#alkaid x reader

[gimme-noodles-please]

For All Time/Lovebrush Chronicles NSFW headcannons

characters x afab! reader

—— characters; Aiyin/Ayn, Luchen/Alkaid, Luoxia/Lars, Silan/Clarence, Yexuan/Cael

tbh i have no idea how to write nsfw but lets gooooo

minors dni, keep your innocent eyes away

Aiyin/Ayn

he does not particularly have a high sex drive but he DEFINITELY has a lot of stamina

you know what they say about pianists? it is a fact that he is extremely good with his fingers; one of his favourite parts of his body because of how easily you fall apart from just one flick against your sweet spot. within seconds you are already whining on his fingers, begging him to fuck you

“oh? did you just cum on my fingers alone? hmm, perhaps let’s test out to see how many more orgasms you can give just from that alone~”

often times it would start off with an innocent kiss, which escalates to a passionate makeout and before you know it, you’re already tossed onto the bed with him hovering over you

Ayn is the type to praise and degrade you, but his degrading is never too harsh because he sees you as his treasure and would never want to do anything to harm you

which brings me to my next point of how he would never hit you during intercourse unless you ask him when he is in an experimental mood. he might agree to try it out but he would never take it too far

unless you are being a brat, he would not restrain himself from punishing you, either by edging or overstimulation because Ayn definitely is into both of them

Ayn is known to be protective most of the time and would easily get jealous. whenever you accompany him to lavish parties he has to go for the sake of his career, he would bring you along as his partner. but once he notices anyone settling their eyes on you for far too long, he is going to pull you into an empty room and- (im sure you guys know where it’s going)

“keep quiet, my dearest, you wouldn’t want others to hear how you are moaning like a whore on my cock, would you? you’re doing so well taking all of me, darling~”

despite telling you to keep quiet, he would purposely angle his hips to hit against your g-spot continuously, causing you to struggle with keeping your volume down. truth to be told, he does that just so whatever unfortunate soul lingering nearby would know you belong to him <3

most of the time it is the passionate lovemaking, he would go hard and fast, enjoying how you would whine and squirm under him in pleasure while he press heated kisses on your neck, cooing on what a good girl you are as he pounds you into the mattress

if you can’t tell, he has a bit of a thing for exhibitionism, whatever it’s called. but don’t worry, you two would never get caught because he would tell his bodyguards to make sure no one disturbs the both of you

^^ he likes quickies and is often teasing you to make you aroused. there was once where you visited him backstage to encourage him for his performance. “i don’t need any sort of encouragement.” he would say, and smirk at you. “unless you are offering that sort of encouragement?~”

- DOM DOM DOM. he’d bottom for you if you want to, but the moment you falter he’s taking over

- the first time you cry from how good it feels, he panics until you tell him it’s because you were feeling good, he would then aim to make you cry everytime you both are at it

Luchen/Alkaid

soft dom!!!

Alkaid is quite vanilla but if you want to experiment with something new, he wouldn’t be opposed to it as long as it is not too extreme

He is an attentive lover and will take note of what you like and where all your sensitive spots are

He is soft and gentle with you however if you wish to, he would love to do it rough. you just have to ask nicely <3

He can be a bit teasing in bed at times and would prefer edging than overstimulation. However the moment you pout and whine at him, he is already ready to stop and indulge in all of your desires

“You’re feeling good? Where? Here?” He would ask with an innocent tone as he would purposely avoid thrusting into your sweet spot, causing you to whine and pout at him as he chuckles, leaning forward to wrap you in his arms as he bottoms out inside of you. “You’re so adorable, I can never resist you.”

He would not want to cause you pain however he might try out with bondage and perhaps simple toys like the vibrator to use on you to make it more exciting

He loves to praise you! He would never degrade you in bed, even if he did, the way his honey-like voice whispers into your ear would make you believe he isn’t actually degrading you

Definitely loves to dirty talk to you in bed, murmuring against your neck about how good you feel and what a good girl you are for him while you lie under him moaning at every deep thrust he delivers, expertly aiming for your sweet spot

“Are you going to cum, darling? Come on, let go for me, my angel. Such a good girl for me~”

Unfortunately because you both have cats, it could be a little hard to find some alone time in bed but don’t worry! Alkaid makes it up to you by spoiling you with as many hugs and kisses as you’d like!

Surprisingly (or not so surprisingly) he is quite good with his tongue, there was once where he made you climaxed with his tongue alone for 3 times in a row without stopping, ignoring your cries in overstimulation. Alkaid would look at you sympathetically and gently rub your thighs as an apology. “I’m sorry dear, but you taste so good. Just cum one more time for me, okay?” He would say softly with a slight smile to comfort you before eating you out as if you were his last meal

Luoxia/Lars

Lars has the highest drive amongst all of the boys

He and Ayn have a lot of stamina, the most out of the others

If you are dating him, get ready to have a lot of quickies. Man is a CEO and is often times busy and so do not have time to give you the passionate lovemaking he wishes to give

You both would be doing it mostly at home or in his office

There were many times where, as a good girlfriend you are, brought him bento lunch to his office in case he forgot to eat. He’s happy to see you <3 and would ask you to feed him. It would somehow escalate to you sucking him under his desk while he works or even to fucking you over the desk, telling you to keep quiet

Which brings me to my next point that he gets turned on by the thought of getting caught. Of course he would never allow that to happen, after all your cute lovedrunk expression is reserved for his eyes and only his

“Princess, you don’t want to get caught, do you? Then i would suggest that you keep your volume down as i fuck you, alright?”

Lars definitely has a thing for breeding. He values familial bonds a lot and it wont be surprising when he talks about how much he wants to start a family with you. Often he would ask if he could cum inside of you, which you would agree to most of the times especially during quickies so you both won’t make a mess. Unfortunately the sight of seeing your combined fluids leaking out of your used hole is enough to get him hard again and end up going for 2 or more rounds

Another tease in bed. As much as he likes to see how needy you are for him, as a gentleman, he is more than happy to fulfil all of your desires. He would often tease you by changing his pace, at one time he would go fast and rough and purposely slow down once you’re at your climax, or when you tell him to slow down, he would purposely fasten his pace

He praises you a lot. Often calls you nicknames like princess, darling

Dom! It is a bit of a challenge to make him be submissive for you but he would allow you to be the one on top if you’d like to. When he notices your pace faltering as you ride him, he would smirk at you as his fingers caresses your hips. “Oh? Is my baby tired already? That’s a pity, I was just about to fill you up with my seed. You want that, don’t you?” His words would either make you eagerly start bouncing on him again or whine as you roll your hips against his, depending on how much energy you have left. He would then hold your hips in place so you won’t squirm as he thrusts upwards in an unrelenting pace, making you gasp in pleasure

Given that he is more mature, he definitely has experience in bed, however he is not the playboy you might think he is. He wants to treat you right and make sure you feel loved.

Have you seen how tall he is? 189cm. He definitely has a size kink. He loves how he towers over you or how in bed his body could easily envelope your smaller stature in a mating press as he is pounding you into the bed while you could only helplessly moan and whine under him

“My good girl can take all of me, right? That’s it. You feel so tight around me~”

Silan/Clarence

Clarence is super duper romantic and he would do anything just to make you feel good <3

Vanilla 100%

If you want to try something kinkier, he would agree but nothing that will cause you pain.

Most often times he will go deep and slow, causing you softly whine his name in pleasure as he murmurs praises into your ear

To be honest, the only experience he has is from books. He is more of the innocent type and was unsure of what to do during his first time with you. Sure, he has read some erotic writings before but he has never been with anyone this intimate before

He will always ask for your consent before proceeding. He just wants to make sure you’re comfortable!

“Ngh~ I-Is this position okay? It’s not too uncomfortable, is it? Good? Alright, I just wanted to make sure, darling”

He secretly likes doing it in front of mirrors or in a position where he can see your face (missionary is a go-to) so that he could watch your every expression to make sure he is doing well. Partly also because he likes to see how good you feel, it riles him up more and would thrust into you harshly all of a sudden which makes you gasp.

Switch vibessss. As mentioned before, he is willing to try anything with you. He does not really care about who is the more dominant one. Even if that means he is bottoming to you, he is chill with it. However everytime you insist on paying attention to him, pulling orgasms again and again from him while having just one or two yourself, he will insist on returning the favour

“P-please, wanna make you feel good too, my love. Wanna make you feel at least a hundred times better~”

He is not particularly very needy, most of the time it would be initiated by you or during a significant event, like your birthday

He spoils you a lot in bed if you can’t tell. He gives in to every single plea and does his best to make you feel good

Yexuan/Cael

Even though Cael has been alive for a super long time, he actually has no idea how to go about this, after all these feelings for you are pretty foreign to him and he is still learning about how to love you better. Often times you might catch him reading some romance novels just so he can learn how to treat you like a lover

In conclusion, you are his first

He is has the least sex drive, being alive for so long and not having a partner with him already says a lot. He can survive without it, but after meeting you, he craves for physical affection a little more.

He. Definitely. Holds. Hands. During. Sex.

He is innocent when it comes to the bedroom, his actions might come across as awkward as he had researched about it in advance but this whole situation is unfamiliar to him. However he is very attentive, memorising every sensitive spot of yours

Switch! He does not mind topping or bottoming. However I feel he is more of a service top. Like Clarence, he just wants to make you feel good <3

He would constantly ask if what he was doing is okay and also asks for consent, he just wants you to be comfortable and does not want to hurt you at all. Though sometimes his timing when asking them seem to be on purpose…

As he is thrusting into you at a fast pace (at your request), his tip hitting your sweet spot at that one angle every single time, he leans in to your ear, his hands finding yours to intertwined your fingers together. “Haah~ d-does this feel good? Do you- want to go faster?” Breathing into your ear while you moan loudly in response, making him chuckle, “I take it as a yes”

——————————-

im sorry that clarence and cael is kinda short 😭 idk how to write for them

[chalkscene]

lovebrush chronicles ⇢ “I CAN HOLD THE WORLD IN MY HANDS”

how they react to you saying you can hold the world in your hands then gently cupping their face

ft. ayn alwyn, alkaid mcgrath, lars rorschach & clarence clayden

note: reader’s cat’s name in alkaid’s drabble is set to beans which i named my mc’s cat because i forgot what the default name was djsjdjsja

just as you expected, you find AYN in the music room, practicing his piece for an upcoming school program. careful not to make any noise, you tread lightly to where he’s sat, slowly sliding into the already little space next to him on the piano bench. without pausing his hands above the keys, ayn scoots over to give you more room. soon he’s playing the last key of the composition and the moment the sound fades into silence, he lets out a frustrated sigh and runs his fingers through his hair. unable to find the right words that would seem helpful, you simply lift a hand to brush his locks, straightening a few flyaways and fixing his bangs before you cradle his face in your palms in comfort. for a moment, you wordlessly stare at ayn, taking in his stunning visage, and he doesn’t miss the abrupt quiet. “what is it?” he asks to which you answer playfully, “nothing. just holding the world in my hands.” the smallest of smiles adorns ayn’s features in an instant but not without a subtle eye roll. still, his crimson eyes turn into rubies as a gleam of affection flickers in his gaze. “you’re distracting me,” he replies in jest. you let go of him as you jokingly put your hands up in mock surrender, “please don’t call your bodyguards on me.” that coaxes a chuckle out of ayn, “tempting.” soon, you feel his arm snake around your waist as he pulls you closer and when you don’t inch away from him, he resumes his practice.

you and ALKAID are sat side by side on the couch as you watch beans and sparkles roughhousing in the middle of your living room. you don’t notice how much time has passed but it feels like the silence has gone for too long when you speak. “you’re an astronomy major,” you tell alkaid. “yes,” he confirms earnestly as if the information wasn’t already glaringly obvious. “can you hold the world in your hands?” you ask him quizzically. alkaid is clearly caught off guard by your odd question so without waiting for a response you know you’re not getting, you raise your hands and gently cup his cheeks, “i can.” alkaid gives you no response and you begin to think he’s put off by the cheesy gesture until a smile stretches across his face and he finally speaks. “so you’re saying i’m about…” he pauses briefly as he tries to recall a fact, “12,756 kilometers big.” there’s a hint of amusement in alkaid’s expression as he relays the information to you but you only knit your eyebrows in confusion so he continues with a sheepish grin, “that’s the size of the earth.” “of course.” you can’t help but roll your eyes at his sense of humor but you also find it incredibly endearing that you don’t bother to stifle the giggle that bubbles past your lips. alkaid laughs at your reaction, “what?” “only an astronomy major would say that.”

