#I'm never going to see the sun or touch grass again will I?

[pixeldiaries]

Baldur's Gate 3 playthroughs I want to complete:

Basic Tav, bard: complete

Durge, sorceror, on Redemption arc: still in act one

Neutral Good Tav, spore druid: still in act one

Monk Tav

Paladin Durge

One of the origin characters All of the origin characters

[ponderingmoonlight]

hi lovely ! you asked for kny requests and i've just finished my kny volume 22 re-read, so thats perfect timing 💙

I was wondering if you could write something with Yoriichi — (tw for potential child loss)

Maybe a hurt/comfort fic where his pregnant wife actually survives the demon attack while he's away (but maybe she gets quite badly injured and their unborn child doesn't make it, if you want to add a little extra angst to it. If not then that's totally fine, this man deserves a happy ending after all 🥺)

Of course, you're the writer — feel free to take any creative direction you'd like or ignore this request if you're not comfortable with it. Have a lovely day/night! <3

Again, I'm beyond sorry you were forced to wait for this so long! But here you go honey, let me know what you think <3

Yoriichi saving his pregnant wife and unborn child just in time

Pairing: Yoriichi x pregnant!wife!reader

Word Count: 4,2k

Synopsis: You never expected to face a demon ever again, especially not when you are about to deliver your child while your beloved husband Yoriichi is in search for a midwife. Will you and your child be alright? Will your husband make it back on time?

Warnings: injury, horror, child birth, tortue, description of death, extreme angst to fluff, last part is not proofread

Notes: Since the first Yoriichi fic I wrote, I'm so deeply in love with his character that I adore writing him so much! Since this fic took a while, I would totally appreciate your support through liking, commenting and reblogging this fic - thank's a lot babes <3

He can’t get enough from simply looking at you. You with your head in the clouds, you with your hand mindlessly roaming around the soft grass underneath, the other one caressing your heavy pregnant belly, you when you give him those surprised eyes as soon as you notice his presence.

“Oh, I wasn’t aware that you’re already here”, you say in a small panicky voice.

You didn’t expect your beloved husband back this soon. If you would have known that he’ll be here by know you would have cleaned the whole house, made him something to eat and-

“I can only imagine what is going on inside your head again.”

His soft but at the same time rough hand touches your cheek gently, the loving gleam in his fuchsia eyes making you blush in an instant. All the voices in your head stop right in their track when he’s around.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Your savior, your best friend. And most importantly, your husband and father of your future child.

“How are you feeling, love? Did you enjoy your afternoon?”, he questions, eyes wandering down your body to your swollen belly.

It was hard leaving you alone in a state like this, but he wasn’t able to resist the urgent call from last night. He might be nothing but another simple man holding a sword, but it is his responsibility to save those who are in need. What else is he able to give to this world?

His hand lands on your belly, feels the tiniest kick of his unborn child against the palm of his hand. At least he was able to create a smaller version of you. Is it a boy, a girl maybe?

“I hope our child is a reflection of you”, he finally mutters into the silence, a small but somehow sad smile forming itself on his lips.

You suddenly forget how to breathe, glossy eyes fixated on his captivating sight. Oh, oh much you hate the stinging fact that your husband thinks so negatively about himself. Why can’t he see all the heroic things he has done so far, how respected he is in the demon slayer corps? Why can’t he see that every inch of his body is flawless? Out of instinct, you let your head rest against his broad chest, breathe in his strong scent. If you could only stay like this here forever, his hand resting against your body while the sun tickles your skin-

A violent moan escapes your lips when a sharp pain runs through your stomach. A kick. A really rough kick, to be exact.

“Are you alright, love? Did something hurt you? Is it the baby?”, your husband asks feverishly, his usual neutral face garbled by worry lines on his forehead.

“Just a kick”, you press out, still fighting to regain your composure.

“I will search for a mid-wife, (y/n).”

His words make your eyes widen in an instant, a wave of fear crushing down on you. Is it really time already? You look down at your swollen belly, so big that you aren’t even able to sit down properly anymore. This has to be the ninth month of your pregnancy.

Your heart sinks. The ninth month. If the books you’ve read are accurate, it really is time.

“I can’t do this, Yoriichi.”

Thick panic runs through your veins, forces your heart almost out of your chest. You aren’t ready to deliver a child, let alone to be a mother. All the things you haven’t read yet, the things you’ve probably never heard of…What if you mess it up? Until you met Yoriichi, all you were able to do was trying to survive. Your mother never had the chance to tell you about those things, isn’t here anymore to stay by your side.

You are…on your own.

“Look at me, (y/n). I will go out and search for a mid-wife and I’ll be back at sunset, you hear me? Just stay inside the house and nothing will happen. I promise to return as early as possible.”

Fuchsia eyes that radiate through your soul immediately. An angelic voice that calms down your tingling nerves with only four sentences. Strong arms that lift you off the ground and lead you back into the warmth of your home.

But know, it’s not the wooden cabin that feels like home. Your eyes wander to the neutral expression he wears on his face, only betrayed by a worried glow in his orbs. It’s him, your beloved husband.

“Are you feeling alright, love?”

You take a deep breath in, a deep breath out. Eyes focused exclusively on him until your mind finally silences. It’s just you and him. You and your beloved husband, the man you would trust with your life without battling an eyelid, the man who made you the person you are today.

“I do”, you breathe out.

Your heartbeat tames down as well as the kicks of your unborn baby, Yoriichi’s hands keeping you from falling over.

“Promise me to lock the doors and wait in bed until I return, (y/n).”

A seriousness you only know from him when he is forced to leave at night veils his calm eyes.

“But…you will be back before the sun sinks, right?”

He gifts you a small smile, hand caressing your cheek so gently that you almost forget about the worry lines decorating his face. The truth is that the next midwife lives miles away. Even if he gets to the village as soon as possible, the sun will be about to set when he returns. Yoriichi can’t help but clench his other hand into a fist next to your stomach. The sheer thought of not making it in time, that you’ll be defenceless.

“Don’t worry, love. Rest your eyes and be assured that I’ll return as soon as possible.”

But he cannot allow himself to fail you, to leave you alone in those oh so merciless nights. He will return, no matter what it costs.

He presses a soft kiss against your forehead before grabbing his sword tightly.

This. This is his fate, his family. You are his whole life.

And he’ll do everything to protect you.

-later that evening-

You are exhausted. Over the last few hours, your body was haunted by waves of pain coming and going like the seasons. Again, you dig your nail into the wooden floor, your heavy breaths hanging in the thick air. You definitely don’t need a midwife to tell you it’s time. Yes, your baby is on its way.

And your husband didn’t return yet.

Your glossy eyes dart towards the window, witness how the sky outside turns bright red in the down-going sun. Is Yoriichi alright? You know how cruel life can be. Maybe he met a person who needed to be saved on his way, maybe the midwife is too old to rush to your side in time.

“Rest your eyes and be assured that I’ll return as soon as possible.”

Those words. Even though he’s not yet by your side, you are able to feel his powerful presence around you, how he calms down your aching heart.

“Everything will turn out alright”, you mutter to yourself while caressing your tummy.

“Everything will be alight…”

You allow your lids to rest, body relaxing for the first time since your husband left. You will get through this, you will deliver your wonderful child tonight. A tiny bundle of joy, an image of its father. Is it a boy, a girl? As long as your child is healthy, you couldn’t care less.

Carefully, you curl up on your futon, snuggle yourself into the blanket that still holds his scent. Maybe you’ll be able to catch a few hours of sleep until he finally comes back. Sleep sure does sound very appealing at the moment.

But just when your breath begins to steady, a violent scratch forces you to sit straight up. It came from outside, without a doubt. Is it an animal, is it…

Your throat gets tight immediately, glossy eyes staring at the closed window in sheer horror. The trees bend back and forth peacefully in what looks like a tender night. But that scratch, it sounded exactly like claws digging into hard wood, sent shivers down your spine immediately. You know that sound all too well, experienced what it means to get slaughtered by a demon before. Just before your whole family died violently, this was exactly what you’ve heard.

Out of instinct, you bury yourself into the corner of the room, the blanket that holds Yoriichi’s scent still pressed against your now shivering body tightly. Please, let it be nothing but a wild animal, let your husband come back home soon. Maybe this is nothing but a nightmare and you’ll wake up any given minute-

A violent pain runs through your body so suddenly that a shriek escapes your lips. Suddenly all air escapes your lungs, the way your belly cramps making you see start. No, you know exactly what this means, that this is not the right time to deliver a baby. Isn’t there anything you can do to stop this? You still need to wait for your husband, the midwife, for this gut-turning feeling to vanish. Your breath gets stuck in your throat, sharp and fast breaths hanging in the thick atmosphere.

But it doesn’t stop there. As if this wasn’t enough already, you can only stare at the door that gets opened painfully slow, claws digging into the wooden frame.

Without any doubt, this is a demon.

You press your sweaty palm against your mouth, force yourself to stop screaming, to stop breathing.

“I know you’re here, human. You smell like a…woman.”

It’s like all life is drained from the dead shell of your body, widened orbs staring at the frightful creature that makes its way into your home. Get up, fight, defend yourself like you saw Yoriichi do countless times, use the knowledge you gained from him.

But you don’t move an inch, don’t dare to look away. For a brief moment, time seems to stand still. Out of all the nights you’ve spent together with your husband, this is the first away from him, the first without his protection. Is all of this a dream, a hallucination to test your nerves?

The second the monster’s deadly red orbs meet yours, you get hit by reality. No, this isn’t a dream.

This will be your death.

“I knew you were here, lady. Let me help you up, okay?”

“N-no. Please d-don’t”, you whimper under your breath.

Your coward of a body doesn’t even fight back when he lifts you off the ground with ease, his nails digging into your soft flesh.

“Oh, you’re expecting a baby, don’t you? Well, does this count as a double kill, then?”

Your baby getting killed? If that thing ends your life, it means your unborn child will never experience dawn, will never get to see the face of its father, will never take in his scent. Your glossy eyes widen in sheer horror, tears now streaming down your face like waterfalls when a single frown form on your forehead.

You couldn’t care less about your own life. After all, you were lucky that Yoriichi saved you back then, didn’t even deserve to survive when your whole family had to die before you. But that oh so innocent child that might have the eyes of its father, the blessing of your life right after your husband. That innocent life cannot be taken.  

There is no way you will let this creature lay hands on it.

Your body reacts faster than your mind. With a surprisingly well-placed kick, you free yourself out of the monster’s casual grip. You need to get out of the house, out where you are able to find shelter, to run away. Your lungs feel like bursting any given minute, legs trembling underneath the weight of yourself and the unborn baby you still carry right under your heart. Even if it means you’ll die in vain, even if you won’t be able to see Yoriichi’s tender eyes ever again, you have to make sure your child is safe.

“I underestimated you, stupid woman. As it seems you didn’t give up on life yet”, the creature purrs what feels like right next to you.

A new nauseous wave of panic rises up your veins, makes you sprint even faster through the thick woods that surround your house. This has always been your favorite place to be. The calm trees waving back and forth in a soft breeze, your husband right by your side-

Your husband. Just the thought of never getting to see him again makes your heart ache. You didn’t even get the chance to thank him one last time, to let him know how much he truly means to you, that he’s way more than the man who saved your life back then.

He’s everything you ever wanted, everything you ever needed.

A sharp pain that radiates through your lower body sends you straight onto the ground immediately, figure cramping so violently that you can’t catch your breath. No, this is not the time labor, not when a demon is this close.

“Oh, there you are. Did you really think you can run away like that? You, a little human? You made me so man that I will kill you as painfully slow as possible.”

You try to lift your trembling figure off the ground, try to get back onto your feet, to sprint down the forest you know so well. But just when you’re about to get back onto your knees, a stinging pain in your right thigh paired with a contraction sends you straight back.

A violent scream escapes your lips.

Red. Everything around you is discoloured red. Is this your blood? Did this thing kill you already, are you going to die? Despite the way your guts start to turn when you follow the trail of blood, you can’t look away. And there it is indeed, a gaping hole in your leg, throbbing and bleeding.

All color that is left now drains from your face. With an injured leg, your chance to escape this demon’s claws is non-existent. Which means…

Your heart skips a beat, threatens to fail you any given second. What about your unborn child? A violent storm of anger and determination clouds your mind, makes all logical thoughts vanish into thin air.

“You can’t kill me”, you press out.

Since the day you first laid eyes on a demon, you accepted your own death. Your life is worthless anyway, compared to great warriors like your husband himself. But that oh so innocent child, that tiny life you were given to. You ball your hands into fists so tight your knuckles stand out white and lift your throbbing self off the ground. You cannot allow a demon to take the life of that unborn baby.

“I won’t allow you to touch me.”

You realize the stupidity of your words after they spill out of your mouth in rage. You, not allowing a demon to touch your puny figure? Another contraction makes your guts turn and vision almost go black.

As expected the frightful creature draws closer, its unpromising pair of razor-sharp teeth glittering in the dim moonlight. You never expected to see a demon this close again. Oh, how much you hoped you’d never find yourself in that situation again. But you have to get through this, have to make sure you will survive long enough for the mid wife to deliver your child to this world.

His child.

“I’m sorry Yoriichi. I never planned on leaving you alone like this”, you mumble to yourself, shaky lips tinted in salty tears.

“But this all I’m able to do.”

-Yoriichi’s POV-

Something seems off. Is it the way the trees bent back and forth in the soft breeze of the already set sun? Is it that distant smell that hangs in the air, the one that reminds him of fresh blood and lavender?

“We must make haste. I can sense that danger is ahead of us”, he speaks out with firm voice.

He promised you that he’ll be back before the sun goes down, that he will make it on time before demon are able to roam around freely. Are you feeling alright? Is the pain unbearable at this point? Do you still hold trust for him in your heart? His footsteps pick up instinctively, eyes set on the visibly stressed man behind him. In contrary to most people, Yoriichi doesn’t fear the night or the demons it brings. The only thing he fears at the moment is what you have to endure without your husband by your side.

With every he takes forward, the stinging smell of blood mixed with lavender becomes more urgent in his nose.

Lavender.

He always wondered how you did it. Even after washing, all your clothes kept that calming scent that surrounded you as if you were standing in a lavender bush. A smell so sweet that it caught his interest back then before he caught a glimpse of your fascinating orbs, a smell that always reminds him of home. Yoriichi’s home will always be where you are, where the sensation of lavender is the strongest.

Lavender, the stinging smell of blood that hangs in the air. His eyes widen when his mind starts to race. The smell, it radiates from the direction of your shared home, from the direction that usually fills him with excitement. Can it be…?

His heart starts racing uncontrollably while he dashes forward and draws his sword. Let it be nothing but coincidence, a cruel joke his thoughts play on him. But the stinging fragrance of lavender mixed with iron fills his heart with dread, makes his mind go numb. What if you got attacked by a demon, what if you are in great danger? All because he didn’t live up to his promise, because he didn’t make it on time. His eyes roam around the dark area, desperately searching for a sign.

And then his eyes find you.

Yoriichi’s heart stops.

There you lay, leaning against a nearby tree with a puddle of blood surrounding you, widened eyes starring straight into the face of a demon who hollers above you.

“No one is coming to save you, stupid girl.”

He doesn’t waste another second. With a swift motion of his sharp blade, Yoriichi beheads the demon on top of you while a toe-curling scream escapes your lips. Just one look at your sliced-up kimono reveals countless injuries, especially a gaping hole in your thigh. You hold onto your swollen belly for what looks like dear life, eyes still widened in nothing but shock.

“(y/n)”, he gently speaks out while letting himself fall down next to you.

You have to blink a few times. The demon, it was just about to dig its sharp teeth into your sensitive skin, to take the life of your unborn child in front of your eyes.

Maroon.

But those aren’t the deadly red orbs. No, those oh so gorgeous eyes look so familiar that your heart tames down in an instant. Could it really be, is it possible that it’s…him?

“Yoriichi.”

You breathe his name into the night like a prayer.

Maybe this is nothing but an illusion, a cruel trick your own brain plays on you.

“Words can’t express how sorry I am for arriving too late. I will never forgive myself for leaving you alone this long, for causing this to happen”, his oh so familiar voice blurts out.

