#helping women street vendors

[thissidekhushi]

Tigoona is a design-led initiative to help improve the quality of life and earning potential of street entrepreneurs and refresh last-mile connectivity by giving better mobility, better visibility & better retailing standards. Tigoona is a Solution for Street Vendors. Click on https://www.tigoona.com/helping-street-vendors-india

[rkivedpages]

❝ KISSES DOWN LOW ❞ ୨୧ SEVIKA

‎ﻬ˚౨ৎ BUT NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO WHEN YOU KISS ME THERE

‎ ﻬ˚౨ৎ AND I CAN’T LIE WHEN I LIE IN YOUR ARMS, BABY I FEEL SO SEXY

‎

PAIRINGS: TOP!SEVIKA ✘ BROTHELWORKER!R

SUMMARY: sevika is tired from a long week of work and she just needs to see the person that helps her blow off steam.

WARNINGS: 4.9k, [contains nsfw wlw content, m+mdni 18+], brothelworker!reader, black coded, smut, vulgar language, dirty talk, oral sex [both receiving], fingering [both receiving], sevika loves your boobs, clit slapping [𝑟!receiving], tribbing, creaming, neck biting and kissing, heavy eye contact, messy kissing, spit, nipple sucking, cuddling afterwards

J4Y SPEAKS — we needed this brothel scene in arcane..it was my treat.

wanna be tagged? welcome to j4y’s taglist!

‎ﻬ˚౨ৎ sevika rolled her neck around, hearing the cracks of her bones popping amongst the many people passing by while she stayed still. boot-covered feet splashed in the murky water puddles that took home in the uneven streets, you could hear the many food vendors cooking up whatever they were selling to the customers. sounds of the chewing of the food, slurping of the soups and liquids echoed through sevika’s ears.

the many sounds were tuned out of her head as her cape flowed in the cool air as the people passed her by, wondering why such a woman would be in this part of town. though it is what she knows. it’s her home, the place she grew up in. her darkened silver eyes hooded by her deeply furrowed eyebrows, she peered at the building that stood in front of her, across the busy street. it was something familiar to her, a place she’s seen ever so often if you’d ask her, but if you asked the people that walked the building’s floors—they’d tell you they’ve seen sevika so many times in a week.

she continued across the street, not paying attention to the many things happening around her, not even the people trying to sell her things.

sevika made her way to the building, watching it get larger in size the closer she stepped towards it. she cleared her throat and sniffed a bit before noticing the few women littering the corners of where she knew the people knew her very well. they began to puff y

on their cigarettes, blowing the toxic air into the already hazardous air supply that plagued the tough city. not only did the women watch her saunter in and notice her hips twisting with a purpose, they noticed the look on her face, one they’ve seen many times before.

“ugh, she’s so lucky.”

“nobody in zaun could get me to explain what i’d do to that woman.”

“ 𝜗𝜚 doesn’t deserve such a woman like that.”

the women scanned her body, getting worked up from just looking at her thighs and the visible muscle tone on her right arm, crossing their legs and continued to smoke down their cigarettes.

her ears perked up with the things the women were spewing about her, saying that they could do the things her heart desired. she could only chuckle as her large hands peeled back the large detailed door that opened up to the place she would kill to be in over and over again. the feathers and beads strung from the ceiling, the dark red curtains hanging from the curtains in the corners of the rooms she prance into, her eyes set on the desk in the waiting room. her hands balled and unballed, looking at her surroundings before perring down at the person standing behind the edge of the metal desk who was too busy staring down at a nudy magazine in his hands to notice sevika’s large frame.

half of her body covered by her darkened red cape, a peek of her toned stomach showing from the cropped shirt she sported. sevika cleared her throat, moving her flesh arm to retrieve a sack of money from her back pocket, plopping it down on the surface of the desk to grab the attention of the attendant. dark eyebrows furrowed even more when he moved his eyes only to see who was in front of him. he perked up really quickly, his eyes widening at sevika towering over his small physique.

“s-she said you don’t have to pay anymore.” he stuttered, pushing the sack of coins back towards sevika. her eyebrows finally softened since she’s walked into the place as she reached for the money, taking it in her soft hand again, grunting.

her boots clicked against the floor, the coins in the bag scraped up against each other while she twisted her arm to place it back in her pocket. still, her cape flowed in the air filling the building as sevika made her way to the room she’s seen a thousand times. one more look around at her surroundings, sevika slipped through the soft curtains that hung in front of the doorway, sniffing the burning incense that produced slow smoke. the deep umber smell covered her, sevika’s body relaxed a bit as the incense crammed her nose.

for the first time of the week, sevika’s eyebrows relaxed, finally unfurrowing until they straightened out on her forehead. her hand fell from the ball at her side, the mechanical sounds from her tech arm hiding underneath the cape ticked and the gears moved around.

sevika walked around the table covered in fruit, foods and other assortments that made her stomach rumble a bit. she quickly tore the cape from around her neck, flinging the piece of fabric onto the arm of the couch just before her ass hit the plush couch cushions. resting her arms over the top of the couch.

the mechanical fingers on her left arm tapped the material with impatience.

only a couple of minutes had passed since she walked into the building and sat down in the all too familiar room. peering around the decorated space, the things covering the walls and the touch of your presence was made known. sevika felt a little more at ease just seeing the things that you’ve touched littering the room you own in the building. she fell deeper into the couch cushions, adjusting her hips numerous times, her fleshy fingers digging further into the soft item.

her patience was very low when it came to you.

when she came, she expected you to be in the room already waiting for her. maybe even waiting on your knees, looking so pretty as always as soon as she walks through the curtains.

but, this has been the first time since she started seeing you that she was the first one in the room, and she needs you to be in here.

now.

when sevika first began to see you, it would be a week maybe even a couple of days before she saw you again. then, you did such a big number on her that sevika realized that she couldn’t go more than two days without coming to visit you. it started off as a week, then it went to three days, then fell into every night. if she was feeling a bit alone, she’d come to see you twice a day. but ever since silco had her under his hold, the visits became even more sparse, last week had been the longest it’s been since she’s seen your face.

sevika threw her head back against the couch, her fingers balling up the cushions and releasing it, over and over again. her eyes closed with anticipation, growing more and more impatient by the second. she mindlessly reached in front of her, grabbing one of the many fruits that sat on top of the table and pushing it past her dark lips. the flavors danced on her tongue, swirling over them inside of her cheeks, she moaned just a little bit. overly missing the flavors from a week ago.

“you look tired.”

you voice spilled into her ears, like chocolate spreading on a fresh strawberry. sevika lifted her head up, slowly opening her eyes to see you wrapped in a finely made robe, a small bit of fur lining the ends of each opening. finishing up the food that was in her mouth and quickly swallowing it. her chest heaved some, repositioning her hips in her seat.

sevika cleared her throat, mentally rolling her eyes at the fact that it should be obvious. “i am tired. why do you think i’m here?”

you pushed away from the closed curtains, making your way towards the couch with an irritated look on your face. sitting down on a cushion away from her, you grabbed a piece of fruit to pop in your mouth and leaned back to cross your leg over the other. you shook your head a bit, chewing the fruit and clutching at the opening of your robe. rolling your eyes and moving your leg side to side. sevika sighed, realizing that whatever goes on at work shouldn’t be taken out on you.

“i…i’m sorry. i’m just really, really tired.” she reached over to rub at the exposed skin on your thigh with her metal hand as you looked at her again. huffing and puffing you gave her a little smile knowing that she is really exhausted when she arrives to see you. so you have to let it go sometimes, if she doesn’t get too rude. she rubbed her mechanical pinky against your thigh, brushing away your robe a bit to touch more of your skin, though she couldn’t feel it.

sevika snaked her arms around your waist, pulling you into her lap and resting your thighs on either side of her hips. she couldn’t take her eyes off of the fact you had nothing covering your chest. no bra, no shirt, no nothing. the robe peeled open a bit, revealing the soft cleavage you wanted her to see.

her mouth watered at the sight of your boobs, nipples becoming hard under the silky material from the rushing wind coming from outside the room. she gulped down the lingering taste of the fruit that was in her mouth. both hands, mechanical and flesh, rubbed the skin on your thighs, digging her fingers into your own flesh. remembering how soft you were from a week ago that she saw you again.

a shudder ran down your spine from the mere two seconds you made eye contact with sevika, her silver eyes burning into yours, never once looking away until she saw fit.

you’ve looked into her eyes many times before, but every time you did, it still felt like the first time she walked into your room. just wanting to relax.

her stare made you wet in the little piece of clothing you had on, pooling through your painties and probably painting the pants she wore. sevika moved you higher up on her lap, her hands now resting on your ass just to move the robe some, watching as the silk opened up more to brush over your chest. sevika took her bottom lip in between her teeth, adjusting her hips underneath you, feeling like she could explode. she pushed on your back, pushing your chest closer to her mouth. her lips parted, ready to have your nipple resting in her mouth. you sucked in a sharp breath when you felt her tongue touch your nipple first, swirling it around the tip just to watch your face contort. her eyes couldn’t tear away from your face, watching your eyebrows knit together. sevika pulled away, with a sound off pop. you rubbed your hands over her clothed chest and up her neck to push her attention to your face. “did you miss me?”

you started grinding over her pants, heavily breathing at the feeling. she groaned at your little sounds, nodding her head at your question, but hating that you started to move backwards on her lap. as you could see the disappointment written all over her face and the little whine in her throat. “be patient, sev. you haven’t seen me in a week.”

sevika then sighed, her eyebrows rested when she felt your hands starting to work at the sturdy belt twisting through the loops in her pants. unbuckling the buckle and pulling the belt from the loops, you dropped it on the floor. you then reached for the button on her pants, not knowing she spotted the wet patch that you’ve made a little bit ago. “by the looks of it, you missed me too.”

you looked down at her and then down at the spot over her lap, a little embarrassed that she saw and hoping that she wouldn’t see the one you made on her thigh. brushing it off, you reached for the extravagant buttons on her cropped shirt she wore as sevika rubbed higher up your back. “how much did you miss me?”

there was a lump in your throat when she looked up at you, a mixture of neediness and want filled her eyes when she first got you on her lap. now, that look is filled with more want than ever. you hands still popping the buttons on her shirt and busting it open to see the wraps that usually bound her chest were not there tonight. a shudder ran down your spine, with her hands still caressing your skin, but her hands growing heavier and heavier by the second you didn’t give her an answer.

“a lot, sev.”

the right side of her mouth perked up into a smirk. a quick look down and sevika was drooling at your slightly exposed nipple, reaching up to swipe the robe off your shoulder. the sounds of her mechanical arm came into play as it moved in the comfortable silence while she looked you up and down. “so much that you can’t wait to taste me again?”

you whined when sevika whispered to you, the tip of her mechanical finger rubbing over your nipple. “yes, sev.”

throwing your head back, sevika took the opportunity to latch her lips onto the side of your neck, dropping spit over your skin and you threaded your fingers in the hanging hair on her head. she pulled back, bouncing against the couch to let you slip off of her lap and onto the floor on your knees. the zipper being pulled down on your way before you hooked your fingers in her waistband. sevika lifted her hips from the cushions to allow you to do the rest of the work of undressing her. the pants reached her knees just as she moved her upper body forwards to tease her dark lips over yours, finally after mere seconds she rested them against your lips harshly. quickly, going to slip her tongue past the opening of yours.

just as she was attacking you with her thick tongue, sevika was slipping her pants the rest of the way down her calves to the top of her boots. forcing the rest of her clothes off of her body, the thud of her hard shoes hitting the floor rung in your ears. her hands slithered around your jaw, both resting on the back of your head while her mouth bruised yours. sevika pulled herself away from you, she licked her lips to just remember the taste of you. she went back to resting her back against the couch again, spreading her thighs to allow you to see her glistening pussy. “go ahead, doll.”

you rested your arms over her thighs, mouth watering at the sight of a week of her being untouched and mindlessly licking your lips. your hands slid towards her inner thighs, close to where the heat emitted from her aching cunt. sevika moved herself closer to the edge of the couch when she saw the hunger fill your eyes. her hand rested on the back of your neck, bringing you closer as you flattened out your tongue to lick up from her clenching hole to her clit. a breathy sigh left from sevika’s lips, her mechanical fingertips dipping into the couch. you wrapped your lips around her clit, sucking softly to earn a buck from her hips against your face.

sevika huffed, gathering all of your hair in the palm of her hand, her fingers wrapping around like a ponytail holder. her hips began to rut at your mouth, her juices rubbing all over the bottom half of your face and rolling down your chin to reach your chest. she pulled your back just to see how much she covered you and to grow even more horny at the sight of her dripping over your bare boobs. your eyes pleaded with her to let you finish and she smirked again, realizing that you wanted it. “you like when i treat you like a slut, don’t you?”

she pushed your face against her pussy again, your tongue rubbing against her clit and hand creeping up to let your fingers make out how much she leaked from having you on your knees and face mushed in between her legs. your own cunt dripped with her words mixed with the euphoric taste of hers, you could help but to grind over the heel of your foot to relieve some of the pressure on your clit. sevika could feel you bouncing and moving under her, she looked down to see your eyes glued to her face and eyebrows screwed together. “you do. you like it when i treat you like this, you nasty girl.”

your face washed over with relief somehow, sevika getting a little more rougher with her ruts, her teeth gritting together and her breath picked up. it grew ragged, your fingers dipped in her hole, slipping in easily due to the slipperiness. sevika clenched on your middle and ring finger as it pumped slowly in and out with the feeling of your swollen lips wrapped around her clit. “ugh, fuck-you’re so good to me, doll.”

sevika’s breath shaky, her head rolling back to rest on the top of the couch. her mechanical arm grasping at the couch as her thighs were threatening to shut around your head. the openings of her shirt flailed around, her tits bounced a little bit.

she couldn’t do it anymore, she needed to taste you.

sevika popped your head off of her, pulling you away from her to glance at the news she’s made of you. she stood up from the couch, pulling you up with her to stand you up from your knees. before you knew it, her hands were all over you again, her lips covering yours and tasting herself off of your lips and chin. she reached up to slip the rest of the robe off of your shoulders. now slipping her thick fingers under the band of your panties, pushing them down your thighs with her mouth still attached to you. sevika turned the two of you around, you towards the couch before she pushed you over it, watching your body bounce before she dipped her knee into the cushion.

“a week. i’ve been waiting a week to taste you again,” her arms set on either side of your head, you reaching up to grab at the flaps of her open shirt. sevika began to push herself further down your body, placing open mouth kisses over your soft skin and witnessing your thighs pressing together. she then reached the place you needed her mouth most. “i don’t think i’ll stop.”

she rested on her knees, pulling your legs up from the couch and resting on her shoulders while she laid her body flat over the rest of the couch. sevika pulled your body closer to her mouth, hungry at what was to come. then proceeded to push your legs up off of her shoulders, sliding her hands underneath your bended knees, pinching the little bit of skin to distract you from the feeling of her warm tongue rolling over your drenched cunt. a deep, guttural groan emitted from her lips from the small but long lick, the vibration going right through you. you latched onto her arms, hoping to hang on for the ride as her face got deeper, drowning in your leaking juices.

the mechanical sounds of her gripping fingers and the sloshing of her tongue swiping over your wet folds filled the room, hitting and bouncing off every wall of it. sevika’s grip wrapped tighter, her hold pinched your hot skin while her moved side to side. both of her hands released from their tight grip, the slight red marks left as a result as sevika repositioned to different spots on your body. the warming touch of her copper hand wrapped around your boob, twisting your nipple around and squeezing hard enough to where it was enjoyable for you. her lips still brushing your clit when you felt the thick stretch of her two fingers pressing through your hole, already knowing you were on edge. “oh, baby, you taste s��good. clenching my fingers like the slut you are.”

the walls couldn’t stop the throaty moan you let out, already knowing the people outside could hear what was happening in the room. you held onto the metal reaching over your torso and fondling your tit as her fingers sped up, making you bounce as she pressed against your spongy walls. “sev-!”

“what, baby?” her silver eyes peered up at you, her pussy leaking over the couch cushions just at the look of your face mixing with the taste of your own.

her eyes bored into you, her fingers pumped harder and her lips sucked harder. sevika looked down for a bit to witness the white ring forming at the base of her two fingers. “fuck.”

a muffled word came out of her mouth, so infatuated with your sounds, your taste — you. the grip, once again, grew tighter around your bruised tit, her arm holding you down in your place. you hands weaved through her black and short hair, messing it up and reaching the small ponytail on the back of her head, pulling on the rubber band. releasing her pulled back hair into her face.

“please, sev!” sevika pulled from your clit, looking at you through the strands of hair as her fingers continued to pump and slosh your wetness around.

“what? you wanna cum?” she smashed her lips against your inner thigh, sucking and biting in random spots on your skin. “you can take it.”

“i can’t!” you tried squirming, tried to pull your body away from sevika’s mouth and fast fingering. your toes curling in the air and your eyes screwed shut, your hands everywhere.

“yes you can.” her tongue licking the bitten spots on your thigh, smirking at your whining.

you could feel her fingers at the bottom of your stomach, tempting your body to cum all over her fingers. just as you could feel the build up, sevika slipped her fingers out of you, her metal hand still wrapped around your red tit. your eyes popped open, whipping your head down to see what she was doing. sevika slithered her tongue around her own fingers, heavy breathing at the sweet taste of your wanna be cum covering her fingers and making sure each finger was sucked clean. you just watched her get up on her knees again, pushing her hair back from her eyes and shaking the open shirt from her shoulders, letting it drop over the edge of the couch. you saw where the metal met her flesh, her dark nipples hardening under the air, her very toned abdomen tight with muscle and glistening sweat.

the sight filled your mouth with drool, sevika fully naked in front of you — it was a rare sight and you didn’t want it to end.

sevika crawled over your body, dropping down some to ghost her weight over yours, her nipples traced your own, a little whine spilling past your lips. sevika dropped kisses over your face, over your cheeks, over your chin before reaching your swollen lips. her hand slipped under the back of your neck to deepen the kiss she slipped you into, smacking and exchanging groans between the two of you. saliva covered your lips, even some in your chin from how messily sevika kissed you, covering your tongue with the remnants of you on her tongue and lips. you rested your legs over her hips, rubbing one of your hands over her back, drowning in the mesmerizing sensation of her mouth in yours.

feelings sevika spread her legs a bit, she dug her knees into the cushions below, feeling you gasp with her mouth still on yours when she rested her puffy clit against yours. shuddering as she laid her body weight on you, now her hand tangled in your hair and the metal entangled with your free hand.

sevika pulled away, looking your face over as she tutted her hips, grinding your clit together and watching your face. your eyebrows slanted, a look of tenderness filled her eyes as she looked at you but disappeared as soon she rutted again. another rutt and a grip on your hair tightened around her fingers, her hips found a steady speed, grinding in between yours. “shit.”

the dripping wetness flowed down sevika’s cunt, over your folds just indicating how wet she actually was. sevika rested her face in the crook of your neck, opening her mouth to nip her teeth at the skin. your back arched into her, opening your legs more to feel even more of sevika humping away. unbeknownst to you, sevika’s face contorted and twisted up at the pleasure of feeling your clit against hers.

“fuck, sev.” your voice above a whisper, your nails digging into her skin and scratching down towards her bare ass. you could feel the simultaneous bucking of both of yours hips smashing together as sevika grew tired of the slower movements.

her mechanical arm worked overtime, the fingers wrapping tighter around your own just so she could stay grounded of course. in your ear, sevika’s grunts turned into deep moans, almost overshadowing the ones you belted out. you opened your eyes multiple times, but all you could see was stats and little white dots in your vision made you dizzy. you tried desperately to claw at any and everything on sevika’s body that you could reach.

“sev, harder!”

she smirked in neck, grounding her knees into the couch once more and hardened up her grip on both the back of your neck and your hand. your legs rested and dangled on her hips, toes curling at the long awaited sensation. more of sevika dripped down your pussy, mixing with the wetness of yours. “harder, you say?”

“yes please.” it was almost like she took your breath away, you couldn’t talk too loudly but those moans you provided said otherwise.

your eyes popped open when sevika’s grind slipped your clits together even harder, letting you feel the tight ball that formed in your stomach. then, your toes uncurled, needing to feel the couch underneath them, you set one of your legs down. still bent at the knee, your leg cramped just to keep up with hoe sevika was fucking you into the cushions. “ah-shit, i’m gonna cum.”

the hand that held onto sevika perked up, rushing your fingers through her loose hair and to bring her face closer to yours so you could witness the expressions she made. the black hair on her head fell into her face, still able to see your beautiful face through the threads. she dropped her head down, craning her neck to press her lips over yours again, both of you mumbling and moaning incoherents into each other’s mouths.

“cum with me, baby.” you nodded against her, mouth open wide to let the whines slip out.

sevika’s hips wouldn’t stop at nothing to say the least. she wanted to make sure you were right there with her. you couldn’t handle it anymore when she continued to slip her wetness around with you. your hips bucked up, contributing to the pleasure for both of you. your stomach grew tighter with your release and you didn’t want to hold it anymore. “sevika. . .”

“go ahead, i’m right b-behind you.” her eyes, again, bored into yours with so much lust it was crazy. you knotted your eyebrows together just as she did the same thing as she knew you were both about to cum.

there was a flash of white with the last buck of sevika’s hips, going straight to your head. her guttural moan filled the room, intertwining with yours while you released a high pitched pleasure-filled scream. her hips slowed in movement, while yours continued to buck at the sensitivity of your puffy, swollen fucked-out clit. sevika dipped her head back down, covering your lips and face in more hot kisses before dropping her complete weight over you.

your hands threaded through her hair, brushing it out of her face as her eyes fluttered shut, her head rubbing against your chest.

you shared the intense silence. the room is stuffy and sweaty, and sevika nustling away at the warmth of you.

“you don’t want me to pay you anymore?”

your lips tightened, knowing she was going to bring this up, you shook your head side to side while your eyes almost dared to close. “why not?”

shoulders shrugging, “i don’t think you need to.”

sevika’s eyes opened for a moment, looking over the parts of your body that she could see without moving her head. blinking a couple of times, she pursued her lips out, kissing the tender skin on your boob before sneaking her right arm under you to keep you pressed to hers. “okay.”

© rkivedpages. j4y’s works are all reserved. i do not give permission to have my works copied or published on any other sites under any other names but mine.

[former-ghost-of-the-internet]

One Night in Medellín

(Screen shot and image edits done by me)

Summary: Takes place during s2ep5, when Los Pepes first attacks the narcos on the streets of  Medellín. You lose your hearing during a standoff and are dumped at the Search Bloc base. Javi comforts you in the aftermath, finding ways to communicate through your temporary deafness. 

Javier Peña x f reader

Word count: 3526

Rating: 18+ for some dark content in the background. My blog/‘place I keep my reblogs’ is very Mature, so no minors allowed there, sorry.

Warnings: series typical violence, hurt/comfort, soft Javi, tiny bit of your blood, descriptions of panicked reader, generally able-bodied reader, might read as shorter than Javi, only one instance of female clothing for a funny awkward moment, no specific descriptions of reader, hopefully this is fairly inclusive for everyone. No y/n, no smut.

Authors note:   100% bad information on everything medical related in this story. Any cultural inaccuracies are my own fault too. Apologies to Steve Murphy for being the butt of a joke or two. First time writing in second-person. Not American so the spelling will be slightly different.

Please enjoy 😊

....

Medellín nights were always festive, despite one man’s war with the Colombian government. 

You’d had a long but good day, far far away from the UNICEF office and in a little communa church hall, where you and the other doctors and nurses had vaccinated as many children as could be rounded up. Even the abuelitas had rooted out the most stubborn kids, and either guilted them into coming down, or whacked them in the right direction with their walking sticks and shoes, if not open palms on skulls. Each time was a commotion, and to ease hurt childish feelings, you slipped enough pesos into their hands for an ice cream. For the hard-working abuelitas a coffee cart vendor happily provided free coffee, after you had thrown a pretty smile his way and warned him the little old women were worked up enough to be a threat to anyone not on their side. And he absolutely wanted to be on their side. 

With the unused vaccines stored at a major hospital, and saying goodnight to the local doctors who’d been right next to you since sunrise, you’d headed to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant one nurse raved about during one break you’d taken with her, with free coffees, thanks to a sharp glare from the abuelitas, bless their hearts. 

It was further from the city centre than where you’d been told to stay close to at night, but you hoped your very bright UNICEF shirt would offer some protection in the dark. Even your backpack had a big red cross on it. Anything to say you were a doctor, here to help, and absolutely not a threat. 

The restaurant was packed, even the few plastic tables shoved outside were full, and the small waitstaff offered paper plates to take-away, which many people had chosen, and sat on the street curbs to eat, under the yellow streetlights.

At last the line to order, which the waitstaff had banished to wait outside the actual restaurant, had shortened to only you and the two men in front of you. They both carried full gym bags. And as you noticed with a slight chill through your spine, handguns tucked into their belts. They chatted together without a care in the world, as you looked away to make sure you didn’t see their faces, even in low-light. 

You stared up the street to the top of the hill and the man who walked down it with an assured swagger, encased in khaki pants. Like he’d stepped out of the jungle. 

You frowned as he passed under a streetlight. Something about his face was familiar in a bad way. 

He had his focus on the men standing next to you, and in a blink, drew his own handgun out. 

An arm grabbed you around your shoulders, pulling you back into a chest, your backpack falling to the ground. Then the cold metal of a weapon held to your ear. 

Shouts in Spanish between the men, some sort of negotiation happened as you tried to simply breathe. This is what everyone was afraid would happen to you, from the president of Colombia, to your superiors, and your family, down to the Medellín officials and a couple of American DEA agents. They’d all wanted you to stay out of the murder capital of the world. You’d told them no one would target you. The local doctors were still here, so why shouldn’t you? 

Now you were a human shield, not because of your work, but because you were the closest person to grab. You had never considered the possibility of it before this minute. 

