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prinvessdior · 8 months ago

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Three times you ask Kinich for something and the one time he asks for something.

tags: first person soz, bff! Mualani, I forgot ab Ajaw lol, y/n has a vision, established relationship, first kiss, just cute as hell, ft. me trying to write romantic tension.

wc: 3.6k

a/n: idk,, i think he needs more fics but yes crossposted on ao3 still editing as well

feel free to leave me req or msgs for any charc <3!

◣──•~❉᯽❉~•──◢

I think this was the fifth time I had water up my nose this afternoon. Or maybe it was the sixth, definitely. My nose and throat burned as I gasped for air above the water. My surfboard flung up beside me with another slap of water to my face. I hoisted myself back up to sit over my borrowed board. Mualani let me borrow one of her old ones from childhood. Since I'd never been able to surf. I wrung out my hair over my shoulder. "This is so hard," I whined to Mualani who padded over on her own board over to me.

Mualani only laughed, laying down on her stomach, "You're doing fine for a beginner." I doubted it. "Keep practicing, maybe you could finally convince Kinich to come to swim."

I snorted and rolled my eyes, "Yeah like that'll happen."

Mualani giggled, "He's a lost cause. Maybe if you asked him nicely, he might change his mind," she teased, sending me a look with a knowing smile.

"I don't think a simple 'please' will do the trick," I retorted, paddling my board backward in the shallows. "He'd probably just come up with some excuse like 'I don't want to get my clothes wet' or something, and then go back to what he was doing," I grumbled.

Mualani snickered. "He can be such a diva sometimes. It's like he's scared to have any fun. I don’t know how you can date a guy like that."

She was being dramatic. He wasn’t that bad. I’ve known practically everyone since I was a kid, I know the ins and outs. Kinich just.. more so liked to keep to himself. I didn’t mind it though it really seemed like we had just become really good friends now even after putting a relationship title on us.

"Though I'm sure he'd do anything you asked," Mualani says with a nod

I quickly looked away.

"Don't be ridiculous," I mumbled, "Kinich doesn't listen to anyone, let alone me." I quickly looked away.

Mualani gave me a knowing smile. "Oh come on, don't pretend you haven't noticed the way he looks at you. That boy is absolutely smitten with you."

I tried to feign indifference, though my heart thumped in my chest. "He doesn't look at me any differently than he looks at everyone else."

Mualani raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious? He's practically drooling every time you're around. And he always insists on helping you with anything you need, no matter how menial."

I shifted uncomfortably in my waterlogged swimsuit. "That's just who he is. He's like that with everyone. He's just...a good guy." I don’t think I wanted to spill my guts with my best friend about my relationship just yet.

Mualani rolled her eyes. "You can be so clueless sometimes. Trust me on this."

I huffed, pushing my soaked hair out of my eyes. "Even if you're right, which you're not, I doubt he'd ever actually do anything about it. Kinich is too aloof to make a move."

Mualani smirked. "That's where I think you're wrong. I've seen the way he stares at you when you're not looking. That boy has it bad. If you ask me, he's just been waiting for the right moment.”

I narrowed my eyes with a laugh, "Sure, and dendro slimes will fly someday. Besides, I can't even imagine Kinich acting all romantic. He's too sarcastic and quippy for mushiness."

Mualani shrugged. "Maybe you should try giving him a hint then. See if he responds. I know he'd be all over you in a heartbeat if he thought he had a chance."

"I don't know, Mualani...he's always been so closed off. It wouldn’t feel natural."

Mualani grinned. "Well, you could always try being a bit more... flirtatious. Give him some nonverbal cues to let him know you're interested. A touch on the arm, a smile, a compliment, something like that. See how he responds."

"Yeah, nope," I said with a determined nod, I'd give up my pyro vision back to our archon before doing something as embarrassing as that.

“C'mon! What’s the harm in it?”

I gave Mualani a pointed look, “The harm is we’ve only been together three months.”

Mualani groaned, “But you’ve been friends for years!” She emphasized by splashing me with water.

I splashed her back, “I don’t expect anything from Kinich, Lani, I’m fine with what we have now.”

“Yeah, but, did you ask him that? Maybe he wants to be closer with you.”

Okay, yeah maybe I hadn’t thought about that. I paused mid-splash attack. “Oh.”

Another splash of water to my face, as I tipped sideways losing balance sitting on my surfboard. I tipped straight into the water making another splash for the seventh time.

Mualani was laughing when I arose from the surface. “Just try it. It’s not like he’ll outright reject you.”

I gave Mualani a glare, “I’m going to go change. I’m done learning today.”

“Ouchie, you really know how to burn me.” Mualani sighs with a dramatic expression.

“Insanity.” I mumbled padding back to the shore with my best friend trailing behind me. Still making dramatic plans about how to get my boyfriend to be more open. I was not listening as she rambled all the way back to my house.

◣──•~❉᯽❉~•──◢

I liked living right beside the hot springs. Even the ones that weren’t heated were usually the ones I gravitated towards. Given that Natlan was already hot, I never remembered my normal body temperature being this hot before I received my Pyro vision.

But right now, I think I was jealous of Cyro Vision users. Kachina had requested my help near her tribe. She wanted to collect flowers among herbs, and fruits for the traveler to help her gain enough confidence to enter into the night warden wars.

But it was too hot, and I was craving a bath. Being drenched in sweat was horrible. I didn’t want to complain in front of Kachina so I continued to follow her, we’d strayed far from The Children of The Echo’s tribe.

“Do you think this is enough?” I asked the smaller girl once we’d stopped near a stream.

“Uh-! I-.. I think so!” Kachina reached her arms up to take the fruits nestled in my bag. I happily let her take it as I took a seat near the stream for a much-needed breather.

“Great, I’m just gonna.. sit down for a while.”

Kachina gave me a nod with a bright smile. Which in turn made me smile. I felt like a big sister whenever I was with Kachina. It made it better that she was so smart and easy to talk to. I closed my eyes as a gust of wind helped cool my sweltering face.

Kachina sat down beside me, dipping her toes into the water. “Thank you for helping me today, I really appreciate it.”

I smiled, grateful for the respite. “Of course, Kachina. It’s the least I can do. The Traveler did so much for you.”

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah, they really did. I wouldn’t have had the courage to join the Night Warden Wars without their support.”

We sat by the stream, the cool water lapping at my feet, and my mind drifted back to what Mualani had said the day before. Could it really be that simple? Just say please? I found myself lost in a whirlwind of emotions as the cool water of the stream rippled around me.

“Y/n? Y/n!” Kachina’s voice broke through my reverie, pulling me back to the present.

”Huh.” I blinked, realizing she was talking to someone. I turned to see Kinich standing there, looking a bit awkward but smiling warmly.

“Hey, Y/n,” he greeted, his voice a little uncertain. “Are you okay?”

I forced a smile, trying to shake off my embarrassment. “Oh, hey, Kinich. Yeah, I’m fine. Just, you know, dying of the heat,” I joked, fanning myself dramatically.

He chuckled, his eyes softening. “Yeah, it’s pretty brutal today.” He turned to me and narrowed his eyes. “Should you really be out here for much longer? You don’t look so good.”

Before I could respond, Kachina’s face fell, and she quickly apologized. “Oh no, I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize you weren’t feeling well. I shouldn’t have taken you so far.”

I shook my head, giving her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Kachina. I wanted to come out and help you. Really.”

