#still a rough draft and it might change a bit when I finally get around to this book

[watsittoyah]

Along Came A Spider…2099

Warnings-Sexual content, sex dreams, time travel, oral sex, rough sex, fang play, size kink, and slight blood play.

(My Spanish isn’t great, so I did use google translate to help…)

Chapter 2- Bites & Fangs

The last time you had a depression episode, it was in the tenth grade when your old boyfriend, Peter Parker had dumped you for some girl named Gwen.

Well that was many years ago and now you were depressed because you were watching good burger in your ratty old polka dot robe.

But you were in denial, because every time Erica asked if you were depressed you just lied and said you were just working on something important.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come out? It’s been two weeks.” Erica asks as you press play to Good Burger. “Yeah, I’m good. I got a pizza coming and I got some drafts to work on.” You half lie. There was a pizza coming.

“Tomorrow let’s go to the park and get some fresh air. You need it.” You ignore her and Milo cuddles up close to you. “Please make sure you clean your dishes. I’ll be back around midnight.” Erica calls out.

When she finally leaves you look down at Milo’s orange little face and you kiss his nose. “I think you’re the only boy I can trust, Milo. I’m sure you’d never leave me in a club bathroom with my panties at my ankles right?”

His blue eyes just seem to stare at you and you nod because you’ve entered your crazy cat lady era. “Don’t answer that. Let’s get you some food and I’ll…clean up.” You pause the movie and bring Milo into the kitchen with you.

You pour him a bit of dry food and mix it with some wet food. You place his food down and he look down at the food then back at you. You kneel down and scratch under his chin and he licks your fingers.

“Milo, don’t ever become one of those jerk cats that leads girl cats on. You keep being a good boy.” You comments after you stand up. You look at the kitchen and decide to start cleaning there.

You get some cleaning supplies and sigh heavy. It’s been two weeks since the club incident and you haven’t let yourself think about Miguel since. Sure he lives in the building but you have no clue which apartment. And yeah he lives in the same city as you but you don’t know which parts he goes to.

Sure you still dream about Miguel, you still dream about his touch, his smell…No. No you weren’t going to do this. You were not about to cry over him again.

You sniffle back the tears and wipe your face with the back of your hand. “Stupid good looking bastard. With your good looking hair and cute accent.” You toss some water into a bucket and Milo just stares at you.

“Milo, you might want to leave the kitchen it’s about to get crazy in here.” You tell him. He simply meows and licks your leg.

Maybe you’re about to be on your period. Or maybe you’re just hormonal but him doing that just made you break down and cry. “Come on Milo, stop. I need to mop up my tears.” You say through your cloudy vision….

••••

After two good cries and half a mental breakdown, you were happy with how the apartment looked. You hear the doorbell ring and you make sure Milo was still sleeping at your feet before you went to answer it.

You grab the money from off the counter and open the door to see a young girl with your food. “Medium cheese pizza with garlic knots?” She asks confirming your order. “You got it.” You hand her a twenty and tell her to keep the change. “Actually miss you’re five dollars short.” You give her a side eye and nod. “Let me go and grab you some more money then.” You prop the door open a bit so Milo can’t leave out and you place the food down on the counter.

You go into your wallet and pull out the money you need and go to give it to her. “Here you go.” You hand it to her and she gives an extra big smile. “Tip?” I know fucking we-

“You have a good night.” You tell her. Just as you’re about to close the door. Milo runs between your legs and out the door. “Milo!” You shout after him as you run down the hall.

You almost have him but a door opens and he runs inside. “Milo!” You yell as you start to run inside of the apartment. But something screams stop and you obey that voice in your head.

When you look up your heart was pounding because it was just your luck that it was his apartment. You take several steps back as you see him go back into his apartment. If Milo wasn’t inside you’d be flying back to the apartment and locking yourself inside.

You hear his little meow and you don’t look up because you know those hazel eyes are looking down at you. “Thank you.” You mutter as Miguel hands Milo back to you. “You can’t go running into strangers apartments, Milo. What if they would’ve hurt you? That’s it you’re grounded. No cartoons for a week.” You scold him as you hear Miguel chuckle.

“Isn’t that a bit harsh? I’m sure the little guy didn’t mean it.” You raise a sculpted brow at him and turn without saying a word. “Amo-”

“Don’t call me that. My name is Tommie! Do you understand, Mr. O’Hara? Tommie. Not Amor, not mi corazón. None of those nicknames. You don’t get that privilege after what you fucking did.” You snap at him, causing Miguel to flinch.

“I’m sorry. But I can explain.” You roll your eyes at him and you march to your apartment with Milo tucked in your arms.

You go to slam the door but Miguel stops it and you go to snap at him but he raises his hands to show he means no harm. Instead of arguing, you tell him to close the door before Milo gets out again.

He does what he’s told and you place Milo down on the floor in front of you. He jumps down and he circles Miguel. “Hola niño pequeño. How are you?” Miguel says as he scoops Milo up in his arms.

“Milo isn’t friendly. He loves to scratch, especially at peoples eyes.” You tell Miguel. Milo, the little traitor licks Miguel’s nose and stands on his shoulder.

You narrow your eyes at the cute little monster. “You sleep on the couch tonight.” He gives a cute meow and Miguel picks him up and rubs his belly as Milo goes to lick his fingers. “Your mom is mad at me, do you think you can help me out?”

“First things first, you talking to my roommate kitten isn’t going to get you off of the hook, Mr. O’Hara. He is in the apartment, you can leave.”

You turn away from him and get your pizza and garlic knots. “That smells good, are you and Milo going to eat that?” Miguel asks as he leans against the wall and holds Milo close. You see him from the corner of your eye and you keep the scowl on your face.

“You get one small tiny slice, a glass of tap water and a crumb of my garlic knots. After that you take your crack back to your place.” You say as you motion him to follow you into the kitchen.

He places Milo down and he watches you as you grab two plates from the cabinets. “We wash our hands in this apartment, Mr. O’Hara.” You announce to him. “Yes, Ma’am.” Miguel stands up and as you wash your hands, you pass the soap to him. He takes it, as his fingers brush against yours. Those fingers that have touched you. Those fingers that have been on your mind, those fingers that you’ve been tempted to taste.

You clear your throat and you give him a slice. “I’m sorry about leaving like that. I was an ass and if I were you I wouldn’t talk to me ever again either.”

“So I shouldn’t talk to you? Got it.” You say stubbornly. He sighs and you feel a bit bad for making this difficult for him. But he deserved it…a little. “Am-Tommie. If it helps, I’ve been miserable for not talking to you.”

“You have my number, Miguel you could’ve texted me.”

“The phone works both ways, Tommie.” He says as he accepts the pizza from you. You turn away from him because deep down, you’re actually happy that he’s here. In fact this has been the happiest you’ve been in past two weeks.

You grab a pitcher of ice tea and grab two glasses. “Would you like some ice?” You ask as you place the glasses down on the counter. “I thought you were giving me tap water.” He says with a smirk playing across his lips.

“I can give you tap water if that’s what you want, Miguel.” You grab the glass but he gets a hold of your wrist and he gives you a look that says he’s sorry. “Yes, I’ll have ice.” He says as he uses his thumb to rub your inner wrist.

You stand there longer than necessary and just look into his eyes. Why does this all feel so familiar? You go to speak but the glass knocks out of your hand and you expect to hear a crash. But it never comes because Miguel had caught it effortlessly.

He placed the glass on the counter and you gently take your wrist back. “How many would you like?” You ask as you open the freezer door and try to crack the ice cube tray.

You turn and he was right there. “Here let me.” He takes the tray from you and he cracks it. He takes a small piece and he brings it to your lips. It’s an action you’ve done since you were a child.

Whenever you cracked some ice, you would take the smaller pieces and you’d chew on it. You take it from him and he turns away from you, placing ice in both of the glasses.

“How did he…” You whisper as you suck the ice. You walk over and you pour the ice tea in both of the glasses. You two sit down on the stools and as you eat you pass him the chili pepper flakes. “Gracias, mi amor.”

“You’re welcome.” You say as he shakes some flakes onto his pizza. You take a big bite and you hear Miguel cough from the flakes. “Are you sure you’re part Latino? Can’t even handle pepper flakes.” You tease as you reach over and bite his slice. “Hey, that’s mine.” He says with a laugh.

“Well consider me getting my pouring your tea fee.” You joke. “Then what do I get for cracking the ice for you?” He asks as he leans in close to you. “What do you want?” You ask as you take a sip of your tea.

“I think you know what I want, Tommie.” His eyes travels over your body and you feel warm all over and secretly happy you’re not wearing your ratty robe. “Oh I don’t think that’s equal value, Miguel.” He licks his fingers and you can’t help but think of something else you could be sucking.

“I don’t know, that ice was pretty hard to crack. Maybe I can crack something else for you though.” Miguel says as he places a heavy hand on your bare thigh. He squeezes it and you suck your bottom lip.

“Mmm, don’t go sucking that bottom lip, amor.” You release your lip and pout. “Then what should I do with it?” You ask as you open your legs and feel his thumb rubbing your inner thigh. “Let me suck it for you. You know I do love sucking your lips, mostly these.” His hand travels up your thigh and you let out a moan.

Miguel leans in to kiss you but you jump back. “No, no, no. Not like this. We’re staring over and we’re going to start over as friends.” You close your legs and scoot your chair back from him.

“As friends. Good.” Miguel says as he keeps eyeing you like a hungry dog. “Yes, friends. So how was your day?” You ask as you bounce your leg. “It was miserable in the beginning, all because I mistreated my friend.”

“Oh! Well I hope you groveled and got on your knees to get her forgiveness.” You say as you continue to bounce your leg. “I don’t mind groveling. But I do know she loves when I’m on my knees.” The swallow you made was definitely loud enough for Miguel to hear.

You look at him and Miguel was no longer touching his food, instead he was standing up and letting his chair scrape across the floor. “If you want to be friends, then that’s fine. But I don’t want to be friends. I want you, and I’ll never leave the way I did, Tommie. Now I don’t know about you but I’ve been thinking about the taste of your pussy for the past two weeks and to know the only thing stopping me is your consent and those shorts is making me a bit crazy. So do I have your consent? If no then I’ll unders-”

“Miguel shut up and fuck me.” When you give him the green light he pounces and he lets his chair fall on the floor as he pulls you in.

He lifts you up and he pins you against the refrigerator. He kisses your lips and your hands work on getting his shirt off. “Mmm, Tommie where is your bedroom?” He asks as he sucks your bottom lip. “Down….the hall.” He cups your ass under your shorts and starts walking out of the kitchen. You manage to get his shirt off and you toss it. As you walk pass you grab your glass of ice and Miguel kisses your lips again, twirling his tongue with yours. You suck it and you grab the wall. “That way.” You tell him.

He kicks your door open and then kicks it shut once he’s inside. Miguel places you down on your feet and he looks down at you. “Eres tan hermosa.” He goes to kiss you but you press your fingers against his lips. “I need you to take off these jeans, and take off these boxers.” You tell him as you take a piece of ice into your mouth.

He doesn’t say a word, he simply just does what you’ve asked of him and he stood there like a chiseled stoned god. You press your hand against his taught stomach and he sits down on your bed causing it to creak.

You lower yourself onto your knees and press his thighs apart. He leans down and he kisses you, sucking and biting at your bottom lip as he reaches under your t shirt, massaging your right breast.

You break the kiss first and you grab another piece of ice. “You know, if I would've known you were just down the hall from me, I would’ve invited you over sooner. And we could’ve done this." You press the ice cube against the head of his dick and you watch Miguel’s eyes flutter closed.

“I’ll…remember that when I need a cup of sugar, mi corazón.” He lets out a soft moan and you grip him in your hand. God he was huge, how was this going to fit in your mouth? Let alone inside of you?

You needed at least two hands to hold him properly. So you popped the ice into your mouth, took him in both of your hand and you rolled the ice with your tongue over the tip.

You let the head and the ice past your lips and you suck slowly so you can get use to the size. “Una chica tan buena para mí. My good girl.” You look up at him and see his eyes full of lust. You then suck a bit faster, letting the ice melt away and Miguel lets out a whimper.

You decide to take him in your throat and you feel the tickle in your throat. The gag reflex. But you push past it and Miguel runs his fingers through your hair. “Mine, all fucking mine.” He says as he caresses your face.

You slowly start to bob your head up and down which causes pre to leak from Miguel. You taste it and he shutters. “Amor, amor you don’t have to do…th…that.” You were sucking and using your tongue at the same time which was starting to cause your throat to get tighter.

You don’t answer him, you just keep going. Keep sucking. You see he’s breathing heavy and he tries to move you off but you pin his arms down. Which was ridiculous because you knew he was the stronger one.

Then again maybe he’s weak around you.

He whines about how good your throat feels on the tip and he keeps still so he doesn’t hurt you. You look up into his eyes and you see the lust and want. You try to deep throat him but you feel yourself about to choke. “S…stop. Stop Tommie. Don’t hurt yourself.” Miguel moves you back and you have drool down your chin.

“But I want more, I want you to fuck my throat.” You say staring down at his hard thick dick. “I know, but baby next time. We have all the time in the world. Come here.” He helps you off of your knees and he sits you on his lap.

You spread your legs and his dick was pressed against the front of your shorts. “You feel that?” He presses it up harder against you and you let your head fall back and moan. “Yes, I do.”

“You want this inside of this little pussy don’t you?” You nod, looking into his ruby eyes. “I don’t think you do, amor. I think it’s too big for you to handle.”

You pout and caress his cheek. “I want you, I want you inside of me. I want you to fuck me till I can’t stand. Miguel please.” You beg as you flick your tongue out against his puffy bottom lip.

“Esa boca tuya...it’s gonna get you in trouble.” He says as he sucks your tongue. You moan and flick your tongue against his teeth. “I think my mouth is worth the trouble.” You say to him. You feel his hands grip your thighs and that’s when you hear your shorts rip. You don’t even both to look down, you can feel that he has it positioned right against you.

He slaps the head against the head of your clit and you let out a moan. “Relax for me, Tommie. I want this to feel good. Let me help you feel good.” You nod and as he slides his dick in you, your mouth forms a big O and you grip his forearms.

He hisses and moans how tight you are against your neck. He thrusts in slowly and you rest your body against him. He picks up his pace a little and turns your head so that he can kiss you.

“Does this hurt? Please let me know if I’m hurting you.” You shake your head. “Issgood.” You moan out as you take his hand and bring it to your clit. He rubs it slowly as he thrust in a bit faster.

“God I could fuck you for hours, mi princesa.” He continues to rub your clit as he grips your waist with the other hand. You were in heaven right now, getting your pussy filled while inhaling this man scent. You were in such lust, your legs were aching.

His thrusts start to get animalistic and you can feel his teeth starting to scrape gently across your brown skin.

You lean your head back against his shoulder and you moan out the first thing that comes to mind. “Do it…I want you to.” Miguel’s breathing starts to become heavy and his grip on you feels as if it’s going to leave bruises.

“Whatever you want, amor. I’ll do it. Whatever you want.” His voice sounds harsh and his starts to rub you slower as he thrusts faster, which makes your body start to shake. “Bite me…please bite me.” You moan out as your eyes roll back from him fucking you like a rag doll.

He lets go of your waist and he grips your shoulder. You feel the sharp pain for only a second and you feel not just his fang like teeth biting down on your shoulder, but you feel him coming deep inside of you. You groan out a few words in gibberish and you come hard.

