#also yes the one sleeve on each is on purpose

[cyberstarlope]

rayman resurgence in my brain let's go gaymers

[koolades-world]

one bed troupe w/ Beel

a/n if this makes little to no sense it's because i'm writing this while tired lol

It was yet another day of fun. Everything had been perfect up until the end of that day. After hearing you’d never been before, Beel immediately vowed to take you camping. Like the real deal camping. He spent at least an hour trying to pick the best spot to take you, and while he was usually very willing to take others with him on these kinds of expeditions, he didn't allow anyone else except his twin to come along, who surprisingly said no. Usually, he would say yes, to get away from Lucifer and to enjoy the night sky, but it appeared as if he had something up his sleeve. Strange, but not too out of character for him. You left for your trip shortly after, and most everything had gone smoothly.

That morning, you’d awoken to the sound of Beel’s stomach from outside your tent, signaling it was time to make breakfast. After a simple breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast, Beel decided it was finally time to take you kayaking on the nearby river. You opted to spend a little time enjoying the nature in a hammock he’d set up while he got everything you needed and mapped your route and fell asleep in it. When he came back from getting the two kayaks, he accidentally hit your and flipped you out of the hammock. After the initial confusion had ended, you both got a laugh out of it.

The kayaking down the river was also loads of fun. The scenery was very pretty and you saw several kinds of birds that you hadn’t seen from your camp site. Since you were each in your own vessel, once you got tired, all you had to do was tether yourself to Beel’s, and he towed you along behind him. Originally, you’d planned to have just one tandem for the both of you, but you figured you’d be basically up in the air with how uneven then weight distribution would be. So, he packed a length of rope to tether you to him if you needed a break, which you did. The scenery was very pretty, and just laying back and enjoying the tree coverage was enough for you.

However, upon arriving back, you discovered something had happened to your campsite. Your tent, and a couple things near it had been basically crushed by a large branch you'd set up under on purpose. You had both just been sitting in that very branch yesterday, and it seemed fine. The things outside the tent were alright, and so were a couple things inside. But unfortunately the two most important things were damaged: your tent itself, and your sleeping bag. An offshoot of the large branch had punctured both of your things, making them unusable until you could get them fixed, if possible. You shuddered thinking about what may have happened to you if you were inside the tent when that fell. Beel seemed to have the same thought, as he immediately proposed moving his tent to a space with no tree coverage, and that he'd share it with you.

After working together to move the remaining intact tent and packing up yours as best as possible, you spent the rest of the day as normal. You did another hike that afternoon, and enjoyed dinner together, before having to revisit the sleeping situation.

"You can change inside the tent. I'll turn around." Beel already had his back to you as he began packing up your things from your meal. Thankfully, your bag of things, including your clothes was alright, albeit a little dirty.

"Thanks, Beel." You made your way into his tent, where he'd set it back up the way he had it before you'd moved it together. It was pretty tidy. You had already placed your bag next to his. You opened it and quickly changed into your sleep clothing. For a moment, you lingered in the tent. While you'd only given it a little thought, now the idea was really sinking in: you'd have to share that sleeping bag with Beel. Not that you were opposed to the idea, as the two of you had slept in the same room before, and he only snored a little. The mere thought of being that close to him for that amount of time flustered you. After all, you'd been given a few piggyback rides over the course of your trip together, and that was more than enough proof that he felt as chiseled as he looked. Knowing he needed your help cleaning up for the night, you abandoned that thought temporarily.

"I'm done. Feel free to head in. I can finish putting out the fire." You smiled at him.

"Thanks. I'll be quick." He ducked into the tent you'd just felt, leaving you alone in the night to contemplate the day, and how misfortunate you'd been. As unlucky as that fallen branch may had been, maybe it was your blessing in disguise. While you now needed some way to get it repaired, you now got to spend the rest of the trip snuggled up with the best hugger you'd ever met nightly. Looking on the bright side was all you could do.

Soon enough, it was time to head to bed. You headed into the tent, zipping it shut. It felt much smaller when the both of you were in it at the same time. You weren't really sure what to do, so you just hovered by the exit, looking anywhere but the sleeping bag. Beel seemed to have no problem, and headed right over to it. After sliding it, he held it open with one arm.

"Here, Mc. Are you coming?" After he said this to you, you snapped out of your daze, and, while a little apprehensive, you got in with him. Your bodies were flush to each other, being forced to make eye contact the way you were laying. The sleeping bag was made for his height, so your feet didn't reach the bottom like he did. You stared at each other in silence for a moment. Not really knowing what to do with your arms, you tucked both of them under your head to act as a pillow. You were kind of afraid you'd start snuggling him in the middle of the night. Beel, on the other hand, seemed like he had no such fear, and put both of his arms around you.

"So, anything you have planned for tomorrow for us?" You tried your best to break the silence and to make things less awkward. That effort was mostly for you, since Beel seemed totally comfortable. It was like, to him, this was normal.

"Well, since we've done a few hikes already, and you seemed fine, I figured we could hike one of the harder trails up the nearby mountain. We have to pass through a small town on the way there, so we can stop at a restaurant." You began to laugh as you felt his stomach grumble. Your laughing made him smile. In that moment, the entire situation seemed like something that happened before a million times, and this was part of your nightly routine.

"Alright. Sounds good to me. Well, good night. Thanks for letting me share with you." You deemed going to sleep would help you escape the initial awkwardness of this situation, so you shut your eyes. You were pretty tired anyways. Soon enough, the both of you were asleep.

As he usually did, Beel awoke in the middle of the night, hungry. However, he remembered pretty quickly he wasn't alone that night. Sometimes, he wandered into your room after he was finished raiding the fridge, but it felt so much more warm and welcoming to wake up in a warm bed. Well, sleeping bag. Despite initially laying on your arms, they had found their way onto him and had intertwined your legs together. Your head was pressed into his neck, one arm wrapped around his torso, one underneath him somehow. He rolled the both of you over so you were on top of him to take any pressure off of your limbs. The way you shifted after he rolled caused you to snuggle him more.

Suddenly, he didn't feel so hungry anymore. It was like his hunger had finally been satiated for once in his life. He hardly remembered the feeling it'd been that long. The sight of you fast sleep, slightly smiling against his skin was more than enough for him and filled him with something he couldn't quite explain.

With the warm, fuzzy feeling in mind, he was able to drift back to sleep. Maybe he needed to start doing this more often.

[garfield-mug]

Can I request a Bob blurb? Maybe he has a really hot girlfriend and nobody believes him until they meet her? You can do whatever you want with this!

A/N: for the purposes of this story, the daggers are permanently stationed in san diego. idk if this really fits the request, but i look at bob and immediately think that man can dance, so....

also, the squad gives bob a bit of a hard time in this one, but i promise they love each other lmao and the length of this may have gotten away from me, but i had fun, so it's okay lol and this isn't proofread bc i'm tired so excuse any spelling errors (i'll stop talking now byeee!)

(p.s. see if you can spot the movie reference, 10 bonus points to whoever points it out)

Word Count: 2.2k

Content Warnings: none unless you don't like dancing ;)

Cheek to Cheek

Bob knew he wasn't really a "ladies' man." He was rather quiet and reserved, keeping to himself most of the time. He wasn't cocksure and forward, like Jake. He wasn't a goofy, shameless flirt, like Bradley. He didn't consider himself shy; he wasn't afraid to engage in conversation or make friends. Bob just preferred to sit back and observe. He liked to watch and listen, getting a good read of every room he walked into. Watching and listening was how he noticed you.

You were a sight to behold. Bob reasoned that you had to be new to the club because he would've noticed you before.

Bob doesn't get much downtime, but when he does, he likes to spend it at the San Diego Swing Dance Club. Since he was little, Bob loved to dance. He remembers his mother teaching him a basic waltz when he was about seven. Gliding and twirling around the living room on top of his ma's feet are some of his fondest memories. He started ballroom classes when he was around twelve (he wanted to impress his date to his very first dance) and fell even more in love with the art. His repertoire grew and grew, having meticulously memorized different styles (paso doble was his favorite). He still loved dancing as he grew older, able to turn on the charm as easy as he knew the moves. He loved the way dancing made him feel. Bob never felt more free than when he was drifting about the dancefloor, leading his partner. He thought it was the closest you could get to flying while staying on the ground.

That's why, when he noticed you, he knew he had to have a dance. Thankfully, his regular partner, Julie, understood and agreed to the switch for the night (she was a great wingwoman). For as often as he was in his head, Bob usually never got nervous. He was nervous approaching you. He remembers it like it was yesterday. It was Lindy Hop night and you were wearing grey striped slacks, a white blouse with the sleeves rolled up to your elbows, and an old, beat up pair of white slip-on vans. He was in his usual button down and slacks. One look at you and he knew he was a goner. You looked a bit disheveled, hair haphazardly put up and out of your face, making small talk with a few other members of the group. He thought you looked ever so slightly out of place and that it was so, so endearing.

