#give them proper animal heads and most of all necks

[coconutcows]

Hey quick question, what is it about the Noir/Detective genre that attracts furries???

Like I know of at least 3-4 different Noiresque Detective indie games where all the characters are anthro animals (Tails Noir formerly Backbone, Chicken Police, and Blacksad, I feel like there’s another one I just can’t remember the name of as well).

What is it about the genre that attracts furries???

[bunny-jpeg]

｡ﾟ•┈꒰ა ♡ i like my men older - simon riley♡ ໒꒱┈• ｡ﾟ

you knew that your friends from school raised an eyebrow when you told them that you were dating a man almost double your age. you were in your twenties, while this 'simon' guy was close to fifty. you told them that he was an army man who had a gooey center for you.

your friends could see the upgrade in your laptop and the new knapsack with a logo that proclaimed it was expensive. the small chain around your neck with a 's' on it that you toyed with when they asked questions about him.

you looked happy, healthier even! you weren't eating minute meals and surviving off of black coffee. there was a little roundness to your cheeks now and you looked more alive. a glow to you that wasn't that while you trudged through your graduate program. so honestly, how could they complain?

if you had a glow to you, it was because you were often fucked out. most women your age through that dating an older man would mean having to go slow. be patient about technical difficulties regarding their cocks. that was what you expected from a man that old. especially one with aches and pains like simon. your poor si, he had been in the military his entire life. barely had the touch of a woman during that time! poor guy! of course you'll teach him all the ways a woman should please a man. the first time you ran your tongue on the underside of his cock he cam all over your head, and while you whined. it made you crazy hot. fucking simon was like fucking a live wire. he hadn't slowed down with age. he fucked like a stallion in breeding season. and he loved when he pulled his heavy cock into you. you once told him that he could be a cervix breaker. and he simply said, "well, if i break it... i can't breed it." which made you go slack jaw for a moment before he continued to rut up against you. you didn't expect a man of his age to have a breeding kink.

you practically begged your doctor to give you birth control, because he was not buying condoms. "don't fit in 'em, lovie." he said as he patted his clothed cock when you started dating. you knew that was impossible, condoms could fit a lot of things and while simon was fairly big. he could fit in a condom. but, no. when you tried to put them on yourself, he simply took it off, tossed it to the side and pinned you under his heavy weight. legs in the air as he rutted against you like a hungry animal.

he was so much bigger than you. wide shoulders, strong thighs and a bit of a gut to keep you folded under him. there was a masculine heft to him. he was strong, picking you up was easy to him even when you tried to tell him your weight. one time he gripped you by the waist with one arm and moved you out of the way. you kicked and squeaked as you were moved. but to simon it was easy as lifting heavy equipment. but that softness to some of his muscles really got you hot all over. it didn't help that part of your role as his girlfriend was to make sure that your man was fed. you cooked him meals and he over devoured in your sweet dessert. he loved you in an apron. all domestic and sweet for him. you were real wifey material. could easily be cooking meals for him and the kids in a few years. you can have a graduate degree and a few riley babies. "look good cookin' for me, darlin'. know how to make a proper meal for your man." you wouldn't admit but his words excited you.

simon can be a little... chauvinistic. it was just his age. while he respected female colleagues in the military and was beyond happy that you were getting your degree. he'd do things for you that you could clearly do on your own. like when you tried to fix the leaky tap in your flat. or when you try to carry all the groceries inside. yes, darling, you're a strong woman. but let him take over. take care of you. that was what a man did right? he'll cut the onions for you and try to fix your buggy wi-fi connection. he's pay for dinner every time and even get you dessert after. he'd wipe your face clear of the sweet treat you'd have. "don't ask her anything too difficult, johnny. she doesn't need to be thinkin' too hard." he once said with his hands over your ears and glared at his teammate. which only made the scotsman laugh. simon didn't mind if he had to take over. he'd never pull the rug out from under you, even when you were under him. you looked prettier under him, letting him take charge of your fucking. he took care of his girl, even when you whined and told him you were capable. there was no need to whine. simon needed to take care of his much smaller, much weaker baby girl. no need to break a nail trying to do stuff that simon could easily do for you.

even with the grey in his blond hair, he still kept up to you. there were times that you were too exhausted from day-to-day that you let simon rut between your thighs until he covered your round ass with his hot cum. you'd whimper which would turn into a yelp when he easily slipped his heavy cock into your sweet pussy. where it belonged. he fucked you heavily as his cum coated your behind, even trailing down your sloped back as you had your head in the covers.

"don't spill a drop off that pretty ass, baby girl. or else i'd might have to mark you again." thank god you liked your men older. <3

[entitled-fangirl]

A proper goodbye.

Cregan Stark x wife!reader

SMUT

Summary: Cregan has to leave for the Wall, and the reader hesitates to see him go.

Warnings: beginning of oral (f receiving)

Masterlist

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"How long?" She asked.

Cregan gave a small shrug as he threw together his things. His back was to her, giving nothing away as he did so. "I dunno."

She let out a soft sigh as her fingers brushed across the furs of their shared bed lightly. "And there's no way to convince you to stay?'

Even from just the view of his back, she could see his entire body stiffen. His head moved up, staring at the wall in front of him. 

She took the chance, moving forward until her hand touched the man's broad back. She leaned into him, her voice soft against the back of his neck, "Can I at least try?"

A shiver ran down the northernman's spine.

"Aye."

Her arms wrapped around Cregan's waist, her fingers brushing his stomach, making a soft breath escape his lungs. His hands on his bag faltered as he tried to tie it. 

"Careful, my girl."

"Why?"

"It might work."

She tugged at his tunic, turning his body to face her. 

His eyes were full of lust.

Her hands moved up his chest and around his neck. "My bed will be so cold without my lord husband to warm it."

He looked down at her, trying to keep himself strong. "I'll build a fire before I go."

She leaned into him, kissing his clothed chest, "I'll be so worried about you."

His head tilted. His hands reached up to touch her, but he paused centimeters from her skin, his fingers faltering again. "I'll return unharmed."

"Cregan…"

A questioning noise left his lips. 

"How will I find pleasure while you're gone?"

"Don't…" his words died off before they could even be uttered. 

She stood up on her tip-toes to brush her lips against his. "Before you go-"

His lips crashed against hers, his hands finally grabbing her by the waist. 

An immediate whine leaves her lips as his tongue begins to explore her mouth.

He guided her backwards until her legs hit the bed. He pushed her gently, chuckling as she gasps when her back hits the bed. 

He pulled at his clothing, making quick work of stripping to his small clothes before crawling onto the bed. "Let's take this off," he said as his fingers begin to pull up her dress.

She pushed herself up to kiss him. "No time," she whispered against his lips. 

He groaned loudly.

A knock sounded at the door, "My lord?"

He pulled away quickly, "What is it?"

"Your company to the Wall awaits you, my lord."

He looks at her then back to the door, "I'll be there momentarily."

She sits herself up, "I'll await your return th-"

A loud gasp leaves her lips.

Cregan had disappeared under her skirt, his tongue licking at her folds. 

Her hands gripped at the furs that laid under them as Cregan's movements continued fervently. 

"Gods, I'll miss this taste," he moaned against her. 

Cregan worked her easily, the movements second nature to the Warden.

…

The company all sat atop their horses, a few fastening the last of their bags to the animals as Cregan walked out to join them. 

A few of the men looked at one another, a knowing look in their eyes. 

Y/n stood on the balcony, waving goodbye to Cregan. 

Most of the time she would give a proper goodbye to him from his horse, but she couldn't trust her legs to take her down there.

That, and the two had already shared a proper farewell.

One she'd feel until he returned. 

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Taglist: @misswynters, @cosmosnkaz, @sithapprentice, @kaniromi, @lovemesomevesey, @its-jackie-bb, @callsignwidow, 8812-342, @nyxbranwenn, @thorins-queen-of-erebor, @kingdomzeldaquest,

[a-queer-yeen]

Forcemasc/kidnapping/noncon/conditioning

Thinking about forced masculinization taken to the most extreme. Being kidnapped by some sicko who sees me as a lab animal to be tested on. I'm strapped to a chair, legs tied to either side so that they're spread, and my kidnapper approaches me with a vial of testosterone. I'm immediately nervous and starting tugging against my bindings to get away.

“What's wrong? I thought you wanted this? After all, that's why I brought you here, because you're confused about what you are. I could tell from the moment I started watching you that you desired change, and now… I'm going to give it to you.”

I struggle more as they give me my first dose of testosterone, crying and pleading that I'm not ready, only for my words to fall on deaf ears. They pick up a pair of clippers and grip my head firmly and start to shave me down, not caring if the blade gets too close and cuts my skin, because REAL men don't mind a little roughness, right?

“There, now that's a much better picture. Now we move on to what will be your new daily exercise.”

They put away the clippers and grab a pump from their toolbox. Knowing what's to come I try my damnedest to close my legs because I don't want them to touch me, not there. My attempts do nothing though, and they place the cylinder of the pump over my clit firmly and squeeze the pump again and again until I whimper out in pain.

These all become my new routine for more days than I can keep track of, and with each passing day I become more adjusted to this routine and struggle just a little less. I soon start to notice how the hormones change me, I get a little fuzzier and my voice just a little deeper. The most noticeable change though is how horny the testosterone makes me, and as much as I try to deny it, every time my captor pumps or touches my growing tdick it feels amazing, and it keeps getting harder to stifle back my moans.

Inspection day comes, and they approach me once again, with new intent this time.

“Time to open your legs boy, you better show me some fucking results, because if I don't like what I see then we'll be crafting you a proper dick.”

Without even needing to force me or threaten me, I get into position for them, because by now I've accepted my role. They look me up and down, trailing their hands all over my body to feel the changes they've made to me, and as their hand grazes my already hard tdick I shudder and gasp loudly, earning a very pleased look from my captor.

“Beautiful…yes…yes I think you're ready.”

Before I can ask what they meant by that, they pull me up and turn me around, and push me down onto a mounting stool that had been sitting in the corner for many days now. They order me to stay in position as they walk out of the room and come back with a stroker in hand. They push up behind me, pressing their bulge against my ass as they reach around and hold the stroker in place for me.

“Now let's see you use that dick like a real man, go on, fuck the toy like the horny mutt we know you truly are.”

Without hesitation I start bucking my hips, humping away desperately as this new sensation overwhelms me. Too distracted by my own pleasure, I'm oblivious to my captor unbuttoning and dropping their pants, and I'm suddenly snapped out of my trance by the feeling of their cock grinding roughly against my ass. I gasp and groan loudly as they push inside my tight ass, and I claw at the mount I'm bent over as they thrust in and out in rhythm with my own humping. It feels right. It feels intoxicating. Still new to this feeling, I lose control of myself, and I moan and cry out as I cum hard from the overstimulation. My captor, unable to resist my cries, picks up the pace and pounds into me harder and deeper until they reach their own climax and fills me to the rim with their load. They keep their cock inside me and lean down to kiss my neck.

“Such a perfect little man, so proud of my boy.”

[ph0enix-12]

Ichorverse - Chapter 1

~ Everlasting will of protection ~

Welcome to my greatest project. I am so very proud of this one, and i am happy to finally share it ^^. Please keep in mind that english is not my first language- and i promise chapters will get much lighter after the prologue. (cross-posted on Ao3)

CW: Slavery(non sexual), implied abuse, stavation, implied animal consumption

. Chapter 2 ->

He never remembered much of his life, even now, he still has problems with his memory, remembering even small things is hard thanks to injury to his head. A giant crack across most of his head that, of course, he didn’t recall when he got it.

His senses are what helped remember most of his life.

Far too clearly, he recalls the stink of death, the mold that grew on the walls, the dried blood on the whips and the rust of the chains that frayed under his fingers

He didn’t keep anything else from his early life,he always had only vague and fleeting feelings to latch on. Maybe he had a family once, maybe back when his skull wasn’t broken, but the result of trying to remember “the before” are splitting migraines, like his head is getting open all over again.

Pain also helped him remember. Like the pain collar around his neck that chained him to the wall of his cell. The pain around his wrists, where shackles dug into his bone as if to fuse with it. The pain of the cold and dirty floor that pricked himself sore back as he tried to rest.

Maybe he was allowed out sometimes?

He thought so at least, but all he seemed to keep from those times were the heavy weights that were strapped to his shoulders to carry. Maybe he was given crates, or stones, or some other material, but like everything else, he didn’t remember clearly, he simply carried what he was given in the direction shouts came from without really reminiscing about it.

The first thing he recalled clearly was a rat..a cute little fellow as hungry as he was that scurried around the cells when he rummaged up enough bravery to look for scraps.

During the first few encounters, the little guy had been cautious, watching him from far away as he tried to give him some crumbs from the stale bread he was given sometimes, scurrying closer only to grab them and run as fast as his little paws could take him.

With time, the cute fellow approached the trapped skeleton more often as he ate what little food he was given daily, which he always tried to give the small mouse somehow, even if it wasn’t a proper meal for them.

Sometimes, the skeleton would only be given peels, to keep him at bay and tired. It was pathetic, and he didn’t understand the reason for such small rations, or why he was kept away from other slaves. He was locked in a small cell to the very back of one of the hallways, he would thankfully never fully realize the real reason for such a thing.

He was being left for dead.

With each day, he was given less and less food and yet he still tried to share with the small mouse that visited him, but he was tired, he was tired and his bones felt like lead pulled down by gravity and the heavy chains that held him captive.

He didn't understand why.

He didn’t know that he was being left because they couldn't sell him fast enough. He didn’t realize they were letting him die.

If he had the strength to, he would have been angry. But his vision was clouded and his bones sore.

…It all culminated one particular day…or maybe it was night? He didn't know..it’s all still a blur for him.

The small fellow came to visit again, holding a small crumb of bread toward him.

The little one, who the skeleton had come to cherish so much, held in his little paws the piece like the skeleton himself had done many days.

And then the little buddy was no more.

To this day…he doesn’t know what happened.

The small one was sitting right in front of him..and now the crumb was discarded to the side, and the little fellow laid unmoving.

He looked down at his bloodied hands confused as blood spilled down his teeth and down to his chin.

There were loud noises outside his cell, like stomps of heavy armored boots, but all was muffled and confused..he felt flesh between his teeth and droplets of blood running down his sore throat, refreshing it like water would do.

Even if he didn’t understand his actions, he cried, tears he hadn't felt in a long time ran down his face. He only knew that the little fellow wasn’t going to get up anymore…“by the great crown of Reaper-” was the first thing he was able to make out from a pained and soft voice outside of his cell.

The captive skeleton turned to look at the voice that came from a strange man.

The man looked at him with a sad expression from behind the bars, holding onto one of them to look down at the prisoner.

He simply stared at the man unmoving and quiet like he always was.

The man stood before the bars that kept him in, staring at the chains that bound him to the walls.

He was small, a third of the size the prisoner was, but he still looked imponent and powerful, an old golden scar ran on one side of his face.

The skeleton couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but the way his deep seafoam eye grazed over him, almost made it seem like he was looking for something.

Then he suddenly opened the cell.

The captive skeleton tensed up, his instincts screamed at him, adrenaline rushing in his mana lines immediately once the man stepped into the cage. He heard him say something along the lines of a reassurance as he carefully approached him while showing his hands. But it didn’t matter at that moment, the captive was terrified.

Once the man was close enough, the skeleton leaped at him, biting down on his forearm.

He bit down hard on it. He was scared and his mind was clouded but he still heard his groan of pain and saw his golden blood spilled down onto the dirty floor.

Guards of his tried to approach, but he yelled back at them, ordering not to come close.

The captive skeleton didn't care, he still held his forearm in his maw..

As the adrenaline started to die down, he heard him speak finally.

“It’s alright…I know you must be scared…it’s okay” he spoke between his teeth and his voice trembled as he gently moved his free hand to the slave's back, “I startled you by approaching, didn’t I? I am sorry”

He slowly relaxed as he started to finally understand what he was saying. He felt his hand stroking his back as he kneeled down on the ground, almost hugging the slave as his teeth bore into his forearm, letting blood drip down in golden flocks.

