#~ooc: bolt speaks

[dreamingdragonscion]

To Everyone I Know, With Love From Tiki <3

The blank page of the reflective assignment stared back at her, unmoving and not even a speck of ink nor paint coloured the canvas before her. Tiki continued to stare at the blank parchment with a scrunched face, swinging her legs back and forth in attempts to help rack her brain. The white paper taunted her and the little manakete threw herself into the soft plush bed behind her desk. “It's not fair!” She wailed into her pillow, stuffing her face into the soft covers and rolling around and around on her bed before pulling the pillow down, away from her face, still on the bed as she stared at the ceiling with shiny jade eyes. “I can’t choose just one person to write about who I appreciate.” She whined into the pillow, burying herself under the many layers of blankets on her bed. 

Holding up under the blanket fort, Tiki curled up like a petty child, refusing to leave her tiny cave until she could figure a way out of this plight. She had already been scolded for being late on the assignment, and her teachers refused to give her extra time for the assignment. The reflective essay was already submitted by all the students on the campus and she was the only one. 

The only one, who had yet to decide what to write. 

Peeking out from under the covers at her desk where the blank sheet of paper fluttered in the slight breeze that billowed through her curtains, Tiki stuck out her tongue at it, making faces at it in disdain. The winds picked up a little bit more and the paper was blown off the table, waving in the air as it landed on the small pile of varied items in the corner of her room. Pulling herself out from under the covers, Tiki crawled over to her little hoard and she picked up the paper from her precious pile. 

The many trinkets that were precariously balancing on each other fell over onto the floor, spilling over the ground with a shuffle of sounds. With a pouty huff, Tiki began to pile the trinkets back into their extremely carefully balanced pile, but as she picked up the trinkets one by one, she paused on each and every one of them. 

Her fingers ruffled through the scarf that Xane once had, but this piece was long torn off by the heat of the battle back on Archanea. “I like Xane because he taught me how to feel more free and happy. His tricks are mean sometimes but I find it funny!” She placed his scarf aside. 

A red flower sat next to Xane’s scarf and Tiki held it to her nose, enjoying the scent from the dried pressed flower. The redness reminded her of Maria. “Sis Maria is always so happy and really good at healing. She feels like I have a real little sister, so I like her too!” She placed it together with a pale purple flower. “And Miss Deirdre… she feels like Mother. Its strange but I feel like I like Miss Deirdre too.”

There were other things that she remembered collecting from the ball. A shed feather from Leanne, a dried cherry from Mae that still smelled sweet in the little glass jar she put it in. A colourful gossamer powder of blue and red from Lilith, a deep green petal that reminded her of Kurth and even the strange card she received detailing Big Brother Artur. She smiled and appreciated them all, for being her friend, for coming to her and making her smile.

There was a small card in the pile and Tiki squealed, little fingers wrapped around the card and holding it towards the ceiling light. “This one is from Professor Dark! I love Professor Dark’s class and he is so funny and strong and nice! He says the funniest things and I love it! He makes me feel happy when we play games together!” Storing the card into a tiny box, Tiki continued through her pile.

Her fingers ruffled through the items and pulled out a broken sword handle, rusted on its ends and blunt from time. “I like Kris-Mar because he was really nice to me and he looked out for me a lot! He is a bit serious but he is brave enough to protect everyone!” And she touched the worn out hilt, pressing a thumb into it and pretending to swing the sword up and down before putting it into the hoard. 

A letter from Bantu was procured next, and Tiki took her time reading through it bit by bit, running her fingers over each word that she recited in her head, as if Bantu was speaking to her right there and then in the moment. She held the letter tight to her chest, hugging it with all her might. “I love Ban-Ban for saving me from that awful nightmare. For bringing me where I wanted to go, for showing me all the places I love and want to see.” 

Without putting down the letter, Tiki held up a pegasus feather, hugging it close to her chest. “I love Big Sister Caeda for being so nice to me, for baking me sweet treats, and for helping me when I feel sad. Oh, I love Big Sister Caeda when she takes me flying on her pegasus. She feels like a real big sister that I love so much!” And finally, the famous plush doll of the Hero-King. “Mar-Mar.” And her smile returned ever so warmly to her, reaching out hugging the doll tight. “I love Mar-Mar with all my heart. For protecting me, for being there for me when I felt lonely and sad. He saved me so many times, and I can never love Mar-mar enough.” She stood up, with a giggle. “If my love for Mar-mar could be counted it would be…” She squeezed her eyes to think for a number before she squealed. “Infinite!” The blank piece of parchment paper fell to the floor, touching her feet with a subtle lightness, and then it clicked. The teachers told her to write what she appreciated about people. 

It never said to write about only one. 

Putting all her treasure hoard on her table one by one. Tiki let the warmth in her heart inspire her to pick up the ink pen once more. Her messy penmanship scribbled over the paper in an attempt to write properly for once. 

“To every one I lov with all my haart.” She began with a smile, the sun shining on the paper and her smile from the window.

[dreamingdragonscion]

The not-so-little manakete nodded her head fervently, a big wide smile on her fluffy soft snout as she snuggled it into Caeda’s arms while the Pegasus Knight climbed onto her back. She lowered her wings down, allowing Caeda to board her with considerable ease, though perhaps somewhere down the line of time Tiki would remember that Caeda is a Pegasus Knight. For now, Tiki was just ecstatic that Big Sis Caeda was with her on this rescue mission. A warmth of familiarity and comfort blossomed in Tiki’s fluffy chest as she nodded enthusiastically. 

“Big Sis Caeda is very gentle!” Tiki sang, lifting her wings off the ground and shaking her body slightly with a little dance. “Big Sis has a very warm grip, I like it lots and lots! That’s why I love Big Sister Caeda, because Big Sis is so gentle and kind and makes me very very happy inside!” Tiki squealed lightly as she lumbered over to the edge of the dock. Her neck craned over the water before she cooed. “Here we go, Big Sis!” A long, deep inhale was sucked into Tiki’s chest, the little manakete waiting for Caeda to do the same before she spread her wings out and leaped into the water with splash and dive. 

The water enveloped them as Tiki made the plunge with Caeda on her back, greeting them with a myriad of tiny warm bubbles that tickled the feathers of Tiki’s wings. The not-so-little manakete danced in the water, swimming deeper and deeper. Her wings raised up a little around Caeda to protect her Big Sister from the cold waters, their damp yet warm feathers providing comfort in the depths of the lake’s waters as it nestled and snuggled up to the Pegasus Knight. 

Tiki’s glowing emerald eyes pierced through the darkness of the water, dazzling under the dotted sunlight filtering through the surface of the water like shiny jewels. Her pristine sharp gaze still held within a soothing playful yet curious innocence as Tiki looked back at Caeda, tilting her head at the deeper end, not knowing where to go to find Mar-Mar.

"oh!" caeda exclaims in surprise at the sudden transformation, given no warning for the dragon before her. she had seen tiki transform into a dragon countless times by now, but still the sight amazes her just as much as it had the first time. noticing how tiki's expression had fallen upon observing the state of her body after diving so far down, an affectionate smile returns to tug at her lips.

the pegasus knight climbs quickly back onto the dock, tiki's dragon form now towering over her. she isn't surprised that banri was starting to try and teach her to have some more independence. "that water is no match for the both of us. we'll get mar-mar back in no time, right?" she says with a lighthearted chuckle before climbing onto the manakete's back.

"is it alright if i hold onto you like this?" she asks after climbing closer to tiki's neck, caeda snaking her arms around the divide between her neck and her back with as light a grip as she can manage. "let me know if it's uncomfortable."

[storybounded]

**soft gasp** he arrivedddd 😭😭

[hclluvahctel-aa]

The lion king comparisons got me wondering if Michael will kill Lucifer then

[dreamingdragonscion]

"I want to remember everyone. So I love to collect things discarded by my friends! As I make more friends, I will always remember them through the trinkets I pick up from them. Even if we are far apart, they will always be with me!"

