#stroll through pine-scented paths

[indiatourismeasytripindia]

Whispers of the Hills" – Nainital Getaway from Kathgodam

Escape the rush and embrace the serenity with our 2 Nights 3 Days Nainital Tour Package from Kathgodam. Designed for those who crave nature, lakes, and mountain air, this package takes you from the plains to the peaceful lap of the Kumaon hills. Enjoy a boat ride on Naini Lake, stroll through pine-scented paths, and discover colonial charm at every turn. With comfortable stays, scenic drives, and hassle-free transfers, all you have to do is breathe in the beauty.

Whispers of the Hills" – Nainital Getaway from Kathgodam

[wheeniemyloove]

shadows and sparks (clarisse la rue x fem! daughter of hekate!reader)

summary!: during a night patrol, Clarisse and Y/N face danger that forces them to work together, uncovering an unexpected connection.

contains!: mild violence, injuries, mild language, vulnerability, mentions of y/n

notes!: i need this woman religiously + i never really see people puting the reader as a daughter of hekate so I just really wanted to do something different and thinking about writing more daughter of hekate!reader, so lmk if u like it or not!

The forest was unusually quiet. Even the rustling of leaves seemed to hold its breath, making the tension in the air unbearable for Clarisse La Rue. She gripped her spear tightly, her knuckles white around the polished wood.

“Do you ever stop glowing?” Clarisse muttered, glancing sideways at Y/N, her patrol partner for the evening. The soft glow of magic trailed behind the daughter of Hecate like fireflies, illuminating their path despite the deep darkness around them.

Y/N gave her a lazy grin, her fingers casually twirling a faint orb of light. “You could just admit you’re jealous. I could teach you a spell or two if you ask nicely.”

Clarisse snorted. “As if I’d rely on your magic tricks. Real warriors fight with strength, not illusions.”

“Real warriors also keep quiet during patrols,” Y/N quipped, her smirk widening.

Clarisse bristled, biting back a retort. She hated how Y/N always seemed so relaxed, so smug. It was infuriating, especially when Clarisse was on edge, her instincts screaming that something was watching them.

“Stay close,” she said sharply, quickening her pace.

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” Y/N said, her voice dripping with amusement.

Clarisse didn’t dignify that with a response.

---

The silence grew heavier as they ventured deeper into the woods, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and pine. Clarisse’s sharp eyes scanned the shadows, her muscles coiled and ready for a fight. Beside her, Y/N strolled as if she were on a leisurely walk, her magic casting soft, shifting patterns on the ground.

“Do you ever take anything seriously?” Clarisse asked, unable to keep the irritation out of her voice.

Y/N shrugged. “I take plenty of things seriously. Just not you yelling at me every five minutes.”

Clarisse opened her mouth to snap back, but a low growl cut through the air, freezing both of them in place.

“Did you hear that?” Clarisse whispered, her spear coming up instinctively.

Y/N tilted her head, her expression suddenly focused. “Yeah. Something big.”

The growl came again, louder this time, and a pair of molten gold eyes appeared in the shadows ahead. Clarisse didn’t wait. She charged, her spear aimed at the creature’s throat as it stepped into the moonlight—a massive drakon, its scales shimmering like molten metal.

The drakon lashed out with its tail, knocking Clarisse’s spear aside and sending her flying into a tree. She hit the ground with a grunt, her vision swimming.

“Clarisse!” Y/N shouted, her hands glowing as she summoned a spell. Shadows coiled around her fingers, forming the shape of a pack of wolves that darted toward the drakon, their howls echoing through the forest.

The drakon hesitated, snapping at the illusions, and Y/N ran to Clarisse’s side.

“Are you okay?” she asked, crouching beside her.

“I’m fine,” Clarisse said through gritted teeth, shoving Y/N away. “I don’t need your help.”

“Really? Because it looks like you just got thrown like a rag doll,” Y/N said, her tone annoyingly calm.

Clarisse pushed herself to her feet, gripping her spear. The drakon had already realized the wolves weren’t real and was turning back toward them, its eyes narrowing.

“Stay behind me,” Clarisse ordered.

But Y/N didn’t listen. She stepped forward, her hands glowing brighter as she chanted under her breath. The shadows around her thickened, forming a dome of darkness that enveloped the drakon. For a moment, the creature thrashed, confused and blind.

“Now!” Y/N shouted.

Clarisse didn’t hesitate. She charged into the darkness, her spear aimed at where she knew the drakon’s heart would be. The tip found its mark, piercing through scales and flesh. The drakon let out a deafening roar before collapsing, its massive body hitting the ground with a thud.

The shadows dissipated, revealing Clarisse standing over the drakon’s corpse, her chest heaving. She turned to Y/N, who was leaning against a tree, looking a little pale from the effort of her spell.

“Next time, leave the fighting to me,” Clarisse said, her voice sharp.

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “Next time, try not to get thrown into a tree.”

Clarisse glared at her, but there was no heat in it. She was too tired to argue.

“Thanks,” she muttered after a moment.

Y/N blinked, then grinned. “What was that? I didn’t quite hear you.”

Clarisse rolled her eyes. “Don’t push it.”

---

They made their way back to camp in silence, the adrenaline wearing off and leaving them both exhausted. The faint glow of the campfire came into view, and Clarisse sighed in relief.

“Hey,” Y/N said suddenly, stopping in her tracks.

Clarisse turned to her, frowning. “What?”

Y/N hesitated, her usual smirk replaced with something softer. “You’re always so hard on yourself. You know you don’t have to prove anything to anyone, right?”

Clarisse stiffened, caught off guard by the sincerity in Y/N’s voice. “What are you talking about?”

Y/N shrugged, her hands glowing faintly as she created a small orb of light. “You act like you have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. But you’re more than just a fighter, Clarisse. You don’t have to face everything alone.”

Clarisse stared at her, unsure how to respond. No one had ever said something like that to her before. She looked away, her grip tightening on her spear.

“Thanks,” she said again, quieter this time.

Y/N smiled. “Anytime.”

They continued toward the campfire, the tension between them replaced by a newfound understanding. For the first time, Clarisse didn’t mind the soft glow of Y/N’s magic lighting their way.

[bludwrite]

streaks of a pale moonlight poured over the empty neighbourhood, casting a pure glow on the snow kissed road. soft laughter dangled in the air as kento held you in his arms, your body cradled delicately against him, your head pillowed at the crook of his neck.

strolling you down the center of the street, his footsteps creating a quiet crisp in the stillness of the night. kentos heartbeat resonated in the quietness as he chuckled to himself- not because anything was particularly funny, but because he couldn't supress the warm bliss he felt igniting in his chest, veins and palms. you made him feel young, made him feel like he was experiencing a first love all over again.

so he continued with slow, eased steps before you kicked off your nude heels, sending them clattering against the pavement. you winced for a moment, then burst into giggles against his broad, warm chest.

pressing yourself against his chest, you were overwhelmed by the scent. he always wore a woody cologne, it smelled like cedar and pine with a slight undertone of citrus. the fragrance was long lasting, it always managed to somehow linger on your own clothes whenever you spent the day with him.

nonetheless, kento found himself drunk on your laughter- speaking of which, he secretely loved taking care of you when you were this intoxicated. he didn't mind the fact he couldnt indulge in the act himself just so he could look after you, despite how much he craved it. but your presence, love and affection all perfectly replaced the warm sensation that lingers in his chest after drinking alcohol, so he truly, truly didn't mind.

his gaze lingered on the way your hair caught the moonlight, framing your face with a soft glow that made you look like an angel, an angel hammered with hennessy, laying across his firm, muscular arms. his fingers slowly moved towards your face, tracing a path across your soft skin as a breath of contentment escaped his lips.

"i'm guessing i'll have to carry you all night, hm?" he smirked, a spark in his hazel eyes if you looked closely. "that'd be the best." you murmured in response, head tipping back and your eyes fluttering shut. he kissed you, just once to really savour the moment, then a second time to feel your soft lips one more time, and then a third because he already missed them against his own.

the breeze caused your hair to billow around you in a halo of silken locks. kento tightened his grip on your body- specifically your thighs, with softening eyes before planting yet another peck on you, this time your forehead being lucky.

being out with him like this distracted you from the madness of life, god, he felt like a haven. like a lover, best friend and saviour all in one. "kento, im so happy." you would declare to him from time to time- and you only spoke the truth, the past few months with him have been nothing short of euphoria.

as the holiday bungalow came into sight, the midnight sky stretched above you, and kento slowed to a halt by the side of the window, a half smile creeping on his face. "ready for a grand entrance?" he whispered into you, the lower lobe of his lip every so slightly tickling the tip of your ear, causing a shudder through you.

"go on, mr acrobat," you playfully slurred. he raised an eyebrow, a grin leisurely blossoming across his face as his eyes remained locked on your beautiful face, admiring and watching every crevice and curve intently. "let's not underestimate me." he shifted, ready to boost you up through the open window. "on three...one...two... thr-"

with a grunt, he hoisted you up, and you tumbled into the dimly lit room, laughter spilling from your lips as you both fell onto the double bed, arm in arm. you landed softly, hair slightly tousled- which kento attempted to smooth down with his fingers, with a touch so gentle, like he was handling a tiny kitten.

he pushed himself off of you slightly, leaning across the bedside table to turn on the cd player. soft, romantic music filled the room as he lit a few flickering candles, their shadows dancing along the vanilla walls of the airbnb.

in a moment, his lips were warm and plush against your own, your bodies pressed close as you fell back onto the bed. the kisses growing more impatient, more fueled by passion. kento's arms lowered to wrap around your waist, resting his chin on your chest as he stared up at you- those beautiful, hazel eyes half lidded and pulsing with a mixture of lust and adoration.

[littlefireball]

May I pretty please request A Yeosang X reader smut? She's a fairy and he's human or anything else you'd like, but she meets him in the woods and he notices how innocent she looks but can tell something is off. She doesn't understand what is happening as she grew up alone. Etc?

🐼

Sorry for replying late 🤧🤧

ʏꜱ|ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ʟᴜꜱᴛ (ᴍ)

ᴇᴠɪʟ ʏᴇᴏꜱᴀɴɢ x ꜰᴀɪʀʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: ꜱᴍᴜᴛ|ᴜɴᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ꜱᴇx|ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀɪɴɢ|ᴏʀᴀʟ|ᴏᴠᴇʀꜱᴛɪᴍᴜʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ|ᴍᴜʟᴛɪᴘʟᴇ ᴄʟɪᴍᴀx|ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ꜰᴇʟʟ ɪɴᴛᴏ ʏᴇᴏꜱᴀɴɢ'ꜱ ᴛʀᴀᴘ (?)|ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴᴇᴅ ᴏꜰ ʟʏɪɴɢ

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 2.9ᴋ

As the morning sun peeked through the dense canopy of trees, casting dappled light on the forest floor, you began to pack your meager belongings. Your heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. You had lived in this secluded spot for as long as you could remember, the trees and wildlife your only companions. The silence was often comforting, but today it felt oppressive, like a cage you were desperate to escape.

You had always been different, an outcast among your own kind. Your thoughts and feelings didn't seem to align with those around you, and the wall between you and society grew thicker with each passing day. It wasn't that you didn't want connections; quite the opposite. You yearned for understanding and belonging, but it seemed an impossible dream.

Your path led you deeper into the forest, away from the familiar landmarks and the whispers of the past. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the sounds of birdsong filled the air. Notably, it lies near the fabled devil's den. Yet, these tales are mere folklore, and no one has ever laid eyes on such a creature.

Perhaps they were already dead?

Without a second thought, you began to hum a familiar melody while gathering berries, yet an unsettling feeling gnawed at you. Whispers of demons echoed in your mind, morphing into vivid images that played out like a haunting film. At times, they flashed their menacing teeth and claws; at others, they lurked in the shadows of the trees, silently observing your every action, even beckoning you with a chilling wave. A creeping dread settled in your chest, and your palms grew clammy with anxiety.

You murmured softly to yourself, trying to dispel the notion that it was all mere imagination.

"Alright, this should be sufficient..." A hesitant smile crossed your lips as you inhaled deeply, lowering your gaze to avoid the forest's dark embrace. "Time to head back." With a powerful flap of your wings, you ascended into the sky. Typically, you would stroll home, but today, an instinct urged you to return swiftly.

But as you flew, a nagging feeling of unease began to creep in. The forest was not as deserted as it appeared. Shadows moved among the trees, watching you with eyes that you couldn't see. You quickened your pace, trying to shake off the feeling of being hunted.

And then, you heard it. A low, guttural growl that sent shivers down your spine. 

"A fairy…" 

Your heart raced as you spun around, searching for the source of the sound. But there was nothing there, just the endless sea of trees and the echo of your own panicked breathing.

You pushed on, determined to ignore the fear that threatened to consume you. But the growls grew louder, closer, until you could feel the heat of their breath on the back of your neck. You stumbled, tripping over a hidden root, and fell to the ground.

As you scrambled to your feet, you saw them. A pack of wolves, their eyes glowing in the dim light, circling you like predators sizing up their prey. You stood frozen, your heart pounding in your chest.

"Get…get off me!" You shutted your eyes tightly as they wanted to launch an attack, a sharp voice stopped them. 

"Back off!" The sound of a voice nearby wrapped around you like a warm blanket, easing your unease. With a gentle flutter, you opened your eyes, and a man came into focus.

"Are you alright, lady? Did they frighten you?" Yeosang inquired softly, a sly grin dancing on his lips that quickly transformed into a warm smile as your eyes met his. At last, he had discovered a fairy. The thrill in his heart was nearly overwhelming. Every demon had a destined mate, chosen by their deepest desires—lust. Yeosang had been on a quest for a fairy companion for ages, believing that only a fairy could truly match his beauty. 

Or more accurately, he was finding you, a fairy called Y/N.  He meticulously observed the movements of the fairy tribe, yearning to find his destined partner. While each fairy possessed their own enchanting beauty, none ignited the spark of desire within him—until he learned of your existence. The moment his eyes fell upon you, he realized you were the one he had been searching for. His heart raced wildly, and visions of joyous moments spent together danced in his mind, leaving him unable to shake the thought. Upon discovering that you lived alone, he seized the chance to make his move. Who would have thought you could be so easily deceived?

"I... I'm okay..." you stuttered, rooted to the spot, fear gripping you at the thought of those creatures lunging at you if you dared to move. 

"Apologies if they frightened you. They're just my hounds," Yeosang said, extending his hand to help you. "Did they hurt you?" 

"No, I'm fine, thank you." As your fingers intertwined with his, you felt a jolt of warmth pass through your veins. He helped you up, his grip firm yet gentle, and as you steadied yourself, you noticed the striking features of this man. His eyes were a deep, oceanic blue, flecked with gold, and his silky hair flowed like a midnight river down his back. Despite the danger you'd just faced, you couldn't help but feel drawn to him.

But you didn't know what this feeling was. Is it just an admiration? Maybe?

"Come, let's get you out of here," he said gently. As you stood, you noticed that the wolves had retreated, their growls now distant echoes in the night. Yeosang whistled softly, and they vanished into the darkness, as if they had never been there.

"How...how did you do that?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Yeosang chuckled, a melodious sound that seemed to echo through the forest. "I have my ways," he said mysteriously. "But now, let's get you to safety. Where are you headed?"

You hesitated, unsure whether to trust this stranger. But his smile was genuine, and his eyes held no malice. "I'm on my way to my home," you said finally. "Nearby the forest." 

"Ah, I see," Yeosang said, nodding. "Well, I happen to be heading in that direction as well. Allow me to escort you."

And with that, he offered his arm, and you took it, feeling a sense of safety and comfort that you hadn't felt since you'd entered the forest. 

"My name is Yeosang," he said, offering a lovely smile. "What's your name, lady?" 

"Y/N." 

"It's a good name." 

As you walked through the woods, Yeosang talked about the land and its inhabitants, his voice soothing and comforting. You listened intently, fascinated by his stories of the demons and their world.

In an instant, the sky transformed into a deep shade of gray, casting an eerie shadow over the landscape. It felt strange, almost unnatural. Since you settled in this forest, the weather had been consistently calm—never a cloud in sight, nor a drop of rain. The only exception was the infamous devil's lair, a place where sunlight dared not penetrate, shrouded instead in a dense, foreboding mist.

The twilight deepened as the first gentle drops of rain began to fall, tapping softly against the lush canopy of the dark forest. Soon, the patter intensified, transforming into a relentless rhythm that echoed through the trees. 

"It rains!Run!" Yeosang grabbed your hand and rushed to the cave. 

"Why does it start raining?" You tidied up yourself and gazed up at the sky, feeling weird. "It never rains in this forest."

"That's weird then." Yeosang casually said as if not surprised with this rain. 

"Don't you find it weird?" 

"Why?" Yeosang hesitant, forgetting he should be keep acting. "No, I mean it's normal." 

 His words caused a furrow to form on your brow. It appeared he was unfazed by the rain falling in the forest. While rain is typically a common occurrence, it is anything but usual here. This enchanted forest is shielded by magic, basking in sunlight throughout the year; rain only graces the land when shadows descend.

Given his deep familiarity with the forest, there's no way he wouldn't recognize this pattern.

A sudden realization gripped you, sending a jolt of fear coursing through your veins. The cacophony of noise around you was swallowed by an overwhelming tide, intensifying the turmoil churning within. You had to leave but visibility dwindled to mere feet, as the world was enveloped in a veil of grey. 

"What's wrong, Y/N?" Yeosang's sudden voice startled you, yanking you back from your thoughts. 

"Nothing… I just… feel a bit chilly." 

"Really?" He stepped closer, his tall figure casting a shadow over you. As you leaned back, you realized there was nowhere to escape; your back pressed firmly against the wall. 

