#fluffbruary2024

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Thou bearest in Heaven at night,//And more I admire//Thy distant fire,//Than that colder, lowly light….- Tamerlane Usher/Verna

A/N: Part 1/4 for day 20 of @fluffbruary GIF made for me by @whoreofthecottage

“'Twas noontide of summer, And mid-time of night; And stars, in their orbits, Shone pale, thro' the light Of the brighter, cold moon, 'Mid planets her slaves, Herself in the Heavens, Her beam on the waves. I gazed awhile On her cold smile; Too cold- too cold for me- There pass'd, as a shroud, A fleecy cloud, And I turned away to thee, Proud Evening Star, In thy glory afar, And dearer thy beam shall be; For joy to my heart Is the proud part Thou bearest in Heaven at night, And more I admire Thy distant fire, Than that colder, lowly light….” Verna’s voice is soft, smooth as silk and Tamerlane smiles just a little at the feeling of her arm at her waist, soft lips brushing her ear even as they lie curled together, Verna’s fingers tracing soft circles into her skin. She’s getting, slowly, used to the smooth softness of Verna and her love. It is enough, deep and comforting warmth surrounding her fragile heart. She sleeps, slowly, Verna’s slow caress and softly murmured poems easing her to restfulness, warm and safe and loved. She is safe, here, she knows, safe and loved and able, finally, to rest. She feels, at last, safe.

[blogger360ncislarules]

Why OSP smelled like a monkey house one day.

@fluffbruary

[fluffbruary]

How time flies! The 14th of September is only days away. Take a look at the prompts and go create some fluff. Don’t forget to tag us so we can reblog your amazing work.

Because February is just not big enough to contain all the fluff, we have fluffnapped the 14th of every month and appended those dates to Fluffbruary. It's the Fluffbruary: Extended Edition. And now?

The INFINIFLUFF 2024 prompt list has arrived!

All fandoms, all ships welcome! Tag @fluffbruary in your posts so we can reblog your fluffy creations--and please reblog THIS post so your tumblr community sees it and comes to play in the fluff.

March 14 : shining | cotton | mountain

The rest of the year, plus alternate prompts, below the cut.

April 14 : coffee | florist | vision

May 14 : music | breathe | soap

June 14 : poetry | bookshop | seashell

July 14 : library | glimpse | trip

August 14 : radiant | giddy | chase

September 14 : euphoria | cloudy | sophisticated

October 14 : intuition | faded | quaint

November 14 : cuddle | happy | spell

December 14 : book | horizon | hug

January 14 : opulent | gasp | attic

Alternate prompts for use if the prompts for any of the assigned prompts above don't work -

fountain | frisson | gem | Italy | nimble

[fateinthestars]

Star-Crossed Myth FanFiction, Fanart & Reviews Masterlist

(Dates to the left are the date the post linked was posted, in Day/Month/Year format)

GOD x MC FICS

Oneshots Series' (Multiple Pairings)

24/12/2023 Star Crossed Myth Advent Calendar 20,507 words total (Rating: T. 2 flash fictions for each God with MC, written for December 2023)

25/05/2024 Fluffy Days with The Gods 26,038 words total (26 fluffy ficlets for each God with MC written for the Fluffbruary2024 event, T rated)

25/05/2024 Fluffy Days with The Gods - Mature Edition 2,920 words total (3 fluffy ficlets written for the Fluffbruary2024 event, M rated (MC/Aigonorus, MC/Huedhaut, MC/Partheno))

Huedhaut x MC

20/10/2023 In Sickness and In Health (1,321 words) Huedhaut has a vision and suggests MC takes some time off work. (Rating: T, Genre: Comfort) (This was just a very self-indulgent thing I wrote for myself I decided to share)

02/03/2024 Love Eternal (8,665 words) When the strain put on Huedhaut's body due to only having stars in one of his eyes finally becomes too much, the other Zodiac Gods realise that there is a way to save him - but that way is for MC to be a Goddess. Can they find a way to make sure she can ascend as herself, even if it means doing so without the help of the King? (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with A Happy Ending. Sequel to Hue's Promise of Infinity story. Also contains Leon/Karno)

