#im sitting under a tree with some weird red berry things(?) and they keep falling off and hitting me in the head

[dawnthefluffyduck]

This game is so pretty 🥹

[amoristt]

Red | Nathan x Reader

disclaimer: i know nathan is not a good person. i am not putting a blanket over his actions in this fic. i, the writer, understand he’s not an innocent character and has made many terrible choices. im just answering people’s requests, please dont put me under the fire for it.

thank you.

Day 1. Anthropomorphic People. ‘The Fox’

Kicking off promptober with a nathan x reader!

obviously since it’s prompt induced this is an AU in which humans have animalistic traits! hope you guys enjoy and make sure to check out my promptober post >here< !

Warnings: animal death (minor), language, mentions of character death.

Hunting was never one of your favorite hobbies. You hated to sit and wait, not having the patience to still yourself enough so that animals could wander by. Despite knowing you needed to hunt for food you still had an issue harming the innocent animals that just happened to cross paths with you.

‘It’s the circle of life,’ Your father drilled it into your head every time he dragged you out with him. ‘Without hunters like us they’d overpopulate.’

Though you knew ultimately he was right it still felt wrong pulling the trigger, watching the animal writhe before falling a few feet away after a frantic attempt at escaping it’s fate. It was harder when you were young and could reply on your father, but now that you were all alone you learned to harden yourself just enough to get the job done.

Hidden by leaves and shifting under the summers heat you kept your eyes peeled for any signs of animal life. The sun had begun to fall over the trees, casting shadows as long as your eyes could see. Sometimes they would creep you out, make you see things that weren’t there, but mostly they just offered a nice spot out of the sun. You remembered a time when you could use sunscreen and bitterly kicked yourself for abusing it now that you had no access to the ‘inside world’. Your father, passing for a mortal, could make it in and out of town with no one noticing but you couldn’t, not with your ‘traits’. Though they were small, upon entering the city you’d be checked for anything non ‘human’.

Your father had scales on either side of his hips and on his ankles, just the right spots to be overlooked. He passed as a hunter and they let him into the city and out of it without question. You, however, were not as lucky. Scales formed beneath yours eyes, on your shoulders, along your wrists and sides. They were obvious as day, a bright blue-green that the sun would catch off of. Sometimes you thought they were pretty, watching them sparkle like gems, but other times you wished you could cut them off. At one point you almost tried, sick with grief over losing your father to an illness and not having access to a hospital. If you were mortal you could have taken him to get help, sent him to a hospital, but you couldn’t. And so, he died.  After that you tore at your scales, ripped them off despite the agonizing burn they left behind. After your meltdown of sorts you gave up. You weren’t human, you were in pain, and you were still alone. You were also bleeding with little to no medical tools.

Eventually you came to terms with it, and it was a sobering thought to realize you had no one. Sometimes ‘advocates for non-human rights’ would pay visits, leaving you boxes full of clothes, books, or other ‘non craftable’ items, but they never stopped to talk. You could hear them whispering outside your door, hushing one another as they set down the items and then scurried away. Though grateful, you wished they’d talk to you. If you had paper you’d leave them a thank you note for the clothes, especially, but mostly you just wanted someone to keep you company. Talking to the moon wasn’t doing you nearly as much justice as you wished it could.

You remembered your days hunting with your dad, him teaching you everything you needed to know incase something happened to him. You brushed him off, treated his ministrations like a pest because you never thought he’d leave you, but he did. And so, you relearned everything you tuned out.

Hunting was one of these things. It was tiresome and boring at the same time, and it left you with sunburns surrounding your cheeks and arms, but you knew it had to be done. You needed to hunt for food, and no amount of complaining would change that. You weren’t like a feline or a canine, the types who typically traveled in packs. You weren’t like the birds with thunderous wings or talons that could grab fish straight out of water. No, all you had was your useless scales and enough knowledge to scrape by without starving to death.

As evening came forth most of the heat started to die down and you could rest more comfortably, leaning back against a tree surrounded by brush with your gun at your side. Your weapon was another thing you thanked your father for: he’d taught you how to craft your own guns and the ammunition for it. They weren’t nearly as classy or high-tech as the ones in the city, but they got the job done and that was enough for you. 

Soft noises caught your attention and your body went on alert, and as you slowly rose to crouch on your feet the sound only got closer. Small twigs shifting and breaking, grass and plants moving around whatever being was growing near. It was small as far as you could tell, but your heart rate still grew at the thought of running into a predator. You may have thumbs, and you may be able to run on two legs, but there were things out there that could eat you in one bite. But, they were outside of the city zones, so they weren’t ever taken care of. Kings of the jungles, you called them. Giant feline looking creatures with long bare tails and glowing red eyes. They stalked like lions but sounded like wolves. You could hear them outside your makeshift house some nights and it filled you with terror, make you clutch your gun throughout your slumber. You didn’t have claws to defend yourself with, nor did you have a poisonous bite or really any means of defense. You’d be dead in a second.