You feel him let go and your body feels weak against him. He leans his head against your back as you feel warm liquid roll down your breasts. When you finally feel some strength enter your body you see four bite marks on your shoulder.

Before you can open your mouth, Miguel licks it clean and he slides out of you. You wince and he places you on the bed. From his body language you can tell he was going to bolt.

And you were right he stands up abruptly and he was about to leave but you grab his hand. “Stop. Don’t you dare leave me again.” You say in a command you didn’t know you could muster.

“It’ll be wise for you to let go, amor.” Miguel says in a strange tone. “I’ll let go when I know your aren’t going to leave me…” His shoulders were tense and you stand up trying to look Miguel in the eyes. But he turned his face.

“Miguel look at me.” You say to him. He looks away and this time you reach up and grab a hold of his face. “Look at me, please.” Your voice cracks and he looks down at you.

He had the same face you saw back from the club only this time he looked vulnerable. Your grip on him loosens and you give a gentle smile. “You are so pretty.” You tell him.

He bursts out laugh and you see his four fangs in the moonlight. His laugh was contagious because your started laughing as well. “You, are so odd, amor.” Miguel says as he wipes the corner of his eyes.

“Well I’m sorry I had to say the first thing that came to mind and you look pretty.” Miguel rolls his eyes. “I’m a man, I’m not meant to be pretty.”

You place your hands on your hips. “Well to me you are pretty, Miguel O’Hara.” You smile at him and you take a step forward. Carefully because you don’t know if he still might leave.

“May I?” You ask as you reach up. You can see the hesitation in his face and you reach back. “You don’t have t-” He takes your hands and places them on his face. He slowly opens his mouth and he shows you his teeth. You don’t say a word. Instead you rub your fingers against his four fangs. They feel sharp and they should scare you, but oddly enough you like them.

“Does that mean I’m going to turn into a vampire?” You finally ask. He gets a hold of your hands and he kisses each finger. “No mi corazón, you won’t turn into a vampire, because I am not one.”

“Then what are you?”

“Oh I’m something much worse than that.” You furrow your brows trying to get an answer out of him but he isn’t budging. “Does it hurt? Your fangs?” He shakes his head. “Are you hurt? I didn’t mean to bite you that hard. I was kind of lost in the moment.”

You feel your face get hot as you shake your head. “No, it…felt good.” He crouched down and and study’s your face. “Are you hurt down there?” He asks. You look down at your feet and shake your head again. “No, that felt good too. Could we?”

Miguel laughs again and holds a hand over his stomach. “Of course you’d want to have sex again. And I want to but right now, I’m…a little too excited in another sense. And you look tired.”

“No I’m not.” You yawn and you hate that your body betrayed you. “Come, come. Let’s get you into bed.” He leads you to your bed and helps you in.

“But I have more questions.” You tell him. “I know you do, and I’ll have answers for you in the morning.” He leans down and kisses your forehead and before he leans back you grab his arm. “Miguel…I forgive you.” You tell him.

He gives you a warm smile. “Thank you.” He says as he searches your eyes. “W…will you be there when I wake up?” You ask, not wanting him to leave. Because maybe this is a dream and if it is, you didn’t want to wake up.

“I’ll stay the night. Now give me a second.” You let him go and he looks around the room. He finds his boxers and you watch as he puts them on. He leaves the room for about ten minutes and when he comes back. He hands you a glass of water and he crawls under the covers and lays beside you.

“Is this better?” He asks as you take a sip of water and place the glass on your nightstand. You nod and curl up close to him. You place your hand against his bare chest and maybe it’s the trick of the light or maybe you’re just tired. But you see a ring on your finger as you look at your hand.

You blink and the ring was no longer there. “Night, Miguel.” You whisper as your body relaxes. “Good night, mi amor.” Miguel says as he pulls you close to his body.

The last thing you think of is if this is a dream, you just didn’t want to wake up…

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[cuubism]

I have been absolutely loving Bookstore Cryptid Dream! Offline life got rough for a bit there, but this little universe never failed to make my heart happy. Thank you - and I hope you're planning on more!

i've indeed had one in my drafts so i finished it up for you :)

--

Hob has been waiting with equal parts anticipation and trepidation to find out exactly what ideas Dream will pull from his romance novels. He still hasn't figured out why he picked romance novels as his manuals. Maybe he needs his sex positions to have narratives. Maybe he's into roleplay. God.

But Hob doesn't get to find out.

He's been busy for a few days--new term at the local uni starting up means the cafe's suddenly gotten busier--and while Dream's popped in and out a few times, they haven't had the chance to spend much time together. It's probably good, Hob tries to convince himself. Puts the brakes on things, just a little.

But when he finally gets a break, hands the reins over to his staff for an evening, he heads to The Library. Even if Dream is busy with his own tasks, Hob's content to just sit in his space. Listen to his stories. It's not something the busy cafe environment usually allows, but The Library is like an alternate world, cool, quiet, and timeless.

Hob strides up the steps and opens The Library door.

And there's nothing inside.

It takes several moments for his tired brain to comprehend what he's looking at, and several more for him to decide that no, he's not dreaming. He steps through the doorway into a dim, empty room, old wood-paneled walls and dust gathering in the corners, and no infinite winding paths of shelves like in Dream's bookshop. Just a shell.

Hob presses his palm to the wall. It's cool, and smooth, and very much real. Not some mad hallucination of his, this empty room.

Blinking hard, Hob steps back outside, closes the door again, as if that might change things. Opens it again. Same room. Does it again. Same room. He calls out into the empty bowels of the once-Library: "Dream!"

No answer, of course.

Hob had known that The Library had a sort of magic to it. But just vanishing into thin air...

And Dream wouldn't...

...would he?

Hob spins in place on the stoop, looking out on the darkened street which suddenly feels so much more eerie. He steps down to the road in a daze, looking around as if The Library might suddenly appear in another doorway. Resists the urge to yell Dream's name into the darkness.

And then, well, fuck it. "Dream!" he calls. All that echoes back to him is his own voice.

Hob sits down on the stoop, defeated. If he hadn't seen Dream just yesterday, kissed him on his way out of the cafe not twenty-four hours ago, he really might have started to think he'd hallucinated all of this. Invented someone he'd wanted to know.

But he didn't invent Dream, he swears he didn't--so then where is he?

Hob doesn't sleep much that night. He doesn't do much of anything else, either--it's not like Dream left a note to track him down, or any evidence of his existence. It's not like Hob can put up missing person posters: have you seen this bookshop? Or force it to reappear.

He's having a very sleep-deprived, very over-caffeinated morning shift in the cafe, contemplating how long one's not-quite-human not-quite-boyfriend needs to be not-quite-missing before it's reasonable to start finding out which parts of London harbor demons and sorcerers--when a man he's never seen before stops at the counter, hands folded before him, and says, "Excuse me, but do you know if there's a bookshop around here?"

Hob has never seen anyone else ever go into The Library or even acknowledge its existence, and Hob's anxiety is so high that he almost leaps over the counter to grab this man by the collar and demand, what do you know about Dream?! Fortunately he belays that impulse. This stranger really does look almost laughably harmless and definitely not like a demon or sorcerer, not that Hob's seen one--and getting arrested for assault is not going to help anything.

"I tried the door," continues the stranger, as Hob just keeps staring at him, conflicted, "only, well. It seems to have vanished."

Well, at least Hob's not hallucinating. Not that a disappearing bookstore is helpful to his sanity.

After what was surely a conspicuously long silence, though his visitor just waits patiently, Hob says, "Have... you been there before?" He feels weirdly defensive of The Library, even if it's currently AWOL. He doesn't know if he wants random people to be able to find Dream.

Or maybe that's just jealousy.

"Oh, no, this is my first time coming this way," says the man, apologetically. "I'm just looking for a certain book."

Damn odd timing for it.

Hob comes out from behind the counter and waves him over to a table. He should probably get some tea. Proper hospitality and all. But he's too worked up and way too sleep-deprived.

His guest sits down primly at the table as Hob slouches against the back of his own seat. "Sorry," Hob finally says, "if I'm--" he waves a vague hand. "Dream's had trouble before, that's all." He holds out his hand to his guest. "Hob."

The man shakes his hand. "Hm. A pleasure. I am Aziraphale. To any associate of--" he tastes the name, "Dream's, that is."

It's interesting that The Library's reputation carries further than knowledge of Dream himself, despite how deeply Dream seems to be tied to the shop.

"Is it meant to be there, then?" asks Aziraphale hopefully. "I wouldn't blame him for moving around to protect the collection; I certainly wouldn't want all and sundry picking through the shelves!" He shudders. "Though I was hoping to find that book."

Hob doesn't bother asking what book. Whatever it is, Dream will certainly have it. What's more important is--

"'Moving around?' Do you know how?" And then, realizing if he wants a chance at info he's going to need to offer some of his own, adds, "You just missed him, it's only today that The Library's been... gone."

"Oh, dear," says Aziraphale, now looking troubled.

"Not sure what pointed you towards this place, but if you've heard anything..." Hob continues, "Dream is my--" what is Dream, anyway? They haven't established it, "...friend."

Looking contemplative, Aziraphale says, "Well it is odd timing, now that you mention it, because--"

That's when the door to The Library flies open.

A lanky man comes hurtling down the steps, limbs akimbo, yelling something over his shoulder that Hob can't hear from within the cafe. "Oh dear," says Aziraphale again, with a mix of concern and consternation. "Crowley!"

Dream storms out of the doorway next, expression thunderous, his hair sticking up in all directions like he'd been struck by lightning. That has Hob lurching to his feet, which Aziraphale does as well, and they both rush outside, just in time to hear--

"Look, it's just one silly book, okay?" The unfamiliar man--Crowley, presumably--says, stopping in the middle of the road and turning towards Dream. "Don't overreact."

Dream is, in fact, clutching a singular heavy book, and looks like he's just about to hurl it, except that Dream would never do something so undignified as that, Hob thinks.

Dream hurls the book at Crowley.

Or not.

Crowley catches it against his chest, stumbling back with the weight. "I do not accept," spits Dream, each word the strike of a nail, "surreptitious rummaging in my library."

"Oh come on," says Crowley, tossing the book to Aziraphale, who's just caught up to him and who catches it with a surprised little umph! sound. Crowley makes a shooing sort of go on, run gesture to Aziraphale, which he doesn't heed. "It's not like I was going to burn the place down. You're just prejudiced against demons."

"I am prejudiced against thieves," hisses Dream. Hob finally reaches his side before he can throw another book or something, lays a hand on Dream's arm. Though all he's really thinking is, demons?!

"Crowley," Aziraphale admonishes. "Please tell me you did not." He finally looks at the cover of the book, and gasps. "Crowley."

Crowley shrugs. "You wanted it, he had it."

Hob frowns, confused. "You don't need to steal from The Library. It's not a museum. Just go in and buy it." Not that Hob's ever actually paid for any of Dream's books.

Both Crowley and Aziraphale turn to him. "One could not simply give away such an artifact," says Aziraphale, caressing the book's leatherbound cover.

"Least not for a steep price," says Crowley, which evidently justifies his trying to swipe it. "I won't be beholden to the likes of you." He points at Dream.

Dream looks affronted. "Now who is prejudiced?"

"Let's back up," Hob says, unsure how he became the voice of reason here. He still has a hand wrapped around Dream's arm, it's grounding after the way Dream had just vanished on him. "What happened? Dream-- I tried to come over and you were just gone." The empty room past The Library doorway is going to continue to be nightmare fuel.

Dream makes an apologetic little sound. "I apologize. I closed all access to The Library for its protection. As it turned out, my assessment of the threat was overstated." He glares at Crowley and adds, darkly, "I thought you were from the school board. Breaking in in the dead of night like so."

Hob momentarily gets stuck on the fact that Dream considers the local school board a greater threat than an actual demon from hell.

"Which," Dream continues, "was utterly unnecessary. You could have simply come to The Library as a visitor and sought out what you were looking for. It would have been granted."

"Oh, so I was just supposed to know you actually sell your books?"

"The books will find their rightful recipients," Dream says stiffly.

"Crowley, you have been very rude," says Aziraphale, though he hasn't given up the book, "I think you should apologize."

"Eh," says Crowley, waving this off. Hob supposes it wouldn't really be given to demons to apologize for things. "You apologize if you really want to."

Aziraphale turns to Dream with a sigh. "I am sorry for my companion's behavior. And... grateful for the book."

Dream nods solemnly at him. It seems his ire does not extend to Aziraphale.

Crowley leans back on his heels, closer to Aziraphale. "Mayyybee we should go now."

Aziraphale nods. "Quite." He tips his head at Dream, and then at Hob. "Thank you for your hospitality, Hob."

Then he turns and hurries away, Crowley slinking along beside him. As they leave, Hob hears Aziraphale admonish, "Do you know how few booksellers there are with truly rare volumes? We cannot afford to make such enemies."

"Yeah, you're welcome, angel."

"...Thank you."

Hob shakes his head in bemusement and turns back to Dream. He takes both of Dream's arms in his hands now, holding onto him, looking him over. Unable to fully vanish the lingering panic of The Library just being gone. "Are you alright? I was... worried. When you disappeared."

"I am annoyed," Dream huffs, like it's a greater point of suffering than any actual injury. Then he leans in close to Hob, pressing a hand to his chest. "I apologize. I did not intend to cause you distress. I had to shut the doors rather quickly, but I hoped to resolve the issue before you had cause to visit The Library."

"It's alright, love. I'm just glad you're okay." He kisses Dream, tentative for how new this all still is. Tastes lightning on his lips. Dream hums with pleasure.

When they pull apart, Hob wraps an arm around Dream's back, starts leading him back towards the cafe, or perhaps just to Hob's flat above. Tea solves everything. "So. The school board, eh?"

Dream sighs with the weight of the world on his shoulders. "They are enthusiastic about banning books."

Hob pulls him against his side, kisses his temple. "Dream against the world."

Dream grumbles, but leans his head on Hob's shoulder, and despite the many strange things of today Hob is going to have to internalize, he feels all soft inside at the gesture.

"Don't worry," he says, "next time your many enemies come calling, just yell and I'll create a diversion."

"And be waiting with tea after I've dealt with them?"

"Got it in one."

As they reach the door to the cafe, Dream turns his head to kiss Hob's shoulder. "You are good to me, Hob Gadling."

And Hob will keep being so. Even when the next strange thing happens.

[avelera]

Avelera's Dreamling Fic Status Update:

Keeping Sanctuary (subscribe for updates here) - Giving Sanctuary Sequel follows Dream and Hob from the events of the altered meeting in 1689 up to the modern era. (aka, What if they hooked up after the 1689 meeting?) Current word count: ~7,000 words across several chapters. Realistic progress update: 1/10 complete total, Ch. 1 is about 1/5 complete.

(The rest are below the cut!)

Come live with me and be my love - Dream and Hob fall in love during the Regency Era when Dream loses a bet to Desire. Shenanigans ensue. (aka, What if they hooked up after the 1789 meeting?) Ch. 16 is at 2,500 words, probably about 1/3 done. Current plan is to wrap up Part 1 in the next few chapters then create a part 2 which finishes out their "1 year of marriage" on a month by month basis instead of following them day to day like Part 1 done. Probably won't be a separate fic though, just a change of format.

