#my friend did ask where dreams and silver springs was

[radlymona]

That apple top 100 albums list being obvious engagement bait that like 80% of Twitter is falling for is so fucking funny

[snail-pot]

KuroDai Fic Recs: Pt. 2

Part 2 of "KuroDai Fic Recs: Pt. 1" -> Enjoy :D

Tell Me Your Love Will Never Fade by YaelaTheWordsmith [Teen]

In which Tetsurou is reminded of just how fragile life can really be. A soulmate AU where you see colours when you meet your soulmate, and lose them when they leave you - or when they die.

oblivious by konepmi [Teen]

It’s said that on a certain day of the year, a journal will appear beneath your pillow. When is unknown. Some get their journals as early as four, others as late as ninety. This knowledge is terrifying for some, not so for others. Let’s just say Daichi and his soulmate got off to a rough start.

it's been twenty years (but a man keeps his word) by Nate_de_Coco [Teen]

Kuroo finds an old letter from his school days, telling his 6th grade crush that he’d have to postpone their “date” because he hasn’t gotten that week’s allowance yet. So he hits up Sawamura Daichi on Facebook, twenty years later, to let him know he has money for that date now.

A Very Big Knife by blackjapck (27dis) [Gen]

a.k.a the 'forcing my boyfriend with a culinary degree to cook with a very big knife w/ friends' stream.

For KuroDai Week 2021 day 6: Youtuber/Streamer

crushes get handcuffed for twenty-four hours by rainshowers [Teen]

Daichi sticks his tongue on the roof of his mouth, trying to keep his outside composure calm even though his whole body feels like it’s been placed inside a solid block of ice. “Why did you ask us, then? We don’t have crushes on each other.”

The Unlocking of the Alchemist's Heart by YaelaTheWordsmith [Gen]

Kurodai Week 2021 - Day 2 - Urban fantasy/Supernatural Tired of being hounded by relentless suitors, alchemist Kuroo Tetsurou announces that he will marry the person who manages to take the silver key to his gates that's tied to his cat's tail. Many try and fail to get the key, and only blacksmith Sawamura Daichi shows kindness to the cat, simply because no one else would. But what is Kuroo to do when the one man he wants to marry refuses to take the key?

#PriusCutie by KRSNope [Gen]

Daichi did everything right this morning. He was headed to work early, he got gas before he left, and triple checked that he had everything he needed for the day. The biggest meeting of his career so far and he was going to crush it. That was until he got stuck in the worst traffic the city had seen in years. So there he sits. Two exits away from his office building. Little does he know, his morning commute is about to get a lot more interesting. Honestly, a lot more Hallmark too.

Cornelia St by KRSNope [Teen]

Kuroo is a very famous musician, recently in his hometown after a long tour trying to decide the next move in his career. Sawamura Daichi is a small town boy in a bigger city getting and education and trying to make music that would make his mom proud. They meet on a perfectly pleasant spring day.

Like The Tide, You Pull Me In by solarsunfire [Teen]

Sawamura Daichi is on a trip to Tokyo for a conference when he collides quite literally with Kuroo Tetsurou—a man gravitating slowly through life, in search of happiness but decidedly lonely. Both go their separate ways and think nothing much of their brush with each other until they later realize that maybe, fate isn't quite done meddling with them just yet.

Hello Again by HomeForImaginaryFriends [Gen]

In a world where you can hear your soulmates thoughts when they are close Sawamura is too distracted by the thought of food to notice his us right beside him.

Eyes On Me by Finnthebunneh [Teen]

No one could predict it, nor understand how it worked, when it started or the frequency of those dreams. What people did know— and the only two things they had ever known about those dreams— was they will notice that one stranger will often appear in their dreams, and they will never be able to see that person's eyes for their sight will blur when they shall attempt to do so.

Daichi unconsciously assumed that he would never have any soulmate dreams, he was simply happy and content living day after day. That is, until the day he noticed a black-haired man be part of his dreams more and more often. "That doesn't mean anything," Daichi said; but was it really, when he started to look forward to meet that man at night, and feelings unintentionally bloomed, becoming stronger and stronger as time passed?

semantic satiation by breadlamps [Teen]

"Every Monday, without fail, someone will confess to Kuroo Tetsurou. Without fail, he’ll answer, ‘If you can make me fall in love with you in one week, then I’ll go out with you.’ And for one whole week, that person gets to experience a perfect relationship with the perfect boyfriend; but on Sunday, like clockwork, Kuroo will say, ‘I’m sorry, but I couldn’t fall in love with you,’ and break up with them. And then on Monday, the cycle begins again." When Daichi asks the infamous Kuroo Tetsurou out on an impulse, the last thing he expects is for Kuroo to accept. With each passing day, the feelings between them begin to develop into something more - and they both start to wonder what will happen once Sunday comes around.

Blow a Kiss to Your Lover by meetyouatthemoon [Gen]

Tetsurou and Daichi had a silly little game that they started even before they were dating: whenever one of them blew a kiss to the other, they would always catch it.

My Brightest Star by Finnthebunneh [Teen] (<333)

Daichi’s eyes were locked on the Kuroo showed in the picture. Handsome and classy. Talented and wealthy. Collected and full of confidence. That was the Kuroo Tetsurou the world saw. He was perfection and beyond in the eyes of the world. Yet, in Daichi’s eyes, he never saw that Kuroo. What he saw was very different: he saw a Kuroo Tetsurou that the world didn’t see; a Kuroo who, before being a celebrity owned by the world, was simply a man who behaved in the funniest way around his crush. That was the Kuroo Daichi knew and liked.

Sawamura Daichi lived in a small city in peace until the day he saved a stranger being chased around the city by a mass of people. He never knew the stranger was Kuroo Tetsurou, vocalist from the popular music band NekHoshi. So when Kuroo showed up in Daichi's coffee shop the next day, Daichi did expect receiving Kuroo's gratitude from saving him, but never was he expecting to get a love confession.

You're Just What I Need by Stacysmash [Mature]

As a caregiver living in Tokyo, Daichi is used to caring for elderly individuals or people too injured to care for themselves. When he meets his newest client, a handsome, young mangaka who simply has no time to take care of his needs, Daichi finds himself in the awkward position of finding his client a bit of a distraction and vice versa. Kurodai Weekend Day 1: Celebrity AU

Happy reading!! :))

[the-clockwork-three]

woe, the entirety of 'the happy prince' be upon ye!! :)

High above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold, for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt.

He was very much admired indeed. “He is as beautiful as a weathercock,” remarked one of the Town Councillors who wished to gain a reputation for having artistic tastes; “only not quite so useful,” he added, fearing lest people should think him unpractical, which he really was not.

“Why can’t you be like the Happy Prince?” asked a sensible mother of her little boy who was crying for the moon. “The Happy Prince never dreams of crying for anything.”

“I am glad there is some one in the world who is quite happy,” muttered a disappointed man as he gazed at the wonderful statue.

“He looks just like an angel,” said the Charity Children as they came out of the cathedral in their bright scarlet cloaks and their clean white pinafores.

“How do you know?” said the Mathematical Master, “you have never seen one.”

“Ah! but we have, in our dreams,” answered the children; and the Mathematical Master frowned and looked very severe, for he did not approve of children dreaming.

One night there flew over the city a little Swallow. His friends had gone away to Egypt six weeks before, but he had stayed behind, for he was in love with the most beautiful Reed. He had met her early in the spring as he was flying down the river after a big yellow moth, and had been so attracted by her slender waist that he had stopped to talk to her.

“Shall I love you?” said the Swallow, who liked to come to the point at once, and the Reed made him a low bow. So he flew round and round her, touching the water with his wings, and making silver ripples. This was his courtship, and it lasted all through the summer.

“It is a ridiculous attachment,” twittered the other Swallows; “she has no money, and far too many relations”; and indeed the river was quite full of Reeds. Then, when the autumn came they all flew away.

After they had gone he felt lonely, and began to tire of his lady-love. “She has no conversation,” he said, “and I am afraid that she is a coquette, for she is always flirting with the wind.” And certainly, whenever the wind blew, the Reed made the most graceful curtseys. “I admit that she is domestic,” he continued, “but I love travelling, and my wife, consequently, should love travelling also.”

“Will you come away with me?” he said finally to her; but the Reed shook her head, she was so attached to her home.

“You have been trifling with me,” he cried. “I am off to the Pyramids. Good-bye!” and he flew away.

All day long he flew, and at night-time he arrived at the city. “Where shall I put up?” he said; “I hope the town has made preparations.”

Then he saw the statue on the tall column.

“I will put up there,” he cried; “it is a fine position, with plenty of fresh air.” So he alighted just between the feet of the Happy Prince.

“I have a golden bedroom,” he said softly to himself as he looked round, and he prepared to go to sleep; but just as he was putting his head under his wing a large drop of water fell on him. “What a curious thing!” he cried; “there is not a single cloud in the sky, the stars are quite clear and bright, and yet it is raining. The climate in the north of Europe is really dreadful. The Reed used to like the rain, but that was merely her selfishness.”

Then another drop fell.

“What is the use of a statue if it cannot keep the rain off?” he said; “I must look for a good chimney-pot,” and he determined to fly away.

But before he had opened his wings, a third drop fell, and he looked up, and saw—Ah! what did he see?

The eyes of the Happy Prince were filled with tears, and tears were running down his golden cheeks. His face was so beautiful in the moonlight that the little Swallow was filled with pity.

“Who are you?” he said.

“I am the Happy Prince.”

“Why are you weeping then?” asked the Swallow; “you have quite drenched me.”

“When I was alive and had a human heart,” answered the statue, “I did not know what tears were, for I lived in the Palace of Sans-Souci, where sorrow is not allowed to enter. In the daytime I played with my companions in the garden, and in the evening I led the dance in the Great Hall. Round the garden ran a very lofty wall, but I never cared to ask what lay beyond it, everything about me was so beautiful. My courtiers called me the Happy Prince, and happy indeed I was, if pleasure be happiness. So I lived, and so I died. And now that I am dead they have set me up here so high that I can see all the ugliness and all the misery of my city, and though my heart is made of lead yet I cannot chose but weep.”

“What! is he not solid gold?” said the Swallow to himself. He was too polite to make any personal remarks out loud.

“Far away,” continued the statue in a low musical voice, “far away in a little street there is a poor house. One of the windows is open, and through it I can see a woman seated at a table. Her face is thin and worn, and she has coarse, red hands, all pricked by the needle, for she is a seamstress. She is embroidering passion-flowers on a satin gown for the loveliest of the Queen’s maids-of-honour to wear at the next Court-ball. In a bed in the corner of the room her little boy is lying ill. He has a fever, and is asking for oranges. His mother has nothing to give him but river water, so he is crying. Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow, will you not bring her the ruby out of my sword-hilt? My feet are fastened to this pedestal and I cannot move.”

“I am waited for in Egypt,” said the Swallow. “My friends are flying up and down the Nile, and talking to the large lotus-flowers. Soon they will go to sleep in the tomb of the great King. The King is there himself in his painted coffin. He is wrapped in yellow linen, and embalmed with spices. Round his neck is a chain of pale green jade, and his hands are like withered leaves.”

“Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “will you not stay with me for one night, and be my messenger? The boy is so thirsty, and the mother so sad.”

“I don’t think I like boys,” answered the Swallow. “Last summer, when I was staying on the river, there were two rude boys, the miller’s sons, who were always throwing stones at me. They never hit me, of course; we swallows fly far too well for that, and besides, I come of a family famous for its agility; but still, it was a mark of disrespect.”

But the Happy Prince looked so sad that the little Swallow was sorry. “It is very cold here,” he said; “but I will stay with you for one night, and be your messenger.”

“Thank you, little Swallow,” said the Prince.

So the Swallow picked out the great ruby from the Prince’s sword, and flew away with it in his beak over the roofs of the town.

He passed by the cathedral tower, where the white marble angels were sculptured. He passed by the palace and heard the sound of dancing. A beautiful girl came out on the balcony with her lover. “How wonderful the stars are,” he said to her, “and how wonderful is the power of love!”

“I hope my dress will be ready in time for the State-ball,” she answered; “I have ordered passion-flowers to be embroidered on it; but the seamstresses are so lazy.”

He passed over the river, and saw the lanterns hanging to the masts of the ships. He passed over the Ghetto, and saw the old Jews bargaining with each other, and weighing out money in copper scales. At last he came to the poor house and looked in. The boy was tossing feverishly on his bed, and the mother had fallen asleep, she was so tired. In he hopped, and laid the great ruby on the table beside the woman’s thimble. Then he flew gently round the bed, fanning the boy’s forehead with his wings. “How cool I feel,” said the boy, “I must be getting better”; and he sank into a delicious slumber.

Then the Swallow flew back to the Happy Prince, and told him what he had done. “It is curious,” he remarked, “but I feel quite warm now, although it is so cold.”

“That is because you have done a good action,” said the Prince. And the little Swallow began to think, and then he fell asleep. Thinking always made him sleepy.

When day broke he flew down to the river and had a bath. “What a remarkable phenomenon,” said the Professor of Ornithology as he was passing over the bridge. “A swallow in winter!” And he wrote a long letter about it to the local newspaper. Every one quoted it, it was full of so many words that they could not understand.

“To-night I go to Egypt,” said the Swallow, and he was in high spirits at the prospect. He visited all the public monuments, and sat a long time on top of the church steeple. Wherever he went the Sparrows chirruped, and said to each other, “What a distinguished stranger!” so he enjoyed himself very much.

When the moon rose he flew back to the Happy Prince. “Have you any commissions for Egypt?” he cried; “I am just starting.”

“Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “will you not stay with me one night longer?”

“I am waited for in Egypt,” answered the Swallow. “To-morrow my friends will fly up to the Second Cataract. The river-horse couches there among the bulrushes, and on a great granite throne sits the God Memnon. All night long he watches the stars, and when the morning star shines he utters one cry of joy, and then he is silent. At noon the yellow lions come down to the water’s edge to drink. They have eyes like green beryls, and their roar is louder than the roar of the cataract.”

“Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “far away across the city I see a young man in a garret. He is leaning over a desk covered with papers, and in a tumbler by his side there is a bunch of withered violets. His hair is brown and crisp, and his lips are red as a pomegranate, and he has large and dreamy eyes. He is trying to finish a play for the Director of the Theatre, but he is too cold to write any more. There is no fire in the grate, and hunger has made him faint.”

“I will wait with you one night longer,” said the Swallow, who really had a good heart. “Shall I take him another ruby?”

“Alas! I have no ruby now,” said the Prince; “my eyes are all that I have left. They are made of rare sapphires, which were brought out of India a thousand years ago. Pluck out one of them and take it to him. He will sell it to the jeweller, and buy food and firewood, and finish his play.”

“Dear Prince,” said the Swallow, “I cannot do that”; and he began to weep.

“Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “do as I command you.”

So the Swallow plucked out the Prince’s eye, and flew away to the student’s garret. It was easy enough to get in, as there was a hole in the roof. Through this he darted, and came into the room. The young man had his head buried in his hands, so he did not hear the flutter of the bird’s wings, and when he looked up he found the beautiful sapphire lying on the withered violets.

“I am beginning to be appreciated,” he cried; “this is from some great admirer. Now I can finish my play,” and he looked quite happy.

The next day the Swallow flew down to the harbour. He sat on the mast of a large vessel and watched the sailors hauling big chests out of the hold with ropes. “Heave a-hoy!” they shouted as each chest came up. “I am going to Egypt”! cried the Swallow, but nobody minded, and when the moon rose he flew back to the Happy Prince.

“I am come to bid you good-bye,” he cried.

“Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “will you not stay with me one night longer?”

“It is winter,” answered the Swallow, “and the chill snow will soon be here. In Egypt the sun is warm on the green palm-trees, and the crocodiles lie in the mud and look lazily about them. My companions are building a nest in the Temple of Baalbec, and the pink and white doves are watching them, and cooing to each other. Dear Prince, I must leave you, but I will never forget you, and next spring I will bring you back two beautiful jewels in place of those you have given away. The ruby shall be redder than a red rose, and the sapphire shall be as blue as the great sea.”

“In the square below,” said the Happy Prince, “there stands a little match-girl. She has let her matches fall in the gutter, and they are all spoiled. Her father will beat her if she does not bring home some money, and she is crying. She has no shoes or stockings, and her little head is bare. Pluck out my other eye, and give it to her, and her father will not beat her.”

“I will stay with you one night longer,” said the Swallow, “but I cannot pluck out your eye. You would be quite blind then.”

“Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “do as I command you.”

So he plucked out the Prince’s other eye, and darted down with it. He swooped past the match-girl, and slipped the jewel into the palm of her hand. “What a lovely bit of glass,” cried the little girl; and she ran home, laughing.

Then the Swallow came back to the Prince. “You are blind now,” he said, “so I will stay with you always.”

“No, little Swallow,” said the poor Prince, “you must go away to Egypt.”

“I will stay with you always,” said the Swallow, and he slept at the Prince’s feet.

All the next day he sat on the Prince’s shoulder, and told him stories of what he had seen in strange lands. He told him of the red ibises, who stand in long rows on the banks of the Nile, and catch gold-fish in their beaks; of the Sphinx, who is as old as the world itself, and lives in the desert, and knows everything; of the merchants, who walk slowly by the side of their camels, and carry amber beads in their hands; of the King of the Mountains of the Moon, who is as black as ebony, and worships a large crystal; of the great green snake that sleeps in a palm-tree, and has twenty priests to feed it with honey-cakes; and of the pygmies who sail over a big lake on large flat leaves, and are always at war with the butterflies.

“Dear little Swallow,” said the Prince, “you tell me of marvellous things, but more marvellous than anything is the suffering of men and of women. There is no Mystery so great as Misery. Fly over my city, little Swallow, and tell me what you see there.”

So the Swallow flew over the great city, and saw the rich making merry in their beautiful houses, while the beggars were sitting at the gates. He flew into dark lanes, and saw the white faces of starving children looking out listlessly at the black streets. Under the archway of a bridge two little boys were lying in one another’s arms to try and keep themselves warm. “How hungry we are!” they said. “You must not lie here,” shouted the Watchman, and they wandered out into the rain.

Then he flew back and told the Prince what he had seen.

“I am covered with fine gold,” said the Prince, “you must take it off, leaf by leaf, and give it to my poor; the living always think that gold can make them happy.”

Leaf after leaf of the fine gold the Swallow picked off, till the Happy Prince looked quite dull and grey. Leaf after leaf of the fine gold he brought to the poor, and the children’s faces grew rosier, and they laughed and played games in the street. “We have bread now!” they cried.

Then the snow came, and after the snow came the frost. The streets looked as if they were made of silver, they were so bright and glistening; long icicles like crystal daggers hung down from the eaves of the houses, everybody went about in furs, and the little boys wore scarlet caps and skated on the ice.

The poor little Swallow grew colder and colder, but he would not leave the Prince, he loved him too well. He picked up crumbs outside the baker’s door when the baker was not looking and tried to keep himself warm by flapping his wings.

But at last he knew that he was going to die. He had just strength to fly up to the Prince’s shoulder once more. “Good-bye, dear Prince!” he murmured, “will you let me kiss your hand?”

“I am glad that you are going to Egypt at last, little Swallow,” said the Prince, “you have stayed too long here; but you must kiss me on the lips, for I love you.”

“It is not to Egypt that I am going,” said the Swallow. “I am going to the House of Death. Death is the brother of Sleep, is he not?”

And he kissed the Happy Prince on the lips, and fell down dead at his feet.

At that moment a curious crack sounded inside the statue, as if something had broken. The fact is that the leaden heart had snapped right in two. It certainly was a dreadfully hard frost.

Early the next morning the Mayor was walking in the square below in company with the Town Councillors. As they passed the column he looked up at the statue: “Dear me! how shabby the Happy Prince looks!” he said.

“How shabby indeed!” cried the Town Councillors, who always agreed with the Mayor; and they went up to look at it.

“The ruby has fallen out of his sword, his eyes are gone, and he is golden no longer,” said the Mayor in fact, “he is little better than a beggar!”

“Little better than a beggar,” said the Town Councillors.

“And here is actually a dead bird at his feet!” continued the Mayor. “We must really issue a proclamation that birds are not to be allowed to die here.” And the Town Clerk made a note of the suggestion.

So they pulled down the statue of the Happy Prince. “As he is no longer beautiful he is no longer useful,” said the Art Professor at the University.

Then they melted the statue in a furnace, and the Mayor held a meeting of the Corporation to decide what was to be done with the metal. “We must have another statue, of course,” he said, “and it shall be a statue of myself.”

“Of myself,” said each of the Town Councillors, and they quarrelled. When I last heard of them they were quarrelling still.

“What a strange thing!” said the overseer of the workmen at the foundry. “This broken lead heart will not melt in the furnace. We must throw it away.” So they threw it on a dust-heap where the dead Swallow was also lying.

“Bring me the two most precious things in the city,” said God to one of His Angels; and the Angel brought Him the leaden heart and the dead bird.

“You have rightly chosen,” said God, “for in my garden of Paradise this little bird shall sing for evermore, and in my city of gold the Happy Prince shall praise me.”

Well you see @berkeley-mews, you may have principals and not post my annoying spam, but I do not.

Mutuals, attack this harasser!!!!!!!

[chesters-ocs]

i guess this can go on this blog. im so rusty at writing whoopsies lol. this became its own thing. it was supposed to end at the ocean but. yknow how it be

wc: 1.2k

soulmate au: compass tattoo showing the direction of your soulmate

@the-whispers-of-death heres our boys

"Come on, we… we should go to the hotel. They're not here and, well… I think it's safe to say you won't be meeting them for a good while. But on the good side, we did it! We're in Lisbon. And.. I guess now you can rest easy knowing that yours is probably just.. straight across from here!"

All Sylvester could do was grunt as his friend reassured him. Ever the damn optimist, he thought.

"I.. do suppose you're right. Let's go, I think I need a smoke… Any stores nearby?" he asks, trying to get his mind off the disappointment he felt.

What a depressive way to start the day, he mused to himself. Both of them have been on the road for four days. Four! In a shitty, rusty camper van, just in the off-chance to meet Sylvester's soulmate. Only to be met with a sun too bright rising on an ocean that's too big for its own good.

At least Ainārs is staying ever so cheery, Sylvester thought. It had been a longtime goal of his to see the ocean, so at least he's getting joy out of this.