LARS invited you to spend the day with him at work—“i’m feeling lonely,” he said over the phone, the pout on his voice very audible on your end of the line that you couldn’t bring yourself to deny him. so here you both are, tangled up in each other’s embrace since the moment lars joined you on the couch in his office sometime during the afternoon. under the orange rays of the sunset passing through the glass walls of the room, his blue eyes shine more brightly than they already do and his blonde hair have turned golden. he looks ethereal like this. “something on my face?” his voice snaps you out of your reverie, smugness painted all over his visage. you realize he can tell you’ve been staring. earlier in the relationship, it would’ve flustered the hell out of you but now you simply mirror the expression on his face as you gently hold it in your palms and you’re immediately filled with pride when his breath hitches at your affection. “nothing,” you say with faux indifference, “just checking if i can hold the world in my hands.” lars’ ever so familiar cockiness dissolves from his features, instantly replaced by a loving look in his eyes, “well?” “i guess i can,” you murmur. the deep rumble of lars’ chuckle soon hits your ears then he’s pulling you close as a teasing smirk stretches across his face once more, “you are so in love with me.” and you don’t deny it. you lean further onto his chest as he tightens his hold on your body. against your cheek, you feel his heart pick up the pace and that tells you enough—lars rorschach is undoubtedly just as in love with you.

“knock knock,” you say as you poke your head through the door to the student council’s office and CLARENCE immediately turns to the sound of your voice. “hi,” you add with a grin that clarence returns—or tries to return rather. despite the softening of his gaze and the air of authority around him vanishing, it’s easy to notice the stress that has dampened his spirits. “hey,” he replies anyway. he invites you to join him at his desk and you gladly do, although carefully perching on the edge of the table. “everything okay, mr. president?” clarence huffs out a chuckle at the nickname before releasing an exasperated sigh. “what’s up?” you ask again and clarence answers this time. as an insignificant member of the student body, you only understand half of his student council worries—one of them being this year’s stellaris cup not having enough participants. “what if i join?” you suggest and clarence can immediately sense the halfheartedness in your tone. “you’d do that?” he asks dubiously, the corner of his lips now quirked up as he prepares to call you out on your bullshit. maybe you are just attempting to cheer him up but it’s the thought that counts. “i would,” you retort as you get on your feet with theatrical confidence, “for my first trick, i will hold the world in my hands.” clarence raises an eyebrow but he doesn’t interrupt so you walk around his desk until you’re standing in front of him. when your hands softly land on his face, he’s quick to understand what you mean and in your grip, he shakes his head in amusement but a subtle blush now dusts his cheeks. “that’s a winning talent if you ask me,” you jest. that earns you a laugh from clarence as he jokingly agrees, “it is.” in the same instance, you feel him lean further into your touch, closing his eyes as he basks in it then he sighs in pleasure.

[godheimm]

[gepazu]

it’s sweet how alkaid kisses you.

a hand on your hip, the other cupping your cheek as your hands run this tangled tresses — his lips coming in shallow returns and echoing breaths when he pulls away every few seconds or so.

every time he shows you affection, you feel like it’s a first for the both of you — no matter how many times you’ve experienced it alongside him.

the air around you two is sensual, his touch nothing less than tender — words within his grasp, yet also lost in the way your tongue pulls him back.

it’s savory how clarence kisses you.

it’s just right — the amount of risqué and softness on his hollowed cheeks forever bygone with your breath and his love.

his arms wrapped around your waist, lips always wandering down to the corner of yours in an attempt to (poorly) save your sullied cosmetics and taste the strawberry flavor — your arms rest on his shoulders, hands brushing his nape; ready to pull him in further if he pulls away more than an inch from you for air.

you feel worshipped with the way he treats you — hidden in the empty backdrops of a closed staged, yet revered to no end on a a box of props for the next myths and legends play.

it’s spicy how ayn kisses you.

he’s hungry — teeth catching on your bottom lip when you back away, reeling you in with a silent plea that dares not to go past a whine.

your back is arched against and further from the wall, his palms heavy on yours and fingers twined messily with yours. glassy black locks cage you in, lashes tickling your eyelids that are tight shut; air thick with melody that only the man pressed against you can coax out your throat.

a kiss, as heavy as his promises to you come undone and drip with an almost borderline eroticism that leaves you dirtied with want and cleaned with any memory other than his touch beforehand.

✩ love notes — i pulled this outta my ass sorry for the shit quality y’all 😭🙏🙏

✩ lovebrush chronicles taglist — @nordicbananas, @lovebrushed, @alexisomnias, @xyoonx, @tsukishiro-yue2402 <3 send in an ask if you want to be added !!

©️ GEPAZU 2023.

[idyllcy]

for all time/lovebrush chronicles boys as cliché tropes

word count: 645

summary: lovebrush boys as cliche tropes !

Ai Yin / Ayn - Competitors - Whaaat? Why not Clarence ?? HEAR ME OUT.

You're a musician. You're like the musician ever— probably a pianist just to piss him off. The two of you always tie first for piano competitions. There's no argument. If he's there, you're there. If he's first, you're first. The two of you are both prodigy pianists and there's no room for argument. Thus arises the issue. Your name is always followed by his— or his name is always followed by yours. You guys hate it. Or so you say. Because when you're missing from a competition for the first time in years, he's very much confused as to where you are, and it almost feels empty without you. Wha— what did he just say? That was definitely not him.

Lu Chen / Alkaid - Deskmates - oh that's so cliché (I know)

The two of you are paired up as deskmates for the year. It's a little awkward at first until you get used to him, and then it just breaks into everyone else eating dog food (third-wheeling). He brings you breakfast because you skip eating it, and you fix his tie when it's crooked... he always picks calls for you when he needs an extra hand, you always drop everything you have to help him... you two are practically dating. Which raises the question. are you dating? Or is Alkaid just taking care of you because he thinks you're forgetful and clumsy? The love letter slipped into your desk seems to say otherwise, though.

Luo Xia / Lars - Arranged Marriage - I didn't think this could get more cliché

You get arranged into a marriage with him for one reason— your family's going bankrupt, so they have to sell their only child to the Luos because like. Idk that's a cliché, it's a trope, IT'S HAPPENING TO YOU. PERIOD. At first you're like terrified and he's super scary and cold and lowkey kind of rude, but he still kind of cares since when you first move in, he has the servants move all of your stuff, and yu almost feel like you're home. He's just not very vocal about liking you though; so when your family's business breaks out of bankruptcy and you're told you can divorce him if you want, and then he's like "no please don't take my spouse from me ☹️" and then next thing you know you're being pampered to the moon and back. (You end up staying with him.)

Si Lan / Clarence - Love at First Sight - HEAR ME OUT ON THIS.

You're an unassuming new student at school, completely unbothered. You do not know he's the student council president. You're just at the nurse's office because your mom's the nurse or smth. Then, he's admitted into the office because he overworked himself on accident, and you're like "errrr I'll help. sure" And what does he see upon first waking up? You. The sun behind your head gives you a halo, and you look angelic. He thinks he's hallucinating. "God, did I die?" "Erm... not quite!" Then you nurse him back to health, and he's having a moment (he can't forget you) but dw you eventually end up together 👍

Ye Xuan / Cael - Brother's Best Friend - you did not (oh yes I did)

Cael, your brother's calm best friend who seems to have no interest in dating anyone at all. Cael, your brother's best friend who's been there for you as long as you can remember. Cael, your brother's best friend who helps you through college hell, voice calm and soothing as you cry about the homework. Cael, your brother's best friend who never lets himself slip when you're around (regardless of how bad he actually likes you) Cael, your brother's best friend who tries his best to resist you when you're on top of him, breath heavy with alcohol and almost drunk. Cael, your brother's best friend who doesn't fight it when you pull him in for a kiss at the door when he comes to check up on you the next day. and Cael, who can't say no to you when you spill out your feelings for him on paper, spilling out his own when you meet up with him.

[serendiquity]

Because I love you - Lovebrush Chronicles

Valentine's Day/Rose Day headcanons for the lbc boys

Clarence

"We would be together and have our books and at night be warm in bed together with the windows open and the stars bright." - Ernest Hemingway.

Detailed and meticulous, Clarence’s nature is reflected in the blue roses he gives you. He doesn’t hand them to you outright, instead tucking them in books he lends you and leaving them in places he knows you often frequent. He presses some into bookmarks to preserve for longer, hoping that perhaps you’ll grow curious enough to search up their meaning on your own.

Clarence makes sure to dye each rose in different shades, each bloom boasting beautiful petals and, if you look closely enough, the hints of dyed-blue water still lingering in the stem. 

It’s a pleasant surprise, and soon you find yourself dyeing roses to give back in exchange. Upon starting, however, you realize that you’ve greatly underestimated the difficulty of what originally seemed like a simple task. Apart from finding the perfect roses to use, the dye needs constant refreshing and your petals keep wilting before you manage to finish. 

Clarence realizes your intentions when he sees you fiddling with one of your failed attempts, the blue dye barely even reaching past the stem. His eyes widen before he smiles, eyes soft. “Here, I’ll teach you.” 

Just like that, your weekly study sessions take on an added aspect, and Clarence patiently takes the time to help with your new interest. Within a few days, you’re eager to present him with the results of your hard work, handing him a bouquet of sky blue roses. “They ended up being a bit lighter than I wanted, but I hope you like them!”

Alkaid

“True love is like little roses, sweet, fragrant in small doses.” - Ana Claudia Antunes

Alkaid is fond of white roses, and he believes their meaning encompasses you quite well: innocent, loyal, and kind, but with the thorns to protect yourself if necessary. He thinks that happiness tastes sweetest when shared and savored slowly, and so he hopes that the roses he gifts you each day can brighten your life, just like what you do for him. 

He gives you twelve roses in the days leading up to the confession, a single white blossom every day. Each, he makes sure to present in a different way. The first he hands you outright, summer sunlight shining gently down as witness. The second he makes into a pale floral tea, petals drifting and bubbles rising like tiny stars. He sees you hesitate for a moment, looking down at the cup he handed you with undecipherable emotions, before drinking the contents enthusiastically. “It’s good,” you say, and he lets out a quiet sigh of relief, breaking into a small smile. 

