#AND his bed inside of that. and his cat tree. and the floor. like it took me HALF AN HOUR to clean

[maraeffect]

haven't even been awake for two hours and this is probably the worst morning i've had in a while 🙂 cw EXTREMELY disgusting unsanitary tags.

[allurilove]

Yandere Stalker x you

Rated 18 + — mature short content !

Includes: Stalking, blood, non con—he goes down on you without you knowing, fem reader, perverted and lewd behavior, again he’s weird and so delusional, mentions of violence against women.

*Happy Pride month!!! 🫶🏻This fic is influenced by You—specifically season one. I’m trying to give him a joe goldberg vibe. This is also part two, and check out part one and part three! Your stalker doesn't have a name, and this fic is in his point of view. This is purely fictional writing!*

Synopsis: Your stalker decides to celebrate one year of staking you by giving you a little visit.

What’s more dangerous than a lustful and starved man?

You wanna know what’s great about New York? That every apartment seemed to have a fire escape. Yours is tastefully decorated with a rug, and a small chair that has a plaid blanket draped over it. What's also so great about it is that it gives me access to you. You live on the fifth floor of this red-bricked building. It’s somewhat old but has a nice rustic charm. You seem to have an eye for knackered and worn-down things, as I’ve seen you pick up a used vanity and refurbished it. Inside, there’s a lobby with a doorman that is barely awake half of the time, he picks up a huge breakfast and clocks out after having a food coma. He's old, flabby, and not nearly ready to protect you like I am.

I seriously doubt he could jump over his desk and grab the throat of any danger coming your way. It's quite concerning, you know? You often sleep with your window open, and with the current rise in crime...you could get stabbed, kidnapped, bound and tied, and thrown into the back of a truck in a matter of seconds. Trust me, I have seen it happen before.

Don't get me wrong, it's understandable. It’s a hot spring day, and even if the moon gave the city a bit of a break from the sweltering heat, the lingering humidity continued to have a tight grip on everyone. Every crow resides in the trees for shade, every stray cat hiding in the alleyways, and even the rats seem content with steaming away in the sewers. The pavements are hot, the wind is hot, and you can see and smell the stench of people's BO in the air. I mean, c'mon... have they heard of deodorant?

June is just a month that comes before my favorite season.

Summer, and in other words: “An excuse to wear more revealing clothing.” There’s something amazing and titillating seeing you in tiny, tight tank tops, walking around in flip flops with freshly painted nails, and your hair up so I can see a bit of your neck.

And today marks one year since I first saw you. I know how you drink tea since coffee makes your head hurt, how you dance around your apartment after having a good day, and how you always leave your apartment at 12 p.m. for lunch.

I memorized the exact time you close your curtains for bed, just before I catch that perfect glimpse of you in your robe after a hot and steamy shower. I want to be your bath mat so badly. Step on my ribcage for all I care, and let droplets of water from your body fall onto my face. Let me see up your towel and gaze into what I consider to be the gates of heaven itself. Let me lift my head up so I can suck the remaining bathwater on you. Let me get all of my questions and prayers answered, and let me see all of you.

I have reached the top of the steps, my hand gripping onto the window to push it up higher, and I duck down to crawl into your bedroom. The floors seem to creak with every step I take, yet you haven't woken up. A heavy sleeper, are we?

My eyes adjust to the lack of lights. My pupils expand as I drink in your nude form. You look so serene with your soft snoring, your arms splattered, and my gaze traveled over the peaks of your tits rising and falling with your breathing. Your blanket was just thrown to the side, clearly disregarded with a bit of anger, and I could see the sheen of sweat on your forehead.

Your legs were already sprawled wide open-- a reward for my tremendous bravery. I lick my lips. I notice a white string sticking out from your underwear, and I reach out to gently tug on it. It looks stuck, and I wrap the string around my finger and give it an extra hard pull.

What could that be? I know you’re on your period, and I still have your pad that I grabbed from the trashcan earlier. I sort of understand what a period is, and all I really know is that the sight of your blood causes my head to spin. I pushed your panties to the side, and my curiosity piqued as I slowly removed the feminine product out of you.

I inspect the hygiene product I haven't really seen before. It looks different from a pad, and in my opinion it looks like a sperm— well the shape anyways. I put the tampon in my mouth, gently suckling it as if I were an infant. You taste salty, copper-like, and your plasma is warm. It's almost soothing. I then let the tampon fall out of my mouth. I tug on your underwear, pull it down from your legs, and stuff it into my pocket.

I rub my hands on your thighs, and I can feel the slight stubble on your legs. My fingers graze over your sex, and it follows the outline of your pussy. I put your legs on my shoulders, my head then leaning down so my tongue can lick stripes on your slit. The tip of my tongue touches the wet curls of your hair, and a frisson of pleasure runs down my spine. Your cunt is an eesome sight, the hair dampened by my saliva, and it covered your core like it was protecting the most precious jewel. And in a sense it was. I become more brazen, a single finger pushing inside you, and my jaw dropped at the sight of you sucking my finger in. You welcomed it so nicely, and there was a nice pressure of tightness.

I curl the single digit, intently staring at your face for any reactions towards my fingering. I use my thumb to circle your clit. I have read that some women can't come based on penetration alone. Hopefully, my tongue and fingers can help bring you to the brink of an orgasm.

I also hope that you never wake up. How else am I supposed to memorize your body? Would you even think that I am worthy of you? Or would you run away just by seeing my face alone? Would you think I'm crazy, or would you be flattered by the way I devour your cunt like it's my last meal? I hold your hips down firmly onto the bed, you're slowly squirming around and starting to gain consciousness.

It's like I'm drowning in a never-ending pool of crimson, and no matter how many times I swipe my tongue, it just oozes out of you so effortlessly. Your aroma is intoxicating, and it's like your body lured me--the prey-- into your little trap of ...

"Where are you going...?" I instinctively mutter as I miss the presence of your warmth against my mouth. You seem to crawl away, your limbs trying to save you from the repeated administrations of teasing.

My eyes shoot open as I realize that you're screaming. I immediately reel back, my ass landing onto the hard floor and I wince. "Shit-- I'm sorry!"

I scramble onto my feet and I try to duck every pillow you throw at me. I trip on my way out, and the wind gets knocked the fuck out of me as my bottom half got stuck in your window.

"This is literally my worst nightmare...!" I grunt as I try to wiggle my hips. I feel pain coming from my crotch, it's compressed against the window sill, and of course my dick had to be as hard as a rock.

You continue to hit whatever you see-- which means my ass. I yelp as you put your hands on my bottom, and you muster as much strength as you can to get me out of your house.

Why is this oddly arousing?

With one final shove I landed onto my face.

There's nothing dignifying about walking down the street with a clear boner and a bloody nose. I just look like a pervert that got punched after leering at someone. Wait.

No, that's not what I was doing. I'm not a pervert. I just have wandering eyes that are glued to whatever you're doing. I just happened to notice how your chest bounced around when you were running late and had to run out of the house. I happened to carry a tiny vial to collect any fluid and essences that dripped out of you after our encounter. My hand reached into my pocket, and I sighed in relief as I am comforted by the soft material of your panties and of the long plastic tube. I feel a sense of relief knowing that they didn't fall out as you kicked me out.

Am I crazy? No. Am I the only man you'll ever meet that has done this to you? Probably. I am one of a kind, after all.

Allure: Someone slap some sense into him.

[sunny-fox]

Random thought from yesterday:

Pet! SAHSR (Self Aware Honkai Star Rail) AU

Notes: reverse isekai, characters turn into animals, Astral Express Crew, Caelus and Stelle are twins, kind of Cult! AU?

------------------------------

Dutch Rabbit! Pom Pom who pretends that they don't like being petted. They don't look at you when you pet them, opting to stare at random things around them, but they move towards you slowly and secretly, a few steps at a time. They nuzzle into your palm but pretend that they didn't afterwards by ignoring you multiple times when you call their name. Pom Pom does try to nip at your fingers if you ruffle their fur too often, thinking that you're trying to mess up their soft fur. If Pom Pom is feeling particularly friendly on some days, they might even let you hold them for hours (they usually lie still in your arms for about 5 minutes before squirming to get away). March will start complaining and pawing at your arm though, as it's her spot on other days.

Cocker Spaniel! March 7th who loves following you around your house. She's quite energetic, often bringing her toys to you, pleading for you to play with her through her gaze. You do play with her, but it's impossible to do so every 10 minutes, what with your work and everyday duties. March gets bored when you can't play with her, lying on the floor and looking here and there for something else to play with (that isn't her toys). Don't be surprised when you return to the living room and find your bags turned inside out, belongings undamaged but strewn across the floor, Himeko picking them up and piling them together for you. March wants you to think of it as revenge for not playing with her (>:3).

Siberian cat! Dan Heng who prefers resting on cat trees than interacting with the others. He'll swipe a paw at anyone (except you) who dares invade his personal space, though he acts more lenient towards the other pets. He watches you from his special spot on the cat tree every time you walk around the house doing chores or just going from one room to another. Sometimes Dan Heng does follow you just like March, but if you tell him that he's practically tripping you every step you take, he quietly leaves and goes back to his spot. If March is following you as well, Dan Heng will paw at her back, telling her to follow him to the living room. He'll ask for help from Welt if she doesn't listen.

Maine Coon! Himeko who's just like the mom of the group. She's mostly calm, but will gently nip at the younger pets' ears or swipe a paw at them - claws retracted, of course - if they misbehave. Himeko likes it when you brush her fur. Eight to nine out of ten times she falls asleep when you do so. She has to have her fur brushed weekly if not daily - she'll bring her comb to you and purr to let you know. Himeko will curl up next to you if you let her sleep on your bed, guarding you throughout the night, nuzzling against you when you wake up screaming (or not) from nightmares.

Bernese Mountain Dog! Welt who's really calm and quiet. He rests his snout on the edge of your bed each morning so the first thing you see when you wake is a pair of honey-coloured eyes staring right back at you. Please pat his snout as a good morning; he'll feel so happy if you do! As mentioned above, Dan Heng asks Welt for help when March insists on running in circles around you: he picks her up by the scruff and takes her away. Welt likes to accompany you on walks at night, treasuring the precious time he gets to spend with you. There's this one time when you took a photo with Welt and put a pair of toy glasses on his snout. He seemed to love those glasses a lot after that.

Raccoons! Caelus and Stelle who are disappointed that they can't go dumpster diving in your house. You can't have garbage strewn around your house, after all. You caught them red-handed during their first few attempts after arriving at your house. When you leave your house, they'll try to dig through the trash cans again. March and Dan Heng try to stop them, with March tugging on Stelle's tail with her mouth and Dan Heng standing on his hind legs, trying to pry Caelus off the can. Eventually you prepared a huge box for the troublemaker twins and hid new toys or snacks in it, underneath old clothes and colourful, hollow plastic balls. That seemed to satisfy their interest in dumpster diving, albeit briefly. Caelus and Stelle still try to climb into trash cans whenever they go on walks with you.

Even though Pom Pom was a rabbit, Dan Heng and Himeko were cats, Welt and March were dogs, and Caelus as well as Stelle were raccoons, they often stuck together like a family. Pom Pom likes to make Welt's back their personal couch. Welt won't move at all unless you pick up Pom Pom or Pom Pom climbs off his back. Himeko plays with March to distract her from turning your house upside down when you're busy. Caelus, Stelle and Dan Heng lie in a cuddle pile during naps. Sometimes March, Himeko, Welt and Pom Pom join them too. You're quite puzzled as to why they love each other dearly, but hey, it's nice to see them acting like family, no?

------------------------------

Had a lot of fun writing this :D

[brooooswriting]

Hi!! I love your writing, so how about prompt 9 and 16 with Nat?

9. “Don’t panic, but I think there’s someone in our house”

16. “Don’t touch me! GET OFF”

A/n: my first prompt writing, let me know what you think :)

You were laying in bed with your head on your girlfriends pillow and your guys cat curled up to you. Natasha was on a mission for the last two weeks and there were one and a half more to come. You hated it when she was gone, especially since you guys moved into such a secluded house, it felt extremely lonely there. But you loved the fact that your girlfriend was saving the world so you never said anything. It was around 2 a.m. now and you just couldn’t fall asleep, you tossed and turned around until Liho came and lays down next to you.

You were about to doze off when you heard a crack making you jump awake again. It was loud enough to be on the inside and you were 100% sure that you closed all the windows which meant that it couldn’t have been the wind. Another sound was heard from the first floor making you jump again before turning to the cat. “Don’t panic, but I think there’s somebody in our house” you mumbled to the blob of black fur next to you but only received a purring as a reply. “Great to hear that you’re also concerned” you rolled your eyes before standing up to investigate where the sound was coming from.

With your phone in hand you waddled downstairs, turning every light on that you had passed. Your phone was on call mode, Natasha contact already open, just in case. It was kinda funny to you how your first instinct was always calling her, not the police or Tony, who lived like 8 minutes away when he flew with his suit and was currently home. No, it was her because you only felt save when she was there.

You looked around and went through almost all the rooms but there was nobody. “Well, I guess it was my imagination then. Right?” You whispered to yourself. You decided to drink some water while you were already in the kitchen. With your back towards the door you looked outside the window, watching how the wind blew through the trees and a sense of calmness overtook you.

At least until you felt an arm around your waist. You immediately let go of the glass and yelped as you started to hit around yourself. “Don’t touch me! GET OFF” you screamed once you felt yourself being turned around. Terrible scenarios building in your mind as you cried out for them to let you go. As soon as you were turned the grip on you disappeared and you felt the person take a step back.

“It’s alright, it’s okay. It’s just me love” The moment you heard the voice you calmed down, taking a moment to breath before doing anything. It was the moment you also noticed that you had tears streaming down your face. She repeatedly mumbled reassuring phrases until you started to talk.

“You asshole! I thought somebody was going to kill me” you whisper screamed at her, hitting her with the kitchen towel that was behind you. She couldn’t help but giggle as you kept on hitting her with the fabric.

“Im sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you that bad. But it was kinda funny” she grinned and hugged you tightly, her hand rubbing your back while yours wrapped around your neck.

“Why are you here already?” You asked into her neck, your hand playing with the back of her shirt.

“What? Not enough time to hide your side chick?” She laughed as she squeezed your waist, making clear that she was joking. “We found the suspect sooner and I couldn’t wait to come home. Steve snores like 10 men” you giggled before placing a kiss on her neck.

“I’m happy you’re back, I really am but I’m so tired” you sighed and placed the side of your head on her shoulder. The next thing you let out was a yelp as your girlfriend picked you up and carried you up the stairs and placed you on the bed. “Thank you” you mumbled with a small smile as you went under the blanket.

You watched as the redhead greeted the cat before changing into some sleepwear. “Now move over, I gotta cuddle my girl. You’ve had her for the last two weeks” she said to Liho and poked his belly making him stand up and lay on your other side. “Thank you very much” you couldn’t help but laugh at their antics.

“I’m so happy you’re back” you whispered as you nearly laid on top of her.

