#SUDDENLY EVERYTHING IS LIT WITH LIGHT AND WARMTH AND COLOURS

[jjaehyunnxie]

"This night is all about you"

virgin!reader x dom!jisung

a/n: this insta post of his got me running laps. also dom!jisung needs more recognition.

! MDNI, passionate sex, size difference kink

Red roses in your hand, your coat hanging slightly off your right shoulder as Jisung’s lips press harder against yours, shutting the door behind you. Enveloping yourself in the warmth of your boyfriend’s apartment, it’s as if all your worries just melt away.

Your body reacts deliciously to every touch of Jisung. The way his fingers trace your curves over your clothes, the way his hands slide behind your head to push you more into the kiss, earning a sweet moan from you.

You both take off your shoes in a hurry, trying to spend as little time separated from eachother’s lips as possible. You stumble back, Jisung’s hands secured on your hips, assuring you that you won’t fall—and if even if you did fall, he’d be right there to catch you.

Your back is pressed against a wall as you pull away from the kiss from just a short moment, taking in everything that’s happening. Jisung looked at you with a needy and dazed look, your lipstick smudged on his lips and chin.

He leans in to cut the distance between you but suddenly, a rush of uncertainty hits you. “Wait…Jie…” you say quietly, your hands on his chest to stop him.

His eyebrows raise slightly, worry plastered on his face. “What’s wrong, baby?” his voice is low, reassuring.

“I just…I don’t know if I’m ready.” you avoid his gaze, voice dropping with shame.

He shakes his head. “It’s okay. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, okay? This night is all about you.” he leans in to press a kiss on your jaw, inching lower till he gets to your shoulders.

His hands lower to your hips, picking you up and wrapping your legs around his waist as he carries you to his bedroom. His gaze never leaves yours, eyes looking up at you with adoration as your fingers tangle in his hair.

Jisung places you down on the bed as if you were a fragile work of art. The way the warm light of his lamp lit up half of your face, tracing over the fine curves of your lips and enhancing the rich colour of your eyes.

His hands cup your face, unable to resist giving you a cute kiss. “You’re so beautiful tonight.”

“Jie…”

He senses it. Your voice being needier, your eyes speaking more than your words. You needed him, you were just unsure how to say it.

He studies your expression. “Are you sure?” he asks, his voice soft and patient. You nod, biting your lip in anticipation.

A wide smile spreads on his face. “Alright, baby. I’m gonna make you feel good, okay? Trust me.” His words were strong enough to push away all the worries you once had about this.

He takes his time to strip your clothes down, fingers slipping under your shirt before carefully pulling it over your head. The sudden cold sends a shiver through you, but Jisung’s large warm hands and soft lips are quick to warm you up.

Your body flinches at every touch he makes. His tender hands searching for your sensitive spots that make your lips part. Soon enough, your bra is unclipped by Jisung, as he takes it off, throwing it onto the floor.

He groans at the sight of your bare breasts, right in front of him. His eyes seem almost predatory as he tries to keep his composure. “Yn…you’re so beautiful. I’m so lucky—fuck.” His big hands cup your breasts, fondling it gently, earning more tasty moans from you.

You can feel your core getting wetter and wetter as he continues his foreplay. He doesn’t miss your thighs pressing together and rubbing, desperately searching for some friction.

“You getting wet down here, baby?” You nod pathetically, his fingers rubbing on that hot spot, hidden under your jeans. “You poor thing. I’ll help you out, baby, don’t worry.” he says while he carefully unzips your pants, pulling them down along with your panties, revealing your plush pussy to him. He swallows hard, sliding his middle finger through your slit and gathering all of your love juices. “Fuck, darling…You’re such a tease, you know that?.”

His finger slips in, eyes examining your expression, searching for any signs of discomfort. “Hold my hand, baby. If it hurts, just squeeze it tightly, okay?”

Jisung’s finger inches deeper, going in till it reaches his knuckles. He kisses your face as a way to praise you, not forgetting to remind you just how well you’re doing for him. “I’m gonna move now, okay?”

His long fingers start thrusting in and out of you, a slow and tender pace, as his thumb finds your clit, rubbing at it.

“Jie…I want more…” you say shyly. Jisung smiles softly, nodding and slipping another finger in.

You tighten your grip on his hand from the slight pain, a signal that makes him slow down his movements and whisper sweet words to you while offering you loving kisses. “You’re doing amazing, darling.”

His two fingers, successfully knuckles deep into you, start to thrust at a teasingly slow pace. Your hips grind against his fingers for more friction as the pain turns to pleasure. He chuckles, loving the way your body just reacts so openly to his touches. He curls his fingers upwards, hitting a spot that makes your back arch and cunt clench on him. Once he finds it, he doesn't let it go, hitting it continuously, savouring how your eyes fill with bliss.

"Fuck, wait. Stop." you suddenly say and he stops without hesitating. "What's wrong? Does it still hurt?" his voice is coated with a thick layer of concern as he examines your face for any signs of discomfort.

You shake your head. "No, it's just...I don't wanna cum yet...." your wishes were so hard to word out, especially when the pleasure was slowly fogging your mind up - still, he understood exactly what you were referring to, your eyes saying more than your words did. He followed your gaze to the growing bulge in his pants.

"Okay, baby, okay. I know what you want. You wanna cum on my cock, don't you?" his large hand cups his bulge, underlining his words. You nod eagerly, eyes enlarging as the clinking of his belt unbuckling fills the room. You wait patiently as he teasingly pulls down his pants, followed by his boxers, setting his large length free. Jisung notices the slight worry in your eyes, "Don't worry, I'll be extra careful. The last thing I want is to hurt you. Do you trust me?"

His gaze is genuine, his words sound genuine, and even the way his hand gently strokes your chin lovingly seems genuine. How could you not trust him.

With a confident nod, Jisung takes his time, rubbing the tip up and down your slit before sliding it in, letting you adjust to his size before continuing. He had his hand intertwined with yours the whole time, eyes fixed on your expression, and freezing still whenever you whined or a tear rolled down your chin. His tender voice calming you down, whispering sweet nothings into your ear - which worked like magic whenever you tightened up around him.

"You're doing so good for me." as he pressed gentle kisses on your neck, tracing them down to your collarbone.

"Just like that." when you lightly clenched around him, making his cock twitch inside you.

"Good job." once his length was half-way in, the stroking of his hands on your waist earning soft moans from you.

"A little more...There we go." and he was fully connected with you, a moment that filled his heart with adoration. To have you so close, to be able to hug you and hold you as tightly as possible. "Fuck, baby. I can't take it anymore. I'm gonna move, okay? - Fuckk, I'm so sorry."

His pace was slow at first, but the more he felt your walls drag around him, the more he heard your moans in sync with his pounds, the more his thrusting picked up speed. "I got you, baby. You're mine, all mine...Fucking hell..."

Your fragile and small figure against his large hands. The way your breasts fit his grip so perfectly. The way you whined whenever his nails dug into your waist. And the way he could feel himself as he pressed his fingers lightly on your stomach. You were so precious and brittle.

"Jie, slow...fuck...slow down..." Your hands grip onto the pillow under your head, his pace hurrying as you can feel his cock throbbing in you.

"I'm sorry, baby...I'm so close, fuck" He wrapped his arms around you, pulling your body up and into an embrace as he thrusted into you at a different angle. He stroked your hair tenderly, as his lips nibbled on your ear.

With a few more hard thrusts he came in you, hips stuttering. The warmth of his release made you cum quickly after him, riding out his orgasm as your cunt throbbed around him. He held you in his embrace while you both caught your breaths before he pulled away, looking into your eyes lovingly.

"I love you so much." he says with honest eyes; eyebrows raising as he anticipates an answer back.

"I love you, too, Jie."

[azrielsflowercrown]

Geralt and his mommy issues

Geralt was abandoned by his mom when he was just a child, leaving him with deep emotional scars. In the books, there are subtle yet significant references to how this abandonment shaped him, particularly his subconscious search for maternal warmth.

SoD:

"She treats you entirely like an object [...] and what you feel is a projection of her emotions, the interest she shows in you. By all the demons of the Netherworld, Geralt, you aren't a child [...] You trail after Yenna like a child, enjoying the momentary affection she shows you." - Istredd

BoE:

"Always on his side, aren't you, Nenneke? Always worrying about him. Like the mother he never had." - Yennefer

Tlotl:

"He maintained the appearance of secretiveness and pride. But at night he was completely in my power. He told me everything. He paid homage to my femininity, which considering his age was extremely generous, I must admit. And then he fell asleep. In my arms, with his mouth on my bosom. Searching for a surrogate for the maternal love he never experienced. Completely in my power." - Fringilla

This passage vividly illustrates Geralt's deep-seated need for maternal care, seeking comfort in a way that echoes the bond between a child and a mother 🥹

SoD:

"'Do you hate that woman, Geralt?' 'My mother? No, Calanthe. A choice should be respected, for it is the holy and irrefutable right of every woman.'"

Geralt’s response shows his complex feelings toward his mother, acknowledging her choice abt wanting to have a child or not, while also - what seems to me - revealing a deep, unresolved pain.

ToC:

"Listen to what?" shouted the Witcher, before his voice suddenly faltered. "I can't leave—I can't just leave her to her fate. She's completely alone... She cannot be left alone, Dandelion. You'll never understand that. No one will ever understand that, but I know. If she remains alone, the same thing will happen to her as once happened to me... You'll never understand that..." - Geralt about Ciri

Geralt’s fierce protectiveness over Ciri stems from his own experiences of abandonment. He is determined to shield her from the pain he endured.

Geralt and red heads:

Several times it's subtly hinted that Geralt has an inexplicable inclination toward redheads, that perhaps ties back to his unresolved issues with his mother.

SoS:

"Geralt felt an anxiety, forgotten and dormant, suddenly awaking somewhere deep inside him. He had a strange and inexplicable inclination towards redheads in his nature, and several times that particular colouring had made him do stupid things. Thus he ought to be on his guard, and the Witcher made a firm resolution in that regard. His task was actually made easier. It was almost a year since he'd stopped being tempted by that kind of stupid mistake."

Note what he felt when he encountered his mother before in SoD who has red hair:

"He looked again, making the most of the light. Her hair was tied back with a snakeskin band. Her hair... A suffocating pain in his throat and sternum. Hands tightly clenched into fists. Her hair was red, flame-red, and when lit by the glow of the bonfire seemed as red as vermilion."

The vivid description of his mother's flame-red hair and the intense emotional reaction it evokes in Geralt suggest that his attraction to redheads might be more than just a superficial preference. It could be a subconscious connection to the unresolved feelings of abandonment and longing for maternal warmth, linking his "inexplicable inclination" to deeper psychological roots.

What do you guys think?

[heyidkyay]

And I'm petrified of being alone, now |

Part Six

Matty Healy x reader

Summary: She’s just trying to get by, really. What with being a single parent to her four year old son whilst simultaneously trying to kick start a successful career as a radio presenter. She’s got everything she’s ever wanted though, friends close by, a mum who’s merely a phone call away, and of course her baby boy. What else is there to wish for? But then, it’s not long before her relatively normal life gets upended and turned on its head, and she’s suddenly forced to deal with situations she’s never even thought to imagine.

What happens when one mention of a certain controversial singer on her show sends a flood of unexpected challenges her way? 

Authors Note: AHHH I am honest to god obsessed with this part, been excited for it since the idea came to mind and I also love surprises so, take that as you will... Hope you enjoy! Thank you sm for all the love on this series too, means a whole lot!!

Warnings: again lil bit of self-consciousness, mentions of scarring, heights!

Masterlist

"Mind if I join you?"

I swivelled around on my heel to peer over my shoulder at the sound of the unexpected oncommer.

It was a surprise to find Healy there. Striding across the expanse of roof with an effortless elegance, as though he knew how much he was worth, like he didn’t care who was watching. I sort of envied that.

I opted for feigning nonchalance and simply shrugged in reply, jutting out my chin before forcing my gaze to return to the skyline.

Healy fiddled with something in my peripheral though and the ruffle of cellophane separated the sound of the city below from my smoky exhale.

"You got a lighter?"

It was a needless ask, Heally could already see that I had a cigarette lit in hand but that didn't seem to defer him. It felt as though he was actualing aiming to start up some kind of conversation, which was strange considering how standoffish he’d been during most of his visit.

I spared him another short glance as I went to dig my free hand into my back pocket, noting that his sunglasses were still wired into his curls which meant that I could actually see the way he was watching me now.

When he’d first walked over, Healy had stopped a comfortable distance away, but he closed it when I lifted the lighter up in success. The makeshift patio creaking beneath his weight.

He had his own cigarette dangling loosely from his lower lip, the butt stuck to the inside of the soft flesh as he invaded my space, indicating that he had no intention of taking the lighter from me. I couldn't quite help the way my gaze flitted down to his mouth and then up into his valourous eyes when he did, their colour darker now that his hair had fallen from behind his ear to shield a portion of his face from the sun's shining light.

I looked away almost as soon as Healy met my curious stare and swallowed sparsely before proceeding to flick the sparkwheel. It took two tries before it caught.

The warmth of the iridescent flame tickled my cheek as I held it up, and Healy cupped a hand between both our faces in an attempt to waylay the whistling wind as I moved in to light the cigarette's end.

The lighter was a tacky thing, cheap, and coloured an illuminous orange. I never usually thought much of it, tended to nick them right off of Finn's kitchen counter, or from strangers in the street whenever I needed a light. 

But being this close to Healy, I could literally smell just how expensive the man's aftershave was, how it clung to the gentle curve of his neck. It reminded me of how different we were. Healy was obviously more inclined to the finer things in life- probably even had someone hired to light the poxy things for him.

I was quick to bite back the snort that bubbled within me at the sudden picture that painted, shaking my head as I dropped the lighter down to my side. Though I still wore a small smile when my gaze trailed back over to meet his, almost involuntarily now. And this time I couldn't bring myself to look away just yet.

Healy’s lips twisted into a rueful smirk once he’d inhaled a lungful, unblinking as he observed me once more, and I had to force my body to take a step back when I noted that neither of us had yet to move.

I cleared my throat and raised my hand again, but Healy’s smirk only grew.

"Meant to be quitting, you know." I quipped like many liars before me, hoping to ebb some of the remaining tension that had adhered itself to the air around us as I sucked some life back into my fag's dying flame.

Healy humoured me. 

"How boring."

I huffed a breathy chuckle, a grey trail stuttering out with it.

"I know it's what everyone says, but for me it's true. Been trying to kick the habit ever since I started, to be honest."

I peered back over at him long enough to witness the way he directed an arched brow my way, smoke pooling from his mouth. It was second nature the way he did it, so casual, as though smoking was akin to breathing.

"Why haven't you then?"

The question caught me a little off guard. But only in the way that it was a first for him, at least from how I saw it, to pry into another's life. My life, my brain supplied unhelpfully. A big-shot singer like him to be prolonging our encounter more than necessary, surprised me even more.

Nonplussed, I found myself replying, "Life?"

He snorted pleasantly, "Cheers to that."

I watched on as he hoiked up his hand in a false toast before dropping it weightlessly to his side, dislodging the ash that perched at the end of the cigarette when his hand bounced off his hip.

Mimicking the showy gesture, I dipped my head before I chose to take another long drag, mostly to occupy the silence that enveloped us again more than anything else.

It was then that my mind began to wander. But before I could overthink this entire situation- because, let’s just be honest, I would’ve have to have been fucking barking not to have found this whole ordeal anything other than strange- my head snapped up at a scuffling sound and my eyes instantly tracked the way Healy had all but pounced his way up onto the roof’s ledge.

"You aiming to off yourself, or you simply tempting fate?" I blurted out before I could think better of it, unable to look away. He truly had my full focus now.

He grinned and my jaw ticked as Healy's snazzy boots kicked carelessly at the brickwork that lined the edge of the studio’s building, his soles walking a fine line, prancing along like the three story drop wasn't that much of a threat.

"Fate's far too busy to be fretting with the likes of me, love." He retorted, one hand buried in the jacket he adorned, the other holding his cigarette to his mouth. He paused about a foot away from me and leant forward to peer over the side, causing my poor heart to falter and just about fall out of my arse.

"The hell are you doing!" I snapped, immediately jumping forward to grab at his sleeve before he could tip any further. "You got a fucking death wish, or something?"

Healy only cackled as he rocked back into my tight grip, grinning so widely now. My breath stuttered at the very sound of it, amused but tinged with an edge of mania. And the lazy smile he shot me from over his shoulder after didn’t at all help the way my pulse was now thumping wildly through my veins, the parent in me having sent every nerve-ending into overdrive.

"Or something." He answered, a wily expression dawning.

He did jump down though and once his feet were firmly planted back on the decking, I shoved at his shoulder. "You're a right prick, you know that?"

"Awh, come on. Live a little, Squeaks!"

I shot him a lurid glare, far from amused by the mocking tone he’d taken on or the way he’d poked fun at my name.

"Honestly, what have you got to lose?" Healy went on to say, not paying my reaction any mind at all. I ignored his efforts, but couldn't stop my eyes from following after him when he recklessly returned to the edge, only this time he decidedly took a seat there. "Come on!"

He gestured for me to join him with a jerk of his head and I merely blinked. Stressing over whether or not he was being serious.

Healy’s buoyant grin was fast fading now though, but I wasn’t really too focused on that fact, all I could see as he glanced back at me was how lost he suddenly seemed behind all that bravado. It was hard to notice in truth, but I could see it there, ever so slight, in the hazing shadows casted behind his eyes.

"What, you just gonna leave me here on my lonesome?" He goaded once he'd deemed that I’d had more than enough time to respond, wiggling his brows from across the patio.

I was forced to blink away my tangent of thoughts then as I inhaled a deep breath. 

After hesitating for the briefest of seconds, gaze flitting from Healy’s slumped form to the fire escape and then back again, I was sure that I saw his shoulders visibly tense. He’d noticed my uncertainty and had immediately raised those shackles back up, preparing to be let down again.

And for some reason, I found that I didn’t want that. So catching the inside of my cheek between my molars, I finally tossed the butt of my cigarette to one side and ambled over. 

Healy smirked, all too pleased with himself as I nervously settled in beside him, leaving only a few centimetres space to separate us.

Not wanting to chance anything, I kept my hands plastered to the wall’s ledge, fingertips digging into the rough brick as I leant forward the tiniest little bit to scrutinise the time it would take my body to ultimately hit the asphalt below, if I so happened to fall. 

I knew it was unlikely, but still pressed my lips firmly together, knowing it would likely be entirely Healy’s fault if something were to actually occur. 

After a minute or so my heart calmed and I started to observe the way our legs dangled over the edge, side by side, swinging aimlessly above the narrow street way down below. The toes of Healy’s boots only just skimmed the jut of my ankle whenever his heels would hammer against the building’s hard exterior, close but never touching. I counted the beats.

There was a long few minutes of silence that passed between us sitting there, before Healy finally broke it, kicking the remnants of his fag far away and watching as it blurred from view.

"You come up here often then?"

A laugh broke free from me at that and I looked over. 

"That a line?" I teased, unable to help myself nor the smirk that had worked its way onto my lips, whilst Healy’s eyes widened involuntarily, clearly not having expected the cheek from me. I decided to leave the ribbing there though, not wanting to push my luck, and smiled softly at him, deciding to give him an honest answer. "But I don't know, really. It depends."

"On what?" 

"On whether or not I've got shit to do."

He hummed, fingers tapping at his knee. "Important shit?"

I couldn't quite stifle my laughter, "Yeah, important shit. Not all of us can live a lavish life up in Beverly Hills."

Healy pursed his lips at that, "Makes two of us then, fucking hate The Hills."

Surprised, my eyebrows shot up.

"Really?"

"Yes, really! It's a right shit show- the whole of fucking California is." Matty scoffed, almost stubbornly whilst shaking his head. I could see how much he meant his words though, even if they did somewhat confuse me.

"Least it's sunny though, right?"

Healy barked out a short laugh, turning his head towards me to meet my gaze head on. From this angle, I could see just how much brighter his eyes grew when he smiled, and wondered if he even realised. If anyone had told him.

"Least it's sunny." He mimicked, sounding all too amused.

I tore my eyes away. "What's so bad about California then, bigshot?"

The volume of Healy's snort actually surprised me but mercifully, I managed to hide the way I flinched before I turned my head back to face him. 

"You could ask me anything, anything in the world, but that's what you settle on?"

My mouth drew itself into a pout as I furrowed my brow and shrugged. A little put out. "Always wanted to visit the National Park?"

"Oo, got a proper little adventurer on our hands, have we? California! Home of Venice Beach, Hollywood, and the planet's fittest stars- but all you wanna do is have a quick peek around at a mound of mouldy trees and old mountains?"

Tutting at his jeering, I rolled my eyes and hummed, "I mean, it looks sort of sick, don't it?"

"Sure. If you're going on eighty."

"Fuck off." I chuckled and knocked into Healy’s shoulder, throwing him off balance slightly.

"Oi, don't think I won't push you off this roof!" He warned and a giant grin threatened to overwhelm my face.

"Do it. I'll be sure to take you with me." 

"That a threat?"

"It's a promise." I smirked.

"Oh, I don't much like those, Squeaks. You'll have to think of something better." Said Healy, tearing those eyes of his away upon noticing then just how close we'd gotten during the short span we'd spent taunting one another. 

I licked my lower lip and watched him for a moment. "What's wrong with a promise?"

"What isn't?" Healy’s eyes looked vacant as they stared hard at the skyscrapers that littered the view. "They’re simply made to be broken, aren't they?" He shrugged, his blank facade quickly returning, that glaze in his eyes fading. "Anyway, why would I take your word upon only hearing you promise? Promises aren't truth, they aren't law. They're simply empty."

There was a long pause before, "Christ, who hurt you?"

My eyes widened upon hearing my own stupid insincerity, always putting my foot in it, and was hasty in the way I immediately opened my ginormous gob to apologise, but Healy’s soft laughter stopped me short.

"Now that's a question, Mouse."

I couldn't really bring myself to reply after hearing the sadness that fuelled his words. Didn't know if I even could. But I couldn't stop my lips from quietly mouthing my own name either, sure that it had been the first time Matty had ever used it.

--

The studio felt much quieter now without Jamie’s amiable laughter or Healy's all-consuming presence to fill the space. I found myself simply standing in the centre of the room long after they’d departed, half way between the booth and the settee, wondering what to do next. 

I didn't have to pick Teddy up from the nursery for another half hour and the journey there would only take me five minutes or so. That meant that I was now somewhat at a standstill and those were rather rare when you had a toddler hanging about. 

It had just started lashing it down outside. I could hear the heavy raindrops as they splattered their way across the windowpanes and formed a shallow pond on the skylight a few feet above my head. 

It had only started spitting just as Matty and I had re-emerged from our little breakaway. My unfiltered mouth had been the beginning of an untimely end as I hadn't been able to sit there and stomach the silence much longer, having mentally scolded myself enough. 

So I'd talked Matty off the ledge (literally) and hummed softly to myself as we’d descended the stairs in a desperate attempt to break up the awkward tension that drenched me. Adi and Jamie had been waiting up for us by the window when we'd returned and Healy's manager had been in a hurry to whisk him away, grinning happily as he said his goodbyes, a mobile pressed to his ear whilst he coerced Healy down the stairs. He went without much bother.

"That went well, I reckon!" Came Adi's voice as she exited the kitchenette, holding another round of tea in her hands and a plate of bourbons too. 

She settled herself down onto the sofa and motioned for me to come join her, clicking her tongue whilst her many rings clattered against her ceramic mug. The same one she often favoured.

"Come on, sit down! I want to know the ins and outs of everything you two talked about up there! Twitter's been going positively mad ever since the show went live!"

I sighed but followed the order, taking up a perch on the edge of the settee beside her, enjoying the warmth that blanketed my hands upon being handed my own brew. The heat of it tingling my fingertips.

"It turned out okay then? No one’s started up a riot, or threatened to have my life, have they?"

Adi rolled her eyes good-naturedly in reply, laughing at my melodramatics. "Nah, you're all good, babe. Think a few of 'em actually liked you. Fancy that, hey?" 

She winked at me from over the rim of her mug but I merely hummed in return, knowing that Ads didn't miss the underlying scepticism that accompanied it.

"I'm serious, M! Apparently it's been a while since Matty's acted so genuine! Hang on, reckon that’s the right word for it?" She shrugged, answering her own question, and then barrelled on, "Either way, they're already petitioning for us to have him on again. Here just look, I'll show you."

I watched on as Adi tried to balance her scalding hot tea on the knob of her knee whilst she fumbled for her phone. I stilled it just in time before it could start tilting and she grinned up at me in thanks, now brandishing a bright screen. "Aha! Here you are. See there, babe? They adore you!"

With a scrunch of my nose, I leant in closer to peer down at the illuminated text, watching as a stream of tweets continued to flood Adi’s neverending feed. I placed my mug down onto the coffee table not long after and stole the phone from out of the girl's grasp.

M @/user1 15s Lovedlovedloved today's show!! #MouseOnAMic 

13 @/user2 23s The smiles?! How cute, he looked like he really enjoyed the interview!

Pol @/user3 29s Missed seeing Adi’s lovely face:(( But I honestly think this was one of the show's best releases!!!

Robber @/user4 37s AHHH what was that?? 

Bean @/user5 46s Um imma need a minute bc I don't think I've heard Matty talk that much in a while

197die @/user6 51s Why are they so adorable?? My heart!!

AM @/user7 1m Please bring Matty back!! @/petitesouris @/AdelineWells_

"Shit."

Adi cackled whilst I chucked her back her phone, surprised by what I’d read.

"Told you, babe! They seem to love the two of you together."

"Why are they spouting all that crap?"

Adi shrugged, exiting the app with a swipe of her thumb before switching the whole thing off. "Just the internet, ain’t it? Besides... they're not really wrong."

She laughed loudly at whatever expression must have crossed my face then and I huffed to myself, picking up my mug and shuffling over to settle further into the cushions.

"He's so painfully male though, Adi. I mean, you must've seen all the models he hangs about with."

Adi’s eyes lit up at that, looking as though I’d just mentioned that Greggs was currently handing out free sausage rolls on the nearest street corner, I raised a brow.

"Oh, I have, babe. Just didn't realise that you've been keeping tabs on him too!"

Helplessly I spluttered, almost spilling my tea in my rush to sit up. Ads tittered away, so obviously entertained by my reaction.

"I have not!"

Adi hummed sceptically, mug cradled close to her chest now, "Sure, hun, and the sun doesn’t shine out of my arse."

I flicked her arm, "I'm being honest with you- I just had to get a little background information on him for the interview! That's all."

With a slow nod and a shitty attempt to dampen her ever growing grin, Adi replied, "What, so you don't think he's fit then?"

My eyes widened and lips parted at her question. 

I couldn’t outright deny that Healy was nice to look at- he fit a certain esthetic, alright? But I also did not want Adi teasing me anymore than she already had. Especially after seeing what all of Matty’s fans had to say about the pair of us online. Was it too late to switch careers?

Besides, it was just a passing fancy sort of thing, and Healy obviously didn’t view me in the same light. That, and I had Teddy to worry about. If anything this was just a fleeting thing, I could admit that at the very least.

"He's-"

"Fit as fuck? Hotter than a rubber ring on a summer's day? Mysterious enough to lure just about any one in?" Adi interrupted, filling in the blanks. 

I blinked at her before snorting a laugh, my breath fanning the steam that slipped from my tea.

"I was going to say nice."

"Nice? Nice! Mouse, that boy is not 'nice'! Far from it! Broody and bloody stubborn, those I can get behind! But nice? No. Nice looking, sure- maybe if you were an eighty year old woman complimenting her grandson on his birthday. But not nice."

"That's the second time today I've been compared to an OAP." I acknowledged, frowning at what it might mean.