This Rough Magic - My take on "Hob rescues Dream from Burgess" with a twist that Hob ends up on Burgess's radar himself when he picked up some occult magic skills in the hopes of contacting Dream after 1889 and apologizing. Now he has to pretend to be friends with Burgess in order to get them both out of there, because Burgess thinks Hob can help force Dream to give him immortality. (aka, What if they hooked up after the 1889 meeting?) Ch. 9 is about 800 words in. Story is still very much in progress I just have a lot of WIPs, as you can see.

Joke's On You (I'm Into That) - The 1589 meeting goes very different when Hob proposes to Dream, who is so offended that he just can't let the matter go. A very angry, very horny competition kicks off between them. (Aka, what if they hooked up in 1589 when they were both at their absolute worst as people?) I have literally 40,000 words written for the rest of this fic. The problem is, there's big gaps in that first draft I have to fill in and scenes that need to be added. This might be my favorite WIP but it's also the hardest to write with all the smut scenes so it'll arrive whenever I can manage, I'm afraid.

Banana Daiquiris Ch. 2 - Comic-canon compliant (mostly) - Dream fakes his death to go on a vacation with Hob and Destruction. They end up in Tahiti. Destruction plays matchmaker. Hob doesn't know whether to thank Destruction or strangle him. Current word count 6,000 words. I've been playing around with adding on to this fic for ages. One of these days, I'll pull it all together.

Great Triumphs and Tragedies - aka, "Dream Accidentally Cursed Hob with a Normal Life" Fic - Dream learns that from 1689 on, Hob's life has been safe. Too safe. Improbably safe. Nothing bad or extraordinary or even terribly special has happened to him since Dream began to consider Hob his friend. He knows this because during his imprisonment, Hob's life became exciting again and suddenly went back to normal the day Dream was freed. Hob is not convinced that Dream is the reason for this, Dream disagrees. They talk about it. And fight about it. And some things that they've probably needed to talk about for a long time finally get said. (aka, sometimes the author just needs to write their weird headcanon into a 20,000 word fic that's almost entirely dialogue). Current word count: 19,000 words and about 80-90% finished, 3 of 4 chapters written. I'm hoping that posting what I've got will help push me through the final stretch. Real life interrupted for a bit though.

Unraveling Centuries, aka the Hob Amesia Fic - Dream and Hob are dating officially now in the 21st century when Hob gets hit with what seems to be a memory loss curse, shaving off 100 years of his life each day until Dream finds a cure. This effectively grants Dream a walk down memory lane as he is reacquainted with the Hob of each era and, in the process, learns how much longer Hob cared for him than Dream ever realized. Current word count: 40,000 words. Currently writing 1489 (1889-1589 are done) and re-writing the opening. First chapter is posted!

And for fics that haven't been posted anywhere yet (you can subscribe on my Ao3 author page for alerts about them):

"Fairy God Marlowe" - 1589 fixit fic where Hob and Kit Marlowe strike up a conversation while Dream and Shaxberd are talking. Hob and Marlowe talk about plays, and faith, and salvation, and queer love, and what it means to live forever. Hob gets a second chance at a first impression. Current word count: ~5,000 words. Sadly, it's all dialogue in script format. I'd need to convert it into prose to publish which would be a slog. So it's a bit shelved until I find the energy to do so. No, I will not post it in script format, I'm allergic to the thought.

I've got a few other concepts kicking around, but these are the ones that actually have (*does a quick calculation*) over 100,000 words written that I haven't had the chance to post yet?? And it's driving me insane????

Anyway, I should probably pin this post for those curious lol. Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions, I love talking about WIPs even as they ruin my life!

[glassartpeasants]

The Man In the Garden

Eustass Kid x F!Reader

Warnings: mentions of blood and giving stitches

A/N: First time writing for Kidd so hope its good. Also this isn't the dark one i was talking about. I'm still working on that and its in the rough draft stage <3

~~~

It had been a horrible past few days of beating heat. Every time you stepped outside, you felt like you were going to melt or get skin cancer. It was even worse when talking to plants was the only exciting thing you could do in your small town was talk to plants. There was never anything going on, and you felt like your life was wasting away. All you asked for was some excitement in your everyday life. You thought you’d never get it, but today, something changed.

While tending to your potatoes, you hear a loud thud coming from the other side of your garden. You couldn't see anything when you turned your head around, but you heard a groan from the tomato crops. With quick and gentle steps, you move towards the noise. It must have been a deer since you live near the forest, but your eyes widen when you see a man lying on the ground. You could see small bits of blood around him and immediately grow concerned. 

“Your bleeding! Stay right here, and don’t move! I’ll get you first aid!” A small groan leaves the man as you run into your home. Slamming open the medicine cabinets, you grab all the first aid things you can before returning to the injured man, still in the same place.

“Okay, I got first aid.” You use all your might to push him onto his back so you can see where his wound is. When you did find it, your heartbeat only increased when you saw the massive gash on his forehead continue to bleed. Groans no longer left him as he must have passed out from the pain or blood loss. 

Not wasting any more time, you wipe off the gash on his head. Dirt and blood cover the disinfectant wipes before you grab the more advanced first aid kit so you can stitch the wound close. You were, thankfully, an apprentice to the only doctor in town, so you had all the medical knowledge he could give. You were almost about to become an official doctor, yet you still doubted your abilities.

Grabbing his head, you gently place it on your lap as you begin stitching the gash close. Blood still dripped out, but it was nothing worth worrying about. It didn’t take long to finish it, though. It was the same with the task of bandaging his head so the stitches would get infected.

Small bits of blood clung to your clothing as you worked on the other wounds across his body. The other concerning wound was the one on his stomach, which wasn’t as bad as the head injury. There were other minor cuts, but they only needed some simple bandaids. While wrapping his stomach, trying your best to make it as comfy as possible, you realize that you can’t just leave the man outside, not in this blistering heat and in this condition. You sigh as you finish his stomach bandages, trying to pinpoint a way to get him inside that doesn't involve you straining all your muscles. You decide to give up and just choose to drag him inside. 

When you did manage to drag him inside, you used the rest of your strength to lay him on the couch. Your muscles screamed in agony, but you knew you weren’t done yet. Grabbing his goggles, you place them on the counter by the sink to wash them off. The sheer size of the jacket wouldn’t fit in your washer, so you’d have to clean it by hand, no doubt. 

You wondered what could have done so much damage to a man of his stature. He looked like he could snap you in two if he felt like it. Also, you didn’t know what he would do when he woke up. What were you gonna do? You don’t know his name, where he’s from, and what happened to him. You tried calling the doctor you worked under, but he never answered. All you could do was hope that you had done the stitching perfectly.

~~~

Dinner had almost finished when you heard shuffling from the living room. You move quickly as you hope to see the man finally waking up. Thankfully, he was, slowly but surely.

“Oh! You're awake! I’m glad to see you're not in a coma or anything…” You must have startled him cause he quickly moved to see where the voice came from. With such a sudden movement, the gash on his stomach must have gotten irritated cause he let out a loud groan in pain.

“Where the hell am I?! And who the hell are you?!” The man tried to stand up quickly, but the quick jerk had his body falling back onto the couch as he held his stomach in pain.

“Please don’t get up so quickly! You could hurt yourself more!” You quickly run to his aid to inspect his wounds. Making sure nothing opened.

“Okay, no blood. That’s a relief. My names (Y/N) and your in my house. You tumbled over my fence and lost consciousness in my garden. You were bleeding profusely, so I took care of you and brought you inside. Is your sight okay? You had a nasty gash on your head that I stitched up.” The man looked at you with a frown as his eyes scanned the room.

“It’s fine. Where’s my coat and goggles?” His tone was snappy, but you chose to ignore it.

“I washed your coat as it was covered in dirt and dry blood. It’s currently drying. Your goggles, which I washed too, are on the kitchen table.” You see him hold his head and groan in pain.

“I made dinner. Would you like some? It’ll give you energy, and I’ll get you some water.”

“...Fine.” You smile at him before making your way to grab plates and dish up the food. You hold his water and plate before bringing it to him. As soon as it was in his hands, you saw the man scarf down the food like he hadn’t eaten in days. Putting the water down on the coffee table, you grab your food and goggles. You sit on the chair next to the couch.

“Is the food good? I just made a random guess as to what you might like.” The man looks at you with a straight face, making you let out a nervous laugh. His eyes felt soul-piercing.

“It’s fine.” It must be more than fine with how he’s inhaling it with insane speed. He’s probably just a man of few words.

“Can I know the name of the man who's been sleeping on my couch for the past 6 hours?” He looks at you questioningly, and you send one in return.

“You're telling me you’ve never seen or heard of me?” The look of offense made you giggle.

“Sorry, can’t say I do. We don’t get much news on the world here. Hell, I don’t think we’ve had a single pirate walk the beaches in a year? Not many people come to our small community.”

“Hmph! That’s stupid! Well, just so you know my name, it’s Eustass ‘Captian’ Kidd! And I’m going to find the one piece and be King of the Pirates!” A smug look on his face told you that he expected you to freak out for helping a pirate and bringing him into your home.

“Is that so? Well, Captain, what brings you here?” The frown on his face made a small smile appear on yours. You weren’t gonna show fear! Plus! He was hurt, so how much damage could he possibly do?

“I was getting supplies to make it to the Sabaody Archipelago, but you see how that worked out.”

“What happened?”

“None of your business.” By now, his plate was devoid of all the food he had only minutes ago. His water was gone as well.

“Would you like some more?” He said nothing as he looked away, giving you a slight nod and handing you his plate. He seemed to be thinking about what his next course of action was. You quickly go to the kitchen and dish him up again before returning it to him.

“What’s your plan? Surely you're not going to sea with such nasty gashes? The chances of infection could multiply!” He looked at you with cheeks full of food, which only made you laugh at the cute sight.

“Obviously, not staying in this town! If I want to survive the new world, I have to deal with some wounds like it's nothing!” You scrunch your nose at his words. Surely he couldn’t be so careless?

“Ah, so you want to go to the new world with a wound you just got? Going to the new world without having all your strength ready?”

“I do what I want! If I want to go to the new world, I’m going to the fucking new world!” You’d be lying if you said his angry face isn’t cute. His hair was everywhere as the goggles holding it together were no longer there.

“Alright, if you get an infection and lose an arm, don’t come bitching and moaning to me.”

“I won’t! After this, I’m calling my crew to come get me. Since apparently I can’t walk without feeling like my guts are being stabbed.” He gives you a look a child does to a parent who just told them no as he searches his pockets.

“What the fuck? It was right in my pocket!”

“What was?”

“My transponder snail to call my crew!” He turns to you with an accusatory look.

“I don’t know! There was no transponder snail where you collapsed.” His face turned into one of annoyance and anger.

“God fucking damnit! How long would it take for those idiots to find me?”

“Since it’s such a small area, I’d say not too long. But probably not tonight, though. Everyone’s sure to be sleeping.”

“Fucking great.” He put the plate on the table before leaning back against the couch. A sigh of frustration left his lips as he looked up at the ceiling.

“I need to change your bandages. Will you let me?”

“I can do it myself!” You put your hands up in defense as you hear him grumble something. Returning to the bathroom, you grab the first aid kit and take a breath. It felt like it was gonna be a long night.

“Here. If you need me, I will be in the kitchen doing dishes and other chores.” Placing the kit beside him, you go to start said chores.

~~~

It was about an hour that you left Kidd alone to fix himself. He hasn’t said a thing, so maybe you should have given him more credit.

“Hey, lady!” Nevermind. You roll your eyes as you return to the living room to see him in the same condition you left him.

“I have a name, you know.” It was his turn to roll his eyes before he looked at you. His cheeks slightly red as he held out the bandages in his hands.

“Alright…” You decide not to comment as you just take the bandages from his hand and plop down next to him on the couch. You reach out to his face only for him to jerk away.

“I need to remove the bandages, and for that, I need to touch your face and head.” With a frown, he moved closer so you could take them off.

“This might hurt.” You start to take off the bandages slowly so you won’t hurt him. A small part of the stitches got caught on the dressings and got slightly tugged on. Kidd let out a hiss before grabbing your thigh and squeezing it without thinking. You tried not to pay attention, but you could feel your face warm up.

“Sorry, Kidd, I’ll get you some pain pills after alright?” He said nothing, as he just let you continue working on him.

“Do you have a free hand to hold up your hair, or will I have to put it in a small ponytail? The hand that wasn’t on your thigh moved to pull his hair back. You mutter a small thank you as you gently bandage it up.

“Alright, now your stomach.” It must have been this moment when Kidd Realized his hand placement as he jerked it back towards himself. A slight pink blush covered his face. 

~~~

You finished his stomach without trouble before leading him to the guest bedroom.

“You need to sleep well in order to heal. So here is my guest bedroom. My bedroom is next door if you need anything, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah…” There was a second of silence between the two of you.

“Well, goodnight Kidd. Hope you feel better in the morning. You smile at him before making your way to your room. You close the door and hear the guest bedroom door close soon after. Discarding your clothes for some pajamas, you start your skincare routine before slithering under the covers. A cold feeling bites your skin as you feel more lonesome than usual. Maybe you weren’t used to having a hot man sleeping in your guest bedroom.

~~~

You slept through the night relatively easy. You almost forgot about the man you helped yesterday, but the sound of loud snoring reminded you. Sounded like he needed that sleep badly if he wasn’t waking up from how loud his own snores were. You just let him rest before going downstairs and starting breakfast and coffee. It was fun to guess what he might like, but you made some eggs and bacon. It's basic but reliable. You didn’t know how he liked his coffee, so you just brought him water again. Knocking on the door gently, you try to make your way inside the room without dropping anything/

“Kidd?” You hear a groan come from the other side of the door.

“Can I come in? I have breakfast and water for you.” A rough sounding ‘okay’ comes from the other side of the door. You open the door and only see his hair sticking out of the blanket.

“Cold?” You laugh as you place his food on the nightstand. You smile as you watch him emerge from the blankets to eat the food. This time not scarfing down what was in front of him.

“You sleep well?” He gave you a quick nod before continuing to eat.

“DO you want some coffee?”

“No, it’s bad for your skin and gross.” He gave you an annoyed glance as you giggled at his response. You sit on the end of the bed and look at him.

“I’m curious, what’s your most crazy adventure yet?” Kidd stops eating and gives you a questioning look.

“I mean, I’m probably never gonna get out of this boring town, so I just want to hear some stories about what it’s like on the blue seas? Who better to ask than the future King of the Pirates himself?” A smug look crossed his face before he swallowed his food.

“Since you asked so nicely, I’ll tell you the reason for my bounty of 350 million berri’s!” Even if it meant fueling his ego, you were curious about what you’d never get to see.

~~~

How you looked at him with fascination while he told you stories about his adventures made his ego soar. You listened to everyone, and with every new story, you only seemed more enchanted about his life on the seas.

“I’m so jealous. Every day is a new adventure for you. Your out slaying sea kings, and I’m stuck here. I mean, I have nothing holding me back, but this is all I’ve ever known. I know nothing of the places outside of here. I have medical knowledge, but that’s only because I'm under a doctor who moved here to retire.” Your face soon turns into a frown as you look off to space. Sounds like a miserable existence. Yet, not taking steps to leave yourself? You look so weak with such words.

“Enough about me, though. Do you have any more stories?” A sad smile was still evident on your face as you looked at him.

“I’ve eaten the Jiki Jiki no Mi fruit, which allows me to create magnetic forces and use it to control metal.”

“Really?! I’ve never met someone with devil fruit powers before!” Your interest in his abilities and the way you looked at him made a smug look appear on his face.