The man behind you moved a step back, taking you with him. Except your legs refused to work, staying where you had left them. Another step back, dragging you along, and your legs crumpled underneath you, making you slide down his body at an awkward angle. Enough for the man in khakis to shoot.

The bullet entered his chest right by your ear. All sound stopped and you were falling.  

You landed on a dead man’s chest. On instinct, you curled into yourself and away from everyone, hitting the rough and hard concrete of Medellín’s streets. 

Hands grabbed you and hauled you to your feet, half carrying you to a waiting SUV. First you, then your backpack were bundled into the darkness of the back seat. The dead men’s gym bags also ended up with you. The owner of the hands hopped into the front, and the driver took off.

A hand came back to tap your cheek, grabbing your chin and twisting your head to look up. The accidental light of street-lamps and cars flashed across your view. He smiled at you and his mouth moved as if he was talking.

You frowned and focused on his mouth. None of his words were getting through to you. You blinked hard to try to clear away the fuzziness of the world, but it changed nothing.

His mouth made these exaggerated shapes and his spare hand moved in circles, like a hamster spinning uncontrollably on a wheel. Maybe he was shouting at you.

You blinked again to be sure, and then had to shake your head. You couldn’t hear anything.

He smiled then tapped your ear and gave a thumbs down. You nodded. 

That caused an explosion of arms from him, as he whacked his driver on the shoulder. Looking back at you, he took note of the UNICEF insignia on your shirt, and you realised where you had seen him before. Carlos Castaño. A paramilitary man based in the jungle, fighting communist guerrillas. 

You had met once before. You’d had to get permission from every side, paramilitary commanders, regular military commanders, government officials, and even the guerrilla commanders, before they let you step anywhere near the Amazon. All so you could vaccinate a few children in a communist village.

The communists had been straight-forward to convince, once you talked in their lingo, focusing on healthcare for all. For the others, a bribe that came out of your pocket, another a promise not to get in the way of anything and to get out in under 24 hours. The Castaños you convinced by saying the communists were dirty, potentially disease-ridden plague carriers. If the brothers couldn’t promise you every communist in the jungle dead in three months time, then they had to let you in to vaccinate, so no epidemic could start from their continued existence. 

You hated saying it, and drunk too much later that night to get the sound of it out of your mouth, but it worked. Those kids wouldn’t die from a preventable disease. But you couldn’t save them from a bullet shot by mad, greedy men. 

Carlos smiled at you again, and pointed his driver to take the next left. 

Some minutes later, the car pulled up to the curb.  Carlos turned to you and put a finger over his lips and shushed you. Then he dragged the same finger across his neck and finally pointed it at you. 

You didn’t know what your face was doing at this point, you probably looked like a scared rabbit, all wide eyes and trembling body. Carlos broke and laughed at you, waving you out of the car. You fumbled with the car door, and stumbled onto the dark, damp street, dragging your backpack with you. They sped off into the night as you stumbled with your own weight.

Not far away, in a pool of white light, was a gate-way guarded by Search Bloc officers. Carlos had dumped you, the little lost foreigner, in front of their base. Your legs co-operated long enough to get you to the gate.

The guards stopped you with one hand up and the other resting on their rifles. You raised both hands up, and announced to everyone’s ears but your own, your name and nationality, that your passport was in your bag. The words felt like they slurred coming off your tongue, like they were heavier than usual. You wondered if you made any sense, but one man nodded at you to continue. It took you no time to dig out your passport. 

With a short inspection of your passport, and a torch flashed into your face, the guards waved you through the gate. One of them touched your ear and brought it up to your eyes to show you blood. The other held his radio up to his mouth. 

As you checked your ear for more blood, a police car came from the base, and the guards helped you in. A short ride and you were taken inside the bright building. The lights blinded you, and you tried to cover your eyes, barely seeing the medic ushering you to a bench. 

You kept blinking, like if you could turn off the world for a bit you would be alright again. You’d be able to focus, to think, to speak, to hear. The outside world was right there in front of you, and as much as you tried to reach out, you were locked behind your eyes. 

A warm hand caressed your arm and shoulder, bringing your attention to its owner. Javier Peña. He stared at you with big brown eyes, looking you over better than any doctor. His hand slid down to yours, keeping it safe under his. 

Javi listened to the medic, then his attention went to a nearby officer, and you saw his lips ask a question, his eyes straying to the dark streets beyond the base. You shook your head, grabbing his shoulder with your other hand, pulling his eyes back to yours, shouting out your warning in clumsy sounds you couldn’t quite hear. If you had your way, no one, not even the narcos, would be out on those streets tonight. Especially not him. 

Because Javi cared. No matter what anyone, or even he said. His heart cared for so many people you’d lost count, though he tried to keep it secret from the rest of the world.

And somehow, somewhere, he decided he cared about you too.

Javi nodded, as serious as ever, and cupped your cheek. Message understood. Relieved, you crumple into him, his arm wrapping around you to hold you close. His chest rumbled, maybe talking to you, or maybe to the officer. After a few breaths, he squeezed your hand and tilted your body back to look at him. He nodded towards the stairs. You nodded back and he helped you up, letting you lean against him.

He led you upstairs, past many doors, until he reached one particular darkened room, and ushered you in. You recognised some of Javi’s colourful shirts piled on a chair, and larger piles of Steve’s shoes, pants, and tops, scattered over half the room and one of the two-tier bunk beds.

Javi led you to a small desk, its small lamp draped a soft light over the room, pulled out the chair for you, and poured a glass of whiskey. He made sure you had both of your hands cradling the drink before he let you take the slight weight from him. You sipped a little at the strong drink, watching as he first gathered up his few visible clothes, shoving them in a suitcase, and then collected Steve’s mess, roughly sorting and folding, then at last dumped into a closet.

Javi went to the neater bunk bed, not Steve’s, pulling back the thin covers, inviting you to rest there. But you didn’t move. You just sat there blinking at the world.

He came back to you, dropped to a knee, and untied your shoelaces, gently taking off your shoes. Setting them aside, his eyes looked you over again, and settled on the whiskey in your hands. He pointed at it, and then glanced up at you. It took a second or two before you realised he was asking if you wanted more. You shook your head and moved the glass away from you. Javi plucked the drink out of your hands. He had a quick debate with himself, ended with a short shrug, and then downed the remains.

Putting the glass on the desk, he swallowed again, before catching your gaze with his. He lifted both hands to his chest, cupping them like the air was something heavy he could hold up, and jiggled them up and down. Then he pointed at you and made a gesture like he was swiping a cobweb away. You frowned and he repeated the sequence. This time his cupped hands looked like a bikini top. You still had no idea what he wanted to say.

With a quick lick of his lips, he reached forward and tapped a finger on your bra strap under your top.

Your face heated as you realised his question. Did you want to take your bra off? Yes, you did, and you nodded at him.

Javi joined you in nodding, but then put a finger up, telling you to wait. Another nod from you, and he was on his feet, dragging out his suitcase again, digging to the bottom of it. At last he brought out a khaki green t-shirt, and placed it on the end of the bunk for you. As you got to your feet, he shoved the suitcase away and retreated to the door, closing it behind him.

He could have stayed and turned his back, but maybe Javi thought that was too hard to mime. You change out of everything except your undies, draping it all over the back of the chair, and slipped on the t-shirt.

The door remained shut. It felt colder without him in the room. You rubbed an arm to try to stop your shivers. Was he coming back? Should you wait? Or was this everything you could expect from him? He had done plenty for you.

He’s probably not there. Why would he be? He’s got files to read still, the radio to sit by, informants to call, Steve to rescue, or maybe he’s finding another bunk to sleep on. So long as he stayed on the base it would be fine. He would be fine.

The hallway is empty. It has to be. You were on your own, you just had to be alright with that. And you would be. Eventually.

It would take time but you would be good again.

You huddled into yourself, your eyes dropping to the ground, as you tried to make your heart understand that Javi had done enough for you tonight. Then you saw the shadow under the door, like something was behind it. Your hand was on the knob before your brain could think.

Javi twisted his body to face you. He had stood guard on your door as you changed. The worried look over his features seems to be a permanent guest this evening.

Your eyes must have said please come back, as he maneuvered you inside with a gentle hand above your elbow, and followed, closing the door again. He sat you down on his bunk bed, and then further down to lie on your back.

He rubbed your arms a few times, slow and comforting, staring at you for a while. At last one hand came up to cup your cheek and he pressed a kiss to your forehead. You nuzzled closer, his mustache tickling your skin. Your heart, mind, and body called out for Javi to stay. Nothing else would help you, could soothe your tremors, calm you and find yourself again, like being close to him.

Javi drew back, and your hand shot out to grab his arm, gripped tight so he couldn’t leave you.

His hand still cupped your cheek, his thumb soothing over the slight hurt he’d caused.

When your breathing eased, you pointed at him and then at the bunk below you.

Javi looked over his shoulder at the door, like he was saying he would find another place to sleep, but that wasn’t what you meant.

You jostled his shoulder to get his attention once more, pointed forcefully first at him then at your bunk. Not another bed, this one. With you. This time he understood. His eyes flicked from place to place, your bunk and then Steve’s bunk, even down at his shoes as he thought of something, and then he nodded.

You were shuffling to make room for him when he stopped you. Javi pointed at you then covered his eyes with a hand. He wanted you to keep your eyes closed, so he could get comfy too. But it meant you’d be down another sense. No sight and no sound. The world would be even further from you.

His eyes begged you to trust him. You took a few deliberate breaths, and he waited for you, watching for any sign of major distress. At last, you nodded and used both hands over your eyes to show you weren’t peeking.

In your darkness and quiet, the only company you had was the bunk under you and Javi’s weight next to your thigh. You could smell his aftershave and cigarette smoke, not overpowering, but most definitely there with you, and not leaving anytime soon. Nice and comforting and him. You took deep breaths of it.

He shifted his weight forward, one way then another. Shoes, you guessed. He came back to you, and did a short wiggle. Something landed next to your arm, soft and warm. His shirt.

Javi’s weight left the bunk completely. Panic made your muscles clench, and you forced your hands down into your eyes, trying to glue them in place, and breathed as best you could.

Something rougher and stiffer and warm landed on top of his shirt. Jeans? He was still here.

You waited a long, long moment for something more to happen.

Two fingers tapped the back of your hand. A deliberate action, purposeful, a message to you. Safe to look now. You drew your hands away and saw Javi standing next to the bunk in a pair of white boxers, folding his shirt and jeans away in his suitcase. He leaned over and placed a quick kiss on your forehead. A thank-you for your bravery.

He left before you could catch him, going to the bottom end of Steve’s bunk, lifting it up and closer to your bunk. He repeated with the top end, and you got to your knees, reaching over to grab the metal frame and pulled it in snug next to yours.

Javi, the genius man that he is, had just created a queen-sized bunk bed. Room enough for your body and his broad shoulders.

You watched as Javi climbed into his side, wondering how he wanted to sleep, when he draped his arm over to you, hugging you to lay snug against his side, your head resting on his bare chest, one of your arms across his waist. He fussed with the covers for a moment or two, making sure most of your body was underneath it.

He was warm and smooth and solid. Safe. At last. You breathed in deeply, his unique scent filling your nose, and then let it go. Another in, and out again.

Your heart had settled. The world was as far away as it needed to be right now. Or perhaps the world was as small as this room, as this bunk. This man. Your arms around him, and his around you.

If your eyes closed tonight, Javi would be there, under your touch.

One more thing left to do. You shifted to look into his eyes. They were filled with concern, until you whispered your thanks to his ears alone. Even a tiny smile on his lips crinkled the corners of his eyes. You couldn’t stop yourself from planting a kiss to his cheek. One of his hands cradled the back of your head, and he nuzzled his nose against yours as soon as your lips left his skin, then moved up to your forehead, kissing it again.

Those brown eyes locked with yours for a moment, before he closed his eyelids, and then opened them quickly and nodded at you.

He wanted you to close your eyes. So you did. You felt Javi lean in closer still, and then his lips placed a kiss first on one eyelid, then the other.

Opening your eyes, you pressed your forehead to his, and moved your hand from his chest, to soothe over his jaw, his chin, then trace over his lips. You wanted to kiss him there. And from the glint in his brown eyes, he wanted it too.

But it wasn’t the right time. Both of you knew it. Besides, you wanted to hear him.

Javi’s lips twitched into a soft grin as if he heard your last thought. His mouth formed words, slow but firm. Three short words. Then he settled you back down onto his warm chest.

You felt Javi’s heartbeat against your cheek, counted its beat without numbers, let its languid pace lull you further towards sleep, until at last your eyes closed with the peace he gave you.

And in your dreams Javi’s heartbeat was your world.

....

Thank you for reading!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maluuustrawberry]

"My biggest treasure"

(Túlio X Fem!Reader X Miguel)

(The road to El Dorado fanfiction)

{Part. 1}

A/N: HOW NOBODY WROTE A FIC OF RTED?? Don't ask me why, but I really wanted to write a fic about them after watching again. (It's my favorite movie after The Emperor's New Groove) I was undecided which character to write (I love these two so much) so I decided to do both and you readers will decide, {Túlio X reader} will be a relationship between enemies to lovers and {Miguel X reader} will be friends to lovers. You who will decide, remembering that if there is any error, you can correct me. Good reading 🤗.

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

It was just another normal day in Barcelona, Spain in 1519, and things weren't looking too good in the city, especially for Isaac, or rather Y/n. As we all know, we were still in the 16th century where theft and machismo were still commonplace. Y/n wasn't like the other women who accepted this quietly and whose only job was to serve her husband and look after the house. She liked to be free and not depend on anyone, earned her own money by disguising herself as a man to work on an export ship, it was her only way of earning money since women weren't allowed in jobs and especially jobs like these. She had to be a man to work and a woman to walk around quietly when she weren't working.

Today you'd find yourself at the market in the center of town, buying your things with the money you'd earned through your efforts, luckily in the eyes of others it was your "husband's" money.

You were at the fruit stand choosing apples to buy and take home, until a man bumped into you by "accident," he was thin, tall, wearing a blue shirt, his black hair was tied up in a ponytail:

“Sorry, Señorita.” The man said as soon as he bumped into her and continued on his way in a hurry.

You were a clever woman, and the way he bumped into you in such a hurry made you suspect what he was about. You quickly put your hand in the pocket of your dress where your money bag and your diary should have been, which was one of your most precious possessions, and unfortunately they were no longer there, the only thing that went through your mind was that you had been robbed by that man. It wasn't going to stay that way, you wasn't going to lose the money who had fought to get and the diary that belonged to your father:

“Hey! Come back here!”

You spoke to the thin man and he accelerated his steps. You had no choice but to go after him, passing through the crowd of people and not letting him out of your sight. As soon as you were out of the crowd, he started running and you ran after him. The brunette didn't expect you to react, after all he thought you were like all the women he'd stolen, little did he know that he'd messed with the wrong woman.

You kept running after him, turning corners and entering the streets where he passed, there was no point in calling the guards since there were none around, only the people around, but you knew that if you asked for help no one would help.

The thief had an idea to lose her. As soon as he turned the corner, he knocked over the barrel of fish when no one was watching, the ground was wet and sticky, as soon as you passed, you overbalanced because of the slippery ground, tried to hold on to the other barrel so as not to fall, but failed, the barrel containing dead fish spilled on you and making you slipped on the ground and fell. Luckily, no one was around, not even the vendor responsible for delivering the fish, the poor woman was all wet and stinking of dead fish. The thief watched the whole scene from seated on top of the wall and laughed:

“I wouldn't want to be in your shoes, lady. Looks like someone's going to have to pay for that...” The skinny brunette laughed and teased you by showing you the bag of money he had stolen in his hand. “...and you need a bath too.” He added, grimacing.

“You little fucking thief! You'll be dead when I get my hands on you!” She tried to get up, but slipped once again, drawing laughter from the man.

“Wow, I'm scared to death of a girl who stinks of fish.” He sneered as he analyzed the old diary in his hands.

“At least give that notebook back.” Y/n said angrily.

“There must be something very important in there for you to run after me and dirty yourself with dead fish over a notebook...”

He smiled and put the notebook in his pocket:

“Adiós.” He jumped over the other side of the wall, taking your notebook and your money.

You finally managed to get up, cursing that damned thief, you'd try to catch him next time, that's for sure. You were angry not only because you had lost your money but also your father's diary, in that diary there was a lot of information about the legendary city of El Dorado, your father was obsessed with finding that city and when you were little, before he died he gave you that diary, which has now been lost by that thief...

You were upset with yourself for that. As soon as got up, you quickly left the place before the vendor saw that you were responsible for the mess and made you pay dearly for it, probably more than half your salary for those fish.

Luckily, your house was nearby. On the way there, there were murmurs, ugly looks and disgusted faces about you, after all, you stank and looked awful. When got home, you immediately took a shower to get rid of the smell. While was showering, you cried with anger and sadness, but you tried to stay in a good mood, because you was going to work that afternoon. It probably wouldn't be so easy to get rid of that fishy smell...

~ {Pov} Tulio:

I couldn't stop laughing as I remembered that girl's fall after stealing from her, she was such a fool to think she could catch up with me. I went over to Miguel who was attracting the others to our bets, the blond was playing his mandolin to attract more people, he immediately stopped and his attention went to me when I arrived:

“Where were you? Did you get anything?” He asked and I handed him the girl's money bag and the diary. “Wait a minute, why the diary?”

“I don't know, I just stole it from a girl and it looked like something really valuable to her, maybe there's something in there.”

I know Miguel is curious, so he put the diary in his pocket and put the girl's coins in the pile of money on the floor:

“Why are you keeping that?” I asked.

“As you said, there must be something important, it's not every day that a girl can read or write.”

“I think it's a waste of time reading that witch's diary... It's probably just girly stuff.”

I helped him attract more people, we had a lot of money from the bets, and all thanks to our addicted data. Before Miguel could open that girl's old diary to read what was in it, three men came up and decided to bet, but in exchange for money it would be for the map of El Dorado. They're seriously going to bet on a map of a city that doesn't even exist!? Miguel soon became very excited about this, he always wanted to live an adventure and believed in these legends. Before I could say "no" to their offer, Miguel pulled me close to him to take a closer look at the map:

“Just a moment, gentlemen...” I said and joined the blond, analyzing the map with him.

“Tulio, look... El dorado! the city of gold... it could be our destiny! Our future!”

“If I believed in destiny, we wouldn't be playing with loaded dice!” I whispered to him, of course I thought this idea was ridiculous, I wasn't going to give up everything because of a map. Miguel made that sad dog face at me. “Don't make that face! No! No...”

“So, do we have a deal?” The man asked and Miguel kept looking at me with that face, I can't believe I'm going to do this...

“All right, let's start.” I started to shake the dice to play, there was no way we could lose that bet with our dice, but the man interrupted me.

“Wait, not with those, this time we use my dice...” Miguel, you pay me... “Got a problem with them?”

He showed us his dice. I had no choice but to accept or else they would suspect that our dice was loaded. I took the dice from him and turned to Miguel, making that sign by putting my index finger to my throat:

“I'll kill you!” I muttered between my teeth to him. He kept smiling and went back to playing his mandolin.

“That come on baby, papa need that crappy map” I said to myself as I shook the dice and blew a little for good luck. “Come on... Show me seven...”

I threw the dice that rolled across the floor, hoping to get the number I asked for. The first dice landed on four and the third on three:

“Seven!” Miguel and I celebrated happily, Miguel picked up the map and I bent down to pick up the money that was on the floor. “Well, nice doing business with you...”

My dice fell to the ground, giving the number seven. The man picked up the dice and threw them several times, but they gave the same number:

“I knew it!” the man exclaimed angrily and everyone looked at us suspiciously and angrily. “Your dice was loaded!”

Now was the time... I have to play the game. I held your mandolin, stopping it from playing and looked at Miguel:

“What?! You give me a loaded dice?!”

“You dare to impune my honor!?” Miguel got into acting, Also pretending. “The dice was yours! You were the one cheating and stealing from those men!”

The guards were close, Miguel grabbed the sword of one of the guards and I did the same, then we started to fake a sword fight, fortunately everyone was believing, it was a good opportunity for us to escape from that situation.

~ {Pov} Y/n:

I was at work, pretending to be a man and loading the export food onto General Cortés's ship, which was going on a trip in search of El Dorado as well. Fortunately, I was going on this trip to take care of the ship's cargo, at least one trip to make up for the horrible day I'd had. But now I have to be as careful as possible or I'll be discovered, since I'll be around men twenty-four hours a day... My back was already starting to ache from this, so I stopped for a while to stretch until one of the men called out to me:

“Are you tired yet, Isaac?” That was my male alias, sometimes it's hard to get used to being called by that name. “I need help with the apples.”

He pointed to the large basket of apples. Holy shit...

“Sure, I'll be right there.” I smiled and forced my voice to sound more masculine.

I helped him carry the big basket and we put it on top of the two barrels that were on the lower deck of the ship:

“That's all for today, we're leaving now.”

He spoke punching me on the shoulder and left the deck. As soon as he had left me alone there, I lay down on the wooden floor, tired, and took a deep breath. I felt the ship moving, we were leaving now and starting our journey. As I was going to be on deck for a long time, I decided to take a break and sleep, after all, I deserve a bit of rest.

I kept thinking about the diary that had been stolen, of course I know a lot of things in that diary from having read it so many times, but it was something of value to me, it was my father's. I felt quite down when I remembered that diary. I was looking forward to it too, after all I would get to see the city of gold, but something was bothering me, something was telling me that I didn't want it to be this way... I felt my eyelids getting heavy and the tiredness getting stronger, and it wasn't long before I fell asleep.

*****

I woke up a little lost in time, wondering how long I had slept, sat up stretching my back and yawning, until my attention went to two voices on the deck.

“One... two... three...”

“One... two... three...”

I don't recognize anyone with those voices, and they were inside the deck, but how? If I'm the only one here:

“Let's go again... one... two... three!”

The voices were coming from the two barrels, and I worried that they might be thieves who had sneaked onto the ship. I got my sword ready and went over to the barrels that were being covered by the apple box, they were trying to get out, but the big heavy box was preventing them from doing so... I was curious to know who they were, anyway I was going to report them to the captain and the general.

I helped, taking the heavy box off the barrels with a lot of effort. Hell, I've never picked up something so heavy... as soon as I did, two men pushed the lid off the barrels and came out, immediately startled to see me. I pulled out my sword and pointed it at them, the first man was a blond man with medium hair wearing a red shirt, the second man... my eyes went wide, I immediately recognized him, he was the man who robbed me!

To be continued...

[mayasaurusss]

I want me some yandere adult lottie, with an innocent reader. Do whatever the fu<k you want with it bae

Old ghosts. Contents: mentions of abusive relationships, mentions of violence, horror moments, Yellowjackets coded, light romance, two OCC's, reader is gender neutral but wears a dress at one point, Lottie is as delusional as ever, open ending 350k wors/ about six pages. Author's note: So uhm, I don't think I've met any requirments you had, anon. I tried to do yandere Lottie in this but it really doesn't come across as it and I'm not familiar with the genre, so everything I did prior to this sucked. So I did something more akin to a murder mistery? But since I still wanted to make this yandere coded, I left the story as raw and ugly as I could. In my personal opinion this is very Yellowjackets coded. It isn't a very romantic oneshot nor smutty one, but I hope you will still like it!

It would be an understatement to say you had messed up. You could not even predict where this relationship would lead you.

You had met Lottie months ago, or well, you had come into contact with what you now knew was her 'cult'.

The marketplace had been very busy at that hour of the morning, vendors shouting and people chatting. However, you felt as lonely as ever. After many years, you have been dumped by your boyfriend. Or, he had cheated on you and blamed you for it. It was for the better, really. You were clingy and he had taken his anger out on you on multiple occasions, so at least now you weren't going to be his next punching bag. You had been miserable: not that you really loved him, after all, after the umpteenth hit -love or not-, an animal stops loving its master. But you had never managed to learn to live alone, yet alone care for yourself.

Other than that, you were battling with the understanding that you loved women more than men during your entire life. That realization had come during your relationship with Simon, and he had understood quickly. One night, you were invited to his friend's house. His girlfriend was so beautiful you were jaw slacked and shy with her for the whole night. Simon's friend hadn't noticed, but Simon did. The morning after, you had walked in your office with bruises under your suit, a black eye and a heavy heart. He was so bitter and awful that he had slept with many women the weeks after, and among them -as far as you knew- there was the woman from that night. At least you had dodged two bullets.

So, the woman who sold honey knew perfectly what to do with you. It wasn't her fault, really. People like her see someone that went through the same, and just want to help. She introduced herself as Olivia, a woman the same age as you, and when she saw your healing bruises, she had told you about where she lived. A compound, lost in nature and away from civilization. There, according to her, people lived in harmony with nature and with each other. They learnt to face their inner demons and past trauma under the care of Charlotte Matthews. Their caretaker. Olivia talked about Charlotte like a believer might have talked about their God, with such adoration that it left you breathless. And, a bit skeptical.

You had accepted Olivia's invite. One of Simon's many gifts, other than bruises and breaking your trust, was throwing you out of the house. Besides your friend's generous hospitality, you were basically homeless, and jobless after your boss had fired you just days prior to your break up. So, living at the compound didn't seem like a bad idea. Olivia had assured you that Lottie -that's what she called her- had a special program for whoever wasn't in the right economical situation to live at the compound, but still needed care.

You had started to travel that same afternoon, having packed the last of your belongings and bid farewell to your friend and family. To go to the compound, you had traveled on old streets that unraveled through barren outskirts and lush forests. There was no one else in sight. That made you even more scared than before. How could you just accept a stranger's invite to an isolated place in the mountains? You had truly lost your mind.

But Olivia was so nice with you, so friendly and lovely. She had no problems in telling you what made her arrive at the compound in the first place. Two years ago, when she was 19, her father and mother had fought and in a fit of rage, he had pushed her down the stairs, almost breaking her skull. Ever since then, she had been taken care of by her son, who did not have time to help nor give a fuck about Olivia. So, for a year, she had been alone. That was until Lottie had found her. With the exact same tactic you had been recruited -kidnapped?- she had come to live at the compound and with it, came to peace with her trauma.

