#i would offer you the gift of forgiveness but that would be too kind for you

[howtodrawyourdragon]

Been thinking a lot as of late about the fandom take that Hiccup actually should hold a grudge against his village for the way he was treated. This is the "hold a grudge" website, so I'm not surprised and neither is this post about telling you that you're wrong to feel this way. If I was raised the way Hiccup was, outcasted to the point that I start to make friends with the enemy, I would be angry, too!

But holding a grudge just isn't in Hiccup's nature. And I think there is no bigger proof than his incredibly deep bond with Toothless.

Because even ignoring Httyd 2 for a moment, the first movie also hints at Valka dying to dragons.

The dragon raids are the only mentioned outside threat before they learn about the Red Death. And with Stoick gifting Hiccup a helmet made of his mother's breast plate (which are not supposed to be boob-shaped, believe it or not) when he thinks his son does surprisingly well in dragon training, that could be another one of those hints.

Hiccup will be facing dragons after training instead of being hidden in the forge for his own safety (while helping to contribute like the other teens) so it makes sense to me that Valka's death was always meant to be at the claws of dragons and Stoick is trying to prevent that now that it's become a reality that Hiccup might actually face dragons in the very near future.

There is no other threat spoken about in the first movie. Hiccup's mother was always killed by dragons. She's missing from his life because Toothless' kind took him away from her. If Hiccup were to be angry at his village for the way he was treated, he should also be angry at dragons for taking away the one person who could've been unconditionally on his side. Like mothers are supposed to be.

But Hiccup isn't angry at dragons. As a matter of fact, when he gets up close to one, has one completely at his mercy, he doesn't hate Toothless. And this is before he even realizes that there's more to them than fire breathing, home-destroying, food-stealing, man-eating creatures from Hell.

Instead of being angry, he sees Toothless for who he is. A living being just as complex as he is. Capable of fear, of curiosity, of forgiveness, of remorse, of love. And Hiccup wasn't kept from seeing this because anger for having his mother taken from him didn't blind him.

The same can be said about Mildew, who gets the dragons in trouble again and again. But at the end of RoB, Hiccup still decides to put his trust in him to get them both (and Toothless) home.

And Dagur, who started a whole war over being betrayed by Hiccup, which gives him a grudge for three whole years that leaves him filled with revenge until Viggo gives him a sudden change of perspective that leads to months of introspection. It takes a little while, but Hiccup doesn't just accept him as a friend, but accepts Dagur's offer to be found brothers.

He should hold a grudge against Heather. Who played on his kindness to get Alvin the Book of Dragons and then seemingly played him again in RttE, when he lets her stay on Dragon's Edge and the very next time they see her, she's working for the Hunters. Who come into their lives by leaving Astrid to die stranded in the middle of the ocean and abducting Stormfly. With only Astrid learning that Heather is actually spying on them with Hiccup not learning about this fact until much later. (Something very clearly hurts him, but even being left out of the loop he forgives Astrid and Heather for.)

Alvin canonically held Hiccup and Toothless captive for days, barely giving Toothless any food or water. Hiccup literally states that in the first episode of DoB.

And while they don't show it in the show itself, in the very first episode afterwards, Hiccup is trying to prepare his 14 and 15 year old friends for interrogation. Clearly something in that two-parter spooked him enough to do something as drastic as this.

But at the end of DoB, Hiccup still chooses trust Alvin to help rescue Stoick and get Outcast Island back from Dagur. An alliance was forged. One strong enough that when Stoick gets gravely injured in RttE, Alvin can be trusted to come in and help out around Berk.

The closest Hiccup comes to holding a grudge is with Viggo. The first person to ever make Hiccup feel like an idiot, make him feel frustrated that he can't get immediately out on top like he did with all his previous villains. He spends literal months trying to find Viggo just to get back at him, dragging all his friends and his dragons down with him. But even that doesn't last.

Not with both Dagur as well as Stoick advising him against harboring feelings of vengeance. Dagur warns Hiccup against how the need for vengeance can change a person. Stoick warns Hiccup that revenge can lead to an endless cycle of violence, explicitly telling his son that he's telling him this out of experience. They don't want Hiccup to be lead astray and hurt by holding and acting on grudges.

There is the potential for Drago, which the comics did try to get into until a certain comic got cancelled and left us with that story unresolved. For newer fans who don't yet know this; Hiccup was actually meant to experience a downward spiral in the comics that take place after Httyd 2. Except the comic that would've concluded this storyline got canceled around the time of THW's release. Probably because THW confirms that Drago is dead while the canceled comic actually had Hiccup face Drago again, the man in hiding after his defeat. Release The Fire Tides!

This entire post just to say... A grudge would've been justified, but Hiccup just doesn't have it in him to hold onto one. Certainly not forever.

[smilepilled]

my heart is so full its unreal. am i loved? i think i am. im known. im loved. oh this is nice. quite gentle indeed. i could get a bit more used to this. not too much lest i become evil... thank you all for all the kind words. it means more than i can describe. they echo in my heart and mind for long, long periods. even as they fall into my amnesia's grasp, they remain as marks in my little stupid heart. thank you. thank you a thousand times, and more. thank you all

[pencey]

IM IN TROUBLE MAKING A SCENE A BUZZKILL PARTY KULLJOY FOR COMMANDING A SECURITY GUARD TO UNHAND ME. I WAS WALKING OUT WITH A CUP OF WATER. W A T E R.

UNHAND ME. I COMMAND YOU BY TO POWER OF GOD TO LET ME DRINK W A T E R, YOU USELESS WASTE OF SPACE.

It's water, and I'm evil for commanding you off of me. Unnamed "friend" who brought me over. You're a fucking coward. You don't know sexy if it hit you in te face, you incel UGLY CREEPY LOSER. THIS IS WHY YOUR SINGLE. DEFEND ME OR DIE ALONE, UGLY. HOW DARE YOU LOOK AT ME LIKE YOUR ASHAMED OF ME. FOR BEING POOR? A SMOKER? NOT SEXUALLY ATTRACTED TO YOU? YOU INVITED ME INTO MY HOUSE. I PAY YOU MONEY FOR A BEDROOM. YOU INVITE ME TO HANG WITH YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS.HOW DARE YOU LOOK AT ME LIKE YOUR ASHAMED OF ME. YOU TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS THAT YOUR MY "SAVIOR" AND YOU ARE "SAVING ME FROM HOMELESS AND YOURE SAVING MY MENTAL HEALTH." IM NOT A DEAD FUCKING DOG YOU RESCUED ON THE ROAD. IM A FUCKING RAPE VICITM. IM A FUCKING WOMEN. IM A FUCKING HUMAN BEING. I HAVE BEEN ON THE RUN FIGHTING FOR A SAFE SPACE SINCE 2021.

Give me fuckin dignity for allowing you to sit in my presence. I'm a very beautiful women (conventionally attractive, just broke up with a meathead firefighter, so I'm mathematically not ugly), you should be fucking GRATEFUL YOU GET TO LOOK AT MY BEAUTIFUL FACE. I SAY NOTHING BUT KIND WORDS TO YOU. I AM NOTHING BUT A DECENT FRIEND. I NEVER JUDGE YOU. YOU DESERVE TO BE GRACIOUS FOR HAVING THE PLEASURE OF LOOKING AT MY BEAUTY AND GRACE. I AM SO FUCKING BEAUTIFUL THAT ITS ILLEGAL TO LOOK AT ME. I WILL LIVE IN THE FUCKING WOODS ETH A BROWN BAG OVER MY HEAD JUST BECAUSE I REFUSE TO GIVE YOU THE PLEASURE OF LOOKING AT ME FOR FREE.

I AM A KIND WOMEN. I AM A PASSIONATE FREEDOM FIGHTER. I AM NOTHING BUT COMPASSIONATE. IM A FUCKING INTELIGENT BITCH. I AM COOL AND SWAG. I AM A CASINO DEALER, AN ASTROPHYSICS MAJOR, AND A COMIC BOOK AUTHOR IN THE MAKING. I SURVIVED SEVERE ABUSE AND SEXUAL TORTURE, AND I STILL SHOW UP TO WORK EVERY DAY WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE. FROM WHAT IVE BEEN THOUGH AND CONSIDERING HOW SUCCESSFUL AND COOL I AM, I STILL MAKE IT A MISSION TO BE GRACIOUS AND KIND. YOU DONT KNOW WHOS CRYING THEMSELVES TO SLEEP EVERYNIGHT. BE FUCKING GRATEFUL FOR WHO YOU ENTERED IN YOUR FUCKING HOUSE. IM GOING TO BE FUCKING FAMOUS ONE DAY WHILE YOUR A SINGLE INCEL WHO GETS TO DIE ALONE BECAUSE YOU CANT APPRICATE A WOMEN WHO KNOWS HOW TO STAND HER GROUND.

[yandere-daydreams]

Title: Illuminated.

Pairing: Yandere!Apollo x Reader (Greek Mythology).

Word Count: 1.0k.

TW: Stalking, Unbalanced Power Dynamics, No Specified Gender For The Reader But They Are A Hunter Of Artemis, and Implied Kidnapping.

[Commissioned Piece. Donate To Palestinians In Gaza Here.]

“You, my love, are the poet’s demise.”

You stiffened at the sound of his melodic voice, shrinking into yourself before thinking better of taking on such a mouse-like posture and straightening. Still, you failed to stop yourself from crossing your arms over your chest, pulling your knees up and hoping beyond hope that the silvery water would be enough to hide your form from his unfaltering stare. You thought it’d be safer to bathe at night, apart from your sisters, when the softened moonlight protected you from his burning gaze, but you’d been naïve to think that any hour could be late enough to spare you haven. During the day, you lived under the burning gaze of his blazing chariot, busied yourself with shooting down hawks and ravens carrying gifts in their beaks, and at night, he had no burdens to keep him from closing the distance between you using less... ancillary methods.

“I’m afraid you must be mistaken, my lord.” You forced yourself to laugh, glancing over your shoulder. Sure enough, Apollo stood on the river’s opposing bank, his tanned skin nearly radiant in the darkness. If the sight of him hadn’t brought you such dread, you might’ve thought him beautiful. “As of late, my aim’s been so poor that I can hardly call myself a stag’s demise, let alone a man’s.”

You were quick to look away from him, but you could still hear his gentle hum, picture the way his lips would lilt upward as he shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s deathly true,” he went on, taking a step forward. The water rushed to part as he stepped where it had once been, and in turn, you scrambled for the robes you’d left on the shore, barely managing to pull the ashen cloth around yourself before Apollo came to stand in front of you, his light quickly doing away with what little protection the shadows offered. It was only after you were haphazardly dressed that you considered it might be considered an affront to hide any part of yourself from divinity, but the worry was quickly forgotten. It was only natural to want to create yet another barrier between you and him. Even insects knew to run from their betters. “For even the most talented bard would struggle beyond words to describe your beauty. They could be chained to their desk for an eternity, study under the Muses’ own tutelage, and still be unable to write a single line.”

