#its so long and its also KICKING MY ASS!!!!!!

[excusemyobsessions]

I missed you.

Sylus x MC/You/Reader

Genre: One shot, Fluff, Comfort, Gender neutral

Word count: 1190 words

Little note: I was requested to write a scenario in which you haven't seen Sylus for a while and he's all cuddly because he missed you. I hope this teeth-rotting fluff will make up for the angst I posted last time! 🙏🏻

Warning: use of pet names (kitten, sweetie), teeth-rotting fluff, manhandling?

Also posted on AO3.

It had been quite the week. Work had been kicking your ass and you were exhausted.

You hadn't even been able to see Sylus all week. Yes, you texted and called but he was really busy and so were you. You weren't sure you'd be able to see him during your off time either.

A long sigh escaped you when you checked your phone for the hundredth time for a reply that wasn't there.

‘Will I be able to see you soon?’, you'd asked.

The text was marked as read.

You set down your phone and dragged yourself off to the living room.

You were pouting by then, emotions heightened by exhaustion. Plopping down on the couch, you didn't even turn on the TV, just sitting there, arms crossed under your chest, sulking away the time.

You missed Sylus; you missed that confident smirk of his and his sharp eyes. You missed his deep voice and the bite of his words.

You felt like a child, throwing a tantrum, just sitting there, staring off into nothing. But there was no one there to see.

“He's not even here,” you grumbled to yourself.

Finally, you grabbed the remote and then the blanket draped over the back of the couch, tossing it over your legs.

The plan was simple; sulk away the night while watching one of your comfort movies. Hopefully you’d fall asleep soon so you wouldn’t have to miss him like you did.

You’d barely chosen the movie when you heard someone knock on your door. One of your eyebrows lifted, half annoyed, half intrigued, and you stood up to open the door.

Sylus stood there in the hallway, a black wool coat draped over his shoulders, the first few buttons of his also black sateen shirt undone, revealing his sharp collarbone. Rich crimson gaze lifted up to meet yours when you opened the door and he smirked. One of his hands rested on the door frame and slightly leaned over as he was, his tall frame loomed over you. His white hair was messy, windswept.

“Sylus?” you yipped, surprised.

“Hmm, hello, sweetie,” he purred.

He lunged forward, making you walk backwards a few steps as he stepped into your apartment, shutting the door behind him. Long arms engulfed your frame instantly, even before it clicked shut. You were wrapped up in his warmth and the scent of his expensive perfume.

Craving his presence as you had been, you buried your nose against his collarbone and nuzzled into him. Your hands coiled into the fabric of his shirt.

“You never answered my text,” you mumbled against his skin.

Your tone was accusatory as he had indeed left you sulking by yourself. However, you made no motion to pull away.

“I did answer it. I told you I was on my way,” he answered.

His hand found its way into your hair, fingers sprawled out against your scalp, holding you against him.

Did he?

Now you were embarrassed.

“I never saw it,” you admitted, hiding your face in his neck.

Slowly, gently, he guided the two of you to the couch.

In one quick motion, he leaned down, hooked one arm behind your knees and scooped you up. Soon enough you were placed on his lap after he sat down on the couch. He spread his legs a little and you fell in the space in between them. 

You saw his scrutinizing gaze sweep across the TV and the bunched up blanket before it landed on you.

There was mirth in his eyes.

“Were you sulking here all by yourself?”

Sometimes, you hated how he could read you just like an open book all the damn time.

“No…” you lied, averting your gaze.

He chuckled, low and mellow.

“Come here, kitten, there’s no need for sulking anymore.”

He draped the blanket over the both of you and wrapped you up in his arms, caged against his large chest. He hadn't even removed his coat, it was still barely hanging off his shoulders.

You dipped your head down and nuzzled his neck, feeling his chest rise and fall with a long sigh. When you slipped one hand up his chest to rest on his shoulder, you felt the tension in his muscles fade, his long legs stretching out. It was as if he'd been coiled up the whole time he was without you and he was finally, finally relaxing.

You pressed a kiss to his neck, feeling the steady beat of his heart against your lips. His grip around you tightened comfortably and he responded by planting a kiss on your hairline.

Slowly, you peeled yourself away from his neck and sat up straight so you could see his face. His features were calm, his gaze tender, and he watched you with a small smile.

You lifted your hands to cradle his jaw between them, caressing his cheeks with your thumbs. Sylus leaned into your touch and let his face rest on the palms of your hands, turning just a little to plant a kiss over your love line.

Still holding his face with one hand, you allowed the other to move further up, gently pushing a few strands of white hair away from his eye. His eyelids fluttered shut.

You couldn't help but smile.

“You're really cuddly today,” you noted, running your fingers through his hair. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“Even if you were, I wouldn't let you go,” he answered instantly, giving your waist a little demonstrative squeeze.

You giggled and leaned closer to press a kiss to his forehead. He hummed his appreciation.

As you continued running your fingers through his hair, you felt his long fingers slip into the hem of your shirt and sprawl themselves out against your back. His skin was warm and his digits calloused. His gentle touch was tender, full of love which was spread over the extent of your whole back as he explored your skin further.

You kissed the tip of his nose and then the bridge.

“It's been far too long, kitten. I missed you,” he told you in hushed tones.

He opened his eyes then, to gaze into yours and there was no place you'd rather be than right there, lost in that ruby ocean.

You cupped his face between your hands and rested your forehead against his.

“I missed you too,” you confessed in a whisper. 

You could see how his eyes shone with a smile. Your own lips curved in a reflective smile.

His eyelids fell over his eyes and his mouth found yours. The kiss was slow, gentle, dragged out as if you were reminding each other of what you tasted like, what you felt like. As if you could ever forget.

Your heart beat steadily in your chest, beaming in comfort, wrapped up in the security his hold offered. 

“Will you stay tonight?” you asked against his lips.

“Unless you throw me out the door, I don't plan on leaving your side for the next two days,” he responded, stealing another kiss from your mouth.

You had no plan to kick him out either.