"You're frightened." He gently cradled your face, sensing the shivers that coursed through you at his touch. "Is the rain troubling you?" A flash of lightning illuminated the sky, sketching the clouds in stark relief. After a tense pause, the rumble of thunder rolled through the air, resonating in your ears. For a fleeting moment, you caught a glimpse of a haunting golden glimmer in his eyes—an unsettling hue that seemed to belong to the devil himself.

"No…" You stammered, taking a deep breath. "I wanna go back." 

"You mean home?Here we are, darling." 

"No! This isn't my home!" Your resistance was futile as he pressed your wrists against the wall, an unyielding grip that left you powerless. An unseen force held your ankles in place, rendering you immobile.

"Shh… Stop your screaming; no one is coming to help you." One hand gently traced your cheek before tightening its grip, stifling your cries.

"Why see through me? Huh?" He wiped away the tears that fell from your eyes. "If you just stay quiet and behave, I might be kinder to you. But alas, tsk, you're not being good, Y/N."

"Please no…" Your voice trailed off, watching him lean even more closer. "You need to be punished, dear." 

His left hand traced the silhouette of your figure, gliding down to the edge of your dress, gently exploring your tender thigh. "So sensitive," he chuckled, his cool fingertips dancing along your skin, sending a tingling sensation that made you instinctively rub your thighs.

Kneeling down, he ripped off your dress, tearing them into pieces. His head divided between your thighs, his breath pooled against your wetness. Without a second thought, he sucked your bud hard, making you bend. 

"Yeosang…!" "Be patient." He flatted his long tongue, licking from the hole to the fold. Even if there was a fabric, you could still feel his every move, every press. He tore the hem of your panties from the middle, giving him directly touch your soaked clit. His tongue tip tapped your clit in a quick way, while one of his fingers slipped inside your hole, thrusting in and out slowly. 

"Fuck fuck fuck!" You let out a cry, overwhelmed by sheer exhilaration. Your chest heaved rhythmically, each breath coming in quick, heavy gasps. A tightness gripped your stomach as he drew in deeply, the loud sucking noise sending a dizzying rush through your mind. Juices kept flowing out and he swallowed them all, letting out a satisfied sound that sent vibration to your clit. 

You were so sweet, so delicious. He could just eat you out for an hour until you beg him to stop. 

"Cum, honey. Let me taste you." His words made you mess, you couldn't help but come undone. "Godness, you're so tasty!" Your sweetness drove him totally insane. He licked away all the juices as if it was his last meal. He pushed one more finger instead of pulling away, oh, that was so deep, deep enough to ruin you. In order to taste more of your juices, his long tongue slid into your dripping hole in one go, making you let out a loud moan. 

His fingers and tongue moved in pattern; he pushed in his tongue and tapped inside while his fingers pulled out; then his fingers thrusted in after withdrawing his wet, long tongue. This left you no rest, your cunt was so full of him. You could tell the second orgasm is approaching as all the heat gathers at the same spot. Moaning messily, you finally came as Yeosang suddenly found your G spot. 

"Oh here it is." He smirked, kissing your clit. 

"Please no more, Yeosang…" The two peaks of intensity left you utterly drained, as if all the air had been siphoned from your lungs. The prolonged groans had parched your throat, causing a slight sting whenever you tried to utter a word.

"No, no, honey. It's not enough." Yeosang stood up to meet your gaze, his lips were red, covered with your wetness. "Forget what I said?" 

"I can't take it…please Yeosang." 

"Oh my princess is tired?" He suddenly lifted up your thighs, making you gasp in surprise. "But I'm not." Before finishing his words, he leaned in to press his arched crotch against your skin. 

"Shit…"Tilting your head at the back, you felt an overwhelming pleasure once again spread throughout your body even if it was just a small touch. 

"How does it feel? Want more?" A playful grin crossed on Yeosang's lips as he pushed in again, rubbing up and down, earning a long soft moan from your mouth. A wet spot evident.  on his pants as pre cum covered his huge cock. He wanted to fuck you so hard but he needed you to beg, to say. "C'mon, Y/N. I know you want more." 

"Sangie…" 

"Yes, say my name, my pretty pretty." He whispered against your lips before planting a kiss on it. "Say you want me." 

"Please. I want you." You found yourself entranced by his voice, surrendering your thoughts to his guidance. Though fear and fatigue weighed heavily on you, they faded in the face of overwhelming desire. The demon before you wore a triumphant grin, as if the moment had finally arrived to possess you completely. The mysterious strength that once held your wrists captive vanished, and instinctively, your arms fell to encircle his shoulders.

With a tender touch, he laid you down on the soft earth, then lowered his pants and leaned over. Your flattened wings sparkled like stars, captivating him with their beauty. "Mine," he murmured, easing himself into you. His massive size made you arch your back and whimper, a stark contrast to the sensations from his fingers and tongue.

"Just breathe," he encouraged, propping himself up with both hands as he began to move in a gentle rhythm. Your legs bent more each time his cock reached your sweet spot, the way his hard tip kissed it made you moaning without care. The storm raging outside the cave has faded from your mind, a distant memory. The chaos of the world beyond held no significance for you now. All that matters was the man above you, igniting waves of ecstasy that wash over you. This feeling was foreign, something you've never encountered in any story you've read. You should perhaps feel a twinge of embarrassment or consider pushing him away, but instead, you found yourself yearning for more.

His tenderness no longer existed, instead by roughness. Your velvet drove him crazy, the warmth and wetness brought him to the new high, especially when you squeezed hard as you tried to adjust his size. There was no way to endure; he shoved into you with all his might, moving so fast and hard. 

"Sangie…!"  Sharp, wavering moans mixed with soft sobs escaped your lips, as tears cascaded down your cheeks. The overwhelming blend of agony and exhilaration enveloped you, leaving you breathless. You found yourself torn between the desire for him to cease and the yearning for him to keep igniting that blissful sensation within you.

"Need to fill your little cunt with all of my seed. You want it?Hm?Tell me." Yeosang caught his breath, feeling his high approaching. 

"Yes, yes, yes. Please fill me in fully." After a few thrusts, he came all and creamed your cunt after you squirted on him. Dropping a peck on your cheek, he wiped away the tears, saying softly, "You're mine now, my little fairy." 

You tightened the embrace around him, panting heavily. "Why…what is this? Sangie?Why do I want you?" You were overwhelmed, your thoughts swirling in a tempest that left your mind in disarray. The figure standing before you was no benevolent soul; he was a demon, devoid of kindness. He didn't bother to inquire if you wished for him to fuck you. Yet, here you were, pleading with him, clinging to him, refusing to let him slip away. It felt utterly bizarre.

"Honey, it's the so-called mate." 

"Mate…?" 

"You want me as it's your desire, your lust." His eyes glimmered with a warm, golden hue as he gently nibbled at your palm, pressing it tenderly against his cheek.

"Lust…?"

"It's okay, honey. I'll explain to you later as we have so much time." You realized the noise of raining disappeared, and the sight of the cave was replaced by a dark purple garden,  filled with exotic flowers that bloomed in hues you'd never seen before.

"Welcome home, my mate." 

tag list:@angelsaway, @yeosangcutie0615

[hoernypie]

⋆｡˚ moonlight magic ˚｡⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆

tags: public, p+v, creamp!e

wc: 1972

Suguru and I had been planning this vacation for months, eager to escape the stressful missions and life of jujutsu sorcerers, allowing ourselves to immerse in the peacefulness of the countryside. The cottage, nestled by the tranquil lake, was a charming retreat that promised peace and relaxation after all our stress. We arrived just as the golden sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the calm waters. After unpacking our bags and preparing a simple dinner, we stepped out onto the porch to breathe in the crisp night air, the gentle hum of cicadas our only company. The full moon, a luminous orb in the velvet sky, reflected on the lake's surface, turning it into a shimmering mirror of silver light. The thought of a night walk to explore the area was too tempting to resist, so we laced up our shoes and set off into the quiet embrace of the surrounding woods.

"I hate when they cry", I huffed as we walked slowly. "Who's cry?" Suguru asked confused, his eyes searching the darkened woods with a hint of concern. I chuckled, squeezing his upper arm. "The cicadas." He listened intently for a moment, before snorting. We continued our stroll, the moonlight guiding our path.

As we walked deeper into the woods, the sound of the cicadas grew faint, replaced by the rhythmic rustling of leaves beneath our feet. The air grew cooler, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and pine. Suguru, kept a watchful eye on our surroundings, while I drowned in the beauty of the moonlit landscape. Our laughter echoed through the trees as we pointed out peculiar shapes in the shadows cast by the silvery beams. Suddenly, the serenity was pierced by an unmistakable splash from the lake. We froze, our hearts pounding in sync with the night's rhythm. Curiosity piqued, we cautiously approached the water's edge, our eyes scanning the now-disturbed surface for any sign of what had caused the disturbance.

"Suguru... Do you think it's a good idea to stay here?" I asked with a worry in my voice, looking at the ripples that distorted the moon's reflection. Suguru looked at me, his gaze flickering with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Let's just check it out," he whispered, taking a step closer to the lake. The water remained still, but the silence felt heavier as if the night itself was holding its breath. "No, no! Please don't check, it's how people die in horror movies!" I whined looking up to see his face.

Ignoring my pleas for caution, Suguru pulled out his phone, switching on the flashlight to scan the lake. The beam of light danced across the water, revealing the silhouettes of trees and rocks on the other side. Then, it caught something moving, something large and unmistakable. "It's just a loon," he said with a chuckle, the tension vanishing from his shoulders. The bird, having realized it was no longer hidden, let out a call before diving back into the water. "See?" He turned to me, flashing a reassuring smile. "It's just nature doing its thing." "Stupid bird", I huffed when we sat on the fallen tree trunk, "I almost saw the pearly gates."

With our hearts still racing from the unexpected encounter with the loon, we shared a nervous laugh. The adrenaline rush brought us closer together, and we found ourselves leaning into each other, our eyes locking in the soft moonlight. The air grew thicker, charged with a new kind of energy. Before I could protest, Suguru leaned in and pressed his lips to mine, his hand gently cradling the back of my neck. The kiss was slow and tender, starkly contrasting to the chaotic world we had left behind. We made out, our breaths mingling in the cool night air, the moon casting a gentle glow on our faces. For a moment, we forgot about the monsters and curses of our daily lives, lost in the tranquility of the countryside and the warmth of each other's embrace. The lake's surface stilled once more, reflecting our silhouettes as we deepened our kiss, the only sound the distant whisper of the breeze playing with the leaves above us.

Our kiss grew more passionate as we let go of our carefulness, the stress of our lives melting away with each tender brush of our lips. Suguru's hand slid down to hold my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my palm as we breathed in unison. The moon, our silent witness, cast a soft, ethereal light over us, painting our skin in a silver glow. Time stood still as we savored this moment of intimacy, the serenity of the lake a contrast to the intense passion we shared. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves while we kept whispering sweet nothings to ourselves, getting lost in the pure feeling.

As our kiss intensified, the desire to be even closer consumed us. Suguru's hands found the hem of my shirt, gently lifting it over my head, revealing the moon's glow on my bare skin. Our lips never parted, as he worked his way down, his kisses leaving a trail of heat along my neck and collarbone. His touch was tender and exploratory as if discovering me for the first time. In return, my fingers traced the firm lines of his back, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath his shirt. With a soft murmur, I helped him remove it, our bodies pressing together in the warm night air. The moon, still high in the sky, bathed us in its soft light as we slowly undressed each other, our clothes discarded like leaves on the forest floor. Our kisses grew deeper, more insistent, as our bodies melded together. Without a word, Suguru swept me up into his arms, the sudden movement sending a shiver down my spine. His eyes, gleaming with playful mischief, met mine as he stepped into the lake, the water cool against my skin. "What are you doing?" I gasped, but the laughter in his voice was contagious, and soon I found myself giggling as he walked further in. "I've always wanted to do this," he murmured, his eyes never leaving mine as the water reached our waists. The moon's reflection shimmered around us, casting a glow on our faces as we kissed once more, the cold water contrasting the heat between us. Our bodies moved in sync as he held me, the gentle current of the lake swaying us back and forth around our bodies. It felt like a moment of pure bliss, making our kisses grow more passionate with each passing second. The world outside the cottage, the missions and curses, all felt a lifetime away as we shared this moment.

Suguru's strong arms tightened around me, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist to maintain balance. His hands explored my bare skin, sending waves of pleasure through me, and I gasped as he found my hardened nipples, teasing them with his thumbs. Suguru's hands continued to explore my body, his palms cupping my breasts with a gentle yet firm touch. He rolled my nipples between his thumbs and forefingers, the sensation sending electric jolts of pleasure through my core. I moaned into his mouth, my hips rocking against his growing arousal.

Suguru broke the kiss, his gaze dropping to my chest. He kissed a path down my neck, his hands moving now to fully embrace my breasts. His mouth found my nipple which he sucked gently at first, then with increasing pressure before flicking his tongue against the sensitive peak. I gasped when his tongue sent waves of pleasure through my body. I gripped his hair before he switched to the other one, giving it equal attention as his teeth grazed it. The water around us grew choppy as our movements grew more urgent. Suguru's mouth left my breasts to kiss back my neck, leaving hickeys while his hands guided me to straddle him more firmly. I could feel the tip of his dick pressing against my entrance, and the anticipation was killing me. He bit my neck as he pushed just the tip of his dick inside me, the cold water of the lake rippling around us. My walls clenched around him as he stopped, savoring the feeling.

Biting his bottom lip, Suguru pushed his dick in one swift move, his tip hitting my cervix and sending a wave of pleasure mixed with pain that filled my body. My moan echoed through the quiet night, mingling with the distant sounds of the forest and the occasional splash of water. His movements grew more desperate, the water around us splashing with his rhythm. Each thrust sent a jolt of glee through me, my nails digging into his shoulders as I held on tightly. Our kisses grew more desperate with our lips crashing into each other while we chased the pleasure. Suguru's hands gripped my hips as he buried himself deeper with each powerful stroke. With each passing moment, his strokes grew more powerful and desperate, his grip on my hips tightening, almost bruising my skin. My body was on fire, the pain from Suguru's fingers digging into my soft skin was sending me closer to the edge. I could hear his muffled breaths growing ragged against my neck which was now covered with hickeys and bite marks.

"You're so fucking tight," he grunted against my neck, his hips moving quicker and more forcefully beneath me. "I can feel every inch of you," he groaned, his teeth grazing my earlobe before biting down gently. "You're going to come for me, aren't you?" he whispered, his voice ragged. My breaths grew shallow, my body trembling as I approached climax, the tension coiling tighter with every stroke when he hit my sweet spot. The overwhelming pleasure filled my body, my pussy clenching tightly around his dick as I mewled out his name, looking at him with glossy eyes, before he pushed his dick inside me, making me squirt all over him. The warm liquid spurted between us, mixing with the cool lake water as my pussy clenched tightly around his cock. "Fuck, yes," he murmured, his grip on my hips bruising as he held me in place, his cock pulsing deep inside me. His thrusts grew erratic, his breaths coming in harsh pants as he chased his own release. "You're going to milk me dry," he rasped, his voice thick with need. "Look at me," he demanded, squishing my cheeks and pulling my face closer to his. "Look at me as I fill your pussy." I looked up, my eyes locking with his as his strokes grew more intense, his words of how good it felt only heightened my sensitivity. "You're so fucking beautiful when you come," he moaned before his warm cum filled me, my pussy greedily gripping his cock as he emptied himself inside me.

Suguru didn't stop moving his hips as he came, his cock pushing deeper with each spurt of cum that filled me up. "You're so fucking perfect," he murmured, his eyes hooded with pleasure. "Your pussy is so tight, it's like it's made for me." We stayed like that for a moment, his lips leaving soft kisses on bite marks and hickeys that he left on me. The only sound was the quiet lapping of the lake water against our skin. I held him tightly, our hearts racing, as our shallow breaths filled the silence. The moon's light reflected off the water around us, a silent witness to our passion. "I've wanted to do this for so long," he spoke softly, his voice thick with satisfaction. "And it was worth every second of waiting." I smiled, my cheeks flushed, knowing that this was just the beginning of a week filled with us going wild.

[aldryrththerainbowheart]

Jason Todd loves to travel to cozy forest cabin getaways with you

🍂 Especially in the middle of autumn/one the cusp of winter. A little strange, considering people usually prefer spring, summer or at least warmer months of autumn. You asked him about it once, he said it's the calmness of the forest that's preparing for winter.

Like everything's falling asleep. Calm, quiet, undisturbed by anything.

🍂 You have one place surrounded by mountains that you book year in advance and visit every year for a week. It's a long wooden hut made of layered logs with stone fireplace and terrace window overlooking nature. Nestled on the high slope right under the mountain, it offers a beautiful view of valley with river curling like a snake through the slopes and acres upon acres of ancient pine trees.

🍂 He makes sure you're stocked with everything you need. Even the things you don't need but he bought them because he knew you liked them. Your favorite coffee, dried fruits and nuts, his favorite beef jerky, soup cans, store bought dough for pizza, fresh buns and cinnamon buns, eggs for morning omelettes, pumkin spice and ingredients for simmer pot (you taught him to drink that pretty quickly).

🍂 It's that calm quiet routine he falls into wih you there that he loves the most. You wake up late, burried under the patterned blankets, to a cold autumn morning with golden-brown leaves falling behind your window. He doesn't want to let you go until you bribe him with fresh coffee. It another half an hour before you get out of bed, either talking or reading your respective books you brought with you. Then and only then, you get out of bed. Usually one makes breakfeast while other gets ready or sits at the dining table. You rarely use that table, usually taking the food either outside on the terrace, the couch or bed.

🍂 Your days are filled with hiking and walks through the wilderness. Each morning greets you with the soft light of dawn as you lace up your hiking boots, ready to explore the outdoors. The air is fresh and crisp, filled with the earthy scents of pine and wildflowers.

