#SHE SAYS THAT RIPPLE SOUNDS ARENT GOOD

[aurorealis9985]

me and my mom are arguing about sounds brb

[sunlightandsuffering]

just thinking about sweet and lovely mikasa with chubby cheeks 🥺🥺🥺 eren ALWAYS wants to kiss and squish them!! she's just so cute

He was looking at her face, as he always did. Sitting next to her, Eren could appreciate her big, soft cheeks, her pride and happiness along with her small nose. Joy flooded him, wondering how he could even be alive, how he was so lucky to live. At this point, it was right to call him crazy, but he was: Eren was enraptured by life itself, by how he was in class, but could not pay attention, by the components of the fabric and, besides, by meeting his Mikasa and being able to appreciate her wonderful features all day long.

He then remembered the day when he found the black-haired girl muttering in front of the mirror, magically speaking to nothingness and sinking into her irrational fears: 'Chubby cheeks aren't fashionable, are they? After all, Eren won't like them' she whispered with the neutral face that hid her emotions, when she didn't delve into the unreality of her biases about herself and didn't even think of talking about her life even with Eren, her dearest boyfriend.

'Mikasa, love, calm down. I love you and...- He squeezed her cheeks- your cheeks are wisdom itself, they are the reason why I realize that we are a ripple of possibility that undulates in nothingness and why emptiness doesn't exist in me, because I would take any moment to be with you and have fun and when we laugh, see your cheeks in their greatest splendor. Besides, love, my opinion should not be important, in fact, you should only worry about your actions. Darling, would the stoic school be proud of you?'

The beautiful girl, already in her boyfriend's arms, her head against his large chest, wiping her tears after the emotional, laughingly pronounced:

'But, Eren, you must not depend to remove the emptiness from your life. It's more than that, you are simplifying Bauman, besides, couples should be more than "I", not that there is an emotional dependence, of course in psychological terms, on her.'

-My beautiful girl, you are right. But that's why I agree more with Russell, I will live a life inspired by love, which is you, and guided by logic. Having you makes me, as you said, be more than Eren. Having you makes me want to get you a red rose, even call the nicanor to get it and show him your beautiful cheeks.-.

The laughing couple once again plunged into their conversations, which the others would not understand, though they explained.

They were the temporal transcendence in a very large timeline most beautiful and rare, according to Mikasa, the outstanding sociology student of their university. While Eren, the one who was on his way to becoming a philosopher, compared them to Camus, saying that her cute girlfriend and his friends had helped him understand that he does not build a path alone.

So that was their love.

(I think it was understood that I am a loser for philosopher! Eren and sociologist!Mikasa

Btw sorry if some parts arent right I only speak spanish, so im using translator and idk how that became this HOPE ITS GOOD LMAOOO)

Wow I wish I understood Spanish and philosophy 😭😭🥺🥺 I’m sure it’s even prettier in Spanish!!! And unfortunately I know next to nothing about philosophers 😂😂 but it’s very pretty! I’m sure it’s so nice in Spanish!!! Mikasa and her chubby cheeks 🥺 JUST WANT TO SQUISH THEM!! Great job anon I think u should make a fic! Sociology Mikasa and Philosopher Eren!!! 😍😍😍 very nuanced and poetic it sounds like!!!

[how-masterful]

Call Him Master

Dhawan!master x reader

Summary: Stuck on a plane with no way out, the Doctor and team tardis find that their newest travelling companion and MI6 ally aren't who they appear to be after all.

Notes: This is my first published fic! I knew I had to rewrite this scene and add some reader insert to it, I hope you all enjoy! ❤ all feedback is greatly appreciated!

O's eyes went dark, face settling from his guilty expression to a deep, unsettling glare.

"Got me...well done."

You bit your lip and held back a smirk, gripping the fabric of your gown in anticipation as confusion travelled across the face's of everyone on the plane.

"Whats going on, Doc?" Graham asked, O turning to look at the Doctor and raising his eyebrows. "I don't know" she replied, tilting her head and leaning closer to his face. O let out a chuckled and turned to you, smiling condescendingly. "She doesn't know!" He mocked, causing your smirk to deepen.

"I suggest you all take a look out the window." The four travellers scrambled to the window seats of the plane. You couldn't help but laugh. "How's your house out there?" Graham gulped, confusion lacing his tone. O shrugged his shoulder's. "Its a bit wicked witch of the west, but you get my gist" he mused, the confused ramblings of the companions making you giggle.

"So damn slow, arent they?"

O's eyes turned to you, a sick smile gracing his lips at your comment. You wanted nothing more but to run into his arms there and then. The Doctor stormed down the middle isle towards you, grabbed your arm and yanked you behind her protectively, causing you to roll your eyes. O returned the sentiment, a small growl in his tone. He didn't enjoy seeing you manhandled.

"Who the hell are you?"

O grinned mischievously. "C'mon doctor, catch up- you can do it" the Doctor's gaze met O's, her mind rapidly thinking as the agent before her coaxed her on, practically begging her to figure it out. You held your breath in delight, ready for the penny to drop. And when it did, it was delightful. "Oh!" The Doctor gasped, the pair of you giggling. Her face dropped in horror as she stepped back, holding you behind her, as if protecting you from the man before you.

"That's my name, and that is why I chose it! So satisfying, isn't it dear?" You nodded in agreement, the companions behind you looking remarkably lost. You smirked darkly- they never were that bright.

"Doctor, I did say look for the spymaster" O started, taking an ominous step closer. The Doctor pulled the four of you back, trying to protect you from his predatory stance. Your heart was racing, eyes begging him to finally say what you'd been waiting to hear for months on end.

"Or, should I say spy... master."

Your smile was wide as ever, heart pounding out of your chest. There he was, in all his glory- you hadn't heard that name in so long. And god, he sounded good when he said it. His devious smirk confirmed your hopes: O was well and truly gone, and the Master, your Master, was back. Gone was the wide eyed wonder and innocent facade, gentle nature and humble grin- now he stood over the five of you proud and dangerous, a sight you'd been desperate to see for a very, very long time.

"Hi." The Master gave a playful wave, your smile widening as he stalked towards you, the Doctor standing her ground. "You cant be!" She cried, the Masters smile falling as he gestured to his chest, eyes dark. "I can be, I very much am." The Doctor growled as he scrunched his nose at her, laughing smugly as she covered her mouth- she looked like she was going to be sick.