He kept speaking softly, apologizing for scaring him …he was nice, and slowly, the jaw with a vice grip on him released his arm. The slave felt a small prick on his neck and he finally passed out in the man's arms.

———————

When he woke up again, he felt softness under his head first and his fingers grazed over a blanket that was wrapped around him. Was he in bed?

It was a struggle at first, but he was finally able to open his eye after a lot of tries.

He was, indeed, laying down in a bed.

The slave slowly ran the blanket between my fingers, it was a very nice ‘cottony’ material. He looked around, trying to figure out where he was.

The room looked like an infirmary, it was luminous thanks to the large window beside the bed he laid in, giving him a full view of the garden outside. He figured he was on the third floor of whatever place he had been taken to.

The sun was peeking behind the horizon and night was falling judging by the colors of the sky.

He looked around the other side of the room and he froze when he saw the man he had bitten sitting on a chair beside his bed. The captive skeleton calmed down when he realized the man was sleeping soundly.

He had dark circles under his eye and his forearm where he had been bitten was wrapped in bandages. He studied the man, he didn’t look relaxed even in his sleep, he held a rag in his hand tightly and he was slumped in the chair. Had he been awake all night?

His eye fell on his wrapped arm and he felt his soul tightened up…even if he had bitten him, he now had no chains on himself, his scars were wrapped and he was in a comfortable bed. The skeleton didn’t understand why, beasts like him that bit were discarded and never seen again..and yet, here he was alive and relatively well.

The man stirred and made a small noise, like cats do when first waking up. His gaze shot to the man in alarm, his eye was blown wide as he slowly woke.

The man noticed he was awake, almost relieved, “ah..there you are. How do you feel?” He stirred in his seat, fixing up his posture, “is there anything you need?” He kept asking with a patient and kind tone , his eye roaming over the sheets to check the skeleton without moving.

His throat felt tight and his voice came out raspy as he started to shed tears, “I….sorry-“ he wanted to apologize, but his vocal cords burned, “I..bit- i….sorry-“ his voice was barely a whisper, but he was thankful the man heard him.

His features softened, “there is no need to apologize..I simply startled you-“ his words didn’t hit him right away, he kept crying desperately, sobbing as he tried to breathe between hiccups. “So- rry..” he sobbed again.

The king’s hand moved to his skull, gently petting away from his old injury. “Please don’t cry, there is nothing to apologize for” the skeleton slowly calmed down, shutting his mouth as tears ran down his face. He moved the rag in his other hand to wipe away the tears, “do not weep, I beg you” he looked at me with pitiful eye still, like he had done when he was in his cell.

“My name is Nightmare. Could you tell me yours?”

His name? He didn’t remember his real name, did he even have a name? “H-Horror. My name…is Horror” he spoke weakly, that was what he was called a couple of times, he figured maybe that was his name then.

He smiled again, gently petting the skeleton, “It is nice to meet you then, Horror” he tucked in his blankets and he got up, “are you hungry, Horror?” He was making it a point to use his name for some reason.

Horror’s eye widened at the mention of food. Horror nodded uncertainty and Nightmare smiled. “For now, you will have a light diet, but I am sure you will soon eat anything you wish” he brought out a plate full of nutritious food for his and the skeleton’s mouth watered.

A bowl of hot porridge stood at the edge of the tray, next to it layed a scrambled egg, a couple of pieces of toast, juicy fruits and fresh vegetables. He settled down the tray and helped the skeleton sit up against the pillows, “there we go, dig right in” he smiled at him as he handed him the food.

He could only stare at it. It smelled like the greatest feast on earth and yet he couldn't move.

He remembered just then that the handlers loved to flaunt their food to them, the punishment for trying to sneak a bite was often a sound flogging to the back. The king stood beside me as he stared at the food…the man- Nightmare, seemed safe, but fear locked up his joints.

He sat beside Horror, gently taking the toast from the plate and decorating it with the scrambled egg. “Would you be more comfortable if we ate together?” He leaned the toast and egg toward him, “go on, no need to hesitate”

Horror trembled, but he still leaned in, following his order.

He took a small nibble out of the corner of the toast before looking at him uncertain again, his expression changed only to smile at Horror. He took a small bite as well before passing the bread to the freed slave again. He felt relieved to see him eat as well and so he took a bigger bite of both toast and egg.

The toast was nicely roasted on some walnut wood from what he could tell and the scrambled egg was soft and garnished with high quality herbs. He made a soft groan as he tasted the parcel on my tongue, it was the most divine thing he had ever tasted.

He took another hungry bite, and then another, and then yet another until the toast was no more. Nightmare smiled at him, handing Horror the spoon for the porridge.

He ate that as well, without hesitation this time.

The entire thing was finished, he made sure not to leave a crumb…but now he felt bad, looking sadly at the man beside him since he hadn’t left anything for him other than fruit, he simply smiled again.

“I am glad you enjoyed that, it’s good that you have an appetite” Nightmare petted him gently, “please do not worry. I promise I will eat as well now, but you need to rest” he nodded, all he wanted was for Nightmare to eat too now.

The king gently tucked him in again, making sure he was comfortable. “Rest now, I will come back to visit you soon” .

Horror looked up at the ceiling above once Nightmare shut the door behind himself. He didn’t know what would happen next, but for once, he wasn’t scared.

[starsofjewels]

hello idk if you're requests are currently open right now, but could you possibly do another gregor c fic or one shot???(maybe one were he and reader have children or something idk i just need more gregor, especially from you!!!)

Haunted Keeps and Squirrel Bones

Gregor Clegane x Lady Clegane! Reader (feat. the Clegane boys)

CONTENT: Language, possible HOTD spoliers (regarding Aemond), mentions of hunting animals + animal bones, ghosts, a medieval man's interpretation of the menstrual cycle, Greggie C is his own warning.

Word count: 3.1k

(If you want to consider this a Part 2/ Epilogue to Yellow Wedding, by all means do. But if you're good I'll write a delicious size kink fic for Smuttober. Only if you're good.)_

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I actually had this written and ready about a week ago, but we can pretend it's fresh for you...

Hello beautiful, gorgeous, god-given anon,

yes, my requests are 100% open, request as much as you like! (but check my request condition page first please :))

Thank you so much for giving me an anon post to attach this fic to, so I look like a very good, very proper writer with many, many followers. Here's to more Greggie C requests.

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

CONTEXT- In my little fantasy land, Lady Clegane and Gregor have three sons together- Ronan (approx 6/7), Finnegan 'Finny' (approx 5/6) and Baby (a baby, go figure). Ronan likes making the kitchen cats race each other, and Finny likes stories about old battles. Yes, they are both shockingly normal for having Greggie C as a father. Someone let me know if they want more about Ronan and Finny. :)

Your life is sweet, and comfortable. The world of a lady with no particular noble standing, and an infamous husband. You have no expectations in the court, to the Lannisters, or to anyone but yourself and the town you control whilst Gregor is away. 

Clegane Keep is merely a small patch of land in the Westerlands, or in Westeros at all. In the grand, vast world of your Kingdom and your country, it is nothing. And yet it thrives like no other. The food is plentiful, the children run wild in the streets, and your little town’s only downfall is that it is constantly steeped in the hushed stories of Gregor’s violence. Everyone knows someone who their ruling lord has murdered in cold blood, and yet none of them say anything. The Mountain is a fearsome guard dog, enough to ward off any potential threat from the surrounding areas. 

You are watching your boys play when he tells you, splashing each other with water from the troughs. It is hardly clean, you think, but they are having fun, and so you shan’t complain. You are sitting on the other side of the field with their lunch, and their baby brother in your arms, most comfortable with the arrangement. 

Gregor sits beside you, helping himself to the picnic, no matter how much you slap his hands away. If it weren’t for his enormous size, and the jewels around your neck and fingers, you could pass for any common family, enjoying a sunny day. 

“I’ve been called up again.”

Something inside of you sighs, knowing precisely what this means. Another fortnight, more months of waiting up each night for a man you know may not return. Not that you suspect he wouldn’t, Gregor has often joked that he would beat the Stranger when He came for him. And you do not doubt his words. So, you school your face, and respond as neutrally as you can,

“Where to?”

“Harrenhal.”

That makes you turn your head, unable to hide your displeasure at the mention of the place. Every child in Westeros has heard of Harrenhal, and its spirits. It is the place where riches turn to ruin, jewels to mud, and princes to skeletons. Daemon, Aemond, Rhaegar, a Martell, the list of princes who call the area around that haunted keep their gravesite is almost insurmountable. Their ghosts haunt it alongside those of the vengeant Children of the Forest since an ironborn king had made it his pleasure to cut sacred forest. The largest castle in Westeros, and the one place you think even your Mountain may be powerless. After all, there is nothing that can withstand death, or the dead. Not even the mountains.

“Absolutely not.”

Gregor lets out a huff, probably expecting your initial refusal. He lifts up the jewels from your neck, inspecting them in the sunlight,

“He’s offering double the last time, and there’s enough space you can come with the littluns, if you wanted to…”

One of your sons topples over the other one, causing both to fall to the ground. You can hear their laughter from across the field.

“Why in Seven Hells would I want to bring the children to a pile of haunted stones?”

His big hands find their way to your hips, pulling you closer to him, the baby in your arms squalls slightly at the movement,

“It’ll toughen them up, seeing a ghost or two. Besides, can’t live without my sweet wife’s cunny, can I?”

The noise that comes from you is halfway between a scoff and a laugh.

“What, you mean showing me off to all of your men, and the ghosts?”

“Aye, and the ghosts.”

You sigh, and lean back, staring up at the bright sky. It seems more and more likely that you will be attending the haunted keep. Gregor usually manages to get his way somehow.

“Fine.” 

Your husband looks mildly surprised that you’ve agreed so quickly.

“Fine, but the moment anything slightly ghostly happens I am taking the boys up to my father’s halls.”

He had forgotten you were from the Riverlands originally, that the keep you grew up in sat upon the Blue Fork. You were right, of course, your father’s castle was no more than a day or two away from Harrenhal, by boat and horse.

“Whatever.” He was never going to give you a proper response. He reaches for more of the sliced gammon, and you smack his hand, nothing more than a tap on your husband’s great stature.

“You should take them up to see your mam when we get there.” Gregor leans down to face his infant son, patting the boy’s head, “hasn’t seen the baby yet, has she?”

“Or she could come down to us, if she wanted.”

“Aye, that too.”

The keep is colder and wetter and darker than any book or song could describe it as. The place feels haunted, even without any of the gossip. Things move themselves in the night, shifting just noticeably, the wind howls through gaps in its ruined stones. There is no warmth or comfort in this cold, black place, even despite the fires lit in nearly every corner. You are shoved, unceremoniously, into one area of the keep. The boys are given toys and books to keep themselves entertained, but they are not much in the mood for playing, too used to the bright days down in the Westerlands. Even the baby, with no responsibilities other than to exist, is unsettled, he refuses to sleep, or play, or laugh. You have only the amount of milk he guzzles down, and the fat tears which roll down his face, to convince you that he is still your son. But the money is already coming through, and already it is more than you have ever seen. So you must find ways to entertain yourself, and your sons.

The town is as depressing as the keep. Harrentown has never been known for much excitement, even the whores look grey-faced, not even pretending to appear young and vibrant like their southern counterparts. 

Ronan is jumping in the lake, trying to scare the little fish that stay by the shallow end. You doubt he will freeze, with how hot his blood runs, a gift from his father’s line.

“Mummy- Mummy, you’re not listening!” Finny sits beside you, flicking through a book on the area’s history. He does not understand most of the words, but he knows enough to make his way through it. 

“Mummy- They pulled the sword out of his face, and they got the dragon out too- But they threw him back!”

You nod, slightly, the story of Aemond One-Eye has been an obsession of both your boys since you gave him that book. Ronan has heard the discussion from the sea line, you know this as he sneaks up to you, with a look upon his face that you can tell means he is going to ask for some wild favour.

“Mummy? Can we go and look for Aemond One-Eye’s bones?”

Your brow furrows, and you stare in mild confusion. They have looked for squirrels and rabbits in traps, and spent days stalking out small birds around their home, but a full, human, skeleton has never much been on their register.

“Ronan, why would you want to look for bones?”

“Sell them.”

You glance from boy to boy. Finny, who you consider your more sensible child, has jumped up, leaving his book at an illustration of Daemon Targaryen striking his nephew from the sky, and you know you have been defeated.

“Aye, alright. But no going in the water, and stay where I can see you.”

Ronan grabs his brother’s hands, pulling him away from you, you watch them start to leave,

“And I get a cut of any money you make, seeing as I’m letting you search.”

“... That’s fair.”

Once again, you are left alone with the baby, on the shores of the Gods Eye. You can see them jump over the hills and dig through the sand, and you are certain at one point you watch Finny put a fistful of sandy dirt into his mouth. You don’t think you will mention that. 

They come back to you, squeaking and screaming, Ronan grasping something you hope is not a human bone, Targaryen or not.

It is covered in dirt and sand, and presented to you like a fine prize by two, beaming boys.

“Erm- It’s certainly… Interesting.”

The bone probably comes from a squirrel, or some other small, furry creature. It is definitely not human, and for that you are semi-thankful. But the boys are convinced. 

You let them take it home, as well as a handful of interesting pebbles. If it will keep them occupied for long enough to stop complaining about the cold, you are willing to indulge it.

The boys keep it by their beds, and you are near certain that they talk to it occasionally. 

But that does not disturb you. What makes you slightly wary of the keep, is that the boys claim it is talking back. Not the bone itself, no, bones cannot speak, of course. They appear in your bedroom at night, complaining of the whispers through the corridors, and they can hardly sleep because of it. They like scary stories, ghost stories, they assure you, but the tales they pick out from these night-time phantoms are beyond what they consider disturbing. Gregor brings them back to bed for you. 

It is late, late enough that you should be abed already, but there is nothing that can convince you to sleep. Your husband is out, for whatever reason, and the boys have been put to bed particularly reluctantly. 

Something feels wrong, perhaps the temperature has dropped again, or a storm is coming. That, or the ghosts have gotten to you.

You sigh, and go back to your sewing, ignoring how concerningly similar the wind sounds to human voice. 

There is someone in the doorway. You cannot tell who, given the dim light, but you see the break in light between their legs, and the definitive shape of a head above it, but they come from nowhere. You think it to be a man, given the build, but you cannot particularly tell. All you see is its shadow, and a sapphire light in place of one eye. It tilts what you think is its head, not daring to venture closer toward you. Instead, it turns back on itself, marching down the hall. It takes barely a minute for your boys to run, screaming, from their bedchamber, you are surprised the babe is not awoken.

“There was a real ghost, Mummy!” 

Finny is beyond words, huddled and shivering to one side of you. It is Revan who takes responsibility for recounting their ghostly experience.

You want to dismiss their fears as something else. A bad dream, the excitement of battles long finished. But, you do not.

“I saw him, loves. I believe it.”

Two children stay huddled to your side long into the night. One who refuses to pick up the book he had so dearly loved nights before, and the other trying desperately to be seen as strong, but who yelps at each click of the floorboard, or scuttle from a creature travelling through the walls. They do not need nor want stories, or song, or toys to entertain themselves with. All they need is their mother.

Gregor comes in close to sunrise. Finny is long asleep, Ronan is uncomfortably awake, you don’t even think that he notices your husband coming in, despite the large shadow he casts. He is filthy, and exhausted, a day of acts you don’t ask nor even think about. Still, he gives you your kiss, and leans down to your older boy,

“Why aren’t they in bed?”

You look up slightly,

“Ghosts.”

He slumps himself into the chair beside you, which you are mildly surprised holds the weight, and groans.

