#or treating so you have even less to ponder about as I walk around the empty house as a random girl character covered in grey paint while

[goblin-enjoyer]

Been binging some new frogger vids at the moment (i heard 6v6 is coming back soon and am sadly getting hyped) and I had a horrifying realization about two of the characters in the series. behold my madness and weep at my lack of knowledge on both troll quadrants and character interactions. I'm not a fishmonger, I wouldn't know that stuff.

[alexlwrites]

𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕

✿𝑷𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈: Jungkook x Reader

✿ 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚:  The one where everytime you get dumped you pretend that you never met the guy before to mess with their heads. To the point that if you run into them somewhere you reintroduce yourself and act like you’ve never seen each other before.

Enters fuckboy Jungkook who disappears after your night together, not knowing how much he was about to regret that choice.

✿ 𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒔:  Romance, Humor, Fluff, Angst, College AU

✿ 𝑨/𝑵: I’m truly sorry for this sad excuse of an update.

(Fanfic masterlist)

(support me on my ko-fi)

°•. ✿ .•°

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐨 - 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨��, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲, 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

(<<< part one)

“I can’t believe you’re doing this again” Jane’s voice rang through the phone as you walked down the streets towards your desired coffee spot.

You also couldn’t believe you were doing that again. You tried your best to live your life with no regrets, but men made it very hard.

“Have you seen him since he fled the crime scene?”

“Stop calling it a crime scene” you snapped.

“Well, have you?”

Your silence was enough of an answer. No, you had not seen or heard from Jungkook since he ran away from your bedroom in the dead of night, leaving behind only the smell of cologne and, funnily enough, a single sock. When you woke up that day to an empty bed, sheets crumbled and a mattress indented on the side where he had slept, all you could muster was a tired sigh of disappointment. 

And to be completely honest, you were disappointed with yourself, not Jungkook. You expected nothing less than a quick escape of him. But you should’ve known better than to hope for anything. Despite everything, you were still an idealist at heart and you thought that maybe just this once…

You shook your head obstinately. You had learned early on that no good would come from moping around for men who would never once feel any regret for their thoughtless actions and if your pain were to be always one sided, then it was better not to feel any at all. Not to dwell on it, move on, learn from it and be better. Or be worse, sometimes, as self-improvement was not always your goal.

Sometimes, you chose to listen to the tiny revengeful angel on your shoulder - who kind of sounded like Taylor Swift - that screamed for violence and vindication.

As your failed relationships started to pile up, you did reach a point where you had to wonder if you were the problem, as it was the canonical event of all 20 something women. But observation, therapy, critical thinking and hereditary pettiness brought you to the decision that it was not, in fact, your fault. At least not all of it. 

With that in mind, you left only the smallest of time slots in your booked and busy schedule to ponder and grieve over the fickle nature of boys’ interests. You had better, more important things to do, such as mindlessly scroll through Minecraft/AITA videos and save pilates routines that you were never gonna do. 

Still, in an experience intrinsically feminine, you allowed yourself a little treat to cope with the slight burn of despondency in the back of your mind. 

And so you directed yourself to the bougie coffee house near campus, hoping to drown your sorrows with an aggressively sweet and overly caffeinated drink. 

“You should slash his tires”

“Jane, please, we have talked about this.”

“You should totally slash his fucking tires!"

"Saying it louder is not gonna make me agree with you! Jane…"

Suddenly your eyes found Jungkook's across the room filled to the brim with depressed, financially irresponsible students, making you pause and hold back the urge to curl your lips in distaste. It bothered you that even with scared eyes as big as saucers and hunched shoulders to appear smaller, Jungkook still managed to look good. 

But you knew better than to let him know how much his presence and pretty face annoyed you. Boys like Jungkook only cared about having an impact on people’s life, very rarely caring if it was good or bad. He wanted a reaction out of you and you learned better than to give those away so carelessly.

So you frowned and looked away, the words practiced on your lips as you said “Some guy is staring at me.”

Jane laughed loudly on the phone “You’re a psycho, you know that?”

“I don’t know who it is, Jane, some dude” you stole a quick glance at him, finding vengeful glee at his shocked expression.

“Send me a pic of his reaction, I’m posting it on TikTok.”

You continued playing your part, ignoring your sister’s interruptions as you usually did “Of course I’m carrying a taser, Jane, I’m not an animal…”

“I’ll give you 5 bucks to tase him.”

“You know what, this coffee is not even worth the visual harassment, God I hate men…”

You walked out of the coffee house, hand empty but with a fulfilled sick sense of accomplishment as you stepped out into the street with a shit-eating grin.

“I hope you know what you’re doing” Jane said and you could hear the smile in her voice. Out of your two sisters, Jane was never the one to tell you to not do something, preferring to let you make your own mistakes.

And boy, did you. 

You left your big, beautiful, tattooed mistake behind you, ready to move on to something less prone to disappointment, such as fictional men and your Stardew Valley husband “Dont worry” you told your sister “I don’t.”.

—

“What are you doing?” Jungkook asked, left eye twitching slightly at your unbothered expression.

After your confusing exit from the coffee shop and a good amount of jabs from his friends, Jungkook had to hunt you down across campus, finding you sitting under a tree with a book in your hands, looking way too peaceful for someone who just had humiliated him.

You looked down at your book with an arched eyebrow “Kegels, clearly. Why?”

“No, I mean…” Jungkook’s frustration was rising by the second, the vein on his neck jumping out “Why are you acting like you don’t know me?”

You frowned.

 “Do I know you?” you asked, face doubtful.

“We have classes together?”

You blinked, impassive.

“We went on a date?”

A head shake.

“We slept together!”

“Nope, can’t say it rings any bells.”

That’s it. Jungkook was actually convinced you were clinically insane. 

“How can you not remember?”

“How can I remember something that never happened?”

“But it did! You’re crazy! I chased you for weeks!”

You smiled, a trap.

“So, you're, like, in love with me?” you ask, tone condescending. 

Jungkook scoffed and you weren’t sure if it was at the idea of love or loving you. “No, of course not.”

“So in this dream scenario of yours, we had sex but we weren’t together?”

“Trust me, this” he gestured between the two of you “is no dream scenario.”

“Well, aren’t you a charmer” you crossed your arms in front you, defensive “Let me get this straight. You, allegedly, chased me for weeks, but don’t really like me. Then, we had casual, out-of-relationship sex and then what? You banged my head against the headboard so hard I completely forgot about it? Your story is full of holes, my dude.”

You had to fight back the urge to smirk, energy spiking from feeding off of Jungkook’s stupefied confusion.

Nail in the coffin, you shrugged, turning your eyes back to your book “Maybe you weren’t that memorable and my mind deleted you like a childhood trauma.”

A slight left eye spasm was all the reaction you got at first, evolving to the pursing of pouty lips and the clenching of fists.

“You are insane” he said at last after seconds of turning clogs in his barely filled mind.

“Finally you said something true.”

Jungkook was equally bewildered and furious. He didn’t know what your deal was or what you were getting out of this, but your refusal to admit you had sex pissed him off deeply considering how much time and effort he put into getting you together.

“Also, I have to ask” you continued, clearly not done with your pursuit of driving him up the wall “what was your goal with this conversation? Chasing me for weeks to then sleep with me and then come here and tell me you’re not actually interested in me, but being upset when I don’t remember something that didn’t happen… What’s the point?”

Jungkook paused. Truly, he didn’t have much of an end goal in mind, actions fueled only by a bruised ego and a childish, borderline pathological need to prove himself.

When he didn’t answer, you stood up and gathered your things, keeping your head down to hide your poorly concealed satisfaction “I’ll let you ponder on that” you said “Don’t worry about reaching out with an answer, though.”

Finally, you looked up at him, face masked with faux awkwardness. “Anyway. Nice to meet you, I guess? No, actually, not really, this was weird as shit. You seem to have some things to figure out. Get help and take care, my dude.”

And so you left, leaving behind only a cloud of your bergamot perfume and a perplexed Jungkook blinking owlishly. 

There was a sudden influx of thoughts rushing through his usually much less busy mind, the general tone of confusion ringing amongst humiliation and frustration.

When Jungkook first set his greedy eyes on you, he had an inkling that you’d be a handful and in the beginning, you truly were. You took pleasure in making everything much more difficult for him, running from his presence like the plague and approaching the whole subject of him like one would the subject of warts - reluctantly and with caution.

And if he were honest, he wasn’t too sure on why he insisted, but one would be surprised at how far Jungkook would escalate things out of spite and resentment.

It was that same sick combination of flavors that drove him insane for weeks, moving him to pester you until you gave him a chance. And he took it, lord, did he take it.

That night, he made every possible effort to please you, cloaked in his best, non-ranch stained clothes and best non-arrogant behavior.

And when morning came and he opened up his eyes before you did, tired out from the epitome of his bestest behavior, there was a moment of quiet as he watched you eyelids flutter delicately, soft arm draped lightly over his waist.

The night before had been… Fun, he thought, even before you had reached your bedroom. You were weird and used a bunch of words he didn’t know, but you also made him laugh and listened to him babbling about his interest without once looking bored, even going as far as asking questions about his farfetched MCU theories.

And despite your many (too many to count, insurmountable really) differences, you had… Chemistry, one could call it. Thick chemistry, palpable tension, pushing you towards each other despite your previous attempts to go the other way.

But no amount of chemistry could break Jungkook’s routine as inertia pushed him out of your bed, practiced steps light as feathers as he escaped your apartment with one last look to your sleeping form and somehow one less sock on his feet.

And as he left, there was an undiagnosed pounding in his heart he tried to chalk off as the result of his Dorito and monster drink based diet, but his eyes kept flashing back to where you rested even when he was miles away.

He tried to make sense of your persistent presence in the back of his mind. You were cool, he’d give you that. Hot too. But it didn’t matter how your body fit his like they were manufactured together or how your passive aggressive way of flirting (or insulting, he had a hard time telling them apart with you) never failed to steal a snort from his lips. And yeah, it was kind of nice when you called him cute everytime he didn’t understand something you said. It brought a blush to his cheeks and wild butterflies to his stomach, because… Well, no one had ever called him cute after middle school. Hot? Yes. Sexy? Once a week. Biggest dick ever? Yes, both meanings.

But not cute. And deep down, under layers of aggressively oversized shirts and muscles… Jungkook kind of liked being cute.

Jungkook shook that thought away. Despite all that, you were a point he had to make.

And he did! Point proven and undisputed, up until you looked at him like he was a silly little kid throwing a tantrum (which he kind of was) and questioned him and his sanity,

But Jungkook was obstinate and, even more, the sorest of losers. He had proven himself once and would again! He was a man on a mission, he decided, watching you walk away from him while mouthing the words “I’ll pray for you!”. And the mission was to either send you into a psychiatric hospital or get you back into his bed.

And if the butterflies in his stomach fluttered excitedly at that second prospect, he didn’t allow himself to ponder on it for a single second.

°•. ✿ .•°

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[jayflrt]

𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝟕𝟖𝟔 26. the athenaeum

JAY HAD GONE THROUGH NUMEROUS INTERVIEWS IN HIS LIFE; THIS WASN'T ANYTHING HE HADN'T EXPERIENCED BEFORE.

The Athenaeum, which was the building designated for the Order members, looked grand on the outside, but it was even more magnificent on the inside. The living space was adorned with decorative sculptures and Corinthian pillars, and a spiraling staircase led to several upper levels. Jay swallowed hard when he realized that he would be living here if he was selected. That would surely make it harder to hide that he was only here for his assignment.

He walked in at 8:06 p.m. on the dot, hoping he had made the right decision, and a little anxious knot unraveled in his chest when Kim Jennie approached him with a pleased smile.

"Right this way to your interview, Jay," she said in a sweet voice, although her smile dropped as she tried to maintain a stoic expression.

In retrospect, the interview itself didn't sound too intimidating. A thirty minute interview with several people asking questions would go by quickly. But a room's worth of eyes were on him, and he felt his throat closing up. Surely, there were scarier things in the world than fifteen pretentious college students sizing him up, but Jay couldn't seem to think of anything but how stuffy the large room seemed to feel.

They were all sitting high above him, circling around the one chair in the middle of the room like a committee of vultures. They were all wearing dark cloaks with a golden wreath adorning the tops of their heads. It looked a little silly, but he tried not to stare too long at the headpieces.

Park Sungjin, Sunghoon's older brother, was seated right in the middle, eyes flitting between Jay and the sheet of paper in front of him. Jay looked around the room for a brief second, making eye contact with Jeonghan, who nearly cracked a smile before returning to looking impassive.

"Welcome to your interview, Jay," Sungjin began with an overwhelming air of authority, motioning for him to sit down. Jay cautiously took a seat, but he immediately felt swamped by everyone's gaze. "We've spent the past semester getting to know you and your accomplishments. All of us are quite familiar with your merit, but this interview is for us to get to know you on a deeper level to see if you have what it takes to be part of our next delegation."

Before Jay could even open his mouth to respond, Sungjin turned to the member to his right, asking, "Baekhyun, would you like to start us off?"

Byun Baekhyun nodded before leaning forward on his forearms. "Jay, if you could be president, during which historical event would it be?"

Jay almost gawked at him. Almost.

He treated the question as if it was any other professional interview question, though. If the Order was taking it seriously, then he had to, as well.

"Probably during the Great Depression," he answered after a few moments of pondering. "I would've done the opposite of whatever Hoover did with his laissez-faire approach, meaning more government intervention, more relief efforts, and less tariffs. Without the Great Depression, Germany probably wouldn't become fascist, so they would have no reason to form a huge army and start the second world war."

"Nice answer," Sungjin praised, which left a surge of relief flooding Jay's chest. "Jisoo?"

The pretty senior smiled coyly, scooting up in her seat to ask, "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?"

Jay seriously thought this was all some sort of sick joke. What kind of question was that? Had he been taking all of this way too seriously?

"Maybe one of those Moon Trees," he said. "I think it's pretty cool that the seeds were still viable after going to the moon and back."

Kim Taehyung was next to ask a question, clearing his throat loudly to cover up Jeonghan whispering to Xu Minghao about where they could find a Moon Tree seed.

"Jay," Taehyung started, "if you could slap any person—living or dead—who would you slap?"

Jay leaned back in his chair, taken aback by the question. Was there a correct way to go about such a question? Could he really just list any person? He could perhaps say Hitler or Stalin, but that was stupid; anyone would slap those two if they were given the choice.

He could go for a more entertaining route, but Jay's mind was currently blanking and he could only think of one person that would have been completely inappropriate to blurt out. He knew you told him to be honest, but honesty would probably do him more harm than good.

However, the seconds were ticking by, and Jay was suddenly overly-conscious of everyone's blank stares. His heart started to beat faster when he realized that everyone was waiting for him to respond.

"Park Sunghoon."

Jay didn't even realize the words actually came out of his mouth until he noticed that the room was dead silent. As if he wasn't nervous already, his blunder made his heart beat against his rib cage like a drum while his palms grew clammy.

It was over.

There was no recovering from such a royal fuck-up. Jay had to find another way to go about this mission. He would have to tell his client that he failed. Maybe he would finally be let go, but then he would have to leave—

A snicker. Then another. And another.

Soon, the entire room had burst into laughter over Jay's answer, including Park Sungjin. Although most of them still looked as if they were in disbelief, they found it absolutely hysterical.

Kim Doyeon, who was currently wiping tears from the corners of her eyes, fought down giggles as she said, "We need you to elaborate."

"Looks like your brother pissed someone off again," Oh Sehun joked, nudging Sungjin from behind.

Sungjin returned a half-grin before folding his arms across his chest and looking down at Jay. "I'd like to hear why, too."

"Uh..." Jay was floundering for an excuse, buying himself time by rubbing his nose. He surely couldn't mention anything that had gone down between Sunghoon and you, so he thought back to a previous memory with the junior. "He puked on my new shoes last semester and never acknowledged it after that. I had to clean them by hand, and he puked on them again."