[yuechihua]

gamers it's so over.... 3.6k words into harumasa pov fic and i still have like three or four different sections to write. maybe more, depending on if i think it needs it for context/build up. Quick snippet under the cut btw

“Harumasa, look at me.” A rustle of fabric. Your gloves flutter to the dirt below, stark and black. And then— warm hands. The warmest hands he’s ever felt, cradling his face, bringing his wane face to yours.  A smear of blood across your cheek. Sweat heading across your forehead. But your eyes are beautiful, steadfast and luminous. Like the moon, lighting his way home. “You’re okay,” you say, voice so quiet, as if it’s meant for no other ears than his. “You’re okay, I promise.” 

[nemesyaaa]

ahhhh i was so excited when you said dark!nhl!rafe but now, im kicking my feets so hard !!! need more of this pairing. i missed reading dark!rafe from you !!! also help bc there is Damon and i kinda imagined a vampire diaries crossover lmfaooo and i was like those two toxic boys in the same game, i cant handle it. anyways, we're blessed, tysm 😫😫😫‼️

You’d wanted him for as long as you could remember, the first time you’d saw him it was over for you. No other man could ever compare to Rafe. He was tall— probably pushing six-foot-three — he had the brightest blue eyes you’d ever seen, perfectly toned body and tanned skin. Perfect, pouty pink lips that had your mind wandering, thinking of how they’d feel between your legs, on your own lips, kissing anywhere on your body he could. — i like HUUUUUUUGE MEN 😀 im sucker for big boys

Rafe grumbles something under his breath, and everyone looks at him, eyes wide in concern. Rafe finally lifts his gaze, cold, ice blue eyes on you before he looks at Damon. He leans forward, gripping the man’s face in his hands and says, “I don’t ever want to see you fucking touching her again. Do you understand me?” — I'm heavily shaking rn

“Oh but you do belong to me, sweetheart. You just don’t know it yet, but I’m about to show you just how mine you really fucking are.” — the audacity. this guy has no shame 😌

Rafe drops to his knees before you, gripping your ankle and pulling you towards him. You fall onto your back, chest heaving with every breath as your mind whirls. There’s no way this is happening, it’s all a sick and twisted dream. — the move, i can totally picture it

Once in the new position, Rafe’s hands snake under your hips, lifting them up off the ground so your ass is in the air. He grips his thick dick in his hand again, slowly stroking as he lines his fat tip with your soaked entrance. He slowly pushes the tip inside, leaning his body over your back, his lips pressed against your ear. The words he whispers in your ear sends a shiver down your spine, “You’ve always been mine, always. Now it’s time I fucking show you how mine you truly are.” — my man has some insane lines damn it. porr damon on the corner of the room lmfaoooo

now its all a fun game but what about coach reaction ??? 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

hi baaaby💞

can i request dark!nfl!rafe x coaches daughter!reader? basically rafe makes readers life a living hell just to cover his true obsessive feelings for her bc she is off limits and maybe one day after practice rafe catches reader with a teammate in the locker room (only doing this to get rafes attention) he loses his shit and doesn’t care about her being off limits and does whatever it takes to show reader that he plays no games and that she is his girl. no matter what it takes. something like that🫣

maybe with some knife/blood play? breth play and whatever else you come up with🤭😉

hi my sweet baby!!💕 so like.. i LOVE your mind 😮‍💨 and dark!nfl!rafe.. yeah i’m on my knees 😭🤭

CW: smut! 18+ only! dark!rafe, nfl!qb!rafe, violence, slight blood play, hair pulling, choking, unprotected piv sex, degrading and praise.

masterlists.

You sit on the sidelines, one leg crossed over the other as you watched the team practice. Your eyes couldn’t leave one player in specific though…

Rafe Cameron.

You’d wanted him for as long as you could remember, the first time you’d saw him it was over for you. No other man could ever compare to Rafe. He was tall— probably pushing six-foot-three — he had the brightest blue eyes you’d ever seen, perfectly toned body and tanned skin. Perfect, pouty pink lips that had your mind wandering, thinking of how they’d feel between your legs, on your own lips, kissing anywhere on your body he could.

But he’d never even given you a second glance, and you knew you could thank your father for that… Your dad was the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Rafe was his precious QB1. Your father had basically threatened all the boys on his team, telling them his ‘baby girl was off limits’ to them. Major buzzkill. But Rafe.. Your dad specifically swore him away from you, and Rafe, being the perfect star player he was, chasing after your dad’s approval more than anything else, listened. And he listened well.

He ignored all of your advances, his eyes catching yours for a brief second before he was rolling those beautiful ocean-blue eyes and walking off. He was always grumpy around you, always pushing you around and making fun of you, but you weren’t sure why. You’d never done anything to him except try and be nice, but he was always, always such a dick to you.

The sound of your dad’s whistle pierces the air, your head snapping up, thoughts clearing as you watched all the players gather in a circle. You tune your dad out again, your eyes landing on Rafe’s back. You squeezed your thighs together when he shifted, his large, veiny arms straining as he held his helmet in one hand, his other hand propped on his hip as he listened to everything your dad had to say.

You quickly stand, sneaking off towards the locker rooms while your dad and the others were distracted. You were going to get Rafe’s attention today. The plan you had in mind was stupid, but you knew you had to figure out where Rafe’s mind was when it came to you. He’d either lash out and prove that his grumpiness toward you was simply because he couldn’t have you due to your father’s wishes, or, he’d roll his eyes and not care at all.

You were hoping it was the former and not the latter in this situation. You wanted Rafe, and if flirting with another player in front of him could get you that, then so be it.

Your hands shook as you stood in the locker room, leaning slightly against Damon Westwood’s locker and waiting. The sound of loud, rowdy voices start filtering into the locker room, and you slightly jump. One by one, players enter the locker room, some freezing and staring at you for a second while others carried on as if you weren’t even there.

Damon enters the locker room last, his dark green eyes landing on you, a small smirk tilting his lips as he slowly makes his way to his locker. Rafe never came in here.

