#the crafting table thief

[craftingtablehoarder]

Cycle 1 Crafting Tables:

350

or 5 stacks and 30, my proof:

and some proof all were stolen:

times crafted crafting tables = 3

[azrakaban]

Thief - Mattheo Riddle

A/N: Why did I do this? Far too late too be writing there will be no spell check <3

Summary: Mattheo keeps using pick up lines on you. Will they work? That's a different question...

The house isn't mentioned too much, but reader is implied a Gryffindor <3

n/n: nickname

Warnings: Mattheo (he's a warning okay), swearing, mentions of drugs and cigarettes

...

"Are you homework? Because I wanna slam you down on the table and do you." Mattheo smirked, and you nearly choked.

For the past two weeks, Mattheo had been popping out of nowhere to use stupid pick up lines on you. It's become quite alarming, with him dropping smoke bombs on you to appear out of 'nowhere', flying up to your dorm window on his broom, sending a howler... Mattheo Riddle is nothing if not persistent. And it was all started by a conversation you'd been having with Pansy Parkinson a week ago.

...

"-I just don't think they're that bad. Cheesy maybe, but I'd say yes to a good pick up line actually." You said to Pansy, walking to potions together.

"What constitutes a good pick up line though?" She questioned you, giving you a side smile.

"If it makes me laugh, it's good. The perfect combination of cheesy and funny. Most people overdo them. The craft of a perfect pick up line is an art." You replied, fiddling with the straps on your bag.

Mattheo Riddle then brushed past you, dramatically falling to the floor.

"Ouch! I just skinned my knee! Falling for you." He said, smirking.

You stood there, frozen and confused. "What?" You said finally.

"You said you'd say yes to a good pick up line, princess. How was that?" Mattheo said, standing and looking at you with a small smirk playing at his lips.

You laughed. "Come up with an original one and then we'll talk."

"Oh come on! That was original!" He protested, before being smacked over the head by Enzo.

"Liar, I told you that one." Enzo said, rolling his eyes at you with a 'can you believe him?' expression on his face.

You shook your head, smiling before heading to potions with Pansy.

You smiled, shaking your head as you walked with Pansy to Potions.

...

That was how you'd got to the point you were at now, still waiting for Mattheo to come up with a pick up line that didn't make you want to jump off of the astronomy tower.

That was the deal. If Mattheo could make you laugh with a pick up line, you would go on a date with him. If you didn't laugh, he wouldn't be allowed to smoke a cigarette for the rest of the day. So far, it's been 3 weeks of no cigarettes for Mattheo.

...

"Are you homework? Because I wanna slam you down on the table and do you." You nearly choked, resisting the urge to smash a book over Mattheo's stupid pretty head.

You looked to him with a sigh, being met with a shit eating grin.

"That's my favourite so far personally." He said conversationally, opening his Transfiguration textbook.

"That may just be one of the worst." You replied, shaking your head with a smile.

"Yes, and?" He raised an eyebrow.

You rolled your eyes, turning back to your essay. A few other students cast weird looks your way, a Gryffindor and a Slytherin sat together. You paid them no notice, crossing out a few things on your essay.

Mattheo leaned across, trying to look at yours, and you pulled it away.

"Ah ah ah. I know your thieving tendencies, stealing pick up lines from books and people, you're not stealing my Transfiguration notes." You said, glaring playfully.

He rolled his eyes with a small smile playing at his lips.

"Fine. But just so you know, the name for people who can turn into animals is 'Animagi', not 'AniwhatthefuckjustcameoutofRiddle'smouth'.

You glared at him, crossing it out and scribbling over it to make it unreadable.

"When McGonagall asks, I'm blaming you." You said, looking up a definition in your text book.

"Sure. You'll probably find what to say to her under 'I was the recipient of a legendary pick up line.'" He said, gesturing towards your textbook.

You smacked his hand away, and he gasped, recoiling.

"Offended, princess. Offended." He said, putting on an expression of mock offense.

A Ravenclaw boy from your charms class came over, and instantly, Mattheo's guard was up again. He glared at the boy, and the boy, thinking better of it, decided not to disturb you two. You giggled.

"You switch up faster than Snape runs from shampoo." You commented, highlighting a part of your book on merpeople. Mattheo glanced over.

"You know what the little mermaid and me have in common?" He said abruptly.

"Bad grammar?" You guessed. He sighed dramatically.

"We both wanna be part of your world." He wiggled his eyebrows, and you had to bite your lip to keep from crying.

"Mattheo, what crime did I commit to end up in this purgatory?" You said, pinching the bridge of your nose.

"The only crime is your criminal beauty." He said with a smirk. You groaned. "Sorry yn, I'm not good at holding conversations. Can I hold your hand instead?"

"I'm going to cry. Or die." You whispered to yourself.

He laughed. "You'll come around eventually yn. You know, my favourite number is 14, because you're the 1 4 me."

You nearly screamed. "Leave. I'm begging you. Come back later."

"Alrighty, fine. Do you believe in love at first sight or should I come back later?"

You threw a book at his head, which he caught somehow.

"Damn girl, good thing I've got my library card because I'm checking you out."

You glared at him, and, finally picking up on his cue, Mattheo left.

...

It had been a few days since the library incident. Three days of peace. Thank god life isn't Duolingo, because you were about to lose that streak.

A note was slipped onto your desk during history of magic. You looked up, read it, and steadfastly ignored it.

'God damn girl r u a bank loan cuz u got my interest ;)'

Another appeared when you started doodling. 'r u an artist cuz u were so good at drawing me in (⁠✷⁠‿⁠✷⁠)'

that one you actually replied to, flipping over the paper. 'damn boy are you the terms and conditions? Because I don't give a fuck what you say ｡⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠｡' .

When Mattheo received that note back he sighed dramatically, clutching his heart as if you'd mortally wounded him.

A minute later, the note was back on your desk. 'My favourite insect? The butterflies u give me ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯'

You groaned, quickly scribbling a response. 'Can you stop for just a few minutes pls I'm trying to pay attention to the history of magic.'

'I may not go down in history but I'll definitely go down on u ;)'

'Azkaban. Now.'

'xx.'

...

The next day, in the Great Hall, you were saying with your friends when Mattheo came over and joined you at the Gryffindor table. You raised an eyebrow.

"Last time I checked, Riddle, your tie was green." You said, smiling slightly.

"It is. I just wanted to see you in the morning. I mean, kiss me if I'm wrong, but the rain is so heavy right now." He said nonchalantly.

You turned to look out of the window.

It was a clear day, with sun shining through a cloudless sky.

You sighed, turning back to him as he gave you a 'what can I say?' look. You shook your head, smiling.

He turned back to your table, looking at the food. "Do you like raisins? How do you feel about a date?" He said, smirking.

You rolled your eyes. "Go back to your own table Riddle."

"Are you my appendix? Because I feel like I should take you out." He replied, smiling slightly.

"Wait what? Is your appendix okay?" You said worriedly.

"Yeah no it's fine, don't worry. Just a pick up line yn, calm down, it won't bite. Just me making jokes about bad health, like 'are you asthma? Because you take my breath away.'" He replied, shaking his head with a small smile playing at his lips.

"Okay..." You said, still slightly concerned.

Mattheo smirked. "Are you my father? Because I wish you were around more." You looked at him, even more concerned than before. "I'm starting to wonder if you need therapy." You said, a small smile playing at your lips.

"I don't need therapy, I just need you to come to dinner with me, because I can't spell menu without me n u." He said, smiling. You very nearly laughed, which didn't go unnoticed.

Mattheo stood up, nodding a goodbye before heading back to the slytherin table, where his friends were not so subtly calling him over.

"She nearly laughed. Shit." Mattheo whispered to his friends. They laughed. "Not funny. I really like her, I wasn't expecting her to nearly laugh. I'm close." He said, mainly speaking to himself.

Theo clapped him on the back. "You're down bad mate." He said, shaking his head. Mattheo sighed, turning to look at you quickly. "Yeah. J am." He admitted.

...

A few minutes later, you stood, heading out into the entrance hall, and were immediately ambushed by Cormac McLaggen. Yippee.

"Your lips look lonely, do they wanna meet mine?" He said, smirking.

"Are you bad WiFi? Because I'm feeling no connection here." You replied, not looking at him and trying to brush past him.

He stopped you, gripping your shoulder and not so gently shoving you back. You adjusted your bag and faced him, looking confused.

"A little too fast to brush me off there l/n." He said, still with that obnoxious smirk. To be fair, all smirks are obnoxious. Well... not all smirks. An image flashed into your mind of a certain slytherin with curly brown hair and chocolate eyes.

You zoned back into the moron stood infront of you, who was now attempting to lecture you on how you should have replied to his pick up line. You zoned out again, until you registered what he was saying.

"-Make it up to me." He finished, and you raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry what?" You said, looking confused.

"You heard me. You'll need to make it up to me, because you just embarrassed me." He said, puffing up his chest with his own importance.

"I don't need to do anything for you, McLaggen. I rejected you, your ego can take it." You said patiently, waiting for it to sink in for him. You attempted to walk away.

Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed the Slytherins leaving the hall. A hand grilled your wrist, painful and harshly. McLaggen glared at you.

"I don't get why Riddle is telling everyone to leave you alone, 'Princess'. You're not even that special, probably just whoring yourself out to the first guy who comes to yo-"

That was all you heard before someone's fist connected with Cormac's jaw, sending him flying to the ground.

You watched in slight horror as Mattheo pummelled McLaggen into the flagstones. Only slight horror though. McLaggen was insufferable.

You watched, frozen, as Mattheo's friends held McLaggen down for him, rather than pulling Mattheo off of him.

Eventually, the teachers arrived and pulled he boys off of McLaggen, whom was now sporting a black eye, cracked teeth, a dented nose and a split lip.

"Nobody calls her that. And only I call her Princess." Mattheo spat.

You were dragged with them to McGonagall's office and told to wait outside.

...

A half hour later, Draco, Theo and Blaise emerged from the office, not looking at all bothered by what just went down. You gave them a sheepish look, and Blaise shrugged.

"We got detention, no big deal." You felt bad, given it was partially your fault.

"I'm sorry you guys got detention." You said sympathetically. They shook their heads.

"It's not your fault, l/n, it's not like you asked us to do anything." Theo said, rolling his eyes, but not maliciously.

"Is Mattheo okay?" You asked carefully, trying to seem nonchalant.

"Wouldn't you like to know." Enzo said, appearing from McGonagall's office with a smirk. Draco elbowed him, and Enzo sighed. "He's fine, but he's got two months of detention, so no more evening study dates/hangouts for you two." He continued, and you blushed.

"They're not dates." You said, shaking your head. Blaise smirked. "You might wanna tell him that. He comes back from the library looking like Cupid was feeling particularly violent."

You rolled your eyes, smiling. "I'm sure you're being dramatic." The boys violently shook their heads.

"Far from. There are Polaroids. Seriously, y/n, I know we're supposed to be his wingmen and make him seem cool and chill, but the reality is that Mattheo is absolutely disgustingly in love with you." Theo stated plainly.

"And it's a pain for all of us when he won't shut up about you (no offence), so do us a favour and go out with him?" Enzo continued, looking at you pleadingly. "Before he realised you didn't want to be talking to McLaggen, he looked like a kicked puppy."

You pictured the image mentally. Damn his stupid pretty brown stupid eyes.

"I can't go out with him until he makes me laugh with a pick up line I haven't heard before." You said, sighing. "If I just go out with him without laughing, he wins! I can't lose to him, I've been so strong all of these weeks." You said, gritting your teeth.

"Are you saying it's been hard for you to turn him down?" Draco said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. No. Shut up." You said, hiding your face in your hands and sinking down onto a chair by the door.

"It's okay to like Mattheo, y/n. Sure, he's a massive pain in the ass and he's rude to a lot of people besides you, but you read Twisted Love, you're probably into that." Theodore said, shrugging.

You gave him a look of disbelief. "You know Twisted Love?" Theo blushed faintly.

"I have sisters."

"Anyway guys, I appreciate whatever it is you're doing for Mattheo, but my decision is clear. When he makes me laugh, I'll go out with him." You said, smiling.

"Fine. We'll help him out, because we're rooting for you two." Enzo said, checking his watch. "Don't I know it." You muttered. Enzo smiled. Mattheo emerged from McGonagall's office, looking only slightly like his mood had been dampened. You gave him a small smile.

"You okay Riddle?" His eyes moved to you, and a hint of surprise flickered in them.

"Y/n? Did McGonagall ask you to wait?" He said, confused.

"Actually, y/n is here of her own free will." Enzo cut in, smirking. You blushed, looking down and Mattheo smiled faintly.

"Oh yeah? Going soft on me Princess?" He said, crouching down to force you to look at him.

You looked up and he straightened, still watching you intently.

"In your dreams Riddle." He smiled.

"Actually, you are in my dreams, y/n. You're a recurring dream for me, do you want to make us a reality?" He said, giving you a look.

(I'm sorry I have to insert this, it's this look. This one.)



You smiled. "You know the rules, Mattheo. I laugh, I'll go on a date with you." You said.

He sighed dramatically. "I'm in pain, y/n. Pain. But that is true. And I will be holding you to it." He says, smiling.

"I'd expect nothing less from you Riddle." You fiddled with the sleeves of your sweater.

"Good. Do you mind if I talk to you? Alone?" Mattheo asked, his tone changing to one of slight concern.

You frowned slightly, but nodded. He led you away from his friends, who quickly disappeared off to the Slytherin common room.

Mattheo took a deep breath and turned to you. "Y/n, I know I'm irritating you. I know I'm distracting you, I saw the mark you got on your last transfiguration exam. And I'm so sorry. I'm so fucking sorry. I was distracting you when you tried to revise, and I keep pestering you everywhere, and if you want me just to leave you alone I completely get it." He said, looking slightly mad at himself.

You opened your mouth to talk but he cut you off.

"And I don't want you to feel like you owe me anything, you don't owe me a date, you didn't have to wait for me outside McGonagall's office just because I fought McLaggen for you. You don't have to do anything for me, okay?" He continued, looking away from you.

"I know I don't have to do anything for you Mattheo. I want to." You replied, speaking quietly and hesitantly.

He frowned, raising an eyebrow. "You want to?"

You nodded. "I like your company. I don't mind having you around, it's fun. You're not as bad as I first thought. Actually, you're nothing like what I first thought." You said, trailing off as you saw his smile.

"And what did you originally think I was like?" He smirked.

"Arrogant. Sarcastic. Bit of an asshole." Mattheo shrugged, agreeing with you.  "Honestly? I thought that the whole pick up lines thing was a joke for ages." You admitted.