"So who is he?" Graham asked, the Doctor turning to face you all with wide eyes. You sighed in annoyance and turned to the man. "Oh keep up, will you?" You snapped, before turning back to the master, who wore a devilish grin. "I'm her best enemy. We go way, way back, don't we Doctor?" He jibed, laughing again as the Doctor looked dangerously pale. Ryan frowned in confusion. "So hes not really O?" You shook your head with a dark laugh.

"Of course not" you teased. The Master reached out his hand, all eyes falling on you as you eagerly sauntered down the isle, taking his hand and meeting his proud gaze.

"Call him Master."

You nestled close into the masters side, arms winding around his middle. He hummed in appreciation, arm curling around your waist possessively, your head resting against his shoulder.

"I certainly do"

The Doctor gasped quietly, mouth agape and eyebrows shooting up to her hairline. Her eyes drooped sadly. "Y/N, what are you doing?" She all but whispered, standing before the pair of you. The Master grinned. "Thats it, thats the face I told you about. The face of utter betrayal." The Master gently held your chin, turning your face to meet his gaze. "When she finally realises her shiny new pet was truly mine, all along." You blushed lightly, his tone making you shiver in his grasp.

"Did I do well, Master?" You purred, hand resting on his chest, the comforting symphony of his hearts under your palm.

"You did phenomenal, love" he replied, before pulling your lips to meet his own, crashing them together in a hungry kiss.

"What the hell?" Yaz cried. The four travellers before you gaping at the scene. You'd travelled with them for months, why were you suddenly siding with the man who claimed to be the doctors enemy? You sighed contently as you broke for air, resting your head back on his shoulder and giggling at the faces in front of you. The Master was right- it was so satisfying.

"You didnt think you met the perfect new pet to travel with by accident, did you Doctor?" The Master sneered, glancing at the other companions aboard the plane and brushing the hair away from your face. "Just like myself at MI6, my darling Y/N went undercover and posed as your companion." You waved teasingly, slowly parting from the master and stepping towards the Doctor. "I must admit, it was painful pretending to enjoy your company- but watching you slowly trust me more and more? An absolute thrill."

Ryan tilted his head. "So you knew this would happen, all along?" You nodded, pursing your lips. "I knew what and how, but not when. I may be a good actress, but I too like to be surprised now and again" you giggled, the Master looming over you from behind, watching you intently. The Doctor grabbed your arm and met your eyes, expression hopeful yet sad. The Master snarled lowly, stepping closer to you.

"When did he get you, Y/N? He's hypnotising you, none of this is real." You laughed incredulously, the Doctor tightening her grip. "This isnt the Y/N I know."

You leaned down and smirked triumphantly at her. "He wasnt the O you knew either, but here we are."

The Master smirked as you yanked your arm away, retreating back into the timelords arms and sinking into his embrace. "Speaking of O, poor chap, do you want to see him?" You smiled knowingly, the Master reaching for his inside pocket. "A man close to my hearts...well, my pocket." He slowly produced the matchbox from his jackets inside lining, presenting it to the Doctor and co with delight. He reluctantly moved his arm from your waist.

"Like I told you love, always good to keep a backup of ones work. Tissue compression, its a classic. "

Butterflies swarmed in your stomach, the sight of a miniaturised corpse in the box making the other humans before you practically retch. It was so delightfully him, the Master laughing with pride as the Doctor watched on with pained eyes. His reveal had truly broken her, and you had the best seat in the house. Well, the plane.

"I shrunk him, on the way to work on his first day- stole his identity, and set myself up in MI6. All that was left then was to plant our dear Y/N at the perfect point in your timeline, and watch the magic happen." The Master taunted. He crushed the matchbox in his hand and threw it over his shoulder. "Surprisingly good stuff."

"So you two were working together the whole time?" Graham asked, causing you both to laugh. "Oh yes! And we have had... a LOT of fun." Waves of furious excitement rippled off the Master as you clapped with glee, his eyes alit with manic joy. The Doctor glowered at the sight, rage bubbling in her gut as she watched you both. You'd just ripped the rug out from under her, TWICE, and now you were rubbing your victory in her face. She suddenly gasped.

"I have to warn Barton!" The Doctor stormed down the middle isles, hastilly shoving you into the Masters arms, your hands flying to his shoulders. He instinctively gripped your hips to steady you, comically raising his eyebrows in concern as the doctor burst into the cockpit, dramatically wincing behind her back. The Doctor cried out in shock at the sight of the empty room, returning to the cabin in horror.

"Wheres Barton?! He's not here!" She cried. The Master playfully jumped in terror, pulling you down the plane in mock panic, companions scrabbling behind you. "Oh no, Barton!" He gulped, suddenly pulling you onto his lap, ducking down onto one of the seats.

"What did you do?!" The Doctor yelled, the Master playing with your hair as the humans beside her yelled in terror. You gave a shiver of pleasure as he tucked a strand behind your ear, Graham peeking into the cockpit with trepidation as you raked your nails through his hair. The timelord shivered. "Whos flying the plane?!"

The Masters eyes widened in glee- he was so hoping someone would ask. "Wrong question." He growled, hand on your thigh. You trailed a row of quick kisses down his jaw, your lips against his stubble causing him to practically purr. As much as you loved his clean shaven chin, you absolutely adored his usual beard. He squeezed your thigh teasingly as four sets of terrified eyes landed on you both expectantly. "Check the seat."

A delicious smirk grew on the Masters face as the Doctor ran to the pilot seat of the plane, his hand landing on the small of your back as he guided you up from his lap, following you down the plane. "Cockpit bomb, Doctor!" You declared. "Made from parts I aquired over our little adventures together."

The Master gazed down at you proudly, arm around your waist. "Short fuse, I can relate" he teased, sending a wink your way with a hummed laugh. A blush tinged your cheeks, hands wandering up his jacket collar, his other arm meeting around your waist and cementing you in his grasp. "Mm, i'm loving all this" your hands smoothed out his lapels, the Master chuckling down at you.

"Oh really?"

"Yes really."

"Well, I did dress to impress."

"Mm, that you certainly did."

A playfull giggle escaped your lips, the continuous chaos at the front of the plane the least of your concerns. The Master flashed his ever charming smile, joining your laughter. You bit your lip- even in the middle of all the panic, the Master would never resist a chance to flirt. He loved seeing you hot and bothered too much to hold back. The Master glanced hungrily at your purple gown, raising his eyebrow knowingly.