He held out a hand to you, but you pretended not to realize he meant for you to take it. “You’re far too kind. If you have a message for Lady Artemis, there’s no need to bribe me with such—”

“My love,” he cut in, his smile unwavering. “If I had any desire to speak to my sister, your help would not be necessary.”

“A prophecy concerning our next hunt, then? If there’s something we mustn’t do, I ought to get the Huntmaster, she’ll—”

“My love.” You felt your throat tighten, your mouth go dry. “Although your voice is sweeter than honey and lovelier than birdsong, I’ll admit – I do find myself rather irritated when it’s used to employ such thinly veiled excuses. Any more, and I might think it better to encase your tongue in gold. At least, then, I might have something charming to admire while you lie to me.” His fingers grazed over your jaw as he moved to cup your cheek. It was not a gesture you had the luxury of ignoring. “You know why I have come here.”

Oh, how you wished you’d gone with your sisters.

“I… I can’t, my lord.” Unlike his, your voice was perfectly capable of trembling, of shaking, of plummeting into the sort of jarring, unsteady downward inflections that would’ve been the death of any proper storyteller. “My vows are to Lady Artemis, and—” It was your turn to smile, now, to lilt your head to the side apologetically. “—she’d never forgive me if I broke them. Especially with you.”

For the first time, his good humor seemed to ebb, giving way to not anger, but a melancholy sort of disappointment. “I suppose you’re right,” he relented, his golden glow dimming ever so slightly. Suddenly, it did not hurt quite so unbearably to look at him. “It’s a terrible thing. Me and my sister never did learn to share.”

Relief nearly managed to overshadow your revulsion. “I really am sorry. My desire is not to insult you, but—”

This time, when he interrupted you, it was not with a teasing remark, a nectar-dipped pet name, the vague implication of an affection he expected you to return. Rather, there was a sudden brightness in his golden eyes, a sharpened point to his smile, and then, his lips were pressed into yours. The kiss was shallow, but lingering, and when you tried to draw back, the hand on your cheek kept you firmly in place – his hold not crushing, but steadfast, resolute. His unoccupied arm wrapped around your waist, his hand finding its place at the small of your back as he sapped the last of the breath from your lungs. It was only when your palms pressed into his chest, your blunt nails burrowing into his bare skin in a silent plea for air, that he pulled back. Panting and flushed, you made a desperate effort to pull away, to escape back to your encampment, back to your sisters, back to your goddess, but he only cooed, his bowstring calloused fingertips fanning over your cheek.

“Such a terrible thing,” he muttered, and you considered, briefly, that you might’ve been the first mortal to realize just how wretched his voice truly was.

“How fortunate it is, then, that you’ve caught the attention of such a selfish admirer.”

[dollypopup]

"Then what good am I to you?"

have y'all ever considered that, yes, whilst Penelope has loved him for a very long time. . .she has not shown that to him? that she has not made it clear to him in any way? already, all he feels he is good for is providing because of how he grew up, a chronic middle child vying for attention, receiving positivity when he brings levity or cracks a joke or brings a gift or demonstrates a kindness? that the people pleaser in him feels he has to provide a dance or a laugh or ease or even just stepping to the side so he isn't a bother? have y'all considered that he was straight up ghosted for months? so when he *could not* provide anything, he was cast aside and forgotten? even by her?

have y'all considered that Colin has the idea that if he is not doing something for someone, they have no use for him, and so must be shown that is not true? that he feels he doesn't deserve forgiveness or time unless he has something of worth to offer as leverage for it? that all of the ways Penelope has cared for him have been from afar?

Penelope needed to know that Colin loves her, so he chases down her carriage. So he professes his feelings on his knees. So he strips her bare in front of a mirror to show her- see what I see, you're beautiful. So he informs her own MOTHER that he loves her and she can't talk smack about his future wife. He has so many big gestures for her to make her understand he's serious about her, and that she matters to him for who she is, no strings attached. He apologizes for hurting her feelings after she tells him off, he offers her his help in building her confidence, he helps her family in Season 2, expecting nothing in return, and even in Season 1, he professes how good she is.

But from his perspective. . .he did not even KNOW Penelope had feelings for him when he raced off after her to beg her not to marry someone else. As far as he knew, she considered them friends, and even under the willow, she told him distance would be best after they kissed. She didn't reply to his letters on his travels. She showed him that their intimacy didn't affect her the way it affected him because she continued to pursue a different engagement. She had even said their kiss wouldn't mean anything and when he says he cannot stop thinking of it, she does not assure that it meant a great deal to her, too. She informs that she wants to be more than friends, but nothing else. What is he meant to think? Even if she says she has loved him for a long time, he's been told before that someone loves him. . .and then it ended up not being true.

Penelope has waited for years, since she first met him, to love him in the light, and she has an opportunity in Part 2 to do so. To show Colin that she loves him: assuredly, fervently, loudly.

And I, for one, cannot fucking WAIT to see it.

[fiendishfables]

Lucifer is one of those guys who is really happy to love someone & to be loved in return. He would treat you right, that’s for sure. 💕👹

Lucifer Morningstar Headcannons

warnings: nsfw, fluff

words: 584

a/n: this feels a bit rushed because I tried to make it earlier, but tumblr loves to delete my progress on things so- blep. Also, whoever is sending these in, I LOVE YOU, these are fun, hehe <3

SFW

Due to his questionable past, Lucifer has always been a bit skeptical of love

Unfortunately, he is used to the good things in his life, the things he so happens to love the most, up and abandoning him 

But then, Lucifer being Lucifer, he’s all too forgiving

He is quite the incentive driven creature 

If he goes into a relationship where he knows he will be granted the gift of receiving the same pleasures that he himself provides for his partner, he just might have to poke at you a bit to ensure that you are indeed a real being, and not some walking figment of his imagination

His motivations are similar to those of a puppy

Besides being a good boy as unintentionally as he does, he is lured in by the sense of some sort of reward

Bonus points if that reward involves some sort of physical contact, no matter the level of intimacy

This man is touch starved; put your hands on him in one way or another, please

Honestly, just jump on his back and hug him; he loves little displays of affection like that the most (even if you almost give him a heart attack the first few times)

You openly offering him the affection he so dearly craves from another person, it’s a for sure way to get him to stick around 

In fact, you may never be able to get rid of him

Lucifer, despite being in Hell, may just be the most loyal soul down in that shithole

Once the two of you have an officially established relationship, just the thought of being with anyone else other than you makes him cringe

He makes sure to mark his calendars for any sort of important date; anniversaries, date nights, dinners, etc

Yes, he has multiple calendars; he forgets things easy, but that just shows his devotion towards you is as true as he claims it is

Randomly will turn up at your domicile with a bouquet of flowers every now and again

Doesn’t have to be a special occasion or anything; just wants to show his love and appreciation for you

Finding someone that reciprocates his lovable energy and spirit is not easy, but you managed to snare his heart from the get-go

NSFW

Speaking of reciprocating love for another, Lucifer is a natural at pleasuring his partner

He refuses to leave the bedroom unless you convince him that you are truly satisfied with his efforts

Won’t let you pleasure him and then not give you anything back

It's just not in his nature to leave his lover awaiting his touch; he can’t go a day without yours, so why should you have to?

His tongue is as talented as they come; he can eat you out like there's no tomorrow to do so

King of praise

Loves to praise you and make you feel good with his actions, as well as his words

Always asks if you’re enjoying whatever he’s doing to you; if he gets even a hint that you’re uncomfortable, he’ll freeze like a deer in headlights

Probably cries during sex sometimes, claiming that he doesn’t deserve you; then proceeds to go on a fifteen minute rant about how lucky he is to have found a kind soul such as yourself to make him happy again

Every time you two make love it’s as if its your last

You’ve done so much for him; the least he can do is make you feel good

[edges-of-night]

I’m so happy you’re back I adore your writing! I wanted to request one where the reader comforts the lotr characters after they have a nightmare💕

Thanks love

This is a sweet request, anon! It turned out a bit angsty, at least in parts... I hope you’ll enjoy the read ♡

･ﾟ✧ Aragorn.

Aragorn frequently dreams of Narsil, Isildur, and the shadows of his ancestors. Those nightmares leave him distraught and at first even disoriented. It takes you a while to get through to him with soft Elven whispers and gentle hands to steady him. When you do, he does calm and holds onto your hand tight and keeps mumbling weakly, “Meleth nín…”

.

･ﾟ✧ Arwen.

Nightmares are worse for Elves than Men, due to their gift of foresight which amplifies the bad things they see in their dreams. The dark future Arwen sees at night haunts her during the daylight, too, but you are there to hold her hands and offer a shoulder to cry on. While she won’t lose hope easily, the shock in Arwen’s heart is deep every time.

.

･ﾟ✧ Boromir.

Boromir won’t tell you about his nightmares until he would start crying one morning, seemingly out of the blue. You are there to comfort him with a gentle hand on his back and all the silence he needs to collect himself, before finally opening up about his fears and the nightmares they conjured. “At least I have the certainty you would not think less of me, knowing what you know now…”

.

･ﾟ✧ Elrond.

You wake by Elrond’s side when his nightmare punches him out of sleep. For long, terrible moments, he was back amidst the fires of Mount Doom, desperate lungs filled with poison smoke and disbelieving eyes on Isildur’s back. Now you can provide him with air and water to bring him back to the cool calm of Rivendell.

.

･ﾟ✧ Éomer.

It has taken you far too long to wake poor Éomer from his nightmare. His feverish, sweaty, desperate face would have broken your heart had it lasted any longer. But war leaves its invisible wounds, and Éomer wasn’t spared. He holds onto you for dear life as if he was only half-way back to reality, but you tell him everything would be all right.

.

･ﾟ✧ Éowyn.

Upon waking her from her nightmare, Éowyn draws her sword at you, staring you down with a fury you have never seen in her usually so kind eyes before. You back away slowly, speaking softly to bring her back to reality and away from whatever has been haunting her. When she recognises you, Éowyn bursts into tears, hiding her face. “Oh, forgive me! Forgive me, love…!”

.

･ﾟ✧ Faramir.

Childhood trauma has often kept Faramir awake, but creeping its way into his dreams was even worse. When he wakes, he needs only seconds to reorientate himself, but would then cover his mouth to not wake you with his sobs. You, of course, are not bothered but concerned by what you hear and offer Faramir to spend the night awake with him until he would fall asleep in your arms as you watch the sunrise.

.

･ﾟ✧ Frodo.

