#oh and starling! how i love starling

[liminsendhelp]

Soulmate AU

when you meet your person, you have your eye color change to the other person's eye color.

Person A who has heterochromia after meeting a soulmate. Soulmate is Person B, who has a split personality. B's eye color is the same, but persona A is convinced that this particular person is their soulmate. Something just went wrong.

Something definitely goes wrong when they get into some kind of stressful situation.

Maybe they're separated by a fallen building, maybe they're captured, maybe it's a trivial fight in an alley outside a bar. But afterward, finally holding B in their arms, the A's can't breathe. From B's angry, smiling face, covered with blood and sweat, an exact copy of their unchanged eyes stare at A.

Put your favorites in here

[apamates]

Fitz' loved ones going "is anyone going to inflict unimaginable trauma on that boy??" and not waiting for an answer

[ynackerman9499]

Hello! This is me! 𝕪/𝕟 𝕒𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕟! This is my tumblr in case you don't know me i have a youtube channel which I upload texting stories videos to it! And this is my first post here in tumblr (original)

Some male Hashiras + kagaya reaction to you sacrificing yourself for them

⚠ Warning : spoiler in kyojuro and kagaya, take of death, blood, injuries, crying, some of them are really short

Giyu Tomioka

You and Giyuu were fighting against 2 demons who used a blood demon art

You killed one and Giyuu killed the other one

Or so you both thought...

"You did well giyuu_san!" You said smilling putting your sword in place

While giyuu just nodded humming as a silent 'thank you'

This only made you smile even wider. You've been friends with giyuu with great amount of time now

You both actually gets along very well Despite your different personalities

So you got used to his comforting quiet gesture

"All right! Let's head back n-"

You suddenly stopped sensing that something is wrong While giyuu looked at you wondering why you fell silent so suddenly

"Wh-"

You breathed in sharply, catching a glint in the air watching it whizz towards Giyuu.

"not on my watch!"

You yelled, quickly drawing your sword breaking the unknown object in half.

Giyuu's eyebrow twitched, taking his sword out of its sheath.

"giyuu, there!" You shouted, pointing to the direction of the demon that was currently perched on one of the trees.

The two of you gave each other a knowing nod, rushing towards the trees and jumped landing on one of the branches,

"come back here you coward!" You barked, skillfully jumping from tree to tree, following after the demon.

The demon hissed, sending metal shards towards you and Giyuu, which the two of you dodged with ease

"breath of ice..." you mumbled taking a deep breath

"dance of frozen crystals!"

Streams of sparkling diamond-like figures flowed out your sword as you jumped upwards, holding your katana over your head as you swung it effectively cutting half of it's body;

sadly, not his neck, as he covered it with a steel-like substance.

"Y/n!"

Giyuu called out, causing you to look back at him wondering why did he sound so worried

You saw he was looking horrified looking at your chest rather than your face

'why did he sound so-'

You were caught out of your thoughts by yourself coughing something liquid out of your mouth

You looked down at your chest, a large sharp metal shard piercing through the middle of your chest

"uh.. F-fuck.." you muttered stumbling back and falling against a tree vomiting even more blood feeling it a bit hard to breathe

"y/n! No!" giyuu shrieked running at your slumbering and bloody figure against the tree

"giyuu.. The d.. emon" You mumbled, coughing out a worrisome anmountof blood, the crimson liquid spilling out of your lips in mouthfuls.

"i cant leave you..." he whispered as of scared of starling you

"i cant you are in_" "... Dying"

You corrected him. Mastering the last energy you had to cup his face with your bloody hand while lying in his embrace

"i am.. Dying, Giyuu..."

"no.. No you are not.. You can slow the ble-" "my lungs are... damaged giyuu"

Tears burned his eyes, hugging you close to his chest and placed his hand over your cheek

"i.. Love you... Giyuu... So... Much.. " you confessed as you started to lose consciousness and struggling even more to keep your eyes open

You took a deep breath but sadly... It didn't come out again...

"y/n.. Y/n... Hey.." giyuu said with shaky voice as a couple of tears escaped his eyes

"hey...don't do this to me, love... I–i love you too... Why did you do this... I–i don't deserve this..."he said as he closed your lifeless eyes with his fingers

"i am sorry i am too useless to be able to protect you..." he was now on full mode sobbing

Oh how cruel is it that you didn't even hear the person you love saying thing you wanted to hear from him the most...

Obanai Iguro

No...

No no no no...

That wasn't supposed to happen...

The hit was meant for him...

It was meant for him damn it!

Why did you have to take it for him

He doesn't deserve it

He doesn't deserve to live

Why would he live while you are here dying in his arms gasping and wheezing for air

He is enraged

His fear tends to come out as anger

So while you are literally dying he is shouting at you for how stupid you are, how foolish to waste your precious live over his useless one

His shouting you mutter out an Inaudible : 'sorry... '

Just then the anger turns into tears

"you idiot..." he wailed... Actually wailed.. Something you never thought you'd see, not that you wanted to in the first place

It was supposed to be him...

"don't you dare apologise..." he hugged you even tighter feeling you fading away from him as you tried to breath but it only come out as a horrible choking sound as you choked on your own blood

His cheek rested on top of your head

"o-oba... nai.. " you said chocking in the middle of word as the hole in your chest began seeping even more blood

"g–give them.. H–hell for m–me... Yeah?..."

Oh he would...

He would make them pay for taking you away from him

For making the only person who kept him moving forward...

Is now cold and limb in his arms...

Sanemi shinazugawa

Fuck!

Shit! Shit! Shit! Fuck!

He physically can't handle what he is looking at

As he refused to stop saving you even after you already stopped breathing

"shit! Shit!" he pressed harsher on the wound, the blood was slowing but not because of his relentless attempt...

You were gone... Not even being able to get a word out because of how harshly he was crying

For some reason... Even in your final moments you found it kind of comforting that he was try his best to save you

You felt your heart break looking at him from the other side hugging your cold, lifeless body... Trying to squeeze some warmth into it even though he knows its useless

Kyojuro Rengoku

You coughed out blood as akaza hand went through your stomach

"Y/N! NO!"

You took the hit for kyojuro

I mean... How could you not... You just couldn't let someone like him die

You just couldn't...

Gripping your sword harder, you slashed it against his neck making his eye widen

'she got in my way! And she still has the strength!

Akaza thought as he was amazed at how you still has the strength to even breathe

'Kyojuro, im going to die. I know. We had a life planned in front of us, but..l couldn't let you die. I just can't'

You thought as The demon tried to punch your face, but you stopped it with your other hand

"Y/N!!"

'you won't get away... Akaza!'

Looking behind the demon, but still applying force on the neck, you looked behind to see Rengoku with the boy from before charging at you with their swords.

A smile got onto your face.

'I wont ever let go off the sword ..Until I cut his head off!'

"INOSUKE MOVE! MOVE FOR Y/N-SAN!"

The boar now charged at you with speed His attack cut the demons arms, your sword still attached to his neck.

He was running away, clearly.

The boy threw his sword at the demon,.

stabbing him through the chest. Followed by Screaming of how he was a coward by running away and that both Rengoku and you were stronger than him.

You felt two gentle pair of hands gripping your back, drops of water, or tears, to your cheek as kyojuro took you in his embrace trying to stop the bleeding even though he knows it's a fatal wound

"Y/n.. No. No..please don't leave me! Please! I beg you! I will go down on my knees if it have to!"

"kyo... It's okay..." You say voice barely a whisper as you gathered all the strength you had trying to put your hand on kyojuro's cheek.

He quickly took your bloody hand in his and put it over his cheek

"no no... The hit was meant for me to take... Why did you have to get in the middle... Why.."

"i just couldn't.. Let–" vomiting blood "y-you... Die"

You said panting feeling like you can't breathe anymore...

Kyojuro the brust out sobbing burying his face in your neck as your body laid lifeless in his arms

It was supposed to be him dammit!

He was supposed to be the one protecting you!

Not the other way around!

On the other side tanjiro watching the scene feeling his heart break over and over again

Another love story between two lovers was ruined by those disgusting Creatures

Tengen uzui

after a long and hard battle you had ended up dangling off the side of a cliff barely holding onto an also seriously injured tengen.

He could feel your fingers slipping from his.

you were both tired and injured it was a tough battle and despite the demons head being cut off you had taken some heavy blows and now you were dangling off the side of a cliff, barely conscious as tengen held onto your hand with his

"dont worry y/n! ill pul you up Soon!"

you could see him struggling to hold your hand and knew that if he held on any longer he might go down with you

watching him struggle above you made your heart ache as you couldnt do anything to help

"Ten.."

the both of you made eye contact with each other

"thank you for being with me... I love you so much"

his eyebrows twitched at your words

"why does it sound like youre saying goodbye? y/n. You better hold into my hand!"

his jaw was clenched as he spoke to you

you couldnt leave him

if only he had killed that demon sooner

if only he could have protected you

in this moment he hated the gentle smile that was on your face

because to him it meant he had failed

"we both know we'll both fall if you dont let go, neither of us have enough strength left to do anything."

"its okay ten, im ready. i love you and I'll always be watching over you. live well"

he could feel your fingers one by one letting go of his hand and he tried as hard as possible to not let go

"y/n please! I.. I can't do this without you... "

you just shook your head

"im sorry ten but you have to, i know you can. you're going to do great things, with or without me."

"always remember that i love you... And i'll always be watching you"

With that, the last grip he had on you failed

the serene smile on your face was the last thing he saw as you fell to your probable death,

shattering his heart

he screamed your name on the top of his lungs as your hands disconnected followed by painful sobs

Not again...

First his siblings now you..

