were, their eyes locked and their tired breaths mingled together. Bruce was looking at her like she was something else, like he couldn’t quite believe she existed.

Selina gave him a grin.

“Not too bad for a first-timer,” she said.

A small hint of a grin crept onto Bruce’s face. After a moment, he collapsed backward onto the mattress. Selina caught her breath as she watched his chest rise and fall. He was trembling ever so slightly like his body was still reeling from what just happened. Even Selina herself felt a bit shaken.

“I guess I should…” Selina said. She shifted to lift herself off of him. She made a mental note to take her pill the very next morning. As much as she was convinced she and Bruce would make stunning babies, things were far too early for that.

Suddenly, almost instinctively, Bruce’s hands grabbed her hips before she could move off of him. He looked at her for a moment, his fingers pressing into her side.

Selina chuckled and raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t want me off yet?” she teased.

Bruce blushed then slowly removed his hands from her hips. Selina hoisted herself up, moaning a little as he slid out of her. She stood up on her knees, towering over him, and brushed her hands along the shiny wetness dripping down her inner thighs.

Selina smirked and gave him a teasing smile.

“You’ve made quite a mess, haven’t you?” she said.

Bruce’s face turned several shades redder and he lifted the duvet over his head. Selina chuckled and her heart squelched. The big, bad Batman wasn’t so scary anymore.

“Oh, no,” Selina said. She grabbed the duvet and swiped it off of him. “You don’t get to cum inside me and then hide away.”

Bruce stared at her. He was in complete disarray. His face was red, his hair was a mess, and his neck and chest were covered in a smattering of lipstick stains. He was a well-loved, whimpering mess and it was all because of her.

Selina crooked her finger at him.

“Come here, baby,” she said. “I want you close.”

Bruce shifted closer to her until his body was pressed against hers. Selina pulled him to her chest and wrapped her arms around his head. She could feel his lips and breath between her breasts, and he wrapped his arms around her waist.

Bruce held her tight to his chest, like if he let her go for even a moment, she would disappear in a puff of smoke. Reveal herself to just be a dream or late-night figment of his imagination. Selina smiled and started trailing kisses along his neck and chest. She kissed him and touched him and squeezed him to remind him that she was very much real.

“How do you feel?” she asked. She lay her head on his chest over his heart.

It took Bruce a moment to answer. He shrugged and petted his fingers along her short hair.

“Not very different,” he said. “I didn’t really expect to.” He paused, then kissed her neck. “I’m happy it was with you.”

There was no tease in his voice. It was so earnest it made Selina pause. Warmth blossomed in her chest and grinned so hard it hurt her cheeks. She nuzzled her face into the top of his head.

“You feel nice too,” she said. “You’re so tender under all that armor.”

The two of them lay there in serene silence for several minutes. The rain and thunder were pounding outside, but inside Wayne Manor, it was warm and quiet.

Bruce broke the silence

“Does it…” he said. “Does it always feel that good?”

He almost sounded embarrassed to ask. It was so adorable Selina’s heart squelched. She smiled and threaded her fingers in his hair.

“It can,” she said. And then, because she couldn’t resist, she leaned down and whispered in his ear. “And that’s just in one position.”

Bruce’s face went cherry-red and Selina dropped her back on the pillow and laughed.

“You’re cute, Vengeance,” she said. She pet her hands through his hair. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ve got plenty of other things to show you. I’m not done with you yet.”

Indeed, she did. Her mind was already cataloging the various things she wanted to try with him. Now that his cherry was popped, she had a lot more to teach him, a lot more enticing things to try.

Bruce lifted his eyes to her. They were round and puppy-like, and seemed to whisper, Is that a promise? 

Selina smiled and kissed him on the head.

“Not tonight,” she said. “We both need to sleep.”

Bruce nodded then nuzzled into Selina’s chest, squeezing his arms tighter around her waist. In seconds he was sound asleep, his sweet, soft breathing filling her ears.

Selina drifted to sleep with the Batman tucked close to her heart.

[viridwns]

Sneak peek for the Chrollo fic I posted an idea about few days ago.

-

There.

To the untrained eye, it would appear the woman was wearing extravagant jewelry like any other woman prancing around the auctions, but Chrollo could spot the difference.

The difference between lavish gifts of diamonds from overly wealthy husbands and the stolen Napoleon Diamond necklace—or what was left of it—around a woman's neck.

Chrollo could almost laugh that it took him this long to notice. There she was, the woman who got the whole Yorknew auction in uproar for one single necklace, and she was wearing it in front of everyone.

He had to give it to her. She had him fooled to.

The necklace was chopped up into a pair of earings, a bracelet and a fairly modest necklace. Chrollo would've missed it if it wasn't for the distinct yellow tint it had. Something a normal person would only notice with a microscope, but Chrollo wasn't a normal person.

He watched the woman glide through the crowd with skill. She moved as though she was invisible, not a single eye on her. Except those of Chrollo, that is.

Her black dress flaunted her beauty, the jewelry complimenting the outfit. Chrollo would have never thought to be robbed and played by a single woman. One that wasn't easy to catch as well.

He questioned it she knew someone was observing her in this very moment. She seemed like a skilled enough thief to know.

Chrollo swished his flute of champagne; leaning against the wall of the auction room. The bidding would start soon and he was determined to catch the woman and prevent her from stealing his things for a second time.

His brows furrowed at the memory of the accident that happened days prior.

His plan was perfect. He had thought of everything. The phantom troupe should've brought back every single piece of items up for auctioning.

And they did, except for one necklace. Chrollo was furious he didn't notice the fake replacement immediately. It took him two days to find out he had been robbed.

It was his to steal, and he was determined to get that necklace in his possesion.

In the grand scheme of things the necklace had little to no importance, but Chrollo wasn't about to let someone take from the phantom troupe and let them get away with it.

So there he was, watching you prance around his necklace, waiting for your next move to absolutely obliterate you.

-

I love writing for Chrollo sm. His brain is just so eugh to figure out 😍.

[thyme-in-a-bubble]

So for the devil and the angle ;) I think there should be a time when reader is with/has been with, a guy and it was just awful and they mock her (and also make her feel better *ahem*!!)

I realise I'm not sure if they're physical or ghostly or in the mind!!

But thats the humble offering

A/N: sdfghjkl THE HUMBLE OFFERING! what am I, a norse god!?!? long may I reign (I know that's not what you say to gods, but you get the picture)

also, i lowkey wrote half of this first where it was afterwards and they were just going to town with her, but then I got this idea and it was too good not to start all over...

