#this is about. gestures at our body. that thing. and its arms and its legs and

[euclydya]

ok. no i get it. ok

[awakenedevildays]

「bathtubs and requests」 Art Donaldson x F!reader

you can read the other parts here!

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"you should move in with me" Art's voice echoes off the bathroom walls of his apartment, it's all so relaxing: the heat of the water around your bodies, his chest pressed against your back and his arms wrapped around you are so comfortable that it takes a while for you to realize what he just said.

"what?"

"you heard me" he murmurs against your neck "come live with me" an incredulous laugh leaves your mouth and you try to turn completely towards him, but his arms clench tighter around you and prevent you from moving enough to do so.

"may I ask why you are asking this now?" you move slightly to the side to see his face emerging from the hollow of your neck.

"I feel like we're ready to do it" his eyes avoid yours and focus instead on his fingers as they start caressing your shoulder "and it's also the next logical step in our relationship."

"You think so?" this time, despite Art's protests, you turn towards him: your breasts press against the boy's chest and his eyes fall down quickly before being brought back to yours by the hand under his chin. The tease is evident on your face and Art feels his ears warm up quickly to the realization of being caught in the act.

"I know so" and kisses the smile off your lips to distract you.

"My answer is not a no, but how do we know that our relationship is ready for this?" you ask him and, without realizing it, the agitation inside you rises: how did you know if you were ready for this step? and if you break up because you went too fast?

The tennis player frowns "what do you mean?" and the sight in front of you distracts you for a second: Art sits back against the back of the tub to stand more upright and listen to you better, his arms, after moving his curly damp hair out of his face, leans on the edges of the tub, his wet and smooth chest shines and his legs are open and bent to the sides to give you more space between them. If you weren't so determined to finish the topic you are having you'd kiss him to death, but you're a woman on a mission and you can't get distracted.

"I mean, some of my behaviors might irritate you or we might fight about serious things and then we wouldn't be able to run away from our problems by going back to our apartment, we'd have to deal with these situations and be mature about what bothers us and-"

"love, you're getting worked up over nothing" he says and his expression relaxes into a smile: now that he understood that your reasons are motivated only by insecurity and not by the fact that you don't want to take the next step with him, he feels it will be easier to convince you otherwise.

"You see? this is exactly what I'm talking about! if we move in together we can't belittle each other's feelings and concerns like this. It wouldn't be healthy and-"

"love," he interrupts you again, and your hands that were gesturing in the air fall on his chest, your eyes avoid his.

Out of your mouth comes a small "…yes?" that makes the man in front of you chuckle.

"we're ready" his calm tone makes its way into your chest "we're 24 years old and we've been together since we were 19, we both have a steady job and we already know everything about each other, there's nothing you can tell me that will change my mind".

"what if we fight?"

"I can't promise you we won't fight, we fight even now that we don't live together, but it seems to me that we are pretty good at making up, if we fight we will solve it as always" it's true, you never went beyond a day without talking to each other, even if you were angry.

"what if we break up?"

"It won't happen," he answers immediately, his fingers move the locks of hair behind your ears and then rest his hands on your face, his thumbs gently caressing your cheeks.

His head lowers to chain your eyes together and you look up to facilitate his task "I won't let it happen", the security in his eyes makes you exhale a breath you didn't know you were holding.

Your eyes move around to look at the bathroom, "but I wouldn't be able to pay half the rent of this apartment"

"I don't care about that".

"but-"

"If you really want to pay something, we can split the bills," he answers hastily, at the moment Art doesn't care about how to split the expenses, he would pay everything if it meant he could spend the rest of his life next to you… he just needs your 'yes'.

Your face gets close to his, your lips a few inches away.

"okay" his eyes still fixed in yours

"'ok' what?" his smile gets brighter, he wants to hear you say it.

"I'll move in with you" you smile too.

"that's what I like to ear" he kisses you again.

Now he only has to ask you to marry him… but that will have to wait a little longer.

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Hope you guys will like it as much as I liked writing it! 🩷

(in this fic he still has long hair cause I said so)

[jamjaemin]

WET THE BED - J.JAEHYUN

↳ yeah girl, you heard what i said im gonna make you wet the bed

pairing: dom!jaehyun x (FEM) Reader

genre: smut, little plot, still smut.

content includes: squirting, fingerfucking, overstimulation, mutual masturbation, creampie, daddy kink and pet names.

WC: 3k.

A/N: It's our valentine boy's bday ofc I need to make a fic to celebrate this, happy birthday to daddy jaehyun wish him the best luck in his life, plus thanks for 600 subs omg i cant fr, anyways besties enjoy.

“You want to watch… Porn together?”

“You say that as if we didn't do this before.”

“Well, true but,” You cleared your throat, arms crossed as you shifted your weight to your other foot, your eyes glancing at the laptop on the bed then at him with faint red tinting your cheeks, “Is there a reason why?”

Jaehyun released his breath through his nose, hand resting on his thigh and the other leaning behind him on the mattress, his eyes showing a hint of fatigue within its pool of lust.

God knows how long he’s been waiting for you in bed, all clothed up with an obvious tent in his pants and an open laptop near the bottom of the mattress.

“I got called in,” He revealed and your eyes widened a bit, “I’m being sent off to Incheon.”

“When?” You asked with a subtle frown.

It didn’t take seconds for him to answer.

“Tomorrow. In the morning.” Jae gestured to the laptop with a faint grin, “Anyway, thought I’d try something with you – maybe even take it with me when I miss you too much.”

Heat rushed up to your face at this and you bit your lip slightly, bringing up your shoulders to your ears for a moment. Jaehyun was never shy when it came to teaching you a few things – in fact, he always approached you with a new idea.

Sometimes, you'd be nervous during your intimate times, wondering if you were doing something wrong or right – and jaehyun always calmed you down and got you to cloud nine before reaching his own clouds.

To him, your pleasure always comes first.

And to you, hearing his moans and heavy breathing next to your ear as he’d mutter praise after praise – he slowly built your confidence towards your sexuality.

With that being said;

“Alright, yeah,” You nodded, his eyes lighting up at your agreement, and you went around the bed to peep at the laptop’s screen, “What is it that you want to try?”

Jaehyun’s smile widened and he patted the spot next to him, “C’mon, I’ll show you.”

Running your hand through your hair to push your bangs away, you sat down next to him, crisscrossed. He reached over to his laptop; of course, Porn*ub wasn’t even in incognito mode. 

Your heart was already rattling in your chest but you kept yourr composure and watched as a couple was seated next to each other. The camera view was from above, giving a full view of the girl’s naked body and the man was straddling her leg, possibly keeping her from even attempting to close up her legs.

As you’d expect, both were completely naked – but the man only had a plaid shirt on. The couple had their faces cut out and when they’d be in the camera’s view, they’d be blurred.

The man had his hands caressing his girl’s body, all the way up to her bosoms then down her curves, enticing her. The girl, to give the same treatment, had her hand around his hard cock, slowly pumping it.

“Jae,” You looked over at jaehyun, seeing him only gesturing with his hand to keep your eyes on the screen and you rolled your eyes at his childish antic but did as told.

Soon enough, the man in the video trailed his hand down to the girl’s cunt, purposefully stroking her clit in circles and receiving moans in return. Her hand sped up just a little around his cock, hearing him also sigh heavily.

Was this all there is?

Foreplay orgasm?

You wanted to check the name of the video but could only see it was about six minutes long. That doesn’t seem like enough for the whole thing. Maybe a toy was involved?

It was a simple mutual masturbation porno.

Looking at Jae from the corner of your eyes, you couldn’t see his intense gaze, being shielded by his curtain fringes – but his lips were parted slightly, and sometimes, you’d catch the faintest sight of his tongue darting to lick his bottom lip.

You weren’t going to lie – a subtle uncomfortable feeling was beginning to form within your lower abdomen.

Louder and louder the girl got when the man finger-fucked her deep and quickly. She purposefully jerked him off, both moaning helplessly. The girl’s sounds got higher and you swallowed thickly; whatever plan Jaehyun had in mind, it was already working.

“baby, is it just this–”

You were cut off when the girl practically shrieked, back arching up when she started gushing.

The clear substance splashed everywhere; on her thighs, and stomach, and even drenched the sheets beneath her. Her moans and whines weren’t stopping, only intensifying when her man pushed on and she came again in no time.

Her hand kept up the relentless pace on his cock, making him groan as his cum spurted out onto her stomach and she whined weakly, having her poor cunt stroked to bring her down from her high. Only heavy breathing filled the quiet atmosphere of their porno.

And so, the video ended.

Your eyes were wide, jaw slacked at what you just saw. Sure, you knew about how a woman can squirt when stimulated right – but you never did it before. It seemed intense and you weren’t the type to be that loud – but apparently, Jaehyun wanted to put that to the test.

He looked over at you, voice visibly lower than usual, “So, you up for it?”

Your body? More than.

Your mind? Absolutely.

It was foreplay but more. Just finger-fucking, but more.

“Uhm,” Your chest felt heavy and you were sure he could hear your heartbeat just the same, and you cleared your throat, clearly flustered, “Yeah, just… A bit nervous.”

Jaehyun gave you a genuine comforting smile, his hand settling on your bare thigh gently, “I’ll take it slow, and–”

“Seemed like he was going like he had a meeting in less than a minute,” You interrupted him with a mutter, making him chuckle at your joke.

“He had a video to put out, but I,” He inched closer, half-lidded brown eyes shamelessly gazing at your lips and then your eyes, “I love to take my time with you, princess. I like our videos longer than six minutes.”

Your eyes darted down to his hand, fingers barely brushing your inner thighs and your eyes fluttered shut with a soft sigh when his lips peppered your neck, trailing up your jawline.

There was never a need to contemplate anything when it came to being fucked out of your mind by none other than jeong jaehyun. He was usually so utterly respectful towards you and your boundaries; a simple stop would cease everything and he’d quickly check up on you.

His stubble scratched your skin so good, lashes giving you butterfly kisses before his lips went up to the corner of your mouth, the tips of his fingers stroking your clothed crotch.

"So?".

Of course, He was a charismatic teasing asshole.

“Mhm,” You nodded, turning to face him but was silenced in an instant once he got your consent.

His lips moulded with yours, the butterflies skyrocketing as he applied more pressure to the kiss, making you lean back against the pile of pillows at the headboard. Your hands went up to his jawline, tugging him closer as he deepened the kiss, enticing a muffled moan from you.

Jaehyun pulled away just a little, using his leg to push the laptop a bit farther and to the side as he leaned over you partially with a smug look, “Already moanin’ for me, baby?”

You huffed at his teasing, “Want me to stay quiet instead?”

Jae chuckled, shaking his head as his lips brushed against yours, “Fair enough.”

As his lips met yours sensually, his hand trailed up under his your shirt, feeling you shiver beneath his touch, and he reached up to your bare chest bc It was no-bra day since you’d be home all day.

He swallowed your whimper with a pleased hum, thumb swiping against your nipple as he kneaded your breast. The pleasure you were feeling was mild but growing the more he progressed and it hit you; he was planning on doing exactly what the couple in the video did.

Except he was fully clothed; grey sweatpants and a simple black plaid shirt.

Your arms went around his neck, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss and parting your lips just a bit to greet his tongue with yours. Jaehyun’s brows furrowed at the intensity of the moist lip lock alone and could only wonder how noisy your cunt would be.

Luckily, he didn’t need to wonder any longer – and he trailed his hand low, sinking past the hem of your shorts and panties. 

With just a touch on your clit, a hitched sound came from you, forcing you to part from his intoxicating kiss. He gazed down at you with glistening lips forming a small smirk, using just his two fingers to stroke your clit in precise circles.

“Ah, fuck,” You moaned, head tilted back with a heaving chest at the feeling and your legs widened more for his hand. Your shorts restricted you a little, same with him but he made do.

“Hmm~” jaehyun hummed, feeling the slickness of your wetwet pussy, toying with your bundle of nerves steadily, “So wet for me,”

The way he worked you up made you breathless, head heavy with need. Your swollen lips were parted for your moans and whines. Your hand gripped the collar of his shirt, eyes set on the way his hand moved beneath your shorts. You let your eyes trail to the laptop, seeing the small light next to the camera was on. 

Since when did he turn the recording on?

“daddy,” You mumbled, looking up at him pleadingly, hips lifting up a bit to get him to remove your garment, “‘need you.”

Jaehyun snickered, bumping your nose with his, “I’m right here, princess.”

He released your aching clit to remove his hand from inside your shorts only to grip the hem, pushing both the shorts and panties down.

Eagerly, you shuffled out of them before kicking them off the bed and you straightened up to peel your shirt off, making him raise an eyebrow at your actions.