“Ghosts, that’s all I hear about. The men see ghosts, the prisoners see ghosts, the fucking dogs see ghosts. And now my boys see them too.”

“I saw one.”

The noise he makes is somewhere between another tired sigh, and a scoff.

“How do you know it’s not your woman’s business?”

You throw a cushion at him for that, which he catches with ease. You realise quickly he’s semi-serious, he’s never known much about women.

“My monthly does not cause ghost sightings, you absolute fool.”

Eventually, he stands up, cracking his bones as he does,

“Gods, I need a fucking sleep. Come on, I want something warm to hold.”

Gregor picks up Finny, the boy’s limp, sleepy body bouncing like a little fish in his father’s enormous grasp. You watch him pile Ronan on top, fitting both children comfortably into his arms. The man turns around, leans down slightly, and you wrap your arms around his neck, lifted up into the air in an uncomfortable piggyback. If the boys were awake, and suitably not terrified, they would squeal and squeak with delight at this show of strength. 

Your sons are plopped, with an incredible lack of ceremony, into your bed. As you move to tuck them in, Gregor stops you, turning back and thumping down the hall. The scrape of wood makes your brow furrow, until your husband appears again with one of the boy’s beds, carrying the thing as though it weighs nothing. It is out beside the windows on the other end of the room, and your boys are put into the one bed, too exhausted to care, and happy to be in Mummy’s bedroom. The babe is still asleep, neither knowing nor caring about his brothers’ stay in the room. 

Finally, the man gets into bed, and is permitted rest.

“Fucking hells, the things I do for them kids.”

Your hands find his chest, and he kisses your hair. 

“You’re lucky they have your looks. Wouldn’t be dragging in a bed if they were big brutes.”

You give something of a smile, by now too tired to care. But there is no need for words, not now. 

“Did you actually see a ghost or did you just want the littluns in here tonight?”

“Oh, feck off.”

In the morning, you wake to find Ronan and Finny in place of Gregor, as you would most mornings, the bed dragged back to their own room. You dress Finny, and the babe, and bring them down for their breakfast. Nothing is said about the previous night. 

“Mummy?”

“Aye, Ronan?”

The boy looks up from his porridge, rubbing his eyes slightly,

“Can we put the bone back? I thought maybe it was the ghost’s favourite toy and he wants it back. Like when Finny took my favourite knight.”

You are oddly surprised by his little boy logic. It seems such an intelligent observation for such a little child.

“Do you know something, Ronan? That’s an excellent idea. I thought we could leave some offerings around the keep as well, like we do for the gods.”

“So they know we want to be friends?”

You look at him, slightly strangely.

“Of course, Ronan, so they know we want to be friends.”

The trek back down to the Gods Eye is a solemn procedure. The babe is on your back, Finny is trailing behind, and Ronan has wrapped the bone in one of your handkerchiefs, carrying his spade in the other hand. 

He insists on burying it himself. Back into the wet, marshy sand of the shores. When the wind turns just right, you catch glimpses of him speaking to it. An apology, it sounds like. When he is finished, the two of them spend a little while splashing in the water, and throwing rocks at fish, thankfully missing. You are already haunted by human ghosts, the thought of fish ghosts is slightly too much to handle.

Flowers which grow in the fields of Harrenhal are oddly similar to the place itself. Sad, and wet, and mildly depressing. Still, you pick out the best ones, with no help from your sons, who instead tear out patches of wildgrass and push each other down the hills, returning somewhat to their normal, pre-Harrenhal states.

They do help you tie the posies, with blue and yellow ribbons. Finny is particularly excited to attach little stones to each of them, which you find quite an odd thing to be excited about, but you shan’t question it. 

The men look at your boys strangely as they run around the yard, putting little bunches of flowers and unlit candles in door and window frames. Of course, one look from Gregor shuts them up. 

They have never asked to pray before, but they pray that night. Not to gods, but to the ghosts of Harrenhal, asking them to be nice, and not haunt them, and all of the other things which concern little children.

Finny goes to bed with no complaint, tucked up with a song and a story of the Battle of the Trident. It takes his brother slightly longer, needing more convincing. You light him a candle and put it above the fireplace, light scares off the ghosts, you tell him, and he believes it. 

The morning comes with no ghosts, no small children in your bed, and a Mountain stealing your side of the blankets. You sigh, sitting up and kissing his face; he groans in response, wrapping his arms tighter around you. When you finally escape his clutches, you find the babe with a silver rattle, which he is particularly happy about, a sapphire ring beside him. Large, and ornate, and certainly real. 

“Who bought the ring?”

Gregor is still partially asleep, he moans,

“How should I know? The ghosts did.”

Something in you tells you he might be right. 

There are gifts for the boys as well. A book of Targaryen heroes for Finny, with his name already written in the front cover, and a whistle formed from bone for the older one. Gregor gets nothing, but the affection from your boys, as you pretend that he is the one who has found such pretty presents. He, naturally, sucks up the attention. 

When you finally leave Harrenhal, there is a sense of normalcy. The boys say they will miss the place, miss the ghosts. They love the Riverlands now, apparently, and they do not want to leave. 

This ends the moment you get back to Clegane Keep, when they leave their ghostly presents, rush to the kitchens, and return carrying a cat each, which they then insist on racing. Harrenhal becomes a distant memory, which no one speaks of, and a beautiful, sapphire, ring lives in your jewellery box. One day, if Gregor gives you a daughter, you decide you shall give it to her, and hope her brothers do not scare her with stories of a haunted keep, and the ghost they befriended. 

[marlynnofmany]

Troublemakers and Pestcatchers

I had just finished saying “Don’t let her claw you,” when the cat’s paw connected with the waving head frills of my crewmate.

“Ow, that’s sharp!” Blip exclaimed, pulling her head back to a safe distance while her brother pointed and laughed. I didn’t see any blood, so that was good.

“I did mention the claws,” I said patiently, adjusting my hold on the barely-a-kitten who was intensely fascinated by all the motion in the hallway. I’d brought her out with harness and leash, taking turns acclimating the cats to more than just my room on the ship. So far they were doing well. Only clawing the really tempting stuff.

“You should know better than that!” Blop said, waggling his own fins from a safe distance. He made broad gestures with both arms, filling the space with muscles and flowy blue silks. “Don’t stick your face next to the tiny predator!”

“It didn’t hurt before!” Blip objected. She folded beefy arms in indignance, stepping farther away when this earned another swipe at her sleeve.

I caught the kitten’s paw and gave it a gentle squeeze. “The claws only stick out when they want them to,” I said. “See?”

The Frillian twins crowded close despite everything, and were quietly impressed. I let up on the squeezing but kept hold of the paw. When the twins stepped back, I stroked the kitten and murmured praises for holding still.

This one was my favorite, not that I would admit such a thing when the plans were clear that I had to find homes for all of them soon. I’d made sure to give them simple names for the most part, since their new humans would likely rename them. While the mom cat was Tapestry and the gray one was Mimi (named after our engineer), the others got names like Cloudy, Classy, and Casserole.

This one was Telly. Short for Teleporter Malfunction. Because she was one of the very few chimera cats I’d met in person: her face was a perfect split between orange with a golden eye, and black with a piercing blue eye. The rest of her fur was a fascinating mix of the two. I’d explained the rarity of embryos fusing in the womb to more than one alien crewmate, but none of them seemed to appreciate the striking beauty. All the cats were weird little predators to them.

“Have you found homes for more yet?” Blop asked. “There’s not many humans at this stop, but maybe at the next?”

I nodded. “I called ahead to put the word out to somebody I know, and I may have a taker for a couple at once at the big station. Soon I won’t have to kitten-proof my quarters anymore.”

“Have they fallen on your face while you sleep?” Blip asked with a grin.

“No,” I said, “Because I put a proper shelf there, instead of just the pipes. And more shelves so they can climb up without knocking anything off the wall.”

Blip nodded. “Wise.”

The intercom binged at that point, with the captain calling me specifically to help load up our next cargo. She didn’t specify why, but we all knew. I was the animal expert. This cargo had hooves.

“Have fun!” Blop said.

“Best of luck!” Blip added.

“Thanks,” I said. “C’mon Telly, back to the room with you.” I took my leave and returned the kitten to her family, most of whom were napping on my bed, then I hurried off to the cargo bay.

It was space goats again. Not the exact same ones, thankfully, since those had been masterful escape artists, but only time would tell if these were just as bad.

At least there’s only three of them, I thought as I joined Captain Sunlight and Mur. It sure would be nice if somebody provided their own livestock carrier, though. Mur was holding three leashes in three different tentacles, looking like a particularly grumpy squid while the captain finished signing for the delivery. The space goats ambled in circles, sticking their long necks in every direction and fondling anything within reach with the field of orange tentacles on their backs. It still looked like fur at a glance, even though I knew better. A very confusing glance.

“It’s a pleasure doing business with you,” said Captain Sunlight with a nod of her scaly yellow face. The delivery person, another Heatseeker with green scales, nodded back and took his leave. “Say hi to the family for me!” Captain Sunlight called after him. He waved. She hit the button to shut the cargo hatch.

It was a bit loud in closing, and the three goats immediately sent up a chorus of whining bleats that echoed through the ship.

Captain Sunlight’s tail drooped. “This is going to be a long trip,” she said. “Let’s get them to the pen. Are the vent covers still in place?”

“Oh yes,” Mur said firmly. “Fused the bars myself. And I checked the camera too.”

“Good,” said the captain.

“Here’s to a trip with no shenanigans,” I said. “Do you want me to carry the supplies?” I gestured to the box of food with a red ball that looked like a dog toy on top.

“I’ll handle those.” Mur thrust the leashes toward me. “You take these. I’m tired of being licked.”

I couldn’t argue that. My reach was longer and so were my legs; these beasties were small bundles of trouble. And of course they didn’t want to go. Not when they could do a maypole tangle of leashes around my legs instead.

“Is that an enrichment toy, by any chance?” I asked, stepping over yet another leash.

Captain Sunlight plucked it off the box and held it out to me. Definitely a dog toy. I held all three leashes tightly in one hand long enough to toss it down the hall. “Hey goats! Fetch!”

Tangled leashes or not, they ran for it. I did my best to keep up, with Mur and Captain Sunlight following behind me, trusting that I knew what I was doing.

I was definitely making some of this up as I went, but they didn’t need to know that. Alien creatures or not, these were still animals, and I knew animals. Reasonably well.

The ball rolled to a stop before we reached the right storage hold, and I managed to hold the goats back long enough to elbow the door-opener button, then kick the ball through. They bounced in eagerly, rebounding off three crates and getting more excited by the second.

While two of them were having a hilarious tentacle slapfight over the ball, and the other was chewing on it, I got the door open to the large clear pen that dominated the room. A nudge of the ball with one shoe was enough to get everybody moving into it. Throwing dignity to the winds, I knelt by the door, holding it mostly shut with one knee, but open enough for my arms to fit through and unhook the leashes. The goats bounced in excitement. None tried to climb my face to freedom, and I shut the door in triumph.

“Success!” I announced to Mur, holding the leashes up.

“Well done,” he said. “You get to put those back on when it’s time to offload them.”

“Ugh,” was all I had to say to that.

Mur chuckled as he stowed the box of food in a low cubby. “You know, the nicer models of that pen come with an airlock.”

“And they cost as much as a new set of thrusters,” said Captain Sunlight from the door. “Good thing we’ve got you to stand at the ready with a capture net instead, right?”

Mur sighed. “I look forward to it.”

The rubber ball thwapped against the wall of the pen, followed by tiny hooves. I turned see that these three had picked up the knack of skating across the anti-climb surface even faster than the last ones had. “Quick learners,” I said.

Mur just sighed again.

“I’ll keep an eye on that camera from the cockpit,” said Captain Sunlight. “Be ready to come running if they pry the bars off or something.”

“They will not,” Mur said, jabbing a tentacle in the direction of the goats, as if they were listening instead of enacting an elaborate low-grav roller derby.

“Here’s hoping,” I said. “Are we ready for takeoff?”

“Just about,” said the captain. “I’m going to check in with Kavlae now. We should be in the air soon.”

She left, and we followed, with the goats having a grand old time behind us. Blip and Blop peered through the open door in curiosity.

“That looks like a handful!” said Blip.

“Who spilled food?” asked Blop.

“What?” Mur demanded, spinning in place.

I spotted the pile of food pellets, right next to the bin Mur had just carried in.

Mur scowled. “That wasn’t leaking a minute ago.” He tentacle-walked over to glare down at the offending bin. Then he made a noise that was probably a swear word. It sounded more like a fart to my Earthling ears, but either way, it was rude in polite society.

And when I got close, I saw why. “Those are toothmarks,” I said.

“Toothmarks that appeared while we were standing here,” Mur said, pulling the box out and opening the lid just a crack. Nothing jumped out. He opened it all the way, then shut it and began looking through the cubbies. “Everybody grab a flashlight, and shut the door,” he instructed.

I hit the button while Blip and Blop hurried to a supply cabinet. “Any guess what we’re looking for? Is this station known for pests?”

Before Mur could answer, Blip called, “No, but they are!” She pointed at the space goats.

Learning something every day, I thought. “What kind?” I asked.

“Little fast things the same color as their backwhips.” Blip held her fingers apart for size. Dinky. “Grabbers for holding on, and they’re really good at chewing through stuff.”

“Great,” I said. “Hey, did we not scan these guys on acceptance?”

Mur shoved a crate aside, punctuating his sentences with effort. “No. Old client. Trusted friend. In a hurry. Gonna scan ‘em in the air. Never had a problem before!”

Blop shone a light into a far corner. “Captain’s gonna have strong words for that friend as soon as she hears.”

“Should we tell her now?” I asked.

“There!” shouted Blip, launching herself fist-first across the room to where something zipped along, an orangeish blur. She dealt the floor a mighty hammerblow with bodyslam to follow, but fell just inches shy. The thing scuttled to the door where it wriggled through a tiny gap that I hadn’t realized was there.

Blip pounded the floor again, then scrambled to the button that Mur was already pressing. Judging by the exclamations and lack of further violence, they didn’t see a trace of it out in the hall.

“Now we tell the captain,” Mur said. “I’ll go. Keep the door shut, and look for more.”

I looked back at the goats. “We should get Eggskin’s medscanner in here right away.”

“On it,” Blip said. She exchanged nods with her brother, then shut the door from outside.

Blop tossed me a flashlight. I caught it and started looking near the doorway. “I’m surprised there’s a gap here,” I said. “Did the door shut on something?” It looked slightly warped.

“There’s a long story to that,” Blop said, head in a cabinet. He stepped back and moved on. “But it can be summarized as ‘Pockap.’”

“Ah. Gotcha.” The former captain of this ship was an endless source of grievances even now. He’d probably wanted to run a power cord into the hall or something, and dented the door on purpose.

“There!” Blop yelled, then did a series of angry stomps the led to nothing more than probably some annoying echoes in the engine room. “Where’d it go?”

“I don’t see it,” I said, moving closer and shining my light around. The goats in the pen were bleating in excitement, but a glance showed them just watching us, which wasn’t helpful. “I’m pretty sure there’s a better way to do this.”

“Like what?” Blop asked.

Before I could explain my bright idea to him, Eggskin arrived with the medscanner that I hadn’t fully learned to use yet. Blip towered over the little Heatseeker, talking a mile a minute about the pests. Eggskin ignored her and went right for the pen, the picture of businesslike efficiency with booger-yellow scales. Eggskin was both the medic and the cook, very levelheaded.

“Hm. It’s a good thing this pen closes with a tighter seal than that door,” they said, nodding toward the entrance without looking away from the screen. “All three of them are carrying multiple external parasites.”

Various exclamations of displeasure filled the air just as Captain Sunlight joined us. “How many?” she asked as the door shut behind her.

“In this pen? Fourteen,” said Eggskin calmly. “Outside, I can’t say.”

“I saw one over there,” Blop rushed to say. “Plus the one the got out.”