Eventually, he worked up the courage to ask you for a dance. It did take more than a few pep talks from Julie to get him to go over to you, but she didn't have to literally drag him there, so it was a success. He asked for a dance, holding out his hand. You said yes.

One dance turned into two, then three, and eventually you'd danced the whole night away. You'd exchanged numbers before going home and then you weren't just meeting once a week at the dance club. You were making time to see each other whenever possible. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. It had now been six months since you and Bob made it official and you couldn't be happier.

Now, it made sense with his job and his general personality why the rest of the Dagger Squad hadn't known about you. They'd had conversations about their love lives often, but Bob had never really volunteered much information. You two had a good thing going and he liked to keep good things to himself for a while. Plus, the conversation rarely ever got turned his way. Bob was... very unassuming. The rest of the squad, except for Nat, never really inquired much about Bob's love life. It's not like Bob was purposely keeping you from his friends— it just never really came up. Nat was the only one who knew Bob was seeing someone and she was keeping it close to her chest out of respect for her friend and WSO, but also in the event that it spawned a bet. A bet she would surely win.

Eventually, one evening at the Hard Deck, the Daggers were all discussing their love lives once again. Mickey turned to Bob and asked if he was seeing anyone.

"I am, actually." Bob felt 5 more pairs of eyes snap to him, a collective "what?!" buzzing in the air at their inquisitive looks.

"You're seeing someone?" Jake asked, partially stunned. Bob wasn't offended, he knew he presented as a bit of a wallflower, and he was okay with that.

"What, you jealous, Bagman?" Bradley couldn't help himself. Jake's gaze snapped to the other aviator, challenging. Despite them both being on... better terms after the uranium mission, they still liked to jab at each other. Jake was usually better at it— slow, persistent needling while keeping a calm and collected facade. Bradley was more direct, favoring an immediate reaction over slow buildup.

Before Jake could respond, Bob cut in, turning the focus back to him.

"Matter of fact, I am," He sat a little straighter, dusting his pants of remnants of the peanuts he was snacking on. Natasha took a swig from her beer to hide the sly grin that was threatening to break across her face.

"Romantically? You're seeing someone romantically?" Reuben questioned.

"Sure am." Bob pushed his glasses further up his nose. He was thinking about you and how he wished you'd been able to come out tonight. You had talked to Bob about coming by to meet his friends, but scheduling conflicts always arose.

"What's her name?" Mickey asked.

"What's she look like?" Nat played into it, ignoring the pointed look Bob shot her way. He was still thinking of you, particularly about how darling you looked when you writhed underneath him, but they didn't need to know about that. Instead, Bob refocused, a dreamy smile taking over his features and a rosy blush creeping up his neck, landing on his cheeks. He couldn't help but look at the ground for a few moments, then he relayed your name. It felt so natural falling from his lips. The squad was eager for more information.

"She's just... perfect. She's smart and funny and so, so beautiful. She's got these eyes that just... and her smile?" Bob sighs, he actually sighs.

"I don't buy it." Jake is the first to burst the bubble. "I mean, we ask you what she looks like and all you give us is "oh, her eyes, her smile"? No way," Jake throws back the rest of his drink. Mickey and Reuben nod, signaling their agreement. Natasha smiles devilishly to no one but herself.

"C'mon, Bagman, he's clearly telling the truth. I mean, look at him. He's actually lovesick." Bradley chimes in. He knows what a man in love looks like.

"Yeah, it's kind of disgusting," Javy pipes up, firmly siding with Bradley.

"Well boys," Nat claps Bob on the shoulder. "Looks like we have a bet on our hands." She watches the men around the high-top table, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hundred dollars in the pot says Bob's mystery girl is real. You in?"

Nat pulls out five twenty dollar bills, placing them in the middle of the table. Bob watches in amusement.

"Steep price, Natty, but I'll bite." Jake throws his wager in as well.

Eventually, everyone put some money in the pot, much to Nat's satisfaction, even if she would have to split the prize money.

"Alright, alright... When and where can we meet your lovely lady?" Jake asks Bob, who is glancing down at his watch.

"Uhh, this Thursday at the San Diego Swing Dance Club. Seven-thirty, sharp. Wear something nice, but comfortable." With that, Bob was throwing on his jacket and out the door, headed home to see you. He wouldn't have left so abruptly, but you'd sent him a text and he wasn't going to keep you waiting.

The Daggers were even more perplexed. Well, all except for Nat, but the rest didn't need to know about it.

"San Diego Swing Dance Club?" Reuben was taken aback. Jake was thoroughly amused.

"Oh I have got to see this now."

-

The week flew by, and eventually it was Thursday evening. You were excited to finally meet Bob's friends, he talked about them so often. You'd be lying if you said you weren't a bit nervous, fretting over your outfit and hair more than usual, not to mention your makeup.

"Babydoll, you'll look beautiful no matter what you choose." Bob had been sitting on your bed for the better part of an hour now, as you agonized over your outfit choice.

You sighed, coming to sit next to him. "I just want to make a good first impression." You rest your head on his shoulder.

"I promise they'll like you no matter what you wear." Bob presses a kiss to your temple. You take a deep breath and close your eyes.

"I'll go with the plaid pants then."

Bob huffs out a laugh, "Alright, baby."

-

The Daggers arrived at seven-thirty, sharp. Just like Bob had told them. Nat sent Bob a text, letting him know that they'd arrived. He excused himself from the group to collect the rest of his friends. He was excited, happy to share one of his passions with the people he called friends. He was also happy to finally introduce his girl to the rest of his friends. Bob made his way over to the rest of the squad, clustered awkwardly by the main entrance of the dance hall.

"Glad you could make it!" Bob pulls Natasha in for a hug and greets the rest of the guys in a similar fashion.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Bobby." Jake says, eyes sweeping the room for a lady to take home for the night. Bradley and Javy were doing the same. Mickey and Reuben had brought partners for the evening— a double date.

The group fell into their usual rhythm, easy conversation and a few friendly jabs here and there. Almost forgetting the reason why they were there. Almost. Jake was just about to bring up the fact that they still had yet to meet Bob's mystery girl, when the intro to Thurston Harris' Little Bitty Pretty One started playing from the bandstand. It was jive night, which just so happened to be your favorite. Scanning the crowd, your eyes found Bob talking with his friends. 'Well, it's now or never,' you thought, and you were beelining towards your boyfriend so you could make it onto the floor for the first dance. Bob was just telling Nat about this new recipe he tried out for dinner when he felt a tug on his arm. He turned to look at you and smiled.

"Bobby c'mon, can't miss the first dance!"

He looked back at his friends, "Be right back," and Bob was off to the dancefloor with you. The Daggers watched as he whisked you away, stepping into a seamless jive. You felt like you were positively flying, floating through the air, feet touching every cloud. The way you and Bob danced together was something special. You could read each other in a way most dance partners wished they could. Feeling the music, keeping in time with the rhythm, anticipating and adapting to every move the other made. Improvisation was the purest form of art, the amount of trust placed in your partner is unlike anything else. You and Bob had something special, there was no denying that, especially as you were twirling across the floor.

"Who knew he could move like that?" Javy had to pick his jaw up off the floor.

"They make it look so effortless," Reuben looked utterly amazed.

Jake had to admit, he was impressed. Game recognizes game and damn it, Bob Floyd had game. It really was always the quiet ones. You were pretty, and you seemed fun. You seemed like you'd be good for Bob, even though they hadn't technically met you yet. Jake couldn't even be mad that he'd lost the bet. What he needed now was to learn how to dance like Bob because apparently, that was a great way to meet a lady. You and Bob were out of breath when you rejoined the group, introductions going a smooth as ever. You like the squad and the squad liked you. By the end of the night, you and Bob had shown everyone how to do a basic jive. Reuben, Mickey, and Javy caught on quickly, feeling comfortable enough to join the people out on the main floor. Bradley and Jake needed... help. Nat was managing, wanting a bit more time to figure the steps out before trying them on the floor.

Before everyone knew it, it was ten o'clock and the band was saying goodnight. You and Bob were saying your goodbyes, ready to head home. Once you and him were out the door, Natasha turned to Bradley and Javy.

"Alright, we split this three ways and make sure to absolutely rub it in Jake's face." Nat divvies up the cash and Bradley and Javy take their cuts. Javy gives a curt nod and a smile before walking to his car.

Bradley turns to Natasha. "Can I walk you to your car?" He offers his arm.

"Sure," Nat smiles and accepts.

[yksdr13]

Okay, hear me out: Sam Carpenter loves to tease you with her strong arms. Yes, you read that right, she loves it. Especially when she wants to have her way with you.

Now, follow my lead.

You didn't usually pay much attention to Sam's arms, like, look at this woman! There's so many things to pay attention to that you get lost. But anyway, on this particular day you came home early and came across a sweaty Sam. She's flexing her biceps as she lift small dumbbells - one in each hand -, her full lips parted slightly as she panted softly, "completely" focused on what she was doing.