As you venture deeper into the wild, you find yourself surrounded by towering trees that sway gently in the breeze. You might encounter babbling brooks that meander through the landscape, their crystal-clear waters shimmering in the sunlight. With every step, you are greeted by the symphony of nature—the cheerful chirping of birds, the rustle of small creatures in the underbrush, and the distant sounds of nature that fill the air with tranquility.

Each hike offers its own unique adventure: sometimes you climb to breathtaking vistas that reveal sprawling valleys below, while other times, you wander through serene glades where wild animals may cross your path. You take the time to pause and appreciate the beauty around you, capturing moments with photographs or simply soaking in the sights and sounds.

In the evenings, as the sun sets and casts a warm glow across the horizon, you reflect on the day’s explorations, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the connection you have with nature. Whether trekking through rugged mountain terrain or strolling along peaceful forest paths.

🍂 Unlike eating times, your walks are usually filled with peacefull silence, disturbed only by the sounds of rustling leaves, crunching of branches under your feet or animals. Speak of which, you were pretty nervous when you encountered bear or moose, but Jason assured you that as long as you don't bother them, they won't bother you. You didn't know that wolves are so much bigger that a dog until a pack of them was chilling early in the morning around your cabin.

🍂 You make sure to bring your beaten-down old camera on these trips. Because some of these breathtaking sights cannot be captured by a phone. You have tons of them with beautiful sighs of nature, that one time you decided to go up the mountain slope, and the little fox family you stumbled upon. There's also plenty of pictures of Jason, sometimes taken without his knowledge. It's a rare sight when you manage to see that expression of pure serenity on his face, let alone capture it on the camera. There's one you cherish the most. It was taken when you climbed up the hill to a clearing. The sunlight is still peeking over the mountains and is shining directly on his back. He looks to the side and light illuminates his face perfectly, tracing the lines of his face in light and shadow. Dark strands peek from underneath his beanie and his neck is buriend in the scarf you made him. A fog is rising from his lips and one green eye is cast in sunlight. In the background, a blurried out expanse of forest and mountaintops. A copy of this photo made its way to the Wayne manor.

🍂 In the evenings, you cook dinner together and then either play boardgames or, you guessed it, read some more. Jason always looks forward to cooking dinner with you. You blast music for your portable radio, you mess with each other by throwing bits of food and argue what toppings should or should not go on a pizza. You test out what board games would stand the trial on the game nights with his family and you always end with cards against humanity. Your always at disadvantage when playing Black Stories. It's not your fault you're not detective like someone.

🍂 Out of all activities, your absolute favorite undoubtedly has to be stargazing with Jason. There’s something truly magical about those nights spent together, standing under the open sky, clean of the polution of Gotham city.

In those quiet moments, as you both gaze up at the milions of twinkling lights, you feel a deep sense of peace and connection. The cool night air envelops you, and every sigh, every laugh, and every shared dream feels amplified against the backdrop of shimmering constellations. With Jason by your side, it’s not just about the beauty of the night's sky; it's about the warmth of his presence, the quiet conversations that stretch into the night, and the comfort of knowing that you’re sharing these moments with the person you love most. The stars don’t just fill the sky; they light up your hearts, creating a memories that feels timeless and everlasting.

[estapa-edwards]

i miss you, im sorry -- J.HUGHES

paring: jack hughes x fem! reader

word count: 2.15k

requested? yes - could you do this prompt for “I never thought I could miss someone this much” for a guy of your choosing? :)

warnings: use of y/n.

Y/N had always been close friends with Luke Hughes. Their bond was unbreakable, forged through years of shared experiences, secrets, and laughter. When Luke invited Y/N to spend a summer at his family's lake house, she eagerly accepted.

As Y/N stepped out of Luke's car, she was immediately captivated by the serene beauty of the place. The air was filled with the scent of fresh pine and the sound of water gently lapping against the shore.

"Welcome to my favorite place in the world," Luke said with a smile, grabbing Y/N's bags from the trunk.

Y/N couldn't help but smile back, feeling grateful for the opportunity to spend time with her best friend and his family in such a picturesque setting. She was about to meet Luke's parents, Ellen and Jim Hughes, and she wanted to make a good impression. Luke had assured her that his parents were friendly and welcoming, but Y/N couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

Just then, the sound of footsteps approached, and the kitchen door swung open. In walked Ellen Hughes, a graceful woman with kind eyes and a warm smile. Following closely behind her was Jim Hughes, a tall man with a friendly demeanor and a strong resemblance to Luke.

"Good morning, Y/N," Ellen greeted, her voice cheerful and welcoming. "It's so nice to finally meet you. Luke has told us so much about you."

"Good morning, Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Hughes," Y/N replied, standing up to shake their hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for having me."

"Please, call us Ellen and Jim," Ellen said, her smile widening. "We're thrilled to have you here with us."

Jim nodded in agreement, extending a hand to Y/N. "It's great to meet the young woman who's been such a good friend to our Luke." Y/N felt herself relaxing, reassured by their warm welcome. They all sat down at the table, and Ellen began serving breakfast.

The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the lake as Y/N decided to take a leisurely walk along the shoreline. Dressed in a comfortable pair of shorts and a tank top, she slipped on her sandals and stepped out of the cabin, breathing in the fresh, pine-scented air.

Meanwhile, Jack had decided to spend the afternoon fishing on the opposite side of the lake. He packed his fishing gear, grabbed a hat to shield his eyes from the sun, and headed out towards his favorite fishing spot.

As Y/N strolled along the lakeside path, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the gentle rustling of the leaves, she was lost in her thoughts. She didn't notice the figure approaching from the other direction until it was almost too late.

Jack, engrossed in untangling his fishing line, also failed to see where he was going. The next moment, they collided, both letting out a surprised gasp as they stumbled back.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Y/N exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"No, it's my fault. I should have been paying more attention," Jack replied, looking up and meeting Y/N's eyes. Their gazes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Y/N felt her heart skip a beat, captivated by Jack's warm, brown eyes and his disarming smile. She found herself smiling back, her initial embarrassment giving way to a sense of curiosity and excitement. I'm Jack," he introduced himself, extending a hand towards her.

"I'm Y/N," she replied, shaking his hand and feeling a tingling sensation run up her arm.

"Yeah, Luke's friend, right?" Jack said, his eyes lighting up with recognition.

"Yes, that's right," Y/N confirmed, her smile widening.

"I've heard a lot about you," Jack added, his tone warm and inviting.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a rush of excitement. "Really? That's nice to hear," she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. 

As the summer went on, Y/N and Jack found themselves drawn to each other more and more. 

One evening, Y/N, Jack, Luke, and Quinn decided to have a movie night at the lake house. They gathered in the cozy living room, blankets and pillows strewn about, popcorn bowls at the ready, and the soft glow of the TV illuminating the room. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, filled with anticipation for a fun and enjoyable evening together.

"I think we should watch a classic like 'The Godfather' or 'Casablanca'," Luke suggested, walking over to the couch. "You can't beat the classics!"

Quinn, on the other hand, had a different idea. "How about  'Superbad' or 'Step Brothers'? We could all use a good laugh," he argued, trying to sway the group with his comedic choices.

Y/N, wanting to watch something more romantic and light-hearted, chimed in, "I was thinking more along the lines of 'The Notebook' or 'Pride and Prejudice'. Something romantic and uplifting would be nice."

Jack, wanting to watch an action-packed thriller, added his own suggestion to the mix. "What about like 'Inception' or 'The Dark Knight'? 

As the debate continued, the room grew tense and the voices louder. Each person passionately defended their movie choice, and it became clear that a compromise would not be easily reached.

"Why does it always have to be your choice, Luke?" Quinn argued, rolling his eyes. "Not everyone wants to watch a black and white movie from the 1940s!"

"Well, not everyone wants to watch some mindless comedy that's only good for cheap laughs," Luke retorted, his frustration evident.

Y/N tried to mediate, suggesting a compromise. "How about we take turns picking the movie? That way, everyone gets a chance to watch something they like."

Jack, however, was not satisfied with the suggestion. "That's not fair," he protested

"Jack, it is fair," Y/N responded, her voice firm and assertive. "But since I'm the guest, I choose the movie."

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Y/N grinned and announced her decision, "We're watching 'Dirty Dancing'!"

She laughed at the collective groan of disappointment that echoed through the room

As the opening credits of "Dirty Dancing" rolled on the screen, filling the room with the iconic music that everyone knew and loved, the tension from the earlier argument began to fade away. The group settled in, each finding a comfortable spot on the couch with blankets and pillows, ready to enjoy the movie.

As the movie progressed, Jack found himself increasingly drawn to Y/N. The familiar storyline and romantic dance scenes seemed to create a perfect backdrop for a blossoming connection. Subtly, he began to inch closer to her, shifting his position on the couch to close the distance between them.

At first, Y/N didn't think much of it, attributing Jack's movement to the shifting dynamics of the group as they got more comfortable. However, as she felt his arm brush against hers and noticed him subtly closing the gap between them, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement.

Y/N's hand rested in her lap, and she could feel Jack's fingers slightly grazing it as he moved closer. The gentle touch sent a thrill through her, and she became increasingly aware of his presence beside her. The warmth of his body, the subtle scent of his cologne, and the tantalizing sensation of his fingers brushing against her hand were all intoxicating.  

A few nights later, Y/N and Jack decided to go out for a night at a local bar near the lake house. The atmosphere was lively, with the sounds of laughter, music, and clinking glasses filling the air. The dim lighting and rustic décor created a cozy and inviting ambiance, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed evening out.

As the evening progressed, Y/N and Jack found themselves enjoying each other's company, laughing and chatting over drinks. The connection between them was undeniable, and the chemistry was palpable.

However, as the night wore on, a group of guys at the bar began to take notice of Y/N. One of them, a tall and confident-looking man, approached Y/N with a smug grin on his face.

"Hey there, beautiful," he said, leaning in a little too close for comfort. "How about a drink?"

Y/N, feeling uncomfortable but trying to remain polite, declined his offer. "No, thank you. I'm here with someone."

Ignoring her response, the man continued to press, his persistence becoming increasingly annoying. "Come on, don't be like that. You don't want to spend the night with this guy, do you?" he said, nodding towards Jack with a dismissive smirk.

Jack, who had been watching the exchange with growing irritation, felt his patience wearing thin. He didn't appreciate the man's disrespectful attitude towards Y/N, and he wasn't about to let it slide.

Stepping in between Y/N and the persistent suitor, Jack glared at the man, his voice dripping with warning. "She said she's not interested. Back off." The man, clearly not used to being challenged, scoffed at Jack. "Who do you think you are?" he retorted, puffing out his chest in a display of bravado.

Without another word, the situation escalated quickly. Jack, fueled by a mix of protective instinct and annoyance, threw a punch, and a brief scuffle ensued. The bar's security quickly intervened, breaking up the altercation and escorting the instigator and his friends out of the bar.

Breathing heavily, Jack turned to Y/N, his eyes filled with a mix of adrenaline and concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice tinged with regret for letting things get out of hand. I'm okay," she reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his arm. 

Upon arriving back at the lake house, Y/N led Jack to the bathroom to clean up the small cuts and bruises on his face from the fight. The dim light in the bathroom cast a soft glow, illuminating the concern in Y/N's eyes as she gently examined Jack's face.

"Let's get you cleaned up," Y/N said softly, her voice filled with care and tenderness.

Jack nodded, sitting on the edge of the bathtub as Y/N wet a washcloth with warm water and began to gently dab at the cuts and abrasions on his face. Her touch was gentle and soothing, and Jack found himself relaxing under her tender care.

Y/N's hands were gentle and careful as she cleaned the small cuts, her fingers tracing the contours of his face with a delicate touch. The intimacy of the moment was palpable, and the closeness between them was undeniable.

Jack watched Y/N as she focused on cleaning his wounds, her expression one of genuine concern and care. He was touched by her kindness and the tenderness of her touch, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence and the comfort she provided.

As Y/N finished cleaning up the last of the cuts, she looked up at Jack, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of concern and affection. "There, all done," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. 

 "Thank you," Jack responded, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him.

Seizing the moment, Jack leaned in closer to Y/N, his eyes searching hers for a sign of acceptance. The atmosphere in the bathroom was charged with tension and unspoken feelings, the intimacy of the moment palpable.

Y/N's heart raced as she felt Jack's closeness, her breath catching in her throat as she anticipated his next move. The connection between them was undeniable, and the magnetic pull was too strong to resist.

Closing the distance between them, Jack pressed his lips gently against Y/N's, their kiss tender and full of emotion. Time seemed to stand still as they shared a moment of intimacy and connection, the world around them fading away as they lost themselves in each other. 

"Y/N, we are ready to board the plane," a voice called out, pulling Y/N out of her daydream.

She blinked, her thoughts still lingering on the summer she had spent with Jack at the lake house. The memories were vivid and bittersweet, a reminder of the deep connection they had shared and the love that had blossomed between them. "Y/N, we are ready to board the plane," a voice called out, pulling Y/N out of her daydream.

Y/N settled into her airplane seat, staring out of the window as the world below became smaller and smaller. The memories of the summer with Jack continued to flood her mind, and a deep sense of longing and nostalgia washed over her.

"I never knew I could miss somebody this much," Y/N thought to herself, her heart aching with the realization.  She went to put her phone on airplane mode, when she saw a text from jack. “I miss you.”

i might do a part two!!

[dr-demi-bee]

Day 10--------------------Read on AO3--------------------------

Pairing: Rolan/Tav Prompt: Little touches Cute shit, fluff, mutual pining, first kiss, SFW

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

After the fall of the Absolute and the Netherbrain, Rolan had taken over as the master of Ramazith tower and the shopkeeper of Sorcerous Sundries. It was challenging work, but rewarding. To finally have a place the he and Cal and Lia could call home, and Rolan could put his skills to good use.

Tav had joined Sorcerous Sundries after the aftermath of the Absolute - at first to help in recovery efforts. And after that, because she was a talented alchemist and it was useful to have her on staff.

She’s good company, usually. For an alchemist she keeps her bench remarkably clean and organized. And she’s quiet while she works. Mostly. Occasionally she hums, which can be irritating, and occasionally there’s smoke or swearing. But given how much gold her work brings in Rolan’s willing to overlook it.

It’s a bit more difficult to overlook her other qualities. For one, she’s a smartass - infuriatingly sarcastic and seemingly endlessly full of atrocious jokes. Puns especially. Eugh.

But on top of that, she’s infuriatingly pretty. Rolan had noticed it when they first met in the grove of course. He had noticed it again in Last Light. And when she saved him from himself in the shadow curse. And when she saved his siblings. But she had never been more beautiful than when she helped grind Lorroakan into the dust.

The last few days, though, Tav has been exceptionally irritating. Rolan can’t make sense of it.

She’s run into him numerous times. Several times she’s gotten tangled up with his tail somehow while they’re both at the counter. Or he’ll turn from shelving a tome and she’ll be right there and they collide together. Or he’ll be working in the tower store-rooms and she’ll find some reason to need something on the shelf right in front of him. She’ll put a hand on his arm and lean in - giving him a jolt from the touch and the proximity, but also from her scent. She smelled lovely - like a bakery and flowers -

But it was irritating! Honestly, how’s he supposed to get work done when she’s so distracting?

He’s trying to read ledgers when she comes strolling through the portal from the shop. Humming, of course. And wearing that damnable shirt. Rolan’s brows furrow and his tail flicks with irritation.

Tav’s halfway across the rotunda, when they make eye contact. She must see something in his expression because she stops entirely.

"What's that look for?"

With a heavy, exaggerated sigh, Rolan closes the ledger and sets aside on the desk before looking back at her, his tail flicking from side to side with his displeasure.

"We need to talk about you," Rolan says, crossing his arms over his chest.

Tav raises a hand to point at her self, expression perplexed. "About me?"

Rolan lets out another frustrated sigh, his tail flicking again. "Yes. You."

He leans back in his chair, his sharp yellow eyes narrowing as he watches her. Tav changes her path from the store room to move to stand before him with an exasperated sigh. She crosses her arms across her chest in kind. The way she so manages to do everything so gracefully. The very infuriating presence of her is a distraction.

"You've been a rather... valuable asset to Sorcerer's Sundries, in terms of your alchemy expertise. However, I have some concerns about you."

"Concerns?" Tav arches a brow, the twist of her lips suggesting concern of her own.

Rolan gives a slight hum before standing up from his desk, and walking around it to face her more directly. His tail continues it’s irritated motions as he looks down at her sternly.

"Yes. Concerns. More like annoyances, in all honestly," Rolan says almost in a scoff. "Your attitude and behavior."

"Care to be more specific?" Tav, of course, seems completely unfazed. All the confidence of the Hero of Baldur’s Gate.

"Your sarcasm for one." Rolan does scoff this time, rolling his eyes. "And the way you always find a way of getting under my skin."

"Not exactly hard to do," Tav replies with a wry expression. Rolan lets out a grumble with a scowl.

"And you're a smart ass too," he adds, his fingers squeezing against his biceps. "Do you know why I keep you around?"

"Presumably because I make the shop a lot of money."

"Precisely." Rolan says with a slight nod. His eyes narrow as he looks down at her - completely unbothered, as usual. And all he can think about is the infuriating way she’s been bumping into him and leaning against him and -

"Are you even grateful to have a job here?" He snarks.

"Yes, I am," Tav replies genially, lifting one hand in an airy gesture. "I'd be terrifically bored, otherwise."

Rolan rolls his eyes in response.

"Right, because making potions in silence all day is just the thrill of the century," he says sarcastically. He lets out a sigh before continuing. "Can you, for once, try and be... I don't know... pleasant to be around for more than five seconds?"

"I think I'm great fun," she returns with a grin. "And I think, secretly, you do too."

