#i like cooking but its even better when we have guests and i make my little dishes and then they go wow that was really good:3

[justastraymoa]

ADVENTURES WITH CHEESE EXTENDED EDITION PT 3

In a nearly unheard of turn of events, I had the apartment all to myself today. Well, me and Cheese that is. The Chan Clan were all out doing their thing, leaving me to do mine. Which is hang around the apartment in my pajamas.

I was craving something sweet, though. Funnel cakes, to be precise. I hadn’t had one in years, and the thought of one now was making my mouth water. The process of making them wasn’t difficult per se, but annoying and time-consuming.

Thinking about it, we may even have all the ingredients needed already here. Whatever, it was just me today, I was going to make funnel cakes and enjoy them with no guilt. I may even make myself two and eat the second one later when the boys got home. Who was gunna judge me, the boys. Please, as long as I made a funnel cake for them, they wouldn’t say a word.

As I set up the ingredients, I put on a playlist of my favorite songs and got to work. I didn’t make desserts often. I found things like this, too precise. I liked cooking better where you can be more or less generous with ingredients with the same basic result. It was much easier to deal with, especially when I tended to forgo measuring cups and spoons and preferred to measure with my tastebuds and heart.

Cheese was on the counter next to where I put some dry ingredients. He sniffed curiously at the bowls and bags, but wasn’t trying to touch or eat them so I let it go. You sometimes have to choose your battles with cats, and this one just wasn’t worth it.

“Don’t touch the stove, bud, its hot.” I warned him when he got to close to the red hot coils of the burner I was using. I watched out of the corner of my eye as he gave the burner a curious sniff before moving away again.

I smiled to myself and turned to mix the wet ingredients together.

I was in my head, zoned out, listening to music and mindlessly making the funnel cakes when a sneeze and a clatter got my attention.

I snored inelegantly at the sight before me. Cheese was covered in the powdered sugar I had put into a bowl on the dry ingredients counter. “Did you get too curious there babe?” I asked as I wiped my hands and immediately took out my phone to take pictures and message the boys.

Now to clean Cheese up. He held still well enough, only chirping in annoyance as I rubbed a dry towel, then a wet towel over his face. I got most of it off, but the powdered sugar seemed to get stuck deep down into his fur. I would leave it, but I wasn’t sure if powdered sugar was safe for cats to eat, and I wasn’t willing to risk his health because I was lazy and didn’t want to bathe a cat.

So into the bathroom I went after making sure everything in the kitchen was turned off or down to safe levels since I wasn’t going to be around to watch it. Better safe than sorry. The last thing I wanted to do while I crashed here was burn the place down. Talk about being a bad house guest.

I had teased Bin, but in reality Cheese was a laid back bather. He was grumpy, but he didn’t bite or scratch at you when you had to give him a bath. But I also knew he would give me the cold shoulder for the next few hours while he bathed obsessively to get his fur back to just right.

“Where is my poor baby boy!” Lino asked as soon as the front door opened later on.

I scoffed from my spot on the couch. “Hello to you to.”

Lino held up a hand in my direction and looked around the room. “Hush evil woman! Where is the king of the house?”

“Where are the funnel cakes?” Bin put in a second later. I pouted at both of them refusing to answer.

The door shut as the last two came in and took off their shoes. “Who is being mean to you y/n?” Channie asked as he spotted my pouting form on the couch. He tugged lightly on my jutting lower lip and kissed the top of my head.

“They only care about food and Cheese!” I whined high pitched and annoying.

Hyune threw himself over my lap and poked my cheek. “How dare they!”

“You weren’t the one emotionally traumatized by powdered sugar and water today!” Lino shouted form another room, still looking for Cheese. I wasn’t going to tell him he was hiding under the bed in Chans room. Let him keep looking.

Bin came up behind me on the couch and wrapped his arms around my head in a hug. “Im sorry. Hello, y/n how was your day? Did Cheese scratch you too bad when you gave him a bath? I can help you apply antibiotic ointment.” He offered.

I shoved him off and away, fixing my static riddled hair. “Better. Funnel cakes are in the oven keeping warm. Sprinkle the powdered sugar on it and its ready to go.” I didn’t bother answering any of his questions, knowing he mostly didn’t care about them. Not really. They were only a means to an end. His funnel cake.

Hyune sat up and gently took one of my arms, inspecting it. “Don’t worry. Cheese doesn’t like baths, but he doesn’t scratch.”

Dinner wasn’t the healthiest that night, all of us full of funnel cake and hyped up on powdered sugar, but we had fun. Cheese even deemed me forgiven enough to let me pet him again. After I gave him a couple of apology treats.

I sighed and threw my phone down on my bed. Cheese blinked his eyes at me in curiosity before rolling over and stretching out the length of his body. “What do you think Cheese? You wanna live here?” I smoothed down the soft fur on his belly and snatched my hand away before he could bite at it for daring to touch his belly.

A couple minutes later there was a knock on my door. “Come in.” I called reaching to get my phone again.

Hyune stepped inside and shut the door again behind him. “Whats up?” I patted my bed inviting him to sit.

Hyune sat, chewing on the inside of his cheek slightly. “I wanted to talk to you about moving in.”

I sighed. “You know I cant. You have already given up your room for long enough, and I do not want to overstay my welcome. You guys have been amazing already and I do not want to push in.”

“That’s just it though. We really don’t want you to leave. I cant speak for the others, but it makes me want to cry when I think about you leaving. And me and Bin are just fine sharing a room. We literally only use it to sleep so its not even a sacrifice!”

“Of course it’s a sacrifice, you just don’t realize it yet! You and Bin don’t have a place to call your own. You don’t have a safe zone where you can go to just be alone!” These were very important things for someone’s mental health. Especially when they lived with other people. Humans sometimes just needed a place to exist in alone. Be with their own thoughts.

He waved me off. “If either of us ever need that we can just tell the other and have the room to ourself for however long we need. There are two other rooms in this apartment that would welcome either of us for the night if we asked. And im sure not even you would turn us down for the night if we needed it.”

That was true. I had no qualms about letting any one of them stay with me for a night. We had slept all in a pile in the living room once or twice since we started doing Friday night cat movie night. This wasn’t much different, even if it was more one on one.

“Bottom line, please stay.” Hyune said after giving me a minute to think about what he said.

I rolled my eyes lightly. “I’ll think about it.”

He smiled widely and hopped off the bed. Far too happy for someone who just got a maybe. (even if I knew I was going to give in. I wanted to stay as much as they wanted me to stay)

When I was finally allowed back in my apartment the boys took an entire day off from their work to help me go to my old apartment, pack, and move everything. Between all of us it was finished in half a day. I truly didn’t have much anyways as I had only moved in a couple months before the fumigation started.

And Cheese was very happy to have all his stuff back. Particularly his 6 ft tall cat tree. That went into my new room right by the window so he could bask in all his glory in the sun as it shown through.

Everything that was even remotely suspected of having a bed bug on it was thrown directly into the trash. We were not risking that. I could buy anything I needed to replace with time.

A/N: So again, sorry, the texts don't quite match up with the extended version timeline. 😅 bear with me, please 🙏

And thank you for reading and interacting in anyway or just reading alone. I hope you enjoy the antics of the Chan Clan

Skz + pets masterlist

Taglist: @whatdoyouwanttocallmefor

[ellieromanov]

Moments in between

Pairings: Natasha x reader

Word count: 3k

Genre: angst

Warnings: toxic relationships (toxic Nat) manipulation, brief Smut

(Ngl, This wasn’t my best work, don’t love it but I needed to post something lol)

Y/n’s point of view

Natty❤️

Hey, the mission was canceled, I'll be home around 7-7:30 give or take. So I'll see you soon! Btw I'm starving! xx

Me

That's great! I can't wait!! I'll have dinner ready! Love you!!! xx

Despite her lack of response, I immediately set to work, tidying the house so she wouldn't have to worry about it when she returned.

By 6:20, dinner was in progress—her favorite, a small effort to make our evening special. As it cooked, I chose a cute dress, styled my hair, and applied makeup. Nights like these were extremely rare lately, and Nat and I were feeling the strain so I might as well put details into the little things when I can.

She's always busy with work, I mean of course she is, she's an avenger. But when I go weeks at a time without seeing her it gets hard. It feels like half the time shes avoiding being around me. It feels like she often looks for extra tasks. It might all be in my head but I mean Hell I can't even remember the last time we ate and had a conversation together, so I want tonight to be perfect.

As the clock ticked past 7:20, dinner sat ready on the stove, the aroma of her favorite dish filling the air. I hesitated, torn between plating her food or waiting for her call. At 7:40, I finally dialed her number, but the call went unanswered, sending me straight to  voicemail. I decided to wait before serving the meal, hoping it wouldn't lose its warmth.

8:00 nothing, she hasn't called back or texted. But that's alright maybe she needed to get a few things done.

8:30 nothing. Maybe traffic?

9:00 nothing. Maybe there was an emergency

9:30 not a word. Something probably came up.

By 10:00 I gave up. I put away the left overs and cleaned up the kitchen. I put Natasha's plate in the fridge, turned off the music and blew out the candles.

In the bathroom, I unwound my efforts, removing my makeup and undoing my hair before stepping into the shower.

I went to sleep alone that night. Natasha finally came home just past 2 in the morning. Her footsteps were loud enough to wake me up. Though I heard her entrance, I chose not to acknowledge her. She joined me in bed, and when she realized I was awake she wrapped her arms around me and whispered apologies and showered kisses on my bare shoulder.

"I'm so sorry." She mumbled between kisses. She kissed from my cheek to my neck, then finally my collarbone. "Let me make it up to you gorgeous."

When she kissed my lips I could taste the whiskey on her.

I remained silent, unsure whether to accept her apologies or express the disappointment that lingered. Natasha's tender kisses continued, and her warmth beside me begged for acknowledgment.

I didn't say anything. "Please baby, let me make you feel good, let me make it better." She pleaded as she sucked marks into my neck. I was so overwhelmed with emotions and I was mad and disappointed but I couldn't convey any of my feelings. I couldn't speak so I just nodded my head as tears started to stream down my cheeks. I don't know why I was crying but I couldn't help it. Once the tears started they couldn't stop. Natasha got on top of me, straddling my hips as she kissed my neck. I just wrapped my arms around her and buried my hands in her hair as I cried.

"I promise to make it up to you." She whispered for the hundredth time as she kissed my bare skin. She took my hoodie off first then went lower, leaving her trail of marks as she went.

Moments later I was completely bare under her and had no control. I know if I told her to stop she would. I know that. But then what. We'd fight and she'd sleep in the guest room? I just want things to go back to the way they were.

With every thrust I just held onto her tighter and closed my eyes to stop the tears and try to enjoy the moment with her but there was no enjoyment to be found.

Just tell her to stop.

Tell her later.

Tell her you're tired.

I didn't say anything. I tried to react as much as I could when she wanted me too. Gasped when she went faster, moaned when she did something different, just keep her satisfied.

"God baby, you're so fucking perfect." She grunted.

Just nod.

"Such a good girl"

React.

"I love your tight little pussy so much. I love you, so much detka"

Tell her you love her.

...

She eventually got the release she was looking for and went to sleep not long after. But I couldn't. I stayed awake next to her and cried. I curled up in a ball with me knees tucked under my chin and cried. My whole body was shaking from my silent sobs. It wasn't that she touched me, it wasn't that she didn't show up for dinner, it wasn't that she didn't take care of me, it was the fact that things used to be different. It was the realization that I was losing her.

She used to get home from missions early to come home and cook with me, we'd dance in the kitchen together and we'd laugh until we couldn't breath and it physically hurt, we used to talk for hours on end, we used play games together and watch movies, we used to make love, and we used to read, and paint, play music, go on walks, we used to do everything together. Because we loved each other...

But now... I don't think she loves me anymore. She doesn't look at me the same. She used to look at me like I was the only girl in the world, but she doesn't have that same spark in her eyes anymore. She doesn't talk to me anymore, she doesn't watch movies with me, or go on walks. Let alone laugh or dance with me. I haven't heard her say she loves me before tonight in months. I think she's done with me...

When I was younger I remember thinking that I'd refuse to stay with someone who doesn't see me for all my worth. How naïve.

_____

When the sun came up in the morning I was alone again. She left without a goodbye, without a kiss on top of my head, without a touch. without a simple acknowledgment.

When I went to the bathroom to shower I saw how red and puffy my eyes were from crying last night. Seeing myself like that confirmed my thoughts that Natasha was in fact done with me. No loving caring partner would let this happen. They wouldn't let their person cry themselves to sleep after an intimate moment. They wouldn't miss a dinner after saying they would be there and they wouldn't use sex as a way to make it up to them. That's not how a healthy functioning relationship works. It's just not.

That afternoon so many thoughts ran through my head, because even though she didn't love me anymore, I loved her with all I had. And if she didn't want me to leave then I wouldn't, I'd stay and I'd give her my entire being until I had nothing left to give and even then I'd stay. I'd stay because I'd have no where else to go, I'd have no one. I'd have nothing. And Id always love her.

I texted her that afternoon asking to talk when she got home.

Me

I Hope you are having a good day. I want to talk to you when you get home if that's okay. Stay safe.

I love you.

She didn't respond, she never does.

As the hours passed by I distracted myself with cleaning, cooking, painting and reading, and with each activity my concern only grew. the sun set and the only thing that brought light to the apartment was the television.

when 10 o'clock passed by I started crying again. I wondered if tonight would be another night on my own or if she'd decide to come home at some point. My heart felt heavy with anxiety and mourning. I wish I had never made the realization that she was moving on from me, I wish that I could have stayed in my denial.

The more minutes that went by the more tears I shed. I tried calling her and I tried texting her, but every message went unanswered. I tried to check her location but she turned it off. I finally had enough and decided to text the one person who always knew of Natasha's whereabouts.

Me

Hey Barton. It's Y/n, I don't know if you had my number saved. I was just texting to ask if Natasha was still at the compound?  Or if she was sent on a mission. She stopped sharing her location with me and won't respond to any of my text. I'm just starting to get worried so if you could just let me know that would be great.

It didn't take him long to respond.

Clint 🏹

Hey Y/n. Natasha went out with Maria and a few other agents. They said they were just going out for a quick drink. Is she not responding to your calls either?

Me

She hasn't responded to anything, text or call. Thanks for letting me know.

Clint🏹

Do you want me to try calling her? Try to knock some since into her?

Me

If you could try calling her I'd really appreciate it. I Just want to make sure she's okay. If she answers tell her I need to talk to her.

Clint🏹

Of course Y/n. I'll let you know if she picks up. If not I'll call Maria.

Me

Thank you Clint, I really appreciate it.

As I sat on the sofa with tear stained cheeks I finally got a message from Natasha.

Natty❤️

What?

Me

Are you serious?

Natty❤️

What do you mean am I serious?

Me

I've been trying to call you and text you for the past four hours Natasha.

Natty❤️

I'm sorry. I didn't see them.

Me

but when Barton is the one who's calling all the sudden you see it.

It took her a few minutes to respond to the message. The text bubbles kept disappearing and appearing again. But Finally she responds.

Natty❤️

I'm sorry. You're right, I should have answered you, I've just been busy. Is everything okay?

Me

Im just hurting. I really want you to come home to me Natasha.

Please just come home.

When the text bubbles disappeared my heart sank even more. I couldn't help the sobs and whimpers as I curled up on the couch.

_____

Natasha's point of view

The bar was dimly lit, filled with the low hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses. I sat at a corner table, nursing a drink that I ordered half an hour ago. I stare off as I half-listen to Maria rant about her latest assignment from Fury. But truth be told, my mind was elsewhere,  the guilt sitting in.

I glance down at my phone for every new string of unanswered messages and missed calls from Y/n. I continue to Ignore them as they keep poring in. I take another sip of the aged whiskey, as I try to participate in the conversation and ignore my buzzing phone. Finally, well past midnight, I decide to head home, my mind clouded with the alcohol's numbness. The walk through the Crisp winter air helped me sober up and cleared my head as I walked.

Finally getting to our townhouse I unlock and open the door. As I climb the stairs to the main floor I notice the lights are off so I simply assume she has gone off to bed. Perfect, that means no fighting. But when I reach the final step leading to the living room I find Y/n on the couch, tear-stained and defeated, wrapped up in a blanket, half asleep. I walk towards her, every step echoing in the stillness of our home.

I wordlessly scoop her up into my arms, I can see the hurt on her face as I hold her against me. She wakes up enough to wrap her arms around me as I take her to our room.

"I'm tired Tasha." She mumbles against my neck, she's hardly audible but I could hear her. "I know. I'm here now, we can sleep." I tell her as we enter our room.

I Gently place Y/n on the bed, I couldn't meet her eyes. There was a weariness in her voice as she again murmured, "No, Nat. I'm tired." I couldn't help the sigh that escaped me as I replied, "Just go to sleep, Y/n." The weight of my own exhaustion mingled with the my guilt.

I walk off to the closet to change into comfortable clothes and when I walk back to the bed Y/n is sat crisscrossed in her oversized hoodie with tears streaming down her face again. a knot of frustration tightened in me.

"Y/n stop it. It's late. I'm not dealing with this right now."  I sigh as I pinch the bridge of my nose, my impatience slipping into my tone. But then she looks at me. "No Nat. Im so tired, im tired of being so lonely..." her voice shakes. "I miss you so much. Is it to much to ask you come back to me at the end of a day? I'm hurting so much." She stifles her cry.

I sit next to her and grab her hands. "Baby please. Let's not do this right now. We are both tired so can we please go to sleep and talk about this tomorrow?" I try to negotiate with her.

"No because I might not see you tomorrow, I hardly ever see you anymore Natasha, that's the problem. The past few months you haven't been here... you'd rather stay out till god who knows how late rather then to come home to me..." she pauses for a moment before beginning again. "Natasha I love you so much. And I want you to be happy. So I need to know now. Do you still want to be here?-"

"of course I still want-"

"No Nat, let me speak. I Will not be the reason you are unhappy. I won't, I won't do that. I will not be the reason you miss out on the life you are wanting so I need to now right now. If you are done I need you to tell me- because I can't let go of you by myself, I love you to much to willingly walk away, so I need to hear you say it. If it's time for me to let you go I need you to tell me that, i need you to tell me to let you go. You have to do that for me..."

As she spoke something finally registered with me, something I've known for a long time but never wanted to admit. Y/n has always been a backup plan for me. If any aspect of my life were to go south I could always come back home and she'd be here waiting. She's a safety net, a lifeline, she's the plan B. And I don't want to let that go. If I let her go then that means I have no one to fall back on.

She deserves so much more then me, she deserves someone worthy of her, to give her love and affection, and someone who will show up for her when she cooks dinner, and be there for her when she needs a shoulder to cry on, I know this. I've always known.

She will always be second in my life, she'll be second to my career, to my wants and needs. But that selfish part of me won't let her go. I won't let her go even though I know it's time.

As the room hung in silence, Y/n's  tear-streaked eyes searched mine for a response. For an acknowledgment. The tension between us only thickened. Her eyes begging for an answer of some sort.

"I..." The words lingered on my tongue. My gaze dropped to the floor, avoiding her pleading eyes. I know it's selfish, I know I should do what's best for her because I do want to see her happy but I can't loose her.

"I can't let you leave, Y/n..." I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. Y/n's eyes glistened with a mix of relief and sorrow. She heard the words she was hoping for, but I could tell she was hoping for more. For an expression of love and need, she wanted to feel the truth of my words but she couldn't find any. But I will say what I need to to make sure she doesn't leave. If she needs to hear me say I love her then I will tell her every day, if she needs to hear me say I need her, then I won't stop telling her until she gets sick of it. It's all about playing the right cards.

"I know I haven't been here for you as I should be, I'm sorry you felt neglected, but I need you to know how much I need you, and want you. I can't do this without you."

A heavy silence settled between us as the gravity of my decision sunk in. Y/n, still wrapped in the blanket of my selfishness. she clung to the hope that things might change, that our love will come back.

I reached out, hesitantly brushing a strand of hair from her tear-stained face as an attempt to comfort her. Her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her eyes have always been a beauty. Pools of color I could always get lost in. I hold both sides of her face and wipe away the tears.

"I love you. I need you to stop doubting me. Do you understand?" I ask. She only nods and leans further into my hands. "Good girl. Now Can we keep talking in the morning? You're exhausted." She again only nods her head. I lean in to kiss her forehead before getting up to my side of the bed.

We get under the covers and it takes no time at all before Y/n is pressed against me, I instinctively wrap my arms around her.

When we first met, I really did love her, or the closest thing to love I could feel. She used to make me laugh and smile, she made me feel comforted, she made me feel safe. I don't know when that stopped. I just hope the feeling might come back if I put in the effort.

As my thoughts continue to race, she eventually falls asleep. She sniffles and whimpers in her sleep, just like she has been these last few months. Even in her sleep she can't seem to catch a break. My heart is heavy, I know I don't love her as I should. I just don't know what I'm meant to do. I was never made to love. It's not apart of my nature. I'll continue to be selfish and hold on to her as a life line for as long as I can. Maybe one day she'll be strong enough to walk away by herself.

[tealfloyd]

Hello and howdy do~! Thanks so much for the Halloween Costume fic! I loved it, even though I was hoping that MC's costumes would closely resemble that of each dorm's costume theme. Nevertheless, great job!👍 For my next request, I'd like the seven dorms' reactions when MC presents each of the boys a special Christmas gift. Since Christmas doesn't exist in Twisted Wonderland, MC explains its meaning to the boys before she presents them their gifts. Thanks a bunch!

AN EARLY MERRY CHRISTMAS

"What do you mean Night Raven College doesn't celebrate Christmas? It seems that MC has a bit more work to do~"

SUMMARY: MC decides to host a Christmas party for all her friends, giving all of them special gifts! (Everyone x Fem!Reader).

WARNINGS: Maybe some light spoilers from most of the character's background, but they're very light. Also MC's empty wallet.

