#i did the sketch amongst many other sky=cat | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

starfaring-princelotor · 6 years ago

Text

Thinking Ahead

Summary: Lotor realizes that the feelings he has been harboring are not what they seem.

Pairings: Lotor x F!Reader

★ Disclaimer: I do not ship Lotura and I kindly ask that this story to not be tagged as Lotura. This is a Lotor x Reader/Self-Insert OC story which is in no way related to Allura at all. Please be respectful of my chosen pairing. Thank you. ★

Warnings: Dirty thoughts, underage drinking.

Future Sight___Historic Significance___No Time Like The Present___Thinking Ahead ___Best Friends

“Here you go, two cups of black tea.”

Romelle, bright eyed and equally bright haired student of Hufflepuff, placed two dishes of tea in front of you and Lotor. Professor Trelawney’s reasoning for “switching up partners” is so people would not be too familiar with each other. That way, everyone could get a true taste of variety amongst their peers. Unfortunately for her, she was oblivious to you and Lotor’s growing friendship.

“Ugh, this tea is so bitter.”

“Yes, I will admit, this is not one of my more preferred flavors.”

Black tea was too strong on your palette, but at least the temperature of the drink was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, and you couldn’t help but grin when Lotor sent you a pointed look the second you started sipping loudly. Where are your manners? You had none, not for some tea leaves fortune telling crap.

“Have you ever had sweet berry hibiscus tea?” you asked out of the blue, peeking at him over the edge of your tiny cup.

“I have. The fruity flavor is delightful with a side coconut jelly,” somehow, this meager chitchat made the bitter liquid bearable, “I took a trip to Maui one summer. Oh, so humid, but not as hot as I would have expected. The locals were, ahem, generous and kind beyond measure. Of course, after they accept you, the ridicule for being a tourist never ends.”

You smiled at hearing that, finding some sort of cruel glee in his suffering, “Yeah? They call you old man because of your hair?”

“Oh, come now, surely that insult is as old as time itself,” he chuckled then grinned at the challenge, “No, no, they playfully poked that I am a fish when it comes to surfing. I quote, ‘Floundering and wiggly.’”

Now, the two of you laughed, and unbeknownst to either of you, Allura’s attention was not so subtly focused on the happy duo. Or at least, how happy Lotor seemed. Romelle took her seat across from her, tilted her head when she received no recognition from her close friend, then followed her line of sight. A mild annoyance began creeping up her spine then she gently slid a hand to cover Allura’s dainty ones, a show of support and a way to garner her full attention.

“Allura?”

The Princess stayed silent for a moment more before tearing her gaze away, offering Romelle a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, “Yes? Pardon me, ready for some tea?”

The concerned look reflecting Romelle’s eyes did not go unnoticed. Nor did the soft way her thumb was gently rubbing over the Princess’ knuckles out of instinctual comfort. They talked about this before, talked about her and Lotor’s previous relationship several times over when she felt those feelings creep back up in her heart. You were right when reading her palm: Allura had an insecure heart, even a year after her relationship with him took a turn for the worst.

But that was not why she was intently watching you two right now.

“Are you alright?” or rather, will she be alright?

“Yes, I am quite fine, thank you,” the Princess picked up her teacup and rest her mouth on the lip, “...Actually, I think I am just...concerned.”

“Concerned? You know he can not hurt you anymore, Allura.”

“Not for me, no. I mean for her.”

A spark of jealousy welled up in Romelle, but she quickly tampered it down before it could be known. You and Allura were not friends. Acquaintances, perhaps, but even so, she could understand the Princess’ bleeding heart for others. Especially in situations that didn’t include her, or need to include her at all. She only wished for the safety for everyone and the blonde girl couldn’t blame her. She cared too much for people and it did get her hurt more than once.

This was not new information to Romelle.

She sipped from her cup then glanced at Lotor, taking keen interest in him when he drank from his own cup, “Allura, do you think he’d hurt her? Maybe we should talk to Shiro about this…”

The Princess finally took a gulp of her tea, hoping it would relax her nerves, “No, that won’t be necessary. I’d rather not involve anyone else unless he - Unless I start to notice something. I really am trying to take your advice into practice.”

As in, don’t get in too deep in other people’s lives, ex’s included. It was just hard to do so when the man you once loved is giving someone else that same exact look she felt for him. Or at least, she thought she felt. A year later and it was still so very confusing for her fragile heart. Allura gently squeezed her friend’s hand in sincere apology.

“I am sorry for making you worry,” she continued, “Let’s enjoy this tea, yes?”

Romelle doubted the enthusiasm plastered over Princess Allura’s face, but she knew no words would soothe her troubled mind right now.

Lotor laid in bed with Kova perched on his shoulders, his tail loosely wrapped around the Prince’s neck. The cat would have rather been laying in his lap, but it was already preoccupied with an open book. There were words scribbling fast across the page, yet they appeared not by Lotor’s hand. No, the writing was too big, too loopy to be his.

I nearly threw the book into the fire when you wrote back. You should’ve told me at the dance! Nearly scared me to death. Thought one of the ghosts possessed it or something.

He reached over to his bedside table and picked up his quill. The nub was wearing down. Soon, he would need a new one.

You would willingly traverse into the Forbidden Forest past midnight, but a two-way journal scares you?

I’m a Ravenclaw, not a Gryffindor. Bravery is not in my blood.

Lotor grinned at that. Yes, curiosity and bravery were not of the same definitions.

Did your tea reading spook you of the future?

Why would I believe soggy, yucky leaves telling me I’m going to be attacked?

Maybe it is a sign. Watch out for puddles.

After that, the Prince drew a surprisingly detailed puddle, but then added a stick figure to represent you. There was a frown on your face and he could already imagine the indignant noise you’d make once seeing his creative masterpiece. To his surprise, ink started sketching as an image of, what he could only assume, was HIM appeared over the water. Was that... was that him on his broom? Lotor chuckled in mirthful amusement.

My ears are not that big.

In response, you drew his hair longer. Excessively longer. Rapunzel length longer. Then, the moon appeared. Full, just like that night, and little stars dotting the vacant sky. Lotor’s heart softened at the image you were drawing, not at all thinking about how he was connecting the dots and making constellations here and there. It wasn’t until he saw a single, long line stretch from the bottom of the page to the top and stop there did he tilt his head in confusion.

No more words? Ah. You must’ve fallen asleep on him. It was well past midnight anyways. You had a good idea. Before he decided to snuggle under the comforter in search of dreamland, he wrote three little words. Three little heartfelt words that he knows you’ll see come morning.

Good night, darling.

Lotor’s brows scrunched up in offense at watching you read. Well, he was trying to read, but his eyes caught such a despicable act to nature he had to put his own studies on halt just to make sure he was not dreaming a horrid nightmare. He cleared his throat softly, just enough to catch your attention.

“I had no idea you lick your thumb before turning pages.”

Almost comically, your tongue was still stuck out just as you were about to wet it, “I know, it’s a disgusting habit -”

“Very. Remind me to never lend you any of my books.”

You had to suppress a laugh at his squinty face, almost like he found a fly in his five-star bowl of clam chowder. This time, instead of using your thumb, you swiped the page with the tip of your wand. It seemed this pleased him more than your gross saliva tainting the books and spreading unknown germs to others. Or even to yourself! Who knows how many people have touched these books?

“And remind me never to touch any of your books, too.”

You rolled your eyes yet kept a playful grin plastered on your lips, “One of my favorite stories is World War Z. Have you read it?”

“The one about zombies? Really? That one is the best book you can think of?” Lotor arched his brow, attention focused on you now instead of his own reading, “You know zombies can never really happen.”

“Shh! It could totally happen, y’know. If science can go wrong, why can’t magic? They wouldn’t’ve made reversal spells if magic was perfect.”

“Pardon me, did you just say…” he squinted at you even more, “W...wouldn’t’ve?”

Now, he was baffled at yet another phenomenon you showed him. Unnecessary contractions. Lotor blinked like you just grew another pair of lips on your face, which nearly made you chortle a bit too loud in the quiet library. No other students would even consider staying this late in the archives for fun, yet good company was all you two needed, location be damned.

“You have been hanging around Keith too much, darling,” he reprimanded, yet you didn’t take it at all seriously, “Next thing I know, you will be a brooding jar of angst who mopes in bed all day. Oh, wait, that DID happen.”