The smile dropped from his face. "A joke? What do you mean?" He said, frowning and trying to meet your eyes.

"You know. Like you were doing it for a dare." He shook his head. "Y/n, I'd never do that. I genuinely do care about you a lot. Merlin, I care about you so stupidly much that I punched a guy. I know that's bad, and I swear I'm not usually violent but he was harassing you. And all I could think was 'no. no no no no no.'" He sighed.

You smiled, taking a step closer. "You're sweet, Mattheo. Kinda cute actually." He raised an eyebrow.

"You think I'm cute?" You blushed.

"no. you must have hallucinated it." You said, shaking your head.

"I mean, I'm flattered y/n. I hope you know CPR, because you're taking my breath away." He said, smirking as you stepped closer to him. You giggled slightly, before realising.

Mattheo's eyes widened. "You laughed. You laughed at my pick up line. The one I came up with literally a second ago." You smiled.

"Maybe I did. What does that mean Riddle?" You said, stepping closer.

"It means you should go on a date with me. But you don't have to if you don't want to, okay?" He said, smiling down at you.

"I want to." You said. Mattheo exhaled slowly, stepping closer. His hands came to rest on your hips, not moving. He gave you time to push him away, but you didn't, so his hands stilled.

"You want to?" He repeated, making sure.

You nodded. "Mhm. It's why I've gone along with this for so long." You giggled, as his forehead uncreased and he relaxed slightly, before quickly lifting you up and spinning you around.

You laughed as he put you back down, noticing the lack of space between you. Your eyes flickered to his lips, which didn't go unnoticed.

Mattheo's eyes landed on your lips, and then returned to your eyes. There was so little distance between you two.

You nodded slightly, registering his silent request. "Mattheo..." You whispered. That was it for him. His lips crashed into yours, one hand cupping your face and the other resting on your hip.

You kissed him back, letting him gently back you into a wall, hand moving to the back of your head to keep you comfortable.

Eventually, you both pulled back for air, slightly breathless. You smiled, and he brushed some hair out of your eyes.

"Be mine?" He said in a low voice, practically begging you.

"I'm already yours." You whispered back to him, letting him kiss you again.

This kiss lasted less time than the first, but was still beautiful.

"But we're still going on that date right?" You asked, smiling.

"Wouldn't have it any other way, princess." He replied, smiling as he rested his forehead against yours.

A flash went off, and you turned to see Theodore and Colin Creevey. Theodore took the photo from Colin, smirking. "Mattheo, you're a fucking simp."

"Damn right." Mattheo replied, smiling slightly at you.

...

A/N: My first actual Mattheo fic! Doesn't make sense, seeing as he's my favourite slytherin boy. Anyway, I feel like I'm horrible at writing kiss scenes, so lemme know if it was too cringy or smth like that! Thnx for reading<333

[comfortless]

Dungeoneer!König and his gf... I mean, traveling companion

but really this is how most of their practicing plays out. 😵‍💫

content/warnings: 18+. minors do not interact. sliiiight dubcon, breathplay?, masochism (without real injury), masturbation, oral (m receiving), absolutely unhinged “flirting”.

König knows his way around a blade. From the delicate daggers that thieves pluck from cloaks when the chance to strike is opportune, to the curved, dainty shashkas. His favorite would always be the doppelhänder, long things that strike fear into any man who sees it swung toward him. It’s why he chose to pay good money for one now, tossed a sack of gold at the blacksmith’s feet and demanded to have an exceptional blade crafted for him within a fortnight or so.

He really can’t afford to be too choosy nowadays: he doesn’t live on his own anymore. Before, his course was decided by tattered parchment pinned to whichever acceptable sliver of wood a wandering messenger could find. Now, it’s dictated entirely by the little knight who parades around like the finest tease in all the land. Even the world, he would gamble.

She whispers molten sugar into his ear on nights she’s drunk, lonely or especially sympathetic. Perhaps all three. She climbs into his bed: a tattered, linen sheet on the rough, cold ground most nights. Sometimes, it’s softer, a feather-stuffed mattress at an inn. Those always reeked of sin. Something carnal right where a couple must have lain together only a night prior, yet to be drowned out and washed away in the streams by some hapless innkeeper. It’s all went to his head, more than a little.

The lady knight sits across from him, tapping the rim of her mug of ale with such disinterest on her face that it’s König who feels sympathetic now.

She chose this tawdry place. Chose to don some silly armor and pretend it’s taking her to kneel in service to the King. The jobs never dwindle, but the motivation does. She never knows what she truly needs, but König always seems to.

“You want to fight? Me?,” she asks, to the wooden table rather than to him. Sluggish and gloomy with her own disappointment in this place, her own perceived shortcomings, something that he can’t fix. The King should have his head on a spear for not giving her everything she’s ever asked for, woman and benevolent thief or not.

“It has been a while, hm?”

She nods once, curls her mouth into a subtle smile that sends his heart swooping and something stirring down below.

“I suppose I’ve gotten comfortable.”

He knows well enough that he can make her less so, always seemed to with his groping and hovering. Even if she’s fed into it, a moth to flame, he’s never seen her bed anyone this entire aimless journey. It’s the rush of adrenaline that sends fire into her belly, makes her eyes shine and her legs tremble each time, never the flirtations.

König’s yet to win a bet, but this time he would wager that playing nice won’t grant him a thing. It never has with what’s dwelling in each dark corner of the kingdom’s underbelly, and it never has with her.

So when the sparring begins this time, it’s real.

The look of shock and betrayal comes immediate when she’s easily knocked back, her blade landing in the grass at her side.

“Again.” And again, and again, she says it as though the exhaustion isn’t already evident in the way her breathing grows heavy. Each time it’s the same, because the only thing he holds back from is severely wounding her. Even if he could, even if he knows roughing her up a bit is just how this should go.

“You are tired,” he observes, cocking his head to the side as she scrambles to search for her sword beneath the dim light of the moon. “Do you need a break, little knight?”

The look she shoots him is something akin to scandalized. König’s never been the one to taunt her like this. It’s new and tentative, and he prays it’s something she likes. The dresses and sparkling gifts from the dungeons did fuck all for any sort of progression, and by the end of the night she would know how dull all of this has become to him, too.

“I am not—“ A parry, a feint, a jab that lands on the air rather than striking true. Not enough. “I’m fine.”

It’s never been in this impromptu plan to shove her down, but that’s what happens when she doesn’t take it seriously. She moves towards him again. Steel clatters against steel, sinks forgotten into the grass. With a hand adhered to the back of her thigh and another at curve of her back, he drops her down too. No briny sweat clings to his temple, all of this is more simple than even the training he had as boy.

She doesn’t even kick at him, docile as any doe when she makes the assumption that all of this is playing pretend. Just another game: he’s less fit to be a monster than even the weak things dwelling in the dark in her eyes.

“I do not want your mercy,” he growls against her neck, weaves his fingers into her hair and tugs her head to the side. Just a little. Just enough. “Be sincere. Hurt me.”

“What are you talking about?” Her voice is a mere peep, lost to the wind that whips by and tousles all but the man affixed to her.

Explanations have never come easy for König. Not with words, not even with letters. He’s killed men without telling why, left wandering ghosts and their wives bereaved time and time again. It’s not something worthy of an answer, nor a thing he ever thought she would even ask. It’s never questions with her: only orders. Even a tamed horse can lash out, kick its master right off to trample if it sees fit. König is no different.

He licks a stripe up her throat, relishes in the way her breath catches and her hands rise to dig nails into his arms. His teeth catch right along her jaw, inhales against her cheek, and when she grows tense below him, claws her way down to his forearms, he knows she’s finally well aware of how this ends.

His hands study the expanse of her body, fisting the linen of her tunic upward to reveal all soft flesh and no more tricks. There’s an aching bruise on her neck, chest, below her ribs before the knight finally presses her palm to his forehead and kicks a rib to wind herself away.

“You’re so…” The word she searches for dies on her tongue when she scrambles over him, feels how greedy he truly is when his hips tilt skyward and the throbbing erection presses against her rear.

“Stupid, hm? Say it.”

She curls a hand around his throat and squeezes, her eyelids sinking to shield the dazed glimmer there as he slips a hand into the front of her trousers. A callused thumb brushes over her clit before drifting further, down where he realizes that he’s found a new treasure. She’s already wet.

“You are. Big fool. Brute..,” she grits out, delivers another blessed press of her hand. All another feint, because she remains stationed above him. Even mimicking the groan that rattles his throat beneath her palm with a sigh of her own. “I could kill you. You know that I…”

The knight dips her head to press against his chest as he spears a thick finger into her, and a greed surges through him at this sudden compliance. Poor thing is so winded that she does little else than blanket him and shiver whilst he grins as though he’s devil-possessed or the luckiest filth in the world. The thought of her fitting any cock- let alone his- seems unimaginable, so obscenely tight as she squeezes around one digit that it pulls even an appreciative grunt from him.

“You could try it.”

Her fingers dig into the skin at his neck, and none of it is enough. She’s so gentle with him, because maybe she even believes that she could. Killing wild men without masters or loyalties, just like the men in the stories she fancies. König guides a hand up to help her, presses down around his throat with more ferocity as she lifts her head and stares down at him like he’s truly gone mad.

“You want a leash..?,” she huffs, pretends she isn’t leaking onto his hand.

“Only if this—“ Another finger, a deliberate curl of both as they press to something soft deep inside of her. Something that makes her whimper rather than bark. “—is holding it.”

She only looks at him, sulky and humiliated when she’s pleasured, stumbles over some other mumbled insult as her back begins a slow arch. He guides his hand back to her thigh, pets along her softness and watches her with such adoration, a pleased purr rumbling in his chest.

“Look at you… cute thing.”

“Not a thing.” Her hissing only further goads him, because she does nothing to pull away, can hardly meet his eyes even with fire and hatred on her tongue.

“Ja… meine dame, is that right?”

Her breath catches as she grinds herself where she’s been impaled, legs trembling as his thumb brushes over the bud in repetition. It’s too soon, but he allows her to have her rapture, gaze drifting from her hair to the curve of a hip as her cunt gives a greedy pulse. All armor is shredded and ripped away, no defenses, catapults or blades, all are exchanged for soft cries and a burning ache. The hurried breaths she takes come almost stilted as she gives his fingers another generous squeeze, and he only feeds them into her with unhurried hunger.

“I want to feel it,” he huffs into her hair, savors the way she tightens the grip around his throat until his voice fetters to a whisper. “Just once, please.”

“No… not..,” is all she manages before the wave reaches the shoreline and she unravels over him. He feels the walls of her cunt throb as her head ascends to his shoulder, burying herself there in shame or bliss. The orgasm is soon but drawn out, some pent up need finally freed to open air, the very same longing that remains prevalent and urging inside of him. He fucks her through it with a bitter fervor, spearing and scissoring the fingers inside until her thigh draws up from around him and she detaches entirely to sit up at his side.

König is quick to rise before her, already untying the laces of what keeps him from the hope of sharing that same rapture she must have felt. The little knight only stares up at him with perplexed curiosity as his cock springs free, thick and long and angry after so many long months of suffering a callused fist or neglect. The tip drags over the seam of her lips as he takes the base of it into his palm, and the drooling maw above her only groans at the barest sensation.

“I will bite it off,” she declares, follows it up with a charming grin as though she hadn’t bruised him deeply hundreds of times prior to this.

“Ja, after… I don’t care.” And of course he does, but this is the closest he’s gotten to anything and he would be a fool not to take it, teeth or not.

She swallows pensively, then rolls her tongue over the slit of the enraged weapon in her face. Beads of salt aren’t fitting for a woman’s tongue, he knows, feels horribly dirty and miserable at the sight for a mere second before she takes him in earnest. Her lips wrap around him, send sparks of the purest euphoria through him.

“Is this how to shut you up, meine dame?”

Everything is gilded gates and ethereal meadows, the only damnation he suffers is the fact that he can’t move without bruising her: too big to feed himself down her throat, too untamed to hold himself steady should she ever allow it. He settles for her pace, watches in wonder as she allows half of him to reach into the warmth of her throat. The panting beast above her curls his hands into fists at his sides, certain that touching her would be the end of this boon of fortune.

Her tongue flicks over the weeping tip each time she draws back, hands grasping at his thighs to keep herself upright. Even when her teeth graze over the sensitive flesh, the cock in her mouth only twitches in agonized bliss. He melts before her, trembling in such pleasured fury that his nails threaten to break through the hardened skin of his palms.

“Ha… I need to… I’m going to come.” Only then does he reach for the back of her neck, forcing her in place to bear the taste of what’s to come. She doesn’t fight it, gazes up with a furrowed brow and delivers the gentlest bite along him. A warning or a dare. “Next time will be… fuck…”

Her titan crumbles before her as though wounded, can’t keep his hands in place then as he grasps at her face and his body grows taut. His hips press forward only to stutter as he tries in earnest to keep himself somewhat contained. She gags quietly when the thick ropes of seed meet the end of her, abrupt but as endless as the broken, pitiful noises that rise from his chest then. It’s miraculous how she swallows it all, bitter and hot as it spills in generous spurts.

It’s he who pulls back, giving the cock already softening a few more pulls before collapsing in front of her with acute love tucked away behind the glassy blue of his eyes. His little knight could feign indifference all she liked, but even those pretty tavern wenches and noble pricks she bats her lashes at could never have had a taste of what had just occurred here.

She wipes away spit and come with the back of her hand, tries her best to shoot him a look of disgust, but König does not miss the way that her eyes seem to twinkle in the same way his do now.

“I want to taste you, too,” he rasps, chest still rising and falling with rushed intakes of air. Even after he can’t keep himself from ruining any bit of sanctity or sanity within reach. Punctuates his statement by reaching toward her again, only to be pulled into the comfort of an awkwardly positioned embrace. His face lands against her breasts, and though he languidly runs a hand up her back, the other takes a tit. He toys with her in his palm, brushes a thumb over her nipple and rises up to kiss her cheek, silent pleas.

“You’ve had enough fun,” she answers, pulling his hand away with their fingers intertwined.

“You have more than just a mouth.” He flashes her the biggest, wettest puppy eyes he can manage. That may get him a scrap from her plate, but it’s worth nothing here. “I would make a good vater, yes?”

[dead-dolphins]

Deaddolphins presents:

A heartwarming collection of 17 Christmas drabbles lovingly crafted just for you.❤️

Publication date: from 12/25/2024 to 01/06/25

Drabbles that you will find:

1. THE BEST GIFT OF ALL

Three years into their marriage, Eren is overwhelmed with baby fever, especially during the holidays. This Christmas, Mikasa has a surprise for him: three gifts that might just make his dream come true.