CONTENT: Ortho's part is platonic. My ghost fellows having names. Me trying my best at guessing their gift history. Most of the presents have hand-made decorations on them because I love them. Maybe some characters are ooc, but I really hope not. This format has some variations, and also some of the characters have fewer lines because it's kind of hard to write for all of them equally :( WORDS: 7K+

A/N: Hello dear! I'm sorry this took so long~ I wanted to finish this earlier but got caught up with some important things and so I couldn't write for some days, so maybe this isn't as good as I expected it to be. Either way, I still hope you like it, and if not, please let me know your comments on it!

(Fact that no one asked: I spent three hours looking for gift ideas, and even after that I'm still not sure if I choose the right ones).

Now onto the fic~

What a lovely Christmas eve; just you and your adoptive cat son, patiently waiting for your guests as you friendly interacted with each other.

“Grim! What did I told you about eating the cookies?!” You scolded, taking the tray and placing it away from him, looking at the crumbs that indicated several were now on his stomach.

As I said, a lovely Christmas eve with friendly interactions.

“Nyah~! Why would you bake cookies if I can’t eat them?!” He whined, pouting as he crossed his arms, very much resembling a child.

You sighed at his antics, crouching next to him so you could pat his head. “You know that these are for the guests; but we can enjoy cat shaped pancakes tomorrow if you want."

“You know I’m not a cat…” He muttered, and you couldn’t help but giggle at his adorableness, correcting yourself.

“I’m sorry. Do ‘Grim shaped pancakes’ sound better then?” You started to softly caress his fur, hearing him purr after a few more petting, relieved that his petty moment was over.

“What a cute bonding time," Conrad said, cooing at the wholesome scene.

“Do you mind if we join?” Asked Brawley, already approaching you two.

“You better not!” Grim said, holding your hand to keep it in its place, trying to prevent you from saying yes, which didn’t work at the end.

“Don’t listen to him, of course you can join!” You said, extending your arm.

“Wah~ MC's so nice~ I don’t understand how those boys haven’t—“ Before Arthur could finish his sentence, Conrad elbowed him, knowing what he was about to say.

“You know we promised to not talk about their crushes on her," he murmured, making you a little suspicious.

“What are you muttering about?”

“Oh, nothing! Just that I think we forgot to buy some groceries, so we have to go!” Was the last thing they said before disappearing.

You raised an eyebrow at the excuse. “But you don’t cook... Or eat…”

A knock on the door made you stood up abruptly, checking the wall clock, gasping since it was already time and you still had to finish some things.

You dusted your apron, trying to look more or less presentable while rushing to the door, instructing Grim to put on the accessories you made for him. He wanted to complain, but couldn’t when he saw you giving him the look, and so he went upstairs, muttering about how you shouldn’t treat him so unfairly.

You opened the door, greeting the Heartslabyul students. “Hello guys!” You cheerfully exclaimed, stepping aside so they could enter. “Please make yourselves at home, I will join you in a moment."

While your figure disappeared after crossing the kitchen arc, the boys were left wondering why you had neatly organised gifts and colourful decorations.

 “What’s all this?” Asked Ace, looking at the pile, curious about the contents.

“Ace, manners," corrected Riddle, afraid he will ruin it.

“That’s so cute! I need to post it right now~” Cater said, pulling out his phone to take pictures of it, trying to think of a cool caption as he scrolled down the best photos.

Deuce was also staring at the presents, thinking about why you had so many. “Can these be… MC’s secret fan’s gifts…?” He muttered, oblivious to the fact that there was one that had his name on the label.

“Do you need help?” Questioned Trey, entering the kitchen to see you checking something in the oven.

“I guess I could use some of that," you chuckled, pointing at the deserts on the countertop. “Can you help me bring those to the table in the living room?”

He complied, taking the tray while carefully moving it so he could place on top the table, making sure everything was the way you organised it.

“Finally, everything’s ready," you exhaled in relief, removing your apron and cooking gloves, leaving them in a cabinet. “You can eat if you want, we still have to wait for the others to arrive."

Just after you finished talking, you heard a knock again, listening to some of them argue behind it.

You encountered the boys, who didn’t notice you already opened the door as the discussion continued. “Am I interrupting something?” You said, softly smiling at them as they stopped dead in their tracks as they turned their heads to you.

“Of course not, Prefect”, Jade was the first one who talked. “We were just having a friendly talk."

You knew he was lying, but didn’t think much of it, smiling softly as you stepped aside. “Sure, whatever you say."

“Thank you for inviting us, Prefect”. Azul and Jamil talked at the same time, looking at each other in surprise, and you chuckled at their expressions, inviting them to enter and feel at home.

It didn’t take much for Floyd to take that too literal, yelling: "yay~!" as he plopped himself on the couch, accidentally (or maybe not) hitting Riddle in the process.

“Hey! Don’t just take all the space!” He complained, anger building up inside him as he pushed his long legs out of the couch.

“My, your dorm seems very colourful. May I ask why?” Jade asked, inspecting the green, red and white decorations that were placed around the room.

“I will explain everything once everyone’s here," you responded, organising a few details that were off, proudly nodding at the results. “In the meantime, you can eat anything you want and—"

You were interrupted by the sound of munching, looking at the first years and some of the second years who were happily eating, sensing your stare.

“Sorry, you said eat anything you want," Ace said, mouth full and with cookie crumbs all over his lips.

“It’s okay, I’m happy you liked it."

“All of this looks amazing!” Kalim exclaimed, looking at his friend with puppy eyes. “Can I eat this, Jamil? MC made it so there shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

Jamil sighs, nodding his head, trusting you fully since he knew you would never try to poison someone, or at least someone so pure like Kalim. “Sure," was all he said, also trying some food himself.

“Who else are we waiting for?" Asked Jack, curious about who else you invited.

“Just Vil, Rook, Epel, Idia, Ortho, Malleus, Lilia, Silver and Sebek."

"Just?" Ace remarked, still munching on the treats you recently prepared.

“That lizard is coming?” Complained Leona, relaxing on the couch after he figured out it wouldn’t bother you.

“Of course he’s coming," you answered, stating it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, which it clearly was. “They should be here any minute—"

Again, the knocking on the door made you realise they were already here. “Or maybe now."

You opened it, standing in front of a very elegant looking Vil and Ortho by his side, the height comparison making you giggle.

“Hello MC. Thank you for inviting us to this lively reunion," Vil commented.

“Indeed; me and my brother were very happy when we got the invitation!” Ortho cheerfully affirmed as he pointed at Idia, who didn’t know if he wanted to go home or be there. Maybe both.

“This is certainly going to be a magnifique soirée!” Rook exclaimed, excited about what you had ready for the evening.

“I sure hope to meet your expectations” You said, inviting them inside.

“Thanks for inviting us, MC," said Epel, trying to mask his accent so Vil wouldn’t scold him in front of you, who took notice of this and decided to step in.

“Don’t worry Epel. You don’t have to hide your accent here; I will make sure Vil doesn’t reprimand you for it," you calmly reassured, making him (and every person who heard it, even Vil because he was standing right next to you) swoon over your attentiveness.

“S-sure," he stuttered, trying to hide his flushed face from you.

You also noticed Idia and Ortho were still standing outside, probably because the taller one was having an internal debate about whether he should enter or not.

“You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to."

Idia jumped at the comment, not realising that you were in front of him due to his nervousness. “I-It’s okay…" Was all he could answer, cheeks red and hair slightly pink.

“Perfect! Then we must go inside before you catch a cold, brother!" Idia didn’t had room to protest as his little brother was already dragging him inside, hoping he wouldn’t get noticed by the rest of the students there.

Fortunately, and unfortunately for him, the attention was on you, curiosity washing over them as you still didn’t explain the reasoning behind the reunion.

“I told you already, I rather do the explaining once Diasomnia is here; I really want everyone to be here once I start the activity."

“You mean giving us those presents over there?” Asked Jade, perking up everyone’s interest even more.

“PRESENTS?! FOR US?!” The majority yelled, and you covered your ears as a reflective action.

“Yeah, exactly," you said, hoping they would let you talk. “But you have to wait for me to give them to you."

“Eh~? But I want to open it now!” Floyd whined, about to hold his present, stopping when you gently grabbed his arm. “Oh? Is Shrimpy going to give it to me now~?”

You smiled again, but this time in a menacing way, warning him of your wrath if he even touched the present before you gave it to him. “Floyd, please don’t open that box; if you do, I will be mad, and we don’t want that, right?”

It was shocking for them to see this side of you, but at the same time, they would be even more surprised if you didn’t have that side in the first place. After all, you’re still a student at Night Raven College, accidental or not.

The moment was broken when the last knock was heard, and you released Floyd’s arm from your very light grasp, rushing to the door to open it. “Ah, you’re here!”

Lilia laughed, lifting his hand slightly. “We apologize for the delay. Malleus took quite some time since he was still processing your invitation."

Said man only stared at him in disbelief, coughing to dismiss his light embarrassment. “Thank you for inviting me— Us, Child of Man," he thanked, visibly calm on the outside but giggling out of joy inside.

“We truly appreciate your invitation to this reunion, human!” Sebek yelled, making you (and everyone who wasn’t ready for it) wince at the sudden noise, quickly replacing your frown with a kind smile to not hurt his feelings.

“You don’t need to yell, you know?” Commented Silver. “But indeed, we are very grateful," he added, politely bowing.

“It’s nothing, I’m glad that you arrived so please, make yourselves at home," and with that note, you finally closed the door, about to start the explanation when you noticed that someone was missing. “Wait a moment, please."

You walked upstairs, looking for your cat companion. “Grim! Why are you taking so long?”

“This thing is so stupid! I’m not going to use it!” He responded, making you sigh in discontent.

You didn’t expect him to throw a tantrum over an accessory, but it was okay; living with him has taught you quite a few ways of dealing with his childish personality.

“You can have cake for tomorrow’s breakfast."

The door creaked open, revealing him using a red and green bowtie with little snowflakes and a little handcrafted Santa hat on, also wearing a big pout

“Fine then, but you better keep your promise!” He grumpily walked down the stairs, knowing that everyone was going to stare at him.

“I would, but I don’t remember promising it." Checkmate MC, checkmate.

“Nyah!” He exclaims, trying to wriggle out from your grasp as you keep him in place, cradling him until he calms down. “Let me down! I didn’t sign for this!”

Well, neither did you and you’re not complaining for the most part.

“Grim," the cold tone you spoke with made everyone froze again, most of them remembering the earlier scene as you tried to control your child cat companion. “Are you going to behave or not?” He didn’t answer, and you repeated the question.

“I’m going to behave…” He muttered, deflating when you placed him down on the floor, not believing he fell for your tricks again.

“I’m sorry about that," you apologized, letting out a nervous giggle. “I may now explain why I invited you here today."

“I know that most of you’re going to be out due to winter’s break, so I wanted to celebrate Christmas with you before that happens!” You happily exclaimed, your warm smile making their heart melt, only to retrace your words in their heads, highlighting an unknown word for them.

“Christmas?” Asked Azul, intrigued by this.

“What’s that?” Leona questioned, ears perking up in curiosity.

“Ah, that’s right, I forgot that you don’t have it here," you started to think of forms to explain this holiday, deciding that Occam’s razor principle will be the best approach. “In my world, Christmas is a holiday that mainly focuses on love, laughter and happiness. It’s a time where we enjoy our friends and family’s presence and just bask in their warmth and comfort, relieved that they’re in our lives for another year."

Everyone stayed quiet for a while, leaving you to wonder if you had said something wrong until you heard multiple screams (of joy) and cheering.

“That sounds so amazing! I want to celebrate Christmas back home too!” Kalim yelled, already planning on doing something similar with his family.

“That was one of the most beautiful descriptions I’ve ever heard," commented Lilia, wiping a crocodile tear, while the crocodile was, in fact, tearing up.

“As expected of notre chér Prefect! She always ends up looking and sounding more beautiful than before!” Exclaimed Rook, dramatically posing.

“There’s no need for you to compliment me, I’m just explaining what’s Christmas so you can understand." It was useless, they can’t be reasoned with after you said such a heart-moving speech.

“There’s no reason to be so humble about it," Jade added, chuckling at your attempts to calm their cheers.

“I assume the gifts have a meaning in your world too?” Asked Riddle, gazing at them with a hand on his chin, thinking of the reasoning behind it.

You nodded, happy to explain. “Indeed. Gifts are given to show gratitude and affection towards the receiver; it doesn’t differ much from my world to this one."

Your sensed told you they were going to go crazy again, so you spoke again before they could even start talking. “I think that now it’s the perfect time for gift receiving. I just wanted to let you know how I celebrated Christmas back home."

Your strategy worked as they immediately shut up, impatiently waiting until you gave them their respective present.

HEARTSLABYUL'S TIME

RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS

A tea set with hand-drawn red roses on it.

For Riddle: Thank you for all the times you’ve helped me with my studies, you were my lifesaver for my grades, haha! And also, for letting me stay at your unbirthday parties even if I'm not a part of your dorm, I really appreciate that!

Riddle can’t remember the last time he got a present. His mother didn't actually give him some kind of reward for his achievements, instead giving him things meant for his studies. Trey and Che'nya were the only ones who didn't expect something out of the things they gifted him. He felt like crying but didn’t dare to because he was worried about what everyone would think of him, not wanting to be seen as weak over such a small detail. A detail that he would treasure forever. Lightly clutching the box next to his chest, he lets a small smile form on his lips while his cheeks turn pink.

“Thank you, MC. I certainly expect you at the following unbirthday party so we can use this intricate set you've customized."

TREY CLOVER

A wooden recipe box, along with pine cooking gloves.

For Trey: Thank you for all the times you’ve helped me, which now that I think about, they were probably a lot. I hope you like this! It has some of my mother’s recipes, and although they probably exist here that doesn’t make them less delicious!

Trey has received a fair number of gifts during his life, most of them coming from his siblings and parents, meaning that he usually got hand-made gift cards and things that could be used over and over again. Because of this, he prefers gifts that he can use and/or that are hand-crafted. He inspects the small, brown box, tracing over your neat calligraphy on the front. When he opens it he finds a small number of cards, sight reading them while finding the reference drawing on the side cute. He softly closes it, silently fawning over your attentiveness.

“Thanks, MC. If you like, you can make these with me, so I know how it’s properly done."

CATER DIAMOND

A mini microphone and a small phone tripod.

For Cater: I got to say that I'm impressed that you were walking on fire when you hosted our mini parties, because Riddle's wrath is no joke, haha! I hope this will make you grow on your journey to be a wonderful influencer, and when that happens, take for granted that I’m going to appear in your 1M follower's video!

The majority of Cater’s gifts came from both of his sisters, and let’s just say that he wasn’t very pleased by what was given to him. He wishes that his sisters tried to understand him and see what he liked instead of what they liked, and the fact that his family was constantly moving didn’t help. He stared at the presents, unsure about what to say after receiving a gift that he liked- Actually, no, a present that he loved, and not just because it was something he could use in his social media; it was also because you thought of him. He smiles widely, letting soft giggles as he tries to contain the joy that he’s feeling.

“This is totes cute, MC! I will definitely take a video later, and of course you will be the one starring it~!”

ACE TRAPPOLA

A spinning poker weight and a hand-drawn poker deck.

For Ace: I sure hope you like this because if not, wow. Just wow. But now talking seriously, I wanted to thank you for all the times you sided with me even though I was wrong in most of those cases; it meant a lot coming from you.

Ace has had his fair number of gifts too, half from his brother and half from his parents and relatives. He doesn’t really know how to react since the only presents that he got that were hand-made were some gift cards from when he was little, so receiving something that had your utmost care and dedication was a bit… Foreign, but certainly not unwelcomed. He realises that the first one is just you messing with him, because who in their right mind would randomly play Poker? And then he remembers who: you, and it’s odd because you created such a beautiful cool deck of cards, yet you don’t know how to play? He can’t help but chuckle at this, carefully saving the box in his pocket.

“For real? Like, thanks for the gift but I thought it will be way cooler— No, you can’t take it back, it’s mine now."

DEUCE SPADE

A pair of blastcycling gloves.

For Deuce: Thank you for all your help here in Ramshackle. I think that one of the reasons this dorm hasn’t collapsed is because of your skills. I know you want to have a blastcycle, and although I can’t give it to you I want to cooperate by giving you these gloves. It’s not much, but I hope you like them!

The only gifts Deuce has received came from his mother and grandmother, so he doesn’t have too much experience about receiving presents from other persons, and to top it off, that person is you. He just stares at the gloves, cheeks growing redder as his mind races with possible ways to thank you, not really coming up with something coherent. In order to calm himself down, he tried them on, surprised that they were his exact size, blushing again at the thought of you thinking about him while picking the accessory.

“I, uh— Thanks for this, Prefect! I really appreciate you— I mean, the gloves! But it’s not like I don’t appreciate you for picking them—"

Help him.

SAVANACLAW'S TIME

LEONA KINGSCHOLAR

A pair of earplugs and a travel pillow.

For Leona: Thanks for the times you've help me even when you’re too sleepy to even move, and so I thought of this gift for you! You usually sleep everywhere and anywhere, so please carry this pillow so you wouldn’t end up with a strained neck and sore muscles!

Leona has received a lot of gifts since he was a child; not that much now that he's older because he’s barely home but when he does, he still has a lot of presents with his name written on it. When it comes to gifts that he keeps or uses, that’s another story. He keeps looking at the label, suddenly remembering all of Cheka’s drawings and cards that he keeps in a secret box in his room, smiling at how cute and dumb it is, but a good type of dumb.

“Worried for me, herbivore? Why would I need this pillow if I already have you?"

RUGGIE BUCCHI

A Sam’s gift card for two months’ worth of food.

For Ruggie: I don't consider that paying you with donuts it's fair after all the times you've helped, and so I managed to get this gift card from Sam's (yes, you still can get donuts)! Both you and Leona are going to be thanking me for this, haha!

Ruggie had little to no gifts during his childhood; he has always prioritized every income, so presents were given around once a year. Ruggie has grown to appreciate everything that can help him, so seeing this came as a shock to him. In all honesty, he wanted to cry, because how are you be so kind and considerate? This just doesn't seem like reality! He knows you can barely feed Grim and yourself with what's given to you yet you still thought of his wellbeing. He laughs to cover his nervousness, as a small, unnoticeable tear sliding down his cheek.

“Shi shi shi~ I guess if you managed to get this card then I wouldn’t mind sharing some of its perks with you~”

JACK HOWL

A personalized exercise dice and a bottle of water.

For Jack: I cannot count all the times I relied on you, and I'm deeply grateful for that, really grateful! You mentioned that you needed to change your water bottle, so I got this one for you! I hope you like it!

Jack has also received his fair number of gifts during his childhood, mostly useful things and cards from his siblings, so, like Trey, he likes presents that are meaningful and/or useful. He’s amazed that you remembered such a small comment, cheeks slightly blushing because of this, inspecting the little wolf drawing you did on the cover. He looks at the dice and realises that all the faces have his favourite exercises, even more amazed because he didn’t even need to tell you about his preferences for you to know them, carefully saving them in the box again.

“Thanks for the gift, MC. If you’d like, you can train with me— So we can use this dice you’ve made, clearly."

OCTAVINELLE'S TIME

AZUL ASHENGROTTO

A refillable notepad with a little octopus drawing on the cover.

For Azul: I noticed you had few notebooks the last time I visited, and since you use a lot of them, I thought this refillable one would save you space and money! I also drew in some of the pages, but you can erase them if you want!

Azul stared at the notebook, realising that you drew little doodles in almost every page, and he imagined the amount of time you spent in this, blushing slightly because that time was for a gift dedicated for him. Azul's gift history wasn't the best; he only got presents from his family and sometimes from Jade and Floyd (although they were mostly trinkets), so receiving such a heartfelt present from you (friend, loyal customer and crush) made him blush even deeper, and he tried to calm the butterflies that were fluttering inside his stomach in order to thank you.

"I'm surprised you managed to find such a suitable present. I'm very grateful for this valuable gift, Prefect."

JADE LEECH

A terrarium notebook with some mushroom's stickers on it, along with a terrarium earring.

For Jade: It's no surprise you love terrariums and mushrooms, so I thought this notebook that I found at Sam's would be of your liking. I also made this earring, and although is a bit messy I still hope you like it!

Jade didn't expect to receive such a sincere gift during his stance in Night Raven College, or at least one that didn't come from his brother and maybe Azul. Instead of his practiced smile, he does a much softer one, hiding the earring from Floyd as he asked what he got. He usually doesn't mind when his brother touches his stuff (as long as he leaves it in the same place); since they're twins, they've grown accustomed to sharing, but this is not something he thinks he can share with him, rather choosing to use it after finding a safe place for it.

"I am ever grateful for this, Prefect. I will make sure to take the utmost care of this special present."

FLOYD LEECH

A pair of roller skate shoes.

For Floyd: I'm walking on a thin line by giving you these shoes, Floyd. They may be a bit hard to use at first, but i know that you can be able to master the act of roller walking in a few days! (Just be aware of your surroundings... And the people around you too).

Oh, MC- I mean, Shrimpy. Since Floyd is not going to be at home during winter break, you can be completely sure that both you and Grim (mostly you) are doomed to stay by his side now that he can go as twice as fast than before. His face lights up when he sees the inside of the box, thinking that you got him a new pair of cool shoes, until he reads the label. Shrimpy? You got him skate roller shoes? Are you saying that you want him to chase you faster when he spots you in the hallways? (See what I told you by saying you're doomed?).

"Woah~! These shoes are soooo cool~! I'm sure that I can be able to catch Shrimpy way faster with these on!"

SCARABIA'S TIME

KALIM AL-ASIM

A color changing mug with a little doodle of him, Jamil, Grim and you.

For Kalim: I found this mug when I was searching for stuff at Sam's, and I first thought of you! I know it's not the most expensive or fancy gift from all, but I really hope you like it and the little drawings I made!

Coming from a wealthy family, gifts in the Asim household were something very usual for all of the family members. Even if they were expensive, they all appreciated the meaning behind it, always thanking their parents and siblings. Kalim is very fond of these types of gifts; you can give this boy a rock and he would give you a pair of gold earrings in exchange. You have to cover your eyes because the light he's emanating from reading the label and seeing the present is insane. No jokes here.

"Thanks, Prefect! I never saw something like this! I will make sure to bring you lots of things to make up for this!"