She still looked worried, but I could see she was trying to believe me. I took a deep breath, deciding albeit hesitantly that if I were to test Mualani’s theory. Any time would be the best time “Kinich, could you please get me some water from the stream? I think it would help me cool down.”

To my surprise, he didn’t hesitate. Without a single sarcastic comment or playful tease, he nodded and walked over to the stream. The next thing I felt was the cool, wet rag on my forehead, and sighed in relief. Kinich's gentle touch was comforting as he helped me sit back down. My body was still cooling off from Natlan’s scorching heat.

"Thank you, Kinich," I said, looking up at him with a small smile.

He smiled back, though it was more a twitch of lips upwards, his eyes warm. "It was no problem at all. Just take it easy for a bit."

I nodded, leaning back into the grass. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kachina watching us. She seemed to be trying hard not to look awkward, and I couldn't help but find it endearing.

"Are you okay, Y/n?" Kachina asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"Yeah, I think so," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just a bit... overwhelmed, I guess."

Kachina nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You two are really cute together," she blurted out, then immediately looked like she regretted it.

Kinich chuckled softly, and I felt my own cheeks flush. "Thanks, Kachina," I said, trying to ease her embarrassment.

She smiled, looking a bit more relaxed. "Well, if you need anything, I'm here to help."

"Thanks," I said, appreciating her kindness. "I think I'll be okay now."

Kinich gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "Just rest for a bit. I'll be right here."

I nodded, feeling a little lightheaded. Not from the heat though. As I leaned back, feeling the coolness of the rag on my forehead, my mind wandered to Mualani’s words. Maybe she was right.

◣──•~❉᯽❉~•──◢

A couple of days later, I found myself in Xilonen’s shop, surrounded by shelves filled with various trinkets and artifacts. The air was filled with the scent of herbs and old parchment, a comforting reminder of the past. Xilonen and I were busy organizing her shop, a task that felt both familiar and soothing.

“Thanks for helping out, Y/n,” Xilonen said, her voice warm. “I’ve been meaning to get this place in order for ages.”

“No problem,” I replied, placing a stack of scrolls on a nearby shelf. “It’s nice to catch up. We haven’t had much time together since the war ended.”

She nodded a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Yeah, things have been so hectic. But it’s good to see you. How have you been holding up?”

I shrugged, trying to keep my tone light. “I’ve been okay. Just trying to figure things out, you know?”

Xilonen smiled knowingly. “I get it. It’s been a strange time for all of us. But I’m glad you’re here. It feels like old times.”

We continued to work in comfortable silence for a while, the rhythm of our movements almost meditative. As we sorted through a box of ancient artifacts, Xilonen suddenly looked up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “So, I heard a little rumor that you and Kinich are dating now. Is it true?” Probably from Mualani...

I felt my face heat up slightly but nodded. “Yeah, it’s true.”

Xilonen grinned. “I knew it! How’s that going? I mean, considering how Kinich… is.”

I chuckled, understanding what she meant. “It’s going fine, actually. He’s been really sweet and supportive. It’s still new, but we’re figuring it out.”

She nodded, her expression softening. “That’s good to hear. Kinich can be ahh.. how do I put this? Blunt? but he has a good heart.”

“Yeah, he does,” I agreed, feeling a warm glow at the thought of him. “He’s been really great.”

we continued to clean, the door to the shop opened, and Kinich walked in. His eyes immediately found mine, and he smiled warmly Again, just the hint of his lips turning at the corners. “Hey, Y/n,” he greeted, then turned to Xilonen. “Xilonen.”

“Hey, Kinich,” I replied, feeling a flutter of happiness at seeing him.

Xilonen gave him a playful look. “Didn’t expect to see Y/n here, huh?”

Kinich chuckled, scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, I was a bit surprised. What’s going on?”

Xilonen rolled her eyes dramatically. “Oh, so I can’t see my friend for a day? I asked Y/n to help me clean up since it’s been a while.”

Kinich nodded, looking a bit awkward. “Right, of course. Well, it’s good you both are here. I actually came by to let you know that someone from The Children of the Echos commissioned me for a project, so I don’t have much time to chat.”

“That’s great, What kind of project?” genuinely wanting to know

He shrugged, a small smile on his face. “It’s a bit of a mystery for now, but I’ll fill you in later.”

Xilonen smirked. “Always keeping secrets, huh?”

Kinich laughed. “Something like that. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. I’ll catch up with you both later.”

It was the perfect time to test Mualani's theory further. I spotted an item on a high shelf that I couldn't reach and decided to ask Kinich for help.

"Kinich, could you please help me get that down?" I called out, pointing to a random scroll.

He stopped talking to Xilonen almost instantly and came up behind me. "Sure, what do you need?" he asked, his voice so, so close to my ear.

I pointed at the scroll again. "That one, right up there."

Without hesitation, Kinich reached over my head and grabbed it, his arm brushing against mine. He handed it to me with a smile. "Here you go."

"Thanks," I said, feeling a bit flustered by how quickly he had responded.

"No problem," he replied. "I have to go now, but I'll see you later." He turned to Xilonen and me, giving us both a quick nod. "Goodbye, Xilonen. Bye, Y/n."

"Bye, Kinich," we both said in unison as he left the shop.

As the door closed behind him, Xilonen turned to me with a curious look. "What was that? I've never seen Kinich act like that before."

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I don't know. Maybe he's just being extra helpful today."

Xilonen raised an eyebrow. "Extra helpful, huh? Well, whatever it is, it's definitely interesting."

I smiled, Maybe Mualani was onto something after all.

“I should get going too,” I said, giving Xilonen a hug. “Thanks for today. It was really nice to catch up.”

"Oh yeah totally! I can handle the rest here. Also, come by anytime,” she replied, hugging me back. “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

“I won’t,” I promised, smiling as I headed out the door.

◣──•~❉᯽❉~•──◢

I found myself back at Mualani’s place, surfboard in hand and ready for another lesson. Mualani was determined to teach me how to surf, and I was equally determined to make her proud, even if it meant a few more wipeouts.

“Hey, ‘Lani!” I greeted her, adjusting my swimsuit as I approached. “Ready for another round?”

Mualani grinned, her eyes always sparkling with excitement. “Always! But first, tell me have you been messing with Kinich? He’s been super quiet. More than usual.”

I laughed, setting my surfboard down. “Really? That’s funny. I’ve been testing your theory. It’s been interesting, to say the least. I really don’t think he’s reacting. He’s doing things any normal boyfriend would do.”

She nodded enthusiastically. “You absolutely need to keep it up. Yesterday he looked like he was going to explode.”

I snorted a laugh Mualani clapped her hands together. “Alright, enough talk. Let’s hit the waves!”We headed down to the beach, the sound of the ocean filling the air.

As we paddled out, Mualani and I chatted about everything and nothing, enjoying the easy flow of conversation. Suddenly, someone from the tribe called out to Mualani, needing her assistance with something urgent.

Mualani sighed, giving me an apologetic look. “Duty calls. Just focus on balancing on the board for now, okay? I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Got it!” I called, watching as she paddled back to the shore.

Left to my own devices, I paddled out to the shallow part of the water. I stood up on the board, feeling the gentle sway of the ocean beneath me. Balancing was tricky, but I was determined to get the hang of it. I took a deep breath, focusing on keeping my stance steady.

The sun was warm on my skin, and the sound of the waves was soothing.

My balance wavered, and I tumbled into the water with a splash. As I surfaced, sputtering and wiping the saltwater from my eyes, I heard a familiar voice.

"Having trouble there?" Kinich asked, a teasing smile on his face.