Your story wasn't as grim as Olivia's, but you still needed to be taken care of. "That is what Lottie will do" she said, brown eyes on you and a smile that could kill on her lips.

The compound was on the foot of a mountain, surrounded by vegetation and overlooking a lake. When you set foot on the ground, the first thing you heard was a strange melody, a chant in the distance. Olivia had been quick to show you away from it, inside the main building where your belongings such as your phone and wallet had been taken from you. "Well, that's because our phones chain us from nature and healing" she had answered you, after you had asked her why they needed to take your phone at all. Great, so, you are in the middle of nowhere, without your phone close to you, surrounded by strangers and without a clear path back to civilization.

Great, just great. What has gotten into you?

"Wait here, I'll go get Lottie" Olivia said, seating you on a wicker chair in the waiting hall. You had noticed that everyone here wore the same purple outfits. Oh, this is definitely a cult. "Here she is!" you heard behind you, along with the steps of two pairs of feet. Fearing that you might have looked like an insensitive asshole, you stood up, waiting for Lottie to circle to your front.

You had expected her to look like a hippie: an old woman with short white hair, sunglasses indoors, long hoop earrings and who smelled like weed. Instead, you found yourself in front of the most beautiful woman ever. Lottie was tall, quite literally towering over you, her hair was long and black, the same color as her eyes, skin dark coloured. She looked really good for her age, every wrinkle she had was perfect on her skin.

Her velvety, deep and calm voice had greeted you, "Hi, I am Charlotte Matthews. You can call me Lottie. And who might you be?" you answered back with a trembling voice. She smiled at you with such care and love you thought you could combust on the spot. "I will show you around here" she told you, as her hand came to rest on your lower back, guiding you through the place.

The first months at the compound had been... calm. You shouldn't have expected anything more than that, but it felt like a breath of fresh air. You always wore purple -heliotrope- dresses or clothes, woke up at six am and went to sleep at ten pm. Everyday the cycle continued, so much so that you didn't at first notice the... signs, as you were completely immersed in your routine.

Whenever you started to hear chants in the distance, Olivia, who was ever present in your life, would lead you away from them. If you questioned her, she would just say "It's just a special therapy. You will see one day".

Lottie was always with you. Always. At first you didn't pay too much mind to it, thinking that since you were probably a mildly troubled individual, she would feel the need to have her eyes on you more than the others. But Olivia had had it worse, far worse than you, but she wasn't as followed as you were from Lottie. And you were certain others have had it worse than Olivia.

Lottie was always following you: whether that was during the many therapy sessions, the lunch or even your personal alone time in your personal cabin -which she had so graciously given you just three weeks after you became a member- where she would knock at the last hours of the day to have small talk with you. It had become such a nag for you that at one point, you even said it to her, clearly and plainly, "Lottie, look. I understand that I might be... weak, in any way. But I'm fine, I don't always need you".

You wished you hadn't said that, because her eyes had stopped reflecting all light, a dark look in them. "Ah, I see. Very well, I will leave you alone" she went away and didn't talk with you for a few days. All the time though, you felt eyes watching your back.

Everything comes boiling back to right now.

When Lottie had talked with you again it was in the late afternoon. She has just finished one of her communal meetings in the clearing overlooking the lake. She had walked over to you, took your hand and led you where no one could hear. "I want you to meet me this evening, to do something that will build our common trust in each other" she had gestured to a man you hadn't noticed before, prompting him to give you a white flowy dress. "Tonight, after dinner, come to me, here. I want you to wear this" she talked to you, taking your shoulders in her hands.

When the sky became purple, you had gone out, waiting for Lottie. The clearing seats had been moved, now just the yellow signs of the compound's symbol left. Lottie had moved from behind, greeting you with her velvety voice "Hello dear. Are you ready for our therapy?" she said, and her hand came up your face, stroking your cheek. "Uhm... Lottie... What are you doing?". Your cheeks felt hot with blood, voice weavering. You had battled with your small crush for Lottie for a while now, and even if you did find her attachment to you a bit too much, you still liked her. So much.

Lottie just smiled, her other hand rested on your hip before she let you go, walking over the lake's shore. You followed behind her like a dog, small and frail in comparison with the towering grace she was. "Come down here, come" her hands extended to you, helping you down the wood platform to the shore's sands. She gestured towards the dark waters, prompting you to follow her. When you did, she wordlessly placed your body into the lake, the water splashing at your hips. "It's... cold" her smile was enough to fend off the shivering of your body, but what she said next made you rethink her sanity.

"I want you to lower yourself in the water. We will calm your heart as well as our trust in one another" she said, attempting to push you in the water. "No! No, no, no. What if something happens?!" your voice straining over, before she replied calmly "Nothing will happen, because I am here".

And how could you say no to Lottie? So, you started to fall back in the darkness, the cold waters nipping at your skin making your breath shallow. All the while, she held your head and hand, gently guiding you.

There you were, at her mercy. You trusted her with your life and she had to be responsible for it. In her eyes, this was the most pure form of adoration. She adored you and you adored her.

The baptism was over.

When you resurfaced, she had quickly guided you back to land and had dried you with a towel promptly left on the sand. With her hands on your cheeks, then, Lottie had kissed you. So deeply and lovingly it made your heart ache. Her tongue found yours, overpowering you, cutting your breath away.

You were so distracted that you didn't hear the sound of movement behind Lottie. When her lips fell away from yours and you could look away, a shiver went down your spine.

Masks. A group of masked people stood before you. Some depicting bears, some birds, some wolves, some humans. All lined up, looking directly at you. "L-Lottie... what is this?" you didn't know why your first thought was that Lottie must've been behind it, but something screamed at you that this was indeed the case. "My love" she said, "you need to trust me. To let me cherish you. It's what It wants".

You backed away from her, your blood freezing in your veins. Someone, a man, stopped you in your tracks. He trapped your arms into his, uncaring of your trashing. "Let yourself be one with the Wilderness" Lottie said, no light behind her eyes. As if something possessed her. She pulls a knife from behind her, and for a split moment you think that Lottie will kill you, but the blade slashes across her fingertip. She draws a symbol on your forehead with her blood, trickles of it streaming down on your eyes.

"We hear the Wilderness and the Wilderness hears us" the chants rise in the air, filling the empty dark sky. Lottie's voice is louder than everyone else, and finally the voices die down, as hers is the last one still chanting. When she is done, her body turns to yours, and she utters a single word.

"Run".

You don't need to be told twice. You sprint in the forest, leaving wet trails behind you. The masked people follow you, searching, predicting where you will go, if you will hide. Lottie is the last one to join the hunt, her white dress engulfed by the forest's darkness.

It seems like the forest itself has a mind, trying to prevent you from running further away. Branches claw as your skin and dress, thorns planting in your flesh, wind blowing so you can't understand if the sounds you hear are the wind or howls.

You run, you run and run, until every bone of your body, every organ and every drop of blood screams at you to stop. And just as you were about to fall down in exhaustion, you see something in the dark. A house, one that looks like it had been left to time's mercy.

The walls are dirty and rotten, the white plaster almost unrecognizable under years of dirt. Your sixth sense tells you to get away, to search for another place, but there isn't anything else that could shelter you.

The air inside smells of old, wilted matter. It makes your stomach close and you try not to vomit, pinching your nose while you explore the rest of the house, searching for a hiding place until morning. Your plan was to hide and travel down to the nearest town, then, telling the authorities that up in the mountains, a cult was trying to sacrifice people to a made up entity. You wanted to hope that by doing so, you would help others to not follow your steps.

From the hall, you turned left towards the kitchen. It was empty, except for a table with scattered documents on it. Photos of an old soccer team, articles about the disappearance of a plane in the wilds of Canada, a symbol... The same one of the compounds. Bit by bit, you started to understand. In between the documents, some by psychologists and others by articles, you found a small diary. It was a brown leather diary, expensive from the looks of it. The pages were yellow and some started to rot away, but you could still make up the words written on them. The words were written with a tremulous hand: it seemed like whoever was the author, they must have written quickly, in fear of being found out.

'12th January, 1998. I hate it here. It's cold in the winter, and it makes me remember that place. I try to help the other patients, but the nurses forbid me from doing it. They told me to stop talking to It, and told me it isn't real. I know they are lying. It must be real, or all we did was for nothing. All the hurt was for nothing. It can't be. I know it's real. It hears me, I hear it'.

Something about this made you shiver. Could It be whatever Lottie was chanting to earlier? 1998... the plane crash happened in 1996; it couldn't be a coincidence. You take the diary and a couple of documents in your hand, before continuing to explore. Nothing seems out of the ordinary: the living room, the bathroom, the bedroom; everything is neatly placed. You spot a dark flight of stairs at the very back of the house. It doesn't look inviting at all, and you're almost ready to leave, when you hear something outside. Sounds of steps circling the house. The hair of your back rises up and every fear you had of the stairs is thrown out of the window.

As quietly as possible, you reach the second floor, listening for the sounds. The floor is far darker than the first one: so much so that you can't see anything. You wait a minute for your eyes to get used to the dark and then continue walking down the hall, towards what you assume is a bedroom. Just before you reach it, you hit a metal tube: it's a ladder, red and rusted and it leads you to the attic. You are about to get past it when you hear the front door of the house open: someone is inside.

Quickly you head up the ladder and in the dark attic. It's not all dark you realize, some lights shine in the middle of the room, circling...

An idol. An old idol made of old bones and burnt hay. The idol was planted in the wooden floor, its arms branches extending outwards, bent up as if it was deep in ecstasy. Its torso was made out with a large ribcage, so you suspected it to be of non-human origin; inside the organs were replaced with hay and fresh grass. Lifeless eyes stared back at you, antlers protruding from the back of the skull.

You feel someone's arms circle your stomach, placing their nose in the crook of your neck. "I knew you'd come here" her voice said, "It told me". Lottie holds you tight against herself, mumbling incoherently on your skin. "L-let go of me you witch!" you try to shove her away, propting Lottie to just let go of you: as such, you fall in the candle circle, spilled wax burning at your skin.

Lottie watches you with adoration and hunger. Upon your fall into the circle, her eyes lit up. She raises her arms up in the air -much like the idol itself- and towards you, in some sort of divine bliss. "Yes! Yes! It- It choose you!" she says out loud, "I'm so glad it was you!".

You trembled in both fear and anger, "How did- How did you know I was here?" you say, looking up at Lottie, shrouded by the darkness of the room. "It told me, of course" she says with an uncanny smile.

You're shocked by this new side of Lottie, and for a moment you forget what she had done to you. "You are crazy Lottie! You tried to kill me!" her eyes widen at your accusations, "Kill you? No, no, I didn't try to kill you... I just wanted to...". Your anger makes you uncaring of Lottie's emotions, so you lash out at her "Just wanted to what, Lottie?! Sacrifice me to your creepy god-thing?!".

It's like she's torn between the illusion of her god and the reality that she had scared you. "I thought- I thought you were going to kill me! I thought what we had for all these months was for nothing!", what she does next makes your skin crawl. She watches between you and the idol behind, her eyes filled with tears. "No I wan- I needed to know that It accepts you" she said, coming closer to your body.

Suddenly Lottie grabs your wrists with force, like she sees you but her ears are filled with whispers from old ghosts and gods. "And now, I know it does!" she almost looks delirious. Lottie shakes your wrists in her hands and cries; the black abyss of her eyes staring back at yours.

"Can't you understand? This is It's love, my love" you try to move from her grasp, but even in her old age, Lottie still proves to be as strong as she once was. "Y-You were hunted, weak, and you lived! You lived! And now It recognizes you as part of Itself" a connection is made in your brain.

Shivers run down your body, at the realization that either you aren't alone in this old attic, or you are alone with a roman and her ghosts. Either is terrifying. "What... what is It, Lottie?" but it's far too late to run from Lottie or the ghosts in her head. You are sure that either will haunt you anyway, if you manage to escape that is. She pauses, contemplating your words. "It..." she tries to put a name, a significance to whatever this It is, but she decides against it, instead opting to close her arms on you, one caging your body on hers and the other cradling the back of your head.

Her voice is lifeless while it whispers in your ear "It doesn't matter. You are one of us now". That last phrase confuses you, "I have... I have been here for months now. I was always one of you, no?" she shakes her head, cranes her neck to look down on you.

"No, one of us".

[chimcess]

→ Chapter Ten: The Beyond Pairing: Jimin x Reader Other tags: Werewolf!Jimin, Witch!Reader, Shifter!Reader, Shifter!Jimin, A/B/O Dynamics, Alpha!Jimin Genre: Supernatural!AU, Werewolf!AU, Angst, Mutual Pining, Fluff, Smut, Word Count: 9.3k+ Synopsis: Within the four realms of Lustra lay the Bangtan forest home to the Foxglove pack of the south and known as the “land of magic.” It is also home to the Bridd, a powerful witch from a cursed bloodline who is one of the sacred guardians of the forest. Y/N is the newest Bridd, a young girl who was given her position too early. Now a woman, Y/N is revered amongst the wolves as the most powerful witch they have ever known, but hiding under the surface is a woman who has to battle between her duty and her heart. Warnings: ANGST, strong language, PTSD, flashbacks, self-hate, self-depreciation, death, fighting, blood, cursing, new character alert, we have so many characters already i'm so sorry, mauling of an elf, mind reader witch, Clarcton is pretty lame, drinking, drunkenness, nightmares, bonding, missing child (it's not that bad), fear, paranoia, insecurities, regret, guilt, shame, let me know if i've missed anything A/N: We're officially 1/3 of the way through our "little" story. Sorry it's been so long between updates. I've been working on so many things as the same time that TTW got placed on the backburner for a bit. Thanks for reading!

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I never expected Clarcton to be so plain. As a girl, I used to dream about escaping the swamp, imagining a world beyond my responsibilities—a world full of beauty and freedom. But standing in the little village’s town square, those daydreams evaporated like morning mist.

Stover, the tiniest town in Clarcton, was quaint and small, with cobblestone streets and wooden cottages that seemed to lean on each other for support. The townspeople moved with the kind of slow, deliberate pace that comes from a life untroubled by haste. Their eyes lingered on me, and I could feel their curiosity as they assessed the stranger in their midst. I stood out just by being different, my scars a map of battles they couldn’t fathom.

Through a day of shopping, I learned that Stover rarely saw travelers. The elves invading the northern tip had made the locals wary, and I could hear their whispers about my scars. Ignoring them wasn’t easy, but I’d be gone tomorrow. The market was a small square, stalls offering modest wares—fresh produce, simple cloth, handcrafted trinkets. Each vendor seemed to eye me with a mix of suspicion and pity.

Northorn still held strong, its capital unfallen. King Edward had called for aid from Whopping, a fishing town on the east coast. The wolves of Viridi Gramine had decided not to help the humans, heading instead to Bangtan to protect their princess. Hearing the townsfolk speak ill of Hyuna made my stomach churn. These people were ignorant, jumping to conclusions like humans always did since the Sarkans first landed in Lustra.

Starving, I dropped off my supplies and set out for food. Hannah, a kind woman who ran the inn, had pointed me to a tavern that promised a decent meal. However, I was low on money and too frightened to barter. Drawing attention could be dangerous, especially after hearing rumors of elves in town. I’d hidden in shops, body tense, the sight of white hair sending chills down my spine.

Elves all looked the same—pale, white-haired, with amethyst eyes. This party had no women, and when I asked the tailor, he explained that their kind had a queendom where men were lesser beings. These elves were young and inexperienced, sent to weaken before the real conquerors arrived. The tailor believed Lustra would fall when the second wave came.

The tavern buzzed with an overwhelming clamor. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of ale and sweat, and it was clear that I was the only human present. The elves, their pale faces flushed with drink, were loud and rowdy, their laughter grating on my ears. Ale sloshed over the edges of their mugs, splattering the wooden floor. Keeping my head down, I approached the bar and ordered soup and ale, deciding it was safer to stay than to risk attracting attention by leaving too soon.

Finding a corner table, I settled in, hoping to blend into the shadows. The warmth of the tavern was a stark contrast to the chill outside, but it did little to soothe my nerves. As I waited for my meal, snippets of conversation drifted to me. The elves boasted of their exploits, their voices dripping with arrogance. They spoke of battles and conquests, their laughter tinged with cruelty. Each word stoked the fire of my hatred, but I kept my face impassive, my gaze fixed on the table in front of me.

When the tavern maid brought my soup and ale, I thanked her quietly, avoiding eye contact. The soup was hearty, its warmth spreading through my body with each spoonful. The ale, though bitter, helped to steady my nerves. I ate slowly, trying to make the meal last as long as possible.

As I ate, a group of elves at a nearby table grew louder, their taunts more pointed. They spoke about the humans they had encountered, their words laced with contempt. One of them, a particularly burly elf with a scar running down his cheek, caught my eye and sneered. “Look at that one,” he said loudly, gesturing towards me. “Thinks she can hide among us.”

The others laughed, and I forced myself to remain calm, taking another sip of my ale. The burly elf stood, his steps unsteady, and made his way over to my table. “What’s your name, human?” he demanded, leaning in close, the stench of alcohol on his breath.

I looked up, meeting his gaze with as much defiance as I could muster. “None of your business,” I replied evenly.

His sneer widened, and he reached out, grabbing my arm. “Feisty one, aren’t you? I like that.” He pulled me to my feet, and I could feel the eyes of the entire tavern on us. The room had fallen silent, the tension palpable.

The elf’s grip tightened, and I winced, but refused to show fear. “Let go of me,” I said through gritted teeth.

“Or what?” he taunted, pulling me closer. “You’ll make me?”

Before I could react, a flash of movement caught my eye. Another elf, smaller and quicker, appeared beside the burly one. “Enough, Dalion,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Leave her be.”

Dalion hesitated, his grip loosening slightly. “Why? She’s just a human.”

“Because I said so,” the other elf replied, his tone brooking no argument. “We don’t need any more trouble.”

With a grunt, Dalion released me, shoving me back into my chair. “Fine,” he muttered, glaring at me one last time before returning to his table. The smaller elf gave me a brief nod before following.

I took a shaky breath, my heart pounding. The tavern slowly returned to its previous state, the noise level rising once more. I finished my meal quickly, eager to leave and find some semblance of safety. As I paid for my food, I noticed the smaller elf watching me, his expression unreadable. I decided to go to the bar and finish my night there.

At the bar, a hooded figure sipped clear liquor, the sharp smell cutting through the tavern's haze. The bartender, his eyes darting between me and the elves, asked where I was from.

"Leeside," I lied, knowing he saw through it but didn’t call me out. He knew my destination and that Leeside was big enough to hide in. "Just passing through."

He nodded, wiping the bar. The elves were bothering a drunk old man for money, out of coins and still thirsty.

"Heard about Azamar?" the bartender asked.

I nodded, taking a bite. "Hot. Too bad, I’ve heard it’s nice this time of year."

The hooded figure shifted, drawing my instinctive gaze. Her teeth were too large, canines sharp, and one incisor framed in gold—a mark of an assassin from Whopping, according to Hoseok.

"The plains are worse," she said, her voice rough but feminine. "Hard to see anything if you go that far south."

"The northern tip isn’t too bad," I replied without thinking. "I came in through that way."

"Interesting."

She knew I was lying. Keeping my fear in check, I ate. The bartender offered another bowl on the house, which I accepted, knowing hot meals would be scarce. The elves grew louder, and I wanted to leave. Tomorrow, I’d memorize the maps Sam packed.

"Hey! You!"

I closed my eyes, feeling their gaze. They spoke a bastardized Lustrian, discussing my potential in bed and survival odds. I resisted the urge to respond, knowing a fight would expose me. Humans feared magic, as Aldara always said.

"Girl," another elf slurred, "give me some money. I need another drink."

The bartender, catching on, turned his back. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. He knew I understood them. I was obviously not an elf, so the options were shifter or witch—either one could spell trouble if the bartender exposed me out of ignorance.

"I’m talking to you, bicce."

My eye twitched. The bartender noticed, realization dawning. He turned away, leaving me to fend for myself.

Fortunately, he didn't look disgusted by me. His face remained remarkably neutral as he returned with a refill. He carefully placed a napkin on the bar before setting down the glass. I glanced at him, then at the woman out of the corner of my eye. She was tense, her head inclined towards me, her eyes hidden but clearly watching me as closely as the elves were. They were louder now, frustrated by my lack of response. I picked up my glass and read the smudged writing on the napkin.

"I'm Vern."

I took a sip, nodding, keeping my face impassive. Quietly, I ordered another drink, placing a copper coin on the bar, and pointed at the group with my thumb. I didn’t care what they wanted, but I hoped Vern wouldn’t provoke them. With great care, I picked up the napkin.

Crumpling it in my hand, I muttered under my breath, wiping it against my lips before placing it back on the bar. I went back to eating. Vern brought the elf his drink, and their angry taunts stopped. The one who called me a bitch thanked me in a condescending tone. I wanted to tear him apart, but instead, I drank my ale and ate my vegetable soup.

Vern came back, picking up my napkin and walking over to the trash can behind the bar. The traveler next to me was still staring, and I knew she knew what had happened. They both had their secrets. She stayed hidden beneath her cloak, while Vern saw too much. Both of them were searching for something, but I couldn’t tell you what. I did know, however, that lying would only make me look worse. I had given him my first name and hoped that would satisfy his curiosity.

Another napkin appeared in front of me. Vern was wiping down glasses, back turned, and I was sure no one except the three of us understood what was going on. I glanced down.

"Moland. Etta Ketchens’ son."

So, there was another witch around. Moland was the original land of magic. All witches alive today descended from those who first discovered it in the swamps. Bangtan stole the title after witches began making deals with the ielfen. Their world was linked to the spirit realm, and the monsters that lived there were difficult to manage, so they sent them to the forests. The witches were strong enough to keep them away, but the creatures found refuge in Bangtan.

Anyone from Moland had magic, and I had heard of Etta from Thelma. She was from the northeast. I had never met her, but she was known for playing music and throwing great parties. Trusting Vern became easier. We were in the same boat, and witches liked to stick together. At the very least, I knew I had backup if it came down to a fight.

"Bangtan. Thelma Richard’s niece."

He nodded, his eyes wandering to the woman at the end of the bar. She hadn’t taken her eyes off us since the written exchange began. Her eyes seemed to glow within the darkness that surrounded her face, boring into me, waiting for something. Feeling exposed, I stood. It was time to leave. I had done what I came here to do, and the elves were starting to badger people for money again.

Vern shook his head and glanced down at my seat, giving me pause. Gaze turning to the woman, she shrugged and shook her head in agreement. I had no reason to trust either of them, but I had a feeling in my gut. Even if we wouldn’t normally help each other, right now, we had a common enemy. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Aldara would say I should listen before reacting. So, when the woman offered to buy me another drink, I sat back down.

“They’re planning on following you home,” Vern murmured, placing a glass in front of me.

“How do you know that?”

“I’m gifted. You could say I specialize in mind magic.”

Stiffening, I eyed him with new wariness. That’s how he knew I was lying; he could hear my thoughts. Vern nodded, answering my unasked question.

“I’m not concentrating on you,” he clarified. “I’m trying to watch them. I’m just picking up bits and pieces of everyone else. She’s—” He looked at the woman, “—not human either. She’s trying to decide if she should accompany you. You’re both going east.”

The elves were back to insulting me for another drink. I gritted my teeth, my anger and frustration bubbling over. I’d always been a hothead, but my emotions felt so volatile now. I hated them. I hated everything they stood for. Cordelia’s dead body flashed in my mind, and Vern couldn’t hide the horror on his face.

“Bicce!”

Beside me, the woman turned her attention to the elves.

“Don’t speak to her like that,” she growled.

Their group stopped their taunts, a thick, tense silence falling over the bar. Tensing, I prepared to defend her. She didn’t need to take up for me, but my hatred made the decision easy. I wanted to kill them all.

The elf scoffed in disbelief. Vern’s eyes widened in horror, and he reached out towards the hooded woman. I knew what was coming, and instead of waiting, I took action.

I’d always been a loose cannon, but these last few days had made me feel more unhinged than ever. Anger, sorrow, and hatred coiled tightly in my stomach, driving me insane. The nightmares. The heartache. Yoongi’s blank stare. Cordelia’s lifeless body in the flames. Jimin’s anguish. Sol’s betrayal. All of it consumed me, and for once, I didn’t try to stomp the flames out.

“Swígan!” I shouted, turning to face the elves. I had reached my limit. Knowing I had at least one other witch on my side, I felt emboldened. “Mieltan.”

The iron ring on my finger melted, searing my skin, but I hardly registered the burn. I shot the melted iron like a rocket, stabbing the elf who disrespected me through the chest. Dalion couldn’t scream. When I retracted the metal, there was a hole so large I could see through his body. The other three stared, mouths agape, before turning on me. The dead one fell to the floor with a thud.

The remaining elves rushed at me, their movements fluid and unnervingly synchronized. I didn’t hesitate. The iron ring, now a molten band around my finger, reshaped itself into a thin, sharp blade. I slashed at the closest elf, the blade slicing clean through his raised arm. Blue blood sprayed, and his scream was a piercing wail.

I spun, my instincts sharpened by adrenaline, and kicked another elf, the one who had defended me earlier, square in the chest, sending him crashing into a table. Wood splintered under his weight, and the patrons near him scrambled to get away. The third elf tried to grab me from behind, but I twisted, using the momentum to elbow him hard in the face. His nose crunched, blood spurting as he staggered back, clutching his face.

The elf with the severed arm was still screaming, trying to cast a spell with his remaining hand. I didn’t give him the chance. I lunged, driving the blade into his throat. His eyes widened, a gurgle escaping as he collapsed.