Throughout the next few days, he finds a multitude of ways to express his love, from pressed flowers to light flirting to your intertwined hands. Every time, he waits, watching for the slightest sign of disappointment or approval from you. When you beam and thank him, his heart lifts, and he feels a bit more confident. 

The last rose, given on the twelfth day, he tucks into your hair, thorns carefully clipped away. He leads you to a picnic he prepared, a spread of your favorite foods and treats already laid out. He watches as you enjoy yourself, blissfully oblivious to his budding feelings. For a moment, he considers reaching out to clasp your hands in his own, then blurting out the words that have been haunting him for so long. He shakes the thought away. 

… It’s alright even if you don’t realize. After all, love is best given and received in small doses, and he has plenty of time and love to give. 

Lars

“And then there were our sweet stolen moments in the midst of our work – just a word, or caress, or flash of love-light; and our moments were sweeter for being stolen.” - Jack London

To Lars, Valentines’ day is a rare chance to take a break from work and see you. Passionate and flamboyant, Lars wants to express his love in any way possible, and celebrating the holiday together is the perfect way to do it. 

He texts you early in the morning to make sure you’re free, hoping you can go with him for a surprise date. Call him classic, but he shows up at your house with a bouquet of red roses and baby’s breath, stealing your own breath away in exchange. He grins boyishly and tugs you outside, whisking you away to visit a cafe you had mentioned liking a few weeks back, going shopping together, and even arranging a candlelit dinner. Even if it’s cheesy, he boldly serenades you with love songs he prepared, and watching you laugh freely makes it all worth it.

If it weren’t for his responsibilities, he’d spend the whole week with you if he could, indulging you in whatever you wanted to do. But he can’t do that, so he settles for making today the best day he can instead. 

At the end of the day, he escorts you back home, dropping you off at the door with a dramatic bow and flourish. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees your eyes sparkle with an idea. “Come here,” you say, beckoning him closer. “Today was a lot of fun.” 

You push yourself onto your tiptoes, left arm on his shoulder for balance. Before he realizes what’s happening, your lips are pressed to his cheek, leaving a crimson lipstick mark as red as the roses he gave you before. You pull away and grin at him, turning to head inside. He stands there for a long moment afterwards, hand to his face.

Though he had intended for it to be the other way around, he thinks that today has made him fall even deeper in love with you. And if you don’t realize the depths of his feelings, then he’ll simply have to repeat himself again and again until you do. 

[yoonrambles]

Reunion of Two Friends

Eden!Alkaid x Reader.

Notes: angst, one-sided pining, kinda sappy by the end, someone pls give eden Alkaid a hug pleASE.

Word count: 2.3k !

Thank you, @41lobsters and @crystalroosevelt for beta reading <3 ily guys.

Taglist: @food-lover9000 @godheimm @lovebrushed @xcerizex @nehamerchant123

The renewed city of Eden bustled with life; new shops met their grand openings, new towers and buildings reached the sky, and the sweet smell of flowers and fresh vegetation wafted in the air. Citizens got up at the crack of dawn, finishing their daily necessities and rushing off to work by the time the sun reached its peak. Just like them all, Alkaid went out to work. After his friend, the painter across the stars, blessed him with a new world – he pledged to never let his people down; to never let her down.

Alkaid took the responsibility to be the architectural engineer of the city. He spent most of his time working around the clock, catering to the town; creating a picture that was vividly similar to the city where he felt at peace – a city he once called home.

Alkaid took initiatives to build parks, gardens, and restaurants around the town. He even designed them with careful consideration, minding the efficiency and the opinions of others. And soon enough, the once abandoned, desolate mirage of a city had turned into a place abound with life–a shelter for the desperate and destitute; a true Eden among the parched sea of sand.

As Alkaid made his way through the crowded streets of Eden, many gentlemen and ladies greeted him politely. He greeted back with his signature gentle smile, sharing brief etiquette before continuing on his own way. Whilst walking down the stone pavement, he couldn't help but recall his previous days when he was feared by all; being the Master of Eden had him sequestering himself into a mansion at the edge of Green Island, where he’d let “guests” in, and no one out. The enigmatic character he had created for himself rendered him intimidating to the other NEOS.

He took a deep breath and looked forward, pushing his thoughts to the back of his head. The past was long gone, there was no need to worry about it. After all, he had the task to lead a new generation of Eden.

Upon reaching Oasis Park Avenue, he recognised a familiar face amidst the crowd. The image of his saviour under the sweet sunlight flooded into his vision; her white cardigan stood out against the black and grey coats of the citizens, and the red frills of her skirt blew softly in the mild wind. she adjusted her black beret on top of her head when she accidentally bumped onto a gentleman next to her. Hastily exchanging apologies, she continued forward, the awkward smile and soft shade of blush still lingering on her face.

“(Name)?” Alkaid called out, catching her attention – she noticed the light crease under Alkaid’s green eyes as he welcomed her, inviting her over with a well-known sincerity. “Is that really you?”

“I didn't expect you to come back…” Alkaid said, stepping towards her.

“I came to check how my old friend was doing.” She replied with a smile, looking up to meet his gaze. “And, of course, treat myself to a cup of his fragrant tea.”

Alkaid chuckled at her words. Despite being apart for so long, the painter girl didn't change one bit. She still had that distinct sense of innocence to her which allured Alkaid in their first meeting – yet, he knew very well she was the bravest person he'd ever been acquainted with.

“That can certainly be arranged,” Alkaid replied. He stopped in his tracks when the little painter held his arm. They used to walk around town holding each other's hands when Eden was under great threat. Alkaid had struck a deal with her; a deal of romance that only lasted for 3 days, just to please his own sanity. So, in spite of his uneasiness, Alkaid welcomed the feeling. “I’ve got a humble abode with a small garden at the entrance. And I designed it myself.”

She let out a small laugh. “Alright. And is it the same design as the house you had before?”

“You'll see for yourself.” Alkaid smiled. “So, shall we be on our way?”

“I'd love to but…” she looked at Alkaid with an eyebrow raised. “Don't you have to go to work or something?”

Ah, yes. His job… Alkaid was so engrossed with the idea of being visited by his beloved that he forgot that he had a job to do.

“Oh… well, that–”

“No, no,” the girl protested. “it's fine. You can go to work. I'll check around the town and see what’s going on. I'll even bring you a few snacks!”

“Thank you, but I do not need the snacks–”

“Consider it a treat!”

Alkaid blushed at the enthusiastic nature of the girl. How could he ever resist and say no to the sweet smile she showed him everytime she proposed something. “Alright, but… will you be alright?”

“I'll be fine,” she said, already excitedly walking down the street without him. “Besides, maybe I'll take my time and visit some art galleries? Are there any museums nearby?”

Alkaid sighed. “Alright, I'll accompany you to an art museum before taking my leave.”

Oh, this energetic girl would be the end of him.

***

Alkaid entered the premise of his mansion. Through the gate, into his garden. The fresh smell of roses and lilies welcomed him forward, inviting him into his own little paradise. His day went as usual – work, lunch with colleagues, and more work … nothing out of the ordinary.

He looked up, noticing his mansion glimmering under the warm sunlight of the afternoon. Sunlight glinted on the window panes, and rebounded onto the greenery nearby – from the tall pine trees to the bushes adorned with colourful flowers, and to the vines wrapped around the trellises, leading all the way to the entrance.

Alkaid got inside his abode, went up the stairs, and followed to the end of the hallway and into his room. And with a sigh, he took off his coat, closing the door behind him. He put the coat down on the bed, and allowed himself to fall on the soft mattress.

Oh, to relax on the bed after long a day of work – a satisfaction well-known by everyone. But, Alkaid couldn't stay there for long, he had his garden to attend to, as well as other things. Speaking of other things, where was his expected guest?

He hoped he didn't make her wait for too long. He dreaded the thought of her leaving; of her losing patience and going back to the stars, to her own universe – never to be seen again. She didn't forget about him ... did she?

“No, that,” Alkaid mumbled, mustering up his remaining strength to sit up on the bed. “That's not right. She would never forget about me,” Alkaid continued, running a hand through the blond locks of his hair. His words were left unanswered. And under the solemn light of the twilight, he felt even more isolated. “...right?”

***

And the evening proceeded leisurely. Alkaid tended to his garden, pruning the rose bushes to its perfect shape. He was meticulous with his moves; snipping the excess branches with utmost care. He did not mind the water droplets that hit his shirt, dampening its soft material. His mind was busy with other thoughts: especially thoughts about her. She hadn't returned yet, despite it being dark outside. Was she safe? She didn't get into trouble, did she? Alkaid hoped she was safe. He wished he could've been there with her – protecting her from the disasters of the world, just like what she had done for him.

Then a new thought bloomed as he moved around, towards the flower bed near the entrance: why did he expect her to come back? Did he still harbour the feelings he once had for her? No, that must be untrue, for the Prefect Luminary had taken away his emotions – used it as a bargaining chip, and he also took away the Master of Eden’s powers, eradicating the old Eden.

As Alkaid was about to move onto another batch of flowers, someone entered through the gate. It was her; hastily closing the gate before rushing towards the man. A bouquet in her hand.

“Sorry, I'm late, Alkaid!” She exclaimed, running over to him.

“It's alright,” Alkaid said, chuckling at her naivety. “Welcome to my garden.”

“Goodness, Alkaid, you wouldn't believe how many people I had to ask for your location,” she rambled on, without a rest to catch her breath. “I thought that-”

“Hold on. Didn't I tell you my address before leaving you at the museum?”

The painter girl fell silent after listening that. “I might've forgotten…”

Alkaid chuckled once again, shaking his head as he walked up the stairs, reaching the plateau. “Please, come inside and make yourself comfortable, (Name). I'll brew you a cup of tea.”

The girl followed him inside. Marvelling at the designs. The interior was the same as she had seen last time; the decorations, the flower embellished foyer, and the ever-so-familiar scent of flowers that reminded her of the past.

“It's the same as before…” she commented.

Alkaid smiled, acknowledging her comment, leading her towards the living room. The girl went in, and looked around the place a bit – what came to view first was the flowers decorating the furniture and sweet aroma that came with it. She took a seat on the couch. If she hadn't known better, she definitely would have commented how Alkaid’s mansion literally had the fragrance of a flower shop.

After a while, Alkaid brought her a cup of freshly brewed chamomile tea. It’s sweet aroma filled the air, and she enjoyed the tea wholeheartedly. Alkaid was surprised as she didn't hesitate this time, knowing the past ordeals they had shared, but he didn't bother saying them aloud. Instead, he only smiled and accompanied her.

His eyes then began to trail down to the bouquet she had brought with her. A quaint bouquet with freshly cut roses – white ones, to be precise. The ones he'd loved so ardently; symbolising purity and innocence – just a reminder of the person he was deep down. Along with the roses remained small forget-me-nots, standing out in the white palette of roses, painting the bouquet in small strokes of blue.

The painter girl noticed Alkaid staring at the bouquet. She put down the cup of tea on the teatable. “Oh, yeah– this is for you,” she said, handing the bouquet to Alkaid.

Alkaid took it, observing the flowers for a moment before smilling, uttering a small thank you.