“I’m pretty sure I saw it in the lounge as I passed,” said Blip, pointing to the right.

Mur said, “I feel like we would have noticed if any dropped off between here and the cargo bay.”

A distant shriek echoed from the hallway to the left. Paint yelled, “What was that?? There was a thing!”

Mur draped a tentacle over his face. “Or I could be wrong.”

I winced in sympathy, remembering Paint’s phobia of small scuttling things, and tendency to hyperventilate. “Do we have a way of catching these animals that I don’t know about?”

There was a heartbeat of silence, then Blip said “Smashing,” Blop said “Squishing” and Captain Sunlight said “Not a good one.”

“Next question,” I said, turning to Eggskin. “The medscanner has records from when we scanned the cats. Can you tell me if these pests would be toxic for them to eat? Or at least bite?”

There was a lot of conversation at that point, but I ignored most of it while Eggskin tapped buttons on the medscanner. They answered promptly. “Nontoxic. Assuming the cats don’t try to swallow any bones or such, I see no problems.”

“Excellent. Captain!” I turned and stood at attention. “Permission to put my roomful of tiny predators to their time-honored use.”

“With supervision, my permission is granted,” she said. “Just don’t make any new problems.”

“Understood! One room at a time, starting here.”

Captain Sunlight nodded. “Proceed. Everyone else, help by guiding the tiny predators, not by smashing.”

Blip and Blop grumbled, “Understood.”

“I can help narrow things down,” Eggskin said, waving the medscanner.

“I’ll check the camera records to see if I can spot when any jumped off,” Mur volunteered.

“And I’ll inform the rest of the crew,” said Captain Sunlight. “Blip and Blop, you guard the door to prevent any further spread of the problem.”

“On it!”

Everyone split and got to work. I returned to my room and scooped surprised kittens into the carrier with promises of exciting new toys to chase. They didn’t understand me, of course, but that had never stopped me before.

“You too, Mama Kitty,” I said to Tapestry as I lifted her from her nap spot on the bed. She protested sleepily, but there was enough space in the carrier for everyone.

I grabbed a bag of cat treats in case I needed bribes, then carried the awkward load back to the storage hold.

And there, I got to show my alien crewmates why humans had brought cats into their homes in the first place.

“Did you see that jump??” Blip exclaimed. “Right up the wall, then turning to land on its feet!”

“Oh, cats are masters at landing on their feet,” I said proudly.

A squeak and a scuffle behind a crate caught my attention, then Tapestry proudly trotted out with a small orange shape in her mouth. She dropped it in front of two kittens, who watched intensely. It wiggled, and she demonstrated pouncing technique.

They caught on quickly.

They also caught four of the pests in the storage hold, two in the lounge, one in the cargo bay, and five in the kitchen. And they found a pen someone had lost behind a table, batting it out into the open like the best of toys.

I doled out treats every time they caught something (ushering them away from decorations and electronics), and showered them with praise. All the crewmates were appreciative, even the ones like Trrili who had joked that the cats looked like food.

“Mighty predator,” Trrili said to Casserole, holding out the tip of her pincher arm to sniff. “You do your ancestors proud. And I hear you are skilled in attacking your human’s ankles with no warning; well done.”

I smiled. “This one’s a master of stealth, that’s for sure. Did I tell you about their larger cousins that have been known to kill humans by jumping out of trees at them from behind?”

“Magnificent,” said the terrifying bug alien, who was herself fond of jumping out at coworkers for fun.

“That they are,” I agreed.

Eggskin appeared at the doorway with the medscanner and did a sweep of the room. “All clear!” they announced. “I can safely say that every escaped pest on this ship has been dealt with.”

“What about those still on the hosts?” asked Captain Sunlight.

“I’ve administered a repellant to the animals in the holding pen,” Eggskin said. “To great success.”

“Did you need help keeping them from getting out the door?” I asked anxiously. “You could have called me.”

“Oh no, I just threw it in the vent,” Eggskin said. “It’s a gas thing. Perfect for this kind of pen, really, since it didn’t dissipate right away. All the pests loosened their hold, and got shaken off to the floor by some lively dancing by the host animals.”

“It wasn’t bad for them, right?” I asked.

“Not at all. Made for them. This is one of many things I keep on hand for animal cargos.” Eggskin turned to the captain. “We should bill the client for a replacement, by the way.”

“Oh yes,” Captain Sunlight said. “We will definitely be doing that.”

Something rolled past my foot that I recognized as one of Blip and Blop’s favorite shrimp sticks. A two-toned blur of fur tackled it and gnawed with vigor. Out in the hall, I heard Blip enthusing over another cat’s speed. We’d relaxed the “one room at a time” rule now that the whole crew had turned out to watch the kittens.

Telly trotted up to me with the shrimp stick in her mouth, showing off her catch. I scooped her up and gave her scritches, then held the stick for her to chew on.

“You know,” the captain said, “If for some reason it might be hard to find homes for all of them, it might not be a bad thing to have a pest-catcher onboard.”

I smiled. “They’ve certainly served my people well.”

“And they’re cute and fluffy? I understand that is a bonus.”

“Oh, for sure. One of the best.”

“Well then,” Captain Sunlight said. “See that they behave themselves, and who knows what the future holds?”