That was THE sight. It took your breath away and made you think about it for a long time (it still does, let's be fr). After that day it was impossible not to notice Sam's arms and the way they seemed to make her shirts look tight at the sleeves, the way they were well-defined against the thin fabric of her shirt as well. Damn, even the simple way she crossed her arms made your breath hitch.

But oh– what really made you thirsty was when she wore that sleeveless shirt, leaving her arms exposed. It had you drooling, climbing the walls, internally screaming and totally going insane. But you're wrong if you think Sam didn't know that.

Come ooon, you stare too much and wasn't discreet at all! Plus, Sam can read you like an open book. This woman did it on purpose. From the first time you saw her working out she knew she found a way to leave you on the edge and make it seem as if she didn't know the effect she was having on you.

Well, that would also be like a double-edged sword. Seeing how she has you all hot and bothered, you know? It'll be such a turn on for her...

It would end in a rough night. God bless Sam's arms.

[roguehongsami]

Cult Leader.

pairing/s: professor!hongjoong x fem!student

genre/s: slow burn, fluff, smut, au

synopsis: the struggle between freedom & autonomy, and routine in a relationship leaves you at crossroads. hongjoong waits at the end of one road w. his heart on his sleeve, hoping you eventually make the turn.

content: teacher-student (late & early 20s, consensual), toys, dacryphilia, unprotected sex (condomize), mirror sex, creampie, cockwarming, breast play, overstimulation, spanking, degradation, praise.

word count: 7.8k

author's note: read cs to avoid confusion. story is focused on aaliyah from cs. her name is now Y/N, and Y/N from cs is now solana. have fun w. both perspectives. also, thank you for interacting w. my last story. it got 10x the traffic i was expecting. your support doesn't go unnoticed. xoxo.

* DISCLAIMER: THIS IS FICTIONAL. IT IS NOT A REPRESENTATION OF KIM HONGJOONG'S CHARACTER, PERSONALITY OR BEHAVIOUR. THIS IS SOLELY FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. *

↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺ lana del rey // cult leader

Solana had not been answering Y/N's calls. All of her attempts would go to voicemail after a few rings. The show was about to start and Solana was nowhere in sight. Not knowing what to do next, she started making her way through the crowd. Her best option was to go home at that point. The show was Solana's idea yet she was late for it. Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it. She felt a hand grab her wrist. Startled, she whipped her head around and came face-to-face with the culprit.

Her eyes wide, she said, "Professor Kim?"

"What are you doing here?" he wore a beautiful smile.

"I came here for the show." Y/N said, matter-of-factly. "And maybe to get drunk." she admitted shamefully.

Hongjoong released her hand and pocketed his hands in his jeans. He smirked. "Aren't you supposed to be prepping for Yunho's test tomorrow?"

"Yes and no." she shrugged nonchalantly. "I already understand time signatures. And the test isn't until three o'clock."

"Did you come alone?"

"Well, I was supposed to be here with Solana but she's not answering my calls. I think she got held up at her drum lessons." she sighed, unable to hide her disappointment.

Hongjoong pondered on his thoughts before he let out, "Instead of ditching the show, why not keep each other company?"

Y/N chewed on her lower lip, uncertain if that would be a wise move. As much as she would've loved to spend time with Hongjoong, the last thing she wanted was to incur the wrath of the school committee. She only had one semester left but let's be honest, it was never in her nature to play by the book. Challenging authority and taking risks had always been her hallmark.

She accepted Hongjoong's offer, weaving their way through the crowd that was growing by the minute. He led them to a pub table with two chairs. A waitress took their drink orders and came back with a mai-tai for Y/N, and a beer for Hongjoong.

"I never pegged you for a Molchat Doma fan." Hongjoong took a swig of his beer.

She took a sip of drink. "Somebody said something similar when I went to a Selofan show in April." she chuckled lightly. "I don't look the part."

"To be fair, you wear a lot of yellow." he pulled his face jokingly. "Doesn't really scream 'goth', now does it?"

She fake gasped with her hand over her chest. "I just don't wanna box myself. Is that a crime?"

"No, it is not. And frankly, I admire your refusal to be bound by rules."

"So what's the story behind the split dye?"

He ran his fingers through his hair and gave the most charming smile. She could feel her heart skip a beat. If there was anybody who could capture Y/N's undivided attention, it was Hongjoong. Although it never seemed so, Y/N thought a lot about her professor. Hongjoong had the entire student body wrapped around his finger; girls wanted him and boys wanted to be him. The man's charisma was incomprehensible and his word was rule. He knew how far his influence could stretch but Y/N, she never gave him that satisfaction.

For every swoon, she snickered. Every compliment was met with a scoff.

Hongjoong reminded Y/N of everything she was. Even with the very little interaction they shared, he could read her like a book. The way he spoke, the way he carried himself, his lack of consideration for rules... He was her. Her nonchalance was merely a method of deflection. She was smitten. Hongjoong was well aware and he enjoyed indirectly pushing her buttons. This game of cat-and-mouse was just a subtle way to communicate with one another.

"I wanted to try something new. Something that could get everyone's attention." he smirked.

"Was the red not enough?" she rolled her eyes.

"The red never got your attention." he coaxed her.

Not expecting that response, Y/N's drink went down the wrong pipe and she choked. She regained her composure and mumbled, "Well played, Joong."

Hongjoong boasted. He had finally managed to crack her armour. His efforts were getting recognised but if Y/N was truly anything like him, she was going to make him sweat. And he was in it for the long run. It was the first chase he was fully going to commit himself to. He wanted her, and he was willing to work for her. "Desperation" was not the word, no. With a legion of girls who were dying to be bedded by the Kim Hongjoong, it was the girl with a stone in the place of her heart whom he desired. He was motivated.

As the night progressed, the pair exchanged more words than they ever had in during the year. Bartender was placing drinks on their table every hour. The background music fell away, both forgetting that they came for the very thing they were ignoring. The number of people began dwindling as soon as Molchat Doma finished their set. A few local bands came on but nobody was really attentive. It was 23:30 and the club was closing. Hongjoong paid for their drinks. They made their way outside, still chatting about. He drove her back home and watched as she entered her apartment complex, before taking himself back home.

"Y/N, can I borrow you for a sec?" Professor Jeong Yunho called out to Y/N as she was stepping out the door.

She backtracked and went to Yunho's desk. "Yes?"

"Do you have any idea why Solana's isn't attending my class?" his eyebrows creased.

"She won't tell me either. And I won't force her to." Y/N sucked her teeth and crossed her arms over her chest. "If you want an answer, just get her in a very public space. She hates getting cornered."

Yunho laid back in his chair and put his arms on the armrest. "Like after class?"

"No. 'Cause then she'll make up an excuse about needing to get to another class. The mixer next week, she'll be there."

"Thank you, Y/N. I'm starting a new chapter and she's going to fall behind." Yunho grabbed a paper on his desk and handed it to Y/N. "Monday's test results. Get it to her, please?"

As she walked down the hallway about to journey back to her complex, Lecture Hall 1117 — Guitar. Her hand hovered over the handle, unsure of her own actions. She pulled it down and slowly opened the door. As her eyes scanned the empty hall, different types of guitars stacked at the very back, Hongjoong's eyes landed on her frame with his eyebrows arched. An unexpected surprise. He had not spoken to Y/N since the show, and they had barely exchanged any words in class either.

Slowly entering the classroom, holding Hongjoong's gaze, she locked the door behind her. He turned around in his chair and set his pen on the table, seizing with grading papers. She stood awkwardly at the door, toying with her fingers like a little child. As terrified as she was, she was ready to start making an effort with Hongjoong.

That'll be freedom and a half.

"Thought you'd be gone by now." she spelled, her voice meek.

"Wanted to get some work done first." a shit-eating grin materialised across his face.

He sensed how uneasy she was, as if she had just admitted defeat. As much as he would have loved to revel in the situation, he was not about rub it in her face and ruin whatever chances he had with her.

He opened his arms and motioned for her to come to him. "Come here."

She remained planted in her place at the door.

"No funny business, I promise. Just come here." She moved into his embrace. He positioned her on his lap and begun rubbing circles on her back. Her head laid in the crook of his shoulder. She couldn't help but purr under his touch.

"Are we finally making progress?" he asked as he picked up his pen and continued grading papers.

"A little bit." her head still buried in his shoulder.

"A little bit." he parrotted. "You wouldn't even look at me in the first semester, so I'll take what I can get." he chuckled lightly, which prompted Y/N to reciprocate the gesture.

On the outskirts of the city, Hongjoong had his car parked on the side of a road near a field. The skies were gloomy, clouds a deep grey and a light breeze that made the grass sway. Y/N sat between Hongjoong's legs, with him leaning against the door, as they watched outside. He had his arms wrapped over her shoulders, chin rested on the top of her head.