“And are you trying to get me killed by your dad?” Damon jokes, dropping onto the bench in front of the lockers and removing his practice cleats.

You smile, placing a hand on his shoulder. Your eyes flit up to the locker room entrance, silently praying Rafe would walk in.

“I’m twenty-three, Westwood, my dad can’t tell me who I can and can’t see.”

Damon laughs, pulling his practice jersey over his head and dropping it on the bench before standing. He towers you in height, but he doesn’t compare to Rafe. Damon isn’t bad looking, he had a nice body, pretty eyes and his voice was sexy, but again, he wasn’t Rafe Cameron.

He opens his locker, grabbing a workout bag from inside and dropping it onto the bench next. A commotion near the entrance catches your attention, a few of the players walking up to Rafe and doing those man handshake things with him before patting his shoulders and praising him for the good practice they’d had. His eyes slowly drag up, landing on yours.

You hold eye contact with Rafe, not even hearing a thing Damon says to you. You step forward, placing a hand on his sweaty chest while laughing. Damon looks down at you, his green eyes darkening over, but you don’t hold his eyes for long, looking back up to find Rafe staring. His fists are fisted by his sides, nostrils flaring and his jaw tight.

Damon opens his mouth to say something more but Rafe is storming over, gripping his shoulders and slamming him into the locker. You gasp, jumping back from Damon as you watch Rafe pull the other man back from the locker, slamming him into it again and again. He lifts a fisted hand, pulling back and slamming it into Damon’s nose.

“Oh fuck! What the hell, Cameron?” Damon cries out, holding a hand to his nose that’s pouring blood.

Rafe doesn’t speak, he’s breathing heavily, hands shaking as he glares between you and Damon. Another player walks up to the three of you, holding a hand out for Damon to grab and pulling him up off the ground.

“Rafe… What the hell was that?” Blake asks, helping a very out of it Damon sit on the bench.

Rafe grumbles something under his breath, and everyone looks at him, eyes wide in concern. Rafe finally lifts his gaze, cold, ice blue eyes on you before he looks at Damon. He leans forward, gripping the man’s face in his hands and says, “I don’t ever want to see you fucking touching her again. Do you understand me?”

Damon laughs, and Rafe tenses. Your mind is whirring at what you’ve done. You’d wanted Rafe to lash out, to show that he did want you like you did him, but you didn’t expect this.

“And what the fuck is so funny about what I just said Westwood?”

Damon lifts his head, blood covering his nose, mouth and chin as he glares at Rafe. “What’s funny is you thinking you have any sort of fucking claim on her. Coach doesn’t want any of us fucking with his ‘baby girl’ but he’d kill you, Cameron. And you fucking know it.”

Rafe lets out an annoyed laugh, his eyes darkening by the second. “You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about, so I suggest you shut the fuck up before I beat your goddamn ass. You know I can too.”

Damon mumbles more incoherent words under his breath, Blake grabbing his arm and lifting him off the bench, saying something about taking him to the team doctor and disappearing. Rafe’s angry gaze finds you, his nostrils still flaring as he holds your eyes. You open your mouth to speak but Rafe holds up a hand, “Just.. Get the fuck out of here before your dad finds you in here. He’ll make us all run fucking suicides tomorrow and I’m really not in the mood to run until I puke.”

You frown, but nod your head and push past him. Tears fill your eyes as you make your way out of the locker room, rushing back to the practice bench and grabbing your stuff before rushing to your car. Once you’re inside the safety of your car, your hands grip the steering wheel, your eyes burning from unshed tears and squeezed shut. Flashes of Rafe slamming Damon into his locker over and over again fill your mind. You’d hoped Rafe would get jealous, prove that he was into you, but you didn’t expect…that.

Shaking away the memories of what just took place, you start your car and pull out of the parking lot, speeding to your apartment. You needed to get drunk and forget this day ever happened.

—

A few hours later, your mind is buzzing from the two bottles of wine you’d consumed. You couldn’t stop thinking about how angry Rafe had gotten. Why did he attack Damon like that? He broke his nose, slammed him into a locker over and over again. Would he have taken it further had Blake not stepped in to stop him?

Your thoughts are interrupted by a hard knocking on your front door. Your brows furrow as you look at the time on your phone,— 10:30pm — who would be here this late? You uncross your legs, sitting your empty wine glass on the table and make your way to the door. Not even bothering to look through the peephole, you unlock your door and swing it open, gasping when you find Rafe, his face and hands covered in blood, an unconscious Damon Westwood being held up by Rafe by the collar of his shirt.

“Rafe what the hell?!” you shout, eyes wide.

Rafe smirks, shoving Damon past the threshold of your door, his unconscious, bloody body smacking your tile floors with a loud thwack. Rafe pushes inside next, shutting your door softly and locking it behind him. You take a step backwards, nearly tripping over Damon’s body in the process. Is he even breathing? You’ll need to check on that after you figure out what the fuck Rafe is doing here, and why he has Damon.

You continue to back up, Rafe matching your steps with his own until you’re backed into your kitchen counter. Your hands are shaking, breath stuck in your throat as you keep your eyes on Rafe who now has you pressed into your counter.

He lifts a bloody hand, running it across your face, smearing the blood on your skin. He smirks down at you, his normally bright blue eyes dark and void of any emotion. “I decided Damon couldn’t get off easy for touching what belongs to me.”

You scoff, knocking his hand back. “I don’t belong to you, Rafe. You made that very clear when you treated me like shit every day since you met me.”

Rafe chuckles, the sound low and deep, vibrating against your chest and sending waves of arousal rushing straight to your pussy. You should be terrified right now, but you’re not. Instead, you’re very turned on.

“Oh but you do belong to me, sweetheart. You just don’t know it yet, but I’m about to show you just how mine you really fucking are.”

Before you can even respond Rafe has a hand wrapped around your throat, squeezing so tightly your lungs begin to burn, your body thrashing and fighting against his hold. You wrap your hands around his wrist, scratching and trying to fight him off but it’s no use. Rafe is fucking strong.

