#WELCOME BACK THE EXTINCTION

[james-spooky]

celia pls tell me what you mean by this thanks x😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[whitejays-galaxy]

I heard we are de-extincting animals now🐺

Awoooooo

[mammoth-clangen]

In my opinion deextinction is a case by case tool. The northern white rhino cross species surrogacy problem? Hell yeah. The moa? Sure, bring em back - emu can be farmed relatively easily, and New Zealand has both a major interest in farming (we have domesticated deer, like not tamed, domesticated fully), and very large tracts of land that have not been disturbed. And off shore island sanctuaries to start with. But bringing back the haast's eagle? Nah fam, leave the Known Man Killer apex predator alone.

Disclaimer: my reply to this ask is a lot more opinion than hard science. So don't take it as The Truth™, because there isn't one.

To me, Aotearoa/NZ is actually a great example for my exact points from earlier. It has one of the most fascinating ecosystems; with incredible levels of endemism, very few native land mammals, and some amazingly unique birdlife. For those unfamiliar, see below!

Image source: theafterworkphotographer.com

But-

94% of reptile species, 82% of bird species, 80% of bat species, 76% of freshwater fish species, 22% of marine mammal species and 46% of Aotearoa's vascular plant species are facing extinction.

I cannot see any reason to dedicate time and money to resurrecting (one of nine) moa species that have been gone from the ecosystem for 500+ years. Not when so many extant species need desperate assistance, unless we want them to end up on an extinction list with the Moa, Haast's eagle, and huia.

This is how I feel about the Thylacine too.

I personally doubt there would be enough demand for Moa meat to make farming a viable reason to clone them. People barely eat emu in Australia, and they are right there as a perfectly viable ratite for captive-breeding and farming. Both Au and NZ export huge amounts of meat compared to the amount we consume. So unless they can find a huge international market for ratite meat, it's not really a worthwhile risk to most farmers.

Bird cloning/ genetic modification is also much harder to than in mammals. While mammal embryos can be implanted into a surrogate, it's much harder to implant a bird embryo into an egg and still have it hatch.

Extinction in Aotearoa is personal to me- -because my family are all Kiwis, even if I don't live there. I visit often and always lament how few native birds I actually see when I do.

---

It's worth noting the Northern White Rhinoceros isn't extinct quite yet; there are two individuals remaining, Fatu and Najin. However, as they are both infertile females, the species is functionally extinct.

Unfortunately, saving the Northern white rhino with cloning/GMO relatives or even cross species surrogacy will likely suffer nearly all the issues of true de extinction.

A company called BioRescue has 30 frozen Northern White Rhino embryos. Which looks great on paper! But every one was created using Fatu's eggs. Meaning all the potential rhinos would be full or half siblings. As I said in my Wrangel Island mammoth ask, sometimes species do strangely well as an entire population with extreme inbreeding depression. But most don't.

Side note, and this is purely my own speculation (and Polarwooly's), I wonder if the Wrangel Mammoths survived with inbreeding depression because elephants (and relatives) have extreme DNA repair 'machinery'. They also have extremely low cancer rates, so it could easily be linked!

I really don't want to sound like one of those "Useless animal! Let it go extinct!" people, because I don't think we shouldn't try. I just genuinely don't know how much anyone can do for them at this point. It all feels a bit 'too little, too late.'

And again, the Southern White Rhinoceros isn't extinct, functionally or actually. But they are threatened with the same things that drove their Northern cousins to the edge. That said, the Southern subspecies nearly went extinct in the late 1800s, being reduced to less than 50 individuals. Their numbers rebounded spectacularly when effort was put into habitat preservation and protection from poachers, but their numbers have been dropping again in recent years.

It just makes me wonder if the time and money being put into resurrection wouldn't be better spent fixing the underlying problems...

Also, can you please give a source for the "domestic deer"? I mean this genuinely, not as a dig! I couldn't find anything when I looked except that 'deer are farmed in NZ' (which I knew because I've seen deer farms there before lolol). But it takes more than "bred in captivity for x generations" to qualify as fully domestic!

Repeating my disclaimer: You, dear reader, are absolutely welcome to disagree with my opinions, and think having moa back would just be cool AF. Because logistics aside, it absolutely would be cool af!

[reasonsforhope]

"Once thought to be extinct, black-footed ferrets are the only ferret native to North America, and are making a comeback, thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists.

Captive breeding, habitat restoration, and wildlife reintegration have all played a major role in bringing populations into the hundreds after near total extinction.

But one other key development has been genetic cloning.

In April [2024], the United States Fish and Wildlife Service announced the cloning of two black-footed ferrets from preserved tissue samples, the second and third ferret clones in history, following the birth of the first clone in December 2020. 

Cloning is a tactic to preserve the health of species, as all living black-footed ferrets come from just seven wild-caught descendants.  This means their genetic diversity is extremely limited and opens them up to greater risks of disease and genetic abnormalities. 

Now, a new breakthrough has been made.

Antonia, a black-footed ferret cloned from the DNA of a ferret that lived in the 1980s has successfully birthed two healthy kits of her own: Sibert and Red Cloud.

These babies mark the first successful live births from a cloned endangered species — and is a milestone for the country’s ferret recovery program.

The kits are now three months old, and mother Antonia is helping to raise them — and expand their gene pool.

In fact, Antonia’s offspring have three times the genetic diversity of any other living ferrets that have come from the original seven ancestors.

Researchers believe that expanded genetic diversity could help grow the ferrets’ population and help prime them to recover from ongoing diseases that have been massively detrimental to the species, including sylvatic plague and canine distemper. 

“The successful breeding and subsequent birth of Antonia's kits marks a major milestone in endangered species conservation,” said Paul Marinari, senior curator at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. 

“The many partners in the Black-footed Ferret Recovery Program continue their innovative and inspirational efforts to save this species and be a model for other conservation programs across the globe.”

Antonia actually gave birth to three kits, after mating with Urchin, a 3-year-old male ferret. One of the three kits passed away shortly after birth, but one male and one female are in good health and meeting developmental milestones, according to the Smithsonian.

Mom and babies will remain at the facility for further research, with no plans to release them into the wild.

According to the Colorado Sun, another cloned ferret, Noreen, is also a potential mom in the cloning-breeding program. The original cloned ferret, Elizabeth Ann, is doing well at the recovery program in Colorado, but does not have the capabilities to breed. 

Antonia, who was cloned using the DNA of a black-footed ferret named Willa, has now solidified Willa’s place as the eighth founding ancestor of all current living ferrets.

“By doing this, we’ve actually added an eighth founder,” said Tina Jackson, black-footed ferret recovery coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in an interview with the Colorado Sun. 

“And in some ways that may not sound like a lot, but in this genetic world, that is huge.”

Along with the USFWS and Smithsonian, conservation organization Revive & Restore has also enabled the use of biotechnologies in conservation practice. Co-founder and executive director Ryan Phelan is thrilled to welcome these two new kits to the black-footed ferret family.

“For the first time, we can definitively say that cloning contributed meaningful genetic variation back into a breeding population,” he said in a statement.

“As these kits move forward in the breeding program, the impact of this work will multiply, building a more robust and resilient population over time.”"

-via GoodGoodGood, November 4, 2024

[soldiersgirl]

TIDE AND TRIGGER.ᐟ

summary ⭑ a century long bet and a determined winchester; you want to be up where the people are and he only wants to be drowning in you. cw ⭑ mermaid!reader x season one dean winchester. 18+ smut (mdni). mentions of death. mentions of john winchester. mentions of kidnapping. fighting. swearing. inaccurate and accurate mermaid lore. light manipulation. kissing. fingering. oral (f receiving). begging. unprotected p in v (wrap it up). missionary, riding. kind of subby dean. slight dirty talk. sweet nicknames (baby, sweetheart, angel). word count ⭑ 5,617 words

"4 men found dead – washed ashore at beach" read the front page of the newspaper that rested on diner table as the brother's finally settled down and ate their first, proper meal in two days after relentless driving, phone calls and gas station hot dog's that didn't sit right with either of them. dean's meticulous eyes skimmed over the page, scouring it for details, anything that could hint at what they were dealing with as the younger winchester added his salad dressing, eyes darting around the unfamiliar diner that looked like every other diner they'd ever stepped foot into it. they all meld and mould together at some point; the cutlery stained, the lukewarm coffee and the somewhat-edible fried food. the brothers had been after each other, small digs and hidden insults between each hunt and stolen naps in the leather passenger seat of the impala. but this was finally different, finally they had found themselves in a warmer state; a sunny town filled with life rather than the usual desolate and gloom-filled states. a welcomed difference. but a warning of what was to come.

"any ideas?" sam hums as he digs his fork into his salad, pushing around the dressing to hide the disappointing mix of greens underneath.

"could be another drowner spirit, like that kid in wisconsin." dean hums in response as he bites into his burger with a sigh. the meat somehow soggy and dry at the same time. "could be a kelpie. siren?" he throws down his burger and raises his shoulders in defeat. "must be something in dad's journal." sam shakes his head.

"nothing that hints at what this could be." sam sighs as dean lifts the newspaper once again as his eyes scan the article, just one more time. signs of choking, blunt force trauma. followed by reports of singing heard late at night by the beach, some men wandering lost, schools of fish left half-eaten and discarded. dean curses as it all clicks. "what?" sam's head shoots up as he eyes the newspaper from across the table as dean pinches the bridge of his nose.

"i think i know. but if if i'm right, and that's a big if, then dad owes me five bucks... when we find him." he mumbles the last part before reaching for a limp fry and wiggling it about in front of sam, who shoves his hand down with an unimpressed grin.

"what could you possibly be betting with dad about?" sam grunts, pushing his bangs aside to reveal his puppy-dog eyes silently admiring his older brother, as he looked proud of himself.

"mermaids." dean leans back with a shit-eating smile and sending a wink towards his younger. sam lets out a laugh of disbelief.

"you and dad were betting on.. mermaids? i was at college and this is how you spent your time."

"no, no, lil' bro. you got it all wrong." dean leans back forward and hunches over his half-eaten burger, setting the scene. "it was just after the little mermaid came out, right? and i asked dad why we had never found one, why it was only those crazy-ass sirens. the old man said they were extinct. gone." dean jabs his finger down onto the front page of the crumpled paper. "until now. the singing, the choking? classic mermaid lore, sammy. it's what the pirates wrote home about."

"i just thought being out on the ocean made them crazy. didn't they confuse sea-cows for women?"

"desperate times call for desperate measures, but whatever. sammy. this is the real deal and we're gonna catch her and prove it. no sense killing her, we're gonna be revered! finding an extinct species." dean runs his worn hands over his face before slamming down an assortment of dollars on the diner table and grabbing his trusty leather jacket.

"wha-?" sam immediately gets cut off by dean grabbing him by the hood of his hoodie and dragging his lanky brother out behind him as he heads for the impala and sets course for their motel. it was time for prince dean to find his very own little mermaid.

for the next 3 nights, sam and dean would lounge around the beach during the evenings watching as families grilled, teenagers played volleyball and couples walked along the shore, giggling into one another's shoulders and holding hands. as the numbers dwindled and people made their way home to rest was when the real work began for the two brothers. as the moon hung low, the tide came in and the stars played in the vast, navy sky, the brothers sat and intently listened. each splash of water examined, each washed ashore fish bagged for evidence, with a grimace, whilst trying to keep each other awake with ridiculous games and keeping unsuspecting young men off the beach, for their own safety.

"i swear to god, dean, if you chose 'c' again for i spy, you're getting drowned." sam would complain as dean only sniggered and gave the same reply.

"get it? c, sea?" he would point out, lie back in the warm sand and laugh out loud before sam reminded him to be quiet, reprimanding dean for maybe scaring away the mermaid.

on the fourth night, they were getting desperate. dean's freckles had sprouted and multiplied across his rosy cheeks as sam's hair had gone a tone or two lighter while basking in the sun, enjoying the mundanity of the moment. an earned vacation among the chaos. dean fiddles with his necklace as he gazes out, thinking this was something he could get used to, the serenity of the night enveloping him and brushing away all his worries, like the sand that flies across his outstretched legs.

SPLASH!

dean whips his head, his trained eyes scanning the surface for a hint of something, anything. he goes to turn to sammy and sees his younger brother passed out on his worn-out brown hoodie. his bangs swept across his forehead, his hands resting on his chest and his mouth in a slight pout as light snores rumble in his chest.

SPLASH!

another. dean tears his eyes away and stares out again. it was coming closer, almost beckoning him. this felt different. the air grew colder and everything grew quieter as dean's senses heightened as small splashes rang out across the shore line. dean was too slow to catch the culprit each time and his anxiety grew with each. he decides against his better judgement and leaves sammy as he shoots up, grabs his leather jacket that he was sitting on and his hunter's bag before trudging across the beach. until he hears it. the indisputable sound of a woman's voice singing. her soft tones and gentle notes are carried in by the waves as they lap against dean's feet, like wanting fingers trailing against her lover's skin. dean's instinct cloud over for a second, he should walk into the ocean. he should get deeper. find her.

"no.. no!" he whispers to himself before digging around in his jeans pocket and pulling out his earplugs and shoving them into his ears. just like he suspected, her voice calls men to the ocean, like a moth to light and they have no choice but to follow. but dean was smarter and prepared. as he travels along the beach, he spots a cove in the distance and a smile spreads across his tanned face. "i got ya now.." he mutters as he hikes up his bag and heads straight for, what he suspected, was the mermaid's lair.

each droplet echoed throughout the desolate cove. the walls damp and the floor covered in trodden barnacles and washed-up seaweed. each of dean's steps had to be calculated as any could lead to a fatal mistake and he wasn't about to let anything get in his way. your humming and soft tones bounced off the walls, flowing over dean and greeting him like a long-lost over as he pants and gasps, desperate to prove himself right and his father wrong. he had lost all sense of direction and time as he continues climbing further and further into your grasp, your voice becoming his only compass.

dean falters, dropping his bag and leather jacket from his grasp, as he finally reaches an opening, wherein a glittering, untouched inlet lapped at the edges. dean scrambles forward, his jeans scraping against the rock floor as he dives his hand into the cold tide pool and moans with relief as the cold water touches his lips. he rests his heated cheeks against the edge before splashing some water on his face and securing his ear plugs further. disorientation was your play; it was how you got even the strongest of men at their weakest, scared, desperate.

"you're not like the others." dean's emerald eyes fly open and he throws himself back away from the edge, away from you. you treaded the water gracefully as you intently watched him, the tide caressing your soft skin. your hair was slicked back revealing each intricate detail of your face in the dimly-lit cove. beads of ocean running down your cheeks bones and gliding over the soft pillows of your lips. how could something so beautiful, be so deadly? dean shook his head as he laid frozen, his breathing quick and shallow.

"the others?" his deep voice a contrast to the delicate setting.

"you know which ones." you say nonchalantly with a small shrug of your shoulders, as if you hadn't killed them. you swim forward and fold your arms over one another as you rest your chin on top, a small smile playing on your lips. "pathetic and entitled. stupid." you laugh, running your tongue over your sharp canines. teeth made to tear men to shreds. dean finally sits himself up and tries to shake his fears of him. he came here for a reason and he wasn't going to leave empty-handed.

"entitled?" dean asks, eager to learn from their mistakes.

"they thought they deserved me, as if i was something to own. so i showed them the truth." you cock your head as if the answer is obvious but dean only lifts his brows in confusion which got a sigh from you. "the ocean can't be owned or tamed, neither can a woman."

"you're not a woman." dean says pointedly, receiving a sneer from you. "you're a mermaid. you're meant to be extinct, haven't been found in hundreds of years." dean regurgitates what his father told him all those years ago.

"that's what we wanted you to think."

"who?"

"men, hunters, sailers. anyone who wanted to harm us. we dove to uncharted depths, but after a while, you get that craving. that yearning." you sigh as you trace your finger over the shell-speckled edge. "are you here to hurt me?" your eyes meet his, challenging him.

"no." truth.

"are here to capture me?"

"no." lie.