More laughter chorused from the fifteen of them, and Jay felt a little relieved that he managed to come up with a believable excuse to throw them off. As dumb as their questions were, he almost got himself into trouble there.

Once Sungjin managed to calm down the rest of the members, he shot Jay an apologetic look. "Sorry about them. This is supposed to be a professional interview." He shot pointed looks around the room, but even he wasn't taking his own words seriously. "None of us have ever laughed this hard over an interview question. How about we move onto Minghao?"

Minghao, who Jay couldn't tell was smiling because of his answer about wanting to punch Sunghoon or because Jeonghan had finally shut up about the Moon Trees, straightened his back and squared his shoulders. "Jay, how would you describe the color yellow to someone who's blind? You can take your time to think about this one before you answer."

Jay frowned as he thought long and hard about Minghao's question. It wasn't that it was anything challenging to answer, but he was never really a big fan of the color yellow in the first place.

Sunshine. Dandelions. Canaries. Sunflowers.

Sunshine—but he wasn't really keen on bright, blinding sunlight. Jay more so enjoyed the yellow hues of a sunset or a sunrise. He supposed people associated the color yellow with happiness, but he couldn't really see it.

And then he thought harder about those bright yellows, wondering what it was about the vibrance that made people feel so much joy. He furrowed his brows, and then it came to him all at once.

It wasn't the sunshine itself. Sure, maybe it was a contributing factor, but he remembered that hike he went on while he was back in Washington for winter break. You were standing on a large tree root with your hands on your hips, squinting up at the brilliant sun before nearly tripping over your feet and then laughing hysterically. Something warm and joyful exploding in his chest back then, making him wish he could freeze time.

Maybe that was yellow.

"When you're sad, you say you feel blue," he responded, "so I'd tell a blind person that yellow is their happiest memory. It's like that feeling you get when you look up at the sun and feel its heat on your face, or seeing someone you care for smile really big."

(He swore he could hear Bae Joohyun cooing at his answer from the left end of the room.)

"I think we'll have to wrap this up soon because the next interview is gonna be soon," Sungjin said. "Jennie, would you like to take this one?"

"I can," she said with a nod. "Jay, can you tell me your interpretation of how the name 'Order of Kryptos' came to be?"

Rather than his mouth going dry this time, Jay was more than ready to answer this question—a real question, unlike the previous icebreakers he had been getting. He had done his research far before he even started going to networking events for the Order.

"If I remember correctly, Kryptos is in reference to the sculpture by Jim Sanborn—the one outside the CIA headquarters. It contains four messages, the first three being solved and the fourth remaining one of the most famous unsolved codes in the world," Jay explained. "The name 'Kryptos' itself is the ancient Greek word for 'hidden,' so I believe your society's goals revolve around seeking intelligence and discovering the unknown."

"And what do you think the number 786 signifies?"

"The passcode to the building?"

"Correct."

"Seven-eight-six..." he mumbled, trying to rack his brain for an answer. "The sculpture contains a total of 1,800 characters and only 768 of them are decoded. That's the only connection I can make in my head that relates to 786. Other than that, I don't really know."

Jennie smiled. "Thank you, Jay."

He swallowed thickly. Did he mess up? No, he couldn't have. Jay had been on thin ice when he said he'd punch Sunghoon, but everything else, for the most part, had gone smoothly. There was no possible way he had any idea of knowing what the passcode was for.

"That concludes your interview, Jay," Sungjin said. "We are still deciding on when we're starting Tap Week, so we'll reach out with more information once we've solidified plans. Thank you for meeting with us today."

"Thank you," Jay echoed through the dry mouth and slack tongue.

He went around giving everyone firm handshakes before walking out of the Athenaeum. Although he didn't feel like his interview went terrible, Jay had a sinking feeling that his answer about Sunghoon was going to come back to bite him.

prev | masterlist | next

SUMMARY ▸ private investigator jay park just wants to complete his mission quietly and move on with his life. you, his new assignment who keeps consuming his thoughts, don't make that very easy for him.

AUTHOR'S NOTE ▸ SORRY WILL ANSWER ASKS WHEN I WAKE UP! so eepy rn

TAG LIST ▸ @zdgx1 @smouches @heesdazed @teawithbucky @leep0ems @peachpie4you @niniissus @kgneptun @jaeyunluvr @hooniesuniverse @zerasari @enhalov @sophiko22 @iselltulips @hoondiors @baekhyunstruly @jays-property @woninluv @heerinnie @fakeuwus @yizhoutv @en-happiness @theothernads @y4wnjunz @dammit-jjk @en-happiness @mari-oclock @enhypens-baby @soonyoungblr @jakeslvt @taetaenic @jebetwo @fairysungx @hsgwrld @shmooooo @ineedsomezzz @mrowwww @enha-stars @isawritesss @seongclb @lockburn-castle @alyssajavenss @enczen @calumsfringe @w3bqrl @luvyev @uhsakusa @luvnicho @wildflowermooon @navsnct

[pasta-in-the-pudding]

CORPSE BRIDE CREEPYPASTA AU

Part 1~ With this ring, I ask you to be mine

Summary: Basically the Corpse Bride movie except with Toby and Y/n (and also some creative liberties >:D)

Credits: The Corpse Bride- Tim Burton, Ticci Toby- Creepypasta, Divider- @ wcnbear

A/n: IM FINALLY BACK ARGHHH!!! IM SO EXCITED TO GET WRITING AGAIN I'VE MISSED THIS SO MUCH! Thank you to everyone who was so patient with me whilst i took this break from the blog, and i hope you all like this little (long awaited) treat!! I will also be putting out all of the other requests in my inbox either with this series or shortly after, so if you've sent in a request be on the look out!

Part 1 (you're here!) Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Clop clop clop clop....The sound of the horses pulling the carriage along a stone road rang within Toby's mind. Today he was meeting his to-be bride for the first time in order to rehearse the wedding. It wasn't too uncommon, to not know who your spouse is before you marry them in this time. His fiancé came from a powerful and respected family, and his family owned multiple businesses putting them well off financially. It was normal to marry for gaining something and not for love, and yet Toby couldn't help but feel nervous. He tried to imagine what his wife might look like. Maybe she'd have a soft face and long eyelashes. Or maybe curly hair and a pointed nose? He then pondered what her personality might be like. He hoped for a kind, caring woman, but couldn't help the nagging voice in the back of his mind telling him she could be cruel and couldn't care less about him as her husband.

His thoughts came to an end as the horses abruptly stopped and he heard the coach's coughing get closer to the door. His mother gave him a quick look over, a straightening of his collar and a pat on the cheek before getting out of the carriage along with his father. Toby hesitated for a moment before stepping out and looking at the home in front of him. It was big, not as big as his house, but it looked bigger than it was due to the lack of furniture taking up any room. He was ushered inside by the butler who answered the door, and handed his coat off to be hung up. He walked with his parents along a hallway until something caught his eye, a piano in the middle of the room. As everyone else walked ahead, he hung back and gazed at the piano. He'd learned to play it at a very young age, with the help of a hired teacher. Playing now brought him a sense of comfort and nostalgia, and before he knew it, his feet were moving to the seat and his fingers were on the keys playing one of the first songs he'd learned. It came to him as easily as breathing, and it helped calm the nerves that had been growing since this morning.

Upstairs, a young girl by the name of Natalie sat at her vanity getting ready for her first meeting with her fiancé. She had long since had her hair and dressing done, and was now putting the finishing touches on her hair when she heard a piano being played. The noise shocked her and she stopped mid tuck of a lock of hair. She couldn't recall the last time that piano was used, not that she hadn't wanted to of course, but her mother forbade it. She didn't even know it still played properly and before she knew it, her curiosity had gotten the better of her and she was making her way down stairs.

She comes to stand by a young man, who she assumes to be her future husband. (What other man around her age would be here on the day of their wedding's rehearsal?) He seems very immersed in the song he is playing, and she decides not to stop him. Why would she? She's longed to play that piano since she was a child. Unfortunately, he sees her out of the corner of his eye and jumps, making him mess up a note. He immediately stands up and smooths his suit out, trying to stammer out an apology. "Forgive me, I-" She presses a finger to his lips "No, it's alright...You play beautifully" Natalie says bashfully. Toby goes quiet for a moment before muttering a "Thank you". Natalie crosses her hands over her dress and begins to sway back and forth nervously. "You must be Tobias." Toby nods and fidgets with his fingers. "And you, Natalie" She nods. "Tomorrow, we are to be....." He trails off and she finishes it expectantly "Married?" He lets out a nervous chuckle and nods. She sighs and takes a seat on the piano's bench. "I've never cared for marriage, ever since I was small all I wanted to do was live alone. Strange for a woman, isn't it?" Toby absentmindedly agrees, "Yes, well....No!! Not-not strange at all!" Natalie lets out a small smile at his nervousness, "Well, if my husband to be doesn't think so, I think that is a good sign." Toby also begins to smile and offers his hand to her. As she takes it, the door down the hallway that his parents disappeared to opens. "Good heavens! A young lady and gentleman such as yourselves have no reason to be alone together! Into the room, both of you!"

At the sight of her mother, Natalie quickly drops her hand to her side and hangs her head as she walks to the rehearsal room, followed shortly by Toby.

Now dear readers, let us understand something. Back in the day, mental disorders weren't all that well understood or accepted. And Toby having Tourette's Syndrome is seen at the very least as him being rude. With something as delicate as wedding vows, even a stutter can ruin the whole thing, especially in the Victorian era. So when Toby is an anxious wreck, and he has Tourette's Syndrome, and it's the Victorian era, AND his fiancé's parents are terrifying, he is BOUND to mess things up. And this is exactly what happens.

Almost three hours later, they are still practicing the vows. Not even the rest of the ceremony, only the vows. No matter what he does, Toby just can't seem to get it right. He either stutters too long, tics in the middle of them (honestly kind of rare), draws a blank, etc. The priest's patience is growing very thin, and everyone is tired of being there. "Again, from the top!" The priest exclaims, motioning to Toby. Toby clears his throat and wipes the sweat off his palms. "Right, er. With this candle.." He leans down to light his candle, but it doesn't seem to want to light anymore. He giggles nervously "Um, this candle...." He says as he desperately tries to light it again. A deep sigh comes from the priest as Toby finally manages to get it lit up. "With this candle I shall- ack!!" He is cut off as a particularly painful tic goes through his whole body, causing him to tense up abruptly and subsequently, throw the candle off behind him somewhere. The next thing he hears is a scream and people clamoring around his future mother in law. He turns to see where the candle landed, only for his face to drop in pure horror as he realizes that he has just caught his mother in law's dress on fire. He completely freezes in shock and everyone seems to miss a strange man coming into the room, grabbing the cup of wine on the altar behind the couple and dumping it on the fire, putting an end to all the panic.

The attention turns to this strange man as he begins to speak. "It appears I'm a day early for the ceremony, my deepest apologies" He says as he takes Natalie's mother's hand and kisses it politely. Natalie's father raises a brow "Right, and who are you supposed to be again?" The man stands and looks to the other "Ah, forgive me. Lord Nyras. Jack Nyras, sir" He says, handing the man his hand to shake. Natalie's father takes it with a hint of suspicion and leans over to his wife to whisper. "Is he from your end of the family?" She thinks for a moment before responding "I don't recall!" Jack takes a seat in an empty seat and waves his hand "Please, do continue." The priest bangs his fist on the table and exclaims "Absolutely not! This wedding cannot take place until the boy learns his vows!" All attention is turned to Toby again as the priest continues "If not, I simply can't marry you. I don't want to see you again until you can recite them perfectly without a stammer in between, boy." At this point, everyone is looking at Toby angrily, even Natalie has a hint of disappointment in her eyes. He rushes for the door, he needs to go out for a walk and clear his mind if he wants any chance of being married tomorrow.

It is now late into the night and Toby has been wandering around the woods, trying to recite his vows perfectly. He comes to a clearing, where he pulls out the ring and ponders for a moment. Natalie looked so excited when he mentioned that he didn't mind her not really wanting to get married. If he can't pull it off, then she may get paired up with someone else who expects her to be "the perfect wife", cooking, cleaning and raising children. A miserable existence for her, he thinks. And with that, a sudden burst of inspiration bursts through him. He will recite his vows so perfectly, God himself will be shocked! Even if he and Natalie don't come to love each other, he may be the closest bet for freedom she gets. He looks around the clearing for a moment before finding a suitably shaped branch that looks just enough like a hand so he can practice. "With this hand, I shall lift your sorrows" He proclaims "Your cup shall never empty, for I shall be your wine" He snaps a twig off of a near by branch as a make shift candle "With this candle I shall light your way in darkness." He kneels down and slips the ring onto the hand shaped branch. "With this ring, I ask you to be mine."

Immediately he got a gut feeling. Something was wrong. Every instinct in him was telling him to get out of there as quickly as possible, and he understood why when the branch began to crackle and move, and gripped his arm. He let out a panicked scream and yanked his arm free, pulling the "branch" with it. As he tried to shake it off, a person was emerging from the ground. Their clothes were tattered and torn, but were clearly once white. Their skin had a green undertone to it, at least, what little skin they had left. As their face came into view all Toby heard was a whispered "I do." Toby's mouth fell open and he got to his feet and ran back for the town as he finally freed himself of the arm gripping onto him. Even though he was full on running and they seemed to only be walking, they seemed to always be only a step or two behind him. Finally as he got to the bridge, he turned to look where they were and, gone. They were no where to be found. As he was going to turn around to catch his breath, he was shocked to be met with the exact face he had been running from.

Their arms came to wrap around his neck as they whispered "You may now kiss" The last thing he remembers is the world seeming to swirl around him before fading to black.

[casterousaudrey]

Healing Touch

Word Count: 2k

Pairing: Astarion/Cleric!Tav!reader

Theme: tooth rotting fluff, some religious themes due to reader being a cleric.

Note: I think I made the reader and Astarion too obsessed with each other.. but in a good way!! Also this was inspired by the time I gave offerings in the stromshore tabernacle and I just see the 'Astarion disapproves', what the flip man! Sorry to those who were waiting for this, It took a while because of my busy sched!

"I’m never going to accept any kind of healing that doesn't end with a kiss after"

Fighting with Astarion never escalated far. It was usually just small jabs at each other or teasing gone too far but then there are times like these when neither one of you would back down it just kept making the fight more heated.

"I bring you once. One time to the stormshore tabernacle, and you can't even hold your tongue when I'm trying to commune with my God!"

"I just thought that you weren't the type to bow down to anyone, my dear."

"I'm a cleric, Astarion! Yes, I'm a devoted worshiper to my God and they give me strength! Apparently, strength I need to deal with you!" 

Astarion sneers and crosses his arms at you. Worshipping another being doesn't exactly sit well with him, he feels that it controls you and makes you too dependent on them. It was probably due to how Cazador treated him but in his mind, any being asking for worship was self-admiring.

"You have your own strength, darling. So pardon me if I don't think you need some God for that."

"It's not that I don't trust my skills, Astarion. I worship my God because I choose to. Was it too much of me to ask my lover to respect that holy place? If not for the Gods then at least for me!"

At this point, you were screaming your lungs out not caring that the others in camp were glancing at the commotion. This wasn't the first Astarion had expressed his distaste for your faith, it never escalated this far because you tried to understand his situation with Cazador and all. But the constant disapproving stare and look of disgust, whenever you would pray to your God or gather some offerings to bring to the stormshore Tabernacle slowly, got to you.

After all the times you saved him from life-threatening wounds, you thought that maybe he'd warm up to your faith- but he remained unshaken. 

"I'm going to take a walk... It's better if you don't follow me for now....., dearest" Your heart jumps a little at the nickname but then anger eventually pops your lovesick bubble. Astarion gets up and leaves camp, his definition of laying off steam was to walk through the woods and terrorize whatever animal crosses his path. You were about to say something about how you were the one who was supposed to storm off but instead, you held your tongue and went back to your tent making sure to close the opening. 