Tiki's Officer Academy Uniform! - Sorry the pink clashes with the uniform but I like the pink on her! -

As she collects trinkets from others, I will compile them into a small art piece at the end of each month (hopefully...). No, these trinkets don't have a use, they literally are just stuff for her little dragon hoard. :"D So they aren't on the stats page.

[dreamingdragonscion]

Emerald eyes gazed upon him with utter joy, the warmth fluttering in her heart as Mar-Mar’s voice graced her sharp little ears like soft spring breeze. How she missed his voice, his hugs and even his presence. The comfort she felt next to him, it could never be replaced or replicated by anyone else in her life. While Ban-Ban was high on her priority list of people she treasured, Mar-Mar was on a whole other level. His chivalry, his bravery and his kindness had saved her not once but twice had melted her heart. The promises he had made stayed with her till this very day as emerald met sapphire, twinkling under the dainty lights of the ballroom above. 

She nuzzled her face into his clothes, likely creasing it but she failed to notice as she giggled. “It is great to see you too, Mar-Mar! I heard from Big Sister Caeda that you were here so I have been searching for you! Everyone here is so big and nice, they became my friends and I love them all! But I wanted to find Mar-Mar so badly, so I am happy that I found you!” A fang filled grin before pulling away from the embrace with a dance in her step. 

The suggestion to share the treats over a nice long talk was taken up immediately with an enthusiastic nod. “Of course! Ban-Ban always told me that sharing makes food taste even better!” It didn’t take long for the little manakete to grab Marth’s hand, their palms blooming with the magic of their brands as she dragged them towards a small bench decorated with dainty flowers of jade, indigo and gold. 

“I have been eating well! Ban-Ban gave me a lot of pickled vegetables to eat on my journey to explore the world! When I told Ban-Ban I wanted to wander and find new friends, Ban-Ban said it would be good for me. It was very sad when he said he couldn’t come… But!” She fumbled with the small red satchel on her shoulder and procured out a small doll, complete with a plush crown adorning his cotton hair and a small toy sword made of felt, was a doll with shocking resemblance to the Hero-King! “He made me a Mar-Mar doll so I won’t be lonely!” She hugged the doll with all her might, her cheeks flushed red and eyes sparkling with the excitement of twinkling stars at night. 

Though the mere mention of Lord Gotoh earned a pout from Tiki and she stuck her tongue out in petty disdain. “Lord Gotoh is always telling me to do things I don’t want to.” She huffed, bringing the doll she hugged closer to her chest where a fluffy mane decorated her onesie, letting the doll sink in the fur. “It took Ban-Ban and me a very long time to convince him to let me go.” She didn’t seem to want to talk more about the Sage after that. 

“But I am glad I went out to explore! I got to see so many new places and buildings, pick up so many new flowers and meet a lot of new people! The people of this world are so nice, they remind me of everyone in the army when we were working together to defeat Medeus!” She bounced up and down, recalling all the sights and scenes she had seen on her travels prior to her enrollment at the Monastery. 

Yet… the more she spoke, the more her tone started to fall, her pace falling slowly and her arms sunk to her side while weakly gripping the plush doll of striking resemblance to Marth. “I met a lot of people in that village… The village chief was big and strong and strict… There was a small boy who acted like a lone wolf… a girl who dreamed of riding a pegasus and… a boy who looked up to… Mar-Mar… they reminded me of… of…” A wet stain formed on her onesie and soon tears stained her face, rolling down red flushed cheeks as Tiki looked at Marth with a shaky smile. “They reminded me of everyone in the army, the one I fought with alongside Mar-Mar to defeat Medeus!” 

She struck up a strong smile, the edges of her lip quivering as if trying to ignore the stream of tears on her face. It didn’t last for long. 

She flung herself into Marth’s arms, burying her face into his clothes. What was first a small sniffle grew in volume into a loud wail. Her fingers gripping at marth’s sleeve, her tears staining his perfect outfit fit for the ball. “I missed everyone so much! The journey was fun, it really was Mar-Mar, but I was on my own! It was so lonely. I met new friends and people but I missed everyone in Archanea so much.” She cried with a shrill tone. “I miss Big Sister Caeda, Xane, Ban-Ban and most of all.” 

She looked back up with tear stained emerald eyes. This was a Hero-King sized hole in her heart that even a doll modelled after the Hero-King could fill.

“I missed you the most, Mar-Mar.”

“MAR-MAR!”

A small yellow ball barrelled straight towards the Hero-King, slamming head first into him with the widest and brightest smile in the universe. Little arms hugged tightly around Marth as the little dragon hood on Tiki’s head flew off in her momentum, revealing Tiki’s bright emerald eyes shimmering at Marth. The fluffy dragon wings on her onesie fluttered slightly as she buried her face into Marth with a giggle. “I missed you Mar-Mar!” She squealed, taking a moment before pulling away and reaching into the satchel on her shoulder.

“Look!”

Sweet Bun Trio: The first bun is filled with sweet cream and topped with icing and a candied cherry. The second is a sweet roll filled with almonds, pecans, and dried cranberries and glazed with honey. The third is a bun sliced in half, filled with almond paste and whipped cream, dusted with powdered sugar on top.

“I found these at the tables! They looked really good so let’s share them together, Mar-Mar!”

The prophetic prince of light who twice saved the world, and the pivotal divine dragon princess who shadowed him every step of his way- between them stretched a timeless red string, like no force of nature could truly wrangle them apart. Naturally, he'd heard from his beloved that Tiki stepped foot onto the monastery grounds, and with that knowledge came his bright-eyed anticipation of their reunion. She was by all spoken accounts a dear companion to the Hero-King; to Marth and Caeda the more intensely adored figure of both a daughter and a little sister wrapped in one.

Also a truly concentrated ball of joy who happened to feel like one, too. The force of her body on a running start nearly knocked him askew, headed by two glittering eyes and a beaming smile that revealed themselves from beneath a hood. If not by such an adorable face, he could discern her by the feeling of a vicelike embrace alone, impressively strong for a child of such proportions- strong as ever, at that.

"Oh, Tiki, it is ever good to see you! I've missed you, too—seeing you again I feel as if the sun could dawn twice." She hadn't grown much taller from the last they'd seen one another, but that was to be expected from the manakete race. Too slowly grown for the same span of years that a human endured. Nevertheless, his careful inspection of her differences lowered him onto a crooked knee, leveling them eye-to-eye. How nostalgic.

And gold and brimming as the king's expression, it seemed to radiate all the brighter as Tiki presented him with the desserts.

"Those are some very tasty looking sweet buns. We can most certainly share them over a nice, long talk." Nothing could deface the spark of joy in his eyes at this rate. Wasn't the feeling identical to fathers who received from sons and daughters their amateur crafts? Though simple and homely, the endearment of it all came from a universal tendency to love and cherish what those little hands brought before him. And- setting the desserts down- he took those very hands gently into his with the touch of their branded palms: "You've been in good health, I hope? Eating Bantu's pickled vegetables? I've been receiving quite the reports from him and Lord Gotoh. They say you've been a very good girl, but I would like to hear it from you!"

[lookwhatyoudidithasanxiety]

(is it better or worse if I tell you that this interpretation of the character is someone based on Alcina Dimitrescu, and happens to be the same height as her?)

-TFM anon

// Um....either? Both?//

[runicsorceress]

Bzzt! Rune put me in charge of the blog for the time being to answer some questions. Though first, we need organization! Everyone shall be given colours as to not make things too confusing, and I will be transcribing best as i can for those who cannot type. There's only so much I can do to convey tone though. Now everyone, tell them a bit about yourselves! (In chronological order please, bzzt.)

hi! im li wait why am i red i dont like red i dont have any red on me Because you're fire type bzzt! It seemed the best fit with what we have. Now please, back to the intro but theres pruple. why does pebble get purple and not me? Purple, and thats because of the limited colours, bzzt. Red doesnt fit anyone else, especially not Pebble. fiiiiiiinee im littie and im rune's best friend. i found her as a kid and weave been friends ever since

Bzzt, my name is Bolt. I am an officially licensed Service/Therapy Rotom. The Akiyamas got me for Rune around two years back to assist her, mentally. Now, I assist her in battles too, although I'm not particularly good at them.