The elf I had kicked was back on his feet, rage contorting his features. He muttered an incantation, and I felt a wave of energy pulse towards me. Instinctively, I threw up a shield, the air crackling with the force of our opposing magics. My shield held, but I could feel the strain. I couldn’t let him overpower me. With a snarl, I pushed back, my magic flaring, and the shield exploded outward, knocking him off his feet.

Vern had been right about the woman. She was a shifter, and now her cloak had fallen away, revealing her true form. She was massive, her muscles rippling under her skin and a pair of black ears poked through her long, black hair. She let out a roar, leaping into the fray with a ferocity that matched my own. She tackled the elf who had been behind me, her nails elongating into claws that raked across his chest. He shrieked, trying to fend her off, but she was relentless, tearing into him with a savage precision.

The elf I had knocked down was getting back up, and I moved to intercept him. He cast another spell, a bolt of energy shooting towards me. I dodged, the bolt sizzling past my ear and scorching the wall behind me. I retaliated with a burst of fire, the flames engulfing him. He screamed, thrashing as the fire consumed him, and then he was silent, his charred body crumpling to the floor.

The last elf was still alive, barely. He was pinned under the woman, her claws at his throat. He looked up at me, eyes wide with fear. I walked over, the molten blade in my hand dripping with blue blood. I knelt down, meeting his gaze.

“You should have left me alone,” I said softly, before driving the blade into his heart.

The bar was silent now, the only sounds the crackling of the flames and the labored breathing of the survivors. The humans who were coherent enough to watch the altercation fled the bar screaming while the others were too drunk to care. I still had energy to burn, shaking with the force of my emotions. Too quickly. I wanted more time with them. I wanted to kill them again and again. I wanted to earn their hatred. I wanted—

“What’s your name?”

I looked at the hooded woman. Her face was covered in blood, and she smiled crookedly. She had deep, pitted dimples, and pieces of jewelry shone inside them.

"Y/N," I replied, keeping my voice steady.

"Lily," she said, giving me a small bow before standing up. Her muscles bulged and twitched with each movement, almost as tall as Jimin. Her hands were adorned with intricate tattoos, and her nails were a vivid ruby red. "Would you mind some company during your travels?"

"Do you know your way through Ozryn?" I asked, eyeing her warily.

She nodded. "I'm from Idris. I'm meeting some friends in the mountains."

Despite my earlier reluctance, this woman might be my only option for crossing the mountains safely. Assassin or not, she was offering her services, and my violent display earlier should deter any funny business. She might beat me in a physical fight, but I had magic on my side, fueled by enough emotional turmoil to last a lifetime. The fact that we were both shifters aided in my trust. We were both wanted citizens if the elves had anything to say about it, and her exposing herself made it hard to justify turning her away.

“You’re obviously a shifter,” I said, placing my remaining coins on the bar. Vern deserved the tip. He'd been an excellent server. "What are you?"

"Maned Wolf," she answered, already walking toward the bar exit. That meant she was half-wolf, half-fox. It would not surprise me if she was the last of her kind. "We should leave. Those humans have alerted the local police about your little... situation."

I looked at Vern, who was quick to agree with Lily’s plan. He would cover for us. Thanking him, I followed the huge woman out of the bar. She hadn't really answered my question, but given the circumstances, I let it slide. I had just murdered four people in a bar. I should have felt more shame, but I couldn't muster any. They killed Cordelia. They deserved it.

“We can collect your belongings from the inn and leave. Okay?”

I agreed. We moved quickly. No one was at the front desk when I entered, making sneaking upstairs a cakewalk. I threw my bag over my shoulder and grabbed the few personal items I had lying around. A deep sadness settled into my chest as I thought back to the fight. I hated flashbacks, but I was starting to realize there was something I disliked even more: myself.

I should have just left and minded my own business. That’s what Jimin would have done. A fight would be a last resort. Instead, I acted a fool for someone I didn’t even know, a woman whose face I couldn’t pick out in a lineup, who could easily have turned her back on me the moment I killed the first man. I didn’t stop to consider that someone else might have abandoned me back there. I was so used to being surrounded by people who loved me that hindsight was 20/20. This time, I had simply gotten lucky. If it had been anyone other than an elf I killed, they would have been disgusted by me. Hell, I felt disgusted by my actions.

Cordelia wouldn’t have been able to look me in the eye after a stunt like that.

Shaking myself out of my daze, I rushed back downstairs. Hannah was at the desk now, and three men wearing navy blue uniforms were crowding her. Quickly, I stopped and kept myself hidden in the shadows, body pressed against the wall as I listened in. They hadn’t heard my footsteps. Human ears were very weak.

“I told you I don’t have any witches staying here,” the human girl barked, clearly fed up with their interrogation. “The old man must have been confused. Vernon even said he was being ridiculous. Those elves were nowhere near the tavern.”

“Well, we can’t find them anywhere else, and it wasn’t just John. Betsy said she saw it happen as well.”

“Betsy?” Hannah drawled, placing her hands on her hips. “So you have a drunk and a schizophrenic's testimony? Have to say, Charles, I expected more from you.”

“Now Ms. Winslow—” one of the men attempted to speak, but Hannah flashed him a dark look. He quieted quickly.

“No,” she spoke in a bored, cold tone that reminded me of Yoongi. They even had the same unimpressed, irritated look. “The three of you came barging in here in the middle of the night, ranting and raving about a witch on the loose who, by the way, according to my records, does not exist. I don’t know where any of you got off waking me and my father at a time like this, but he’s far too sick to be dealing with this mess. So, either tell me a name I can work with or get the hell out. Your choice.”

I was impressed with the girl. She had to have known who they were searching for. I had suddenly popped up, and now you have four elves dead in a bar? Too coincidental. Still, she was covering for me, and I was grateful. It was a shame I was out of money.

“Sorry for your troubles, Hannah,” the man in the middle said, tipping his hat. “Hope Maurice feels better soon. We’ll go and ask Martha and Dawn about it. You could be right about the two kooks.”

I didn’t like the way they talked about John or Betsy. They might have been a bit odd, but they were not liars. I hoped their words wouldn’t get them into any trouble, at least not on my behalf. I’d much rather get arrested and escape than let anyone else get locked up. The policemen left, the wooden door slamming behind them.

“You can come out now.”

Walking the rest of the way down, I hoped my face conveyed how sorry I felt. I didn’t want anyone else inconvenienced because of me. Hannah, however, looked very happy. With a big smile, she greeted me. Lily crawled out from under the desk, hood still securely on, and patted the other girl’s head.

"Congratulations on winning your fight," the human drawled, dark hair tousled from just waking up.

"It's not something worth celebrating," I replied, handing my sack over to Lily when she held out her hand for it. "Thank you," I told the massive woman.

"You need a coat," the traveler demanded, her voice brooking no argument. "It's cold."

Opening my bag, she started digging around before finally landing on the cloak I bought this morning. It was heavy, lined in white fur, and beautifully handcrafted. The most expensive thing I bought next to the boots I was wearing. The outside of it had a beautiful ornate flower pattern spun in a delicate silver color, almost perfectly matching the shade of Jimin’s hair.

"This is nice," Lily commented absentmindedly, handing over the cloak. "Good purchase."

I tied it around my shoulders and charmed it like the rest of my clothes. Taking things on and off would take too much time in an emergency. Lily slung my bag over her shoulder like it weighed nothing, and I was glad to be rid of it. Flying would be easier without the annoyance of straps.

Then it hit me. I couldn't fly as quickly as I normally did. If I had a wolf hybrid traveling with me, I would need to travel in the only way she could. On foot. It was almost enough to make me second-guess bringing her along. Alas, I needed the extra hands, and a guide who knew the area was too good of a resource to flush down the drain. Traveling would take longer, but I would have a better chance at living through this.

"The best elves are the dead ones," Hannah yawned. "You should get going. They’re going to be looking for you all night. Vern cleaned up the mess already, so don’t worry about it. He sends his love."

I nodded. "Tell him if he wants to go back to Moland anytime soon, to stay east and travel down the Syrena River. Most of the witches are in Foxglove now. You both could find some protection there."

She smiled at me. "When my father is well enough for the journey, I’m positive that fool will be taking the two of us with him."

There was no mistaking the affection in her voice.

"You two…" I trailed off. "He loves you."

Thinking back to the moment she was brought up, I had not noticed the same tenderness in Vern’s voice. However, the fact that he had spoken to her about me in such great detail pointed to some sort of relationship. It being a romantic one made me unreasonably happy. They were both friends of mine, even if they did not see me in the same light. I was happy they were together. Witches and humans were not a typical pairing, but I could say the same about my own situation.

"Almost as much as I love him," she winked.

"We need to go," Lily gruffed, grabbing my arm. "I can hear them making their way back towards the inn," she frowned at Hannah. "They’re going to bother you for a little while. Sorry about the trouble."

"Like I said," she huffed, "You did everyone a favor. I don’t want to hear another word about it."

"Thank you," I told her. "For everything. Vern too."

"Go," she replied, shooing us away with her hands. "Go around the back. There’s a small nature reserve that stretches on for a few miles. Keep north before heading east. That should take you to Azamar Pass, but stay close to the volcano. They have encampments everywhere."

Azamar Pass was a small stretch of land connecting Lustra to the island where the Ula’re volcano rested. A large bridge connected it to Northorn and another to the land before the Ozryn mountains. It was likely the safest place for us to travel through despite the treacherous terrain. According to my maps, it was filled with hills and jagged cliffs that could kill you easily. Lily seemed confident enough, so I decided to follow her. She knew this place better than I ever did.

"I know the area well," Lily assured the girl. "We will be safe."

I had to trust she was telling the truth.

We slipped out the back, the night air biting through the fur-lined cloak. The reserve Hannah mentioned was darker than I expected, the thick canopy of trees blotting out the moonlight. We moved quickly, our breath fogging in the cold air. Lily led the way, her steps confident despite the uneven ground. I followed closely, every crunch of leaves underfoot setting my nerves on edge.

The silence between us stretched, only the sounds of our hurried steps and the occasional rustle of wildlife breaking it. My mind raced, replaying the events of the night. I had always been a hothead, but tonight felt different. It wasn't just anger that drove me, but a deeper, more consuming fury. Cordelia’s death had changed something in me, twisted a part of my soul that I wasn’t sure I could ever untangle.

"Are you alright?" Lily’s voice broke through my thoughts. She had stopped and was looking back at me, her eyes sharp even in the dim light.

"Yeah," I lied, not trusting myself to say more.

She studied me for a moment, then nodded. "We’re almost there. Azamar Pass is just beyond these woods."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. We continued on, the terrain growing steeper as we neared the pass. The ground beneath our feet turned rocky, the air heavy with the scent of sulfur. The volcano loomed in the distance, a dark silhouette against the night sky.

We reached the edge of the reserve and paused, taking in the sight before us. The pass was a narrow strip of land, flanked by jagged cliffs and treacherous drops. It was more daunting in person than it had seemed on my maps.

"Stay close," Lily warned, her voice low. "The winds can be brutal up here, and the paths are narrow."

We started across, the wind immediately whipping at our clothes and hair. I pulled my cloak tighter around me, every step a fight against the elements. Lily moved with the grace of someone who had done this a hundred times before, her large frame somehow slipping through the narrowest of paths with ease.

Halfway across, the ground trembled beneath our feet, a low rumble emanating from the volcano. I froze, fear clutching at my heart. Lily glanced back, her expression unreadable.

"Keep moving," she urged. "It’s just a tremor."

I forced myself to keep going, each step feeling like an eternity. The path seemed to go on forever, the cliffs on either side closing in like the jaws of some great beast. By the time we reached the other side, my legs were shaking and my lungs burned from the effort.

We collapsed on the ground, the safety of solid land a welcome relief. Lily pulled out a canteen and handed it to me. I took a grateful sip, the water cool and refreshing.

"Thank you," I said, my voice hoarse.

She nodded, wiping sweat from her brow. "We need to keep moving. There’s a cave not far from here where we can rest for the night."

We got to our feet and continued on, the landscape gradually shifting from rocky terrain to dense forest once more. The trees grew thicker, their branches intertwining overhead to form a natural canopy that blocked out most of the sky. The sounds of the forest began to surround us—the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. The path ahead was narrow and winding, forcing us to move in single file, with Lily leading the way.

After what felt like hours, the cave Lily had mentioned came into view, a dark, yawning mouth in the side of a moss-covered hill. The entrance was partially hidden by overgrown vines and thick underbrush, making it almost invisible to the casual observer. We ducked inside, and the temperature dropped noticeably, the cool, damp air enveloping us like a shroud. The cave was surprisingly spacious, with a high ceiling that echoed our footsteps as we ventured further in.

Lily set down my bag and immediately began gathering kindling for a fire, her movements quick and efficient. I watched her as she worked, unable to shake the feeling that there was something otherworldly about her. Despite her petite frame, she moved with a precision and grace that spoke of years spent surviving in the wild. Her hands were steady and sure as she arranged the twigs and branches, and within minutes, she had a small fire crackling to life.

As the flames grew, casting flickering shadows on the cave walls, I couldn't help but study her more closely. Her face, illuminated by the firelight, seemed both young and ancient, with eyes that held secrets I couldn't begin to fathom. There was a quiet strength in her, a resilience that I envied.

"Why are you helping me?" I asked finally, breaking the silence that had settled between us.

She paused, looking up from her task, her eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made me shiver. "Because you need it," she said simply. "And because I’ve been where you are."

I frowned, not understanding. "Where I am?"

She nodded, her expression softening. "Lost. Angry. Searching for something you can’t quite name."

Her words hit closer to home than I cared to admit. I looked away, the weight of the night's events pressing down on me once more. The memories of the fire, the screams, and the feeling of helplessness washed over me, and I had to fight to keep my composure.

"You don’t have to do this alone," she continued, her voice gentle but firm. "Whatever it is you’re searching for, it’s out there. But you won’t find it by tearing yourself apart."

I didn’t know what to say, the truth of her words cutting through my defenses. For the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps there was a way forward that didn’t involve self-destruction.

"Get some rest," she said, her tone softening even further. "We have a long journey ahead of us."

I nodded, lying down on the cool ground, using my bag as a makeshift pillow. The fire's warmth was comforting, and the sound of the crackling flames was soothing. As I closed my eyes, exhaustion finally overtaking me, I couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, I wasn't as alone as I thought.

I couldn't see past the smoke. It was a roiling, black mass, punctuated by brilliant yellow flames that danced like demons in the night. Shiloh's voice cut through the chaos, a desperate cry reaching out through the suffocating darkness, pleading for me to return. Inside, the screams were a cacophony of terror and anguish, and I ran, my small feet pounding the earth as I shouted for Auntie. Shiloh's cries grew louder behind me, but I ignored her, driven by a singular need to reach the cottage. I had to get to Aldara.

The distance stretched endlessly, the screams crescendoed, and Shiloh's voice became an unbearable buzz in my ears. I was sobbing, calling Aldara's name, feeling the forest around me weep. The spirits that had once tormented me now seemed my only solace, and I crumpled to the ground. No matter how desperately I tried, the cottage remained out of reach. Then, from the corner of my eye, I saw it—a movement that made my breath catch.

There it was, not even ten yards away—a large, midnight-black wolf with eyes like burning coals. The firelight cast a grotesque glow on its face, revealing a blood-stained muzzle. In its mouth was an arm, the ring on it gleaming malevolently. Anger surged within me, turning my vision red as I focused on the ring—a skull etched in fiery orange and yellow. Before I could stop myself, I was chanting a spell, my voice echoing through the forest. Somewhere in the distance, a wolf howled in response.

The wolf dropped the arm and snarled, its eyes locked on mine. The air crackled with energy, the spell building inside me, threatening to tear me apart from the inside out. The wolf lunged, and I screamed, the spell bursting forth in a torrent of raw power. The ground shook, the trees groaned, and the wolf was thrown back, its body slamming into a tree with a sickening crunch.

I collapsed, the spell having drained every ounce of strength from my body. The forest fell silent, the only sound my ragged breathing. I crawled towards the cottage, my limbs trembling, my vision swimming. The smoke began to clear, and I could see the outline of the cottage through the haze.

Aldara lay on the ground, her body limp, her face pale. I reached her side, my hands shaking as I tried to rouse her. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at me, a weak smile playing on her lips.

"You did it," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling flames. "You saved us."

I nodded, tears streaming down my face. The forest had fallen silent, the spirits watching us with a newfound respect. I had faced the darkness and emerged victorious, but at what cost?

As the first light of dawn broke through the trees, I held Aldara close, the weight of the night's events settling on my shoulders. The forest might have been our home, but it was also a place of danger and despair. And I knew, deep down, that this was only the beginning.

But then everything started to change. The flames flickered and became stars in a velvet sky. The trees twisted and turned, transforming into towering figures that whispered secrets in a language I couldn’t understand. Shiloh's voice turned into a soft lullaby, and the ground beneath me felt like the softest bed I had ever known.

Aldara’s form began to shimmer and fade, her features blurring as if she were being drawn away by an unseen hand. "You must go," she said, her voice echoing like a distant melody. "This world is not for you."

I tried to hold on to her, but my hands passed through her like smoke. The stars above began to swirl, forming a spiral that pulled me upwards, away from the forest, away from the cottage. I was weightless, floating, the screams and flames and shadows all fading into a soft, gentle darkness.

I awoke with a start, the remnants of the dream slipping away like shadows at dawn. The morning light streamed through the cave entrance, illuminating the damp stone walls and casting eerie shapes that danced in the corners of my vision. I lay there, struggling to piece together the fragments of a nightmare that felt all too real. But no matter how hard I tried, the details eluded me, leaving only a lingering sense of unease and the whisper of a name.

"You okay?" Lily's voice broke through the fog, soft yet insistent. I blinked, shaking off the last vestiges of the dream. The cool, damp air of the cave was a grounding contrast to the surreal horrors still echoing in my mind.

"Yeah," I replied, my voice hoarse. "Just a bad dream."

Lily studied me, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she could see through my flimsy facade. But she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she handed me a piece of bread and some dried fruit, which I accepted gratefully.

"We should get moving soon," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "The sooner we leave, the better our chances of staying ahead."

I nodded, chewing slowly as my thoughts lingered on the dream, the name echoing like a distant drumbeat in my mind.

We packed up quickly, the remnants of the fire reduced to ashes that Lily expertly scattered with her foot. Outside, the forest was waking up, the early morning light filtering through the leaves and casting a soft, golden glow on everything. Birds chirped, and small creatures rustled in the underbrush, weaving a tapestry of normalcy that stood in stark contrast to the turmoil roiling inside me.

As we began to walk, the path ahead seemed clearer, more defined. It was as if the forest itself was guiding us, the trees parting just enough to show the way. I fell into step behind Lily, my thoughts drifting back to her words from the night before: lost, angry, searching for something you can't quite name.

"Can I ask you something?" I ventured after a while, breaking the silence.

"Sure," Lily replied, not turning around, her attention focused on the path ahead.

"Why are you going east?"

She hesitated, tension knotting in her shoulders. "I’m trying to find my daughter," she said finally, her voice low. "We got separated when the incursion started up north. I have some friends in Ozryn who might know where to find her."

"I'm sorry," I said, not knowing what else to offer. The weight of loss was something I understood all too well. “I hope she’s alright.”

"I’m sure she is," Lily continued, her voice softening. "I don’t like being away from her, but I know she can take care of herself. I’m just being cautious with the elves in the area."

“I’ll help you find her,” I promised, a sudden surge of determination filling me. “Once I’ve done what I came here to do.”

Lily chuckled, a sound tinged with both gratitude and disbelief. “Thanks, kid. But I don’t think we’ll need your help. Tinka can’t hide from me.”

“But I’m indebted to you,” I insisted. “It’s the least I can do.”

“You’re assisting me during my journey. You don’t have a debt as long as you do that magic thing and slice and dice whatever gets in our way.”

We walked in silence for a while, the forest around us providing a comforting backdrop to our shared grief. There was something about being in nature that made the pain more bearable, as if the trees and the earth could absorb some of the sorrow that threatened to overwhelm us.

After a few hours, we reached a clearing with a small stream gurgling through it. The water was crystal clear, the gentle sound of it flowing over the rocks soothing my frayed nerves. We stopped to rest, filling our water bottles, the cool water a welcome relief against the weight of our thoughts. 

As I splashed some on my face, the chill sent a jolt of clarity through me, a reminder that life continued to flow, regardless of the chaos that swirled around us. And for a brief moment, I felt the edges of my turmoil soften, blending into the rhythm of the world around us.

As we sat by the stream, the water rushing over smooth stones like whispered secrets, Lily reached into her pack and pulled out a small, leather-bound book. She began writing in it with a pen unlike any I had ever seen—a sharp blade at the end, glimmering as it danced across the page without needing a drop of ink. 

“Why are you going to the mountains?” she asked, her voice carrying an edge of curiosity.

“I’m looking for someone,” I replied, staring at the water’s surface, its reflections shifting like memories just out of reach. “Someone important to me said I needed to find her.”

“Let me guess,” Lily sighed, her tone a blend of weariness and knowing. “Naida?”

“How did you…?” 

“She’s the only thing out there worth hunting down,” the hybrid drawled, pulling her hood down to reveal ears the color of rust, tipped in black, and hair that cascaded like ink down her shoulders. “Must be needing Khione. Do you know what for?”

I cleared my throat, the words heavy with significance. “I’m trying to get extra help in the south. I was told they might be able to assist us.”

Lily laughed, but it was a humorless sound, tinged with bitterness. “Naida might. Khione? I doubt it. That old bitch doesn’t do anything except fuck the little whores she keeps in her castle while my friends starve in those mountains.”

I stared at her, taken aback by the rawness of her words, the pain wrapped around them like a vine. “That’s quite a reputation she has.”

Lily’s expression hardened, the air thickening with her disdain. “Reputation? It’s the truth. Khione has power, sure, but it comes with a price. She doesn’t help anyone unless there’s something in it for her. If you’re seeking aid, you’d better be prepared to pay dearly for it.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach.

Lily leaned back against a tree, her gaze drifting to the rushing water, as if searching for answers in its depths. “She’s got a knack for making deals that trap you. You think you’re getting help, but it’s usually a trap. You could end up worse off than before.”

I let her words sink in, the implications wrapping around my mind like a cold fog. “So, what do you suggest? Just forget about it?”

“No,” she said, her voice firm, slicing through my doubts. “I’m just saying to be cautious. If you really think Naida can help, go to her. But if Khione is involved… just be ready for anything.”

“What do you know about Naida?” I pressed, desperate for any insight that might illuminate my path.

“She’s a force to be reckoned with,” Lily replied, her tone shifting slightly, like the wind before a storm. “A protector of the mountains, they say. If anyone can help us, it might be her. But she’s not easily found, and even harder to convince. You’ll need to prove yourself worthy of her time.”

I nodded, determination battling with trepidation in my chest. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Lily studied me for a moment, her expression softening. “I believe you. Just remember, you’re not alone in this. We’ll figure it out together.”

“Together,” I echoed, warmth spreading through me at the reassurance. It was comforting to know I had someone by my side who understood the stakes.

We resumed our journey, the path growing steeper as we ventured deeper into the forest. The sun climbed higher, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and the air was thick with the scent of pine and earth—invigorating yet heavy with the weight of our conversations.

As we navigated the terrain, our topic shifted to lighter matters, and I found myself laughing at Lily’s sarcastic quips about the creatures of the forest. Her spirit was contagious, and the laughter felt good, a welcome reprieve from the tension that had settled in my bones.

Eventually, we reached a vantage point overlooking a vast expanse of mountains in the distance. The peaks were shrouded in mist, an ethereal quality lending them an almost otherworldly presence. I could almost feel the pull of Khione’s castle lurking somewhere among them, a siren’s call promising both danger and salvation—a promise that felt too heavy to bear.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long, creeping shadows across the ground, we stumbled upon another cave. This one was smaller, cozier, and had a natural chimney that promised to keep the night’s chill at bay. The entrance was framed by thick vines and moss, giving it an almost hidden quality, like a secret the forest had kept for itself. As we stepped inside, the air was cool and damp, a welcome relief from the heat of the day, and soon we had a fire crackling to life, its flickering light casting playful shadows against the damp stone walls.

Settled by the fire, I pulled out the remnants of our meager supplies while Lily rummaged through her pack. The warmth enveloped us, creating an intimate cocoon as we prepared a simple meal from what little we had left. The aroma of the dried meat she had brought wafted into the air, mixing with the earthy scent of the cave.

“You’re a vegetarian?” Lily laughed, a sound rich with amusement that echoed around us, almost like a melody bouncing off the walls.

“Yes. Do you have any nuts?” I replied, attempting to keep my tone casual despite the slight twist of discomfort in my stomach at the thought of what she might offer.

Lily shook her head, still chuckling. “That won’t keep you healthy, little one. Have some rabbit. I killed it yesterday.” 

Her words hung in the air like a challenge. I recoiled as she brought the dried meat closer, the odor hitting me like a wave of something unpleasant—savage and primal. “Ugh,” I flinched away, my face contorting in distaste.

Her laughter deepened, a hearty sound that seemed to vibrate within the cave’s very stones. “Don’t make that face,” she teased, her voice rich with mirth. “I have a pack of nuts and mushrooms in my bag.”

I caught the bag she tossed my way, the soft thud of it landing in my hands almost comforting. “Thanks,” I said, rifling through the contents. “You know, not everyone can be a barbarian like you.”

“Barbarian?” she replied, raising an eyebrow, a smirk dancing on her lips. “Just because I prefer my meals with a bit more substance doesn’t make me a barbarian.”

“Sure, whatever you say,” I replied, rolling my eyes as I munched on a handful of nuts, their earthy taste grounding me. “But seriously, rabbit? Did you have to?”

Lily chuckled again, the firelight illuminating her features with a warm glow, casting playful shadows on her face. “You’re too soft. A little meat might toughen you up.”

“I’m plenty tough,” I shot back, more defensively than I intended. “I just don’t see the need to eat something that was hopping around yesterday.”