I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. "Maybe just a little," I admitted, trying to laugh it off.

He chuckled, wading over to me. "Here, let me help you." He reached out, steadying me as I stood up in the water. His hands were firm but gentle, and I felt a bit more stable with his support.

"Thanks," I mumbled reeling from the taste of saltwater, feeling self-consciousness.

"No problem," he replied, still holding my surfboard, "Everyone falls sometimes. It's part of the learning process."

I nodded, appreciating his encouragement. "Yeah, I guess so."

He handed me the board, his eyes warm with amusement. "Just keep at it. You'll get the hang of it."

The sun glinted off the water as I turned towards Kinich, curiosity, and anxiety bubbling with the ripples of the water.

“Kinich,” I called out, voice catching the wind.

“Would you help me with this, please? I mean, with keeping my balance on the board?”

His gaze softened, and without a word, he nodded. With practiced ease, he dropped the surfboard into the water, and it settled with a small splash. Approaching me, he placed his hands gently around my waist, lifting me as if I weighed nothing.

My heart beat wildly, like drums against my chest—not just from the thrill, but from the intimate touch. Kinich’s hands lingered longer than necessary as he steadied me on the board, fingers warm against her skin through the thin fabric of my swimsuit. His grip was firm, yet tender, as though he was acutely aware of his strength and its effect.

“This good?” he asked, voice low, almost a whisper. It sent shivers down my spine, as I nodded, unable to find my voice. So instead I nodded, slowly.

Once Kinich was convinced Ihad found my balance, he slowly let go. For a few moments, I managed to stay upright, it was my triumph. But the waves had other plans. The board wobbled violently beneath my feet, and with a startled yelp, I lost my footing. In the blink of an eye, I grabbed onto Kinich, pulling him down with me. We both plunged into the cool embrace of the ocean. Breaking the surface, I wiped the water from my eyes, only to be met with the sight of a thoroughly drenched and disheveled Kinich. My initial shock dissolved into a fit of giggles.

“I am so sorry!” I gasped between laughs, noticing the way his usually calm demeanor was replaced with a mixture of surprise a cute scowl. “You look... upset.”

Kinich’s expression softened, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile. “Upset with you? Never.”

His eyes held mine, a glint of mischief playing in their sunsets. “Actually,” he continued, his voice low and sincere, “since you’ve been asking so politely, I thought I might as well ask the same... Can I please kiss you?”

Time seemed to pause as his words settled over. The world faded around us, leaving just the two of us in that perfect, sunlit moment. I barely managed a nod.

Kinich's lips met mine with a tenderness that took my breath away. The kiss was soft, almost hesitant as if he was savoring the moment, afraid it might slip away too soon. His hands, still resting on my hips, tightened slightly, pulling closer but never forcefully.

I felt the warmth of his touch through the cool water, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my revealed skin. The world around us seemed to fade, leaving only the sensation of his lips on mine and the steady rhythm of our breaths mingling.

As the kiss deepened, Kinich's hand moved to cradle my face, his thumb brushing lightly against my cheekbone. It was a gesture of pure affection, a silent promise of his care and respect. I responded in kind, my own hands finding their way to his shoulders, feeling the strength and warmth beneath my fingertips.

When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine, heavy breaths mingling in the space between us. Kinich's eyes searched mine, a soft smile playing on his lips. Before he frowned.

"Now please stop saying please," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the waves. "I can't take it anymore."

#lyna’s thots #kinich x reader #kinich #genshin #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #kinich x you #kinich x y/n #Kinich x reader fluff #he's kinda hot and bothered lol #genshin impact #genshin fanfic

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twistyfish · 10 months ago

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prompt~ non-mc reader feeling sad because she feels she lacks the relationship mc has with the lads. requested by anon!

Zayne

Her long, straight brown hair fell in front of her face, and she tucked it behind her ear with slender fingers. Her laughter filled your ears like sticky molasses, and you couldn’t wash it out no matter how hard you tried.

In front of her kneeled Zayne, wiping a cut on her knee with a wet tissue and bandaging it, kissing it gently. You watched as he chided her for being careless and getting hurt.

You wished he would scold you like that.

They stood up and walked away, his arm subtly resting around her waist to support her.

She rested her head against his shoulder. She was so brave. She got injured often because of her profession.

You were an accountant. Your last injury was a paper cut.

The wind blew her hair into Zayne’s face, and you watched him brush it away and arrange it neatly on her shoulders with a smile.

They walked away into the distance, and all you could do was watch.

Sylus

“Can you get my back?” Sylus asked, holding out the bottle of sunscreen to MC.

She nodded and began working the cream into his back, massaging his shoulder blades as she went.

Sylus smiled as she used her strength to massage him. “Nice arm, kitten.”

You sat next to your sandcastle, patting the wet globs of sand together into rough turrets. It was coming together, sort of.

Sylus crouched down next to you. “How’s the castle coming along?”

“It’s getting there.”

“Do you want to come surf with us?”

You hesitated. Truthfully, you weren’t very adventurous. You were a little nervous to ride the waves.

“Come on, it’ll be fun!” MC smiled at you, her surfboard held under her muscular arm.

“Um, no, I’m okay,” you responded shyly.

“Alright. Have fun building, then.” She waved at you and they both turned, running into the waves. MC squealed as the cool water hit her legs, and Sylus laughed his deep, rich laugh. He splashed her, grinning as she made various high pitched noises in response.

You sat with your sandcastle, smoothing the sides with no zeal at all. Your focus was gone. All you could think about were her hands on his back, his grin as he splashed her, their shared laughter as they ran into the water.

Your thoughts were interrupted by Sylus shouting. “Hey! Come in, it’s nice and cool.”

You shook your head.

Rafayel

“Wow, your drawings are ass,” Rafayel remarked.

“Shut up, loser.”

“Look at __’s drawing. It has such a nice composition.”

You felt pride swell in your chest at his compliment. “Thanks, Raf.”

“Of course, cutie. I’m just telling it as it is. Ms. Bodyguard could learn a thing or two from you.”

“I don’t understand how you can get everything so proportional,” MC grumbled.

“Here, let me show you.” He stood up and positioned himself behind her, taking her hand with the pencil in it and mapping out rough lines.

“Just make the general shapes first,” he murmured, hand guiding hers across the paper.

You looked away, trying to focus on your own drawing. You could hear him softly instructing her, and you sort of wished you were a beginner too in that moment.

You mindlessly sketched, and you ended up with a lazy looking cat.

“Oh, is it sad?” Rafayel asked peering over your shoulder.

“No, it’s sleepy.”

“Sleepy all the time, just like you,” he said playfully to MC, elbowing her.

“I’m not sleepy all the time! You’re thinking of Xavier,” she argued back. They continued to bicker as you watched.

Maybe it was a little sad.

Xavier

You rang the bell out of politeness despite knowing Xavier’s door code. You had made some banana muffins, and you wanted him to try them. When there was no answer, you figured you would just go inside and drop them off in the kitchen.

You entered the door code and walked inside quietly. As you passed through the living room, you had to stifle a gasp. Xavier and MC were laying together on the couch, under the blanket.

You immediately looked away, setting the muffins on the counter and moving to tiptoe out of the room. Unfortunately, the rustling woke them up.

“__? Is that you?” Came Xavier’s groggy voice.

“No- yes! Um, I just came in to drop off some muffins. I’m leaving, don’t worry!”

Xavier sat up, the blanket falling off his shoulders and pooling around his bare chest.