Adi's eyes snapped over to meet mine, earnest and impenetrable. "I'm bein’ serious here, Mouse."

I rolled my eyes.

She groaned loudly in return. "Come on, just admit it! He's a right looker."

I hung my head against the back of the settee, emitting a heavy sigh as I stared up at the ceiling. “Yeah, alright, he’s fit.”

"I knew it! You so fancy him!"

My head snapped towards her at that and I narrowed my eyes, “I didn’t say that.”

"Didn't need to." Adi beamed all too happily, pulling a knee up to her chest, eyes gleaming. "It's called reading in between the lines, babe!"

"Ads, how- you know what, forget it. I'm not even going to begin to tell you how stupid you just sounded."

Adi harrumphed and waved off my efforts to preserve some of my dignity. "So, what are you going to do about it then? Cross your heart and hope he's down to fuck you sideways?"

I truly couldn’t help the way I grimly spat my tea back into my mug whilst I started to shake with a startled laughter. Adi, the cow, had to pull what was left of my drink away just so that I could wipe at my chin, laughing all the while.

"You're such a twat, you know that?"

Adi only grinned at me from the other end of the sofa and shrugged. "You love me for it." 

I couldn't deny that, grinning right back at her. "That I do, my love. Fancy keeping me company whilst I pick up Teddy then?"

--

Another week dragged by and my days had been nothing short of chaotic, filled with stress, tears, and toddler tantrums. 

Teddy had fallen ill on the Wednesday, all snotty nosed and high temperature. I’d had to take the day off work just to pull him out of nursery early when the school had called, leaving Adi to fend for herself for a long while. The little tike had refused to eat or drink the entire time he'd spent recuperating in my bed, and I’d been forced into bargaining with him to simply get him to take his medicine. Who claimed too much tele was bad for you anyway?

Teddy's temperature spiked on Thursday night though and I had struggled to hold back sobs of my own whilst on the phone to my mam, listening to my son shriek and cry in the background as she tried to instruct me on what to do. 

But thankfully, things had finally started looking up for us on the Friday afternoon. Teddy had asked for some toast that morning and, although I had been fearful (the sight of sick having been something I’d been forced to get over this past week), the boy had managed to keep it down. And we'd spent that evening together on the sofa, swaddled in a sea of blankets, singing quietly along to The Lion King.

Saturday and Sunday had been a whirlwind. I had spent so much time cooped up in the flat with Teddy that Finn came round Saturday morning to all but shove us out the front door. Ever the angel though, he'd treated us to a greasy fry up down at the local cafe and had even taken Teddy off of my hands for a couple of hours when Adi had texted to ask if I'd be around later on to help out with Monday's show. 

Sunday was spent keeping an eye on my rowdy four year old, who had all but bounced back to the image of perfect health- as though the previous few days had been nothing but a bad dream. Humoring Adi and I whilst we’d conjured up new ideas at the studio.

Healy’s management team had emailed about mid week, sharing some statistics and thanking the show for our ‘aid’, but it had all sounded far too condescending for my liking. Then again, most emails tended too and my mood had also been depleting rapidly ever since the segment had aired. So there was that. Adi did get a few minutes spare to email something back for me though, which I appreciated. 

Jamie had also taken the time to message too, which had brought a shocked smile to my face. I’d figured that the man must have picked up my number from Adi whilst he'd been visiting, or from someone else on his team. But I’d texted back, wishing him well, not wanting to be impolite.

But the thing is, Jamie hadn’t left it there. Which had been a somewhat welcomed surprise. Throughout the week he'd taken to messaging here and there, asking about the show, my day, taking the time to fill me in on all the good and bad parts of his own. His job seemed more than fucking stressful, but I should've guessed that much, what with him having the pleasure of having to keep up with Healy all day. I'd wondered on more than one occasion how that dynamic typically played out, but never asked.

It was around four on Monday afternoon when I found myself leaving the loft, finally having caught up on most of the crap I’d missed the last week.

Adi had long since departed, having had a commitment to get to. Something to do with helping a mate find the perfect dress for her big day, which was fast approaching, and had abandoned me the first chance she'd got, leaving me to wrap and lock up all on my lonesome.

Teddy was also off with Finn after school today, as he was most afternoons when we had to film for the show. So I’d planned to pick up a takeaway to surprise the two of them with on my way over, then stick around long enough to pester my best mate before he finally grew sick of Teddy and I and sent us on our merry way.

I was just locking up, humming a soft tune that had been stuck in my head all day, when I heard a scuffle sound around the corner. I only looked up once I'd tugged on the handle hard enough to make sure all was well, but was startled to find a familiar face staring back at me.

"Shit. You proper scared me!" I breathed out heavily, a hand coming up to rest over my beating heart whilst my eyes wandered over Matty’s hunched form.

The singer was clad in the same heavy jacket he'd been wearing the last time we'd met, an oversized hoodie and jeans too, as well as a pair of dark sunnies which blended effortlessly into a black beanie that hid his hair from view. 

"What are you doing here?" I questioned and could hear the shock that lined my voice as I stepped out onto the pavement to join the singer, who had since propped himself up against the side of my building.

"Was in the area." Was all Matty gave away, but he kicked off of the wall to shove his hands into his trouser pockets when I approached.

"You were in the area and just so happened to end up here?" I asked, bemused. My eyes glanced up and down the narrow backstreet to see if anyone else was mulling about long enough to recognise ‘the singer from that one band’ before they retreated back to him.

Healy tilted his head to one side, "That alright?"

He looked far too nonchalant, as though he had a tendency to drop in at every radio station he'd wound up commandeering over the years, making me feel stupid for not having expected it.

I had to force out a little laugh, unsure on how to reply exactly. "Yeah- I mean, sure. Just, I don't know, I didn't expect to ever see you again."

Healy's mouth quirked ever so slightly to one side at that but he hid it in the way he cocked his chin towards the highstreet a way ahead. "Where you off to?"

"Um," I swallowed, pausing for a moment to tug at my jacket sleeve so that I could take a quick look at my watch. "Well, I've got about an hour before I've got to be somewhere, but nowhere right this minute."

Maybe I was being presumptuous. Bold even. But why else would he be here? 

I lifted my head back up and found Healy already watching me, and if the man had noticed the scars that marred my wrist he didn't say anything, simply nodded.

"Got time to grab a coffee then?" He suggested and I, even in my dazed surprise, somehow dipped my head in slight agreement.

"Sure." I answered, albeit a little breathlessly.

We walked together, me just a step ahead as we emerged from the sidestreet which housed the studio. I caught himself waiting for someone else to catch onto the fact that the infamous Matty Healy was walking amongst us commoners. But no one seemed to be any the wiser, Matty's all black get-up allowed him to move about the city almost inconspicuously, letting me shepherd him into a nearby bakery without any fuss at all.

"Why don't you go grab us a table and I'll order?" I found myself saying as we stepped into the shop.

Healy stared at me for a long moment before he finally nodded. Quietly asking for a simple coffee as I wandered over to join the queue.

Joanna's bakery had been around for decades now, or so I’d been told, shacked up between ever changing franchises and fast food chains. It had become a long loved favourite of mine since having moved to London, I'd found it during my time at uni and it had truly been a godsend throughout the first few weeks of having baby Teddy. Joanna's coffee had been the only thing keeping me afloat way back then.

I gave a bright grin when the woman’s greying hair came into view, eyes catching mine from behind a pair of spectacles Teddy, for some odd reason, seemed fascinated by whenever we dropped in.

"Hello, you." The ageing woman greeted me with a sweet smile. "Good to see you're doing well, and how is young Teddy?"

"He's doing fine, thank you, Joa. Just overcame a bout of flu." I informed her, hip checking the wooden counter that housed a row of cabinets. "Been a hectic couple of days."

Joanna's brows lifted and her thin lips pursed in concern as she tucked a tea-towel into her navy apron. "I can only assume so. He's doing well now though, I hope?"

I waved off her unnecessary worry with a fond smile, "Right as rain, racing around without a care in the world today. Me though? I’m still trying to get over it- not that he realises.” I chuckled, “He gave me quite the scare, if I'm being honest."

"Kids tend to do that. But Mouse, my dear, you should have called! I would have had some soup sent over for him."

With an appreciative grin, I thanked her, knowing that there was no falseness in her offer, "I'll remember that for next time, I'm sure Teds would've loved it."

Joanna returned my sentiment with a gentle nod before the sound of the shop's bell rang over the door, announcing another customer. "Well then, what can I get for you, dove?"

I exhaled, glancing up towards the blackboarded menu mostly out of habit, "One regular coffee, please-"

"Isn't it a bit late in the day for coffee? You'll be up all night." Joanna scolded lightly, cutting me off, I couldn't help the soft chuckle I gave. Forever humoured by the women in my life constantly telling me what to do.

"Not for me, Joa, don't you worry." I hurried to assure her before prattling off the rest of my order without another interruption once Joanna had hummed in a quiet understanding. 

"Takeaway?" She prompted, but I shook my head, gesturing over my shoulder towards the many tables behind.

"We'll sit in, if that's okay."

Joanna blinked in surprise, obviously not having seen me enter with anybody. "I didn't realise Adeline had come in, I usually hear her."

I gave a peel of laughter at that but was quick to press my lips together. "No, no. No Adi today, I'm with a new friend."

The older woman smiled at me as she pushed her glasses further up her nose, "I see."

My head tilted in confusion at odd her tone but left it be. "Could I also get some of that famous chocolate cake of yours while I'm at it? Two slices, please."

"Of course, I'll have it sent right over."

I grinned and waited until I'd paid and Joanna had turned her back on me before shoving my change into the tip jar. 

It was an ongoing thing between us, the first time I'd tried to leave anything behind she'd sent me on my way with an entire tray of carrot cake. I had been more than grateful for the unexpected gift but it didn't take me long before I realised what the older woman had been up to. So I'd taken to sneaking my tips into the jar whenever she wasn't looking. Joanna though, it seemed, had eyes in the back of her head, so she chose to repay this act with a multitude of free treats, often gifted through Teddy so that I was unable to decline.

Picking up the two mugs Joanna set down on the counter, I was then promptly shooed away. So, shaking my head and chuckling softly, I turned without another word said and bypassed a crowd of customers that had since entered the bakery, in search of Matty. 

I found him seated at a booth in the very far back, having shucked off his jacket and glasses now that he had his back turned towards the rest of the room. Though he’d kept the beanie, I noted.

Steeling the nerves I felt, I settled the drinks down on the table and smiled apologetically when I saw that Matty had startled at the sound.

"One plain black coffee. Didn't know whether you wanted any sugar or not, so I stashed some sachets away just in case." I laughed before upending a supply of sugar packets from my pocket onto the table. 

He simply laughed as he reached out to take two. "Cheers."

I dipped my head and worked on pouring a few splashes of milk into my own brew. I was just stirring when someone approached, almost instantly I found myself grinning at the sight.

"Mouse! My, it's been a while, what ever did we do to deserve such a pleasure?" Cassie greeted me with a delighted smile, settling two small plates onto the table before rounding it to pull me into a hug.

Laughing softly, I wrapped an arm around her neck and enjoyed the way she squeezed me tight, a fixture that accompanied every one of her hugs, before we parted. "Only been a week since you last saw me, Cas. Don't act as though you've missed me."

Cassie gifted me with a wink and beaming grin before she pivoted and turned to catch a glance at my tagalong.

I watched as her eyes widened briefly, obviously not having expected this particular visitor to be staring back at her, but she was professional enough to conceal her shock.

"Well, this is a first." Cassie announced, still smiling away whilst she looked between the two of us sat at the table. "Can't remember the last time you brought us a new visitor, Mouse. You must be special- I'm Cassie, by the way."

Healy's eyes darted between the hand the waitress had extended out and myself. I tried for an encouraging smile but wasn't exactly sure if I’d managed to pull it off or not. 

Cassie, as lovely as she was, was definitely a shock to an introvert’s system. I’d learnt that lesson all too quickly. But Healy had handled Adi with ease and she was levels above Cassie, the bright eyed woman standing before us now almost seemed shy in comparison, in truth.

"Matty." He forced out as he took Cas’s hand in his own, "Great to meet you."

He cleared his throat when his palm returned to cradling the inside of his cup and Cassie smiled sweetly at him.

"Good to meet you too, Matty. I hope you enjoy the cake, it's a favourite of M's." She chuckled, nudging the plate closest towards me. "I hear it's all she ever raves about."

I grinned impishly as I picked up my spoon and bit down on a mouthful of chocolate delight. "And it's all I ever will rave about. Nothing compares to Joa’s gâteau."

Cassie rolled her eyes at me but tittered, "I know, I know, we've heard it all before! I'll leave you both to it then, the life of a waitress waits for no one. Hope you enjoy the food though- and again, it was nice to meet you Matty, don't be a stranger."

With that she waltzed off, but not without throwing a gleeful grin over her shoulder that only I was meant to see. 

I wrinkled my mouth to keep from reacting outwardly before deciding to focus back on my dessert. 

"Sorry about her." I felt the need to murmur, glancing across the table.

Healy shook his head, smiling slightly. "Don't, she seemed nice."

I couldn't help my short laugh, recalling an earlier conversation had with Adi. "Oh she's nice, all right."

Healy didn't comment on my strange reaction, only arched a questioning brow and pulled his cake in closer.

"You know, you pronounced that in perfect French."

"Pronounced what?" I quizzed, already scooping up another spoonful.

"Gâteau." Healy informed, botching the imitation, fingertips poised over the rim of his plate.

"Yeah, and?"

He shook his head again, "Just caught me off guard is all. You speak it then, fluently?"

Tongue in my cheek, I nodded. "Mam's from a tiny village in Alsace."

"Wow. So how'd you end up with that accent then?"

I breathed out an airy laugh, "What's that meant to mean, Manc? Is it too crass for the likes of your wellbred ears?"

Healy's eyes, honest to God, bulged as he fought not to trip over his own tongue in an attempt to mend his minced words. 

"No, no, I just meant-"

"I know what you meant. Don't worry." I chuckled, taking pity seeing as I’d already shot back. "I’m only having you on. She met my dad there when he was visiting, but the two of them moved when they married."

"Oh. That's good, I ‘spose. She loved him enough to follow him home."

I hollowed my cheeks and focused my stare on my chocolate smeared spoon. 

"Wouldn't put it quite like that, but yeah she loved him. Even after he fucked off."

With a cluck of my tongue, I pushed the cake away and focused instead on my drink.

"I'm sorry."

Frowning for a split second, I forced out a breath and the emotions that had roused back down, then put on a brave face. Determined not to think about it any longer than I had to.

"No, don’t be. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that. Just, hard to talk about is all." I scratched at the grain etched into the wooden table.

"Nah, I get that." Healy assured with a shrug, "Don't have to apologise for it though, you have a right to your emotions."

For some reason, that reply surprised me and I had to fight back the urge to say whatever was on the tip of my tongue. I merely nodded instead and went back to picking at the cake.

"Fuck. That's good."

My head snapped up at the audible moan that Healy emitted and found the man pulling a chocolate coated silver spoon from his lips.

"What the fuck do they put in this?" He questioned me, eyes wide as he heaped another helping into his mouth.

"No idea." I laughed, watching closely now.

"Whatever it is, it's fucking good."

And with that, the tension was broken. Healy practically inhaled his serving of cake whilst I portioned mine, smiling around every mouthful. We made small talk as we sipped our drinks quietly, ignoring everyone else bustling about the bakery. 

It wasn't long before I finally found the balls to ask the question I'd been meaning to ask ever since Matty had shown up outside the studio though.

"So, can I ask why you decided to pay me a visit now? Or, is it all top secret? Like hush hush."

His lips twisted before he replied, "Don't have an actual answer for you. Had a shitty day and ended up storming off, didn't even realise I'd wandered so far from the recording studio until I caught sight of one of the backroads we'd taken to get to your loft the other day.” He shrugged, finger toying with the near empty cup. “Was faced with the choice of finding the nearest pub and getting pissed, or seeing if you were in. It was a toss up."

"And I won?" I found myself asking, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Would seem so."

"Happy I could help, then. The former wouldn't have done you much good."

Healy’s eyes met mine then and his gaze flickered across the length of my face. 

I couldn't really place the expression he wore and almost had a small fit when I wondered over whether or not he was looking at my scars, but found that I didn't care much. Which was odd and had me feeling self conscious all over again.

"No, I don't suppose it would've."

It took a second for me to connect the dots, to remember what I’d even said, but when I did I smiled.

Not long after polishing off our drinks, I suggested we take a walk to burn off the cake we’d piled on. But in reality, I had just realised that without the big jacket and sunglasses it was hard to miss the marvel that was Matty Healy sitting in an old Islington bakery.

Matty had been all for the idea and so together we’d exited the bakery, me calling out my goodbyes to Joanna and Cassie when I passed. The older woman’s gaze lingered on Matty’s retreating form but she bid us nothing but a soft nod with her quiet farewell.

We wasted what was left of the hour I had wandering down backroads, just taking in the city and talking between ourselves. I picked up on where Matty had been raised, in a large house in a town just south of Manchester. He hadn’t lingered too long on the topic of his family, either reasoning that I already knew about it or preferring not to, but I was more than happy to tell Matty about my mum. Recalling stories of my youth, of Christmases spent in our tiny cottage, and summers down by the creek. 

It was to my own wasted effort, not trying to focus too many of my questions on Matty’s career, because a lot of what surrounded him came from or was to do with being in the limelight. From his friends and social circle, to his everyday life. Matty’s hobby had and always would be music, that much was incredibly clear to me, only he’d just been lucky enough to make a career out of it.

Before long, I realised that our time was finally up and I was left observing the way Matty toed the edge of the curb just outside of the busy train station.

Surprisingly, Matty had wanted to walk me all the way there, just to make sure that I could arrive and board the train with all my limbs still intact. And, to his credit, he’d done exactly that, even with all of my amused reassurance that I’d be fine and did it daily.

But in truth, it was just me being overly concerned about someone recognising who Matty really was and starting a crazed frenzy. In my head all I could see was him disappearing into an ocean of teenage girls that suddenly swarmed him, calling out for help. 

I would be well and truly fucked if something were to happen to Matty whilst he was under my watch.

"You know," I began, staring up at the dark haired man before me. Noticing then that Matty, although older, looked an awful lot younger in that very moment. "I am glad you picked me."

He stared back at me, dark shades tucked into the lining of his jacket now. “That so?”

My cheeks bunched as I tried to dim my smile.

"Yeah," I confirmed with a soft chuckle, "Strange as it was at first, I surprisingly enjoyed myself."

"Surprisingly? I'm glad." Matty smiled, a small thing that wrinkled the corners of his eyes as he tugged at his ear. "I did too."

I returned the gesture, chest tightening.

The pavement rumbled beneath our feet then, meaning yet another train had pulled into the station beneath us and the Underground didn't wait around for anyone. I knew, somewhere in the back of my mind, that I’d best be on the next one in hopes of making it to Finn's at a decent hour but I was unable to leave Matty just yet. 

"You gonna be okay getting home?" I wondered, gaze skirting over the many heads that crowded the street as a dozen other people filed out of the station doors. "I mean, have you got money for a cab or something? Someone to call?"

I flushed when Matty laughed at my unnecessary concern, suddenly embarrassed by the thought of sounding like my mother. I bit back the urge to outwardly cringe.

"I'll be alright, babe. I'll have someone pick me up. Thanks though."

I dipped my head in understanding and then shoved my cold hands deeper into the pockets of my coat, rocking back and forth slightly. "So I'll be seeing you then?"

"Would you want to?"

I blinked, surprised by the question. Or maybe by the way Matty had phrased it.

“What d’you mean? What, did you just figure I'd spend an hour with you, dash off, and then never speak to you again? If it's alright, I actually wouldn't mind keeping in contact. It's not like Jamie doesn't already talk my ear off everyday, so what's adding you into the mix gonna do?"

“Hang on. Jamie? As in my Jamie? Jamie, Jamie? Manager Jamie, he actually messages you?” Matty immediately quizzed and at my mirthful nod, he shook his head in disbelief. “The dickhead!”

"He never mentioned it?" I thought to ask, unable to stifle my growing laughter.

"No he fucking didn't!" Matty replied with his tongue pressed against his top teeth. But his mouth was still curled upwards as he continued to shake his head, and so I took his reaction with a pinch of salt.

"Well, sorry to have been the one to break it to you then."

Matty snorted and lifted his eyes, hazy brown holding my stare. “Nah, it’s fine. Honestly just fucked off he got your number before I even had the chance to ask."

My eyebrows shot upwards, unsure on how to take that. "Um, well. I mean you could still ask?"

The minuscule smile Matty had been wearing switched into a full blown smirk at my stuttered words and I saw the challenge in his stare when he stealthily stepped closer.

"Well then, Squeaks. Would you do me the honour of giving me your number, or you gonna have me beg in front of all these people?"

I huffed a breathy laugh as I pulled my mobile out, handing it over to him without a second thought.

The way his face lit up caught me off balance and I could only watch on whilst Matty rushed to type an assortment of numbers into the device.

“What are you doing?” I suddenly asked, ginning when Matty angled the phone out in front of him.

He paused to glance over, shooting me a mischievous grin, one that had my stomach flipping at the very sight- and shit, if that wasn't a bad sign. But I could only focus on Matty now, on the way his grin changed his entire face, the haughty arrogance he had once carried fading alongside the sharp, sunken lines of his profile. It brought a pretty colour to his cheeks and brightened the shadows that stormed his eyes. 

It was hard to look away.

“Need a photo, don’t I?” Matty retorted easily, “How else you gonna know it’s me phoning?”

I was honestly somewhat startled by the sudden difference I saw in Matty then, in the confidence he now held, the very same that appeared in the videos I’d seen of him up on stage. In the good natured teasing and wit he shot out that had me struggling to form a valid response.

“Messaged myself too,” Matty explained, pulling me from my observation. “So all we need now, is a photo of you.”

Sure enough, when I pulled my full focus back to Matty, or on what he was now saying rather, I found him there holding his own phone up towards me.

"Come on, give us a smile then, mardarse." Matty mocked and I scoffed in return, the corners of my mouth twitching at the sound of his accent becoming more prominent. 

“God, you’re a right prat.” I rebuked, but it was softened by the mad grin I wore as I knuckled Matty’s elbow. “Fine, go on then, but make sure you get my good side, Healy!”

"But every side is your good side!"

I simply rolled my eyes at the exaggeration then leant in as near as I could to the camera so that it could get a close up of the face I made. Hands still tucked into my pockets and eyes now staring directly into the lens, I pooled my tongue out like a panting dog as I tilted my head to the side.

Matty’s bark of laughter echoed out across the highstreet, loud enough that it had a few heads turning, but no one paid much mind to a man who now had his face buried in his phone, gazing down at the picture he had just snapped.

"Good enough?" I asked, rubbing at my nose and glancing about as the self doubt began to seep in now that the fun was over.

Matty raised his head, and I reckoned that my pulse must have stuttered when I caught a glimpse of his wide eyes and bright smile. 

"Perfect."

[littlest-w01f]

Artistic

For @acotargiftexchange

This is my gift for my lovely recipient @cinmawrites

ACOTARGIFTEXCHANGE MASTERLIST

part one - part two - part three - part four - part five - part six - part seven

Rhysand sat in the backseat of his car, his long legs stretched out as he gazed out the tinted window. The city lights blurred past in a mix of colours. His mind wandered to Feyre, as it often did these days. After their almost kiss a week ago, he couldn't seem to shake the memory from his thoughts.

That tantalizing moment when their lips had hovered mere inches apart, the electricity arcing between them. It was clearly more than just professional admiration that drew him to her. There was a gentleness about her, a vulnerability hidden beneath that fierce determination. It called to him, awakening feelings he thought long buried, mushy feeling.

Rhysand sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. He needed to focus on the matters at hand, not dwell on forbidden fantasies. Yet, even as he told himself to push aside his feelings for Feyre, he couldn't deny the constant ache in his chest whenever she was near.

As the car pulled up to the coffee shop he frequented, Rhysand gathered his thoughts. He needed to focus on the high-stakes meeting taking place today away from the Publishing House, not dwell on a certain captivating intern.

Rhysand stepped out of the car, the cool evening air a stark contrast to the heated turmoil brewing inside him. He straightened his crisp black suit, smoothing out any wrinkles as he made his way into the dimly lit coffee shop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped him, momentarily distracting him from his inner musings.

Inside the bustling coffee shop, Feyre sat in her seat, the sketchbook Rhysand had bought her set on her table as she sketched, pencil gliding over the paper, her latte and muffin near her.

As Rhysand approached, he spotted Feyre immediately, her profile etched in concentration as she worked away on her drawing. The soft glow of the shop lights danced across her features, accentuating the delicate lines of her face and the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. Rhysand paused, mesmerized by the sight of her, a warm, comforting feeling spread through his chest.

Their eyes met across the café when she looked up, and Feyre felt her heart skip a beat. He flashed her a rare, genuine smile, one reserved only for those closest to him. It transformed his usually stern features, making him appear younger, more approachable. "Fancy meeting you here," He said, voice deep as he approached her. "Mind if I join you for a bit? My meeting got postponed, and I have some time to kill."

"Not at all," Feyre replied warmly, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I could use some company while I work. Please, sit down." Suddenly hyper-aware of every little detail, the warmth of her skin, the slight tremble in her fingers, the way her heart raced at his proximity, for their work, they had managed to be professional for now, but this was out of it. "Wait... You said a meeting? You... You never have meeting on the weekends..." Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, she was sure from the time she used to schedule his meeting early in her internship, he'd tell her to keep everything off the weekend.

Rhysand chuckled softly, running a hand through his tousled dark hair. "You're right, I don't usually schedule meetings on weekends. This one was... Unexpected." He paused, considering how much to reveal.

"It's part of another venture I'm involved in, separate from the Publishing House. Nothing for you to worry about though." His tone remained light, but there was an undercurrent of something else, a hint of danger, perhaps, or deep secrets. "Family business."

Feyre raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the cryptic mention of family business. She knew Rhysand was a private person, but this seemed different, like there were layers to him she was only beginning to peel back. "Family business, huh?" She repeated, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms, a playful smirk on her lips. "Sounds mysterious. Judging by that suit you're wearing."

She gestured towards his attire, her eyes roaming appreciatively over the sleek fabric that hugged his broad shoulders and lean physique. The subtle play of muscles beneath his clothes was impossible to miss, a testament to his physical prowess. Feyre quickly looked away, feeling a flush creep up her neck at the unintended intimacy of her gaze.

"And speaking of family... How's living with my cousin been treating you?" Rhysand questioned sipping on his coffee.

"Living with Mor has been... Interesting," She replied, happy for a distraction from her previous train of thought, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "She's not exactly what I would've asked for in a roommate three years ago but she's perfect. Late night parties, spontaneous road trips, constant matchmaking attempts..." Feyre shook her head fondly. "I'm grateful to have her in my life."

Rhysand listened intently, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips as he absorbed each word. He liked hearing about Feyre's life outside of the office, learning the details that shaped her personality and experiences. "Matchmaking attempts, eh?" He teased, raising an eyebrow. He wondered if she'd tried to set her up with someone.

"I'm glad she has you to balance her out. You two complement each other perfectly." His gaze lingered on Feyre, a warmth in his eyes that went beyond mere politeness. "Mor speaks highly of you, you know. Says you're the best thing that's happened to her in a long time." Rhysand leaned against the table slightly, angling his body towards her. "I can see why. You have a way of bringing out the best in people."

A lovely blush coloured Feyre's cheeks at Rhysand's words. She ducked her head shyly, peeking up at him through her lashes. "That's sweet of you to say, Rhys. And of Mor. I'm lucky to have her in my corner."