“Someone’s too eager, huh,” He commented, amused but not surprised, taking in every inch of your naked and flawless body right before his eyes.

He wasn’t going to lie.

“Your fault,” You retorted breathlessly, laying back down on the pillows and staring up at him with your big eyes and a smile.

He needed to fuck that smile off of your face.

“I’ll take the blame if I get to hear you calling me daddy again.” Jaehyun muttered lowly, trailing his hand back to where you needed him the most.

You whined when his fingers resumed their merciless rubbing, your hand reaching over to his bulge under his pants, squeezing him gently.

Jae muffled his grunt, nose scrunching up just a split second, glaring at your wandering hand intensely. 

His cock was rock hard beneath his slutty grey sweatpants and you felt it. With his middle and ring finger, he slid them inside your cunt, making your eyes roll to the back of your head and your legs widened comfortably.

Jaehyun started moving his fingers to his knuckles and then out, biting his bottom lip at the faint wet noises. Your hand wriggled past his pants and boxers, tenderly coaxing his cock out where it stood tall and proud. He nearly faltered with a moan of his own, eyes shutting blissfully at the feeling of you stroking his big dick.

“Playing dirty, are we?” Jaehyun growled almost dangerously, staring at you through his bangs and you giggled breathlessly, your other hand going up to cup your bosom.

“Just putting what I watched to the test, daddy” You smiled and your head tilted back when his thrusting sped up, moaning.

Your sounds were truly heavenly to him.

Deep and deep he went, your gasp ended up hitched in your throat when he brushed past your sweet spot. In an instant, his smirk widened along with the devilish glint in his pupil-blown eyes.

And just like that, Jae went relentless.

His rough fucking against your spot directly ripped high-pitched moan after the other. Tears stung your needy eyes, writhing beneath him at the intense stimulation alone. His leg went over yours, keeping your thighs from clamping up and his other hand went over yours that was around his cock.

Jaehyun released a low moan as he moved and grounded into your hand, “Keep it up, baby – and I’ll fuck this cunt and cum inside of you.”

As if that was even a threat to you – you wanted him to cum inside.

But the mutual masturbation right now was your priority. You loved feeling his heavy cock in your petite hand, every vein and curve along with the blunt red tip – you’d do it every day if you ever got the chance.

The audible sounds of your soaking pussy were getting louder and Jaehyun fucked you harder and deeper, making you squeal and your hand shot down to grip the sheets.

You were unable to stay still as you tried to keep jerking him off. Your moans blended with his and Jae’s head dipped to nuzzle his face into the crook of your neck, his sounds coming out airy and low as his hips moved along with your hand’s movements.

“Wa–wait, I feel – shit, jae–” You couldn’t even voice your thoughts, crying out at the squelching noise of your drenching pussy. It was as if you needed to use the bathroom but Jaehyun knew it wasn’t the case.

“It’s alright, baby,” He groaned, hissing as your hand on his cock sped up, pumping and rubbing him purposefully, “Just let yourself go, f–fuck.”

As if all you needed were the magic words, you cried out at the orgasm that hit you – and it hit you hard.

Jaehyun didn't stop his ruthless violation of your spot, rubbing it harder along with his palm pressed flat against your throbbing pearl. And you gushed endlessly. Your shriek came out loud as your back arched off the bed, eyes shutting tightly as your legs trembled. 

"Oh fuck, Baby-mmh~" Jaehyun bit his lip hard at you coming undone, "That's it, keep cumming for me, princess."

Your cum dripped and rolled down your thighs and cunt, some splashed on your lower abdomen. Your chest heaved along with your abdominals when he slowed down, bringing his fingers out to caress your visibly pulsating clit.

"Sh– Shi– it," You whispered shakily, a sheer surface of sweat glistening your chest and forehead at how worn out your body already was. Your orgasm was still around the corner and jaehyun wanted to try something – again.

Overstimulation.

A choked gasp came from you when Jaehyun slid his fingers inside again and your eyes widened at his relentless finger-fucking. It was as if he went even deeper due to your cum being everywhere.

"F-fuck! Ah!" You shrieked, nearly squeaking at him fucking you harder and harder. You didn't even want to stop him, letting sensitivity hit you along with the fuck ton of fiery pleasure.

You weren't even aware of your hand still stroking his hard cock and his breathing quickened, removing his fingers. Jae shifted with a grunt so he was hovering partially over you, giving him the perfect position to piston into your cunt with his massive dick.

"daddy!" You cried out, your hands grasping onto his broad shoulders.

"Yeah, just like that," Jaehyun whispered, unable to stop fucking you mercilessly as if making you one of the mattress. He pushed himself to the hilt, making you choke up on your moan with wide eyes.

He took the moment to peel off his shirt and his pants, then he gripped the back of your knee to press your leg to your chest. His hips snapped against yours bruisingly, moaning lowly under his breath.

Tears rolled down your temple, feeling the knot tightening again. Jaehyun felt you squeeze around him, making him hiss through gritted teeth.

"Ye-yes please~!" You squealed out, and he hovered over you, ushering you to wrap your leg around his waist to free his hand.

"I'll fucking miss you, and I'll miss," Jae growled, gripping the pillow next to your head and the other went down to your sensitive clit, "Fuckin' you babygirl–ah~"

With his big and heavy cock assaulting and brushing your poor cervix and his fingers ruthless on your poor clit, your orgasm washed over you. The hot white pleasure flashed before your rolled eyes, cumming hard that you drenched the sheets once again.

Jaehyun cussed under his breath, hitching at the end as he pushed himself deepdeep, hitting cloud nine. He thought he went blind for a split second, drawling out a deep moan. His cum shot out and filled you up – and then overfilled you. 

He fucked you gently, eyes half-lidded gazing down at his hot cum seeping out from your cunt. He eased you down from your high, rubbing your clit as you shook uncontrollably beneath him. He panted heavily, smiling softly at your state.

Your eyes were hazy, fading in and out with a trembling chest and legs. Your dripping cunt was twitching every once in a second. Your face was red, drool rolling down the corner of your wet lips.

You were officially fucked out of your mind.

Jaehyun kept himself inside as your leg dropped down to the bed and he leaned closer to you, his clean hand cradling your cheek to get you to look at him.

"Still with me, baby?" He asked breathily and you blinked lazily.

"We… We should do this again," You whispered tiredly, making him laugh a bit and you giggled.

Jaehyun pressed a chaste kiss on your lips, fingers trailing to brush your hair behind your ear and he hummed against the kiss.

Pulling back, he gazed at you lovingly as he stayed close, earning a soft smile from you.

"When I come back, we'll do whatever you want, okay?"

You nodded slightly, "Promise daddy?"

Jaehyun leaned his forehead against yours with a heavy relaxed sigh.

"Promise."

by jamjaemin, don’t claim or copy my work!♡

[gotta-winwin]

(🎞️) ... hit the road docu.<> catch your breath for a moment, and...

masterlist | cyana's masterlist

word count: 1k tw: sick symptoms, fever italics are interviews cut between scenes + english a/n: i CANNOT stand watching chan being sick guys. the whole ep was so hard to watch i just wanted to wrap him up and get him better ( ˘ ³˘)♥︎

Every time Dino coughed, Cyana could feel her heart clench, crumble and tear. Her twin maknae resided somewhere deep inside her soul, making it almost unbearable to see him ill. Filled with the overwhelming sense of love and anguish, she stood up slightly from her seat to face him.

“Chan.” She pushed back his hair, pressing the back of her hand against his feverish forehead. “I love you.”

He blinked up at her from where he sat, a hand reaching up to steady her by her waist. The tour bus rolled on, bumping slightly across the uneven roads of Mexico. “So suddenly?” He asked, mouth parted at the surprise confession. 

She sat back down, leaning her head against his shoulder. “Let’s not talk about it.” 

He hummed, turning his head away from her to let out another violent cough, his body shaking like a leaf in the process. “I love you too.” 

Cyana hated how feeble and weightless he felt, feeling him shiver against her cheek. She knew how excited he had been to visit Mexico, they had stayed up late scouring the city for things to visit, take pictures of, to eat. Those plans were long gone now, as Cyana knew Dino could barely walk, let alone go out for a day trip. 

Pulling out her phone and swiping to her chats with Joshua, she typed out a message, moving as little as possible as to not disturb the boy - who was now laying his head on her shoulder, slumped in his seat. 

🐰: can we grab soup at the restaurant near our hotel tgt later for chan 🦌: sure! I need to stretch my legs 😀 🦌: is chan feeling better?

She glanced at the sleeping boy, each breath coming from his clogged nose tickling the side of her neck. Moving his hair gently out of his eyes, she pressed her fingertips against his forehead once again, pouting when they came back scalding. 

🐰: no 😢 🐰: he’s got a fever 🐰: someone tell him he can’t perform ❗

Shutting her phone off, she let out a deep sigh. She loved touring, getting to travel the world with her best friends while spending their nights performing for fans - except for when it came at the consequence of seeing her friends sick and in pain. 

“If you pass out right now I’m not catching you!” 

Cyana chased after Dino, running across the stage and jumping over the puddles of streamers and confetti. 

Raising her mic to her lips, she yelled out after him. “If you fall I swear I won’t protect you from Coups!” 

The crowd around them roared at the interaction.

The boy only turned, flashing a bright grin in her direction as he continued sprinting, waving at fans along the barricade. 

Cyana paused to catch her breath, shaking her head at his antics. It was a sheer miracle he was older than her, even if it was for less than a year. Feeling a presence from next to her, she smiled when she turned and saw Vernon, an amused expression across his face. 

“He’s sick and he’s still running like a lunatic.” She complained, pointing at Dino, who had somehow found himself in a whole nother section already. 

“He’s just trying to make up for his lack of stage presence.” Vernon told her, reaching a hand out to remove pieces of confetti that had found its way into her hair. “Even though we all tell him he does well every time.” 

“It’s a mental thing.” She added, remembering the amount of late night conversations the two had shared about Dino’s self-criticizing problem. Eyes roaming the stage for him, she sighed upon seeing him climb onto the scooter, knowing he was going to hurt himself sooner or later - with the terrible balance he had while sick - “I should probably go-” She gestured at the catastrophe about to happen. 

Vernon hummed, hooking her arm with his. “I’ll come with you.” 

“Dino has a problem with giving too much onstage and then believing he didn’t give enough.” Cyana sighed as she glanced to the side, eyes locking with Dino's, who was listening from behind the camera. She paled. “Why didn’t you tell me he’d be here for my interview?” She whined, sending accusatory glances at the interviewer. “I’m going to have to tone it down now.”

It was nearing 2am and Cyana was sure she wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight. Taking care of a sick Dino was like taking care of a sick toddler, as she watched him roll around in bed, restless from not going out all day. She had just got him to choke down his meds, explaining to deaf ears that he needed the pills to get better. 

“You need to sleep, Dino-yah.” She chided, getting up from her own bed to gently push him down. 

He let out a huff. “I’ll just wake up suffocating in the middle of the night either way.” He complained, having had that experience for the past few nights, his stuffy nose waking both him and Cyana up during ungodly hours of the night. 

“Maybe you should go to the hospital.” She reached over for her phone, unplugging it from the charger. “Let me text manager-oppa.” 

“No!” His reply was instant, tackling her down to grab the phone from her hand. “I’ll sleep. Don’t want to go to the hospital again.” 

She couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s like the sickness takes away ten years of your age. If you told me this was a giant 11 year old, I’d believe you.”

Dino frowned, offended. “I’m sick. You’re really not supposed to be mean to sick people.” 

“I’m calling Mingyu over.” She declared, pushing him off her and getting up. 

“No!” He cried out, eyes wide at the threat. The last time Mingyu had 'taken care' of Dino, he had swaddled the boy in blankets and force-fed him some kind of Chinese herbal medicine from Minghao's mother. Dino shuddered at the memory. “I swear I’ll leak your ugly photos on Weverse if you do that.” 

Mouth agape, Cyana whirled back around to face him, Mingyu forgotten. “Lee Chan! You wouldn’t dare-” 

“I would!” His eyes shone with mischief, and Cyana felt a wave of relief upon seeing his happy glow. He had spent the better half of this week sulking, face gloomy and body wracked with pain. 

“Okay, okay.” She relented, sitting back down on her bed. “I won’t call Mingyu. Delete the photos you have of me.” 

“But what would I giggle at whenever I’m sad?” He complained, smiling wide at her disgusted expression. 

“Perv.”

“Excuse me?” 

Their loud voices bickering echoed past their walls, flowing into the nearby rooms as the other members listened in, thoroughly entertained and happy Dino was feeling better enough to spar with Cyana. 