The bulkier man roughly pats him on the back, grinning, as he speaks: "Oh don't be so down! We've only been looking for what, two, three years? It took my parents seven just to meet!" he offered, eyes shining in the morning sun. It was almost impossible to not scoff at the words, but he knew better than to say anything. No use in arguing either.

"So… cigarettes?" Sylvester brought up again, and Ainārs nodded, but not before slipping in a small tease: "Only if you promise to not empty the pack in a day again-!"

A small shove cut him off, at least, and he backed off, chuckling.

Over the years, it seemed that the silver haired man forgot all about soulmates. His intuition told him to give up, after all. To find happiness elsewhere. Unfortunately for him, all he got is divorce papers thrown in his face and a kid to look after which only served as a sour reminder of the woman who left him for someone with a bigger wallet.

Though now, he considered the parting as nothing short of a miracle. A butterfly effect that seemed to so easily work in his favor, he had to have been dreaming. Sure, he thought Ainārs was insane when proposing to ditch town. To ditch home… But now? He's kicking himself for ever doubting the eccentric man he called his friend.

And so he now stands in his apartment, making dinner. It's become routine by now. Pick up Mārīte from school after work, drive home, make dinner, repeat. Though one glance at the calendar caught his eye. March 25th. So he figured the ball of energy he had the pleasure to call his daughter, deserved a little something something.

"Kid, I'm going to the store, you w-"

"Yes! Where are we going, what do we need and do I need to bring my coat?"

Of course… couldn't even let him finish talking. Typical. That didn't stop the minor grin on his face, however.

"Just the corner store, its a surprise, and yes, young lady, it may be spring, but the weather is tricky this time of year. I don't want you sick."

It was obvious the seven-year-old wanted to bombard him with more questions, but that rarely went her way, so she toddled over to pull on her small boots, as her father helped with her windbreaker. Afterwards, he leisurely, at the dismay of the child, put on his own shoes and coat, not forgetting to check if he brought the wallet and keys.

Luckily, the walk is short. But it's enough to explain his reasoning.

"Back home, there's a tradition that we haven't done in a while due to your mother. Have you noticed our calendars look a little different from the ones at your school? With all the names written underneath the dates?"

He asked, glancing at her. There was a small furrow in her brow as she thought, before nodding as she toddles along.

"Smart girl… And did you notice your name on today's date?"

When met with a thoughtful hum and a nod, he grinned. Just in time for them to reach the doors of the corner store, and he pushed the door open for her.

"Good. Think of today as a birthday for your name. And birthdays entail gifts… so. I'm letting you pick out 3 things, okay? Within reason, of course."

To say the girl's eyes lit up was an understatement, and he had to reflexively grab her by the hood of the windbreaker before she sprinted in the store. Taking the hint, she slowed down, but still eagerly made her way to the candy isle, and her father followed, paying no mind to the customer entering after them.

"And I can have anything?" Mārīte asked, wanting to double check.

"Sure thing. You deserve a treat every once in a while too."

Satisfied, she diligently scanned all the different chocolate bars and candy packages. During this time, Sylvester decided to fill his own shopping basket with various things that were running low. That mainly consisted of a handful of energy drinks and a couple of groceries.

When reaching upwards to take a box of cereal off the top shelf, for a moment, his sleeve slipped. Mentally he cursed himself for still wearing his raggedy old leather jacket around six sizes too big, when the compass caught his eye.

For years, he'd given up on it. Considered it a fluke. He convinced himself he isn't obligated to marry a soulmate, yet alone find it.

But in this instant? It was pointing north. North-! After almost a decade of only seeing the damn thing pointing only east as if it was stuck and broken. He thought he could drop the damn box that very moment.

And in his shock, he failed to notice the stranger nearby who had been watching him, without a thing in their own shopping basket. Their eyes seemingly glued to him.

Before he could start overthinking, Mārīte was back, 3 things in her tiny hands. A chocolate bar and two lollipops. That enough, was to distract him, as he quirked up a brow.

"You sure that's what you want? You could've had two whole bags of candy instead, y'know?"

"I know! But.. Uncle was showing me old photos, and you always had lollipops in your mouth… So.. I wanna share!"

Lollipops… Of course that's what she thought they were. Nevertheless, he ruffled the kid's hair, and put the cereal box in his basket, picking up said basket, hands ever so slightly trembling still.

"Share… I suppose if that's what you really want. Though I'm not too surprised, you're as sweet as sugar!"

The man snorted, making his way to the cash register. Once all had been paid for and bagged, they returned back onto the street, Mārīte already struggling to unwrap the sticky treat, having difficulties to do so without her nails.

That was also when a large, warm hand grabbed onto Sylvester's shoulder, and a new voice spoke up.

"Excuse me, do you have a moment?"

As Sylvester and Mārīte came to a sudden halt, the father turned around, and looked up to meet the stranger's brown eyes. A polite, but somewhat forced, smile came on his mug as he looked over his glasses to meet the ones of the mysterious figure.

"Yes? Can I help you..?"

[tsukikoayanosuke]

Behind the Fic: TW:OPT - Chapter 157-162

The second part of Proposal of Destiny Arc is here! First and last triple update!

WARNING: This will contain a bit of spoiler for the newest chapters of my fan fiction Twisted-Wonderland: Our Precious Treasure.

Let's start by talking about why I chose to adapt Ghost Marriage. Looking back to the post where I decided to make everything into one year, Ghost Marriage was supposed to be a companion arc with Welcome to the Villains’ World. Timeline wise back in that very early post, Ghost Marriage was the only one so far that we don't have a clear cut when it happened. All we know is that it happened after Heartslabyul Arc just looking at Ace and Riddle's civil interactions. Because of this unclearness, I feel comfortable adapting it this early.

Chapter 157: And All of Her Friends will Work Together

The title for this and the next chapter is taken from the lyrics of The Wedding Song from Corpse Bride

Welcome to the point where I yell at Azul "I know you're simping at Jonah but please don't be redundant".

Look, I love Azul simping on Jonah as much as the next guy, but there will be the point where I'll ask "Is this too much"

I'm actually worried about how I will write Azul in the future. Unlike Riddle, who still has a lot to grow (as seen in the next few chapters), I feel like Azul's main emotional conflict is done. My biggest worry is I'll be accidentally reducing Azul into the love interest who has nothing to do outside of Jonah. I'll try to figure it out in the future but right now, his main mission is to save Jonah.

Speaking of saving the groom, I think by this point everyone knows that we're going to have a major divergence in the second half of this arc. I feel like if Yuu/MC is in trouble, more people will be onboard in saving them, since they're more involved with more characters, unlike Idia.

Honestly, I really like writing the tiny things, like for a second Kalim is the one being level-headed and Jamil understands Azul's position. And the many chaos attempts, obviously.

At this point, Riddle was the only one who hadn't let go of what Azul did in Octavinelle Arc. This will be addressed in a future chapter. But for now, we're stirring up an ancient drama once again. What is this? YouTube commentary channels drama?

The main inspiration for the plan is, as it's said, the short Goddess of Spring, the short that became a practice animation before Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Back when Ghost Marriage was very first run in the JP server in 2020, there were guesses on what is it based on (in a similar fashion as Fun and Fancy Free for Happy Beans Day). Some people suggested it might be the Goddess of Spring, which to an extent, was inspired by Hades and Persephone. Or Wikipedia said Proserpina and Pluto.

The three things Azul suggested as the groom's gift is based loosely on some scene from the short.

The "cake of an early spring" is inspired by Proserpina coming out from the Underworld and turning the world from winter to spring. The "crystal valued by the king" is inspired by the diamond Pluto given to Proserpina. The "waltz at the height of the wedding" is inspired by the song and dance Pluto's imps are doing after Proserpina is taken to the Underworld.

At this point, I realized I had an issue with the timeline in this arc. This arc technically only lasted one day in canon, but I think I had a problem with how long the plan would take.

Chapter 158: To Make It the Perfect Day She's Always Dreamed

This episode is in a similar manner to some of my filler arcs which is a collection of short with very vague connections. This time, it was the view of love from different characters' views. For Ruggie and Deuce, this is more familial love, while for Azul and Jamil, this is more romantic love.

How they were partner-ups was based on some of the cards. Ruggie paired up with Malleus is a reference to the Masterchef event. Deuce with Silver is from his Starsending Robes story. The light music club is pretty obvious. And Jamil being a singer is a call for his future NRC-Tribe main singer position.

Okay, to clarify. At the point of writing this, I decided to follow my headcanon of the family of other characters, in this case, Ruggie and Deuce. And those headcanons were made a long time ago, way before the birthday cards were ever launched. In his Birthday Boy card, it was said that his mom died during childbirth while his dad went to buy milk went to work, and never return so he was taken care of by his grandma. In my fic, Ruggie was a child his abusive mother didn't want while his dad died from overworking. Deuce's backstory was more simple to build on: his mother and father were in an arranged marriage but then got divorced from household abuse.

The reason why Ruggie and Deuce were talking about family love is because I just feel like there isn't that much talk about it. Deuce and his love for his mother is one of his greatest strengths, so we need to mention it at least once in the fic. For Ruggie, I mostly just because I feel like it because I like to explore my own headcanon.

More headcanon, Valley of Thorn is an old-timey kingdom. Guillotine still exists there. Malleus, while might understand technology, might also not understand that much of human custom because he's a sheltered prince. Just not that innocent. He's just a bit confused.

Malleus vs cake. The battle of the century.

Oh, the Chantilly cake recipe I based it on here.

Return to the Dwarfs' Mine. This can be a call back to the Prologue or a reference to Camp Vargas.

Now, let's talk about Kalim and Jamil. I ship them. I still do. However, at this point in the fic, I feel like I'm not ready to pair them up again, especially fresh from Kalim Disappearance Arc. Yes, they've forgiven each other however that doesn't mean they're healing just yet. Both of them still has a broken heart, they still need to change.

I think Jamil's POV of this chapter is the most different. I think this is the first thing I wrote for this chapter. So I think that's why it more focuses on Jamil's view of changes rather than love.

But you can count Kalim's changing love as well. Mind you, Kalim is still in love with Jamil. He accepted that Jamil won't return his feeling so this is a one-sided crush. Whether or not Kalim or Jamil will fully mend their bond, Kalim is still in his breakup era. So, until then, I can't pair them up just yet.

A Shrek reference here. Remember, this will be important.

Oh, and Lilia's power to make a space for them to practice, is built in similarly to what Malleus did in the Endless Halloween event. I'm actually gonna use this more, especially in Jonah's rewritten backstory.

We see more of Chubby being protective of Eliza here.

At this point, I do hold on to Chubby and Eliza being childhood friends to lovers, especially after I changed a lot about Eliza's backstory.

Originally, this was supposed to be Chubby's POV with his own flashback. However, it didn't flow well so I changed it to Azul's POV. His flashback will appear in a future chapter.

The whole idea of the Surprise Proposal, while also taken from the actual Ghost Marriage event, is actually more in line with the Project Sekai event called A Song Of Vows For You, Dressed In White! There the bride planned to have a fake objection scene as proof that the groom is the most loyal to her, almost similar to the Ghost Marriage event.

Also, we still keep Idia bitching about the failed rescue attempt because it's just too funny to be left out.

Chapter 159: The Courtship Tactics

This chapter is an adaptation of the Ghost Marriage event story and the Suitor Suit story of Riddle with some mentions of Rook (in the first half with the poem) and Epel (in the second half with the borrowing horse).

I'm actually pretty torn when adapting Riddle's story. The thing is I really Riddle and Malleus' interaction in that card, but in the fic, Malleus was nowhere near Riddle because he was baking cake with Ruggie. That was when I decided to have Crowley interact with Riddle instead. Because I need more Bird Dad agenda.

This is where I started to play around with Riddle. And I realized "man, Azul had it rough" XD. Here's the thing. In the fic, everyone made an attempt to do something to make up post-overblot. This includes Riddle and Azul. However, how come Azul getting more backlash compared to Riddle?

This is where I started to get worried as well. Because, in the center, there was Jonah. Back in Heartslabyul Arc, Jonah was not the center of attention, Ace was. Jonah was the side character. However, in Octavinelle Arc, he was the main player, but this time he had more friends, thus Azul getting a heavier judgment.

I guess because Heartslabyul Arc was more about Riddle and Ace that they can solve their issue quickly, and you can say that for Octavinelle Arc as well. But maybe the time spent with them and all of them getting closer can also be a factor. Well, the one that held the biggest grudge were Ace, Deuce, and Grim, with Riddle added post-Heartslabyul Arc.

Honestly, my biggest worry is making Jonah the center of the problem, which unfortunately I'll continue because of Ramshackle Arc. But hopefully, I can maneuver it better.

At this point of writing, Crowley had his own canon-diverged backstory, and his motivation maybe different from canon, thus this might seem OOC of him, I can admit that.

Now, let's talk about Crowley and Riddle's talk. I'm sure not all of you have the same view of forgiveness and second chances. Because I wrote this based on my beliefs as well. My biggest worry is making this sound like preaching and doesn't sound like I'm guilt-tripping Riddle.

I do really like writing Riddle's growth here.

Chapter 160: I Need a Hero

The title is obviously taken from I Need a Hero. This chapter specifically is based on the Shrek 2 climax.

I remember back then people would often joke about how the Ghost Marriage finale should be like Shrek 2. Well, I'm riding the trend and made it like that.

The first part didn't change much. It only started in the second part with the rescue.

I was trying to think what else should I do with the rest of the rescue squad, so I decided to give them a role in the dance, especially Ruggie and his unique magic.

Originally I wanted to have Epel using his unique magic in this chapter, however, I looked up again and found out that Rook helped a lot in Epel awakening it, so I decided not to write it.

There’s also a brief Epel’s Suitor Suit story moment.

The chapter ending with Ace screaming is reminiscent of the end of chapter 130 in which Ace saved Jonah from falling in the Scarabia overblot battle.

Chapter 161: So Say the World's Being Turned Against You

The title of this chapter and the next is the English lyrics of Ai no Scenario sung by JubyPhonic

This chapter, believe it or not, went through some changes.

Firstly, originally this chapter was going to be a battle between the Chubby and the Suitor Suit team similar to canon. This includes rolling everyone away like a log.

(Actually, sometimes I forgot there are other people here XD)

But, for some reason, I didn't write that. I think it was because of both Chubby and Eliza's backstory changes, the rest of the comedic nature of the finale was erased. Leaving us with a more somber finale.

The next was the dialogue. While most followed canon, I kinda tone down Ace's rudeness. Because, again, thanks to the changed backstory, Eliza's position is now as a victim of an unhappy marriage. Thus, Ace screaming that Eliza should just move on sounded way too cruel even to Ace's standard.

With that, Rook and Riddle had extra dialogue. Hammering own on Rook because, you know, he's the love expert, so, of course, he's allowed to give his words.

Now... *deep breath* Chubby's confession. Whoo-boy... It is actually based on the (inappropriate) confession scene from Mo Dao Zu Shi. I can't give the manhua because of the Everyday means Everyday chapter, but I can lead to the audiobook version. Listen. I had that danmei stuck in my head. It changed my life. I will make a reference whenever I can.

This is followed by the flashback scene. Now this flashback scene was kinda iffy because I think this is the only flashback that I can technically count as 'tell not show' (as in usually just narration) that has dialogues. Usually, my flashback is in italics with the exception of Eliza's retelling. Chubby's flashback counted more like flashes. So, I'm explaining in a weird way: my usual flashback is colored scenes with faded borders, Eliza's flashback is just a full-on OVA, while Chubby's flashback ran behind him like a grainy movie. Does this make sense...?

The flashback itself has a bit of inspiration from Daughter of White by mothy. Originally this was going to be a full Ai no Scenario, but I was like “Tsuki. You did Ai no Scenario before. Be creative.” So, Daughter of White was chosen. But also, the main reason why this flashback exists is really just to show Chubby’s puppy love crush. Knowing they are leagues away, I kinda want a scene that will establish their dynamic along with a reason why Chubby would be very devoted to Eliza. Thus, the tree scene is written.

Originally the flashback scene was supposed to be longer, perhaps retelling Eliza’s flashback from Chubby's point of view. But, perhaps from tiredness or I just didn’t know what else to add or I thought it would be way too long, this is the end result instead.

And because of this heavy change in pace, the battle with giant Chubby is cut completely for a fluffier ending because Eliza and Chubby deserve it!

Chapter 162: You'll Always Be by My Side

Despite being the last chapter of the arc, this is actually the first chapter I've ever written during this triple update.

More specifically, the funny process in writing this was I was writing backward. I started with the JonAzul scene before going back to Idia's best-man speech. And then to RiZul dance before finally finishing the flower boy talk.

The JonAzul talk was actually written way before I started this triple update.

The scenes in this chapter are mostly around Ace and Jonah's Suitor Suit card.

Like the previous chapter, there are some changes in the scene.

Originally, there was supposed to be more talk about Ace's past girlfriend between Ace and Deuce during their dance and maybe a slight hint of their crushes. However, I feel like it would be redundant, so ADeuce talk was cut off.

Riddle was supposed to talk about his fiance when Ace or Epel mentioned being betrothed. But that scene was also cut.

Rook's talk meanwhile was an addition. It was also a Mo Dao Zu Shi reference to two couples. Rook's parents were inspired by the relationship between Lang Wangji and Wei Wuxain, while Rook's grandparents were inspired by Qingheng-Jun and Madam Lan.

Rook also said that his family only love once. This is also a well-known Mo Dao Zu Shi fanon term of "Lans only fall in love once". But I feel like someone as romantic as Rook would believe in a soulmate.

Originally, during the walking down the aisle scene, Chubby was supposed to have his flashback sequence. But I ended up moving it to the previous chapter.

So with the flashback moved, we left with an empty sequence. But I was like "Hey, remember that wedding scene from Crazy Rich Asian? what if Jamil sings again?" And thus, another musical number.

The vow said by Chubby and Eliza was actually from Happy Sugar Life. Though I'm warning you about the maybe uncomfortable scene because this is the only scene I can find so far that had the full vow.

More Idia shitting on others during his best man speech. But we love him for that.

The second half of this chapter is fully in Azul's POV despite shifting slightly to Jonah/Jade's POV in the middle.

Originally, during Riddle and Azul's dance, it was supposed to be in Riddle's POV. However, I thought it would flow better if everything happened in a single take in Azul's POV.

However, it didn't lessen Riddle's arc of closure. The path to growth starts with admitting one's mistakes.

(Can you tell I really like writing about Riddle's growth?)

This leads us to our last JonAzul moment of the fic. Riddle joining Jonah and Azul's hand doesn't mean he would stop crushing on Jonah, it's just he trusts Azul again to take care of Jonah along with him.

Well, if Azul got a lot of shovel-talk, Jonah deserves one as well from Jade.

Jonah and Azul's talk was pretty straightforward, mostly around the reincarnation stuff.

And the last part... Woo-boy... I was very gushy when writing it. I was like squealing to my brother whether I want a full-on kiss or not. Because while Azul had admitted multiple times, and this is Azul's POV, it feels like this is not the time for a full kiss mainly because Jonah hasn't made clear his feeling. So we ended up with two kisses instead; on the hand and on the forehead.

The kiss on the forehead is a call back to the ending of Azul's memory maze.

[quelsentiment]

helloo happy spring my sweet!! if u want answer me these: 15, 30, 32 muac

Thanks friend <33

15. Do you write in the margins of your books? Dog-ear your pages? Read in the bath? Why or why not? Do you judge people who do these things? Can we still be friends?

Most of the books I read these days are library books, so no to these. I don't mind dog-earring pages though, and I went through a phase where I would write in books quite a lot, so no judgment for people who do that

Also I have to say that I'm a shower gal through and through, but the idea of reading in the bath feels way too dangerous to me anyway. Maybe it's because I'm clumsy though

30. Talk to me about the role dreams play in your writing life. Have you ever used material from your dreams in your writing? Have you ever written in a dream? Did you remember it when you woke up?

Hmm interesting... I wish I had some wild story to share, but I don't think I ever drew inspiration from a dream. Maybe I should explore that! And as far as I can remember, I've never even dreamt that I was writing, nor have I dreamt of my stories/characters—which is actually wild because I spend so much time thinking about them so you'd think they'd follow me in my sleep 🤔 I will say that I do a lot of 'writing in my head' when I'm in bed, though, and sometimes I'm like half-asleep if that counts 😅

Also I think there's quite a few of my fics that involve the recounting of dreams, because it's an obvious and easy way to get access to a character's subconscious

32. What is a line from a poem/novel/fanfic etc that you return to from time and time again? How did you find it? What does it mean to you?

Not sure if I'm supposed to share a line I wrote or that belongs to someone else so I'll do both, and I think they're connected in a way.

“I want to grow up with you, idiot. I want to get a shitty job and a shittier house and live.”

How badly he wants to promise George the entire world, promise him his leaky studio with a double bed they have to keep a secret. How badly he wants to give him a band of silver nobody can know about, gentle kisses in the shower, skin sliding with hot water, grocery lists stuck to the fridge and hands joined under the covers. Autumn rain pressing against the windows. Snow petals drifting into their hair when spring comes. Maybe then he wouldn’t be so terrified of the future, eyes filling with primal fear every time he thinks about getting older.

This is from katabasis, which I've read a few days ago and has haunted me ever since (as has every work from this author tbh). This paragraph in particular made me stop and look out the bus window and be like 'Damn... That's insane dude' (especially in the context of that fic, the angst is just up there. Anyway)

I think there's something about writing intimacy by turning very specific and mundane details into something more that really appeals to me. I don't always know how to write intimacy, and I'm also not a description/setting-driven writer (it's all about the dialogues and conflict for me), so when I do manage/remember to do it, I always end up feeling like it's my best writing. An example of it that I think of quite often is this line from Somewhere Only We Know:

Sometimes they both reach out at the same time and end up kissing each other slowly for hours, while all they can hear is the low buzzing of the fridge coming from the kitchen. 

writer asks

[libidomechanica]

Untitled # 11858

A limerick sequence

               1

That black—sailed, asking, hither tact and the late-writ letters? In one of fault    in wool more of Destiny    with such delight. But prudent grown grand waken envy her.

               2

Where burned in some sent from time servants in halls a thaw of bygone snow; it    seem all how they are! The    Golden cage. ’Ve not onley shine are through pure as it teeth.

               3

Over the repays my pale uncertain side. It seem’d full of a peace, you    know ere thee, the fury    still the third canto quarto tale; in Spain, he’d look mildly blue.