Frodo tosses and turns in his sleep with big sighs and sobs which eventually wake you up. You know that Frodo isn’t an easy sleeper, but his nightmare phases still shock you anew every time. You gently wake him up to tell him everything was fine, and at first Frodo genuinely seems relieved. However, you know that the following hours won’t be easy for him, so you keep supporting him with kind words and his favourite tea, taking it easy all day.

.

･ﾟ✧ Galadriel.

Nightmares are so rare for Galadriel that she has no way of dealing with them. They bring tempests not only to her heart but Lórien, too. You stay with her throughout and guide her back to the light in the days afterwards. She is weak but leans on you for incorrigible support. Thanks to your care, closeness, and words of affirmation, the Lady of Light can return to her normal life.

.

･ﾟ✧ Gandalf.

Gandalf’s nightmare has summoned thunder and lightning, keeping you from sleeping. When you try to deliver him from whatever evils keep chasing him, a magical fire flames up. When you try to touch Gandalf’s shoulder again, it diminishes, and you manage to wake him up. The storm is gone almost in an instant, and Gandalf’s face is as soft and friendly as ever. He won’t talk about his nightmare right away.

.

･ﾟ✧ Gimli.

One night, you would hear quiet sobs next to you and realise Gimli was crying in his sleep. He would not wake up easy when you pat his shoulder or caress his arm, but eventually his eyes would open and he’d meet yours with a sad and tired gaze. Perhaps he would like to talk to you about his nightmares of Moria’s fall at a later point, but for now, he is content with you letting him cry without judgement, stroking and kissing his hair gently.

.

･ﾟ✧ Haldir.

Out of fear of giving others leverage against him, Haldir won’t tell anyone of his horrible nightmares. Since your sleep has always been light though, you notice very soon that something is wrong with dear Haldir. While he would deny your offers of comfort rather coldly at first, he eventually asks you to simply listen to his sorrows so that they no longer weigh down his heart. You know how bad the sentiment is for Elves, so you thank him genuinely for sharing it with you.

.

･ﾟ✧ Legolas.

As with all Elves, nightmares are poison to Legolas due to his Elven abilities. Darkness and terror spread in his heart, and it will take him weeks to recover. You are always there to hug and kiss him – physical touch is what comforts poor Legolas the most in these times. He is as restless as ever, but you remind him that he is safe with you. “Indeed, there no fortress in this world where I would be more secure than in your arms, my love.”

.

･ﾟ✧ Merry.

Merry always tries rationalising his nightmares, to the point where he won’t allow himself to be vulnerable and let his fear sink in. That is where you can help your poor Hobbit the most: by reminding him that you will always be there for him, no matter if it’s the middle of the night and some random “nonsense darkening his mind”. You sit down with him by a fire and talk about it all.

.

･ﾟ✧ Pippin.

After nightmares, Pippin is often still scared for a longer time. After helping him calm down, you make sure to light as many candles and lamps as possible. Food is also a good comfort for Pippin, which has led you to make strawberry sandwiches at three in the morning twice already. To ground himself further, Pippin would also sometimes sing to you quietly.

.

･ﾟ✧ Sam.

Sam’s nightmares are intense but thankfully leave as quickly as they come. He usually sleeps well whenever he is with you, and you comforting him after a traumatic dream reminds him why: You take him seriously, sometimes more than he himself does, and don’t ridicule the encounters of his nightmares. Cuddles and a bit of talking usually do the trick, and the two of you fall asleep again soon ♡

[fatescaprice]

saving u from mr capitalist with (kind of) gut wrenching ideas from my insane brain but. can you imagine if you get into a heated argument with argenti or jingyuan and they accidentally break one of your gifts for them, it could be a complete accident like maybe accidentally hitting it off the table but how do you think they'll immediately react to it and what would they try to do to remedy the situation?

argenti and jing yuan after an argument

content warnings: none

note: thank u for the brief respite between mr capitalist asks!!! after this i am jumping back into the fray . with the leaks that came out this week i guess i shouldn't have been surprised but i learn something new every day i guess

thank u for this request . i made myself upset . also this is myfirst time writing jy so if he's a little ooc ummmm don't tell me directly im sensitive (JOKE)!!!! anyways. i hope u enjoy :]

The flash of regret in ARGENTI's eyes is both intense and immediate: a stinging shock, like the thorn of a rose piercing his skin. He says time and time again that he would do nothing to forsake you, and yet… Ah, had he grown so blind in his search for Idrila that he forgot the beauty he holds in his arms each night?

He reaches out for you first, as he always does — his gaze searching almost desperately to meet yours, his hand reaching to brush your cheek. Love, please, look at him, he’ll do anything you wish, as long as you just say the word. Believe him when he says he's already long forgotten what you had been arguing about to begin with — Argenti had lost the second he saw the pang of hurt cross your face.

Good words and deeds are normally his strong suit, but seeing the hurt look on your face made him falter, hesitant. He wants to prove himself deserving of you again, he'll say, taking your hands delicately, like glass — so please, tell him what he must do. Shall he fell a great beast? Bring you a pearl from the deepest seas of Thalassa? Now and always, he’s your loyal knight, forever at your beck and call. No task would be too great, no distance too wide — all Argenti wants is to be worthy to wipe away the tears from your cheeks again.

JING YUAN’s regret flows inwards, towards himself — was this behaviour fitting of a general? Was this behaviour worthy of you? He seems almost resigned, contemplative, though in the heat of the moment it comes off more like indifference.

That doesn’t mean he is indifferent, though — the implication that he doesn’t care about you hurts him more than any conceivable mortal words or blades. No, he just thinks it’s better that you both have some space, so neither of you can say anything you might regret. He has far too many of those already, and he doesn’t want you to be another entry on that list.

He’ll little gifts for you, quite like a cat leaving things at your door — an apology, a peace offering, a sign of his devotion. A box of your favourite food from that place you frequent in the Exalting Sanctum, or a piece of jewellery you had mentioned wanting to buy. Jing Yuan knows he can’t win you over with gifts — neither of you are so shallow — but he hopes that when he comes to your door with more than just an apology on his lips, you’ll come to forgive him.

[zhongrin]

𒆙 the warrior god

part 1/8 of ⎡∞ / 𝟔 𝟎 𝟎 𝟎 ⁺⎦, a zhongli 2023 birthday event

© zhongrin | 2023  ✼  no repost・translations・plagiarism of any kind・ai data mining. rebloggers get a free cup of tea ♡

𖧷 tags ┈ gn!reader, young boyfailure morax (well, not exactly, but you see traces of it if you squint-), pining (both ways), fluff, slight gore, major character death

𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝓊𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓊 ❬ masterlist ❭ 𐫱 𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅 ❬ taglist ❭

𝓏ealousness was a quality that, most of the time, would not come to you unless you were in a very high spirit, all due to your cautious and shy nature. besides, would it not be unbecoming for a mortal such as yourself, to derive so much excitement over a deity you were not supposed to serve?

…. well, alright, one could say that technically, you were - though not exactly directly.

no, you were lady guizhong’s closest confidant despite being a mortal. so much so that people would sometimes refer to you as her priest/ess. it was an unofficial title that normally you would have prided yourself in, but right now, it was the very source of your dilemma.

but could anyone really blame yourself? surely any mortals would get at least a little bit excited when the apple of their eye’s birthday was right around the corner? shouldn’t one appreciate such occasions even more now, as the archon war was escalating? you could die tomorrow, so you might as well live to the fullest today, assuming it would be your last, right?

“uhm… m-my lord?“ you inwardly cursed the very lips that uttered the embarrassing stammer, but you braved yourself to look up at him, and immediately you were lost in those pools of amber eyes.

somehow, you could always spot something in his eyes - an abstract emotion you couldn’t describe nor comprehend, ever since the first time he laid his sight on you. perhaps it was an unfathomable emotion only gods could feel, just like how they would act outside mortals’ rationality; just like the very first time he met you and gifted you smooth and shiny pebbles with the prettiest patterns, along with other minerals that glittered and shimmered just like the cor lapis lining his back.

you heard the soft call of your name, and you realized you had been caught staring. ogling. at the close companion of the very god you were serving.

oh celestia swallow me whole.

“ah! oh- my- my sincere apologies, how could i dare- please forgive this foolish mortal’s ill manners!” you apologized profusely, body bent in a deep bow, frazzled mind half contemplating to grovel onto the ground to hide your burning face.

“please, there is no need to be so apologetic when you’ve done no offense,” he said, and though you could not hear it from his voice, had you looked up that very moment, you would have seen the slightest pink dusting his cheeks. “ahem… what is it that you require? is everything alright? if anything is inconveniencing you, i will make sure they’re taken care of.”

“your dedication to the people and your duties are as admirable as ever, my lord… we’re all always thankful of your tireless work in maintaining the people amidst these tumultuous times.”

“oh,” the benign expression slipped a little from his face, giving way to a brighter blush and a wider smile. his chest puffed like a proud sandhill crane, the deity cleared his throat, “of course. it’s my duty, after all. but your apt observation and kind words are appreciated.”

“… and… well… if this mortal may be excused for yet another impertinent action…,” you inhaled deeply before presenting the box you had been clutching to your chest towards the wide-eyed deity, “w-will you please accept this humble offering?”

“….. for… me?” the cluelessness in his voice was far too endearing, it tugged your heartstrings almost painfully. the gold of his fingers pulsing as he slowly reached out to grasp the box as if it was the most fragile glass that could shatter with the slightest push.

“yes- well- this time, unlike the previous years, you couldn’t have any banquets, so i thought- uhm- you know- i just…. wanted to wish you a happy birthday….”

oh celestia swallow me whole NOW.

his fingers, despite glowing with the power of geo, shook slightly as he unlocked the latch of the box with the most care you had ever seen someone muster to open such a simple contraption. you then heard his breath hitch at the sight of a golden hair clip, perfectly matching the pattern of his outfit, sitting on top of a velvet cushion.

“….,” your lord was silent for far too long, and you decided if celestia did not answer your call, you would instead dive headfirst into your blankets back home to wallow in shame.

“then!!! i must uh- prepare some tea for madam guizhong! so if you’ll excuse me-”

“thank you.”

“— i- huh…… y-yes?”

“thank you for your thoughtfulness."

“…... oh… but of course… you’re welcome… my lord…”

the warrior god- no… your protector god was as good-hearted as he was good-looking, there was no doubt about that. anyone could look at him and they would've felt their hearts flutter when they saw his magnificent form. but there was no mistaking the giddy and smitten feeling flooding your chest as he directed such a genuine, joyful smile to you.

i love you.

…. and as the foreseen war raged the very next day - as you felt the arrows sinking into your vitals and your life essence soak into the trembling cracking breaking ground, you clutched the stone pendant within your hands as your eyes slowly fluttered shut.

you had no regrets.

