#large beach tote

[handbagfashionexpert]

DIY Beach Tote Bag Decor Ideas For A Fun Summer

Spruce up your large tote bag beach with these fun DIY decor ideas: attach colorful tassels or pom-poms to the handles, use fabric paint to create vibrant patterns or your favorite summer motifs, add iron-on patches or embroidery for a personalized touch, and sew on decorative ribbons or trims. For a unique look, try stenciling a fun summer quote. These simple ideas will make your beach tote stylish and summer-ready!

[carmensolny]

Top 10 Stylish Large Crossbody Bags: Trending Picks for Ultimate Convenience & Fashion

In today's fast-paced world, where functionality meets fashion, large crossbody bags have emerged as a must-have accessory for individuals on the go. Offering both style and practicality, these bags have become essential companions for those seeking convenience without compromising on fashion. Among the myriad of options available in the market, Carmen Sol stands out with its exquisite collection of large crossbody bags that effortlessly blend style, versatility, and durability. Let's explore the top 10 stylish large crossbody bags from Carmen Sol, perfect for those seeking ultimate convenience and fashion-forward appeal.

Carmen Sol Jelly Crossbody Bag:

Crafted from high-quality jelly material, this spacious crossbody bag is perfect for everyday use. Its waterproof design makes it an ideal choice for beach outings or rainy days, ensuring your belongings stay safe and dry.

Carmen Sol Tote Crossbody Bag:

With its chic design and ample space, this clear tote bag offers both style and functionality. Whether you're running errands or heading to a brunch date, this bag effortlessly complements any outfit while keeping your essentials organized.

Carmen Sol Clear Crossbody Bag:

Make a bold statement with this transparent crossbody bag, perfect for those who love to showcase their essentials. Ideal for stadium events or festivals, its clear design meets security requirements while adding a touch of modern flair to your ensemble.

Carmen Sol Beach Crossbody Bag:

Hit the shores in style with this waterproof beach bag. Made from durable materials, it features a spacious interior to accommodate all your beach essentials, making it a must-have accessory for sun-soaked adventures.

Carmen Sol Luxe Crossbody Bag:

Elevate your look with this luxurious crossbody bag, crafted from premium materials for a touch of sophistication. Whether you're attending a soirée or a cocktail party, this bag adds an element of glamour to any outfit.

Carmen Sol Convertible Crossbody Bag:

Versatility meets style with this convertible crossbody bag, offering multiple carrying options to suit your preferences. Whether worn as a crossbody or a clutch, it effortlessly transitions from day to night, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe.

Carmen Sol Quilted Crossbody Bag:

Channel timeless elegance with this quilted crossbody bag, featuring a classic design that never goes out of style. Its spacious compartments and refined detailing make it a go-to accessory for everyday sophistication.

Carmen Sol Mini Crossbody Bag:

Compact yet functional, this mini crossbody bag is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach. Despite its small size, it offers ample storage space for your essentials, making it an essential accessory for busy days on the go.

Carmen Sol Embellished Crossbody Bag:

Make a fashion statement with this embellished crossbody bag, adorned with intricate details for a touch of glamour. Whether paired with casual denim or evening attire, it adds a dose of sparkle to any ensemble.

Carmen Sol Charm Crossbody Bag:

Personalize your look with this charming crossbody bag, featuring interchangeable bag charms for a playful touch. Mix and match to express your unique style, adding flair to your outfit with every wear.

In conclusion, Carmen Sol's collection of large crossbody bags offers a perfect blend of style, functionality, and durability. Whether you're heading to the beach, running errands, or attending a glamorous event, these bags are designed to complement any occasion while keeping your essentials organized. With their trendy designs and quality craftsmanship, Carmen Sol remains a top choice for fashion-forward individuals seeking the ultimate combination of convenience and style

[indulgentdaydream]

I added these two together. I hope you guys don’t mind! Since I added them together I’m also making this a two parter. My first one ever!!

Comparisons Pt.1

Jason Todd x Jealous!Insecure!Fem!Reader || Angst/Fluff || Word Count: 2,488

Part 2

Warnings: not proofread as of yet. Maybe will after i post who knows

After a six hour morning shift as a dishwasher, you were ready to head home.

It was the early afternoon, your shift having ended at 12. It was sunny. Warm, but not too hot. You were still in your work clothes, simple black pants and a black t shirt, your tote bag full of belongings over your shoulder. It was nice weather for the half hour walk you had back to your apartment. Better than the weather you’ve faired before.

Jason usually picked you up after your shifts, no matter where he was, as long as he wasn’t on patrol. He never wanted you to be seen in public near the Red Hood. He didn’t want you as a target.

“It’s bad enough I come straight here after patrol some nights.” He had said once.

“I’m just that irresistible, eh?” You had smiled.

He laughed, kissing your shoulder, “Damn right, baby.”

This day, though, you knew he was busy with a certain case he was working on. One he wouldn’t tell you about. He had been hard at work on it for the last few weeks, barely able to make much time for you. You didn’t mind. He tried as much as he could, even if it ended up being a five minute phone call, or a visit in the middle of night in between beaten-up thugs.

The sun hits your face and warms your skin in a comfortable way. Your headphones blocked out the Gotham noise, making the moment more enjoyable. Your favourite music instead of honking horns, sounds of engines, distant sirens, and people yelling.

You were stuck in your own world. You began thinking of asking Jason if he wanted to take you for a ride on his bike later. If he was free. You knew it’d be hard for him to say no. He loved taking you for rides. He didn’t have to say anything for you to know that.

You turn a corner, stuck in your head. Thinking about what you were going to do when you got home. You weren’t used to the morning shift.

You start your walk down the road, passing busy storefronts. Crystal shops. Pet stores. Mostly cafés and diners. You briefly considered working as a dishwasher at one of these places instead so you didn’t have to walk as far.

Maybe you and Jason could go to a diner tonight? That was a hopeful thought. There wouldn’t be time.

You’re walking past the third outdoor seating that takes up most of the sidewalk, small bistro tables hidden from the sun by large, white, beach-style umbrellas. Nearly identical to the two others you had passed, only different colour schemes.

You stare straight ahead, the extended seating narrowing the sidewalk and making it harder for people to walk around. You’re nearly halfway past the café when a hand reaches over breaching the shaded area and entering the sunlight to gently grasp onto your wrist.

You’re already twisting, ready to pull the mace Jason had bought you (though you more-so believe stolen from Batman himself, as you could see where he had scratched out the bat symbol on the canister) out of your tote bag and aim, when your eyes land on the owner of the arm, stretched across the thin barrier separating the seating from the sidewalk.

It’s Jason. His face hidden behind sunglasses, a small frown on his lips as he looks up at you from the shade. He waits for you to slip off your headphones before speaking.

“I was waving to you,” his thumb absentmindedly stroking the back of your hand. “You didn’t see?”

“Sorry,” You smile in relief at him, stepping closer to the barricade so as not to impede the flow of foot traffic. “I was more focused on getting around.”

There was someone sitting across from him. You didn’t think much of it at first. You saw red hair. That was regular with Jason, since he was always hanging around with Roy. Or Kory.

That’s who you thought it was. Roy. Nothing different at all. You turned to greet him, a smile ready on your face.

The second you clocked the pretty face, the waist-long, flowing, shiny red hair, your smile faltered.

Artemis gave you a sincere, friendly smile, her fingers swirling her straw in her cup.

Something churned in your stomach, “Hello.”

Jason’s grip on your wrist tightened slightly once, speaking up, “Why didn’t you call me to pick you up?”

You look back to him, “You said you were busy today.”

He frowns again. Technically, he had never said that. But it was true.

“Sit with us,” Artemis said, pointing behind her. “The entrance is there. We’re almost done anyways. Jason can drive you the rest of the way.”

You nodded, sending the best smile back to Artemis that you could muster in the moment.

As you approached, Jason reached towards the empty table behind him, flipping the chair and placing it at their own table, in between him and Artemis, facing where you had just been standing.

Something in the back of your mind noted how he didn’t even stand to do it, his face still pointed towards Artemis, his eyes concealed by his shades, hiding his expression. You sit down, placing your tote bag on the ground beside on, on your right, between you and Jason.

He picked it up and moved it onto the table without a word.

“This is my girlfriend,” Jason introduces you, his hands back on the table, folded in front of him. “This is Artemis. She’s helping me with my case.”

You nod, your mouth suddenly dry as she smiles at you again, “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” she smiles again, stretching out plump lips to present straight, shiny teeth.

Jason’s quick goes back to talking with her about whatever they had been talking about before you had walked past, wrapping things up.

You weren’t even capable of listening at this point.

You trusted Jason. You’d always trust Jason. This was for the case and nothing more. You knew that.

Jason had never really spoke about Artemis before. He had mentioned her once, in the early months of your relationship. You had done something. He had later asked you not to, saying he had a bad memory of it from his ex. He had never even mentioned her name. You knew he didn’t like talking about her.

However, you had been out with Jason and Roy at a bar once. Roy had briefly mentioned Jason’s ex, since she was included in the story. Jason had changed the topic fast after that. Then when he’d gotten up to use to washroom, you’d asked Roy to tell you more about her.

“Just what she looks like,” You reasoned. “So I can recognize her if need be.”

Roy hesitated in telling you, but he still did.

You trusted Jason. However, you were losing trust in Roy. He had never mentioned how gorgeous this woman is.

Her skin was smooth. Not a blemish or wrinkle in sight. You tried not to stare, but you couldn’t help it. Her hair was perfect. Her skin flawless. On further inspection you even realized she wasn’t wearing any makeup.

She wasn’t wearing any makeup and she looked that good?

Artemis lifted her coffee cup to her lips, nodding to something Jason was saying. Nothing you understood, anyways. Even if you were listening. You caught sight of her flexed arm as she finished off the drink. She was strong. Probably worked out nearly as much as Jason, but far more slim than he was. But in a good way.

She smiled again, wide, displaying her pearly whites. You ran a tongue over your own teeth, pursing your lips quietly in thought. Yours weren’t anywhere near that.

Your arms suddenly felt itchy as you looked over Artemis’ again. You looked down. You needed to take your eyes off of her. You were being stupid. Jason had broken up with her. Jason had picked you. He had been dating you for nearly a year and a half.

Your eyes drifted to your own arms, spots of acne along biceps. No definition in sight. Your under eye bags suddenly felt like they were on broadcast. Your face felt gritty, your hand coming up to absentmindedly scratch at the break out you had along your cheek. The frizz of your own hair visible in the corner of your eyes.

You looked back up, looking out at the busy street. Jason had chosen you. Jason loved you. Jason kissed you everyday and always made sure to tell you how much he loved you.

Except in the past few weeks while he had been busy with this case.

Had he been working with her this whole time?

You glanced back down as Jason placed his hand on your knee. He always did this when you guys were out. You look back up at him. He’s leaning on the table with her other arm, straight-faced, nodding along to something Artemis was saying. Even her voice is pretty. Her tone carrying a confidence you were failing to find in the moment.

You looked back down to your own legs, Jason’s thumb moving lightly back and forth over the side of your knee. He didn’t even know he was doing it. He never did.

You looked over to Artemis’ legs, hidden underneath a pair of jeans. Even then you could see how skinny hers were. Could see that her thighs weren’t spilling off the sides of the small metal bistro chair.

Soon enough, she was standing, beginning to say her goodbyes. You swallowed thickly. She was tall too. An amazon, you remember Roy mentioning. How could you forget.

The crop top she was wearing fit her nicely, showing off her toned stomach and even dipping down at the neckline to show some cleavage.

You looked away, your arms folding across your stomach, hiding your own torso.

She smiles at Jason. You quickly look to Jason and find him smiling, too. A genuine smile. One he had yet to give you while you’d been sitting here.

You’re his girlfriend, you remind yourself. He loves you.

She smiles at you and gives her farewell. You can only nod. You watch as she leaves.

God. She was nice, too. Nicer than you had wanted to be to her.

She walks in the direction you had come from. Her hair flowing behind her, an expensive-looking purse hanging from her shoulder. Most men walking past stop to turn and look at her. She ignored them all.

That never happened to you. In fact, Jason had been the first guy to ever even ask you out. You never understood why you were his choice. Not when he was able to pull women like that.

Jason pats your knee and pulls you out of your thoughts, “Want to get anything before we go?”

You can’t even face him. She’s perfect. Absolutely perfect. A fucking amazonian warrior.

You stare down at the table, catching sight of your own hands. Your nails worn from your shift at the restaurant, fingertips still wrinkled from the water.

Why the hell would he ever stay with you if she was still in his life?

“No.” You finally answer. “Thank you.”

He nodded, sighing as he fished out his wallet to pay for their coffees. He counts the bills and change, speaking with his head down, “How many times have I told you not to walk around with your headphones on?”

You lift your head to look at him, “What?”

He doesn’t look at you, his eyes still hidden by his shades. “Your headphones. You get so lost in your music you couldn’t even see me waving to get your attention.”

Your fingers curled around the edge of the table, “I was looking past you. I didn’t expect to see you—”

“I was calling your name, too. If your headphones were off then you could’ve heard me.” He tossed a twenty onto the table, leaning forward on his elbows to look at you. “Anyone could sneak up on you.”

You pursed your lips, your brows tightening at him.

Why did she get a smile and not me?

Jason gestured to your bag on the table, “Same with this. The hell you putting it on the floor for? You wouldn’t notice it was taken until far too late—”

“You don’t have to drive me,” you interrupted. “I’ll walk.”