You loved Astarion- and there is no doubt in your heart that he loves you too, but you didn't want to have to choose between faith and love because you believed that they are the main pillars that keep your spirit strong.

~~~

As Astarion was walking through the woods he reminisced about the argument you both had, he couldn't understand why anyone would worship a being without being sure that they'd get a reward in return. The only thing close to God he had in his life was Cazador- oh and how much he wanted to rip his face apart.

Astarion ponders all of this unaware he is dangerously close to enemy territory and suddenly senses another presence- maybe four around the trees. "If you're going to spy on me all day at least make it less obvious" Just then two goblins jump down from the tree, their weapons craving for blood. 

"Hells, there must be quite a bounty on my head" Astarion smiles as he brings his weapons out. He strikes at the first goblin. "You fiends are making this stress reliever way easier for me. I can do this all day!" Astarion did occasionally love the thrill of the hunt, especially when he gets something in return. A thought comes across his mind that he feels rather... alone in this fight, although he could handle this on his own he couldn't help but crave your helping hand and your smile that shines when he saves you from danger. 

Unfortunately, Astarion didn't realize how distracted he was until one of the goblins blew a horn, a signal for backup.

 "Well, shit.."

Astarion killed the first two goblins but he sees backup quickly replacing them. The grip on his dagger tightened, this was supposed to be a nice relaxing walk to calm down or even hunt for other creatures. He guesses that trouble always did find a way to follow him. 

The goblins fall one by one but not after Astarion gets injured by their bows, axes, and maces. As the last goblin loses, Astarion clutches his side. He was hurt and it's been so long since he's felt hurt in combat, his mind jumps again to your hands that always healed him at an instant or your ability to heal the entire team within seconds. God, he really missed you- he didn't even feel angry anymore, he just wanted to be in your arms as you kiss every part of his injuries after you healed it. 

Just then he hears a footstep, and he groans in annoyance, more of this and he'd actually collapse- either from his injuries or his need to hold you again, he isn't sure. 

"Look if you're looking for gold, you're out of luck..."

"Oh Gods.. what happened?"

He quickly glances to his side where the figure had approached from where he was sitting. Astarion half expected it to be you, The thought of you running after him made him smile but then it quickly disappeared when he realized the fact that the female human in front of him may be a cleric but it wasn't his beloved cleric.

"We should get you back to the church! They'll help heal your wounds!"

"As kind as your offer is, I'm afraid I have to decline. I can't these injuries for myse-" Just as Astarion tries to stand up, he feels pain in his side. He now just felt annoyed that he was displaying this kind of weakness to some stranger.

"Nonsense! I'll help bring you there!" The cleric smiles as she wraps Astarions arm across her shoulder. Astarion couldn't protest as much because of his condition but he'd be damned if he'll let himself get healed by some cleric.

~~~

The sun was about to set and Astarion still hadn't come back to camp. You were getting worried, you weren't even mad at him anymore you just wanted him safe and back in your arms. You really did fall hard for this man. 

"Hey soldier... are you okay?" Karlach has seen you pacing back and forth all over camp, fiddling your weapon nervously, and even stress-eating your favorite sweets. 

"Yeah, sorry if I'm being all jittery today it's just.."

"Astarion, yeah I know how much you care about each other. I'm sure he'll come back safe!"

"Thank you, Karlach. You're the best" 

You softly smile at her as she waves and walks back to her tent. Just then you hear Gale laughing walking towards you, he just came back from town to fetch new ingredients for tonight's meal. He always loved cooking for the group.

"Ok you won't believe what happened"

"Spit it out, Gale. What's gotten into you?"

"Ok, so I was walking around the city and I stopped by the church. Guess who I saw there sneering at every cleric on-site..."

"No..."

"Astarion! Gods, if you saw the furrowed brows of the clerics trying to help him you'd laugh too"

"He's hurt?!"

"Not badly, I came to tell you about it. Figured the only cleric he'd let touch him was you"

You started to flush but quickly remembered that your partner was hurt. "Oh Gods, I need to go there Gale before he loses his mind. We'll be back for dinner!" You grabbed a few of your belongings, as well as some healing ingredients, and sprinted out. You wave quickly at the others before reaching the path to the church.

You have no idea why you were nervous to see Astarion, you see each other every day and sometimes even every night. You were scared if you got there and he was still mad at you. You push those thoughts away because all you wanted was to see and help him (maybe to also give him a little smooch but you won't tell him that).

As you open the door you hear the clatter of equipment being thrown to the ground, You greet the other people you know at church as you hear another glass breaking. You already know who would be acting hysterical in a church so you followed the sound and opened the door to reveal your one and only lover sitting up on a bed and a cleric who had been trying to help him.

"Oh sorry ma'am but this section is strictly forbidden to outsiders"

"It's ok I'm a cleric, and he's my husband"

"Oh well... if that's the case I can hand his case to you!"

The female cleric quickly picked up her equipment and left the room, she seemed a little too eager to finally leave. You turn to face Astarion whose eyes are already on you, his lips curled to a smile- at least you know he isn't mad.

"Husband? You could at least take me out for dinner first, darling"

"Oh hush, that was one of the only peaceful to get her to leave us alone"

The other beds in the room were surprisingly empty, leaving the both of you alone. You walked towards his bed as you set your bag on the side table. You place yourself in between his legs as you softly caress his face with your hands.

"How's my favorite vampire doing"

"Better now that you're here.... look darling, I just wanted to apologize for my actions earlier. It was completely uncalled for. The closest thing to a God I knew was Cazador... you saw firsthand how much I hate the beast.. but I also understand that it wasn't like that for you, I can live with you being faithful to a God and it also makes you kind, sometimes too kind"

"Too kind, eh? Maybe I should just leave your injuries unattended then"

"I would appreciate it if you won't"

You laugh softly at him as you place a kiss on his lips and at his lashes. You've always loved his eyes and how easily you could get lost in them. Astarions hands were on your waist as you lifted his shirt to finally tend to his wounds.

"I'm also sorry for screaming at you. Wasn't very kind of me to do... but also you were an ass"

"What an apology, my dear"

"Only the best for you"

Still in his hold, you grab a few medicines in your bag and quickly healed him with your magic. In no time Astarion was all healed, all that was left was to clean his bloodied clothing. You loved times like this- intimate and calm, You thank your God for the power to help him because he does get into trouble quite often.

"And there, you're all set. We can go back to camp now if you want"

"It still hurts right here, love" 

You glanced at where his fingers were pointing only for it to be pointed at his lips. "Want me to kiss it better?"

"I wouldn't want nothing more, my sweet"

You chuckle as you kiss him on his lips. Even before you got together he always had this flirtatious attitude, you could argue that it only became more frequent when you got together. Always the charmer.

"Now let's go home before the others get worried" He released his hold on your hips as he stood up and stretched a bit. "Anything you say, darling"

"Why didn't you want to get healed by the other clerics?"

"Oh well they aren't as attractive, strong, smart, and quick-witted as you.... besides"

Astarion turns to you holding both of your hands in his as you look him in the eye. 

"You're my one and only cleric. I’m never going to accept any kind of healing that doesn't end with a kiss after"

"You could ask Shadowheart next time"

"Ughh don't even get me started, I was trying to be romantic..."

Taglist: @severusminerva, @sarahskywalker-amadala, @ghostinvenus, @veethewriter. Hope you guys enjoyed this!! xoxo

[utterdisaster1]

Year One

Pairing: Sirius Black x male!reader So after this, we're going straight into pining, romance, teenager phase. There will be a time skip, I think 5th year. TW: mentions of food and eating, mentions of bullying and homophobia, the f-slur and related terms (not in the magical world though). Use of Y/N.

After, more or less arduous journey to London, which gave you plenty of time to ponder why some professor couldn't just come and apparate you to the castle, like Professor McGonnagal did to Diagon Alley, you finally found yourself at the King's Cross.

You didn't know how to feel about being instructed to "run through the wall of the third archway". On one hand, you were certain Professor McGonagall wouldn't play a practical joke on you, but on the other, she would be the perfect person to fool someone, because who would expect a prank from her?

Your parents weren't of much help either. A parent rather, your father couldn't take the time off. Clearly, there is a difference between acknonwledgement and acceptance, one you hadn't picked up on during the Professor's initial visit. Neither of them wanted to talk about it much.

Whether it was your recount of the trip to Diagon Alley or things you had read in books up until that point, of which you bought much more than expected, they would say, "It's not like it applies to us, honey. Let's go an a walk or let's watch some telly".

At Professor's querying look when you came up with a giant stack of books, you just said, "When one doesn't know anything, there's everything to learn." And you very much intended to know everything.

I mean, it's magic. Not tricks one may see at some fair or circus, but an actual power to change reality as you see it. How could you be satisfied with just the bare minimum profficiency in the first-year curriculum?

The possesion of magic was enough to make the normal world seem bleak in comparison. But what also sparked your interest was when you saw two women walking hand in hand in the Alley, clearly having an amorous conversation. At your look, which you hoped didn't give the wrong impression, the Professor said "The wizarding people don't concern themselves with notions of sexual preferences nearly as much as many muggles do. Relationships between people of the same sex are treated exactly as those between the opposite sex. We see no difference."

When you heard that, you wanted to cry. Could you have grown up like that? Without people calling you a faggot or a poof. Not that you ever expressed any interest in a boy openly. There were one or two small, innocent crushes, when simply being around them made butterflies fly in your stomach, but you never told anyone. You couldn't.

It wasn't that long ago that they decriminalised homosexuality, after all. You were six when they legalised it. The first time you were beaten up for "your poofness" you were five.

And again, it's not like you made any advances on another boy. It was either your face "looking gay", your weird behaviour, or maybe being one of the smaller kids in your year, and the slurs were just added in for further humiliation.

But now you were going somewhere where it wouldn't matter. So crashing into a pillar wasn't a bad price to pay for that. After one more look at your mum, you ran into the wall.

Fortunately you didn't crash. After a quick sensation you couldn't quite describe, you found yourself on a lively platform filled with eccentrically dressed people, similar to how they dressed in Diagon Alley. There was also a bright red steam locomotive: with "Hogwarts Express" engraved on the front of it. Everything was just magnificent.

You didn't even register your mum appearing next to you. But after a moment of silent awe, you pulled yourself together and went on. Seeing some kids with carts full of suitcases you were glad that Professor McGonagall had recommended buying a single trunk with extension charms on it. It barely weighed anything, which was a very significant advantage as well.

You wished you had gotten a heartfelt goodbye, but your mum seemed more overwhelmed by her surroundings than by the fact the soonest she would see you would be in three months. Maybe she still hadn't registered the fact.

Still, your hug was returned, and got you a kiss on your forehead, along with a "Stay safe and behave", before boarding the train.

You entered the first empty compartment you found. You were quite convinced you didn't want to intrude on a group of already existing friends, or worse, possible bullies. You quickly sat down and took out your book on protective charms and enchantments.

Seeing that you now actually had an opportunity to practice the spells, you immediately immersed yourself in training, your breath hitching every time you saw your wand actually perform the spell. You didn't even notice the train taking off.

But you did register being interrupted by two kids, first-years by the looks of it. One had dark red hair, startingly green eyes, and freckles on her pale skin. The other was a scrawny boy with greasy, shoulder-length hair and a scowl on his face. He clearly wanted to go further down the cart, but the girl said "Come one Severus, it's the first one that isn't full," and soon enough turned to you. "Hi, my name is Lily Evans, and this is Severus Snape. Could we join you?"

You simply nodded and said 'Y/N L/N', with your thoughts more focused on why the notice-me-not charm you had placed earlier had stopped working on your compartment door.

The girl continued, "You wouldn't believe what sort of buffoons we met earlier. So self-conceited and arrogant... I mean, why would you insult a stranger you've barely met!? I'll pray not to end up in the same house as either of them!"

"Well, I'm sorry that happened to you" you said quietly.

The boy hadn't said anything yet, but he did sit down next to the Evans girl, so you assumed they were both going to stay. At some point, she started talking about phones, or rather how much more convenient it would be if they just installed some phone booths outside so she could call her family instead of sending letters by owl.

"Yeah, I wondered the same thing," you interjeccted and silently added "Not that they would get what I'm talking about anyway; they seem weirded out by anything that has to do with the school."

"My sister's weirded out too," she responded with a tone that seemed to imply some deeper emotions. But she quickly asked "Are you from a normal- I mean, Muggle family too?"

"Yeah," you replied. "I assume you are as well"

The boy gave you a sharp look, apparently displeased with the attention you were receiving, and said, "Congratulations on stating the obvious"

"That's rude, Severus" Lily said.

He huffed but didn't say anything further, though whenever she wasn't looking, he would send you a glare, sometimes accompanied by a sneer.

Despite the shadow of despair that the boy seemed to be, you connected well with Lily. Being Muggle-borns, there were many experiences you shared, as well as a particular interest in the subject of Charms. You both received a visit from Professor McGonagall and quite agreed that you wouldn't want to do anything to incur her ire.

When the train finally arrived at Hogsmeade Station, things moved quickly. One moment you were on the platform, then, sooner than you realised, you were sailing on a boat to the castle. The castle was gorgeous and took the breath away from most, if not all, first-years present.

Then you were guided by the Headmistress towards a waiting chamber, given a speech about the houses, responsibility and consequences, and a few minutes later, you entered the Great Hall.

You wondered if you had any lungs left, considering how many times it seemed you could barely breathe that day.

The Hall could only be described as grandiose. "Impressive" or "grand" really wouldn't do justice to the beauty of your surroundings.

After listening to a song from a battered hat, it was time for the sorting. When your turn came, you quickly went up the stairs and put the hat on.

Interesting. Very interesting. So many qualities. A strong desire to learn, an abundance of curiosity. But I see there's something you want even more. To belong. To find people who will stand with you, not against you. And there's protectiveness as well. You're willing to fight for those you love, for what you believe is right. I think I know... Better be...GRYFFINDOR!!!

You were quite surprised, but not disappointed. They seemed like a nice group to be a part of.

You sat down next to a blonde-haired girl, and she quickly introduced herself. "Marlene McKinnon, nice to meet you"

"Y/N L/N, nice to meet you too," you responded.

After the sorting was done, and everyone was free to talk and eat as much as they wanted, you had more opportunities to get to know your housemates.

You already knew Lily, and by the stink eye she was giving two particular boys, you assumed they were the "buffoons" she mentioned earlier. One of them, with unruly dark hair, glasses, and a very loud voice, you learned, was James Potter. The other, with aristocratic looks, high cheekbones, a little haughy look that was tempered by a smile, and grey eyes that seemed to glimmer like stones underwater in sunlight, was Sirius Black.

You knew they would be trouble after their description from Lily. But what you didn't expect were the butterflies you felt in your stomach when Sirius turned to you, introducing himself and exchanging a brief conversation.

No. You were not going to be saddled with a crush on your dormmate. Not possible. And on your first day already. It had been going so well. You remembered the mess you were around the boy in your year 5 at your previous school, the simultaneous pull to him mixed with a fear of him noticing.

It will pass. You will make it pass. I mean, you barely knew him. If you can make an animal from a pebble, there must be a spell to just get rid of such a miniscule thing as a crush. There must be.

______________________________________________________________

Weeks passed, and you had not found the spell. But you didn't really need to. You were only 11 years old, after all; the hormonal storm was yet to come, so it wasn't that hard to fucus on other matters with the abundance of things to do.

Schoolwork was the primary focus. You had read up on a lot before the term started, but there was still so much more. Potions, the particular bane of your existence, was what you had to work on the most. Any wand-work came to you naturally, often earning praise and acknowledgement from your professors. History of Magic was a good time to take a nap, you had neutral feelings towards Herbology, and Astronomy, despite the late hour, was wonderful in its own right.