Rolan stares at her incredulously before he can manage an answer. He dismisses the very notion with another scoff of annoyance.

"Oh please." He shakes his head and rolls his eyes. Rolan makes a rolling gesture with both hands as he continues, "If by 'fun' you mean utterly annoying, then yes - you're just a joy to have around."

He crosses his arms against his chest again.

"And if thinking that I supposedly find your irritating behavior secretly enjoyable makes you sleep better at night," he adds sarcastically, "then by all means, continue to believe that."

"I'm glad you condone it," she returns with a cheeky grin. That same infuriatingly attractive, sly little grin. And of course it’s paired with another of her grating displays of ‘wit.’

"You're insufferable, you know that?" Rolan schools his expression to remain the annoyed he should be, and biting back the wave of amusement the threatens his lips.

"Oh, I know. I'll try and keep it to a minimum," Tav returns. He can’t help the amused huff that bubbles free at her agreement. And then she reaches out and pats him on the arm. The simple touch sends a jolt through him.

"Oh, you're just trying to get on my nerves now." Rolan accuses, narrowing his eyes as he looks down at her. He scrutinizes her for a moment, taking in that cocky expression. She’s just so gods damned confident.

"One of these days... I'm going to find a way to make you shut up," he murmurs in a low tone, a hint of challenge in his voice. Maybe he can finally shake some of that bravado.

Put her on the backfoot for once. Rolan can’t always be the one flustered and stammering. Two can play at this game.

Tav raises her brows and her lips twist with a mischevious smile. "Is that so?"

Rolan smirks back at the clear challenge in her expression and takes a few steps closer to her.

"Yes, that's so." With yellow eyes blazing as he stares at her, he adds lowly, "And I would be happy to demonstrate right this moment how."

"Come up with your solution that quickly, did you?"

Rolan’s smirk widens as she takes the bait.

"Of course I have," he returns with full-throated confidence, taking another slow step closer and puffing out his chest. "It only takes me a few seconds to come up with a solution to any problem. Even you being an insufferable smart ass."

"Ever so clever, that master of Ramazith tower," Tav returns with a grin, leaning back against the desk.

He can’t help but feel a wave of warmth wash over him at her compliment. His tail flicks slightly with satisfaction. But he knows she’s trying to get under his skin again. And he won’t let that happen. No, Rolan is going to have the last laugh this time.

"Oh, I know I am," Rolan says in a low, cocky tone. "Clever, powerful, and handsome, too."

"And humble," she adds, smirking up at him, "The whole package."

Rolan scoffs out a laugh, the sharp smirk still on his face. He leans forward, putting a hand on the desk beside her and caging her in.

"Humble, too," he agrees softly. "I know a number of uses for that smart mouth of yours besides making sarcastic remarks."

"Go ahead, then," Tav challenges with a soft smirk. And gods dammit if that isn’t maddeningly attractive.

"You're just begging me to, aren't you?" Rolan lowers his voice, bringing his face closer to hers.

He lets out a quiet hum as he stares down at her, taking in her features as he contemplates what he's about to do. His free hand lifts to grab her chin, gently turning her face up to look at him. She looks up at him with that soft smile like she’s waiting for him to make a move. But he still hesitates.

"Very wise, but not very observant," Tav teases him softly.

Rolan scoffs, his brow furrowing with mock indignation. He can’t help but feel a bit put-off by that. He’s perfectly observant.

"Oh, I'm very observant," Rolan counters sternly, holding her face still before his. "I've noticed a lot of things about you. How you bite your tongue when you're concentrating on making a potion, how you hum when you think no one's around, and how your hair always falls a certain way when you're working in the shop."

"Oh, interesting," she returns playfully, tilting her head just slightly, "Yet you miss all the times I flirt with you..."

Rolan's smirk falters slightly. Flirting with him? With him? The look in his eyes shifts - disbelief morphing to surprise before finally giving way to realization. All those little touches - those teasing comments and words. Were they...?

"You... you flirt with me?" Rolan’s grip on her chin loosens in surprise. But he won’t let go. Not now that he’s finally got her so close.

"Now who's infuriating?" She shakes her head softly before grasping the front of his robes and tugging him in the rest of the way for a kiss.

Rolan's eyes widen in surprise, his mind momentarily going blank. But once his mind catches up it quickly turns to a rush of excitement. His arms wrap around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

He kisses her back, fiercely, and he can feel her smiling against his lips. Smiling.

Tav’s hands find their way to his cheeks, cupping him like something precious. His tail winds it’s way around her leg, coiling possessively. Tav lets out a soft, almost moaning sound and Rolan’s heart stutters. His mind is reeling - what an unparalleled delight.

He pulls her flush against him, his arms wrapping even tighter around her waist, needing her closer. Closer. The firm muscle of her thigh beneath his tail, her strong body in his arms. Gods above and hells below.

Rolan deepens the kiss, his tongue slipping out to run across her bottom lip. And his stomach flips when she breathes a soft moan in response. The sound barrels straight through him. Hearing the affect he's having on her only makes him want to pull her closer. He wants more. Needs more.

He bites gently at her bottom lip before slipping his tongue past their soft plush - exploring, tasting, wanting more. This time Tav lets out a gasp of surprise, likely not expecting the bite of his sharp teeth or the fork of his tongue. But she must like it, because she slides her hands back to cup his neck and pull him closer. Rolan smirks against her lips, loving the way she reacts to his touch.

He breaks the kiss after another long moment, pulling away just enough to speak past gasping breaths.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that..." Rolan breathes.

"You have a funny way of showing it," Tav pants back, her cheeks flushed.

Rolan lets out a huff against your cheek, his own cheeks flushed as well.

"I'll admit, I... didn't quite realize you were flirting with me," he murmurs, "I thought you were just being your snarky, irritating self."

"It's both," she returns with a smirk, "But I've been flirting with you since that party in camp."

"The party?” Rolan lets out a huff in disbelief, gently pulling back so he can look at her. He glances back and forth between her eyes, looking for signs she’s just messing with him again.

“You mean the party over a year ago?" Rolan guffaws incredulously, his tone a mix of surprise and amusement. "And all this time I thought you didn't like me!"

Tav rolls her eyes with a huff, though her lips are still twisted in a wry smile.

"Like I said, not very observant," she teases. Rolan lets out a huff of annoyance - she never lets him have the last word. Never lets anything go.

"I am extremely observant, thank you very much. You're just... deceptively sneaky with your flirting."

"Very sneaky," she returns with a grin, before stealing a quick kiss. "I’m a rogue, it's kind of my thing."

"I suppose I'll have to start being more observant then," he retorts. Emboldened, he squeezes his arms around her a little tighter and steals a little kiss himself. "But then I suppose that means I'll be receiving more of those little kisses from you?"

"Would you like that?" Tav toys with the hair at the nape of his neck with the fingers of one hand. The feeling sends a pleasant tingle through him, and he lets out a soft hum of pleasure.

"Yes - very much yes,” Rolan answers, leaning in slightly closer. "And I'm also going to expect much more than that now, you know."

"Not content with just shutting me up?" She arches a brow at him with a grin. Rolan lets out a chuckle, his smile spreading wider.

"Oh, I'm very content with shutting you up," he answers slyly, "But now that I know you've been secretly ogling me, I'm going to demand much more from you than just a kiss to shut you up."

Tav lets out a soft laugh. "You think I don't notice the way you look at me?"

Rolan feels his cheeks grow warmer from both chagrin at being caught and an effusive feeling from her soft laugh. He looks away for a moment, trying to hide his shame.

"Oh, you've noticed, have you?" He tries to retain his cocky attitude as his bright eyes slide back to hers, but even he can hear how he fails to hide the slight embarrassment in his tone. A bit shyly, he adds, "I... didn't think I was being that obvious about it."

"I'm something of a professional observer," Tav teases. To which Rolan groans and rolls his eyes. He tsks his tongue against his teeth disapprovingly.

"You're just so full of yourself, you know that?" Rolan gives her leg a squeeze with his tail.

"It's well-earned confidence." Tav grins back at him. She moves one hand to lay over this tail where it grips her, slowly running her fingers along the appendage. Rolan lets out a soft hum, a shudder running down his spine.

"Careful now, that's... sensitive," Rolan says, trying to sound confident. But he can’t stop the slight gasp that escapes his lips as she continues that teasing touch.

Her grin shifts to a mischievous smirk and her brows raise high at his response. She very deliberately runs her fingers feather light over the expanse of his tail where it's coiled around her thigh. Rolan lets out another gasp, his grip tightening involuntarily as he shudders.

"I-I said that's... sensitive," Rolan grits, his voice slightly higher in pitch as he shivers under her light, teasing touch. His trousers feel, quite suddenly, much too tight.

"You did, yes," Tav returns with that same smug expression. Her fingers find the spade at the end of his tail and stroke the length of it experimentally between thumb and forefinger. "What about this?"

Rolan lets out another shuddering gasp, his body tensing as sensation rocks through him like a whipcrack. His arms tighten against her and he lets out a low groan, trying to speak through the jolt of pleasure running through him.

"Tav- You- y-you need to stop, that's-"

"Ohhh." Tav's lips tip up with a wicked smile, clearly delighted by the discovery. She strokes over the spade once more, applying a slightly firmer pressure. Rolan's tail reflexively squeezes tighter around her thigh and a shuddering gasp leaves him as the feeling shoots through him like wildfire.

"You- p-please," he manages to gasp, his voice weak as he tries to maintain some semblance of composure. But that maddening touch makes it immensely difficult.

"Please?" Tav tilts her head slightly, gazing up at him with a wicked, delighted smile. Rolan lets out a low, shaky breath, his body trembling under her touch. “Please what, Rolan?”

"Please- nh- just-" He tries to speak again, but is cut off by another shiver as her fingers dance with over the spade again. That annoyingly light touch that feels like she’s running her fingers through his spine and straight to his groin. If she doesn’t stop-

"Zurgan! I- I need you to... stop for a moment, please." He stammers, his expression a mix of pleasure and vulnerability.

Relenting, Tav holds up both hands in a gesture of surrender, and Rolan lets out a soft sigh of relief as her hands pull away. He leans in, resting his forehead against hers for a moment, panting softly as the overwhelming feeling of her touch subside.

"That— I..." He starts, trying to find the words, his chest rising and falling rapidly. "I... had no idea my tail was that sensitive."

"Maybe I'm just very good," she returns playfully.

Rolan rolls his eyes, even as a smirk appear spreads as he regains some of his composure. He levels a soft glare at her.

"You are so annoying," Rolan returns without bite behind it, "You just love finding buttons to push, don't you?"

"Absolutely," Tav agrees with a grin.

Rolan lets out a huff with a bemused smile. "You're insufferable. I don't know why I even like you."

"But you do like me," she returns a bit smugly. She runs one finger down the length of his jaw. Rolan's smirk falters a fraction at her touch, involuntarily tilting into it.

"I suppose I do, against my better judgement," he mutters, his pride masking most of his feelings. He won’t admit to there being anything more substantial. "I could use a few more of your... kisses to... convince me though."

"I suppose I could be amenable," she murmurs softly, leaning in closer and sliding her hand back to cup his neck. Rolan's smirk widens, a thrill running through him.

"You suppose you could?" Rolan muses in a low tone, "How gracious of you."

He loops his arms around her once more, one hand coming up to gently rest on the side of her neck, and his thumb brushes gently along her jawline.

"Just... a few more kisses, then?" His voice is low and soft when he asks. Still hardly daring to believe it possible. Tav, here, wanting to kiss him. His eyes flick down to her lips and back as their faces inch closer together.

"However many it takes to convince you," Tav murmurs back with a soft smile.

"We might be here all night, then," Rolan murmurs in return, his voice slightly more gruff, his gaze flickering down to her lips again. "I can be very stubborn, you know."

The wizard grins back at Tav’s knowing smile. He leans in, brushing his nose against hers, their breath mingling.

"And I'm going to need plenty of convincing."

@lanafofana @lastlight-inn @waterdeep-weavemoss

@crimson-and-lavender @feedthepheasants @spooky-lil-bee

[another-lost-mc]

Angels at the Door SIMEON x gn!Reader (Established); MICHAEL x gn!Reader (Developing) 4.2k Words | NSFW | Smut | Dubious Behaviour & Sexual Tension Content Warnings: Alternating POV. Pining, (resolved) sexual tension, accidental and non-consensual voyeurism, exhibitionism, scenting/marking, possessiveness, corruption kink if you squint, threesome (sort of), masturbation, intercrural sex, oral sex, penetrative sex. Next: Angels' Commendation | Epilogue: A Demon's Curiosity

When Simeon suggests to Michael that you should be given your own room in the Celestial Realm, he wholeheartedly agrees. You’ve spent many afternoons visiting your friends there, but you leave far too soon for everyone’s liking. Luke doesn’t try to hide his disappointment when he has to say goodbye to you only hours after your arrival. Simeon’s peaceful countenance turns bitter when he watches you pass through the Celestial gates, and Michael wishes he had more time to get to know you properly.

You move freely between the three realms now. You often stay in the Devildom for days, sometimes weeks at a time. It seems logical (and convenient) that the Celestial Realm offers you that same comfort.

Michael acknowledges your importance and gives you the empty guest chambers next to his own. It’s a lavish gesture, but he believes it’s fitting for someone of your importance. You’re the rare human that managed to instill hope for a peaceful future between the three realms. You charmed his fallen brothers in the Devildom and brought that menace of a sorcerer to heel. Michael can’t even express how much Luke has grown thanks to your influence, and Simeon seems to have found his path once more with your guidance. 

Michael furnishes the room himself and makes sure that it has anything you could possibly want. It has a private bathroom so you don’t have to share the communal showers with the other angels. He even has the wardrobe filled with garments fashioned in the style of the Celestial Realm and hopes you’ll choose to wear them. 

He makes these gestures of appreciation so you know you can consider the Celestial Realm another place to call home. He believes he’s honoring your efforts and helping to foster long-term friendships with the angels of his realm. After all, he wants nothing more than your happiness. He ignores the way his heart clenches when he sees you using the gifts he’s given you.

The day Michael catches you and Simeon being intimate together, the lies he tells himself about his purely platonic feelings for you start to crumble.

Many beautiful gardens grow in the Celestial Realm. Some are designated for vegetables and fruit trees while others are filled with the rare, colourful flowers that can only bloom in the realm of eternal light. Some of the gardens have paved pathways where angels can stroll at their leisure.

Michael’s garden is a small grove filled with wildflowers and willow trees. It’s near the back of the Celestial Halls where his chambers are, and very few angels bother to travel that far into the garden. It’s not officially his garden but sometimes when he takes a book there to read, or he simply leans against a tree to meditate, it feels like his own private space.

He heads to his garden one afternoon with a book tucked under his arm. You’ve been in the Celestial Realm for a few days and you seem to be adjusting well. Luke has been a near-constant presence by your side, and Simeon is usually not far behind. The other angels are warming up to you despite some of their initial concerns or suspicions about your loyalties. Michael reassures them that you should be considered a friend to angels, the same way the Devildom considers you a trusted friend to their prince and his fallen brothers.

It never occurred to Michael that you might be more than a friend to anyone in the Celestial Realm until he stumbles upon you and Simeon together. He ducks behind a tree and the faint sounds he hears on the wind don’t stop; neither of you seem to be aware of his presence. He tells himself he should leave as quickly as he can and pretend he didn’t see a thing. He’s not sure what invisible power keeps him paralyzed behind that tree, listening to your soft moans and sighs as Simeon’s lips and hands explore your body. You’re both laying underneath his favourite willow tree on a bed of flowers, and it seems so romantic—so why does he feel so much bitterness in his heart?

Is it because you lay with Simeon, one of the most slippery angels he’s ever known? Is it because Simeon’s hands push aside the soft, delicate clothes Michael gave you so he can touch the bare skin underneath? Is it because it’s Simeon’s name falling from your lips when his sinful fingers bring you so much pleasure you can’t silence your cries?

Simeon’s whispers and your delightful moans eventually fade on the wind and Michael panics. He worries that you’ll both walk this way and find him rooted in place behind a tree, sweat trickling down his brow and the front of his robes tented by his aching erection. He’s on the verge of prayer when luck looks favourably on him; Simeon leads you in the other direction that will take you both close to his room—and yours.

Minutes pass by and you must be inside the Celestial Halls by now—perhaps Simeon has stripped you down properly and laid you down on your bed, kneeling between your legs to touch you even more—but Michael can’t bring himself to move. His book lay on the ground at his feet where it slipped from his grasp. The sweat dotting his forehead and the back of his neck makes his skin feel tacky, but he doesn’t care. He tries to ignore the growing need buried deep inside him, and only when his cock softens—despite the way it still twitches when he thinks of you and the sounds you make, and your musky scent carried on a summer breeze—does he finally leave.

Michael avoids his room completely and hides in the restricted section of the Celestial Library, hoping the solace will soothe his troubled mind. He makes his excuses to Luke when the young angel sends him a message inquiring about his whereabouts. He skipped dinner feigning some lengthy task he had to take care of—he’s not hungry anyway. He has other insatiable appetites tonight.

He contemplates his predicament in the oldest part of the library where only the highest ranking angels are permitted to enter. He decides that his interest in you is simply a passing fancy. He tries not to ruminate about what drew you and Simeon together, or what he could’ve done to prevent it.

Looking through his memories of the past few days, he can see hints of the true nature of your relationship: the shy, subtle glances you shared, the way Simeon stood closer to you than socially appropriate, the way you said his name with more fondness than anyone else’s. He’s grateful for your discretion and blames poor luck that led him to the garden at that most inopportune time. He’s certain no one else would have found you there. He can’t fault either of you for that, no matter how much he might want to. 