Word count: 584

∼ gentle reminder that feedback, but especially reblogs are the way you support writers on here ∽

masterlist | join my taglist | devil & angel AU masterlist

“Oh my god, what was that?” Eddie mocked your faked moan, nearly bursting out a laugh as he watched you from on top of the desk on the opposite side of your friend’s room, “are you seriously trying to make this guy feel better? Make him think that what he’s doing is actually making you feel good? That’s actually kind of cute.” 

Your shoulders tensed up at the forceful rhythm Jonathan kept his hips to, though none of his clumsy efforts would even be possible if you hadn’t stealthily sneaked a dollop of your own spit down to prepare yourself before he had begun. There were many things about your predicament that you were beginning to regret, however, your position, the regret of that snuck up on you like a thief in the night. You’d thought that being on your hands and knees, unable to look at your friend, would make it all easier and it did, for a time, but then you opened your eyes and saw them. Saw how they had moved and were now just sitting there, watching you. 

“Seriously, you know that we can’t do anything about this, right?” Eddie went on as the novelty started to wear off for him, “that you are the only human we can touch. You trying to piss me off, to piss us off? Do you really want me to rip this thread that tethers me to you, just so that I can get my hands on this guy? Strangle him till I feel his last fucking breath? You wanna see me get jealous? Get angry? Because I can, just you wait, if you keep going like this, whoring yourself out, I promise you’ll regret it, I’ll make sure of that-”

“Eddie, that’s enough!” Steve finally snapped, having previously just gone completely silent, either averting his gaze entirely or flashing you the most heartbreaking of puppy dog eyes, “are you okay?” he asked sincerely, and after you offered him a discreet nod, he took a step forward and kneeled down on the floor right in front of you, “sweetheart, you don’t have to do this,” his pleading voice shook you to your very core, “you can stop, it’s not too late. This doesn’t have to be something you see till the end,” as he gently grasped your scrunched up expression in his hands, you saw the edges of his face quiver in despair, “please, I don’t want you to feel this way, I never want you to feel this way.”

“Dude, you know how stubborn she is, she’s not gonna back down, wouldn’t hurt her friend’s feelings like that,” Eddie growled, then gave up completely, “fuck, at least just give her a hand!”

Steve’s eyes washed over your lightly distressed expression, as he gently caressed the side of your cheek, “do you want that, honey? You want me to help you?” sounding painfully desperate in his powerlessness. It wasn’t something that you had to think about for long, because as the next of Jonathan’s unskilful manoeuvres jolted your whole body with painful stings, you felt your head nod in the angel’s grasp. “Alright, okay, just look at me, sweetheart,” he didn’t hesitate to let one of his hands slide down your body and stop between your tense thighs, just above where your friend’s cock was awkwardly hammering into you, “feel me, not him,” he planted a soft kiss on the bridge of your nose and leaned his forehead against yours, “just me… just us…”

© 2023 thyme-in-a-bubble

[wilderqueen]

The Three Lessons of Sneakthiefing

In the decades after the Thrassian Plague, no race on Tamriel suffered more than the Khajiit. Anequina had her discipline, but Pellitine had her gold. Thus, it was in this time that sneak-thiefing became a most common profession for those with no gold to their name, but who saw their neighbours have it in abundance.  

There was one young mother, with fur as black as a raven’s wing, who had in her belly three sons by a father with fur the colour of milk. Where she had come from nothing, he came from vast wealth, and had promised her much and more upon the birth of their sons. But as she laboured in her bed, he left the room, citing a need for more water to wash away the mother-blood, but never again would she see his face. 

And it was then she learned to never trust in the promises of another, and to never expect free fortune. Fortune could only come for those who took it for themselves, and this was the first lesson that she taught to her three sons. 

Her eldest child’s fur was as dark as the void, and to him she gave the name of Azu, for he was her favourite child just as Azurah was to Fadomai. To Azu, she taught the value of stealth. And so, the shadows became Azu’s home, and from the shadows did he begin to amass wealth for his beloved mother.  

Her second child’s fur was the colour of smoke, and to him she gave the name of Narthi, for he was as fast as the winds born of Khenarthi. To Narthi, she taught him the value of agility, and thus Narthi was able to go to the places Azu could not. Though he could not always escape without notice, he was always able to outrun his pursuers. And so too did Narthi begin to amass wealth for his beloved mother.  

Her third and youngest child’s fur was the same shade that his father’s had been, and he was given no name and was taught no lessons save for the first. Undeterred and desperate for his mother’s love and recognition, the child tried to learn what his brothers had been taught. First was Azu’s lesson of stealth, but with his bright fur, any attempt at melding into the shadows was met with failure. Second was Narthi’s lesson of agility, but his tail was too long and would always trip his legs. Unable to even steal a piece of bread without being caught, the nameless child found no other option than to petition Rajhin for aid.  

“Oh great Rajhin, Cat-King of Thieves, this one asks for your wisdom. There is nothing more in the world that this one desires than to be a sneak-thief, just as brothers Azu and Narthi are. To be as silent as a shadow, and as quick as the wind. But this one has tried and failed too many times. There must be one lesson more that this one’s mother did not teach, that you must know and teach instead.” 

Rajhin looked at the young Khajiit before him, his shadowy eyes filled with mirth. And with the wave of a hand, both were transported to a place known only in legend, a vault containing all of Rajhin’s most precious treasures.  

“Yes, there is one lesson more to be learned.” Rajhin agreed as the nameless one looked around in wonderment. “But you must first prove that you have the heart of a thief. If you can steal something from this one, then you will be taught that lesson. But, if you choose instead to give up, then you will become this one’s treasure instead.” 

Before the nameless Khajiit could argue, Rajhin was gone, and he was left alone in the vault. With no other option, he tried to do as Rajhin said. At first, he stuck to the shadows like Azu, but each time he reached out of the darkness to take one of Rajhin’s treasures, a shadowy hand would materialize and slap him away. And so he tried a different approach. This time, he stayed out in the open away from the shadows and took a golden goblet. Excited by his success, he ran to leave, only to find the way out too high from his reach. And try as he might to escape, he simply did not have the athleticism of his brother Narthi. 

Demoralized, he fell to the ground and began to cry, wishing that he had at least been given a name so that the world could remember his foolishness. But as he wept, the third lesson became clear in his mind, and so he called out once more for Rajhin who appeared in a flash of smoke. 

“You call for Rajhin, but you have been unable to steal anything from this one at all. Perhaps you have instead decided to give up?” The trickster god said, his voice laced with malicious amusement.  

“No, this one has taken something from you after all. From you I take your name, Rajhin!” 

And with his words did the illusion of the vault shatter, and the patron of all thieves laughed. “Good, good! You have learned the most important lesson of all – guile!” 