"Was the purple just for me?"

"You're not the only one aiming to please, master."

The Master purred lowly, grip tightening on the small of your back. The Doctors ramblings flittered through the plane, your attention too focused on the Master to care. He leaned his face in close, hot breath on your cheek causing you to bite your lip. His pupils were blown, raking up and down your form. The moment was close to perfect.

The sound of the Doctors sonic suddenly pulled the Master from your gaze. His face instantly fell, proud grin mutating into a furious sneer as he pushed you behind his back, pointing threateningly at the female timelord. You let out an annoyed growl, narrowing your eyes. Of course she had to ruin your moment. It was all going so well.

"No!" He yelled, practically shaking with anger. "You really think I wouldn't make that sonic proof, Doctor?!" You grasped ahold of his bicep, feeling his trembling rage as you released a huff. He was almost spitting in pure malice.

"C'MON!"

Your hand slid down his arm, his balled fist slowly opening as you slipped your hand into his grasp. You squeezed his palm, grounding him. The Master took a shaking breath, squeezing back.

"Deadlock seal, and I made sure there were no parachutes on board." The Doctor was visibly panicking, raking her hands through her hair. The timer on the bomb continued to tick. Yaz turned to the Master, expression furious.

"Wheres Barton? We saw him coming in!" The master smirked smugly, his grip on your hand tightening. You moved closer to his side. "Pulled away before takeoff- by me" he replied, your other hand snaking over his bicep. The Master turned to glance at you, your devious gaze making him smile. "Stick with us, Yaz" he laughed, sighing contently.

"Because I control... everything. Even these guys!" He finished with a flourish, whistling with a spin and a snap of his fingers.

The roar of the Kaasavin filled the cabin, the creatures pulling themselves out of the plane floor. The Master pulled you tight to his chest, breath shallow. "Hold on tight" he cautioned, the Doctors panicked wail emerging from the cockpit. "I can't do it!" She cried, and the Master laughed triumphantly.

"EVERYBODY GET BACK!"

The timelord slammed the cockpit door shut, the plane suddenly rocking with the force of the explosion. A manic laugh emerged from your throat, your grip tight on the leather seat.

The plane was starting to crash.

The ricocheting bang began to pull the air out of the cabin, a tunnel of wind errupting as the six of you held on for dear life. You kept tight hold of the chair before you, nails digging into the leather as the wind began to pull at your form. You growled in protest, legs kicking against the wind as the Master stood over the Doctor.

"Something you should know, in the seconds before you die!"

His voice was furious, pushing himself against the wind on the plane seat backs. He leaned in close and glared.

"Everything that you think you know, is a lie!"

You grip was faultering on the seat, the leather squeaking under your palms as you used all your might to hold on. The force was becoming too strong, your head turning to the Master as he straightened up before the Doctor.

"Master!" The renegade timelords head snapped in your direction, arm lurching for your waist.

"Y/N please!" The Doctor screamed, but the master would never let you fall. He pulled you tightly to his side, your hair and gown bellowing in the wind as you clutched onto his chest, laughing manically from the shock.

"Got you!"

The Master grinned, the four travellers before you both screaming in desperation as they clutched onto whatever they could grab purchase on. The Master leant in close, forehead on your own as he sighed with resolution, gaze meeting your own.

"Finally."

His grip never slipping from your middle, an elated giggle pulling itself from your lips. The Master glanced at the Doctor and her companions a final time, before pulling a cylindrical device from his pocket and pressing hard on the button. You braced yourself as a white light engulfed the pair of you, pulling you from the plane- the last noise you heard being the terrified screams of the Doctor and her friends, and the Masters devilish laughter.

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

[leximpwrites]

Trifle not with Tired Dragons

I realized that I never moved this story over to this blog and now I cant find it on my original because I didnt tag it like a doofus.

"Essylla?" Neveen called, poking her head around the door if the greenhouse where the little pixie worked and lived. "You in here?"

"Neveen? That you, darling?" came the response from somewhere amongst the astounding profusion of fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs growing everywhere. "Stay there, I'll be with you in a tic!"

Neveen took a deep breath, savoring the scents of damp earth, sweet flowers, and growing things. The half-dryad instantly felt  more relaxed than she had in days just by being surrounded by so much foliage. 

Essylla appeared from behind a row of mint, brushing dirt from her knees and shaking several bits of leaves from her hair. She fluttered up to Neveen's shoulder and planted a kiss on the young woman's cheek. 

"Muah! Good to see you, flowerchild!" she said cheerfully, settling on her shoulder cross legged. "What can I do for you?" 

Neveen smiled; it was impossible not to when dealing with the irrepressible pixie. "I actually had a question about Alek, if you don't mind?" she asked, suddenly a bit unsure if she was prying into something that was none of her business. 

Essylla's cheerful reply killed any doubts she had. "Of course, darling!" she giggled, smiling up at Neveen. "I know more about the big galoot than anyone other than Fireheart, so if it's not something intensely private, I'd be happy to help!"

"Okay, then perhaps you would know why everyone in Alliance Command is always so…….I dont know, wary? Polite? Nervous, when dealing with Alek?" She leaned back against a nearby support pole. "Its as if they all darent breathe wrong lest they somehow inadvertently offend him or something. 

Essylla eyed her approvingly. "That was well spotted, flowerchild. Very sharp of you. The commanders hide their feelings well, so I doubt anyone else would've noticed that."

Naveen blushed in pleasure at the unexpected praise. "So I wasnt just imagining things?" she said, somewhat surprised. Neveen had spent her entire childhood and much of her teen years isolated from everyone else before she had met Alek, Essylla, and the others, and she still sometimes had difficulty dealing with others and understanding their motivations. 

Essylla shook her head. "Not at all. It goes back to the first Incursion War………"

*****************************************************

April, 1915, Eastern France, 3:47am

Alek was beyond exhausted. After five days of near constant recon, surprise attacks, raids, and counter ambushes, even his dragon enhanced physique was at its limit. He had gone to his section commander and requested that he be put on the reserve lists, citing battle fatigue and sleep deprivation. His commander, and experienced elven Ranger, had nodded sympathetically and told Alek he would make sure to leave a note that he was not to be disturbed for at least forty eight hours. 

Alek had thanked him and slowly trudged back to his tent, nearly dead on his feet. He finally made it back and stumbled inside, then sat down on his cot, intending to remove his boots. 

That was the last thing he remembered. 