Yoriichi’s usual so composed face twists in sheer agony, eyes filling with salty tears. All of this is his fault. He should have arrived sooner, he should have made hurry, he-

“We didn’t come this far to worry now. Please, help be delivering this child, let it all make sense”, you press out while grabbing his hand tightly.

It doesn’t matter that you’re severely injured, it doesn’t matter that your beloved husband took longer than expected to come back to you. All that matters now are you, him and your unborn child that waits to be delivered.

“Allow me to assist you.”

A foreign man suddenly speaks out with sweat dripping from his forehead in waterfalls. Just when another wave of nauseous pain hits you with full force, as if you got kicked into your stomach by a horse. You fail to breathe for a second, hands holding onto your husband for dear life.

“You are already close, it won’t be long now”, the man reassures you while gently opening your legs.

“You can do it, (y/n). After all the things you had to endure today, you will be able to get through this. With me by your side. I love you more than any words could ever say, darling.”

One more push.

One more wave of pain before your body goes numb, before you lose the ability to feel anything except for sweet nothingness.

Until a loud shriek finds its way to your ear.

A violent scream, almost frustrating. When you open your eyes again, you are greeted by a crying but alive bundle of joy, carefully wrapped into a white cloth and placed onto the arm of its father.

Those eyes.

“I prayed every night that he would have your eyes”, you whimper with tears running down your cheek uncontrollably.

You did it. You saved your beloved child who looks just like its father, you managed to somehow stay alive.

“She”, the midwife corrects you gently.

“She…”, you mumble with a small smile.

The last thing you see are the troubled maroon eyes of your husband before your world goes dark.

-the next day-

A foreign but still so familiar laughter fills the atmosphere around you with joy while you see nothing but black. When your stubborn lids finally open, you are greeted by the wooden ceiling you know so well. This is your home, without any doubt.

The home a demon invaded.

The home where you feared for your life while your husband rushed to the midwife in order to deliver your child.

Your child.

You get up way too quickly, glossy eyes darting around the room without a real aim. Is your baby okay? What happened after the delivery? All you can remember are those familiar maroon eyes that looked so much like the orbs of your beloved husband. Your husband…Where is Yoriichi?

“Don’t move too quickly, love. The doctor strictly forbids you to be in a haste”, his gentle voice speaks out next to you.

Just a few moments later, you get invited by the warmth of his arms swallowing you whole. Out of instinct, you let yourself fall against him, press your very own body into his despite the scorching pain that immediately takes over your whole self.

Right, you were attacked by a demon the night you gave birth. How did you manage to escape? Are your injuries critical.

But most important: How is your baby?

“Look what you have accomplished. A little wonder. Just like you, my love”, your husband murmurs, carefully lifting a little bundle off a blanket nearby.

Your heart nearly stops when you catch a glimpse of her. Those maroon eyes are the last thing you remember before everything goes black. With shaky hands, you start caressing her puffy cheek. This. This is what you fought for, what makes it all worth it in the end.

“She has your eyes”, you hush, tears now streaming down your face in waterfalls.

“And your hair”, Yoriichi replies with a soft smile towards you.

“(y/n), I promise I’ll do anything in my power to protect you and her from something like this. I promise I will stand by your side no matter what. And I hope that someday, you will be able to forgive me for not being there for you when you needed me the most.”

The second your husband’s voice cracks, you can’t hold onto yourself any longer. You wrap your arms around him and your daughter longingly, take in the scent who gave you strength that night.

“There is nothing to forgive and nothing to feel sorry about. You did your very best and that is all that matters. I love you, Yoriichi. And I have to thank you for saving both of us just in time.”

“You are my greatest treasure on earth”, he mumbles against your lips while giving you a passionate kiss.

What a plot twist, what a happy end after all. Yesterday you were sure your life is over, that you won’t live onto the next day. And now you’re lying in your house, holding your giggling daughter while pressing your heavy head against your husband’s broad chest.

“Well, I fear I will have to share this special place by now”, you comment while gazing at your perfect little daughter.

“This might be true, love.”

Tags: @chilichopsticks @hellkaiserinphoenix  @ynackerman9499 @keepghostly @beatrexworld

@froufrousnowman @hidazinie @tomiokathedepresso  @poketrainer2270 @chaoticwinnercupcake

@lees-chaotic-brain @wordskeeper @polarbvnny @kayleegomez @ryva @baku2345

@komelrebi-san

[hxrnyhunter]

You go for a walk in the nature reserve. Everyone has been saying how relaxing it is. How you can hear so many sounds of nature, feel apart of it, without having to get too close.

When you get there, you're a little surprised it's so empty, but it's the middle of a work day. You suppose they're at work, or busy. Or maybe it's always like this. You've never been.

As you're walking, you bask in the sounds of birds chirping and the way the sun feels on your skin. It's like you're the only person alive. Of course, you can't see me peering out at you from among the dark trees. A monster with more hunger than one.

I watch your little human form as you walk around, my cock starting to harden and ache. How would you look stuffed with my cock? How hard would I have to keep you pinned to breed you?

A low rumble bubbles up from my chest as I watch you. You hear and pause, but quickly shrug it off. So naive. So stupid. I decide that I will have you, once I know you can't escape me. You walk further and further into the reserve, only stopping a couple times to sip on water and munch on the snacks you brought. When you're standing back up, I strike.

From the trees, I burst forward, grabbing you by the shoulders and slamming you down onto the grassy next to the bench. Your face hits the grass roughly, making you dizzy. It takes a moment for you to realize that my long claws are ripping through your clothes, and that my enormous cock is trying to push inside of your tiny human cunt.

A cry rips from your lips as you try to get away, but it's no use. I'm more than twice your size. When I can't force my cock inside of you, I pull back. My long, thick tongue pushes inside of you, slicking you and helping to stretch you slightly. The unwilling moans that you let out spur me forward. I keep licking at you, my tongue sometimes licking all over your cunt and clit, until I can smell how strong your own arousal is, despite your protests.

It's still a struggle, but I manage to force my cock inside of you, inch by inch. You're back to crying and begging me to stop, but how could I stop now? When I bottom out inside of you, your stomach extended with how deep my cock is inside of you, I growl, trying not to cum already.

After a moment, I start moving inside of you roughly, slamming my cock in and out of your tiny, tight human cunt. You can't even babble out pleas anymore because the force is knocking the air out of you, making you grunt and whine.

I bite and scratch along your body, licking up any blood that starts to trickle out. I missed the way human blood tastes. As I'm licking up your blood, my cock starts throbbing inside of you, coating your womb to prepare my seed.

This I bottom out inside of you, my knot is pushed in as well. It smells to keep the cum I'm dumping into your unprotected cunt. You can't stand the pain anymore, slipping into unconsciousness.

Don't worry though, human. I'll lick and clean all the wounds I left until my knot goes down. Once I can pull out of you, I'll finish undressing you so I can touch all of your body and have your limp mouth clean off my cock. Afterwards, I'll carry you back to the entrance of the nature reserve. I'm sure someone will find you before I decide I want to use you again.

[spncvr]

scott street | remus lupin

summary: You return to your childhood home. Remus, your past love, unexpectedly returns. (based on the song scott street if that wasn’t obvious)

pairing: rockstar!remus lupin x fem!reader (3rd person oops sorry)

warnings: is this.... angst?? idk but hurt/comfort!! no use of y/n bc i cannot write that and not die a little, and my terrible english i'm sure i mixed all the tenses up here guys sorry im tryinggg,, this is lowk cheesy as hell i feel like... LMAO

a/n: i was sick so i didn't go to school tdy but i wrote this banger oneshot (its 2,4k words can u belive?? longest thing ive ever written in english)

masterlist

Walking Scott Street, feeling like a stranger

With an open heart, open container

THE SUN SUNK behind the many leaves which hung lazily on the branches. Through the old sheer curtains, the breeze blows faint whispers. The room is tinged with a familiar feeling; as if the concrete used that constructed this house is laced with memories from the past. The memories all flooded back like tides in a vast ocean, rolling back and forth as they brought back recollections of days gone by.

This was where she had grown up. The small backyard, the one with grass that had used to touch her ankles, was where she had first learned how to do a cartwheel. The bed, unchanged since she had left, felt almost ancient. She remembered the time she had faked a headache to skip school and had spent the whole day in it; back then the bed had felt like the only place she had wanted to live in. 

This was where she fell in love. So much in love, that she could not seem to pinpoint the exact moment she had ever fallen out of it. Maybe she never did. But it didn’t matter. Not anymore, at least.

The room’s walls are bare, and the old, washed-out wall once covered with posters of her favourite rock bands, no longer stands amongst the antique wallpaper. But his pictures were there. Their pictures. It seemed as though they were taunting her as it was propped up on the small table beside her bed. She picked one of them up, one that had stood out to her the most, and gazed at it.

She grew up without wealth. That was clear from the photo, where her top was much too big for her. Maybe it was her father’s; she can’t remember. But that hadn’t mattered to him. He had his arms around her shoulders and a smile on his lips akin to those she’d seen of him on posters and TV screens. She missed when he’d shown it just for her to see.

I’ve got a stack of mail and a tall can.It’s a shower beer, it’s a payment plan.

She tries to remember the moment or event that had taken place where they had taken the picture. And she almost forgets. It caused her to quickly put the picture back down, and a loud thud resonated between the calm sounds of home.

How could she forget? She felt like she was losing too much of herself. The part of herself that had lived here, one that had loved so freely and so openly, was slipping away so incredibly quickly—and suddenly she understood why her mother had cried when she chose a university so far off. She had almost forgotten a part of herself—a version of herself, that she seemed to have missed the most.

She sits down on the edge of the bed, still close to the picture she had put back down, only to look at it again, this time from afar. 

Of course, she remembers this moment. It had been her birthday, and he had taunted her mercilessly, telling her how she was just as old and frail as he was since she had always made fun of him for having his birthday at the start of the year and hers so close to the end. This may have contributed to the small roll of her eyes in the photo, but she was unable to control the grin that had painted itself on her lips. She can’t remember the last time she’d been so happy. Joking about being so incredibly old while being so young. She’d have given everything to be seventeen again if it meant being seventeen with him. 

Behind the picture, she had been staring at, was another one. And this time, she didn’t forget because, try as she might, she couldn’t.

She can’t seem to let go of the memory of the first time he kissed her, after a gig, a small one that he held with his mates at a pub not that far from here. She remembers how his skin was alight with adrenaline, and his gaze piercing. She couldn’t forget the moment when he told her that she had always been the one he loved not long after the picture, somewhere outside the pub, where the crisp chilly November breeze did not win against his palm that rested against her cheek.

Not long after, when he had brought her back to his, when he had kissed her silly. When she had realized that she really loved him too, and when the realization had hit her so hard, she had to loop her arms around his neck to keep herself upright, when there was only quiet in the house and all that could be heard was her gentle laughter and his sweet nothings, he had whispered in her ear so quietly, almost as if it were a secret, I would have been content to love you from a distance.

There, they were eighteen, fresh out of school and without the slightest idea where they’d go next. She had occasionally pondered what would have happened if they had more time, if they hadn’t both been so foolish, or, if they had both recognized how much it was they felt for one another sooner. But doing so would have made the parting even more painful than it already was. That was something she didn’t like to imagine.

She sighs and leaves the room. She needed to breathe.

Do you feel ashamed, When you hear my name?

ADMITTEDLY, REMUS DIDN'T think he’d ever come back. To Wales, yes, of course, it was his country (now more than ever). But not to this house. Not to her house. He couldn’t ever think straight, not when he knew that she was out there somewhere forgetting every minute detail about their past, and not when the love she’d once felt for him had long gone. But here he stands. 

He’s overthinking this. She probably isn’t even home.

She’s always told him when they were young that she wanted to leave.

One day, she had whispered to him in the darkness, when they were six, her favourite stuffed animal tightly tucked between her arms, one day, we’ll be far away. Remus can’t remember whatever caused her to tell him this at such a young age, with such strong conviction. He thinks it was probably something silly—a classmate’s admonition that some activities were simply reserved for boys. Or maybe it was because her parents had refused to let her get ice cream after she’d finished all of her green vegetables (all that suffering for nothing, really). But the mindset had continued to stick in her mind; an ember of determination that refused to fade away.

One day, she says again, when she’s thirteen because her teacher had failed her in her first ever physics exam, one day this won’t matter. I’ll go. I’ll leave. She had said it so firmly and so surely that it scares him sometimes. Because, really, they’ve never been anywhere but here—so sometimes, he asks his mirror, pretending that she’s staring back at him: What if it’s just the same? What if it’s just as bad?

One day, she says again, when she’s seventeen because she has been looking at universities far off and away from Wales. He’d watch her as she’d stare at the campus pictures on the brochures their school had offered and study the student’s bright wide smiles, and sometimes, he wondered if she ever pictures herself in those hallways, with a group of new friends—she’d be the smart one, the witty one. Sometimes, Remus wondered if she ever pictured him with her as she told him with the biggest smile on her face: One day, I’ll be there. Anytime soon.

She’s never liked it here. That much was always clear to Remus. Her books were the sole bright spot in her otherwise (as she put it) bleak existence. Always arranged in a way that only she could fully understand within the small bookshelf she had bought for herself with her first paycheck when she was saving up for Uni. Often, he wondered if she had brought them with her when she had left or whether she had left them here. No longer feeling the drag of her fingertips against its words. Abandoned by its only reader. 

And for a while, he had thought that he’d given her another reason to love the place they’d always called home. But he left her. So why, then, would she ever choose to stay? Books could only last for so long.

Just knock, he curses to himself. Say hello to her parents. Tell them that you wanted to see how they were doing. 

And just when he’s about to finally get it over with, the door opens.

And she’s there.

She looks different. Hair cut short and brushed neatly. Her clothes fit her nicely. It feels kind of jarring. He doesn’t really know what to expect. He’d been half-expecting to see the girl who had her hair always tied up in a ponytail that didn’t do much, with the amount of hair that was always falling out of it or the girl who wore oversized band shirts that belonged to her father, along with the sneakers she’d been using ever since her feet had stopped growing—the girl who was so full of life it felt nearly impossible not to love her. It was silly, really. Of course, she’d changed. It’s been four years. 

“Remus?” she asks, her eyebrows furrowing, “What’re you doing here?”

He opens his mouth and closes it again. What was he doing here?

“I’m—” he starts but pauses for a while to come up with an answer, “I didn’t know you still lived here.”

“I don’t,” she says, plainly.

“Oh.” he breathes, she’s always been forward, “Well, I’m here for holiday.”

“Yeah . . . yeah me too.”

He rocks on the heels of his foot back and forth, “I just— wanted to know how your parents are doing.”

She purses her lips, “Oh. Well, Dad’s doing alright, I bought him a bunch of LPs—some of them yours, actually. And Mum’s still trying to get used to me being back here. She’s cooked a thousand meals.”

“That’s good to know,” he nods, smiling, because sometimes, she has no idea the effect she has on people. “I’m glad they’re alright.”

“How’ve you been?” she inquires, “Heard you’re not doing too bad in your band thing.”

He laughs softly, “It’s been alright.”

She smiles, for the first time he’s talked to her, and shakes her head softly, “Modest as always. Send the lads my love.”

“I missed you,” he tells her. And it spills from his tongue so quickly, before he could even think about it. She needed to know, somehow, that he couldn’t shake her off his mind. He played for her, wrote for her and of her. And sometimes, when he woke up in the middle of the night he swears he could feel her shadow brush his hand, he hoped and prayed to whatever God that was making him feel so incredibly homesick, that she’d been listening to the songs he’d written.

He could only hope that she’d understand the undertone of his words.

She looks at him with this look that seems to pierce through time, reaching back into the past, unwanting to let go. Then, there was this beat of silence; one long enough for him to hear everything that had been left unsaid.

She looks at him, her honey-laced lips slightly parted. “Do you want to come in?” She sounds hesitant as she steps aside, letting him through.

He nods as he follows her in.

The house felt achingly familiar, yet everything felt and seemed different. The walls were the same colour, and the couch that had always looked somewhat old still stood in the exact same place it had four years ago, with new cushions adorning it. The air felt thicker. She always had that effect on him, he supposes.

“Tea?” she offers, a smile playing on her lips, as she leads him into the kitchen.

“Always,” he replies, trying to keep his voice steady.