"You really love the seventies, don't you?" she spoke softly.

"The clothes, the cars, the music. There's a flair to that decade that's just... special."

"'The freedom land of the seventies'." she slipped out of his hold and sat up, turning around to face him. "I'd always hear stories from my grandma from then."

His eyebrows creased in the middle. "Like what?"

"She was a free-loving hippie then, flowers in the hair and everything. Before she left the States, she got to see Jimi and Janis at Woodstock."

"You're lying, right?" he gave her a suspecting look.

"On the day Janis performed, she met a man named Graham. They were glued at the hip the whole weekend. Eventually they started dating."

"That doesn't sound so bad." Hongjoong chuckled.

Y/N gave him a blank stare, biting on the inside of her cheek. "Graham... was a cult leader. When they dated, grandma joined his cult. She never left his side. He could convince her to do anything."

Hongjoong sat upright and watched Y/N intensely, waiting for her to say she was lying.

"But Graham died in seventy-eight."

"What happened to the cult after he died?"

"It just dissipated, grandma was devastated. She loved him, no man has ever measured up to Graham in her eyes. Everyone thinks she's just a senile old woman with raging dementia but I don't." she leaned back on the seat, laying her head on the headrest. "She said it was the best time of her life. Always encouraging me to find my own freedom. She wants me to live." she turned her head to face Hongjoong. "'Lay down, my child'. Something Graham used to say to her."

"How does your grandpa feel about her loving Graham that much?"

"Probably tooting his own horn." A mischievous smile spread across her face, unable to mask her amusement. "Graham is my granddad."

Hongjoong was too dumbfounded to gather the words to speak. He stared at her blankly and all she could do was keep smiling. They sat in silence for a few moments, holding each other's gaze. Hongjoong fixed his posture and planted his feet on the floor. He cupped her face. She held his wrists, looking at him through her lashes. She gulped to ease the anxiety creeping in. The atmosphere suddenly became heavy, all that could be heard was their breathing.

"Everyone either wants to be you or be with you. Your personal 'yes-men'. They're so desperate for your approval, for you. It's very..." she broke the silence, their lips grazing.

"Cult-like?" he let go of her face and held her hands. A smirk breaking out. "Do I make you feel free?"

She nodded in agreement. "I think our little back and forth is freeing. You don't rush me." her voice was faint. She dropped her head, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"It took an entire semester to get you to talk to me, acknowledge me. I can wait a while longer."

"I just need you to hold my hand until I'm ready. I don't think you'd ever stifle my freewill but I need to be sure."

He pressed his lips to hers. She happily obliged. He snaked his arms around her waist, hoisting her up to his lap. Her hand was pressed against the window, the other slinked over his shoulder. Their breathing picked up, body temperature slowly rising. He slid his hands under her shirt, sending shivers down her spine. His lips moved down to her neck, nipping at the skin.

A downpour struck down on Hongjoong's car, jolting them out of their little bubble. As he kept tracing kisses and bites on her neck and shoulders, she was distracted by the droplets on the window. Her fingers following the drops sliding down. She broke away from Hongjoong. His eyebrows creased, confused. She opened the door and stepped out. The rain smacking against her skin.

"Y/N, what are you doing?" Hongjoong asked as he slid to the door.

He grabbed her wrist and she looked down on him while he sat in the car. "I don't know."

She ran off into the field until she reached the very center. Her head cocked up to the sky, eyes closed. Rain washed down her face. Her shirt became translucent, sticking to her skin. Her entire body was drenched. She spread her arms out.

"I did everything I wanted. I lived. I loved. And now it's your turn."

"But I don't know how..."

"Yes, you do. You're just scared, that's it." she handed her a bowl of snacks. "As for love, you'll know when you've found the one. He'll be there no matter what."

Spin. Spin. Spin.

She recalled a conversation she had with her grandmother. Her words rang true. There was fluttering in her stomach. But sometimes those butterflies could be warning signs. Unsure which it was. Harbingers of a beautiful something or an awful auspice.

Hongjoong snuck up on her as she was so engrossed with what was in her head. He grabbed her waist and held her hand in his. He spun her around once more, with one knee bent, he dipped her. They held their position a few seconds before he reeled her back in and held her. She rested her hands around his neck and leaned in to kiss him. She rested her head on his shoulder.

"Soon you'll realise that you can have me without sacrifice. And I'll be right here when you do."

Most students had already taken their place in the hall. Some were in the back getting their guitars of the rack. Y/N was tuning her guitar, readying herself for the day's lesson. She was feeling a bit under the weather that day; her face was flushed and nose congested, an occasional sneeze into her sweater sleeve. Her little liberty expedition into the rain had left her with a parting gift; a cold.

Once all the students were seated, Hongjoong began his lesson. He paced up and down in front of the students, asking questions about various scales. The class was engaged in the lesson but Y/N, not so much. Her cold medication had put her in her a state of delirium. She could barely keep her eyes open.

"I put you into groups of three last time and assigned you solos to analyse. Get to it." Hongjoong spoke authoritatively as he sat in his chair, feet propped up on his desk.

Y/N rummaged in her tote bag, the little device hiding from her, then pulled forth a small device the size of her hand. She plugged the amPlug into her guitar. The headphones that hung around her neck were pulled over her head and covered her ears. She plugged the wired headphones into the amPlug.

Kathy brought her hand up over her head, waving, which got Hongjoong's attention. Diverting his attention from his phone screen to an eager Kathy, he sighed.

"Kathy?" his tone low and uninterested.

She twirled her hair in her fingers, giggling with her friends upfront the class. "So... mister Kim, do you like... have a girlfriend?"

Kathy had never shied away from making passes at Hongjoong. She had always been shamelessly vocal about her desire to get with him. Half the student body knew and even the faculty caught wind. It played off more as a joke to everyone, but not Kathy. Not Kathy.

Hongjoong never held any animosity towards anyone. He got along with everyone, always as respectful as he could be. Thing is, he also had one hell of a reputation for flirtatious behaviour. Albeit with no intention to follow through with something more, he'd either wink at students or mindfully caress the female staff just to get a reaction out of them. He loved the influence he had over everyone. It was all a game to him.

Half the class was taken aback by the question, feeling as if it was a bit intrusive. The other half were more engrossed by the assessment that was due. Y/N held her head up, curious to what his answer might be. Hongjoong smirked, standing up from his chair. He strolled to Kathy and stood in front of her, arm slinked over the music stand.

"Why Kathy, do you want a date?" Hongjoong smiled with a wave of confidence washing over him.

Kathy playfully rolled her eyes and giggled some more. "I mean-"

Hongjoong briefly glanced at Y/N. "I flirt a lot but I don't do students. And I'm not on the market." he said arrogantly, shooting her a wink.

Embarrassment washed over Kathy as she sunk into her seat. Hongjoong pat her on the shoulder, then pocketed his hands into his slacks. He took a few laps around the hall, as his students spoke amongst themselves. Y/N put her headphones over her ears and began strumming. She felt a sense of relief hearing Hongjoong's response, but couldn't help think a part of what he said may have been a silent jab at her. Setting aside her thoughts, she focused on her playing.

Solana tapped Y/N on her shoulder, bringing her out her bubble of notes and chords, and pushed the headphones behind her ears.

"I need a pick, I think I lost mine."

Y/N took out a small metal container from her tote bag. "What kind do you use?"

Solana pondered as her index finger was pressed on her chin. "Standard three-five-one, point-eight gauge."

She opened up the metal container. Her finger swiping through the various collection of picks. Bringing forth a lime green pick, she inspected it then held it out to Solana. She took it between her fingers, pouting, she looked up at Y/N.

"Don't you have it in celluloid?"

"You know I only use nylon."

Solana shrugged. "Thanks anyway." her fingers flipped through the music sheet on the stand in front of her. "Can't believe Professor Kim gave us Free Bird. I don't get the physics behind sliding. I like the glissando though."

Y/N passed a breathy chuckle, amused by Solana's complaint. "I did it with a bottle neck once, I'll show when we get home."

Solana puts on her headphones, strumming away on her guitar. Y/N pages through the music sheet, making notes on the sheet with her pencil and jotting down in her notebook. Engrossed with her work, she didn't realise Hongjoong was nearing her as he took laps around the hall. A tingling sensation played around in her nasal cavities, eliciting a sneeze that was directed into her sleeve. She took out a handkerchief a swiped it across her nose.

Hongjoong shook his head in discontent, tsking as he halted right beside her. "Told you not to fool around in the rain." he whispered.

She glanced up at Hongjoong with a death stare, a shiver meandering in his nerves.

He sunk to her eye level, eyes studying the notes on the sheet. "I'll drop off some food and medicine later tonight." he whispered as his fingers paged through the sheet. His finger landed on a highlighted line. "That's dee-over-eff sharp."

"Thanks." she muttered, fingers adjusting the distortion level on her amPlug.