He came awake all at once, disoriented and confused. It took him several long moments to realize that he was no longer in his cot, but rather laying on his back at the bottom of a muddy crater. Rain poured down onto him, soaking him to the skin. He groggily got to his feet, and then registered the fact that alarm bells were sounding, and there were screams, yells, and the sounds of battle all around him. 

As he climbed up the slippery, muddy slope of the crater, he slowly pieced together what must have happened. There must have been a surprise attack, and his tent had been hit by an artillery spell. While his own draconic immunity to fire magics had protected him from harm, his tent, and all of his belongings, had been obliterated. This realization, along with the fact that his innate sense of time told him that he had barely been asleep for forty five minutes, sparked a flickering ember of anger, which was quickly stoked to a roaring, white hot inferno of absolute rage. 

He reached the top of the crater, drew in a deep breath, and yelled. His voice, fueled by both his anger and his magic, literally drowned out every other sound on the battlefield. 

*WHICH ONE OF YOU DEMONIC PUKES BLEW UP MY TENT AND WOKE ME UP!?*

Absolute silence descended around him as literally everyone froze in total surprise. Every single eye turned to Alek, standing at the lip of the crater, eyes gone fully crimson, the force of his rage manifesting as magical flames flickering around and over his skin, hissing and crackling in the rain. 

After several long moments, three demons of a kind that Alek had never seen before strode out of the horde, facing him. One was a head taller than the other two, who flanked him like an honor guard, but all were remarkably handsome, almost human in appearance, save for brilliant yellow eyes with snake-like slit pupils, and a pair of horns that curved back over their heads. Again, the taller one stood out from his fellows, as his horns were longer, curving outwards slightly at the back of his head. 

"Well now," said the center demon, clearly the leader. "You're a right firespitter, arent you?" His voice was smooth and cultured, his accent unidentifiable, but almost musical and pleasant on the ear. 

"And you are?" Alek snarled, his hands flexing unconsciously at his sides. His instincts were screaming at him that these three were dangerous, but at this point he was too angry to care. 

"Ah, apologies, where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself," he said, bowing elegantly and then gesturing to his two companions. "I am Asmodeus, Lord of the Fifth Realm, and these two fine gentlemen are my vassals, Lord Zepar, and Lord Focalor." The other two demon lords bowed at their names. 

There was a murmur of alarm from the surrounding Alliance warriors. Those names were well known. These were Infernal Lords, the most powerful demons in existence. Asmodeus was a Greater Lord, while Zepar and Focalor were both Lesser Lords, but they were still far and away more powerful than most.

Alek bowed in reply. "And I am Aleksander Petronova."

"Actually, that's wrong," said Asmodeus. Suddenly, with no warning, he was behind Alek, his arm raised, ready to strike. "You are dead."

THWACK.

Asmodeus recoiled in stunned surprise, his wrist caught firmly in Aleks grip. Very slowly, Alek turned his head until he was looking over his shoulder at the speechless demon. Focalor lunged at him with a snarl, but without breaking eye contact with Asmodues, Alek snapped up his other arm and caught Focalor by the top of the head, his body rippling as he shifted from his human form to his true dragon self. Zepar started to move, then froze as he felt the wicked barb at the end of Aleks tail tickling his throat. 

"You blew up my tent," he said slowly, his deep, rumbling voice causing a shiver to go down Asmodeus's spine. "But more importantly, you woke me up." 

"W-well," stammered Asmodues, suddenly at a loss for words. "I can see why that would make you angry-"

"I am not angry," Alek interrupted him. He suddenly tightened his grip, and with a sickening crunch, crushed Asmodeus's wrist. The demon lord went rigid, his face white with pain. 

Aleks voice was a lethal hiss, like a blade being scraped over a stone. "I'm absolutely furious."

******************

"Are…..are you…...t-telling me that Alek trounced th-three Infernal Lords b-b-because they interrupted his NAP?!" Neveen managed to choke out between gales of laughter.

Essylla giggled again, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. "Well, you know what they say," she said, a wicked glint in her eye. "Trifle not with tired dragons."

It was another twenty minutes before Neveen could stop laughing. 

((Enjoy! This one featured @kitvinslakte 's little plant baby Neveen!))

@officialleehadan @nox919 @apenvssword @starsdreaming @dierotenixe @iron-vixen @stealthyjam

[leximperialis26]

Alarm Clock

"Essylla?" Neveen called, poking her head around the door if the greenhouse where the little pixie worked and lived. "You in here?"

"Neveen? That you, darling?" came the response from somewhere amongst the astounding profusion of fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs growing everywhere. "Stay there, I'll be with you in a tic!"

Neveen took a deep breath, savoring the scents of damp earth, sweet flowers, and growing things. The half-dryad instantly felt  more relaxed than she had in days just by being surrounded by so much foliage. 

Essylla appeared from behind a row of mint, brushing dirt from her knees and shaking several bits of leaves from her hair. She fluttered up to Neveen's shoulder and planted a kiss on the young woman's cheek. 

"Muah! Good to see you, flowerchild!" she said cheerfully, settling on her shoulder cross legged. "What can I do for you?" 

Neveen smiled; it was impossible not to when dealing with the irrepressible pixie. "I actually had a question about Alek, if you don't mind?" she asked, suddenly a bit unsure if she was prying into something that was none of her business. 

Essylla's cheerful reply killed any doubts she had. "Of course, darling!" she giggled, smiling up at Neveen. "I know more about the big galoot than anyone other than Fireheart, so if it's not something intensely private, I'd be happy to help!"

"Okay, then perhaps you would know why everyone in Alliance Command is always so…….I dont know, wary? Polite? Nervous, when dealing with Alek?" She leaned back against a nearby support pole. "Its as if they all darent breathe wrong lest they somehow inadvertently offend him or something. 

Essylla eyed her approvingly. "That was well spotted, flowerchild. Very sharp of you. The commanders hide their feelings well, so I doubt anyone else would've noticed that."

Neveen blushed in pleasure at the unexpected praise. "So I wasnt just imagining things?" she said, somewhat surprised. Neveen had spent her entire childhood and much of her teen years isolated from everyone else before she had met Alek, Essylla, and the others, and she still sometimes had difficulty dealing with others and understanding their motivations. 