Jason cocked his head slightly, looking genuinely curious, “Why? Car’s right over there—“

“I’ll walk.” You repeated. Firmly.

You needed the walk. You had to try and work the jealousy out of your mind before you got into it with Jason. You didn’t want to argue. Not now. Not in public.

Jason sighed, running a hand over his mouth, “Don’t be like that.” He started to stand, his keys jingling in his hand, “Come on.”

He reached to take your bag for you, a large brown envelope already in his hand. Whatever Artemis had given him.

You reached out and snatched it from his hand. You stood, throwing it over your shoulder. “I’ll walk.”

Jason stared at you for a moment, seemingly frozen in place.

He sighed through his nose, “What’s wrong?”

You took a deep breath trying to control your emotions. This was stupid. Jason had broken up with her for a reason. Had been dating you for the last year and a half for a reason.

Unfortunately, your mouth was working faster than your mind, “Don’t act like you didn’t start this.”

Jason pushed his shoulders back. He tried again, “What’s wrong?”

You shook your head, frustrated.

“Fine,” he stuffed his free hand in his pocket. “Just don’t be wearing your headphones while walking around.“

You were tired. Your shift had been long. You were worked up from your mind running all the comparisons between you and Artemis. It was still running them, you suppose, as otherwise you wouldn’t have said, “I guess you wouldn’t have to worry about her all the time. She can handle herself.”

Jason’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, his first shown emotion since that smile he’d given her, “Who?” Then they shot up almost just as quickly. “Artemis? Is that was this is about?”

You felt your face heat up in embarrassment at his realization. He’d figured you out.

His shoulders tensed, “Do you really not trust me?”

The way he had said it, his tone, has made it sound like the silliest thing in the world. Now it made you feel even stupider. Of course you trusted him.

You caught people staring in the corner of your vision. You ducked your head back down.

You gripped your tote bag at the straps over your shoulder and stormed off.

You heard Jason call your name as you passed by him again, on the other side of the barrier, headed back to your apartment.

Hope you guys enjoyed!! Pt 2 will be out later this week!!

Update!! Part 2 is here!!!

Part 2

[wileys-russo]

frido "stop picking me up when you don't get your way" tall frido supremacy 😌

drowned rat II f.rolfö

you exhaled happily at the way your skin felt like it was near glowing, bathed in the radiantly warm glow of the mallorca sun. you could practically feel every little thought from your head draining like water from a tub the longer you lay there.

a tiny voice in the back of your head told you to flip over, or maybe apply a new layer of sunscreen, but they were drowned out by the much louder more dominant voice reminding you were just so comfortable.

"you will burn if you lay here much longer." you were pulled from your semi drowzy state by a new voice of reason, one which no matter what you simply couldn't ignore as you turned your head to the side and cracked open an eye.

"they call it sun baking, not sun burning." you mumbled with a lazy smile, the blonde laid down beside you chuckling but still her gaze bore into you knowingly.

"can you do my back for me?" you sighed giving in, laughing as within seconds the swede was up and on her feet, rifling through the tote bag you'd brought for the little blue bottle.

"oh please do get comfortable." you teased feeling her sit down on the back of your thighs, words muffled as you rested your chin on your forearms. "fridolina!" you hissed a little louder as her hand smacked then massaged your bikini covered ass.

"what? we don't want this burnt do we älskade?" your girlfriend tutted, though quickly moving her strong hands to massage the sunscreen into your upper back instead as you hummed skeptically.

"you are going to get us kicked off the beach again." you warned with a roll of your eyes, sneakily taking her sunglasses which sat abandoned on her towel next to yours and slipping them on.

"that was one time and it was a harmless accident." the older girl grumbled and you smiled imagining the embarrassed blush which would be coating her cheeks.

"mmm yes it is hilarious when your girlfriend unties your bikini top and exposes your breasts to several small children and you get a letter in the mail from council fining you for public indecency." you grumbled at the memory.

"that better be a cough and not a laugh rolfö!" you warned sharply hearing her snicker, turning your head to glare up at her, eyes shielded by the sunglasses covering your face.

"i said i was very very sorry." the blonde leaned down to tenderly kiss your shoulder blade as you scoffed, her large hands still softly massaging the cream into your sun kissed skin.

"no you did not. you paid the fine, laughed in my face and very proudly told everyone at training the next day!" you reminded hearing her snicker again, a couple of soft taps to the back of your neck indicating she was done.

"well then i am now saying i am very very sorry?" "mhm, sure darling." you hummed, reaching around to pat her side in thanks, knowing all too well she was not in fact sorry and you wouldn't put it past her to do it again.

"come for a swim? the water is gorgeous." you felt her get up off of you, her foot poking your side as you swatted it away with a shake of your head. "not yet, maybe later." you declined, far too happy in the sun, your girlfriend often teasing you were actually solar powered.

"you said that earlier! kom igen, en snabb simtur." she pleaded in swedish, normally something which was sure to break your resolve finding it incredibly attractive but today seemed to be the exception as you wordlessly shook your head and made no move to get up.

"later." you repeated, eyes closing and exhaling happily, assuming she would just take herself to cool off as she had done earlier. "now?" or, no such luck.

"i just said no!" "no, you said later. it is now later."

"why are you being so insistent? we're on holidays baby, just relax." you sighed, eyes closing again as silence fell though you could feel her shadow lingering over you.

"you are blocking my sun rolfö, that is a dangerous game." you warned, but before you could say another word you felt yourself being lifted into the air and scrambled to grab the loose ties of the back of your bikini, very much not eager for a repeat of last time but also quite keen to avoid tan lines where you could.

"fridolina put me down!" you demanded, hoisted up and over her shoulder like a sack of potatos, cheeks flushing red with colour as wary eyes watched you from strangers sat a few feet away on the sand.

"like you said hjärtat we are on holidays! it is so warm, i think you need to cool off." her tone was teasing and your pleas to be put down fell on deaf ears as she strode across the sand toward the ocean.

"okay okay you win! just put me down and let me adjust at my own speed, please?" you pleaded as she arrived at the waters edge, wading in until the water hit her upper thigh and you sighed in relief when she came to a stop.

"oh you want me to put you down?" you heard the grin in her voice even if you were facing the other way. "don't you dare!" your hand smacked against her toned bare back with a loud crack of warning knowing exactly what the taller girl was thinking.

"baby i am just doing what you tell me! so fussy." the blonde tutted in her accented english and you whined and huffed your annoyance with her as she waded in even deeper.

grabbing onto the waistband of her bikini bottoms you yanked them upwards in a final desperate attempt to stop her, however it would seem that worked even more against you as with a yelp of surprise sounding from the blonde your body was plunged into the freezing depths.

your feet pushed up against the sandy bank and you surfaced with a splutter, your hair covering your face as you gasped trying to catch your breath which had been snatched from you with the sudden temperature change, never having been one for the cold unlike your proud scandi girlfriend.

"a wedgie? you give me a wedgie?" the blonde in question laughed, pushing a small wave of water in your direction as half of it filled your mouth and you choked, spitting it out and glaring at her as best you could through the hair which covered your face.

"so immature raring, really." frido sighed sarcastically with a shake of her head as you scoffed, launching yourself at her and dunking her head back under the water managing to catch her off guard.

"immature? i am the immature one?" you grunted, trying to dunk her again but squealing as she stood up to her full height, body wet and slippery as you tried to cling on but she threw you back into the water without any sort of struggle.

"stop picking me up when you don't get your way!" you warned, flicking your head back as your hair finally flew out of your face and you exhaled, body slowly adjusting to the oceans low temperature and admittedly now it was quite pleasant once you had.

"aw but you are so small baby, like a cute little mouse." the blonde swam closer and cooed teasingly, earning herself a glare as her hands found the back of your thighs, settling herself in the water and pulling your legs to wrap around her waist.

"eller en dränkt råtta." the defender grinned, walking out a little deeper still holding onto you as you pushed your hair to the side of your head and narrowed your eyes.

"a drowned rat she says!" you scoffed smacking her shoulder playfully as she let out a loud pelt of laughter, looking at you with a cheeky grin you couldn't help but melt at.

"oh your swedish is getting very good." "we have been together for nearly three years! rövhål."

[frankensteinzmonstrrr]

The Benefits of Being a Marine Biologist (Part 2)

Part 1 Merman x transmasc reader Contains: getting to know your monster crush Warnings: discussion of top surgery & scars Length: 1.5K words

The next evening, you manage to leave the lab a bit early, mumbling excuses about not feeling well. You weren't exactly lying; the thought of seeing the merman again was giving you butterflies in your stomach. You had slept poorly last night, kept awake wondering if there was any way you could have imagined your encounter with the creature. It seemed impossible, but you knew it all really happened. You remembered the soft, cool touch of his hand against yours.

Grimacing at how slowly you are forced to drive down the sandy gravel road, you finally reach the trailhead. You practically leap out of your car, grabbing your tote bag containing swim trunks and a flashlight.

Once solidly within the privacy of the brush, you change out your lab-safety-approved chinos for your bathing suit as fast as you can, your need to rush of course making you fumble more than usual. You all but run down the rest of the path.

As soon as you emerge from the grass and your feet hit the soft sand of the beach, you see a shape pop up from the water by the rocks. As you begin to walk to the opposite side of the shoreline, your hopes are confirmed: it's Abalone. He waves to you awkwardly, clearly imitating an observed human gesture.

As you walk toward him, you try to quickly study his appearance. Yesterday you were too shocked to observe the finer details of what he looks like. His silvery skin transitions to darker gray shades towards his hands and on his tail, clearly some kind of point coloring. Despite being aquatic, he somehow has what looks like long, dark hair. You wonder if his "hair" is actually spines of some kind. His face is shockingly human, his features just a bit sharper and with somewhat large eyes. Your eyes wander down and you see that he has very humanoid pectoral and abdominal muscles, too. Realizing that you've been staring at him for at least a full minute, you drop your gaze to your feet as you approach the water's edge.

"I brought clothes to swim!" you call to him. You don't feel the need to fully shout, because he clearly had heard you coming from the trail. "I hope it's not too cold!"

You toss your bag and your t-shirt behind you onto the dry sand. As you step into the water the chill bites at your feet, but it's a tolerable cold. You wade out along the edge of the rocks until the water reaches almost to your shoulders. Seeming to realize that any further out would be an uncomfortable depth for a human, Abalone closes the remaining gap between the two of you, swimming gracefully just below the water's surface. You observe that his tail moves from side to side like a fish, not up and down like a whale or dolphin. Fascinating.

Abalone smiles at you as he surfaces and adjusts himself to be upright in the shallower water. You simply look at each other for a moment, both unsure what to say. He breaks the silence with his odd laugh. "You are so short!"

Instinctively you cross your arms and reply, "No I am not! I'm average height. For a human," you add. "I could say that you're so tall... Or long?"

"Fair enough." You can't help but wonder if he learned that phrase from you. "What do you do during the daytime?"

"I go and work as a scientist." You struggle to think of a simple enough explanation for someone who doesn't know what a computer is. "I record all sorts of things about animals and plants from the ocean."

"Very nice. Sounds very nice," he replied thoughtfully. "During the day sometimes I sleep, sometimes I hunt. Not much to do."

"What do you hunt?"'

"All the fish," he grinned. With those sharp teeth, it only makes sense that he's a carnivore. "The bigger the fish, the better to eat. Once I caught a shark almost as big as me. Have you ever eaten shark?"

Abalone seemed to have as many questions for you as you did for him. "No, I haven't. Humans don't really eat shark. Except for in soup, but I'm honestly not sure if that's real."

"Shark soup," he repeated. "Soup isn't real."

"No!" you laugh. "Soup is a real food. It's like cooking things in water."

"What ever," he said, clearly enunciating the two words as separate. That only makes you giggle more.

You look down into the water and notice how Abalone's tail is crammed underneath himself in the shallow depth. "Here, let me go up on the rocks and sit somewhere where you can sit normally too." He doesn't say anything in response, just bobbing along happily in the water as you climb up onto the stone pile and move further out into the water.

When you take a seat on the least offensive boulder, Abalone joins you on the rock's edge. Suddenly, he points to you and says, "You're like me."

"What?"

"You're like me," he says again, pointing to your chest and then to his.

Oh. He sees your top surgery scars, faded but still visible, and is pointing to faint striping on his own torso. "N-no," you stammer. "Those are my scars. I don't have stripes like you."

"Ah. Scars from what?"

"I don't know if you'll understand. They're from surgery... something that had to be done for medicine? For healing?"

"I see." Dropping the subject, he silently moved a bit closer to you and rested his chin on the rock next to where you sat. "You have very small claws."

"I don't need them as much as you probably do." You involuntarily imagine his dark talons ripping through the flesh of his prey.

Abalone reached for your hand and gently pulled at it. You let him lift it towards him. You hadn't noticed before that his fingers are webbed. Makes sense.

He held up his hand flat against yours, and you mirrored his movement. He pressed his palm against yours, sending a shiver down your spine. He gazed in wonder at your hand and wrist, no doubt thinking about what a tiny human you are.

You stared right back at his hand, and arm, and body. His hand is definitely larger than yours, but not by much. He seemed to have the proportions of a very tall man, with a several yards long tail instead of legs. Without thinking, you take your hand from his and reach forward to touch his hair. The fibers are coarser than human hair, as you expected. Your thoughts of what it could be composed of if not keratin are interrupted when you realized that he is leaning in to your touch.