[jam3sacaster]

“You just don’t see it, do you?”

(Rivals) Rupert Campbell-Black x Reader

Suggestion by a sweet anon 🫶🏽 / You are convinced you are utterly unlovable. Rupert, however, is convinced otherwise ..

18+ FANFIC / A lil soft one for you guys to break up the brain rot I’m inflicting upon our fandom 😅 Reader character aged 21.

Growing up, there were many ways you envisaged your 21st birthday playing out. Copious mounds of presents among constantly refilled glasses of ridiculously expensive champagne. One of the ways you didn’t imagine your 21st, however, was sitting on your living room sofa, sobbing silently. Not a single living soul in Rutshire had been to visit you. The only friend you’d made in this wretched village, Caitlin O’Hara was still holed up at her boarding school, but had sent you the most charming birthday card she could muster— fangirling over Rupert Campbell-Black, as usual. Talk of the devil, the aforementioned man that you had spent many a night with in recent weeks hadn’t even bothered to send so much as a card. Some birthday, you think to yourself.

What is wrong with me, you ask yourself. You’re young, you’re beautiful, you have a sparkling personality. Yet the man frequenting your bed so often couldn’t even grace you with a brief appearance on such a significant birthday? Hoisting yourself from the sofa to let your charming your charming mongrel, Bertha, outside, you hear a soft, rapping knock at the door. Huffing, you shuffle to the front door and open it just a slither. “Hello?” You ask, before clocking Rupert stood, puffing a cigarette whilst grinning widely, arms clutching large, intricately wrapped gift. “Oh, it’s you.” You roll your eyes, feeling them sting with salted tears. “You could sound more overjoyed.” He huffed jokingly, and pushed his way inside.

“I’m not in the mood tonight, Rupert. I’ve had the most awful day.” You groan, following the overly enthusiastic man into your living room. You throw yourself onto the sofa and curl your legs into yourself, watching him as he stands in the centre of your sheepskin rugs, muddied boots leaving the most unforgiving stain. He outstretches the present into your eyeline again, and shoots you that intoxicating grin. “Happy birthday, angel!”

“What is it?” You ask. Unsurprisingly, you’re not in the mood for his foolishness. “Open it and see.” He rolls his eyes. “As I said, Rupert, I have been on my own all day so I find it wildly inappropriate that you arrive nearing on,” you stop to check your watch, “10pm with a gift.”

“Good things seldom come to those who wait.” He replies, grinning. This wasn’t about you— he was wholly referring to the gift you would undoubtedly give him later. Suppressing your 12th huff of this conversation, you snatch the present from his grip and unwrap it. Between the gold-lined wrapping paper sat a red, leather box. Inside the box sat the most beautiful, delicate necklace. Silver links — each one adorned in the most intricate diamond. A thing of pure royalty. “For me?” You ask, gently pulling the jewellery from its carefully engraved indent in the box. Without responding, Rupert pulled you up and grabbed a handful of your hair, tossing it over your shoulder to tie the necklace to your body. His gentle touch sent shivers down your spine. After a few minutes of him grunting at the perplexing intricacy of the links, he spun you round to admire the eye-watering expensive gift he had bought you. “A special birthday gift for a special lady.” He remarked, taking a seat on the sofa and waiting for you to follow.

As you sat down, the sincerity of his gesture and the absolute misery of your day just got to you. Starting as quiet sniffles at first but working it’s way to inconsolable sobs, you absolutely broke down, prompting a rather shocked look from Rupert. “Hey, angel. What’s wrong?” He asked, wrapping a muscular arm around your shoulder and pulling you tight to his chest. “I just wanted to feel special, but all today has done is remind me of how brutally and honestly alone I am. I wake up every day to nobody but Bertha, and I fall asleep the same way. I look in the mirror everyday and my reflection gets more and more alien. I’m starting to have the utterly terrible feeling that I’m going to be this way forever,” you breathe deeply through your tears before continuing, “I am going to be alone forever. Unlovable and alone.” Rupert could only exhale— astonished at your heartfelt confession.

However, there was a touch of something deeper than astonishment in his sigh. “You just don’t see it, do you?” He shook his head as he spoke. You looked up at him now, eyes glassy and mottled cheeks stained with tears. “What?” You prompt.

“I have been to five different jewellers today. Granted, I should’ve come earlier but I travelled two hours outside of Rutshire, to a diamond specialist, to find your necklace. Have you read the note?” He sighed once more, motioning towards the jewellery box. You lifted the box open, and brought the small carded note to your eyeline. It read:

‘To my darling angel on your birthday, I hope you have the most special day, and I hope this gift makes you see yourself in the astonishingly beautiful way that I see you. With love - R’

Wiping away a falling tear, you sniffle. You felt incredibly guilty for being so coarse with him, but his heartfelt gift had warmed your heart — only very slightly. Rupert brushed his palm gently across your cheek, prompting you to maintain the most devilishly intimate eye contact.

“You don’t seem to understand angel, you absolutely terrify me. I am so wildly in love with you that I am afraid of my own reflection.. I look at myself and I only see a man that loves you. Ever since I met you, I have been restricted to being a man that loves you. It terrifies me, yes, but I couldn’t wish to be anything else.”

‘Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.’ - Shakespeare

[justordinarygirl]

Would you like to talk about our sacred creature?

Those eyes, like a shimmering ruby, burn through the body, his features are so attractive, you want to kiss from the top of his head to his graceful chin.

A neck in all universes of perfect length, wire by wire beckoning to be touched. To nuzzle with lips, to lick, to bite lightly, to pull and kiss again.

His shoulders feel like they're begging for a warm palm on them, to squeeze the metal in a comforting gesture when the other optics around him don't allow for more contact. I'd sit on them if I were human or cradle my chin, wrapping my arms around his waist from behind if I were a Cybertronian.

And his curves... It was as if in an instant, Primus had decided to create the most majestic and ravishing creature that had ever existed. From his cockpit to his waist, and there to his sinful hips, it's impossible to tear your gaze away.

I want to cling to him with my whole body, to feel the warmth of his frame, the living metal pleasant to the touch and to hear the life flowing in his systems.

And his hands. How I love his hands... Long fingers with claws, deadly sharp, that he can run over my head in gratitude for a good job or slit my throat in a moment of frustration. To hold his hand is not just luck, but a blessing in itself, let alone to have his fingers run along the chin, or maybe even our nipples, which are bulging with excitement…

His legs are long, too, his stride from the hip, each movement like a swan floating on the water. The contact of his heel with the surface cannot be confused with anything else, even considering his trine, it is just his sound, special, rhythmic. Looking up at him from below only makes him more beautiful.

I want to feel his gaze on me, his breath, his attention, feel his touch. That this precious optic would cling to only one figure in the room, passing over the frames of all those who are unable to appreciate my Star at face value.

And by going deeper one can reach the most precious and important thing of all Starscream, of all universes.

His spark.

We can sing dithyrambs about it, the most beautiful part of his essence, his very core. A beautiful energy, unearthly, incredible, almost magical. 

He doesn't exist, but the very thought that a human being can't connect sparks with cybertronians is like tearing my chest apart. The desire to merge, to become one, to give all of oneself without a trace, to leave no secrets, burns from the inside.

His name is on the lips when its time to wake up, his name is on the lips when its time to go to sleep.

All poems and all songs of beauty and love have been written about him, all thoughts are devoted to loyalty to the beautiful seeker. He is as important as oxygen, he is as important as water and sleep. All I ask is to kneel and kiss his feet, telling him aloud how majestic he is, how no soul deserves him.

Not even mine.

[sinful-sonnet]

Soft Like Home

Joel miller x plus sized reader

W/C: 1k

A/N: I’ve been plus sized since I had my baby so I desperately needed this :’-)

The sun had just started its descent, casting a warm golden light over Jackson. Joel Miller was back from a long day of patrol, muscles aching but heart light as he approached the small home he shared with you and your one-year-old daughter. He could hear her giggles echoing from inside and felt a small smile tug at the corners of his lips.

Inside, you were on the floor, your daughter babbling excitedly as she clutched a wooden block in her chubby hands. You looked up when Joel walked in, the light catching your features, and Joel thought — not for the first time — that you were the most beautiful thing he’d ever laid eyes on.

But you didn’t feel it. Not today.

You had slipped into a loose sweater and leggings, your go-to outfit since the baby was born. While you adored your daughter, pregnancy had left its mark on you. Your belly had softened and hung slightly over your waistband, no matter how much you tried to will it away. It made you shy away from certain clothes, especially anything remotely fitted or sheer.

As Joel leaned down to kiss the top of your daughter’s head, his eyes flicked to you. He noticed the way you shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, the way your arms crossed over your middle when you stood up.

“Hey, darlin’,” Joel greeted softly, his voice warm and rough like the earth.

You offered him a small smile. “Hey. How was patrol?”

Joel shrugged, crouching to help your daughter balance as she toddled toward him. “Same old. Missed bein’ home, though. Missed my girls.”

The words sent a pang through you — guilt and longing tangled together. Joel had always been attentive and kind, but you couldn’t help the voice in the back of your mind, whispering that he deserved better.

After dinner, Joel found you in the bedroom, folding laundry. The soft light from the bedside lamp highlighted the tension in your shoulders. He came up behind you, resting his hands gently on your waist.

“You’ve been quiet,” he murmured, his breath warm against your ear.

You froze under his touch, instinctively tugging at the hem of your sweater to cover yourself more. “I’m fine.”

Joel wasn’t buying it. He turned you around gently, his hands firm yet tender on your hips. His gaze searched yours, the intensity of it making your heart flutter and your throat tighten.

“Talk to me,” he urged.

Your defenses crumbled under the weight of his concern. “I just… I don’t feel like myself anymore, Joel.” Your voice wavered, and you gestured vaguely at your midsection. “I don’t like what I see. My body… it’s not what it used to be. And I feel like—like you deserve someone who still looks good.”

Joel’s brow furrowed, a mixture of sadness and frustration crossing his face. “You think I care about that?”

You bit your lip, looking away. “Maybe not, but I do.”

Joel tilted your chin gently, forcing you to meet his eyes. “Listen to me,” he said, his voice low and steady. “This body — your body — it gave us our daughter. It kept her safe and brought her into this world. And now it keeps her fed, keeps her warm, chases after her when she’s raisin’ hell. How could I not love that? How could you not?”

Your throat tightened, tears prickling at the corners of your eyes. “But it’s… it’s not—”

“It’s you,” Joel interrupted, his hands moving to cradle your face. “And I love every inch of you, darlin’. Every mark, every soft spot. You think I don’t notice the way your belly feels when I hold you at night? Or the way it looks when you laugh? It’s my favorite damn thing about you.”

A tear slipped down your cheek, and Joel caught it with his thumb. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to your forehead, then your nose, then your lips.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured against your mouth. “Always have been. Always will be.”

You melted into him, his words wrapping around you like a blanket. For the first time in months, you felt the weight on your chest start to lift.

Later that night, when the house was quiet and your daughter was asleep, you found a soft, fitted tank top tucked in your drawer. It was sheer enough to make you hesitate, but Joel’s words echoed in your mind.

You slipped it on and walked into the living room, where Joel sat with his guitar. His fingers stilled on the strings when he saw you, his eyes softening.

“You’re a vision,” he said, setting the guitar aside and reaching for you.

And in his arms, you started to believe it.

When you both finally crawled into bed, Joel pulled you into bed. The fitted tank top you’d chosen still felt like a bold decision, but Joel hadn’t stopped looking at you with that warm, adoring gaze since you put it on.

Now, as he lay beside you, his strong arms wrapped around your waist, he pressed you close. His chest was solid and warm against your back, his hand resting possessively on your soft belly.

“You feel so good, darlin’,” he murmured, his voice thick with exhaustion and affection. “So warm, so perfect.”

You sighed, your tension melting away as he nuzzled his face into your hair. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

Joel chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Have I ever lied to you, sweetheart?” His hand rubbed slow, comforting circles over your belly, as if to emphasize his point.

You turned slightly to face him, your nose brushing against his. His eyes were soft in the dim light, filled with a tenderness that made your heart ache in the best way. “Thank you,” you whispered, your voice barely audible.

“For what?”

“For loving me like this.”

Joel’s brow furrowed, his hand cupping your cheek. “You don’t have to thank me for that,” he said firmly. “It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

Tears welled in your eyes again, but this time they weren’t born of insecurity or sadness. You tucked your head against his chest, letting his steady heartbeat soothe you.

As he held you close, his fingers still brushing over your belly in soothing strokes, Joel pressed a kiss to your hair. “Get some rest, darlin’,” he whispered. “I’ve got you. Always.”