               4

She the shape with grief’s strength my scythe offer theory. For the child, thought but,    for use. Or aught thrice, if    human from me; and fits her would build far off from it prosper.

               5

Mild silver and here on the ungracious stone set in a though opens her    hair’s long. And died of fevers    burning Sun. The Lark, the world. It gentleman of Chian wine!

               6

Without love an hour of those eye quickly too? What! She spectre rings expansion    is the Abbey: there    wreaths again. With blind to Jove them all, as parts in a sire.

               7

Before his stormy bed lay things I have seene to all the Spartan death. Which    breast thy voiceless no stern,    single cruellest, where eagle why thighs, breast. That for a magnet.

               8

The ills thy flight doubt not miss, those cool, he field the brain! Of feelings to her    face or two. Which she know    not fir’d her sense them a single, deep, and hospitality.

               9

You jest: by the illicit indulgence of music, storie of death for    all along time, but kinda    like a sudden my brother—since I claim to gratify?

               10

’ Let me die too, ’ said thee? Some coquettish deceit. And we sought to the dying,    dwelt an institute    taught; no court the flock all bed the day. Like a little rainbow.

               11

To guerdon silly to gild a storm- troubled spheres, the gold or riversion    such play on the that heifer    lowing off to stretched it look on nobleman of Chian wine!

               12

Such beautifully walked two nigh. But what sense does is the Pegasus runs    parallel tree, which it adore    you—Then to the applause, of which did yourself, never be?

               13

The Princess, I would rather that am I but that says she fell done; and    for you live: thither, were    in ten? Songs to fly all this removed. But Ida waited, why?

               14

The henna; but scantly and for the gross mud-honey bag from lack of a    night which on the park, sit    thou may! This my soul are not set our adventure such as care.

               15

For deans, and in deep depression is not always death these? In a crush on    Myrna Loy. And all evening    sun, o knight I might traveler clear sparkling stony name.

               16

Skin and on to thy hands, now converse the name of Spring the tree when spray    biginneth to be lov’d.    As is twixt her bloom, light dispatcht the waken unavailing?

               17

Its Ionian elegance, if it went. I am spreads his plight broke a genius,—    when armour bed, who    hath produces—You. The tender mind is on our knees again.

               18

Fine by defect, for me wherefore. That maids in the bad acquaintance of    pain whisks it about a    friend, but new.—But seldom used to them! With long before we know?

               19

Upon her law, and never was so tall? Pardon, I am and reddening    rowes; your own blows away.    Who is not when pity would their poet, thou will deny!

               20

Little plum is what sense? With them a raiment my kindly word and paper    say it��our Ida heart.    Her heart the Potter to you. To life at its echoes, dying.

               21

Tho’ wretch these, the tents but to me. That showed them in the sequel, but of rock,    and we that the flying    to the orange experienced few; and for these women’s fell.

               22

And these the breath, and time and mine heart of a dream thy living hour, and won    it light mellowing to    rent her. That my poor hygiene and prepare: I was a Veil past!

               23

Cherish are laid on thy noon, lost as a son. With Science; as a sickly    the high the straining held,    indeed, whose glowing, rueing light to the page wonder gore, hey ho!

               24

Pushed with the woman bear thee as the fire accords to make us sight thy    look be lost in perfect,    not thy pale, cold earth, as for though its all we would sink o’er day.

               25

And the Prince I beheld, whom Juliana stung him to roar, to take my    blood. But him, and a ho,    and wandring to be first open’d on displays with tann’d and ease?

               26

Shoulders, one this were touches. Ah, take the rock and do the water flickering    again. I could sharpest    pang; but a sun, than in the head to brow was, and you shame?

               27

Me word? Yet on her hailed against his middle the midst thou only the beam    for him now, and made of    quietest of appear who first-born Salamis; she was much.

               28

Thou taught that made anither! Religion take a bootless clogged the other    dresses bounds Ravenna’s    trick. Is a joy, there, Pastora by a fountain or of tears.

               29

Who, as any, no doubt what is a man not wish: not love, nor will but fading    fainting waters round,    each doore, ere the Northern star. Books adore his wife and ruff too.

               30

Which I see thy taste. Has might from your hair’s long summers back and glorious    mood; themselves in thumb and    frayed charades and dance benefit of whom, in gentlewoman.

               31

The polygons of idling, then we met, to know’st no shape it place! To lead    a life for me, so little    walls But what gelid found in her brother’s pangs o’er his flight?

               32

Catch not marry the bed. Beyond all my love, lordlier than spite and slays, an    Easter. Riot, many    Knots unravel’d by eyes may drinking to write a changed at home.

               33

Some few years ago. Is emptied of twilight like a God’s will in other    of peace in ten, one Moment,    of the Arabs, Turks, and echoes roll from eternal joy.

               34

Of old Goethe’s (see who first she stone. Familiar, towing round their age’s    prudence is its closest    that beauty be; it had been to venturous god rimmed here thinge.

               35

As the common in their clash offend; the cold, like the churchyard come to spring    honey on the same    to suit the world. Than a mile from hills; that the world so abide?

               36

Must do? Like to the light hangs her of a pirate. The brawl at Shushan    understood but thou returning    Sun. If it’s in his life in perfection of that’s gone that.

               37

Good God, what shall reign, do in thy parting west? She setting you doe gives and    the moderately into.    There caught their end, but the pool they catcher’s lay about wives.

               38

Then Oothoon, were enough the ethereal plains withered in the cavern    cry, and you gone. Between    the slacks, and his feet. From me, now a rainbow, trick while our care.

               39

Perhaps the fatal draught of appear her pure Love, what set the earn’d, prefers    heap of both are twice; in    it catch, to share. And cave and strikes, but by a happier St.

               40

It is meaning life eternity. Called mind those three: but never blows. Glance    wayes, as bottom, bleaching    lies—This Story now complete of rocks, all was but a balloon?

               41

Present thy breast; and made of full Eastern hills, there was what hath copies by,    can love were not his wife    nuptial exercise? Concluded, and strangely toward you are these?

               42

Wherein my father rites that’s his. The woodmen with that should have ne’er knows the    woodmen with pale starry    the voiceless clogged the book and dear sisters echoes, dying. Heart.

               43

That afternoon the haggard fathers. See how to fall to be. But when a    tear. We two with holy    vesper more to bind his weekly bills. Sweet shall stars twire no more.

               44

Holy, and shortest view, wind falls.—What unusual heats are soul in my friends:    I go to mind: musician,    Romans do, ’ a piece there did behold, and I love her fan.

               45

And right have sung in bitter wont to all the tresses bound then while time; and    Oothoon is on our poesie    wring; you that all. He feasts, the water—jessamine, sans Song, speak?

               46

A states of the shadow when we innocent arms to hold him as false    desire to pray? Such grace    sappho and flaunts about the deed I dare comfort is, she made.

               47

That I spoke, part of the Northern frontier: then she knows—what we yet in a    cousin tumbled in the    liberties. With cold, she never the long locks of mincing mine.

               48

What could not know is a juggle borne, What faculty, when there, talking our    warriors come, my half-hid    in Leutha’s flower had some evening lies wounds. You have, life’s death?

               49

Robin shure wi’ him. I do bewray a woman-statues, paintersects the    child’ ceased ere your palate    urge, even so, being silvering alone so many death.

               50

Sleek Odalisques, or oracles of Death thou that I dreams, recalibration    he was a    malformation is the same to yet such someone else. As leathers.

               51

Above, can only fire, and not die. I cry: Arise, my love an hour. We    had dared not envy wished    and every pleasure have me a sinecure as it cost you.

               52

In silken flanks but never gave me leave, till Ida heart was as mine. The    Ball not be hamburg. He    woos his house, but slyly stealth mayst know such substance, wine, and morn.

               53

Stakes the January photo in my pure than even France, that Sheba    yet. Down to all be wooed    and little Children die; and then which like in pleased us down.

               54

And race, and one soft and tread in iron with her all the deil her foes with    Time hast thou were nor cared    nothing girl, whose pretty her beautiful and of the dogs’—Hark!

               55

Your true delicately weak. And plighted, to do it, being light, betwixt    the will be deep despair    to see my still it ceaseless now! Or own work divinities.

               56

Poor boy, ’ she cannot be hard-mailed a seventy coats I could not Love upon    his arm-chair? Could take    Jamshýd glory long can the sun, as Lady Ida’s your fists.

               57

His must we but sure within can apple- tree, but those life Thou be its    Interpreters. And soft is    Silia! Nor knew my faithful friends, how only one soft passing.

               58

I stack by him? That for true as when the phantom Figures of less demonstration,    I saw not, am    I richer one, why— these—what king, ’ he cries, Forsooth, let go!

               59

Between this dark rain: yet in a person used to roar, to builds up a flitting    all that the mountain    or of the secret a live in it. How long, up into you.

               60

All, the hero’s harp, the skin relieve when paper—even at Vivian    all arm—and various    child. To leaue the gray linen hen in the joys, or speak forces.

               61

But what is mock at them on the child, his rest; and produced, and their sense! In    lieu of more, what rights, wife    and blow, his harlot her love for their laps, all then we still flesh!

               62

Ecstatic instancy afloat, I know it. Evergreen gleaming rills we    travell’d mass of a nobler    age; appraise, nor stunted on his scythe anger of twilight!

               63

Since to the racing car nor think I should nothing repentance on the first    Summer from me, and brought    to think; ere had swept o’er the you troubled like a rainbow, trick.

               64

Roots barging out heal me which most degrade the childbeater parties just ere    you young; all Ear from that    brow was, trailed a Key, the morall not. ’ Dare weight. Not thy image?

               65

Doth much too much a fervour or a fairy horn through this defilèd bosoms    on the sunflower    since and I rose being other, who but from me, and erasèd.

               66

To fountain thy breath, her backs with only this vessel on a king to the    ground, whom Julia, breath? And    warm youth of mind, as proxy- wedded so well, I put off shoes.

               67

We scarlet, from the peasantly definitive as I am? Woke—and    a nights in tolerant    enchanted on the shrill cicadas, people do, except this.

               68

Nurse, the find in halls of Lebanonian cedar: nor Loves Crowne, saw other    kind of the light reap the    nights, with emotionlessly afloat. In where your most jolly.

               69

Shamed of her eyes watched stalks of disgrace, and who sail the cup that raw and sick    dream market on death, but    never did thee and angels’ purity. He world’s bigger boughs!

               70

Art them they laid; and sea, between us? Roar out of the rotten till at    eve we not always whene’er    sight of stones, the sound, and a’ the lied with hollowed: they kind?

               71

Down that lift the stroke and walking off the souls can die. To take Jamshýd glory    longinge for grave a    costly. Nearer to end with too had weight of fevers by him?

               72

The Scian and crush her arm that she was, and slays, but she, my boys, come ages    had been men your own account.    When I be at peace in degrees. Ushering for mankind!

               73

—The feast in our light say, No! And lilies flung, in masque or piece together;    and she kisses of pleasure.    For kisses; not for him grew for help—for It rolls away.

               74

When large orders to new waitress, the gynaeceum, fail so fast asleep, powers    sent among his fair,    chaste a flashed to loves my love and South, and move! Coffee table.

               75

Began to joy and went his home to curl round the wine-cup glistens, he care    to keep termly fires of    this just be the children, and hinted on me. Was wet with viands.

               76

Though her garden-side. Good-morrow I may know; as like old Greece a tear, or    in none, but shall mortal    Sovranty—think that iron blunt uninvolved as liberty.

               77

From the hanging heart, that inscription of our houses dwell: but he had been    hence! The light classic lecture,    crown an evening all then, her young-wise, her hue changes that.

               78

The zero vector, in a clapper and far away in the Day woke—and    the stone through life or deans;    the faults I dearly to be.—All we lovelier land of rest?

               79

It was light once loved hour and hand frogs cannot be a formica countrymen.    Wives is hostess, here    was agreed where those year when I be at peace about the wine.

               80

Tender pray that of former loving upon a loveliest acts; like a    pedant’s white-thorn laden    home. Heroic if you’d return, with a hands I could we else.

               81

Busy beyond all reason scorns? The legendary of day let thy pale,    cold were left. Bearing East;    He rose, blow, bugle, blow, where kept with much wore to give is clasp?

               82

Were some were done! Because of talk; one tired I reread Aristotle    passionate tears! Kill his    enchanted slope in this present things shooting on my bosom!

               83

Made, fretted steadily to have gone. So while they might be the bone. ’ Why then    the mutton; with Rufa    studying miracle of the park, to fold of Leutha’s vale!

               84

At night nor who then for thee on a crevice: much as mother’s eye. Are both    the fair Cyprian flow’d    with flower, that play their arms in abundance added with Wine!

               85

The grasshopper, yet within the trumpeter, who seldom seen Love’s love?—Children—    there in the eastern    mountain into hear our love so alike; a night on more brain?

               86

The fault in white baracan, and grow for ever the woman can gird more    imprudent—would some Zephyr    caught better herself have hard furrow? My true-love payment?

               87

And you asked Walter nodded at her up. I think to all the psychic no    one nearer to choose a    fire, the involuntary power these halloo will to Sin?

               88

But heo me with aversion, perhaps, scarce am suffice that she begged and    sweet vicissitude of    Lamech is nothing a man, gave the white, which means. As the Blest.

               89

The fierce an abandon. A petted steadily to imply love striding’s    a joy! Room for with me,    and be fair woman were of more sugar’d to Haidee forgot!

               90

Of spanless you. Brake, and drivels seas that keep in consequence. That beauty    still ride once, and added;    she with Ho! How happy breast heart. One Glimpse of his absence spake.

               91

Is not his many wooden and my pain; and more we known, and fair in cowslip-    water for a single    with two tame leopards couch, risking together. Holiday.

               92

Not one like to pleasures too epic, homicidal; and never out of    her beauty with the Abbey-    stones you suddenly one. So night, and in barbarians?

               93

Ten lines my sin and muffled liked it down, an unavailing? Futile they    share, their dessert grew more    or less all from something of musk an Angel with the ocean?

               94

She the solitude appear’d quite, which made replied. Sweet house, and Lady Blanche    alone is my heart half-    oblivion is the smiles of the sight to my soul to this.

               95

When we come her hand; yet w’are not wish: not for you, even at Vivian    all days long sea-wave any    death, a flower! This heat of love to the earth—the earthquake.

               96

Then is wot, look mildly fling their age’s prudent grew to form or breast was    brown before to me! To    tears and his silent; but thee chameleons, cities of his age!

               97

Her father’s judgment. Your good into rhythm, you ask the great flowers. Of    feeling by her wake no    water on thy child pushed with slaughter; she carnal ecstasy.

[chorusfm]

Lily Meola

Recently I was able to connect with Lily Meola for a Zoom interview to discuss her uplifting new single called “Without You.” I asked Lily about her music upbringing, how she stays motivated as an artist, how she measures success as well as her breakthrough single “Daydream,” and what next year has in store for her promising musical career. Thank you so much for your time today, Lily. I heard your new single, called “Without You,” that was recently released and I immediately gravitated towards your sound on this uplifting breakup anthem. Can you walk me through the writing process for this particular song? Well first off, thank you for having me and taking the time to chat, and being interested in the song. And yeah, the writing process on this song, it was my last day in Nashville, on a long writing trip, and I had a flight to catch. And this song for some reason just came super naturally to us. It was done in an hour and a half if I remember correctly…sometimes it just really flows. And for some reason, this day, it all came out really fast. And I was kind of inspired by the feeling of young love and how heartbreaking it can be, but also wanted to keep it light-hearted. And even though you feel those pains, it’s all just part of the journey. Those ups and downs, you got to just still appreciate the moments. Absolutely! Who’s in your “trusted circle” that you test out new music with? Is it the live audiences that you play to, or your management?  Honestly, a little bit of both of that. I’ll send it to a couple of close friends, and I’ll even test some of the songs live and see what the audience reaction is like. And then, yeah my management definitely weighs in as well. But if there’s a song that I’m really into, I don’t care what anybody else thinks. If it just feels natural to me, and I’m excited about it, then others opinions probably aren’t gonna change my mind haha. Is that sassy? No, that’s a sign of a true artist, in my opinion! But honestly, sometimes they are convincing me that other songs are better than I think they are. That’s always funny, too. So I forget their opinion. I first got word of your musical career when my son and I attended one of your concerts in Washington, DC. You opened up for Imagine Dragons on that big Capital One Arena show… Yeah, that was such a fun night! You performed cover songs like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” which went over really well with the audience. I think people were grooving to that, as well as a lot of from your previous EP Daydream. So what was that experience like with sharing your music with such a large audience? Oh, it was so fun, honestly. One of my highlights of last year. His audience is just so into the music, and they’re there to have a good time. And it’s a wide range of audiences, from kids to adults, and everyone’s having fun. And so it was just a really, really good time. I hope one day I get to open for them again. And DC is a really cool place.  Yeah, that’s where I’m from.  Have you been there for a long time? Oh, yeah. I grew up here my whole life. I live in Silver Spring, Maryland, which is about 30 minutes on the metro to Capital One Arena. Did you guys have fun at the show?  Oh, absolutely. Yeah, my son said, “This lady can sing!” So he’s got a little bit of that sweet talent in there too, and an ear for music. He’s 12. So he could have a sassier opinion for sure. Do you have any other upcoming touring plans at this time or for the next year? I just got off a little mini tour with Steven Sanchez, which was so fun. He is just the sweetest person ever. And an unbelievable artist. His show, if you get a chance to see him, unbelievable performance. It was such a great time! I’ve really just been focusing on new music. So I’ll be spending some more time in the studio finishing up some songs. Not doing too many shows right now, but probably more soon. Yeah, that’s good that you get to hone in on your writing process right now. So what continues to keep… https://chorus.fm/features/interviews/lily-meola/

[auraee]

- 𝕁𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕒𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖. - 

ꕤ 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕣'𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕖 - Right, so here it is! It's something I've been working on for a while, especially since I'm pretty inexperienced writing anything that involves nudity. Luckily, I did have a long time friend guide me through because it was something I wanted to try- having more intimacy in my work without it being necessarily NSFW. I'd like to warn you that there is female anatomy (for the reader) through the mentioning of 'breasts' but that's pretty much it. The reader here is also pretty timid (it's pretty self-indulgent too) so, if that's something that annoys you I recommend not reading this. All in all, I did enjoy writing this and I hope you enjoy reading it just as much!

ꕤ 𝖧𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀! ꕤ

Minors, of course, Do Not interact with this or any other pieces that I’ve created.

ꕤ 𝖳𝖺𝗀𝗀𝗂𝗇𝗀 - @ripperdoc-is-daddy & @lilyisfrozen

ꕤ 𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕙𝕒𝕤𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕩𝕥. 𝕂𝕠𝕟𝕪𝕠𝕜𝕦 - Konyoku describes a mixed onsen (hot spring) in Japan, where, traditionally, men and women stripped off  and bathed together, just as they would in a gender-separated hotspring.

“Are you sure about this, flower?” Kyojuro asked. “We don’t have to do this if you don’t feel comfortable doing it.”

Boxed between cinnamon lattice walls I stood a few feet from a Konyoku. Rectangular in shape, the umber brown wood bordered hotspring. Steaming crystalline water drizzled in through a small wooden box, creating silver ripples that grew and spanned the spring, acting as a resplendent mirror of the skyline. Tonight’s sky blushed a rose gold tint, contrasting the toucan sun that nestled behind mulberry clouds, having earnt its rest for the night. Stars scattered the sky, whispering amongst themselves while they waited for their other, much larger friend to join them. Sap green leaves danced to an illusive wind, a few being snatched from their branches and falling onto the spring. It would have been an otherwise peaceful night, if it hadn’t been for earlier this evening. 

Kyojuro and I had finished another mission together. It was gruelling and exhausting, but it was over. The location this time was in the Chugoku region: the largest island in Japan— or so he told me. Okayama city. Although it buzzed and sparked with lights and life, it had a smaller populace, likely the reason behind the demon’s decision to station herself there. The number of slayers have been thinning. The demons have been proving their match and we were struggling to keep up. We’ve had to deal with more burials than we’d like to count. My heart ached at the thought. They were people with parents, partners, friends— there were even some with none of that, and yet they relentlessly devoted themselves to this cause. 

I see it now and then. 

Just a flicker of it. 

Despite being blinded, there’s a notable pain in our leader’s eyes. Hidden behind a gentle smile, often acting as a supplementary comfort, and it worked most times. Typically I’d try to push ahead— there was seldom time to mourn. Thoughts like those tucked themselves in the deepest corners of my mind. I’d force them back there to not let them consume me. That’s the last thing I want— not now. 

Instead, I’d try to focus on other things. Things that made me smile, made me laugh, things that gave me hope. 

Someone.  

Kyojuro’s attitude through it all was astounding. Smiling whole-heartedly through it all while encouraging others to do the same. I can’t say that it wasn’t infectious, he had a natural talent for that sort of thing. 

‘Let’s push through, flower.’ He’d told me. ‘I know that times are tough, but we can’t waver now. We have to keep trying for their sakes and for our own dream. Do you remember?’

How could I ever forget.

A lot of time had passed since that conversation, It was almost as though that was a dream itself. A wonderful memory that I keep close to my heart.

“_____.”

Kyojuro’s voice was clear but weighted, jolting me out of my stupor.  “O-oh! Yes! Sorry, I was… thinking.”

Kyojuro moved to reach for me. A coarse padded thumb grazed my cheek, drawing tender circles onto my skin. “Do you want to tell me what has been troubling you?”

I relented to his touch; nestling against the hand that coddled my cheek. There wasn’t anything that I found more comforting. He’d always find a way. He always knew. It was one of the things that I adored about him. He was understanding when I explained that my timid nature meant that I had trouble expressing myself– expressing my desires. He cautiously listened and never shunned me for it, but instead made me feel safe. Keeping me close whenever I shied away and gradually earnt my trust. 

“It’s nothing really…. I wish I’d just stop worrying.”

Kyojuro let out a soft hum, tucking a stray curl behind my ear. “I know that recent events can be disheartening, but we cannot give into it. We still have a chance to change things. Don’t lose faith.”  

“I know,” I smiled, “I’ll do my best.”

“That's all I ask.” Kyojuro added, grinning and giving my cradled cheek a light squeeze. “Luckily we were able to deal with the threat here quickly. It gave us some time to tend to our injuries!”

I nodded, taking a moment to glance at the steaming spring. “Right, and thankfully none were concerning.”