Your eyes widened and you turned around.

“Hey, __. Where are you going?” MC was off the couch (wearing clothes, thankfully) walking towards you.

“Yeah, sorry about that. We just got back from training and crashed. We were both exhausted,” Xavier said.

Oh. They were sleeping.

“Sorry for waking you guys.”

“Don’t worry about it. Want to nap with us?”

You paused. “I’m good, don’t worry. I’ll just be going now.” With that, you awkwardly put your shoes back on and left the house. The image of them snuggling under the blanket was cemented to your brain.

That night, you slept hugging a pillow.

#love and deepspace x reader #lads #love and deepspace #lads x reader #lads x you #zayne x reader #sylus x reader #rafayel x reader #xavier x reader #reader isn’t mc

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coeurcanelle · 7 months ago

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𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 pt1

pairing: surfer!ellie x reader

✮⋆fluff,sad ending

masterlist

you want to try a new sport to fight boredom this summer. You meet Ellie who's a surfer. She teaches you how to ride the waves but not how to fight their embrace

The waves rose and fell, their rhythm steady like the beating of a heart. The sun kissed the horizon, spilling liquid gold across the ocean’s surface. Among the endless blue, she stood, a silhouette against the shimmering expanse, balanced gracefully on her board. Every movement was poetry in motion — the curve of her body as she leaned into a wave, the spray of water cascading like diamonds when she turned.

You watched from the shore, your toes buried in the cool sand.

The wind tugged at her auburn hair, and you squinted against the sun’s brilliance to follow the surfer’s form. There was something hypnotic about her, something magnetic. She wasn’t just riding the waves; she was part of them, as though the ocean itself had chosen her.

You gathered all the courage you could muster, determined not to let another boring summer slip by. Not when the sun above promised brighter days, and certainly not when the chance to meet someone as talented as her had just appeared before you.

She emerged from the water, shaking her hair free of droplets. A few specks splashed onto your swimsuit.

With your heart pounding, you finally asked, "Teach you? I've never taught anyone before. Are you a beginner? Never ridden a wave at all?"

Her emerald eyes locked with yours, searching for the reason behind your request.

"I know how to swim."

A soft chuckle escaped her lips, her smile both warm and knowing. Not only was she amazing, but her voice had a melody all its own.

"I mean, we all start somewhere," she said, setting her surfboard down beside her, then scratching behind her neck.

Surfing was her passion, but she’d never shared it with anyone. Too precious, too personal.

"Please, I can pay you if you want. 10 per hour?"

She caught the hint of desperation in your voice, and you winced inwardly, realizing the first impression you were giving this cool surfer.

"10?" she laughed. "That’s all I get?"

"That’s all I have..." you lied. Of course, you had more, but you hadn’t expected to spend so much of your money on surfing lessons when you woke up this morning.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.

"15?" you suggested, but she crossed her arms, unimpressed.

Was she really that thirsty for money?

"20?" you sighed, mentally counting how much would vanish from your wallet by the end of the afternoon.

"Deal."

A weight lifted from your chest in relief as she extended her hand. You shook it firmly.

It wasnt a waste of money. It was the promise of good times and new timeless memories.

You waded in together, the waves curling around you like curious whispers.

She told you her name was Ellie. She talked you through the basics, her voice a soothing cadence against the crash of the surf. You wobbled on the board, your balance shaky, but Ellie was always there, steadying you with a hand on your arm or an encouraging smile.

A wave was forming a bit further out ,Ellie's eyes sparkled with excitement. The adrenaline rushing through her veins and her heart plumping with anticipation. She never got enough of this feeling.

"Ready to do this one ?" She turned to you with a smirk.

The wave wasn’t going to get too big—perfect for a beginner like you to put the theories she’d taught you into practice.

You nodded and shot back a smirk,matching her energy.

"Remember,just relax and dont think about it too much."she laid flat on her board and began paddling toward the wave,you mirrored her,your heart beating with anticipation and a tiny bit of nervousness. "And if you don't succeed now you can....succeed later than originally planned"

You could tell she wasn’t sure how to ease the weight pressing on your chest, but the intention behind her words made your heart feel lighter, warm against the chill of the water.

"It’s just a small wave, not a tsunami."

She chuckled, her smile growing wider. "I know, I’m just saying."

You paddled harder, the rhythm of your strokes matching the beat of your pulse. As the wave came closer, you could feel the swell beneath you, a force of nature that was both thrilling and intimidating. Ellie surged ahead, her body leaning into the wave with confidence. She was a perfect blend of grace and power, carving through the water like it was second nature.

You followed suit, catching the wave, your board gliding smoothly as it picked up speed. The water rushed beneath you, the world narrowing into just you and the wave. For a split second, you felt the magic of it—like you were one with the ocean, the wave supporting you as you moved with it.

But then, as the wave began to crest, you lost your balance, your feet shifting too late. The board wobbled beneath you, and before you knew it, you were tumbling into the water.

You resurfaced, breathless but okay, your arms floating back to the board as you admired Ellie. She was still on the wave, her movements fluid and effortless, carving her way down the line like she owned the ocean.

It felt so natural for her, feeling the force of the waves beneath her feet propulsing her forwards. No matter how much she's lost in her life,she still believed in the unbreakable bond she had with the ocean.

She finished her ride, then paddled back toward you, her grin wide. "Just a small wave, huh?"

The hours slipped by effortlessly, and you wouldn’t mind if they stretched into days. Ellie gave you more tips, sharing everything she wished she had known as a beginner.

Watching you struggle to stay steady on the board reminded her of her early days surfing, when each fall made her swear she’d quit. But seeing you laugh, your unwavering determination to learn, made her want to teach you everything she knew about the ocean.

One day, she'd take you to her favorite spots on the beach, but for now, it was time for you to go. Every great moment had its bittersweet end.

"That's gonna make 60 for you. For three hours," she said, grinning.

You stopped in your tracks, turning toward her. "What?"

"Twenty bucks an hour, you said." You thought she was joking about that earlier.

"Oh, right—the money." You walked back out of the water, sitting down on the beach before reaching for your bag and pulling out your wallet.

It was filled with an unnecessary amount of coins, but the bills were another story.

"Are you sure that’s 60?" you asked, looking up at her with an apologetic smile, hoping for a discount.

"Well, two times three equals six, and if you add a zero, that makes sixty." You rolled your eyes at her teasing tone.

"Five-year-old math," she shrugged, her smirk returning.

You didn't know she could be such a tease.

"Isn’t that too much money for you?"

Her smirk widened into a smile as she laughed.

"Too much?"

It was short, but it sounded so good—light and soothing, like wind chimes in a summer breeze.

Her eyes dropped to your hand, still holding your wallet. "Just say you wanted to steal from me."

Your eyes widened. That wasn’t your intention at all. All you wanted was to have fun and learn something new. And Ellie had been so kind in teaching you. Getting into trouble now, when you’d just met her, was the last thing you wanted.

"Noo, I just don’t have that much right now. I promise I’ll pay you back," you said, hoping she wouldn’t press the issue or, worse, tell you to never come back to learn surfing again.

She looked at you, and this time, you couldn’t read her expression.

Did you mess up that badly?

Then the silence broke, and she laughed again.

"What’s so funny?" you asked, your confusion only making her laugh harder.

"I don’t care about money," she said, a playful glint in her eyes. "I was just messing with you."

She finally stopped laughing, and you met her gaze, searching for any trace of sarcasm or mischief.

"You weren’t laughing at my misery?"