He uses his grip on your throat to yank you off the counter, spinning you around and walking the two of you toward where Damon lie unconscious and bleeding out in your floor. He tosses you backwards, landing on your ass with an ‘oomph’. You’re inches away from Damon’s body on your floor and your heart rate ratchets up in your chest, threatening to burst from your rib cage.

Rafe drops to his knees before you, gripping your ankle and pulling you towards him. You fall onto your back, chest heaving with every breath as your mind whirls. There’s no way this is happening, it’s all a sick and twisted dream. You drank two bottles of wine by yourself in a two hour span, this is all jusy a drea—

Your thoughts are cut short when Rafe rips your shirt open, buttons popping off and flying onto the floor around you. A low growl rumbles in his chest when his eyes land on your bare chest, nipples hard from the cool air of your apartment hitting them.

“Fucking perfect.” Rafe growls, swiping his hand through the blood on the floor before swiping them across your chest, painting your breasts with Damon’s blood.

Your clit pulses, eyes wide and lips slightly parted as you watch Rafe, his darkened over eyes drinking in every inch of your chest and stomach. He closes the distance between the two of you, dipping his head down so his lips are close to your chest. The warmth of his breath against your skin has you whimpering, propping yourself up on your elbows and watching him intently.

Rafe’s head dips lower, his tongue darting out and flicking across one of your hardened nipples. He groans, sucking the pebbled bud into his mouth, teeth nipping at it before he releases you and quickly works his sweatpants off.

When Rafe’s hard cock springs free from his boxers your eyes widen. Rafe smirks at your unease, gripping himself in one hand and slowly stroking. “Scared?” He asks lowly.

You swallow around the knot in your throat, shaking your head, eyes flitting between Rafe’s own intense stare and down to his hand tightly gripping his cock, giving himself slow and languid strokes.

Rafe releases his cock, quickly tugging your silk pajama pants down your legs and tossing them across the room. “On your stomach.” He demands, and you quickly obey.

Once in the new position, Rafe’s hands snake under your hips, lifting them up off the ground so your ass is in the air. He grips his thick dick in his hand again, slowly stroking as he lines his fat tip with your soaked entrance. He slowly pushes the tip inside, leaning his body over your back, his lips pressed against your ear. The words he whispers in your ear sends a shiver down your spine, “You’ve always been mine, always. Now it’s time I fucking show you how mine you truly are.”

You gasp loudly when he shoves his thick length inside you, bottoming out instantly. The stretch and burn of your pussy has tears welling behind your eyes, your teeth gritting so hard you’re afraid they might crack. Rafe slowly pulls out to the tip, slamming his hips forward again, the head of his fat cock slamming against your sweet spot. You cry out for him, pussy clenching around his length as your nails scratch against your tile floors.

Damon groans, his body slightly shifting before he falls back out again. A tear slips past your cheek, a choked sob mixed with a moan slipping past your lips. Rafe’s hand fists in your hair, yanking your head up off the floor. He pulls your back flush against his front, his head falling to rest in the crook of your neck. He breathes in your scent, his hips slowly moving as his cock slides slowly in and out of your wet pussy.

“I had to teach him a lesson, baby. He was too close to what belongs to me… Now you see,” He pauses, groaning as your pussy clenches around him at his possessive words. “Fuck… Now you see, I’ll do anything, to anyone, to show that you’re mine. Off limits. My goddamn person.”

You moan his name loudly, gripping his arm that’s snaked around your waist. Your nails dig into his skin as warmth coils around the base of your spine and in your lower belly. Rafe slides his hand down your stomach, his fingers finding your clit and rubbing harsh circles around it. The hand in your hair tightens, Rafe’s hips picking up in speed, brutally fucking into you from behind.

Your pussy tightens around Rafe, screaming out his name as Damon’s eyes slide open in a daze. His heavy eyes find you, and you give him a sympathetic look but it quickly vanishes as you come undone, soaking Rafe’s cock.

Rafe chuckles darkly, his teeth sinking into your shoulder as his dick swells and pulses inside you. His dark blue eyes find Damon on the floor, a smile tilting his lips as he says, “Told you she fucking belonged to me, Westwood. This tight cunt just came all over my cock, and I’m about to fill it with my cum.”

True to his word, Rafe grunts against your neck, whispered curses slipping from his lips as his dick twitches. He pushes in deep one final time, holding himself there as he cums inside you in slow spurts.

The two of you come down from your highs, panting and breathing each other in. Damon still lay on the floor, confused and slightly in and out of consciousness. Rafe grips your throat, twisting your neck so you’re facing him before he kisses you hard. You moan against his lips, feeling dazed from everything that’s happened today.

Rafe slowly slides out of you, standing and putting his sweats back on before helping you get redressed— giving you his hoodie since he’d ripped your shirt open. He helps you into your room, tucking you in bed before kissing you again, softly this time.

“What’re you gonna do about Damon? You could get into trouble, Rafe.” You say, voice laced with concern.

Rafe stands beside your bed, a smile on his face. “Don’t worry about Westwood, he’ll survive and won’t remember this night, promise.”

You yawn, sinking into your bed as your eyes flutter, but one more thought has them springing open, finding Rafe halfway out your bedroom door.

“And my dad? He won’t like us together..”

Rafe stops in your doorway, turning to face you again. His eyes are dark, a terrifying smile on his face. “Don’t worry about him, baby. I told you, you’re mine. I got it all handled. No one, that includes your father, will come between us.” He walks toward you again, leaning down and kissing the top of your head. “Now get some sleep, I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Then he turns and walks out, your bedroom door shutting with a soft click. Rafe’s words should terrify you, but they don’t. You’d waited so long to have him want you back, and you believed him when he said he had it all handled. Your eyes flutter closed, sleep consuming you, the last thing on your mind being Rafe and what exactly he has planned to make it so the two of you can be together without consequences.

tagging some mooties: @quinnsbabygirl @rafesthroatbaby @rafesheaven @nemesyaaa @hauntedfawnn @dementedkittenribbon @rafescvntyclubgf @rafesbabygirlx @maybankslover @maybejj @rafesangelita @cherrygirlfriend @memoirofasparklemuff1n

[gophergal]

Uhm

Uhm

I would like some uhm

Helmet party

Por favor?