You yank your hand back automatically and begin to apologize, but Abalone grabs your hand and pulls you forward into the water. The cold shocks you, but you still notice that his hand is warm in the icy ocean.

Holding onto you with one arm as if he's not fully convinced you can swim, he turns and points at the sky. "The sun is almost down. Don't stay late."

He was right. Only the last slivers of the orange sun remained above the horizon. "Thank you. You're right, I should leave now."

Still holding your hand, he began to swim towards the shore. You laugh and tell him you can swim, insisting that the doesn't need to drag you along, but he doesn't listen. You can't see into the water very well in the increasing dimness, but you think you see the glint of his mischievous smile.

He releases your hand once your feet touch the sandy floor. "Will you come back tomorrow?"

You open your mouth to tell him yes, but your heart drops when you remember that you have to stay at the lab late for a meeting the next night. "I'm sorry, I can't. I have to work."

Abalone frowns at that, his playful demeanor vanishing. "When can you come back?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe in two days?... I wish there was some way I could tell you when I can come here."

"It's alright," he said, quieter than usual, but then a small smile creeped back onto his face. "I can wait for you here! At sunset!"

"Every day?" you laugh incredulously. "You can't wait for me every single day."

"Yes I can. I did it today and it was easy."

You shake your head in bewilderment. "Okay, if you say so."

"Okay!" he repeated. He reached out toward you and gently pushed you toward the shore. "You need to go home. It's almost dark."

You sigh and start trudging through the gentle waves, twisting around so you're still facing him. "I'll see you soon. I promise."

When you reach the shore and gather your things, he waves goodbye to you in the same stiff, odd way. You smile ear to ear as you wave back.

The walk back to your car is freezing cold, with only the beam of your flashlight illuminating the path, but you couldn't be happier. You had left work claiming illness, but now you feel even stranger than you did before.

Author's notes: thank you so much for reading, and for all the support on the first part! Part 3 will be coming soon. Tip Jar on Ko-Fi

[lynnieverse]

i'm going to fall madly in love with you // jegulus

oneshot

muggle soulmates au where your soulmate's first words appear as a tattoo on your body

regulus black x james potter

synopsis: James Potter never thought he’d meet his soulmate, let alone his best friend’s little brother.

a/n: this is different from my rafe fics but I thought i'd share my first love when it comes to fanfiction! writing for the marauders is one of my favorite things ever so hope you enjoy!

“Remus, have you got the noodles? I need them to float!” Sirius’ voice rang throughout the Potter’s house. James snickered, but covered it with his hand, earning him a glare from his long haired friend. “This is serious, Prongs. I don’t know how to swim and I don’t fancy dying!” 

“Yes, dear, I have your noodles. Can we please be off now?” Remus whined as he came down the stairs holding three noodles and a cooler in his arms. Peter was running around, throwing item after item into a large tote bag. His face was starting to redden when James placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. 

“Wormy, what in the hell are you doing?” 

“I have to pack all the sunscreen, I burn easily! You can look like a lobster all you want, James Potter, but I will not!” James threw his hands up in surrender before slouching back in his spot on the sofa. The boys were taking this beach trip a bit too serious, he thought. 

“Oh, I forgot to tell you, Reg is going to be joining us,” Sirius said, earning a groan from Peter and a raised eyebrow from Moony. Sirius sighed and gripped the towel around his neck. “He needs to get out of that house.”

“We’ve never even spoken to the tosser!” James shouted. He thought today was just going to be him and the other marauders, until Remus went and invited Lily, who then had to invite Mary, who in turn invited Marlene and Dorcas. Now it was a whole ordeal that James hadn’t planned for. He was hoping to attract some attention from other tourists and maybe his words would appear. 

Sirius and Remus’ already had theirs, when they met on the bus to school it just appeared on each of their wrists. It was the same for Dorcas and Marlene. James had held out hope for Lily, but no words ever appeared and he gave up hope. Now his days consisted of talking to strangers on the street for no reason, but to no avail. Now, his plan was ruined. 

“Well, you’ll meet him today!” Sirius chirped. James scowled but decided to let it go. Sirius wasn’t often in a good mood about his brother, Regulus, and it was best to let them spend time together before it all blew up again. 

“Yeah, it’ll be fun Prongs, lighten up,” Remus said. Oh, he’d lighten up alright. 

“Let’s just go,” James told them, picking up a few beach chairs and towels, then walking out the front door. His three best friends followed after him, one by one putting all of their things in the back of his blue Ford Bronco. James slid into the driver’s seat and twisted the key in the ignition, letting the car roar to life. “Everybody in?” He asked, adjusting the rear view mirror and replacing his glasses with his new sunglasses. A chorus of affirmations sounded from the rest of the cabin, so he stepped on the gas and pulled out of his driveway. Peter, in the passenger seat, started flipping through radio stations when ABBA started blasting through the speakers. 

“I love this song!” Sirius screeched, tugging on Remus’ arm and using his finger as a microphone. 

“You love every song,” Remus deadpanned. Sirius ignored him and started to scream the lyrics.

“YOU ARE THE DANCING QUEEN, YOUNG AND SWEET, ONLY SEVENTEEN!” Peter covered his ears but started laughing, and James cracked a smile. He started to hum along as the wind blew his hair into an even bigger mess than usual. 

“YOU CAN DANCE!” Sirius pointed at James.

“You can Ji-ive!” James sang off key with him. 

“HAVING THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!”

“Ooh,” Peter chimed in quietly. Remus sat in silence, pretending to hate every second of their impromptu concert. Sirius was poking his face, and still using his finger as a microphone.

“Come on, Moony!” James yelled. Remus glared at him for a second before bursting out into song.

“You’re a teaser, you turn ‘em on..” He looks seductively at Sirius, who’s mouth fell open and cheeks heated up instantly. “Leave ‘em burning and then you’re…gone!” Remus pretends to swoon and starts dragging peace signs in front of his eyes. James tries to pay attention to the road, but can’t stop giggling at how ridiculous Remus looks. Peter is completely turned around in his seat and singing the lyrics with him. 

When that song finishes, another follows, making the car erupt in cheers. 

“It’s our song!” Sirius shouts, clapping his hands together wildly. 

“Why don’t you start us off, Moony,” Peter laughs. 

“Well, Billy rapped all night about his suicide, how he'd kick it in the head when he was twenty-five,” Remus sang angelically. Remus had always been the better singer out of the four boys, and they were all jealous because of it. He continued on throughout the first verse and motioned for everyone to join in during the chorus. 

“All!” They sang, “All the young dudes…carry the news. Boogaloo dudes, carry the news!” Their voices carried them all the way to the beach, where James spotted the girls and parked sloppily beside them. 

“Lily!” Remus screamed. 

“Remus!” The redhead shouted back, running towards his tall frame and jumping, wrapping her arms and legs tightly around him. She gave him a big smooch on the cheek and Remus grinned ear to ear. 

“Alright, alright! That’s my soulmate you’re kissing, woman!” Sirius barked. 

“Honestly, Sirius! You’re so territorial,” Lily said as she slid down and off Remus’ body. 

“Like a dog!” Dorcas shouted with a snort. Sirius scowled at both of them and crossed his arms. 

“If I’m a dog, Moony’s a bloody wolf! The way he acts about me and James, you’d think his eyes were green.” Remus rolled his eyes but shot James a look as if to say, ‘Don’t you dare do something, James Potter’. James shrugged and smiled innocently at him, because there was nothing more fun than getting on Moony's nerves. 

“Okay, enough bickering! I want to see my boys!” Lily said, coming to hug James first then Peter. 

“Me too!” Mary shouted, hopping out of Lily’s green Volkswagen van. She ran towards them, her long braids whipping behind her. James smiled and held out his arms, welcoming her embrace. It had been too long since they’d been together. Almost half the summer to be exact. 

“Hope you’ve been staying out of trouble,” she whispered in his ear. 

“About as much as you have I s’pose.” Mary shoved his shoulder and went to say hello to Peter as James made his way over to Dorcas and Marlene. 

“How’ve you two been?” He asked. Remus and Sirius were helping Lily take some of their things down to the shoreline, so he had a minute alone with the couple. He couldn’t help but stare at their soulmate tattoos, so obvious on each other’s shoulder. Dorcas seemed to notice.

“We’ve been good James, but don’t worry! You’ll find your soulmate soon, I can feel it.” He nodded stiffly and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. 

“I’ll believe it when I see it, Dory,” Marlene patted his shoulder and gave him a sad smile. 

“Some of us were fortunate enough to meet ours in primary school, but sometimes it takes time. You know they’re out there, and you’re doing everything you can, so don’t worry. It will happen as it should.” 

“You sound like Trelawney,” James snickered, referencing their drama professor. 

“Don’t insult me like that!” Marlene flicked his forehead and made him pout. James stuck his tongue out at her while Dorcas laughed at the both of them. 

“Alright, I think we should probably help them,” Dorcas said. When they turned, the only thing left was the umbrella and Peter’s tote bag. 

“Well, I guess I’ll get the umbrella!” James walked over and bent down to pick it up. When he righted himself he noticed a man walking down the path to get to the beach. Scratch that, James saw a gorgeous man walking down the path to the beach. 

James gaped at his lean muscles and dark hair, only barely catching himself before the stranger turned around and gave him a strange look. James blushed profusely but pretended he didn’t notice, instead making sure the girls were alright and had everything they needed. When the trio was ready to head down, the man was gone. James breathed a sigh of relief and laughed at how ridiculous he was being.

“There they are!” Marlene shouted, pointing at their group down by the water. 

“Who’s that with them?” Dorcas asked. James could have dropped everything right then, because right next to Sirius was the beautiful stranger. His face paled, but he managed to walk the rest of the way. 

“There you are! We thought you’d died!” Mary said, throwing her hands up and letting them fall to her sides. 

“No, no death here. Just a little chat, that’s all.” 

“Whatever you say, Dory,” Sirius smiled. Dorcas gave James a knowing look, to which he ignored. He still couldn’t stop glancing at the stranger. Everyone seemed to be doing the same thing until Sirius caught up and interrupted the silence. 

“Oh, right! Everyone this is my brother Reggie,” Reggie elbowed Sirius with a scowl, “er, Regulus. My brother, Regulus.” James’ eyes widened. Beautiful stranger was Sirius’ brother?! Well shit. 

“Nice to meet you Regulus!” Lily shoved her hand in front of her, smiling wide. That girl was too damn chipper, it’s a wonder how they all hadn’t killed her yet. 

“Nice to meet you too,” Regulus’ deep voice vibrated through James’ ears, filling him up like warm milk. He was staring at James now, probably waiting for him to introduce himself, but all he could manage was a slight nod. Regulus looked confused but returned it, then moving his attention to the others. Remus shuffled over and leaned down.

“That was smooth, James, real smooth.” 

“Shut up, Moony! He’s just so…so pretty!” James whisper-shouted.

“How will you know if he’s your soulmate if you never talk to him?” 

“Oh no, no, absolutely not! He can’t be my soulmate!” 

“Why, because he’s a he?” Remus squinted his eyes and leaned in close. James’ face burned and he pinched his friend’s cheek. 

“No, dipshit, because that’s Sirius’ brother, and Sirius is my best friend!” 

“You know he won’t care,” Remus said, rubbing the spot James pinched. 

“Exactly! He won’t care because it’s not going to happen!” Remus rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. 

“That’s idiotic, Potter.”

“Well,” James tried to think of a comeback, “you’re idiotic!” Remus shot him an unimpressed look and made his way back over to Sirius. James’ shoulders slumped and he couldn’t believe his luck. 

James grabbed his towel and anchored it down with his flip flops, throwing his glasses, shirt, and wallet down with them. 

“I’m going in!” He yelled back at everyone as he sprinted for the water. They all waved and cheered as he splashed through the cold waves. He smiled cheesily at them before a big wave crashed on top of him and he went under. When he resurfaced Sirius was looking worried while Remus was rubbing his shoulder. James gave them a thumbs up to show, yes, he was okay, before swimming deeper out in the ocean. 

James motioned for everyone to come in and soon enough they all were, with the exception of Remus, Sirius, and Regulus. James kept looking back to shore and swore he caught Regulus staring, but dismissed it because he didn’t have his glasses on and everything was blurry anyway. 

They all played in the water for about thirty minutes before James needed a break; the sun beating down was making him thirsty. He jogged up to their towels but couldn’t seem to locate his own. Damn his shitty vision. 

“Hey, dick-for-brains! Stop getting sand all over my goddamn towel!” That deep, intoxicating voice yelled. Knowing it was Regulus, he felt bad. 

“Sorry, love. I can’t really see where I’m going; I left my glasses with my towel.” Silence engulfed him for a moment before Regulus spoke to him in a much calmer tone. 

“Uh, actually…I’m sorry. Totally my fault! You said you couldn’t see? Like, at all?” Even without his glasses on he could make out the shape of Regulus in front of him and stared in that direction in confusion. 

“No? Not at all, why?”

“Um, no reason. I’ll help you back to your glasses, I have something to apologize for anyway and you probably would like to see…”

James’ blood ran cold. He couldn’t possibly be…no. But Regulus kept rambling as he took James’ arm and he knew, he knew exactly why Regulus needed to apologize. 

“I’m going to kill you!” 

“What?!” Regulus exclaimed in alarm. They hadn’t made it to the towel yet, but in this close proximity he could see Regulus’ face clearly. 

“I’ve got “dick-for-brains” tattooed on me, haven’t I?” Regulus blushed and ran a hand through his shaggy hair. 