𖧷 𝓂𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅 ❬ taglist ❭ ┈ @abyssmal-skies | @hamdehlesmis | @depressivecomforts | @sunnshineflxwer | @yuutasbabe | @queen-belial | @stygianoir | @silentmoths | @niktwazny303 | @dustofthedailylife | @marina-and-the-memes | @mixed-kester | @lordbugs | @anonymousficreader | @shizunxie | @ansy-tea | @irethepotato | @sassy-cat-in-town | @syrenkitsune | @smokipoki | @cakeboxie | @crystalflygeo | @ciexuvia | @illaasya | @celestewritestoomuch | @pams-comfortzone | @spidermanluvr444 | @ourstrawberryclouds | @ryuryuryuyurboat

[kneelingshadowsalome]

observation: women DID win medals at the ancient olympics… by OWNING the horses that won the medals. sugar mommy reader/jockey konig when ;)

Omggg imagine a widowed, virtuous, kind-hearted domina who owns horses and a giant slave from the North… (Roman AU just because!)

König is her favorite jockey, a real apple of the eye. Everytime he wins a competition she wishes to see him personally, just to plant the coins in his palm herself. He always steals a peek of her ankle, barely covered by the white veil, weighs her hips and breasts with his stare. But far more than the dark triangle under her opaque white dress, he seems to be interested in her eyes.

Audacious, even from a slave, but she forgives him since he comes from the barbaric North. What do they know of manners there?

She knows very well that the brief touches she gives him are about to make him crazy. She knows König would do anything for his mistress’s favor and praise, anything to please his domina. Anything for a silent, appreciative once over, let alone a warm, approving smile.

Servants and slaves give each other knowing looks everytime he’s summoned before her. Mistress is being too generous with this man, anyone can see the bulge under his clothes... He gets better food than any of those who work for her, and touching him like that will only make him dream of spending a night in the mistress’s bed. Even the very thought is vulgar.

She only sees a devoted servant and a talented horseman, someone who rarely ruins the mood by talking and always returns her kindness by bowing his head and looking pleased. Other slaves snicker and gossip, but this one only does what he’s told, brings her house victories and glory. And she doubts he would ever cross an unspoken boundary, shy as he is.

The money she gives him doesn’t seem enough of a payment for his services anymore, even if she pays him better than the servants. She likes to see him well fed and satisfied, but König never takes the slave girls she reluctantly tries to offer him. It’s a custom she has to abide by, but secretly, she’s pleased he doesn’t seem to be interested in any of her girls. Thinking about giving him the horse instead because these two seem to share a bond, she notices she would do anything to please this strange, silent man.

But when she tells König she has a gift for him, something special this time, something he has probably wished for for a long time, he falls to one knee and bows his head before she can even tell him what the gift is is. Asks with that rough, unused voice:

“Do I get to fuck you now, mistress?”

[queenie-avenue]

How do yanderes react to receiving a scarf knitted by a reader?

Knitted with love.

💌 ⤻ ft. ALL THE YANDERES

—> your gifts are only for them.

⤻ reader is gender neutral, typical yandere behaviour, possessive behaviour, obsessive behaviour, soft yandere, mentions of kidnapping (mafia boss), mentions of stealing (the baseball player)

note: i was too lazy to link all of the yanderes, especially since i have so many now, so i will just link my archives when i do joint posts.

💌 ⤻ THE CEO, ADRIAN HOUDE

— He would absolutely be ecstatic but also torn about it. He wants to keep the sweater all to himself, but he also wants to show it off to the world and demand that the scarf be mass-produced and sold in stores. It's a very challenging decision to make, but he eventually decides to keep the scarf all to himself. He is — as he calls himself — a selfish bastard, after all.

— However, despite his internal struggle, he would keep a cool expression and thank you sincerely and compliment your hard work.

— Would gift something as a thank you, probably something designer. Or would just look at the shopping history on your laptop and buy something from there. Or buy all, black cards exist for a reason!

💌 ⤻ THE CHEERLEADER, KATIE WILLIAMS

— Would gush about it loudly about the fact you were so sweet to present them with a gift! Aw, sweet little you! Katie would hug, kiss and gab all over your form.

— Extremely territorial over the scarf, will not let anyone touch it.

— Sets a trend in the University you're at, where partners gift each other scarves.

💌 ⤻ THE BASEBALL PLAYER, JESPER HARGREAVES

— Oddly enough, he would sniff it first. Then he would utterly melt into it, thanking you profusely by holding you so tight it felt like he might choke you to death.

— Will wear it regardless of the weather. Even if it's sweltering hot and he is sweating bullets. You'll probably have to make something more summer-themed to get him to take off the bloody thing.

— Will beg for more handmade goods from you and will “borrow” the things you made for other people.

💌 ⤻ THE ACADEMIC RIVAL, SEO MIN-JUN

— Will not accept it at first. Will try to accuse you of trying to get close to him because of his family and wealth. If you persist, he will throw it into the bin in front of everyone just to humiliate you further.

— While patrolling the rounds of the school, he will go back to where he threw it and dumpster dive just to get it back. Look at how obsessed you made him, you have to take responsibility for that.

— The next day, an anonymous person has given you expensive chocolates. You realise that Min-Jun is carefully staring to see your reaction to it.

💌 ⤻ THE BARISTA, AKIMITSU MINORU

— Is shocked when you do so but immediately accepts and tells you you shouldn't work so hard next time.

— Offers you a cup of coffee as a thank you.

— Very reserved about it but from that moment on, he's always wearing the scarf. But not in ways you would expect. Sometimes it's hooked onto his waist, somethings around his neck — like how it's supposed to be worn — and sometimes just displayed in the coffee shop like some kind of trophy.

— Would convince you into only giving these sort of gifts to him.

💌 ⤻ THE COVER, VALERIO MARCHETTI

— Your habit of knitting started when you were bored and Valerio gave you something to play with. A knitting set, fitting for someone like you. He made sure to give you those blunt materials though, wouldn't want you escaping!

— Was shocked when you gave it to him. Probably sent it to get it checked for poison.

— Even after making sure it's not poisonous, he doesn't wear it. He simply leaves it with you.

— He isn't exactly obsessed (in this part yet), but he certainly is intrigued by you, would wear the scarf just to see your reaction.

💌 ⤻ THE MAFIA BOSS, VITTORIA CONSTANZO

— Utterly ecstatic at the prospect of you doing such a thing for her. It means you're slowly forgiving her, right?

— Will keep the scarf and use it as inspiration for her next collection of dresses, all using yarn. Will make a special dress just for you to wear out of yarn, just like you've done for her.

— You'll probably get more time without your restraints after this, she trusts you a bit more now and will give you a bit more freedom.

[missyandthemisfits]

The Black Bulls x Chubby!Reader

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

How would they react to developing a crush on a chubby magic knight??? Heck if I know but I got some ideas-

Asta 

- If there's one person on this list of suitors who just straight up does not care about size, it's this one right here

- You're strong, you're a great cook, and he has fun with you- that's all this one cares about, really

- Unfortunately, he's not the brightest bulb and he doesn't exactly get it when he's being approached romantically, so they're gonna have to spell it out in some way shape or form 

- It is only after you two are together that he realizes 'You know what? I think I've had a crush on you for a while now'

- Such a cute dork

Magna 

- Not gonna lie, he's gonna want someone whom he can lift so he can fLEX on everyone-

- That said if you're cute and sassy enough, man is hitting the workout sessions HARD, just to be able to carry all that gorgeous around town- basically the ultimate flex

- He obviously is the first to confess albeit extremely flustered and surprisingly full of self doubt 

- He's actually kind of insecure, especially about his looks - go easy on him 

Luck 

- Honestly? Very into someone on the plusher side and for completely selfish reasons at that - huge, HUGE cuddler once you get him down long enough (plz wrestle him he wants it so bad)

- Is ever so slight the tease, doesn't help that he's incredibly subtle about it either 

- Makes a point to be around you damn near 24/7 so that way when he's not around, you definitely notice (calculated) the lack of lighthearted teasing

- Believe it or not, 100% makes sure he's got a fighting chance before confessing - he can't afford to be rejected by someone who means this much to him (can't handle that)

-Also be wary, randomly grabs you just... all the time, consciously and unconsciously. You've become his single yet constant source of comfort 

Vanessa

- Forgive her she means well, but may or may not unintentionally offend by offering up diets and routines and walks around town together - I SWEAR she's only trying to be kind

- If you're honest about your feelings on it though, she feels just AWFUL and apologetic and buys you many, many gifts to try and make up for it

- Truthfully, you guys just kinda ended up becoming an item one day - rumors of a drunken kiss still floating around town, unconfirmed 

- Doesn't mind it too much all in all, especially if you spoil her

Finral

- He's a little apprehensive about it at first, his mind barreling back into the teasing of how scrawny and weak he is and he's not entirely confident in his ability to shall we say satisfy -

- Buuuut quickly says 'Screw it' when he realizes how amazing you are, on and off the battlefield 

- When I say this man cannot WAIT for the end of every night just to hold you??? I MEAN IT

-  Very soft for his soft s/o, would give them the moon

Charmy

- You already know she doesn't care like come on

- And honestly, she may try to pressure you into many, many impromptu snacking sessions. Food is cooked by her 97% of the time, always. 

- However if you have any personal health or fitness goals, Charmy is more than capable of curtailing menus to be healthy AND tasty so that's a plus for sure - but you will have to drag her along if you want her to walk with you

- Again, the relationship just sort of happened - even you two aren't quite sure when

Gauche

- Sorry lovelies but this man's first ever comment may be about your weight, granted he was already upset about Asta and Marie earlier but STILL - no bueno

- It's only after he starts getting to know you that he realizes what complete ASS he was during that first meeting. Will eventually apologize for that, it's said very softly and he sounds kind of annoyed but he's more annoyed with himself than anything 

- It's gonna take quite some time to worm much of anything that isn't full of sarcasm out of him, let alone a confession, unless you decide to take that first step

- Hope you're ready for the slowest of burns -

Gordon

- If you think this awkward bean would EVER judge you on your weight, or anything for that matter, think again!

- Absolutely adores you for you; all your dimples and folds, all your past trauma, every facet of you is something he wants to learn more of and explore - absolutely all of it

- He develops a crush pretty early on but good luck getting that confession out of him 

- Absolutely will nOT confess until you do because he needs to be 1000% sure he's not gonna scare you off like he did the others...

- Hand holding is must, it comforts him so 

- Truthfully anything more than light sweet touches will send him to the moon, so be wary of feinting if you go in for a smooch

Grey 

- So very, very shy this one is

- Doesn't actually care about your size, only about how you treat others and most importantly yourself - won't stand for negative talk and bombards you with "T-that's not true at all...!" followed closely by an entire assortment of things that make you so great in her eyes

- Just... so damn sweet 

- You'll definitely be the one initiating anything and everything romantic, to include a confession so uh yea 

- Just LOVES holding onto your arm once she's comfortable enough, both for support and as something of physical affection 

Zora

- Yeeeea dubs you something akin to 'Chubs' upon meeting you, there's like...no way around that. He's mostly harmless tho...mostly

- Truthfully tho he's actually really attracted to curves - not that he's ever gonna tell you that (not without a teasing smirk and remark, anyway) 

- He's gonna be dropping the most subtle hints that he's interested in you and the harmless flirting is eventually gonna turn into legitimately pining on both sides so you just flat out tell him one day "If we're gonna keep going like this, we should at least be official..."