2. SMOOTH CRIMINAL

Eren, an unprofessional and slightly incompetent thief, stumbles into Mikasa's luxurious home while struggling to get his life together. But when he sees her, his priorities shift—now, his only goal is to steal her heart.

3. A FAMILY AFFAIR

Mikasa finally brings her boyfriend, Eren, home to meet her family. Her parents adore him, but Uncle Levi isn’t so easily impressed. Determined to expose Eren, Levi grills him with questions at the dinner table.

4. JINGLE BELLS & BLOOD CELLS

Eren, a Christmas-hating vampire, plans to scare off Mikasa and her orphanage carollers, until her beauty stops him. For the first time in a century, he’s willing to listen to carols if it means she’ll stay.

5. HOMECOMING

After years of being apart, Mikasa stands at the airport, her heart racing as she waits for Eren’s plane to land. She’s spent months, even years, imagining this moment, but now that he is finally here, she’s terrified. What if she has already lost him?

6. RAWR!

Eren and Mikasa are struggling to find the dinosaur toy that their 4-year-old son has been asking for as a Christmas gift the whole year.

7. UNDER THE MISTLETOE

Normie Eren has a crush on his best friend, Goth Mikasa, who feels the same. When their families celebrate Christmas Eve together, Eren tries to kiss Mikasa under the mistletoe, but noisy kids and nosy relatives keep interrupting. Finally, they get their moment.

8. LAST CHRISTMAS I GAVE YOU A CHILD

On Christmas Eve, Eren, Mikasa, and their friends are having a karaoke night. As Mikasa sings Last Christmas, Eren interrupts with their 3-month-old son in his arms, he jokes, “I gave you a child!”

9. OF LONELY HEARTS

Hot Dilf Eren is head over heels for Mikasa, his son/daughter’s kindergarten teacher. Unbeknownst to him, he also takes up most of her mind.

10. THE LUNCH RUN

Mikasa, an office lady, surprises her coworkers when her husband shows up to bring her the lunch she forgot at home. Everyone’s shocked—not just because they didn’t know she was married, but because he’s a... hobo.

11. THE GIRL WITH THE TAIL

Eren, the son of a pirate, dreams of the sea but is stuck ashore. He sneaks onto a fishing boat with Armin’s help and accidentally kills a fisherman while saving a girl. Fleeing, he ends up in Hizuru, where he meets the girl again—now with a tail.

12. PANTS SNATCHED TO SATURN!

Sugar Baby AU. Mikasa is about to give birth on Christmas Eve, and Eren, despite this not being his first time, is panicking—so much so that he forgot to put on his pants!

13. A WOLF'S FIRST SNOWFALL

Yuletide has arrived in the North, and with winter’s chill, the winterlord and his princess wife celebrate their first holiday season with their beloved firstborn.

14. A CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL

Alpha Eren plans the perfect Christmas proposal for Mikasa, his Omega girlfriend of five years, complete with a ring and her favourite scarf. When she unexpectedly comes home early, a near mishap almost ruins the moment.

15. COSY CHAOS

Eren and Mikasa’s first Christmas with their baby, Carla, finds Eren struggling to make something special for their little one.

16. SURPRISE!

The day Athlete Eren found out Mikasa was pregnant with his child was a whirlwind of shock, joy, and overwhelming emotion, changing their lives forever.

17. SWEET NIGHTS

Lord Eren adores his princess wife even more after her baths, as the warmth she enjoys heightens her sensitivity, making their moments together even more intimate.

Thanks so much for participating guys!

[world-of-fire-and-flight]

I'm DYING😂 Jared is the folk hero we don't deserve but so desperately need and just the dig of how they can't report the thefts, they're not ensured, and they can't follow Jared because he put the time and effort to train himself to be a good and subtle car thief is simply beautiful✨️

Cowboys

Jared missed the way things used to be. There was no finesse left in this world, or so it seemed - back when he was coming up, stealing a car had been a finely skilled profession, the work of masters of a craft to which he had devoted many years of his own study, but it sometimes felt that time had made a fool of him. In today's game, any cowboy with a crowbar felt themselves qualified for a little grand theft auto, and all of that careful practice had been rendered almost obsolete.

It had been harder, back in his day. More important to do things right. From the careful jimmying of the windows, to the deft hotwiring of the ignition, he'd brought a sense of elan to the proceedings, completing each job with minimal fuss and in complete silence. Not so the car thieves of today, whose primitive smash-and-grab tactics set off every alarm in sight, left the tarmac strewn with window-glass for anyone to trace, and even damaged the very thing they were supposed to be stealing.

But they got away with it. That was the most frustrating thing, in Jared's view - other than the dozen other ways in which they drove him up the wall. When he'd been a child, neighbours might have left their doors unlocked, but they'd also kept an eye out for each other. They'd kept an ear out, too: without landlines of their own, they'd listened for the ringing of the phone box on the nearest corner, and rushed out to take any call that came in. It didn't matter that it wasn't their business: they would find out whose it was, and pass on the message to its intended recipient.

That had all changed. Today, the phone boxes were gone, and a car in the lay-by could be blaring for ten minutes with barely a twitch of the curtains from the house next-door. If the neighbours bothered to acknowledge the alarm at all, it was only as an expression of annoyance, focused on their own suffering in the face of such a dreadful racket. They did their best to block the siren out, failing to consider that its awfulness was purposeful, and that it might have been designed to cut through their concentration for a reason.

The cowboys didn't even have to worry about leaving a trace. The cops didn't care, any more than the neighbours had: on arriving at an empty driveway, they just filled out an incident report, and gave the victims a reference number for their insurance. The thieves could drop their wallets at the scene of the crime, leave the car's GPS location on, and offer it for sale on social media, and the police would still say there was nothing they could do.

It was driving Jared mad - and, more importantly, it was driving him of business. Skills which used to be prized were now useless, and he was finding he could no longer compete with the cowboys now flooding the market. Quantity over quality. That was the modern way. It was the Wild West out there, and all of the old norms had gone out of the windscreen. There was nothing he could do to turn back the tide.

Of course, he could still go fishing.

He'd followed them, sometimes, when the alarms kicked off. Jared had trained to avoid that sound like a death knell, so he was still sensitive to it, even if nobody else was, and it called to him whenever they were working nearby. He'd started turning up to the scene of the crime - at first just to watch, to scoff at the amateurs and throw his hands up at their inexplicable success, but then he'd started taking it personally.

That curiosity had not been easily let go, and he'd wondered what other bumbling mistakes the group had made, how easy it would be to tail them home - no trouble at all, it turned out - or what exactly they were doing with all their clumsy loot. Things like that. He hadn't expect them to lead them to a parking lot chock-full of cars, all corralled together like a herd of cattle, a hundred head of sheep in a single paddock, without a single padlock holding them there.

Jared guessed that these thieves, if they'd even thought that far ahead, had figured they'd be safe from being targeted themselves. They knew to listen for the alarms, the smashed glass, even if most bystanders didn't bother - having only learnt their own way of doing things, they fancied themselves immune to it. They'd never had the benefit of Jared's education. They'd never learnt what he could do.

It was slow work, one car at a time, but he began to sneak in every night - rustling their herd by inches, taking back what they'd taken from others, what they'd taken from him. It might still be subtle by their standards, but it was the easiest work of his career: like a walk in the car park, falling off a Leaf, or taking Camrys from a baby.

The beauty was that he enjoyed all of the same advantages. They couldn't call the cops. They weren't insured. They couldn't follow him, or at least not as easily. Jared knew the old ways - how to keep a low profile, how to cover his tracks, how to steal a car and make sure that it stayed stolen. He might be nothing but an old, washed-up thief, equipped with a misplaced sense of honour and a certain set of skills, but he could be more than a match for the arrogance of these cowboys.

One car at a time, he could sprinkle a little finesse across the world. One car at a time, with gear-stick wedged firmly in reverse, he would show the world the way things used to be.

[hs-transfusion]

> JADE STRIDER

CHUMHANDLE: gaianGenerator [GG] STRIFE: brssknklkind MODUS: Periodic Table LUNAR SWAY: Derse MYTH. ROLE: Thief of Blood LAND: Land of Rhythm and Rivers

GG: now thats what i call a scientific fuckin BREAKTHROUGH B)

Jade is tough to read, wholly by design. Her IMPENETRABLE STOICISM and DRY WIT lend her an aloof air that convinces damn near everyone that she's HOT SHIT, which isn't an entirely untrue sentiment. There's nary an experience that can GROSS or WEIRD HER OUT. That's what happens when you've already SEEN IT ALL ONLINE, or so she claims.

Though she insists her love for FURRIES and STUFFED ANIMALS is entirely ironic, it couldn't be further from the truth. She LOVES those little guys, but under the Strider name is forced to CONSTANTLY BAG ON THEM. At least she can bond with the CROWS SHE TAXIDERMIES after they meet unfortunate demises in the neighbouring areas. She also has a passing interest in NUCLEAR SCIENCE, but it's, like, whatever.

Jade's PERIODIC TABLE Fetch Modus allows her to store an item only if its name or initials CORRESPONDS WITH AN OFFICIALLY CLASSIFIED ELEMENT. Peanut butter can be logged as Pb, or a Ca-n of Sprite can be logged as Ca.

Jade's relationship with her BRO is pretty complicated to say the least. He strives to HONE HER MARTIAL CRAFT through combat training, and though she puts her all into it, the constant PSYCHOLOGICAL MIND GAMES stresses her out beyond belief. The second any such thought comes up however, she's quick to SHUT IT OUT all together. He's just her BRO. Doesn't have to be more complicated than that. At least he has good taste in PUPPETS.

The Land of RHYTHM AND RIVERS is the WORLD'S LARGEST METRONOME, with a faint, pulsing sound echoing throughout the skies with PERFECT TIMING (most of the time). The rivers run red, though that's likely just because of the RED SKIES. Hopefully. Whenever the planet's heart seems to SKIP A BEAT, terrible calamities strike all across the land, something that the denizen HERA seems to wish fixed.

[kiruamon]

Minish AU - Sketch dump 3

More Minish AU sketches, side notes and a bit rambling about a few things I thought about.

Also imagine having like a life-sized plush of Moon and Sun to cuddle with:

Y/N: "Sun! Look! I found you and Moon, but tiny! Now you can give me all the hugs you want! See?"

_

While Sun and Moon might not be able to really hug you, that doesn't mean you can't give them a hug instead.

_

It definitly has it perks to be so small. You can easily ride along on Moon's nightcap while you sit safely in it's brim and enjoying the view. It's also so much faster as to scurrying around on your own tiny legs.

-

Moon: "Enjoying yourself, Little Thief?" Y/N: *continues shaking the bell* Y/N: "Very much! It's such a pretty sound. And... " Moon: "And?" Y/N: "It also tells me when a friend is close by. So I really like it." Moon: *mumbling to himself* "Heh. So that's what you see in us...."

_

Aaaand more arts and craft with Sun!

Sun: *pulls the paper slowly apart* Sun: "Aaaand who might that be?" Y/N: "That's me! Sunny! You made me! How cute! I love them!"

_

Before your discovery by Moon, you followed the classic Minish rules. Which meant not showing yourself in front of other beings, but also giving something back for the things you took. This included patching up damaged stuffed animals and small things like that.

Sun and Moon always wondered over the fact who had repaired the toys when neither of them recalled any of the staff members taking care of such things.

_

And for the finish a little sketch of the place that you made your home. It's hidden in a neat little crack inside one of the walls inside the Daycare area near to where the shop is:

You used a bottle cap from a Fizzy-Faz as a table and with some adjustments two buttons could be used as new stools. A glowy mushroom spends you some light as well as the glow stars that Sun and Moon gifted you and are sticking now on the wall close to your bed. It's too bad you can't invite the two inside. (I used a few ingame pictures in order to draw this one and added a few extra things to it.)

[germworms]

All secrets of Secret Life Session 1:

G: Jokes no laugh

Mumbo: Bad puns

Bdubs: Ugly house

Etho: Steal 4 beds

Scar: Nicknames

Cleo: Base over base

Martyn: Duplicate other base

Tango: Make Scar talk about Starwars

Skizz: Gem Stalker

Impulse: Cherrywood enthusiast

Gem: Trust fall

Pearl: Make others give 3 hearts

Scott: Clingy base neighbor

BigB: Big Hole

Lizzie: Poem to someone

Joel: Merch announcer

Jimmy: Crafting Table thief

[rebelliousstories]

Welcome to Tortuga

Relationship: Remy LeBeau/Gambit x Reader

Fandom: X-Men

Request: Yes by Anon

Warnings: Fluff, Brief Angst, Mentions of Drinking

Word Count: 1,514

Main Masterlist: Here

X-Men Masterlist: Here

Summary: In a word full of pirates, codes, and mystery, a pirate’s life just might be the life to live.

Consider Donating: Here

Tortuga. A little hideaway in the middle of the ocean. A place where there were very few laws, but everyone lived by a code. Whether that was pirate, thief, or assassin; everyone lived by a code.

The whispers around the island that day were the stuff of legend. Mostly, because everyone was talking about the stuff of legends. Le Diable Blanc was seen about five hundred yards off the coast of Tortuga, which meant that he was coming.

Legends surrounding the ship and her crew stretched back to the first time she ever set sail. A smooth talking, sharp witted Cajun was at her helm spewing French and English curses alike to anyone that dared to cross them. However, her captain was also known to be a fair man to work for. He treated his crew well, so long as they stayed inside the lines. When they worked, it was a tight ship. When they played, anything was on the table.

And everyone in Tortuga knew this. When Le Diable Blanc came into port, Tortuga knew it was going to be a good pay day. Not only was the captain a wonderful captain, he was an even better pirate. Plundering every known and secret treasure from sea to sea. Them coming to town meant that the working girls were going to spend their evenings in the company of men that would have the bartenders getting richer and richer.

Gold, beer, food, and merriment was the night that they were to look forward to; crew and Tortugans alike.

“Bring her in nice and easy, der. Don’ wanna wreck Tortuga before we get there, mon amis! Only after!” Remy shouted to his men. Seeing the shores ahead, he started getting antsy. Only a few more moments before he could go check on her.

“Bonjour, Captian LeBeau!” A man shouted from the dock, awaiting with his own crew to help the infamous boat make port.

“Ah, bonjour Francis. Ready for a good few days, mon ami?” The captain called from the side of the boat, watching both crews working diligently to secure the vessel so that they may depart.

“Always when you come to town, LeBeau.” Now, Remy was able to stare down at the dock below, as his ship had finally come to the side of the dock. The plank was thrown, and he went ahead to step down first.