It was your turn to scoff in mock offense. How dare he grin that catty grin after openly poking fun at your expense? You almost wanted to retaliate by flicking a paper ball at him. Almost, and you only decided against it when you saw his eyes shine in delighted mirth, half his face hidden behind a book. It was...nice. Not his weak insult, no, but rather the friendly familiarity was quite refreshing between you two.

“Oh, yeah? Well, at least I don’t...I don’t…”

“Hm? Yes? You do not what? Use your words, dear.”

“Hmph, at least I don’t...Gah, I can’t think of anything!”

Lotor wasn’t flawless, but it was kind of hard to think of one, singular trait you could joke about on the spot. And he knew this. He reveled in making you fumble over your words because, although you were smart, you still needed at least a day warning to come up with a worthy insult. Meanwhile, the scrutinizing observer he was, he could pick at you till the sun comes up.

“It is alright. Take your time,” he nonchalantly turned a page, that air of victory surrounding his smug self, “You can say it tomorrow when you are ready.”

“Quietly. You do not want us to get caught, do you?”

As silently as you could, you lifted your foot and gently tapped the stone with every step you took. How Lotor could pull off being so stealthy, you had no clue. Magic, probably. He was leading you up many flights of stairs in a part of the castle you were not familiar with. Was this the Slytherin wing? No, there weren’t even any pictures on the cobblestone walls. Where exactly were you?

“Ugh, wait, let me - “ you knelt down quickly, slipping off your clunky shoes and allowing the cold stone to seep through your socks, “Okay. Okay, where are we going?”

One hand in his, the other now holding your scuffed shoes, Lotor decided against giving you a firm answer. Instead, he turned over his shoulder, sent you a quick wink along with his signature trusting smile. You stumbled gracefully, blaming the uneven stairs for fault, yet he was strong enough to still prevent you from kissing the floor.

“We are almost there...if you would stop tripping,” cue smile transforming into a playful grin, an excited grin, like a boy ready to see the fireworks start.

“Well, maybe if someone didn’t have mile-long legs, I wouldn’t have to sprint to keep up,” you huffed, that is, until the two of you came across a large gap.

The chasm below, oh stars, how high up did you two travel? This was at least 50 stories high. It was a miracle the stairs were even holding up at all, as decrepit this building was. But...there, across the death hole, was a door which you could only assume was where he was planning on leading you. Before you could even ask him a question, Lotor released your hand then effortlessly leaped across the gap, landing calculated and ever so majestically.

And maybe a little smug when he met your slack-jawed face.

“That is so unfair.”

“Jump. I will help you, do not worry. The gap is not as big as you think.”

You were half nervous and half...excited? It must be because of your curiosity peaking at the sight of the ornate curved door. Surely, no one else would even consider venturing forth with the prospect of a very long drop right in front of them. But Lotor said he would help. Lotor said not to worry. Yet, you shuffled in spot, calculating how much of a running start you would need to make it across.

Meanwhile, the Prince was way too amused seeing you hesitate. He held out his arms as if offering a hug, trying to lure you in with the trust he carefully built with you.

“You drop me, I haunt you for the rest of your life.”

“Duly noted, darling.”

That gap...was it just you, or was it getting bigger? Before you could let your nerves get the best of you, Lotor sent you a nod of encouragement and you exhaled a heavy breath. Shaking your arms, you backed up a bit then took a running start, leaping with all the strength in your legs. Don’t look down. Don’t look -

Oh, fuck. Too late. And now, you realized your jump wasn’t nearly as far as it should have been. One foot landed on the edge and Lotor’s instincts immediately kicked in, his strong arms winding around your midsection to pull you close for security. You weren’t sure who made the “eep” noise, no, certainly not you, but you definitely heard him chuckle when your hands clung onto him for dear life.

Your heart was beating so fast. If you were listening closely, you could hear his, too.

“See? That was not so difficult, now was it?” Lotor took a few cautious steps away from the hole, noting your legs were shaking like a newborn foal, “Come, you - ah - dear, your nails…”

You stubbornly shook your head, refusing to let go of your hug as he guided you through the door, “Forests, fine. Flying over a lake? Fine. Leap of death? No. Next time, give me a piggyback ride. I’m not doing that again.”

The door closed behind you two and it was Lotor shrugging you gently to pull your face out of the safe confines of his chest. A dead fireplace, cushions, some thick blankets, half a ceiling missing. This place was in shambles, but it did make you feel more lax, more safe, more secluded. Lotor’s arms fell to his sides to let you explore the humble room, moon missing tonight and sky shimmering with distant stars.

“Here,” the Prince picked up a folded blanket, spreading it out and over your shoulders, “It is only going to get colder and we will be here for a while.”

“Oh...it’s…” the view from up here, so close to the clear sky, you almost felt like you could pluck a gem or two from the night, “You brought me here to stargaze? They look so much clearer tonight.”

Some more shuffling and Lotor wrapped his own thick comforter around his body then sat on a chilled cushion. There was no wind tonight, thank goodness, otherwise this trip he carefully planned might have ended prematurely. Footing your own cushion closer to his side, you also plopped next to your tall friend while tucking your blanket tighter in your chest. Neither of you minded that you two were, as they say, attached at the hip.

“Not only that. Just wait. Give it a few minutes,” Lotor angled his head upwards, nebulous eyes reflecting those twinkling stars and anticipating the phenomenal show to start.

You mimicked him, orbs searching for something in the sky, anything other than those countless dots swimming in the night. Lo and behold, you saw something flicker. And another, this time longer. A shooting star? Many! Many shooting stars blinking in sight, and just like that, you perked up in amazement, in the awe Lotor witnessed that night at the moonstone lake. Lips parted, iris darting across the sky to catch each falling star, you saw 10, no, 12 pass by in the mere minutes you were sitting here.

The cold didn’t bother you anymore, “That’s...that’s like, 12 wishes!”

16 now and soon you would no doubt lose count with how frequently they appeared. You couldn’t keep up with his freckles, shooting stars even less.

“I can’t...think of more than 3 wishes,” your mouth scrunched up in a corner, “I wish tests weren’t so hard.”

“That, my dear, could easily be handled if you studied more,” he reached to his satchel and pulled out two green mugs, “If I recall correctly, the Muggle world believe wishes can be granted by magic, no?”

Your attention diverted to the cup he placed in your lap, fingers deftly picking it up and noticing it...empty. “Yeah, they believe that if you blow a dandelion in the wind, your wish comes true, too. Other things like, uh...something about ladybugs? And eyelashes? A bit silly, isn’t it?”

And yet, he has a suspicious feeling in his gut you tried every possible wishing device at your disposal. Lotor pulled out his wand then gently tapped the rim of his cup, warm dark liquid instantly filling it to tipping point. The steam wafted in the air and you noticed a few mini marshmallows floating in his drink, clumping together in the sea of sweetness. No sooner were you able to voice your question of “How did you do that?!” did he use magic to fill your cup, as well. Less marshmallows, but no complaints from you.

“Well, magic does not have to make sense,” Lotor spoke with a hint of cockiness and, after taking a sip of his drink, he hummed in thought, “Needs a bit more of a...kick, no?”

“A...kick?” you raise da brow, carefully drinking a small portion before smacking your lips together, “Peppermint cocoa? Didn’t take you as a sweets kinda guy.”

“I adore sweets. Chocolate frogs are one of my favorite delicacies,” he admitted, hiding the fact that he also...collected those cards in the package as a hobby.

Lotor pulled out a bottle. A dark bottle, label unreadable in the dim room, then he popped the top off with one strong flick of his thumb. He poured a generous amount of what looked like milky coffee in his cup before offering the tip to you. Whatever it was, there was a whiff of sugary sweetness and, oh...that was alcohol. Faint, but it was there, and you shot a bewildered look at him.

“The Prince drinks alcohol? What would the Slytherin housemaster say?” you feigned shock and, even in the dark, you could see his glowing eyes roll at your words.

“Hush, you. Alcohol is commonly referred to ‘liquid courage,’ no?” to his delight, you held your drink up and he poured a small amount for now, “After seeing your...flawless bravery over that hole, I think some liquid courage would somewhat embolden you.”

You sipped. You sputtered. You stuck out your tongue, somehow thinking it would help get that ghastly bitter burn off your palette.

