#places to visit near Bright End Corner
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clearholidaysindia · 4 months ago
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Bright End Corner in Almora, Uttarakhand, is a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. This tranquil spot is perfect for witnessing mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets amidst the serene hills of Uttarakhand. Offbeat places near Bright End Corner include the serene Kasar Devi Temple, known for its mystical aura and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Situated atop a hill, Kasar Devi Temple is a favorite among spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts for its peaceful ambiance and stunning sunsets.
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Exploring places to visit near Bright End Corner reveals a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Just a short drive away lies Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, where travelers can immerse themselves in dense forests and spot diverse wildlife such as leopards, deer, and rare bird species. The sanctuary offers scenic trails for nature walks and trekking, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure amidst nature's bounty.
For those interested in history and architecture, a visit to the ancient town of Jageshwar is highly recommended. Home to a cluster of beautifully carved temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Jageshwar Dham exudes a serene ambiance amidst cedar forests. Visitors can explore the intricate stone sculptures and soak in the spiritual vibes of this sacred site. These places to visit near Bright End Corner promise a delightful journey through Uttarakhand's cultural heritage and natural splendor, offering unforgettable experiences for travelers exploring Almora, India.
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pastryfication · 3 months ago
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sleepy airports | loscar
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pairing: oscar piastri x reader x logan sargeant
note: i’m trying to get better at poly fics, so please bear with me xx
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in the airport, the bustling terminal is filled with the hum of travelers and the distant announcements of flight statuses. the excitement of your vacation is buzzing in the air, a bright spot in the midst of the usual airport chaos. it’s been a while since the three of you took a break together, just you, and the anticipation makes you giddy.
the three of you arrived early, giving yourselves plenty of time to navigate the security lines and grab a bite to eat. now, with hours to spare before your flight, you’ve settled into a quiet corner near your gate. oscar has claimed one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs and is lounging back with a book, while logan and you settle on either side of him.
you notice logan’s head nodding slightly as he tries to stay awake. he’s always been an early riser, and the wait is starting to take its toll. you feel the same way, your eyes growing heavy as you finally sit down in a quiet place. it doesn’t take long before you find yourself snuggling closer to your australian boyfriend, resting your head against his shoulder. his warmth and the steady rhythm of his breathing are comforting, and you feel yourself relaxing. as you close your eyes, you sense a gentle shift in the seating arrangement.
oscar glances up from his book and smiles. without saying a word, he moves to sit a bit more comfortably and gently wraps his arm around both you and logan. logan sighs contentedly and his head falls to rest on oscar’s shoulder as well. oscar’s eyes soften as he looks at the two of you, his free hand reaching up to lightly stroke your hair.
time seems to slow as you drift in and out of light sleep, lulled by the soft murmur of the airport and the comforting presence of your partners. it’s these small, quiet moments of togetherness that you cherish. the three of you are wrapped in a cocoon of warmth and love, a small, happy island in the middle of the bustling terminal.
when your flight is finally announced, oscar gently nudges you awake. you stretch and blink, feeling both refreshed and reluctant to leave the cozy nest you’ve created. logan stirs as well, his eyes slowly opening, and he smiles groggily at you. oscar gives a soft chuckle and stands up, offering you his hand.
“come on, sleepyheads,” he says. “time to board.”
as you all walk toward the gate, the excitement of the journey ahead replaces the initial grogginess. the flight is smooth, and the three of you settle into your seats. oscar sits by the window, giving you and logan the middle and aisle seats. you end up leaning against oscar’s shoulder again, while logan stretches out beside you.
you chat about your plans for the trip, the places you want to visit, and the food you’re excited to try. logan is the enthusiastic storyteller, recounting amusing anecdotes and trivia about your destination. oscar occasionally chuckles, his fingers lightly brushing yours as you share in the conversation.
the flight attendants come by with snacks and drinks, and you all take turns sharing bites and sips. it’s a small pleasure, but it feels special when done together. you look around at your partners—logan’s eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, oscar’s face relaxed and content—and feel a profound sense of gratitude fill you.
at some point during the flight, you drift off again. the gentle hum of the plane and the soft light filtering through the window provide a soothing backdrop. when you wake, the sun is dipping lower in the sky, casting a warm glow through the aeroplane. logan has shifted slightly, his arm now draped protectively around you, and oscar is still sitting patiently, letting you use him as a pillow. the two boys had been sharing a quiet moment, their heads close together above you in a comfortable silence.
as the plane begins its descent, you all share a look of excitement and anticipation. the vacation is just beginning, and you can’t wait to explore, laugh, and make memories together. the trip has already been filled with little moments of affection and togetherness, and you know that these moments will only continue to grow.
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koisuko · 7 months ago
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Hear me out, but how about a shy female reader who has been chosen as one of earthrealm's champions but Bihan doesn't see it due to her being short and shy, he makes a comment about it but is shocked when the reader gave a smartass response to his comment which peaks Bihan's curiosity about the reader?
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Tw: none, shy reader, fem reader, no use of y/n
You lived a fairly reclusive life, hidden away in a densely forested area surrounded by high mountains. There were very few homes nearby with the nearest neighbor being 100 kilometers away. Just how you liked it, away from strangers in your cozy cabin. It was a paradise, a shy persons dream.
You sat on your brown sofa, the cushions so pillowy it nearly swallowed your petite frame. Beside you, your sole company in the isolation you live in, a small black cat. Soft purrs accompanied the crackle of the flames before you, your toes wiggling near the fireplace for warmth. A sigh left your lips, at the relaxation taking a hold. All the chores were done, you finished your reading, and you had gotten off your online job just an hour ago. You had nothing to do but relax. A hand stroked the silky black fur of your cat, the purrs a gentle lullaby. Your eyelids grew heavy, barely having the strength to fight the impending nap. Not that you wanted to, naps were your favorite thing after all.
One..two..three knocks on your front door jostled you from your drowsy state. A spike in anxiety hit, fear of who or what could be here. You never really had visitors, or many friends outside of your cat and family. There is no one you know to be visiting anytime soon, so who is it? Slowly, you approached the front door, a nervous expression on your face despite your best efforts to seem confident. Armed with nothing but your fists, you stood just inches from the wooden barrier. You knew how to fight, if it was necessary. A woman in the middle of no where needs her protection! You’d be damned if you unhooked the chain lock at the top of the door. You mustered up the courage to place a cautious hand on the door knob. Was it hot in here? You could feel the sweat begin to bead at the ridge of your brow. A sigh left your lips as the door slowly creaked open. On the other side we’re not one, but three large burly men. This is your end, isn’t it? “U-uh h-hello?” You squeaked out, earning a scoff from a man wearing blue. His face seemed molded into a permanent scowl, and his scrutinizing gaze locked on to what little of you peaked from behind the door. The first to speak, was a man with bright white eyes. “Greetings, I am Lord Liu Kang, God of fire, Protector of Earthrealm,” his voice was oddly calming, but not enough to block out the body guards beside him, “May we enter?” Enter? As if! His title seemed like something straight out of one of your novels. “M-may I ask what business you have here?” You cleared your throat, anything to rid the lump making it hard to speak. “N-no offense but..I think you have the wrong house.” Liu Kang’s bright orbs creased at the corners in a smile, “I assure you we are at the correct residents.”
Shit, you thought. A thick clump of saliva made its way down your throat, causing you to nearly choke on it. “We can talk outside, if you wish,” he added. Something about this man was…strange yet peaceful. What choice did you have? You puffed out your chest and unhooked the chain keeping these intruders outside. All within a split second, you swung the door open and readied yourself for a fight with a defensive position. Unfortunately, a pathetic squeak left your lips as soon as the door smacked the wall. The two men behind Liu Kang chuckled, one with a more lighthearted giggle, and the other a demeaning one. Liu Kang smiled once again, bowing his head respectfully. You straightened up with an awkward gulp so loud the birds outside could hear it, “I uh..sorry.” He shook his head, “it is understandable, your bravery is admirable.” That soothed your nerves just a bit, until, the man in blue spoke for the first time. “This is the chosen champion?” His lip curled into one of distaste as he eyed you down, “pathetic.” It was one thing to hate everything around you, but to insult you before seeing your skills was a whole new level. “Excuse me?” You crossed your arms, popping a hip out with a snarl, “you look like a mere boy with sticks for arms compared to the men I’ve fought!” He didn’t say a word, instead, he scoffed and averted his gaze elsewhere. Although, despite his initial burning expression, his eyes seemed to soften ever so slightly when looking at you. It was barely noticeable, but a spark flickered just behind that ice cold exterior.
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heich0e · 6 months ago
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keishin lives in a little one room apartment attached to the back of sakanoshita market.
calling it an apartment is a bit of a stretch—it's more a converted storage room than anything. there's a door to a cramped bathroom on one wall, a makeshift kitchen comprised of a hotplate and a mini fridge along the other. the room is scarcely large enough to fit the lumpy sofa his grandfather was getting rid of years ago and an old chabudai that's missing a leg so it's propped up on side by an old milk crate, and that leaves just enough floor space to lay out a futon at the end of the day (though he often just falls asleep on the sofa, and wakes up in the morning with terrible back pain.) it's a humble space, to say the very least, but it's his—and it affords him a bit more freedom than living in the family house.
you live in an apartment just down the road.
the first time ukai visits your place, the very first thing he notices how much it smells like you—clean and sweet and dizzying. the apartment feels warm and soft like you too. it's tidy but lived in, with traces of you filled in to every corner—the photos on the wall, the colourful mug on the dish rack by the kitchen sink, the houseplants flourishing near the window with their lush bright green leaves. your apartment is so different to his. you're so different to him.
but there's just something about it that immediately feels like home.
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diejager · 2 years ago
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Little Red's Wolf
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Pairing : Johnny “Soap” MacTavish x fem!reader
Cw: NSFW, exophilia, knotting, breeding, size kink, stomach bulge, biting, marking, blood, oral sex, werewolf, tell me if I missed any.
Wc: 3.5k
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Little Red Riding Hood, was a kind and beautiful, young maiden from the village. Little Red Riding Hood was known by all, cared and loved by the small town as if you were their little girl. A pretty, little bachelorette in their small village. The people loved you, the smiling ray of sunlight that beamed across the street with loving words and gentle gestures.
Little Red Riding Hood was also the only one who dared venture outside the town, through the thicket around town, to turn left of the paved road and into the unknown. You were the only one who didn't fear straying from the path, having grown up near it, walking between the trees and exploring the darkest creeks within the woods. You knew it like the back of your hand.
Today would be a scheduled visit to your grandmother, to bring baked goods and wine to your lovely grandmother who lived alone in the forest.
"Come, my dear," your mother called you over, and a soft smile pulled her lips upwards. "Here is a piece of cake and a bottle of wine, take them to your grandmother. She is ill and weak, and they will do her good. Set out before it gets hot, and when you are going, walk nicely and quietly and do not run off the path, or you may fall and break the bottle, and then your grandmother will get nothing; and when you go into her room, don't forget to say, 'Good morning', and don't peep into every corner before you do it."
Donned in your usual red hood, the bright colored cloth ending at your knees with a white chemise and a black skirt, you took the basket in hand with great care, checking over the content you would bring to your grandmother. Once done, you left your house, turning to wave at your mother before you closed the door behind you: "I will take great care."
You walked through the long road through the village, smiling and waving at your neighbors and the neighbors of your neighbors, everyone knew everyone in a small town like yours. Friends of your friends became your friends too, knowing everyone had its perks and made everything easier, more familiar.
"Here! Bring this to your grandmother, Little Red Riding Hood," the Baker, a kind old man who lived upstairs of his bakery, called you over. In his hand was a freshly baked breath, warm and smelling heavenly. Into the basket, it went, wrapped neatly in an ivory cloth, woven with care by the baker's wife.
Farther down the street, the herbalist that lived in her hut, covered with scented grasses and pretty flowers called to you, "I heard of your grandmother's sickness, Little Red Riding Hood," she gave you her most caring and worried look she had, honestly dripping from her eyes and tongue. "Please, mix this with hot water before giving it to her, one quarter of this with a cup should do." The small bottle was carefully placed next to the wine bottle your mother had given you, safely secured with twine and string.
People waved and smiled at you as you walked closer to the forest's mouth, wishing you 'good luck' and bidding you a farewell, until the evening, when you'd emerge from the darkness.
The path was cloaked in the shadows of trees, the leaves brushing against one another in the blowing air, soft and calming. It pushed the gentle smell of nature into your nose and dances beautifully before you.
The road was paved in stone, soft, silver brick that stuck out, the dirt hugged its rounded edges and held it together. The trees hugged the path closely, hiding the turns in the road with greenery, beautiful and lively green. You skipped by habit, eyes wandering around the branches to see bird nests and shy squirrels jumping from tree to tree as you followed the path.
While the paved way led farther out, towards the edge of the forest, the dirt path at the fork led deeper, the way to your grandmother's quaint house. You turned and strayed from the popular road, heeled shoes stepping on the hard dirt. You hummed a tune, absentmindedly following the wavy line deeper into the wildness.
Shadows danced outside your line of sight, appearing at the corner of your eyes until you turned to see whatever or whoever it was. You were scared, although naive and oblivious, you grew up in these woods and knew that it wouldn't hurt those who knew it well.
When you called out, the shadow stood tall and rigid, a dark mass hidden under the shades of the trees. It rumbled out a noise, one closely sounding to a wolf's growl. You stopped to stare at it, watching it amble forward, into the lighted path. A wolf, as intended, covered in warm, brown fur with piercing, blue eyes that stared at you inquisitively.
"G'day, Little Red," he spoke with a slur in his voice, a deep rumble in it. His voice sent pleasurable shivers down your spine, you shuddered physically. He saw that, you knew he did, wolves were perceptive.
"Thank you kindly, Great Wolf," you bowed your head, smiling sweetly at him. You ignored the way his eyes glazed over, going down the length of your cloak and your naked knees to your shoes, then back up to your face. He drank you in like you were a treat to his eyes.
"Where yer goin' so early, Little Red?"
"To my grandmother's, Great Wolf."
Perhaps you shouldn't have told him that, for his eyes shone with a menacing glint, dark and ravenous within the ocean of blue. However, it would have been impolite to ignore such an inquiry, especially to a polite and handsome wolf.
He bobbed his head, his mane fluidly moving along his movement, soft and silky, yet disarrayed. He pointed his muzzle at your basket, nose wiggling as he sniffed the air.
"What 'ave ye in your apron?"
"Cake and wine and bread, yesterday was baking-day; and herbs for my poor, sick grandmother. All to make her stronger, Great Wolf."
"Where dae ye nana live, Little Red?"
Again, you pushed away the chill that ran down your back, his heated gaze weighed heavily on your small figure.
"A good quarter into the wood, her house stands under three large oak-trees and nut-trees just below it. Surely, you've seen it."
He thought to himself, thinking back to the house he saw many times while passing through. An old lady that lived alone so deeply in his home had always been an interest, especially the sweet scent of freshly-baked pie. He knew the old woman, Nana, he called her after being caught by the old woman years ago.
So he nodded, head cocked your way with a knowing glint in his eyes. He hadn't seen you at Nana's, though your scent - fresh and earthly smell of wildflowers that grew in the forest - was familiar. You must've only visited her when he was away, lounging under the shade, running through the trees, or stalking and hunting his prey - like you were, at the moment.
A sugary, little treat that he walked into after a run with Gaz. He considered himself lucky, extremely so for having found you before you reached your nana's house.