If he remembered correctly, the forget-me-nots symbolise love and respect – reminding himself that the girl would never forget him; he would never get lost among her endless memories. Even though she had to travel across many worlds, make many voyages across the universe – she wouldn't dare forget him; it was an oath of remembrance.

“Thank you, (Name),” Alkaid said, smilling at the girl. “It looks amazing.”

***

After enjoying their evening tea, Alkaid proposed that they should stargaze together. And in spite of their differences, all the prototypes of Alkaid had their own fascination or connection with the stars. And the painter girl found that endearing, so she didn't refuse. Soon, they found themselves on the rooftop, looking at the stars, beyond their own little haven; over the Eden they shared.

“(Name)...” Alkaid began, “I wish you didn't need to leave.”

“Me too…” she replied, staring up at the sky dotted with stars. “I wouldn't dare leave my friend alone like this.”

Ah, yes… a friend. That's how she viewed him. Alkaid didn't mind though, she might have had other people who were interested in her, and she also reciprocated the feeling – it didn't bother him at all. Yet, why did his chest feel tight at the mere thought of another man holding her hand for eternity?

“Well, it is quite uneventful without you around,” Alkaid muttered under his breath, praying that his words never reached her ears. He didn't wish to be a bother; to be the reason for a strain in her relationship with whomever she was in love with.

“Really?” She turned to Alkaid. “I'll try to visit often, then. Just, not too often… or else, there’ll be consequences, I'm sure you understand.”

Yes, she didn't visit often and had to be cautious when travelling – it's to avoid the gaze of the Eternal Empire, lest they should try something heinous upon her as well.

“Yes, I understand,” Alkaid said, soothing himself. “But there's one thing I don't quite understand…”

“What is it?” she asked.

“... Nevermind.” Alkaid replied. His feelings for her could never be described with words. His fascination for her was something otherworldly. He would defy fate and go against the stars just to please her – and he was willing to take an oath to stay loyal to her, forever and ever.

But, he didn't want her to regret her decision. She was born a traveller, blessed with the power to cross the stars. Alkaid couldn't keep her with himself in his mansion no matter how hard he tried. So, he preferred to keep quiet.

“Let us enjoy this moment then.” she said, looking up at the sky again.

Alkaid looked at her hand. He didn't know why he thought of holding it suddenly – to interlace his fingers with hers and let the warmth of her palm flow into his. He inched his hand forwards, almost brushing his fingertips against hers. And yet, his fears held him back. He retracted his hand faster than he anticipated.

“Thank you for visiting me, (Name).” Alkaid mumbled. “I'm pleased to have you as my guest.”

And thus, they remained under the serene sky, watching the stars – thinking of a world where they could reside in peace without the barrier that was holding them apart.

[xbalayage]

——The GARDEN of EDEN

Yandere!Alkaid/Reader

The aura of innocence you gave off, the pureness in those eyes and your petite form as you waltz into my garden of secrets.

I tended to the flowers that were held captive under my trained, delicate hands as I let you leave, my gaze followed your absence because I knew from the look in your eyes and from your lack of knowledge, you'd return to me; back into my cage of flourishing life.

I knew then, I must make you mine.

And, as it typically goes, even though you were warned by the man you came with, my hospitality and kind demeanor brings your curiosity right back into my lair disguised as a luxurious mansion in the middle of the night for sanctuary.

Oh, you pretty flower you, don't worry.

Now passing the threshold of my home, my sweet words were the bait and now your wings were clipped to stay in the greenhouse. I'll water and take great care of you if only you submit fully to me and me only. The flowers in that room release a sleeping spell, numbing the mind of all fears and worries — you'll be mine completely, a full fledged flower in full bloom. You'll stay with me way past the countdowns end, right? Of course you will.

There's a reason I've been alone all this time and everyone vacates my abode. After all, it's because nobody leaves the garden of Eden.

[xyoonx]

Sir?.... SIR?.... SIR???

He can step on me, I'd say sorry.

This devious look doesn’t fit him at all; I love him.

I'm already planning our marriage in my head wdym.

[norieoncrack]

𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙭𝙞𝙖

(𝙽): 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚋𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢.

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Fluff

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Alkaid McGrath, Lars Rorschach, Clarence Clayden, Ayn Alwyn, Cael Anselm.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞: On

𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞: Headcannon.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬: They/them.

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: You called them by a weird nickname.

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: ooc characters, please note I made this for shits and giggles and is not meant to be taken seriously, thank you.

𝘼𝙡𝙠𝙖𝙞𝙙

♡ “Hm? Is there something you need, darling?”

♡ Was a bit confused at first but recovers fast.

♡ He might have already guessed it was going to happen at some point in your relationship, however didn't think it would be so soon.

♡ Would tease you back for the weird nickname and potentially use a weird nickname as well.

♡ If you used the weird nickname in public he won’t really mind, however as your punishment for doing so you’re sentenced to cuddles and headpats.

♡ “You’re so cute, my little gremlin with a pencil~” you called him garlic bread.

♡ Nicknames that were used: star stalker, garlic bread, rocky mountain oysters, garden hoe-

𝙇𝙖𝙧𝙨

♡ “Really? Goldie locks??”

♡ He doesn’t hate it, he likes it but he usually pouts when you call him by a very random nickname out of nowhere.

♡ He doesn’t mind the more “tame” versions of your nicknames if you used them in publics, the others? He’s gonna sulk.

♡ Will get revenge by calling you with weird nicknames as well, however is not very creative with them.

♡ Your punishment for these nicknames will usually be no cuddles nor kisses until you comfort him out of his sulking phase.

♡ “That still isn’t enough for me to get out of my sulking phase, snail eggs.”

♡ Nicknames that were used: Waffle fries, baby with a wallet, Goldie locks, w a l n u t

𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚

♡ “B-Buffalo wings?? What makes you say that?”

♡ Flabbergasted, shocketh, his reaction would probably be the funniest.

♡ Will never get used to you calling him nicknames out of nowhere especially when you call him “buttery croissant”

♡ Do NOT try to call him any of the weird nicknames when he’s at an important event because if you do, I hope your brain has the mental capacity for the extra tutoring from him.

♡ He will try to call you with a weird nickname but will end up snickering to himself when he sees your face and in the end laughs to himself quietly.

♡ “Your answer is wrong, hairless cat.”

♡ Nicknames that were used: Rubiks cube, eight grade math teacher, cat dad, paralysis demon, buttery croissant, buffalo wings.

𝘼𝙮𝙣

♡ "Call me Tsundere one more time, I dare you"

♡ The most unamused out of all of them, he doesn't entirely hate it... later on but it is a nightmare when you started calling him all sorts of things.

♡ He will ignore you in public if you try to call him with any of the names, if you provoke him hard enough consider dodging lessons with the number of times he's gonna shut you up with kisses, or not-

♡ You think he might not call you with weird nicknames but don't let your guard down too quick, he's going to make you regret calling him "short king" (he's not short compared to the average height but since he was the shortest out of everyone on the list I thought it would be funny)

♡ Once you're done and finish with your weird nickname shenanigans it's his turn to attack with the list of weird nicknames he's compiled in secret.

♡ "Where are you looking at, hagfish~?"

♡ Nicknames that were used: emo vampire, batfish, scaramouche kinnie (no offence-).

𝘾𝙖𝙚𝙡

♡ "Breakfast is Crepes with whipped cream and strawberries"

♡ Out of of all the people, he's the one who doesn't seem to have a reaction at all to your nickname shenanigans, he took care of you, of course he's prepared for your chaos.

♡ He doesn't even care what you call him in public, he's that unbothered by it it almost makes you feel bored, however...

♡ Cael seems to frown and has this annoyed look on him, even if it was brief every time you call him by a certain nickname.

♡ He won't treat you out of the ordinary even when you use the nicknames that make him frown a bit, though don't expect to know how he's planning to teach you a lesson in his own way.

♡ "You're drink is bitter? Perhaps I should just give you milk, fetus~" safe to say the war is far from over.

♡ Nicknames that were used: Marinated wine, dinosaur's cousin, princess, great great great great great grandfather.

Au notes: I was bored.

[suonscr]

EDEN SPOILER ALERT // common story alt ending+ayn route

tw: yandere content,kidnapping,manipulating evil alkaid

no way eden alkaid jus locked us in his house n pull out his yan tendencies what fhe fuck.

mf somehow gaslighted us so bad we r trapped w him while the others jus go *boom* n this is only the second time we've met bro T_T (or perhaps,this isnt the first time at all)

***spoiler for eden ayn route

bro alkaid,despite knowing ayn n mc relationship, still seeked mc n even gave us a basket of his own precious flowers on his visit to the Order (note:he treassures his plants dearly,more than a human itself)

at the near end of ayn route,alkaid attempted to persuade (deceive) us during his final moments that we shuda choose him instead.its mainly to stop ayn BUT given his behavior in the other segments,ig theres also obsession bc of wtv reason we dk yet

nevertheless,hes such a parallel of cael - the innocent yet cunning personality,the meaningless and alluring sweet-talks,the formal attire - all TOOOOO much like cael

(plus bro is also the mastermind so)

eden came out jus tday n its alr lit af ong im bein cliffhanged I HATE THIS AAAAA THE BRAINROT IS BRAINROTTING PLEASE

[gimme-noodles-please]

When you’re on your period

characters x afab! reader

—— characters; Aiyin/Ayn, Luchen/Alkaid, Luoxia/Lars, Silan/Clarence, Yexuan/Cael

content: established relationship, fluffyyy, a little suggestive

———————————-

Ayn

he found out by seeing you lying on your couch, hugging your knees to your chest when he came to pick you up for your date

needless to say, he was very concerned and worried

he thought that you had a tummy ache or ate something bad and offered to get medicine for you from the pharmacy. but when you told him it was because of menstrual cramps, you can see him staring at you for a second as the wheels in his head starts to turn before nodding silently.

he does not have experience at all. after all he did not grow up with a mother or any female figure in his childhood (im sorry if it is wrong but it is based off what i can remember) he does not wish to ask his bodyguards about it and neither does he want to ask his father at all.

eventually he searches the web for information and the next day you see him at your door with pads of different sizes (because tbh he does not know which one you needed and ended up buying each type)

he would give in to you easily and avoids teasing you too much, after all he does not want to hurt your feelings on accident knowing that females tend to be more sensitive on their periods. so if you want to aak him to do something that he usually would reject, asking about it while you’re on your period increases your success rate :)

Alkaid

he definitely knows very well as to how to take care of you. i feel like once he starts dating you, he would research more about this. after all he is aware that there are such things as periods but he just wants to know how to take care of you better and attend to your every need

literally he will be on your beck and call. you want to buy pads but your cramps hurts too much to get up? no problem, he will buy it for you. you want ice cream? he will buy an entire tub and bake some brownies to go along with it. you want some cuddles? sure, anything for you

he is always gentle even when you’re off your period but you can tell he tries to be around you more often to offer you support and comfort whenever you need it

he offered to stay over to look after you. you had to convince him each time that you would be fine and it was not that bad since you were used to it

overall he is best boyfriend material <3

Lars

it is like the switch in him flips. you think he is like a golden retriever in some way before? well, he is even more like one now

he still teases you a little but whenever you give him a glare, he immediately shuts up

dude is rich and would offer to buy anything you need no matter how expensive it is. and he might splurge a little too much…

once you realised you ran out of pads while you were on your period and asked him to help you buy some. and guess what he did? instead of buying two or three like most people, he bought twenty of them. plus they were in different sizes and brands, some brands were more on the higher end that you tend to avoid buying in order to stay within your budget.