Not only I am very crazy abt them but I need something happy (not rn but I like happy things and they make me feel happy)

So, uh

I would like some Helmet party, por favor.

They're flying high

[crossbackpoke-check]

blessed be (lorscher bienensegen) | telling the bees (wiþ ymbe)

"Bees" [remixed, abridged], Claudia Emerson // "Letter to Someone Living Fifty Years from Now" [remixed. abridged], Matthew Olzmann // "Letter to my Great, Great Grandchild" [remixed, abridged], J.P. Grasser | Len Redkole, Nina Weiss, Brian Babineau, Christian Peterson, Mitchell Leff, Dave Isaac, Megan DeRuchie

[sluug-juice]

Should I make him into a marketable keychain?

[fosliie]

Metamorphosis/FX animation for class!

Was made back during Halloween so wanted to do something a lil spooky with an altered design of an older oc of mine (if you somehow remember them you absolutely get a golden sticker)

[aether-weather]

SAGESUNE MIKU >:DDD

[snowaftermidnight]

brian doodle from class :3 idk which one i like more so im posting both

lyrics are from wine red by the hush sound (transcribed under cut) ignore that i wrote some of them wrong lmao

repeating in pencil: Who shot that arrow in your throat? Who missed the crimson apple? It hung heavy on the tree above your head.

border: This chaos, this calamity. This garden once was perfect. Give your immortality to me, I'll set you up against the stars.

[temporary-tats]

Commission for @notoftheskaal of cover art for @kaelidascope's Bees fic, Something About Moths and a Flame! (definitely recommend giving it a read!) 🖤💛 Definitely one of, if not my favorite piece that I've made thus far!

(My ko-fi and links, should you wish!)

[michameinmicha]

Im very into lavender these days but not in the woo woo 'this will fix my sleep problems and all other issues' pseudoscience way, it's just that i really love the smell and it's very comforting to me, which i can use a lot of right now so i try to surround myself with it as much as possible 💜

[signs-of-the-moon]

Moon High: Chapter 22

The shrill squawking of seagulls in the sky disturbed the slumber of the newly settled Oceanclan. Hazepaw roused from his nest, groggy and a little annoyed by the noise. But when he stretched and felt sand brush the sides of his paws, a bubble of excitement grew in his chest. That's right, we're back on the beach! He remembered and celebrated internally as he sat up to tidy his pelt. Grains of sand met his tongue, salty and earthy all at once. It felt like forever since he had so much sediment in his fur. It was comforting in a way. A sensation Hazepaw never knew he'd miss. But he'd never admit that to anyone. Instead it would remain his private joy as he got up and ready for whatever the day would bring. The sunlight outside the apprentice's den was shaded over by the protection of the Twoleg Settlement Bridge. Only the smallest of sunbeams managed to sneak their way through the cracks of the wooden ceiling. Hazepaw settled into one of those spots for a heartbeat, allowing the warmth to soak on his face and wake him. Once he was sufficiently alert, the fluffy white tom made his way to the fresh-kill pile. A few small fish and rodents lay within it. It was rather pitiful looking, and meant cats would need to go out and hunt soon. For now, Hazepaw chose three mice and carried them to the elder's den. Though he hated dealing with the old fools, he knew he'd have to feed them before taking anything for himself. Dolphintail was the first to be alerted of his presence underneath the old boat, the scent of prey luring her over. Though she didn't seem at all pleased that it was Hazepaw delivering today's breakfast. Still, the eldest of Oceanclan's ranks accepted the food she was offered, and carried it to another part of the den to be consumed. Closeby, Whisperpaw was working on taking ticks off of Chloe. The elders had gathered many during their time in the Forest Patch. Now that they were home, the old cats could be properly cleansed of the nasty little parasites. It seemed Whisperpaw was just finishing up as Hazepaw dropped a mouse at the elderly kittypet's paws.

"You couldn'ta brought a gull instead?" Chloe griped with an indignant tail lash. Hazepaw growled at the old she-cat in frustration, glaring at her sharply. Whisperpaw shook her head, silently begging him not to start a fight. After a heartbeat and a huff, Hazepaw backed away, delivering his last mouse to Oystersplash.

"Thank you," the elder mewed gratefully as he tucked into his meal. Hazepaw dipped his head to the old warrior, pleased to know at least one cat was satisfied. Then he padded back to where Whisperpaw was working. He still needed to speak with her and apologize, like Otterpaw wanted. Now was as good a time as any to make up.

"...I'm surprised you can stand to be in the same den as me right now," he remarked after watching Whisperpaw clean up for a few quiet moments. "You've been so skittish whenever I'm around."

Whisperpaw jolted at the sound of his voice, the fur on her spine standing a little. She continued to tidy up as they carried on a conversation, as if she were trying to distract herself. "Well, I can't avoid you forever..." she responded, her voice as quiet as ever. She glanced over her shoulder then back to a mousebile and tick soiled mossball she'd rolled up. "Besides. Otterpaw told me about the talk you two had."

"She did?" Hazepaw ears perked. Perhaps Otterpaw had done some of the hard part and talked Whisperpaw into hearing him out. "I...don't suppose she told you how sorry I am on my behalf, though, did she?" Hazepaw lifted his chin hopefully. Whisperpaw turned, tilting her head at him, unamused. She knew well what Hazepaw was talking about. But she clearly wanted to hear the words come out of his own muzzle. Hazepaw gave a disgruntled sigh. "Right. Ok. Well listen, Whisperpaw. I'm sorry for the way I treated you. It was uncalled for, and I really didn't mean any harm. I just wanted to help you since you've been struggling with your warrior training. But I see now the way I went about it was harsh. I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me."

For a few heartbeats, Whisperpaw sat silently, expression unreadable. "I've always liked you, Hazepaw," she started, tail-tip wiggling anxiously, "but it scared me that you'd turned your bullying onto me. It hurt worse than the lashes you gave, I think. It's hard to forgive you."