“Y-yes. Fuck, I’m so sorry.” James stared into his grey-blue eyes and burst out laughing. Soon enough, Regulus was laughing too, until they were both clutching their sides. Regulus finally slid James’ glasses onto his face and he could really look at him. 

“I’ve barely known you for an hour, but I can tell I’m going to fall madly in love with you,” James whispered, reaching up to caress Regulus’ cheek. Regulus smiled at him and kissed his palm. 

“Well I should hope so, we’re soulmates.” James' breath hitched and he felt like crying. He’d finally found his soulmate, after all this time. 

All of a sudden he was tackled to the ground and pinned down. 

“Why the hell are you touching my little brother, Prongs?!” Sirius yelled. James stared up in shock at his best friend sitting on top of him, then to Remus who was chuckling behind him. 

“Pads! Look at my chest!” James shouted. Sirius squinted, but looked down and noticed the brand new tattoo across James’ heart. He then gasped loudly and sat back on his heels. He pointed at James, then at Regulus with a hand clasped over his mouth.

“But your–” he looked at Regulus, “and he’s–” he looked at James, “Dick for brains?” James burst out laughing and glanced up at his soulmate. 

“Yeah, I’ve found a real catch, haven’t I Paddy?”

“Oh, shut up arsehole, you deserved it.” Regulus scoffed with a small grin.

“For life?!” James screeched. 

“I think it’s romantic!” Lily chimes in. 

“You would, Lily Evans, you would.” 

“My brother!” Sirius was still flabbergasted, trying to make sense of this new development. Remus picked him up by the armpits and placed him on his own towel.

“While you process this, we want to actually talk to them,” Remus kissed Sirius on the cheek and turned his attention back to the newly found soulmates. 

“I told you so.”

“Shut up, Moony!” James punched his friend’s shoulder. 

“Oh my gosh, I can be your surrogate! I’ll throw the gender reveal party and everything!” Lily squealed. 

“That’s a little soon don’t you think?” 

“Never! I’ll get everyone else to help, except for Peter, you know he can’t keep a secret.” Lily poked Peter’s cheek and he let out a huff. James could see Regulus was becoming a bit uncomfortable, so he whistled everyone to attention.

“Alright! That’s enough, let’s go back to swimming now!” Regulus shot him a grateful smile but it faltered when James tried to pull him along with everyone else. 

“I’m not a great swimmer, can we just stay here?”

“Sure, love,” James replied with a soft smile, “whatever you want.”

[starkidmunson]

glitter & crimson

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

Time passes in ways Eddie doesn’t fully understand, in the aftermath of Steve’s injury.

A few days are spent lounging around the hotel room with Steve drifting in and out of sleep, for the most part. Then they graduate to small day trips. Squeeze in some touristy shit; museums and landmarks not too far from the hotel, in case Steve gets a migraine or starts feeling nauseous. 

Day 6 features a follow-up at the hospital, where Steve is told the bandage is no longer necessary to cover the worst of the injury, surgery won’t be necessary, and he’s clear to fly home or wherever else he wants to go. Which means Eddie is also free to leave LA, but he’s already stuck it out this long, so he decides to continue to follow Steve’s lead and spend another day.

He gets a call from Steve before he leaves his hotel room on Day 7, informing him that Max is leading a trip to the beach before they leave California again. Steve insists it’s the least he can do since Lucas flew out to spend the last few days with her, so she could stick around until Steve was clear to travel again.

And that’s how Eddie finds himself wearing lavender board shorts from the surf shop that looked the least like a tourist trap, dousing himself with an entire bottle of the highest SPF he can find before stepping out of the store. His black ripped jeans and the Judas Priest shirt he’d worn, not anticipating a trip to the beach, are folded into the bottom of a large tote Robin is carrying with ease, as she picks out towels for everyone to lounge on. She catches sight of him and raises an eyebrow, but he holds his hand up to stop any commentary.

“Black is just going to make me burn even more than I’m already going to burn, and the blue pair I liked were the wrong size, so lavender it is.” He defends, but she just shrugs at him, keeps smiling and walks over to pay for the towels and her bathing suit.

Behind Eddie, Lucas clears his throat. He spins to find Steve, blushing and glaring at Lucas, who’s grinning. 

“What? Don’t tell me I need to defend the trunks to you guys, too. I thought you’d be on my side.” He whines.

“Oh, I don’t think Steve has any issue with your shorts. Or lack of a top.” Lucas teases, then laughs as Steve swings a soft punch into his shoulder.

“I just…” Steve trails off, turning his attention back to Eddie and Eddie can see the heat rise from Steve’s cheeks up to the tips of his ears, coloring him a soft shade of pink. “I didn’t realize how many tattoos you actually have, I guess.” He eventually settles on, before immediately occupying himself with finding sunscreen.

Eddie lets it slide, and they all pay for what they need, before crossing the street and trekking toward the water. Max is the first to toss her shorts and sandals into a pile, running toward the ocean and diving into the first wave she encounters. Lucas is just a step behind her, and he’s quick to catch her waist and throw the two of them back into the water just as she’s resurfacing.

Robin shoves a rented umbrella into the sand and Eddie helps expand it, as Steve lays out his towel so his face is covered by the umbrella’s shade, but his torso down is exposed to the sun. Eddie, on the other hand, huddles up so most of his body is concealed by the umbrella.

“Oh shit, dude, I didn’t even think to ask. Are you worried about getting seen out here or something?” Steve asks, and Eddie frowns. It takes a moment before he realizes it probably seems like he’s hiding from any potential paparazzi.

“I get bothered so little by media that I hadn’t even thought about that if I’m being honest.” Eddie shakes his head but smiles at how thoughtful Steve is. “I’m just a little too pasty to trust the sun on a cloudy day, so direct exposure like this always makes me nervous. But I like laying in the sand and I’m happy you wanted me to tag along. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he assures Steve, who smiles at him until Robin mocks a gagging noise and makes them both blush and look away from one another.

The salt air and crescendo of waves and bellowing laughter kick up a surprising amount of inspiration for Eddie, and he fishes his phone out of Robin’s bag, typing away while she and Steve sunbathe. 

He’s so caught up in the piece he’s working out that he doesn’t realize anyone has spoken to him until Steve’s pressing a hand to his knee, looking a little concerned. 

“What? Sorry, I got an idea and I had to get it out before I forgot about it.” He mumbles, typing out his final thoughts before giving Steve his full attention.

“We’re going to return the umbrella and grab food before heading back to the hotel to pack up, if you’re hungry?” Steve asks, smiling at Eddie. He looks back at his phone to realize their hour with the rented umbrella is nearly up, so he nods and helps clean up the space they’d taken over, before they find a beachfront restaurant that doesn’t mind that none of the guys are wearing shirts, or that Max’s hair is still dripping wet, leaving a trail behind her as they move to their seats.

Once they’ve eaten, they go back to the hotel. Eddie asks if he can shower to get the sand out of his hair before he changes back into the clothes he’d had on pre-trip to the beach. When he re-enters the room, almost everything is packed up and Robin is on the balcony, talking on the phone.

“Nancy called,” Steve explains from the sofa, as Eddie flops beside him, towel-drying his hair gently. He hadn’t bothered to put his shirt on yet, not wanting his hair to make it all wet while it air dries. “Did they hurt?”

“Hm?” Eddie’s confused instantly, looking at Steve before realizing he’s eyeing the tattoos across his chest. “Some of ‘em more than others, yeah. But it’s a good kind of hurt.”  Eddie explains, and Steve frowns, but that’s okay because Eddie knows not everyone gets what he means whenever he explains the tattooing experience like that. “It’s… kinda like if you have itchy sunburn and you accidentally scratch it? It feels good to have scratched it, but it also hurts.” When Steve still looks confused, it’s Eddie’s turn to frown. He looks over Steve’s exposed arms and takes in the soft golden color they’ve turned and his eyes narrow. “Do not tell me you’re one of those genetic anomalies that doesn’t sunburn and always has a perfect tan, Stevie.”

Now Steve is grinning, throwing a shrug in Eddie’s direction. “Blame it on the 8 years of swim club during the summer off-season.” Steve laughs as an explanation, and Eddie instantly wants to know more about everything Steve has ever done in his life, but doesn’t know where to draw the line at how much is too much to ask to know, so he ultimately doesn’t ask for any further information. Which is fine, because Steve is leaning closer and taking hold of his left forearm, twisting it and tracing a finger along a snake that wraps around his skin. “Do they have meanings?”

“Some of them, yeah. Some of them I just got because I liked how they look.” Eddie admits, watching Steve’s fingers trace along the delicate lines of the snake. “That one’s got its mouth open like it’s hissing and about to bite.” Eddie considers what comes next, and decides to just lay it all out on the table. Steve had been open and honest with him, Eddie could return the favor. “Snakes are supposed to be a symbol of inner strength and perseverance, and they look sick. I got it after my first stint in rehab.”

Steve doesn’t falter, doesn’t even blink, and if Eddie didn’t know better, he would think Steve had already known about his trips to rehab before he’d said anything. Instead, he moves on to trace a blackout band around Eddie’s bicep. “Do any of them have stories you want to share? You don’t have to if it’s too personal.”

He’s stunned to silence for a moment, something that doesn’t often happen to Eddie. But he’s so used to everyone pressing to hear more about rehab and addiction and recovery that his brain physically needs a moment to catch up to Steve. “Oh. Uh. I mean, the one you’re touching doesn’t have a meaning or story, I just liked how it looks.” Eddie thinks for a moment, then, before he holds out the inside of his right forearm. “This one is a puppet master. Master of Puppets is my favorite Metallica song, and when I learned to play it is when I realized that music could actually be a career path for me.” They run through a few other tattoos; the Wyvern, the spider, the “you bow to no one” in elvish down his spine. While still working up the courage to tell Steve more, he switches his approach. “Do you have any tattoos? Or have you ever wanted any?”

“I’ve never thought about it in a serious way, because I’m not sure I’d like having something on me permanently like that.” Steve shrugs, flipping his arm over to point at his right wrist. “The few times I’ve thought about it, it’s been like. A robin, here. The Roman numerals for 94 somewhere. That kind of stuff.”

Eddie smiles softly, nods. “It’s adorable that you’d want one for Robin.” He teases and lets the moment breathe for a moment before he circles back to the tattoo of the snake. “I’m not ashamed of my story, or my history, but we hadn’t really talked about, you know. That aspect of things, yet. But, I mean. I made terrible choices when I was younger, and I got in over my head with drugs harder than I realized. And it’s happened more than once. And I’m not naive enough to think I’m magically cured because drugs haven’t raised an issue for me over the last few years. But I’ve been mostly sober for almost 4 years.”

“Mostly?” Steve asks, concern clear in how softly he speaks, and Eddie can’t help but grin and shrug a little.

“Still some weed sometimes. Still drink beer sometimes. Both in moderation, not anything out of control. It, uh, probably sounds weird but those weren’t substances I had issues with, so I don’t… I don’t really think about drinking or smoking as cheating, but I know some programs would call it that way.” He shrugs, and Steve nods, processing the information.

“Well, thanks for sharing that with me. I know it’s probably not easy to talk about, but. I learned a few new things about you today.” He offers with a little smile, and Eddie nods back. They slip back into silence, until Robin slips back into the room, looking between the two of them expectantly.

“Did you ask him?” She asks, and when Eddie turns his attention to Steve, he flushes.

“No, I uh…” He trails off, picking at a fingernail before looking up at Eddie, then back down at his hands. “We’re flying back to Chicago tomorrow, and we were wondering if you had your plans set for heading back to Nashville?”

“Oh, yeah. When you guys initially said you’d be leaving tomorrow, I booked a flight home for tomorrow afternoon.” He says and watches Steve’s lack of reaction. Wonders if he should have asked about joining them in Chicago until Steve gives an awkward smile. 

“Right, that makes sense.” He nods. “Well, we can all head to the airport together, at least?”