he spoils you too. he is pretty knowledgeable about how to take care of you when you are on your period. and maybe a little too much.

there was another time when your cramps were so bad he got quite worried. but instead of buying painkillers for you, he suggested to make love, claiming that it is a way to elevate the pain. (it is true though, according to google) he said that while wiggling his eyebrows, making you pout and smack him on the shoulder with your face red, telling him not to be silly, though the offer sounded rather tempting-

even if you were to accept it, he is good with it because he does not find it icky at all

Clarence

someone as studious as he is definitely would know what a woman experiences when she is on her period. he reads up even more about it when he starts dating you so he can take care of you better!

he would try to make time for you out of his busy schedule, after all being the student council president and having to study is not an easy task. he feels bad whenever you feel like you are neglected

he secretly has an app on his phone to track your period. mostly so he knows when to prepare to help you as much as you need him to. like when you are nearing your period, he will remind you to avoid or eat more of a certain food because he read something about how it can aggravate the cramps or help to quickly replenish your blood count

another boyfriend material who will be at your beck and call. though he can’t be by your side 60% of the time, he is always one call away. no matter when it is, he will always pick up his phone for you

sometimes you feel like he is lowkey feels like a mom looking after you lol. you teased him about it and he would sigh with a smile on his face, not taking any of it to heart of course, in fact he accepts it as a compliment, thinking it is your way of saying that he is doing a good job as your boyfriend taking care of you

Cael

by now he had more or less remembered what symptoms you face before your period and how you would be during it.

he was used to all of your mood swings and remained as gentle as always, getting any food you were craving and helping you with getting pads, which of course, he buys the brand you always used of the exact same measurement

he is rather busy, after all he is still an art teacher in the school aside from being your caretaker and well uhm, travelling across the universes to different worlds for whatever purpose he has. but he knows you are able to take care of yourself and does not wish to pamper you too much so you can be more independent.

however if anything were to arise, you can always call him, whenever and wherever.

he still swings by from time to time to check up on you to make sure you are eating well and there is no anomaly with your period or anything.

he is not super worried, after all each time you have your period, he had already prepared everything for you

[chalkscene]

lovebrush chronicles ⇢ NOT LEAVING THIS GARDEN OF EDEN

you did follow through your plan, you tell yourself. you saved earth and went straight back home. you just didn’t plan on going back to eden. after all, home is where the heart is.

ft. ayn alwyn, alkaid mcgrath, lars rorschach & clarence clayden

note: reimagined eden endings because i’m still sad i didn’t pull a single eden ssr illustra <//3 also i apologize for the big blocks of texts lmao

“hey, chief. remember little leaf?” o’connor suddenly asks. AYN freezes at the mention of his second-in-command’s endearment for you and though he doesn’t mean to intimidate his companion, there’s a permanent glare in his gaze on o’connor which makes the latter panic in fear. o’connor’s hands shoot straight to his head as he begs, “please don’t burn my hair. it was just a question.” the chief stifles a snort, “i’m not gonna do anything.” o’connor sighs in relief before ayn answers his earlier inquiry, “i remember. why do you ask?” “i was just wondering. how do you think she’s doing?” in an attempt to mask the longing he still feels since you left, ayn simply shrugs, “safe, probably. she’s home now.” “she is.” it’s not o’connor who speaks this time and just like that, ayn feels his entire body go tense—he’d know that voice anywhere. unbeknownst to him, you’ve been standing just a few feet behind him. the moment you walked into the busy tavern today, the members of the order perked up at the sight of you but before they could express the slightest glee, you urgently signalled them to hush. you’re grateful that despite their undying loyalty to ayn, they play along. when you finally speak, the room falls into complete silence as every single member of the order awaits ayn’s reaction. his suspicions are confirmed by the smirk from o’connor who’s now looking past him and straight at you, beaming, “hey, little leaf!” ayn spins on his heel to face you, the usually blunt man now rendered speechless. you can’t help but tease him, “i can’t believe i managed to sneak up on you. you’re losing your touch, ayn.” the seconds that follow pass in a blur and you find yourself in the strong yet gentle embrace of ayn’s arms once again. “you’re back…” ayn mutters, clear disbelief in his tone as if to convince himself that he’s not dreaming and you barely contain your giggles, feeling hopelessly smitten with this boy, “like you said. i’m home.”

with the lantern glowing in his hand, ALKAID is strolling along a commercial district—the exact replica of the street he took you to in eden—and like they always do, his thoughts drift back to you. if you could see this new eden, would you be proud of him? he can’t help but wonder. he hasn’t fully regained his capacity to feel a multitude of emotions since he paid the price to rebuild eden into a better place but one thing’s for certain—he yearns for you. but he also knows that if a star were to fall from the sky tonight, it would be incredibly selfish of him to wish for your return. he can only wish for your safety and happiness wherever you are. that should be enough, he tells himself. you already granted him three days to be his lover—much more than what he deserved after everything he had done. he’s not in any position to demand for more. but the universe is quick to differ because sitting on a bench just a few feet away now is your figure. before he can stop himself, alkaid calls your name and you immediately turn to the sound of his voice. both falling in a state of disbelief at the sight of each other, neither of you say anything for a moment. “hi,” you speak first. it takes some effort but alkaid manages to find his voice, “what are you doing here?” “i didn’t know where to look for you,” you suppose that’s not exactly what he meant with his question but your reply still answers it all the same—i came back because i promised i’d find you. your eyes then dart to the lantern in his hands, “you still have it.” “i kept it. i don’t know why i brought it with me though,” he admits bashfully, his boyish grin so childlike it leaves no trace of the master of eden he used to be. and it’s the loveliest you’ve ever seen him. “i was going to give it to you before you left,” alkaid adds, “you can have it now so you can bring it back home… if you want it.” “if that’s the only reason you’re giving it to me then i can’t take it,” you try to sound as solemnly as you can and guilt immediately gnaws at you when alkaid visibly deflates at the rejection. still, out of respect for your decision, he simply gives a resigned nod, ”i understand.” “i don’t think you do.” you can no longer fight the smile pulling on the corners of your lips and alkaid looks nothing short of confused. “alkaid, i’m staying.”

after a long trip beyond the borders of eden, LARS couldn’t be more ecstatic to go home and get some rest but as he rummages his backpack for his keys, something at the foot of the door catches his eye—a small pot of cactus. maybe his mind is playing tricks on him but the prickly succulent looks identical to the one he gifted you during your time in eden. he recounts the past events, from your arrival in this world down to the moment you left. he’s sure he packed the cactus for you. “at least, put that in a box before you stuff it in my bag next time,” you quip as you come into lars’s view, raising your finger to show him the small bandage over the spot where the cactus pricked you. with the traveler stood frozen and speechless, you take it upon yourself to cross the distance between the two of you. soon, lars is reaching for your hand as if to inspect the tiny wound but that is the furthest thing from his mind right now. he’s trying to process the sight of you standing in front of him and holding his hand and that this is all, in fact, very real. still, he manages to match your teasing. “how about daisies, hm? would that be better?” brazenness drips from his tone but there’s obvious sincerity swimming in his eyes. you can’t even describe how badly you missed those blue eyes. “much,” you tell him. in an instant, the playful atmosphere dissipates until there’s nothing but genuine longing in the air surrounding you both. “i thought you went home,” he says softly but you don’t miss the subtle shiver in his voice as he keeps it steady. “i did.” “why did you come back?” “i wanted to see you again.” “but it’s safer there.” “i feel safer with you.” lars doesn’t have a rebuttal to that. “i missed you, lars.” “i missed you, too,” he mutters as he takes you in his arms, planting a chaste kiss on your forehead, “are you sure about this? i don’t think i can let you go again.” with a giggle, you cradle his face and bring him closer for a kiss that he’s eager to reciprocate. “i don’t want you to,” you mumble against his lips.

eden has begun to live up to its name since CLARENCE took over but sometimes, the falcon in him still comes out and clarence finds himself at a shooting range practicing his aim—not that he ever needs it. he can hit multiple bullseyes in a row within seconds. but better safe than sorry and today is no exception. when he shoots the last of his ammunition, an audible thud shortly follows, catching his attention. he immediately glances at the target and at the center, among his many gunshots, one rubber bullet stands out. on full alert, clarence scans the area to deduce the possible source of the dart only to be met by the last person he ever expected to find in eden—you. “i didn’t think i’d get that on the first try,” you quip. “what are you doing here?” the urgency in his voice contradicts the cheeky expression on your face. “i took some shooting lessons and i wanted to show you,” you tell him proudly, “but i’m not sure if they’re eden standards.” clarence huffs out a laughter at your remark as he shakes his head in amusement. your playful wit hasn’t changed one bit, to his relief. “if you want me to teach you, just ask,” he banters. “i literally hit a bullseye,” you retort but clarence only shrugs, “beginner’s luck.” his mock indifference reminds you of the clarence—or rather, the falcon—you met when you first arrived in eden. it’s only been a few months but it all feels like a distant memory that you can’t help but laugh about it now. not wanting to waste another second apart from him, you cross the space separating you, running into his arms where he catches you with ease. “i was scared you wouldn’t remember me,” you mutter against his shoulder and a soft chuckle escapes him as he deems the mere idea of your confession ridiculous, “i never stopped thinking about you.” when you eventually pull away, clarence’s gaze drops to the gun in your hand. “what kind of gun is that?” “this?” you hold it up so clarence can get a better look at it, “it’s a nerf gun. and it’s just a toy.” you point the gun at clarence and aim for his arm. before he can protest, you pull the trigger to prove it causes no serious injury, “see?” still, the impact makes him flinch. “where did you get it?” “i brought it with me.” the insinuation of home in your reply slightly dampens clarence’s mood. he can’t help but ask, “how long are you staying?” “depends,” you answer in a tone that’s unwaveringly cheery, “how long are the lessons you promised?” the corners of clarence’s lips quirk up at your joshing and hope begins to bubble in his chest, “as long as you want them.”

[mowiwow]

intertwined starlight (modern alkaid)

“Ta-dah!”

…

…

…

You feel a little silly with your arms spread out while doing the good old jazz hands motion. Still, Alkaid doesn't miss a beat and applauds you enthusiastically.

You turn your gaze to the mirror, holding a reflection of both you and Alkaid. Little star and comet-shaped hair clips decorate Alkaid's hair, scattered about in an artistic chaos. You're in no better condition, with similarly themed hair clips in your own hair.

"We look silly, don't we?" you muse, laughing a little at how absurd the two of you look in the mirror.

"I think we look great," Alkaid replies sincerely with a bright smile. "These hairclips you made look amazing."

"Yours look great too, Alkaid. They're so detailed," you hum, reaching up to lightly touch one of the many hair clips in your hair. It shimmers and gleams under the warm, golden glow of the ceiling light above. "You really have an eye for detail."

"I like your designs more," he says, turning around slightly so he could look at you directly. "Your style of making things is my favourite."

"Happy to please!" you grin, leaning over to press a light kiss to the forehead of the seated Alkaid. "Oh, also! Hold on, stay there, let me just..."