Another thing taking up your time was dealing with the prejudiced, fascist vipers from Slytherin House. Apparently, being a Gryffindor and a mudblood made you a favourable target. It was a good thing you had experience with bullies and that you instinctivelly picked up books on protection spells first. Apparently, a succesful protego performed by a first-year was a rare occurence, so they hadn't expected it. And living with James Potter also gave you access to books on hexes more than effective for fighting back.

What allowed you to resist the most, though, was what the hat had predicted for you. You and your dormmates quickly became close - mischief being both a bonding experience and something too fun to resist.

James Potter would have become your friend even if you had resisted with all your might. The boy had a certain pull to him. He was like the shining sun - whenever he walked into a room, he managed to capture everyone's attention. He was friendly to you from the get-go, but it was the moment he witnessed you repel a hex sent at the two of you with ease that you truly gained his attention and admiration. His curiosity turned towards protectiveness, which quickly developed into a genuine friendship that you would never think of rejecting.

Remus Lupin was quiet and subdued. He had an air of fear and shyness around him that you could relate to. It was palpable he was trying to keep his distance from all four of you. You didn't have the flair of James Potter, but after one serendipitious meeting in the library followed by a shared study session, it became a regular occurence. You were inviting and never pushed him beyond what he was willing to share, and over time, a clear fondness developed between you both.

Peter Pettigrew came as a package deal with James, really. Usually content to listen and nod along, it took you a while to actually get to know him. Surprisingly, it was chess that allowed you two to actually develop a friendship. He was shockingly good and practically pulverised you in most cases, but the time you spent together allowed you to get to know each other, and over time, you didn't need James to have something to talk about.

And then there was Sirius Black. In the dorm, he was everything - funny, teasing and entertaining. But whenever you left the dorm, he would be at the farthest distance possible away from you. You understood why. The howlers he received left no doubt as to his family's stance on blood purity and status. To them, you were the lowest of scum, sullying the earth you dared to step on. And with serpent eyes tracking his every move, particularly from a girl with a perpetual look of distaste, it was clear that his parents were being informed about all his activities in detail.

Now, when it came to your feelings, you spent one evening pondering on them and came to a conclusion - you appreciated his appearance, there was no doubt about that. He was pretty, and it was pleasant to look at him, like it's pleasant to look at art too; there's nothing abnormal about that. He was a friend, even if a concealed one. Being his friend felt nice, much nicer than having a crush.

Living with him helped you get used to his presence, and soon there was no fluttering in your stomach or slight blush on your cheeks whenever you talked with him. You were a kid, romantic feelings were easily avoidable and fickle if present in the first place.

Together, you and the other Gryffindor first-year boys created a force to be reckoned with.

Of course, the scope of your abilities was limited. There are only so many spells, potions and schemes an 11-year-old minds are capable of. But with each prank, your drive to outdo the previous one pushed you further.

All that however, made things with your other friend - Lily Evans, difficult. You cared for her friendship. You two could relate with each other in ways you couldn't with any of the boys. None of them were Muggle-borns; the closest relation was Remus's mum, who was a Muggle-born herself. There was also Mary Macdonald in Gryffindor, but she was definitely not in a place where she was ready to befriend a boy, much to your dismay, because she seemed like great fun.

So, you tried to balance things with Lily and swore to try to sway the boys away from Snape. And you did try, but it was quite difficult.

He was a git. No other way to put it. Well, there's many other ways to put it actually - unpleasant, greasy, rude, strident, oily - many adjectives, none of which were appreciated by Lily.

The only friend of yours she tolerated was Remus. So, you made it a point to include her in your study sessions.

Remus was uncertain at first. But Lily was nice, and after offering him a bar of chocolate to share (in secret from madam Pince, of course), he gave her a chance and gradually got used to her presence. He even started engaging with her in discussions about literature, a shared interest. Over time, he even started to show his more cheeky side, with friendly banter developed between the three of you.

The other thing about Remus was his secret he went to great lengths to hide. Maybe, if it had been just you living with him, he might have managed to conceal it for longer. After all, werewolves were not high on your list of priorities to research. But with three magically-raised boys present, after the February full moon, there was no denying it. When the four of you discussed it in your dorm, having casted all sorts of silencing and privacy charms while Remus was recovering in the infirmary, the other three seemed startled, each on some level. Peter was outright freaked out, James was jittery, and Sirius was at a loss for words—a concerning sign, given that his voice was usually constant unless he was sleeping, and sometimes not even then.

You suspected it the least, and yet, reacted the calmest. And for someone who claimed he knew since november, James seemed really torn about what to do next.

It wasn't a matter of sticking by Remus - well maybe a little for Peter - but overall, the challenge was dealing with the whole ordeal. "How do we tell him we know? How do we help him? Should we tell him anything?"

You settled on subtlety. The plan was simple: mention the subject "casually", show support, and then quickly move on to a different topic. Simple.

But Remus was way too smart, and soon enough, he began retreating from you. You started catching him sleeping in the common room and could barely get a word in between classes, as he somehow always had a place to be or homework to do. So you had to take extreme measures.

One day, after letting him avoid all four of you, you waited until he returned to the dorm to take a shower. You went in while he was in the bathroom, locked the door, again casted all known privacy and silencing charms and waited to ambush him with support and love.

So that's what you did. The moment he exited the bathroom and saw all four of you, he knew what it was about. He went to the door, but it wouldn't budge, and you made sure a simple alohomora would not even make the lock stir.

That evening involved a lot of screaming, tears, crying and finally, hugs.

"S- So, you- you really- you don't mind? I'm a monster" he said, with tears streaming down to the floor.

"Of course we don't Rem. You're our friend." said James.

At that he only cried more. James hugged him first, followed by the rest of you. Ultimatelly, you all woke up with back pain from sleeping huddled up together on the floor, but closer than ever.

______________________________________________________________

The Christmas and Easter holidays you spent back home were uneventful. You were asked if you were doing well at school, and upon affirming, you were not pressed further. You didn’t even get the chance to talk about how Professor McGonagall had called you a prodigy, or how you had successfully cast some NEWT-level charms already. Nothing about your victories in the school dueling club. You didn’t get to complain about Potions or History. You were told to stick with the story your parents had concocted while you were away—that you were attending a boarding school in Scotland and that there was nothing special about it.

Your time at home only made you realise how little at home you actually felt. The forest was your reprieve. Beatrice the doe was always friendlier in the winter, knowing you'd have some extra carrots or other snacks for her. Nature didn't judge you, didn't silence you. You were in perfect symbiosis with it. You respected it and received respect in return.

So, it was no surprise that the last week of the school year was one of your worst. You wouldn’t see any of your friends over the holidays and didn’t have any friends to return to. You wouldn’t be able to talk with anybody about school, the latest issue of Transfiguration Today, or about Hippogriffs and Bowtruckles.

You could only cling to hope that the letters you all promised to send each other would be enough, or that they would at least pick your mood up a little bit.

The day before the ride back, you were sitting alone by the Black Lake, right next to the Forbidden Forest, where you knew no one ventured for fear of being kidnapped by centaurs or acromantulas. But that day, you heard a twig snap behind you and saw Sirius standing there.

Your sulking hadn’t made you blind to your surroundings. He clearly was doing even worse than you, and from his sparse stories about his home life, you knew why.

Neither of you said anything. He simply sat next to you, leaning against the same tree, and took your hand. You stayed there together until the sunset.

When you stood up, he held on, keeping you from leaving, and said, “I’ll miss you, and I can’t wait to see you in September. I won’t be able to say goodbye tomorrow, since-” he clearly didn’t want to mention his family, and you understood that.

"I will miss you too. Maybe we can write letters to each other" you responded.

He was going to refuse, knowing the risk of his mother reading his mail, but you quickly added, “I won’t send any. I’ll just save them up and give them to you when we see each other in september. You can do the same.” and then you hastily added, “If you want to, that is. I don’t want to pressure you into anything, I just-”

He interrupted you with a laugh followed by a tight hug. “I’ll write to you too.”

After that, you went on your way to the castle, while he waited a little while before returning. You both knew he couldn’t risk anyone from his family finding out he was spending time with a Mudblood, especially when there would be no time for tempers to cool down.

The only thing on your mind now, though, was the flutter of butterflies that erupted inside you the moment he hugged you and the tingling you still felt in the hand he had held.

[seuonji]

night shift ★彡 xu minghao

xu minghao x yn ln

彡when yn’s juniors finds trouble with some fellow college mates, yn goes through mountains just to get them justice, even if it means needing to infiltrate and make friends with the most intimidating clique on campus.

masterlist

#11 monopoly! | #12 an easy man! | #13 kuromi pic!

notes: there’s a writing part under the cut! (1.7k words)

you stood infront of the door not knowing what to expect. you could hear the faint party music despite being outside, it felt like this was the type of situation that would end up with the house getting raided by the police. if that wasn’t unsettling enough, this was an apartment unit, surely they were getting noise complaints?

but you couldn’t care less, all you cared about was getting whatever gossip you needed. for vernon, right? ironically you wanted this so called mission to be over with just so that jeonghan could get off your ass.

you knocked the pale white door and waited for a response and luckily the response came quick as the door swung open.

unfortunately, much to your dismay it just had to be soonyoung that opened it.

you hadn’t quite forgave him for the things he said about joshua but you had to get over it.

“yn?” soonyoung quietly screeched out of shock yet he had a smile on.

he seemed to be already by the door and he had the typical red cup in his hand. he was in the middle of a conversation with another guy but they didn’t treat you like a stranger. “oh? the vice?” the friend tilted his head as he moved to the side so that you could walk in.

“hi! my names yn!” you introduced yourself as if they didn’t know who you were.

the friend smiled as he replied, “i’m seokmin.”

“i didn’t know you were coming today!” soonyoung patted your back, “do you need help getting around or are you with someone?”

“uhm well—“

you got cut off by a tap on your shoulder. “yn,” minghao softly called but it was loud enough for you to hear.

suddenly your heart raised but in a good way. you were glad he was here.

“hey,” you huffed out.

“hao you didn’t tell me yn was coming!” soonyoung jokingly whined.

minghao just squinted his eyes confused at the assumption since he never invited you in the first place, “mingyu’s the one that invited yn.”

soonyoung leaned back and covered his mouth, “woah that guy is unbelievable.”

“do you want a drink yn?” seokmin whispered while the other two discussed why you were here.

“oh that would be lovely,” you nodded as you followed him.

soonyoung was busy pondering where mingyu got the the guts to invite you while minghao couldn’t be less bothered by the situation.

+

“alcohol yn?” seokmin turned his head to you as he prepared to mix up a drink.

you felt overwhelmed by the options but you stayed simple and pointed to one of the cartons in the ice bucket. “i’ll just have a cup of apple juice.”

“ah okay,” seokmin hummed as he poured you a glass.

he got a glass for himself and he started a conversation, “so how’s working at icey milk?”

you didn’t exactly know why you were with him here alone but he seemed like one of the nicer bunch in the group.

“oh right you worked there right!” you had a shocked face on as if you didn’t stalk him that one day.

“i still do! i’m pretty sure my shift got moved when you got hired,” he looked upwards as he thought about the situation.

you were in the middle of taking a sip of your drink as he revealed that but you abruptly stopped as you heard him, “no way! i’m so sorry, did you like your shift?”

“well i actually prefer my current shift, i have less working days than you,” he chuckled.

“i was more or less concerned cause since my shift changed, it meant that minghao would be working with new people,” seokmin paused as he took a glance at minghao who was helplessly trying to get soonyoung to stand up straight, seemed like the alcohol hit him early.

“but shockingly, he seems like he’s having more fun in his new shift compared to when we were there,” he finished his sentence as he looked back to you.

your eyes were on seokmin the whole time. you didn’t know how to interpret his words but just as you were about to ask what he meant, someone showed up.

“yn! you made it!” mingyu placed his hand on your shoulder.

“hey! yea i did,” you nodded your head.

it was hard to adapt to the environment but if you just pulled out whatever extrovert cards you had, tonight might turn out okay.

“glad you could, you look great tonight,” he complimented to which you said a simple thanks.

“bunch of us are playing cards in the back, wanna join?” he invited both you and seokmin. you have a look to seokmin who seemed to have an excited face on.

it would’ve been embarrassing to reject so you fearlessly accepted, “let’s go!”

+

“to start off simple, let’s play old maid! if your last card is the joker, you lose,” one of the guys sitting in the circle briefly explained as he shuffled then distributed the cards.

you played that game like possibly fifty times with minghao, you think you’ve mastered how to conceal your expression while being able to read others.

but you weren’t playing with minghao, you were in between mingyu and seokmin and the rest were strangers. you didn’t feel like you needed to try.

you held your cards and got rid of the pairs, there was no joker which meant you were semi safe.

but somewhere around the end, you ended up getting the joker card from seokmin. the groan you let out made it visible you now had the joker card which made mingyu wary.

a few more passes went by and suddenly, it was just you and mingyu.

you also only had two cards left, a 2 spade card and the joker. somehow mingyu never plucked it out since earlier, seokmin must’ve lied when he said his luck was shit. but perhaps, his luck would act up now.

to your luck, it did.

everyone watched intently as you held your two cards out. mingyu took a second to examine it as if he could see through the cards.

“we don’t have all day now mingyu,” you cheekily said.

mingyu snorted and quickly took a card.

you no longer had the joker.

mingyu’s head fell down and after a sullen shuffle, he held his two cards out for you to take from.

and to your luck, you confidently plucked out the pairing to your 2 spade card with zero hesitation.

“aha!” you cheered a bit too loudly.

to say the least, people had seen a new side of the vice today and people did not understand why you weren’t invited to parties earlier.

“that was cool yn,” mingyu breathed out with a laugh as he poured you another drink.

“thanks mingyu,” you beamed before taking a gulp of your drink.

he was a calm guy. for some reason you expected a short tempered man, sure it was just a card game but he took his loss well.

mingyu was, surprisingly sweet. he was probably the sweetest guy in the room alongside seokmin, but you didn’t understand why you’d rather be talking to someone else than him.

what irked you more was that it seemed like you had nothing to exploit of them.

you could only hope this was their nice guy facade but even if it was, the one who gets hurt in the end is you.

+

you just followed the flow of the party and played whatever games and danced to whatever music came on. you spent most of the night with mingyu and seokmin and honestly, it was not bad.

soon enough, the party started to die down and people were headed home.

“how’re you going home yn?” mingyu asked as you two stood in the tranquil kitchen.

“mm, i could just get a taxi? or is it called an uber nowadays?” you tapped your chin thinking of how to get home. you did not think this far. usually you’d just have seungcheol bring you home but you didn’t want to bother him at two am in the morning.

“i’ll bring you home then,” mingyu said in a way where he wasn’t really giving you any options.

“what? why?”

“you just said you’ll get a taxi? i’m not letting you go off alone like that! c’mon i’ll drive you right now as a thanks for coming today,” he started pushing you towards the door.

“what?— fine, fine!”

+

the car ride was noisy. noisy in a way that was comfortable.

the windows were down and you were spewing out random information like, why were you in the student council.

“you joined the student council just for fun?” he shouted out loud.

“why’s that a shock? i thought everyone said were incompetent,” you giggled.

“you guys? incompetent? maybe you just hang around minghao too much but i’ve seen joshua, that guy is always doing something new and helpful for the school isn’t he?”

finally, a conversation you were interested in, “that’s our president,” you said in a daze.

“well we’re here,” he sighed as the car slowed down. you looked out and saw home.

“ah, thank you so much mingyu!” you placed your hand on his before getting out and distancing yourself away from the car, just reasonable enough to say goodbye. but mingyu slightly stood up from his seat and placed his head out yhe passenger window, “yn! do you want to get lunch with me tomorrow?”

no way. he wanted to get to know you more. he was so incredibly easy.

“got work tomorrow tho,” you tilted your head.

“would you have energy afterwards?” he mocked the way you tilted your head.