“I’m happy to be back too” she placed a couple of kisses on your lips as her hand rubbed your bare back. You chased after her lips making her smile but keep kissing you nonetheless.

“I love you, but if you ever scare me like that again you’re sleeping on the couch”

“Yes ma’am”

“Good, now give a kiss and then cuddle me”

“Yes ma’am” you kissed again before you turned to your side so she could spoon you.

“I love you too by the way” she kissed the back of your neck before turning off the light to let you sleep.

[marlynnofmany]

Crinkly Collectibles

I opened the door of my quarters to a wall of muscles and silks. The Frillian twins were about to knock. Blip pulled her hand back just shy of knocking me in the face, which I appreciated, and she looked a little embarrassed about it.

“Hello!” she said, straightening up. “We would like to borrow your tiny predator.”

I glanced back at the mismatched orange-and-black cat who was currently licking her butt on my bed. “Telly? Why?”

Blop said, “We suspect there were small pests hidden in the packaging of the collectibles we just brought onboard.” He looked over his shoulder at the empty hallway and lowered his voice. “We’re hoping to resolve the problem before the captain has to know.”

“Gotcha,” I said. I took a step toward the bed before I thought to ask, “Are you sure the pests are safe for Telly to hunt? No spines or poison?”

They looked at each other uncertainly, waving their head frills in a complicated body language that I couldn’t pick up. “Reasonably sure,” Blip told me.

“How about one of you borrows a medscanner from Eggskin,” I suggested, “While the other brings me up to speed on the details.”

“On it.” Blop was gone in a flash of silk.

I wondered idly when they would go back to their other favorite fashion choice of elastic bands, the polar opposite of their current getup, then I refocused when Blip started explaining.

Apparently they’d just picked up an exciting new set of collectible whatsits on our last stop — Blip went on a tangent about how she’d never seen this model before, without actually describing them in any detail — and now the things were never where they left them. The twins had found them scattered around their quarters several times, with no reason to suspect any crewmate of messing with their stuff on purpose.

Did they still have the packaging that pests might have come in? No.

Had they kept the door closed, so any pests couldn’t get out? Also no.

I asked, “Are you sure you shouldn’t just tell the captain? We don’t even know how many there might have been.”

Blop came trotting up with a handheld medscanner while Blip waved her hands and frills in what was probably supposed to be a reassuring way. “It’s probably zipperbugs. They never venture far until they’ve eaten everything they like in a small area.”

“What are they eating in — You’ve got a stash of shrimp sticks in there, don’t you?” I asked, remembering their favorite snack.

They chorused, “Of course,” then both spoke at once about how those had been scattered at first too, then hidden in what they hoped was a secure location. They hadn’t checked yet to see if there were signs of gnawing on the container.

Since Blop had the scanner and they were both fretting about this, I hurried to scoop up Telly with only minimal meowing complaints, and followed them down the hall to their quarters. Telly rearranged herself in my arms and sniffed the air curiously as we walked. I kept an eye out for anything scurrying that she might launch herself towards.

The door was at least closed right now. Blip opened it quickly. I was wondering what the sudden rush was when I heard the distinctive tentacle-slap of an approaching Strongarm crewmate. The twins really didn’t want word of this to get out. Not that I blamed them.

I followed Blip inside with Blop right behind, and the door shut before anyone saw. Frills drooped with relief. I looked around the somewhat messy quarters for a sign of pests. All I saw were various belongings that could stand to be put away, and a long shelf of little palm-tree-shaped things set out for admiring. Several of those were also on the floor.

I was about to ask if those were the collectibles when Telly kicked off my chest and tackled something.

The Frillians shouted. Blop aimed the scanner. Telly lay on her side and rabbit-kicked a small thing that crinkled.

“There’s nothing there!” Blop exclaimed. “It’s only picking up the one animal!”

“Hey, she’s chewing on the Model 5! Give that back!” Blip reached for the little collectible that apparently made an excellent cat toy, then pulled her hand back when that just led to a claw swipe.

“Telly, drop it,” I scolded, nudging the cat with my shoe. When she rolled over and attacked my ankle instead, I deftly grabbed the toy. “That is not for you.” When I checked it for damage, I saw firstly that it was fine, secondly that it looked more like a sea anemone than a tree, and thirdly that it smelled strongly of shrimp. Spicy ones; it made my eyes water a little.

Blop scanned the room one corner at a time while Blip took the collectible from me. Telly was putting her hind feet to work at kicking my ankle, having a fine old time, but I was wearing thick socks so I let her. That gave me a moment to pick up the handful of other whatsits nearby.

Blip asked, “How do we get her to hunt the pests instead?” She put the Model 5 back on the shelf and took the others I’d gathered.

At the same time, Blop said, “I’m not picking up anything on the scanner! Did they already leave?” He and Blip both rushed to check on their stash of shrimp sticks.

All the heavy footsteps disturbed Telly, who scrambled onto a chest of drawers where she was above foot level.

This put her at the perfect height to jump onto the collectible shelf, which she promptly did. She swatted three onto the floor and leapt down after them.

I moved to take them away from her while the Frillians were busy being confused about the pristine state of their shrimp sticks. They hadn’t noticed Telly yet.

“Do you have the scanner on the right setting?” Blip asked.

“Yes, I double checked!” Blop said. “They aren’t here! They must have left already. Maybe it’s not zipperbugs. We’ll have to tell the captain after all.”

“Guys,” I said, holding a cellophane-and-rubber seaweed toy at arm’s length. “I think we may have found your pest.” They turned to look just as Telly sprang up to pull it from my hand.

They both shouted some more while I got the toy back. “What! No way! was it her from the start? What a jump!”

“You may want to keep your door shut,” I said, giving her my foot to fight again while I stretched to put the toy back on the shelf. I’d have to wash the smell off my hands. Which gave me an idea. “Hey, can you spare one of those shrimp sticks?”

They could. I opened the door, then wiggled the shrimp stick in front of Telly. “Here, kitty kitty. Fetch!” When I tossed it out into the hall, she bounded eagerly after it.

A started burble sounded, followed by Mur’s voice. “What was that? Did the cat just catch a pest?”

“Nope,” I called out to him. “Just a shrimp stick. No pests here.” I smiled at the Frillians, who were still processing all this. “I’ll take her back to my quarters for some proper cat toy time. Don’t forget to put the scanner back.”