Hazepaw lowered his head, shame and a bit of frustration burning beneath his pelt. "I know. I really didn't mean any harm though, honest. You're my friend. Probably my first ever," he confessed. He glanced between the elders, daring them to chime in. Luckily none of them spoke, instead ignoring the apprentices so they could have their moment in peace. "I just want you to be a great warrior. Especially with the huge pawprints you have to fill." He shifted to face the gray tabby she-cat. Then he lowered his voice so only she could hear him. "You're better than your littermates, and I know you can be a great leader for Oceanclan someday. I thought I could help you get there, by giving you some tough training. But it wasn't my place, and I hurt you. I regret it. I just want my friend back..." All of Hazepaw's words were spoken from the heart. But there was a small seed of gain planted in his speech. Though he did want Whisperpaw back as his friend, he also needed to stay in her good graces. If he upset Whisperpaw too greatly, he'd blow his chance at ever being Oceanclan's deputy. Then all the hard work he was putting in with Sea Breeze would be for nothing.

Whisperpaw twitched her whiskers. "I understand. But it doesn't erase the mistrust I feel for you. However, I don't want to lose your friendship either... I care for you, Hazepaw. But I need some time."

"I get it..." Hazepaw deflated, the hope inside him for reconciliation nearly snuffed out. He sat in silence for a few heartbeats, letting Whisperpaw's words soak in. She still liked him, at least. Not all was lost. Hazepaw would just have to work to prove he meant the words he'd spoken. Determination blazed in his belly, making the fluffy white tom swish his tail. I'll gain her trust back soon enough, Hazepaw thought confidently. He gave Whisperpaw a small smile, receiving a quiet yet apprehensive purr in return from her as she went back to caring for the elders. Not wanting to overstay his welcome, Hazepaw finally excused himself from the boat and emerged into the clearing of camp. Sandybreeze was padding nearby, her head moving in search of something. When her gaze fell upon Hazepaw, she trotted over to him. A heartbeat later, Otterpaw joined them.

"Just the cat I was looking for! You're coming with me to lead a fishing patrol." Fishing patrol? Excitement sprung up inside of Hazepaw at the prospect of fishing for the first time in what felt like forever.

"I'm coming too!" Otterpaw boasted, her joy nearly bursting out of her. Perhaps she was hyped up for the same reason. Or maybe she was looking forward to spending time with her aunt. Whisperpaw suddenly emerged from the elder's den; ears pricked, probably because of the tone in Otterpaw's voice.

"Can I...come too? Luckysong taught me a little about fishing," she mewed, glancing at Hazepaw apprehensively. She looked as though she were giving the request a second thought, regret on her features. Otterpaw brushed her tail along her friend's flank to reassure her.

Sandybreeze gave her whiskers a twitch. "I don't see why not. More paws catch more fish, after all. Come along, you three. Let's meet with the rest of the patrol."

The Oceanclan deputy led them to a pole at the edge of the Twoleg Settlement Bridge, towards the awaiting warriors. Urchinpaw was the first cat Hazepaw spotted. More importantly Troutwhisker, Seaweedfang, and Ripplesnout were there, too. They were the best fishers in Oceanclan. Surely the patrol would be bringing home lots of prey today! Hazepaw smirked with excitement, kneading his paws into the sand beneath them in anticipation.

"Looks like all of 'em," Ripplesnout, noted. Sandybreeze nodded in agreement then flicked her ear, prompting the patrol to head across the beach. A strong breeze ruffled their pelts as they walked, the chill making Hazepaw shiver. Though every day Greenleaf drew closer, Newleaf kept its grip on the world with stone strengthened claws. Hazepaw wished to feel warmth soak his fur at last, in the way cats described the hottest season doing. Then it would make swimming and fishing in the ocean more fun. Though the sand felt nice and hot, with the sun beating down upon the shore. If they'd had a moment, Hazepaw would have rolled around on it to heat him up. He knew once he got in the water the world would feel cold again. Maybe he could do it later, to prepare himself for swimming. For now, though, Hazepaw kept pace with his clanmates, straining his ears to catch the sound of the nearing ocean. As they padded along, Urchinpaw, Otterpaw, and Whisperpaw chatted idly beside him.

"Do you think we'll see any Twolegs while we're out here..?" Whisperpaw wondered, voice quivering a little.

"Doubt it." Urchinpaw shook out his pelt. "It's still too cold for them. Without any fur, the ocean is too much for them to handle in Newleaf."

"But look." Otterpaw gestured to some prints in the sand, leading up to then away from the shoreline. They were close in shape to Twoleg's lower paws. Yet there were none of the creatures in sight. "Appears two were here."

"Well they're long gone now," Minnowjaw assured in with his muzzle in the air. "They musta realized they weren't cut out for the beach beyond the Twoleg Madness season."

"And thank the Moon for that! We don't want those bumbling beasts around when we hunt. They'll scare off all the fish with their splashing," added Troutwhisker. The other cats nodded in agreement, pressing forward on their journey. Hazepaw smelled it before he saw it. The crisp, salty, tangy scent of the ocean was a glorious and unmistakable aroma. It made his mouth water. Energy surged through the fluffy white tom's limbs as he restrained himself from rushing to the seafoam. But Otterpaw beat him to the lunge, bursting away from the patrol to chase the strangely docile waves nearby.

"Race you to the water!" She called over her shoulder to her denmates. A darkness loomed within this part of ocean--something eerie that Hazepaw had never experienced before. In a flash, Sandybreeze rushed after her niece, rounding her to block the way just before Otterpaw managed to touch the water. She ushered the brown she-cat back to the approaching patrol, receiving an earful upon return.

"Are you fish-brained?" Snapped Minnowjaw.

"What made you think you could just run over and dive into the ocean like that? Have you no sense!?" Ripplesnout spat. Otterpaw lowered her ears in shame.