“Oh, this is - this is disgusting!” and yet, you took another sip, maybe the second time around wouldn’t taste as bad, “How can you drink this stuff? Blegh…”

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest. Yes, this must’ve been your first drink, but in his mind, it was not strong at all. Still, seeing your blatant dislike of it, he brought his wand up and prepared to magically whisk away your drink and give you fresh hot cocoa. It was you who cradled your mug away from him, holding it like you were preserving a precious, rare golden apple.

“Oh? So, you DO like it, I see,” Lotor’s eyes cataloged the blush gracing your cheeks, either from embarrassment at playing keep-away or from the drink warming up your body.

“Now, I didn’t say that,” you leaned against him, placing all your weight on the sturdy Prince, “I should try it...a third time. And fourth. And fifth. Then I will give you my five-minute review of your peppermint hot cocoa.”

This was so dangerous, sneaking out this late, drinking alcohol, but it was giving you a sense of acceptance, of fun, hanging out with Lotor with no judgement from anyone. No student roles under a teacher’s gaze or homework to be done before noon or responsibilities other than caring for each other in the most spirited of company. Goodness, was he always this warm? You lifted his arm and tucked yourself against him, figuring double blankets would keep you two cozier longer throughout the night. .

“If you fall asleep, do not drool on me. I will wake you, dear.”

Your eyes scanned the page, mouth silently reciting the spell so you could memorize it by heart. Though, with your previous attempts that came out for naught, you knew this was going to be difficult. It was almost as if your wand was purposely refusing to work with you. While the rest of the class was practicing with success, you glared with determination at the potted plant in front of you. Unblooming. It looked nearly dead, to be honest.

“Morning dew, nightly rain

Bring this rose to bloom again.”

Three flicks of your wand, each punctuated at the end of a verse, yet all the plant did was...wilt. And with it, so did your spirit. To your right, before you could even see his smarmy grin, Lotor hummed in amusement at your failed attempts. Rude. You saw out of the corner of your eye that his potted plant, well, blooming was too nice of a word. It was flourishing. Practically a mini rose bush now, orange of all ugly colors.

“Don’t laugh,” you pouted, trying not to take his mockery at heart and knowing this was just him being a little shit again, “I’m trying.” “Maybe if you said it correctly, it would work. Here,” Lotor faced his already beautiful plant then cleared his throat, voice clear and loud, “Morning dew, nightly rain, bring this rose to bloom again.”

It grew twice its size, nearly tipping the pot. You grumbled, a low “show off” muttered from your lips.

“Now, your turn,” he faced you, watching your every move, from the flick of your wrist to the posture you held, “Your voice must be loud and clear.”

Again, you mumbled, both at his instruction and this dumb plant that wasn’t listening to you. The Prince tsk’d, your behavior and discouragement making him cross his arms. This was stern Lotor now. Not quite the same from the forest, but close enough that if you didn’t heed his advice, he would definitely leave you to fail over and over again.

“Sit up. Do not slouch,” he watched you do as he commanded, “Hold your wand at a 45 degree angle near the plant’s base. Now, LOUD and CLEAR.”

“I don’t like raising my voice,” you finally admitted...stubbornly.

Lotor narrowed his eyes slightly at the excuse. He reached over and scooted the plant closer to you then lifted your chin up with a finger. His eyes didn’t miss the way you stiffened in your seat nor how you easily surrendered to one of his slender digits. For a quick second, his mind flashed to what else he could do to you with just a single finger.

“You do not have to be loud, then. Clear. How will your wand hear you? How will the plant hear you? Now, try again.”

“Tch, now who is the pushy one, huh?”

“You could fail and lose house points. Your choice.”

“Bah! Fine, fine, just - don’t watch me.”

He wouldn’t watch you directly, but he was listening intently now, just to make sure you spoke the spell clearly. Or blow up your plant on accident. A few minutes passed and when you cheered a “Yes, finally!” under your breath, he knew you got it to work on the 6th try. By HIS guidance, no less, but still, it was the results that mattered in the end. A nudge at his side and he raised a groomed brow at you, eyes obviously waiting for a sign of gratitude.

“I don’t like yellow roses. Can I change the colors?” you flipped through ahead of the book, going to the more advanced spells, and he had to stop himself from rubbing the headache forming at his temples.

Fool. Mumbling idiot. You were going to accidentally change the color of your skin if you weren’t careful.

A strange thought crossed his mind then. Were you always this...imbecilic?

Lotor felt sick today. A cold, no doubt, or a fever? He wasn’t sure, but the tonic the nurse gave him only helped temper his body a little bit. The drapes were pulled together to keep his entire room dark and a thick layer of blankets covered his form. Oh, but he was breaking out a sweat now, his least favorite part about being ill. Aside from the migraines, of course.

The journal glowed a faint blue hue by his bedside, the light actually intensifying his headache. You were writing in it, most likely waiting for him to reply, but he was too aching to move any of his limbs. The sick Prince knew that a distraction would help him avert his mind from focusing on his soreness, yet part of him just wanted to...ugh, that brightness was getting on his blasted last nerve.

With all the strength he could summon, he grabbed the book and stuffed it inside the drawer. He didn’t want to talk to anyone right now. Sleep and silence were his best cure for his shut-in self. Eyes drooping slowly, he buried his face into the lush pillow then willed his mind to shut up. For five minutes, just five, let the comforting arms of sleep embrace me. Wish granted.

Though, he roused at the soft rapping of knuckles on his door. He had no idea how long he was knocked out. Could be an hour, could be a day. He wanted no visitors, so who dared…?

A turn of a knob and your face, as well as the hallways blinding light, leaked into the room. His silver brows knotted in annoyance and, with a peek from one eye, he tried to dig even more into his pillow to avoid you. Sick Lotor was an unhappy Lotor. A warning from Ezor when they had reluctantly let you in their wing and led you to the grumpy Prince’s private room. Your footsteps indicated you were right besides his bed, probably just looking down at him in pity. The thermos in your hand suddenly felt a little worthless, but you stood firm in your wavering thoughts.

“Hey, Lotor?” a rumbling grunt as a response, not the friendliest, but you understood his frustration, “Figured you were, uh...y’know, under the weather.”

“I am not sad. I am sick,” came his muffled reply, followed by a cough, “...And tired. Very tired.”

Yes, you know the wretched side effects of being sick. You may be going to a wizarding school, but illnesses still affected everyone. Why couldn’t magic whisk it away? Taking a seat at the edge of his bed, being mindful of his space and the fresh scent of mint wafting in the air, you offered him a soft pat pat on his elbow. Instantly, he cringed into himself, the touch both welcome and a little uncomfortable. You had intended to come and keep him company, perhaps tell him about what you learned in class today, yet all his body language pointed to one option: he wanted to be ALONE.

“Alright, alright, loud and clear,” you weren’t offended by his brusque words, well, maybe a little bit, “Here. Don’t know if you ate anything yet, but there’s some chicken soup in this. Generosity from the kitchen staff after they booted me out for sneaking in.”

You at least expected a chuckle, a quip of “I am surprised they did not turn YOU into soup,” but nothing came. Placing the thermos on his bedside table, you headed for the door and, with one last glance back at him, you offered a soft smile.

“Get better soon.”

The illegal Love Potion was finished and a majority of the class was excited, rightfully so. Everyone was eager to know who their loved one was, their crush, and possibly even sneak a portion out to use on the object of their desires. But not him. He was here for the grade. Lotor adored the dark arts and, although not officially part of the curriculum in his other class, this was just another step into understanding why Love was the strongest curse of all.

And yet, you were shifting nervously in your seat. Hands neatly folded on the desk, knee shaking up and down insistently, and your eyes couldn’t even focus staring at ONE thing. He didn’t understand. The two of you use the same ingredients, so you must be getting the same perfect grade as him. Or perhaps...you, like the others, were curious about what the potion would reveal to you if you took a small whiff.

“Did you...y’know,” you asked vaguely, motioning to his simmering potion.

“No. Did you?”

“No.”

A moment of silence. You knew you had certain feelings for him, but pinpointing them to love or anything stronger than love was what really kept you uncertain. Friends? Best friends? Maybe...something more? Should you ask him? Part of you wanted to, yet another side of you was actually happy with where you two were at now. You trust him. You trusted him quite a bit.