Karno x MC

Series: Heavenly Thoughts

26/11/2023 Hard Work (10,525 words) When MC loses her job at the Planetarium and doesn't want the others interfering because she believes it to be the right decision, Karno ends up stuck between his want to only grant things that she wants him to do and the possibility of losing her: The under realm is active once more. (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with Hopeful Ending)

28/01/2024 Heavens on His Mind (11,646 words) Now that MC is a Goddess and Karno is recovered from the recent attack from the Under-Realm, they find themselves thrown into a situation of the King's making: Karno's powers aren't working and MC finds herself working for the Wishes department. But is Karno's lack of powers to do with recent events or caused by something else? And if he has no powers, was staying in the Heavens the right call after all? (Sequel to Hard Work, Rating: T, Genre: Angst)

Tauxolouve x MC

26/10/2023 Arrow Through the Heart (4,175) What if MC had only handed Tauxolouve his ankle bracelet back? (Rating: M, Genre: Heavy Angst. Warnings: Hit & Run) (Request)

Tauxolouve x MC x Huedhaut

Series: Arrows of Fate

18/10/2023 Future Reflected (13,491 words) Tauxolouve feels a lot more settled after recent events, but when an incident results in him kissing Huedhaut he finds that his closest friend has a death. Is there a way to prevent this fate? And just what does it have to do with his and MC's relationship?(Rating: T, Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending)

13/11/2023 Dungeons & Demigods (27,978 words) When a rebel group of Gods attack the Departments, Tauxolouve finds himself taken hostage and in a lot of trouble. Can the Zodiac Gods fix the situation? And how will Huedhaut and MC deal with their beloved being in peril? Especially when the other had made this sacrifice for Huedhaut's sake? (Sequel to Future Reflected, Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Injury Recovery, Angst with a happy ending. Warnings: Hostage/Kidnapping situation, Graphically described violence, some sexual themes)

Zyglavis x MC

05/10/2023 Pranks & Problems (18,395 words) Ichthys appears to be having a usual fun morning, but when he takes a turn is his mortality catching up with him or is it something more sinister? And if the latter: Was it even meant for him? (Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort. Warnings: Partheno being a creep, some described violence.)

25/09/2023 (backdated) Shadows (9,944 words) When Zyglavis’ Wife’s name appears on the Punishments list things once again become dangerous for the Gods. And just what does this have to do with Zyglavis shadow? (Also contains Hue/Clotho, Rating: M, Genre: Angst and Feels) (Note: First fic I wrote for this fandom ^^;;)

11/01/2024 Brush With Disaster (3,041 words) When MC comes home to find her apartment has been robbed, a specific missing item means she asks for Ichthys' help to get it back, but have they stumbled into something far more dangerous than it first appeared? (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort. Warnings: Robbery, Off-Screen murder mention, Implied Attempted Murder)

GOD x READER FICS

Huedhaut x Reader

29/03/2024 Sarcastic Smiles (2,961 words) You wake up one morning to find you are in a bedroom you thought only existed in your favourite otome game, only to find you are now inhibiting the character you have been controlling in said game. How will Huedhaut react to his Main Character no longer being the human he fell in love with, but still with knowledge of their relationship? (Rating: T, Genre: Isekai (reader from our world suddenly in MC's body)) (request)

Tauxolouve x Goddess!Reader

Series: The Party Planner Goddess

16/11/2023 Three Weeks (4,694 words) You are a Goddess in the Heavens working as a party planner. One day you literally run into Tauxolouve and things seem to blossom from there. But are Teorus and Shinobu actually right? Will it all end in tears? (Rating T, Genre: Angst, Hurt no Comfort, Angst with an Unhappy Ending. Also contains Teorus/MC (Shinobu)) (Request)

07/01/2024 Three Months (7,966 words) Three months have passed since the emergency Wishes were dealing with led to you meeting Tauxolouve in the market place. Since breaking up with him two months ago, Tauxolouve's abilities have diminished severely and Huedhaut has had enough. He pleads with you to at least check in on the other.(Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Mending Relationships, Getting back Together. Happy Ending Sequel to Three Weeks. Also contains Teorus/MC (Shinobu)) (Request)

23/03/2024 Three Dates (6,510 words) Snippets of three dates that you and Tauxolouve take in the months following the events of Three Months. (Rating: T, Genre: Romance, Fluff. Sequel to Three Months) (Request)