It was the night of the Waldorf Music Academy mixer. From nerves of steel to absolute anxietude, Y/N was trying to regain her composure. She had spent months preparing for this night. Hair and makeup to shoes and dress. Counting in her head to calm herself, fingers tapping incessantly on her thigh.

"I'll see you later, okay?" Solana rubbed Y/N on the back and gave her a small smile.

Y/N nodded as she watched Solana walk down the steps into the hall, her red gown in hand to keep from tripping. She stood at the entrance, inspecting the venue. She wore a blush pink tulle dress that halted above her knees, a bejeweled belt hugging her waist. Her beige stilettos with gemstone straps decorated her feet. A white and yellow diamond négligée hung befittingly around her neck, sure to draw attention to her chest. The necklace was paired with yellow diamond studs and bracelet. Her getup was completed with a beige clutch. She was magnificent. breathtaking really.

Hongjoong sat in his car that was parked across the street, watching her stand frozen at the door. He wore a midnight blue regular fit suit with a notch lapel, the top three buttons of his dress shirt undone. A white pocket square adorned his chest, and dark brown oxfords to complete the look. His split dye hair was slicked back, a black strand dancing on his forehead and his undercut fresh as it could be.

He exited his car and made his way across the street, into the building. His heart was thumping faster the closer he approached. Of all the beauty he had come across in his lifetime, nothing and no one ever measured up to Y/N. He stood beside her, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"You are beyond... mesmerizing." he smiled. "You're very beautiful, Y/N."

She returned the gesture. "Thank you, Hong." she playfully nudged at his shoulder. "You clean up really well. I see why Kathy's always making passes."

They both chuckled lightheartedly, easing the atmosphere. Most of the anxiety that held her mind hostage had slowly begun to fall away with every second Hongjoong stood beside her.

"Too bad for her, she's not you."

He held her gaze. She looked away, heat rushing to her cheeks. Time felt as if it had slowed down.

"Just breathe, okay? You'll blow them away, that I'm certain of." he gave her a wink before descending down the staircase. "Come find me if you need a pep talk."

[ . . . ]

It had been about two hours since the mixer started. Chatting up a myriad of industry officials. She wrapped up her conversation with Joe Satriani after discussing his thought process while composing, and his experience mentoring Kirk Hammett and Steve Vai. He gave her some much needed pointers, also offering his number so he could tutor her in the future. She humbly accepted the offer, as she walked away.

She spotted Hongjoong sitting at the bar, alone. He was downing a glass of whiskey, uninterested in the event. Chaperoning was his least favourite part of the job. He called on the bartender, shaking the glass a few inches above the counter, signalling for a refill. Y/N sat on the stool beside him and ordered a long island iced tea. The bartender positioned the beverage in front of her and disappeared to tend to other guests.

"Enjoying the evening?" Hongjoong downed his whiskey in one go. "Saw you chatting up Satriani."

Y/N twirled the straw in her drink. "He said he'd tutor me after I graduate."

He looked down at his glass and smiled halfheartedly. "Guess you're outgrowing me. I've taught you all that I could."

There was an uncomfortable silence for a minute or so.

"All this talk of graduation..." she released a shaky breath. "I realised how much I love having you around, even though it doesn't seem so. I'm ready to take the next step, if you feel like you've waited long enough."

He glanced up and saw her looking down at her drink. He knew it took a great deal of courage for her to bear her heart out. The step he'd been waiting for. She finally opened up her heart to him. All he could think of were the ways he wanted to show her new experiences and above it all, how love could be liberating and safe. He was determined to create an environment where their mutual admiration for each other could be cultivated.

Hongjoong looked back down at his drink. "You have no idea how badly I've been wanting to hear that. Are you serious?"

"As a heart attack."

He reached into his pant pocket. Presenting to her, he discreetly put a pink rubber device in her hand. She looked at her hand, her eyebrows creasing with confusion. In no less than a second, it dawned on her as her eyes were bewildered and her mouth grew into an 'O'. She swiftly dumped the device into her clutch, eye laser-focused on Hongjoong.

He looked her straight on, expressionless. "What are you still doing here?" his voice hushed.

[ . . . ]

She jerked up in her seat, the people around her the table casting confused glances. A simple "Shiver down the spine" was enough for them to brush her off, giving her reassuring nods. Her legs were shaking and she could barely hold the fork in her hand. When the tables were cleared, she took it as an opportunity to bury her face in her arms. Her heart was beating irregularly. Her breathing was all over the place.

Solana came back to their table and sat beside Y/N. She heard her sniffling and grew concerned. Her hand rubbed her back as she leaned in.

"Babe, what's wrong?" Solana asked innocently.

"It's nothing. Don't worry." she said with a tremble laced in her tone.

"Are you sure? You're literally shaking."

Why wouldn't she shake? Any time she felt as though it was all over, Hongjoong would crank up the setting of the remote-controlled vibrator. She was pooling at her core and her clitoris was throbbing to the point of detonation. One wrong move, she would probably collapse. She avoided being on her feet for the time being, worried her legs may give out. All she wanted was for the evening to end.

And it was far from.

Hongjoong was seated two tables away, smirking cunningly to himself. Everytime she lurched in her seat, he stifled a laugh. Having his way with her was what he considered his "single greatest achievement". He had her in his grasp and he wasn't loosening his grip for as long as he lived.

Y/N sat up, wiping the tears off her face. She put her finger on Solana's mouth, confusing her, Solana looking down at her finger.

"I'm f-fine, just... shush. I need quiet." Y/N hissed. Her eye caught the ebon stone on her finger. She squinted as she focused on it. "Er- where'd you get the rock?"

Solana pursed her lips, eyes wandering. "I, uh... a gift."

Her clutch was buzzing on the table, catching her attention. She took out her phone, her eyes greeted by a text message notification.

Hongjoong: i'm turning it off. gather yourself and meet me in room 1205 in 30 min.

Hongjoong: and DON'T take it out unless i say so.

She slipped her phone back into her clutch. As she was about let out a sigh of relief, the device went off one last time, prompting her jerk up again. Hongjoong listened to her quietly whimper as he walked past her table, not giving her a second look.

"I'll probe you later." she tilted her head to the side. "You don't mind going home alone, do you?"

Solana shook her head. "I'm meeting somebody in the hotel in..." she looked at the time on her phone. "Right now, actually. I'll see you tomorrow."

Solana stood up and swiped her purse off the table, flattening whatever creases she could find on her gown. She took out a tube of lip gloss, glistening her lips before making her exit. "Kiss kiss."

She was greeted with a 'floor 12' silver lettering when she stepped out of the elevator. Taking small strides to the room, she stood in front of the door. 1205. The grip on her clutch tightening. Deep breath in, shaky breath out. Hand balled into a fist, her knuckles met the door. Two knocks. The device still buried inside her buzzed to life, forcing an involuntarily half-loud whimper out of her. Her knees buckled and she held herself up using the door frame.

The door opened, her eyes landing on a grinning Hongjoong. He clutched her waist, pulling her into the room. She threw her arm over his shoulder, legs trembling with every step. Her clutch thrown on the coffee table. He sat on the edge of the bed, his hands squeezing her hips and face buried in her stomach. She held herself up with his shoulders, staring at the top his head. He was inhaling every bit of her Issey Miyake perfume.

"Stand back a bit for me, will you?"

Y/N took a few steps back, making space between her and Hongjoong. She stood with her arms crossed over her chest, a scowl evident on her face. He looked her up and down, a lustful yet dark gaze focused on her being. Their eyes competing with one another. Tension thick in the atmosphere.

Bzzzz.

She whimpered painfully, doubling over and supporting herself with her hands on her knees. "You said you'd stop."

"Long enough for you to be able to get here." he shrugged. "There's five settings on this thing and I've only taken it to four. How long is it gonna take for you to cave under five?"

"I came, like, twice in the hall. What more do you want?" she growled. She bent down to undo the straps of her heels and set them aside.

The vibrator went up to the fifth setting immediately after Hongjoong brought it back to life. "That's one hell of an attitude for someone who's under my mercy."

"I'm sorry." she cried.

It seemed the longer the buzzing went on, the more her legs would tremble. She stood by the coffee table, holding herself up. The tears mixed with sweat beads came down her face endlessly. Counting to a hundred and back in her head, trying to keep her mind off her situation. The feeling of her heart thumping violently against her chest was making her panic. Her entire body was shaking.

"Call it. I'll stop." Hongjoong deigned.

It had only been three minutes at this point. Two orgasms had washed over her. A third one was quickly materializing. An tight sensation taking up residence in her stomach. She managed stand upright. Pacing up and down in front of Hongjoong. Fisting two handfuls of her hair, she was breathing erratically, tears never seizing. As her third orgasm crept in, she bowed with her hands on her knees. Her cries more audible this time.