The awareness of his growing attraction for Feyre was undeniable now. He admired the delicate flush on her cheeks, the manner with which she peered up at him. It was intoxicating, this gentle vulnerability she exuded. Rhysand's heart quickened at the sight of Feyre's blushing cheeks, her shy yet captivating demeanour. He found himself drawn to her innocent beauty, the way her eyes sparkled with warmth and curiosity. "You deserve all the luck in the world, Feyre," he murmured, his voice low and husky.

Lost in thought, Rhysand barely registered the bustling activity around them. All he could focus on was the enticing curve of Feyre's lips, the way her hair fell in soft waves around her face. A sudden urge to reach out, to brush that stray lock behind her ear, nearly overwhelmed him.

Feeling the intensity of Rhysand's gaze, Feyre nervously licked her lips, wondering what was going through his mind. There was a palpable tension between them, a shared awareness of the forbidden desires simmering just below the surface.

Unable to resist the magnetic pull, Rhysand gently brushed the errant strand of hair behind Feyre's ear, his fingertips grazing her heated cheek in the process. The contact sent sparks racing along her nerve endings, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

"You're lovely when you blush," He murmured, his voice dipping as he spoke. Feyre shivered, the husky undertones of his voice sending shivers down her spine.

Feyre's breath caught in her throat as Rhysand's touch ignited a fire within her. The heat of his fingers seared her skin, leaving a lingering imprint that seemed to pulse with life. She sighed, savouring the sensation, the gentle caress that spoke volumes about the unspoken connection between them.

With a regretful sigh, Rhysand pulled away when his phone buzzed, realizing he'd lingered far longer than intended. "I should probably get going. Meetings won't reschedule themselves, no matter how appealing the company may be." He offered a wry smile, coffee in hand, trying to hide the disappointment in his eyes. "Walk with me to the end of the block, will you? I hate saying goodbye in such a hurry."

Feyre nodded, feeling a pang of her own at the prospect of parting ways so soon. "Of course, Rhys. Duty calls, and all that." She picked up her bag, placed everything back inside, and shrugged on the coat she had draped on the chair.

As they neared the end of the block, Rhysand slowed his pace, seemingly reluctant to reach the point where their walk would come to an end.

"Feyre, may I ask you something personal?" His intense eyes searched hers intently, a flicker of uncertainty beneath the surface of his usual composure.

Caught off guard, Feyre hesitated before nodding. "Of course, Rhys. What is it you want to know?"

"Have you ever wanted to do something outside of business?" Rhysand's question hung in the crisp winter air, heavy with unspoken implications.

She considered her answer carefully. "Outside of business?" She repeated, a small, enigmatic smile playing on her lips. "Well, I did once dream of being a famous painter, spreading my art, of traveling the world, of experiencing different cultures and ways of life... I want to see the world... I've never really been anywhere."

Her words trailed off, a faraway look entering her eyes as memories surfaced. Rhysand listened intently, captivated by the glimpse into Feyre's aspirations.

"But those dreams were put on hold," She continued, her gaze refocusing on him. "Life had other plans, and I never quite got around to pursuing them."

"Those "Other plans" often derail our deepest desires, don't they?" Rhysand mused, a note of melancholy in his voice. "It's easy to let responsibilities and obligations crowd out the things that truly make us happy."

Feyre agreed, a hint of melancholy creeping into her tone, "Well, what were your dreams? Is there something you wanted to be if it wasn't for your business?"

Rhysand's expression softened, a wistful glint in his eyes as he pondered the past. "If I'm being completely honest, I always had a fascination with the sky, the universe... Stargazing, astronomy..." Rhysand revealed, a hint of embarrassment colouring his voice. "But ambition and duty took precedence over those whimsical pursuits."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Who knows, maybe someday I'll revisit those interests, find a way to incorporate them into my life without sacrificing everything else."

Their eyes met, understanding passing between them like a silent agreement. In that moment, Rhysand felt an overwhelming urge to bridge the gap between them, to show Feyre just how deeply he connected with her hopes and fears. But propriety held him back, and he contented himself with a gentle squeeze of her hand before releasing her.

"Well, I really must be off," He said, taking a step back. "Thank you for the lovely chat, Feyre." With a final nod, Rhysand turned the corner. Feyre watched him go, a strange mix of longing and trepidation swirling within her.

Feyre made her way back, lost in thought as the city lights blurred past. Rhysand's words echoed in her mind, the idea of finding happiness in her passion despite life's obstacles. It was tempting, almost intoxicating, to imagine a future where she could pursue her passions without restraint, she held her sketchbook close to her chest as she walked.

When she arrived at her modest place, the familiar sounds and scents of home provided a comforting contrast to the whirlwind of emotions still churning inside her, she was grateful that Mor was out spending the night with her girlfriend, leaving the place to herself and her thoughts. She settled onto the couch with a thick blanket.

As Feyre curled up on the couch, she opened her sketchbook, letting her pencil dance across the page, continuing with the sketch. Her mind wandered, reliving the moments with Rhysand, capturing the play of light on his features, the intensity of his gaze. Rhysand's face emerged on the paper, his striking features captured in loose lines and shading. She added details - the subtle arch of his eyebrows, the playful curve of his lips.

As she drew, Feyre found herself slipping further into the fantasy, imagining Rhysand before her, alive and breathing. Her hand moved faster, refining the portrait until it almost looked like him. Almost.

With a sigh, Feyre set the sketch aside, her fingers tracing the outline of Rhys's face one last time before breaking contact. She knew it was futile to indulge in such daydreams, no matter how tantalizing they might be.

She then picked her mini pallet of paint, dipping a brush in the pigment, it felt funny, painting Rhysand with the supplies he'd bought her.

With deliberate strokes, Feyre began to add colour to her sketch, starting with the rich, dark tones of Rhysand's hair. She mixed a blend of blues and purples, adding depth and dimension to capture the mesmerizing swirls of his locks. As she worked, Feyre found herself losing track of time, the world fading away until only Rhysand's image remained, brought to vibrant life on the canvas.

Hours slipped by unnoticed as Feyre painted, her focus entirely consumed by the piece unfolding before her eyes. The colours blended and merged, creating a stunning likeness of Rhysand's hair. The sketch was breathtaking, to say the least. A subtle smirk played on his lips, as if he knew the secrets hidden in her heart.

A sense of longing washed over her, the desire to bring that sketch to life, to have him stand beside her and whisper promises of a future together. She carried the incomplete painting to her bedroom window, gazing out at the star-studded expanse above the city. At that moment, Feyre couldn't help but wonder if Rhysand was also standing under the similar stared sky, gazing up, his thoughts drifting to her as hers drifted to him.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, chilling Feyre to the bone. She sighed and shut the window to keep the frost out, pulling in the curtains, she wondered if it might snow, she wanted it to, to wake up to a world blanketed in white. Feyre wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly as she returned to the warmth of her room.

As Feyre retreated into the cosy sanctuary of her bed, the chill of the night still lingered on her skin. She wrapped herself in plush bedcovers, the soft fabric providing welcome comfort against the lingering cold.

She settled in, with a hum, she turned off her bedside lamp, pulling a soft silk eye mask she had recently bought over her eyes, she giggled softly, kicking her feet under the covers, loving how cold they were. She loved winter, the cosiness of being all snuggled up in bed. She relaxed pretty soon, snuggling into a fuzzy bat plushy Mor had gifted her as a gag almost a year ago.

[sparklingdarklady]

On Wings of Happiness Chapter 3

(*(Chapter Three)*)

GLOW!

Within their inner chambers, Magnifico was observing their Kingdom's defences over the shoulder of his beloved Queen. As she sat before the crystal ball they shared and focused her power on it, he saw she was in deep concentration as she performed the same spell again that night that she had cast for many moons since they'd been together that helped maintain their domain.

Quiet, as she continued her sacred duties, he waited until-!

FLASH!

The spell throbbed with a green light, showing that it was satisfied with her contribution. As it did, she sighed in relief, saying with her shoulders relaxing, “Finally, that's enough!”

Walking closer to her, he placed a caring hand on Amaya's shoulder and asked, “Are you tired my love?”

“Not more so than normal, you'd think I'd be able to cast this more easily as time passes,” she revealed. She placed a happy hand over Magnifico's, and then he studied the imagery within the crystal ball; it showed the entirety of the island they owned, with her green barrier shining brightly around it. She continued, “Honestly, what's more irksome to me is the fact nothing happens anymore! We've had no disturbances in so long... its just no fun.”

Hearing her complaint, he squeezed her shoulder and reassured her, saying, “That will soon pass; don't worry.”

“Mm...” She uttered, satisfied at his words, enjoying their quiet warmth together when-!

“Meow...”

Interrupting them both was the Queen's beloved feline, who'd hopped on up the side of his mistress, rubbing himself into her free hand, which had still been on the crystal ball.

Seeing him, she smiled immediately and said, “Charo!” Then, moving her hands, she cradled him and asked, “Where've you been?”

Magnifico smirked as she held her precious bundle and turned to get a book off the shelf, “Probably off causing havoc no doubt?”

Her light grey feline yawned, satisfied as he rubbed his head into Amaya's shoulder. As he did, she smiled more and said, “Well, I hope you caused a real ruckus if you did!” To which she stroked him all the more, enjoying his sweet warmth as he began to purr softly. Everything was wonderful and peaceful then...

SHINE!!!!

Suddenly, the room was lit up by bright golden light! On alert seeing this, Amaya gasped and-!

“HHHIIISSS!!!!”

Dropping his book unnerved, Magnifico cried out, “What is that!?”

His Queen couldn't answer him! Blinded by this golden radiance, Charo jumped onto the table, his tail and fur up angrily at this intruding light. She tried to speak, “I, I don't know!” However, seeing the colour and sparkle of this unknown phenomenon, her eyes widened as she somehow recognised it and said, “Wait, no! Is this-!”

FLASH!!!

Then, just as suddenly, the radiance died away! With no trace within the crystal ball that it had ever been there!

Charo before her continued to growl ferociously, unnerved by the light, leaving Amaya breathless. As she was, her shaking hand reached up to her pearled necklace, and as it did, she asked, looking at the red jewel in the centre of the black star, “Could it be possible?”

“Amaya !?” Rushing over to her worried, Magnifico asked, “Are you alright !?”

Feeling him close to her, she looked up to him and replied, “I, yes...” Then, tightening her hold around the star pendant, she told him about the possibility, “But that light... I think I know it!”

Shocked, Magnifico repeated with puzzlement, “Know it?”

After some thought, Amaya nodded and revealed to him what that golden radiance they both witnessed and if what she thought had happened was real. If they got their hands on it, it would finally grant them the much-needed boost they'd need to achieve their lifelong goal!

X X X X X X X X

Dazzled beyond words as the golden, once floating young man held her free hand, with glittery light all around him. Asha couldn't think of a single word to say! This was unbelievable! Too fantastical! Supernatural! It was-! Wait? Supernatural? Is that what was going on here? Then, as he held her hand, suddenly-!

“Oh!?”

He let go of her in a hurry! As he did, she was left without his warm touch. All she could do was stare at him as she took it back, and he then laughed awkwardly, saying, “Oops! Sorry, I got too excited there!” Then, looking to the side, he added, looking self-deprecating, “And I've completely broken protocol too!”

Still caught in her bewilderment, Asha stared at him and didn't understand what was happening! Who was this glowing person, and what was-!

“Beware...and make you disappear!”

Then suddenly, something clicked into her mind as she remembered a story about spirits she'd been warned about in childhood! Is that what was going on now!? She felt a terrible spike of fear charge up her back!

Shivering in terror, she heard the glowing young man say awkwardly with a laugh, “Well, I guess there's no going back now, so!” With that, he bowed elegantly and said, “Greetings, dear Aspirer! I have now come to-!”

But Asha didn't stay to hear him say another word as she ran straight back to the forest, dropping her treasured mandolin in the process! Charging on, she then heard-!

“Hey! Wait! You left your-!”

However, she didn't hear another word as she headed deeper and deeper into the woods!

…

Running at full speed, Asha had one goal: She had to get back to the safety of home! Finally, she remembered the rest of the chilling song her Grandpa had sung!

“Beware the Spunkie lad!

With lightened lantern hair!

Lost in the forest,

The smallest, those he covets,

He'll come for you,

And make you disappear!”

She became terrified at that possibility, remembering being scared of the tale even back then! That was one thing that couldn't happen! For if she disappeared-!?

“Hey? Is this a game you're playing?”

“Ah!” To her shock and horror, the golden-glowing terror appeared again! He flew right by her side with a carefree smile, leaving a glittering trail behind him!

Panicking, Asha quickly turned and headed in another fast direction! She had to get away! She had to do something or-!

“Ha! Ha! It's really funny if it is!”

Aghast, making her unnerved more, he was there again! Right in front of her, as he smiled away, she came to a complete halt! “I've never met someone so boisterous!” Then she saw him try to reach for something behind him, and he continued to say with a smile, “By the way, is this something that's involved in- ?”

“Get away from me, you, you Spunkie!” she cried out, and with that, she charged straight off again, baffling the golden-glowing young man.

…

Asha felt like she'd been running forever as she entered a clearing in the woods! Haggard from running for so long, she'd been through way too much for one night! But still, she had to get home or-!

“Hey! Miss Aspirer, did you come this way?”

Feeling another terrible chill, Asha looked back and saw that he was still on her tail! Shivering, she couldn't help but ask quietly, “Does he never give up!?”

However, she was just as determined! For she had to live! She had her Grandpa to take care of and friends she wanted to be with! She couldn't disappear!

Looking around herself rapidly, she saw one way out! She came across a stony ledge in the clearing with broken stones descending from it!

Running to it, she saw that the stones would allow her to ascend. But she had no idea if it would be completely safe, and thinking of the height she'd have to climb made her highly uncomfortable as she shook, looking up.

“Hi, can you hear me?”

But this was no time to sweat in fear; she had to go! So quickly, she grabbed the first stone and began climbing up as fast as she could!

Ascending for her wasn't as tricky as she first thought it would be; maybe everything would be alright when she reached the top. Once she got there, she'd have to find her bearings again, since she'd never been to-!

CRUMBLE!

“Agh!”

Suddenly, the stone she thought she had a firm grip on came apart, and she scrambled madly before quickly catching another steadier stone! Her heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest, then, and unfortunately, she did the one thing someone was not supposed to do as they climbed. She looked down!

“Miss Aspirer!?”

Hearing this worried cry, Asha saw to her dread the golden guy again! This made her shiver worse; she felt like she would cry! But she had to get away, so again, she continued climbing up hurriedly!

“What're you doing!? That's dangerous! That ledge isn't safe! You won't-!”

“I can't be taken by a Spunkie!” Asha cried back! Grabbing another stone, she cried, “I've got a home to go back to! I can't let you-!”

CRUMBLE!

Then the worst outcome happened, the stone underneath her right foot gave way and-!

“AAAGGGHHH!!!”

She completely fell away from the stones and was plummeting down to earth!

“HANG ON!!!”

Asha had her eyes squeezed tight. What was she to hold on to!? What was she to-!

SHINE!!!!

Suddenly, to her amazement, instead of feeling the pain of the earth and stone coming to bash her to pieces for her foolish escape, she was being held by a pair of warm, strong, glowing arms that held her aloft with glittering golden light all around them!

Opening her eyes, she saw him again. The one she'd been trying to run away from the entire time! Seeing him, she then saw him release a sigh of relief as he told her brightly with a laugh, “Looks like I finally caught you, safely too!” All she could do was stare at him quietly, and then she heard him ask, “So is the game over now?”

This then caused her to cry, as her panic and stress finally overwhelmed her.

“Hey! Why're you crying!? Are you hurt or-?”

Shaking her head rapidly, Asha said hiding her face, “No, no I lost! You're gonna make me disappear now, aren't you!?”

“Disappear, why would I do that to you?”

Hearing the words be said curiously, Asha became puzzled in her overwhelmed state. Then, opening her misty eyes, they cleared after a quiet moment, and she saw him staring at her, perplexed.

Silent herself, Asha uttered, “Huh...?” Then she asked, “I thought that's what Spunkies do, don't they?”

The young man stared at her, clearly not understanding what she meant as he repeated, “Spunkies?” Then quickly, a flash of realisation came across his face as he told her with a laugh, “Oh! You mean Willow-o'-the-wisps, don't you?”

Blinking, Asha asked, “Willow the...what?”

“That's what Spunkies are! That's another title for the blue spirits that are found in Scotland, I was told about them ages ago by the elders!” Then, with a curious look as he turned to the side, he said in thought, “Though I've never heard of them making people disappear?”

Feeling calmer as he explained, Asha asked, “Scotland, so...?” Knowing that definitely wasn't the region she lived in, she asked him, “You're not here to take me away?”

As he heard her ask, he laughed and said, “Well, if I were, don't you think I would have done that already?”

Hearing him say this so relaxed and happily, Asha could feel it now. This person wasn't malicious at all. His warmth and glow all around her made her feel so calm that she couldn't help but smile at her silliness as she replied, “Yeah, that's true, I guess!”

The young man smiled, looking happy at her, but before he could say another word-!

WHOOSH!!!!

Feeling a strong gust from the wind blow at them made the boy waver as he held her in the air! This made Asha hold onto him more tightly and again look down at the height they were at, shaking at it. She asked him nervously, “Um, could you take us back to the ground please!”

Looking down at her and seeing her tremble, he said, “Oh, yeah sure of course! Hang on!” With that, he descended down with her gently and entered another part of the woods; he landed back on solid earth and allowed Asha to detach herself from him.

She was quiet momentarily as she regained some calming breaths. Then, looking at his golden-glowing form, she asked, “Um, thanks for that... can I ask? Who are you? Where did you come from?”

The young man remained silent, then smiled and replied, “Well, I'm glad I can finally give my introductions properly to you now!” With that, he bowed gracefully with a hand to his chest and told her, “Greetings, my dear Aspirer! I am one of the Siderea!”

Quiet as she heard this, Asha repeated as she processed the word, “Sai-dee-ree-ah?”

With a nod, he replied, “That's right, one of the people of the stars!” He told her, then lifted himself up and pointed to the heavenly bodies that shone above them far beyond them, showing where he originated from.

Seeing them all glow and shine with awe, Asha remembered then what happened that must have caused him to arrive and the legends her Father talked about! Amazed, she asked him, “You're someone from the stars?” Then, as he nodded with a smile to her, she realised, “You came because of my wish!”

“Exactly!” He smiled, then, with his arms opened, letting his warm golden light shine around them, with his orange cape fluttering around gently, he revealed, “I am here to help you make it come true!”

“Wow!” she cried out, amazed. Then, she covered her mouth at how loud she cried in surprise. She laughed and said, “So I did it! I made a wish loud enough to reach you guys!”

Laughing brightly, he told her, “Something like that!”

Smiling, Asha couldn't believe her luck! Then, excitedly, with her hands clasped, she told him, “Thanks, thanks so much!” Then, as her mind raced, she told him, “I don't know how I could ever repay you, um...?” Then she realised, “Wait? What do I call you?”

With a smile, he revealed his name. He touched the white diamond on his chest and said, “Asterix, the little star!”

She remained quiet momentarily and then repeated, “Asterix?” Looking at him, she couldn't help but comment, “Um? You don't look little?”

“It's more of a joke of where I come from!” Asterix revealed, then he added, looking a little bashful, scratching his cheek, “Since well, I'm not as high up as some of the other granters in the heavens so...”

Asha, hearing this, then revealed a small smile and told him, “Well, for what its worth, I think it's a really cute name!” Then, as he looked at her, surprised, she happily told him, “Thank you! Thank you for coming to grant my wish, Asterix!”

He looked amazed at her, then he said in a cheery tone, “It's okay! I'm more than glad to!” Then he added, “Especially one like yours!”

Puzzled, Asha then asked him, “Huh? Why would you say that?”

“Because it's one of the purest wishes I've ever heard!” Asterix smiled.

“Pure?” She repeated, puzzled.

Asterix nodded, “Yeah, cause most wishes tend to be mainly just for the Aspirer themselves, but to hear one, that's for more than just you! That's something that's really remarkable! We don't get too many of those that often, so I'll be looking forward to helping you achieve it!”

“Oh?” Asha replied, not realising how strong her wish was and feeling awkward. “Well, I mean I wasn't really trying to-!” However, she stopped as she realised something: “Wait?”

“Hm?” Asterix then looked at her, puzzled, as she stopped.

“You said to help achieve my wish?” Asha asked, then staring at him, she continued, “I thought you're here to grant it instantly, aren't you?”

“What do you mean?” He asked her, looking baffled.

“I thought stars were supposed to like, snap your fingers and make everyone instantly happy or something?” Then, as Asterix stared at her, she asked him, “...Is that incorrect?”

“Ah, yeah, I'm afraid that's not how I work unfortunately!” Asterix replied, looking awkward and scratching the back of his head.

Feeling suddenly crestfallen, Asha uttered as dread grew, “...So, I am wrong?”

“Sadly, sorry!” Asterix revealed, looking apologetic.

“I'm doomed!” Asha cried, looking at the ground. Her mind surged with stress as she said, “I've only got three days and barely three nights now!” Then, thinking of Magnifico's awful shadow looming over her, she said, sweating at the oncoming terror, “There's no way my wish can be granted is there!? I mean with what limited amount of time I've got left and barely any talent, I'm-!”

“No! That's not true!”

GRAB!

“Huh!?”

Suddenly, one of Asha's free hands was grabbed again! As it was, she looked up and saw Asterix looking at her intently with determination as he told her, “Dear Aspirer! Your wish can come true, I absolutely guarantee it!”

Perplexed as he held her hand so strongly, she looked to it and back to his warm glowing brown eyes and asked, dazzled, “How?...What do you mean?”

“Because I'm here now, with you!” Then, with a gentle, kind expression, he revealed, “Your wish has the full potential of coming true! My being here now is the proof of that! If it couldn't, there's no way I'd be here before you right now!” Then, smiling, he told her as though trying to chase the darkness of her worries away, “You have no need to fear, I promise you that!”

She was not used to someone saying something like this with so much confidence, especially encouragingly! It left Asha awestruck as she uttered, “Oh...?” Looking down, she said, “Okay, that's good to know, I guess?” Then, looking up at him as he shone so brightly in the dark, holding her hand, she said, “Um, by the way...?”

“Yeah?” He asked her, a smile still gracing his warm features.

“My name's Asha, not Aspirer...” She shyly revealed, then said, “I thought you better know that.”

“Oh?” he replied. Then, studying her, he told her, “Well, it's pretty! It suits you, Asha!”

Turning red, she said, “Thanks, I guess, um?” Her heart racing, she asked, unused to being stared at so warmly, “Do you think, you could let go of my hand now?”

“Huh?” Then, seeing he was still holding it in both his hands, he told her, “Oh, sorry! I guess I got carried away again!” Then, with an awkward chuckle, he released her and said, “I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable!”

Holding her hand close and feeling his lingering warmth as she looked at it, Asha told him, “No, you didn't. It's fine and...” Then, looking back at Asterix, she added, “And thanks.”

“Hm?”

“For giving me that guarantee there, it was nice... I don't get it too often like that.” Asha revealed.

“It's okay! That's what I'm here for!” Asterix smiled, hand to his chest. Then, as he did this, Asha smiled and felt herself calm down. As she did, her star boy asked, “So? What prompted you to make your wish? How would you like to make everyone happy?”

Hearing his question, Asha remained quiet, but soon, remembering what she'd need to do, she became a little uneasy. Thinking of how little time she had left to get ready, she told him, “I'll tell you along the way.”

“Along the way?” He repeated, puzzled.

Nodding, Asha told him, “Yeah, as we go back to my cottage, I'll tell you the details and so I can get in some practise before the night ends.”

“Oh, okay then! Lead the way!” he told her, and with that, he floated by her side as she began to explain her circumstances and what led to her calling out her wish to the stars...

X X X X X X X X

Wandering through the woods, Asterix, listening by her side and hearing what had been asked of her, uttered, “Whoa!” Then, turning another corner down the path, Asha heard him ask, “So? You've been asked to put on a whole magic show?”

Nodding, feeling terribly nervous at what was coming, she replied, “Yeah, very, very suddenly...I'm not prepared at all!”

“I don't think I'd be ready either!” Asterix replied, then looked up and said, “I mean in the heavens for something like that, you'd be given at least a month!” Then he enquired further, “So you need help to better your magic then, right?”

“Yeah, that's right!” Asha confirmed. Then, momentarily in thought, she explained, “I've been studying it for four months, and I'm still struggling, sadly.” Then, with a sad sigh, she continued, “I need to master all five of the Star qualities in magic, Magnifico wants. If I do, he'll take me on permanently as his apprentice.”

Creasing his brows, Asterix asked her, “Five Star qualities? What're those?”

“Well, simply they're the powers I need to help aid him in running the kingdom, mastery over locks, healing, enhancing and reduction.” She took a breath and finished, “Then finally, control over light and levitation.”

As he listened to her explanation, Asterix asked, “Those are oddly precise?” With his arms folded, he stated, “Usually, what I've seen and heard is sorcerers wanting control over the elements of nature.”

“Oh, he wants that too eventually!” Asha confirmed, but then she explained, “But, I'm just a beginner so, he said those five types are the bare minimum one needs to casts spells... otherwise you're not qualified at all.”

Looking shocked at her saying this, Asterix looked displeased as he honestly told her, “This King Magnifico sounds like an awful oppressor, if he's using wording like that!”

Laughing awkwardly, Asha replied, “Well, he is strict! I won't deny that!” Then, with her hands together, she replied, “But, despite that, he's given everyone a home here, a place to belong! He's made everything comfortable, for everyone who lives here in Rosa, so... I can't really badmouth him, especially when he revealed I even have talent in magic in the first place!” Then, sighing, she added, “Without him, I'd never have discovered that!”

Quiet momentarily, Asterix replied, “...I understand.” However, floating before her, he said, “But that doesn't give him the right to demand such outrageous things from people! No matter what he gives, that's not fair!”

Asha stared at Asterix, then looked down and became uncomfortable. He wasn't wrong in what he was saying, but because Magnifico was their ruler and kept them all safe, he was the reason any of them could even live in peace in the first place, so-!

“Asha?”

Hearing his voice broke her out of her thoughts. Looking up at him, she heard him say, “He's not doing this just to bully you is he?”

Surprised hearing this, she repeated, “Bully me?” Not understanding why he came to that conclusion, she asked, “Why would you say that?”

“Well, because I can't help but feel it might be?” Then floating before her, he continued with concern, “For demanding something so suddenly out of you like that, when you're still new to the world of magic, I can't help but feel like he's a tyrant!”

Upset, Asha told him, “He's not doing that!”

As she interrupted Asterix, who looked shocked, she took a breath and explained, as he stared, “I'm the one who said everyone looked miserable. I brought it up and...” Then, tensing her hands, she continued, “And honestly, I thought he might not do anything! But despite that, he surprised me and does want to help! He wants to cheer up everyone too, so-!”

Then, looking at Asterix, he saw that he was staring at her with surprise. As he did, she continued, “... I know it may seem extreme what he's putting me through, but I'm sure that he believes in me, otherwise he wouldn't have given me the task!” Then, looking down, she added, “I'm sure he does, for he said he expected great things from me... I just have to do my best, that's all and prove my worth!”

…

As uneasy silence came between them, Asha didn't know if she got through to Asterix. But after a little bit, he sighed and said, “Okay, I believe you...” Then, standing on the ground, he scratched his head and said, “I mean, I was told not to assume before I met someone, so...” Then, as he looked back to her, he said, “But if you believe in this guy, I'll hold back on my judgements until I see him myself.”

Hearing him say this, Asha was relieved and said, “I'm glad to hear that, Asterix!”

He smiled hearing her, then told her, “And by good fortune you've called on the right person to teach you magic now!” For spinning around in the air, he told her with a graceful glittering arc, “I'll show you some good tricks that'll help you master it faster!” Then, gathering the sparkles he created, he formed it into a star and handed it to her, “You'll have control over the Five Star qualities you need by the time of the show, I guarantee it!” Then, as she held it in her hands, making her glow golden with amazement, he winked and finished, “And I'll make it fun too!”