30/07/2024 Three Gifts (1,860 words) Whilst Gods do not need sleep, it is still possible to feel rather drained from work. Luckily Tauxolouve is there to make sure you are taken care of. (Ratng: T, Genre: Romance, Fluff. Sequel to Three Dates) (Request)

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Series: Prince Tauxolouve

07/04/2024 The Reborn Prince and the Ascended Goldfish (16,832 words) The King of the Heavens refused to give Tauxolouve a home in the Heavens, but on the night of Tauxolouve's death he realises he had made a mistake and intervenes to raise his soul to that of a full God and raise him as his son. Thousands of years later, you are a human whose business has failed due to issues beyond your control and when the King of the Heavens offers to raise you to a Goddess to start a new life, you take it. The King offers you a place in Punishments, but Tauxolouve (who is Minister of Wishes) reveals that both departments are actually a God short right now. However, The King immediately warns you away from Tauxolouve, and you soon find yourself wrapped up in secrecy in order to avoid the King's disapproval. All on top of discovering your divine powers and getting used to your powers and the other Zodiac Gods. (Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Timeline, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending) (Request)

20/06/2024 Rifts (28,522 words) Five years have passed since you became a Goddess and formed a relationship with Prince Tauxolouve. Along the way you both had to overcome many trials - not least when six of your colleagues were exiled with a mark of sin - but it turns out your biggest trial is just around the corner. As Heaven’s Rift descends and the prospect of your partner eventually being King becoming a reality, there would have been a lot on your mind regardless, even without the revelation about Tauxolouve’s mother. However, it is not just the rules of the Heavens and where you would go from here you have to contend with, but the threat of the under-realm gathering strength once more. Will your love see you safely through this latest event? Will the heavens give you their blessing? And even if you can stay together - can you save the Heavens before it crumbles at the hands of the Dark King? A new era is about to begin, but what that future holds lays squarely on yours and (soon to be) King Tauxolouve’s shoulders. (Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Timeline, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending) (Request)

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06/05/2024 Protective Flames and Lurking Shadows (5,136 words) You are the younger sister of Zyglavis and Krioff - two members of the Department of Punishments in the Heavens. After growing close to Tauxolouve, the other asks you out. Due to your love of your family you decide to seek their permission first - so what happens when Zyglavis says no?(Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Forbidden Love, Family Drama, Family Feels) (Request)

Fae King!Tauxolouve x Fairy!Reader

03/11/2024 Will Fairy Magic Thrive or Turn to Dust? (Six Chapters totalling 55,364 words) You were just a normal fairy from a small hamlet, but on the evening of your twenty-first birthday everything was about to change: Unbeknownst to you, your family had arranged for you to be the current Fae King's Fiancée. Whisked away to a tower over the mountains and through a dangerous forest, can you come to terms with your destiny of being King Tauxolouve's Fae Queen? Is there some way you can find happiness from this arrangement you never even wanted? And did he even want it to work himself? (Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Universe, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Chronic Illness, Injury Recovery, Arranged Marriage)(Request)

Human!Tauxolouve x Goddess!Reader

04/03/2024 Wish of Fate (8,224 words) You are the Goddess of Sagittarius, heading to work to grant wishes as per usual, but with a feeling that something is about to happen. Tauxolouve is a receptionist at an Orphanage and his wishes to help the kids often reach the Heavens. When he finally wishes for himself - he asks to know what happened to his own parents. Who would have thought one innocent wish would cause such chaos? But then again, who would have foreseen that you would go to such lengths to see it granted? (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Alternate Timeline. Also contains past Huedhaut/Clotho) (Request)

Sorcerer!Tauxolouve x Goddess!Reader

29/08/2024 Two Kinds of Magic (8,891 words) You are the Goddess of Sagittarius and part of the Department of Wishes. When an attack from rebel gods in the heavens gets to a dangerous climax, you use the last of your strength to teleport yourself to Earth. There you meet a sorcerer, and your whole world changes. But with the heads of department having information about your saviour from the king, can you and Tauxolouve overcome adversity from both the heavens who do not think he should exist, and the humans that had pushed him into living alone in the forest? (Rating: T, Genre: Alternate Timeline, Hurt/Comfort, Forbidden Romance, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending. Mentioned past Huedhaut/Clotho) (Request)