"Ye best be on your way, then," he mocked a curtsey, his tail waving lazily behind him. "Guid luck, Little Red."
His bright irises followed you, watching the back of your red cloak ride up the inside of your knees, shoulders bobbing along the rugged ground. He was addicted, obsessed with your scent and your appearance. You were soft and naive, too trusting of him, a wolf. An adorable little treasure he would love to eat whole.
He stayed until your red figure became a dot in the flora, swallowed up by the woods he lived and hunted in. He would wait, lurk behind you from afar and pounce the moment he saw you stagger and hesitate.
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You did as your mother told you, you greeted your sickly grandmother with a "Good morning" before peering at every corner of her house, searching for any change since the last time you passed by. Setting the basket down, you picked the piece of cake and a cup for the wine, and put aside the bread and concoction for later use. Placed in a tray, you brought it to your grandmother, supported by pillows against the headboard.
As you watched your grandmother eat, you recalled the brief discussion you had with the Great Wolf, dangerously handsome and mischievous. You fed her the herbalist's recommended dosage, a quarter of a cup. She hisses and complained but still drank, swallowing the green mix with small gulps. Once she finished and rested comfortably under the drapes, you spoke, "Grandmother, I met a Great Wolf today, on my way to bring your cake and wine. Do you know of him?"
She muttered, a shallow and weak "yes" at your inquiry: "Kind wolf, that one," she blinked slowly, glazed over with tiredness. "Hungry too! A ravenous creature, but gentle, Little Red Riding Hood. Do not fear the wolf, he is caring."
Without much left to do for her (you placed the cake leftover and the bread on her stove, wine, and cup on her nightstand, and the rest of the concoction on her kitchen table), you bid your farewell and crossed the room to her door, sending her a kiss before you closed and locked her door behind you. The sun had crawled higher, nearly noon as it blared its heated gaze over your crimson figure, bright and energetic as the color of your cloak.
Rustling followed your steps, taunting and teasing every time you stopped to look around you, only seeing green leaves and brown barks with a few specks of vibrant color. the farther you went, the more eager they became, closer to you and stopping later than you did.
You heard panting and low rumbling from the being, it gave away your stalker's identity. Instead of walking the path, you stayed between the trees, diving into the shades created by tall branches and wide leaves. Within them, anything could happen without passersby seeing it knowing - unless there was noise to hear. You were baring yourself to the creature, oblivious of its intentions.
As if hearing your thoughts, the beast appeared before you, a broad and hardened frame looming over you like the mountains near your town did. His cerulean orbs shone under the shadows as he stared at you with such intensity that it made you shiver, a pleasurable chill.
"Oh! Great Wolf!" you called, sounding surprised with your gaping mouth and wide eyes. "What big ears you have."
"All the betta tae hear yer with, Little Red," he spoke, pointed ears flickering and twitching under your gaze.
"What big eyes you have, Great Wolf."
"All the betta tae see yer with, Little Red," he rasped, eyes taking in your voluptuous figure, dark with arousal.
"What large hands you have, Great Wolf."
"All the betta tae hold yer with, Little Red," he growled, arms flexing, threatening to close around you and cage you against his chest.
Your body thrummed, warmth flooding your body and heating your groin. His strong body stalked so slowly toward you, teasing you both. You ate him up, trailing from his snout and down his naked pectorals, from his sculpted abdomen to the bulge in his pants, and down his beautiful thighs.
"What a terrible big mouth you have, Great Wolf," you gulped, legs shaky.
"All the bettea tae eat yer with!"
He pounced, paws falling to your shoulder to pin you down. You fell with a yelp, followed by a gasp as he clawed at your chemise, ripping it in two. His warm nose nudged your breasts, tongue reaching out to lave between them. It was hot and wet. You moaned and gripped his head, reveling his tongue running over your mounds and swirling around your nipple. He closed his mouth around your left, perky nub, sucking harshly with the other being occupied by his big palm, kneading it sensually.
You cried his moniker, squirming under his skillful tongue. Your legs wrapped themselves around his small waist, grinding against his hardness.
"Soap, Little Red," he groaned, licking down your chest and your navel as he pulled down your pants. "Mae name's Soap, Little Red."
His fingers slid between your thighs, claw drawing a line down your inner thigh to your ankle. He panted against your heat, jaw flashing his sharp teeth, just inches from sinking into your supple flesh to watch blood roll down your slit and ass. Fuck, the thought made him hornier.
He latched onto your clit, rolling the tip of his tongue over it. Your legs were pulled over his shoulders, both hands gripping your hips from bucking into his jaw. They dwarfed your body, almost able to meet at the front. Your body wracked with waves of arousal from his motion and the pure implication of being speared by a being Soap's size, twice - dare say, thrice - your size.
He growled when you gripped his mane, pulling his hair and squirming too much, the vibration tingled, traveling from your core to the tip of your curling toes. He growled a second time, smirking at your thrown-back head and drooling mouth before replacing his tongue with his callused thumb. He wandered lower, dipping between your labia to probe at your entrance.
He loved the sound of your moans and mewls, crying out every time his muscle dragged the warm walls inside of you, thrusting and curling, exploring your drooling cunt with a deep hunger. Your walls spasmed and your limbs twitched, your orgasms teetered on the edge.
"Let go, Little Red," he groaned, the apes of your thigh slotting perfectly between his maw, teeth shy of digging into your muscle. "Come for mae."
You came with a silent scream, euphoria washing over you as Soap lapped your slick, hungrily drinking the essence of your pleasure. He rode it out, thumb gently rubbing your clit until you calmed down, shaking and gasping for air, but all you could smell was sex and the pungent odor of Soap's musk, a masculine and predatory thing.
With one last long lick from your ass to your clit, he pulled away, back hunched as he ground his crotch on your wet cunt, kneeling with his legs splayed open.
"Ye ready for mae, bonnie?"
You shakily nodded, the extremities of your limbs still tingling with pleasure. He smirked a cute and smug grin that fit his stature and personality so well. He dropped his slacks, pumping his cock, spreading his pre around his thick girth. You stared at it with amazement, mouth agape with hunger. What you'd give to have a taste of him, throat gagging around his girthy rod.
The red, angry tip tapped your clit a few times, you jumped and moaned, eyes pleading for him to hurry, to claim you and eat you as he promised. Hearing your pleading mewls, he tested the resistance, tip slowly easing in. He watched you take him inch by inch, lips opening and stretching to take him whole and raw. Spread to your fullest, you threw your head back, eyes rolling as you felt him push in. He perfectly filled you, bottoming out as his bulbous tip hit your cervix and bulged slightly under your navel.
"Fuck- tight lil' thang too, aye?" Soap groaned, his tongue lolling out as he panted, drinking up all the soft warmth that clenched around him. "This snatch's perfect for mae, eh?"
"Yours," you mewled, locking your ankles by his maned nape, pulling him closer to you, your red, swollen nipples pressed against his hard chest. "For you, Soap."
"Aye, fer mae."
He pulled out until only the tip lingered in, heading the loud squelch, and slammed in, head meeting your cervix and bulging. He started a fast and rough pace, pounding like a beast in rut, grunting and growling every time his balls slapped your ass. Your cum stained his brown fur, painting the growing knot with a white, creamy ring and his balls lewdly wet.
The innocent and naive appearance you had before was ruined by your current one, debauched and drunk with the pleasure that his pounding cock gave you. You tightened around him, wet walls clinging to his shaft as he pushed in. He rolled his hips, watching the protrusion swirl along his hips and the way you leaned at him for more, harder, faster.
"Ruin me, Soap!"
A primal urge overtook him, and he snapped his hips, plunging deeper, faster, harder into you. His thoughts numbed and his glands pumped dopamine into his brain, filling his thoughts with needs. He wanted to breed you and pump you full of cum as his knot kept you plugged. He wanted to watch you grow big and round with his pups, your breasts grow sensitive and heavy with milk.
His dreams urged him farther, draping himself closer to you, teeth lingering over your shoulder. He teetered on the edge of wanting to bite down and watch your crimson ichor ooze from beneath his teeth, roll down your shoulder, and stain your pretty vibrant cloak with a darker shade of red.
He could feel his fast-approaching orgasm, the beat in his chest, and the heat that pooled into his crotch. While his tongue dragged over the patch he was gazing at, jaw flexing to bite down, his knot grew, swelling around the stretched skin of your entrance.
"It's fine," he heard you say between your keens and the wet slapping. "You can bite."
A shiver wracked his back, muscle clenching and knot flaring. He gave a few thrusts before his knot locked, slowly pushing the swollen base of his cock fully into you. He bit down as he came, tasting your sweet (a delicate sweetness that he'd never tasted before, rivaling your slick) blood on his muscle.
You cried, screaming and mewling, your walls closing around him in a vice, milking his cock of potent cum. Ropes fired from the tapered tip, his slit oozing and filling you with burning warmth. He pulled back, mouth unlatching from your bleeding shoulder with a dazed look.
He licked your wound when you whined, cleaning it and kissing your pain with red-stained lips. He held you close, watching you move your hands to your bulging stomach happily. He followed your hands, how you rubbed your growing stomach, being filled and plugged by him.
"Sorry, Little Red, " he kissed you, painting your lips a pretty shade of crimson. "We're stuck together fer a while."
"It's fine, Soap, " your voice was slurred, expression content.
He really got lucky, stumbling on such a sweetheart like you. If he ended up knocking you up, he wouldn't mind staying with you, you've already made a place in his heart and mind. Your smell, your taste, your voice, and your soft hands were imprinted in his mind.
He didn't mind watching run after his - your - pups, caring and motherly, doting on his children. He couldn't wait to care for you. He's marked you, you were his and his scent covered you. He was yours too, he smelled sweet and flowery, he had your taste on his tongue and you drew lines on his back and arms, marking him.
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A few minutes before
Like yesterday and the day before, the hunter made his usual way through the woods. He watched over the few creatures that lived in these woods. He scratched his beard, rifle slung over his shoulder as he recalled what Gaz told him.
He whipped his head towards a scream, body stopping on the path he took. He gripped his rifle and dashed through the trees, weaving between the trunks and bushes until the screams became clearer. The high-pitched sound turned to moans and cries, deeper, wolfish grunts joined the cries. He frowned, confusion laced his blue eyes until he got closer to the source.
"-Soap!"
He froze, jumping at the name he heard. He knew Soap, the wolf that lived in these woods along with Gaz and Ghost. He peered through the thick cloud of leaves and gaped. He caught a red cloth and a small - smaller than him and Soap - figure beneath the hulking mass of a wolf, crying and mewling at the ravenous predator. He recognized the vibrant cloth, it was Little Red Riding Hood's recognizable cloak and her voice.
He knew the girl for coming over so often, invited by Nikolai, his husband of decades now. He gulped and backed away, turning away with tensed muscles and a shocked - traumatized, even - expression. He wished he could forget the sight, wipe the memory from his mind.
He wasn't sure if he'd be able to look at Little Red Riding Hood's face without feeling the awkwardness crawl his way up his nape, clinging onto him like a sinful reminder.
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mybutcheredtongue · 10 months ago
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I'll Love You 'til the Grass Around My Gravestone is Deceased
harry potter timeline sirius black x fem!reader
CHAPTER ELEVEN (see full series list here)
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1993
You find yourself sitting in the Tower again. You dangle a string of wool in front of Dubh and she joyfully bats at it with her front paws. You smile lovingly at her, chuckling when she misses the wool and lands on your knee instead. The sky above you has darkened, and you look out over the grounds.
It's the best view in the castle, of course. You get to see the near-entirety of the grounds in all its glory. The Black Lake is still and calm; the tree' leaves are swaying lazily in the light evening breeze; the dark, scruffy dog is pattering across the grass...
You blink, and the dog is gone. You sigh, falling back to the floor and lying down, staring up at the sky above you.
Twinkling lights dot the sky above you, winking at you. Part of you likes to think that those stars have souls. That they can see you right now, and are wondering why you're admiring them so much. To them, they're just balls of gas. To you, they're the most beautiful thing in the world.
You think on the day, remembering your visit to Hagrid early this morning. The poor man was in bits, all torn up over Buckbeak. Hagrid doesn't deserve such stress and worry, and neither does Buckbeak.
A few clouds are scattered around, passing over the bright, full moon. Your mind turns to Remus: he is no doubt sitting in his office right now, all wolfish, probably having a hankering for red meat. You offered to stay with him on full moons, but he refused. Despite the Wolfsbane potion allowing him to keep his mind during the transformation, rendering him harmless, he stipulated that he wanted to be alone, just in case something went wrong.
You don't want him to be alone, but you respect his wishes anyway.
You've known Remus is a werewolf for a very long time. You weren't even meant to find out about Remus' lycanthropy, but you used to get so worried about him at school. He was always exhausted, always disappearing on full moons, not eating well...it had gotten to the point where you cornered him in the library and expressed your concerns for him. You asked him to tell you what was wrong because you couldn't watch any longer, worried that something bad was keeping him up at night.
And, well, you weren't wrong. But he confided in you, just like he had his other friends, and from then on you did everything you could to help him. While the boys spent full moons with him, you ensured he got enough rest during the remainder of the month, made him his favourite teas, helped with keeping his secret secure...he became like a brother to you.
Your school days are something you treasure immensely. Everything was just so right. When you and Sirius starting dating Christmas of your sixth year, everything clicked into place. It felt like you had another family at Hogwarts.
You and Sirius whispered to each other during late nights in the common room, and you would trace the outlines of his tattoos as you listened to him talk.
You, Lily, and Alice shared things together that you never could share with anyone else.
You and Remus played chess with each other and always forgot about using strategy, instead choosing to just try and annihilate as many of the other's pieces as possible.
You and James played Exploding Snap, which always ended with the ends of his hair singed and him sulking when he lost.
You helped Peter prepare himself for his first date, making sure he was mentally ready and feeling confident.
Life was much simpler.
The clouds part and the moon reveals itself, casting a glow around it. In the distance, you hear a wolf howling, and for a moment you think it's Remus, before you shake your head. He's in his office, probably sleeping it off right now.
Speaking of sleep, you feel extremely comfortable where you are right now. You let your eyelids drift shut and fall into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
⁠✧⁠*⁠。✧⁠*⁠。
You wake some time later, the cold air nipping at your arms. You sit up groggily, yawning. You nudge Dubh and she wakes, getting up to follow you out of the Tower. As you're opening the door to your room, you realise you left your wand up there and quickly run back up the stairs to grab it.
You locate the item on your desk, stuffing it into your pocket, momentarily getting distracted by a scuff mark on the desk, wondering how that got there.
There's a heavy thud from the other side of the room.
You look up.
Your heart stops.
There, at the railing, is Buckbeak, Hagrid's giant Hippogriff. And on his back is Harry, Hermione, and...Sirius. He hops down, facing you.
You lock eyes and your name rolls off his tongue softly, and never has it sounded so perfect.
He's wearing shabby Azkaban clothes, which are ripped and tattered everywhere. His skin is dirty and his face is sunken with dark bags under his eyes. He's grown a beard and his hair has gotten even longer, but has become matted.
"Sirius?" you choke, frozen in place. "Are you really there?"
He nods, a small smile on his face. "Yes, my love. I'm here."
You take a tentative step forward, unsure really whether you are dreaming or not. The rational part of your brain is telling you to stop, to run in the other direction — this is a convict in front of you, after all!
But your heart makes all the decisions for you. It reaches out, desperately trying to get to its other half because truly, you were half a heart without him.
Your steps are slow and it feels like hours have passed before you finally stop in front of him. You hesitantly reach out, placing your hand against his chest.