"then why are you here? you seem to know a lot about mermaids." you furrow your brows in suspicion as you lift and point your finger to his ear. "i can spot the plugs from here. smart." you pull yourself more out of the pool and lean yourself over more across the cold, cove bed. seaweed tangled around your chest and stretched out over your shoulders, as opposed to the sea-shells that dean was expecting, whilst your kept your shimmering tail submerged still, playing with the waves.

"my dad... was a hunter. told me all about you. said i'd never see one like you, that i was stupid to think i would." dean admits, his heart clenching at the thought of his dad's harsh words. he was only a child.

"you smell like a hunter." you state, propping your chin on your palm. "is that why you've been sitting on the beach all those nights, just... waiting for me?" you tug your soaked hair behind your ear with a small giggle. one fact that john had also mentioned was that mermaid's were gullible, too gullible for their own good.

"yes, yes. of course! anything to see you." he eagerly nodded, playing to your weaknesses. "i just had to see you."

"wow..." you feel your cheeks heat up as you throw yourself backwards into the water, did a small back flip under water and spraying water all over a surprised dean. with you distracted, he took the opportunity to grab his bag closer to him, getting a grip on the fisherman's net he had stashed in it as you return to your original position with a wide smile plastered across your face. "you're the sweetest man i've ever met. and i've been around for a long time." you reach out your webbed hands to dean as he notices the small, iridescent scales running down your arms to your fingertips. he reaches out with a sweet smile and when you expect to feel the shake of his hand, you feel a harsh tug as you're pulled out of the water and enveloped in a tangled mess. you thrash your tail, try to scratch with your clawed nails and let out a shrill call, but to no avail. as you struggle against the net, a tear rolling down your cheek in disbelief, dean watches. frozen. he had done the impossible.

"let me go!" you call out, grabbing onto the net to shake it but yelping out in pain as the net burns your hands. you hiss and pull them back, eyes darting between the on-edge dean and the knotty tangle of rope.

"don't move too much." his voice stern, but he catches himself and softens his tone. "silver has been woven into the threads, it'll hurt if you move too much." dean whispers, your short sobs echoing off the salt-kissed stone. you pull your tail up to your chest and curl it around yourself like the comforting hold of a mother as you shiver, from the cold and fear.

"p-please. don't kill me. i'll go. i'll go anywhere else, i'll go back to the depths. whatever you want." you beg, your brows upturned. dean can't even look at you, knowing one look in your hopeful eyes would mean letting you go.

"i'm not going to kill you, i swear." he rustles around in his bag and pulls out the familiar leather bound journal of john winchester, flicks through a few pages and clicks the pen that came along with it. "we want to study you, show other hunters that you're back from extinction." dean hums as his eyes dart over your body, noting down the details he had noticed and the information that needed to be updated.

"if– if i help you, will you let me go? go back to my sisters?" you wipe your nose. "they'll get worried if i'm gone for too long, come searching for me."

"yes." dean lies, against his better judgement. he'd rather keep you calm and talkative, than panicked and silent. as expected, you fall for it, his tone assuring and confident and you nod as your breathing slows. dean had to wait for you to fall asleep to be able to get you out of the cove with the help of his brother, but for now, you both sat in a tense silence that was interrupted by dean's occasional questions. all the way throughout, you were honest but your eyes never left his face. you enjoyed his human tendencies. the scrunching of his small nose as he wrote, nibbling on his bottom lip and end of the pen as he continued to avoid your gaze.

as the last sea-water droplets roll of your skin and your hair slowly dries, you feel a shiver run deep, down your spin as you start to gasp for air. your webbed hands fly up to your throat as your scratch at your chest, panicked. dean throws john's journal to the side, leaping forward, holding his hands out in confusion.

"wh–what do i do? what's...?" is all dean can mutter as he watches the scene unfold it front of him. your tail unfurls and falls in front of you, the seaweed that clung to your chest falls into your lap, your scales shivering and peeling off. you watch in horror as your majestic, opalescent tail transform into water and revealing legs underneath as it cascades down and into the cove pool. as the ordeal washes over, you sigh and silently curse yourself, bringing your new-found knees to your chest and covering yourself from dean's look of disbelief and shock. "what?!" he half-yells, not understanding your calm demeanour.

"i forgot this happened, honestly." you stare in awe at your human form, wiggling your toes and fingers in sync and enjoying the feeling of your rounded teeth against your tongue. "i... i haven't been out of the water in a few centuries. yeah, when the sea-water dries, we return to our original form. how we looked before we drowned by angry sailors and were saved by sea foam. for men, the sea is terrifying and unruly. but for us, scorned women, it's a sanctuary."

"that's how mermaids are created?" dean has forgotten all about the damn journal and let's himself be taken your words.

"that's how some are created. not everyone has the same story. all we know is that the ocean, she saved us. made us." you nod with a small smile. "i... i have to be back in the water within the hour or i turn to sea-foam... just so you know." it was dean's turn to nod with a smile of defeat. there goes his plan. a silence covers you both like a blanket but a small cough from you pulls dean out of his thoughts as he tries to come up with a new plan, but fails to do so. "can i at least take the net off? i'll... i'll answer more of your questions, i won't try to leave. i swear."

"oh, yeah. let me just..." dean shuffles forward as you lift up your arms, freeing you from the net but catching a glimpse of your chest in the process. he holds his breath as he keeps his gaze skyward, blindly grabbing at twisted threads and throwing them to the side. he reaches behind him and pulls forward his oversized leather jacket to you. you giggle as you reach forward, your fingers gliding over his before pulling it on and wrapping it around you. dean gazes at you out of the corner of his eye and sighs with relief at your covered form as he stretches and rubs the back of his neck. he pulls out his earplugs, fearing you less now that you had become human right in front of him.

"you're quite the gentleman, aren't you? looks like your father taught you well." you comment, your eyes filled with admiration. despite your human form, your mermaid traits still shone through.

"my father taught me no such thing." dean bites, his head whipping to the journal and tucking it back into his bag. you rest your chin on your knee and immediately realise that you hit a nerve.

"but he did give you a name. you still haven't told me yours." you point out, as you fiddle with your fingers.

"dean." he coughs, turning back around and facing you again. his shoulders relaxing and his gaze softening. "dean winchester." you hum and smile at him, sharing your name in return.

"dean. well, dean. if you're not going to ask me any more questions, how will we fill the time?" a suggestive smile plays on your soft lips. "i can't remember the last time i felt the loving touch of a man." you cock your head as dean's mouth gapes, taken aback by your honesty. you lean forward on all fours with dean's jacket hanging off your naked body and crawl forward. you mirror his position and kneel in front of him, your knees touching, the jacket sliding off your shoulder and your chest barely concealed. you reach out, grab dean's hand and lift it up until it rests against your breast, his hand instinctively cupping it in his large palm. eyes locked on one another's like the tension might snap if either of you blinked. his thumb runs over your nipple and a gasp escapes you as he slowly circles it and rubs it between his two digits. "dean, please." you mutter breathlessly as you lean in and brush your nose against his, your lips hovering over and grazing his. a small tug on your nipple and a unison of hisses before he carefully presses his lips to yours. you tentatively kiss, tongues slowly gliding against each others as his other hand reaches up and palms your other breast with the same level of care as before.

"can i...?" dean whispers against your lips, his hands reaching up and grabbing the edges of his jacket and as you nod, he slowly slides it off your shoulders and it falls with a heavy thud. you reach out and tug on his t-shirt with a smirk and dean quickly gets the hint by yanking it over his head and chucking it to the side. you both raise up onto your knees and let your hands and his explore each others bodies. groping, gliding, grabbing accompanied by soft kisses and high-pitched whines. your arms settle around his neck as he holds you by your waist, pulling you as close to him as possible. chest to chest. heart to heart. his fingers digging into your supple skin as your nails drag across his scalp, tugging on his short locks and nipping at his lips as he hisses. your lips travel down his neck, licking and leaving open-mouthed kisses against his pulse-point. "oh fuck..." his groans echo throughout the cove as you melted into his touch as he holds you tight against him, like two lovers reunited. nails scratching against his back and teeth grazing the tender skin of his neck as he mewls under you. the sweetest sounds you've ever heard.

"please, touch me. i need it so bad." you mutter against his shoulder before lightly biting down, just enough to leave indents speckled across his broad muscles. you drag your lips across his skin and back up to his lips which eagerly meet yours in a frenzied kiss. "please, dean." you whisper into the kiss and dean only replies with a short laugh before letting his grip fall from your waist and find his way between your legs. his fingers caress your inner thighs as you flinch and twitch. the light brush of his fingers a welcomed change from the harsh pulls and tugs of the ocean, restlessly beating against your skin. they continue to run and brush over where you need him most, where your wetness is pooling and slowly dripping down onto dean's soft fingertips. he smiles into the kiss and lets out a satisfied moan as he meets your juices and finally lets his fingers dive into you. they slip between your folds and move up to meet your clit, where he rubs your arousal all over it. your legs falter and your breath stutters at the foreign sensation as your moans rumble in your chest.

"like that, sweetheart?" he mumbles and all you can do is nod as he increases the pressure, circling your engorged bud before going back into your folds and teasing your opening. you latch onto him for support and throw your head back as your hip stutters before slowly rocking in sync with his rough fingers playing with your clit. "god, you're soaked, angel." he sighs as he admires you, the way your body reacts to him. he quickly pulls away and you groan in defiance before you hear him shuffling around before slowly guiding you to lay down. instead of the damp, cold stone against your bare back, you're met with the soft satin of the inside of dean's leather jacket. dean goes on all fours in between your thighs and continues torturing and teasing you with fleeting touches and featherlight kisses starting from your knee, past your thigh and up to your abdomen.

"deeeaan..." you whine as you writhe and grab onto the jacket, your desperation for dean becoming overwhelming. just as you open your mouth to complain, dean complies with a wicked smile and watches your face in awe as his fingers finally indulge you and pushes past your folds. his middle finger, with an aching slowness, drags itself in and out of your entrance, taking his time with you before adding another. his thick fingers gradually work you open and you groan as you stretch around his digits. a harsh suck and a kitten lick to your clit forces you to lift your head and meet a smirking dean. you settle back, leaning on your elbows as dean puts on a show for you. moaning and humming with content as he buries his tongue into your folds and bumps your clit with his shaped nose as his fingers continue their torture on your spongy walls. pleasure that you had sought out for years was finally years and you couldn't help but roll your eyes into the back of your head and let him feast on you like a starved man.

"mmmhm, nghhhn– mmm..." dean's moans were obscene and only added to your pleasure. you feel him stop and you lift your head to protest, but his glistening chin and slick lips stop you in your tracks. you hadn't seen something as breath-taking as him in aeons with his messy hair, hooded emerald eyes and a knowing smile. he leans back down and trails kisses from the top of your mound to the valley of your tits, before capturing your neglected nipples in between his glossy lips. your legs spread further apart as his pace quickens, his fingers massaging your g-spot with precision. you gaze down at him and the desperation on your face is clear as you slowly rock your body and meet his fingers in a frantic rhythm. "gonna cum, baby?" he hums, his lips still latched around your nipple, before switching to the other. a whimpered "mhm" slips past your lips as the pleasure builds, like a firework rearing to explode. a mess of garbled moans and whimpers escape you as you cum all over dean's fingers, unashamedly groaning dean's name as he admired the sight of you falling apart in his hands. he pulls out his two fingers and pulls back to marvel at them, your arousal covering and dripping down his hand. your chest heaves and heart almost stops as with a wide smirk and eyes centered on you, he presses them to his flattened tongue and sucks them dry with a barely-controlled moan. "delicious." he mutters and before he can say another word, you lean forward and try to undo his trousers with shaking hands.

"i want to touch you, feel you. please." you whine, but dean only pats your flushed cheeks and carefully tucks your hair behind your ear.

"every second i am not inside you, is a second wasted." you're pushed back down and in a matter of seconds, dean is stripped naked and in between the comfort of your thighs, hoisting your legs up to rest comfortably around his waist as he pumps himself once, then twice. he drags his cock through your folds a few times, stopping at your pulsing entrance before teasing again. he pauses and holds your gaze before pushing himself into you and the newfound sensation has you gasping underneath him. "so fucking tight, my god." he falls forward, encircling you tightly in his arms and nestling his head into the crook of your neck as he slowly rocks his hips. your nails rake down his back and your pleas for "faster, harder" are obeyed by him. he drives himself into you, pushing your thighs further apart to go deeper, to fully bury himself. your limbs clung around him like seaweed tangled in the current.

"oh my god, dean...!" you harshly whisper into his ear before tugging on his lobe with your teeth, pulling a hiss from him as his momentum wavered before pulling himself back, lifting your right leg as the other stay curled around his waist and hammering into you. all you could think about was dean. dean, dean, dean. his quiet gasps becoming raw, echoing groans as your pussy clenches around his length, nearing another climax. the pleasure trickled down your spine like an escaped bead of water before pooling in your core and you let yourself be drowned in the pleasure. as the pleasure crescendoes and peaks, dean grabs onto your hips whilst tipping back and making you straddle him. you immediately take over and ride dean's thick cock whilst his hands on your body like an octopus; everywhere, all at once, impossibly urgent. one rests on your hip and the other finds it's way to your clit, rubbing messy circles against it. you bounce, thrust, grind as your hands rest on his solid chest. he thrusted his hips up to meet yours, his balls slapping up against the base of your ass.

"gonna c-cum, baby." he gasps and your pussy involuntarily flutters around his cock as both hands are now guiding your hips. "gonna cum so fucking hard." he pants, struggling to keep his breath under control. you clench your jaw and bite down on your lip as your hips grow tired, your pace hitting its final peak as dean finally releases himself inside of you. with his final finishing thrusts, you gush around him for the third time and then collapse onto his chest in exhaustion. you lay together in silence for a minute or two, before peeling yourself off of him and wiping his sweaty forehead with the back of your hand. you climb off him and settle back with your knees to your chest and pulling the leather jacket over you as dean slowly gets dressed, eyes drifting over to you and quickly darting away again.

"will i ever see you again?" you ask with hesitation, already knowing the answer. dean lets out a short laugh before kneeling down in front of you and placing a soft kiss against your dry lips.

"i hope so. i want to." foreheads resting against each others. "but i'm not sure how we can." a low sigh and saddened eyes.

"me neither." your heart clenches. "but i won't ever forget you, dean." your hand finds his and gives it a soft squeeze.

"yeah?" he raises a brow and you assure him with a nod. "i want to make sure of that." he leans away for a second, pulls off his amulet and places it down around your head. a smile that reached his eyes grew as he peered down at the small golden trinket. "but i'm gonna be needing this back." he peels the jacket off you, hooks his finger into it and places one last kiss against your forehead as he rests on it his shoulder.

"be careful, my trigger man." you whisper as he grabs the forgotten journal and stuffs it into his bag. a breathy laugh followed by a longing gaze.

"i'll see you around. don't go causing more trouble." he warns with a wink as he watches you wave and slowly immerse yourself back into the cove pool. with the blow of a kiss to dean, you fully submerge yourself and feel yourself return to your former self. the cove grew silent once again, except for the drip of droplets and a heavy sigh from the older winchester.

"where the hell have you been? i've been looking for you for like," sam peers down at his watch." half an hour!" sam complains as dean comes sauntering back with his bag slung over his shoulder and jacket dragging in the sand.

"don't get your panties inna twist. can't a guy just go for a walk? admire the sunrise?" dean points out at the ocean and the orange glow that was cascading down onto the beach, bathing the brother's in a growing heat. sam scratches his head.

"since when have you ever watched a sunrise?" he sneers, before sighing as dean sits down next to him and pushing sand onto him.

"often. mind your business." dean retorts before fixing his gaze over the horizon.

"hmph." sam furrows his brows at dean before joining him at gazing out over the tide that slowly rolled in. "did i miss anything?"

"no." dean answers almost too quickly. "it's been silent all night." sam groans and runs his hands through his shaggy hair.

"that means one more night sitting on this fucking beach."

