#shades & bees au

[luluy33art]

This is canon btw

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Linked Universe Daemon AU Headcanons

WORLDBUILDING NOTE 1: The concept of daemons is borrowed from the His Dark Materials series. A daemon is a person’s soul manifested outside of their body in a tangible, physical form, which permanently settles into the form of the animal that most resembles them in character as the individual matures. Person and daemon are not separate beings, but two halves of one mental coin, which means that they each know everything the other does, thinks, and senses. Daemons are almost always the opposite gender of their person and have a distinct personality than the person to a certain degree, as person and daemon represent different aspects of the same whole. Touching someone’s daemon without their permission is taboo, considered a violation tantamount to rape in most cultures.

WORLDBUILDING NOTE 2: All Links have the same name for their daemon: Ellanharai (composed of the Old German elements ellan “courage” and heri “army”). However, because all the Links are their own person, their daemon’s form settles on something different with each incarnation. Just as the Links in the Chain go by different titles to differentiate them all, so, too, do their daemons. Links tend to settle early (12-13 years), as they generally know who they are and what they want from a young age.

WORLDBUILDING NOTE 3: The Dark World/Twili crystal magic combines someone and their daemon into one physical body. This new body has the form of the daemon but the gender of the person with size alterations or different markings/coloration and is controlled by the person, with the daemon part of their mind taking a backseat. For example, Legend is larger as a rabbit than his daemon usually is, and of course, her natural color is not bright pink. The lingering effects of this transformation only physically affect the person side of the person/daemon pair once they are returned to normal. 

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SKY + PSALM (RED-CROWNED CRANE)

Red-crowned cranes are renowned for their lasting and affectionate pair bonds, having come to represent longevity and devotion in many cultures; they are cooperative and low-aggression birds, quite tolerant and relaxed around other animals, and only really become territorial and protective over their nesting sites and chicks.

Psalm is impatient, mischievous, and fierce. Sky is more easygoing, considerate, and gentle.

Sky and Psalm are very outwardly affectionate with each other, and both can often be found napping together in a patch of sunlight, Psalm resting her head in Sky’s lap or draping a wing over him. As the physically tallest daemon of the bunch, Psalm delights in teasing fawning over her smaller daemon sisters, especially the younger ones. She will often sit on someone and happily brood, and while some may outwardly protest, everyone secretly enjoys it.

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FOUR + RHYME (ITALIAN HEBRAN HONEYBEE)

Four's daemon is an industrious, adaptable, cooperative, sociable species of honeybee, known for being assertive but not aggressive insects; they have a high threshold for what they consider threats, and will communicate using pheromones, body language, and vocalizations to make themselves as clearly understood as possible, but they will not hesitate to defend themselves if something is deemed a threat.

Four is empathetic, observant, passionate, and composed. Rhyme is the emotional, pragmatic, impulsive, competitive part of his personality.

Rhyme is usually kept in a protective case Four wears around his neck to prevent any harm from coming to her either in battle or out of it, due to her diminutive size, but he will happily let her out to stretch her wings when around people he trusts. While she is too small to outright cuddle with her sisters, Rhyme loves perching on their heads or burrowing into feathers or fur when it’s chilly, and she’s surprisingly expressive with her body language, though one might have to squint to see it.

When Four splits into his Colors, Rhyme also splits. Which means instead of one being in two bodies, they’re now one being in eight bodies. As in LU canon, none of the Colors is their own individual in this AU, merely a fraction of a larger whole. In turn, each iteration of Rhyme is an alternate part of each of the Colors, with Four’s soul fragmenting into smaller and smaller individual pieces the deeper you go down.

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TIME + MELODY (SPANISH FARON MASTIFF)

While menacing in appearance due to their sheer size and bulk, Spanish mastiffs are actually known for being protective, affectionate, quiet dogs, with a long history of guarding livestock; they are patient, easygoing, and surprisingly playful, good with children and tolerant of other animals, though their strong wills and stubbornness make them a challenge to handle for first-time dog owners.

Time is authoritative, jaded, and stoic, while Melody embodies his nurturing, hopeful, mischievous side.

Melody can often be found at Time’s side with one of his hands resting on her head or back. As the largest daemon in the group paired with the tallest person, they make for quite the intimidating pair and are downright deadly in battle together. Outside of battle, though, Melody becomes a big teddy bear, utterly content to let her daughters sisters use her as a pillow or mode of transportation, quietly communicating all the warm care and tenderness Time is sometimes too awkward to openly express. She is the one who introduced the musical motif the other Ellanharais also adopted when coming up with nicknames for themselves.

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TWILIGHT + ARIA (GRAY WOLF)

Twilight’s daemon is a social, cooperative, dedicated apex predator, who routinely work together to raise their young, defend their territories, and chase down their prey over vast distances; they are not overly aggressive and prefer to avoid conflict whenever they can, using body language, sent marking, and howling to diffuse tense situations and prevent costly fights between packs or individuals.

Twilight is focused, cautious, and opinionated. Aria is his easygoing, empathetic, people-pleasing side.

Aria instantly adopts most of the younger daemons in the group and dotes on them as much as they’ll allow. However, she turns into a big, besotted puppy whenever Time and Melody come into the picture and becomes adorably bashful around Malon’s pigeon daemon Rosamu. She is often found at Twilights right side, guarding his flank and watching his back while he focuses his attention on what’s in front of him. She also loves scritches and belly rubs and has nearly smothered Twilight more than once by sprawling on top of him too heavily while they sleep. While their initial transformation into Wolfie was traumatic and scarring at first, they have both grown to enjoy the occasional opportunity to truly travel, fight, and exist as one.

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WILD + TRILL (WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE)

Wild’s daemon is a loyal, resourceful, resilient species of raptor that is often found alone or in monogamous pairs, but will freely cooperate together with groups of up to 15 other eagles to take down larger prey; they are straightforward and communicative with their vocalizations and displays and also surprisingly playful, wrestling or playing food games with each other.

Trill is Wild’s dutiful, reserved, focused side, while Wild is the impulsive, playful, lackadaisical side.

Trill is rather choosy with and to whom she shows open affection. She can be very standoffish, preferring to let Wild do the talking for both of them, but once she trusts someone, she will often become very chatty and physically affectionate. It is common to see her riding around or napping on Aria's back, but she has begun opening up more to the others as well.

Because Wild lost all his memories in the Shrine of Resurrection, Trill had become unsettled when they finally woke up, taking the most basic shape a daemon can take, normally only seen with very young children: a small, floating, glowing ball of golden Dust. As they regained their memories during Wild’s quest and discovered more about themselves, Trill began taking on some of their old favored forms before eventually resettling for good as her original settled form, the wedge-tailed eagle. Despite physically being the same, though, there’s still that distance between who they are now and who they used to be, most evident in how their personalities have seemed to switch; Wild used to be more serious, focused, and responsible, and Trill used to embody the impulsivity, rowdiness, and wanderlust he kept tightly tamped down for the sake of duty and appearances. Both of them are still coming to terms with how much they have changed.

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LEGEND + LYRIC (EUROPEAN HYLIAN RABBIT)

Legend's daemon settled as a hardy, wary, sociable, territorial species of rabbit, able to survive and thrive in almost any environment; they are a keystone prey species, a vital part of almost any ecosystem they find themselves in, who must stay ever vigilant and rely on their speed, wits, and determination to stay alive.

Legend is blunt, private, and practical, while Lyric is the sensitive, sociable, sentimental side of him.

Legend has… a complicated relationship with his daemon’s form. He initially hides her away from the rest of the Chain out of paranoia and insecurity, keeping her in his pack at all times. What would Hyrule they think of the renowned Hero of Legend having a defenseless, soft little rabbit as a daemon? They would lose all respect for him, or worse, be disappointed. It isn’t until after the Twili crystal incident, and Twilight and Sky find out about Lyric’s form, that he starts to come out of his shell.

After the ice has been broken, Lyric leaps at the chance to interact with the other deamons more. She goads Aria or even Melody into games of chase, can finally properly pounce on Warriors’ daemon the next time she teases her, curls up into a little fuzzy ball with Hyrule’s daemon to nap, leaps up on Trill or Psalm or Wind’s daemon’s backs and coax them into giving her a ride, and holds Rhyme in her little paws to gloat that she finally knows a daemon smaller than her (Rhyme is not amused). She is the one who came up with the name for their group of daemons, which is a chorus, just like a group of Links is a chain.

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HYRULE + CADENCE (YELLOW-BELLIED GLIDER)

Hyrule’s daemon is a small, nocturnal glider species that is selectively social, close-bonding, and expressive, utilizing a number of chirps, whirrs, whistles, and growls to keep away intruders and keep tabs on each other; yellow-bellied gliders are incredibly active, hard-working creatures, spending up to 90% of their time awake foraging, and they can travel up to 2 kilometers in just 4 hours through a combination of climbing and gliding.

Hyrule is independent, wary, and agreeable. Cadence represents his dependent, connected, feisty side.

Cadence is generally quite a skittish daemon, who can normally be found clinging wide-eyed to Hyrule’s back, shoulders, chest, or arms, or hidden inside his tunic or pack. She has not interacted closely with many other daemons in her time (fairies do not have daemons), so she is still getting used to the physical affection the others offer. She does not dislike it; it is simply a lot. But she is gradually learning to love being nuzzled, cuddled, and carried, and she greatly enjoys riding around on the other larger daemons.

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WIND + SHANTY (MILITARY MACAW)

Wind settled just a couple months before the events of Linked Universe as a resourceful, gregarious, deeply loyal species of macaw; like all macaws, they can be quite loud, communicative, and expressive, and they have generally been described as having friendly, confident, playful dispositions, albeit with the occasional temperamental mood swing.

Shanty is Wind's meticulous, perceptive, down-to-earth side, while Wind is reckless, curious, and carefree.

As is befitting for a parrot daemon, Shanty spends much of her time perched on Wind’s shoulders or arms, though she does love being held and cuddled, too. She is still getting used to her settled form, and sometimes forgets she cannot shift like she once did, leading to some hilarious mishaps when she faceplanted on the ground trying to turn into a hermit crab, or one memorable instance where she nearly drowned while trying to become a yellowtail snapper. She gets very starry-eyed over the other demons and thinks all of them are the coolest for different reasons. She desperately wants to impress them and prove she’s just as badass as they are, so she can sometimes chafe under their well-meaning coddling.

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WARRIORS + BALLAD (RED FOX)

Warriors’ daemon settled as the confident, dependable, independent red fox, the most widespread and successful carnivore in the world, found in just about every available habitat, from jungle to tundra; despite being mainly solitary, these animals have a complex social hierarchy and can be seen in a wide variety of group settings, with vixens sometimes coming together during the breeding season to help raise each other’s cubs, and their mates bringing them food and also helping parent the new cubs.

Warriors is shrewd, charming, and diplomatic, while Ballad is more brash, cheeky, and candid.

Ballad, while generally friendly and warm with the other daemons (especially the younger ones), is also strangely skittish around them. She is fine initiating touch or curling up for a nice nap around or with someone else, but if touched unexpectedly, she tends to either bristle, growl, and retreat behind Warriors, or go very still and quiet. She shies away from any human hands except Warriors' (and even then there are days he doesn't touch her directly). They bring to mind other hands. Slim, small, elegant, painted hands that hurt, that took, that tainted- ...It’s fine. She’s fine. They’re fine. Everything’s fine.

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Resources:

Red-crowned crane analysis: https://daemonpage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=24990

Italian honeybee analysis: https://daemonpage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=23882

Tibetan mastiff analysis: https://daemonpage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=24552

Spanish mastiff information: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/spanish-mastiff

Gray wolf analysis: https://daemonpage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=23828

Wedge tailed eagle analysis: https://daemonpage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=26686

European rabbit analysis: https://daemonpage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=23718

Yellow bellied glider analysis: https://daemonpage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=24968

Military macaw analysis: https://daemonpage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=26591

Red fox analysis: https://daemonpage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=24946

Art belongs to @/linkeduniverse

[demigod-of-the-agni]

Peter Parker if he got bit by a radioactive sword ☢️🟢⚔️

if I had a nickel for every time I made a Spider-Man au based off a video game, I'd have three nickels, which isn't a lot but it's concerning that it's happened three times. This au is the spidey/final fantasy vii mashup, where Peter becomes the Unreliable Narrator

anyway someone pretty please write this au for me <333 I'll pay you <3333333

bg variants under the cut

the BIGGEST dilemma(s) was figuring out if I should

A) keep the eyes in my art style (no colours, just the highlight), bc ngl it makes him seem more babey (pic 1),,, or

B) add the mako-glow to the eyes so i could be lore-accurate.... also I spent a lot of time!! on colouring in those pixels!!!!! dammit!!!!!!!!! (pic 2) and

C) OF COURSE i was struggling to choose between the white and red backgrounds!!!!! evil me!!!!!!! making difficult creative decisions!!!!!!

i will,,,, try to draw the other peeps as well (mj as tifa and gwen as aerith ,,, mmm yesss esysey yes ssss) but i fear the monkey brain has already died........ i will try tho,,,,,,,,,,

[crim50n-r8er]

Back at it again with part 2 of the swaps found in my Blockbuster AU

Let’s go! Swaps under the cut for the viewing pleasure of those who don’t care

Shadow 🔁 Imperator Ix

Shadow: He behaves more like he does in SA2, Heroes, and 06 but more in an antagonistic role. He will be seen as the same as this version of the Nocturnus found the means of immortality through genetic alteration to the point of giving themselves longer lifespans, Shadow having what people would call immortality. He’s also the leader of the cult known as “The Brotherhood of Black Arms,” BBA for short, seeing Devil Doom as a divine being and seeks to bring its “glory” to their universe by merging the Twilight Cage with it. Keeps VA

Ix: He is now the immortal ultimate life form. His antagonistic side in the SA2 adaptation is similar to what he was like in Chronicles, just no insanity. He also is not as cunning, manipulative, or as good with persuasion as canon due to not having much wisdom by only being around 50 years old, with most of it in a comatose state. Not sure how he would act after redemption. I just know that I don’t want him to be an edgelord. He will not only be created by using Argus DNA but with chaos drives (Shadow’s original creation origin before Shadow 05) VA will be Jason Douglas

Silver 🔁 Shade

Shade: She is basically the same, but she can’t rely on technology to fight due to her world being in ruin by Dark Gaia 200 years in the future. So instead, she uses her stealth to get around Crisis City with Rouge providing cover if needed. She would soon get some tech of her own from stealing from Tails’s stuff in the present to finally fight along with the crew. VA will be Kimberly Brooks

Silver: With being the most notorious physic in the army of the BBA, he gets great acknowledgment for his efforts, even from Shadow himself. He is still skeptical about if merging the Twilight Cage with their universe is a good idea or not. He soon awakens to knowing for a fact that it isn’t due to being deceived for so long and immediately joins the side of good. Keeps VA

Cream role = Marine

Charmy role = Cream

Marine Role = Charmy bee

Think of Marine as a found family little sister of sorts for Vector who he protects with his life. She still behaves the same though, just no pirate stuff. VA is Kayli Mills

Cream, like her mother, is a member of the CAG along with her mother and Mighty. Best not to separate mother from daughter, right?

Due to not having any knowledge about Sonic Rush Adventure, I sadly will have to leave Charmy’s bio blank. I do know that he would be a pilot instead of a sailor.

Wisps 🔁 Chao

The Wisps would not have their variants who have different powers, just their appearaces, like Null Wisps filling the role of a Dark Chao

Chao variants will have the color powers such as Dark Chao giving us that demonic hungry hungry hippo lol.