He lost so many loved ones

of course he knew that he was too injured to pull you up and the most he could have done was just hold onto you until help came,

If help came...

he hated this,

he hated himself

what was the point of being strong when he couldnt even save the one person he loved most in this entire world

"Live well" it was one of the last things you told him hed try his best to because you asked him of it but to him living well meant being by your side which was something he couldnt do anymore.

Muichiro Tokito

poor baby doesn't really know what to do

he's kneeling beside you with a worried look

he's sweating and his hands are clammy

he remains silent for the most part

"Y/n?"

He is right next to you, hand nervously taking your own

"Don't worry."

you give him a weak smile as scary as it was, just his presence was enough.

"|-what do I do?"

The fear in his face made your heart clench.

"Just stay with me. You dont need to do a thing..."

You squeezed his hand with the last bit of strength

you had, smiling softly

"Be careful okay? There are still a lot of demons left"

You didn't fear death,

but you did fear what would happen to those you

loved once it got to you.

Kagaya ubuyashiki

This took place before the explosion in the final battle era

Your husband's hand is cold in yours. You squeeze his

fingers and watch the moonlight bleed out the color of

his skin into silver.

"Are you well, love?" you ask quietly. A washbowl rests to your side, the cloth draped over the side dripping droplets of water down the floor. You take it and wrangle the water with one hand as best as you can,

laying it atop his forehead after. Kagaya closes his eyes and smiles beatifically. It looks painful.

"I will be fine," he says. A mere whisper; it runs wild in the echoes of the night. "| am certain... After tonight, everything will be fine again." You hum thoughtfully. Your heart turns like a clock,

mechanical, a slave to fate. You dare not tell him anything.

"I wonder. . " Kagaya starts. "How does the sky look tonight, Y/N?"

You looked up at the sky as the clouds moved to reveal the beautiful moon

"it's beautiful..." you said as he leaned into your hand as you caressed his cheeks

"he is here..."

A long shadow blocks the moonlight. You look up.

Plum red eyes stare back.

"It's finally nice to meet you, Kibutsuji Muzan," Kagaya says casually.

A chuckle flits in your ear, honey-thick and suave.

Muzan's jacket rests precariously on his shoulders,

and the wind picks up, as if trying to steal it away. The sleeves whip around him uselessly.

"Well;" he says. "You sure look terrible, Ubuyashiki."

If you do not look too closely, you can still delude

yourself into dreaming that this is a normal family.

Your twins have not stopped playing, and their

laughter mingles with the song.

*after the speech because i cant recall it 💀*

"Kibutsuji" You incline your head, a mockery of respect. "You may have prepared for everything.. But there is one thing you didn't prepared for.."

"and what would that may be?"

"this–" you pulled out teh explosion monitor and jumped on kagaya and just before it explored a room open under kagaya's bed and you both fell into a room underground where your kids were waiting for you to come and there was a secret door which led to outside

But it was quite the fall, but you shielded kagaya's body with yours as you he fell on top of you

"Uhmm... " Kagaya groaned from the pain of the impact but more at the though that you were hurt from the fall and his weight together

"it's okay... It's okay..." you said as you cradled kagaya's fragile body

"i just need you to hold on for me... Can you do that please?"

The explosion was loud on top of you but what was more terrifying was the piece of wood of the selling above you that was about to fall

So you quickly pushed kagaya out of the way just as the piece of wood fell on your lower body completely breaking it

"y/n! " Kagaya yelled as best as he could as he heard your crying of pain

"i am fine! I am fine!" You shouted as you tried to stop the tears from dropping from the pain

"kiriya! Listen! Take your father and run out of here!"

"b–but mo–" "no buts! This piece of seilling completely crushed my lower par! You won't be able to get it out! Even if you did i'd be just a burden! I won't be able to run! No go! Go!"

Kiriya quickly carried his father on his shoulder as best as he could

"no... Y/n... If we die... we die together.. That's a promise..."

"well.. Look like i have a change of plans, sorry love"

You said as you smiled sadly at him even though he can't see it

*time skip*

"CAW! CAW! KIBUTSUJI MUZAN IS DEFEATED! KIBUTSUJI MUZAN IS DEFEATED! THE FINAL BATTLE IS OVER! CAW! CAW!"

Kagaya opened his eyes at the sound of the noisy crow.. And for the first time in years...

He sees the sky clearly as the curse marks started to fade from his body...

He quickly tried to ran into the place where his estate is supposed to be with only one though in mind...

'y/n...'

He opened his eyes clearly for the first time in years and the first face he wanted to look at was yours

"oyakata_sama! Wait! You are not fully recovered yet!"

The kakushi tried to warn him but he just didn't care

He wanted to see you, to touch you, to tell you how much you mean to him even though words cannot describe, to make sure you are alright

But what he saw made him stop and his blood run cold...

The estate.. His home... Your home.. Is now crumbled to pieces with you under all that

he quickly took off and tried to dig into the rubble in hopes maybe.. Just maybe.. You are still alive...

"master..."

The kakushis and the remaining of the hashiras felt thier heart break looking at thier master like this...

Nevertheless, they started to help thier master find his wife.. I mean.. You were like a mother and a big sister to them all...

"I found something!" one of the kakushi shouted as he saw your bloody hand sticking out of the rubble

They quickly ran to where he was and started digging even more, just as they reached your head they all stopped and stepped back for thier master to take a look at you...

"oh my dear..."

Kagaya quietly knelt down where your bloody upper body only was visible

He caressed your bloody

cheek just as you did with him a few hours ago...

Oh how beautiful you looked... Even if you were cold and pale with your lips starting to get blue..

He missed you so much that he almost forgot the way you looked...

You looked even more beautiful than he remembered even with the black circles under your eyes and the few wrinkles that appeared on your face and the grey hairs despite how young you are...

"oh love... How many times did i tell not to worry to much about me..." Kagaya whispered as he caressed your cold skin with a few tears falling from his eyes "like this you will age before time..."

He hugged you one last time before the kakushis free your body completely from the rubble and take you to bury your beautiful body

Today the world won peace.. But he lost his...

[obsessivevoidkitten]

Animal Farm: Mondays

Male Yandere Harpies x Gender Neutral Reader (CW: Noncon, harpies, general yandere behavior, captive reader, spit roasting, cum in hair, aftercare, male harem, brief mention of being used as a cock sleeve by bull men.) Word Count: 500 (Here it is! I have had a solid wave of productivity lately answering old asks and now there is this, something I said I would do a long time ago. I said I would make a mini-fic/drabble with every group of monster men from my animal farm fic which can be found HERE.)

You sighed. It was early on Monday morning, the sun starting to stream into the window enough to disturb your sleep. You glared at your alarm clock and preemptively turned off the alarm that would go off at 10:00. It was 9:53. You wanted to cry. You had not fully recovered from Rory, Sev, and Bruc swapping you between them as a communal cock sleeve all day on Friday. You lamented your decision to be a monster man farmer with so many different species. You should have stuck to one or two. Oh well… no use crying over it now. At least you started the week off easy after your weekend break. The harpy men had pretty forgiving cocks. Ugh. Was that what it had come to? Judging how not awful your day was by the brutality of the cocks you were about to encounter? You scarfed down a quick breakfast then enjoyed your last few minutes before you were swarmed by the three harpies that called your farm home, Zan, Xilra, and Elry. They all looked similar, green and blue feathers in their hair, emerald green eyes to match, dark skin, with large angel-like wings sprouting from their backs and their legs ended in the way any bird of prey’s did. Sharp. Talons. When you stepped into the aviary your watch read exactly 10:30, you weren’t giving them a second more than you were forced to. It was like your one shred of resistance, even though it didn’t really matter very much. You also were too scared to be late after what happened the one time you were. You were sniffed out and fucked. Swiftly. As soon as you stepped into the large greenhouse-like domed building, it was like a miniature forest complete with all sorts of trees and plants, you were instantly pounced upon by the three monster men. They wasted not a single second in taking off your clothes and tossing them aside on the dirt while pinning you to the wall. “Hey come on! Those were just cleeeEEEEAAAAAANNNED. H-hey!” Two of them were biting, licking and nuzzling all over your neck while the third was using his mouth between your legs. “W-w-why do we always have to start the d-daaaay like thiiiiis??” “We love you little starling~” “Yes! And we must show you!” “We haven’t been inside you for a whole week love! It was torture~” “We must make up for the lost time sweet bird.” And that they certainly did. A week's worth of the pent up libidos of three tall harpy men unloaded on you and in you within hours. They spit roast you while you were on the ground before taking you in mid air. By the end of their breeding session with you you were exhausted. And this was supposed to be the easy day. At least they let you rest afterwards, washing the cum out of your hair and off your sore body before cuddling you and petting you while they sang sweet little bird songs and praised their darling little starling~

[crypt-keepers-den]

I need more of Astarion and his little spawns- You don't understand how much I fucking loved that fic, PLEASE WE NEED MORE DADDY STARION 😭😭😭

I DIED BUT NOW IM BACK ENJOY!

𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬 (𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐧)

Astarion never claimed he'd be a good father, but as soon as your little ones arrived into the world he sure was the proudest. When Lyra, your oldest had been born he fainted (can vampires faint idk), and when you announced your pregnancy with your youngest, Caspian, he was elated and told anyone who'd listen that his darling was blessing him with a second child.

when your oldest was born he was too frightened to hold her, in fear that he'd hurt her, but after a long talk from you (and a stern talking from halsin who'd offered to help you deliver naturally) he did hold her, frozen in place however as he did so. "she's perfect my darling" soft silvery tears cascading down his pale cheeks as the new-born yawns, when your youngest was born, he was prepared this time, holding your hand with confidence as you brought a new life into the world, bringing your 1yr old daughter into the bedroom to meet her baby brother, the elf had a grin etched on his face.

becoming a parent is one thing, but a parent to a dhampir baby is another, when lyra started teething you found out the harsh way. One evening you had lifted the infant to breastfeed her, settling back down on the couch with the infant nestled to your chest as she contently latched, your adoring husband sitting next to you a book in hand, his free hand stroking the top of his daughter's head. "star, read that page again i was too focused on lyra" he nods starting again until he heard a sudden yelp from you, "my love whatever's wrong?" he watches you exam the giggling baby's mouth "holy Avernus, star she's got fangs!" his eyes widened at your discovering as he leans over to see what your talking about, your holding the drooling baby's mouth open to allow him to see the two little white points that had pierced through lyra's gum. His eyes widen now understanding what had happened causing him to laugh, earning him a rough slap to the shoulder and a stern glare. safe to say you switched from breastfeeding to bottle and continued to do so with your second born (not that it helped but it saved your poor breasts from being gummed on by your children atleast).