Essylla shook her head. "Not at all. It goes back to the first Incursion War………"

*************************************************

April, 1915, Eastern France, 3:47am

Alek was beyond exhausted. After five days of near constant recon, surprise attacks, raids, and counter ambushes, even his dragon enhanced physique was at its limit. He had gone to his section commander and requested that he be put on the reserve lists, citing battle fatigue and sleep deprivation. His commander, and experienced elven Ranger, had nodded sympathetically and told Alek he would make sure to leave a note that he was not to be disturbed for at least forty eight hours. 

Alek had thanked him and slowly trudged back to his tent, nearly dead on his feet. He finally made it back and stumbled inside, then sat down on his cot, intending to remove his boots. 

That was the last thing he remembered. 

He came awake all at once, disoriented and confused. It took him several long moments to realize that he was no longer in his cot, but rather laying on his back at the bottom of a muddy crater. Rain poured down onto him, soaking him to the skin. He groggily got to his feet, and then registered the fact that alarm bells were sounding, and there were screams, yells, and the sounds of battle all around him. 

As he climbed up the slippery, muddy slope of the crater, he slowly pieced together what must have happened. There must have been a surprise attack, and his tent had been hit by an artillery spell. While his own draconic immunity to fire magics had protected him from harm, his tent, and all of his belongings, had been obliterated. This realization, along with the fact that his innate sense of time told him that he had barely been asleep for forty five minutes, sparked a flickering ember of anger, which was quickly stoked to a roaring, white hot inferno of absolute rage. 

He reached the top of the crater, drew in a deep breath, and yelled. His voice, fueled by both his anger and his magic, literally drowned out every other sound on the battlefield. 

*WHICH ONE OF YOU DEMONIC PUKES BLEW UP MY TENT AND WOKE ME UP!?*

Absolute silence descended around him as literally everyone froze in total surprise. Every single eye turned to Alek, standing at the lip of the crater, eyes gone fully crimson, the force of his rage manifesting as magical flames flickering around and over his skin, hissing and crackling in the rain. 

After several long moments, three demons of a kind that Alek had never seen before strode out of the horde, facing him. One was a head taller than the other two, who flanked him like an honor guard, but all were remarkably handsome, almost human in appearance, save for brilliant yellow eyes with snake-like slit pupils, and a pair of horns that curved back over their heads. Again, the taller one stood out from his fellows, as his horns were longer, curving outwards slightly at the back of his head. 

"Well now," said the center demon, clearly the leader. "You're a right firespitter, arent you?" His voice was smooth and cultured, his accent unidentifiable, but almost musical and pleasant on the ear. 

"And you are?" Alek snarled, his hands flexing unconsciously at his sides. His instincts were screaming at him that these three were dangerous, but at this point he was too angry to care. 

"Ah, apologies, where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself," he said, bowing elegantly and then gesturing to his two companions. "I am Asmodeus, Lord of the Fifth Realm, and these two fine gentlemen are my vassals, Lord Zepar, and Lord Focalor." The other two demon lords bowed at their names. 

There was a murmur of alarm from the surrounding Alliance warriors. Those names were well known. These were Infernal Lords, the most powerful demons in existence. Asmodeus was a Greater Lord, while Zepar and Focalor were both Lesser Lords, but they were still far and away more powerful than most.

Alek bowed in reply. "And I am Aleksander Petronova."

"Actually, that's wrong," said Asmodeus. Suddenly, with no warning, he was behind Alek, his arm raised, ready to strike. "You are dead."

THWAP

Asmodeus recoiled in stunned surprise, his wrist caught firmly in Aleks grip. Very slowly, Alek turned his head until he was looking over his shoulder at the speechless demon. Focalor lunged at him with a snarl, but without breaking eye contact with Asmodues, Alek snapped up his other arm and caught Focalor by the top of the head, his body rippling as he shifted from his human form to his true dragon self. Zepar started to move, then froze as he felt the wicked barb at the end of Aleks tail tickling his throat. 

"You vaporized my tent," he said slowly, his deep, rumbling voice causing a shiver to go down Asmodeus's spine. "But more importantly, you interrupted the first chance I've had to sleep in four days." 

"W-well," stammered Asmodues, suddenly at a loss for words. "I can see why that would make you angry-"

"I am not angry," Alek interrupted him. He suddenly tightened his grip, and with a sickening crunch, crushed Asmodeus's wrist. The demon lord went rigid, his face white with pain. 

Aleks voice was a lethal hiss, like a blade being scraped over a stone. "I'm absolutely furious."

*************************************************

"Are…..are you…...t-telling me that Alek trounced th-three Infernal Lords b-b-because they interrupted his NAP?!" Neveen managed to choke out between gales of laughter.

Essylla giggled again, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. "Well, you know what they say," she said, a wicked glint in her eye. "Trifle not with tired dragons."

It was another twenty minutes before Neveen could stop laughing. 

((Hope you guys like this one! Special thanks to my dear friend @kitvinslakte, for letting my borrow her sweet little plant baby Neveen for this story. Please leave comments to let me know whatcha think!))

@nox919 @officialleehadan @dierotenixe @syalar

[godaime-obito]

my fill for @kakaobiweek2019 day 8:time travel. Kushina takes care of things; on ao3 and under the cut!

Kushina isn’t particularly happy about dying. She imagines most people aren’t, but unlike them she’s not going to put up with it. The Shinigami can bite her, she wants back in. Honestly once she woke up she didn’t remember much of being dead, so she can’t really say how she got back to life again, just that she did.

She awakens spooned against Minato. It takes Kushina a long time to convince herself to move. The worst part of being pregnant was not being able to be big spoon properly anymore.

...Is she pregnant? She’s not sure how far back she is. Maybe she just isn’t showing yet? But, maybe, she got lucky and she’s farther back than that. If she gets up and runs through Konoha she might find Rin or even Obito. On second thought, the Shinigami better hope she’ll fin Rin and Obito.

“Pretty boy,” she shouts as she hops out of bed, “I demand an emergency ramen dinner for your team.”

“What? Kushina it’s the morning. It’s too early for dinner,” Minato says bewildered.

“It’s never too early for ramen,” she retorts and throws his usual uniform at him.

Kushina and team Minato arrive at Ichiraku’s as soon as it opens. The kids are exhausted from morning training and Minato is exhausted from delaying Kushina until the stand actually opened.

She decides to sit smack between Obito and Rim instead of her normal spot, but she’s still barely able to contain her enthusiasm at seeing them.

“How’s it going kiddos?” she cheers. Now to keep them from dying somehow.