Through guile did young Rajhin become the best thief that the Khajiit of that time ever knew. What wealth that Azu and Narthi had taken for their mother was taken from them in turn by their younger, trickier brother. For after all, a son must still learn from his mother, and Rajhin’s mother had told him that fortune only came to those who took it for themselves. 

[himbodruid]

A Devil and A Bard

Part 2

Raphael x F!Tav

Raphael x Haarlep x Tav

Named!Tav | Bard!Tav

<Part 1< -:- >Part 3>

A/N: this chapter contains 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and has p in v, along with double vp. Just some Raphael brain rot that may stray from canon. Im a devil knot truther

18+ ONLY, Minors absolutely DNI

Chapter 2: In which the bard gets…distracted

When Lore returned to their shared space in the Elfsong, Astarion was on her almost immediately. Thankfully, it appeared the rest of the companions hadnt returned yet.

“You smell like the hells, what did you get yourself caught up in?”

“None of your business,” Lore sighed. The comment was half hearted, as she could never find herself to stay irritated at the spawn. After a single shared night of awkward intimacy, the two had become fast friends. It helped that they had somewhat similar traumas, though Lore knew that what he suffered had been far far worse.

“Oh, come now, darling. Of all our companions, you know I will keep every sordid detail a secret.”

And he had kept the secret. While calling her a pretty little idiot.

Which is what she felt like now, sneaking into the House of Hope. Of all her fool-brained ideas, this one was probably her worst. It had taken only a small fortune to convince Helsik to allow her access to the portal, but she didn’t miss the skeptical eye Helsik gave when it came to light that Lore was to travel to the hells alone.

Upon entry, she had met with a rather…scattered patron who gave her clothing so that she might fit in with other debtors. Lore thought she heard her name to be Hope, but with the half-mad rambling she couldnt remember.

It didn’t take long for her to get thoroughly lost. Keeping track of where she was going was never her strong suit, and it was even worse within the gilded halls of Raphael’s house. Thankfully, it appeared the master of the house was still out on business. Lore had no doubt he could probably sense her presence here, in fact she was sure he kept meticulous track of every single debtor in these halls. He was kind of a control freak that way. But it didn’t seem like her presence would be an issue. Yet.

Lore stood in the center of the only room she recognized and huffed. Hands on her hips, she twisted this way and that, trying to come up with a plan. Where did devils even keep their contracts? The bedroom?

She recalled seeing a couple of rooms that had been shrouded in a mist-like magic that prevented entrance from everyone. Why he couldn’t just use a regular locked door, she didn’t know. But that was as good a place as any to start.

If she could remember where the blasted thing was.

A hot breeze traveled down a corridor, bringing the scent of the hells with it. She followed the direction it came from and found herself at a balcony overlooking Avernus. The sight would be breathtaking if she wasn’t on high alert, waiting for Raphael to appear at any moment and destroy her for breaking in.

Leaning out over the edge of the balcony, Lore thought she could see an adjacent balcony peeking over an outcropping of rock. Steeling herself, she hopped the railing and crept along the rock to the other side. There, a grin formed on her face. She found it! The bedroom lay in front of her. It almost felt too easy. She vaulted over the railing and walked into the room, puffed up and rather proud of herself. Only, she had forgotten to be cautious in her pride.

“A lost little mouse is running through the house.” Shit. “A thief in the night, greedy, and here to take. Why are you here, little thief?”

Lore froze at the first rumblings of his voice, but once his speech was done, she turned to Raphael. Her eyes widened when she beheld him, and she felt heat rush to her face. “Ra-“ her voice caught, and she cleared her throat. “Raphael?”

The half-nude cambion chuckled darkly from where he was sprawled lasciviously on silken sheets. “I am Haarlep, Raphael’s personal incubus. Glamoured to be an exact copy. You, however, have not answered me.”

Lore squinted skeptically, observing the fiend in front of her. His voice didn’t hold the same kind of gravel to it that Raphael’s did, and he did indeed appear to be a slightly younger version of Raphael. Still, the cambion was known for his tricks.

“Why do you care why I’m here if you say you are who you claim to be?”

Haarlep let out a delighted laugh. “I can see why he likes you! Tell me, little mouse, would you like to play a game? If you win, everything you desire shall be yours. But if you lose…let’s just say you will enjoy yourself much more.”

The fiend stood from the bed, sauntering over to where Lore stood with cat-like grace. A predator stalking his prey. He loomed over her, and she was dismayed to find that he had the same kind of magnetism that Raphael had. She neglected to answer his inquiry though, instead choosing to observe the incubus.

“If you are glamoured to be a copy of Raphael,” she started slowly. “Then why are you both younger and slightly taller?”

Haarlep’s brows shot upwards and then he broke into raucous laughter.

“Oh my dearest pet, you are absolutely a delight. I could tell you the reasons, but what fun would that be? Perhaps you should play my game and add the answer to your prize, should you win. After all, the way your gaze flickers across my face, I can tell you would love nothing more than to experience being kissed by the master.”

His teasing sent blood rushing to Lore’s face and she indignantly replied “For your information, I have already experienced kissing Raphael.”

“Well, well, well, colour me shocked!” came his chuckled reply. Lore furrowed her brow and crossed her arms.

“Are you trying to say I'm not enticing enough to have engaged in such activity with Raphael?”

Haarlep’s hand went to his chin and he looked her up and down with a deep hum of thought. “You are a beauty to behold, but the master tends to have very particular tastes. Take myself, for example, as his personal incubus.”

“I'm going to choose not to take offense to that,” Lore huffed.

Haarlep chuckled at her affected affront. “How about this, little mouse! A change to my game, as it were. If you can manage to seduce the master, then you will win whatever it is you seek. Even if you lose,” he growled those last words, moving closer to her and hovering his mouth just above hers. She tilted her head back in an automatic reaction, earning a predatory grin from him as he repeated the last words. “Even if you lose, you will win. After all, how could you possibly settle with kissing the master just. One. Time.”

With a frustrated sigh, Lore gave in to his flirtation and pressed her mouth against Haarlep’s. He immediately coaxed her mouth open and thrust his tongue against hers. Lore vaguely remembered something she read about incubus and succubus saliva having an aphrodisiac effect, but that brief flash was drowned out by the heightened sensations of his body pressing against hers.

He lifted her so that her legs wrapped around his hips, her arms going to wrap around his neck so that her hands could filter into his hair. While she clung to him, Haarlep carried her to the bed, dropping down atop her as soon as her back hit the silken sheets. A snap of fingers, a flash of heat, and she suddenly lay naked under him. Her body was so riddled with lust that she didn’t even have the common decency to be embarrassed at her state of lewd undress. He sat up on his knees, his eyes taking in every curve of her body sprawled before him.