“Wanna do it together?” you asked, knowing there was a few minutes to spare before class started.

Lotor’s silence made you hesitate even more. Not because it was a yes or no answer, but because he was thinking about what he was going to experience. It was no matter of the heart that he already heavily desired you since that mirror showed him what the two of you could be. His thoughts were invaded with you before, yet he couldn’t differentiate between him being a horny adolescent or an actual fool in love.

The Prince sent you a side glance, “Yes. Let us try.”

Both of you gently swept the smoke rising from the cauldron to your noses, preparing yourselves for the answers to the unknown.

Peppermint cocoa. Old library books. Fresh laden snow. Chicken pot pie. A...rose?

You brought a hand up to cover the lower half of your face, immediately knowing where all these scents were coming from. Or rather, who. You...love him? No. That couldn’t be. You didn’t even realize it! How could some liquidy goop know you better than you? But...maybe on some degree, it was true. You love him enough to be such close, vulnerable friends with each other. Enough that you wished his sickness would erase completely from his body that one night. Enough that you willingly leap into his welcoming arms, despite the fear clouding your mind.

The realization...well, it brought you two things. One, a peace of mind now that your question was answered. And two, you found that the damn beating organ in your chest wanted to ask him about these conflicting thoughts. You swallowed a thick gulp lodged in your throat, sparing a meek look at your partner sitting idly besides you. Did he smell...something foul?

Lotor’s face was twisted in utter disgust.

Yes, he knew what his nose would pick up. Chicken noodle soup, white carnations, misty lake water, oak trees, and finely-ground powdered moon stone. With every scent, a new memory flashed in his mind, from that dangerous adventure at the forest lake to the soup he gratefully consumed shortly after you closed his bedroom door. The memories...it made his heart fond, his heart yearn to hold you again, but the smell. All of it mixed together?

It made him want to puke on the spot.

Lotor covered his nose with his hand to block anymore of that potion from reaching his brain. He knew you were staring at him, waiting for an answer, anything, and he knew you were not blind. The growing friendship, the late night cuddling, the hugs, the sentimental time spent together. You must’ve suspected something between you two, some fine line between the moments of vulnerability you shared with each other.

“Lotor, did you - “

Yet, he turned away from you, avoiding looking at you in the eyes, just as the professor waltzed into the classroom. Maybe the smell was too strong for him? Yes, yes, that was a logical conclusion. The potency, when taken too much, can cause nausea. Right? You swear you read that somewhere in the book. It must be the cause of his sudden reaction.

Because if it wasn’t that, then everything else pointed to the other option, and you weren’t sure if you were ready to accept that.

Lotor didn’t speak to you for the next few days. Sometimes, you thought you saw a glance of him turn a corner. Sometimes, he was hastily shoveling his food in his mouth to leave abruptly. Sometimes, he would spare you a quick, stoic glance before turning his attention to his books. Either way, there was no right time to talk, no perfect moment with his odd evasiveness lodging between you two.

Then again, you tried to see this as openly as possibly. Perhaps he was just busy. Tests and finals were coming up and you, too, were preoccupied with other studies.

“Hey, Lotor, wait up,” you called out to him this time, jogging to catch up before he entered his class.

“Hm? Yes, dear? What is it?”

“Did you wanna head to Madam Puddifoot’s this weekend? After tests and everything. Figure we could use a break, eat some cake, the good stuff!”

Lotor didn’t meet your gaze nor your enthusiasm. Instead, he glanced off to stare at the floor, internally debating something bouncing around that cluttered skull of his. He was a man of few words, even fewer when concerning personal emotions, yet lately he couldn’t even organize his thoughts in a coherent order. There was something bugging him, something deep in his skin, and as your friend, part of him realized it would wedge an awkwardness between you two.

“Ah...no, I apologize,” eyes still glued to the floor, Lotor missed the downtrodden dip of your smile, “Perhaps another time, hm? When things have quieted down and students have gone home for break.”

Yes. Yes, a good diversion, one he didn’t quite think all the way through.

“Oh, yeah! Sure, good idea. Less people would be overcrowding the shop. Just...y’know, the journal. You know where I am at.”

Were you always this...this easy to push around? Odd. He never really noticed it before.

A nod of his head, he turned and left you standing there alone. Not even a goodbye? He really must be stressed.

Lotor was feeling...angry. Frustrated, and not in a way he could relieve himself through some private time alone. Yes, in the confines of his dutiful patrol across the Slytherin wing, he still thought of you, of forcefully kissing you against the wall. Biting your delicate neck with little control until he had his fill of moans and screams. Even pinning your wrists at your lower back as he fucked you from behind made his groin stir in want.

All these images distracted him, but there was something...missing. He didn’t feel love. It was just lust. Just a need to climax, to dump his load into you over and over again. Knowing these thoughts only got worse over time left a bad taste in his mouth. He never wanted to use you for anything, least of all sex. His body wanted you, but his heart...his heart was unsure.

What changed? When did the line between lust and love divert? And why, when he thought of you, did he feel...nothing anymore?

He would even go as far as to say there was a smidgen of contempt. That’s what was making him irritated. His heart was slowly beginning to dislike you, dislike your stubbornness, your pushiness, even your clumsy nature was grating on his nerves. All those times of you being a fool were true, through and through. You were oblivious to dangers. Not at all patient. Too dim-witted to see your true self, so you relied on others - relied on him - to bring it out of you.

It was annoying, yes. He was not someone to seek attention from. Yet, he couldn’t just say this to you. You’d get upset, cry about it, no doubt. Lotor just didn’t feel the want to deal with your wayward self again. He felt as if he was spending TOO much of his time catering to you and it no longer left a good, fluttery feeling in his chest. In fact, it left him feeling emotionally drained.

What he thought was friendship, or something more, was actually neither of those.

Perhaps that was why he still hasn’t taken that journal out from the drawer.

The two of you were drifting apart.

You finally managed to have at least a few minutes with him. Albeit, yes, it was by pure chance that your curious exploring led you to the same secretive balcony deep within the castle grounds. But, now that you were here, it felt a little awkward to be staring at his broad back. How do you start this? It hurt to realize you were hesitating talking to your best friend.

You were concerned for him, deeply concerned, but how do you say this without saying it?

“Did you follow me?”

The timber of his voice was a little deeper than you remembered. Taking careful steps, you walked up besides him and leaned on the stone railing with your hands hanging off the edge. Stiff, you were both stiff, or maybe it was the trick of the chilly night. The air didn’t feel as warm as it did before.

“No way, how do I know you didn’t follow me, huh?” the accusatory tone didn’t fall on deaf ears, but Lotor didn’t return the usual amusement.

“You should not be out this late. It is past curfew hours.”

It was hard to keep your mood from turning sour at his terse answers, but you had to remind yourself that this was Lotor. Your best friend. You missed him, even this moody side of him. Perhaps another joke would help? Maybe some light hearted teasing?

“Oh, c’mon, classes are over. What’s wrong with a little midnight adventure? Last one too exciting for you?”

Nothing. Not even a blink.

“I know what you are trying to do,” Lotor’s shoulders slumped and finally, he looked at you straight in the eyes, “I suggest you stop while you are ahead.”

The words spilled out of your mouth faster than you could stop them, “Lotor, I’m just trying to help.”

“Did I ask for it?”

“No, but - damn it, you helped me. Why can’t I do the same for you?”

Annoyance. That was all you could see flit across his face and it stung deep within your chest. You tried to put on your best pleading expression, something to show that you really were worried about him, about his distant self, about his walls being rebuilt brick by brick. This wasn’t like him, not at all.

“People usually help out of the goodness of their heart, not as some sort of debt to repay. ”

“That’s not what I meant. I just - you’re acting different.”

Again, wrong words to say. You knew it, you felt the sudden shift in the air. Saw the way his jaw clenched in restrained control and how his eyes hooded low in a paralyzing glare. Pushing, you were pushing too much, and Lotor was getting very uncomfortable. And, as usual, with his discomfort came the need to...protect himself. Retaliate with words to disarm you completely.

“Oh? And you are unhappy with this ‘different’ side of me? Is that why you seek to help change me back?”

“No! Of course not, Lotor. When I wasn’t myself, you showed me - look, I don’t know what’s going on with you - “

“No. You do not. Perhaps you should have been more observant,” he sneered at you, hitting hard at the fact you were an airhead most of the times.