She turns her back to him to make tea and he feels like he’s missing her all over again. He’s watching her move, taking the tea kettle and suddenly he’s sixteen again, when he’d brought James, Sirius and Pete here because they’d had run into trouble with the police—well, admittedly, it was just James and Sirius, but the four boys had never failed to stick together—and the first thing she’d asked them when she saw all four of them at her doorstep late at night is if they’d like some tea.

“How long are you staying?” she asks, back still turned. “A few weeks,” he says, “Got a bit of a break before the next tour.”

When she handed him a cup, he noticed how even her arms and the tips of her fingers had changed. She looks good, beautiful. 

“So, how’s life been?” she asks, taking a sip.

“Busy,” he replies, “Touring, recording, writing. It’s a lot, but it’s what I love.”

“I’ve been listening to your music,” she admits when he sips her tea. It’s exactly how he likes it. “It’s good, Remus. Really good.”

Remus looks down at his shoes, “Thank you,” then, “I’m sorry.”

She frowns, “What for?” “For leaving,” his voice, barely a whisper, “for everything.”

“Oh, Remus,” she sighs as she puts her cup down on the kitchen counter, “no, you had to go. It was your dream—I mean, look at you. You’re doing so well. I’m so proud of you.”

“I’ve missed you,” he says again. Because she had smiled at him the same way she did all those years ago in that pub.

And this time, she says it back.

They spent the rest of the day talking and, at times reminiscing, catching up on their lives, and it felt like no time had passed, like they were the same two kids who had believed in forever. As the sky turned dark, and the light from the lamp in the living room spilt against the floors of her house, she had looked at him—that same look she had always given him five, six years ago before asked him, quietly:

“Will you stay?”

Remus smiles, his heart full, “For as long as you’ll have me.”

Anyway, don’t be a stranger

likes and reblogs r appriciated! <3 also i just learned what a taglist is,, so lmk if u wanna be included in my remus one :D

[needlereads]

Hardwired

dark!Steve Rogers x Reader

warnings: 18+, explicit sexual content, dubcon

Oh my, @stargazingfangirl18. Let's see what dark!Steve has been putting you through. He's very good at reading your body language. And when you ask for some space, try to question your relationship with a public figure like Steve, well, he's just going to have to invite you to his cabin for a chat.

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

You knew outrunning him was unlikely. You shouldn't have come out here with him in the first place. What you weren't prepared for was how merciless Steve would be.

"I've earned a proper meal." That's what Steve had said after he caught you.

It happened as you crossed a meadow of tall grass, the sun so bright you were nearly blinded. Even with every disadvantage, that small, prey-like instinct in you had urged you to run as far from him as possible.

This wasn't the first time instinct had made you pause, made you consider retreating from Steve's attention.

He had carried you back to the cabin, laid you out on the bed for that meal he claimed you had withheld from him. He took his time, working you up again and again, savoring the taste of your arousal, yet never letting you reach that crest.

"Ah!"

"Come on, sweetheart, I wanna hear you beg. For me to stop or for you to come, I'm not picky."

You managed to gulp in a breath before he resumed torturing your clit. Steve groaned, feeling your cunt stretch tight around two of his fingers.

You bit at your lip, trying not to give him what he wanted.

He licked his lips, nipped at the dewy skin of your thigh. He adored the way you writhed in response to his touch. He thrust his fingers in you, sucking at your swollen core.

"Please," you sobbed. "Steve, I can't..."

Hearing your breathy plea at last, Steve could barely hold back. He dove upward, claiming your lips. Drank in your whimper as his cock pressed into you. You belonged to him, just like this.

If you tried retreating again, he would simply give chase.

[tfyoulookingatgiuxs]

Hello!

Could you possibly do a cute opposites attract for Billy Hargrove? Not like a nerd reader, more like a flower child in a way. I think the idea would be very cute and funny.

I hope you have a great day!

•Interesting. I've never written something like this but I'm determined to be happy to try. In any case, I am ready to satisfy your request again. I want to point out how the word "flower child" stuck in my mind, making the reader a true flower child, in the literary sense. I hope you like it!

Sunflower

Billy Hargrove x FlowerChild!Reader

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: The late warm spring afternoon in Hawkins looked spectacular. The flowers were blooming and the sweet breeze touched you making you feel like you were in a fairy tale. But the day had other plans in mind for you and you never thought you would find him.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: Fluff, slight angst? fem!reader, no use of Y/N, your surname is Williams, bad language, opposite attract, sigarettes, daddy issue.

𝐀/𝐍: Request from @unamused-boss ,I hope I have satisfied your request! I apologize for any errors and I also hope that I have exceeded your expectations. Sorry for my english this is not my native language. Please support and reblog! Hope you enjoy this one. (DIVIDER NOT MINE)

It was a late afternoon in Hawkins. Spring had just begun and the flowers had just bloomed, coloring an isolated part of the forest forgotten by everyone. It was like an enchanted place, you had to go through the woods to get there but you didn't mind walking a bit. It felt like a real paradise, it was like your secret place. No one could get there, only you knew how to get in and you knew how to get out.

Every day after school you go there. School could be hard and going there among the greenery and flowers made you happy and let your emotions shine through.

The flowers that surrounded you were all sunflowers, a truly infinite field, with the presence of a few daisies.

You had always been a girl with elegant feminine tastes, high grades but also a strong and difficult character. Nothing could make you happier than nature and flowers in general. You had a nice green thumb, you knew how to grow and plant. This is due to the fact that your uncle worked for a long time in the countryside and when you went to visit him for the holidays there was always something new to learn.

Today you headed there once again, full of happiness. The sun warmed you as you walked through the green tall grass. You sat down, letting the fresh air and surrounding sounds carry you away. The wind, the birds singing..."Holy shit!" you heard in the distance. You reopened your eyes in confusion and saw something you never expected to see. Someone had managed to get to your secret place. The worst thing? It was Billy Hargrove.

Billy Hargrove was a boy who went to the same school as you, he was lazy, didn't work hard at school and only thought about having fun and going to parties drinking like crazy. Besides this, he was also a very attractive boy, with long blond curls and crystal blue eyes and a nice physique. In short, aesthetically he was very handsome, you couldn't deny it, but otherwise he wasn't really your type, he was your opposite, you couldn't hope to get along with him.

You hadn't spoken to him much, you had only tutored him last year to help him with his grades. Needless to say, he tried to persuade you by convincing you to do his homework but luckily you were smarter than him. Now he had improved, but it was clear that he didn't want to study or think about his future.

From the way he was fidgeting you could tell he got lost "Hey!" He screamed as soon as he saw you, most likely he didn't recognize you. You stood up from where you were sitting as the skirt of your white dress fluttered. Billy looked at your figure, you were more enchanting than ever and perhaps he had never noticed it until now. You got closer and Billy did the same thing. "Look who's here, Williams." he said sarcastically "Nice to see you Hargorve" you also added a note of sarcasm but still keeping a certain lightness in your words "You can call me Billy" he winked at you and you rolled your eyes.

To be clear. You don't hate him. You know he was teasing you and obviously you didn't get carried away by his games. He was just different and as much as you might hope for redemption from him, you had to accept the fact that Billy Hargorve was the same old bad boy who will never change, and that everything good he had is gone.

"Did you get lost by any chance?" You asked looking at the field and he took a cigarette out of his pocket and you ignored him "What do you say? Do you think I'm a guy who loves remote places?" He looked at you with an obvious look as he lit his cigarette. The nauseating smell of tobacco pervaded you while with one hand you tried to get rid of the bad smell "No, but apparently you love the woods. In short, to come here you have to go through the woods, so excuse me if I ask you, but what do were you doing there?" Billy didn't answer you for a moment, he could have said "it's none of your business" or "Don't mind any fucking business that doesn't concern you Williams" in a more vulgar way, but he didn't. Even though he could be harsh, he wasn't that bad after all and it wasn't appropriate to use such forced language in front of a damsel.

"I was... walking" he didn't add anything else while his curls fluttered a little from here to there. From his tone you felt like he wanted to tell you something, but he decided not to. Maybe he had a rough day? Or maybe he's just in a bad mood? You've started to speculate. Although curious about what that walk meant, you decided not to say anything else and responded with a simple "Okay" and then silence fell.

"And you? Why are you here? Is the little damsel lost too?" You crossed your arms at his typical womanizer nickname "Oh no. I'm not lost. I come here often" He raised an eyebrow as he blew smoke from his plump lips "Why? What's great about being here looking at nothing?" You laughed slightly "You can't look at anything! Being here relaxes me and helps me to... detach myself from reality" you said the last words with a sense of sadness.

Life could be really mean and even cruel, and the worst thing is when you have no one to ask for help. When you think that nothing can help you get up and move forward, but in the end you understand that even something abstract or something concrete like an object, or anything that is not human can help you in your difficulties. Yours was nature, this secret place of yours that you wished you had discovered sooner. Few perhaps couldn't understand what you find so beautiful in plants or landscapes, and honestly not even you could explain it. Billy, on the other hand, remained silent and looked at you and then threw his cigarette on the ground and crushed it with his foot "Nonsense, you can't detach yourself from reality" his tone was serious and you looked at his features, he was angry? No. He was injured.

"As much as you try, reality is always there, you can't ignore it, much less detach yourself from it..." he continued and then he met your eyes and let out a cough "...so, Here. I find it difficult to understand what you find here Williams, maybe you're strange" he finished the sentence as if nothing had happened, as if what he had said before didn't matter. You approached him and Billy looked at you carefully "Can't you? Or maybe you don't want to?" Hargrove looked at you as if shocked "From the way you speak it's as if you want to detach yourself from reality, but you decide not to, is it perhaps because you're more worried about what happens in reality? As if every little distraction could cause something bad than not can you ignore it?" At that moment, a face never known to you formed on the face of the boy with golden curls, a different Billy you had never seen before. It was like vulnerable...

“I'm sorry, maybe this makes you uncomfortable.” You panicked. You hadn't even realized your words let alone that maybe it might make Billy uncomfortable in some way. You tried to compose yourself and walked away, changing the subject "Now I can take you back out of the woods, I know the way to-"

“My father” you were interrupted by his voice which now seemed to have taken on a different tone “What?”

"My father i can't ignore." You didn't say anything, letting him continue "I always tried to think about other things, maybe focusing on going out for parties or going to basketball games. But when I did that, my father made my life even worse, making it total shit" the wind blew was lowered and Billy in the meantime leaned with his back on a nearby tree "You're right when you say that 'I would like to detach myself from reality but I can't' because I realized that I can't do it..." his words were so genuine, so sincere, but at the same time so suffering. It was as if the Billy you knew wasn't there. They weren't his words, yet they came out of his mouth.

Instinctively you placed your light hand on his forearm and he looked back into your eyes "It's never too late to try again Billy. Don't let just one person ruin you, because then you'll end up regretting it" you replied and then you smiled. He wasn't convinced, but you were willing to let him know. You gently grabbed his hand and he let you do it, as if he was enchanted by your touch "Come with me" you said and together you walked through what was the field of sunflowers.

"You know, the first time I ended up here I thought how the day couldn't get any worse. I was lost too. But I don't think I found a better place to be" the blue-eyed boy looked around and he was like carefree "Here you don't have to fear anything, here you are safe and not even your father can hurt you" you reassured him and your hands melted. Hargrove continued to remain silent and then sat up enjoying the wind caressing his face and simply nodded.

"Can I tell you something Williams?" You nodded "Sure" he got up and took a sunflower and cut off the stem. You felt bad when the flowers were pulled down but you decided not to say anything. He looked at it carefully and then glanced at you "You like flowers right?" You nodded again "So much" Billy continued to stare at you and then with his free hand he placed a lock of your hair behind your ear, placing the flower in the same place "Then you will know what the sunflower means" your cheeks turned red admiring Billy's face with enchantment "I'll give it to you, it suits you" your heart stopped beating for a moment when the boy with golden curls smiled at you and then walked away.

You watched his figure. The sunflower symbolized the sun, therefore the light of life. When you gave a sunflower to a person it was to tell them how sunny and cheerful they are. You didn't think Billy was capable of such a gesture or even that he knew the meaning of the flower. Apparently you didn't know Billy Hargrove for all intents and purposes.

What was it you said? "As much as you could hope for redemption from him, did you have to accept the fact that Billy Hargorve was the usual bad boy who will never change, and that everything good he had was lost?" It turns out you were very wrong.

"So, will you help me out of the woods or not?" He turned around noticing that you weren't following him "Yes" You shook your head coming back to earth "You must not tell anyone what I told you, I would like it to stay between us, clear Williams?" You nodded, laughing.

From that day on you began to see Billy Hargrove with different eyes.

[timothee-chalamets-girlfriend]

Paul Atreides X Reader (Dune)

Part 1: Caladan

     Paul Atreides' feet dangle from his bed as he rests in slumber. The blanket was on his body's top half, but he had kicked it off his bottom half. He was a restless sleeper. This was because of strange dreams he would have. They were always changing, but most made him uncomfortable. This has been going on since he was a child, yet some of his dreams still shock him. 

    Outside of House Atreides, the sun was beginning to rise. It had been a cool night, causing drops of dew to form on the soft grass. The ocean water can be heard roaring against the rocks at the bottom of the cliff, a high tide was coming in. Luckily the cliff House Atreides sat on was the highest on Caladan. Not only was it protected from water, it's protected from any kind of threat that may arise. Paul's father, Leto Atreides, had done all he could to keep his royal family safe. However, part of him knew nothing could be protected forever. Still, it was his duty to keep his family safe. And he would.

     "Paul," a small voice whispered. "Paul." He feels a warm touch on his shoulder and his eyes shoot open. Looking up, he immediately relaxes when he sees it was just his mother. Paul readjusts himself from his crooked position and sits up. "Hm?" He makes a small, sleepy sound. "You slept in again. Your father and I have been waiting at the breakfast table for you." His mother tells him, running her hand through his curls. "Oh, sorry. I was-" Paul starts but his mother interrupts. "You were up late studying Arrakis and their people again, weren't you?" She asks with a sigh. Paul simply nods, looking away. "Come now, your food is getting cold." His mother says and leads him to the dining room. 

     Father, mother, and son sat side by side at the table and enjoyed their breakfast. Paul's father and mother finished theirs fairly quickly, while he took a bit longer than usual. "Not hungry?" Leto asked. Paul shrugs. His father and mother exchange a glance before Leto turns his attention back to his son. "Look, Paul, I know you want to come to Arrakis with me, but it's just too dangerous. You've never experienced desert conditions. I'm not going to risk it, you are far too important." He talks firmly. Paul, being a teenager, rolls his eyes at his father. 

    He pushes his plate away, which had a little over half of the food left. "You just don't trust me." He says, shaking his head. "It's not that, Paul, and you know that. We simply love you too much and are trying to protect you." His mother enters the conversation. "But you get to go." Paul defies. "You know why I have to go, Paul. Don't pull that." The mom replies. Paul grunts, "mother, father. Please. You both know how much I've been studying and preparing for this. I am ready. Please believe me." Paul says, practically begging his parents. The room goes silent for a few seconds as Leto looks at his son and ponders possibilities. "There is one thing we could try in order for him to prove himself ready." He finally lets out his thought. Paul's mother was quick to share her thought. "Are you insane!? That could get him killed!" She yells. "Calm down, Jessica. I believe in him. I believe he deserves a chance." Leto replies calmly and seriously. 

     Paul's lips swiftly form a smile, and he jumps up from his chair in a sudden burst of excitement. He had no idea what this thing he would have to do was, but he was happy to get to try nonetheless. Jessica sighs, standing as well and readjusting the long fabric of her dress. She didn't want to disappoint her son, but she couldn't help but worry about the possibility of him failing the test. "Very well, then. I'll take Paul to her." She tells Leto, and both mother and son walk the halls of the great House Atreides. While they walk a sinking feeling forms in the pit of Jessica's stomach. She hated this idea. At the same time she knew it needed to be done. "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear.." she says to herself in her mind as they approach the door. 

     Lady Jessica takes a final step forward, knocking on the large metal door. "Reverend Mother?" She calls out, and the door quickly flies open. As Paul enters the room, which was mysteriously dark and empty, a shiver runs down his spine. He was starting to feel not too sure about this. "Reverend Mother, my son, Paul, is ready to be tested." His mother tells the cloaked woman with a shaky voice. "How wonderful!" The lady croaks, "you may leave, lady Jessica. Guard the door for me." Jessica nods and leaves at once, the door closing behind her with a forceful slam. 