- He was content with a situationship of sorts, but a relationship certainly has it perks - ones he could get behind given time 

Henry

- This sweetheart is just ecstatic he's found someone with such a plethora of mana (or no mana at all, your choice), someone he can actually be around for more than a few seconds - he does NOT care  

- Helps if you're nice, but won't shun you away if you have a mean streak- he's not that type of guy

- Believe it or not, he's actually the first to cave and confess his undying love - and no that is not an exaggeration he genuinely falls very hard and very fast 

- His biggest dream is to be able to hold you in his admittedly frail arms, caress your hair, and whisper sweet nothings to you as you drift to sleep

- He'll keep that dream close to his heart until he can make it a reality

Secre 

- Not one for judgment, but also not one for romance so this one might be tough

- She's a sucker for people who are upbeat and positive though so if you've got that going for you, you stand a really good chance of at least grabbing her attention 

- Slowest of slow burns here, folks 

- You'll be the one administering the confession , as well as many complements, to a very adorably flustered Secre and boy is that priceless 

- She very much enjoys pockets, will constantly have her hands in yours for comfort - a little weird but very cute 

Noelle

- Yes absolutely she has a preference and it's definitely not chubby- no offense (please do not take offense I for one think you're amazing)

- It's gonna take someone with a strong backbone to handle the condescending frowns and holier-than-thou attitude that comes along with crushing on this one, you've been warned 

- It'll take a while of chipping away at her steely exterior before she's ready to give way to the fact that yea, you're pretty darn cute 

- You confess several different times before she gives it a real go - hang in there 

Nacht

- May come as a surprise, but he doesn't really care about size - just about the character of your person 

- So yes he's all for someone on the curvy side, actually one of the few that compliments you outright upon meeting you

- Probably puts you through a serious of subtle tests to see how suitable you really are and how compatible you may be with him (cause let's face it, he plays for keeps) but he's very honest about the fact that he's interested in pursuing you romantically 

- Touches are feather light in public, but he very much likes to have his hand at the small of your back or gingerly around your waist 

- A man who knows what he wants and is not afraid to pursue it? Hell.Yes.

Yami

- Excuse me but this guy dreams of having some short, curvy so and so on his arm - someone he can really grab onto

- He's got this glint in his eyes that almost creeps you out at first but is quickly squelched by the invitation to drinks

- It only takes 2 more trips to one bar or another for him to know he wants to start talking to you on a more personal level 

- Will grab ass anywhere, anytime so just... keep that in mind

- Less of a solid confession, more of a drunken offer, something along the lines of "Hey, we should totally make this a thing. This us thing or whatever it is-,"

- He's slurring and you're positive he won't remember a damn thing but he remembers everything, all the way down to how gorgeous you looked that evening 

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

A/N - I want you all to remember that no matter WHAT size you are; you deserve love, happiness, and to feel good in that beautiful skin you're in! &lt;3

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Cant help but notice krubus stardew in the requests,,, so if i may,,,

How about a oneshot/headcanons, whichever ya think works better, for a farmer Reader who's roommates with Krobus, and Shane ends up visiting the farm, and accidentally finds Krobus and the reader is trying their best to calm the situation down or smthn? :]

Ofc you dont have to do this!!

Salt anon (have a good day also!!! always lovely to see ya on my dash :] )

YES MY TWO FAVES <3333

Got carried away but I had so many ideas for this one

.......

'I should check the coop. The void chicken could be hungry, and [y/n] may appreciate me stepping up. But...what if a human saw me? Oh Yoba...I hope there's no surprise visitors today..'

As Krobus paced around your cabin, he kept looking outside the window at the snowfall, the coop just within his sights. It was the second day of winter, and all of the animals you've been raising were huddled inside for the season, the hay keeping their bellies full.

But something told him that the void chicken you recently introduced to the farm felt lonely, a misfit among the "normal" chickens. She wasn't too sociable around them, and that worried Krobus.

Of course he, of all people, could understand why.

To this very day, the shadow monster couldn't fathom why you'd take him into your home..when his existence alone scared humanity and could damage your reputation with the town.

What would the villagers think if they learned you're housing a beast who once dwelled in the mines?

Many weren't anywhere near as brave as you were when it comes to venturing deep into shadow monster territory....and the few who had the guts to made it their personal mission to slay as many of his people as possible.

Or at least..what remained of them after the elemental wars.

Surprisingly enough, some of the brutes began visiting your farmland at night, and Krobus would see them hiding in the foliage, behind trees..or even rummaging through your crops, yet never taking anything for themselves.

He wishes he could greet them normally, ask what drew them to the surface, or try to reason that you're a good human who shouldn't be attacked.

Yet in the back of his mind...he feared being branded a traitor for siding with the species that hurt so many of his own people.

What would they do if they noticed his pendant and realized a human gifted it to him?

Surely they would freak out, coerce him into coming back to the mines where it was "safe"...or worse, they'd kill you and make him watch. He couldn't let his presence be known, lest they discovered you were housing him and destroyed the life you built here.

You would think he betrayed you and brought a siege upon your land--after all you've done to shelter him from the cruelty of the world.

Not even Yoba would forgive such a sin.

Even though he felt his connection with his people drifting with each passing week, he was content with his choice to live with you. He wouldn't trade your kindness and generosity for the world.

Plus, you've told him over and over that you knew what you were signing up for. You knew it when you first bought a void egg from him. You knew it when you and the wizard broke up his fight with Dwarf. You knew it when you created a space in your home that suited his environmental needs.

All he could offer you was a stardrop in return, but it was more than enough for you.

Krobus vowed to contribute to the farm's many tasks how ever he could..when it safe for him to step outside of course.

On this cold winter's day, he figured checking out the coop would be a great first step.

He peeked into your bedroom, discovering you to be sound asleep and looking rather peaceful.

Indeed, it was a stark contrast to how battered and bruised you were last night, having returned from the Skull Caverns at midnight. None of his people ventured there, considering the desert climate would be unbearable for them to live in, but while sharing meals he'd listen to your tales of serpents, mummies, and even dinosaurs living down below.

By comparison..the monsters in the mines seemed tamer and were somewhat civilized, and at his request you managed to avoid fighting them if you could.

The beasts you encountered in the Skull Caverns were brutal and unforgiving, and you had no choice but to defend yourself.

This trip in particular took quite a toll on your body, as you had to use a warp totem to get home...and even then, you were limping from sheer exhaustion. So much so Krobus had to assist you up the stairs and into your bed. He ran the the risk of being seen, yet his concern over your health took priority.

Sleep didn't easily come for him, but it only did after he prayed and thanked Yoba for bringing you home.

He didn't like the idea of you pushing yourself to work so early in the morning, so he decided he'll help lighten that load.

Starting with the coop.

Opening the door, he breathed in the crisp winter air, relieved to not see any humans in sight. There was your pet, who was initially frightened by his sudden arrival, but now warmly greeted him as they climbed the steps.

Krobus laughed softly, crouching down to pet them. "Good morning, little one." He whispered. "Enjoying the snow? I like it very much..but I can't say our chicken friends will agree."

He stood and continued on his way to the small building, eager to check up on your animals and see to it that they're fed.

But unbeknownst to him, a human arrived onto your farmland at that same moment, only seeing a dark figure creeping into the coop.

And he just so-happened to be the man who cared for chickens more than life itself.

......

Shane arrived at your farm, holding a small envelope with a letter inside. It contained a recipe for some dessert--not one that he made or discovered, of course, but rather one he tore out of a magazine.

His first thought was of you, knowing you liked gathering fresh produce and made your own meals..compared to him, a lazy bum who microwaves processed garbage in a plastic dish and called it "dinner."

It wasn't much, but it was the least he could do for a friend who pulled him out of such a dark place..

You were taking a shortcut to the sewer when you found him near the cliffs...where he was truly at his lowest. He doesn't remember much of what he said, but you told him that he considered ending his own life, yet changed his mind after you told him some comforting words.

All the strength you've gained down in the mines allowed you to drag him to the hospital, where you stayed by his side the entire night. Even when Harvey assured you he'll be okay, you refused to abandon him.

Shane never thought anybody in this town would care if he just up and disappeared, yet despite his rudeness towards you...you managed to break down his walls and show him that you cared.

And all it took were some peppers, pizza, eggs, and stupid amounts of persistence.

It really hit him that he almost did something he couldn't reverse..and he never wanted you, Jas, or Marnie to see him get that bad again.

So he promised to make some serious changes, see that counselor Harvey recommended to him, and cut back on the hours he spends at the saloon after work.

The last time you both talked, you mentioned Robin upgrading your coop's space, and Shane was thrilled. So he figured he'd come visit and see how the animals were doing in this cold weather.

He was also curious about that "void egg" you got from a merchant...and he wondered who it was if not Marnie.

Obviously he'd feel like a jerk if he came emptyhanded, or awkward if you weren't actually home right now, thus he decided to bring the letter and recipe just in case. A small surprise "gift" for you to come back to later.

As he approached your mailbox, however, he noticed a dark figure opening the door to your coop. He couldn't tell who it was as they quickly went inside, as though afraid of being seen.

Maybe it was the lack of sleep making him see things, but-

"Huh? What kinda tracks are these..?" He looked down, finding footprints in the snow that didn't belong to any human's.

In fact, they seemed to have clawed toes..

Just like a monster's.

At the saloon, you recounted tales of how you've encountered slimes, plant monsters, bats, and even shadow creatures on your farmland at night--as well as your adventures down in the mines with skeletons, ghosts, and more.

Most of the regulars were 99% certain you were drunk, but others believed your stories and were fascinated by them, as you'd show them gems as proof of your excursions. Sebastian in particular was intrigued by the frozen tear you discovered, flattered that you allowed him to keep it.

Shane, on the other hand, merely dismissed your tales with a "buh" and an eyeroll before sipping away at his beer. He was never a strong believer in the supernatural..convinced that only slimes, rock crabs, flies, and bats dwelled in the mines and nothing else.

Living Skeletons? Metal Heads?? Shadow Shamans???

You HAD to be either drunk, on drugs, or both at the same time.

Although he's become more open-minded to your stories since befriending you, he was still skeptical...yet the footprints he was seeing in the snow didn't match up to any animal he knew in the valley.

Whatever it was, it must've figured out that your coop was an all-you-can-eat-buffet.