JAMIL VIPER

A massage roller and essential oils.

For Jamil: I really appreciate all your help, even though you still have to help Kalim and manage Scarabia's reputation. I don't want you to be worn out, so I got you these! Vil recommended me these brands, so I assure you they're completely effective!

Jamil hasn't had many gifts during his childhood, much less during his teenage years. When it came to gift receiving, the main things he would get were special meals and clothes, and if the Asim's wanted to gift him something else, his family would politely reject it until they finally accepted due to all the convincing. He's puzzled at your consideration, standing still as he gazes at the present, snapping out when you call his name for the third time.

"Ah, sorry, it's just that— It's nothing, I'm fine. Thank you for the gift, Prefect. I will be looking forward to use these."

POMEFIORE'S TIME

VIL SCHOENHEIT

A phone case with a small compartment to carry makeup.

For Vil: I wanted to thank you for all the skincare and makeup advice you've given me, even though you're the one actually applying it, haha! I don't know if you already have something like this, but if not, I really hope it will come in handy for you!

Vil has received an insane number of gifts during his life, all from his parents, sponsors, agencies and his fans, keyword fans. He knows it's because they love him, but it can't get a little too much if he's being honest, and now that he's telling the truth, he doesn't end up using most of those things. This, however, is something he's definitely going to use. It's practical, it's beautiful and it was given to him by you, so even if he had one before, he would have used yours instead. He didn't even have to use a mirror to know he was blushing, thankful that he could use the weather as an excuse.

"I'm really grateful about this, MC. Although I'm a bit surprised you've chosen such a unique gift. Ah, don't worry, that is a compliment."

ROOK HUNT

A forest scented candle, along with a paper which had a handwritten poem on it.

For Rook: I know how much you love poetry, and I was told that scent can inspire different feelings, and I thought that the forest concept was pretty aligned with your personality! There is also my attempt at writing a poem and a note from Neige, though I would you should hide that from Vil.

When it comes to gifts, Rook would appreciate everything that is given to him, but, if it's someone that he specially has a keen interest for, then take for granted he would praise the hell out of that person. And would you see that? His precious chérie was the one that gifted him such a heartfelt present! Is this the perfect moment for him to confess his undying love for you?

"Quelle beauté! Once again, I've been blessed by your lovely kindness, ma chérie! How I wish for you to keep showing me this side of yourself!"

Did that count as a confession?

EPEL FELMIER

An apple-themed shaker bottle.

For Epel: I'm aware I thanked you before about this, but thank you for sticking with me; I know you had to face Vil's wrath after some occasions. I don't know if this is enough, but I got this shaker bottle for you! Coach Vargas says it's a great way to start building muscle and so I picked this one! You can always remove the drawing if you don't like it, what matters it's the bottle, haha!

The majority of Epel's gifts came from his family and neighbors, which consisted of handmade presents such as clothing and wood carved objects, so receiving something like this was a bit odd for him; mostly because he didn't read the label and was super confused when he looked at the bottle. When he did read the label... He was hurt, because he thought that you perceived him as someone weak. However, that thought vanished as you asked him if you could exercise with him, understanding that you just wanted to make him happy, and you certainly succeeded.

"This is—! Huh? Oh! O-of course ya' can exercise with me, and, uh— Thanks for the gift! If I use this then I can become strong enough to protect you..."

IGNIHYDE'S TIME

IDIA SHROUD

A Pain and Panic phone and controller holder.

For Idia: You're not going to believe this, but I found this set at the back of Sam's shop and I immediately thought that they would be perfect for when we play! I know it's not enough as a thanks since you've upgraded my phone, but at least we would have something cute to look for, haha!

Idia has to sit down after this, because he thought that this day would never come. You, of all people, gifting him something? He needs a moment to process what just happened, all while blanky staring at the note and wrapped accessories, realising something that he thought was accidental, because it had to be; 'we would have something cute to look for', as in... A family...? *Idia soul has left the chat*.

"H-huh? What happened? Huh?! I did?! W-well, it's because this caught me off guard... Why are you looking at me like that? Seriously, I can't get why you're laughing... Thanks for this though, I guess that we can level this up together when I come back... If you want to, that is!".

ORTHO SHROUD

A deck of Cards Against Humanity, Family Edition.

For Ortho: I may not be in the board game club, but I'm pretty sure this is something they don't have there, so we both can play an exclusive version of life choices! I know you like board games so I thought this will be fun to play with, but it all depends on what you think!

Ortho remembers receiving gifts, so he knows how it feels to receive something that he enjoys. His face brightens up, realising that this can not only make you and Idia even closer, but that he can be a part of it too! He likes when you spend time with his brother, but he also likes to spend time with you, as he's grown fond of your kindness and thoughtfulness, the huge number of presents you've given so far being proof of that.

"This seems like a lot of fun to play with! Thank you, Prefect! I will be looking forward to play with you once the break is over!"

DIASOMNIA'S TIME

MALLEUS DRACONIA

Winged gargoyle tabletop lamp.

For Malleus: I'm very aware of your likings towards gargoyles, Tsunotarou, and also that you're not the best with technology. Hence, this is why I thought this was perfect for you! The gargoyle is named Bartholomew, and it can work with both magic and technology! I hope you take great care of my son!

Malleus coughed when he finished reading the note, surprised by what you just wrote, contemplating the fact that you named his gift and that was your platonic son. Does this mean the start of a beautiful gargoyle family? Most probably and be you can be completely sure he's not leaving that thought anytime soon. He tries the lamp, smiling at the dim light that emanates from it, looking up to meet your expectant gaze, softly giggling after seeing that he liked the present.

"I truly appreciate your present, Child of Man. But why would I need a source of light when I already have you?"

LILIA VANROUGE

A leather mini journal with some quotes from you and the Diasomnia members.

For Lilia: There was one time you've told me that you liked to travel, and although I know you have an impeccable memory, it never hurts to write down some interesting things, like the infinite amount of quotes that we've all said.

Lilia is amused; he chuckles when going through the pages, realising that you were the one that had great memory since you were able to write all of this. He really thinks you're one of a kind; gazing at all the students that were happy with their own presents as they chatted amongst themselves, he comes to realise that no matter the situation, you still manage to bring a smile to everyone's face, him included.

"Khee hee! This is very thoughtful of you, Prefect! If you have such a great memory, then I should probably invite you to serve as my personal diary~"

SILVER

A deer pocket alarm clock.

For Silver: You may be wondering why I chose this as a gift for you, or at least thinking about it. I thought that it would help you with your drowsiness, since it's portable and doesn't need to use batteries or recharge. I really hope you like this, and if not, I can still be your walking alarm clock, haha!

Silver's gift history it's not exactly the best. He has received presents from his father, Malleus and Sebek, and let's just say... Some of them weren't that great. After years of receiving Lilia's cooking, Malleus's gargoyle speeches and Sebek's drawings of Malleus, this came as quite a shock to him. There's only one thing that can connect your gift to the other ones: the intention behind it, and that's what has him smiling.

"Thanks, MC. I will try to use this... But if your offer still stands, I will be more than happy to accept it."

SEBEK ZIGVOLT

A bookmark that has a photo of Malleus, Lilia, Silver, Sebek and you, along with a crocodile notepad.

For Sebek: I've noticed that you have a keen interest towards reading, and while I cannot offer you a Malleus's history book, I want to give you this! Even though the result is a bit unpolished, I think that what matters the most is the photo itself, don't you think?

Due to him having a very attentive and caring father, Sebek was always surrounded with gifts, finding them and his father's actions off-putting. Despite of that, he's very appreciative of the things that both Malleus and Lilia gifted him, keeping every single one of them in peak condition so he can remember how he felt when he first got them. It's no different with you, no matter how much he denies it; he can mask his flushness (for the most part), but an action that gives him away is how careful he handles both things, unconsciously smiling as he traces the bookmark.

"Human! How can you place a young master's photo into such an ordinary object?! Huh? W-well, if it means that much to you then I suppose I can keep this... Thank you... "

After making sure everyone received their gift you exhaled in relief, grateful that all of them seemed happy with what they got.

You sat down, chatting with them for a bit until Grim threw an unexpected comment, making all of them stop the chattering almost immediately.

"I can't believe that you didn't get something for me! You spent all that money in these humans and nothing for your master?!"

Oh.

"Potato," Vil started, face completely serious. "Care to tell us how many madols you spent for these presents?"

"Indeed. Even if they're handmade or bought with cheap prices, twenty-two is a big number for presents," commented Azul, calculating the total price in his head.

You started to sweat, laughing to cover your nervousness. "It's no big deal, really, I—"

Jamil took a step forward, visibly upset. "Prefect, you need to tell us how much you spent for all of this. No approximations."

You realised that there wasn't a way to revert this situation, knowing that even if you didn't say it, Azul would've guessed the total price with a few madols of difference.

"Maybe I spent four... hundred madols..." You silently added, clear enough for them to drop their jaws in horror.

"Four hundred madols?!" Cater exclaimed, too shocked to even note that he dropped his phone.

"That much?!" Asked Ruggie, eyes wide as plates.

"Why would you do that?!" Ace and Deuce screamed.

"It's no big deal, really," you started to explain. "Grim and I already have guaranteed food for these holidays, and it's not like I'm fully broke."

"Yeah, but still! Four hundred madols it's a lot of money!" Epel scolded, irritated by the sole fact that you would spend your precious money that way.

They started to complain, the majority trying to find ways to help you while the others tried to calm them down.

It was then when you decided to intervene. "Guys," you exclaimed, making all of them turn their heads to you, taking notice of your sad face. "Christmas is about happiness and joy! If anything, I only spent that much so you would be happy! You don't need to worry about us when we will be fine, so can you please stop arguing and enjoy this party?"

That's right; you only wanted them to be happy, and yet here they were, ruining the party and making you upset.

"I'm not mad," you spoke again, reading the room. "There's no reason to not continue celebrating; after all, you all leave tomorrow, don't you? Let's just enjoy our time together while we still can, please?"

They softly nodded, calming themselves down as they realised that you would be okay, embarrassed by their earlier outburst.

"Don't make those faces," you chuckled, a little amused by their golden expressions. "There's still plenty snacks and—" You were interrupted by a 'ding' that came from the kitchen. "Turkey, apparently"

While you were busy cutting the portions for them to eat, they were wondering how they got lucky enough to get a friend like you, quietly enjoying the fact that they got to call themselves your friend to begin with.

They will make sure to pay you off, both from your gifts and your kindness.

BONUS SCENE

"You really couldn't have wait until everyone was gone?" You scolded, retrieving a big box from beneath the counter.

"What are you talking about—" Grim asked, still annoyed that you didn't have a gift for him, at least, not until now. "Is that—?"

"Happy Christmas, Grim," you handed him the present, chuckling at the way his eyes lighted up in enthusiasm.

He hurriedly opened it, and the remains of the package flew in the air, result of his anticipation.

When he finally got to see what was inside, he widely smiled. "And? What do you think about it?"

"I love it!" He raised the premium tuna cans, delighted that they had his face on the cover. "Of course, you had a present for me; I'm the mighty Grim, after all! Nyah ha ha ha!"

You frowned. "Was that your way of saying thanks?"

"... Thanks, henchman..." He shyly said, making you giggle.

"You're welcome, Grim."

You five (adding my dear ghost fellow) ended up having a movie night, cozily snuggling to each other as you all watched the old screen, cheerfully laughing as the rain was pouring outside.

THE END~

DON'T REPOST.

EVERY CHARACTER BELONGS TO DISNEY AND YANA TOBOSO AND I DON'T TAKE CREDIT FOR THEM.

[differentpostrebel]

Lost and Found: A Pirate's Promise

Chapter 18: Fragile Promises

A/N: We are back at it again with another chapter! Thank you to everyone, who has followed, who has liked the series so far, who has reblogged, commented. I cant wait for you guys to continue reading what else I have in store! I'll also be creating a masterlist soon so that way its more organized for you guys!. We have a surprise guest in this chapter so you dont want to miss this! Chapter 19, will be uploaded tonight as well. And we are getting the showdown! Law vs Vergo and Y/N vs Monet! We even got some Sanji moments in there as well!  But without further ado let's get to it!

Word Count: 5.8K

Sanji X Reader, Sanji x Y/N, One piece X Reader 

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, chapter 5, chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13,chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, chapter 17, Chapter 18 (here)

Sanji POV… 

"I’m not going anywhere... I promise," I murmured, holding Y/N close as she clung to my coat. Seeing her so bruised and battered, her top missing and her wounds still fresh, made my heart ache. I felt a pang of guilt and jealousy knowing I wasn’t there to protect her.

"Y/N... where’s your top?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the jealousy and concern I felt.

"Oh, that," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "The Yeti Cool Brothers kidnapped Nami and me. I was tied up, and my back was bruised and bleeding. After Traffy rescued us, we went back to the encampment. I gave Chopper the ointment I used during training so my wounds could heal faster. Chopper, who was in your body at the time, helped with the ointment. Then Traffy saw I needed more care and took over. He bandaged me up, but I need to get this tightened again later."

The thought of Chopper and Law seeing her so vulnerable filled me with a mix of jealousy and frustration. Just then, Law’s voice cut through my thoughts.

"Hey, Cook!" Law called, his tone dripping with mockery.

"What now, Traf—" I began, but Law cut me off.

"I’m giving Y/N my coat again," Law said, tossing it toward her. "It’s warmer and should cover her better."

Y/N caught the coat and put it on, visibly relieved but still looking exhausted. "Thanks, Traffy."

"Don’t mention it," Law said, his smirk never fading. "Just doing my part."

I shot Law a heated glare, unable to hide my frustration. "You think you’re so noble, always swooping in like you’re the only one who can help."

Law’s smirk widened. "Well, maybe I actually care about her well-being. Unlike some people who only show up when it’s convenient."

"Convenient?" I snapped, unable to keep the bitterness out of my voice. "You think you’re the only one who cares? What about all the times I’ve been there for her?"

Law’s eyes flashed with irritation. "You were there, but clearly not enough. I’m the one who’s making sure she’s okay now."

With a sudden, almost casual movement, Law activated his Devil Fruit ability. "ROOM," he said, creating a spatial bubble around Y/N. The space shifted, and before I could react, Law pulled Y/N closer to him, his arm wrapped protectively around her.

"Traffy, what are you—" I began, but Law cut me off with a sharp glance.

"Just making sure she’s comfortable," Law said coolly, his eyes locked onto Y/N with a possessive intensity.

Y/N looked up at Law, her eyes tired but grateful. "Traffy... thank you."

Law’s gaze softened as he looked at Y/N. "Don’t mention it. Just making sure you’re alright."

I clenched my fists, my jealousy boiling over. "Yeah, well, don’t think you’re the only one who can play the hero here."

Law’s smirk returned, though his eyes remained locked on Y/N. "You’re just mad because you can’t always be the one saving the day."

As we moved forward, the tension between Law and me was palpable. Our feelings for Y/N created a rivalry that was impossible to ignore, but for now, we had to focus on her safety and well-being. 

Just then, I saw Law’s hand gently cup Y/N’s cheek. My heart clenched as I watched him lean in slowly, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made my jealousy flare. Y/N looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and gratitude.

Law’s face was close to hers, and I could see the softness in his expression. He leaned in and placed a tender kiss on her forehead, a gesture that spoke volumes about his feelings.

I couldn’t contain my frustration any longer. "Hey, Traf! Get your hands off her!"

Law’s gaze shifted to me, his eyes narrowing with a mix of irritation and defiance. "And why would I do that, Cook? She needs comfort right now."

"Comfort?" I snapped, trying to control the anger in my voice. "You think you’re the only one who can give her that? Just because you’re here doesn’t mean you have a monopoly on caring for her."

Law’s expression hardened. "Maybe you’re just jealous because you weren’t the one who got to be here for her when she needed it the most."

Before I could retort, I saw Y/N start to make her way back to the first floor. She turned to Law and gave him a warm smile, one that made Law’s cheeks flush slightly. His smirk returned, but there was a softness in his gaze as he watched her leave.

"Alright," Law said, regaining his composure and shifting back to the matter at hand. "As you may notice, the whole island is completely covered in gas, but there is a way out. There's a passage that's completely enclosed, leading to the sea. This lab is massive, which means it has multiple buildings. We’re currently in Building A. Once you pass Building B, you’ll find Building R. Look for a door marked R-66. That passage will lead you to the sea."

He paused, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "Here’s the deal: you all have 2 hours to escape, or you’ll die. As Law turned to head towards another passage in the lab, he cast one last glance back at Y/N. A sly smirk played on his lips as he called out, "Y/N, you stay safe out there! I’ll be sure to have a repeat of our session just in case your wounds need tending."

The comment made my blood boil. I clenched my fists, barely restraining myself. His smirk was infuriating, especially with the way he was so casually referring to their intimate moments.

Y/N’s cheeks flushed slightly at Law’s words, but she managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Traffy. I appreciate it." 

Law gave her a final nod before disappearing down the passage. I watched him go, my jealousy simmering beneath the surface.

Y/N POV.. 

To say that the interaction between Sanji and Law was going to be peachy was an understatement. The tension between them was thick, and I felt it weighing heavily on my already exhausted body. I was emotionally and mentally drained, barely holding it together. When Law used Room to separate me from Sanji, it reminded me of the chaotic moments back at Sabaody.

What really threw me off was Law’s kiss on the forehead and his slick comment about our "repeat session." His words made my face flush with heat, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and amusement. Sure, he had tended to my wounds, but the way he spoke about it made it sound like something far more intimate. I chuckled softly to myself, thinking that maybe I should tone down the flirting... but then again, where would the fun in that be?

After grabbing my sword, which I had dropped earlier, I turned to see Zoro approaching me. His usual stoic expression softened as he saw me, and he enveloped me in a warm hug.

"Hey, Y/N," Zoro said, his voice gentle but filled with concern. "You alright? You look like you’ve been through hell and back."

I managed a small smile despite my fatigue. "Just about. It’s been a rough day, but I’ll be okay. Thanks for asking."

Zoro gave me a reassuring squeeze before stepping back.

“You know Zoro, after today I might just take your offer on that tall cup of Sake.” I said. 

Zoro raised an eyebrow, a hint of a grin playing on his lips. "Oh? You remember that offer, huh? I’ll hold you to it. We can get a drink after this mess is sorted out."

I chuckled softly, feeling a small flicker of relief. "Definitely. I think I’ll need it after everything that’s happened."

As Smokey’s orders reverberated through the lab, the urgency in the air was palpable.

“Listen up, men!” Smokey’s commanding voice cut through the chaos. “We’re searching for missing children and then finding the door labeled R-66. According to Law, it’ll lead us to a harbor where we can escape Punk Hazard. Move out!”

The G-5 soldiers responded with a determined "Understood!" and swiftly began their search.

Nami took charge, organizing everyone with practiced efficiency. “We’re splitting up to find the kids and head to R-66. Let’s go!”

As we prepared to head to the door, Sanji’s hand reached out, grabbing my wrist with a firm yet gentle grip. His eyes were filled with a mixture of intense worry and frustration.

“Y/N,” he said, his voice trembling slightly with emotion. “I need you to be careful. This place... it’s not safe. I can’t bear the thought of something happening to you.”

I looked up at him, my heart aching at the sight of his concern. “Sanji..” 

Sanji’s eyes searched mine, his expression pained. “It’s… It’s... I care about you more than I can put into words. Seeing you hurt, or in danger—it tears me apart. I don’t want to lose you.”

I felt tears welling up in my eyes at his heartfelt words. “Sanji, I care about you too. Your worry means everything to me. I promise I’ll be as careful as I can.”

Sanji’s grip on my wrist tightened for a moment before he let go, his face a mix of relief and lingering concern. “Just... please, be safe. I need to know you’re alright. More than anything.”

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. “I promise. I’ll be careful.”

Sanji gave me a final, lingering look, his eyes full of unspoken emotions. “Stay safe, Y/N.”

As Zoro and I moved toward the doors, a sudden commotion drew our attention. The G-5 soldiers had surrounded us, their weapons at the ready. Without hesitation, I sheathed my sword and clenched my right hand, connecting it with my left palm, sending a surge of electricity crackling through the air.

The energy built up, crackling and sparking around my right hand as I prepared to strike. The tension was palpable, and I could feel the intensity of the moment, my heartbeat quickening in anticipation. Zoro, sensing the shift in the air, tightened his grip on his swords, ready to spring into action at any moment.  

Just as I prepared to strike, Zoro suddenly dropped his swords, his expression fierce. "Zoro?!" I exclaimed, confused and alarmed.

“Hey, Luffy!” Zoro shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

“What’s mosshead doing now? This better be good,” Sanji muttered, his concern evident despite his frustration.

“Luffy, you hear me?” Zoro continued, his tone urgent. “You’ve got to get it together! We’re in the New World! The stakes are high!”

I couldn’t help but smirk at Zoro’s commanding tone. Sanji joined in, a grin spreading across his face. “Just what we needed—a kick in the ass.”

Luffy, looking both surprised and somewhat abashed, scratched the back of his head. “Sorry about that. It won’t happen again.” His grin returned, more determined this time. With Luffy heading off toward Caesar, Smoker followed close behind, leaving Tashigi with the G-5 soldiers.

Suddenly, alarms began blaring throughout the lab. “What’s happening now?” I muttered, just as a G-5 soldier lunged at me with a blade. I quickly sent a shock through him, causing him to drop his weapon and stagger back. The other G-5 soldiers, startled, began cocking their guns again.

Before they could take aim, Zoro stepped forward, his voice commanding, “Stand down.” The authority in his tone was unmistakable as he grabbed the hilts of his swords. The Samurai and Brook readied themselves as well, preparing to strike. In unison, they launched attack after attack, slicing through obstacles and creating a clear passage.

“Y/N, get on,” Sanji called out, extending his hand toward me as he mounted Brownbeard’s back. His expression was serious, his concern for me evident. “We’ve got this, now let’s go find those kids.” says Nami, as we begin to hurry to the door. 

“Yeah!” Usopp echoed, determination in his voice.

Just as Zoro was about to unleash another attack to clear the way, Tashigi suddenly appeared, blocking his path with her sword. “Tashigi?” I said, surprised to see her intervene.