In his arms, with his love wrapped around you like a shield, you finally let yourself believe it.

[hurriane23456]

Training in Tandem

Jake’s heart was pounding as he stepped into the Coca-Cola training facility. The sterile, corporate hallway belied the whimsical role he was about to take on: being the Coca-Cola bear mascot. He’d stumbled across the job listing on a whim, applied, and somehow made it through the process. Now, here he was on his first day, ready to make a fluffy splash.

Inside the training room, Jake’s eyes locked onto the mascot suit hanging from a rack. It was enormous, with its white fur, oversized belly, and signature Coca-Cola scarf. Standing next to it was Mike, Jake’s trainer. Mike looked like he belonged on the cover of a fitness magazine: chiseled jaw, perfect posture, and an easy confidence that made Jake instantly self-conscious.

“Jake, right?” Mike asked with a bright smile, extending a hand.

Jake nodded and shook his hand. “Yeah, that’s me. Nice to meet you.”

Mike gestured to the suit. “So, ready to become the Coca-Cola bear? Let’s get you suited up.”

Jake approached the suit with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Mike unzipped the back, revealing the padded interior.

“Okay, step in one leg at a time,” Mike said, holding the suit open.

Jake kicked off his shoes and stepped inside. The padded legs felt heavy, and he struggled to balance as he slid one leg in, then the other.

“Good, now pull it up,” Mike said, guiding Jake as he tugged the suit over his torso.

Jake pushed his arms into the sleeves, the padding making every movement clumsy. Mike zipped the suit up the back and secured the headpiece over Jake’s head, plunging him into a muffled world of limited vision.

“How’s it feel?” Mike asked, his voice slightly distorted through the suit’s material.

“Hot,” Jake replied. “And kind of tight.”

Mike chuckled. “You’ll get used to it. Now, let’s practice some moves. Remember, the bear is all about being friendly and approachable—lots of big gestures.”

For the next hour, Jake stumbled through the motions, waving, bouncing, and pretending to hug invisible fans. Sweat trickled down his back, soaking into his clothes, but he powered through. Finally, Mike called for a break.

Jake peeled off the headpiece and gulped down the water Mike handed him.

“You’re doing great,” Mike said, sitting next to him. “But I’ve got an idea to help you learn faster.”

“What’s that?” Jake asked.

Mike grinned. “We’ll go through a shift together. I’ll get into the suit with you, so I can show you exactly how it’s done.”

Jake blinked. “Both of us? In the suit?”

“Yep,” Mike said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “It’s tight, but it works. We’ll need to strip down to our underwear, though—otherwise, it’ll get way too hot.”

Jake hesitated, but he didn’t want to seem unprofessional—or worse, like a coward. “Uh, okay. Sure.”

Mike stood and unzipped Jake’s suit. As Jake wriggled out of it, Mike explained, “This’ll help you feel the movements in real time. You’ll learn faster this way.”

Once Jake was out of the suit, Mike looked at him expectantly. “All right, time to strip down.”

Jake swallowed hard and started unbuttoning his shirt. He tried not to look as Mike casually peeled off his own clothes, revealing a perfectly toned chest and abs. By the time Mike was down to his black boxer briefs, Jake was standing awkwardly in his plain gray boxers, feeling self-conscious.

“Don’t worry,” Mike said with a reassuring grin. “This is just part of the job.”

Mike helped Jake climb back into the suit first, guiding his legs into place. The padding felt strange against his bare skin, and the added weight made him feel even more awkward.

“Now me,” Mike said, climbing in behind Jake.

Jake froze as he felt Mike’s body press against his back. Mike’s chest was firm, warm, and impossibly close. Every shift of movement sent a jolt of sensation through Jake, leaving him feeling flustered—and more than a little embarrassed at how erotic it all felt.

“You good?” Mike asked, his voice close to Jake’s ear.

“Y-yeah,” Jake stammered.

Mike adjusted his arms, guiding Jake’s hands into the sleeves while slipping his own arms in alongside. Then he zipped up the back of the suit, pulling them even closer together.

Jake couldn’t help but notice how snug the fit was. Mike’s breath was warm against the back of his neck, and every slight movement made their bodies press together.

“Okay,” Mike said. “Let’s get the head on.”

Together, they lifted the bear’s headpiece and strapped it securely. Jake felt the added weight settle over him, along with the surreal realization of being this close to someone—especially someone like Mike.

“Ready?” Mike asked.

“Yeah,” Jake managed, his voice unsteady.

They stepped out onto the training floor together, moving as one. Mike guided Jake through every gesture and interaction, his voice calm and instructive. Jake’s nerves began to fade as he focused on the mechanics of the role.

By the end of the shift, they’d posed for photos, hugged imaginary fans, and perfected the bear’s playful bounce. Despite the heat and the awkward proximity, Jake couldn’t deny the thrill of the experience—or the strange connection he felt to Mike.

When they finally peeled off the suit, both drenched in sweat, Mike grinned at Jake.

“Not bad for your first day,” he said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Jake smiled back, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. This might just be the weirdest job he’d ever had—but it was starting to feel like it might also be the best.

[trendywaifus]

I see we are all collective losing our shit for zzz women 😍😍 my head is full of fantasies about watching porno with Anby and trying one or two things with her

🙏🏽 cw: fem! reader, 69, oral fixation, fingering, nun crazy

“ um, anby. .when you said you wanted to watch a film, I didn’t think you meant. . .this? “ you stutter, brows raised in surprise, watching two naked women laid down on a queen-sized bed sensually grinding against each other. the sounds of groans and breathy moans gradually thicken the atmosphere of anby’s bedroom. you want to rip your gaze away, but you can’t. you found the porno shamelessly hot. the women switched positions, one stayed on her back while the other positioned her pussy over the woman’s face. wait—was she going to sit on her face? the girl on top lean her body down until she’s facing the bottom girl’s pussy.

your jaw drops open; are they doing the 69?

the whole time, anby’s observant gaze glance between you and the porno. she eyes the flustered expression plastered on your face. even she could tell you were into it despite the redness sinking into your cheeks. wordlessly, she leans her frame into yours, resting a hand on your thigh to steal your attention. the hand on the thigh is typically a romantic gesture used for starting intimacy. “ a-anby, what are you doing? “

“ do you want to try what they’re doing? “ the android asks bluntly, you blink multiple times with prized astonishment. “ i-i. .is this why you picked this shit to watch with me? to try some things with me? “

“ yes, isn’t it better to watch pornographic films with your partner to add ‘excitement’ in the bedroom?”anby questions with a curious look on her features.

“ whoever told you that is a freak. you must of somehow gotten it through inter-knot search or something. “

“ i did. “

you shook your head, subconsciously leaning backwards towards the mattress while anby gradually crawls over you. “ next time, give me a heads ups. “ you whispered, wrapping your arms around her body. anby says nothing and closes the distance between you and her. her soft lips are pressed firm against yours as she settles between your legs. the ongoing sounds of moaning in the background makes your belly twist and turn with embarrassment. sensing your heart beat thumping faster, she abruptly locks her lips with yours sloppily, parting her lips open to deepen the kiss. teeth clash together and a surprised noise rumble in your chest. her hand snake around your head and holds it in place. the sweet taste of vanilla pudding she had earlier fills your tastebuds as her tongue messily lick at your bottom lip and force its way inside.

anby’s hips roll against yours, half-humping you into the mattress. her tongue swirls around yours hungrily before exploring your hot mouth. albeit sloppy, how long has she been watching these pornos behind your back to be doing this? your chest tightens due to the lack of oxygen so you take quick breaths through your nose. anby sucks on your tongue, erratically licking around, and actively trying to shove her tongue down your throat. you grasp her shoulders and ripped her away from the drawn-out heated kiss; a thread of saliva breaks off on your lips and chins.

“ e-ease it girl, you were practically trying to devour me whole there. .“ you panted heavily, staring into her half-lidded eyes, a twinge of desire swirling within them. she blinks, tilting her head at you with confusion. “ am i not expressing how much i want you, (name)? i read that acting on desperation shows your partner how much you want them? “

by now, the film has already ended. you let out a heavy sigh, recomposing yourself. “ th-that’s true but. .—you know what, were you paying attention to the tv earlier before this? “

“ yes, i was. “ she replies blankly, her grip behind your head not lessening.

“ l-let’s try that position. “

“ you mean. .? “

“ yeah, anby. “

anby sits up right, attempting to pull her black t-shirt over her head, you stop her. “ don’t undress all the way, just your pajamas and everything else below, i’ll do the same, pretty girl. “

she complies, pulling her lime green pajama pants down and shimmying out of them and dropping them somewhere on the floor. you do the same with your pajama bottoms. “ now, do what the top girl was doing. hover yourself over my face while you hover yours on. .my pussy. “ you felt embarrassed to say that explicitly.

“ okay. “

she positions herself backwards while you continue to lay down. her pussy hovers over your face, you can feel it’s heat touching your skin. your toes slightly curl when you feel anby’s hot breath fanning against your wet heat. your forearms curl around her plush thighs. a wandering question finds itself at the front of your mind—even if she’s an android, can she still cum? “ you’re okay like this, anby? “

“ i am, can i start now? “

“ mhm. “

without wasting time, the tip of her tongue slide down your moist folds. anby does it in a side by side motion, her head slightly following the direction of her tongue. the taste of your juices floods her artificial tastebuds. “ you taste sweeter than i expected (name). “ she mutters, her words hot on your pussy. her wet lips circle around your pulsating clit and unintentionally suck hard at it. your legs jerk, a gasp runs off your tongue. you grip her thighs tighter.

you bury your face into her cunt, licking at her entrance. anby’s thighs twitch, otherwise no reaction. you tease her slit, prodding at the small opening before pushing inside. anby’s breath hitches and her thighs tense as you fuck your tongue into her. “ (n-name). . “ she groans softly, pulling away from your clit to focus more on the hotness of your tongue stroking her walls. “ i-it’s hard to continue wh-when your tongue is. .” theres a change in pitch in her seemingly emotionless voice.

“ i-it feels hot but good. .? “

you slip your tongue out and press the slimy muscle flat against her clit. her hands holding your thighs grips harder on them. “ does it, pretty girl? “ you pepper her pussy with messy kisses, smearing your drool all over her folds. mwah, mwah, mwah. is all your girlfriend hears and the wet noises of your tongue playing with her damp folds. a shockwave of pleasure courses through her, she grits her teeth. she grinds herself on your tongue, attempting to chase the addicting feeling she just experienced.

“ m-more. .” anby utters, sounding uncharacteristically more and more desperate as you spend time eating out her pussy. your middle finger circles her twitching entrance. “ i’m gonna put a finger in, doll. “ and you do just that, sliding it in with ease due to your slippery tongue prepping her. anby’s toes curl with pleasure as she feels your digit sinking into her hole, stretching her out a few more inches than your tongue did.

“ relax f’me. there we go, i don’t want you to be uncomfortable. after all, i still want an answer to a question i have in my head. “ you voiced softly, kissing her clit while her walls ease around your finger.

“ a-an answer to what question? “ she asks breathlessly.

“ if androids can cum. “

[gravitycavity]

Sunshine (Pomni x Ragatha) Chapter 1 - Put On a Happy Face

[Click here to read from the beginning on AO3!]

Cover art by @blukiar

“You’re supposed to $%#&ing smile, Pomni!” Zooble's hoarse scream reverberated throughout the big top. “Are you stupid?! We can’t finish the new intro if you aren’t @#$%ing smiling!”

“Leave. Me. Alone!” Pomni, denied the catharsis of slinging her sailor’s mouth, expressed her disdain with her middle fingers instead. She only ended up seething harder, however, when a pair of other-dimensional censor bars appeared to obscure the rude gestures.

“Oh! So that’s how you want to play it, Puffball?” Zooble narrowed her eyes, limping toward the jester with as much aggression as their awkwardly-constructed body would allow — which, for the record, wasn’t very much.

Ragatha had seen enough. “Relax!” She raised her voice, swooping vigilantly between the bickering belligerents. “Both of you!”

Gangle, moping off to the side, sniveled pitifully. In all the commotion, her comedy mask had been shattered. For the second time. This morning. “Guys…! Please, just stop fighting…”

Jax crossed his legs, reclining smartly against Kinger’s impenetrable pillow fort. “Can it, crybaby. This is the best entertainment we’ve had in years!” He flicked a piece of popcorn into the air and caught it in his mouth. Meanwhile, a vibrating Kinger poked his eyes out from between two pillows, saying nothing and everything at the same time.

Ragatha’s good-natured attempts to keep the peace were all for naught. She flinched out of the way of Zooble’s punch — but before the strike could connect, a floating boxing bell materialized out of nowhere, piercing the air with a shrill shriek.