Argus role = Devil Doom

I want Shadow to still have some relation to the Black Arms Remove VA

Black Arms role = Argus

Think of this as an alien species inspired by Argus from Sobic Chronicles and the 100-eyed giant of the same name from Greek Mythology

The E-Series role 🔁 The Gizoid

Emerl 🔁 E102 Gamma

Obviously the self-sacrificing robots have to swap. Gamma keeps his VA while Emerl’s will be Zach Aguilar

Gemerl 🔁 E123 Omega

Pretty similar, so I’d say it’s okay to swap Omega keeps his VA while Gemerl’s will be Johnny Yong Bosch

E101 Beta 🔁 Perfect Charib

These two are pretty similar to one another, so I’d say it’s a good swap. Beta: Keeps VA, Charib: remains undecided

E100 Alpha / Zero 🔁 Perfect Scylla

Scylla: He would chase after Tikal as she tries to save some animals from deforestation and due to her knowing to much of Noahs future plans. With him being so unhinged, I think it really works out well. VA remains undecided

Zero: I see it best to not separate Zero from the rest of the E-series. Keeps VA (if he has one, of course)

Rouge 🔁 Blaze

As the queen of the newly renamed “Unbra Dimension,” Rouge is the protector of the newly renamed “Umbra Emeralds.” Be careful, though. Rouge is very protective and possessive of these gemstones, and she will keep you away from them with her control over shadows (umbralkinises)

Blaze is now a Gem collector, but think of her more as the Indiana Jones type. Keeps VA

Illumina role = Solaris

Solaris Role = Gaia

Gaia Duo role = Lumina and Void (Components of Illumina)

Mephilis takes Void’s role, and since never takes his form based on Shadow, he will take form of the person he talks to. If multiple people are there, he’ll take form of the previous person who talked to him. He will act like he’s a sorrowful being, but it’s a trick to get back with Iblis to become Solaris again. Keeps VA

Iblis is just the same, a mindless monster of fire

Dark Gaia is the same, a monster of darkness. All that’s different is that it’s scaled down in size.

Chip is now an antagonist who sees the biological world as out of balance with so much sapien life, so he seeks to wipe out enough of the species to bring balance as normal Gaia. I’d say they’d go for about 3/4 of the world population. Keeps VA

Void is in Chip’s role, and he’s now a good guy as he, the god of nightmares, helps Knuckles in the events of my Unleashed adaptation.

Lumina will be in the antagonist as Commander Noah will seek the goddess of dreams to make his dream of ruling the world a reality.

Big 🔁 Froggy

A frog mobian girl who is always looking for her fat, purple cat. Froggy, now named Jelly, will be voiced by Cristina Vee

This will probably be it for now. I’ll cone back in the evening of my timezone to give you all the next part

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3]

[luluy33art]

OMGUFUSUISIEKSBS I LOVE THIS SM!! MY GIRLS 🥺💗😭

i love reverse stuff

Shades & Bees AU by luluy33art !!

[chloe-petrichors]

seething, blooming // jace x reader

your father has always been something of an opportunist, but trying to marry you off to the blacks while he courts the greens? this is taking playing the game to a whole new level.

the rose discovers she is an instrument of war. —victor hugo.

fandom; house of the dragon pairing; jacaerys velaryon x f!tyrell!reader (no use of y/n) warnings; canon au (set after aegon takes the crown but before luke's death bc luke will never die in my eyes), altered timeline (jace and reader are in their 20s), arranged marriage, mention parental death/death in childbed (reader's mother), love at first sight vibes, jace is a flirtatious little shit with his betrothed, tooth rotting fluff, love confessions. word count; 6k+ notes; one day i might write for another man. but that day is not today. jace velaryon u have my heart. i'm not majorly pleased w this fic but it's given me enough trouble and it's as good as it's gonna get! this was longer originally, and was meant to be a bit more political at first hence the blurb/quote choice, but i haaated some of the scenes so ended up scrapping 'em. she's not as long as predicted as a result but still an ok length i think. some of the scenes i scrapped were tragically the smut ones, so have this fairly pg one-shot with the promise of the smut-shot sitting in my drafts coming ur way soon. fair warning that the scrapping of scenes has fudged with the pacing a bit but honestly i can't take this fic sitting in my drafts any longer so here u go!! i have a taglist now, mostly cos eldrith keeps telling me i have to tag her in everything, so lmk if you'd like to be added to it! requests; are open !

the rising sun paints highgarden in shades of pink and gold.

you stand upon your balcony, finger curled loosely over the pale marble as you stare distantly out over the rolling green fields and blooming gardens. the faint bubbling of the river mander in the distance adds to the peaceful morning, the early wash of sunlight coaxing the sleeping world into life. a cool breeze carries the sweet smell of roses and you take a steadying breath, eyes fluttering shut as you tilt your face up to the sun.

it's a morning that starts like many others. you’ve always risen from bed early, the slow blooming of morning stirring you from slumber more often than not. birds chirp and bees buzz and the river flows and you rise with it, like part of you calls to the breaking dawn.

if not for the thick sheaf of parchment discarded on your father’s desk, it could be a morning like any other. but the parchment is there, and this day will be like no other before it.

today, a dragon is expected at highgarden.

a targaryen has not stepped foot in the reach since before you were born. you don’t think even the princess rhaenyra – queen, now, according to some – had come this far on her marriage tour years ago. but your father has taken it upon himself to invite a prince to your home.

you love your father deeply, but in this you think he must be a fool. as lord paramount of the reach he is, in theory, the power of this kingdom. but anyone with a lick of sense knows that it’s the hightowers that the people look to; oldtown is home to the starry sept, the citadel and, perhaps more importantly, the dowager queen’s family line.

the tyrells have only been in power for a few generations, and people’s memories are long. too many know the truth of how house tyrell had been only a steward when the gardener kings had ruled before the conquest. and so too many see tyrell as a house grasping for power that should be beyond their fingers, and your father is apparently determined to prove them all right.

he’s been careful about his neutrality as war threatens to break out between the targaryen kin, brother and sister both claiming their right to the throne and the realm splitting down the middle. your father has not officially allied with either side, walking a careful tightrope to appease both. up until now you had assumed he sided more with the greens, but he’d sent your assumptions crumbling with only a few sheets of parchment.

your father has always been too ambitious for his own good.

gods, how you miss your mother. when she’d been alive, she’d tempered the worst of your father’s foolishness. she’d been a stark before she’d married, steadfast and sensible in the face of your father’s folly. she’d been a woman unlike any other you’ve known; ferocious and a little wild, but with a good heart and a warm smile for any she’d met.

she’d taught you how to be a lady, but so much more than that – she’d taught you to know your own mind. to know when to mind your tongue and when to speak, how to grow your roots so deep you will always stand tall, flourishing and growing like the most determined of flowers. she’d taught you a little of that northern ice, too, reminding you oft that for as much as you were a rose of highgarden you were equally a wolf of the north, and the wolf’s blood has always run thick in your veins. 

she’d called you her little winter rose; delicate and steely and a rare bloom, indeed. she had loved you so fiercely you’d flourished with her tender care, just as the patch of winter roses she’d brought from the glass gardens of winterfell had bloomed ‘neath her careful ministrations. a piece of the north she’d brought south with her, a tiny bit of her home that she’d cradled and cared for until the day you’d lost her to the birthing bed.

your little brother is nearing six, now, and many moons have passed since the sudden grief of your mother had overwhelmed you. but, in recent days you have ached with her loss more often, wondering what she would think of your father’s plans, what she would say to soothe your storm of anxiety. with your looming marriage you find yourself missing your mother acutely, the grief a reopened wound in your chest.

because you are a betrothed woman, now, to be married to a stranger, a prince who is sure to be fighting a war against his kin in the moons to come.

the velaryon prince arrives on dragon back as the sun reaches its peak in the sky.

he dismounts his winged steed in an empty stretch of land a distance from the keep itself, and your father greets him there with a host of staff to accompany him back to the entrance courtyard.

your brother leo bounces in place beside you where you stand with the rest of the household in the courtyard, fairly vibrating with energy at the prospect of seeing a real-life dragon. since the news of the prince’s arrival was announced a sennight ago, leo has done little else but babble about dragons and magic and targaryens. you wish you could share his excitement, his sheer uncomplicated joy, but this visit comes with too many conflicting emotions for you to enjoy it at all.

you’ve always known you would not marry for love. you are the eldest child and only daughter of the lord of the reach – love has never been a factor you could afford to consider. you would do your duty and marry for your house, to seal whatever alliance your father deemed important enough. you’d resigned yourself to this fate as a young girl when your mother had told you in slow, halting words the fear she had felt coming south to marry your father.

but you’d not expected to marry a total stranger. you’d thought your father would at least do you the courtesy of allowing you to meet a suitor before betrothing you to them, but in his feverish ambition to sit his blood on the iron throne he’d promised you to a man you’ve never laid eyes upon.

you don’t want to be queen.

frankly, you think yourself a touch unsuited for it. your father has many times bemoaned your wildness, the wolfs blood that drives you to stubborn recklessness. though you’ve mellowed a little with age and experience, you think you’re still a bit too prone to chaos to be queen of the seven kingdoms one day. never mind the complexities added by the fact that queen rhaenyra’s claim is so fiercely contested, and her half-brother is the one currently physically sitting the iron throne.

thinking about the mess you’re marrying into too much makes your head ache, and the blazing noon sun does little to ease it. leo beside you continues to whisper rapidly about everything he knows about dragons, which is actually quite a lot considering his young age. you think absently you might need to have a word with the maester’s again; leo has wrapped most of the household around his finger, and the elderly maester is prone to indulging your brother when he fixates on a new topic of interest instead of sticking to his lessons.

the sound of hooves on cobble stones startles you from your meandering thoughts, and you straighten your spine as your eyes take in the unfamiliar man riding into the courtyard beside your father while your brother finally falls silent.

he’s handsome, at least; a tumble of dark curls brushing his shoulders, a sharp jaw and a strong nose. though you like to think yourself more than superficial, it eases at least some of your worries to know the prince is attractive to you. your mother had done you the courtesy of explaining what was expected of you on your wedding night after your first moons blood, and in secret since you’d perused the library for books detailing more lustful acts in an effort to satiate your unending curiosity.

you’re worried enough about completing your wifely duties without having to worry about finding the man lying with you repulsive, and so you allow yourself a few moments of relief at his pretty face.

your father dismounts first, gesturing for you to step forward as the prince gets down from his own horse. leo moves forward with you, eyes wide and shining with something akin to hero worship as he gazes at jacaerys. you have a wry thought that perhaps he should marry him since he is so clearly already enamoured, but you brush that aside as your father and the prince approach.

“i am most pleased to introduce my daughter, your grace, as well as my son and heir, leo,” your father says as they reach you, his satisfaction in his successful planning clear as he smiles smugly.

you dip into a perfect curtsey as leo bows a touch clumsily at your side. as heir it would traditionally be leo’s job to greet the prince, but when you send him a sidelong glance you see he is too busy making moon eyes at the darkhaired man to say anything, and so you take it upon yourself to speak.

“welcome to highgarden, my prince. we are honoured to host you,” you greet, finally meeting jacaerys’s eyes. they’re a warm amber shade, the noon sun turning them to liquid honey as he looks at you, and you feel your cheeks flush with the appreciation you can see in his gaze as he drinks you in. it seems he does not find you repulsive either, at least.

he sketches a quick bow, eyes never leaving yours, and you feel your heart start to race in your chest at his attention. “it is an honour to be here, my lady, and to finally make your acquaintance.” he smiles at you then, small and a little crooked but there, and your flush deepens. “i look forward to getting to know you better in the coming days.”

you swallow, hoping your budding attraction is not as obvious as you fear it is. your father is looking increasingly smug as he watches the interaction, though it seems to war with some paternal annoyance as jacaerys lightly flirts with you.

“and i you,” you return softly, a smile quirking on your lips.

“—can i meet your dragon?” leo bursts out, seemingly unable to contain himself any longer, and jacaerys blinks down at him in surprise as you resist the urge to press your palm to your face.

“leo,” you scold immediately as your father chortles at his heir’s enthusiasm for dragons. “the prince has had a long journey. you should give him a chance to settle in before demanding anything of him.”

“right you are, my dear.” your father waves to the household steward before turning to the prince. “alyn will show you to your rooms, your grace, so that you might freshen up, and then we have a feast prepared for this evening to welcome you to highgarden.”

jacaerys nods easily as the greeting crowd begins to disperse, the maester corralling leo to take him for his lessons with fond exasperation even as the boy loudly protests. you mean to go walk the gardens, and so you stay standing in place as the prince trails after your father and steward alyn.

he pauses beside you, though, a slight smile on his face as you look up at him questioningly. your eyes catch on the smattering of freckles on his face, and it takes a moment for you to process his words. “i look forward to speaking to you further at the feast, my lady.”

you smile back at him, cheeks flushing once again as his eyes linger on your mouth for a breathless moment. “i shall save you a dance, my prince,” you return a touch coyly, tucking your hair behind your ear.

“only one dance?” he teases, eyebrow arching.

you hum, head tilting to the side in mock consideration as something like satisfaction gleams in jacaerys’s eyes. “i shall have to use the first dance to judge your dancing skills, your grace, before i risk promising you another.”

he laughs then, a little surprised but no doubt pleased as his eyes crinkle with his wide smile. “then i shall do my best to meet your standards, my lady.” he dips into a quick bow of farewell, then, as you finally take note of your father lingering on the steps to the keep with raised eyebrows.

“we shall see,” you return as you curtsey.

you allow yourself a moment to watch his retreating back, eyes dragging over the strong line of his shoulders before you internally shake yourself and head to the gardens, thoughts swimming with honey brown eyes and tanned, freckled skin and a slow dawning certainty that while this betrothal may be unexpected, you doubt it will leave you unsatisfied.

the feast is in full swing by the time the prince arrives at the hall.

the minstrels are playing a jaunty tune as couples twirl on the dance floor. you sit at the head table with leo and your father, watching with a careful eye as your brother cuts up his food. he’s only just mastered the art of eating his food without spilling half if it down his doublet, but as distracted as he is by the festivities and the prospect of seeing a dragon close up, you worry he’s at risk of making a mess of himself regardless.

so absorbed in your task you are, it takes a long moment for you to realise jacaerys has arrived. it’s only when your skin prickles with awareness that you look up from leo and catch sight of the prince winding his way across the floor to the head table, eyes fixed on you. your head tilts to the side slightly as you watch him move, graceful and controlled, through the crowd.

he’s in black and red again, just as he had been when he’d arrived. it seems your father had been right when he’d stated that jacaerys favours his mother’s house colours. you smooth your hand over the skirts of your dress, the deep wine-red of the material feeling less out of place now, before standing with your father to greet the prince.

you all exchange pleasantries quickly as the noise in the hall dims, people realising the prince has arrived. your father ushers jacaerys into the empty seat between you and your father as he raises his goblet to the hall before speaking in his booming voice.

you don’t pay attention to your father’s speech, too aware of the warmth radiating from jacaerys who stands only inches from you to focus. you risk a glance at him from the corner of your eyes only to find his dark honey eyes fixed on you, and you cannot help but smile to yourself even as you flush, turning your eyes back to the crowd.

rousing applause and cheers draw you back to the moment, and you catch yourself in time to raise your wine in toast with your father. you go to sit back down as the crowd returns to its revelries, but the soft brush of a hand on your arm halts your movement. you turn expectingly to the prince, a soft smile on your lips.

“yes, your grace?”