Astarion prided himself in his inability to say 'no' to his children, "papa can i has?" caspian stares up at his father with the same puppy dog eyes you use on him, "caspian no treats before dinner!" you'd call out, the little boy would then pout before looking back up at his daddy, "papa a'peas", oh dear your son has him in the palm of his chubby little hands, astarion cant remember his childhood anymore, nothing but faint smells of what he assumes is his mother's perfume, but he does remember having nothing when he was under cazadors control. And he had made a promise at each child's birth, they'd never suffer like he had and they'd want for nothing. in this scenario its astarion sneaking your son a cookie before dinner, the pair hiding under the kitchen table laughing "our little secret little starling" , "you two know i can see you right?" "quick run!". with choas ensueing as you chastise the pair for ruining their appetite for dinner.

"lyra please stopping scaring your brother with your bat form!", the first time your daughter had found out she could shift scared you shitless, toddler lyra suddenly poofing into a bat mid hiccup causing you and astarion to jump out of your skin, not knowing how to get lyra to turn back until she hiccups again poofing back and landing in a panicked astarion's arms while giggling at her parents panicked faces. Since then astarion had taught her how to use it properly, however she had a terrible habit of scaring her little brother with it, startling the tot causing him to wail and run to the nearest parent crying "a bwat!, a mama! a papa! noo!" earning lyra a scolding, you and astarion made her promise to not use her abilities in the cottage and not infront of her brother, not until he was a little older anyway.

(hey! im back with some dadstarion stuff! how are we all liking this? i could go on forever about dadstarion scenarios, what would you like to see?)

[leoruby-draws]

Some batfam doodles set in my TrWh au, with a bit of a focus on Stephanie Brown!

The first pic with Arthur trying to make Steph his sidekick (probably inspired by Bluejay Jason following Robin around) is kinda meant to be an explanation on why Steph becomes spoiler so early in this comic. While explanations are not really needed because my au focuses on comedy and cuteness, I thought this would just be a little fun bit of background info on Steph and her father Arthur Brown in this au. The pointer name comes from the cw Batwoman show, where Steph is a redhead for some reason.

Also we see that Steph often goes to sleepovers with the other batkids, tho she's really having fun being Starling. I think in another post I was thinking on how to work around the issue of Steph being a 8 year old vigilante without her mom finding out, I even considered the possibility of Bruce somehow fostering her. But I decided that just do the classical superhero identity shenanigans is all I need to do.

Also don't worry about Jason and Cass being tossed, they're having fun there! Kids love being tossed like ragdolls, I should know as the eldest sister myself lol.

Next pic has Steph and Cass switch roles for a bit with Steph being a mini batgirl as 'Batlass', a name I considered for Cass. And Cass is a mini robin as Blackbird, aren't they cute?

Little gag comic with Barbara shrinking into a kid, Steph and Cass look shocked to say the least. Lori Zechlin with often play magical pranks on other superheroes, its can end up pretty chaotic.

More batfam doodles, look at Steph, she's such a little creature!

Lastly a glimpse in a possible future in the TrWh world, with Steph as Batgirl at last with Nell Little as her protege Starling! Perhaps she might have also use the Spoiler moniker as well too. We also see Damian and Tiffany Fox hang out as well, also Cass (as batman?) seems to be mentoring Maps Mizoguchi. Tho I haven't really thought about the details that much, just something fun to draw. Oh, theres also Carrie Kelley but she likely doesn't exist in my au, just felt like drawing her.

Anyways that was a lot, hope you like it!

[kararisa]

darling, starling

— 9. iridescence — ✦ (wc: 0.6k)

“Is this going to take any longer?” you ask.

It’s an interesting feeling, having Scaramouche in your lap while he does your makeup. The side of his palm gently rests against your cheek as he does your eyeliner, his brow furrowed in concentration while you rest against the cushions of your sofa. His indigo hair and indigo eyes are barely illuminated by the dimmed lights of your living room, an insistence of his even at your protest of the horrid lighting for makeup.

“It’ll only take a moment longer,” he responds.

“You said that ten minutes ago,” an over-exaggeration on your part, but you couldn’t see how a makeover could take so damn long.

Scaramoche grins, his voice dripping in mock innocence, “Perfection takes time. Or however that saying goes. I’m not used to putting makeup on another person so just cooperate with me, will you?”

You do your best to glare at Scaramouche as he finishes up your eyeliner. The two of you have been at this for a while now, bantering while he does your makeup. When he finishes, whenever that may be, the two of you will swap places so you can give him a makeover in return. Admittedly an interesting arrangement to re-enact for a scene in his book, but you have to admit it’s been alright so far. He isn’t terrible, he just takes too long for your liking.

“Part your lips a bit. I’m putting lipstick on you,” you oblige, and Scaramouche continues while he dabs color on your lips. “Our ruse has been quite effective so far. But people seem to think we’ve been in love for longer than we’ve been dating.”

Amusement colors your voice, “I mean, I like to think it makes our whole act more effective.”

He finally leans back to inspect his work after what seems like forever and declares that he’s done — time for you to switch places. He gets off you to take a seat by your side. You take the opportunity to reposition yourself and straddle him.

Only to get a proper look at him while you give him a makeover, of course.

A few minutes of silence pass when Scaramouche speaks up, “The whole point of me asking you to do this was for us to talk. So talk.”

“Like what, the groceries?”

“Doesn’t matter. Just talk.”

“Well,” you pause, twisting the makeup sponge in your hand before getting back to work. “I think we’re running out of eggs? And we only have a little bit of flour left.”

“Did you add it to the list on the fridge?”

“I already did, smartass. You were the one who told me to talk.” you laugh slightly when you see him glaring at you, and you move your other hand to rest on his shoulder. “Stop looking all grumpy like that. You’re gonna make me mess up.”

“I am not ‘looking all grumpy’.”

“Oh, you definitely are.” you chide, dabbing his cheek with your makeup sponge. “Ooooh is my grumpy face mad at me?”

“Shut up and just get this over with, will you?” Scaramouche averts his gaze. “Absolute terror.”

You move on to doing his eyeliner before you continue talking, “I could help you cook dinner tonight if you want.”

“Absolutely not,” he answers curtly. “You’re still banned from the kitchen.”

“The thing that happened with the air fryer wasn’t even that bad.” you protest.

“Do I need to remind you what happened? You quite literally –”

“Okay fine, maybe I should leave the cooking to you today. But one day you’ll lift my ban from my own fucking kitchen.”

“Not happening until you learn how to actually cook.”

“Gonna need a good teacher for that, so why don’t you teach me?” you jest

He gives you an incredulous look before responding, “Sure. Whatever. Are you done with my eyeliner yet?”

“Stop moving and I’ll get done quicker.”

✧— previous — masterlist — next —✧

summary: being the world-famous singer-songwriter "zenith", the limelight has been on you ever since the start of your career. however, the media becomes relentless when leaks of music you never meant to release begin to circulate. your friend scaramouche, meanwhile, seems to have gotten stuck while writing his second book. with a deadline fast approaching, he comes to you with a deal: act as if you're dating him so he can gather reference material and, in turn, he'll help keep the press' eyes off of your leaks until you release your next album. a win-win in your book, so why not help a friend out?

author's notes:

they're definitely not in love guys trust me

taglist — currently OPEN:

@aestherin @unsterblich-prinz @yourstrulykore @krnzysh @syriiina @yumiaur @featuredtofu @kodzusmiles @meigalaxy @fangygf @motherscrustytoenailclippings @samyayaya @hiimera @beriiov @e0nssadrift @dazaisboner @nillajhayne @chluuvr @nillajhayne @deffenferofjustice @romyoia @xiaomainlmao @hotgirlshit5 @potabletable @letthewindlead @esuz @toriiee @kclremin @angelkazusstuff @phoenix-eclipses @sakiimeo @mayuumine @ako-ang-mahal-ko @only-cherry-blossom @keiiqq @what-just-happened-huh @n3r0-1417 @haunts-gh0st @layla240 @mamafly @duckyyyx @certified-shrimp @kgogoma @xtobefreex @aeongiies @mechanicalbeat1 @meidnightrain @nordicbananas @feiherp @erzarq

[meo-eiru]

oooHHH- Meru, my dear, I was going to wait until I had time to draw something before talking about it since I normally do that. But you guys have been talking about it so l can't hold back anymore.

Spoilers ahead for anyone who hasn’t played the game~

(And talk about dark themes. 🫶✨)

Inserting my live reaction here to keep others from accidentally looking at spoilers like I do sometimes:

SO!!!

Based on what I saw in the game, yeah. Starling definitely loved Maelyn. Or at least felt an affection for her. An approximation of those feelings for her. Ultimately, Starling isn’t a human and doesn’t seem to operate quite the way that we would emotionally or mentally (wow that sounds so BAD I SWEAR I DIDN’T MEAN IT IN A BAD WAY-).

Like you said, Starling goes out of his way to dress Maelyn up and even remembers what she said about the “collar” in order to keep her while making sure it isn’t hurting her.