“Oh, I see. You’re a sensitive soul, aren’t you?” Her sarcasm dripped like honey, thick and sweet, teasing at my vulnerabilities.

“Just practical,” I countered, crossing my arms as I met her gaze. “I like my food to be, you know, not staring at me with big, sad eyes.”

Lily laughed again, a rich, genuine sound that resonated off the cave walls. “You’re a riot. Alright, sensitive soul, eat your nuts. I’ll enjoy my rabbit.” She leaned back against the cave wall, her posture relaxed yet ready.

I shook my head, unable to suppress a smile. “One day, you’ll see the benefits of a vegetarian diet.”

“Doubtful,” she said, a playful challenge in her eyes. “But hey, I’ll give you this—you’ve got guts. I like that.”

“Thanks, I guess,” I replied, feeling an unexpected sense of camaraderie despite our bickering. “I could say the same about you.”

“Oh, you’re just full of compliments tonight,” she quipped, mock bowing as if accepting an award. “What did I do to deserve such praise?”

I laughed, the tension of the day easing like the fire’s warmth. “Just being you, I suppose.”

“Well, aren’t you sweet,” she said, though her eyes sparkled with warmth, a glimmer of something deeper beneath the surface. For a fleeting moment, it felt like we were both trying to shield ourselves from the weight of the world outside, a world filled with uncertainty and danger.

We settled into a comfortable silence, the crackling fire providing a soothing backdrop to our thoughts. Despite the teasing, there was an ease between us, a shared understanding that felt almost sacred in the dim light of the cave. She reminded me of a blend of Cordelia and Thelma—strong yet nurturing, the kind of ally you wished for in times of darkness. 

As I lay down to sleep, the flickering flames began to blur into shadows, and a sense of peace washed over me—something I hadn’t felt in far too long. The nightmare from the night before felt like a distant echo, a whisper that faded with the growing warmth of the fire. I found comfort in the knowledge that whatever challenges awaited, I wouldn’t have to face them alone.

I glanced at Lily, illuminated by the firelight, her features softening as she lost herself in thought. There was a hint of sorrow in the lines around her mouth, a weathered quality I hadn’t fully appreciated until this moment. Her eyes were distant, reflecting something that felt ancient and haunting, as if they held stories of their own.

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you that swearing is rude?” she barked suddenly, her gaze flicking to me with playful accusation.

I closed my eyes, feeling a flush of embarrassment. “Once or twice.”

“Sleep, little one. I’ll try to keep your nightmares away.” Her tone was softer now, as if she understood the weight of my weariness.

My eyes snapped back open at her words. Lily noticed my surprise and smiled gently, a transformation that made her appear ten years younger, the burden of her past momentarily lifted. 

“You were crying,” she said softly, concern lacing her words.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, shame flooding my cheeks, wishing I could pull the memories of my fears back into the depths of my mind.

“I have nightmares, too. One day, I’ll tell you why they haunt me and why they never leave. But for now, let me share how I manage to survive them.” 

Lily pulled a band from her wrist and swept her hair into a messy ponytail. The movement highlighted her tall, pointed ears, a feature that now seemed almost majestic in the firelight. I couldn’t help but wonder about the rest of her—a creature born of both human and something wild, a mixture of strength and vulnerability hidden beneath her baggy clothes.

“On bad mornings, it feels impossible to enjoy anything because I’m terrified it could vanish. So, I play a little game: I make a mental list of every act of kindness I’ve witnessed. I just do it over and over again. It gets tedious, but after doing it for so long, you get used to it. There are worse games to play.”

Her words settled between us, a fragile bridge built from shared pain. Whatever shadows haunted her, it was clear she wouldn’t share them tonight. I was too wrapped up in my own swirling thoughts to consider her horrors—too many fears to confront, too many questions I didn’t want to voice. I didn’t think she was hoping for anything from me, anyway; she seemed content to offer her wisdom without demanding answers in return.

“Wake me if you have them,” I whispered into the darkness, feeling a strange sense of connection in the quiet. “I can try my best to keep yours away, too.”

“Thank you. You’re very sweet,” she replied, and her sincerity made my stomach twist with unease; if only she knew how wrong she was.

I rolled over, facing away from her, the warmth of her words lingering in the air like a promise. “Go to bed. We have a long day tomorrow,” she said, her voice fading into the quiet.

Lily hummed softly, but I couldn’t hear her moving around. Giving up on being social, I closed my eyes and willed myself into sleep. 

As I drifted further away from consciousness, the last thing I saw was the silhouette of a deer gliding through the trees, its antlers twisted into a heart-like shape against the dusky sky. I lay there, watching the creature as I sank deeper into slumber, just on the brink of nothingness when I felt Lily shuffle closer.

“Idiot forgot about a blanket,” she murmured, and suddenly I was enveloped in warmth, her presence a comforting shield against the unknown that lurked outside the cave. 

The warmth wrapped around me like a tender embrace, and I could no longer hold my eyes open. Just before sleep fully claimed me, I felt the stirrings of peace settle into my bones, allowing me to drift away into the safety of dreams—where the forest would guard my heart for just a little while longer.

Translations

Bicce - Female dog (bitch)

Swígan - Quiet

Taglist: @greezenini @adventures-in-bookland @kthstrawberryshortcake-main @zae007live @jimin-neverout @nikkiordonez12 @canarystwin @yamekomz @chimthicc @michiiedreamer @amorieus @mima795 @yunki-yunki-yunki @vskhn016 @keiarajm

© chimcess, 2024. Do not copy or repost without permission.

[writingoddess1125]

Blowin' Me Up Pt. 2

Kurt Wagner and Azazel Fanfic 

Mild Kurt Wagner and Reader 

Takes place in the 80′s after Apocalypses. I took a lot of creative libraries with this so just know this isn't accurate to anything! Gender N! Reader 

Also don't own X-Men obviously.  (i fucking wish..)  

This one was in the drafts for like- 2 years? Might as well post it!

Previous <<

Marvel Masterlist <<

Kofi

When Azazel came back to, He was laid on the dirty stairs were a bouncer and Angel surrounded him- His head laid on the metal steps as the world seemed too much all at once, a unfamiliar feeling hitting his chest and making his head spin.

"Alright up you go" He heard the bouncer say, the younger man grabbing his arm as gently as possible to help him back to his feet. Swaying a but which lead to Angel grabbing him as well.

It was humiliating for a World Class Agent to be assisted by some random bouncer and a women half his size to a proper chair-

However Zaz was in truth too out of it to even let that humiliation settle on him, his mind woozy and like he had just been hit by a car. Which he defiently had before...

"Does he have any medical conditions? Do we need to call an ambulance" The concerned mutant bouncer asked Angel, who was trying to smooth over the situation and try not to draw as much attention to them- risking their mission.

"No No its fine- This was so out of the blue for him-"

Azazel felt his brain suddently connect the dots at Angel's words.. Staring at her like she had sprouted a second head and feathers from her ass.

Blue..

Blue...

That boy.. he looked to be around early 20s maybe late teens, just old enough to get unto this club..

Blue

The 60s..

Mystique..

"Эта синяя сука!!"

(That Blue Bitch!)

Azazel screamed out suddently making everyone near him jump in surpsie at his sudden rage, The red man rising from his seat like it had been lit on fire. His face twisted like a thunder storm as he marched past Angel and the bouncer.

"Zaz! Zaz what the hell is wrong wit-"

"Завершите миссию самостоятельно. У меня внезапное дело"

(Finish the Mission yourself. I have sudden Business)

He said in a hurry, knowing Angel had been around him long enough to catch what most he said anyway.

"Of what!?"

"Видимо, похитил собственного ребенка!!"

(Kidnapping my own child apparently!"

The women throwing her hands up dramatically as she watched him flee from the top steps and BAMF away as fast as possible.

"Fuck-"

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

Kurt was leaned against (Y/N)- the two of them on the rooftop of the club cuddled against one another. The alcohol adding a boost of confidence he didn't know he had.

"It's so beautiful here"

"Zis is nice, ja?" he said with a lazy grin, his accent heavier then normal.

(Y/N) nodding at this as they leaned against him more. Kurts tail lazily swaying as he glanced over the street below. His yellow eyes caught sight of a food cart, and he nudged (Y/N) with a grin.

"Look," he said, gesturing toward it. "Vanna grab something?"

(Y/N) laughed of course at Kurts eyes practically pleading, their own stomach growling in agreement. "Yeah, let's get something. Alcohol and an empty stomach never mix well"

With a quick teleport down, the two made there way to the cart. The smell of fried food filled the air, and buzzed duo stood there, practically drooling as the vendor started their order- which the two seemed not to even know what the food was.

(Y/N) fishing in their pockets for money. The sound of faint music from the club mixed with the chatter of the city, creating a lively but relaxing atmosphere for the two students.

That was until a group of clearly drunk humans stumbled into view. They noticed Kurt first. Their steps slowed, eyes narrowing as they took at the mutant.

"Hey," one of them slurred, stumbling closer. "What's with the Halloween costume?"

Another laughed, nudging his friend. "No, that's not a costume. That’s one of those mutant freaks."

The tension in the air shift immediately. Kurt glanced at (Y/N), his expression sober and serious now. He gave a slight nod, signaling that it was time to leave.

"Let me pay real quick-"

They muttered softly, getting out a 20$ to pay for the food that was prepared but not eated. Without a word, both turned to walk away, hoping to avoid any further confrontation.

But the group wasn’t done.

"Where do you think you're going?" one of them called, voice dripping with malice. "Too good to talk to us, freaks?"

"Let’s just go," (Y/N) whispered to Kurt, but the humans were already moving toward the two, blocking the path.

Before the duo could react, one of them shoved Kurt hard. He stumbled back, his tail flicking out instinctively—and in the process, it caught one of the humans on the arm, leaving a thin but noticeable cut.

The injured man cursed loudly. "You freak!" he snarled, reaching down to grab an empty bottle from the ground. With a rage-fueled throw, the bottle sailed through the air and struck Kurt squarely on the head with a sharp crack.

“Kurt!” (Y/N) cried out, rushing toward him as he staggered, clutching his head in pain.

But before (Y/N) could reach him, there was a familiar BAMF. The air around Kurt swirled with the smell of sulfur, and a puff of smoke enveloped him, just as his hand reached out to grab his other half. In an instant, the two vanished, leaving the humans stunned and coughing in the dissipating red cloud.

Just as fast as the BAMF happened it felt like a record skip- before loud music developed the area. (Y/N) was now standing back at the club-

But Kurt nowhere in sight.

"Kurt?.."

Tag List-

@bloodyshadow737 @4c1dtr1p

[midniiights-garden]

To Those Beyond The Sea - Mizu x filipino!Reader

(A/N: THIS IS FOR THE LOVELY ANON @dinadearine!! I wanted my main ff to be more of the reader escaping to Japan bc of the Spanish, but I loved this idea sm so I still wanted to write something for it!! I hope you like it <33)

Possible TWs!!!: Sex, Canon typical violence, possibly ooc?

Mizu was rather pissed off when the captain of her ship told her they would be making a stop over at a nearby country before moving onto Britain. After all, in her eyes it was simply a waste of time. Why would she want to spend time in a place that didn't aid her search for vengence after all? That was the price to pay for choosing a cargo ship instead of one ferrying passengers. So, she begrudgingly acknowledged the statement before turning her gaze back to the sea, her eyes scanning the waves for unknown answers.

Her ship arrives at it's destination the next morning. Mizu is surprised to find herself in a warm, tropical country. It wasn't that far away from her homeland of Japan, and yet the scenery was worlds away. The sun beat down onto her heavily, making her sweat in her disguise. She suddenly regretted not packing lighter clothing. The air here was humid, thick. She could feel it sticking to her skin and frankly she was at a loss as to whether or not it was a good thing or not. And then there was the town. It was a quaint sea side port, but it was full of life. Children ran around the streets, yelling and playing happily with one another. Vendors were selling their wares, there were people singing and laugh... and there was chatter everywhere. Quite different to Japan. A part of her finds this stark difference endearing. Everyone here seemed so... happy. She notes the darker skin tone of the people around her, marveling in it's beauty. The people here were beautiful. And Mizu couldn't decide whether or not it was because of their smiles or their features.

But she was sweating. Really badly.

"Fuck," she mutters, shrugging off her haori. She couldn't risk revealing her identity as a woman, but at the same time she was pretty sure she would die if she didn't get some new clothes. So she disembarked, stepping onto the docks of the town and heading inwards to search for a tailor who could help her.

Suddenly, someone bumps into her. One of the native women. Mizu had to catch herself from staring. The woman before her was considerably shorter her tanned skin shining beautifully in the sunlight. The stranger's hair was dark, so dark it was nearly black and it was tied up gracefully into a bun at the nape of her neck. The woman looks up at Mizu, warm brown eyes staring curiously into her blue ones.

"...pasensya na," the woman says, lowering her head bashfully.

Mizu stares, absolutely puzzled. What the hell was a passensha?

"Uhm... w-what?" Mizu replies, hoping that she didn't sound too awkward or nervous.

Mizu and the woman stare at each other for a while as it dawns on the both of them. They had no way to communicate. The woman bites down on her lower lip, looking worried. She suddenly points at herself and then at Mizu before making her hands bump together. "Ano... I..." she begins, her accent thick. She points back to herself and then bows dramatically. It finally dawns on Mizu... The woman was apologizing.

"I-It's," Mizu begins. "Ok." In an effort to communicate with the stranger she forces her lips into a smile, nodding her head as an acceptance of her apology. Much to Mizu's relief the woman smiles brightly, so brightly Mizu was certain that the sun itself had been reincarnated into this tiny human. The woman then points at herself again before speaking. She tells Mizu her name, a name that she had never heard of and yet was now finding incredibly beautiful. She repeats it, testing the syllables on her tongue before pointing to herself.

"Mizu," she says. The stranger, you, smiles. You test her name on your tounge as well, delighted to make another friend.

Meanwhile Mizu is quite literally sweating to death, having previously been too distracted by the new figure to notice her state. She was now thrown back to reality by the sticky feeling of her clothing against her back. Mizu taps your shoulder, pointing at her clothes.

"Need... new ones," she says to you. You seem to get the message, and you quickly lead her to a vendor. You chat with said vendor quickly, telling the lady running it that Mizu requires new clothing to suit the weather and she quickly whips something up for Mizu.

"Salamat po!" I say gratefully as I hand the clothing to the still sweating Mizu. Mizu takes the clothing gratefully, hurrying back to her ship to change into the lighter clothing. She sighed in relief as the light fabric touched her skin, cooling her off. When she exits her room she's surprised to find you still waiting for her at the dock. How persistent of you.

That meeting was now two weeks ago. The first meeting that would change the both of your lives. Mizu couldn't help but be drawn in by your welcoming, sunny nature. It was so sincere, so sweet that she was sucked in as if she was stuck in a vat of taffy. Within those two weeks you had both learned to communicate through English (which Mizu found additionally helpful considering she would need to know English to get around Britain). Mizu eventually ended up telling you about her past. About how she was really a woman in disguise, how she had murdered her husband and how she was killing all the men who had the audacity to force her into being. And yet despite knowing all these truths you never once stopped smiling at her the same way. Not even when you had begged her to spar with you and lost. When she pinned you down Mizu was afraid it would be a repeat of Mikio, and yet all you did was giggle. You giggled and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

That was when she realized something that both elated and horrified her. She loved you. Mizu had fallen head over heels for you. For your sunny personality, for your smile for everything. She pulls away from you briefly, trying to process the warmth she felt in her chest at the sight of you. When she does come back to you the first thing she does is apologize.

"For what?" You ask her, tilting your head to the side.

"For disappearing so suddenly," Mizu replies.

"Oh? That? I just figured you needed space," you say, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Goddamn it. Will you stop being so damn cute?" Mizu hisses, suddenly clamping down on her own mouth once she realized what she had said. Meanwhile you stand there briefly, shocked at what she just said.

"Cute?" You ask. "You think.. I'm cute?"

"Yes," Mizu groans, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Listen, I... I love-"

You cut her off. "I love you too."

Mizu's heart stutters, her breath hitching in her throat. You loved her back. Now without reservation she grabbed ahold of you by the collar of your blouse, pulling you forward and kissing you.

Kissing turned to making out and making out turned to grinding and before either of you could process it you were both unclothed, your bodies intertwined intimately.

"You're beautiful," you whisper between moans.

For once Mizu almost cried; not out of anger or despair... But this time out of joy. After the intense night of pleasure you slept in each others arms, taking solace in the warmth of your lover.

Come morning Mizu held you tightly, pressing soft kisses to your forehead. What was once a stop over she had deemed unnecessary became one of the most important events in her life. But she would have to go soon, and they both knew it. You both spend the rest of your time together as a couple, whispered words of comfort and love shared between the both of you. And the night before her departure from your warm homeland you got married.

"Mizu," I whisper after our small ceremony. "I hope you know I'm coming with you."

Mizu's eyes widened.

"What? Are you crazy!?! You'll get hurt! I-" She is promptly shut up by your finger on her lips, your dark eyes twinkling with mischief. "Shh, love. I'm coming with. I'm your wife now, as you are mine. And I promise to do whatever it takes to help you in your quest. I promise. Mahal kita," you whisper, kissing her tenderly. Mizu knew better than to argue. Not with your stubborn personality. Which is how she now finds herself in London, her beautiful wife at her side. From now until forever more.

Translations!!:

Pasensya na - Excuse me

Ano - What

Salamat po - Thank you (sir/ma'am - idk how to translate po tbh)

Mahal kita - I love you

(A/N: ANNDDDD DONE!! :D I hope this was up to your standards!! I'm sorry the smut part is so short it's more implied if anything 😭😭I was too scared to make it longer but I swear I'll do a proper smut scene in the future. As usual, if anyone has any suggestion, comments or requests feel free to ask!! Love y'all <3)

[jcxbliss]

  Song Of The Deep

Pairing - Lee Seokmin (Siren) x Female Reader (Researcher)

Genre - Fantasy, Angst, 18+ Themes

Word Count - 8.7k

Warnings- Alcohol use, mentions of sexual encounters, sexual themes, no explicit consent

Author's Note -I appreciate it. Please Enjoy<3

(ANYONE CAN JOIN THE TAGLIST)

Tags: @hipsdofangirl

Rum Lips

Readers Point Of View 

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. You awoke from a night of restless sleep, the remnants of your dream still fresh in your mind. Shaking off the lingering unease, you slipped out of bed and made your way to the mirror.

You were dressed in a blue, white, and pink floral summer dress that flared gently at the waist. The vibrant colors and delicate pattern brightened your mood. You adjusted a white headband, adorned with a small bow, and smiled at your reflection. The headband perfectly complemented your dress, adding a playful touch to your outfit. 

Today was collectively decided to be a day off for the group, everyone made plans around the area to explore and would collectively all come together in the evening for dinner. While talking over the plans the night before at dinner Lucy and you decided to go pamper yourself and feel like locals in the area. 

Just as you were finishing up, a sharp knock on the door startled you. A cheerful voice followed soon after.

“Hey, it’s Lucy!” came the call. “The car’s ready to go. Are you all set for our girls’ day out?”

You opened the door to find Lucy standing there with her usual infectious grin. She was dressed casually dawning a flowy pastel yellow teeshirt with a pair of light washed mom jeans and a white golfing cap to match. Her gray pulled back into a poney tail and her face was covered in a soft glam make up look. It seemed that she just had a bit of blush against the apple of her cheeks and some mascara. Lucy was truly a beautiful older women, she definitely was a stunner when she was in her twenties. 

“Good morning!” Lucy said brightly. “I just wanted to make sure you’re ready. We’re heading to the farmers’ market, and I hear it’s going to be a blast.”

You smiled, feeling your spirits lift with her enthusiasm you where buzzing with excitement of your day off from work. “Morning, Lucy! I’m just about ready. Let me grab my bag and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

Lucy gave you a thumbs-up and turned to head back to the front door. You quickly gathered your essentials, taking one last glance at your outfit in the mirror. The floral dress and white headband felt like the perfect choice for a day of exploring and indulging in fresh produce.

After a quick breakfast, the two of you set off out the door, the morning air cool and invigorating. The car parked outside was sleek and polished, a sharp contrast to the cozy, rustic feel of a farmers’ market. Lucy was chatting with the driver in Italian which was something you didn’t know she could speak. 

You slid into the back seat, feeling the plush leather beneath you. The car began to move, and you looked out the window at the city waking up. Lucy’s animated chatter filled the car, her enthusiasm about the farmers’ market contagious.

As the car approached the farmers market, she turned around with a bright smile. “We’re going to have so much fun today. I can’t wait to check out all the fresh fruits, veggies, and maybe even some homemade goodies.”

“It’s going to be great,” Lucy continued, her eyes sparkling. “I’ve heard they have a lot of unique stalls and some really interesting local vendors. Plus, we can grab lunch from one of the food trucks. What do you think?”

You nodded, your own excitement growing. “That sounds perfect. I’ve been wanting to explore more local markets. I’m excited to see what we find.”

The car drove through the city streets, heading toward the farmers’ market. The day promised to be a delightful escape from the previous night’s concerns, and you couldn’t help but feel eager for the adventures and discoveries awaiting you.

As the car pulled up to the market, you could already see the bustle of activity and vibrant colors. The promise of fresh produce and artisanal treats added a layer of excitement to the day. Stepping out of the car, you joined Lucy with a shared sense of anticipation, ready to embrace the simple joys of the market and enjoy a fun-filled day together.

The car came to a gentle stop, and you and Lucy stepped out, greeted by the lively hum of the farmers’ market. The vibrant array of tents and stalls created a kaleidoscope of colors, with booths draped in cheerful fabrics and bustling with activity. The rich, earthy scent of fresh produce mingled with the aroma of baked goods and freshly brewed coffee, filling the air with an inviting warmth.

Lucy’s eyes grew big as she took in the scene taking ahold of your left arm and tugging on it like an excited kid in a candy store. “Look at this! It’s even better than I imagined. Where should we start?”

You looked around, taking in the sensory overload of sights and smells. “How about we start with the produce section? I’d love to see what kind of fresh fruits and vegetables they have.”

Lucy nodded enthusiastically, and the two of you made your way towards a stall brimming with colorful fruits and vegetables. Ripe tomatoes, plump peaches, and vibrant bell peppers created a feast for the eyes. The vendor, a cheerful woman with a broad smile, greeted you both warmly.

“Good morning! Feel free to sample anything you like,” the women said with the best English she could muster but you could understand most of it even through her thick accent. The vendor grabs something and begins to offer it to the two of you .“These are just picked this morning.” Looking closer at the basket you exam small red berries still connected with the green stems, unmistakenly strawberries.

You took a strawberry and plopped it between your lips, savoring its sweetness. The flavor was bright and fresh, a perfect start to your market adventure. Lucy sampled a few items as well, chatting with the vendor in the native language about her favorite recipes with the produce that they sell.

You took this moment to take a good look around, a sense of familiarity overwhelmed you and brought you back to your childhood. When you where younger your mother and you would go to the farmers market to explore what others in the neighborhood had grown. You were shy as a child, never wanting to stray to far from your mother side. You would never fail to take in how friendly everyone was though. In that place everyone knew everything about everyone. From who had a child recently to small minuscule things like your families famous dish.

As you wandered through the market, you encountered a variety of stalls—each offering something unique. Homemade jams, artisanal cheeses, and handcrafted soaps were just a few of the treasures you explored. You and Lucy made a game of finding the most interesting or unusual items, laughing and exchanging ideas for future meals.

“This cheese is incredible,” Lucy said, holding up a small wedge of creamy goat cheese. “We have to get some for the picnic.”

You nodded in agreement completely forgetting that the group planned to do a picnic for dinner instead of being stuck indoors for another night. “Definitely. And let’s grab a loaf of that freshly baked sourdough. It’ll go perfectly with the cheese.” Pointing to a stall about two away from where the two of you were standing.

After selecting a few goodies, you meandered over to a food truck offering an array of mouthwatering options. The smell of sizzling meat and savory spices wafted through the air, making your stomach growl in anticipation.

“What are you in the mood for?” Lucy asked, peering at the menu.

You glanced at the offerings, your eyes lighting up at the sight of a hearty, loaded veggie wrap. “I think I’m going to try the veggie wrap. It looks amazing.”

Lucy ordered a spicy chicken taco, and soon you were both sitting on a nearby bench, enjoying your lunch and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the market. The food was as delicious as it smelled, and you found yourself savoring each bite.

“This has been such a great day,” Lucy said, taking a satisfied bite of her taco. “I’m so glad we decided to do this.”

You agreed wholeheartedly, feeling a sense of contentment and relaxation. The farmers’ market had provided a welcome distraction and a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh food and good company.

As you finished your lunch, you decided to take one last stroll through the market. The time coming up to around three pm which is the same time the car should be coming back to pick you up and the boys should have gotten back to the homebase by now.

Just before you left, Lucy pulled you over to a small artisan stand selling handmade candles. The soft glow of the candles and their soothing scents were a perfect ending to the day.

“Look at these!” Lucy exclaimed, picking up a lavender-scented candle. “I think this one’s my favorite. You have to smell it!”

Lucy held out the candle with an eager smile, but as you brought it closer to your nose, a familiar, unwelcome sensation started to make itself known. Lavender had always been a trigger for your allergies, causing sneezing and discomfort.

“Oh, I’d love to, but I’m actually allergic to lavender,” you said, gently pushing the candle away. “It tends to make me sneeze and feel unwell.”

Lucy’s face fell slightly, but she quickly recovered. “Oh no, I didn’t realize! Let’s find something else then.”

She put the lavender candle back and picked up another one—a warm, vanilla scent that seemed to fill the air with a gentle, soothing aroma. “How about this one? It’s vanilla bean, and I think it’s wonderful.”

You took a tentative sniff and smiled in relief. The vanilla scent was pleasant and non-irritating. “This one is perfect. I’ll take it.”