Brown leather boots that were impeccably crafted added some heft to his step. Dark grayish colored pants offset the creamy white billowy shirt on top. However, the long sweeping warm brown leather great coat that adorned his shoulders, trimmed in magenta, was his defining mark. There was just something about it that drew attention, whether that was good or bad, Remy did not care.

Stepping onto the dock, the man who had been nicknamed “Gambit” on account of his strategy for acquiring more loot, greeted Francis with a hearty handshake and hug. “Welcome back to Tortuga, monsieur LeBeau.”

“Always good to be back, monsieur Noir.” Waving his crew down, they piled out onto the dock.

Turning back to his crew, Remy made sure to project his voice. “We have three days in Tortuga before we depart. The ship will depart at sunrise the fourth day. Be here. Allons-y!”

Excited by the adventure that awaited, the crew took off like lightning; all the booze, women and gambling that was about to take place enticed them. With a chuckle, Remy began to make his way into town.

“Do you require anything, captain?” Francis followed after.

“No, no, no. Well, maybe later. A room at the inn. But for now no. Merci, mon ami.” Shaking hands, the two men parted ways. Francis went off to another port to supervise another ship’s docking, while Remy went deeper into the heart of the city.

As he did, he saw his crew engaging in debauchery as they let loose from the three months at see. It was not the most glamorous time, being on the sea constantly, but everyone made do. Sure, the gold and treasure was lovely, but there was something to be said about the touch of a woman after so long.

“Remy! Remy! Come over here!” He heard the enchanting call of ladies of the night. Turning to walk backwards for a bit, the captain blew them a kiss, before continuing on ahead. Instead of stopping in the middle of the town, Gambit continued to head towards the outskirts of the town on the other side.

Dark waters came into view not too much longer after. Reaching a hand into his inside jacket pocket, Remy felt the weight of the necklace that he was about to give up. But it did not matter how many pieces of jewelry he relinquished, it would all be worth it. Sitting on the rocks near the crashing waves was a woman who was gently combing her hair out.

No matter how many times he saw here, Gambit was still in awe that he got to witness this gorgeous creature in all her glory. Traversing the rough terrain, he tried not to slip on the rocks that were slick with algae beneath his feet. As he drew near, Remy stayed as quiet as possible.

Right in the woman’s ear, he whispered, “did you enjoy the journey?”

She squealed, turning in shock at the man that was there. Her claws were poised and ready to go, fangs were breaking free of their confinement. Scales were shining from the distant lights gleaming from the town behind them.

“Remy,” the woman breathed softly, “you scared me, mon amour.”

Retracting the claws and fans, she tried to ensure that everything that could hurt the man was gone before holding his face and bringing him in for a kiss. She relaxed into his arms that had sound their way around her waist, fingers teasing the scales right there at the edge. Pulling away when she felt the need for air, her eyes raked over his face. “I missed you, Remy.”

“I missed you, chere. But, I got a present for you.” He replied, reaching into his coat pocket once more. Pulling the necklace out, he waited patiently to see what her reaction was going to be. A pendant with a large blue ultramarine stone sat in the center, with lots of little diamonds surrounding it on a gorgeous silver chain. Her hands went to her mouth as she gasped.

“You can trade de chain for your cord if you’d like. Got it shortly after we left the Caribbean coast last time. Managed to raid a jewelers ship. Thought you’d look pretty with dis on.” Gambit explained, continuing to watch her reaction.

“Oh, Remy. For me? Really?” Her words were that of disbelief.

“Nothin’ but da best for mon chere. Here,” and he began to drop it around her neck. Clasping it, he let his hands linger around her shoulders that were slightly damp as her hair hand yet to finish drying.

Without another word, she lurched forward, and tackled him with kisses. Remy could only chuckle at the woman’s affections. However, she slipped just a bit as the scales on the lower half of her body were unable to stay put on the slick algae beneath them. He caught her, and just hauled her up onto his lap.

“No, no, no. Your clothes, Remy.” She tried to protest, only to be met with a kiss that made her quiet.

“I’ll change them when I head back in. Da Gambit don’t mind them gettin’ a bit wet if it means holdin’ you, chere.” While one hand stayed around her waist, the other came up to cup her cheek. She nuzzled into it, enjoying the warmth he provided.

“When you do leave?” The woman asked softly.

“Four sunrises from now. We headin’ back towards England. Maybe a stop in at France. You gonna come along?” Remy brushed his fingers over the textured scales all along her face, enjoying the feeling underneath the tips of his fingers.

“Of course. I go where you go.” Leaning in, her promise was sealed with a deep, and loving kiss. The one thing she never grew tired of was kissing him above the water. However, there was the tinge of something bitter in her mind that soured the lip lock for her. Something that Remy was able to pick up in a heartbeat.

“Don’ worry, chere.” He reassured her, pulling away from the kiss. “We gon’ find who did dis to ya and make dem change ya back. I swear it.”

“I hope so, Remy.” Her face found its way into his neck as they looked out on the waves ahead. The stars were so pretty over here, something that they both enjoyed looking at.

It was a difficult thing to love a pirate. A difficult life to lead. But they would not have it any other way. It was the life they led, and it was the life they chose. And specifically, they chose to do it side by side. A siren and a pirate.

[blackkatmagic]

What fic won the most recent poll?

;)

Taking a breath, careful, measured, Fox strips off his gauntlets, then his armor, one piece at a time. He stacks it up on the floor beside the table, then slips into the bedroom like a thief, guilty but not enough to change his mind. The bed is made, and there are three more books in various stages of completion on the bedside table, a pile of leather bands, a bracelet next to a delicate tool. Fox sinks down on the bed, reaching for the completed bracelet, and turns it over in his fingers, admiring the careful work. It’s a thick cuff, almost five centimeters wide, with a matte metal clasp, the leather supple against Fox’s bare fingers. And on the cuff itself—

A fox, abstract, carved out in quick lines that nevertheless give the impression of motion. It’s mid-leap, ears raised and intent, and Fox stares down at his namesake, feeling something turn over in his chest.

All that sticks in his head right now is Feemor's hand, outstretched across the table in the morning light, and the lingering sweet spice of the caf they drank. The strands of golden hair that slipped out from beneath the mask and curled around Feemor's throat, the thin leather string Feemor had had looped around one finger, like a ring. He must have been crafting before Fox woke up. Maybe he was crafting this, and Fox can picture it all too clearly, Feemor sitting beside his bed, bent over the bracelet as his big hands worked deftly, as Fox slept.

No one’s been in this apartment since Feemor was taken and killed. Since Fox lost him, was the reason he was taken when he likely could have gotten away if he’d been alone.

He’s dead. I killed him myself.

[lemonlokkich]

Writing prompt: Sky and Wind do crime together

The Mom Friend

Sky and Wind. Mainly Wind lol. Thank you for the prompt ace!

So,

Maybe he shouldn't have stolen that gem. Maybe he should've just kept his sticky hands to himself like Legend had warned him to when they entered Castle Town in the first place.

He should've listened to Twilight's warnings about how jumpy and panicky his towns folk were. How vigilant they were after the events of his adventure.

But the beautiful sky blue Sapphire was embedded in cheap metal that looked near to rusting. The thing's beauty was obviously neglected just to make a quick rupee and he had the perfect use in mind.

500 would've been fair if it was actual jewelry instead of an arts and crafts project gone wrong.

So Wind did what any reliable pirate would do, he calmly walked along the side of the booth, pressing as close to the crowd as he could get before deftly swiping the neglected object off the table in one smooth and most definitely practiced motion.

He almost dropped it as someone screeched in his ear, loud and panicked and angry.

“Thief! Thief!” A random woman standing behind him yelled, pointing straight at him and looking close to a near faint from the shock “Guards!”

Shit.

Fucking hell.

Farore strike him down.

A commotion of clanking armour erupted a few paces further from him in the crowd, the telltale sounds of a guard shouting in response to the mass of now panicking civilians who have devolved into clucking like frightened cuccos.

Wind didn't need to be told to run, he just went. He squeezed himself through the crowd, slipping the sapphire-junk amalgamation into his magic pouch where it'll -hopefully- remain safe.

Bodies pressed close as he ducked and weaved and sidestepped, the guard hot on his heels. He should've lost the guy way back in the crowd, but Twilight's era seemed to have a love for darker, duskier colours and had a clingy sort of shade to everything compared to Wind’s sunnier clothes and general vibe.

That made him easy to keep track of, even as he reached an entirely different section of the marketplace where the panic gave way to the familiar demure shuffling of the crowd.

He was so close, if he could just find an alleyway or shop to hide out in…

Cold metal clamped around his twiggy arm and he couldn't resist a tiny yelp as he was physically lifted into the air by the guard and left dangling like a misbehaving kitten in front of the knight.

This had the effect of both being eye level with the guard and being able to somewhat look over the crowd if he strained his neck a bit.

Only one of those was an issue as he locked eyes with the aforementioned guard and scowled his fiercest scowl.

It seemed to be a man around Times age, clearly strong by the way he lifted Wind up like a bag of straw. Although, his brothers claimed he really was just that scrawney which Wind sincerely resented.

He was a growing boy, okay.

The man scowled back at him, eyes narrowing.

“What do you think you're doing, boy?” The guard growled, low and timbre and reverberated through Wind who was… not intimidated at all.

Twilight told them his guards were kind of pathetic, all things considered. And Warriors definitely could be wayyyy more intimidating than this.

But Warriors also said to never speak when he got arrested until he could get ahold of any of them. Something something lawyers…

Hell if he knows.

He flattened his mouth into a thin line and started trying to wiggle out of the guards grip. The guard, who was positively shook by this very obvious escape attempt, just readjusted his grip a bit.

Which gave him a perfect opportunity to sweep his gaze across the crowd and have his eyes land squarely on the comforting sight of Sky.

Now, Wind could do a myriad of things in this situation. He could call out his brother's name, he could shout something unintelligible, he could just scream like the seagulls had taught him to back home.

Despite popular belief, those were not liable to work in any way shape or form. Because this is Sky.

But Wind has an idea… to exploit the hero's spirit.

Afterall no hero can resist the call of a child in danger… separated from their family perhaps.

Wind took a deep breath, and in the most boyish, shrieky shout he could manage he screamed.

“Moooooom!”

Several heads in the crowd swiveled around, mainly women and a few elderly folks.

But most importantly, Sky's head shot up and locked eyes with Wind and his totally hidden smug expression. He could spot a range of expressions flitting over the older man's face, glancing around before diving into the crowd and making his way towards them.

Wind could feel the guard stiffen, fingers tightening patiently as a collage of images of a thousand angry mothers flashed before the poor guy's eyes. Clearly experienced in the wrath of entitled mother's with their ‘little angels’.

It wasn't long before Sky burst into the little pocket in the middle of the crowd where Wind dangled.

Wind, who's smile sharpened in absolute delight before calling out in a very convincingly teary voice, “Mom! This mean guard grabbed me! He thinks I stole something…”

Sky's expression twitched between perplexed and incredibly amused before settling on a fake grave expression which made Wind's heart soar. He may get off scott free yet.

Sky put his hands on his hips, squinting upwards at the guard and teen duo.

“Well, did you?” He raised one eyebrow convincingly, voice pitched in a pretty convincingly feminine impression.

Who knew Sky was a man of such absolute skill? Wind did, Wind never doubted the Skyloftian for a second. Anyone who did is obviously a hater, looking at you young-Groose.

Wind let his eyes water a bit to make it even more convincing, flailing as a response and wiggling in the guards grip. The guard, who was way too haunted to recognize that Sky was a full grown man.

“No! Of Course I didn't! I was just looking I promise, you know I'd never, Mom! You would kill me!” Wind would like to credit his amazing acting skills towards Tetra, who had pulled the same stunt in front of his very eyes once.

Good job Tetra, go girl.

Sky gazed up at Wind for a longggg long moment, long enough that sweat was starting to bead at the boys brow in fear of Sky maybe backing off.

Sky definitely knew he stole something.

And then Sky glared.

The air went suffocatingly still for a moment, the guard shuddered and leaned back and as Sky locked his glare onto the guard the man dropped Wind.

He did not stumble, that was just… intentional. Part of the act.

Yes.

Sky was quick to wrap an arm around him and pull the boy into his side protectively, all like a mother he was pretending to be, still glaring.

“You don't lay another hand on my poor sweet angel again y’hear?” He clucked, wagging a finger at the guard for dramatic effect.

The guard sputtered, “B-but ma'am? I saw him, he stole-”

“He did no such thing! Didn't you hear him? He knows the consequences of stealing and my darling sweet child-” okay, laying it on a little thick there Sky- “would never lie to me, he may be a bit overamaginative, but a liar he is not!”

“I-”

“Don't you dare suggest such preposterous things ever again. My baby boy and I will be taking our leave now! Good day sir.”

“But-”

“I said, good day.” Sky growled.

The guard just sagged, a hopelessly defeated sigh escaping the poor fellow. “Good day, ma'am.”

With Wind still tucked under his arm, Sky turned and made his way back through the crowd.

“So, what'd you steal?” The Skyloftian asked, promptly dropping the act as soon as they were out of range.

“I'll have you know your sweet baby would never, mom”

----

Thank you for reading! My prompt inbox is always open if you wanna give me smth to write! This was written in like 1 hour and I proof read it only one omw to school so excuse my spelling and stuff. English is my second language.

If you wanna read more fics check out my ao3:

LemonLokkich

[cloudninetonine]

The Hero of the Oracles, was a man that radiated optimism. Despite his pig-like appearance, being the following Ganon of King and the preceding of Famine (not that he didn’t look to the brighter side, but he certainly didn’t radiate it) he was one of the more welcoming Ganons from within the group.

A contrast to your familiar pinky hero- Oracle kept a more positive view on things: to him there was always a solution to any problem, to him there was never any need to fret because to him, everything else was already so much better than what he had faced decades ago.

Similar to the villain Ganon, Oracle was originally a thief after losing his parents to only the goddess knew what at such a young age. He had to fend for himself, he was alone for so long before his first adventure had even begun and he had told you all this quietly amongst the flames of the campfire when you struggled to sleep on one of the many nights that your horrid memories seemed to crawl into your dreams and stain them with terrors beyond you imagination. He didn’t leave out the details and he didn’t sugarcoat any of what he told you- his honesty was nice in a way. These men weren’t perfect. They weren’t even on the side of light, they still served the God Demise and they were only the heroes to keep the balance as their Hylia seemed to strive for “Purification” in her eyes, anyway.

You had decided to tag her as ‘Martinet’, as it perfectly described just how worse she seemed to be.