“guess well have to see, you know where i work,” you smirked as you turned around.

mingyu had a grin on the whole time. he didn’t know if he meant to go out with you platonically or romantically but he mostly just wanted to get to know his new friend better.

“night yn,” he whispered not thinking you heard it with the way you were so far. you did hear him but you didn’t reply, you were too busy thinking about what the fuck you were going to do about tomorrow.

funfact: mingyu’s parties super well known around sebong college and there’s usually one held every month. the 95s used to joke that it was some sort of lame party that was only attended by people that peaked in highschool.

they only talked about it like that because they were salty non of them were ever invited.

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send an ask to be added to taglist! (replies are fine but i may not see them!!) — please check your visibility before asking to be added to taglist! if your account is hidden it won’t allow you to be tagged on posts!🤍

[empressgeekt]

Trolls - Burning Branches au - Part 3 Aftermath

Okay so if anyone has not read the other posts on this AU, I highly suggest you do. Believe me this will be much more fun with context. The previous posts are by the same title, minus the "Part 3". I will also be tagging all of them with the title after posting this.

Char = Branch

Lets get into it...

When we last left of the Family Harmony was complete and the V-Twins were being carted off to jail. Char and Poppy kissed and wondered if they could finally get married now.

Then Floyd collapsed. The troll literally had the life drained out of him for two months, he is not walking away from that with just a new hair style. This sends the happy moment into one of panic. Floyd does not wake up when prompted, and not even when the other moved him on to Rhonda. It's clear he needs a doctor, but none on Mount Rageonus know troll physiology, so they need to leave as soon as possible.

But where will they go? Anywhere is still few days drive, and there is barely any supplies on Rhonda. No food. There was water but not enough for everyone. And most importantly no medicine beyond a very old, very basic first-aid kit John had for gotten about. Barb and Bruce stay behind to make sure Floyd doesn't die (and make sure Tiny takes a nap). Floyd has a seizure and Barb steps in taking control of the situation with Bruce freezes. Bruce asks her how she knew to tend to someone who's sick, and Barb explains that Char used to have them as a kid and she was usually the one who nursed Char through his head aches, and when he got sick from the volcanic fumes. This leads to bonding between the two of them, and Bruce starts to think of Barb as his little sister too.

When the others get back, John and Clay kind of freak out about the seizure when told. Trips home can wait they need a doctor. Rock territory is closeted and the doctor that treated Char originally is still around and on call. Still few days drive, but it's the best guess they got.

When Floyd finally wakes up he's a mess. Exhausted, nauseous, with a killer head ache. It's also in the middle of the night, and everyone is still asleep. Well, everyone except Poppy and Char. They were still up due to some shared insomia, and discussing their re-do wedding plans. Floyd's perception of things are still hazy, so he's calling Char by Branch and not noticing the latter's discomfort over the name. Still Char helps alleviates Floyd migraine so he can go back to sleep. Floyd asks how Char would know that it would work, Char says it works for me. Floyd would continue to ponder that, until he passes back out.

When they get back into Rock Kingdom territory, Floyd is taken into the hospital rather quickly, and is put on supportive devices, to combat server malnutrition, dehydration, and oxygen just incase. Brain scans, reveal scaring on his brain from several concussions that went untreated. The source of his seizures, and possibly other symptoms that have yet to show themselves. Once he's conscious he reports of, numbness, pain and tingling in his legs and is looking at possible nerve damage.

During this time, with the help of Barb, Bruce manages to get a letter out to his family explaining what was going on and it would be little longer until he was home. Char and Barb re-unite with their Dad and Riff. And the rest are just trying to make sense of everything.

Floyd has, at least one of his brothers with him at all times. When he's awake they talk and bond, and when he's asleep they comfort his nightmares. He notices that Char isn't there most of the time (he's out making princely announcements explaining the situation and dealing with some back-lash about "returning to his own kind" from some of the less accepting citizens), and is worried that his Brother is mad at him for not coming back. He practically breaks down upon hearing about Char amnesia, and asks to see him.

Char comes, but is very awkward when he first arrives. Floyd takes in all the difference, and mentions the green vest. Char says he can't remember being without it, Floyd says he gave it to him, before beginning to apologize for leaving him. Char shuts it down, telling Floyd his injury isn't his fault, maybe a few days ago he'd have been mad, but he doesn't regret how his life turned out. He hugs Floyd and wipes his tears. Floyd tells Char that comforting was his job, Char says no matter who's older siblings comfort each other. Floyd wants to know how Char's life turned out. Char, eagerly tells him about Barb and Thrash, how he grew up as a prince, and his betrothal to Poppy. Floyd is shocked his brother grew up as a prince, but is happy his brother grew up in a good home, and wanted to meet Poppy, Thrash and Barb as soon as possible.

Eventually, Floyd is released. He's on crutches, with braces on his legs and has physical therapy routine he needs to follow to walk again. They stay at Char and Barb cavern (their royalty they have the room, and Thrash is loving the company, he's convinced their all his kids and no one corrects him) during this time and for a few days after the release, but tension with the public is spiking and they can't stay for long. Barb stays behind to control the crowds and the others go to Pop village. Viva would re-unite with Peppy, and begin preparations to move the Put Put trolls to the village, with an escort of Rock guards off course.

The saga would end, with Poppy and Char finally getting married and Char coronated as king of pop...with an epilogue of years alter when they had twins trollings, named Rosie and Ash (named after Grandma and Thrash).

---

Part One and Part two

And those are my currently plans. I'm going to outline this, but Not sure if I should fully write this thing out now or later. What ya'll think?

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Record of Ragnarok x Rui reader? Like after the reader was beheaded by Tanjiro Kamado at Mount Nagagumo was brought to Valhalla. Brunhilde was the one who summoned the reader. (who still has their abilities back on earth) Asking them if they want to fight in the tournament of Ragnarok.

The reader could still be a demon or not. If you do choose that the reader is a demon. I would like the reader to still have the same blood demon art.

Thanks and you are a tough and strong person!

-This was a strange world for you, as you were able to walk around in the sun, something you hadn’t been able to do in… well you couldn’t exactly remember how long it been, but it was so warm, so bright.

-You preferred to keep to yourself, as you arrived alone in Valhalla, your family not being worthy enough to join you, and while you didn’t show it, you were upset on the inside.

-You didn’t have to kill any longer for food, something Brunnhilde, the Valkyrie who welcomed you to Valhalla, told you, so you were able to live and get to know the humans you now lived alongside.

-Many thought you were a bit odd, as you were a demon, but unlike other demons in Valhalla, you were calm, quiet, and you weren’t violent.

-It felt odd, after being treated as a monster for so long, to be treated like you were a normal, or at least mostly normal, human. They would smile at you, saying hello, greeting you, and just treating you like you truly belonged.

-Their kindness made you feel a sort of longing, the same longing you had when you had tried to make your family, wanting love and care for your own selfish desires.

-You could see their kindness was genuine and it made your stoic façade break for a moment or two as tears welled in your eyes, seeing how many became new families in Valhalla. You could finally have a true family; one you didn’t have to torture or threaten!

-When Brunnhilde approached you about fighting in Ragnarok, to fight for humanity’s survival, you had spent some time, pondering her offer to fight.

-You were originally human, as were your parents, and your family you had created after you became a demon, they had all been humans, but at the same time, you were treated so cruelly by humans after you turned.

-Tanjiro’s and Nezuko’s faces flashed through your mind, a human and demon being a family, being happy together, their memory made you smile softly.

-Brunnhilde told you that you would be rewarded if you won your fight and if humanity won their survival; you immediately knew what you wanted, but remained silent.

-Many were outraged when you came out to fight, seeing a child there, but you were so calm, almost too calm, as your opponent, a massive, hulk of an earth god, laughed at you, thinking you were weak and not worthy his time.

-You didn’t even have to use your blood art, only your threads, and your match was over in less than ten seconds. You felt almost cheated, as even Tanjiro, who was a relatively new Demon Slayer, had managed to give you a challenge, but a god died so quickly- it was pathetic!!

-Many of the other fighters for humanity were quick to praise you once you were backstage, impressed with your skills, which did feel nice, to be sincerely praised, it felt warm.

-Humanity won in the end, and all those who had perished, including your pathetic excuse for an opponent, had been returned to life, causing a lot of celebrating around.

-Brunnhilde went around to arrange the rewards for the fighters of humanity, and you didn’t realize the others were behind you, along with Zerofuku and Hercules, when she asked you what you wanted.

-Unlike before, when you were normally stoic and mature, you looked like a child for once, your eyes bright, hands clenched in excited fists, “I want a family!”

-Your wish was so selfless, it was something so simple, so beautiful; Brunnhilde just smiled and pointed behind you and you turned, seeing the other fighters for humanity as Zerofuku ran over, hugging you around your neck, “I’ll be your big brother!”

-They were all quick to immediately approach you, telling you that they would all be either big brother or father figures to you, giving you an untraditional looking family, but you could see that they all truly cared about you.

-That’s all you ever wanted!

[cipher00]

I come bearing a gift!

Alexander Anderson/Reader Smut

Aphrodisiacs

Tags:

Breeding Kink

Biting Kink

Dom!Alexander

Sub!Reader

Dirty talk

NSFW under the cut! Do not proceed if you're under 18!

He'd been acting distant from you all day. Your dear sweet Alexander had hardly spoke to you, much less come near you. You didn't know what was up with him, but you were determined to find out. It wasn't normal for him to act this way, especially not to you. You were his beloved, and you'd been that to him ever since he left the church years ago. You were his respite, his solace, and everything beautiful in life. Those were his words, anyway.

 

You were sitting on the couch in the living room, absentmindedly watching TV as you pondered what you should do. He had holed himself up in your shared bedroom, not even coming out for food when you knocked and told him that dinner was ready. Not even a reply. You would've assumed he was sleeping, were it not for the faint sounds of shuffling within the room. 

 

You considered going up to check on him, but if he was avoiding you like this for this long, he probably had a good reason for it. You didn't believe he would just avoid you for the hell of it. He was always affectionate towards you, from wrapping his arms around your waist while you cooked, to small things like twining his fingers with yours while you both watched the TV. Still, you couldn't help but be worried. You continued to stare at the TV, not really paying attention to what was going on in the show, debating on what you should do.

 

 

 

------------------------------------

Alexander was restless inside of the little bedroom you both shared. He didn't like hiding away from you, but he sure as hell wasn't going to get close to you while he was like this. He didn't know what this feeling was, only the thoughts and images it plagued his mind with. It was unrelenting, almost uncontrollable, and it made him want to do... Less than holy things to you, to say the very least. He must have drank something he shouldn't have at the pub he visited, he figured. Earlier, he'd been out having a drink with some acquaintances, but this feeling hadn't really raged until he'd gotten home. Until he'd gotten near you. When you embraced him when he walked through the door, a white hot sensation had surged through him. Though he was the one in your embrace, he almost felt the desire to pounce on you. That's when he noticed something was wrong. He was always careful and gentle with you, given how strong he was, and how much bigger he was than you. 

 

He locked himself inside of your room shortly after. He wasn't entirely sure what this was, but he wasn't going to let it be the cause of harm towards you. He was going to stay up there, and wait this out. It would be easy.

 

That is what he thought, until he heard the sound of your footsteps coming up the stairs, followed by a call of his name. 

 

"Alex? You've been up there all day... Are you alright? Is there anything you want to talk about?" 

 

Of course you were worried about him, sweet little thing you were. It was adorable how you were concerned for his wellbeing, wanting to take care of him.

 

Though now, he'd like for you to take care of him in a different way. He'd just love to hear your voice wrapped around his name with a different tone of voice...

 

Stop.

 

He scolded himself internally, for allowing his thoughts to dip into that territory. It wasn't like sex between the two of you was a completely foreign concept, but in the few times prior, he was always very gentle, treating you like you might break. Which, was a very real possibility given his size and strength. You were so small, he really didn't want to accidentally hurt you, especially during something as intimate and as special as that kind of encounter between the two of you. 

 

But, despite knowing this, he couldn't stop the ideas that were trickling through his head, threatening to burst into actions if he didn't have more self control. In his thoughts, he'd have loved nothing more than to have you beneath him, trembling and begging for him to fill you up, taking you how he pleased while you took it like the good girl he knew you were. 

 

He once again shook himself out of this train of thought quickly. He couldn't- No, wouldn't do that to you. He didn't even know if you liked that sort of thing, if you'd even be okay with it. What if you saw him akin to some depraved animal? He wasn't going to have that, and he sure as hell wasn't going to have the possibility of hurting you. 

He'd just do this himself, if that's what it took to make this feeling go away. Right now he didn't care how sinful it was, how much it would've sullied his reputation with the church had anyone from his life years ago known this.

 

Even if they did find out somehow, he would've preferred that to the prospect of hurting you. 

 

What he had forgotten, however, was that you'd just come up the stairs to check on him. 

 

And you were outside the door.

 

 

 

-----------------------------------

You were really starting to worry about Alexander. He didn't even come out for dinner, and he always loved it when you cooked for him. The sun had set quite a while ago, and still no word from him. You would've thought he was sleeping, were it not for the fact he was an insomniac. Most nights he couldn't even sleep, but he was just content to hold you close to him, listening to the soothing sound of your peaceful breathing.

 

... Wait.

 

The sound you heard from the other side of the bedroom door also sounded like breathing, but it was anything but peaceful. It was ragged, shaky breaths. Now you were really worried. What if he was sick, or upset, or-

 

Oh.

 

The sound of a quiet, muffled groan pulled you out of your racing thoughts. He was most definitely not sick. 

 

Blush rose to your cheeks as you realized the situation. That suddenly made a whole lot more sense, so you thought. Perhaps he was pent up, and didn't want to take out any frustrations on you. You knew he handled you carefully for fear of breaking you, and he often wouldn't initiate because he didn't want to seem like he was trying to demand it from you, even though that's the opposite of how it came off. But still, he was always careful, always mindful. And even during sex, he'd refuse to let go any. His hands would tremble as he balled them up into the sheets, threatening to rip them through. Rather the sheets, which were replaceable, than you.

 

You figured this was the case, and you were half right. What you didn't know was he locked himself away in an attempt to save you from himself, or rather what he may do if he were to lose his self control. The good Lord knew how tempting you could be, how even when he wasn't under the effect of this aphrodisiac, you'd stir up thoughts he'd kept shoved down. Thoughts of making you submit to him, of pure indulgence in his darkest fantasies about you. He was only a man after all, and definitely not immune to your charms. 

 

You contemplated what to do. On one hand, this was extremely private, and even though you were his girlfriend, you shouldn't intrude on his business like this.

 

On the other hand, the sounds he was making was extremely fucking hot. You weren't going to lie to yourself about that. 

 

...Fuck it.

 

You were going to get in that room, and see if you could change his mindset about you being fragile. You could handle more than he gave you before. You could handle him letting loose a bit. At least, you thought so.

 

No better time than the present to find out. 

 

And even if you couldn't, you knew the experience was going to be 100% worth it.

 

You dug around in your pocket, finding the key to your bedroom and inserting it into the handle. Before you turned it, you knocked on the door gently. "Alex? I'm gonna come in, okay?" You heard scrambling, and some muffled protests as you turned the handle. You peeked your head into the room. It was dark, except for the ray of light that had entered from the slightly open door. 

 

There, on the bed, sat a very disheveled, embarassed looking Alexander. His face was flushed, his glasses askew, and his breathing hard. It looked like he was trying to cover himself, but he was having a difficult time. You could see his hands shaking as he gripped the sheets, trying to pull them over himself. Even with that dazed look on his face, he looked like a deer caught in headlights. His chest rose and fell quickly as his eyes scanned over you.

 

You looked so...