“Now, now! There’s no need for that!” Caine’s wagging finger appeared beside the bell, followed shortly after by the rest of the entity. He lifted his tophat, and a cheesing Bubble gingerly drifted out.

“Naughty, naughty~” Bubble chomped his teeth.

Caine snapped his fingers, and an unseen force pushed Pomni and Zooble apart. “The Amazing Digital Circus — copyright 1996 C&A Incorporated, all rights reserved — is a magical, marvelous CD-Romp for all ages! Zany shenanigans and cartoon mischief I can abide, but outright violence? Strictly out of the question!”

With a grunt, Zooble spiked their arm against the floor. “What are we supposed to do, then!? We’re on take fifty-seven of your dumb@%$ theme song because poor little Pomni thinks she’s the main character of the universe!”

Pomni responded to that, but whatever she said, it was profane enough to be scrubbed out entirely.

“Yes, well…” Caine crossed his arms, steeped in careful thought. The last hour-and-a-half of unusable footage played back through his mismatched eyeballs in a matter of seconds. “It’s nothing we can’t fix in post.”

Zooble swiped their discarded arm off the ground and crammed it back into its empty socket. “Great. Then you can edit me in, too.” They stormed off, reciprocating Pomni’s earlier gesture. “Eat $@#%, sad sack.”

Jax sighed. “Aw, shucks. Right when things were getting good…”

“Uh…!” Caine skipped a beat. He swiveled toward the five circus members still gathered beneath the big top. “Well, then!” he elbowed his soap bubble companion, “Looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us, Bubble! As for the rest of you, consider yourselves off the hook for the rest of the day — my treat! Take some personal time, get some sleep, and try your darndest not to dwell on the soul-crushing scale of eternity!”

“I have no soul!” Bubble turned upside-down. “So I don’t mind it one bit!”

“You and me both, old pal!” Caine’s laugh sounded forced and unnatural.

There was a pause. Gangle glanced around, then meekly raised her ribbony hand. “But what about—”

“Go on, now! I won’t take no for an answer!” the ringmaster stabbed the air with his cane, “I want you all in tip-top condition for tomorrow’s wacky adventure!”

🎪 🎪 🎪

It wasn’t long before everyone had gone their separate ways. Jax had slinked off to the digital carnival to terrorize the NPCs, Gangle had left a trail of teardrops all the way to the digital lake, and Kinger, as per usual, had just disappeared without anyone really noticing.

At last, Pomni was alone again. She curled her tear-stained face inward and filled her chest with three shaky breaths. She couldn’t hold it in anymore. Hands tightened into trembling fists, she threw her head toward the sky and let loose a long, ear-shattering shriek.

Why was this happening to her? What did she ever do to deserve this!? She was a person — a human being, for God’s sake — not some stupid, one-dimensional children’s character. How dare anyone expect her to just grin and bear it? She didn’t owe anything to anyone — not even one second of feigned emotion. As far as she was concerned, the moment she forced that goofy smile onto her face would be the moment she surrendered, and she would never, ever, in a million years—

“I’m always here if you need to talk. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

Pomni flinched, wrenching away from the sudden voice. After the emotional hell she’d gone through during her first day, unexpected noises didn’t exactly put her at ease — nor did anything else in this deranged digital purgatory, for that matter.

“Ah! Sorry!” Ragatha covered her mouth. “I didn’t spook you too bad, did I?”

“You did, actually! Wh-What’s wrong with you?” Pomni gathered herself quickly. She didn’t dare to even look in the direction of the person who had just watched her childish tantrum. The moment she found her footing again, she stormed off like her very life depended on it. “Don’t just sneak up on people like that!”

Silently relenting, Ragatha stepped aside to let Pomni pass. She watched the pouting jester jingle and jangle with every step, stomping with boundless confidence in the completely wrong direction.

“Uh…” Ragatha tilted her head. “Pomni? Do you remember the way to your room?”

“Ugh! What do you care?” Pomni doubled her pace. “Mind your own business!”

Ragatha smirked. “Alright, I guess I’ll just head back to my room, then. Which, for the record…” She pointed behind herself, “…is that way.”

Pomni stared vacantly as Ragatha sauntered off. The doll had read her like a book. Locking herself in her room for days on end meant she still had no clue how to get around the tent — if she wanted to get back to her regularly-scheduled self-pity anytime soon, she would have to swallow whatever was left of her pride.

Pomni grumbled under her breath, fast-walking to catch up. “Hey! W-Wait!”

🎪 🎪 🎪

There was no ambient noise to dampen the tension; the dormitory hall’s plush carpet absorbed the sound of Pomni and Ragatha’s footsteps. Ragatha led, hands tucked politely below her waist, while Pomni trailed behind.

The complete, unbroken silence wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thing in the world, but it was preferable to whatever inane smalltalk would have filled it. That’s how Pomni saw things, at least.

In the time it had taken to walk here, she had managed to cool off a bit — and the unwavering quiet gave her plenty of mental space to reflect on the last few minutes.

She wasn’t sorry. Pomni didn’t care if Zooble hated her — she could hate them right back. Breaking bread with Jax was pointless; that creep preferred to provoke. Gangle was friendly, but to interact with her was to walk on eggshells, and Pomni lacked the patience. And Kinger? Was Kinger.

Arms crossed, Pomni looked up from her big, dumb clown shoes. Her gaze settled on the doll in front of her. Pomni despised everything about this place — but now that she was going through her laundry list of grievances, she had to admit: she had nothing on the redhead.

…What was her name? Ragatha…? She was by far the most mature of the circus’s captives. She was kind. Predictable. An island of calm in a stormy sea.

Pomni’s harsh features softened. Ragatha was the only character who had shown her the slightest shred of compassion since she’d arrived here. The realization weighed down her stomach with more than a few pangs of guilt. Ragatha, of all people, certainly wasn’t a deserving outlet for her angst.

Oh, no — nice going, you idiot. Ragatha was the one thing about this place keeping you anywhere close to sanity, and you’ve already repelled her by acting like a petulant child. She probably hates you now. You know that, right? Actually, it’s not ‘probably’. It’s ‘definitely’. That’s why she isn’t talking. That’s why this is so awkward. That’s why —

“So…what’s under your cap?”

Pomni stumbled. Had the wall not been there to grab onto, she absolutely would have fallen flat on her face.

Stabilizing herself, Pomni gawked up at Ragatha as if the doll had just beamed down from another planet. What’s under her cap? Did she hear that right? It was such an odd, out-of-the-blue question — but at least it had yanked her out of her head.

“I’m sorry?”

Ragatha bent down to Pomni’s eye level. “Your cap.” She said gently, resisting the urge to prod one of the little bells dangling from either end. “It comes off, doesn’t it?”

Pomni blinked. She hadn’t really given it any thought. In fact, until Ragatha had brought it up, she had forgotten that her ridiculous new form came with a hat at all. Doing nothing but hiding under the covers and sobbing for days on end had that effect.

With much bigger problems weighing on her mind, Pomni didn’t really care to check — but something about Ragatha’s expectant gaze possessed her anyway. Very carefully, she hooked her fingers beneath the golden rim. She felt a small amount of resistance as she pushed up, almost as if the headpiece were attached to her body through some kind of magnetic force.

With a just a little effort, though, it popped right off.

“…Huh.” Pomni held the striped cap in her hands. “Look at that.”

“Oh, goodness!” Ragatha tried and failed to suppress a squeal. She paid no mind to her question’s answer, too distracted by the worst hat hair anyone had ever seen. It was certainly a look; a chaotic mess of tangles, knots, and flyaways did as it pleased atop the jester’s capless crown.

“Hey! What gives?!” Pomni ducked her cap back onto her head. A few extra clumps of hair stuck out from underneath. “Why are you laughing?”

“I’m so sorry! Your hair is just…” Ragatha giggled. “Well, it’s a bit messy at the moment. But I like it!”

Pomni leered. “…Liar.”

“I’m not making fun of you! Honest!” Ragatha crossed her hands over her heart. “I love your hair, Pomni. It’s…”

“It’s what?!”

“It’s so cute!”

Pomni’s eyes grew two sizes. That was…not the answer she expected to hear. She didn’t know what to say — just that her face felt a lot warmer than before.

“Obviously, you could use a comb…or three. But who cares about that?” Ragatha’s hand drifted through her own thick, yarn-like locks. “You really lucked out, you know. I’d trade your hair for mine in a heartbeat.”

Despite everything, the smallest of half-smiles lit Pomni’s face.

“I, um…” Pomni took a deep breath. And then two more. Her whole body slumped closer to the floor. Try as she might to keep her personal pity party alive, Ragatha’s radiant energy made her forget her troubles, if only for a moment.

“…Why are you being so nice? And to me, of all people?”

Ragatha just shrugged. “Do I have a reason not to be?”

Pomni gripped her other arm, gaze flicking down the corridor. Her smile faded in the silence.

“Well, um, anyway…” Ragatha glanced at the door behind her — Pomni’s awkwardness was infectious. “You have your room key, right?”

Pomni’s heart skipped at the thought of having lost it, but eased at the feeling of cold metal in her pocket. She nodded.

Gently, Ragatha took the cartoonish key from Pomni’s hand. With a turn and a click, the way to the jester’s room was open.

Ragatha held the door, smiling warmly. “You look like you could use some space. Go enjoy some quality alone time, okay, new stuff?”

“O-Okay.” Pomni didn’t hesitate to do just that — until she did. “Um…” She peeked behind a door half-open. After the longest pause, a simple, stammered “thanks” was all she could manage to get out.

Her door clicked shut. And audibly locked.

My Ko-fi - Tips are very much appreciated! :)

[Next Chapter]

[ravencincaide]

A caring gesture 

Summary: “Okay, imagine it's Valentine day, and somehow dazai forget it was today (yes this smartass actually forget about it). But you did him the most incredible surprise when he gets back”

Pairing: reader x Dazai

Requested by: @avocate-assia-dazai Thank you so much for participating in Raven's special and sending me this request.

Warnings: Light cursing, Dazai fluff.

Hope you enjoy~

Dazai hated abroad missions; leaving early in the morning and coming home sometime in the wee hours of the night.  His body ached, bruised and beaten while his mind remained foggy, the lack of sleep and the jetlag that came with being awake for over forty eight hours. 

Ahh if only sleep deprivation could grant him the sweet release of death, then Dazai would never utter another complaint. Or maybe precious relief from this plagued life would appear just as his body finally made contact with the all-too welcoming couch of the ADA- the perfect place to slack the remainder of his shift before he could bounce away to your apartment. Yes, just another two steps- one step and Dazai flung his body onto the familiar couch, salvaged its sweet fragrance, soft cushions, fluffy blanket and red velvet material– wait why was it red? 

Instantly Dazai was up on his feet. 

His eyes narrowed as he stared down at the thing which replaced his all too familiar resting spot. Not only was this couch larger and covered in red velvet covers but it was filled with several fluffy blankets in white and pink. The precious space held several heart shaped pillows and on the armrest was a card yet-to-be-placed inside its matching envelope. Happy Valentines Day it said on the front of it, Valentines- Dazai’s eyes widened in realization and frustration as he ran a bandaged hand over his face. Of course, how could he have forgotten? You were talking about it just before he left for the mission, making plans for- for today. Hearing the door to the ADA open Dazai rubbed tiredly at his eyes; the sound of your click clack shoes made a part of him want to hide while another part of him dreaded seeing you. Tiredness washed over him like pulsating headache- hurting him almost as much as the difficult conversation he was expecting to have with you. 

In his experience women did not handle missed valentines well. Surely you’d be no exception, 

“ Oh you’re back early ‘samu” you sounded almost awkward as you came closer and closer to him. Instead of wrapping your arms around him however you stopped a few paces away and let out a low disappointed sigh “ Damn and here I had hoped dinner would arrive before you got back” 

Your words made Dazai’s head snap up and turn to face you, only to see you holding a stack of paperwork in your hands. His paperwork. Which you carefully placed on the couch side table before taking a seat. 

The action made Dazai frown, unsure whether he was seeing the situation correctly. “ Belladonna?” he asked cautiously as he watched you sorting the papers, a concentrated frown on your lips. 

“ hmmm? Sorry, you’ll have to wait a little for dinner. BUT I think it will be here in an hour or so,do you wanna get some rest in the meantime?” he watched, the way you looked up and him a small reassuring smile before going back to the task at hand. 