Ellie blinked in surprise. Her? Laughing at you being broke?

"What? No—I'm not like that. Really, I was just messing with you. It’s free. You don’t owe me anything," she reassured you, noticing the way you were studying her. It seemed you were falling harder than she had expected.

"For real?" you asked, still unsure.

"Yeah, you don’t need to pay me." Ellie shrugged. Usually, people would get her jokes easily but if you were that easy to fool, she won't stop with you.

You sighed in relief and put your wallet back in your purse. You couldn’t remember the last time you had this much fun for free. But now, the sun was dipping low, making way for the moon and a fresh night.

Ellie stood there, waiting until you were ready to leave. She didn’t want this moment to fade too quickly into a memory. She wanted to see you again.

"Tomorrow? Same time?" she suggested, a hopeful smile tugging at her lips.

You smiled, realizing you’d get to spend time with her again.

"Only for free."

You winked at her as you said goodbye, leaving her standing there.

To Ellie, this wasn’t really free. Your charm, the way you made her heart flutter, cost more than anything.

And that was enough for her.

♧°♧°♧

It quickly became a habit—the thrill of riding the waves and the quiet joy of spending time with the freckled-face girl.

Afternoon after afternoon, Ellie would offer little tips to help you improve your balance, and once you had the basics down, she'd teach you how not to let the waves carry you away.

Each day, you learned more—not only about mastering the surf but about the ocean itself. She showed you how to listen to the whispers of the water beneath you, how to sense the ebb and flow of the tides before they even began to form.

“See that?” she asked, her voice calm but excited. “The waves are forming closer together, and the water’s pulling back faster than usual. That’s a sign of a high tide coming in.”

You furrowed your brow, trying to see what she saw. She smiled happy to freely share her passions knowing you wouldnt judge her in return. Seeing the pure interest shining in your eyes filled an empty spot she didnt know existed in her heart.

“Feel this?” she said dipping her hand in the water. “It’s cooler here, near the surface. That means the tide’s pushing deeper currents upward. And see how the waves get steeper, almost like they’re rushing to the shore? That’s because the water level’s rising. It’s like the ocean’s inhaling.”

You tilted your head, amazed by her ability to read the water like a book. “How do you know all this?”

She chuckled softly, her freckles catching the golden light. “I’ve been watching the ocean my whole life. It talks to you if you’re willing to listen. The way it moves, the way it feels—it’s like it’s letting you in on a secret. You just have to pay attention.”

From then on, every wave, every pull of the current, felt like a story waiting to be told. And with Ellie as your guide, you began to understand that the ocean wasn’t just a force to conquer—it was something to connect with, to respect, to love.

Soon, your laughter shifted into sighs of exasperation. Normally, you would have packed up your things and left the beach, thanking her for the private lessons before heading home.

But when she saw you pulling your clothes over your swimsuit, gathering your towel and bag, ready to go, she felt the sting of missing you already.

So, she offered to buy you a drink at the beachside bar—anything to keep you there just a little longer before the day slipped away into memory.

You didn’t even notice when the moon began taking the sun’s place as you sat with her, listening to stories of her early days as a surfer—the shadows of her struggles and the light of her triumphs. You forgot the soft, rhythmic crash of the waves, their sound melting into the melody of her laughter, or the way her voice would rise with excitement and pure delight.

You never imagined someone could be as beautiful as the ocean, as radiant as the sun, and that this same person would take an interest in someone like you.

Ellie was both a talker and a listener.

She’d rest her head on her hand, listening intently as you spoke about life beyond summer, the weight of your studies, and the dull rhythm of university days. Then, she’d watch your eyes light up when you talked about the hobbies that kept you going.

She’d lift her head, her smile reaching from ear to ear, as she shared that she loved the same things.

It wasn’t hard to make her smile.

But it was almost impossible not to let your heart melt when you saw it.

And soon, you found yourself lost in it—lost in her words as she wandered off into stories about her collection of PS4 games and the list of new ones she still wanted to play.

You could listen to her talk for hours. You weren’t exaggerating. She had that rare ability to talk about anything and somehow make it sound fascinating. But soon, Ellie ran out of things to say, and she didn’t want the silence to settle between you like an awkward wave.

Then, out of nowhere, a joke she had heard long ago popped into her head.

You raised an eyebrow as you watched her suddenly turn away, her body shaking as if she was trying to hold back a laugh.

"Are you okay?" you asked, your hand instinctively finding its way to her back.

She turned back to you, meeting your concerned and confused gaze. She bit her lip, struggling to keep her voice steady. "Yeah, I just thought of something. Sorry."

You pulled your hand away, crossing your arms instead. "Are you going to spill the tea or keep laughing like a psycho who forgot to take their meds?"

And then you heard it again. Her melodic laugh, this time louder and a bit goofier. You couldn’t help but wonder if she was thinking about your ridiculous falls earlier, every time you wiped out on the smallest wave.

"It’s really stupid," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "I don’t even remember where I heard it."

Your lips curved into a mischievous smile,wanting to hear the stupidest sentence slipping through her lips.

"Okay..." she said, finally calming herself down, clearing her throat as if gathering every ounce of willpower to keep her words from turning into gibberish.

"Why did uranus start a diet?"Her smile was widening by the second.

You heard something else.

"My what?"you asked.

She couldn't hold it back any longer, and the genuine confusion on your face only made it worse.

"The planet ! Oh my god" she corrected, and this time, you joined in the laughter. You really should head home and get some sleep—tomorrow’s instructions would be hard to understand if you kept this up.

"The planet," she repeated, still chuckling, determined to finish the joke. "Uranus. Why did it start a diet?"

You wiped a tear from your eye. "I don’t know..."

"Because it was tired of its gas-tronomic problem!" The pitch of her voice rose, and the effect was immediate.

You both couldn’t stop laughing. Her laughter was so contagious, and the whole scene played back in your mind like a loop. You weren’t sure if it was the exhaustion, the alcohol, or just her, but your laughter blended together, unstoppable.

This caught the attention of the bartender and other random people, who were quietly enjoying their drinks. You stopped, feeling their eyes on you, whispers rising as you disturbed the quiet atmosphere.

Ellie gradually calmed herself, wiping a tear from her cheek.

"Why, of all things, were you thinking about this now?" you asked, earning a final chuckle from her.

"At least I’m keeping the conversation going," she said, finishing the last of her drink. You couldn’t help but notice the graceful movement of her neck as she swallowed.

"You have terrible jokes," you teased.

"It only gets worse," she replied, reaching for another bottle. She poured both your glasses, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Wanna hear another one?"

This was going to be a long night.

♧°♧°♧

You were a fast learner—Ellie herself had told you so. With each day, you grew more confident on the board. Your falls became rarer, and the number of waves you rode successfully increased steadily. You might not be as skilled as Ellie yet, but it was enough to convince you to take surfing seriously.

So, instead of renting surfboards by the beach, you decided to buy one for yourself.

"Does green go better with blue or pink?" you asked, eyeing the display of surfboards before you. Ellie’s board was green, and you wanted to match with hers.

"I don’t know… blue?" she replied, standing beside you. She hadn’t been so picky when she bought her own board. To her, it was all about durability and the ability to flow with the water.

But she noticed you were considering more than just practicality. The boards now seemed to carry a higher standard in your eyes.

"I'll get pink, then," you decided, grabbing the pink surfboard in front of you, already imagining the rush of riding high with her by your side.

Ellie raised an eyebrow. "Why’d you ask me if you already made your choice?"