Lucy added the vanilla candle to your small collection of market finds. As you made your final purchases and prepared to leave, you felt grateful for the thoughtful gesture and the enjoyable day you’d had. The market had been a refreshing change and a chance to relax and indulge in some much-needed retail therapy.

As you and Lucy headed back to the car, the vibrant energy of the market seemed to linger, providing a sense of fulfillment and contentment. The sun set behind you, casting a warm, orange glow across the horizon. You couldn’t help but smile, ready to end the day on a peaceful note and looking forward to relaxing at home.

The car ride home was filled with the pleasant hum of the engine and the soft glow of the late afternoon sun filtering through the windows. You were staring off into the distance watching as the beautiful landscape of Italy passes you by in a flash. 

Lucy, turned to you with a friendly smile. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask since I don’t know much about you—how did you get into entomology? It seems like such a unique field.”

You smiled, feeling a sense of pride as you thought about your journey. “That’s a great question. It all started back on the farm, actually. I was always fascinated by the insects we encountered while working outside.”

Lucy leaned in, clearly interested. “Wait pause a farm, you do not seem like a farm person?”

You chuckled softly, recalling the early days. “Well, I lived in Idaho for majority of my life where my family owned a farm that was passed down from my grandparents on my dads side. So I was always surrounded by nature. I’d spend hours exploring the fields and the garden, observing the different bugs and critters. My older brother and I would often have little competitions to see who could find the most interesting insect.”

Lucy’s eyes widened with interest. “That sounds like a lot of fun. Did you have a favorite insect or one that particularly captured your interest?”

You nodded, thinking back to those formative experiences. “I’ve always had a soft spot for butterflies. There was something magical about their transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis and then to a butterfly. It was like witnessing a living miracle. It was a nice break from my older brother always bringing spiders and putting them on my bed.” You shudder at the thought of spiders.

“So, I am taking a shot in the dark here but I assume that is what lead you into entomology?” She said with a bit of sarcasm lacing her tone.

You smiled. “Exactly. I pursued a degree in entomology because I wanted to dive deeper into the science behind these creatures that had always fascinated me. I was drawn to the idea of understanding their roles in ecosystems and the incredible diversity of insects. It felt like a natural extension of the curiosity I’d had as a kid.”

Lucy leaned back, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Enough about work for now! I’d love to know more about you outside of the lab. What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?”

You laughed softly, “Oh, there’s a lot to share! I love spending time outdoors, obviously—hiking, camping, and just enjoying nature whenever I can. I also have a bit of a knack for cooking, especially trying out new recipes with fresh ingredients.”

Lucy’s eyes lit up. “Cooking? That’s awesome! Do you have a favorite dish or type of cuisine you enjoy making?”

You nodded enthusiastically. “I really enjoy baking bread. There’s something almost meditative about the process. My mother taught me when I was younger how to make all different kinds of breads, my favorite was blueberry zucchini bread. I always wanted to help but hated shredding the zucchini because I would slice open my knuckle but the actual bread.” You kiss your fingertips, “Chiefs kiss.”

“That sounds delicious. I’d love to try some of your cooking sometime!” Lucy comments.

“Maybe one day you can try some, but I can’t promise it is going to be a five star meal.” You glance down at your hands having a habit of rubbing your thumbs together in a self soothing manor. 

You never liked to talk about yourself. Sometimes it feels like you are oversharing, or your life isn’t interesting enough. Which in a way was true, you grew up on a farm with a happy family that all are doing great for themselves. You went to a little college left with a degree had a few relationships that ended in a mutual split. Then you went on with your life now you work at an university studying bugs, (which isn’t a bad thing). You have lived a simple but boring life. 

Feeling a slight vibration coming from your bag that is sitting on your lap you open it and begin digging through it after a moment you find your phone and pull it out. Unlocking your phone you click open the notification to see that it is from your childhood friend Isebella.

Isebella: Hey, I just found out from your mom that you’re in Italy? Really? Why am I the last to know?

---

You: Hey Ise! I’m so sorry! Things have been a bit crazy with the research, and I didn’t mean to leave you out. I should have updated you sooner.

---

Isebella:Oh, no worries! I’m just pretending to be mad. I mean, Italy sounds amazing. How’s it going?

---

You: Haha, you got me there. It’s actually been incredible. The research is intense, but the country is beautiful. I’ve got so many stories to share.

---

Isebella: I’m sure you do! I want all the details. What’s the best part of Italy so far?

---

You: Honestly, the food is out of this world. And the scenery is just breathtaking. I’ve been trying to make the most of my free time exploring.

---

Isebella: Sounds like you’re having a blast. I’m only pretending to be upset because I miss our chats. But I’m really happy for you!

---

You: I miss our chats too! Let’s set up a time to catch up properly. How about a video call sometime this week?

---

Isebella: Definitely! Thursday evening work for you? I want to hear all about your adventures.

---

You: Perfect! Thursday it is. Can’t wait to fill you in on everything.

---

Isebella: Awesome. And just so you know, next time, give me a heads-up before you jet off to another country, okay?

---

You: Absolutely. Thanks for being understanding. I’ll make sure to keep in touch better.

---

Isebella: No problem. Talk soon and enjoy every moment in Italy!

---

You: Will do! Talk to you soon, Isa.

During your messaging between Isebella and you tried your best to listen to Lucy go through her hobbies. As she had took it upon herself to tell you her life story.

Lucy smiled, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. “Well, when I’m not buried in research or out in the field, I have a few passions of my own. I’ve recently taken up gardening. It’s been a bit of a haven for me—tending to plants, especially those that attract butterflies and bees, feels like a natural extension of my work. Plus, it’s incredibly relaxing to watch a garden flourish.”

She chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “And I have a soft spot for old films. There’s something about the classic black-and-white movies that I find both comforting and inspiring. It’s a nice way to unwind and escape into a different era.”

Lucy’s gaze softened as she continued, “So, between gardening and movies, I guess I manage to balance out the intense days spent studying insects. It’s all about finding those little pockets of joy, right?”

As you approached the final stretch leading to the seaside retreat, the view of the sparkling ocean greeted you, signaling that you were almost home.

Upon arriving, you and Lucy quickly gathered your bags and headed inside the charming bed and breakfast. The interior, with its cozy nautical décor and inviting atmosphere, felt like a warm embrace after a day out. You set your bags down by the front desk, where a welcoming note from the owners awaited you.

Just then, two figures emerged from the sitting area. Azail, just offered a polite nod as you entered making his way towards you and grabbing two of the bags from your left hand.

“Welcome back,” Azail said softly, his voice gentle and measured.

Beside him stood Seokmin, who made his way over to lucy and grabbing some other bags from her. “Hey there! It’s great to see you both again! How was the market? Did you find anything exciting?”

You couldn’t help but return Seokmin’s enthusiasm with a smile of your own. “We did! We picked up some amazing fresh produce and cheeses..”

Lucy turned to Azail and Seokmin with a warm smile. “It’s great to see you both. We’re planning a relaxing evening with the market goodies and would love for you guys to join us if you’re free.”

Seokmin’s face brightened even more. “Absolutely, I’d love to! Azail might take a little more convincing, but I’m sure he’ll enjoy it too.” 

Seokmin’s eyes lit up. “That sounds fantastic! I’d love to help out with anything if you need it. Just let me know!”

Azail gave a small nod of approval in Seokmin’s direction, his expression remaining more reserved but genuinely interested. “Thank you for the invitation. I’d be happy to join.”

After chatting a bit and unloading the items from the market from the bag Lucy decides to delegate task in the group. 

“Seokmin you stay in here with Y/N and help make everything pretty, make sure you do everything she says.” Lucy said while pointing at him while he stands at attention and salutes her.

“Yes captain,” Seokmin says and slides over to your side before leaning down to your height, “She is kind of scary when she gets like this.” Seokmin whispers into your ear causing you to cough out a laugh before pushing against him to get him to stand straight. 

“Azail you can help me set up outside to make it look as pretty as possible.” Lucy grabs onto Azail’s arm before he can respond and begins to drag him out of the kitchen to look for everything they may need for the outdoor. 

As they leave you and Seokmin begin to work on different task, you instructed him to find a board and begin cutting some tomatoes while you work on something else. 

You begin to hone into the task at hand which was slicing cucumbers when you suddenly feel a sharp pain. Looking down, you see a small cut on your finger, blood beginning to trickle.

“Ow!” you exclaim, dropping the knife onto the cutting board.

Seokmin immediately looks up from chopping tomatoes. “What happened?”

“I cut myself,” you say, holding your finger up with a wince.

“Let me see.” Seokmin moves over quickly, his expression turning serious as he inspects the cut. “It’s not too deep, but we should get it cleaned up.”

You try to laugh it off. “Guess I shouldn’t be trusted with sharp objects.”

“First it is walking and now it is cutting is there any task you can do safely,” Seokmin grins, a playful glint in his eye. “Do you know if there is a first aid kit here, I haven’t order the one just for you yet since I didn’t think we would need it this soon.”

You nod towards the cupboard. “It’s somewhere in there, but it might take a while to find.”

“Don’t worry,” Seokmin says, starting to search through the cabinet. “I’ll find it in no time. It’s like a treasure hunt now.”

As he rummages, he adds, “So, while I dig up our legendary kit, why don’t you tell me how you managed to cut your finger in the most dramatic way possible?”

You chuckle, despite the sting. “I was concentrating so hard on making perfect slices that I forgot to watch where my fingers were. Lesson learned.”

Seokmin emerges triumphantly with a small first aid kit. “Behold, the mythical first aid kit!” he announces with a flourish. He makes his way back to you, setting the first aid kit down he outstretches his hand to you for you to take. Hesitantly you place your hand into his the size difference not going unnoticed by you. Seokmin gently takes it and opens the first aid kit and begins to carefully cleans your cut and applies a bandage with practiced ease.

“There, all better,” he says, giving you a reassuring smile. “See? It was worth the hype.”

You grin, feeling both relieved and grateful. “Thanks, Seokmin. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Anytime,” he replies, closing the kit and setting it aside. “Now, let’s finish up and join Lucy and Azail outside before they think we’ve abandoned them.”

You and Seokmin wrap up the final preparations in the kitchen, putting the last few items into the picnic basket. 

“Alright, I think we’re almost ready,” Seokmin says, carefully stacking the last few containers. “How about we set up the picnic board and then head out?”

“Sounds good,” you reply, arranging a few more utensils on the board.

With everything packed and the board neatly arranged, you both head outside. As you walk toward the beach, the gentle sea breeze cools the air, carrying with it the distant sound of waves and seagulls. The sight that greets you is more than you anticipated.

Lucy and Azail have turned a simple beach setup into something magical. The blanket is spread out perfectly on the sand, decorated with soft pillows and blankets that make it look like a cozy nest. Lanterns are hung from a nearby tree, casting a soft, golden light that contrasts beautifully with the fading daylight. A low wooden table holds an assortment of delicious foods, and a few candles flicker gently, adding to the ambiance.

“This looks incredible,” you say, taking in the scene with a smile. “You guys really went all out.”

Lucy waves at you, her face lit up with pride. “We couldn’t let you two have all the fun making the board. Besides, it’s the perfect way to end a day of amazing adventures.”

Azail stands up, brushing sand off his hands. “Glad you’re here! We were starting to wonder if you’d gotten lost in the kitchen.” He chimes in and grabs the board from your hands so you could sit down on the blanket

Seokmin laughs. “No chance of that! We had a little kitchen mishap, but all sorted now. Thanks to my heroic first aid skills.”

Lucy raises an eyebrow playfully. “Heroic, huh? Did you save the day?”

“Absolutely,” Seokmin replies with a grin. “And I made sure the legendary first aid kit lived up to its reputation.”

Azail and Lucy pass glances back and forth about Seokmin’s comment before just brushing it off and everyone settles down into their spots. 

The sky starts to paint itself with hues of orange and pink, the sun setting over the horizon and reflecting its warm colors across the water.

“Perfect timing,” you comment, looking around at the beautiful setup and the sunset. “This is exactly what I needed.” You say as you stretch your legs out and let out a sigh.

Azail nods in agreement while he looks around at the sky laying back into blanket on a pillow behind him.. “It’s moments like these that make everything worthwhile.” 

Lucy uncorks a bottle of red wine that she had picked out at the market and hands out glasses that Seokmin had brought out in case you were to have a third mishap. “Who’s ready for a toast?” she asks pouring generous amounts of red liquid into the cups and delegating them to the group.

“Absolutely!” Seokmin grabs the second glass from Lucy, raising his glass. “Here’s to perfect evenings and even better company.”

Everyone clinks glasses after everyone gets theirs glass, and the sparkling cider is poured generously. You take a sip, savoring the crisp, refreshing taste that immediately begins to lift your spirits. The burn slipping down your throat giving you a sense of sitting by a fire with your eyes closed savoring the taste Seokmin leans closer, his voice playful.

“Looks like you’re enjoying the wine,” he says with a smirk. “I’d say it suits you.”

You laugh, feeling the warmth of the alcohol mix with your own blush. “Oh, really?” Your lips reconnect with the glass as you take another swig of it. “I heard a rumor once going around the entomology building about a wild night you had with a group involving a little bit of whiskey.” You lean closer to him, “Something about you being a light weight and running around a camp without a shirt.” You whisper under your breath with a laugh before looking over at him.

Seokmin’s eyes twinkle as he sips his drink. “Guilty as charged, but what they won’t tell you is that I only ran around because I was dared to. I guess you can say that the liquid gold, or in this case.” He raises his wine glass a bit, “Liquid Ruby, makes me braver, brave enough to tell you that you look stunning.” 

You raise an eyebrow, a flirtatious grin spreading across your face. “Is that so?.”

He shrugs his shoulders in a nonchalant way without his eyes straying from Lucy and Azail he replies, his voice low and smooth. “I have to say, you’re making it hard to focus on anything other than how amazing you look right now.”

“I think it is time to take away your glass,” You comment trying to not let the boldness of his words affect you as much as they clearly do. Your cheeks and ears do all the talking, though it could be written off as the wine kicking in. Fanning your face a bit you try and find some relief in the hot mess you were feeling.

Before he can respond, Lucy leans in with curiosity. “What are you two talking about?”

You quickly interject, trying to downplay the situation. “Oh, nothing important.”

With a sigh of relief, you finish your glass and set it aside. “Could I get a refill of the red wine, please?” you ask.

As your glass is refilled with the red wine, you take a grateful sip turning to Azail. “So, where did your adventure take you today?”

Azail’s smile widens. “I explored a few of the lesser-known ruins outside of town. There’s a beautiful old abbey hidden in the hills that I’ve been wanting to see. The views were breathtaking.”

Lucy’s eyes light up with interest. “That sounds amazing! Did you find anything interesting?”

Azail nods enthusiastically. “Yes, actually. I stumbled upon some ancient frescoes that aren’t in any of the usual guidebooks. It felt like I was discovering a piece of history that’s been forgotten.”

You lean in, intrigued. “That sounds incredible. I wish I’d joined you. How was the rest of your day?”

Azail shrugs with a chuckle. “After the abbey, I wandered through a few local markets and had lunch at a quaint little trattoria. The food was fantastic—authentic and full of flavor.”

Lucy’s eyes widen. “I’ve heard about some great places in town. What did you have?”

“Homemade pasta with a wild mushroom sauce,” Azail says, his expression reflective. “It was one of the best meals I’ve had in a while.” 

Turning to Seokmin, who had been quietly listening, Azail asks, “And what about you, Seokmin? How did you spend your day off?”

Seokmin smiles, clearly content. “I stayed behind and enjoyed the beach. It was incredibly relaxing—just what I needed. I spent most of the day soaking up the sun, reading a bit, and taking in the sea breeze. It was a perfect escape until everyone got home.”

Lucy nods appreciatively. “That sounds like a great way to unwind. Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best.” Lucy suddenly brightens. “Oh, I almost forgot! I brought something for us to share.” She stands up from the picnic blanket with a grin. “I’ll be right back.” 

Moments later, she returns from the house, carrying a bottle of Enoteca Gambi rum and a few shot glasses. “I thought it would be fun to celebrate our day off with a little game,” she says, setting everything down on the picnic blanket she sits down with a soft thud.

Azail raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “A game? What did you have in mind?”

Lucy’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “How about a round of ‘Never Have I Ever’ with a twist? Every time someone shares something they haven’t done, they take a shot.”

As the bottle of Enoteca Gambi is uncorked and the shot glasses are arranged, you take a deep breath, a hint of hesitation in your voice. “I don’t know, Lucy. I think we might be a bit too old for ‘Never Have I Ever.’ Maybe we should just enjoy the wine and relax.” Pointing over to the half drank bottle of wine that was opened.

Seokmin, catching the enthusiasm in Lucy’s eyes, quickly chimes in with a playful grin. “Come on, it’ll be fun! We could use a little excitement, and it’s not like we have to take it too seriously. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about each other and make some memorable moments.”

He gestures toward the setup with a laugh. “Let’s give it a shot—literally. It’s all in good fun, and I promise we’ll keep it light and entertaining.”

You glance around at the eager faces of your friends, feeling the infectious energy of the group. With a reluctant smile, you nod. “Alright, you’ve convinced me. Let’s see where this takes us.” You finish off the last sip that is in your wine glass.

Lucy beams as she pours the first round of shots. “Perfect! Here’s to a night of fun and new stories!”

The group raises their glasses, and the game begins. 

Lucy raises her shot glass with a mischievous grin. “Alright, let’s get this party started! Who wants to go first?”

Azail volunteers, a smirk on his face. “I’ll go. Never have I ever been skydiving.”

Everyone laughs, and you watch as everyone else takes a sip of their wine, leaving you as the only one to take a shot. With a resigned sigh, you lift your glass. The Enoteca Gambi is a rich, deep red with hints of cherry and oak, its aroma promising warmth and complexity.

You take the shot, and the liquor’s robust flavor coats your mouth. It’s smooth and velvety with an undercurrent of spice, leaving a warming sensation that spreads from your throat to your chest. The initial bite of the alcohol is sharp, but it quickly mellows into a pleasing aftertaste of dark berries and a touch of chocolate.

Seokmin, clearly enjoying the game, leans in. “Alright, my turn. Never have I ever swum in a natural hot spring.”

Everyone but you takes a sip of their wine again. You grumble good-naturedly as you take another shot, the liquor now making you feel a bit more flushed. The Enoteca Gambi’s flavors are even more pronounced this time, a little sweeter with a richer finish. It’s starting to create a pleasant buzz, warming you from the inside out.

Lucy, watching you closely. “. Never have I ever sung karaoke in public.”

Once again, you’re the only one to take a shot. This time, the liquor’s taste seems to dance on your palate with a more pronounced hint of vanilla, complementing the lingering warmth in your chest. The alcohol is having a more noticeable effect, making your cheeks flush and your laughter come easier. Are you truly the only one who has never lived? Sky diving, hot air balloons, karaoke? If this was played normally you would be fine, having lived a simple life would have been perfect. Instead it felt ridiculous that you are so out of place

Seeing your slight tipsiness, Seokmin can’t help but tease. “Looks like you’re having a bit of a rough night, huh?”

You laugh, feeling the effects of the game. “Seems like it. Maybe I should start targeting everyone else.”

Lucy claps her hands together, clearly delighted.” Good luck seems like you are the only one who is truly a recluse. To be far on our friend here-” Lucy gestures to you, “Let’s just go back to the original way to play, if you have done it take a sip, good with everyone?” She gains a few nods and claps her hands together. “Okay resume.”

“Okay, my turn. Never have I ever participated in a high-stakes game of any kind.” You know it is a lame one but you couldn’t think of anything else.

The group falls silent as everyone looks around, and only Azail reaches for his shot glass, taking a deliberately slow sip. He sets the glass down, a hint of color rising to his cheeks.

Lucy’s eyes light up with curiosity. “What’s the deal with this game?” One thing you have noticed about Lucy is that she is incredibly nosey. Always wanting to know something about someone. 

Azail lets out a small chuckle, clearly preparing to share. “ A few years ago, I was involved in a poker game with some very high-profile players. It wasn’t just about the money—it was more about the stakes and the players.”

You lean in, intrigued. At this point you were feeling warm and fuzzy, your thoughts were still coherent but you seemed more relaxed and willing to talk. “A high-stakes game? What was that like? A bunch of sweaty men in a room circle jerking each other to prove they are the best at getting the luck of the draw?”

Azail leans back, a thoughtful expression on his face. “It was intense and no we did not circle jerk each other. We were playing in a private, invite-only game, with huge sums of money on the line. The atmosphere was electric, and the competition was fierce. I had to stay sharp and keep my cool under pressure.”

Seokmin’s eyes widen with interest. “Did you win or lose big?”

Azail grins, though there’s a hint of modesty in his voice. “I managed to come out ahead, but it was touch and go for a while. There were some moments where it felt like the game could turn in any direction. It was one of those experiences where you’re on the edge of your seat the whole time.”

Lucy leans in, clearly fascinated. “That sounds like an adrenaline rush! Did you learn any interesting strategies or tricks from that experience?”

Azail nods, a smile on his lips. “Definitely. I learned a lot about reading people and staying calm under pressure. It was a great lesson in both strategy and psychology.”

“No wonder why you are always laying back and watching, you are judging us silently. I knew it!” You accused pointing your finger at him in a joking way.

Lucy raises her glass and leans forward. “Never have I ever been caught in a truly embarrassing situation with someone I was interested in.”

The group exchanges curious glances, and Seokmin, looking slightly apprehensive but determined, throws the shot back. He sets the glass down and glances around, a sheepish grin on his face.

Lucy’s eyes widen with interest. “What happened?” 

‘Nosey Nelly’ You think to yourself before looking off to the side playing with your glass in your hand.

Seokmin chuckles, clearly a bit embarrassed but willing to dive in. “ A few years ago, I was dating someone I was really excited about. We had planned a fancy evening out at a high-end restaurant. I wanted to impress them, so I went all out—dressed to the nines and even booked a table with a spectacular view.” Seokmin laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, the evening started off great, but then things took a turn. I ordered a bottle of wine that I thought would be impressive. It turned out to be much older and more expensive than I anticipated. The waiter brought it out, and I was trying to sound knowledgeable when I inadvertently knocked the bottle over, spilling wine all over the table and my date’s elegant dress.”

Lucy gasps, her eyes widening. “Oh no! That’s awful!” Her words are followed by a clasp of her hand over her mouth to be dramatic.

Seokmin nods, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “But it gets better. In my panic to clean up, I slipped and fell right into the waiter who was bringing our dessert. The entire tray of desserts ended up flying through the air and landing right on top of us.It was pretty chaotic, but we both ended up laughing. The restaurant’s staff was incredibly understanding and ended up comping our meal and offering us a private room to finish the evening. It was one of those cringe-worthy moments that turned into a memorable and surprisingly fun story.”

At this point, two realizations struck you as you listened to Seokmin’s story, the liquor”s effects adding a haze to your thoughts. First, you regretted teasing Seokmin about being a lightweight. Here you were, feeling a bit tipsy yourself. Second, seeing him take a shot after that question stung more than expected—almost like jealousy. Just less than an hour ago, he’d been flirting with you, and now he was talking about another woman. The fact that you cared about this was baffling. Seokmin was merely a coworker. Why did it bother you that he seemed interested in someone else? It was ridiculous. He was nobody to you.

Before you could delve deeper into these thoughts, Lucy’s voice interrupted with a yawn. “Well, it’s been a fantastic evening, but I think I am going to call it a night.”

Azail stretched and nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I’m feeling the call of the bed myself. You two enjoy the rest of the night.”

“Sounds good,” you said, waving them off. “Thanks for setting up such a lovely picnic.”

Lucy gave you a sleepy smile. “Anytime. We’ll leave you two to enjoy the sunset and whatever the evening brings.”

As Lucy and Azail headed inside, Seokmin turned his full attention back to you. He shifted a little closer, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone.

“So, now that we have the blanket all to ourselves…” he began, his eyes locking onto yours with a playful glint. “How about we make the most of this perfect evening? I promise I’ll be on my best behavior… or at least make an effort.”

You felt a pleasant flutter at his words, the effects of the rum making the moment feel more charged. Screw the thoughts you had before about his story. All that mattered right now is that he is here and he is giving you the attention you didn’t know you were craving. “Oh? And what exactly do you have in mind, Mr. Charm?”

Seokmin’s grin widened as he leaned in slightly. “Well, I was thinking we could continue enjoying the view and maybe share a few more secrets. With the stars out and the waves crashing, it’s the perfect setting for a bit of magic.”

You nudged him playfully. “You’re quite the smooth talker. But I have to admit, it does sound tempting.”

As you both settled into the pillows, the night sky above was covered in a blanket of stars. Seokmin’s presence felt warm and comforting beside you, and the relaxed atmosphere of the evening invited more intimate conversations. 

You decided to break the silence, you decide to sit up, turning slightly to face Seokmin. “Hey, I know it’s a bit off-topic, but I’ve been wondering… was the girl from your story pretty?”

Seokmin glanced at you, and for a moment, a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes before he offered a reassuring smile. “She was, actually. Really charming and attractive. But honestly, she’s long gone from my life and my mind. Just a fleeting chapter, really.”

You felt a wave of relief, though you weren’t sure why you were feeling this way. “It sounds like it was a memorable evening, though.”

Seokmin nodded, his gaze steady and comforting. “It was. It had its moments, but it’s all in the past now. The important thing is that we’re here, in this moment.”

You looked out at the horizon, trying to process his words. “I guess it’s nice to know that some things are just part of our past.”

Seokmin’s eyes softened as he turned to you. “Exactly. Sometimes, we just need to let go of the past and focus on what’s right in front of us.”

His words seemed to have an unspoken subtext, and you appreciated his effort to ease your mind. “You’re right. And I have to admit, I’m enjoying this moment with you.”

Seokmin sat up and turned to face him, his hand brushing against yours as he spoke softly. “You know, it’s moments like these that remind me of what really matters. Being present, sharing stories, and just enjoying the company we’re with.”

You turned to face him fully, your heart fluttering slightly at the closeness. “I couldn’t agree more. This evening has been incredible.”