Tauxolouve x Reader

07/09/2024 Romantic Melody (1,784) You are a singer who has a small but loyal following and are happy performing in local cafes, pubs, and clubs when the opportunity arises. However, your stutter sometimes gets in your way when talking to people afterwards. Tauxolouve, your boyfriend for the past year, always seems to be there in order to keep you together, but you begin to wonder whether that is just because he feels bad that you can't always speak your mind as easily as you would like. (Rating: T, Genre: Comfort)(Request)

Zyglavis x Reader

28/07/2024 Forgotten Past (32,696 words) You thought you were just a normal human woman going about your normal life, who just unfortunately did not remember anything before your mid to late twenties. However, when you become a target of an attack from the underrealm, you find yourself thrown into a world you never knew existed, with a brother you never knew you had, and the start of a rather fraught journey with your saviour, the head of the Department of Punishments: But has he promised to protect you out of an obligation to the heavens, or is there something more between you? (Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Injury Recovery, Found Family, Amnesia Recovery. Also contains background Tauxolouve/MC/Huedhaut with a little foreground Tauxolouve/Huedhaut. Warnings: At least implied graphically described violence, some sexual themes)

GOD x GOD FICS

Ichthys x Dui

13/08/2024 Prank Punishment (3,856 words) When Dui accidentally sets a prank of Ichthys' off, both feel they are better off staying out of each others' way for a while for vastly different reasons. (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Getting Together).

Ichthys x Huedhaut

Series: Logic and Emotion

17/04/2024 Wish to Ransom (6,889 words) The Revelry Fest is fast approaching and Huedhaut is once more in charge of screening the Wishes. This month would be tiring enough for him but as it turns out a rebel faction want to use the ceremony to plunge the Heavens into chaos, and they know the best way to threaten the departments is to take the one who would be in the most danger... (Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Injury Recovery, Angst with a happy ending, Getting Together, Also contains brief mention of Scorpio/MC. Warnings: Hostage/Kidnapping situation, some graphically described violence.)

01/05/2024 Fishy Future (18,023 words) Over a month after Huedhaut and Ichthys started seeing each other, the others finally work out something they had been up to and why. However, the fun is interrupted when Riki escapes and takes it upon himself to pay them back for ruining the rebel group's plans... Can the others stop Riki and stop Huedhaut from dying? With the powers of the under-realm on Riki's side, things may not be that simple. Plus: Riki was initially reported by Nasir, can Tauxolouve make sure nothing happens to his family or will by going to his aid actually put them, himself, and maybe the whole of the Heavens in danger? (Sequel to Wish to Ransom. Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Injury Recovery, Angst with a happy ending. Warnings: Attempted murder and mind control.)

Karno x Huedhaut

05/09/24 Chains (10,970 words) Years after being kidnapped, Huedhaut finally has some hope that maybe not all is lost after all, but have the departments found him too late? Meanwhile, during the time that has passed, Karno has grown to realise there is something he really must tell the other. And that something means that he must help the God of Aquarius no matter the cost to himself. (Rating: M, Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Sickfic, Getting Together, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending. Warnings: Some violence, kidnapping.)

Leon x Karno

18/03/2024 Pride for Two (2,292 words) When Huedhaut has a troubling vision regarding Karno, can Leon get through to the other and help his Vice Minister? (Rating: M, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Getting Together. WARNING: Suicidal thoughts and issues of self-loathing and self-worth)

07/07/2024 Rhythmic Realisations (2,757 words) When Leon sees Zyglavis and Karno dancing together at an official ball in the heavens, he starts to feel things internally that he cannot place. However, there is one thing to bear in mind: Karno was summoned by the King the previous week. Still, why does seeing his Vice Minister so close to the Minister of Punishments physically hurt? (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Realisation of Feelings, Angst with a Happy Ending, Getting Together)

Scorpio x Zyglavis

10/05/2024 False Negatives (1,845 words) When Scorpio accidentally reads Zyglavis' mind and finds that the other stops himself from even thinking what he was going to about his Vice Minister, he begins to worry that he's somehow disappointed the other. (Rating: T, Genre: Angst, Angst with a Happy ending, Love Confessions, Getting Together)

FANART

Ichthys and Huedhaut

Tauxolouve wearing the 8th Doctor's (Doctor Who) costume

Aigonorus

Zyglavis

Ichthys (custom outfit)

Huedhaut (custom outfit - Halloween costume)

Star-Crossed Myth Custom Content for The Sims 3 & The Sims 4

The Zodiac Gods' Mansion for the Sims 3

The Zodiac Gods' Mansion for the Sims 4

Star-Crosssed Myth Reviews/Character Rambling Stuff

Warning: Spoilers.