“would you do me the honour of a dance, my lady?”

your lips quirk into a sly smile even as you bob your head in a nod. “i suppose i did promise you one, did i not?”

“that you did, my lady, and i have thought of nothing else since.” dark honey eyes sparkle with mirth as he offers you his hand, and with a quiet giggle you take it and allow him to lead you to the dance floor.

you feel the heat of his hand on your waist like a brand even through the layers of your dress, and it makes your breath catch in your throat. you inhale deeply in an effort to steady yourself as you rest your palm on his strong shoulder, and are immediately overwhelmed by the woodsy scent of him as he claps your hand in his and begins to dance.

you start the dance in comfortable silence, both of you taking a few moments to get a feel for the other and settle into the steps, and when you feel comfortable enough you speak.

“how are you finding highgarden, prince jacaerys?”

“jace, please,” he entreats, and elaborates only when you blink at him in confusion. “my friends and family call me jace, not jacaerys. we are to be married, my lady. it would please me a great deal for my future wife to refer to me as such.”

you nod in acceptance, butterflies erupting in your stomach at his eager expression. “jace it is, then,” you say, and try not to feel the way your heart flutters at his radiant smile in response. “although you have not answered my question. how are you finding highgarden?”

he hums, twirling you as the dance requires and then pulling you closer before responding. “your father has been very hospitable, and it is certainly beautiful here. the grounds especially, though i’m afraid i’ve not had the opportunity to see much of them as yet.”

“a shame we shall have to rectify, i think.” you offer him a small smile as you press just an inch closer, finding yourself wanting to be nearer him. “perhaps i could show you the gardens on the morrow?”

“yes,” he agrees a touch too quickly, and you giggle as his cheeks turn pink. “that is to say— i should like that very much, my lady. very much indeed.”

you lapse into silence once more as the dance reaches its crescendo, and you find yourself reluctant to leave the comfort of his hands as the music pauses while the minstrels ready their next song.

jace seems to share the sentiment, it seems, as his eyes linger on your entwined hands for a long moment before returning to your face. “have i met your standards enough for another dance, then?”

you take a moment to pretend to consider it, eyes narrowing slightly as you hum. he shuffles on his feet as he waits for your response, and you find the nervous motion far too endearing.

“i suppose so,” you concede after a moment, grinning at his smugly pleased smile as he tugs you closer.

“and what about the dance after that?” he asks lightly, something cheeky in his eyes as the music starts up again and he sweeps you along the floor.

“you should not press your luck, jace,” you say imperiously, although the effect is rather ruined by the silly smile on your face as he laughs with you.

jacaerys smirks. “my lady, since meeting you, i have felt nothing but a lucky man.”

you smother a snort, shaking your head at his unrepentant expression. “you are incorrigible.” it comes out a touch exasperated and yet far too fond.

“yes,” the prince agrees readily, a sly twinkle in his eyes. “but i think you rather enjoy it.”

your startled laugh is loud, though thankfully not so loud as to be heard over the minstrels. “perhaps.”

after that, the night is lost to flirtatious banter and dance after dance in your betrothed’s arms as a seed of affection is planted deep in your heart. and when you wake in the morning after dreaming of nothing but jace’s lips and eyes and words, you can think only one thought;

gods, i am in so much trouble.

time passes in a slow trickle of syrupy summer heat.

as the days go by, you find yourself spending more and more time in jace’s company. you’re always chaperoned, of course, a household guard following at a respectful distance wherever the two of you choose to roam. you find the whole thing a touch ridiculous; jace is to be your husband. it’s hardly like spending time together alone would be a significant scandal in light of your impending marriage, but your father insists there will be no doubts about your honour before the marriage actually takes place and so ser dickon is assigned as your reluctant shadow.

the date of the wedding itself remains unset as you and jace start to know one another. your father wishes for the marriage to wait until the war is done – a last-ditch chance to keep his options open, perhaps. Or, if you are feeling generous, a way to try and keep you safe from the greens when war inevitably rages. jace’s mother wishes the marriage to happen as soon as can be arranged – a way to try and ensure further heirs with the uncertainty of war looming, you assume.

you find yourself hoping the queen’s will wins the day as time creeps on. jace becomes ever dearer to you the more you learn about him, and soon you think of your impending marriage with nothing but hope and warm desire.

because oh, how you want him. from the first moment you’d laid eyes upon him you’d been attracted to him, but the more you get to know him, the more your heart opens to him – the more you ache for him. for his mouth on yours, his fingertips on your skin, his voice in your ear. if you were a less reckless woman, a little less shameless, you’d be embarrassed of how easily you think of him in your moments apart.

but late at night when the candles burn low and you are alone in your bed, there is no shame to be found, only the wildness of your wolfs blood and liquid heat as your hand drifts between your legs and you find completion with your betrothed’s name on your lips.

beyond the desire, though, is a slow blooming affection. it feels like every time you learn something new about him or share a new experience together, another petal of tenderness unfurls in your chest. when your father had first told you about your betrothal, you’d not dared to hope for more than civility with your husband-to-be, but now you find yourself harbouring deep fondness on top of steadily burning desire, and you look to your future as his wife with little else but excitement.

you’re not sure if jace feels the same. you don’t doubt he desires you; his flirtation and the weight of his gaze on your form is too frequent a thing for you to think otherwise. but desire is not the same as affection, and though you hope desperately that the way he always seeks your presence whenever he steps into a room means what you want it to mean, you can’t be sure.

after a week passes, you both start to chafe at the relentless presence of ser dickon. it feels like every time you so much as think about inching closer to jacaerys, ser dickon is there with his stern glare of disapproval. and so, when one morning jace suggests taking you to meet his dragon, alone, you are quick to agree.

you leave your guard long behind at jace’s instruction; he doesn’t want vermax crowded with strangers, he explains, but you personally think he seems a little too gleeful at the idea of being alone with you for that to be sole reason behind his insistence ser dickon stays far away. you don’t say anything since you’re equally pleased to finally be spending some time with your betrothed without feeling others curious eyes on you.

your excitement starts to waver, however, as you and jace get closer to his dragon. you’ve only seen vermax from a distance before this, and though it perhaps shouldn’t the size of him startles you. he’s just so large and fierce looking, the sharp spines on his back catching your eye. the beast yawns as you slow to a stop, jace sending you a quick smile before he continues on to greet his dragon with fondness, and the glimpse into vermax’s open maw – gods, there as so many teeth – has your palms starting to sweat.

jace stands beside his dragon, murmuring soothing words in high valyrian that you don’t understand as his hand smooths along his snout. your heart races in your chest, nerves making your hands shake when faced with this great beast. you curse your reckless curiosity, your northern stubbornness that makes it impossible for you to refuse a challenge. you have no idea how jace can look so at ease, the line of his shoulders relaxed and the slightest smile on his face as he talks to his winged steed, but there he stands.

“you can come closer now.” he turns to you, brown eyes shining with excitement and, yes, a hint of challenge.

he expects you to back out, you think, and that realisation has you straightening your spine and pressing your lips together. you twist your fingers in your skirts to hide the way they tremble as you step cautiously forward, eyes darting from jace to vermax and back. when you’re within touching distance of the velaryon prince, he reaches for your hand. the shock of his bare skin against yours arrests you for a moment, the slide of calloused fingers around your wrist startling in how easily it sparks desire in you.

you’re so distracted by the feel of him that you don’t realise until it’s too late that jace has tugged you closer, guiding your hand until it’s pressed to vermax’s scales, and then you’re too busy being surprised by how soft they feel to be annoyed that he’s so easily coaxed you into this position.

you still as the dragon rumbles, swallowing thickly as your fingers twitch against green scales. he blinks lazily at you, an alien intellect gleaming there as he seems to consider you for a long moment, and as you blink back at him some of the fear in your chest shakes loose.

because this is not just some beast, you realise. this is fire and blood and magic made flesh. there is life and intelligence in vermax’s eyes, not one you recognise but one you immediately respect. being this close to the dragon is a heady rush of awe and adrenaline; the knowledge that vermax could so easily harm you at any moment but is choosing not to because he trusts his rider. it’s staggering and wonderful and beside you jace is beaming, eyes shining with happiness at seeing you greet his draconic companion, and you are helplessly, hopelessly, wholly overwhelmed by your affection, your desire, by jace.

you kiss him.

it’s barely a kiss, more a breathless press of your mouth against his, and he startles at the sensation even as his arm loops around your waist. you break apart for the barest moment, nose sliding against his as you tilt your head, and jacaerys sighs out your name with heavy relief before he captures your mouth once more.

you’ve been kissed before, so you know the mechanics of it, but it’s never been like this. his lips move smoothly against yours as his hand flexes on your waist, drawing you closer until your chest is pressed against his. your hand tangles in his hair, fingers twisting in the soft curls and he moans with it, hand dragging up your back to cradle the back of your head tenderly as his tongue sweeps over your lips.

the gentle pressure of it has you gasping and he takes the opportunity immediately, tongue sliding against yours as heat pools in your core. your thoughts tumble wildly, incoherent as you can think of nothing but of how desperately you want more. the taste – the smell – the feel of him is drowning everything out that isn’t jace and you cannot resist it, do not even want to.

you want to kiss him forever, want his hand in your hair and his tongue in your mouth for always. you think he might even let you with how relentless he is, barely giving you a moments pause to catch your breath before consuming you in another desperate kiss.

you finally part only when vermax grumbles, cheeks blazing with heat as you step out of jace’s arms. jace murmurs lowly to his dragon in valyrian, and he nudges his great snout against jace’s shoulder in response before stepping away and curling down into the long grass to sleep. you take the moment to properly catch your breath again, hand pressing to your heaving chest in an effort to soothe your racing heart.

when you peek up at jace from beneath your lashes, you flush deeply at the sight of him. his curls are a mess, his lips swollen and cheeks pink beneath his tan. he looks almost debauched, and it sends a rush of desire through you. you suddenly can think of nothing other than him looking like this only flusher and skin glistening with sweat and in your bed.

the thought startles you into dropping your gaze to your feet, and you shuffle uncertainly. you feel – unsettled. you don’t think there’s anything wrong with sharing a kiss with your betrothed, and yet something like guilt curdles in your stomach as you worry at your bottom lip. you had kissed him. for all that he’d kissed you back, you worry that now he will think differently of you. think worse of you.

a knuckle tucks under your chin, then, lifting your face so that you meet jace’s eyes. you feel small and strangely vulnerable in the aftermath of your kiss, like you have somehow shown him something you never intended to, and the urge to shy away remains. but you are not a winter rose for nothing and so you tuck the doubt away as jace runs his thumb soothingly along the line of your jaw.

“i have been thinking of doing that since the moment you first smiled at me,” he confesses, a hint of shyness in the quirk of his lips even as he stares steadily into your eyes.

“oh.” you blink at him once in surprise, the uneasiness in you finally settling at the fondness in his gaze. “oh. that’s— good.” you curse yourself for your lack of wit in this moment as jace snickers.  “i-i mean, i’m glad that it was not… unwelcome.”

your betrothed looks at you with deep affection, then, cupping your cheek and ducking down to press a fleeting, butterfly-soft kiss to your mouth before reluctantly parting from you. “it was most welcome, my lady. most welcome, indeed.” his eyes sparkle with mirth. “i find myself looking forward to the next time you greet vermax, if this is the kind of response such a thing garners.”

“jace!” you narrow your eyes at him in pretend annoyance, even as you smother a giggle with your fingers. “you should not expect me to indulge in such desires again, then, if you persist in being so smug about it.”

his laugh warms you as the two of you fall into easy banter, leaving vermax to his rest and returning to the ever-watchful ser dickon, and all the while all you can think of is how much you cannot wait to kiss him again.

as the air cools with the dying light of day, you lead jace to the gardens.

in the week since your first kiss, jace has oft tugged you into shadowy corners for more kisses any chance he’s had. his desire for you is matched only by your own for him, and as your confidence in your mutual attraction has grown, you have been equally as likely to pull him into a dark alcove to trade sweet words and sweet kisses in secret.

it’s thrilling and exciting and wonderful, but as the week passes you find a growing doubt whispering in the back of your mind.

while you cannot doubt jace desires you, not when he is so relentless in chasing after your smiling mouth, neither of you breathe a word of any feeling between you beyond attraction. perhaps it is reckless of you, foolhardy to fall for him so quickly – but then you are your parent’s daughter, all wolfs blood and deep roots, and you know no other way of being than this.

so you take him to the gardens as the moon rises in the sky, sneak past the night guards and out into the fresh air. you guide him through the blooming flowers and swaying trees, stopping along the while when the fancy takes one of you to stop and examine an interesting bloom or inhale a sweet scent. at least three times he stops you to slot his mouth against yours, to swallow your breathless giggling with feverish kisses, and each time he does it takes longer and longer for you to disentangle yourselves from each other.

eventually, with swollen lips and mussed hair, the two of you reach the winter roses. your effervescent mood becomes sombre as the moon shines on the blue flowers, turning the petals almost silver, and jace seems to recognise the change in atmosphere, a seriousness overtaking him as he watches you approach the flowers.

“my mother planted the first of these roses,” you tell jace as you kneel at the edge of the flowerbed, uncaring of the risk of dirt on your dress as you brush fingers over the pale blue petals tenderly. “winter roses, they are, from the north. from winterfell. she was born a stark, you see, and when she was betrothed to my father the only thing she asked was to be able to bring a few blooms from the glass gardens. she used to call me her little winter rose when i was a child, and she would bring me here and show me how to tend to them.”

jace kneels beside you, glancing at the side of your face before turning to look curiously at the blue flowers. “they’re beautiful,” he tells you sincerely.

“i’ve always thought so, too,” you agree almost absently, stroking the petals in an effort to calm your racing heart. “everyone told my mother she’d never be able to get them to grow so far south. they’re very rare, you see, and need very particular conditions.” your lips quirk up into a fond smile. “but my mother, for all that she became a tyrell, was always a stark at heart. stubborn, you know. and now look at them, thriving.”

you gesture out at the carefully tended rows of roses. “nobody else comes here, now, other than the gardeners and me. i think… i think my father finds it too hard, being here. it makes him miss her too much. so i come here when i need to be alone. or when i wish to be reminded of her. it's the one place in the world where i feel i can be wholly myself, without any pretence or worry.”

jace’s gaze is fixed on you, now, eyes almost black in the faint moonlight as understanding dawns on him. “thank you for bringing me here.”

you nod once, climbing back to your feet, and jace follows you. he watches you so intently, like he’s afraid that you might disappear if he dares to look away. you feel a little like you might, feel tenuous and vulnerable and a breath away from cracking your chest open.

“i’ve never brought anyone else here,” you confess quietly, flexing your fingers with nerves as jace’s lips part in surprise. “i wished… i wished to share this with you. to share who i am, myself, with you, i suppose.” you laugh a little self-deprecatingly. “however pretentious that sounds.”

“it doesn’t,” jace denies immediately. you sense he wants to say more, but he seems to understand that you’re building to saying something yourself, and so he stays quiet, expression earnest and open and fond as he gazes down at you.