Down her leg came some of her nectar, underwear beyond drenched. Catching Hongjoong's attention, head cocked to the side and eyebrow arched. A smile mixed with satisfaction and bewilderment appeared. He leaned forward to get a closer look. Her knees buckled as she brought down her entire body weight. Hands pressed to the floor, her crying grew stronger.

Trying to string together a coherent sentence, unable to find her words. She managed, "Please..."

The device died. Hongjoong slipped the remote into his pocket. He went down on his knees, cupping her face and wiping away her tears. He planted his lips on hers, burying her head in his shoulder. As he took his hand into her underwear, he accidentally grazed her overly sensitive bud. Whimpering and jerking up. His fingers journeyed up inside her, retrieving the vibrator. Smeared with her juices, he brought it to his mouth and licked off the residue.

She casted him a disgusted look, eyeing him through her wet lashes and glossy eyes. Unsure if she was aroused or found it off-putting to watch her boyfriend slurp her discharge, her core released a bit more of her juices in response. Talk about cognitive dissonance. Hongjoong chuckled, as he put the toy into his pocket. He grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her. His tongue requesting entry into her mouth. She tasted herself on him.

He draped his arms around her waist, undoing her belt. His fingers unzipped her dress. He stood up, bringing her up along with. The dress pooled around her legs as she stepped out of. He sat down on the bed, straddling her around his waist. She began undoing his dress shirt, then traveled down his pants. Her fingers fumbling the zip. He smacked her ass, making her moan into their kiss.

"Five-seven with the confidence of six-foot tall man." she spoke against his lips, her hand caressing his throbbing cock. "I admire that. I think it's hot."

He flicked his finger over her throbbing bud, a yelp filling his ears. "Gutsy, when I quite literally have you in the palm of my hand."

He grabbed her waist and pushed her off, taking off his pants. He sat back down on the bed. Her eyes stuck on his member. Smooth with a vein running along the base, head pink and leaking with precum. Girthy and lengthy. Her mind was racing through all the possibilities of how he'd make her fall apart. She licked her lower lip.

"Come on, take a seat." he coaxed her, pulling her hand. His other hand pumping to get him harder. "I'm gonna stuff you so good, baby."

He spun her around, her back turned to him. His hands planted firmly on her waist, he slowly descended her on his cock. Both of their bodies erupting from the slight contact. As Hongjoong was taking deep breaths, Y/N whimpered at the feel of his stretch. Her walls clamped so tight, barely allowing him entrance. Hongjoong was careful to not force her down hastily.

Patience wears thin for everyone, it's ruled by circumstance. As appreciated as it was, she was peeved. He was taking his sweet time, enjoying her feel. She balanced herself using his thighs and forced herself all the way down, until he bottomed her out.

"Will you relax? I can feel your heart beating on my dick." Hongjoong groaned when she fit him in, his arms wrapped around her stomach.

She gave a light chuckle, through shallow breaths. "Sorry Hong, you were taking too long."

After a few breathers, she began bouncing on his cock. His hands playing with her breasts, fondling away at her nipples. Her moans filled the silence in the room. The constant squelching replaying in both their heads. His grunting had her spiraling. She wanted to hear more. Kegeling on his cock. His grip on her breasts growing tighter. He traced wet kisses on her back, inevitably sinking his teeth into her skin. Marks plastered all over her back.

The warmth and slick that encapsulated his cock, paired with forceful clamping, it was coming. It wasn't long until he was painting her walls. He stilled her on his cock while he spasmed inside her. Grunting her name, over and over, in her ear.

He took her face by the jaw and cocked it to the mirror in front of them. "Don't worry, baby. You'll get yours."

He spread her legs open, rubbing the inside of her thigh. Trailing kisses on her back and shoulder. Her jaw still in his hand, his other ventured to her core. As he played with her bud, she squirmed in his hold. Any time she tried looking away, he'd force her to look at the mirror.

As she closed her eyes, tears running, he said, "Open your eyes, and don't make me ask again." he whispered into her ear, shivers traveling down her spine.

Her chest heaving up and down as she watched herself in the mirror, falling apart in his hold. Her cunt squeezing his cock in intervals. The decibels of her moans escalating. Materialising her nth orgasm of the night. He felt her clamping down, reporting on her nearing release. She mumbled incoherent strings of nothing, Hongjoong's name caught in the mix. Her head slumping down, he forced her gaze into the mirror.

Hand still toying with her, he spoke softly into her ear as she wept, "I want you to have this image of yourself engraved so deeply into your subconscious, not even a lobotomy could make you forget."

Her moaning grew and her clenching got tighter.

Planting a kiss on her neck, he said, "Cum on daddy's cock, baby. I know you can."

She held Hongjoong's gaze in the mirror as she unraveled at his words. Shallow breaths were all she could manage. Her body quaking as she creamed on his cock. He stood up, his cock slipping out of her cunt. Arousal dripping on the floor and going down her leg.

On all fours on the bed, facing the mirror, he slotted himself between her legs. His hand pumping to get himself hard again. His tip running over her folds, gathering their combined juices. Spanking her ass just to behold the recoil. His tip was sliding in and out of her cunt, teasing her. She was anxious for what was to come.

Easing into her wet hole, he buried his cock deep inside. This position was sure to have him grazing her cervix and hitting her erogenous zone at a pristine angle. She moaned into the sheets. He leaned forward, taking her hands and pinning them down on her lower back with one hand. The other hand smacking her ass before squeezing her hip for balance.

His thrusts started off slow and steady. Every pounding had her ass jiggling. His balls grazing her clit. As he picked up speed, the sound of skin clapping, Y/N moaning Hongjoong's name and Hongjoong grunting profanities occupied the room's atmosphere. Sure enough to disturb the neighbours but who cares? The bed wanted in on the action as it was vocal too, bed frame squeaking with every powerful pound.

"My pretty little slut." he panted, breathlessly. "You love daddy's cock, my perfect little whore?"

She moaned. "Yes baby, I do."

He spanked her ass once more. "You're more beautiful as my fucktoy, princess. I'm gonna fill you up with all my seed."

He slowed down a bit and released her hands. His hand wrapped around her neck, careful not to bother her négligée. She brought him up to his chest, his other hand on her stomach. Pumping in and out of her. She clenched around, this new angle had his cock brushing her sweet spot. He knew he had her in the right position when her tears started welling.

His lips pressed to her ear and grip getting tight, he grunted, "I may have everyone wrapped around my finger but I need you to be obsessed. I want to be the center of your universe. I want you to get sick at the idea of a man who's not me."

"You don't have to ask twice." she moaned, her hands grappling at his hips.

The last few brushes past her sensitive zone played around with her eyes, she was seeing stars before her eyes. Her nails sinking into his skin. Incoherent mumbles leaving her lips. The visual of her tits bouncing as he pounded her into oblivion, aroused her. As his hips were bucking, short thrusting into her, he delivered his final load for the night. She soon came undone on his cock, her cunt squeezing every bit of him out.

Once the high started subsiding, still inside her, he laid her on her back. Her legs laced around his waist, he massaged the inside of her thighs. They looked at each other lovingly through smiles, though hers was dopey and his smug.

"Thank you for giving our relationship a real shot. I know it wasn't easy for you." he cooed. "I promise I won't waste your time. And I definitely won't cage you."

Her hand ran over her stomach, rubbing circles. "I trust you, Hong. I'm not sure of a lot of things in my life but not you. You stayed when most men would've left. You waited for me and held my hand while I prepared to take that leap."

He leaned in for a kiss, her hands caressing his back. He hovered over her, bucking her hips up. "And I would do it all over again."

Afternoon had come and at around 12:30, they found themselves standing at opposite sides in the elevator. The clicking from Hongjoong's phone filling the silence. Y/N was picking and prodding at the pimple forming on her cheek. As the elevator continued descending down the building, it stopped at another floor. The doors opened and an awkward silence fell.

Everyone's eyes dancing between one another, exchanging shocked glances. Yunho and Solana stepped into the elevator, Solana standing beside Y/N and Yunho beside Hongjoong.

A sardonic smile spread across Y/N's face. "So that's why you were bunking classes..."

Solana bowed her head shamefully, heat racing to her cheeks. "I didn't know how to tell you." she spoke with a hoarse voice.

Y/N and Hongjoong exchanged bemused glances. Hongjoong cleared his throat, smirking as he looked at Yunho. "Eventful night, I see..."

Yunho's ears turned red, face turned towards the floor. Hongjoong and Yunho spoke amongst themselves, as did Y/N and Solana. The rest of the ride down was fairly normal, the awkwardness no longer felt. As the elevator stopped at the ground floor, Y/N and Solana walked a few feet ahead of their professors.

As they stood on the other side of the street, about to head their separate ways, Hongjoong stepped away as a call came in. He spoke on the phone for a minute or so then returned.

"Yunho, you mind taking Y/N home for me? There's something I need to get to." Hongjoong spoke with urgency in his tone. He pecked Y/N on the cheek before leaving. "I'll call you tonight."