Seokmin’s gaze held yours, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade away. The way his eyes sparkled in the moonlight, the warmth of his smile, and the sincerity in his voice made the atmosphere feel electric. The gentle touch of his hand against yours felt like a promise of something more.

He slowly moved a bit closer, the space between you diminishing until you could feel the soft warmth of his breath. His hand gently cupped your face, his thumb brushing lightly across your cheek. The touch was tender and affectionate, sending a shiver down your spine.

Seokmin’s voice was barely above a whisper. “There’s something magical about tonight, don’t you think?”

You nodded, unable to pull your gaze away from his. “Absolutely.”

With a slow, deliberate motion, Seokmin leaned in closer. His lips brushed softly against yours, a gentle, hesitant touch that was both tender and electrifying. The kiss was brief at first, as if he was testing the waters, but the sensation was enough to make your heart race.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching yours for a reaction. There was a hint of vulnerability in his gaze, as if he was waiting for your response.

Encouraged by the warmth and sincerity in his eyes, you leaned in, closing the remaining distance between you. This time, the kiss was deeper and more confident. Seokmin’s lips moved against yours with a tenderness that spoke of deep affection. His hands gently framed your face, his touch both comforting and passionate.

The kiss deepened, becoming a dance of shared emotions and unspoken desires. His lips were warm and soft, and the taste of the cider lingered between you, adding to the sweetness of the moment. You could feel the softness of his breath mingling with yours, and his touch seemed to melt away any lingering reservations.

As the kiss continued, Seokmin’s hands moved to rest gently on your back, pulling you slightly closer. You could feel the warmth of his body against yours, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat syncing with your own. The world around you seemed to fall away, leaving only the sensation of his kiss and the gentle caress of the evening breeze.

When the kiss finally broke, you both pulled back slightly, your foreheads resting gently against each other. The connection between you felt more profound than before, and the warmth of the moment lingered in the air.

As you gazed into his eyes, the intense connection made you want more. The way his lips had felt against yours, the softness, and the warmth left you craving another taste of that intimacy. You could hardly believe how perfect the moment was and how much you wanted to extend it.

Without breaking eye contact, you leaned in again, closing the space between you with a renewed sense of anticipation. Seokmin’s eyes widened slightly in surprise but quickly softened with understanding.

You pressed your lips to his once more, this time with a deeper, more fervent kiss. The kiss was filled with the desire and affection that had been building between you, a melding of emotions that seemed to make the stars shine even brighter. Seokmin responded with equal passion, his hands sliding back to hold you closer, pulling you into the embrace with a gentle but firm touch.

The kiss was slow and deliberate, a dance of mutual longing and connection. You could feel the heat of his body against yours, the tender pressure of his lips, and the comforting rhythm of his breathing. Each touch, each caress felt like a reaffirmation of the feelings that had been bubbling under the surface all evening.

As you both lost yourselves in the kiss, the world around you seemed to disappear. The gentle waves continued their rhythmic dance, and the cool night air carried the sweet scent of the surrounding flowers, enhancing the intimacy of the moment. The connection between you was electrifying, and every second of the kiss felt like it was stretching time itself.

When was the last time you kissed someone else? 

The last time you can think you kissed someone was a few years ago when you had a drunken one night stand with a man. What was his name? Sonyoung? Soonyoung? Pathetic you can only remember the stupid name he wanted to be called, Hoshi. 

It really has been that long, you can’t even remember the guys name, you don’t remember what he tasted like. I mean how could you when your lips have just met with Seokmin’s? 

You could never forget how he taste, like chocolate mixed with the sting of rum. How his lips felt plump and soft against yours, how when your lips moved together it felt like the world melted away. It was addicting how he felt against you. The two of you fell together like one weird puzzle piece. Somewhere along the liplocking you managed to climb into his lap caging him below you. 

Your fingers entangled into Seokmin’s hair, the sensation was both soothing and intimate. His hair felt remarkably soft and smooth, each strand slipping easily through your fingertips like fine silk. The texture was luxurious, with a slight natural wave that added a gentle bounce and movement to your touch.

The warmth of his hair contrasted pleasantly with the cool night air, and as you brushed your fingers through it, you could feel the gentle warmth of his scalp beneath. The strands were thick and resilient, yet still pliable, responding to your touch with a soft, yielding quality. The sensation of his hair against your skin was comforting, adding a tactile dimension to the intimacy of the moment.

As your fingers explored his hair, you could feel the subtle vibrations of his breathing and the slight tremors of his movements. The soft noises leaving his mouth as you kissed only sent electricity through your body. His hands eventually found solace on your hips, he gripped them tightly as if you would slip away from him if he didn’t hold you down there.

Eventually, you slowly pulled away, your breath caught in your throat. Your left hand lifts to gently press against your lips. Seokmin looked up at you with big bright eyes, you had something he wanted. Something that you didn’t know you could give him. 

His right hand travels up your side before he rests it against your cheek brushing a strand of your hair behind your ear to get a better look at you. In this same action you lowered your hand to rest against his chest feeling the firmness. 

Holy shit…

“Please,” He pleaded in a low voice as he places a thumb against your bottom lip. 

“Please what Seokmin,” You question, you knew what he wanted but you needed him to say it. You needed him to confirm your suspicion. 

He leans closer to your ear and says “Let me ruin you,” His voice dropped four octaves lower as he tugs on your bottom lip that he was playing with before. “Let me show you that no one will be as good as me,’ Seokmin adds in before nipping at your neck causing you to let out a yelp of surprise. 

You know you shouldn’t do this, you know that he is a coworker, a man who has given you the bare minimal attention. A kind soul who would never hurt anyone. Though maybe it is the alcohol finally capturing your self control. Or the filthy words he spoke in such confidence. 

The hand that once rested against his chest trailed its way you all the way to his throat before you wrap your fingers around it.

“I’d like to see you try,” Your voice matches his energy the suggestive tone coming almost naturally to you as you give his throat a gentle squeeze.

[thissidekhushi]

Tigoona is a design-led initiative to help improve the quality of life and earning potential of street entrepreneurs and refresh last-mile connectivity by giving better mobility, better visibility &amp; better retailing standards. Tigoona is a Solution to women street vendors.

[peachdues]

Kyojuro’s Nightmare — Tell Me to Stop (pre-part 2?)

Part 2 is slowly coming along (I think I’m like 75-80% done with it?) but unfortunately I keep wanting to expand other things that I probably don’t need to include in the story. So here’s an example of something from an earlier draft of Part 2 that probably won’t make it in the Final Cut. Really this just helps set up his attitude more than anything (and also my first stab at horror?)

Massive TW: violent nightmares/death/corpse

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Kyojuro POV

Every night for the last two months, he has dreamt of her.

They are not pretty dreams, not like those he had before, when he’d wrap her in his arms and kiss her until she laughed, the two of them living in a monster-free world and at peace.

Now, he dreams of vacant eyes tinged blue, unseeing and unblinking and frozen, just like the rest of her. He dreams of iced skin and blood and poison pouring from her mouth and her nose until she chokes, her chest rising once with a final rattle before it falls still.

He dreams of Upper Three, smiling deviously as he aims his fist to deal his final blow, and Kyojuro wrenches his blade down, desperate to finally win.

Only, his blade decapitates Y/N, not Upper Three and he is helpless to watch her head bounce pathetically to the ground. His hands are covered in her blood, and instead of disintegrating, her body falls uselessly to the side. Human.

As quickly as he kills her, the dream changes. He is in a lively street, filled to the brim with street vendors and women and men offering their services. It is night but the lights of the shops and gambling dens and pleasure houses are so bright that it looks like daytime.

He recognizes her by the back of her haori, and his feet move towards her, relieved to see her amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. He reaches out to touch her shoulder, her name whispering on his lips. But she turns before he can make contact, and though she appears as beautiful and as healthy as ever, she looks at him with eyes that are white and unseeing.

I don’t understand, she pleads with him, It doesn’t make sense.

Kyojuro looks around in alarm and they are no longer standing amongst eager entertainment seekers, but among flame and wreckage, the once-ornately decorated stalls now smashed to splinters as fire slowly consumes the skeletal remains of the entertainment district.

He turns back to her right as a blade pierces through her gut, lifting her from the ground before letting her drop.

His hands shake as he reaches for her, desperate to check her wounds, but when she looks up at him, he stumbles back.

She is all wrong. Her skin is mottled and rotting from her face, and her hair is gray and matted. Where her eyes once were are black holes, empty and cold.

Why can’t I come with you? Why can’t I go home, Kyojuro?

Please take me home.

Every night for the last two months, he has awoken screaming.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

It’s not ✨delivery✨ it’s ✨de-trauma✨

[e-dubbc11]

Songbird

Photos are not mine. They are courtesy of Pinterest/Google.

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: Ah, let’s see…in this part, none really I don’t think.

Word Count: 3.3k-ish

Summary: Part 1 of 3 (maybe 4, if you guys like longer fics, it will be 3) You live in the same building as the “Penthouse Playboy” as you call him. He eavesdrops on you singing in the stairwell and is immediately smitten but you rebuff his charms. It goes back and forth between Reader and Billy's POV. The two songs used in this chapter are Paint It, Black by Ciara and Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman by Bryan Adams

A/N: Based off this ask from my lovely Lily @munsonownsmyass

Okay, a little idea for you 🩷 We know Billy is charming and could get any woman he wants. But... what if he one night meets a woman who doesn't swoon? Someone who doesn't fall for his smooth talking or handsome looks? Of course she's interested (who wouldn't be?), but she's a tough nut to crack. Billy is instantly intrigued and wants to win her over.

I had the idea of a singer reader for awhile now and I thought combined with this ask, it sounded like a perfect combination so I hope you enjoy this and I do have a playlist that goes along with this, it's linked with the series masterlist.

As always, thank you for reading!  I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

The sky appeared heavy with the promise of a storm that had not yet broken. Would it be rain or would it be snow? It was difficult to tell on this cold afternoon in November, walking home from work.

Everyone on the sidewalk rushed past you and desperately wanted to get indoors before the sky opened up. They didn’t care if they bumped into you or if they knocked your purse off of your shoulder…THEY had to get inside before the rain or snow melted them into the sidewalk next to you. It was an amusing scenario to think about.

Walking in the rain and snow never bothered you. It soothed you, helped to calm you down after a rough day. You did want to get home soon to practice for tomorrow night but you didn’t rush, you took your time walking home, stopping to look in storefront windows and coffee shops.

You could smell the delicious roasted nuts from the vendors on the street from a block away, a baby crying in a stroller coming toward you, and a couple arguing as they drank their coffee walking ahead of you.

Those were just some of the sights and sounds the city produced on a daily basis and on your walk home every day, they were all different. No two days were the same, it kept you on your toes.

A cold droplet landed on the tip of your nose. As you looked around, there were little white flakes floating down, surrounding you as you watched them hit the ground and instantly disappear.

The ground was still a little warm for the snowflakes to stick to the sidewalk but they sparkled like a carpet of diamonds on the patches of grass and the bare tree branches as you continued your walk past the park toward your apartment building.

When you walked inside, you saw him standing in front of the mailboxes. His nickname was “The Penthouse Playboy.” You had no idea what his actual name was so that’s the nickname you came up with for him. He was always bringing home different women, no one steady.

Sure, he was incredibly handsome, an impeccable dresser, and he had a smile that could melt your insides but you knew his type. You knew it a little too well, you dated plenty like him and they were all the same…handsome, charming, and could smooth talk the pants right off of you.

You decided to hang back a little before checking your mail.

He’s made eyes at you a couple of times, those endless dark eyes that looked like two wells of black ink. You could definitely lose yourself in those eyes but you were immune to his charms.

You’d always give him a polite smile but that was it. You couldn’t help but compare yourself to the women he brought home, they were as dumb as a box of rocks but they were very beautiful.

Finally, he headed for the elevators and you could get your mail without an awkward encounter. After checking the mail, you headed up to your not-the-penthouse apartment but it was perfect for you. Changing out of your work clothes, you were trying to remember your set list for tomorrow night.

Your little singing hobby actually turned into a regular weekend gig with a few of your friends. There were a few small intimate clubs that booked you and your band on a semi-regular basis. It wasn’t every weekend but you really were having a lot of fun.

You had always been a little shy when it came to showing off your talent but each time you performed, it became easier. Finding a good place to practice was always a challenge. You didn’t want to bother your neighbors so you never really practiced inside your apartment other than the occasional shower concert.

Your favorite place to practice was actually in the stairwell. It was out of the way, you didn’t really bother anyone and hardly ever ran into anyone while you were out there.

But on your walk home, you had an idea.

Instead of practicing on the same floor as your apartment, you would go up to the top. You thought maybe there’s less of a chance of running into anyone on the top floor. Penthouse Playboy always took the elevator anyway, he wasn’t walking down all of those stairs.

It sounded like a perfect plan.

Billy

It was almost time for you to leave and meet Agent Madani for a drink. After adjusting the cufflinks on your shirt, you added an extra spritz of cologne before putting on your jacket and locking up.

Removing the key from the door lock, you noticed how quiet it was at the top. No one else to wait for the elevator with, it was just you. It was lonely sometimes but you didn’t do relationships, they were a weakness. The company you kept was sporadic and in a matter of hours, they were gone and you’d never see them again. You liked it that way.

You had awhile to wait before the elevator stopped at the top and that’s when you heard her. The melody was coming from the stairwell and it was…beautiful. You needed to find out who she was so you crept closer to the door to see if you could see her face. The dull ache in your chest caught you off guard, it was incessant.

As you inched closer, you finally recognized the song but it was slowed down. It was a version you had never heard before.

I see a red door and I want it painted black

No colors anymore, I want them to turn black

I see the girls walk by, dressed in their summer clothes

I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I see a line of cars and they're all painted black

With flowers and my love both never to come back

I see people turn their heads and quickly look away

Like a newborn baby, it just happens every day

Paralyzed in place, you stood in silence listening to her. You made sure to stay away from the window of the door so she couldn’t see you and she finally turned so you could see her face, her beautiful face to go along with her beautiful voice. You’ve seen her many times before, getting her mail, talking in the lobby with the neighbors or helping them with their groceries.

She was the only woman that didn’t fall apart at your feet when you would smile at her and was completely immune to your charms. You knew deep down that she was probably too good for you.

Madani was a tough egg to crack too but not like your little songbird here, she liked to play hardball. She would ignore you most times while getting her mail, you’d steal glances at her in an elevator full of people but she never looked back.

That feeling of vulnerability would take over when you would see her but you didn’t like feeling that way. You were used to being in control but seeing her took you out of the driver’s seat and threw you into the trunk.

It was difficult to keep this new feeling you were experiencing under control, you were a marine, a soldier…you were always composed and unemotional. Emotions will get you killed and you were definitely in the line of fire after listening to her sing.

Her hypnotic voice had made you late for drinks. You were never late for anything. She was like a siren enticing a sailor. Your little songbird wasn’t just a mission anymore, these feelings she had stirred up inside of you were something that maybe you could give into for the first time in your life, but will she let you?

You

Sound check went well, it felt good, and you were ready for tonight. Your makeup, hair and outfit were perfect. The club was intimate and the dim lights were a welcome sight as opposed to the bright fluorescent ones in the stairwell in your apartment building.

The stairs outside the penthouse were a perfect place to practice, you didn’t see a single person and you weren’t interrupted at all but you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were being watched as you sang but that couldn’t be, could it? But you forgot all about it as it got closer to show time.

There were a lot of familiar faces in the crowd tonight, a lot of the same people came to see you sing each time you performed. You didn’t want to call them “groupies” but let’s face it, they were groupies. They’d sit at the front tables, bring you flowers and hang on your every word.

And you thought getting cat called walking by a construction site was bad, these guys didn’t let up for almost the entire show. The club actually provided you with some security so they couldn’t come near you which you were thankful for.

But you had a sinking feeling, tonight was going to be an interesting one.

Billy

This was the second night in a row you had met Dinah out for drinks, you could tell she wanted to sleep with you by the way she would lean into you as she sipped her drink or brush up against you when she excused herself to go to the restroom. You knew she was using you for something that you couldn’t quite put your finger on yet.

Walking in the crisp autumn air next to her, you were trying to listen as she talked and talked and that’s when you heard it. Paint It, Black…slowed down just like your songbird had been singing it. The music was coming from up ahead, from a club called Berlin.

You turned to Dinah. “Let’s go in here for a drink.”

She looked at you confused. “I thought we were goin’ back to my place.”

“Well, I wanna have a drink here first.” You said, walking ahead of her. And however a sure thing she was, she wasn’t what you desired anymore. She wanted you but you wanted another and when you looked up at that stage, you swore your heart skipped a beat.

It WAS her.

She looked even more beautiful than when you saw her in the stairwell. The way she held the audience's gaze and captivated them with her voice, you stopped dead in your tracks. Her voice gave you goosebumps.

I look inside myself and see my heart is black

I see my red door I must have it painted black

Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts

It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black

She performed like she was born to do it. The microphone was a part of her hand, she held it so naturally and interacted with the audience with just a couple of glances and smiles in their direction.

They loved her.

No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue

I could not foresee this thing happening to you

If I look hard enough into the setting sun

My love will laugh with me before the morning comes

She glanced over to the side of the stage where you were standing with Dinah and her face froze for the briefest of seconds before going back to her performance. She obviously was not expecting to see you there and you could feel Dinah burning a hole in the back of your head because you were ignoring her.

She kept trying to get your attention but you wanted to listen to her finish the song because you weren’t able to the night before.

I wanna see it painted, painted black

Black as night, black as coal

I wanna see the sun blotted out from the sky

I see a red door and I want it painted black

No colors any more, I want them to turn black

I see the girls walk by, dressed in their summer clothes

I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

Hmm, hmm, hmm...

She made eye contact with you again, you made sure to clap louder than anyone else in that room, and the slightest of smiles stretched across her face as she bit down on her bottom lip to try and keep you from seeing.

At that point, you couldn’t deny it anymore. You were smitten and determined to make her yours.

You

As you started to sing your next song, you looked over to your left again, through the stage lights there was no mistaking that it was definitely your Penthouse Playboy. He was still there and he had a date with him…and why wouldn’t he?

She was beautiful, dark hair, deep brown eyes and glowing tan skin, but her eyes quickly narrowed when she saw the way he was looking at you.

Clearly, he wanted your attention but you were determined not to give it to him no matter how handsome he was, no matter how loud he clapped for you and no matter how many times he flashed that perfect smile at you.

Trading cash for a table close to the stage, he sat down with his date. Of course he sat down closest to you and instantly became one of your “groupies.” He hung on your every word and paid zero attention to his date, no matter how hard she flirted with him. She removed her jacket to reveal a silk camisole underneath, with lace detail decorating the top. Surely that would grab his attention…but it didn’t.

To really love a woman

To understand her, you gotta know her deep inside

Hear every thought, see every dream

And give her wings when she wants to fly

Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms

You know you really love a woman

When you love a woman, you tell her that she's really wanted

When you love a woman, you tell her that she's the one

'Cause she needs somebody, to tell her that it's gonna last forever

So, tell me have you ever really, really, really, ever loved a woman? Yeah

Your Penthouse Playboy was staring at you like you had hung the stars in the sky, looking at you in a way you’ve never seen him look at any of the women he brought home before. Apparently you had a knack for being in the lobby at the same time he was when he would bring a “date” home with him.

You made sure to show your regular admirers more attention than him, before taking your break for the evening. The members of the band always took their break outside where you preferred to stay on your stool which is when your smooth talker made his move toward the stage.

Security stopped him before he could get too close but you were kind of intrigued as to what he had to say to you.

“It’s alright, Nick. You can let him through.” You said, sitting down at the edge of the stage with your feet dangling off.

With a concerned look on his face, Nick said “You sure, y/n? I’ve never seen this one before.”

Your Penthouse Playboy scoffed at being called “this one” which made you smile a little too hard.

“No, really it’s ok. He lives in my building.” You said. “Or should I say, I live in HIS building. He looks down at all the peasants under him that DON’T live in the penthouse.” You said with a slightly wicked grin.

You could tell that comment got under his skin a little.

Nick was glaring at Penthouse Playboy as he walked back over to the other side of the stage and left you alone with your new admirer. He was trying his hardest to charm you just with his smile but this wasn’t your first rodeo. His type was all the same and you’ve fallen for it one too many times.

“You, uh…have a really beautiful voice.” He said, leaning in closer to you.

“Thank you.” You said indifferently and took a sip of your water. “What made you descend from on high to come mingle with the common folk?”

“I was walking by and heard you singing.” He said with a tough expression, matching your indifference.

You glanced in back of him at his date sitting by herself at the table.

“I don’t think your date appreciates you talking to me.” You said.

His lips curled back from his teeth as he said “Well right now, I don’t care what she thinks. And right now, I wanna talk to YOU.”

“Oh and you always do what you want, right?” You asked. Sarcasm dripping from your voice and inching even closer to him so you were both breathing the same air.

“Yeah…I do.” He said. “I apologize for never introducing myself before now but you do tend to ignore me when we cross paths…Billy Russo.” With such a short distance in between the two of you, he didn’t have to extend his hand very much for you to shake it.

You finally knew his actual name.

“Well, it’s nice to finally meet you Billy Russo. I’m y/f/n y/l/n.” You said in a harsh whisper.

Billy turned around to glance at his date, she had a scorching glare on her face and he licked his bottom lip as he turned back to face you. The space in between your bodies seemed smaller and his warm breath brushed against your eyelids.

His voice was full of confidence as he said “I’d really love to take you out sometime.”

Shocked that he would have the audacity to ask you out while on a date with another woman, it was another level of confidence or just egotistical, maybe a bit of both.

“I bet you would, Mr. Russo. And you have a lot of balls to ask me out while on a date with someone else. She looks like she wants to spit venom in my face, by the way.” You said.

Motioning for him to come closer so you could whisper in his ear, your hand snaked around the back of his head as you ran your fingers through his ebony colored hair.

“And…you’re gonna have to work a little harder than that, my Penthouse Playboy.” You said sharply, your lip pulled back over clenched teeth and adding a slight tug on his hair before pulling away.

Billy raised his eyebrows at you. “Penthouse Playboy, huh?”

“I didn’t know your name before tonight so I just referred to you as the Penthouse Playboy.” You said with a genuine smile this time.

“Is there something I could do to get you to change that nickname?” He asked.

There was a slight bitterness to your voice as you told him “Like I said, Mr. Russo…you’re gonna have to work a little harder than that. I’m not like the little bimbos you typically bring home.”

You watched as Billy’s date pushed herself away from the table and stormed out of the club, trying to make as much noise as possible on her way out, just as your band members made their way back to the stage.

Pointing to Billy’s empty table, you said to him. “Looks like your date had enough.”

“I guess she did.” He replied, not phased at all.

“Well I do have a set to finish, so you’ll have to excuse me.”

Billy turned to walk away in defeat.

Your expression softened just a little as you said “And Billy?”

He turned back around to face you.

“I’m sorry I ruined your date. I hope you’ll stay for the rest of the set anyway.”

He flashed you that perfect smile again. “You didn’t ruin anything, my little songbird. I’d love to stay. Besides…I have to earn that new nickname, don’t I.”

And with a wink, he headed back to his table and patiently waited to hear what you were going to sing next.

Tag List: @mindidjarin @saintmurd0ck @wheresthesunshinesblog @rafaelakelley @idaoftheburningmind @snowkestrel @xdervyxccgh @mattmurdocksscars @fakehappy27 @music-indie-tv @fictional-hooman @kayhi808 @munsonownsmyass @gijos @celestialams @idek-what-to-put @anastasianeedstoread @ratsys @k-marzolf @nutmeg17 @rosaleenablack @vaguekayla

Others that might enjoy: @itwasthereaminuteago @fluffyprettykitty @jvanilly @simple-lovebot @russosafehaven @mrsbillyrusso @imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend

If you’d like to be added to (or removed from) my tag list(s) for the ever so handsome Billy Russo, just let me know and thank you again for reading! 💕💕💕 If I tagged you but you didn’t want to be, just let me know and I’ll never do it again.

[eevylynn]

You're Good

Sterek || E || Friends to Lovers || 7k wc

“I’m comfortable with my life,” Stiles told Lydia, and he was. He had a job he loved, his pack was safe, and he got to see them regularly. Yeah, there was one thing he would like to change, but there's only so much he can do to change that one thing. Stiles was pretty sure that dating other people wouldn’t help. Or Stiles agrees to let Lydia set him up on a blind date, not realizing who exactly she had in mind.

AN: I realized I never made a full on tumblr post with this..oops!

This was written For L_Grae with the prompts: ~Mutual pining with meddling from the pack. ~Future fic, blind date set up by certain packmates, not realizing Sterek has a FWB agreement already.

Unfortunately, I can't quite write friends with benefits (I gave it a valiant effort, but my brain just couldn't get it right), so I merged the prompts together.

Sterek Valentine's Bingo 2024: Candle

~*~*~*~

Locking the office up with a whistle, Stiles tossed his keys in the air before catching them and shoving them in his back pocket before he turned to walk down the street to the combination coffee and bar that sat a block or so away from his office. He mentally patted himself on the back for that smooth move before abruptly tripping on nothing. Stiles looked around quickly. No one saw that.

That was the one good thing about it getting dark before Stiles even leaves the office at this time. The whole shorter days thing that came with winter coming AND Daylight Savings Time ending at the same time does get somewhat depressing at times, but it’s not like Stiles has never gone around town at night before.

Back in high school, nights were the only times that Stiles could really investigate supernatural happenings what with needing to actually go to school. He always did love a good puzzle to investigate and even contemplated  joining the FBI. However, after botching up his own internship with the FBI, Stiles ended up going to college at Beacon Hills Community College. While still in school, Stiles started a side hustle as a Supernatural Private Investigator, and, upon graduation, he was able to devote his time to his growing business, even opening an office in the slowly reemerging downtown area of Beacon Hills.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the local Beacon County packs, the Nemeton was growing healthily again, bringing positive energies with it, something even the everyday humans could feel. Because of this, more people, both supernatural and human, were moving to town and slowly building up the local economy.