“Yeah, sure.” Eddie agrees, turning to look at Robin in the hopes of finding an explanation, but she turns away to take her turn in the shower, leaving Steve and Eddie together on the sofa.

~~~

Gareth picks Eddie up from the airport once he’s touched down in Nashville, and they head back to his house. Eddie throws himself into the comfort of his sofa, huddling up to a pillow with the intention of taking a nap, but his phone buzzes in his pocket. When he fishes it out, he smiles.

Stevie: Dustin has taken over the apartment, but we’re home. Hope you got home safe, too.

“Why are you smiling?” Gareth asks as Eddie is typing out his response.

“I’m not smiling,” Eddie responds instantly, schooling his expression and shoving his phone back in his pocket.

“Oh, so Steve texted you,” Gareth says, matter-of-factly, before scrolling on his own phone. “Want to order food? I’m hungry and you don’t have anything edible.”

“Why do you assume Steve texted me?” Eddie asks, frowning and sitting up straighter.

Gareth raises his eyebrow and glances over his phone at Eddie before he sighs. “Because you were making that face you’ve been making for the last month every time you text him, and you just got home from a week with him, so obviously he’s texting you again. Your turn to answer; food?”

Eddie stares at Gareth for a moment, watches as he turns his phone around to face Eddie, showing off the Uber Eats screen, before he scoffs and takes the phone to place his order. Before he hands it back to Gareth, though, he holds it just out of his reach. “What face am I making?”

“C’mon, Eddie, don’t play dumb.” Gareth laughs, but Eddie frowns deeper. Gareth frowns back, then. “You really haven’t put it together?”

“Put what together?” Eddie asks, finally handing Gareth his phone back. Gareth takes it, but doesn’t look away from Eddie until he answers.

“Dude, you’re in love with him.” He says, like it’s obvious, before going about placing his own order.

Eddie thinks for a moment. He knows he has feelings for Steve; finds him attractive and interesting and definitely wants to see if something is there. But to know that his friends can see through him puts him on edge, makes him defensive. “I’m not in love with him, we’re just friends.”

“Eddie,” Gareth laughs before he sees the serious look on Eddie’s face and he sighs. “Look, man. I’m not trying to start a fight or make you spiral or anything. I’m just saying. You leaned into a TikTok trend for him, voluntarily learned about the sport he plays, helped nurse him back to health after he got hurt and spent an extra week in LA to be with him longer. And now you’re texting him, again, like you did after we left Chicago. There’s something there, whether you want to admit it or not. Maybe it’s not love yet, but that’s where it’s heading.”

Silence settles over them, just the sound of Gareth’s short nails tapping against the screen of his phone, for a long moment. Eddie processes what he’s said, thinks it over, before flipping back to the text messages from Steve. He reads the words over and over before he decides on an answer.

Eddie: Glad you’re home safe. Miss you already.

He doesn’t have to wait long for a response, as Steve answers no more than two minutes later.

Steve: I miss you already, too, Eds.

Eddie considers responding but decides to tuck the phone back into his pocket instead. He drums his fingers against his knee, settling into a melody before he nudges Gareth’s leg with his foot. 

“Wanna help me set up the studio downstairs while we wait for the food?”

Gareth meets his look, raising an eyebrow. “Inspiration strikes over Steve Harrington?”

“I’ve got, like, four different ideas I started fleshing out in LA without instruments,” Eddie answers instead and ignores the smug look on Gareth’s face as they stand and make their way to the basement Eddie converted into a recording studio to get it ready while their food is delivered.

[thestoryofella]

sunburnt

summary: after spending a day on the beach to take a break from London's constant noise, you end up sunburnt to a crisp. In an attempt to avoid Sirius's teasing, you desperately try to stay hidden. However, when you're finally forced to ask for help, you're reminded of the importance of choosing love over embarrassment.

warnings: fluff, swearing.

sirius black x reader ✿ 1275 words

After getting tired of the near-constant noise in London and the lack of scenery, you planned a solitary beach day to do nothing but read, lounge, and enjoy the nearly ice-cold pineapple you’d prepped the night before. You sprawled out under the sun from sunrise to near sunset, only dipping in the splashing, cold water when you woke up from a snoozy nap spent on a beach towel. Once the sun nearly set and you’d finished the book you packed for the day, you packed up your things and started the journey home.

When you reached the bus station to return to central London, you realized the issue, catching your reflection in the large, circular mirror near the bus driver. You had gotten burnt to a crisp during your beach day, and Sirius would never let you live it down.

Before you left in the morning, Sirius, ever the caring partner, had packed face sunscreen, body sunscreen, and aloe vera into your oversized tote bag. He had even checked if you had applied some in the morning before you rushed out the door. You, torn between the desire to lounge on the beach and the fear of missing the bus, had lied to him before planting a quick kiss on his cheek and dashing to the station. 

Now, you deeply regret not listening to him. In addition to your current appearance, your skin is inflamed, hot, scaly, and hurts to the touch. When you pressed down on your irritated skin, your fingers left an unmistakable mark associated with a severe sunburn. 

“Perfect,” you sarcastically muttered to yourself. 

When you finally stopped at the station closest to yours and Sirius’s shared flat, you walked quickly to get home, eager to shower with cold water and hopefully reduce the inflammation your sunburn caused. The plan was simple: you’d get home, dash to the shower, avoid Sirius for the rest of the night, and then what? After some consideration, you decide you’ll have to sleep with a paper bag over your head and in pajamas best suited for a nun. 

Once you reach your shared flat, you can hear Sirius inside cooking dinner. The low sizzle of sautéing vegetables and gentle humming is his giveaway. Quickly unlocking the door and tiptoeing inside, you sneak past the kitchen without detection until a creaking floorboard gives you away. 

Your heart lurches into your stomach. It’s no use being this sneaky over a sunburn, but you wanted to avoid Sirius’s teasing for as long as possible–even though you sometimes secretly loved it.

Sirius’s head turns to look at you, but you do not turn to face him. “Hi, dollface,” he says. You hear the words come out of his mouth, and you really want to turn around and greet him with a hug, but you are determined to avoid detection. 

You suck in a quick breath before tumbling out the words, “I gotta go hop in the shower before dinner, love you!” With that said, you run to the bathroom, your feet smacking down on the floorboards with each step before loudly closing the door. 

Great, that wasn’t suspicious at all, you think to yourself. You have the urge to facepalm your forehead before remembering the searing pain that would follow.

You hopped in the shower, sighing in relief when the cold water hit your inflamed back. Showering after days spent at the beach was the best. 

When you finally finished showering, you had devised a regimen to defeat your sunburn and hopefully avoid pain. You put thick lotion on every area of your sunburnt skin, planning to top it off with a layer of aloe vera gel for added measure. 

Things were going swimmingly. You’d lotioned every irritated limb and your unusually puffy cheeks–resembling a hamster with too much food in their mouth. That was until you tried to lotion your back and realized that your short arms and the searing pain of trying to stretch them due to sunburn would not make applying products easy. 

“No, no, no!” You exasperatedly muttered. You must swallow your pride to take care of your severely sunburnt back. The issue wasn’t that Sirius would be mean per se, but he would undoubtedly tease you before dotingly helping you. Plus, you really didn’t want him to know you had lied to him this morning, evading his attempts to prevent this in the first place. 

Defeat clouded your brain. Swallowing your pride, you peeked out the bathroom door before feebly calling, “Siri, can you help me quickly.” It wasn’t even a second later that you heard him set down plates and footsteps approaching your location. 

Now, face-to-face with your raven-haired boyfriend, you offered him a coy smile that silently said, please don’t be mad at me. His eyes slowly took in the sight of your sunburnt face. Unbeknownst to him, your back looked a lot worse. 

You stood in silence for only a second before he reacted exactly how you thought he would. He let a bellowing laugh escape his mouth before pressing a smiling kiss to your inflamed forehead. “What the hell happened to you? You look like a tomato!”

You were sure you did at this point. The combination of inflamed skin, paired with your now red cheeks from Sirius’s affectionate teasing, was sure to have reddened your skin. Honestly, you were surprised you didn’t look more like a beet. 

You playfully shoved his shoulder before cracking the door wide enough for him to sneak in. “Can you please just help me put some lotion and aloe vera on my back?” You tried to sound stern, but a smile still graced your lips. 

He let another laugh escape his mouth upon observing your sunburnt back. “I thought I packed your sunscreen, and you said you put some on before leaving.” 

You huffed in response, crossing your arms over your chest. “I know; I was just so eager to get to the beach and forgot to put some on,” you complained, slightly whining. 

“You know what I always tell you?” He asks.

“No,” you lied. You knew exactly what he was going to say. 

“Sirius knows best!” He nearly sings out before pressing a kiss to your bare shoulder. 

“Sirius,” you whined out, not wanting to be reminded of your unfortunate errors. He usually knew best, but you would never in a million years admit that to him. 

“Okay, okay,” He laughs, holding his hands up in mock defense before gently lathering both lotion and aloe vera gel onto your inflamed back. 

You nearly sigh at the relief but hold your tongue, a feeble attempt to humble his enormous ego. Instead, you opt for a simple “thank you,” turning around to envelop his torso in a tight hug. He responds by kissing your forehead, not wanting to press his hands into your irritated back.

♡ ♡ ♡

By the end of the evening, you were honestly sure you had managed to avoid most of Sirius’s teasing. After he had helped you with your back earlier, you two had enjoyed dinner together and were currently cuddled up in bed, about to fall asleep. 

Leaning over to kiss under your ear–possibly the only part of your skin protected from the sun’s wrath–Sirius wrapped his arms around your waist and whispered, “Goodnight, tomato.”

You rolled your eyes, letting a noticeable sigh escape your lips. You felt Sirius’s chest move with gentle laughter as he delighted in your feigned annoyance. 

You truly were never going to live this down. But you realized you were willing to put up with it if it meant you could stay wrapped in Sirius’s arms forever.

[minijenn]

Story Summary: What would happen if the Crystal Gems had settled down in a place other than Beach City, a little backwoods town just west of weird��? What if, upon coming to Gravity Falls for the summer, Dipper and Mabel were to befriend Steven and Connie? What kind of magical, mysterious adventures would they have? And, how would they fare against the combined threats of merciless Homeworld Gems and a certain triangular demon?

Find out what happens when Magic and Mystery meet in Universe Falls...

Chapter Summary: Steven, Dipper, and Mabel team up to search for the legendary Gravity Falls Gobblewonker. Can they also find a way to convince the quarreling Amethyst and Pearl to fuse into the equally legendary Opal? It wasn’t unusual for the Gems to be away all night on some far-off mission, and in the same way, it wasn’t unusual for Steven to get up early to wait for them. He was still in the middle of breakfast when the warp pad lit up with its telltale glow, prompting Steven to leave his cereal behind to welcome his guardians back instead.  “Hi, you guys!” he called, bounding over to the pad. “Whoa…” he stopped short upon noticing that the Gems were a little worse for wear after whatever they’d just been through. “Hello, Steven,” Garnet greeted coolly, despite the feathers scattered through her disheveled afro. Amethyst cheerfully leapt off the warp pad almost as soon as they returned, toting a large, oddly colored egg over to the kitchen.  “Amethyst, we do not need that!” Pearl scolded as Amethyst began trying to squeeze her prize into the fridge. “It’s not going to fit in there!” “Aw, c’mon, Pearl, I totally got this,” Amethyst assured. In one swift move, she pulled the middle shelf out of the fridge, sending any food that had once sat upon it onto the floor. From there, she pushed the egg in as she shot Pearl a smug grin. “See? It fits!” She slammed the door shut, wincing when a sickening crack sounded from within. “Oh man…” she looked away from the fridge, disappointed. “Eh, I guess it's not a total loss. Now we can make a big omelet, or a quiche, or a huge sunny side up!”

Click the link to read more; all comments are appreciated!

[handbagfashionexpert]

5 Creative Ways To Style Your Large Beach Tote

Your large beach tote isn't just a practical accessory for carrying your seaside essentials—it's also a versatile fashion statement waiting to be styled in creative ways. Whether you're lounging by the shore or exploring beachside shops, here are five innovative ways to elevate your look with a large beach tote.

1. Boho Chic Beach Day

Embrace your inner bohemian spirit with a laid-back beach look that exudes effortless charm. Start by pairing a flowy maxi dress or a crochet swimsuit cover-up with oversized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for added sun protection. Complete the ensemble with your large beach tote featuring earthy tones or tribal-inspired prints. Toss in a lightweight scarf or sarong, a straw fedora, and some beaded sandals to channel boho vibes from head to toe. This ensemble not only looks effortlessly chic but also ensures you're ready for a day of relaxation under the sun.

2. Nautical-Inspired Day Out

For a classic seaside look that never goes out of style, opt for a nautical-inspired ensemble paired with your large beach tote. Choose a striped Breton top or a navy blue sundress as the foundation of your outfit, evoking the timeless charm of coastal fashion. Pair it with white denim shorts or capri pants for a fresh, summery feel. Accessorize with maritime-inspired accents such as anchor earrings, rope bracelets, and espadrille sandals. Let your large beach tote make a statement with its navy and white stripes or anchor motifs, adding a touch of seafaring flair to your ensemble.

3. Tropical Paradise Explorer

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with a vibrant and playful beach look that celebrates bold colors and exotic prints. Opt for a brightly colored bikini or tropical print swimsuit paired with a breezy cover-up in a matching pattern. Add oversized sunglasses, a straw hat adorned with colorful flowers, and statement earrings featuring tropical motifs like palm leaves or pineapples. Your large beach tote becomes the perfect canvas for showcasing vibrant hues and playful designs, whether it's adorned with tropical florals, fruity prints, or tropical animal motifs. Don't forget to pack a fruity drink in a fun tumbler to complete the tropical vibe!

4. Coastal Casual Explorer