"Please, tell me I'm not dreaming," you whisper.
Sirius brings his hand up to cover yours, moving it to press over where his heart is, where you can feel his racing heart beat. You can see a scar on his pinky finger, one he told you he got during a game of 'Pin the Tail on Kreacher' with Regulus when he was eight.
You feel tears prick your eyes, looking back into the face of the man you love more than anything in the world. You bring shaky hands up to his face, holding it delicately, like you're afraid he's going to break.
"I missed you," you say softly. "I missed you so much, Sirius."
"I missed you too," he replies. "How is it that you look just as beautiful today as you looked on our wedding day?"
You give a watery chuckle, sniffling. "Sirius Black, forever the flirt."
You lean forward and press your lips against his. This, this feeling. The overwhelming sense of feeling right where you belong, in the arms of the man you love. His lips are chapped but you don't care. His skin is rough but you don't care. His beard scratches against you but you don't care. You don't care about anything other than the fact that he's here with you. He's finally here.
"Please, darling..." he starts, taking a deep breath and gazing at you. "It wasn't me. I promise you with everything I have to give that I didn't kill those people, I was never a Death Eater — "
"I know."
" — I would never do that to James and Lily — "
"I know."
He pauses, looking at you in surprise. "You know?"
"I know, Siri," you say gently. "I believe you, I trust you. I know you. I've spent the last twelve years of my life believing you're innocent. I know you would never do that."
He opens his mouth to say something but can't seem to find the words. "You — you smart girl. My smart girl. My perfect, smart, beautiful girl..."
His eyes are brimming with tears as he keeps them fixed on you, before he pulls you into his chest and holds you tightly, burying his face in your hair.
"I love you. I love you. I love you so much," he says, kissing your cheek. "Going so long without you has been torture."
"It's been torture for me too," you reply. "I love you. I love you more than anything, Sirius." You smile at him before adding, "And you have seriously got to take a shower. Why don't you come down to my room and get all cleaned up?"
Sirius pulls away, giving you an uncertain look and you sigh. He glances back at Harry and Hermione, who you've pretty much forgotten are even there.
"We...don't have a lot of time left," Hermione says apologetically.
"I'm sorry, my love," Sirius says, pressing his forehead against yours. "I have to go."
You clutch onto his arms desperately, shaking your head. "No, no. You — you can't go. You can't leave me again, Sirius. No, please. Please. Please don't do this to me again. Why leave when I've just found you again?"
Tears stream down your face and Sirius reaches out to brush them away with his thumb. "I have to, darling. The Ministry'll be here any moment now, looking for me. I can't put you in danger like that."
"I'll come with you!" You try. "Please, we can go away together — we'll figure something out, just please, don't leave me again. I've been without you for too long, please — "
"I can't do that to you," he says weakly. "You have to stay."
"Sirius, please — "
"Stay," he says, kissing your forehead. "I'll find you again. I will always find my way back to you, no matter how far."
You let out a quiet sob and kiss him again, desperate for even the slightest bit of contact with him to remind you that you actually have him here with you.
"Please, darling. Stay here," he tells you firmly. "You'll be okay."
"I just — I've been waiting for this for too long," you say weakly. "I hoped I'd have you for longer."
He brings you hand to his lips, kissing your fingers lovingly. "I know, I know. We'll meet again and then — it'll be like I never left."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
He lets go of you, and it takes all of your willpower not to grab ahold of him again and never let go. Harry and Hermione jump off of Buckbeak, looking at each other awkwardly.
Sirius pulls Harry in for a hug, smiling proudly at him. "You are — truly your father's son, Harry."
Hermione looks at her watch nervously. "Quick, quick, you don't have time!"
Sirius takes one last glance back at you as he climbs up onto Buckbeak's back. He sends a wink your way and you shake your head amusedly, sighing.
He squeezes Buckbeak's sides with his heels. The enormous wings of the Hippogriff rise and you step back slightly, watching as it takes off into the air. Sirius and Buckbeak steadily become smaller and smaller until a cloud drifts past and...they're gone.
You swallow hard, sniffling as you brush tears off your cheeks. Before they can leave, you grab Harry and Hermione and pull them both in for a tight hug.
"Thank you, thank you both so much," you say. "You — you are the most wonderful children I have ever met — you brought him back to me, how did you ever do it? How can I ever thank you?"
"It's nothing, really — " Harry says sheepishly.
"Nothing? You have both just given me the best gift in the world," you say with a smile. Hermione is looking at her watch again and you let go. "Go, go on. You look like you have somewhere to be."
Hermione nods, grabbing Harry's arm and they turn to run down the stairs.
"Oh, and Harry!" You call after him. He stops for a second and you give him a smile. "Come find me when you have some free time. I'm sure you have a few questions to ask."
He nods affirmatively and they run off again.
⁠✧⁠*⁠。✧⁠*⁠。
"YOU!" Snape bursts into the Astronomy Tower, looking outraged. "You — what did you do?!"
You look up innocently from your desk, watching as Snape climbs to the top of the stairs, red-faced and angry. He's out of breath — you don't know if it's because he's angry or because walking up those stairs is about the most exercise he's gotten in a decade.
Behind him, comes Fudge and Dumbledore. Fudge is huffing and puffing, and when he reaches the top he lays a hand against the wall as he breathes in and out.
"You — you did something!" Snape snaps. "How else could he have escaped?"
"How else could who have escaped?"
"BLACK!"
"Well, I'd have a hard time getting him out of Azkaban, wouldn't I?"
Snape looks like he's about to burst. A vein is popping out in his neck and his eyes are bulging.
"HE — WAS — CAUGHT — AND — NOW — HE'S — GONE — "
"Wait, he was caught?" You ask, feigning oblivion.
Fudge nods. "Yes, we had caught him perfectly well...the Dementors were going to perform the Kiss — "
You slam your book down on the table, standing up from your chair, staring Fudge down. "Do you mean to say that the Dementors' Kiss was going to performed on my husband without my knowledge?"
Fudge visibly swallows, glancing at Dumbledore helplessly, who chooses to become fixated on one of the constellations on the wall.
"Well, er...we reviewed our options and seen that — um — we didn't have the time to inform you — "
"Bullshit," you spit. "You could have easily told me, you just weren't bothered, were you? Some Minister you are."
Fudge splutters, face going red.
Snape is still shaking with fury beside him. He jabs his finger in your direction. "YOU DID IT, I KNOW YOU DID — "
"That is enough, Severus. Why, the portrait of Eloria Floria in the corridor told us that she had not left the Tower since she first entered it three hours ago," Dumbledore says calmly.
Fudge glances at his watch. "Well, I suppose there is nothing more to it than that. I'd better go and notify the Ministry of this..."
Snape is seething. Absolutely seething. He gives one fuming look in your direction, before storming down the stairs once more. It's nearly comical because it's purely silent in the Tower but for the clunking of Snape's footfalls against the stairs, his anger evident in his heavy stomps.
It reminds you of a young child throwing a tantrum.
→ all kinds of interaction are appreciated ♡
⁠✧⁠*⁠。✧⁠*⁠。
->-> read chapter twelve here!
sorry for the shortish chapter but I just really wanted to get this one out. They've finally reunited!!!
+ a big thank you to my taglist loves for all their support and kindness:
@wholelottalove05 @izuoyarmin @carpe000diem @hyperspeedo
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ranposbabe · 11 months ago
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Delightful | William James Moriarty x Reader
Chapter 10
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Question after question after question.
Yet you wouldn’t receive any answers.
Perhaps it was due to the fact that you could only have the courage to think about them and not even consider whispering them let alone saying them aloud for others to hear.
You definitely won’t find answers here that’s for certain. So far you hadn’t been successful but then again up till now u weren’t actively searching for the truth due to shock. You’re still in shock of course but it is evident that it’s beginning to numbing. There’s no one to confide in. Even if there was you weren’t sure of who or even where to find them.
Either way you knew it wasn’t a pub or a market.
There’s nothing here in the manor that will solve it. That was proven rather quicker when you first met William rather upbrutly. You’re just glad the situation hasn’t been brought up since. Come to think of it you were also glad you hadn’t seen Albert of late since you did in fact finish his bottle of wine that night. You didn’t even consider how expensive it was.
But you were desperate and where can desperate people find answers when they no longer have access to a phone ?
Books. “I know !” You practically jump up from the small bed.
“I’ll pay William a visit !”
From what you understood, William is a mathematician. Of course maths couldn’t help you get anywhere but a university must have books in other fields of subjects. Maybe just maybe you’d find something small to help guide you on your way. But as you managed to find yourself there you couldn’t help but look all around you to stare on in awe.
It was so different compared to your own personal experience in education.
Well obviously, it wasn’t like you ever attended the university of Durham but still.
People were walking around rather cheerfully in groups chatting loud as the rarely bright sun shined down on all. An atmosphere you’ve never really experienced before. The architecture also slightly threw you off. From what you remembered from your time buildings like this were extremely old and new buildings were plain and simple, practically dull compared to the old ones.
But how were you suppose to find the library if you couldn’t run into every single room of the building ? It would only take a matter of time before you’d be recognised as a trespasser. “Come on lads !” You hear from near you in the courtyard.
You were quick to run around a corner, making sure to not be noticed.
Hiding behind a wall, you peek around to only spot a young student walking towards two other students, looking rather eager.
“We have professor Moriarty’s class soon !”
Your eyes widen at their words. You were quick to follow them from a distance. You watched on as the students walked into you assumed a classroom.
But just as they walked in they were quick to leave again. You assume maybe they had time until class started so they simply left they’re belonging in the room so they could go continue freely about for however long. You took slow steps into the empty classroom, simply blown away at the sight. You weren’t sure what you were expecting but definitely not this.
The room was too enormous to process, you struggled to believe this was a genuine classroom.
Even when you timidly walked upon the high steps onto the balcony, you couldn’t believe the quality of the room.
Your fingers run against the wooden bannister. Of course as you sat down there was now only one thing to do.
Sleep.
As some time passed your eyes begin to flutter and your senses heighten at the sound of chatter. You nearly gasped when you realised. The class was currently taking place. When you looked down you could only stare on at the sight of William teaching seemingly a dozen students.
Maybe it was near the end of the class ? You hoped it was. You did contemplate just simply walking out but you were quick to realise the room was filled with just young men and you would stick out like a sore thumb if you left now.
But you couldn’t help but wonder how did no one notice you at all ? You were sat at the very back off on the side where you’d actually stand out more so were no students bored of this class ?
You were and you’re not even a student.
There was no way that William was teaching that good that no student of his was bored ? Was he ?
Even when you squint your eyes to no avail, you still couldn’t make out what was on the board. He looked so…confident. In himself. He didn’t speak quietly and his voice wasn’t demanding yet it was clear and from what you could tell just by peering at the students even though some seemed tired they all listened and watched William like a hawk.
For a moment you could only lay your head in your arms in defeat as you realised that you were stuck here.
You didn’t really think about him having that effect on others. William had his back turned to the students as he wrote an equation on the board.
“And perhaps even then-
William for once mistakenly looked up to his right just at the exact moment you raised your head from your strained arms. It was as if time has frozen as you both locked eyes with one another. His eyes squinting up at you while your eyes widened like a deer caught in headlights.
Just like that William finished the class and as students began to pack up to leave you were rather quick to look away and avoid those unreal eyes staring you down.
William acknowledged all students before they left the room and you hoped that he would soon follow. He did not.
“So you really are a professor ?” You ask, gripping onto your long skirt hoping William didn’t notice the slight trip in your step as you carefully made your way down. He did. “Did you assume I was being dishonest about my occupation ?”
He asked, placing his hands behind his back as if he were still teaching like the professional that he is.
“I though you were just covering up for another job, I don’t know.” You simply shrug, briefly turning back to look around the huge room.
Of course, you missed the slight smirk evident on Williams face that was wiped away as soon as you faced him again. “I thought Louis had you doing chores this morning ?” Williams ask, gathering the dozen sheets of paper left on his desk. “He did ! He even wrote me a list but I left before I even started.” You smirk proudly. You weren’t even going to deny it.
Instead of walking by William’s side you opted for just simply following behind him like a lost puppy. Although you managed to get to the university with no problems, as the evening grew late and the sky began to darken you weren’t completely sure how to find your way back.
Minutes go by walking in silence with no conversation taking place between the two of you. You partly did want to indulge yourself in small talk but yet the words simply didn’t come out of your mouth. But even peeking a glance at William’s face he didn’t seem that keen on the idea either. Maybe he had a rough day ? Were his lessons really that short or was it cut short because of you ?
Yeah, silence was the better option.
But silence didn’t last long as you heard William greeting someone, you looked up to the sight of William speaking happily to Louis. You wonder if maybe they always met up on the way home.
You look around from behind William giving Louis a little wave all the while he simply returns a raised brow along with a scoff. There was a part of you that thought if the others had noticed you had left, in particular you were curious about Louis. But by a simple glance at the annoyance that shined through his glasses you guessed he somehow anticipated you once again leaving.
Although maybe he wasn’t anticipating your return ? It was evident now.
Maybe you shouldn’t sneak out anymore.
If you wish to be added to the taglist please comment below to let me know!!!
TAGLIST: @elvyshiarieko @queenofspades403 @rayonfirethe2nd @simpy-geli-lol @phoenix666stuff @lindoasd @silveredwood @nimuelis
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zenlesszonezero · 6 days ago
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Join Zenless Zone Zero with Tsukishiro Yanagi, the deputy leader of Hollow Special Operations Section 6! Beneath her ordinary office lady exterior lies a meticulous, emotionally intelligent big sister to the team.
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kkpwnall · 10 months ago
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for the kindest, darlingest, most effervescent sen @fragilecapric0rnn 💜 just a little something for you. i’m so proud and grateful to call us friends, you’re thoughtful and hilarious, and so willing to go to the mat for your friends. you’re a brilliant writer and the sweetest cheerleader. i hope you have an incredible day, and an even better year ahead of you, i’m so excited to see where life and writing and everything else takes you!! you deserve the whole world. love you lots <33
It might have been harder to say goodbye if it was a nicer day. If the sun was shining, and the leaves were changing, and a cool autumn breeze blew all around them. Instead Hawkins chewed them up and spit them out the other side like it had so many times before. The sky above them opened up just as they loaded the last of the boxes in the back of the small uhaul, leaving them soaked to the skin as they threw the last of their essentials and themselves into the cab. They left town shivering and laughing uncontrollably, middle fingers out the window. Ecstatic to finally get out of that hometown hell. 
It’s all worth it, driving thousands of miles across the country, towing the beamer behind them. It’s worth it trying to navigate the narrow streets of San Francisco and getting lost at least three times before they find their new apartment. It’s worth the hike uphill from the closest parking spot big enough for the truck, and up another three flights of stairs, when Eddie unlocks the door and gallantly bows him inside. Steve wanders from kitchen to bathroom to bedroom, imaging the bed here, a bookshelf there, the desk under this window. Eddie’s amps and instruments in that corner, Steve’s sport’s equipment in the hall closet near the door, easy to grab. Before coming back to the living room with its big bright windows and view of the bay. 
Tomorrow, their friends will come by to help them unload the truck and unpack, get paid in pizza and beer and belly laughs. In a few days, a few weeks, they’ll settle in, find the grocery store, find jobs. Learn the city and meet their neighbors. In six months, a year, two years, theirs will be the place to crash for anyone visiting, anyone who needs somewhere to stay, somewhere to go.