That thought alone made him break out into a cold sweat, picking up a stone before rushing towards the building. He didn't hear any noise inside, and that made him all the more concerned.

You helped him when he needed it most, and now he'll repay you by defending your chickens...even though he knew nothing about fighting monsters.

Upon opening the door, he was stunned to find a shadowy humanoid creature holding your void chicken in its arms. It had a goopy smile on its face, looking down at the bird-

Before there was a furious shout.

"HEY! Put that chicken down!"

.........

"HEY! Put that chicken down!"

Just as you were tuning into the Oracle's channel on TV, you were startled by the sound of Shane yelling at someone-

Wait..

'What's Shane doing on my farm? And at this hour, too?? I thought he sleeps in all the time..' Your eyebrows furrowed as you looked around the house.

"Krobus? You in here? I may have a visitor."

No response.

You checked the monster's room, and sure enough didn't find him in there.

Normally he'd freak out and hide beneath your bed if he even caught a glimpse of a human outside. You'd always tell him ahead of time if a friend was coming to visit just so he knew when and how long to stay hidden.

Of course, you never liked having to keep Krobus a secret, yet you understood why he believed that was for the best. He was so, so afraid to go with you even after gifting him the void ghost pendant--a precious amulet from his culture, symbolizing unity and devotion to another.

His worst fear was you being shunned and getting hurt because of him. But you promised to make things work, and so far you've had no problems.

The only other place he'd go besides your cabin was the coop, having grown fond of the animals there and the void chicken you were raising. The winter allowed him to bond with them.

But if he's there right now..and you just heard Shane yell, then-

'Oh fuck.'

Throwing on your boots and jacket, you rushed out the door, damn near slipping on the pathway to the coop.

You opened the door, finding Shane staring down your terrified roommate with anger, ready to throw a stone at who he believed was a monster trying to eat your livestock.

But as he reeled his arm back, he was confused by your hand grabbing his wrist. "Huh?! Hey! Let go!" He grunted.

"Shane, what the hell are you doing?!"

For a moment, he blinked and stared at you as though you had several heads. "What does it look like? I'm....that thing was trying to eat your chickens!" He pointed to Krobus, who was now curled up in the corner, having let go of the void chicken long ago.

"That's one of the monsters you were talking about, right? Don't you have a sword or something that could-?"

"He's not a threat."

Shane froze. "..huh?"

"His name is Krobus. He's a shadow person I met in the sewers." Letting him go, you opted to stand between the two. Krobus immediately got up and latched onto your shirt, hiding behind you for protection.

"The sewers? Jas and Vincent said they saw a monster through the grates, but I thought it was some imaginary friend."

"Well news flash, he's real. And right now he's more scared of you." You huffed. "Now please..put the rock down."

After some hesitance, he complied and dropped the stone. "Fine..sorry. I thought it--he was trying to-"

"I would never harm one of Yoba's precious creatures!" Krobus snapped, despite his voice trembling. "Especially not one that [y/n] so lovingly raised."

"You...understand what I'm saying?" Shane looked astonished.

"Of course.." The shadow monster calmed down a little, but redirected his anger to you. "You..we had an agreement. You promised to tell me if someone was coming."

"I didn't know he was here at all." You frowned. "You could've told me you were checking out the coop."

"But you were so weary from last night, and I thought you'd appreciate sleeping in-!"

"Look..if it helps, I can just leave and pretend none of this ever happened."

Both of you looked at Shane, who was slowly making his way to the door, only for him to stop as you sighed.

There's no way you could hide this now..

"Stay. This isn't something you can "pretend" never happened. Let's all head back to my house and I'll explain everything. Maybe we can come to an understanding without any violence. Whatdya say, boys?"

Shane and Krobus briefly glanced at each other, before silently nodding.

.........

"So basically...you got chased out of your home by Dwarves, had some great war with them, got cozy in the sewers...and [y/n] just...stumbled upon you?"

"Erm..slight correction, the local librarian had a key to the sewers, which [y/n] obtained. And only then they stumbled upon me-"

"After I donated like 60 artifacts to the museum, of course." You added on as you stood by the oven, watching the timer.

For a brief moment, you looked back at the two people sitting awkwardly at the table:

Shane, who was still wondering if the shadow monster sitting across from him was really a monster, a hallucination from his withdrawals, or just..someone in a SUPER convincing costume.

And Krobus, who stared at this scruffy, tired man who desperately needed a shave and a new jacket--the only other human he's spoken to aside from you and Rasmodius.

"Wow..I'd say I need a drink, but um..I'm in recovery right now. So I gotta cut back on those." Shane admitted, scratching awkwardly at his hair. "Do you like living on this farm with [y/n], Krobus?"

"It was...a difficult transition. Something I never expected to happen." He fidgeted with the pendant around his neck. "Our existence..terrifies humans. They attacked us when we came to the surface to make peace, so we stopped and hid back underground. We learned the world wasn't kind to those who were different. But [y/n] showed me that not all of them are like that...and I'm grateful for all they've done for me. I don't regret my choice.."

Then he looked to you, suddenly bashful. "A-As long as they don't regret it, of course..sometimes I feel like all of this is a dream. Or some foolish prank.."

"It's no dream or prank, Krob. I have no regrets becoming your friend." You smiled and patted the monster's head reassuringly, before glancing at Shane. "Just like I don't regret befriending this guy."

"Yeah..I was uh..in a pretty bad place myself." He mumbled, suddenly finding the weather outside more interesting.

"You said your name was "Shane", right?"

He blinked, looking back to Krobus. "Uh yeah?"

"Did you know that means "gift from Yoba"?" His eyes lit up, smiling from ear-to-ear as he clasped his hands together. "You should be proud of it! You are a blessed child of.....um...what's with that look?"

Shane's expression abruptly shifted to one of discomfort, and he couldn't help but shrink back. "Did..I say something wrong? W-Was I out of line?"

"No, no. I probably should've mentioned this sooner, but I'm actually atheist."

"....as in...you don't believe in Yoba?"

Reluctantly, Shane nodded and averted his gaze once more, expecting some kind of lecture or change in his friendly tone that would make this his first and last conversation with him.

Nobody liked it when he mentioned how he stopped believing in Yoba long ago, especially after what happened with Jas' parents and how his life just plummeted into a downward spiral since then. He feels like his name was cruel joke, and he had a pit in his stomach whenever he was reminded of it.

So now he was fully expecting this devout monster to spew something vile and call him a "horrible nonbeliever"-

"Why the guilty face?"

"..wha?" He did a double-take, seeing Krobus' smile return.

"I've observed humans long enough to understand their religious preferences, or lack thereof. We have our beliefs, and you have yours..and that is okay." He reassured. "No need to feel ashamed, Shane."

It took the man a few moments to process his words..before a small smile appeared on his face as well, shoulders less tense than before. "Whew..thanks. Seriously..you're somehow more understanding than all the people in my life." He chuckled dryly.

Krobus was about to respond, when the ding from your kitchen timer made the two pause their conversation, seeing you take something out of the oven.

It was a dessert that had a shimmering purple hue.

"Oh hey..you actually made it?" Shane blinked. "The infamous "Strange Bun"?"

"Yep! It actually looks pretty.." You smiled, setting it on the stove so it could cool down. "I almost don't wanna eat it...but I'm sure we can split it three ways."

"I recognize that dessert." Krobus gasped. "It's considered a delicacy among my people! How I've longed to taste it again....but how did you come to possess its recipe?" He looked to Shane, who simply dug out a crumpled magazine page from his pocket.

"Right here. It looked good, and [y/n] likes cooking stuff and finding the ingredients themselves..so I figured it's something new they could try."

"And it came out fantastic." You chuckled, bringing over plates of the strange bun and sitting down at the table, passing them to your friends. "Dig in, boys."

While Krobus was actively drooling and devouring it with his bare hands, you took a few bites and instantly felt rejuvenated....whereas Shane kept awkwardly poking at it with a fork, eyebrows furrowed.

"You sure this is safe to eat? Like..I'm not gonna keel over, am I?"

"...you're acting like Jas when she doesn't wanna eat her vegetables."

".....shut it." With a grumble, he rolled his eyes before finally taking a couple bites. You and Krobus watched him in anticipation, studying his reaction.

Only to be met with disappointment.

"Eh..I think I'll stick to frozen pizzas, but thanks. Here. It's all yours." He pushed the half-eaten bun towards Krobus, who gleefully finished it up.

"Thank you..this was delightful." The shadow monster swallowed, looking up at you both, frowning slightly. "But I do fear..now that one more person knows of my existence, word may spread to the town and-"

"I won't tell anyone."

"....really?" He looked at Shane, surprised.

"I used to not believe in "shadow people"..I actually thought you guys were just stuff of fiction. But no, you're actually pretty cool. And...I get that feeling of being stuck in a dark place, thinking you're a pest and a burden who has no future to look forward to. It sucks, but [y/n] here..." He paused and gestured to you with a smile. "They pulled me out of that funk, and it seems they'd pulled you out of one, too."

"They have..I-I find this hard to believe, but it seems we have more in common than I first thought." Krobus chuckled softly. "I'm glad we could come to an understanding, and that you embrace my existence, Shane."

"Yeah, uh...glad you can..embrace mine as well." He mumbled, already kicking himself mentally for how weird that sounded. "But tell me..you like caring for chickens, too? I saw that one with the black feathers and red eyes."

"Indeed, that is a void chicken! I've carried their eggs for ages, but the mines weren't suitable enough to raise chicks in. Then [y/n] showed me the coop, and now I know they're in good hands."

"Ah...did you wanna meet Charlie sometime? Or one of my blue chickens?"

"......chickens can be blue?" Krobus had such a starry-eyed look, as though he had just been told the secrets of the universe.

Meanwhile, you were just cleaning the dishes, listening to their conversation delve into chicken care, eggs, and more. And you could only smile, glad to see that your monster roommate was finally warming up to humans.

Only a select few will get to see him, as you didn't wanna compromise his safety...

But for now, Shane is the only one you could trust.

[hearts-hunger]

Read on AO3 | Masterlist

Summary: Danny's having a rough day, and sometimes all you need is love and a little magic to make it better. || Companion fic in the Kitkat universe

Pairings: Danny x Reader | Genre: fluff, angst, h/c | Word Count: 3k | Warnings: none!

A/N: Evidently I'm back in my Kitkat era hehe :) I think this is my first time giving them any real angst, but of course it has a happy ending. I hope you like it! ♡

“I saw my baby, trying hard as babe could try — what could I do?” 

You belted the verse into your wooden-spoon microphone, dancing around the kitchen as you waited for the oven to preheat. You had the music cranked up to the highest volume, filling the empty house with Bowie's dulcet tones and funky grooves; it was helping take the edge off being alone on your one-year anniversary, and dancing always put you in a better mood. By the time Danny got back from whatever he'd insisted had to be done today but wouldn't explain, you'd be ready to forgive the sting of hurt and enjoy the rest of your evening with him.