All 12 Main Stories

All 12 Sequel Stories

All 7 Musings on Love Stories

All 12 Promise of Infinity Stories

To the Victor goes the Spoils: Huedhaut vs Teorus & Zyglavis vs Ichthys

To the Victor goes the Spoils: Aigonorus vs Dui

To the Victor goes the Spoils: Leon vs Karno & Scorpio vs Krioff

Heavenly Pleasures: Wishes & Heavenly Pleasures: Punishments (Warning: Mature post)

A Divine Autumn with the Gods: Wishes & A Divine Autumn with the Gods: Punishments (Warning: Mature post)

Decadent Kisses on a Devilish Night: Wishes & Decadent Kisses on a Devilish Night: Punishments

Sweet & Spicy: Private Lessons from the Gods

An Autumn of Longing: Wishes & An Autumn of Longing: Punishments

Your First Anniversary: The Gift of Love

Your First Anniversary: A Special Day for Two

Signs of Love on a Holy Night: Wishes & Signs of Love on a Holy Night: Punishments

12 Loves Light up a Holy Night: Wishes & 12 Loves Light up a Holy Night: Punishments

Captivated by 12 Temptations on a Holy Night

His Divine Succor

Whispers of Love from the Stars

Cupid's Lovestruck Valentine (Leon, Scorpio, Dui, Huedhaut Ichthys) + A Sweet Mission With You: Teorus

Secret Blessings from the Gods: Punishments & Secret Blessings from the Gods: Wishes

White Day Treats for a Crimson Lipped Goddess

The Gods' Secret Fantasies: Sweet/Sexy/Bitter/Dramatic (Warning: Mature post)

Pressuring the Gods: His True Feelings

A Divine Trip for Two: Wishes & A Divine Trip for Two: Punishments

[baubeautyandthegeek]

A Loving Lullaby - Liandrin Guirale/Lanfear

A/N: Part 2 for Day 5 of @fluffbruary

Liandrin’s sleep has always been uneasy, nervy and filled with pain. Lanfear, now she has wooed Liandrin to her side, guards her sleep, easing her to rest with quiet, Forsaken, lullabies. The quiet is filled with Lanfear’s voice, quiet and sweetly warm. “Sleep now, my Lioness.” Lanfear murmurs when Liandrin is finally asleep, kissing the woman’s hairline. She will watch over her until she shifts in her sleep, sliding into dreams to wrap Liandrin in her care, holding her close until the woman is steady and sure of herself. Protect her from everything. She knows she should not care so much, but she can’t help it.

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Old Fashioned - Phyllis Baxter/Cora Crawley/Sarah O'Brien

A/N: Part 2 of Day 4 for @fluffbruary

“New beau? Baxter?”

The question is soft, lightly spoken and Cora glances up at the sound of Phyllis’ sigh. The woman looks deeply embarrassed, timid even and Cora rises to move closer, noting the way Baxter’s eyes shone even as she steps back, away. “No m’lady.” A pause then. “You might… know who they are… however.” “Oh?” A pause then. “Is O’Brien back?”

A telling blush spreads over Baxter’s cheeks and Cora smiles, moving to press a light kiss to Baxter’s hairline, her voice soft. “Go to her…. Bring her home.” People would never know that Cora was deeply in love with Baxter, not for years yet, but O’Brien had always clearly had her heart so nobody was much surprised when Cora asked O’Brien back in her life, free from service. Later, much later, Cora’s gentle calm would settle both women’s nerves when Baxter brought O’Brien home, the three alone overnight, free at last to love one another.

[baubeautyandthegeek]

The Key To Happiness – Shasta/Georgina Stanton, Beverly Keane/Erin Greene, Tamerlane Usher/Candy (Verna), Shirley Crain/Leigh Crain, Sarah/Maggie.