“Such a delicious little treat. The master better get here before I devour you.”

“How will he even know I’m here if he’s away on business?” Lore hated how breathy her voice had become, but gods the visual of this false Raphael resting at the apex of her thighs just did things to her mind, though the bastard remained clothed in his harness. He trailed a clawed finger from her knee to inner thigh with a self assured grin.

“Everything I do to you while in this form, Raphael will be able to feel and hear. If you are lucky, he will be curious enough to see what little mouse has been caught in the trap. If not, you will have to surrender your body to me.”

“I will surrender my body, but not my mind,” she stated firmly.

“Excellent.”

With that, his harness flashed away in a simple snap of his fingers and he lowered himself onto her. The ridged length of his turgid cock rested heavily against her pelvis. Gods but he felt massive, Lore wondered if he would even be able to fit. The thought melted away as his tongue plunged into her mouth once more, and she moaned against him. Haarlep’s hands roamed her body, his claws scraping lightly against her flesh and sending shivers through her. One hand ventured lower, lower, until it reached between them and dipped into her folds.

“So wet for me already,” he chuckled against her mouth. “And we’ve only just begun.”

Fanged teeth nipped down her neck, across her collarbone, and finally found its way to one of her pert breasts. Haarlep took the pebbled peak of her nipple between his teeth and tugged. Lore hissed out a breath, arching her back so that more of the mounded flesh pressed into his mouth. In an embarrassing lapse of control, Lore found herself moaning Haarlep’s name while her hand clenched into his hair.

“Such a touch-starved little dove,” he growled, rolling his tongue around the one nipple and switching to the other. He was right, Lore was touch-starved. Besides the kiss with Raphael, the last time she’d had any kind of intimate contact was with Astarion at the tiefling party. The other companions found solace in each other’s bodies, but Lore couldn’t bring herself to let go like they had. Now she briefly wondered if it was because Raphael had gotten under her skin when the group had run into him at Last Light. She hadn’t missed the way Raphael’s eyes had traveled up and down her form then, and had wondered what had been going through his mind. The thoughts had haunted her, giving in to fantasy and lewd dreaming.

“Let him hear you through me, pet.” Lore had clenched her jaw to keep from making the mewling sounds that built up at the back of her throat from Haarlep’s administrations. “After all, the game is to lure him here, is it not?”

Haarlep’s hot tongue trailed down her stomach while his blazing eyes remained locked with Lore’s. Lower, still, he went. Until his teeth sunk into her inner thigh, just above her mound. She hissed out a moan, throwing her head back into the silken sheets and arching her back. Gods how her body thrummed for him. And then his tongue lathed at her core and her head snapped back up. She hated the sensation when it had come to other partners, but Haarlep’s practiced tongue spread heat through her. The fact that he looked like Raphael also probably helped. He lapped her up, working her until she wasn’t sure how much more she could take. And then he stopped, much to her dismay.

But then his teeth found her other thigh, and she cried out. Whether pain or pleasure, she didn’t know. The line seemed to blur when it came to a devil such as him playing with her.

“That’s it, mouse. I can feel that the master is curious, now. Cry out for him, and I am sure he will come.” The double entendre of Haarlep’s words sent another shudder through her and she let out a whimpering moan. Her hands clenched into the sheets beneath her, and Haarlep continued giving bites along the length of her body until he lay over her once more. The head of his cock rested against her folds, and as much as she tried to pull him into her, he remained just out of reach.

“Raphael, please,” she whimpered, her mind so gone to the sensations of him that she didn’t even realize she had called out the wrong name. His hips pushed forward, but his cock didn’t enter her. Instead the ridges dragged tauntingly upwards against her clit and mound.

“Yes, pet. Call for the master. Make him wish to see you hot and writhing, begging for more,” Haarlep growled into her ear, but then he pulled away.

Her protest died on her tongue as he flipped her over and positioned her so that she was on her elbows and knees with a view of the mist shrouded doorway. Haarlep mounted her from behind, his teeth grazing her shoulder blades and the back of her neck, her raven hair spilled to the other side. Lore’s legs were spread wider and then-

“F-fuck,” she cried out as he entered her fully in one single thrust. He was big, but somehow he was able to bury himself to the hilt. The burning stretch of him nearly sent her over the edge, but he remained infuriatingly still until the threat of her climax abated.

“Oh yes, little mouse. The master is definitely tuned in now,” he said, pulling back and thrusting hard into her with a grunt. She was no longer conscious of the sounds she made, so lost was she in the sensation of the ridges on the underside of his thick length. His hips worked her into a frenzy, always pausing when he felt her on the edge of spilling over. She was rapidly traveling towards overstimulation and the cries of pleasure poured from her unbidden.

She didn’t even realize they had an audience until Haarlep hauled her up, her back against his chest and his arms wrapped firmly around her to hold her in place while he shallowly pumped in and out of her.

Raphael stood near the door, watching them with an expression Lore couldn’t read. His arms were crossed and he leaned casually against the frame, but said nothing. Her heart thundered in her chest as she observed him observing them.

“Isn’t she just glorious, master? Beautiful, impaled on your cock,” Haarlep growled aginst her ear. Lore whimpered, feeling a climax building rapidly once more while Raphael just continued to watch on. Her hands frantically reached for Haarlep, trying with all her might to ride his cock into an orgasm, but he stilled. Again. The bastard.

“Nuh-uh-uh, little mouse. It’s only fair that we save that honour for the master is it not?”

Lore whimpered her complaint, her body strung tighter than a bow at the continuously denied pleasure. When she tried again, Haarlep punished her further by removing himself entirely.

“Poor little pet. If you want it so bad, perhaps you should beg the master for your release.”

Her eyes, half-lidded by desire and pleasure, found Raphael’s. His face remained impassive, but he pushed away from the doorframe and approached the bed at a languid pace. His eyes remained locked to hers, though she couldn't read his expression with how sex-addled her brain was.

“Raphael, please,” she whimpered, squirming against Haarlep’s hold.

“Tell the master what you want, little mouse.”

“Haarlep wont let me cum, Raphael,” she whined. “Please.”

Lore could see hunger ignite in Raphael’s eyes. In an effort to entice him further, Lore turned her head so that her mouth found Haarlep’s. The action had its desired effect, and suddenly Raphael burst into his cambion form in a flash of hellfire. He climbed onto the bed to wrench Lore’s face from Haarlep’s and devoured her mouth with his own in a fit of possession. He pressed forward until Lore was thoroughly sandwiched between the two fiends- Haarlep’s chest to her back as she laid on him, and Raphael’s chest to her own as he pressed atop her.