It seemed the OG Hylia wasn’t all the bad anymore.

Oracle liked to knit, and sew, and crochet, and so much more of the textiles arts you had almost lost count. A thing similar to Legend, Oracle had grown an attachment to the arts after having to repair garments one too many times while on the road. It was a useful skill. A skill that he enjoyed, so it wasn’t rare to see him working on his own little project in the quieter moments- he had even sewed some pretty flowers into your tunic after seeing all the tears!

It was his peace offering at your bumpy beginning.

Oracle couldn’t go into town. Neither could Famine, or Betzalel, or Power or Pestilence- when you looked like a hulking moblin it would make sense to avoid towns like the plague, if you were in a group of moblin looking bastards you knew it would only end bad for you to ever step near civilization. So it made sense, the men staying at the camp to take care of everything while the other men strolled through the people for the journey’s supplies.

You were clutching carefully at Tide’s coat, like a child with his mother, attached at the hip. He didn’t mind though. The man preferred it actually, able to keep a better eye on your smaller form in the crowds- you were so “small” after all, was what Tide argued and, well, he wasn't wrong.

Didn’t stop you from trying to fight him about it.

These moments did give you time to glance around the area. Eyes rolling over the stalls in the markets, ranging from everyday food to magical items for daily use. What an interesting sight it was. Never in your life would you have ever expected to hear a salesman screaming about his “magic wares- good for the husband for his upcoming travel!” What kind of magic item was it? A protection ring? Blessed weapon? Leaning in a little, you tried to spot just what the guy was speaking about.

Only to be tugged along with Tide as he moved to the next stall. Following obediently, you made quick haste in order to keep up with the giant’s massive strides-

When a stall caught your attention. 

Your pause also had the older man stopping, not that your strength did anything but simply due your lacking grip when you turned to face the stall with the assortment of fabrics and crafting materials.

“My child?” He edged closer to the table also, looking over the stock with mild interest. “Is there something that interests you?”

The clerk, a Rito woman, chuckled lightly before her wing gently brushed the table over what you were looking at- the glowing blue fur that dazzled in the light of the evening sun.

“It seems you have grown a likeness to our blupee fur.” At your aghast expression she tutted playfully, “Come now, don’t think of me so cruelly! I would never kill such a beautiful creature! Not that I think there is a possible way to as such….these furs where shaven.”

You looked over them carefully, your hand gently moving over the material- this was reason blupee fur, you could feel the familiar magic of the mountain lord buzz in your hand. “You were able to shave a blupee?”

The bird woman laughed once again, “Me? Goddess no- my father, however, has his own secrets on taming the creatures. The magic of the furs allows for the greatest luck with rupees, adjusts for the environments and blessed with protection”

“Really?”

“Yes, the Lord of the Mountain does flow through each and every one of the creatures.”

You hesitated slightly with your next words, “When you say protection, you mean projection against evil….right?”

Tide’s hand came to gently rest on your back, a gentle reminder that he was here and whatever fear that currently tried to fight to your heart could simply buzz off.

The clerk looked sympathetic, “The furs are known to help in moments of panic, be it against evil or simply lost on a path, the magic will be there to aid you.”

It was certainly promising. As much as you didn’t want to part with your beloved cloak (a gift from Wild- your Wild, a reminder that one day you would return to them, at least you hoped you did…) it was definitely time for an upgrade. And an upgrade that could be handy if you have to deal with….them again, you could take that over sentimental value.

“I’m going to guess these furs do not come cheap?” Tide joked, pulling out his rupee pouch.

“500 rupees is the lowest I would go.”

“I’ve got it.” Tide watched as you pulled out your own coin pouch, balancing 3 silver rupees with a small handful of purples following, “Is there any other fabric that goes good with the blupee fur? Magical or not?”

“Hold on, I have a small deal that comes with the fur- discounts for such lovely customers.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Returning later than evening, Nature had started on dinner as soon as you had all settled down. Priming the pastry top for a nice smelling pie with the goods he had gathered from the market. Your stomach rumbled for the dish, the fire alluring you towards where it cooked on the gentle fire- but it would still take time for such to be ready to feast upon.

Which is why you used the time to approach Oracle, talking animatedly to Famine who listened to his younger self quietly, eyes focused on polish his weapon- his chopped ears twitching in a way which showed his was listening.

“Uh, Oracle.” The two giants faced you, Oracle with interest and Famine in acknowledgment, “Could-...could I ask a favour?”

“Of course!” He replied, lightly with mirth (You didn’t understand how such a kind giant could come from King, but then again King would have been the equivalent to an angsty teen with all his counterparts. “What is it you require? Does it have something to do with the fabrics laid in your hands?”

You felt heat run up your neck, your hands shakily moving towards him “I- I was wondering if you could make me a new cloak?”

“A new one? Put your one this moment is perfect! Why do you wish to part from it?”

You hesitate.

There was a constant fear that nagged right at the back of your mind. Always there, fleeting but present- it would probably never leave you for as long as you continued to live. But maybe, just maybe, there would be a way to hide from it. This cloak was your answer, promised protection from what in the shadows of Hyrule, both monster and not. You needed this, not wanted, but needed to feel safer, even with a placebo effect.

“I don’t want to…I need to.”

Oracle paused, as did Famine. The two shared a look, eyes reflecting a similar look of concern as you continued on.

“The woman at the shop said it’s guaranteed protection and I need- I just- Ganon can you please just-”

A large hand came to rest upon your head, like a giant sun and casting a shadow in your vision that almost blinded you before your locks were ruffled.

“If it is truly needed then I will happily make you another cloak.” Taking the the materials he looked over them in interest, whistling lowly “Such rich fabrics- it must have cost you an ear or two.”

“....are you sure you’ll be able to make it? Do you need other tools?”

“You doubt my skills?” he joked, going through his bag to pull out some items you did not recognise, “I could create the most majestic of cloth with my eyes closed, my dear, there isn’t a need to worry.”

…you trust him, why would he lie after all?

Walking closer, you move to sit next to the man but Famine tugs you into your arms and places you right on his shoulders instead. It’s your seat now, if you’re not walking with the men your on one of their shoulders- they didn’t mind though. Your weight to them was like a empty rucksack over their shoulders, weighing almost nothing on the expanse of their build.

Crossing your arms, you laid them to rest upon the head of Famine as you watched Oracles hands move- skilled and precise.

In the following few days you would have a new cloak, dazzling in the sunlight and just the added protection to what stalked you in the burrows of the bush. It would not laid rest the fear that kept true to you but at least you would have that added relief to it all.

Oracle’s hands moved so smoothly.

[gravity-falls-dreamer]

Gravity Falls: Dreamer Chapter 4: Age Eater

Evalin’s room was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of incense curling up from the small burner on the table. Soft, flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, making the room feel like a sanctuary of mystery and quiet magic. Mabel sat cross-legged on the floor, her eyes wide with eager anticipation as she watched Evalin gather her notes.

“I’m ready!” Mabel said, her voice brimming with excitement.

Evalin smiled at her enthusiasm. “Good. Magic isn’t something to be taken lightly though. It’s a powerful force, and it needs to be understood.”

Just as Evalin was about to begin, the door creaked open, and Dipper hesitated in the doorway. He’d been asked to keep an eye on Evalin by Ford, though part of him was also genuinely curious about what she was teaching Mabel.

“Can I join?” he asked, his voice a little unsure.

Evalin looked over at him, raising an eyebrow. “Is that OK with you, Mabel?”

Mabel waved her hands eagerly. “Of course! The more, the merrier!” She patted the floor next to her, making room for her brother.

Dipper hesitated for a moment before stepping inside and sitting down next to Mabel, who quickly nudged him to get comfortable. “Just for today,” he reminded Evalin, a little self-consciously.

Evalin nodded. “Of course, Dipper. But remember, this is our little secret. I don’t want Stanley getting upset with me for teaching you kids about my Craft. He doesn't seem very fond of my magic.” She paused for a moment, then added with a smile, “But nevermind that. Let’s get started. Mabel, I want to go over something. What’s the main rule of our path?”

“HARM NONE!” Mabel shouted at the top of her lungs, startling her brother.

“Good job! Now, today we’re going to talk about price. To gain something, you have to give something in return. If you try to take without giving, the universe will find a way to balance things out. For example, if you want to have a better day, try doing something nice for someone. In exchange for that, your reward could be something as simple as a smile and gratitude. But if you do something bad, be prepared to pay the price. For example, let’s say someone steals from the Mystery Shack.”

“Grunkle Stan would flip his lid!” Mabel interrupted.

“Exactly! Stealing is wrong, not just to the person you steal from, but to the universe as well. The universe sees that wrong and will restore balance by taking something from the thief. Maybe their house catches fire and all their loot burns up.”

“Wait, wouldn’t that mean Grunkle Stan would lose some of his stuff?” Dipper asked.

“Yeah, but that’s a different situation. The universe didn’t take the item, so there’s no imbalance there. Your Grunkle would just be shit out of luck.”

“Well, that’s not fair,” Mabel huffed.

“Your Grunkle isn’t going to be rewarded for someone else’s punishment, especially if he didn’t take matters into his own hands. It’s really just a race between you and the universe to see who can fix the situation faster.”

Evalin paused for a moment before continuing. “This idea also applies to bigger things. If you murder someone, you have to be ready to pay the price. It might mean serving forty years in prison, or maybe it’s a life on the run, always looking over your shoulder, never at peace. Either way, it’s a pretty awful situation.”

“But murder is wrong!” Mabel blurted out.

“Unless it’s to protect yourself,” Evalin quickly added. “You have the right to defend what you love, whether it’s your family, your home, or even your own life. Survival comes first.”

Mabel and Dipper exchanged a smile and fist-bumped each other.

“Now, a good way to defend ourselves from metaphysical harm is with salt,” Evalin continued. “Salt is a great starting point. It has purifying properties as it dries things out and sizzling away bad energies.”

“Um, real quick, what’s that?” Dipper asked, pointing at something on the floor.

Evalin’s gaze followed Dipper’s finger, landing on a small, black, slug-like creature slithering across the floor. It was a writhing mass of flesh covered in glassy slime, with small red hourglass-shaped markings dotting its back. Evalin’s eyes widened as recognition hit her.

“Kids! Get out of here!” she shouted, quickly moving to shield them from the creature. “That’s an Age Eater!”

Dipper and Mabel froze in place, giving the slug a chance to launch itself at them. Evalin reacted instantly, kicking the creature in a different direction.

“What’s going on in here?” Stan called from the doorway, walking right into the path of the Age Eater. The creature immediately latched onto him.

“Ew! Get it off me!” Stan yelled, flailing as he tried to pry the slug off, but it dug its sharp teeth into his skin and wouldn’t let go.

“Stanley, don’t move!” Evalin shouted. She sprinted over to him and summoned fire at her fingertips.

Stan panicked, knocking over pictures and taxidermy as he scrambled away. Evalin chased after him, the twins right behind her. Dipper and Mabel managed to tackle Stan to the ground, holding him still. Evalin swung her fire close enough to the Age Eater to burn it. The creature screeched in agony and released its grip on Stan.

“What in the world is going on up here?” Ford’s voice rang out as he appeared from behind the vending machine. Distracted by Ford’s entrance, Evalin didn’t see the slug lunge at him in time. The creature’s sudden leap caused Ford to stumble backward and fall down the stairs.

“Grunkle Ford!” the twins cried out in unison. Evalin immediately dashed after him.

At the bottom of the stairs, Ford was struggling to pull the slug off his leg. Evalin rushed over, her hand enveloped in an intense burst of flame. She grabbed the creature and held onto it, even as it released Ford.

“I GOT THE SALT!” Mabel shouted, running down the stairs with an entire container of salt.

Evalin quickly plunged her hand into the jar, and as soon as the salt touched the creature, it let out a high-pitched shriek and went silent. Evalin pulled her hand back to reveal her burnt skin, now a painful shade of red, while the slug lay lifeless in her grasp.

“Woah! Your hand!” Mabel gasped.

“It’s fine,” Evalin said, her voice steady despite the burn. “The Age Eater is dead. That’s what’s important.” She turned to Ford, who was slowly sitting up, holding his head. “Stanford, are you okay?”

“I think so… What in the world happened?” Ford asked, looking around in confusion. Evalin and Mabel stood frozen, equally dumbfounded. Ford’s once silvery-gray hair had turned a rich dark brown, his stubble and wrinkles vanished. He was no longer the older man they had known.

“Um, guys?!” Dipper’s voice called from upstairs. Ford, now filled with renewed energy, dashed up the stairs, with Evalin and Mabel close behind.

Stan was sitting on the floor, holding his head. Like Ford, he looked drastically younger, his hair thick and dark, his face smooth with youth.

“Stanley?” Ford reached out instinctively, his mind flooded with memories of their shared past. Without a doubt, this was his brother, the same one from all those years ago. Stan looked up, squinting, before removing his glasses and gasping.

“Poindexter?” Stan said, standing to his feet.

“Woah!” Mabel exclaimed, her eyes wide. “You two look like a couple of studs!”

“What just happened?” Ford asked, his tone still carrying the weight of confusion but with an undercurrent of realization creeping in. He glanced at Stan, taking in the drastic change.

“That was an Age Eater,” Evalin explained, her voice soft, as she nervously shifted her weight while staring at the floor. “It devours your years and turns you younger, faster than you can even notice. People usually end up as babies before anyone can stop it. I was just lucky to get to you both in time.”

Ford’s eyes narrowed slightly, a quick flicker of concern crossing his face before he masked it with a cool, analytical gaze. “So, no chance of fixing it then?” he asked, though it was more a statement than a question.

Evalin shook her head. “Once it’s done, it’s done. There’s no reversing it.”

Ford looked at Stan for a moment, the silence hanging between them as he processed the situation. After a long pause, a wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Well, that’s one way to get some youth back. Guess this is what happens when you get too comfortable being an old man.”

Stan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Can’t say I’m complaining.”

“Hey, it’s not all bad, though!” Mabel chirped, offering a bright smile. “Now you guys get to make up for all that lost time!”

“We just went from old men to not-so-old men!” Stan said, flexing his arms dramatically. “I feel like I can take on the world again!”

“It’s a second chance, Stan!” Ford’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “We can use this opportunity to fix our mistakes. Imagine the difference we can make with all our knowledge, but now with rejuvenated bodies!”

Just then, Soos burst into the room, his eyes wide with shock. “AH! WHO ARE YOU, AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE PINE'S YOUNGER, MORE HANDSOME FACES?!”

“It’s Grunkle Stan and Grunkle Ford,” Dipper assured him, trying to calm him down.