You brushed off his comment, but it left a lingering ache in your heart, “Or you could just - WE could just talk. Just one night, get whatever it is off your chest and I’ll do the same.”

“No.”

You anticipated the answer before even offering the suggestion, especially knowing deep down that neither of you would be comfortable with speaking so openly about emotions. Foolish, you weren’t thinking ahead, thinking about what you were saying before letting it slip from your tongue. Talking to him like this was insufferably frustrating. It was wearing down your patience, HIS patience, but your stubborn persistence is what would tip the breaking point. You were never aware of this.

“Then what do you want to do, Lotor?”

“Is it not obvious?”

Again, his voice was being degrading and part of you wanted to scoff at him.

“I came here by myself for a reason.”

You could at least piece two and two together, even if the sharp edges left biting wounds on your skin.

“...You want to be alone,” you finished for him, sad you had to say those words out loud for both of you to hear.

Lotor needed time to sort out...whatever this was. And, judging by the way he averted every single one of your questions, this had nothing to do with you. Nothing you COULD do, except give him the space he needed unless you want to find yourself facing the brunt of his cold shoulder and burning words again.

You hated this feeling, this feeling of being rejected. Shunned.

“Fine. I’ll give you your space.”

“Thank you.”

Lotor sure didn’t sound truly thankful, but at this point, you didn’t much care. If isolation was his way to handle things, then you would let him do it. Even if it cost you the friendship and whatever feelings evolved between you two. Something that neither of you got the chance to further explore. That revelation made the pit in your stomach sink in sadness.

The hot, angry tears of frustration wouldn’t stop falling down your cheeks as you turned and marched away from him.

#lotor x reader #spacestories #give me the peppermint cocoa please and thank you

43 notes · View notes

hrrytomlinson · 7 years ago

Photo

here are a bunch of AMAZING fics I’ve enjoyed and loved reading throughout the month of august. I recommend that you read these great fics in september, if you haven’t already!! also check out the HL Summer Fic Exchange!

(all fics with a star are my favorites and if there are two stars then it was a favorite favorite)

1. How Far We’ve Come 32k

“This is Harry Styles,” Chiron offers.

He’s beautiful. His eyes are a stunning green, the color of new foliage. The new kid’s limbs are long and lanky—he looks extremely uncomfortable and uncoordinated. Louis internally smirks to himself, guessing the kid probably won’t be too skilled with a sword, or a bow, or anything sharp, most likely. His hair falls to his shoulders in sets of loose, brown curls. The color is rich and luscious, resembling soil so much that it looks like flowers could sprout from his hairline at any moment. But Louis’ eyes are stuck on his soft looking lips, pink as flower petals and slightly parted as his eyes scan the horizon of the camp.

“Welcome to Camp Half-Blood, Harry.”

2. It’ll All Come Up Roses 4k *

Louis was leaning against the railing of the bridge, looking down at the water completely lost in thought when he heard someone approach the bridge from the side that he came from. Glancing up, he noticed Harry walking towards him, hands stuffed deep in his pockets, and seemingly lost in thought. Louis shifted his weight onto his other foot and stood up properly, watching quietly as Harry walked past him. Louis opened his mouth. He wanted to say something to Harry to break the silence, or at least to get him to notice him standing there against the bridge railing - but the words got stuck in Louis’ throat, and he snapped his mouth shut, going back to staring down at the water mindlessly instead. All the while, trying hopelessly to figure out what the fuck he’s doing with his life. Harry kept walking, and soon Louis was once again left alone to his thoughts.

Or the one where Louis really doesn't hate his neighbor who keeps waking him up at the crack of dawn. Ft magic, Liam, Niall, and Zayn barely being mentioned, Harry and his fucking motorcycle, a date and a kiss.

3. Freeze This Moment in a Frame and Stay Like This 5k

Harry (not so) secretly crushes on the cute footie player and fills pages with sketches of him.

4. Wrap You Up In Daisy Chains 10k *

Ten minutes later, an awkward, long-legged, curly-haired, so pale she’s reflective, and so obviously gay-looking Harry Styles is sitting shotgun next to Louis in a bikini, denim cut-offs, and heart-framed sunnies.

Or, Harry and Louis and a too-small bathing suit.

5. Small Doses (Loving You It’s Explosive) 38k

Louis Tomlinson finds himself at Vitality Fitness to try and turn his life around after having left his cheating boyfriend of four years. The gym's owner, Liam, quickly becomes a good friend, but his right hand man is rude and dismissive from the get-go.

Louis and Harry continue to clash all while Harry is trying to move his way up the ranks in Manchester's amateur boxing circuit, but they can't seem to stay away from each other.

6. Some Flowers In Your Hair 23k *

When Louis mentions offhandedly that he’s really been enjoying watching some TV show called Alone, and that the idea of humans surviving without magic in the wilderness fascinates him, he would never have guessed it would land him in a situation like this.

This is supposed to be a friendly camping trip between Louis and Liam, just a couple of bros surviving in the wilderness for bragging rights, not whatever rigmarole that fucker is currently outlining. And certainly not including one Harry Styles, pretentious twat that he is.

What is he getting himself into?

Or, a magical camping AU in which Louis is jealous of Harry's magic, Liam's a little too enthusiastic about surviving in the wilderness, and Niall might have misunderstood the rules.

7. We’ll Be Seamless 52k **

Green reblogged an old photo of himself. It was from back in October, a Halloween special. A pulse shot all the way through Louis because this photo was his absolute favourite, and it had taken the rest of the year for him to wean himself off of it.

Green was on his knees, arms stretched out in front of him with his fingertips digging into the surface of his bed. He was wearing a pair of cat ears on his head, his curls falling forward. His back was arched, and in the foreground of the picture, Green’s bum was high in the air, a long, black cat tail sitting neatly between his cheeks.

Louis spends all his spare time scrolling arty nude blogs on Tumblr but amongst them all, Green is his favourite.

8. Chasing Empty Spaces 79k **

The year is 1934 and Harry Styles was to inherent the largest tobacco firm in the south. His parents have picked out the “perfect” girl for him to marry and he has the privilege of receiving the highest education possible. The problem was, Harry hadn’t realized he didn’t actually want any part of that future until he met a mechanic named, Louis Tomlinson.

9. It Had To Be You 45k **

A When Harry Met Sally AU.

Harry and Louis are strangers who share the drive from Chicago to NYC after college. They don't have anything in common, don't get along, and at the end of their trip, they're both glad to say goodbye. During a chance meeting five years later, they find that nothing has changed, and they part ways expecting never to see each other again. Ten years after their first meeting, Louis and Harry meet once again, but this time they become friends. Eventually, things get complicated.

10. Perfect Sky 11k

Deep, deep down, Louis knows Niall hadn’t meant to do this. He knows that this really was a last minute conundrum Louis had found himself in. Louis could’ve muddled the dates just as easily as Niall could have misremembered them. This hurts for other, more difficult reasons.

This hurts because it was supposed to be Louis’ honeymoon.

Louis meets Marcel at the lowest point of his life. A few poorly timed jokes, and a cigarette (or twelve) later, Louis starts to think love’s not a sham after all.

11. Magic Everywhere We Go 19k

Fifteen years after first meeting Louis at a mutual friend’s birthday party, Harry is just as in love with his husband as he was on their wedding day. And with the birth of each new child, Harry seems to have only grown to love him more.

And now Harry is spending four days at the happiest place on earth with all of his favorite people – his mum and stepdad, his four beautiful children, and his perfect husband.

Life couldn’t get any better than this.

Or, Harry and Louis go on holiday with their family to Disney World.

12. One Day, Maybe Next Week 6k

Louis was staring at him, expecting a response, and Harry was supposed to be the one coming up with that response, and he was so not prepared, so he blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“Where were you? You weren’t on the bus for a few days.”

Louis raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“Uh… Sorry, I just- Um, sort of noticed that maybe you weren’t on the bus since last week. Not that I watch for when you’re on the bus or anything. That would be weird. Obviously, you have your own schedule, and I have mine. I just saw that you weren’t here, so I wondered what you were doing, or if something bad happened, like you got kidnapped or something. God, that sounded creepy. I promise I’m not threatening your life or something. Jesus, just stop me. If you have pepper spray, I would totally understand if you got me in the eyes right now.”