Makoto, It's your turn now. Ok. I'm Makoto, a Cofagrigus. Do you want to say anything else, bzzt? No, I want to get back to my book.

Hey! I'm Pebble. I joined Rune recently and I really like fighting with her, (They mean Pokémon battling alongside her. Rune isn't fighting her Pokémon, don't worry.) It's really fun! We're gonna be champions! And because of her I met Connie!

Um... Do I have to do this? What do I even say here? Bzzt! Just them about yourself. Start with your name and species alright? Okay... I'm Oran and I'm Rune's Frillish. Uh, she caught me to help with a gym. I guess I did well cus I'm still a part of her team...

Hiya, I'm Four, er, Connie! Four was my old name, before Rune. I'm really new and I don't battle or anything, I'm just happy to be here! It's much more fun.

Well, bzzt, that concludes our intros! if yoforgetting about someone, zappy? Please don't take the phone. If you want to join us however, you can. I will edit your text to green and indent your hmph "want to join?" u cant just leave me out of this im a part of the team too Really? You're staying? Since when!? a couple days. those two liked me too much the girl had to keep me Yay! you didnt know? Yay! This is gonna be so fun! So noisy, maybe. When are we done with this thing? Please everyone, one at a time. Remember, this is our introductions. So, what is your name, bzzt? don't have one, don't need one. no one's gonna forget me anyway, just look at me! (She's likely referring to her being a Shiny Misdreavus. Ps, that's the reason her text is green bzzt!) you dont need to add extra stuff to my sentence, zappy. Bzzt, can I at least choose a new nickname? nope. >:)

Alright, that officially concludes our introductions! If you have any questions to ask them. There's also an Ask Game if you would like to ask us questions from there, bzzt. Apologies for the delays, someone took a while to get ready. You could have simply done it without me.

[dreamingdragonscion]

The little dragon nodded her head fervently. “My name is Tiki but Big Brother Artur must drop the ‘Miss’.” She gave him a pout, her cheeks puffing up at her insistence. “It makes you sound so formal like Lord Gotoh and I don’t like that. Just being casual with me is more than enough to make me happy!” She swung her legs with a hum as she contemplated it a bit more. “A lot of people call me such formal titles and names, it's a little tiring to tell them all to stop calling me that.” She huffed out like a petty child. “Friends shouldn’t be calling each other by such ‘stuffy’ titles.” 

Tiki stared in wonder at Artur’s mark, extending her own hands from under the sleeves of her plush outfit with a cheeky look. “Your mark is just like Mar-Mar’s!” She squealed out, poking Artur’s mark with a soft finger. “I also have a mark!” She quickly rolled up the sleeve a bit more to show the yellow lightning mark on the back of her palm, the mark was partially concealed by the long sleeve of her soft onesie. 

“I don’t think these marks are anything bad.” She tilted her head with a curious look and gestured at her own vines that sprouted at least 2 different flowers. “They haven’t hurt me once ever. In fact, I think they are a blessing!” She giggled as she touched the flowers on her vine with a hum of reminiscence of just the events that had happened in this unique ballroom. “I met so many new friends because of this mark, they all taught me that these marks and the flowers that bloom when we exchange marks on our hands is a sign of our friendship! Even the flowers bloom with our friendship and Ban-Ban taught me that blooming flowers is a good thing!  I even got to see Mar-Mar again! So I don’t think these marks are all bad.” Such an innocent smile spread wide across her face.

With everything that had happened, the prospect of sweet confectionery had fleeted Tiki’s mind but the whisper of winds and the insistence of the higher elementals above soon drew her back to that desire. In a flash of lightning, courtesy of her own elemental patron, a small fancy table with a high tea stand filled with all manner of sugary delights and some savoury sandwiches alongside a tea pot and some cups were neatly presented amongst an array of flowers.

A squeal from the little manakete, “Thank you Mister and Miss Elementals!” Her eyes widening at how she was granted this boon and quickly grabbed Artur’s hand to drag him to sit with her at the table. “Come on Big Brother Artur! Let’s share, let’s share!”

“Of course, Miss. if it helps you feel more at ease, then i’m fine with it. You are.. Miss Tiki, yes?”

Seeing the young dragon gain a bit of courage and steady her breathing made Artur feel a lot better about what was going on. Who knows? Maybe the two’s pleas hadn’t quite fallen on deaf ears, and she would be able to enjoy the sweet treats, after all.

As he thought about it further, he began to realize how eerily similar this situation was to that faithful day he had as a child and the events that inspired him to become a monk; a tearful child, approaching one of the cloth in search of something they most dearly treasured… except now he was the big brother comforting them, a reversal of roles from that day. Being able to provide comfort and guidance to a young, troubled soul brought him solace, in a way. It gave him reassurance that he was doing his duties and enacting the will of the Goddess to help those in need, regardless of the situation.

“I would also like to ask you… did the higher powers leave a mark on you as well? I am trying to figure out what exactly they mean… and if all of us are affected by them.”

He gently extended his palm forward, revealing a green-tinged mark upon his skin in the shape of a gale; the sign of Air. His time at the ball spent thus far had taught him there were at least three different marks and flowers that bloomed as a result of these, although his mind imagined there were likely more.

[almond-tofuuu]

The one who holds his heart

Zayne x reader

Summary: The new nurse is flirting with Zayne but his heart already belongs to someone else....

Warnings: none, reader is jealous, Zayne and reader are friends, confessions of love, friends to lovers, fluffy ending, possibly ooc Zayne (I just needed to feel happy) not proofread

You weren't jealous.

After all, why should you be? It's not like you and Zayne were anything other than friends, even if it sometimes felt like there was something more between you both. So logically, seeing the new nurse cosying up to Zayne, hand resting on his arm as she batted her eyelashes at him shouldn't have affected you in the slightest. But you couldn't stop the rage bubbling up inside you, knuckles turning white as your grip tightened around the plastic bag in your hand. You and Zayne had agreed to have lunch together today, and you'd even stopped at the bakery he likes to pick up some desserts as a surprise for your hardworking doctor. However, seeing the way this new nurse was flirting with him so blatantly, you'd lost your appetite.

As if sensing your gaze, Zayne's eyes met yours, and he swiftly excused himself from whatever conversation he and the nurse were having, making his way over to you. "You're here, I was beginning to wonder if I was going to be eating alone" his usual teasing did nothing to subdue the jealousy that was clouding your mind, instead it only made things worse.

"Oh really? Cause I'm sure that nurse you were talking to would've been more than happy to keep you company" you huff angrily, tone dripping with sarcasm. Of course, you shouldn't really be taking you're frustration out on Zayne, he didn't actually do anything wrong, but you were too wound up to care.

Zayne's brows furrowed slightly in concern at your comment, but he didn't question it, instead choosing to place a hand on your lower back, lightly guiding you towards his office "come on, let's go eat in my office"

Reluctantly you followed his lead. The walk was short and awkward, neither of you speaking until you arrived at his office, where Zayne was quick to close the door behind you both. With a heavy sigh you turn to face Zayne, tempted to make up an excuse so you could leave and avoid having to be alone with him, but before you could speak, Zayne was already staring at you. Carefully, he approached you, the way one would approach a frightened animal, as if he felt any sudden movements from him would make you bolt. Now standing in front of you, Zayne gently took your hands in his, the coolness of his touch was soothing and you could feel the jealousy from earlier melt away with every stroke of his thumb over your knuckles.

"Now, will you tell me what inspired your little comment earlier?" His was smooth as honey, a tone he reserves only for you, his eyes are focused on yours, his gaze so tender that you have to look away, embarrassed about you're behaviour.

"...I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that, I just-" you hesitate slightly, unsure whether to tell him the truth, but a reassuring squeeze of your hands gives you the courage you need. "I didn't like the way that nurse was talking to you..." Your cheeks burn and you keep your gaze locked on the floor, too embarrassed to look at Zayne.

For what seems like an eternity, neither of you make a sound, and just as your about to try and leave, the tension becoming too much for you to bear, a light chuckle catches you off guard.