“I’ll keep a close eye on them,” I said, looking down at the kitten in my arms. It was definitely the shrimp dust, but she kind of winked at me. I winked back. I could see many good times ahead of us.

~~~

The ongoing backstory of the main character from this book. More to come!

[daydream-believin]

Like a Boiled Frog (you don't even scream) [Ch. 5]

[Start Here] + [Next Chapter]

Chapter Summary: Test out fun things like ball pits and claw machines. Meet your fellow members of the Fazbear Family. Realize you've made yourself like, the platonic ideal of a potential cold case homicide. Oops.

Warnings: swearing. animal death? neither of the animals that die are animals. and neither of them actually die...

Word count: 4602

A/n: sorry it took me a little longer but, it's longer now. happy thanksgiving break!

Taglist: @spirit-of-the-hollow

You rest your head against the newly painted wall. The other employees flitted around, but you didn’t care. It’s your break and you’re gonna rest, goddamnit.

“Bloody hell. This holiday rush might shut us down before we even get a proper go at it,”

You had no idea when Michael sidled up next to you, but you didn’t even startle at the sound of his voice. You were too damn tired to care.

“Not gonna lie, kinda worried about when those two go home in half an hour and it’s just going to be me, you, and the trash gang,” you gestured to the dining room in front of you, “Because this clearly isn’t calming down anytime soon,”

“Yeah, I really underestimated just how many people would want pizza at 10 o’clock at night. Lucky for us, we just ran out of dough,”

“Oh goody. So we get to go home?”

Relief wasn’t even the word to describe it.

“Well,” Michael rubbed the back of his neck,

 “Not exactly…”

__

Last night had been so fun! Now that Helpy was up, y’all got to finishing testing out all the games in the arcade. Which wasn’t much, since most of the cabinets were still out of working order, but beside the air hockey table there were a few claw machines. And a ‘ball pit’…

That goddamn cardboard box of balls. You hated ball pits normally. Ball pits, foam pits, pillow pits, any type of pit children hurl themselves into like lemmings, really. But this thing put Dashcon to shame. You wouldn’t be surprised if someone had somehow pissed in it even though it was brand new and hadn’t been exposed to the public yet. This thing’s aura just felt that horrible.

So of course Michael thought it a grand idea to throw Helpy into it.

In his defense, the robot had practically begged him. Even though the little guy couldn’t speak as much as just make noises, he was very persuasive. To be honest, it was pretty cute watching Helpy get so excited at the prospect of doing exactly what he was made to do, help. And he was the only person in the room who feasibly could test the ball pit. So after watching him wade around in there for a bit, you thought nothing of the bear climbing back into Michael’s arms and miming to ask to be tossed back in.

“You wanna jump? Okay, one, two—“ the little bear looked determined as Michael wound up to throw him, “THREE!”

Helpy flew through the air, eyes wide and squeaking in glee.

And then,

CRACK.

You just stood there with your mouth open, staring in disbelief at the sight before you. Beside you Michael whispered a small, “Oh shit…”

Neither of you said a word as you stared at Helpy’s now limp and lifeless body. You could hear your heartbeat.

RIP Helpy, alive for an hour before he broke his little neck. He died doing what he loved: being hurled into ball pits.

Initial shock over with, this was actually pretty funny, and you were trying so very hard not to bust out into laughter. You know, considering this meant another headache for Mike as he would have to fix the robot now. He might not appreciate your entertainment in this situation.

Michael deeply sighed. A bloody shame. And more work.

“NOOooo, little guy!” You approached the little robot, shaking your head as you stared down at him.

You reached a hand down to start picking him up off the floor when Helpy jolted back to life, a loud cartoon ding! playing, promptly giving you a heart attack.

As you clutched at your chest, Helpy got back to his feet and dusted himself off.  He looked up to chirp at you and Mike, giving a thumbs-up with another silly little sound effect to assure you he was all good.

Well, at least you can breathe again at this point. Some Looney Tunes ass shit that Mike’s programmed here. Geez.

Michael gave Helpy a quick check-up to see what he broke but the little robot had only sustained a few scratches and a loose wire here and there, nothing major thanks to Mike’s excellent craftsmanship. Helpy was just as chipper as ever. No harm no foul.

The claw machine tests were a lot less eventful.

Well, no, that’s a lie. After the initial tests proved all four of the machines worked, it quickly became a competition to see which of you could actually win without maintenance-mode turned on.

Spoiler alert. It was Michael. The lucky bastard.

He not only won, either, he got multiple wins as you continued to try, determined to show him you could at least get one. If you were using actual money and not just Fazcoins that Mikey had a bucket of, you’d have already spent a highschool kid’s hard-earned part-timer paycheck. Good thing this is fake and the stakes are so low. But this was about honor at this point.

He leaned against the glass of the machine, smugly watching as you struggled. He had his arms crossed with that cocky smirk you noticed he had whenever you played the arcade games together. You know, in the all-of-two instances that’s happened. The colorful lights of the machine bounced off his features, giving him a bit of a glow as he snickered when you failed once again. Kinda distracting, in combination with the annoying ass carnival music the machine played. It’s kinda cheating. Yeah.

As the loud “you lose” tone played once again, Mikey laughed full-bellied, shoulders shaking, “C’mon, mate. Give up. I don’t think you’re going to do it tonight,”

“No. You shut up,” you childishly stuck your tongue out at him, “I’m going to get it this time, new strategy,”

Michael rolled his eyes, “Sure,”

He’d already won three times, so getting this one wasn’t going to win you the little war you two had. There was technically no point. But you still really really wanted to win at least once. Some kind of driving factor here. Maybe you wanted to wipe that smug grin off his face. Maybe you were trying to impress him. Who knows.

What you did know, however, was that by some miracle, the claw was actually working for you. You stared in disbelief as it dragged the stuffed animal across the air and didn’t drop it this time. You didn’t even realize you had been holding your breath until the “you win!” jingle was loudly blaring from the machine.

“…I did it?” you turned to Michael, “I did it!”

You held up your hand for a high five. He laughed and shook his head in disbelief as he met your hand with his.

“Well I’ll be,” that sounded strange coming from his accent. Mike came around to pat you on the shoulder, “you actually won,”

“You better watch out, I’ll start practicing and give you a run for your money soon,”

“Oh sure,” He bent to pick up the stuffed animal from the prize cubby to put in back in the machine, “I’m SO scare—“

In his hands lied good ol’ psychic friend Fredbear.

Oh. You kinda forgot all about him, busy with Michael. Whoops.

“…I think we should call it a night,” Michael’s voice was now devoid of all playfulness as he turned the plushy around in his hands.

“… Yeah.” you answered dumbly.

Michael started walking off, expecting you to follow. Which you did, of course. Damn. Already in some sort of routine here.

You two made your way to the restaurant’s office, of which you remembered from earlier today when Mike told you it was off-limits and you should never go in there without him. Ominous.

When he opened the door, it just got stranger. It looked like any ordinary run-of-the-mill office. As long as you looked straight forward. If you looked to either side of the room, however, there were GIGANTIC FUCKING VENTILATION OPENINGS?? Like a fully grown adult person could get in there easily without having to crawl on their belly like a snake. An elementary schooler could get in there and run around.

“What in hell—“

“Don’t ask. Explaining it would take way too much time and energy,”

“That’s cryptid as fuck but okay,” you’d pick a different battle than this.

Michael gently placed the Fredbear plushy down on top of the printer, “You comfy Fredbear?”

The stuffed bear did not answer.

“That’s great! Goodnight buddy,”

Michael pushed past you to leave but you stayed there in the doorway, transfixed on the doll. Its eyes bore into you, just like they always did. You really should bring Fredbear home with y—

“Come on!” Michael called to you from the front door.

You shook your head, trance broken, “Yeah!”

You shut the door tightly behind you, even though you knew it wouldn’t make a difference if the haunted plush wanted to be somewhere else. It was more for you than anything.

You almost ran through the door Michael was holding open for you.

Ah, but once in the car, you couldn’t help but be curious and get on Mike’s nerves. As you do.

You turned down the radio to talk, “So. You don’t want your dead baby brother’s bear in the house?”

“Absolutely not. Once you invite them in, they won’t leave you alone,”

Well, that was in fact the deal with ghosts, so you could see it, but,

“You don’t want to be haunted by your own dead brother?”

He sighed, “Look, I’ve already been there, okay? He doesn’t even— and that other little freak’s probably with him too so— I don’t—  It’s not like a fun family bonding experience, Y/n,”

You could give him that. And truth be told, you were tired of living in haunted houses. At least Michael’s place seemed to only be haunted by one singular ghoul, himself. You could handle that. You weren’t sure you could handle more though, so maybe he’s right.

Maybe he’s really right. Why were you even arguing against this? Hoo boy. This godforsaken town is making you crazier already.

Speaking of more ghosts, did he say ‘that other little freak’? There’s two? Did Evan’s ghost have a friend? Strange, you had gotten the impression that the spirit was lonely, like you. And like, that’s why he’s haunting you, right? It was all just more to the mystery. And you didn’t want to be dealing with that mystery 24/7. You and Michael aren’t the Scooby-Doo gang.

“…You’re right.”

Michael sighed and adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. Reaching over, he turned the radio back up.

You wanted to ask him more about the supposed second ghost, but he looked so tense, his knuckles gripping the steering wheel so tightly. Eyes locked forward. It’s probably a conversation that can be had later. It’s not like you’ll be able to forget about it.

 The rest of the ride home was silent.

—

You padded out of the bathroom, now in your official “Fazbear uniform” (Just a red button up with the black jeans you had already been wearing when you rolled into town. You technically didn’t work there so it’s not like you had a uniform shirt or a nametag or any of that) and ready to start your first day at the pizzeria. The pizzeria’s first day at the pizzeria too. Excited wasn’t really the word, but you sure were feeling ready for the onslaught of opening day.

As you made your way into the kitchen, you were met with the sight of one zombie man reading the news on his laptop at the table. Dressed very nicely for the occasion, Michael had on a muted cyan button down with the addition of a gold vest and a navy tie. Dark grey slacks. You know the outfit. Hoo boy. Men in vests. Damn you wish you could wolf whistle.

“Whew-ee, someone’s looking spiffy,” you smirked as you made your way to the table, “we need to take a picture to commemorate the moment, chh-ch,” you mimed taking a snapshot.

“Stop. I look fine,” he grumbled, continuing to read the article about the zoo’s latest baby otter so he didn’t have to look at you.

You noticed that along with his name tag, which said “Manager Mike”, he also had a few vintage looking buttons displaying the faces of the characters pinned to his lapel. Cute.

You hefted yourself onto the tabletop to sit, now looking down at him, “I know. That’s what I said. You look fine,”

Mike finally pulled his attention away from the news to look up at you. He just stared, so after a while you raised your eyebrows in question. He broke away, shaking his head a bit.

“I’m sorry. I—“, he suddenly got very interested in the floor tiles, “I guess I’m just not used to compliments, genuine ones, at least,”

Dammit. You really wish Michael had a working circulatory system. What you wouldn’t give to see this man blush.

But. That’s also really sad. What’s been going on in this poor zombie man’s personal life all these years. You had a sneaking suspicion you knew, with a reaction like that. It was all too familiar.

“That’s okay.. Uh, me—me neither,” you checked your watch to avoid having to look at him this time, “Oh, we need to go. Like right now. We’ll be late,”

Michael stood up at your words, clearly eager to leave this awkward conversation, and offered you a hand to help you get down. Which you didn’t need, because like, you just had to slide off the table and onto your feet. Easy.

But that’s an excuse to hold your hand, isn’t it?

Eh. You might just be making mountains out of molehills here…

——

On the short drive to the pizzeria, Michael almost hit a dog.

Or at least. You hope it was a dog. It had to be a dog… The way it dragged its limp body away into a bush.. So unnaturally… You shivered at the thought…

Well, nevermind all that!

Things were pretty normal before the employees arrived. Just you and Mike doing some last-minute cleaning, such as vacuuming up all the gypsum flecks that had made its way to the dining room floor during reno. Once the kids did get there, though, then things got a little funny. Henry had made up a mask to help Michael blend in more with the aforementioned not-dead people. Although, you personally thought a silly white bear mask made him stick out more. But whatever works.

Oh you needed to see him interact with Helpy when he had the mask on, actually. It would be adorable.

So, about those not-dead people.

You finally got to meet Vanessa and Travis. Turns out they were real after all. Silly you for doubting.

Vanessa was a sweet girl, and very excited to start her first job because it made her feel “all grown up” as she told you while you helped her put all the chairs down in the dining room.

Apart from the regular Fazbear uniform, she had a gajillion kandi bracelets on her wrists over a pair of long fingerless gloves. Like Mike, she also had a bunch of Fazbear character buttons, but these looked much newer. Maybe she got them from her older siblings or just a goodwill in the area. Who knows. To top off the look, her fluffy blond hair had some raccoon rainbow highlights, just so her friends will think she’s dynamite~. Or something.

Travis was. Definitely a guy. Look up “white guy stock image” and then put a red Fazbear uniform shirt onto him. There you go. That’s Travis. Mike had him prepping in the kitchen, so you didn’t see much of him. And he’s probably not important, so let’s skip over him.

One person you had been waiting to meet, however, was not there. The ever-mysterious Uncle Henry. Elusive too, it seemed. You don’t know what you were picturing. Not an older Michael, since you knew Henry was the stepdad. The dad who stepped up. Maybe a humanized Freddy? Guess it’ll remain a mystery.

Right after the clock struck 10:00am, just an hour before opening, Michael came out of his office, keys in hand, muttering to himself. You watched him turn about the room to get his bearings, secretly entertained at how silly he looked in that bear mask. Once he spotted you and Vanessa, he made his way for the dining room to talk to y’all, hanging in the doorway,

“Vanessa, you’re in charge while I’m out,”

Vanessa quickly put up her hand in salute, promising that she wouldn’t let him down.

Well. Okay then. That kinda stung. He trusted this teenager more than you? Fine then y—

“Y/n, c’mon let’s go,” he waved his hand towards the door, expecting you to leave with him.

Oh. Okay… Alright. You could vibe with that. Cool mystery errand time. Hopefully it’s not something insane like hiding a body, but hey, if it was, then that means Mike extra trusts you.

Thankfully he took off that stupid bear mask while in the car. Probably way too hot to keep it on, but you liked to think that he just felt comfortable as himself around you. That being said, you get the feeling that if you had met him a little later than you did, when he was wearing the mask, he probably wouldn’t be as confident. Maybe even terrified of letting you see him like this…

Thankfully, none of that mattered.

It wasn’t too long, just about fifteen minutes, before you were pulling into the driveway of some random house in a more rural part of town. The house was pretty big and looked like it was probably fancy too once upon a time. But time had taken its toll on the place by now. A flipper would have a field day turning this thing into a soulless modern home.

Michael visibly tensed up as he pulled into the driveway. You put a hand on his shoulder, attached to the arm still strangling the steering wheel. His eyes darted to yours as you made contact, and he looked about ready to go into fight or flight, so you didn’t break it.

“Hey,” you moved your thumb slowly along his bicep, trying to calm him down, “I don’t know what’s in there, but at least you’ve got backup.”

He continued to stare you down.

You pointed to your chest, “Me. I’m the backup,”

He broke away from eye contact, shaking his head in exasperation, “Yes, I know... This— This is just a lot… I try to stay away from here as much as humanly possible,”

You rubbed his shoulder gently, as you didn’t quite know what would hurt him at this point, or at least accidentally break his skin. He had to be pretty fragile. Pretty easy to rip apart. In fact you weren’t entirely sure how he was even being held together in the first place. Magic, you guessed… or dismissed, more like it.

“I can go, uh, do whatever you need to do, so you don’t have to—,” you began.

“No,” he cut you off, “He won’t open the door for you, might try to shoot you, even. He doesn’t know you,”

“Ah, yeah, you’re right I…” you rubbed the back of your neck, “I keep forgetting none of this is any of my business… Wait, I’m sorry he might what?”

Mike let out a pained chuckle, “It’s fine,” he rubbed the bridge of his nose, “it’s not like he’s going to open the door for me either,”

Well, apparently Michael isn’t too worried about the “the person inside has a gun” part. So it’s probably fine, like he said. Probably…

Man, you’ve been putting a lot of trust in a zombie you met like three days ago.

Hmmm. Well. It’s not like you have anything to lose here. At least when you die it can be on Buzzfeed Unsolved.

Michael knocked very loudly and deliberately on the door, and then rang the doorbell in what could be presumed was a pattern, but maybe it was just random bell spam because he was angry. No one came to open the door, but you heard a lot of scuffling about from behind it.

Mike pulled out his cell phone and started calling. It apparently took too long for the other person to pick up, as he rolled his eyes in impatience.

“Yes, it’s really me. Open the bloody door.”

He aggressively pressed [End Call]. You could tell this man missed having a physical receiver to slam the phone into.

“Did you just have to Two-Factor Authentication this motherfucking door?”

Michael’s deep sigh gave you all the information you needed. Okay, so maybe you are doing an Insane Errand.

The door swung open swiftly, revealing a dark room beyond it. Kinda reminded you of the spring-loaded quickness of the entrance to a possum trap. You actually didn’t want to go in there, you know because of the threatening aura, but Michael boldly walked right in, unbothered. You followed, disciple that you are at this point.

The first thing you noticed was the smell. It was reminiscent of Mike’s place, dust and motor oil and smoke and stale beer. And thus, like Mike’s place, there was a sense of nostalgia to it.

Second, it was pretty dark, but what you did see of the furniture was dated. It was like this place was a time capsule. The living room looked as if it were imported straight from the 70’s. And just like Mike’s place it was covered in various mechanical parts and half-assed machines. Prototypes, as they were called in proper English.

And then you noticed the feral old man holding a whole ass crossbow. At least it wasn’t pointed at you but. Damn. Perhaps Mr. Henry Emily? Considering Mike told you he doesn’t have that large of a social circle. Still. This could be a dealer. You never know.

This heavily armed senior citizen was disheveled, with oil stains on his clothes. The way he stood, ready to flee or pounce at any sudden movement, reminded you of a cat. One of those big fluffy cats that could use a good brushing.

Michael sighed, “I suppose it’s stupid to ask but do you think you could work the restaurant for the weekend? We’re short-staffed and I need all the help I can get.”

Mr. crossbow left a pregnant pause with an icy glare, “… I think we both know why that’s a bad idea, Michael,” he gestured towards you, “Besides, you’ve got an extra hand with Mx. L/n here,”