“You have to show me! I can’t imagine how strong it must be!”

“Of course, it’s strong! I could crush a canon before it even shoots!” You scooted your body closer to the middle of the bed to hear him tell you more. Sitting crisscrossed, you had your arms on your thighs as you looked at him excitedly. A big smile on your face while waiting for him to continue.

“A captain needs a strong crew, so I’m not gonna let any weak nobodies join! Me and my crew are the most feared ‘rookie’ pirates from the South blue!”

“That's so far! Where's your next stop after this again? I can’t imagine how far it is from here!”

“Sabaody Archipelago! The place you need to go to get to the new world!” With the way you looked at him, he could tell you stories for hours. You were like a little fan, and he wanted to hear more of your admiration.

He was going to tell you another one, but a sharp pain shot through his head, causing him to yell out a quick ‘fuck’ before holding his head. He dropped the fork that held his food and grit his teeth at the pain.

“Oh shit! Are you okay?!” He could feel you crawl closer to him in a quick motion just to check what was happening.

“I’ll go get you some pain meds! Is it your head in general, or is it specifically where the stitches are?”

“The stitches, damnit!”

“Okay! Don’t worry, you’ll be okay!” He could hear you running down the stairs to find some pain meds. He could only hope that you’d find them quickly.

Thankfully, you did, but you feared infection, so you tried to call the doctor again. Hoping that he might bring some antibiotics and anything else he could. You could feel your heartbeat in your ears as you heard the phone ring.

“Ah (Y/N)! What can I do for you?”

“I have a friend that needs help! I’m afraid his stitches are infected! Can you bring some antibiotics and come over? I’m really worried about him!”

“Your lucky that it’s dead in the clinic. I’ll see what I can do, okay?”

“Thank you, I’ll see you soon.”

~~~

“Okay, Kidd, the doctors here. He’s got some things to fix you up.” By now, Kidd was out of the covers and lying on the bed over the covers. You walk the doctor to the guest room, and as soon as the doctor sees the man on the bed, his eyes go wide.

“(Y-Y/N)...Do you know who he is?!” Kidd looks at you, gritting his teeth. Both of you worry about what the doctor would do.

“That’s Captain Kidd! He has a 350 million berri’s on his head! We should call the-”

“No!” You run towards the door and block the doctor's only way out.

“Please, doctor! I just need you to ensure he will be okay!”

“(Y/N) He’s a pirate!”

“So?! Our duty as healthcare workers is to help anyone and everyone, is it not?!”

“Yes, but he’s a dangerous man!”

“Please! Just take care of him and make sure he’s okay! He hasn’t laid a hand on me! I can’t just let him be in pain even if he is a pirate!” You weren’t gonna let Kidd leave this island with an infection, and you weren’t gonna let the doctor go without treating him.

“Why are you so concerned for him? He’ll get caught by the government sooner or later, so it’d be easier to do it now!”

“Cause he’s my boyfriend, alright?! So if he’s going down, I’ll go with him! Just fix him!” You see the doctor, and Kidd widen their eyes at your words. It was a lie, of course, but maybe you could pull the doctor's heartstrings. The room was silent as you continued to look the doctor straight in the eyes. Tears rim your eyes as you grit your teeth.

“Fine. But he’s not gone by 8pm tonight. I’m calling the Marines. And as for you, you are no longer my apprentice.” You feel a sharp twinge in your heart hearing the doctor's words, but you weren’t gonna back down now.

“Thank you.”

The doctor made his way to Kidd’s side, but all he could pay attention to was you. You had just given up your job for him. A man you only met yesterday. You even called him your boyfriend, with tears swelling in your eyes. He didn’t understand. Throwing everything away simply to help a pirate? Were you crazy?

You moved your body to sit next to him on the bed and gave him an awkward smile. He could feel the doctor's eyes on the both of you, and you must have too, cause you grabbed Kidd’s hand and held it. Kidd’s face grew hot at the foreign feeling, but he didn’t pull his hand away. If he wanted to ensure he got proper medical care, he’d have to suck it up. He supposed holding your hand didn’t feel that bad either.

~~~

The doctor finished with Kidd and gave him some antibiotics before leaving. He stopped at the guest bedroom door and reminded you both about the deal.

“Don’t worry, you’ll never see him again.” With a gruff, the doctor left, and the sound of the front door closing made the both of you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding.

“Thank god that’s over.”

“Boyfriend, huh?” You give him an embarrassed look before grabbing a pillow and threatening to hit him with it.

“Shut up! It fixed you, didn’t it?! Now be quiet while I try to figure out how to drag your ass to your ship without anyone freaking out.” Dropping the pillow, you lose yourself in thought, not noticing your hand still in his.

“We docked near a huge rock with a tree hanging over it. That might help.” Instead of the cocky tone you heard only seconds ago, his voice turned more calm.

“Oh! I know exactly where that is! Here, let me get your coat and goggles so we can head out. Wouldn’t want the Marines to come, right?” You try to move only to be stopped by your hand still in Kidd’s.

“Sorry, haha…” Jumping off the bed, you take off to grab his things. You feel your heart constricting, knowing you’ll never see him again and now have nothing in this town. You gave up your job for a man you’ll never see again after today.

“No use dwelling on it now. Let’s just get him home.” You grab his things and try to ignore the constant stabbing in your heart. Turning the corner, you see Kidd descending the stairs, trying to hide the small pinches of pain that shook his body. You were gonna offer to help, but you decided to just let him have this one.

“Here, put on your coat. I wouldn’t put on your goggles, so maybe just have them dangle on your neck?” You help him put on his coat even though he was a tank compared to you. He grabs the goggles and slides them over his head to have them lay against his collarbones. You open the door and motion him to follow you.

~~~

There wasn’t much said on the way back to his ship. You just stayed by his side so he wouldn’t fall, and he’d have something to hold onto if he needed a break. Soon enough, you see the rock that should be hiding his ship.

“Why?” Kidd’s voice cuts through the silence, making you turn your head to look at him.

“What do you mean why?”

“Why did you throw your life/job away for me? For someone you’ve only met a day?”

“I…Well-”

“Kidd! Jesus Christ! Where have you been?! We’ve been trying to call you and have been looking for you everywhere!” Another voice rang through the shore as you see a man in a blue and white mask running towards you.

“I’m fine, obviously! Plus, I was gonna come back! I simply…took a detour.”

“Uh huh, sure. Whatever, let's just go so we can make it to Sabaody quickly. Who’s the chick?”

“Oh, I’m just bringing him back. I-”

“So you said Kidd went this way? Thanks, doc!” The sound of a marine's voice made all your eyes widen.

“That two face jackass! He said 8pm! It’s only 2! Kidd, you need to leave now! I’ll hold them off, alright?”

“Are you stupid-” Killer grabs Kidd’s arm and pulls him with great force. Not wasting a second to run. Kidd looked back to see you running out of sight. If the doctor lied, then what if he told the Marines that you helped him? You could go to jail for having a heart to help anyone in need. Even if it’s a deadly pirate.

They’d jail you for caring, and he was just leaving you to the wolves.

“God damnit! I need to grab her! Let me go!”

“Are you crazy?! Look at you! Your practically dead meat walking! There's no way you can run back and grab her! Plus, what makes her so important?!”

“We’re not leaving this fucking island without her! Either let me grab her, or you grab her and bring her to the ship! Either way, she is coming with us!”

“Fine! Just move your ass on the ship and get ready to sail immediately! I’ll go grab her if she means that much to you!” Killer lets go of Kidd’s arm and runs back towards you. Despite wanting to go with him, he knew they’d need to sail right away, so he moved as fast as he could to the ship.

“Captian! You're finally back!-”

“Get ready to set sail! Marines are near! Killer will be here soon, and we should leave as soon as he steps on the deck, understand?!” Even with his wounds, he still showed a strong front. There was no way he would let his crew see him so weak.

“You heard him, guys! Let’s go!” Everyone ran across the deck in a rush. The sound of rushed footsteps didn’t overpower his heart pounding as he grits his teeth. Killer better hurry his ass up.

“Killers coming, Captain! Marines are right behind him, and he’s holding…a girl?” Kidd looked overboard and saw Killer running towards the ship faster than he’d ever seen.

“Let’s move! Their gonna start shooting any second!" Killer finally made it to the deck. Immediately, everyone took their places to defend against the Marines.

“Here Kidd! Happy?” Just as soon as Killer was here, he left as he dropped you off in front of Kidd.

“Kidd? Why-”

“You said you wanted to see my devil fruit powers, right?”

“Yeah, but-”

“Then watch.” Kidd turns to the marines that started to shoot at the two of you. From the corner of your eye, you can see Kidd’s crazed smile before he moves his hand toward the marines. You look down from the ship and see the Marines' guns being ripped from their hands. Confusion hit you and the Marines as wait to see what he was planning. Your eyes widen as a giant clump of guns materializes next to Kidd. Getting bigger and bigger with each firearm added. Soon enough, after all the guns from the Marines were taken, Kidd’s eyes met yours before returning to the Marines.

“And repel!” All the guns he stole were thrown out to sea, a big splash accompanying it. The marines looked at him in horror before returning the way they came.

“Holy shit..” You could only stare at the fleeting marines, not seeing Kidd’s smug face.

“See? I’m obviously the strongest to become the King of the Pirates!” By now, the ship was already starting to drift off to sea.

“Why did you make him come and get me? You would’ve left earlier and avoided the Marines in general.” Your voice was quiet as you turned to look up at Kidd.

“Well, obviously, I needed a doctor. And the other one obviously wasn’t an option, so I’m simply kidnapping you so we have a doctor who knows what they’re doing.” Like hell, he’d give you the actual reason.

“Is that so?” Throwing your arms on the railing, you look out to sea before gazing up at him with a smile.

“Only reason, so whatever your thinking about, get it out of your head!” You chuckle at Kidd’s flustered face.

“It’s not kidnapping if the persons willing, is it?”

“Yeah, well, whatever. Just go to the infirmary and learn where everything is.”

“I don’t know where it is, Captain. Mind escording me there?” The way you smirked had Kidd grumbling before grabbing your wrist and dragging you away from the railing. Even though you were being pulled, you still had slight time to look at your surroundings. So many unique faces and an equally unique ship. You wave to some of them, trying to be friendly.

“Alright, we're here.” Opening the door, you look around the office. It’s better than you initially thought. The place was tidy, so that was even better.

“I gotta go back to being a pirate. No thanks to you.” You turn around, ready to give him some choice words, only to see a smirk on his face that makes you roll your eyes.

“Doctor orders you to actually take care of yourself.”

“Yeah, but that’s no fun. Doctors orders can wait.” Without another word, Kidd leaves you alone to examine the new room. You can hear him yelling at his crew about something, yet it only makes you laugh. You sit on the desk, turn on the lantern light, and open the shades so light could envelop the room. It was stuffy, so you decided to open the window as well. The smell of the salty breeze hitting your nose made you smile as now you could live the adventure you always dreamed about.

[2baabbies]

🖤 skz fic teaser: Holding Back from You (skz x reader; hyunchanlix x reader)

teaser for part 3 of the hyunchanlixreader saga

Pairings: established reader x hyunjin x felix x chan

Words: 700

Summary: Holding back from you is never easy for Chan. You and your boyfriends are aware of this fact when Chan suggests switching the dynamic in the bedroom, hoping it might help him destress. You expect a challenge, but you, Felix, and Hyunjin are happy to try anything if it means pleasing your boyfriend.

Fluff + Smut + Humour

afab + fem!reader

Taglist: @bookswillfindyouaway

if you want to be added to or removed from the taglist, pls comment below or dm me (you must have your age on your blog!!)

tags for sexual content will be provided when the final fic is posted. this is a rough draft, and is subject to being altered between now and when the full fic goes up. this snippet includes alcohol consumption, and the fic will eventually have sub!chan with the other characters domming. it will also be exploring mommy and daddy kinks so if you’re not into that, maybe skip out on this one 🫶🏻

~~~

Chan obliges, strips himself down and eases himself into the tub with a giggle when you take his hand and help him in. You kiss the top of his head as Felix undresses, then comes to sit behind him in the water. They settle in and you perch on the edge of the tub to admire them when Hyunjin returns. He holds an open bottle of wine and two nice glasses between his fingers.

“Oh, Jin,” Chan protests, “Don’t waste your good stuff on me.”

Hyunjin gapes.

“It would not be a waste, and I decide what occasions are worth my wine.”

You roll your eyes.

“He means, this moment is special and we thought a glass might mellow you out. But if you don’t want it, or you don’t want us to drink, we can save it for another time.”

Chan chuckles.

“No, wine is good. I’ll have some. It, uh, still feels a bit excessive to bring it out just for me.”

“Just for you,” Felix breathes as he bunches his hair in one hand and reaches the other out to Hyunjin, “You’re adorably humble sometimes, you know, Chris?”

Hyunjin hands him a hair tie then gives you and Chan the two glasses of wine. Chan only blushes and takes a sip to avoid the compliment, while you inspect the maroon liquid sloshing around in your glass.

“Candles,” Hyunjin announces, speaking his thoughts, “It’s time for candles.”

Chan laughs as Hyunjin leaves the room again. You take a sip of your glass then hand it off to Felix, who takes a generous swig before smacking a wet kiss to Chan’s shoulderblade.

“Relax, babe. Lean back a bit. I’ve got you.”

Chan lets out a dramatic little sigh but obeys the order. He lets Felix pull him so his head is resting in his shoulder, and so he sinks more into the water. Felix’s arm wraps tight around his middle. Chan leaves his wine glass on the edge of the tub, and lets himself unwind a little more. You giggle when Felix tilts his head back to take another sip, then nuzzles his nose into Chan’s hair.

“You’re overdue for a good break.”

Chan sighs.

“Seems that way…”

Hyunjin enters the room again with a flourish, dropping a handful of pretty candles on the sink and brandishing a lighter. Chan pinches the bridge of his nose but stifles his complaints. You gather some bubbles from the water and teasingly blow them at Hyunjin. He whips around and flicks the lighter in your direction, three times, until it catches.

“Hey!”

“No,” Chan scolds, “Please, no.”

“We’re supposed to be helping Chan relax,” Felix adds, “What the hell guys.”

“Don’t bring bubbles to a lighter fight,” Hyunjin defends.

“Don’t light your girlfriend on fire,” You argue.

Hyunjin lights the candles and casts a glance at you over his shoulder.

“Aren’t you going to get changed?”

“Oh, right. I just wore it under my pjs.”

Chan’s eyebrow lilts ever slightly.

“‘It?’”

You stand and pull off your top, revealing the bra of your lingerie set. You grin as you catch their attention, Hyunjin even pauses for a moment to give you an once over before continuing his candle lighting. You shimmy your bottoms off and fluff the skirt as it comes untucked. The black satin set is a one-piece, with lace details along the sides. The top is secured in the front with a large bow of ribbon, and tied around your waist is the silky skirt giving the illusion of a dress. You do a little spin and pose as Chan’s hungry eyes take you in.

“Baby, how long were you hiding that from us?”

“Wasn’t a secret for Jinnie or Lix. Look, we match,” You say, tugging at Hyunjin’s pants and gesturing to your own fabric.

“You do. You look lovely.”

“You like it, baby?”

“I do.”

“Good,” Hyunjin purrs as he sets some of the candles on the corner of the tub, “We got something for you as well.”

Felix interrupts Chan as he opens his mouth:

“Don’t say we shouldn’t have. You deserve it, and it’s a treat for us too.”