"Pipe down! These 'Paws still have a lot to learn about ocean safety," Sandybreeze growled at the warriors. Then her attention returned to Otterpaw. "From now on, be wary of calm, dark water. And never try to swim in it," she warned her niece more placidly. She didn't seem as angered by Otterpaw's actions as the other warriors.

"But why?" Asked Otterpaw, voice a bit wobbly. Whisperpaw moved to flank her.

"The ocean will pull you in and drown you, if you do. It's because of its jealousy, you see. The ocean is in love with the Moon. But they separated long ago. And so, sometimes the ocean takes out its resentment on us." Hazepaw recalled fables about Silverpelt, sometimes referred to simply as Moon. She was a mother-like figure to cats in most. While in some, she was a stubborn, vain character who only focused on herself. But she was an important figure in the Land's Star's history. Especially for Oceanclan. She was the reason cats existed in the first place.

"But why would it do that?" Urchinpaw lashed his tail with curiosity. "And why do we swim in the ocean if it just wants to kill us?"

"Because the ocean is part of our history. Just as it is part of Silverpelt's. And though it can be a great threat; the ocean is also our greatest ally. Swimming in it builds muscle, making us stronger than the other clans. It also provides us an endless supply of food, so that we never go hungry," Sandybreeze explained. "The ocean loves us as much as the Moon does. It just allows its resentment to cloud its judgment at times. That's why the water is dark, when the ocean aims to suck a cat under."

Hazepaw let out a thoughtful hum. This sounded like something Moonpaw would be interested in. Perhaps he could find out more about the ocean and Moon, so he could have a story to bring back to her? "Why is the ocean jealous of us?" Hazepaw questioned.

Sandybreeze let out a small purr. "Its more jealous of the partnership between the Sun and Moon than us. But because cats are a byproduct of that alliance, the ocean tends to hold resentment towards us as well."

"Can you tell me more? About the ocean and Moon?" Hazepaw's voice was hopeful. Tonight he planned to bring the story back Moonpaw, if he could.

"That's an elder's job. If you want to hear tales of ancient spirits, ask some of them later." Hazepaw was disappointed by Sandybreeze's response. He thought by the way she was explaining things, that she would be more interested in sharing her knowledge of ancient drama. But Sandybreeze was nothing if not a serious cat. Though she believed the stories told to her in youth, she wasn't the sort to waste time discussing useless information. She'd rather teach Hazepaw the truly important lessons of life. And though Hazepaw was grateful for his mentor's teachings, he did wish she could be a little more relaxed on some occasions. Still, there was no use getting his pelt ruffled now, over her not indulging him with some tale of whimsy. The patrol moved on from the shadowy area of the ocean, to a part of the beach where the waves acted more typically. Here the water was bright and blue. If they drew close enough, they may even be able to see to the bottom through the froth.

"You 'Paws go and fish over that way. The three of us will be fishing in the less rocky parts of the shore," Troutwhisker instructed expertly, gesturing with her smokey tail.

"How come we can't go swimming with you?" Hazepaw complained.

"Because you aren't strong enough yet to withstand the waves. You'll practice when Greenleaf comes. For now, work of perfecting your form," Sandybreeze responded, nodding her head to her companions to lead them away. Hazepaw growled, lashing his tail in frustration. He was sure he was strong enough to fish with the warriors! As he moved to follow after them, pain suddenly rippled through his muscles. Hazepaw cursed under his breath. Between cleaning up the temporary camp, the journey back home, and training with Sea Breeze in dreams last night, Hazepaw's body had grown a bit achey and sore. The walk to the beach hadn't helped his muscles much either. If he hadn't been pushing himself so hard, he'd be strong enough now to prove his mentor wrong. Instead, he conceded to his own limits and followed Otterpaw, Whisperpaw, and Urchinpaw over to the rocks. The waves crashed rhythmically against them, spraying the boulders with the momentum. The water was at the perfect level, deep enough to be inviting to fish, but low enough that it would not consume the rocks with each rolling wave. Hazepaw was the first to climb onto one of the slippery stones, beckoning his companions with a swish of his tail. Otterpaw jumped to join Hazepaw on his rock. While Urchinpaw settled on one of his own closeby. Whisperpaw perched on a stone between them. In the ocean surrounding the rocks, little fish swam with the current; weaving in and out of crevices, in-between seaweed and other little plants. They had no idea that they were being hunted. The conditions were perfect for a successful catch. Otterpaw was the first to give it a try, her paw raised and poised for an attack. Hazepaw observed her with delayed breath as the brown molly's lightning fast reflexes led to her successful strike. A pretty silver fish flopped on the stone between them, it's mouth gaped and shut as it tried to take breath from the air. Hazepaw grabbed it by its gills and bit hard, tasting it's delicious juices gush over his tongue. He had to resist the urge to bite down harder, realizing now he hadn't eaten before they went out today. As he sat up with a lick of his lips, the fluffy white tom wished he could take this fish as his own. But on a hunting patrol, warriors were not permitted to eat. So he slid the now deceased creature aside, taking his turn to make a catch. Hazepaw watched the water carefully, narrowing his eyes to focus on the scaly critters below. As another paddled closer to the rock, Hazepaw struck out, hooking the fish and pulling it to the surface. This time Otterpaw made the killing blow, thanking Starclan quietly for the prey before casting a paw out again. The two apprentices took turns like this for a while, successfully snagging quite a few fish between them by the time Hazepaw turned to check on Urchinpaw. The wiry black tom appeared to be struggling. Though his pelt was moist and his fishing paw soggy, not a single fish was set beside him on his rock. His face was twisted in frustration as he glared down at the water, before he once again tried to scoop something. This time he managed to pull up a fish, but he fumbled as the creature flopped for it's life. It managed to flip out of Urchinpaw's paws in the air, hurtling back down to the water. Urchinpaw scrambled to grab it, before it inevitably escaped back into the deep blue depts. With a splash, Hazepaw watched as the fish disappeared beneath the current. Urchinpaw cursed to himself and thrashed his tail, muttering something about giving up already. Whisperpaw giggled at his attempt. Hazepaw and Otterpaw exchanged a look. Then he stood, leaping onto the stone beside Urchinpaw.