 

Your face reddened as you took in the sight of him. Sporting a very obvious hard on, even with his attempt at covering it with the sheet. That look of desperation on his face, the hazy look in his eyes. "Do you, ah... Need help?" You asked sheepishly. Alex's eyes darted away from yours, a look of shame crossing his face. "Ye weren' supposed te see me like this." He muttered, twisting and untwisting his hands into the sheets out of nervousness. Great, now you'd think he was no better than some animal. He'd done it this time.

 

You laughed lightly, a hand coming up to rub the back of your neck. "It's not like I mind... To be honest, you look... Really good like this." You admitted, trying to meet his gaze, but his eyes were still avoiding you. "I can help...? If you'd like me to?" He was surprised for a moment. You... Didn't think poorly of him for this? He was sure that this would lower your opinion of him. Masturbating was still pretty much a foreign concept to him; the nuns that raised him had drilled it into his head that it was something disgraceful. But here you were, even wanting to help him with this?

 

He wanted to say yes so badly, but still...

 

He shook his head, his stare fixed on the floor. Despite the fact you wanted to do this with him, he couldn't look at you out of a mix of shame and embarrassment. "I... Drank somethin' I shouldn' have at the pub earlier today. I don't know wha' it was, bu' it has this really strong effect. I locked myself away to keep from hurting you by accident." 

 

'Hurt me? What-'

 

Oh.

 

Ohhhh.

 

"So, let me get this straight." You began. "You basically drank an aphrodisiac, and you've kept your distance from me so you wouldn't give in, accidentally hurt me?"

 

Damn.

 

It was a little embarrassing when you said it aloud. 

 

"...Yes, exactly. I wan' to do so many things to ye." The red on your face deepened. "Bu' I could never forgive myself if I hurt ye. Yer such a small thing compared teh me. I can barely even keep my self control together around ye righ' now," He admitted. You shivered at the implication. You said nothing, but stepped further into the room and closed the door behind you. 

 

His eyes slowly readjusted to the darkness, with the help of a ray of moonlight shining through the window. You were bathed in soft white light, and he saw you approach him slowly. "Wha' are ye doing?" The bed shifted with your weight as you crawled towards him. "I want to prove you wrong. I can take more than you think I can." You settled on his stomach, cupping his face with both your hands as you kissed him. It started off slow, but turned into something much hungrier. His large hands ghosted over your hips tentatively, shaking violently. He was trying so hard to hold back, still scared that he was going to break you if he gave in.

 

Alex was breathing heavily when you drew back from him, and in the dull light of the room, you could see the hazy look in his eyes. Pure lust. You moved your mouth to his neck, pulling at the skin lightly with your teeth. He let out a hiss as his hands finally settled on your hips, squeezing lightly. Just a bit more...

 

"I'm not going to break, Alex. And even if you did rough me up, to be honest... I'd probably like it." He tightened his grip on your hips, and you smiled. "I want you to be able to let go with me. I want you to have your way with me." You pressed another kiss to his lips, before meeting his heated gaze. "Please?" 

 

Oh, he couldn't keep it together after that. How could he when you asked like that? He planted one hand on the back of your head, pulling you back to him to meet him in another kiss, this one much more heated than the first. You whined, pressing your body firmly against his. He reacted immediately, a low groan rumbling in his throat as he slid you down so you'd be sitting in his lap. He ground his cock against your clothed heat, causing a gasp to slip from you. 

 

"Ye feel that, sweetheart? Tha's all because of yeh. Can hardly resist ye, pretty little thing." You squirmed in his lap, arousal filling your core. He was painfully hard, and you could feel that even through your clothes.

 

God, you wanted that inside of you.

 

"Shit, Alex," You whispered, pressing your hips down harder into his, trying to get more friction. He smirked at you, watching your expression change from coy to something needier. "Yeh're such a needy girl. And just for me? I'm truly blessed." His statement flustered you, causing you to look away, but he wasn't having any of that. He gripped your chin with his hand, pulling your gaze back to him. "Look a' me. I wan' ta see tha' pretty face of yours when I make ye see the pearly gates." You whined, keeping your eyes on him like he wanted. "Good girl. Such an obedient little thing," He purred.

 

Fuck, that sent a spike of heat shooting right through you. Alexander noticed how it affected you when he heard your breath hitch. He smiled at you mischievously.

 

Oh no.

 

"Wha' was that? Ye like it when I praise ye, hmm?" You were so flustered, but you didn't look away, per his previous instructions. "If tha's the case..." He brought one of your hands up to his lips, kissing your palm before continuing. 

 

"Yeh're so beau'iful, so good fer me. Not a day goes by tha' I don' think how lucky I am to have such a sweet little thing all to myself. Beau'iful when yeh're not even tryin'. When yeh're sleepin, enjoyin yer hobbies..." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.

 

"When yeh're stuffed full o' my cock..." 

 

You let out a quiet moan at that, the heat in your abdomen growing as you tried more and more to grind against him, but he held you firmly in place. "Alex..." You whimpered. "Yeees, my love?" He drawled. "I want it." He raised his eyebrows at you, an absolutely devious look on his face. "Already? I've barely even touched ye, and yeh want me that much?" He didn't say it, but he wanted you far more than you knew right now. He loved to tease you, but he wasn't going to be able to keep this up for much longer. The aphrodisiac was still burning strong in his veins, and having you all over him had only made it worse.

 

"Well, you can't just say stuff like that and expect me not to." You admit, quickly pulling your shirt off and throwing it somewhere in the room. For once, Alex was grateful for your impatience. That, and he loved just how eager you were for him. "You're so fucking sexy when you talk like that..." You murmur, raising up from his lap so you could wriggle out of your pants. You went to unclasp your bra, but he stopped you.

 

"Let me. I wan' ta unwrap this little present yeh've brought me." You nodded, and he curled his arms around you to undo the clasp. It fell away from your chest, exposing you more to him. You shivered, the cool air of the room hitting you fully. He chuckled, lowering his face to your chest. "Ye cold? Poor little thing. Tha's alright, ye won' be fer much longer." He connected his lips with one of your nipples, swirling his tongue around it as his free hand went up to knead your other breast softly. You sighed, tangling one of your hands into his hair, your nails scratching his scalp lightly. He groaned, giving a light suck to your bud.

 

Once you started giving breathy whines, he moved on. He held you, swapping your positions. You were lying back into the pillows, and his face was between your thighs, giving soft nips to your lovely skin. 

 

He was going to have to prep you for him; He was proportionate to his size, and that was large. He towered over you easily, being over seven feet. He knew you'd struggle regardless, but he wanted to at least avoid discomfort for you where he could help it.

 

Your underwear was the last thing in his way, and you'd completely soaked those through. He hummed a laugh, before slowly pulling them down your thighs. "Ye look much prettier without these." He tossed the offending garment, and now there was nothing to cover you up. He spread your legs wider, putting your soaking cunt on full display for him. "Damn, sweetheart... Yeh're so wet fer me..." He groaned, taking in the sight of you. Your arousal was leaking down your thighs, and being completely exposed to Alexander just made your core throb in anticipation.

 

He swiped a finger up your slit, collecting some of your moisture before bringing it to his lips, tasting you. This just made you hotter as you watched him, wide eyed. "Ye taste so sweet. So sweet, just fer me." He whispered, before giving full attention to what was in front of him. "You can't just say things like- AaH!" Your sentence was cut short as he licked a stripe from the bottom of your hole to the top, before dipping his tongue into your soaked entrance experimentally. You placed one of your hands on the back of his head, trying to bring him closer to you, but he took both of your hands and held them firmly by your sides. 

 

"If I recall correctly, ye wanted me ta have my way with yeh. So, yeh're goin ta take wha' I give ye." 

 

Fuck, that tone was downright sinful. His words earned him a shudder, and a curse to fall from your lips. Alex chuckled, squeezing your hands lightly. "Watch yer mouth, or I might have ta put it ta work." He warned. You whined, your hips bucking involuntarily at the thought. "Oh? Does the thought of me usin yer mouth excite yeh? Such a dirty girl. Maybe I should teach ye the right way ta behave." He growled, his reprimanding only sending more heat to your core. 

 

"Please, Alex..." You whimpered. How could he deny you when you plead like that? Especially with your honeyed voice wrapped so beautifully around his name, too.

 

Finally he indulged you, wrapping his lips around your swollen clit as he collected more of your juices on his fingers, before slipping one of them inside you. His fingers were already quite thick, so he still took care when prepping you for him. You were all but mewling, your thighs spasming next to the sides of his head as he slowly worked you. He worked one finger in and out of your tight walls, delighted as he found no resistance. You were dripping for him, and he'd barely even done much to you. 

 

God, he loved you.

 

He added another, pumping them a little faster while he attended to your sensitive bud with his tongue, unrelenting in his ministrations. His long fingers eventually found that spongy spot inside of you, brushing up against it. You moaned rather loudly, bucking your hips wildly. You didn't even mean to, but it was all beginning to become too much for your sensitive little body. 

 

"Shit, Alex, there-!" You balled up your fists in his grasp, trying to find purchase amidst what was painfully slowly building up to orgasm. You could feel him smile against you as he pushed his fingers even deeper inside, hitting that spot repeatedly. Your moans got louder, and Alexander felt your walls tightening even more around him. "Alex, I'm-" Just when the twisted up coil in your belly was about to snap, he stopped altogether, pulling his fingers out of you, and backing off from your throbbing sex.

 

"No, yeh're not. Not yet." 

 

You cried out in frustration as the tension in your core slowly ebbed way, leaving you very much unsatisfied and needing more. "Why- I was so close-" You panted, trying to sit up, but he stopped you. He got up and settled between your thighs, gripping your hips tightly. "I need ye now. And yeh're more than ready fer me." You felt the blunt head of his cock prod your entrance, finding no resistance. You eyed his cock hungrily, reminded of the sheer size of him. You're definitely glad he prepared you. He leaned down, kissing you hungrily. You reciprocated happily, running your hands over his shoulders and tangling them in his beautiful blonde hair once again.

 

His lips trailed down your neck, leaving you open mouthed kisses against your pretty, sensitive neck. You relaxed for a moment, but a cry was wrenched from you as he sunk his teeth into the juncture between your neck and shoulder lightly. You arched into his chest, your nails dragging down his sides. He bucked his hips into yours at your reaction, causing the tip of his length to slip inside your entrance with ease. You gasped, trying to push your hips into his to take more of him in, but he held you firm.

 

When he pulled back, he was met with the beautiful sight of your flushed face, half lidded eyes, and your chest rising and falling quickly with your choppy breaths. "Please Alex, I want it, want you inside." Your plea came off of a whiny exhale, and this ignited something in him. He cursed under his breath, pulling you even closer to him as he leaned down next to your ear. 

 

"Yeh'll be lucky if I can even hold back for yer sake, if ye keep talking like tha'." He muttered.

 

"Don't. I told you already I want you to let loose. I'm not gonna break, Alex. So, ruin me," You whispered, pecking a kiss to his lips. 

 

You heard him whisper to himself, something about how lucky he was as he adjusted himself, before slowly slipping into your heat. You grit your teeth as each inch entered. It did sting, and even when you felt full, he still hadn't bottomed out yet. Finally, when he was fully seated in you, you let out a breath you hadn't realized you'd been holding. He stretched you out so good, and he hadn't even started moving yet. You reached a hand up, petting his hair as you waited for a moment to adjust to his massive size. Alexander gave you the most lovestruck look - There you were, beneath him, filled to the brim with his cock, taking it so well. Your hair was splayed out in a halo on the pillows, and he thought to himself that he must have been blessed, angel that you were.

 

Finally, you bucked your hips against his, signaling for him to move. He slowly pulled out, leaving only the head in, before thrusting back into your heat with earnest. You gasped at the sensation, the drag of his cock against your tight walls sending delicious waves of pleasure rolling throughout your entire body. Alexander sucked in a sharp breath, both at your noise and at the feeling of you. He spread your legs further apart, before setting a harsh pace, following your earlier instructions to ruin you. You were quickly turned into a moaning mess as his cock drove deeper into you with each meeting of your hips, rubbing up against your sweet spot and kissing your cervix. 

 

One of his hands left your hip in favor of giving attention to your clit, and your moans got even louder as jolts of electricity shot through you. "Alex-!" You cried, digging your nails into his shoulders. This only spurred him on, causing him to curse and drive himself into you even harder. You pushed your hips against his, causing him to slip in even deeper than before, causing a whimper to slip from your lips.

 

Alex looked down at where the both of you connected, watching his cock disappear into you with each thrust. You also looked down, but instead your eyes were locked onto your belly - You could see his length appear there, and this only served to add to the liquid fire coursing through your veins. "You keep doing that, you're gonna end up getting me knocked up-" You chuckled, but that was quickly replaced with a whine as his hips stuttered momentarily, but turned into him grabbing your legs, folding and pressing them upwards against your chest, so he could hit even deeper inside of you. You had no more quips; every sound that came from your mouth had devolved into incomprehensible praises and lewd noises.

 

He leaned down, so his mouth could be level with your ear. When he spoke, his voice was gruff and thick with desire. 

 

"Yeh'd look so fuckin' beau'iful, with yer belly plump with my child. Make such a lovely little wife, just fer me. Maybe I'll give ye one, yeah? I'll stuff ye so full of my seed, there's no way ye won' end up with one." He groaned, just envisioning the sight of sweet little you, with child. A family of his own, with you, his beloved. 

 

Just the thought of that made your gut stir in the best way. You released a breathy moan, your walls squeezing even tighter around his cock, and he smiled at you. "Ye like that idea too? Raising our child? Yeh'll be such a good mother, and an amazin' wife. All fer me." He captured your lips, this time the kiss being less hungrier than before, rather with more passionate fervor, and love. You reciprocated, doing the best you could to cup his cheek with your hand while your body rocked back and forth with the intensity of each roll of his hips against yours.

 

You really did love this man... The idea of having a family with him sounded like your own personal slice of heaven. 

 

Your high was building up quickly, a combination of the ideas he put in your head, and the white hot pleasure that every harsh thrust sent rolling through you. Your mind was fuzzy, at a loss for words. 'I love you's and his name tumbled repeatedly from you, your poor head not being able to conjure up many other things to say. Alexander's pace was becoming inconsistent, a mix of deep and shallow thrusts, signaling his end was also fast approaching. 

 

"A-Alex, I'm close-!" You whined, your nails scratching down his back. You were on the edge, so ready to tumble over. "Cum fer me, my love." He grunted, his voice strained as he took in that beautiful fucked out look on your face. He did that, he was the one to make you feel so blindingly good.

 

Your high hit you like a freight train, and you all but screamed as burning hot pleasure ripped through you. Your walls clamped down hard on his cock, and your release spilling over him is what caused him to reach his end. You felt his warmth flood you, making you feel so very full. 

 

Alexander was bracing himself on his arms overtop of you, hovering there in favor of falling on top of you. The both of you were panting hard, trying to catch up. Finally he pulled out of you, almost reluctantly. A final whine slipped from you as he dragged against your overstimulated walls. He watched his cum leak out of you, the sight of you being filled so full with him almost lighting him up again. He reached down, pushing a finger into you to keep the rest from leaking out. You were flustered once your mind finally caught up to where you were and what had just happened. Alex leaned in, pressing one last slow kiss to your lips. When he leaned back, he was smiling at you sheepishly. 

 

Damn, talk about a 180. He looked so embarassed after basically trying to get you pregnant.

 

...

WAITTHATWASSOMETHINGTHATHAPPENED.

 

Memories of all he'd just said flooded back to you, and you covered your face with your hands out of newfound shyness. He wanted you to be his wife? And to raise a kid with you??

 

And you didn't even dislike the idea.

 

When you uncovered your face, you were looking at very confused, but cute Alexander.

 

"Alex, sweetie. You really want to raise a kid, with me?" 

 

A genuine smile spread across your face as you watched a pretty shade of pink spread across his, all the way up to the tips of his ears. Adorable.