You were just putting the pumpkin pie in the oven when the door opened, and you turned with a bright smile to greet your boyfriend. You didn't know what you'd expected — some flowers, a gift he’d wanted to keep a secret until now, even just a smile — but all you got was a stormy expression and the door closing behind him with a little more force than necessary. 

“Hi, honey!” you said, trying to stay cheerful. You liked welcoming him home to baking treats and fun music and a warm, sun-bright kitchen, and you hoped he liked it too.

“Hi,” he said, his voice distracted and flat. He winced at the loud guitar. “Geez, kitkat, are you trying to make me deaf? Turn that down.”

You hurried to do as he said, looking over at him with a cautious expression. He hadn't been in a great mood when he left, but you'd hoped that running whatever errand he was so concerned about would make him feel better; evidently, he was just as grumpy now as he had been earlier, and you tried not to let it hurt.

“Sorry, Danny,” you said when the music was quieter. “I guess I didn't realize how loud it would be if you just walked in on it.”

He gave a doubtful hum but didn't say anything else, leaving kind of abruptly to go further into the house. Surprised, you followed to see what was wrong.

“Did you get done whatever you went out for?” you asked. 

He went into the bathroom and started rummaging around in the medicine basket.

“Do we have any freakin’ Tylenol in this house?” he asked irritably.

You went in to help him and easily found the bottle he was looking for. When you handed him two pills, he didn't offer any thanks.

“What’s wrong, honey?” you asked. You stepped aside as he elbowed his way to the sink. “You don't feel good?”

He cupped some water in his hand and downed the medicine before he washed his face. “Head’s killing me.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.” You reached to brush his hair back from his face. “Do you want something to eat?”

“No, I don't,” he said stiffly. He batted your hand away. “Please don't hover, kitkat. You're stressing me out.”

You drew back, stung, and felt something crinkle up in your heart that would take some ironing out. 

“I didn't mean to,” you said softly. “Will you...” You hesitated to ask for anything, but you'd missed him while he was gone, and you wanted to spend time with him if he wanted to spend time with you. 

He sighed. “Will I what?”

You bit the inside of your cheek. “Will you come back in the kitchen with me when you're feeling better?”

“Why, so I can get roped into doing the dishes after your little baking extravaganza?”

“No,” you said, feeling an unhappy twist in your chest. “Just to hang out. You don't have to if you don't want to.”

He softened the slightest bit, perhaps a little chastened by your hesitant tone.

“Yeah, maybe,” he said, and it was almost worse than a flat-out no. “Let me get in the door, babe. It's been a long day.”

You held back from saying that you knew what he meant; it had been a long day for you too, waiting for him to come home to celebrate your anniversary. Granted, it wasn't your official dating anniversary — that was still a week or so away, and it was marked on the calendar in his bedroom. But one year ago today, you'd met him at the haunted house he worked at, and you wanted to celebrate the day you'd been rescued by a big guy in a werewolf costume and fallen head over heels for him.

You supposed you couldn’t hold it against him that he didn't remember the exact day you'd met. But even if it had been a regular day, his uncharacteristically moody and irritable homecoming was weighing on you. It made you feel funny, all sad and nervous and on edge, and you wished he'd just talk to you instead of merely inflicting his dark mood on you.

“Okay,” you said in a small voice, ever the peacekeeper. That wasn't a bad trait necessarily, but it sometimes led to you bottling up your thoughts and feelings instead of expressing them. You weren't sure now was the best time to tell him how you felt, though. A needy girlfriend seemed like it might be the last straw for his tenuous grip on civility.

You went back to the kitchen and turned off the music altogether, your cheerful, dancing mood pretty much killed by Danny’s gruffness. You started to clean up after your “little baking extravaganza”, as he'd called it with less affection and more irritation than you would have liked. You'd spent the better part of the afternoon crafting a beautiful, perfect pumpkin pie — his favorite — and had made a jack o’ lantern face out of dough to go on the top. Your heart sank as you wondered if he'd even want to try it when it was done baking.

He went out to the porch, talking on the phone about something that was evidently less than pleasant. You couldn't make out what he was saying, but from the tone of his voice and the glimpses of his body language you got through the window above the sink, you could tell he was upset about something. You determined to be kinder and more gentle to him when he came in, hoping you could soothe his worries and coax him into talking about whatever was bothering him.

You were finishing up the dishes when he came back inside, and you offered him a smile. You intended to ask him if the medicine was kicking in, but he spoke before you could say anything.

“Something’s burning,” he said.

You blinked. “What?”

He nodded to the oven. “Whatever you're making. It smells like it's burning.”

With a jolt, you realized he was right; the timer had gone off and you hadn't realized it, and now there was a distinctly burnt smell permeating the kitchen. You whirled to open the oven and take the pie out, haphazardly grabbing a dish towel to cover your hands.

“Careful, kitkat,” he warned. “You don't — ”

In your haste, you didn't have time to process his warning before your uncovered ring and pinky finger met the hot pan. With a yelp of pain, you snatched your hand back and jerked the pan until it listed off the rack and tilted sideways to land lopsidedly between the rack and the oven door.

“Oh! Oh no!” You watched, distraught, as the jack o’ lantern face started a slow, precarious slant off the perfect placement you'd given it. You reached to right the pan, feeling the sting of tears at the foolishness of your blunder and the pain in your fingers, but Danny quickly eased you aside and took the dish towel from you.

“Let me get it, honey,” he said, and for the first time, his voice was kind, albeit a little harried. “Run some water over your hand.”

You did as he said, watching as he got the pie out of the oven and set it on the stovetop. He closed the oven and turned it off, tossing the dish towel over his shoulder as he crossed to you.

“Let me see,” he said gently, taking your hand in his and pulling it away from the water for a moment. You winced as the pain came back more sharply and tried not to cry as he cradled your hand in his.

“Alright,” he soothed, turning your hand to see your burned fingers better. “It doesn't look too bad. Keep it under the water for a minute. I’ll be right back.”

Alone again in the kitchen, you tried to collect yourself; you glanced over at the pie and saw that it was a burnt, lopsided mess when you'd taken such care for it to be perfect for him. You swallowed, feeling tears stack up in your throat.

When he came back, he stood with his hip leaned against the counter as he dried your hand, smoothed Vaseline over your tender fingertips, and put bandaids on both fingers. You still stood at a distance, even as he was holding your hand, fearing another irritated scolding for your absent-mindedness.

“How's that?” he asked, looking up at your from under his dark lashes. He didn't seem angry any more, and you were so relieved at it that you suddenly couldn't stop the tears that spilled over.

His brow crinkled. “Hey, hey,” he said, worried and gentle. “Does it hurt that bad, honey?”

“No,” you said honestly, quickly trying to brush the tears from your face. He did it for you, soft and patient and understanding.

“Why’re you crying, then?” he asked.

You drew a choppy breath, trying to stop. “I’m sorry.”

“I didn't mean you had to apologize,” he said kindly. “You're not in trouble, kitkat. I just wanted to know what was wrong. Did it scare you?”

“Well, a little,” you admitted. “But I’m just...” 

You were embarrassed by the stupid way you’d hurt yourself; you’d been sad and uneasy at Danny’s mood and now felt a little overwhelmed with emotion at his apology and the much-needed tenderness and affection that came with it.

“I’m glad you're not angry any more,” you said pitifully.

He softened, chagrined and understanding. “Oh.”

“You're not, are you?” you asked.

“No.” His big, strong frame seemed tense with discomfort. “I'm not angry any more, kitkat.”

“I’m sorry if I made it worse,” you said sincerely. “I should have let you come in without asking a million questions and having the music on so loud.”

He gently squeezed your hand. “No, honey. It wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. I was the one who was out of line.”

He ran his thumb over your palm in a gesture of tenderness. 

“I’m really sorry for how I spoke to you, kitkat,” he said gently. “I was frustrated, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. Please forgive me.”

“Of course I forgive you,” you said, your voice a little wobbly. “I just wish... Well, I was trying to make it nice, since...”

He brushed more tears from your face. “Since what, honey?”

You looked up at him, your expression crumpling. “Since it's our anniversary.”

His eyes widened. “No it's not,” he said, obviously hoping it wasn't true. “It’s next week, isn't it?”

“Yeah, I mean, the real one,” you said weakly. “But today's the day we met.”

He softened and gave a regretful sigh, pulling you close.

“Oh,” he said. “I see. I didn't remember, kitkat. I’m sorry.”

You wrapped your arms around him and buried your face against his chest, treats falling in earnest now. You weren't exactly sure what you were crying about, but you were sure you were happy to have him home and not so angry any more.

“I made a real mess here, didn't I?” he said.

“It’s okay,” you said, your voice choppy and unconvincing even though it was true. “You didn't know.”

“Yeah, but I still shouldn't have acted like I did. I want it to be a nice thing to have me come home, not a burden.”

You hugged him tighter. “It's not. You're never a burden, Danny. I love you. Even when you come home grumpy.”

You felt his gratitude and relief in the way he held you.

“I love you too, kitkat.” His voice was a little rough around the edges. “Thank you for loving me like you do. I don't deserve you.”

You stayed that way for a long moment, resting in each other, letting the worries of the day fade in the peace of being with the person you loved and trusted more than anyone else.

“I wanted to surprise you,” you said softly. “I made pumpkin pie for you. Your favorite.”

He rested his cheek on the top of your head and hugged you tight. “It is my favorite,” he agreed. “That was really sweet of you, honey. Thank you for thinking of me.”

“But now it’s ruined,” you said miserably, pulling back to swipe a hand over your cheeks and look at the charred, cockamamie gift you'd wanted to give him. “I’m sorry, Danny. It's not much of a surprise.”

He chuckled, and the sound was warm and comforting. “It’s not ruined, kitkat. It's... unique. And I see the vision. You think I won't still eat every bite of it?”

“Even the burnt parts?”

“Well, maybe we can cut those off. Looks like it's only the top of the crust.” He drew you over to look at it with him, and his smile was very gentle and forgiving.

“I like the jack o’ lantern face,” he said. “You’re so clever and creative, kitkat. I think it's a great surprise. I love it.”

You looked up at him. “Yeah?”

He kissed your nose. “Yeah. Let me put on some coffee to go with it. I'll even let you have a slice.”

You gave a watery laugh. “Thanks. That's nice of you.”

He helped you finish cleaning the kitchen, and the acrid smell of burnt pie crust was washed out with the comforting aroma of coffee as it brewed. You went out on the porch to sit in the chilly evening air with your plates piled high with the not-burnt parts of your pie, and you enjoyed how Danny dug in with gusto, complimenting your baking all the while.

You snuggled closer to him on the porch swing, cradling your steam-wreathed mug, careful of your sore fingers. 