     "Come closer, boy. Don't be afraid." The lady shows off some of her crooked teeth. Paul cautiously proceeds forward, but stops just a few feet from where he should be. "CLOSER!" She yells, her voice suddenly becoming deeper than even his. He feels as if someone was behind him, as he is abruptly pushed forward. "KNEEL!" She yells in the deep voice again; Paul's legs seem to give way as he falls to his knees in front of her. The Reverend Mother takes a few moments to study Paul. She reaches out a shaky hand and places it on his cheek, her hand traveling around his facial features. 

     Paul, thinking that this was all the test was, goes to stand. He is quickly stopped when he feels an odd sensation against his neck. The Reverend Mother smirks as she points the gom jabbar directly at the boy's neck. "By your neck I hold a poison needle, in which will cause instant death at injection. The test is simple. Put your right hand in the box and keep it in there no matter what you feel. The second you remove your hand from the box, is the second you die." She tells him, still smirking. "What's in the box?" Paul asks, lifting up his right hand and beginning to slowly direct it towards the box. "You'll find out soon enough, my boy. Go on now." The lady grows impatient and pushes the needle a few inches closer to Paul's neck, making Paul waste no more time putting his hand in the box. 

    At first, there was just tingling. Almost as if electricity was running through Paul's hand. But it didn't hurt, it was just an unusual sensation. Paul looks the Reverend Mother in the eyes with confidence of passing the test, but it doesn't take him long to regret that. There was no light, no heat, yet.. it felt as if his hand was immersed in flames. Paul takes a quick breath to try and keep himself from reacting to the burning sensation on his skin. Soon, he feels as if his skin was being ripped off and the flames were entering his open wounds, making it feel like he had stuck his hand in a river of lava. Paul bites his lip, shaking his head and groaning through his throat. He wanted to remove his hand from the box. But he couldn't. 

     Now, the sensation he had in his right hand was that of an axe chopping off each of his fingers one by one before completely severing his hand. All of this while still burning, as well. Paul couldn't hold back anymore. He lets out a pained yell, which echoes throughout the room. "Quiet." The lady says, still holding the needle just centimeters from his neck. Paul breathes rapidly and scrunches his face in agony. He felt like crying, screaming, and mostly he felt like removing his hand from the box. However, he knew that any of those were not an option. The pain seems to reach its maximum level, and as it does Paul closes his eyes and holds back another scream, instead letting out another groan from his throat. Everything seems to go blank. All he can feel is pain, all he sees is darkness, and all he hears is the sound of his panting. He decides to focus on his breathing and nothing else. A few failed attempts pass, but he finally manages to get his breathing under control. Paul slowly opens his eyes and locks them with the lady's once more. His face was as still as stone. There were no emotions in his expression. He looked as if he could be dead. 

    "Enough!" The Reverend Mother yells after exhausting herself enough. The boy had passed. Paul swipes his hand out from the box and examines it; it was perfectly fine. He sighs in relief as the pain melts away and he realizes he's still alive, meaning he had passed the test. Lady Jessica runs in and immediately checks on her son, feeling just as relived to see him alive. "You pushed it too far." She tells the Reverend Mother sternly. The lady clicks her tongue, shaking her head. "Now, now. You and I both see the potential power in this young man. He needed to be tested to the limits." The Reverend Mother speaks. "What of him now?" Paul's mother asks. "He will go with you to Arrakis. You'll leave early tomorrow morning. I feel as if he will be needed there. No matter his fate, I feel he can make a difference to that rouge planet." The older lady responds before ushering her guests out from the eerie room.

[steviewashere]

Excuse me for a minute, I'm having platonic Stonathan thoughts (though, if you'd like, you can picture this evolving into romantic Stonathan). (And also I half wrote a fic like I tend to do. Sorry.)

CW: Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Abuse

To my understanding, with several maps of Hawkins I've seen and just what I've heard, the Harrington's and the Byers's were neighbors before the canon timeline. And so my thoughts are this:

Steve and Jonathan were childhood best friends before high school. They did everything together. Rode their bikes up and down the street until the sun went down, played card games in one another's driveways, played pirates in the forest, swam together in the summers, etc. Jonathan would take pictures of them growing up—of Steve playing basketball in his driveway, of them at the Indiana state fair, in the Byers's kitchen for dinner, of Steve the morning after a sleepover. Steve would play baseball with Jonathan all the time, he'd ramble on about his sports hobbies, he'd share baseball cards and trade them, too. They'd exchange music tastes for a while. That kind of stuff.

They'd make promises to each other about being best friends forever and ever and ever. That they'd always have each others backs. They'd never forget one another. They'd live next to or with each other until they died. That sort of pact.

And some time before high school starts, things get bad with their families. Jonathan's dad, Lonnie, is verbally and physically abusive towards the whole family. Jonathan constantly throws himself in the line of fire, wanting to protect his mom and his little brother—who, mind you at this moment in time would be like ten years old. He's showing up to school with bruises, with new scars, with heavy eye bags. He's showing up without a lunch packed and without a good winter coat and without his head held high.

Steve won't stand for that. He wants his best friend in the whole wide world to be safe. So he makes that his life mission. He brings extra lunch for Jonathan. Gives him a spare winter coat. Tries to give him confidence boosts. Spends all his waking time with Jonathan, to make sure he's safe.

Then, one night, when his parents aren't home, he sneaks Jonathan and Will into his home while Joyce and Lonnie are hashing it out—Lonnie's threatening to leave for good this time, he's being reamed for gambling, for being a dirt bag (that sort of thing). So, Will sleeps in Steve's good sleeping bag on the floor. And Jonathan shares Steve's bed.

It ends up being a nice little sleepover. A spontaneous one, but a nice one nonetheless. Then, though, Steve's parents come home. His dad barges into his room, invading his privacy almost immediately because he doesn't believe in privacy. And he catches Jonathan in Steve's bed. He's telling them to collect their things, go on home, says that Joyce is looking for them—"I have to have a little conversation with Steve," is what they're told.

After that night, though, Jonathan doesn't see Steve all that often. In passing. On the school bus. At school.

It's not until a day where Jonathan is biking home that he approaches Steve to hang out. Steve is sitting outside in his driveway, sweaty from playing with his basketball, picking grass with his fingers, eyebrows furrowed and wearing a deep scowl. At first, Jonathan thinks maybe Steve had a hard day at school, maybe he's having issues with the words on the paper again, maybe he's mad because he hurt himself playing. But then, Jonathan gets a little closer, startling Steve—and he spots the telltale signs of bruising on one of Steve's biceps, deep and new and in the shape of fingertips. He knows these bruises all too well.

He approaches awkwardly, gently though. He tries to flash a big smile. Tries to make small easy talk. Says a couple things about a baseball game he caught on the radio, it was touch-and-go, but he heard enough to say something.

"I'm not supposed to talk to you anymore," Steve mumbles. His voice wet and raspy. He won't make eye contact. He won't unfurl himself from the knees to his chin, sitting on his bottom, hands to himself way he's on the ground. "Dad said you're a...you're a bad influence on me. That I'm not supposed to talk to people like..."

Like you, goes left unsaid.

"We can keep it a secret between us," Jonathan amends, trying to be optimistic, "we've done it before. We can do it again." He plops down on the driveway next to Steve. Barely bumps their opposite shoulders together. Keeps smiling at Steve's turned away, flushed face. Keeps smiling at Steve's barely concealed sad eyes and his terribly deep frown. "C'mon, Stevie. My mom bought a new pack of chocolate pudding. Let's go get you one, I know they're your favorite."

Steve stiffens. Teeth biting into his lower lip. Eyes closed off, impossibly sadder. "Jonny," he sighs. "Jonny, you're not good...you're not good enough for...me," he says lamely, choppy and awkward, "for my family."

Jonathan then scowls. Jolts away. "What's that supposed to mean? I thought we were best friends, Steve. Forever and ever, man."

"Just go home, Jonathan."

"No," Jonathan firmly objects, "something's wrong and you're obviously...you've got your head turned around or somethin' and I can help you, like you helped me."

At that, Steve turns his head. Eyes aflame. Piercing. Furious. He wiggles his left arm in Jonathan's sight, bruises prominently on display. "This is your fault, Jonathan!" he states, voice raised but not quite yelling, "he came after me because of...because of fairies like you!"

Jonathan's nostrils flare. He stands from the drive in one swift push. He stares down at Steve, covering him in his tall, lanky shadow. "Didn't know you were one of those people," he spits. "And I'm not stupid, Steve. I know who actually did that."

"Does it matter?" Steve squawks. "He did that to me because he"—

"Because he saw me in your bed," Jonathan finishes calmly, seething, yet cold. "I know that your dad is an asshole, Steve." Even pointing out who exactly did it has Steve flinching, Jonathan feels bad briefly, but allows himself to be hurt, too. "Doesn't mean you have to take after him," he states, voice final.

He walks back down the driveway, picks up his discarded bike, and gives one last cold glance to Steve. Steve, who's huddled down on the ground, bruised and battered, pinching his nose so he doesn't cry, sweaty and colored red from playing basketball outside, awkward and boyish the way he always was with Jonathan. Steve, who doesn't feel like Jonathan's friend.

"See you around, Harrington," Jonathan calls out. And as he bikes back home, his resolve crumbles. He already misses his best friend.

—

See? I half wrote a fic because I can't stop myself. But I'd like to think that at some point after canon is done, they do make amends. Somehow. Maybe Steve admits that he did like Jonathan, in that way. Maybe Steve admits that he was an asshole for that comment. Maybe Jonathan admits the same, but because he didn't push harder to have Steve let himself be helped.

Maybe they reconcile because all their past drama—words and relationships and high school bullshit—feels so trivial when the world was constantly crumbling at their feet.

Maybe Steve just wants to apologize. And maybe he just wants to help.

[127luvr]

poison ☆⋆ ୨ৎ ⋆☆

lee haechan x male reader (nsfw)

in which haechan is a rookie actor starring beside you in his breakout role.

there are tears streaming down donghyuck's face. tears that leave tracks down his rosy cheeks, dragging the eye makeup that was touched up not too long ago.

it's hard to look him in the eyes. to play your part opposite him as he stares up at you from his position--thighs spilling out of his shorts as he kneels on fake grass. but he isn't nct's lee haechan right now. he's not even rookie actor lee donghyuck--starring as the second lead in his first official role--no. now played his character as you played yours.

you remember it's just an act. just a game. just a role. just a little longer before you can leave the villain behind you.

"i wish i cared about your tears." your fingers find their way onto donghyuck's face. the flash of surprise in his eyes gone as quickly as it came as you deviated from the script. your thumb rests on his right cheek--with your index and middle finger just under the left side of his jaw. you move his head up to keep facing you, bringing your eyebrows in to feign innocence. "but i just don't."

"cut!" it takes you longer than a second to retract your hand from donghyuck's tear-stained face. he is still watching you with curious eyes, tears halting as soon as the director walked towards the two of you. "that's a wrap for today guys. we'll look over the footage and see if we need to reshoot any of the scenes. personally, i think we got it done." he turns his full attention to you, mouth in a wide grin when he places his hand on your shoulder, "(y/n), amazing job on adding to the character. it gave us chills. feel free to improvise more on the character whenever it feels necessary."

finally, he looks down at donghyuck--who is still in the kneeling position you left him in. his face is unreadable under the production lights. "haechan, you're really going places. we made the right choice with you."

leaving the role behind is hard. even as you rest your head on the white vanity they provided in your dressing room. it's quiet in here. the mood lighting providing you with a sense of ease--something the lights on set could never do. there's a plethora of fan letters that stick to the wall you're facing, the words of affirmation you could make out livening your mood significantly.

you let your eyes close for a moment, relishing in the static that is provided behind your eyelids. you don't intend on dozing off. not as you sit at the edge of your cushioned chair with your back arched. but you let your mind take you back to the set. back to just half an hour ago when haechan was staring up at you with wide brown eyes and blood stained lips. you can picture the bare skin of his thighs, sun kissed and infested with moles. so close that you could reach out and touch them but so far away.

your state between consciousness and unconsciousness has you miss the knock on your door. it has you miss the way donghyuck turns the doorknob slowly to peek behind it. he calls your name once or twice before he walks in carefully.

"y/n." he stops next to your chair, admiring the way your hair fans out on top of your vanity desk. he's relieved you're facing away from the door. taking the time to really take all of you in. he's grown used to this. admiring you from afar. you weren't an easy person to get close to on set--being his senior in the field. you were an intimidating person to speak to in and out of your role, something donghyuck was attracted to the most. your confidence in your talent inspired him. but it doesn't stop him from tapping your right shoulder, behind his knees so that his head was level with yours as you stirred. "hey. i'm sorry for inviting myself in but we're going out for drinks, would you want to join?"

you turn your head to face him, startled by how close he was to you. the nearness has you sit up immediately, rubbing at your eyes as you readjust to the light again.

"count me in, donghyuck."

"just hyuck is fine."

you pay your drink no mind. not as you sit comfortably with your back pressed against the faux leather of the booth. you're too busy watching donghyuck socialize with the cast.

even outside of hair and makeup, donghyuck glows. his bare skin stands out even in the restaurant's dim lighting. the moles previously hidden by a concealer too light for his face now more pronounced. you watch his dainty hands dance up and down jinyoung's arms and shoulders as they laugh together.

you circle a finger on the rim of your glass, wondering where the two of you went wrong in getting to know each other more intimately. the first read through of the script with the two of you went phenomenally--even the chemistry on set was praised by cast and crew.

he was one of the reasons it was hard for you to readjust back to reality after certain scenes. his acting was too believable. however, outside of the filming, getting to know him was hard. nothing but niceties exchanged. he made small talk between the two of you impossible. conversations were cut short in order to keep your dignity intact--too scared to stumble over words as he stared at you with inviting eyes and pouty lips.

you can only take so much of his well manicured nails on jinyoung before you excuse yourself, squeezing between jiwoo and the table.

the restroom lighting is nothing more than a few fixtures next to the mirrors. you place your hands on the sink, bowing your head to avoid facing your own reflection. this feeling was unjustifiable. unreasonable. you barely knew anything about donghyuck, you didn't have the right to feel any jealousy towards anyone that had the pleasure of receiving his affection.

"y/n!" donghyuck's voice snatches you away from your thoughts, his cheery voice masking the sound of him locking the door to the restroom. "you disappeared, sunbaenim~ are you secretly a lightweight?"

you watch him through the mirrors. his leather jacket from earlier gone, with bare arms on full display as he sports a sleeveless white shirt. your heartbeat quickens. his teasing tone causing you to turn and face him, leaning back against the cool sink. this is the first time he's spared you a glance since you got here. his cheeks flushed with the influence of the alcohol he's been sipping all night.

he places his hands on your chest, staring up at you through his eyelashes. you bring your hands dangerously close to his hips, keeping him balanced upright as he balls his fists against your shirt. "why don't you pay any attention to me, sunbae?"

donghyuck's presence alone is intoxicating. providing you with a certain dizziness that no alcohol in the world could amount to. he causes your mind to blank--all sensibility thrown out of the window as his hooded eyes stare only at your parted lips. you lick them subconsciously, watching as he swallows nervously in return.

you grab his jaw like you did on set, worried that your nerves make it all the way down to your fingertips but you pay it no mind. not as you bring him closer to your face, now only centimeters apart. you're too scared to look him in his eyes, your gaze falling on his lips.

you bring your fingers to touch his bottom lip, parting it at the center, "hyuck, can i kiss y-"

he doesn't let you finish your sentence. barely giving you enough time to react by removing your hand from his lips. you bring it to the back of his head as he crashes his lips on yours. his nose poking at your cheek as he turns his head, drinking you in as if you were a glass of water he reached for in the middle of the night. he presses your body against the sink, the edge of the marble digging into your back as he towers over you.

it's uncomfortable.

your shirt rides up, with donghyuck's cold hands running up and down your torso. you want him to keep his hands on you, to keep his weight on you and think of only you. but he's getting impatient. his kisses only getting sloppier as he brings his hands down to your waist line. it's dangerous.