For a relaxed and laid-back beach day, embrace coastal casual style with a comfortable yet chic ensemble that transitions seamlessly from sand to street. Start with a simple white linen shirt paired with denim shorts or distressed jeans for an effortlessly cool look. Slip on a pair of slide sandals or espadrilles for easygoing comfort. Accessorize with a woven straw hat, shell necklace, and oversized sunglasses for added flair. Your large beach tote in natural materials like woven straw or canvas complements the coastal aesthetic perfectly, adding a touch of rustic charm to your ensemble.

5. Sunset Soiree Glamour

Transform your beach tote into a glamorous accessory fit for a sunset soiree by the shore. Opt for a flowing maxi dress in a bold color or shimmering metallic fabric that catches the light as the sun sets. Add statement jewelry such as chandelier earrings or a statement necklace to elevate your look. Slip into strappy sandals or wedges for added height and elegance. Your large beach tote becomes the perfect finishing touch, serving as a stylish carryall for your essentials while exuding effortless glamour with metallic accents, sequins, or embellishments.

In conclusion, your large beach tote is more than just a practical accessory—it's a versatile fashion staple that can elevate your beach day look in countless creative ways. Whether you're channeling boho chic, nautical charm, tropical vibes, coastal casual, or sunset glamour, there's a styling option to suit every seaside occasion. So, pack your tote, embrace your unique style, and prepare to make a splash at the beach with your fashionable ensemble.

[carmensolny]

Embrace Style and Functionality with Trendsetting Raffia Bags, Clear Totes, and Waterproof Beach Essentials!

In the fast-paced world of fashion, functionality and style go hand in hand. The need for accessories that not only complement your look but also serve a practical purpose has given rise to a new era of trendsetting bags. Carmen Sol, a name synonymous with sophistication and innovation, presents a collection that seamlessly blends style and functionality. Let's explore the allure of raffia bags, clear totes, waterproof beach essentials, and more, and discover how these accessories are redefining fashion.

1. Raffia Bags: Where Nature Meets Elegance

Raffia bags have become the epitome of eco-friendly fashion. Crafted from natural fibers, these bags effortlessly combine style with sustainability. Carmen Sol's Raffia Bag collection showcases a harmonious blend of intricate design and earthy charm. Whether you're heading to a brunch date or a weekend getaway, these bags add a touch of nature-inspired elegance to your ensemble.

2. Clear Tote Bags: Transparently Stylish

Clear tote bags have emerged as a bold fashion statement, allowing you to showcase your style transparently. Carmen Sol's Clear Tote Bag collection is a testament to this trend, offering a perfect fusion of contemporary design and practicality. Ideal for various occasions, these bags effortlessly transition from casual outings to upscale events. Flaunt your essentials with confidence and style with Carmen Sol's clear tote bags.

3. Waterproof Beach Bags: Where Fashion Meets Function

Heading to the beach? Carmen Sol has you covered with their stylish and functional waterproof beach bags. Designed to withstand the sun, sand, and sea, these bags ensure your belongings stay safe and dry. With vibrant colors and durable materials, these beach essentials are a must-have for any seaside adventure. Elevate your beach style with Carmen Sol's waterproof beach bags that seamlessly combine fashion with functionality.

4. Large Crossbody Bags: Effortless Style On the Go

For those who prefer hands-free convenience without compromising on style, Carmen Sol's large crossbody bags are a game-changer. These spacious and versatile bags allow you to carry your essentials with ease while making a fashion statement. Whether you're exploring the city or attending a music festival, these crossbody bags effortlessly elevate your on-the-go style.

5. Bag Charms: Personalize Your Style

Adding a touch of personality to your bag is made easy with Carmen Sol's bag charms. These small accessories pack a punch, allowing you to express your unique style. From playful charms to elegant embellishments, these additions transform your bag into a true fashion statement. Mix and match to create a look that's uniquely yours.

6. Large Totes and Purses: Carry Everything in Style

Carmen Sol's large totes and purses redefine the concept of spacious yet stylish bags. Whether you're a professional on the move or a fashion-forward traveler, these bags accommodate all your essentials without compromising on elegance. Practical pockets, high-quality materials, and exquisite craftsmanship make Carmen Sol's large totes and jelly purse the epitome of fashion-forward functionality.

In conclusion, Carmen Sol's collection of raffia bags, clear totes, waterproof beach bags, large crossbody bags, bag charms, large totes, and purses embodies the perfect marriage of style and functionality. Elevate your fashion game and embrace accessories that not only complement your look but also make a statement about your values. Carmen Sol is not just a brand; it's a lifestyle choice that celebrates the beauty of fashion and the practicality of everyday life. Choose Carmen Sol and redefine your style today!

[uollop]

C-could we possibly get more Mermaid Vash? Mermay has me by the throat!

Pearlescent (Mer!Vash x Reader pt. 2)

Content: Mermaid Vash, GN! Reader, oceans, deep water, lifeguard reader, Reader almost drowns, blood, angst, Vash tries to introduce his favorite human to his brother but it.... does not go well.

Word count: 2.7k

Notes: Coming right up! I got like 3 anon asks for more Mer!Vash so I shall provide! Someone specifically asked for the reader to swim with Vash so I will be including that in this one :)) enjoy!

Previous Part | Next Part (coming soon)

You met with the merman nearly every day after that, always staying after your shift ended to spend some time with him. You had learned his name after he had arranged some seashells to form what seemed like letters. "Vash" is what you called him from then on out, and it seemed to be correct because he would respond to it, always letting out a happy chirp when you called him by his name.

Today, you sat in your lifeguard tower and watched the people on the beach. There weren't many people, as Fall had started to come and the coldness in the air was dissuading people from coming to the shore. Anyone who did come didn't stay too late, allowing you more time with your mermaid friend.

People were starting to clear out right now, as droplets of rain began to fall from the sky. The coolness of the water made you shudder, but you didn't mind. Today, you wore a red lifeguard jacket over your bathing suit, but most of your legs were still exposed. You knew your fishy friend would be excited about that.

As you watched the last of the people clear out of the beach, you looked out into the water, smiling when you saw a familiar head of blonde hair sticking out of the sea. When you made eye contact with him, he waved happily at you. You waved back and sat up, moving to climb down the lifeguard tower.

By the time your feet touched the sand, Vash had already pulled himself onto the rock by the shore. It had kind of become the spot that the two of you defaulted to. Today, he was splayed out across the rock, the droplets of rain falling against his skin as he stretched his arm above his head.

"Long day, huh?" You ask as you approach the rock, sitting next to him. He nodded, his eyes closed before he took in a long inhale through his nose, sitting up excitedly and looking at the bag you carried with you.

You had begun to bring things for him from the human world. It started when you attempted to eat a sandwich with him next to you on the rock. He had reached up and pulled a piece off without asking, stuffing it in his mouth. A look of delight had crossed his face as he reached for more, but you had pulled it away from him, telling him you would bring him one tomorrow.

You had kept your promise, bringing him different human foods pretty much every day. There were some he disliked, but for the most part he seemed to enjoy all of the things you'd bring.

Today, you reached into your large tote bag and pulled out a slightly smaller bag, climbing onto the rock next to him and reaching into the bag. You pulled out a glazed donut and handed it to him with a smile.

He looked at the sweet with curiosity, before placing his finger through the hole of the donut. You stifled a laugh as he looked at you expectantly.

"It's not a ring. It's food," You say as you pull another donut out of the bag, taking a bite of it and showing it to him, "See?"

His eyes widened and he mimicked your movement, biting into the donut. He chewed for a moment, a thoughtful look on his face before his eyes widened and he let out a very loud chirp, shoving the rest of the donut into his mouth.

"Woah! Be careful, or you'll choke!" You say as you pull the bag away when he reached for another one. He frowned and lowered his arm, slowly chewing the rest of the donut that was in his mouth and gently holding out his clawed hand for another one as he swallowed.

"That's better!" You chime as you reach in for another donut, placing it in his hand. He took a hold of it and took a slower bite, savoring the taste more this time. His eyes lit up with excitement and his tail flapped back and forth a bit. You couldn't help but smile.

"That good, huh?" You joke as you finish your donut, putting the bag away for now. He continued to eat his donut, being much more patient this time.

"I'll remember to bring more next time. They're called donuts." You say as you set your bag onto the sand, turning to look at him and seeing that he had finished his second donut. He happily rubbed his stomach before looking at you and chirping at you as if he was trying to tell you something. A soft frown settled on your face. You couldn't help but feel sad that you couldn't understand what he was saying. It seemed like he could understand you, but you struggled to understand the things he would try to communicate to you.

He noticed your frown and stopped chirping, letting out a sad sigh before he slipped into the water.

"W-wait! Are you leaving already?" You asked, concerned as you watch him slip into the water. He shakes his head and holds his hand out towards you. You look at his hand and back up at him before sliding your jacket off, letting the cool air settle on your skin.

"Alright, I'm coming... But if I get sick, it's on you." You joke before taking his hand, allowing him to pull you into the icy water.

You couldn't help but shiver as the cold sea washed over you. He noticed the movement from you and pulled you close. He wasn't very warm, but just the closeness alone was enough to warm your cheeks.

He chirped again and slowly started to swim, his arm still around you as he moved deeper into the ocean. You weren't sure what he was doing, but you trusted him. Eventually, he stopped. You could barely see the rock anymore as you glanced from the shore back towards him.

"What are you-" You're cut off when he pulls you under the water. Your eyes widening as you shut your mouth. The moon was bright today, despite the clouds of rain in the sky. You could see him in front of you, a bright smile on his face before he grabs your arm, pulling you close again. You couldn't help the butterflies in your chest at the close proximity, but he didn't seem to have a care in the world.

He pulled you deeper into the water, chirping as he swam. Eventually, you began to hear another, deeper chirping noise in the water. Vash chirped back happily, his grip on you loosening a bit. The deeper you went, the harder it was to see, but you could make out a shadow approaching the two of you.

Suddenly, you feel yourself being yanked harshly away from Vash's grasp. You flinched, almost letting out a yelp, but refraining as to not fill your lungs with water. You looked around anxiously, the dark water making it hard for you to tell which direction your merfriend was in. You felt a hand grab you, and for a moment you felt relief until you were pulled roughly towards the person who held your arm. Definitely not Vash.

You looked towards the person and see another merman. This one didn't seem to hold any of the kindness in his eyes that Vash normally did. His blue eyes were almost as cold as the water surrounding you as he bared his teeth at you, a scowl on his face. He had a long, silver tail and light blond hair that framed his face in the water as he moved closer to you, sniffing you before his grip on your arm tightened. You were starting to feel lightheaded due to the lack of air before you hear some angry chirping from behind you. You turned and Vash was there, grabbing the other merman's arm and trying to pull him off of you.

There was some growling and chirping exchanged between the two of them before Vash managed to pry the other merman off of you, frowning at him before grabbing your waist and pulling you back towards the surface of the water.

You were maybe a foot away from the surface when you felt something yank your leg. You slipped out of Vash's hand as you were dragged back away from the air you so desperately needed. You began to thrash around as the darkness of the depths consumed you again. You could barely see, but you managed to make out the silhouette of Vash swimming towards you. It seemed like he was struggling to catch up.

The burning in your lungs worsened as you were pulled further away from him. You reached out towards him, your fingers brushing his for a moment before the grasp around your ankle tightened, pulling you away from him. You could feel claws digging into your ankle, making you wince in pain. You continued to kick your legs and try to reach towards Vash, but it felt helpless. You felt like you were going to die. Black spots start to dot your vision as you lower your arm. The need to breathe was so bad, you knew you wouldn't last much longer.

You hear Vash chirp something, his voice sounding desperate and sad. You hear a quiet growl from the merman holding your ankle before the pressure on your leg was released. Your eyes widen and you begin to swim towards Vash, your legs burning as you held your arm out again. He grabbed your hand and pulled you towards his body, swimming as fast as he could to the surface of the water. The dark spots continued to cloud your vision as your grip on his hand loosened. You heard a panicked noise coming from him as he kept pulling you up, pushing you past the surface of the water.

You coughed and sputtered for air, the burning in your lungs not getting any better as you clung onto Vash for support. Your lungs ached. Your ankle hurt. Your muscles were sore. Vash seemed to notice your distress, quickly pulling you into his embrace, supporting you as you coughed and gasped for air. He began swimming back towards the rock, a disappointed look on his face as he rubs your back.

He had thought it might be a good idea to introduce you to Nai. He knew that his brother was cautious about humans and thought that, maybe if he showed him a good human that had been kind to him, Nai might change his mind and start to be more understanding.

He had not anticipated for Nai to be so aggressive. His brother was clearly curious, but went about testing his curiosity in the wrong way. He knew he had smelled blood in the water. Your ankle was definitely bleeding, and Vash couldn't help but feel it was his fault.

Vash swam up to your rock, attempting to lift you onto it. His lack of a second arm made it difficult for him to get you onto the rock, so he settled for leaning you against his body until you were able to pull yourself up on your own. The two of you sat like that for a while, his arm wrapped around you as you leaned against him, taking in shaky breaths and rubbing your eyes from the salt water.

"What..." you breathed nervously as you glanced back at him, "Who was that?"

He frowned at you before letting you go, allowing you to pull yourself onto the rock. He gathered a few seashells from the ocean floor before he popped up and pulled himself onto the rock as well, Using the shells to spell out something.