“But Captain, why?” one of the G-5 soldiers asked, confusion evident in his voice.

Zoro smirked, recognizing the familiar face in front of him. “Why hello, there, copycat. Captain now, huh? So why don’t you want to fight me?” His tone was teasing, but the challenge was clear as he held his stance, ready for anything.

Tashigi glanced back and forth between Zoro and me, her expression torn. “I see now where you get that smart mouth of yours, Y/N,” she said, her tone a mix of frustration and reluctant admiration.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Guilty as charged,” I replied, trying to lighten the mood despite the tension in the air.

After a moment of internal conflict, Tashigi broke away, turning to her men with determination. “Everyone, leave! Now!” she ordered, her voice firm and unyielding. The G-5 soldiers hesitated for a moment before following her command, retreating toward the doors.

Seeing the opportunity, we urged Brownbeard to hurry. “The only way out of this building is to escape now,” Tashigi shouted, her urgency palpable. “Caesar is trying to fence us in!”

We barely had time to process her words when a gunshot echoed through the lab, shattering the tense silence. The shot had pierced a wall, causing the poison gas from outside to start seeping in. The deadly mist crept toward us, its effects immediate as some of the G-5 soldiers began to turn to stone.

“RUN! NOW!” Tashigi yelled, her voice laced with desperation as she tried to get her men to move. We sprinted toward the sliding door, the gas closing in fast. Just as the door was about to shut, a few of the G-5 men grabbed their captain, throwing her over the threshold to safety.

“Let go of me! Our men are out there! We need to help them!” Tashigi cried, struggling against the soldiers holding her back.

“No can do, Captain,” one of the men said, his voice strained with emotion. “Please, just let me go!” Tashigi pleaded, tears brimming in her eyes as she fought to return to her men.

“Excellent Marines! Thank you! Our captain is safe; you’ve done the Navy proud! We’ll take it from here,” another soldier said, his voice steady as the door finally shut, sealing off the gas—and their fate.

We watched in silence, the weight of what had just happened settling heavily on us. The lab was filled with the quiet sound of Tashigi’s muffled sobs as she struggled against the reality of the situation, her tears a stark contrast to the grim resolve of the soldiers who had sacrificed themselves for her safety.

“Brownbeard, let’s move,” Nami said firmly, as we began to leave Tashigi and the G-5 behind. Robin had rejoined us, her presence a small comfort in the chaos.

“I can’t believe he’d destroy his own lab,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief. “He must be desperate to wipe us all out.”

“We may have escaped, but it doesn’t mean we’re safe yet,” Usopp said, taking off his coat. “We need to find those children and get to Gate R-66 fast.”

“Agreed,” Sanji added, his tone grim as he took a drag from his cigarette. “The sooner we get out of here, the better. I’ve had enough of this island.”

I lay back on Brownbeard’s back, wincing as pain shot through my leg. “Damn Vergo,” I muttered, clutching my leg.

Sanji noticed my discomfort and immediately knelt beside me, his expression turning from concern to determination. He carefully examined the damage on my leg, his brow furrowing as he took in the extent of Vergo's brutality.

“This is worse than I thought,” he said, his voice tight with frustration. “You’re hurt badly. I should’ve been here to stop this from happening.”

He took a deep breath and grabbed some cloth from his coat pocket, swiftly tearing it into strips. His hands worked with a focused urgency as he began to bandage my leg, his movements precise and firm. “Hold still,” he instructed, his voice gentle but insistent. “I’m going to do what I can to ease the pain and make it more manageable.”

As he wrapped the cloth around my leg, he looked up at me with a mix of worry and resolve. “I should have protected you better,” he said, his voice tinged with guilt. “I know I can’t undo what happened, but I’ll make sure you’re taken care of. We’ll get through this.”

Despite the pain, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. “Sanji, thank you,” I said softly, touched by his dedication. “I appreciate everything you’re doing.”

Sanji finished bandaging my leg, giving it a gentle pat. “We’re getting out of here,” he said firmly. “And once we’re safe, I’ll make sure you get the help you need. Just hold on a little longer.”

Before I could respond, Zoro shouted, “Hey, can’t you run any faster!” to Brownbeard, who was struggling under the weight of everyone on his back.

“Are you kidding?!” Brownbeard retorted, gasping for breath. “You guys are getting heavy! When did all of you get on my back?”

“You’ll have to forgive us, Brownbeard,” Zoro said with a shrug. “We don’t have much of a choice.”

“Really?! It better be a good one!” Brownbeard huffed.

“It is,” Zoro said, his tone deadpan. “We’ve been running all day, and now we don’t want to stop.”

I couldn’t help but giggle at the interaction. The levity was a welcome distraction from the pain in my leg.

“That’s a horrible excuse! Get off my back!” Brownbeard grumbled, his frustration evident.

The Samurai, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. “Good sir, your name is Brownbeard, correct?”

“Yes,” Brownbeard replied, still running. “Why?”

“It pains me to ask this,” the Samurai continued, “but my son has been taken, and I need to rescue him as soon as possible.”

“Huh?? Your son?” Brownbeard asked, clearly taken aback.

“Yes,” the Samurai confirmed. “I simply need your assistance because I am too tired to run.”

“You guys are horrible!” Brownbeard complained, shaking his head. “Get off my back!”

“I’m feeling a bit hungry,” Brook said cheerfully. “Brownbeard, do you have any snacks stored back here?”

“Ohh, I’d kill for some food right about now,” I added, rubbing my stomach. “And a drink too.”

Sanji’s eyes lit up with determination. “Ohhh, my goddess is hungry! Don’t you worry, I’ll whip you up a meal that will put you back to health in no time. No need for Law or Chopper to come and take care of you.”

Zoro raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Seriously, Sanji? You’re thinking about cooking right now? We’re in the middle of a crisis!”

Sanji shot him a sharp look. “Well, someone has to make sure Y/N’s taken care of. It’s not like you’re offering any help.”

“Help? I’m carrying a sword and fighting off enemies while you’re planning your next culinary masterpiece!” Zoro retorted, crossing his arms. “Besides, it’s not like you’re the only one worried about Y/N.”

Sanji’s face reddened, his concern clearly turning into frustration. “Of course I’m worried! I’m trying to make sure Y/N is okay while you’re just standing around with your usual attitude!”

Brook chuckled at the exchange. “You two are always good for a laugh, even when things are tough.”

The sound of Brook’s laughter managed to pull a genuine smile from me, and I let out a soft chuckle despite my exhaustion.

Sanji suddenly stood up, his expression serious. “Guys, I’ll be right back. Mosshead, take care of Y/N.”

“Wait, Sanji, where are you—” I started to ask, but before I could finish, Sanji leaped into the air, using his Sky Walk technique to disappear into the distance.

“I wonder why he left?” I said, glancing at Zoro and Usopp.

“He probably sensed an enemy nearby,” Usopp suggested, his tone thoughtful.

“Ohhh, you’re right,” I murmured, watching Sanji’s retreating figure.

“Yeah, he’s got a sixth sense for these things,” Zoro said, his eyes scanning the surroundings. “Just stay alert.”

I nodded, my gaze following the path Sanji had taken. “Take care of yourself, Sanji,” I whispered, hoping he’d hear me somehow despite the distance.

Sanji’s POV… 

How dare that... that... egotistical asshole try to put the moves on my Y/N! The memory of Law’s smug face only fueled my anger. Once we get out of here, I won’t go easy on him. But what matters most right now is that I have my love back.

Seeing Y/N like this, bruises marking her beautiful skin, dried blood matted in her hair, her lip busted open—it tore me apart inside. I wasn’t there to stop this... I wasn’t there to protect you! The guilt gnawed at me, a bitter taste in my mouth. Yet here you are, looking at me with such grace, such love... I truly don’t deserve someone like you, Y/N.

When Y/N muttered, “Damn Vergo,” struggling to put weight on her injured leg, it felt like a knife to my heart. I couldn’t stand to see her in pain. I moved closer, the concern in my chest growing heavier.

“Let me see,” I said, my voice firm, but laced with the worry I couldn’t hide. I knelt down, taking in the sight of the dark purple bruise, the swelling on her right leg. It’s worse than I thought... Frustration bubbled up inside me, mixing with the guilt I carried. “You’re hurt badly...” I muttered, my voice thick with regret. “I should’ve done more for you.”

With shaking hands, I pulled out some cloth from inside my coat pocket, tearing off pieces to use as a makeshift bandage. As I started wrapping her leg, I whispered, “I swear, Y/N, I’ll never let anything like this happen to you again. I’ll protect you, no matter what.”

I finished bandaging her leg, giving it a gentle pat before looking up at her. The concern in my eyes was met with a soft, reassuring smile from Y/N, but it wasn’t enough to ease the guilt gnawing at me. As we continued our journey to rescue the children and get the hell out of Punk Hazard, a sudden shift in the air caught my attention. I paused, listening intently. It was faint, but unmistakable—a woman’s tears.

I must help! The thought was immediate, instinctual. I couldn’t ignore a lady in distress, not when she needed me.

“Guys, I’ll be right back,” I said, my voice firm with resolve. “Mosshead, take care of Y/N.”

Zoro grumbled something under his breath, but before Y/N could protest, I was already in motion. "Wait, Sanji, where are you..." her voice trailed off as I left the group, skywalking through the air with a singular focus—finding and helping the woman in need. Nothing else mattered in that moment. I’d find her, make sure she was safe, and then return to Y/N and the others. I wasn’t going to let anyone suffer if I could do something about it.

As I continued my way through the corridors, the distant cries of a woman grew louder, leading me right to the source. "Bingo!" I murmured, honing in on the sound. "I hear a lady in need of my help!" Without hesitation, I launched a powerful kick, sending the man who was causing her harm flying into a nearby wall. I landed gracefully, standing tall with determination etched on my face. Pulling out my cigarette, I lit it with a practiced flick, taking a slow drag before blowing out a puff of smoke.

"I heard the heart-breaking sound of a woman’s tears," I declared, finally coming face to face with the poor lady. But before I could say more, an alarm began blaring, its shrill noise echoing through the halls. "Crap, not this again!" I cursed under my breath, as the G-5 men around us scrambled to retreat, leaving me alone with this scumbag.

The man, still dazed from my kick, looked up at me with a sneer. "You’re a pirate," he spat. "Why are you helping a bunch of Marines?"

"Because you’re not supposed to hit ladies, scumbag," I shot back, my voice low and filled with menace. "Didn’t your parents ever teach you that?"

"Ladies, huh?" He mocked, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "Then I should’ve done more to the Princess. How’s her right leg doing?"

His words hit me like a ton of bricks, realization dawning on me in an instant. "Vergo!" I snarled, my hands clenching into fists. This was the scum who touched my Y/N!

He saw the recognition in my eyes and relished in it. "She’s a feisty one, let me tell you," he continued, taunting me. "I just couldn’t keep my hands off her. Would’ve done more if we were alone in a room."

Rage surged through me, hotter than any fire. I could feel my blood boiling, every muscle in my body tensing with the overwhelming urge to beat this bastard into the ground. "You’re going to regret ever laying a hand on her," I growled, my voice trembling with barely controlled fury.

This wasn’t just about defending a lady anymore—this was personal. This was for Y/N. And I wasn’t going to hold back.

Vergo sneered, unfazed by my anger. "I don't have time for your mortal platitudes," he spat, launching a barrage of kicks that I met with my own. Each strike reverberated through the corridor, the sheer force of our blows shaking the walls around us.

"What's a Straw Hat doing helping us?" one of the G-5 men muttered, watching the battle in disbelief.

"You saved my life," the woman—Tashigi, I realized—said, her voice filled with gratitude despite the chaos.

But there was no time to respond as Vergo pressed his attack, his moves precise and brutal. I countered with equal ferocity, determination blazing in my eyes. With a swift pivot, I unleashed my Flanchet Full Power Strike, my leg igniting with intense flames as I drove the blow into Vergo’s chest, sending him crashing through the wall once again.

"Holy crap, he's strong," one of the G-5 men exclaimed, their awe clear in their voices.

But I wasn’t done yet. Not by a long shot. This fight was far from over, and I was going to make sure Vergo regretted every single moment he spent laying a hand on Y/N.

"We gotta give him some backup, Captain!" a few of the Marines shouted, their voices trembling with urgency.

"What are you morons doing?!" I yelled, noticing the door sealing the gas was now opening. "Caesar wants to seal you up to poison you! See what I mean!"

Just then, Vergo stood up, his expression unreadable as he prepared for another round. "Well, would you look at that," I muttered, realizing what was going on. "You've got metal under your skin. Y/N never had a chance," I whispered, the rage bubbling up inside me again.

"Quit interfering," Vergo growled, launching himself at me once more.

I met his attack head-on, my foot connecting with his body in a powerful kick. But suddenly, I felt a sharp crack in my leg. "Crap," I hissed, quickly dodging Vergo’s relentless assault, evading each of his strikes by mere inches.

"Black-Leg, the door is closing fast! Get out of there!" one of the Marines shouted, panic in his voice.

I managed to break away from Vergo just in time, but not before noticing some of the Marines lying motionless on the ground. "Crap!" I cursed, rushing over to them. "Hey! Stay with me!"

Just then, an announcement blared over the speakers, "Law made it to the factory room! The traitor Trafalgar Law made it to the factory room!" The announcement cut off as the door closed, trapping the gas inside.

I barely managed to escape with the two Marine officers in tow, leaping into the air and calling down, "Hey! Everyone made it!" I said, my tone lighter as I spotted Tashigi. "Especially you, Tashigi!" I added, with a bit of a flirtatious edge.

"Keep kicking ass, Black-Leg! Yeah, you rock!" the G-5 Marines cheered.

"I don’t care about you!" I shot back, dropping the two Marines unceremoniously on the ground. "Ladies only!"

One of the soldiers, his tone concerned, offered, "We could give you first aid if you need it?"

"Shut up! If it’s not a thank-you kiss from your captain, I don’t want to hear it!" I retorted, lighting a cigarette with a flick of my lighter. As I exhaled, I muttered to myself, "I got lucky—that kick could have destroyed me." My mind wandered back to Y/N. "That’s the same armament Haki that injured Y/N’s right leg."

Turning to the Marines, I noticed one of them pale and trembling. "Well, I never met the guy, but he turned pale and ran off. Besides, he’s got hell to pay after what he did to my Y/N."

"Anyway, we should get moving," I continued, my tone shifting back to urgency. "We have to save those kids."

And with that, Tashigi, the G-5 men, and I began running, determined to find the children and make it out of this hellhole alive.

Doflamingo POV…

"So, Law is going after SAD," I said, hearing the news from my transponder snail.

"With this development, there's no doubt he has betrayed us," said Vergo.

"I see," I replied, laughing at the whole scheme. "Well, can't say I'm shocked, but that's some gratitude. Treated him like a brother, and this is the thanks I get," I said, lounging on my sofa. "He made it to the manufacturing room, Vergo?"

"Yes, sir."

"He's also fancied a girl here, a 'princess,' if you will," said Vergo.

"Is that so?" I muttered, intrigue sparking within me.

"She's quite a fighter, and she's feisty as hell," Vergo whistled. "I still regret not taking her to a room alone."

Just then, Baby 5 came crashing through the window, glass shattering around her. She stood in front of me, gun pointed directly at my chest, tears welling in her eyes.

"I’ve heard rumors about a 'Princess'... Is she the one who’s captured his heart? Tell me, Doffy! Says Baby 5. Baby 5 cried, her voice trembling as she lowered the gun slightly.

I ignored her cries, dismissing her completely as I turned back to Vergo. "Misfortune never comes alone," I mused, a wicked grin spreading across my face. "Then his misfortune will be my doing."

I threw my head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the room as Baby 5 stood there, torn between anger and sorrow. I could feel her desperation, but it was irrelevant to me. Law had crossed a line, and if he thought he could get away unscathed, he was more of a fool than I imagined.

Y/N POV… 

"You know, this dragon doesn’t seem like a runt at all," says Zoro, now lying beside me. Turns out the dragon from before—yeah, it was drugged up, and now the effects have worn off, revealing its true potential.

"Indeed," I replied to Zoro, watching the dragon’s fierce movements.

"Will you two quit it and do something!" Usopp shouted, desperate as the dragon breathed fire dangerously close to us.

"Can’t, I’m on watch duty," Zoro said, casually pointing at me.

"And I’m trying to recover," I added with a smirk.

"You're not helping, Y/N!" Usopp exclaimed, his voice a mix of frustration and fear. I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

"Fear not, my friends! I have a score to settle with this dragon, and I shall protect you!" declared the samurai—Kin’emon, as I had learned his name. "By the might of my sword, this dragon shall be vanquished!"

"Not so fast!" interrupted Brook, stepping forward with his sword drawn. "This dragon and I also have a score to settle!"

"Ohhh, are we getting a show too?" I teased, leaning back slightly. "This is when snacks would have come in handy."

"And booze," Zoro agreed, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

The tension in the air was palpable, but amidst it all, I couldn’t help but chuckle at our little group’s dynamic. The dragon roared again, and while the others prepared to fight, Zoro and I simply exchanged a knowing glance, savoring the chaotic yet oddly familiar atmosphere.

"But, Brook, you just met the dragon today?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

"True," Brook admitted, "but it looked like it was going to eat me! Then it turned away like I was some bag of bones! It’s accurate, but still hurts!"

"There, there, pal, it's okay," Usopp said, trying to comfort Brook from the sting of the dragon's rejection, patting him on the back as Brook sniffled dramatically.

The sight of Usopp consoling a skeleton about being rejected by a dragon was too much, and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Even Zoro let out a low chuckle beside me, the absurdity of the situation taking the edge off the tension.

"Only us," I muttered, shaking my head as the samurai and Brook readied themselves for their showdown with the dragon. "Only us."

Just then, Nami released her Thunder Trap, shocking the dragon with a powerful jolt of electricity. The dragon roared in pain, and neither Kin'emon nor Brook managed to vanquish the beast.

"Well done, breast band girl! You're skilled in the ninja arts, I see," said Kin'emon, nodding approvingly.

Turning towards Kin'emon, I clenched my right hand, a surge of protective anger welling up inside me. "Nami, want me to—"

"No, Y/N, it’s okay," Nami interjected, her voice calm and reassuring.

I slowly unclenched my hand, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Just then, Usopp stepped forward, launching his Special Attack: Raposa. The dragon’s senses were disoriented as the attack hit, causing it to thrash about in confusion.

"What?! The long-nose man can conjure sorcery too?" Kin'emon exclaimed in amazement.

"What did you call me?!" Usopp shouted back, indignant at the "long-nose" remark.

Then Robin joined the fray, her calm voice cutting through the chaos. "Cien Fleur: Quatro Mano, Hold." Giant hands sprouted from the ground, grabbing hold of the dragon and forcing it down.

"Are you all powerful ninjas?" Kin'emon gasped, running forward with Brook, both eager to finally vanquish the dragon.

Zoro and I exchanged a look, stifling our laughter as the scene unfolded.

[captain039]

Part 6 The lords servant

Astarion x reader

Warnings: plus size reader, light swearing, vampire things, sexual, first times, eventual smut, harassment, sexual harassment, angst, past abuse, past trauma

Previous part <-

You had decided to stay, though things were different now, he didn’t make you clean, cook or check over things in the house. You were more of a guest now than servant, he gave you your own room despite your words of not needing it. He insisted greatly, saying you could decorate as you pleased. He wished to go with you to the shops so he could show you the best places for silks and blankets, clothes and perfumes. It saddened you, he had this glint in his eye of wanting to explore this new bond you shared to its fullest, only to be stopped by the sun. You didn’t go shopping, you kept your clothes simple with the ones you had packed, though it made him huff saying he wished to lavish you in wonderful things. You would just shake your head and say you were happy with what you had, he would pout like a child and it would make you laugh though. Honestly you were scared to buy new clothes, you’d have to be sized and measured, you didn’t want the scrutiny of some seamstress judging your body, you also felt wrong for such beautiful things to be waisted on your body, but the lord didn’t need to know that.

You were rather lost in thought, thinking back to your family when you felt arms around your waist and a head bury in your neck. Had you not recognised the soft curls and smell of your lord, you would’ve slapped them. You simply smiled as he pressed light kisses to your neck humming gently.

“What’s my little pup thinking about so deeply?” He asked and you shrugged lightly.

“Just home, well, where I grew up” you muttered frowning lightly. You were still off with the whole touching thing, you stepped out of his hold turning to look at him instead making him frown lightly.

“Tell me about it?” He asked head tilted slightly in question.

“It’s really boring and depressing” you chuckled but the laughter didn’t reach your eyes.

“Nothing about you is boring my dear, please, I’m all pointy ears” he grinned lightly and sat making you huff with a smile.

“My mother was named witch of the town, my father was in trades, he wasn’t home often. My mother was good with potions and alchemy, not really any magic in her unless she tried hard enough. She was, well she was odd to caught up in her old books to really see what was happening around her” you sighed.

“Too busy to see what was happening to me” you added quietly as the lord kept his attention on you fully.

“Like I said I’d get bullied a lot and beaten, she’d never notice, I’d try to tell her and she’d mumble something about a potion or herb before going back into her room, when i tried to tell my father he’d either pretend to be too busy or just ignored me, it was really just me growing up, and the donkey we had” you chuckled at the last part remembering.

“His name was Al, short for Albert, I loved him so much, id talk to him, sounded like a mad child now” you shook your head with a smile.

“He was too dumb though, didn’t know what was what and died out in the woods from a bear” you grimaced at the memory of finding him.

“I knew i had locked the gate that night, somebody opened it” you huffed.

“Bastards” the lord said frowning.

“I found him torn to shreds, horrible sight for a youngen” you shuddered.

“My parents didn’t care obviously, just told me to go work the barn, there was nothing in the barn to work with though so I just read books” you shrugged looking to him.

“Hopefully your parents were better than mine, I mean they did raise you” you smiled before it faded. His eyes went blank, his lips drawn into a thin line.