It’s late when Michael finally leaves his tormented sanctuary and retires to his room for the night. The Celestial Halls are darker now so that the angels (and you) can sleep comfortably. Your bedroom door is closed when he walks past it to his own room. He shrugs off his robes with a tired sigh and nearly falls into bed. He’s exhausted, and he closes his eyes and thinks about embarking on new beginnings tomorrow.

He meditates so that he can unburden himself with torturous thoughts of you and accept your friendship with grace. He doesn’t want guilt to ruin what you’re building there, and if you’re truly content with—with someone that’s not him, he can accept it. He’s Michael, and he won’t be brought to his knees by something as insignificant as lust. He’s better than that. He’s—

A whimper on the other side of the wall reaches his ears, and his brittle resolve cracks. He’s already hard under the sheets, and when he concentrates, he can hear the noises you and Simeon are making: the shuffle of your bedsheets, the wet, squelching noise your bodies make together, the rhythmic creaking of your bed in time with his thrusts.

Michael feels possessed when he slides off the edge of his bed and walks over to the shared wall that connects his room to yours. He presses his ear to the cool surface and nearly groans deep in his chest when he can hear you even clearer this way. You moan Simeon’s name but it’s muffled, like you’re burying your face against his skin—or in the pillow, laying face-down while he fucks you from behind. Simeon pants your name too as his pace quickens, and the rocking noise your bed makes grows louder.

If it were anyone else but you, Michael thinks he could go back to bed and roll over and pretend he didn’t hear a thing. But he can’t, because it is you. He wraps his hand around his cock and starts stroking himself in time with your muffled whines and stuttered whimpers for more. His pace is fast and desperate, and he spreads his precum along his shaft to smooth the glide. He wishes he could be fucking you instead; your body would feel better than his hand ever could. 

He leans his arm against the wall and buries his face against it to smother his own noises. He bites his lip to stifle his moans and to prevent himself from uttering your name in desperation. He gasps from the white-hot pleasure coursing through his veins and he knows he’s close, but he slows his pace because he doesn’t want to come before you do.

When he finally hears your high-pitched moan followed by a loud cry, he pumps his cock and groans into his arm as his release covers his hand and the wall in front of him. He milks himself dry until it feels like he can’t breathe and he’s about to split open at the seams. He stumbles backwards and falls back on the bed, and he takes gulping breaths as his heart races. He’s hot and his skin is sweaty and his hands are covered in the proof of his sins.

The mattress next door creaks, and feet pad softly on the carpet. Someone runs the tap in your ensuite bathroom and Michael pictures Simeon washing you with reverence. You whisper quietly to each other but he can’t make out the words over the pounding of his heart.

Michael gets up to clean himself when he’s certain you’re both asleep and finished for the night. He remembers the streaks of cum on his wall he has to clean too. He washes away the evidence of his perversion and wonders how carnal temptation got the better of him.

Perhaps he should return you to the Devildom, or at least offer to give you a more comfortable room elsewhere. There are other rooms you can use that are far away from his, where he won’t be able to hear one of his angels touch you with his hands and fuck you with his cock.

When Michael finally goes to bed, he knows he’s too weak to send you away. While he waits for sleep to claim him, he wonders how long he’ll have to wait before he can listen to you again.

Simeon suspects Michael’s affections for you from the very beginning. Even as an honoured guest of the Celestial Realm, you’re given more freedom and gifts than he expected. Simeon said nothing—he was too delighted by your presence at his side to be bothered by whatever Michael was up to.

You both agreed to be discreet about your relationship. Angels might not abstain from physical intimacy the way humans believe they do, but you were concerned that any negative attention from Michael might complicate things. Simeon agreed, if only to ease your troubled mind; Michael would learn the truth eventually, and he could do nothing about it when he did.

Simeon doesn’t expect Michael’s behaviour towards you to change so drastically the night he discovered you together. Simeon wasn’t sure if the muffled groan he heard through the wall was his imagination. It lasted for only a brief moment, and you didn’t hear the noise at all. It would’ve been easy for Simeon to forget it, if it wasn’t for the increasingly affectionate way Michael started to treat you after.

Michael started following you both like a shadow. He justified his presence, of course—offering to show you parts of the realm you haven’t visited yet, teaching you history not taught in the Devildom—things that he knew you enjoyed, and your enthusiasm encouraged him even more.

The kitchens start preparing human world dishes with your recommendations, and Michael brings daily gifts to your room: a plate of his favourite pastries, a tin of Celestial Realm tea, vases filled with the most gorgeous flowers. He invites you to have tea in his private garden after he sends Simeon on some mundane task to distract him.

There are times that Simeon’s desire for you can’t wait until the nightfall to be sated, and you sneak private moments of intimacy together. Michael’s gaze lingers on your kiss-swollen lips when he conveniently finds you both shortly after. Sometimes he sniffs and pretends to have a runny nose while you search your pockets and hand him a tissue. Michael smiles at your thoughtfulness but Simeon knows he’s smiling because he caught the scent of your arousal in the air; it pleases Michael’s senses as much as it does Simeon’s.

When you make love in your room at night, Simeon knows Michael is listening. He has the same enhanced senses that Michael does; if Michael can hear you, then Simeon can hear him. To Michael’s credit, he tries to be quiet—and he’s more successful than that first night—but there’s only so much you can do to hide the sound of noisy bed springs and choked-off groans.

Simeon isn’t sure he can convince you to spend nights in his smaller, less comfortable room. He thinks about saying something to Michael on your behalf since it’s your privacy he’s concerned about; he hardly cares what Michael thinks of him now. But based on the way you react to the archangel’s presence, Simeon wonders how bothered you’d really be if you knew what he’s been doing.

Simon notices that your cheeks flush from Michael’s praise and attention. He also knows your heartbeat stutters when Michael dares to step a bit too close to you. The rare occasions when Michael has touched you—a hand on your shoulder or your back to guide you, a simple embrace, even—your body trembled with excitement long after Michael walked away.

Simeon remembers the way you stared at Michael’s bare chest one afternoon when you both saw him on the training grounds. The angels often tease Michael for growing soft due to his love of sweets, but his broad shoulders and chest still flex impressively when he wields his weapon. His movements are slow and calculated, and his blows are decisive and deadly.

You told Simeon after that he reminded you of Beel: he was a gentle giant, a hulking defender equally capable of great strength and kindness. Unfortunately for Beel, you never spared him a second or third glance the way you do for Michael.

Simeon muses that there must be something special about angels in particular that appeals to your most carnal desires. None of the demons in the Devildom seemed to interest you. Even his fallen brothers tried to seduce you and secure your affection for themselves, but none of them succeeded.

He’s curious what draws you to Michael: is it his skin that glistens when it’s covered in a sheen of sweat? Is it the way his long hair and broad chest draw your attention to him when he enters a room? Or perhaps it’s his eyes, haunted by years of painful memories and impossible choices that seem to brighten when he sees you, but darken with lust the longer he stares at you?

You’ve always been brave for a human. It’s not surprising that you would fall for wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Simeon wants to see how far he can push both of you in this little game you’re playing. He pulls you into a quiet part of the library and gropes your chest as he fucks his cock between the soft, warm gap of your thighs, but he leaves you a little messy afterwards. Your tacky thighs make a soft shlicking noise when you walk.

He leads you towards your bedroom so he can help you wash—after he fucks you properly—but Michael finds both of you first. He smiles warmly when he greets you, and his voice is like a deep, rumbling purr. He leans forward to pluck a loose thread from your tunic, and he scents you when his nose is closest to your skin. You don’t seem to mind Michael’s intrusion on your personal space, and Michael doesn’t seem to care that Simeon watches you both.

No matter what Michael might do or say, Simeon knows without a doubt that your heart is his and his alone. You’ve been through too much together, and his destiny is now tied to your own. However, he’s not entirely opposed to seeing where this path will lead if you desire it.

When Simeon takes you to bed that night, he feels particularly ravenous for you. He braces himself on his hands and knees above you so he can claim your lips in a hungry, filthy kiss. He licks into your mouth and detects a hint of tonight’s dessert on your tongue—a sweet vanilla cake, one of Michael’s favourites—and growls while he kisses you until the taste is gone. 

Simeon is worshipful as he slowly moves down your body. His lips graze your jaw and his teeth scrape the sensitive skin at the hollow of your throat. His hands glide over your chest as his lips leave a fiery trail over the heaving slope of your ribs and the soft skin of your belly. When you arch your back in quiet demand for more, he rewards your patience by tweaking your nipples. He pushes your thighs apart and makes himself comfortable between your legs. There’s a small bottle of lube hidden amongst your sheets. He reaches for it and asks you what you want.

“I want your fingers,” you whimper, and you wiggle your hips impatiently.

Simeon hears a sharp intake of breath on the other side of the wall, and he hides his smirk in the meat of your thigh as he peppers your ticklish skin with barely-there kisses. The first sensation of his fingers tracing along your arousal leaves you gasping and clenching your sheets. He lowers his head and mouths at your sensitive skin as he slips a finger inside you.

You roll your hips and encourage him to touch you more, to fuck you deeper with the finger that’s preparing your body for his cock. You never hide your lust for him, and like all the times before, it sends heat rushing through him and makes his cock ache. He ruts against the mattress to try and find some relief, but nothing can compare to your velvety walls sucking him inside you. 

He hears the soft, wet sounds of Michael touching himself on the other side of the wall, and it adds another sinful layer to the melody of breathy moans that escape your lips.

“Ahh–!” your voice trembles as you moan loudly when a second finger stretches you even more.

Simeon hushes you and he crooks his fingers inside you. “Be careful, my love. You don’t want Michael to hear, do you?” he murmurs. He doesn’t mean to ask that question out loud, but your reaction is so visceral that he doesn’t regret it either.

Your whole body jolts as if you’ve been shocked, and you groan deep in your chest like you’re having some sort of revelation. Your body clenches around Simeon’s fingers and he feels delightfully wicked as he basks in your depravity.

“Or perhaps you want him to hear us?” he teases you. Your eyes are clenched shut and you’re shaking your head back and forth against the pillow, but he knows you’re only afraid to admit the truth. He thrusts his fingers deeper inside you so he can brush against that sensitive spot inside that finally sets your hidden desires free.

“Y-yes–!” you cry out as you try desperately to fuck yourself on his fingers. No matter how deep or how fast he moves, it’s not enough—it’s never enough.

There’s a soft thump on the wall—like someone smacked it with their palm, or their fist—and Simeon suddenly withdraws his hand from your body and kneels between your legs. He adds more lube to his palm and pumps his cock until it’s slick. He presses the tip against you while he grabs your hips to hold you steady.

You hook your legs around his waist, but you look at him in confusion when he doesn’t move. You can feel the pressure of his cock pressing against your entrance. There’s something feral in his gaze, a dark hunger and possessiveness better suited to creatures of the Devildom more than any angel. His overwhelming need makes you tremble, but he doesn’t scare you.

You place one of your hands overtop of his and squeeze. “Please,” you whimper pathetically, because you feel so empty without him inside you and he knows it.

He clenches his jaw and utters a deep groan as he slowly sheathes himself inside you. He looks down and watches your body stretch obscenely around his cock.

Don’t hold back for me now, he thinks.

“Don’t hold back for us now,” he grits out, pulling back until the fat tip of his cock is all that’s left inside you. “Let him hear you,” he snarls when he snaps his hips forward and pulls your body down onto his cock to meet his thrust. The overwhelming sense of fullness leaves you breathless, and he begins fucking you with single-minded determination.

Simeon’s pace is faster and rougher than how he usually fucks you, but the intensity makes it so much better, and you can’t be quiet now even if you tried. There’s no chance that Michael can’t hear what you’re doing, not when Simeon growls at you to take his cock and feel how hard he is for you. You’re gasping for breath between moans and cries of Simeon’s name, and the headboard bangs against the wall in time with his thrusts. 

The heat of your impending release burns deep inside you and you know neither of you will last much longer. Despite the loud noises you and Simeon make, you think you can hear a third voice from somewhere close by—deep grunts and curses and choked moans that sound suspiciously like your name.

Is that—?

You glance over at the wall that separates your room from Michael’s, and when you look back at Simeon, his burning gaze stares into yours. He leans over you and reaches his hand between your bodies. His fingers are electric as he strokes at your slick, sensitized skin that coaxes you even closer to your release. You can almost taste it, it’s so close.

“Let him hear you,” he whispers, repeating his command from earlier. You could’ve ignored it the first time as something dirty he said in the heat of the moment, but you can’t deny it now. His hand and cock move so purposefully to drive you over the edge like he wants you to scream for him—for both of them. He moves his hand faster between your legs and you close your eyes and arch your back so your chest presses against his.

“Please, right there, fuck I’m gonna—mmm—!” your moan breaks off into a high-pitched cry when you come, and Simeon’s own brutal pace starts to falter when your walls clench around his cock. He tries to keep going but he can’t hold off his own pleasure any longer. He grunts as his hips stutter, and his rhythm is slow and sloppy while he finishes pumping his cum deep inside you.

You think you hear a muffled shout through the wall, but you’re not sure if it’s your imagination or wishful thinking.

Simeon’s panting breaths are laced with tired, contented sighs. He huffs in amusement when a bead of sweat trickles down his brow and over the tip of his nose. His skin is as hot and clammy as yours is, and you brush the sweat off his face and wipe your hand on the bed sheets.

Simeon braces himself on his forearm so he can lean down and brush a kiss against your cheek. You both stare into each other’s eyes and you know he sees the same things you do: satisfaction, an undercurrent of lust that always exists between you, and uncertainty. It feels like something monumental happened tonight between the two of you in this room and Michael in his. Your throat feels hoarse, and you’re not sure how to ask the question burning in your mind.

Someone knocks on the bedroom door, and you realize you might not have to ask at all. Simeon glances over his shoulder quickly, but you both know who it is. When he peers down at you again, you know the silent question he’s asking you: Do you want to let him in? 

Simeon’s lips curl into a smirk when you nod your head, yes.

[thegreeks]

A Tour to the Lakes

The carriage wheels rumbled softly beneath you as the vast countryside unfurled beyond the window, its green hills rolling gently toward the horizon. You sat comfortably beside Mr. Darcy, your husband, who had been reading for most of the journey. The sight of his profile, strong and dignified, brought a familiar warmth to your heart.

A handkerchief embroidered with a delicate ‘D’ rested neatly on your lap—a token of your union and a reminder of the life you had built together. It had been months since the wedding, and though Pemberley had become your beloved home, this was your first real excursion together as husband and wife.

The carriage was well-appointed, its plush seats a luxury only the Darcys could afford, and the rhythm of the journey was soothing. You gazed out at the landscape, allowing your mind to wander as you contemplated the days ahead. Mr. Darcy had suggested this journey—a respite from the demands of society and an opportunity to spend time together in a quieter, more intimate setting. The Lake District, renowned for its breathtaking views and tranquil beauty, had always been a place of contemplation and solace, and Darcy had insisted it was the perfect destination for your first travel together as a married couple.

“You are awfully quiet, my love,” Darcy remarked, breaking the peaceful silence that had settled between you.

You turned from the window, meeting his gaze with a smile. “I am merely enjoying the landscape. It is quite unlike Derbyshire, yet there is a certain charm to these hills, is there not?”

Darcy closed his book, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Indeed. The Lake District is renowned for its natural beauty. I confess, I have not traveled here in many years, but I believe it will be a welcome escape.”

“It is hard to imagine any place more beautiful than Pemberley,” you replied softly, thinking fondly of your home, though eager for the adventure ahead.

A flicker of pride passed across Darcy’s face, though his expression softened. “Pemberley has its merits, I admit. But I believe you will find something unique in this place. The tranquility it offers… it reminds me of how I felt when I first found peace with you.”

His words, though quietly spoken, stirred a familiar warmth in your chest. Your hand rested gently on his arm, and for a moment, the only sound was the steady creak of the carriage wheels and the faint breeze drifting through the open window.

“Shall we stop for a brief walk?” Darcy suggested, glancing out toward a wooded path that wound its way up a nearby hill. “I believe the horses could use a rest, and we might stretch our legs.”

You agreed eagerly, and soon the carriage came to a halt. Darcy stepped out first, turning back to offer his hand as you descended. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the path before you beckoned with the promise of quiet solitude.

As you began to walk, Darcy offered his arm, and you gladly took it. The two of you strolled at a leisurely pace, the sounds of nature all around. The rustle of leaves underfoot, the distant chirping of birds, and the soft murmur of a nearby stream created a peaceful symphony that made you feel as if you had left all the cares of the world behind.

“I daresay we might not return to Pemberley at all,” you teased, casting a sidelong glance at your husband. “This place has a certain magic to it.”

Darcy chuckled, his voice deep and rich. “If you wish to stay longer, we shall. I have no desire to rush our return.”

A comfortable silence fell between you as you continued to walk, your hand resting gently on his arm. The path led up to a small rise, and from the top, you could see the expanse of the countryside stretching out in every direction. Below, a sparkling lake reflected the blue sky, framed by tall trees and the distant outline of a mountain range.

You both stood for a moment, taking in the view. Darcy’s expression was contemplative, his gaze focused on the horizon, but you could sense the quiet contentment that radiated from him. It was rare to see him so relaxed, away from the pressures of his estate and the expectations of society. Here, he was simply your husband, a man who cherished your company above all else.

After a time, Darcy spoke again, his voice thoughtful. “Do you recall the day we first walked together at Pemberley?”

You smiled at the memory. “How could I forget? I believe I was still recovering from the shock of seeing you again after all that had passed between us.”

Darcy turned to you, his eyes softening. “And I was still recovering from the thought that I had lost you forever.”

You reached out, taking his hand in yours. “Yet here we are, my love. Married and happier than I could have ever imagined.”

A tender smile spread across his face, and for a moment, you simply stood there, hand in hand, the beauty of the landscape reflecting the quiet joy of your union.

As the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, casting a golden hue across the land, Darcy gently led you back toward the carriage. The rest of the journey awaited, but you knew that wherever you traveled, as long as you were by his side, you would always feel at home.