"Let me show you how it's done," Hazepaw offered, shaping his paw like a hook with claws extended. He flicked an ear, urging Urchinpaw to copy. Urchinpaw did as instructed, mimicking his friend's moves. "I saw you leaning while you hunted. The fish will get spooked by your shadow if you do that. Even if they just see your fur, it'll startle them," Hazepaw explained.

"I saw you do it, though," Urchinpaw growled.

"That's 'cause fish are too stupid to differentiate objects from their colors. They see white and think clouds. Black, however? Means predator." Urchinpaw let out a chirp of understanding and nodded.

"Kinkfoot taught me darker colored cats have to be more strategic. Instead of striking the closest fish to your rock, you have to judge which fish will swim into your range," Otterpaw chimed in. She motioned for Hazepaw to switch places with her, then jumped to Urchinpaw's side. "Watch me." Otterpaw demonstrated what she had spoken of, stalking a rather large blue-ish colored fish as it swam into her reach. Carefully Otterpaw eyed the creature until she determined it was close enough to scoop. With an expert paw, Otterpaw pulled the fish out of the sea, leaving it beside Urchinpaw to kill. The wiry black tom gladly nipped it, then sat upright to try the technique for himself. It took two more tries before he was successful. But after finally getting a fish of his own, Urchinpaw seemed to find his groove. The four apprentices together managed to catch a sizable pile of ocean prey. Otterpaw had caught the biggest; the blue-ish one from her demonstration. Though Whisperpaw had surprised them all with the bonefish she'd snagged. Their fishing patrol would surely be pleased to see how successful they'd all been. Though their next challenge was figuring out how to carry all their fish to the warriors.

"I saw some Twoleg netting float past not long ago," Urchinpaw mentioned, running off to track it down. Hazepaw, Whisperpaw, and Otterpaw followed.

"Oh sweet," Hazepaw mewed.

"Well done!" Otterpaw commended once the oddly weaved vines had been found. The net was partially washed on the sand, making it easier for them to grab. Hazepaw stepped into the water to untangle the rest from the rocks, dipping his muzzle under the ocean's surface. As he did so, he felt a searing pain on his nose and shot up with a screech. A crab had clamped down on him with it's claw. Otterpaw and Urchinpaw laughed as he struggled for freedom, while Whisperpaw watched on with concern. Though the cackles of the others were infectious enough to have her stifling some giggles of her own. Hazepaw pawed at the brownish-red crustacean, trying to force it to release it's grip. Instead the crab pinched harder. Hazepaw laid down and shook his head, trying to pull it off himself with both paws. As he yanked, a rock fell suddenly on the creature; once, then twice, cracking open it's shell and killing it. Hazepaw looked up. Whisperpaw was holding the rock between her paws, glaring down at the crab to ensure it was dead. Hazepaw sat up.

"Uh, thanks," he mumbled.

"Don't mention it," was all that the gray tabby said in response, turning away to drag the net and crab back to their prey with Urchinpaw. Otterpaw came over to Hazepaw to lick the pain away from his nose. She purred, too, as if trying to soothe him. Heat instantly rose in Hazepaw's pelt from the gesture. It was sweet; almost too sweet for someone like Otterpaw. Moonpaw was more likely to show him such a kindness, especially after they'd spend some time apart. Maybe that was how Otterpaw felt too. Since she hadn't been speaking with Hazepaw for nearly a half moon, perhaps she felt a need to make up for it; by showing she still cared. Or maybe she was making up for the curtness of Whisperpaw. Still, Hazepaw wasn't going to question her actions, even if they did confuse him a little. This is... nice, Hazepaw thought. Then after a few moments he jerked away, too flustered to handle anymore.

"Feel better?" Otterpaw tilted her head. Her eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and Hazepaw thought he felt his heart skip a beat.

"Ye..yeah," he murmured. Then he turned with a rush, motioning for Otterpaw to follow back to the rocks. The warriors were waiting for them upon their return. They were already singing the praises of Whisperpaw as she showed off the crab she'd killed, and the net Urchinpaw found. Sandybreeze approached Hazepaw, commending him on his efforts.

"I can smell which of the fish you caught. You've learned well, it seems," she praised. "And that also goes for you three," she added then whisked her tail. "Though, Urchinpaw, I will have to speak with Silverdrop about giving you another lesson or two." Urchinpaw lowered his head respectfully, grumbling in frustration under his breath. Hazepaw nudged him with a shoulder to warn him to be quiet. Otterpaw moved to touch noses with her aunt then sat beside Whisperpaw who was putting fish into the net.

"We best be heading home, before the sun starts to make the fish rot," Troutwhisker grunted. Seaweedfang nodded in agreement, helping load prey into the net.

On the trek back to camp, Hazepaw reflected on the day. Pride puffed his his chest from a job well done. His stomach growled as he anticipated the tasty meal he'd get to enjoy at home soon. And his mind began to wander to the fun he had with his friends. A longing soon grew in his chest; a familiar feeling he gained only when he missed Moonpaw. Hazepaw wished she could have been there with him, fishing and laughing along with his denmates. Would she have soothed him after the crab attacked him, like Otterpaw had? Or killed the stupid thing, like Whisperpaw? Hazepaw bet today would have been even more enjoyable if he'd gotten to spend it with her. He'd begun to feel this way a lot, whenever he'd spend a couple of days away from her. And now, with the entirety of Oceanclan's territory between them, Hazepaw wished even more that they were in the same clan. It was in that moment he suddenly decided; I need to see Moonpaw again.

[gingergari]

ASSUMING UR STILL TAKING THE EXPRESSION THINGS peach 14 maybe :D

ask meme

POV: she just threatened to blow you up

[fadeintolight]

pont pont vesszőcske

[kitwilsonsass]

not to be tmi but do you ever just LOSE YOUR FUCKING MIND ON YOUR PERIOD

[corishadowfang]

Why am I incapable of writing anything short.