A few steps across the room and a flick of a switch later, the room is quickly plunged into darkness. You hear your name being called out amidst the darkness, confusion clear in Alkaid’s voice.

“What…”

His question dies on his lips as his attention is caught by brightly shining lights in the mirror. Alkaid’s reflection is illuminated by countless stars of different colours, all coming together to form a little galaxy of his own. Giddily, you make your way over back to Alkaid, happy that the hair clips have worked as intended.

“I made the clips so that they would glow in the dark!”

Pausing, you remember a list you once sent Alkaid— one full of cheesy pickup lines.

“...Because you light up my world," you add.

Alkaid blinks owlishly at your reflection for a few moments before laughing softly. His eyes crinkle happily as he turns around to face you.

“May you come closer?” he asks.

“Of course,” you reply in a heartbeat.

As you lean towards him, curious, you watch as he unclips one of the many star-shaped hair clips from his hair. His fingers gently graze the side of your face as he pins the hair clip to your hair.

“There we go,” he murmurs. “My lovely little star. Though there’s nothing in this world that can compare to your brilliance, this will have to do for the time being.”

From the corner of your eyes, you catch sight of your reflection standing along with Alkaid’s. Two stars standing close to each other, basking in each other’s light.

You stare at him, flabbergasted, for a few moments before you laugh in defeat with warmed cheeks. “You sap,” you reply affectionately, leaning over to lightly bump your forehead against his. “It’s your birthday today, this is supposed to be about you, not me.”

“Is it?” he says with a hint of mischief. “What if I want to make it about you, though?”

His hand finds yours in the dark, fingers shyly brushing up against yours. With a grin, you securely intertwine your fingers with his.

“I’ll turn it around, then. I can talk about you all day.”

“Is that a challenge?” he asks cheekily.

“You’re on,” you laugh, squeezing his hand lightly.

The two of you lapse into a momentary silence, taking the time to listen to each other’s steady breathing.

“Happy birthday, Alkaid,” you whisper. “I’m glad I met you on that mountain that day.”

Alkaid hums quietly, his hold on your hand tightening ever so slightly. “Me too,” he replies quietly.

It takes a few moments for him to break the silence that follows. Alkaid’s voice is almost fragile yet resolute as he says sincerely—

“Thank you for finding me, my lovely star.”

[gepazu]

Fanfic idea!!

Snuggling with Alkaid 🥺

“love, i think—” you huff, trying to move into a more comfortable position. “i think you’re too tense..”

your words inquire a curious hum from alkaid, feeling his hand ghost the head of your spine.

“too… tense?” he replies.

“yea,” you remove your head from his warm shoulder, looking up to him — half of your face covered with his sweater. “you feel like you’re hugging a corpse, baby.”

the man’s lips curve downward, and you hold back the laugh washing over your tongue to pat his back soothingly.

“i’ll.. hold on a second, love.”

his hand moves down to your waist, the cold feeling of his fingers seeping through your clothes, to which you close your eyes and let his tiny frown be the last thing you envision.

a light pink flutters about behind your eyelids as you feel him shift and the sheets’ creases change below you. the bed dips, his hand slides down to your hip, locks of — what you assume is his hair — tickle your cheek and kiss your skin before the quick motions stop with a soft sigh.

“is.. this alright now?” he asks, face flushed with a sheepishness only you can create.

you smile, curtaining the loose strands of pale gold behind his ear — cherishing the tenderness your man has become with a few words of yours.

“absolutely.”

✩ love notes — YOON. YOON IM- puts hand over heart and faints dramatically

✩ lovebrush chronicles taglist — @nordicbananas, @lovebrushed, @alexisomnias <3 send in an ask if you want to be added !!

©️ GEPAZU 2023.

[idyllcy]

not every moment, but every day

word count: 7k

summary: you bloom a fairy with dandelion hair and peridot eyes

Pixie dust comes in small quantities at once.

You would argue for more, but there isn't much left for the common folk after the royals take everything for themselves. You work with what you can to fix what you can, and people tend to stay away from the sketchier areas of the city— your shop included. It's nice to be able to make just enough profit to live. Perhaps it was a stroke of luck, perhaps it was fate, but when you fix small things for curious children on the street for a flower or cookie, everything is worth it.

You do not care for bigger matters, and you do not care for an excess of anything.

To live in moderation... is sufficient.

You spend your day dealing with plants and machinery, making a living off of what you can, a little bit of this and a little bit of that keeping your day to day amusing. To live is to be happy, you find. You cannot be happy until you truly live. Perhaps two sides of the same coin? You do not find that you care all that much. You are content with what you have, white lilies blooming outside on your flowerbed, magic tinkering with older toys that are out of production, the slow life of the slums sliding by in your day to day life. You are content with where you are, and you shall continue living like this until you are old and wrinkly and can no longer move. Then, you shall return to the dirt your precious lilies adore so much.

You fix the toy in the child's hand while at the market, lips curled into a sweet smile as he beams.

"Have you brought something as payment?"

"This!" The child, surprisingly, holds up a potted white lily, bulb slightly fuller than the ones you regularly tend to, and you take it from him. "I saw the lilies outside of your place, and my older brother had this lying around in his room, so I thought I'd give it to you."

You blink, raising a brow in amusement, laughing. "Will he be mad you gave it away?"

"He was doing a terrible job at raising it, so I would say it's better with you." The kid shrugs. "Don't tell him, though. He's been missing for a while..."

"Ah." You mumble. It wasn't uncommon for the men in the slums to go missing. It was even more common for women to disappear overnight. The slave trade was especially prominent in the slums. One wrong move could result in a whole family disappearing overnight. You wonder if that was what happened to the old owner of the store. Well, it doesn't matter all that much. It's thanks to their disappearance that you managed to find a place to stay in the slums rather than the capital. Though... as you put the plant down on the first floor, sprinkling the fairy dust onto the flower with some water, and you watch as the plant shudders, reacting to it.

"You don't like it?" You tilt your head. Pause. Why is the plant reacting to the fairy dust so visibly.

The flower doesn't respond, so you set it by the window, shutting the blinds to the first floor as you head upstairs to fall asleep.

Maybe you're just tired.

You are not.

You wake up the next morning and feed your flowers, pausing when you notice the new flower is even bigger, and you tilt your head, sprinkling more pixie dust onto it as it reacts again, and you blink at it again, sighing. It is not your problem. You don't care. Not enough, at least. You water the flower, finish with the rest, and go back to your day to day routine. You are content with this life. You are happy with fixing old toys and watering the leftover lilies in the abandoned residence you took over, and that is all you will be doing. There will be nothing else to break your day to day schedule, not even some sentient flower that hisses at you each time you feed it fairy dust. At least the other flowers don't react.

The addition of the new plant is interesting to you. The child who gave it to you eventually is taken away by the slave traders— something that you have found no longer matters to you. They will eventually end up back in your household anyway. At the very least, you hope the child reunites with his brother. Instead, the young girl staying with the two of them bids you goodbye as she is adopted away, and you stare at the noble family that has adopted her. May she find peace, you whisper to yourself. The other children start visiting less, and you assume it is because your mentor will soon be making his return and visiting.

So, you water the new plant, ditching the regular pixie dust and settling for the pink one instead, finding that your particularly picky unbloomed flower prefers it to the regular one. Picky asshole. Yet, you whistle and look the other way as you water it, making rounds down to the orphanages for broken toys and replace them with fixed ones, the children treating you to a portion of their meals, making you laugh. You tell them you do not need their food, handing them each their own treat instead, leaving early and returning home, your continuously growing flower and garden of white lilies greeting you. It is a sight that you are fond of.

It falls into a pattern until it suddenly does not.

Your mentor visit first, observing the flowers and the particularly large one on your windowsill but not mentioning anything, as mysterious as he always has been. He leaves you with some more pixie dust and enough coins to survive, and he is gone with the wind again. You find that you will never quite understand the lives of nobles despite being of their blood yourself. You will never understand why there is a hunger for more and more until they have nothing left, and why they would crave so much. Though, it does not bother you. You are content with your life and the repetition you have brought into your schedule.

You are content with it until it is broken.

You wake up one morning to a blossomed lily and a small fairy sitting by your windowsill and staring at the white lilies, and you do a double take.

Clean daffodil hair and peridot eyes. Glass butterfly wings with a rainbow reflection. Small in stature yet a charming gaze. You peer down at your little visitor and then at the lily that has finally bloomed, and you reach for a small peridot in your pocket, tilting your head as you hold it out to him as an offering. He cranes his neck to the side, not accepting your stone, and you rummage for another one. It is not uncommon for you to meet fairies, and most require a sort of greeting gift, so you find it surprising that a fairy would not take a stone that matches their eyes. You find an opal instead, holding it out for the fairy as he inspects it and accepts the gift, flying right before your eyes to inspect you.

"Hi?" You lean slightly back as he flutters forward.

He blinks twice.

"Ah, you're the nonverbal kind." You hum, taking a step back as you bow lightly. "Were you stuck in the flower?"

The fairy nods.

"Will you be staying?"

He nods again.

"Then I look forward to making your acquaintance." You bow again.

The sound of gentle wind chimes indicate the fairy's mutual agreement.

You forget some days this is the same asshole who shuddered at regular pixie dust. He helps around the place, sprinkling his own pixie dust onto the white lilies and finding fallen screws on the ground for you, almost always holding his hand out for a small treat after, something you've stocked up on. You find it strange that he does not feed on nectar the same way the other fairies do, but you don't complain when he helps around the house. He knows every nook and cranny as though he had been born for the place, and you find that he is equally helpful. He's giving you a lot less attitude now. Perhaps the hardest part was simply helping him bloom.

He sits by you when you have your dinner, popping the bubbles that manage to flutter into the air when you do the dishes, sitting by your bedside and helping you blow out the candles when it is time for you to rest. Sometimes, you find that he manages to open the windows for you in the morning. You wonder just how much strength a fairy can have, but you refuse to question it. Ignorance is bliss to a certain degree, and you are plenty content with knowing barely anything about your small friend. If he does not reveal it, then you can live without knowing.

You bring the fairy with you out to the market after a handful of weeks, letting the small thing pick out any new plants to add to his collection (which you find strange considering he can only help sprinkle pixie dust), but he picks out succulents instead, flowers that require minimal water. You find that he's still quite picky, having you only water the plants a certain amount each day, and you make him a small watering can of his own so he can do whatever he wills with it. (It does not help. He still pulls on your sleeve to have you water the plants instead of him. Annoying.) Though, as annoying as you find it at times, he is an overall pleasant person to have around.

You learn that he's particularly inclined for treats, always asking for a bite of your food, even if it means sticking one of his fingers into your bowl and licking it. He does not do well with spice, so you put aside a small bowl for him before you add anything, and he digests it while you continue cooking, flavors mixed into your food. He prefers sugar, so you make sure to triple lock the sugar jar, finding that it's always opened in the morning anyway (seriously. where is he getting the strength) and you try to scold him, but you can't resist the way he pouts at you, closing your eyes as you groan and continue to scold him. Curse him and his squishy cheeks.

"Really!" You sigh. "Stop breaking into the sugar jar!"

The fairy pouts at you, looking down and kicking dejectedly.

"Seriously. You're going to pass away from an overconsumption. How are you not going to eat nectar and only consume candy and then try to have even more?!"

The sound of wind indicates his annoyance.