“i know it’s perhaps too soon – we have only known each other a few weeks. but i… when i first found out we were betrothed, i was so scared. i worried you would be some arrogant princeling, and i dared not hope for anything more than civility between us. i’ve always known i would not marry for love, but i did not ever consider i would marry a man i had never met.”

you pause for long enough to suck in a breath, feeling a little like the floodgates have opened and you simply can’t stop speaking, can’t stop the feeling pouring freely from you. “and then i met you, and you were so unlike anything i’d expected. i know we still have so much more to learn about each other, and i know that things are— complicated, with the war, and that our marriage may be a ways off yet, but still— i find myself feeling for you, and i cannot hide it anymore. i don’t wish to hide it from you anymore.”

you let the open affection in his face buoy you as you steel yourself, pressing your shoulders back in a mimicry of confidence. “i wanted to show you this part of me, this place, because i….” you hesitate for a breathless moment, biting your lip, before gathering every scrap of courage you possess and diving in headfirst. “i am falling in love with you, jacaerys.”

you inhale the sweet scent of the pale blue petals deeply, let the familiar scent soothe you as jace stares at you with wide eyes. the winter roses are something that, until now, have been so uniquely yours. as you’d told jace, none other than you and the gardeners comes to this corner of the gardens now. the staff that tend so carefully to the flowers know to leave you well enough alone if they stumble across you, skirts splayed on the ground and fingers diligently caring for the roses. you’ve never even brought your sweet little brother, though you can admit that’s for practicality as much as anything else – his childish energy is a bit too boisterous for these delicate blooms.

bringing jace here, bringing him here to confess the deepening affection you harbour for him, feels raw. feels like you’re tearing your heart out of your chest and offering it up to him for perusal, hands bloody and soul bare. feels like saying ‘this is all that i am and all that i have been and all i will ever be and i hope, i hope, i hope it’s enough.’

jace finally, finally speaks, sighs your name, soft and sweet and tender, and hope blooms in your chest.

“oh, my sweet lady,” he murmurs, crowding into your space as he cups your cheek, and the smell of woodsmoke and dragon and jace floods your senses. “i am falling so unbelievably in love with you. only, it does not feel so much like falling as it is like choosing it, like walking into love with you with my eyes wide open and seeing nothing but you.”

it's almost unbearable, the blazing heat of his gaze as he presses his forehead against yours, and it makes you tremble as your hands clutch as his elbows in an effort to ground yourself to this moment, to him. “our betrothal was decided for us without care or consideration for our own desires,” he says, lips brushing against your own with every whispered word. “i know that as well as you, but i need you to know that if i had the choice i would choose this. i would choose you, your stubborn heart, your fierce spirit, your gracious soul.”

his hand slides from your cheek to your hair, holds you so tenderly like you are something precious, and it steals your breath from your lungs as you revel in his unbridled affection. “i care not when we marry, if we marry, in truth, because in my heart you are already mine just as i am already yours.”

he kisses you, then, a desperate and greedy thing, as if he can no longer restrain himself from devouring you whole. and you are just as needy, hands fisting in his doublet as you press yourself against him and somehow finding yourself wishing to be closer still. the world narrows down to him and him only; his mouth, his hands, his hair. you can think of nothing else, and do not wish to, because in this moment you are wholly yourself and he is wholly himself and it’s enough, it’s wonderful and delicate and it’s enough.

and, there beneath the moonlight and amongst the winter roses, deep and enduring affection, the kind of love the bards sing songs about, takes root.

taglist; @eldrith

[rynekins]

Nyello! This is the official post for the Daycare Attendant Bee Team Halloween Event.

For those unfamiliar, during this event participants will be making a secret gift of fanart related to the DCA from FNaF Security Breach. Like a Secret Santa exchange, no one will know who is also drawing for them. Though we call them Secret Skeletons n_n For it to be fair, all gift art should be at least lined and flat colored. If it's a purposely black and white piece, then it would need to be shaded. Written fanfic gifts must be at least 2000 words.

We will have a discord server where we can introduce ourselves, chat, and include a wishlist of what we would like to receive. Your gift must be DCA related (AUs, Y/Ns, and other characters are allowed) and in the spirit of the spooky season you are encouraged to ask for something related to Fall, Halloween, candy, anything like that! We're keeping this PG13. You won't be able to request something TOO gorey or TOO spicy. If you are interested, simply leave a comment saying so. During the last week of September, I will message you asking if you are still interested. If so, then I will invite you to the discord server and you'll be able to post your wishlist. On October 1st, I will tell you who your recipient is. On October 31st we will all post and share our gifts.

Please let me know if you have aaaaaaaany questions. Feel free to reblog and spread the word!

[zorosbeau33]

Courting~ Natsu Dragneel Alpha Headcanon

❖ Fairy Tail, Natsu Dragneel x gender neutral reader

❖ Headcanon, Possible future series, fluff

❖ Tw: none~

❖ wc: 1045

❖ @tojiseviltwin @kimnamshiks ❖ Masterlist ❖

. ⋅˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ ⋅˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

This is a alpha beta omega au~ Reader is assumed omega in this but you are free to decide for yourself~

. ⋅˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ ⋅˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

To begin, to make this easy let us establish this Dragon Slayer is an alpha. If you did not know you might suspect he was a beta with how he is so careless and goofy. Not your stereotypical stern tough guy alpha.

Natsu doesn’t care if you see him as an alpha or not, and he doesn’t care if someone doesn’t believe he’s an alpha. His status as a dragon slayer and member of Fairy Tail is his pride not something decided by birth or gender. Gender, who cares about that, are you strong or funny or nice? Thus goes his priorities.

So needless to say he’s not really into the whole, he has to court you by rules xyz due to his secondary gender. He’s going to court you how he believes a dragon slayer and guild member (because you will be adopted into Fairy Tale if you're not in it already) should be treated.

It might have taken him a long while to realize he wants to court you though. At first he just knew he liked being around you, and isn’t that enough? Spending life going on adventures and laughing together are most important to him. 

Once or twice he feels like frowning or growling when he sees someone get really close to you. Not just proximity wise because he too is a skinship with all the friends kind of person. But seeing someone attempt to get close to you romantically or emotionally and nudge him aside and out of frame? He doesn’t understand why but it burns him up inside.

I hate to say it but he tries to train it off, or just cling onto you and insist on starting a job right now. No he hasn’t picked one and yes it might be midnight but it's the perfect time to start a quest! No really-

He may go and confide in Master or Mira Jane. He knows he may get teased for it but he can’t figure these emotions out, and it's imperative to him to know because it's becoming stronger. His anger (its jealousy), his thoughts about you, why your scent is smelling sweeter and sweeter to him, all of it.

Bless this poor boy's soul because he really couldn’t figure out why he was “hungry” when he smelled your scent. He thought he needed to eat more food or fire because we don't eat friends. Thankfully they explained it's a physical and emotional longing to be closer with you.

This was not his first birds-and-bees talk but it was the one that made him realize he wanted you, and without them having to say more Natsu realized he wanted you as his mate.

Thankfully he does know from seeing others do it, although he thought it stupid at the time, the basics on how to court someone

His heart cannot take this he's so jittery and happy as he bounds up to you, if it's night time he may have broken in but that's okay! To hand you some hand picked flowers and a snack. He’s pretty forward about this, not subtle on starting the courting process. 

“Why? Because I want you to be my mate partner too of course!” Queue big happy grin

Lucy has helped him go shopping several times for you, blankets for your now shared nest. Food gifts galore.

No seriously everywhere you go, and you go to all places together now unless you ask for some space. He gets you food.

You looked away for two seconds and he disappeared. Don't worry he’ll be back in ten minutes with something scrumptious for you. 

If he has to go on a mission without you, or if you decide to take some time to yourself, expect a small little sweet or scone to be placed on your desk or in your hands. They are often a shade of pink, or dragon themed so you’d think of him.

Not huge on you wearing his clothes, with the exception of his scarf. He adores seeing you in it before he started courting you because he hadn’t realized yet, now he is obsessed wrapping it around you both as you cuddle. Or do anything for that matter.

Natsu did realize it's not practical while walking only after clotheslining you once…or twice…

He is super attentive to your needs, perhaps not romantically, but he knows you’re hungry before you do. 

Shivering? Not around him he knew to warm you before you knew you were chilled.

Tired, and he somehow has drafted you for a cuddle and nap session or has told the other guild members to go away so you can nest in a corner where he can keep an eye and make sure you are safe

Guild member pissed you off, he’s already squaring up to fight with you

You are feeling needy? He's right there giving you a hug

It all stems from his fighting experience funnily enough. He’s gotten really really good at reading body language because of it and he has yours down to an art form.

Natsu is strong and independent despite his love of skinship and kinship. However he will always be longing to be just a little bit closer to you and his gifts sometimes reflect as much.

Never in his life before would he have wanted to buy a massage, but here he is getting vouchers for couples massages. He heard about it from Elfman and it was a lightbulb moment.

Matching funny hats at the amusement park

Small little quirky dates to places to do things together, like making matching earrings. Or a food tour of a town together, quality time is his utmost number one gift and treasure. It's the best thing you can give him too, volunteer to spend time together and he is over the moon.

This goes without saying but Natsu is above all else, protective. You are strong or weak, it doesn't change this, he will fight god and anyone who looks down on you or tries to hurt you. Even if it's a guildmate in a pre ordained face off, someone will need to hold him back. You are too precious to him to risk losing, so please stay by his side forever.

[wynnyfryd]

Trailer park Steve AU part 30

part 1 | part 29 | ao3

cw: Steve Harrington committing unforgivable thought crimes (besmirching LotR)

"Uh," Steve stammers as Eddie tugs him off the couch, because he just propositioned the guy while covered in snot and tears and wearing a blanket as a cape, and now that guy is holding his hand.

Eddie doesn't let go after he gets him to his feet. Their fingers lace together, and his palm is soft and warm, his fingers slightly callused. Steve can feel his own pulse pounding in his wrist.

"Simmer down," Eddie teases, "I'm not having sex with you. Yet," he adds with a lewd waggle of his brows when Steve puppy-dog pouts at him. "This is better than sex, anyway."

"If you're having shit sex, maybe.” Steve rolls his eyes and lets himself be dragged past a messy counter, where Eddie stops to grab a black lunch box and a cassette tape, a tissue for Steve’s face, then down the hall to Eddie's bedroom.

"My kingdom," he grins as he shoves the door open and waves Steve through with a bow.

His room is amazing. Awesome and terrible all at once: awesome, because it looks like someone put Eddie’s essence in a blender and ran the blades without a lid, and terrible, because the place is a fucking pigsty. There’s a bag of bread on the floor.

Eddie tells him to make himself at home, so Steve plops down on the edge of his bed, takes in the explosion of artwork tacked to the walls while Eddie buzzes around the room — swoops and swoons like a drunken bee, kicking shit into messy piles, sticking a cig in his mouth and forgetting to find the lighter, turning on the stereo. He pops in the cassette, and Steve lets out a surprised laugh when he hears the upbeat strumming.

"Rumours? Really? That's your 'better than sex' cure?"

Eddie cranks the volume. "It's workin’, ain't it?" he mumbles around the unlit cig.

Steve tries to frown and fails. "…Shut up."

Eddie snickers at him; gives him the cutest smile he's ever seen, nose scrunched up, eyes crinkled at the corners, then he tucks the cigarette behind his ear and shakes his hair out with a grimace. “Christ, it’s hot in here." His hands move to the hem of his shirt. "Look away or don’t, baby, I’m changin’!”

Steve smiles and averts his gaze, falling back on Eddie’s bed and looking at the ceiling with his legs dangled over the edge. In his periphery he can see Eddie hopping gracelessly around the dresser, trying to tug his foot out of the end of his skinny jeans, cursing under his breath; dropping all the ‘g’s off the ends of his words.

"I like your Southern accent."

"Do ya now?" Eddie throws it on thick, really hamming it up, "Well then, I reckon it's plum near the most attractive dad-gum thing y’ever did hear 'round these here pawrts."

Steve honks a mortifyingly stupid laugh, which makes Eddie laugh like a chime in a windstorm, which just makes Steve laugh even more, and maybe Eddie was right.

Maybe this is better than sex.

He wipes at his eyes, misty for a good reason for the first time all night, and when he looks up again Eddie’s dressed in his pajamas. Dark gray gym shorts, a black cut-off tank, the arm holes deep and loose to expose his armpit hair, his ribs.

Steve’s mouth goes dry.

Eddie’s wiry and pale, firm muscle wrapped around his string-bean frame, and he's covered in tattoos — black line art and gray shading, fantastical beasts and staffs and swords, a crazily-detailed set of serpent scales snaking up his side. But it's his legs that catch Steve's eye.

His legs are covered in words. Words and doodles everywhere, from his calves to his thighs, the lines wobbly and thick like Eddie put them there himself. There are quotes in sloppy cursive, longer ones in blocky print; a few stylized to look like comic book dialog, the words POW! and DANGER outlined in spiky bubbles above his knee. Steve wants to trace the lines; rehearse him like a poem, learn each ink stroke with his fingers until he can recite them all by heart.

Eddie catches him staring and gives a small, pleased grin. “Like what you see?”

Steve’s tongue feels too big for his mouth. “Yeah. I really do.”

The smile widens. Eddie clambers onto the bed, stepping over Steve’s head and plopping down beside him with his back against the wall, one leg drawn up, the other stretched out long and loose.

Steve shifts to lay the same direction, and his shoulder brushes Eddie’s leg, his wrist ghosting against his ankle bone. He doesn’t pull away; likes the look of their skin tones side by side — the smooth desert landscape of his inner arm, accented only by a few veins and moles; the riot of ink and art all along Eddie’s shin. Eddie’s feet are bare, and they’re wide, a little hairy (reminds Steve of Dustin’s nerdy ring book, and he almost says as much, but he knows Eddie’s even more obsessed with that shit than the kids are. He really doesn’t want the dude to pop a brain boner and spend the next four hours lecturing Steve about jewelry lore.)

“What are you giggling at down there?” Eddie nudges at his elbow.

“Nothing,” Steve says, and Eddie responds “All right then, keep your secrets” in a silly character voice. He stretches to the side and grabs a joint off the bedside table.

“Now,” he says, voice slipping into that deep, slow sing-song thing he does — his sales pitch tone, Steve realizes. “This part is, of course, completely optional, but. In my humble, expert opinion—”

“So humble,” Steve teases under his breath.

“—It really enhances the whole experience.”

“The Stevie Nicks Therapeu- thera-” Oh, screw it. “Un-saddening Experience?”

“That is correct.” He holds it out over Steve’s face, wiggling it in offering, and Steve thinks about his conversation with Robin over brunch:

"I can't believe you did coke.” "I can't believe you smoked weed." "I know." "Was it okay?" He hasn't tried weed since... "Yeah," she answers seriously. "Yeah, it was okay. It was nice, actually."

“Okay,” he decides. I trust you. “Let’s do it.”

Eddie puts the joint between his lips and lights it up.

—

part 31

listen i know it’s a quote from a movie that will not exist for another 16 years just let me have this. tag list in separate reblogs under '#trailer park steve au taglist' if you'd like to filter that content. if you want to be added tomorrow please comment and let me know (must be over 21; please either verify in the comment or have your age visible on your blog)

[luluy33art]

I made my own love square

[karugoround]

Nagizuru au creatures ~ probably their most normal drawings ever.

🩶

Today marks one year since I made my first Nagizuru post. I never thought I would love this beast so much. Thank you all so much for enjoying this au!

Here you have a small lighthearted fic written by @draconicsparkle as a gift. It's not connected to the original story, just them celebrating a regular birthday. They spoil them too much! ⬇️⬇️

How long had it been since then? So long. Both the creation date and their escapes. But in a strange way, Hajime was glad they had experienced all those hardships and difficult times. For without them, the two of them wouldn’t appreciate the bliss they were living in nearly as much.

Hajime thought this as his one working eye stared out the window in the small kitchen. The garden was visible from here, where all kinds of flowers and plants were growing. Gardening was one of Izuru’s many talents, after all. It would be odd if it wasn’t growing splendidly.

