#sea breeze restoration TM

[bethanydelleman]

Sir Walter in Persuasion seeing Anne after her Sea Breeze Restoration TM and being like, "Girl, what have you been using? Whatever it is, don't you dare stop."

"But like really, what is it? I want in."

In the course of the same morning, Anne and her father chancing to be alone together, he began to compliment her on her improved looks; he thought her “less thin in her person, in her cheeks; her skin, her complexion, greatly improved; clearer, fresher. Had she been using any thing in particular?” “No, nothing.” “Merely Gowland,” he supposed. “No, nothing at all.” “Ha! he was surprised at that;” and added, “certainly you cannot do better than to continue as you are; you cannot be better than well; or I should recommend Gowland, the constant use of Gowland, during the spring months. Mrs Clay has been using it at my recommendation, and you see what it has done for her. You see how it has carried away her freckles.” Ch 16

She was looking remarkably well; her very regular, very pretty features, having the bloom and freshness of youth restored by the fine wind which had been blowing on her complexion, and by the animation of eye which it had also produced. Ch 12

[athanasius-symposium-of-writings]

Cupid's Curse

Chapter Fifteen

Taglist: @gingermous @mt2sssss @dev-angeline @graciexmarvel @yawny0-0 @yumeillu @angel-bi666 @ahookedheroespureheart @stevenandmarcslove

Chapter Fourteen | Chapter Sixteen

Warning: trippy experience with powers, nsfw, reader sad (i promise not for long i swear! Maybe)

A/N: okay listen, listen I saw Desire, and like AAAAAA i love them they so dramatic tm lol plus sandman crossing over w moon knight is big bain to me

The shrine to Aphrodite is covered by a thin black cloth, the closet door is shut also covered by the dark veil. You do not wish to been ‘seen’ by her right now-- As if she could see you. If she did… She would have bedded you as her way to restore your faith in her power and her love. You turn over on your bed with your eye drifting close, breathing slowing, and soon you fall asleep.

When you open your eyes it is due to hearing the chirping of birds, not the bird sound that they make in this modern world, but the real chirping of birds. A fair warm breezes pass you, the soft crashing of waves upon a beach, the sun high and bright in the clear sky. You take a deep breath as you stand in the garden of your Goddess’ domain. Her paradise is where land, sky, and sea are all set to a perfect moment. Beautiful, as beautiful as the moment of her birth. A piece of Poseidon’s domain was taken when she rosed and her power burst to life. Her claim is absolute.

When you discovered this dream realm (for humans) it was when you slept the first night after the union of her heart with yours. Awaking here when her realm was grey and dull, lifeless and colorless. As you lived throughout the ages and your lovers gave their love to you, this realm once more bloomed like the red rose your Goddess’ loved so much. Seeing this realm also means your heart is hurt.

Yes, this is the place your heart sends you to mentally to restore the bond between Aphrodite and yourself.

Standing up before dusting off the sand off your peplos, it is depressing to wear this currently when you feel like shit.

Like you said from the beginning: this is both a blessing and a curse. Currently, it is a curse and after what you did with Lockley, you rather rid yourself of Love completely… Not true but you feel awful.

Your very being is the essence of what the Greeks define and believes Love is, ranging from a romantic view to the dark twisted nature of this emotion. The fascination with this secondary emotion, how it can never be truly ripped out of mortals no matter what they do to each other or themselves. It lingers, it can fester, it consumes and ruins; it never leaves a mortal or divinity's heart. 

How it drives everything we do without us knowing it. The first emotion is taught to us by the embrace of the love of one.

Why else would every land have a deity (or deities) of Love both the emotional and mental aspects of this complex, yet simple drive within all creatures from mortal to divine? No one is safe from its grasp.

Though most only claim avatars of Love, in general, are simply creatures of lust.

A sex avatar– Debasing…

Though right now you feel like those words are true, that every insulting thing you called yourself is true, that you don’t deserve Steven. Oh, beautiful Steven… Steven deserves better.

For Steven, you will go against the desires of Mania, you only need his love– nothing more. Yet, that is always easier said than done. 

Standing basking in the warmth and smell of home, of Greece when the air wasn’t so polluted and the beaches were clearer than they are nowadays. Her realm, your piece of a home long ago; out in the water is her shrine. A temple built on the very spot she sprung from the water bare and gorgeous. What she told you she did spring from the water, but it was painful as she became more and more alive as the sea foam she came from was turning into her very body; she was not as beautiful as the story goes. She was monstrous and when the first human gazed upon her, she took the appearance of what the mortal mind perceived as ‘beautiful’. As Greece grew and more ideals changed, so did she find her way.