The whole thing didn’t feel malicious, really. Even the drowning. It just felt like he didn’t really understand the consequences of that one action. I hesitate to make the comparison, but Starling kinda feels childlike somehow. I don’t mean this in a way to infantilize the character at all, I swear. It’s just the way he reacts to things. Very dangerous baby with big pointy claws and teeth, lololol.

And you’re definitely right about him being able to make you forget that he’s very capable of violence. Because even when he does things that could be considered violent, it’s in such a way that it doesn’t come off as such. I feel that this aspect of him was reflected pretty well in the game as it is from Maelyn’s perspective and she kinda just goes “well there goes my fingers oh well-“ It was to the point that I was like “wait wait wait rewind and lemme move my bang so I can read that again- her FINGERS??? JUST??? GONE??? LIKE THAT???” But, then again, you could argue that it was partially because of her mental state as well. And I think the whole almost childlike feeling I got from Starling only plays into this whole thing about him feeling almost safe at times even with his glaringly obvious “otherness”.

It doesn’t help that he was so amicable for the most part. But that was likely because he was getting everything he wanted up until Maelyn said she would only come back after four days.

Onto a few other things… This game reminded me of things about myself that I forgot about for a while LOLOLOL-

It was funny because. I got the marriage ending first. But while playing the first time and getting to the part where we first see him open himself up… I was like “what if I just crawled in there- no I shouldn’t think that,,,” THEN LOW AND BEHOLD. WHEN I GOT THE OTHER ENDING- 😂😭

Great minds think alike. ✨

His ribcage the perfect cradle and his heart singing the best of lullabies… Or it would have been were it still beating-/j

SJDJDJ-

Honestly, when I got that ending I was like nOOOOO STARLING- WHAT HAPPENED??? I still don’t think I quite get how it happened.

Also hmMMMMmmmm let’s not talk about how my first thought when he opened himself up that one time and reacts when we touch (I chose to give in to my impulses) was to be like, “What if I… licked…? Insi-“

LOLLL-

Listen one reason I liked Beastars was because of the theming around the inherent connection between… eating (canniba-//shot) and intimacy- Like… yeah… Two carnal needs/instincts… ANYWAYS-

I love how the game turned out! You guys did great! So a belated congratulations for finishing the development and releasing it!!! 🎉✨

And of course amazing artwork as always, Meru~

Will draw something in celebration of it later when I have time. And just because I wish to draw the funny tongue-fish man. 🫶💫

Will probably also yap about this more later.

Another amazing ask I'm sure @celerifleuri will love as well

This is such a good analyses honestly, and yes you are right, Starling is quite childish. It's not that he has the mind or mental capacity of a child but it's in a bit of a "pure" state if you will. It really makes me want to talk about his backstory but that's why we are making bonus episodes.

Maelyn as a character definitely effects our perception of the events as well. Honestly if that happened to my fingers I'd pass out right then and there.

It's so funny how you mind aligned with Maelyn's, I'm sure she would love to try licking his insides (he did kiss his heart)

I'm glad you liked the art!!! And for the drawing, I can't wait to see what you'll come up with :D Good luck with all his tongues

[percivalias]

Oh, extinct birds, how I love you and miss you.

In order:

White swamphen (Porphyrio albus), native to Lord Howe Island

Huia (Heteralocha acutirostris), native to Aotearoa New Zealand

Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), native to Mauritius

Laughing owl (Ninox albifacies), native to Aotearoa New Zealand

Mysterious starling (Aplonis mavornata), native to Mauke

North Island giant moa (Dinornis novaezealandiae), native to Aotearoa New Zealand

O'ahu 'ō'ō (Moho apicalis), native to O'ahu

[Image IDs in alt text.]

[rotting-ink]

Who's the biggest tease?

how would they handle the witch deliberately teasing/flirting with them, trying to rile them up?

L Rawlins- I feel like L is a very accidental tease. Doesn't even realise what they do to you at all. Either Luther's general ruggedness, rolling his sleeves up to show off muscular, scarred forearms, Loralei with her uncaring that she's wearing breeches and an open shirt, the way her eyes lazily scrutinize people before her. The way L dresses, showing more of their chest than they should. They don't realise it does things to you at all.

While, for themselves, they can take a lot of teasing but god, it builds up. Then they have to put you in your place, growling softly at you to stop being such a brat or they'll have to show you what happens to people who push them this far.

S Della Rovere- They're the master of teasing. Lives for it. Loves lingering touches as well as inappropriate ones. Doesn't do a long tease, they're happy to immediately put a hand on your thigh and slide it down to start exploring. They know how good they look and they really don't care about propriety

Teasing them? They're nearly impervious. They can take SO much teasing. But they might start whining if you carry on. You think you have the upper hand and then they pin you, whispering that they won't let you sleep at all.

Z Chambers- Legitimately doesn't think they can even tease a little bit. They're head to toe dressed in funeral attire, they're not showing a lot of skin at all! Very unaware of themselves, from their soft eyes, to their dexterous fingers. So, no, is unaware of why you're staring.

As for being teased, they would need a moment to realise that's what you're doing before becoming heated and must look away. Will go invisible but will start making sure you regret teasing them, as their ghostly touches drag along your sides.

V De Winters- They're fully aware that they're attractive but all their teasing seems to be done subconsciously. They just seem to adore touching you and then they have to sneak touches? In public? No wonder you're riled up. When aware, they love teasing so lovingly. Just fleeting touches, some quick kisses, but all things that would rile you up over time.

Oh, they can take being teased. In fact, they smile when they notice you teasing them. Going to take it in, watching with intrigued eyes as you tease them. Very good at keeping their calm, only to return all the energy back in private.

Seir- Average for both. Likes to tease you when you're busy, they're like a cat that wants attention and will drag their hands over you, mouthing at the back of your neck. That and they can take all teasing in stride.

Saleos- Their teasing is basically getting to show off their body to you, already knowing they're deeply, horrifically attractive. Low, purring words, whispering words, asking why dont you come over and play?

And they SEEM to take teasing well. They dont. They keep their composure and then they will ruin you in the grass on the way to a bed.

Starling Knight- Sorry but ehhhh. Neither. They dont tease on purpose, if you find them doing mundane things hot, honestly good on you. That and they're very firm for those subs out there.

And they won't realise ur teasing... So you have to crawl into their lap and whine for attention, that will do it.

A Lancaster- Doesn't tease a lot at all, just in general keep their hands to themself and then when you're alone, they LOVE touching you. And hey, if it turns sexual, that's on you, they're just admiring you. But they also know how hot they are. Likes to work out in front of you so you know exactly how good they look.

They get a look in their eye when you start teasing. Firmly grips your wrist and leans in to whisper if you're sure about starting this? Then going to have fun just watching you try and rile them up.

E Rawlins- They don't tease. They legitimately say whatever comes to mind, do whatever comes to mind and thats on you if you get horny from it, they're just doing whatever their horny brain says.

They CANNOT take any teasing. The moment you give them a look, or a smile, or a flash of skin, they're all over you. Their self restraint is below 0.

Quincy Beaumont- VERY good at teasing. From the dirty things they whisper, all veiled so politely, their outfits, easy to show off skin, their lingering touches, their eyes on you, everything. They live to tease.

They find any teasing quite amusing, as they are IMPOSSIBLE to break. Just finds it cute when you try.

D Woolf- BIG NO ON EVERYTHING. They cannot tease, they think they aren't able to tease or drum up any sexual feelings. They're just existing.

And they cannot take teasing either. While collapse in a heap and put their face in your stomach and whine. Please. Mercy.

[nonconstories]

Saw your request for snippets and… I would really love to see a sidekick getting railed by a superhero

ME TOO.

Sebastian Graves AKA Sparrow is an established Superhero in the city of Hasper. He's also a bit accident prone, and one of his Rogues has dosed him with honest to god sex pollen. Sparrow's sidekick, Starling, has told him a million times to be more careful. He always has to clean up Seb's messes...

Click under the cut for: A trans guy annoying his sidekick death before riding him on their safe couch

Word Count: 1800

"You're a fucking dumbass sometimes, you know that?" That was just about the only thing he could think of to say, while his boss was sprawled out on the couch with a hand down the front of his pants. Keeping his eyes locked firmly on Sparrow's chest, which was still covered in his feather-stamped armor, he gestured in a vague, broad way, trying to indicate their entire situation. "Like. Like, how did this even fucking happen?"

Sparrow didn't answer for a second; likely too busy jerking his t-cock under his suit. Blood rushed to Gray's face when Sparrow groaned in pleasure and lifted his head from the arm of the couch to give his "side kick" a wobbly, sweaty grin. "Told you, Grumpy, I tried to fight OakenAsh on my own and I realllllly shouldn't have!" He tried to laugh, but it turned into a moan as he humped his own hand. "FUCK, oh, oh fuck, I really shouldn't have--"

Cringing, Gray turned his back on him and, at loss for what else to do with his hands, started undoing the straps of his gauntlets. "You, you pull your punches with that guy--" He mumbled, and prayed to literally nothing for his dick to stay soft. Which, admittedly, was difficult when picturing Sparrow and OakenAsh rolling around on a rooftop and fighting for the upper hand. "Seriously, don't, fucking talk to them! Hit them, for Christ's sake, Seb. They're...bad guys."

Behind him, Sparrow gave another shaky laugh, and the couch creaked as he continued to play with himself. "Oh, my, god, are you SERIOUSLY going to stand there and lecture me on my bad guys? Who I've been dealing with for 15--15--15 years oh my god come on I am so fucking close--" His words fluctuated between whines and moans, and Gray tried not to sprint across the room to the sink. The safehouse he'd found Sparrow in was a studio apartment, so his options for fucking off were limited.