A/N: Part 4/4 for @fluffbruary day 22. Last gif made for me by @whoreofthecottage

Keys, the key to a home can mean many things to many people. For many it means hope. The twist of Sarah’s key in the door lights a lamp in Maggie’s view, the woman is quiet even now, setting her book down and letting the door closed before flipping the lock closed, checking everything is safely locked down before moving to settle beside Maggie and welcome the woman into her lap, the two content to sit in silence, comfortable in one another’s arms. Shirley Crain’s key unlocking the door means Leigh will be treated to tales of sweet kids and sad people who need help. All things that Leigh loves to listen to, she’s content here, loved and happy to look after the children whilst Shirley works. The offer of a key for Shasta means everything. She is welcomed, finally, home. Home to Georgina Stanton, home to love and care and a chance to really, truly live. She is quiet the first time she uses it, slipping into the hospice, then the elevator, making her way up alone to Stanton’s rooms, letting herself in and locking the door behind her, curling into Stanton’s lap when the woman beckons her, content to sit, sharing a small roll of weed, the two settling into one another’s orbit like it’s natural. Erin’s key, gifted in a moment of fear by Beverly Keane, rarely touches the door. This time, when the storms are due, she lets herself in, the key clicking in the lock even as she locks it shut, moving closer and pulling a trembling Beverly into her arms, kissing her silent, promising she’s safe. Tamerlane’s fingers close around the key as she paces, waiting for Candy, her Candy, the woman she loves most, to come home. People have always thought Candy was still just a hooker, but that hasn’t been true since Bill left. She never pays anymore and spends most nights sleeping in Candy’s arms. Candy is quiet when she lets herself in, locking them in and smiling softly when she turns to see Tamerlane still twisting the key in her hands, then Tamerlane’s hands move, unfurling to reveal the key, her voice soft, hopeful. “I’d like you to stay…” Candy’s smile, quick, bright, warm is reward enough even as the woman’s lips cover her own. “I’ll stay Darling, as long as you want me.”

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Flinching Touches Become Wanton - Tamerlane Usher/Verna

A/N: Day 17 part 3 for @fluffbruary. This one gets M rated.

Tamerlane Usher has never been fond of touch. She’s never been tactile. She remembers when it started, her father slipping into her bed when she was barely a teen, her brother seeming inclined to follow. She remembers running from it, closing her eyes, pretending it didn’t happen. Her father had never touched her, merely sleeping with her in the same bed. Frederick did the same. Then, finally, things change. Her mother dies, her first sister shows up. Victorine. Victorine who sees it all, Victorine who makes her feel less like she has to flinch. Then Victorine comes out and Tamerlane flinches. Years pass, new brothers join them, then Camille. Camille who touches her without asking, makes her flinch from everything. She’s still broken by the time Bill happens. Bill who takes head but doesn’t make her let him do anything. Until he complains he’s bored, that he wants to touch her. So she changes the game, brings him hookers, brings him anything that will save her. Then Verna happens. Verna, who goes by Candy, blows Bill, fucks Bill, leaves. Bill leaves soon after, claiming Tamerlane is insane and she knows, she knows she is. Candy comes around that evening, arriving as Bill is leaving and Tamerlane can hear him in the hall, telling Candy to ‘talk to the fucking cunt’. She’s in tears when Candy, Verna, finds her. Tactile seems so far away, a hopeless dream. Candy’s touch is gentle over her hands and she looks up with a soft snuffle, her eyes wide as she looks at her. “You feel…. Warm.” “I am, darling, but so are you, if you trust someone.” Trust and tactile, two words she’s not good with. Candy tilts her head, lets their lips meet and Tamerlane whimpers into her mouth. Tactile works, here, with Candy. Then the deaths begin. She plays dumb when she next meets Candy, pretends that she and Bill are fine. Bill dies in her place, her eyes widening when she arrives home to see Roderick, her father, asking if he’s okay. He looks right through her, then speaks. “My son, your husband just died… whilst you were… where? Presenting Goldbug? His work.” She sees the mirrors, sees the blood and the green and feels her heart burn. Candy. She knows it is Candy. Then Candy comes back and she…. Talks. Asks things, learns that Candy is Verna, that Verna had changed who her parents were. That she was, finally free. She’s tactile now, with Verna. Soft hands bunch the silks at her hips and she leans closer, whispering the words ‘You fucking saved me’ against those same soft lips that keep her close, make it easier to be tactile. Back meets wall, lips cover lips and Tamerlane finally, finally, tugs Verna closer, fitting their mouths together even as her body arches to Verna, the easy flow of blood between her thighs speaking the words she never can and Verna smiles, kissing her deeper, more possessively and presses deeper into her, curling her fingers before letting her lips find Tamerlane’s ear. “You’ll learn to be tactile, darling Dove…. You’ll learn. You are deathless now, my sweet. My Dove, my girl.” Tamerlane laughs then and kisses Verna again, her voice husky with want. “Then don’t stop.”