“You play a dangerous game, but oh, you sing so sweetly little bard,” rumbled Raphael as he tilted his head to nip at her neck. Haarlep’s teeth found her neck on the opposite side and she was lost to the pair. Her moan rang out into the room and she snaked her arms around Raphael’s shoulders. When she attempted to wrap her legs around his hips, she found that they were restrained by each fiend’s tail.

And then she felt…oh..oh gods. Lore threw her head back and cried out as both cocks nudged against her slit. First she had fully expected each to fill both holes, but instead they stretched her to the point that pain and pleasure became one and the same. She didn’t know how much further her cunt could stretch, but Raphael and Haarlep thrust into her in tandem- when Haarlep pulled out, Raphael pumped his hips forward.

“Fuck, Raphael,” she cried out, her breath being stolen from her as the pain quickly converted into pleasure. In just a few more thrusts from each fiend, she was thrown over the edge of the most violent climax she’d ever experienced. Her entire body shuddered and twitched of its own volition and black spots danced in her vision. Grunts and growls erupted from Raphael and Haarlep as her cunt milked both of them, though neither fiend released in response to hers.

In fact, Haarlep removed himself from her body, his mouth finding Raphael’s while she came down from the high. Raphael continued thrusting into her, though each stroke was short and shallow and drove her to overstimulation.

Haarlep’s hand found her chin and turned her head so that he could thrust his tongue into her mouth, and soon after turned her head so that Raphael could have his turn. Raphael’s hips pressed forward and the ridges of him dragged so deliciously against her inner walls. As he tilted his hips forward, plunging again to the hilt, something felt…off? Not in a bad way, but there appeared to be some kind of bulge at the base of his cock that hadn’t been there before. Or was she remembering Haarlep?

“You’re in for a real treat, pet,” Haarlep murmured into her ear by way of an answer to her unvoiced question. “The master doesn’t knot just anyone.”

Knot? Lore wasn’t familiar with cambion anatomy, but she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to know what a knot was. But gods, Raphael felt so good, pumping into her with slow and methodical thrusts. Her legs were released from the tail restraint, only for Haarlep to hook her knees over his arms and spread her wide for Raphael.

And then he thrust forward so violently deep that she arched her back and cried out. What she thought must be the mentioned knot locked him into her and Raphael’s thrusts became constrained, short and quick as allowed by the knot.

“You take my cock so well, little mouse,” Raphael growled to her. His hips pressed so hard, so close into hers that she didn't know where he ended and she began. His cock twitched, and then she felt hot ropes of cum released into her with a guttural growl from Raphael. He relaxed his hips for a brief moment, only for him to snap forward again with a grunt, releasing a second time in such a short span of time. The throbbing movement of his cock deep in her sent Lore over the edge again, and she clung to him while her body trembled and milked him for everything he had to give. Her climax sent another zipping through him and yet another round of heat was pumped into her.

“So fucking good, my little songbird,” Raphael all but whimpered as he nuzzled into her neck.

“You take the master’s cock so beautifully. Sing for him little mouse,” Haarlep praised. Lore whimpered in response, not sure how much pleasure one mortal could even take.

Raphael’s mouth found hers again and he thrust his tongue into her mouth in the same tempo that his hips pumped his cock into her. And then yet again, she could feel him throbbing inside her as more heat scorched into her.

“Gods, Raphael,” she whined. “I’m going to leak your cum for months.”

“Good,” he growled. “Mine. Haarlep, leave.”

Raphael’s growled command was met with no complaint, and soon it was just Lore crushed beneath Raphael with his cock buried so impossibly deep in her.

Raphael’s hips snapped forward again and his teeth sunk into her neck. He marked her, inside and out, so thoroughly claiming her. Another orgasm rocked through her and her limbs trembled with the effort of keeping them up and wrapped around Raphael. Her nails dug into his back with the effort, leaving scratches in the wake of her fingers being knocked from their grip with his thrusts. Her voice rang out into the empty air of the room, no longer restrained by timidness. Many times it was Raphael’s name being chanted in time to each pulsing thrust.

Twice more his cum painted her inner walls, and twice more her cunt milked him for every last drop.

After what seemed like ages, Raphael’s body was finally convinced that Lore was thoroughly bred and the knot subsided. Exhausted, he collapsed atop her, and Lore couldn’t muster a complaint while so completely sated. His weight on her and his warmth was nice, and this lulled her into sleep faster than she could think of the repercussions of their frenzied coupling.

[holylulusworld]

Plant Theft

Summary: He thinks you got enough. You disagree.

Pairing: Lloyd Hansen x Reader

Warnings: language, overuse of pet names, fluff, crack, plant theft, mentions of blood, implied oral (fem rec)

A/N: Please consider I mostly don’t write canon for Lloyd.

<< Part 1

“Cupcake,” Lloyd purrs in your ear as he wraps his arms a little tighter around you. He slowly dances with you to the music they are playing at one of his associates' parties. “Did I already tell you that you look beautiful tonight?"

“Lloyd, we won’t have sex at someone else’s house again,” you tut as his hands move toward your ass to feel you up. “I mean it, baby.”

“I could just put it in a little?” he snickers when you groan loudly. “I’ll fuck you so hard when we get home. You won’t work straight for a week.”

“For a man leaving your woman alone for almost a month, you’re self-confident much tonight, Mr. Hansen,” you quip. “I don’t think you remember how to satisfy me.”

“Aw, look at my bratty lil’ Cupcake,” he whispers in your ear. “She believes I’ll let her get away with pouting at me.”

“If you would excuse me. I need to use the restrooms, Lloyd.”

He sighs as you stop dancing. Lloyd had hoped you would calm down when he takes you out. No such luck. You’re still furious as he left you alone for a month without as much as a phone call.

Lloyd doesn’t know you were worried sick. He only sees the woman he loves storm off and leave him alone at the party.

He runs his thumb over his mustache, saying, "I'll give her ten minutes and then I'll lick her sweet cunt. I know she won't resist my ‘stache.”

“Cupcake?” Lloyd huffs as he finds the bathroom empty. “Y/N? Baby girl? Uh-where the fuck are you?”

After leaving the room, he sneaks into the next one. “Babe? Are you in there?” Lloyd silently opens the next door, finding it empty too. “Shit. Did she drive home?”

Lloyd frowns deeply. You excused yourself ten minutes ago to use the bathroom and now you are nowhere to be found.