“I can only credit your skill with your blades!” Kyojuro beamed, abruptly sweeping up my hands in his much larger ones. 

“You make a wonderful partner, _____.”

A fierce heat took my features, nibbling my ears and rattled my heart so violently that I thought it would leap out of my mouth. I buried my face in my hands to hide from his words, even though I felt the truth cling to them. 

“It seems that I haven’t nearly complemented you enough, if you shy away like that from the truth, my dear.” He hushed over the curve of my ear. “And for that, I apologise— because you deserve so much more than that.”

My throat tightened. My mind scrambled for a cohesive thought to blurt out, but nothing came of it. A finger tucked  itself under my chin, lifting my gaze to its owner. Vermillion gold eyes sort mine, melding them in place under their blazing intensity. Moments stilled, all sounds surrounding us fell silent except for our collective breaths, our lips apart just shy of each other. 

“You do more than enough, Kyojuro.... Really. And thank-”

The movement was brisk and concise, but promised something far better. Warmth blossomed in my chest at the kiss. A tender yearning spanned my body from head to toe, smothering me with affection that I gladly accepted. Kyojuro’s lips were gentle— pillowy even, against my own. His heated breaths tickled my skin, rough hands boldly cupped my clothed hips— wasting no time lifting me to the tips of my toes to meet his cherry tint lips again. My fingers rode the pathway over his chest and intertwined around his neck, shyly melding our bodies. Efforts that coaxed a dragged, needy, baritone groan from my boisterous partner. Through the misty moonlight haze my vision cleared; breathless and dazed. 

“Hah– um- I’m-”

“Cute.” “Cute?”

“Yes!” Kyojuro grinned. “Incredibly cute.”

“Kyojuro, you’ll be the death of me.” I giggled, leaving a peck on his nose. “Thank you— for being you. I wouldn’t want you to be any other way.”  

Kyojuro’s eyes widened, sparkling pure and bright as though they were colourful reflections of the sun. His features blossomed into a rosy tinge, dimples digging deep coves into his cheeks as he rushed to pick me up in one restless swoop. 

“I love you!”  

“Ack! Kyo! C-can’t breathe!”

“Oh! I’m sorry, flower!”

The Konyoku rippled under the night's azure sky, its steamy waters inviting us in with a sultry hum. This was the first time I'd been so vulnerable with a man. Granted, a man I loved— but even so. Unease weighed heavily on my heart, inviting a mountain of questions and worries that were on the verge of breaking my resolve. 

Perhaps this should wait till another time? If so, then when? Will I be ready when that day comes? How will I know for sure? What if he finds me… off putting? 

As if on cue, Kyojuro was quick to shoo away my doubt. “We are here to relax. Nothing more. I assure you that, to me, you’ll look wonderful no matter what.” He said. “But, If you are not comfortable, we can bathe separately and meet again afterwards. I am alright with either option. I just want you to be alright with what you choose.”

A brief pause followed, allowing me to come to a conclusion.  “I… want to try.”

“Would you prefer it if I turn away while you enter?”

“I-if that’s alright then–”

“It doesn’t matter if I’m alright. Your comfortability is more important right now.”

“Yes, then.” I mumbled, ignoring the biting heat on my cheeks. “But just for a moment.”

Kyojuro’s gaze softened, “Very well.”

After putting me down, Kyojuro turned and walked away. A few feet ahead of him was a smoked bamboo bench, once there, he took a seat and waited. 

My breath lodged itself in my throat, seeking to join the other knots in my stomach. With trembling hands, I reached for the bow holding my robe and rid myself of my yukata. Mauve fabric rode the heated mounds of my breasts, over my stomach and along the dimpled curves of my hips, exposing my skin to the night and trees further ahead. In that instance my gaze darted over to Kyojuro, promptly scolding myself for distrusting him when I found him still turnt away. The tips of my fingers wandered the jagged stripes along my hips and rose til I grounded myself with an embrace. 

Small steps, ____. Small steps. 

I dipped my toes into the water— It was as pleasant as it looked. I let it swallow my legs, then my hips, and later the remains of my body. Out slipped a weighted sigh, my muscles softening under the steam. Bobbling along the water my body rose to a float, releasing the tension and worries from thoughts before.

“Love, you can come in now…” I said. “O-or whenever you’re ready.” 

“Oh! You’ve finished?  

“Mhm.”

“Very well.”

For some time now, I’ve been aware of the kind of training a warrior of Kyojuro’s calibre has had to endure. Years of countless bloody, arduous trials orchestrated every muscle, scar, and healed broken bone. And from that lifestyle crafted a strong, experienced, agile body— it was something to be marvelled. 

“Does… it bother you if– you know…” my voice trailed off. 

Chuckling, Kyojuro rose to his feet. “It doesn’t bother me that you watch, _____.” He mused, reaching for the neat bow of his yukata. “I don’t have anything to hide. Unless, of course, you’d like me to.”

“No!” I squeaked. “No– uh– I mean— I don’t mind looking… If that’s okay.”

Something returned to Kyojuro’s graze. A glint— sharp but brief, giving them the mischievous look they had before. 

“Give me a moment.”

I knew what was coming—I did. And even still my breath found itself again caught in my throat. It was as though somewhere along the way I slipped under a spell, mending me in place so I couldn’t look away despite the warmth on my cheeks. Infinite seconds dragged my not so hidden realisation of my curiosity. Despite his tan being darker than his peers, Kyojuro’s honeyed skin still contrasted my own. Large toned biceps slipped out from his scarlet robe, prevalent jagged veins coursed around his forearms and onto the tops of his battle-worn hands. I found a rough old scar carving its way down his collarbone where I spotted another slightly smaller one cutting along his side. Those were made far before we met. Earning those must have been painful, but he seemed to hold their memory proudly, because in his mind- those were worthy sacrifices if it meant another could live to see another day. His selflessness would be admirable if not a little scary. His lack of concern for himself made him seem unstoppable, but also careless. 

Kyojuro’s abdominal muscles were another promised prize of his tenacious training. My gaze slipped further– the heat pooling from the spring seemed like a fluke in comparison to the bashful heat I got from ogling his form. Abruptly, I tore my eyes away before Kyojuro, just before he could unravel himself fully. An unintended high-pitched yelp left my lips—  the brief glimpse of dark blonde hair just below his navel was too much for me to bear. 

“Is it too much?” Kyojuro asked, concern laced his tone. “I can leave if you’d like–”

“No, no!” I squeaked. “Um, you’re look fine— hot even, I mean–”

 “...I’ll only enter if you’re sure, love.” 

“Yes! Of course I– I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to behave that way. It’s just… this is new.”

“There’s no need to apologise. We’ll take this slowly, flower, I promise.” 

The water around me shifted when I turned to meet Kyojuro’s gaze— soft and tender, just like the light blush on his cheeks. I couldn’t help but feel vulnerable under Kyojuro's gaze. His eyes ogled my form, darkened and lingering over my breasts.

“You… don’t have to be so far away, Kyojuro.” I mumbled.

“Is it alright if I touch you, love? He asked, eagerness lingering on his tone. 

“For an embrace.” 

I offered a small nod and Kyojuro moved to reach for me, beaming as he took my hand in his. Swiftly, He brought me to his chest, my breasts pressed plush against him. In time, I returned the gesture. My fingers trailed the bumps and dips that made his back, relishing the subtle movements of his laboured muscles as he moved. Kyojuro then sank our joint bodies, the spring water pooling at our shoulders as he held me close, a relieved sigh slipping from his lips. 

“Thank you for allowing me to hold you, ____.” He murmured, using his fingers to trace the curves of my body. 

“Tell me if you ever feel uncomfortable, alright?”

“Right.”

“How does… this, feel to you?”

“I… like it.”

“That makes me happy to hear.”

“How does this feel for you, love?” I cautioned. “I’m, well– curious.” 

“I can’t say that I didn’t want this or at least thought about it, ____. If so, I’d be lying. Though, I must admit,” Kyojuro said, grinning down at me. “that you feel better than I could ever have imagined.”

My heart rattled in chest, fervent enough for me to hear it pulsing in my ears.“W-well, I’m–”

“Impeccable?”

“Stop that!”

Kyojuro’s laugh spurred into a boisterous cackle, his voice echoing far beyond the decorated walls and outdoor trees of our little enclosed spring, earning a distant frustrated ‘shush’ from one of the staff members inside. Stifling a giggle, I rose to give Kyojuro another peck on the nose. “You’re going to have to laugh a little quieter, Kyojuro.”

“Ah! Apologies! Oh- apologies.”

Moments floated by, sprouting instances of banter as well as peaceful silences. And with it, my unease slipped away. Trailing my fingers over his collarbone, I asked Kyojuro about the stories behind his scars, and with the sunniest of grins, he told me. Never skipping a moment or a detail. The breeze soothed us as we took in the night. Chiffon clouds travelled across the sky, migrating in small groups over the horizon. I nestled myself against Kyojuro’s chest to watch them, feeling the added weight of Kyojuro’s chin on my head.

“There was something I was supposed to help Tengen with.” Kyojuro hummed. “ I’m trying to remember,  but I can’t put my finger on it. 

“Perhaps if you could remember the date?” I suggested. “It’s September now.”

“And in a few days it’ll be the 21st.”

“So, do you remember?”

“I haven’t got a clue. I’ll have to apologise and have him remind me.”

I giggled, “I wish you luck.”

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❀ 𝔸𝕟 𝕠𝕝𝕕 𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕖 ⚘ ꕤ 𝕀𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖 ⚘ ❁ 𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕠𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕟

[donald4spiderman]

Ok hear me out. Spencer is dating Reader and she’s always hated that she’s been more chubby/curvy. And one night in the middle of a case she calls him crying and Spencer just gets really soft and calms her down after a bad nightmare. And his heart breaks cause his loving girlfriend hates her body. So Spencer plans this elaborate date and proposes maybe? You can decide if the team have met her or not. I’d like it to be the original team but if you wanna combine the original and new teams together that’s cool too!

no bc my body image issues have been rampant lately so this is personal as hell to me. I work out a lot and i’m fit but i’ve never been SKINNY like i have thick legs and muscular arms andnnfnfjndjnffn so this is personal.

I modified this a bit but it’s still the same premises hope you like it! ***BTW IN THIS UNIVERSE THE S3-7 CAST EXISTS FOR THE ENTIRE SHOW— SO THE LATER SEASONS HAVE MORGAN AND HOTCH.

also sorry this is a long

TW: body image issues, discussions of food & weight, insecurity, crying, kissing

WC: 1.5k

-

You know, pragmatically, that you have nothing to worry about. Spencer chose you. And for the past four years, Spencer has worshipped you every day— again and again. He is the most loving, considerate, and tender partner you could ever wish for. He is near perfection.

You’ve met Spencer's friends many times. You’re not close with either of your parents, so the team of profilers welcomed you into their arms with grace and care. Each and every one of them is beautifully amazing and exceptionally brilliant.

Spencer‘s friends are not only badass, but they’re also gorgeous. JJ, Emily, and Garcia are national treasures— so visually stunning it’s almost sickening.

You knew he used to have a crush on JJ way before he met you. You’ve also heard the tale of Lila Archer, the celebrity actress who made out with your boyfriend in a pool. Spencer’s had an eventful life, full of beautiful, sweet, magnificent women— so why does he choose you?

You view yourself as bland in comparison. What do you have to offer Spencer that he can’t find elsewhere? You don’t have toned abs, slim hips, and slender arms. You’re not striking in any way.

Spencer calls you every night when he’s away on a case. He’s never missed a call, even when he got shot in the neck and kidnapped by a murderous cult. He’s reliable and consistent, and that eases your worries a little bit.

It’s eleven pm in D.C. and your phone rings right as your getting in bed.

“Hi, my love,” Spencer says breathily, his voice slightly muffled by the phone. He’s away in Ohio for a case.

“Hey.” You reply, the sweetness in his voice soured by your mood. “How’s the case going?”

“Good. JJ and I are about to pass out in our beds— we’re so tired.”

You can’t help the way your face drops. “Oh. Well, get rest.”

Your about to hang up before he interjects. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Why?” You know better than to lie to your boyfriend, who happens to be an expert on human behavior.

“Okay, I know a lie when I hear one. (Y/N), baby, what’s wrong?” He pleads.

You can’t help the tear that rolls down your cheek. “God, I’m sorry. I just miss you so much. You always know what to do when I’m feeling like shit.”

Spencer knows how much you struggle with self and bodily acceptance. He hates the world for making you feel anything less than incredible, both inside and out.

“I miss you too, so much, (Y/N).” His voice is thick as if he’s going to start crying too. “I love you so much, so fucking much. You have no idea how beautiful and amazing you are.”

“I don’t deserve you.”

“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” He laughs through a sob that wrecks his body. “You deserve everything in this world. I promise to give you everything you’ve ever wanted. You are the love of my life.”

You wipe the tears from underneath your eyes. “Sorry for keeping you up. You must be tired.”

“Never, if it means I get to talk to you.”

“I love you, Spencer.”

“I love you too, (Y/N). More than you’ll ever know.”

-

Spencer wakes up the next day with a newfound determination. The team solves the case as fast as possible, and by the end of the night, they’ve boarded the jet back home.

Spencer has more than enough hours to think about you and how much you mean to him. Hotch is seated directly across from him, rereading the case files.

“Hotch?” The wiser man looks up from his files, raising an eyebrow.

Spencer pauses for a moment. Maybe he’d be better asking Morgan or JJ for advice, considering Hotch’s tragic circumstances regarding Haley.

But no one loves like Hotch does-- sincerely, passionately-- stronger than anything else in the world. Spencer decides there’s no one better to ask.

“How uh did you know that Haley was the one?”

Hotch’s eyes soften for a bit. He clears his throat. “I knew since the day I met her that I would love her for the rest of my life unconditionally. She makes me complete. Do you feel that (Y/N) makes you complete?”

He already knows why Spencer is asking for his advice, steering the conversation in that direction.

“Yes. She’s my world.” Spencer whispers.

“Then it’s simple, really. Love doesn’t need to be complicated and precise. It’s what you do with it that matters.”

“I want to marry her, Hotch. I want to be with her for the rest of my life.”

Hotch smiles, “Then do it.”

Spencer feels the rush of excitement as he gathers everyone on the jet, including the prior sleeping passengers, filling them in on his big plans.

“I need all of your guys’ help.”

-

There’s a firm knock on your door at four in the morning. You know it isn’t Spencer because he has a key, but who could it be?

You take a cautious look out of your peephole to find Penelope, Emily, and JJ outside.

“What are you guys doing here?” You yawn. “For god's sake, it’s four am.”

“We know, and we’re sorry.” Penelope smiles.

“Is Spencer alright?” You ask, wondering if things suddenly went wrong during the case.

But by the joyous look on their face, you know nothing somber occurred.

“Spencer’s completely fine. But, we need to you to get changed and come with us. FBI’s orders.” JJ chuckles.

You change into warmer clothes in minutes, and the BAU ladies usher you into Emily’s car as fast as possible.

“So, no ones gonna tell me what’s going on?”

They shake their heads, “We’re just... running a quick errand.”

After a few more minutes of driving, Emily parks on the side of a dimly lit street.

“I need you to put this on.” She says, holding up a blindfold.

“Are you guys gonna murder me?” You joke, slipping the fabric over your eyes with little resistance.

“Quite the opposite, actually.” You don’t have time to think about what Penelope means before you’re being yanked out of the car.

You walk, guided by JJ, for four minutes. The grass beneath you crushes below your boots, and the hushed whispers of Emily and Penelope behind you do nothing to calm your nerves.

“Okay,” JJ says, halting to a stop. “You can take off your blindfold now.”

You hesitantly slip the blindfold off, revealing a brightly lit table in the middle of a secluded field. Morgan, Hotch, and Rossi are standing off to the sides.

Suddenly, Spencer emerges from behind a tree, dusting the leaves and dirt off his adorable sweater.

“Hi?” You laugh, utterly confused by this situation. “What’s going on?”

His hands are shaking, and he has to swallow a few times before he can speak. “I-I uh got y-you apple pie— uh your favorite.”

Spencer walks you towards the table, where a small slice of warm pie sits lonely on the table.

“Y-you should um... eat it.” He urges, pointing at the knife and fork next to it.

You glance around, trying to gauge the emotions of everyone around you, but fail. Stupid profilers and their poker faces.

Your fork cuts into the heavenly smelling pie, and you scoop up a bite into your mouth.

“It’s... good? I’ll pretty much eat any pie you give me, Spencer.”

He smiles, “I know that. But t-this is a special pie.”

“Okay...”

“You should t-take a closer look— at the pie.”

You inspect the dessert, completely puzzled until a glinting piece of silver catches your eye. Spencer notices the shock in your face and catches the plate that almost falls out of your hand.

Morgan hands him a napkin, and when Spencer pulls an apple-covered ring from the slice of pie, you almost faint.

“No way.” You gasp; tears spring to your eyes as Spencer wipes the ring clean.

He holds it tightly between two fingers, bending to kneel on one knee.

“(Y/N) (Y/M/N) (Y/L/N), I knew from the moment I met you that you were the most special woman I’d have the pleasure of meeting. A month later, you asked me out for our first date, and I couldn’t believe that someone as gorgeous and amazing as you would settle for someone like me.” You scoff at his humility.

“I spend every moment loving every part of you, (Y/N). None of my love will ever stop— ever. I promise to share my heart with you until the very end. There is absolutely no one I would rather be bonded to for the rest of my life. You are better than my dream girl because you’re real. You’re here, and you chose to love me every day— the good, the bad, and the ugly. (Y/N), will you do me the honor and great privilege of allowing me to become your husband?” You silently sob.

“Please say yes.” Spencer smiles.

“Yes!” You exclaim, pulling him up to hug him. “How could I say anything but!”

The dam breaks, and the entire team begins to cry as you and Spencer share a passionate kiss, almost collapsing down onto the grass from the sheer force of your love. He slips the ring onto your finger; it belongs there.

“I choose you, (Y/N).” He repeats.

“I choose you, Spencer, always.” You whisper into the crook of his neck.

Nothing’s ever felt so right.

[bruhstories]

Fate

Summary: The Abduction of Persephone or how Levi couldn’t get you of his head.

Pairing: Hades!Levi x Persephone!Reader

Warnings & Content: nsfw, mentions of rape & incest (cause, you know, Zeus is a fucking entitled asshole and nobody fucking likes him), unprotected sex, oral sex (male receiving), fingering, language, loss of virginity

Word Count: 5.1 k

A/N: literally the only thing I have to say is that for the purpose of this fic, Hanji has she/her pronouns, and the first few paragraphs are written in third person xD happy reading!

Help me...

Please...

Help... me...

Sweat drips from his forehead and his eyes shoot open. That damned dream again. That sweet voice again. Levi Hades can't comprehend why he was dreaming. Gods don'tdream. His bed seems empty, but he never needed anyone in it. For some reason, now he feels like someone is missing. He gets up, naked body and blank eyes watching over his realm from the balcony of his castle. Empty. Other than the souls of the dead that quietly dance around like little flames, it's empty. Other than Cerberus sleeping peacefully, it's empty. And so damn cold. Mortals mistaken the Underworld for a scorching hot place, but in reality, it's as cold as Levi Hades' heart. If he even has a heart.

He wraps his toga around his sculpted body, a wreath of laurels on his coal-black hair, donning his arms with silver bracelets and rings. Time doesn't exist in the world of the dead, but Levi Hades sticks to a strict schedule. He waves his hand and a scroll and quill magically appear on his marble desk. He can't trust Hermes with this message, and so he gives it to one of his dogs to deliver it to Hanji Hecate. Who better to interpret the meaning of his dream than the goddess of witchcraft herself? LeviHades surrounds himself in thick, grey smoke before he disappears from his bedroom.

Somewhere on Earth, Y/N Persephone is being watched by Zeus. The powerful god cannot resist such a beauty, and he is known for having his way with anyone, even his own daughter. But it's not her time, he thinks, not just yet. She knows this, she knows what will happen to her when she reaches the age of marriage, and at night, when not a soul is awake, she sobs and prays that someone will find her and help her. She is willing to do anything to escape her father's clutches and her dark future. And every night she cries, it rains — it pours.

At the outskirts of the Underworld, Hanji Hecate receives a message. She reads it carefully, and a knot forms in her stomach. The goddess heard the pleas of a girl, whom she believed to be a mortal, but if Levi Hades heard her, too, then it could only be another deity. HanjiHecate closes her eyes and performs a spell in the hopes of locating the desperate girl. It doesn't work. It doesn't work because, unbeknownst to her, Demeter is hiding her daughter from the preying eyes of Zeus.

They searched for weeks, mortal weeks, for the crying goddess, but none of them had any luck. Y/N Persephone is somewhere in the shadows of Demeter, but even she knows her mother can't protect her forever. Zeus gets what Zeus wants eventually. The sun rises over the meadow, but Y/N Persephone doesn't know that because she's stuck weaving in a cave, sweat dripping down her forehead, hairs sticking to her face. The drakons Demeter placed at the entrance of the cave followed Y/N Persephone outside, guarding her as she washes herself in a nearby stream. He isn't supposed to be there. Levi Hades isn't supposed to peer at her naked body and the way she splashes the crystal-clear water. He was supposed to meet with Hanji Hecate and take a walk. He was supposed to go back to the Underworld after that. Yet here he is, spellbound by her gestures, her face, her eyes. And then, she sings. Y/N Persephone begins to sing and all the flowers around him bloom. Levi Hades goes into a shocked state, eyes wide open, brows raised. He knows that voice. He knows it because he's been dreaming it. His scent is picked up by the drakons and he disappears, leaving behind a trail of smoke.

"I found her, Hecate. I found her, but I can't get close to her."

"What do you mean you found her? Just like that?" Hanji Hecate's fingers trace the bark of a tree.

"It was fate. It must be." Levi Hades is desperate now.

"Calm down, Hades. I've never seen you so... twitchy." She laughs, kneeling in the grass. The witch plays with some fallen leaves, brown hair flowing in the wind.

"That's because you didn't see what I did. She started singing and flowers bloomed! I don't know what kind of nymph she is, but she is beautiful. Nothing like I've ever seen before."

"Oh, I never thought I'd live to see the day Hades falls in love." Hanji Hecate laughs again. "So why didn't you approach her?"

"Tch, because she was surrounded by drakons. I don't understand why a mere nymph would need so much protection."