“I’m sorry-“ you stuttered as he stood, you began to panic as he simply left making you sigh. Even a hint about asking about his past he’d shut down and leave, maybe it wasn’t the right time, but he was a mystery to you, you knew nothing about him and he knew your life story.

You wandered around the mansion, exploring the rooms you could go in, wandering the library before finding a book and settling down. When dinner came you headed to the kitchen, smelling some delicious stew. You got looks from the servants now though, you grabbed some food and left back to your room passing the lords on the way. You froze though seeing one of the servants against the wall, his head in their neck. He was feeding, just with less activity now, but their moaning and fingers in his curls made your stomach churn with jealousy before you stormed back to your room. Of course he had to fed how stupid could you be. You packed your room if possible there would be an angry dark cloud above your head. Gods you felt so stupid, caught up in this new love. You groaned in frustration wanting to throw something breakable before you heard knocking. You took a quiet breath before opening the door seeing the lord there, not a drop of blood on his face.

“Evening my dear” he said and you wanted to scoff.

“I wish to be left alone” you said as nice as you could with a smile and he frowned.

“Are you not feeling well?” He asked and you felt like slapping him.

“Yes, just a bit feverish, I’m going to bed early, goodnight my lord” you said curtly and gave a small bow before closing the door. You clenched your jaw and fisted your hands before sitting by your desk.

Astarion stood confused outside your door, you didn’t look feverish to him. His mouth was bitter with the servants blood, he simply needed to feed, nothing more, however the servant had other plans moaning against him. It made him growl in annoyance, but they only took it as a spur and continued. He couldn’t handle it so he forced them away seeing the confusion. You had pressed about his past again, you told him about your past and he kept his hidden in the shadows where it belonged, the invisible collar around his neck tugging in reminder. He wouldn’t bring you into that, wouldn’t let his past consume you like it has everything else, not when you were this light in his life. When he first spotted you he’d never seen something so divine and swore on getting a taste, however that proved difficult. His usual charms and flattery didn’t work on you, you had high walls and something held you back. Gods know he saw red when those bastards touched you, saw the fear in your eyes, he almost slit their throats and drank them dry there and then had you not been there. He meant what he said when he would kill them, but your too kind heart didn’t see it fit. When you entered his room after days of him not feeding and being in his bed he hurt you. He felt nothing but hunger as the sweetness of your blood flowed into his body for the first time. It made him shudder till he realised what he had done. He’d been so close to having you, after his brood he swore he was going to have you, but you came in, checking on him like a wounded animal. Where the hell was Daenan? He’d tear into him later, right then, he was chasing you through Baldurs gate and into an alleyway, your blood tingling on his tongue. He’d taken too much and your burst of escape caused you to pass out against him. He hated being out in the city, it was too exposed, too many eyes in the shadows. He hastily got home with you in his arms, his guards giving him odd looks before he sneered at them. Your unconscious form made his heart stir for the first time in 200 years, you looked at peace, not like the gut wrenching fear from before. He stayed by your bed, held your hand made sure you were comfortable before you finally awoke. He had gone back to check on you only to find you weren’t there and his panic settling in. He saw the balcony doors open though and sighed seeing your form lit in the moonlight. Gods what a sight, you almost glistened in light, the wind gently blowing through your hair and white robe, you looked like a goddess. When you kissed him he felt like his heart leapt out his chest, your desperateness and needy noises made him crave you, though this was probably the first time you’d ever initiated a kiss from someone. Seeing you smile and giggle softly made him swoon like a young vampire again, hearing you say you’d stay made his heart leap. He’d been too excited he knows that now, giving you your own room, wanting to buy you dresses, silk sheets and blankets, perfumes, anything good gold could buy. It made you uncomfortable, he saw the way you’d look to the ground and gently shake your head with a small thank you. You weren’t from this life, a simple village girl with no one, but herself, he craved you though, craved your touch, craved your lips, your blood. He fed more regularly, trying to rid of the cravings he felt, but it never worked. He felt how you’d shy away from his touch and keep a safe distance should you need to run. He’d broken trust and he was trying to hard to get it back, for the first time in 200 years he didn’t know what he was doing, he didn’t know how to win your affections, it seemed so simple when doing it for ‘him’.

Next part ->

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[opiopal]

•All I wanted was bread•

2

(This is the second part of my TSL fic, I apologize if this part seems a little rushed? I was attempting to get to the brothers as soon as possible.

The characters in this part are Mc(you), the crows, a very mean Lucifer, and mammon(who appears for a split second). Simeon, luke, are mentions but do not appear.)

(I apologize again if this sucks, I haven’t actually written in a long time)((pt 3 will be out as soon as I can write it))

•

Being alone was hard.

You were used to having someone to talk to, make jokes with, someone to teach, someone to help you cook, someone that was always waiting for you after you got off work.

But now it was just you, in the same house, with the same dirty windows, the same crummy writing desk now with no one to sit in it, the same worn down floors, and the same familiar beds but with no familiar boys sleeping in them.

But, you were yourself, you were human, you adjusted quickly.

Soon you fell into your own rhythm after about two months had gone by.

•

You wake up nearly the moment the sun shines through the window, throwing off the covers and quickly putting on your day clothes, you don’t waste a second hanging around in the bedroom, knowing that if you dwell for to long you’ll only find yourself getting sad at the lack of company. So you quickly push through the bedroom door, letting it shut behind you as you grab a small basket of seed and the pitcher of water.

The moment you step outside you are greeted by the caw of multiple crows sitting on your roof and hopping around on the ground,

“Good morning to you all,”

You quickly scatter seed across the ground, letting them flock to the area as you begin to water your garden. It had actually begun flourishing now that the crows leave it alone(for the most part), and now its something to be decently proud of.

Once you’re finished up, you head inside quickly, you need to get going soon for work so something quick will have to do for breakfast.

But, once you open the cupboard you remember you had finished off the bread yesterday. You rummage through the kitchen for a good while and find only oats are left. Taxes were due yesterday so you were low on money as well…

No matter! You tell yourself, you can always just buy some more food after work today! Since you get paid daily and not weekly.

So you ignore the growing pit in your stomach and head off for work after securing your shoes to your feet.

•

Sweeping and dusting felt like a much bigger task when hungry, but you’ve worked plenty of times while hungry before, so it’s nothing new to you. But it was still annoying to have to occasionally hear that grumble from your stomach, interrupting your thoughts. As the hours slowly ticked by you could feel yourself growing more grumpy and irritated, but you kept yourself polite when you talked with the other cleaners occasionally and quietly.

At some point during the afternoon, you were going back over the downstair floors, sweeping dirt from visitors walking in right back out the door. Then you heard the voice of your employer, for a moment you didn’t think anything of it until you processed that it sounded like she was scolding someone.

Your never ending curiosity got the better of you and you make your way over to a study, peaking inside you see her practically shouting at an elderly cleaner to clean the windows faster.

“We will be having guests in this room and they don’t need to see a hag such as yourself! It isn’t that hard to reach the top of the window- stop being lazy!”

You watch her kick the stool in which the cleaner was standing on, causing her to stumble and struggle to keep her balance. You feel anger bubbling up in your chest and you feel your face getting warm. This combined with your hunger just made you even angrier.

Before you could even process what you are doing, your feet are moving on their own and your arms swing the door open hard enough for it to bounce off the wall loudly.

“DONT KICK HER YOU WENCH!”

Silence fills the room as both women look at you baffled, just as you process what you had done, you watch as the lady of the house’s face turn a bright red as she shrieks.

“EXCUSE YOU!?”

•

•

It had hardly even been high noon and you were already heading back home. Because of course you had been fired immediately after your outburst.

But it’s not like you could help it- you were hungry and awfully close to that old woman, and seeing her get kicked around by someone young enough to be be her granddaughter was just- infuriating! And even now you could still feel your rage bubbling up inside your chest, though a lot of it was now replaced by shame and anxiety. Why did you have to open your mouth? Why couldn’t you have just walked away? Why did you have to be some sort of hero? But what would have happened if you did walk off? Would the have woman fallen and broken something? Would the lady of the house left her there on the ground?! WHAT IF-

Your thoughts are interrupted by someone stepping Infront of you and loudly clearing their throat.

“Ahem.”

You look up and are met with one of the messengers from the palace,

“Oh- I’m sorry I didn’t noti-“

“Of course you didn’t.”

They say roughly before shoving an envelope into your hands.

“I- thank yo-… ok, yeah, walking away is fine to. I guess.”

You watch them as they walk off, brushing off their hands onto their pant leg. You look down at the envelope and realize it’s from Simeon! Excitement bubbles up inside you, but only for a moment as you remember your situation once again.

•

Once you made it back home, the crows surrounding the small building caw in confusion as to why you’re home so early in the day. You plop down on the ground, resting your forehead in the palm of your free hand. You hear the little bodies of your friends land on the ground as they hop around you. One even worms his way into your lap to look up at your face.

Though you tried for a moment, you can’t help but let out a small laugh as you fix your posture, gently petting the crow in your lap as you do so.

“I got fired today. And of course I didn’t get paid for the hours I already worked.”

You sigh.

“I suppose it’s my own fault. I let my emotions get the best of me and I didn’t control myself.”

You hear a collection of loud caw’s from the small murder around you.

“What? It’s not like I didn’t know how to control myself, I was being impulsive-“

Another collective caw.

You sigh, realizing for a moment that you are indeed talking to birds and responding as if they can understand you. When in reality your brain is telling you that they’re just hungry. After a moment longer of sitting outside you turn your attention back to the unopened envelope in your hand.

You inhale slowly before ripping it open, tossing the envelope to the side as you read through the letter.

“Dear Mc,

I am writing in favor of an extremely excited Luke, who has been excelling in his lessons at an extraordinary rate, and has recently begun learning about the extended history of the kingdom. Which he says is a bit complicated, but he’s having fun anyways.”

You feel a smile creep up onto your face, it always made you feel better to know that Luke was living the best possible life the world could provide.

“Now I myself am doing well, the palace is still just as gorgeous and we are both well fed and warm every single night.”

Your stomach lets out an envious grumble.

“But what I wish to know is how you are doing. You are always on my mind and I can’t help but worry for your wellbeing. Though I trust you are managing just fine without me.”

You feel your face scrunch up slightly as you cringe.

By the time you finish reading you feel many emotions in your gut. You’re proud of Luke and very happy, though Simeon only talked of himself once you know he’s also doing just fine, which relieves you. But how are you supposed to tell him what’s happened?

You sigh as you set the letter down, rubbing your eyes and sitting motionless for what feels like ages.

Then a clink is heard.

You turn your head and notice one of the crows nudging a single coin towards you. Carefully you take it and smile.

“Ah, now what’s this? A gift? My my, how generous of you my friend.”

The crow puffs its little chest out pridefully. Though it wasn’t a lot you still appreciated the thought.

You turn your attention back to the letter for a moment before sighing, and heading back inside to try and figure out what in the world to say to Simeon.

•

•

•

Two weeks have passed at this point.

For some reason, it was suddenly impossible to find a job, no one wanted to pay you to do anything at all. So you haven’t had any form of income.

The pit in your stomach was a constant reminder of your situation, you could have a whole conversation with the growls that came from your gut daily. Sure your garden kept you alive these past weeks, but you needed something more, some actual protein, anything at all.

Occasionally you had the intrusive thought of just.. taking one of the crows inside with you.. and-

Of course you couldn’t even finish the thought without feeling overwhelming guilt. Because how in the world could you bring yourself to do that to something that trusts you so much!?

However. You didn’t ignore all of your intrusive thoughts.

One day you were walking through the market, hoping and praying that anyone at all you exchange food for the small amount of money you managed to hold onto. Then you spot a stall set up right outside the bakery.

Not only was it littered with sweets, but also different types of bread. Your eyes land specifically on an awfully large loaf of sourdough. You approach the stall, looking at the selection.

No ones paying attention, the baker isn’t even tending to the stall… it would be quite the shame if someone had taken a loaf. Especially since it was just so enticing. No. No. You couldn’t imagine anyone doing such a thing.

But no one was around, no one was even looking in your general direction, it was just one loaf, just one, there’s plenty..

just take it.

your mind screamed at you.

It’s- it’s fine, you’re hungry. Just take the bread Mc. Take it. Your window is closing. Take the opportunity. Take the bread. Take it. TAKE IT. JUST TAKE IT THE DAMN BREAD.

Before you knew it you quickly snatched the loaf and began walking away.

Your mind immediately started racing. Theres no way no one saw that, right? How was is that easy? Well, maybe you just got luck-

“HALT! THIEF!”

Well shit.

Without thinking twice you immediately break into a sprint. Shoving past bystanders and even a few shocked folks who knew you.

No no no no crap- dammit. Well you’re already running you can’t stop now!

You duck and doge past anything that had gotten in your way, barrels, carts, horses, cattle, it didn’t matter, your adrenaline was control your body as you hugged the loaf of bread to your chest as if it was the only thing that mattered in the world, because at this moment, it did.

Though you were only one person, and guards quickly blocked you off and seized you.

Now you might have been let go, maybe they would have even let you explain yourself and pitied you. But the moment you saw the smallest amount of exposed skin on one of the men grabbing ahold of you… with your adrenaline still coursing through your veins, your jaw flies open as you bite down on his arm. Causing a loud yelp to be heard from the guard.

..which also caused you to not be let go. And caused you to not have a second to explain yourself. And instead you found yourself being dragged by the arms by two guards.

Your knees scrapped against the ground below due to the fact that the guards didn’t stop for a moment to even let you stand. The cloth of your clothing thankfully acted as a sort of shield, but yet not enough of one as you could still feel the familiar sting of skin being broken and torn.

You could hardly process where in the world you were being taken, all you could focus on is the burning by in your knees and the occasional distant caw. Why were you wearing caws? You then saw a crow fly past, surely that didn’t mean anything at all. Right?

Then, you saw the palace growing closer.

No.. there’s no way they’re taking you to the LORDS because some bread?! Sure you bit a guard but there’s no way this warrants being taken to the LORDS!! OVER BREAD!

Despite your disbelief and silent reasoning, you’re dragged past the gates and into a grand court yard filled with hedges being tended to and trimmed by servants. And of course a stone pavement in which your knees could scrape further against.

You could hardly even take in the towering sight of the palace before being brought inside the magnificent piece of architecture, and into a throne room.

The throne room was massive, of course the first thing you noticed after being forcefully knelt down on the marble floor, was the seven thrones, elevated to loom over everyone and anyone placed infront of them. And unfortunately, that was you at the moment. The walls were covered with beautiful tapestries and suits of armor-which you couldn’t tell if they were occupied or not- lined the pillars in the room.

As the guard to your left begins to yammer on about how you were a “violent” and “masterful” thief, you scan the thrones. Each of the lords sat in their own respective spots. Of course the oldest being in the center throne. Though the spot to the right of the oldest was empty.. one of the lords werent present at the moment. But of course that was not your biggest concern.

You’re pulled out of your thoughts as you watch the Lord of Corruption rise out of his throne, walking forwards and down the steps to be on ground level. Your eyes quickly scan him up and down, taking in the detail of his black armored clothes with blue detailing, the shape of his jaw and nose, and his black greying hair which framed his face like some sort of painting.

His eyebrows were raised in amusement as he stared down at your knelt form. You feel the grip on your arms tighten as if to keep him safe from you, as if that would make the guards story seem more believable.

“And this… peasant.. is a dangerous and violent thief that I’ve never heard a single word about?”

He sounded entertained, as if he thought this whole ordeal was just as ridiculous as you did. He stops right in front of you. Staring down before a low chuckle leaves his throat.

“Ah yes. What a terrifying creature.”

You hear a small collection of giggles and chuckles throughout the room, laughing with him and at you.

You attempt to glance around the room again, maybe to gain a better sense of your surroundings or to even calm yourself, but then the lord slowly knelt down in front of you, grabbing your chin to force your head forwards as he stares. Entirely to close to your face.

“Hm, so you two bring me a little human thief and claim it’s dangerous. How ridiculous.-“

Without a second thought you pull your head back and spit at him.

Maybe that’s an understatement.

On him.

No no. In.

In his face.

You spit in the face of the Lord of Corruption. Causing gasps of shock to be heard throughout the throne room as he immediately stands and backs away in disgust, embarrassment, and anger. Your face turns to horrified as you realize what you have just done. A maid rushes up and quickly goes to clean his face, only for him to snatch the small rag from them and to wipe his cheek clean.

“Why you insignificant little..”

He approaches again, this time more aggressively as he tosses the rag onto the floor. His hand shoots out and roughly grabs a fist full of your hair, forcing you to stand as your own hands shoot up to grip his wrist, a whine escapes your throat as you try to gain balance to keep the sudden pain at bay.

“I’ll have your head for that you-“

His words are cut short as the sound of wings and caws fill the room. Above on the rafters sat multiple crows, cawing angrily and loudly. Their voices echo throughout the room as if in a noisy protest of the scene unfolding below them. The both of you stare upwards, his grip your hair faltering just for a moment before tightening again. He turns his head to look back at you with an accusatory expression on his face, nearly immediately piecing together that all the ruckus from the birds above just has to be your fault.

But then the caws suddenly die down as doors are swung open, ricocheting off the wall with a loud boom as an out of breath voice full of panic shouts into the room.

“WAIT.”



[frostbitten-writer]

Dancing shoes

Pairing: Hobie Brown x Fem!reader / Prince!Hobie Brown x Princess!reader

Tags: Royal AU, use of Y/N, FLUFF, description of clothes. I think it’s played in either London or some other port cities.

Warnings: None, maybe just a bit of banter. (If there are, please let me know!)

Authors note: Okay, this is a really really late wildcard post, but I couldn’t help myself nor post this earlier! Apologies for the inconvenience and confusion. Last entry for octobie! Oh no, October is already ending, what a shame!!! (Maybe we can do a December event as well with Christmas stuff 👀)

But pls check this event out -> @the-kr8tor and the lovely banners by -> @the-shroom-garden

Word count: 4k

“Shoulders back! Feet straight! Hands and arms loose! Stiffen those arm muscles! Y/N, do you even listen to what I am saying?!” The furious dance teacher exclaimed, his voice syncs to the rhythm of the waltz you're just learning.

“B-but you said to make my hands loose, how am I supposed to stiffen them?” You stuttered, looking down with wide eyes to your shoes as they stumbled around and sometimes stepped on your teachers feet.

“O mio dio.. Y/N, how are you supposed to dance at the ball this week? You dance like a cooked spaghetti!”

Your teacher sighed, scowling a few times as you continued to wobble around, almost breaking your ankles. You continued to swirl around, your heels clacking against the marbled surface, your flowy dress twirling in the sunlight, showing the soft pink hue it had.

And yet you were so embarrassed.. your parents invited the best dance teacher ever and he even came from Italy! That one teacher that helped every generation of your family, and yet he’s never seen such a disaster in his lifetime. 

Lost in your thoughts and anxiety, you completely lost control over your legs, falling with a loud shriek onto your teacher's chest…

 

“What’s going on here?”

A voice echoed through the ballroom, with a person standing there serious and cold. Your mothers straight and strict expression suddenly cooled the entire ballroom, the warm sunlight suddenly getting blocked by clouds. Her white and flawless dress rolled down to her ankles, several straps of cold blue making her skin look even colder and forbidden to touch.  

The orchestra silenced at her arrival, the people playing some wrong and off-key notes.

“She fell on me! Oh what will the people think of me when they find out I couldn’t teach her Royal Highness how to  dance?" He whined on the floor as you quickly tried to help him up. “It’s not like I did it on purpose!” You tried to defend yourself, desperate not to hear your mother scolding and lecturing again. Your mother sighed and shook her head in disbelief, but at least it’s better to see her all furious. 

“The poor prince! Look at what she did to my feet! My poor feet! All sore and tired of her heels stabbing them! What will even happen to him if she doesn’t learn how to dance! Such a shame! Such a disaster! Never in my fifty years of teaching-“ 

“Enough!” Your mother yelled, her voice ringing in your head as it went all through the long hall. “It’s your job to teach her! And I don’t know how you’ll do it, but you have just today for it! The prince will arrive today with his parents, since we have plans to deal with.”

“Today? Mother! You cannot be serious, I can’t just have today to learn it all! I look like a chicken without its head!” Running up to her you pleaded, but what will it even change? She never changed her mind, and unfortunately even if she did, the guests already sent a confirmation letter saying that they were already on their way…

“Y/N, what do you even want me to do? They’re already on their way, and you had a whole week to learn how to dance! I, at your age, didn't even need a day to learn it! What were you even thinking?” She scolded you, her so familiar voice once again nagging you.

“If you even dare to bring shame upon this family-” she threatened, looking down at you with pursed lips.

“Your majesty…” A soft voice calls out from the massive door. The usual maid that worked for your family was standing there, curled up against the doorframe to make herself smaller, as if wanting to disappear all together. 

 Your mother's expression softened at the call, looking at the girl. “Yes.. Jenny..” Your mother sighed, putting a hand over her forehead as if she were in distress.

“There is a meeting that you wanted to do today, since the Brown family is supposed to arrive shortly..” She spoke in a quiet voice, trying to avoid your mother's gaze from herself.

“Right.. with the Ravenstorm family, gosh how irritating they can be..” Your mother scoffed and turned herself to the door, making her way to the exit. You were about to breathe again when she looked back at you and said, “You better know how to dance tonight.”

 

-

 

Walking with your heels on and leaning on the wall, you were basically dragging yourself through the halls back to your chamber. Dancing for another couple hours without breaks was really tough, you bet you’ll have to ask Jenny for help with your painful and swollen calluses if you want to be able to dance.

With a loud sigh you stopped and took a small break, your feet not able to move at all.

You closed your eyes and leaned on the wall again,  relaxing with a soft smile to the sound of footsteps…

 Wait, Footsteps?

Oh goodness, footsteps!

 

You quickly propped yourself up, trying to look presentable to whoever was walking. It would be a shame to get caught leaning on the wall like a drunken sailor. If it were the case of your mother seeing you like this, you wouldn’t hear the end of the topic ‘What an embarrassment you are to the family.' Your dazed and tired mind lost any orientation, making you fall miserably in your heels…

 

“Shi-“ You whispered, awaiting the horrible and humiliating fall…

 

But you only felt a pair of arms catching you..