"Just wanted to see if you had good taste," you smirked, turning toward the cashier.

"Green goes with blue. I’ll die with that on my grave," she said, shaking her head.

You paid and left the shop with Ellie, mentally noting not to rely on her color advice in the future.

With a teacher like Ellie, there was no room for regression—your skills grew steadily, carving a flawless path of progress.

You finally understood why she loved it so much.

In just a few weeks,surfing had become your own kind of addiction, a rush you couldn’t imagine leaving behind when summer ended. The roar of the waves, the electric pull of their power, and the art of dancing in their embrace—no matter how often you did it, it never lost its magic.

As excitement rushed through your veins,you grabbed your handbag and your towel,parking your car near the beach and walking to your usual spot with your surfboard in hand.

There she was,right where she belonged.

Ellie floated above the water as though she were part of it, her auburn hair catching the breeze and glowing under the sunlight.

She’d just conquered a high tide, her board slicing through the foam with precision, and now the ocean was building something bigger, something grander.

Her eyes swept over the beach, briefly searching. She didn’t need long to find you. You were always there, never late, planted firmly on the sand, captivated by the freckled-face girl who seemed born for the waves.

Spotting you, Ellie flashed her trademark smirk, the one she knew kept your gaze locked on her. With practiced ease, she stretched out on her board, her movements deliberate and smooth as she began paddling toward the rising wall of water.

As the wave loomed behind her, its crest curling into a powerful arc, Ellie positioned herself perfectly. The water surged forward, and she caught it effortlessly, standing in a smooth motion. Her balance was flawless as the wave seemed to rise around her, towering and mighty.

Ellie moved with it as if she were one with the tide.

She carved sharp turns into the water, each motion sending sprays of foam into the air, the sunlight catching every droplet.

For a breathtaking moment, she disappeared into the wave’s barrel, only to emerge flying out the other side, her board skimming the surface like it had wings.

She rode it all the way to the shore, coming to a slow stop just in front of you, careful not to splash your swimsuit. Water glistened on her skin as she shot you a playful grin.

"are you gonna join me or what?"she asked the thrill of her ride subsiding with the soft crushes of the waves behind her. Her eyes trailed down your body,before landing on your hand.

She took it, fingers intertwining with yours, pulling you toward the water, but you stopped her. "C’mon."

"The water's cold. Gotta wait"you protested

"Seriously?"She groaned rolling her eyes her impatience growing by the second.

The small waves reached your ankles, their cold touch sending a shiver through you.

But Ellie didn’t let go of your hand. Instead, she pointed behind you with her free hand. "Seagulls!"

You turned around, but there were no seagulls. By the time you realized, she had scooped you up in her arms and was running toward the cold water.

"Ellie! Wait, plea-"

Bubbled came out of your mouth as she threw you into the water.

It was cold,enveloping you instantly, stealing the warmth from your skin in a shocking embrace. For a moment, everything was muffled—your gasp, the roar of the waves—but as you resurfaced, the sound of Ellie’s laughter broke through, loud and unapologetic.

She was doubled over, clutching her stomach as she pointed at you.

“What the fuck, Ellie?!” you sputtered, water streaming down your face.

“You said you had to wait,” she teased, barely able to speak through her laughter. “Figured you’d wait less if you were already in!” With that, she sent a playful splash of water your way.

Cold water.

"I'm gonna kill you"

"Woah im so so sca-"

Before she could react, you lunged, grabbing at her arm. She shrieked and laughed as you pulled her into the water with you, the two of you tumbling into the waves in a chaotic splash.

Ellie broke free, scrambling and half-swimming away as you burst into laughter.

The chase brought you deeper into the waves, where your feet could no longer touch the sandy bottom. The cool water tugged at your legs, a mix of resistance and freedom, as you propelled yourself toward Ellie. She glanced back, her grin widening as she realized you were closing in.

“got you !" you exclaimed, wrapping your arms around her waist.

Ellie let out a startled laugh, struggling to stay upright as your combined weight threatened to pull you both under.

Your laughter bubbled up uncontrollably as you both wrestled, a tangle of arms and legs, splashing and twisting to stay afloat. Every time you tried to find balance, another wave would crash over you, dragging you apart for a moment before you reconnected with a grip on her arm or shoulder.

“Ellie, I swear—” you sputtered between breaths, fighting to keep your head above water.

“I’m trying to breathe!” she choked out, laughing so hard she had to tread water just to stay up. “This is your fault!”

“My fault? You threw me in!”

The banter dissolved into giggles that turned frantic as your legs began to protest the effort. The ocean wasn’t forgiving to tired muscles, and the playful thrashing became slower, less coordinated.

“Okay, okay, truce,” Ellie said, her voice tinged with exhaustion but still light.

“Agreed,” you replied, feeling your legs give out beneath you.

Ellie grabbed your hand, and together you turned toward the shore, letting the waves push you gently forward. It wasn’t far, but each stroke felt heavier, the promise of solid ground pulling you on.

Finally, your feet brushed against the sand. Relief washed over you as you staggered out of the water, Ellie following close behind. The two of you collapsed onto the shore, the cool breeze contrasting with the warmth returning to your bodies.

For a moment, neither of you said anything, just staring up at the clear sky, catching your breath. Then Ellie turned her head to look at you, her freckles standing out against her sun-kissed skin.

"Can't believe I almost died today because of you," you muttered, not tearing your eyes away from the vast sky above you.

"Dude, I just saved you. Would it kill you to say thanks?"

You didn’t respond—just to annoy her.

"Come on," Ellie whined, nudging your shoulder. You turned to her, her emerald eyes burning into yours, a challenge in them.

"Fine. Thank you. Just don't push me in the water when I’m not ready okay?" you said slowly, sitting up and brushing the sand from your body.

Her gaze lingered over you, taking in the soaked swimsuit, the wet strands of your hair, and the way your skin caught the light, glistening like something out of a dream. Only the tail was missing, but in that moment, she believed in mermaids.

She had to force herself to look away before she realized just how much you enchanted her. "Okay, okay. I won’t anymore. Promise."

She almost sealed it with a touch, reaching for your hand, but the moment she saw the soft smile tugging at your lips, a sudden shyness swept over her.

You didn’t need to be a mermaid to have her heart. And even if she lived in a world full of magic and fantasy, no alchemist’s strongest elixir could undo the way her heart raced for you.

Clearing her throat, she glanced away, trying to mask the spark dancing in her eyes. "Wouldn’t want you to drown and make me do mouth-to-mouth or anything."

A soft laugh escaped you, and she joined in, the sound blending with the rhythmic roll of the waves. The water, now gently lapping at your feet, wasn’t cold anymore—it was warm, almost comforting.

"Still cold?" she asked, standing and brushing the sand from her legs. Her eyes shone with impatience, a flicker of excitement dancing in them.

The waves weren’t going to ride themselves, after all.

"Nope," you replied, grabbing your surfboard and wading deeper into the water, following her as she paddled away from the shore.

You wouldn’t mind at all. If she had to do mouth-to-mouth to save you, you’d let the water pull you under willingly—just to feel the softness of her lips against yours.

But did she feel the pull too?

Maybe it was too soon to know.

Holding her heart felt like diving into the unknown, so for now, holding her hand as you both sailed through the waves was enough.

#ellie tlou #ellie williams #ellie fluff #ellie x fem reader #ellie x reader #ellie williams x reader #ellie williams tlou #ellie williams x you #Spotify

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yuurei20 · 1 year ago

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hi ! do we know whats considered easy / hard magic ? as in like what is considered beginner level magic and what is considered malleus draconia level magic

Hello hello, thank you so much for this question!