"hyuck-" you pull away first, taking in deep breaths to catch your breath but donghyuck doesn't let you go. he latches onto your neck, kissing and biting the same spot over and over. you bite your lip to suppress a moan, looking towards the door in fear of someone hearing you--or worse--walking in. "hyuck someone can walk in-"

"i locked the door." his voice vibrates against your skin as he finds another section to latch onto. his tongue tracing over a spot where your neck ends and your clavicle begins.

his confession doesn't ease you. you wonder instead just how long he was planning on doing this with you. the moment he walked into the restroom? or when he had his hands on jinyoung sitting across the table from you? or was it when he invited you out with the rest of the crew?

his hands reach the top of your thighs finally and you feel your pants tighten. but you don't give him the satisfaction. instead, you grab his wrists, standing upright as you guide him to the nearest wall. he is reluctant to giving you the control you've been fighting for from the start. he is starved from touching--from kissing--from biting at your skin as you hold him in place, showcasing your full height. you have him with his back to the wall, arms pinned up above his head with both wrists locked in one of your hands.

"y/n~" he's whiny. yearning for more as he tries--and fails--to break from your hold. but it's only making him hotter. the struggle. the fight for who was really in charge. "please."

there are many things about donghyuck that almost make you give in. to give him exactly what he wants. from his swollen lips to his slightly damp hair that produces small waves in contrast to his previously pin-straight hair. but you don't give him the satisfaction. not as he flaunts his tan arms in front of you. you lean in, a hint of your lips brushing against the bottom of his ear. he halts what he is doing, letting his body lean against the wall.

"not here, donghyuck."

[hermit-lover]

Hellooo I’ve come again to ask for another request since yours are still open!! :)) I can’t remember if I wrote this already but I loved the platonic xisuma oneshot you wrote and was gonna ask for another one but this time X asking Boatem to babysit the reader for the day and the reader and Boatem Crew getting into lots of shenanigans!! : DD thank you and have a good day/night!!

-🪨

Boatem Babysitters

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Character: Boatem x Child!Reader

Type: Series blurb (3) (3.3k)

Theme: Fluff, platonic

Summary: When Xisuma is needed off-world, its up to Boatem to keep you safe and entertained. Lets just say their better at one aspect than other.

TW: Mentions of respawn mechanic, panic, jokes about kidnapping

A/N: Lovely to have you back 🪨 (Rock anon) :D. Boatem is not childproof at all, this is a horrible idea X, but some good shenanigans.

The sun was bright in the sky, hot rays basking your shoulders and cheeks. Squinting against the onslaught you toddled after your dad, following the familiar green armor. His hand tucked safely around yours. It always annoyed you that you couldn't feel all his skin this way, but the smooth cold press of the armor was welcome in the heat.

"You remember what I told you?" Dad asks suddenly, pausing before a strange splay of houses, with a pole of boats going into a large hole. The houses were mismatched but somehow felt woven together. The start to a large-chair? of rocks, what seems to be a mountain range, a factory? and a couple of homey looking houses. The scenery almost completely distracted you from the question, but you managed a response.

"Course!" You chirp back, eager to run around this new territory and touch EVERYTHING. A stern but gentle squeeze of your hand reminds you where you should be focusing.

"Can you repeat it?" He asks, quirking an eyebrow underneath his purple tinted visor. You've always wanted to try on his helmet, but he says its to delicate to play with. You sigh, dramatically.

"Behave, follow any orders they give, don't run away, don't eat food off the ground, and avoid nighttime and dark spaces." You recall the words he had engrained into you from the moment you had started getting other babysitters. Speaking of, the prospect of seeing the funny cat man, the bird, and the mustache man excited you. They had never babysat before!!! Maybe you could get away with not following some rules! Papa K was always quite strict when it came to enforcing things. Dad sighs, letting some tension drop from his shoulders and letting go of your hand.

"Good now-" He's cut of by the sound of rockets, and his head turns to follow the sound. Excitement rushes through you suddenly, and you cant hell but crane your neck to look for the source. A black blur swoops down, and lands clumsily onto the grass. Straightening out almost as if flustered.

"Sorry if I'm late! I got really into building and-" Its the mustache man!!! His posh accent contrasts dads own, and he sounds so fancy- paired with his suit- you want to have a tea party with him!!

"Your alright." Dad assures, "I was just going over the rules." He nudges you gently towards the mustache man. "Kiddo, this is Mumbo, Mumbo this is my kid."

Mumbo- but you prefer mustache, nearly stumbles over himself to offer you a handshake. Sort of silly, you think, because kids don't do handshakes, but it makes you feel special. His fingers are long, and very gentle and he shakes your hand softly. Theres a weird red stain on his palm, and when he pulls away you realize theres some on your own hand. Curiously, you sniff it- then sneeze harshly as dust infiltrates your nose.

"Ah- sorry!" He's wiping his hands down the front of his jacket now, smearing the red dust onto the black suit coat. You giggle at his antics. He flushes. "I-um Impulse and Grian should be here soon." He informs both you and Dad, but the words are instantly lost on you.

"What's your base?" You ask, tilting your head and trying your best to coax him with puppy eyes. Mumbo crumbles immediately.

"Uh well-" He turns to point at a weird...tree Gollum? Holding a van? "Thats my starter base- the tree is called Tereesa." That pulls a giggle from you. Tereesa- like tree- a smart name. He smiles, eyes crinkling and creating a sort of sparkle you enjoy. "-And that's the beginning to my mega base!" He's pointing to the big weird chair, but before you can ask-

"I'm here!" A loud voice announces behind you. You jump, spinning around and nearly crashing into Mumbo. Instantly hands clasp your shoulders to stop your decent. The voice belonged to the bird! Golden hair and bright red feathers glitter in the sun- he probably didn't need rockets to fly- which explained how he was so quiet.

"About time!" Dad scolds him, "I was waiting for at least two of you to be here- sure Mumbo could probably handle it but I like more eyes."

"Sorry X." The bird rubs the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly. "Well im here now! and so you can skaddle off to whatever important admin business and we!-" He leans towards you and Mumbo, nudging you with his elbow. "Will have a great time."

Dad pauses only a moment, squinting at the pair suspiciously before sighing and shaking his head.

"You better keep 'em safe- alright?" He asks, and the pair enthusiastically nod. "Okay- good bye hug." Dad opens his arms and you throw yourself in, nuzzling into his armor. A wave of sadness passes over you- and you lean back with puppy dog eyes.

"Do you have to leave?" You ask, his eyebrows furrow, but his eyes stay impossibly soft.

"I'm sorry Kiddo, I told you I'll be back before sundown." He reassures you, reaching forwards to pat you on the head. "Love you." He smiles.

"Love you too!" You respond enthusiastically, finally letting go and letting him stand. He pulls up his communicator- and is gone in a flash. The momentary silence is deafening.

"Sooooooooo..." The bird starts, "What do you want to do?" hmmm, what DO you want to do? You consider your options. You could....see their bases?

"Show me around?" You request, turning to face the pair. The bird looks enthused and Mumbo smiles as well.

"Course!- though thinking about it, maybe we should avoid the Boatem hole-" Mumbo trails off, thinking hard.

"Yes. We absolutely should avoid throwing Xisumavoid's child into the void." Another voice agrees from behind you- WHATS WITH IT AND PEOPLE APPROACHING FROM BEHIND???

You spin around, nearly knocking into the bird and Mumbo, who catch you again. This sight is very different- not the cat man but a new person! He has a yellow top hat, odd yellow suit, and a HUUGGGEEE purple bowtie. You almost want to ask if he got dressed in the dark!- but his eyes shine with amusement and affection, and his stance is casual. He smiles at you, offering you a handshake.

"Impulse- Wonderful to meet you." You reach for it immediately, his much larger hand easily grasping yours. Its warm and surprisingly smooth- but something odd presses between your palms-

You pull away and find a small hard candy in your hand. A gasp pulls from your throat before you realize it. Candy!!!! He gave you candy!!! Instantly he moves up the list of 'favorite people'.

"Oh c'mon Impulse thats a cheap move- buying favor with candy?" Bird man sounds disappointed, but you honestly couldn't care less. Impulse holds up his hands in surrender.

"If it works it works." and it works indeed.

"Thank you Mr.Impulse!" You chirp, remembering your manners before cramming the candy into your mouth. It's sweet and smooth, coating your tongue in mouth watering goodness. It's a flavor you can't quite place, but you don't care, its amazing. He chuckles, seeming amused by your reaction.

"Theres more where they came from." Impulse winks, and Mumbo stifles a laugh. His gaze snaps to the offending spoon. "What?"

"Sorry its just- your offering candy to a child you just met-" Mumbo breaks off into giggles and you gasp in realization. Your eyes widen and you stare at Impulse, gaping.

"Dad told me not to accept candy from strangers!!" You squeak, shuffling to frantically hide behind the pair.

"No no-" Impulse seems slightly panicked now, "I'm babysitting you just like those two- Xisuma trusts me." You just glare out from your spot behind Mumbo. He sighs, "Look, do you even know the bird's name?"

Hmmm....

oh.

"No...I guess I don't..." You squint at the bright red bird now, who squawks and glares at Impulse, before turning sheepishly around.

"I'm Grian." He offers a hand, its smaller then Mumbo's and Impulse's, but has a pointed claws extending from his nails. Your slightly worried he may hurt you- but hes extra careful to avoid that. Then, he spins around to face Impulse. "Now they know!" he declares, making the other shake his head fondly and approach.

"So whats the plan with activities?" Impulse asks, and you break into a grin.

"Show me your bases!!" You bounce on your toes, looking at the mismatched group excitedly. Nods all around.

"Mumbo's first!" Grian decides, grabbing said mans hand, and your own, to pull you towards the structure. Admittedly from afar it seemed quite cute- but as you approach...

Its large claws and gaping maw hang over you- its shadow completely consuming you and your small group. Instinctively, as Grian pulls you closer, you start to slow, tucking behind the cozy looking red sweater. The creature- Tereesa, as you learnt, stares down at you. Its beady eyes dig into your soul. Shivers run down your spine. Grian is talking, but the words are muddled compared to your heartbeat in your ears.

You jolt as a hand is delicately places on your shoulder.

"It's okay. It's just a build, it cant hurt you." Mumbo's voice is low, his grip tightening only a moment before releasing. The tension releases from your shoulders- right- just a fake tree.

"So what do you think?" Grian spins around with flourish, seemingly happy to take the role as tour guide. You fumble- having not payed attention.

"Its cool!" You nod, hoping your convincing enough "Sorta scary." he nods, too enthralled to notice anything wrong- but Impulse laughs under his breath.

"Next we should go see Scar's!" Grian declares, the other two nodding along. But this begs the question-

"Who's Scar?" You ask, Grian looks offended- but Impulse cuts him off.

"I think you call him 'Cat man?'" He tilts his head, watching to make sure it's correct. You gasp- of course!! Jellie!!! You bounce excitedly.

"Yea! I wanna see Jellie!!"

"Oh- so you know his cats name but not his?" Impulse laughs, nearly knocking off his top hat as he leans back. You glare, crossing your arms.

"He never told me his name! And Jellie likes me so I like her and want to know her name!" You defend immediately- and its true!! When Jellie had escaped she had spent her afternoon basking in the sun on your lap while you colored outside. When the cat man had found you two he was so frazzled he didn't introduce himself! Now you'll remember. "Can we go see Jellie??" "Of course!" Grian chirps, butting in. "I'm sure Scar will be delighted to show her off- she's practically his prized possession!" His wings flare out- but he catches himself. "Right-can't fly-" He murmurs, offering you his hand. You eagerly accept, threading your fingers together, then sticking your other hand out. You fumble. You have two hands...but there's three people! What happens now? Mumbo steps forwards, accepting your hand, and, seemingly sensing your distress, offers his other hand to Impulse. Who shakes his head, but accepts. Now satisfied, you tug the line forwards. Scar's base turns out to be the series of houses, a winding path beginning to be strung amongst the homey, pointed roof houses. The color pallet of reds, browns, blues and grey blends into a pleasant environment of peace and warmth. The roofs in particular catch your eye- copper! It was easy to find, but apparently really annoying to make the nice blue Scar had. There was so much of it! Scar must be super cool!! Thankfully- instead of sneaking up on you like the others- you notice Scar immeditly. He to wore a top hat, but his was a lovely shade of red compared to Impulse's bright yellow. A matching suit, and monocle. What's with people and dressing so fancy here? Then, just as you had noticed him, he notices you. "Well hello there!" He calls, waving with the hand not on his cane. Not wanting to let go of any hands, you tug forwards. Your group shuffles towards him as he strides to meet you. "What's with this little entourage-hm? Getting up to some mischief?" The words are accusatory, but the sparkle in his eye and gentle smile tells you that even if it was the case, he wouldn't be mad. "No Mr. Scar, we're here to see Jellie!" You inform him, practically vibrating with excitement. "I like your base! Lots of blue copper!" "Thank you, thank you." His infectious smile grows at the compliment, and blush dusts his cheeks. "And it would be my absolute pleasure to present lady Jellie-" He bows, gesturing into the very house he exited from. Peering inside- you spot her! Fluff curled up on a plush couch just inside. Unable to help yourself you squeal, letting go of your new friends to dash inside- minding to wipe your shoes to not track mud onto the carpet. At the commotion, she lifts her head, blinking sleepily.

"Hi Jellie- remember me?" You blink back, grinning at the small creature. She perks, letting out a long thrill. You reach a hand to cart if through her soft fur- giggling when she presses into the touch eagerly. Her wide green eyes watch you contently, pupils wide and comfortable. Scar always took such good care of her- her fur was free from tangles, and she smelt vaguely of flowers. You pet behind her ears, and enjoy the purrs that vibrate her small body. "She likes you a lot." Scar's voice rumbles behind you, gentle enough to not startle. It's almost reminiscent of Jellies purring with the sheer amount of fondness it's laced with. "I like her a lot." You respond, craning you neck to glance at the fancy man. He grins widely at you. "Are you planning to spend all your time here cuddling Jellie?- Not that I'd object to it, certainly makes our job easier." Ah so he was told. You hum, genuinely considering it. You liked Jellie a lot! But...there was more bases...so many cool things to see... "Sorry Jellie, but I think I want to keep exploring." You tell the cat, watching her watch you. She meows, and you'd like to think she's saying 'Go have fun!' With that you stand, turning and offering your hand to Scar. "Okay- I want to see Impulse's base now" Scar's hand is warm, calloused and scarred skin odd against your own, but he's so careful and sturdy in a way that's distinctly him. You don't mind. The group is still waiting, stopping their conversations at the sight of you and Scar. Then, you notice another problem. You had two hands, as did Mumbo, Grian, and Impulse- but due to Scar's cane he could only hold one hand! and if he was holding yours- he couldn't hold someone else's! But...you didnt want to NOT hold his hand.... Before you can worry any longer Grian accepts your hand, taking Mumbo's, and then Mumbo holds Impulse's. The line is a lot more uneven this way...but it solves your problem! "So you said you wanted to see Impulse's base, but I think we should stop at Pearls before- she'll want to say hi!" Scar informs you, and you nod along. Pearl..thats such a pretty name! Maybe..

"Is her base the purple one?" You ask, and Scar nods. Excitement sparks, its such a good color!! "That's a great idea Scar." Mumbo adds, making the other man beam. "Hey- I'm the tour guide!" Grian objects, "Maybe I'll just avoid Pearl's base completely in protest!" "Well that wouldn't be very nice!" A new voice cuts in, and you realize abruptly you were basically already there. Their bases were so close together!! You squint for the new person, and find a lady leaning against the fence of her porch, watching the group with a smile. "Hi!" You greet, waving your hand, still clasped with Scar's. Your toothy smile clearly catches on, and she grins back. "Heya Kiddo!" Skipping her steps, she effortlessly strides to you. "Want a tour?" Its clearly mostly to annoy Grian- but you cant help the excitement. "Yea!!!" You nod enthusiastically, and he huffs, releasing your hand to allow you accept Pearls. Her hand is soft, but still bore the marks of tons of building- like Scar or Papa K's. As she gently guides you to her garden you decide you like it. The garden is a wide range of flowers all in bloom, purples, reds, yellows, blues, pinks- every color imaginable!! You want to touch them- but the fear of breaking the delicate blossoms holds you back. Pearl begins to name them, pointing to each and explaining a bit about them. Her voice is soothing, but carries and energy to keep you from falling asleep. As the sun beats overhead, and the gentle breeze ruffles your hair, you cant picture a more perfect day- A loud yelp makes you jump. You spin around, terror clutching you for a moment. Your original group had wandered a bit, until lingering around the large tower of boats and pit. Impulse, Mumbo, and Grian. Where was Scar? Horror clutches you as you notice his hat at the edge of the hole- and you lunge forwards before you can think. Your legs carry you quickly, and you skitter to a stop, landing harshly on your knees. Reaching to pick up the hat and peer in. Did he fall in? Was he okay? Why wasn't anyone doing anything? When your unable to see him down the hole, you lean further, peering into the dark depths below. Further...just a touch more- The ground under your left hand crumbles- and the sudden lack of support sends you forwards- For a second you feel weightless, fear clouding your mind and tears springing to your eyes- Wind whips by- Then your abruptly caught- slight pain pulling in your shoulders at their newfound strain. "I've got you-" A voice growls, labor clear. Your tucked into a chest- immediately burring into the soft material- and your brought to the surface. The grass under your feet has never felt more reliving. Knees buckling, you bring your savior down with you. "You're okay." A hand pats your head, the voice rumbling the chest you were clinging to. "You're safe."