The soft smell of a woody cologne filling your nose…

The gentle and yet strong arms holding you in place.. good enough to almost fall asleep- 

 

Wait. Whose arms?!

 

Your eyes snapped open and you looked up, only to see an amused grin on the person's face..

“I know I make many people fall for me… but I didn’t expect it to be literal..”

“Oh my goodness! I am so sorry for this inconvenience, your Highness-“ You rambled with panicked eyes, trying to make this embarrassment up, but only to be stopped with the sound of laughter. 

“No need for the formalities, princess. I am fine just like that.” He spoke in a smooth voice, before pulling away and letting you grip the wall with buckled knees.

“Hobie Brown for you, luv.” He spoke and took one of your hands, pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles while maintaining eye contact. His dark eyes looked so loving, even though you’ve never seen him before, well only in drawings, you wouldn’t imagine him to look like that. The drawings couldn’t capture a single bit of life in his onyx irises, his pupils barely visible. He looked so caring, as if you knew each other for an eternity.

“Erm uhhhh- Y/N, just Y/N..” You murmured, your mind short-circuited for a second, a faint blush dusting your cheeks. 

The handsome young man only smiled at your reaction, still holding your hand tenderly.

“So, what is a lovely gal like you doing in such an inhumane punishment of heels?” He snickered quietly, watching you slide up and down the wall as you tried to stand straight but failed horribly due to the sharp pain in the legs.

“I had some dance classes- gosh..my feet hurt..” You hissed in pain, surrendering completely and sliding down to the floor. You shut your eyes in pain, a bead of sweat started to form on your forehead. You swallowed hard and Hobie’s amused expression quickly vanished into one of concern. He kneeled down to your level, putting a warm hand on your knee. 

“Should I help you to your chamber..?” 

“Please..” You panted, feeling your eyes start to burn with unshed tears.

He silently helped you up, scooping you lightly up with his arm under your knees and the other one around your middle. Resting your head on his shoulder, you felt like you could breathe again. Him carrying you bridal style would usually be embarrassing, but oh you couldn’t care less.

 

Walking through the quiet halls he gently started to caress your upper arm, “you alrigh’..?” He mumbled quietly, his eyebrows forming into a sympathetic look.

“Yeah, I’m fine… thank you so much, I don’t even know how to thank you..” You looked up at him tiredly, a faint and relieved smile formed on your face, making him grin softly.

“I mean, I could have a request…” 

“What is it? I’m telling you, I’ll do anything to pay you back- woah woah! Shi-!” 

Your eyes turn wide and you jump out of his arms, only to be looked at with a wild and confused expression. 

“What’s going on?” He asked as you were tugging on his sleeve, limping to a dark turn of a long hallway.

“Be quiet!” You whispered at him, trying to make him invisible in his white and golden suit. 

“Wha- why?” 

“Just- psh!!!”  You pressed a hand over his mouth, only to hear muffled disapproval.

 

Milliseconds later you see three persons walking, a pair of his parents and-

“What’s going on?!” He whispered with a crazed look, looking down at you and holding your hand in his as he finally could talk.

“My Mother.” 

“So what about it? Yeah, it’s your mom, nothin special!” 

“Nononononono, it’s my mother, not my mom.” 

You looked again at your mom and the guests, the people politely talking and making appropriate jokes. Your mother looked so sweet and warm, complete opposite to her usual attire. Everyone in the palace knew the antics of their queen, but no one dared to say anything about it, due to their status and the wrath they would face.

As they finally passed, you let out a shaky breath and checked if they left. 

“Can you please explain why you were freaking out at the sight of your mom?” 

“My mother is a super strict person, if would see saw you carrying me like that, he would behead me right away and then carry my head on a plate.” 

“What? No way…” 

 

-

 

After a long explanation and a long walk to your chamber, Hobie started to eat your ear off with his request.

 

“Oh cmon! It’s not like we will leave forever! Just a small walk around your city! I don’t even know what it looks like out there!” He tried to persuade you, walking next to you. You tried to get away from him, but as you limped he always caught up to you with his long strides.

“I can’t! I can never just go!” You exclaimed in a hushed tone, huffing as you walked the stairs.

“Of course you can! My parents always allow me to do everything, plus, I don’t believe in never!”

“I don’t believe in always!” 

“Well see? You’re asking yourself why I’m following you, but we’re just the clear opposites! And y’know what? Opposites attract!” He teased with a sly grin, trying to get a reaction out of you.

“What? No! Never!” You stopped in your tracks, scoffing quietly.

“Always.” He shrugged with a crooked grin, enjoying his little banter.

“But cmoooon… Pleaaase… let’s goooo..” he would whine and tug on your arm lightly, looking at you with his soft and pleading eyes, his lower lip dramatically pouting. 

“I’m gonna get in trouble!” You exclaimed, limping the last miles like a champ you are.

“You’re not! Just one word to my parents and we can leave for a week straight!” 

“One word to your parents and I’m a living corpse!” You huffed, stopping and leaning again on the wall. 

He would sigh exasperatedly, leaning back next to you and closing his eyes for a second.

“Y’know, we would’ve reached thaaaat door right here in seconds if you would’ve let me carry you~” 

“Hobie, no-“

“Yes, my little princess. I can’t even imagine you walking in such tight shoes and with your aching calluses. Just one sentence and I will scoop you up and carry you like a princess you are~” He would look down, a teasing smile on his face.

“Cmon, love. You know you want it…” He teased, his smirk turning into a grin as he saw your scowl. 

“… no.” You murmured softly and started to get away from him as fast as it was possible, but in reality it only looked as if your knees were broken. 

“What?!” He gasped and quickly caught up to you, lifting you up without your consent and sneakily getting you both to your room…

 

-

 

The sound of your chair squeaking lightly already made your eye tick in the most annoying way. You’ve been stuck with this drama queen for probably half an hour as you treated your feet with bandages and oils, trying to make them a bit less aching. You were sitting on the edge of your bed, your feet on a small stool and Hobie rocking back and forth on your little vanity chair, his feet propped against the table. 

“When will you finally finish? You’ve been fussing around your little feetsies for almost an hour!” He would whine and look at you as you perched to your legs in maybe not the most graceful way but you would only scoff and grumble, your hair irritating you even more as you tried to move it away but to no success.

“I’m trying my best! And be grateful that I’m even going with ya!” 

“Alright, alright..” He would mumble, now interested in the things that were on your vanity chair.

“Eau de poopsicle… heh, the French really have a way with their names..” he would giggle and hold a glass of your perfume that you would wear every day, but the way that he just read the tag of it, made you rethink the daily use.

“I’ve got no idea what you just said, and I’m just gonna act like I didn’t hear it.” 

“What! It literally says that on the glass! You can even look!” He would defend himself, about to stand up and push the bottle into your face.

“Ugh.. I’m done. Let’s go, troublemaker.” You would murmur and get yourself some new heels, a bit lower and that were considered as ‘daily and regular use’.

“You sound like my mom.. plus, are you seriously gonna wear heels again? Didn’t you just complain about them?”

“Yeah, but those are the only shoes that I have that don’t absolutely kill me.” His eyebrows would just only furrow and he would roll his eyes at you, but at least he already stood up, ready to leave.

He dusted his suit off, the white fabric making his dark skin look only more smooth than it did before, the golden straps make him look even more charming. He looked so strict with his sharp jawline and cheekbones, his eyes round and yet serious. If you didn't know better, you would’ve thought he were some super serious and propped man, when in reality he would be a little, handsome troublemaker. 

“So, then, what’s the plan? We jumping out of the window?” He mocked, looking down at you as you tested the heels and if you were capable of walking in them.

“No, we’re going through the back exit, it’s not as crowded and is only used by maids and servants, cooks and other staff. We just have to get through without getting caught. We still have a few hours before the ball starts, so if we come again, we should be good…” You thought out loud, draping a thin summer cape over your shoulders, looking at yourself in the mirror.

“You look good, now, let’s go!” He would exclaim and take your hand in his, pulling you away from your reflection and to the door.

“Alright! Alright! Let’s go!” Quiet giggles would fill the hallways as you discreetly sneaked out of the palace, hands clasped together all the way. You were about to get caught several times, but only escaped at the last moment with suppressed laughs.

“Hmm.. such a beautiful breeze.. don't you think, love?”

“Yeah, quite the nice weather indeed…”

The little small talks would flow effortlessly, arms locked and strides slow and comfortable. The sun would slowly set, but there were still one or two hours left before the official start of the ball. 

The port life was so much different than you imagined, so many different people walking and doing something, always fussing around. You and Hobie were quite the sight due to the clothes you wore, but no one paid much mind to it since they never saw you in person. How could they? They’re just mortals that don’t even know anything about the royal family, only some gossip flying around from the nosy aunties. 

You decided to go around the market, looking around the different types of vegetables and jewellery people desperately tried to sell. You felt a bit pressured and wanted to look at all the different options, but Hobie would only tug on you and continue walking. 

This time you forced him to stay, showing him the paintings on the display.

 

“Eh, darling, look at this option right ‘ere! Looks beautiful indeed, don't ya think? Only 5 pounds!” The salesman would try to persuade you, almost shoving the piece of paper into your hands. 

“Oh George! Let this poor dove be! Don’t ya see yer pressuring her?! Your paintings ain’t even worth a pound!” A middle aged woman at the other stand called out, holding a newspaper in her hands as she smoked a cigarette, her head topped with a red bandana. 

“Marge! Shut your lovely mouth for a second! I’m doing business ‘ere!”

“Yea, yeah! Right, business!” She called back, looking back at you and then to the newspaper. 

“You two lovebirds look quite different from the folk ‘ere, visiting the port land?” She asked, her voice laced with a tinge of suspicion.

“No, just, looking around, I guess…” You murmured quietly, smiling sheepishly at the woman’s narrowed eyes. 

“I think I saw ye somewhere, might help the aunty out?” 

“I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about, madam…” 

Hobie took a step back, tugging on your arm a bit more protectively than before. “Y/N.” 

“Where you going, huh? I’m not done talking to ye!” The woman would call out a bit louder, causing more heads to turn around and the street to grow quieter.

“Dead fish in my mouth- aren’t you the princess?!” Someone from the crowd called out, the people slowly circling you two in.

“Run.” Hobie would murmur and the chaos began.

Hands tightly intertwined together, you pushed through the crowd, trying to get away from the questioning people. Hobie’s grip on your arm didn’t falter a second, pulling you through the people that were almost ripping your little cape.

Turning a corner, you were at the city’s port, different boats and ships sailing and moving. Running on the wooden floor you both began giggling and laughing, the adrenaline rushing through the veins as you were still followed by some desperate people.

“Love, c’mere!” Hobie would whisper in a hushed tone as he gingerly jumped on an abandoned wooden boat. It was clearly not used by anyone, since it was clammy and moist. You carefully grasped his hands and jumped, quick to lay down on his chest as you both tried to silence your loud panting. 

As you lay on his chest, you looked up from underneath the dock, watching boots roam overhead.

The people ran back and forth before completely walking away with grunts of disapproval. When you were totally sure you weren’t followed, Hobie stood up pulling you up to your feet. 

“Quite the adventure today, huh?” He would say with a soft smile, his hair a bit tousled. 

“Yeah, adventure..”

Your small heels would make the small boat squeak, making the floor even more unsteady than it already was.

“Let’s go before the boat breaks down, right?” Hobie would joke, even though his eyes would betray the worry of the quality that the boat had. With the small steps you took the boat would rock side to side. 

 

Step…

 

“Love, let’s be a bit quicker.”

 

Step…

 

“I’m trying.”

 

Step…

 

“Doesn’t look like it.”

 

Step…

 

“Hobie..” 

 

“What?” 

 

“The floor…” 

 

A little crack would begin to appear on the floor, your white and pinkish heels pointing the way where the crack would only enlarge. Which was… exactly in the middle of the deck.

“Shoot! No, princess!” Hobie would call out with panicked eyes, trying to catch you up before you could fall into the water.

Your hands would try to reach his, but to no good since you already began falling backwards into the water. 

The cold water would spike your skin but it wasn’t uncomfortable, but more like refreshing. As stupid as it sounded, it felt good.

Hurried hands would quickly pull you out of the water before you could fully submerge.

“Love! I am so sorry, please forgive me! Are you cold? Here, take my jacket, please.” Seconds later you felt warm velvet on your gentle shoulders, his jacket still carrying the warmth of his body.

“It’s all good! I never felt more alive!” You grinned ecstatically, teeth gently clackering. 

“Oh goodness, you gave me a scare..” he sighed and gently hugged you, pressing your head against his chest as he tried to stop your shivering.

 

-

 

Heels in your hands you were wandering around the night city, your dress still slightly damp but you felt warmer due to the soup you ate in a small bar. The quiet city would feel so romantic… like it was made for you and you two only. 

“Oi, love.. follow me..” Hobie’s smooth voice would feel like the warmest bath you ever had, making you look up at him with the sweetest smile. 

 

Laughing as you went up a building, your hand would be tugged on by his. 

Several moments later you were sitting on a rooftop, with the most perfect view you ever had. Not even the view from your balcony could compare with this one.

“Look, you can see the castle right there…” Hobie pointed at the large building miles away from you, the magical white palace adorned with soft and warm lights.

“Right, the castle…” You mused with a faint smile, resting your head on his shoulder.

“The dance!” You exclaimed with a gasp, quickly jumping up and bringing a hand to your mouth. 

“Oh no, the dance! What will my mother say! She will be furious!” 

“Love, love, relax..” His hand found your shoulder, his tall frame towering over yours.

 

“May I invite you to a dance, your Highness?” His smirk would grow into a genuine smile, a hand stretching out for you to accept.

“But I do not know how to dance, your Royal Highness…” You spoke in an elegant voice, doing a little curtsy on the cold rooftop. 

“Oh but do not worry, I can lead it..~” he replied and took your hand in his, placing it onto his shoulder. 

“One hand on the shoulder, the other in mine, your feet on my boots and we’re going to dance, your Highness…” 

As his hand snaked to your waist, you felt your cheeks start to burn a bit, but you did as he said, your bare feet on his expensive leather shoes and hand on his shoulder.

“If you’re not a gentleman…” You teased, your smirk turning into a sweet grin as he started to sway you around, his legs effortlessly moving and dancing you in the moonlight. 

“Of course I am, always was…”

 

You may get in absolute trouble for going out, may get killed or poisoned by your mother, but you would still go with him everywhere he would want. As he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, you just couldn’t help but smile. It just felt so right and you know that you would still go everywhere with your new lover, wherever it would be.

[watchmegetobsessed]

JUST HOW FAST THE NIGHT CHANGES (part 3)

A/N: writing this part took me way longer than i thought but here we are! it's a bit shorter than the prev parts, but its waaay more loaded with emotions!! warning is included down below, but its also kind of a spoiler

WARNING: discussion about miscarriage

PAIRING: Harry x High-School-Best-Friend!Reader

WORD COUNT: 3.1k

SERIES MASTERPOST | SUPPORT ME!

He didn’t feel this nervous before his first Grammy performance. Not even before his Wembley shows. His nerves are on the verge of snapping, his mind racing a thousand miles per second as Friday finally arrives. He wants the evening to be perfect, make you feel comfortable so he can show you how serious he is about reconnecting with you on any level you’ll allow him to.

He’s been up since five in the morning, he went to the market to get the freshest ingredients possible for dinner. He’s been cleaning, polishing the house even though his cleaning lady was there just two days ago. He’s been a tad bit maniac, to say the least, but he just wants to show you how important it is to him. He spends most of the day cooking, a full three course meal will be waiting for you when you finally arrive. 

You text him sometime after six that you’re on your way, you’ll be there in about thirty. Mentally he is cursing himself out for not sending a car for you, but he can’t do anything about that now. He obsessively checks his outfit every five minutes, fixing his hair, changing his mind whether he should have shaved or not. Well, there’s not much to do about that either now. 

And then the intercom rings through the hallway and he is shooting out of the bedroom, running towards the front door. 

“Hi!” he beams, pressing the button and he can’t help the smile that stretches across his face when he sees you on the tiny screen, standing outside his gate.

“Hi,” you chuckle.

“Just straight up, I’ll be at the door,” he instructs you before buzzing the gate open and letting you in. 

Throwing the door open he steps out into the chilly winter evening, instantly spotting your approaching form and he stops himself from running ahead like a little puppy welcoming its owner. God, he thinks it’s worrying, how obsessed he has become with you so fast, he shouldn’t be acting like this, he is a grown adult, not a little kid. 

“Hi, come on in!” he holds the door open for you.

“Hi, thank you,” you smile shyly, silently assessing the luxurious, yet not too flashy home. 

“Let me take this.” He helps your coat off your shoulders and hangs it up in the closet in the hallway while you step out of your shoes and put on the fluffy slippers he left out for you. “Do you want a tour?”

“Sure,” you chuckle.

You follow him around as he shows you the main areas of his home, living room, kitchen, dining room and then he walks you upstairs where you get a glance of his own bedroom as well as the three guest bedrooms.

“This looks amazing, Harry,” you gush as the two of you head down to the kitchen so he can serve dinner.

“Thanks. I’m trying to make it homey, so it actually feels like home when I’m here.”

“Do you struggle with that? Feeling like you’re home?”

“It was hard to pinpoint a place that I could call my home, but I think it’s better now.”

They make small talk as Harry heats up some of the food that’s been ready for a while, and then they move to the dining room where he already set the table.

“You really went all out,” you chuckle, when he opens a bottle of wine and serves dinner.

“Of course. It’s important for me.”

“To show me you can make a fancy dinner?” 

“To show you that you’re important,” he simply says without hesitation, his words stunning you for a second as he joins you at the table. “Sorry, that came out weird, didn’t it?” he chuckles awkwardly.

“No, no… it’s just… doesn’t matter,” you shake your head, turning your focus on the food. “Let’s eat.”

The food is delicious and you don’t hold back telling him about it. You never thought he would ever be this good in the kitchen, part of you imagined he is way too used to eating in fancy restaurants that he never even has the time to cook.

You were wrong.

As one course follows the other you slowly start to open up more and more, you tell him about university, how work is these days and Harry listens to anything you have to tell him, drinking up even the smallest information crumb you throw his way. 

He tells you stories too, ones you probably haven’t heard if you ever looked him up online these past few years. He lets you in on his private life he keeps locked away from the public and he hopes you see it as a sign of trust. 

When you’re both full, you insist on helping him clean up at least a bit, loading the dishwasher while he packs away the leftovers. Then you move to the living room with a new bottle of wine, he even lights a cozy fire in the fireplace as you sink into the soft cushion of his sofa. Now he feels like you’ve loosened up fully. You’re joking, teasing him, letting yourself laugh loud with your head falling back, your legs are pulled up, feet rubbing together under the fluffy blanket he handed you to make you even cozier. 

He wishes he could take a picture of you like this, looking so carefree and unapologetically yourself, like you don’t have any worries in the world.  Maybe it’s just the wine, maybe not. He selfishly wants to believe that it’s him who finally cracked you open enough to leave your burdens behind even if it’s for just tonight. 

He tells you about a time he got drunk a few years ago and somehow ended up outside his hotel room without pants on. Mitch had to push him back into his room before anyone saw him running wild. It makes you laugh so much that you almost spill the last drops of the wine. Harry wouldn’t have minded that either, he would have gladly bought a whole new couch, he’s just thankful to see you have such a good time as he laughs with you.

“I would have loved seeing the headlines following that!” you gasp for air, wiping your tears away from the corner of your eyes.

“Yeah and my publicist would have gotten a stroke at the same time,” he huffs, making you laugh some more. It takes a few minutes for the two of you to calm down and Harry can’t help himself from speaking up. “I’ve missed this,” he smiles over the rim of his glass and you sink deeper into the cushion. “I’ve missed being our old selves.”

“But we’re not our old selves, Harry,” you softly breathe out, the sinking feeling returning in your guts, your laughter now long gone. 

“But it feels just like that. It doesn’t matter that we’re older or how much has changed,” he insists.

You turn silent, the smile slowly fading from your lips as you stare into your drink before downing it and placing the glass to the coffee table.

Harry fears he said something he shouldn’t have and he is just about to apologize when you speak up again, dropping a bomb.

“I had a miscarriage.”

The words hang heavy between the two of you and you’re not even sure why you felt the need to share it with him. Very few people know about what happened, it’s not something you can just easily bring up and share with others but now Harry belongs to this tiny circle as well.

Keeping your eyes down and off of Harry you continue speaking.

“The doctors said nothing extreme happened, the baby was just… not strong enough. I have great chances of getting pregnant again. Drew, my ex… ex husband has… had different views though.”

“What do you mean?”

You open your mouth to answer, but you can feel the tears dwelling in your eyes, so you take a moment to try and swallow your emotions back, though it’s quite impossible. It’s been over a year, but you’re still not fully over it.

“He never said it out loud, but it was pretty obvious he blamed it on me in some twisted way. Made me feel like I did something that resulted in losing…”

Harry is quick to move closer when your voice dies down, he places his glass to the table and wraps an arm around you, pulling you against him.

“I swear I didn’t do anything, I was so careful, I even stopped working out, I took days off every time I felt too sick to work… I did everything…”

“I know. I know you did, it wasn’t your fault,” he murmurs softly, pressing a kiss on top of your head as he patiently lets you get it all out. It takes a couple of minutes before you can speak again without sobbing.

“Drew grew cold, he worked late, always made plans for himself, without me. There were weeks we barely even spoke. Deep down I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t have the energy to deal with the possibility of my husband having an affair after losing my baby… I should have done something, though…”

“You went through something very hard, he should have been there for you, it wasn’t your fault, Y/N.”

“It’s what everyone tells me, but I don’t feel like it’s the truth,” you let out a shaky breath. 

There’s so much Harry wants to say, but he knows he has to hear more to even try to comfort you the right way.

“Want to tell me more about what went down?”

He waits and no answer comes for a while before you take a deep breath and move back from his embrace. 

“I think deep down I knew he was cheating on me, but I tried to talk myself down for a few weeks, told myself he wouldn’t do that to me. Guess I was wrong,” you scoff bitterly. “It was with his coworker he swore was not his type. And when I confronted him about it, he didn’t even try to apologize, beg for forgiveness. It’s like… it was a relief for him, that he didn’t have to keep this a secret anymore and he could use it all against me finally.”