Okay. So context clues here are really pointing towards Henry. At least you hoped. Although, this wasn’t exactly the cordial man you had been picturing. The kinda man who walks around in a yellow bear suit and talks to kids in a goofy voice. That man was not present at the moment. Even as you stood in his dark and dusty bear cave. It's like that with bears, you guess. You linger too long, or hurt their cubs, or just for the hell of it and suddenly, you were dead. But-- no. Even now, Henry Emily didn't look like the kind of man to kill for the hell of it. Not a polar bear, then.

“A person with a single day of training will be nowhere near as useful as you would,” Michael shot you an apologetic look in an afterthought, “No offense Y/n,”

“None taken!” you weren’t gonna pretend like you were a hot new player in the pizzeria game.

Michael ran an exhausted hand through his hair, “It would just be a lot less stressful if you were there, just briefly. Just through the rushes.”

“Those are the worst times. Think of the foot traffic.” Mr. Crossbow crossed his arms. He looked pretty cross. (ouchie stop throwing stuff at me I’ll stop okay)

Mike took a calming breath with his hands clasped tight in front of him, and yeah, you couldn’t blame him. That was quite literally a ‘yes that’s the whole point’ statement.

“Look, you can work the kitchen the entire time, that way you only have to interact with a few people,” he pleaded.

Henry grumbled, “You know Jeremy never complained when he was short-staffed.”

“Jeremy’s MISSING HIS FRONTAL LOBE,”

Uh. Hopefully that’s unrelated to his position as a Fazbear employee. But you know it’s not. Not even a ‘deep down you knew’ nah the shallowest part of you knows.

You glanced over at Michael again, all undead and stuff. Shit…

“You know what? FINE.” Mike announced as he stalked off towards the kitchen, “where are the damn tapes?” which was perhaps a rhetorical question as he clearly knew they were in the kitchen.

And this left you alone with Henry. Or at least, you thought it was Henry. Probably should ask. You know, like a real person does.

“Henry Emily, I presume?” you held out your hand.

He eyed you suspiciously. Shit. If this ain’t him that’s awkward. At least he shook your hand.

“You would be correct, Y/n L/n,” oh thank God.

“I’m crashing at Mike’s place for a bit,”

“So I’ve heard,” he looked you up and down, like he was taking measurements for your coffin, “… Y/n M/n L/n. twenty-[X]-year-old runaway, far from home. 15-year-old car, not running a tab at any motel. You don’t have a cell phone on you, do you?”

“Um, no?”

“No one knows where you are.” A statement, not a question.

“Uhh—” this was starting to get creepier.

“There was only five, right?” Oh blessed Michael the angel here to rescue you.

“That’s all of them.” Henry replied shortly like he wasn’t just listing out all the reasons they could bury you in the backyard tomorrow without drawing any suspicion whatsoever.

You held out your hands to take some of the tapes Mike was carrying. They didn’t look heavy or anything, but you really needed something to do with your hands. And you needed to feel useful right now. For some unknown reason. He passed a couple to you, sensing this.

“Alright, c’mon Y/n, let’s go,”

You freed up a hand to wave to Henry, “It was nice meeting you, sir,” you lied.

“Likewise,”

“Yeah, bye Henry,” Michael didn’t look back as he shepherded you towards the door.

How much of that did he hear, you wonder. Probably all of it. It wasn’t that big of a house.

“I’m sorry about that,”

Yeah, Mikey heard.

“Um,” you didn’t know how to phrase this politely, “He wasn’t like, threatening me, right?”

Michael made a noncommittal gesture, “Honestly? He could totally have been. But he also just talks like that normally. So who knows,”

“I would like to know,”

He playfully shook his head, “Don’t worry about it. It’s probably fine.”

“Probably isn’t—sigh. Okay,” again, at least you’ll wind up on Buzzfeed Unsolved, “Well, do you think he liked me at all?”

“That I also have no clue about,”

“Then I choose to believe that he thought I was the coolest person in his dark cave of a living room,”

Michael chuckled and rolled his eyes, “Oh, I’m sure that’s true. In those exact words too,”

The pizzeria came in view. Still in one piece and not on fire. So far so good. No immediate disaster. Vanessa did a good job as acting manager. In the all-of-forty-five minutes she was in charge—

Uh. Perhaps you jinxed her, because as soon as you two walked through the door, Vanessa came running into the room like the world’s most nervous cheetah. And that’s saying something, cheetahs are naturally nervous. Her blonde hair was in disarray, little rainbow sprigs sticking out here and there.

“Oh good! You guys are back!”

Her cheerful tone died, “Please help us.”

[goldeneywa]

ao’nung x omatikaya!reader

i thought of this while i was daydreaming at work one day💀and i definitely did not have to repost this bcuz i didn’t realize that deleting my acc would delete both blogs on the acc and not just one blog soo…

revised technically since i had to rewrite

word count at 746

“If you want to live here, you have to ride.”

My siblings and I, minus Kiri, are in the shallow parts of the water, being introduced to the Ilus. I watch them swim around us as they make yips and chirping noises similar to the ones Ao'nung made to call them over. We eventually separate, Tsireya going towards Lo'ak and Ao'nung with me and Neteyam.

Neteyam and I proceed to look at each other, using our 'twin-epathy' as Dad calls it, to communicate with one another and decide who will go first. We don't notice Ao'nung's confused stare as he realizes that we weren't listening to the beginning of his speech.

"Okay then, I'll go first," Neteyam says, looking at me and then at Ao'nung. He blinks a couple times, the second pair of lids coming out on his second blink. Which is something that I cannot help but stare at. "Alright."

Ao'nung guides Neteyam on how to sit and hold on to the Ilu. "It's the same concept as your Ikran," Ao'nung adds, taking a step back. I don't miss the added emotion of what I think is disgust when he mentions our clan's chosen rides and I know that Neteyam didn't either.

I follow the Metkayina's lead and take a step back as well, ducking my head underwater as Neteyam takes off. He holds on for a while and it seems like he got the hang of it before eventually he loses control of the animal and falls off.

I can hear Ao'nung and his group of friends laugh at the sight, while I just cover my smiling mouth. I bring my head out of the water and notice Tsireya steps back, joining the group, signaling that Lo'ak will have a go as well.

He doesn't last nearly as long as Neteyam did. The boys laugh harder at my younger brother than they did my twin. Tsireya even laughs as well but I know it wasn't out of ill intent, since it was entertaining seeing my brothers fall off.

"Alright forest girl, you're next," Ao'nung says, looking down at me with the obvious height difference with the stupid smirk on his face. "Hmm," is all I reply with. He guides the closest Ilu towards us and helps me get on. He goes through the same process with me, but not as in-depth of an explanation since I've already heard it when he was helping Neteyam. "Good. Now make the bond," I grab my queue from behind me and make tsaheylu. I take a silent deep breath and concentrate on the feeling.

"Feel her breath, her strength," He says. But what caught me off guard was him grabbing my hand and laying it flat on the Ilu's neck, his hand laying firmly on top of mine. I glance up at him but he doesn't make a move to look at me as he snatches his hand back, almost as if he didn't realize what he was doing himself. I decided to ignore it.

He steps back to give me space. When I feel like I'm finally ready, I take a deep breath and tell my Ilu to go underwater.

Keeping balance on the anime while maintaining proper directions against the water pressure was hard, especially with my unadjusted body. Only a couple times I felt myself slip a little but I managed to hold on. I felt confident to go deeper into the water and speed up.

The Ilu seemed to know what I was planning to do before I even gave her the thought. I hear the Ilu chirp before it begins to ascend higher toward the water's surface and jumps out, completing a small backflip.

I splash back into the water and rise back up with my back facing the group. I throw my head back and laugh, looking back at everyone else with a big smile on my face.

The Metkayina boys were standing there in shock and surprise while everyone else was cheering and happy at the display, with little Tuk showing the most excitement. Then there was Lo'ak, who let out a little "Show-off..." but was happy for his big sister nonetheless.

No one noticed Ao'nung's ears pulled all the way back to lay almost flat against his head and his stiff tail lifting up, looking just as shocked as his friends but another indescribable feeling lingering within his body language and deep within his eyes.

Except for his sister.

[crybaby-bkg]

Fluffy bakugou brainrot:

So I’m in a classic soft sad semi crybaby kinda mood rn- did anything happen? Nope. Am I just like this? Yup.

Anyways, I like to think number one blorbo bakugo lowkey lives for this shit. NOT BECAUSE YOURE SAD. But because it means he just kinda ??? Gets a koala for a little bit??? All pliable and shit.

And you know he just goes along with whatever too. You wanna just hide your face in his neck on the couch? Bakugo’s got a blanket pulled up around you with a hand rubbing up and down your back while the other gives occasional head pats.

You wanna chill and play switch games? Bakugo’s there, sitting prolly behind you against the headboard so you’re in between his legs askin questions and paying ATTENTION goddamnit. WITH bonus !! Forehead smooches frequently. (I’m on a Zelda totk kick rn and I like to think bro gets all smarmy and cocky when bosses show up because “sweetheart I could totally beat it for you don’t worry” and then he dies not a minute in)

In general: soft bakugo who adores having koala hours with his baby when he can just plop around with them and call them the sweetest, cavity inducing nicknames on the planet to get them to laugh a lil

Bonus!!! Bakugo finding out you haven’t eaten the Proper Amount of Food™️ so he puts your ass on the kitchen counter and makes your ultimate favorite. Gets you water too in a lil cup with a straw

PLS this will live in my head rent free for the next two weeks ‼️‼️

but nooo I get it!!!! like it’s not necessarily about you being sad as it is about how clingy and mellow you get that he absolutely adores!!!! loves being able to just decompress after a long day, hide his face in your neck and breathe in your scent while you read on your phone.

and omg the switch part he gets sooo cocky about being able to beat everything and dies after the first punch skdjdkd I can imagine him bragging about beating the boss even if you’re playing something easy like cooking mama or animal crossing LOL what a dork

he calls you the most sickening nicknames that he would absolutely kill his friends over if they ever heard it!!!!! all sweethearts, and my love, and honey bunny that you can’t help but laugh at bc it sounds a little funny coming from him !! but you love every name anyway, because it came from him and he’s so comfortable around you that he doesn’t mind being a little corny if he gets to see you smile at the name he gives you 🥺

also definitely is ready to throw hands if you don’t eat or drink enough >_> scolds you the whole time he’s fixing you food, keeps shoving individual ingredients in your mouth and hands in between seasoning the food and stirring/chopping. “why do you always do this—how the hell do you even forget to eat?” as he slices up a cucumber or piece of fruit and taps it on your bottom lip for you to open wide so he can feed you !!

[papabirdurskeks]

"Precursor" Anatomy

Well, once again I spent some months working here and there on some new headcanons no one asked for BUT here they are!

Some random anatomy headcanons on the Witness's People! To expand upon my previous posts!

-Be warned, this will be a LONG post-

The bones:

To start, we go to the basics, aka the main structure of it all, the skeleton. When looking at the skeleton of a "Precursor" (if one is able to), one will note that is it humanoid in shape save for a few differences here and there. They stand upright on two feet and have a single set of arms and legs akin to that of a human. But when looking for those differences, one will see a few of them. The skeleton is almost a gray blue in color, the teeth just slightly lighter while the base of the skull and parts of the neck are darker as shown in this basic viewing of the skull.

The skeleton's coloration comes from the fact that becomes stained overtime with the individual's blood, which is noted to be a rich, deep blue in color and highly potent in smell. This potent blood can be extremely dangerous to other species, toxic even as it was a primary defense against animals that would try to prey on them. While now they are apex predators of their homeworld, they keep this trait as they evolve to keep others at bay to try and do them harm.

This is why it's also always hard to find a full skeleton to study as most individuals are cremated upon death to avoid the toxic blood from pooling out and aerating into public spaces.

The eye sockets are also large and hollow to house the large eyes they possess as it both aids them from bright and almost blinding lights as well as being able to see in near pitch-black darkness. The top of the skull is lined with hard, boney crests that protect their heads from heavy blunt force damage, adding an extra layer of protection to the brain. Yet, the base of the skull almost appears hallowed and riddled with grooves, looking rather brittle to the touch. Yet, despite its brittle appearance, the bone is just as strong as the rest of the skeleton. This hallowed out base allows for the brain and extensive nervous system to fix itself comfortably about the individual's body; the grooves offering an opening for the growing nerve tendrils that sprout as they age.

The teeth on the skull suggest an omnivorous diet among the people, with the frontal teeth bearing sharper for grasping and shredding flesh and plant material while the back helps to grind down the tougher parts of said meals. However, their jaw strength is comparable to a human's, loosing strength over time as they no longer eat their meals raw as they had much earlier times. Yet, the still are sharp and tough enough to garner damage to any foolish individual to stick their hands or fingers in their mouths.

The skull is held up by a thin yet long neck, lined with nerve pikes at the bases to keep that connection with their extensive nervous system. These nerve pikes are extremely sensitive when they are connected to the nervous tissue, allowing a proper means of reaction time when situations go astray. Along the bottom of the jaw is also an extended piece of cartilage-like bone that lines itself along the neck for extra mobility and flexibility of said neck while also giving it the needed support to keep the head up.

Hands and Feet:

Next in connection to the skeleton is that of the hands and feet. While they do the same things any other creatures would do for them and bear similar characteristics to humans, they also harbor their differences as well.

All "Precursors" are born with the simple hand structure just like humans, four fingers and an opposable thumb on each to help them grip and hold items with ease. Yet, these hands also hold a few unique traits different from that of humans. Their feet are also quite different in structure as well, being partly digitigrade in formation as they walk solely on their toes and front of their feet. Each foot is lined with three large, clawed toes.

Yet, upon birth, infants are born without their trademark "claws" on both hands and feet.

Instead, the tips of their fingers and toes are lined with an extra layer of thick skin covering these "claws" as it keeps them from damaging their parent during the birthing process. These "claws" do not grow out until the infant reaches about 4-5 months in age, in which they soon begin to experience a "peeling process". This process is extremely painful for the infant, akin to teething if one could put it, as the skin begins to break apart and pull back to reveal the "claw" beneath it. These "claws" are actually the bones of the tips of their fingers and toes, sharpened out and hardened over time to give them their trademark defenses dating back to the earliest days of their ancestors.

Along with the fingers and toes, a "heel spike" will also form in the back of the foot at the base of the ankle. This provides an extra means of defense for the individual as they grow older with age.

And once they reach adulthood, these claws will be the most important and deadliest pieces of personal weaponry for the people against any threat they come across.

Fully formed claws will be completely pitch-black in color and hardened like stone, unable to break easily despite it being bone. These claws allow for easier grasp of objects and surfaces alike alongside their defenses. At the wrist there is also a small spike that forms as an individual gets older. While not as prominent as the heel spike, this little spike adds an extra means of defense IF one is able to land a blow on their foe, stunning them enough to make them step back if hit hard enough. Again, this is an old evolutionary call back to the earliest days of their ancestors.

Each hand and foot is lined with dark lines that resemble stripes. These stripes are actually nerves beneath the skin that line along the rest of their bodies, giving them a bit of extra feeling in their fingers and toes when touching with the skin itself or when picking up vibrations through the bone; allowing the body to react when signals are sent to the brain to alert it of what is going on.

"Hair" and Emotive Responses:

And in speaking of their nervous system, now is a good time to take a look at the tendrils on their heads that often resembles hair to outside species.

When looking at the "hair" on their heads, one would find that this is not hair but in fact tendrils connected to the base of their skull and back of the neck. These tendrils serve as an extension of their nervous system in being able to read their surroundings as well as emote themselves more discreetly. Each tendril is connected to an ultra-sensitive nerve spike that also connects directly to the brain, which in turn feeds the brain the proper information when receiving signals of its surroundings. And as an individual grows older with age, the nerve spikes grow along the tendrils to give them more time and means to better understand their surroundings.

This in turn also allows for an individual to regulate their emotive reactions, keeping emotions discreet to outsiders who may often see them as "cold" or apathetic.

However, this is more of a misunderstanding when it comes to communication between different species. As the "Precursors" have evolved to be discreet over time, they found different ways to express themselves that only those within their own species would easily understand. This reasoning for this silence communication can be found in this post here.

Yet, sometimes there are other indicators that can show to others when one is feeling expressive in their emotions. In times of happiness or joy, tendrils tend to wave about in an almost shy sort of way, the ends twisting about themselves as if they were tickled by their happiness. Others express their joy or affections to one another by entwining their tendrils with another, bonding with said person in a deeply emotional moment that can be shared between them. When angered or stressed, their skin dulls and their tendrils twitch as if they were the rattles of a snake's tail. And in times of extreme sadness or stress, their tendrils will curl close to their breast or twitch about manically as if trying to seek some semblance of self-comfort in their ordeal.

The natural markings on their bodies also tend to darken in their stress as well, indicating that they are not feeling well in the situation they are in. The same of their tendrils as they darken with color in high times of stress. Black tears will usually accompany an individual who is under extreme pressures of emotion, appearing almost ink like as it runs down their long features.

It is unknown as to why their tears are black, but some speculate that it was once an old defense mechanism in the early days of their evolution that helped keep predators at bay in which they would actually spray these "tears" at the faces of said threat to temporarily blind them and give them time to escape. Others speculate it is because they have become emotionally discreet that the tears can blend into their natural markings to give them less of an emotive appearance.

Body Markings:

And lastly come that of the markings on the body. While most of the markings are explained here and here, there is some additional info to be put about them when looking at the "Precursors".

One will note that the majority of the species almost looks to have the striped variety placed upon their being, lining the very same extensive nervous system that keeps them connected to their natural surroundings. But sometimes, there are few that are born with traits that go back to their ancestral roots and stay with them even long after these genes have not been seen in many.