“I’ve made a lot of progress on my mystic palm efficiency,” Rin volunteers, “Obito’s been working very hard on his kanton and we’re sure Kakashi’s going to be a jounin soon.”

“Wow,” Kushina says with a smirk, “a jounin already Kaka-chan? But you’re still so cute.” He puffs up in response and gets ready to go on one of his little rants, but Kushina can’t hear him over her own laughter. She missed these little rants, after Obito died, no matter how annoying they are.

“Good luck kid,” she says after her laughter dies out, “but don’t get so caught up on your rules that you forget your teammates. When you’re a jounin you’re a leader and you have to consider your subordinates.”

“They’re not my rules, they’re the ninja rules,” Kakashi retorts.

“Look here little punk,” Kushina growls, “I’ve been a jounin years and I think I know a bit more about how the rules work than you. If I hear you’ve been leaving your teammates in the dust I’ll make you regret it.”

“Kushina, darling, I’m sure he’ll give your words plenty of consideration,” Minato reassures her. Trying to diffuse her temper before she gets more worked up. She quiets with a huff and the rest of the meal passes by with the normal sound of Kakashi and Obito bickering, which cheers her up a bit. It feels good to be back.

Kushina tries to believe in Kakashi she really does. But… she knows what a stubborn brat he is. She may take some time off to us to stalk them around on the Kanabi Bridge mission. It isn’t easy to find the time or avoid being seen, but she’s able to help pick off the Iwa nin. Obito makes it home with his two sharingan eyes, and Rin and Kakashi come back intact too. Well, Kakashi still ends up losing his left eye, but you win some you lose some.

Naruto is going to be born soon, which brings her to her second goal: not dying. Things go wildly different. She thought there may be some ripple effect from the things she’s done differently or from Obito surviving, but this is a bit much. She really isn’t sure what she did to cause this. It’s October 10th and instead of the masked man with a sharingan there’s some kind of plant demon with what may be mokuton. They seem like opposite problems, but they must be connected. Thankfully Kushina was ready to be attacked and this fucker isn’t capable of teleportation and phasing the way the masked man was. The kyuubi is still safely sealed in her, and if she could just get it to stop regrowing when either Minato or she kill it they’ll be golden.

Just when she’s worried it might wear them down before they can kill it backup arrives. Mikoto arrives flanked by a few of her clansman. Kushina couldn’t have a better best friend. The literal fire power of their kanton turns out to be just what they need. Either they successfully burn away the plant demon or they at least manage to scare it off. Kushina can’t say what happens immediately after because she just gave birth and then fought a demon, so she very reasonably fell asleep as soon as it was over.

Kakashi and Obito are late to Naruto’s second birthday. Obito’s been rubbing off on Kakashi ever since Kanabi Bridge, when they finally learned to get a long, and it’s not that surprising they’re both late. She’s still annoyed though. She will find both of those brats and drag them here.

It turns out she doesn’t have to look very long, because they’re together. They’re lying on Obito’s couch, while Kakashi is, from what Kushina can see, attempting to discover how far down Obito’s throat he can get his tongue. Fucking Sixteen year olds.

“Boys!” she screams as she climbs through the window. “Stop being horny and celebrate my son’s birth!” she adds, smacking them both over the head, “Ingrates.”

“Kushina-neechan,” Obito stutters out, rapidly turning bright red. “It’s not what it looks like,” he insists.

Kakashi just looks smug. “It is what it looks like, if it looks like I was about to get lucky,” he says, “until you interrupted.”

“Kakashi!” Obito shrieks and reflexively sucker punches him in the gut.

“You can get as lucky as you want after the party,” she says, “Get moving.” She stalks out the front door and Obito pops up from the couch to run after her, grabbing their gifts off the table as he goes. Kakashi follows after them once he regains his breath.

Obito and Kakashi are both late to their commitments the next morning, but Kakashi is big spoon and really doesn’t want to move. Obito is still happily snoring and while they’ve slept in the same bed or on the same futon before it was never like this. Never in this context. He wants to stay a while and just watch Obito’s untroubled sleeping face. The last few years have gone unexpectedly well and strangely he for some reason feels like he owes Kushina. Maybe he should take her with them to get ramen later.

[cosmichoneyedblossoms]

White Sands

MERMAN Shownu X Reader

Genre: Fluffy

Word Count: 2,894

A/N: Okay, so, not gunna lie, this one was hard to write, but also fun! Thank you @xkpopobsessedx for helping me create ideas for this cutie! Anyway, I hope y’all enjoy!

Day One: 8:00 PM

“It’s been so long since we’ve been on a vacation together. What’s it been like, five years?”

“Mmm...” I hummed, scrolling through my phone. My mother tapped my leg, my eyes dragging up to see her face, “What?”

“Put your phone away. We’re going on this trip to get you out of your funk since that stupid boy broke your heart.”

“Can we not talk about Dean, please...” I asked, turning my head to look out the window.

“This four day get away at the beach should help you.”

“Yeah, because the ocean and sand can help me get rid of my depression...” 

“Don’t be like that, Y/N...” She whispered and I tuned her voice out as I watched the trees turn into beaches, tan sands fading almost to white due to the season change. The water soaking in the still warm air and bright sun, resting upon the shore line waiting to cover someone’s feet; I bet it’s starting to get cold, not like we’ll probably swim anyway. 

“We’re here.” We pulled up to a house that sat on the beach. The siding of the house colored a cerulean blue, fashioned with dark wood steps leading up to the door; even though the house was weathered, it still held some beauty. We stepped out of the car, pulling our luggage from the trunk, and then made our way up to the door. My mother opened the deep red door and we were greeted by the squeals of my older sisters, Anessa and Samantha.

“So glad you guys could finally make it.” Anessa took our mother’s luggage from her, sliding it over to the side of the couch.

“I’m sorry, girls. There was so much traffic on the highway.”

“No surprise there.” Sam grunted from the couch.

“Sorry to interrupt, but will you show me to my room, please?” I asked, Anessa skimmed over me, placing her hands on her hips.

“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. I think the last time I saw you was at Christmas dinner with De—”

“All right, all right, let’s not pester, Y/N. She’s had a long week. Sam, honey, show her to her room, please.”

“Ah, okay, mom.” Sam replied, getting up from the couch. I followed her down the hall to the last room on the left and she opened the door, “Let me know if you need anything, okay?”

“Mmm...” I nodded and walked into the blinding room. Pale blue painted walls, dark wood flooring, driftwood colored furniture, white bedding, and a window seat facing the ocean.