Worried you’d come face to face with something undesirable, you swallowed thickly and listened closely, peeking through the bushes guarding you. Right in front of you a stick broke and it made you freeze, eyes widening as it moved just beyond the leaves you were looking out of. Hands clammy, finger itching on the trigger, you carefully pulled it to your chest and then slowly rose. When you saw it, you let out a silent but deep breath of relief.

A small, brown, and unassuming rabbit had found it’s way to the pile of berries you’d planted a few feet away from your hiding spot. You felt bad, raising your gun as it nibbled away carelessly, but the emptiness in your stomach overrode it.

‘Sorry.’ You thought as you fingered the trigger.

Just before you shot a quick movement made you leap back, a figure much larger than the rabbit darted out from between two trees. Before you could even react it pounced onto the rabbit, the small creature making desperate wails before they were cut off suddenly. Even though the world around you was basked in shadows you were still taken aback, watching in awe at the sight in front of you.

It was human.

Humanoid, at least. Broad shoulders but a lean frame, two legs and two arms, two hands wrapped around the still squirming body of it’s prey. That wasn’t what had you breathless, however. It was the non human traits that held you.

A long, thick and bushy tail sprouted just beneath his red shirt and above his black pants. He was like you.

Dead silent and unmoving, you guessed he hadn’t seen you yet. His back was towards you, head dipped down and arms in front of him as he finally ended his preys suffering. When he rose to sit on his knees, brushing away the dirt that had collected on his clothes, you just watched. He had pointed ears atop his brown head of hair, and you were filled with glee. He was one of your kind. For a moment he stayed there just staring ahead, and you wondered if he was alone like you of he had a family of his own.

You breathed just a bit too loudly, and the boy turned, and he was beautiful. He was all sharp angles and obvious aggression but you didn’t fear him, too captivated. His eyes, golden, scanned over your face and you knew he could see your scales. It seemed when he noted you weren’t necessarily human either, the defensive anger subsided. He brought himself to his feet, narrowed his eyes at you, grabbed his rabbit and took a few steps back. For some reason you almost reached out for him.

“Wait,” You called. “Don’t go.”

You’d barely spoken a word since your father died. Hearing your own voice felt alien, and apparently it was a mutual feeling. He eyed you, cautiously watching every single movement like suddenly he was the rabbit and you were the predator. Most of his attired was red, and you smiled.

“You’re a fox.” You stated, voice soft and spacey.

“And you’re a lizard.” He spat. You frowned, shocked by the crudeness of his tone.

“Reptilian.” You corrected him as you took a step closer. He retreated just a bit more and you realized you probably shouldn’t be as casual as you were, but something about him being there, being stuck outside the city, made you feel some sort of weird kinship. He obviously wasn’t feeling it, however.

“Doesn’t matter.” He hissed, dismissing your words and looking like he was about to dart.  

You realized how much you didn’t want to be alone, even if it meant talking to strangers. “What’s your name?”

“That doesn’t matter either.”

“I’m ___, you?”

He gawked at you incredulously, and you could see two sharp teeth jutting father than the rest. “We’re not fucking buddies,” he said. “And this rabbit,” He held up the animal dead in his hands. “Is mine.”

“You can have it,” You answered quickly, trying to think of a way to make him stay. “Just- Let me make it for you. I used to cook for my dad all the time.”

“Used to?” his eyes narrowed again. “He’s dead?”

You swallowed at the painful memories but nodded nonetheless. “Yeah. Yours?” He scoffed.

“I wish.”

“You shouldn’t wish things like that.”

“You don’t know shit about my dad, got it?”

A shaky breath left your lips. He was getting mad, you could hear it in his tone, and you were starting to get anxious. You wanted him to leave since he seemed like he was much more trouble than he was worth, but something in you wouldn’t let him. The thought of going back to your shack and never saying another word again felt so lonely. You were suddenly aware of the fact that since you now knew there were others in your area, you’d never be comfortably alone talking to the moon.

“Don’t go.”

He stared at you. “We don’t know each other.”

“We could.”

“Maybe I don’t know wanna’ know you. Obviously you’ve got some fucked up stuff going for you and I don’t want any part of it.”

“And you don’t?” You asked, shoulders tensing. “Doesn’t sound like everythings sweet on your side either.”

“Hey,” He barked suddenly. “Don’t talk about me like you know me. You don’t.”