I left the Frillians to tidy up their quarters in a mix of relief and exasperation. Out in the hall, Mur tentacle-walked past Telly, giving her a wide berth as she chewed happily on the treat. She didn’t mind when I picked her up again. As far she was concerned, this was probably a great day with no worries whatsoever.

~~~

These are the ongoing backstory adventures of the main character from this book.

Shared early on Patreon! There’s even a free tier to get them on the same day as the rest of the world.

The sequel novel is in progress (and will include characters from these stories. I hadn’t thought all of them up when I wrote the first book, but they’re too much fun to leave out of the second).

[moonsapprentice]

⋆ ✶ ✷ 𝔉𝔩𝔲𝔣𝔣𝔟𝔞𝔩𝔩 ✷ ✶ ⋆

Gender neutral reader and Tord find a kitten

All day, you’ve been in bed. It’s very cloudy, the sound of rain pattering on your roof and windows filling your ears. The bed seems so warm compared to the intense storm happening outside. You yawn, stretching out your tired bones. With a sigh you stand up, taking your blanket with you as it’s way too cold to go without it.

Your socked feet walk across the hard wooded floors, which occasionally creak under your weight. Humming quietly, your fingers pry open the fridge for about the twelfth time that day.

“…I need to go shopping.”

You sigh, taking milk out and pouring it into a mug. You put it into the microwave with a soft clatter and set the time for thirty seconds. You look at the aggressive rain storm happening out side. Luckily, it isn’t bad enough to knock out your power. But it’s pretty damn close.

The trees are swaying, the leaves attacked by the water coming too fast at them. The house itself is making loud whoosh noises from the wind hitting it. But all that noise isn’t drowning out an unmistakable noise…Meowing. A high pitched, shrill meow.

Quirking your eyebrow, you lean over your sink to look out the window above it. Scanning your backyard you see nothing. But then it comes again. And again.

“…what the hell..?”

You mutter under your breath. A strong pair of arms wrap around your waist

“What is it?”

Your boyfriend, Tord, says behind you with that pretty accent of his. You turn around, and as you open your mouth to speak the meow sounds out once more. His eyebrows raise and his smug smile gets wiped off his face. He lets go of your waist to look out the window.

Tord’s eyes scan your backyard with a catlike ability. But like you, he doesn’t see anything. He keeps looking through.

“There has to be a cat out there. There’s no way in hell that wasn’t a kitten.”

Tord says, gripping the windowsill. You place a hand on his shoulder

“I’ll go check”

You smile, but he immediately shakes his head. He takes your hand and kisses it

“No love, I will. I don’t want you to get soaked”

Tord smiles and before you can protest he pecks your lips lightly, walking out after. You sigh and shake your head, muttering about ‘that man’. You take your warm milk and sip on it.

Sitting on the sofa, which is one of his inventions, you wait for him to return. Through one of your living room windows, you can see him looking through every possible hiding place a cat could be in.

The unmistakable sound of water hitting your floor tells you that your boyfriend is back inside. You stand up and see him with drenched hair, which tugs a frown on your lips. Although, for some reason, he has a grin

“Why didn’t you put your hood up? You could catch a sickness, or worse, hypoth-“

Then there’s a loud meow. But this time, it’s from his arms. He’s cradling a tiny orange kitten in his arms. You let out a gasp and run over to his side.

“No way! There was actually a cat!”

You get a grin that matches his. The kitten is soaked and it’s eyes are closed. Judging by it’s size, it must be at least a few months old. You take the kitty from Tord’s arms and hold it in your warm arms.

“Go change.”

He laughs.

“Bossy.”

You’re too busy to retort back. A parental feeling washes over your body. You need to protect this baby. It’s tiny eyes open, they’re a gorgeous sage green with small speckles of a lighter color. Though it doesn’t seem to register anything, as it’s eyes close again.

“Oh, honey…hello..”

You murmur in a baby-like voice while scratching behind it’s ear. You take it to the kitchen and start drying it with a hand towel, it seems too sleepy to fight back or even purr. After that you sit on the sofa and hold it close to your chest so it’s nice and warm. The couch dips beside you and a warm arm wraps around your shoulder. Your head instinctively rests on Tord’s shoulder.

He chuckles while scratching behind the cats ear, the fur being surprisingly soft for a kitten who’s been outside for who knows how long. You smile a little more. The kitten seems to be in a state of being half-asleep, it opens its eyes and does a tiny jump when it sees the both of you so close to it. The cat wriggles out of your grasp and jumps down off the couch, backing away with a tiny hiss.

You and Tord’s eyebrows raise, you crawl on the floor and he kneels beside you.

“Hey, hey…shh..it’s okay…”

You whisper, trying hard to not startle the cat again. Tord stays silent, staring at it. He moves a little closer, still kneeling on one knee. With a flourish he extends his finger.

“det er greit lille pus, jeg vil ikke slåss...”

(it's okay little kitty, i don't want to fight...)

Tord mutters in a smooth voice, moving his finger a little closer. The kitten hisses again, but it’s so small it’s really not that scary. He puts his finger directly infront of the cats mouth, which causes it to bite him. Tord doesn’t even flinch though, staring at him. Theres an air of kinship between him and the small kitten. Slowly, the cat lets go of his pointer.

The corner of Tord’s mouth tilt up. He gently scratches under the kittens chin, which causes it to relax a little and step closer.

“…animal whisperer”

You murmur jokingly, although your words ring a bit of truth. Tord snickers and picks the tiny furball up with one hand, bringing it to his chest. You lean against him and gaze at the kitty. Gingerly you reach your hand out and pat the top of its head, which causes it to purr and tilt its head into you.

“It likes you too babe..”

Tord murmurs, looking at you with a soft smile. You chuckle and lean your head against his. You stay there for a few minutes, breathing eachother in while the sound of rain and purring mix together with your hearts.

Eventually, Tord pulls you down on the sofa with a small hum. The kitten rests between his chest and yours. His arms are around you and yours are around him, your bodies warming both eachother and the bundle of joy sleeping between you. His forehead presses more firmly against your head and he kisses your lips.

“…I love you.”

Hope you enjoyed this little one shot! If you sent me in a request I promise I am working on it and it’ll be out soon, I just felt a burst of inspiration and didn’t wanna waste it. I also didn’t do the whole fic in this font because it was harder to read.😓

This isn’t proofread btw lol, if there’s a spelling error or grammar mistake please tell me!

- xoxo, Artemis

[leafyaa]

Chapter 12

It had been 30 minutes since you hid inside your room. Kunikuzushi already stopped trying to get inside and you presumed he left your house.

You looked outside your windows and sighed. The sun was setting but there were still some kids playing outside. 

They played without a care in the world and you could see them laughing. A sad smile formed on your face. You didn't know any of them personally, though you wished them a happy life. You prayed they would be kept safe and for them to return home to their families. 

You couldn't help but tear up slightly. You felt selfish for feeling jealous because of the children. Jealous because Hikari wasn't amongst them. She wasn't there happily playing with children her age. Instead, who knows where she was?

You just prayed she wasn't lonely, or felt hungry. You definitely would treat her to eat taiyaki each day when she was back, taiyaki was Hikari's favorite food after all. It was a cute fish, crispy on the outside, and sweet on the inside. Red bean paste was her favorite filling and that was to be expected from a sweet child like her. 

You didn't notice the tears that left your eyes and dropped onto your pants. You were crying. 

You quickly wiped them away and walked towards your window, wanting to open it to allow fresh air to enter your room. 

You watched as the children slowly left, most likely to go eat dinner. You hoped Hikari had dinner too. 

You leaned on the windowsill as you breathed in the fresh air. It was nearing the end of March so the flowers already started to bloom. It was beautiful to watch, especially with the many bushes and trees surrounding your house. 

Speaking of the bushes surrounding your house, you noticed them moving. You thought it was the wind but when you slightly leaned forward and squinted your eyes a tail poked out of the bush and you stumbled back in surprise. 

That definitely was a cat. But even though it was a cat, what was it doing in the bushes?? 

The tail had disappeared when you leaned over the windowsill and you let out a disappointed sigh. Only for it to jump out of the bushes towards you. You let out a scream as the cat landed onto your face. 

Kunikuzushi who had been sitting against your door for the past 15 minutes immediately got up and was banging on the door, obviously alerted by your scream. 

"Y/n! Open the door! Why did you scream??" 

Meanwhile the cat got off of your face and started to hide under your bed. You got up from the floor and wiped away the dirt from your face that the cat carried with it. 

You walked towards the door with still a bit of dirt on your face and unlocked the door quickly. As soon as it was unlocked Kunikuzushi stumbled forward but managed to save himself and not fall onto your bedroom ground. You looked at him, still feeling a bit pissed from earlier. 

"Sorry for upsetting you earlier Y/n.. I shouldn't have pressed on the matter and it wasn't my business.." He apologized with his head lowered. 

You sighed, looking at Kunikuzushi's genuine body posture and we're about to accept the apology. But before you could, the cat ran out of his hiding place and jumped on Kunikuzushi. 

He too screamed in surprise as the cat started to attack him. 

You acted quickly and pulled the wild cat away from Kunikuzushi. Kunikuzushi looked angrily at the cat who then hid its face in your chest. 

"What the fuck." A very Kunikuzushi reaction. 

"It's almost like he was punishing you for your wrongdoings." You jokingly said and started to laugh. 

Kunikuzushi, who was still visibly pissed at the creature, slowly softened his expression as he saw you laugh. 

You had such a beautiful smile. However he could sense that despite your smile, there was something bothering you. But right now wasn't the moment to ask so he wasn't going to do it. 

"You have some dirt on your face." He pointed out and walked closer towards your face. Lifting up his arm to gently wipe the dirt away as you stood there breathless. 

You felt a familiar feeling in your body and looked away, avoiding his state. 

Kunikuzushi looked past your shoulder to see the window open. The wind blew your curtains slightly so he assumed that the cat must have come from there. 

"Are you going to keep it?" Kunikuzushi asked, interrupting your thoughts. 

You looked at the cat that was nestled into your arms snugly. You moved your hand over to the head of the cat and gently patted it. 

"I think I will." Funny how the argument between the two of you ended in you finding a cat. 

"Also you're forgiven."

After and while washing the cat the two of you didn't speak of the events from earlier. That was for the better too. Being reminded that Hikari was abducted was one of the worst thoughts you could have on your mind right now. 

Kunikuzushi suddenly hissed as the cat bit him. He refrained from cursing the cat with all his vocabulary and just glared at it angrily. 

You turned on the water, making the cat jump up and slip around the bathtub. 

Kunikuzushi grabbed the cat back and put it right under the water source, washing away the soap as well as kind of traumatizing the cat as it was meowing loudly. 

The two of you then dried the cat with a fresh towel and used a hairdryer to dry its skin. All the while the cat was hissing at Kunikuzushi. 

Lastly Kunikuzushi securely held the cat who still after everything tried biting and scratching him while you applied Vaseline on its paws. 

He escaped quickly and ran back into your bedroom to hide under the bed. 

"What an ungrateful little brat." Kunikuzushi scoffed as he wiped the small droplets of blood around the scratches the cat managed to land. 

"It's just scared. The cat can't help himself but be afraid of us. After all it's a wild one.." You assumed and got up from the bath railing. You searched through the cabinet above your sink and grabbed a couple of cotton pats, wetting it before turning back to Kunikuzushi. 

"Stay still, I'm going to clean your cuts. Kunikuzushi looked unbothered as you moved closer to wipe away the blood and to clean the wound. Then you pulled some band aids from the drawer below your sink and put it over the cuts. 

"Still have those Kuromi band aids huh.." Kunikuzushi muttered. 

"Of course, why wouldn't I." You replied and threw away the plastic parts of the band aid. 

"Do you still want to have dinner?" He asked as he stood up from the chair. 

"Yeah, that would be nice."

"Ugh, why is that stupid brat hiding under the bed?? How am I supposed to see what is going on?" A tall blonde haired female complained as she watched the live footage. 

"We can't control what she's going to do-" 

The woman slammed her device on her desk, scaring her underlings who quickly stepped back. 

"Couldn't you have trained the brat not too??" She yelled, making the men feel embarrassed. 

"We a-apologize for our mistake, we-" 

"Enough of it, I don't want to hear it." Just leave my office." She spoke, glaring at the pair. 

The two scurried away in a hurry and Signora let out a scoff. Always the weak subordinate that couldn't even do a single thing right. 

She left her office with her expensive handbag. As she locked the door of her office the maids that passed bowed to her. 

Signora went to her bedroom and to her vanity. She sat down on her comfortable chair in front of her vanity, removing the high heels she had been wearing the whole day. She looked in the mirror briefly, checking her appearance. Then picking the picture next to her mirror. 

"Oh Rostam, if you could see everything I was doing for you... To take revenge for you.." She sighed and looked disappointedly at the unmoving picture of her lover. 

"I'll kill her, I'll make her suffer, to make him suffer."

⇠ previous ⭒ masterlist ⭒ next ⇢

Notes:

Had an entirely different ending written months ago but decided to change it :3 bc I realized it was way too soft and boring sounding for this story.

Summary:

You've dated Scaramouche in your high school and college years but just as you wanted to announce your pregnancy to him he broke up with you without any reason. He left you to be a single mom for 7 years. But now that your daughter has been missing and abducted for a year and you've not been doing well and out of a sudden he showed up into your life again trying to apologize for his past mistakes..?

Taglist:

@swivy123 @kichiyosh1 @wwwrizchan @k1t0 @killumeow @pinkdreamerbailifflawyer-blog @samarill @xiaotopia @aqualesha @eattingshits @omoriaddict @mave-in @sketcheeee @xiaossocksniffer @elernity @ohmyfinggod @luvkvni @kunikissr @meadowofdarts @kaoriie @scaramochies @ekriis @rizakari @xxrexx @lovingveliona @magica-ren @lilybythevalley @theflatdoorkicker @lazy-sanns

[the-cat-and-the-birdie]

Hobie's Boathouse

The S.S Anne Ark

[Headcanon Concept]

Here it is in all it's Grungy Glory. [Mentions of OCs below - Including my girl Disco-Spider Diane]

About Anne Ark:

The S.S Anne Ark is a modified wide-beam canal boat. Completely off-the-grid, and DIY'd by him, it's Hobie's pride and joy. The Anne Ark is three levels tall - a 'ground' floor, and upstairs, and a locked basement below the deck. The Anne Ark has two 'bedrooms' and one 'bathroom'. Hobie's bedroom is what was once the control room, gutted and converted and the second bedroom was once a small equipment space. Hobie has had Anne for four years, and after years of homelessness as a street kid, he happily calls it his forever home.

The Rooms:

The Living Room - [ Read more about Hobie's Living Room HERE ]

Hobie's make-shift art studio/recording booth/library/cat play area, the Living Room is where Hobie spends most of his time. It features his ratty old couch from Tower Hamlets, a ceiling mic for recording, and Hobie's pride and joy - his jukebox.

Hobie's Workshop

To the left of the jukebox is a hallway that leads to Hobie's workshop, and the staircase down to his locked basement.

Hobie's workshop if full of rubbish and metal that he'll tinker away with for hours. In fact, he made every prototype of his watch in that workshop (and there were many prototypes). Despite what one may assume, it's impeccable in there. He also keeps some gear for protests, as well as somethings he's working on for Spider-punk (barbed wire webs anyone?) OCs: Diane hardly goes in there, blessed with organic webs and cursed with technological incompetence. But sometimes he does invite people like Angel and Ale in.

Outdoor Back Deck

The 1st floor Back Deck houses the main parts of the engine. Hobie maintains and upgrades it regularly, trying out things like clean energy, and emission free designs. ________________________________________________

Behind the cat tree in the photo of the living room, there is a staircase that leads up to the second floor. The stairs open to: Hobie's Bedroom

Covered in army green shag carpet and a king size bed, Hobie's bedroom is nowhere near as put together as his workshop. I mean, the guy uses an amp as a nightstand.

There's usually clothes everywhere, thrifted or hand-made, but there's also a set of bean-bag chairs, dozens of posters, and an old busted-up (but working) TV.

His room as a large window facing his bed, what was once the main window of the boat's control room. The second floor stairs open up into his room, with a glass sliding door to the left that leads to the hallway.

Gwen's Bedroom

Gwen's bedroom is barely that - but she still appreciates it more than anything in the world. Hobie understands how important it is to have your own space when housing insecure, so he wanted her to have somewhere cozy, especially know that sometimes Gwen just wants to be alone. Most of Gwen's stuff his here, and she only keeps her clothes at the Society dorms.

The Decks