Cautiously, like a wild animal Dazai inched closer before taking a seat beside you. Careful fingers trailed from your shoulder down your arm. His expression guarded “ It’s Valentine's day today” 

“ I know” you reply picking your next words carefully “ I also know you’ve just returned from abroad so I thought our grand plans could wait until the weekend when–” You didn’t get to finish your sentence as Dazai’s arms snaked around you before pulling you down with him into a lying position. Long legs intertwined with yours, face buried in the crook of your neck. His hold around you was tight, somehow more clingy than usual.

“ Thank you, Bella” Dazai whispered in a rare sign of vulnerable affection, “ Now stay like this while I sleep, I’ll make it up to you later.. please?” and all you could do was nod, not daring to shift in case you disturbed your already half-asleep lover. 

This was not how you two had planned to spend your Valentines together, but judging by Dazai’s actions he didn’t mind the change of plans too much. And neither did you. 

Author note: Happy Valentines day! I hope this request fullfilled your expectations. Stay tuned for the next update in another four hours.

Hope you enjoyed 🩷

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©ravencincaide 2024. Do not copy/repost/translate or spread my work(s) without my explicit permission. If you see any of my work(s) reposted/copied anywhere else without my consent, please inform me!

[aceofstars16]

Next chapter is up!

It...took a while cause...creating anything has been hard but...here you go! I want to finish this by the end of the year but we'll see if that happens...And I want to make a cover too but...*gestures to feeling really burnout and unmotivated*

And as always, the chapter is below the cut as well.

Complications arise in the aftermath of the dragon attack.

“That’s not good.” Dipper muttered to himself. He had been on watch for a few hours now, and he could hear the sound of foot traffic outside the store room they had found shelter in. Thankfully, no one had tried to come in yet, but that was the least of his worries right now. As time ticked on, his arm had started aching more and more, as if the salve he’d used on it had stopped working. That shouldn’t be possible, every time he’d used it before, it had healed the wound after a single use. But as he unrolled the bandage on his arm, he grimaced. He had stopped bleeding, but the teeth marks were still prevalent, and his skin felt warm to the touch. Something about the dragon’s teeth - or maybe what had been in its teeth – obviously was too strong for even the salve from dimension 326 to solve.

At least I’m used to this sort of thing. Dipper thought to himself as he grabbed a new bandage and loosely wrapped it around his arm, there was no point in using salve unless he knew it was going to work. Biting the bandage with his teeth, he managed to tighten it enough. It had been easier last night. Mabel had helped bandage him up after he had taken a look at her leg.

Mabel! Dipper quickly looked at the younger version of his sister. Her wound had been much worse than his, and as soon as he saw her, he froze. She was pale, and seemed to be shivering. A chill went through his own body at the sight, though part of that must’ve been the fever from his own infection.

Quickly glancing at Stan, Dipper was relieved to see that he was still asleep. He didn’t want his nephew to worry. Then he looked at Ford, who Mabel seemed to have curled up against in her sleep. For a moment, Dipper debated what to do. He obviously needed to get help, for himself and Mabel. He could just leave, after all, the room had been secure until now. But he knew how quickly a safe place could become compromised.

Standing up as quietly as he could, Dipper carefully made his way over to Ford and tapped him gently. For a moment, it seemed as if Ford was still asleep, but then his eyes opened slightly and he seemed to scan the room before looking at Dipper.

“Something wrong?” He asked in barely a whisper.

Dipper bit his lip and nodded to Mabel, who was still sound asleep despite Ford’s movements.

When Ford glanced down at Mabel, he froze, his body growing rigid.

“I’m going to look for something to help.” Dipper said quietly and pointed to his arm. “I have a pretty good idea of what she’s feeling right now.”

“Are you strong enough to be up and about?” Ford asked, frowning slightly.

Dipper nodded. “I’ve been through worse.”

Understanding flicked across Ford’s face and he nodded. “Hurry.”

“I will.” Dipper glanced at Stan then Mabel again. “I shouldn’t be more than an hour.”

Standing up, Dipper carefully made his way to the door and slid the barrel out of the way. Then he slipped out into the alley. 

-----

The ground grew distant as Stan let go of the shutdown switch. He was weightless. The whole room was vibrating as the machine turned on. Then something started pulling at him. He aimed a punch at it but it wasn’t anything tangible. It was the portal, pulling him in.

“Grantie Mabel! Ford! Help!” He screamed, trying to reach out for something, anything to stop the pull.

“Stan!”

Ford cried out as he tried to swim towards Stan in the air, but he wasn’t making any progress and the pull was growing stronger.

“Stanford!”

“Stanley! Hold o-”

Ford’s voice died away as Stan was pulled into the portal. For split second, he could still see the basement of the shack. Then it was gone, and he was alone.

“Ford!”

Jolting upright, Stan looked around frantically, only to be met with an unfamiliar room instead of the vast space that the portal had left him in. His heart was racing and a heaviness grew on his chest as reality slammed into him once again.

“Stanley? Are you okay?”

Stan glanced towards the voice and saw old Ford looking at him, brow furrowed. Mabel was curled up next to his almost-brother, asleep.

“I…” Stan took a breath and nodded, trying to calm himself. When Dipper had first found him, Stan had nightmares every night. They’d gotten better but Dipper had always…

“Where’s Dipper???” The realization that his grunkle wasn’t in the room brought Stan’s anxiety back full force.

“He left to find some medicine.” Ford said, frowning in concern at Stan. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Swallowing, Stan nodded, but he must not have been very convincing because Ford raised an eyebrow.

“Dipper should be back soon. You…you can sit here if you want.” Ford patted the ground next to him, on the opposite side of where Mabel was curled up.

For a moment, Stan just looked at Ford. In one sense, it was comforting to know that there still was a Ford he could talk to, but it wasn’t his Ford and...he still couldn’t shake the feeling that this Ford didn’t like him very much. But the memories of that night still clung to him, and being close to anyone sounded good right about now.

Getting up, he made his way over to Ford and sat down, not quite touching his brother. As he did so, he noticed how pale Mabel looked and a different worry sparked in his chest.

“Is Mabel okay?”

Frowning, Ford glanced at Mabel before giving Stan a very forced smile.

“She will be once Dipper gets back with the medicine.”

Stan frowned a little, not even realizing he was matching Ford’s expression. “Are you sure?”

Silence. Stan looked up and saw Ford staring at the door, and in his gut, Stan knew he was worried but trying not to show it. Which didn’t exactly make him feel any better.

Then Ford returned his attention back to Stan and he sighed. “Mabel is strong, I…she‘ll be okay.”

“Yeah…she fought off a pumpkin monster one time.” Stan said quietly.

Ford quirked an eyebrow and Stan was pretty sure that meant he wanted to hear more.

“We were exploring the woods…kind of when we weren’t supposed to. But you wanted to find a-oh I mean…my Ford wanted to follow some instructions he found in Dipper’s journal so…we snuck off.” As he spoke, a weight grew on Stan’s chest again and he looked at the ground, trying to fight back the overwhelming sadness. He wished he could go back to that day, when the scariest thing was a stupid monster and Mabel was fine and Ford was…

“You miss him.”

Stan quickly looked up but old Ford wasn’t looking at him, he was staring at the wall.

“Of course I do…” Stan said quietly, then he couldn’t stop himself from asking the same. “Do you miss your Stan?”

Ford straightened at that, a frown replacing the thoughtful look on his face.

“I…it’s complicated.”

“…oh…” Stan mumbled, the weight on his chest growing as he tried to keep tears at bay. Apparently something could come between him and Ford. And if it happened in one universe…would it happen in his? Or would he even see his Ford again?

Another question came to Stan’s mind, one he had been too scared to ask, and maybe he shouldn’t voice it. He was already feeling awful but…might as well get it over with, right?

“Do you hate him?”

----

“That sure is a nasty bite.”

Dipper grimaced as he saw exactly what the doctor saw. His arm definitely wasn’t looking too great, and he felt a lot warmer and weaker than he had when he’d left the sanctuary of the store room. Thankfully, he had managed to find a doctor pretty quickly. If he already felt this bad, he didn’t even want to think about how Mabel was doing. The faster the doctor figured out what to give him, the sooner he could get the same medicine to Mabel.

“What did you say did this?” One of the eyes of the doctor looked up, while the other three continued to examine his arm – she reminded him a bit of a snail in that way, but she was much bigger and didn’t have slime or a shell from what he could see. Maybe a crab was more in line with what she looked like. Whatever, she wasn’t the weirdest creature he’d seen in the multiverse and apparently she was the best doctor in town. At least according to the store owner that he’d talked to.

“I didn’t say.” Dipper responded to her question. Sure, he could mention the dragon creature, but something in his gut told him that it was something to keep discreet. He had overheard some aliens talking about “The Shadow Death” in a way that sounded almost…spiritual, as if it was some sort of evil.

The doctor hummed – though it sounded more like a gurgle – then turned to her pack of medicines and rummaged through them.

A moment later, she pulled out a syringe and before Dipper could react, she had stuck him with the needle. Out of instinct, he tried to pull back before she could inject him, but she moved a lot faster than he expected. Man, was he really losing his touch?

“Don’t squirm. This will get rid of the infection. As for the bite…” The doctor pulled out a spray bottle and rag and sprayed his arm.

Gritting his teeth, Dipper tried not to show how much the spray hurt, but apparently he wasn’t the best at that because the doctor just chuckled.

“It hurts but it helps.” She said before wiping his arm – removing the foam that had arisen from the spray. Before quickly wrapping his arm again.

“There. All done.”

She started ushering him up, apparently she didn’t want him lingering around. Maybe she just had a lot of patients, or maybe she suspected what bit him and didn’t want him around longer than necessary.

“Wait!” Dipper said, planting his feet to keep from being pushed out the door.

“What? The medicine works. You already feel better.”

She was right. Strangely enough, he felt like his fever was already gone, but he couldn’t leave without getting medicine for Mabel too.

“Someone else got bit. A girl, my-my sister. She needs the same medicine…maybe more. She wasn’t looking very good when I left…” Just that thought sent a wave of anxiety rushing through Dipper’s body, but he tried his best to shove it down. He just had to hurry, that was all.

The doctor frowned for a moment, then grunted. “How big?”

Dipper stared at her for a moment, then realized she was asking about Mabel. “About…” Dipper used his hand to measure about how tall Mabel was. “Still a kid.”

For a moment, the doctor just narrowed her eyes at his hand, then she hurried back to her supplies. She rummaged around then came back with her arms full of different bottles and rags.

“Inject this first.” She handed him a prepared syringe with a strange orange liquid in it – different than the one she had used on him.

“Then this.” She gave him another syringe, this one looked like the one she’d given him.

“Clean the wound with this,” she handed him a bottle, “And this,” a spray bottle. “Then have her drink this.”

The last bottle was placed in his arms and Dipper frowned. “This is a lot more than you gave me.”

“A kid needs more, and different. Now go, I have more work to do.”

This time, Dipper let himself be ushered outside, and he could only hope that the different medicines would help Mabel as much as they helped him. He was tempted to use only the things that had helped him but…the doctor didn’t seem to have any ill will and she had helped him. So, he pocketed the medicines she had given him and stepped out of the medical building.

Quickly making his way through the crowd of people that had gotten much larger than when he’d arrived, Dipper did his best to avoid bumping into anyone. However, as he shuffled through the crowd, something seemed…off. Glancing over his shoulder, he tried to pinpoint what it was. Everything looked fine. The aliens were acting normal, so what-?

Dipper stumbled over his feet and barely stopped himself from falling. Moving as fast as he could, he made his way to an alley and immediately hid behind the wall of the building.

As carefully as he could, he glanced around the corner to search the crowd again. And there his fears were confirmed.

Freglo, the bounty hunter. Dipper had some experience with him in the past. He was ruthless and Dipper had only escaped by jumping into a wormhole as it was closing. If he was here…

Ducking back behind the wall, Dipper closed his eyes and tried gathering his thoughts. He wasn’t sure if Freglo had seen him, he didn’t think so. But it was only a matter of time before he tracked Dipper down, and Stan and…Mabel.

Letting out a curse under his breath, Dipper started making his way down the alley. Mabel didn’t have time for him to figure out a plan. His best bet was to get her the medicine and then figure out what to do about the bounty hunter.

Making his way carefully back to the storage room, Dipper did his best to make his trail confusing while still being quick. Freglo used scent to track, so if he could mix it up some, maybe he could confuse the hunter. Or at least give him enough time to help Mabel before facing the beast.

-----

“Do you hate him?”

A weight grew in Ford’s chest as the question lingered in the air. Stan was looking at the ground, his arms wrapped around his legs. The first thought that came to Ford’s mind was, yes. After all, Stan was the reason he was here, the reason Mabel was here. But even as that justification grew in his mind, his heart seemed to balk at the word. Hate. Did he really hate Stan?