"no, i... i think it was just accidents, sammy. dad was right, mermaids are extinct, don't exist." dean pulls out his mobile and waves it in sam's face. "plus, bobby texted me with a new case. something we can actually hunt." dean's tone convincing, convicted. sam almost didn't dare question it, so he just nodded and started to gather his things. as the brother's walked away, sam peered down at his shorter brother and cocked his head.

"where'd your amulet go?"

"must've lost it when i went swimming." dean's lack of panic and cool composure shocked sam more than anything had in a while; that amulet meant everything to dean. sam just nodded and continued to march on towards the impala. dean hung back a little, gazing one last time over the ocean and seeing the tip of a familiar tail travelling to the unexplored depths alongside the torn pages from his dad's journal. you were his secret to keep.

a/n: my dean debut!! ahhh!! i had so much fun writing this and really let my imagination flow. fun fact: when i was a child, i always wanted to be a mermaid so this was fulfilling for me, hehe LIKES, FEEDBACK & REBLOGS are appreciated, support your creators. ⭑ millie's masterlist ⭑ -`♡´- tag list: @0ccvltism @adoredawn @angelically-yours @barnes70stark @bittersweetfig @bejeweledinterludes @blossomingorchids @bluemerakis @briiverse @cowboysandcigarettes @daylighted @deansbeer @deanspookiebear @diawinchester217 @emeraldcrs @faiszt @frank3nfag @h8aaz @honeyyxxbee @insensiblelimerence @jasvtsc @k-slla @kamisobsessed @lanasgirlfr @legalmente-loca @littlesoulshine @lunaleah @mads-ackles @maneaterarabella @marvelgeeka @missus-ackles @mostlymarvelgirl @nperoconelcositoarriba @plasticflowersinahistorycemetery @samslovebug @sl33pylilbunny @soldierboysdoll @sugardean @sunnyteume @sunsettsam @supernaturaldoll @tinas111 @titsout4jackles @vmiina (comment or inbox me to be added/taken off)

[st4rbwrry]

𝓒𝓡𝓨𝓑𝓐𝓑𝓨.      toji fushiguro.

pt.two for am i baby.

ᰔᩚ . . . 7.1k. fem!reader, lowercase intended, relationship building, baecation, outside sex, fluff, overstim /multiple orgasms, spanks, oral ꒰ f. ꒱, masturbation, hair pulling, domestication, size difference, daddy kink srry not srry, squirting, intimacyyy, sub / dom, alcohol consumption + heightened pleasure, unprotected, marathon sex lawd, pet names ꒰ baby, angel, girl ꒱, shyness bc toji’s intimidating, rough sex, small asphyxiation kink, dacryphilia, praise, minors aren’t welcomed! reblogs & comments are appreciated!

꒰ 𝑚𝑜𝑐ℎ𝑎’𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒 ! ꒱ . . .yall i put my foot into this pls love meeeeeeeeee.

“where the fuck did it go?! toji, oh my god!” 

this was the last thing you needed to start off your vacation, being swallowed by a fucking eight-foot snake. while walking through the thick forest of the island the two of you resorted, you and toji decided to start the early afternoon off by gathering fresh fruits and vegetables for brunch. the sunlight barely peeks through the leaves of the large trees surrounding you, providing a cool shade from the hot temperatures. a rustling sound came from above halfway through your search, and low and behold, your eyes came into contact with an enormous viper coiled up in the tree with the damn bananas. your breath immediately catches in your throat as you clutch onto toji’s muscular arm, frightened by the sight. it’s clear you have a phobia he wasn’t aware of. 

“if i knew you were afraid of snakes, i would've never agreed to this.” 

a tiny screech from you makes the big man beside you invert his lips to keep down a laugh. it’s not funny that you’re scared, but the way you cling to him as if he’s supposed to choke slam the reptile cracks him up. “it’s not going to hurt you, babe. it’s in a tree.” 

“how do you know that?! you see how it looked at me? i can’t see where it went.” 

“i think it’s just minding it’s business. if it did want to eat you, i don’t blame him.” 

your frown deepens as you stare at him. “you’re not funny.” 

“i’m just saying you taste good . .” 

“don’t make fun of meeee!” 

“i swear i’m not. i’m trying to stay vigilant for you.” 

just as toji finishes speaking, your gaze falls upon the snake again, your heart skipping a beat as panic finally sets in. you freeze, breath catching in your throat as you stare at the tan reptile in horror.

“t-toji . ." you stammer voice trembling slightly as you reach out to aggressively grab his arm, nails digging into his skin. “it’s there. .” you whisper, your eyes wide with fear as you point towards the creature. “oh my fucking gosh, it's right there!” 

your frantic whisper draws toji to immediately react, his reflexes kicking in as he swiftly assesses the situation. the snake is indeed close by, it’s forked tongue flicking in and out as it tracks your movements slithering between branches, nearly camouflaging. without hesitation, toji wraps his arms around you, pulling your back against his chest and shielding you from potential danger. your eyes remain bulged, almost going into a state of shock. 

“stay close to me. don't look at it,” he orders firmly, his voice deep and authoritative as he stands between you and the serpent. “let's go back to the villa.” 

thankfully, toji managed to lead you back to the villa safely, the fear coursing through your veins such a pain. you hated those goddamn things. you wished they'd all go extinct.

a private villa in riviera nayarit, mexico, was one of the many dream destinations toji was willing to check off your list. surrounded by lush greenery teeming with wildlife and waters as blue as the sky. staying on a cliff top that overlooked the sea, open doors, daybeds on a terrace with a pool. the architecture and decor is stunning. high ceilings and ornate details. when you first arrived, a sense of awe washed over you, feeling like you were daydreaming. the room is filled with natural light, pouring in through the double sliding doors and shining onto the king-sized bed draped in silk sheets and velvet pillows. waves crashing against the shore creating a soothing background melody. it was truly the best gift you’d ever received. 

he wouldn’t tell you the total of anything, simply because you didn’t have to worry. he offered to treat you and that’s exactly what he did. you didn’t know how to repay him. you weren’t the best at receiving expensive gifts. of course liking it, but feeling guilty after. he’d reassured you multiple times that he did it out of his own kindness, and because he likes you. a lot, clearly. your heart calmed down the moment you stepped back into the villa, wanting to cook to get your mind off of it. the only excursion he had booked today was an atv ride and a day out in the food market, so there was plenty of time to unwind. 

“i need a shower,” he announces, nodding your head as you drop your fruits and veggies basket into the sink to prepare to wash them. toji drops his basketball shorts to the ground, pulling his black tee over his head until he's fully naked. 

“i’ll just get started on brunch!” 

you’d been craving a chicken cucumber salad, deciding to prepare that for the both of you since you know your diet is going to be shit from constantly eating out. you had to make a few things to keep your guts somewhat in shape. toji watches you in the kitchen, humming softly and bouncing in your spot as you turn your brain off. he couldn’t help but smile, this sight something he wouldn’t mind seeing every day. the weight of his footsteps is visceral, your body taking a screenshot when you feel his dick suddenly press against the curve of your ass, gasping when his arms wrap around you to rock the two of you side by side. 

“come shower with me.” 

“i, um . .” it's still so new being this intimate with someone who absolutely fucked the daylights out of you only a month ago. 

coaxing you into taking this vacation with him to further get to know each other. he's been busy with work, and you've been panicking over picking outfits and being alone with him for an entire week. that night even after the cameras shut off, he fucked you a good two more times before saying his goodbyes the following morning. so since then it’s just been facetime calls or small pop-ups where he'd bring a bouquet of flowers and fruits. even send you dinner when your days are too long and you've worked your ass off to afford the luxury studio you reside in. after everything, he still intimidates you. 

your chest begins to burn with anxiousness, gasping again when he lays open-mouthed kisses along your neck, his body practically swallowing yours from the significant size difference. his dick jumps against your backside, and you can’t help but moan from the feeling of his tongue gliding along your sensitive spot. his masculine scent enraptured you. 

“i'm hungry.”

“mhm, so am i.” 

you giggle lightly. “for food. i want food.” 

toji takes the hint and releases you, taking a step back as he recounts the feeling of your erratic heartbeat against his arm. his steel gray eyes rake your body from head to toe before chuckling. 

“you gotta week with me, baby. it's your decision to keep your legs closed if you want.” 

“that a threat?” 

“i didn't say that,” he smirks. 

his heavy footsteps hit along the floorboards as he chuckles and makes his way towards the open bathroom. you distract yourself by prepping the ingredients for your meal. slicing cucumbers and red onions into a glass serving bowl. the wooden cutting board you chopped along echoed loudly with each cut, your mind fading to thoughts as you listen to the shower running.

he’s rinsing away any lingering traces of sweat and dirt as he lathered himself in soap, hot water cascading over his built frame. you try your hardest not to watch, the kitchen island you used to chop at your food directly facing the glass shower. his body confines such a large space. your eyes roaming over his broad shoulders and strong arms covered in droplets and dark ink making your mouth go dry involuntarily. shifting in your spot even as you recall the feel of him pressed against you. flashbacks hitting you altogether. 

as toji continues to shower, he becomes increasingly aware of your attention on him, catching a peek to see you approaching where he stood. body moving without your say. he finds himself unable to fully repress the sensual pleasure that comes from being observed, dick swelling further as he realizes how intimate the situation has become. he lets out a soft groan, pushing deeper into the stream of water pouring down from above, trying to stay respectful to you. 

he knows you've been nervous about having sex with him again, not entirely sure why considering he’s had you in every position imaginable. but he wasn’t one to pressure you into it. if you wanted him, you could take him. he didn’t care. booking this trip wasn’t about that anyways. he wanted to spend time with you and get to know you further because he caught feelings unintentionally fast. things like that usually don’t happen for him, so when it did, he acted quick to show that person that he’s worth having. 

“don't just stare, get in here.” 

a jolt of arousal flows through your body, hesitating for a moment before deciding to stop being a pussy. using your thumbs, you hook them within the elastic band of your skims shorts to slowly drag down your legs, discarding the matching top along with it. biting your bottom lip, you watch as toji’s eyes sharpen as he glares at you, skin bare, hair flowing beautifully around you in dark curls. the freckles cast along your t-zone and thick, pouty lips he needed in his mouth desperately. taking a step forward, the cold stones beneath your feet make you jump, needing to get closer to the water to feel the heat. the steam envelops you instantly, droplets of water clinging onto your skin like tiny diamonds, nipples hardening under the cool air blowing in from outside. 

he goes to grab your face with both of his hands, moaning as he instinctively thrusts his hips forward, a squeak coming from you as his dick nudges against your mound. he groans, dark hair damp along his face, the water beating hard on his back as he bends to your level to aggressively connect your mouth with his. your eyes falter shut, gliding your lips to match his pace, toji pushing you up against the shower wall, the water streaming between where you two meet, kissing hard, almost suffocating as you gulp down the water. his hands are all over you, squeezing at your hips, then your ass to lift you closer so his dick slides between your thighs, brushing your clit. 

“let's focus on showering,” you giggle nervously, trying to catch your breath and pull away, but a hand around your throat pulls you back. 

“yeah, let's stop pretending.” 

you whimper in his mouth as he goes to kiss you again, this time it’s more passionate. rushing his tongue over yours slowly as he grips at your hips, rolling his forward. he goes to take both of your wrists to pin them above your head, locking you still with one hand before he’s lowering his head to suck on your neck. tongue brushing your warm skin and following with hard kisses. the ache between your thighs pursuing, unable to control your hips from rocking, moaning pathetically. toji decides to press his advantage, moving his mouth to your chest where he fondles and puts your tits in his mouth, sucking with a heavy groan. 

your body visibly trembles beneath his touch, and it only serves to drive him on further. he releases his mouth, and with one hand gripping your hip firmly, he reaches between your thighs with the other and starts stroking your puffy clit carefully at first, building up speed as he feels how wet you've become, soon slipping in his middle and ring finger to fuck you open. 

“goddamn, girl. you’re so tight. and pretty,” he looks down at you pinned against the wall, a mixture of desire and dominance etched onto his face. toji knows that he's taken control of this situation, and he relishes in the power he has over you right now. arching shockingly into his touch, the sensation makes your stomach flutter. 

“baby, no f-fair,” you stutter, crying out with your nails digging into his shoulders as you meet each of his powerful strokes with your own eager movements.

“how? you fuckin’ them back,” toji taunts with a smirk, rubbing against that sweet spot that instantly makes your nails dig into the back of his thick thigh. the squelch of your pussy echoes soundly in the area, fingers thick and fucking you good. clenching and keeping them deep within you. 

toji brushes his lips over yours, giving you a rough kiss before grunting in your face, forehead against yours. “let me taste your pussy.” 

you’ve come this far, so you might as well see it through. you nod your head in approval, trailing your hand up the side of his neck before brushing them through the damp coils of his hair, attempting to lower his face with need. he pulls you close to him by the backs of your thighs, taking a seat on the shower floor, your hand on top of his damp head to lower his face and gazing up at you with lidded eyes. lifting your right leg, he sets your foot on his shoulder, instantly dropping his mouth open to latch onto your throbbing clit as you roughly tug at his scalp. 

his heavy tongue sweeps over your cunt with tenacity, jaw widening to suck you entirely into his mouth, your moans vibrating in his ears like broken symphonies. you hold his head still to shift your hips and fuck his face, his salvia mixing with your arousal as he slurps and pulls on your clit with his soft lips, releasing with a pop before he’s raising your thigh higher to sink his tongue into you. lapping up all the juices that have accumulated there due to your arousal. toji’s other hand reaches around to grip your ass cheek, pulling you even closer against him so that there’s no chance of escape. 

his large frame takes up most of the space ensuring your safety, unworried of slipping. plus the rocks have pretty good support. he keeps your pussy firmly locked between his lips as he drops a hand to stroke his dick out of aching need, precum dribbling down its length. growling in pleasure, he takes his fingers to stuff back into you briefly, your gasps and whines make his dick jump as he uses your slick to lubricate his dick, gasping from the interaction. you’ve got him ridiculously turned on. 

“t-toji, babe—g’na cum. tongue feels s’good,” toji’s throbs within his fist he pumps roughly as he moans into your pussy. you listen to his hand connect wetly with his thighs, whimpering from it all. 

“good girl, give it to me,” his deep voice rumbles with fervor, tugging on his hair to anchor him in place so that he doesn't pull away from your cunt too soon. as he pounds into his palm relentlessly, toji’s eyes close tightly as he loses himself in the moment, letting out deep grunts of pleasure with each stroke.

you pant and gasp heavily, cumming in his mouth as he spanks you repeatedly, crying out his name and grinding on his face. body shaking from the intense orgasm he wrung out of you. it happens the same moment toji cums in his palm, groans overlapping yours as ropes of white splurt out and covers his knuckles. the view above him has his thighs tightening, your tits pressed to the glass wall making him stroke the head of his dick with a hiss, leaning his head back against the wall with awe. 

“you’re so goddamn pretty,” he murmured with ragged breaths, looking up with half-lidded eyes filled with desire and submission.

‎               𐦍 

hours pass after your fun in the shower, both deciding to forget about the brunch you planned to make and getting dressed to head out to explore the community. it began raining pretty heavily, getting a call from the atv company stating that they weren’t allowing people to ride today, and ensuring that you could come tomorrow. you weren’t pressed about it, wanting to have a chill day with him anyways. it’s dark out, but colorful lights are bright as toji leads you through the maze of streets and vendors, pointing out different ranges of food and drinks along the way. you stop at various stands, trying street food and drinks together, sharing laughs and intimate moments amidst the chaos of the busy marketplace.

you reach up to grab on to toji’s arm, pulling yourself closer to his side as you weave through the lively atmosphere. you loved the feeling of being protected by such a big, strong man. especially in such a chaotic environment where anything could happen. you savor every moment of your adventure, soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors of mexico. you feel like you’re living in a dream, surrounded by toji’s protection and endearment. you don’t know if he caught on to it, quite frankly you were the only person on his mind, but lots of women stared at the two of you with envy and jealousy. women eyeing toji’s muscular frame and towering presence. it makes you feel proud and possessive, knowing that everyone is envious of what you have.