When most "Precursors" are born, they harbor particular markings on the face around the eyes and nose that usually indicate their age. However, some adults keep these markings even well beyond the time of childhood. As adults back in their earlier days of their ancestors used to carry this trait as it kept their eyes and noses further protected from the intensity of the sun(s), the traits were eventually lost over time during the Golden Age Era when life was seemingly better off. But as time goes on and evolution takes it course, this trait seems to have made a comeback among some families.

Freckles are also another trait that is less commonly seen, doting the very stripes of their bodies to give them a unique speckled look. The variety of both traits depends entirely on the genetic makeup of an individual and will look vastly different from person to person.

Yet, as previously stated, markings do play a crucial role in communication between the species. And when one falls ill or is close to death, others will note that their markings are hardly to be seen, giving them an entirely ghostly appearance of pale skin. This usually indicates that their systems are failing them and are in dire need of medical attention or at the peak of death. Others who harbor severe depression also go through this, essentially pushing their systems into a state of unwillingness to live.

If noticed in time, others can be able to aid them and bring them back to health, offering a variety of comforts to make their last moments easier to go in peace or help them get better; a trait that is once again, predated back to the times of their earliest ancestors.

---

Okay, this is all I have for the moment but I am sure along the way I will have more. Sorry I had to keep a lot of the sketches basic but with my new job, I don't get as much time to do things when I want to. BUT, I do hope this helps in getting across some of the ideas I've had lingering about and why I do the things I do with my art and headcanons!

Just remember, these are purely headcanons and are to be as such especially for my stories! Its all meant in good fun! c:

[ladylamrian]

Fantastic Beasts ✨️

Female Main Character: Alex

Pairing: F!MC × Nik Ryder

Summary: Alex discovers another side of the supernatural world.

Word counting: 3.4K

Rating: General (Fantasy, Fun, Fluff, Magic)

With Harry Potter Hogwarts references added

Warnings: none

-> -> -> Full Masterlist here <- <- <-

Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to read, like, comment, or reblog my stories/fanfics. It means so much to me! Please inform me if you would like to be added/removed from my new Tag List.

Taglist: @infactnoimmasitinthemiddle ; @lilyoffandoms ; @liviusofpella ; @secretaryunpaid ; @blackcatkita ; @dutifullynuttywitch ; @rosepetals1 ; @mxdanni ; @peonierose ; @hopelessromantic1352 ; @jdstar88 ; @mariemarieohcontrary ; @stars-are-within-me ; @artbyalz ; @choicesficwriterscreations ; @choicesmonthlychallenge for Choices March Challenge (Prompt: Nature, Animals, Awakening)

Thanking @secretaryunpaid for edit beneath

Author's note: An old fanfic rewritten and expanded ✨️🦄🧚🏼‍♀️

After Nik led his girlfriend, Alex carefully through the dark woods, he finally removed the blindfold from her eyes. She gasped at the beauty in front of her. The fields were glade-green and the sound of chirping birds filled the air. Bees are murmuring in that strange cult hum and flit from flower to flower, surfing the short spaces as they go. The bayou was always so special for Nik, but this time he led Alex somewhere else, near the bayou. Mother nature is beautiful, but her eyes were focused on something else.

"Whaaa?! Are these...?"

"Welcome to the beautiful side of the supernatural and magical world, rookie. Forget your fears, nightmares and welcome this great side of this world.", Nik wispered and gently brushed her hair to the side while she got surprised of the sight in front of her.

Trotting towards them were a dozen of the most bizarre creatures Alex has ever seen. They had the bodies, hind legs and tails of horses, but the front legs, wings and heads of what seemed to be giant eagles, with steel-coloured beaks and large, brilliantly golden eyes. The talons on their front legs were half a foot long and deadly-looking. Each of the beasts had a thick leather collar around its neck, which was attached to a long chain, and the ends of all of them were held in the vast hands of a young man, who came jogging after the beasts.

"Nik!! How are you, my friend?"

"Hey Anton, I'm fine and you don't mind if I brought Alex along? She's new in this supernatural and magical world and didn't had the oppurtunity to explore the beautiful parts.", he introduced her to his friend.

Alex slowly stepped closer towards one of the majestic creatures and tried to touch one, but it quickly backed away.

"Are these Griffins?"

"No, Hippogriffs, but they're very similar to the Griffin with the horse rear replacing the lion rear. And that's Anton, my client and a good friend. A few years ago I helped him to track down the missing pegasi which were held captured by the Blight Brothers in Arizona."

"It was a dangerous mission, but you pulled it off. Nik, because of you not only the pegasi, also many other magical creatures were saved and gained back their freedom. I will never forget that.", the friend thanked the young nighthunter.

After hearing what Anton said, Alex gave her boyfriend a sweet smile, showing him how proud she felt. He shyly glanced back at her with a crooked smile on his face. Who knew that a young man giving the bad-boy-vibes with a dark past could be so golden at the same time? His heart, so pure and still he didn't like to show it and kept it hidden from the world. Risking his life to save others... Somehow she felt very grateful to call that man her boyfriend.

"Ummm, well, shall we head a little further to show Alex a few other species?"

"Wait, I want to pet this Hippogriff first before we go. Can I?", she gazed with pleading eyes. The friend immediately agreed.

"Sure. When humans approach Hippogriffs, a proper etiquette must be maintained to avoid danger. Hippogriffs were intensely proud creatures, and an individual must show proper respect by bowing to them, and waiting for them to bow in return before approaching. Eye contact should be maintained at all times, without a single blink. The Hippogriff should be allowed to make the first move. If offended, it might attack. Hippogriffs were tameable, but only by experts in their care like me. I'm a wizard. Although, Hippogriffs could also be fiercely loyal and protective of those who had earned their trust."

"Eeeek, I'm getting Harry Potter vibes from you right now. Nik, your befriended with a wizard which is soooo cool!!! Anton, can you do magic? Are you from Hogwarts?"

Nik chuckled because of the loud excitement of his girlfriend, while Anton got nervous and so did the Hippogriffs, but he quickly managed to calm them down.

"Raahhh!", one of the creatures answered in response.

"I can only do a little magic, because my main job is to take care of these creatures and no, I'm not from Hogwarts. Whatever that is."

"You're really doing a great job, Anton. Uuuhhh, but do I really have to bow to touch them?"

"Don't worry, these ones were well tamed by me. Just pet them, I'll hold them."

Again, she stretched her arm and placed her palm on one of the Hippogriff's feathers while Anton held it near her for support. She softly stroked the creature which stayed calm now and gave her a curious look. Even Nik decides to give it a try to pet it now.

"An amazing creature. Hey rook, you likin' it?"

"I love it, Nik. And I want to see more. Pleeeeeeease?"

Her puppy eyes and one "Please" already melted his heart and he asked his friend to give both of them a tour. The three of them walked further with the gigantic Hippogriffs following right behind until they reached the fields and the tiny house of Nik's friend. In the backyard of the wooden house, he showed them, the magical creatures, he has been protecting and taking care of before releasing them. Even keeping a close eye on them was important when the creatures were in the wilderness. To prevent any danger and to appear quickly for any rescue or help. Some magical animals even decided to visit Anton more often or even stayed with him, especially the way he gently cared about them.

"Anton, the bound between you and the magical animals... it's... it's amazing. Damn, it's outstanding!! And you're not even a fae which are already naturally bound with nature."

"Right said, Anton is the best!!", a mysterious voice answered.

Alex quickly turned around and realized that one of the Hippogriffs just... talked??

"Uhh, can Hippogriffs talk?"

"Uhhh, no. That was just a series of high-pitched whistling or piping notes like eagles always do. Hippogriffs are partly eagle as you can see."

"No, I... I heard real words coming from that bronze colored Hippogriff."

"Is that girl talking about me, Ash?", she heard the bronze colored creature answer again.

"I don't think so. Come on, let's eat something. I'm hungry.", the gray colored hippogriff talked now.

The gray colored beeing pulled at the long chains Anton was holding which were attached to it's thick leather collar and signaled him something. The young man immediatly gave in and got led by the Hippogriffs to see what they wanted. The wizard friend recommended Nik to show Alex a little bit around on his own. Nik's always welcome to his home. Then Anton left the two alone.

"I think Ash was hungry."

"Who's Ash?", Nik asked her.

"That's the name of the gray Hippogriff."

"Okaaaay, I don't remember Anton mentioning the name at all. Well, wanna see the pegasi next?"

She excitedly nodded and both of them were headed towards a field where beautiful winged horses enjoyed the fresh grass of the season and some of them even flew around. Before Alex could let out an excited shriek, Nik quickly covered her mouth with his palm.

"Shhh, we don't wanna scare them. Pegasi are mild-tempered, docile animals, unlike unicorns. A herd of Pegasi used to live in the Bayou, but now they're just a few of them. Since they're imbued with magic from heads to hooves, Pegasi are sometimes poached and sold to collectors or killed to be used for parts in spells."

"That's so sad, I'm glad you went to that mission in Arizona to save them. They're so beautiful and such majestic creatures, Nik. You know, I learned that Pegasus isn't a type of creature, it's actually the name of the winged white stallion from Greek mythology and while Pegasus was one specific creature, his name has often been used as a defining term for winged horses in general. Also, his role was to bring thunderbolts to Zeus."

"Damn, you're good. I love it when you speak intelligent stuff."

"Thanks. Just imagine that one day a pegasus will bring you your arrows."

"That would actually be cool, my intelligent girl."

"Oh Nik, I love it when you call me intelligent."

"Then why did you sometimes played the dumbass last year?"

His girlfriend gave him a playful nudge and he lets out a warm laugh after teasing her.

"But no, really, I like it when you praise me. You even once said that I'm powerful and strong. Like I'm no helpless princess anymore, waiting for her knight in shining armour or prince charming to come for rescue. And what you also said about the faes. That the faes need worship to the ground I walk on. But seriously, that line sounded very cheesy."

But Alex quickly realized that Nik's focus was somewhere else and followed his gaze. A white pegasus carefully trotted towards him. That majestic white stallion got carefully closer, but still watched the two of them from a safe distance. A crystalline droplet appeared out of nowhere and floated in the air beside the creature's eye.

By touching the tear, everything around Alex faded away and she find herself in an animalistic body. Having hooves instead if feet, gigantic feathery wings and the body of a horse. She saw a vision about the creature's past Everything in the perspective of the creature. The night had fallen already.

"Neeigh!"

Tied up with a rope, the pegasus was captured in a small cage in a dark room, seeking for food, fresh water and freedom like many other creatures around . Some of them are also the pegasi from it's own herd. The Blight Brothers have captured the pegasi after it left Anton's backyard to go for a flight.

"Don't worry pegasi of my herd, stallions and mares, I will find a way out of here.", it promised it's pegasi companions.

"We won't get free. I've been captured here for almost a week now."

The pegasi turned it's attention away from it's own herd and focused on the unicorn calling out. She was a beautiful mare, had white fur, a sparkly pink mane and a horn on the top of her head.

"My name is Sunburst, the leader of the pegasi herd in the bayou of New Orleans and I won't let any human steal our freedom from us."

"And as an leader you're still befriended with one human called Anton?! My name is Moonlight and I'm telling you, all humans are the same and..."

Their conversation got cut as a blond haired man suddenly began opening the cages and freeing all the captured animals in a hurry.

"Okay, time for everyone to escape before Scourge and the Blight Brothers catch us. Hurry off, to your beloved freedom!! Anton's going to be happy 'bout this."

"But... Isn't he working with the Blight Brothers?", the female unicorn wondered herself.

A feeling of happiness and hope appeared. One by one the young man released every creature from their cages and they immediately flew or ran towards their beloved freedom. When the last creature got freed, Sunburst, the pegasi leader suddenly discovered several men, the Blight Brothers appearing towards the human.

"You're a traitor, Carl Drogo!!", one of the men yelled at the animal rescuer.

"I'm not Carl Drogo, you bastards! I'm Nik Ryder, a nighthunter and your biggest nightmare!!"

As the Blight Brothers attack, the nighthunter kept fighting, threw punches and shot arrow after arrow to keep the bruisers distracted until the last creature made it's safe escape. But they're too many of them and they slowly began surrounding the bleeding hunter.

"Damn...", Nik silently cursed as he realized that he was in trouble. All the bruisers against him. He was alone.

But then... Sunburst, the pegasi leader came into action. Flying above the dangerous bruisers, it kicked and stomped with it's hooves to buy the hunter enough time to escape before leaving Arizona for good. And it worked!! While the animal kept the bad guys busy, Nik quickly took his chance to escape while looking after the winged horse. Making sure that it escaped too because he wouldn't allow it if it got captured again. And it worked!! Flying across the nightsky with the rest of it's herd, the leader of the pegasi hoped that the rest of the creatures and the mysterious nighthunter will be on their way back home too. Safely.

Then the memory of the underground trading ring dissipates around Alex like a mist and she found herself back in the woods in her own body. Without knowing, she was leaning against Nik. The white pegasi which the two of them were watching was already gone.

"Hey, what's the matter?", Nik, her boyfriend got worried and gently touched her cheek and leaned to make eye-contact.

"Aww, the pegasi is gone. And I couldn't even pet it, Nik."

"They're very shy, so it's gonna be very hard to pet one or even find one. I'm surprised that this one even dared to come that close to us. Well never mind, I can show you other cool creatures if you'd like. Maybe a tiny jackalope or some pixies?"

"How about unicorns?"

Sudden silence hang between them. After a moment he began to speak, but this time his voice heavy, jaws clenched and eyes drowned in her's.

"The hell!! I'm not even letting you near a unicorn, rook. They're dangerous and not like the ones from My Little Pony where everything is sparkle, glitter and rainbow. Unicorns are territorial and they attack whoever comes in their near unlike pegasi, rook."

"Not all are like that..."

"Oh yeah, met one before?!"

"Uhhh maybeeee..."

"Wait what?!! Where? When? Whyyy?"

"Uhhh, last month. But she was a friendly one and she even talked with me, relax. I guess beeing partly fae gives me the abbility to talk with animals and understand them. Isn't that cool?"

Without words, Nik gripped Alex softly by her wrist and pulled her with him through the dark woods, back from where they came from.

"Heyyyy, where are you taking me?!!"

"Headin' home."

"If you want to go home then leave, I want to explore..."

"Rookie, no."

"Rookie, yes!!"

"You never listen."

"You don't understand. Look how great this day begun and now you ruined the whole mood, Nik."

Gggrrll...

The girl bumped into Nik when he suddenly stopped walking after hearing a strange noise. Both of them got alert. A skeletal creature slinked out from behind the bushes and began hissing at the young couple. Nik protectively stood infront of her.

"Nik, what is that?!"

"Shhh, don't worry. These creatures have canine skeletons and are covered with moss or vines. They can be killed if their skulls or spines are destroyed."

"What do we do? You didn't brought your weapons along. How are we...?"

"You run, I'll handle."

"No way, Nik!! Not that again. Seriously?"

Nik tried to calm her down and pushed her away from danger, towards safety as the skeletal creature appeared closer.

"Gggrrll...", the skeletal creature aggressivly snarled.

Time seemed to slow down as it jumped in the air towards the young nighthunter and landed on him. Both crashed on the ground, the creature above the Nik who desperatly tried to escape its grip

"Gggrrll..."

The creature ready to strike...

"Nik!!", Alex panicked.

Without knowing, Alex stretched her arm, showed her palms where a light blast appeared and hit the moss creature hard. First the wood monster hestitated, then it decided to leave Nik and... to hunt his girlfriend down instead. This time, it lets a powerful shriek out while desperatly tried to signal her to run away.

"Ggggrrr..."

"Come here you freaky monster!!! You don't scare me at all. Let him go!"

Before the moss creature could reach her, Nik quickly leaped on the creature, preventing it from getting near her and at the same time letting out several strong whistles by pressing the tips of his thumb and forefinger together up against the tip of his tongue.

"Phhwwwht!"

While Alex got confused why Nik suddenly began to whistle, a majestic falcon appeared from the sky and flew towards Nik and the moss creature. It somehow began to help Nik by peeking angrily on the creature's skulls.

"Kack-kack-kack!"

Both struggling, while Nik and the falcon tried to fight it, but the monster kept biting and snapping to release itself from the hold. Alex had to do something quick before Nik gets more injured, the monster's claws made him already bleeding.

"Run, can't... hold... longer!", Nik desperatly begged her, but she decided to stay.

Alex remembered what had she learned in the fae realm and began to concentrate. Closing her eyes, she pictured a crystalline blade, radiant with golden light. Her fingers abruptly curled around the smooth, glassy warmth of a handle! After a while, as she opened her chocolate-brown eyes, she discovered to see a long, slender blade of light gleaming in her palm! She held her magical weapon with confidence and immediately knew what to do.

Swinging the weapon up and without losing more time, she sprinted towards the monster. With enough strenght while keeping a safer distance towards Nik and the mysterious falcon, she finally brought her sword down. Slashing through the creature's neck with a blow so hard, that the blade bit through the dirty ground.

"Hyyaaa!!"

The moss creature's body crumpled, twitching beneath her sword. Then, she picked up it's snapping head and blew it's glowing eyes like candles, and it's body fell still.

"Damn, that was hot.", Nik got impressed by his girlfriend.

Letting the creature go and letting her golden sword disappear with magic, the girl quickly hurried over to Nik who was still lying on the ground. Alex gently helped her boyfriend on his feet and assisted him to walk while the mysterious falcon flew away.

"I'm fine, it's just a little blood. Are you okay? Why didn't you ran away when I told...?"

"Because we're a team, remember? You told me that last year when I wasn't listening to you, right? And you're not fine, you're hurt! Let's get you somewhere safe. We are not far from Anton his house, right?"

"Yeah. And I'm fine, thanks."

The injured hunter gave her sly smile after she reminded him that they were a team.

"Nik, what was that before?? You whistled and then a falcon came... Uhh, how did...?? That was cool! Awesome!! That... That was... How???!!!!!", she couldn't believe what she just saw and asked him.

After a little silence, Nik finally spoke in a nervous tone while his eyes faced the ground as both of them were strolling towards the wizard's house.

"The thing is... The falcon and I share story. A past. When I was still living in Elijah's house in the woods, I found it. It was a tiny chick. Near it's nest I discovered two dead falcons, it's parents. And well..."

"Oh Nik...", she placed a hand on his shoulder for support. Afterall Nik his birthparents also died when he was a tiny child, so that little falcon chick reminded Nik of himself.

"Soooo yeah, I kinda raised the falcon. I named it, fed it, taught a few tricks and took care of it. Poor little fella' lost it's parents like I did, so I had to something. So just like Elijah took me, I took this falcon. Alex, you're the very first one I'm sharing this. And please don't share this embarrasing story to anyone, especially not Katy."

"But it's not embarrasing, it's heroic. You're a hero, Nik. A protector. But I see... You don't want your tough guy act be ruined, huh? Oh my Nik, you're such a hidden softie and I love you.", she giggled and pinched his cheek with love.