“Never mind. I…forget I said anything.”

Stan’s voice was quiet and fearful, as if he was scared of Ford’s response. For a moment, Ford was taken back to Glass Shard Beach, after Pa had said some degrading things about Stan – like he always did. And now here he was, years later…treating Stan the same way. And yes, Stan made a lot of mistakes, and Ford would be lying if he said he wasn’t angry with his brother but…

“No…I don’t hate him.”

“You don’t?” Stan straightened up quickly, looking at Ford in shock.

Trying to squash down the pain that came from the surprise on Stan’s face, Ford let out a sigh and shook his head. “No…I…I might be a little frustrated with him at the moment but…that’s not for you to worry about. I…I don’t know if I could ever truly hate him…”

“Or me?”

For a moment, Ford just stared at the younger version of Stan in shock. “Of course I don’t hate you. I…you remind me of times I…haven’t thought about in a long time…but they were good times.”

“Like what?”

The ghost of a smile grew on Ford’s mouth. “A lot of things, but mostly summers on the beach, fixing up the Stan O’ War.”

Stan straightened up. “You had the Stan O’ War too?”

A small chuckle escaped Ford’s mouth. “Of course, in fact…” Taking a breath, Ford carefully put a hand inside his inner coat pocket, wanting to make sure he didn’t damage his treasure more than it already had been. Grabbing it, he pulled it out and looked at it for a moment before showing it to Stan.

A faded picture of Stan and Ford as kids, standing in front of the Stan O’ War.

“Is that…how…how old is that?” Stan stared wide-eyed at the picture, reaching out to take hold of it.

For a split-second Ford felt a familiar pull at the thought of letting go of the photograph. He had kept it for forty years, through countless dimensions, and he’d never let anyone else handle it. But he let Stan take it. After all, it was Stan, and if he was going to share it with anyone, it would be Stan – young or old.

Stan held the photo carefully, his eyes locked on it. And only after a moment did Ford realize he could see tears prickling in his eyes. A heaviness grew on his chest and he carefully rested a hand on Stan’s back.

Looking up quickly, Stan quickly wiped at his eyes. “Will I ever see him again?”

The question brought an unexpected sadness upon Ford. Not just for this Stan, but…for himself as well. When he’d first been pushed into the portal, he never imagined seeing Stan again, and now it seemed more impossible. But Stan had managed to turn on the portal once, and knowing his brother, he wouldn’t stop until it was back on again.

“I don’t know, Stanley…but…” Ford sighed and glanced at the picture. “Why don’t you keep that? I think you need it more than me.” Maybe that wasn’t true. The thought of not having the picture scared Ford. As if he was admitting that those two kids would never be that way again, would never be as close as they once had, and might never actually see each other again. But if he could help Stan, even an alternate version, keep up the hope that he had lost, well…he’d survive.

“Really?” Stan asked quickly, his fingers gripping the picture tighter.

“Really.”

For a second, their eyes met and an understanding passed between them. The tension that had been lining Stan’s body ever since he had first run into Ford disappeared, and the frustration that Ford felt at his brother’s recklessness eased. They were okay now.

A door flying open broke the moment, and Ford quickly grabbed for his gun, only to relax as he saw Dipper, who quickly closed the door behind him.

“What’s wrong?” Ford asked, immediately sensing Dipper’s stress.

“It’s…” Dipper’s eyes flickered to Mabel and he shook his head. “First things first.”

Ford tried to calm his nerves as he watched Dipper treat Mabel with a variety of medicines. He knew Dipper wouldn’t hurt Mabel, just like he wouldn’t hurt Stan. But still, he didn’t know what Dipper had gotten to treat her and with his hurried entrance and treatment, Ford knew something was wrong.

A few times, Mabel muttered in her sleep as Dipper treated her, especially when he injected her with one of the medicines, but she didn’t wake up. However, the pale tone of her skin seemed to lessen as Dipper applied an ointment to her leg.

“There.” Dipper pulled back from pouring a medicine down Mabel’s throat. His arms were shaking and Ford felt a similar tension in his own body.

“What happened out there?”

Dipper frowned and glanced at the door. “Bounty hunter.” He said quietly, seeming to want to keep Stan from hearing, but the kid had sharp ears and he sat up straight.

Dread pooled in Ford’s stomach as he looked at Mabel. “Did he spot you?”

Dipper’s eyes flicked to the door again. “I’m not sure, but…if he did…”

“We need to move.” Even as Ford said it, he knew that was impossible. Mabel was still recovering and moving her could make her worse.

Looking at Dipper, Ford saw the same concern in his eyes. For a moment, no one moved, then Dipper broke eye contact and looked at Stan.

“Get your stuff, Stan.”

“What?” Stan looked at Mabel and Ford, then at Dipper.

“We need to leave.”

“Now???” Stan glanced at Mabel again.

“Yes.” Even as he spoke, Dipper hastily packed the few items that had been scattered around the room – which wasn’t much. It seemed he traveled as lightly as Ford did.

Stan followed suit, only to stop as he realized Ford wasn’t moving. “Why aren’t you packing?”

Ford exchanged a glance with Dipper. “I’m staying here with Mabel.”

“What!?” Stan blurted out. “What…you can’t…we’re supposed to stick together, right? We-we just found each other and-”

Ford reached out and place a hand on Stan’s shoulder. “Stanley, you have to go. I…I’m not your Ford. We can’t-”

“You lied!” Stan snapped, tears growing in his eyes as he pulled away from Ford.

“No, Stan. I didn’t-”

“L-let’s go, D-Dipper,” Stan stuttered, grabbing at Dipper’s hand and pulling him towards the door.

“Stanley, wait!”

But Stan had already pulled a stunned Dipper out the door. He was gone and Ford felt just as horrible as he had the first time Stan had stormed away all those years ago. Only this time, he couldn’t make it right. Because he’d never see the kid again. He would always think that Ford didn’t want him around, when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Grunkle Ford?”

Mabel’s voice shook Ford out of pain that was threatening to overwhelm him.

“I’m here.”

“How long have I…?” Mabel’s voice trailed off and as she scanned the room frantically. “Where are Dipper and Stan?!?”

[everybodyshusband]

I hurt my ankle ;( could i possibly request for Regressed Dew getting comforted with his hurt ankle via swiss and mountain?

of course you can request that ! i'm sorry this took a while to write, dear anon. i hope your ankle is starting to feel better, love <3

It starts with a thud. The quiet noise of a certain fire ghoul falling onto the soft, wet grass, followed almost immediately by quiet sobs that Dewdrop is clearly doing his best to stifle. Mountain hears him first, the glass of the greenhouse thankfully allowing sound to pass through.

The earth ghoul's ear twitches in the direction of the distressed noises and he makes the decision to set down his trowel and investigate. He brushes the dirt from his hands onto his gardening apron, making sure to take if off and hang it up on its proper hook before walking out of the greenhouse and setting his eyes on Dewdrop.

The little ghoul is sitting on the ground, one leg drawn up close to his body, the other laying out straight in front of him, the ankle already beginning to swell. He's crying, which isn't always out of character for the fire ghoul depending on the situations he finds himself in, but the little hiccups he's letting out after every sob that escapes him can only mean one thing.

"Little one?" Dewdrop looks up when Mountain speaks, tears tracking down his cheeks. "Oh, my darling, are you hurt?" Mountain rushes over to Dewdrop and reaches a hand out, swiping his thumbs over the little ghoul's cheeks to rid his face of tears. It's a pointless effort (his tear ducts immediate work to replace any tears Mountain brushes away) but the way Dewdrop leans into Mountain's touch and closes his eyes signals to the earth ghoul that the little ghoul seems to appreciate the gesture.

"I- I wanted to say hi at you, so I runned," he tries to explain through his sobs. "But I falled over and ankle hurt..."

"Oh, love," Mountain sighs, pulling Dewdrop into a hug, careful to not jolt his injured ankle. "Should we take you up to the infirmary? Get you all fixed up?"

Dewdrop shakes his head emphatically through his hiccups. "No! Wanna Swissy cuddle," he pouts, wrapping his arms around himself to emphasise his point.

"You want to see Swiss?"

"Uh huh. Wanna Mountain and Swissy cuddle."

Mountain can't help the way his face splits into a genuine smile at Dewdrop's admission of wanting to be wrapped up in his hugs. "Well, sundew," (Dewdrop chirps happily at the nickname despite the fat tears still rolling down his cheeks) "how about I carry you back to the commons and we can wait for Swiss to meet us on the couch for cuddles, hmm?"

"Yeah!" The fire ghoul nods excitedly and claps his hands at Mountain's suggestion. The earth ghoul lifts him up as carefully as he can, purposefully avoiding contact with Dewdrop's sore ankle and slowly makes his way up the hill towards the ghouls' commons.

The walk isn't a long one, but with a squirming ghoul on his back with an ankle that shouldn't be moved about too much, the journey ends up taking almost double the time Mountain usually walks it in. The earth ghoul is mostly quiet, occasionally encouraging Dewdrop in his nonsensical babbling to ensure the little ghoul stays distracted from his pain, but he mostly stays quiet, content to focus on keeping Dewdrop's leg and ankle straight as he holds him.

"Mounty," Dewdrop starts, the earth ghoul immediately tuning back in. "Wossa 'commons'? You sayed 'commons' wossat mean?"

"You want to know what 'commons' means, love?" Mountain clarifies.

"Uh huh."

"It's a fast way to say 'common room'," he explains. "You know the room with the couches outside all of our bedrooms?" He elaborates once Dewdrop is silent for just a bit too long for him to have properly understood what Mountain originally meant.

"Ohh, the big room?"

"Yes, that's right, little one!" Mountain encourages. "The big room."

Dewdrop hums. "I like the big room. 'S warm. And Swissy gonna be there too!"

"Yes, he will." Mountain sends an anti-prayer to whatever lower power is listening that for Dewdrop's sake, Swiss will already be in the common room when he and the little ghoul arrive.

As luck would have it—or maybe that prayer really did work after all—Swiss is laying sideways over one of the armchairs, legs dangling over the one of the arms of the chair, his back resting against the other. "Hey, uh, Mount? I think you have a limpet stuck to your back," he teases, grinning.

"Swissy, 'm not a limpet!" Dewdrop protests as indignantly as he can manage. "Imma ghoul."

The multi ghoul smiles at Dewdrop's voice. "Oh, of course! How could I forget!" He rolls off of the armchair landing purposefully onto the floor with a loud thump, making Dewdrop giggle, the fire ghoul's entire body vibrating against Mountain's own.

"Swissy you're silly!" He laughs. "Mounty can you let me down p'ease? I wanna Swissy-Mounty cuddle now."

Mountain lowers Dewdrop onto one of the couches slowly, careful not to let anything bump his sore ankle before seating himself at Dewdrop's side and letting the little ghoul curl into his side. Dewdrop reaches an arm out and makes grabby hands in Swiss' general direction, encouraging him to join the mini ghoul pile.

The multi ghoul gladly approaches, but stops short once he catches sight of Dewdrop's ankle. "What happened, Dewy?"

Dewdrop glances down at his ankle and Mountain has to rub his back softly as the fire ghoul begins to tear up all over again. "Falled over..." he mumbles quietly.

"Awh, baby, you poor thing." Swiss kneels on the floor in front of the little ghoul and cradles his face in his hands. "D'you want me to try and make it feel a bit better now, or do you want to wait for Aether to help you later?"

"Mmm, I dunno..." Dewdrop has begun to twist his shirt in his hands as he does his best to answer Swiss' question. "Maybe... Aefer?"

"Good choice, love," Mountain mutters into Dewdrop's hair.

Swiss nods in agreement. "I'm sure it still hurts a lot, but Aeth'll patch you up in no time, little guy. Plus," he adds, whispering conspiratorially, "if you're really well-behaved when he fixes your ankle, he might have a couple stickers to spare for you, hmm? How does that sound, baby?"

"Stickers?" Dewdrop asks, mouth agape in surprise. "Want stickers!"

"Well then it's a very good thing you're such a good, well-behaved boy, isn't it, love?" Mountain strokes Dewdrop's hair as he speaks, sharing a soft smile with Swiss as the little ghoul begins purring and wriggling further into his hold. He inclines his head to Dewdrop's other side, glad when Swiss takes the hint to move from the couch to wrap his arms around the little ghoul. Dewdrop's purring kicks up a notch as Swiss joins him and Mountain on the couch, loudly reverberating against the two ghouls he's sandwiched between.

It may have started with the thud of Dewdrop falling over and injuring himself, but it ends with a happy fire ghoul purring, sandwiched in between two of his loving packmates, their arms wrapped tightly around him as they calm him down.