"I thought it was fairly obvious by now, but it would seem you still don't understand. In that case..." Zayne gently tugs on your wrist, pulling you closer until your chest is flush against his, you can feel the hammering of a heart, but it's difficult to tell whether it's yours or his. "Allow me to make it more clear." Zayne softly holds your face, thumb brushing over your cheek before moving down to trace your bottom lip. "I have no interest in that nurse, nor anyone else for that matter. The only one I want is standing right in front of me." His whispered confession leaves you in stunned silence, mouth opening and closing as your short-circuited brain struggles to form a coherent thought. Zayne let's out a soft chuckle, seemingly amused by your reaction, "it would appear my confession has rendered you speechless. Is it really that much of a surprise?"

His light teasing is what finally snaps you out of your trance, clearing your throat in an attempt to lessen your embarrassment, "erm well.... I guess I just never thought you would feel the same way as I do, that's all." Your cheeks burned as you averted your eyes, wanting to hide your flushed face from Zayne, but he was quick to stop you. Hand tilting your chin upwards, your eyes locked with his, their usual icy intensity now replaced with a tenderness that made your heart flutter.

"Darling, I've harboured these feelings for you for so long now my heart doesn't know how to love anyone else. As a doctor, I know a great deal about the human body, especially the heart..." Zayne brings one of your hands to his chest, placing it directly over his heart that is pounding just as fast as yours. "But even I can't explain the effect you have on me. I can no longer function without you, your touch is the only thing that can soothe me after a rough day, your voice has ruined even the most beautiful melodies as nothing can compare. I don't just want you. I crave you. My heart belongs to you. In this lifetime and every other. It will always be yours."

[easy-there-leftovers]

I See You, Darling (4)

[Astarion x reader] A little longer than usual, I hope that’s fine for all of you :,DDD I didn't want to cram too much into the post though, so the segment at the end might be continued in full detail, or maybe not! Let's see.|Word count: 2.9k.|

Content Warnings: Mentions of cooking, handling knives, blood, allusions to sex, a few ooc characters, reader being a dumbass and wahtnot.

Part 3 here!!

Masterlist here!!

A party is being held at the camp in the heroes’ honor, which greets you with a lively crowd that you’ll hopefully meet again soon. And with a gathering this large, you’re bound to garner attention. But with a constitution as poor as yours from the night before, a round of drinks is the last thing you want. 

Alternatively: A bloodless human tries to balance respectfully participating in a drinking party, while also not drinking at all. 

————━─━────���༻────━─━————

The sun rises, the warmth of its rays gently waking you in the absence of the campfire’s flames. The soft chirping of the birds greet you a good morning as your eyes slowly open, ready to greet the day as a new opportunity arises.

Is what would have happened in a more idyllic scenario. Instead, you bolt awake with a pounding headache, worse than any hangover could possibly feel like, and quickly rush to get up. By the sheer brightness of the light that burns your newly opened corneas, it is far later than when you usually wake. And breakfast still hasn’t been made. 

“Well, good morning sleepy head.” One of your companions, Gale, says as he fixes his belongings. Readying himself for the skirmish that was about to take hold later on in the day.

“I’m very  sorry for waking up late. It won’t happen again.” You bow your head low for a moment before he waves you off.

“Oh come now, we all have our off days. Besides, I think the rest would agree with me when I say what you made for us last night was more than enough to last us ‘til morning.” His statement is punctuated by the lively sounds of the others training. Ready and well rested for whatever may come.

You look around. None have seemed to mind your temporary absence, so you endeavor to double check with everyone leaving and ensure that they had a sound strategy with the necessary materials and weapons should there be a need for failsafes. You remind them of certain notes that some of them have informed you about but failed to share with the rest of the group. 

‘While goblins typically go down faster than other opponents, they have no sense of honor nor pride which gives way for them the opportunity to use more underhanded tactics. But they also aren’t very bright, so you can convince the others to let them infiltrate the camp and eradicate them from the inside out.’

As the rest disperse, finalize their plans and check their supplies, your favorite character approaches you much like he usually does every morning. Only this time, you see that he looks very pleased. A more vibrant spark in his eyes as he opens his mouth to speak.

“Thank goodness you’ve finally woken up.” He looks at you, in the same way an old friend of yours would when they’re seconds away from telling a joke. 

The look fades soon enough though as he breathes out. You wonder if it’s because the joke isn't funny anymore, or if he never had a punchline to begin with.

“You looked a little ill last night, but you’ve certainly recovered.” Recovered isn’t the word you would use to describe your current state of feeling almost half dead, but you don’t bother correcting the details.

“And you look particularly vibrant today, Astarion.” The itch of your neck intensifies as you return a pointed look at him as he frowns.

“Oh, of course! Now, don’t be so upset. I will admit that I got a little carried away, I apologize.” He pauses. The frown remains on his face for a while before it is erased with his usual expression of confidence. 

“But let’s not fall out over this.” He moves to stand closer to you, taking your hand to his as he nears it to his lips as he continues. 

“We need each other.” 

And whether its done purposefully or not, you see his fangs peek out from his mouth and a shiver courses through your body.

You slip your hand out of his own in a panic and interject. 

“I know that much already, and I trust you not to let what happened last night happen again. I also apologize for not noticing sooner and dealing with the situation better.” You hold your head down a bit to apologize but quickly meet his gaze gain. “But I do need to know what we’ll have to feed you from now on.”

The look of confusion, and perhaps even shock that was once swimming in his eyes dissipates before you can notice them when he swears upon his resolve. “No innocents, you have my word. After all, you know what I am now. I can fight with all my weapons–” He grins, allowing you a clearer view than what you had earlier. “Teeth included.”

“And if I happen to drain the occasional bandit during a fight, what's the harm? They’re just as dead.” He makes a very compelling argument, at least to your standards.

You sigh, satisfied for now. You’re confident that none of your party members would end up at the mercy of his fangs, and you’re more than sure they would be able to overpower him more than your attempts did. But the same sentiment cannot be shared for possibly important, plot driving, characters that you might meet later on.

So you propose something to strengthen your trust that the unlikely will stay the unlikely.

“Look, I’m–” You breathe in, almost as if you're trying to suck back whatever courage washed over you back in as you steeled yourself for what you were about to say next.

“I’m not against you feeding from me, but!” You punctuate the last syllable as you see his grin growing wider. “We need to discuss things beforehand. No prowling over me while waiting for me to wake up or to sink your teeth into.”

The proposal greatly delights him, as is evident in his response. “Of course! That sounds eminently reasonable. I shall wait patiently until you suggest we… dine together. But until then: no more late-night surprises. You have my word on that.” 

After that, he makes a joke about feeling ‘peckish already,’ and quickly gathers the rest of the party to leave on their adventure.

You promise them a feast when they came back as the victors that they are. What you forgot, after what felt like weeks in the real world, was the crowd that would come filtering in to celebrate their heroes’ achievements as well.

————————————

When you saw the tieflings from the grove traveling alongside your companions, you knew they had come to celebrate. And you blanched at the thought of the provisions they’d be seeking to pair with their drinking. It’s been so long since you went through this event, and you no longer recall if they even ate anything during the party.

You look at your bubbling cauldron–– a bigger one as you had anticipated a few acquaintances accompanying them–– but you wager that at least a little extra things to nibble on won’t hurt to have. You still have quite the amount of camp supplies in the trunk, but you keep it reserved for the camp’s use only. So you smile at your returning comrades and alert the others that stayed behind for your reason to leave and that they can begin eating dinner. 

While others told you it wasn’t necessary, the rest just nodded with a smile and yelled that they’d wait for you to return. You return quite too quickly though, all the while informing them why you’re keeping the communal chest in your tent as you spy the child that tried to steal and swindle the group a few days prior approaching with the rest.

They have a laugh and you quickly proceed with your plan to find at least a few consumable berries and nuts or seeds to accompany the drinks later on. 

But foraging for said consumables near dark is a choice not for the faint-hearted. You came to realize this when you heard the low grumble of a large animal, thankfully far from your form. You turn to look behind you, taking great care to do so as slowly as possible so as to not alert the mysterious creature.