A small smile grew as he recalled the many hours they had spent sitting in the gazebo they had built in the middle of the garden, sandwiches and lemonade in hand while the butterflies and bees flew by.

But today wouldn’t be spent in the garden. No, Hajime had other plans. Hence why he was in the kitchen earlier in the morning. Izuru was still in their bedroom, sleeping away without sedatives. He wouldn’t dare wake him up, even now when they were far away from the Lighthouse’s rubble.

He bent down to check the oven’s window, pleased to see the cake sheets baking nicely. He grabbed an oven mitt and pulled the pans out, sliding them on the cooling rack. They were the perfect shade and smelled amazing. While they cooled, the brunette got busy preparing the whipped cream and cutting the strawberries he had picked yesterday. He focused hard on his task, not stopping until his creation was fully constructed. A beautiful and practically flawless strawberry shortcake. He almost felt bad for cutting into it and pulling a slice out to place on the plate. But he was far more eager to see the reaction, so he didn’t mourn the perfection.

After gathering a fork and a glass of milk, he placed everything on a tray and carefully picked it up. His months of practice came in handy, as the tray remained balanced the whole way to the bedroom. Using a shoulder, he bumped the door open so his hands didn’t leave the tray. Soon enough, he was placing the tray down on the nightstand. By this point, he knew the Ultimate Hope was awake now. “Good morning. Was your sleep restful?”

The red eyes gazed up at him, still mysterious and cryptic, though not nearly as hard anymore. Being free of pain and drugs was most likely the reason. “I can confirm that it was. The aroma of your creation coaxed me back to consciousness. Not that I mind this pleasant method of awakening.”

“I’m glad you think so, si-” Hajime paused, laughing in embarrassment. “I mean Izuru.”

The white-haired man smirked up at him. “Slip of the tongue?”

Hajime scratched his cheek, right under his silk eye cover. “Old habits die hard, I guess.”

“But they are getting to be fewer and less frequent,” Izuru observed. He sat up, the large shirt he was wearing slipping off a shoulder. “Can you hand me a hair tie, my dear caretaker?” he requested once he had risen into a comfortable position.

The brunette was quick to do so, though he did it with a grin. “That was on purpose. You’re teasing me, aren’t you?”

Izuru’s smirk didn’t diminish, even as he began gathering his long hair and weaving the hair tie around the locks. “Observant as always, my dear. Just one of the many traits I adore about you.”

Hajime felt his cheeks redden. He still wasn’t able to hide his reactions to Izuru’s words of affection. “I-I do my best.”

“That you do.” Izuru finished making his ponytail, letting it rest against his back. He then reached forward, tugging on Hajime’s arms. The strength of the tugs had been unexpectedly strong and Hajime found himself falling onto the bed alongside Izuru with a yelp.

“Much better,” Izuru stated as he hugged Hajime to his chest. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

The brunette wiggled only slightly to get more comfortable. “But… don’t you want your cake?”

“In a few moments. Let me indulge myself on this first,” was the reply. A pleased hum followed, along with some shoulder rubs that felt amazing. “Another day of tranquility. One that we earned for our perseverance through the blood and pain. The torture those foolish scientists inflicted while playing God. But I suppose it would be best to not dwell upon such horrid memories. It is beneficial to move on and build oneself back up stronger than before.”

The caretaker chuckled. “That the Ultimate Therapist at work? Putting in overtime, for sure.”

“Perhaps. But I will utilize my abilities for our sakes and lives. And I’m sure you are well aware of this.” One of Izuru’s hands migrated up to his hair, scratching his scalp and conjuring happy noises from the receiver.

“What did I do to deserve this? So nice,” Hajime muttered, relaxing into the comforting touches.

“If you would like reasons, I can compile a list. But be aware that it is a long one. It would take some time to read them all,” Izuru replied with his eternal smile.

“I appreciate the offer, but I think I’ll decline. You know how I am with rapid fire compliments.” The brunette relaxed under the ministrations, enjoying every second.

“Oh, I do have something to retrieve. Remain here in bed, okay?” Izuru withdrew and extracted himself from the bed covers, standing up and walking over to his closet. Hajime watched in confusion, especially as the pale man pulled out a giant crocheted blanket with a mandala design. “You are always making things for me, so I figured I could return the favor. It was surprisingly easy to keep my work on this little project secret from you. Though, I am certainly not complaining,” Izuru commented as he brought the blanket over, laying it over Hajime and tucking him in. “The pattern is a representation of our spiritual and physical journey through our lives. That we found our fulfillment after our struggles. Quite fitting, wouldn’t you agree?”

Hajime’s eyes, both functional and broken, widened at the colorful blanket now around him. He ran a hand over the design, admiring the nice material and the quality of the gift. “I… I don’t know what to say… This is…”

Izuru sat next to him, sliding under the blanket next to him. “I already know, so don’t fret. Nothing needs to be expressed.” He leaned over to the nightstand and grabbed the plate and fork. “Now then, how about we try your splendid creation?” The full strawberry on top was speared with the fork and was raised to their faces. “I’ll give you the honor of taking the decoration. You won’t refuse, will you?”

Hajime’s breath was shaky as he nodded. “You know that I would never refuse anything from you. Neither back then, nor now.”

“Excellent. Though there is one condition to get this. You will have to take it from me.” Izuru placed the lower half of the strawberry into his mouth, the thicker half sticking out. And the mischievous look in those ruby red eyes implied exactly what Izuru was insinuating.

Hajime’s face turned as red as the berry. They were about to do this, weren’t they? But he couldn’t go back on his promise, so he swallowed his nerves. He leaned forward and locked lips with the other, the kiss tasting like the sweet fruit. It lasted for several moments, neither of them eager to break it. Eventually, they did separate, the strawberry now in Hajime’s mouth. He focused on chewing to buy himself time to calm down from the rush of emotions. Though this was easily seen by the Ultimate Analyst, if the smirk was anything to go off of.

“Now, I shall taste test your work. Though I don’t doubt it will be fantastic. Thank you for the treat,” the Ultimate Hope said as he cut into the cake and took a delicate bite. “A nice way to wake up and start the day. And here’s to many more in our future.”

Hajime snuggled under the beautiful blanket a little more, resting his head on Izuru’s shoulder. Finally comfortable with initiating close contact after all this time. “Yes. I hope and wish for that, too.”

[moonchild9350]

Lost in a Dream

Summary: We all love to dream, to escape into a fantasy world. You find yourself trapped in the land of the fairies, searching for a way home. You meet a fairy, Changbin, who can help you find your way back home. But, you soon realize even dreams come with a cost.

Pairing: Fairy Changbin x Gn reader

Genre: psychological thriller, fantasy au, angst, smut- 18+ MDNI

Word Count: 5.6k

Warnings: alternate reality, reference of “voices,” groping, sensual touch, dry humping, fingering, unprotected sex (don’t), creampie, multiple rounds, public sex, use of term bunny

Notes: another spooktober installment hehe. This kinda has vibes of a spin off of Alice in wonderland. Mental health plays big here so read the warnings.

If you enjoyed, please consider a like, reblog, or comment as it keeps me motivated ♡

Masterlist | Spooktober '24 Masterlist

Dividers by @saradika-graphics

Please do not copy, translate, modify, use, or repost this work elsewhere without my permission. ©moonchild9350 (2024).

“A dream is not reality but who’s to say which is which.” -Mad Hatter (Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland)

You loved to dream, often escaping to another world, leaving all your problems behind. You could dream anywhere, your mother chastising you for “being in the clouds” and to come back to reality.

You didn’t want reality, you wanted to be free, frolicking amongst the flowers, exploring enchanting lands, following what the voices spoke to you as you embarked on an adventure.

You decided to enter one of your dreams, annoyed at those around you as they muttered angrily about this and that. You could hear them messing about, making sure everything was in place and prepared for you. Closing your eyes, you traveled to your happy place, following the soft whispers as they floated within your mind.

Opening your eyes, you found yourself in a forest, the trees looming over you and casting a shade against the hot sun. You blinked a few times before sitting up, turning your head this way and that to take in your surroundings.

It seemed like you were on a path, the brown earth forming a walkway further into the forest. There were flowers littering the walkway, their scent permeating the air, attracting bees and birds alike.

You stood up and dusted the dirt off your dress, coughing as the dust floated up and into your nostrils. Satisfied that you looked presentable enough, you began to walk, making your way down the path. You took in the sights around you, the animals, birds, and insects going about their day, not noticing you.

What you enjoyed the most however, was the silence, the only sound being the occasional flutter of a birds wings and the crunch beneath your shoes as you walked.

Yes, this is what you wanted, to come to a peaceful place, escape all the people back at your home. You walked and walked, breathing in the forest air, taking in the woodsy scent. Eventually you came to a pool, the clear waters glittering in the sunlight. You decided to take a dip in the pool wanting to cool off.

You looked to the right and looked to the left, ensuring no one was around before unfastening your dress, the material pooling at your feet. You stepped forward and walked toward the water, the promise of cool water on your skin. You were delighted as you made your way deeper into the pool, kicking your feet off the banks to propel yourself forward.

Your laugh rang out, the sound like a tickling bell, echoing off the trees. You kicked and splashed, enjoying yourself with the treat. Eventually, you tired of the water and swam to shore, quickly scrambling up the bank toward your dress. You were about to dress but thought against it, not wanting to travel in a wet garment.

You made a decision to lay on the bank, letting the warm sun dry the droplets of water from your skin. You knew if your mother could see you now she’d be disappointed, chastising you for being indecent in public. There was no one here in the forest however, just the passing deer or rabbit, who payed you no attention.

After some time, you were satisfied that you were dry enough, and began to get dressed, fluffing your skirt once done. You enjoyed your little outing, but were ready to go home. You made your way back to the path, but stopped once there. How do you get home? Usually you came through a door, the door present when you were ready to come home. However, this time, there was no door.

You were stunned, not sure where to go. You thought for a moment, hoping to come up with a solution to your predicament. In the silence you heard a whisper, beckoning you forward the opposite way you came. Deciding to follow the whisper, you made your way once more down the path.

You walked for who knows how long, your feet starting to hurt in your boots. You knew you would have blisters by the time you got back home. You were growing weary and hungry, your belly growling at the emptiness. You spotted a rock, large enough for you to sit on.

Making your way toward it, you were stopped in your tracks as a man appeared in front of you. He was beautiful, his hair framing his fair face. He was muscular, his arms flexing as he moved this way and that. You gasped as you noticed a set of wings, almost translucent in the evening sun. You have just run into a fairy.

“You’re not from here,” the man spoke as he eyed your figure.

“Um…no, I’m not,” you said, uncertainty in your voice. “I’m actually looking for a way to get back home. I…I think I’ve lost my way.”

The man nodded his head. “Seems like it. I can help you find your way back home, if you’d like.”

You considered the offer, really needing the help. You were tired and hungry and couldn’t wait to be back in your own bed.

“Sure, thank you, I would love that,” you said.

The man took a step forward. “Excellent. My name is Changbin and I’ll help you find your way out but I have a request in return for my services.”

Changbin had a mischievous look on his face, his gaze never leaving yours as you pondered his request. You had nothing to lose, as you didn’t know your way back home. Plus, he was good on the eyes and seemed strong so he could protect you from the creatures of the forest if needed.

“I’m y/n,” you replied, your hands at your side, as you swayed back and forth. “What is your request?”

“You have to do whatever I say until we reach our destination.”

“Done,” you said without giving it much thought. “Can we get going?” You asked, eager to be on your way and back home.

Changbin grinned, and gestured for you to follow him, “after you m’lady.”

You started to walk, Changbin following behind you. You both walked in silence, the only sounds being the crunch of the dirt path beneath your feet. You admired the sights around you, listening to the birds chirp, the squirrels scamper from tree to tree. You loved nature and the serene atmosphere it brings. You almost forgot about your companion until he decided to break the silence.

“So, how did you get here? I haven’t seen a human in years,” Changbin said, matching your pace.

“I just closed my eyes to dream and here I was,” you said nonchalantly, like it was a natural thing to occur.

Changbin looked at you for a while, analyzing your face, your stance, how you walked. He noticed how you had a slight smile gracing your face at all times, your eyes darting to and fro as you took in the sites. You had a strange gait, not exactly a limp per se, but just extra energy to your step. You were a strange one, not like most humans he encounters.

“You just arrived here? Ok, if you say so,” Changbin said, his voice laced with disbelief.

“It’s true,” you said, stopping in your tracks and stomping your foot, causing dust to billow upwards and around the skirt of your dress.

Changbin laughed at your outburst, thinking it was cute. Yes, he’s never encountered a human like you before. ‘This’ll be fun,’ he thought.

“Well, if you want to go home, we need to keep moving. We have a long way to go bunny.”

You turned your head at the nickname, never having been called one. You debated on whether to correct him, telling him your name once more, but decided against it, the mission of finding a way back home more important. You continued to walk down the path.

You walked and walked for what felt like hours, the sunset presenting itself in the sky, the colors of red, orange, and purple spreading across the horizon as the moon made an appearance. You started to feel tired, your feet aching and swollen from all the walking.

“Can we rest for a while please?” You asked, turning pleading eyes to Changbin.

Changbin regarded you for a moment, taking in your tired face. He supposes you both can rest for the night, beginning your journey once more in the morning. Besides, he’s dying to cash in his request that he made you agree to.

He looked around, searching for a spot to rest. Spotting a patch of grass under the protection of some trees, he guided you over to the area.

“We can rest here,” he said, sitting down and resting against the tree.

He patted the spot next to him, beckoning you over. You regarded the area with careful eyes and once satisfied, made your way over to sit next to the fairy. You both sat in silence, resting after your journey.

“Are we close? Are we close to finding the way back to my home?”

You were eager to be back in your own bed, even ready to be listen to your mother chastise you about every little thing. You didn’t think it would take this long to get back, thinking you weren’t far off from your destination.

Changbin grunted beside you, crossing his arms across his chest. “Not even close bunny,” he said.

You looked at the man beside you, disbelief in your eyes. Surely he must be lying. It shouldn’t take this long. After all, all you had to do to arrive here was close your eyes and dream. Close your eyes and…. That’s it! You thought. You probably just had to go to sleep and dream of home. You couldn’t wait to sleep to try out your theory.

Looking at Changbin, your eyes immediately trained onto his wings. They were closed in upon each other, their luminescence gone in the night air. You wondered how they felt, if they felt soft, and delicate. Or did they feel more rough, like sandpaper. You didn’t realize you were reaching your hand out to touch them until you felt a hand on top of your arm stopping you.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you bunny,” Changbin said, his voice gruff.

You cleared your throat and snatched your hand away, looking down at your skirt. You didn’t mean to do that, your actions not catching up to your brain. You cleared your throat once more and sat back, facing the path once more.

You both sat in silence or so you thought, until you heard the trickle of voices in your mind, telling you to get going, that it’s time to go home. You were about to get up to be on your way once more when Changbin stopped you.

“Bunny, come here,” he said, pulling you towards him.

You listened to the fairy, scooting over towards him before sitting in his lap. You shivered as he wrapped his arms around your waist, holding you close. Changbin stared at you, watching your eyes dart anywhere but to his face. He smirked, amused at your reaction.

“Kiss me,” he said, tightening his hold on you.

You stared at the man in front of you, your eyes widened, your mouth agape at his suggestion. You were confused, you must have mistaken what was said. You watched as Changbin raised his eyebrows, waiting for you to comply.

“I um…,” you stuttered, “I don’t think…”

Changbin cut you off saying, “remember our agreement bunny? I help you find a way home and you do anything I say.”