“Yeah, this crazy slug thing tried to eat them into babies, but Evalin saved them! Now they’re young heartthrobs!” Mabel added enthusiastically. Both Ford and Stan turned bright red.

“Geez, Mabel, I wouldn’t go that far,” Ford muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh, come on, Grunkle Ford!” Mabel grinned, nudging him playfully. “You guys look amazing! Don’t you think so too, Evi?”

Evalin’s face turned an intense shade of crimson as her mind scrambled to find the right words. Her heart raced, and her thoughts felt like they were tripping over each other. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, her gaze darting between Ford and Stan, both now looking younger and more... well, handsome than ever. Her tongue felt thick in her mouth as she struggled to form a coherent sentence.

“Uh, you... you both- uh, you look...” she stammered, but the words seemed to get tangled up before she could finish. Her eyes flitted nervously, her hands fidgeting with the brim of her hat. “I mean, like, really... uh... good? You look really... good... in a... younger way. Not that you didn’t look good before, but- uh... well, you do. You just- uh...”

Her mind was spiraling, and nothing she said seemed to make sense. She felt utterly flustered, like she was saying the wrong thing, and it only made her more uncomfortable. Without another word, she snatched the jar containing the dead Age Eater off the table, the motion almost frantic, and hurried toward her room, her footsteps quick and uneven. She didn’t want to stay there any longer, not with the sudden rush of feelings she didn’t know how to handle.

The door to her room closed behind her with a soft thud, and she leaned against it, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

Dipper raised an eyebrow, watching Evalin hurry off into her room. He glanced at Mabel, who seemed oddly fascinated by Evalin’s abrupt departure.

“Did she just... run off?” Dipper asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. He narrowed his eyes. “I don’t know, something about that felt... weird.”

Mabel, her gaze still lingering on the door Evalin had disappeared through, shrugged with a small, knowing smile. “I dunno, Dipper. She was acting kinda... flustered? Like, I’ve never seen her that flustered before. Maybe she just got overwhelmed by the whole slug thing.”

Dipper wasn’t so sure, but he let it slide for the moment. “Uh-huh, sure. Overwhelmed.” His skeptical expression lingered as he glanced toward the door again.

Ford, oblivious to the tension in the air, stretched and rubbed his neck, his new youthful energy practically radiating off him. “Well, at least we’ve got a bit more time to make up for. I’ll have to dig through some of my old journals now that I’m feeling-” He paused, looking over at Stan with a grin. “-this good.”

Stan slapped his brother on the back with a playful smirk. “I don’t know about you, Sixer, but I’m feelin’ invincible right now. What do you say we test these new bodies out with a little race?”

“A race?” Ford raised an eyebrow, looking at Stan skeptically. “You sure you can keep up with me, now that you’re all... youthful again?”

“Oh, you bet I can!” Stan grinned widely, rolling up his sleeves. “I’m gonna smoke you, Poindexter.”

Without missing a beat, Ford grinned back, his competitive spirit coming to life. “We’ll see about that, Stanley.”

The two of them headed for the door with youthful enthusiasm, ready to take on the world with their newfound vitality. Mabel watched them go, still grinning, while Dipper stood behind her, deep in thought. Something was definitely off, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

“Race to the lake and back?” Mabel asked, turning to Dipper with a playful glint in her eye. “Betting on who wins?”

“Only if I can stay out of the way of the tornado those two are about to cause,” Dipper said, shaking his head with a grin. “But sure, I’ll play along.”

Before the kids could follow after the two older men, Soos, who had been standing by the vending machine, piped up from the back.

“Wait, am I, like, older than them now?” Soos asked, his eyes wide with realization.

Mabel shrugged casually. “I guess so?”

Soos looked up at the ceiling, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “This totally changes life now,” he muttered, lost in the possibility of his new role in the universe.

With a shared glance, Mabel and Dipper exchanged amused looks before chasing after Stan and Ford, the sound of their laughter filling the hallway as they prepared for their impromptu race.

Evalin packed her satchel, carefully placing a small jar of Fast Healing Herbs and a mini water bottle inside. She threw a cloak over her shoulders, the fabric falling gracefully over her black sundress, and slipped on her boots. Her gloves, a necessity to cover the burns on her hand, fit snugly as she adjusted them. She pulled her hat low, ready to head out.

But just as she reached the door, she froze.

"Where are you heading off to?" Ford’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

Evalin jumped, her heart racing as she instinctively waved her hand over her satchel to make it invisible. She hadn’t been expecting him to stop her. She flustered, trying to quickly cover her tracks.

“Well, I- um-well, I saw something flying above the cliffs earlier and I thought I’d check it out.” Her words stumbled out in a nervous rush, her chest fluttering. Ever since the incident with the Age Eater that morning, it felt harder to talk to Ford or even Stan. She couldn’t quite shake the way her thoughts would scatter when they were around.

Ford stepped closer, his posture relaxed yet somehow confident, his foot resting on the doorframe as he crossed his arms. The shift in him was subtle but noticeable. Gone was the grumpy, closed-off Ford of the past. He was different now, more sure of himself.

“Would you like some company?” he asked smoothly, his voice carrying that newfound ease.

Evalin’s breath hitched slightly. “I- I mean, if you want,” she stammered as she pulled her hat down to slightly cover her eyes. “I won’t stop you...”

Her words felt like they weren’t her own. It was hard to form coherent thoughts when Ford was standing there, so casual, so... himself in a way she wasn’t used to. Her eyes flickered from one spot to another, avoiding the warmth in his eyes, the way his presence seemed to fill the space between them.

She wanted to say more. To tell him she needed time to think. But with Ford standing there, looking at her with such quiet interest, the words just wouldn’t come.

"Perfect! I'll get ready!" Ford said with a bright grin, his voice filled with a sudden burst of energy. Without wasting a moment, he dashed off and returned almost immediately, a sturdy bag slung over his shoulder and a red journal in hand. He was dressed in his usual red turtleneck and long tan duster jacket, the familiar outfit now taking on a slightly more youthful, confident air. His black pants and hiking boots seemed perfectly suited for an adventure.

He smiled wide, the excitement in his eyes impossible to miss. "Let’s head out!"

Evalin hesitated for a moment, her heart skipping a beat. The sight of him, so effortlessly confident and eager, only made her more aware of how she was still struggling to keep her thoughts together. She forced herself to return a smile, even though her stomach fluttered uncomfortably.

“Right... let’s go,” she managed, her voice a little softer than usual.

Ford gave a playful nod, clearly unfazed by her more subdued reaction. He was already thinking ahead, eyes sparkling with anticipation for whatever they might find out there.

The two made their way through the dense forest, the familiar crunch of leaves and twigs beneath their boots blending with the occasional rustle of animals hidden in the underbrush. The path towards the cliffs was narrow, winding between trees that had grown thick with age, their branches hanging low in places as if trying to reach for the travelers. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, its orange glow painted the landscape in soft hues, turning the forest into a dreamy mix of gold and shadows.

Evalin walked slightly ahead, her pace steady and purposeful, though her mind kept wandering. She kept her focus on the path before her, eyes scanning the terrain, making sure to avoid any sudden distractions. She had one goal in mind: get to the cliffs and figure out what exactly she’d seen earlier. She couldn’t afford to let her thoughts wander too much, especially when Ford was right there.

Ford, on the other hand, seemed almost giddy, taking in the surroundings with a sense of wonder that Evalin hadn’t seen in him before. His excitement was palpable, a quiet buzz in the air as he glanced at the trees and the sky above them. It was clear that exploring the wilderness was something he missed, a side of him that had been dormant for so long.

“So, you said you saw something above the cliffs. What exactly did you see?” Ford asked, breaking the silence with his voice as smooth as ever, but with an undertone of curiosity.

Evalin took a moment before answering, still carefully keeping her eyes on the trail ahead. “A fiery bird making its nest up on the cliff's ledge. I’m pretty sure it’s a phoenix,” she explained, the words rolling off her tongue with an odd mix of excitement and hesitation.

Ford’s eyes widened in an instant, his usual analytical expression replaced by one of genuine excitement. “Really? Here, of all places?” His smile grew, bright and eager, and for a moment, Evalin felt a flicker of warmth in her chest. She hadn’t expected him to react like this, and it made the excitement of the discovery feel a little more real.

She nodded, her expression softening but still guarded. “Yeah, I’m certain of it.”

Ford’s smile slowly faded, and he seemed to shift, his posture relaxing slightly as his concern bubbled to the surface. “I’ve been wanting to ask you... are you OK? You’ve seemed off since this morning.” His voice was gentler now, the change in tone almost imperceptible but unmistakable.

Evalin’s breath hitched, and she felt a pang of guilt. She hadn’t meant to distance herself so obviously, but every time she tried to look at him, the rush of emotions was almost too overwhelming to bear. She swallowed, trying to ignore the fluttering in her chest.

“I’m fine,” she replied quickly, her tone perhaps a little too sharp. She caught herself and softened, though the words still felt like they didn’t entirely match her emotions. “It’s just... it’s been a lot. I guess I’m still processing everything.”

The forest around them grew quieter as they walked, the rustling of leaves replaced by the soft crunch of their footsteps. The fading sunlight cast long shadows across the path, and Evalin kept her gaze ahead, trying to ignore the uncomfortable flutter in her chest whenever she glanced at Ford.

Ford’s earlier question still lingered in her mind, and she wasn’t sure how to respond without feeling like she might unravel. She bit her lip, trying to push down the unease that crept up whenever she thought too much about it. She didn’t want to confront the strange new feeling, especially not now.

“Sorry, it’s just-” Evalin started, her voice quieter, as if the words weighed more than she wanted to admit. “Since I came here through that Portal Potty, I’ve been getting little bits of memory from time to time. That Age Eater reminded me of the time I first saw one eat someone completely. Freaky stuff.” She glanced over at Ford, but her eyes quickly flicked back to the path. “I feel like something bad happened before I got here. Something beyond terrible. I guess I feel so out of place. This phoenix… it feels familiar somehow. I think I need something from it.”

Ford fell quiet as he processed her words, frowning slightly. He was always thinking, she could tell, trying to connect the dots in his mind. The sound of their footsteps was the only noise between them for a moment before he spoke up.

“Memory problems... They could be tied to the interdimensional travel, or maybe even trauma from whatever happened before you arrived here,” he mused thoughtfully. “Listen, you’ve been through more than most people could handle, Evalin. But we’ll figure this out, okay? You don’t have to do it alone.”

Evalin felt the sudden urge to look anywhere but at him, her heart skipping a beat as his words settled in. When he said things like that, so comforting, so... honest, it made her feel vulnerable. She had spent so much of her life keeping everything locked away, but here, with Ford, it was harder to keep her walls up. She could feel herself starting to crack.

She let out a small, flustered sigh and threw her hands up in a dramatic gesture. “Ahhh, why do you have to sound so cheesy when you say stuff like that?”

Ford stopped walking for a moment, his face taken aback by her outburst. Then, after a beat, he let out a quiet chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“I guess it’s a little cheesy,” he admitted with a grin, his shoulders relaxing as he continued walking beside her.

Evalin felt her face heat up. Great. Now she was acting like an awkward mess in front of him. But somehow, his easygoing reaction made her feel a little better. Not much, but a little. She let out a soft breath, trying to focus back on the task at hand.

The edge of the cliff grew steeper as they neared the nest, and the phoenix, with its fiery plumage, seemed to glow even brighter against the darkening sky. Ford pressed himself against the wall of the cliff, carefully maneuvering along the narrow path, and Evalin followed closely behind him, trying to keep her balance. The air felt thick with anticipation, and Evalin focused intently on every step, pushing away the distracting thoughts she had about Ford.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the path. Evalin’s foot slipped, her body lurching toward the edge. She gasped, her hand scrambling for anything, but there was nothing to grab onto. Just as she felt herself losing control, a firm grip wrapped around her wrist.

Ford’s hand closed around her burnt hand, and she winced at the sharp sting.

“Careful! You almost-” Ford’s voice was urgent, breathless. For a moment, neither of them moved. Ford’s grip tightened, and with a swift motion, he pulled her back to safety.

She steadied herself on the narrow ledge, heart racing from the close call. A faint blush crept across her cheeks as she let out a nervous laugh.

“I-I guess I owe you one,” Evalin said sheepishly, still shaken from the near fall.

Ford glanced down at her hand in his, realizing the momentary intimacy of the gesture. His face flushed, and, with a small, embarrassed cough, he released her hand.

“You don’t owe me anything,” Ford said, his voice softer now. He gave her an apologetic look. “Besides, think of it as a thank you for saving me this morning. I’m sorry about your hand.”

Evalin waved it off with a dismissive shrug, masking her discomfort. “Eh, don’t worry about it. I’m pretty durable. It’s gonna take a lot more than a little fire to take me down!” She flexed an exaggerated muscle, trying to lighten the mood, though it only made her feel more awkward. Ford watched her, an amused smile tugging at his lips.

“Noted,” he said, chuckling.

They continued forward, reaching the clearing where the phoenix’s nest rested on a rock ledge. The majestic bird perched, its feathers like flowing embers in the fading light of the day. The warmth from its glow touched Evalin’s face, and she couldn’t help but be in awe of its beauty. The sight stirred something deep within her, an unexplainable pull.

“How beautiful...” Ford murmured, almost to himself, his voice filled with reverence.

Evalin turned to him, thinking he was still talking about the phoenix. But as she did, she caught Ford’s gaze, he was staring at her. His eyes held a certain kind of wonder, and for a moment, Evalin’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t looked at him like this since the Age Eater incident. The change in him, the way he seemed so full of life, left her speechless. It was as though something had shifted between them, something unspoken.

After a few seconds of silence, Ford snapped back to reality. He cleared his throat, his face flushed with the realization of how long he had been staring.

“Th-the phoenix,” he stammered, quickly looking away. “I mean… It’s-uh-it’s amazing, right?”

“Y-yeah,” Evalin replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her chest tightened as she looked back at the phoenix, but her mind was still on Ford. The warmth from the bird's fire felt nothing compared to the heat that rose in her cheeks.

She quickly turned her attention back to the glowing bird, desperately trying to calm the racing of her heart. The sudden shift in their dynamic, so subtle, yet so overwhelming, was something she wasn’t sure how to handle. She wanted to say something, anything, but the words got stuck in her throat.

Ford seemed just as lost in thought as she was, his gaze drifting between the phoenix and Evalin. The air around them felt charged, like there was something more between them now, something both thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

As Ford and Evalin stepped into the clearing, the phoenix in its nest perked up at their arrival. Its fiery plumage flared slightly, casting an ethereal glow across the rocky outcrop. Its amber eyes, sharp and calculating, locked onto the two of them. Evalin could feel the tension in the air as the bird shifted in its nest, wary of their approach. Its gaze was unblinking, its posture defensive, wings twitching slightly as if ready to take flight at the slightest threat.