Front A hot spot Diane is known to throw raging parties after the band plays, and if you're looking for an encore, head down to Floor 1 and look up - Hobie is known to drop the red banner and play a show or two up there. Or night's off, it's a great place to have a smoke. Back The best place to be. During parties, this is dancefloor. Plus, it's a good place for snogging and looking out on the water. When not in party mode, Hobie cooks most of his food on the outdoor stove and grill. Having dinner out while watching the waves. ____________________________________________ The Colors:

Like Hobie, Anne has a whole spectrum of colors - and it's affected by a whole number of things.

Ranging from black and white to full on rainbow (on one rare occasion - now THAT was trippy), Anne Ark changes color the moment Hobie, or someone else, steps on board.

Sometimes, it can even adopt the art style of those inside - running watercolor when Gwen is upset, or going full harsh-shadow when Noir comes aboard.

Every person has a different color, ranging from yellow for people like Percy and Sacha or pink for Angel.

The Cats:

(pictured are Moto (left), and Pierogi (right)) [Read more about The BoatCats HERE] Other cats he has are: Acid & Viper (siblings), Creampuff (named by Diane) _______________________________________________

FAQ:

What's in Hobie's locked basement?

I don't know. He won't tell me. But it's something that means a lot to him. The basement spans the entirety of the lower-level of the boat.

How many cats does Hobie own?

If you ask, he'll say he doesn't own any. They're free to come and go as they please, and none of them have collars. All of his cats are adopted street cats - either too old, or too weak, or those who just wanted to live with him.

But if you ask Diane, she'll say 5. He's been mentioning bringing aboard a 6th.

Does Diane live on the houseboat?

No. Diane has her own Barbie Dreamhouse - a.k.a an all pink apartment back home in 1294's Harlem. She divides most of her time either there, or at the Black Panther Chapter House she was raised in a block or two away. She rarely stays with Hobie (maybe once or twice a month), and since Hobie messes up her throw pillows and always takes something from her closet, he hardly stays with her either.

Does Gwen live on the houseboat?

Mostly, yes. She has a dorm back at Society, and she sleeps there about 3 days a week. But the rest (including all weekends) is at the houseboat. Does Hobie sail/fish?

Yes, he does both.

What are Hobie's favorite colors?

He hates consistency. But Green, Pink, and Orange.

____________________________________

Yeahhhhh so that's the houseboat. Whenever I mention Diane being on the boat, it's this I'm seeing :) And I just added in the favorite colors thing because why not

Welcome to my incredibly detailed mind palace of Hobie's house boat that does even look anything like the actual concept art lol

Stay as long as you like. Take your shoes off, make yourself comfortable. Hobie's grilling out back and Diane's making the Kool-Aid (sweet as hell for no reason smh).

Now per usual, take this photo of Hobie, and if the police ask about a boat or sumn tell em u aint seen shit ok

Bye.

_______________________ OCs mentioned:

Disco-Spider Diane @mothmothmothmothmothmoth 's Sacha

@thewolfsoul 's Percy

@onmyownside1 's Angel

@spidey-bie 's Ansi

@suchholydebauchery 's Asa

anon's Alejandro

(i think that all I mentioned lol)

[the-californicationist]

Gunslinger (an excerpt from Chapter 05)

AO3 Link - MDNI

You and John Price had been playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse, but when you hide a pair of panties under his pillow one night, the hunter becomes the hunted.

... you left one lace thong under his pillow. It was white with a pink bow. The strings on the side were satin. Laying crumpled there, between the sham and the sheet, you looked forward to whatever happened. Good or bad. Any reaction from this man would be enough to satisfy your craving to see him undone. How far could a patient man be pushed?

The captain was downstairs, sitting at your table, talking over a tablet with Ghost. As you made your way through the small den, you eyed him shamelessly, daring him, and he saw you, a suspicious look on his face, though not obvious enough for anyone else to notice.

But you were both existing on the same plane, living your lives so closely to one another, vibrating at the same frequency, your atoms dancing at the same intensity, that even if he only imagined a word that he wanted to say to you, you’d know what it was. You’d hear it in the quiet parts of your mind. If he breathed too deeply or stared too long at this or that, you’d notice. Hyper aware of each and every movement that the other was making, stalking each other like wolves, hidden in the trees.

You headed upstairs and lay awake as long as you could, trying to stay up to witness his reaction. Maybe he’d be disappointed. Maybe he’d chastise you like you were a child who didn’t know better. Maybe he’d take your teasing too far. Maybe, and this was the worst one, he might just ignore you.

It wasn’t until you heard him crawl his way up the stairs that you heard his answer.

No one knew the sounds of this house better than you. You’d hid hundreds of people in its very walls. You knew every floorboard and furnishing by heart.

You heard him in the hallway outside your room, walking carefully to his door, and listened to him click open the handle. He was inside. You knew the moment he sat on the edge of the bed with the sound that the mattress made, sighing under his heavy weight.

You could hear his rustling, pushing the quilt back, and you heard him sinking down fully into the covers. Then, silence, but not the relaxed sort.

A sigh, ragged and long.

Another. Full of turmoil.

His feet swung around and touched the floor again, the wooden planks there betraying his movement. You thought he might burst into your room to politely deliver them back to you in that restrained, gentleman’s manner he had. But, he didn’t. He was just sitting there.

It felt like hours had passed before your ears, straining, caught his next sound.

It was another sigh, and then...  a groan.

The sticky popping of skin touching slick skin. Repeated. Iterative. Rhythmic.

The bed moved, barely an inch, rocking in place.

Wet little whispers revealed that his hot palm was pumping, steadily, down his shaft, using the source of fluid from its drooling head to ease the path. He rubbed it along his length. The wet noises became frantic.

More rustling of sheets.

He moaned louder this time. You felt the hair on your arms and neck stand up, shocked, awestruck. You were barely able to breathe.

His movements became desperate, the noises of a body that was working itself to a fever, growing more and more obvious as his reservations surrendered to pleasure.

The bed jostled. His feet pressed against the floor.

The grunting you heard was that of an enraged grizzly, panting roughly, blowing scalding air through his nostrils. You imagined his bearded cheeks hollowed from sucking in a breath, braying in a short, shouted cry. Face contorted with hot agony, his sticky release spilled from his rigid font.

Then, satisfied sighing.

Out of breath.

Spent.

Your blood was pounding in your ears, and your head swam with a loud rushing noise as your heart banged against your chest. It was too much to bear. Your dreams had become too real.

The bed creaked again. You held your breath.

Price was in the bathroom then, mere feet from you, moving around, running the water.

As you watched his feet cast shadows below the door frame, you saw him step toward you, hesitating. But, he didn’t touch the handle. He simply backed away and cut the light, keeping himself from you.

...

[sihtricfedaraaahvicius]

Note: I know I said I wouldn't write/post a fic today, but I couldn't stop myself in my grief, and I needed a LOT of fluff as well as a coping mechanism. So here I am, with a little ode to my beloved Thor. Firefighter chapter 3, direct follow up to part 2.

Warnings: suggestive/fluff. mention of animal death, grief and a brief hint to childhood trauma.

pairing: Modern!Sihtric x you (f)

summary: Sihtric stuck by your side after the incident with your cat.

wordcount: 3,7k

Masterlist

'Do you hate me? For what happened?'

After you saw your Mister Meow Meow under Sihtric's car, Sihtric had held you tightly wrapped in his arms, pressed against his chest. He cried just as hard as you did, and kept murmuring endless 'I'm so sorry, love,' and 'I really didn't see him,' as he held you. Sihtric eventually asked what you wanted to do with Meow Meow's body, and you said he should be buried.

'Next to the tree he always climbed in,' you sniffled, 'where you and I first met.'

Sihtric smiled softly and agreed. He wiped your tears and you tried to wipe his eyeliner, which had run down his cheeks, as best as you could. Sihtric picked Meow Meow up in his arms and carried the lifeless body inside. You figured the poor cat had been sleeping on your driveway, as usual, because no one normally used it at that hour, so it was one of his favourite spots to nap, when you'd let him out of the house. And you completely forgot that Meow Meow had escaped through the open back door when you and Sihtric had sex on the living room floor, before the BBQ. And therefore it didn't cross your mind that he could be sleeping in your driveway, but when you heard that thump, you immediately knew what had happened. At least he was asleep, you thought, so he went rather… peacefully.

You searched your attic for a box in which your furry friend would fit, and you draped it with a soft cloth. Sihtric had cleaned Meow Meow up as best as he could, and carefully laid him inside the box, then stood back and let you do your thing. You petted Meow Meow on his little head and pressed a soft kiss to it, then you put some of his favourite toys in the box with him, as well as a few cat treats he loved. 

'Maybe he'll need a snack on his way,' you sobbed with shocking shoulders. 

Sihtric wrapped his arm around you as you both looked down into the box, and he held you tight when you broke out in tears again.

'Do you wish to bury him now?' Sihtric asked after a few minutes, wiping a tear from his own face, 'it's quite late. I mean, I don't mind it, love, I'll dig a hole right now if you want. But maybe you want to wait until the morning?'

'Maybe it's better in the morning,' you sniffled, 'it's really dark out there, near the tree.'

Sihtric agreed, kissed your forehead and cupped your cheeks. 'Can I do anything for you right now, sweetheart, tell me?'

'Will you s-stay here with me?' you fought your tears, 'tonight? I'd like to sleep at… at my house now.'

Sihtric looked at you, compassionately, and he pressed another soft kiss to your forehead, then to your lips.

'Of course, doll,' he whispered, 'but I do really have to stop by my place to feed… you know,' he struggled to say 'his cat', afraid you'd resent him for still having a breathing cat at home.

'I know,' you said, 'you should go and feed Dog,' you smiled lightly at the silly name of his cat, 'and give him a cuddle for me.'

'I will,' Sihtric smiled softly, 'will you be okay here for like half an hour?'

'Yeah,' you looked back at Meow Meow, 'it'll give me some time alone to say goodbye, I guess.'

Sihtric studied you, desperately hoping you would be okay.

'I'll be okay,' you reassured him when you saw the look in his eyes, 'it'll just be weird, to sleep without a cat on the bed, you know?'

'I know,' Sihtric said, 'I promise I'll be back soon, okay?'

He pecked your face all over and then kissed your lips again. 'See you in a bit, babe,' he whispered before he kissed your cheek.

And when Sihtric drove off your driveway, he started sobbing behind the wheel. Another animal died because of me, he thought.

After an ugly crying session, you managed to somewhat compose yourself again. You closed the box and placed Mister Meow Meow safely on the table. You found peace knowing that the cat was already of age and half deaf. He had a good life full of cuddles and treats,and in the morning you'd say your last goodbye. With that thought you went upstairs and changed into your pyjamas. 

Not much later Sihtric rang your doorbell, and as you opened the door, Sihtric ran back to his car.

'I hope you don't mind I brought someone,' Sihtric smiled when he walked back up to you, holding his own adorable, black cat in his arms.

'Dog!' you cried out, and started sobbing again, 'of course I don't mind,' you said and took the cat in your arms.

Dog was Sihtric's emotional support cat, and if there's anything you needed, it was emotional support.

After some strong doctor's advice, Sihtric was matched up with Dog about two years ago, after a lot of childhood trauma had spilled out during long overdue therapy sessions. Sihtric hadn't given you a lot of details, except that his trauma was caused by his father, and that it led to Sihtric having severe panic attacks when he was alone at home often. And Sihtric said he's been doing so much better ever since he got Dog. 

When Sihtric got home to feed Dog that night, before returning to you, he broke out in tears again and laid down on his kitchen floor. Dog ran up to him immediately, licking his face and jumping on his chest. And then Sihtric knew he had to bring his cat with him. Sihtric was afraid he'd freak out at night, at your place, if he started to spiral about him accidentally killing Meow Meow, but he also knew you would feel better too with Dog around.

You sat on your bed, on top of the sheets as you played with Dog, who was easily entertained while doing his job of making you, and Sihtric, feel happier and more calm. Sihtric sat back, shirtless, against your bed's headboard, and the sheets covered him from his hips down. You were too busy with Dog to glance over your shoulder, but if you had done so, you would've found Sihtric's eyes on you. 

Sihtric stared at you with his heavy-lidded and completely in love mismatched eyes. A soft smile graced his face and he felt his heart ache inside his chest. Sihtric wished he knew how to express his feelings for you, but he didn't even know if there was a way, or if there would ever be a word that could express what he felt for you.

I'm going to marry her, Sihtric thought as he looked at you. He suddenly smiled wider and lightly shook his head to himself. You only met her like two months ago, you idiot, he argued with himself. Yeah, but I love her. She's just… perfect. I can't even imagine not having her in my life anymore. Am I going too fast? He furrowed his brow. Maybe, Sihtric lightly shrugged at his inner dialogue. Okay, maybe. But… proposing doesn't mean you have to get married fast. You can be engaged for years. Sihtric nodded, that is true, he thought. And he snapped out of his thoughts when he heard your soft giggle, when Dog jumped in your lap and started purring as he headbutted his soft head against yours. Oh, fucking… gods, Sihtric exhaled sharply at the sight of you and his cat. She'll be my death regardless, the little valkyrie she is, he smiled at himself again and a soft chuckle escaped his lips.

You turned and found Sihtric smiling at himself.

'What are you up to?' you smiled.

'Hm?' Sihtric snapped out of his thoughts again, 'oh, n-nothing,' he blushed.

'Sure,' you chuckled, 'well, I think we should go to sleep. I'm exhausted,' you said and joined him under the covers.

You faced Sihtric and he snuck his arm around your waist under the blankets, pulling you a little closer against his body, and your legs tangled together. Dog settled down on Sihtric's pillow, resting his fluffy body against the top of Sihtric's head, as the cat always did when Sihtric wasn't laying down on his back. Otherwise Dog would sleep on Sihtric's chest, as the cat was trained to monitor Sihtric's breathing. If it would suddenly spike, the cat knew something was off and would distract Sihtric in any way possible. And you thought Dog was a blessing for watching over the love of your life like that.

'I… have to ask,' Sihtric spoke softly, 'do you- do you hate me? For what happened?'

'Hate y-,' you frowned, 'Sihtric,' you sighed and chuckled, 'of course I don't hate you, how can you possibly think that? It was an accident. I don't blame you, honey,' you said, 'if it was me driving, the same thing would've happened. We both didn't see Meow Meow.'

'I just feel so awful, baby,' Sihtric whispered and pressed is forehead against yours, 'I'm so fucking sorry. This is going to haunt me…'

You hushed him sweetly and cupped his cheeks.

'Stop that,' you whispered, 'there is no reason to beat yourself up over this, okay?'

Sihtric nodded as he sniffled. 'I'm sorry, love,' he said.

'And stop saying sorry,' you chuckled lightly, 'promise me you will try to let this go? I am not mad at you, I don't blame you, and you don't need to apologise. It just happened.'

Sihtric nodded again, 'I'll try,' he said and gave you a soft smile.

He caressed your cheek with his thumb and bit down on his lip as his eyes darted over your face. He hummed soft and allowed a bigger smile to tug at his lips.

'You're so damn cute. Hm, I love you,' Sihtric whispered, then realised he had said that out loud and his eyes grew wide, 'I- I mean…' he stammered.

You stared at him with big, glossy eyes, seeing Sihtric's cheeks turn a shade of red before he tried to hide his face, but you stopped him from pulling the blankets over his head.

'You love me?' you asked after a long moment of silence.

'Well,' Sihtric chuckled nervously, 'y-yeah. I....'

'I love you too,' you blurted out.

'You do?' Sihtric looked concerned.

'Of course,' you laughed shyly, 'I… I love you.'

'Okay, but… I love you more,' Sihtric smiled a little smug, and he pulled you in for a kiss.

After you both admitted to being in love with each other, there seemed to be no more stopping. You were both emotionally exhausted, but that didn't stop neither of you from whispering 'I love you' in between soft kisses and cuddles for hours on end, until you finally fell asleep. And it seemed that the more affection you showed to Sihtric, the more smothering he became, but you loved it and couldn't get enough of him.

You were glad you had been able to sleep with him that night, and with Dog, who was a much calmer sleeper than Mister Meow Meowever was, but you enjoyed his soft purring all the same. And you woke up rather early in the morning, with Sihtric next to you. You sat up and looked at him for a moment, and you smiled at the sight of the handsome firefighter in your bed, who loved you.

And you couldn't help yourself when you cuddled up to him and pressed soft kisses to his shoulder and neck, to wake him up, hoping to get some hot action.

Sihtric hummed softly and wrapped his arms around you while you continued your kisses. And the more awake and aware Sihtric became, the intenser he hummed and the bigger his smile grew.