“I look forward to all the places we shall see together,” you said softly, as you settled back into the carriage.

Darcy smiled, his hand resting lightly atop yours. “As do I, my love. Wherever the road may take us, it will be an adventure shared.”

With that, the carriage resumed its journey, the wheels crunching softly against the gravel with each rhythmic turn. Inside, you exchanged glances filled with unspoken understanding, knowing that this journey marked not just a physical excursion, but a deepening of your bond—a transition into uncharted territories of your shared life.

The days that followed your initial stop were filled with a quiet, serene happiness that came from the simplicity of traveling without urgency. Each morning, the two of you rose early to catch the first light of dawn spilling over the hills, its golden rays painting the countryside in soft hues. After a leisurely breakfast, you would explore a new part of the Lake District, always hand in hand, always with that comfortable silence that only comes from the deepest of affections.

One afternoon, Darcy had arranged for a small rowboat to be prepared at the edge of the lake. The sun hung high in the sky, its warmth a pleasant contrast to the cool breeze that swept across the water’s surface.

As you stepped into the boat, Darcy offered his hand, steadying you as you took your seat. “Fear not, my love; I shall keep you safe from the depths,” he laughed, though you sensed an undertone of solemnity. He was always protective—not just of your physical safety but of your heart as well.

He had insisted on rowing, and though you protested playfully, saying you could manage, he simply smiled and took the oars.

The boat glided smoothly through the water, the only sound being the gentle dip of the oars and the soft ripple of the lake. You leaned back against the cushioned seat, watching the way the sunlight danced on the water, and how Darcy’s strong, steady hands moved with purpose, guiding the boat farther from the shore.

“There is something peaceful about being out on the water,” you mused aloud, the gentle lapping of the lake adding to the tranquility.

Darcy glanced at you, his expression soft. “It is one of the few places where one can truly escape the noise of the world. No matter what weighs upon the mind, here… it fades away.”

You nodded, understanding well the weight of responsibility that Darcy so often bore at Pemberley. As master of such a grand estate, there were always decisions to make, people to oversee, and obligations to fulfill. But here, in the quiet of the lake, it was just the two of you, with no expectations, no demands.

As the boat drifted into the center of the lake, Darcy paused, resting the oars across his lap. He let out a soft sigh, and for a moment, he simply watched the water, his brow unfurrowed, his demeanor as relaxed as you had ever seen it.

“There are moments,” he said quietly, “when I wonder how I was so fortunate as to find you.”

The sincerity in his voice made your heart flutter, and you reached across the space between you, your fingers grazing his hand. “And I wonder how I ever thought I could live without you.”

A slow smile spread across his face, and he brought your hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles. The simple gesture spoke volumes, a reminder of the depth of his affection, which was always there, even when unspoken.

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the lake, and for a long while, neither of you spoke. It was enough simply to be together, to feel the soft breeze and the warmth of the sun, to be enveloped in the peacefulness of the moment.

Later, after returning to shore and enjoying a light lunch by the water’s edge, the two of you took another walk, this time along a path that led to the base of a nearby mountain. The landscape here was rugged and wild, a stark contrast to the manicured gardens of Pemberley, but you found a certain beauty in the untamed nature of it all.

As you walked, Darcy’s hand resting lightly on yours in the crook of his arm, he spoke of his childhood, of trips he had taken to the Lake District with his parents before the weight of his responsibilities had settled upon him.

“I was a different man then,” he said, his voice thoughtful. “The world seemed much smaller, less complicated.”

You smiled up at him. “And now?”

Darcy glanced at you, his eyes filled with warmth. “Now the world is larger, more complex, but infinitely more beautiful, because I share it with you.”

You felt your heart swell at his words, and you leaned into him slightly, savoring the feeling of closeness that had grown between you in the months since your marriage. It was not just the grand gestures or the declarations of love that made your relationship so special—it was the quiet moments like these, the walks taken in peaceful companionship, the shared smiles, the comfortable silences.

As the path wound its way up a small incline, you reached a clearing that offered a stunning view of the valley below. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the land, and the sky was painted with hues of pink and gold. Darcy paused, and you both stood in silence, taking in the beauty of the scene.

After a moment, he spoke again, his voice low and steady. “Do you know, I never imagined marriage would bring me such happiness.”

You turned to him, surprised by the admission.

He shook his head slightly, in pension. “I had once believed marriage to be a matter of duty—an arrangement that must be made for the sake of family, of society. But with you… it is not duty that binds us, but love. And that… that is something I did not expect.”

His words touched you deeply, and you felt tears prick at the corners of your eyes. “I feel the same,” you whispered. “Every day with you feels like a gift I never thought I would have.”

Darcy stepped closer, his hand gently cupping your cheek. “I have been many things in my life,” he murmured, his eyes locked on yours. “A master, a brother, a gentleman. But being your husband… that is the greatest role I will ever play.”

With that, he leaned down, pressing a soft tender kiss to your temple. The world around you seemed to fade, leaving only the two of you standing together, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s love.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in twilight, you knew that wherever your travels might take you, the greatest adventure of all was the one you had begun together.

[huhcat]

There's something in the stars...

~An Eyeless Jack x Reader oneshot.~

Hello, yes, this is my first ever oneshot... My first ever thing to write, to be honest. I am new to all this, plus English isn't my first language and yada yada yada. I am sorry if this is awkward or not to your liking. I will do my best to improve!

Anyhow

Summary: EJ and you go stargazing! Yippee!

Genre: Fluff, platonic friends (maybe a bit of feelings for each other? Oh?) Also, a little angst, but just a smidge. It's like just a mention, but only because Jack is blind. ;;

It was a quiet night, the wind blowing softly as it carried the scent of the pine trees in the forest. Crickets and toads sang their melodies in between the bushes and ponds, signaling that the night had come.

As they strolled down a path, y/n and Jack looked around, him explaining every single detail he knew about which plants and trees they saw along the trail. They would constantly stop and discuss herbology before they kept walking to their destined place.

A few minutes passed when they reached a clear in the forest. They walked to the middle of it and gently sat down on the grass, Y/N laying down before Jack did, as they both looked at the stars.

"This isn't my forte, you know?" Asked Jack.

"I know. That's why I brought this book about constellations! I may know some basics, but it doesn't hurt to learn a bit more!" Y/N exclaimed cheerily.

Pulling the book out of their backpack, Y/N opened the cover to check the book notes before finding which constellations they wanted to see.

"I suppose you at least know the Ursa Major, no?" They asked, still checking the book's notes on the constellations. "You mean the most common constellation?" Jack replied sarcastically.

Y/N sat up and slowly looked at him, giving him an annoyed look before speaking again, "Jack, please."

"What? Can I not ask?" He replied humorously. "Anyhow, what else does the book say? Does it only talk about superficial stuff?" Jack asked again, "Because there is no way you insisted this much of coming to the clear just to talk about the Big Dipper."

"Of course not!" Y/N replied. "This is the time of the year that the Canis Major appears! I've been meaning to see it for a while now." They spoke excitedly. "Plus, there are other constellations, like Gemini or Monoceros. And..." they checked the book's notes again. "... And Columba, Puppis, Auriga..."

"Okay, okay, I get it. You're a star nerd." Jack laughed. Y/N chuckled with him, playfully hitting his shoulder, "Not a nerd, just passionate."

Jack chuckled softly, his voice a hum more than anything. Y/N cleared their throat before burying their face back on the book before exclaiming again.

"Oh! Camelopardalis is also visible!" Y/N said excitedly, momentarily taking Jack off-guard. "The what now?" He asked once he relaxed. "Camelopardalis, that's Latin for giraffe. It is a constellation named that way because it looks like, well, a giraffe." They chuckled.

Y/N raised their head from the book excitedly, looking up at the clear sky to find the constellation. "Ah, the sky is so clear tonight..." they sighed. "Is it?" Jack asked in a whisper. "Absolutely. I think you would love it." Y/N said, looking at his mask-covered face tenderly.

"Does it, y'know... Does it bother you not being able to see?" Y/N asked, their smile faltering as they wondered why Jack accepted to go stargazing if he was blind. "Not really. I have gotten used to it with time." He muttered nonchalantly. "I think I also don't miss it too much since I compensate it with being able to smell and hear good, I guess."

"Oh, you really do overcompensate..." Y/N whispered, returning to silence for a minute, before whispering.

"Thank you."

"What for?" Jack asked.

"For still wanting to accompany me despite all that... Sometimes, I feel selfish considering... well, what you had to go through." Y/N sighed, looking down as they played with the book's pages. "I appreciate it a lot."

Jack hummed, nodding in approval. He really wasn't a words guy, but he did express himself with small gestures. This was more of a "Don't even mention it" kind of gesture.

They remained in silence for a while, Y/N looking at the book, then up to the sky as they enjoyed this moment of silence. Jack was entranced by the sounds of the forest and the scent the wind carried, listening to the owls, the crickets... Y/N's heartbeat...

They both enjoyed this type of moment, each doing their own thing, just enjoying their quiet company.

"Hey, Jack?" Y/N asked, receiving another hum from his part. "I think it's getting late... Would you like to return to the cabin and drink some tea?"

Jack remained quiet for a second, slightly intimidating Y/N with the mask's blank expression. "Sure. Let's go." He said, then steadily got up, lowering his hand to help Y/N up.

Now, as the night seemed to turn into twilight, they both took the same path back to the cabin Jacked lived in.

Though the day was coming, neither of them felt tired. Y/N didn't because they were enjoying this time with Jack, and despite him also enjoying this time with them, Jack didn't really need sleep. It is a sort of win-win situation in these sorts of occasions.

Back on his cabin, Y/N got the thermos with hot water out of their backpack, along with one cup for them, and a couple of tea bags they knew were to Jack's liking, one for them, and one for him. As they were in his cabin, Jack brought his from the kitchen.

And as the sky turned orange once dawn arrived, they both sat peacefully on the couch, still enjoying each other's quiet company.

[south-of-heaven]

beth phoenix x fem reader taking a vacation?

In the mountains || Beth Phoenix x Reader

Summary: When you and Beth finally get some time off she books the two of you a little getaway.

As you step out of the car and take in the surroundings, a sense of tranquility washes over you. The mountain air is crisp and refreshing, and the scent of pine trees fills your senses. Beside you, Beth wears a wide smile that mirrors your own excitement. This cabin getaway is long overdue.

"Wow, this place is amazing," you exclaim, gazing at the cabin nestled among the trees.

Beth chuckles, her eyes twinkling. "I'm glad you like it. I thought a quiet escape to the mountains would be perfect for us."

Hand in hand, you approach the cabin and unlock the door. Inside, the rustic charm of the space instantly captures your attention. A cozy living area with a crackling fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and large windows that offer breathtaking views of the landscape – it's everything you could have hoped for.

"We have this whole place to ourselves," Beth remarks, her voice filled with delight.

The two of you explore the cabin, each room revealing more delights – a spacious bedroom with a plush bed, a snug loft area, and a bathroom with a clawfoot tub that practically invites you to unwind.

After settling in, you both decide to take a walk around the area. The scenery is simply enchanting, with winding trails leading you through the forest. The sun casts dappled shadows on the path, and the sound of birdsong accompanies your leisurely stroll. Beth's hand remains interlocked with yours, her presence a constant reminder of the love you share.

As the sun begins to set, you return to the cabin. Beth starts a fire in the fireplace, filling the room with a warm, flickering glow. The crackling flames create a cozy ambiance that sets the perfect tone for the evening.

"We should cook dinner," Beth suggests with a playful grin. "I heard there's a little grocery store nearby."

Together, you put together a delicious meal, laughing and chatting as you work side by side in the kitchen. The aroma of the food fills the cabin, making your stomach growl in anticipation.

With dinner prepared and enjoyed, you find yourselves lounging by the fireplace. Beth's arm is draped around your shoulders, her touch grounding and comforting. You talk about everything and nothing, sharing stories, dreams, and a few playful jokes along the way.

As the night deepens, you decide to venture outside. The clear mountain sky is a canvas of stars, each one twinkling in the darkness. Wrapped in a blanket, you and Beth lay back on the cabin's porch, staring up in awe.

"It's so beautiful," you murmur, your voice carrying a sense of wonder.

Beth's hand finds yours, her fingers intertwining with yours. "Just like you."

You turn to her, your heart fluttering at the sincerity in her gaze. In this serene setting, under the canopy of stars, you feel truly connected, surrounded by nature's beauty and Beth's unwavering affection.

As the night unfolds, you find yourselves retreating back into the cabin, cocooned in each other's arms. The crackling firelight dances across Beth's features, casting a warm glow. With a gentle kiss, she pulls you closer, her touch sending waves of comfort and love through your being.

This cabin, this escape to the mountains, has become a cherished memory. It's a place where you can disconnect from the world and focus on the bond you share with Beth. Wrapped up in each other's embrace, you drift into a peaceful sleep, feeling grateful for this moment of serenity and the love that guides you through it.

[zofiawithaz]

What's In A Home?

PARTIES: Cassius @singdreamchild & Sofie @sofiedupont

LOCATION: Eluria Cemetery

TIMING: Current

SUMMARY: Sofie says she’s going to swing by Cassius’s place. The thing is she doesn’t know he lives in a cemetery.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions of emotional manipulation

I’m out for an evening stroll- where do you live? I’ll stop by. 

She’d sent the text shortly after the sun had set for the evening and her day could truly begin. Cassius had seen her place several times, and she couldn’t believe she’d never had the decency to ask where he lived. Sofie would have been truly astounded if she knew it wasn’t because she’d been so caught up in conversation and simply enjoying his company in the moment. He had been with her, so why should her mind wander to where he would be when he wasn’t?

He had sent back an address and she’d walked along a smile on her face. It only marked her as strange when she turned on the street and walked closer. A cemetery? A curious eyebrow arched on her forehead as she hurried her pace. 

Sure enough, by the time she approached the entrance she could see a flicker of light hair in the darkness, and had caught the pine wood and lavender scent that was distinctly Cassius on the air.  “Eluria cemetery?” Sofie’s voice was absent of judgment. Only a quiet curiosity. 

_______

Anxiety coursed through Cassius at a fast pace. She had wanted to see where he lived, and he knew that this topic would have to be broached eventually. He was just hoping in vain that it wouldn’t, somehow. If he hadn’t believed that their relationship would amount to much, he wouldn’t have bothered letting it get to this point, but she meant so much more to him. So he knew he’d have to rip the bandaid off. So he had responded to her with the address, nothing else. 

He had left his crypt to walk up to the entrance, knowing that was where she would be once she arrived. He stuck in the shadows of the trees at the entrance, waiting for when she’d come into view. Once she did, he heard her speak the name of the cemetery aloud, and he finally took in a deep breath before leaving the shadows he was hiding in. 

“I have some things to explain,” he said, tone a bit sheepish. He looked down at his hands, then up at her. “I, uh. I guess I’ll just show you.” He waved a hand for her to follow, beginning the walk to the middle of the cemetery where the crypt he resided in was. The path winded as they walked, and he was too afraid to say anything, their steps and sound of the wind being the only noises that were heard. 

As soon as they reached the crypt, he took another deep breath, then turned to face her. “This is where I’ve been living the past ten years,” he confessed with an unreadable expression. He felt embarrassment and shame, he had stayed there because he was ready to leave at any minute, but those minutes turned to months that turned to years. And he was still here, still living this way. He had given up on so much, just waiting for his sire to reappear and for life to return to what he deemed as ‘normal.’ 

_________

Sofie trailed only a few steps behind him. It was unusually quiet between the two of them. Sofie didn’t mind silence, but usually silence was comfortable. This silence felt heavy. Like a restless, anxious energy echoed from Cassius’s every footfall. A slight frown started to tug at the corner of Sofie’s mouth. It was concerning- she didn’t like seeing him fret like this. 

They walked further into the cemetery, and the longer they walk, the more Sofie’s concern twisted in her chest. Was this some incredibly strange and metaphorical way of saying he didn’t want to see her anymore and their blossoming relationship was now dead? No, that’s ridiculous Zofia. 

Cassius stopped in front of an old crypt, and Sofie slowed her pace. This was his home? A quiet spot in a cemetery. A literal resting spot for the deceased. She scanned his features, trying to figure out just what he was working out in his mind. A few short steps and she was next to him, linking her arm in his.  Sofie had done many things over the last fifty or so years to get by, but she’d never thought of living in a cemetery. There was something lonely about it. 

She slid her hand down his arm, letting her fingers tangle with his. “And do you like it? Living here?” Sofie was curious more than anything. That and the tiniest bit concerned- slayers had to roam cemeteries, didn’t they? Looking for creatures of their variety. 

________

Cassius stared at the ground for a long moment after she had asked him if he liked it. He didn’t really think about it too much. For a long time, it was because life bored him to a point he might as well lean into the stereotype of what he was, because it seemed like the obvious motions. After all, vampiric stereotypes existed for a reason. 

“I don’t really think about it,” Cassius finally confessed after an extended silence. “I was never meant to stay here as long as I have. I planned on finding Richard and going back to the way things were.” He paused for a moment, shaking his head. “That never happened, and while emotionally I moved on, I guess this has always been a road block for me.” He gestured to the crypt, letting out a sigh. “A monument to my inability to move on completely. And Gladys. She’s who’s in the wall.” He nodded his head once, as if that were the obvious part.

“I don’t really keep much here. I have a storage unit for that.” He shrugged, trying to fight the embarrassment he felt. “Just a few books and a week’s worth of clothes.” He put his hands into his jacket pockets, shrugging his shoulders. “Now you know my darkest secret,” Cassius spoke with a nod of his head, looking back at the crypt one last time before turning back to look at her.