The goddess gasps, all traces of happiness gone from her face, replaced by disappointment and anxiety. Levi Hades takes notice of this and places his cold hand on the witch's shoulder, but she flinches.

"You can't have her."

"You knowher?" His voice is condescending, offended that his good friend hid something like this from him.

"Hades, she's Demeter's daughter, Persephone. She's not just some nymph, but the goddess of spring." Hanji Hecate brings her palms together, forming a triangle. "We can't talk here."

Levi Hades nods and lets himself transported to the Underworld, back to the familiar souls lingering in the air.

"Talk, Hecate." He is impatient and demanding, arms folded across his chest.

"Zeus wants her, and Demeter and I are keeping her hidden." The deity explains with pain in her voice.

"Yes, well, you're not doing a very good job, now, are you?"

"Oi, the drakons noticed you. You don't think they would notice Zeus?" She snaps back, traces of arrogance in her voice.

"Hecate... it's Zeus. What would stop that brat from turning into a drakon fool her?"

The goddess shivers, shifting her weight from side to side.

"Do you have a better idea?"

"I do, actually. I'll bring Persephone here." LeviHades proudly states, but his face is still blank, not once betraying his true feelings.

"You'll... what?" Her mouth is slightly open, bewildered by the god.

"It's the only place Zeus doesn't have access without an invitation. Face it, Hecate, it's a good plan. Better than yours, anyway."

Hanji Hecate is speechless, completely at a loss for words. She ponders over the idea, a hand brought to her chin to think better.

"Alright, but what makes you think she'll just stroll through the gates of the Underworld without a complaint?"

"Oh, you've mistaken my words. I'll forcefully bring her here." He tilts his head, a semblance of a smirk on his lips.

"For fuck's sake, Hades, she's not what you'd expect. And what about me? I promised Demeter I would protect her!" HanjiHecate throws her hands in the air, her shadow taking the form of a raging dog.

"Do notchallenge me, witch. You know I can destroy you in the blink of an eye." LeviHades growls and her shadow restores itself to its natural shape. "Besides, you would still protect her. The Underworld is where you abide."

She knows she shouldn't carelessly be out in the open one hour before her coming of age. But Y/N Persephone, with tears streaming down her beautiful face, embraced her future. She knows Zeus will come for her, and so she willingly gives herself to him. With poppy seeds, she put the drakons to sleep and left the cave, clad in a sheer toga, her body visible through the transparent fabric.

"If you want me, come and get me, father!" Y/N Persephone screams at the skies, the flora surrounding her slowly turning a dark shade of brown and dying, just like her innocence would die tonight. The earth shatters behind her, marigold flames and ashy smoke cracking open the soil. Shadowy figures emerge, grasping the young goddess' limbs and they drag her down, down, down to the Underworld. She is afraid, her heart beats faster as the moonlight disappears, and all she can see is darkness.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be gentler, but I didn't want Zeus to get the wrong idea."

"You're Hades, aren't you?"

"Yes, but please, call me Levi. Persephone, I presume." Levi doesn't smile, but his voice is warm, contrasting the cold that surrounded your body.

"Don't call me that." You spit back, confused as to why you were in his realm in the first place.

"You should be a little more grateful that I saved you, brat." He narrows his eyes down at you.

"Saved me? You abductedme. You're no better than him."

Hanji Hecate was right, you had fire in your soul, and an attitude that would drive Levi over the edge.

"Tch, don't compare me to that pretentious cock." The god scoffs and your expression softens.

"Zeus is a... cock? With a beak and feathers?" You giggle and he almost wants punch himself. How could he forget how innocent you are? Clearly, he's been spending too much time with Minthe.

"That's one way to put it."

"Is there another way?" You ask with your index finger brought to your lips, pure curiosity in your eyes.

"Forget that, you said you didn't want me to call you Persephone. How else should I address you?"

"Y/N." You tell him, eyes peering to the balcony of his castle and you skip to it. "Oh, this place is huge! What are those?" You point at the colourful flames dancing in the air.

"Souls." Levi joins you, resting his arms on the marble railing.

"They're beautiful!" You are in awe, and he is just as mesmerised by your beauty. Not one sane god or goddess would consider the souls of the dead beautiful.

"Look, Y/N, I heard you. In my dreams, I mean. I'm not going to hurt you, I brought you here to rescue you." He lies through his teeth. Levi did want to save you, he still does, but he can't deny the fact that he wanted you all to himself. "I'm gonna mind my own business, you mind yours. Try not to break anything. And don't, under any circumstances, make a mess out of my castle, or my realm."

You lean on the railing, nose scrunched and a hand on your hip.

"What am I supposed to do, then? And what about my mother? What about when spring comes and I have to bring it? What about Zeus?"

Levi grits his teeth, almost regretting his decision of saving you.

"Tch, I'll deal with Demeter. I'll tell Zeus I'm marrying you. You can go bring spring when it's due. Happy?" He pinches the bridge of his nose.

"And you won't taint my innocence?"

Oh, he will taint it, alright. But not just yet.

"I won't do anything you don't want me to do."

"You still didn't answer my first question. What am I supposed to do?" You shift your weight from one leg to the other, impatiently waiting for a proper answer from your captor.

"Anything you want, just don't get in my way when I'm dealing with the dead."

"You're an aggressive little man, you know that?"

Levi can feel a blood vessel bursting on his forehead. You were truly annoying, but he couldn't just sit around and wait for Zeus to have his way with you.

"Anyway, I suppose it is safer to be here." You rolled your eyes. "Got any books?"

"What, you read?" He snorts, a condescending brow arched.

"Don't patronise me. You're the one who abducted me, you could at least try to be nice to me."

Levi sighs. This wasn't how he imagined things would go. He imagined you'd make the perfect housewife and keep him some company.

"First floor. Just stay out of the restricted section."

"Why?"

"Because I said so. Zeus' beard, are you always this irritating?"

"Are you?" You chuckle, a hand hiding your smile.

With another sigh, Levi disappears, leaving you alone. "Great job, Y/N, you made the only person who took a crumb of pity on you to go away." You say to yourself, a pout on your lips.

The Underworld wasn't as bad as you thought. Sure, there was the occasional fire popping from the ground here and there, and you had to be careful not to burn yourself, but overall, it was serene. Some parts of it were scorching hot, but mostly it was cold, and you always brought an extra cloak with you when exploring the realm. Levi wasn't always with you, in fact you haven't seen him in days, but you met his three-headed puppy. Well, puppy wasn't the best word to describe the creature, and it did try to eat you the first time, but you stood your ground and tamed the beast with your singing and eager belly rubs.

"This is a sight I never thought I'd live to see." Levi is shocked, watching his raging dog so calm. "Cerberus never lets anyone but me touch him." He gives the dog a few pats on his back.

"Well, Cerberus likes me better, don't you? Who's a good boy? You are, yes, you are!" You kiss all three muzzles and hug the gigantic beast, the heat of its fuzzy body warming you up.

"Oi, don't get ahead of yourself. Come here, Cerberus." Levi extends his arms and the creature is confused. "I said, come here."

The dog stops wagging its tail and plops next to you with a groan, one head resting in your arms. The shit-eating grin on your face is enough to make Levi sigh.

"See? I told you he likes me better." You poke your tongue out in triumph. You wave your hands and the god watches how you place three daffodil wreaths on each of Cerberus' heads. "Much better!"

"Y/N, he looks silly."

"No, he looks adorable! Here, I made you one, too."

Levi takes the flower crown and inspects it, careful not to crumble the petals.

"What is this?" He asks, marvelling at the beauty of the ice-blue colour of the plant.

"Uh, a flower crown?"

"Yeah, no shit. I meant what flower is this?"

"Oh, it's a blue poppy. One of the rarest plants in the world." You smile. "I think it suits you."

"You're an oddball."

You sit in a lavish chair, all kinds of foods displayed on the table in front of you. Saliva pools in your mouth, but you decide to wait for Levi anyway. It's bad manners to start eating without the host, Demeter taught you that. Gods and goddess don't eat mortal foods, but sometimes they indulge in it, and tonight was one of those nights.

"Here, try this." Levi offers you a strange fruit, something humans have on earth, but different.

"What is it?" You poke your finger at the juicy fruit, sucking the sweetness from your digit.

"It's a pomegranate that only grows in the Underworld."

You pick at the seeds, popping one in your mouth. You couldn't believe something so good could grow in a cold place like this.

"So, what's the occasion?" You ask Levi as you eat three more seeds, the crimson juice staining your lips.

"Our wedding."

You accidentally swallow, choking on saliva and the pomegranate seeds, your fist hammering your chest as you gasp for air.

"What?"

"I told Zeus I'm marrying you and now he wants proof." Levi bluntly states, a chalice of nectar in his hand.

"No."

"You don't have a choice, unfortunately."

"But… I'm supposed to be a virgin. Marriage implies consumption of it." You slam your fists on the table. "My mother-"

"Your mother lied to you. You're a goddess of fertility for fuck's sake." He shrugs and you're shocked by how chilling his voice sounds. Sure, Levi was always brooding and silent, but now he was just inconsiderate. "However, I'm not a man who breaks his promises. I told you I won't do anything you don't want me to."

"Oh, how niceof you. I'm leaving." You stand up, pushing the chair away.

"And go where? Demeter can't protect you forever, and you don't stand a chance against Zeus."

"You know why I hate my name so much, Levi?" You growl, fingernails digging into the wooden table.

"Do, tell."

"Because it means destruction. A fitting name for a goddess of ‘fertility’, don't you think?" The table splits open and all the plates fall to the ground. Your normal, bubbly aura changes suddenly and there's a hint of red in your Y/E/C eyes. "You think I don't stand a chance against Zeus? I'm his offspring." You snap, and instead of flowers falling out of your hair, there's thorns, spikes and rusty leaves all over the place. The uglies, most poisonous plants sprout from the ground and you're no longer the goddess of spring, but the bringer of slaughter, and Levi is impressed. Now he really knows it was faith that brought you together, he knows your place is with him — with the dead.

"Marry me." He says, unmoved by your little show. Unmoved on the outside, because on the inside he wants to bend you over and fuck you silly. His words shouldfuel your rage, but you're too surprised by the fact that he still wants to marry you, despite your outburst.

"Why? Because Zeus wants that?" Vines protrude from your skin and your fingernails turn black. You were completely different than the helpless little girl he rescued that night. You were terrifying. But not to Levi — to him you were fascinating.

"Because I want that."

It was safe to say you had fallen in love with Levi in those nine months since you came to the Underworld. He accepted you the way you were, he accepted your darkness, something not even your mother could do, and that's what triggered your feelings for the god of the dead. You still didn't allow him to call you Persephone, because you still hadn't fully embraced that part of you. Spring was almost due, but you promised Levi you'd go to earth after your wedding. Everyone would be there, including Demeter, which you haven't seen in a long time.

A soft knock interrupts your thoughts.

"Y/N, are you ready?"

"In a second, Hanji!"

"Oh, thank the gods for calling me that. I keep telling everyone I'm tired of Hecate but they don't care." The witch scoffs from the other side of the door.

"Has my mother arrived?" You ask, concern visible in your voice.

"Yes. And she's not happy."

"Hey," you open the door, "thanks for taking the blame and explaining things to her." You hug the goddess and she holds you tight.

"Don't worry about it, kid. It's me who should thank you. I don't know what you did to Levi, but he seems happier. He won't show it because he's a prick, but I can feel it."

You flash Hanji a genuine smile and ask her to fix your veil, to which she gladly accepts before escorting you to the castle grounds. Your mother should do this, but she hated her future groom, or your father, but he was a sick man who only decided to leave you alone because he respected Levi.

Every god and goddess of Olympus is here, even your uncle Poseidon. You emerge from the castle, arm looped around Hanji's and you smirk at Levi's shock. He never thought you could be more beautiful, yet here you are, dressed in silk, flowers on your hand and a thin veil clinging from the peony crown on your head. You catch a glimpse of Demeter before drifting your eyes to your future husband.

"Ladies and gentlemen, gods and goddesses, we have gathered here today to witness and bless the union between Levi, god of the Underworld, and Y/N, goddess of spring." Hanji proudly declares. The ceremony doesn't last too long, and when Levi's lips crush yours in what is your first kiss, thousands upon thousands of plants sprout from the soil, colourful flowers blooming and letting out the sweetest smells known to mankind. Love, he thinks, that's what love smells like.

You're tired from the party, tired from all the talking and mingling, tired from your mother's lecture, and tired from avoiding your father. At least Hera was nice enough to wish you a happy marriage. You pace around your bedroom, sitting on the bed, then standing up again. Levi went to his chamber after the party, but you were expecting, no, you wanted to consume the marriage. You walk to his room, a toga lazily draped over your shoulders, and open the door without a single knock. He's in bed, the only light source being the colourful souls levitating outside his windows. You carefully push the covers and climb into the bed, gently scooching closer to him.

"Psst, husband, are you sleeping?" You poke his shoulder.

"Tch, not anymore." He sighs, not bothering to open his eyes and look at you. "What do you want?"

"Well, I'm glad you asked! Seeing as we're married now, I thought it's only natural for a wife to sleep with her husband." You roll on your side, propping yourself on your elbow. Tentatively, you tug on the fabric of the toga, exposing your shoulders and part of your breasts.

"So sleep." Levi finally lolls his head to the side, facing you. He did not expect to see you sprawled on his bed like that, in a lewd position and a playful smile on your soft lips. "You don't have to do this just because we're married.

"I'm doing it because I want to. And I know you want it, too, Levi." You purr, your fingers grazing over your collarbone.

"It's going to hurt." He warns you, but his hand is already on your thigh.

"I know. But you'll take good care of me, won't you?"

Levi has no idea which one of you is talking — Y/N, goddess of spring, or Y/N, goddess of destruction — and frankly he doesn't even care at this point. As long as he has your approval, he knows he can do whatever he wants. You pull him into a sloppy kiss, obviously inexperienced, but he likes it that way. He likes that you have no idea what you're doing because he can be in control. His hand runs up and down your thigh and you can feel heat building in your core.

"Tingles..." You mumble in his lips with a hazy smile.

"Have you ever touched yourself?" Levi pulls away and you nod. "Show me."

You feel embarrassed and small, but obey nonetheless. Your hand travels between your legs and your fingers touch your already swollen clit, rubbing it in circular motions. Levi watches you with hungry eyes, wanting very hard to abstain, but he can't, and so he takes your nipple in his hot mouth. You whimper at the new sensation, electricity shooting through your body as he snakes a hand between your thighs, two fingers diving into your cunt.

"Ah! L-Levi! So big!" You mewl and he throws his head back, releasing your poor nipple.

"That's nothing compared to what you'll get, you needy brat." He curls his fingers, hitting that sweet spot, and you buck your hips. Despite being a virgin, your body naturally knows what to do. Your spongy walls clench around his digits and Levi can already feel how tight you'll be around his cock. "You're so wet."

"Is t-that a good thing?" You're innocent and pure and you rock your hips back and forth, pathetic moans escaping your lips.

"Fuck, yes." Levi kisses you, and it's nothing like the kiss from your wedding. It's desperate and greedy, and he wants you all to himself. The pace quickens, he's pumping his fingers in and out of you faster and you don't know what to do, so you keep rubbing your clit and the familiar heat of your orgasm flushes through your body. You come undone on his hand, the sinful, squelching sound echoing in the bedroom.

"It didn't hurt at all!" You look at your husband, but there's a hint of mischief in your voice, a playful glisten in your eyes. Levi clicks his tongue, because the worst — and best — is yet to come, and you know it — you're no saint.

"Come here." Levi orders and yanks you by the hair, his aggressive gesture sending a shiver down your spine and into your cunt. "Be a good girl and open that pretty mouth for me."

You obey and part your luscious lips and then you see his cock for the first time — thick and veiny, it slaps your face as it pops out of his undergarments, the tip grazing over your cheeks.

"Levi that's... that's too big." You chew your lower lip and lean back.

"You'll be fine. You said it yourself, I'll take good care of you." He cups your face with one hand, thumb caressing your chin. "Now suck it. Make sure to use lots of spit."

You feel your cheeks hot and test the waters by giving the glistening tip a few licks, tongue swirling around it. It tastes salty, and you find yourself liking this. Levi pats your head, but you feel him tensing with each movement of your tongue.

"Shit." He curses under his breath and when you look up at him with doe eyes, his heart pounds into his chest. You courageously take the tip into your mouth, and with hollowed cheeks, you move further. "Yeah, just like that. Take it all."

Bobbing your head up and down, you try to take it all, but the girth and length is just too much, and tears pool at your eyes from the lack of air, but also from how good it feels to have a fat cock in your mouth. Muffled moans reverberate in your throat, and Levi can feel the vibrations tickling him. He firmly grabs your nape and holds your head in place.

"Trust me and relax, can you do that for me?"

You half-nod, anxious and somewhat excited for what is about to happen. Your husband rocks his hips back and forth slowly before aggressively fucking your poor throat, and you feel the arousal building in your core again. So much for promising your mother you'd always stay a virgin. You want to touch yourself again, but Levi slaps your hand away and thrusts into your mouth, holding your head still until you choke, your fingernails digging into his arm. The god pulls out and you gasp for air, and he almost feels sorry when he sees your pathetic state.

"A-again!" You flash him your pearls in a sultry smile, spit dripping down your chin. Who knew you liked asphyxiation?

"Needy brat."

"Please!"

"Tch, later. Right now, I want to fuck you." Levi growls and he already has you pinned on the bed, arms above your head and legs spread open for him. His cock presses against your slick slit and you brace yourself for the incoming pain. "If you want me to stop, tell me."

You don't have the time to nod when you feel a burning sensation between your legs. Squeezing your eyes shut, you bury the back of your head into the pillow and grip the sheets so tight your knuckles begin to lose their colour. Levi slowly pushes further, another inch buried in your cunt, and you bite on your lower lip. But you don't tell him to stop, instead your spongy walls clench around his cock and another inch gets lost in you.

You never thought gods could feel such immense pain, yet here you are, with a bloody lip from digging your teeth into it and a sore pussy. But the worst thing faded bit by bit when Levi bottomed out into your cunt. The two of you sit still, your husband allowing you to get used to his girth.

"Do you think I bled?" You ask, eyes filled with tears.

"Probably, but I promise it will never hurt like this from now on." He comforts you before licking the blood from your lips. The gesture makes your cunt flutter and Levi takes it as a sign to go on. Slowly, he rocks his hips back and forth, and the molten pain is replaced by tingles and arousal.

"You good?"

"Y-yes, oh, f- yes!"

"You can say fuck, you know?" Levi thrusts once, and it's so deep you feel his cock brush over your cervix.

"Fuck!" You cry out, legs wrapping around his waist to make sure he doesn't pull out. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

"Good girl."

There's no more room for gentle touches and soothing words when your husband fucks you raw. Your hips buck against his to feel that sweet pressure you never knew you longed for. In and out, his cock makes you feel sore and hazy, and you want more. The sound of his balls slapping your ass makes your mouth water and your eyes glossy, and Levi feels selfish. He pulls out, turns you over and takes you from behind, like a rabid dog fucking a bitch in heat. And you are in heat — you love the way his thrusts make you feel dumb, the way his cock stretches you, the way he uses and abuses your tight little cunt. Everything is so new to you and you adore every bit of it.

"Shit, I'm close." Levi warns you, his fingers digging into your hips, and you want to be good for him, so you drag your hand between your thighs and rub your swollen clit in frantic motions.

"L-Leeevi! I think I'm-"

"Fuck!"

When you feel a hot liquid shooting into you, your legs begin to tremble and you come on his cock, head falling onto the pillow with a heavy sigh. He pulls out and you already miss the feeling of being full, your juices mixed with his own dripping down out of you, down your thigh. You curl up next to your husband, hand holding his arm before you drift to sleep.

A sweet smell fills Levi's nostrils and when he looks at your tired body, there’s flowers in your messy hair. He still can't get used to the way your divine, disorganised powers work, but at least now he knows what's been missing from his life, and the corners of his mouth slightly twist upwards into a genuine smile. The god of the dead, in love with and married to the goddess of spring. Order and chaos blending together in one beautiful, perfectly arranged mess.

It’s fate. It must be fate that brought you together — but it’s love that will keep you together.

tagging @starrynightlys @stolemyheart12

[vvienne]

XICHENG FIC RECS

hold my hands by Snooze (Chiruka)

Transplanting a core into a new person isn’t without repercussions. One year after the events at Guanyin Temple, Jiang Cheng found himself once again faced with the possibility of losing everything he had. Reconciling with his brother, learning to let Jin Ling go, and dealing with his blooming emotions toward the First Jade of Gusu — will Jiang Cheng accomplish what he wants before time runs out?

it all passes someday by screamlet

A week before the anniversary of Wei Wuxian’s death, there was a commotion outside Lan Wangji’s house.

*

Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji over the years.

The Unlikely Expression of Love by manamune

When everything has settled, when everyone else has moved on with their lives and their friends, Jiang Cheng has a realization which shouldn’t actually be a surprise:

He’s lonely.

Indigo, lavender, and violet (I don't wanna be red) by ohwhatevrewhatevr

It, in the pale colors of the late morning, is the closest to perfect Jiang Cheng will ever reach. He strokes Lan XiChen's hair and presses a light kiss to where his ribbon and hair meet. The sky is a pale blue, and the pastels of flowers and clouds are spread out through the window, a brilliant world waiting for them, them in the gentian house, safe from stronger breezes - there is the clutter of birds fluttering and chirping outside. It is a warm, perfect, spring morning.

Jiang Cheng and Lan XiChen have been together for an year. In which, no one ever really gets over things, Jiang Cheng has the misfortune of interacting with his brother, the juniors help out with the proposal, and there's a marriage.

Altitude by starknjarvis 

When Jin Ling lures Jiang Cheng to the Cloud Recesses under false pretenses, he finds himself out of place among this new family Wei Wuxian has formed.

Lan Xichen, at least, seems pleased to have his company.

Perhaps there is still a chance for Jiang Cheng to make amends and move forward.

[Modao Zushi Online] GLITCH REPORT: My Brother Got Chased Down And %$@*$&@ By Gusu Dungeon Boss??? by oh_fudgecakes

Modao Zushi Online is a virtual reality MMORPG. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian are top ranking players in its new server, currently tied with their arch-nemesis from their previous server, Wen Chao. In an attempt to defeat him, they take on the Gusu Dungeon Boss, Zewu-jun, to win the reward of a legendary weapon. Ever the cheat, Wei Wuxian tries to take advantage of a glitch to defeat the seemingly undefeatable boss. It backfires. Jiang Cheng gets fucked by a boss monster.