He gets his phone out to call you. Lloyd listens closely as he hears your ringtone down the hallway. “Gotcha, dirty girl. I bet she’s at the office and wants me to bend her over the desk. OH-yeah!”

Lloyd walks toward the office, grinning like he’s about to win the lottery as he opens the door. “I found you kitten…” His eyes widen as he caught you red-handed. “Baby…what are you doing?”

He looks at the knife in your hands and furrows his brows. “I can explain this,” you splutter.

“You better do, cupcake,” Lloyd laughs. “Baby, why are you running around my associate’s house with a knife?”

He dips his head as you hide your other hand behind your back. “Y/N, what are you hiding from me?"

You hesitate to answer. “Nothing.”

“Cupcake.” He gives you a stern look. “Do not lie to me. I want you to show me your hand.”

You lift the hand holding the knife.

“Nice try, muffin. Now show me the other hand.”

You swallow thickly.

“Don’t make me ask again. I want to know what you did.”

You show him your other hand.

“What’s this, Y/N?”

You nervously chuckle as Lloyd looks at you like you hold a bloody head in your hands. When in reality, it’s a cutting from one of the office plants.

“I kinda took cuttings from the plants at the office…and the living room, and uh-every other room,” you drop your gaze. “I’m sorry.”

"Wait," Lloyd holds back a chuckle. “You committed plant theft, baby? How many did you steal?”

“Five,” you lie poorly, earning a stern look from Lloyd. “Fine, ten or more…”

“My lovely girl is a plant thief,” he hums while running his index finger and thumb over his mustache. “What shall I do with her?”

“You could be my accomplice, Sir,” you innocently coo. “I’ll share my prey with you.”

“Miss,” he slowly stalks toward you, “if I help you bring these cuttings home, I expect you to let me taste your sweet nectar.”

“Sir!” you exclaim. “You’ve got yourself a deal…”

Lloyd will help you steal more cuttings from the house before sneaking out of the backdoor.

That night you’ll ride his mustache to pay him back. Just the way he likes it…

Part 3

Tags in reblog.

[graycats-arcane-blog]

Lightcannon Week, Day Two Fic!

Prompt: Murder

Title: I'm with you, no matter what

Rating: T

Length: 3.2k words

AO3:

@lightcannonweek

Synopsis:

“You feelin’ alright, Sunbeam?”

“… I... I did something bad.”

“Oh yeah?” Not letting her grip waver, Jinx tucked her face against Lux's hair, just over her ear. “How bad?”

. . .

Rain poured relentlessly from the tar-black sky. It pattered out a steady plic-plic-plic on Jinx's window, streaking long teardrop-trails down the foggy glass. A yellow streetlamp cast its distorted glow into the room, silhouetting a figure curled upon the bed.

Jinx faced away from her window, staring blankly at her shadow on the far wall. Against her chest, she cradled her blue frog plush, the sort of cheap, thin-fabric toy that got handed out as a prize for tacky carnival games. Whenever she held the frog, Jinx was reminded of how Lux had smiled all those months ago at the carnival, the way Lux's eyes had scrunched nearly shut as she'd grinned abashedly, tucking one hand under her silky, blond hair to shyly rub at the back of her neck while she'd handed Jinx the toy.

If only Jinx could travel back to that night instead of being stuck in this one. The gloominess sucked, and her room was too cold. 

Oh, the things she'd give to be with Lux right now. Jinx wanted nothing more than to sneak out into the rain, scale up the oak beside the Crownguard estate, and crawl through the window where her girlfriend would be waiting with warm, wanting arms.

Except… Lux wouldn’t be waiting for Jinx tonight.

Lux would be with them.

“People like me, Jinx! All my life, I thought I was the only one, but they found me! I finally have people I can talk to about this.”

Lux offered her hands, palms up. Veins of light danced across her skin, reflecting in Jinx’s eyes like a sky of shooting stars. “You’ve always been able to talk to ME about it,” Jinx pointed out indignantly.

“I know, but… I mean… I finally know people who understand what this is. Who’ll help me figure out what I am.”

The first time that pack of strangers had intruded on the old lot where Lux went to practice her ability, Jinx had wanted to like the strangers, for Lux’s sake. Lux had been fascinated when their leader explained the power he sensed from her. After his cronies showed off the strange, unnatural talents they wielded, Lux had shown them her light, and they’d told her she was one of them.

Jinx, standing by and watching, had been glad that Lux was happy. But Jinx had also been suspicious. The leader – Sylas, he called himself – hadn’t revealed his own powers, and he slyly dodged Lux and Jinx’s questions about what he was capable of.

That, and the way he hovered around Lux like a thief measuring up a sack of gold, put Jinx on edge.

“I’m just saying, I don’t like the way he acts all mysterious. And I REALLY don’t like the way he stares at you!”

Lux kicked her heel against the edge of her bed. Her hands twitched in her lap. “I know he’s odd,” she said softly, rubbing her thumbs together, “but he told me what he’s been through. What people did to him when they found out he was different. He’s secretive because he has to be, to keep people like us safe. And… he doesn’t look at me that oddly, does he?”

Frustration welled in Jinx’s chest. “Can’t you see it? He’s a shark sniffing blood! He wants something from you, I know he does, I just haven’t figured out what!”

Sylas must’ve known Jinx didn’t like him. He’d been whispering in Lux’s ear, telling her things that Lux didn’t repeat when Jinx asked about it. Lux had started spending more time around him and the other newcomers without inviting Jinx along. When Jinx did catch up with her, the air felt more tense than it had before.

“I don’t understand why you can’t be happy for me.” Lux’s face was creasing, a furrow dimpling her brow and corners sinking at the edges of her mouth. “I finally have friends who like what I am, and you want me to just... Do what? Move on like I'd never met them?”

“I want you to stop fawning after them like they put the sun in the sky” Jinx raged. “They’ve done jack shit to prove that you can trust them! We don’t even know why they came looking for you!”

“They found me because I’m like them! And I trust them because they’ve been through what I’ve been through!” That irate grimace was morphing into full-on anger now. “We’re the same! They could be like family to me, more of a family than my parents or anyone else ever was!”

Oh, that was rich. “What about me, then?” Jinx snarled. “What happened to us being family? To us trusting each other more than anyone else? Where’s that trust gone now, huh?”

Scoffing, Lux turned her face. “… I wanted to trust you. I didn’t want to believe Sylas when he said that he could see you getting bitter and jealous, but here we are.”

“That fucking prick-!”

“You should leave.”

Jinx’s heart lurched. Breathing heavily, she felt her hands start to shake.