Louis had his lips pressed together at this point, holding back a laugh. Harry really didn’t blame him for that.

Or, the one where Harry just really wants to talk to Louis. And when he finally does, everything he says just comes out wrong.

13. Building Castles In the Sky 22k **

"D-dad? You think I c-can do it? Y-you think i c-can..." Evan trailed off looking down at his chest. And Louis' heart melted.

"I think you can do everything, love. Everything." Louis said while pulling his boy closer. "Because you, my little dandelion, are very brave! And so strong and wonderful and so very bright! You will go up on that stage, and you will blow everyone away. I just know it."

They laid there on their porch while they hugged each other tightly. His little boy was so brave. Louis didn't need to see him on a stage to be proud. He was proud of him already.

"You know,” Evan mumbled aloud again. “Mr. S-Styles says the same t-thing. He s-says I c-can do e-everything too.”

And Louis couldn't help but smile.

Or, where, Louis had a four year old with a stuttering problem. Harry was always there to help.

14. I Come Alive When I Hear Your Voice 7k

Harry let out a satisfied sigh and sat back in his cushioned office chair. He looked down at his laptop and tapped his fingers against his bottom lip in contemplation. He was fairly pleased with what he’d finished so far on his latest project; he just needed to fine-tune some bits and then send it off to his management for their approval. He sent his coworkers an e-mail giving them commenting rights on the document for any constructive criticism they might have, and cringed when his stomach let out an unholy gurgle.

Aka: Harry the mute songwriter falls in love with the single dad working at the bakery down the street from his studio.

15. Cupid’s Defense 116k **

In which Harry is Cupid, Louis and Liam own a law firm, and they're all getting sued.

16. Palms Reflecting In Your Eyes 6k **

Harry visits Louis at his campus and finds a crop on the wall.

17. There Is No Resistance 1k

It's Harry's birthday and Louis has found him the perfect gift.

18. Sound Like a Song 14k **

In high school, Louis Tomlinson lit up Harry’s world like nobody else, even if Harry did most of his pining from the safety of his tightly knit circle of friends. Ten years later, Harry is ready to make some changes. He’s tired of having so many regrets and not taking charge of his life, and he still hasn’t forgotten how brightly Louis shines. He’s about to get a long awaited second chance.

Or the one where Harry helps out at a farmer’s market and gives Louis free vegetables.

19. I’ve Seen How You Sparkle 56k *

Their eyes locked again and Harry blushed, suddenly feeling shy. Louis just smiled at him, tilting his head a little as his eyes ran over the younger boy. Harry self-consciously placed his arm over his stomach, afraid that Louis would somehow see through his clothes and notice the druid mark on his right hip. It was a triple spiral, a triskele. Although it wasn’t that big and fairly easy to hide, Harry was always paranoid that he would maybe stretch too much and reveal the mark.

It wasn’t that he actually believed Louis would have him executed, but he knew Louis was fiercely loyal to his father. If it came to choosing between Harry and his father, Harry was honestly not sure what Louis would do.

Or Louis is the Crown Prince of Camelot and Harry is a druid hiding his magic. It would have been a lot easier if he didn't also have to deal with a forbidden love, a dangerous quest and a whole lot of trouble.

20. One Shines Brighter 11k *

“Hi, baby. You doing anything fun today?”

Harry shrugs. “Dunno. Thought I’d see how I was feeling before making any plans.”

“You wanna get married?” Louis asks. Harry’s face breaks into a smile, and he nods.

Louis’ lips are just brushing Harry’s when Gemma appears in the hallway. “You two are in so much trouble.”

Harry's wedding was never supposed to be the happiest day of his life. No, that was going to be the day after, when he finally got to start his marriage. Unfortunately his family (and Louis) have other ideas.

Featuring a pair of moms who only want the best for their kids, meddling sisters with too much time on their hands, and a groom who gets caught up in the fairytale.

#monthly rec #mine #fic rec #larry fic rec #larry stylinson #harry styles #louis tomlinson #one direction #how far we've come #we'll be seamless #building castles in the sky #magic everywhere we go #sound like a song #cupids defence #it had to be you #chasing empty spaces

1K notes · View notes

rowanismybae · 7 years ago

Text

Unexpected Visitor - Chapter 6

And here we are with a new chapter! Time will start to go faster now, but hopefully, you’ll still enjoy it! Lots of fluff and bonding!

Tagging @my-life-is-a-drama-book @tiny1hallie and my wife @deathbytitanium

Monday came and when Mia was in the kitchen, Fenrys popped up and helped a little bit; mostly, he made Luca blush with some flirty bullshit and other sex related puns as usual and Emrys shout at him to get out because he was distracting his helpers. Mia loved it.

In the afternoon, Aelin and Lys took her to a small shoe shop in the city so they could see the shoes sketches and designs. Mia gave some suggestions and the shoemaker noted them. When he asked where she got that fine shoe, she merely answered: “I had a friend who was really artistic and worked at his father's shoe shop. He designed these and a whole other bunch that didn’t work. After this one, he made me more two more, the ones that I brought here. Before the war even started or he showed his new type of shoes to females at the village, he died from a very serious and contagious disease. His whole family died. Then I moved with my shoes before I could get infected.” she shrugged and Aelin and Lys looked at her in shock and amusement with her constructed lie.

They asked if any was true and she denied with a snort. “You asked me to be a small village girl. I had to make something up that would make me the first person to have those shoes but without raising questions of how I got them. It just came off.” she shrugged and they smiled approvingly.

The rest of the week went smoothly. Fenrys visiting her workplace every day and he invited her to see them train. She went over and looked in awe while they trained. They were like living blades, every inch was powerful and lethal. Every move calculated and precise. Powers weren't allowed, so it was fair for all. She just sat there watching and couldn’t look away. Many times she dreamed of that and now she was amongst them. She cried silently thanking again for her luck.

At some point, the males started to take their shirts off and she was able to see their torsos glistening with sweat. She was very pleased with the sight. Damn those Fae were fit and build! She was completely lost in the way their muscles flexed and relaxed in movement and how their hair clung to the wet skin. Some tied their hair into buns (for her delight) and others into ponytails. Rowan’s hair was the shorter and he used a leather strap like a tiara and he looked ultimately hot. His tattoo was breathtaking and she lost herself in that Old weird Language.

The others had tattoos too. Gavriel had one on his neck, that was brutal and delicate at the same time. Fenrys… hot damn Fenrys! His dark skin was breathtaking. The sweat on his body made him shine and his features were strong, precise and focused. Sometimes he smiled and laughed teasing his friends and saying some witty remarks.

“You’re drooling,” Aelin said next to her while she drained her water bottle. She was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t even notice the Queen's approach. She also looked beautiful: her soft skin flushed and her hair in a messy braid clinging to her neck and her eyes were sparkling with excitement and amusement. She had a smirk on her lips.

“Well, it’s hard not to. I mean, you all look amazing over there. I never saw anything like it!” Mia said and Aelin smiled.

“Their training is… brutal but efficient. But you know that already and they don’t need another incentive to their overgrown ego. And sometimes they need a girl to knock them to their asses to save their heads from exploding.” she said and some of them looked at her and stick their tongues out. The girls chuckled and Aelin went back to the fighting pit.

She made some sparks burn the boys lightly and they complained but she put on her best innocent face that no one bought. They went back to it and Mia kept watching the entire time, mesmerized by the movements and skills.

On Thursday the girls went back to see the shoes at their early stages. Since they all had slightly bigger feet than Mia, they couldn’t practice their walk on her shoes so they made sure to pressure the shoemaker just enough. But Mia didn’t understand why they wanted to learn so fast. And Aelin’s answer caught Mia off guard.

“The Ball, of course.” she said like it was nothing.

“What Ball?” Mia asked with wide eyes but soft voice, trying to keep it cool. It didn’t fool the girls since they both looked like trying to suppress a smile and failing.

“The Ball in celebration to the end of the war and Maeve’s death,” Aelin said nonchalant and Lys rolled her eyes.

“The end of the war where Aelin, Dorian, and Manon triumphed against Erawan, that stupid demon.” her eyes were cold but the way the flipped her hair over her shoulder, said that she, despite still remembering well of the war, was happy it was over and that they survived. Mia chuckled.

“I guess you’ll need a dress then…” Aelin said gazing Mia from head to toe with one hand on her chin and other on her hip.