Her form of beauty and her definition of beauty are shared with her believers: none however will match her beauty.

When you look at the temple, you are looking at want created her, as she form before she was the Goddess you love and miss every moment of your immortal life. Her smile, her touch, her voice; her poor Agape who she granted a gift you lost in touch with.

When you enter the usually silent temple bright but hollow, you find it dark. Not dark enough that you cannot see but dark enough that you do not wish to enter. You step back but the darkness rushes past you before engulfing your world.

Naturally, you raise your hand up to block your face, eyes squeezing shut as your head turns away. The world shifts and soon the darkness clears as the scenery is completely different and the scent of Aphrodite is gone– Replaced by the scent of peaches? The memory of summer cutting up peaches and the taste that lingers in your mouth and is shared in a kiss. Summer peaches.

Slowly your arms lower and eyes open to see yourself in completely red, a red like blood, and sit on some strange design.

"Welcome, my child!" A cheery playful tone echoes, "Oh? I see, you have my darling girl's heart." You turn around then around again and again until you are once more facing the chair. There stands a person in a black bodysuit with black feathers on the shoulders, a long v-line that stops midway down the chest. Skin like snow, eyes gold yet it could make gold look pale compared to those eyes, lips painted a dark red and forming a toothy smile. The cat ears are not what is expected to rest on lustrous blonde hair.

"Come, come, don't be shy. Your gifter wishes to see you."

Gifter? You walk forward, hands picking up the bottom of your robe and the pitter-patter of your barefoot against what feels like marble. The mysterious gorgeous figure smoothly like the finest silk sliding off the skin, they stand on heels and when you stand before this androgynous divine person.

The giggle and way they rest their arms over your shoulders, well-kept nails playing with the accessories holding up your hair. "Aphrodite, how you have changed dear. Or would you want to be called (Name)?"

You do not why or how but you are captivated by their charm, "I.. Who?"

"You silly one! Your name, shall I call you by your name?"

"No, I mean yes, who are you?"

They draw themselves away a step placing both hands over their heart, "Don't tell me you've forgotten your gifter!" Making a 'tsking' sound as they wiggle a finger in front of you, "That is simply unacceptable! After all, my power has given your dear Goddess her precious life and power."

You are even more confused which must be clear on your face because they roll their eyes and scowl.

"Desire, dear. I am Desire." Walking around you before pulling you backward close to their chest, "Where I touch, things want and need and love - drawn to their objects of desire like butterflies to a candle flame."

There is a story rarely told as most divine creatures often do not speak of anything stronger than them. In reality, there is an origin point, something older than the Gods.

The Endless. Beings of the certainties and inevitability.

There are many and Chaos told you (Aphrodite) they are what grants many beings like us (the Gods) the power freely used as they wished.

You touch your head as Desire is humming in approval as you remember what Aphrodite learned.

"Father?" You aren't sure what to call them given they are well… Transcending gender fits them.

"Hmm, you know I thought that would sound good: a parental relationship but it just sounds off for us." Whispered like the dirtiest of secrets, "Gifter is better and has much more importance." Fingers dancing down your arm, your lungs breathe in deep then release it as Desire unlatches a clip holding your peplos.

"I almost couldn't find you, such a faint spark," You find yourself falling backward and they appear above you as your back hits the comfort of a bed. "Now why is that?" They place a thin long finger on your lips shushing you, "I know why, silly darling. That is why I am here after all!" Finger tracing the column of your throat.

"Why?" You gasp out as mere touch is… Is… Like her touch.

"Because the heart you deny is my favorite gifted and you humans need to stop limiting yourself." His hand wraps around your throat not squeezing through, "And I'm bored. So entertain me." Desire absolutely loves mortals, love how Desire influences everything.

Interweaving itself into anything or one with a passion to: work, create, kill, or die. Plus, he adores you and loves the union of Goddess to the mortal trope.

Also, there is the admirable and the annoying, you are edging close to annoying for Desire. Aphrodite was a favorite because she caused drama! He so loved seeing the messes she made, especially ones that got out of hand! Sure, they could understand that you are essentially not Aphrodite but his powers run through you and he expects a better performance to entertain him when peeks in.

You lay there drowning in the scent of summer peaches, kisses tasting of black raspberry, and the touch of silk.

Yet, you tremble in fear as your hand grips the sheets, tears running down those cheeks.

"My poor gifted, let it out. Your gifter will be here to take it all in."