I went through the game and collected all examples of non-unique, non-artifact, non-flight-magic that I could find, and there was a lot! So much that this answer is going to be separated into four parts m(_ _)m Apologies for any inconvenience!

First are the magics that seem to be easier than others: Color-Change Magic, Fireworks, Flames, Ice, Levitation, Basic Construction, Cooking

Color-Change Magic:

Sebek describes color-change magic as being extremely basic, saying that is is one of the first things that human mages learn upon entering school.

Floyd calls it a "baby magic," and Vil tells Jade a story about using it to change the color of his and his father's clothing to avoid paparazzi shortly after he enrolled at NRC and before he was able to do more complex spells.

Cater asks Ace, Deuce and Grim to use color-change magic on their first day of school before they have attended a single class, apparently assuming that they would already know how to do it, but Deuce and Grim both struggle (as does Ace in a vignette).

Fireworks:

Grim is capable of creating an impressive fireworks display, as are Deuce and Ruggie, and none of the three are known for being particularly adept students or mages.

Flames:

Jamil talks about using fire magic when he was still "a literal child," and both Grim and Epel also use fire magic in the game.

Ice:

Deuce seems capable of using ice magic, despite still being a first-year student.

Levitation:

Deuce also seems fairly adept at levitation, and Kalim says that getting a parrot feather to float was the first magic he ever did.

Levitation might have been an early form of magic for Epel as well: he says that he was moving crates of apples with magic prior to enrolling at NRC.

Grim struggles with levitating chairs in a vignette, but this seems to be less of an issue with the magic itself and more a problem with precision (more on this later 👀).

Crowley recommends that the students eject Magicam Monsters via levitation during Halloween, so he may expect that they are all capable of using it.

Simple Construction:

Ace creates a surfboard with ease during the Stitch event, so simple construction projects may not be too high level.

Cooking:

Not known for being one of the more talented students at the school, Kalim still seems to be able to cook with magic.

Uncertain: Summoning, Wind and Attacks

Summoning:

Deuce has been summoning cauldrons since before enrolling at NRC. Ace attempts to mimic him in Book 3 but says, "summoning magic ain't my strongest suit," so it is possible that this is just a particular strength of Deuce's rather than an overall easier magic (or maybe a particular weakness for Ace?).

Wind:

Ace has been using wind magic since the prologue, but it is a little unclear if it is a simpler magic for beginners overall or if Ace just happens to be particularly adept at it. It is possible that Jamil is the only other person we have seen use wind magic.

Attacks:

Even the magic-school-dropout in Book 5 is capable of using magic for attacks, so basic "attack magic" seems to be a fairly simple ability.

But the attacks we see in the game tend to be vague! Are the characters using things like wind, water and fire and it just isn't being specified? Or is there something else going on?

#twstask #twisted wonderland

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bybobbysbeard · 5 months ago

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Cool Pacific

Day 12 for @bucktommyfluffebruary: a day at the beach read on ao3 read other days here

“Okay, now paddle, paddle, paddle, and UP!”

Tommy jumps to his feet, knees bending as he finds his balance. The surfboard rocks on the dry sand, but settles in a second. Evan claps, enthusiastic. “Very nice babe! That was great. I think you’re ready to get in the water.”

Tommy chuckles, wiping sandy palms off on his boardshorts. Evan is redolent in the sunshine, all tanned skin and tattoos, his smile wide and generous. They’ve already been in and out of the shallows, so salt is crusting his curls into tight ringlets. His blue swim trunks are shorter than Tommy’s, riding high and wide around his thick thighs as he paces around the rented board. The little white drawstring is tied in a sloppy bow, just begging to be undone.

But it's a lovely day, and the beach is populated, so Tommy’s daydreams will have to wait.

“You do know that I’ve been swimming in the Pacific since I was younger than Jee, right?”

Evan rolls his eyes, offering him a hand and guiding him to step back onto the hot sand. “I do know that. Yet somehow, you’ve never been surfing, and here you are, with a certified surf instructor at your disposal.”

“Certified? I didn’t think there was any nationally recognized criteria. I always thought you just had to be blonde and hot and say ‘dude’ all the time.” Tommy picks up the board, standing it upright and running a hand through his crunchy hair.

Evan pulls his own rented board out of the sand and hefts it under an arm, gesturing excitedly at Tommy with one hand. “You’d think that, but technically, since it became part of the Olympics in 2020, there is an international standard for surf coaching. Of course, that didn’t exist when I learned. I just used to advertise as ‘certified’; it worked on the tourists.”

“Evan. Really?”

“Really really, Thomas.”

Evan holds eye contact for a minute, faux-serious, before he breaks, mouth quirking. Tommy laughs too, copying the posture and slinging his board under an arm. They walk towards the breaking surf together. The cool Pacific rushes over their feet, rinsing off the sand. Evan keeps going until they’re about waist deep, before settling on his board on his stomach. He paddles lazily, spinning a slow circle around where Tommy’s standing, his board floating beside him. Tommy turns on the spot, silt stirring up under his feet, as he keeps his boyfriend in view. The muscles in his back and shoulders flex as he arches and propels himself through the water.

Evan stops, letting the board drift, and leans up on his elbows. “Alright, popping up is the hardest skill to master so that’s why we practiced that on the beach. Even still, you’re going to wipe out. Everybody does. Your longboard is a foamie, which is good for a beginner, because it floats really well, and it probably won’t break your nose if you faceplant.” He pushes up further, seawater running down his torso in rivulets. He straddles his board and kicks his feet cutely. Tommy is so distracted. Evan’s tone goes wistful, “I used to have this really sweet epoxy funboard, but I gave it to a girl when I left Peru. Cornered like a dream, and it fit on the Jeep’s roof rack. It was awesome.”

“You could get another one.”

“I could. But I don’t have time to surf the way I used to. I would feel bad, I think. Having a board that nice hanging on my wall and never letting it touch the water.” He turns to look along the shore. “Maybe someday. If we ever move closer to a real beach.” There’s a few families splashing in the shallows nearby, and a couple walking along the strandline with a dog. There’s more people spread out on the warm sand. They’re a ways up the coast from LA proper. Far from the tourist trap beaches and the Santa Monica pier. They’ve talked about Evan’s hypervigilance around the ocean and its weather systems. It helped, Evan said, to be farther from the city. Farther from the memories.

Tommy hums, watching the nostalgic look on Evan’s face. Last week, when he suggested some beach time, and Evan brought up surfing, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Tommy was imagining maybe building a sandcastle with Jee at a park, but Evan offered lessons. Hearing your boyfriend used to teach stupid tourists in between bartending gigs is one thing. Actually seeing him out on the water, sparkling in the sunshine, shorts stretched indecently tight across his quads, was something completely different.

He watches Evan physically shake off the memories, sending droplets flying. He leans over, and grabs onto Tommy’s board, holding it steady. “The next thing to do is to find a comfortable and effective paddling position. And then we’ll ride some swells in on our stomachs, so you can get a feel for it. If the waves cooperate, you can work on popping up, even if it's just to your knees.”

Evan’s eyes are the exact same blue as the California sky. The tides surge around them, currents swirling little eddies of silt around his toes. Evan is smiling at him, transparent in his happiness, his feelings for Tommy on full display. That smile finally gets him moving, awkwardly clambering until he’s straddling his board too. Tommy feels buoyed, lifted by the briny waters of the Pacific and Evan’s love.