Slowly, your heart slows, and the tears fade, while your limbs still shake- confidence begins to dribble back. Eventually, you lean back, blinking up at the person who caught you- Grian. His eyebrows are drawn into a worried expression, but he smiles upon seeing your face. "That was scary, huh?" you nod in agreement, sniffling. "Where is Scar?" You ask, still caring despite the shock of the event. Grian chuckles, clearly still recovering himself. "Don't worry, he's okay- he's back home." "B-but why was his hat here?" You ask, now searching for the offending garment. "Uh- well- Xisuma can explain later." He promises, seeming to awkwardly avoid the topic. Not want to cause any more stir, you simply nod, vowing to remember to ask later. Mumbo appears in your vision, and offers a hand. You take it, letting him basically pull you to your feet. The rest of your group lingers nearby, clearly wanting to approach, but also wanting to give you space. They all apologize, check in to make sure your okay- and Impulse gives you more candy. Then, a small warping noise. You gasp, spinning excitedly to see him. Dad stands right where he left, having just warped back from where he was. He spots you as well- and you waste no time in launching yourself at him. "DAD!" You squeal, letting your self burry into his chestplate. You wish it was the soft material of his shirt- but when he hugs back you deem it okay for now. "Hey kiddo!" He greets, voice tired, but warm. "How was your day with Boatem?" "I nearly fell into a big hole!" "You What."

[middleearthsdreams]

New World

Chapter 1

Author's notes: Hii, this is my first time posting something of mine here, I hope you'll enjoy. I usually write these for myself so I'm sorry if there are any mistakes or grammatical errors - english isn't my first language. I didn't proof read, I thought of just posting it and see how it goes.

(The reader has a little of self-insert, so she's going to be italian, nothing too evident)

Warnings: so far none.

Enjoy xoxo

chapter 2 / chapter 3

The last thing you remember, was the feeling of sinking. Like when you’re falling in a dream. Then nothing at all.

You gasp for air, hoisting yourself up with your arms. Your vision is blurred, the shapes around you look nothing like your room. The only think you can hear is the hard and fast beating of your heart. Your hands feel wet and cold, like you’ve been laying in the morning grass for a while. Now that you place your thoughts together, it’s not just your hands that feel cold, but your whole body is shivering from the cold. You start to panic. You can barely feel the sheer fabric of your shirt and sweats, as you move around looking for your glasses. You take a hold on them and wear them.

Yes, something is definitely wrong. You have just the feeling that you’re still dreaming. You focus on the tall trees surrounding you, and the dirt you’re touching with your hands. Your eyes can’t lie to you, you’re surely dreaming. Your comfy bed is gone, as is your warm room. You stand up with bare feet. Wiggling your toes to warm them up and to feel the damp forest floor, you look around. The lucid dream you’re in is set in a cold forest, apparently. The reason? Whatever it is your consciousness wants to tell you is very subtle, maybe it is to take a walk? Breathe clear air? You clean your hands form the dirt on your sides. Your grey shorts taking a brownish shade.

You start to wander the path, there’s marks on the ground, like a carriage has just passed by. You feel your mind on a cloud, still not knowing what is happening around you. But yet, you’re dreaming. It must be a pretty normal feeling. You’re surprised by your rational thoughts. You wonder why this forest feels familiar. But again, you dream familiar things all the time.

You whistle a melody while walking, looking around in search of odd things to encounter. Something must happen, for crying out loud. You’re constantly waiting for something to barge or stumble on your presence, but it doesn’t happen. As the minutes pass by you’re overcome by boredom, and immediately after that by fear. It’s irrational, pure and primal fear of the unknown. The trees look all the same and the Sun begins to shine brightly, letting you know that hours have passed by, and not just minutes. You run, pinch your arm, count your fingers. Nothing. You can feel the ache of your lungs from running, the pain in your arm as you pinch it, and again you counted 10 fingers. You huff and puff, leaning on your knees to steady your irregular breathing. Your back stiffens, a loud ‘crack’ coming from somewhere around you. You freeze and quit your loud noises, counting to ten before sprinting in a frantic run. You leap on logs and wet leaves, never stopping. You jump, looking behind for just a second. You heard something very close. You have just the time to look back ahead and discover where the noise actually came from. You bump, very harshly, on a strong person. Not just strong but also firm and hard, since it doesn’t even bulge. You fall – again. This time you know why, at least. And you know now more that before you’re not dreaming. Your head feels heavy, your limbs ache incredibly bad. A loud bark comes from the person you just run over.

“Seven Hells, watch out!”

It screams at you, adjusting its armoured shoulders. Your ears perk up, he sounds familiar. You can tell it’s a he, and he is also very tall. That half-burnt face, you could recognize it everywhere. You squint your eyes, hoping you are wrong. Despite your glasses, and your eyes being the useless muscles they were, you focus enough to trace the coarse face of the man standing in front of you. He looks you down, an angry expression buried in a frown. He’s like this all the time. But you discovered the true and most emotional parts of this giant man. During the show. Because that’s what it was, a show. The Game of Thrones was just a show, and the Hound isn’t standing in front of you. You feel yourself floating, out of this world. Your soul – figuratively – leaving your body. But what was this world if not dreams? It couldn’t be real.

You gasp for air, trying to feel the touch of your numb hands on the ground, but you couldn’t. Your breathing becomes frantic, you’re sure to be having a panic attack. You don’t look up anymore, trying not to focus on the man’s face. It couldn’t be more real. A real panic attack. You feel every little detail and at the same time you don’t. You can’t feel your body from the outside but only form the inside.

The tall man – the Hound – keeps looking at you from above, not really caring what is going on. “Yea, feel bad about it, I ain’t gonna apologize” he says, taking his gloves out. His voice is what makes you feel everything suddenly, all at once. He grounds you back to the moment. Your feet on the ground, hands gripping the dirt: you breathe again.

His eyes wander to your sitting form, wondering if you’re a threat or just some lost girl. While you start to wonder if you’re just batshit crazy. Holding your thoughts back, you stumble up on your feet. You eye the Hound carefully, making sure he’s really there. And if he’s there, you make sure he doesn’t make anything dangerous towards you. Now that you find yourself in front of him, you can see why people were so scared of him. It’s just his whole presence, that makes you shiver – and not in a good way. You carry yourself near him, not too close as not to worry him of harm. Not that you could harm him, in any way. Stranger is right beside him, loaded with weapons and some of his own stuff.

“I apologize Ser” You speak for the first time, not really sure if to bow or how to bow. You decide not to. Now that he’s assured you’re not mute, he looks away from you and grunts. He really just grunts. His horse could have given you a much better answer, you think. “Not a Ser” He just shrugs. You don’t know how to respond to that, so you decide to stay silent. You look around again, since you don’t really know what to do. The forest is quiet except for the birds and unknown sounds. You wonder if you find yourself in the north, but quickly discharge the idea. It would have been way colder if it was. You can stand on your bare feet and not freeze your toes off, so it’s definitely not it. You kick the ground lightly, wondering if you’re gonna be walking into the woods for much longer. You don’t have much knowledge about scouting and hunting, maybe finding a tavern would be the best choice. Of course, it would be, if you knew where to go.

“What were ye doing out in the forest?” His sudden question clears your thoughts, having grown accustomed of the quiet chatting inside your head. You turn your head to him, a question mark written across your face. You have no fucking clue, but here you are. Chatting with the Hound. From the Game Of Thrones. He steadies a bag on the horse, maybe done camping for a night. You wonder what season you found yourself into.

You answer, lying: “I was being chased by a boar”. That would explain your helpless running, obviously. However, since you couldn’t tell him the truth, you start to ponder which lies would have sounded more reasonable. Trying to test the waters, a joke escapes you: “didn’t want to end like King Robert, you know”. You giggle lightly, trying to break the ice. He just huffs but answers your silent question: “aye”. So, it’s past first season, good to know.

“Can I ask you a question?” You try but he stops you “You just did”. You roll your eyes at him, glad he doesn’t notice. “I heard about Stannis Baratheon marching upon Kingslanding, is it true?” You know you’re burning your cards but you don’t know how better to put it. His movements stop for a second, he looks ahead, but he wakes and close up the straps holding the bag quickly. He grunts again, so it’s a yes. ‘Oh’, you smile. He’s on the run, then.

You try to make it sound casual “I just heard about it, it’s crazy what the Imp has done with the wildfire”. He replies with a growl then walks with his steed alongside him, away from you. The ground opens up beneath your feet: what would you do if you were alone? You couldn’t be left alone: you would not survive one day. As you glare at his broad shoulders walking away, the lamp inside your head turns on.

You struggle to walk to him, what long strides he takes. “Wait!” You exclaim, almost running. He doesn’t turn around. He keeps walking. “Don’t leave me alone” You tell him, trying to make him feel something. You know how cautious he is, he is a loner and he has just escaped a city that wants his head on a pike. Despite all of this, he is one of the strongest men in all Westeros, he could keep you safe like no one else could. Whatever that escaping bullshit was, it had to wait. “I don’t know where I am and I don’t know how to live in a forest, I would die by tomorrow or worse” You complain. He just shrugs his shoulders and says “None of my business”. You should have figured he would be like this. But one tiny, little part of you wants to make him feel sorry for you. You’re the damsel in distress.

“At least can you give me a ride? You see, I ran so fast I lost my shoes” you say looking at your feet on the verge of bleeding. He stops himself – and the horse – to turn around and look you down. He bends, looking at your feet with disgust. His hard shell cracks the tiniest bit, because he sighs. “Whatever, where are ye off to?” He offers a hand to make you sit on the horse, but changes his mind: you are far too short. He opens his arms, holding your hips to help you up. His two hands almost engulf your whole waist, his touch making you blush. Here come the nice shivers. “For now, the next tavern, then I’m heading North”. You don’t know why, but you want to separate yourself from Kingslanding as quickly as possible. That damn city. You love the sea and all, but you would prefer to visit the western zones. The North would seem like a good option for now. You lighten up, your eyes glistening. You could try to save Robb, Cathleen and then try to meet all of your favourites. Maybe you could travel north and save Ed and Pip and – your heart races – Ingrid. You could still have time to help Tyrion with the whole trial, and meet Prince Oberyn, save him from the Mountain. There’s still time. You know all of it, the timing is perfect.

Your racing thoughts are pulled away by Sandor’s hand coming close to your leg, to take the reins. Eyes scan your body, you feel embarrassed by your sleeping attire, not very fit for the season. You try to cover your exposed thighs and belly. You went to sleep with some shorts and a small top, since it was summer. Now, you surely hadn’t planned to travel in a fantasy series, otherwise you would have worn much different clothing. Maybe a cute little outfit, you had just the perfect dress for the occasion which you bought for LARP. Sandor – what a sweet name to pronounce – clears his throat and points out “You’re going to freeze your ass off if you’re going North”. You shrug “I’m just going to buy new clothes along the way-” you slap yourself and think ‘yeah, with what money?’. You decide it’s a problem for future you, now you just want to enjoy your first horse ride and to chat a little bit more. Well, not that Sandor’s a chatty man, but you can talk and he can just listen. “Whatever” He just shrugs. You focus on him now, his unbruised half face directed towards you. Then it hits you. You feel like crying, chin trembling. You always forget he dies too, in the end. And you think it’s just unfair: for all the character development he will be going through, it’s just cruel how his story ends. He knows you’re looking at him, but he’s used to be stared at. He thinks it’s his scar that scares people away, that makes him ugly. But he doesn’t know that, in reality, you have a determined face right now. You’re not looking at him because he’s weird – he’s way too handsome in real life. You will save him, no matter the cost. You make it your mission; you will save Sandor Clegane.

“I haven’t properly introduced myself, I’m y/n” You offer him your hand, not receiving any response from him. He just keeps looking ahead, unbothered. You don’t give yourself up: “And you are…?”. You try to not show your real emotions, you’re not the best liar. He scoffs, glancing your way briefly “You know damn well who I am”. You insist “I may know your name, but not the man behind it”. He barks a real and sarcastic laugh – making you jump a little – eyes thin and wrinkled by the grimace “Good luck with that”. Being optimistic, you just nod and say “Challenge accepted”. The shadow of a smile still lingers on his lips, humoured by your attitude. You point your nose up, the rocking of the horse and the thumps of his feet the only sounds remaining.

“Yer not from around here” After some minutes he interrupts the silence, surprising you. You look at him questioning and he clears himself “Ye said your name but didn’t tell me where you come from, lassie”. You open your mouth promptly, but close it again. You surely can’t tell him where you come from, but can’t force yourself to lie enormously. You come up with the most accepting half truth you can muster: “You wouldn’t know, it’s an unknown land from the West”. He doesn’t seem too convinced by your lie, but says nothing. You let out a sigh of relief, then of pensiveness. You don’t mean to brag but you really miss your world: the comforts, the food, your family. You have no clue what is going on the other side. Maybe you’ll wake up in your bed once you’ll fall asleep tonight, maybe not. Does your family know you’re missing?

“But you know, sometimes I miss it, my small town. My mother makes the best pizza of all town, and I’m not saying this because she’s my mom; she taught me how to make it, maybe I can cook it for you one day. I’m gonna need…” You talk and talk, about anything that comes to your mind. You haven’t spoken to someone the whole day: he has the burden to bear with you for quite a while. He sighs, letting you talk.

Your continuous bragging about nothing and everything surely makes Sandor regret his decision. But he’s grown accustomed to boring conversations, so he dissociates from your nonsense. The only thing that intrigued him were the sudden unknown words you spoke – maybe another language. But after some time, he grew tired and began thinking to his own stuff. You know he’s not listening, so you pretend to talk to Stranger. He’s character too, you know. You caress the horse, receiving small sounds of appreciation form him. You tell Stranger all your favourite dishes and hobbies, letting the hours go by.

When the sky starts to turn pink and purple you have shut up for good, hours before. You find the quiet company of the Hound amusing, it’s kind of relaxing. Surely, you want to know many more things than you already know from the tv series. But you tell yourself ‘one thing at a time’.

You rub your cold thighs, shivering from the cold evening air. You haven’t encountered a tavern so far, nor a person passing by. It surely isn’t the King’s Road, otherwise it would be more ‘crowded’. You glance tiredly at the man at your right, his astonishing strength still making him walk. You look at him incredulous: “How are you not tired of walking?” you question him. He just shrugs “I’m used to it”. Your expression drops. You feel terrible for stealing his seat on Stranger, but you don’t know how long you would have gone without shoes. You miss the sensation of warmth that clothes provide, your limbs numb from the riding and cold.

“Can I walk again? I’m hurting my bum up here” You try, his head turning your way, glancing ever so slightly down where said butt sat. He shakes his head “We’re almost arrived”. You sigh, rocking your hips up, trying to relieve the ache between your legs. You’re not used to sit for so many hours. Least to ride a horse. But you’re glad, you thank him silently. You’re overcome by excitement once you hear the indistinct sounds of people talking and drinking, from afar. Finally, people!