"Brother?" You asked as you looked at his shell writing. He nodded with a soft frown on his face before he gathered the shells again and started placing them again. 'Sorry'.

You looked at the words and touched his arm, gently rubbing your finger across his scars, "It's ok," you start, trying to sound as reassuring as you can without your voice shaking, "he seemed... Curious?" You pause, gauging his reaction before he nods. You nod back at him, a soft smile on your lips as you cough a few more times.

"It happens..." You say, looking down at your ankle and seeing a few puncture wounds in a circle around it. Dark red blood stained your skin, dripping down onto the rock. You frown and reach for your bag, shuffling through it trying to find your first-aid. Eventually you found it towards the bottom of the bag, your eyes widening when you see the small jewelry box next to it.

"Oh, yeah!" You chime as you pick up both boxes. You hand him the jewelry box and give him a smile as you begin to clean your wound. "Open it!" You grin, watching him as he opens the box. He gasps when he sees what's in the box, immediately letting out a happy chirp. He took out the necklace that was inside of it and showed it to you as if you hadn't already seen it.

"I know! I got it made with the pearls that you gave me," You say, reaching over and pointing at the large blue pearl in the middle. "This is the one that you showed me in the light. Pretty cool, huh?"

He nods as you resume cleaning your wound, wincing at the feeling of the alcohol pad against your skin before you start to bandage it. He watches you for a moment before looking back at the necklace, a soft smile on his face as he held it up in the moonlight.

You looked up at him with a gentle smile, enjoying the way he admired your necklace. You finish bandaging your ankle and turn your back towards him.

"Want to help me put it on?" You ask as you move any hair that might be in the way. He stares at your neck for a moment before nodding, reaching around you and clumsily closing the clasp of the necklace.

You turned back to him with a weary smile, exhausted from the events with Vash's brother.

"How does it look?"

His cheeks turn a light pink before he smiles and gives you a thumbs up. You nod and look down at the necklace, admiring the way it shines.

"Thank you again for the treasures you gave me the first time we met. That was very kind of you." You say as you fidget with the necklace. He tilts his head and nods, giving you a teeth-filled grin as his eyes shine as if he had an idea.

He slides off the rock and into the water, holding up a finger as if to tell you he'd be back. You gave him a thumbs up and watched as he swam away, letting out a sigh as you rub your sore ankle.

Vash swam towards the reef where he and his brother lived, a smile on his face as he started breaking off a few of the pieces of brightly colored coral. He had seen humans give each other colorful bouquets of some kind of plant and he wanted to give you something similar as a thank you for the human food and as an apology for his brother's behavior.

A low growl comes from behind Vash as he turns and sees Nai. Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Nai begins to reprimand Vash for bringing a human so close to their home, his angry chirps raining down on Vash's ears as he looks away, a little ashamed.

Vash tries to explain that you weren't like the humans in the stories that Nai would talk about. That you were kind and generous. That you had been staying late at the beach every day, talking with him, and that you were simply different than other humans.

Vash's explanation didn't do much to ease Nai's frustration. The older twin glanced down at his brother's hand and saw the make-shift bouquet, a scowl crossing his face. He asked what he was doing and Vash's face flushed as he shook his head and swam past his brother, not answering him.

Nai watched him swim away, letting out an angry sigh. He knew that his brother was naive, but he hadn't realized it had gotten this bad. He quietly allowed his brother to swim away, though. They would be having a talk later about this human.

Masterlist | Ao3

[gyeomsweetgyeom]

[12:07 pm]

(cw: dad!johnny, gn!reader)

“You know I really thought our beach trip would be a weekend trip and not a week long trip at a beachfront hotel,” You sighed, settling down onto the beach towel you had just laid out under a large beach umbrella.

“What my baby wants, my baby gets,” Johnny smiled, pressing a kiss to the fat cheek of your daughter in his arms.

“She can’t talk John,” you rolled your eyes and extended your arms for her, “how did she tell you she wanted to come to the beach anyway?”

You began rubbing sunblock onto your daughters cheeks, cautious of her eyes and mouth, “We were watching tv and she got really excited when she saw the beach on the screen.”

You scoffed playfully, readjusting her bucket hat so her face was completely covered, “Your daddy spoils you, my little love.”

“Daddy spoils you too, now, let’s get my baby girl in the water!” Johnny smiled brightly, scooping up his daughter before he excitedly made his way to the water.

You couldn’t fight the smile on your face as you watched her chubby little legs kick with excitement and heard her faint squeals of happiness.

While you were relaxing in the warm shade and salty breeze, Johnny was busy getting his daughter used to the fresh ocean water that lightly lapped at his feet. He squatted down, holding his daughter beneath her arms and let her feel the water on her feet. She babbled happily, arms waving around while she dug her tiny toes into the wet sand. He sat her down, sitting behind her so she had support, and let her feel the sand in her hands. She loved it, grabbing tiny fistfuls and throwing it around, but he did have to stop her from eating it countless times. Every time a wave would make its way up shore where they sat, her breath would hitch in excitement while she squirmed, readying herself to feel the cool water. It was enough to keep her entertained for at least an hour.

Her hand came down to slap the water, Johnny smiled, hearing her happy baby babbling which was soon interrupted by sudden cry. Johnny checked to make sure she wasn’t hurt, but then he saw it- her hand in her mouth. “Oh, my little love. I know it tastes so yucky doesn’t it?”

He held her to his shoulder, swaying her back and forth as they walked back to where you were sat enjoying the calm beach day. You turned at the sound of your daughter’s cries, reaching for her as Johnny explained what happened. You reached for her water and some of her snacks, hoping that the taste would soon be out of her mouth. “At least she was having fun before she tasted the water,” you laughed lightheartedly, wiping away the streaks of tears from her red cheeks while she drank from her cup of water.

Johnny chuckled with you, “Wait right here.” Then he was dashing off somewhere behind you after he snatched up his wallet from the large tote you had beside you.

You pushed the hair away from your daughter’s face, ticking her to get her to laugh while you held her snack puffs in your palm. You pointed out some dolphins to her in the horizon, repeating the word in the hopes that she would parrot it back, but all you got was her usual baby noises.

In just a few minutes, Johnny returned panting with an armload of different popsicles and ice creams. He fell onto the towel in front of his daughter, startling her before she laughed at the dramatic behavior of her dad. He held up each package he bought, opening the first one that the baby reached for, a strawberry popsicle wrapped in bright yellow and pink, of course.

They shared bites of the cold treat, leaving you to have your pick of the leftovers. You all ate quietly, enjoying the sound of the crashing waves on the shore and other families enjoying the beach as well. You occasionally heard a soft ‘ahhhh’ as Johnny moved to feed your daughter again or a hum of approval from the baby sat between your outstretched legs.

“All done, little love. Did you like it?” Johnny asks the baby, pressing a kiss to her forehead while he wipes away the remaining red syrup around her mouth.

“We brought her food, it’s in the bag,” you tell Johnny, watching your daughter rub at her eyes with a closed fist.

You pulled her into your arms rocking her back and forth to lull her to sleep, “I didn’t want her fun time at the beach to be ruined by one bad moment. I had to make it up for my baby girl.”

“I would sure hope not, we've got 5 days left here. You spoil her John,” you sigh, tearing your eyes away from the waves to make eye contact with your husband who was still laying in front of you.

He laughed loudly, quickly muffling his laugh when you gave him a stern look, “Says you. Remind me again, was it you or me who had to go out and buy our daughter, who has never been in a body of water outside the bathtub, six new bathing suits?”

You averted your gaze to your daughter peacefully asleep in your arms, long eyelashes brushing the tops of her chubby cheeks. “Fine, we both spoil her.”

“And I spoil you both, you deserve it, my love.”

“We love you John, now let’s get little love out of her wet clothes,” you smiled softly, leaning forward to kiss Johnny gently before you stood up and grabbed your tote.

Johnny shook out the beach towel and followed behind you, “Maybe tomorrow she can try floating in the water, I got her some floaties.”

“Not happening John.” You told him in a voice that told him you were not to be argued with. Yeah, no floating for little love after all.

+BONUS

priv.suhjohnny

Liked by y/nsuh, priv.leemark, priv_ttyong, and 122 others

priv.suhjohnny it was all fun and games until little love tasted the water

leedonghyuck_priv i miss little love😭😭

y/nsuh we miss you hyuck

priv.leemark look at those tiny toes🥺🥰

priv.suhjohnny bro please keep that weird shit to yourself✋

jjaehyun.private Mark😳

leedonghyuck_priv bro…

priv_moon_taeil bro…

y/nsuh bro…

priv.leemark Y/N NOT YOU TOO😫

-

A/N: did you guys like the ig post at the end? this one was really fun to write, enjoy!

[coqxettee]

Coquette Summer

Bucket List: ☀️🧺🌸

Some ideas for your summer 2023 bucket list. Coquette activities, trips, days out and things you can do with friends or alone. Write these ideas in your journal and make your own bucket list if you like! <3

Go on a picnic ~ You can do this with friends or on your own! Take an aesthetic picnic blanket and basket, pack fruit, sandwiches, salad, cookies, cupcakes (whatever you like!) and have a Coquette picnic. Dress cute for the occasion and make sure to take lots of pictures <3

Host a Tea Party ~ Invite friends over and decorate your dining table with a pretty tablecloth. Grab fancy cups and saucers (you can find these in antique stores, or better yet a whole tea set complete with a tea pot!) and have a tea party. Drink rose or jasmine tea, have scones, bread & jam, miniature sandwiches, cookies/biscuits, cake. You could even do it Marie Antoinette, high-tea inspired. Dress all regency and cute and make it the fanciest, coquette, tea party ever! <3

Beach day ~ Grab your heart shaped sunnies and have a beach day! Bring a pink towel with you, a large pretty sun-hat, and make sure you pack all the pretty-girl beach essentials. Tanning lotion, a romance novel, fresh fruit, a blanket to sit on (if you don’t have a deck chair) sun cream (spf) lipgloss, a hair brush, and your camera to snap some cute beach shots! Walk down the boardwalk, listen to Lana and grab an ice cream, wear pink flip flops and a cute pink and white gingham bikini <3

Berry picking ~ Wear the most dreamy, float cottage-core, princess dress, a large sun hat and take a wicker basket with you to go berry picking. You can book a slot online and go into a local field. Take pictures and pick ripe berries to take home with you, ready to use for baking later on in the week <3

Baking day ~ Wear a cute little apron, put Lana on your record player in the kitchen and have a baking day! Bake cherry pie, heart-shaped cookies, jam cookies, chocolate-chip cookies, scones, cupcakes, an actual cake… anything and everything! Take cute photos when you bake, it can be great to make memories with friends. Once you’ve baked all your sweet treats, package them up and choose some to give to friends and family, some for later occasions (picnics & tea-parties) and most importantly… some for you! <3

Go to a market ~ If you live in the country there are loads of cute farmers markets on in summer. Keep some money back with you, wear a long, flowing style skirt and a bow in your hair and take a cute tote-bag to keep everything you buy in. Look for small Coquette trinkets on some of the handmade stalls, buy fresh fruit and lemonade for lunch and have a slow, relaxing day at the market <3

Antique shopping ~ Go antique shipping. For your room or house. You can find so many beautiful, Coquette homeware items, clothes, trinkets, jewelry and much more in antique shops. Google the best ones in your area, set aside a day, and go <3

Try out new café’s in your area - Google fancy café’s or even café’s that do afternoon tea. You could go with friends or have a solo cafe trip. Bring a book with you if you go on your own, to read. Or a sketchbook to sketch the world around you. Try something new on the menu! <3

Coquette movie day ~ Plump out your bedroom or living room with pink pillows, fairy lights, candles and lavender room spray. Put on the comfiest pair of pajamas you have Grab snacks, popcorn, anything you baked earlier in the week, fresh fruit (anything you like!) And have a whole day of watching JUST coquette movies. Disney princess films, any period drama’s, any mystical and magical movies, romance movies. Movies that are super light-hearted and make you feel like the princess you are inside. This is really fun to do with friends too! <3

Jewelry making ~ Learn how to make prettt, coquette jewelry. I always see such cute jewelry online and want to know if I can make it myself. The kits might be a bit pricy to buy, but once you’ve built up a jewelry making collection your all set! Make some summer earrings, necklaces, and bracelets <3

Learn to Crochet ~ Something I have wanted to learn for ages! There are tons of tutorials on YouTube and you can pick up pretty colored yarn from the market. If you are really good you can crochet things for the summer like tank tops, bikini sets and headbands! <3

Start a summer journal ~ Or just start journaling in general. I’m making a summer journal full of scrapbook pages I can add all of my coquette summer pictures too when summer is over. Decorate it with coquette stickers and really make it your own. Get creative <3

Have a self care day ~ It’s not sunny everyday in Summer (usually) so set aside one of the cloudier or cooler days for a movie day, or self care day! Wake up early and have an everything shower, and take care of YOU! Do a face mask, manicure, pedicure, do every step to your skincare routine, wash and remake your bed, tidy your room. By the end of the day you will feel like a new person and trust me it’S WORTH IT! <3

Have a sleepover ~ You kinda need friends for this one. I’m sure everyone knows how to have one but do really coquette activities! Paint each others nails, style each others hair, Watch coquette movies, talk about boys. All the classic things you see in the girly movies that you feel never actually get done at sleepovers… do them! Order pizza, do face masks, bake things, and stay up as late as possible for a… midnight feast! <3

-HERE ARE SOME MORE IDEAS! <3 -

Re-decorate your room for summer <3

Go on vacation <3

Go bowling <3

Cute cinema trip (watch a romantic movie) <3

Go to a fancy restaurant <3

Make a summer scrapbook <3

Plan cute summer outfits for the weeks ahead <3

Try out new summer hairstyles <3

Go to a milkshake-bar/diner <3

Go roller-skating <3

Go to the arcade

Find some pretty summer walks in your area, take pictures of wildlife you spot etc <3

Go to a farm (farmers daughter vibes iykyk) <3

Go to the theatre and watch the ballet <3

Have a signature, coquette summer scent <3