In the clearing, you spot a rather dark looking bear and you feel a cold sweat begin to form on your temple. Hands, growing wet in the dangerous situation you’ve placed yourself in. This wasn’t the same as being drained to death by a vampire, that, you could at least reason with. But a wild animal? With your lack of magical prowess and lesser knowledge of connecting with nature and the wild, you would be finished if it were to follow you.

The small pouch of nuts and wild berries stayed holstered on your waist, but the bear’s eyes that were previously low on the ground are now trained on you. Almost as if it were caught doing something it wasn’t supposed to be. 

You freeze. You forgot what the basic policy was around brown or black bears and therefore couldn’t do much about your current predicament. There shouldn’t be a bear around this area, not unless they had traveled from far away, or that this bear was one of your future companions.

And while the latter isn’t impossible, you most certainly did not want to gamble your life on a possibility. So you tried to compose yourself, returned the gaze of the bear with a shaky and careful nod, and turned back to return to camp. Figuring that the amount of tidbits you gathered would have to suffice.

 When you return, the company you shared seems to be in high spirits. Some more than others. But conversation was plentiful and you smiled as the tieflings cheered for your comrades. You quickly got to work and began to chop the nuts into thinner pieces. Something you learned to make the appearance of something look more abundant than it really is.

While you were chopping away unfortunately, you nick your finger along the way and silently curse. Unfortunate, but not an unforeseeable outcome given the booming drums of the bard that plays oh so nicely with your bloodless state. You quickly, but neatly, arrange the provisions on two small platters, and position them near the larger gatherings. 

“Flitting around like a hummingbird as always, I see.” A familiar, but not immediately recognizable voice greets you as you pass them. You turn and you see an unexpected acquaintance with a bottle in their hand and an incredibly charming grin.

“Dammon! How lucky of me to run into you.” You genuinely were elated to see him. You didn’t see much of him later on in the game, and being able to interact with him beyond the opportunities given to you was certainly nice.

“I could say the same. Though you’re as lively as you usually are.” There’s no malice in his tone, only an innocent observation, yet you feel embarrassed to have been seen scuttling about like a bug.

“I– promise I’m more organized. I just didn’t expect us to be having any guests.” He takes notice of how you push your fingers into your palms repetitively, a small action that soothes you.

“I think you’ve done more than a fine job already. The celebration is for you all, and it was us who planned to come and might’ve put your friends on the spot.” He later takes notice of the cut on your finger as well.

“Speaking of,” He gingerly grasps your hand, looking to you for permission, but you’re too confused to respond with anything he can understand. “Shouldn’t you be taking it easy for the night? You’ve done enough. And if what happened at the grove tells me anything about you, I’m sure they’ll survive even if you settle. Just for a bit.” 

He leads you nearer to the water and produces a small washcloth to clean a bit of your finger as you respond. “The grove? They did that on their own. I just um, take notes.” You sit on a fallen tree, your head still fuzzy, as you observe his crouched form. Inspecting the cut as he cleans it. 

A curious interaction. Not one that you’d expect from an non-romanceable NPC, but an interesting one nonetheless. And it would seem that someone had found it equally as interesting, if the way he scrutinizes you had anything to do about it.

He chuckles in turn. “If modesty is how you like to live, then I won’t impose.” He smiles and gets up as you continue your conversation. You don’t recall if the tiefling has ever had this much screen time, but his voice is rather lovely so you don’t complain about it.

You end up discussing quite a bit, but you focus on what can be done about your party. Specifically Karlach as you worry for the future and you’d like to have answers for her when he isn’t around during your journey. He doesn’t have much idea of what else can be done, but he does mention that he should have something by the time you meet him again in Baldur’s Gate.

You do remember that you might meet him a lot sooner, but you don’t mention it explicitly. You do, however, advise him to be extra careful around the oxen as they can be rather unpredictable this time of year.

As you continue, you notice his eyes flit up every now and then. Like something was catching his attention ever so often. You ask him about it and he actually laughs at your genuine inquiry. “It looks like I was wrong. Your friend there looks like he’d like his turn for your company.”

You turn around and you don’t immediately eye anyone looking in your direction. You were never the subtle type, so you looked around, blatantly searching for someone. It was a bit odd to see.

Your eyes do eventually train on his, but he doesn’t necessarily look like he wants to talk to you. Sure, he’s scowling away, though that’s not out of the ordinary at all. Besides, he has a bottle of something that you hope is helping him relax.

Still, perhaps Dammon saw something you didn’t so you politely thank him for his company and excuse yourself.

You greet the others that regard you as you walk past them. Declining the offers to drink and excusing yourself politely when you were asked to stay a bit. 

As you approach him, a tiefling tries to strike up a conversation with him. With a bored look, he dismisses them and turns to look at you. He takes a sip, sneers, and begins his rant now that you’re situated in front of him.

“I hate it. This is awful.” 

“The…wine?” He looks at you as if he should be mad, but a hint of amusement surfaces past the expression anyway. 

“There’s that, but I’m talking about the tieflings. We killed some goblins to save the others. The tally of lives didn’t change much. But what do I get for my hard work? A pat on the head, and vinegar for wine.” He looks down the neck of the bottle, swirling its contents before handing it out for you to take.

You look at the bottle, then him, warily. Modern alcohol is already a wonder to you, and this medieval mead could only do so much worse. Still, you take the bottle, and take a very small sip.

It’s a heavy, rich, red. Dry and sharp. You make a small sound of shock as you keep the liquid in your mouth. Offering him an awkward smile and a nod as you do.

“Ugh, see what I mean? Awful.” 

“All I want is a little fun. Is that so much to ask?” You would think that after an entire day of fighting whatever was out there he’d be tired. Apparently not. 

You sigh, ready to reprimand him and that he should just enjoy the night, but you stop when you feel his unburdened hand reach out to you. Eyes, boring into your own as he propositions you.

You’re here. Face in the grasp of a character you’ve longed to romance with what little time you’ve had away from your scholarly pursuits. Yet meeting him in strange, yet not all too unfamiliar, territory stirs uncertainty within you. Because while he doesn't have a knife at your throat like he did when your character first met him, it certainly does evoke the same sentiment.

‘To, “make me his”, is that right?’ While the idea is tempting, that statement alone can have various interpretations. And you didn’t want to hedge your bets on the one that made your heart race for all the wrong reasons.

Thankfully, he releases his hold on your visage. Only the gods know how much his touch alone can influence you, and you struggle to stand upright.

“I’m– very,-- truly, sorry, but don’t you think you have the wrong person? I mean,” You gesture to yourself with both hands, a cut visible from the labor in the few hours prior to the large festivities going on.. “Uh…in case you haven’t noticed, I’m not exactly in a position to make any um, lucrative offers.” 

 He looks at you, a familiar expression graces his face. He leans his weight on one leg, and you struggle to recognize what his body language is conveying. This is one of those instances you wished you had the dice roll mechanic of the game at your disposal. 

“Why, that hardly matters, darling. What matters is that you’re here.” He takes a sip from his bottle, the very same that he allowed you to partake from moments prior. Only this time, without the sneer at the aftertaste as he continues.

“But then again, what’s a sinner to do when faced with the very embodiment of chastity?” A smile graces his face, but it’s one that is all too perfect. As if he’s rehearsed the same song and dance enough to save him lifetimes.

“Let’s wait until things quieten down. Once the others are asleep we’ll find each other.” 

You have no idea what to expect. Well, you do, but you’re not very sure if this is necessary. You’ll just have to find a way to continue the story without having to go through with this. For now, at least. 

“We’ll see about that, Astarion.” 

————━─━────༺༻────━─━————

Thank you to @rey26, @shyminnie07, @lynnloveshobi, @iggee-rose, @automnepoet, @tiannamortis, @aoirohi, @sarkara211, @jane-3043, @h3110-dar1in9, @h3ll0k1ttyl0ver333, @mimziethealien, @squichymochi, @sharabay, @furblrwurblr, @dork-of-the-universe, @thedevilssinner, @fuckalrighty, @queenofthespacesquids, @perseny, @goldenplutus, @h4nluv, @awkward-d3rs3-dr3amer, @auszimbo, @maruichio, @iamsexytrash, @craig-mywifeisdead-boone, @grimissleepy, @fandomsfanman, @bitchyzombienacho, @r1kk, @ancuninstar, @izuoyarmin, @gracemisconduct, @kiinokochii, @marina-and-the-memes, and @life-is-hard-m8 for asking to be tagged!!