Once you – three – arrive at the tavern, you realize you can’t just walk in, this bare you are. Sandor offers to walk inside first, trying to retrieve a dress or something. You thank him, he glances down at you and grunts “Stay hidden, these are not place for ladies to wonder alone naked” and with that he’s jogging inside. You shiver, unmounting Stranger to hide behind his giant form. Your legs wobble and tingle, you let out a moan of relief. You shake and jump on them, warming them up. Your feet are hopelessly cold, you can do nothing about them. You bend to massage your legs, leaning on Stranger to crack your back. The horse looks you weird, like you’ve grown two heads. As you are cracking on the left of your back you feel a presence behind you, its big shadow enveloping you. You’re scared for the first two seconds but take a relieving breath when you hear Sandor’s voice: “What are ye doing?”

“Why are you always bewildered when I do or say something?” You answer, turning back to face him. He’s so tall, you have to tilt your head back to look at him. You take a quick look at his black eyes, unreadable as a stone. He smirks and hands you some pieces of clothing “Cause you’re a funny woman”. His answer leaves you shocked – and amused. Then he turns around and commands: “Put them on”. It takes you some time to distinguish what clothes they are, but manage to put them on. It turns out it’s a long skirt and a bodice, of poor material. You accept kindly, finally covering your legs and arms. Lovely warmth! As you struggle to tie the top piece, you ask “Where did you find these?” referring to the clothes. You hear his shrug thanks to the armour he’s wearing. You decide not to inquire. You sigh loudly, hands behind your back trying to tie the laces but failing miserably. You cross your arms on your breasts and ask quietly “Can you help me?”. You blush, feeling like a child who cannot tie its shoelaces. You still have your back to him. You don’t see him but you can hear him turning towards you, the clanking of metal indicating he’s getting close. Gentle fingers caress your back to find the laces, then a firm pull brings you back. You yelp a little and plant your feet to the ground. He tightens the bodice and knots it. Your blush grows; you’re glad it’s dark so he can’t see it. As suddenly as his hands were on you, they left. He grunts and starts walking back to the tavern. You’re left to yourself for a short second, but you quickly quip behind him. The lingering of his touch burning your back with shivers. The only thing you can see are his broad shoulders, then he moves out of the way and you can finally see the inside of the tavern. It’s so warm and cheerful, you feel overcome by a sudden feeling of happiness. People laughing and drinking, women cheerfully dance to a bad melody. The smell of chicken pie and smoke soaking the environment. Fuck yeah.

You catch up with Sandor to a far table, isolated from the rest. You take a seat across him, excited as a baby to a birthday party. You almost jump from the happiness. Sandor watches you, scrutinizing your every move. He still hasn’t figured you out yet, and that makes him nervous. You’re a small woman, you should be scared of him. Instead, you follow him around and look into him so deeply; you watch him as if you trust him. He knows that, whatever you try to do to him, he’s one of the strongest men in Westeros and could snap you like a twig. So, what is it that makes him nervous? Your gaze rests on his eyes, two seconds too much maybe, and you blush bashfully. He raises a brow ‘what is wrong with this woman?’. Your eyes grow big and wet, your mind racing with thoughts and questions. He looks away, unable to maintain the eye contact. You lower your own gaze.

You get served pie and two pitchers of red wine. It’s not so good – the pie – but since you were starving, you devour it in less than two minutes. Then you gulp down a full goblet of the shitty wine, to ease the passing. All the while Sandor looks at you shocked – as far as his facial expression can go. He’s never seen a lady behave like that, but – after all – you didn’t eat a thing the whole day.

A sigh escapes your lips, two more pitchers have gone, equally divided between you and the giant in front of you. The meal went silently, making you grow bored. The alcohol in your stomach – gone to your head – makes you act frantically: you get up and walk towards the dancing women. The Hound doesn’t stop you, just glances towards you with half lidded eyes. You have always been the drunk dancer, so it’s natural for you to go up there and take some woman’s waist and twist her in your arms. The black-haired woman laughs and holds her hand up facing you. You meet her hand with hers and dance in a circle, leaving her to circle with another woman. You quickly catch up the lyrics of the song and sing along with the ones participating. You laugh and dance for a while, head turning and vision going blurry. Your dress moves swiftly, calluses forming under your bare feet. You can feel two holes burning on your back, so you turn around. You make eye contact with the Hound and wink his way, rosy cheeks and hips swaying. He sips from his goblet, eyes lingering down your body. You feel more naked now than when you were wearing your grey shorts. Stomach aching and legs feeling like jelly, you walk back to the table. You don’t know if your stomach stirs  from his stare or from the good laugh you’re having. And your legs are trembling from all the dancing, right? No other reason.

“You’re so dark and broody, I wonder what goes into that pretty head of yours” You exclaim, sitting poorly on your chair. Your hands go to your stomach, as your feet cross over the table. You huff from the exhaustion, taking deep breaths with your eyes closed.

“Ye don’t want ta know” he slurs, gulping his last drink. Your eyes open, legs go back on the chair and hands under your chin, with your elbows on the table. You stare into the balls of his eyes, trying to read him. His whole demeanour changes, he grows stiff and cold. Alright, he doesn’t want to be read.

“And what if I do?” you play, testing the waters. He snaps, eyes go from warm and sultry to dark and frozen. “I don’t!” he half yells. You’re surprised but unfazed by his reaction, you know he’s cutting the edges of his walls to make them sharper. You don’t care, but don’t insist, holding your hands up in defeat.

“I get it, sorry” You apologize, the energy drained from your body. Your many drinks starting to show their effects, you lay your head on the table. You gaze up at him from down there and ask “Can we go to sleep?”. He’s still stoic and cold, but places two coins on the table, making it jump. You jump too, standing with him. His strides are longer but he’s going slow on purpose, to keep an eye on you. He nods towards a narrow hallway upstairs, leading you to a room.

As soon as you see a bed, you launch yourself on it. It’s not the most comfortable, but it’s soft. And big. It’s a king-sized bed, but you don’t put much thought onto it. Sandor still stands at the feet of the bed; you look at him from behind your shoulder. “Come” You pat the other side of the bed, distancing yourself from the other end. “I won’t be too close, I swear” You plead him to stay. First of all, because you didn’t want to steal another comfort from him, today. Second, you are still a bit cold and the warmth of another body could help with that.

You can see the thoughts behind his eyes, wheels stirring and twisting. You thought he wouldn’t agree, but he sits on the edge of the bed. He starts taking his armour off, struggling to unclasp the straps in his drunken state. You crawl to his left, eyes asking silently ‘can I?’. You don’t touch him unless he asks you to, so when he growls, frustrated by his inability to do basic things, he nods. You help him get out of his heavy armour, eyes never meeting. You’re too embarrassed to look him in the face since he’s too close. His face inches from yours, you can smell the alcohol coming from his mouth. His eyes though, they don't leave you for one moment. Travelling down your face, then your exposed shoulders, the curve of your breasts, then to your hands. He burns with restraint: you surely wouldn't want to do anything with him. Yes, you're just using him for protection, he knows that. When you’re done, he hastily gets up and goes to lay on his side. How could someone ever want him. With these thoughts he closes his eyes. You blow out a candle, ‘patience’ you repeat to yourself. You fall asleep very quickly, your backs brushing lightly. Head empty.

[bassettmemes]

THE GOLDEN YEARS (ALBUM) SENTENCE STARTERS ↳ lines from joshua bassett's debut album, the golden years ↳ ↳ the golden years (single) sentence starters can be found here

BITING MY TONGUE.

"silence speaks louder than I ever could"

"i can't breathe, i'm suffocating on my words"

"maybe the story that's been left unsaid is gasoline just waiting for the perfect match"

"i'm biting my tongue, avoiding the words i cant take back"

"i just wanna love and not look back"

"forget the promises we cant keep"

"i'm begging you to set me free"

"can you blame me for that?"

"you're running your mouth, it's wearing me down"

"i'm screaming out, but you won't hear a sound"

"cause tearing you down, oh, nobody wins"

"im trying to be better than i've ever been"

"hope you got all that you wanted"

"i don't want revenge"

"i won't hurt you how you hurt me; i want this to end"

DANCING WITH TEARS IN MY EYES.

"i lied when i said i'm fine"

"im at the disco dancing with tears in my eyes"

"dancin' with a cigarette, drunk on a Sunday morning

"standin' on the edge is somethin' we'll regret"

"makin' a mess of the bed we made"

"playin' with fire we already tamed"

"romeo and juliet, we shoulda known better"

"i caught your eyes under the lights and now I'm spinnin'"

"i cry every time our song comes on"

"it breaks my heart, dance in the dark, so you don't see me fall apart"

"everybody's askin' if i'm happy for ya"

"nothin' to regret, we went our separate ways"

"it's eatin' me alive to see you doin' better"

"maybe more wine will help me forget ya"

"seein' you tonight, i'm right back where we met"

DON'T LET ME DOWN.

"don't you remember early september? fooling around, didn't know any better."

"our ship was sinking, we held on as long as we could"

"i cried on your shoulder, now i don't know you"

"i keep replaying it over and over"

"wanna go backward, don't know if I can this time"

"we made a mess, but we were just kids then"

"gave it our best, we fell off the deep end"

"i can't forget the way that you held me, dear"

"so, you say you want me again; don't you remember the hell wе were in?"

"i haven't been thе same since you left"

"half of my heart is still there in your hands"

"if you pick me back off the ground, don't let me down"

"how do I know that you actually need me?"

"you say it's different, i wanna believe you"

"holding our hope in, maybe this time is for real"

"might be naive, but maybe we need this"

"nobody looks like you do"

"don't you tell me that you want me just to walk away now"

"don't you tell me that you love me if you don't know how"

"don't you turn your back on me and we can figure it out"

CHERRY BLOSSOM.

"cherry blossoms on your sundress, summer skin on the emerald grass, you pick a flower and pray it lasts, seasons falling away too fast."

"yeah, we talk too much, we fell headfirst under the sun"

"we're growing up but we're still young enough to crush"

"oh my cherry blossom, say you're staying through the autumn"

"you pack a picnic, i'll pick you up"

"is it too early to call this love?"

"some kids kissing in the sun"

"i'll never ever get enough"

CIRCLES.

"merry-go-round, we've been here before"

"your carousel hell got me chained to the floor"

"i've been falling for your sweet seduction"

"can't believe you're fooling me again"

"i've been running for my life"

"i end up at the starting line"

"i've been wasting all my youth on you"

"lovesick spinning 'round and 'round"

"like a broken record wearin' out"

"all this time i wasted chasin' you"

"yeah, girl, you got me going in circles"

"sweet as a peach, you're soft to the touch"

"you're making me bleed but calling it love"

"you pull me close, but keep me at a distance"

"where do i go from here?"

WILDFIRE.

"burnin' pancakes while we're dancin' in the kitchen, singin' to our favorite song, now I'm standin' in the ash and broken dishes"

"wonderin' where it all went wrong, now there's nothing left of you and me"

"it was heartbreak to the third degree"

"we had a gold and it was good until it wasn't"

"now the sirens, they sound, all of the walls are falling down"

"here's nowhere to run, darling, we'll never make it out"

"we're too close to the sun, we let it burn then called it love"

"there's smoke filling our lungs"

"would you look what we've become?"

"you asked for a light, now we started a wildfire"

"we were reckless, we were young and we were stupid"

"got too high to see the warnings signs"

"playin' innocent, we knew what we were doin', and two wrongs don't ever make a right"

"don't look away, darling, there's nothing left to save"

"just kiss me goodbye"

"we're not gonna make it out alive"

"It's far too late to save us, this flame here is to dangerous"

"don't say it's all okay, love, it's too much"

"just face it, love, we're dying"

"no point in even trying, it's too much"

"now we started a wildfire, love"

LITTLE RITA.

"she's crying on the phone, she's not quite sure where to go"

"i know this life isn't easy, but you'd know that I will be right here"

"and you know those are your needs, dear, and someone who can dry your tears"

"'cause home is where the heart is and my heart is always near"

"i promise in no time that you'll bе fine, and everything will bе alright"

"love is all that matters anyway"

"i know it's scary, i know it's sad"

"kiss your mom and hug your dad, 'cause no one knows how long they really have"

WOULD YA TELL ME?

"i've been waitin', wondering where you are"

"i've been prayin', say you're not too far gone"

"cause I don't know where my love went when you left, dear"

"i don't know where my heart was when you were here"

"what if you're still in love with someone else?"

"what if you're still hung up on someone else?"

"what if you're still the one for someone else?"

"what if you're still in love with someone else? would you tell me?"

"sunlight don't shine now that you're not around"

"daydrunk, moonshine, can't drown the sorrow out"

"i don't know where my mind was when you were here"

"i don't wanna know who's taking you home"

MIRROR.

"where did it all go wrong?"

"innocence stolen way too young"

"there's blood on my hands"

"i don't understand, where did it all go wrong?"

"out on my own at seventeen, no one to tell me who to be

"i'm going insane, i'm wasting away, i found a new low at twenty-three"

"i don't recognize the face in the mirror"

"there's nowhere to hide from the face in the mirror"

"the light in my eyes, i can't seem to find, and i don't recognize the face in the mirror"

"the face in the mirror isn't mine"

"i don't know when I last called my mom, ican't let her know what i've become"

"it's better to lie, don't tell her you're high"

"i wish i could talk to my mom"

"won't somebody help me?"

LOOK HOW FAR YOU'VE COME.

"i know you can't see the light right now"

"they buried you alive with no way out"

"you're screamin' underwater but nobody hears a sound"

"you taught yourself to swim so you don't drown"

"just in case nobody told you this today, look how far you've come"

"you've been running far too long"

"what goes up comes back down, just a circle back around"

"i know you're not nearly done when you can't seem to get back up"

"i wish I could hold my younger self. i'd say, "cry a litle longer if it helps"."

"you can't choose the place you're born, your hair, your name, your baby clothes, but getting here, you did that on your own"

"and in case that you forget, the last time you were here, you swore that it would never end"

"darling, catch your breath, the world's gonna need you love, so do the best you can"

"i promise someday that it'll make sense"

[bigfan-fanfic]

A Stolen Kiss (Male!Reader x Cullen Rutherford)

Can I request a fic where Cullen mets the reader when he was in the circle tower and they kinda live this forbidden love, sneaking back to kiss, but during the blight, the reader escapes the tower and they just meet again during the Inquisition. Cullen, however, is kinda embarrassed to talk with him again because of how he treated mages in Kirkwall but they eventually date again, please?

He tastes like mint.

He just likes to be fresh when you get to kiss, so he makes a habit of chewing on the mint leaves he can pilfer from the greenhouse rooms where the mages practice their plant magic.

There's an alcove where the patrols rarely go. It's hard not to feel like it's a betrayal when you take him there, but it's love, in this dark tower, it's a blindingly bright light in a life where you have none, so how can you resist?

Everything has been taken from you. Family, life, freedom. So when Cullen lets you take the lead, when his lips part at the slightest prompting from your tongue or teeth worrying his lip, it almost feels like the Maker giving you everything you missed out on.

You've never seen him without his armor, nor he you without your robes - there are whispers that the Templar recruits train shirtless outside the tower, but the windows start on an upper floor, and they don't let you see the sun. And yet there's something about it that makes this feel so intimate.

Your fingers tangle in his curly hair, and he moans when you tug it, just rough enough not to be considered gentle, but not rough enough to cause any pain.

"I love you" is said, because how can it not be? This is the only kind of love you'll ever get to have in this tower. A forbidden, clandestine love with a man who tastes of mint, who kisses you desperately, who cannot let himself lose control and gently bite you without uttering a prayer to the Maker and Lady.

But he finally finds a way, pulls you into a discreet broom closet and asks - more like begs, really - to touch you.

It's awkward and uncomfortable in there, but you get his armor off and marvel at him and his tanned skin and his muscles, and he gently removes your robes and what you two do cannot technically be called making love, because it's over too quickly, but you two hold each other close and it's even better, your lips finding his skin, your body protected and warm in his embrace.

He whispers "I love you" against your skin so many times you lose count...

but then, during the Blight, there's a chance. An opening as demons overtake the Circle, and you flee.

Even ten years of apostasy later, you still can remember that first time touching grass on the outside.

The Inquisition needs the help of mages. That's why you go. Not because it's pretty famously Cullen that's their armed force commander.

You accept that he's busy, but after a few weeks go by, it's pretty obvious that he's avoiding you.

So you go to find him.

He looks at you with a bit of... shame? Fear?

"Cullen... it's been a long time."

"I... you haven't changed a bit."