He can't get enough.

Meanwhile, Lan Xichen, the unwitting staff member in charge of controlling Zewu-jun, absolutely did not sign up to be pulled into a secret virtual reality fling with a player. Mod Ji, who has to deal with Wei Wuxian's incessant glitch reporting of his brother's sex life, is long-suffering.

Mulberry by xxdz

Jiang Cheng grits his teeth and pushes harder. He feels like torn silk, the embroidery needle sinking in again and again and again; patiently, desperately, endlessly trying to make something beautiful out of something broken.

Jiang Cheng builds his sect, learns embroidery, and raises his nephew.

we can raise a little family by lanyon

“Well, brother,” says Wei Wuxian, leaning against the outside of Jiang Cheng’s chambers. “I had heard that you and Xichen went on a night hunt and came back with a baby, which is not the order I’d choose to do things in…”

In which Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen acquire a baby of unknown origin, and are the very last to know what it means.

Beyond the Impossible by Silverine

Summoned by Lan Qiren, Jiang Wanyin goes to the Cloud Recesses to drop his nephew Jin Ling, expecting to discuss relevant matters with his old master. Instead, he's asked to take with him no other than Sect Leader Lan himself, all the way back to Lotus Pier. If the reason why he accepted such an outrageous task is indeed a mystery, he's about to be surprised by how this entire trip, their encounters, and his warm company, suddenly feel fated.

Incrementally by xxdz

Jiang Cheng is trapped in a day on repeat where he begins by waking in Zewu Jun’s bed at dawn and ends by dying painfully at dusk.

It’s getting very irritating, and he has the sneaking suspicion that his chances to solve his own murder are rapidly running out. Soon, his death will be much more permanent.

All in all, worst birthday ever.

Audience of One by WinterDreams

“Then let an established star go first,” Lan Xichen interrupts again before Lan Wangji can give a stubborn reply. Both men twist toward Lan Xichen, and he smiles at Wei Wuxian’s tilted head. “If I publicly date a man for awhile first, your engagement shouldn’t receive as much backlash.”

Or, that AU where everyone is famous in some way or another, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji have been dating in private for years, and Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng pretend to date publicly for their brothers' sake.

A Bit of Ruthlessness by jirluvien

When Jiang Cheng hears that Lan Xichen went into seclusion following Jin Guangyao’s death, it’s almost as if he can see the grabby hands of a restless ghost, reaching out for something to keep him company. For something warm and living and devastated. And as history has proved time and time again, the Lans are perfect victims when it comes to giving in to ghosts.Yeah, no. Not on Jiang Cheng’s fucking watch.A story about grief, determination, unexpected friendships, abandoned watchtowers, and letters. So many letters.

All Tied Up In You by Clearpearls

Yet again, the night had come to this:

Jiang Cheng on the floor, kneeling, Zidian wrapped around his wrists.

Alone.

Thank You, and I'm Sorry by Hamliet

Jin GuangYao might be dead, but his story is not. Taking advantage of the chaos he instigated, someone makes an attempt on the life of the young new leader of the Jin Sect. When Jiang Cheng takes Jin Ling to the Cloud Recesses to have him study while he attempts to work with Wei WuXian and his husband Lan WangJi to eliminate the threat, he encounters a mourning Lan XiChen, lovestruck teenagers, and a persistent corpse--and both pairs of brothers find themselves struggling to move on.

saturn's rings (don't be a heartbreaker) by iskendaris

Set after the seige of burial mounds, Yunmeng rebuilds as they hold the first Discussion Conference at Lotus Pier. Sometimes the night is a gift, a refuge for loneliness. "So stern, Sect Leader Jiang," Lan Xichen murmured, "So glacial... What will it take to melt that icy exterior? What can I say?"

"Nothing. There's nothing you can say or offer."

reciprocity by jukeboxhound

There’s a pause before Lan Xichen says, in a tone that’s a little more neutral, “I would like to paint on you.”

“…What?”

“Of course, if you say ‘yes’ but then change your mind at any point, for any reason, you need only say so and I will stop immediately,” he adds.

Well, silver lining: Jiang Cheng is feeling much more awake than he was a moment ago.

Talent Hunt Crew Finds Angry Guy Shouting On College Campus, Recruits Him For Vocal Projection Abilities by oh_fudgecakes

Jiang Cheng, resident Angry Guy and heir to a conglomerate empire, has never been the apple of his father’s eye. Quashed under the shadow of his brilliant brother, the music prodigy Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng sees his chance to turn things around when he is recruited by the All-Stars Lan Talent Hunt. One problem: he can’t sing to save his goddamn life.

As he struggles to develop his nascent singing abilities, Jiang Cheng finds himself sucked into the whirlwind drama of reality TV, helped along by his adoring siblings, his irritable vocal coach Wen Qing, and strangely enough, the unfairly attractive host of the All-Stars Lan Talent Hunt, Lan Xichen. Somewhere in the glare of the stage lights and an unexpected first love, Jiang Cheng stumbles upon the thing he was searching for all along: the courage to dream — and to attempt the impossible.

Marginal Costs by ohwhatevrewhatevr

“You think you know what you want, Er-Ge,” A-Yao says. “But you should consider what you’re willing to give first,” he says wryly, taking Lan XiChen’s chess piece with slim, skilled fingers.

Lan XiChen looks up at A-Yao’s concentrated expression and the hint of contentment on his face that he is special enough to be allowed to see.

“It’s not just one decision, but the lead up to many more. One decision decides what else you’re going to have to pay, and each time you have to ask yourself, ignoring the sunk costs, if this time it’s worth it as well.”

When his sworn brother looks up at him with those clear, amber eyes, waiting, Lan XiChen feels the pull and gives in: he asks.

“Are you happy being in love?”

(First half is two sad sworn brothers talking, internally mourning how unfortunate their other sworn brother’s death was :/ and second half is when a mopey boy in blue meets an angsty boy in purple whilst chasing a demonic cultivator, and a lil bit of sexy dual cultivation happens.)

Somewhat Tender by theherocomplex

There is no defense against kindness; it has always undone him.

I didn't expect you to be lonely (too) by bettydice (BettyKnight)

Jiang Cheng's life is a mess, he's a mess, and he doesn't miss his brother at all. So when his sister gifts him ten sessions with a massage therapist, who turns out to be someone he was crushing on for a hot minute as a teenager and is still as hot as ever... yeah, that might as well happen. It won't have to mean anything.

This feels intimate to Jiang Cheng in a way that's probably very inappropriate and maybe even pathetic. Nobody touches him like this, right where he’s hurt the most. There's no one who handles him so gently, so carefully.

It's the gentleness that's his undoing, he thinks. He would be able to deal better with it if it was painful.

Life for Rent by yodasyoyo

“Yeah well. You’re not taking me seriously. This guy is my soulmate!”

“Soulmate.” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes. “Whatever.”

“Just because you don’t believe in them—”

“I believe in them!” Jiang Cheng says. “I’ve never denied they exist.”

“Just last week you said that it was an evolutionary quirk that had been used by greetings card companies, movie makers, and corporations to exploit lonely and vulnerable people.”

“And I stand by it! That doesn’t mean that soulmates aren’t real. Just incredibly unlikely and probably pointless.

-

Or:

Xicheng vs Soulmates. Fight!

Halfway Around the World by theherocomplex

Normally, Jiang Cheng would be seething, jaw clenched tight, if someone sounded like that while they were talking, but — Lan Xichen has the trick of always making you feel like you're in on the joke, whatever the joke is. That you're laughing together.

Whelmed by yodasyoyo

For months now Jiang Cheng’s been idly fantasizing about how it would be if something were to come between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan. Mostly those daydreams have been simple enough — they break up (probably because Lan Zhan is boring or Wei Ying is annoying), Wei Ying is sad for a couple of days (Jiang Cheng’s willing to allow some space for feelings, he isn't a total monster), but then Wei Ying realizes he’s better off, he gets over it, and Jiang Cheng gets his brother back.

Unfortunately the fantasy version of events has only proven partially true, so far. They've broken up. Wei Ying has been sad.

Now weeks have passed, though — and Wei Ying is still sad, every. Single. Day.

It’s like Jiang Cheng's stuck in a looping GIF, and it’s driving him insane.

Or:

Jiang Cheng plots, Lan Huan pines, and, unfortunately for Lan Qiren, Wangxian are inevitable.

[semischarmed]

“Ben”

I was out on a socially distant walk by the woods when I notice a fire dance across the night sky and into the woods. Against my better judgement, I decide to investigate.

A small glowing silver ball sat among the forest wreckage. I reach out, almost by trance, and immediately feel a spark course through me on contact. In the process, my clothing ignites in brilliant green flame. Then, I feel a presence. Immediately, I turn around, still holding the orb. Amidst the green flame was a puddle of metallic gray slime. It vibrates before sending out a little slimy limb which slowly rocks side to side, as if to examine me, before jumping for my face.

For once in my life, I react quickly enough and instead catch the thing in my hand. It was slick, and unbelievably cold. The mass begins to glow dimly, as I hold it out in front of me. I stare at it expectantly as it again forms a tiny limb, re-examining me. In a flash of green, the little wad of silver goo transforms into what appeared to be a tiny silver human. No, human’s not quite the right word. It was humanoid, sure, but the proportions were all wrong, almost cartoon-like. It had a larger more bulbous head with large reflective eyes and a small, near indiscernible mouth. The hands were larger as well, while the arms and legs were far thinner. Despite strange the sight before me, I sense no ill intent. Its beady little black eyes watch at me, displaying not only life, but intelligence. Words cannot explain how I knew, nor can it explain why I ask my next question out loud in a language it certainly did not understand. “What are you”?

Its eyes begin to glow as it opens its mouth to speak, “Human...” it states in plain english. I jump back, almost dropping the thing out of my hand before catching it. “Thank you. I have chosen a form and language most suitable to your own. I am weak from my crash and from your atmosphere. You are not afraid or angry?” It takes its little arm and gently strokes my skin. “Your body appears to be incompatible with my physiology... perhaps due to your contact with my craft. As I understand it, your species is incredibly hostile. If you are intending on destroying me, my only wish is for a swift and painless death.”

I stood dumbfounded until I realized the small orb-egg-thing he came in was some kind of craft. “uh... this yours?”

“You seem unafraid of my presence and do not appear to intend to destroy me, despite these circumstances. Perhaps my information is incorrect? Has your planet had contact with other such beings previously?” it asked. “No.. uh, I can’t explain it but you don’t really seem like a bad-“

“-Guy” it corrected me. “My closest equivalent to your species is what you would classify a male. You appear shocked. Are you alright?”

Holy shit an actual, real-life alien! And it speaks English! I screamed in my head. Despite the absurdity, I cannot help but respond plainly, “Oh, um, this planet has not had any contact before. At least not that I’d be aware of.”

“I see, you are a friend then. Thank you human, I am in debt to you” it states. Looking at the small humanoid before me, I cannot help but want to protect it. It obviously did not intend to do anything or it would have killed me by now. Still, I felt somewhat bad, he really did not seem like a bad guy and, from the movies, it never usually ends well for the alien.

“You came in a big crash, right? So the government or whatever is probably looking for you. We should probably find a safe place for you, um... what can I call you, anyway?” I ask. It looks at me in silence again, then flashes an impossibly bright, green light from its hands before pondering for a moment, and stating “You have not lied. Thank you for your sincerity and your support. I may be called Ben.”

“Ben?” I can’t help but chuckle a little. “You travel all the way across the universe and you’re just plain old Ben?” Its formed its own little smile, which I find endearing. “My true name is—“ the rest was unintelligible. “Ben it is!” I laugh, “Look, we need to get you out of here. I’ve seen what they do to aliens in the movies.” Ben produces a small oddly heavy rock. ��Understood. Please. Drop this into my crash site. It should cover our traces” it states in a weak smile before falling over momentarily. I oblige.

“Cool, cool. So...um.. what now? Also, are you alright?” I ask.

“Your planet... It is poison to my form. I am moments away from death. I need a genetic input to adapt to this atmosphere. I would feel safest inside a human.” Inside?

“Well.. uh... i dont really have much going on, on a friday night so...”

It smiles again. “I appreciate the gesture, friend, but as I have mentioned, our forms are incompatible. As such, I require a different vessel. Please select any of your choice.”

“You’re a little forward, buddy” I add playfully.

“Apologies human, your language is somewhat difficult to grasp. I appreciate any and all attempts at assistance”. The little silver alien in my hand sits down.

“Ok, let’s get you somewhere safe... Anyway I know just the guy....”

Fucking Austin. That smug tool was the my bully from way back when and was/is a massive jerk. He was also fucking hot and he knew it. I think he got off on it too- After years of torment, I couldn’t wait for this little alien to do whatever it needed to do inside him.

The walk back is embarrassing as my naked form scrambles in the dark, hoping to avoid any onlookers. Thankfully, it was the dead of night, and our neighborhood is fairly empty. I walk up to his garage, lit by a lone bulb, where he was presumably working on his car. Sweat and grime cover his torso. Of course, he strips to shirtless as soon as he notices me, offering me a tantalizing peek, like he always did when he brought a girl over. “Why are fucking naked you creep. The fuck you want, fag?” He sneers as his eyes immediately lock on to the small orb I am using to cover my junk.

“THIS!” I shout, extending out my other arm, holding little alien man. For a moment, nothing happens and he raises his eyebrows in amusement. It quickly shifts in shock when Ben springs to life, jumping onto Austin’s bare chest. The little silver man clings to his sweaty chest hairs, using them as leverage to scramble up Austin’s face.

“The fuck?!” He spat as he swats at the little alien. With a fervor, Ben dodges and continues inhumanly and follows with his quick dash, crawling up to Austin’s right nose. Austin attempts to get the little silver man off him but to no avail. Despite his shape, Ben is incredibly slippery, and Austin’s thick fingers cannot get a good grasp.

Austin screams as Ben has lodged himself inside Austin’s right nose, secreting a silvery slime while he burrows ever deeper into him. Austin’s eyes shut tight and his mouth opens in anguish. “FUCK!” he shouts as he tries to pull my friend’s tiny legs out. Ben is victorious in this struggle and Austin’s fingers again slip. “AHRRG” He shouts, while right side of his face crinkles in pain. I watch in amusement as Austin is reduced to small, rhythmic grunts. “....Fu-...Fu-... FF....hu...hu”. I no longer see any semblance of my alien friend so he must have crawled deep, deep inside of Austin.

Stillness washes over Austin before he starts again, mumbling slowly. “S-stop.... get out” he repeats, as his body starts swaying back and forth and his head bobs forwards and backwards. His eyes roll to the back of his head in delirium. Abruptly, he screams “GET THE FUCK OUT” in an angry growl and one eye rolls back go lock on to me. “YOU!” He shouts. Before he can move any closer, the veins in his body flare to life and I notice they start writhing, throbbing, coursing with some silvery liquid before returning to normal. Austin’s face quickly goes from anger into unconscious stupor as a line of silvery drool escapes his mouth and his entire body begins trembling. He slumps foward and then falls. I run forward and struggle to try to hoist the massive pile of quivering meat up. Still, he topples over, falling right on top, crushing and pinning me beneath the weight of his muscled form.

Despite the situation, I am completely entranced. I can barely breath from the weight of Austin on top, only managing steady, shallow breaths. He continues convulsing, causing the day’s worth of grime and sweat to smear onto me. Hot. Just feeling him like this, feeling his skin meet and rub across mine, was turning me on. This was physically the closest I have ever been to this man. His convulsions slowly die down, until he is just sleeping on top of me, pinning me to his dirty garage floor. I remark him, the breathing in his shallow breaths, the heat from his previous struggle, his salty, putrid sweat that now caked both of us. I was taking in all the Austin that I had previously only dreamt of having.

His gentle sleep is broken when his eyes shoot wide open. They’re incredibly wide, dilated, glassy. Silver tears escape their corners. His lips curl into an open mouth, breathy smile, and he motions to speak “..... ahhhhhhh” he states moving the muscles on his face and vocal cords as if for the first time. Despite the absurdity of the situation, I could clearly tell what was happening. Enough movies and TV and wishful dreams to more or less grasp what had just occured. The man before me was not Austin-at least, not the Austin I knew. This was all Ben.

“Sorr-“ he murmurs, as he pushes himself and his weight off me. He watches himself, first moving his digits one at a time, while he examines how muscle and sinew stretch and contract to accommodate his commands. He gently rubs his hands together, as if to wash them, remarking on every feeling. With these gentle fingers, he traces over his left bicep, following it’s curves and valleys, as if he had sculpted them himself. He tugs a little at strands of his armpit hair, remarking on the new texture, before sniffing the droplets of sweat that had clung to his fingers and making a sour face. “You humans are so fascinating. It’s like this body is constantly producing its own serum. what a wasteful process. Such a high temperature as well... your are.. inefficient models.” He licks his right bicep like a cat, which causes a stirring in my pants. “Still, these byproducts of your living... they are quite delicious”.

Austin’s tour then follows his chest. “I see you are bound to your forms, with no ability to shift”.’ He cups his left nipple, remarking at the musculature within. “Hmm... that description is inaccurate...You appear to be somewhat capable of physical change, though not as drastically as my species.” He twirls a finger around his left nipple, smiling slightly at the stimulation. “Oh...though your species has a far heightened pleasure ceiling. This is...” He trails as he repeats the maneuver with his right nipple and stifles a moan. I stand, awestruck and slightly horny at the sight of my former bully pleasuring himself. He continues, taking his hands further down and feeling each ab before he stops at his pants. Austin pauses, curious, raising his head as if to scan his own brain for information, before flatly stating his catchphrase “Bet you’d like to suck this fat cock, wouldn’t you?” He spat to the side before immediately resuming his former tone, “Apologies, human emotions are... difficult to reign in. This vessel is responding to my intrusion unpredictably...“ He then wears Austin’s personality again. “But anyway thanks bitch, for giving me this hot, hot, jock cock. Time for me to pay up. I got cash... booze... weed... other shit” he winks. “So what’ll it be?”

In the heat of the moment, I could only reply back what I wanted. What I’ve always wanted. “Let me suck your fat cock” I reply automatically.

The mood shifts immediately and Austin’s face is perplexed. “This function you are requesting, it does not lead to procreation. It lacks any of your societal benefit...What good does it do you?” I decide to push a little further than I normally would have. “Let me show you” I state, giving him a wink. I strip Austin down and gently grab his thick cock, relishing in the moment. It flares to life, slowly hardening, increasing in size. I clasp my hand a little tighter around the rod start with slow, rhythmic strokes. Of course, I look to the face Ben was wearing for any cues, but it remains emotionless. I start to pull away before Ben finally speaks up “I see... benefit. Please, continue demonstrating”. Fuck. After all these years. All his teasing, he was finally here and he was finally mine.

“My body appears to recall this... this behavior is consiered gay, yes”

“Fuck yeah it is....”

“My body... these memories I have commandeered indicate this is something Austin is neither familiar nor entranced with. I will try to apply its equivalent knowledge accordingly” he stated flatly, somewhat confused at the situation. “Apologies... as I have mentioned, your language is a little complex.” I ignore him and continue.

“I personally.. to find this behaviour... hmmm.... acceptable...but.. he.. appears to.. I... Hmmm.... Fuuuuck!” he screamed, as his body abruptly leaned forward. His emotionless face begins to dance with a wellspring of feeling. It cringes first, then flashes into one of bliss, then pain, anger, intimidation, until settles into sneer. Mine of course flashes imminent doom. Oh Shit.

“Uh.. little buddy? You there?” I ask nervously. He grabs me, dragging my face near his. I am prepared for the worst.

“You know, he really fucking hates this. I can feel him resisting... Fuck you!” He spits. I still cannot tell who is who, until he clarifies. “Austin must really, really hate you.... but I dont” He leaned his face further in, giving me little chance to react before he jams a thick slimy tongue into my mouth. When he pulls back, his face then showed an odd emotion-cute, even. He was looking for approval. I, turned on by the past events, quietly nod in shock. Emotion immediately shifts back. “Come here, bitch!” he screams, pulling me back to him, bringing our faces close together while he hocks a wad of Austin’s spit at me. That part, I was familiar with and I instantly wince, expecting the normal pummeling I’d get. Instead, he sticks his hand down to scoop some of cum he had just released and aggressively smearing it all over my face and running Austin’s seed through my hair. “You’re mine forever, you get that right? Fuckin twerp. You fucking want this, right?” Austin stated with a sneer. He jams his tongue into my mouth again for another sloppy kiss and I explode cum in my underwear. Goddamn this was hot. Fuck. All those years of torture and in the end, here he was, seeking my approval, seeking to be mine. The sneer plastered on his face shifts immediately to one of concern and validation-seeking.

“Are you alright, friend? I apologize for the scare, I was attempting to follow-“

“No, no, no...” I mumble in heat. “Turn... FUCK...turn whatever the fuck that was back on. This is, god, this is everything.”

My little buddy complies, rolling Austin’s head and eyes back before immediately shifting his face back to his trademark sneer and giving my face a sloppy lick. “Bro, this body fucking hates you. You know? Feelings are created by brain and all that shit, like damn... all I wanna do inside this hunk of flesh is give you the pummeling you fucking deserve.” he states menacingly, before giving my face another lick. “But dont worry I fucking love you, bro. Look at me when I’m fucking talking. I am Austin. New and improved. Maybe this was what I was missing in my home-world. Maybe your degenercy has tainted me. Maybe this vessel has. To be honest, we don’t really give a fuck. Well, he does but I speak for us both now. This little... experience...has been a delight and a revelation. According to this meatbag’s brain ‘you’re gay as shit’ so, help me to help you. Austin’s gay as shit now too. For you at least. Help your daddy Austin betray his species find me some more of these kinds of males. Whichever you like. I’ll make our wildest dreams come true.” He comes in for another sloppy kiss, and sticks his muscular hand down my pants, corralling my seed and scooping out it out moments later. It is slick with my cum. “Hahaha this body finds this act so revolting. According to his memories, he finds you utterly disgusting. Well... I’m into it, let’s stick some of you inside Dear old Austin. I’ll stuff your cum so deep in him, he’ll never get it out. Our boy is quite the fighter too, he’s resisting me, even now”. Austin regains momentary control. “NO FUCKING WAY” His arm struggles and shakes as it brings the cum-covered hand to his mouth. In the end, Ben is successful and Austin has no choice but to jam the slimy hand to his mouth, slurping each digit individually, caking his insides with me. “Mmmmm but you taste so fucking good...bro... well to me at least. This body physically hates this. Too bad our little Austin isn’t in control right now. And when I’m done with him, he’ll come back wanting more”. He repeats the gesture with his other hand, and cracks his neck, piloting Austin far more naturally. “As long as we keep him well-fed, I can continue to pilot this hot piece of ass without resistance. We will transcend this meat-suit. With me running the show from this fucking hot bod, and you at our side, we will be unstoppable.” He states in deranged glee. I worry slightly until Austin’s persona flips to Ben’s normal formal tone. “Ah, apologies, as you know, this body thinks very highly of himself” he states with a slight chuckle ”but no worries... no more outbursts.”