You regarded Changbin’s words, remembering your conversation. You didn’t think it would come to this. You really had no choice, as you did agree to do whatever he says. You let out a breath before leaning towards Changbin. You closed your eyes, your breath shaky as they met his lips.

Changbin captured your lips with his, pushing his tongue past your lips, deepening the kiss. He pulled you ever closer to him, as he grunted, your hand brushing against his cock within his pants.

He unwrapped his arms from around your waist and grasped your hand, placing it firmly on his hardening cock. You yelped at the feeling, trying to withdraw your hand, but unable to do so due to his tight hold on your wrist. He continued to kiss you, holding the back on your head against his, as he continued to guide your hand up and down the bulge in his pants.

You could hardly believe this was happening. You were unsure of yourself as you felt a warm feeling tingle within you, a foreign feeling. You continued to kiss Changbin, his hand guiding yours against his pants, his groans getting louder with each stroke. Suddenly, you felt something warm and wet against the fabric, causing you draw your hand back.

You quickly scrambled off of his lap, landing on your back in your haste to get away. Your chest was rapidly rising and falling, your mind not believing that happened. As you steadied your breathing, Changbin looked at you, the corner of his lip upturning in a smirk. After a moment of silence, he straightened up.

“Time to get some sleep bunny,” he said, his demeanor unfazed, like nothing ever happened, like you didn’t just help him to orgasm in the middle of the forest.

You crawled over to the empty spot next to him, lying down to face him. You stared at Changbin as he leaned his head back against the bark of the tree and closed his eyes. You watched as he fell asleep, his breathing becoming more regulated.

You needed to go home, to get away from this place. Hopefully you would leave this place, within your sleep, never to return. Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes and willed yourself to dream of home, dream of your bed, dream of the nightmare you called home.

You heard the birds chirping, their loud chittering traveling from one bird to another. You opened your eyes, ready to find yourself back home in bed, but to your dismay, you were still in the forest. You rolled onto your back, staring at the canopy of trees above you. The sun was filtering through the tree tops, birds flying to and from.

You blinked your eyes, then rubbed them, not believing you were still here. You turned your head to the side, and sure enough, your companion was still there sitting against the tree, fast asleep. You sat up, stretching your arms before leaning back against a tree.

You sighed, frustrated that your plan didn’t work. You were still in the forest, filled with the animals, and trees, and lush green grass. You sat in silence as Changbin slept, watching the butterflies fly to and from, feeling the sun warm your skin in the early morning hours.

The voices began again, the little whispers fluttering around your brain, telling you to go, go, go, while others were saying stay, stay, stay. What were you doing just sitting here, wasting time. You needed to get home, you were sure your mother is worried about you, wondering where you got off to.

You were about to get up and start back on your journey when you felt a hand on your arm. Startled, you gasped, and scooted back, brought out of your thoughts.

“Where are you going bunny?” Changbin asked, curiosity in his eyes.

You stared at him and then looked at the hand on your arm.

“I was just going to get started on our journey. Didn’t you say we have a long way to go?”

Changbin studied you, his piercing eyes searching yours. Changbin grunted, agreeing with your statement. He started to shift from his spot on the grass, but before he could fully stand up, he pushed you back onto the grass, and moved to hover over you.

You stared at him, your eyes wide as you watched his wings spread out from his back, the sun shining through, causing the translucent look once more. Your eyes darted from his eyes, staring lustfully into yours, to his lips, slightly parted, his breath coming out in short puffs. You stared at this man above you, all the while the voices floating around you telling you to go, go, go, and to stay, stay, stay.

You sighed in relief as his lips pressed against yours, the voices quietening, hiding in the deep recesses of your mind. You kissed Changbin gently, reaching your arms around his waist, your fingers lightly dragging up his chiseled back until they reached his wings.

Changbin groaned against your lips, bringing his hand to gently cup your breast over your dress. You kissed and kissed him, your mind quiet for once as you focused on him, the feeling of his warm hand on your breast as he gently massaged the flesh. You shivered as you felt Changbin rut against you, his cock brushing against your pelvis.

You went to hold onto him tighter, but before you could, Changbin untangled himself from you and stood up. He reached his hand out to you to help you up. You blinked once, twice, took a deep breath before grasping his hand and sitting up. Once standing, you brushed the dirt off your skirt, and faced the fairy in front of you.

“Ready?” Changbin asked you.

You nodded your head yes, more than ready to begin on your journey once more. You both began to walk, taking the path laid out in front of you, putting one foot in front of the other. You grimaced as you heard the voices rejoice, happy that you were once more on your way.

You walked and walked, the day passing you by. Your companion was silent, as he focused on escorting you.

“How close are we?” You asked, your body growing weary once more.

“We are halfway there,” Changbin said, “if we continue at this rate, we’ll be there midday tomorrow.”

You nodded your head, satisfied with his answer. You walked and walked, your head growing fuzzy as time went on. The voices were quieter so you began to hum a melody.

Changbin listened to you hum, watching as you walked on. He was getting used to your antics, your quirks a welcoming change to the humdrum of his boring life. You were more than half way to your destination, and he was finding it more difficult to accept the fact that you would be leaving soon.

“Changbin,” your voice rang out, briefly pausing your song. “I’m hungry.”

Of course, how could he forget? Humans needed to eat more frequently than fairies. He thought for a moment before coming up with an idea.

“We can stop at this pub that’s right up the road,” Changbin said.

You nodded, happy to have something in your belly soon. You went back to humming, enjoying your walk with your companion. You noticed the whispers were still there but muted, their pitch barely audible. This was new, as you had grown accustomed to the loudness within your head, telling you to do this and that.

Is this because of your new companion? Or maybe it's because of the fresh air, the lack of responsibility, the lack of others nagging at you for your behavior. It was nice for a change.

“Here we are,” Changbin said.

You snapped out of your thoughts, surprised you were already at your destination. There was a small house coming into view, smoke billowing from the chimney. You sniffed the air, as something delicious was most likely cooking. You picked up your pace, eager to get something in your belly.

Changbin opened the door, beckoning you through. You stepped over the threshold into a small room equipped with tables, most of them empty except two. You followed Changbin as he led you to a table in the corner, away from prying eyes.

You sat down and swung your legs, waiting for Changbin to order for you, not knowing what was sold here. You watched as he did so once the waitress came over. She eyed you curiously, but quickly scampered away after Changbin glared at her.

“Thank you for stopping. I am so hungry,” you said.

Changbin only grunted, crossing his arms over his chest. You looked at him, wondering why he didn’t say much, just sat and observed his surroundings. He was definitely a different person on the road than when you were resting.

What even was that you wondered, your mind going back in time to last night and even this morning. You were shocked at first, a little shy too, but Changbin didn’t care or notice. You found that you liked it, like the warm feeling when he kissed you. The whispers were silent then too, which you definitely liked.

You were startled as a bowl was placed in front of you, steam arising from the soup in front of you. Your stomach growled at the sight of food, the sound audible in the quiet room. You blushed, embarrassed, before picking up your spoon and digging in.

You had no idea what you were eating, but it was delicious, the warm broth sliding down your throat nice and easy. You finished it in no time, making sure to get every last bite. Once done, you wiped your mouth and smiled, happy that your belly was full.

“Finished?” Changbin asked.

You nodded your head and smiled. Changbin placed a coin on the table and gestured for you to get up. You followed him toward the door, stepping out into evening air. You both started to walk once more.

“We are close now bunny. We should be there by mid morning tomorrow.”

You didn’t say anything at his statement, as you were lost in thought. You felt a little sad your journey was about to end. Did you really want to leave this dream?

Changbin looked at you, concerned at your silence to his announcement. A day ago you would have been jumping for joy. You seemed conflicted, a scrowl on your face. He would love to take a look into that pretty little mind of yours to see what you were thinking about.

But, just as soon as you were silent, you straightened up and started to hum, the same song you hummed yesterday.

“What is that song you sing bunny?” Changbin asked, curiosity getting the best of him.

“Oh! It’s a song my mother used to sing to me when I was upset. She still does. It calms me when I go into a fit, makes the whispers go away.”

Whispers? Changbin was confused. What were these whispers you mentioned? He grew more curious of you by the minute. He wanted to know more about you. However, he tried to keep his curiosity at bay as you would be gone tomorrow after all, back to the human world.

You both walked in silence after that, comfortable in each other’s presence. The sun was slowly setting, darkness descending upon the forest. The creatures became more sparse as they burrowed into their homes, preparing for a night of rest. The sky was clear, allowing the millions of stars to be seen, the moon casting an illuminating glow through the breaks in the trees.

You were getting tired, ready to rest. Changbin seemed to sense this as you slowed down, your steps growing heavy with each passing moment. He looked around, scouting for a spot to rest for the night, when he spotted a cave. A perfect shelter to shield you both, well, mainly you from the elements.

Changbin guided you toward the cave, his hand placed gently in your back. Once inside, you sank to the ground, happy to be off your feet. Changbin sat next to you, letting out a sigh. You felt the heat radiating from him, causing you to feel comfortable, even though you were sitting on the hard ground.

Without thinking, you climbed into his lap, and nuzzled your head into his neck. Changbin was startled, his hands coming up slowly to wrap around your waist.

He listened to your breathing, your breath softly tickling the skin of his neck. He slowly dragged his fingers up and down your spine, resting his head on top of yours. You rested in his embrace, the silence welcomed.

“Bunny,” Changbin breathed, his hold tighter.

You looked up, searching his eyes with curiosity. You watched as he licked his lips, his eyes traveling to yours. You both met in a heated kiss, as you wrapped your arms around him and pulled yourself closer.

He wrapped his arms around your waist, a shaky moan falling from your lips. He grinned, ecstatic that you were falling apart right in his lap. You experimentally rocked your hips, your body seemingly moving on its own.

Changbin moaned beneath you, the feel of you gliding along his hardening member, causing him to grasp you tighter. He helped your movements, guiding you back and forth, back and forth, catching your tortured breaths with his.

You felt your back touch the ground, the fairy hovering above you, the sight becoming familiar. He quickly grasped at your dress, trying his best to get the offending clothing off.

You helped him along, fumbling at the buttons as he tugged and tugged. Finally, you got the buttons free and Changbin ripped the dress from your body. You laid bare beneath him, your chest rising and falling at being so exposed.

Changbin grinned as you parted your legs, welcoming him between them. He dragged his hands up your body, watching as the hairs on your skin raised at his touch. You shivered as your lips parted, sighing as he touched you.

You arched your back as his fingers brushed over your nipples, his touch light, the nubs pebbling in the night air. You looked up, memorizing his face, the lust in his eyes, the shadow of his grin as moonlight shown through the opening of the cave.

“So sweet,” he murmured as he continued to touch you gently, taking his time to explore the valley of your breasts, your belly, the curves of your waist.

You could feel yourself slowly slipping, the feeling of his hands on your body causing you to become more wet, as you felt the slow trickle of your arousal coat your pussy. The whispers were silent, your heart rejoicing as you laid beneath this man.

You watched Changbin’s face, as he trailed his hands down lower, as he gently floated his hands between your thighs, the curve of your ass before drifting to your thighs again.

You let out a whine as he softly dragged his fingers through your folds, collecting the arousal that was steadily leaking out of your pussy. He groaned at the sight, your pussy glistening in the moonlight.

“So wet bunny,” he teased, bringing his fingers to flick at your clit.

You arched your back at the sensation, your mind hazy as he flicked your bundle of nerves again and again. You felt that warm sensation once more, the pressure building and building as you fell apart at his hands.

“Shhh,” Changbin cooed, his eyes sparkling. “Relax bunny.”

You took a few deep breaths, willing yourself to calm down. Before you can fully inhale and exhale, Changbin’s fingers breached your hole, pushing his way into your warmth. He watched you as he scissored his fingers, dragging them against your walls, searching for that special spot within you.

You let out a groan, his fingers dragging against the spongy spot within your walls, as he stretched you, preparing you to take him. He listened intently as the wet sounds coming from your pussy echoed within the cave, your moans mixing with the sound.

Satisfied, that he stretched you enough, he withdrew his fingers, bringing them to his lips to lick your arousal off.

You watched impatiently as he removed his tunic and pants, his thick cock springing out of its confines. You gasped, taking in his beauty, his pecs nice and defined, his cock girthy and angry, pre-cum leaking from the engorged tip.

Changbin grasped his cock, stroking the appendage before bringing it down to your folds. His eyes trained on your pussy, he slowly pushed the tip in, watching as your walls stretched around him.

You wailed as he stretched you, the pain of his cock breaching your walls being more than you can handle. You were about to cry stop when Changbin looked at you with gentle eyes.

“You can take me bunny, just take it yeah?”

Taking a breath, you let it out as he continued to push his cock within your walls, pushing to the hilt as you breathed once more.

“See bunny? Told you that you could take me,” he cooed, stroking your hair as he caged you in.

He began to thrust, his cock dragging deliciously through your walls, filling you perfectly. You latched onto him, pulling him closer as he fucked into you, whispering sweet nothings into your ears.

You focused on Changbin, his warm body caging yours, his cock as he eagerly rutted into you, that warm feeling that has once more begun to expand, causing you to shiver as it grew larger, larger, larger, until it exploded, pleasure and warmth spreading throughout your body.

You clenched around his cock, your walls fluttering, gripping onto him. Changbin grunted, praising you for cumming on his cock, for a being a good bunny, his words causing you to tip over the edge yet again.

Changbin couldn’t believe he could be so lucky to have found a human like you. For such a perfect being to grace his presence. Watching you fall apart not once but twice because of him caused an ego trip, his cock swelling before he reached his high, spurts of his cum flooding your walls, seeping out of your warm pussy.

He collapsed against you, pulling you close, as you both regulated your breathing. Changbin pressed a kiss to your lips before pulling his softened cock from your walls, his cum seeping out of your pussy and onto the ground below.

He pulled you into his arms, cradling your head in his chest. You were drowsy, on the verge of falling asleep. Closing your eyes, you fell into dreamland, guided by the sound of his beating heart.

The next morning, the you awoke feeling well rested and warm. Opening your eyes, you were met with the gentle eyes of Changbin. He smiled once he saw that you were awake.

“Ready bunny?” He asked as you stretched, moving your aching joints.

You nodded your head and got dressed, putting your dress on once more. Once done, you realized Changbin was done dressing, as he waited at the cave entrance. He reached his hand for yours as you approached, intertwining your fingers together.

You began your journey once more. You felt sad as it was about to come to an end, you would have to enter the real world once more. You would be plagued by the whispers, your mother constantly telling you to snap out of it.

You were sad at the prospect, happy that you were free of the clutches of the whispers. A million thoughts running through your mind. You were so focused, lost in your own world, you didn’t realize you had made it to your destination.

Changbin gently called your name, you looking to see what he may have wanted.

“We’re here,” he said.

You looked around, noticing your surroundings. You had arrived at your destination, a beautiful lake in front of you. The waters were glistening, the grass green. You watched as the forest animal’s scampered, in a hurry to their destinations. There was a waterfall in the distance, the sound of the water crashing down into the lake below. You watched as rainbows flitted between the mist, the sunlights rays casting a warm glow over the water.

In the middle, on the edge of the lake was a door.

You made it. You finally arrived at the place that could take you home. Changbin looked at you expectedly, waiting for you to move on.

However, you were conflicted. You didn’t want to go home, not really. You enjoyed the company of Changbin. You were happy to have silence, not plagued by your thoughts, the whispers telling you to do this or that. You really didn’t want to leave.

Making a decision, you nodded your head and stomped your foot.