"i love this," you whisper to toji, leaning against him for support as you navigate through the crowd toward your next destination.

he smiles down at you, brushing the side of your face with his big hand before kissing your forehead. the two of you find a nearby restaurant, deciding to sit outside since the weather was nicer after clearing up. he had ordered you a strawberry daiquiri, which you drank in under five minutes, ordering another one while he sipped on his whiskey. the two of you hold hands across the table as you search through the menu, music playing loudly in the background, your body moving in the seat to the beat, the liquor finally catching on to you. 

“you’re such a damn lightweight,” toji shakes his head as he chuckles in enjoyment, watching you dance.

shaking your head, you giggle from the tipsy feeling you’re getting, staring lovingly into his eyes as you lean in closer. “they were sooo good though. i kind of want another one.”

“not until after you eat something. you only had churros and elote, sweetheart,” he protests, eyes skimming the menu. stomach leaning toward steak tacos.

“boo, you’re no fun!” you wave him off, attempting to break free from his hold until he’s using his strength to keep your palms interlocked, your body nearly yanking across the table from his strength, persistent on touching you.

toji grins, gently scratching the scar on the side of his mouth with his thumb. "mhm, you won’t be saying that when you’re whining about you being nauseous.”

“but you’ll take care of me, right, daddy,” the punctuation on the pet name had his jaw tightening, chuckling under his breath.

toji studies you, the curly updo you'd done exposing your round face so well, the baby blue of your strapless maxi dress accentuating your curves deliciously. the color radiating on your skin. white sandals on your bubble bath french toes. light makeup, only adding white to your waterline, dark liner on your full lips, and glitter over your matching blue eyeshadow and your body. you're truly his angel. toji rubs his thumb over the zodiac tattoo on your hand, lifting your hand to kiss your skin, smelling your vanilla scent.

“i always take care of you. you know that.”

your heart flutters at the gesture, feeling the blush in your cheeks.

"what? nothin' to say," he teases.

"shut it, i'm thinking," you pout.

"yeah? you thinkin'?" you screech when toji reaches around to grip the leg of your chair, holding on to his bicep while giggling wholeheartedly. he drags you to sit beside him, sliding his hand up the side of your soft face to bring it closer to his own.

"what are you doing," you whisper.

"taking care of you," he rubs the back of your neck soothingly before placing a rough kiss there, practically swallowing your neck.

he repeats on the other side before hovering his lips over yours, steel gray eyes intense before he wetly kisses you, the sound echoing between you two. you moan from the feel, the liquor making the feeling between your legs no better.

"so perfect," he mumbles, giving you one more kiss and pulling away. "you having fun, baby?"

"wha—huh?" you blink, his question coming random. the way he makes you feel is truly indescribable.

"the trip so far. its what you wanted, right? even with me?" it's serious the way he says it, wanting a genuine response.

"oh, yes, mhm hmm. of course i am. i really couldn't be more grateful."

"i know you're grateful, what i want to know is if you enjoy being with me," he clarifies.

his eyes are low as he stares at you as if he's nervous to hear what you say. he's the biggest teddy bear. you smile softly, running your fingers though his dark hair. "yes, toji—i do. love spending time with you a lot. and i think we've been connecting really well. you're really funny, and sexy, also so sweet, protective and all. just everything i want in a man, honestly. i’ve been having the best time here with you."

toji nods graciously. “i'm happy to hear that. you're an amazing woman, extremely beautiful with the biggest personality. and i’ve been enjoying myself as well. i see myself being with you.” 

"awe, you're such a cutie patootieee," toji groans as you kiss all over his face with an exaggerated 'muah muah'.

"don't call me that."

"muffin baby? teddy bear? baby boo?"

"nah," he laughs hard, shaking his head.

there was an item on the menu for couples that seemed to be a tourist special. when the waiter came out, there was an assortment of carne asada tacos plated on a heart-shaped wooden board with red roses planted in the middle along with a singular candle. you gasp in awe, squealing as you clap and immediately pull out your phone to document the memory. you glow in happiness, and it makes his heart warm.

you equally enjoy your food, almost moaning after every bite, ordering more drinks, and laughing in each other’s faces. the later it got, the more people arrived, a few couples dancing together within the brick road to sensual tunes. your tummy is full. toji pays the bill before helping you stand from your seat, kissing your face before grabbing a glass of water and forcing you to sip some for balance.

“drink some, don’t argue,” he holds the straw to your pouty lips, not wanting the buzz to lay off. you in fact ordered another daquiri.

huffing, you wrap your lips around the straw, holding onto his arm as you stare up at him past your lashes. toji ignores the rush of heat that pools into his abdomen from the way you look at him, glancing between your tits where your necklace swings as you swallow your water down until the glass is empty.

"gotta pee," you grumble.

"mhm, let's go."

toji secures your hand and walks you to the women’s bathroom, standing outside of the door for your safety and privacy. when your done, toji comes in to wash his hands before the two of you head back out, the area bustling.

"c'mere," toji's voice is hoarse as he pulls you with him to the middle of the street along with the other couples, wrapping an arm around your waist to press you close to his chest while his other sits low on your back.

"you can dance?" you raise your brow, his hands sliding up underneath your arms to entwine your fingers in the air, both arms raised as he chuckles deeply from your stunned face.

“just follow the beat, dance on me.”

deciding to just be in the moment, you begin to roll your hips to the loud thump of the beat, his larger frame tugging you along in circles. toji begins humming and singing in your ear, sending shivers down your spine, and making your nipples unexpectedly harden beneath your dress. the alcohol in both of your systems making you equally sensitive. toji loses himself in you and the music, swaying gently.

“when the hell you learn spanish?” you say quietly, caught between embarrassment and arousal as his hands roam over your body sensually, moving closer to him and matching his movements.

“went to trade school in barcelona.”

as he continues to dance with you, toji's hands wander lower, subtly squeezing and massaging your ass over your dress. occasionally, he bites lightly on your neck or earlobe, leaving you gasping, face definitely hot. the sensation of his large palms gripping your ass makes you moan, arching your back slightly, pressing your breasts more firmly against his chest as you lose yourself in the rhythm of the music and the intoxicating closeness of embrace.

it wasn't anything out of the ordinary considering other couples were doing the exact same thing, the sensuality of touches and connection evident. your own hands slide up toji's muscular back tight in his black t-shirt, nails digging lightly into his skin as you cling to him, tilting your head to give him better access to your neck, a soft moan escaping as he nips and kisses the sensitive skin there.

you turn in his arms, grinding your ass back against him, hips swaying seductively to the rhythm. your hands reach back to grab hold of his thighs, pulling him even closer until there's barely any space between you. in that moment, you can feel the hardness of his dick on you, toji groaning in your ear, both of you desperate to leave at this point.

"let's head back."

everything happened so fast. toji called for a car and the two of you tried your absolute hardest not to be obnoxiously inappropriate in the backseat. literally grinding, unnoticeably to the driver, in your seat as he clasps your neck and kissed you, equally intoxicated. 

“ima fuck you so bad,” toji grumbles as he kisses behind your ear, his heavy palm keeping your legs closed while he smooths his hand up and down. 

you giggle almost helplessly, raving in his infatuation for you, feeling like lovedrunk strangers. the thrill of withholding your passion in the backseat of an uber in a foreign country felt scandalous. a breath of air is released from you once you step into your villa, toji guiding you up the stairs so you don’t slip. the quietness of your home gives you goosebumps, the sober part of you realizing that it really is just the two of you. swallowing, you attempt to lessen your anxiety by distracting your brain. 

“ahh, come get meeee!” toji watches darkly as you screech loudly after removing your sandals, rushing out towards the terrace where the infinity pool resided, needing the fresh air since you felt so hot. 

taking a seat on the sunlounger, you turn your back to the brooding, intimidating man. heart thumping in your chest from the ominous silence as he approaches you. it felt like a replay of your first time. smiling like an idiot when you smell his cologne, staring ahead at the trees that blow in the warm air, the scent of the ocean comforting. his fingers graze your skin, and you try not to jump from his gruff voice directly by your ear. 

“why you runnin’ from me?” toji stands up straight, pressing your back to him, feeling the fabric of his dark jeans on your skin along with the imprint of his dick. your mouth begins to water. 

“told you to catch me,” you roll your neck back, whimpering when his hand goes to tighten around your throat, his body leaning over slightly to slide his hand down your chest, pulling down the top of your dress. 

you whimper from the air blowing on your skin, perfume flowing and nipples perk. he wants you so damn bad. “nah, be honest, baby. you still nervous?” 

you bite your lip from his harsh fondles at your tits, tracing down to your stomach while you heave. 

“huh? answer me, ꒰♡꒱.”

“mhm,” you groan, face going hot, not wanting to answer. “it’s stupid.” 

“what’s stupid?” now toji’s picking you up so your knees sit on the chair, keeping his chest against your back as he brushes his lips along your collarbone, leaving wet kisses that make you grind your ass back on to him. 

“it’s just—” you pause, toji’s lips on your jaw as he pulls your dress up to your stomach, moaning when he digs his fingers into the flesh of your hips, snapping the fabric of your panties on your skin. 

“just what, keep talkin’ to me,” you try to catch your breath, toji slowly pulling them down to the middle of your thighs just so he can touch your clit, a string of your juices disconnecting from the lace.

he kept his chin on your shoulder, letting you fall back into his hold while he reached to stimulate your clit, rough fingers being as gentle as possible as he rubbed your clit in circles, spreading your legs further, pleasure consuming you. your knees buckle momentarily, your sensitivity shockingly high. 

“it’s scary,” you moan, dipping your hips low into his palm, his fingers collecting your slickness by sinking them into you, your hand coming to grip the wrist that’s moving as he slips in and out. 

“what’s scary, angel?” as he’s fucking you knuckle deep with two fingers, guiding him as he does it while thrumming your clit with his thumb, you can hear the metal of his belt clink as he unravels the heavy leather.

“y-you—ah,” he goes to tangle his hand within your hair, creating a sturdy grip as he exposes your neck by pushing you down to arch your back.

toji slings his leg over the chair so he’s positioned right behind you, removing his fingers to trail up the side of your thigh and up to your hip where he squeezes then molds the flesh of your ass up to your waist. 

“i need a straight answer, ꒰♡꒱.” 

your thighs almost clamp shut in surprise from his dick rubbing in between, collecting the wetness within your folds, slowly rocking forward while keeping your head back by your hair. his mouth goes back on your throat, sucking and biting feverishly. 

whining from his teasing, you go to close your legs to add pressure to your clit and to feel him better as he rubs your pussy with only his dick. a hard swat on your ass makes you pause, whimpering and grinding back with impatience. toji pulls himself off of you entirely, smacking your ass once again before he’s situating himself underneath you, your thighs on either side of his head with his eyes on yours. he hits you again. tearing the lace panties off from your thighs, too impatient to move you again just to remove them.

“c’mon, come tell daddy,” he’s pushing you to sit on his face, your dainty fingers tangling within the midnight tresses of his hair to snag. 

blowing a raspberry, your hips stutter from his brutal kisses along your skin. planting open mouthed kisses along your inner thighs up to the side of your hips, his thick tongue tasting every sensitive part of you, besides the one you really needed him to. both hands coming up to squeeze at your chest as he licks and sucks right above your clit, tongue just barely grazing it. you were only making this harder for the both of you. he would’ve fucked you twenty minutes ago. 

“babe,” it’s becoming too much for you, trying to force his face closer to your pussy, needing him desperately. “i just need you. more than i’ve ever needed anyone. it’s so—so different with you. you fuck me so good, and i like you so much it scares me.” 

toji stares at you with visible arousal, that turns him on more than you’d ever know. placing his hand on your lower back, you arch forward, tits against the sunlounger and shoving you on his awaiting mouth. your gasp echoes in the night, listening to your slick drip on his tongue mixing his salvia with it as he rushes it along your pulsating clit. you cry, having a deadlock on the top of the chair while falling forward onto his face. his nose is smushed to your tummy, breathing hard as you ride his face drunkenly. 

“ooo, shit daddy,” the squeals emitting from you are so cute he can’t help but spank you again, pushing your ass up to mold to your hips again so he can reach every part of your pussy, bouncing his head up and down, grunting in you. “mhmm, i love how you eat it, baby. love it.” 

his lips wrap around your clit to suck hard, pulling her free and slurping you up all around, tongue eventually sliding into your warm hole where the sweetness intensified, only making him greedier. 

“fuck, angel,” he sputters against your pussy, mouth enclosing repeatedly on your clit while he pushed your ass forward so you can properly fuck his tongue. 

you lift your right leg to balance it beside his head, rotating your waist and inching further down on his tongue, eyes squeezing shut with your mouth agape. “toji—yesss. ooh, that’s it baby.” 

a hiccup falls from you, whimpering as you grind on his face, feeling your orgasm approach. you push harder against him, encouraging him to go faster and deeper with his thrusts. he’s fucking you with his tongue like he’d fuck you for real. curling and dipping it deep, swallowing all of your cum. with trembling legs, you watch as he wraps his arm around your waist while holding your thigh to the side of his face, slightly sitting up to kiss sloppily at your pussy faster. jaw clenching the wider he dropped his mouth open to taste you, moaning roughly. 

your toes curl as you cum in his mouth, unable to speak, only breathe after a few seconds of silent but heavy breathing. you cry out, fisting his black hair and rocking a few more times just to keep feeling his tongue on you. 

“fuckin’ good girl,” toji gruffs, smacking your ass again before he's lifting up both of your weights, putting you back on your knees so he can crouch behind you. 

he makes you lay fully on your knees, your cheek on the chair with your ass high up. holding on to either side of the furniture, you weakly smile up at him as he removes his jeans, placing one foot up as he comes behind you, kissing up your spine which makes you arch into your knees, shuddering. 

“you’re such a crybaby, y’know that?” his buff right arm comes to lock around your neck, kissing your cheek before reaching for his dick, rubbing the tip up and down your slit and finally to both of your praise, sinking into you. 

his enormous body looms above you, lowering himself on your ass, straddling your thighs and holding onto the edge of the lounge chair for extra balance. your whines are extremely loud, nails digging into his forearm that chokes you, his heavy dick fucking you deep. 

“you’re so damn adorable, i love handling you,” with every thrust he’s grunting by your face, his sharp hips hitting the flesh of your ass, recoiling from every harsh pound. “did all that shit jus’ to tell me you like fuckin’ me. you like being ‘round me. i told you that shit earlier, angel.”

your pussy’s throbbing so badly for him, tiny squeals pouring from you as his thick dick engulfs you, toji fucking you faster the more noises you make. they drive him insane, driving his dick deep, strokes steady but rough. his big body trapping you beneath him, strong muscles encasing you.

“ooo, f—uck baby,” you gasp for air as toji tightens his grip around your neck, your vision going blurry, eyes rolling into the back of your skull from how good he’s fucking you right now. the minor strangulation courses through your body and aims right for your clit, his voice by your ear and his heavy drops making you lose your mind.  

your hands claw at the fabric of the sunlounger, gripping onto it tightly as toji fucks you, dick sinking into your pussy over and over again. each thrust sends waves of pleasure rippling through your core, intensifying the sensations already coursing through your veins.

“let daddy know if he’s too rough.” 

toji’s voice becomes more primal, his words becoming indiscernible as he focuses solely on driving his dick into your quivering pussy, breathing erratically. 

“fuck no, want you rougher,” you grin sheepishly, slurring your words. 

you love how rough he is with you, never holding back when he knows you really need it. begging for it will give it to you every time. every slap of skin on skin, every grunt and groan from toji sends another wave of ecstasy crashing through your body again, clenching and pulling on his dick as if he’d let go. toji hisses, releasing his arm from your neck to spank your ass.

“yes baby, yes yesyesyes —agh fuck.”

“yeaaa, that’s it, angel. keep cryin’. dick got you cryin’ so good. fuckin’ love that shit. mmmm.” 

your gasps come out like weak shudders, lips quivering as you whine and scream. 