“Oh, please. There’s no need for that. I’ll be helping Emrys in the feast, so no fancy dress for me.” Mia said waving her hand and looking back at the shoes and providing the shoemaker some suggestions.

“What? No! You’ll be at the ball!! I want you there to see me slay in my new shoes!! Plus, maybe Micah will be there and the two of you can dance again and get to know each other better…” Aelin wiggled her brows with a smirk and Lys grinned from her seat.

Mia blushed, but she had no idea why. Sure, he was handsome. And she never saw an albino personally before, that was a pleasant surprise. He also seemed to enjoy her company. Maybe he could help her heal her wounded heart somehow. He sounded sweet and kind. But…

“I’ll make sure to invite him if he promises me to bring some sweets,” Aelin said and they laughed. “We’ll be heading to my personal seamstress… maybe she can pull a Starfall dress to you. Micah will fall on his knees and drool the whole night.” She said wiggling her brows once more and Mia just rolled her eyes. And yes, Aelin had finished her own book series and was now reading the ACOTAR series.

After they finished with the shoemaker, they went back to the castle and sent a letter to the seamstress so she could come and take measurements of Mia and listen to what kind of dress she’d like to wear.

It took about 30 minutes for the lady to get there. Aelin asked for something dazzling and gorgeous. The color was up to Mia to choose. Aelin would be wearing a golden dress that was supposed to make Rowan need another bucket of cold water - she remembered how much he liked the color and asked for a matching nightgown as well for their personal celebration - and Lys would be wearing a green dress to match her eyes and Aedion’s outfit. After giving it some thought, she chose blue. Midnight blue to be precise. Aelin stepped in and asked for a gradient: from the lightest blue to the darkest. Mia loved the idea and thanked her. She once again said she’d be helping Emrys with the feast and didn’t need a dress, but Aelin said she was forbidden to walk into the kitchen on the day of the Ball. Mia had no other choice than obliging the Queen orders.

After that, she went to the garden in the back of the castle. She sat on the grass and laid there watching the blue sky behind the trees. She felt the delightful breeze on her skin and heard people laughing and talking inside the castle. She heard Fleetfoot while still looking up and when she turned her head she saw the furry friend with something on her mouth. Was a small animal for sure… a cat! A small baby cat meowing a high pitch sound and Mia sat up straight and called for Fleetfoot that was already walking towards her.

Fleetfoot dropped the kitten on her lap and the small ball of fur started to purr and rub himself on her hand. He was black with yellow eyes and very sweet.

“How did you found him, girl?” Mia asked rubbing her ears and the dog sat next to her and licked the cat. He curled into a ball and fell asleep on Mia’s legs. “Looks like he likes me, Fleetfoot. How should we call him?” the dog only stared at her and after a minute, she dropped her head on Mia’s leg as well. “Azriel. I’ll call him Azriel. I think it fits just fine.”

The dog and the cat were sleeping for a while and then both raised their ears and Fleetfoot stood up and looked back at the entry of the garden.

“Who’s there girl?” the dog started fanning her tail and sit up straight. A strong light came from behind and Mia knew it’d be one of the Fae boys. Seconds later, a white wolf and Fleetfoot were playing on the grass near Mia and she couldn’t stop the smile on her lips. Fenrys always knew where to find her.

“Just don’t disturb the cat, you big bad wolf,” Mia said playfully. He stopped and looked at her in the eye. He had a playful look, and it was weird how human his eyes looked even in his animal form. Fleetfoot came near Mia and laid down with her belly up, her eyes asking for a good belly rub and Mia obliged happily. Fenrys nudged her with his nose asking for attention.

“What? Don’t tell me you’re feeling needy today!” his big puppy eyes were wide and she felt compelled to scrub his fur, but somehow she thought this would be weird if he was in his other form. He placed his big wolf head on her thigh and kept looking at her with those big pleading eyes. She released a painful sigh and rolled her eyes. “Fine, you big dog. Just don’t get used to it.”

She started to pet his head and behind his ears and he closed his eyes; he almost looked like he was smiling. She kept rubbing his soft fur and she started to think if his hair felt as silky as his fur… or maybe his skin felt as smooth… she decided to focus on the choir of petting the wolf and nothing else.

He turned displaying his belly very proudly and opened his eyes once again, pleading for a belly rub. She laughed and said something about how absurd the whole situation was and that even the real dog wasn’t as needy as he was. He huffed and answer and closed his eyes when their skins made contact. She kept looking at his face: he looked so at peace and relaxed! She kept doing it but she turned her eyes to Az instead; he was moving on her legs and started to bathe himself. She got distracted and she heard Fenrys make a small strangled sound that really sounded like a moan and when she turned to face him his eyes were on her with a glint of mischief and he looked like was smiling again. He made the sound again and she looked down to where she was touching and….

“Oh fuck!” she removed her hand instantly, her cheeks burning like the damn sun. She got distracted and her hand slid down and was very, very, very near his… male wolf parts. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to! Why are you looking at me like that??”

He huffed again and spread his legs further inviting her to touch him, his eyes shining with mischief and something else. Was he being serious about it?

“Stop that. It was an accident,” she said pinching him near the ribs. He made a sound like a gasp and turned his back up and pretended to bite her. “Don’t you dare, Fenrys. I’m a helpless human that doesn’t have your fast ability to heal. Plus, Aelin will skin you for it.”

He looked at her like saying ‘someone is thinking highly of herself.’ Mia just stared at him like she was saying ‘go on then. Let’s see who’s right.’ He licked her arm like saying he wasn’t going to test the Queen's friendship with Mia and she frowned.

“Don’t do that!!! You’ll get me full of Fenrys saliva!” she said and playfully pushed him. He seemed to take that as an invitation and started to lick her everywhere. The cat even jumped out of her lap due to all the movement she was making trying to push him away and laughing with tickles. She ended up laying on her back on the grass with him atop of her licking her face, neck, and collarbone. She was laughing so hard she didn’t have the strength to push him away. And even if she had, she probably wouldn’t since he was as heavy as a bag of cement.

“Oh God, Fenrys! Stop that! No! Not on the mouth! Stop you big douche - No don’t!” she kept screaming while he enjoyed himself making her squirm. After a while, he stopped but she kept laughing for a moment longer, tears rolling down her eyes and he just stood there looking at her. She took deep breaths trying to calm herself and looked at him. His eyes were playful but had some other kind of emotion beneath it.

After what felt like hours staring at each other, they heard a cough and both looked at the door. Gavriel was standing there with an amused expression and leaned at the door frame with crossed arms.

“I’m sorry to interrupt whatever this was, but Rowan needs to speak with us, Fen. Now.” He said still looking amused and waiting.

Fenrys climbed off Mia and shifted back to his Fae form and walked towards Gavriel without looking back at Mia. She heard him whisper “Not even a word.” and Gavriel just laughed.

As they left, the kitty Az came back to her, climbing her chest and she chuckled. She noticed that the sun was starting to set. “Come on baby Az, let’s go inside.” She looked to her right and saw that Fleetfoot was still there too. “You too girl. Time to get inside”

She stood up with the cat on her arms and the dog followed inside. At the stairs, they followed separate ways. When she was in the middle of the stairs, she heard a familiar voice call her name and she turned to see Micah on the foot of the stairs with a large basket in his hands.

“Hey,” she said and smiled.

“Hi. I uh, was just bringing in some sweets and bread that the Queen asked me to and saw you going up… Is that a cat?” he asked cocking his head to the side and Mia smiled looking back at the small baby on her hands.

“Yes. Azriel. Fleetfoot brought him to me today.” She looked back at him and said “Aelin loves your sweets. She’ll be pleased with the size of the basket you brought.” she chuckled and he smiled.

“I hope so. She definitely has a huge appetite. So uh… I want to ask you something.” she waited while he struggled with himself. “I wanted to see if you - uh - if you wanted to go to the ball with… me?” he was blushing and it was very easy to see that since he was albino.

She smiled to herself. It was endearing, but she didn’t want to make that compromise just now… it was still a long way to the ball and who knows what might happen, right?

“I’m flattered to see you asking me as your date, Micah. But we don’t even know each other, you might regret asking me so in advance” she smiled and saw something like disappointment in his eyes. “I’m not saying no. I just need time to get to know you better. That sounds good to you?”