_________

Well, that certainly wasn’t a yes. Though his words had a tiny, dark corner of her mind wondering what he would do if his sire ever did dare to show up after all this time. After abandoning someone he’d supposedly cared for. She let out a small sigh, letting the thought go on the evening breeze. A sigh that turned into a soft, amused snort at the mention of his tomb-mate. “I’m sure Gladys has been glad to have some company in her eternal rest.” Sofie teased gently. But her mind stuck on the first half of the sentence. A monument to his inability to move on. But what would happen if he did move on…

Her smile grew a bit sad. His darkest secret. He said it in a way that made her wonder if he expected her to run off screaming into the distance. As if she wasn’t also a scary story told on stormy nights. Sofie also wondered if this was something he had done with Richard… Stay in crypts and mausoleums. She stepped closer to him, letting her shoulder brush against his. “Well, first, if this is your darkest secret, I think that is indicative of the fact that you’re one of the very best people I’ve ever gotten to know.” 

Sofie paused, worrying her lip between her teeth a moment as she tried to find the right words. “I think the real question, kochanie, is if you’re ready to move on?” She looked back at the crypt for a moment. “While I’m sure Gladys would miss the company, I think you deserve more comfort and companionship than what she can provide.” A frown crossed her face as a thought popped into her mind. “More importantly- what about hunters? Do they come through here, looking for… well…” She gestured vaguely between the pair of them.

________

Cassius thought for a long moment after she asked if he was ready to move on. He knew he was, but it was the question of funds and actually having the motivation to move. Sure, he could afford it, it helped to be saving up money over the course of one hundred plus years. He supposed that it he really thought about it, it was just the embarrassment that it got to that point in the first place at all. “I think Gladys would absolutely miss me,” he finally started with a smirk. “But I also think maybe it is time to move on. I’ve had a few close encounters with hunters over the years, but I’m pretty good at keeping quiet and making myself scarce when the need arises.” He shrugged, looking around the cemetery, taking it all in. 

He enjoyed the cemetery, he enjoyed the peace and quiet that came with living amongst those in their eternal resting place. Very seldom did people go into an old cemetery with the purpose to make as much noise as possible. Cassius liked sitting amongst the stones at night, reading books by candlelight in the crypt, little things that made it feel more like home. Still, it would be nice to have something that had a lock on it to stay in. 

“The housing market scares me,” he confessed with a conspiratorial gaze. “Have to find someone to take all my money, make all the deals that go along with it? Pass.” He shook his head, the idea really didn’t appeal to him. Plus, it kept him rooted in place. If he needed to leave, a house tied him down, left a paper trail that Cassius existed for others to find. He didn’t like that. He’d never lived any other way that ready to flee at a moment’s notice.

“I don’t like the idea of a paper trail being left behind for people to discover,” he finally voiced aloud. Sure, there was the records of him working, but it was still a bit sketchy at best. After all, how does someone use the same social security number for over a hundred years and get away with it? They probably don’t, and he wasn’t about to walk that line either. “The idea of owning something permanent, knowing I couldn’t flee if I needed to, it’s too much.”

________

“I’m sure she will, you are excellent company.” Sofie grinned. “But, I’m also sure there are other quiet places… Houses with no neighbors to speak of. Nice secluded properties, especially if privacy is priority number one.” 

She lifted an eyebrow slightly at his concerns of leaving a trail. Just what kind of number had Richard done on him? “Well,” She began slowly, “There are ways around that. You could pay upfront with cash, if you have enough of it.” Sofie’s mind was already rifling through the old things she could sell for a considerable amount if she had to help come up with funds. “And I don’t think people will ask too many questions in this town. But you could always put the house under a different name. And if you do have to go, then you hire a realtor to take care of the sale while you’re ‘out of town on business’.” 

“And nothing material is permanent.” Sofie’s smile grew wry. “You could stay in that crypt for another three centuries, and time would erode it until it’s no longer a shelter. If you had to run, you’d still have to leave some things behind…” Her mind drifted a bit. “Back when I was very young- before I turned- my mother would say ‘Zofia, nothing in this life is forever. But you cannot be afraid of what you will lose along the way, or you’ll never have anything worthwhile’.” Sofie paused, her mind drifting to a different family.  “When I did turn- we traveled a bit over the years. We lived in France, mainly, but we popped to Italy for a short time, back to Poland, and then here. There are pieces of my history scattered across the world.  I’m sure I still have things in France that I loved dearly that are museum pieces now, because once it all was gone, I couldn’t risk going back.But what I miss more are the people. Having people to run with you is what has always been the important part for me. Because wherever you end up, as long as they’re there, then that can be home. But it doesn’t hurt to be safe and comfortable wherever you wind up with whoever those people are.” 

_______

Cassius listened as Sofie tried to dissuade him from the way his brain had been wired after so many years. He wanted to agree with her, but there was that nagging feeling in the back of his head that sounded a lot like Richard that told him that changing from what he’s always done was a recipe to get caught. To slip up and make himself known. It was so ingrained in him that it was hard to think anything else. 

Sure, the idea of a home that he could call his own sounded wonderful. He’d always wanted a space to decorate to his heart’s content. Still, it was hard to let go. “I’ve never done anything that wasn’t for the sake of survival,” he finally admitted, looking over to her with an unreadable expression. He crossed his arms over his chest, he almost looked robotic. “I have always let myself stay alive first, live second. Poetry has been the only thing that I’ve let not be that way.” Cassius paused, thinking for a moment.

“That was, until I met you.” He finally added, expression changing from a robotic survival mode to a softer one. “I suddenly want these things that I’ve denied myself. I want to be with someone, I want to get to know people and not have to worry about hunters.” He gestured around. “I want to live somewhere that doesn’t have dead people everywhere.” He sighed, shaking his head. “But it’s hard to get past when it’s all I’ve ever known.” Cassius took her hands, frowning. “All I ask is that you give me time.” His voice was soft and meek, as if afraid. “I’m still… I’m still getting used to thinking for myself.” 

That was something he hadn’t admitted before. Something he had hoped wasn’t true. That he had been controlled for so long by someone who claimed to love him. “I’m still coming to terms with that,” Cassius added with a shrug of his shoulder. A nervous tick. Trying to shrug it off as it it were nothing to worry about.

_______

It was disconcerting to see him slip further into a mechanical way of being so easily. To seem so focused on survival only. As if staying alive we’re the only goal, and to celebrate the things that made life worthwhile was a secondary objective only. And a hardly noted objective at that. It was so at odds with how Sofie functioned. She couldn’t help but wonder what would have been if their places were reversed. If Cassius had been able to live instead of survive… he’d probably be some anonymous famed poet whose work was discovered over the centuries and released ‘by a friend’. 

She wasn’t sure how her presence had started to break the warped spell Richard had ensnared Cassius in, but Sofie was grateful she had. It warmed something in her chest to see the rigidity slowly melt from his expression… Maybe it was relief? When his hands found hers, Sofie gave them a gentle squeeze. “Then take all the time you need, Cassius. You don’t have to do anything for anyone but you.” 

It was almost like he was scared… of her? Of how she might respond? Of ghosts of the past and their demands? Sofie lifted their entwined hands, pressing a kiss to the back of one of his. “That’s something that comes with time, I think. Time and practice.”

_______

Waving the darker thoughts out of his mind, Cassius smiled as Sofie pressed a kiss ot the back of his hand. “There’s a lot I can learn from you, Zofia.” He spoke, deciding that her real name fit her better than what she now called herself. “I like the way it sounds. It suits you.” he added, pressing a kiss to her lips. “Would you mind if I called you Zofia?” He then asked, tilting his head to one side. 

He thought for a long moment, about how much has changed in the forty years since his sire left his side, of how much he had discovered that was his and his alone. About how he had grown as a person in that amount of time. Perhaps it was time to make a next step, to finally call something home, something that will last for longer than what he was used to. “I will promise you this; I will start to look into better living arrangements.” He nodded his head once, looking back to the crypt. “I think Gladys might enjoy her alone time.”

_______

She blinked, surprised. She had almost forgotten she’d said her name- her first name. It had been years since she’d heard another soul utter it. More than years- it had been lifetimes. She had spent so many lifetimes as Sofie that the sound of a long forgotten name tripping off another person's tongue startled her for a moment. 

He kissed her, and there it was again, the name that belonged to a strong girl, determined to snatch her dreams out of thin air if she had to, determined to make them real. Sofie realized she was closer to that girl she had been three centuries ago than she was the veritable princess in the lap of luxury.  She was, in a sense, right back where she started. Dreaming of family, of friends, of comfort- of the things she was beginning to find in this town, with Cassius, with the friends she’d found in Metzli and Zane. A smile broke out on her face like dawn after a long night. “You may,” the words were hushed, as if the name were a secret for just them. “But that name belongs to you, only. No one else gets to call me that, only you do.” And she found she already wanted to hear Cassius say that name again, just once more.

She let go of his hands, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck, letting her fingers play absently with his hair. “Only promise me that, kochanie, if it’s what you want.”

——-

Cassius nodded his head in agreement as she spoke, smiling down at her as she spoke in a quiet voice. “I promise that it shall only be me that calls you Zofia.” He spoke, pressing a hand to his chest as he did so, as if swearing an oath. He then scrunched up his face, as it thinking hard on something. “Though you using words I don’t understand makes me feel I should learn Polish so I know what you’re saying to me.” He added on, lightening the mood a bit.

He thought, for a brief moment, about for as long as he had been alive, he hadn’t bothered to pick up other languages. That’s what he got for being a filthy British man, he thought for a moment before mentally shrugging it off. “I think it’s safe to say that, at least for a while, your place may be the preferred one to hang around.” He said meekly, pointing back at the crypt. “Unless you like what you see,” he teased, wagging his brows. 

______

It was a passing thought that buzzed through her mind, but Sofie couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if time and space hadn’t tried so hard to keep their paths separate. If he had been there when she was still Zofia, or if she had been there before he’d found himself down a path with Richard that would end in his death. If they could have been normal and blissfully unaware of things like hunters, and vampires, and all the scary stories that people told their children made real. She laughed, shaking her head. “You don’t need to learn a new language. I bounce between the three languages. But usually only for little things. Nicknames, counting… Swearing, occasionally. But I’ve been told that those are the most important words to learn in any language.” She finished as her mind drifted to Henri, who insisted his new sister knew all the very best ways to tell someone off in French before she knew anything else.

“Kochanie- a pet name. It translates to honey, or darling.” It seemed only fitting that if he called her Zofia, that Sofie should call him something in her mother tongue. Her gaze drifted toward the crypt of poor old Gladys, who would sadly be down a roommate. “Well, as tempting as that offer is,” Sofie laughed, lifting up onto her toes so she was closer to eye level with him. “If you prefer my place, that is just fine with me.”

___________

Cassius gave a thoughtful look as she told of the languages she switched between. “Oh only three? I’ll make sure to leave the linguistics to you, then.” He decided aloud, nudging her playfully. “And if I ever need someone to cuss someone else out in polish or french, you’ll be the first I call.” He nodded his head once, mock-seriously. 

He looked around the graveyard once more, gazing upon the headstones and small statues around them. He had grown used to the silence, and something Cassius quite welcomed. If he were to get an apartment, then that would mean losing that silence. So that was out of the question for him. The more he thought on it, the more he knew that Sofie was right. There was nothing wrong with having something that could be his, and there were ways to keep himself safe that didn’t readily give himself away. Maybe, for once, he could finally let himself be truly happy. To finally live instead of simply survive. 

It was something he’d have to take a day at a time, but with Sofie’s help, he knew that he could do it. Besides, he had a lot more people that he knew he had to stick around for. He liked his job, the students he taught and the people around him he had finally begun to meet. Finally, Cassius thought, he was finally living.

[alt-lucidifer]

Book-Wielder’s Normopathy

Chapter 3

"Billowing currents brushed past, lifting the boughs to sway in tandem beneath the awning of vibrant greenery. The air was cool and bracing, infused with the scent of pine and dew. The rustling of branches and sprigs among the leaves painted a lively symphonic chorus, intermingling with the sound of twittering and birdsong. High above, perched upon the intricately interwoven branches, gray treepies flitted about, their bright feathers catching the sunlight like jewels glinting in the morning daylight.”

“Luqiang strolled leisurely down the steep incline of the eastward side of the mound, his feet finding their way along a serpentine path of weathered stone brick stairs, which wound down like a sinuous ribbon through the dense underbrush. Each step he took resonated with a soft crunch as stray leaves were crushed underfoot. As he took a deep sigh, an earthy aroma of damp soil and crushed herbs filled his nostrils. Golden pillars of sunlight filtered through the foliage, casting playful patterns on the ground, illuminating patches of vibrant moss and wildflowers that clung tenaciously to the edges of the staircase.”

“As he descended, the sound of rushing water reached him, a distant melody that crescendoed with each step he took. His curiosity piqued, so Luqiang quickened his pace, eagerly anticipating the sight that would greet him at the foot of the craggy mountain slope.”

Qiji ran his fingers through his tousled hair, smoothing down and slicking back any hairs that had escaped their proper place. The oppressive heat of summer bore down on him, draining his energy and leaving him in a constant state of perspiration; he felt as though he were sweating bucketloads. Lacking both a fan to soothe and console or comforting parasol to shield him from the relentless sun, he was left vulnerable to the merciless rays washing over his pale hands, which seemed to bear the brunt of the heat. His cheeks flushed a vivid crimson, a stark contrast to his fair complexion, as the sun's stinging embrace continued to amplify his discomfort. At this point, he might've gotten sunburnt.

“Finally, he arrived at the base, where the rugged terrain rose dramatically, its jagged rock formations jutting skyward like ancient sentinels. The mountain cliffs loomed imposingly around him, their surfaces adorned with streaks of emerald vegetation that cohered to crevices.”

“Must you continue to drag this out?” Qiji complained, tugging anxiously at his collar as the sweltering air stuck uncomfortably to his skin. “Is there truly no way you could procure some basic supplies for this mission? Perhaps just a simple jug of water?”

“Make it yourself”, the Narrator scoffed.

Not long after his sudden arrival in this new world, he had been given a direct order from the Narrator to embark on a descent down the mountain to gather vital information, leaving the little makeshift camp he'd prepared that same morning behind. Although he had initially envisioned a calm venture to explore the wild where he'd be able to return the same afternoon, it seemed that a route was already laid at his feet. And it wasn't just any easy one. His first assignment? Journey to the Grand Library of Shan Yao City located in the Chingsu region. On the surface, that didn’t sound overly complicated—until he was informed that Shan Yao was not just any city; it was known for its size and sprawling maze of streets, not to mention the notorious reputation of Luqiang, who was infamous for his reticence. He couldn't even consider the thought of acting out of character in the face of others.

Realizing this presented a significant challenge, Qiji quickly formulated a plan. He had every intention of bypassing the conventional and straightforward route. His first mission would require furtive action. He was going to sneak in there in the dead of night. There was simply no other way —Qiji had considered it and come to that conclusion.

Just as a Qiji had begun to slip back into his daydreaming, a plaintive cry startled him back to his ugly reality. Looking left and right, all he could see were the tall trees. Not a thing out of place in sight, but Qiji's instincts knew better, leaving him on edge. Then, as if on cue, a figure emerged from a branching path—a cultivator judging by his clothes—with an easy swagger, his features illuminated by a radiant smile that seemed at odds with the gruesome sight he bore. Slung across his shoulder was a formidable beast with razor sharp clangs—bloodied and battered, its fur matted and eyes flickering with the fragile last embers of its life. The cultivator waved cheerfully at Qiji, his grin widening as he ambled closer, oblivious or perhaps indifferent to the creature's plight. Qiji bit his lip and swallowed down a curse as he understood he'd been spotted, but before he could make a run for it the Narrator had already launched into his usual charade.

“Hidden among the shrubbery, something moves. Then, out of the thicket, emerges a mysterious man. A sword clutched tightly in his hand, he sets his sights on Luqiang”, the Narrator's disembodied voice echoed at him.

Qiji’s body reacted instinctively long before his mind could catch up to the unfolding situation. He felt the surge of adrenaline coursing through him. He reached to brandish his weapon he naturally assumed to be there only for the realisation to dawn on him that there was none to draw; his hands awkwardly hovered over his right hip, searching for the familiar heft of a hilt, the reassuring feel of cold metal. The space where a scabbard should have been lay bare, and instead, his fingers brushed against a simple leather pouch, worn but sturdy, that rested against the fabric of his tunic. He tapped it once, then twice to confirm: there were sharp metal objects inside. Daggers, possibly?

Meanwhile, the fellow across the clearing was disconcerted and driven out of his wits, in no mood for another fight after catching the prey he'd struggled against on the way here. Backing away with his hands raised in surrender, he yelled aloud. “Ahh, Lao-daozhang! Please, I mean no harm! I come in peace!”

Qiji, who had been on edge ever since coming here after being subjected to various unexpected interruptions, sensed an opening. Rather than engaging further or getting embroiled in another conflict, Qiji assessed the situation and decided that time was of the essence. He had a destination to reach before nightfall, and that thought pushed him into action. Without another word, he made the decision to sidestep this newly introduced character, opting instead to proceed on his path toward the city before the Narrator could think to stop him. He speedwalked right past the obstacle, his mind set on getting there as soon as possible.

However, as he quickened his pace, it became clear that his relief at leaving the potential conflict behind would be fleeting. The cultivator, still grappling with his confusion and at a loss for words, quickly regained his composure soon after and hurriedly made the distance he'd lost on Qiji.

“Dage, are you really going to walk all the way through the woods on your own?” the man questioned, a mixture of concern and an almost childlike eagerness in his tone. “You know, there are nefarious creatures wandering about out here. I should know,” he added, nonchalantly gesturing toward his shoulder, where fresh wounds from prior encounters could be seen, accompanied by a somewhat goofy grin and a dying beast on the other shoulder. “We’d fare much better if we teamed up, you and I.”