"Really? I feel like I have."

"You still light up a room the way you always have when you walk in."

He blushes after blurting that. Such an honest and eloquent response.

"You knew I was here."

"Yes, but... I wished to respect your distance."

"Distance?"

"I'm sure you... heard of what happened. In Kirkwall... and Kinloch. What I did. What I proposed to do."

"I did. But I also heard that you've... that the Inquisition was helping mages."

"Against my recommendation, I'm sorry to say."

"And you're still forthright to a fault, I see."

"I looked for you. At Kinloch. I thought you were dead."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm glad you did. My fear of magic... of mages. It's... I need to make an effort. To know mages. To understand that - that maleficarum and abominations are an exception and not the rule. That mages are just people. Just people trying to survive, like everyone else."

"Do you still dream of me, Cullen?"

"Yes." he breathes. "Often."

"Look, Cullen. It's been a while, I know. How about... we get to know each other. Outside of the Order. Outside of the Circle. Just us."

"I... would appreciate that chance. Though it may be short-lived, with our battle with Corypheus on the horizon."

"Then let's make the most of it."

"As always, you are right."

You whisper "I love you" as you leave, eager to start your second chance.

Unbeknownst to you, he whispers it at the exact same time.

[livetoariel]

easy 600 words under the cut.

He clawed at his shirt, peeling it off his skin. “How are we going to eat if I can’t even find a single rabbit? Or fox? Or anything here?” He wiped his face off with his shirt and discarded it beside the fire. He tipped back, resting against his heels.

At some point this will be a cohesive story but for now I'm just doodlin' and throwing words onto the screen.

We had been travelling the Shaar wasteland for days. The sun was uncomfortably hot during the day and bone chillingly cold at night. We did our best to make short work of this leg of the journey but my provisions were starting to dwindle. Astarion tried to hunt for the both of us, but there weren’t many animals to be had in the area. 

Days quickly morphed to a tenday. We had just settled into a camping spot for sunrise and had a small fire crackling in front of us. The air was already starting to warm up. 

“I’m going to go see if I can find any animals to hunt, I won’t be long,” Astarion said, pitching off his armour so he could move silently through the grasses. 

I just nodded at him and went searching through my packs to see if I had missed any food I could scrounge up.

30 minutes had passed and Astarion still wasn’t back. It was getting dangerously close to the sun peeking over the horizon. I stood up and started pacing, considering going to look for Astarion.

I heard the barest of footsteps approaching from behind our tent. It was Astarion, empty handed. He stumbled up to me, sinking to his knees beside the fire. 

“I couldn’t find ANYTHING, Quyn,” he whispered. I had never seen him sweat like he was now. He must have been running full speed the entire time he was out. He clawed at his shirt, peeling it off his skin. “How are we going to eat if I can’t even find a single rabbit? Or fox? Or anything here?” He wiped his face off with his shirt and discarded it beside the fire. He tipped back, resting against his heels. 

I stood in front of him, waiting for him to look up. He didn’t. “Astarion, you can still eat to keep up your strength,” I said quietly. 

He reached out to my barely healed thigh, where he had fed just a day before. “You aren’t healing like you usually do. A few more days like we’ve had and I’ll drain you dry.”

“You won’t,” I said simply. 

He groaned and leaned his forehead against my thigh, “I’m so hungry, Quyn.”

“I know.”

“Maybe… just a little. That would be enough.”

I stroked my hand down his curls and held him against my leg. HIs hands came up to caress the back of my leg, a touch hesitant. 

“You can,” I breathed to him. 

His fangs sunk in, causing me to gasp a little at the pain from the bruising that was still there from the other day.

I could feel Astarion desperately gulping down blood, and when I glanced down I saw some trickling out of the side of his mouth. He was usually more careful than that. He must have felt worse than he was letting on. 

I watched my blood slowly drip onto his chest, mesmerized. I could watch him feed all day. I sighed contentedly and felt my knees almost buckle. Astarion pulled away from my thigh, gasping. I looked up at the horizon for a second, noticing the first rays slowly seeping over the mountain to the east. 

I looked back down at Astarion, his eyes still on the ground, avoiding my gaze. I tipped his chin up with two fingers. 

He slowly looked up at me, his red eyes darker than usual. “You know I would do anything for you, right?” his hands were dangling uselessly in his lap. He didn’t look ready to move, even with the sun quickly rising behind him.

“I know,” I said back simply. “We can try again tomorrow.” I reached my hand out to him, and when he took it, I led him to our tent.

[scarredlove]

Across the Waves

I wrote this... then stopped... decided to come back to it at midnight... whoops

Sun got a fic from me so... who's next~?

Forgive any mistakes or weird phrases

Even the night was gloomy. Not even one sparkling speck in the sky.

Your sandals separated your feet from the now cold sand, but didn't stop the few strays from sticking in between your toes. "Moon?" You called out, looking out at the span of the beach front, black waves washing the shore to your right, large rocks and trees lining your left.

Today, all of the boys had wanted out of the tank and to stretch their legs out. Eclipse wasn't always the most talkative, but as the biggest out of the lot (and the most stern), you had no worry when he ventured out by himself. He certainly had a presence to not be messed with. However, Moon was different.

Not that he couldn't take care of himself, being the most sneaky out of the trio had it's advantages... Until it pushes Sun a bit off the bend and he accidentally dirties his brother's bright yellow garb. If it had been Eclipse, or even reversed, it probably would have just made the whole event funnier. But not when one of your slugs was the largest germaphobe you'd had the pleasure to meet.

"Moony?" You called again, still no obvious 7ft slug man in sight. Of course, you didn't blame Moony. You did try to warn him that your drink was on the edge of the stout coffee table but by then, it was too late. The Hypselodoris Obscura startling its brother back and knocking the drink in the process.

An incident like this was very much like any regular family, a small thing blown out of proportion. But until it was clean enough again, Sunny wouldn't be able to return the water. So as much there was slight tension, you'd quickly thrown it into the wash before coming out here to hunt the culprit. You knew it would be fine, and so did Sun (behind all the frustrated grumbles). Now time to reassure blue boy.

A gentle hum reached your ears. Or at least, within your mind. You looked over to the trees and caught the faintest speckled glow. They were certainly not there a second ago. Chuckling softly, you made your way to the sulking incarnate of the moon, the musical mumbles growing in volume. Behind the scrawny trunks, Moon was crouched down to the half grass, half sand ground, both arms wrapped around his torso.

"Hey there." Though he already knew you were there, it never hurt to inform him that he was indeed found. He didn't look up to you, the back of his cloak losing its glow to return hidden in the shadows. "You ok, big baby?"

The bells on the large hood rang as he turned his head slightly to you, though you still couldn't see him. "Is Sunny angry?" He asked solemnly. Stepping around the train of his coat, you knelt down beside him to see he'd bent down before a little pool of water. You weren't sure if anything was within it, but didnt chance dipping your fingers in.

A small laugh left you. "You know he can never stay angry at you." You thought for a second. "At least, until he gets to scold you for being a menace to his wellbeing." A raspy chuckle was your response. Good. "So, am I going to have you drag you back, or do you want to stay here a bit longer?" Moon outstretched a hand to glide over the small pool before you both, the circular movements almost hypnotic.

Moon said nothing, though did return to his melody. It was a gentle song, he would hum it on occasion but it was always welcomed. And every time he did, you would catch his shoulders loosening up, the tension easing from his form. Seeing his back droop a little bit, you rose a hand and pressed it to his back, rubbing up and down for a few moments, a sigh leaving your sweet Obscura. "Sorry." The hood murmured, his face still hidden. "Knocked your drink." He elaborated.

"It's ok, Moony." You shrugged. "It'd probably been cold for ages. May as well be poison by that point."

He chuckled again, the tone not as croaky, and leaned into your touch. "Then I'm not sorry. I saved you."

A gasp left your lips in return. "What a generous hero you are!" Your free hand rose and pressed against your chest for added theatrics. "You should be rewarded instead!"

Red eyes turned to meet yours finally, the off-white glow of his pupils soft like his namesake. There was a charming grin on his face but you could see tiredness in the expression too, the mental strain of an internal war having taken its toll on him until he clawed back to himself. From him shifting, the hand on his back moved to his shoulder, cupping him whilst rubbing small circles with your thumb like his fingers across the dark liquid.

Dropping the arm from his chest, his hand moved to lay over yours on his shoulder, scooping up your dinky digits in his much larger hand and nuzzled his cheek over the knuckles, eyes closing as he red against them like a tiny pillow. "Warm." He noted softly, moving to press the back of your palm to his chin. "My sweet sea star..." His voice echoed in your head, making you sigh gently.

"C'mon..." you started, "we should get home before the other-"

He tugged you into his chest. Face planting into the ruffles of his gown. His hand leaving yours to secure your middle to his. An arm wrapping around your shoulders... Which all sounds nice enough... Until you feel wet fingertips rub the back of your neck. Body temperature falling drastically as stray droplets worked their way down your back. "MOON-!"

He ripped away from you just as fast as he pulled you in, leaving you stretching and almost scratching the coldness away from your throat as quickly as possible, though making you look like a maniac in the process. He was giggling and cackling to himself, standing back up on his feet though not too far away for you to see his face and glare at his betrayal.

"Alright boy. That's it." He stopped his laughter, the grin was still etched on his face as he watched you slowly take off your sandals and rise, the sand smooth against your toes. "You better run before you have to face both Sun AND my anger!"

The laughing resumed and he ran away as you gave chase, though, the way he was 'running' was more like a weird crab scurrying away. Making him looking like a little gremlin in your eyes. But he never outrun you. Always remained the same distance as you both ran back home. Where Moon was promptly scolded by his sunnier twin before being welcomed back home.

[haileyywrites]

-> Your walk in the woods leads to finding a lone boy, your simple acts of kindness cause him to quickly grow attached to you...

-> No gender or pronouns mentioned for reader! Kunikuzushi x reader! Yandere/unhealthy relationship - this is not normal! Can be read as platonic or romantic!

The sun had just begun rising when you rose from bed, usually you would never wake so early. Your body simply refused sleep this morning and so defeated you got up from the comfort of your futon. The outside air was as fresh as it could be from the rain last night, perhaps waking up so early wasn't that bad after all.

Your hair felt in need of some washing so you picked some spare clothes to change to after your bath. The river you bathed in wasn't far from the village, but it was secluded enough to offer privacy. With the clothes and some soap you were on your way to the river.

On the way you took in the gorgeous spring scenery, cherry blossoms were in bloom and so were the flowers along the path you walked on. Your attention was soon brought to the sound of faint crying you heard within the woods. Your heartbeat quickened in fear - could this be a trap set up by bandits or rogue samurai? No, it sounded like a young boy...

Against your better judgement you strayed from the path to move towards the sound. Behind some brush you found a boy seemingly your age sobbing, face red with some snot almost falling down his face. Your heart ached for him... Clearly he had been through a lot.

“Hey... are you alright?” You asked in a worried but calm and kind tone.

He quickly turned his gaze to face you, some tears still dripping down his red tinted cheeks. His eyes were glossy and filled with fresh tears. He looked alarmed by your presence, but felt strangely comforted by your soothing voice.

He kept staring into your eyes, he almost seemed like he was mesmerized by the sight in front of him... Were you an angel? He wondered to himself. The sun rising behind you certainly made you appear like one. You on the other hand, took notice of his rather high quality clothing. White with royal purple - the color best representing Inazuma itself.

“No...” He weakly responded.

“Why are you out here alone? And why are you crying?” You sat on the lush grass next to him.

“I... I was left here by my creator, my mother.” He mumbled as more tears fell silently.

You didn't know what to say to him, was there a right thing to say in this situation? An "oh" left your mouth involuntarily in response. You sat in silence within the shade for moments before you took notice of his clearly soked clothes and his shivering form.

“Oh, you must be freezing! Here - they should fit you well enough...” You pulled your spare clothes from your basked and handed them to him.

He seemed hesitant to accept them, but he was freezing... You turned your back to him so he could change in peace. Afterwards you offered him some snacks you had packed for the walk back.

“How long have you been out here alone? You're eating like you're starving...” You asked seeing some of the lavender melon juice drip down his chin as he ate it messily.

“I'm... Not sure.” He stared at the melon in his hands for a moment, before continuing to devour it until it was fully gone.

You crawled closer to him before using your sleeve to wipe away the left overs from the corners of his mouth. He stared round eyed, with his mouth slightly agape and cheeks tinting red once again. You smiled apolitically and backed away. He sat still for a moment, processing what you had done and how it affected him.

“You have no other place to go to?” He shook his head no. “Then, you should come with me! I have some space in my small home, if you need it.”

His eyes sparkled with hope as he nodded. For the first time that day he smiled, even if it was barely noticeable - it was still a pure and beautiful smile.

“Then come, it's not far from here.” You offered him your hand and he gladly accepted it.

His hand was cold and so smooth to the touch, his fingers were skinny and bony as they intertwined with yours. Still, it was nice to have physical contact with another and he felt the same. It was new and the feeling of your warm hand within his felt heavenly, yet made his heartbeat more rapidly. It was nice, and he didn't want to ever let go...

The people of your village were still sound asleep when you arrived home, as none were outside yet. Your home wasn't much, but it could well fit two people. You turned back to look at the boy who's name you had forgotten to ask, he seemed more than happy with the small shack you called home.

“I just realized I forgot to ask your name...” You sheepishly said.

“Kunikuzushi.” You nodded and told him your name in return.

“You can head inside, there's some more food if you're hungry!” You smiled.

“Where are you going?” His eyes filled with unexpected fear, you were taken aback by the sight.

“Um... Just to put up your clothes to dry.” You laughed nervously.

He held onto your hand tighter to the point it began to hurt. “Don't leave me... Please don't leave me!”

“Hey - hey, it's okay! You can come with me if you want! I just thought you'd still be hungry...” He calmed down and relented his hold on your hand, but didn't let go.

You walked hand in hand behind your house to the laundry line you had set up. You asked him gently to let go of your hand so you could put up his clothes. He was reluctant, but eventually did as you asked. He watched you put up his clothes on the line impatiently, feeling anxious just by not touching you for a few minutes. To him it felt like hours!

When you were finished he quickly latched onto your arm again, eyes softly pleading for you not to make him let go. You didn't. You simply walked inside to make some dinner for you two with him hanging off of your arm the whole entire time. Even when you finished and sat down to eat he refused to let go, just changing to holding your hand instead of your arm. You didn't say anything in order to not hurt his feelings. Even if it was uncomfortable or inconvenient for you...

Your home only had one bed as you had lived alone for the majority of your life. Sharing the futon was necessary until you would be able to buy him his own, but he didn't seem to mind this. It only meant he could stay close to you, even when you slept... His grip remained tight around you - almost too tight for you to breathe. You just didn't have the heart to tell him to stop, it was just for the beginning anyway. He would get better over time, right?

He didn't. If anything he got worse! He would almost have a panic attack when you needed to use the restroom! It was the only place where you were able to draw a clear boundary, although he did fight against this too... You couldn't even bathe without him near you or he would freak out and Archon's forbid you talked to another person - especially a man. You were honestly so lost on what to do with him or about his actions...

You should have drawn boundaries from the very beginning, now it felt too late - like things had gone too far to be able to turn back... You felt hopeless and drained, everything you did lead to a fight or a breakdown. He would accuse you of betraying him and hating him, of course you didn't but this wasn't okay! He just couldn't understand that.

He clearly cared about you and you him, otherwise you wouldn't have taken him in and let him live in your home - to let him sleep in your bed with you! What do you mean you needed space? What do you mean you need time by yourself? Did you hate him? Did you want him gone? What did he do wrong? He only loves you and wants to keep you safe! He needs to be with you so you don't leave him!

How did things end up like this? You just wanted to help someone from an unfortunate situation, give them a roof over their head and some food to eat. You just wanted to be kind - to treat him like you wished you had been treated when in a situation like this...

Now you felt constantly suffocated by just being in his presence. You felt your life and emotion's be drained without doing anything. You would lay on your futon with him latched onto you for hours without moving, with his constant gaze on you. He was like a parasite - as harsh of a description as it may seem, but he however over you constantly. It didn't matter if he was physically touching you or not, you could feel his presence on you constantly...

Ehehe, some more Scara brainrot... We're getting closer to 3.3 and I am so prepared for him to come home <3