“Then let me get to know you. Our kind should stick together, shouldn’t they?”

The boy actually laughed at your words, shaking his head. “Don’t pull that shit. Our kind are loners and you know it.”

You looked down at your feet, frowning. “Maybe I don’t want to be a loner anymore.”

A breeze rustled the leaves overhead as he didn’t answer, and when you peeked a look at him it was a different expression than it had been moments ago. It was somber, maybe even empathetic, so you took your chances in speaking again.

“Let me cook that for you. You can have all of it just-... Talk to me.”

“Fox and a lizard. You’re that lonely, huh?” He scoffed, and you sighed in defeat. Retillian. 

The rabbit was tossed forward, landing with a ragdoll thud by the bushes in front of you. You looked up at him curiously, and he stared back with unreadable eyes. However, his tail moved in interest. Drawn back to his face, you were once again caught off guard by how pretty he was. He had such a pointed expression but you found yourself unable to look away. He grew anxious on his feet.

“Maybe next time.” He said plainly before turning on his heel.

“Wait,” You made a move to chase after him but he rose a hand to stop you.

“I said next time. Don’t fucking follow me or you’ll regret it.” He began to disappear into the trees and you watched him while feeling a pit form in your gut. “By the way,” He kept moving but spoke louder. “My name’s Nathan.”

Though you wanted to chase after him you stayed put, watching him almost dissolve into the thick brush until there was nothing left but you, nature, and the dead rabbit lying near your feet. An emptiness crept into your chest and your shoulders slumped at you grabbed the rabbit, happy you had a meal for the night but still feeling like you’d lost what was important.

But, as his name and image bounced around in your head, you couldn’t help but smile. Though he was gone and you still knew little to nothing about him, somehow some part of you knew you’d see him again.

The world around you suddenly felt just a bit bigger.

[babyqueenbread-blog]

The magical berries (Part 1)

Dale Alyward came from a village in the woods, her family poor and hungry. Her father worked hard in a bookstore across from where they life. But it wasn't enough to feed the big family. Dale was the oldest of five daughters, being the one responsible for the care of their mother. The doctor in the village was too expensive for the family and they wouldn't dare to try witchcraft either.

In the woods, there was a wooden house, covered in flowers and grass with trees against each corner. It looked fairytale like, but Dale knew it wasn't anything like fairies and trolls. Those things don't exist, and they never will. One day Dale walked trough the woods, looking for berries or mushrooms she and her family were able to eat. She looked almost everywhere, but nothing was eatable. She dropped her head and began to walk home, disappointed and hungry. Suddenly, she saw a big tree, in the middle of a field with berries at the very top. It was really high but she knew if she waited they would get rotten and she couldn't eat it anymore. So she took off her jacket and began to climb up the tree. She stood on a branch, wich seemed strong, but she heard cracking sound so hurrying up would be a good idea. As she knew the branch was going to break soon, she climbed higher, until she was at the top. She got her basket and began to pick the berries off the branches and into the basket.

After a while, there were no berries left, and Dale looked proudly in her basket. This would keep them settled for a week, maybe two. Dale took off her shoes and threw them down from the tree. Why she didn't know actually. Something in her said she had to do it. So naturally, she did it. With her bare foot she touched a branch under the big branch she was sitting on. If she didn't want to fall to her death she needed to do this carefully and quick. So she began to climb down the tree.

Crack.

A branch broke off and her foot slid off the now broken wood. It slid down the broken edges and a sharp pain started to form in her feet. She moaned and her heart began to race and suddenly she felt her fear of heights coming up. She needed to get down, but she couldn't. She decided it was a better idea to stay on a big branch for the night. She got some rope and tied it around her waist to make sure she didn't fall while sleeping. After a while of looking at the stars, she fell asleep.

Chirping birds woke Dale up, and she sun shined in her eyes. She got up and untied the robe around her waist. She still didn't know how to get down tho...

After a while a young man walking the road looked up at here, trying to hold back his laughter. Dale must have looked ridiculous. Her brown hair was a mess and her dirty red dress and bare feet must have made her look like a crazy person.

'Nice way of exploring nature, whatcha doing up there lil' girl?' The boy said, smirking at her. 'Im stuck, can you perhaps help me?' Dale said, pointing at the broken branch under her feet.

'I, Niklaus Hamelton, help a damsel in distress?-He looked at me like I was some little princess that was in need-I would love to sweetheart but I can't, really.' He waved and started to walk away.

'Wait! Come back! I can give you something for it!' She said without thinking. Niklaus stop walking and turned around.

'And what may that be?'

'I don't now- she desperately looked around for something expensive-I can give you my golden necklace?'