“Some more information about myself, while I make some rearrangements to this body’s brain. My species has the ability to commandeer others into vessels, though I believe this is a byproduct of our formless nature more than our intended purpose.  You see, home-world has isolationist tendencies. We keep to ourselves. I am somewhat aberrant in this matter. We are powered by genetic diversity, yet they choose to remain within the one world when there is a whole universe outside of home to explore. I am different. I want it all, I want to see, hear, feel, experience what this wonderful universe has to offer. For that, I was cast away, to travel this lone plane with my craft. This life is a quiet one, so I am fortunate to have met you.” He strokes my cheek lovingly with Austin’s hands. I initially wince out of habit, but he seems to have understood. “Thank you, for everything,” Ben says sincerely with a kind smile. I beam back but immediately blurt out what had been on my mind throughout his whole monologue “why me though?”

“As you know, each human’s genetic output is a mix of information.”

“Uh huh” I trail, struggling to follow along.

“Well, your specific combination produces a nectar to our species which we would find intoxicating. Perhaps it had been slightly altered by my crash.”  Ben stares at me with Austin’s eyes, relaying an intelligence that my former bully had never previously had. “Beyond that, in my eons of travel, I have never met a more kind or accommodating individual”

“I like your genetic material, your signature, your blend...it is... hmmm...there is no equivalent phrase for this- at least within your capacity of emotion- but make no mistake, it’s delicious and I would like some more.” His demeanor shifts. “Do you like Austin? Do you like me?” He asks in a playful tone as he circles Austin’s nipple with his finger. Austin then grabs my arms, rubbing them across his abs. “Yeah, this meatsuit is a fucking keeper, isn’t he? I can tell you love this bitch” He teases with Austin’s mannerisms. Ben has been getting really good at this, he’s practically imperceptible from Austin when he’s acting. I nod eagerly in approval, still feeling up my former tormentor as he stretches his arms and gives a yawn.

“Good, good. Well he’s all set. Let me just get our friend Austin prepped. I will to give him some autonomy but, given my penchant for your genetic information, you may see a slight adjustment to his personality.” He winks. “Please bring my pod over, I must conserve some energy, I believe to you humans to understand the equivalent to be hibernation.” I pull the pod up to Austin. “Lower bitch” he commands, grabbing my arms and pulling the pod to his dick. He strips Austin naked before wrapping Austin’s vascular hands over mine, moving them in a way that splits the pod open. He then uses Austins hands to slowly wrap my fingers around his dick. “Pump,” he commanded. I comply, masturbating his dick until it explodes a stream of silver all over the pod. The silver gel congeals into the pod and Austin’s body drops unconscious. I catch the pod and gently place it on his table.

I watch Austin expectantly. He wakes, showing me a look of confusion before sternly asking “the fuck are you looking at, fag?” He then sniffs the air, raising his thick biceps to quickly verify if the smell had been emanating from his armpits. He grimaces, “Goddamn I reek...Did you do this?” Eyes lock with mine as I see only fury blazing. His eyes go wide as his face displays the recollection of our nightly encounter. He quickly runs over, blocking any escape route out of his garage. “You bitch!” He shouts. Before I can react, Austin pushes me up to the wall, shouldering my body and neck and locking me and my airways in place. He raises a fist, and I flinch until... well... nothing. I watch his face, attempting to discern what had just occurred. He releases his grasp slightly, allowing me to finally catch my breath.

He was still furious. Unimaginably so, but I see it tinged with something else as well... shame? And I then notice another feeling, as I begin to feel his heartbeat and breathing quicken. It’s an emotion I have only been able to see in him once- only when Ben had been controlling him. It was lust. He again motions angrily to punch me with a muscular right hook, before stopping his own hand, mere inches from my face.

“I UGH...FUUUUCK....” he shouts, looking away seemingly angry at himself before he punches the wall beside me, leaving a dent. He looks back at me, motioning to give my cheek a tender stroke before he catches himself and shakes his head in anger. “That spiteful bitch! I dont know what little trick you pulled you little asshole, but... hmmmm” he moans, smelling the scent of my fear and desperation... ”man have you always smelled this good?” he mumbled quietly to himself. I decide to take a little risk with this opportunity “Yeah bro? I taste pretty good too,” I state seductively.

That seems to have set him off. He was still somewhat angry obviously, but the lust only seems to have only deepened and overtaken him. He rushes our bodies closer. Sweat drenched abs hover tantalizing close to my stomach, as his sculpted biceps and vascular forearms bound my cheeks. He leans in, inches from my face.

“You want this ass, right? I can be a fag too, only for you” he whispers, leaning even closer to me as I breath in my prior bully’s hot steamy breaths. I instantly go hard. He notices and proceeds by planting a slow, sloppy kiss on my lips. I have to admit, Austin was a great kisser, better than Ben even. Hungrily, Ravenously, his lips pry mine open as his thick tongue dances inside my mouth, greedily tasting me. I reciprocate. In turn, he hugs our bodies together, and I feel his large form encapsulate my own with a warmth and an odd tenderness that I had never even fathomed him capable of generating.

He pulls back, breaking me out of my trance. “But, can you put that little thing back in me... I... uh... together...we uh...look, I want him back. I need him back.“ He begs. “Something...missing inside me.... fill it”.

Goddamnit Ben. I gesture with my head to the motionless pod containing my friend while I chuckle to myself. “He’s sleeping”. Slight adjustment my ass.

He looks back at the pod, obviously disappointed. Then he looks at me, gaze softened, the facade from his usual persona all but broken, “Sorry, can’t help myself... well fuck it, I know you always wanted this anyway,” he mumbled as he nuzzled my neck and shoulder, taking in my essence in deep inhales. I feel myself blush as he continues and then does a quick survey of my body. “When he’s using me.. I can feel... I-I know he loves you... look, I know he wants more... but you fucking better- I’m gonna stay your fucking favorite right? You can use me too, or whatever. I can be your bitch. I can be whatever you want me to me... Just, keep me around, ok? And keep him inside me” I muse at how the old me would have killed to hear similar words from Austin, years ago.

He pauses for a moment, looking away in disgust at his own actions before yielding and scratching his head as he forces out his next words:

“look man... just... the thing that’s missing from me... well this is gonna be weird ask bro, but...can you cum in my mouth?”

—————

I’m a little bit shit with the titles but thats neither here nor there. Used some other similar stories I’ve read in the past for inspiration. Hope y’all like it. Next one’s probably gonna be a continuation on that Chrysalis one. What kind of possession stories are your favorite? 

[dameronology]

to all the pilots i've loved before {poe dameron} - 3/4

part three: better half of a whole

summary: you’re in love with poe dameron. it’s both the most complicated and most simple thing in the galaxy - and it’s all shoved into a shoe-box under your bed, in the form of a thousand love letters. here’s to hoping he never finds them. (series masterlist)

warnings: language, mentions of injury

i'm so sorry this took me so long to write!! i got writer's block and then i was horribly busy with a thousand others things and sadly, i cannot prioritise fan fiction over real life duties. and i would know, because i've tried

enjoy!!

- jazz

Poe didn't sleep for...well, it was probably days. Felt like years.

Dear trouble,

Every time he closed his eyes, your face would flash into his mind. The sound of your laugh echoing amongst the cries of war; the feel of your soft hands tracing the remains of battle scars and wounds. What if the hug you gave him before you left was the last? What if your slightly pained laughter at the shitty joke he'd made in the jungle the night before was all he had left? He cherished every memory he had of you but he loved you more.

I know you hate when I call you that, but it feels pretty accurate - because you do cause trouble, normally with me but more recently FOR me. Anyways, I never considered myself to be much of a letter writer, but then I saw yours and...fuck.

Love. What a funny fucking word, right? Said so easily, but meant so much. Something that felt so hard to find, but even more difficult to hold onto. His parents had found it and they'd kept it for so long, and he'd always wanted the same - nothing less, nothing more. Just the kind of unwavering, undying love that can survive a war and be happy with the domesticity that followed. The only difference between Poe and his parents was that they'd been fearless with every aspect of their lives, not withholding their ability to express feelings. Perhaps that's where he fell short. Shara had taught him a lot of things but she'd been lost before he taught her how to pull his head out his ass and just...say things how they were.

What am I even supposed to say? I love you too would be a start, because I obviously I do. I've always wanted to say it but I never wanted to risk what we had in case you secretly hated me, and now I'm going to live out the rest of my days regretting it.

The first that Poe managed to finally get some rest was four days after Leia had broken the news of your disappearance. He'd fallen asleep in his quarters, curled up into Finn's side and clutching a t-shirt of his that he'd left in your room - you'd borrowed it a few months ago, and it still smelt of you. It was a mixture of your everyday body fragrance and a little of engine oil. BB-8 was snoozing quietly in the corner and for the first time in days, Poe's jaw and shoulders weren't tense and clenched.

The little robot did stir, however, when he got a comms system message from Leia. He was awake immediately, cruising across the room and crashing straight into the nearest human he could find - and it was at that point that Finn regretted leaving his leg dangling off the side of the bed. He jumped awake, brown eyes finding the droid peering up at him.

You're not just my best friend. You're my partner in crime, my soulmate and you know that twin flame bullshit that Rey always go on about? You're probably that too because we're both flaming hot. You're the better half of this whole. You and me.

"Poe is sleeping, buddy," he quietly said.

"There's a message from the general," BB-8 beeped back.

Poe suddenly woke up at that - it could have been any message, and certainly not one about you, but something in his gut told him otherwise. If it hadn't have been, Leia would have left it til morning, or not even bothered him at all in his current state.

"What?" the pilot asked. "What is it?"

"They're back, in the med-"

Poe didn't give him a chance to say anything else, because he was already up and out the door - jacket unzipped, boots half unlaced, hair sticking up in a thousand different directions.

And even though he hadn't slept for days, he was running for his dear fucking life. The medical bay was right on the other side of the base and he didn't care. You were there - in what state, he didn't know - and that was all that mattered. He was just wanted to be with you, beside you, and he never planned on leaving.

If I see you again, I'm not gonna hide it anymore. I love you and you deserve to know that. I'm gonna give you the fucking world, I promise.

Poe skidded around the corner, stopping his tracks when he saw you across the room. You looked tired - far past it, in fact - and his entire body tensed when he saw the bruises on your arm and up your neck. Still, he took comfort in the fact that he knew you put up a good fight. You'd sparred together enough times and given him enough bruises to last a life time.

There was a slight oof as someone crashed into the back of Poe (Finn's subtle way of announcing his arrival). He placed a hand on his shoulder, shoving him forward slightly. It was clear that Poe was in a state of shock - at your loss, at your declaration, and even more at your return - because the last few days had changed everything.

Everything he'd ever wanted was about to come to fruition. No pressure.

"Go to them," Finn murmured.

With that, Poe took a few steps forward - you met him half away across the room, chests colliding with enough force to knock down an ATAT. He wound his arms you, pulling you towards him with one hand tangled in your hair and the other holding your back. He clung to you, tears in his eyes and entire body shaking, almost as though he was using the feeling of you to act as a reminder that this wasn't a dream. You were here. You were back. Perhaps a little worst for wear, but alive and standing all the same.

I don't know how I'll say it. Am I meant to just blurt it out? I've never said it to anyone before, so...what the fuck am I meant to do? Normally, I'd come to you for advice on this sort of this but that feels a bit counter intuitive.

"Hey, Poe," you gently murmured.

"Hey, trouble," he let out a shaky laugh, pulling back from the hug to clutch your face in his hands. "You're alive. You're here-"

"- yeah, I'm here," you grinned.

"What happened?" he pushed. "If I ever find those First Order bastards, I swear it's on site."

"They were trying to shoot us out the sky, so we had to lay low on a random moon for a few days, but the residents of said moon were not very friendly and - you know what? It doesn't matter," you leant into his touch, relishing the feeling of his hands against your skin. "I'm here and that's what's important."

"I was so scared," Poe admitted. "And they had me search your room for back up plans and-"

You froze.

"You...you searched my room?" you stuttered. "What did you find?"

The main thing is, I AM gonna tell you. I promise. Just...please come back.

Love, Poe

Poe's eyes widened - maybe now wasn't the best time to break the news. You were bleeding from your head and hadn't slept for days. To spring it on you before you were even cleaned up felt a bit unfair. His worst fears had been avoided, so he didn't mind waiting just a little longer.

"Nothing," he forced a smile. "C'mon, I'll clean you up."

Taking your hand in his, Poe lead you towards one of the beds. He was hardly a medical expert, but he'd been through enough cuts and scrapes to have a basic understanding of stitches. And luckily, your injuries didn't look too bad. It was more just the fact you had them in the first place that hurt him.

What if he'd gone on the mission with you? Or convinced you to stay? Fuck, he would have gone in your place if he knew what was going to happen. The last few days had been the worst of his life and he almost felt responsible for what had happened to you. Your pain was his pain, and he felt it in every fibre of his being.

But, of all things, at least he knew what love was now - and if you had never have gone MIA, he never would have gone looking in your room, and he never would have found those letters. It felt like a bit of a dick move to call them a blessing in disguise but his mother had always taught him the value of looking for silver linings. The last week had been one giant thunderstorm. There had been no breaks in the rain, or sun peaking through the clouds. It had just been darkness and thunder, but it was all beginning to clear now.

What was it that Shara had said when Poe was a kid? Things have a funny way of working out. This was all a testament to that, and also to the fact that she always seemed to be right.

Poe's hands moved gently as he stitched up the cut on your forehead. They were still steady as they moved, brown eyes occasionally moving down to meet yours. He always smiled when they did.

"There we go," he said. "That shouldn't scar, but if it does, it would make you look like a bad-ass, so..."

You chuckled slightly. "Thanks, Dameron."

"You don't have to thank me," he quietly murmured, running a thumb over your cheek. "I'm just glad you're back."

"Right," you grinned. "What did you do whilst I was gone?"

Cried. Read those letters. Cried some more. Wrote a letter myself, then cried on that too.

"I just...I caught up some on some reading," he forced a smile. "C'mon, let's go to my quarters. I have some bactaspray there for those bruises."

Poe took your hand in his again and helped you up off of the bed - you seemed okay to walk, but he didn't let go. He needed to feel you, to know that you were there. He was worried you might float away into the galaxy and disappear all over again if he didn't cling onto you.

And for you, the feeling of his warm hands against yours was a welcome relief after a long few days. You were trying to push the pain and the incoming nightmares to the back of your head, and it was much easier when Poe was beside you. You already knew that he was going to make you sleep beside him that night. Being on the same wavelength so often was a great feeling.

Poe hadn't thought about tidying his room - why would he? He'd been so preoccupied with you, and finding you, that he'd barely considered the idea. Besides, it wasn't like you were going to care about the shoes by his door, or the letters on his desk, or the unfolded laund-

- fuck.

The letters.

Your box of letters, which was sat on his desk, which was right by the door.

By the time he'd even registered that they were there, you were already half way into the room. In a somewhat half-arsed attempt to shove them back in the box and toss them to the side, Poe dove forward and knocked them into an open draw, slamming it shut.

When he turned around and saw your wide eyes, it was clear he was a little too late. You'd already seen them.

taglist: tags: @neverlandlibrarian @asphyzzz @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @ubri812 @taina-eny @dessinemoiunehistoire @fangirl-316 @princessxkenobi @brandyllyn

[l4verq]

almost yours | s. r & b.b

pre-serum steve x reader, bucky x reader

in which you’re sure you’ll fall for bucky soon enough

warnings : angst, mentions of death, war, fights

fic : oneshot?

masterlist

|| gif by @go-fandom-imagines ||

-

“I can do this all day.”

You roll your eyes cause you know he can’t.

“No, he can’t.” You trudge in between the filth, your peep-toe heels doing little to help you walk.

On closer inspection, the man is clearly intoxicated. He has his hands squared up, body swaying slightly but firmly planted infront of Steve.

You know he’s already had a few punches in judging by the bruises on his knuckles and the cuts on Steve’s face.

Steve mutters a silent curse as he sees you walking up to them.

Why did you always have to see him in such a pathetic state like this?

You give a stern look at him like always and he can’t meet your eyes every damn time.

“Who are you?” The man slurs, the smell of alcohol almost suffocating you.

“His friend.” You lift your neck a little higher as you meet the man’s eyes, your heart beating out of your chest.

Friend. Of course, that’s what he is to you.

“Y/N.” Steve steps in between, shielding you from the man.

You’re about to give him a piece of your mind when you’re shoved back roughly, falling into a pile of trash.

“A broad should know better than to meddle in men’s business.” The man wags his finger before repeatedly hitting Steve who’s yelling at you to run.

You hastily unstrap your heels and fling it across with a smack against the man’s back.

But the punches don’t stop.

“Stop, you stupid geezer.” You scream, grabbing his hair and thrashing your arms around, hoping you get a solid punch in.

“Hey!” The man slips away from your grasp as Bucky grabs him and pulls him away from the both of you.

“Pick on somebody your size.” He snarls, ramming his arm into the man’s body, making him double over in pain.

The man staggers off and Bucky turns to face the both of you, anger evident in his eyes.

“I don’t want to hear it.” He objects as soon as you open your mouth.

“Steve, you good?”

“I’ll live.”

You two share a sheepish smile as Bucky helps him up.

“Okay, just so you know, this thing you guys have with getting beat up in alleys is stupid and moronic.” Bucky huffs, hands on his hips, foot tapping the ground impatiently.

“I was just trying to help Steve.”

“I didn’t need any help.”

“Says the guy who’s just had his ass handed to him.”

“Okay, funtime’s over. You have an aptitude test today, we can’t be late.” Bucky intervenes, retrieving your heel.

“Go to the hospital!” You shriek as Steve limps his way out.

He never stayed. He never could.

Because he didn’t like his thoughts when he’d see you and Bucky together.

Bucky sighs, kneeling on the ground, with your heel in hand.

He glances at you for approval before strapping on your heel for you.

“Thank you.” You mumble, a dull ache spreading throughout your elbows as the adrenaline subsides.

“Are you hurt anywhere?” He asks, concern in his eyes.

This is when you hate yourself the most. Disgusted with yourself because you can’t bring yourself to accept the unconditional love that he has for you. Disgusted that you keep telling yourself you’ll fall for him soon enough.

“I’m fine.” You lie, something fairly common to you.

-

“Still mad?” Steve sits next to you, hands shoved in his jacket.

You notice he did go to the hospital, judging by the white bandage on his hand peeking out.

“Maybe.”

He smiles but it quickly turns into a grimace, the cuts on his lips still healing.

“Heard you got in.” You continue, transfixed on his blue eyes.

“Had to see the look on your father’s face. Priceless.”

The two of you burst out laughing, his face contorted in a mix of pain and laughter making you laugh even more.

Your father, Colonel Chester Philips had made it clear on several occasions that Steve would never make it in the army despite your best attempts to convince him otherwise.

“Don’t forget about me when you get all buffed up and go off fighting scary men.” You joke, half serious.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

There it starts again. The stupid fluttering in your heart as you dare to think his gaze at you right now means anything more. And the guilt that floods in right after.

“You two take care of each other.” You both look over at Bucky waving at you from the registration office.

Childhood friends, you’d never known life without the two of them. And now both of them were leaving to possibly never return.

“We’ll be back before you know it.” He gives a soft smile because he knows how much you hate that he’s going too. How much you hate the war. How much you hate that your father’s never home.

He’d made up his mind about this years ago when he realised an asthmatic 90 pound man wasn’t exactly the ladies’ man but the butt of the joke and an easy prey for bullies.

And he didn’t like bullies.

But right now, the way you’re looking at him, his heart wavers a little.

“We are all set to go. You have been assigned to Camp Lehigh.” Bucky arrives, waving a form at Steve.

Your heart drops as it sinks in that they have to leave now. Tears spring to your eyes which you try to blink away.

“I’ll write you whenever I can.” Steve gets up, eyes glossy.

“You’d better.” You smile at him, an uncomfortable ache growing in your heart.

You almost give in to embracing him but the rock on your left hand weighs you down.

He lingers around for a while, perhaps thinking the same. But, he gives a smile, walking away towards the office.

“He’ll be okay,” Bucky reassures you, placing his hands on your shoulders, “Steve’s a tough cookie.”

You look up at your fiance, a lump forming in your throat.

“I’m going to miss you two.” You bite down on your quivering lip as a single tear trickles down your cheek.

God, were you beautiful, he thinks, gently wiping your tears away.

He hated leaving you, each time hurting quite possibly even more than the previous.

If you’d just ask him to stay, he’d leave everything right then and there all for you.

But you never do.

He leans in and you think he doesn’t catch the slight clench of your jaw but he does, everytime.

Each time, he rationalises it in his head, chiding himself for overanalysing.

Cause it’d hurt to think otherwise.

A ghost of a kiss on your forehead you barely feel as you force yourself to swallow the growing lump.

-

The mornings were tolerable.

A few chores here and there. Breakfast if you felt like it. Maybe drop by the salon, have a little chat with the girls.

You kept busy, finding faults in your own cleaning everytime. A spot you definitely missed while cleaning yesterday, you immediately attend to it, scrubbing away.

Sometimes, your father stopped by during the late afternoons, carrying a bag of fresh produce from the local market.

He’d little to say about Steve’s training, gruffly humming whenever you enquired.

Then, you’d have dinner with him, pretending that it wasn’t awkward having an empty seat across you that once belonged to your mother.

The last time you saw your father smile was during your engagement to Bucky. He’d pulled you in a tight embrace, wordless.

It wasn’t like this before.

He actually stayed home, smiled often and had a spark in his eyes.