He nodded and smiled. “That sounds perfect, Mia.” she wasn’t sure how he got to know her name, but she was glad that he did. “I need to go now, but we’ll see each other soon… I hope” he said with a wink and was her turn to blush. They waved goodbye and he left towards the kitchen.

She finished climbing the stairs and all the while she kept thinking ‘why didn’t I said yes?’ and as she prepared things for her new friend and resident, the question kept ringing in her ears; it was still playing in her mind while she bathed and changed into her night clothes. And the answer to that was always in the form a single word, a name. And she didn’t know what to do with that and what it meant.

#Unexpected Visitor #chapter 6 #fluff #fenrys #Mia #oc #ToG

4 notes · View notes

penup · 8 years ago

Text

[Story] HOF of April 2017 @ucru

We tend to get different impression from different artists when we look at all artworks.

Sometimes, we get impressed by the diverse color range of colorful artworks. We even imagine the artist to be cute when we see an artwork with cute characters.

Also, we also come to think about different characters of the artists with unique and fun concept works like Daily sketch.

Let us express our HOF of this month with one line:an artist that draws mood, not an artwork.

Now, let’s begin the interview with the artist who draws mood; it’s our HOF of April, @ucru.

Q1. @PEN.UP :

Hello, we are PEN.UP team.

Congratulations on your winning the HOF of April.

We were quite happy at your delightful e-mail in response to our interview request.

Now, we believe you know what we are going to ask.

Please introduce yourself and tell us how you feel about becoming the HOF of this month.

A1. @ucru :

Well my name is Tom Hollis and I live in the UK in Cambridge. I am 39 and work in a hospital in the procurement department.

Late last August I severely broke both bones in one arm. I had to have a 5 hour operation to have 2 metal plates put on the bones.

Since then my mood for drawing has been up and down. So to have this hall of fame is special for me and very encouraging.

It is an honour to be selected for the hall of fame amongst all of the great people here :) It was a surprise, but a good one as it is always nice to have your artwork recognised.

Q2. @PEN.UP :

As you know, we want to talk about your artwork.

Let us ask you some questions first. First of all, from what we know, you are using Galaxy Note 4.

Do you use Note 4 for all your artworks that are uploaded on PEN.UP?

Also, could you please introduce the apps that you use?

A2. @ucru :

I use my Note 4 for all the artworks I have done here. I bought the Note 4 as it had a pen for drawing, I didn’t know about Pen.Up though until I got the phone.

Before Pen.Up I hadn’t drawn for 20 years, so I need to say thank you Pen.Up!

When I first started drawing I used art rage as I enjoyed the ‘real’ effects of the paint. Art rage is very good for that, but I found it somewhat limiting so I decided to try Sketchbook Pro, which I use for every piece now.

I find this software very good, with a high level of adjustability for the brushes.

You can also select a custom size for your work.

Q3. @PEN.UP :

We mentioned that you are the artist that draws the mood in the introduction.

There is this typical atmosphere in your artwork that overwhelms everything.

Is there special drawing tip that you may have?

A3. @ucru :

I enjoy making a picture have atmosphere as it then connects the piece to the viewer on a personal level through feelings and emotions.

The secret may be that all pieces are drawn from my mind without a reference picture in front of me, I find it to be the best way to draw for me.

Perhaps that is why they have a dreamlike quality sometimes.

I also don’t use layers at all in my pictures they are just 1 layer. I create them just like you would in a traditional picture, I enjoy drawing this way as it is relaxing and also tends to have a smoothing effect of what I am drawing.

I think drawing this way does help to create an atmosphere in itself.

Q4. @PEN.UP :

When looking at the artworks of yours that theme on landscape, many cloud or sky related artworks caught one’s attention.

The interesting thing is that the sky is expressed in many different colors.

Do you have special standard in selecting the color for the sky?

A4. @ucru :

I love the sky, the clouds, the shapes, the colours.

I love nature in general with all its shapes and colours too.

I try to select colours that go together but also contrast at the same time, orange, purple, green, blue, yellow, pink.

The first picture is me experimenting with a splatter effect for the clouds to enhance the brooding atmosphere of some potential future.

There is no hard and fast rule though I just like experimenting :)

Q5. @PEN.UP :

Many of your artworks seem to be landscape, but sometimes, there are some unknown characters.

There are cute characters, and there are sometimes characters without special formality. Also, we sometimes see very mystical characters.

Are there any meaning to these characters?

A5. @ucru :

Occasionally I like to put characters that I imagine would fit the environment.

It probably also depends if I am in a creative mood too!

The cat next to the tree I tried to put a human element onto the drawing. Imagine if you were a cat and you saw this cat under the tree, when you get closer you realise it’s somebody you owe money to.

What an awkward situation! He looks like a cat you don’t want to mess with!

There are some robots too as I like robots. Although I find ai a rather scary concept. There are mystical shaman type people too. Hopefully to guide me in the right direction!

Q6. @PEN.UP :

Let’s talk more about the characters.

How did these characters in below artworks come to life?

They seem to be aliens that came to attack the earth. :)

A6. @ucru :

These guys are strange but they mean no harm at all, I think they are just having fun exploring their environment.

We don’t know why or how we are here on this earth, just like these people in the drawing, yet they can interact and connect together and help each other(like the balancing one) without having a conflict or a problem.

I wish humans can live together without any problems just like these guys.

Q7. @PEN.UP :

There are objects like sun, moon and stars that catch one’s attention; and these objects always glow.

That maybe is the reason why your artworks sometimes are mystical.

Is there any reason you use such objects?

A7. @ucru :

I like space and planets and light is a fantastic thing to play with, you can achieve a totally different picture just from changing the lighting source.

When I draw the pictures it’s as though I am there experiencing the environment….

I can see the light I can imagine the stillness I can imagine the smell of the air.

Everything I draw is tuned around these senses.

The tree and the multiple stars picture, it is away from the city there are no lights to spoil the perfect view of the solar system, the light coming from all the stars and planets you can see. No wind just quiet awe.

Q8. @PEN.UP :

We said that your light is quite mystical in the former question. But, sometimes, your artworks can be really dark, and somewhat dreary.

Is there any reason why you draw with such style?

A8. @ucru :

well, it could possibly reflect the darker unsure nature of myself. I do enjoy drawing scary pictures too sometimes. Darkness usually involves an element of fear.

We like to see what is in front of us, when it is obscured that’s where the fear and problems can creep in.

I would say the darker elements represent this fear of unknown.

I would also put darker elements in the pictures when I am experimenting with lighting, a dark picture always helps to bring a mood of fear and terror. ;)

Q9. @PEN.UP :

Previously, we said that you are the artist that draws mood, not artwork.

We are not sure if you like this expression.

How would you describe yourself in one sentence?

A9. @ucru :

artist that draws mood not artwork.

Hmmm well Painting a mood or atmosphere is not an easy task so I would take that as a compliment. …:)

I would describe myself as just somebody that likes to doodle and draw, with added atmosphere for good measure.

Q10. @PEN.UP :

This is our last question.

What makes you feel happy about drawing?

A10. @ucru

when I reach the zone of no thought and these magical drawings unfold before me.

Q11. @PEN.UP

Thank you for taking your time for this interview.

Please share your thoughts about PEN.UP and please give us a word for our PEN.UP users.

A11. @ucru:

I would like to say a big thank you to Pen.Up for getting me drawing again.

This place is amazing there is no judgement it just seems to be full of love.

There are loads of really talented people here all inspiring each other and I am truly happy to be a part of this community.

Pen.Up just gets better and better with each update..keep it coming! And to all Pen.Up users keep drawing your amazing artworks, it’s you who make this place so great :)

Thank you for partaking in this interview.

That was our interview for the month of April with PEN.UP artist @ucru.

At the end of every HOF interview, we ask our PEN.PLE users for a good-bye message. And our artists leave us with a variety of comments.

For instance, they say things like 'inspiring one another,’ 'having a significant effect on,’ 'I thank everyone,’ etc.

When we look at those messages, we indirectly feel that PEN.UP users help each other out a lot. Also, we come to think that our HOF today was able to become what it is because of that support.

So don’t forget to send a message to congratulate @ucru our newest HOF who you had a hand in making!!

Thank you.

_Artwork Sharing Social Network, PEN.UP! _ http://www.penup.com - The PEN.UP Team

0 notes