As he pointlessly filled a glass with water, he shouted over his shoulder, "Well, clearly, I need to! Cuz this shit keeps happening!"

"Oaken could've killed me and he didn't," Sparrow pointed out, and then whined again. "Or maybe it is possible to die of blue balls. Is it? Gray. Gray, is it?"

"HOW WOULD I KNOW?" His dick was refusing to stay soft. He downed half the water in two gulps, and then gripped the edge of the sink as he tried to get himself under control. "Take this seriously!" He added, much less punch to his words. His ears were burning as badly as his face, and when he rubbed the back of his neck, he felt a thin sheen of sweat there. Wildly, he wondered his OakenAsh's pheromone-laced pollen was contagious. "He dosed you with a goddamn...date rape drug..." Laughing. The lunatic was laughing, and Gray rounded on him, abruptly more furious than mortified. "What is so goddamn funny?!" He stormed back across the cheap imitation hardwood and actually knocked the coffee table aside as he approached the couch.

Face flushed pink and lips swollen from his own teeth, Sparrow looked up at him and gave him another smile. "You!" He chirped, and wiggled his hips like he was seeking a better angle. "You get soooo upset. You get so mad! Come on, name one time it hasn't been fine!"

"Now!" Gray snapped, and pointed at him with one bare hand. "Right NOW, it is not fine, Sebastian!"

Sparrow was still wearing his domino mask, but, even behind the white-out lens, Gray could tell that his eyes had refocused on his finger. His hips wriggled again, and his hand to seemed to slow. Like he was teasing himself. "...Aw. You said my name. That's awfully cute." Throat suddenly dry, Gray took a step back, and stumbled against the crooked coffee table. "It's going to be fine," he added, looking his partner carefully up and down. His hair, the same mottled blend of red and brown and black as his armor, was falling out of place, the sweat dissolving the gel's hold on it. "Because you're right, this is a date rape drug. I can't get myself off, I need help."

Gray tried to answer, but could only manage a faint wheeze as Sparrow licked his lips, bright pink tongue dragging over his excited smile. "Sorry?" He managed on the second try.

"Mmm. Don't be. Come here."

"Nu-uh." Gray said reflexively, and tried to take another step back, only to feel the coffee table still blocking the way. "No way," he added and shuffled to the side to continue retreating. "Not gonna happen." He could not fuck Sparrow. He could definitely not fuck him while--because--"You're drugged!" He added, as his dick continued to insist on being hard.

"Exactly!" Sparrow whined, and thrust his hips as hard as he could into his own hand. His free one, no longer gripping the back of the couch, reached out for his friend. "I'm drugged! By that horrible plant monster you want to kill so bad--"

"I don't wanna kill him, I wanna beat the snot out him until he acts right--"

"--and I need help!" He pouted, which was ridiculous for a man his age, and then he beckoned with two fingers. "C'mon, I'd do it for you."

"C-call one of your--" He started weakly, but cut himself off with a wince. Call one on your friends, Seb! Oh, wait, they're all in hiding, or dead, or locked-up somewhere, or they're the guy that literally did this to you in the first place. Great suggestion, Gray, you fucking ass.

"Gray," Sparrow said, and there was less humor in his voice now. He clenched his teeth, and dragged his hand out of his armor, and sat up on the couch. "Gray," he said again, sweat still rolling down his forehead. "I've been rubbing myself off for like, 45 minutes. Oaken screws with his pollen recipe all the time, and this time? There was like. Zero urge to bang HIM, I just got super horny. I'm prettttttty sure that I need someone else. You know, sex. Not jackin' it. If you want me to find someone who isn't you, I--I probably can? But, that's gonna be super hard while I'm. You know. Actively under the effects of his stupid sex pollen in the first place. Help me out? Please?"

His dick told him to help. So did his brain, which was pointing out that Sparrow was right, he could barely keep his hands out of his pants. Swallowing hard, he furtively glanced at Sparrow's hands, twitching in his own lap, and asked, "Um. What do I do?"

Lighting up, Sparrow reached for him and this time, Gray stepped forward, into his waiting touch. "Ever fucked someone without a dick before?" He sounded cheerful, of all things, as he grabbed Gray by the wrists and pulled him to the couch. Gray let himself be pulled into a seat, and then jumped in surprise as Sparrow straddled him. "Undress me," he added, and started taking off Gray's Starling armor.

"No," he admitted, and started popping the catches and seals on the lightweight body armor. "Never."

"Well, good news! I just need something to bounce on." Sparrow was practically leering as he tossed the chest piece aside and got his first look at Gray's chest. "Oh my god. Do you wax?" Sounding delighted, his hands dropped to Gray's smooth pecs, and Gray's hands faltered on his back as those clever, gentle fingers started to explore. "I'm gonna mark these up," he whispered, and flicked his thumbs over Gray's nipples. "That sound nice, Grumpy?"

"S-Seb--" He wasn't sure what he was trying to say. It might have been let's get this over with before I embarrass myself or it might have been please slow down I've had a crush on you since I was 15 and I want to savor this. Mindlessly, he continued stripping his boss out of his suit. Sparrow, to his delight, did not wax. Dark brown hair covered his chest and stomach, and brilliant scars, like pink and white rivers, criss-crossed them both. "Can...can you feel--" Instead of pulling his pants down, he rubbed his fingertips over Sparrow's nipples, and they moaned in unison.

"Babe," Sparrow said, a small note of warning in his voice, but Gray ignored him and kept touching. "Babe, I'm so not in the mood for teasing." Hands back on Gray's shoulders, he turned them, and shoved Gray down on his back. Their legs tangled, and Gray yanked him into a sloppy kiss. That was pure self-indulgence, and the surprised noise Sparrow let out was going to be fueling his daydreams for a long, long time. For a few minutes, they stayed like that, tongues tangling, crotches grinding together through armor too thick to allow much relief. When Gray grabbed his ass with one hand and squeezed it, Sparrow pulled back, and growled, "No more fucking TEASING. Told you, I need something to bounce on."

Worming a hand down in between them, Gray undid his own belt and shoved his pants down as much as he could. The pieces of armor on his thighs made that pretty damn difficult, unfortunately, but he could pull his cock out. He gave himself a few quick strokes before trying to fumble Sparrow's pants off, and Sparrow kept kissing him. Each dip of his tongue into Gray's mouth felt like a reward.

Frustrated, Sparrow sat up, and Gray panted at him as he tried to get his pants off. Finally, the armor hit the floor beside him, and he was naked except for his mask, and yeah, this felt very familiar. Almost like Gray had been jerking off to that imagine for over a fucking decade. "Bounce on it, then," he said, and wrapped a hand around the base of his cock. Sparrow's own cock, plump and stiff and so fucking sweet looking that it made Gray's mouth water, was twitching above his pussy, which was both dripped and clenching on nothing.

"Hold still." And then Sparrow was sinking down onto his cock, and Gray threw his head back.

"SEB--"

"Oh my god--" Sparrow was whining, and grinding against Gray's hand, which was keeping him from sinking down any further. "You, are, big!" He was laughing again, and Gray moaned, grabbing his thigh with his other hand. "Move--move your--I need--"

"Fuck, fuck, I'm sorry--" He forced his fingers to uncurl from around his dick, and mimicked Sparrow earlier, grabbing the back of the couch. "Seb--" He cut himself off with a high-pitched whined as Sparrow raked his nails down Gray's pecs. Bright red lines of pain burned in their wake, and Sparrow sounded downright feral as he started barking orders.

[seldomscilence16]

Day 26:

Nightmares

Breakfast Table | Parting words regret | “I’m haunted by the lies that I have loved, the actions I have hated.” (Poe, Haunted)

Fandom: Trolls

Alt:

Survivors Guilt

Fandom: Trolls

Inspired by: @hey-hey-j Whether You’re a Brother

...

..

Branch was a lonely child.

He had school, and friends, but he never… he never felt like he quite connected with them the way the others did. He worried more, and smiled a lot less, and didn’t have a home life that was normal and bright and cheery.

He loved his parents. He loved his grandma. He loved his friends.

But Branch was different, and it felt isolating.

Until something changed.

His parents come home one night, his mother looks more tired than usual but offers him a smile nonetheless, his father still ruffles his hair, it's normal.

He’s cooked dinner this time though, he’d been practicing with Grandma and was confident in his skills for this particular meal- Grandma said he could only get better the longer he tried. It was a surprise, and thankfully a well received one.

“Oh, Branch, did you do all this?” His mother puts a hand to her chest in awe, smiling down at him softly.

“Yep! ‘Cause you guys work so hard, I wanted to do my part too!” He says proudly, his own smile one of his wider ones.

His parents share a look that has it dimming, he quickly looks everything over to see if he’d forgotten something.

“Branch, can I ask you a very important question?” His father asks suddenly, starling Branch as he whips back around.

“Of course!” His face sets into a serious look, ears perked to listen intently.

They kneel down, a calloused hand falling on his shoulder as the two adults level him with their own severe looks,

“Can you be a big boy for us Branch? Do something very important for us while we’re at work? The most important thing you could ever do for us?” His fathers voice holds no room for hesitance, this is a yes or no answer and one that will shape how his night will go, how his future will go.

His brows furrow in thought, looking to his mother for some kind of clue at this task they want from him, but it looks like they both need his answer first. And Branch isn't one to want to fail his parents,

“Yes, I can do it.” He keeps his voice even despite his apprehension, a determination shining in his eyes to prove himself.

“Then you’re going to have a very important job now too.” His mother begins, reaching into her hair and pulling from it the last thing Branch expected.

A small egg. Beautiful swirls of pinks and reds and teals with a tuft of magenta hair atop it. It's the most amazing thing he’s ever seen.