'Hm, baby,' Sihtric husked as you pecked his neck again, 'do you know what you're starting here?'

'Mhm,' you smiled, hands moving up into his short hair, 'and I hope to finish it too.'

'Hm, fuck,' Sihtric smiled and bit down on his lip, his hands moving down to your ass.

He grabbed your hips and pulled you on top with ease, his arousal teasing you as you straddled him. You leaned in to kiss his lips, and you moved one hand down into his boxers. Sihtric's breath hitched and he hummed with a smile.

'You know what I like,' he whispered, slowly running out of breath as you worked his length with your hand.

You kept your face close to his, enjoying the expressions that twitched on his face as you pleased him. 

'You like that?' you purred.

'Fuck,' Sihtric's breathing became faster, heavier, his hands squeezing your thighs, 'need you to fuck me, babe,' he moaned, 'you make me so damn horny all the time,' he breathed heavily, 'come on, doll, let me have you.'

And just as you wanted to pull down his boxers, Sihtric's cat leaped onto his chest.

'What the-,' you blinked and sat back up.

'Fuck!' Sihtric hissed, 'not now!' he groaned and shoved the cat off, but Dog wasn't having it, and jumped back on his chest.

Then you realised the cat probably thought Sihtric was in a state of panic, as his breathing was hard, fast and heavy. And you started to laugh.

'Fucking… gods,' Sihtric sighed and chuckled, 'really, Dog? This is exactly why you sleep downstairs when she's over,' he hissed at his cat, regretting he brought him right now.

You cackled and got off Sihtric.

 'God,' you snorted, 'that's a cockblock, huh?'

Sihtric muttered and hid his face behind his hands. 

'Shit,' he said, 'I'm sorry, baby.'

'It's fine,' you laughed, 'we'll make up for this later,' you smiled and pecked his cheek, 'but Dog will stay downstairs then.'

After you both had breakfast, you carried the box with Mister Meow Meow outside as Sihtric had dug a hole. You were kinda glad that your nosy neighbours weren't able to move back into their house yet after the fire, so you could bury your cat in private, without them lurking through the window.

'You okay, love?' Sihtric asked as you lowered the box into the ground, his hand on your shoulder.

'Yeah,' you sniffled and got up from your knees.

Sihtric wrapped his arm around you, and like last night, you both stared down at the box. But this time it was closed, and in the ground.

'Thank you for everything, Meow Meow, I will always love you. I'll never forget you,' you said softly, 'you've given me so much joy and love. You were one of a kind. You were my best friend in a way too. And,' you chuckled, wiping away a tear, 'because of you I met the love of my life,' you said and looked up at Sihtric.

Sihtric smiled sweetly at you and kissed your hair when you had said your last words to Mister Meow Meow.

'And here I thought Meow Meow would one day be the death of me,' Sihtric chuckled softly and then choked up.

'I promise,' you squeezed Sihtric's waist, 'Meow Meow did this on purpose, to mess with you one last time,' you chuckled, 'he knew you were competition.'

'Smart bastard he was,' Sihtric smiled, 'he really was competition. We both wanted your heart.'

'And you boys were too foolish to know you both already had it.'

'Oh, doll,' Sihtric sighed and kissed your lips with a soft hum. 'Listen, Meow Meow,' he said and looked at the box, 'I promise I'll look after her for you and take care of her.'

A few weeks had passed since your beloved Mister Meow Meow had been buried, and Sihtric had been subtly prying if you wanted a new cat. You said you did, but not a kitten, as cute as they were. You wanted to adopt one from a shelter some time soon, as your house was rather empty without Meow Meow in it. Sihtric had stayed over with Dog most of the time, but some nights required you both to sleep apart due to your jobs, and then Dog would not be around you either. During those nights you simply realised you really needed the company of a furry friend.

And Sihtric went to a shelter behind your back some time later. He knew you loved any cat, but you had a soft spot for big fluffy cats, and Sihtric couldn't believe his eyes when he spotted a rather young, white Norwegian Forest Cat waiting to be adopted. Apparently his owner had passed away in a tragic car accident about a month ago, and Sihtric felt it was destiny. It took a few days to arrange everything, and every day Sihtric went to the shelter, without telling you, to lowkey bond with the cat. Sihtric had also stolen one of your shirts and left it with the cat, so he'd get used to your smell already and would recognise you as his new owner, while Sihtric would sort of be his owner too, as he was the one to rescue him.

About a week later Sihtric finally got the call that he could pick up the cat. The shelter had given him a brand new collar and name tag, and Sihtric couldn't wait to surprise you. But first, he made a stop at a jewellery store.

'You better not let me down, buddy,' Sihtric said to your surprise cat as he tied a little handwritten note to its collar. 

Sihtric got out of his car and carried the big box that held your new pet over to your door. He rang your doorbell and anxiously bit down on his lip, as he couldn't fidget with his rings.

'Sihtric,' you smiled, then saw the large box in his hand, 'are you finally officially moving in?' you laughed.

Sihtric's eyes grew big.

'You'd want me to move in?'

'Well… I mean… I- I wouldn't mind,' you felt your cheeks heat up, 'a-are you moving in?'

Sihtric's heart jumped out of his chest, and he shook his head to bring his attention back to the box in his hands.

'No, I mean… well, eh,' Sihtric sighed and tried to collect his thoughts, 'I have a gift for you,' he smiled.

You let him inside and wondered what on earth he was up to.

'Sit down, baby,' Sihtric said, barely able to contain his nerves as you did what he asked.

'Are you okay?'

'Fine,' Sihtric swallowed hard, 'look, so, eh… I mean… I guess it's… maybe a bit … fast. But- but if you really want me to move in-'

'I'd love that,' you smiled, 'maybe it's fast, but… everything just feels right with you. I just - I don't want to be without you anymore,' you said, and Sihtric blushed.

'I don't want to be without you anymore either,' Sihtric smiled, 'and then… eh, this… I guess this,' he looked at the box in his hands, 'this is… a… somewhat of a… moving in gift,' he chuckled.

He placed the box in front of your feet and told you to open it.

'Oh my god!' you yelled upon the sight of the adorable white cat, 'Sihtric!? What… what…' your eyes teared up right away, 'is… f…for me… mine?'

'He's yours, my love,' Sihtric said, and tried to keep his nerves in check. And he also desperately tried to not cry at your happiness.

'Oh my god!' you cried out again, 'what… when… ohh,' you cooed when the cat allowed you to pick him up with ease, and he licked your face. 'Oh my god, how cute are y- oh, what's this?' you frowned, and then read the note on his collar.

Hi, my name is Thor. I needed a new owner as I lost my previous one. I wish to keep my new mom company for as long as I live… and that handsome guy over there wishes to have my new mom's company for as long as he lives.

'Wha- I don't… Sihtric?'' you said, confused while being a crying mess.

And when you looked over at Sihtric, he got down on one knee as he held a box with a stunning ring in his slightly trembling hand up to you.

'My love,' Sihtric said, hoarsely, fighting his tears as well as a feeling of panic, and Dog ran up to him. 'You are just… everything I have ever dreamed of,' Sihtric continued, 'and every morning when I wake up without you, I am terrified that you truly were just a dream. So… I only wish to wake up next to you, every day, for the rest of my life,' he swallowed a sob and took your hand, 'baby, please,' he smiled as his tears fell down, 'will you marry me and dream with me every night, and wake up with me every morning?' 

Sihtric stared at you with big, watery eyes. And he held his breath when you stared back at him, hugging your new cat while Sihtric held your hand.

'Y-yes,' you let out a sob, 'Sihtric, of course!'

Sihtric exhaled sharp with relief and almost passed out for a second, but then managed to slip the ring around your finger and he grabbed your face, kissing you all over as you both cried.

'I love you,' Sihtric whispered, almost desperately.

'I love you more,' you sniffled, 'I never want to fall asleep or wake up without you ever again.'

'Neither do I,' Sihtric smiled as he looked down into your eyes, 'but I love you more.'

And right as Sihtric taunted you, your new fur baby, Thor, let out a loud meow as he pushed himself in between you and Sihtric. 

'Looks like you have competition again,' you sniffled and smiled.

'I'm willing to share you with them,' Sihtric chuckled as Dog started to interfere too, 'but not in the bedroom,' he said firmly as he looked at his new, put together family, 'in the bedroom, she's all mine, you guys got that?'

'Only at night, or when the door is closed,' you laughed.

'That is fair,' Sihtric agreed. He kissed your lips and then smiled cheekily, 'I kinda need you in the bedroom now,' Sihtric said, 'with the door closed.'

taglist: @clairacassidy @finanmoghra @uunotheangel @hb8301 @bathedinheat @neonhairspray @anaeve @bubblyabs @travelingmypassion @sylas-the-grim @bubbles-for-all-of-us @andakth @bel-bottoms @willowbrookesblog @lady-targaryens-world @skyofficialxx @diosademuerte @elle4404 @alexagirlie @sweetxime @solango @gemini-mama @cheyennep3107 @little-diable @jennifer0305 @drwstarkeyy

[aftgficrec]

hi besties! can i be a bit weird and ask for sick fics here? old/new/favorites, any will do! just some big ol’ hurt/ comfort, especially if combined with some emotional hurt/comfort 🥰

There’s nothing weird about this at all!  Apart from the fics below, there’s also our sickfic tag as well as our hurt/comfort tag for more (see our tag page under the heading ‘themes - injuries/illnesses/conditions’). - S

Previous recs:

cool andreil sick fics here

sick fics here

foxes with headaches/sick fics here

10k+ sick fics here

Andreil in hospital here

Neil with major injury here

Neil gets injured (post canon) here

Neil & car accidents here

accident-prone Neil here

Andreil with amnesia here

medical Andreil/Aaron & Neil here

Neil getting roofied here

Also see… 

‘we're one (there's nothing to be done)’ here

‘Just like that day’ here

‘head case (what to do with you)’ here

‘Such Stuff as Dreams are Made’ here

‘Neil Josten Is a Lucky Man’ here

‘Broken’ here

‘If Only I Were Enough’ (completed) here

‘I'll Come Back To You’ here

‘glass in the trees (objects in the rearview)’ here

‘Running Ragged’ here

‘To Love and Be Loved’ here

‘all that looking down’ here

‘next best thing’, keep telling me that it gets better (does it ever?)’ and ‘no matter when and where, we’ll be alright’ here

‘Can Nobody Hear Me (I cannot breathe)’, ‘I remeber tears streaming down your face (for me to wipe them away)’, ‘you crawled inside my head’, ‘living leaves so many holes in us’, ‘Ciggarette Smoke Cure’, ‘Breathless’, ‘i've done my time’ and ‘cats and close calls’ here

‘The Highs and Lows of Pre-med Majors' here (Aaron)

‘Hold My Hand?’ here

‘Echo’ here 

I’m More Than This Body of Mine by yall_send_help [Rated M, 88811 words, incomplete, last updated Jan 2024]

The doctor took a pause, which Nathaniel was able to use to ask, “what about my leg?” The two pigs had the audacity to look surprised. The doctor looked over at them with a hint of confusion. “You didn’t tell him?” Towns shook his head as Browning said, “you told us not to.” Dr. Byrd nodded her head in approval and turned back to the bed. “Nathaniel…” she trailed off, reevaluating her words. “Would you mind if I sit?” and only after his own nod did she. “The damage done to your leg… it was unlike what most of the staff at this hospital had ever seen. The surgeons tried to save it, but…” She looked down at where his legs were and Nathaniel did too, only to feel himself pale at what he found. “The surgery took about three hours,” Dr. Byrd continued. “The only reason why it took so long was because the surgeons really did try to save your leg. They did. Amputations usually take only half that time. Eventually, Dr. McCoy called it. Because of the damage done to your leg, we couldn’t wake you up to ask. It had to go. I’m sorry.” or - the one where neil goes to baltimore and comes back missing a leg

tw: torture, tw: amputation, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: panic attacks, tw: blood, tw: animal cruelty, tw: implied/referenced drug overdose

fireproof by mostly_maudlin [Rated T, 2097 words, complete, 2024]

Andrew gets his flu shot.

Things Always Gets Worse Before They Gets Better series by Renee_Walker_09 [Rated G, 40141 words, incomplete, 3 complete works, 2024]

Part 1: Beginnings & Endings (G, 1083 words)

It's 1:30 in the morning. The Foxes are celebrating their championship win against the Ravens the only way they know how to: booze, partying, and a little bit more booze. Nothing could possibly ruin this?

tw: car accident, tw: major character injury

Part 2: You Mean Everything To Me (G, 12767 words)

There are two crashed cars. There’s blood on the floor. Lights are flashing all around. Andrew is standing in the middle of the crash site with a blanket draped across his shoulders as he stares straight at Neil, lying on the floor.

tw: car accident, tw: major character injury, tw: (temporary) major character death, tw: suicide attempt, tw: drug overdose, tw: blood, tw: self harm

Part 3: Hours, Days, Weeks (G, 26299 words)

Andrew is lying in a coma following the accident. His condition is critical. And Neil and Aaron have to find a way to cope.  Neil and Aaron’s POVs of the crash and the past 6 weeks

tw: car accident, tw: blood, tw: major character injury, tw: (temporary) major character death, tw: self harm, tw: panic attacks, tw: seizures

NB: find art for the fics by the author here as well as embedded in the fics

Even goalkeepers can’t block sickness by BlowingYourMind [Rated G, 12768 words, complete, 2024]

“Rabbit,” Andrew peered up at him with half lidded eyes, “Yes or no?” “Yes ‘Drew,” Neil clasped his hands at Andrew’s elbows, “it’s always a yes, you know that.” “No ‘s not,” Andrew weakly argued as he took hold of Neil’s chest pad, using it to leverage himself upwards. It was awkward work of walking half-delirious Andrew back to the locker room, shielding him from the crowd while keeping him on his feet, but they managed. Or Andrew becomes very sick at an away game, and Neil and the foxes take care of him.

tw: vomit

the upswing by missgivings [Not Rated, 45569 words, incomplete, last updated Jan 2024]

The next universe over, life has gone a bit easier on Andrew. He’s gainfully employed as a nurse of all things, working beside his best friend Renee, and living in relative harmony with his brother, the recently graduated Dr. Aaron Minyard. Everything’s fine. It’s fine that he hasn’t spoken to Kevin in person for three years. It’s fine if Aaron’s leaving him to marry his stupid doctor girlfriend. It’s fine until the boy with the box-dyed hair stumbles into the ER and passes out at his feet, bringing a world of secrets and trouble with him. And Neil? Neil’s looking for any port in a storm.

tw: major character injury, tw: violence, tw: implied/referenced self harm

please (don't bite) by Major_816 [Rated M, 5478 words, complete, 2024]

Genioglossus. It’s a fan-shaped muscle and forms the bulk of the inferior part of the tongue. It stretches to the hyoid bone too. ~ Neil wakes up to a bad day and it just gets worse.

tw: blood, tw: self harm, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: nightmares, tw: flashbacks, tw: vomit

Will you love me for who I am, not for who I was? by something_boring [Rated T, 1580 words, complete, 2024]

Neil is sick on New Year's eve, wakes up to the fireworks, and continues to have a panic attack about his time on the run.

tw: nightmares, tw: panic attacks, tw: implied/referenced child abuse

Your Needs, My Needs by TogeMythia [Rated T, 1073 words, complete, 2023]

‘Neil.’ He whined, his face still buried under the blankets. ‘Hrmph?’ Neil responded with a confused noise from somewhere across the bed. ‘Do you feel as shit as you sound?’ - Or Neil and Andrew wake up sick on Christmas day.

tw: vomit

To be safe by HushedStars [Rated G, 2116 words, complete, 2023]

Neil is feeling unwell. He seeks comfort from Matt. It was late at night. Neil stood in the kitchen, deep in thought but still with one ear alert for any movement of his roommates. He shifted from foot to foot, hands digging into his sore neck

tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: panic attacks

Safe with him by 1mNot4Hum4n [Not Rated, 2434 words, complete, 2023]

Neil is sick but doesn't want to admit it. He can't be sick. He can't be weak. Luckily Andrew is there to make sure his junkie is okay, and remind him that he has people around him who are willing to do anything to protect him.

'tis the season by moonix [Rated T, 5579 words, complete, 2023, locked]

Five holidays Andrew had to let Kevin take care of him and one time he got to return the favour.

i called your name ‘til the fever broke by cyanica [Rated T, 5632 words, incomplete, last updated Nov 2023]

Neil’s breath is hot and awful against Andrew’s thigh. “I can’t be sick on your birthday,” he says, like it’s that simple. “I can’t be sick on you on your birthday.” “How considerate,” Andrew’s voice is a bland murmur, and he is left watching Neil’s bloodless, wet lips, as he curls into Andrew’s lap. Neil gently pulls away after a moment, leaning back into Andrew’s hand on his neck. “Is me being sick still making you anxious?” he asks. Fever-stricken with dizzied-eyes and delirious thoughts, he knows Andrew without more than a moment beside him, a look into his eyes that makes Andrew feel undone, found. Or Neil is sick and Andrew isn’t coping well.

tw: vomit, tw: panic attacks, tw: dissociation, tw: anxiety

You Know I'm Good On My Own by sambutwithbooks [Rated G, 4568 words, complete, Aftg Then And Now 2023]

Andrew breaks his arm two games into the season and it feels a little bit like Neil’s world snaps with it. (A snapshot of Neil and Andrew between Andrew coming home from the hospital and going back home to Palmetto State.)

tw: major character injury

that's my line by sillyunicorn6154 [Rated G, 1291 words, complete, 2023]

Andrew is definitely not sick. But he is a little stubborn.

You're not fine, but you will be by karmenvi [Not Rated, 616 words, complete, 2023]

Neil is sick, so Andrew takes care of him. So it was supposed to be a sickfic, but it turned into 'Andrew stares at Neil and thinks his boyfriend is the prettiest boy in the world.' Anyway, enjoy some fluff.