[dreamingdragonscion]

“I would like some tea!” Tiki started to whine, poking her head through with anticipation of a nice relaxing break amidst all the awful nightmares the past few days. She was content with sitting for ‘tea’ until the glint of the sharp weapon creeped its way into her field of view, instantly her switch was flipped and she yelped with a sharp sound. As soon as Laslow made it out of the room, she quickly came up behind him and slammed the door shut on the charging guard. 

She hoped that would be enough to keep the guard busy for just a bit longer so their little rag-tag group could make an escape. Just for good measure, she locked the door behind her with the key Big Brother Laslow left in the lock. Ban-Ban had always warned her to lock the doors behind her, since she would never know when the scary Lord Gotoh might try to barge into her room and drag her back into the Ice Temple to sleep again. The little manakete shivered at the thought, this held all the more true now to follow Ban-Ban’s advice, lest the spear gets too close to her friends.

Pulling the key from the lock, Tiki whined and quickly tried to act a little more confident in this situation much like Maria had encouraged her to despite the fear that bubbled in her chest. “Maybe the other rooms have a weapon that Sister Maria, Big Brother Laslow and Rin-Rin can use?” She hoped with a crack in her voice, offering a suggestion before trying to support Maria along behind the fleeing Laslow. "Then we can fight back and be strong heroes!"

Prison Break

Everything after his conversation with the guard is a blur--probably for the best, judging by their disheveled state. His temples still throb with a headache, though at least he's no longer bleeding from his wounds.

They've found a meager respite in this break room, though he won't be lulled into a false sense of security. Senses still on high alert, he creeps closer to the locked door, adjusting his hold on Corrin. Laslow stares at the key for a heartbeat. Honestly, they could use every ounce of luck Lady Fate has to offer. Blowing kisses has always been a superstition of his--

He shakes his head, dislodging a dust bunny from his hair, and hobbles forward with Corrin in tow. Kisses for luck aside, Laslow fits the key in the lock, relieved when it turns and he hears the tell-tale click.

“Careful now,” he murmurs and gives it a gentle push.

There's a guard inside. As soon as you open the door, he turns around, surprised. Then angry. "Hey!" he shouts, and charges for you with his spear. [Roll 1d3: 2. We run!]

"Sorry we can't stay for tea!" Laslow calls, rushing backward. If they fight now, they risk drawing more attention to themselves, but he can't deny the allure of having a weapon should they defeat this sole guard. (Even if it is a spear.)

[thursdaygxrls]

thin ice — three

part one | part two | part three

summary — the lightning bolts have made it to the semi-finals, and parties are the best way to celebrate. they’re also the best place to run into familiar faces.

pairing — uni hockey player!peter parker x fem!journalist!reader

disclaimers — sadly, i don’t own peter parker and his yummy face

warnings — this isn’t your first rodeo: this shit is unedited, mentions of drinking/being drunk, possible ooc, reader is referred to as ‘kitty’ (finally gets explained in this part!)

Death was approaching, she could feel it. The sickening, deadly vibrations of the music thundered in her ears like a funeral march. Maybe if she’d grown a spine, she would have avoided this all.

“We’re not even inside yet.”

MJ’s voice broke her from the trance she was stuck in. The Lightning Bolts had made it into the semi-finals, meaning they were one of the last four teams standing. Delta Alpha Kappa, home of half the hockey team, decided to throw their (nearly) weekly rager in honor of that. So, of course, Harry invited MJ, and MJ forced her very unwilling roommate to come.

“Being near the door is scary enough.” Her voice squeaked. 

“I didn’t realize you hated parties this much,” MJ giggled, stuffing her hands into her jacket.

“There’s a difference between parties and frat parties,” she responded with a shudder, “You can probably get thirty-five different diseases from just walking inside.”

“I’ll nurse you back to health.” 

Before a retort could be made, they were already hopping up the steps to the front door. There were some people outside the house, littering the grass and porch. At the door was a guy with a grey snapback. He smiled at them as he opened the door, throwing out a ‘hey, ladies’ as he let them in. He was harmless and hadn’t done anything wrong, but she already felt herself getting faintly annoyed at his grin.

The inside of the house was to be expected. Dull neon lights streaking the walls from the Five Below LED machines, unintelligently music rippling through the air and vibrating the floors, the hazy smell of weed that hung heavier the further you moved into the house. There was an open room people were dancing in on the left, a kitchen on the right, and stairs ahead of them. 

“We don’t have to stay here all night, right?” She pleaded with MJ, her voice somewhat lost in the loud music.

“Of course not,” MJ shook her head, “An hour—two tops.”

“And you’re not leaving me,” she said, punctuating her words by grabbing ahold of MJ’s arm. A chuckle bubbled in the redhead’s throat as she returned the grip, though, with less fervor.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” she shook her head.

Apparently, she would dream of it, because within a half an hour, MJ was swept away by Harry. It wasn’t MJ’s intention to leave, nor was it Harry’s to strand Kitty—he’d hoisted her over his shoulder and was gone within seconds. MJ had sent her an apology text minutes later, saying they were playing beer pong out on the patio. Part of her wanted to join them so that she wasn’t so alone in an unfamiliar place, but then a couch had just opened up in a deserted corner of the living room. She replied with ‘all good :).’ Things were very much not all good.

The settings of her phone had become extremely interesting. She’d increased and decreased the size of the text on her screen multiple times. Changed her wallpaper. Played with the magnifier. Ran out of lives on Project Makeover. Changed her wallpaper again. The obnoxious music faded to the background of her mind as she tucked herself away. She should’ve just gone to the patio with MJ. A sigh escaped her as she caved, opening her texts.

“Are you stalking me?”

Her eyes shot up from her phone immediately. Of course he was here. Hazel eyes, choppy brown hair, a nearly healed lip that was rosier than normal. His words echoed her own from the last time they’d spoken. She hadn’t had any need to speak to him, really: they’d given an overzealous freshman a shot at handling the sports section, so she’d been taken off the duty for at least another week. 

“You came up to me,” she replied, “And you could still be stalking me for all I know.” Peter grinned, the same grin he’d given her when they met, and when he was being dragged to the penalty box, and when he’d swiped his card for her at the dining hall.

“Not stalking.” He raised his hands in defense, showing off the red solo cup in his grip. He was still smiling that stupid, toothy smile. 

“Then what are you doing here?” She raised her brow.

“Well, uh,” he chuckled, “Not to sound like a dick, but this party is sort of for me—for the team, really. We made semis.”

Hot embarrassment flooded her at the realization. She knew that already. Would it be worse to say that and admit she had actually been watching the game on her laptop late last week, or just pretend that she was a lot more dense than she already was?

“Oh,” she hummed, not quite doing either, “I see.”

“So, can I ask what you’re doing here?” Peter asked. He moved slightly, like he wanted to take a seat next to her on the couch but decided against it.

“Isn’t it obvious? I live here,” she replied, the sarcasm thick on her tongue. He seemed to like it because he let out another one of those throaty chuckles.

“Ah, yeah, should’ve figured,” he nodded. With his free hand, he scratched the scruff of hair above his left ear. Then, he spoke up again, “Mind if I sit?”

“A little,” she cringed internally at her own words. Though contradictory, she scooched a bit, asserting that maybe it would be okay if he sat. He took the invitation.

“Where’s MJ?” He cocked his head.

“Kidnapped by your lovely teammate.” “She just left you alone?”

“It’s not her fault—she apologized and told me where he was holding her captive, but…well, the couch opened up,” she shrugged. Another deep laugh.

“That’s pretty sound logic,” he nodded. The last time they’d been this close, she was interviewing him. Well, she was trying to interview him while he flirted incessantly. Peter held his cup between his knees, taking slow sips every once and a while. 

“Do you live here?” She turned to fully face him, “Are you one of those frat guys?”