“You’re a big brother now. Which means you gotta take care of and protect your little sibling at all times.” She places the egg in his arms, and he cradles it close with gentle but secure arms, “Can you do that?”

“I won't let anything happen to them.” Branch’s eyes are wide with awe as he stares at the precious life.

And just like that, his world changed.

He was too small to hold the egg in his hair, he’s cautious to leave his pod because of it, but he goes places here and there. Grandma’s pod is always welcoming and he sees the other kids on the way, it's good enrichment- he thinks that's a good word to use but the teacher hasn't given the full definitions yet.

By the time Floyd hatches, Branch has a handle on this big brother thing.

His parents are so proud, and Grandma comes by all the time! And Floyd is an amazing little brother, he makes Branch proud without even trying- even when he breaks something, or wakes him up in the middle of the night, or doesn't listen or-

But the two get along and Branch makes sure Floyd is never lonely.

Which… gets easier when his parents hand him another egg. This one green and teal and yellow and beautiful and squirmy.

Now, Branch is a bit bigger and he can wrap his hair around this new egg and hold Floyd at the same time. They go to school and Grandma’s and on short walks. They sing and dance and the egg is so active inside, especially enjoying laughter, so Branch gets a joke book and enjoys Floyds giggles and groans and the eggs little wiggles.

It's busier, and a bit hectic- Clay is more active and antsy than Floyd- but Branch figures out a system and he thinks he’s being a pretty great big brother. He keeps the house clean and the kitchen stocked and the food cooked and the kids entertained and his Parents spend a little time with them before bed if they can.

And then, the third egg. Purple and indigo and teal and beautiful.

The other kids ask why he’s doing his parents' job. Asks if he's secretly the parent. Tease and taunt. School is a little harder, but he has a few friends who stick up for him, even if they don't understand.

No one really understands Branch, but it's fine cause he’s a big brother with three amazing little brothers.

But…

“Mom… The other kids say it’s weird that I’m taking care of kids…”

A weary sigh, tired eyes and dirt smudged face, she kneels in front of Branch,

“Branch, you said you would be a big boy. Being a big boy means taking care of your brothers, of your family. We can’t do that right now, because we’re digging for our future, a future where we can be a family. If its too much for you-”

Branch shakes his head, guilt churning in his gut,

“No! I’m a big boy! I’m fine!”

“Good sport.” His father says with a yawn, “I’m beat, lets hit the hay.”

That night, Branch reads his brothers a story instead.

It becomes a regular thing.

Branch takes care of his brothers. He gets little jobs around the tree that allow his brothers to stay close, where they can do their homework or color or dance or sing, while Branch trades service for items they need.

It's a mere chance that someone catches them singing together. Someone that sees the joy they spark in those around them, and the way the brothers so naturally meld together.

Performing makes his brothers happy.

Performing makes the King and Queen Happy.

Performing makes the tree happy.

The Bergens like a happy tree, so the Bergens are happy.

Branch is providing for their family, so their parents are happy.

The King and Queen request an audience with him.

Poppy is happy to watch his brothers while he goes in, he smiles and thanks her his nerves making his hands tremble.

On his way out, his sight is narrowed to only the world in front of him. His brothers, the path home, and nothing else. He doesn't see the look of concern on Poppy's face, or that of any of the trolls he passes. His only thought is the safety of their pod.

Branch doesn’t hide it from his brothers, each old enough to understand. He tells them that the Royals think they could use some help in the escape. That a distraction, a way to immobilize the giants, would raise their chances at escape. And that the only way they can think to make that happen is something called:

The Perfect Family Harmony.

He explains the gist of what it is, what it can do, sees the wonder in their eyes.

And so they practice.

Branch makes time for breaks and school and fun. Avoids the royals as best he can, and just… tries to do his best. His parents seem to come home later and later every night, and Grandma has been busy with something else, and Branch… Branch is tired.

But his brothers are happy.

The time comes sooner than he’d like.

The tunnels aren’t necessarily finished, but the King says with the cage and Bergens out of the way it wouldn't be a big problem. He and the Queen urge him to go on with the show.

“Nervous?” Floyd, perceptive and kind, stands beside him as he stares at the gathered Trolls beyond the curtain.

There's no sign of their family.

“A little.” He admits quietly, turning to the second oldest and offering him a small smile.

“I think we all are.” Floyd offers in reassurance, nodding his head towards their brothers.

Clay is practicing the choreo again and Spruce is doing his anxiety push ups. Branch’s gut twists, but he offers Floyd another smile before they walk over.

“Alright guys, it's almost time.” He breaks the tense silence, waiting for all their attention, “This is just a performance. All you need to do is have fun, can you guys do that?”

He sees the way tension falls from shoulders at his words, the bright smiles, the nods as they join in a group hug. Branch never wants to see them lose those smiles.

They go on stage. They have fun. They feel something well up inside of them-

Someone left a vine on the stage.

The performance comes to a crashing halt.

The King and Queen look at him in disappointment.

He limps home with his brothers in a daze.

Only in the warmth of their pod does he come back to himself. Does he see the downtrodden faces, as he patches up minor scrapes and dries tear streaked faces.

“Hey, none of that now.” He admonishes gently, watching wet eyes meet his own.

They all look like they're waiting for a lecture, like they did something truly terrible.

“What happened out there wasn't your fault, and it wasn't the end of the world.” He states firmly, “You guys were amazing, and I’m so proud of you.”

It must be the right thing to say, as he finds himself flat on the floor with a pile of brothers atop him.

He reads them an extra story that night, falling asleep in a pile in their room, it's the first night he doesn't wait up for his parents.

Branch keeps his brothers home the next day.

He knows no one but the Royals really knew about the PFH, but he worries anyway. They play games, and he makes some sweets, anything to keep those smiles on their faces. He’s surprised when Grandma comes over, that she sits down and joins their games. She catches his stare, and her smile is full of empathy and love and oh how he missed it. He thinks this may be the best day they’d had in quite some time.

Grandma tells a story that night, while Branch cleans up, and the pod is calm.

They sit on the branch outside the pod, waiting for his parents in the cool night air,

“I’m sorry about your show.” Her voice is quiet and kind.

“Accidents happen…” He responds simply, eyes roaming the tree limbs in search of two figures.

“Your brothers seemed happy.” He can see her eyeing him out of his peripheral.

“It wasn’t their fault, I made sure they knew it.”

“It wasn’t yours either.” She says.

“I’m the oldest, I have to take responsibility for failing the tribe.”

“Branch, you are still a child-”

“You don't understand Grandma! It's not like you’re around to see!” He regrets it as soon as he says it, but he spots the shadowed figures, “There!” He feels like he hasn't seen them in forever, a guilt heavy in his gut as he thinks of all he hasn't done since their last real conversation.

He stands, offers a hand to his Grandma who waves him off with a strained smile. That guilt hits again, but he promises himself to fix it later.

Branch jogs towards his parents' figures, a million things on the tip of his tongue, but all of them are cut off with a scream of warning.

How a giant can go unnoticed has always bugged Branch. They are heavy footed and large and lumbering, and yet they sneak up on them more often than not. It's what makes their whole situation all the more terrifying. It's what makes his heart rate spike and his brain go haywire, it’s what haunts his every nightmare and lurks in every shadow.

That shadow is real now, a hand coming down towards his parents, and Branch can’t move his legs fast enough. His dad shoves mom, Branch’s hair comes out to meet hers without thought, claws digging into the bark beneath him, tail wrapped around a broken off branch, it's only Grandma’s hair joining his that allows them to pull her up. She’s almost within reach, hand outstretched, when that shadow is snatching her and ripping her away.

Branch screams echo his parents.

Moms panicked face, as she reaches into her hair and rips something from it, launching it with all her strength. Branch’s instincts have taken over, catching the item with tender trembling hands. The egg is covered in blood, teals and greens and blues, wide eyes stare at it as horror fills his gut, looking up in time to see a sight he will never forget.

He's frozen, even as warmth splatters across his front, even as that bloody hand reaches towards him. What was the last thing he said to them? When did they last have a full conversation? Branch has been failing recently, would that be all they remembered in their last moments? That Branch failed to give them the freedom that would allow them to be a family?

“Branch!” It shakes him from his stupor, head whipping around as his Grandmother crashes into him, sending him rolling into a bundle of leafy twigs.

He's curled protectively around the cooling egg, eyes frantically looking for the last adult in his life. Grandma Rosiepuff’s scream joins the echoes in his mind, before the shaking stomps of a retreating giant fade to eery silence.

Later, Branch will wonder how he made it back home, how he cleaned up and ended up at the kitchen table. He doesn’t remember a thing past seeing his grandmother's terrified face. The egg is held protectively in his hair, but he has no idea if it's okay, he needs to go to the doctors. But he's never gone without-

His face is damp from a constant stream of tears, he feels the prickling burn of it behind his eyes but no more flow. He stares at his hands, skin beneath his fur rubbed raw from scrubbing the blood from it, the hands that failed him.

“Branch?”

His head whips up, Clay standing in the doorway with a worried furrow to his brow. Branch wipes hastily at his face, looking out the nearest window to see the rising sun.

“Hey bud,” his voice comes out choked and hoarse, “Sorry, I’ll get started on breakfast.”

“What's wrong?”

Branch stares for a long moment.

“Can you get your brothers for me?”

Clay frowns, but nods, little feet pattering across the floor as he hurries back towards their rooms. Branch releases a shuddering breath, going about the kitchen with practiced movements, making a simple porridge for likely nervous stomachs. They come back far too soon for Branch’s liking, rubbing sleep from their eyes and their own brows furrowed the same.

“Clay said somethings wrong?” Floyd asks first, likely more frazzled than not as he takes in everyone's moods.

Branch leans heavily on the counter, back to his brothers, as everything begins to hit him.