Evalin’s breath caught in her throat. There was something primal about the phoenix's stare, a mix of curiosity and danger that made her instinctively slow her pace. The fire in its feathers seemed to dance with an almost unnatural brilliance, but its eyes never left them, forever calculating and vigilant.

Ford, sensing the bird’s wariness, slowed his steps. With a measured calm, he reached into his pocket and carefully pulled out something small, keeping his movements slow and deliberate so as not to startle the creature. He held it out in front of him. Evalin’s eyes widened when she saw what he was offering: a Tinder Mouse, a creature she recognized from her travels. The mouse-like animal was small and round, its fur made of super-fine flint that shimmered like embers.

The Tinder Mouse wriggled in Ford’s hand, its fiery coat giving off a faint glow of its own, and it seemed to notice the phoenix’s intense gaze. The phoenix tilted its head slightly, intrigued but still cautious, watching the mouse as if it could sense the connection between the two.

Ford carefully crouched down, extending his arm toward the phoenix, holding the Tinder Mouse in front of him like a peace offering. He spoke softly, his voice calm and steady. “It’s all right. We mean you no harm. Just thought you might like a little company.”

Evalin stood a few paces behind, holding her breath, watching the interaction carefully while confused on when Ford picked up the mouse. Her heart raced a little as she observed the delicate balance Ford was trying to strike with the powerful creature.

The phoenix hesitated for a moment longer, then, with an almost imperceptible nod of its head, it slowly inched closer. Its fiery eyes never left Ford’s, yet there was a subtle shift in its posture. It seemed less tense, less ready to flee.

As the phoenix moved closer, Ford gently placed the Tinder Mouse on the ground in front of it. The creature hesitated for a moment before it lowered its head, inspecting the mouse curiously. Then, without warning, it snapped its beak down, devouring the creature in one swift motion.

Evalin let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. The phoenix, now satisfied, ruffled its feathers and stood tall, its dangerous eyes still fixed on them, but it no longer seemed as hostile. Instead, it regarded them with a wary curiosity, as if it were deciding whether they were friends or just another passing threat.

“Well,” Ford said, standing up slowly, “I guess that worked.”

As the phoenix finished the Tinder Mouse, its attention slowly drifted back to its nest. It stood tall and regal, its fiery feathers glowing softly in the dying light of the day. The moment felt right. Its gaze had softened, and the air between them felt a little less tense.

“Now's our chance to carefully pluck a few feathers while it's distracted,” Evalin whispered to Ford, her voice low and cautious.

Ford nodded, his eyes still trained on the phoenix. “Let’s be quick. We don’t want to push our luck.”

Evalin crouched beside him, her movements fluid and quiet. They both reached out toward the bird, carefully picking their way through the rocks to avoid disturbing it. The phoenix's feathers, now that it had eaten and seemed calmer, radiated a warm glow, almost like the embers of a dying fire. The heat from them felt comforting against Evalin’s skin as she gently ran her fingers over the soft, yet firm strands. The feathers shimmered in the fading light as she plucked a few, taking care not to harm the bird.

Each feather glowed brighter in their hands for a moment, then began to dim as they were separated from the phoenix’s body. It felt like a piece of living fire had been transferred to their palms, each feather carrying with it a small trace of the bird’s fiery essence.

“Alright, this should be more than enough,” Ford murmured as he placed the last feather in his bag. “Let’s get out of here before it changes its mind.”

Evalin gave a nod of agreement, carefully folding her fingers around the gathered feathers. She and Ford stood up, making sure to give the phoenix space as they backed away slowly.

They both bowed toward the bird in a quiet gesture of respect. The phoenix watched them for a moment, its amber eyes gleaming in the last rays of sunlight. To Evalin’s surprise, it bowed its head in return, an acknowledgment of their presence and their peaceful intent.

With the feathers safely tucked away, they turned and made their way back down the narrow path, stepping carefully and quietly as they retraced their steps through the dense forest. The wind had calmed, and the air felt less heavy now, as if the encounter with the phoenix had shifted something between them.

The stars twinkled above, casting a soft glow on the darkened path as Ford and Evalin made their way down from the cliffs. The phoenix feathers they had gathered glowed faintly in the dimming light, guiding their way through the forest. The night air was cool, and the only sounds were the crunch of leaves underfoot and the rustle of branches in the wind.

As they walked side by side, Evalin replayed the events of the day in her mind, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Her thoughts kept circling back to Ford, his words, his actions, the way he had been there for her. It was all so different from what she was used to.

“You know," Evalin began quietly, breaking the silence, "I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone look out for me the way you did today."

Ford glanced over at her, his expression softening. "Well, you’ve done a lot for us... for the Pines family. It’s the least I can do."

Evalin looked away, a small, almost shy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You don’t need to say that. I've noticed you’re not one for sentimentality."

Ford chuckled softly, the sound warm in the cool night air. “Maybe not. I’m not usually the type to express... feelings. But sometimes, it’s worth saying what’s on your mind, don’t you think?”

Evalin’s chest tightened slightly at his words. Her heart skipped a beat as she glanced at him, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. There was a warmth there, something deeper than she was used to seeing from him, a glimmer that caught her off guard.

"Yeah..." she murmured, her voice quieter than usual. "I suppose you're right."

For a moment, they continued walking in silence, the weight of the unspoken words hanging between them like a fragile thread. Evalin’s heart was racing, and she wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was the way Ford’s presence seemed to fill the space around them, or the way his words had settled in her chest.

After a few more steps, Ford cleared his throat, perhaps sensing the shift in the air. “These feathers... they’ll help us. But we’ve got to be careful with them. With all the weirdness in Gravity Falls, I think it’d be best if we keep a low profile for a while.”

He chuckled lightly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Evalin nodded, thankful for the change in topic.

“Yeah, probably a good idea,” she agreed, though her voice was still soft. She wasn’t sure whether it was the danger of their situation or something else that had her feeling so unsettled, but the tension between them was thick enough to cut.

As they reached the edge of the forest, the first hints of the shack coming into view, Evalin couldn’t help but glance at Ford once more. He seemed so... different tonight. And she, for reasons she couldn’t quite explain, felt a strange pull toward him. It was a quiet, unspoken thing, something more than gratitude, but too complicated to define.

Ford caught her gaze for a brief moment, then looked away, as if embarrassed by the quiet that had settled between them. “Let’s get back before it gets any darker.”

“Right,” Evalin said softly, and though she didn’t fully understand what was happening, she knew one thing for sure: something was shifting between them.

As Ford and Evalin neared the shack, they both stopped short, blinking in confusion at the strange sight before them. The trees were adorned with paper snowflakes, delicate, geometric cutouts that looked like they’d been hastily taped to the branches, creating an oddly festive yet chaotic atmosphere. And, standing in the middle of it all, was Stan, wearing a full animal costume that looked like something out of a bad theme park, and trapped inside a cage, banging his fists against the bars.

"Soos! Come on!" Stan called, exasperated, from inside the cage. "I’m starting to sweat in this thing!"

"Soos is working on it, Grunkle Stan," came Dipper's voice as he stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with a look of mild disbelief. "I don’t think he’s having much luck."

"You're back!" Mabel chirped, bouncing up to greet Evalin and Ford with a bright grin. "You totally missed the whole show!"

Ford glanced at Mabel, then at the snowflakes, and finally at the spectacle of Stan, and raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

Dipper sighed dramatically. "Grunkle Stan tried to create this extravagant event called the Mystical Yeti Hunt. Of course, it was a complete disaster."

Mabel chimed in enthusiastically, ignoring the chaos. “I got to make the decorations!” she said proudly, gesturing to the paper snowflakes, which seemed hastily cut and uneven, some even hanging upside down.

Stan, still in his costume, gave a groan of frustration. "Yeah, I thought I could dress up as some Yeti and fake a sighting to scare the tourists. Quick cash grab, you know? Make ‘em think they saw something supernatural, get ‘em all riled up, then cash in. Simple."

Ford stared at the scene, blinking as he processed it all. "And...?"

"And it backfired," Dipper finished, shaking his head. "Grunkle Stan’s head fell off the costume, and Soos’s Yeti trap went off too early."

"Yeah," Mabel added nonchalantly, “I’m pretty sure it was the trap that caught Grunkle Stan, not a Yeti.”

From inside the cage, Stan shot a glare. "The head wasn’t supposed to fall off! And the trap was supposed to get the tourists, not me! I’m just saying, I’m not the one who messed up."

"Don't worry, Mr. Pines," Soos said from a few feet away, his voice muffled as he fiddled with the lock on the cage using a screwdriver. "I’ll get you out of here in a jiffy!"

Ford chuckled, crossing his arms as he watched Soos’s failed attempts. “Take your time, Soos,” he said, voice dripping with dry humor. “That crazy animal could use a night in a cage.”

Everyone laughed, even Stan, who let out a gruff chuckle, though he still seemed a little embarrassed by the whole ordeal.

"Alright, alright, very funny," Stan grumbled, sinking into the corner of the cage, crossing his arms. "Now let me out of here!"

Soos grunted as he turned the screwdriver with a loud squeak, clearly not having much luck. "One of these days, this thing's gonna work, I swear."

Evalin, standing off to the side, couldn’t help but snicker at the absurdity of it all. “This is... chaotic.”

"You have no idea," Dipper muttered, a bemused expression on his face as he glanced at the cage. “It’s usually like this around here.”

Ford gave Stan a look, his lips curling into a small, almost affectionate smile. “Stan, maybe this time you should stick to something a little less... theatrical.”

“Hey, you know me, Sixer,” Stan said with a wink, though his eyes betrayed a hint of pride. “Theatrics are my thing!”

“Yeah, well, maybe next time you should try a less... messy version of ‘theatrics,’” Ford shot back, his tone light.

Stan raised an eyebrow and grinned. "You don't think this is impressive?" He gestured to himself in the animal costume. "I’m a freakin’ Yeti! I’m practically a living legend!"

Soos sighed and gave one last twist with the screwdriver. With a loud click, the cage door swung open.

“Freedom!” Stan shouted dramatically, stumbling out of the cage. "Finally!"

Ford couldn’t help but chuckle again, shaking his head. “You know, for someone who likes to pretend to be a mythical creature, you sure spend a lot of time locked up in cages.”

Stan gave Ford a look of mock offense. “What can I say? Being a Yeti is tough work!”

As the group laughed together, Evalin stood back a little, her eyes flicking between the eccentric group of people. She had a feeling that things in Gravity Falls would always be this chaotic which made her feel at ease.

The lab was dimly lit, the hum of various machines softly vibrating through the air. The glow of several pieces of equipment bathed the room in an almost ethereal light as Ford bent over his desk, scribbling notes furiously in a worn journal. His focus was so intense that he barely noticed the figure standing in the doorway until a quiet voice broke the silence.

“Knock knock,” Evalin's soft voice echoed through the room, causing Ford to jump slightly. He adjusted his glasses, his eyes widening as he looked up to see her standing there.

"Evalin?" Ford asked, startled. “What brings you here so late?”

Evalin stepped into the room, her movements graceful, as if she were trying not to disturb the peaceful rhythm of the lab. She walked over to his desk and pulled out a few incense sticks, their dark, intricate carvings catching the light.

“Well,” she began, her voice gentle but purposeful, “I wanted to thank you for coming with me today. It meant a lot. I thought maybe... this might help us both unwind for a bit.” She paused, her gaze briefly flicking to the incense sticks. “It’s a meditation technique, but a little more... magical.”

“Magical meditation?” Ford raised an intrigued eyebrow, clearly curious now. “Sounds interesting. What kind of magic are we talking about?”

Evalin gave him a soft smile, her eyes gleaming with mystery. “The kind that lets you see the world a little differently. Trust me?” she asked, extending her hand toward him.

Ford hesitated for just a moment, a slight smile playing on his lips as he took her hand. “Alright. I trust you.”

She led him to a clear spot on the floor, where she placed a few pillows in front of them, arranging them carefully. Evalin settled onto one, while Ford sat across from her, mirroring her position. She lit the incense with a flick of her fingers, the flame dancing briefly before it was extinguished. The incense began to emit a silvery smoke that curled upward, carrying with it a deep earthy scent mixed with something floral and sweet.

“Breathe it in,” Evalin said softly, her voice low and soothing. “It won’t hurt, I promise.”

Ford inhaled, the scent enveloping him, and he felt a surprising weight lift from his shoulders. His tense muscles slowly relaxed, and the world around him seemed to soften. As the smoke thickened around them, their breathing deepened, and the air itself seemed to shimmer.

“Now, close your eyes,” Evalin instructed, her voice like a quiet whisper in the darkness. “Focus on the feeling of the air around you. Let the incense guide your mind.”

As Ford followed her guidance, his thoughts started to drift. The room seemed to blur, the hum of the machines blending into an oddly melodic rhythm, aligning with the pace of their breath. It felt as though the space was expanding, becoming more than just a lab. The very air felt alive.

Then, suddenly, Ford felt a rush, a sensation of his mind stretching, reaching out beyond the confines of his body. His eyes snapped open, and he gasped in awe. The lab looked different, as if it had been transformed into something far more vibrant. The walls shimmered with energy, glowing with an ethereal light. Everything seemed alive, as though the room itself was breathing. But the most striking thing was Evalin. Her presence was almost radiant, her aura glowing in hues Ford couldn’t quite place, colors he'd never seen before.

Evalin opened her eyes too, and their gazes met. The magic in the air swirled around them, their connection deepening with each passing second. Ford felt a flutter in his chest that he couldn’t quite explain.

“This... this is incredible,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “Is this what you experience when you use the magic you told me about?”

Evalin nodded gently, her smile soft but knowing. “Sometimes,” she replied quietly. “It’s a way of seeing beyond what we normally can. The boundaries of the world blur, and everything feels connected. It’s... it’s hard to explain.”

Ford’s mind, usually so logical and controlled, struggled to keep up with the beauty and the rawness of the moment. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. Her face, so serene and full of life, seemed to radiate something he couldn’t quite understand. Something more than just magic. It was as if she were a part of the world itself, woven into the fabric of it.

He spoke again, his voice filled with awe. “I never imagined magic was like this. So personal. So... powerful.”

Evalin’s eyes softened, her expression warm. “It’s always been there, Stanford. You just needed to open your mind a little.”