“I… I can’t be around you anymore tonight. And…” Turning fully away so that Jinx could only see her back, Lux said tightly, “… Don’t stop by my room tomorrow night. The others invited me out, so I won’t be around.”

Howling with anger and hurt, Jinx chucked her plush frog across the room, wrapping her arms tightly around her hollow chest as it slammed against the wall.

You know what? Fuck them, and fuck her, too. So what if Lux had dropped her like one of her brother's sweaty socks? It was her fucking loss. If Lux didn’t need her, then Jinx didn’t need Lux either. She didn’t. She didn’t.

You do though, the voice in the back of her head whispered. You do, and it’s sooo pathetic!

Jinx dug her nails into her arms, seeking distraction in the sting of her grip. Sniffling, she met the forlorn, plastic gaze of the plush toy belly-up on her carpet, then squeezed her eyes shut.

Let her play with her new fuckin’ friends, Jinx thought bitterly. I hope they all catch pneumonia in the rain. I hope one those people Sylas runs from catches him while he's at the store buying cold medicine.

Even as she tried to convince herself that she didn’t give a damn what Lux and her new friends were up to, a nasty voice in the back of Jinx's head laughed at her. Can’t you see yourself right now? it heckled. Sylas was right about you, you jealous bitch. Lux was right to kick you to the curb.

Shut up, shut up, shut up!

Jinx tried to focus on anything else. She listened to rain splashing on the window. She heard snores from her sister’s room down the hall. Her ears smarted at the chime of her ringing phone…

… ringing.

Jinx’s cell phone was ringing.

She reached blindly back until her fingers found the cell resting on her pillow. The phone vibrated in her hand as she rubbed her eyes, then she squinted at the too-bright screen.

Incoming Call:

Sunbeam

A contact picture smiled at her from the screen. Lux was mid-laugh, one hand raised to swipe at a dash of blue paint Jinx had smeared across her face. She always looked so fucking, goddamn radiant, and Jinx hated that right now.

But you’ll still pick up, won’t you? You’ll come crawling for whatever crumbs she’s willing to give you. Fucking pathetic.

Jinx grit her teeth, and… accepted the call.

“What the hell do you want?” Jinx sniped without greeting. “Gotten bored of your lame new friends yet?”

“…”

A lance of doubt speared her mind – fuck, I shouldn’t have come on sounding so mean, now she doesn’t even want to talk to me anymore – no, no, Jinx was allowed to sound mean. Jinx was allowed to be mad. She had a right to be fucking pissed.

But you miss her voice so fucking much, don’t you?

“You must miss my voice so fuckin’ much, don’t you,” Jinx goaded. “Called me up and won’t even say a word.”

“… J-Jinx…”

The hairs stood up on the back of Jinx’s neck.

Something was wrong with Lux’s voice. She should’ve sounded indignant, or angry, or – in Jinx’s best daydreams – as lonely as Jinx herself felt, and repentant to boot. But her voice…

It sounded faint. Shaky. And there were heavy breaths Jinx could make out now, rapid and deep as if the body on the other end of the call had been running.

Compulsively, Jinx tightened her grip on the phone. “Lux?” all the bite was gone from her tone now, overcome by an uncomfortable, creeping uncertainty. “Hey, is everything okay?”

“… Jinx…”

“… It’s Jinx, yeah. I’m here. Talk to me.”

“Jinx, I… I d-don’t know what to d-do.”

Jinx bit her lip. She’d never heard Lux’s voice sound like this before. Even after her worst fights with her family, she hadn’t sounded so disturbed. “Lux, what’s going on?”

Lux let out a rough, broken sob. “Jinx…”

Wrong, wrong, wrong!

Jinx stood quickly. She set her phone down for only a moment as she thoughtlessly wrangled on a sweatshirt, not caring that the soft fabric would do nothing to keep the rain at bay. “Tell me where you are,” she said, zipping her hoodie shut and seizing her phone once more.

“I…” a loud, wet sniffle snuffed through the speaker. “I d-don’t know. I ran…”

“Where does it look like you are?”

“… S-somewhere along the r-river… An old building. I… I can see a b-bakery through the boards.”

A bakery… Maybe she was in the abandoned cannery across from the shop where Vi bought cupcakes for her girlfriend! “Hold tight,” Jinx said, trying to sound reassuring. “I think I know where you are. I’ll be there in a jiffy, okay?”

“O-okay.” Another sniffle. “J-jinx?”

“Yeah, Sunbeam?”

“… I’m s-sorry…”

Jinx sprinted out her bedroom door, not caring if she woke her sister as she dashed down the stairs and out of the house.

 

 

By the time she arrived at the cannery, Jinx was soaked. That didn’t matter. Ignoring the shivers crawling through her damp skin, Jinx held up her cell’s flashlight and scoured the inside of the run-down structure. She listened for harried breaths, but couldn’t hear anything over the roar of rain and the rush of the engorged river.

After several seconds of frustrating, fruitless searching, Jinx dialed Lux’s number. From behind a stack of wooden boxes, a ringtone of Jinx and Lux’s favorite KDA song belted out, followed by a terrified yelp.

Jinx charged toward the boxes. “Lux! Hey, it’s me, it’s Jinx!”

“… J-Jinx?”

When Jinx dove behind the boxes, she found a tense shape huddled in a corner. Lux, usually so tall and golden and shining, looked impossibly small and mousy as she trembled in the box-pile’s shadow. She looked up with eyes that were too wide, too watery, and too heart-breakingly frightened. Lux usually glowed uncontrollably when she was startled, but now, all around her was dark.

Without hesitation, Jinx dove beside her, snaring Lux into a hug. “It’s alright, Sunbeam. I’m here. I’ve gotcha.”

Letting her face fall onto Jinx's shoulder, Lux sobbed. Trembling arms rose to mirror Jinx’s gesture, one catching her waist, the other snagging her neck. For once, Lux’s grip was just as firm and desperate as Jinx’s.

Through her raging emotions, Jinx distantly noticed that the wetness on Lux’s fingers felt oddly sticky for rainwater.

The pair rested in each other’s arms for several seconds – minutes? Maybe ten minutes? The early evening’s anger was far from Jinx’s mind as she reassured herself with the solid feeling of Lux in her arms. Lux should’ve been warmer, Lux should’ve been dryer, and they both should’ve been safe in one of their bedrooms, but they were together. Everything would be okay as long as they were together.

“Jinx?”

Jinx gave her partner a reassuring squeeze. “You feelin’ alright, Sunbeam?”

“… I... I did something bad.”

“Oh yeah?” Not letting her grip waver, Jinx tucked her face against Lux's hair, just over her ear. “How bad?”

“I… W-we...”