He was the one in charge now. But Grandma was right, he's still a child, how is he supposed to take care of them alone? Would the tree even allow that?? Would the Bergens pick them next??? He doesn't know how to do all the things he's supposed to do! Doctors appointments, the escape!? How is he supposed to be what they need? The Egg may die, his brothers could die! What if Branch isn’t enough???

“Branch!” Wild eyed and panicked he turns around looking for a threat.

Floyd is right there, Clay and Spruce just behind him, they needed him.

He takes another shuddering breath,

“I have some… some sad news.”

He doesn’t think the breakfast table will ever be the same, they’ll have to start eating in the living room.

Those teary faces will join those haunting images in his memories and dreams alike. To terrorize him for the rest of his life.

Branch has them stay home again. Hidden and quiet as they grieve, as Branch goes to the Doctor to see if the egg can be saved.

He wonders what's expected from him now. As a family of four- five. Should he work in the tunnels? Try for the harmony again? Stay at home and never leave?

He asks the Doctor, she tells him to grieve. That the tunnel digs work on volunteers only, no one is expected to do more than they can.

His parents had lied then.

“Branch, there you are!” Poppy is there, a small smile on her face that slips off just as quick, “What's wrong??”

“I’m haunted by the lies that I have loved, the actions I have hated.” His monotone speech matches his muted colors, turning away from the princess and making his way back towards their pod.

He would protect his family. Like he always has.

…

[clovers-housetree]

Happy Sunday, my little starlings and friends!

I've decided I'll try to start posting on Sundays, as they're both productive and relaxing for me depending on how much I get done during the week.

I hope you've all been well! :3

An idea popped into my head as I was writing this- what if every Sunday (if you'd like to), we all share something good about our weeks (or multiple things if you've got lots to share!!)? :0

Call it... Sunday Sunshine? :3

I'll go first! :3

This week, we celebrated my Mama's birthday! We went out to lunch, my brother and I cooked dinner, she had a lovely cake and lots of presents!! :3

Oh, and- I'm taking college classes at the moment, math in particular, which is my favorite subject!! I got to work on some of the problems I'm best at and enjoy the most for my assignments!! :D

And I saw lots of pretty flowers on a walk one day, and got some rain! It doesn't always rain often- either that or it storms late at night, which isn't very fun for me... ^^; But this time, it was just rain! :3

Let's see... What else to announce...

I'll probably post another Starling School post sometime today!

Oh, and I've got more Baby Steps posts in the works as well!

I think that might be it for now? I'll reblog with anything else if need be.

I'll just be here cleaning and working today, so Mama'll be around if you need me!

I'm very proud of you all for working through another week and making so much progress, you're doing amazing! :D

I'll be right here if you need me, okay? ^w^

[matthewmoorwood]

The cycle of abuse that all the Farseers go though oh I'm ILL.

horrific of Robin Hobb to make me suffer through the agony of Fitz's childhood of trauma and pain and then show me Fitz trying to help Dutiful navigate HIS trauma and pain. Fucking fuck.

Both of them had their first Wit bond be one of the worst things to ever happen to them.

Nothing breaks my heart like how much the cat earnestly loves Dutiful like she just wants to hunt and get her fur brushed :C

It's so sick how ultimately Nighteyes and the cat are so similar because Fitz and Duitiful are so similar, both of them want equally to be beasts and also be loved yet because of who they're bonded to they are forced into a life in which that can never be possible.

I'm so sick and ill and dying and suffering over these characters MAAAN.

Fitz is going THROUGH it watching Duitiful be abused for the singlular crime of being uneducated. If anyone actually cared about the fucking Farseer children beyond what they can do for the Six Duchies then they would've stoppped pretending like the entire bloodline isn't drenched in Skill and Wit like GUYS.

Time and time again we're shown that neglecting these truths leads to so much harm and yet everyone is like "haha what if it continued anyway"

Regal, Chade, and Verity you will ANSWER for your fucking crimes >:C

RAAH.

It's not even Fitz's fault that he wasn't a 'good dad' because my guy was literally sexually assaulted into having a son. Like fuck dude. I wouldn't want to live my life in Buckkeep trauma town either! Even if I wasn't fake killed!

Also horrible that Beloved who thinks he's to blame for everything that Fitz has ever been through is so content to die for the small reason that it MIGHT make Nighteyes live a little longer and thus mean he hurts Fitz a little less is SICK AND TWISTED.

Fuck you Peladine all my homies fucking hate Peladine.

OH YOU FUCKING FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCKING FUCK

I KNEW I KNEW I KNEW THAT THE DOMESTIC FUCKING FITZ AND NIGHTEYES FUCKING MOTHER FUCKING SCENES WERE BECAUSE OF THIS SHIT HAVE THEY NOT BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH????

HAVE THEY NOT SUFFERED ENOUGH??? BROTHER!!!!!!

Also. Bro. Starling. I thought u were chill. Like not chill to lie to Fitz that was fucked but now. Ugh. I'm so exhausted I just. Ugh. I literally need to have a big sleep and probably a cry to process this fucking book.

I swear to god I'm gonna rip all my hair out. Like Fitz CANT tell my guy Duitiful who he is, but at the same time its gonna be shitshow when he finds out.

I'm actually so fucking diseased.

Though I will say it is a balm for the soul watching Duitiful try to interact with Fitz his weird fake magic dad and Fitz's equally weird nobleman husband. He's probably like Dang, two father figures for the price of one.

I don't even. What I do. I just need a a sleep.

[screamintoad]

Picnic

A/n: All this fankid stuff made me write this

  The moment seemed perfect. Rory sat on one end of the picnic blanket while Ace sat on the other, his hands kept their young daughter steady on her chubby legs. Rory called out to Jane to urge her to take a step toward him. He felt so warm, from the setting sun shining on them all, and the love that circulated through his veins as if it was second nature. He laughed as Ace helped Jane take a step, then another. Rory noted how soft Ace looked like this, his skin glowing and eyes shining with a warmth to them compared to the mischievousness from their NRC days. Soft coos and high-pitched cheers comically left his mouth as the little girl awkwardly stepped towards Rory. 

  “Come on sweetheart, you can do it!” Ace urged her on. Once she reached Rory’s outstretched hands the whole family cheered. “There you go!” “I knew my little starling could do it.” Rory booped her nose with the tip of his finger. “You mean my firecracker.” Ace would’ve kept pushing until frustrated whines began to leave her lips, her legs kicking out into the air. Grim moved out of the way lest he wanted to get kicked. “I think she’s done walking today.” He pointed out. “It is getting late.” Rory noted as the sky began to darken and fireflies lit up over their heads. 

  “Yeah…” Ace plucked up Jane out of Rory’s arms and helped him to his feet while they cleaned up the end of their picnic. 

  Ace cradled the girl to his chest like he would when she was far smaller than she was now. She seemed quite set on throwing a fit mere minutes ago, but melts into her dad’s arms with a small giggle when he pokes her sides with his fingers. 

  Rory felt himself melt at the sight. He leaned over and saved their daughter from her dad’s ticklish clutches in a clean scoop into his arms. “Aw, c’mon-“ he began until his eyes drifted to a group of fireflies that flew in front of them. The baby’s attention is immediately drawn to them and she reached out a chubby hand to them. Ace imitated her action but successfully caught one in his hands. 

  He seemed giddy as he carefully cupped his hands to show her the blinking bug. “Waw!-“ She leaned forward and wrapped a hand around one of Ace’s fingers to steady her wobbly self. She gasped as she admired the firefly before it flew off. 

  “Oh, someone’s getting sleepy.” Ace pointed out as he wrapped the blanket around Rory so he could take Jane into his arms again. Rory shivered from the brisk October wind and curled the blanket tighter around him. Grim moved from Ace’s shoulders to Rory’s. 

  Ace held her like a newborn, rocking her and ghosting light kisses on her forehead. Soon enough her eyes fluttered shut and the only sounds she made was small snores.   One of her hands still tightly grasped Ace’s shirt and the other curled by her face, like the little princess that Ace taught her to be. 

  Rory smiled fondly at them both and leaned over to kiss Jane’s forehead as well. They continued their trek to the bus stop. “She’s getting so big so fast, eventually she’ll be too big for you to carry her like that.” He said. Ace shook his head, “I can still carry you just fine so, I’ll carry her until she tells me to stop.” He returned. Rory doesn’t say anything to that, he took note of the sentimental gleam that shown in his fiery irises. 

  “Do you think we’ll get the house?” Rory wondered aloud. Ace nodded, “I wouldn’t doubt it. It would be great being closer to the station.” “And I would love to live in this area.” “Mhm.” A peaceful silence washed over the small family.

  Rory wouldn’t say this out loud but this kind of future was one that he could only dream of. If you told him before NRC, or even during, that he got married and has a wonderful daughter, he would’ve laughed in your face. 

  But now, it was a future he wouldn’t dream of living without.

TAGS: @blood-red-bumblebee @gimmeurmoneyagh @babyghoul138 @twtysevapr @moonyasnow

@beneathsakurashade @4necdote @skibidibabygirl @theolivetree123 @oya-oya-okay

[festivalsofmargot]

Sebastian Sallow Discovers ASMR {Sebastian Sallow x GN!Reader}

Introduction: Sebastian finds that he really enjoys watching you do your makeup, he’d go as far as saying it relaxes him. But when you two make a deal for you to practice the school play’s makeup on him, he couldn’t be more on edge. But then you treat him so delicately, and he’s never felt more safe. (Bending the rules so students can go in each other’s common rooms and dorms)

Word Count: ~ 2,100

Warnings: Kissing, Fluff

Author’s Note: Did I headcannon at 2am watching Starling ASMR - Makeup and Beauty trying to fall asleep? Yes, I did. And I’m tired of pretending I didn’t. Lmfao, this is definitely one of the more different things I’ve written but I had a lot of fun. God, I love ASMR. I wonder what people thought of it in a time like the 1890s when it didn’t have a name to it.