“You’re good at this. Teaching, I mean.”

Evan laughs. “Thanks. I’m usually not. I get too in my head, worried about forgetting something important, or boring people when I go off on a tangent. You make it easy.” He leans over to kiss Tommy gently, their boards bumping together and knees touching. His lips are chapped, and salty.

“You make all of this easy.”

#bucktommyfluffebruary #bucktommy #tevan #my fic #911 abc

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seulgisqt · 8 months ago

Text

𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐌 — elisa de almeida

elisa de almeida x fem!reader

(a/n: heyy its been a while ~(>_<~) I thought I would be more active in the summer but idk what happened there as I had this sitting in my drafts for sooo long, I hope you enjoyed this piece luvvies (¯ ³¯)♡)

word count: 1305

genre: fluff/angst

summary: a holiday with elisa allows her to open up.

Elisa had always been captivated by the beach, with its golden sands and the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore. However, while she relished the serenity of sunbathing and the occasional stroll along the coastline, the adrenaline-fueled world of surfing didn’t quite resonate with her as much as it did with you. During your getaway to the Maldives with Elisa and a few close friends, the days unfolded in a gentle rhythm.

You explored vibrant local markets, immersing yourself in the rich culture and vibrant colours of handcrafted goods and aromatic street food. Together, you ventured to breathtaking viewpoints, marvelling at the stunning turquoise waters and lush tropical landscapes. Despite her reservations about surfing, you often tried to coax Elisa into the warm ocean breeze, hoping to share the thrill of catching a wave with her.

Now, on this sun-drenched beach with the sun blazing high in the sky, you found yourself standing over Elisa as you stuck two surfboards into the sand, captivated by the way her bronze skin shimmered under the warm light filtering through your sunglasses. She squinted in the brightness, her brows knitting together as she mumbled softly to herself, momentarily puzzled by what was casting a shadow over her sunbathing spot.

“Ma belle,” Elisa began, her tone playful as she leaned back, the sun illuminating her radiant smile. She pushed her sunglasses up onto her head, revealing bright eyes that sparkled with mischief. “As much as I adore you and consider you the very light of my life,” she continued, a teasing grin spreading across her face, “you’re going to ruin my tan.” Her gaze met yours, a hint of challenge glimmering in her eyes.

You couldn’t help but smile at her corny charm, a mix of fondness and amusement washing over you. “We leave in just two days, and you still haven’t taken the plunge into the waves with me,” you retorted, pouting slightly, the playful banter dancing between you like the summer breeze.

“It's just not my thing, mon amour.” Elisa stood up, her voice laced with a hint of apology as she felt the familiar pang of guilt creeping in for avoiding the surfboards propped in the sand. The sun glinted off the water, inviting and tantalizing.

“You had no problem getting on the jet ski yesterday, though,” you pointed out, your tone playful but edged with a bit of frustration. You could still envision the way her laughter had danced on the wind while zipping across the water, the adrenaline painting her cheeks with colour.

“Well,” she hesitated, her brows knitting together as she contemplated the potential hazards of surfing, “what if I wipe out and the board hits me? I could end up with a concussion!” Her eyes widened as she imagined the worst-case scenario, the apprehension evident in her posture.

“Firstly,” you replied, arching an eyebrow and giving her an incredulous look, “do you forget that I do this for a living? I’ve seen it all!” You leaned closer, hoping to reassure her. “Secondly, the waves here aren’t rough at all. They’re gentle, perfect for beginners! I wouldn’t just toss you into the water without a proper lesson from moi.” You emphasized “moi” with a playful flourish, landing a kiss on her pink lips, and transferring your watermelon chapstick, hoping to lighten the mood.

Elisa bit her lip, still uncertain, but you could see the flicker of curiosity in her eyes, battling with her fears.

Elisa stood at the water's edge, her smile illuminated by the sun as she watched the gentle waves lap at her feet, the cool saltwater glistening on her skin. Yet, despite the serene setting, a flicker of apprehension danced in her eyes. "We won't venture far," you reassured her, your voice steady and warm. "We’ll just paddle and cruise along the shore. You’ll be perfectly fine, I promise. Just follow my lead." You offered a gentle squeeze on her shoulder, hoping to instil a sense of calm.

With a determined breath, you dashed into the inviting embrace of the ocean, feeling the refreshing rush of saltwater envelop your board. As you lay flat on your surfboard, you glanced back to check on Elisa. To your relief, her expression had transformed; the worry had faded, replaced by a newfound sense of tranquillity. She was right beside you now, ready to embrace the waves.

You both glide further from the shore, the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the boards harmonizing with the gentle whispers of the ocean breeze. As you find your balance and sit up on your board, the salty air wraps around you like a familiar embrace. Your gaze sweeps across the horizon, where the vibrant colours of the sky blend seamlessly with the island’s silhouette, its lush greenery and rugged cliffs standing proudly against the shimmering blue backdrop. Each breath fills your lungs with the briny scent of the sea, heightening your senses as you take in the stunning view.

Elisa’s voice sliced through the quiet rhythm of your thoughts as she glided effortlessly alongside you in the shimmering water. “You know,” she began, her tone laced with vulnerability, “after the Olympics, I found myself questioning my place on the squad.” She stared down at the rippling surface, her legs creating gentle waves that danced around her. “It’s been constant miss after miss, year after year, and when the moment finally came at a home Olympics, it felt surreal.”

You nodded, empathy rising within you as you observed Elisa’s averted gaze, her thoughts seemingly lost in the depths of the water. Before you could express your support, she pressed on, her voice tinged with emotion. “I’m so grateful to have been part of it all, to be called up to the team. It just feels…” She paused, finally meeting your gaze, the concern mirrored in her eyes. “…exhausting.” The weight of her words hung in the air, a testament to the mental toll of her journey.

“Why didn't you tell me this in August?” you asked, your fingers resting gently on her firm thigh, your gaze searching her eyes for some kind of understanding.

Elisa's expression shifted to one of disbelief as her voice rose in protest. “You came back from Tahiti with a silver medal hanging proudly around your neck!” she exclaimed, the shock evident in her tone. “Who was I to let my misery overshadow your moment of triumph?”

A heavy sigh escaped your lips, a pang of regret tightening in your chest as you both reflected on the whirlwind of emotions over the past couple of months. You were acutely aware of Elisa’s lingering discontent regarding the team's performance at the Olympics, but you had never fathomed she might start doubting her abilities.

You both lay on your surfboards in peaceful silence as the sun hung low in the sky, where the sound of seagulls occasionally punctuated the calm atmosphere. The gentle rhythm of small waves, with each ebb and flow, gradually brought you closer back to the soft beachfront.

Elisa settled down beside you on the warm, golden sand, a soft towel draped over her shoulder. She wrapped her arm around you, pulling you closer as the gentle sound of wave crashes filled the air. “You should really make me surf more,” she said, her voice playful yet serious. The sun cast a warm glow over her face, highlighting the sparkle in her eyes.

“It’s soothing when you seek solace,” you chuckled softly, the sound mingling with the gentle ebb and flow of the waves. Your gaze drifted toward the horizon, where the tide retreated, leaving a glistening trail along the shore. “But please, don’t hold back. Share anything that weighs on your heart.” Your voice was earnest, a tender plea born from the depths of your concern.

#elisa de almeida #elisa de almeida imagine #woso one shot #woso imagine #woso x reader #seulgisqt writes

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