Asha was astounded. As the star in her hands gradually faded into pretty twinkles, she uttered, “Wow...” Then, smiling again, she told him, “Thanks Asterix. I can't wait to learn from you, too!”

He smiled as well and nodded, and then they walked on together quietly. After a bit, he couldn't help but say, “This forest is so fascinating! I never get to be in the woods like this!”

Surprised, Asha asked him, “You don't?”

Shaking his head, Asterix revealed, “No! I mean tree's don't exist in the heavens!”

“They don't?”

Asterix shook his head again. Then he explained, “Well, some of us try to form clouds that resemble trees, with our magic making them glitter with light but... it's not the same thing, like this!” With that, he gently touched a leaf and looked intrigued, holding it as it shone between his fingers.

Asha then couldn't help but reply, “That's kind of sad.”

Shrugging his shoulders, he replied, “Yeah, I won't deny it, it is kind of...” However, he brightly revealed, “But I'm glad that I get to feel and see them now!”

Hearing him turn the sadness so suddenly, Asha was surprised. Then she smiled and replied, “Yeah, that is good!” As they walked on together, she couldn't help but ask, “So if you guys don't have trees in the heavens, what do you do for food?”

“Oh, we don't eat!” Asterix smiled.

Shocked, Asha asked, “You...don't eat?”

“Well, not like humans do!” Asterix smiled, then looking above, he explained, “We get our energy from sources of light, when they shine on our skin that's how we get our nourishment.”

As she heard this, she was quiet and repeated, “Sources of light?” Then, thinking to herself, she asked, “You mean? Like from sunlight, candlelight and moonlight?”

Nodding, Asterix replied, “Yeah, pretty much!”

Hearing this, Asha couldn't help but say, “That sounds like such an easy lifestyle for you guys!” Then, looking up, she said, “I mean, you don't have to work for it or anything! Some light on your skin and boom! You've eaten. If that's not easy, I don't know what is!”

“I guess!” Asterix laughed; however, looking at her, he said, “But to be honest, we're all envious in the heavens at what you all can eat.”

Surprised, Asha asked him, “You're all envious?”

“Well, of course!” Asterix then, looking at some ripe-looking red berries, picked out a twig from the tree they were under and said, “I mean you all get to taste the fruits of the earth, and cook them into all kinds of amazing things! We can't help but wanna try it ourselves!” With that, he went to take a berry to eat when-!

“Not that!”

GRAB!

Asha quickly snatched the berries away from him and the one he was about to eat, making Asterix stare at her, shocked. As he did, she quickly explained, “You can't eat berries from a spindle tree!”

“Huh? Why?”

“They could kill you!” Asha urgently told him, throwing them some distance away, “You can't just take anything from anywhere! You don't know what it might do to you!” Then she added, “You have to be careful! Don't take anything for granted, whether you're from above or not!”

Quiet, Asterix then laughed and told her, “Okay! I'll try not to do that!” Then he smiled and said, “Thanks for the save there, Asha!”

To which all she could do was sigh. Then, as she started walking and Asterix floated by her side, she told him, “Besides, I can let you taste better and crucially safer fruits in my garden!”

“You have a garden?” He asked, surprised.

“Yep!” Finally leaving the woods, she returned to the Hamlet! She started running and energisedly told him, “C'mon! I'll show you!”

He quickly looked thrilled and replied, “I'm coming!” Then he flew to catch up with her and together they made their way towards the cottage she called home!

X X X X X X X X

“WOW!!!”

Asterix looked around at all the fruits, flowers, and other vegetation she'd grown over the years in amazed wonder. Asha never expected anyone to ever be this excited about it all! She couldn't help but smile as he pointed around like an excited child as she guided him around, “What's this?”

“A small Clementine tree!” She smiled.

“And this?”

“A fig tree.”

“What about this one?”

“They're called grapes; they're some of my specialities that I grow!” Then, coming across one of her particular plants, she told him, “But this one is one of my personal favourites!” With that, she plucked a red fruit off a green vine.

“What is it?” He asked her eagerly.

Smiling, Asha approached him, placed it in his hand, and said, “It's called a strawberry!” Then, stepping back, she told him, “You can try it if you want?”

“Okay!” he eagerly told her. He then popped it in his mouth, not swallowing the green head. He became quiet as he chewed.

Staring at him, she then asked after a moment, “So...what do you think? Do you like it?”

Asterix, quiet after a little, looked dazzled, then swallowing, he told her, “That was delicious!” Then, with a hand to his cheek, he told her, “I've never had anything so good!” As he did this, he glittered more, revealing his happiness.

Quiet at this warm, dazzling sight, Asha laughed and said, “Glad to hear it!”

Looking at the plant it came from and back to her, Asterix asked, “Can I have a few more?”

Nodding, she told him, “Sure! But not all of them! I need some to make jam at some stage!”

“Alright!” With that, he walked over to her side, picked a few more berries, and began happily eating them.

Seeing him do this, she couldn't help but smile warmly at him. However, after a moment, she said, “Oh, wait! I need to get to practising!” Then, moving back to the front of the cottage, she told him, “I'm just gonna get some of my books. I'll be back in a minute!”

“Okay!” Asterix smiled, and with that, he waited, eating the delicious fruits of the earth as Asha fetched her studying materials quietly so as not to rouse anyone.

…

Her satchel bag was in hand, with the books she needed inside. Asha, adjusting it, said, “Good mission accomplished!” Then, as an extra merit, she credited herself with a smile, “And all fetched without waking Grandpa or Valentino!”

Then, thinking of him again, slumbering in his room sadly with Valentino on the end of his bed... she wondered if she could restore his happiness with Asterix's help, too?

Thinking of how upset he was about the mandolin when she brought it to him, she couldn't help but worry.

“Dear Aspirer! Your wish can come true, I absolutely guarantee it!”

However, Asha remembered Asterix's words and how warmly he shone. That light couldn't help but motivate her and chase the worried thoughts away. Gripping her hands around her bag straps, she reassured herself, saying, “No, we'll be alright! I'm sure of it!” For walking back to her garden, she said, “Cause after all, I now have-!”

GLITTER!

Shocked, Asha walked around the corner and saw all the flowers in her garden swaying together in perfect unison! All of them had vine-like arms, and she could see as she walked through that they were all interacting with each other! She noticed some conversing with tiny sweet chirps and flattering gestures, others laughing, and some had their vine arms entwined around each other, making hugs!

Utterly baffled by this, she could only stare at them all as she walked through her now enchanted garden, which was bathed in Asterix's golden dust! Noticing this, as they all glowed with his warm, glittering light, she couldn't help but ask, “Um, is this all happening because of-?”

“Oh, hey, Asha!”

Then, turning her head immediately at his voice, she saw him again, “Asterix!”

The star boy, in the middle of the glittering space, who caused this miraculous effect on her flowers! Running over to him, she asked, “What's going on here!? Why're all my plants-!”

“My powers enhanced them!” He smiled at her.

Baffled, Asha then repeated, “Um? Enhanced them?”

Nodding, Asterix then explained, “Yeah! As a Siderea, I have the ability of enhancing the potential of all living things!” Then, looking at all the cheerful flowers and plants, he continued, “I was so happy being in this garden, my power affected them all, giving them the ability to become fully animated!” Then, one of the flowers quickly looked annoyed and made a protesting squeak! As it did, he laughed apologetically and said, “Oh, excuse me! I meant a little more so than normal!”

Asha listened quietly and looked at the complaining blossom. It seemed appeased as it returned to conversation with another nearby plant. Quiet momentarily, she couldn't help but say, “Well, I can't deny it. That is an amazing power you have, Asterix! I can't compare to that at all!”

“Thanks!” He smiled and then told her, “But you know, you're more incredible, Asha!”

Perplexed, she looked at him and asked, “Huh? Why would you say that? I haven't done anything yet?”

“But you have, though!” Then, gesturing to all the flowers and plants, Asterix told her, “Everyone here has told me how hard you've worked, letting them all grow to be healthy and strong. They're really proud of their colours and beauty.”

Amazed, Asha couldn't believe what Asterix was saying! Then, looking at all the plants around them, she asked as they all glowed, “They all told you that?”

Nodding, he continued, “Yeah, and they're all this way because you've cared for them for so long, throughout the good and bad seasons.” Then, quickly, all the plants chirped up with happy sounds. It all seemed to Asha's ears like agreement, and as they did, wide-eyed, she couldn't believe it. Turning to Asterix, she heard him say, “They're really happy you did and they wanted me to tell you, thank you! Thank you for caring for them all so much!”

All her beloved plants in her garden quickly released more happy chirps in volume, showing Asterix's words were true. Amazed by this, Asha didn't know what to say. She became bashful, and her face turned red as she looked down.

As she became this way, Asterix asked, “Are you alright, Asha?”

She didn't know what to say at first, but after a moment, she replied, “...I'm fine, just astounded I guess?” Then, looking up and around at all the plants in her garden, she replied, “Thanks for the praise, all of you here... and thank you all too, for giving me peace when I needed it.”

She then heard all her plants release a happy hum and more chirps, showing they were pleased. She smiled at this, then looked at him and said, “And thanks for letting me know all that, Asterix! It really means a lot!”

“You're welcome!” he told her with a smile. However, he couldn't help but ask, “But are you sure you're alright? You look a little red?”

Quietly, Asha looked at him and then noticed something. Releasing a slight chuckle, she pulled a small white cloth from her satchel and moved over. She made it to Asterix and-!

“Mmm!”

She wiped his mouth and quickly removed the remains of the fruit he enjoyed. As she did, she told him, “You are too!” To which she revealed the juices of the strawberry she'd cleaned off.

“Oh?” He uttered, startled. After a moment, he laughed, and she did, too.

Then quickly, all her plants cried out excited chirps and squeaks at the little moment they shared!

Then, after they calmed down, Asterix couldn't help but say, “Looks like everyone's excited now, I wonder what they mean? Saying will they? Over and over?”

Shrugging her shoulders, Asha replied with a smile, “Who knows? Plants can be a mystery!” However, remembering what she needed to do, she told him, “Well, anyway, I need to get more practice in now, so...!” Returning to her satchel, she put away the cloth and went to get something else.

“Hm?”

Hearing Asterix look on curiously at her, she got out what she needed, saying, “There I found it!” Then, with a book in her hands, she asked, “Asterix, could you help me try to understand what's written here?”

“Huh?” Then, as he looked over the book, he asked, reading the title, “The Discipline of Latin?” Taking it into his hands, he told her, “Well, I can give it a try! Let me read it for a bit!”

“Alright!” Asha smiled, and with that, she waited for Asterix to read it through so he could help her understand this baffling language so she could at last learn and master it! Then, she would hopefully be able to master her magical power so she could put on the best entertaining show that all of Rosa would ever see!

[geminiamethyst]

Skyline Gang: Sky Crystal. Chapter 3: Conjurer

Prologue: click HERE

Chapter 2: click HERE

Chapter 4: click HERE

I'll be going back to uni in a few weeks so I'm going to try to get out as much as I can.

“Dude? Can you hear me, son?”

Dude’s head felt light and warm, but the rest of his body felt heavy. It was lit his body was made out of led. He tried to move, but he felt this shooting pain up from his back. Did something happen to his spine? He could still feel his toes and fingers twitch a little, so he can’t be paralysed thank goodness. He started opening his eyes, itching to get a sense of his surroundings. The light blinded him a little, but that wasn’t the issue. The issue was the silhouette of an odd shape leaning over him. His body suddenly started moving on its own. He attempted to sit up and back away from this thing. Someone gently grabbed his shoulders and tried to keep him from moving too much. That was actually quite helpful as the sudden movement just made Dude feel more nauseous.

“You’re alright. I won’t hurt you. You don’t need to panic.”

Hearing that voice again made the air feel calmer. There was this warmth that washed over him and Dude’s vision cleared up a lot faster but more steady. After blinking a couple of times, he couldn’t see who that voice belonged to. A man, seemingly in his late thirties was kneeling beside him. This man was dressed in the most peculiar way. He was wearing a long dark indigo coat with rainbow coloured sleeve cuffs, a white shirt, a pair of crisp white gloves, a rainbow striped top hat with an indigo brim (which explains the odd shape that the man has when Dude first saw him), and rainbow striped trousers with black polished shoes. His left eye was painted over by a light blue star and his right eye was painted with a red star. His lips were painted indigo. What is he? A magician for a children’s birthday party or something? This man indeed appeared to be strange.

“Who are you?” Dude asked once his dizzying head allowed him to. Then he looked all around him in astonishment. “Where am I?”

Dude didn’t know what room he was expecting to wake up in, but it certainly wasn’t anything like this. The large room was an octagon shape. The outer walls had large windows and a glass door that led to a balcony. All along the inward walls are rows and rows of bookshelves, reaching the ceiling. Each dark wood bookshelf had a rail accompanied by a ladder to reach the higher shelves. The shelves were filled with books except for the higher ones, which stored what seemed to be scrolls that were neatly arranged. Small pedestals that held glass cases held one of a kind books that should never be touched. So much knowledge on basically everything appeared to be held. The flooring was stone cold with coloured tiling with the exception of a round rug with an oak table and chairs. The walls were white with a painted ceiling. The whole room, this library, radiated with warmth and light.

“What do you remember?” The man asked after Dude took in surroundings, assisting the teenager to sit up. Not the answer that Dude wanted but he’ll play ball for now. He racked his brain, recalling anything and everything he could. From Danny’s ghost just showing up out of nowhere and leading him to the Skyline, right to the secret door.

“There was this crystal and then…” Dude thought out loud. The awe of seeing that magnificent sight, the confusion rising from the possibility of being alive and then the fear as he was suddenly dragged in towards the enigmatic gem. The realisation of that came slow but still hit hard. “I was sucked in. I’m inside the crystal.” If he was pulled inside the crystal, then what place did he end up in? Was the crystal something like a portal? Looking towards the windows again, Dude rushed to get up. The fast motion made him feel dizzy and sore, his body stumbling. His legs felt like jelly, all the bones in them becoming non-existent.

“Take it easy.” The man spoke in a firm but gentle tone. He stood up and helped Dude to remain steady on his feet. “You had a bit of a rough landing.” A rough landing was one way to put it. When Dude was able to stand up straight, he could feel the soreness in his body starting to ebb away. He just needs to keep moving a little bit. Speaking of moving, there was something that Dude noticed and wanted to take a closer look.

Before he started walking, he realised that his clothes had been changed. Instead of wearing his pyjamas, hoodie and slip on trainers, he was wearing his normal day attire. Even his cap was on his head when it should still be back at the house in his room. He had no doubt that he had his make up done up too. Did it happen when the crystal drew him inside it? He can ask about that later. He just needs to look outside the window. Limping while struggling a little to keep his balance, he approached the window. The man let him go, trusting that he can walk on his own. The outside of the window was so strange. It overlooked a beautiful garden filled with vagrant flowers, a large pond and some trees, followed by what looked to be an orchard. While the sight of the garden appeared to be beautiful, it was the “sky” that seemed to be off. When Dude came here, it was nighttime. However, the land was bright, as if it was in the middle of the day. And the sky appeared to be distorted, as if it was made out of crystal itself. So he wasn’t taken somewhere else after all.

“So, we’re both inside the crystal, right?” Dude asked, taking in the scene outside.

“Yes.” The man answered quickly. His tone seemed off, as if he was bored. How long has he been in here?

“Are you trapped here too?” Dude asked again. Just keep asking questions. Get as many answers as he his hands on. If this man is trapped with him, maybe they can help each other in getting out.

“Why would I be trapped in my own home?” The man asked back, amusement lightening the atmosphere.

“You live in here?” Dude asked, turning to face the man. Now he realised that the man was at the table, a spark shining in his light amber eyes.

“Of course.” The man smiled. Something seemed off here. This man lives inside a crystal, acting like he’s putting on a show. A well rehearsed one at that. He was warm and inviting but there was something hidden behind that smile that he held.

“Who are you?” Dude asked, skeptical. Don’t trust this guy yet. Wait until he gives a reason to trust. That was something that Dude had to learn to the hard way during his and his friends’ times with Dawn. After she had been tricking and lying to them since they first met her.

“I don’t exactly have a name. But I am refereed to as Mr Conjurer.” The man explained, giving a small bow. A tad bit theatrical in a way. Again, this man, this Mr Conjurer, was giving off the feeling that he was doing a show. “And where you are right now is inside the Sky Crystal.”

“Sky Crystal?” Dude repeated with a raised eyebrow. He should’ve known that the word “Sky” had to be thrown in there somewhere. “Skyline, Skyline Gang, Skyline pavilion. Sure, why not a Sky Crystal too? Why am I here?”

Mr Conjurer didn’t answer. Instead he calmly walked to the table, his long coat almost drifting behind him. Dude watched curiously as the man knocked on a particular spot on the wood. Materialising from the oak itself was China tea set. Pure white porcelain with rainbow coloured patterns faintly reflected the light that hit it. Steam could be seen coming out of the spout of the tea pot, revealing that the tea inside it had been brewed already. All of it was on a silver tray that presented elegance and high class.

“I wanted to speak to you, Dude.” Mr Conjurer explained as the tea set came to full formation.

“I have questions.” Dude responded, crossing his arms.

“I’m sure that you do. Please sit.” Mr Conjurer offered, gesturing to a chair. An invitation. A warm one. Nothing threatening or cold. Just bright eyes, and a small warm smile. Dude couldn’t help but feel drawn to it, his feet already moving before he could stop himself. Maybe taking a small risk will be alright. “Tea?”

“No thank you.” Dude politely turned down as he took his place at the table. Mr Conjurer didn’t argue against it. If the lack of trust had a scent, Dude would obviously reek of it. Yes, he accepted the invitation to sit, but he can’t fully trust the situation yet. There was still so much that he didn’t understand and didn’t know what he can believe yet. Once his questions have been answered, only then he can make a choice. Dude watched carefully as the cool milk in one cup was poured. A quiet clink of the strainer being placed on the cup and as the tea was poured, Dude could see the small individual tea leaves being caught.

“I apologise for you being brought in here like this, but I didn’t have any other way to do it.” Mr Conjurer gave a small sigh, the strainer now in a china dish. “I’m not strong enough to leave the Sky Crystal. So technically you were right about me being trapped.” What an awful feeling, being trapped in your own home.

“Why me though? Why not the others too?” Dude asked, deciding to keep being a skeptic until he was proven wrong about his distrustful views.

“Same reason for why I can’t leave the crystal.” Mr Conjurer spoke, taking his own seat next to Dude. Not too close, allowing Dude to have some space, but close enough to keep giving off this warmth around him. “I was only strong enough to reach you.” Reach him? More like pull back someone’s ghost just to do one more task before moving on for good. It was quite cruel when Dude thought about it.

“Fair enough. Still don’t understand why me though.” Dude sighed, his foot tapping out of impatience. He’ll keep asking until he’s blue in the face for all he cares. If this man isn’t going to answer his question directly then that’s all he’ll be getting out of the teen. “Why not Bud? He’d understand more than I could, surely.”

“You’re not wrong, and I’m not insulting his intelligence.” Mr Conjurer gave a small chuckle, stirring his tea slowly. “However, I felt that it was more important to talk to the leader of the Skyline Gang.”

“Again, fair.” Dude muttered, not sure what else to say. Honestly, he wished that any other one of his friends were here too despite this man’s excuses. Just because he’s the leader, doesn’t mean that he can’t share things at the same time. He’s kind of sick of being forced to be told things first and then repeat everything. As Dude thought this, something caught his eye. From where he was sitting, he couldn’t see the doors leading out of the library. They were open slightly. Nothing that noticeable. Except for one detail that Dude almost missed. Fingertips were latched around the edge, accompanied by the outline of a figure that was darkened by the shadows of the corridor outside. This alerted Dude immediately. “Who’s that?”

“No one.” Mr Conjurer hastily said, shifting in his chair in a poor attempt to block Dude’s view of the doors. He didn’t even look back at the doors to look at what Dude had spotted.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought that you lived here alone.” Dude stated in an accusing tone.

“I do.” Mr Conjurer rushed to answer again. Liar!

“Mr Conjurer?” A voice spoke up from the doors. Dude tried to distinguish it, but the voice was so quiet that he could determine the gender and possibly age of the person.

“Not now!” Mr Conjurer snapped suddenly, harshly putting his cup down on the table. He strides to the doors. The fingertips that Dude had seen vanished and Conjurer closed the doors immediately afterwards. This guy was lying about something and doing a poor job at hiding it. If someone is here, this man is stupidly lying to keep them locked away in the dark. But why?! The more answers that Dude gets, two or three more questions keep popping up like the heads of a hydra.

“What are you not telling me?” He demanded, standing up.

“Nothing to tell you as of right now.” Mr Conjurer answered calmly. A little too calmly if someone asked for Dude’s opinion. After the quiet click of a lock resonated from the doors, the man turned towards Dude, his face suddenly serious for the first time. “I have one rule here. If I bring you here, you are not to explore the castle. You are to remain in this library. Unless I say otherwise.” Okay, two can play at that game.

“Your house-or rather castle-your rules.” Dude shrugged, playing ball for now. But he needed to draw a line in the sand somewhere. “But if I find out that you’re hiding something from me, something vital that I should’ve known right now, you’ll be getting more than an earful from me, mate.” Mr Conjurer looked a little stunned by Dude’s one and only condition. Maybe Dude took it a little too far? After all, this man was the only person to let him out of the Sky Crystal. Then he started to let out a an amused laugh, making the air warmer than it was before. “Did I say something funny?”

“No, not at all. You just remind me of him.” Mr Conjurer smiled. Him? It’s a hunch but…

“Of Danny?” Dude asked.

“Yes. You reminded me of him when he was first brought here.” Mr Conjurer continued to smile, now a little more sad.

“He knew about you?” Dude asked. Conjurer nodded, now retaking his place at the table. That explains why Danny would lead Dude to the Sky Crystal. And why he was pretty much insistent in not waiting around either. “What about the rest of the Gang?”

“I made him keep it a secret.” Mr Conjurer said, expressing regret. He took a sip of his tea before frowning a little. One tap of his finger and the liquid seemed to have been reheated a little with fresh steam radiating from it. “I was worried that if they knew too, it could be a disaster.”

“Well, it was. Dawn killed them.” Dude replied sternly. Not OJ. Dawn. OJ had no control of her actions, even if she fought hard to regain that control. Learning about Dawn’s origins was heartbreaking. Dude sometimes gets nightmares about it happening to himself or his friends. He would do anything to keep history from repeating itself. It’s why he keeps putting on a mask and pretend that he’s fine most of the time when in reality he was anxious about things going wrong. He hated it, but he felt like it was something that he can’t control completely.

“Yes, I am aware of that.” Mr Conjurer sighed mournfully, his eyes downcast.

“Couldn’t you have done anything to help them? Help her?” Dude asked, sitting down, his tone more gentle now.

“Not at the time.” Conjurer sighed again, regret lacing his voice. His hands clenched around his cup tightly. “The Darkness was too strong. I tried to help, but my magic wasn’t enough. I only had enough to bring you all here.” So this guy was responsible from them all being here after all. Now Dude was getting somewhere.

“Why us? 8 billion people from my world, along with possibly the same amount in this one, and you chose six random teenagers.” Dude asked, still not understand the purpose of being here. Now that he was more settled into his life, he didn’t hate it. It also brought him the friends that he knows and loves today. Without Mr Conjurer’s intervention, Dude would still be alone. Sprout would still be in an environment where he was abused. Mimi would be shoved into the shadows because of a rival. Pip would be disrespected because of her taste in music. Candi wouldn’t have a reason in keeping everyone’s spirits up. Bud would be lying to himself and face discrimination more than he does now. Rainbow would probably be in a shelter or on the streets. And Misty probably wouldn’t even exist at all. This family that everyone had made with each other wouldn’t be here, despite the circumstances of them all being here.

“I tried to scan for people on this world to replace them.” Mr Conjurer explained, taking another sip of his tea. “No one, not even those your age were compatible with defeating Dawn. I had to expand my search. Two days later and I found you and your friends. I had even found Rainbow for you.”

“Rainbow!” Dude suddenly exclaimed.

“Yes, I thought-” Mr Conjurer attempted to continue.

“No, he was with me when you pulled me in!” Dude declared, jumping to his feet. “He’s going to lead the others right to the crystal!” How could Dude completely forget about Rainbow?! The poor dog was right there and tried to help him pull him out of danger. If Rainbow was going to be as predictable as ever, he’s probably waking up the others right now! Mr Conjurer made this face of realisation that he had made a wrong move somewhere. Better hurry up and get some more answers while the time was still there, no matter how limited it is. “That means that whatever you dragged me in here for, you better hurry up and tell me! I don’t want the others to panic and-I don’t know! Start trying to break this thing open!”

“It would be impossible for them to do so.” Mr Conjurer responded with a mildly amused glint in his eyes. He must have seen people try and fail before plenty of times.

“Won’t stop them from trying.” Dude insisted. If he was right about his friends being a stubborn as he is, once they know he’s in here, they’ll stop at nothing to “rescue him”. If only there was a way to send a message to them saying that he’s okay and they don’t need to worry.

“What do you want to know?” Mr Conjurer asked, getting ready to pour himself another cup of tea. Plenty to go around since Dude wasn’t having any. Dude was about to ask questions a hundred miles a minute, but paused. He didn’t know how much time he had left and he needed to tread a little cautiously. He wondered how much he could be told from one simple question, and how much more questions he’ll need to ask to get any answers that he won’t be told.

“Something I don’t understand right now is that you have all this magic, and yet you need the Skyline Gang for something. Why is that?” Dude asked, wanting to get this in the bud as much as he can. This question was always asked, but always received very vague answers. Maybe the man behind this whole thing can provide more than ever before.

“You’re not entirely wrong.” Mr Conjurer spoke, his cup now filled again with a fresh brew of tea. Dude shifted in his chair, feeling like a kid being told a deep story for the first time. “The Skyline is full of magic as you are now aware. The Sky Crystal is the heart of it and I’m a part of it as well. The Skyline Gang at first were originally meant to be like guardians. They would protect the Sky Crystal. Overtime, that secret had to be faded out. The time of magic was fading into mere stories. Release too much magic and people who would abuse it would come flocking here. That’s why only the leaders of the Skyline Gang were permitted to know of this place and me. It wasn’t easy at first, but it worked.”

“And now my friends are going to find out.” Dude reminded. Well, at least some things are making sense again. The fact that this big secret was hidden away for who knows how long was important to know. There truly are a lot of people out there that would exploit it for the wrong reasons. Honestly, it’s a wonder how no one has thought to connect the dots of how real the magic truly is. It’s just one of those things that makes the Skyline a bank vault that is impossible to break into.

“Yes. Even if Rainbow wasn’t with you, I have a feeling that you would tell them anyway.” Mr Conjurer smiles in amusement.

“You’re right about that.” Dude smirked knowingly and fondly. Big secrets like this can’t afford to be kept in the dark. Not after all that that the Gang has been through. It would be the straw that breaks the camel’s back if Dude was asked to keep this place a secret. “So the Skyline Gang are meant to act as what? Entertainers now?”

“Not exactly.” Mr Conjurer shook his head. He then pondered for a moment. This answer must be quite a complex one if he needs to think this much. “It’s more like to keep a balance of the magic here. The shows that you and your friends put on is just one way to do it. And when you go on your adventures that magic is shared with the rest of the world. It explains why most of the animals you encounter talk or you find legendary creatures like the Yeti. Even Rainbow has been touched by the magic, hence why he can speak, even if it isn’t that much.”