They’ll argue and make up and struggle, lose friends and jobs and find so much better. They’ll get bad haircuts and grow weird facial hair and make questionable fashion choices. They’ll stay up late crying over things they can’t change and things they can. They’ll celebrate the new year and birthdays and lives cut too short and new ones beginning. They’ll grow and change into people they wouldn’t recognize when they were younger. 
Tonight though, it’s just Steve and Eddie, finally someplace where the ground beneath them won’t open up and try to swallow them whole. Somewhere they can be together and not have to look over their shoulders all the time. Somewhere they can be themselves, be just Steve and just Eddie, and figure all the rest out without a world-ending apocalypse every year. Together.
All the frustration and stress and hoping and wishing and scraping by of the past three years, it’s all worth it when Eddie comes up behind him, wraps his arms around Steve’s waist and hooks his chin over his shoulder. Pulls him close and whispers, “welcome home, sweetheart.”
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lancermylove · 11 months ago
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Chapter 12 (Ending)
➣ Pairing: Demon brothers, Royals, Solomon with fem!Reader. ➣ Warning: None ➣ Word Count: 2,494 �� Chapters [SFW]: [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] ➣ Chapters [N.SFW]: [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]
➣ A/N: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
———————————————
You basked in the peace of the gazebo, enjoying one last moment of solitude in the winter wonderland. The snow-peaked mountains served as a tranquil backdrop, and you felt a twinge of sorrow at the thought of leaving this beautiful setting behind. As you took in the breathtaking scenery, you felt the weight of your imminent departure, yet a fond nostalgia for happy memories lingered just beneath the surface.
The past month had been like a dream. From visiting the market with Asmo to watching him befriend Mary, going tree hunting with Beel, sweater shopping with Levi, decorating with Belphie, exploring the woods and cave with Mammon, temporarily brokering a ceasefire between Lucifer and Satan, aurora gazing with Solomon, ice skating with Diavolo, and cooking with Barbatos - you would never forget these memories. You knew you would spend time with them in Devildom, yet you found yourself craving more time with them here.
As the wind picked up, you decided to return to the cabin but paused to admire Mammon and Solomon's outdoor decorations. Golden letters glowed radiantly, spelling out 'Merry Christmas,' and a large white stag stood proudly in the front yard. A pine wreath with a crimson bow and a garland with pine cones, berries, and LED lights adorned the door and the doorframe. Matching garlands were perched on the railing of the second-floor balcony. Blue LED string lights hung on the edges of the roof and the area under the circular balcony. As you admired the decorations, you felt a wave of warmth washing over you.
Walking into the cabin, you reveled in the festive atmosphere created by Diavolo, Belphie, and Satan's endeavors. The interior was brimming with glittering garlands of pinecones and holly, festive silver and gold tinsel strung along the walls, and a glimmering Christmas tree with silver and gold ornaments and garlands, red bows, and colorful string lights. As you surveyed the Christmas tree, you noticed that the star on top was slightly crooked. You recalled how you had grown a bit afraid while climbing the ladder to place the star upright. However, the somewhat crooked star had added extra charm and character to the already beautiful tree.
Your eyes fell on the mistletoe, which you suspected Asmo had hung up, and a playful grin tugged on the corners of your lips. Walking beneath it, you waited for the perfect opportunity to surprise your favorite demon/human. As soon as he grew near, you beckoned him to come over and pointed upwards to the branches tied together with a scarlet ribbon. You flashed them a coy smirk, anticipating their reaction and subsequent move.
Lucifer:
Lucifer smirked at you, and without warning, he placed his hand on the back of your head, pulling you towards him for a fiery kiss. Your lips met in a heated embrace, melting into one kiss after another. He took your lips until you could hardly breathe, and all thoughts escaped your mind save for his warmth and passion.
Mammon:
Mammon blushed, but in a bold move, you pulled him close by his coat's flaps and firmly pressed your lips against his. The demon was initially stunned but quickly returned your kiss, clinging to you while he took your lips with renewed fervor. He continued kissing until you felt lightheaded and out of breath.
Levi:
Levi's eyes widened, and his cheeks turned a bright shade of red. You waited patiently for him to take the initiative and even closed your eyes to help ease his hesitation. After a short while, Levi leaned closer, placing a single soft kiss on your lips.
Satan:
Despite his cheeks turning red, Satan was not opposed to the idea of kissing you under a mistletoe. Keeping his gaze on yours, he softly captured your lips in a sweet, lingering embrace. His kiss was full of delicate tenderness and lasted longer than you anticipated.
Asmo:
Asmo flashed a mischievous grin and gleefully proclaimed that he had hung up the mistletoe in hopes of this very moment. He drew you into a tight embrace and kissed your lips passionately. You eagerly reciprocated the kiss, holding onto him firmly without the hint of letting go anytime soon.
Beel:
Beel chuckled and leaned in closer to your face, but the smell of chocolate from your snack earlier caught his attention. He repeatedly began pecking your lips and stated that the aroma of the chocolate was tantalizing and making him hungry, eliciting a laugh from you.
Belphie:
Belphie gave you a small chuckle and gently cupped your face, drawing you closer before swiftly capturing your lips in a deep kiss that made you gasp. He held onto you tightly, kissing you passionately but with a hint of restraint. The kiss continued for some time until Belphie began to feel drained.
Diavolo:
As the prince spotted the mistletoe, he knew exactly what it meant, thanks to Asmo's explanation. The thought of fulfilling one of his wishes had made him extremely happy, and he hurriedly brought his face close to yours. You braced for a deep kiss, but Diavolo surprised you by kissing your lips softly and sweetly. 
Barbatos:
Barbatos gave you a playful smile and grasped your chin, bringing his face closer to yours. A slow, tender kiss was exchanged between you, initially gentle but growing increasingly intimate with each passing moment. 
Solomon:
Solomon laughed and wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you close. He then pressed his lips firmly against yours, using plenty of tongue in the kiss to ensure your mind melted and your senses were sent into overdrive.
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Barbatos positioned the final dish onto the dining table while you placed the last utensil. Taking a step back, you couldn't help but admire the fragrance of all the dishes, which melded together in a pleasant aroma that was simultaneously sweet yet savory, filling the air with the promise of a flavorful feast. The dishes ranged from roasted turkey, glazed ham, roast potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, salads, pretzels, pies, cakes, fudge, candy canes, gingerbread men, and much more.
As the aroma from the dishes filled the air, the others slowly made their way down from their rooms and gathered around the table, staring with wide eyes. Everyone began to shower Barbatos with compliments, but the noise of their voices and praise drowned out any individuality to their words. Out of your peripheral vision, you saw Beel desperately fighting against Lucifer and Diavolo as they tried to prevent him from pouncing on the dining table.
Asmo took his time taking pictures of the dining table, making everyone wait to eat. Fortunately, it didn't take him too long, allowing all of you to settle down and enjoy the meal. You focused primarily on your meal, diving into the deliciously sweet and savory dishes. The small conversation around the table was a pleasant change from the usual loud and chaotic chatter, and everyone appeared to be in a delightful mood as they delved into the bountiful assortment of delectable dishes.
Midway through the meal, you felt eyes on you, prompting you to glance up. To your surprise, you saw Lucifer and Diavolostaring at you with smiles. Lucifer's gaze bore gratitude for bringing them together and helping to create a pleasant atmosphere, while Diavolo's gaze twinkled with joy and happiness. Towards the end of the dinner, everyone reached a state of fullness except Beel, who clearly showed no signs of halting until he had finished every last crumb.
Asmo suddenly gasped as a realization dawned on him. "We forgot to wear the sweaters that (y/n) and Levi brought! I want to take pictures, so can everyone please change?"
Despite some protests against moving after consuming such a heavy meal, everyone went to their respective rooms to get changed. To their surprise, their sweaters were laid neatly on their beds, but none of them took a moment to evaluate the situation as they assumed you were kind enough to bring their respective sweater to their rooms.
Even though the design was a little gaudy for Asmo's taste, he had to admit that the word swapping was fun, allowing him to switch between "nice" and "naughty," depending on his mood. Belphie laughed at the sight of the sweater, which he felt was quite fitting for him with the emphasis on sloth. Beel loved the pizza Christmas tree and was tempted to eat it, and he would have had his twin not stopped him. Lucifer was not amused by his rather gaudy sweater or the fact that Satan compared him to The Grinch. On the other hand, Satan was quite fond of his sweater since it sported a cat. The Avatar of Wrath thought the grumpy cat also resembled Lucifer, which made his older brother glare at him.
After Barbatos explained the meaning behind his sweater to Diavolo, the prince found it absolutely endearing that the T-Rex could not reach the presents at its feet. He also felt bad for this dinosaur and wished he could somehow help the poor creature. On the other hand, the butler smirked when he saw his own sweater. In contrast, the butler smirked when he saw his own sweater, knowing that he could undoubtedly get you or anyone else on the naughty list. 
Mammon found his sweater hilarious and laughed because he knew in a matter of a few minutes, he would no longer be innocent and would be found guilty. Solomon looked questioning at Mammon, wondering why the second brother was laughing to himself. Was his Christmas sweater really that funny? The sorcerer examined his own sweater and chuckled - truer words had never been spoken. He preferred to stay on the naughty list and loved every minute of it.
After getting ready, you went into your bathroom to brush your hair and touch up your makeup. As you brushed your hair, you noticed unfamiliar packets dumped in the trash bin. You didn't remember using any product with a black and blue exterior. Examining the packets, you recognized them as the very same items that Mammon had hidden from you days prior. There was no logical reason for them to be there, so why had the second brother tossed them in your trash bin?
Upon closer inspection, you realized that he had attempted to hide them underneath the trash overhead, but they had been inadvertently exposed due to the movement of the trash above. Curiously picking up one of the packets, you noticed what the letters said and quickly ran out of your bathroom, down the hall, and downstairs. But you are too late.
You noticed Mammon in a corner by the fireplace, laughing heartily. Rapidly surveying the room, you saw Lucifer leaning against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed and eyes closed, seemingly unaffected by the situation. However, his eyebrows and the corners of his lips kept twitching, indicating that he was irritated. Still, his pride refused to allow him to openly display his emotions despite his annoyance.
Then, you saw Levi standing in front of the sofas, desperately attempting to reach his back with a perplexed expression. In contrast, Satan seemed to be taking advantage of the corner created by two walls intersecting, rubbing himself against it to scratch his back. Asmo stood near Solomon, panicking and fearing that his flawless skin would be contaminated by the unpleasant sensations he was experiencing. On the other hand, Solomon remained calm and unbothered, using a back scratcher to reach the unreachable places as he listened to Asmo's complaints.
Barbatos stood by Lucifer with his usual joyless smile, seemingly unaffected by the irritation. It was as if he had predicted what would happen and had prepared himself for it ahead of time. In front of him stood Diavolo, who requested the butler's assistance to help scratch his back. Beel remained seated at the dining table, unwilling to give up his meal. He continued enjoying his dinner with one hand while the other scratched Belphie's back. However, the Avatar of Gluttony rubbed his back against the backrest of his chair, hoping to quell the itch bugging him.
You shot a glare at Mammon, who was too occupied with enjoying the chaos and the suffering of the others to pay you any mind. With a look of determination, you ran up to Mammon, grabbed the collar of his sweater, and dumped the remainder of the itching powder into the back of his apparel. The Avatar of Greed yelped, and in moments, he began rolling around on the ground to relieve the itching sensation that now plagued him.
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After an hour, everyone gathered back in the living room, annoyed by Mammon's prank to put itching powder in their Christmas sweaters. You stood by the windows and observed the changing weather outside as the snow flurries danced to the rhythm of the wind. Why was the weather taking a turn for the worse? Pushing the thought aside, you turned around to see myriad glares directed at Mammon.
The Avatar of Greed shrugged his shoulders and nonchalantly said, "It ain't a party without someone causin' chaos. That's what the demon brothers are known for, y'know."
The room was filled with an eerie silence after Mammom's comment until Diavolo broke into laughter. He found some truth in the Avatar of Greed's words and agreed. The demon brothers were well-known for their chaotic tendencies, so the inclusion of a 'chaotic touch' was bound to add some entertainment. As the prince laughed, the other demon brothers exchanged confused gazes, yet none said a word, still irritated about experiencing the uncontrollable itching that Mammon had bestowed upon them.
However, Diavolo spoke up in the Avatar of Greed's defense, proclaiming, "It is Christmas today, so forgive Mammon for his doing. It was harmless fun."
Though the other brothers disagreed with the prince's words, they reluctantly decided to let the incident slide, but only for the sake of maintaining peace on Christmas.
"Ah, speaking of Christmas. (Y/n), would you mind explaining to everyone what Christmas is all about?" Solomon said out of the blue. The glint of mischief in his eyes brewed a bad feeling in the pits of your stomach, but against your judgment, you ignored it. What harm could come from explaining to the demons what Christmas was all about? At least, that was what you thought until you began to explain.
"It is a celebration of the birth of-" Your explanation came to a screeching halt when a shocking revelation left you dumbfounded and speechless. Everyone watched in curiosity as the color began to slowly drain from your face.
"Ah, allow me to finish (y/n)'s sentence," Solomon flashed an impish smile. "Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, meaning you demons celebrated a holiday related to the son of God."
The entire room went silent. All you saw were open mouths, wide eyes, and pale faces. How had you forgotten the most crucial detail about Christmas?
———————————————
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anonymous-rendezvous · 11 months ago
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Fika
💙 Ike Eveland x GN!Reader
✦ — Written by Mod I ✨. Beta Read and Edited by Mod S 👿.
✧ — Contains: Strangers to Friends to ???, fluff, light angst, & open ended
✦ — Word count: 2k+ | Ao3
Fika | pronunciation: fee–ka Swedish | (n.) a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life. — A new coffee shop opens near Ike’s home. As he starts to visit it more regularly, he slowly gets to know you.
Based on the sentence starter “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
Ike was just past the planning stages of his most recent book when a new coffee shop opened within walking distance of his house. ‘Home Brewed’. A cozy little place with comfortable seats, potted plants, and lots of natural light. The little bell above the door jingles as he pushes it open, immediately greeted by the two staff members he’s started to recognize, currently working behind the counter. With a glance around, he could see that the cafe is fairly busier than usual. A handful of people waiting on their orders while a quarter of the tables have been claimed.
Stepping up to the counter, he’s greeted by your bright smile. “Ah! Nice to see you again. The usual today?” Your head tipped to the side in question, causing the necklace around your neck to catch the light. An onyx ring swaying across the chain and he notes to himself that this is the ninth time it’s changed. Yesterday it had been a silver band with some sort of writing, and the day before that had been a gold band with small emeralds lining it.
The barista behind you calls out another customer's drink, reminding him that you're still waiting for him to respond, quickly meeting your eyes. “Good morning, and yes, the usual, please. That’ll be all.”
Nodding along, you add his order to the computer. “For here or to go?”
Turning his head, he scans the room one more time, spotting his usual table by the window open. “For here.”
“You got it! We’ll bring your drink over when it’s done.” He pays for the drink before bee-lining towards the table he’d become used to setting up base in. Over the last two weeks, he’s found this particular table to offer him the best view; sunlight pouring in just right. Perfect for getting lost in thought staring out towards the bustling streets, but also an ideal spot for observing the people around the cafe. His bag slides off of his shoulder with a soft thud as it rests on the empty seat beside him, pulling out his laptop and notes, ready to dive back into his work while waiting for his drink.