I'll be okay if he's here by obsessivereader156 [Not Rated, 1673 words, complete, 2023]

“Thank you, Drew,” Neil says for the twentieth time, feeling so lucky to have someone take care of him. “Say it again and I will kill you.” “You’re just so nice to me,” Neil says a bit deliriously, “I’ve never had someone take care of me when I’m sick.”

If it means losing you, then no by LostMess_24 [Rated T, 6712 words, complete, 2023]

There was something against his hand, a pressure he knew too well, a hand that fit so perfectly against his, making Andrew’s presence known, making Neil’s entire body relax, slowing his breathing a bit. But before Neil could see the man at his side, it hit him. He was starting to feel it, all around him. Those white walls, the mattress he was in, the soft yet old sheets, the pressure on his arm. And finally, unmistakably, the regular and aggressive beeps, signs of a life that was his own. He was in a hospital bed. There’s an accident. Those idiots would do anything and everything to protect each other.

tw: major character injury, tw: car accidents

cause and effect by mistyrie [Rated M, 13107 words, complete, 2023]

"Andrew realized what he was seeing but he couldn’t comprehend it. He didn’t know how to help. There was no enemy to deal with – there was just Neil seizing on the floor and Andrew didn’t know what to do." Neil starts having seizures and Andrew tries to help.

tw: seizures (epilepsy)

how the foxes act when they're sick by @detectivebambam [tumblr, 2024]

headcanons on the foxes and illness

headcanons on Neil getting sick by @24-0z [tumblr, 2022]

Neil doesn't get sick very often, so when he finally catches the bug that had been going around campus, he's suddenly 8 years old again, sweating and trembling with fever

SICK!Neil for my soul. by @satan-in-a-v-neck [tumblr, 2021]

Neil is acting strange. Ask every fox and they'll tell you that for the past three days Neil Josten wasn't acting very Neil Josteny.

tw: vomit

illness/injuries as background event:

The Songs Around Us by doodlingstuff [Rated M, 80075 words, complete, 2022]

The mission was simple: Nathaniel would join Astral Foxes as Neil Josten and make them part of Moriyama Music. In reality, Neil became real, found a home, and fell in love despite his lies. When the Moriyamas send the Butcher to remind Neil of his mission and Andrew's life ends on the line, Neil will have to find a way to escape his fate and bring Andrew back. As he gets closer to losing the man he loves the most, Neil will realize that sometimes, music is the only answer, and others, truth is the only weapon he can use. Another Band!AU. This time extra angsty.

tw: torture, tw: car accident, tw: major character injury, tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: panic attacks, tw: violence

NB: find art for this fic by @doodlingstuff here

[loquaciousquark]

My dog is getting old. This has happened to everyone in the history of the world who has ever loved a dog.

It's my turn, horologically speaking, to watch age catch up to him. I keep trying on the grief to see how it fits. Today I'm more sanguine; today I'm remembering the good days and the good years. The lump in the throat still hurts.

It's hard for him to stand up now on the bad days. Especially in the evenings, especially when a few hours ago he'd flung himself wall to wall with joy when I got home from work; and especially first thing in the morning when he wakes stiff as a board in the hips. On the good days he can still take the four stairs up to the living room in one light-speed jump when he's on a tear, though he trusts the kitchen linoleum much less than he used to. Today's a bad day. Yesterday was worse.

There's a faint discolored patch on my quilt where he sleeps. Right side, foot. It took half a decade to show up, and every few months I give it an extra soak in a bleach-filled bathtub. It still never really goes away; besides, he puts it right back on. Not tonight, though. Tonight he sleeps in the front room, because the stairs up to me are too hard. He watched me go up tonight without him and his tail drooped so low it touched the floor. He's only been mine eight of his eleven years, but I was there when he came home the first time, when he was exactly eight weeks old. I held him up in one hand like a waiter's tray and it was easy. He's ninety pounds now and I can't help him much at all.

German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia. Half-breed, half-hipped, I'd hoped, but on the bad nights he struggles to get up on those back legs like he's heaving ballast off a sinking ship. The husky part of him just seems to make him shed and yell, especially when I'm late getting home. I'd hoped for a little more time from the mix, maybe. But maybe not.

He's finally gotten used to fireworks. Thunder's mostly all right now, unless it's very bad. The washing machine is a new terror; sometimes I forget until it goes into the spin cycle and he lifts my legs off the ground trying to crawl under me. He eats books when he's anxious, when I've committed the temerarious crime of coming home and leaving again in the same day. Cold Mountain is nothing more than shredded cardboard and a few strung-together chapters, a sacrificial lamb to preserve Catherine, Called Birdy and Holes. The Private Patient died years ago.

He didn't want to come indoors tonight. The dryer was going, almost as bad as the washing machine, and there were stairs between him and bed. He let me coax him in at last, because I can't lift him and can't push him, and he made it clear that when he stiff-leg trotted inside he did so because he loved me, not because he wanted to. I sat with him while he found an acceptable patch of rug in the front room; I cooed and petted him and gave him a treat he didn't earn. He still whined when I left and looked like he wanted to get up, but didn't think he could make it.

He's getting old; it's his turn. His muzzle is turning white and his eyes have gone cloudy with cataracts. 2+ nuclear sclerosis, maybe -- probably all a little blurry, that's all. No PSCs, no cortical spoking; central vision's honestly probably fine. The vet keeps saying dogs adapt well. He can certainly see the stray cat who keeps lurking on my front porch. I'd like them to be friends, but a week ago he got out and chased her off like a bullet from a gun. His hips were good that day, and adrenaline covers a multitude of sins.

I have a picture of the first time we took him to get a Christmas tree. He's sitting and looking up and his head isn't even high to my knee. I remember watching him tear around the dog park lap after lap after lap, the single mixed greyhound out of fifteen or twenty dogs the only one who could keep up with him. I have pictures of him at the end of nearly every lecture I give; lately I've been tripping over them like rocks, stony little griefs worked loose from a streambed when the water moves too fast.

I'm thirty-five years old. I keep thinking that every dog who was alive on the planet when I was born is dead. Most are long dead. My dog has meds to help, which is comforting. I have a vet who will help me put him to sleep in my home, his home, when the time comes. Two to four years, she guesses, maybe, if he doesn't get cancer. When I watch him struggle to stand up I wonder if that's not too long for kindness.

It's a very human thing to miss someone before they die. Dogs don't do that. They live in an endless now, like a kid in a yellow summer. Now, I love you. Now, it hurts -- now it stops. Now, I love you.

I want that for us for what's left, for whatever one two three four years we have. When it happens, I want him to die in no pain, looking at me holding him where all his toys are, his favorite rope, his purple pig, his leash, his tennis balls. I want him thinking nothing but Now, I'm tired; now, I'm happy.

The empty place at the foot of the bed hurts tonight. The grief stings and bites, worse because I know I'm borrowing it ahead of time, because he's asleep fifteen feet below me, warm and full, even if tonight's a bad night and the stairs are too hard. I have to sit in it, though, just for a few minutes. Try it on for size. It's his turn, I keep thinking, and mine. Everyone who has ever loved a dog has done this before me. Now, I love you. Now, I miss you. Now, it hurts.

[doumadono]

Synopsis: ever since Charlie allowed Urogi to stay under her roof, her days have been anything but calm. Despite Urogi's demonic nature, he often behaves like an unruly child, proving to be quite a handful

A/N: this story was commissioned by @fallstreakfeathers on my Ko-fi page. Thank you once again for trusting me with your request ♥

DEMON SLAYER KO-FI COMMISSIONS

The early predawn mist draped itself like a translucent veil over the Kanda Estate, its tendrils weaving through the meticulously landscaped gardens and enveloping the ancient cherry blossom trees in a ghostly embrace. Soft hues of pink and orange began to streak across the sky, heralding the imminent arrival of the sun.

Amidst this serene backdrop, the delicate cherry blossoms danced in the gentle breeze, their petals shimmering with dewdrops like scattered pearls upon the verdant grass. Each blossom seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting in anticipation for the first light of dawn to caress its delicate petals. The fragrance of spring blossoms hung heavy in the air, mingling with the earthy scent of damp soil and the faint hint of cedar from the nearby forest.

The faint chirping of awakening birds added a musical backdrop to the tranquil scene, while the distant murmur of a nearby stream lent a soothing rhythm to the stillness of the morning.

The first light of dawn barely broke the horizon when Charlotte was jolted awake by a persistent cracking sound. Groggily, she opened her eyes, the room still shrouded in dimness. She could tell it wasn't yet morning, though the dim light hinted that dawn was not far off. 

With a resigned sigh, Charlotte reluctantly threw off the warmth of her covers and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. The cold chill of the room prickled against her skin, sending shivers down her spine as she fumbled for her robe. Wrapping it snugly around herself, she steadied her resolve and set out into the dimly lit corridors of the Kanda Estate, her steps cautious and deliberate.

Each footfall echoed softly against the polished marble floors, the only sound accompanying her solitary journey through the silent halls. Her mind buzzed with a mixture of irritation and curiosity, fueled by the mystery of the persistent cracking noise that had shattered the tranquility of her morning.

As she emerged from the grandeur of the estate's interior, the crisp morning air greeted her with a sharp bite, the chill seeping through her robe and prickling at her exposed skin. Undeterred, Charlotte pressed on, her determination unwavering as she circled the perimeter of the sprawling estate.

The cracking sound grew louder with each step, a rhythmic cadence that led her with unwavering precision to a familiar spot beneath her window. As she rounded the final corner, the sight that greeted her was both frustratingly predictable and oddly mesmerizing.

Urogi, the demon whose presence had been a constant source of chaos and tension in the girl’s life, was perched in the cherry blossom tree. His claws snapped branches with determined vigor as he bobbed on the branch, sending a cascade of delicate petals tumbling to the ground below, transforming the footpath into a swirling river of pink and white. With the boundless frenetic energy of a cat seized by a sudden burst of zoomies, he continued to frolic and cavort with wild abandon, embodying the purest manifestation of joy. When he noticed her approach, he swung down from a branch, hanging upside down and flashing a wide, toothy smile that showcased his fangs as his dark hair dangled scruffily, tangling around his sharp horns.

Charlie put her hands on her hips, tilting her head and sighing deeply. "Oi, seriously? What do you think you're doing at this early hour? People want to sleep."

"Hello, little demon killer," Urogi's voice was a mocking sing-song as he ruffled his wings a little, sending another shower of petals fluttering to the ground.

Charlie rolled her eyes, trying to suppress the irritation bubbling inside her. "This is your idea of fun, isn't it? Destroying my tree and waking everyone up? 

Urogi's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I’m just enjoying the morning," he replied, his voice a blend of amusement and mock innocence. He flapped his wings slightly. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Charlie fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Beautiful would be a quiet morning where I can sleep without being woken up by your chaos."

Urogi's grin widened, and he flipped himself upright, landing gracefully on a lower branch. "Oh, come on, Charlie. It's just a bit of early morning exercise. You should try it sometime. Loosens the muscles, gets the blood flowing, of course if you still have a beating heart."

Charlie folded her arms across her chest. "And what about the tree? It looks like it's been through a storm!"

Urogi glanced up at the damaged branches, then back at her, shrugging nonchalantly. "Nature is resilient. It'll grow back. Besides, I thought you'd appreciate the aesthetic. Look at all these petals! It's like a scene from a romantic play."

Charlie sighed again, feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement. "You're incorrigible. Do you ever think about anyone other than yourself?"

Urogi's eyes sparkled mischievously. "All the time. I think about you, for instance. How you're always so serious, so tense. You need to lighten up, Charlie. Life's too short, khe-khe!”

"Life's too short because of demons like you," Charlie retorted, though there was no real malice in her voice. She was too tired for that. "Get down from there, now. It’s nearly dawning.”

Urogi swung down with effortless grace, landing in front of her. He spread his wings wide, as if to emphasize his point. "There, happy now?"

Charlie eyed him critically. "I'll be happy when you stop causing trouble."

Urogi shrugged, his wings folding neatly behind him. "Trouble is my middle name."

"I don't doubt that," Charlie replied dryly. She glanced at the mess of petals covering the footpath. "Now, are you going to help me clean this up?"

Urogi's expression turned comically horrified. "Clean up? Me? Surely you jest, little demon killer."

"I'm not jesting," Charlie said, crossing her arms. "If you make a mess, you help clean it up. That's the rule."

Urogi sighed dramatically. "I wish I could help you, but since it's nearly morning, I need to get to my hiding spot. You'd miss me if I burned up in the sun rays, wouldn't ya?"

Charlie rolled her eyes, exasperation evident in her tone. "Yeah, you better get out of my sight before I'm tempted to do more than just threaten your bird brain."

Unable to resist one last playful jab, Urogi couldn't help but reach out with his clawed hand, running it teasingly along the crook of Charlie's neck. 

She recoiled with a hiss, shooting him a sharp glare. "Oi, don't test my patience anymore today, Urogi," she warned, her tone firm and no-nonsense. 

Urogi chuckled softly, a knowing smirk dancing across his lips as he backed away, heading inside the building at a leisurely pace.

With a deep sigh, Charlie turned her attention back to her duties. She went about her daily routine, focusing on her training and the numerous tasks that needed her attention. 

The sun had just dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky bathed in soft hues of pink and violet. Charlie stepped out of the estate, craving the solitude of the garden to clear her mind and breathe in the evening air. The tranquility of the twilight hour was something she cherished, a brief respite from the constant tension that had settled over her life since Urogi's arrival.

As she walked through the garden, her thoughts scattered and restless, she heard a faint splashing sound coming from the direction of the koi pond. Her heart sank, a familiar feeling of dread curling in her chest. Quickening her pace, she rounded the corner and came upon a scene that made her blood boil.

There, sitting at the edge of the pond, was Urogi. He sat crouched, his eyes intent on the water, a sharp-toothed grin spreading across his face. His clawed fingers played idly with the surface, sending ripples through the pond as he tried to catch one of her precious koi. 

The fish darted frantically, their bright colors flashing in the dim light.

"Urogi!" Charlie's voice was sharp, cutting through the serene evening. She marched over, anger bubbling up inside her. "What do you think you're doing?"

Urogi glanced up, his grin widening. "Oh, hello, little demon killer," he said, his tone light. "Just thought I'd catch myself a snack."

Charlie approached, her anger barely contained. "Those koi are not for eating, Urogi! They're part of this estate, part of my home!"

Urogi sighed dramatically, withdrawing his hand from the water. "You humans and your attachments to such fragile things," he said with a mock pout. "I was just having a bit of fun."

"Fun?" Charlie snapped. "Your idea of fun is causing chaos and destruction! Do you have any idea how much these fish mean to me?"

Urogi's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. "More than I do, I suppose," he said softly, almost to himself. "Besides, a demon's got to eat."

Charlie clenched her fists, trying to keep her temper in check. "There are boundaries, Urogi. Respect them."

Urogi laughed, a dark, bitter sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Boundaries?" he sneered, his eyes gleaming with an almost feral light. "I'm a demon, little one. Boundaries are for humans. They're meaningless to me. You think I care about your human rules and limitations?"

Charlie glared at him, her frustration mingling with a reluctant acknowledgment. "Get away from the pond," she ordered, her voice steely. "Now."

Urogi's eyes locked onto hers and for a moment, the tension was palpable, a standoff between two opposing forces. He held her gaze for a beat longer before he sighed theatrically, his wings rustling in mock exasperation. "Alright, alright," he said, his tone dripping with sarcastic compliance. "No need to get all worked up, little demon killer."

With a fluid, almost lazy movement, Urogi stepped away from the edge of the pond. He spread his wings slightly, casting an elongated shadow over the water as he moved. 

The koi, sensing the reduction in threat, began to swim more freely, their colorful forms shimmering under the fading twilight.

"See? I'm moving off," Urogi said, his voice tinged with that ever-present dark humor. "Happy now?"