So the magic that has spread in the world was because of the Skyline Gang? Honestly that was a nice way to think. It just made most of the adventures that they show on stage feel more believable. Magic, curses, monsters, talking animals, that all existed after the Skyline was set free after Dawn was vanquished for the first time. There was still so much that Dude wanted to ask about that, but right now he’s satisfied with the purpose behind his friends being here.

There was just one more thing that he wanted to ask about.

“No one will talk about Danny and his friends. Do you know why?” He asked. It wasn’t as important as most other concerns, but it was still nagging at him. So many memories that are being forgotten without a proper explanation. It was wrong for them to just fade away while other Skyline Gangs, as Mr Conjurer claimed there being, are remembered in everyone’s own unique ways.

“I think it’s because people blame them for what happened.” Mr Conjurer premised, his eyes dimming in sadness.

“It wasn’t their fault!” Dude declared, his shoulders hunching up in anger. Seriously?! What happened to OJ was an accident! None of her friends were responsible for what happened to her. It was the Darkness that caused all the trouble, not them. How could anyone blame them for something that couldn’t be controlled.

“It’s because they tried to defend OJ. They tried to protect her.” Conjurer muttered, before his body shuddered from a painful memory. “Danny even came down here begging for my help. By then OJ had disappeared, and my magic took a violent hit, the cause of which I still don’t know. I couldn’t do anything. And once I found out who Dawn was it was too late. Danny’s final act was to order me to find a new Skyline Gang before making sure that Dawn never found the Sky Crystal. If she had, I shudder to think of what might have happened. When the Darkness overcame OJ, it was a vile shock to everyone.”

“I think a part of her was still there, fighting back.” Dude offered some condolences. He didn’t need to think, he knew. Dawn had him prisoner, scything his energy all for herself to complete her regeneration. Every time he attempted to speak to the good side of her, her eyes would keep changing colour and her demeanour would change slightly before the darkness in her won. It wasn’t much to offer, but it was all that Dude could give.

“I like to think so too. I sometimes wonder if…” Mr Conjurer sighed, the amber in his eyes shifting to pebble grey.

“If what?” Dude gently probed.

“If I had been able to do more, would I have saved them too?” Conjurer continued, his cup placed back on the table with its saucer. That cut deeper than a knife or broken glass would. Of all the people in the world, this man was the last person that Danny had spoken to, or at the very least heard Danny’s voice. While the Skyline Gang, both past and present unwittingly protected the Sky Crystal, Mr Conjurer, in a roundabout way, protected them. He must never have lose a Gang before. A blow like that must be more painful than the man is letting on. He was being so open about these secrets and his pain. He had this shadow cast over him that he was fighting to escape, to step out into the light again. He regained this much strength just to talk to one teenager, a teenager that he barely knows.

Maybe, for the most part, Dude was wrong to be so distrustful after all?

After a minute of consoling silence, a strange sound filled the air. Dude gave Conjurer a confused glance before standing up, trying to determine the location of the sound. Conjurer didn’t appear to be bothered by the sound as if it was normal for him to hear. It was bouncing everywhere, like varies echoes, but had no origin. The glass doors to the balcony opened up and the sound increased slightly in volume. It sounded like someone was talking. The speech sounded off. It was distorted, like as though it had been slowed down completely. It was quite hard to make out a single word, and impossible to determine who was speaking.

“They’re outside.” Mr Conjurer mused over, reaching into his pocket. Pulling out a pocket watch, he glanced at the current time. “Got here sooner than I thought.”

“Like I said, you left Rainbow behind.” Dude reminded again.

“Yes. Next time you have company, I’ll be sure to bring them in too.” Mr Conjurer muttered, standing up as the tea set disappeared.

“Well, do it now.” Dude insisted, becoming anxious about his friends seeing this too.

“I would, but-” Mr Conjurer sighed. He would’ve given more but he couldn’t. He suddenly hacked up a cough. It was rough and dry. Pain flashed across the man’s face as he hunched over, one hand clawing at the table as he fought to remain standing. This didn’t feel like the kind of cough that you have when you’re sick. It felt like the kind of cough that you have when you were dying.

“Are you okay?” Dude asked, rushing to try to help. Mr Conjurer raised a hand, forcing him to stay where he was. After a few more seconds of listening to this painful coughing, the man stood up straight and acted like he was fine, albeit now looking shaky.

“I told you, I don’t have enough strength to bring them in here.” He spoke, sounding breathless. “I have to let you go now.”

“Thank you.” Dude sighed gratefully. He was a little disappointed that he can’t get more information, but he can’t allow his friends worry more than they already are. He had been talking for a long time with this man. Wait. What time was it? “Just one question, how long have I been in here for?”

“To them, a few minutes, but to us, an hour. Time moves differently here.” Mr Conjurer smiled a little, glancing at his pocket watch again. An hour?! Time differences?!

“Forgive me if I’m being rude, but how old are you?” Dude asked without thinking, his eyes wide. Mr Conjurer let out a loud laugh, suddenly looking better than he was a minute ago. The joyous sound bounced around the library, travelling outside to the balcony.

“Very, very old.” He chortled, gently leading Dude towards the balcony. Old, but how old? Dude didn’t have a chance to voice his question as Mr Conjurer took a few steps back from him and slowly raised a hand. “Out you go.”

“Wait!” Dude protested, still riddled with questions.

Then he was yanked backwards.

Like OJ, Mr Conjurer is one of the OG characters of the Skyline Gang until 2005. Unfortunately I don’t know much else other than that, so please don’t ask me more about either characters. Hope you all liked this chapter.

[wheeboo]

lean on me | choi seungcheol

SYNOPSIS. in which comfort should never be this hard to ask for, especially knowing that your boyfriend would give up the entire world for you either way. PAIRING. choi seungcheol x gn!reader GENRE. fluff, hurt/comfort, lil angst WARNINGS. mentions n descriptions of depression n reader struggling with it, cheol lifts up reader's shirt a lil to touch them (nothing sexual abt it, just purely for intimacy), terms of endearment, kissing, all the dialogue is literally from cheol lol, very self-indulgent sorry :< WORD COUNT. 1.8k

notes: the cuddly boyfriend in bed chronicles w cheol continues! anyway this is written purely for comfort for my lovely @bookyeom <3 honestly i've been writing a lot of hurt/comfort lately which i love (and need) ugh, so i hope u guys find some comfort in it too 💓

Time seems to stand still when it happens again𑁋the emptiness, the weight of it all pressing down on your chest. It begins as a subtle shift, like the soft whisper of a breeze before a storm, until it grows into a deafening roar and becomes the only thing you can hear.

It's as if you hear everything and nothing at once, see the scenes play around you but the colours are mute, touch the world but its textures are rough, taste the air but its flavour is a metallic tang to your tongue.

You could claim you're simply sad; perhaps, it's easier to say that instead of the monstrously ugly word of depression. You hate it. You hate the way it shrinks and folds you into a smaller, duller version of yourself. It steals the vibrancy from your eyes, the cadence from your voice, and the lift at your lips. It steals you away from yourself, and each time you manage to get away you feel like you can breathe again, but then the tide rolls back in, and you're drowning again.

Struggling to stay afloat has been getting a lot harder these days.

A few soft knocks draws your eyes open, and the abrupt quietness of your bedroom suddenly feels more safer than ever. The knocks come back again, a bit louder this time, a raspy groan leaving your lips as you attempt to tightly squeeze your eyes shut like the sounds were just a figment of imagination. But then they happen again, and you somehow deduce the urge to chuck your pillow away and sit up in bed instead.

You barely process the feeling of your feet reaching the bedroom floor below. It's somewhere between the hours of six in the evening and three in the morning, you think. The cold hitting your skin and the dark skies outside the windows don't really help at all.

God, your body felt so weak right now since you've hardly eaten the entire day, and each step you took felt like a hot poker burning into your skin. The knocking seems to grow more insistent the closer you got to the door, and it takes an eternity for you to finally reach out for it with a clammy hand. And slowly, hesitantly, you flips the locks and push it open, allowing the door to swing open into the dimly lit hallway beyond.

Seungcheol is standing there, breathless like he had just run a marathon with small beads of sweat and strands of hair clinging to his forehead. The only source of light coming from the overhead hallway light shines down on him like a spotlight.

"You... You weren't answering my calls all day," he says quickly, voice wavering and heavy. "I came here as fast as I could after work and I..."

His voice trails off when his gaze roam over you, from your tightly tied lips and glassy eyes, to the tremor in your hands at your side.

He doesn't wait another moment, taking only two long strides inside your apartment before encasing you into his arms and bringing you into his chest. Somewhere in between that he also manages to close the door behind too, and it's just the two of you now in your place.

You stay like that for a while, not entirely sure for how long, but just enough that his warmth is able to seep through the crevices of your body and nudge so gently at something in your chest𑁋your heart.

"It came back again, didn't it?" Seungcheol asks quietly, voice a low murmur against your ear.

There's a small sniffle, then a weak nod, and all he could do is hold you tighter just from that alone.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he continues softly. "Or... do you want me to just hold you?"

He feels the way your fingers dig into the fabric of his hoodie a bit more tightly. That's all he needs to know before he's pulling away and dragging you into your bedroom. He does it all like it's normal routine to do this𑁋to simply hold you in his arms because he knows sometimes words are not enough.

Seungcheol is holding you a bit more tighter than you notice, arms encircled around your body with your head resting against his chest. It's not a suffocating grip, but tight enough to convey the emptiness he felt from not having you in his arms for the entire day.

His fingers trace soft patterns on your back through the fabric of your shirt. Yet you feel as they dip a little lower, your shirt lifting a little higher, and then the feeling of his fingertips barely grazing your back makes you let out quiet, contented sigh.

Seungcheol hesitates for a moment, then whispers, "Can I touch you under here?"

You nod meekly, leaning more instinctively into his touch. His hand continues its tentative roam under your shirt, mapping over the skin of your back so delicately and lightly. It isn't the first time he's done this, however the intimacy of just being so close to him𑁋to a man you call comfort, a man you call home𑁋makes this feel a little more than just okay.

He feels the goosebumps that form from his touch and the way you tense up just slightly before relaxing. A small smile forms at his lips, and he presses a kiss to the top of your head.

Seungcheol thinks he can hold you like this forever.

Perhaps it's a bit of a stretch, or a glimpse into a future that seems uncertain, but it's far from a lie. It isn't just because you melt so perfectly into his arms, or knowing he's the only one in the world who gets to do this (which, admittedly, makes his heart swell with pride), it's more than that. It's the fact that you trust him enough to let him in. It's the way you lean into his touch, knowing that in his arms, you are safe, and he would do anything to protect you.

"You're strong, you know that?" he whispers softly. "Stronger than you give yourself credit for. That's what I admire so much about you. Even when it feels like the world is crashing down, you still find the strength to keep going. Opening your eyes in the morning makes you strong, or just... letting me hold you right now. That takes strength. You're so, so strong, baby."

You don't respond, but your breathing steadies against his chest, a sign that his words are sinking in, even if just a little. And that's okay. It's a process, one that he is more than willing to be patient for, one that he is more than willing to walk alongside you through.

"You're always my first priority," Seungcheol murmurs, voice barely above a whisper as he holds you close and his fingertips dance along your spine, sending shivers of warmth down your back. “You can lean on me𑁋please lean on me. When this happens I don't want you to shut me out, okay? Anything but that."

His words seem to crack the dam holding back your tears, heat prickling at the corner of your eyes as you bury your face more into his chest. A choked sob escapes your lips, the sound muffled by Seungcheol's shirt, and a momentary surge of shame courses through you.

"Let it out," he reassures gently. "It's okay. You're okay. I've got you."

And that’s what you do𑁋you let go in his arms. Seungcheol hears the way you seem to quiet down after a few minutes, feeling the way you adjust in his hold to roll right next to him on the bed. Your bedroom is dark, with the only light coming from the dim lamp on your bedside table, but it's the first time all day he catches a close glimpse of your face.

His hand slowly leaves its spot from under your shirt and reaches over to cup your face lightly, affectionately, lovingly. His mouth forms into a small pout when he sees the way you're darting your eyes away from him.

"Hey, precious," Seungcheol says warmly, brushing his thumb across a stray tear rolling down your cheek. "Look at me, love."

There's a flicker of hesitation in your pupils. You know you look like an absolute mess right now: messy hair, with red-rimmed, puffy eyes, and tear stains marking your cheeks. But Seungcheol just smiles, a little sight of his dimple showing, and you can't help but weakly smile back. It stretches across your face, chasing away a bit of the tightness that had settled there.

"There we go, baby," he murmurs proudly. "That's the beautiful face I know and love. You're so pretty."

His tender gaze roams all over your face, from the vulnerability in your eyes and down to your slightly chapped lips that he's been aching to kiss all day, but that can wait for a little bit. For a moment, he feels something catch in his throat, and maybe his heart stutters a little too.

"You know," he starts, pressing his lips together in contemplation. "I... I think I can look at you forever."

He watches the way your eyes widen ever so slightly at his words, surprise flickering across your features. For a moment, he fears that he might have overstepped, swearing that he senses you crawl into your shell for just a second. But then he sees the way your expression softens, the corners of your lips curling up in a small, shy smile, and he knows he hasn't.

"Sorry, I-I didn't mean to say that right away, I just..." Seungcheol pauses, his cheeks flushing slightly as he searches for the right words. "I've been thinking about you a lot lately. I mean, I always do, but right now, I think𑁋no, I really want to love you for... a very long time, and I want to do it properly because you deserve nothing less."

His words embrace you like a warm blanket, and you could simply only stare at him. This time, you let your own eyes wash over him. You trace the outline of his jaw, the small beauty marks dotting the familiar curve of his neck, the vulnerability in his eyes mirroring your own, before settling on his lips and swiftly back up to his warm, affectionate gaze.

Seungcheol feels his own breath hitch from that alone, and the next moment, he's kissing you so sweetly, lips moving against yours carefully and unhurried. Your eyes close right away, and you feel his warm hand drift back under your shirt to bring you back in his hold as if he's trying to rid of any space that was left.

I think, You don't let your gaze waver away from him when the kiss breaks and nothing but small smiles wears on both of your faces. I want to love you for a very long time too, Choi Seungcheol.

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[beels-burger-babe]

You Called?

*** Man, I am just digging out of the stuff that has been collecting dust in my drafts and finally pulling it out for the light of day. This fic is inspired by @writing-prompt-s prompt: Your entire life you have failed at everything you do. Wanting to get some happiness in your life you decide to summon the devil and sell your soul. Except your even fail at this and summon the archangel Michael. 🥰 I think it speaks for itself, but I am very excited for this one so let's do this. -B***

Summary: While in the human world, Solomon made a bet with MC that they wouldn't be able to summon one of the brothers using ritual casting, MC is never one to back down from a challenge, only everything goes wrong when the archangel Michael appears instead.

Full disclosure: None of the spell casting or summoning stuff is accurate and I did a grand total of 0 research on it to have MC flub it up as much as possible.

"Can't make a simple summoning circle, he says," you mumbled to yourself under your breath as you drew a large circle on your living room floor with chalk. "How does Solomon know what I can and can't do?" You barely glanced over at the ancient tome laying beside you as you scribbled out sigils. "I'll show him. I'll summon a demon alright. Not just any demon either, I'll summon Lucifer while he's in the middle of one of his meetings, and then we'll see who the real wizard is."

You smirked smugly as you looked down at your hard work and dusted off your hands.

Laying on the floor before you was a large summoning circle, etched in white chalk, with four small bowls surrounding it filled with different substances you thought you had read would help with this kind of thing.

You looked back down at the tome in your hands and squinted at the text as you tilted the book. "Man, I hope I translated this right," you stared at the words for a moment before shrugging and slamming it shut. "Well, only one way to find out!"

You lit the candle in front of you and held out your hand. "Hear me denizens, I call upon thee to lend me your power and guide me, and, uh," you paused and glanced over at the book as you tried to remember the rest of the incantation. "Bring to me your first servant, he who is strongest in power!"

You shrieked as the room was suddenly engulfed with a blindingly white light and a loud ringing filled your ears. You stumbled back, tripping over your feet as you tried to get away from the source of your discomfort.

An even louder shriek came from you as, instead of toppling over and hitting the floor, you felt a warm, smooth hand wrap around your wrist.

You groaned as the light and ringing dimmed and tried to blink the dots out of your vision. Looking down on you with a kind, yet amused smile was a man you had never seen before.

He was tall, taller than even Lucifer and Diavolo and seemed to be toned and strong. He should have been terrifying, yet everything about the man seemed to radiate warmth and compassion; from his dazzling, pale green eyes, to his pure white hair that fell in waves down his back and contrasted beautifully against his dark complexion, the colour of smoky quartz.

A gentle laugh, reminiscent of church bells, rang from him as he pulled you back to your feet with the ease and care of a mother aiding her child.

You gaped at the ethereal being as he looked around, taking in his surroundings. You squeaked as his eyes met yours and he nearly blinded you once more with his smile.

"I must say, I haven't been summoned like this in eons. I'm quite impressed."

You gulped and nodded, still frozen with shock as your brain struggled to grasp the concept that you had summoned a supernatural being, just not the right one.

The being's smile widened at your expression as he tilted his head at you. "Well, you have me here, dear human. Would you care to tell me your name and why you summoned me?"

You chuckled awkwardly and scratched the back of your neck. "Y-Yeah, um, about that. Y-You see, I um, didn't actually mean to summon you."

His eyebrows perked as curiosity flickered across his expression. "Truly? Well, isn't that odd," his eyes honed in on you as he slowly glided around you. "As the Archangel in the Celestial Realm, I am not particularly easy to summon. It's usually a task that can only be done by those with a surplus of magical talent."

Your breath hitched as you realized exactly who was standing in the room with you: Michael. The Michael that's Luke's and Simeon's boss. The Michael who was the primary person behind the brothers' fall. The Michael that Lucifer still holds a rather large grudge against and instructed you to avoid at all costs. That Michael.

You felt your heart nearly seize in your chest.

"Nonetheless, the question still remains of exactly who you are and who you were..." You stiffened as his voice trailed off and you could practically feel his eyes drilling holes into your back. "Oh," he breathed softly.

Before you could react, a hand gripped your shoulder and whipped you around to face him. Michael crouched down to your height and cupped your face as he peered deeply and desperately into your eyes.

He gasped as he seemingly found what he was looking for and dropped his hands. "You're MC."

It wasn't a question, but a statement. The words were spoken with such conviction that you really had no other option but to nod your head in agreement.

He delicately brought a hand to his mouth as his expression morphed into a mixture of awe and pity. "You're the lost lamb that Luke has told me so much about. The one who made pacts with all of the Avatars of Sin, yet never used their power selfishly or maliciously."

Your heart pounded in your chest as you cautiously held the angel's stare. "Is...Is that a good thing?"

He melted at your words, his eyes softening as though you were a puppy that had just tripped over its own feet. "It is. It means that you aren't corrupt. That you still have a righteous moral compass and a good heart," he grinned at you as he rose back to his full height. "When I looked at your soul earlier, there wasn't a trace of darkness despite all the things you've had to do during your time in the Devildom. Your soul was shiny, clean and pure."

There was something about his words that weren't sitting right with you. You didn't think you were in danger, and yet you couldn't shake the feeling that you needed to get away as soon as possible.

You anxiously smiled up at Michael as you fiddled with your hands. "Th-Thanks. That's um, good to hear I guess. That means you aren't going to hurt me, right?"

The Archangel tensed at the accusation. "No! I would never. Even if a soul is corrupt, I prefer to use a strict, yet gentle approach to correct them, rather than a physical punishment. Why would you-" he stopped himself short, as his eyes widened. "By the Father's holy light, Lucifer," his eyes desperately scanned your being for injuries. "I knew that he was cruel and rough when it came to dealing out punishments to his brothers, but I didn't think he would dare to touch one of Lord Diavolo's exchange students."

You frantically waved your hands in front of you as you shook your head. "No, no, no! I misunderstood! I mean, there's that whole holy justice thing, s-so I didn't know what your deal would be!" You quickly explained.

Michael frowned. "So you're saying that Lucifer or his brothers have never harmed you?"

You opened and closed your mouth several times as you searched hopelessly for an excuse. "I-I-I mean I'm under their watch and I have this, um, this habit of sticking my nose where it doesn't belong or ending u-up in the wrong place in the wrong time, so," you winced as Michael raised an eyebrow at you, "no?"

Before you could say anything more, you were pulled into Michael's embrace as he held you protectively against his chest. "Oh, you poor dear," he whispered, his voice dripping with sympathy and tenderness. "Luke had mentioned one or two incidents in his letters, but I had hoped they were exaggerations due to his bias against demons. I am so sorry for you had to go through all of that."

You sat there, frozen stiff with your eyes wide open in shock. What exactly had Luke told this man? "O-Oh, um, it's okay really-"

"No," for the first time since you'd met him, Michael sounded upset. You tried to look up at him but were stopped as his arms tightened around you. "It's not okay, MC. If the incidents that Luke informed me about are true, then you have had your life threatened several times in the year you were supposed to be under the demons' care."

You weren't entirely sure what to think. Michael was being kind and had been nothing but open and gracious towards you since arriving, but there was something about his presence that set you on edge. Maybe it was the pacts or the brothers' influence over you being disturbed by his celestial presence, but whatever it was, you wanted it to stop.

You cautiously nodded in agreement. "Th-Thank you, um, Lord Michael s-sir," you stiffly pushed yourself back from him and patted his shoulder. "It's very kind of you to, um, validate my pain and it has been lovely meeting you. But as I said earlier, I w-wasn't exactly trying to summon you and don't really have any requests at the moment, so if you c-could just..." you made a small shooing motion and smiled as politely as you could at the man.

Michael tilted his head in confusion, his lips parting to speak before his breath hitched and his eyes widened. "You were trying to summon a demon," his hands found their way to your shoulders once more. "Even now that you're away from the Devildom, you're still summoning and depending on them," he groaned as he placed a hand on his forehead and began to pace. "This is worse than I thought. If you're relying on them and willingly putting yourself in their presence, it'd only be a matter of time before one of them managed to taint that poor soul of yours. Luke, would be devastated," he nodded in affirmation to himself as he turned back to face you. "There's only one thing we can do."

You blinked owlishly at the scene. "And, uh, what... what exactly would that be?"

He grinned confidently, "Bring you to the Celestial Realm, of course."

"WHAT?!" You cried out as you instinctively took a step back.

Michael chuckled at your reaction and shook his head. "Don't fret, dear human. It wouldn't be permanent. We'd merely bring you up there and cleanse you of any infernal influence that may be corrupting you, place a few wards on you and then return you to enjoy the rest of your peaceful mortal life."

Yeah, no. That didn't sound good.

You held your hands out and started putting as much distance between you and Michael as possible. "Woah, woah. I thought all you supernatural races were trying to get along and stuff. I mean, isn't that what the exchange program was all about?" you yelped, leaping to the other side of the summoning circle as Michael moved closer to you. "Can't we talk about this?!"

Michael only continued looking at you with that same pitiful expression. "Normally yes, but you're somewhat of a special case. You have close relations with several other angels and demons and have made quite the name for yourself. You're a person of interest, and as such, it is my duty as an archangel to ensure you are safe."

You frantically looked around you, looking for anything that could help you get away from the well-meaning angel.

Your eyes fell on the long-deserted tome kicked to the side of the room. Hope flooded your veins as the right words for the summoning incantation suddenly came to you. You may not know how to summon a demon ritually, but that didn't mean you couldn't summon one at all.

As quickly as you could, you drew upon the power of your pacts and shouted out. "Hear me, denizens of darkness, you who are born of shadow and you who give birth to it. Hear me and do as I command! I call upon you to send the first one of your number! I summon the Avatar of Pride, Lucifer!"

Michael's eyes widened as your pact mark began to glow. "MC, wait!"

But it was too late, as a loud crack rang through the air and with a flash of blue light, Lucifer stood beside you.

The demon was dressed in his RAD uniform, holding a file in one hand, while the other was gesturing mid-air to an invisible wall.

Lucifer blinked at his sudden change in surroundings as his eyes fell to you. His shoulders slumped as he let out an annoyed groan. "MC, seriously? I was in the middle of a presentation. What could have possibly been so important that-" he stopped as he caught sight of the other person in the room.

In an instant, Lucifer shoved you behind him and burst into his demon form, snarling at Michael. "What in Diavolo's name are you doing with my human?"

Michael calmly raised his hands. "Relax, Lucifer. They're the ones that summoned me here. I have no intention of harming them, in fact, I would like to help them."

Lucifer rose an eyebrow at the statement and glanced over at you and the summoning circle on the floor through the corner of his eyes. "You summoned the Archangel Michael into your house?"

Your forehead was lined with sweat as you offered him a guilty smile. "It was an accident? I was trying to summon you!"

Lucifer seemed to age another ten years at the admission. "You know how to use your pacts. You've been easily capable of summoning us for months now. What went so wrong that you managed to summon an angel while attempting to summon a demon?"

You shrank back, like a child being scolded by their parent, at the clear exasperation in Lucifer's tone. "W-Well, um, that's using my pacts, and Solomon said he didn't think I could summon anything using ritual casting so I wanted to give it a try, but he showed up instead and now he's trying to take me to the Celestial Realm and ward me against demons!" You shouted, attempting to defend yourself, as you gestured wildly to Michael.

All noise was sucked out of the room as Lucifer's eyes flared at your statement and he slowly turned to look at the angel once more. Michael held his glare without so much as a flinch, raising his chin proudly.

"I see," Lucifer growled as he lifted his arm out in front of you, pushing you even further behind him and out of Michael's view. "Rest assured, MC. None of that will be happening."

Michael opened up his arms as his pale eyes hardened. "Not so fast, Lucifer. I'm merely looking out for MC's best interests. Despite the treatment that you and your bothers have put them through, their soul is still as pure as a child's. It's a sign that they will belong to the Celestial Realm once their time comes."

"Then you can come for them and make that argument then, but as far as I can tell, MC is still very much alive and therefore allowed to make their own decisions," Lucifer bit out as his wings jerked in irritation.

Michael's smile twitched as he tilted his head at the demon. "According to what I've been told, if they continue spending time around you and your brothers, that time may come sooner rather than later."

"Hey!" You snapped, pushing against Lucifer's arm. "I told you that was a misunderstanding!"

"Settle down, MC," Lucifer instructed through his gritted teeth.

You huffed and continued struggling against him. "No! He doesn't get to insinuate that you guys would kill me!" You scowled at the archangel. "Look, they may have been rough when I first arrived, but those brothers are nothing but protective, supportive and kind to me! They've proven that they genuinely care and would do anything to keep me safe. I would choose them and the Devildom over you and your prissy golden-gates any day!"

Michael blinked at you as his brain tried to process the small angry human snarling at him of all people. He looked between you and Lucifer before sighing. "I can see this is a discussion that will need to be had another time," your nose scrunched up as his expression lightened once more upon seeing you settle down. "I look forward to seeing you again, MC," his mouth tightened as his gaze shifted over to Lucifer. "Take care of them, Lucifer. Have a nice day."

You winced as white light erupted through the room once more and Michael disappeared.

You and Lucifer stood in shared silence as you both stared at the single white feather that lay where the angel once stood.

You dared to look over at the surprisingly sombre Lucifer. You opened your mouth to speak, but no words seemed to fit the guilt or regret that you wished to relay.

A heavy hand pated on top of your head.

You looked up at Lucifer as he ruffled your hair with an uneasy, yet affectionate glint in his eyes. "Remind me to put you into ritual casting classes this coming term."

You relaxed into his touch as you nodded, smiling softly.

Lucifer sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing as he dropped his hand to your shoulder. "I know you're on break in the human world, but would it be too much to ask you not to cause inter-realm conflicts?"

He laughed as you pouted and pushed his hand off of you. "Solomon dared me! I didn't have a choice!"