Harry exhales sharply, his hands curling into fists as anger rushes through his veins. He never met this Drew guy, but he better pray their paths never cross, because Harry surely would lose his temper.

Wiping your cheeks with the back of your hand you clear your throat as you hug your knees and continue talking, it’s like a plug has been pulled, you feel the urge to share it all with him. 

“Anyways, he basically said that he doesn’t see a future with me anymore. We had been married for less than a year at that point. He moved out by the end of the month and we were officially done in six months. I think… Uh, whatever, forget about it.”

“No, you can say it, you can say anything,” he assures you.

“I think that we were over even before I got pregnant. I feel like that was the only reason that kept him by my side. Then we… lost the baby and… I guess he used it as a reason to leave. I just don’t understand why he even married me in the first place,” you add the last part in a whisper as you swallow down another cry that’s bubbling in your throat. 

Harry is devastated, in many different ways. He is ashamed for your ex, it’s hard to believe any man would treat a woman like this, let alone a woman like you. He is mad that you had to go through all of this undeservingly, that you had to deal with not just the loss of your pregnancy but also with your husband cheating.

It’s unfair and terribly wrong and the worst part is that he wasn’t there for you and there’s nothing he can do about it now.

“I’m so sorry, Y/N,” he exhales as he wraps his arms around you and you lean onto him, your head resting on his chest, finding great comfort in his closeness. “I know you’ve probably heard it, but it wasn’t your fault.”

You remain silent as you let him hold you and you stay like that for a while. Minutes, maybe hours pass by, you can’t tell, but he doesn’t let go of you until you move back, wiping your cheeks.

“Sorry for unloading all of this on you so suddenly,” you huff out an awkward laugh, now that your head is clearer. 

“Oh no, no, no, there’s nothing to be sorry about, Y/N. I feel like it’s wrong to say this, but… I’m glad you shared it with me,” he chuckles.

“I don’t know why I blurted it all out, not… not many people know about this. And please don’t share it with others,” you peek at him.

“Of course, I would never tell anyone. It’s safe with me,” he assures you. 

“I kinda ruined the evening, didn’t I?” you ask, chewing on your bottom lip. 

“Not at all,” he smiles. “It’s all good. Thank you for sharing.”

Silence falls over the two of you again, but it’s not at all awkward or frustrating, there’s more comfort in it than in a lot of conversations you’ve had over the years. It’s much needed after all the heavy stuff that’s been just shared and Harry wants to give you time, as much as you need.

Your eyes wander over to him and then down at his wrist. Your gaze lingers there and he catches the gloomy look that runs over your expressions.

He understands it right away.

“I still have it,” he speaks up.

“Huh?”

“The bracelet. I still have it.”

“You do?”

“Yeah,” he nods smiling.

“Why did you stop wearing it?” you ask, but you realize it might have sounded weird. He is a grown man, why should he wear some silly bracelet he got as a teenager?

“It was–Wait, let me show you.”

He jumps to his feet and shuffles out of the room, leaving you there in confusion. You hear him fumbling around until he reappears and sits back on the couch with his wallet in his hand. You hold your tongue and just watch the events unfold as he opens the wallet and pulls out a little pouch, one they often use for jewelry.

“I was, I think in Paris when it got caught in a doorknob and the string snapped,” he starts explaining as he opens up the pouch carefully. “The beads were all over the floor and our manager was screaming at me because we were late, but I just had to collect the beads.” 

He chuckles softly and you watch as he gently shakes said beads out into his palm and your lips part in shock.

“I couldn’t find all of them, tried to fix it, but there weren’t enough left to fit around my wrist.”

He plays around with the beads, letting the roll in his palm, a sad, but somehow still goofy smile tugging on his lips before he looks up and his gaze meets yours.

And he sees just how touched you are.

“I always thought you stopped wearing it because… because we weren’t talking anymore and… you know,” you shrug, unable to find the words as you gulp back your tears. 

“That was never the case,” he exhales, realizing how important it was for you and that you lived with this false idea of him up until now. “I still keep it with me. It’s important. It always was,” he quietly adds. 

You’re absolutely speechless. All this time you thought he got rid of the bracelet in an act of leaving you behind as he entered his superstar life. You vividly remember when you first noticed it missing from his wrist, you pathetically cried yourself to sleep, hugging a teddy bear Harry got you for one of your birthdays. You felt betrayed, forgotten and unimportant and it never occurred to you something else might have happened. 

Now this ultimately sad memory has turned into something so touching and unexpectedly comforting, you can’t remember the last time someone made you feel like this. It’s like the universe has gotten its balance back.

“Thank you,” is all you can say as you cover the beads with your palm. 

You stay late, way longer than you imagined, but it’s like you’ve entered a bubble of comfort that you never want to leave. When you start yawning like a baby, that’s when you know you have to head home. Though Harry offers for you to stay the night in one of his guest bedrooms, you feel like that would be over some kind of boundary you’re not ready to cross just yet. So he calls you a car and even packs you some of the food to bring home with you. You tease him about being a malewife, but he just shrugs, accepting his fate.

“Thank you for tonight, Harry,” you smile at him sleepily as you stand by the car’s open door.

“When can I see you again?” he eagerly asks, not even caring if you think he’s crazy.

“Sometime soon. How long are you staying here?”

“I have two shows in Palm Springs on the thirty-first and then on the first as well.”

“Birthday shows?” you chuckle softly.

“Something like that. Throwing myself a party. Do you want to come?” he asks, at first just as a joke, but as soon as the words leave his mouth he realizes he means them.

“To Palm Springs?” 

“Yeah. I’ll have a birthday dinner before too. You can fly out with me, I’ll arrange everything for you. A nice little trip, what do you say?”

“I’ll think about it,” you sigh and he can tell you’re not too fond of the idea, but he still has time to convince you. Having you there on his special birthday shows would mean the world to him and it would be the best present as well for sure. 

“Alright, it’s not a no so I’m fine with that,” he smirks. “Take care and I’ll see you soon, right?”

“Sure,” you smile as you let him embrace you in a tight hug before you get into the car. 

He watches you drive away as he stands by the gate with the cheesiest smile on his face from the connection he was able to rebuild with you, but his chest also aches for everything you shared with him. And if he wasn’t sure about wanting to make everything right before, now it’s more important than anything to be there for you in any way you need him to.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed and buy me a coffee if you want to support me!

[snowb3rryy]

Lucifer x F!MC

Unexpected Expectations

Summary:

A long trip to the human world seems to be enough to get a couple out of its routine.

MC is female and uses she/her pronouns. Written in 1st person.

Engish isn't my first language, so I may have made some mistakes.

Lucifer and I have been living in the Human World for the past 3 weeks. Diavolo sent Lucifer away to attend a long sorcerer festival that the preparations last for 2 months and the festival will be 2 weeks long. I decided to follow him both as a representative for both worlds but also to keep him company.

Since we'll stay for months, I asked Lucifer if we could rent a place for a couple of months instead of staying at a hotel. Strangely enough, he agreed almost immediately.

After our first weeks here, we got a good look of what domestic life looks like with each other. At first, I thought we'd be all day at the preparations for the festival but I was wrong. The head of the festival announced us as honorary guests so we just attend the event once per week.

Our days are filled with simplicity and peace. I'd wake up first, get ready and fresh for the day, then spend a whole hour to get Lucifer up and then we'd destroy the kitchen while trying to make breakfast. We both are good cooks but Lucifer is arrogantly acting like he knows how to use human appliances and he fails miserably every time. He is really only used in Devildom appliances that are technologically advanced and have a tad of magic.

Later, we'd mess around in the house, watch some tv while Lucifer's braincells burn due to the low quality of programs, then maybe some chess just to show off or a complex board game that takes me days to comprehend yet he understands it by reading the instructions once, and then our noon would end with us listening to music or watching some human world movie classics.

In the afternoon is when we start to get hungry so he usually goes grocery shopping alone and returns. We cook once more together with the same failure until I have enough and put him on time out and make him read the instructions of the appliances while I try to salvage the almost burnt food.

In the evening he manages to drag me out of the house and we go to a gallery, or a museum or a theater play. In the end I always feel happy that I actually went along with him.

Around midnight, we both feel wasted and fall asleep quickly. During our time here, I'd say our sex drive is slowly disappearing. The change of environment, the curiosity of Lucifer to learn the human world, my world better and our daily shenanigans leave us with no will to do more than just cuddle and snore till the sun is up.

Or so I thought. A few nights ago, I woke up, feeling thirsty. As I opened my eyes and tried to understand my surroundings, I realised Lucifer is out of the bed. Before even managing to collect my thoughts I hear a faint sound.

Aghh~

I rub my eyes and focus my hearing again. This time I hear faint painting and some more low grunts. I stand up and follow the sound, I'm led to the door next to the bedroom. The bathroom door. I bent down and look through the keyhole. I see Lucifer... and he's jerking off?? (Without me???)

I feel myself smirk and almost laugh.

I recall myself all those night I woke up in the middle of the night to masturbate as well, I never thought he did it too in the exact same spot as well. It's surprising since he always asks me to sleep with him, yet not this time. Take it because it's the middle of the night? No.. he has woken me up before... Maybe, then he didn't because we both are tired... But that didn't stop him either.

Whatever the reason is, I stop thinking the moment I hear my name come out of his lips.

His deep voice, whispering my name outloud as he's stroking his big cock~

I feel my legs press against each other. I want him, yet the moment I think to open the door and join him I hear him curse and moans a bit louder than before. I bent down and look through the keyhole again and see him cover his mouth with wide eyes as he holds his cock firmly at the base as his pulsating dick is releasing cum on the bathroom floor.

I curse at myself for losing this chance and return fast on the bed, taking advantage of his orgasm afterglow.

Soon he joins me on the bed, his aura feels lighter as he lays beside me and hugs me and kisses my cheek. He looks at me and whispers "How I wish you were with me, my darling. I'll make you mine again when we get a bit more used to our new routine".

He then falls asleep almost immediately. I don't know if he simply said his thoughts outloud to me or if he really knew I was awake.

The next morning arrives yet I'm not the same. I feel more stiff, more uncomfortable.

I haven't been able to sleep after that event last night. I want him, I need him. Yet he was so patient. He's right. We maybe need some more time maybe.. Maybe I should keep pleasing myself alone until we both feel more comfortable to our new reality. Yet this fire inside me is different than the rest. Last night was the first time I heard him moan and grunt in almost a month, and my pussy hasn't stopped leaking. I had to change underwear mutiple times.. Seriously..that guy drives me crazy.

I can't wait for the night so I try to find an excuse to get him out of the house.

- Lucifer, won't you go for groceries today?

I say a bit shaking, my mind is at the task to get him out of the house yet my body is already at the stage of pleasure.

Lucifer: Isn't it early yet? Sure I can if you want me too.

I nod and smile. Finally he takes his coat off and opens the door to leave... Yet he turns around the last moment.

Lucifer: The weather is warmer today, maybe you want to come with me and help me out?

- No, no

I say fast and I almkst push him out of the door

- Maybe tomorrow okay? Okay bye!

I shove him out and all I can see is his surprised expression before I close the door.

I immediately run to the bedroom and open his drawer.

There's my baby. My beloved vibrating dildo. I smile and get my clothes off fast and lay down on the bed. I touch my body all over the place and I tease my clit with my dildo rubbing against it. The sensation are brainmelting and become unbearable the moment I turn on the vibration. My mouth hangs open as my voice leaves my body strongly as the sensations of pleasure make my body numb. I close my eyes and imagine his touch on me, his lips on my nipples as he thrusts his cock in and out of me. My moans and breath are mixed together as my chest rises and falls faster with each passing moment.

Lucifer's POV

I look at the closed front door shocked and a bit... upset. I felt something is off from the moment I woke up. She seemed so... so out of touch, like her thoughts were somewhere else...

I collect my thoughts and walk to the market. I purchase the necessities for the meal and I start for my way home. I add in my head the task to stop by the flower shop before heading back. I pick a bouquet with her favourite flowers... I hope it will make her happier than she was when I left.

I arrive home and I unlock the door.

- Darling, I'm home

I get no reply. The moment I open my mouth ready to call for her again, I'm shut up by a loud moan. I get a bit curious. I let the bags on the kitchen counter and place the bouquet on the vase as I walk to the bedroom.

Every step I make brings me closer to the source of that sweet voice. As I stand outside the bedroom a mix of her voice calling my name and the maxed vibrator arrive in my ears. I smirk satisfied. It seems she really was awake last night.

I open the door, the view in front of mr is enough to make me cum yet, I keep my composure.

Someone seems to be.... impatient, my dear MC.

♡Hope you liked it! Let me know if you want a part 2~

Also, if you want, you can read it on Ao3, too🩷

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52762819

[tqmies]

Can I request Mark + College or Fake dating + prompt 42?

Rush | Mark Lee

Part of Tqmies 1K Event!

college & fake dating au, 42. “Who’s laughing now?” “…Clearly not you. You’re crying, dear God.”  wc: 1k Note: why choose an AU when we can have both ?!

"I want to piss off my parents - Which isn't illogical, by the way - so what better way than to drag you into it?!"

"Is this supposed to make me agree?" You quirk a brow, tapping a nail on the desk in front of you. And your wearing a frown, taken aback by the sheer audacity of the male in front of you, who you haven't spoken to in years, asking you for help.

"It'll only be for a bit! I'll parade you around for a bit, make my mom blow up in her chair, and then we'll fake break up!"

"I'm missing the part where I benefit from this.. And why me anyways?" You loll your head to the side, its not like you were a particularly bad influence or anything. You were nice, hard working, and a good student. If anything, you were a mothers dream for their son.

"My mom hates your mom."

Ah there it was, the moment of truth. You and Mark's mom had attended high school together, and from what you know, the two weren't fond of each other at all.

But your mom held no ill intent towards Mark, would Mark's mom hate you? How immature, doesn't sound too far off of what your mom would say.

"Still don't see what I get from it." You shrug, going back to your book.

"You'll get to date me." He points at himself, eye brows raised as he's dead serious. He thought of himself as a catch, why weren't you jumping at him?

You want to laugh in his face.

"And I'll pay you."

"Now we're talking." You nod, not one above being payed off. Hey, you'd done far more questionable things for as little as twenty dollars.

But being faced with someone as affluent as Mark, you're sure you'd get a check out of this.

Which is why you're now standing beside him as he shoves his hands in his pockets, waiting for his parents to get the doorbell. You had to admit it, you were kind of nervous.

Not that you really liked Mark or anything, but you weirdly felt pressured to win over his parents.

The door opens and you're met with Mark's dad, and he offers his a son a curt nod before he turns towards you. "Oh, will you be joining us for dinner tonight?"

The smile is wiped off your face. "He didn't tell you?"

Mark's dad shakes his head, and Mark avoids any direct eye contact with you. Oh you were going to piss Mark's parents off, that's for sure. Mark's dad just turns and heads inside, the two of you following after.

You enter behind him into the kitchen, where Mark's mom is. Her eyes widen among seeing you, "Mark, honey, I didn't know you were bringing a guest."

"Ma, this is my girlfriend."

You expect steam to blow out of her head, for her to angrily rage and demand you leave, to even start cursing out her son.

But she does none of that, instead offering you a warm smile. "It's nice to meet you. Mark didn't tell me we were having guests, or else I would've cooked up something special."

You shake your head, unable to stop yourself from returning the kindness. "The food smells amazing."

Why'd Mark want to piss off such nice people anyways?

The evening goes pretty well, and Mark thinks that he's not getting his moneys worth. He had bet by this time at night that you'd be getting ran out of the house as he got berated for dating you.

But none of that is happening, in fact his mom looks happy as ever. She doesn't mind your mother either, she had to know by now, you had even given her the names of your parents when she asked. So why was she keeping it together so well? Didn't they hate each other?

You tell Mark's mom your major and she jumps up. "Oh wow, so pretty and smart. How did my son manage to snag you?"

You just nervously laugh, shrugging playfully. "I don't know either."

"Mark usually brings home such trouble makers." She shakes her head as she cuts into her food. "It's a relief to see he found someone so good for him."

..

Mark slams the door as he climbs into the drivers seat, and you can tell he's mad. And really, you can't blame him, seeing as his parent's didn't seem pissed off at all.

"Well, guess your genius plan didn't work out after all, guess I'm just too likable." You make a snark comment, crossing your arms.

Mark leans his head against his steering wheel as you continue.

"Tried to use me to piss off those sweet people! Jokes on you, Who's laughing now?" You mock, facing Mark when he doesn't respond.

Instead you notice wet tears fall off his face, the sound of sniffling as well. You grow confused at that. ".. Clearly not you. You're crying, dear God."

He wipes as his face aggressively as he sits back up. He looks at you as he scoffs. "My parents don't like anyone, okay? Even if they didn't care about your mom, I knew they'd find something to pick at you for. They always comment on my date's outfit or their manners."

"Oh wow, I'm sorry Mark. That's really shitty." You respond.

"But the one time I try and piss them off, they like you?" He says, bewildered. "Not a single bad thing to say? And it's all for a girl that I'm not even dating. God, I'm such a loser, why did I think this was a good idea? How am I going to explain that I let the one good thing I had go?"

You assume he's referring to you not showing up anymore, and for as little as you know the boy, you find yourself sympathizing. "I can always show up again, if that helps."

He nods a little, "Sorry I dragged you into this."

You can't believe you ever agreed to this fake dating thing, but something you tells you that you'll be sticking around longer that you intended.

[seramilla]

Velvette is worried that she won't be a good mom

The first time Kiki suggested to Velvette she might be pregnant, Vevlette hadn't believed her. Velvette hadn't been feeling sick, or having any weird cravings, and nothing about her body feels any different, other than the fact that she wants to be held all the fucking time. Which isn't that strange, if she thinks about it; she's always been cuddly with Clara and Kiki, and only them.

Except she gets even crankier than usual when Clara can't hold her because she has to leave for work. Velvette's been taking more and more personal days off, to stay home with Kiki, who is usually only on shift a few nights a week. Kiki has also been a lot more accomodating to Velvette lately...maybe that should have been the first sign something more is going on.

She doesn't believe Kiki the second, third, or fourth time she tells her she's pregnant, either. But the fifth time, when Velvette demands to be held, and even Kiki is getting frustrated, because she has a tour starting the next day, Kiki forces her to believe it.

Kiki is tired of treating Velvette with kid gloves. Velvette is getting past the point of no return; she's going to start showing soon, and she needs to acknowledge the truth.

"There's no maybe about it anymore, Vel," Kiki says, point-blank, not trying to skirt around the truth anymore. "I can smell it, sense it, feel it all over you. You're like an oven on fire to my succubus senses. You have a baby cooking in there! Probably more than one!"

"But that's fucking impossible!" Velvette shouts, stomping her foot like a god-damned child. She doesn't mean to be emotional -- but this is quite literally the scariest fucking thing she's ever been told. And she's right -- it shouldn't be possible! Not for mortal souls.

"Well, apparently it is, because you are!"

"Don't say that!" Velvette squeaks, like she's about to cry. "How am I supposed to react to something like this, Kiki? How am I supposed to tell Clara? Whose it it, anyway?"

"All of us...somehow," Kiki says, as if that explains anything. "You're in Hell, sweetie. Stranger things have happened with lust magic."

Velvette collapses on the couch in the guest room. She flings herself across the leather cushions, and buries her face in the pillows. She screams into the fabric, catches her breath, and then screams again, at the top of her lungs.

"How?!" Velvette screams. "How did this fucking happen?!"

"Maybe you're more receptive to it, than most," Kiki says, but that still answers zero of Velvette's questions.

"What am I gonna do, Keek?" Velvette asks, tears and snot starting to form inside her face. Satan, she hates crying. It makes her look so weak and ugly. Kiki senses her distress, and moves onto the couch, until Velvette is in her lap. "I can't be a fucking mom. I don't even fucking like kids!"

"Well," Kiki says, slowly, contemplatively, "you could always have an ab--"

"Don't even say that word to me," Velvette responds abruptly, shutting Kiki down. "Maybe if it was some fucking loser's baby. But there is no way I would ever kill off any part of you and Clara, even if it's a little crotch goblin inside me. Out of the fucking question."

"Well," Kiki says, out of ideas, "then you have no other choice but to...keep it? Them?"

Velvette rolls over in her lap. She buries her face so deep in Kiki's neck, she is practically melding to the succubus' skin.

"I'm scared, Keek," Velvette says again, to emphasize it, because she really fucking is. "I don't know the first thing about this shit."

"First thing to do is tell Clara," Kiki says, threading her fingers through Velvette's loose, curly locks. She loves it so much when Velvette wears her hair down. Literally and figuratively. "Then we should probably tell Carmilla...get her advice."

That gets a groan out of Velvette, one that is both long and extremely pained in its intensity. "Nooooo.....not heeerrrrrr."

"Do you have any better ideas?"

"....No."

"Didn't think so. Let's go break the news to Clara. Deal with that mess. Then let's go talk to dear ol' 'Mom'."