Charlie didn't relax her stance, but she allowed a small sigh of relief to escape her. "It's a start," she replied, her eyes still locked onto his, wary but resolute.

Urogi perched himself on a low branch of a nearby tree, his claws digging into the bark with a casual ease. He watched her, his expression a mix of curiosity and bemusement. "You know, you fascinate me, Charlie," he mused, his tone softer but still edged with that dangerous charm. "So determined, so fierce. You're like a spark in the darkness."

Charlie frowned, not entirely sure how to take his words. "I just want to protect what matters," she said firmly. "If that means standing up to you, then so be it."

He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered her. "You think you can protect everything, but some things are beyond saving. Some battles can't be won."

"Maybe," she conceded, her voice steady. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying."

Urogi chuckled, a low, almost affectionate sound. "You're a stubborn one. I like that, khe-khe! Just remember, not everything is as it seems. Sometimes, the lines between right and wrong, light and dark, blur."

Charlie didn't respond immediately, letting his words hang in the air. She knew there was truth in what he said, but she also knew that giving in to his chaotic nature wasn't an option. She had to find a balance, a way to coexist without losing herself in the process.

Urogi had grown accustomed to the shadowy depths of the Kanda Estate’s basement, his daily refuge from the lethal sunlight that threatened his existence. The subterranean gloom provided not only protection but a sort of respite, a place where he could indulge in the solitude his nature sometimes craved. During the day, the cool, dark basement was his sanctuary, a stark contrast to the vibrant life above that moved under the sun — an element as deadly to him as any weapon wielded by demon slayers.

As night fell and the world outside the basement walls transitioned into darkness, Urogi emerged from his hiding. The night was his realm, where he could stretch his wings and revel in his demonic nature without the constraints of daylight. Often, he disappeared for the entire night, venturing into the shadows beyond the estate. 

Charlie knew that these nocturnal escapades were likely rendezvous with his other demonic counterparts. The thought of what they might be plotting always gnawed at her, but as long as Urogi's actions posed no immediate threat, she found herself begrudgingly accepting his absences. 

Charlie, despite being human, had developed her ways to keep tabs on Urogi. Her time with the demon had honed her instincts and her understanding of his behavior, enabling her to predict when he might be planning something more sinister than usual. She had also enlisted the help of a few trusted individuals who could observe his movements when he ventured beyond the estate. This network, though rudimentary, was effective enough to give her peace of mind, ensuring that Urogi's activities were monitored without exposing her hand.

Urogi’s birdlike behaviors often lent an air of unpredictable whimsy to his interactions with Charlotte, though they were just as likely to cause exasperation as amusement. 

On a particularly warm evening, Charlotte was in the garden, tending to the meticulously cultivated rows of herbs that had begun to thrive under her careful attention. The peace of this routine was something she cherished — a moment of calm.

True to form, Urogi made his appearance with a dramatic flair, swooping down from the sky with the grace of a raptor and the noise of a particularly rowdy magpie. His landing scattered leaves and dirt across the neatly tended garden, causing Charlotte to jump back, her hands thrown up in a mix of defense and frustration.

“Must you always make an entrance like that?” Charlotte chided, brushing dirt off her sleeves as she glared at Urogi, who was now perched comfortably on the garden fence like a large, mischievous crow.

“It’s in my nature, Charlotte. I see an opportunity for a grand entrance, and I take it, khe-khe!” Urogi replied, his voice filled with mirth. His yellow eyes twinkled with amusement, clearly enjoying the reaction he’d elicited.

Charlotte sighed, turning back to her herbs. “One of these days, you’re going to break something — either the fence or your neck.”

Urogi chuckled, his wings ruffling slightly. “Worry not, my little demon killer. I am remarkably resilient.” He watched her for a moment, his head tilting curiously to the side, much like a bird studying something interesting. As Urogi sat perched on the fence, his chuckle still echoing through the garden, the wood beneath him gave an ominous creak. Before he could react, there was a sharp crack, and the section of the fence buckled under his weight. With an ungraceful flail of his wings, which only served to scatter more leaves and dirt, Urogi tumbled backwards, landing with a thud and a groan on the soft earth.

Charlotte gasped, her initial concern quickly morphing into exasperation. "Told you!" she exclaimed, rushing over to where Urogi lay sprawled, looking more ruffled than injured. "For fuck's sake! Now I'll have to repair the fence!"

Urogi, still lying on the ground, looked up at her with a sheepish grin, showing his fangs to her, his wings awkwardly splayed out around him. "Well, khe-khe, shit happens, as you tend to say," he quipped, trying to lighten the mood despite the throbbing pain in his backside.

Charlotte rolled her eyes, offering him a hand to help him up. "You're impossible," she muttered, pulling him to his feet with more force than necessary. 

Urogi winced but maintained his grin, brushing dirt and debris off himself.

"Come on, help me prop this back up, at least temporarily," Charlotte instructed, her tone brooking no argument. "And after that, you're helping me fix it properly."

"Ah, to be at the mercy of your demands," Urogi sighed theatrically, but he moved to assist her without further complaint. 

Together, they managed to lift the broken section of the fence and secure it with some old twine Charlotte had in her tool shed. It was a temporary fix, but it would hold until they could mend it properly.

"Only you could turn a simple evening in the garden into a nightmare, Urogi," she said, her tone stern as she let out a sigh.

As she resumed her gardening, Urogi moved closer to inspect her work with keen interest. His movements were sharp and quick, his gaze darting around with avian quickness that missed nothing. “Why do humans fuss over plants so much? You spend hours tending to them, talking to them, nurturing them...” Urogi mused, reaching out to gently touch a leaf, his clawed finger surprisingly delicate.

“They bring peace, something you might try learning about,” Charlotte retorted, trying to stay in a positive mood.

Soon, a less pleasant sensation took hold. 

Charlotte became acutely aware of Urogi’s natural odor that sometimes was stronger, a scent reminiscent of decay and shadow, something inherently part of his demonic essence. It was a constant reminder of what he was, and it made her nose wrinkle in displeasure. “Is there a way you could smell less like death?” she asked, half-joking, half-serious, as she took a subtle step back to fresher air.

Urogi looked genuinely perplexed, his brow furrowing. “Is it really that unpleasant?”

“To a human nose, yes. Very much so.”

“Hmm.” Urogi considered this information, his expression thoughtful. “I suppose I could try bathing more frequently in the pond. Would that help?”

Charlie's eyebrows shot up in alarm at Urogi's suggestion, her mind racing with images of her cherished koi carps floating belly-up, victims of his demonic, stinky presence in their peaceful waters. She held up her hands in a halting gesture, shaking her head emphatically. "No, no, that's definitely not an option," Charlie insisted, her tone brooking no argument. "The last thing my koi need is a demon soaking in their pond. They'd probably die of shock!"

Urogi's expression shifted from contemplative to slightly amused, clearly intrigued by her vehement response. "That bad, huh?" he mused, his voice tinged with humor. “I mean, I wouldn’t mind if one or two died. At least I’d be able to enjoy their meat.”

"Yes, that bad," Charlie confirmed sternly. "If you really need to bathe — and please do — use the river. It's bigger, it can handle whatever residues you leave behind."

Urogi looked mildly offended for a moment but then chuckled, nodding in acquiescence. "Very well, the river it is. I wouldn't want to commit koi-cide after all because you would be angry then, sweet demon killer," he quipped, a smirk playing across his lips.

Charlie couldn't help but roll her eyes, though a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of her mouth at his dreadful pun. "Just make sure you actually wash, not just float around scaring the fish and birds," she added, turning to walk back to the house, confident that her point had been made.

It was these moments, these exchanges, that slowly and unexpectedly knitted their lives together, weaving a tapestry rich with complexity and contradiction. 

As twilight descended upon the Kanda Estate, the sky painted itself in strokes of deep purple and fiery orange, fading into the tranquil darkness of early night. The air held a crispness that whispered of the approaching autumn, urging Charlie to don a thicker jacket before stepping outside. She had decided to clear the garden of accumulated debris, a mundane but necessary task, which included burning old tree branches that had fallen during recent storms.

The bonfire crackled and hissed in the heart of the garden, casting a warm, inviting glow that flickered across Charlie's face as she tossed another branch onto the fire. The flames leapt eagerly, consuming the wood with a ravenous energy that mirrored her own need for clearing and renewal. The light pushed back the encroaching darkness, creating a small island of illumination amid the shadowy expanse of the estate.

It was here, by the fire, that Urogi found her. His approach was silent, almost ghostly, as he emerged from the shadows like a creature born from the night itself. His presence was always startling, no matter how much Charlie braced herself for these encounters.

“Evening, Charlie,” Urogi greeted, his voice smooth and tinged with an amusement that seemed to draw from the flickering shadows around them. “What’s with the pyre? Sending signals to the beyond?”

Charlie rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips despite herself. “Just cleaning up. Fire’s good for that.”

Urogi hummed in agreement, coming to stand beside her. His gaze lingered on her profile, appreciating the way the firelight illuminated her features. “Fire is transformative,” he mused aloud. “It destroys, but also purifies. Perhaps I’m not so different from these flames.”

“Except fire doesn’t choose what it burns,” Charlie quipped, finally looking at him. The proximity startled her slightly, his dark form blending into the night, yet distinctly outlined by the fire’s glow.

A smirk tugged at the corners of Urogi’s lips. “Ah, but imagine if it could. Imagine the choices it would make.” His clawed, cold finger gently lifted a strand of her hair that had strayed too close to the heat of the fire, tucking it safely behind her ear. 

The touch was unexpected, and Charlie felt a shiver that had nothing to do with the night air. 

His fingers lingered just a moment too long, tracing the line of her jaw with a tenderness that belied his usual demeanor. 

Urogi crouched beside her, his wings folding neatly behind him, looking less like appendages and more like shadows stitched to his back. “You’re always so busy, Charlie. Always moving, doing... It’s exhausting just watching you.”

“And yet you never seem to help,” she quipped, throwing another branch onto the fire, sparks swirling up into the night.

Urogi chuckled, a sound that seemed too warm for someone so cold. “Wouldn’t want to deprive you of your fun. Besides, I have my ways of assisting.” His gaze flicked to the side, towards the darker parts of the garden, a playful mystery in his eyes.

Charlie shook her head, feeling the tension that always accompanied his presence ebb slightly with their easy banter. “Your help usually ends up with more work for me.”

“Ah, but life would be so dull without a little chaos,” Urogi remarked, watching the fire reflect in her eyes. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Admit it, you enjoy the unpredictability I bring.”

She met his gaze, the fire’s glow softening the harsh lines of her face. “Maybe. Sometimes,” she conceded, her voice softer than she intended.

Urogi’s smile widened, and he reached out slowly, deliberately, plucking a small, singed leaf from her hair. His touch was light, almost tender, a stark contrast to the chaos he embodied. “See? Not all destruction is bad. Sometimes, it clears the way for something interesting.”

Charlie watched him, her initial impulse to pull away subdued by the curious coldness in his touch. “You’re not as destructive as you think you are.”

Urogi’s laughter mingled with the crackling of the fire. “Oh, I can be,” he assured her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “But tonight, I’m just here to enjoy the fire with you. Unless you’d rather I disappear into the night?”

“Stay,” she found herself saying quicker than she’d anticipated. “The fire’s nicer with company.”

"You know, when I first arrived here, when you let me stay, I never thought we'd sit like this, without you trying to banish me or worse," Urogi mused, his voice low and tinged with genuine curiosity. He picked up a stick, idly poking at the fire, sending a cascade of sparks into the air like a miniature firework show.

Charlie watched the sparks fade into the night, her thoughts wandering. "I didn't think so either," she admitted, her tone reflective. "You were a lot to handle for me. Not only because you’re a demon, but because of your personality."

"Was?" Urogi quipped with a raised eyebrow, turning to face her. "Am I less so now, or have you just become more tolerant of my delightful eccentricities?"

A laugh escaped Charlie before she could stop it, echoing softly in the space between them. "Maybe a bit of both. You're still a handful, Urogi, but perhaps I've grown accustomed to your delightful eccentricities, as you put it."

Urogi's eyes lit up with delight at her words. "Ah, so you admit that I am delightful," he teased, leaning in closer so that the shadows cast by the fire danced across his sharp features. "Tell me, Charlotte, what part of my delightful self do you find most endearing?"

She glanced at him, taking in the yellow glow of his eyes, and felt a strange sense of comfort. "Your unpredictability," she finally said. "It used to frighten me, and it still does sometimes. But it's also refreshing. Life here was very predictable before you crashed into it."

Urogi's sharp chuckle cut through the air. "Then I shall strive to be the perfect storm in your calm seas, Charlotte. Just enough to invigorate, not enough to destroy."

The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard, and for a moment, she saw him not just as a demon but as a being capable of understanding, perhaps even caring. "I'd like that," she whispered, more to herself than to him.

Urogi leaned back, giving her space yet staying close enough. "As would I." His gaze turned back to the fire, watching the flames dance and flicker. "You know, I often think about what would happen if I were to leave one day, to return to my world for good. It would be hard to coexist with my other counterparts again.”

The idea struck a chord within Charlie, a twinge of something like fear — or was it sadness? She realized, with some surprise, that the thought of him leaving filled her with an unexpected sense of loss. "I can't imagine what it would be like here without you," she confessed, her voice barely audible over the crackling of the fire. "You've become a part of this place. A part of my day. It would be quieter, certainly less chaotic. But emptier, too."

Urogi turned his head to look at her, his expression unreadable in the firelight. "Then it is fortunate for both of us that I have no immediate plans to leave, Charlie, khe-khe. Where else would I find such charming company and a fire so warm?"

As they sat there, the barriers between demon and human, chaos and calm, seemed to blur, melding into something that was not quite friendship but something uniquely their own. 

Charlie found herself smiling, genuinely and without reservation, enjoying the moment and the company of the demon beside her.

[burning-academia-if]

Very important question: What kind of houses do the RO's build in Minecraft?

Rook: He's split between 'fuck a house I yearn for the mines' and also being one of those insane people you see on tiktok/youtube who can recreate entire cities. He's probably wasted so much time making ridiculous projects, and he's probably had a week where he just sat down and hyper focused on making a giant castle or something.

Beck: The exact opposite of Rook what is architecture LMAO makes a basic rectangle house with a bed and chests and calls it a day. He might throw a sign over the door or a painting inside.

Rhea: Probably something really cute and cottage core esque. Lots of plant/flower blocks everywhere and she makes a little fountain in front of her house. It isn't anything super fancy, but it feels comfy.

Zoe: Makes something underground or into the side of a cliff. They'd probably scout out different locations and choosing the one that looks the prettiest without needing too much terraforming. Uses a lot of terracotta and stained glass for the walls and flooring. Makes sure to get a cat or two.

Lars: Also makes a basic house. Not because he can't do something better but because he just doesn't care. Going into one of his worlds would be wild actually because he's like "that's my house and there's whatever else I felt like making" and you go from basic house to a bunch of solid and competent projects.

???: They have no idea what they're doing in minecraft. You're going to have to teach them how to even use the basic controls. In a world where they have played video games before, I think they'd make a tree house, preferably in a giant mushroom tree, with a giant farm below.

[hypnoneghoul]

Christmas Ghouls 10/10

WC: 1015

Relationship: Phantom & Rain

Tags: Fluff, gift giving

Notes: For Kenna @urmomghoul <3

Read under the cut or on AO3.

Rain yawned as he padded, half-asleep, into the common room. He was heading for the kitchen, in a desperate need of a cup of coffee. Something caught his eye, though, from one of the couches in front of the TV. “Phantom?”

“Wh– wha’?” the ghoul in question mumbled from where he was drooling onto the couch cushions. “Rainy…”