It’s not long before a mug is carefully placed on his table with a soft clunk. His fingers pause in the movement upon the keyboard, forcing his eyes away from the screen to meet yours. As your eyes lock, you flash him another smile, “One chai tea for…” there’s a pause, your eyes darting to the side before slowly asking, “Ike, right?” The novelist nods with a polite smile, hazel eyes quickly flicking down to your apron in search of your nametag; thanking you while repeating your name aloud. “No problem! Lemme know if you’d like another cup.”
The novelist gives a nod and you take that as your cue to return to the counter. He’s just returned his attention to his work when, from the corner of his eye, he notices that you’ve stopped moving. His head jerks back in your direction when you make a quick turn on your heels, taking a few steps closer to his table – yet still maintaining a polite distance. Ike can’t help but watch curiously, noting the way your expression twists in what he assumes is hesitation, one of your hands reaching up to fiddle with the ring hanging from the chain on your neck. The silence hangs for another moment before you finally speak, words spoken almost cautiously, “Could I… ask what you're working on? You don’t have to tell me. I’ve just been curious since you always seem so absorbed in your work.”
“Oh.” He can’t help but feel a little surprised by the question. Adjusting his glasses, he glances down at his laptop before returning his gaze to you, the small but polite smile returning to his lips. “I don’t mind. I’m currently working on a book.”
It’s rather interesting to him, the way you seem to light up, as you seem to take a subconscious step closer to the table. “Ah, really?” There’s a slight raise in your voice, however you quickly lower it, not wanting to disturb the customers sitting nearby. “Can I ask what it’s about?”
There’s already a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he settles back in his chair. “They commissioned me to write a children's book, so it’s just a lighthearted adventure tale.”
“Ah, that’s really cool–” There’s a loud call of your name and your attention immediately snaps back to your coworker, who’s giving you a pointed yet amused look. “Ah–Sorry, just a second! Right so, uh,” You give a little awkward laugh before giving him another small smile. “If you need anything else, just let us know. Good luck with the book!” With a small wave, you quickly make your way back to the counter where a small line had begun to form. With a light chuckle, he adjusts his glasses before returning to his work.
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
From that day forward, it was rare to find the pair of you not locked in conversation. It was almost surprising to Ike how quickly the pair of you were growing closer. He’d begun spending more time at the cafe than he did at his own home and getting to know you felt as easy as breathing. Hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks – time, feeling as though it were flying by.
A change he hadn’t known he needed until you’d already settled in past the point of acquaintances, but just shy of what he would call friends.
You never seemed to run out of stories to tell him, having an endless supply of experiences in your back pocket. Sometimes it would be retelling interesting moments from your day: a rowdy customer, a bizarre drink order, or something one of your co-workers had done. Though what fascinated him most was the tales behind the different rings you’d switch out on the chain around your neck. You seemed more than happy to talk about them, explaining that some were gifts from family members, friends, or co-workers; past and present. Others were picked up from different places you’d visited; having traveled a lot over the years.
His curiosity hadn’t been satiated, however, until he asked if there was a reason you wore them on a chain rather than around your fingers, as most typically would. You had looked almost sheepish when you explained that it was a mixture of wanting to keep said rings in better condition, but also an irrational fear of losing them – or worse – accidentally dropping one in a customer's drink. Your expression was rather horrified at that thought.
He can’t remember the last time he’d laughed quite so hard.
Ike’s friends were quick to notice his change in mood, asking him – some subtly, others less so – about what happened. It had only been such a short amount of time and yet, something about the novelist seemed different. It wasn’t a bad difference, they reassured, chuckling once they saw the look on his face. He just seemed… happier. Intentional or not, you’d started to brighten his days. Drawing an excitement from him the others hadn't seen in a while. His chest filled with a warmth he can’t quite remember living a day without.
You were similar to an ever-burning flame. You brightened the spaces you moved between, drawing others to your warmth. Maybe it was the way you moved, dancing easily from place to place. Never invading, but never apologetic for what space you did take up. Maybe it was in your smile, the ease with which your lips would curve upwards – leaving even the grouchiest of customers a tad less tense. Most noticeable were the days you had off, the building seemingly a tad bit colder than he'd remembered.
Whatever it was, Ike just couldn’t seem to pinpoint it; at least not with words. It was something so inherently you.
And then his book was complete.
He had to stop visiting the cafe. All of his time and energy funneled into the final steps of his work. Delivering his manuscripts, going through edits and finalizations, getting in contact with the commissioner– so on and so forth. All of which is a very time-consuming process, eating away at all the free time he had.
Before he knew it, nearly two months had passed before he pushed through that all too familiar door; a bundle of papers in hand. The smell of familiarly brewed coffee and freshly baked sweets helped to ease the tension in his shoulders – even if just slightly.
With a pep in his step, he approaches the counter and your gaze lifts to meet him. Almost immediately, your eyes widen, hands freeze in place. Heart pounding in his chest, he greets you, calling your name with a smile. Except… his smile falters when your expression twists into something he hadn’t seen on you before. Your lips purse into a thin line, intentionally dropping your gaze to the computer before quietly asking, “Chai tea, for here or to go?”
The brunette opens his mouth to say something, but the way you avoid looking at his face causes him to pause. “For here.” He finally says, voice coming out much quieter than he’d intended. Ike doesn't realize how tightly he’s gripping the papers until he feels them start to crinkle, quickly loosening his grip before he ruins them.
He pays for the drink then shuffles quickly towards his usual table. Releasing his hold on the bundle of papers entirely, setting them lightly on the table as he attempts to ease the worst of the creases out. The excitement that he had been feeling before was slowly bleeding into nervousness, causing him to worry his bottom lip. The novelist startles when the mug clicks against the tabletop, eyes hurriedly looking up to see you. “Ah–thank you.” He stutters, yet your gaze remains locked on the wooden surface, still refusing to look at him. He almost expects you to turn and leave, yet… you just continue to stand beside his table silently. The cafe lacks the warmth he's grown used to; a chill running down his spine. 
The silence continues to hang, casting a heavy fog between you, before finally, you raise your head to meet his gaze. “You just… stopped coming one day.” There’s a slight shake to your voice that makes his heart drop. “I… You worried me, Ike.” Your lips pursed, eyes shifting to look out the window rather than at him. “At first I tried to rationalize that you were likely just busy, but… I couldn’t help but worry if something had happened to you. But I had no way of checking. We never exchanged numbers or socials, you just… disappeared. I had no clue if you were okay.”
Ike’s brows furrowed, “I– I’m sorry, I didn’t think–” his words felt caught in his throat, sentence hanging because, really, he hadn’t thought. It hadn’t even crossed his mind once to tell you that he’d be gone for a while. He’d caused you to worry for no reason. Truly, a stupid mistake on his part.
You let out a sigh before meeting his gaze, a small smile tugging at your lips. “I’m just glad you're alright.” Your eyes trail back down to the tabletop before narrowing in on the papers resting before him, lips parting in a small ‘o’ as your eyes scan the top page. “Is that–You finished your book?” Ike swallowed before nodding, nudging the papers closer to you.
“I did. It’s technically still in the processing stages, hence this isn’t a proper physical copy, but I thought–” He swallows again, nerves swelling inside of him once more. The warmth had returned to your expression, picking up the bundle and cradling them in your hands as if holding something precious. Clearing his throat, he adjusts his glasses, suddenly unable to meet your eyes, clear embarrassment on his face. “It is only a children's story, but you’d seemed so interested when I was writing it, I figured–”
You cut him off, excitement building in your tone. “This is for me?”
He nods, “Yes. I can give you a proper copy when the book is finished, if you’d like.”
“I’d love that!” You exclaim with a cheerful laugh. “I’m gonna go put this with my things so it doesn't get ruined. Thank you, Ike.” You’d already turned, halfway making it back towards the counter when you suddenly stop, turning around to face him with a bright smile on your face. “Oh, and Ike?” His heart pounded at the honor of being allowed to bask in the warmth of your smile once more.
“Y–yes?”
“I’d like to think we’re friends now, so don’t be a stranger, okay?”
Heat rises to the novelist's face as sudden realization all but slaps him in the face. The only tangible thought that crosses his mind at that moment is a very small ‘oh’ as butterflies fluttered in his stomach.
It seems that he might already be in too deep.
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
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b0r3dtod3ath · 6 months ago
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Inspired by @antadogoias 's post:
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cw: fem!reader
an: im trying out some smau stuff, let me know what you think and if you have any tips!
The bright lights of the charity gala illuminated the ballroom, casting a warm glow over the elegant guests sipping champagne. Andrey stood at the edge of the room, feeling slightly out of place in his tailored suit. As a professional tennis player, he was used to the intensity of the court, but social events like this always made him a bit uneasy.
Then, amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, he spotted you. Despite being a Formula 1 rookie you had managed to already make history as one of a few women to enter motorsport. Your determination, skill and charisma had captured his attention from the moment he had first heard about you. You were standing near the bar, ordering a drink in your evening gown, looking like a Bond’s girl. 
Summoning up his courage, Andrey made his way over to you, his heart pounding in his chest. "Hi," he said, his voice slightly nervous but determined. "I'm Andrey. It's a pleasure to meet you". You turned to face him, your eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Andrey Rublev, the tennis star?" you exclaimed, a smile playing at the corners of your lips. "I'm honored. It's nice to finally meet you in person”. 
Andrey felt a surge of relief as you found a common ground. Your conversation flew effortlessly as if you had known each other for years. You two spent the whole evening together turning a boring event into an opportunity to get to know each other. 
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You and Andrey have been going out for a few months. Busy schedules resulted in you two spending time for not more than four days at a time. Nonetheless, you still tried to see each other every moment you could. That often resulted in you sitting in the stands, going over your latest race data, while Andrey trained. He often feels bad for training while you visit him but you don't mind as you can sit next to him, look pretty and enjoy the view. He always sets up the best dates as a compensation - he would take you to fancy dinners, and less fancy local adventures. He always makes sure you have fresh flowers, either he would give you them in person or send you a bouquet when you two were apart. 
First time fans started noticing your connection was when Tennis Channel posted a video asking tennis players who their favorite Formula 1 driver was. "Y/N," he said without hesitation, a spark in his eyes. "She's my favorite. She's incredibly talented, and I admire her passion and dedication to her sport. She’s determined and has gone through a lot. One of the strongest people I know”. His cheeks flushed red as he realized how quickly he replied.
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You two found yourself in a locker room after a particularly hard match. Andrey had fought hard, but in the end, he had come up short, defeated by his opponent in a long battle. His shoulders slumped with exhaustion and disappointment, as he looked at the floor. You sat beside him, your expression filled with concern and empathy as you reached out to gently squeeze his hand. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Andrey, please" you said softly, your voice a soothing balm to his wounded pride. "You played your heart out there, and that's all anyone can ask for. Tomorrow is another day, another chance to prove yourself." Andrey sighed, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him as he hid his face in your shoulder. He held onto you like his life depended on it. In that moment, he realized just how lucky he was to have you by his side – not just as a partner, but as a source of strength and support in times of need.
You didn’t necessarily keep your relationship secret but you didn’t want it to be in a spotlight. Media and reporters tend to be quite invasive and with Andrey struggling with his mental health you wanted to avoid it for as long as possible. Fans and reporters had analyzed your every interaction, searching for clues and hints that would confirm their suspicions. But you two wanted to focus on your respective careers. Until one fateful day, when a reporter finally broached the subject during a post-match interview.
"Andrey, can you comment on the rumors that you're dating Y/N?" the reporter asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. Andrey hesitated for a moment, his mind racing as he weighed his options, he wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. But then, he glanced over at you, who was watching him with a reassuring smile, and he knew that the time had come to set the record straight. “Yea, we have been dating for some time now. She's an incredible person, and she's helped me a lot, especially mentally. I think it’s noticeable as I’m a lot calmer on the court these days. I owe her a lot”. As he spoke, a feeling of relief and freedom washed over both of you. 
@/y/n.isntagram
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All the rumors are true : )
liked by medwed33, lewis hamilton, hubihurkacz and 84,378 others
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May 2, 2024
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grayhyacinth · 2 months ago
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The Wishmaker Star
Go watch season three of The Owl House! I hope you guys enjoy another work I wrote. Unfortuantly, school is about to start again, so I'm not sure when I'll create another work. But, I won't forget about you.
Links: ao3, tumblr, masterlist
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Hunter’s POV:
“…do you think she’s going to like it?”
“Dude, you know she’s been wanting a palisman for like... over five years!” Augustus sighed in exasperation, pinching the bridge of his nose before sliding his fingers down the length of it.
“Yeah! I know, but—”
“Plus, you’ve been carving palistrom wood to make her the perfect palisman.” Gus added air quotes, emphasizing the last two words with a teasing smirk. “She’s going to love it.”
“…really? You think so?” The former Golden Guard turned the small, carefully wrapped gift box in his hand a few times, as if the motion could help him decide whether its contents were truly enough.
“Really.” Gus nodded with confidence, locking eyes with Hunter. “Now, come on! We’re gonna be late to the party!” He stopped mid-stride, suddenly grabbing Hunter’s hand and tugging him into a sprint.
“Haha, hey! Okay!” Despite the laughter in his voice, Hunter couldn’t shake the undercurrent of anxiety brewing inside him. What if you hated it? What if the last thing you wanted was a gift from someone who used to serve Belos?
His fingers tightened around the gift as they dashed through the forest, the sight of The Owl House growing closer. Deep down, he desperately hoped you’d appreciate it. More than that—he hoped you’d understand what the gift really meant to him. What you meant to him.
He blinked in shock. Did he really just think that? His ears burned bright red, and he forced the thoughts away, but they lingered, hanging in the back of his mind as they neared the clearing.
The trees thinned, revealing the tip of the familiar crooked roof, smoke billowing from a lit, bubbling cauldron. The scent of delicious food greeted them, and the sound of laughter echoed through the clearing, filling the space with warmth.
His eyes were instantly drawn to you.
“Haha, seriously, Luz?”
“Oh, come on! Don’t tell me you didn’t find that funny!” Luz was grinning, clearly proud of herself, but you were shaking your head, still chuckling.
“Your attempt at a dazzling light show ended up with random colorful sparks chasing each other around! You almost set King on fire!”
Your laugh rang out again, your head tilted back, eyes crinkled in a way that made you absolutely radiant in Hunter’s eyes. It had been three long months since your last visit to the Boiling Isles. And he missed you.
(Y/n) POV:
Returning to the Boiling Isle was like a breath of fresh air after drowning in the Human world. While Luz occasionally visited the Isle, you had thrown yourself into preparing for your exams, working day and night to secure your place at your dream university.
And now, you had done it. The letter was sitting back in your room, in the Owl House, confirming your acceptance. Tonight’s "Night Under the Stars" party wasn’t just a reunion with friends—it was the perfect chance to announce your plans for the future. But that didn’t stop the nerves boiling beneath your excitement.
Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted Gus and Hunter making their way through the crowd. The moment your gaze met Hunter’s, a wide smile spread across your face, and you waved energetically.
“Gus! Hunter! You made it!”
Gus approached first, grinning as he handed you a blue gift bag decorated with silver stars. “The party looks awesome, (Y/N)!”
“Thanks, Gus!” You took the bag, your excitement bubbling over. “You didn’t have to get me anything, though!”
He shrugged dramatically. “It’s either a gift or a firework show, and let’s just say... my track record with fireworks isn’t the best.”
You laughed. “You mean the time you nearly set Luz’s eyebrows on fire?”
Gus pointed at you. “Exactly! See, I’m learning from my mistakes. No more ‘explosive’ gifts. I went safe this time.” He gestured to the bag.