Yunho opened the door to the driver's side, halfway inside. "No problem. Girls, in the car."

On the ride back to the complex, Solana asked Yunho to get them takeaways. He went into a drive-thru and journeyed back to their home. The car was parked at the gate. As they were about to exit, Yunho stopped them.

"You cannot, under any circumstance, tell anyone about last night. All of us could get in trouble." he spoke authoritatively, face stern to emphasise the urgency of his words.

The girls nodded in unison. Y/N took the bag of food and exited the vehicle. Solana remaining behind to share a few more moments with Yunho. Ascending the stairs, her eyes land on a brown box at their doorstep. As she approached, Solana came trailing behind. Both wearing confused looks.

"Were we expecting a delivery?" Solana said.

Y/N shook her head, handing over the takeaways to Solana as she inched closer to the box. She scooped it up off the floor and inspected it. Box nestled under her arm as she searched for the keys, she unlocked the door. They stepped into their apartment, Solana setting down the food on the counter. Y/N grabbed a pair of scissors from the kitchen drawer. As she opened the box filled with packing peanuts, there was a card inside with her name on it.

"Guess it's for you." Solana shrugged. "What's it say?"

"'Thought you might love this. I have a feeling that it's right up there on your list of interests. -Hongjoong'." she read the card out loud.

Solana screamed, her arms wrapped around Y/N's shoulders as she jumped up and down. "Oh-em-gee, open it! Open it!"

She set the card aside and lifted the package inside the box. As she removed the yellow packing paper and bubble wrap, she felt the air leave her lungs. She held up the vinyl record a few inches away, inspecting the black cover with red detailing. Her eyes focused on the two women on the cover, finger running over their name at the very top. In awe and all, she could find words to speak.

"No. Fucking. Way." Solana exasperated. "I couldn't even get you that for your birthday."

Y/N was brought out of her trance. "I never told him about Strawberry Switchblade."

They looked at each other, eyebrows creased down the middle. "Then how'd he know?"

She shrugged, eyes still inspecting the vinyl.

[ . . . ]

The rest of the day went on as normal. The girls spent their afternoon on the couch, watching 'Our Blues'. Food spread out on the coffee table. As the final episode concluded, Solana cleared the living room. Y/N went into her bedroom, moonlight illuminating the space. She pushed the covers aside and laid in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her phone vibrated on the nightstand as it rang.

Hongjoong.

She answered.

"So you remember that call I had earlier?"

"Yeah? Who was it?"

"I got scouted by an executive, said a doe sent them my raw recordings. They want me to produce Rihanna's next album... in Amsterdam City, but I told them I'd think about it. Said I'd run it by you."

"Hong, that's great! What do you need my opinion for?" she sat up on the bed. "Plus, Rihanna's been on hiatus for almost a decade. If this album blows up, everyone's gonna come looking for your expertise."

"We just started dating, I don't think distance would be a great idea." he sighed. "Y/N, you're the only person who knows about those recordings."

There was silence for a few moments. "I just thought you're too good for WMA, so I sent your work to as many labels as I could." she frowned a bit as she laid back down. "As for distance, I called Satriani and his people said he'll take me on after graduation... in Ivory Canyon, it's fifteen minutes away from Amsterdam. If you leave now to get settled, I'll join you in a few months."

"And you'd be okay with it?"

"We've waited this long, what's four more months?"

"How'd you like the gift?"

"Beyond love it. I've been looking at it all day, can't believe it's in my hands." she smiled as the fluttering in her stomach got stronger. "But how'd you know?"

There was rustling on his end as he laid himself down in his bed. "I noticed that you always wear polka-dot ribbons in your hair that match your outfits, sometimes with mesh flowers. Never got that."

"They're pretty." she whined.

"They are. But when I saw you at the Molchat Doma show and you mentioned Selofan... it clicked." he chuckled. "I looked up eighties goth bands that wore polka-dots and lo and behold-"

"Strawberry Switchblade. No one I've met has ever got that reference, not even Solana." she said softly. "Thank you, Joong."

"You're welcome, princess. And thank you for sending out my work, I'm usually big on risks but this..." he smirked to himself.

"You deserve somebody who'll give you a push whenever you're not sure of yourself. You're good at what you do and the world needs to hear it."

He released a deep breath. "I've got tickets to a Sextile show next Saturday."

"It's a date."

[firsttimewriter92]

Back to you

Din Djarin x f!reader

Summary: You´ve only ever seen him from afar. When he needs your help with his little one you are ready. But does it change anything?

Word count: 4.000

Warnings: little angst, canon typical violance, shots, fighting but over all ends with massive fluff

You were truly happy the way Navarro changed thanks to Greef Karga and the Republic. You´ve lived there all your life but you couldn´t exactly call it living when there were Stormtroopers and bounty hunters all over, trying to ruin your day just for fun. You´d really had to be careful all the time. What you had said, how you had looked, how you had spoken. It had been a constant tip toeing and you´d been at some point just plain tired of it.

Greef Karga hadn´t been on you radar about being a good person. Not at all. And then, one day, chaos had broken loose. Hundreds on troopers, some scary man clad in all black and all you had done was hide from the blaster shots and explosions. How could you not have? You are not a fighter. You were as you had found out, a nurturer.

After the dispersion of the empire from Navarro, Greef found you and gave you a new purpose on your home planet. It turns out, you were a very devoted teacher. With Navarro basically being turned upside down, in a good way, it was when you had just started your new job, when a very familiar helmet and a not so familiar little creature entered your school with Greef.

You remembered the mayhem the beskar clad Mandalorian, his covert and the humongous bounty on the little ones head had caused, though you had never actually seen the creature. The Mandalorian….yes, you had seen him on Navarro a couple of times. Each time a little more or less battered and bruised when he left his razor crest with a new insane amount of bounties. You had never spoken to him, maybe he had tilted his head towards you one or two times but that could have just been your imagination. You were sure it was. There was no reason for him to look.

Now, he stood in your classroom and looked a little lost when Greef told him to leave the baby with you. His body language always fascinated you, the way it was so clear to see how he felt about the idea and all of that with no facial features to go by. You stepped in front of them and tried a reassuring smile towards his face. “He´ll be safe with me” you said softly and cooed at the little baby clad in a bag on the Mandalorian´s hip. “I promise.”

“___ is a wonderful teacher, Mando. The little one will be fine with her. Now, let´s see what we can do about that empire outpost. I want them gone for good!” With that, Greef left the school and you looked at the Mandalorian with a friendly face. His posture was still stiff and weary but now, as he turned his head to every corner of the room finally settling on you, you could have sworn you saw his head tilt a little to the side and his shoulders relax. He handed you the little one without a word and you took him into your arms carefully. His enormous eyes shining curiously up at you he made a little purring sound and grabbed the sleeve of your robe.

The Mandalorian huffed in mild surprise (was that a chuckle?) and directed his visor onto your face. You could feel your ears start to heat up. “I´ll be back for him” he said in a low, modulated voice. One as you noticed, you had never heard before. The way it was breathy and dark but also full of confidence and conviction, you could feel your body reacting to it in a way it had never done before. Now you definitely knew he noticed your flustered behaviour as you almost tripped over your words. “I´m sure you will” you squeaked a little. He nodded his head slowly, turned and left.

Whatever he was here for (and empire outpost sounded pretty serious), you hoped it would last a little longer. What for, you weren´t quite sure. You just wished it. Whished for his presence to be close for longer than a few minutes. Whished for his voice to be heard just by you, if only for a day. Shaking your head with a rapidly beating heart, you turned towards your class again, sat the little one down at a table and resumed your lesson.

It was when all the other students had left hours later, that you found yourself completely enamoured with the little green child. He was something special. You knew the moment you had to convince one of your students to give up his cookies as they time and time again appeared in front of the little one instead. Watching how he happily munched away on them you smiled to yourself and started cleaning up the children´s mess. The door to your school swished open and a panting Mandalorian stormed inside, closing the door quickly, locking it. The child shrieked excitedly when it saw him but you were actually quite worried in an instant. Walking backwards, his gaze fixed on the door and blaster ready, the Mandalorian began to look around the room and then towards you. You had grabbed the child quickly and looked at him with wide open eyes. “Backdoor?” he asked in a strained voice and you knew immediately that this was a situation in which there were no questions to be asked. He needed you to function and listen to him.

You nodded your head towards the back room where your office was and not sooner than doing that, blaster shots hit the door to your school. On instinct you pressed the child closer to your chest and turned your back towards the door. A gloved hand grabbed your elbow insistently but not harshly, pulling you toward the back room. All the while the blasters outside the door were going ballistic. You crossed your round office in a hurry. Before you could open the door to the outside however he stopped you, holding his finger to his helmet to signal you to be quiet. You nodded and held the little one a bit more secure.