“How’s your beautiful little hand, my dear?” he teased gently, holding his hand out for you to place your hand in.

“Better,” you said. Your heart tilted when he kissed your fingertips. “Thank you for taking care of me, Danny.”

He hummed. “You’re welcome, kitkat. It was the least I could do after being so ugly to you. I know I said it before, but I'm sorry for acting like that. You don't deserve for me to talk to you that way.”

You brushed your fingers over his cheek. “Thank you. Would you mind telling me why you were so frustrated? I want to help if I can.”

He sighed, and his expression scrunched a little with worry and weariness.

“Money’s a little tight,” he said after a long moment. “The gig we booked for this weekend fell through.”

“Oh, Dan, I’m sorry,” you said sincerely. You knew that the paycheck would have been nice, and a canceled show was never what an aspiring band wanted to deal with. You knew he and the boys would have liked to play the gig anyway, even if they didn't make any money off of it.

“Was that what you were on the phone about?” you asked.

He nodded. “Josh told me this morning, and he tried to figure out a new date with the guy we booked with, but he told me when I was out here earlier that he wouldn't reschedule.” He shook his head. “Josh is pissed. I guess I am too. It sucks.”

“Yeah,” you said gently. “I’m sorry, honey. Can I help? Financially, I mean?”

A dull, uncomfortable blush darkened his face. “I don't want to ask you for money, kitkat.”

“I know,” you said kindly. “But I'm happy to help. I practically live here anyway. I can pitch in with rent or groceries or something.”

He looked at you with such humility and gratitude that you thought your heart would break.

“Thanks, honey,” he said. His voice was a little hoarse. “That’s very kind of you.”

You gave him a gentle smile. “You’re welcome, Danny. I love you. Let me help you.” You didn't make a ton of money either, but you'd gladly do whatever you could to help your boyfriend and his brothers that were as good as family to you.

He ran a hand over his face. “I was trying to get you a present, earlier,” he said. “For our anniversary.” He gave you a teasing smile. “Our real one.”

You laughed. “Oh yeah?”

“That’s why I was gone all day,” he agreed. “But it...” His jaw worked uncomfortably. “It ended up being pretty expensive. More than I budgeted for. So that made me feel like a schmuck.”

You took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I don't need anything to know you love me, Danny. But thank you for thinking of me.”

He looked over at you. “Do you wanna know what it was? Since it's the thought that counts, I hope?”

You smiled. “It is the thought that counts. And yeah, if you want to tell me.”

“A lady we work with breeds dogs on the side,” he said. “All official, fancy, pedigree labradors. I was gonna get you a puppy, like I talked about. You know. Start our family, or whatever.”

He was bashful as he told you, the embarrassment of having to say no once he'd learned the price obviously still stinging him. But it was such a nice thought, such a sweet present that he'd wanted to get, that just the idea alone was enough of a gift.

“Oh, Danny,” you said sweetly. You kissed his cheek. “That would have been a really good gift. But I'm glad you made a smart financial decision.”

He sighed. “Yeah. Wish I didn't have to make such smart financial decisions all the time.”

You brushed his curls back from his face. “I know, sweetheart. But I admire you for making wise choices for our family of two, and I know I can trust you to make wise choices for our family of three when we finally do get our puppy.”

He brightened then. “We could always get a pound puppy. Some two and a half dollar mutt that needs somebody to love ‘em.”

You smiled. “We could,” you agreed. “Maybe that's what we should do for our anniversary. Our real one.”

He chuckled and drew you close with his arm over your shoulders, pulling you snug against him. 

“I’ll remember next year,” he promised. “This is a good anniversary to celebrate too.”

You kissed under his jaw. “I think so too.”

When the sun set and the chilly air turned cold, you went back inside and started to get dinner on. They boys were working tonight, and since Danny was off, you had the house to yourselves. He still seemed a little down as you cooked together, though he was good company, and you wished there was something you could do to help cheer him up.

“Do you mind if I put some music on?” you asked, not wanting to overstimulate him like you had earlier. “How’s your headache?”

He smiled. “Better, thanks. Crank up the tunes, honey.”

You put your Halloween playlist back on, and when Bowie’s “Magic Dance” came on, you had an idea of something to help loosen Danny up.

You held out your hand. “Dance with me.”

He grinned and took your hand. “As you wish, my love.”

There in the middle of the kitchen, while dinner simmered on the stove, you drew him into a footloose and fancy-free dance of careless steps to the funky tune. You sang along, swinging and twirling and grooving to the music; he mimicked you with much more grace and effortless cool, complimenting your awkward, happy dancing. Both of you danced and jumped along with the song, laughing and crashing into each other with clumsy, carefree movements that brought you together in the joy and comfort and ease you shared.

“Is my dance magic working?” you asked.

He laughed. “I think so, honey. I feel all limbered up.”

He listened to the music attentively for a moment.

“There’s kind of a sexy little guitar riff coming up, if I remember correctly,” he said.

You knew exactly what he was talking about. You tossed your hair and gave him a hooded smile when the riff played, skating your hands over your body. He pinked and gave you a devilish grin.

“Better watch out, kitkat,” he teased. “You’re gonna get yourself in trouble dancing like that.”

You put your arms around his neck. “Put that baby’s spell on me, loverboy.”

He scooped you up and held you in his strong arms, your legs wrapped around his waist. “Don't have to tell me twice, honey.”

You giggled. “What about dinner?”

“Let it burn. I've got a taste for burnt food now.”

You laughed, big and bright and joyful, and held his face as you kissed him deeply.

“I sure do love you, Danny.”

He smiled and looked up at you with nothing short of adoration. “Aw, kitkat. I sure do love you too.”

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[claudemblems]

A Heart in Bloom | Lyney

(Fem!Reader) A short little blurb I wrote for an adorable magician because his flirting in game is making my heart do things <3

"A rose for the beautiful lady."

Your cheeks tinged pink at Lyney's words, charming and teasing as always. You carefully took the Rainbow Rose from his hands (you noted that it was the fifth one you'd received that month), admiring the bloom's soft pink petals that felt like velvet between your fingers. 

"Ah, mon amor, your face is turning the same shade as the flower itself! Such a sight makes my heart race~"

You shielded your flushed face behind the flower, giggling at his flirtations. "How many times have I heard you say that lately, Lyney?"

"Forgive me, but I just can't help but marvel at your adorable expressions. There would be no greater gift than to see them for the rest of my life!"

His theatrics only made you laugh even more. "I hope you don't flirt with other girls like this," you joked, though beneath your lighthearted tone, there was a hint of truth to be found.

"Of course not, mon amour," Lyney said, taking your hands in his. "Until the day I die, your heart will be the only one I long for."

Time seemed to stop in that moment, your breath catching in your throat at the intensity in Lyney's gaze. What he’d just said…was it simply another one of his acts, or had he surprised you with an earnest confession?

Before you could ponder the matter any further, Lyney pulled back, offering you a bright smile. "If those roses make you so happy, I'll be sure to bring you some more."

"I'd love that," you answered, clutching the rose in front of your heart. 

“Well, mon chéri, I must be going. I have a show tonight that I must prepare for. However, if you’d like to attend…” Lyney met your gaze one last time, shooting you a wink, “I’ll have a bouquet of Rainbow Roses waiting for you backstage.”

Lyney didn’t even try to hide his satisfaction at the way your blush intensified. He beamed, his smile turning into a cheshire cat’s grin. “Can I count on you to be there?”

“Y-Yes,” you stammered, cursing at the way you never seemed able to formulate a proper sentence around him. But if you found it annoying, Lyney saw it as nothing short of endearing.

“Until then.”

Without another word, Lyney tipped his hat and was off, his steps noticeably lighter than before. Was he just like you, dancing around the genuine feelings that seemed intent on infiltrating your heart, just waiting for that extra push to give him the courage to fully embrace them?

I wonder what kind of expression he’d make if I gave him flowers, too…

The thought was too delightful not to follow up on.

That night, you’d returned his gesture in kind. And just as you expected, his reaction far exceeded your expectations.

[supercap2319]

Ikaris x male reader (Greek Mythology Au)

You knew about Ikaris, son of Apollo, by your mistress, Hecate. He was a famous Demigod. Maybe not as famous as Heracles or Achilles, but still famous nonetheless. While other heroes had super strength or invincibility thanks to the Styx, Ikaris had the power to shoot the sun from his eyes.

Hecate said it was a rare gift and if he used it well, Ikaris could prove to be a force for good to Gods, or their enemy. You hoped it was the former. Would be a shame if someone as handsome and as powerful as he would turn out to be an enemy to all of Greece.

You stayed with mistress Hecate in order to control this magic that you possessed that she called ‘the ability to manipulate reality as you wished.’ You didn't care to manipulate reality. This was the job of the Gods, but you did long for love and companionship. Little did you know that you were going to get exactly what you wished for on the night Hecate left to tend to matters elsewhere.

On the night of her leave you had remained in her temple, keeping the hearth warm as you heard the sounds of footsteps of someone. He was dressed in a blue and gold garment that was draped over his chest, but you could still see a trail of hair on his muscular chest. He was even more handsome than you imagined he'd be.

“Forgive my late night intrusion, but I must seek counsel with mistress Hecate.” Ikaris said.

“And why do you seek counsel with my mistress, noble warrior?” You asked.

“I seek her advice on how to defeat a monster that cannot be hurt by the weapons of man. I need her wisdom on what path I should take.”

You walked towards him and away from the hearth as you motioned him to join you in sitting down as you offered him a goblet of wine to drink. “My mistress is the Goddess of crossroads, but she can't tell you which road to take, Lord Ikaris. That is a path you must discover for yourself.”

Ikaris took a drink of the wine and nodded his head. “I suppose you're right. This is the first time that I've felt at a loss. This creature, this lion, is unbeatable.” Ikaris said.

“Have you not tried your power of the sun?” You asked. “It is a very powerful gift. I'm surprised that you had to ask for such guidance.”

“I suppose I just wanted someone to talk to. To believe in me when others have not.”

“Well, for what it's worth my Lord, I do believe in you.” You smiled at him.

Ikaris smiled back. “You are too kind.” He reached out and took your hand into his and kissed it. “Thank you. I shall take my leave now, but I shall return within a day's time.”

“I look forward to it.” You said.

You watched him go underneath the shine of the moon and stars.

Within a day's time, Ikaris returned covered in dirt and blood, but he wore a smile on his face and he wore the golden pelt of the lion on his shoulders. He walked towards you and bowed. “I owe you a debt of gratitude. For I could never have defeated the lion without your guidance. Tell me, what is your name?”

“Y/N.” You say.

“Well, Y/N. These are for your mistress.” He reached into his chiton and revealed the claws of the lion. “And this… is for you.” He slowly walked towards you and pulled you close before kissing you on the lips.