“… it’s okay. Take your time.”

Lux shuddered – a devastating, full-body shudder that Jinx could feel rattling through Lux’s ribcage and into hers. “We went to a house uptown,” she told Jinx. "Sylas said we were going to do an... An initiation there. That he'd tell me what they all banded together for, and I'd really be one of th-them.“

Jinx grit her teeth. Sylas. Of course this trouble all started with fucking Sylas. "What happened after you got to the house?"

"A man lived there, with his family. Sylas said the man was someone who... who'd hurt him, someone who would hurt us, and then… Sylas… He…”

"..." Jinx smoothed a soothing hand over the waterlogged shirt at Lux's back. "What did he do, Sunbeam?"

“… He took something,” Lux whispered, and the fear in her voice sent an awful shiver up Jinx’s spine. “I could feel it. He took something from me, from the others too, and he used it to… to…” A shrill whimper broke from her throat. “Jinx, I should’ve l-listened to you. I sh-should’ve...”

Jinx shushed her firmly. “Shhh… It’s okay. Just tell me what happened.”

“He k-killed them. The whole f-family. He took something from me and used it to k-kill them.”

Lux’s voice dropped off for a few seconds, and her words rang numbly through the cold air.

Oh, Jinx thought, her heart dropping. Shit. 

“... Sylas put his hands on their bodies, and… There was so much blood on his hands. I couldn’t move; I just stood there while he walked up to me and held my hands, with the blood, and he… He said, now that I’d joined them, they were strong enough to kill everyone who stood against us. But...” Lux shook her head roughly, jarring her cheek against Jinx’s. “I didn’t want anyone to die… I didn’t want to… That family… The kids… I ran away after he touched me, but… It… It’s my fault… It’s my fault…”

“No,” Jinx said firmly as Lux broke down in her arms. She could feel Lux’s fingers, tacky with a dead family's blood, digging into her skin. “It’s not your fault,” Jinx insisted. “It’s not, okay?”

“… Jinx, w-what do I d-do now?”

Fuck. Lux sounded so scared, and hurt, and powerless, and she wasn’t supposed to sound like any of those things. It wasn’t right for Jinx’s bundle of sunshine to be sad. Gently, Jinx asked, “Did anyone see what happened? Aside from Sylas and his crew?”

“Th-the house was full of cameras. Sylas led us by them, looked right into them. I think… I think he wanted people to see what he could do. What he could use me to do.”

“Alright then.” There. There was a way Jinx could make everything better. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll take care of the cameras before the cops even know what happened; you just gotta show me which house to sweep.”

“No!” Lux squeaked. “If you end up recorded too… What if the police think you were involved? Or what if S-sylas gets mad about you interfering?”

“C’mon, you know I’m good at sneaky shit,” Jinx replied, injecting confidence into her voice. “No one’s gonna catch me.”

“J-jinx…”

“You trust me, right?”

Lux’s breath hitched. Her trembling stilled as she pulled Jinx ever tighter against her body, her nails painful as they carved divots into Jinx’s skin. “M-more than anyone,” she whispered. “But…” Taking a deep, shuddering breath, she said in a tone that utterly failed to be even, “I should be the one to take out the cameras. I’m already on video; I can’t get incriminated any more than I already am. I… I don’t want you to get hurt because of what I did when I… When I didn’t listen to you. Jinx… You don’t owe me any care, not after what I said to you. What I let Sylas make me believe.”

Jinx huffed. “You don’t have to owe me shit,” she scoffed. “You’re not doing this alone. I’m with you, no matter what.”

The body in Jinx’s arms sagged, going suddenly limp. When Jinx peeled back to scan Lux’s face, her partner looked terribly tired, as if she’d lived a whole, hellish lifetime in a single night. Jinx’s heart panged to see her like this – she wished the night could be over for Lux, but she had a feeling that no amount of coaxing would make Lux leave her to take down the deceased’s security cameras alone.

Was it wrong that a part of Jinx felt glad that Lux would cling to her side after a night like this? Who knew. Maybe Sylas had been onto something when he’d told Lux that Jinx was the jealous type.

She’s my Sunbeam, Jinx thought bitterly to herself. Not his, not anyone else’s. That’s all that matters.

“I think he might try to find me again,” Lux murmured numbly. “He wants me on his side. He’s not just going to let me go.”

Fury writhed like a viper in Jinx’s gut. “Maybe he needs a taste of his own medicine,” she said darkly. “Want me to kill him for you?”

Lux bowed her head, squeezing her eyes shut. “Jinx…”

“I’m serious.”

“… I know,” she said softly. “You shouldn’t be so willing to kill for me, after the way I treated you. You should be mad at me. You warned me something bad would happen. I don't understand why you bothered to pick up when I called.”

Jinx shook her head slowly. “When I’m mad at you," she said, "when I’m so fuckin’ furious that I can’t even think straight... I’ll still have your back. Yeah, I’d kill for you. I’d burn that fuckin’ house down to clear up the evidence, then torch the rest of the city just to make extra sure that Sylas and his pals go to hell.” Placing her hands just over the knees of Lux’s trousers, Jinx curled her hands into the fabric, steadying herself as she pinned her burning gaze onto Lux. “Whether you want my help or not, I’m not letting you go.”

Tears beaded at the corners of Lux’s eyes.

When her hand unstuck from the back of Jinx’s neck to instead palm her cheek, Jinx didn’t mind the way Lux’s fingertips drew tacky blood-trails across her skin. She leaned into the touch with a rush of need, closing her eyes and meeting Lux’s lips halfway.

They were both hungry and desperate to reaffirm their bond. Mouths sucked, teeth grated, and tongues lolled through open lips. With a feral moan, Lux dragged Jinx into her lap, and Jinx succumbed easily to her whim, letting her knees spread on either side of her partner’s waist.

It felt like a small eternity passed before Jinx came to, her sweat-slick forehead pressed against Lux’s, heat radiating through her despite the night's cold as she panted out gasping breaths.

“We’ll worry about Sylas later,” Lux whispered against her lips, her breath tasting sweet on Jinx’s tongue. “Let’s focus on destroying the cameras, and then…”

“… Then you’ll stay over at my place,” Jinx rasped, her voice haggard from loss of breath. “I’ll be your alibi if someone sniffs this murder back to you.”

“Thank you.” Lux dropped a soft kiss on Jinx’s lips. “I love you so much.”

As rapid as the rain, hot satisfaction poured into Jinx’s body, flooding her chest until she felt full and warm.

That’s right, Jinx thought. You love me. You’re mine.

“I love you too, Sunbeam," she assured her. "Now, let’s go destroy some evidence!”