Peeking into the shimmering tissue paper, you raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried about this gift now?”
Gus waved his hands quickly, eyes wide. “No, no! I swear, it’s not dangerous. This time it’s actually cool! Just, uh, make sure you open it carefully… outside.”
You shot him a playful glare. “Gus!”
He laughed, nudging you. “Just kidding.”
Hunter stood a little behind Gus, awkwardly shifting the small, carefully wrapped box in his hands. He took a deep breath, holding the gift out to you, his gaze darting nervously to the ground.
“I… uh, made this. For you.” His voice was quiet, and his ears were still red. “I hope you like it.”
You took a step away from Gus, eyeing the gift box with curiosity. It was wrapped in a beautiful shade of magenta, one that almost perfectly resembled Hunter’s eyes. A neatly tied yellow ribbon sat on top, forming a large, slightly uneven bow that added a cute, personal touch. You couldn’t help but smile—Hunter was really getting good at arts and crafts.
“This is…?” you asked, your voice soft as you carefully reached out, your fingers brushing against his as he held the box. His hand felt warm and rough, calloused from endless hours of training and carving. You couldn’t help but notice the small bandages wrapped around each finger, a testament to how much care and effort he must have put into this.
Your eyes flicked up to his face. Hunter’s blush deepened, his freckled cheeks glowing a light pink as his eyes darted anywhere but yours. He seemed frozen, caught between the hope that you'd like it and the fear that you wouldn’t. It was endearing, seeing the normally composed Hunter so nervous.
His voice barely came out in a whisper. “It’s, uh... just something I made. I wasn’t sure if it was good enough…”
You smiled, squeezing his hand gently to reassure him. “Hunter, you didn’t have to—”
“I wanted to,” he interrupted quickly, almost panicking at the thought that you might dismiss it. His eyes finally met yours for a second before he looked away again, clearly embarrassed by his own outburst. “I mean, I just… I thought you might like it. If you don’t, that’s fine too! I just—”
You cut him off with a soft laugh, feeling your own cheeks warm. “I haven’t even opened it yet, but I already know I’m going to love it.”
Hunter blinked, surprised by your words, but his shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. His lips twitched upward in the smallest of smiles as he mumbled, “I’m glad…”
You carefully took the box from his hands, your heart fluttering at how much thought he must have put into this. Whatever was inside, it already felt special. You looked up at him again, giving him another warm smile. "Thank you, Hunter. Really."
He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Yeah, uh... you're welcome." He stole a quick glance at you, his blush deepening again.
You glanced over at Luz, who was giving you and Hunter a smirking look, clearly enjoying the awkward tension. “I think there’s a couple more things left to do before the party can start, right, Luz?” You raised an eyebrow at her, trying to shift the attention away from you and Hunter.
Luz’s smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Oh, totally! But, you know, I think we could give you two a little more time to… finish your moment.” She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically.
You rolled your eyes, suppressing a laugh. “Luz.”
She snickered. “Okay, okay! I’ll behave. But yeah, there’s a couple last-minute things to get done. I’ll go grab the snacks from the kitchen, and King’s in charge of making sure everything goes well. You know how much he loves bossing everyone around.”
Hunter let out a small, awkward laugh, scratching the back of his head. “Sounds like King…”
“Yup! Little guy’s already giving me a lecture about optimal stargazing positions,” Luz added with a grin. “But we’ve got it all under control. You two just… keep doing whatever you’re doing.”
“Luz!” you called, a mix of embarrassment and amusement coloring your tone as she dashed off with a mischievous wave.
Hunter stood beside you, looking slightly flustered but smiling softly. You turned back to him, giving him an apologetic shrug. “She’s… well, Luz.”
“Yeah,” he chuckled, eyes softening as he looked at you. “She is.”
While Amity worked her culinary magic in the kitchen, preparing delicious treats and savory bites, Willow was outside weaving a tapestry of glowing enchanted flowers. Gus was busy setting up a stereo system and curating a playlist.
Lilith, ever the organizer, took charge of a trivia game focused on the magical history of stars and constellations. Eda zipped around with King to assist wherever needed—whether it was adjusting decorations, fetching supplies, or simply keeping an eye on things to make sure everything was running smoothly.
Hooty, with his characteristic enthusiasm, took on the role of party greeter and entertainer. He offered his over-the-top hospitality, engaging in animated conversations.
As for you and Hunter, you were hard at work preparing the stargazing area. Together, you laid out an array of soft blankets and pillows, arranging them in inviting clusters around the open space. You made sure there were ample cozy spots for guests to lounge and gaze up at the stars. Hunter adjusted the placement of a few blankets to ensure that everyone had an unobstructed view of the night sky.
Taking a step back, you admired the sight before you. The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a final burst of orange and pink across the sky. As the daylight faded, the first stars began to twinkle, their light growing clearer against the deepening blue of the evening. It was a breathtaking backdrop for the night’s festivities.
With a deep breath, you called out, “Everyone! It’s time!” Your voice carried across the gathering, amplified by the excitement in the air.
Gradually, the guests made their way to their chosen spots, finding cozy places among the clusters of blankets and pillows you and Hunter had arranged. Plates of snacks and small bites were passed around, with some guests holding their treats in hand as they settled in. The soft murmur of conversation began to mingle with the occasional burst of laughter, while the louder chatter from Hooty and the background music set a lively, cheerful tone.
As everyone settled in, the trivia game organized by Lilith started to draw interest, with guests eagerly gathering around to test their knowledge of magical history.
"What rare type of star is known for emitting a gentle, calming glow that can soothe even the most agitated magical beings?”
“Oh! I know!” Willow immediately raised her hand. She was literally clutching a finger, hence the name for finger food, and waved it around excitedly. “The Tranquil Star?”
“Very good, Willow!” Lilith responded with a proud smile. She marked a point on her chalkboard, which rested on her lap. “Next question: Which star is known to be the source of the most potent moonlight magic used in spells and enchantments?”
“Hmmm…” You furrowed your brow, trying to recall your Astrology Class lessons at Hexite. But before you could come up with the answer, Eda chimed in, leaning back with a confident grin.
“Obviously, the Silver Beacon,” Eda declared, casually biting into a piece of spicy manticore jerky. “These questions are too easy. Either you’re getting rusty with your history, Lilly, or I’m just a natural.”
Lilith’s smile widened, clearly enjoying the challenge. She noted a point for Eda on the chalkboard. “Alright then,” she said, rubbing her hands together in preparation for a tougher question. “What is the name of the mystical star that is said to appear only once every hundred years and grants a single wish to those who find it?”
A hush fell over the group. Everyone furrowed their brows, deep in thought, but no one could come up with the answer.
Lilith’s eyes twinkled with a mix of anticipation and mischief. “Come on, folks,” she teased. “Anyone want to take a guess, or should I reveal the answer?”
Amity speaks first, tapping her chin thoughtfully with a finger. Her other arm is wrapped securely around Luz, drawing her close. “How about giving us a hint?” she suggests, her tone light but eager.
Everyone nods in agreement. Lilith, clearly enjoying the playful challenge, grins and leans forward. “Alright, I’ll give you a hint,” she says, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “The name of this star is said in stories we read to children.”
You spent a lot of time in the library, a habit sparked partly by Amity and Luz’s influence, but also because you genuinely enjoyed delving into the rich history and lore of the Boiling Isles. As you pondered Lilith's hint, a classic children's story came to mind. You murmured the title under your breath, “The Wishmaker Star.”
Hearing your whispered answer, Lilith’s eyes lit up with approval. “That’s right!” she exclaimed. “Nicely done, (Y/n)!”
The group erupted in applause, impressed by your knowledge. Lilith marked another point on her chalkboard, and the trivia game continued with a renewed sense of enthusiasm.
Once the trivia game ended, with Gus emerging as the clear winner, the friendly competition had everyone in high spirits, and now it was time for the much-anticipated moment: opening the wrapped gifts.
You gathered the colorful packages, each one tied with cheerful ribbons and adorned with heartfelt tags.
The first gift you unwrapped was from Amity. It came in a shimmering purple bag, and as you carefully lifted the tissue paper, you found a beautifully crafted crystal pendant. The pendant was shaped like a star, with intricate details that caught the light in a mesmerizing way.
Amity watched with a hopeful smile as you admired the pendant. “I thought it might be a nice reminder of the stars we’ve spent so many nights talking about,” she explained.
You were touched by the thoughtful gift and hugged Amity gratefully. “It’s perfect, Amity. Thank you so much!” you said, your voice filled with warmth.
The next gift was from Luz. In her yellow gift bag, you discovered a small, leather-bound journal. The journal’s pages were blank, inviting you to fill them with your thoughts, dreams, and magical discoveries. Luz had added a personal touch by writing a heartfelt note on the first page, expressing her pride in your achievements and her hopes for your future. You rushed over to hug her tightly.
Luz’s said enthusiastically. “I’m glad you like it. I thought it would be perfect for your new adventures,” she said, her tone filled with sincerity.
After that, you made sure to open each gift and to express gratitude with heartfelt joy.
Eda had gifted you a charming, hand-carved wooden charm that depicted a playful owl. The charm was both whimsical and meaningful, capturing Eda’s unique sense of magic and mischief. “I figured you could use a bit of my own brand of luck,” Eda said with a wink. “Besides, owls are good for keeping watch!”
Lilith’s gift was a beautifully crafted set of magical candles, each one infused with different enchantments. There was a candle for relaxation, one for focus, and another for inspiration. “These are to help you with your studies and your adventures,” Lilith explained with a warm smile. “Light them when you need a little extra magic.”
Gus’s gift was a set of magical quills and enchanted ink. Gus had been excited to see you use them, and his enthusiasm was evident. “I just knew you’d appreciate these for your notes and sketches,” he had said. “Be careful with that though. Only write with the bright green ink when you want something to come to life!”
Willow’s present was a collection of enchanted botanical seeds. Each seed had its own magical properties, such as glowing flowers or plants that could change colors with the seasons. “I thought you’d enjoy growing these,” Willow said with a shy but proud smile. “They’re a little bit of nature’s magic for your home.”
Next, was Hooty’s gift. The eccentric owl had been practically bursting with excitement, his eyes gleaming as he hopped around. With a dramatic flourish, he coughed up a large, oddly-shaped package that landed with a soft thud in front of you.
As you carefully peeled away the wrapping dripping with salvia, you discovered a bizarre but intriguing gift: a large, enchanted plushie that looked like a cross between a fuzzy critter and a whimsical creature. The plushie had multiple eyes and an array of mismatched limbs that wiggled amusingly.
Hooty, still brimming with enthusiasm, explained, “Surprise! I thought you could use a little friend to keep you company. This is Hooty’s special buddy, Fluffernox!”
“Haha…” You held the disturbing stuffed animal at arms length. “Thanks… Hooty…”
Lastly, you turned your attention to Hunter’s gift. His hands trembled slightly as you carefully untied the ribbon and unfolded the wrapping paper. Inside was a small, intricately carved wooden box. You noticed that the lid of the box had your initials. As you lifted the lid, you discovered a delicate, handcrafted palisman. The palisman was adorned with symbols and a subtle glow, reflecting the effort and care Hunter had put into its creation.
You were momentarily speechless, your eyes wide with amazement. “Hunter… This is incredible!” you finally managed to say, your voice filled with awe. “I’m truly surprised. It’s beautiful.” You held up the small creature, admiring it’s weight in your hand and the aesthetic.
Hunter leaned in, his hair brushing lightly against your forehead as he gently cupped your hands, holding the palisman between you. “All it needs to come to life is to know your deepest desire,” he whispered, his voice soft and intent. The warmth of his hands and the fresh scent of his shampoo made your pulse quicken. Heat rose to your cheeks, but Hunter was so focused on the palisman, he didn’t notice the way your gaze lingered on him.
“I—” you hesitated, the words catching in your throat. What was your deepest desire? What did you truly want? The weight of that question felt almost unbearable, and you swallowed hard, feeling the pressure of the moment closing in. Now was the time to tell them—about your future, your plans, everything.
You gently pulled your hands back, allowing the palisman to fall into Hunter’s palms. His expression shifted to one of confusion, but before he could ask, you stepped away, the silence from everyone around you suddenly heavy. Their eyes were on you—waiting, watching. You felt as though the weight of their expectations was pressing down on you, making it hard to breathe.
Your hand trembled as you clenched it into a tight fist, trying to steady yourself. You took a deep breath, scanning the faces of the people you cherished. They all looked at you with concern, curiosity, and affection.
“I… I have something to tell you guys,” you finally managed, your voice cracking just a little under the pressure. The words hung in the air, each one harder to say than the last. “I’m staying in the Human Realm.”
They blinked Everyone stared at you, stunned. You could feel the weight of their surprise, their confusion, and the sharp, heavy moment that seemed to stretch between all of you.
The silence that followed your announcement felt endless, thick with shock. You could see the confusion in their eyes, the sudden tension between excitement and uncertainty. Even Hooty, usually brimming with chatter, was silent, his long body frozen in place.
Luz instantly stood up, her wide eyes reflecting disbelief before she finally broke the silence. “Wait… you’re staying?” Her voice was a mix of confusion and hurt.
You nodded, your throat tightening. “Yeah. I got accepted into my dream university in the human world. It’s… it’s a huge opportunity for me.”
Amity’s eyes widened in understanding, but there was a flicker of sadness. She squeezed Luz’s hand. “You didn’t tell us. All this time, you’ve been planning to leave?”
“I didn’t know how to say it,” you admitted, feeling your heart pound harder in your chest. “I didn’t want to make anyone upset.”
Eda let out a low whistle, crossing her arms. Her usual smirk was replaced with something else, something more thoughtful. “Well, kid, that’s one heck of an announcement. I get it, though. You’ve got big dreams.”
Gus, stepped forward with his usual enthusiasm dimmed by concern. “Does this mean you won’t be coming back? Like, ever?”
Hunter, still holding the palisman in his hands, was the quietest. His magenta eyes darted between you and the small creature. His mouth opened slightly, but he hesitated to speak, clearly grappling with what this meant.
The pressure from their reactions hit you hard, and you tried to steady yourself. “I didn’t tell you guys sooner because…” you paused, taking a shaky breath, “because I wasn’t sure. It wasn’t an easy decision, but after everything that’s happened, I think it’s what I need.”
Luz’s lips trembled, her hand gripping Amity’s tighter. “But we’re your family too,” she said softly, her voice breaking slightly. “Are we… not enough?”
Her words cut deep, and you felt your heart ache as you tried to explain. “It’s not about that,” you said quickly, “it’s not about any of you not being enough. I love you all so much. But… I have a life back in the Human Realm. I’ve worked so hard to get into this university. I need to follow through with that, with my own future.”
Eda let out a small sigh and rubbed the back of her neck. “You’ve got to do what feels right for you, kid,” she said, her voice softer now. “It’s a tough call, but… I get it.”
Hunter, finally finding his voice, spoke quietly. “And the palisman…?” His eyes searched yours, his fingers brushing over the wooden surface. “It won’t come to life if you don’t… if you’re not here.”
You looked down at the palisman, the weight of his words sinking in. This creature, a symbol of magic, connection, and belonging in the Boiling Isles, would never awaken in the Human Realm. You felt a pang of guilt, but you stood by your choice.
Hunter didn’t said anything else, but his eyes met yours for a brief moment. There was something deeper in his gaze—something that made your stomach flutter with uncertainty. Finally, he broke the silence. “I’m happy for you,” he said quietly, his voice steady but laced with something unspoken. “This palisman… it’s for you, wherever you go.”