"I see. The unbreakable binding influence of dares won over your resolve and self-preservation once again," he shook his head fondly. "Regardless, we should count ourselves lucky that Michael let the subject drop so easily this time, though I no doubt this won't be the last we hear of it."

You shivered at the thought. You didn't want to think about what problems this one little accident brought to your future. The idea of even potentially being forcibly separated from the brothers was too much to bear.

"Hey, Lucifer?" He rose an eyebrow in acknowledgement. "I know I'm supposed to be taking a break in the human world to get sunlight and enjoy being home for a bit, but uh," you blushed as you fiddled with your hands. "Do you think I could spend a couple nights at the House of Lamentation? I think I'd like to be around you and the others for a little bit."

Lucifer's expression smoothed over at your question as his chest swelled with pride. "Of course, MC," he took your hand into one of his own, as the other moved through the familiar somatic motions of the Devildom portal spell. "Let's go home."

*** This one was a lot of fun to write. For those who are curious, every aspect of my version of Michael is built on the canonical statement that he is "the opposite of Lucifer in every way." I hope you enjoyed him and this fun little story. Thanks for all the love and support! -B***

UPDATE: Brother's reactions to finding out about all of this HERE And Luke and Simeon's reactions HERE TAGLIST:

@thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @tallyscottage @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rulaien @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry

[diormalfoy]

gone

pairing: edward nashton x fem!reader

summary: edward ghosts you before becoming the riddler to protect you. inspired by the song “gone” by rosé.

contains: ghosting, breakup, depression.

a/n: this hurts to write but i’ve been feeling kinda sad lately and this idea just came to me. remember you can still request, hope u guys like this ♡

“ I just wanna be the one

but to you, we’re already done

tell me, why’d you have to hit-and-run me?

now im all alone crying ugly

you broke my heart just for fun

took my love and just left me numb.”

Gotham city felt gloomy and dark, as Edward stood by the window of his dimly lit apartment. His mind felt like a labyrinth, consumed with puzzles and enigmas, but there was one riddle he couldn’t solve — his own heart. You had stumbled into his life unexpectedly, igniting a new spark within him. Your presence in his world felt like a breath of fresh air, a beacon of light piercing through the darkness of his mind. You were the woman he had grown to cherish, his sanctuary, his solace, but now he had to let you go. He knew the darkness that lurked within him, waiting to be unleashed. That darkness that threatened to consume everything he held dear, and he couldn’t bear the thought of putting you in harm’s way.

He decided to disappear, like a phantom vanishing in the night. He severed all ties, leaving no trace of his existence behind. His calls went unanswered, messages left unread, as he slipped further into the shadows. Edward had always been different, his intellect surpassed that of ordinary individuals, and his mind thrived on solving mysteries and testing the limits of his knowledge. However, he was plagued by an internal chaos that threatened to destroy him entirely, and he knew that embracing his destiny as the Riddler would only bring destruction into the lives of those around him. He thought of you every day, longing your touch, your warmth. It was a heart-wrenching sacrifice, but he convinced himself it was for your own safety.

“Another story that's sad and true

I can feel the pain, can you?

You had to be the one to let me down

To colour me blue”

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. You searched tirelessly for Edward desperate for any sign of his existence, but all your efforts lead to dead ends. You found yourself lost in a sea of confusion and heartache, replaying your moments together, searching for any trace of where it all went wrong. You just couldn’t understand why Edward, the one who had shown you love and tenderness, suddenly vanished from your life. The silence that enveloped you was deafening, and you wondered if you had been abandoned, left to drift aimlessly in a world devoid of his presence.

Edward watched you from afar, and he was determined to protect you, even if it meant sacrificing your love. But watching you only fueled his internal torment, he was between the desire to keep you safe and his longing to hold you in his arms once again.

One stormy night, you stood on the rooftop of a dilapidated building you and Edward used to visit to talk for hours. He had taught you so many things, and you just couldn’t get him out of your mind. The rain was pelting against your face and a soft breeze brushed against your skin, carrying with it a familiar scent. You turned, hoping to find Edward standing there, but he was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a single envelope laid at your feet.

Trembling hands picked up the envelope, and with cautious anticipation, you tore it open. Inside was a letter, inked with Edward’s unmistakable handwriting and stained with raindrops. Your heart raced as you devoured his words, feeling the weight of his conflicted emotions pour onto the page.

“ My dear,

I write to you now, my hearth heavy with sorrow and regret. I have chosen a path that requieres sacrifice, a path that will keep you safe from the darkness that threatens to consume me. I cannot bear the thought of you being caught in the crossfire, and I fear that if I stay, I will only bring pain and danger into your life.

Please understand that my absence is not a reflection of my feelings for you , it is a testament to the depth of my love. Hold onto our memories, the laughter and the light that once filled our days. They will guide you through the darkness, as they are the fragments of my soul that I leave behind.

Remember, my love, that you deserve happiness and safety. It pains me to leave, but if fate allows, our paths may cross again, and we will reclaim what was lost. Until then, know that I carry you in my heart, even in the depths of the shadows.

Yours forever,

Edward”

Tears mingled with raindrops as you clutched the letter to your chest. The realization of Edward’s sacrifice washed over you, a mix of pain and understanding intertwining in your heart. Now you finally understood. With a renewed sense of purpose, you vowed to hold onto the memories you had created, to keep the flickering flame of your love alive.

You would wait for him forever.

this was so relieving to write. thank you guys for the support, and please like and reblog if you enjoyed this. kisses, grace ♡

[bluewhale52]

Beware the Woods

Summary: Jimin finds out what lies within the darks woods of the enchanted forest

Pairing: Jimin x reader

WC: 4.2k

Genre: Fantasy au, supernatural au

Rating: Explicit. NO MINORS ALLOWED!

Warning: oral (f receiving), fingering, penetrative sex, a brief mention of a possessive ex

A/N: This fic was inspired by Red Riding Hood, and is a stand alone piece though it can also stand as some sort of a sequel of The Queen’s Secret from my Bangtan Fairytale series.

Jimin is lost.

He is quite certain he has passed that tree before- probably a few times- and yet here he is, back at square one again, nowhere closer to the King’s Road. He looks up; the sky is blood orange. He feels a sense of trepidation creeping in; there is no hope of escaping these woods in the dark at this rate. He will have to continue tomorrow. For now, survival instinct kicks in- he needs to find shelter quickly, before the sun sets and darkness settles in.

And then there it is again- a flash of red just in the corner of his eyes. The red that got him in this predicament in the first place. He saw it when he was resting by the King’s Road, the safest path through the dark forest. The bright color had caught his eyes then, and it was so out of place, so unusual that he just had to investigate.

Investigating- that’s why he’s in this part of the land, isn’t he? Even without the King’s order, he and Taehyung would have come anyway to look for the missing knight whom they have, in time, considered as their own brother.

The flashes of red keep appearing, however, between the trees and the shrubs, as if taunting him. He decides to pay no attention to it. He keeps walking, desperate to find a safe refuge before dark. As the light slowly disappears, he feels the hair on his skin stand. He does not have much time left. He picks up his pace, until he starts running.

Jimin runs and runs, with the darkness chasing him, until suddenly he comes upon a small open plain, with red flowers dotting the green grass, and a small, cozy hut sits in the middle of it all. He stops, dumbfounded at the sight before him. The sun has completely set, and the moon, suddenly high up in the night sky, shines down on the scenery before him, making everything glitters and shimmers.  

Jimin looks behind him and around. The dark woods surrounding the meadow still look foreboding, but somehow this feels a lot safer. And the hut- it looks so very inviting, and he is so very exhausted.

Trusting his instincts, he walks swiftly forward until he reaches the hut. There, he knocks a few times, and lets himself in when no one answers the door. Inside, it is as cozy as it looks outside. A small bed sits in a corner, a hearth is lit and the warmth is so very inviting. He wanders further in, taking in his surroundings. Then with a long exhale, he drops onto the bed. He takes off his coat and unbuckles his sword, though he keeps it close. He lies down then, letting his guard down and for fatigue to take over. What a mistake, as he must have dozed off, and when he opens his eyes, a face is staring at him.

The face is hidden under an oversized hood, and the color… he sits up immediately and reaches for the sword he left by his side. Only, it is no longer there.

“Hello, human,” you greet, then you lean in. “No big eyes, no big ears.”

Jimin continues staring at the colour of the hood, making his blood run cold. “Who are you?”

“No big teeth. Good.” You finally straighten up, seemingly satisfied. “Now, would you like some tea?”

He blinks, a little confused at how nonchalant you are towards a stranger that has invaded what he assumes is your home. His guard is back up. After all, it is your cape that lured him to enter the woods in the first place. He watches you puttering around, heating up a kettle and a pot in the hearth. Then you turn back towards him, face still covered by the hood.

“Who are you? WHAT are you?” Jimin repeats his question.

“Oh, how rude of me. I’m a fairy.” You lower your hood and smile at him.

“Fairy? Fairies don’t exist!” Jimin looks around. Where is his damn sword?

“Well, you are in the presence of one,” you say matter of factly. “Will you please relax? Your coat and your sword are there by the door.”

He glances to where you are gesturing and breathes a sigh of relief. But taking his eyes off of you is a mistake, for in that split moment, you have come even closer to him and have even started sniffing him. He is frozen, from the way you are literally pressing yourself against him. Your hands are flat on his chest, your hair is brushing his chin, and your nose is mere millimeters away from the skin of his neck. He can feel your breathing, and he takes a sharp inhale when he feels your lips graze his collarbone. The air around him is thick with the sickly sweet aroma of roses, making him feel dizzy. He pushes you away, somewhat gently.

“It’s been a while since I last met a human male,” you reluctantly move back,  while you lick your lips and  your eyes turn sharp for a second, exploring over his body. “What name do you go by, human?”

“J- Jimin,” Jimin replies, stuttering under your gaze. He knows what lust looks like. He has been at the receiving end of such glares and oglings, being one of the younger knights in the King’s Court. And he knows how to control it, even when he is overwhelmed by it. But now, in this little hut in the middle of what he believes is an enchanted forest, he finds he has very little command over his own desires. How can he, when you look at him as if you were ready to devour him? This must be what a prey feels like under the eyes of a predator.

He pushes you further away from him, and he shuffles, heavily, towards the door. Until a howling breaks through the night and sends chills down his spice.

“Oh great, he’s out again.” You groan as you go back to the hearth and hurriedly pour the hot liquid from the kettle to a cup. You offer it to Jimin.

“I’m not drinking that.”

You huff. “That deranged beast is going to come knocking on my door if he smells you. And you reek of human. So you better drink this, or else I might as well kick you out.”

Faced with the options of being poisoned or facing a wolf (he assumes from the sound of the howls), he calculates he has a better chance of survival with the animal than with a seductress in a red cape and a questionable substance in a cup.

“It’s a full moon. Don’t even think your sword is enough to slaughter him.” You push the cup towards him.

Jimin glances out of the small window. The round moon seems to mock his predicament. Sighing, he knows he has to take his chances. He receives the cup and downs the liquid inside. It is not so bad, he was expecting worse. It tastes like flowers, roses perhaps, although he has no idea how a rose would taste like.

“Now, help me bolt the door and close the windows. It’s best that he thinks I’m not home.” You quickly put out the fire, even pouring ashes to the embers to plunge the hut into darkness with only slivers of moonlight seeping in.

Jimin does as you asked, obediently, his mind still swirling with the event that is happening. You then gesture to Jimin to keep quiet and to sit at the table. He obeys you silently, and when you put a bowl of food in front of him, his stomach grumbles. He thinks he sees a shadow of a smile on your face.

“Eat up,” you place a spoon in his hand. “It’s mushroom stew.”

You sit across from him and start to dig in. Jimin takes a deep breath and takes a spoonful. He’s drunk fairy tea, and is now eating fairy stew. He can only hope for the best. You both eat in silence until curiosity gets the better of him.

“So, this wolf,” he whispers, “you seem to know him?”

“Regrettably. He’s my ex boyfriend.”

Jimin chokes. “Excuse me?”

“It’s so stupid,” he can hear the irritation in your voice. “It’s been so long ago, and he just refuses to move on.”

He stares at you. Still trying to process what he has just heard. You continue drinking your soup lazily.

“The breakup was amicable enough, but he doesn’t like that I’m fond of humans. I guess it messes up his smells or something? Back when I was much younger and more naive, I always helped humans who were lost in the woods. Until I brought a sickly old lady here, to help her recuperate…” you trail off, shuddering. “It wasn’t pretty. That’s why you should eat as much as my food so he will never catch your smell.”

Jimin nods, he has so many more questions but is unsure even where to start. After a few spoonfuls, he has to ask the most important one.

“You said it’s been a while since you met a human male.”

“Ah yes,” you sigh. “That was a mess too. A rebound that did not end quite so well. For him especially.”

“Is that why you lured me into the forest?”

You point your spoon towards him. “I did not lure you. You walked in on your own volition. I was simply making sure you were safe. Why do you think you’re here now?”

Jimin blushes. “Thank you for your help. Truly.”

You smile back at him. His heart jumps a little. “The tree spirits don’t like humans much. With all the chopping and burning. So, I can’t possibly let them eat up a very handsome human.”

Another choke escapes his mouth. “You’re just saying that because you haven’t met a human male in a while.” He manages to reply, meeting your gaze head on.

“I mean it,” you giggle. “When I saw you at the edge of the forest, I knew I wanted you.”

No words are spoken after that, as none are needed. The silence is heavy in the air, as well as the building tension between him and you. He hears another howling, this time it sounds a little further away. He finishes his stew, and remains quiet as you take your and his empty bowls away.

Jimin watches you. You still have the blood red cape on. The material falls just below your knees, leaving the rest of your legs bare. He realises then that you are barefeet, and in the darkness, he sees how you seem to glow, a shimmer of silver slathered over your skin. He wonders what it would feel like to run his hands from your ankle up to your calves, and beyond.

Catching his staring, you offer your hand to him. “Come to bed,” you whisper. He swallows thickly, then takes your hand.

It has been a long while indeed. Your distant memory tells you that humans are always warmer to the touch, and Jimin is no different. The heat from his hand spreads throughout your arm and all over your body, making you crave him more. You pull him, and pliantly, he follows you to bed.

Facing each other, he allows you to undress him. His vest goes off first, then his tunic to reveal an undershirt that makes you heat up even more. The soft material is flowy yet it sticks to him, encasing his chest and abdomen so beautifully. Your hand ghosts over his torso, eager to trace it until your eyes fall on his arms. They are lean yet so muscular, every line of his muscle visible for your adoration.

“You should take this off too. It’s only fair.”

His soft voice breaks your reverie, and you find his fingers on your cape. Possessively, you grip it tighter, like a protective cloak over your body. You feel him stepping back.

“I’m sorry, like I said, it’s been a while.” Your voice shakes.

“I know,” his whispers caress you. “You take the lead. Or if you want me to, I’ll be gentle.”

Your heart is beating so hard against your chest. As much as you have imagined this moment since you first laid eyes on him, the reality is scaring you. Humans, your distant memory also tells you, are selfish, prideful creatures. Yet, his voice is soothing and kind, forcing you to believe that he can very well be an exception. So you decide to trust him. You take off your cape slowly and you hear his sharp intake of breath when you reveal yourself to him.

“Can I touch you?” His voice sounds strained.

“Yes,” you answer, your body a bundle of nerves from the anticipation.

His hands rest on your waist, and they glide up and around, sending electricity all over your body. “You wear THIS under your cape?”

You look down at your garment and then back up at him. “Well yes, what do you expect me to wear?”

He chuckles. “I’m just not used to seeing anyone wearing a see through dress, that’s all.”

Oh, that’s a good thing, isn’t it? “Do you like it?”

“Absolutely. Now, little fairy, what do you want me to do?”

You watch his eyes, so full of lust and desire now. How they rake up and down your body, with his tongue peeking out to wet his plump lips.  “Can you taste me?”

“With pleasure.” He lies down on the bed, and guides you to straddle his body. You feel him pushing you to shift all the way up until you are hovering above his face. He bunches up your translucent dress until they pool around your waist, then he pulls you down. The material flows over his face like a curtain, and you are mesmerised by how he looks underneath.

The first lick is enough to send you into ecstasy. You shudder as you bury your fingers in his hair. You grind your hips above his mouth, encouraging him to take more of your nectar. As his tongue works its wonder in your sex, you hear him humming and swallowing, which only sends you into further bliss.

One of his hands moves to your front, pulling the hood over your clit to reveal it to his waiting tongue. You bite down hard on your lip to prevent any moans escaping, but it is to no avail. The pressure keeps building inside you, and you nearly explode when you feel intrusion into your hole.

“Sshh, you’re getting so loud.” The hand from your front moves up to your face to quiet you down, but you grab it and shove two fingers into your mouth.

“Oh fuck, my sweets,” he whines before his lips close around your clit. You suck on his fingers harder, like your life depends on it, letting them absorb every moan and groan coming out of you.

You have never had pleasure like this before. You are being brought to the height of your euphoria so quickly that you do not even realise when you fall off the cliff. Drooling over his fingers, in your mouth and between your legs, your body continues to shake, as his tongue does not let up the assault on your nub. He only stops when you nearly collapse on top of him.

He lies you down on the bed and cuddles you as you come down from your high. You are shivering, and he pulls you in closer, rubbing his hands all over your body to warm you up. “Are you alright? Do you want to continue?”

You nod mindlessly. “Yes, please.”

Jimin pulls off his slacks to free his cock and promptly positions it at your entrance. He pushes in slowly, stopping anytime you show any discomfort.

“Fuck, you’re so tight.”

You grip his shoulders. “I’m fine, just keep going. Just fuck me, please.”

He needs not be told twice. With one long determined stroke, he fills you so completely and you mewl, your body and mind unable to process the pleasure. You force your eyes open to watch him, to see how he strains when he pulls himself halfway out, and how he bites back his own groans when he sheathes himself in fully again.

“Oh, Jimin.” Your eyes flutter as he continues his slow pistoning.

“Do you like that? Does it feel good?” He lowers himself down to nuzzle your neck. You welcome his weight on top of you.

“Oh by the moon, yes!” You wrap your arms and legs around him, unwilling to let him leave you empty. “Fuck me, please. Keep fucking me.”

He picks up his pace, and pumps himself fast and hard into you, until your bed creaks and hits the wall repeatedly, the thumping in sync with the squelching sounds from your cunt.

“So fucking wet, so tight,” he breathes heavily, “so good, so good.”

His body rubs against yours, with only his undershirt and your dress between your skins. The friction from the material rubbing against your sensitive nipples only heightens your pleasure even more. He snakes a hand in between your body to grab and squeeze your breast, his fingers hard and rough, pinching your nipple.

Your moans are getting louder again, so he kisses you to swallow all your lustful sounds. You are giddy; you can taste yourself on him, as well as your rose tea, and then beneath all that, just him, just Jimin. All male, all human and all yours.

You whine against his lips when he rams himself into you. You nip his lower lip, signalling to him that you like it. He takes the hint well enough, for he does it again, and again, and again.

“Oh Jimin, Jimin,” you babble, “I can’t hold it back.”

“Then don’t,” he whispers hoarsely in your ear. “Let go for me.”

You do as he asks. Your second climax rips through you, making your walls clench so tightly around him and your body vibrate in ecstasy. You let out a silent scream, and he continues pistoning himself as your walls pulsate around his cock, then he rips himself out of you. Stroking his cock furiously, he spills his seed all over your lower abdomen.

Jimin collapses beside you, panting. His arm snakes around your waist, pulling you close to him. Somewhere outside, the wolf howls again.

Jimin wakes up with the sun on his face. He enjoys the warmth and stretches lazily, until remembers where he is. He jerks up, to find you sitting at your table, sipping from your cup. You smile at him.

He is not one to blush, but the sight of you takes his breath away. Your skin shimmered under the moonlight, but beneath the sun rays, you glow. He feels his cheeks heating up at the memory of your love making- how your first couple orgams unleashed all your desire and lust, making you so eager to wrap your lips around him and take all of his seeds, and to sit proudly on his cock, riding him until he was a blubbering mess beneath you.

“Good morning,” you greet him cheerfully, bringing him back to the present. You are wearing that translucent fairy dress again. “Get ready, I’ll take you back to the King’s Road.”

He frowns internally. There’s a discomfort between his legs that he knows only you can soothe, but there is also one in his chest that he is unfamiliar with. He tries to ignore both, and cupping himself to hide his growing erection from you, he starts dressing quietly. You help him put his vest and his coat back on, and he wonders if it is his imagination when your fingers linger on every button, and when once fully dressed, he sees both affection and sadness in your eyes. You smile again when you convince him to down another cup of your concoction. He gladly does so, savoring the last drop and hoping the taste will never leave his mouth.

Then together, he leaves the hut with you. You have your red cape back on, but with the hood down. He walks slightly behind you, stealing glances at your face in the sun. You giggle when you catch him looking, and with confidence, he grabs your hand to link your fingers together. When you both reach the border of the meadow and the forest, he looks back to the hut and the grassy pasture in fondness, almost not wanting to leave at all.

“I never asked, why did you come to this part of the land at all? The King’s knights never venture this far.” You chuckle when he looks at you questioningly. “The emblem on your sword, Jimin. Even us fairies know what that means. It hasn’t changed at all in hundreds of years.”

“Ah,” he glances at the hilt of his sword. “We- me and another fellow knight- are looking for a friend. We received reports he was last seen entering the woods.”

You stop suddenly. “Is he a knight too? Does he wear the same clothes as you do?”

“Yes, this is our regalia. Wait, have you seen him?”

A reluctant smile adorns your face. Jimin does not like how despondent you suddenly look. “I wish I could say no, so you might come to the forest again to search for him.”

You start walking again, pulling him along with you. “But, talk to the old lady at the crossroad. She’s a witch, but the village folks know her as a healer. She would be able to help you.”

“Thank you,” Jimin brings your hand to his lips and kisses it. He smiles when he sees a shade of pink blooming on your cheeks. What the hell, it’s worth a shot. “Why don’t you come with me?”

“What?” Your eyes widen in shock. “I… I can’t. I won’t survive in your world.”

“I don’t think I can just leave you after last night.”

“Jimin, don’t.” You whine softly. He does not like the sound of distress in your voice, so he leaves it at that. You continue walking in silence, and he tries to savor every moment of it.

In the distance, he sees the trees start to stand a little more apart, and the air too, starts to change. It is not as light and fragrant, and the smell of roses is starting to fade away, to his dismay.

“This is the furthest I can go.” You declare, stopping by an old tree.

“Can I come visit you again?”

You smile softly. “You know where to find me.”

“A flash of red in the corner of my eye.” He stands closer to you, both hands on your cheeks, thumbs caressing the skin and wiping the small droplets of tears from your eyes. He can never stop being in awe of your glittering skin.

“I’ll be waiting.” You raise on your tiptoes and kiss him. He deepens the kiss, wrapping his arms around you, trying his best to take as much of you as he can. Then you release yourself from his hold and step back, a sign for him to continue on and leave you behind.

“I’ll come back,” Jimin promises. Then with a heavy heart, he forces his feet to move, to take him out of the forest, back to the King’s Road,.

You don’t hold Jimin to his promise. Such is the magic of the enchanted forest. Weeks and months pass by, and you know that with time, what happened in the woods becomes nothing more than a blurry memory, or even a dream whose details are always out of grasp. So when you just so happen to wander close to the edge of the forest in your blood red cape and you don’t spot the man who can smile with his eyes, whose lips are as luscious as the plums grown in your meadow, you don’t feel disappointed. At all.

Until one fine day, when you are sitting at the top of your favorite tree, eating an apple a spirit gave you a few trees back, you spot something that makes your heart jump. The King’s road is clear from where you are, and your eyes catch sight of the banners with the King’s emblems flying high and proud against the summer wind, leading a parade of horses and carriages towards the edge of the forest.

You dare yourself to hope, just a little bit.

You watch curiously when the finest of the carriages stops, which makes the rest of the retinue follow suit, and a woman with a baby in her arms steps out. Two men follow her- one you do not recognise but his attire tells you that he is someone important, and the second… you grin when you realise who it is. The rabbit has found its way home after all.

Your smile dies out suddenly when another person comes into view. Unlike the others, he is not looking at the woman and her baby. Instead, he looks towards the trees, towards you, as if searching for something.

You hold your breath as you watch Jimin like a hawk. You are not sure if he could see you this far away, but maybe, a flash of red is all it will take. You stand on the branch, heart beating wildly and desperately, willing him to angle his head just so that he will catch a glimpse of your cape. You see him freezing momentarily, and you let out a shaky breath.

Another man comes up to him, and they converse briefly, before he takes off towards the forest. The men and the woman with the baby wave at him, as if they expect him to do exactly what he is doing now.

You quickly climb down and haste closer towards the boundary of the enchanted forest. You wait there, behind the trees and the shrubs, and then you hear the crunch of branches and leaves.

“Red?” A familiar voice calls out.

You cannot hold back the tears as you smile.

Love this fic? Please reblog if you do! Reblogging will help this fic reach a wider audience! And scream at me if you wish too- I won’t scream back, I promise 💜

Published 26102021, also crossposted to my ao3

[ikaroux]

Zhongli: The Dragon Dance. (Part 1) (EN)

Version française

f!reader

Aaaah Zhongli, my sweet Zhongli, writing about followers is really painful in itself given their longevity... I didn't come here to suffer, okay! *crying in a corner*

Les Ost pour ce chapitre :

Broken Hero Onmyoji

Rabia Honkai impact

Masterlist

The port city of Liyue was abuzz with excitement as the New Year's Eve celebration took place. The streets were brightened by the laughter and chatter of passers-by and lit by paper lanterns decorated with cut-out designs of dragons, maple leaves, herons and more. Various flowers from the region decorated every part of the city, right down to the ponds with golden carp. You could see dancers strutting a flexible dragon figure in the image of the Geo Archon in the streets. Street vendors shouted at the top of their voices, selling the merits of their goods or the deliciousness of their food. Everything seemed beautiful and magical.

You had come from Mondstadt to spend the end-of-year celebrations here, with some friends who lived in the city. They had suggested that you go and see the fireworks which would take place later in the evening, but your curiosity led you to walk through the streets of Liyue alone before joining your friends.

This year the festival organisers asked the inhabitants of Liyue and their guests to wear a mask which was offered to them by the city. You knew that the festival was to end with a kind of masked ball that would take place all over the city, with musicians placed here and there, sometimes in the corridors overhanging the streets or in the harbour by the sea.

The organisers of the ball wanted everyone to be able to enjoy a moment of joy and happiness without fear, without fear of the gaze of others.

You would walk along the wooden quays, your fox mask partially covering your face. You gazed at the reflection of the city lights on the surface of the water, a smile on your face. The street was crowded but you loved it, the atmosphere was so similar to your beloved city.

As you turned your gaze to observe the quay parallel to yours, you noticed the refined figure of a tall man. His posture was refined and elegant, he stood upright with his arms crossed behind his back and his eyes fixed on the horizon. He wore a long coat that matched his build perfectly, his hair, tied back in a simple tail, swayed in the sea breeze. He wore a golden mask with the image of a dragon.

The man seemed to notice your gaze lingering on him, turning his face towards you. The masks only hid the upper part of the faces, so you could see the soft smile on his lips. Embarrassed, you ran away, slipping through the crowd of people enjoying the shops on the harbour.

As you reached the centre of the city, the sweet sounds of the typical instruments of the region echoed through the streets. You could recognise the erhu among all the instruments that were playing.

Men, women and children began to dance happily, some laughing, others giving each other longing looks.

Seduced by the warm and loving atmosphere, your lips stretched into a wide smile before quickly disappearing as a large gloved hand reached for yours. You quickly turned to see who had surprised you, thinking at first that it was one of your friends who had found you. You opened your eyes wide when you recognised the man in the dragon mask. He pulled you to him, placing his free hand on your hip, he began to dance with you, guiding you perfectly to the rhythm of the music. You were mesmerised by his amber eyes watching you intently under his mask, the soft smile on his face making your cheeks warm.