Chan smiles wryly and responds, “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Good answer,” Felix whispers.

[workingforitallthetime]

i was being lazy and kind of halfassed the last third of it when i was roughing out the adam/girl!rutger boys and girls can't be friends premise earlier, but fortunately the 2023 nhl draft suggested a much better ending, so here it is.

things start feeling a little... off with adam after the conversation about seamus. he’s quieter. he meets her eyes less, like he’s avoiding her without actually avoiding her. with the school year ending, everyone's around all the time, and rutger can't figure out if it's on purpose that adam's never alone with her any more.

she's determined to power through and make everything normal. adam leaves for worlds like next week. and maybe he’s never coming back, although rutger doesn’t want to think about that. but if he isn’t, they might as well make the most of it, right? (before rutger has to go back to mediocre hookups. she doesn't like to think about that either.)

adam is not picking up on her body language, which is strange since it seemed like he was kind of good at that. like, all rutger had to do was tilt her chin a little and five minutes later they’d be sneaking off together to the closest empty bedroom. but she finally has to, like, angle herself in close to him in the crowd at a party and press herself against his back and whisper into his ear let's fuck.

adam's back goes rigid. he tilts his head toward her just a little bit, not enough to look her in the eye, and says "i don't think that's what i want."

"okay, cool." rutger unsticks herself from adam's back and flounces away to the kitchen. she's not going to be embarrassed about this. she's not. friends with benefits is supposed be no strings attached, she reminds herself. she could have cut it off at any time. she can be cool about adam doing the same. she can be cool. she can prove that they can hook up, and stop hooking up, and still be friends.

so rutger's the coolest she can possibly be, and she determinedly treats adam just like nothing's changed. it still feels like something has. but maybe it's just her imagination. adam’s gone at worlds. he's busy. he doesn't have to answer her texts.

rutger swims in the lake and rides her moped with her teammates and tries to flirt with jacob at the big memorial day weekend trip to duker's, and there's still a giant hole in the center of everything. adam goes to the combine and he's all over every hockey account she follows on instagram and she doesn't know what he thinks of any of it.

she goes to the draft with her family, just like they planned it months ago. they pose for a photo, her and her sister and their parents and all the fantillis, and on the surface everything looks just like always. but adam hugs molly just the same as he hugs rutger.

that's when rutger realizes: she doesn't just miss adam texting her and competing with her and being the only other person in the world operating at rutger's level of all-in all-the-time no-bad-days. also she misses adam kissing her and touching her and taking care of her.

rutger gamely smiles her way through the pre-draft festivities and the draft and the fantilli draft party. as everyone filters out to keep the party going on broadway afterwards, she remembers she left her phone upstairs and tells them she'll catch up.

the main room of the penthouse is empty. rutger spots her phone by the window where she left it. instead of snatching it up and clattering back down the stairs, she sinks down to sit on the exposed brick windowsill, looking out at the lights of nashville. the colors go blurry as her eyes fill with tears.

well, whatever. she's been a good party girl all week and she deserves a minute to get teary all by herself in the penthouse suite, curled up by the window in her bright party dress and cowboy boots. she looks out past the river to the stadium as the neon bar lights pulse and cycle below her, and quietly admits to herself that this trip would have been much better if she was adam's girlfriend.

what a time to get a crush on adam, huh? now that they're not even friends anymore.

after a few minutes she carefully blots the tears out from under her bottom lashes with the tip of her pinky finger. she tightens her ponytail. she's gotta pull herself together to go join the party. she can do this.

the door to the penthouse opens. it's adam. of course it's adam. he stops on the other side of the pool table, looking puzzled, when he spots rutger. "everything okay?"

rutger's face crumples at the sight of him. "why are you mad at me?" she wails, abandoning all dignity. so much for being cool.

"hey," adam says, soothingly. he crosses the room and sits on the windowsill next to rutger and very gently puts an arm around her.

all that does is make rutger cry harder. here’s adam, finally touching her, letting her wrap her arms around around him and cry against his draft jersey, and none of it means anything. "why is everything so fucked up?" rutger sobs into his jersey. the edge of the cannon patch on adam's shoulder digs into her cheek.

“i'm not mad at you.” adam says, once rutger slows to a sniffle. “i just need some space." rutger's shoulders start to quiver again. "to get over it," adam adds hastily.

rutger takes a shuddery breath and sits up straight. "what have you got to get over?" she points an accusing finger at adam. "you're the one who didn't want..."

adam scoots back, palms up. "well, yeah, once i figured out you didn't like me like that."

"how don't i like you?" it doesn't make any sense. she likes adam in all the ways, every way it's possible to like someone. she chokes out the words between big gasping dramatic sobs. "we could have been everything."

rutger furiously swipes tears off her cheek. she's failing so hard at being cool. good thing adam's going to sign with columbus and disappear again and maybe she can just fall in a hole and die. she glares at him.

adam looks confused. "is that what you want?" he takes her team-damped hand and laces their fingers together. "everything?"

"of course i do," rutger says, very small, trying to not start crying again.

"me too." adam takes her tearstained face between his hands and kisses her.

[crookedkryptonitebeliever]

I almost hate how much i switched teams from 2718 to abacus, but its just bc he's new and shiny and pretty and pushy. He stifles autonomy so i know 2817 is better in the long run bc u can reason w him and he puts mcs best interests first. Abacus gives me the kind of vibe that he'd let mc get hurt so long as shes his, and tbh i feel like he might enjoy it? Like he'd like to fix her up and *accidentally* press a lil too hard into her wounds wheras 2718 would just use his abilities so that she wont feel the pain to begin w. That's just my assumption tho given what we've seen. Abacus seem the type to only use his powers thingy to subdue reader.

We know that 2718 has met readers past forms/reincarnation w.e u call it and i originally thought abacus did too. Maybe he was her affair or lover in a previous reincarnation methinks? I just felt like he knows her before. This changed a bit towards the end when they were walkin thru the streets while he was giving her the endoscopy (😮‍💨💦) and we learned just how badly mc is seen. Now im starting to wonder if aba is just greedy n wanted her as his lil disabled spouse genuinely, no past relation. Idk. I still feel like they know each other previously. Or maybe he sensed something abt her back when 2817 brought her in to that place all the way back then. Mc is key to the universe type thing. Doubt that tho.

Neyways i think aba is gnna take her home where he reveals that he not only has four arms, but also two dicks n he's gnna try to fawk her but some event will inconveniently stop him. I also think he lives in an oasis like place, their version of natural wood everywhere, running waterfalls from the cieling, tons of glass that he can mentally control and shatter at will to threaten reader while having a saccharine smile on his face, the works really.

I wnna believe translator(TA) is gnna get 2718 and theyll find mc but now im thinking maybe they might not meet up like that. 2718 might find TA n ditch her to find mc and TA has to scramble to keep up, might even meet her on the way back after 2718 saves the day. Also wondering whts gnna happen to TA bc i dont think anything criminally bad happened to her even tho we heard her screaming. Be real interesting if she were screaming bc 2817 found her and juuuust missed mc and aba. I think when 2718 finds mc and aba they're gnna be familiar w eachother but not fight bc aba is one slippery bastard. Or maybe itll be convenient where aba leaves mc unattended for a bit and someone tries to harm her and then 2718 makes him big appearance, like when mc was first dropped into the world and 2718 saved her. I have more thoughts on that but ive already wrote an essay here and in my other ask 😭

Anywhooo ty fr the chapter, hope your healing well 💕💕💕 -🐰

Damn this sure is a well written essay 😳 its either ur a really good analyst or im just a predictable writer cause it almost seems like u have access to my drafts

Cuase that... Kinda exactly whats gonna happen ngl, its still pretty rough around the edges part 15 is just still in its embryo stage with a 50 word list of whars going to hapoen, but yea it pretty similar to what you just described , havent been writing cause i regained my leg freedom finally and i spent literally every waking hour outside, driving and shit

There is going to be a fawking scene in p15 ill tell u and whoevers reading that. Similar to what you descibe with their anatomy but a little different in sequence of events

Thanks for sending in this ask bunny anon this is so cool and i had a great read ❤️❤️ lovely motivation youve given me and i really appreciatte the essay asks -- like, i appreciate if A LOT actually, thanks for reading language barrier too

[anderwhohn]

It's still very rough around the edges, and it still needs some work to try to handle with how some people format their posts, but... I finally managed to wrangle together a userscript for myself to change multiple spaced text to single text. This is something I've been trying to do on and off for some time now, and now I've got a "quick and dirty" version working.

I say that because it seems to struggle with preserving line breaks if someone used Shift+Enter rather than creating a new paragraph block. I don't know how much of that is the code, or how much of it is just because of tumblr's weird post editing, since I can't risk going through and trying to find examples of the new editor vs the legacy editor in terms of the spacing aesthetic because, oddly enough, I don't want a bloody migraine.

Regardless, this means less risk to me in the event that someone forgets to tag it for the blacklist - or tumblr fails to filter it despite it being tagged. This does not replace the need to blacklist tag the aesthetic, however, because I do also check things on mobile, where this userscript isn't available to me, and even then, it's very much in its alpha stage and isn't going to be completely reliable.

But the risk is reduced, so that's good at least. But it also means I might occasionally reblog something with the spacing unknowingly. I do have the script set to be excluded on the drafts page at the moment, because it fucks up the post editor a bit when loaded from the drafts (which is where I always open the editor from - something to do with the way the url changes between the page you're on and then the post editor (whether starting a new post and/or editing an existing one) causes some issues with getting Tampermonkey to recognise it as a 'new page' since it opened a thing on top of the page you were currently on instead of actually navigating elsewhere; complicated stuff that I don't know all about to enough of an extent to explain it, but otherwise yeah), so hopefully it won't be an issue, but just in case something does slip by me, that's why.

Anyway, yay for hopefully fewer migraine days inadvertently caused by scrolling the dash?

[zwoelffarben]

A Suggestion of Strange Methodologies

So you've written a first draft, but you don't want to edit it. It's probably cause you don't feel its ready to be edited. Let me explain: editing is something you do when your most recent draft is 80-90% of the way to your writerly satisfaction, and if you don't want to edit a draft, that might mean you're only 50-60% satisfied with it because it's got major snarls in its construction that need more heavy work done to them than just what editing can provide you, cause rasp down a rough edge ain't gonna do you any good when you still need to smack it with a sledge hammer a couple of times.

So, if you want to work on a WIP but you don't want to edit what you have, I recommend writing a first draft. "But, I already have a first draft." you say.

This is what I call scratch-drafting, where you take your first draft, and use it as a reference material for writing another first draft from scratch. To scratch-draft:

Open your most recent first draft.

Open a new doucument.

With your first draft either in view or out of view but available for reference (depending on your preference), type out a new first draft from scratch.

If you're stuck for what to do, just copy your reference draft verbatim, until you see a something you want to change (not a typo or error to correct; you're not editing, you're drafting).

The old draft becomes a rough draft. The new draft is your Nth first draft.

Repeat this process, scratch-drafting until you feel you've got something hing'd enough to edit.

When I write prose that—for want of a better word— matters, I'll go through this process two to four times before I get to a draft that I'm happy enough with to commit to the effort of editing it. My record is seven scratch drafts, but that was a second person story, which are just persistantly snarly.

The benefits of scratch-drafting is that you don't feel as locked in to decisions you made during previous drafts; you're more likely to catch and change structural issues with your draft because the shape of a new draft being written is always much more fluid than the shape of a completed draft being edited: moving sentences and paragraphs around; adding, subtracting, or changing details, or even creating entirely new plot points which completely alter the flow of the story, changing the placeholder name of your character which has been there on the cusp of too long so it's beginning to look like the final name of the character, are all much easier when you're typing something out 'for the first time' with an rough draft to use as reference than they are when the entire drafts been wrote and you're making changes to it.

The obvious downside to this method is that it's a lot more typing,... like, a lot more typing. But, when I'm physically able to do it, I find the results well worth the extra effort; because it means the even if you're not editing your WIP yet, or even if you don't make any major changes, you're still engaging with it as a writer and hopefully continued fussing will figure you out what snarlsy bit of the work needs to be untangled to get you past that 80-90% satisfaction point that you'll be able to start editing it.

Write your second first draft. Write your third first draft. Write you one hundred thirty-second first draft if the stories particularly obstinate. If you don't want to edit yet, just keep writing, and eventually you'll get there, and even if you don't, at least it's practice.

The reason none of my wips get finished

[enhaven]

too cold | psh (m.)

pairing ⇢ sunghoon x reader

genre ⇢ fluff, smut, pwp? (idk maybe 👀)

wc & rating ⇢ 2.8k | 18+ (minors gtfo pls)

summary ⇢ you just wanted Sunghoon’s hoodie but he’s not letting you have it. you’ve always been determined to get what you want though.

warnings ⇢ foreplay, dirty talk, fellatio, rough sex, hair pulling, lil spanking, unprotected sex, creampie, doggy, head pusher hoon fawk but there's aftercare tho

a/n: this has been in my drafts for more than a month pfft but he always disrupts my plans so i’m disrupting his on this one 🤧

“can i wear this hoon?”

“no”

this is the nth time you’ve asked Sunghoon and still, he won’t budge. the floral sundress you're wearing was perfect for today's hot and humid weather but now, you’re shivering from the cold inside his hotel room cause he blasted the air conditioner and won't turn it down.

the boys got some free time earlier so Sunghoon asked you to go on a little date with him. it's been a while since you did due to their hectic schedule and school busying you. eventually, you both got tired and ended up chilling inside; eating local snacks while watching minisodes on the TV.

the entire time you've been back here, you’ve noticed how Sunghoon hasn’t really paid attention to you. he only responds with hums and single words but that's it. his hands may be caressing whatever of you he can reach but his eyes are glued to his phone.

you tried again, asking Sunghoon cutely with another tug at his hoodie sleeve to no avail. he didn't even look at you, busy replying to the group chat.

"hoon" you huff.

"why?" he finally turns to you, curious to hear your argument this time.

"you have a shirt underneath anyways" you reason indignantly, lips jutting into a pout. he doesn’t need it since he loves the cold so much so you have no idea why he won't give it to you.

"and you can change clothes" he counters nonchalantly, shrugging your hand off his arm as he gets up. you look at him incredulously, wondering what on earth can you wear here except for his clothes.

"you can wear any of mine", he adds the obvious as if that will console you.

ignoring his suggestion, your eyes catch his phone on the small table beside you. normally you would never invade anyone's privacy but it’s unlocked so you take a peek. in it, you find out why Sunghoon’s suddenly rushing out; the other boys wanted to meet up and their convos centered around a known restaurant in the area that they wanna try out.

he wasn't actually planning on leaving you but Riki’s been bugging him to play basketball with him and he can't possibly refuse their youngest. plus, he needs pointers from Heeseung too since he clearly needs practice based on the last time they played.

and it’s the perfect time to practice now that that sun’s setting down.

he would've asked you to come but he wanted to surprise you by hopefully being better at ball the next time you watch them play. dinner might also be late depending on when they'll finish so he doesn't want you to wait around watching him possibly suck at every round.

fully sulking now, your eyes followed Sunghoon as he put those timberlands on. he didn’t even spare you a glance when he retrieved his phone from the table, quickly snapping some mirror shots, careful not to include you in any of them.

then you meet his eyes through the reflection. 

you look away, visibly upset because he hasn’t fucked you yet.

it’s a silly reason but you’ve missed having Sunghoon. you thought he’d be down too since he teased you a lot earlier but you were mistaken. if you knew that he was gonna leave midway, you would've pounced on him as soon as you got back here.

with a defeated sigh, you pick up the remote to resume watching whatever’s on the screen. you're planning to just wait until you get sleepy, not even bothering to ask Sunghoon what time he’ll be back.

he lingers a bit, waiting if you’re gonna say something but you don't. he admits that his attention earlier was divided between spending time with you and the rest of his members. 

sure, they’re all together most of the time but they barely have time to relax and hang out like normal young adults so he tries to balance his personal schedule to make sure he gets to do both.

a way to solve this would be you to hang out with them but it's just that Sunghoon tends to want you only to himself sometimes. after all, he's the first to initiate trying something with you when you've grown comfortable with one another.

now you’re giving him the cold shoulder so he can’t leave you this upset.

without even bothering to tie his shoelaces, Sunghoon returns to the couch and lifts your chin to kiss you. he’s surprised you eagerly responded, the frown washing away from your face as soon his lips touch yours.

before he can pull away though, your hand is quick to reach for the drawstring of his sweat shorts.