Cute...

I opened my bag, unpacked my clothes into the dresser, then closed the curtains over the windows, and finally laid down on the bed, resting my eyes.

Day Two: 4:00 AM

I opened my eyes to a dark bedroom, the sound of the ocean waves seeping into the room.

How long have I been out?

I pulled my phone from under the pillow, the screen lighting up to show 4:02 on the clock. I laid my phone down, turning on the lamp on the side table, then getting up to pull a sweater from the dresser. I tugged it on, slipping on my shoes, and stepping out of the bedroom into the dim hallway. I padded my way across the floor into the dining room, sliding the glass balcony door open, letting the sea salt tainted air kiss my face. I closed the door behind me and walked down the balcony stairs, down into the sand. The sound of the waves crashing soothed my numb mind, my body being pulled closer to the shore; I sat down close to the water, watching it roll in and drift back out, when something moving through the water caught my eye.

A person swimming at this time of night?

I watched the body move closer and closer until I could make out his features in the moonlight— shaggy dark brown hair, soft cheek bones, but killer jaw line, thick lips, and sharp eyes.

Wow, he’s gorgeous...

He came closer until his body rested on the shore, everything but his head still under the water, “Hey...”

Is he talking to me?

I looked around, searching for someone else he could be talking to when he spoke again, “Who are you looking for?”

“I was making sure you were actually talking to me.” I confessed, tugging at the sleeves of my sweater. His eyes wrinkled as a beaming smile appeared on his lips.

“What is a beautiful girl like you doing out here in the middle of the night?”

“I could ask you the same thing. Isn’t the water cold?” I asked, moving closer to him, the water starting to touch my feet.

“Not really. I live in the water so it doesn’t really effect me.”

“Ah, you mean you’re always coming out to swim—”

“No...” The water splashed behind him and I leaned to the side, the dark red color coming into focus, “I’m a merman.” I got up to my feet, traipsing into the water, the iciness making me hiss, but I needed to make sure he wasn’t playing around with me, I needed to see if he was telling the truth.

“I thought mermaids and mermen were just old sailors tales, not real life...?” I questioned as he turned over, sitting on the ocean floor, his waist submerged under the water.

“We stay hidden for our safety.” He lifted his tail, the deep red iridescent scales glittering under the moonlight.

“What a shame, you’re a beautiful creature...” I ran my hand over his scales, his tail twitching at my touch. I flicked my eyes up to his face, his cheeks ruddied and his bottom lip caught between his teeth, “I’m sorry, I touched you without even asking,”

“No, no, that’s okay. I was just shocked you actually came out into the cold ocean to touch me.” He teased, his wet locks fell onto his forehead as he lifted his hand, “I haven’t introduced myself yet, I’m Hyunwoo, but you can call me Shownu.”

“Oh,” I took his hand into my own, shaking it, “I’m Y/N.”

“A beautiful name for someone like you.” My cheeks burned at his statement, his chestnut eyes stared into mine, his hand pulling me close, “Y/N...” My name bubbled from his lips, his voice hypnotizing me, “I’m sorry, but the sun is starting to come up, so I must take my leave.”

“Oh...” I turned towards the horizon, hints of pinks starting to tint the sky, “Has it really been that long?”

He grunted to my question, “Can I see you tomorrow night, well I should say tonight?”

“Of course you can, if you want to.” A smile spread over his lips, his teeth peeking through his lips.

“Lovely. Meet here at midnight?”

I nodded, biting my lip.

“I’ll see you tonight, Y/N.” Shownu swam out into the ocean, soon diving down and disappearing.

Day Three: 12:00 am

“You came, Y/N.” Shownu laid against the shore, just as he did the night before.

“Did you think I wouldn’t?”

Shownu pondered my question then shrugged, “I wasn’t sure, but I’m glad you did.”

“I actually came prepared this time, too.”

“What do you mean by that?” He asked as I pulled off my sweater, Shownu clearing his throat, “Y/N, what’re you doing?”

“Taking off my clothes, so I can get in the water in my bathing suit and keep my street clothes clean and dry.” I laughed, seeing his cheeks flush.

“I thought you were—”

“Oh, I know what you thought.” I teased, tossing my shorts with my sweater away from the shore and stepping into the water, taking a seat next to him. He cleared his throat once more, scooting closer to me, peering into my face.

“Y/N?” 

“Yes?”

“Has anyone ever told you that you have the prettiest eyes? Especially in the moonlight?”

I laughed a bit, nudging him, “Has anyone ever told you that you’re such a flirt?” Shownu let out a chuckle leaning into me, sighing comfortably, “I do have a question for you, Shownu.”

“And I have an answer for you... probably.”

“If staying hidden was to keep you safe, why did you show yourself to me?”

“Hmm... that’s a good question...” He flicked his tail up, sucking his teeth, “Since I was a child, I could always tell when someone needed something. May it be an ear or someone to lean on, I could just feel it in my bones and seeing you last night, I could tell something was wrong, but I didn’t need to ask since it’s none of my business...” He paused for a moment, his hand ghosting over my fingers, “I’m here for you, whatever you need, Y/N.” I looked at him, his eyes catching mine.

“Shownu...” I felt a blush start to prickle at my cheeks and I looked down at my lap, soon his warm wet fingers brushed strands of hair behind my ear, “Tomorrow is my last night here so, I wouldn’t get too attached to me.”

“I’m not going to worry about that right now. I’ll make the moments you spend with me memorable, to where you won’t forget me or want to leave me.”

“Not like I could forget meeting a merman.” I breathed, moving out into the water.

“Oh, would you like me to leave then?” He huffed, moving out into the water with me.

“No!” I exclaimed and Shownu snorted, trying to stifle a laugh, “Don’t be mean.” I splashed water at him and he chuckled.

“Oh, now it’s on.” He hissed, playfully pulling me to him, his fingers poking at my sides making me squirm and giggle under his touch. I struggled to get away from him, but his hands ceased their attack and held me close to him, his warmth spreading through my back.

“Is this where you kill me?” I joked, a laugh leaving him. 

“If I wanted to kill you, I would’ve already.” I rested my head against his chest, watching the moon ripple on the water. 

“The more time I spend out here in the water, the more I feel myself wanting to stay. For a change of scenery, to get away from my home, away from the memories that linger in that town...” I ran my fingers over Shownu’s arm, his grip tightening.

“Then why don’t you stay?”