 

He covered part of his face with one hand, trying to hide his now flustered self as what exactly he said came back to him. "Lord, I didn' mean to say tha' out loud-" He mumbled, his voice muffled slightly by his hand. "But you diiiid," You teased. " 'I'll stuff you so full of my seed, there's no way ya won't end up with one'~" You mimicked a scottish accent, though it was pretty shoddy. He made a sound that was a cross between a laugh at your attempt at his accent, and a small noise of embarrassment. 

 

You sat up, crawling towards him as you took his hand in yours, moving it away from his face. "Hey, look at me." Alex met your gaze, almost taken aback by the sheer amount of love you looked at him with. "I'm not opposed to the idea..." You said, sheepishly. "As long as it's with you. Especially the idea of being your wife." Your tone dipped to something soft, genuine, loving. He smiled at you, so full of happiness as he pulled you into his embrace. "I love ye so much, sweetheart. How did I ever get blessed with an angel like yeh?" He murmured against your skin, littering it with small kisses. 

 

You hummed a laugh, leaning up to reach his forehead as best you could, planting a kiss on it. "I love you too, you big softie."

[whumpwillow]

Demon's Haven 11

woo!! okay this is the chapter I've been waiting for, I'm so excited to post it 💚💚💚

—  

masterlist

warnings: blood, past torture, description of wounds

—

Dressed and dry, Haven led the demon over to her bed where they could both sit. She’d fetched a collection of bandages and gauze and whatever else she could find from the bathroom, leaving the door open so the demon could still keep her in his sights and wouldn’t launch into a panic. He seemed to find comfort in her presence, or what she thought was more likely, he just didn’t want to be alone. He probably would have taken comfort in anyone’s presence regardless of who it was. She didn’t know why the thought of that filled her with such disappointment.

She spread out her collection on the multicolored blankets, then sat down beside the demon and inspected his wounds once more. They’d begun to bleed again, especially the fresh lashes. Blood seeped from them in a steady current, creating ribbons that trailed down his back. Still, it was much better than it had been when he’d been filthy with grime and dried blood so that Haven couldn’t tell how bad the damage really was. Clean, the wounds weren’t any less grotesque, but more manageable.

Haven pressed a cloth to the demon’s back to try and stem the bleeding. She waited a few minutes like that, feeling the demon’s heat under her fingers even through the cloth. She removed her hand yet the cloth stayed firmly in place, and began unwrapping a roll of gauze. Peeling away the cloth from the demon’s skin elicited a sharp intake of breath that caused him to scrunch his face in pain.

“Sorry,” Haven said.

“S’alright,” the demon replied, voice slurred from exhaustion.

She wanted to finish this quickly so he could rest—was tempted to lie down right now as well—but she didn’t want to do anything haphazardly. He’d been through enough. She could at least take proper care of him because if she was going to invite a demon into her home, she was going to commit to it and treat him as she would any guest.

Except she’d never had a guest who’d been tortured in Hell before. Semantics.

Haven began wrapping the bandages around the demon’s midsection, working her way through covering those ghastly stripes. She found herself sighing, looking at them. Silver, the demon had said. Silver made them permanent.

“Are you okay?”

The demon’s voice was quiet, slow, careful. Nothing like the high and desperate pitch of the past few days where he’d begged her not to hurt him, words spilling out of his mouth in stuttered gasps like he couldn’t get them out quick enough. Haven felt herself exhaling a dry and humorless laugh.

“You’re asking me if I’m okay?”

 “You’re sighing.”

Haven shook her head. If she hadn’t summoned the man herself, she would have had a hard time believing he was truly a demon. Here he was, exhausted and in what she could only imagine must be terrible pain, weakened to the point where he couldn’t even walk without her assistance. After being tortured. In Hell.

And he was asking her if she was okay.

A smile crept onto her face, unbidden. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Ah.”

It was silent for a beat. Haven continued her work, covering up too many lashes to count on his back, then wrapping his bruised shoulders and tying the whole thing off. She’d already used up an entire roll of gauze.

She began to work on the smaller wounds on the demon’s arms, deciding she’d skip his fingers for now and wait until she had something better suited than wide strips of cloth. She’d been pondering what to do about his bruised wrists when he spoke again.

“Are you upset?”

He didn’t look at her as he asked the question. Instead, he elected for staring straight ahead, gaze softened to the point where Haven had to wonder if he was really seeing her room at all.

“Of course I am.”

His head snapped to the side. Gaze sharpening, focusing. He was back in the room now, in the present, fearful, ever fearful.

“I—”

“Not at you,” Haven said, interrupting him before his thoughts could spiral. Before he could start begging for mercy and leniency for having done nothing at all. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

The demon blinked at her a few times, processing. He tilted his head to the side a bit in a way that Haven felt was far too cute an action to belong to a creature borne from Hell, then opened his mouth as if he were going to speak. He didn’t though, and closed it. Opened it again. Finally turned his head away from her and resumed staring intently at her bedroom door. Haven finished wrapping one arm and moved onto the next, having decided to use extra padding around his wrists given how deep the bruises went. They’d be there for a long time.

“Why are you sad?” the demon asked after a while.

Haven passed her thumb over a deep purple bruise on his bicep and he flinched, to which she apologized and tried to wrap as delicately as she could. A large gash intercepted it. She couldn’t leave the wound unattended, though it was hard to maneuver the bandage around his arm without holding onto the bruised skin that surrounded the gash.  

“Because you were hurt,” she replied.

The demon turned his head just slightly to the side so that Haven could see only a slanted angle of his face, still shadowed by his wet black locks.

“You don’t know me.”

“Does that matter?”

A gasp. He turned fully to face her, his body twisting in such a way that the gauze fell out of Haven’s grasp and unwound. Before she could even feel annoyed at him for it, she saw the look on his face. His eyes were wide and wet, tears already beginning to pool in their depths. He swallowed once, twice. Blinked.

That was his downfall, that one. He’d been clearly trying not to cry, but the single blink had released the built up tears so that they spilled down his cheeks. He looked at Haven with some unrecognizable expression, something so tragic that she had to take him into her arms.

Haven drew him close and wrapped her arms around him. She threaded one hand through his still-damp hair and laid his head to rest on her shoulder.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” she murmured, repeating the phrase just for the sound of her voice and hoping that it would be enough to soothe him.

The demon didn’t try to hold back anymore and sobbed openly. Broken cries tore from his throat, all pitchy sounds and half-drawn breaths. Haven rubbed her thumb back and forth through his hair, trying to ground him in the moment. His body shook something fierce, tremors rioting through him.

They stayed like that for an indiscernible amount of time, as if the very concept were water flowing through their fingers. The two of them, in their tired state, fell back onto the bed in a tangle of limbs. Haven kept an arm around the demon and a hand in his hair, and he rested his head on her shoulder. The rolls of bandages lay around them.

“I need to finish wrapping your wounds.”

“Mmnh.”

The demon’s eyes had closed. Haven again felt a pang of jealousy at how beautifully his lashes overlaid on his cheeks.

Neither of them moved.

“I don’t want you to bleed out.”

“Can’t.”

Haven sighed at his response. The demon nuzzled further into the crook of her neck. She canted her head so that it touched his.

A thought occurred to her.

“You never told me your name.”

A flinch. The demon’s body tensed against hers enough for her to realize just how much she had gotten him to relax previously. Seemed a shame that all that progress would go to waste.

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” Haven added. “I just thought it would be nice to have something to call you. I’m Haven by the way.”

“Haven…” the demon whispered, so soft that she wouldn’t have heard it if they hadn’t been pressed together. He said her name with such reverence that it almost made her shiver. He said it like a blessing. Like a prayer.

The irony wasn’t lost on her.

The demon sighed and untangled himself from her. He sat up, though it was a poor imitation of the pose. He practically bent double, his back curved with his head hanging low, arms limp with hands clasped loosely in his lap. Haven watched him while propped up on her elbows, waiting for him. He seemed to be gathering his nerve, or perhaps, coming up with a clever lie.

No, that was ridiculous. Why would he ever need to lie about who he was? Not unless he was—

“Envy.”

The demon said his name the way a man would when confessing to a sin on the gallows. Haven drew her head back in shock.

Envy. One of the seven deadly sins.

A demon prince of Hell.

—

next

(taglist in reblogs)

[l-lenny]

Dumb Krum … I love you too!

Part 8

Viktor Krum x Malfoy! Fem! Reader x Fred Weasley

TW: dash of angst at the beginning

SERIES MASTERLIST

—————

Viktor caressed your cheek and sighed loudly. Looking you in the eye, his eyes started to water. “Ve should head back to the rooms” he said as he turned around and walked off. You stood there. Just stood there looking at the direction he disappeared. What was that?! That was your moment! This was supposed to be the kiss of your life! The moment he comforted you and tell you he loves you!? What happened?! Staying silent new rage wave got you and you just spiralled. Wanting to scream but also wanting to cry at the same time.

Why did he do that if he wasn’t going to kiss you! Slumping down you let your tears run wild. Why did it hurt more than anything else. Heart in pieces, the silent rejection was more hurtful than saying it. You felt every piece of your heart cracking and screaming in agony. Crying your soul out you curled in a ball. Hoping nobody would see you.

You managed to get yourself down the tower and prepared to go to the dungeon to meet with Snape. In reality your only desire right now was to curl up in bed, not to go to detention. And it was potion professor non the less. With puffy eyes you dragged yourself to detention, you knew that you missed dinner. Yet you didn’t care. Entering the classroom you saw Snape and one other student. “Fred?” You asked “Y/n?” He smiled when he saw you. Snape scoffed “this isn’t a reunion” he spat.

After that you were stuck cleaning everything in the supply cabinet by hand! Snape took your wands and said he will return them after detention. “Y/n?” Fred asked you. “Why are you at detention” he was curious. You told him how that no brain treated you. For him defending him that he was a better date to the ball Fred was laughing at that fool and promised to set his pants on fire for you. You felt better, not fixed, but better. Fred wanted to ask you about your puffy eyes but he kept it for himself. Joking with you and cleaning, lifting your mood and seeing your smile was all enough for him to know you were happy.

Your smile was radiant to him. Seeing you like that brings his heart to stop for a moment before it release the butterflies into his stomach. He was falling so deep and he didn’t stand a chance if you rejected him. “Oh and I wanted to ask” he said remembering why he wanted to talk to you. “What colour will be your dress? I wanted to match with my-“ you smiled at him so tenderly. Oh he was so thoughtful. “I will match your house colours” y/n admitted shyly. “My formal dress are mainly reds and browns, but I will wear a touch of gold” she matched his house colours perfectly. He smiled at her and nodded “I am sure you would look good in any colour, but I am so excited to see you in red” he said. Something in you moved with his words. You wished it was Viktors words. But at the same time, you were smiling and feeling happy because Fred said it. Emotions are really confusing for you. Being surrounded by boys most of the time you weren’t able to talk it out with girls as most of the others. You were so confused right now.

Ending detention with a warning from Snape you headed to bed. To be honest you were exhausted from all the crying, cleaning, and talking.

Christmas was slowly coming and that meant the Yule Ball was around the corner. You kept your distance from Viktor even though it hurt you and him. You talked just about trials and study related things. Days slowly passed just as snow outside. Being the Durmstrang champion around this time was harsh. Constant interviews from the press, mostly Rita, the exams, preparations for next trial and the Yule Ball. You had almost no time to ponder if you should go for it with Viktor or if you fancied Fred. That was on one hand good for you. You have been busy and that was kind of relief. But slowly and surely it doned upon you that you would have to see Vik with Hermione at the Ball. You didn’t disliked her. You just saw her as someone who was by Viktors side. And that fact irritated you. Sure if you met at your own accord you would be friends, well maybe. But this wasn’t the case.

—

Brushing your hair, letting it fall down and styling it. Taking your enchanted golden pearls, you got for your 10th birthday, you made them fit into your hair, making it shine. Taking gold pair of earrings you polished it and put them in your ears. You were not that familiar with make up, only way it was put on you was by your mother, but for tonight you tried your best. Keeping it light and natural you looked at yourself in the mirror. Rosy cheeks, big lashes, light eyeshadow on the eye and red lipstick. You looked breathtaking. Adjusting your jewellery, rings and necklaces you finished your outfit with the half cape fur coat. You wore trational formal dress of Durmstrang. It was red robe with long skirt and slight pattern that was visible in the light. You make sure your golden shoes were extra shiny and when you make your final and last check up in the mirror you were ready. Thanks to letter send by McGonagal you knew you will be in the hall last.

Christmas Day night was about to celebrate the Yule Ball in full swing. You were nervous but excited to see Fred. Were you excited to see Viktor? Yes of course. But seeing him with Hermione? It was a different story.

[oranjeleeuw]

So with much-much honor and excitement, I take the opportunity given by @wanderingblindly to share one of my WIPs!! <3

Thank you dear

My condolences

this is a comfort fic after the Dutch GP last weekend

premise so far:

Lestappen one shot, hurt/comfort, more so comfort, will become sweeter in the end

Charles DNF in Zandvoort, Max is catching up with him right after the winner ceremony

Definitely more than friends (were we ever friends?), less than boyfriends relationship status

Max praises the skills of Charles and goes on about how he's wasting his talent at Ferrari

Charles ends up crying/having a breakdown bc what if it's not the car but him who's not performing any better

Max offers to take him down to the beach for a walk to clear his head

They walk, look at the sea, enjoy the wind

It's peaceful, it is helping

They kiss and kiss

Charles wishes he could treat everything as easy as it is with Max, even though nothing is easy with Max

But these corresponding things are what stick them to each other so it's fine

here's the beginning of it so far

Charles felt like shit. Not even a failure, more like a lost cause. But what to mourn when the mistakes weren't his own, it's just the weather, yeah, like the rest of the grid didn't attend the same race as him. Ridiculous. It was the car, it was the car sure of it, yet Carlos finished with wonderful numbers and he fought for his top five place heroically. You have the same car. It was Charles who'd been hiding in the motorhome during the whole race, avoiding every camera as best he could. And he felt awful for that, too. Didn't even go out to congratulate his friends — wrapping Pierre in his arms, enjoying the ecstatic air around Nando and he didn't go out to search for Carlos who carried the whole team on his shoulders. How does one make up for missed opportunities? And what stings the most is him showing no support whatsoever to Max especially. It was meant to be his day and the day went as it was meant to be too. He should've been there at the podium. With him - for him. He should have hugged him, he should have brushed a quick kiss on the helmet, unnoticeable, so only the two of them know about it. He ended up as a melancholic selfish coward, mourning whatever got lost outside on the grid that day. ‘Cause the only thing he was sure of is this. Something died in him this season.

//cut, Max called him out from his hiding// “Ey, Charl. Finally, I see your face.” “Just when I started missing you” mumbled Charles, sort of non-vocal, but harshly enough that it tore off the smile of the Dutchman’s face. “Is that sarcasm or serious?” Max sounded hurt, excellent. Just what Charles needed after today, ruining the mood of the homerace winner golden lion. Damn, he is too bitter even for his inner monologues. So he tries to listen outside as a change. “Hon, schatje, you don’t have to act tough for me! I know how bad you must feel. I cannot know the exact feeling but I’ve been there, you know that. Please. Trust me with your sorrow.” Charles tries accepting the offered comfort in the form of soft gazes, warm hands on his back, on his face. Soft touches lingering on his scalp. He still felt tense but his walls can be torn down by one piece of brick at a time. "What if--" he began, Max cut him off. "You know we hate what ifs." Charles smiled, softly (that's a first). We. They race alike, they think alike. He may ponder about it sometime later. "But what if" he had to pressure this thought out, Max had to know about his concern. He was afraid of being right about it, but being alone with this realisation was even more alienating. "What if it was me, not the car. It isn't the strategy that is shit, just me."

to be continued

[theink-stainedfolk]

Veil Of Allegiance

Betrayal's Echo

“Hey Hawk, I can't feel my legs, wake up” a soothing voice called for me, pulling me out of my slumber. I saw Hiram, his chocolate brown eyes framed by the gentle curve of glasses that add an intellectual charm to his appearance.His brown hair, neatly combed, hints at a touch of dishevelment.