"No."

He looks up at you from the table, folding his arms.

"Still no. I don't want you to pass away. How does a fairy diet even work?"

The fairy points at the sugar jar.

"No." You point at him. "No more."

You swear you hear him 'hmph' at you.

You find that you still don't know the fairy's name, and you no longer remember if it was because their names held power or this particular fairy was just out to make you struggle as much as you can to communicate with him. Maybe he just enjoys watching you not look him in the eye when he's being scolded. He's annoying (you tell yourself).

Though, when the children start visiting again, you find that your small friend sits on your head or shoulder, peering down curiously at the children who trade you old toys for fixed ones, eyes big as they ask who the small creature on your shoulder is. When you tell them it's a fairy, they almost always ask if they can touch him. The creature hides further behind you when they ask, and you shake your head no. You tell them another time, but knowing the fairy, he's never going to let them touch him. You find that not even you are allowed to touch the small thing and that he flies away almost always, wings tinted a peachy pink as you imitate the pout he likes giving you.

You wonder if he just hates you.

Though, you find that it's only with you. After a while, he warms up to the children, going as far as to flying above them and letting the gentler ones hold him, and you scoff. Maybe he just hates you. You try to grab him when one of the kids reach for his wings, and he flinches away from you, wings turning pink again. You gape at him in offense, letting him suffer as the child brushes over his wings, squeaks squeezing past his lips as he struggles to get back to you with a panicked look on his face.

"Will you let me touch you?" You hold your hand out, freeing his wings from the sticky hands, and the fairy sits in your hair with a whine, terrified of the children he had wanted to play with.

"Aw." The boy frowns. "Does he not like me?"

"Try not to touch his wings next time." You hum, handing the fixed toy to him. "How are the others?"

"The mister is letting us roam again since the master is out of the land again." The boy hands you a small bag. "I stole that from the headmaster's room."

You blink as you open it, pausing at the blue pixie dust that sparkles in the bag. "Blue pixie dust? You'll get whipped if he finds out."

"It's fine. They found a noble family to adopt me into." The boy blinks. "Will you let me write you letters?"

"Of course." You hum. "If anything arises—"

"I will let the master know." He hums. "Will I see you again, then?"

"No promises." You hum. "It would be hard to make promises."

The boy nods. "Bye bye, mister fairy!"

The creature in your hair waves goodbye, wind chimes sounding.

You lost another one. When winter falls, the children stop visiting altogether, and you watch as your lilies wilt and fall asleep for the time, watching as your fairy shivers and sticks close to your skin, even while you cook, wings sparkling on the back of your neck as you pour him a small bowl of soup to enjoy and maybe warm up with— only to fail. He crawls into your sleeve with a frown, peeking his head out as you tap his forehead twice.

"Cold?"

He nods.

"Can't afford heating, sorry—"

You hear him kick in your sleeve in complaint, but you don't address it.

And you fall into a steady day to day rhythm again. You wake up, feed two mouths (one tiny one normal) and sit in your workshop fiddling with the toys, holding up the new batch of gems that your master has sent you to the light for inspection. You do not understand it, but you do it anyway, leaving out a smaller one for the fairy to play with. You wonder if you still need to buy his favor in order to be able to touch him. Besides, would it make sense? Perhaps your little guest is waiting for spring to arrive since he had bloomed during summer. Perhaps he will leave then.

He does not.

When spring arrives, you wake up to a naked man in your bed and scream. You fall off your bed with widened eyes, hands flying to your chest to check if you still have clothes on, reaching for the knife on your nightstand as you stare at the fairy.

"I am... safe." He nods slowly, holding both of his hands up.

"How did you get in?!" You shake slightly.

He tilts his head, and you stop when you hear the wind chime.

No. No fucking way.

He smiles.

ASSHOLE. ITS THE FAIRY.

"Oh, hell no." You throw the knife to the side and throw a pillow at him. "How did you grow. Is this a sign? Is it because it's spring? You fairies better not have mating seasons. I'm kicking you out if you do."

He blinks at you, eyes wide, innocently.

"Yes or no?"

He shakes his head.

You relax only then, groaning as the birds chirp outside of the open window. You can worry about groceries later, but for the time being... your eyes trail to the man's abdomen, falling lower and lower until you realize that you definitely need to go out today because other than the fact that his fairy clothes have sized up slightly, the skirt made of leaves definitely does not help him cover anything. You'd have to keep your windows closed for the day. Some poor rich woman might catch the way his body is built and ask to buy him from you or something. The thought alone makes you shudder.

"Stay put." You point at him and then at the bed, and you shut the windows, close the blinds, light a candle, and lock him in your bedroom. Well, it could be worse. You buy what you can for him, a pair of shoes, some semblance of clothing (two sets so he has something to change into) and some more food because... you're feeding two mouthes now. Seriously. You better get paid soon because if that stupid duke of the land doesn't come back. Well, calling your mentor would be a little... rude. The land is his in name yours in legality. Though, considering the two of you are both immortal, it matters very little in reality. As long as the land is prosperous, you do not care.

Your mother died of heartbreak, your father died of mortality, leaving you with your mother's curse of immortality.

You don't know what to make of it, and you no longer care for it.

You return home with the clothes, handing them to the man (fairy? human? creature? humanoid?) to change into, to which he obeys, turning around to change. You wonder if he'll be good at anything or if he's just going to cause problems around like he did when he was a fairy well, cause problems is an overstatement. You wonder if he's going to be a picky eater again. Perhaps he'll lounge around— you're practically praying for him to keep his household habits from when he was a fairy now. Maybe you will have some strange stroke of luck.

And strange stroke of luck you have— the man helps around the house, waking before you, watering your lilies and making breakfast, sitting at the floor of your bed, head tilted as he bats his lashes at you when you wake up, scaring you half the time and worrying you the other. You find it oddly domestic of him. A man whom you do not know the name of, a fairy who bloomed from the flower stolen by a young boy, some... dude who you've just been living with. You really wonder if he has a name, but from the looks of it, he doesn't seem to be able to... speak? You wonder if he could write, but he hasn't tried communicating to you that way either. Instead, he pulls on your sleeve and gives you the most innocent bat of his lashes, and seems to telepathically tell you what he needs. You wonder if you just picked up on his body language from when he was a fairy with how you seem to know everything he needs or wants.

You still choose to ignore him when he blinks at your with stars in his eyes for more candy while shopping for food. He may come off as perfect to many, but you find that the vast majority of it comes from a facade. You squint your eyes at him, pointing at him as one would with a disobedient puppy. "No," you tell him, and he puffs his cheeks and pouts at you (something that hasn't changed from when he was a fairy) and continue following after you as you bargain over the food. He remains with a slight frown for the rest of the day, and he won't feel better until after sleep. You pick up on that equally quickly. You find that he just likes pretending to be perfect— something you are visibly not. You don't know how many times you've accidentally broken a plate when he crept up on you as a fairy.

Yet, you get used to him too, finding that it's nice to have a random dude who does the chores and cooks around, and you quickly find out why the nobles like slouching around and shopping all day. It's the boredom. So, you kick the guy out of cleaning the place and watering the flowers, and the poor man stares at you like a kicked puppy— as if he's done something wrong for trying to pamper you. You try and explain that it's because you need to do something around the cottage or else you'll end up bored out of your mind and insane. He doesn't get it, but he lets you water the flowers at the very least. You also get to do the grocery shopping still. He may not be picky anymore, but you find that he seems to add things you do not even remember buying into your food.

"No red peppers." You point at him. "No."

He blinks at you.

Some days, you really want to strangle him for weaponizing his incompetence. Though, as you chide him for trying to sneak peppers into your basket, you find that he might just really like eating peppers. No. There was no way. This was the same fairy who was huffing when you added just a bit of wasabi into your food. You squint at him, and he puts it back, smiling apologetically to the sweet old woman who gushes over his face. You wonder how far that face card could get him. You wonder if you could get the approval of your mentor... he would probably just kick him out, though. The thought almost makes you laugh.

Though, when the man is shoved a bouquet of flowers into his arms by some passerby girl, you can only pull your lips up in amusement. He blinks in confusion as the girl runs back to her friends, and he takes a step back, hiding behind you (still visible, much different from when he was a fairy), and you stifle laugh. He takes your hand quietly, bottom lip jutted slightly out the whole walk back, staring at the flowers and then at you, holding them out for you to take. "for me?"

He nods.

You tell him to find a nice vase to set the flowers in while you prep dinner. He listens, cutting the stems of the flower and pouting. You do not know what he is thinking. He's too vague— and his expression tells you that he's annoyed, but you really cannot tell over what. He stays slightly dejected for the whole night through, sitting by your bed with a frown on his face, and it almost makes you feel bad. Almost. You ask him what can make him feel better, and you watch as he reaches for your hand, staring at you the whole time for any discomfort. You blink as he rests his head on the edge of your bed, content with just holding your hand for the time being... where did he get so sly?

The answer to your question is that he's always been sly.

You crack open your door for your mentor to enter as he visits, handing you the funds for the year, showing you the files and funds and papers and scrolls and documents and... the list goes on. You locked the fairy in your room— you don't know what your mentor would do if he were to find out you were living with a man. You're pretty sure he would get kicked out. So, you try to rush your mentor out as quickly as possible, sighing when he finally gets up and ready to leave, and lo and behold— the fairy decides to make his descent down the stairs.

"I just heard footsteps."

"You must be mishearing."

"I'm afraid not."

You watch as your roommate (roommate?) steps up to your mentor, nodding as they shake hands.

"Pleasure to meet you. Your name?"

You open your mouth to make one up on the spot, and you physically pause when the man speaks.

"Don't worry about it." He smiles all friendly (with an underlying passive aggressiveness that only one might have when meeting someone they dislike) shaking his hand. "You are?"

"I am... their mentor." He nods. "So the two of you are?"

"—"

You cut him off. "Roommates! I picked him up off the street."

"You picked a random man off the streets?" Your mentor raises a brow. "Couldn't he have stayed somewhere else other than your place?"

"Well..." You lower your voice and pull your lips to his ear. "He's kinda... hot."

"He looks like a pathetic mess." Your mentor stares right into your 'roommate's' eyes, and he stares back, uncanny smile on his face. "Call me if you need me."

"You'll let him stay?!"

"I fear that if I do not let you have your way, you will simply force me out of the territory." He shrugs. "Clear the attic for him. Do not let him stay in your room, understand?"

You mock a salute at him as he shuts the door with a snap of his hands. The man is expecting you to beam at him, but as soon as you turn around, you tilt your head to the side, jabbing your finger into his chest as you press him against the table.

"So. You've known how to speak this whole time, hm? You've just been watching me read your expressions to see what you were feeling when you could have spoken the whole time? Is that how you pay your precious gardener back?"

"I really—"

Holy fuck his voice sounds like heaven.

"No." You hold your hand up to silence him, grumbling as you take a step back. "You're cooking dinner tonight and I am eating it in my room withoutyou because you've been a rude ass and deceiving me this whole time."

You watch as his expression falls. "I—"

"If you cook good enough I might forgive you."

He cooks. You find dinner set outside your door with a knock after he finishes, and you catch him peeking at you from the bottom of the stairs as you bring it into your room. You really wonder just why this fairy is so obsessed with you, but when you get a spoonful of his soup you don't mind, really. The man was good at cooking. What else could you say? You leave the finished dish outside, bringing it down to do the dishes, and you watch as he lights up from the dinner table.