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Heart of Glass - Tamerlane Usher/Verna

A/N: Part 3 for Day 7 of @fluffbruary

Tamerlane was always destined to die by glass, so when she’s about to step up on the bed, finally fulfilling the prophecy, Verna moves swiftly to snatch her from the bed. Tamerlane almost screams, almost, falling silent when Verna’s lips find her ear. “Relax, Sweet girl… come away from the glass.” The club that had been about to smash the glass finally breaks through, the force of Verna’s pull sending it flying. Verna’s grip tightens as she pulls Tamerlane closer, soft lips finding her ear again when the glass lands on the bed, the shatter pattern showing exactly how Tamerlane should have died. “Good girl, that’s my Dove…” Soft fingers trail through her hair and Tamerlane shudders slightly even as she leans into the touch, finally, finally, enjoying being touched, held, wanted. Finally breaking free of her darkness, turning into her Raven, turning into Verna and letting her arms wrap around the woman even as she nestles her face into Verna’s shoulder, her breathing steadying at last. “My Raven…” She’s lost to her family, alive in ways nobody would understand even as Verna leads her away, leaving behind images of Tamerlane broken and twisted, choosing to steal the woman’s mortality and gift her immortality at her side, free at last.

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Subtle As Ever - Rita Calhoun/Elana Barth

A/N: Part 3/3 for @fluffbruary.

“It’s all about the nuance…” Rita’s voice dips even as she moves to slip an arm around Elana’s waist, guiding her quietly away from the group surrounding her, her words clear, a claim and a promise at the same time. “If a lady says no, she means no. If she says ‘maybe’, she means no….” The silence that fills the room seems heavy but Elana smiles as they finally leave, the door clicking shut behind them before she shifts to take Rita’s hand, leading her into the lift and letting the doors close. “So… nuance hm? Sounded more like a ‘back off’ to me…”

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Lush Lives - Charlotte Richards/Mazikeen

A/N: Part 3/4 for @fluffbruary

“What a lush…” The mutter leaves Lucifer’s lips even as he watches Charlotte Richards throw back another shot, deeply hurting and clearly trying to drown her pain in alcohol. Mazikeen, at his side, sighs, grabs the bottle from the bartender’s hand and makes her way over to Charlotte in her plush corner seat, sliding in next to her to pour more, smirking at Charlotte’s slight shiver. “Go ahead, get yourself wasted… that’ll fix everything.” Mazikeen’s voice is low, gruffly angry. “Or you could tell me what’s wrong…?” “Life.” One word, followed by another drink and a sigh. “I’m… scared. Alright? I’ve still got missing time and I… I think I ruined most of my life.” “Well, I can’t fix scared… but I could at least keep you company… if you like?” “Yeah, I’d like that.” Charlotte mutters, throwing back her last shot then leaning to kiss Mazikeen, her voice softening slightly. “Company… sex… whatever.”

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Soft Like Silk - Tamerlane Usher/Verna

A/N: Day 24 part 4/4 for @fluffbruary , gif made for me by @whoreofthecottage

Silky hair slides through her fingers even as Verna cradles Tamerlane there, tucked safely into her arms. She’s been here hours, since she stopped, since she side-stepped her deal, chose to love Tamerlane, make her ‘not an Usher’ with her touch, her love, her kiss, wiping the woman from the Usher bloodline but leaving her alive. Tamerlane is quiet now, tucked tightly against the silky green dress she’s worn, was wearing, as Tamerlane’s twin. Her eyes have finally closed, her body going gently limp with sleep, Verna smiles, just slightly, kissing her forehead gently. “You sleep, pretty girl, I’ve got you now.”