“There’s just things I have to return to... work, school... life in general. I rather spend my time here, with you, soaking up the moonlight and avoiding stress.”

“Stress? Why are you so stressed?”

“It’s a long story.”

“We’ve got three more hours until daylight, so we’ve got time.” 

“Well...” I went into deep detail of my life for the past few months since my break up with my ex and about how I’ve been dealing with it. Every once in a while Shownu would ask a question and then fall silent again; once I finished my life story, Shownu rested his head in the nook of my neck.

“I wish you never had to go through that, Y/N... You’re such a sweet girl. If I were human, I would keep you by my side forever.” He whispered, placing a gentle kiss on my shoulder.

“You’re too kind, Shownu... We just met and I feel like I’ve known you for forever.” I relaxed into him, sighing a bit, noticing the break of daylight leaking out onto the water, “Time to go, Shownu...”

“Just a few more minutes, please.” Shownu tightened his grip on me, burying his face into my damp hair.

“Just a few, I don’t want you getting caught.” Shownu lifted his head, turning it in close to my cheek, his lips grazing against my skin.

“Alright.” Shownu held me close for a few more moments, short silent moments, before he let me go and placed a soft kiss against my cheek, “Midnight, my dear.”

“Deal.” I smiled, watching him dive down, and disappear.

Day Four: 12:00am

I sat down on the cold sand in jeans and a thick sweater, the sea salt breeze starting to get colder every night. I watched the water ripple, waiting for Shownu to appear. Pulling my knees up to my chest, I rested my head on them, my eyes getting heavy. I dug my phone from my pocket, looking at the clock that read 12:10.

Maybe he got caught up with something... He knows it’s our last night...

I hugged my legs, burying my face into my sweater to fight off the cold breeze, closing my eyes.

“Y/N...” A gentle voice called out, rousing me from my sleep. I pulled my head up for the bright sunlight to blind me.

It’s morning?

I rubbed my eyes, blinking them a few times before trying to focus on anything around me.

He didn’t show...

Warmth spread over the top of my head, causing me to look up, a shadow looming over me, “I’m sorry it took me so long, Y/N, but I’m here now...” Shownu’s voice met my ears and I smiled.

“That’s funny... you sound like—” The shadow crouched down, my eyes focusing on the voice’s face, Shownu’s features coming into focus.

“It is me, dork.” He whispered and I looked him up and down, no tail, but human legs covered by the blanket I brought out.

“Shownu?!” I squealed, jumping from the sand to face him, “H-How is this possible?” I studdered, trying to take in his body. He stood, a little wobbly on his feet.

“When my father passed, he knew I was not meant for the sea, he gave me an elixir saying that it could make one sprout legs to walk the earth. I thought it was all a joke so I didn’t mess with it, but then I met you and I needed to at least try to see if it was real... and now...” He chuckled, “I’m here, in front of you, naked...”

“Oh shit, Shownu, let’s get you inside.” I took his hand, tugging him up to the balcony, “When did you get here? How long did you let me sleep?” I walked up the stairs and then I pushed open the sliding door to be met by my mother’s and my sister’s stares.

“Y/N? Who is the naked—”

“No time to explain, mom. Anessa, do you still have some of your husbands old clothes that don’t fit him anymore?” They stared at me then skimmed over Shownu, him shyly lifting his hand, waving— them not moving, “Y’all!” I yelled, Anessa rushing to her room.

“Let me go draw a bath for him, you must be freezing, dear.” My mother looked over him once more before going to the bathroom. Sam just sat there, ogling him, her mouth slightly ajar.

“Sam, go do something with yourself...” I growled, pulling Shownu over to the bathroom, my mother sliding out to let us through. I closed the door behind us and I sighed leaning against the counter, “They’re going to be the death of me...”

“They seem nice.”

“They can be, until they see a gorgeous man walk through the door.” Shownu chuckled at my words, “Alright, merman, get into the bath.” He looked at me and then at the bathtub.

“The what?”

“The bath...” I pointed at the tub and he shrugged his shoulders, starting to get into the bathtub with the blanket wrapped around his waist, “Oh, hold on...” I took the blanket into my hands, closing my eyes, pulling it from his body.

“Can I not get that wet?”

“I mean you could, but the bath is to wash you.”

“Wash me?” I opened my eyes to be met with his confused gaze.

“Yes, wash you. Now sit.” He sat down at my words.

“It’s hot.”

“Yup, that’s how it’s supposed to be.” I took the cup that was on the side of the tub and dipped it into the water, then pouring it over his hair. I grabbed the bottle of shampoo and he cocked his head to the side.

“What’s that?”

“Shampoo, it’s to wash your hair.” I opened the cap and squirted the thick liquid into my hand and rubbed it into his hair, creating a thick lather, and then pouring the water through his hair once more to rise it out. I grabbed another bottle and handed it to him, “Okay so this is body wash, you take this...” I grabbed a washcloth from the rack over the toilet and handed it to him, “Soak that in the water and add some of the body wash to the cloth and clean your body. I’m going to go get the clothes from Anessa.”

“Mmm.” He nodded his head and I left the bathroom, Anessa, Sam, and my mother looking at me.

“What?”

“Who is that man?” Sam crossed her arms, huffing.

I laughed a little, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, just think of him as my new companion... Anessa, those clothes?”

“Ah.” She handed me a stack of clothes and I smiled, “When we get home, I’ll send these back.”

“Just keep them. They’re too big for him anyway.”

“Thanks.” I turned back and walked into the bathroom to see Shownu standing outside of the tub, a towel wrapped around his waist, “Oh, you’re done?”

“I think so.” 

“Well, c’mon, let’s go get you dressed.” I opened the door once again, starting to walk out when Shownu’s hand gripped onto the fabric of my sweater, following closely behind me.

Shownu sat on my bed, clothed in a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt, his eyes roaming the bedroom. I dug in one of the dresser drawers, pulling out another towel and I walked over in front of him, “Your hair is still wet, you’re going to get a cold, goofy.” I gently rubbed his hair, drying the dripping ends, his hands wrapping around my waist.

“Is this what it would be like everyday with you?” He nuzzled his face into my chest, my cheeks burning at the feeling of his warmth radiating through my body.

“Shownu, why did you change?”

Not missing a beat, he spoke, “Because I found someone I couldn’t live in the water with, so I changed...” He gazed up at me, his unwavering chestnut eyes looking into my soul, “So I could be with you.”