“fuck, girl. you’re so fuckin’ needy,” toji is stunned by how sensitive you are. your cries are a surprise, yet he’s turned on. liquor turning you into the neediest girl. 

toji bends down to give you his face, draping your arm around the back of his neck to keep his skin on your back, the prickles of heat comforting you. lips melding together in a desperate share of pleasure. 

“fuck me more.” 

toji manages to let out a chuckle, slipping his dick out to pull you down, laying you flat on your stomach while he hovers behind you. 

"takin’ that shit like such a good girl, aren't you?”

he starts to move, his hips driving forward relentlessly, his balls slapping on your thighs with each powerful thrust.

“your dicks s’so big, baby,” you whimper, feeling his girth stretching your pussy wide open, “i can’t . . you’re fucking me deep.”

you bite your lip, trying not to scream too loud.

“unh uh, you was doin’ all that screamin’ before. don’t stop that shit, girl,” toji grits his teeth, rolling his hips faster, each stroke hitting your spot with precision. 

the occasional muffled curse words slip out between bitten lips, squirting hard and with every clap of your ass back onto his veiny hips, you cover his abs with your slickness. your legs are shaking, tearing up as you cry and he refuses to let up his rough pivots. 

“f-fuck, baby, you’re mine. you’re mine, daddy,” you declare, teary eyes scrolling back into your head from every harsh pound. nobody else can have him, you fucking refuse. 

“am i yours?” he teasingly asks, sweat building up on his forehead, abdomen fluttering. 

“yes . . you’re mine,” you whisper with a pout, teary eyes scrolling back into your head from every harsh pound.

"i don’t think so, girl,” toji murmurs, his voice disapproving. "doesn’t seem convincing enough.”

“please toji, i’m yours,” you beg, tears streaming down your face as he continues fuck you harder. “yours, baby. yours.” 

your voice is barely above a whisper, words punctuated by gasps and moans as he fucks you senseless. you’re completely broken, utterly submissive to his will. toji laughs at your fervent declaration, feeling a sense of control, knowing you’ve completely given yourself to him. mind, body, and fucking soul. 

"swear it then," his voice firm.

he pulls out briefly before holding your ass apart to slam back inside with harder force than before, fucking himself deeper time and time again. you’re sucking him in so good he can’t help but throw his head back, adam’s apple strong in his throat as he hums, patting the side of your ass to watch you consistently squirt. 

“i swear!” you cried out, your voice breaking as he pounds into you, “i swear ‘m yours! ‘m yourss!” 

"good fuckin’ girl," toji rasps, his voice dripping with lust. "now lemme hear you scream that shit.”

“o-ohh god, toji!” you scream, your voice echoing the surrounding area. 

"that's right. want the whole fuckin’ villa to hear that pretty ass voice fucked out f’me,” toji growls, his voice low and menacing.

“fuck, toji!” you yell, voice raw and hoarse, entire body trembling harder than it ever has, legs going numb. 

you’re close, so fucking close, and you want it—need it, desperately. “tojiiii."

“tell me what you need, angel.” 

you arch your ass up to meet his rhythm, eager for more. toji grunts, picking you up to sit himself up on the chair, laying your back to his chest as he scoots down and holds you up by the backs of your thighs. your palms are flat on his chest behind you, tossing your head back as he fucks up into you, your tits bouncing roughly from every hard, greedy, steady pound. 

“thank you, thank you.”  

your words are punctuated by gasps and moans, toji stretching your pussy open around his girthy shaft. tears stream down your face as you cum for the final time, moaning and grinding your ass down when you notice toji’s getting weaker from rutting in you. his calloused hands are rough on your hips, grinding you back and forth as his eyes scroll back and he cums inside of you, panting heavily and leaning his forehead on your sweaty back. 

“fuck me.” 

toji kisses your back to soothe you, rubbing your stomach and gently laying you on his chest. he almost wants to laugh that you were drifting off to sleep, kissing your face before lifting you up to get you cleaned and put to bed.

© 𝒮𝒯𝟦𝑅𝐵𝒲𝑅𝑅𝒴! all rights reserved. please do not repost, steal, or modify my work simply because it is mine. stealing isn't cute. i'll ruin your life ♡

[twisted-whatifs]

Cultural exchange, Malleus x reader.

Sumary: you’re hanging out with malleus, and end up getting to see his more dragon side.

Notes: it can be read as both romantic and platonic, but there is already an established close friendship, as well as I did put a minor sex joke in there but it’s overall pretty innocent.

2.4K words

His bed is criminally soft, the air smells of fire, pine, and comfort, and the dorm room you´re occupied in screams of wealth and status. So of course, this is exactly where you want to spend your afternoons!

Your head rests against the pillow, letting your hair spill out around your face, as you lay on your side in the middle of the queen-sized bed. The view before you is that of the soon-to-be king of Briar Valley’s room. The floors and walls are shrouded in black, making the fireplace at the foot of the bed seem much more powerful. Though his room isn't the most welcoming at first, you've grown used to it and all its quirks- like the tiny stone pieces on the floor, which he drags with him - by accident - while making gargoyles.

You let out a sigh of relief, not feeling burdened by the tall presence behind you. Rather, you find solace in knowing he's here with you, accompanying and protecting you. You roll over and onto your back, in response to him sitting on the edge of the bed.

“it's nice to finally have some alone time, without that weasel constantly complaining in my ear.” You say with a soft content smile, mirroring his own.

“I know how you feel. I'm beyond grateful for the time here at Night Raven Collage, although having Sebek and Silver tailing me at any given moment can be a burden at times.”

You let out a small kind of laugh, finding amusement in the fact that he, too, acknowledges those two and their overprotective nature. Releasing another sigh from your lungs, you close your eyes and bask in the peace of the moment; the bed beneath you lulling you to sleep, yet your mind still drifts.

“I could so live here - it's way better than ramshackle. That much is certain.”

“If it were up to me, you would have already had a room of your own in our dorm.”

“But it doesn't work like that, does it? Crowley wouldn't let me stay here in a million years”

“No, unfortunately not.”

He finishes off before laying down next to you, joining you in simply relaxing in the presence of each other. As tempting as it would be to open your eyes and turn your head to see him lying next to you, sleep is dragging you in.

“You know, all this dorm stuff… It's so weird to me. Where I'm from, we don't exactly have a magic mirror to tell us where we belong.”

"Well I have to admit, it is a bit of an oddity here as well- But how is your world, for it to be so different from ours?”

“I think a very big part of it is that in my world, we simply don't have magic and because of that, anything within the realm of magic is entirely foreign to me.”

“How intriguing… I think it's safe to assume you miss your home?”

“Yeah… the world I'm from is so different to yours… Like, for example, in my world dragons don't exist.” I finally open my eyes and turn to look at him. As I do, I see him quietly laughing.

“Believe it or not, the people of this world believe the same.”

“Really?!... But aren't you like a dragon?”

“To answer your question, no, I am not a full-blooded dragon. Rather, I'm a dragon/draconic fae, the two are different. According to the public, dragons are extinct, and even though I am in direct opposition to their claims, the general knowledge stays the same.”

“Woah… that's… wild?”

“You're right, it is, my Child of Man…”

“... Well, what does it entail to be a dragon fae?”

His gaze, which earlier had been focused on the ceiling, dipped down to meet yours. His breathtaking green eyes are locked on your own, as he gives you a quizzical look.

“What do you mean, Dear?”

You turn to your body to fully face him, as you sit up on the bed, looking down at him and taking in your position looming above him. He lays relaxed against the sheets, with his hands on his stomach. It is a rare sight for many, but not for you.

“Like, what's it like? What differences does it make?...” You shot a look up to his horns “... What does it look like?”

“... You wish to see my dragon form?”

“-YES”

He's taken aback for a second before his face softens into a smile and he laughs, like actually laughs with heart.

“You humans are such curious creatures… I should warn you, that you might not like what happens if you choose to go through with it.” A mischievous - almost playful - smile is spread across his face. It makes you smile too, to see him so genuinely enjoy something.

“And what does that mean? Is that a threat?”

“You'll find out~” There's no way you're backing down now. You wait patiently as he slowly sits up on the bed, his back just a few inches away from the headboard, his back is as straight as ever.

“Where do we start?”

“Well I've already seen your tail once, but I would love to get a chance to see it up close!”

And with that, a tail spins itself around the edge of the bed from where it connects to him. It's as if it was never hidden in the first place, by how you didn't even notice it appeared. It is longer than his legs and it is covered in beautiful black scales, that shine blues and purples in the light, along with a couple of spikes along its back, ending at the tip with a small appendage (look at the picture for reference). Your eyes are busy studying his tail, while his eyes are busy studying you.

“... Wow… Can I touch it?”

“Go ahead… But be careful, one wrong move and it could easily fling you across the room.”

“You wouldn't do that, would you?”

“Maybe,” He says with that same grin on his face. He clearly wouldn't do it. He's just saying it to tease you. Taking his advice, I carefully reached my hand towards his tail and he so graciously moved closer to me- to the point where the end was touching my thigh. The scales are smooth and cold, yet I can feel the warmth from underneath them, it's a similar feeling to holding a snake yet way bigger- and that it belongs to one of my close friends. My hands trail across its length, admiring the intricacies as I run my fingers up the sides of one of the spikes, gently tapping the tip when I reach it to see how sharp it is. When retracting my finger, it was wholly intact. The spikes aren't particularly sharp.

My eyes met his once again, he wore a face of satisfaction as he observed me.

“I was right. You didn't send me flying”

Breaking the silence I spoke up, and in response, he chuckled- not so much because he found it funny, but rather, perhaps he was simply amused by my intrigue of his extensions. My hand was still on his tail, absentmindedly stroking the scales in an up-and-down motion.

“The last time I saw your tail, I didn't get to see it in such lights as the ones we currently have- Your scales are breathtaking”

“I'm glad you think so.” As he finished up his sentence, he lifted the end of his tail, until the tip was at perfect reach. Taking in the unspoken invitation, I make a final stroke from one of the points of the three-pointed tip, down before he retracts it, adjusting his position against the headboard.

He leans towards me, lifting his knee to support his elbow, so he can rest his cheek on the back of his hand. Meanwhile, his face is reflecting his highly aroused state of mind.

“Are you ready to move on to the next ones? To indulge your curiosities more; or do you wish to back out while you can?”

“You make it sound like I’m in some sort of imminent danger…”

He raised a brow and squinted his eyes, exaggeratedly scrutinizing me- for his standards- you, that is to say, most people as well, rarely ever see him so animated as he is now “Who says I'm not? I strike fear upon whoever may witness me.”

“Well, not me.”

“Perchance you're the peculiar one, then?”

I scoff and roll my eyes, not taking the jab to heart, before returning my gaze to his happy one. ”Well… you got wings right?”

“Indeed I do; you wish to indulge them next?”

“Sure, let's see them.”

Closing his eyes while nodding, he leaned back slightly, returning to a more neutral position, and relaxing his shoulders. “If I do, then it would make it a lot easier for me if I were to remove my shirt; are you comfortable with that, Child of Man?”

“Yeah, sure, I don't mind.”

“... And you can promise to not tell of this to anyone? If my grandmother were to catch wind of me undressing before a human, I would not hear the end of it.”

I chuckle at the thought.

“I promise- It won't end well for me either!”

He goes ahead without further conversation, beginning to undress. As the layers of fabric lifted off his body, it revealed more scales splayed across his features- even on the features visible earlier. The scales beautifully apply to, and exaggerate the contours and highlights of his body and face, making him look even more inhumanly beautiful.

He sits on his knees in front of me, threatening to make my neck ache if I had to look him in the eyes. Then, faster than I could compute, I’m surrounded by black. His large- large- wings encircle me. I whip my head from side to side, trying to look at them fully before my eyes lock with his. He wore the same stupid grin he did earlier, only bigger, I didn't even know he could be this expressive.

“So, child? Are you intimidated?”

“I-... well yes, kind of...”

His voice is roaring as he laughs at me, having his fun to the full before it softens into a more apologetic one.

“Sorry, the last thing I would want is for you to be scared of me.” He raised his hand and gently glided the back of his fingers against my cheek; he's been very bold recently.

He unflexed his wings, allowing the light to flow back to us. Between the very forward displays of affection, his high mood, and your eyes having to accommodate more light, you need a moment to adjust. And following you as you adjust, he does the same with his position, allowing you full access to his back. His wings go far lower than his back- the ends splay down far onto the bed.

You slowly reach out your hand, first coming into contact with the skin between the shoulder blades. His teal-tipped hair ends tickle your fingers before you finally come into contact with the wings. They spout out unusually from his back, with a joint prominent on the shoulder blade. As your hands glide upwards towards the tip of the top joint, you lightly graze over the talon placed on it, and moving your hand down further to the very end, you grasp the tip and watch it flex out and unfurl again, taking in and admiring the intricate ways it moves.

A few minutes go by of this- by curiously taking in his features, as he sits with his back turned to you in silence, to not interrupt your so focused observations; his wings being the biggest muse as it stands. Mesmerized by the way the thin tissue of his wings unfold when they open up, or the way that they can shield you away from almost any danger out there, within but a second.

The hair running down his back shifts, as he turns his head back to look at you, gazing at you with what could almost be described as sultry eyes.

“Did you have your fun?”

“Oh, if I did- your wings are enchanting, Malleus.”

He's turned over so he's facing you again, now getting yet another good look at the scales adorning his upper body. He smiles in contentment, the worn-out traces of his lipstick emphasising his lips as they curl upwards.

“So, Mal… is the next step full dragon form?”

“Oh no, my Child of Man, I think that will have to wait for another time; royal secrecy and indecency rules and whatnot.”

“Aw… Though when that does happen - which it will- can I ride you?”

“I can't promise anything, but it certainly wouldn't go against my reservations.”

Before you could answer, a notification rang through your phone, that Crowley gave you back at the Scarabia incident. As it turned out it was a text from Epel, in a group chat you’re in with your first-year friends. But as the screen lit up, the time caught your eye.

“There's only about an hour left, until I have to meet up with Grim again for dinner… how about we savour these last few moments?”

“Do you have anything particular in mind, prefect?”

He raised an eyebrow before answering, and when he was done speaking you took a bold move to lean forward, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him down to lay on the mattress along with you.

“Could we spend the time cuddling until I have to go again?”

His usual warm smile returns to his face, though differently this time, accompanied by the slightest redness dusting his cheeks.

“I would be delighted to.”

He gently grabs onto your waist, pulling you closer to his body. The scales on his neck feel cold to the touch, as you make yourself comfortable laying your head against his chest; letting the soft rhythmic thump of his heartbeat lull you to sleep before his tail wraps around one of your legs. Lastly, he opens his wings and wraps them around the two of you.

Staying like that, the two of you lay comfortably in each other's presence, before you had to return to whatever duties and responsibilities await you outside his room.