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Safe And Warm - Annie Flynn/Beverly Keane

A/N: Day 24 Part 3/4 for @fluffbruary , GIF made for me by @whoreofthecottage

Annie’s arms are safe, warm, her cardigan is softly fuzzy, a safe place to rest her head, the fuzz softly tickling her cheek, Annie’s fingers brushing soft circles on her shoulder, other hand tucked safely against her back, keeping her gently in place. Joe, his dog Pike biting Beverly before she can escape, the girl’s desperate pummelling at the door, her rough sobs when Annie opens the door, fade. Beverly’s eyes close, her wounded hand safely tucked against Annie’s chest in her cardigan. Annie smiles softly, wrapping a soft fuzzy blanket over them both, holding Beverly there tenderly. “Just rest, Bev, just rest… it’s over now.”

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Cover Feature - Tamerlane Usher & Camille L'Espanaye

A/N: Day 19 part 1 for @fluffbruary

“Tammy?” “Why are you so determined to make me a feature Cam? I’m not interesting I’m just… I’m just the person making Goldbug. I’m just a… well… you said it yourself. A more expensive, Usher family, Goop.” “I was wrong.” Camille’s voice drops, her smile soft, warm, as close to caring as she can get. “You are incredible, actually. The eldest daughter, the one destined to destroy Froderick.” “You really want me to do the feature?” “I do… I’ll do it with you.” A pause, then a shrug, a sigh, her voice gentle, quiet, warm as ever. “Fine, Camille, whatever you want.”

[baubeautyandthegeek]

Love Thy Neighbour - Erin Greene/Beverly Keane

A/N: Day 16, part 3 for @fluffbruary

Beverly Keane is not an easy neighbour to have. She’s quiet, most nights, devout as ever, surprisingly quiet and calm and ready for anything. Then it changes. Beverly is still a tricky neighbour, but this time she’s not quiet. She’s broken, sobbing with pain she won’t show a world that doesn’t care, that sees her purely as a serpent in god’s garden. It’s this, this soft sobbing, that draws Erin to her door, then her porch, then, slowly down the path and just one door up, seeking the woman. She finds her there, kneeling in prayer, eyes turned to the sky, tears dripping to the earth even as she whispers her prayers. Love, she begs, please love. Please love, send me love. Erin answers the call, steps slowly up the path, up the porch steps, kneels slowly in front of Beverly, cups her face in gentle hands, soft lips pressed to Beverly’s. Her neighbour. Not a sin, a promise, a fulfilment of a command. ‘Love thy neighbour’. It's never been easier for Erin to understand why she feels how she feels. This, this love, this shy, broken love, is hers. Hers alone. Beverly’s eyes close as the kiss deepens and Erin holds her close when the kiss breaks, her lips brushing Beverly’s. “Come, Beverly, love thy neighbour, let me love you.”

[baubeautyandthegeek]

The World Moves In Mysterious Ways – Beverly Keane/Shasta/Tamerlane Usher

A/N: Day 15 part 3 for @fluffbruary

They meet by chance. Beverly Keane, servant of a church and monsignor that didn’t care for her kind is the first to arrive, she’s always wanted to try the bakery on the mainland and now, free of church and home, she plans to. Shasta is next, drawn by the offering of tea and pastries. Simple, pure pleasure. Tamerlane Usher comes last, walking to the bakery near her holiday home, needing space to think, coffee to drink and pastries to keep her warm. They meet by chance, but Beverly sees the flicker of pain in Tamerlane’s eyes, the blood dripping from a cut cheek had dried but she seems haunted by something. Shasta senses when Tamerlane’s eyes close, moving to catch her and lift the woman to her arms to bring her to a seat. Later, much later, Tamerlane wakes to fresh coffee, herbal teas and pastries from the bakery. She had been brought home with Shasta, Beverly joining them, sensing a call to protect the fragile woman. There, they talk. Tamerlane admits her faults, her inability to sleep, to be cared for, to trust herself. There, they talk. Shasta speaks softly, whispering care to Tamerlane that she can and does accept. There they talk. Beverly admits her past, her pains, her hopes. There, they talk and as they talk, they love, they love so true they bond and bind and share lives. There they talk and as they talk they find their future, in one another.