“I thought about it, but I just didn’t have enough time,” he shook his head, “I’m actually in an on-campus apartment. I have my own bathroom, so, hey, I’m winning, I guess.” For perhaps the first time, a light laugh was drawn from her lips. It wasn’t necessarily real, more like a confirmation that she heard him, but it was enough to make Peter’s lips twitch into another grin.

“What about you, Kitty?”

And there it was. He had to ruin it. 

“What’s your obsession with trying to call me that?” She grumbled.

“You said your friends call you that,” he replied, acting so nonchalant that it took all her strength not to roll her eyes.

“We’re not friends,” she corrected him quickly. His face fell for only a minute before he was already picking his lips up into another grin.

“Can’t we be?” He asked. His words were so sincere, like he was actually searching for friendship behind her eyes. Maybe he was being sincere. She shifted in her spot.

“I don’t know. I mean, I know I probably came off sort of strong before, inviting you to the game and everything, but you came, so I sort of thought…” he shrugged again, “We’re…friends? Of some sort?”

Well, he wasn’t entirely wrong. She’d shown up. But it was because of MJ, because MJ wanted to go. Yeah, that was why.

“MJ wanted to see Harry,” she disputed.

“But you still came,” he pressed. She still came. A sigh left her.

“Okay, we’re, like, sort of friends,” she finally admitted, “But that doesn’t mean you just get to call me that name.”

“Well then what am I supposed to call you?” He questioned, and her eyebrows furrowed in response. A smile split on his lips, “You never actually introduced yourself to me, y’know.”

Another burst of molten embarrassment. She searched her mind, trying to remember if she’d ever told him her name, but she was drawing blanks. She’d been so pissed off during the interview that she never introduced herself. Her scalp burned.

“Y/n,” she swallowed her pride for a moment, “That’s what you can call me.”

“I sort of like Kitty better.” Now he was just pushing the limits.

“Well, it’s not for you to use,” her voice was sharp.

“Harry uses it.” “Harry is a dick that doesn’t listen to me when I tell him to stop calling me it.”

“MJ uses—”

“MJ uses it because she’s allowed to use it,” she interrupted, “Hearing other people use it is like hearing a stranger refer to you by your family nickname. It’s freaky.”

“Is there a reason for it? The nickname, I mean?” Peter, for as genuine as he was trying to be, couldn’t hide his grin. 

“A stupid one.” Why would she admit that?

“Can I hear it?” He pressed.

“You are just full of questions,” she huffed. Silence settled between them. Beats of unspoken words fell like snowflakes as the dull thump of the party shifted to the forefront. 

“It’s a stupid reason,” she repeated, breaking the seal. Peter looked at her again.

“Is it?” His voice was a little softer than before. 

“Yeah,” she sighed. Why was she giving in so easily?

“It’s because I always land on my feet somehow,” she began to explain, “Not literally. Like, back in high school, I’d have a test I forgot to study for, and I’d ace it somehow. Or when I used to do the professor spotlight for the paper, I would put it off until the last minute and bullshit a whole piece just to be told it’s one of the best things I’ve done. Stuff like that. MJ said I’m like a cat, but cuter, so she started calling me that freshman year.”

Like clockwork, Peter let out a huff of laughter. He looked at her, eyes sparkling with the new information and he curled his lips. She must’ve been getting some second-hand smoke, because her head seemed a little fuzzier than before.

“I thought it was going to be something traumatic,” he chuckled, “Like, you got stuck in a tree or something.”

“It’s just personal,” she rolled her eyes.

“So,” his laughter subsided, “I don’t have Kitty privileges?” “No,” she shook her head.

“Do you mean ‘no’ or ‘not yet’?” His smile was unbearable.

“I mean ‘no’.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“Are you sure sure?” 

She was going to have to physically restrain herself. Instead of arguing, she shuffled in her seat, “I think I’m gonna go see if MJ is still—”

“Hey,” he said softly. His hand landed on her arm in a featherlight touch that had her nerve ending lighting up. Her eyes met his. The softness that consumed the hazel caused her to still. 

“Before you go,” his tone was more subdued now, “Can I possibly have your number?”

The question caught her off guard. If she hadn’t already stopped moving, she would’ve come to a screeching halt. Perhaps what confused her the most was that her instinctual response was to say yes, to reach for her phone and let him make a new contact. 

“I promise I won’t set your name as ‘Kitty’,” he added, “Scout’s honor.” “Were you a boy scout?” She cocked her head.

“Nope,” he replied with that same giddy grin that melted her resolve. Another sigh escaped her as she grabbed her phone. He waited patiently as she created a new contact and handed over the phone. His fingers darted across the screen before taking a picture of himself. Well, more like a picture of his eyes and nose way too close to the camera. He gave the phone back, seemingly proud of himself. The picture was set, and the name he’d chosen for himself was ‘peter :)’. He also sent himself a text so he would have her number.

“I’ll let you go now,” he grinned, “Have fun watching drunks play pong.” She nodded and nearly stood, but was planted back to her seat in a moment.

“How did you know where I was going?” Her eyebrows creased. Peter’s smile fell slightly as his eyes widened.

“Oh,” he coughed, “Well, I bumped into MJ earlier, so, y’know.”

“Mhm,” she hummed, “And I bet you didn’t ask her where I was, either.” He chuckled nervously and scratched the spot above his ear again.

“Nope,” he lied. She shook her head at his tone.

“Right,” she stood, “See you around, stalker.”

“Bye, Ki—Y/n,” he cut himself off, grinning proudly when he noticed his mistake. His smile had to be contagious, infectious, because her own lips began to curl in response.

It was surprisingly easy to find MJ. She didn’t know where the patio was, but luck was on her side tonight: after shoving through a dozen drunks, she found sliding glass doors. The fresh air felt like a cold shower as she stepped out. It was much less loud out here. Only the filtered thump of the music and the buzz of voices could be heard. That was until a light splash and a cacophony of deep yells filled her ears. When she cautiously approached the hoard of people surrounding the beer pong table, a pair of hands wrapped around her in death grip.

“I am so, so sorry!” MJ’s voice eased her nerves immediately, “I’m horrible! I’m the worst! I promised to stick by you, and I bailed! I—”

“Honey, it’s okay,” she let out a small laugh at her behavior. She should be angrier than she was, but she just couldn’t pull herself to get mad.

“I promise I will never ever force you to a party again, and I’ll never leave you,” MJ continued, “I’ll wait outside the shower for you!”

“That’s tempting, but you don’t have to.” Her voice seemed to somewhat quell MJ’s nerves, though the redhead was still on high alert. 

“Are you just acting okay but really you’re harboring a deep resentment for me that will slowly boil into hatred?” MJ scrunched her nose. She was definitely a few drinks in.

“I promise,” she said, and she actually meant it, “I do not hate you.” MJ sighed in relief as she finally let go of the girl in front of her. True to her word, she stuck by her the rest of the night. When they finally made their way back to the dorm—both tipsy—she finally checked her phone. There was a message from Peter; a screenshot of her contact info with the name set as ‘y/n :)’ and a text:

‘scout’s honor’

a/n — OKAY OKAY i know nothing humongous happened in this chap, but we’re getting there 🤭 you guys just wait until peter *redacted* and *redacted* so reader has to *redacted.* also, at the time of posting this, i hit 400!! love you guys so much, you're all my sweet little baby muffins

taglist

@reidslovely @iamliterallyspidergwen @tarzinnia (tarzinnia, hon, i cannot for the life of me remember if you asked to be on the taglist so i added you just in case—let me know if you want off!)

[storybounded]

I love my good boy. I don't talk about him often, but my street suave pooch is really fun to play whenever I get the chance 👏

[lateatnewyork]

Can you do an angst prop with #8 and #10 with Azriel, I don’t know maybe Azriel spending all his time with Elain because of the three sisters and three brothers thing,but he doesn’t love her, he loves reader but is sure of the 3x3 thingy, leaving you relationship of 300 years in shambles because the bond hasn’t snapped for him yet, but it has for reader, so when she goes to end the relationship it snaps for him, making him panic when she says #10. Make him grovel a lot but please do a happy ending 🥹 I love angst with HEA.