Just the short walk between Stiles’ office and Lunar Lounge, his favorite bar and coffee shop, included a boutique one of Stiles’ old classmates opened, a vegan smoothie shop, owned by a nice family of elves that just moved here a few years back, and a greenhouse bookstore whose owners were always more than happy to provide Stiles with any herbs he needed for potions work after he helped them with a pixie infestation that took residence in one of their personal gardens at their house.

The Lunar Lounge was where many of the Hale pack worked. Open practically 24 hours, it served coffee and breakfast for the morning crowd before transitioning into a pub style bar in the afternoons. In addition to providing human beverages, Lunar Lounge also offered a variety of specialty drinks for the different supernaturals of Beacon Hills, including but not limited to wolfsbane infused homebrews, real bloody marys, and a selection of shimmering, almost ethereal, wines that Peter had procured a vendor for that Stiles was pretty sure was fae, but the wolf refused to confirm or deny that suspicion.

Entering the open double doors, Stiles nodded at Isaac who was behind the bar preparing some fancy pink and yellow monstrosity of a cocktail that was most definitely too sweet for Stiles’ liking.

He crossed the open sea of scuffed wooden tables, dodging a pair of colorful haired women that suddenly blocked his path as they stood up to go who knows where. Reaching the back corner, he found Derek at his usual table that he’d probably been sitting at for the last several hours, hidden from most by a black metal staircase that led to a lofted lounge area. Dark eyebrows furrowed as Derek continued to type on his laptop.

As Stiles plopped down in the seat across from him, Derek glanced up before he said, “I’m almost done. Give me a minute.”

Stiles grinned, “You’re good.” Derek smiled before turning his attention back to the screen.

Continue reading on ao3

[quills-of-freedom]

Short Story ~

First kiss with Reiner Braun 💋

Female Bodied Reader X Reiner Braun

You're just about halfway through cadets and the tension between you and Reiner has been thick for a while now. Caught in a downpour, his true gentleman self certainly shines through and you just can't seem to resist his authentic charm...

Tag list info here 🐙

Themes: Fluff. Soft.

Warnings: None.

It’s into year two of the cadets. Reiner finally has you all to himself as you browse the market stalls in the quaint town of the Trost District.

But a summer shower quickly dampens his already low spirits, knowing these feelings for you are strictly forbidden…

As the sky began to darken over Trost, Reiner glanced up at the gathering clouds and wondered if he should call it a day. He was reluctant to; it wasn’t very often he got to have you all to himself.

His golden eyes glanced at you as you pondered over the stall you were standing at – the vendor excited to show the wares. His eyes then fell to the pavement under his feet. You looked gorgeous as usual. The white dress hugged your curves and it flowed right down to just above the ankles. He’d noticed the glances you'd gotten from men, of course he did. He also noticed the second looks he had gotten.

Eyes filled with envy.

Those men thought you were a couple and Reiner secretly loved it. What he wouldn’t give for that to be true.

“Reiner?” Your soft voice called out, snapping his attention.

“What do you think of these gloves for Mikasa? They’d definitely help with her training.”

Sweet y/n.

Whenever you had spare money, you would spend it on your friends. Mikasa had been getting blisters from her pairing blade hilts. They’d joked she takes out her frustration towards Eren’s behaviour out on her grip; pretending they were his neck.

“Uh, yeah. I think they’ll come in handy, sure.” He replied half dazed.

“Everything okay?” you ask as you hand the salesperson the cash. “You seem a bit out of it.”

He instantly pulled up his usual facade. “Me? I’m fine. Looks like it’s going to rain though. We should head back.”

“Okay.” You smile slightly, taking the paper bag with the leather gloves inside. You both began to walk down the street back towards the barracks.

He silently kicked himself.

He wanted to take each step as slowly as possible, trying to wring out as much alone time as he could.

When did it get so bad?

If you didn’t have your swarm of friends around her constantly, and Bertolt didn’t act as his shadow, maybe he wouldn’t be so desperate to be alone with you in the first place.

Why did he even want that though?

He wasn’t dense. He knew he had a soft spot for you and despite his best friend’s warnings, he ignored his advice to stay away. It got worse and worse like an neglected cavity in a tooth. The longer he left it, the deeper you bore into him. He wondered if the pain of a toothache would be better than this constant yearning to be near you.

When did he become so pathetic? When did he become so… weak?

Reiner Braun was the strongest male in the 104th with the highest grades. Dedicated. Focused. Yet this H/C’d girl walking beside him with her sparkling e/c eyes could easily bring him to his knees.

He’d gone through the implications in his head over and over. His friends from back home wouldn’t approve. It’s not like they didn’t like you… In fact he was surprised how well you got along with them.

It was because they didn’t join cadets to fool around with beautiful women.

They were there to return home. Home… He wondered what his family would think of her. That was when he shook his head.

No.

There wasn’t any use in going down that trail.

“Oh no…” You wince as fat rain drops began to fall from the swollen clouds.

It was a summer day so you didn’t think to bring a jacket. In fact, none of your friends earlier had been wearing one.

Within seconds the heavy drops were crashing down all around you both, people ran for cover and merchants began to hurriedly set up a canopy over their goods.

Reiner grabbed your wrist and began to run.

With his free hand, he began undoing the buttons on his shirt.

“Summer shower.” He explained. “It won’t last long, but it’ll be a soaker.”

Women around you let out a squeal as a loud rumble of thunder echoed out over the town. Puddles were already forming as Reiner hurriedly led you down the clearing street. As you ran, water splashed around your ankles as the water was already collecting on the road.

“What are you doing?!” you called out over the loud crashing of water. “You’ll catch your death!” By the time you uttered the last word of your sentence, he whipped around and lay his large shirt over your head before returning to pull you along.

Not long after, you’d reached the stables where the transport horses were kept. It was deserted, being the cadets weekend off and were carting the soldiers to their home towns for the next couple of days.

“Dont want that pretty dress to be ruined, do we?” he joked, yet his face stayed serious.

“Reiner…” you whispered in awe, inaudible due to the crashing rain.

Reiner pushed open the large wooden door of the hay storage barn, before ushering you inside.

“Are you crazy?” you laughed once they were tucked in away from the downpour.

Beads of rain rolled down his bare flesh, trailing down his pronounced pectorals and solid abs.

Reiner shrugged. “Didn’t want you getting cold and wet.”

Your eyes softened gorgeously as he turned to rub his hand over his hair, getting excess droplets off him.

His back muscles flexed with every small movement before he turned back around, Goosebumps raising on his skin and his nipples hardening from the chill.

The barn was filled with the relaxing sounds of the heavy pattering of rain on the wooden roof above your heads. This was the side of Reiner you’d been waiting to see.

You knew he had it in him, underneath the crude jokes and the flirting attempts. He was a gentleman through and through. He just liked to hide it for whatever reasons you didn’t know.

His shirt was warm and his scent rolled off it into your nose.

You hadn’t realised how much you actually enjoyed his smell until now. It sent waves of comfort over you, like the smell alone was his big strong arms wrapping around your body, ensuring your safety and comfort.

Yes.

You’d decided.

You had been pondering on your feelings towards your classmate for a little while now and wanted to be sure. The torment of professionalism as well as distractions from training had been hanging over your head.

But there was just something about him that you were pulled to.

He jumped a little when you placed your soft hand gently on his forearm. The skin across the bridge of his nose and under his eyes instantly heated up, turning a hue of pink.

You were so close to him and he got what he always yearned for – for your skin to be touching his.

The next thing he knew you were reaching up and planting a tender kiss on his cheek.

The breath caught in his throat and that pinkness burned more brightly. Every muscle in his body tensed and his eyes enlarged slightly. But what really sent his chest thudding, was when you pulled the kiss away.

You kept your face close to his, now bearing the same pink hue. Your gorgeous eyes glistened, long lashes framing them beautifully. You smiled adorably, pulling at his shirt that was now draped across your shoulders.

“Thank you…”

You spoke softly, your hair a little messed up from the shirt, but it just made you look even more beautiful.

“For what…?” he replied in a haze.

“Being you…”

Those last words penetrated straight through his macho exterior and felt like they pierced into his heart, injecting some sort of warm fluid that quickly spread across his entire chest.

He didn’t even think.

It was like he went on auto pilot and his instincts just took over.

Placing the side of his index finger under your chin, he tilted your head up slightly and closed the gap between you, gently pressing his lips against yours.

His heart smashed against his solid barrel chest as you return the kiss, your lips softer than he had ever imagined them to be.

You run your hands up his shoulders and hung them, opening youe mouth a little wider as you kissed, giving him full permission to explore your mouth.

He did so without hesitation.

Sliding his tongue passed your sweet lips, he entwined it with yours.

It felt like fireworks and explosion were going off around him and he thought he could see stars behind his closed eyelids.

Having you kissing him and getting to be this close and intimate with you was the best feeling he’d ever had.

The adrenaline was richer and sweeter than any fight he’d been in or any training exercise.

It just felt perfect.

It began to get heated pretty quickly as your pace quickened slightly, deep exhales leaving his nose and his brow became furrowed and desperate.

You truly did make him feel weak.

He handles you gently. Although he knows you're strong, you also felt delicate, like his big lumbering body could break you at any moment.

Your fingers run through his hair and you press up against him, his arms wrapping around your form in a sweet embrace.

Although he thought he was the luckiest man alive to be able to kiss you, his body quickly began needing more.

He battled with it, keeping it under control and letting you now take the lead of the kiss.

You gently pull his pouty bottom lip with your teeth, making it that much harder for him to not throw you down and lift up that dress.

Instead, he settled for a pleased grunt, his brows creasing deeper as he became hungrier.

You slowly pulled away.

He pressed his forehead against yours, unable to hide the dumb grin that spread across his face as he caresses your hair with his right hand.

“What’s with that goofy grin?” you joked quietly; her sweet breath warm on his face.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.” He replied, his grin stretching further.

Smiling, you lower your head almost shyly at that titbit of information.

You then fix your eyes on his. “Really?”

“Of course…” he looked genuinely surprised. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

“Oh stop.” You laugh.

He took your hand and placed it on his bare chest over his rapid heartbeat. His honey eyes not removing their gaze from yours. “I swear.”

You didn’t know what to say.

“Well, you have awful taste.” Was what you settled for.

But having Reiner Braun, of whom didn’t really catch your eye at first, now you'd gotten to know him, was extremely attractive; his chest bare and holding you close like this set a burning desire deep within you.

One that you would have to keep under control.

…For now.

You gently place your hand on his jawline before replacing your mouth onto his.

He let out a small unintentional exhale from his nose, more than happy to slide his warm tongue back inside of your mouth.

Your hands gently caressed his broad shoulders, pace quickening and teeth grazing his lip.

You didn’t want to let things get too heated too quickly, but battling your urges seemed like an uphill battle. He’d grown on you a hell of a lot over the last year and a half and having him hold you like this felt amazing.

As Reiner kissed you, he pushed away the little voice inside of his head that was telling him this was all a big mistake and he had just complicated things massively.

He didn’t care.

His feelings for you had always surpassed the doubts that swirled around in his mind. And now, knowing you had some reciprocating feelings it was incomprehensible that he would now turn his back on you.

He grazed his hand lightly up your arm as he slowly and almost gracefully devoured the inside of your mouth. Your skin was the softest thing he’d ever touched like some fine silk from a faraway land. He almost felt like he was ruining you, just by having his unworthy hands upon your flesh.

You pull away once again and he sealed the kiss with another gently peck.

“This is crazy…” you sigh, taking a step back. “We’re training to be soldiers.”

“I know how you feel, believe me.” He muttered, a frown tugging at his mouth. “But I think life’s a little too short to be putting good things on the back burner.”

You pondered on that for a moment.

He began to feel desperate. Now that he had your affections within his grasp, he wasn’t about to let them slip through his fingers.

“I mean…” he took a step forward and took your hand into his large pair. “I know I joke around a lot but you…”

He paused for a moment, choosing his words.

“I didn’t kiss you with the intention of just having you then leaving. …I want us to be together. Properly. Hell, if we weren’t in Cadets, I would be asking you to marry me right now.”

That blushing hue returned to his face as he shyly looked away, not used to spilling out his feelings like this.

But the humiliation and discomfort would be worth it if he managed to gain you as his own.

Again… When did I get so weak?

You do a better job than he at hiding the grin that was threatening to spread across your face.

Instead, your face matched his reddening tone.

“Are you saying… You love me, Reiner Braun?” you spoke softly.

He pushed away every instinct that told him to run and hide.

“Yeah. As a matter of fact, I am.” He replied steadily.

Now it was your turn to ignore her instincts to run.

“R-Reiner. It’s not that I don’t care for you too, I do. But… Ah, it’s complicated.” You grimaced. “I don’t know when.. uh… I’ll be ready to…” your face was almost glowing at this point.

“Hey hey…” he soothed. “Its okay. I love you. I don’t care about waiting.” His face returned to the familiar serious soldier expression you were so used to seeing during training. “Even if you’d wanna wait until after marriage. I don’t mind.”

You squirm uncomfortably. “Its not that. Maybe we can talk about it… Another time?”

It perplexed him but he didn’t mind. “Of course.”

You breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“So…?” He melted back into that cheeky smirk.

The classic Reiner grin. Mischievous and cunning.

“You wanna give this a shot?”

You had noticed the rain had slowed to a stop, the clouds had moved on and the sun was shining once again.

You'd known Reiner now for almost two years. Spent every single day pretty much in his presence. You'd worked together, laughed together and well… Now this.

You reminded herself how strong that urge was to kiss him only minutes ago. Why you initiated closeness in the first place. Your mind fluttered through the pages of your recent memories and how he had been making you feel these days, and how your eyes have been lingering upon him a little longer than you'd have liked.

You let out a sigh before smirking back at him. “Sure. But don’t get comfortable now. Just because you have me doesn’t mean you can start slacking your charm.”

You playfully pushed his cheeks together with your index and thumb, resulting in a chuckle rumble from his broad chest.

“I swear it.” He grinned, kissing her.

“Come on. We’d better head back.” You smile, handing him back his shirt.

[ancientgoddessofegypt]

Venus in the 8th: More Observations & Tips

Venus 8th House - Their sensuality is potent & is very magnetic. Their allure is contagious, and they tend to have others wanting to worship then. They could understand the dark side of money and how to make it. I see something about sex work being a thing for a few people with this house placement, but most of all it could be that you are aware of how money works in society and dont look it at from a good or bad perspective. You know that money can be made in all ways and its truly what you do with it is what counts. Hidden secrets around relationships and lovers. You might be able to spot when your lovers are walking out on you, you just know. When it comes to everyone else relationships you can see through them, something you learned during your adolescent years. Youre able to pick up on the energies of people very easy, so it is no wonder you're able to pick up things from others relationships.

I notice if you're a woman with this placement others tend to 'hide their wives/husbands' from you. They think you'll steal them, your sex appeal is extremely high so no matter what people will think youre some 'slut'. Sugar daddies may come out of no where for you guys, the 'streets' chose you not the other way around.

For some of you, you could know some pretty successful people in high places. They gravitate to your aura because it is very dark and powerful, so this can be used as opportunity. You can see into their lives and they trust you with what you know. The more higher youre up on the ladder the more hidden knowledge you tend to come across.

Gifted in the occult, you can be healers in areas that have to do with the sexual organs. Can heal others with your hands (reiki) and could also make money off this if you choose.

Last thing I wasnt to say is that you guys can have a lot of jealous women around you. Girl, guy, non binary. Doesnt matter. Its because since youre personal power comes from your sensuality it can shine light on other peoples darkness.

'Like why is this person so pretty?' 'why does everyone gravitate to them and not me?' like... they cant seem to understand what it is about you. You dont have to be some ig model or extremely attractive to be 'sexy' with this placement you ARE it. You are the embodiment of sex appeal.

Tips I would have these placement holders is to hold on to their sex appeal as long as they can because as they mature in life they'll be individuals that will try to make you turn it down. Hold your head up high & never let them see you sweat because trust me they're waiting it on it. If you have any moment where you are vulnerable thats when the vultures come through and try to attack so privacy over your self & your feelings is necessary.

If you are an artist you can sell your art and can get a lot of vendors and sponsors who want to see your stuff. I say this because people some of you with this placement may be prone to insecurity around your artwork however your passion is noticed in your work. So it should be seen in the spotlight because it gives us a chance to feel the passion and hard work in what you've created.

Another thing I will say before I end this, is that love for yourself & the world at large creates more energy for you to live off of and makes your aura stand out from the rest. You guys are actually work really well with community and you should use your magnetism for the workspaces of helping groups that need your compassion and grace.

thank you for reading <3

[tomtenadia]

Detours to you - ch 2

Hello and good Sunday :)

For those interested I have e present. This chapter is a bit angsty and I am sorry.

Please do not be mad at either of them. it's a very tricky situation and they are just fighting for what they believe is the right thing to do.

Hope you will like it.

MASTERLIST

The following morning, Aelin arrived at the shop a bit earlier and found that Elide was already there “Morning, Lorcan kicked you out?”

Her friend turned and Aelin froze at the woman’s expression “El, are you okay?”

“Ae, I need to talk to you and I need to do it before we open.”

“You are scaring me,” Aelin dumped her behind the counter “what happened?”

Elide took a deep breath and counted till five “You know, Lorcan and his friends have a bro code and have  rules and all,” she blabbered “and you know he is stubborn and I tried…”

Aelin groaned hard “El, please.”

“Rowan is back and Lorcan told him about Maya.” She blurted out in one breath.

Aelin stood eyes wide open, her hands shaking.

“Aelin, please talk to me.”

She just grabbed her bag and ran to her office, slamming the door shut.

In that instant Lysandra walked in carrying hot drinks and sensed the bad energy in the air “what happened here?”

“I told Aelin that Rowan is back and that Lorcan told him about Maya.”

Lysandra cursed loudly “this is bad. Where is she?”

Elide nodded towards the office “I think she needs a bit of space before we open.

Both women stared at the closed door with a heavy heart “Your husband deserves to stay without sex for three months.”

“Hey, that’s a punishment for me too.”

Lysandra wanted to laugh but the situation did not call for it. Slowly they got the shop ready for the day and left Aelin in peace for a bit.

*

Rowan was excited and nervous at the same time for his first day as chief. Tradition was that the new chief would visit all of the houses on his first two days to introduce themselves to the teams. He had made a plan of the order in which he wanted to go and had started early. Now in his TFD pickup he was driving to the first one. He’d start from the northern part and slowly make his way down to the south and then hit the centre to finish with Station 15. His old firehouse. His old team. He had kept in touch with Lorcan and knew all about what had happened throughout the years. He was proud of them and was looking forward to see them again. But first of all he had to visit all of the other stations.

-

It was late noon when he decided to take a lunch break from his tour. He had a productive morning and had managed to visit a good number of firehouses and was on track to keep his schedule. He drove towards old Orynth and parked near the Florine, strolling through the pedestrian area. He had always loved the old part of the city. It had personality and charm. Rowan walked down the cobbled street reaching one of the street vendors where he bought some food and then sat down near the river bank on a bench. Terrasen and Orynth had always felt more home than Doranelle. He had set roots there, had spent a good part of his adult life in those lands and leaving had been painful. But now he was back and had unexpectedly found a new reason to never leave again.

He thought about Maya, he only had a small glimpse, but the girl looked like the most adorable child he had ever seen. He wanted to get to know her.

The previous night while laying in the grass he thought about things to teach her, wondered if she liked the stars or hockey or crazy sugary stuff like her mother. He had always wanted kids, that was something he and Aelin had discussed while they were dating. Rowan wanted a big family and now that the possibility was within grasp he would do his best to fight for it until the end.

Lunch finished he resumed his walk and found himself in front of the window of Aelin’s shop. He had missed the inauguration by a week but had seen photos. He had helped her throughout the whole process and saw the shop slowly coming alive. She had done well and, although he was mad at her for lying at him, he was proud of her.

Hesitation hit him hard. A part of him wanted to go inside, but the other was not sure. He had no idea how he would feel at seeing her again. His feelings were far too tangled to be able to predict his reaction and it unnerved him.

Step by step he moved closer and at the front door his hand moved on the handle and pushed the door open. 

A bell marked the arrival of a new customer and two heads turned towards him. Both black haired: Elide and Lysandra. He stood, incapable of moving an inch. His eyes scanned the shop and did not find Aelin.

“Rowan,” Elide had walked to him, followed by Lysandra.

“So you are back,” added Lysandra almost in a confrontational tone.

“My mum got tired of me.” He tried to make a joke but his nervousness hitched up a notch. The two women clearly did not like him and he was okay with it. He just wanted to talk to Aelin “Is Aelin around?”

The two women exchanged glances and then indicated the office with their heads. Before he could move, Lysandra’s hand landed on his arm “You hurt her and I swear Whitethorn, you will be running back to Wendlyn within a day.”

Rowan glared at the woman and gently extricated himself from the grip. Why was he the bad guy all of a sudden?

He reached the door of the office and knocked.

*

Aelin slumped on her chair behind the desk and buried her face in her hands. A sob broke the silence of the room and then another and one more. Aelin let her tears flow. So many questions crowding her mind. Rowan was back. And he knew. How was she going to explain to him the reasons why she had lied? Her fears? Why was he back?

She stood and paced the room, looking outside where the snow was falling hard. She had woken up in a wonderful mood but now… 

Aelin almost sat down again when a knock at the door stopped her.

Silence and a second knock came a few seconds later “Aelin?”

That voice. She hadn’t heard it in five years but it still had the power to undo her. His accent. That lilting tone that was so him. Her heart raced and concentrated hard on what awaited her behind the door.

“Come in,” she croaked.

The door opened slightly and Rowan appeared in front of her. He had his uniform on, a white shirt, blue cargo trousers and a blue soft shell jacket that read Chief Whitethorn. She looked up at his face and her breath caught. His hair was slightly longer and his face… the harsh lines that gave him a rugged handsomeness were all still there. She hadn’t seen him in five years and her heart still raced like the first time.

“Rowan,” she breathed harshly “You are back.”

He nodded in silence.

“You look good,” she added, trying to fight the awkwardness of the moment. All of a sudden she had no idea how to talk to him.

“I love the shop. It looks amazing,” his lips bent in a very tight smile.

Aelin leaned against the desk placing her hands behind her “Why are you here?”

A loud snort left Rowan “Really? Do you have to ask me that question?”

“I was not expecting you back.”

“Clearly,” he added trying to clamp down the irritation in his voice “So much that you decided it was okay to keep from me the fact that I have a daughter.”

Aelin briefly looked away “It was the best choice at the time.” She looked back at him and saw fury burn in his pine green eyes. Smouldering hot fury cursing through him.

“She is my daughter too,” he hissed at her “and you lied.”

“You left!” She growled back in response matching his tone.

“Aelin, my father had died, my family was falling apart,” he breathed hard and started pacing “My mother fell into such deep depression that for a while the doctors had thought to place her under suicide watch. I had to go.” The words hit like knives. His mother was doing so much better thanks to therapy and the medication, but he could not forget the months following his father passing. And he was in a dark place too.

“And I let you go, Rowan. I never tried to keep you away from your family so don’t make me pass like a monster.”

Rowan stared at the woman in front of him and all of a sudden he did not recognise her anymore. The woman who had been the love his life had become a stranger. And the deep part of him that still remembered what he felt for her, grieved at the loss.

He took a step closer “Were you pregnant the last time I came back?”

Aelin was silent all of a sudden.

“I did the math after Lorcan told me her birthday.”

“It was pointless anyway.” Her voice sad.

“I could have found a way.”

She looked up at him, her eyes shining with the hint of tears she was trying not to shed “Maya and I were not a weekend past time. You could have never fully committed to us, so I gave you an out.”

She could see that Rowan was pushing down his anger, she knew his reactions so well. His jaw was tight, making the lines of his face harsh, his hands tightened in fists at his side.

“Have you even thought about the fact that knowing that she was a grandma might have helped my mum? That I could have brought her to Terrasen for a while? Do you really think that I was so deep in my sorrow that I would have made a crappy father? I would have found a way to make things work.” He growled trying not to raise his voice.

Her blue eyes met his and saw deep sincerity in them. She knew that Rowan wanted a family and had no doubts that he would make the most caring father a child could have, but a the time she was positive that not telling him was the best way to protect everyone.

“I was just trying to protect her.”

“From her father?”

“From pain, Rowan. From you not being here for her.”

His hand raked roughly through his hair “That worked out well. You robbed me of five years of my daughter’s life. Five years of her growing up, learning to walk, talk, read.”

Aelin was silent and Rowan took that as a clue to keep venting his feelings “I have rights, Aelin. She is my daughter, my blood. I want to see her grow up. I want to teach her things, spend time with her.”

“Until you transfer again.”

He growled again “I bought a house Aelin, I am not leaving Orynth, this is my home.”

“I have to think about it.”

“About what?” He roared a bit too loud “If I am fit to be around her? Are you kidding me?”

“She is five, Rowan. Have you thought about how it would affect her to have a father all of a sudden?”

“Are you ready to answer the question when one day she comes home from school and asks you why she does not have a father like all the other kids?”

Aelin was stunned. Yes, until two days ago she had a lie ready. She would have told Maya that her dad was a firefighter and died bravely in a fire.

“You did!” He added at her silence.

“I was going to tell her you died heroically on the job.”

Pain. She saw the unyielding pain that cursed through Rowan at her admission. He stood silent, staring at her, his eyes set on her “I have rights, I want to see her. I can be a friend of your for now, but I want to see my daughter.”

Aelin was silent. Rowan drew a harsh breath and saw him regains his composure.

“Don’t make me involve lawyers, Aelin,” he said quietly “I don’t want to put our daughter through a custody battle, please.”

With that he left the room.

Aelin slumped on the floor and let the tears come in full force.

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