“What on earth are you doing? Did you sleep here?” The water ghoul plopped down next to Phantom and watched as he stretched with a purr, not unlike a cat. He’s really been spending too much time with Dewdrop.

“Mhm… yeah… but no…”

“What do you mean ‘yeah but no’?” Rain chuckled.

“I fell asleep in bed–” Phantom started explaining, but got interrupted by a yawn, “and then came here in the middle of the night.”

“For…?”

“I dunno. I know there was a reason but I don’t remember now,” the young ghoul giggled, running a hand through his legendary bedhead. Rain shook his head, laughing too. “Wait… isn’t it Christmas?”

“Yeah,” Rain told him. “It is.”

Phantom shot up at that. He was excited for Christmas—nearly as much as for Halloween—since he found out it existed. He definitely didn’t forget, but sleepiness always sent that ghoul into space.

“Finally!” the quintessence ghoul cheered. “Rainy, can I give you your present!?”

“Uhm… sure? If you want.” As soon as the words left Rain’s mouth Phantom was off the couch and kneeling by their Christmas tree. It wasn’t anything huge and the decorations weren’t very… Christmas themed—mostly thanks to Dew and Swiss—but it was theirs, and all the ghoul’s absolutely loved and cherished it. No one cared they were, quite literally, demons from hell, servants of Lucifer himself. Christmas was fun, they had their own traditions and it was a beautiful time for them.

Phantom fished out a gift bag that was signed ‘For Rainy <3’, in his crooked handwriting, from under the tree and returned to the couch. The water ghoul yawned again and accepted he wouldn’t get his coffee that morning, at least anytime soon.

“Merry Christmas, Rainy!” Phantom shoved the bag into his hands and waited expectantly with a grin and bright eyes. Rain looked inside before pulling out a little box. He looked it over with a smile, it was– “I immediately thought of you when I saw it on the line.”

“Online, baby bat,” Rain giggled.

“Yeah, that’s what I said.” The quintessence ghoul shrugged. “I thought you’d like it so I got it for you! Do you like it?”

“I do! It looks awesome, I can’t wait to test it out.” It was a little portable projector that was supposed to make ceilings look like flowing water, making the room look like it was underwater. Rain really did like it, he was considering getting it himself for a few months now. His smile didn’t falter when he pulled Phantom into a hug, the younger ghoul trilling happily as he nuzzled into the other’s neck. “Thank you very much, baby bat. I love it. I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he purred, wrapping his arms around Rain’s waist. A few moments passed and Rain really thought Phantom fell back asleep hanging off of him. He even tried to maneuver them both to lay down on the couch properly, but that’s when the ghoul stirred, and Rain got a different idea.

“What about I get you your present too?” he proposed. “And then I get my coffee and hot chocolate for you. With the cream and marshmallows.”

“I… I’d like that… if I can,” Phantom muttered.

“Of course you can! Let me grab the gift.” It was Rain’s turn to dive under the tree, hunting for the right box. Once he got it, he dropped it onto Phantom’s lap and winked encouragingly. The quintessence ghoul trilled excitedly and began unwrapping his gift. The colorful paper wrap ended up all over the floor and Phantom finally got to the highlight.

“Puzzles! I love puzzles,” he beamed, looking up at Rain with a grin impossibly wider than before.

“I know you do, baby bat. But those are not regular puzzles. Open them and look at the card.” Phantom obliged, lifting the top of the box and picking up the loose card.

“Woah… it’s us!” It was; Rain chose a few pictures of him and Phantom to create a collage he later put onto the custom ordered five-thousand-pieces custom puzzles.

“It is,” Rain said. “I know you like puzzles and pictures, so I thought it would be a nice thing for you. You can frame them once you put them together. What do you think?”

“Rainy, I love it! Thank you so much, I love you,” Phantom threw himself at the water ghoul, pushing him into the back of the couch and squeezing him in a hug. “We can build them together!”

“Of course, if you’d like. Merry Christmas, baby bat.”

“Merry Christmas, Rainy,” Phantom repeated, and nuzzled into the other again. He kicked up a purr and it didn’t take long for Rain to join him. The water ghoul started to softly rub Phantom’s back, his eyes closing. They laid like that for something that felt both like minutes and days, basking in each other’s warmth and gentle energy of that quiet Christmas morning.

At some point Phantom stirred, tickling Rain’s cheek with his fluffy hair, “What about that coffee?”

Rain groaned and tightened his hold on the quintessence ghoul, trapping him, “Later, baby bat. Later.”

“You know I’m not gonna complain, I like cuddles,” Phantom giggled, snuggling into him further, “but it was you who desperately wanted that coffee and I know how you–”

“Phantom, please,” Rain yawned. Again. “Let’s just rest.”

“Okay, okay…”

Later, when the rest of the ghouls began piling into the common room, Rain and Phantom were still cuddled up together on that couch. They took a picture, or a few, and made a cup of coffee and hot chocolate—with cream and marshmallows—and waited for the smell to wake the two sleepy ghouls up and celebrate Christmas together.

[eddiemunsons-missingnipple]

Who's there?

Part 2

Pairing: Eddie munson x fem!reader

Summary: Eddie takes you on a mini vacation to a cabin in the middle of the woods. Where the two of you can enjoy your time alone together and try something new.

Warnings: kinda dark, knife play (no actual cutting involved), unprotected sex, role-playing, everything here is consensual. Established relationship. Cat & mouse. Breeding kink? Pussy slapping, Restraints CNC DUBCON

Today was the day you and Eddie would be heading out to the little cabin you both rented for two weeks. Two amazing long weeks of just the two of you being alone together. You never really got much alone time with work and family, friends taking up most of your time. When you and Eddie did get alone time, you usually had to keep quiet while he fucked you with his hand over your mouth. While Steve and Robin were in the next room arguing about who's the better Spice girl.

This time, though, you and Eddie have a house all to yourselves where you can be as loud as you like. Eddie had called you and told you to get the bags you guys had already packed ready. He would be picking you up straight right when he's getting off from work.

A few moments later, you hear his horn honk, and you run towards the van and literally jump inside of it. Eddie laughed at you when you got in the van throwing the bags in the back seat.

"Well, someone is ready to leave," He said with a laugh.

"Yes, let's go now. Please, I'm ready to get out of here." Clapping your hands in excitement.

"Don't have to tell me twice, princess," Eddie then backs out of your driveway and practically high tales it out of Hawkins.

Around 2 hours later, you pull up and drive down a long driveway surrounded by trees to an older cabin. The cabin was surrounded by greenery with a lake and peer in the back. Eddie puts his hand on your leg and shakes it, interrupting you in your daze.

"Hey, come on, help me get this stuff in so we can get settled." He leans over and kisses you.

Blushing slightly, you hop out of the passenger side and run to help grab bags, bringing them into the house. Once you're done bringing everything inside and putting it away, you take in your surroundings. The inside was nothing but wall to floor windows and shabby curtains. You can tell the owners kept up with the place since it didn't look run down at all. The windows, though, made you nervous, especially since there were so many of them. What if someone is watching you?  Shaking your head to forget that thought and ease your mind. We're surrounded by trees and nothing else. No one else is out there you reassured yourself.

Jumping slightly when you feel a pair of arms wrap around your middle. "Hey, you okay?" Eddie asked, confused. "Yeah, I'm fine, just a long ride. You lied to him. Nodding his head, he goes in for a neck kiss and squeezes you tighter to him. "Let's get started on dinner. I'm starving, " Eddie said as he let go of you walking into the kitchen. You follow him, and you both start preparing dinner. You loved cooking with Eddie, both of you dancing around and giggling together.

Once dinner was done cooking and you both sat at the dining room table eating, Eddie leaned over and whispered in your ear, "I can't wait to have you screaming later." He leaned back over and continued eating like he didn't just making your heart flutter. After dinner was done and you both cleaned up, Eddie kept true to his word. He had you laying on the edge of the bed with your thighs pressed down on your chest. He's standing in front of you pumping his hard cock at a vigorous pace inside of you.

That's how it was for almost your entire trip. Both of you laughing and giggling with one another or Eddie making you cry on his cock. He was right he would have you screaming, and no one would ever hear you. You loved being loud and not having to worry about anyone hearing you. Eddie didn't care if anyone heard you, but he knew you were shy about that stuff. With your vacation coming to a close with just a few more days left, and you really don't want to go home. You want to stay here forever with Eddie in bliss. 

Your mind keeps thinking about what you and Eddie talked about just a month ago. He had wanted to try some role-playing, but you never could get a chance alone to try it out. He even went as far as to come up with a safe word for you in case you needed it. You both decided on the word "orange" as your safe word. Now that you remember this conversation, you wonder why he hasn't even mentioned it yet.

Maybe he wasn't into it anymore, but you definitely were. The thought of having Eddie chase you around until he catches you and taking you right there and then. You press your thighs together, sitting on the couch waiting for Eddie to get out of the shower. He comes out a few more minutes later, with a towel hanging low on his hips. Making you stop breathing for a moment. He truly was so beautiful to look at with his lean abs and happy trail.

"Hey baby, I gotta into town to pick up some stuff from the store," He told you, rubbing a towel in his hair and walking back into your room.

"Okay, don't be long," you yell out to him.

You want to bring up the conversation you both had about the role play stuff, hoping he'd want to do it on your last few nights here. You figured you would talk to him about it when he comes back from the store.

After Eddie left, you were starting to get a little scared being all alone. You were surrounded by open windows and trees. Eddie had left about 10 minutes ago, and the sun has already set in that short amount of time. You try to at least close the curtains to help ease your nerves, but they won't budge. That's when the phone on the wall rings. Strange that phone hasn't rang once since you've been here. Maybe Eddie's phone died, and he's calling you to let you know he's on his way back. Picking it up, you answer with a "hello," but the other end was quiet.

Hanging up, you got to put on a movie, but the phone rings again. You pause for a moment and look around the room. You answer again with a soft "hello." Someone else on the other end finally responds.

"HI, What's a pretty thing like you doing all alone" they asked you in a deep voice.

"I'm not alone by boyfriend is here." You lie trying not to sound scared. You were hoping Eddie was just messing with you, but after hearing that voice, you know this isn't Eddie.

"Really? Tell me something. If your boyfriend is there, then where is his van at sweetie?" You hear them snicker into the other line.

Hanging up quickly, you got to lock all the doors in the cabin and wait for Eddie to get back.  the phone begins to ring again, and you pick it up and slam it back down onto the receiver. You're shaking and crying. You go to grab your phone and call Eddie, but notice it's not where you left it. Looking everywhere, you go into the master bedroom and see if maybe you left it on the charger, and no, it's not there either.

A loud bang comes from the living room, and you hesitantly go check it out. Calling Eddie's name out there is only silence. That's when you see the front door wide open, and you run quickly to lock it up again. Backing away, you hurry to go find a weapon, and that's when you see him. He's standing right in the hallway, blocking the entrance to the kitchen. He's wearing a ghostly white mask with exaggerated features and a long black cape with combat boots. You back away slowly with tears running down your face.

Trying to make a run for it, but he's faster than you. Before you can open the door, he's behind you, slamming it closed, caging you in. You fight and push him out of the way, running down the hall and looking for a place to hide. He's on your tale running after you and slams into your back, grabbing you. Thrashing violently, you manage to get out of his grip running for your life again.

Finding your bedroom, you run in and lock the door and hide under the bed. Covering your mouth with your shaking hands trying to be as quiet as you could. You hear him slamming into the door to get in but eventually gives up. You wait and wait until you don't  hear any more noise. Hoping whoever this is was is just playing a prank and left. You get out from under the bed and walk quietly to the door. You open it up gently and take a peak out of the crack. You don't see them anywhere and don't hear anyone. Where the fuck is Eddie? You think to yourself.  What if they hurt him as he was leaving?  You start to panick. Walking slowly down the hallway, you don't see him behind you. He's creeping up on you slowly until he once again grabs you.

He wraps his arms around yours so you can't thrash around. He makes his way to your bedroom and slams you down on the bed, straddling your waist. He takes a large gloved hand and holds down your wrists. With his other hand, he pulls out a buck knife and slowly drags it smoothly from your mouth to your neck.

"Please let me go, and I won't tell anyone, I swear," you crying hysterically.

He shakes his head no and puts the knife down, taking out two zip ties. He wraps them around your wrists tightly and picks his knife back up. Your eyes go wide when he brings it back to your neck and drags it down slowly to your chest. You close your eyes tightly, getting prepared for the worst he's about to do.

He brings it back up and cuts the straps to your dress. He yanks the fabric down your legs, throwing it to the floor. He notices you're not wearing a bra, and you can hear him groan at your naked tits. Nipples are coming to a peak from the cold air they are exposed to. He moves the knife down and cuts your panties off next and discarding the fabric.

You keep begging him to leave and don't do what you know he's planning on doing. "Please, my boyfriend is going to be here soon." You cry out that your voice has become horse.

His shoulders shake like he's laughing at your pathetic attempt to plead with him. He gets off the bed and removes his boots and jeans. He pulls the cape up slightly to reveal his hard thick cock to you. He gives it a few pumps before kneeling back on the bed in between your legs. He removes his gloves and plays with your clit to help get you nice and wet for him.

You bite your lip, and you try to hold in your moans. He notices and slaps your pussy hard making you cry out in pain. He starts rubbing you again and stopping to slap you hard again. He repeats this a few more times until your pussy is aching and dripping wet. He aligns himself at your entrance and thrusts himself in hard, not giving you time to adjust. Throwing his head back he's fucking you so painfully hard. Eventually, you stop trying to hold in your moans and let them out. You begin to cry harder because it's feeling so good. He's pumping into relentlessly, and the sound of your bodies slapping fill the room.

Feeling yourself getting close, and you can tell he is, too. His thrusts are becoming sloppier with ever thrust, and you begin to clench around him. He suddenly pulls out and flips you on your stomach, pulling your ass in the while he takes the side of your face and smashes into the mattress. He positions himself again at your entrance and pushes himself in harshly. He grabs your hips and pulls you back against him hard. Your makeup is now smeared onto the comforter beneath you.

"Please don't come in me, please." You beg him.

"My boyfriend is gonna be so mad if you come in me," you whine out.

You begin to push back into him involuntarily and moan out loudly again. His pace doesn't slow, and you can feel know you're getting closer to coming on his cock. The tightness in your core becomes too much. You try to move your tied wrists to play with your clit. He notices and slaps your ass hard, making you jerk forward. He brings his hand to your clit and rubs it fast. Your eyes roll into the back of your head as your orgasm takes over your body. You're moaning now is sounding more like whimpers and legs shake. He's still pumping into you and with a few more thrusts he's spilling his ropes of cum inside your pussy. He stays in you for a few more minutes

After he his breathing has calmed, he pushes you off of him roughly. He pulls out and watches his cum drip out your pussy. He takes a bit on his fingers and shoves them into your mouth, making you gag. "I told you not to come in me." You choke out.

Eddie removed his mask and laughs out at you. "Yeah, I know how your boyfriend is gonna be soooo mad at you, huh?" Making you giggle. He rolls you over softly and grabs his knife, cutting the zip ties from your wrists.

Eddie helps you sit up carefully, and he examines your body to check for any marks."Was this okay?" Did you enjoy it and have fun?" Smiling at him and nodding your head quickly.

"I loved it Eddie can we do it again sometime."

"Sure thing, princess. Was there anything specifically you didn't like, though?" He asks you while giving you soft kisses to your lips.

"Well, I didn't really like the phone calls that actually did scare me," you confess to him.

He looks at you confused and quickly changes the subject. "How about a bath, and then we can cuddle." Forgetting what you just said, you race to the bathroom together.

After your bath, you lay in bed wrapped up in Eddie's arms. "Hey, Eddie, why did you give me that look when I told you I didn't like the phone calls."

"Oh, I'm not sure why I did that. Don't worry about it, princess, get some rest." He kisses the top of your head. Both of you drifted off to sleep, but Eddie kept waking up wondering who exactly was on the phone with you.