"baby i got no time for this", he starts, already knowing what you’re planning. he should've expected it honestly since your mood flipped so suddenly. you're even pretending to not hear what he said, propping your elbow on the couch’s arm as you continue playing with it.

you hear Sunghoon let out a deep sigh at your antics but he's not moving an inch like he should’ve been. "later okay?" he promises, trying to convince you but you're sure it's to himself.

when exactly is later cause you're doubting if Sunghoon would actually come back and fuck you. knowing him and the rest, that wouldn’t be the case and you’ll remain needy for the rest of the night. you would’ve given up if he gave you his hoodie at least but even that he can’t do.

and he's entertaining this whole thing so you’re having some hope.

he should’ve left but if he really wanted to, he would’ve stepped away and bolted to the door long before you started acting up. instead, he’s letting you do whatever you want probably cause he doesn’t wanna upset you any longer.

he’s debating if he should just fuck you, the casual brushes of your fingers against his crotch mushing his mind, trying to contain himself even though you’re succeeding already.

"lemme suck you off, you're hard already anyways" you reply with a bored tone while your eyes are back on the TV. he chuckles at your remark. you sound like you’re doing him a favour when it's you who’s wanted this.

he shakes his head cause now he can't go out with a hard on. he was doing well at holding back, planning to fuck you later so you could make the most of the day doing whatever you want before they all get busy again.

even when you look so fucking delectable with the dress you’re wearing, the way it's hugging your curves perfectly that’s been driving Sunghoon insane since you arrived earlier. he knew you didn't wear it in purpose to seduce him but his eyes couldn’t help but gravitate to your body the more you played him with your fingers.

"later"

it’s odd, the way Sunghoon’s tone was weaker than before so you press on with a sly grin slowly forming on your lips.

"you look adorable in these shorts hoon, you should wear them more often" you keep ignoring what he says, admiring him now with your eyes scanning his sweat shorts down to his high socks and timbs.

your hand keeps its intention, fingers constantly brushing against Sunghoon's hardening dick and his patience is growing thin. he shouldn’t be but you’re ignoring his obvious bulge on purpose too.

"got a thing with my legs baby?"

his sudden question snapped your attention back to him. you didn't think he'd bite at your remark so your grin widens as you stare down at the little exposure of his bare legs. it’s a rarity when you see it since Sunghoon always wears pants so you can’t be blamed for ogling at it.

"your long, pretty legs yes"

your voice was sweet, further luring Sunghoon into your trap. it amuses him how you’re acting like you’re not affecting him in any way.

knowing how he gets when you give him this attitude.

your eyes twinkle cause you’re close to getting Sunghoon right where you wanted him. neither of you even cares about anything else. the sounds from the TV long forgotten, along with the fact that he has those big ass shoes on the carpet despite being strict with leaving any footwear by the door even in hotels.

it startled you when Sunghoon grabs your wrist, stopping you from playing with his drawstrings. he closes his eyes as he brings your hand to his crotch, pressing it on the thick outline of his cock. he smirks down at you when he hears your little gasp, the obvious want evident in his eyes.

“yeah? only them?”

you knew you had Sunghoon already when he pushed his hips against your hand, bringing out a satisfied smile from you. without a word, you pulled down both the waistband of his shorts and boxers, his long cock springing up from its confines, tip swollen already and your mouth watered at the sight.

you bit your lip as you started stroking Sunghoon's dick, spreading his precum around while you were in a trance at it. moans slip from his lips, hips unconsciously moving slowly but you’re taking too long to take him in your mouth.

a cry erupts from you when Sunghoon’s hand reaches out to grab your hair, pulling your head closer to make a point. your lips closed around his tip then, immediately hollowing your cheeks to accommodate his length. 

then your dazed eyes look up at Sunghoon, the sly smirk returning to your pretty face as you swirl that sinful tongue around the head of his cock, not taking him deeper like you usually do.

with a frustrated groan, Sunghoon starts thrusting shallowly in your mouth, relishing how wet and warm it is. he knows you’re getting back at him right now, something that he’s starting to regret, a bit.

“fucckkkk, come on babe”

he urges with an unexpected need as he pushes your head further, annoyed at your teasing when he still has somewhere to go after. you obey, taking him deeper until the head of his cock nudges at the back of your throat. 

your eyes are tearing up as you moan in reply, the vibration from your voice causes Sunghoon’s head to tip back, his hood coming off as a result. leaning back for balance, he holds your head for support, grasping your hair tightly and you’re moaning again from the slight sting.

“tits. out.” he seethes through his clenched teeth with each thrust, fighting the urge to cum but he couldn’t stop himself from rolling his hips faster. how could he when you’re drooling on his cock, pushing him even closer to his orgasm.

you’re struggling to pull down the neckline of your summer dress, too engrossed in choking on Sunghoon’s cock that it actually made him laugh. you’re already folding, the brattiness seeping away from you but he’s gonna do more.

his eyes couldn’t stop staring at your breasts on display and he finds it cute that you’re shivering now that half of your body’s exposed to the cold. 

why not really fuck you to warm you up? that way Sunghoon can punish you for delaying his plans too. he got why you reacted that way but he didn’t even mean to tease you earlier. even if he did, you started acting up so technically it’s your fault.

to your surprise, Sunghoon pulls out from your mouth. he gives you a stern look while he fists his cock and you immediately understood what he wants. turning around, you’re on all fours as Sunghoon roughly pushes your body further to the couch, your face squishing on the small pillow as a result.

he bunches up your dress and pulls your thong undies to the side, lining up his length before suddenly staying still. you must’ve been too drunk on his cock that you forgot how petty Sunghoon could be when you tease him.

his hurried touches and the clicking of his tongue should’ve reminded you enough.

enough to realize that he won’t excuse your behaviour earlier. you hear the piece of fabric ripping before you can stop him, watching it land on the carpet below you.

“hoon! i didn’t bring an extra pair!” you cry in protest, looking back at him with surprise.

“should’ve thought about that before riling me up hmm? now be a good girl and take my cock” he scoffs before his hands grip your waist, pulling your body to him as he rams into your pussy.

“you’re the one who kept teas–oh fuck”

you shut your eyes once Sunghoon bottomed out, the both of you moaning at the tight fit. he didn’t prep you with his fingers, your walls clenching around his cock that he almost came right then and there. he dips his head with a deep groan to recover before pistoning his hips at once.

chasing the orgasm he denied to himself earlier.

“shit, all this for my fucking hoodie?”

his condescending tone elicits a needy whine from you which made him smile in mischief. he doesn’t give a fuck anymore if he’s late. he’s got your warm pussy wrapped around him so they can wait.

“wan’ you with me all the time” you mewl, hands struggling to find purchase on the couch’s arm when Sunghoon ups the speed of his hips. you knew he was still pissed or else he would've been more gentle.

but you like this better.

“awee, but i always am babe” he coos, finding your reason for wanting his hoodie adorable while fucking you roughly like this. you look breathtaking with messy hair, your mouth slacking and won’t stop moaning his name.

“'gonna cum..hoonie, i’m close”

“me too fuck ”

he angles your hips and finds that soft spot, hitting it relentlessly so you’d cum before him. he wants to see it first, watch your body beautifully arch from the pleasure of his dick and he couldn’t be more elated when it does.

screaming out his name as soon as you reach your peak, your ears are ringing that you barely hear Sunghoon grunting loudly as he follows your suit. you only realize when you feel his warm cum painting your walls.

you smile with content as you wiggle your hips, loving the feeling of his cum inside you. it prompts Sunghoon to give your ass a little spank but the sting from his palm spurs you on, fucking yourself back to him despite the overstimulation.

you love hearing the squelching of your mixed essence with each thrust but Sunghoon stops your hips with a harsh grip cause he feels himself hardening again.

“don’t make me fuck you again” he hisses before pulling out, earning a dismayed whine from you. he grabs the wet tissues by the table to clean himself up then you after, wiping your soaked folds and fixing your dress up so he won’t be seduced by your sexy body again.

“would that be so bad?” you groan as you scramble to make yourself comfortable on the couch, hugging the pillow that fell from it. your eyes are closing, feeling the energy leaving your body now that you just wanna sleep.

“no but i really have to go baby” he insists, putting his sweat shorts back on. he’s in the middle of tying the laces of his timbs when he feels your stare from his peripheral view.

“hoon..” you’re breathless when you turn your body around to face Sunghoon. he sighs with a chuckle as he realizes what you’re asking, removing his hoodie before tossing it on your slump form.

yes, you still want Sunghoon’s hoodie. you got his dick but this is what you’ve been after. snuggling it, you inhale its distinct smell; Sunghoon’s own musk with a mix of perfumes he’s shown you before that brings comfort to you. 

he watches you with a fond smile, pulling his white shirt up to wipe the slight sweat off his face. doing so pulled your eyes on his chiseled abs, drinking in what he’s been hiding.

you’re tired as fuck but now that it’s in front of you, you’re getting horny again which Sunghoon noticed. he bends down to leave a small kiss on your forehead once he sees you rubbing your thighs together, hoping you won’t act out again so he can finally leave.

“go wash up first” he instructs, caressing your cheek.

“after” you pout, bringing his hoodie closer to your face.

“fine. dinner might be late now but if you’re not awake by then, i’ll bring some here okay?”

you nod and Sunghoon pecks your lips before standing up on his feet. your eyelids are back to getting heavy as soon as he dims the lights and hurries to the door.

but that’s before your eyes landed on someone behind the door, his gaze piercing through the slight opening and locking into yours. the small smirk emerging from his pretty face instantly reawakening you.

that same one he throws on your way when he thinks no one else is watching. the one that you’ve been wanting to wipe off from his face each time you see him.

that damn thing belonging to the only person older than Sunghoon in his friend group, Lee Heeseung.

.

e/n: it’s been months since my last post oml but hellowrr, heeseung’s next if you’re wondering but i’m debating now since the new pics dropped and i’m seeing more shits. i can’t help it, they take turns in ruining me like pls yo 👋🏼

[diamondkat]

It's been a while since I properly wrote so I am a bit rusty. This was supposed to mostly be a practice short fic set in the Child of Roo AU. A rough draft of what could later become a story. But I am working on corrections for my thesis and the stress of that is not helping with writing. However, I still want to get it out of my head so I settled on this. This is set shortly after Alastor arrives in hell and is found by Rosie. I have no idea why I decided to write from Rosie's point of view. It was inspired by Monster from Epic the Musical.

Alastor had offered to follow Rosie to the meeting with the hostile overlord. Threats had moved to kidnapping and now Rosie had to meet with him if she was to recover the members of her colony. Rosie was not sure if he would be of much use but she still remembered how he looked on the day she found him. That towering creature of red with claws, teeth, tentacles, and a crown of antlers. Nothing like what he looked like now. Barely distinguishable from any other member of her colony, if one did not pay attention to the ears and tiny horns. She held some hope that if she was caught in a bad spot, that creature might show up again so she let him come along. She also suspected that he felt he might be to blame for their current situation. After all, the overlord she had found him eating when she took him in was an ally of the one current attacking the colony.

On their way, he began to sing. He lamented how bad things had gotten. Questioning if he was somehow responsible and needed to change.

It seemed he had been repressing himself for some reason. The song he sang seemed to be him coming to the realization that in hell, people did what they needed to do to survive and he was going to have to do the same.

Alastor kept quiet as they reached the overlord, listening to the overlord basically require Rosie to sign over herself and all her cannibals to him if they were to survive. If they failed to comply, well, no one would blame the overlord for being ruthless. Alastor agreed with him, stating that ruthlessness is mercy on ourselves. His song was finally reaching a realization. He would lose everything that he had now if he did not stop pretending to be a better person when he was.

"Then I'll become the Monster. I will deal the blow. And I'll become the Monster like none they've ever known. So what if I'm the Monster lurking deep below? I must become the Monster And then we'll make it home"

As he sang Rosie watched him transform into the monster she had seen that day. Red took over the shades of brown and black that he had hidden himself in to blend in. Antlers grew out like the branches of a tree. Tentacles sprung out of his back and tore into the overlord. This was what Rosie had expected. This was what she had hoped for when she had agreed for him to come with her. What she had not expected were the shadows that seemed to be taking over the room. Or the eyes that seemed to be opening everywhere around them including one on his staff. It dawned on her that her little protege might be more dangerous than she had thought as she watched him and the shadows around him rip into the minions of the overlord as they tried to defend him.

The battle ends with Alastor singlehandedly defeating the overlord. He presents the defeated minions as a feast to the Cannibal Colony and the overlord that he ate is never seen again.

Things I wanted to add but couldn't because I don't remember how to properly write a story:

*The moment at the beginning of the song is the last time that Rosie sees Alastor frown.

*At the end of the song, at the part where in the original Odysseus calls out to his wife and son, Alastor apologizes to his birth mother and says hello to Roo who he also refers to as mother. Most of the eyes that showed up represented Roo finding and connecting with Alastor for the first time since he arrived in hell.

I want to write the whole thing properly but I have corrections to my thesis to make and anxiety from that is not conducive to great writing. So, I'm likely going to just end up writing a summary of my ideas for the scenes in this AU that are connected to songs that I keep playing to get them out of my head a little.

[enby-hawke]

Camp Nano excerpt-7/21/19

The door opened with a bang and Hawke jerked awake sprawling onto his knees, his hand going for the knife under his pillow. His heart was still pounding in his ears when he saw Josephine wild-eyed followed by several servants. She was dressed in a rich blue dress with golden trim and sleeves. Her sleek  black hair was in an elaborate bun framed with a braid.  

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you and you’re still asleep?” she cried, her brown eyes flashing with panic. “ The ceremony starts in 10 minutes!” 

He fell face forward back into his goose-feathered pillow, leaving the knife and settled back into his memory foam mattress. Lazily he pulled the heavy cotton blankets that he kicked off back over him. “I’m skipping it,” he yawned.

“Oh no you aren’t,” Josephine grabbed his hand and started pulling him out of bed, snapping at the servants. Before he could argue his clothes were being stripped off and his hair was being fussed and he was strapped into white-steel ceremonial armor with the symbol of a red flaming sword being stabbed through a Chantry eye.

“What the- Stop, wait-” The servants were merciless, scrubbing his face, jerking him, pulling his hair.

“I knew I should have assigned someone to look out for you,” Josephine said as she typed something into her tablet. “Forgive for me saying this, Herald, but you’re absolutely hopeless.”