Qiji’s temper flared silently at the intrusion. As the man prattled on, he prayed to whichever gods might be listening—perhaps the deities of solitude or fate—that this overly persistent and sticky individual would simply tire of the one-sided conversation and leave him be. He hoped that by ignoring him, he might rid himself of this unwelcome company and accelerate his journey to the city. Suffice to say that was not what happened.

The noble cultivator, who trailed closely behind him, wore a sleek, high-neck black undershirt. Over this, he donned an ornate robe, the color reminiscent of finely polished marble, its fabric flowing gracefully around him, completed by long, draped sleeves that added an air of elegance to him. His belt was decorated with an array of small medallions, each one glimmering with a beautifully crystallized finish that caught the light with every movement he made.

His hair was an eye-catching shade of vibrant maroon, a bold contrast to the inky black of his ever-squinted half-moon eyes. His face, tinged with the faintest redness over the cheeks and lips, and tan over a sheet white frame. The design of his pants was equally striking; they were tightly fitted, tapering down to a hemline artfully stitched with intricate shapes and symbols, giving the impression of a well-maintained and groomed appearance. Completing his attire, his tall black boots, though looking somewhat worn, were slender and pointed.

As the sun transitioned from its zenith to the horizon, the two figures meandered about through the forest landscape either in what Qiji considered to be awkward silence or in short “exchanges” where the uncomfortably clingy man accompanying him, whose name still remained a mystery, would occasionally comment on various aspects of their surroundings, providing Qiji with insights that, albeit indirectly, began to illuminate the social nuances of the era in which he'd been discarded into. Through these comments, Qiji gleaned vital information about key locations as well. For instance, the Grand Library referenced by the Narrator was formally known as the Grand Shan Yao Library. How original. There was also one more thing—this man was related to a temple called Baifeng Peak. Apparently, there was a huge sect in these parts all with different branching temples. Among them in the area was Baifeng, Baiyan as well as an unmanned mountain peak called Highspire Pinnacle that was “just around the corner.” Qiji naturally assumed that was the mountain he had just descended.

As dusk began to envelop the landscape, Qiji sought out a tranquil meadow, somewhere suitable to take sanctuary and immerse himself in meditation. The unusual inactivity of the Narrator, combined with the presence of the new NPC, had hindered his ability to fully explore the extent and nature of his newfound capabilities that a form like this would naturally come with. Rather than risk harming an innocent tree through impromptu experimentation, he decided to assert his powers via meditation, believing it to be a more refined approach. Qiji was well-versed in the worlds of wuxia and xianxia—this shouldn't be an issue for him. Now if he could just remember how the characters usually did it…

Qiji settled into the cool blades of grass cross-legged. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the energies of nature wrap around him. The wind, like a gentle friend, wrapped around him and played with the fabrics of his robes, allowing them to flutter freely. In the recesses of his mind, he reached his hands out, extended his blindly trusting, open arms into nothingness to hopefully get a chance to peer inside. With a strike of luck and a smidgen of kindness, he considered the idea that he might get to reenter whatever mind palace he'd been pulled into last time.

“Guide me,” Qiji whispered internally, his focus sharpening. He recalled the tales of countless heroes who drew strength from the air just like this, somehow synchronizing even their breathing to fit the harnessing of elemental energy. “At least do your job when I'm asking you.”

“Observe the rhythm of your breath,” the Narrator replied, his voice oddly distant in the depths of his consciousness. “As you inhale, visualize the essence of the breeze filling your meridians, expanding with each heartbeat. When you exhale, let go of your doubts and fears, releasing them to the earth.”

He followed the instruction, imagining the wind coiling into him, nourishing his spirit. Unseen strands of energy sparked along his meridians, igniting a growing power within. The massive clouds above shifted in response to his burgeoning strength, swirling with colors of deep blue and violet, as if the very heavens were recognizing his efforts. However, with his eyes resolutely closed in concentration, Qiji was entirely oblivious to this celestial spectacle. Initially, he had dismissed the notion of 'cultivation' as utterly absurd.

Yet, after enduring the relentless rigors of trying to train even for just a few hours, he came to a profound realization: those who had mastered this art were rightly referred to as 'masters.' His newly transformed physique epitomized the term ‘fit for it,’ showcasing strength beyond his previous limitations. Yet, it became increasingly evident that his still-mortal mind struggled to bear the immense burden required of him. At the beginning, he had felt foolish, attempting to clear his mind and conjure images of abstract concepts that existed beyond the tangible. Now, however, beads of sweat formed on his brow, and his forehead was etched with deep lines of focus, a tempest of emotions raging within himself.

“Remarkable! You're a natural even as a beginner, just as I anticipated,” the Narrator declared triumphantly in the cracks of Qiji’s mind, though the voice scarcely disturbed him through his profound focus.

Before long, the Narrator continued, “Qiang-mei, you may open your eyes now.”

Qiji hesitated momentarily but ultimately resolved to take a swift glance. To his astonishment, he found himself once more in a reality unlike any he had encountered—a translucent version of himself floated amid a magnificent expanse of twinkling stars—a vivid constellation gleaming brightly against the backdrop of the endless cosmos. Was this truly where he had been before? He hadn't been able to see it clearly then, but now…

Before him stood Gushi himself, gazing at Qiji with a blend of admiration and paternal pride.

“I imagine you must have several questions,” the Narrator began, his tone both eager and inviting. “Allow me to take the lead. How did you find your inaugural visit? Splendid, eh? I modeled it after a number of design choices befitting of yourself. Speaking of which—what's your impression of Yunzhuo so far?”

“So his name is Yunzhuo…” Qiji contemplated silently, noting the new piece of information. His face was pulled into a frown.

“Indeed! If you wish, I can elaborate on his background in great detail. However, I suspect there is something far more pressing weighing heavily on your mind—perhaps… your powers?”

“Among other pressing concerns, yes…” Qiji admitted.

“Well, you're familiar with the concept of immortals, yes? Accomplished cultivators who reach an extraordinary level of cultivation gain the ability to significantly extend their lifespan through the mastery and harnessing of spiritual energy. In contrast, elemental energy is a distinct force, utilized primarily for incantations and rituals.”

"Yes, and?"

"Your art is unlike any other, a skill that has been carefully honed and passed down through generations of your family—plasma manipulation. I believe I previously instructed you to create your own jug of water earlier, didn't I? For once, I was entirely serious. You possess the unique ability to manipulate matter on a certain level, breaking it down into its atomic components. However, tread carefully! This process induces a significant amount of energy within your body, and if you misuse it or attempt to transfigure something beyond your current skill set, it could lead to serious consequences."

"Why don't you give it a try right now? Use one of your cufflinks. Picture it transforming into… let’s say, a jug! Channel some energy into it."

Qiji was stumped. Enough with the fact that he was given metamorphic gifts to make him stand out and had to shoulder acting out an angsty character like Luqiang, but now he had to deal with the knowledge he might accidentally qi deviate at the drop of a hair? Is there anything good about this?!

Nevertheless, he wasn't the type to stall. For once he was actually curious as to what his powers did. He focused inward, drawing energy from the depths of his core and gathering it between his hands. With deliberate intent, he removed one of his cufflinks and closed it tightly in his palms, visualizing it morphing into the shape of a jug. Almost immediately, a brilliant flash of white erupted between his fingers, sending a thrill of excitement coursing through him. However, his concentration faltered, overwhelmed by the surge of energy surging and bubbling within him.

As a result, he ended up with nothing more than a painful stinging sensation in his hands and a shapeless mass of clay—a poor, half-formed imitation of a flask that bore little resemblance to a jug. The residual energy still buzzed around his fingertips, leaving an uncomfortable tingling sensation in its wake.

"Ah… perhaps that was a bit ambitious for your very first attempt," the Narrator mused, a smirk spreading across his face, revealing a hint of cruel satisfaction. "Don’t worry, I’ll provide you with an easier challenge next time."

Who does this guy think he is? Qiji was starting to be fed up with this freak's antics. He was usually unfazed by taunts and ridicule, but there was something fundamentally irksome about this being that made him want to land a real good left-hook to his jaw. He had a very punch-able face, this one.

"Is there anything else you'd like to share with me?" Qiji asked, attempting to mask the annoyance simmering beneath the surface.

"Hmmm..." The Narrator stroked his chin thoughtfully, his brow furrowing as if engaged in a serious contemplation. "Nothing comes to mind right now, but I might have overlooked one small detail... Time flows here very differently. While you may perceive it as having been just a few minutes, in reality, you've been in a deep meditative state for several hours. I merely borrowed your subconscious for a bit as you called out to me, and frankly, I found myself with little else to occupy my time."

"Okay, but what's the time over there—back in my body?" Qiji inquired, dread creeping into his chest.

"Approximately... a few hours past midnight, I’d say."

"Alright, then. Not too bad.” A bit of relief. “Then can you send me back now?" Qiji requested, his impatience creeping into his voice.

"You’d better show some gratitude," the Narrator replied teasingly, a smirk dancing across his face. “I haven’t heard you thank me once since I brought you to this place.”

“Why would I thank you for abducting me against my will?”

When Qiji finally opened his eyes, he was greeted by a breathtaking sight: a moonlit sky glittering with stars, the vastness of night stretching endlessly around him. Even the wind seemed to have hushed, as if the world itself held its breath. Glancing to his left, he caught sight of Yunzhuo curled up on a futon, sound asleep and enveloped in tranquil stillness.

Watching as Yunzhuo’s chest rose and fell, deep in slumber, Qiji got an idea. This was the perfect opportunity to sneak away. The small camp they’d set up wasn’t very far from the city and if he timed it well enough without any interruptions, he might be able to find his way into the Grand Library unnoticed. Quietly, he began to move, carefully tiptoeing around to gather his belongings before making his escape. Once he had packed everything, he dashed into the night. The thought of taking to the sky to test his flying skills was tempting, but the vivid memory of the botched plasma flask weighed heavily on his mind. He couldn’t risk another failure.

Qiji took off through the region with a spring in his step, feeling surprisingly airy. As if there was a weight taken off of his shoulders, he was free to leap through glades without feeling much more of the ground than on the tips of his feet. His soles never hitting the soil, he galloped past thick forested areas until he arrived at the foot of a path that served as the starting point on a long, wide-open road.

Ahead loomed the city walls, clearly marked by an intricately crafted sign. The gates were flanked by watchtowers at each corner, and the sturdy brick walls stood proudly, imposing in stature. Qiji glanced left and right before launching himself onto a sturdy branch of a nondescript tree. As he steadied himself against the trunk, he carefully scanned his surroundings for any signs of activity. Once he confirmed his suspicion—a noticeable absence of guardsmen—he weighed his options. The city gates were still unbolted, so he could technically stroll right in. However, such behavior would be deemed inappropriate, and if caught, he risked being labeled a weirdo, or worse. Scaling the wall directly would only invite unnecessary complications, especially given the limited resources on hand.

The best way to get in would likely be…

“Need a ride?”

Qiji froze, all blood draining from his face in that instant.

Clutching the reins with a deathly tight grip, Yunzhuo's knuckles had paled. He was clearly out of breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He leaned forward in the saddle of a chestnut brown horse, his keen eyes sparkling with mischief as he regarded the flabbergasted Qiji, who was still trying to process the event. Yunzhuo's everlasting smile, a serene blend of mischief and charm, seemed almost infectious. His dark hair fluttered slightly in the breeze, tousled by the swift movements he had made just moments before. “You took off so quickly, I could barely keep up with you, Daozhang,” he exclaimed, laughter lingering in his voice.

You…!!!!!

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[omgcatboi]

A dating sim based on you: “Heartstrings of Hitori” and would feature a whimsical yet heartfelt journey through a world of introspection, romance, and sensory exploration. Here’s a concept:

Title: Heartstrings of Hitori

Genre: Visual Novel, Romance, Slice of Life, Comedy

Main Character:

You play as the protagonist (customizable), a curious and empathetic individual who recently moved to a quaint, artsy neighborhood. You’re searching for meaningful connections and maybe even love.

Love Interest:

Hitori (he/him, pan, demi-ace, 26) – A mysterious and quirky character with a deep appreciation for simple joys and unique experiences. Hitori smells faintly of rain-soaked pine and old books, a comforting and nostalgic scent. He’s introspective, has a subtle sense of humor, and often surprises others with his thoughtful insights.

Gameplay Mechanics:

1. Exploration:

Navigate the neighborhood and engage with different characters to uncover backstories, build relationships, and unlock events. Locations include:

• A cozy book café where Hitori loves to read.

• A flower shop he frequents for sensory inspiration.

• A secluded forest path where he goes to clear his mind.

2. Scent-Based Choices:

As Hitori has a strong association with smells, your choices will often tie into sensory experiences. For example:

• Selecting a candle scent during a date at the bookstore.

• Choosing a picnic location based on the ambiance and aromas.

3. Heart Gauge:

Build trust and intimacy with Hitori by respecting his demi-ace identity and taking time to connect emotionally. Rushing things might lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities.

4. Mini-Games:

• Book Recommendations: Match Hitori’s mood with a book title.

• Flower Arranging: Create bouquets based on hints about his favorite scents.

• Rainy Walks: Time choices to maximize bonding moments during a stroll.

Storyline:

As you get to know Hitori, you discover his love for deep conversations, his quirky humor, and his struggles with self-doubt. Through shared experiences—like rainy afternoons in the café or crafting scented candles together—you both learn to trust and grow.

The story evolves around themes of understanding, patience, and the beauty of the mundane. Alongside Hitori, you’ll meet other side characters who offer comic relief or act as confidants, such as his mischievous best friend and a nosy but well-meaning shopkeeper.

Endings:

1. Heartfelt Harmony: You and Hitori develop a close bond, filled with shared joys and a deep understanding of each other.

2. Close Companionship: Hitori chooses to keep the relationship platonic, but your friendship blossoms into something equally meaningful.

3. Bittersweet Goodbye: Due to mismatched expectations or choices, you part ways, but the experience leaves you both better people.

Firstly I want to point out just how much I appreciate this oh my God I love you.

And secondly this reads like someone whos met me irl , how do you know so much about me 😭😭😭 except I do have dyslexia so I'm not much of a reader when it comes to books. But I do love smelling nice, it's the fact that you almost pinpointed how I smell in real life too 😅 ( I actually smell like eucalyptus and spearmint body wash as well as spray on deodorant. I can see how that would give off a kind of pine smell, especially since my favorite body wash is typically the Old spice bottle with the bear on it. )

I really enjoyed this read, deeply appreciated it, I'm going to hold this close to my heart now.

[valentine-in-wonderland]

Rating: Mature

Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Major Character Death

Fandom: Original Work: The Galactics (All Media Types)

Categories: Gen

Characters: Father Jedidiah Jekyll, Asmodeus Jones, Dionysus Hyde, Valerie Doll, Amor

Relationships: No Romantic Relationships

Ossodebilia: A progressive disorder characterized by the degradation of the neurological and osteological functions. The exact cause of Ossodebilia is currently unknown. Research suggests that it may be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection, although this hypothesis requires further investigation.

35-year-old Jedidiah has had a boring but fulfilling life before the infection. He was a priest and in charge of a group of teenagers in a local church. But now, he's stuck with that same group, with the addition of an infection he of all people has to find a cure to. His only help in finding the cure? The very first victim of the infection who is a mangled mess of saggy flesh and bronze prosthetics.

Chapter 0

The Heart of Harmony Church sat atop a gentle hill, its spire reaching for the heavens like a clawed finger. The air was crisp and clear, carrying with it the faint scent of pine. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestone path leading up to the church's massive oak doors. Jedidiah emerged from the church, his robes billowing behind him like black wings. He glanced up at the sky, taking in a deep breath as he did so. The cool air seemed to invigorate him, and he smiled warmly down at Ozzy, who was waiting for him by the steps.

"My dear boy," he said, his voice gentle as a summer breeze, "are you ready for our evening stroll?" Jedidiah placed a reassuring hand on Ozzy's shoulder. The younger boy looked up at him, his eyes barely visible behind the long fringe of his bangs. He shrugged in boredom.

"I guess."

They began to walk down the cobblestone path, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot the only sound besides their footsteps. The town of Singing Pines was quiet, as it often was at this hour. The occasional gust of wind rustled the leaves overhead, and a distant dog barked once, then fell silent. The twilight cast a soft, ethereal glow over the landscape, painting everything in shades of lavender and rose. As they walked, Jedidiah pointed out constellations in the night sky, naming each one with awe and reverence. Ozzy, however, remained unmoved. He followed the priest's gaze, but saw only stars.

They passed by a small park where children laughed and played, their joyful sounds carrying on the wind. It was a sight that would have brought a smile to Jedidiah's face on any other day, but tonight it only served to highlight the emptiness that Ozzy carried within him. The boy's posture was hunched, his arms folded tightly across his chest. He seemed to be lost in thought, or perhaps he was simply trying to retreat into himself, to escape the world that refused to let him be. Jedidiah paused, sensing the weight of Ozzy's silence. He turned to face the boy, his expression gentle and concerned.

"You know, Ozzy, I've often wondered..." He trailed off, searching for the right words. "I've often wondered what it must be like to see the world through your eyes. To feel so disconnected from everything around you." He placed a hand on Ozzy's shoulder, offering what little comfort he could. The boy looked up, his eyes meeting the priest's. There was a momentary flicker of something in his gaze, perhaps recognition or understanding. But then it was gone, replaced by the same empty stare that had been there before. Jedidiah sighed, knowing that his words had fallen on deaf ears. "Perhaps," he said softly, "we should find something that brings you joy, something that makes you feel alive." They continued their walk, the town of Singing Pines stretching out before them. The air grew cooler, and the stars began to twinkle brighter in the night sky. But despite Jedidiah's best efforts, he could not seem to reach the boy, could not help him find his way back to the light that God shone down on them.