The emotions rushing through you remind you of the time Aphrodite had you in her bed. You had cried, and grieved because you felt broken… Undeserving of her love because you didn't understand what love is nor could you reciprocate it— Or so you thought.

Her scent is the sea, her kiss taste of quince, and the touch of rose petals. 

"Give me your all, there is nothing I cannot handle," They sit up, slipping out the top part of the bodysuit, "Show the brilliance of that borrowed heart."

You believe them, the sense of safety, craving to touch someone who will not be driven mad by your— Their— Power.

The glow of your eyes, hair, and way Aphrodite's mark on your chest; Desire inhaled the scent of the sea during the spring. Yes, his creation was crafted from sea foam because he merely wanted to make something. A whim. A fun girl that was close to their personality.

Desire is disappointed they have not slept with her but you will do. A pretty gem to grace his touch. Desire loves to indulge, it is part of his very being. Thus he wants you, a demigod, to bask in essence— The purest— Form of raw Desire.

"Where I touch, things want and need and love - drawn to their objects of desire like butterflies to a candle flame." These words were spoken to you by an entity.

Where you burn hot, Desire burners hotter; they engulf you like flames of Hephaistos' forge.

Comforting to be the one overwhelmed, drowning in the rush, granted a release no mortal could deliver.

There is sex but more… Flesh means nothing yet holds meaning. A vessel, a way to express art. It is strange for most of it you were essentially high while also possessed. It is a bit hard to explain.

There are tears as Desire brings out the pain of love, Gods, there is a lot of pain. Want is terrifying when not tempered.

Then comes the bliss, all the lust. When you are wild and free. Unbound and greedy.

Love is the release, the ultimate goal of a Love Goddess. 

When you recall that moment… You felt loved. Loved, love the way Steven feels for you. Pure and with every part of his divided heart.

"Yes, show me."

Exposing, baring, stripped of the walls and years of self-imposed chains.

"Agape," Your avatar name, "Open your heart to me."

The recent memory, the one that weighs in your pretty heart is what Desire peeks into especially with all the pain laced in it.

You find yourself digging into the heart of Jake Lockley, digging to find the source of his agony! Even if it means giving in to temptation. The way Lockley buries his cock in your mouth is slow and gentle, but do not mistake it for kindness. No, he wants this drag out, for you to feel the soreness of your throat the following day, to remind you this is what you are denying yourself. He groans, a smirk that exposes his teeth, his hand gripping your hair and messing it up. Hips snapping forward nearly caused you to choke. Lockley's eyes are closed as he is brought to the heavens of lust. His heart… Guarded and cold, you wonder what sort of heartbreak did Lockley endure to cause him to become the man you currently are forced to deep throat. A heart you wish to give your love to but know better than to touch without a barrier, he is not Steven…  Though you doubt Lockley could comprehend your love for Steven, how the heart within your body loves easily and can be enthralled and obsessive; you know… You can see the love he wishes to share buried deep into his guarded heart. Being the avatar and host to the heart of Aphrodite, you are a waking aphrodisiac in both the sexual and comfort aspect of the heart.  You remain steadfast as you gave Lockley only a very satisfying, with a condom on, blow job. Though it doesn't cover everything, your lips and your saliva does touch his skin, to heighten the intensity of his desires enough to get him to cum faster. Your sympathy for broken hearts all too often gets you in trouble, you swear you will learn yet you keep making the same mistakes.  Your whimper egging him on as holds you down to the base of his cock to swallow his seed— Though all you taste is the flavorless condom. Jake lets go of your head allowing you to slip away, your fingers pulling off and tying the condom closed. "Aw, ain't gonna at least drink it up for me?" Eyeing as you get up, fixing your skirt, and tossing the condom in a nearby mini trash container. He grabs a cigarette from the table, a cheap complimentary pack with some matches at the bottom for those who like to take a smoke after sex. You don't see the appeal outside of black-and-white movies.

Desire holds you as regrets, disgust, guilt, self-hatred are bleeding out of you. The memory is erotic but they can see clearly you resented yourself and the nature of being a being of Love. A mortal response, one they understand though they feel you are beyond such things. Your only task (outside of entertainment) is to indulge.

When the pain fades, your nose bleeds as you never fully unleashed the power of Aphrodite. No, the pain is twisted to and laced with pleasure. The mortal part of your heart, comforted by the essence you feared from the very beginning or felt you could never grasp.

He taught you to enjoy yourself, something you haven't been doing for many years.

Fear stilled you. Embracing your gift would mean consequences.Not indulging as you should be. Be Agape, be Eros, be Aphrodite.