Songs (if interested): 

The Chairman’s Waltz - John Williams, Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma

Chef’s Special - Nicholas Britell

You are My Baby Miss -  조영욱과 THE SOUNDTRACKINGS

Sebastian lounged on your bed with his arms folded behind his head. He eyed you as you did your makeup, pressing the fluffy brushes over your eyelids. It had always been relaxing watching you, he couldn’t quite put his finger on why. Maybe it was how delicate your hand movements were, the powder flicking off your brush and turning into little speckles that slowly fell through the air, or even the soft noises you made while you focused.

You asked him once why he’d got so quiet. He wasn’t ashamed to admit you doing yourself up was fascinating to witness. You only hummed in amusement then, thinking he was being cheeky and not genuine.

Every time the two of you would go somewhere that wasn’t going to be a physically demanding outing, you liked to get dolled up. It was therapeutic to you, and ever since Sebastian got a glimpse of the process, it had been therapeutic to him too. He used to keep his glances at you subtle and sneaky, but seeing how fixated you were and realizing you wouldn’t notice, he began to blatantly stare.

Tonight was a student dinner with Professor Hecat’s top duelists, and Sebastian was keen on getting to your dorm in time. “When will you be ready?” He had asked. 

“I’d say half an hour before the dinner, I think.” You replied. 

“I’ll be ready and at your dorm before then.” 

“You’re always welcome.” You told him absentmindedly, not thinking anything of it.

“I’m sorry, I’m taking so long with this.” You mused as you leaned back from the mirror to look over your work so far. “I can meet up with you at the dinner so you don’t have to sit through this.”

He gave a little shrug, keeping his gaze on you. “I’m fine here.”

“Maybe after, I can do yours.” You jested.

“Absolutely not.” He said without missing a beat, yet still transfixed. Although, he was curious if those brushes felt as nice on the skin as they looked.

You leaned into the mirror again, a smirk gracing your lips. “But I could make you look oh so pretty, Sebastian.”

He only shook his head, he would roll his eyes but he didn’t want to stop observing you.

“That reminds me. I volunteered to do makeup for the school play coming up. I know how to do my own, but I’ve never done someone else’s face. Could I practice on you?”

“No.” 

You laughed at his quick rejection. “Please, Seb? You can ask me for whatever you want in return.”

“Tempting.” Of anyone he could have in his debt, you were always his top choice.

“I’ll only do the boys’ style, I swear. It’ll be natural, just a bit touched up for the stage. I’ll have a rag so you can wipe it off as soon as I’m done.”

He continued eyeing you as he thought on it. “I can ask for whatever I want?”

You glanced back at him then, nodding your head.

“Before or after you're done?”

You pursed your lips. It was risky, but you knew he’d only agree to it if you agreed blindly. “After.”

The corner of his mouth quirked up. “Now how can I say ‘no’ to an offer that enticing?”

You turned to him fully, eyes wide. “Really?!”

“Don’t get too excited, you don’t know what I’m going to ask of you. I’d rather we both be on edge about this, not just me.”

You bit back your giddiness and nodded in agreement. “Alright.” You turned back to the mirror. 

This was always Sebastian’s favorite part. You took out a little container, dipped your finger in it, then dabbed the glistening substance on your lips, making them shine. Every time you got to this step, it took everything in him not to stride up and kiss you senseless.

-

Sebastian met you in the undercroft the following night. You had conjured up a couch and enlarged it a bit so that it could fit the both of you while he laid back and you sat next to him. 

“Now just relax, I promise this won’t be as dreadful as you imagine.” You pushed gently on his chest to coax him down.

He eyed you and your makeup kit cautiously as he was pushed back. “Why did I agree to this again?” Despite his overall uneasiness, he loosened up a bit when your eyes started looking over his features, giving him this sense that you would treat him with care.

“Anything you want once I’m done, that’s the deal.” You reminded him for what felt like the hundredth time. You looked away from him and down to your kit to start picking out some brushes before he could back out. 

“What if Ominis comes down here?”

“Ominis is blind. Haven’t you heard?”

“You’re hysterical.” Sebastian exhaled. He tried to relax as he layed back on the couch, folding his arms behind his head like he did in your dorm room. Maybe he could fall asleep and this would all be over before he knew it. 

Placing the brushes on your lap, you turned your attention back to him. You brought your hands up and combed his hair back with your fingers, moving any stray strands out of the way. He went still, not wanting you to stop this first step. He’d admit, it was a nice start to all of this. 

You pulled away all too soon and reached down to grab a bottle of clear liquid, he hadn’t the slightest clue of what. You emptied some of it onto your palm, then set it aside. Turning back to him, he watched as you warmed the substance between your hands. You then patted it onto his face, a pleasurable, cooling sensation hitting his skin. Not so bad yet, I suppose.

Once you were done, you waved a hand over his face to get the liquid to dry faster and the cooling sensation intensified. Not so bad. Keeping your hand going, you looked for something in your kit to even out his color. 

“I’d hate to cover your freckles. I’ll do something light.” You were so deep in thought, your voice came out soft and nearly in a whisper. It had done something tingly to the back of his neck.

“Hmm.” Was all he could manage as he kept his gaze on you.

You took out a container with what looked like a tinted paste in it. You dabbed some of it onto the back of your hand, then brought a brush up and coated the bristles with it. Looking back at him, you expected to see more panic now that you were dealing with color. But he couldn’t seem more at ease as he looked back at you.

You cupped his jaw lightly, tilting his chin up a bit as you started to glide the brush along his face. Have your hands always been this soft? The wetness of the foundation coating his skin mixed with the fluffiness of the bristles felt better than he imagined.

He had initially wanted to fall asleep to get this over with, but now he was fighting to stay awake. He’d never admit it, but he hoped this would last hours. He had always felt safe being with you, but this was on a whole other level. Even if this did all end with him looking like a clown, he couldn’t work himself up enough to care at the moment. He’d daresay he was feeling a little seduced as well.

Keeping a tender hold on him, you finished with the brush and looked over your work so far. “Looks like a light layer works fine.” You said, your voice still unintentionally quiet just as it had been a few moments ago.

That shivering sensation returned and coursed down his spine, it was intoxicating. He didn’t care what you put on him next. Just keep touching him and talking as you were and he’d be compliant.

Releasing him, you went to take out a blush powder and picked up a clean brush. Sebastian watched, mesmerized as you dipped then tapped the brush on the compact to get rid of any excess. The light tapping sound and the slow fall of the powdery cloud had his insides turning into putty. 

“Don’t worry, I won’t be too harsh with this.” 

“I trust you.” He found himself saying.

You smiled, meeting his eyes then. You scooted closer to him and he welcomed it, shifting so you could have more room. “I just want to… make you look… sunkissed.” You drawled your hushed words as you concentrated on his face, brushing lightly at his cheeks, then his nose, then his forehead.

His eyes glazed over. If he wasn’t spellbound before, he was now. “How much longer am I at your disposal?” He tried to keep up his annoyed act, but it was long gone. The overwhelming calm he felt came out clear as day in his voice. Please say forever.

“Don’t worry, I’m almost done.” 

No.

You returned to your kit and dug around. “Now this is where you might hate me.”

“Doubt it.” Paint me up as a king’s jester, I don’t care anymore. Whatever it was you were putting on him next, he noticed it was sparkly. He sighed and closed his eyes briefly. “In for a penny.”

“That’s the spirit.” You dipped your middle finger in, then smeared a touch of the substance onto his cheek bones. It was the finishing touch and you studied his features. He knew you were only looking over your work rather than him, but he still felt a great sense of warmth being under your gaze like this.

Putting everything away, you rubbed your hands together, wiping off any lingering makeup. You took out your wand then. “I want to check one thing. Lumos.” You recited with a flick of your wand. You held the light on one side, seeing how the highlight you added on his cheek bones would reflect, then you checked the other side.

What in Merlin’s name was this sensation you were invoking in him? It was bewitching really, giving him all these goosebumps as you were. You had managed to get his skin to prickle with only your gaze.

You nodded your head in approval. “I think I can go a bit heavier for the play, but this is a good start.” Swishing your wand, you put out your light. You conjured a hand mirror and handed it to him. “Look at you, handsome.” 

He grunted taking the mirror from you, then he looked himself over. Oh, I really did have nothing to worry about. He looked as he normally did, just a bit more awake and as if he had been in the sun all afternoon. He tilted his face in the light so he could see what effect that sparkly stuff had on him. He wasn’t crazy about glittering in such a way, but he wasn’t as horrified as he expected he would be.

“Aguamenti.” He heard you recite, wetting a rag for him. You took the mirror from him and set it aside, then moved towards him even closer. “Here.” With the slightest amount of pressure, you began scrubbing his face. You thought for sure he’d scowl and swat you away like a child, wanting to do it himself. But he remained yielding.

His eyes were closed as you wiped everything off of his face. He looked so peaceful. Temptation taking over, your scrubbing slowed to a halt, and you brushed your lips over his. You were only there long enough for a peck, but you could feel him lean into it. His eyes fluttered open to look at you. 

“Sorry.” You said lightly. Sebastian didn’t think you sounded sorry.

“Anything I ask, right?” His hand reached up and cupped your neck.

This time, it was you who was compliant. “Anything.”

He pushed you back on to the couch and positioned himself on top of you. Though he was in control now, he was still heavily under your spell. He kissed you deep and slow. Then brought his mouth down to your neck and started sucking sweetly. 

“Seb, you’re gonna leave a mark.” You protested weakly, reveling too much in the feel of it to push him away.

“Anything I want.” He reminded you, and continued his work.