[slytherinshua]

COOKING WITH PRINCE

genre. fluff. crack. warnings. obv this wouldn't happen irl it's all just for fun <3 i tried to emulate prince's captions in his videos as best i could, as well as his overall vibe but i am just a new ghostie so sry if its a bit inaccurate :( pairing. prince x fem!reader. wc. 720. request. requested by @haecien, here: cooking w prince even if he doesn't get the recipe a/n. mwahaha so ofc i had to start writing for ghost9 babies someday and prince was a good place to start esp since his cooking videos are absolutely amazing (go show them a lot of love if you haven't already as well as prince's (and all of ghost9's) instagram!!!) and stan ghost9 obv

you didn’t plan on crashing your boyfriend’s solo baking fest in the practice room on a random tuesday afternoon

you weren’t even used to the prospect of your boyfriend cooking

for the years you’ve been dating Prince, you have done 100% of the baking in the relationship (though you had always urged him to try it out since it was fun)

ever since his videos have been doing better than anyone could have predicted, he’s been excited to make something with whatever he had on his hands

from the usual baking ingredients along with several very overripe bananas, you could easily tell what he was planning to bake today: banana bread, one of your favourites 

but also knowing your boyfriend, you knew things would probably turn into a disaster if he didn’t have a recipe

so naturally the first thing you asked was to see the recipe he was following

“I swear I had one somewhere when I was gathering the ingredients, but I literally can’t find it.”

he just brushed off your concerns about him possibly poisoning himself, you, and the ghost9 members

“The last time I baked, I didn’t even follow the recipe because it was in cups. It’ll be fine, baby, you just need to have faith.”

you were planning to leave and let him film in peace, but your boyfriend was persistent that you stay especially because he was making one of your favourite baked goods

you relented easily, really it was hard to say no to him, plus the prospect of baking together seemed kind of fun!

more like a chaotic disaster…

most of it was spent playfully arguing over how much of each ingredient to put in

Prince seemed insistent that you should remember exactly how much of every ingredient for him to measure down to the gram

obviously, you didn't, and eventually you stopped trying to help completely and just let him do his thing

though you did stay behind him to supervise, and your hands were visible in the final video messing with his hair and occasionally giving him a loving slap tap on the cheek when he messed something up

once the banana bread was finally in the oven, the two of you joked about what the voiceover should be

you didn't have the highest expectations for how it tasted, but you knew it would at least be pretty good

all the things your boyfriend had cooked in the past had been decently delicious

it turned out pretty well, and you were happy you were there to annoy him help him with it

bonus: what I think the voiceover would be like

welcome back to cooking in the practice room 🧑‍🍳 until I get busted by my manager 🚨👮 today we have a very special guest joining us 👀🥁✨my girlfriend✨ that’s right 😍 us idols 🧑‍🎤🎤 are actually in relationships 😘 despite what most people want to believe! tbh my girlfriend was not 🙅‍♂️ supposed to be joining me today 😔 but we’re making banana bread 🍌🍞 which happens to be her favourite 😍‼️ so I just had to let her join 🤷‍♂️ as you probably know if you watched my chocolate stuffed coffee bun 🍫☕ video, I don’t bake… but my girlfriend does 🎉 I had a recipe for this, but I think peter got hungry 😋 and ate it or something, so no recipe 📄🚫 but again, at least I have my girlfriend 💃 so it should be fine, right? she’s made this hundreds 👩‍🏫 of times 🧑‍🍳🍞 (she’s literally a minion guys idk why she loves bananas so much 🍌⁉️) but despite that she is still somehow clueless 🤓 as to how much flour I should be measuring 😍 but it’s fine 👌 we just dumped sugar 🍭 flour ❕ butter 🧈 bananas 🍌 eggs 🥚 and baking powder into a bowl 🥣 and hoped that they would magically ✨🧙 turn into banana bread 🤔 and guess what 🧐 they did ✨😍 I also added chocolate 🍫 because my girlfriend materialized it out of nowhere 💁‍♀️🍫 I have no one but my girlfriend to thank 😚 for distracting me by pulling on my hair 💆‍♂️ and telling me I was doing it wrong every 2 minutes 😘 but jokes 👎 on her because this banana bread was delicious even without a recipe 😏 10/10 would bake again 🥸

↳ ghost9 taglist: @haecien,, @eternalgyu,, @weird-bookworm,,

[i-heart-yellowstone]

17 - Awkward Family Dinner

Part 18

Raised Fair Share of Hell

Tag list @bvbwestfall @hcwthewestwaswcn @child-of-of-the-sunshine @elenavampire21 @keep-the-wolves-close @kmc1989 @tallrock35

The evening came sooner than I expected and I figured it would be an interesting dinner considering John had freed Summer and put her on house arrest here. Leaving her and Beth to most likely get into it sometime tonight. John was at the head of the table. Kayce and I took the chairs on the end. Carter was sitting next to Faith who had Rip on her other side and Beth beside him. Summer ended up being close to the governor like his daughter. Gator entered the room sitting down multiple trays of meat noticing Summer sitting at the table. "Oh I'm sorry ma'am. If I had known I would have made you something else."

"Give her what we feed the horses, Gator." Beth scoffed glaring across the table at the girl.

Biting my lip I forked some food on each of the twins plates so they were distracted with eating rather than watching what was about to happen. "Gator she'll be here for 6 months so could you make something that she can eat in the future?" John asked the cook.

"So uh what we have prepared here is an esuremain of game. There on the left vension-"

Summer interrupts him. "Which is to say a deer you shot that was just minding its own business."

"Yes that's right...beside that we'll have roast duck-" He started again but it didn't matter.

She asked a question intertwining her hands together. "Do you realize duck's mate for life?"

"If it helps I killed them both-"

She scoffed as I covered my mouth with my hands trying to not laugh at how ridiculous she was being. "It doesn't make it better. It makes its twice as bad. And what is this little creature that can't even feed one person?"

Kayce glanced at me then shifted his gaze to Faith and Carter who were just watching like the rest of us. "Actually I serve four per person.."

"So you kill four and what is this mystery?" Summer points towards the plate in front of her.

Gator slumped his shoulders and I felt bad for him that she wasn't being a very good guest. Because she could go back to prison if she liked. "Uh that's a dove."

"Dove, the bird of peace." Summer raised a brow. “You’re serving the fucking bird of peace for dinner.”

Kayce chuckled while taking a drink. “Dove is pretty good.” I throw my head back laughing because of how painfully awkward this whole dinner conversation was.

Beth sat down on her napkin, eyeing the girl. "Summer, let's you and I take a walk. Maybe I can educate you on our different ways of life."

"Our different cultures.." She snarled back letting her lead her out of the house.

Tate reached forward alongside my husband taking some of the duck from the plate. I forked some deer on mine about to take a bite until Faith showed me her empty plate. "Can I have seconds?"

I covered my hand with my mouth trying to conceal my laughter. “You’re just like your father, Faithy Rae.”

"How about you let others get some first you two." Kayce chuckled through a bright grin.

Rip focused his attention back on his boss asking softly. "Sir, do you want me to go after them?"

"I think that's a terrible idea, Rip." John chuckled, shaking his head, getting some meat on his plate. I couldn't hold in my laughter anymore so I just start hitting my fist on the table hearing him tell Gator I'll have four.

Carter watched Faith raise her hand asking like she was in school. "Is there any cake tonight?" Everyone at the table just smiled and laughed at her innocent question.

"Yes granddaughter, Gator is making dessert." Her grandfather replied as Rip got up to go check on them outside. When he came back both girls were beaten pretty badly and you could see blood on their faces. Summer ended up just eating some mashed potatoes until John returned with a first aid kit.

After dinner I slowly sat down in the porch swing just looking up at the stars in peaceful silence until the front door gently closed. Turning my head in that direction I smiled seeing my husband who sits down beside me. "I was looking for you."

"Were you already missing me after we had dinner with your family?" I smiled up at him running my fingers through his hair since he wasn't wearing his hat at the moment.

“Just a little bit, Lissa Rae.” He sighed enjoying the feeling where he rests his head on my shoulder intertwining my freehand with his left.

Running my hand up the side of his face he leaned into my palm. “Awe poor Kayce.”

“Don’t judge me, woman.” He sent me a small glare. I crossed my fingers that tomorrow would just be about us and the family. Riding horses and doing what we loved and teaching that spirit into our children. "If Carter and Faith try to share a tent I'm gonna punch him."

"He's a kid, Kayce." I scoffed at not taking him seriously.

He lifted his head up not changing his facial expression meaning he was dead serious about this. "I ain't kidding darlin'. I'm not comfortable with the idea."

"Have you forgotten that we got into much more trouble than they ever have. I mean we got arrested, drank underage and you got me pregnant in high school. I think you’re worrying far too much about them." I replied, tucking hair out from in front of his eyes where he nodded softly yes.

We allowed the familiar silence to surround us again just watching for any shooting stars. He wrapped his arms around my waist tugging me to sit on his lap. Laying my head against his chest he put his chin on top of my head until I started giggling. "I can't believe our kids were eating like wild dogs. Tearing all that meat apart so easily."

"Yeah that was pretty fun. Summer would have probably thrown up at the sight. Don't you think Lissa Rae?" Kayce chuckled with a huge smile and my heart swooned seeing him happy again.

Lifting my head up I softly kissed him. He leans into it resting one hand to cradle my cheek in his hand. "I agree with that, cowboy. I wonder who they got that instinct from hmm?"

"Don't act like you wouldn't tear up my mother's biscuits exactly like that." He teased me while twirling some loose strands of my hair in between his fingers.

Wrapping my arms around his neck I smirked when he leaned forward kissing me deeply. I moaned into the kiss, twisting my fingers in his brown curls. But he broke the kiss before we got too heated and ended up making love tonight. "Let's get to bed darlin'. We've got a long ride on horseback tomorrow."

“Oh hang on. Someone’s calling me.” I put my phone up to my right ear hearing my sister’s voice.

“Alissa, are you free tomorrow?”

I looked at my husband confused. “Uh no. I’m going to bring down cattle for the branding. Why is something wrong at our ranch?”

“The lawyers are coming up tomorrow. Mom has to sign over the ranch to us after what happened to daddy.”

Bringing my freehand to my mouth I blinked through some heavy tears having to remember what happened when our families were attacked a year ago. “I - um - can you hold them off until I come back in a few days. This is really important for both our ranches since I’ll be helping brand our cattle too.”

“I’ll see what I can do. Just be safe out there.” My sister responded before I hung up the phone.

“Yeah, you guys two.” Kayce gently touched my arm before I flung my body against his sobbing heavily before I had even looked him in the eye. He knew what had happened during the family attack had changed me and my family for the rest of our lives.

[theluckywizard]

Kiss Me Moonstruck, Ch. 10: A Maker-Forsaken Prince

Hawke x Trevelyan | Dragon Age 2 | Matchmaking Mischief | Fluff and Smut | Fish out of Water | Romantic Comedy

Gif by ofallingstar

Chapter Summary:

Rose nurses a hangover and has an unexpected visitor. Garrett regrets a favor he called in.

Fic Summary:

Smashed together in a matchmaking scheme cooked up by their enterprising mothers, Garrett Hawke and Rose Trevelyan are forced to endure one another for a whole week over Satinalia at the Hawke Estate. Rose hears he’s a swashbuckling treasure hunter, as wild as he is handsome and as ill-bred as he is rich. Garrett suspects she’s a brat of an ingenue by the string of rejected marriage proposals behind her. Determined to prove to the other that they could not be less compatible, they quickly find their mothers’ plot might be working better than they thought.

Excerpt under the cut 👇

Excerpt:

Bodahn makes his apologies by the doorway and looks around the breakfast room, more addled than usual before addressing them generally. “His majesty Prince Sebastian Vael is here.” Garrett notes the way his voice quavers more than usual.

“Ah, brilliant,” says Garrett, though he makes a point to glance at Rose with regret. “Show him to the library, I’ll see him there—”

“Ah— to see Lady Trevelyan and Lady Rose, Messere,” he adds.

Garrett blinks, perplexed by this development. Rose glances about equally baffled and Alsatia sits straighter than a pin, her entire affect suddenly raptor-like. But what could Sebastian mean by this anyhow? Garrett peers at Rose who dodges his scrutiny. She’s undoubtedly mortified by her pie-eyed advances the night before, but he hasn’t found a bloody moment to ask to kiss her properly and he’d like it to be more enchanting than grabbing her round a corner.

“How lovely! Sebastian is always such a gentleman,” says Leandra, seizing upon the opportunity to parade her familiarity with actual royalty. “I’m not the least bit surprised he’d call to pay his respects.”

“Well, I suppose I should see the man, too. I found the strangest book in the library about an angry Maker or some such and he should probably see it,” says Garrett, glancing at Rose as he stands. “Ladies. My friend, the Prince of Starkhaven, wishes to make your acquaintance.”

“But we have no need of introductions!” protests Alsatia. “It has been a few years perhaps, but we are well acquainted with the Vaels.”

“Seven at least, Mother,” murmurs Rose, obviously flustered.

Perhaps she missed the memo about the family’s unfortunate demise. Sebastian stands with his hands folded behind his back, gazing up at a Blessed age portrait of the Amell family above the mantel when they all descend into the foyer.

“Sebastian, what a surprise!” says Garrett, summoning his best manners. “Lady Trevelyan, Lady Rose, allow me to present His Majesty, Prince Sebastian Vael of Starkhaven.”

“No need for such formalities, Hawke,” says Sebastian. “It is my great honor to see you both.”

Alsatia gapes with admiration as she sinks into a low curtsy and Rose, nibbling on her lip, joins her. The man looks as damnably handsome as usual, his auburn hair combed tidily back, a finely embroidered doublet in cream and gold making him look like a Maker-damned sculpture. Garrett sneaks another glance over at Rose, feeling a sudden tension in his chest that can go straight to the Void.

“I heard my friend was having distinguished guests,” says Sebastian in his dashing bloody brogue. “It’s been several years since I last had the privilege of their company, but I thought perhaps I could invite Lady Trevelyan and her esteemed daughter for a tour of Kirkwall’s Chantry. Mother Elthina is my dearest friend.”

“We would be honored,” breathes Alsatia. Garrett rolls his eyes as the woman floats away on a cloud.

“You might be surprised at what the Kirkwall Chantry has on its grounds, especially beyond in the clerical annex,” says Sebastian. “The gardens are some of the finest in the Marches, even this time of year when the winterberry is fruiting. And the library is well-known of course. There’s a brewery and a fromagerie. The archery range is—”

“Archery?” asks Rose, perking up.

“Indeed. I’d heard a rumor you’d taken it up,” says Sebastian, smiling warmly.

“I’ve been bow hunting for several years now,” Rose explains. “My father taught me.”

“Hardly more than a hobby,” says Alsatia, though Rose shoots her a scowl.

“Few things bring me greater joy,” Rose adds.

Sebastian’s brows lift in appreciation. Garrett’s lift in surprise. Somehow her archery interests were omitted in the letters pitching her.

“You may remember I’m an archer myself. Trained since I was but a boy,” he says, genuine charm rolling off him in waves. “It’s rare for a woman of your breeding to take it up, but I’m glad to see it!”

Garrett purses his lips into a vexed crease when he notices the crimson wash in Rose’s cheeks, the shy smile, and the way she’s fidgeting with her fingers.

“I think you’ll find Rose to be quite an adept,” says Alsatia. Maker, could she be any more naked in her machinations? Rose peers suspiciously at her mother from the corner of her eye.

“You’ve never shown me the Chantry’s archery range,” says Garrett.

“I’ve seen you with a bow, Hawke,” chuckles Sebastian. Garrett has never felt the urge to throttle a friend so keenly. “I didn’t think it would interest a swordsman like yourself. What do you say ladies? Can I interest you in a tour?”

But then it dawns on Garrett that Sebastian is here as a favor. To take the women he’d complained about for weeks in advance off his hands, to entertain them and charm them so he wouldn’t have to. To draw Rose’s attention away from him. This won’t do at all.

Read the rest here | Start the fic here

DAFF Tag List:

@about2dance | @ar-lath-ma-cully | @blarrghe | @bluewren | @breninarthur

@crackinglamb | @delicatefade | @dreadfutures | @effelants | @exalted-dawn-drabbles 

@hekaerges | @inquisimer | @ir0n-angel | @leggywillow | @oxygenforthewicked

 @plisuu | @rakshadow | @rosella-writes | @queenaeducan | @warpedlegacy

[chntfessions]

OKAY I WAS WORKING ON THAT FAN EPISODE, AND UHH I WANNA KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.

this is only a draft, feel free to give constructive criticism

some quick background, this would probably be like episode 5-7 ish in s2. elijah has not been seen again yet btw.

[CLICK]

[DING!]

SYDNEY

“Good morning everyone and everything! The time is 8:67, and the sky is a cardboard brown. Now, if yesterday you missed the giant gaping hole that opened up on the west side of camp because you were with councilors Soren and Fennel. Well, you do now! But because I was so caught up in reporting this mysterious pit, I forgot to share some of the paintings the people in cabin ladybug made! My third favorite here is by Gramm Backside. Their painting was a self portrait of themself, it looks just like them! The same teeth, eyes, and that blackened face where you can only see the eyes and teeth! Great job Gramm! Second, we have this painting by Floor Handle. Her work had a boy in the middle of the fields. As the eternal doom of the sky and the land is swarming behind him, and it feels as if its all going to crumble down on top of him. Pretty neat! And for my personal favorite, drumroll..!”

[drumroll noises]

“Marty McMark! His painting had me in a trance. The blood stained leaves on the forest ground, realistic eyes popping out of the sky - Rowan wouldn’t like that. The sky weirdly being blue too, odd. And the creature behind the bushes with a skinny neck, and an uncanny smile. What a cool painting! Marty when you get home, you better frame that! Alright so, for our breakfast. Matthew made us some lobster biscuits with metal chunks! Yknow, if I had the very slim chance to even see a lobster house, I would feel so bad for the little lobster in those tanks. To be picked up from that cramped place into a boiling pot. Don’t worry, Matthew assured me these lobsters were already dead before cooking! For the vegans you can eat the chunks of metal! Just don’t get around any magnets! For the activities today, we have rituals to bring the demons and devils up here from whatever they were doing!”

[CLICK]

[CLICK]

[DING!]

SYDNEY

“The time is 12:412. And the sky is a dirt color. Look, I am very happy that you guys did bring some of those demons and devils onto campgrounds, but I wasn’t expecting this… if you weren’t here last year, then you wouldn’t know some of the stories I told. There were a couple of times when I talked about up and Adam. Or at least how he introduced himself. Adam is a demon, apparently, makes sense. But he would show up in my dreams. Offer me things, and talk. I’m not going to name who, but I think we all know who is the trouble maker here. They set up their ritual, and it worked! But now… Adam’s here and we don’t know how to really react to this. It seems like he’s been waiting for this, and doesn’t want to go back. He’s in my office, not in this room, but in the building. We don’t want you kids into this, so us councilors will be working on this! Anywhos, today's lunch is crab crunch! ‘Eat with the shells!’ And activities are eating sand! Councilors Mila and Juno will be looking after you all, keep safe!!”

[audible steps]

ADAM

“What a nice cabin you have here!”

SYDNEY

“Wha- Adam you’re supposed to be on the cot!”

ADAM

“Mm, but that’s boring, not a good way to treat guests.”

SYDNEY

“We weren’t expecting you- Adam, I wasn’t even expecting you to be real so please just stay patient with me. On the cot. Oh shoot. Really quick, kids, Salem is asking you all - please stop throwing stuff into the hole. We have no idea where it goes!”

[CLICK]

yeahhh :DD

i will be posting this to ao3

YEAHHH THIS IS AWSOME

[honeyed-poet]

As you all know, for as much as preds can be dangerous, I am on good terms with many of them. They really are people just like you and me… and for those who get close enough, those who win my heart and who I have come to trust… well… Sometimes their stays at my little cottage get extended… and sometimes, if they have such magics that allow them to reform their hands they, I have been known to willingly give them a taste of me.

One such instance came in the form of a lovely young woman who appeared on my doorstep one Merry evening. She looked so innocent and beautiful, not to mention far shorter than I, that I immediately mistook her for a lost prey. So of course, I invited her in, poured her a glass of wine, and conversed with her for a while… some small voice at the back of my mind told me something was off, but she was such a delight. So charming and a pleasure to converse with, that I pushed such inhibitions aside…

Alas, as the night continued, we both continued to imbibe wine, and in our drunken state, her true nature was revealed, I consented to some “safe experimentation”… and was caught so easily, slipping down her throat and into her stomach.

She fully intended to release me, of course, but soon passed out in my bed… that should have been the end of me, had she not dusted me with an intriguing blue herb she found in the forest beforehand…

Long story short, I reformed on couch in the morning, she was delighted to see me alive.. and now, she tends to my house while I’m away on adventures. Cooking, cleaning, caring for the bees, and gobbling up any unwelcome or unpleasant guests.

And every time I return home? What better way to thank her than a long blissful evening catching up… before serving as a very special dinner.

This is wonderful for both parties, of course. She gets the opportunity to have a good meal, to share my soft bed, and I get to experience all the joys and comfort of a warm, tight stomach without fear of meeting my final end…

Of course; this does lead to some awkward situations when an old friend or colleague or a fellow adventurer arrives at my cottage seeking shelter… at the very moment when my voracious roommate as recently enjoyed a hearty Poet dinner.

Having heard the tales of the poet who had written so many tips and tales of how to survive in a world full of predators, and whose cottage had become a safe haven for prey of all kinds. Where you could always find a hot cup of tea and a kindly word from the jovial honey boy... And now.. there he is. Nothing but a bump on the belly of a beautiful girl, who is now occupying his home, reading his books, drinking his tea.. and seemingly wearing his adventuring cloak as a blanket...

In the eyes of that poor stranger, the poet's book full of survival tips would now be better served as an epitaph for all the good it did its author. But all the while, I couldn't be happier or more blissfully unaware of what's going on outside. I'm safe and secure inside someone I love. Knowing only that she's up and moving, making me sway lightly in her gut as she answers the door.. And alas.. What happens next would not be for the recently ingested boy to decide. I'm right where I want to be, and indisposed until my companion has had some time to process me...

To be fair, anyone I would invite to live with me would still be a gracious host! Welcoming the prey in. and sitting on them, feeling them squirm beneath the weight of her prey- enhanced cheeks from many previous meals, and my still-solid form. Listening in as she slowly digests the very person they were planning on seeking shelter from.

And at length, once I've stopped happily squirming and my outline starts to become more soft and indistinct... she can devour them in that gap where I'm cream-of poet stew, but still need some time to finish beingprocessed... not reformed just yet.

I only hope they wouldn't fight her to the point that her tummy gets hurt and sore again.…. I would have just gotten down massaging and tending to her poor abused digestive system!

And just imagine that hapless prey'ssurprise when they wake up to the two of us cuddling on the couch, myself having reformed sometime before. And with a hearty laugh and a friendly smile, I offer them a cup of tea and some free honeyfor their trouble, and send them on theirway with a story to tell..

My goodness.…. such rumours would be spread after that. But it'd be worth it.