"Was it good?"

"You're forgiven." You grumble, physically holding yourself back from melting over his voice. "But only if you tell me just why the hell you didn't tell me you could speak. Also, what the hell is your name?!"

He fiddles with his fingers, blinking at you. "I'm Alkaid... and I was worried you'd be creeped out by my voice if you just woke up one day and your fairy companion was both human-sized and could speak."

You blink at him wordlessly. "That's it? Wait— that came out rude. I would not think that, but I'm glad we're over that hurdle now. Can I get an omelette for breakfast tomorrow? I can get the eggs."

"I'll get the eggs." He smiles. "No red peppers?"

You shake your head.

"Okay." And you watch as the moon glistens behind him.

Alkaid is a sweetheart. Well, he had been one, but you find that he's especially gentler now, communicating with you over simple things, and knocking on your door in the morning before waking you up. You wonder if the language put a barrier between the two of you, but you don't find it in yourself to ask— especially not when he seems to know your habits just as you know his. He's always one step ahead of you. Whether that be preparing your clothes in advance or knowing what foods you're craving, he seems to know everything. You find it a little off putting at times, but you also find that it's lovely to be known. You wonder how many girls would kill to be in your position at the moment.

"Shall we head to the market tomorrow?" He tilts his head at you. "We are almost out of food."

"Already?" You blink at him. Surely he has some other intention.

"They are hosting a festival tomorrow... as well." He smiles. "Let us go together."

"Alright."

Ah. That was what it was.

You find that Alkaid has been buying clothes behind your back, the man in matching clothes with you as you descend the stairs and take his hand, holding his hand as he takes you through the stalls. He stops for candied strawberries and street style foods, taking it from you if you dislike it. He eats everything, and you refrain for ordering anything spicy in result of that. Your fairy does not like it, and you fear that you will not like it, so you settle for nothing too hot. Though, you're sure that the girls who have been peering at Alkaid the whole night would argue that you are settling for something very hot. Well, settle would be the wrong word. Is it really settling if you aren't dating?

You wonder what Alkaid makes of the whole situation.

"Is it good?" He tilts his head, opening his mouth as you give him a bite.

"It is." You nod, tilting your head back at him.

"I agree." He hums. "Shall I try to replicate this at home?"

"You're that skilled of a cook?" You raise a brow at him.

"Always." He smiles, tilting his head. "Yes?"

"...as long as you don't burn the kitchen down." You mumble.

Alkaid squeezes your hand in affirmation. You spend the rest of the night with your fingers laced between his, palm pressed flush against his, lips curled into an unconsciously sweet smile as the two of you watch the fireworks. He rests his head on your shoulder, eyes glued to the stars as he tells you the tales behind them. You listen, following his hand as you point with him, at some point the fireworks stopping and the stars being more visible to the two of you. You do not catch him staring at you, too focused on the way his voice carries through the air, and the two of you stay that way until the early hours of the morning, moving from standing on pavement to sitting on bricks, moving from sitting on bricks to laying on grass, hands never let go of.

It is beautiful, you think. He is beautiful, to you.

You wonder what you are to Alkaid. It is less of a haunting feeling and more of an innocent curiosity. Who are you to this fairy that he would willingly stay by your side and please you? Is he this way with everyone? You wonder if he would have been the same with someone else. You blink at him from the table, tilting your head as he places the bowl before you.

"What is wrong?"

You blink at him slowly. "I wonder what we are."

"You are my companion, are you not?"

(The word companion stings, but you do not know why.)

"I understand." You nod slowly.

"Why so?"

"I was curious." You smile. "I will start in the workshop again next week."

"Was there a need?"

"I am making the fireworks for the summer festival." You pause when he blinks at you. "The flowers in the sky — I am creating the ones for the summer festival."

He nods. "Is it dangerous?"

"As long as no fire gets close to it. Though, I will need to pay my mentor a visit for some more pixie dust. Perhaps I will—"

"I can provide." Alkaid swallows slowly, hand flying to cover yours on the table as you blink at him. "I will... I can provide."

"You have a source?"

"No. My wings drop pixie dust when I am small." He pauses. "How much do you need?"

"I will let you know once I get started." You smile. "Are you worried I will not come back?"

Alkaid does not answer you.

It is more than that — to him. He fears something more— that whatever force had created him and cursed him to become who he is would get its hands on you, force you to become something that he is. He wonders, and he fears, and so many more things because he would not know what to do if you are to become like him. He must protect you, perhaps. But how is he to balance protection with the ability to let you do as you will? He wonders. He wonders often.

You blink at Alkaid as he crouched by your bed, blinking your drowsiness away.

"Good morning." He smiles, and you watch as the sun peeks out from behind the curtains to light up his hair.

"Good morning." You smile back, chest warm.

Alkaid enjoys your presence more than anything— he finds. You are pretty and delicate, fingers working fast on fixing toys and making fireworks, gunpowder and pixie dust slid into the fireworks gently and carefully, eyes glued to the mechanics of everything as Alkaid cleans up your place. You are pretty, pretty like the lilies in your flowerbed, pretty like the clouds in the sky that the sun plays peekaboo with. You are pretty, and his heart knows it well, skipping a beat as you move, racing as you smile at him. The sun is nothing without its clouds. He wants to pry your fingers from your embarrassed face the same way the sun does to its clouds to catch a glimpse of you.

You are a star.

"Is something on my face?" You tilt your head, and he reaches over, wiping the smudge of pixie dust on your cheek. He watches, eyes fond as you close one eye out of reflex, smiling.

"Not anymore, starlight."

Alkaid sleeps later than you. He shuts your door behind him when he finishes making sure you're rested, and he sits in the attic, pushing the window open as the night breeze rustles his hair. He wonders sometimes if you had ever wished on a star. It would have been sweet, but he supposes it's not really something he should concern himself with. He will outlive you, and he will be alone without someone again. He wonders how much longer he will have to live before you are gone. Perhaps he will name a star after you. At the very least, he would be granted such. Perhaps he should search for your soul again since you had been so kind as to bloom him. Then, he will stay with you until it is his time to pass.

He wonders if you the two of you live like this in another life.

Though, he needs his rest too, so he shuts the window, eyes closing as he falls asleep in the warmth of his bed, pretending you are there with him.

You wonder some days if Alkaid wants to explore. Fairies are naturally free creatures, and you find it surprising that he has managed to stay so close to you for such a long time. Perhaps there is something of his that you are still holding on to. Perhaps you should ask him after the fireworks. Perhaps you are holding him back from being who he really is. So, as he shuts the door behind him after you pretend to sleep, you stare at the wood for a little too long, pondering if he would have been free in another universe. You are just weak, you find.

You don't attend the summer festival, settling for sitting out on the roof with Alkaid instead, blinking at the summer shower and the way the rockets still splatter in the sky, quieter than usual because of the rain. You wonder if you were tasked with making them because yours were resistant to the water. Alkaid hands you a sandwich from the picnic basket he had prepared, and the two of you watch from the covered patio.

"Alkaid." You hum.

"Yes?"

"Do you long to be free?"

Alkaid stares at you, closing his eyes as he shakes his head. "I am happy where I am."

You stare at him, heart churning uncomfortably in your chest as he lies to you.

"I am sorry." He senses the uncomfortableness you radiate immediately.

"No." You shake your head. "I just assumed that we were close. It is my fault."

"It is not." Alkaid reaches over for your hand as you pull it back. "star—"

"It's fine." You smile at him. "I am sorry."

"No." He tries to fix it, heart shaking in his chest, ears ringing as he tries to explain, chain of jumbled words breaking past his lips as it seems to make it worse, reaching for you again as you take a step back, and he watches as the stars in the night seem to reveal themselves after the rain clears, storm in his chest from hurting you, panic flushed through his system as the door to his room separates the two of you, his heart crumbling in his chest. Perhaps you are right.

"I... am planning on travelling soon." Alkaid smiles almost apologetically, bitterness visible on his face as you slow in your eating.

"When will that be?"

"Perhaps in a week or so." He nods. "Do take care of yourself while I am gone."

You nod.

The house is emptier without Alkaid around. You send him off from your door, handing him a safety device that you are sure he will not need, sending him off with good wishes despite the rift between the two of you. You do not know if you will see him again. You wonder if you ever will. Though, that is not your problem. It was a good time to visit everyone that had been sold to the slave market and bought again. You have had enough time playing around. It is time you return to where you are supposed to be.

You leave an empty home, white lilies wilted on the streets.

You do not return.

You busy yourself with the affairs of the land, returning Cael to his role as an aide, thanking him for taking over during the years you wanted to rest, and the two of you work for the land, your age stuck in time, Cael's age frozen next to you. You wonder if anyone questions how you have lived for so long, but you do not care. The immortals have been in power for longer than you can remember, and your father had been the exception to your noble bloodline, and it made you sick. Your mother did of heartbreak. You understand, but you find that you are not as weak as your mother was— weak is the wrong word, you find. You are not as in love as your mother was. Perhaps you had been foolish to think that you had been in love.

"Stop being a drag." Your mentor sighs, rolling his eyes as he slides you an invitation. "It's the century masquerade."

"I am not a century..." You pause. "Wow. I'm old as fuck."

"Language."

You stare at the invitation, blinking slowly.

"If you're still stuck over that roommate of yours," The man sighs. "Perhaps he will be there as well. Fairies are invited."

"Do they locate us by blood?"

"Only those who are over a century old are able to access the royal palace. You will see him again."

"How do you know that? I left him."

"He left you first."

You can't help the groan that breaks past your lips.

Yet, you are dolled up and escorted to the dance anyway, mask slipped on your face as you step foot into the ballroom, the lights too much for your eyes, heart souring at the daffodils on display and green, finding that you had been given a different dress code for some reason, but fitting in, stardust scattered on your golden gown, taking your mentor's hand as the two of you blend into the rest of the crowd, dancing as you are passed around to change partners. You wonder when you will get to stop. Though, everyone who is over a hundred is well energized. You wonder if any of these men and women pass away.

"Lonely?"

You glance at your dance partner. "No."

"You are sure?"

You nod.

"It is a shame." He swings you out of the way of your next partner, humming. "I have missed you, starlight."

You shrink back slightly to look at him, blinking owlishly as you notice the daffodil hair and peridot eyes. He smiles at you, pressing your knuckles to his lips as he smiles at you. You let him pull you off the dance floor to retreat to a balcony, rain thumping gently outside as he offers you a drink, cheeks warm as he smiles slightly over reuniting with you.

You blink slowly at him, head tilted as he opens his mouth to speak.

"I apologize." He swallows, smile bitter. "I lied to you, and I—"

"No." You blink. "It was my fault. I apologize for overreacting."

"No." Alkaid takes a step closer to you. "No. I should not have lied. I was happy with you back then, but I did not wish to hurt you by telling you I thought about exploring. It was my fault. Do forgive me for it."

"But—"

"Accept it." He hums. "May we... start over?"

"I'm... Alkaid." He smiles, bowing.

Your name comes next, and Alkaid presses your knuckles to his lips again, humming.

"May I have the honor of courting you?"

"Yes." You breathe. "Always."

Alkaid turns your hand over to press a small stone into your hand.

An opal.

"Thank you, starlight."