You gradually began to relax in his arms, laughing out loud as he twirled you around before pulling you back against him, a husky laugh gently rising from his throat at your adorable reactions. After several minutes of energetic dancing, he moved his hand up your back, pulling you closer to him in a slower, more sensual dance. He gently placed his cheek on the top of your head as your face rested on his chest, breathing in the lily scent that wafted from him. As you swayed gently on your feet, he picked up a silk flower that decorated one of the columns that littered the street, supporting the upper floors of the houses. He placed the little pink button in your hair (colour), admiring how well it suited you.

Your dance was suddenly interrupted when the dull sound of fireworks was added to the melody of the musical instruments, your attention instantly turned to the play of light in the sky. Your pupils shone with a new brilliance at the sight.

Dazzled by the beauty of the fireworks, you glanced at your mysterious escort, hoping that he was enjoying the show as much as you were.

Your cheeks turned a deep red as you noticed his eyes were fixed on you, your hands still linked together. He moved his face closer to you, pushing a few strands of hair out of the way.

"Thank you for the evening. "he whispered in your ear.

Without giving you time to answer, he brought the back of your hand to his lips and placed a tender kiss on it. He reluctantly let go of you before stepping back, giving you one last look before disappearing into the crowd.

"No, wait... don't go... your name... give me your name!"

But now he was out of your sight, regret tainting your heart. Why didn't you ask him before?

"(Y/N)! "

Hu Tao's voice called to you in the distance, bringing you out of your thoughts. She was accompanied by Xiangling, Chongyun and Xingqiu who waved their hands at you, their faces lit up with big smiles. Taking one last look at the place where your mysterious date had disappeared, you finally joined your friends, ending the evening with them.

Zhongli was sitting on the terrace of his flat, a steaming cup of tea in his hands. His gaze was lost in contemplation of the liquid in its container.

He was still wondering why he had left without asking your name. Even after living for thousands of years, he still felt a little foolish.

Perhaps he should have invited you to share a cup of tea with him? Perhaps he should have taken off his mask and introduced himself to you properly?

Zhongli had rarely had regrets in his long life and today was one of those rare moments. A sigh escaped his lips, from the moment he had met your gaze on the docks, you had intrigued him. He had immediately noticed from your manner that you were not from Liyue. From Mondstadt perhaps? That's what your clothes suggested.

For some reason, you dodged his gaze when he turned his attention to you, running away from the platform that separated you from him.

Curiously, Zhongli couldn't help but follow you, speeding up to avoid losing sight of you. Eventually he caught up with you, admiring your wondering eyes for a few seconds. He would have liked to take off that fox mask to better admire you, why? He didn't know. What he did know was that at that moment he wanted to share an intimate moment with you, wanting to create a peaceful and sweet memory with a stranger whose smile was brighter than the most precious of diamonds.

Zhongli had felt an intense happiness arise in him as you relaxed in his arms. He savoured the breath you projected on him as your head rested on his chest, your warmth comforted him, your laughter fascinated him, your eyes (colour) captivated him. Why was he gone? Why had he left? He might never have the opportunity to see you again. Zhongli knew, after accumulating 6,000 years of knowledge and wisdom, that feeling desire or attraction for a mortal could become something painful for both you and him. Zhongli might not be the Geo Archon anymore, but he was still a follower with a long life expectancy...

Yes, he knew... but knowing didn't stop you from hoping.

You had a hard time to wake up, the evening of the new year having been rather animated. After the fireworks, you all went to Xiangling's house to have a last drink, without alcohol for some of you, Hu Tao, Xingqiu and Xiangling taking care of the atmosphere of your little party. You were able to talk with Chongyun about your evening, the magic that the stranger in the dragon mask had worked on you still haunting you. Chongyun had listened patiently before suggesting that you might try to look for him in town tomorrow, and even though the mask had prevented you from seeing him, his presence remained intact in your mind.

So you slept at Xiangling's house. When you woke up, she was preparing breakfast with a big smile on her face. Xiangling had prepared a home-made hangover remedy for you with your meal made of blue lily of the valley flower, sweet flower and apple juice extract.

"Thank you Xiang, it's delicious."

"You're welcome (Y/n). And you have to be in shape for today!"

"Fit? Why?"

"Didn't Hu Tao tell you? We're going to show you around the city today. And then..." -She walked over to you, her hand covering the side of her mouth as if to tell you a secret. You moved closer to her.- "We need to find your handsome stranger in the dragon mask!."

You choked on your food.

"H-How did you...I didn't...!"

"Chongyun told me about it last night before he left! He didn't like seeing you so sad so he thought we could look together today."

You sighed, desperate. You couldn't blame Chongyun, after all you hadn't told him to keep it to himself and besides this boy was far too adorable to be sulking.

After you finished eating you went to take a shower before changing your clothes, combing your hair and finally applying some light makeup to your face. Hu Tao met you downstairs at Xiangling's flat, finishing his discussion with an elderly lady who greeted you with a brief nod before leaving.

"Good! (Y/n) it's time we took care of your case."

"My case huh..."

Hu tao grabbed your arm, leading you into the sparsely populated streets of Liyue. She showed you some shops while you described your dance partner's appearance to her.

"A tall, elegant and polite man with a long coat you say? Eeeeh... Reminds me of someone."

Hu Tao paused for a moment to think before being interrupted by the deep voice of a man calling out to him.

"Hu Tao there you are, I have a small... favor..."

His amber eyes met your eyes (colour), a long silence settled between the four of you, Hu tao and Xiangling swinging their eyes towards you and then the newcomer. The man did not take his eyes off you, his mouth slightly open. It was him, you were sure, it was him!

Zhongli looked at you without saying anything, too amazed to find you so easily when he had just come to Hu Tao to ask for his help. He had recognised your eyes from the moment he saw them.

He cautiously approached you, forgetting everything around him. He took your hand in his, a gentle smile appearing on the delicate features of his face. You were even more beautiful than he had imagined. He could feel your fingers trembling with emotion in his hand, tightening it to soothe you.

"Ah- I, you..."

Zhongli paid no attention to Hu Tao and Xiangling's curious looks. He was focused on you, only on you. Drawing you to him, his hand again on your lower back, he began a few dance steps to assure you that it was really him. Your tears rolled down your cheeks as a smile lit up your face. Several minutes passed before he stopped twirling you around to the beat of his heart.

"What is your name?"

"(Y/n)"

"(Y/n), what a beautiful name." -He brought your hand still buried comfortably in his to his lips, placing the most delicate of kisses.- "Zhongli. May I invite you to drink tea with me?"

"With pleasure."

Zhongli knew that forging bonds with a mortal could be painful.

He knew but... he would take that risk.

[whumpzone]

Tomas and Rowe - Part 18

Masterpost

@sola-whumping @just-another-whumper @misspelledwitch @looptheloup @briars7 @black-polarf @zipadeedooda-drabbles @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @rosesareviolentlyread @thingsthatgo-whump-inthenight @jazz-0307 @kestrelsparverius @whumpsy-daisies @whumpersworld @memoriesneverforget @sky-or-something-idfk @cupcakes-and-pain @frankieswhump @ihaventwritteninsolong @mybrokenlittletoy @kiretto-laorentze @morelikepainsley @lavmars @tears-and-lilies @whump-me-all-night-long @newbornwhumperfly @itaina-anta @whump-it @haro-whumps @simplygrimly @alex-ember @rippedjeansandfadeddreams @mnmlover2002 @jordanstrophe @princessofonward @xmonster-under-the-bed @as-a-matter-of-whump @5boys1house @crystalrainwing @starnight-whump @chifechi @unicornscotty @penny-for-your-whump @getyourwhumphere @likeit-or-whumpit @jasm0307 @lightdrinker @hurting-fictional-people @captainseconds @glamrockgregory

CW: recovering pet whumpee, environmental whump, references to an amputated finger, paranoia/hallucinations

-

As he turned to lock the final door behind him, Rowe could see that he had been in a warehouse, evidently a rarely-used one. A single floodlight was on, illuminating nothing but a bare wall and the road leading up to it. Rowe had been correct- it was night. The open air was a thousand blessings as he breathed it in. His eyes felt clean, he could stand up properly, he wasn’t wearing that fucking collar anymore.

The happiness was short-lived, but he let himself have it. He was free. He just had to get home, now.

Rowe would have panicked, at that moment, but instead his heart toughened, because Kasia hadn’t been able to break him down. He was missing a finger, and the throbbing pain made sure he wouldn’t forget in a hurry, but he was still there, still himself. His nightmares would probably take a new form, and he wondered if he’d ever be able to sleep alone again, but he was fine. He was a Pet. He was a person. Surviving was a skill of his.

He rested a hand on the wall, making sure he was hidden in shadow, and let himself take some of the weight off his scarred leg. Burnt, smashed, sewn up and burnt again. He would be limping, by the time he got home. But get home he would, and in some way, it was thanks to his leg. He had been sat on his bed, back when he couldn’t walk, looking for something to distract him from the feelings of anger and uselessness and what if he throws me out?

So he’d looked down and practised his reading. He remembered it perfectly. Tomas G…Grz…. something… 12 h-a-r-t… Hartland Road… your Pet… s-p-l-i-n-t…. bed rest for up to one week…

Rowe had read the address, and perhaps even then he’d known he might one day need it. It didn’t solve the problem of knowing whereHartland Road was, or whether he’d make it there without being stolen or beaten up or killed, but he had to try.

Kidnapped, he thought. You’d only say stolen for a piece of property.

The warehouse was evidently on the outskirts of town. Was it the right town? Rowe thought so, as he studied the lights shining down the road. Several of the shapes were familiar to him. The colourful string bulbs that were hung up along the shopping streets, the glow from the theatre on the hill, the dark spot where the graveyard sat. From his bedroom window he had to crane to get a good look, but he could see it well from the office. He ached to be back there. In the warmth and familiarity of it. Back with- Master? The word sounded strange now. Especially since- since Rowe felt like he understood him now. Understood his intentions.

He started to walk. Kasia’s jacket rested on his shoulders, and he couldn’t bear to put his arms in. The idea alone made him feel trapped. The thing smelt distinctly of the bastard, but Rowe knew it was preferable to the cold of a dead night. He found a main road soon enough, built up above the rest of the grassy flatland, so he gingerly climbed down the hill and walked alongside. He would be hidden from passing cars well enough, but his bare feet soon began to take the brunt of the choice of rough land over tarmac. Stones, sticks, was that roadkill, oh, god, all were littered through his journey which was only sparsely lit by the occasional road light. After a particularly sharp stone, or possibly even a discarded glass bottle, Rowe knew his foot was bleeding. He ground his teeth together. It wasn’t real if he couldn’t see it. And right now, he couldn’t see his own hand in front of him.

He kept his eyes on the lights from the town before him, slowly drawing closer.

He thought he heard footsteps behind him, running closer with horrifying speed. As they drew near he could hear Kasia screaming at him.

You think you can fucking get away from me? You think you locked that collar? You really think I won’t come back?

He kept his eyes fixed on the town. “It-it-it’s n-not real,” he whispered past the lump in his throat. He was trembling with fear. “It’s not real, I locked him up, I st-stopped him, it’s not real, it’s not.”

The paranoia wouldn’t leave him, though. Every passing car, though they were few and far between, made him jump and crouch down, hands clamped over his mouth. He couldn’t shake the fear that it was Kasia after him, out searching for the rotten escaped Pet. His leg burst with pain every time, making him whimper and cry when he tried to stand back up.

The sounds of footsteps gradually stopped, and Kasia’s voice faded, but Rowe could still feel his hands clawing at him. His back tingled with the overwhelming sensation that someone was behind him, creeping up and reaching out to grab-

Against his better judgement, he turned back. Darkness there, and nothing more. “Fuck, f-fuck, keep it together,” he muttered.

Just up ahead, he could see streetlamps. Proper ones, glowing a gentle orange. He went as far as he could along the grass, then climbed up, wetting his hands in the dew. He checked for cars, and seeing none, scrambled fully onto the road.

He realised he couldn’t run anymore- his leg would give out, or he wouldn’t be able to contain a howl of pain- so he limped as quickly as he could towards the next patch of shadow, over and over.

Eventually he came upon a sign: Welcome to….

It was half shadowed, but it was a map. He pushed himself up on his tip-toes, eyes scanning the jumble of letters and lines and symbols. Eventually he spotted it. Hartland Road. He traced the direction in his head, making sure it was committed to memory, although he knew he wouldn’t forget it even if someone tried to beat it out of him. And then, he started walking.

He couldn’t tell exactly what time it was, but he would have guessed around three or four in the morning. The pub, as he passed it, was quiet, although he still kept his distance, hugging the shadows.

He soon reached the base of the hill he knew he’d have to climb. As he started to ascend, he saw the Pet hospital in the distance. Oh god, would he have to go back there to get his finger treated? He pushed the question to the back of his mind. If he did, there wasn’t anything he could do.

A few cars drove by, as he walked. He wanted to duck into one of the smaller streets that branched off, but he had only memorised one route home, and he didn’t trust himself to improvise in the dark. So instead he squared his shoulders, stopped hunching, tried his best to look like a person walking home in his heavy jacket, not afraid, not prey. It didn’t feel quite right, but it was easier than he’d expected. And it worked- no cars stopped, no one seemed to give him a second glance.

He finally reached the street, the name lit up. Hartland Road. The sign was scuffed, like kids had popped the cap off their beers along its edge. It was fixed to the wall of a garden, weeds poking out through the bricks, a flyer from the council tied at eye-level to the neck of the streetlamp. Rowe took everything in as he walked. The bicycle clipped to a fence, the parked cars, the black bins left out for collection. Before, he never would have taken notice. None of it had mattered. But now, Rowe felt as if he had a new connection to the world around him. He could interact with it. He wasn’t leashed or under the watchful eye of an owner, he wasn’t crawling or blindfolded in the boot of a car. He was in pain, yes, but he was always in pain, so constantly that it hardly registered anymore. He was free.

Rowe didn’t recognise the house itself. The only times he’d ever left it, he’d been unconscious, or practically so.

But when he turned around, he saw the same view he’d had from his bedroom window every morning and night. He was home.

He remembered Kasia’s key, but it no longer fit into the front door. The lock must have been changed. Rowe hated that the alternative was to make a loud noise, at this hour, but perhaps that was the smarter way than simply slipping inside like- like Kasia. So he hesitantly pressed down on the doorbell, hitting his fist against the wood as well. He waited. He thought about how he’d never rung a doorbell before in his life.

Silence. Rowe wasn’t exactly surprised, but his heart still tightened. Suddenly the fresh air didn’t feel freeing, it felt exposed. He rang again, knocking harder, not giving up. Surely he would know it was urgent? Surely he would come down, and Rowe would get to see his face again?

Faintly, he heard the creaking of the stairs. “I-I-It’s me!” he said, hushed. “It’s me, I…”

His words died as the door slowly opened. Half a face, an eye framed by blond curls peered out, full of apprehension. In a heartbeat it landed on Rowe and widened, and the door flew open.

“Tomas,” Rowe said, loving how it felt to say his name, loving him, loving everything. “I’m back, I, I’m back, I’m back.”

Tomas raised a hand over his mouth, and for once he was the one shaking. “Oh my god… oh my god.”

And then he was reaching both arms out for Rowe with a sob. Rowe threw the horrible jacket to the ground and fell into him, wrapping his arms around his waist and holding on tight. He couldn’t have known whose knees failed first, but suddenly they had collapsed on the floor, clinging onto each other, not leaving a shred of space between as they both cried. Soaked in the orange light that pooled through the still-open front door.

[teletraan-meets-jarvis]

hello ma'am id like to request a captain rex x f! or gn! reader,, maybe he's promised to take reader out on a date after he returns from a mission and when he does he asks you out and stuff bksbegksgjsn hope that provides inspiration

Ooooh I love this idea and it really did spark something in my brain so thanks for that!! :D. So happy to be writing again. See below for some happiness and fluff!

Date Night With The Captain

AO3 Link

Pairing: Rex x gn!Reader

Summary: You and Rex have been pining over each other for a while now, thankfully your good friends in the Elite Guard intervene to help speed things up.

Warnings: General Audience. Don't think there is any. One bit of swearing.

Word Count: 1.5k

It was another warm, smoggy day on Coruscant. The hatch door to the landing bay of the Republic Military HQ was open, allowing whatever small breeze the planet had to offer through. The top of your Republic issued jumpsuit was tied around your waist, letting the trousers hang loosely around your lower half, in attempt to keep yourself cool. You had the radio on as you worked beneath a red A-Wing, your mind on autopilot as you rewired, cut and welded through the repairs. Casually rolling back and forth on your dolly, humming along to the newest song the radio had to offer.

Given your work as a mechanic for the Republic since the start of the war, you’d gotten to know a lot of the clones from various battalions. You always had fun working on the ships for the Wolfpack as they were natural pilots who took a real appreciation in your work. In return, you made sure to always touch up the artwork of the two buckets and General Plo’s face for them on each ship, as you knew how much it meant to the men. Other battalions, while lovely, really did love to make your job difficult. Aka, the 501st. The clones weren’t too bad when it came to flying, it was more the involvement of General Skywalker which usually meant most of your ships didn’t even make it back, and the few that did were in a questionable state. Captain Rex always had the job of checking the ships back in to you due to Skywalker’s fear of facing your wrath for another ship mishap.

Captain Rex... you felt your mind drift to think of the clone you’d been getting close with over the past few years. He was easy company. A strong, friendly presence that was always welcome in your repair bay. He’d usually stick around for longer then he should, relaying their latest mission as he nursed a cup of caff while you worked away. You’d developed quite a crush on the Captain as time went on, how could you not? His buzz cut blonde hair, his caring nature, and that handsome face which despite being a clone, had something unique about it that made you smile every time he looked at you.

Yep, you were crushing bad on the Captain. But it wasn’t entirely one-sided. Just before he departed for his last mission, you think he was attempting to ask you out on a date before his comm went off and pulled him away and back to the war. You’d been running that interaction through your brain ever since he left, trying to guess how he would’ve liked to finish his sentence.

You let out a sigh at the thought. A person could dream right. You were suddenly pulled out of your thoughts when someone yanked your dolly from out under the ship, taking you with it. You were presented with a helmet-less, Commander Fox who’s curly hair was hanging just above his eyebrows. He didn’t say anything as he shoved a cup of caff in your direction.

You got yourself up from laying on your back and gratefully accepted the caffeine “Cheers, Fox”

“You need to take a break every so often” he stated while sipping at his own beverage.

“Rich coming from you” you winked at him, “Let me guess, Stone forced you to take a break by sending you to bring me a drink and make me take a break”

“Pretty much”

“Classic” you enjoyed the comfortable silence which fell between you both. Despite his overly stressed exterior, Fox was one of your closest friends. He and the other Elite Guard Commanders always made sure to check in and look after you and you did the same for them.

After a few minutes, he spoke again “Oh, Thorn needs your advice on something. He asked you to meet him in the mess hall”

“Dating drama again?” You questioned with a chuckle.

“Most likely” Fox replied with a roll of his eyes.

You bid Fox a farewell and set off to find Thorn. The military base very much stuck to a black and grey colour scheme so it was near impossible to distinguish one hallway from another if you didn’t know you way around by memory. Your jumpsuit made some swooshing noises as your legs skimmed past one another while you walked. Tools and bolts rattled in your pocket as you went. A contrast to the quiet you found in the hallways this evening.

Eventually you spotted Thorn standing outside the mess hall where he waved you inside and disappeared into the room.

You eventually caught up and walked in and the sight you were met with took your breath away. The lights in the hall were dimmed and there was a single table set up. A few candles lit up the centre and there were two portions of standard mess food waiting on either side in their signature metal trays. Standing next to the table was an awkward looking Captain Rex, his armour still dirty from battle. He had his helmet off, letting you see the flush of pink on his cheeks as he rubbed a hand down the back of his neck.

Thorn was practically bouncing with excitement as he pushed you forward into the room. “Well you kids have fun, don’t do anything I wouldn’t dooo!” He shouted as he ran out the door, closing it behind him.

You and Rex stood there for a moment, taking each other in. He looked quite vulnerable in that moment, waiting to see your reaction.

“Hey Captain, glad to see you’re back safe and sound” you said with a smile as you walked towards him. “What’s all this?”

“Well, I uh, I’ve been meaning to take you out for a while now, but things kept getting in the way. I know it’s not Coruscant’s finest dining experience-“

“It’s perfect” you cut him off, smile beaming on your face as you realised everything you’d been dreaming about these past months was true. “How’d you manage to pull this one off?”

“It was Thorn’s idea to be fair, he managed to get Fox on board to give us access to the mess hall after hours.” You chuckled at his words, of course they were meddling. Not that you minded of course, you knew exactly what you signed up for when it came to being friends with the Coruscant Elite Guard.

“You hungry?” Rex asked, much more relaxed now he had your approval on his surprise.

“Absolutely starving” you replied as you took your seat opposite the handsome Captain.

The pair of you chatted away as you ate the standard food that the base pumped out on the regular. Rex filled you in on his latest battles and 501st drama. He mentioned that it was only him from his battalion who had returned, and he was only back for a couple of days with the General to give a briefing to the Council before heading back out again. Which explained why Fives, Kix and Jesse hadn’t come storming into the repair bay to say hello to you.

You relayed what you and the guard had been up to, the pranks that Stone and Thorn had been playing on poor Fox, any fun stories about Palpatine that Fox had bitched about to you all.

Everything came so naturally with Rex; you spoke for what neither of your realised was hours. The candles burning slowly down until they were nearly running out of wax. You didn’t realise how much you’d missed his presence until right now.

Seeing an opportunity, you took his hand in yours on the table. Running your thumb over the hardened skin on his knuckles. “This has been probably the best evening I’ve had in a long time” you admitted, blushing.

“You and me both. But it’s not quite over yet” you cocked your head at the trooper in front of you as he hit something on his comm link and suddenly some slow jazz song started playing through the room’s speakers. Rex stood up and offered you a hand to join him. You nearly swooned at the entire thing. You’d never experienced romance like this. How did you get so lucky that he’d chosen you for all of this?

You took his outstretched hand as he led you to a slightly more open portion of the hall. You wrapped your arms around his neck, he was about to put his on your hips but paused and quickly asked for permission with a quiet “May I?” before he did so. It surely was not possible for a living being to be this adorable, handsome, perfect. Right?

The pair of you began to sway casually to the song that was playing. “So how did I do?” He asked with a small smirk on his lips.

“Honestly Captain, you couldn’t have done anything better. This is perfect” you smiled up at him. Your eyes met his fiery amber ones, filled with such warmth and content. You couldn’t wait any longer, you leaned up and placed your lips on his in a soft, first kiss. Both your movements were slow against one another, enjoying the languid pace set by the dancing and music, letting it guide your kiss.

You pulled away and met his eyes again. Yep you were falling for this man. Badly. But from the looks of it, he wasn’t too far behind you.

The pair of you danced the night away, the war forgotten for that one evening.

Back to Masterlist

[lifeofkaze]

Hi love!

Sorry for bothering you, but could you do something like really cute and fluffy between Charlie Weasley and reader where he's all shy and delicate maybe teaching her about dragons and their characteristics pls? Like, something that feels really intimate, you know?

I absolutely love your writing and I believe that you could make justice to the character.

Take care darling,

-A

Thank you for the request, loveliest anon! This is actually the first fic request I’ve ever gotten and I’m so happy you like my stuff so much, this makes me very very soft.

This fluff piece was just what I needed to get my mojo back hopefully. Please let me know if this is like what you had in mind - I for one had a lot of fun with it! <3

***

Favourites

Charlie Weasley x Reader

Word Count: ~ 2.800

As a Care of Magical Creatures test covering dragons of all things is imminent and you were too distracted in class to pay proper attention, you know just who to turn to for help.

“You want me to do what?”

Charlie Weasley blinked at you in confusion. He could feel his blood rushing in his ears as he looked at you standing in front of him, clutching you Care for Magical Creatures book to your chest as you raised your eyebrows at him.

“I asked if you could help me studying for the test next week?” you repeated your question, brow slightly furrowed. “I can’t keep track of all these dragon traits and who would know them better than you?”

Charlie felt the heat creeping up on his face. Of course, the test. It was all he had been able to think about ever since Professor Kettleburn had announced the topic; all except you of course.

He tried to formulate a coherent answer that wouldn’t make him look like a blabbering fool in front of you, but the way the dappled sunlight that broke through the trees reflected in your hair distracted him more than he cared to admit.

So he resorted to a weak nod. “Uhm, sure, I’d love to. See you at six in the library?” he managed to stammer out eventually.

A beautiful smile formed on your face as you nodded in enthusiasm. “Sounds great, see you there!”

Charlie watched as you swished around and walked back to your friends, who greeted you with giggles and whispers as they glanced in his direction. You gave one of them a playful swat on the arm, before your clear laugh carried over to him onto the warm summer air and made his heart clench.

He knew all of his dragons by heart, of course he did; this test was the first he hadn’t bothered studying for at all. But now, he suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to prepare himself.

 *

The light of the sun had already started to turn into the beautiful golden shade that heralded the end of a warm autumn day as you skittered into the library. You were a little bit late for your study session with Charlie, and the exertion from running all the way from your Common Room flushed your cheeks slightly red. Your friends just hadn’t let you go, all of them just as excited for what they called ‘your dragon date’ as you were. Not that you’d ever tell them that.

You found Charlie sitting at a table near the windows and your breath caught for a moment as you took in the warm light that washed around his frame; it was making his ginger hair glow like fire, the only vibrant speck of colour in this dusty old room full of books.

He had his nose buried in a big, leather-bound tome, his eyes darting over the pages frantically; you noticed how the tip of his tongue stuck out between his lips in concentration. He was so immersed in his reading, that he only noticed you approaching as you sat down next to him. Jumping in shock at your sudden appearance, he almost knocked over his ink bottle, only catching it at the last second before its dark, inky content could wash over the thin pages of his book.

“Oh, you’re here already, I didn’t even notice you until now.” His freckled face had flushed a shade darker than usual as he put his ink bottle back into its position and made room for you on the table.

“I’d rather say I’m here finally,” you responded, feeling a little bit guilty at making Charlie wait. “But I see that you started without me.”

He hurriedly closed the book. “No, I was just reading up on some facts about Welsh Greens so I have them sharp in my mind,” he explained, “in case you have questions, you know?”

It was only now that your eyes took in the numerous heaps of books piled up on your table. “First question,” you said as you ran your fingers over the backs of the tomes stacked on top of each other. “I thought the test was about dragons native to Europe and not every single one in existence,” you pulled out a particularly old looking book containing myths and fables, “and beyond.”

You silently counted the numbers of books Charlie had amassed and your eyes went wide. “Charlie, these must be all the books about dragons in the whole library,” you laughed, giggling at the flustered expression of the boy beside you.

“Well, not all the books,” he clarified sheepishly. “There are quite a few in the Restricted Section and then there’s the two I have up in my dorm but forgot to bring and- “

You cut off his rambling by gently touching his arm; he shut up almost instantly, glancing nervously down to where your hand was lying. “It’s alright, it was just a joke.”

“Of course,” Charlie muttered slightly embarrassed. What was wrong with him?

He watched as you pulled your notes from your bag; they were rather sparse compared to the almost three scrolls of parchment he had scribbled down himself.

“Where do you want to start?”

You hummed to yourself as you considered your choices. A warm, fuzzy feeling spread inside Charlie’s chest as you drew your lips into a pensive pout and tapped your index finger against it.

Finally, a neat stack of white flashcards, that lay hidden behind a book on Sea Serpents, caught your attention. You reached over Charlie and pulled them towards you.