A/N (Chrille): from what I've heard, in Briar Valley, there's a rumour/belief that dragons are extinct? I’m not too sure though. Also please exuse if my grammar or mommas are weird English isn’t my first language😭

[rqbossman]

I was thinking about the absolute carnage of towerfall - you were in a plane before, you’re dead; you were on a train or you were in a car travelling 60mph, you’re dead (assuming people are back where they started and travelling the same speed as they were before the Event) - like yeah, utter bloody chaos because the implication is everything (planet included) moved for 6 months but the humans are dropped into the exact latitude and longitude that they were before (consistent velocity to be confirmed) - every road is a pile-up, there are plane crashes everywhere, everyone is ✨horrifically✨ traumatised✨ (the bleakness is so wonderful, I adore it)

I asked before about how Jonny nearly killed billions of people - surely it must’ve been something regarding the consequences of towerfall? Did he want the people to be dropped back into the space they were in (sans planet)?

please do tell 😆

I FINALLY get to tell this story! Yay! Enormous Protocol and Archives Spoliers READER BEWARE: Firstly, you should know that whilst @jonnywaistcoat is a big ideas guy, I am normally the one who ends up going off and actually figuring out how things work in the real world. I'm always ending up saying something like "sure that's creepy but that's not how steam trains work. You need to account for the Stephensen Regulator" etc. This means that when @jonnywaistcoat had thoughts as to how Towerfall worked in early Protocol drafts, I was the one who had to try and make it work. We both wanted to make sure that people could begin to rebuild in a meaningful way rather than going full Mad Max but unfortunately I quickly realised that almost every instinct @jonnywaistcoat had for cataclysms generally lead to the irrecoverable collapse of civilisation and death of basically everyone. For instance, we both felt that the actual Hellscape could have lasted longer (in the order of months, not weeks) but no matter how I tried to bend things to fit that timeline, the truth is that human built infrastructure does not recover well from that length of absence. (at least, not in a way that doesn't kill most people from pestilence, starvation and associated wars.) So we had to make it a bit shorter and thankfully we'd already established there was time dilation at play in Archives. (We actually even experimented with it only lasting 1 day but we both decided that wouldn't hurt enough.) The worst case of this kind of logistical horror however, was about locations. @jonnywaistcoatwas was really enamoured with the idea that everyone would arrive back, not where they had left, but instead clumped according to their fears. I.e. Everyone in the Arachnophobic domain turns up in Australia together, everyone in the Nyctophobic domain turns up in Antarctica etc. so I dutifully went away and ran the numbers and no matter how I tackled it I kept coming to the conclusion that this pretty much kills everyone in less than a week due to the massive logistical collapse it causes. (There's actually a really great examination of this on XKCD) Now don't get me wrong, I was all for getting stuck-in telling the story of the bleakest logistical collapse possible but to quote Jonny "that sounds pretty grim and not in a fun way" so in the end we opted to return people where they left (albeit compensating for planetary movement so that we wouldn't accidentally extinct everyone in the most unsatisfying way imaginable). So there you have it. Technically, technically I saved the world including all your favourite characters from @jonnywaistcoat's insatiable bloodlust. You're welcome.

[bestofgrrm]

Welcome to Direwolf Day. I’ve been holding my tongue for months now, sworn to silence yet dying to tell the world. Pardon my shouting, but… THE DIREWOLF IS BACK. Extinct for more than ten thousand years, but extinct no longer, thanks to Ben Lamm, George Church, Beth Shapiro, and the rest of their team of mad scientists at Colossal, the world leader in the science of “de-extinction.” I met them all in February, in… well, that would be telling. And I met Romulus and Remus too. Here’s me and Romulus. (Or maybe Remus. They’re twins, and hard to tell apart.

- Grrm, NotaBlog, April 8 2025

[sketchehm]

No one gets you like me

Being a fucking nerd about 3d printers I'm going to Cry

[yandere-daydreams]

tw - kidnapping, manipulation, mentions of physical abuse, and prolonged imprisonment.

You learn quickly that Nanami is significantly more bearable with he's playing house.

It should've been more obvious, in retrospect. If you hadn't been so terrified, so desperate not to fall into your captor's domestic delusions, you might've been more able to catch on more quickly, to realize how much softer he was when you treated him like a loving husband, rather than an obsessive stalker who had the nerve to roll his eyes when you asked if he had anything for you to wear that didn't involve bows and frills. You were slow on the uptake, but then again, he wasn't the kind of man who wore his heart on his sleeve.

His reactions weren't exactly more pronounced when your aggression started to fade, when you realized that he could barely take care of himself, let alone another person. You were skittish, eager to get in and out of the kitchen before he came home, and he was stoic, offering little more than a nod of his head and a muttered 'thank you' when he came home to find a bare-bones meal on the table or his constantly neglected apartment just a little cleaner. It took weeks for him to come to you directly; his suit jacket in one hand and spare button in the other. It should've only taken a minute to mend, but your hands shook so badly that it'd ended up taking ten. He watched over your shoulder all the while - smiling so softly, you'd been able to convince yourself that it was just your imagination.

You pretended that you didn't mind being with him, that the idea of being his stay-at-home hostage didn't make your skin crawl, and in exchange, he let you watch an hour of T.V. once a week, told you how your family and friends were dealing with your sudden disappearance. It wasn't a fair trade, but it was a trade - his domestic bliss for a handful of basic privileges, his happiness for the illusion of your freedom. When you can build up the courage, when you've recovered (or, recovered as much as you can, anyway) from the last time he bent you over his knee, you press for more. And sometimes, it works.

"I missed you," he mumbles, burying his face in the crook of your neck. His strong arms are wrapped around your waist, his posture hunched to accommodate the disparity between your heights, and you can feel warm breath on your skin, his deep voice reverberating against your throat.

"Welcome home," you say, because he doesn't like it when you lie and 'I missed you too' might've been the most dishonest thing you could've said. "You should sit down. I just started on dinner, and--"

You pause, cursing under your breath. Nanami is tired enough or kind enough to take the bait. "Make me a list." He pulls you that much closer before straightening his back and kissing your cheek. "I'll run to the store. It's the least I could do, for the only person who manages to keep my head on my shoulders."

You let a second of silence lapse between you, then another. "You know," you manage, eventually, just as Nanami starts to detangle himself from you. "Most couples spend as much time together as they can."

You can practically hear his smile. "You want to go shopping with me?"

"...am I allowed to?"

"Of course." He says it like he hadn't kidnapped you. Like he hadn't kept you locked in his sterile apartment for the better part of a year. Like he hadn't taken you by the neck and promised he'd be the only man to ever touch you again every time you questioned his intentions.

There's another kiss, this one to the corner of your jaw. Just when you think your heart might beat out of your chest, he adds, "As soon as hell freezes over and curses go extinct, I'll take you wherever you want."

You might've cried, if you didn't know how much he loved wiping away your tears.

Sometimes, it works.

Most of the time, though, he chooses to remind you whose game you're playing.

[hhaechansmoless]

as the world caves in

pairing: kim mingyu x f!reader

genre: apocalypse au, angst, happy ending

description: we creep up on extinction, i pull your arms right in

warnings: mentions of injuries, zombies (written as the dead)

w/c: 4k

a/n: i once promised tiya @gyubakeries that the first mingyu fic I write would be for her.(also promised to make sure it would be heartbreaking but today is her birthday and I'd rather not do that so) happy happy birthday tiya!!! I love you very much thank you for listening to me yap abt anything and everything and I hope you have an awesome day and year ahead 💙💙💙 and ofc happy 10th anniversary to svt 🤧🥹!!!!

DAY 256, 20:03 PM

“Hey. It’s just me, checking in. Hope everything is still okay on your end.”

“I’m making stew again tonight. Seokmin and I went out to town to see if there were any stores that had stocked stuff still. Found a heap of heatable food which was surprising, but we’re good for the next week or so… I think. Unless the expiry dates are sooner.”

You hear him shuffle around, hear the rustling of plastic and the distant murmur of the friend he’s made. You can almost see Mingyu, his broad shoulders hunched over the packet, lips pursed in concentration as he figures out what more to do with it.

“There’s not much to report today actually. Our new camp is fairly away from the dead yonder, so please don’t worry. There are nice people here… They were really welcoming—after the first few checks obviously—and are trying to convince us to stay. “

His voice is muffled by the static on the radio for a few seconds.

“—but we’ve told them that we’re both on the way to somewhere else. Seokmin says he has a brother waiting for him near Lindera, and well, I have you.”

“How are things at Fort Worden? Isn’t it getting warmer there? Be careful. They flock to warm places. I heard a message on the radio today—from the camp in Lindera. Seokmin says that Worden is close too. So we leave tomorrow morning.”

You don’t know if he pauses, or if what he says next is swallowed by the satellites and the nature of his worn out HT ham radio that you two have been using. 

“Anyway, just wanted to let you know. Please send a message as soon as you can. I love you, I’ll be there soon.”

You sigh quietly before flipping your recording switch on.

DAY 256, 22:47 PM

“Hey Gyu. I’m glad you guys found some food. And people. It’s safer that way.”

You’re a bit surprised at how your voice sounds unused, rough and cracking at the edges. 

“I fixed the fence with Vernon today—or well, tried to. One of the posts snapped clean through and I don’t think there’s enough planks left to patch it properly. But it's okay. There are more people on guard duty tonight. We’ll figure something out tomorrow.”

“We had three people join us today. All three came separately, which was funny because we’ve never had so many people who aren’t together. One of them is so young, Mingyu…” You trail off, eyes flitting to your door. “She’s fourteen. Her parents turned yesterday, I think. She’s really on edge and afraid, so I think she’ll be sleeping in my room tonight.”

You grunt softly as you get up to open a window. The air outside isn't as refreshing as you'd want it to be, but it's a relief from the humidity and stickiness that has been hanging over the city recently.

“And you're right—it is getting warmer here. Unbearably, almost. We’ve had more strays from the dead yonder than ever, but thankfully we're all stocked up on ammunition and other equipment. It's nice to be around so many people, Gyu. You'd love it.”

You can't help the guilt that slips into your voice, cutting cleanly into your skin like a sharp, smooth knife. 

“Please come back soon, Gyu. Stay safe. I'm sorry, and I love you too.”

You flip the recording switch off, throwing the radio one last glance before you leave your room. Outside, the corridors are bathed in dim orange lights that do nothing to make this place feel like home. Home is not a word you can recognize until Mingyu comes back.

Jeonghan stands outside your door, waiting respectfully with the camp's logbook in hand. He might have heard you, but you've come to realize that no one cares and that everyone understands. 

“I've logged in today's activities around the Fort and the newcomers but Soonyoung’s pissed Seungcheol off and I do not want to go to his room to keep this.” He thrusts the hardcover, leather-bound book into your hands. “So you keep it with yourself and I'll take it tomorrow morning and slip it onto his desk. Or you can do it yourself, if you'd like.”

You nod once. “I'll keep it. Aren't you going down for dinner?”

“God, no. I may be hungry, but there's a stack of twinkies on the table and if I see one more, I'm going to throw up. Are you?”

Shaking your head, your mutter, “Nah. Not feeling it.”

Jeonghan hums, eyeing you. “I think your boyfriend wouldn't like that.”

“My boyfriend won't know, because I won't tell him and neither will you.” You scoff, pushing Jeonghan away. He sees the small, upward curve of your lips and backs off as you shut your room door on his face.

You remember to yell out. only when you hear his footsteps disappearing down the corridor. “Send the girl up to my room when she's done eating!” 

If he hears you, he doesn't respond.

There's not much to think about, or maybe there's too many things to think about. Either way, you ignore it and plop down onto your bed. It creaks—a familiar sound that still makes you cringe every time you hear it. The thin mattress does nothing to muffle the sound. You flip the book open, turning to the page with the bookmark in it.

FORT WORDEN LOGBOOK

July 7th, 2028.

3 Survivors found. Minor injuries sustained. No infection

Newcomer Info:

Man in 30s, had two guns on him. Woman in her 20s, says she's a medic. 14 y/o girl.

Attacks on camp: 

Around 5-6 from the Dead Yonder, near the western gates.

You remember the day you came to Fort Worden all too well. Your log page probably looked like this: Woman in her 20s, cries once every hour, clutches her HT and necklace like someone’s going to snatch it away.

You doubt you can ever forget the day Mingyu left you here, begging you to get out of the car and towards safety. You can feel the ghost of the seat belt cutting into your palms as you hold on tight, trying to convince Mingyu to take you along with him. But Mingyu had always been better than you, better than anyone you know—too good not to do the right thing even when it cost him. He had people waiting for him somewhere out there, promises he couldn’t turn his back on. In retrospect, you’re sure he regrets it too—especially when there was no one to save when he finally got there.

You close the book with a soft thud and set it on the nightstand, letting your head tip back against the wall. It’s still too hot. Sweat clings to the inside of your shirt and you rub a palm over your face, feeling the salty, stickiness that hangs over this place. You should shower, and then sleep. You have to sleep. Morning comes faster than it should around here.

You hear a timid knock on the door.

You’re up before you realize it, dragging the handle open.

The girl stands there, shoulders bunched like she’s trying to disappear inside herself. She’s tiny in a way that makes your heart hurt, all sharp knees and elbows and a second-hand hoodie drowning her. Her fingers fidget with the hem of it, tugging, twisting. She looks like she might bolt if you so much as breathe wrong.

You step aside, keeping your hands loose and visible. “C’mon in,” you say, voice gentler than it was before. You wish it could sound stronger.

She hesitates, then creeps in, hovering awkwardly just inside the door. You shut it behind her, locking it out of habit.

“You can have the bed,” you tell her, nodding toward it. “I’ll take the chair.”

The girl blinks at you. “Thank you.”

You find a blanket in the closet—thin, but clean enough—and toss it over the chair before sinking into it. The springs squeal again and you grimace, curling your legs up, watching her settle onto the edge of the mattress like she’s expecting it to vanish beneath her.

You watch the window instead of her after that. The moon is high, the sky cloudless and uncaring. Somewhere out past the gates, you know the dead are wandering, always moving, always searching. 

You let your eyes fall shut, but you don’t let yourself drift until the girl’s breathing evens out. Until the world feels like it’s not caving in for a few more minutes.You’ll send a message to Mingyu again tomorrow.

Maybe he’ll be closer by then.

DAY 262, 11:30 AM

“Baby, I think I told you that I lost the map I had, right? Good news. Seokmin and I found a car with the keys still in it and a state routes map in the glovebox. It’s a real mess, but hey, we’ve got a ride again, and that’s better than what we had yesterday. The engine’s a little rough and the fuel’s kinda low, but it’ll get us where we need to go for now. Guess the next task is to find a fuel station.

We were talking about when this whole thing is over. Seokmin says I should make a list of things

I want to do when we’re back to something close to normal. It sounds impossible, but I’ll play along. I’ve got a few things in mind already. First on the list: take you out for a meal. No canned stuff, no heat-and-serve, just something real. Something we used to do. I miss that.

Anyway, I know it’s not much to go on, but I wanted you to hear from me. Keep yourself safe. I’ll be there before you know it.”

You picture him grinning when he says it — the kind of grin he used to give you across diner tables, late at night after long shifts, the two of you splitting a plate of greasy fries. You picture him teasing you about picking the restaurant, saying he didn’t care as long as you were there.

You picture a hundred small memories that feel more like dreams now — his arm slung around your shoulder in a crowded movie theater, his hand finding yours automatically in the dark.

And then the static swallows him up again.

The camp around you hums with the low noise of survival. Somewhere behind you, Chan is arguing good-naturedly with Jihoon about ration counts. He’s been trying to grow plants in a small patch that he keeps building around. Lee Chan, you’ve found out, was a soil science or agronomy—you don’t remember the details—major before the infection hit.

The days have stretched on in the same pattern of routine: checking the perimeter, organizing supplies, scanning the horizon, and checking in on everyone.

Each morning, you check the radio. Each night, you wonder if this will be the last day you hear him.

You tuck the memory of his voice close to your chest and tell yourself you'll save a seat across from you at whatever restaurant you can find, someday. You tell yourself he’ll make it back to you.

At night, you go to sleep with prayers hoping that he is closer.

DAY 265, 17:45 PM

Word travels fast in situations like this.

Someone caught a signal today. A voice on a different channel, not one of your usual checkpoints. They say they’re from a camp in Leavenworth and give a warning. The camp in Lindera got overrun. No survivors confirmed. The dead move faster in the heat, they say, desperate and decaying faster too.

You’re in the storage room, sorting through ration packs when Jeonghan finds you. His face is grave. His fingers tap the frame of the door, once, twice.

“You heard?” he asks.

You nod without looking at him. Your hands are steady as you snap a box shut, but inside, something is shivering loose. You wonder, absently, if Mingyu was close enough to hear about it too. You wonder if he’s already running again. You haven’t had a message in three days.

Jeonghan steps in closer. “You should rest tonight,” he says. “We’ll take your shift.”

DAY 266, 02:11 AM

You can't sleep. You crack the window open, just enough to let the night air in. It’s sticky, thick, and sour with the scent of bodies and earth.

You turn the radio on, tuning into Mingyu’s frequency. Static crackles, long and sharp. No voice. No message. You press your forehead against the cold metal frame.