He nodded and walked to a big stack of wooden locks. He climbed on it and instantly grabbed her feet.

'What are you doing!?' She said kind of irritated with him.

'Helping ya out, sis.' He began pulling and Dale looked around for something to grab so she wouldn't fall to her death because of this boy.

'I'm going to fall.'

'I'm going to catch you Browns I told you I'll help ya out.'

She closed her eyes and losing her grip on the tree. A second later she found herself falling for a split second. There was no time for screaming because a second later she landed in his arms. She quickly stood up and climbed down the locks.

'Thank you so much, Niklaus.' She said and ran to her shoes and jacket.

'Ye that's alright Brownie, now give me the necklace.' He said, smirking evilly.

'Sorry, there was no necklace. I just wanted to get down.' She smirked back and saw his face turn darker. Her smile dropped and she took a step back.

'You have no idea who you're messing with.' He walked up to her and pushed her to the tree she was just on three seconds ago. Her eyes widened and she looked at her feet.

'Your'e going to give me something for my heroic duties sweetheart, or it's not going to end well with ya.' She shivered and looked up. He growled at her and smirked.

'Ho ho buddy, don't fight me now. I'll give you your necklace and in return, you bring me home safe.' He nods in agreement. 'There is only one problem, I actually do not know how to get home.'

'Are you kidding me!? How am I supposed to bring you home if you don't even know wich way we need to go.'

'I don't know, let's try north first.' She says. He nods and takes her hand. 'So north, that's this way.' He pulls her trough the trees.

After a while of walking, the skies turned darker and rain started to fall. They started looking for a shelter and fortunately there was a cave nearby. They flew inside and Niklaus started putting rocks to the entrance to prevent from rain flowing in.

Dale sat down and started counting here berries. They looked so fresh still, even tho they were picked yesterday. And their colour was almost inhuman red, almost impossible for a berry to look that red. She took and brings it to her mouth. They tasted like amazing.

Sweet, a pinch of sourness and a soft texture.

They were perfect.

'Wow, Niklaus you have to try these berries!' She said and called out for him. He came walking to her with a rather bored look on his face but it disappeared when his gaze fell on the basket.

He took a step back

'Brows, why do you have Nanos in ur Lil basket?' He asked and raised his eyebrows.

'Nanos? Last time I checked these were normal berries.' Dale said with a chuckle.

He's crazy, she thought.

'You don't know what Nanos are? Did you eat one?!'

'Uhm yes, why.' She asked, still chuckling.

'Oh no. We need to get it out of your system. FUCK, why did you eat them?!'

'Care to explain what Nanos are?' She asked rather irritated with him.

'Magical berries. They grow in this forest and they are extremely dangerous. They can give you P.S, Perfect Syndrome. This causes changes in appearance, for example I will see you as my type of Perfect Girl and another guy/girl sees you as their type of Perfect Girl. It drives people nuts.'

'Well, how do we get it out!?'

'We need to bring you to my Pal that leaves near DawnDrop castle. But it's a three-day ride and-' He picks up his backpack and walks to the exit of the cave.

'It's still raining ya know. We could wait till tomorrow?' She says. He chuckles and puts his shit down.

'Your right lets make a fire before it goes cold in here.'

She nods in agreement and starts to make a circle of stones. He throws a Lucifer on top of some dry leaves and fires burn up.

*Nicklaus's Point of View now*

She ate the Nanos an hour ago, but I am still not seeing anything. She's still her. Weird, it's long in her system. It should've worked by now. Not that I am complaining...

|*

The next morning we walk out of the cave, all ready for the walk. She still looks the same. Maybe it's because-

'What are you?' She bluntly asks.

'Come again?' I say and chuckle a little.

'Like what creature are you?'

'What makes you think I'm not human?'

'I asked first. So please, do tell.' She says.

I sigh and frown. 'I'm half human.'

'Andddd?'

'Haldomen.' He mutters, almost unhearable.

'What?!'

'Half demon, got it? Geez.'

'Wow, that's cool!'

'It isn't okay?! It isn't cool to have your parents be too scared of you so they put you in a forest and walk away like nothing happened!'

She looks down and continues walking. We stay like that for a while.

'My uh, my girlfriend. She left me when she found out. So I'm kind of scared to tell people now. Sorry for my sudden outburst, my bad.' I say.

'It's no problem. But your ex-girlfriend, she's missing something.' She smirks. I chuckle and we continue to walk, but now it isn't awkward anymore.

|* Three days later

*Dawns Point of View*

'Here we are!' He says, cheerfully.

We have really bonded since our small fight, and it has been fun too. He laughs and takes my hand. 'Let's go and get this over with.'