"Ouch. Hey?"

"You're welcome, dear. By the way, what name did you even gave your falcon pet."

"It's not my pet, rook. It's a free living creature, a friend and well... I named it... I named it Arrow."

"Arrow? Just like the arrows of your crossbow??"

"Arrow. Because this bird flies really fast just like a shooting arrow. Like really really fast, rook."

"I see. Not bad actually, Nik. Definitly better than any nicknames you give. Or should I say Nik-names??", she giggled while Nik rolled his eyes after hearing that bad joke.

"Stop it, rook.", he grinned.

"Fine... Oh hey, Nik!!"

"Hmm?"

"Since I met your wizard friend today, I was wondering... What Hogwarts house would you like to belong to?"

"What kind of question is that? From where did you got that idea?"

"Just answer!! I'm curious to know."

"Well, I don't know. Never thought about that. Would a Gryffindor suit me?"

"Oh definitly, but I actually see you more as a Ravenclaw because you know a lot of things."

"Me? Ravenclaw? You think I'm intelligent??", Nik surprised by Alex's opinion, so she decided to explain it more.

Nik Ryder was indeed a very brave man with enough strenght and courage. Life made him tough, but he also showed his knowledge and intelligence. Several times he came up with new ideas, suggested what to do next and got into the leader role very well without noticing. By staying loyal to his companions and thinking about every next step, he lead his friends through adventures. He was the one and only who found out about Alex's missing father, her mysterious benefactor and that she was fae royalty instead of an ordinary human. Mysteries and puzzles solved all thanks to him, she explained.

"So yes, these are the reasons why I think a Ravenclaw would suit you too. Means I have a very clever boyfriend.", she praised.

"Oh yeah? Thanks, my dear girlfriend. And you're definitly a Hufflepuff.", he winked.

Thanking @secretaryunpaid for this beautiful and magical edit above. -> Full view here , when you scroll down beneath to find the monster and hippogriff <-

So credits to @jamespotterthefirst , for these beautiful templates which she created and I was allowed to use for my MC and LI. I also made some changes with the colors and added my own edits/pictures.

[symphonic-scream]

Here's a bunch more of the Gender Thieves

Futaba has the Thieves' Chat named "Fruity Bitch Parade" which, is fitting. They also assign each of the thieves a nickname as their contact name and shit just. They lightly haze them all it's a thing they do

So the Thieves at Shujin include Futaba, Ann, (A)Kira, and Makoto. Then Yusuke isn't in proper school they're in a conservatory, and Ryuji and Hifumi are at Kosei

So let's talk about the Shujin uniforms, ft Shiho and Haru!

Starting with Futaba, they wear the uniform normally, blazer buttoned up, skirt, but with bright green crocs, varying gamer themed socks, and with headphones around their neck

Kira! Blazer buttoned, black choker with a red heart, red headband, skirt rolled up once so it's an inch higher, knee socks, black loafers. Nothing too special, she tries to fly under the radar

Time for Ann. Open blazer, a volleyball team jacket under it, so it's red with a white zipper, red hood with the white inside. Black hair tie, wears the skirt a little high, I'm debating the knee pads. It would be funny if she wore them all the time, but, that's not realistic. And, pink runners, and the basic black crew socks

MAKOTO. At first it's canon Makoto, but then they get saved and come out and, well. Blazer is gone, instead it's an oversized blue plaid hoodie/jacket. They get their hands on some slightly large uniform pants, just big enough that they bunch up a bit, the crotch is lower, etc. They also wear the suspenders down, and some scuffed up dark blue vans type sneakers

Shiho is, canon, only she makes it to the end of the year. Thats all she's there the whole time

And, Haru. Our sweet boy. No blazer here, he subs it out for a pink formal sweater, a crew neck pull-over type. He wears suspenders under it, but you can't really see them. Just know they're there. His pants are always perfectly correct. He has some dress shoes too!

And. Psst. Makoto's suspenders? From Haru. Took his spares.

I have so much for Makoto and Haru since they're where this started. So, so much for them.

Makoto and Haru both have different favourite cuddle positions, and then there's one they both agree is amazing

Haru's favourite, especially after his top, is Makoto's head where his shoulder turns to upper arm, their arms wrapped snugly around his waist. It's the perfect position for him to admire their sleeping face, the cute little half smile, their little light snores, Haru adores it

Makoto prefers having their boyfriend on them like a weighted blanket. Lying between their legs, head over their belly, holding them like a giant pillow. Makoto loves to watch him sleep, and play with his hair. This position gives them the easiest access to both, while having Haru hold them like he's never letting go

And, of course, the compromise. Lying on their sides, Makoto tucked just under his chin, both holding the other so tight it's like they're one

Just. Makoto lying on Haru's bed in the gym uniform shorts and some T-shirt they bought with Ryuji post gym shopping, and Haru smiles from his desk. He loves them so much. Makoto finished their homework an hour before he did, and has been watching anime on their phone. The little Buchimaru socks.

Haru: hey, I'm done, didnt make you wait too long, did I?

Makoto: nah, but, you can still give me some kisses to convince me further?

And he carefully lies over them, and they share some lazy, sweet kisses

The Thieves in this are very used to their Emperor splitting their attention during meetings, texting under the table, while still helping plan things as if they weren't flirting with their boyfriend. It's a whole thing they're all low-key amazed

Also like. The only thieves that go by he being the little butch, bleached-hair nose-ring boy, and the prettiest most Gender one of them all is. A little funny to me (Makoto, Ryuji, and Yusuke)

Please. Ask me more about them I love them

[fireburial]

A VERY DESCRIPTIVE PROFILE OF YOUR MUSE. Repost with the information of your muse, including headcanons, etc. if you fail to achieve some of the facts, add some other of your own!

NAME: Touya Todoroki

ALIAS/NICKNAME: Dabi, Blueflame, Mr Sleepyhead

AGE: 25 y/o

SPECIES: meta-human (human with abilities)

SEX: cis male

NATIONALITY: Japanese

INTERESTS: reading, astronomy, music, animals, belittling others, anarchism,

PROFESSION: unemployed. used to be a drug dealer and informant, now a wanted terrorist in a criminal organisation fighting against society.

BODY TYPE: lanky, tall with somewhat broader shoulders, but an overall slim build and narrow waist.

EYES: ice-blue colour, usually heavy-lidded

HAIR: crimson red (formerly), white (formerly); unruly, spiked and black-dyed (currently)

SKIN: pale white skin tone with gnarled, dark red/purple burnt patches that cover the area under his eyes, his ears and pretty much most of his lower face, including his entire neck and all the way down past his collarbones. both arms are almost completely burned till his shoulders, such as the area from his ankles up his thighs and some parts of his torso and back. the burnt skin is held together by staples and stitches, reminding of a grotesque "frankenstein's monster" look.

FACE: round face shape with burn scars underneath his eyes and the lower half of his face, including his ears which have both silver cartilage piercings. additionally, the rows of stitches extend from the corners of his mouth to above his ears, giving his face somewhat of a permanent grin. also has a triple nostril piercing on the left side of his nose. his tongue is halfway stitched too.

POSTURE: casual, hands in his pockets, head tilted slightly, laid back posture

HEIGHT: 5'9’’ (176cm)

VOICE: usually soft and calm-spoken despite his rude attitude, but almost always between a playful, smug, mocking tone or a display of boredom/disinterest. his voice goes higher or lower depending on his emotions and cracks when he grows too excited or laughs out loud.

SIGNATURE OUTFIT: long, black fire-proof leather coat with fringed edges at the back, usually with a white v-neck top underneath and matching black fireproof leather pants with white stitches sewn onto them. he wears long, black boots that almost reach his knees and are fire-proof as well.

SIGNIFICANT OTHER: @kettensaege

COMPANIONS: the League of Villains (terrorist organisation) consists of more than just a handful of people, but among the closest are Shigaraki (leader), Toga (member), Mr. Compress (member), Twice (member), Spinner (member), Giran (ally) and @kettensaege (member)

ANTAGONISTS: everyone who gets in his way (of reaching his goals), the Todoroki family, especially his father Enji, etc

STRENGTHS: Very pragmatic in battle and prefers long-distance fights due to his flames. He is rather savvy and analytical about how people operate and will exploit their weaknesses when found out. Not afraid of causing collateral destruction, rarely holding back in a fight, even if it puts his allies at risk. Cunning, manipulative, a good liar, observant and most of the time calm-minded and focused, he's determined to complete his given tasks and reach his goals no matter what. Can be cooperative despite not getting along with everyone.

WEAKNESSES: Intolerant of most people and can be very derisive, rude, and condescending to everyone with whom he interacts. Socially awkward, aloof and introverted. Has trouble controlling and dealing with his emotions due to his fragile mental health. Tends to take pleasure in taunting others, mostly his enemies or strangers, sadistically enjoying the pain he inflicts on others, including those he murders. Has a rather weak body, grows motion-sick and is quickly out of breath. His flames begin to eat away at him and burn his body should he use them for too long, which prevents him from fighting prolonged battles, his flames are also tied with his emotions. Has no proper education besides roughly a middle school degree. He can read and write, however and learned occasionally through reading books and having street smarts and other life experiences.

COLORS: black, purple and blue are among his favourites

FRUITS: strawberries, pineapple, oranges

DRINKS: tea and water mostly

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: soju, sometimes sake, beer or vodka

SMOKES/DRUGS: regularly in the mornings, sometimes spontaneously simple cigarettes with no preference for a specific brand. Used to smoke weed and take drugs more often in the past, but doesn't ever since he's stopped dealing and working in the underground.

DRIVER’S LICENSE: none.

tagged by @vikasgarden (thanks, flower girl.) tagging @kettensaege @discsters @vasted @nepnthc

[daughterofsarenrae]

2, 6, 12, and 15 :0!!!

2: what dish would you bring to a potluck with all your mutuals?

Answered here!

6: if money and social constructs were no object, what sort of clothes would you wear?

Oh man this stumped me. Idk what style is or how to label it u know. Ig just like. I mainly wear outdoorsy clothes? Very meh on clothes tbh. I would bring back cloaks tho

12: what animal do you know too many things about? Care to share some fun facts?

I am actively running a touch table with bird bones/feathers etc so ur gonna get some random bird trivia!

-If u take a pile of bird bones and a pile of bird feathers, the feathers would weigh more, sometimes by 2 or 3 times

-the biggest bald eagle nest we've found was 8 feet across, 18 feet deep, and weighed 2 tons

-kestrels only weigh 1/4 of a pound, so a stick of butter. Or 34 pennies

-Bald eagles can see a fish in the water from a mile up

-vultures are sometimes used to detect gas leaks- the chemical causing the gas scent is also part of that good carrion smell, so if you see a congregation of vultures around where a gas pipeline is and there's no food, the pipes should probably be checked

-bird eyes are spherical, theyre roundish at the front and flare out at the back & are held in place by a ring of bone. This gives them better eyesight at the expense of being able to look around without moving their head, hence the huge amount of rotation in their necks

-owl feathers have a fringed edge, letting them fly silently (but slowly). Other raptors have a smooth edge, letting them fly quickly (but loudly)

15: what was your first proper job? Do you have any interesting stories from it?

Oh boy it was a kennel tech at a uh. Shitty Vet in alabama. Very much a $ over pets kinda place. I only lasted like 2? 3? Months there. Most of my stories are more like horror stories than fun. I did get to walk a goat around on a leash for a while! That was fun

[bear-durs-gate]

Fandom: Baldur’s Gate 3

Pairing: pre relationship fem!tav x astarion

Rating: M (to be safe since vampirism I guess)

Word count: 1,615

AO3

She dreamt. Dreamt of being in a boat out at sea, floating on silver waves in moonlight with nothing but wind at her back and stars in her hair. The crashing of waves tossed her to and fro but there was a sense of freedom. Of peace. But somewhere from above and below and behind her, she felt it. Eyes watching her. Breath, hot on her neck. Fear prickled and nipped at her nape, nudging her awake.

She jolted upright and nearly smacked heads with Astarion.

“…shit,” he muttered.

“Fucking hell!” She yelped and caught sight of him, teeth bared and recoiling while looking—what—like a school boy in trouble? Beautiful idiot vampire. Surely the guilty act was just a performance though. Hell, she’d play a part if she was caught doing such a silly thing. She hopped to her feet and he backed further away.

“No, no. It’s not what it looks like, I swear!”

She almost laughed. Was he frightened? Of her? When he’s the one with sanguine sucking chompers? “Oh, so you weren’t hovering over me with fangs bared to take a bite? Just having a sniff were you?”

“I wasn’t going to hurt you!” he continued, a bit breathy, “I just needed—well, blood.”

“Ah, yes, the old I wasn’t going to hurt you, just puncture your flesh and take a little sip line. I’ve never heard that one before.” She blinked with lifted brows. “My apologies for such an absurd assumption.” She smirked. “Besides, it’s glaringly obvious now that you need blood. It’s all making perfect sense now. Explains why you’ve been so incredibly slow.”

“Hey, now. I’m not that slow.” His features shifted from fake fear to frowning. “But you’re right. I am in need. I feed on animals but it’s not enough. Not if I have to fight. I feel so weak.” He threw her a look that was probably meant for her to have pity. But all she felt was certain other things. Things she had no business feeling. “If I had just a little blood I could think clearer. Fight better. Please.”

It was cute the way he pleaded. She liked him like that, begging. She wanted to make him do a little more. How far would he be willing to go for her blood. Probably not far seeing as there was a camp full of sleeping possible participants. And he was just about to bite into her if she hadn’t woken up, but living in a bubble of a delectable fantasy seemed rather harmless for a moment.

She cut it off before it really began however. She needed to focus. He didn’t need to catch wind of her base desires. So, she’d put on her own show.

“Bravo. I would clap for you if I could, you always perform so elegantly but you know, I’d rather not wake the others with the encore. My dear boy, I would gladly say yes but I need you to know something first.”

“Yes, go on.”

“I must tell you—if you ever fucking stand over me like that again and wake me from my pleasant dreams with such a frightening stance—breathing on my neck like some spectral from the depths of my deepest nightmares—oh! There will be words—words to be had. A great deal of words. So many words, you will regret you have ears and be begging for someone, anyone—except for me because I refuse to dirty my hands with such grotesque tasks you see—to be chopping them clean off! And I promise you, such an exchange will be utter torment for you and not the pleasurable kind either.”

Astarion shifted from slightly concerned to amused to almost baffled. “So, you aren’t angry?”

“I’m angry that you didn’t just commit to the bit. A scary vampire needs blood to be strong and you’re always judging my choices but then you hesitated? If you wanted to make an ordeal of it, you could’ve sent me an invitation or something, allow me to improv if you needed a flair of dramatics. Give me time to memorize my proper lines. My heavens good boy, I was having the most pleasant of dreams and you had to go and ruin it—making it nightmarish because you could not simply take the bite. Hovering—ugh.” She shuttered. “I do not frighten easy, mind you. And angry is really the wrong word actually—disappointed is more suitable. Yes—very disappointed.”

“Are you saying I can have a taste? I got a bit lost halfway through your speech.”

“Yes.”

He smirked. “And here I thought I would need to be a little more convincing.” His face fell. “I even had a whole speech of my own prepared.”

“Of course you did.” Tav shook her head. “My apologies for disrupting the scenario you had rehearsed in your head but if you just asked me sooner then this could’ve played out exactly as you wanted. But no, you had to do it the hard way.”

“At best I thought you’d say no. More likely you’d ram a stake through my ribs.” He grew more serious as Tav folded her arms across her chest. “I needed you to trust me—and you can trust me.”

“Bullshit.” She unfolded her arms and wagged a finger at him. “I’ll stop you right there. Someone who wants trust doesn’t slink around in the dead of night trying to bite the ones they want to trust them. Come now, my dear boy, we both know this is a matter of you being caught and your words, oh they are very pretty, but unnecessary. Besides, I trust you. About as far as I can throw you.”

He looked her up and down, a smirk pulling at his lips. “I’d say you could throw me quite far.”

“Probably. We could test it out tomorrow.”

“I’d really rather not but thank you. For the trust that is. And I only need a little taste. I swear.”

“A taste—a sample? A taste and how long will that last? No, no, that will not suffice. Feast my boy and recover your strength—though I do ask that you spare me, as you are well aware that I am the most elite performer and we can’t be burdening the others with walking my carcass about, puppeteering and propping me up until we happen across a goodly necromancer now can we?” She raised her brow. “No, we can’t. Or can we? Hmm.” She tapped her chin. “Let’s roll on it shall we?”

She pulled a die from her pocket and tossed it on the ground. A solid one out of twenty. Her fate was sealed for the night. Astarion seemed very amused.

“Well—I suppose you could ask Withers to revive me or use one of Gale’s fancy little scrolls. Though, I do wonder how that will affect my skills—surely there’s some unnamed consequence for an impromptu revival and I do wonder what that might be, hmm. No matter! So long as I can talk, I can do what I must, so if you need my blood to optimize your performance, then my dear boy, you shall have it!” Tavelia tugged on his sleeve. “Now, get to it so I can get back to my dreams and we can carry on same as always—but different because you’ll be stronger and not so painstakingly slow, yes?”

Astarion hesitated. “Really? If you’re sure…”

“We are all consenting adults here. Unless you’ve changed your mind? Does one of our other campmates look tastier? Please say, ‘no, you’re blood is the most compelling. Smells like a finely preserved cheese only to be brought out and paired with the most expensive wine. In fact, you are so special, that I simply had to hover over you particularly just to have a taste. You were simply irresistible.’”

“Well, I wouldn’t have stated it quite like that. So, desperate.” Astarion smiled coyly then raised a brow. “And cheese? I don’t think I’ve ever compared blood to cheese. What a peculiar choice.”

“It’s improv, my good chap. Now let’s get to it, shall we? Don’t be shy.” She gestured to him, coaxing him to come closer. She even turned her neck, tilting slightly while brushing all of her pastel rainbow strands out of the way.

“You are making it weird.”

“Nothing is worth anything if it’s not at least a little weird.”

He shook his head. “Let's make ourselves comfortable, shall we?” He gestured to the bedroll.

Tav situated herself, lying on her back while reaching for her die and pocketing it. “I am as comfortable as I’ll ever be with a shred of fabric between me and the rock hard ground. So I’m ready when you are.”

She’d expected the pain and honestly she’d expected the stupid butterflies that fluttered throughout her stomach but she hadn’t expected to let out the most embarrassing moan. Desperate indeed.

“Oh, sorry,” she muttered but Astarion didn’t seem to notice or care as the blood flowed from her body. Astarion seemed wholly invested in draining her completely but at least he was being gentle about it. Cradling her head as he just kept drinking. And drinking some more.

He drank so much that she started to drift; dizzy and light drifting further into the numbing cold, darkness of night. She closed her eyes, holding back another idiotic moan. Concentrated on the way her extremities went from chilly to nonexistent at all. Maybe he was sending her back to the lovely little boat dream.

Yes, she was floating. Rocking. She was free.

At peace.

She was.

And then she was not.