You imagine him somewhere out there—driving down broken highways, headlights flickering, Seokmin in the passenger seat clutching another wrinkled map.

You imagine him listening too, waiting for your voice to break through the noise.

So you speak into the radio.  You tell him about the small, temperature controlled patch in the garden that Chan has made. You’ve seen the first sprouts of maize today. The entire camp had rejoiced. You tell him about the girl—Suki, about how she smiled today for the first time when Soonyoung made a stupid joke about his ex.

You tell him you miss him, but not that the space he left behind feels like it’s getting bigger every day.

You tell him you’re scared, but not that it’s because you fear he won’t come back.

You tell him you love him, but not that it’s because every time feels like the last.

DAY 267, 6:37 AM

The air feels different today, thicker somehow. The sun hasn’t fully risen, but you can already feel the weight of the day pressing down on you. You lie awake for a while, eyes fixed on the ceiling above, listening to the soft shuffle of feet outside your door and the distant hum of camp activity.

There’s a thud against the wall from next door—Jeonghan, probably already awake, too. You can almost hear the sound of his footsteps on the floorboards, his quiet way of moving, like he’s trying not to disturb anyone.

You reach for the radio, the familiar crackle of static filling the room as you twist the dial, the tension in your chest mounting with every click.

The silence on the other end feels like it’s going to swallow you up, like the seconds drag on forever, unrelenting. Your fingers twitch as you grip the radio, waiting for something—anything.

It takes a few minutes of pure radio static for you to even hear the semblance of a message. You shoot up from your bed, holding the radio closer to your ear. 

“...hearing... this... back soon.”

“Mingyu?” you speak into it, your voice groggy and rough. “Mingyu, is that you?”

The static grows louder, a sharp hiss that cuts through the air like a warning. You grip the radio harder, pressing it closer, straining to hear over the noise.

Then, the radio clicks, a low hum filling the void. It’s gone again.

DAY 268, 15:14 PM

Suki approaches you, her expression unreadable, but there’s something off in the way she looks at you. It’s subtle, but you catch it.

“There are new people at the gates,” she says, voice low. “They’re in bad shape. Looks like they’ve been through hell.”

You shrug, not overly concerned. It’s not the first time you’ve seen beaten-up strangers. “I’ll check it out. Are they safe?”

“One of them just says he’s looking for someone who’s here. They haven’t checked for bites yet, I think.”

“I’ll go see what’s going on.” It’s routine, really.

You walk toward the gates, hands loosely at your sides. Your mind drifts, not expecting anything unusual. That is, until the HT radio clipped to your belt suddenly crackles to life.

“Hey… baby, are you there?” Mingyu’s voice, low but urgent, cuts through the quiet.

You stop mid-step, your heart skipping a beat at the sound of his voice.

“Mingyu?” you whisper under your breath, barely daring to believe it.

There’s a long pause, just enough to make you second-guess what you heard, before his voice returns, more frantic this time. “It’s me. I’m outside, but they won’t let us in.”

Your stomach lurches. You’re still a few paces from the gates, but the realization hits like a thunderclap.

It is Mingyu.

He’s here.

You barely have a moment to process the relief that floods through you before moving faster, jogging towards the gates.

“I don’t care what’s going on. Open the gate,” you demand as you approach, already pushing through the guards with authority you didn’t even know you had.

The gates groan open slower than they should.

You barely notice the hands that move to stop you, the murmurs of protocol, of safety checks and bite inspections. Someone says something about waiting. Someone else mentions Jeonghan’s name like he might talk some sense into you.

None of it matters.

Because there he is.

Mingyu.

He's thinner than you remember. His clothes hang off him, streaked with dirt and blood and the kind of exhaustion you can’t wash off. There’s a small gash on his forehead, a ripped sleeve, a small limp in his step—but he’s upright. He’s breathing. He’s real.

Seokmin’s beside him, leaning against the wall There are dark shadows under his eyes. He nods at you once, slow and grateful, like he’s holding a breath he's been carrying for days.

But all you can see is Mingyu.

He sees you too.

For a second, neither of you moves. The world slows down to the beat of your heart, beating painfully inside your ribs. And then you’re moving. Not running, exactly—but walking faster than your legs can carry, your chest splitting open with something that doesn’t know if it’s joy or agony. Maybe both.

He meets you halfway.

The collision is silent. No words, no dramatic gasps. Just arms around each other, too tight to be careful. His hands find the back of your neck, your shoulder blades, like he’s checking you’re still real. You curl your fingers into the fabric of his shirt, gripping hard.

Mingyu smells like sweat and gasoline and the end of the world. But under all of that, he smells like home.

“You made it,” you whisper, the words catching in your throat.

His voice is wrecked when he answers. “I told you I would.”

You don't cry. The tears stay lodged somewhere behind your eyes, hot and heavy, waiting for a quieter moment.

Someone clears their throat nearby. You don’t look. Let them wait. Let the whole camp wait.

—

It’s late when he comes back into your room.

You’re already sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows on your knees, hands clasped together. You haven’t changed, haven’t moved much since the sun dipped below the horizon. The camp feels different now—buzzing in a new way, like everyone else can feel it too. That something has shifted. That someone made it back.

Mingyu steps in, clean now. Or cleaner than before. His hair is damp, curling slightly at the ends, and he’s traded his torn shirt for one of the spares from storage—plain and soft-looking, a little too tight at the shoulders, but he wears it like it fits. You pat the spot next to you and lift the first-aid kit onto your lap.

“You found the clean clothes stash,” you say, and your voice sounds steadier than you expected.

He smiles, tired and crooked. “Seokmin said I smelled like the dead. Figured I should do something about that.”

It’s quiet again after that.

He crosses the room slowly. When he’s close enough, he kneels in front of you, hands resting on his thighs like he’s waiting to be granted something. You look at him—really look—and it guts you. The bags under his eyes. The fading bruise on his jaw, the gash that has been stitched but not bandaged. The way he keeps blinking like he still doesn’t trust what he’s seeing.

“I missed you,” he says, and there’s something cracked open in his voice. “Every day, I thought about turning back. But I kept thinking—if I could just make it a little further, maybe I’d hear you again. Maybe I’d make it back to you.”

You reach out, fingers brushing the side of his face. He leans into it instinctively, his eyes fluttering shut like the warmth of your hand is the first real thing he’s felt in weeks.

“You did,” you whisper. “You made it.”

He closes his eyes, nodding once like the words land somewhere deep. You slide off the bed, kneeling in front of him now. You’re both on the floor, eye to eye, tired bones and pained hearts.

“I’m glad you’re here,” you say, and this time, your voice cracks.

That’s what finally undoes him.

Mingyu leans in slowly, like he’s asking, and you meet him halfway. The kiss is soft, like a breath caught between two mouths that don’t quite know how to be completely gentle anymore. His hand finds your jaw, tentative and warm. 

He kisses you like he’s remembering it as he goes—like the shape of your mouth, the rhythm of your breath, was something he’s carried with him in pieces. Your hands find his shirt, fingers twisting in the fabric, pulling him closer with a desperation that doesn’t need words. Mingyu’s lips taste like soap, like he’s brushed his entire body hard enough to get rid of the past few months. To go back to what it was like with you.

When he pulls back, forehead resting against yours, palm slipping down to intertwine your fingers, you sigh.

Mingyu breaks the silence a few moments later. “Someone named Jeonghan threatened to throw me out if I snore.”

You huff out a laugh, nose brushing his. “He’s next door. He can hear everything.”

“He also told me that you left yesterday’s dishes beside the sink without wetting it.”

Groaning, you let your head fall onto Mingyu’s shoulder. You almost tear up at the way it feels so familiar.

“I panicked! Jihoon was yelling at someone and I just wanted to get out of there.”

You can hear the grin in Mingyu’s voice. “I always told you to soak it.”

“And I always ignored you.”

“True,” he says, squeezing your hand. “Some things never change.”

You sit like that for a bit, your legs going numb, his palm sweeping slow arcs over your back. Outside, someone walks by, humming off-key. Somewhere down the hall, Jeonghan shouts something muffled and vaguely threatening.

But here, it’s still.

“Can you get up so that I can bandage you up and then we can go to sleep?” You mumble, cheek pressed against his shoulder.

He pushes himself up with a grunt, wincing slightly as the movement pulls at the stitches along his side. You sit up too, rubbing your face with the heel of your hand before reaching for the first aid kit on your bed.

You didn’t think he’d hurt himself there too, but when he lifts his shirt up, you tend to it wordlessly. You can talk about it later.

When you’re done, you drop the trash into the little bin by the bed, click the kit closed, and set it aside. Then you sit back, legs crossed, watching him pull his shirt down over the fresh bandage.

He climbs in without another word, immediately claiming his old side like it was never up for negotiation. You slide in beside him, and he reaches for you the moment you're under the blanket, his arm winding easily around your waist, his nose nudging the back of your neck.

“I forgot to mention,” You start. “Suki sleeps in my room. She probably won’t come in tonight, but we need to figure something out.”

You turn your head slightly, enough to glance at him over your shoulder. “She was scared. She needed somewhere to feel safe.”

His face softens immediately. “Of course.”

“I’ll talk to her tomorrow. She’s been warming up to Jeonghan anyway. Maybe she’ll take the bunk across from him.”

After a few moments, he mumbles, “I’ll sleep wherever you want me to. Just not near Jeonghan.”

“Deal.”

[kiame-sama]

Humans Are Extinct (Yandere!TWST x Fem!Reader) Monster AU pt 58

(It is said that the Bell of Solace was a gift from the Humans to the Righteous Judge for his quick acceptance of them into the city he safeguarded. It is rumored that Fleur City itself will show joy upon the arrival of a Human. How it shows this joy has been lost to time, but it is still widely believed. Fleur City holds Humans in high regard and sees Humanity as nobility or even divinity. The idea that The Human of Night Raven College could visit has all of the locals ecstatic.)