They sat in the silence that followed, lost in the connection that the magic had brought between them. The world around them felt like a dream, and for the first time in a long while, Ford didn’t feel the need to question everything. He just let himself exist in the moment, allowing it to wash over him. Evalin, too, was calm, her usual hesitance faded as she sat with him, her presence grounding him in a way he didn’t quite understand.

Finally, the magic began to fade, the air returning to its normal, grounded state. Evalin slowly broke the silence, her voice soft but sincere.

“I’m glad you trusted me enough to do this with me,” she said, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Ford, his chest still tight with the intensity of the experience, nodded slowly. He paused, a small, sincere smile playing on his face. “Thank you for trusting me to share this with me.”

Evalin stood, gently brushing the cushions as she began to tidy up. “Alright, alright, you. I think that’s enough for tonight,” she said with a playful tone. “I’m heading off to bed. You should think about doing the same.”

Ford chuckled, a tired but content sound. “I might. Thank you for tonight,” he said softly, standing up as well. “Good night, Evalin.”

“Good night, Stanford,” Evalin replied, her voice quieter now, but filled with warmth.

As she left the room, Ford remained standing there for a moment, his mind still reeling from the experience. The room was dim again, the machines humming softly, but for a moment, it felt like the world had shifted.

<< Chapter 1 // < Chapter 3 // Chapter 5 >

[sparkmender]

“Let my voice be clear as I speak: hello, my friends. I have no grand speech to share or news to announce, but rather two requests, if you have mind to hear me out. By all means, continue your celebration— victory was hard won and well deserved!— I only beg your attention for but a moment.”

He has to clamber up onto a table and borrow an amplifier from Soundwave to be heard, but Rung doesn’t mind. The mood is too jubilant, sparks afloat with triumph and joy.

“My first request is that all medical personnel in good repair come to the south garage of the Basilica after morn ration distribution. This means all medical personnel— neutral contractors and Autobots included. If you are an Autobot with medical training, don’t worry. I will find you. As for my second request…”

In his free servo, a holoemitter. Rung taps it online and the image flickers for a moment before a bust portrait of a blue and white mech with yellow optics comes into focus.

“This mech! This thief is how I came to be in the ever tender care of the Functionist Council. His name is Froid, and his altmode is an aquatic craft known as an ‘airboat’. If you’ve heard of or seen him about, the Intel corps would be glad to know.”

He thumbs at the emitter, changing the picture to another angle of Froid— this one a leering image capture from Rung’s own memories, the lanky mech looming over him like a bird of prey.

“I will reward you more handsomely for his head.”

[callmearcturus]

Arc Plays Games: Nora to Toki no Koubou: Kiri no Mori no Majo (NDS)

(apparently in English that's something like "Nora the Time Witch")

I'm gonna try something and try to keep track of all the games I play this year. First up is this extremely cute little that honestly got me through being sick as hell over the holiday. It is kind of perfect as a game for your brain at 40%.

Nora is a DS game that has better "Cozy" feel than most games under the cozy game genre. Basically, Nora (the character) is a chronomancer, so she can do time magic. She's a rookie so she's supposed to be learning how to get good at chronomancy. She's sent to a lil cottage in the woods to bone up on her skills.

The house and garden are extremely precious. You can redecorate the cottage, move furniture and crafting items around, change the walls and floor. The garden has friends and you can lure in cute creatures.

The main loop of the game is in three parts. First is making items to fulfill requests for townsfolk and friends. You'll be asked to make a certain item, and have to figure out the best way to do so with time magic, dismantling raw materials, and processing materials into new stuff. You start off with just a work table and the time magic thingie, then get more and more crafting options like sewing tables and smokers and stuff.

Then you turn in those items and get other items in return and make people happy!

There's also foraging, bc obviously you need materials to make stuff.

There's a whole map with multiple places to go and each of those locations has different materials to gather.

When you arrive at a location, there are interactable things that will give you different materials. Some are sparkly and also give you random effects, like increased rarity, more items, or monsters.

You might want to grab the sparklies first to try and booth the number of materials you get, but on the other hand you might find a monster instead.

Battles are the third pillar. There are a SHOCKING amount of party members, and you can pick and choose teams depending on what you want.

Want to make sure you survive really tough monsters? Go with the errant knight lady and the big friendly city watch guy. Want to get more materials? Go with the soft-spoken clinic worker who can spot more herbs of the 12 year old shop girl who fucking LOVES rocks and can find you more rocks. But the clinic girl isn't great in a fight, so you gotta be careful.

Party members include: a weird mercenary dude who just wants to be the cool knight lady, the buff city watch man who has tea parties and tries to kill monsters with stale bread, the clinic lady who secretly can deadlift a tree, aforementioned 12 year old who thinks rocks are just soooooo cool, the hot knight lady who i think has the hots for Nora but i'm not sure, a Capitalist, a thief who kinda sucks, and a mascot character.

I weirdly ADORE the economy/shop system in this game.

Sometimes when you are selling off old equipment or excess materials, the shopowner will counteroffer your request for money with rare items instead.

YOU CAN DO THIS TOO. Most of the stock in the shops can be bought outright OR you can choose "Buy with items" and offer up stuff in exchange for the item you want.

Shops have normal stock but also special stock you can only get by trading the right materials. The armory guy has swords and stuff BUT if you want the good shit, bring him a dragon scale instead.

I bounce off a lot of these kind of soft, cute games because they don't feel like they have depth but this game sooooo does. I would say the only downside is when you struggle to make a certain items or find a certain material, you... sometimes just gotta figure it out, because this game was an oddball Japanese-only Atlus title and the fan translation isn't super well-known, there isn't a robust wiki to refer you. Just figure it out!

Anyway, solid fucking 4 out of 5 on this game. If you can emulate DS games, you can locate this one pretty easily if you know where to look. (And if you don't know where to look, send me an ask off-anon and I will direct you a bit.)

gd i maybe need to try an atelier game...........

[devskindawritingblog]

TaiVan movie date pleeeeease

Taivan movie date

Click to help Palestine 🇵🇸 🍉

AN: okay back with another fic. I’ll try to post fics more often but as June is approaching I’m getting busier 😅. But I’ll try my best to finish all the requests at some point. Taivan again I love writing for them so much. I used they/them pronouns for Van because I felt like it. I usually use them if that’s not something you want maybe mention it to me. Also! If anyone wants to be in a tag list comment on the fic letting me know or dm me. I’ll make an official post so it reaches more people.

word count rounded: 1.7k

Taissa and Van stand in front of the stove, a packet of popcorn slowly expanding as the loud popping sound fills the kitchen. It was their weekly date night, and Van got to choose this week, and of course they chose a movie night, not to anyone's surprise. No movie night would be complete without some snacks, so they both walked to the corner store and got some candy. 

“Sooooo, what do you want to watch?” Taissa asks as she takes the popcorn off the stove, opens it up, and pours it into a bowl. Van leans over Tai’s shoulder and grabs a handful of popcorn, then shoves it in their mouth. 

“Hey!” Tai exclaims with a giggle. “Save some for the movie, silly.” She swats at Van's hand as they go to reach for another handful. Van pulls back, pouting dramatically, and Taissa smiles and pulls them into a kiss. “Come on, you thief, let's go watch the movie.” Taissa says, dragging Van over to the couch. She places the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table and grabs a throw blanket, wrapping it around both of them. Tai wraps her arm around Van’s shoulder, pulling them close. Van reaches forward, grabbing the bowl.

Taissa grabs a packet of M&M’s and opens them up. Van looks over at Taissa, confused, as Tai reaches for the popcorn. “What are you doing?”

“Putting chocolate in the popcorn? You don't do that?” Taissa asks, turning towards them. Van scoffs almost offended that Tai would even suggest a food crime of such. “Okay, fine, no m&m’s in the popcorn.”. Tai sighs, pouring a handful and plopping them into her mouth. Van places the popcorn bowl in between the two of them, chocolate-free. 

Van gets up off the couch and goes over to her shelf of VHS tapes. Van won’t admit it, but they are a bit of a movie freak, having gathered a big collection of movies that they are very proud of. They pull out a new tape from their collection, The Craft. Van went to their favourite spot, the local video shop. They had ridden their bike over to the shop yesterday to find a new movie for a change. The image on the front of the tape initially pulled them in, and the shop owner played it up: “If you like witches." They turn around and walk back over to Taissa, showing her their pick for the night. “Ta Da!” 

“The Craft?” Taissa asks questioningly. "Yeah, I don’t know. It seems fun, right? Why not give it a try? Neve Campbell is in it. You know? from Scream."     Van asks, sitting down next to Tai. “Right, right. She's good; what's it about?” Tai says, nodding, and she knows Van is going to over explain it even though they haven't watched it. 

“Okay! So the worker explained it to me. It's like these four high school girls, and one of them is new, and you know the whole new girl, new school thing. She has a crush on some football dude. And she becomes friends with these three outcast girls, and they are like witches or something like that. She didn’t want to spoil it too much for me.” Van says it breathlessly as they finish their summary way too fast. Tai smiles and laughs a bit. “Is that all?” Taissa teases, smirking, as Van rolls their eyes. “You asked what it was about. I gave you what you wanted.” Van shoots back. “What more do you want, babe? It's about witches, ooooooh!!!” Van exclaims, wiggling their fingers and mimicking the sound of a very shitty ghost, and laughs as Taissa rolls her eyes playfully.

“You're such a nerd.” Taissa says as she playfully nudges Van. They scoff playfully and scoot into Tai’s lap. “Yeah, but you like that about me.” They say this as they lean forward and capture Tai’s lips with theirs, kissing her deeply. Taissa hums into the kiss, pulling Van further into her lap so they are straddling her waist. Taissa's hands find their way to Van’s hips as they deepen the kiss, their hand placed at the base of Tai’s neck. They make out on the couch as Taissa changes it up, pushing Van over so she is laying on top of them. They both pull away and smile. 

“We can kiss more later; let's start watching!!” Van exclaims, jumping off the couch and setting up the movie in the player. The movie starts, and they snuggle back into their position next to Taissa. She opens her arms, and Van cuddles next to her. They tangle their legs together, and Van rests their heads on Tai’s shoulder. Van reaches for Taissa’s hand, and they interlock their fingers. The movie begins, and they settle into a comfortable silence.

“Damm, that’s a lot of candles. Does she really need that much for witchcraft?” Van asks, pointing to the TV and furrowing their brow. “I don’t know, babe. I'm not a witch now, am I?” Taissa responds, looking back at Van. “Hmmm, you could be. You’re enchanting and beautiful, and I'm sure you’ve put a spell on me, baby.” Van responds back with a grin. Taissa rolls her eyes, but Van can tell that she finds it funny. “You're unbelievable.” Taissa responds gently, pushing Van's cheek, trying not to smile as Van gasps dramatically. It ends up not working. “What’s going on? I feel the urge to come over here and kiss you. Oh no!! I'm under your spell.” Van jokes, unable to hold back their giggles as they crawl back over to Tai. She doesn’t try to hide the smile as she lets Van pull them into a kiss again. 

They move away from Tai’s lips and down to her neck. Taissa sighs as they put their hands on Van's hips and feel their lips travel down to her collarbone. Van pulls away, smiles, and gives her a kiss on the nose before cuddling back into her side. “You’re such a dork, you know that?” She smiles while playing with Van's hair. "Course, I do, but I didn't see you trying to get away from all of that.” Van smirks, raising their eyebrows, before cuddling back into Tai and continuing watching the movie. 

“Doesn’t that dude remind you of Randy?” Van asks, pointing to the screen. “Who? Don't  know French dude? Yeah, kinda; I see it. Real dumb and hangs out with a guy who isn't much smarter.” Taissa jokes and giggles along with Van as they break down laughing. “Oh my gosh, Tai!!!” They giggle. “What!? You were thinking about it too.” Taissa shoots back, laughing, before turning her attention to Van. They sigh and laugh. "Yeah, I just don’t say it out loud.”. Tai rolls her eyes playfully, but she goes back to watching the movie. 

Taissa reaches over to grab the m&m’s and finish them off. Van  holds their hand out. Taissa glances over and pours out a little handful . They grab one of the chocolates and toss it up, tilting their heads back, hoping to catch it. Instead, it misses them and hits them on the forehead. They laugh and blush as they scramble to grab it before it slips into the crack of the couch. “Real smooth, babe." Taissa teases, giggling, as Van eats the m&m normally. “Shut up”. They say the blush deepens a little as Taissa leans over to kiss them on the cheek.

But Van is quite stubborn, and after a few minutes, they go back to trying to catch it. They try quite a few times, and finally they actually do. Their eyes light up, and they laugh. ”Fuck yeah!" Did you see that, babe?”. Van yells, laughing, as they try again, but their luck runs out and it lands on the carpet. Taissa shakes her head, smiling at her girlfriend's excitement and then annoyance. “Let me try." Taissa says she is reaching out to take one. She tosses it up, brings her head back, and catches it on the first try.

“No fucking way!” Van yells, their face a mix of shock and playful anger. Taissa looks back down at Van, smirking. Taissa laughs, unable to hold back as Van’s shocked look still hasn't left their face. “You really are a witch." Van says as they also break down into giggles. Van flops over into Tai’s lap as they both slowly die down, laughing. They both sigh, and Van settles their heads into Taissa’s lap. Tai reaches down, running her fingers through Van’s long hair. She softly scratches their scalp as the movie comes to an end.

Taissa stops when she realises she hasn't heard Van make a joke or a nerdy little comment in over 10 minutes. She leans over and finds Van’s eyes shut, their body relaxed as they softly snore. Taissa smiles and traces her finger along their freckles. Taissa leans down again to give them a kiss on their nose and again on their shoulder. Van blinks and shifts slightly, waking back up from their little nap. They slowly stir awake, shifting a little as Tai gives them another kiss on the cheek as she feels Van’s smile widen.

“Sorry”. They mumble sleepily. Taissa smiles while playing with Van’s hair again. “Don't worry, baby; cuddling with you was better than the movie anyway." We could always watch it again for another movie  night." Tai says softly as she goes back to running her fingers through Van’s hair, loosely braiding it, and then running her fingers back through it to take it out. Van smiles up at Tai, and she can see the blush spreading across their face as they sit up to kiss Tai on the lips. They shift around, so Taissa is laying on the couch with Van cuddled into her chest, trying to fight the sleep.

“You sleepy?” Taissa asks, giving Van a soft kiss on their forehead. Van shakes their head but they can barely open their eyes. Tai smiles and pulls Van closer, rubbing their back and giving them another kiss. “Just go to sleep, baby, sweet dreams." She whispers as Van’s eyes slowly flutter shut and they relax their head on her chest. Taissa gives Van one final goodnight kiss and falls asleep shortly after. The perfect end to a date night