He reached out his arm, beckoning for you to take the palisman. You looked up at him and then back towards the creature. “Thank you, Hunter.” You said, your voice heavy. “I’ll—”
“Will you be gone forever?” Willow’s voice trembled, her lips quivering. She adjusted her glasses to hide the sight of tears brimming the edges of her eyes.
You shook your head quickly. “No, I mean—I’ll visit, of course. I’m not disappearing forever. I just… I need to do this. For myself.”
Lilith reached out and squeezed your arm gently. “We’re happy for you, you know? It’s just… we’re going to miss you.” She was the first to squish you into a hug. Everyone else followed suit, attaching themselves to you as if they could somehow keep you from leaving by holding you close. It was overwhelming, the way everyone piled on with their arms wrapped around you—each hug a reminder of the bond you shared.
“We’ll be like one of those inter-dimensional friend groups!” Gus continued, his voice muffled by the group hug. “We’ll visit you in the Human Realm, and you can visit us here. It’ll be epic!”
Luz, still clinging tightly to you, added, “Yeah! We’ve got portals! Nothing’s stopping us from seeing you.” "You better not forget about me, your majesty!" King puff out his chest. "After all, who else is going to teach you about ruling the world? I can’t have my future co-ruler running off to the Human Realm without a plan!"
Hunter stood a little apart, watching quietly. His arms folded across his chest, but you could tell he was trying to process it all in his own way. He still held the palisman carefully, his fingers tracing the edges absentmindedly.
As for Hooty, he'd suddenly stretch his long, bendy body over to you, making his presence known with his usual unsettling enthusiasm. "OH, (Y/N), MY BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD! YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME!" He’d dramatically sob, then in a disturbing twist, he’d blurt out, "Do you need a Hooty-sized suitcase? I can pack myself inside and come with you!"
You looked at the weird creature. Hooty was… unexplainable. You were gonna miss him.
Eda, ever the practical one, ruffled your hair gently. “Kid, you’ve gotta do what makes you happy. We’ll survive without you... somehow,” she teased, but there was a glimmer of emotion in her eyes too.
As the hugs loosened and everyone stepped back, the weight of the moment settled in. You weren’t disappearing from their lives, but things would be different. There was a bittersweetness in the air, knowing that this was a goodbye of sorts—not forever, but for now.
As the group slowly dispersed, leaving you a moment to catch your breath, you faced the blond boy. He stood there quietly, his hands shoved into his pockets, his gaze shifting between you and the sky above.
"Hey," you said softly, trying to catch his eye.
He looked at you, his usual guarded expression softer than you’d seen it before. “(Y/n)…” he replied, though his voice was quieter than usual. It was like he wanted to say something, but he couldn’t find the words. For a moment, there was silence—neither of you quite knowing what to say.
“I... I guess this is it, huh?” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His gaze finally lifted, and you could see the mixture of emotions swirling in his magenta eyes—uncertainty, sadness, and something else that made your heart skip a beat.
You offered him a small smile, stepping closer until you were only a breath away. “It’s not goodbye, Hunter,” you said softly. “It’s more like... see you later.”
He nodded, though his shoulders still seemed tense. “Yeah, but... it won’t be the same. I won’t be able to just... you know, see you whenever.” His hand clenched around the palisman for a moment before he loosened his grip, offering it to you again. “Here. Take it. You should have it.”
You reached out and gently closed your hand over his, pushing the it back toward him. “No, Hunter,” you said, your voice steady. “I want you to keep it safe for me. That way... I’ll have a reason to come back. To see you.”
Hunter’s breath hitched slightly, and his eyes widened in surprise. For a moment, it was as if the world had quieted around the two of you. Then, with a soft exhale, he smiled—a real, genuine smile that lit up his face in a way you hadn’t seen before.
“I... I’ll keep it safe,” he promised, his voice more certain now. “And... I’ll be here. Waiting.”
Without thinking, you closed the distance between you, wrapping your arms around him in a tight, warm hug. He stiffened for a second, clearly taken by surprise, but then he slowly relaxed into the embrace, his arms wrapping around you in return. It was a quiet, tender moment—no words needed, just the unspoken understanding between you.
“I’ll miss you,” you whispered, your cheek resting against his shoulder.
Hunter’s grip tightened slightly, his breath warm against your hair. “I’ll miss you too,” he whispered back, his voice soft but full of sincerity.
As everyone murmured in agreement to start star gazing, Hunter tugged you along to a soft picnic blanket. As the night grew deeper and the stars twinkled above, a particularly bright one caught your eye. It shimmered in the sky, a little brighter than the rest, almost like it was watching over you. You recognized it immediately, your breath catching in your throat.
“The Wishmaker Star,” you whispered, pointing it out to Hunter.
Hunter’s eyes followed your gesture, widening when he saw it. “What would you wish for?” Hunter’s voice was quiet, almost hesitant, as he looked over at you. His hand was still wrapped in yours, grounding you in the present.
You looked up at the star, thinking about everything—your journey, the friendships you’d built, and the uncertain path that lay ahead in the human world. But then your gaze shifted to Hunter, sitting beside you, his face illuminated by the soft starlight. After a long pause, you answered.
“I don’t think I need to make a wish,” you said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “I already have everything I need. Friends who care about me... and people I’ll always come back to.”
Hunter’s expression softened, his grip on your hand tightening slightly. “I think I’d wish for the same thing,” he murmured, glancing back at the Wishmaker Star. “To keep what I’ve found.”
A moment of comfortable silence passed between you, the star continuing to shine brightly above, as if blessing the quiet bond you shared. You leaned your head against Hunter’s shoulder, your heart full, and together, you both watched as the star slowly began to fade into the night.
And as it vanished into the sea of stars, leaving only its soft glow behind, you felt a sense of peace wash over you. Wishes weren’t always about longing for something new—they could be about holding onto the moments and people you already had. And under that starlit sky, you knew that no matter where life took you, this connection, this feeling, would stay with you—just like the legend of the Wishmaker Star.
Hunter whispered, almost to himself, “Maybe we didn’t need the star to grant our wish. Maybe it’s already come true.”
And under the vast, starry sky, with the warmth of his hand in yours, you couldn’t help but think he was right.
11 notes · View notes
kamesama · 11 months ago
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— window seat: nanami kento.
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— notes: meet cute? match-up trade w/ lovely @bokutosbiceps motivated me to write this. that being said, it's very self-indulgent. consider it an unnamed! fem! oc x nanami because it's not neutral enough to be an x reader. — word count: 993
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nanami kento cannot recall the moment in which it became a routine to glance over his shoulder on his way to the bakery. when he set his foot on that one tile on the ground at around seven thirty in the morning, electricity shot through the newly formed neural pathway and summoned an action so easily engraved in his muscle memory collection. and whenever he fully performed that light twist of his neck, a predictable image awaited him.
sun-kissed, burnt copper strand of hair neatly tucked behind an earlobe, always and without fail standing out against black cotton, emerald silk or graphite cashmere. slender fingers, cuffed in silver, holding the sweet weight of an espresso cup. lips coated in a modest dusty rose shade and a little pursed as if in reaction to whatever plot-twist, confession or reveal occurred in the book spread open on the table. 
every morning, he would throw that glance, and every morning, she would return it, as if feeling its harmless, short-lived weight. her gaze always lasted longer, though. nanami could feel it on the nape of his neck. it followed him to the very entrance of the bakery. it was heavier than his own; as dark and as thick as the espresso she relished in.
and whenever he walked out with the beloved casse-croute in his possession, he found himself looking down at the watch on his wrist, lest his vision trailed to the periphery. 
some mornings, he wouldn’t see her. the seat would be abandoned, or taken by some old man in a worn-out brown coat or another young woman in a pencil skirt and a blouse. but it was seldom taken, as if the window seat had a sense of faithfulness and devotion at around seven thirty. those mornings were always a little odd.
some mornings, she wouldn’t look back at him. her eyes would be glued onto the several pages near the end of her read, or they’d be fixated on some faraway spot that he couldn’t see or grasp. those mornings left him with an urge to visit a bookstore. 
and one day, he did. 
on his way home, he stopped in his tracks, eyeing the store from the corner of his eye. he knew very well that whatever he found and bought would simply collect dust on his shelf for the next several months. whatever he found and bought would live with a delusional thinking that it will be given proper attention soon enough. 
but the urge was so nagging, so sweet, and his nostrils ached for that scent of a light beige paper page.
his shoulders relaxed when he walked in, and the tension in his jaw dissolved.
brown eyes trailed over titles and names. flashy softcovers with mystic details and intriguing commentary and ancient-looking hardcovers that seemed as if they wielded heavy wisdom beyond comprehension. he felt nearly bitter coming across the works he had already purchased but didn’t engage with as planned, but his guilt was short-lived. he let the book judge him quietly. it was its right.
a bright red softcover caught his attention. he recognised it; not from his shelf but from that woman at the window seat. it wasn’t thick; slightly over two-hundred pages at best. he observed it, holding it between his fingers as he read the text across its blood-coloured back.
“it’s a good one.” 
although doubting that the words were directed at him, he looked to the side. his mouth opened just slightly.
“if you like magical realism, that is.” 
it felt out of place; seeing her beside him. her hair looked darker when it wasn't basked in the first sunlight, face littered with faint freckles that he could never have seen from the distance he was used to. her voice was a little deeper than he expected, even though he could not recall ever imagining what she sounded like.
“is that so.” he pondered, “either way, it’s unlikely that i will read it. i have enough books as it is.” 
“too busy to read them?”
“you could say so.”
“same. that’s why i read in the mornings. you work somewhere near that bakery? i see you’re always in formal wear.” 
“the company just down the street.” 
“i see, i see. well, tell you what. the cafe is pretty cozy and there aren’t many people there until around ten. not that you asked, but it’s a good spot for reading if you can make time for it.” 
nanami’s eyes held a tidbit of contemplation. it earned him a raised brow, a curious look and a polite smile, all occurring in a smooth chronological order within a brief timespan.
“that was a little over the line, wasn't it?” 
“it’s alright,” nanami’s lips creased ever-so-slightly, followed by a light shake of his head. he lifted the book a little, referring to it, “so, it’s good?” 
“oh, definitely. maybe a little odd, but good,” she nodded her head, “i’ve read it… three to four times?” she couldn’t seem to remember, but she didn’t bother counting the times in her head to confirm the exact number. her smile morphed into the mischievous kind.
“but hey, what’s another book on a shelf? you’ll get to it eventually.” 
“that’s persuasive of you. do you work here?” the slightest hint of amusement found its way into nanami’s flat voice. she laughed.
“not at all. i’m just not about holding back on these things if i can afford them. oh, well. if you do buy and read it, let me know if you like it,” her voice drifts off, “if we run into each other again.”
that fits her, nanami thought. he wasn't certain if he possessed any desire to implement changes into his habitual morning stroll, but the thought was just a little tempting. smell of coffee, wood and steamed milk would provide a good shelter from overwhelming thoughts about sales, clients and money, he assumed.
"i'm sure we will."
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thank you for reading!
— kamesama.
49 notes · View notes
victorluvsalice · 3 months ago
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Hello all -- it's New Sims 4 Build Day here on Victor Luvs Alice this Wednesday! And I am showing off a build that I've been working on in some form or another for a good while, and which I'm rather proud of -- my new Ministry Of Joy Nightclub! Which, as you might guess, was inspired by The Smiler roller coaster over in Alton Towers. XD Specifically, this thing started life as an attempt to build what I thought like the Ministry Of Joy would look like in the Valicer In The Dark universe, but ended up morphing into this after I thought it would be fun to make it into a nightclub Sims could visit. Let me take you on a little tour:
-->The exterior of the build is based off the basic shape of the actual The Smiler coaster's station (which was SURPRISINGLY hard to find to find pictures of -- fortunately I found some videos on YouTube of the old The Smiler mobile game that had a virtual recreation of the coaster and its station that I could look at to get an idea of the shape) -- though I did change the color scheme, as the actual building is gray for some reason instead of black. It does have pipes like that on the front though! I went with a fancy Art Deco front door because it had one of the best black-and-yellow color schemes, and of course I had to slap a yellow security camera above it. XD I also put that weird spire thing atop it just because I liked it -- it felt right, is all I can say!
-->The first floor is mostly taken up by a big old dance floor (which I sized up a little bit just so it would properly take up the space), with a bar area near the front of the building; a big five-stall bathroom at the back to the left, behind the stairs to the second level; and a "chill-out" space in the weird extra room attached to the back right corner. As you can see, things are aggressively yellow and black in here. XD Though I did make sure to put some extra color in with various paintings and neon lights and such! Anything that was bold and bright and interesting. :) For a few more specific notes:
A) The area behind the DJ booth is a little dark because I was trying to use lights that wouldn't completely wash out the neon lights on the walls over there -- it's a little brighter when the laser light shows are going in Live Mode!
B) The bathroom is so big because I originally had a little side area in it for a diaper-changing station and a toddler potty, complete with its own sink -- I eventually decided that it wasn't particularly likely you would have such things in a nightclub and got rid of it, which allowed me to fit in two extra stalls. Hey, at least your Sims will never have to wait for a bathroom in this build!
C) The "chill-out" room was originally the "worship" room when I was building this as the home of the Valicer In The Dark Advocates (there was one of those weird twisty modern art statues in there with a bunch of chairs around it to represent Mar-Mal), but after I changed the theme of the place, I decided that I wanted it to play host to a couple of bubble blowers. Because the Advocates seem like bubble blower people. XD I ended up adding incense and a couple of meditation poofs for more things to do in here, and because they fit the vibe of this being a place where Sims can chill if they need to. Also, the yellow stripes in this room are the glowing Spa Day walls, because I really wanted to use them SOMEWHERE, and this seemed like the best place. XD Same with the glowing tiles underneath the statues in the corners of the room.
D) Oh, and almost all the interior lights are sized-down rec center lights from Growing Together because they looked vaguely spiraly. Gotta keep on-brand!
-->Up on the second floor, we have an arcade room and a karaoke room, because I like giving my Sims things to do at community lots and those seemed like fun rooms to have! Though, given the lack of actual arcade machines in unmodded Sims 4, I ended up making the arcade a bit more of a general "games room," with a foosball table and a table games table to fill out the area along with the big games machine and the virtual reality gaming mat. The karaoke room also ended up getting a popcorn maker because I really wanted it to have some snacks available, and popcorn seemed like the best bet.
-->And as for the roof surrounding the second floor...well, I took a look at all that empty space and went "I need to do something with this." So I turned the little "balcony" at the front into a hang-out space with spiral-themed loungers, a drinks tray, and a telescope, scattered some benches and a chess table around the place --
And set up a whole hot tub party area in the back above the chill-out room! Because who doesn't like a cool hot tub party area? Especially one with loungers, another drinks tray, an ice cream machine, and a busking area? Oh, and the most fun outdoor lights on a string that I could find? :p Advocates never do party time by halves, after all!
-->As for lot traits, I went with Party Place (because look at it, this place was made for parties), Convivial (because of course the Advocates would want everyone to feel like they can get along with everyone else), and University Student Hang Out (...because I honestly wasn't sure what else to put on the lot and this way the drinks are cheaper XD).
So there you have it -- the Ministry of Joy, ready to help your Sims on the path to happiness! It's up on the Gallery if you would care to check it out, under my user ID AliceNVictor -- you can also find it under "#thesmiler" if you prefer to search by hashtag. It is one of my patented "uses fifty million packs" builds, but hopefully it can find a home in your game anyway. :P Enjoy -- next week, robots!