Warnings; yandere, multiple yanderes, platonic and romantic yanderes, heavy guard presence, NRC/RSA/NBC students, human centered holiday celebrates the one Human left, Sphinx, Harpy, Hellcat, Plant Nymph, Drider, Shinigami, Unicorn, Cecaelia, Gnoll, Naga, Faun, Cervitaur, Raiju, Dragon, Fire Nymph, by selecting 'view more' you consent to view content and are of age to view content.

~~~~

You stood waiting for everyone to arrive, Trein next to you and checking over his own luggage. There were at least four Housewardens, two Vice-Housewardens, and five of your regular student guards who would be accompanying you. Where you somewhat felt that eleven guards were excessive, you also understood that nowhere was truly safe for you in the world.

Crowley was busy reiterating that you had a rather large sum of Thaumarks to use as you saw fit, emphasizing the fact that you were welcome to use the money on anything you wanted. Apparently, you and the other students were being set up in a cluster of rooms in Noble Bell College for the festival. Where the festival was supposed to only be a few days long, it had been extended to the entire week in anticipation of your arrival. Form what you were told by Trein and Crowley, the entire city was buzzing in excitement to have you attend their festival and the other attending schools were thrilled to have the chance to meet you at this gathering.

It was this collection of interest that Crowley used to justify the number of guards assigned to you.

Epel and Rook arrived at the same time you and Trein did, both eager to attend this festival. Epel in particular was excited as he came over to chat with you about the city you would be visiting. According to him, the city itself was beautiful and flourished with plant life thanks to the Bell of Solace that rang every morning and evening.

"And whenever it rings, plants will grow up and even some vines will begin sprouting thanks to the magic the Bell of Solace has!"

"Oh, will you be okay hearing it ring so much?"

"Yeah," Epel chuckled, a few of his flower buds among his hair blooming as he smiled at you, "I'll be fine. Don't worry about a thing, I'm tougher than I look! If anything, it will probably make me grow some apples if you would like a few to try!"

While you an Epel talked, a beaming Azul and Idia arrived.

Azul was practically bursting with pride at being selected so shortly after being your guard for the first time. This week just meant he would have a greater chance to convince you to spend more time with him. He was also more than a little flaunting of this role he had been given as both Floyd and Jade had been extremely displeased at not being selected. The Cecaelia was not above gloating to the two seething Eels either.

Idia was stressed about not having Ortho with him, and even more stressed about the 'gift' Malleus had planned for the evening of the Masquerade ball. Of all the students to choose from, why choose him for a singing role? Still, he was happy he was going so he could keep an eye on you and report back to Papa Hades. Though this was technically a holiday, he was not going to slack off on his duties.

Next to arrive was Jamil, his long Naga tail trailing behind him as he silently arrived. Where he was happy to be able to go with you and have time for just the two of you, he was stressed about leaving Kalim behind. The Genie had been uncharacteristically quiet even before Jamil had been selected to attend this festival. Hopefully nothing negative would take place while he was gone.

Next to arrive was Riddle and Deuce, the two Ungulates trotting at a brisk pace to ensure they were not the last to arrive for the departure. Where Riddle was put together and clearly prepared for the departure at hand, Deuce was struggling to carry his bags and not trip over his own hooves. The pair almost made you chuckle as you saw Deuce frantically making sure he had everything.

Next to arrive was Ruggie, his stomach was more of a potbelly thanks to the meal you had given him that morning. He had next to nothing in his multiple bags and you figured he planned to stock up while he was in Fleur City. Knowing how Ruggie was when he was excited, it was likely he was going to resell whatever he got at a premium to make a quick buck.

"We apologize for being late."

Silver's voice rang through the Hall of Mirrors as he trotted over, his hooves clicking against the floors. Along his back above where he put his blanket was a rather lovely saddle. It was clear that a rather large amount of work had gone into the saddle and Silver was not at all thrown off by wearing it around his deer-half.

With him came Sebek and Malleus. Both were well groomed and clearly put together as Sebek hauled his and Malleus' baggage towards the mirror. Despite how Malleus seemed to want to come over and greet you, he instead gave you space and chose to stand to the side with Sebek. Instead of Malleus approaching you, it was Silver who walked up to you.

"(Y/n), if I may, due to the sheer number of visitors in Fleur City, I would feel more at peace if we entered the City together. That way, if anything happens, we can both depart quickly."

It made sense, Riddle had you do the same when you were attending the Queendom of Roses. Crowley also seemed quite pleased with this as he nodded his head to you, encouraging you to pull yourself up onto his back. The Crow even went as far as helping you up onto the raised back of the silver haired Reindeer, handing Grim to you.

The saddle must have been custom made to fit you, as you comfortably slid into place on the black leather. Even the stirrups seemed to be set at the exact length for your legs. It was almost unnerving how well the saddle itself fit you, paired with the obvious motifs and colors of Diasomnia, it must have been made purely for you to ride on Silver. You chose to ride side saddle so you could dismount from the Reindeer as needed, wondering if you would be on his back for very long.

Epel was quick to take up your bags, handing them off to Rook who added them to his large arachnid abdomen. It looked like everyone was finally present for your group to head out to Fleur City, who knows what awaited the group when you got there. As the surface of the mirror rippled, a kind of hope burned gently in your chest, wishing beyond all wishes that you could have a fun week without mayhem following your every step.

"Alright! As you all know, you are attending this festival to represent Night Raven College and to protect my precious baby Bird! All of you had better be well behaved and make sure this festival goes smoothly!"

He nodded at you as the surface of the mirror began to ripple like water, showing that you and your multiple guards could walk through when you were ready. A kind of excitement wormed through your stomach as you stared, watching the others enter the mirror first until only you, Silver, Malleus, Sebek, and Trein were left. Trein was supposed to bring up the rear to ensure that everything was going smoothly and you wondered what kind of land awaited you on the other side of the mirror.

"Are you ready, (Y/n)?"

Silver asked, waiting for your approval before he approached the mirror. Part of you wanted to be able to walk through on your own, but goodness only knows what kind of danger that you would be put in the moment you went through. It was far more ideal to enter with Silver. At least the Reindeer was trained as a warrior and a Knight, so he could protect you if it came down to it.

The surface of the mirror swallowed you both up as Silver walked confidently into the ripples, feeling the darkness retreat from around you as bright sunlight met your eyes.

Awaiting you beyond the halls of Night Raven College was a rather lovely sight. Crystal blue water flowed past in a river that surrounded the brick lined islet you found yourself on in the heart of the river itself. To your right stood a beautiful and gothic architectural building, the bell towers clear even from where you were on Silver's back.

It seemed an entire city of people awaited you as Silver walked confidently towards the building where your other guards stood waiting. Those who gathered on the islet all began talking excitedly as you and Silver approached, everyone glancing at you with cheerful smiles. Despite the buzz and hum of conversation, none of them attempted to speak to you or get your attention, simply moving to allow you and your faithful steed passage to the forecourt of the building's facade.

As Silver came to a halt near your other guards, someone walked forward to greet you and the Knight you rode upon. He was surprisingly Human looking despite the glowing lines along his face. His skin was ashen and gray, quite unlike his intense ruby eyes which fixated on you as he approached. The clothing he wore was flowy and even the adornments on his purple and black tricorn hat seemed to move effortlessly. His top was more like a robe with Juliet sleeves that hugged his forearms.

"Welcome to Noble Bell College. We are thrilled you could be in attendance for the festival this week, Madame (Y/n). My name is Rollo Flamme, I am the head of the student council here are Noble Bell College. I will be the one ensuring your accommodations meet your expectations while you are present in Fleur City. May I have the honor of helping you dismount from your..." he glanced at Silver with a slight curl of his lip, "Steed?"

Despite the distaste he showed towards Silver, you figured it would be rude to turn him down, as he was so courteous as to ask permission first. You nodded and he was quick to approach the side of the saddle your legs hung off of, holding his arms up to you for you to slide into. He was far warmer than you expected as his hands warmed where they lay on your ribs, letting you slide down into his grasp with Grim so he could gently set you upon the brick that made up the grand path to the building.

The second your foot touched the brick, a sudden and thunderous sound met your ears, startling you slightly into Rollo's hold. Ringing proudly with a rather lovely tone, the sound of pealing bells seemed to greet you with an uproarious song. Even the giant golden bell which sat in clear view from the bell-tower began to ring as a golden light hummed from the beautiful and intricate metal. That light poured out over the building and ground, engulfing everyone in the shine of the metal as each bell greeted you in turn.

Around you, plants sprung to life and bloomed intensely, even the smaller flowers lining the brick growing to impressive sizes as you looked around. Every building in the city itself shined brilliantly with that golden light, each brick seemingly darkening as they became saturated with color. The entirety of Fleur City woke up to welcome you with open arms and singing tones.

"Remarkable... A true Human."

Rollo hummed under his breath, his words almost lost to the cheering crowd as he was completely swept up in the rejoicing tones of the bells and the city he had learned to love so deeply. There was no clearer sign that you were, in fact, Human. The Bell of Solace would not have greeted you so enthusiastically otherwise. Finally, centuries of silence shattered with the original Song of The Bells greeting you beautifully into the city that long ago swore to protect any Human within the city limits.

A genuine smile and almost star-struck look overtook Rollo's expression as he gazed at you adoringly. He knew you had been hailed as a Human across all platforms, but to hear his beloved Bell of Solace confirm it filled his heart past bursting with excitement. Long had he wished to meet a Human so that he could uphold the legacy of the Righteous Judge, and now he finally had you in his arms where he could keep you safe.

Too soon, the illusion was shattered for Rollo as another dark figure approached. The worst of the worst in Rollo's eyes, Malleus Draconia had also arrived and looked less than pleased with the way the rival suitor held to you. What Rollo wouldn't give to keep that monster of a Dragon away from you.

"What a lovely welcome for our little party, wouldn't you agree, (Y/n)?"

"I mean... I wasn't expecting the bells to ring like that, but it was a lovely welcome."

Rollo was quick to cut in the conversation, moving so he was between you and Malleus as he held your arm and tried to lead you away towards the building. Before he could get far, your many guards were quick to stop the man from leaving with you. He seemed taken aback by their insistence as Trein walked to the front of the group.

"Apologies, Rollo, but there is a reason so many of us are attending this festival with (Y/n). Her safety is paramount."

"Of course..."

Rollo frowned as he let your arm go, letting you join Trein by his side. He covered his less than pleased expression with his handkerchief, the moons and stars hiding his displeasure. Of course it wouldn't be an easy task getting you on your own, he would just have to be more patient.

"We have prepared gifts for all of you in your rooms. A token of our... appreciation... for your attendance. Feel free to settle down in your rooms and check that the sizes are correct. I will accompany your group to ensure you all do not get lost. Though our humble school is small, it is easy to get turned around."

You stayed next to Trein as Rollo led your group beyond the crowd that was still celebrating your arrival. The many students also seemed to be excited at your presence, hurrying to greet you and the others into the building. Naturally, you kept close to the elder Sphinx and kept pace with him, making sure the others didn't overtake the limping professor. Trein was happy to have you by his side, gently patting your hand in a comforting way as you all entered the building.

~•§•~

You quickly got dressed in the provided outfit that had been lain out for you, the room fairly quaint with the two beds prepared in fine high thread count sheets. Truthfully, you were just happy you were sharing a room with Trein, the presence of the elder putting your heart at peace. If you had to share with anyone, may as well share with one of the professors that clearly cared for you.

Beyond the door to the restroom where you dressed, you could hear Grim and Trein talking. Trein had decided to help the Kit put on the little outfit that had been lain out on the bed for him while you dressed. Naturally, Grim was happy to have help.

"Hey, Papa Trein, why were the bells all ringing when Mama got off of Antlers' back?"

"Well, it was rumored the Bell of Solace was made by Human hands and gifted to the Righteous Judge for his kindness to them. Supposedly, it would ring to greet Humans any time they first touched the ground upon entering the city limits. It seems there is truth to that myth."

"Oh. So they were ringing for Mama?"

"I believe so."

You took a moment to look in the mirror, seeing the way the dress fit you almost too well. Despite the simplicity of the design it was comfortable and felt lightweight on your body. A joyful smile pulled at your lips as you turned and observed the dress, watching it catch the air and flow around you like the spreading petals of a flower. Even the sheer shawl behaved in the same way lightweight fabric would as you turned. Despite how disjointed the colors seemed at first glance, they actually became rather cohesive as you regarded yourself in the mirror.

Off the front of the dress hung a surprisingly light golden bell that reminded you of the one you saw in the in bell tower of the building. Something about the outfit felt almost familiar to you as you regarded the flowing fabric. Even the golden bangles and the one ring of golden bells sized for your ankle added to the rather lovely ensemble. decently sized gemstones lain in golden adornments clicked as you moved and watched them wrap around your hips, dangling from the wrap itself.

(The outfit- basically Esmeralda's dress with a few embellishments. Reminder, skin color and other features are just for the drawing.)

As you emerged from the bathroom with your new clothes on, you caught sight of Grim and his cute new outfit. The little hat he wore fit his small body wonderfully and the small cape that hung off of his shoulders gave the Kit the illusion of a little Spanish swordsman. He was obviously thrilled with this outfit of his and you couldn't be happier watching him play with the small belt and cape.

"Mama!"

Grim cheered as he jumped into your arms, cuddling into you and excitedly showing you every new part of his outfit. You allowed the kit his joyful behavior, nodding and responding to everything he pointed out. He was just a Kit after all, and that Kit was eager to show you everything he had been given.

"My goodness, you look like a proper guard, Grim! Why, I wager you could be my very best protector!"

The gray and white kit giggled excitedly at your words as you held him close. It was times like these that reminded you how young Grim actually was. He was likely under double digits in age and- according to everything you learned about Hellcats- he was barely a toddler. Though he spoke better than some adults, it was a skill learned for survival that he didn't fully have true understanding of. As young as Grim behaved, he should have been behaving like he was even younger, but fighting for his life mentally aged him to the point he was at now.

He was just a lost child, after all.

"Shall we go meet up with the others and see what kind of yummy treats Fleur City has available for us?"

"Can we please, Mama? Treats! Treats! Treats!"

You let out a soft laugh at the chanting from the Kit, Trein equally humored by the little feline as he nodded to you. The three of you left the room to wait for the others, but Rollo was waiting just beyond the door in the hallway for you.

Rollo could feel his body warm as he gazed upon you, seeing the way the clothes hugged your figure and flowed around you. He almost burst into flames at the mere sight of you so happily smiling as you gazed at the little creature in your arms. The Flame Nymph had heard of your unusual bond with the fireball feline, but he only really began to understand how much the Kit meant to you as he watched you cuddle the little beast.

"I am pleased to see your clothing fits. I apologize for the lack of well fitted paw covers, we were unsure as to the structure of your paws so we went with a more broad design."

"It's alright! Goodness knows, Vil has already filled my closet with shoes. I can just use those that I already have on hand."

"If you are certain. It wouldn't do to have you dissatisfied with our efforts to gift you proper cover."

"I'm certain. My compliments to whoever made Grim's clothes, they fit him perfectly."

Rollo actually smiled at this, feeling a warmth in his chest bloom with your praise. Where he had a constant flame within himself, he also had long felt like ice had overtaken his being after the loss of his brother. Your smile thawed that emotional ice around his core and warmed his very being to the point his ashen flesh began to flush a muted dusty pink.

How he longed to have that smile on him at all times. Despite his disgust with others and how they seemed so quick to treat you as a sexual object and symbol, he found his own mind drifting to such debauchery. Rollo wanted to scream at himself for daring to think such sinful thoughts about you, but even he couldn't deny the sheer overwhelming need growing within himself.

Perhaps, over the course of the week, he could convince you of his plan.

[reasonsforhope]

In the Willamette Valley of Oregon, the long study of a butterfly once thought extinct has led to a chain reaction of conservation in a long-cultivated region.

The conservation work, along with helping other species, has been so successful that the Fender’s blue butterfly is slated to be downlisted from Endangered to Threatened on the Endangered Species List—only the second time an insect has made such a recovery.

[Note: "the second time" is as of the article publication in November 2022.]

To live out its nectar-drinking existence in the upland prairie ecosystem in northwest Oregon, Fender’s blue relies on the help of other species, including humans, but also ants, and a particular species of lupine.

After Fender’s blue was rediscovered in the 1980s, 50 years after being declared extinct, scientists realized that the net had to be cast wide to ensure its continued survival; work which is now restoring these upland ecosystems to their pre-colonial state, welcoming indigenous knowledge back onto the land, and spreading the Kincaid lupine around the Willamette Valley.

First collected in 1929 [more like "first formally documented by Western scientists"], Fender’s blue disappeared for decades. By the time it was rediscovered only 3,400 or so were estimated to exist, while much of the Willamette Valley that was its home had been turned over to farming on the lowland prairie, and grazing on the slopes and buttes.

Pictured: Female and male Fender’s blue butterflies.

Now its numbers have quadrupled, largely due to a recovery plan enacted by the Fish and Wildlife Service that targeted the revival at scale of Kincaid’s lupine, a perennial flower of equal rarity. Grown en-masse by inmates of correctional facility programs that teach green-thumb skills for when they rejoin society, these finicky flowers have also exploded in numbers.

[Note: Okay, I looked it up, and this is NOT a new kind of shitty greenwashing prison labor. This is in partnership with the Sustainability in Prisons Project, which honestly sounds like pretty good/genuine organization/program to me. These programs specifically offer incarcerated people college credits and professional training/certifications, and many of the courses are written and/or taught by incarcerated individuals, in addition to the substantial mental health benefits (see x, x, x) associated with contact with nature.]

The lupines needed the kind of upland prairie that’s now hard to find in the valley where they once flourished because of the native Kalapuya people’s regular cultural burning of the meadows.

While it sounds counterintuitive to burn a meadow to increase numbers of flowers and butterflies, grasses and forbs [a.k.a. herbs] become too dense in the absence of such disturbances, while their fine soil building eventually creates ideal terrain for woody shrubs, trees, and thus the end of the grassland altogether.

Fender’s blue caterpillars produce a little bit of nectar, which nearby ants eat. This has led over evolutionary time to a co-dependent relationship, where the ants actively protect the caterpillars. High grasses and woody shrubs however prevent the ants from finding the caterpillars, who are then preyed on by other insects.

Now the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde are being welcomed back onto these prairie landscapes to apply their [traditional burning practices], after the FWS discovered that actively managing the grasslands by removing invasive species and keeping the grass short allowed the lupines to flourish.

By restoring the lupines with sweat and fire, the butterflies have returned. There are now more than 10,000 found on the buttes of the Willamette Valley."

-via Good News Network, November 28, 2022

[revelboo]

(Or Madam) Tfp Shockwave 🥺 if you have the inspiration and or inclination to write for him? Also I hope you had a fantastic birthday!!! 🎂 🎈 🎁 ironically it was your birthday and you’ve been giving all of us gifts 😂 I thank thee very much!

You’re welcome! My family doesn’t really do parties or make big deals about birthdays, so I tend to just treat it like any other day 😁

Point of Extinction Pt 2

TFP Shockwave x Reader

• Slowly, that disconnect rattling about in his processor eases and he can move again. What’s the next step? Stick to the routine. Logical steps. Venting, he retrieves his data pad and a scanner. Reaches into the box to lift you out and place you on the exam counter where you huddle, trembling. Eyes darting around for a way to escape. There is none and he watches your shoulders sag as you realize that. Accept it. When he lifts the scanner, you tense like you’re considering flinging yourself off the counter anyway. “Will it hurt?” You ask him, soft voice breaking.

• I’m not supposed to be here. It hurts. Were those his words? He’s not sure, but his antenna flick back as that disquiet stirs. “No,” he says as he thumbs on the scanner and uses the end of his cannon to nudge you. Not a lie, this won’t hurt. But other experiments will. “Stand, Thirteen.”

• You want to correct him, tell him that’s not your name, but feel like you’ll come apart if you try to speak again. Just start bawling and be unable to stop. Reaching out a hand to use the muzzle of that cannon at the end of his arm to pull yourself up, you feel it when he flinches at the touch. Antenna on the sides of his helm folding even further back like the ears of an affronted cat. As soon as you’re on your feet he turns the thing in his hand on you and green light plays over you. It doesn’t hurt and you obediently turn for him so he can scan you. Is this why he took you? Just curious about humans? This… this is okay.

• You’re staring up at him, those intelligent eyes watching his every move. His other lab animals hadn’t looked at him that way, hadn’t understood anything but the pain. Wishes you wouldn’t look at him. That jangling sense of something he can’t understand is still there. The same unpleasant, illogical feeling that had welled up when he’d been brought prisoners on Cybertron. What might be guilt. It’s hard to be sure when he experiences the world around him through a cold, numb lens of dispassionate logic. Knowing something is wrong with him, but unable to remember exactly what. Almost remembered things, broken memories he can’t even claim as his shouldn’t affect him. It’s illogical. He’s still for so long aside from the faint tremor as he tries to sort everything into things he’s certain are real and the murky memories he can’t understand or quite recall. Doesn’t realize you’ve moved until he feels that little hand on the end of his cannon again. Helm tipping down as you look up at him. “Are you okay?”

Previous

Next

[howlingday]

Mama Arc: Oh, well, it looks like our little gamer's finally left his room.

Mama Arc: We thought you might've went extinct~! (Family laughs)

Papa Arc: Yeah, welcome back to the real world, kiddo. No dragons or wizards to worry about out here~! (Family laughs)

Aunt Arc: So, the gremlin decides to emerge from his cave, eh~? (Family laughs)

Cousin Arc: Yeah, the big, ugly gremlin~.

Uncle Arc: Yeah, the fat, putrid ogre who will amount to NOTHING in his life!

Grandma Arc: Why don't you do something with your life?

Arc Sister: You're a loser, you know that?

Papa Arc: You will never amount to anything!

Great-Grandma Arc: FUCK YOU!

Arc Family: (Shouting over each other)

Mama Arc: GET OUT! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! GET OUT RIGHT NOW! GET OUT NOOOW!

Jaune: (Runs out)

Arc Family: ...

Grandpa Arc: He's such a nice boy.

Mama Arc: Oh, he his. I just wish he socialized more.