Write in your daily summer diary every night and seal it with a lipstick kiss <3

I hope you found these ideas helpful, aesthetic and fun! Have the best summer ever darling’s ~

🌸☀️🧺🍦🎀

[mytardisisparked]

Syrup and Salt

Mulder and Scully enjoy an evening somewhere warm and sandy.

Read on AO3

Everything smells like salt. Her hair. His hair. Their clothes. The condo they’ve rented for the next two glorious weeks. The air inside and outside every building they have been in so far. The towels they toted down to the beach and the bag they stuck the towels in. The red swim trunks he wore in the ocean. Her black tankini and the sunhat she used to protect her porcelain skin when she wasn’t in the ocean, laughing with him. Her hair. Her hair. Her hair–

“Mulder. You’re going to get hair in your lungs if you keep that up.”

He chuckled, inhaling one last, deep breath of the salt clinging to Scully’s red curls before he pulled back to give her a smile. 

“Sorry. You’re just…” he trailed off, lost for words. Instead, he reached up and took one of her curls in his fingers. She smiled back.

He liked her curls. She usually styled it so neatly for work, but the humidity here had inspired (or, perhaps, forced) her to let her hair revert to its natural state. He’d seen it so rarely before that the sight had enchanted him and he was struggling to focus on anything else. 

Scully shifted in their hammock, resting her head on his shoulder. “We should head to dinner soon.”

“Yeah, we should.”

Neither of them moved.

“We really should.”

“Yeah.”

The ocean waves shushed quietly somewhere nearby. No other sound interrupted it. 

“I’m getting up now.” Scully said without even twitching a muscle. 

“Me too. I’m going to get dressed.” Mulder pulled her closer, holding her more tightly.

It was half-an-hour before they finally dragged themselves from the comfort of the sea breeze and swaying hammock. They dressed quickly – Scully in a sundress and Mulder in shorts and a tee – and walked down the beach to their restaurant.

The Pelican Stand had caught their eye on their drive to the condo; it boasted a large, seaside porch, a huge selection of seafood, and a cute pelican mascot on the sign that had made both of them smile. They had decided immediately that it would be their first dinner location for this trip. 

Despite their procrastination in leaving their hammock and solitary peace, they seemed to have arrived early at the restaurant and beat the dinner rush. They were seated immediately and Mulder put in an order for a couple of fruity drinks that had clever, pelican-themed names.

“Want an appetizer?” Mulder studied the menu a little too close to his face. He’d left his glasses at home since “we won’t need glasses in the ocean.” He now regretted that statement.

“The fries sound good.” Scully flipped her menu over, holding it at a fairly normal length from her face as she peered through her prescription sunglasses (Mulder really needed to update his health insurance plan). “Looks like they come with crab dip.”

Mulder grinned. “Scully, you read my mind.” The waitress came over with their drinks and then headed back off to put in their order for crab dip fries. 

Scully leaned over the back of her chair, taking off her sunglasses and watching the ocean as she sipped her drink. The shimmering blue waves reflected in her eyes and the wind played with her hair, drawing Mulder’s attention to it again. With a smile, he pulled a small camera out of his pocket.

“Hey, Scully.”

Just as she turned to look at him, a smile playing on her lips, he snapped a picture. She smiled even more widely as she realized what he was doing.

“Mulder…” she chuckled.

“I’m just capturing memories.” He grinned. “Maybe we can make a scrapbook later.”

She reached out and took his hand in hers. “Sure, but I don’t think I’m ever going to forget this.”

Mulder squeezed her hand. “I don’t think I will, either. But maybe I want to keep some pictures anyway.”

“Fair enough.” Scully smiled even more brightly, the low sun turning her skin golden and her hair to fire. She leaned over and, gently, captured his lips with hers.

Mulder smiled into the kiss. She tasted like syrup and salt. One of her curls brushed his cheek.

He set his camera down and held her face instead.

[blackcherryvelvet0909]

Tomato Basil (Lilia x GN!Reader)

Note: Reader is an adult for obvious reasons

“This looks like a good spot!” Lilia stopped a short several feet from the shoreline, just where you could feel the sea spray whisp across your skin. It was quite refreshing. The sunset backdrop was equally perfect, the stars just starting to peek out over the horizon. With a flourish, Lilia laid out the large, soft blanket he’d been carrying. He tilted his head up to eye you as he asked, “Which side would you like?” 

“Any is fine,” you replied with a smile. “I’m not picky.”

“Then let’s sit facing the sunset,” Lilia suggested. “Watching the sun sink below the sea’s edge is always a pretty sight.” 

That was, indeed, a nice idea. You sat on the right side of the blanket and Lilia sat on the left. You placed the wicker picnic basket you’d been holding in front of you both and opened the top. Inside were wheat crackers, various types of cheese, multiple sliced veggies, small fruits, two little plates, and a few utensils. Beside the basket now sat a mini cooler, which had been another object Lilia toted out to the beach. Within were two thermoses, one filled with tomato juice and the other filled with [drink of choice]; there was also a small box of popsicles. You and Lilia had quite the spread before you. 

“I hate that Silver couldn’t come with us,” you lamented as you helped Lilia unload the plates and utensils from the basket. “Malleus and Sebek, too. They seemed so excited.” 

“I know, it is a shame. Malleus was looking forward to doing some mundane activities.” Lilia glanced over and gave you a reassuring smile. “But worry not! We have another week of our school trip - plenty of time to picnic again.” He let out a soft chuckle. “Maybe this will teach Malleus not to eat so much ice cream in one sitting.” 

Ah, yes, the thing that prevented Malleus from coming: A stomachache. One of the worst he’d ever experienced, apparently. The last time you saw him, the prince was curled up in his king sized bed, blankets wrapped around him so thoroughly only his horns peeked above the surface. His dead silence was only interrupted by a painful grunt every now and again. According to Lilia, that was the calmest Malleus had ever been about such an ailment. Truly, the prince had grown much since his tantrum-having childhood. Lilia commented to you on your way down to the beach that he was quite relieved about that. 

As for Sebek and Silver, the two were also back at the hotel. Sebek was adamant on remaining at Malleus’s side - to be at his beck and call throughout the entire ordeal. Silver, on the other hand, was sound asleep in Lilia’s bed. He’d attempted to stay up along with Sebek; unfortunately for Silver, his narcolepsy won out. It was cute how Lilia tucked him into bed, brushed his hair behind his ear and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, before you both set out. Silver looked so peaceful then…hopefully Sebek would spare him a lecture when he woke. 

“But let’s not fret about that now,” Lilia said, knocking you out of your thoughts. “I’m starved! Let’s dig into our snacks, shall we?”

Lilia didn’t seem too worried about the boys. He was the one that raised them (in Sebek’s case, at least in part) - if he thought they would be alright by themselves, you shouldn’t worry either. So, with a smile and a nod, you, too, began to sort through the food. You put your thermos next to you before filling your plate. Of course, you were not surprised when Lilia placed a near whole tomato on his plate. “You really do like tomatoes, huh?” you mused. 

“They are quite refreshing,” Lilia concurred. “I could eat an entire bag if I were particularly famished.” He let out a small laugh. “You should have seen the look on Kalim’s face the first time he saw me bite into one, like you would an apple. He was flabbergasted! I don’t think he’s ever seen anyone do that - nor Cater, for that matter.” 

“It isn’t a very common thing to do. I would have been just as surprised if I saw you do that.” 

“What’s life without a little surprise - a little oddness?” Lilia laid a few red cherries next to his tomato slices. “I find both most entertaining.” 

As you began to eat your own food, you examined Lilia’s own spread. You saw almost nothing but red: Red apple slices, red tomato slices, red cherries, little red grapes. Your brows furrowed as you observed this pattern. Lilia noticed and teased you with, “Now, what has you ogling my plate so?” He tittered as he continued with, “Do you think I eat too much for my age?~” 

“No, not at all!” you earnestly denied. “It’s just that, well…you seem to eat red foods more than other colored foods.” 

“Do I?” Though Lilia feigned innocence, you had a feeling he already knew that. “Well, red is my favorite color. While every shade catches my eye, deeper hues - like crimson and rouge - hold a bit more favoritism.” He shrugged, “I suppose it’s just a subconscious habit of mine, being drawn to foods and other things that are red.” 

Yeah, you guessed that made sense. It wasn’t your intention to, your eyes focused in on his fangs as he bit into a cracker, stacked with cheese and tomatoes. They disappeared from view as he closed his mouth to chew; the fae hummed in delight as the many flavors melted on his tongue. A silly little idea came into your mind - you tried your best to stifle your giggle. As Lilia swallowed his bite, the corner of his mouth tugged upwards along with his eyebrow. “Goodness, laughing now? What’s so funny, hm?”

“It’s nothing, really,” you assured as you tried to calm down the laughter bubbling in your throat. 

“No no, now you’ve tickled my curiosity.” Lilia scooted a little closer, crimson eyes narrowed and lips quirked into a smirk. “Come on, let’s hear it.” 

For a split second, you wondered if it’d be rude to voice your little imagining aloud. Would he be offended by such a thing? No, likely not. This was Lilia Vanrouge you were talking to. If there was anyone who could take a joke, spin a wild thread, it was him. “I was just thinking how you resembled a vampire.” 

“Oh really?” Lilia seemed quite interested in your comparison. He set his half-eaten cracker down on his plate and placed it on the blanket. His full attention was now on you. “Go on.”

“Well, I mean, like you said, you like red a lot. To the point you even eat certain foods,” you gestured to his thermos of tomato juice, “drink certain drinks, that are red. You don’t like sunlight because it tires you out - though I’m not sure why that is.” 

“The Valley of Thorns is a particularly shaded continent,” Lilia interjected. “Most of its terrain is covered by thick trees with large canopies. The brightest of days are fairly tame compared to those in other countries. Despite spending most of my life in the military, my eyes have always been a little sensitive to bright light. That, and the only place that is really hot in temperature there are the few volcanoes spotted throughout the land. Other than those ghastly places, it's typically a cool place.” 

That made sense. You wondered if Silver, Sebek, and Malleus also had some type of heat intolerance. You’d have to ask that later. “I can see why you’d hate the heat then - and the sun.”

“Well, I don’t hate it. A little warmth and sunlight are nice - just not too much, not too bright.”

“Mm-mm,” you nodded. “Still, that is similar to how a vampire is. You also can summon little bats at will, you can hang upside down-”

“Anyone can hang upside down, [y/n],” Lilia chuckled. “Whether by magic or physical capability, it’s an action anyone can partake in.” 

“You want to hear the rest of my answer or not?” you scoffed, though a laugh hid beneath your mild scolding. 

Lilia held up his hand in a mock defense. “Goodness, such a temper! Feisty thing, aren’t you?” He let out a little laugh of his own. “Alright, alright, my lips are sealed until you finish.” 

You almost expected him to tease you further and begin to speak just as you did. When you silently opened your mouth to test that theory, you were proven wrong. Lilia sat there and uttered not a word; he simply looked at you with a smile, blinking every few seconds. Deciding he was through with his jabs (for now), you continued. “You’re hundreds of years old, despite looking like you’re no older than most of our classmates. You have pale skin, red slitted eyes, and,” you pointed to his mouth, “you have fangs.” 

“I most certainly do.” Lilia opened his mouth for a brief moment to showcase the sharp canines. “Almost all fae get a pair. They come in such good handy when biting into things.” 

“If I didn’t know better, that would sound ominous,” you joked. 

Lilia’s eyes narrowed again - those crimson orbs nearly glowed in the dim light. You hadn’t even noticed the sun had nearly disappeared behind the horizon. “Do you though?” he asked. 

You were clearly puzzled, brows furrowed and smile disappearing as you tried to gather what he meant. “Do I what?” 

He leaned a little closer to you, to where you could just barely feel his breath ghost over your skin - your lips. “Know better?~” 

Lilia’s gaze held yours - you were absolutely mesmerized. Though you never really bothered to look, you now couldn’t help but notice how handsome Lilia was. His looks were rather boyish and youthful, yes, but there was a maturity within his features. The way his voice took a small octave downturn as he spoke those two words…there were no sun rays to blame for the heat that spread to your cheeks. 

“Father!” 

In quick succession, you and Lilia leaned away from each other and turned your heads in the direction of the voice. There was Silver, dressed in an open tropical shirt (Lilia had gifted it to him the weekend before), chestnut brown shorts, and black sandals. His hair was a little messy, a little out of breath as he approached you two. “I’m sorry for being late! I accidentally fell asleep - again. I shouldn’t have-” 

“Silver, it’s alright!” Lilia beckoned Silver to come down - the boy followed without hesitation. As Lilia straightened his son’s hair for the second time that day, he reassured him with a chuckle. “You’ve had a long day; I’d expect a boy of your age to fall asleep after such an adventure. That, and we’re on vacation,” he patted Silver on the head and gave him a cheery smile, “it’s okay to be tardy on vacation.” 

“Yeah, it’s okay, Silver.” You gave the man a smile of your own. “You’re not too late, either. We’ve only been here for about…” You looked back at the sea, the sun now fully gone, the moon having taken its place in the sky. “Uh…maybe fifteen minutes?” 

“Twenty,” Lilia corrected. He patted the space adjacent to him on the blanket, next to the small cooler. “Come, sit! I brought your favorite popsicles~” Lilia brought the box out of the cooler and shook it to entice Silver further. 

Silver finally seemed at ease. He sighed and, with a soft smile of his own, sat down on the blanket. “If I’m really not intruding…” 

“Intruding on what?” Lilia glanced in your direction. “[Y/n] and I were just having a fun little conversation about how I resembled a vampire!” He turned his attention back to Silver. “What do you think? Should I start sleeping in a coffin to really send the comparison home?~” 

“I don’t think that’d be very comfortable, Father.” 

The conversation and atmosphere turned fun and lively, paired with the cozy warm of a fire Silver started a little further into your picnic. It was a truly wonderful time! Though you couldn’t keep your mind from wandering back to that moment between you and Lilia just before Silver appeared. How close he’d been, the way you could see those fangs of his peek out from under his upper lip. How a part of you wished he would have given your bottom lip a nibble…would his lips taste like tomato, perhaps paired with the basil from the crackers? Did he notice the blush that crept up on your cheeks? 

You suddenly had the urge to bury your head in the sand.