Your mouth dropped open as you flicked through them; on every one of the laminated cards was an extensive profile of every kind of dragon imaginable. The descriptions were written out in a neat, accurate hand that looked nothing like the careless scrawl you’d seen on Charlie’s class notes.

But what took your breath away were the detailed drawings below the text. They were done by pencil and although they didn’t move like magical pictures often did, they were so lively as if they only waited to pounce off the paper and take into the air.

Charlie watched you apprehensively as your fingers traced the outline of what appeared to be a Swedish Short-snout. He felt his heart beat faster at the soft, admiring look in your eyes as you turned towards him.

“Did you do these yourself?”

He nodded in response. “It’s hard to find decent descriptions all in one place,” he explained quietly. “I don’t know how accurate the sketches are though; I’ve never seen a dragon in real life.”

You flashed him a radiant smile that had his heart rate pick up considerably. “I don’t care if they’re realistic; they’re brilliant!”

Encouraged by your excitement, he took the flashcards out of your hands and fanned them out, their blank backs facing you. “Then I’d suggest we start with them; pick one!”

Running the fingers along the cards twice, you finally settled on one and drew it out of his grasp. Charlie’s freckled face lit up as he saw which one you had chosen.

“The Ukrainian Ironbelly,” he exclaimed, “my favourite!”

All of his former shyness was suddenly forgotten; this was his prime discipline.

“The Ironbelly is native to the Ukraine, as its name suggests, obviously. It’s considered the largest dragon species in existence with an immense wingspan, long talons and scales that are said to be harder to pierce than steel. It’s name stems from the metallic grey colour of his underside and ever since one particular large specimen carried off a whole sailing ship in the late 18th century, they are under strict observation by wizarding authorities.”

You did your best to jot down the information Charlie dumped on you with impressive speed but there was no way you could keep up with his excited ramblings. So you resorted to listening to him as he lectured you about feeding habits, hunting methods and the average temperature of the flames an Ironbelly could produce.

He sighed wistfully as he paused for breath. “They’re amazing.”

You couldn’t hide your smile at his dreamy expression as you picked out your next card from the stack. “Okay, how about this one?”

The dragon it showed had ridges running along its back, ending in a nasty, arrow-shaped spike at the tip of its tail. It barred its teeth at you in a vicious snarl.

“That’s my favourite, the Hebridean Black,” he repeated his words from before, positively bouncing with energy this time around.  

You glanced at the card you two had just worked your way through. “I thought the Ukrainian Ironbelly was your favourite?” you teased him.

Charlie’s bouncing stopped instantly as he blushed bright red; you hadn’t meant to bring him down and felt sorry all of a sudden. So you propped the card against one of the book piles and turned to him.

“So, tell me more about it.”

Relieved to be able to tread on secure ground again, Charlie immediately recounted all the facts about one of the two dragon breeds native to the British Isles to you.

You continued in this fashion; your pulled a random card from the stash and Charlie would tell you everything he knew about it. He grew more animated with every new flashcard; as it turned out, every dragon you talked about was his favourite.

Seeing him so caught up in his favourite subject had a warmth spread in your chest and the smile on your lips never vanished even once. You had given up on writing Charlie’s words down about four cards ago and were merely staring at him explaining to you everything about these fantastic beasts that made up all of his dreams and musings.

His excitement quickly spread to you and you found yourself hanging onto his every word. But the more you were listening to him, the more you found your concentration shift from the dragons you were discussing to the boy beside you.

Your head propped on your hand, you admired how recounting scale colours and preferred environments of Romanian Longhorns brought a twinkle to his blue eyes and how his contagious laugh had you chuckle at the idea that people would confuse a Hungarian Horntail with a Norwegian Ridgeback.

The dimples forming in his freckled cheeks as he smiled at you were the exact reason why you had needed help with studying for this test in the first place. When you had talked about dragons in class, the eager smile and the slight scrunch of his nose as he scribbled down every single word Professor Kettleburn had to spare had left you breathless and unable to concentrate on anything but the butterflies dancing in your stomach.

The pile of flash cards had dwindled down until only a few more were left. Your breath caught in your throat as you turned around your next pick; the pictured showed a slender dragon directly from the front. It’s wings were outstretched and it seemed to be staring directly at you out of wide, pupil-less eyes. It was the only drawing so far that was coloured.

Your finger traced the subtle colour gradient rippling over its pearly scales as Charlie looked over to see which one was next.

“The Antipodean Opaleye,” he murmured, taking in your fascinated expression, “it’s singularly coloured scales and eyes are the stuff of legends.”

“It’s beautiful,” you whispered, trying to imagine how the scales of a real life Opaleye might shimmer in the sunlight.

“Not as beautiful as you,” Charlie suddenly blurted out. The words had fallen from his lips before he’d even had a chance to stop them.

Both of you froze as what he had said sank into your consciousness. You couldn’t believe your ears and were half sure that your mind must have played a trick on you.

You carefully glanced over to Charlie out of the side of your eyes; he looked incredulous and you could watch the colour of his face turning from ghostly white to a deep, vivid scarlet that clashed with his ginger hair in a matter of seconds.

Feeling your own cheeks starting to blush at the unexpected compliment, you desperately were looking for something to say to take the shock out of his widened eyes. But your mind wasn’t working properly anymore, so all you managed was a meek “Wow, uhm, thank you Charlie, that’s really sweet.”

It was apparent your words didn’t help his flustered situation as he covered his face with his hands and groaned “I can’t believe I said that out loud; I’m such an idiot.”

You didn’t know what to do to help him; you felt utterly flattered and confused at the same time. You thought about putting your hand on his arm to reassure him what he had said actually made you happy, but paused halfway, not quite daring to touch him again.

Still unsure of what to do, you got up and picked up one of the books he had used to illustrate the facts on his flashcards.

“I’d better get going, I guess,” you stammered without looking at the wretched boy sitting at the table next to you, “thank you so much for helping me, I think I’ll manage the rest on my own. Can I borrow that book though?”

He didn’t raise his face from his hands, but nodded anyways. You felt bad for leaving him like that, but your head was spinning and you desperately needed to sort out your thoughts.

But seeing Charlie’s slumped frame sitting at the table, all the bubbly excitement from before completely drained from him, tugged at your heartstrings so hard it almost hurt. So instead of turning around and leaving, you drew a deep breath, gathered your courage and stepped behind him, placing a light kiss on his cheek.

You could feel his shoulders tense and his breath hitch as your hair tickled his jaw and were glad he couldn’t see the deep blush on your cheeks as you straightened up, picked up your bag and his book and hurried out of the library with a racing heart, too afraid to turn around once more.

*

Charlie and you hadn’t spoken again after what had happened in the library. It had taken him quite some time to be able to think properly again after you had left; he had just sat at his table, hand on his cheek where you had kissed him, staring into nothingness, the peachy smell of your hair still hanging in the air.

Even though the thought of how soft your lips had felt on your cheek had been the most prominent thing in his mind, he had passed his test with flying colours; some things just couldn’t be erased from his mind, no matter what was happening around him.

He had just returned to his dorm after a particularly tiring Quidditch practise when he saw it lying on his bed, propped up against his head bord; the book you had borrowed from him to finish studying on your own.

For a brief moment, he wondered how you had managed to get it up here, when he noticed something white sticking out of the pages. Curious, he picked up the book and flicked it open.

Even without looking, he knew what chapter it was you had marked with whatever you had put in there; he had read this book more times than he could remember. It was the chapter on the Antipodean Opaleye; he grimaced at the memory of when he had last thought about this particular dragon.

A white flashcard was stuck between the pages, its laminated surface flashing as Charlie turned it around to read it.

A big smile stole onto his face as he saw the photograph of you laughing and waving at him that you had stuck on the front side. His eyes swept over the lines written in your feminine hand and his smile grew even wider as he read the ‘special characteristics’ section:

It has to be remarked, that this particular specimen was able to pass her test with full marks.

He was glad to hear his blurted out compliment hadn’t affected your marks in the end. He sighed wistfully, when he noticed the very small, scribbled note at the very end of the card; it wasn’t as neatly written as the rest, almost as if your hands had shaken while writing it down.

Greatest weakness: While not many weaknesses are recorded of this specimen, it is said that it can be easily tamed by ginger-haired dragon trainers in the making. Whether these rumours are true, remains to be determined.

Charlie’s mouth dropped open as he read the last section over and over again, not daring to believe what he thought they said. But after the tenth time, he finally allowed the butterflies that  had been fluttering in his stomach to spread into the rest of his body, his smile growing into the widest grin as he tucked the flashcard carefully into the book again.

This time, he was sure; this one was his favourite.

  Tagging: @weasleysandwheezes

[the-girl-who-cried-wolf]

Only You - C.H.

5SOS Calum Hood fanfic

I don't even know where this idea come from, but it started when I was listening to SGFG, so there's a few lyrical references to Waste The Night and Vapour in this... apart from that and swerving for Cal, that's about all I have to say. Enjoy reading!

Background: a few drinks will always draw out confessions

Warnings: none (maybe slight angst? kinda fluff tho)

Word Count: 1.2k

The warmth of the alcohol you had drunk over the course of the night was thrumming through your veins, making you a little tipsy as you stood on the street outside the bar, waiting for a cab. You knew your friends would still be partying inside in the loud, neon lit warmth of the bar, but you were pretty much alone out here in the relative quiet of the city. The cold night air pushed around you, toying with your loose hair and leaving cool kisses over your skin.

“I should probably go.” Before I do anything stupid, you wanted to add.

You watched with blurry vision as Calum said nothing, a smile loosely hanging on his lips as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and stepped closer. The leather jacket was snug over his shoulders, cheeks flushed and hair a curly mess from a night of dancing and laughter.

“Or you could stay a while longer.”

He took another lazy step towards you and reached out a hand to brush a stray piece of hair out of your face, gently tucking it behind your ear. You watched in silence, unable to take your eyes off his lips. He was so close as you breathed in the scent that was so recognisably him; the foresty cologne, musky leather, the smoke and alcohol on his breath now. It was all so familiar, but you wanted more.

Being just friends with him was more than difficult. It was a physical strain to stop yourself from screaming when you saw him flirting with other girls, when he was smiling and laughing with girls that weren’t you. Worst of all, he knew it. You both knew exactly what you were doing to each other when you let your hands drift over someone else’s body, when you were too drunk to stop yourself from dancing with strangers. And the way he had been dancing with that girl in the club earlier… you hated how the smirk he gave you made you see nothing but blinding red, hated how much you longed to be the only one who got to dance with him, touch him, be near him.

You knew it wasn’t right, and you knew he wasn’t yours but god you wished he was. So you needed to leave, now, before you snapped completely and in your drunk, rather poor decision making state, did something you might regret later on. But now all that raging jealousy was slowly burning out, because he was standing here, and he was looking at you. Only you.

“I don’t wanna say goodbye,” he said softly.

You were breathless as you replied. “Me either.”

The city lights reflected in his eyes were gorgeous, you noted, thoughts drifting to wonder what it would be like to trace that perfect jawline, run your hands through his curly hair… maybe angels do exist. Your mind was foggy but electrified with these racing thoughts as his hand trailed down your bare arm, creating goose-bumps in its wake until his warm hand was holding yours. You weren’t sure you were breathing anymore. All that was left was the heartbeat throbbing in your ears.

“Stay.”

The space between the two of you was dangerously small, a bare sliver of the crisp night air, but it still wasn’t small enough. How easy to would be to lean in and close the gap between you, to touch his lips and feel the warmth of his skin against yours. You shook your head, trying to rid your mind these thoughts but the smell of him was surrounding you and pulling you in, intoxicating you faster than any drink could. You wanted more.

“Calum,” you were sure exactly what you were going to say next.

“Yeah?” The slight rasp in his voice sent shivers down your spine as you lightly placed a hand on his chest, finger tips tracing patterns over the collar of his shirt where his tattoo peaked through, soaking in his radiant warmth.

“I think… I love you,” the whisper fell from your lips and disappeared like fog into the cold air, almost lost in the buzz of the city around you. Your eyes were still watching the hand resting on his chest as you swayed a little and his hands shot out to grip your waist, making sure you weren’t going to fall.

Every touch was setting you alight, all sparks and warmth running thorough you. Finally, you dragged your eyes up to his face, your mind apparently completely fine now with confessing this well-kept secret straight to his pretty face. Too many drinks, you thought.

But he was smiling, and looking at you like nothing else mattered. The air you breathed in chilled your lungs, the city’s lights were still twinkling in his wide eyes and he was smiling at you. Time seemed to blur as you suddenly felt his lips on yours, kissing you and tugging your body towards him, your drunken dream soon turning into a reality as your hands ran through his dark hair, pulling him closer and closer till you couldn’t tell where he ended and you began.

It was heaven in his arms as you burned together in the city lights, nothing on your mind but Calum, Calum, Calum: the way his arms held you, the feeling of his taunt muscles under your roaming hands, the heart beat pounding from his chest. You could taste the burning alcohol on his tongue as he kissed you deeply, like he could drink the cosmos straight from your lips. And maybe, your hazy mind whispered, just maybe he could.

Then you pulled apart, a smile creeping onto his gorgeous lips as he looked at you, shadows dancing over his face. “Do have any idea how long I’ve wanted to do that?” he said, his voice low.

You shook your head and smiled, biting your lip a little. Everything was blurred out of focus, apart from Calum. He was in bright and burning colour, sharp focus contrasting the haze that surrounded him. Definitely too many drinks.

“Forever, maybe?” you replied. He just nodded, grinning now as you made a noise something like a giggle.

“How did you know?” he murmured teasingly as he leant down to nuzzle your neck, pressing lazy kisses up and along your jaw. You weren’t sure if he noticed the catch in your breathing or not, but your head was still spinning. At least his arms held you steady and close to his warmth.

“How did I know?” A pause. “Because I’ve wanted to kiss you forever,” you said simply. He pulled back to look at your flushed face, a slight smirk tugging up the corner of his mouth. Maybe the lights in his eyes are actually stars, you began to ponder.

“I’ve been falling in love with you for far too long now,” he said as he leant in again and captured your lips in another kiss that you never wanted to end. Even when the cab finally pulled up, Calum’s hand stayed in yours. You were never letting him go. He held you tight until your tired eyes closed, fingers intertwined with his and head resting on his shoulder as you began to fall asleep in the back of the gently swaying cab. You felt him place one last kiss on top of your head before you were lost to the world completely.

This is how it should be…

Thanks for reading!! Drop a comment if you want <33

[masterlist]

[funtimebunnyblog]

Pillarmen with a s/o who’s terrified of the dark 🥺? She always clings to them if they’re near if the lights suddenly go out. She only feels safe in the dark of her pillarman is there to protect her 🥺

I really like the irony of this request! 🤔😆 4 ancient Aztec Vampire Gods (who have dwelled in darkness their entire existence) with a Mate who doesn't like the dark! 😂😂😂

In other words, please remember my dear Anon that no fear or phobia is too silly 🙂❤ Thank you very much for this submission and please enjoy!

The Pillarmen with an s/o who's afraid of the dark! 😱

(Under the cut for length!)

Nyctophobia: The extreme or irrational fear of the night or darkness...

Kars:

• To him, fears of any and all kinds are meaningless.

• This was because Kars was powerful, of course; every inch of him brimmed with strength unmeasured.

• Why should he hold very basic and useless fears for anything when he was above any threat?

• You had mentioned off handedly one or two times that you didn't like the dark, it didn't go unnoticed by him that there usually wasn't a room in the house without a light of some sort on, but he never really paid any mind to it.

• He didn't realize just how serious your "dislike" ran until one night during a nasty storm when the power went off.

• When the lights suddenly went out and the house was encased in pitch black it didn't so much as bother him as he could see just fine in the darkness.

• This was just a minor inconvenience in his eyes. As for you on the other hand...

• Your scream pierced the air like a siren, puncturing his heart like a nail to a balloon even from all the way downstairs.

• The very sound made his hair stand on end and every primal instinct he had to protect you activated at once.

• "KARS!" You shrieked. "KARS HELP!!!"

• The Pillarman was out of his seat in a fraction of a second, kicking down the door of his study and flying down the stairs two at a time to reach you.

• You must've fallen. You must've hurt yourself. You must be bleeding. Dying. Thousands of logical things were running through his mind as to why you were screaming like that.

• He found you backed into the far corner of the livingroom, still screaming, your arms entangled around yourself as if to try and protect yourself from some unknown danger.

• "Y/N!" He cried, reaching you at last. The very second you felt him near you, your arms flew around him in a desperate and clinging embrace, your screams dying down to sobs.

• Kars held you in his arms, eyes frantically scanning your quivering body. "What is it? Where are you hurt? Did you--"

• He was cut off suddenly. "DARK!"

• The massive man stopped, blinking stupidly. "What?" "It's dark! It's too DARK! IT'S TOO DARK!!!" You cried, shaking your head frantically as you hugged him even tighter.

• You were desperately trying to worm your way deeper into his arms; as if trying to hide and disappear from the dark world around you completely.

• The Pillarman stared owl eyed down at you; you were screaming... just because it was dark?

• Kars opened his mouth, ready to scold you for startling him so terribly and making him think that you were in some sort of real danger when suddenly... it all truly dawned on him.

• You were scared of the dark. This was legit and real, tangible fear to you... and you turned to him because you were afraid enough to think you needed protection.

• Frowning, he carried you to the couch and sat down, cradling you in his arms and allowing you to cling to him as tightly as you wanted. The storm continued to crash and rumble in the distance; it was likely the power would not be back on until morning.

• He wasn't going to let you sit in the dark all by yourself; struck with terror and crying inconsolably like so until dawn.

• "Shhhh, it's alright, my little light." He whispered, smoothing his big palm over your back as you continued to cry. "Close your eyes and it won't be so dark and listen to my voice..."

• As you did so, he encouraged you to take deep breaths, waiting for you to calm down just a little before carrying out his next action.

• "Just listen to me, breathe... that's it. And again... don't focus on anything else, just the sound of my voice." His breath tickled your ear as he spoke softly, buried in the crook of his neck.

• You could feel him smile softly against your skin, "Now, I want you to imagine that you're outside, standing in the loveliest field you've ever seen. Rows upon rows of colourful flowers greet you under the warm, golden sun..."

• Kars talked quietly to you for a good long while, calming you down and taking you on a trip via your mind as he rubbed your back; distracting you completely from your fear.

• The darkness shrouded both of you until morning but you had long forgotten about it, Kars' soft voice had lulled you into a deep sleep.

• He made sure from then on to take extra precautions for your fears and you could always count on him to console you and help you if the dark ever came around.

• Even though he was above phobias, he wasn't above your needs.

Esidisi:

• Esidisi laughed in the face of fears; spiders, heights, closed spaces, you name it! Anything of the like were nothing in his eyes.

• He had gotten so used to not fearing anything standing in his path, he forgot the fact that other people did indeed have legit fears.

• That didn't help the fact that he liked to tease people for being afraid of something (mostly when they were afraid of him).

• Because of that, you never told him that you were afraid of the dark; you were afraid he'd laugh at you or worse, tell you to grow up.

• Esidisi ended up finding out about your fear first hand one night when the power unexpectedly went out due to a powerline being hit somewhere on your grid.

• You had been sitting on the couch next to Esidisi, watching T.V when all of a sudden the T.V clicked off, the fan stopped spinning, the low hum of the fridge fell silent; everything quickly went dark.

• Immediately, you froze up, hands flying to your mouth to stiffle the shriek that wanted to rip through you as nothing but an infinite wall of black hit your vision.

• You tried to hold your composure, inevitably crumbling in the face of your worst fear. Terror squeezed your heart and lungs painfully, your head spun, the only thing keeping you grounded was a little voice in your head screaming "Don't panic!"

• Esidisi frowned, looking around the dark room. "Hmm, and I was enjoying that show too..." he groaned quietly, turning his gaze to you.

• He could see you clear as day where you sat, paralyzed, and a chuckle passed his lips; he thought you were just in shock from the sudden outage.

• "Oh, what's the matter, dear? Don't tell me you're scared now!" He laughed, prodding you in the side with a finger.

• His laughter fell silent when you didn't respond and he suddenly took notice of the fact that you were shaking, your hands gripping the couch like a vice, your breaths were starting to come quickly and audibly.

• That look on your face hit him square in the gut, he could now see the tears trickling down your cheeks... Oh... OH!

• The moment it dawned on him, he felt absolutely terrible. Why didn't he see this sooner?!

• Your could hear him rustling around in the dark (at least you prayed that it was Esidisi fumbling around) but couldn't see him of course.

• You let out a yelp in surprise when two hands suddenly grabbed you by the hips and you were picked up, dropped into a familiar and warm lap.

• Light. A single golden and red flame of a candle licking at the air hit your eyes blindingly from where it stood on the coffee table, captivating you in mere seconds with its brightness. Another lit. Then another. And another!

• Before you was an entire table of lit candles, casting the once endlessly dark livingroom in a soft warm glow. Surprised, you turned your eyes back to meet the loving smile of Esidisi, his olive skin ruddy in the candlelight.

• "There. Not so dark now, is it?" He asked, only hugging you closer. The warmth of his embrace was soothing, the light and the safety of his arms ebbing your fears just a little.

• He chuckled as you breathed out an audible sigh of relief, he could feel the tension drain from your body as you sank deeper into his hold.

• "You know, it's actually a very good meditative practice to sit and focus on the light of a candle." He murmured, a massive and heated hand wrapping around yours. "It stimulates the mind and helps soothe too. Perhaps we can try it for a bit, since there's nothing on Television..."

• Rest assured; Esidisi would never laugh at your fears. No matter what they were or how childish they seemed.

• As long as you had him around, he would act as your beacon in the darkness.

Wamuu:

• Like many people, Wamuu outgrew his fears.

• As a Pillarchild he was afraid of a few things but as he grew under his Masters tutelage and weaned to be a Fighter, he learned to face those fears and use them to harden himself into a Warrior.

• Now as a fully grown Pillarman, Wammu didn't hold fear for anything; fears would only give an opponent an advantage and any he had only drove him to cast them aside when they happened to arouse.

• He once told you about the many fears he overcame (you had asked him what he was like when he was small) and he questioned if you had done the same.

• You were quite the opposite. Hesitantly, you told him you still held quite a fear for the dark. You never conquered it.

• This surprised Wamuu but he didn't look down on you for it and he surprised you in turn when he asked if you wanted some help in learning to try and overcome your phobia.

• You accepted his offer and he began to "train" you gradually.

• He'd start by turning off "unnecessary" lights; like simple nightlights you'd keep on in hallways or lights not being used in another room. Then He'd move into having the room partially dark or having the hall dark with the bedroom door open while you slept.

• He never once pushed you and never went too far by putting you in complete dark.

• However, one night, an unexpected power outage hit the town. Immediately, you found yourself practically jumping into your Mates arms as the entire house was encased in darkness.

• "Breathe, my beloved." The Pillarman told you, a hand rubbing over your head. He let you grab onto him all you wanted watching over you in the dark. "Remember all our training together, the dark cannot hurt you. The dark is nothing, it does not wield weapons and it cannot strike..."

• You'd try. You'd try with all your might. Breathing so hard your lungs burned, trying to focus but failing and feeling yourself slowly becoming more consumed by your fear.

• However, this was an improvement. Had Wamuu not spent so much time "training" you, you would be absolutely screaming your head off right now.

• Tears prickled in your eyes. Your ears hypersensitive to every sound around you, almost jumping in your seat every time a floor creaked or the wind outside brushed against the house.

• It was slowly becoming too much to handle with every passing second. It was just too much! It was just too dark!

• Wamuu smiled softly, only holding you closer to him and allowing you to bury yourself in his neck; if it meant you felt safe, he would let you do so all you wanted.

• The Warrior put himself back to when he was a Child, remembering how he had clung to his Masters when struck with fear...

• He felt terrible you were still living and feeling such real fear to this day.

• Quietly, Wamuu began to hum an old lullaby. The vibrations of his wide and hard chest sent shivers through your whole body, like you were sitting in a massage chair at the Mall.

• His voice was deep and rich, the tune and the power of its tone distracting you of the fact you were sitting in complete darkness and keeping you grounded.

• Music had always helped him when he was scared and his Masters had always been excellent singers. It would seem he had the power to bestow the same effect on you.

• He sat there, holding you close and humming until you stopped shivering; he helped you only focus on him and not the darkness shrowding you.

• "Even though you cannot see, I can." He murmured, watching as you struggled to keep awake any longer; eyes falling open and closed helplessly.

• "I will keep watch and protect you in the dark." Those words were what sent you off to sleep in his arms. "I will always keep you safe, my little Warrior, until you feel ready to fight for youself."

• Wamuu could only hope he'll be a good enough teacher to help you until one day, you weren't afraid anymore.

Santana:

• Very similar to Wamuu, Santana had fears of his own as a small child.

• He wasn't as brave as Wamuu when it came down to facing them, more often he would learn to find ways to distract himself from his fears rather than find ways to overcome them.

• To this day, Santana feared very little but he never really showed that fear in him to onlookers.

• After getting a strange letter in the mail, Santana wouldcome to learn that you didn't hide your fears as well as he.

• He didn't know what a "planned outage" was but he simply deemed the notice "junk mail" (as you called it) and disposed of it.

• One day later, at around 8:30pm, the power shut off.

• "S-Santana!" You cried, eyes darting around helplessly in the darkness where you stood in the middle of the livingroom, knees quaking and too afraid to move a muscle. "Santana, wh-where are you?!"

• His head poked into the room, eyes falling on you with immediate confusion.

• "Help!" You were practically choking on your words now, the Pillarman stared in shock as you started to bawl. "Please, please help! It's dark! It's too dark!"

• His nostrils flared, he could practically smell the fear off you now as he watched you cower before him in the darkness. It was all too familiar to him.

• Without another thought he dashed back into the kitchen, the sounds of him fumbling around in the drawers hit your ears and only added to your ongoing anxiety.

• "San-Santana?!" You whimpered, thoughts of an intruder or unseen danger running rapidly through your head as the footsteps came back.

• Click! You were blinded by a bright blast of light, squinting and holding a hand against the powerful beam directed onto you. Santana stood before you with a flashlight in hand; the biggest and brightest one in the house.

• You breathed a sigh of utter relief, your throat stinging painfully from the gut wrenching and primal shot of fear you had just undergone, as you reached to take the flashlight.

• Santana, however, had other plans.

• In a split second, you were pushed down into the armchair and the flashlight dropped into your lap; its beam shinning onto the wall across the room.

• "What-- What are--?" The words died on your tongue as a shadow suddenly appeared in the beam. The shape of a dog.

• "Woof." Santana's voice was as deep and deadpan as always as he moved his fingers, making the dog "bark" for you. The antics only stunned and confused you for a solid moment before his hands shifted to cast the shape of a duck. "Quack."

• Shadow puppets? A little giggle rose up inside of you as you kept watching, suddenly utterly captivated and very entertained.

• Santana wasn't the best at putting sounds to the shapes he cast but he was most excellent at using his hands to make very convincing silhouettes.

• In fact; he made you laugh so hard at one point by trying to convincingly "Meow" you were rocking in the chair!

• When the lights came back on suddenly, you blinked in absolute shock. A whole hour had passed and you had completely forgotten about the fact that you had been sitting in the dark the whole time!

• Santana smiled softly as you looked at him, gobsmacked. "How-- Why did--" You couldn't even form the words. "I am afraid of heights." His voice cut you off, the words spoken only stunning you further into silence.

• His eyes cast to the floor, "I am afraid of falling." He continued. "When I am somewhere up high, I try to focus on the sky or the birds or the stars rather than down below. When I am distracted, I am not afraid."

• You could only blink at this revelation. Santana just confided that he had fears of his own and he had spent the past hour making sure to distract you from yours.

• Next time, when the power went out or when you were sitting somewhere way up high, the both of you were well prepared to distract one another and laugh the time away until it was over...