“I’m not going,” you declared, “I’m going to stay here…with you.”

Yes, you would stay here within this dreamworld. What once felt like a trap, threatening, now felt comforting, like home. Your true home.

Changbin grinned, happy at your decision and took your hand once more in his. He began to guide you away from the lake, the waterfall, the door. He led you away from the things that hurts you the most, the people, the places, the whispers that plagued you day and night.

You smiled as you walked back into the forest, the canopy of trees welcoming you back, welcoming you home.

As you lay in your bed, your eyes closed tight, your body still, your family sit beside you in tears, willing you, beckoning you to come back.

They hope you will come back to them, open your eyes so they can see the brown orbs, see the many thoughts that plague your mind. They’d be better to you. A better mother, better sister, better friend, if only you’d come back. They want you to be happy.

Little did they know you were happy, happy within the confines of your dreams, in this world you stumbled upon with a man you love. Yes, you were happy, happy to leave it all behind to stay in this little place called a dream, your new reality.

Taglist: @jehhskz @jeonginsleftcheek @simpforleeknaur @armystay89 @palindrome969 @slut4hee @ivydoesit23 @amarecerasus @kaysungshine @fun-fanfics @baby-stay92 @seungfl0wer

[evenmorefatallyobsessed]

Aloe AU Concept

Julius Miles Arc was not a dull man, however he was known to make the occassional mistake. Deciding to follow the tradtions of his family in teaching their male heirs the way of the Birds & Bee... Was perhaps the biggest of said blunders.

In his defense it was how his father taught him, so yes, he would admit, after a spledid camping trip he may have brought his son to the redlight district of Mistral's lower ring.

He was not however about to risk his son's safety, no Jaune was to become a man, so he would become one in the greatest brothel he could find.

Lien was for once not a concern as he was willing to shell out as much as needed to make sure Jaune left the occassion filled with a new life experience and just as much pride.

The place was spledid, and the women exceptional, why, if he didn't have a wife was was almost constantly breaking his pelvis he might've been tempted.

And his boy had his pick of the lot of them, oh how the other men waiting to buy their own time one of said women. Having to wait till his son had made his choice, Julius having put down extra so Jaune could quite literally have his pick.

He would admit to being suprised... Afterall he did not think his son would pick the Receptionist... He didn't mean to sound rude but well... She did look rather worn-out and... 'Experienced' even compared to most courtesans.

His reason was that the woman Aloe, was 'very pretty' he'd admit her eyes were a darwing shade of burgendy, or would've been where they not so off puttingly dull and and her hair messy and unkempt as it was was a unique green...

Though the real reason was obvious as Jaune's eyes flickered between the Faunus woman's damaged but still pretty insteactoid wings and massive, swelling breast. One appealed to his innocent nature, the other to his developing masculine desires.

The Receptionist, surprisingly enough actually agreed, despite no longer working as a escort.

And it had been set, Jaune had left with her confused, flustered and embaressed, and come back a little more brave and proud of himself, a bit of confidence clear in his eyes and a pep in his step...

Is what should have occured...

No, no, no... Instead they could quite literally hear his son becoming a man. Aloe as it turned out had chosen a room without soundproofing, seemingly she was well known for her pranks and lack of shame.

He stood there, with the women and other customers... Listening, it should've been only a half hour at most... It had been several. And that wasn't even the worst of it.

It was not how the other men had gone from snickering at his son for his inexpereince to looking ashamed of themselves as they heard the woman two hours later actually moaning, yelling and even begging his son's name.

It hadn't been the way the women had approached him hoping to see if the dad was as good as his genius soin apparently. No... It was when Jaune spoke.

When his little, innocent, naive son told the woman she would be his wife. When he told her to have his children...

He knew then, he fucked up, because a Arc went back on their word, even in the heat of passion.

-0-0-0-

Jaune woke up as the bullhead finally landed, his head in his wives lap, Aloe, one a Mistralian prostitute, turned receptionist then turned mother of his son and daughter. Jaune got up stretching, ignoring the people looking at him, or to be more precise his wife. A mother Aloe might be, but reserved she was not. Wearing a eye catching and frankly slutty outfit.

On some level he knew it was bad, but hey, if she followed the norm they would've never met right... His dad would've never trained him, after he asked him to so he could protect his family. Jaune might've tried sneaking into Beacon frankly.

But now he didn't even need to do that, heck a part of him didn't even want to be a Huntsman, he had children to raise, and provide for. A wife to love, he'd be content living the life of a farmer, and Aloe could accept that, but... She'd made it clear that he shouldn't just settle for a average life.

So he was here, trying to live out his childhood dream, at the very least she was right if he could fight off Grimm better the family would be safer, and Anself could always use another huntsman...

Girls cooed and awe'd at his children, Teal and Jasmine were adorble after all, his son having a pair of antenna and just the prettiest blue eyes in the whole wide world. His toddler Faunus son was too much for the girls to endure the cuteness of.

His daughter though was off limits, little jasmine, four months old, and looking every bit like a little precious fairy plucked straight outta the fairytales. Some might have worried he would've dropped her while he sleep, but that was never gonna happen. Getting outta the bullhead he manged to catch a girl getting... Blown up.

He really couldn't help himself, handing Aloe Jasmine before he went off to check the occurance, finding a girl in the crater. And like that he made a new friend.

Later he met a icy bitch who made a comment on his wife being a Filthy Faunus Harlot! Oh Hell No was some freaking Schnee gonna talk shit about his family!

-0-0-0-

Aloe would've never considered something like this in the cards for her. Motherhood, happily married, a life with litte to no worries... But that's exactly was exactly the life she was living.

She owed Jaune, no her husband everything, she was under no delusions, wasn't obssessed with him... Well, unwarrentldly obssessed, no, Jaune Arc had earned he devotion.

She knew what she was, who she was, and where she came from, she, was a whore, born in the lowest cast in Mistral at the ditrest corners of it's city. A Faunus with a impossible to hide trait filled in a den of raciest. Her mom having died, maybe from a overdose, possibly by a scored customer or maybe even at the hand of her own pimp.

She didn't really remember, she was too little to really recall.

But it left her to raise herself, and in that sorta enviorment you could only really do one thing. So she did, she sold herself, and she sold herself well. moving up and outta the lowest ring to just a low one, choosing a brothel she could trust. Making a life for herself that didn't make her crave death like so many of the others in her line of work.

No, she simply didn't care about anything, about herself... About her waste of a life, she was as content as street trash could be. At least their had been moments of bliss, thankfully her pipe was her only drug, she wasn't into harder stuff like others had been.

She was... content to just die like that, not live, what she did was difently not living.

Not until that little boy on the cusp of manhood came into her life and picked her. It still brought a smile to her face, his cute flustered expression.

His innocents and affection.

He didn't see her for what she was, didn't see the worn-out, used-up animal whore her other customers had saw before she moved unto introducing the girls instead of serving herself up. He saw a pretty lady, to naive to see her for what she was, and that... that was enough for her to wanna play with him.

Only they didn't just play, Jaune had said some interesting things to her, not anything she hadn't heard before mind you. When you could change your body size to the point where you looked like a actual fairy guys tended to say a lot. Espeically when you could could become a vice tighter then any other. But Jaune was to honest to mean anything but exactly what he was saying.

And when his father explained their families motto... Well, she always did have a eye for good oppertunities, just a lack of chances to take any. And now she was happy, happier then she had any right to be. With a home, a future and family, she could be content with that.

With teasing, and being bred by her husband while the other men in the village looked at her with desire while she brutally and slying ruined their lives for it. But, Jaune deserved more, he'd stepped up at every corner and then some. Learned to farm, to fight from his dad and even learning how to lead the village for the eventual day he had to step up.

He even learned about Faunus rights, and the struggles her people went though... He actually knew more about her people and culture then she did now. The idea of his son and daughter living in a world where they could be discrimnated against seeming to infuriate him.

She, she loved him, not at first, but it had happened fast... So much so she wanted to give back. And this was how, by supporting the dream he never talked about, that she knew he'd be more then willing to throw away for his family.

And well that wasn't all... She was getting up their in years, she was closer to his moms age then his after all... And Mistral had plenty of different life styles then simple monogomy. If some of those sorry excuses for men could have a mistress or three why shouldn't Jaune. Ture, he would never cheat on her, but she had plans around that, Huntsman fought side by side, grew close as family.

If she worked her magic maybe she could make certain... Arrangements, and beside she already had candidate or two. The blonde with breast as big as her own who went all dowey eyed over her babies, her kid sister who he was fast friends with. The 'Secretly' Faunus who looked at her and Jaune warmly as he lovingly cared for his Faunus kid. Not to even mention the spartan and literal bunnygirl

Heck maybe she was reading to much into it but even the Schnee seemed to be a bit to intense with Jaune when they argued. Maybe she could get her dear husband a personal, private and exclusive brothel of his own. Filled with girls who'd just love to be his personal whores.

[norinenglish]

Stardew Rancher AU - Tango:

2 Hearts Event

Jimmy walks into the Blacksmithy and this happens

(Writing below the cut)

>> Part One | Next Part

When Jimmy pushes open the door of the Blacksmith’s shop after an afternoon in the mines, ready to discover what’s hidden in the three geodes in his pockets, he can immediately tell that something is different. 

Tango isn’t at his counter, like he usually is. His face doesn’t light up and he doesn’t smile with an easy grin like Jimmy daydreamed about on his way down to the town. 

Well, it’s not entirely unusual for the blacksmith to be working on something and not waiting for a customer – like during their first meeting, for instance. It’s just that most of the time, Tango seems to be waiting for him to push the door. But this time, he’s lying on the floor, his head half disappearing under the furnace, mumbling to himself and cursing. 

It sounds like there is a problem with it? What could he be looking at inside of the forge itself? At least it isn’t lit right now, but still, whatever the ‘happy fun sauce’ Tango’s mumbling about is, it does not sound good for the furnace. 

“Is everything alright?” Jimmy asks worryingly, stepping in the room fully and letting the door close behind him. 

There might have been a way to make his presence known in a smoother way. But surely, the sound of the door’s bell should have been a pretty good indicator, shouldn’t it? 

Tango, though, has the observation skill of a ravager, and that includes all of his senses, vision and audition alike. So, naturally, he yelps, tries to sit up and look back towards the room and bonks his head on the hard stone. 

“Oh my gosh, Tango!”

In a second, Jimmy is kneeling next to the other man where he’s lying on the floor. He has a hand pressed against the side of Tango’s face to keep his head from moving, trying to keep his head upright and the other gripping his shoulder. 

“Tango! Tango? Can you hear me?”

Fortunately, the man blinks and the unnatural red of his eyes shine through. 

“Are you alright?” he asks in a softer manner, feeling relief in his chest already. “Do you know who I am?”

Should he be calling a medic? The clinic in town isn’t even open. What are they going to do if Tango has a concussion? How do you know if someone has a concussion?

Tango opens his eyes, red like a burning fire, and stares at him. The line of worry barring his forehead, tainted with black soot and wrinkled by paint, smoothes. 

“Are you an angel?” he asks in an awed whisper. 

“Uh,” Jimmy says but whatever words he could utter stay stuck in his throat. 

Is there a way to turn the furnace down? he wonders distantly, feeling hot all over. 

But he doesn’t dare to let Tango go, so he looks back down at the man and says, “I’m just Jimmy. Do you, uh, recognise me?” 

What if Tango doesn’t recognise him? Does that mean anything? Maybe it’s the blow to the head or maybe it’s just that Jimmy isn’t really someone you would remember. 

“Jimmy,” Tango repeats, “right. Of course.” 

Before Jimmy can breathe a sigh of relief, Tango tries to sit up cautiously, making him panic even more. His hands move to both grip the fabric of his shirt, half holding him up and half holding him down. 

“Woah, woah, woah!” the farmer exclaims. “Are you sure you should move? I think you need a doctor.” 

The panic is buzzing into Jimmy’s throat like a swarm of bees. 

“No, I’m fine. I’m fine,” Tango grumbles unhappily, grabbing onto Jimmy’s bicep and pulling himself fully into a sitting position. With his other hand, he rubs his forehead which is taking on an alarming shade of red. 

“There isn’t even a doctor in town,” Jimmy continues, because once he starts, the words just stream out of his mouth like a river after heavy rains. “Jeez, I don’t know what to do. I feel like I should get help but I don’t want to leave you alone. I’m so useless-”

“You’re fine,” Tango cuts him. “I’m fine too.”

The world is upside down. Tango is reassuring Jimmy instead of the other way around.

“What if you have a concussion?” Jimmy asks.

“Big B,” the blacksmith blurts out suddenly. 

“What?”

“You can get Big B. He’s Skizzlface’s aid. He’ll know what to do. But I’m positive I’m fine. My ears are not ringing and I don’t feel like I’m going to throw up on you.”

“Are you sure I can leave you alone, right now?”

Tango manages to raise a hand to Jimmy’s left wrist, where he’s still gripping at Tango’s shoulder, and squeezes weakly. “I’ll be alright,” he says. “Just give me something I can lean against.”

Jimmy hesitates a bit. Undoing his hold on the other man has to be the hardest thing he’s ever done. He finds a stool and a jacket and puts it behind Tango.

Once he’s sure the guy’s position is secured, he says, “I’ll be back.”

Tango doesn’t answer with words but he makes a cute little wave with his hand. 

Big B, in the tavern where he works, takes everything with an unnerving calm. Maybe it’s because Jimmy has taken to himself all of the panic of the world. He takes a first aid case from behind the counter and walks steadily to the blacksmithy, kneels next to Tango and start asking him questions. 

Tango is not confused and although his head hurt, he doesn’t seem to suffer from a concussion. Still, Big B is going to keep him in observation tonight. Slowly, Tango stands, makes a few steps before he’s cleared to walk back to Big B’s with them. 

“Thank you for your help, Jimmy,” Big B tells him, walking back to the door. “I’ll keep an eye on him, don’t worry about it. If something like this happens again, you can come to me.” 

Jimmy nods, relieved that there is actually in this town something for situations mike those. 

On the way back to the farm, though, all he can think about is Tango’s soft murmur asking him, ‘Are you an angel?’

*

The next morning, when he wakes up at the crow of the rooster, his mailbox is full. The letter in it says, 

Um, Hello…

Sorry about yesterday. Thanks for your help. The furnace is working great now. I made one metal bar too many, and I thought you might need it.

-Tango, the blacksmith

Inside, he finds an iron bar, polished and shining under the morning sun. He folds the letter carefully and tucks it safely away in his journal.

[rynekins]

Nyello! This is the official post for the Daycare Attendant Bee Team Secret Santa Event.

For those unfamiliar, during this event participants will be making a secret gift of fanart related to the DCA from FNaF Security Breach. No one will know who is also drawing for them n_n For it to be fair, all gift art should be at least lined and flat colored. If it’s a purposely black and white piece, then it would need to be shaded. A background is not required. Gift must be new piece, no use of previous work Written fanfic gifts must be at least 2000 words. Gift MUST be DCA related, but not necessarily holiday related. AUs are allowed Nothing too gorey or spicy, this event is PG13

Here is the discord server for DCABeeTeamSS24. https://discord.gg/h2qx9mxk

If you are definitely interested in participating in the event, you are welcome to join. TO BE ON THE LIST OF NAMES to be drawn to participate, you’ll need to have at least your tumblr name posted in the intros-and-wishlists channel by December 2nd. It’d be great if you can have your wishlist done by then as well. You are also welcome to spectate, but if that's the case don't post an intro yet. I do apologize for the walls of text in the rules and info, but it is a necessary read to make sure this is a fun and safe event.