“Will someone tell me what’s going on? What’s with this fancy get-up? Why is it so important I be there? It’s just a stupid ceremony, I’ll find out who the Inquisitor is later.”

Josephine blinked, surprised and even the servants stopped to exchange shocked glances. “Did no one tell you?”

Tell him what? Hawke was just becoming aware of the murmur of voices overlapping outside. Still half-dressed, he followed the sound to his balcony where he saw an ocean of faces, mercenaries, Inquisition soldiers, Tal-Vashoth, Dalish, pilgrims and normal citizens. Some were carrying signs like, “Bless the Herald and may the Herald bless us,” and “Our Champion and Inquisitor.” He could even see a reporter talking to the cameraman, talking at the head of the crowd. Leliana was above them all on the staircase,  where a podium with a microphone was standing at front. She was dressed in something that almost looked similar to Chantry robes, but instead of a skirt she had black slacks with expensive red heels that popped against the stone. Beside her Cullen in Templar armor stood at attention carrying a rather large greatsword that he held flat in his hands as if to present it. 

“Oh no,” Hawke thought.

“The Herald,” he heard someone shout, and the crowd began to buzz as they caught sight of Hawke. Immediately people began to bring out their cellphones and cameras started flashing. The reporter caught sight of Hawke and pointed where the cameraman turned, trying to film him.

Hawke fled, his heart pounding louder than before and he turned to see Josephine and the servants eying him warily.

“Why did no one run this by me?” Hawke cried.

“We thought it was obvious,” Josephine replied approaching him. She put a reassuring hand on his arm though he could not feel it through the steel plating. “I’ve already taken the liberty of writing your speech so all you have to do is read it. Just smile. Be your confident self and you’ll be fine.”

Hawke seriously doubted that, but he didn’t have time to argue because they were already strapping on his heavy breastplate and marching him outside of his room to the audience that was waiting.

“Josephine,” his voice was high and tight, his white-steel boots dragging down the stairs. “For Maker’s sake don’t put me in front of a camera. Things always go wrong when I go in front of a camera.”

 Josephine kept a firm arm around Hawke escorting him. “Everyone gets nervous. Just remember to smile.” 

When they opened the door to the throne room, Cassandra was standing in similar armor but her shoulder pads weren’t as pointy and she didn’t have a ridiculous red cape that made Hawke feel like he was a cheesy superhero. 

“Seeker,” he said clearing his throat.

“Good,” she said shortly taking Hawke’s other side. “Leliana is almost done with her speech.”

They walked past the throne and started marching Hawke to the giant wooden doors already open and he could see Leliana addressing the crowd.  

“I thought you said I was dangerous and incompetent,” Hawke said. “Now you’re just handing me some Chantry title?”

“We will still advise you, just like before,” Josephine nodded, patting Hawke on the shoulder.

“And have you not already been leading the Inquisition?” Cassandra said, with a small wry smile. “I may not always agree with your decisions, but they let us heal the sky. Your determination brought us out of Haven. You are Corypheus’ rival because of what you did and we know it. All of us.”

Leliana glanced into Skyhold and smiled when she saw Hawke approaching.  She gestured to the open doors and with her sweet orlesian accent, “It is my great honor to represent a man who needs little introduction. He has faced down the magister who brought the Blight and lived. He will lead us to victory as our Inquisitor, Lucky Hawke!”

The crowd roared in approval, deafening applause echoing through the mountain. Hawke was frozen by the sound. He would prefer to be ran through by the Arishok again. Or venture back into the Deep Roads. Hell, he’d take being buried by the avalanche. 

Hawke stayed frozen, visibly shaking and so Josephine gently, but firmly escorted him to the podium before slinking back beside Leliana, like she was meant to be there. The applause quieted into silence but Hawke just stared at the sea of people and they all stared back. He could make out Varric in the front row with the rest of his Inquisition friends-Blackwall, Sera, Solas, Iron Bull, Dorian, Cole. Maker, even Madame de Fer was there, though Hawke doubted she was there in support. 

Varric game him a cheesy grin and a thumbs up which Sera and Iron Bull followed. Camera’s flashed, and Hawke kept seeing spots as he was blinded.

“Uh…” he tried to jump start his brain. 

“The speech,” Josephine whispered.

Hawke just noticed that there were cards in his hands with neat cursive scrawled across it, but Hawke could only make out a few words. When did she put these in his hand? Why wasn’t this typed out? He didn’t know how to read cursive.

Hawke remembered Josephine’s advice to smile so he did, trying not to look terrified as he tried to decipher the speech. The crowd was getting restless, shifting in the uncomfortable silence. Hawke didn’t know what to do. 

“Wow this is a super duper honor,” he began and immediately he could hear Josephine sighing in frustration. He flipped through the cards trying to decipher anything trying to get some cues. “ But uh…I…uh…I guess I should thank some people…Varric of course. You’re still my best friend and I don’t think I’d have made it this far without you.” He made a mock fist bump which Varric returned. “Ambassador Montilyet, thanks for arranging such an event. It…uh…I really don’t have the words…”

He looked around trying to come up with the rest of his speech, his thoughts escaping him before they could fully form. He found himself going silent again, his panic rising as he thought he would run off stage.

Leliana cleared her throat, trying to hurry Hawke along but his throat was closing up.

“Say something,” he thought. “Anything.”

“I don’t want the job,” he blurted out. Not that. 

The crowd gasped in unison, and cameras started flashing more and beyond the buzzing crowd, Sera’s machine gun giggle echoed through the air. 

Immediately Cassandra jerked Hawke by the shoulder. “You said it was your duty to defeat Corypheus.”

“And I definitely will. On board. 100 percent. But why me? Why not literally anyone else?” Hawke shrugged sheepishly. He knew he should shut up, that this was already going terribly wrong, but his mouth wouldn’t stop running.

“You have the Maker’s blessing! You’re the Herald of Andraste!” 

“Debatedly.”

Leliana tried to come between them. “Perhaps we should move this discussion to a more private location.”

“What for? So you can get all shadowy and intimidate me into the job?” 

“Hawke-” Leliana said warningly.

“I’ll help defeat Corypheus, seal rifts, drag me to the ass end of Thedas, but for fuck’s sake don’t make me into some kind of glorified Chantry puppet.”

A sickening thud cracked through the air as Cassandra’s gauntleted fist smashed into Hawke’s face, soundly knocking him unconscious. 

Above the sound of the shocked silence, Varric started clapping, alone. “Our Inquisitor, everyone.”

———————————————————————————————————–

“This was supposed to be our shining moment,” Josephine paced around the war table, her suit jacket now off to reveal a lacy white shirt underneath. She was wringing her yellow handkerchief.

Leliana leaned against the war table, looking amused as she followed Josephine with her eyes. “I’ve already confiscated all camera footage of the event. No one will see it.”

“But people have eyes, Leliana.  Dear Maker, I even invited the Thedas Times for an exclusive. Can you imagine the headline?”

[super-kristuff]

Ok, so this looked nice enough that I wanted to make a nice looking, professional, low text post, but obviously, here are all my rants about everything.

So, I'm still continuing to learn how to digitally paint. In my now deleted ramble for the last post, I talked about how I was kind of unhappy with how my Decanter of Endless Water art turned out, so I decided to follow some online tutorials to improve my art.

I'm taking it lowkey seriously by taking notes and giving myself assignments. I really wanted to paint something today because obviously drawing consistently and building up mileage is better than anything I can do or practice. And like, you would not believe how many things I had to do today. Like, obviously the time change happened, so getting to work on time was a struggle. I stayed an extra hour because I'm super behind on grading, and staying longer is basically the only thing I can do to catch up. Then I went to get groceries because I didn't get groceries over the weekend, and also, cooked a big multiple course dinner to give me leftovers throughout the week. I took a shower so that I could do my laundry, and finally, I was able to start drawing around 8:30. Like, I've basically been awake and working for 13ish hours before I could even start this painting.

Anyway, it's a bit rough, but I hope you can forgive me because I could only really spend an hour on it before getting ready for bed. Naturally, I watched this video, the continuation of the last video that I watched, and I tried applying a bunch of the techniques it mentioned. Honestly, I'm not sure I followed everything, but I'm trying to do more colors and limit how much I use soft brushes. Like, the video was super adamant about no soft brushes. I only used soft brushes for the background and the facial shadows, which were examples in the video of when soft brushes were good to use.

Obviously, I'll need to do a bunch of paintings and get my own feel for what is right and wrong to do, but this was a nice exercise in following some instructions and trying to implement them as written. And like, I still have a lot of work to do on this painting. I'm kind of knocking all my paintings out in one sitting, so I'm not sure if I will actually come back to this to do all the "rendering" work but it might be nice to try out.

Anyway, really happy with this. Honestly, I don't feel like I can do any kind of 'I really like this' or 'I would try to improve this' because it still feels like a rough draft to me. I honestly might work on it again tomorrow, so any critiques I have are just spots I might touch up. Actually, scratch that, I do love the soft blending. I think the shadows on the face really highlight the difference between hard and soft brushes. And like, how they are both necessary.

Anyway, it is super late. I should have gone to bed a while ago.

Enjoy.

Daily Doodle - Everything

[kass-storycorner]

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Hu Tao and Chongyun storyquests the past days. Both deal with the afterlife (well the border between life and death so far) and ghosts. We know both are canon in Genshin, they exist for this world. Now what I’ve been thinking a lot about is … how much angst can I write with that in mind? I always see a lot of these how the characters would react to your death but… yeah, have fun with this. Or not.

The ghost of you

Prompt: You died and the characters are faced with the literal ghost of you.

Genre: Angst, Hurt, no comfort (especially for Xiao)

Characters: Zhongli, Xiao,

Format: text

Word count: 1714

This is not proof-read or anything, I just wanted to get that idea out of my head. I also really want to write this idea out for other characters, so maybe I'll share a part 2 in the future. and yes the title might be a mcr reference and i might have two other fics in my drafts named after mcr songsi had a rough week okay

Zhongli:

He loved you. With all his heart, with every fibre of his being, he loved you so much. Zhongli always knew that his decision to live a life among mortals would cost a price, but in his mind, it was paid with his Gnosis all those years ago. It was not until the first of his mortal friends started to die that Zhongli was reminded of how fragile humans were. Of course, he was aware to a certain degree that he would outlive his friends and even you, he just never considered how quickly a human life was lived. You both had spent an entire life together, and while Zhonglis body did not biologically age, he is able to change his form to his liking - so when you grew old and grey so did he. Most people in Liyue would see the two of take your stroll around the city, holding hands and they were enamoured by the way you still looked at each other, just like a newlywed couple. But you grew older each day until one day, on one of your walks through the city, your collapsed. Zhongli was quick to catch you and the people around rushed towards the two, helping Zhongli getting you to a doctor. However, what was a doctor to do, than to tell Zhongli that your body is giving up? The doctor nor Zhongli can do anything against the flow of time, though Zhongli wished he could. He was not ready to let you go, he was not ready for you to onyl life in his memories until the erosion of the earth will erease you from them.

You layed in the hospital bed, Zhongli right next to you never letting go of your hand, when you took your last breath. He sat next to you for a while, not saying a word, tears running down his face until he heard your voice.

"It's okay," there you stood on the other side of the bed, your dead body between the two of you. In all the years Zhongli lived he had seen more than a few ghosts and he was aware of the human afterlife - though seeing your ghost wasn't something he anticipated. "You're dead", Zhongli said quietly, tears still spilling from his eyes. "I know, love. I know. And I wish I could've stayed with you just a bit longer, I really do. But it's time. You gave me such a wonderful life; we spend so many years together and I am so thankful for it Zhongli. For all the stories you told me, for all the sleepless nights we spend together, for all the memories we made. I loved it. I love you." Zhongli still hadn't let go of your hand, still afraid of letting you go, even though the mind he loved was standing so close to him. "Love," he started, his voice heavy with grief. "I have so many more stories to tell you. Will you stay, just for a while longer?"

At that you had to laugh a bit and oh, how much he already missed your laugh. He just heard it a few hours ago, when you were still alive, but hearing it now just felt so painful. "Zhongli, even 10 lifetimes wouldn't be enough to be able to listen to all of your stories. But I'm so sorry to disappoint you, you know I can't stay."

He knew this just too well. Not only as someone who worked for decades as a consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in Liyue, but also as the former Geo-Archon he knew it was better for you to go. It pained him that he could never follow you into the afterlife that was awaiting you, even Zhongli didn't know what awaits you behind the border between life and death. "Then," Zhongli began, standing up and letting go of your cold hand, "let me accompany you."

Xiao:

Continuation for the Xiao one

Xiao refused to go even near the place you died for decades. The day he lost you was still so fresh in his memories, it pained him even more than his karmic debt to think about it. He always told you, when you were still by his side, that when you were in trouble, in danger, to always call his name. You did. You always did and he would be by your side, protecting you from what would’ve harmed you. The only time you refused to call his name in time was the day you died, and all Xiao could do was blame himself. You were visiting at the Inn earlier that day, standing next to him on the balcony talking about something he doesn’t even remember. What he remembers how happy you were, how enthusiastic you talked about it, whatever it was. Somehow though the conversation shifted, and you both ended up fighting – the reason for it was so stupid and it was all his fault. He was just in a bad mood that day and not even your warm presence were able to change it, so he let it out on you. Trying to push you away, again. Xiao cursed himself for how often he did that, how often he would hide how much he loved you, how much he cared for you, behind a mean exterior that only caused you pain. You knew what he was doing and that day, you just had enough. “Stop trying to push me away, Xiao!”, you shouted at him, tears already filling your eyes. You tried to reach for him, but he pulled away. Keeping you at a distance, again. “And you just stop talking, it’s exhausting to hear your voice.” Xiao already hated himself immediately after he said it, but looking back now, knowing what his words caused… it drove him close to madness. “Fine,” you replied, and he could her how much his words hurt you, “then you’ll never hear it again.” With that you left him. He tried to distract himself from the guilt he felt after your fight with his work, slashing through the enemies, spoiling the earth of Liyue with more blood. For nearly a month he didn’t hear you call him, and he was too scared to seek you out. Scared that you wouldn’t want to see him, scared that he ruined it all. When you finally called for him, when he finally heard you say his name – he hoped it was a chance for him to make it up to you. Xiao was not prepared to find your lifeless body, realising that you called his name with your very last breath. It send him into a blind rage, killing the enemies around him that were the cause for your death. When there was nothing left to kill he collapsed next to your corpse, tears spilling from his eyes, chanting your name over and over like a prayer. Asking himself why you hadn’t called him sooner to only remember what he said weeks prior. It was his fault. He couldn’t help it but to blame himself for your death. If he hadn’t said those words, if he hadn’t continuously tried to push you away… you were right. Xiao will never hear your voice again.

He avoided to go even near the place you died. If he hadn’t done that, if he had visited at least once, he would’ve seen your ghost, wandering aimlessly around. At first you were just confused, what had just happened? The last thing you remembered is that you called for Xiao and now? Now you stood in the middle of a forest, no Xiao in sight but also the enemies who cornered you just now were also gone. For how long you wandered around, confused and not sure what had happened you didn’t know. It scared you. You screamed his name, over and over again but you couldn’t hear your own voice. You just couldn’t make a sound.