Tolerate It

Azriel x reader, Lucien x sister!reader, Helion x daughter!reader

Warnings: angst with happy ending, subtle mentions of cheating, swearing, Elain slander, ooc elain

Prompts: “You can’t even see how much you hurt me.” , “Our forever seems to have been short-lived” & “This isn’t just a(n) [object], it’s a promise.”

Summary: Azriel believes that Elain is his mate, he distances himself from you till you decide to leave him and the bond finally snaps for him.

a/n: heavily based on tolerate it by taylor swift. guys i love Elain but i had to add elain slander to it. if you see any mistakes no you don’t 🤩

I had noticed it, the days when he started coming home late or smelt like jasmine instead of his usual cedar.

But still every single night I waited by the door like a kid, cooked his favourite meals for him. Just for him to say “I ate at Elain’s”.

I can’t even remember the last time he kissed me or told me he loved me. I had found solace in my brother, Lucien, both our mates in love with each other. Not that Azriel knew he was my mate.

It all finally snapped when I heard Azriel talking to Rhysand and I make out the words “Y/N must be lying she can’t be my mate, Elain must be my mate it should be three sisters three brothers.” I don’t wait to hear Rhysand’s response.

Bolting out of the River House sobs wrack my body. I go to Lucien and when he opens the door I collapse in his arms unable to hold it in me anymore. “He said he thinks I’m lying” I mumble out. A fresh wave of tears flowing. “300 years, 300 fucking years” I freely sob this time. “I loved him for 300 years and he says that I’m not his mate”.

“Your love should be celebrated” he assures me.

“My beautiful sister how would you feel if we visit papa?” his voice is a soothing melody. I sniffle and nod “I need to get my stuff from the apartment though, can you come with me?” I mutter. He nods in understanding and rubs my back.

When we reach the shared apartment, there’s a small dim light as I open the door, I see Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel sitting, now all staring at me. “Love, where have you been?” he says going to touch me. I pull away and look to the floor and say “Don’t call me that”.

I head into our bedroom and gather my stuff, walking out I see Lucien waiting at the door for me and Rhysand and Cassian standing next to Azriel. “Rhysand thank you for your hospitality for the past years, but I think it’s time I visit my father,” I say kindly. “What so you’re just leaving us?” Azriel finally speaks up.

“There is no us Azriel” I glare. “You think I’m dumb, you think I don’t know what you think and that you would rather Elain be your mate, you think I don’t know how you smelt like her every time you walked through that door or the fact you haven’t kissed me, touched me or even said I love you to me for past 3 months,” I finally burst, months of pent up anger, frustration, betrayal and what more poured into that.

His brows furrow in confusion. “You can’t even see how much you hurt me,” I scoff lightly. Then I see something switch in his eyes but he masks it as quickly as it was shown.

I say goodbyes to Cassian and Rhysand wishing them and their mates well. Finally I turn around to Azriel and say “Our forever seems to have been short-lived”. With that I walk out the door with Lucien by my side.

Azriel’s POV

I felt the bond snap the second she said her last sentence and left. How could I have been so stupid. I collapsed onto the floor as my brothers came up beside me. “I felt it” I whisper, “The bond”.

The next few days have been living hell I cut off all ties with Elain and went to visit Feyre, she always had the best advice. “Hi Feyre,” I mutter out. “Oh are you here for the portraits Y/N drew of you? She used her best colours for it, they’re really beautiful” More guilt washed through me at those words.

Your POV

2 months later

I have never been happier, yes I still think about Azriel from time to time but my father is rather excellent at taking my mind of that. Though lately it’s been harder as flowers, chocolates and letters of his apology have piled up. But I didn’t care he made his choice.

I head to my father’s court where he had told me to meet as I walk in I hear my father say “Rhysand we might be allies but I will cut off all ties if your spymaster harasses my daughter one more time,”.

Rhysand argues back “But Helion they are mates,”.

“I didn’t see you guys go through all this trouble to get your sister in law to talk to my brother” I say as my gaze narrows in on Elain. “Feyre, Nesta it’s good to see you again, Cass” I nod towards them. “Rhysand what a pleasure, can’t say the same about the other two,”.

Nests snorts out loud, I send an amused smile down her way. “You guys can’t just let her talk to me like that” Elain whined, she fucking had the audacity to whine. “My daughter will speak to you however she wishes,” My dad almost never took on a commanding tone but when he did you best believe everyone shut up. Elain didn’t seem to get the hint and kept whining “Azriel do something,”.

He rolled his eyes, “Elain I don’t like you, I never have how many times do I have to say Rhysand forced me to help you,” I smile a little at that.

My eyes widen as I feel a faint tug from the bond. I couldn’t be. Eyes straying from my father to Azriel, I almost choked on my spit when I saw him smiling.

Gods I missed his smile.

Clearing my throat, “Dad I think it’s ok for me to talk to Azriel, we’ll be in the ballroom.” I say walking praying to the gods that he would follow me.

I let out a breathe of relief when I heard the scrape of a chair. Walking into the ballroom, I turn to him and say “Well don’t be expected to be forgiven so easily, you’ll be expected to apologise”.

I grinned when I heard his response, “Yes Ma’am”.

He reached behind his back and pulled out a glass golden rose the ones I had gotten a plethora of real ones over the last two months.

“What’s this?” I gasp, “It’s a glas golden rose you’re favourite, you can keep it forever, it won’t die just like our love”

“I want you to know that this isn’t just a rose, it’s a promise” he muttered out. I held the rose smiling to myself. “Thank you, it’s beautiful, now explain” I say my gaze hardening.

He took a deep breath and started, “Rhysand had asked me to take care of Elain and it was wrong of me to even assume that you were lying and Elain was my mate, and she had been spraying her perfume onto me every time I left, probably to make you jealous, I’m really sorry my love, but I felt the bond”.

“So you only love me because there’s a bond between us now” I state more than question. “Gods no, I love you more than myself, I love you to the moon and to saturn, I would get down on my knees for you,” he says and I’m shocked to see him actually fall to his knees. “Please take me back love, I miss you so much and so do my shadows,”.

I guide him up and lean to his lips on my tippy toes and kiss him, “Dance with me, princess?”.

“But there’s no music” I giggle as he presses ticklish kisses to my neck. “We don’t need it,” he replies back.

He dips me and I yelp shortly cut off by a kiss, as he pulls away and places us upright again he mutters against my lips “We can do anything in this world as long as we have each other”.

[dreamingdragonscion]

Despite the disappointment etched on her face when the children didn’t show any trust in them, Tiki shook her head and recovered quickly, smiling at Laslow. “It's okay, big brother, you did your best! If you did your best then I am happy you tried!” It was always better to try than to give up before the battle even started, something she had picked up from the Hero-King in all their travels, and all the more it applied here. 

A pitched gasp as Tiki crawled over to Corrin’s side, her beady worried eyes scanning the drugged-up princess before her. She held her hands over Corrin, her concerns growing until Corrin flashed her a slight smile and Maria began her work to wrap up the injuries of all those around her. Tiki felt so small amongst her companions, but what could she do? Her dragonstone taken, weak as she was, battered and only just recovered from her own crying episode prior. Watching Maria do her hardest to wrap up their injuries, Laslow do his best to cheer up the children and Corrin doing her utmost to stick close to everyone, to never let them out of each other’s sight. Yet what was she to do? She hadn’t done anything. Before the guilt could swallow her once more into those never-ending nightmares, there was a spark of hope behind her eyes.  Jumping to her feet, the vague wisps of memories prodded at her brain once more. There were still things she could do that no one else could. Her friends were making sure everyone smiled and was safe and calm, but no one did it for them. So, what if she took on that responsibility?

“Pain, pain fly away~” Tiki finally allowed her voice to sing, a small tune that Bantu and Xane had taught her in her days travelling with them. She wondered if they would be proud of her now, singing that same melody to others like a good girl would. Maybe she too could help people like Mar-Mar did, so she sang, to lift the spirits of her comrades more than anything. “Don’t come again today~ Everybody makes a smile~ So come again another day~”

paddy wagonin’