On December 3rd, we will tell you who your recipient is. On December 25th-31st we will all post and share our gifts. You will need to keep your recipient and progress on your gift a secret!

Please let me know if you have aaaaaaaany questions. Feel free to reblog and spread the word!

[kikis-writing-world]

Espresso

Or: She needed to come back down to earth

Chrissy Cunningham has tickets to see her favorite pop star perform. It's a concert she'll never, ever forget.

Past Eddie/Chrissy, current female Pop Star!Reader/Rockstar!Eddie

*In the 3rd person, can also be read as an OC

Word Count: 3k

Rating/Warnings: Reader is female presenting and performed Espresso originally by Sabrina Carpenter, and I describe her as moving and posing, but possibly with the aid of dansers? - blank slate otherwise. No Upside Down. Could be read either canon!AU (mid 90s or so as they're adults now) or modern!AU. If I missed anything AU wise or blankslate!reader wise, please let me know kindly <3 I'm only human.

This work is rated PG but this blog is always 18+

A/N: The song got me, what can I say? Somewhere in my head Espresso mixed with Sk8er Boy by Avril Lavigne and here's what you get. A little fic to whet your appetite. Not edited, not betaed, written in about 1.5 hours while also at work- but I hope you enjoy it anyway <3

divider by @saradika-graphics

“Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso-

Chrissy giggled as she sang along to the track floating from the state of the art boombox on her dresser. Her best friends, Cindy and Linda, danced around the bedroom with her, feeling like teens again as they got ready for the concert that evening.

“I can’t get enough of this song,” Linda gushed as she leaned close to the mirror above Chrissy’s vanity. She stopped singing along with the other girls long enough to apply her shiny lip gloss to perfection.

“She’s the best.” Chrissy agreed, turning the volume up even farther, hitting the threshold as the boombox reached max volume.

“Can I borrow this?” Cindy asked, picking up one of Chrissy’s eyeshadow palettes.

“Of course,” Chrissy agreed without thought, only to pause. “Wait- as long as you use that pink,” Chrissy amended, pointing to the neon hue. “Because it’s perfect with your outfit.”

The girls all laughed as they agreed on it being the perfect shade.

“How did you even get these tickets, it’s been sold out for months?” Linda asked, turning away from the mirror, bopping in place to the music.

“Daddy has a client whose son’s fiance got mono on her bachelorette vacation, so they canceled the wedding. They sold her tickets to afford the cancellation fees.” Chrissy explained as she compared two necklaces against her outfit. The girls cringed in sympathy, but the mood was quickly uplifted as they all tuned back into the music, forgetting the unknown couple’s problems. The tornado of excitement and glitter moved through the room until suddenly the girls all stopped what they were doing to sing along in tandem.

“I'm working late 'cause I'm a singer Oh, he looks so cute wrapped around my finger

The three faced each other as they sang, sharing the moment as they each performed their hearts out as if they were the one performing on stage tonight. The three danced, twirling their hips and waving their arms the way they did as teens, trying to get all the boys’ attention. Not the three grown adults they were, with homes, partners and responsibilities. It was freeing to feel so young again.

“My twisted humor, make him laugh so often My honey bee, come and get this pollen-

The three all shrieked with laughter as they reached the end of the verse, laughing at each other’s lewd dance moves in camaraderie.

“Oh shit, is that the time?!” Cindy gasped, cutting off the raucous laughter. The other two girls turned to the clock Cindy was staring at, noticing time did indeed fly when you were having this much fun. If they didn’t finish getting ready soon, they would be late and then have a hard time finding a good spot to watch the show from.

“Shit!” Chrissy cursed, barely audible over the blasting music. She jogged over to the boombox, turning it down a few notches to a more reasonable volume.

All three women snapped back to task, perfecting their make-up and concert looks. It wasn’t long before they were running out the door and into Chrissy’s powder blue Beamer. Chrissy hadn’t even backed out of the driveway before Linda had the car stereo blasting the album, right where they had left off in the house. The three women sped down the highway, singing along to the tracks they would soon be hearing live.

Chrissy was sure her perfectly coiffed hair was falling and frizzing up, her carefully applied make-up turned into colourful smudges across her cheeks, the boots styled to match her outfit splattered with dirt and mud - but she couldn’t care less. She was having the time of her life at the concert. The singing was amazing, even better than the album. The dancing, the choreography - the hunky dancers. She was having the best time, dancing and singing along with Cindy and Linda.

“This is AMAZING!” Linda shrieked as the song ended. Chrissy clapped and cheered while Cindy jumped up and down.

“Alright, alright,” the woman on stage spoke, waving off everyone still cheering after the last number she performed. Her chest heaved as she caught her breath from the singing and dancing, skin glistening with sweat under the stage lights. Her hair hadn’t fallen and her make-up hadn’t budged. Chrissy watched her in awe, quieting her own thrilled cheers to hear what her favorite artist had to say next.

“Oh my god, Indiana, you guys are crazy!” She laughed, waiting for the crowd to die down. Unfortunately, the comment made them cheer in agreement. Chrissy and her friends jumped up and down, cheering along.

The performer on stage dropped the microphone to her side as she laughed again at the crowd’s reaction. She looked off stage and made a little shrugging motion, a smile on her face all the while. Chrissy couldn’t see who she was looking at from her angle - someone on her team, her manager, someone running the equipment; she wasn’t sure. She kept looking between the crowd and the wing of the stage until they quieted enough for her to speak once more.

“See I have a friend,” the singer started, roaming the stage with ease. Her presence filled the large space as the crowd - Chrissy, Linda and Cindy included - took in each word with bated breath. A field full of fans waiting to see what she would say or do next. “A very good friend, you might say.” The singer admitted with a sly smirk.

The crowd exploded - some cheers, some boos of disappointed fans.

“Did you know she was seeing anybody?!” Linda gasped.

“I hadn’t seen anything in The Enquirer!” Cindy shook her head, flailing her hands as if trying to fan herself. “Oh my god, who do you think it is?”

“It could be anyone,” Linda started, only to be interrupted by Chrissy.

“Maybe Leo!” She laughed, joking while all the while loving the idea that her favorite pop star might be dating her favorite hunk of an actor. Linda and Cindy agreed by way of shrieking and jumping with excitement. Chrissy joined in immediately.

“See, my very special friend is from right here in Indiana!” the star continued over the mic, halting the girls’ theorizing. They quieted down, Linda blindly grabbing for Chrissy and Cindy’s hands as she never took her eyes off the stage. No one wanted to miss a hint on who the mystery “friend” was. “He told me that you guys… Well, he doesn’t seem to like his home state very much.” The star fake pouted as the rapt audience booed. She looked off stage, pointing her exaggerated pout that way. 

“Oh my god, is he here? Who is it?” Cindy nearly fell over, trying to lean over far enough to see backstage.

“I can’t see from here!” Chrissy huffed, craning her neck to get a better look. It was no use, they were too far to the same side to see into the wings.

“I know! What a meanie!” The singer laughed joyfully into the microphone. “I tell him he’s a big meanie all the time, but he doesn’t believe me.” She rolled her eyes playfully.

A dull laugh rolled through the crowd and the performer gave it a moment to breathe before continuing with her story. “I think you were all a bit mean to him too once, but maybe one day you’ll forgive each other.” She tutted. The crowd cheered their agreement - anything to make their idol happy. The reaction made the singer beam brightly, glancing over her shoulder yet again.

“This next song… I wrote it for him, and-”

The crowd cheered and awed, interrupting her briefly. She shot a wink offstage before rolling through the crowd’s roar.

“I wrote this for him, and right here in front of everyone he says he hates, I’m dedicating it to him! Let’s show him some love!” She yelled over the mic, the crowd growing louder as it fed off her excitement.

There was a short beat of silence before the opening notes to Espresso started, making the crowd go wild once more as the smash hit song started.

Chrissy, Cindy and Linda all screamed along with the crowd, jumping with excitement despite their sore, aching feet after dancing all night. Chrissy pulled her camera out of her fanny pack, snapping pics as the song started. The singer smiled and danced to the opening notes, waiting for her cue to start singing. The dancers around her grooved along with her, waiting for the choreography to start.

"Now he's thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh Is it that sweet? I guess so Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso-

The trio of women sang along at the top of their lungs, as loud as their already sore throats would allow. Chrissy couldn’t be bothered to care that she likely wouldn’t have a voice tomorrow, it was worth it to sing along.

"Too bad your ex don't do it for ya Walked in and dream came trued it for ya Soft skin and I perfumed it for ya I know I Mountain Dew it for ya That morning coffee, brewed it for ya One touch and I brand newed it for ya

The singer and her group of dancers made their way towards their side of the stage, the crowd around them cheering for her as she approached. The three girls got their cameras ready as they snapped pictures of their favorite singer performing their favorite song just a dozen feet away from them. The male dancers fawned over her as the female dancers backed her up, dancing with her.

"Now he's thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh Is it that sweet? I guess so Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso Move it up, down, left, right, oh Switch it up like Nintendo Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso

The singer moved back across the stage, doing her best to perform to all sides, giving each fan in the crowd a chance to see her and her dancers. She had been doing it the whole show, but the crowd predictably was even more lively for her big, hit single.

All too soon, the song ended with everyone on stage hitting a final pose. The singer was center stage, looking upwards towards the stage lights as the dancers posed around her. Cameras flashed through the people as everyone took their chance to get a decent shot as everyone stood still aside from their heaving chests as they caught their breath.

Chrissy, Linda and Cindy followed suit, cheering and taking pictures between their jumping and flailing. Chrissy was lifting her camera for her fourth or fifth photo of the pose - she lost count - when Linda grabbed her arm and her attention.

“Look!!!” Linda screamed as others in the crowd started reacting too. A tall, lanky figure had emerged from the wing, sauntering proudly towards the singer at center stage. He wore dark coloured jeans and a black t-shirt. His face wasn’t visible past the mop of inky curls when they first caught sight of him, but Chrissy felt a sinking feeling in her stomach at the silhouette. It was too familiar, a memory of her past, but surely it wasn’t-

More people from the crowd started screaming as the man crossed the stage. The singer finally dropped the pose, lowering her eyes to look at the crowd. She was smiling, face flushed from performing, but she soon noticed the crowd looking to the side.

Chrissy heard a man behind her, arguing with his girlfriend, the conversation fading in and out of the ruckus around her. “... -ed Coffin… telling you that’s him… think I know what “Shredder” Ed-…”

The pop star on stage looked surprised to see the man at first, but by the time he pushed through the cluster of back-up dancers around her, she was smiling up at him. The smile was brighter than any she’d given the audience on stage that night, a smile that shone in her eyes in a totally different way than performing on stage made them shine. The pop star started to speak, the microphone still held to her side not picking up any of the words. She didn’t say much before the man interrupted her, cupping the back of her head and dipping down to kiss her.

The crowd cheered through the passionate kiss. The back-up dancers around her reacted with joy and surprise at the public display of affection, some gasping while others applauded or laughed. 

The man pulled the woman to him, holding her like he might be able to absorb her into himself in front of everyone. The singer didn’t fight, but she was obviously caught off guard at first. It barely took a moment for her to drop the microphone, a loud thunking noise booming from the speakers as it clattered to the stage. Her arms wrapped around the man, returning his embrace as she kissed him back. The sound of camera shutters nearly drowned out the voices of the crowd as everyone rushed to take pictures of the pop star and her apparent boyfriend - some to brag to their friends, some to try to sell as the first appearance of the world’s newest celebrity couple.

Chrissy stayed frozen, camera to her side as she watched who she was sure was her high school ex-boyfriend, Eddie Munson, having a heavy makeout session on stage with her favorite pop star.

“Wait, is that…” Cindy asked, starting to also recognize the man who had yet to turn his face their way. Cindy looked at Chrissy, her frozen reaction being all the answer she needed. Cindy prodded Linda, trying to get her to smarten up to what was happening to their friend.

The couple on stage finally parted, catching their breath as they only had eyes for each other. The pop star looked up at her man like he was the only person in the whole state, let alone in a crowd of hundreds. The man’s hand, covered with large silver rings, cupped her cheek gently. From where she stood, Chrissy could see his thumb caress her cheek. Despite the warm summer day, Chrissy shivered as she felt a ghost of a touch, a memory, across her own cheek.

The man leaned in, speaking directly into the singer’s ear for a few seconds. She let go a second later as he released her, bending down to pick up the microphone that was left abandoned on the stage. The man turned towards the crowd, finally showing his face to the entire audience. Some cheered as they recognized the lead singer and guitarist for the heavy metal band, while others who didn’t listen to heavy music waited for a clue to who the man was.

“Is that Eddie?!” Linda gaped, looking up at the man who was once the boy dating her friend.

He was older now than he was then, obviously. His mop of curls were still present, if possible better cared for. He had inky tattoos up and down his visible arms and some high on his neck, coming out of the collar of his Metallica shirt. He’d grown a short goatee, but the dimple in his cheek was still visible as he addressed the crowd. He looked… Great was probably not a strong enough word for how good Eddie Munson looked.

“Your Ex? Like, Eddie Mu-oof” Linda continued until Cindy elbowed her harshly in the side. Linda finally noticed the pale, frozen expression on Chrissy’s face. “Oh.” She mumbled lamely.

“Who's a freak now, Indiana?” Eddie growled into the microphone, his voice raspier than Chrissy remembered it- age, constant performing and steady smoking had settled into his vocal chords in an appealing way. It reminded Chrissy how he used to sound after a show at The Hideout, voice rough from a night of screaming into the mic. 

Eddie tossed the microphone to a nearby dancer, not bothering to check if the unsuspecting man caught it (he did, barely) as he stuck his tongue out, devil horns atop his head. Just like that, Chrissy could see the boy underneath the age, tattoos and facial hair. The 18 year old who couldn’t promise her the world, but promised everything in his world, only for her to break his heart a year and some months later. Out of everyone there, Chrissy looked up and saw no one but Hawkins’ freak with a heart of gold Eddie Munson, but she realized Shredder Eddie Munson of Corroded Coffin didn’t even know she was there. She hadn’t even realized he’d gotten signed, or the band was famous- when had that happened?

Eddie turned, planting another passionate, borderline messy kiss on the pop star's laughing lips. The crowd erupted in another set of cheers, harshly pulling Chrissy back to real life.

Eddie ended the kiss, resting his forehead against the singer’s. The two’s lips were moving through their wide smiles. Chrissy could only imagine the sweet nothings being exchanged. Once upon a time, in a different life, in a quiet trailer park, those sweet nothings had been reserved just for her.

Eddie patted the star on the ass before releasing her from his arms. She laughed as he jogged back to his spot in the wings, hand over her mouth like she couldn’t believe the kiss they’d just shared. Eddie didn’t bother to acknowledge the crowd as he left, no wave goodbye or lude gestures. Before he disappeared from view, he turned to blow a kiss in her direction.

Red faced but smiling gleefully, the starlet pretended to catch it, placing it on her cheek. She stared after him even once he was out of view, only remembering herself when the dancer handed her the microphone.

“Oh, um…” She stumbled her words into the mic, giggling bashfully. She lowered the mic and took a deep breath, physically shaking her limbs. “I was expecting that even less than the rest of you.” She joked once she brought the mic back up to her smudged lips. “Let’s, uh… Let’s move on with the show?” She laughed, unsure how else to move forward with the setlist. The crowd cheered their agreement as she nodded to all her dancers and musicians to get ready to start back up.

“Should we leave?” Cindy asked quietly. Linda stared at Chrissy, waiting for her response.

It was definitely a concert she’d never, ever forget.