He didn’t mean to come across that place again. Xiao learned to live with the guilt and grief he felt, just as he had to learn to live with his karmic debt. Still, it hurts more than he likes to admit. So when he stumbled upon the place he lost you all those years ago, he asked himself how he ended up here again. Something was telling him he should come here, but he tried to ignore that voice, that calling. But when he saw your ghostly figure between the trees of the forest, it used to be a plain field when you had died, he froze. Was it really you? “(Y/N)?”, he called out to you. Oh, how long he hadn’t said your name. It felt foreign, but also so familiar at the same time. But you didn’t hear nor see him, you were too lost after years of roaming the fields that grew to a forest – not being able to understand that time passed, that you were dead. Xiao came closer to your ghost and saw how you screamed something, over and over. His name. It was his name. “(Y/N) it’s me, I’m here. Please, I’m here, it’s okay”, his voice was strained and when your face met his – Xiao noticed how you didn’t look at him. You looked right through him, he noticed now how he couldn’t reach you with his words nor his presences. He tried to grab you, but his hand only touched the air. If he could at least hear you call his name. Xiao felt how his tears ran down his face, his heart shattering again in thousand pieces. Why hadn’t he noticed it earlier how you roamed the earth, lost and scared. He saw it in your face. Why didn’t he come here earlier? It pained him to know that you hadn’t found your peace. Xiao went down on his knees, face buried in his hands. The last time he felt so helpless was when he found your dead body, unable to help you. And now? Now it happened again, he had no idea what he could do to help you, to make you see him. From that day on Xiao spend most of his time watching over your ghost, hoping that one day he’ll hear you call out to him again.

[raahosh]

Hello! I saw you wrote 18+ one shots and I have a request. If you’re not comfortable that’s perfectly fine, tho!

I was thinking of an Azriel x reader where Azriel just got back from a mission and it’s been a month or so since he and reader have seen/been with each other. Reader tease him and he says something along the lines of “come sit on my face, let me show you just how much I missed you”. And well, let’s just say he missed reader a lot… 👀

Type: Azriel x reader.

Fandom: A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Summary: Azriel got back from a mission and let's just say he missed you so much, at the point he wanted to show you for how long he waited for this moment.

Warnings: This is 18+, so if you don't like it just keep scrolling, I know you'll find something that fits you.

Authors note: Thank you so much for requesting. Actually I was urging to make a Azriel x reader, I have one in my drafts that I'm working on, but I didn't know what to do and you gave me the best idea. I hope you like it, and enjoy your reading honey. Any grammar error I'm sorry but this is the first full one that I'm doing in English.

Honor mention to talk about Sarah saying that he's a freak so... Let's say I'm a bit excited for the next book.

Ok, your hate towards Rhysand wasn't even a thing before he kidnapped your mate's attention. You knew there was a lot of things to resolve and political things aren't easy, mainly because we're talking about Prythian and the High Lords aren't really the type of grown man when it comes to internal fights, but you haven't had even a full day with Azriel in a whole month.

Your relationship with Azriel was very affectionate, his love language was skin contact and it might not look like when you're around other people but behind closed doors he was the most clingy you've ever had. And now you didn't have time to even hug him properly in a whole month.

You were at the living room talking to Cassian when you saw your mate arriving. He was destroyed, he looked like he hadn't slept in days. Automatically, you stood up, Cassian didn't even try to argue because he knew his friend needed some woman help at this moment.

He got to walk to the bathroom with your help, where magically you made a bath for him. His body sat down and when the warm water touched his body he relaxed. The shadows were still there, including in his eyes where they were most concentrated, just proving that he hasn't seen a bed in days.

"You look really tired. How was your day?" You tried to turn his attention for you and make it easier for him to distract a little bit.

"Exhausting. I knew Tamlin was hard to work but not that he was a complete asshole who can't even accept help." He sighed.

Your gaze met the bar of soup next to the tub, you grabbed, wet and started rubbing Azriel's back with it, paying double attention to his wings. You knew how sensitive they could be and how Iryllians were when it's about those things.

"I told you, he's not someone... talkable. But I feel some kind of pity after all Hyberns stuff and then I remember what he did to Feyre." You made delicate circles around his back, then his chest and then you put the soap in his hands to let him finish.

You went to the sink to clean your hands and dried it with a towel. When you came back he was finished, you grabbed that soup bar again and started working on his wings. Rubbing slightly, putting less weight in your hands.

"I can't feel anything but angry when it's about him. He could have done so much and chose to be this way." Azriel’s voice was a little darker than before.

"Ok, let's change the subject. Let's talk about you've not been sleeping those days. Love, I know you have a lot of things to do but you're going to kill yourself this way." Your hands went down, and down.

"I know but-" He didn't finish, instead he let out a low moan and grabbed the sides of the tub trying to stay still. "It seems that you got to the part."

Yes, you knew what you were doing. Your relationship with Azriel was long enough for you to have memorized what you can do and where, the many times and how, but now you wanted to tease him. You let your hands move free against his wings, now just them, to make him feel your touch.

"Continue..." You couldn't contain the excitment in your face but your voice was low and husky, it just made Azriels erection pulse a little more.

"You wanna know what, Y/N" His hands met yours. You could feel the warmth on your cheeks, they were getting so red. He took the soap from your hands and adjusted himself on that tub. "What, babe?" You arched your brow.

At this point the bath was cold but it didn't matter because he pulled your hands making you come closer to him. "I think you should get in... here with me." His gaze met your lips and then he kissed you.

Hands.

Lips.

Tongues.

Touch.

You were craving for his touch in a long time. Since Azriel was busy you didn't have times like this with him and even though his presence was everything you wanted you couldn't deny you missed it too. You missed the sensation of his hands trailing your body and his tongue doing magic in your mouth.

There wasn't a thing that Azriel did with bad quality. But you, you were smarter when you just pulled away with a smirk on your face. You took some distance from him, your clothes didn't get longer to be on the floor and Azriel didn't let his eyes meet anything but you. And, if you ask me what was going through his head, you'll know soon.

You stepped ahead and entered the tub, he held your hand and helped you do it. Now, your body was on his lap, your hands tugging his hair when he finally kissed you again. He was hungrier than before, the kiss turned to a making out session, he wanted you and you only, the only thing he could see was you.

"Oh, darling. I'm going to show you exactly how I feel everytime I see you." He said next to your ear. "Did you miss me?" His hand traced your entire body. He went from your arm, to your belly, then found it down there. His fingers trailed it's way and started exploring the territory.

You couldn't even think at this moment and got worse when his middle finger found your clit and started rubbing it slowly. At first you swallowed your moan and looked at him with a heavy breathing, then he fasted the pace, his other finger found your cunt and started to explore more that area.

"Hm, I didn't hear you. You didn't answer my question, darling." His mouth was in your ear, you could handle his hand but along with this husky voice it was impossible.

You let escape a loud moan when two of his fingers started to fuck your cunt, and when I say fuck I mean it. "Y-yes, I missed... Fucking God- I missed you so much." You couldn't even finish a phrase.

"How much did you miss me, gorgeous?" You knew what he was trying to do. The Cauldron knows how bad you wanted to continue his game but it was impossible since he was godly great with his fingers.

You didn't respond, instead just grabbed his shoulder tugging your nails in it while you moved on his fingers chasing some kind of more friction. Your breath was heavy and you could feel it, when he took his fingers out of you and you panted.

"No, love, you're not going to cum now." He stood up and you wrapped your legs around his waist.

He took you to the bedroom again and shoved you to bed. First he looked at you, eyes shining with your figure right in front of him. It made you blush but he didn't swerve his gaze, he wanted to memorize every bit of you, skin, hair, lips, your curves, he loved every little detail and the way you always get nervous at those times.

"You're going to just look at me?" You arched your brow.

"Honestly? I could do it all day but I have other plans for you." He bit his lip and came to the top of you.

His hands were one in each side of you, but one of them grabbed your wrists and pushed it up to the top of your head, cuffing it there with just one hand. The other he used to grab his cock and pull it inside you.

You sobbed with his size, he was being gentle with the velocity he was administrating. He was slow, letting you adjust to it, but even like this you were so tight for him, tight enough to make him groan when he got to the base. "You're so fucking great." He whispered.

Then he dropped your hands and grabbed your ankles, he started moving inside you. Gentleness wasn't Azriel's at those times, his pace was rough, you were seeing stars with every thrust, every time his cock was deep and fast. Azriel could be whatever you think but during sex he's not the cute mate you know.

"Az- Azriel" You couldn't even think anymore.

His sight of you was delightful, his pace increased his right hand went to grab your face, with his four fingers in one side and his thumb in the other.

"Look at me, that wasn't what you wanted? Am I the only one who make you feel like this?" He stopped and started thrusting slowly, torturing slowly.

The first made you stutter and choke on your words. "Ye-yes that is what I wanted... You a- Azriel-" In each words you said he made a thrust and the faster you get the faster his pace was, the more you stutter the more he thrusts on you. But he was waiting for you to continue, he wanted you to say it. "You're the only o-one." You reunited all your powers to say it but even though you gaggle at the end.

Azriel grabbed your thighs and pulled it up to his shoulders, giving him a way to go deeper. And so he did, his invests started to get deeper and deeper, you were a mess of sweat, moan, pants and pre-cum when he released inside you and continued until you get the high too. When your orgasm hit you strongly and you creamed Azriel smiled in satisfaction and collapsed beside you.

"Well, I didn't think it'd come to this but I'm not the one to complain." You listened to him while he just laughed and then turned your face to see him. "I love you."

He smiled. When you turned your head you saw that he was already looking at you. "I love you too, Y/N."

[parkers-gal]

hiiii! can i please get a Tom x Fem!Reader imagine where he and reader have started dating and Tom’s brothers are weary of her because they’re protective etc incase people use Tom but they don’t know she has an actor brother who she helps with his career? Like maybe Taron Egerton or someone idk.. and they overhear her on a phone call to a film crew and they think she’s interfering in Tom’s career but she’s actually on the phone helping her brother? And just angst but end in fluff always ✨ tysm

requests are open (hope u like this)

wc: 1.1k

—

“You know they love you.” Tom says to you softly, quietly. The two of you are seated on a loveseat quite closely. You’re practically on his lap while his hand remains on the outer side of your thigh. You were with his brothers for the night, the “boys” if you will. They were in another room getting something, leaving you and Tom alone.

“Tough love, then.” You huff, looking in another direction. Tom frowns; he knows they’ve been just a bit cold towards you, sometimes even a bit hostile. Tom warned you things might be difficult, especially considering what happened last time when he brought a girl over.

“It’ll just take time.” He tries to assure you, hand rubbing up and down your thigh while he gives you a sweet kiss on the cheek. You nod, smiling a tight-lipped one as you attempted to remain cheerful for him. You knew the boys were very protective, especially about who they let into their tight circle. “Thank you for doing this.”

You smile a genuine one now, looking at him and giving him a soft kiss, short but passionate. “Anything for you.” You hug him closer and the boys come back into the room. They’ve almost been hesitant the entire night, but you’re all due for a day outside in the shops tomorrow, and Tom promised it would give you all time to warm up.

“Right then,” Tom smiled, eyes crinkling from the smirk. “Let’s finish this game of Clue.”

**

You’re holding Tom’s hand while you go from shop to shop. There’s no actual street separating the stores across from each other, so you’re free to walk wherever you please. Harry has a camera around his neck, Sam walking with a water bottle in one hand and Elysia’s hand in the other. Harrison is pointing out every stupid detail that could possible link back to the next season of Stranger Things. They’d been hung up on the last season’s ending, impatiently waiting for new episodes to arise. Tuwaine is feeding him on, gossiping about new theories. You’re laughing at them, adding onto the conversation as much as you can.

They’re not as reserved, today. Maybe it’s the sunshine of London, or maybe they’re just a bit overprotective when anything related to work pops up into the conversation or the mind. You don’t want to think much of it, though, because you’re still getting somewhere, and any progress is progress for everyone.

You’re stopped outside of a shop while Sam and Elysia are inside browsing the shelves. You’re all standing around the entrance waiting for them to return, but your phone rings rather loudly and consistently, so you excuse yourself to take the call, walking a way for some privacy.

“Hey, Tar.” You speak into the mobile device. “What’s up?”

Though you’re barely five minutes into the call, you can tell it’s going to be an important one — one that regards the script of your brother’s upcoming film. Sam and Elysia finally emerge from the shop while you're still on the call, and though they can only hear one end of the conversation, they urge to listen in. Tom had gone to get pretzels with Tuwaine from a small bakery, leaving the boys to wait for each of you to come back.

You’re still talking on the phone, though, and they’re listening to you frantically talking to your brother, though they don’t know it’s your brother on the other end.

“No, you should replace that second fade-in scene with the rough draft Jon wrote last week — yes the one from the producer’s room. The… yeah the cherry one too.”

After hearing what could’ve been you talking about Tom’s work, Harrison runs to get Tom before you can return.

“What’s up?” Tom’s licking his fingers from the cinnamon of a pretzel.

“Y/N…. she’s messing with your work.”

“What?” His brows furrow as he tries to understand what they’re saying.

“Yeah. She’s changing things about Cherry and something with Jon Watts-”

“And you know this because?”

Harry blushes. “We eavesdropped on her phone call.”

Tom raises a stern brow. “You know that’s not polite.”

“But she’s not even an actress or anything! What if she’s sabotaging your work?”

Tom tries not to laugh too hard. “You sound like someone from a Disney Channel show.”

“You can’t deny it’s a little fishy.” Harrison’s buff arms cross over chest and Tom sighs just as you’re about to come back.

“Just be careful with her.” Sam whispers as you arrive.

“What’re we doing now?”

Nobody manages to answer you, and you can tell the dynamic has shifted slightly. Tom had gone back to the pretzel shop for Tuwaine, and you’re left alone with the rest of the group.

“Are you meddling with Tom’s work?” Harrison manages to to get out after a few awkwardly silent moments.

“What?”

“We heard you on the phone.” Sam elaborates.

“I worked on Cherry with Tom, y’know.” He moves his camera slightly and you can see his demeanor grow defensive.

“Yeah… and?” You’re trying your best to understand, but there seems to be a gap for the misunderstanding.

“I think you should tell Tom what you’re doing to his work?”

“What’s going on?” Tom disrupts the circle that had once surrounded you, with questions and with people.

“Y/N has something to confess.”

Tom looks from Harry to you, wearily, curious as to where this is going.

“Yeah…” You trail off, thinking. “Your brothers have been listening to my conversations.”

“Within reason!” Harrison is quick to jump to the defense. “You’re a bit fishy.”

“I’m fishy for helping my brother?”

“You were talking to your brother about Tom’s upcoming movie?” Harry’s fast in deciphering your words. You’re stunned, face showing pure bewilderment.

“My brother happens to be Taron Egerton; we have this ongoing joke about fruits and scenes for scripts. Cherry is what we say for…. For the number two.”

“Oh.”

Tom rolls his eyes as the group realizes their mistakes. They’re looking down at their feet while Tom comes to your side, hand on the small of your back.

“Don’t you have something to say to my dear Y/N?” Tom’s rubbing it in slightly, and it makes you laugh.

“We’re really sorry. It was rude and impolite and… yeah.” The rest of them say other things along those lines, and you nod in forgiveness.

“It’s alright. Tom told me you all were… protective or… of the sorts.” They laugh dryly at your twist of words, and you return it with a smile. “We cool, though?”

“God yes.” Harry exhales with relief. “As long as you are.”

“Good.” Tom smiles, eyes still reading as the ‘stern older brother.’ “No more of that nonsense.”