”Woah” I gasped as the sunlight seemed to caress the curves of his eyes, casting a soft, radiant sheen. His gaze, intensified by the gentle illumination, becomes a captivating blend of earthy tones illuminated by the sun's golden embrace. He then smacked my head with the book he was reading to pull me out of the daze. “Stop gawking at me, it's weird.” Hiram pushed me off his lap and dusted it. “What's weird is seeing your ugly face the first thing in the morning. “ I scoffed, offended by his actions. “Says the one who took a nap on me. You ought to be thankful for letting you take a nap on my prized body, not be an ungrateful brat as you are.” “Ah, yes, prized. You say as if you care for it.” I mumbled. “You know I have excellent hearing Tian~” I looked at him as he got up dusting off his behind. 

His warm smile, a reflection of genuine kindness, has the power to dispel tension in the room. “Let's go back to the station. We've got lots of training to do and you also have punishments and detentions to attend.” I cursed as I got up and walked behind him. In uniform, Hiram's posture remains unassuming yet confident, a testament to his inner strength. The combination of his friendly demeanor, kind eyes behind the glasses, and the unspoken intelligence in his gaze creates an image of a person who, despite the challenges, remains a grounding force in the lives of those around him.

 Hiram Delacruz, The Sage Sentinel of The Crescent Station's Special Forces Division. A man of quiet strength and gentle resilience. His unassuming demeanor might make you overlook the strategic mind beneath, and yet, his every word reveals a quick intellect and a heart that values both loyalty and kindness. My best friend, my comrade, my colleague. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the air was charged with the vibrant energy of a fair in full swing. The entrance beckoned with colorful banners, promising a tapestry of sights and sounds that awaited within. Laughter and the distant melody of carnival music intertwined, creating an unmistakable atmosphere of festivity.

“This is my first time attending a fare!” Hiram giggles in excitement. I scoffed “what? Where were you all this time? Under a rock?” In an attempt to make a joke I realized that I shouldn't have joked about that. Hiram's fake laugh resonated in my mind. Hiram's humble upbringing was known to all but since he never discussed it, nobody asked and respected it. He once told me in the middle of the night since we both couldn't sleep. About his humble background and harsh life, about his childhood friends, his village, his father being the only family he had and his last wish for him to join The Crescent Station, everything. And I just mocked his entire life, in front of him no less.

Approaching the ticket booth, the tantalizing aroma of cotton candy and popcorn wafted through the air, tempting passersby to indulge in the delights of the fair. The ticket vendor, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of flashing lights, handed over tickets with a cheerful grin, setting the stage for an evening of whimsy. I cleared my throat “about that…. I apologize.  I knew about your past and still chose to mock you. That was very rude and childish of me. I'm sorry.”

Hiram laughed. This time, it was real. “I'm happy you chose to apologize instead of pondering over it forever. I know you didn't mean it so it is okay. Instead how about you treat me in this fare? I will take it as an apology.” I smiled. That was Hiram for you. Sweet, kind and always stood his ground. My best friend, my comrade, my colleague. 

On the training grounds, a symphony of disciplined chaos unfolded as colleagues, each a piece in the intricate puzzle of the Special Forces Division, engaged in rigorous training. The air crackled with determination and the acrid scent of sweat, blending with the earthy tones of freshly cut grass.Uniformed figures moved with purpose, their steps synchronized that echoed the precision drilled into them through years of service. The metallic clang of weapons meeting shields resonated alongside the staccato rhythm of boots hitting the ground, creating a rhythmic melody that underscored the intensity of their collective effort. 

Suddenly someone on the ground dared to point their sword at me. Everyone stopped their tracks. “Come on, Hawk~ pull out your sword~. " Of course it was Hiram, who else would dare? People went back to their work but some surrounded to see the spectacle. “I thought you'd give up after losing 5 times in a row, Sparrow.” His laugh echoed in the entire ground. “My middle name happens to be Perseverent!” I sighed and unsheathed my sword. Hiram's stance was better than before. He saw me eyeing his posture and figure and smirked. “I won't lose to you now.” And he charged towards me at full speed.

He did as he said and defeated me. As we both lay on the ground, panting hard and full of sweat, I looked at him and asked. “How did you do that?”

“Do… do what?” He panted “That finishing move." I said "That was my move that no one has been able to avoid. Moreover, that wasn't taught to me by anyone, I made it. And no one has been able to copy it because it was difficult. So how did you do it?” He laughed. “Losing to you 5 times in a row wasn't a mistake Tian. I did that for a reason.”

I sat up surprised. “So you're telling me that by losing to me just 5 times, you learned that move which took me 3 years to perfect? Are you even human? Is this how you are able to fight people despite being so weak? You know their moves and so you predict it??! Waa~ Sparrow you never told me you were a genius!!!” I said as I hugged him. “Bastard, I can't breathe!! I thought you knew since everyone here called me Sage. Get off me Gentian!!” That was the spirit of Hiram. Nobody knew what his next moves would be. But he would know. And that's why the chairman was afraid of him. And that's why every single person respected him. My best friend, my comrade, my colleague. 

This day will be buried in my memory as long as I live. The air, once vibrant with the echoes of camaraderie, now hung heavy with an unspoken weight of loss. I stared at Hiram, looking for a hint of weakness, a hope, a fear. I was waiting for him to say that he accepted his mistakes and would return to The Crescent Station. That he would never help the magicians and would hand over the traitors. But all I saw was the same Hiram that stood next to me through countless battles. But all I found behind the lenses of his glasses was eyes that hold the warmth of wisdom and kindness. Hiram embodied a guardian spirit, radiating a comforting aura that resonates with those fortunate enough to know him. I once loved that stubbornness of his. Now I don't like it one bit, not one bit. 

“State the location of the traitors Hiram, and you shall live. You will be imprisoned but I will make sure to get you out within 6 years. Do not disappoint me.” Said the Commander–in–chief. Who was present with me along with the Commander of the Special Forces Division and of Rapid Response Division and Counter Terrorism Division. The higher ranking officials were all present yet he was unyielding as ever. “They are not terrorists, sir.” He stated. “They are children, merely of the ages of 4 to 10. They couldn't harm us even if they tried.” Fuck! Why can't he just remain silent and listen to them for once!?? Doesn't he realize that his life is on the line here?! Is he desperate to die?! “You are disobeying the order of the Commander-in-Chief!!! Do you know what you are doing!!??? You will be sentenced to death for working with the terrorists and protecting them!! Hand them over or taste death!!!” Hiram did nothing and stood still. He was brave for standing against the military of Etral for some pesky kids who had blood of magicians running through them. Why would he protect something not his? Why would he protect some kids over his country that he was protecting before those monsters stepped into his life? Why does he not care for his own life? Do they matter more to him than his own life? Than his own people? Than us? Than our friendship and memories that he'd rather sacrifice himself? Do something Hiram! Say something! Say that you won't do it again! Beg for their forgiveness and bang your head against the floor if you must but live!! Don't die! 

“I see…. You stubborn, treacherous mutt. It was our mistake to enlist you into our prestigious military.” The Commander-in-Chief huffed a humorless laugh. “And it was my honor to serve you and Etral.” Hiram smiled softly. The commander tsk-ed “Gentian, if you are the true blood of Ertal and a vessel of The Crescent Station, you shall shoot that traitor in front of us right now. If not, you will know what will be your future. I believe you will make the right decision.”

Why are you doing this? Why would you choose death? What went wrong? What did I not do? What should I have done? 

“Hiram.” I said through my clenched teeth, my hand on the hilt of my gun. I prayed I wouldn't have to pull it out. “There still is time. Take back your words, beg them to forgive you and be lenient to you. Say the word and I'll-”

"Gentian.” He cut me off. “I know I am right…. And one day you'll understand it.”

I see…. This was the Hiram that I didn't know. That I failed to know, the one who failed us. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him and I hate myself more. I want to kill him. I will kill him. I hate him so much. I pulled out my gun and pressed on to his chest. I looked at him one last time to see if he fears death or not. I regret looking at him. He looked straight at me, as if he read whatever was going through my mind. He was smiling. I couldn't stand it anymore. I shot him. I shot him under the unforgiving gaze of a summer sun.The sunlight, once a symbol of hope, now cast a harsh glow on the scene, as if nature itself recoiled from the betrayal witnessed on that summer day.

The impact was abrupt, a forceful collision that sent shockwaves through his body. His body collapsed on mine. I sensed the wetness seeping through my uniform. The wetness of blood, sweat and tears mixed together. He coughed and coughed. His knees grew weak and he knelt, I knelt along with him. I had no energy to move him apart from me. He was desperately hanging on to me. His hands weakly grasped my shoulders and chest. I felt no emotions. This wasn't how I thought it would feel. 

“As the act of goodwill, as to pay off the debts of good deeds Hiram Delacruz has done for us and for the sake of your friendship, I'll let you bury him in Etral with all the limbs intact. He was as good of a weapon as you, a pity he had chosen to protect someone who doesn't deserve protection. We'll be going back.” Slowly the sound footsteps were gone. Hiram was still in my embrace, wheezing and panting. He pushed himself away from me and grabbed my face and forced me to look at him. His glasses were crooked, his face glistened with sweat and blood dripped from his mouth and seeped through his t-shirt. “You…. You must…. Hate me now… tian..” I said nothing. He should know the gravity of his actions. Of course I'd hate him like many of us. “I'm…. Sorry for not telling you…. But not.. for what I did…” he laughed. “I had this stupid… wish to do before I…. Die… it was… to say something…. Inspirational as my last breath…. I guess this is my chance…please protect the kids… for ones we couldn't save…. Be their shield…thank you for everything…” I never thought that even during his last moments he would think about others. He then rested his head on my chest and whispered to me to stay with him as long as I could. I stayed. And stayed. And stayed. I stayed until the body went cold and listless. I stayed till I felt no energy in my legs.

I picked up his frail body and carried it to our resting place to bury him. After burying him I stayed. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that seemed to mirror the solemnity that had settled over. A gentle breeze, carrying the whispers of a fading summer, rustled through. As I sat alone beside Hiram's grave, the weight of grief bore down on me, and the strength holding back my emotions began to crumble.

Tears, unbidden and unrestrained, welled up in my eyes, tracing paths down my cheeks. Each drop was a testament to the profound loss I felt. Shoulders, once rigid with the weight of duty, now trembled under the burden of sorrow. The impenetrable shield I had become for Etral was momentarily shattered, revealing the vulnerability beneath. My hands, calloused from years of wielding a sword, now reached out to touch the cold gravestone as if seeking solace from the unyielding reality of death.My fingers traced the engraved letters of Hiram's name, a gesture of grappling with the permanence of the void left behind. My breath, once steady and disciplined, now hitched with the irregular rhythm of grief.

The world around me blurred. Each memory of shared laughter and unspoken camaraderie replayed in my mind, intensifying the ache of absence.In that moment, a threshold where the stoic facade crumbled entirely. The gravity of loss pressed upon me, and the enormity of Hiram's absence unfolded like a vast abyss. That was Hiram…. Whose presence would feel like home. His presence would leave a lasting impact. His absence would leave his trail behind, wishing one could see him again. My best friend, my comrade, my colleague…. And my biggest regret…

[beantothemax]

“....Why?”

“Hm? Why what?”

Alfyn looked up from the herb garden, the one Nina had taken vigilant care of in his absence.

Therion tugged his jacket closer around himself. “Why do you bother caring about me so much?”

Alfyn sat back on his heels, pondering what to say.

“Because you deserve it,” he said.

“Because you think I need fixing,” Therion argued.

Alfyn shook his head. “Nah. You ain’t broken. You’re hurt is what you are. And I know there are some scars that won’t fade, no matter how much time and care is put into them. But there are some that are still raw and tender, there are still some that, even though they’re scars and not wounds, and there isn’t any way I can stop them from scarring, can still be treated so they hurt less. There are scars that can be tended to so they fade. So they heal the way they’re supposed to.”

Therion stared down at the ground. “...So you want to heal me?”

“As best as I can. I want to help you, Therion. I want to help you deal with the pain you carry. You don’t have to hide your scars, y’know. It’s alright.”

Therion trembled, and Alfyn rose to his feet, walking over and hugging him.

Therion froze for a second before wrapping his arms around Alfyn, burying his face in his shoulder.

“...Thank you, Alfyn...” He mumbled, and Alfyn hugged him tighter.

“O’course. I’ll always be here to help. I promise.”

TUMBLR USER BEANTOTHEMAX FOUND DISSOLVING INTO A PUDDLE AFTER LOVELY FRIEND AND MUTUAL ADVENTURES-OF-TURNABOUT MADE A VERY VERY GOOD ALFION FIC THAT MADE HIM WANT TO EXPLODE EIGHT BILLION TIMES MORE AT 11

[simiansmoke]

@citizensofeggton cont.

"Pft, 'general'? That seems like a tall title for somebody shorter than one of these." Lifting a trunk of an arm where a series of three of the Kong kids hung- one over handed, one underhanded, and the other by the legs, looking more like a family of opossums than apes. A burst of flexes via his bicep cause the tag-alongs to squeeze their perch tighter and laugh while also engaging in the age-old activity of trying to make each other fall off via tickle attacks. "I never said it made me special." The Kong prince shrugs, also illiciting a chorus of chitters from the tailed Konglings on his shoulders. "Just one of those 'is what it is' so might as well take the rizz sorta things."

After one last dab to the sniffling kid's face, DK tucks the end of his tie into a grubby little hand and lightly loops it once around the conjoined wrist. There...a child leash. With a nod to signal they were all set to get back on the path towards the ice cream kart he figured would be at the beach at this point of the day with the sun high and demanding some way of cooling off, he begins to pad forward again towards the end of the dock where saw grass and sand swallowed up wooden planks and a path of Kong prints made a trail through the dunes.

Curious about the ape comment, he raised a brow at her assertion. "So you're saying...your kingdom's got Kongs? Dunno how far away you are, but that's kinda weird. The Jungle Kingdom's the only place as far as I know that we call home. Well...maybe after that big mess with the fruit tribes." Though his tone was pondering, he couldn't help the bitter taste forming in his mouth, though spitting to the side helps. Almost as if on cue, several of the Konglings copied him and eagerly spat into the sand. A good role model, for sure.

The kid he'd tethered continued to walk along, seemingly content to have something to hold onto - even if it wasn't a fluffy tail. They still stole a look over at their short and fuzzy chaperone, though flinched when she made mention of how tough they were even though they'd snotted up a bit back there, though not really from a scuff or a scrape, but moreso the feeling like they'd gotten in trouble for continuing to chase it. The reassurance is enough to earn a shy smile complete with a missing front tooth. "Yeahhh, I'm ganna be tUFF!" Leashed or not, the kid proceeds with a puffed chest.

"Uhh, keep the toughness down a level, champ. We all needa keep up here." DK grumbles, though he's partially glad the kid's got time to dry his face off now in the sun and perk up before he has to return the lot. The less explaining he has to do, the better-

As his paws enter the sand, the kids can't help but want to pound around in the loose earth, leaping off and racing around with renewed energy. That plus the sand's pretty hot and they're quick to keep their knuckles from cooking too much. DK pauses at the threshold between wood and sand to regard the dock trail behind them. "Eh...I guess railing wouldn't be that bad of a project. I could probably put up a few one morning before it gets hot." It wasn't like he was a stranger to carpentry either, given the tree house he'd made in his youth, shaky - unstable junk of a shack that it was.

The ice cream kart up ahead was just that - a rather large go kart parked on the sands with a trailer attached. Pictures of vibrant, sea-salt popsicles lined the side. As it slowly came into view, DK watched the onslaught of Konglings line up for a race to the finish line of frozen treats. "You know, I'm not against judging someone entirely based off their favorite ice cream flavor." Of course he isn't.