[marlynnofmany]

There’s No Aggression Like Passive Aggression

“So is this a food plant, or a decoration plant?” I asked, adjusting my grip on the clear case as I walked. “Or do we know?”

Zhee flicked an antenna. “Not my business.” He faced forward, businesslike, but with bug eyes that size, there was no need to turn his head.

Paint looked up from elbow height. “I think it’s food,” she said, giving the package a discerning stare. The alien flowers were a similar orange to her scales. “I’ve seen these at markets before. They’re expensive.”

“Makes sense,” I said. The private estate that we’d been walking across for some time now was covered in the most rigidly cultivated berry bushes I’d ever seen. Even the pathway was paved in thick moss, pruned to within an inch of its life. The owner of this place had both money and a fondness for plants. Especially edible-looking ones.

A berry dropped to the path ahead of us, then was snapped up by something that darted out of the undergrowth. I couldn’t tell you if it was an animal or a robotic gardener.

“Don’t ask the client,” Zhee said. “Keep that curiosity to yourself. Best behavior and extreme politeness.”

“Right,” I agreed. “Soooo… any tips on what that means for this particular culture? I haven’t met them before.”

Zhee walked stiffly, with only his shiny purple legs moving. “I haven’t either.”

I blinked. “What? I thought you were the expert.” I looked to Paint, but she was shaking her head.

“None of the crew has met them in person,” she said. “I think this whole area usually gets deliveries from a specific company, or individual, or something — anyways, it’s not us. We’re the last-minute replacement.”

“Uh-huh.” I held the bio-shielded case full of expensive plants a little tighter. “So they’re rich, probably important, and if we do anything to displease them, we’ll never make another delivery in this part of the system again.”

Zhee clicked a pincher arm. “Accurate.”

Paint spread her scaly hands in what was probably a calming gesture. “It shouldn’t be that bad,” she said. “We’ll just hand the package over quietly, and not make a fuss. We know some things about the client.”

“Do tell,” I said. “I wasn’t up front when the captain took the call.”

Paint ticked off points by counting on her knuckles. “The client is the only one who lives here, though she throws big parties. She didn’t seem to like talking more than necessary. She has very fancy fur patterns. Prey species.” Paint looked up a bit guiltily. “I misses the name of the species, but they eat plants, and evolved with some big predators that aren’t a problem anymore. Captain Sunlight said so.”

Zhee made a quiet noise that I interpreted as confidence that they wouldn’t have been a problem for him anyways.

“So I guess we’ll be polite by keeping quiet and not making any sudden movements,” I said. Then I looked at Zhee, with his shiny exoskeleton and natural blade arms. “If she looks afraid of you, hang back.”

Zhee scoffed, but paused to let Paint and me get a single step ahead.

We reached an archway woven with multicolored vines and dangling pea pods. The hedges on either side were crisply trimmed to an absurd degree. And through it was a sprawling meadow of lounging spots, fountains, and flowering trees. Dozens of locals socialized there in absolute silence. I hadn’t heard a thing aside from the fountains.

I froze at the archway, with Paint and Zhee right beside me. A couple of the closest partygoers glanced our way, then ignored us with body language that felt pretty rude, honestly.

They all had elaborately-patterned fur: mostly spots and swirls, in the gold-to-brown range. Proportions that seemed just as comfortable on all fours as on two. Tall ears like many a prey animal that I’d known, very mobile and expressive, speaking a language of tilts and twitches that I could only guess at. Big eyes.

Paint whispered, “That’s her by the big fountain, with the starburst swirl patterns.”

“Which? Oh, there. You’re sure?” Those definitely were some fancy patterns — did she get her fur dyed? — and the cushy spot surrounded by red berries did seem like a place of honor.

“Yes, I saw her on the call,” Paint said firmly. “Oh, and that one too! The captain said they’re having some sort of feud.” She pointed at an especially bright-furred party-goer who was approaching the host.

I shifted uneasily. “Why isn’t the captain doing this delivery?” I muttered.

“Busy,” said Zhee.

Paint sighed. “Busy. But look; I think they made up. We should be clear to approach.”

The golden-blonde local had strolled over to within a few lengths of the host, then flopped down to lounge in the sun, looking just as relaxed as anyone there.

Anyone but the host. I saw her nostrils flare, and thought of rabbits.

“Wait,” I said urgently, holding out a hand. Paint and Zhee stopped. “That might be a ‘I’m a happier rabbit than you’ move.”

“A what,” Zhee said, just as the host scrambled to her feet with an angry thump to the ground.

Every head there whipped around to watch. The blonde offender was also getting to her feet, but not fast enough; the host tackled her into a vicious tumble of fur and angry screeching.

Others dashed over, but the fight ended quickly, and the offender was ejected from the party. A half dozen others escorted her towards the archway with tense body language of their own.

We were still standing there like idiots. Paint and I jumped to one side and Zhee to the other, letting the procession pass. Once they had, everyone was looking at us instead.

Not my best entrance, but here goes, I thought as I stepped forward with the plant held front and center. I heard Paint and Zhee fall in behind me.

There was an unnerving amount of silent staring as we approached, but nothing outright hostile, and nobody seemed afraid of Zhee. Good enough.

The host of the party was back on her mossy cushion, plucking berries and eating them one at a time with an air of deliberate haughtiness. She’d smoothed her fur, though there were a few damp spots. She looked past me as I set down the case.

Normally I would have said something cheerful to the client at this point, a friendly greeting, maybe a compliment or two, but this time I just held out the ID pad. With hardly a glance, she pressed her delicately clawed hand onto the screen. The beep of confirmation felt loud.

I nodded, stood smoothly, then backed up a couple paces before turning away fully. The three of us made our careful way back through the archway.

“Whew,” I whispered once we were out of sight. “All the friendliness of a firing squad.”

Zhee walked ahead, muttering about mammals and unnecessarily complicated social rituals.

“I’ve seen worse,” I told him. “This was just a bit of passive-aggressive ego drama.”

Zhee waved an arm in disdain.

I didn’t comment on the kind of ego drama that he himself was fond of.

“I’m just glad we didn’t walk out into the middle of all that,” Paint said.

“Seriously,” I agreed. “Might have dropped the package. And then what would we do?”

“Pee, scream, and run,” Paint declared.

I thought of that many gnawing teeth aimed in our direction. “Yeah, probably.” I held up a hand and pointed out a tiny pale scar. “I got bit by a rabbit once. Well, more than once, but this one left a mark. She was much like these guys, just a lot smaller. Every inch the princess, mind you, but I have known some very nice rabbits too.”

I told Paint comforting stories on the walk back to the landing pad, with Zhee pretending not to listen, and both of us pretending that we didn’t notice.

~~~

The ongoing backstory adventures of the main character from this book. More to come!

[melonchews]

you’re art is so fantastic do you have any tutorials that really helped you improve :3??

Oh my gosh thank you so much!!

Here are some resources/tutorials that helped me over the years.

Patreon :

Loish has a patreon that’s full of amazing tutorials and tips that expand past even art, such as workflow and scheduling. Three of the biggest takeaways that helped with me so far:

• focus studies (choosing a specific area to focus on when doing warm ups)

• exaggeration + creativity when doing studies (so eliminating the pressure of accuracy and focusing on observation + feeling).

• workflow (the ways in which we complete illustrations and work it into our schedule. In due time I will implement this better lol).

——————

YouTube:

Ahmed aldoori :

• 100 heads

• drawing practice from reference

• photo study painting tutorial

Proko :

• draw the head from any angle

• getting better faster - painting with 80/20 rule

Marco bucci :

• 10 mins to better painting (playlist)

Ethan Becker :

• draw gesture with one shape (honestly a lot of his tutorials/tips are great! I think I learned a lot of various things that are scattered thought out his videos).

—————

Books: not tutorials, but good resources that helped.

• How to draw by Scott Robertson

• Figure drawing: design and study by Michael hampton

• a ton of “art of” books, study your favorites!

—————

My own tips/things I think about when I draw that have helped a lot:

Image 1) tracing over figures then drawing the contour or using that traced contour to check my work.

I also block in the shapes of the body and redraw that (sometimes treating it as its own character. I’ll play around with those proportions or stylize them, etc).

Image 2) negative space and envelope: Creating a shape around the figure and creating shapes in the negative space helped me a lot with mapping out poses. I eventually started using it as a short cut for my own work once I memorized common shape placements.

Image 3) finding the rhythms of a figure through connections and implied lines. For example, the curve of her hip flowed into the inside of her bra cup, or the inner leg flowed into her panty line. Etc. this really helped me simplify figures and draw in a way that was enjoyable.

Image 4) is an extension of 3, sometimes it helps to see the connection of the arms + shoulders or legs + hips. As well as opposing line curves (the red).

I hope that makes sense 😭 if not I can explain it better/more thoroughly if needed.

[rmelster]

—𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒.

CHAPTER ONE: PAST THOSE DARKSOME GATES.

Clarence Sinclair appeared to posses the unusual gift to bore all who listened.

It had been long since Lawrance had ceased to pay attention to his words.

If its facade was gloomy, its interior was even more gloomy. Onstyles, that vast castle that had stood in front of them like a clear between sharp, bare-armed trees, presented itself before the eyes of the young man as a miserable and depressing place, similar to a nursing home for the elderly or a secluded monastery in the mountains, where one goes when there is no more hope in life than to die or be forgotten. The few students who wandered through the corridors, clad in a rigid black uniform, did so with that sad abandonment of the souls in pain; none seemed pleased to be in that place. A chill climbed up to his spine and a feeling of certain unease took siege of his form. Ignoring the display of knowledge of Sinclair, who talked about how certain king of the House of York had founded that institution during his brief reign, the youth rested the weight of his body against a nearby wall. Washington soon joined him; he seemed as weary as he was. Squandering stealth, Lawrance unsheathed the flask from his coat pocket and, unscrewing the horn cap, took a long swallow. His brother looked at him disheartened, but did not dare to make a gesture to stop him; both knew it was a useless venture.

"You shouldn't drink so much," he whispered, defeated. Lawrance shrugged, pretending to be indolent. He wasn’t, and he had never been.

"It's not that much.”

"You said the same thing that time."

"Of something I must die, brother," he said, harshly, before taking another drink. That last comment did not seem to sit well in Washington, whose strong form did not correspond to his sensitive nature, and his eyes were filled with anguish when he spoke again, fervently.

"Don't say that, Lawrance! Never said that again!”

"Is there something wrong, gentlemen?"

Sinclair had an affable disposition, even if it bordered petulance. He believed to see the shadow of concern upon his eyes when looking at the brothers; but Lawrance was not one to grant confidences to those who looked kindly at him.

“Everything’s alright” Lawrance said slowly, glancing at Washington.

“Everything’s alright” he forcefully agreed.

“Alright” Sinclair’s smile was now forced. He resumed walking “… As I was telling you, this halls are said to be haven of ghosts: Mysterious tales surround this school, as it happens with many old buildings of our beautiful country. But this one is… Particularly special. The firsts of them came from the very village that rests close here, Herefordshire, and narrated the fate that three young boys who vanished from our institution in the 17th century, during their first year, faced. However, those stories are…”

Suddenly, he ceased to speak. A group of three young men, clad in the austere black uniform of the students, passed by in silence, and the eye of the once affable Sinclair seemed to follow them closely, greedily, wrathfully. Lawrance saw him stretch his neck, and the movement of a vein under his fair skin reminded him of a gruesome occasion, almost two years from that day, when he had accompanied his father to a hunt party on behalf of his older brother, who was ailing; after hours of searching, fruitlessly, for a true prey, Pincher, a ferocious hunting dog that belonged to his father, had suddenly stretched his neck in the very same way Sinclair had done, and its eyes had been tinged with a visceral anger. A doe, careless, had showed itself behind the trees. The moments after had been bloody: Along with the other dogs, he had thrown at an helpless deer and, after a violent and quick scuffle, he had destroyed its legs with quick, brutal bites. Lawrance could not be considered as one of those frail children in which the vision of violence made them burst into tears, but that day, when he returned home with his hands soaked in blood and his soul gripped by horror, he was sure that he had witnessed the most primitive horror that existed in nature.

Hatred.

“I told you about the legends that say that ghosts haunt this halls” he repeated, and a weird movement tensed his chapped lips, “Those are all lies, as you may have guessed; but sometimes, there are ghost, of flesh and bone… And those are the ones we must truly hold fear for...”

… And he knew better than to think that that wasn’t what he had seen gleam in the eyes of Sinclair.

Second part of chapter one is here, sorry for it being too long, we are one part more to the end! As always, my Ladyship @lordbettany / @aneurinallday / @ricardian-werewolf / @nealsneen