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corleonewrites · 4 months ago
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La Vérité
AU: Anatomy of a Fall (2023)
Vincent Renzi x Original Female Character fanfic.
Summary: Two people connected by the same past. Two lawyers. And one tangled case which brought them back together again, giving them the opportunity to sort out their feelings towards each other, no matter how painful memories are to both of them can be.
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Chapter 5. Fantasie in F Minor, Op. 103: D. 940
“I’m celebrating my birthday this Friday and you’re coming, Camille”, Jean-Louis greeted me the other day in October, when the lecture with Vincent was about to begin.
For that moment my interactions with Renzi were longer and more frequent, and of course, Estella and Loise tried couple unsuccessful attempts to find out what happened between me and Vincent, how close we were and those kinds of things but I cooled their interest down: firstly, because it was none of their business, and secondly, those meetings with him outside the university walls were not romantic at all.
They didn’t leave to something more than just discussions about my degree essay, about films, art and books. We visited museums and cinema but never met in bars or somewhere more private. He kept his distance as I was keeping mine, not knowing what he wanted and what I wanted as well.
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I was always not into relationships, I didn’t really believe in them in general, besides my parents and grandparents got divorced and for a long period of time it was my evidence that all relationships would crack.
Before I met Vincent and before our affair started, I never had close and deep relationships with anyone. Even when I went on a few dates when I thought to consider the idea of having a boyfriend – everything finished with the simple kiss, nothing more. It didn’t bother me, even when all my friends were talking about how great their sex with their boyfriends was and all this kind of stuff, because at least I knew that I was waiting for someone special, even though it sounded very old-fashioned but I was raised in old-fashioned style and was proud of it.
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The first court hearing just finished and all three of us: Sandra, Vincent and I headed back to the woman’s place, discussing what could be done before the next hearing and what could be said during the process. My head was pulsing a little but it was a side effect of my job and I got used to it but with the help of headache pills.
The hearing itself wasn’t in the way of how I thought it would be: just a regular process, without any difficulties. But right when it started, I understood that not only the first one but all the other ones would be harder with every new one. Not only because of the harsh answers and questions from the prosecution, but also because of the evidence which we needed to collect. It would discover all the skeletons in the closet of our defendant.
During the process I pointed out how Renzi was glancing at me from time to time, but these glances were irritating me and I pretended not to see them, concentrating on the process. Even though it was exciting to work with him in the first few minutes – then I pulled myself together and the rest of the hearing ran smoothly. Of course I could still feel his eyes following my actions.
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I checked my black knee-length dress and my loose hair in the mirror near the bar’s entrance and entered the dark room with bright colorful lights and disco ball on the ceiling, holding a present for Jean-Louis in my hand.
The table for our birthday company was in the end of the room, near the bar desk: I recognized some students from our class, Estella and Loise included, and then my gaze dropped on monsieur Renzi, who was sitting in the corner of a big sofa, taking a sip from his drink. He also looked at me, his glance was long and followed me, when I reached Jean-Louis to give him a hug and give a present:
“Happy birthday, Jean-Louis”, I said loudly and hugged my friend, but tried to asked him something on his ear, “You decided to invite all of our teaching staff, am I right?”
He just laughed and winked at me, and tried to reach Vincent, “No, only monsieur Renzi, if you don’t mind”
I glanced at him once again, but shook my shoulders and quickly looked at Jean-Louis again:
“No, I don’t mind at all, it’s your birthday. So let’s celebrate it with a glass of whiskey sour”
It didn’t take much time for me to start dancing on the dancefloor to the beat of old music from 70’s and 80’s: it was a thematical night at the bar. When with every second of the music were carrying me away to feeling of nostalgia that I never had, I couldn’t help myself but was glancing at Vincent, who decided not to dance, but to sit on the sofa. At one point, Estella sat near him and accurately placed her hand on his shoulder, whispering something in his ear, which made me angry, but during this interaction my tutor was thoughtfully looking directly at me, without paying attention to Estella and she quickly left him, looking pissed.
Slow and beautiful song Domani è un altro giorno by Ornella Vanoni suddenly started to play on the background and I glanced at Vincent again: this was the song we’ve heard in Indian Summer, it was playing at the bar scene, it was romantic and deep at the same time and it was one of my favourite scenes in the film as well and I caught myself in a thought that both Renzi and I were in the almost exact same scene at that moment, especially when Jean-Louis who was dancing near me before the song started moved to me and asked to slow dance with him. I didn’t say no, and I wanted to make Renzi jealous.
Probably it was a successful move, because during the whole song he didn’t move his thoughtful gaze from me, when I looked directly at him as well, the tension between us was in the air, with every second and every move it was becoming stronger and unbearable.
In one moment, almost before the song finished, Jean-Louis looked at Vincent then at me, smirked and whispered in my ear:
“I think monsieur Renzi caught an eye on you, Camille”
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“She’s attractive, right?”, Loise asked Vincent, when he was watching Camille slow-dancing with Jean-Louis on a song from Indian Summer.
He stopped thinking about mademoiselle Cadieux only in terms of student-teacher kind of relationships a couple of days ago, before that evening, when surprisingly Jean-Louis invited him to his birthday. She interested him in everything, but most of all she attracted him as mysterious, attractive young woman with sad thoughtful glance. Renzi tried to take it out of his head at the beginning, but since those brief encounters with Camille outside university began to be more and more frequent – he stopped pretending that he didn’t care.
That evening at the bar must put all the dots on “I”. He was feeling it but he didn’t know how to begin. It was completely opposite than his regular court hearings. It was the matter of love and interest.
“Yes, she is”, Vincent didn’t turn to Loise, continuing following Camille’s moves on the dancefloor.
“But mind you, professor, she’s a tough one. She’s not like any other girl, she has her own secrets and she won’t open to anyone without trusting them completely. And she never did…”, Loise continued, moving closer to him, whispering on his ear, but he just moved forward, keeping distance from her.
“I’m able to figure it out by myself, mademoiselle Bisset.”
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The birthday party slowly moved to Jean-Louis’ apartment. Right when everyone was inside, Jean-Lois turned on the music on his record player when girls helped to serve drinks to everyone. Vincent curiously was walking around the apartment, when I sat on the big sofa, slightly drunk and completely tired from bar’s dances.
“How about watching a film?” – Alain, Jean-Louis’ friend, asked, laying on a couch with his drink in hand.
“Oh, yes! Let’s watch something good and old-fashioned”, Estella agreed, when Jean-Louis looked at me and smiled:
“Let Camille Truffaut decide then, I have a big collection of good classics”
Vincent finally returned from his excursion around the apartment and stood behind me, when I thought for some moments, and said:
“Well, since I’m Truffaut tonight we’re watching Truffaut’s Jules and Jim”
“Just how I thought”, laughed Jean-Louis, and pulled out DVD with Jules and Jim out of his impressive collection of cinematography.
The lights went off. When Vincent finally sat beside me on the sofa, and only millimeters separated us from each other – I felt how my heart started to beat faster with every second. I didn’t move. When the film started, after a couple of seconds, I felt Vincent’s hand was slowly moving towards my hand, I didn’t hesitate and finally my hand was in his. It was such a slow move that we didn’t think that someone would notice it. We didn’t actually think that someone would care anyways.
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“Camille? Are you asleep?”, I’ve heard Vincent’s voice from somewhere deep. Probably I fell asleep on our way back to town, as at some point I lost track of our quiet talks in his car and I didn’t even notice it.
“Had lack of sleep previous night, it happens to me recently”, I replied, looking at snowy road.
“Never noticed it, you was very active at court”
“Well, the hearing was tense and nervous, I didn’t have the opportunity to close my eye for a second”, I replied dryly, “And it won’t be easy for sure, not until the last one”
“And yet it feels like there’re going to be a lot more of them. I wonder how Sandra will handle this, I know that she’s very strong, but she can break under those circumstances”
Again, Renzi was talking about Sandra, and again I felt that strange feeling of jealousy inside me, I wondered if he ever was thinking or talking about me with anyone else, when we had our affair which I believed at some point, would last.
I didn’t look at him. I didn’t want to look at him or be around him now. All I wanted was to get out of the car and cool my head by visiting hotel’s lobby bar. At the same time, I was thinking about that difficult case almost 24 hours a day with some pauses for bits of sleep, I wanted to be good and professional, it began to be a huge matter of my personal career. I wanted to beat my tutor. I wanted to beat Vincent.
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The film and the birthday evening were over. It was half past one and everyone began to leave Jean-Louis apartment. Vincent and I were the last ones, the door closed behind us and now we were standing alone in the hall, waiting for the elevator to arrive. Just as the elevator was slowly going up to us, Vincent’s hand was slowly raising up and when the elevator’s doors opened, his right hand was on my shoulder. I couldn’t resist no more. I turned around and we stormed into the elevator, kissing each other deeply.
For a couple of seconds, when the elevator was slowly going down, we were finally alone and we couldn’t hold ourselves back, the feelings that were circling around inside us were finally coming out.
We exited the building, the cold wind of late autumn night greeted us when we reached Vincent’s car. I got inside, and the door of the passengers’ seat closed. No words were spoken between us, it felt like we understood each other just by the way of how we looked at each other, it felt surreal, I couldn’t believe that it was my real life and I wasn’t in the film. The engines started and the car led us to the night full of opened deep feelings and things that couldn’t be said and done in the daylight before that particular evening.
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jessicanjpa · 3 months ago
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stalker
Edward is in Chicago to "inherit" from himself. To pass the time at night, he decides to visit his old house. An excerpt from this 1970 one-shot.
I had hunted for a few days in the northern suburbs of Chicago during the four dark years of my rebellion. By that time, I had already arrived at my plan to feed only on the worst criminals; it seemed only fitting that I should spend a few months protecting the city I had once called home.
But in the end, I couldn't bear to stay or to venture any closer to where I had lived as a human. Regardless of whether the spirits of my human parents had any means of seeing what I was doing, it just felt too wrong to bring that kind of darkness that close to their graves... to the people I had once known and cared about. There was also the very real possibility of cornering a victim and discovering that he was someone I had known. And since Carlisle had practiced medicine in and around Chicago once already this century, we had never lived near this area in the years since.
So this was really my first time back. I strolled aimlessly through the night, trying to match the buildings I passed with the blurry streetscapes from my human memory. I did eventually find an old hotel that seemed to be in the right place, and a couple of small parks.
There was a certain street I wanted, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember where it was. I finally surrendered and ducked into a telephone booth. I flipped through the frayed telephone book in annoyance, looking for a decent street map. I finally found one and ripped it out, memorizing my route as I walked.
Once I got past the audience of cops and prostitutes and adolescent children out too late for their own good, I relaxed and slowed my pace. I still couldn't put my finger on any particular building, but this was starting to feel more and more familiar. After taking one last look at the map, I crumpled it into my pocket and turned down a street where the front yards were bigger. The mental barrage quieted a little, settling into that unique, rhythmic whisper that comes from a neighborhood where nearly everyone is asleep.
I knew this street. The houses nearly all looked wrong, but the roll of the hill felt right. I had ridden my bicycle here, laughing and calling out to... someone. I squinted at the pavement, feeling the tingle of a memory that was trying to wake up. I had fallen here one day. No, that wasn't right... I remembered getting off my bicycle, feeling a heavy weight on my chest... my mother carrying me home, rubbing my back and telling me to breathe more slowly. An asthma attack, presumably.
Happier memories came to me half-formed as I walked on. More bicycle rides... a nameless boy with freckles and black hair. A pair of girls, teasing me from across the street. One house seemed particularly meaningful, despite being the wrong color, though I couldn't figure out why. Perhaps the freckled boy had lived here? There was a brick firehouse that looked about right. And when I finally turned onto my own street, the bright scent of roses washed over me at just the right place.
Home.
I was fortunate that the real estate company had let the trees and brush get overgrown in the backyard. I found a sturdy oak whose branches offered a good view of the house. My eyes traced over the lines of the house first, finding comfort in the angle of the roof and the peaceful shush of the breeze slicing through the screens around the side porch. There was a formica table perched inside and crumbs beneath it, evidence of the family who had rented the house for the past three years.
The interior was dark, but moonlight was more than enough for me. I could see into the parlor where I had spent hundreds of hours practicing the piano. I leaned out from the tree, trying to see whether there was a piano in there, but I didn't have a full view of the room. I should have come earlier, when the family was up and moving around, so I could have gotten a fuller view via their minds.
I briefly considered letting myself in. The windows were all unlocked in welcome, after all; I wouldn't need to break anything. It was my house. But... that was a line I probably shouldn't cross. I crawled up into the higher branches, rewarded by a tight knot in my throat as I looked into my old bedroom for the first time in fifty-two years. Two twin beds filled the space, complete with the lumpy, blanketed forms of two dozing boys. My first guess was twins, but after a few moments I thought the one on the right might be a little older, based on the quality of his dreams. I left them in peace, more interested in the room itself than its occupants.
More memories began to return to me, coming in such quick succession that I dared not breath for fear of interrupting the flow. I remembered a scene in which I was the one lying in the bed, crumpled in blankets. Mother was feeling my forehead, humming a tune that eluded me, but still placed an unexpected warmth deep in my chest. I could hear the clink of a spoon and smell the aroma of... chicken soup, I thought it was.
Then I was seated at a desk just there, over by the farthest wall, tinkering with a model biplane... or was it a model train? I remembered coughing, curling up with a book and wishing I could go play outside. I remembered sitting at the desk, now taller in my chair, writing with careful penmanship in a journal. Next I was playing on the floor, meticulously lining up row upon row of tin soldiers.
I remembered posters on the walls, various incarnations of Uncle Sam or heroic-looking US soldiers telling me to come save the world. That my country needed me. I remembered sitting at my desk with a forgotten pencil lingering over a page of mathematics, gripping the desk's edge with the other hand and refusing to look up as my mother pleaded with me to go to college instead. Then I was a child again, huddled up in a fort made of bedsheets, surrounded by books and toys.
One memory led to another, skipping back and forth through my brief span of human years and filling new, aching holes inside my heart. I kept my eyes locked on the quiet room until I came up empty, and even then I continued to stare, shifting my gaze to look again at the sleeping boys.
Was this what I would have had? What would it have been like to have children of my own? Would I have stayed in this house?
I really had no excuse to stay. There wasn't the faintest hint of vampire scent on the air, apart from my own, and the unlocked windows and cars told me everything I needed to know about the crime rate. I had learned all I was going to learn, if I was going to keep my vow to stay outside. But all I had waiting for me was a depressing hotel room with an even more depressing book. And... there was something keeping me here, something even more intangible than the memories that teased the corners of my mind, flitting away whenever I tried to grasp them.
I didn't think it was nostalgia, not really; for all I knew, half those new memories were invented. And while the sight of my human home did stir something deep within me, that was all it was: just a sight. A picture. There was hardly anything about the structure in front of me that was really familiar... that was really mine anymore.
That was the problem, I supposed. It was the lost potential—this new version of the life I could have lived. More than the house itself, I couldn't take my eyes away from the home I had been so eager to leave behind.
That was excuse enough, I decided—that it might give me some small shred of purpose to stay and guard a family I cared nothing about, in a house that was all but a stranger to me. I imagined the sleeping boys to be my own sons, and the dozing parents across the hall to be myself and the wife I loved more with each passing year. And so I let myself stay, just for tonight, keeping vigil over the life I had lost so very long ago.
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