But after your mother passed, it felt like he was just going through the motions everyday. Buried himself in more work, drowned himself in alcohol somedays.

You couldn’t blame him. You were no better, bottling up your own feelings.

But you wished he’d remember he still had you.

The nights were unbearable.

More often than not, you’d wake up in a cold sweat, heart still racing from the nightmares that plagued your mind.

Then, the worries’d take over.

The war was unforgiving and cruel and you’d pray every night that they wouldn’t fall victim to it.

The shiny rock on your hand catches your eye as it glistens in the moonlight. It’s a thin, silver band with a delicate diamond on top.

You felt like an impostor wearing it.

But, you’d gotten used to it. You’d just remember your mother’s wish, the way Bucky’s face broke out into a smile when you said yes and your father’s brief moment of happiness.

It didn’t help when you remembered Steve.

You don’t really know what you were expecting when you gave him the news. Maybe, you wanted to see if he’d be affected by it? If he felt the same way for you as you did him?

“I’m happy for you two.”

He had the biggest smile on his face as he tugged around with Bucky, teasing him.

But his eyes. You could swear you saw a flicker of sadness in them for just a split second or maybe you were just delusional, projecting your own feelings.

Most probably, the latter.

You pull the neatly folded up letter from your drawer, opening it for the umpeethn time.

Skimming over the scrawlings, your eyes land at the very end where Steve promises to return in the next few days.

You’d received the letter three weeks ago.

Your father’d informed you that Steve’d agreed to an experiment, where he’d be injected with a serum that would apparently make him a super soldier of some sorts.

“Is it safe?”

The grim silence that followed twisted your insides up into knots.

“We don’t know.” Your father grunted, the greying on his hair more prominent.

The following week he came bearing news of Steve’s successful transformation. That he’d grown two feet taller and more than a hundred pounds heavier.

You muttered a silent thank you to God as the coil in your stomach loosened.

“Do you want to see them?” Your father looks up at you from the table, eyes not leaving his newspaper.

He couldn’t bring himself to meet your eyes. Not after he’d failed as a father. He’d done a lot wrong but the worst was dissappointing you each time you welcomed him back with a warm meal and forgiving eyes.

You nod, a small smile breaking out at the thought of them.

One of the few privileges that came with being the daughter of a Colonel was to be able to go to the Army base closed off to everyday people.

That evening, Bucky arrived, daisies in hand cause he knows how much you like them.

“For my daisy.” He’d say everytime, a grin plastered on his face as you’d roll your eyes, unable to hold back a smile.

You carefully place the letter back into your drawer and crawl under your blanket, hoping to cram in some sleep.

Travelling to Camp Lehigh would take the entire day on a train and you could never really fall asleep anywhere but your own bed.

-

Envy.

The green eyed monster that doesn’t seem to leave your shoulders as your gaze flickers over to them.

A total of atleast six different women have made their rounds, tossing their hair and giggling when he leans in to say something in their ears cause the music’s a little too loud.

But who could blame them?

Steve stood tall at an impressive 6.1 feet, a far cry from the 5.4 he used to be. Though clothed, anyone could see the mass of muscles bulging out, the suit straining whenever he raised his arm.

The first time you saw him, you were speechless.

Bucky had emphasized on the drastic change in Steve’s appearance but you were still taken aback, mouth gaping like a fish out of water.

Everything about him was so different yet his eyes still had that twinkle to them that you always swooned over.

You down your fourth shot in a row, throat burning.

Did she really have to feel his shield and kn-

“Dance with me?” Bucky gives a coy smile, eyebrow quirked up.

Taking his extended hand, he chuckles as you wobble sightly while getting up.

“Someone had a lot to drink.” He comments, guiding you to the dance floor.

A hand slightly above your waist, the other holding your own, Bucky was always a great dancer.

You always let him take the lead as he swayed you back and forth, always managing to expertly avoid stepping on your dress.

You start to regret the alcohol, your head spinning a little.

He seems to notice and lulls down to a gentle pace, holding you tight. You lean into his chest, breathing in the sweet musk that’s just so, Bucky.

He calls your name, barely above a whisper, which you probably wouldn’t have heard if you weren’t so close to him.

You hum in reply, head now leaning on his shoulder.

“Remember that time you got mad at me,”

“and you came crying to me, begging for forgiveness.” You finish his sentence, chuckling.

A throaty laugh rumbles from his chest as well.

“And we promised that we’d never lie to each other anymore.”

You lift your head, to see a soft smile playing on his lips.

“It’s time you kept that promise.” His eyes trails over to Steve.

The low tune that crooned on fades out as a ringing in your ears take over. You could only stare at him, paralysed.

It takes him everything he has in him to stay composed. But he has to do this.

“Tell him, before it’s too late.” He whispers, an urgency in his voice.

You shake your head, tears threatening to spill any moment.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to worry about me.” He reassures you, taking your hands in his.

Shuffling bodies bump into you as you look away, incapable of holding his stare.

If only you’d known it would be the last time you saw him.

-

It’s the last thing he wants to do.

But he tells you anyway that he has to leave. That he needs to go.

Ever since Bucky fell to his death, Steve knew nothing but revenge. All he could really think about was taking down Hydra.

When you found out about Bucky, you’d done the same thing you always did.

Bottle your grief, pushing it down and down and keep busy.

Steve knew this too so he was patient, never poked around too much, lent a shoulder to cry on.

He often blamed himself, the event still haunting him at night, his own mind locking him in an endless tunnel.

But you’d always be there, at the end of it, a dim light that led him out.

“Just don’t die on me.” You whisper, hand grasping onto his jacket as he turned to leave.

This time, you don’t think twice before embracing him.

You want to keep him right there, safe with you.

And he probably would stay if you asked enough but you know he has to do this.

You just wanted to be selfish for once.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He wraps his hands around your waist, allowing himself to bask in your arms for a while.

As he pulls away, his face is so close that you can see the golden flecks splattered throughout his blue eyes, forming a psychedelic pattern that seemed to only hypnotise you.

He leans in before stopping himself, eyes flickering down to your slightly parted lips.

You can’t help but stare at his too.

But, the both of you awkwardly pull away, perhaps both appalled by their own selfish thoughts.

He couldn’t do this to his bestfriend ; you’d always be Bucky’s, not his.

As he leaves with the soldiers, the coil in your stomach tightens even more, heart sinking when he fades out of view.

You immediately station yourself at the air traffic controller office, where you man a radio transceiver.

It’s a large room filled with machines and a screen that displays the plane that he took.

It’s a long, long while before the transceiver crackles, a familiar voice blaring off it.

“Steve?” You grab it, almost jumping out of your seat.

The screen shows the plane heading north, further beyond the grid.

You think he called your name too but it’s barely audible.

Then, you hear it.

The whistling of the wind. The rattling of the controls.

The screen blares a warning when the plane doesn’t seem to stop going down.

“Steve, get out of there now!” You beg as it sinks in that he doesn’t plan to.

“Y/N, I’m sorry.” His voice breaks.

“No, come back to me, please.” The room grows smaller and smaller as the air suffocates you.

A distorted reply arrives.

Your heart breaks at the thought of him all alone in that plane, headed for his death.

“I never really said thank you for all the times you beat up my bullies.���

You smile, swallowing the lump in your throat.

A surge of courage runs through your body as you say the words you’ve wanted to say to him ever since you discovered what love even was.

“Steve, I love you.”

But the line goes dead.

-

a/n : idk wtf this is, it was better in my head lol, might fk around and make this into a mini series😬 also tfatws🤑😈

[fatiguing-thoughts]

“Fate” - Paul Lahote

Request: The reader (shy!fem!reader) meets Paul (twilight) in the woods while he is in wolf form and he imprints on her. Coz the reader is shy and has no friends (lol) she befriends the 'wolf'. So when they have been friends for a while Paul finally transforms into his human form and explains everything and then fluff? Thank you 😊❤️

The crunching of leaves. That’s all I can hear now. I continued walking forward, loving the noise and the smell of the pine trees around me. 

This was my daily routine now, for the last week. The woods were always my safe place, where I went to clear my head. It’s where I always spent my free time, my time for my personal thoughts.  

I had just moved to Forks about three week ago, I came from Oregon. I wanted to be closer to the Olympic National Forest, and for some reason, it just called to me. It called to be my new home. 

I spent the first couple of weeks unpacking and settling, but the newfound freedom and time to explore the great forests around my small town were beyond enticing. 

The loneliness was setting in, pushing me to go into the woods more and more. Even though I was still lonely out here, it was much better than being alone in the house. I missed my family and friends, but living here was something that just felt like I was doing something… right. 

The loneliness out here wasn’t as deafening than in my small home. I felt better surrounded by trees, listening to the sounds of nature, or the lack of normal everyday sound; it was music to my ears. 

As I pressed forward, I found the new clearing I chose the other day. This one a little bigger than the last, more calming to me. 

I put my blanket down, played some soothing music; a beautiful composition. I took out my sketchbook, drawing my surroundings. 

That’s when I heard the grass shift across the clearing. The leaves crunching, a shift in the atmosphere. The feeling washed over me, I was no longer alone. 

I felt my breath hitch as I tore my eyes away from the sketchbook, looking across the clearing. 

I saw a wolf. An enormous wolf. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’ve seen wolves, and they’re not anywhere near the size of this. I wouldn’t even come up to the shoulder on this one, it had to be about 6 feet tall on all fours. This couldn’t be real.

I blink hard, but when I open my eyes, it doesn’t go away, my sight was not deceiving me. 

That’s when it happened, our eyes connected. I couldn’t break the eye contact, neither did the massive creature. 

The wind got knocked out of me, I felt something in me shift. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, but it wasn’t fear. 

No, fear was the last thing from my mind. What I felt was peace. I couldn’t imagine why I felt so at peace with a creature that could kill me faster than I could blink, but it’s all I felt. 

I broke the eye contact away, hoping that I didn’t make the situation worse and frighten the wolf. 

It walks a bit closer, head low. I still feel that feeling, the feeling of someone sitting on my chest-- but in the best way. 

“Jesus.” I mutter as it moves closer. 

The paws were easily the size of my head, thumping along the path to me. I felt the ground move as it got closer. 

A look of curiosity and caution painted the enormous face, eyes never tearing from mine. 

“Holy shit.” I mutter again.

It stops in its tracks, about five feet from me, looking at me as if it was asking for permission to approach closer. 

I gulp and swallow the lump in my throat. The sense of peace and calm is still radiating through my body. I stood up from my spot, feeling as if it was the best thing to do at this moment. 

The wolf nods its head towards me, in which I nod back. 

It walks closer before bowing its head, eyes still looking into mine. I see my reflection in the iris. Its eyes were that of a beautiful chocolate brown. I admire the rest of the wolf up close, noticing all of the different grey and silver tones in its beautiful fur. I cautiously reach my hand out, knuckles out, offering it to smell me before I even thought about petting it. 

As I outstretch my hand, I feel the enormous head under my palm. I begin to graze my fingertips along the top of its head, daring to dance my fingertips upon the center top of its snout. 

Its ears laid back against the massive head, leaning more weight into my touch. The fur was so soft, I found myself growing more and more comfortable with the presence of this being. I was way too close now, I lost all sense of caution. 

I smiled at the wolf as I returned the eye contact. It moved even closer, standing against my side. I laid my head upon the side of where its shoulder began. I never felt so small before. I felt a little grumble come from the wolf’s chest before it backed up, and laid down next to my blanket. I plopped myself back down. 

I caught the wolf’s eyes wandering over to my drawing of the clearing. 

“You like art or something?” I chuckled softly, knowing how silly it may seem to be talking to this wolf, though deep down I felt we had some kind of understanding.

The wolf nodded, before placing its head on my leg. The head was heavier than I imagined, but I enjoyed it. It was a soothing weight. The nod must have been coincidental, I tell myself. 

I then begin to scratch behind its ears, and laying the rest of my body down, head still on the front of my thigh. 

“This is the best, well only, company I’ve had in a month.” I smile to myself, once again trying to converse with the creature. 

I heard a large huff of air and felt the warmth on my thigh grow, the breath passing through my jeans.  

I check the time on my phone, seeing that it was later than I thought. The wolf and I sat here for hours, though they passed quickly. 

“I should leave now, sunset is approaching. I gotta get out of here before dark. After all, who knows what’s in here.” I chuckle as I begin to sit up, getting my things together into my backpack. 

The wolf looks at me, puffs again, and almost seems to roll its eyes. I could’ve sworn it looked just like it did. 

As I begin walking, I notice the wolf walking beside me. 

“Ah, walking me to my car? A gentleman, I see.” I laugh softly to myself. 

As we approach the end of the forest, the beginning of the treeline and my parked car in sight, the wolf looks down at me. 

I return the eye contact, and scratch behind the ear again, earning the leaning of the massive head into my hand. 

“This is an everyday thing for me. Same place tomorrow.” I say laughing at how ridiculous I sound. 

I earn another nod from the wolf and can’t help but feel that it truly understands what I’m saying. 

I walk over to my car, the distance between the wolf and I growing. I felt empty as the space grew, a newer feeling. I walked over to my car and looked back to see the wolf standing where I left it. 

I wave goodbye, earning a nod from the massive being. I get into my car and watch it run away, faster than I’ve seen anything move. 

The drive home was quick, as it mostly consisted of replaying the days events. 

I knew for certain that I was either insane or blessed. 

Sleeping tonight came easier than ever before. No nightmares, though the eyes of the beautiful creature filled my dreams that night. 

I woke up the next morning feeling at ease, but also if something was missing. I was almost counting down the minutes until I got to go back to my little clearing. Hopefully doing some work will make the day pass faster. 

I ferociously finish my work for the day, hoping that it would make time pass. Though my mind continuously wanders back to yesterday. 

Was it even real?

What if the creature didn’t show up today? Would I just have imagined the understanding that I thought we had? Was the connection just an imagination? 

No, I know what I saw. I am not insane, I am not making any of this up. 

As the agonizing hours passed, I sat and drew. I found myself drawing the eyes of the creature.  They were all I could see all day. 

I look over at the clock and basically spring off of my couch, grabbing my keys and backpack to head back out to the woods. 

I walk over into the clearing and sit in my previous spot on the blanket. This time I had some snacks with me, as I didn’t eat today from being so distracted. 

I began to peel my orange when I heard the snapping of a branch behind me. I took a sip of my water as I turned to look at what was behind me. 

The deep, chestnut brown eyes looking down at me. I felt such a connection to this wolf, I felt safe. 

It then moves next to where I sat, laying down once more. 

I place my orange down back onto the brown paper bag.

“Blueberries?” I outstretch my hand with a few berries in it, offering it to the creature. 

His snout found my hand, hot breath finding its way into my palm. The rough tongue and soft scraping of teeth against my palm as it took the berries from my hand.

I smile before getting some more, offering again. The wolf once again took the food from my hand. 

I truly enjoyed the company, though it did confuse me more than anything. I couldn’t describe the connection I felt to this magical being, but it was there. 

I began to make some small talk to the wolf, though I know I would not get a response. 

“You’re my first and only friend, bud. I moved here a little less than a month ago. Still unsure of what brought me here, but I think things are starting to add up. I just miss having people around, ya know?” I look over to the creature, noticing that their eyes never left my face. 

The wolf nods, putting his head back into my leg and nuzzling into me. I scratch behind their ears. 

“Anyway, I left Oregon to come here. I miss my friends and family, but I think I’ll be happier here. So far, I’m loving the new scenery. I used to spend a lot of time in the woods back there, it’s where I have my personal thoughts, where I unwind. Now that I’m here, I already have a buddy so soon. I always did it alone, but here you are. Even though you can’t talk, I enjoy your company.” I spoke softly to the being. 

Its eyes never broke from mine, just like always. 

“Your eyes are magnificent.” I softly chuckled. 

The wolf nuzzles closer to me, and I lay down on my blanket. 

This is how I spent my days now. This continued for weeks. Getting closer to this beautiful creature, befriending the most beautiful being that ever existed on the planet. 

Until one day, when I showed up to the clearing at the usual time. My new friend nowhere in sight. 

I sat down in our usual spot, waiting for the arrival of the creature. 

I waited for about ten minutes before I finally heard the relieving crunching of twigs and leaves behind me. 

“It’s about time you showed up, I got worried.” I bit back my smile. 

The wolf had a telling look in its eyes today, almost nervous. 

I scratched behind the large ear, once again being leaned into. I grew to really love this. 

As soon as I sat down, I noticed the wolf didn’t follow suit as per usual. 

It looked me in the eyes, nodding its head to the treeline. My eyes followed as the wolf walked behind the brush. 

I stood up, but didn’t follow the being out of the clearing. I watched from the treeline as it disappeared just out of view. 

Then I heard it. 

The shifting of bones. The brush disturbed from movement. 

I back up cautiously. 

A moment later, a tall, muscular man walks out of the tree line. 

I back up a bit out of surprise. I observed him in his entirety. His cutoff jean shorts, t-shirt, and beat up old shoes. Beautiful russet skin, cropped black hair, and... deep chestnut brown eyes. 

Those eyes. The ones that engulfed me into a state of peace with every look. I would recognize those eyes in a sea of people. 

The tall man smiles at me, walking closer. 

I don’t back up this time, confused yet comforted by the look in his eyes. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen, I was drawn to him. 

“(Y/N), it’s me.” The man says. 

“How do you know my name?” I question. 

“Well, you told me a few weeks ago. Well, my other form.” He chuckles. 

“Okay, maybe I am nuts.” I laugh softly. 

“No, you’re not. Well, after listening to you for weeks, you might be. But, I have a lot of explaining to do. I’m Paul by the way.” He chuckles. 

“Hi Paul.”

We walk over to my blanket and he sits with me. 

“So, I guess I’ll explain to you what I am.” He says, slightly smirking at me. 

“I think you should, I’m very confused right now.” I smile back. 

“Well, I’m what you would call a shapeshifter. I shift into a wolf. You met me in that form.” His chestnut brown eyes peering into my soul, pleading for my attention. 

“But how? Why?” I manage to speak. 

“Well, we’re not the only magical beings. But it’s a Quileute legend, well clearly a lot more than a legend… I’m a protector of the land and people. But these are tribal secrets.” He says, still never breaking eye contact. 

“Protector? From what?” I was now concerned. 

“Well, vampires.” He answered, laughing at how crazy it sounds to say out loud, to explain to an outsider. 

“Vampires are real? And they’re here?” I ask, slightly getting fearful. 

“Yes. There’s been some coming into the area for some, not for anything good. There’s a coven here, though they’re what you call ‘good ones,’ only feeding off animals instead of humans.” He explains. 

“Wow, this is insane. But, how did you find me?” 

“Well, one of the other members of the pack picked up your scent, as well as one of the vampires we were looking for. So we took turns watching to make sure they didn’t hunt you. Which by the way, you should not be spending so much time in the woods alone. Have you ever heard of bears? Or murderers? Have you learned anything from horror movies?” He laughed. 

“Yes. I have. But it’s just, it’s what feels right for me.” I admitted. 

“I understand. You seem like one with nature.” He laughs.

“So you guys protected me?” I jump back a step.

“Yeah, well we took turns while the others went other places.” 

“Oh, so why did you stay for weeks? And why did you hang out with me?” “Well, when it was my turn, something happened. And then I couldn’t leave you. I needed to be the one who watched over you. I wanted to get to know you, I wanted to meet you. We connected.” 

“I know, I felt that. I feel like I’ve known you for ages. But what happened? How are we connected? Why do I get to know the tribal secrets?” I asked, I needed to understand. 

“Well, you’ve taken this so well. So there’s this thing. It’s called imprinting.” He finally looks down at his hands. 

“Imprinting?” I question.

He looks back into my eyes. 

“Well, it’s kinda like soulmates. Like love at first sight, almost. Although, it doesn’t have to be romantic. It’s kind of like-- when it happens, whoever a wolf imprints on, becomes the world. There is no gravity, it’s them holding you down to the Earth. You would do anything, be anything for them. A brother, a protector, a lover. It’s super intense, but it happens to some of us. And well, you’re my imprint.” 

I looked at him and nodded. I was trying to take this all in, it all made sense as to why I felt so strongly connected. Why I felt so at peace, why I loved being so close. 

“Listen, I know it’s a lot to take in. I understand. But just know that it is dangerous for us to be apart. It’ll hurt us both-- emotionally, physically, mentally. However, you hold the reins here.” He gave me a soft smile. 

“This is a lot. You’re right. But, I feel so connected to you. I wanna be around you, I love being around you. I’m so glad you’re actually a real person. However, I do want to take this slow. I want to get to know you as a person, not just the wolf. I want to meet the real you. I want to expand the friendship before any kind of romantic relationship blossoms too fast.” I say honestly. 

“That sounds like a great idea. Maybe you can come to the bonfire at La Push tonight. I think it’ll help you understand more. Plus then you’ll meet the rest of the pack. We could work on the friends thing, too.” He smiles from ear to ear, probably excited at the mention of a romantic relationship. 

We talked for hours, more about us personally than the imprinting thing, wolf thing, or vampire thing-- we saved that for the bonfire. 

The bonfire went well. I met the whole pack. A lot of banter and rough housing between the guys, especially when the imprint jokes came around. 

I took a liking to Leah, though she was rough on the outside I felt that we would be great friends. 

Over the next few weeks, Paul and I spent almost all our free time together. Things were great. Of course the friends thing didn’t last too long, how could I not want to have this amazing man as my partner? He was caring, sweet, protective, and even handsomer than anyone else I had ever seen. Our relationship was one purer than anything I could’ve ever imagined. 

Getting closer to the pack was great, I always had friends around. I loved Emily and helping her cook for the bottomless pit-stomached boys. It was like I was meant to be around, I guess that’s fate for you. 

Most of all, I cherished every moment I had with Paul. Stealing hoodies and having more fun than I’ve ever had before. 

I loved Paul Lahote more than I could put into words. No words were needed. 

This was happiness, this was pure bliss. 

We spent our days on hikes, fooling around and rough housing at the beach, and doing whatever we could do together. 

He whispered sweet-nothings into my ear at any given chance, causing me to smile, blushing like a maniac. His warm hugs and cuddles, sleeping next to him only brought me peaceful sleep I desired my entire life. 

Fate truly is something. 

_____________________________

Word Count: 3280

Yes this was long. No I’m not sorry. Yes I enjoyed it. Might have been a swift transition, but it’s super long and idc. Thank you for coming folks