 “I´ll go out first. Stay here! Do not come out until I say so.” You nodded your head quickly, retreating from the door towards your desk. Well knowing what was in the top drawer. If it had to come to it, you would use it without hesitation. The hatred towards the troopers swallowing you almost whole. He slipped out the door and you locked it behind him.

You waited with bated breath, trying not to freak out the child. When you heard the commotion suddenly being right outside your office door you immediately pulled open your drawer and pulled the blaster out. You sat the child down underneath your desk signing to him to be quiet. He heard the commotion outside the room as much as you and seemed to be a little freaked out. “Stay there. Please, do not move. You´re fine, we´re fine” you tried to calm him down. The round office didn’t have any corners so you tried to make yourself as small as possible right next to the door. Ready to attack any white plastoid wearing goon coming in. You heard some high pitched whistling tones and then…nothing. Your heart was beating out of your chest when the door to your office swished open and without thinking you shot your blaster.

With a shriek from you the shot ricochet off the Mandalorian´s shoulder plate and he whipped around before you could fire another one. “Dank Farrik, I´m so sorry!! I thought…Why didn’t you say anything!!?? Oh my maker, I could have shot you!!” He stared at you quietly, or so you guessed because his head was tilted to you and he didn’t move a muscle. “D´you mind lowering that?” he said calmly and gestured to your blaster. Hurriedly you did so and made your way over to the desk. Diving under it you carefully took the little green creature into your arms again and talked to it quietly. “I´m so sorry, little one. Are you okey? No worries, now. Your dad´s here.” He rounded the desk and got close to the baby, checking him over. The little one cooing towards his guardian but nestling his head against your chest. The man huffed again. “We´re good” he said while standing straight again. “But we need to leave. Now.” You nodded and followed him through the back door and through the streets of your hometown. His ship came into view just outside the stone arch and he jogged towards the open ramp.

When you stood on its edge you halted and looked around nervously. “Where´s Greef and Kara?” you asked while he gently took the baby from you. He squirmed for a second, stretching one tiny, three fingered hand out towards you, whining. The Mandalorian halted in his movements. You could see that he was contemplating something very hard. Then he spoke in an almost caring tone. “They´re fine for now. They´ll arrive back here shortly. We,” he stuttered and sighed almost impatiently. “We need to leave.” You could hear regret in his voice. “Thank you. For protecting him.” He said it so sincerely, it made your heart kickstart. “You´re welcome. I mean…That´s my job.”

He nodded a little bit, still standing halfway up the ramp, hesitating, seemingly fighting with himself. You already knew….you already knew if he asked you to come, you would leave everything behind without thinking about it. But he didn’t ask. With his hand on the button to close the ramp he spoke again, looking at you. “Next time. Wait for us,___!” You nodded your head quickly and felt your heart break and heal itself at the same time. He wanted to come back.

With silently falling tears you watched the massive ship take off, only seconds later realising that you  couldn’t remember ever having given him your name.

Months later

So many things have happened all at once it seems. He did come back but when you saw him walk into Karas office, you halted everything you were doing. He was alone. The child? Gone. Taken. The guilt rolling off of him like heavy, black smoke. Your heart broke so many times over seeing him like this, it was like stabbing yourself over and over again. This wasn´t the Mandalorian you´ve met anymore. Your blaster skills were nothing to speak of so when you begged him to take you with him, to let you help him find his child, he shook his head, looking at your tearstained face stoically.

Sobbing, you watched as he wordlessly entered Fett´s ship with Kara and left you, yet again. Only this time, he hadn’t made a promise of coming back. The man you adored left without a word, the child you missed so much was gone, in danger. Greef lay his arm across your shoulder and tried to console you as best he could.

__________________________________________________________

You´ve had it! Sleepless nights of sorrow and midday stomach cramps of worry made place for determination and indifference towards the man that didn´t want you. The one who left without a second thought, clearly seeing that you were in despair, that you worried for him and the baby and yet, still decided to not let you help. You were still a teacher in the same school with the same passion for your students as before.

However after work, you wouldn’t just visit the high magistrate and then get home, no. Once you were done listening to Greef´s boisterous bickering about being a high magistrate smiling mildly to yourself, you would leave the city on your speeder bike into the barren landscape. Barren but home, said landscape was now helping to conceal you training your aim and body. Week after week, training session after training session, your aim became better. Much better. Your strength increasing. You always told yourself you did it to protect your students from any kind of eventual danger but the truth was, Navarro was anything these days but dangerous. You were fooling yourself, you knew that. You didn’t just do it for your students. You did it because you never wanted to feel so useless and helpless in front of someone you cared about ever again. Never wanting to be left behind again because you would just be a burden.

Of course you didn’t forget him or the child. Were they alive? Were they well? Where were they? All these questions were never answered for you. And so, the worry never left your insides. Neither did your longing for him. It angered you.

Panting, you stood amongst the rubble and splintered off shards of stone your blaster had ripped off of the massive boulders in front of you. Your blaster long holstered again you walked over to your speeder bike and ripped open your water flask. Gulping down you felt droplets of sweat roll down your back. You shivered. It felt like the fingers of that dirty Twi´Lek last night when he tried to chat you up in the cantina. While wiping your forehead you mounted your bike quickly, pulled up your scarf over your mouth and nose and took off back home. You pulled up to your new, small house at the center of the city and pushed your bike out of the way. You looked around the beautiful marketplace your house was facing and held your face into the warm sun for a minute. Inhaling deeply, you enjoyed the smell of flowers and trees as well as fresh water from the fountain in front of your house instead of sewer waist and corrosion.

In the corner of your eye you caught a certain movement you weren’t used to anymore and instantly you were put into high alert. Aggressive, quick walking. You felt their menacing energy rolling over everyone they passed, making their way towards…No! Over your dead body! You started briskly walking after the group of obvious pirates that were clearly not happy about how the old bounty hunter playground had changed. 

When they stopped in front of your school you immediately and unapologetically pushed yourself between them and up the four steps. Crossing your arms and standing rooted to the ground you faced them. “Can I help you fine folks with something?” you asked in a less than welcoming voice. Their leader huffed and seethed. “We came here to get a drink, girl. I suggest you move.” His hand wandered towards his hip. He was eying your own blaster clad at your thigh and seemed a bit bewildered that you had your arms still crossed over your chest, not reaching for it.

“This is a school now. Unless you want to drink some blue milk I suggest you leave without making a fuss.” Their leader rasped a dark chuckle. “School?” he asked. “You´ve got to be joking. What is Karga doing with this place?”

“He´s making it better than it ever was” you sneered offendedly. “Leave!”

“You should really watch how you talk to me, girl” the leader hissed. His yellow eyes narrowing. You saw the way his body tensed and you knew the situation became a bit more dangerous now. Very slowly you held his eyes and lowered your arms to your sides. Thumbing your blaster you waited with calming breaths. It happened in an instant.

His hand shot towards his own weapon when yours was already out ad firing. He yelped and held his injured hand, dropping his blaster. The next moment the other three were on you. One jumping up the steps and grabbing your arm. Yanking you forward and down towards his fellows. It didn´t take long. For months now you tested your limits to the max and now, you finally had the chance for an outlet of your constant worry and disappointment. With a frightening grin on your face you looked up at one of them, seeing with utter glee how he flinched away from you before you started raking havoc among them.

You were standing over them, breathing heavily, your fists still clenched. Walking backwards slowly, you watched as they got up slowly, coughing and holding various limbs with pained expressions. The leader looked at you from the ground and scrambled to get up. You didn’t flinch when he spoke in a strained voice filled with hatred. “You´ll regret this, you hear me?” You just rolled your eyes when you saw them limping away.

A small chuckle came from behind you and you immediately knew that deep voice. You turned and wanted to smile at Greef but halted in your movements immediately. You were sure you could hear your heartstrings snap. Sweat broke out on your skin for entirely different reasons than exhaustion and your blood suddenly felt like ice in your veins. Your throat tight and a lump forming, your eyes followed him as he knelt down and set the little green, squirming creature down on the ground.

Gone was the worry that had been lodged into your stomach as you saw him hurriedly making his way over to you with tiny, tiny steps. Beyond overwhelmed you fell to your knees there and then holding out your arms to the little creature all the while trying not to sob too violently. When he was only a few inches from you he stretched out his little arms and with the most beautiful little whimper, fell forward, clutching onto your trousers and burring his little face into your upper thigh.

Tears blurred your vision when the baby tried to climb into your lap and immediately you picked him up and pressed him to your neck, holding him as tightly as you would dare. For several long moments you basked in his little purring and the small touches he gave your neck and your face as you looked at him with utter happiness and relief. “Hey little one” you said with a heavy tongue. “How are you? I missed you.” The baby blinked up at your and again touched your wet cheek. You closed your eyes, breathing in deeply and trying to find the nerve to look at the beskar clad man standing close.

You didn’t have to even stand up for it. He moved into your space with confidence and knelt down in front of you. With your face heating up and a little ashamed you turned your head slightly to the side, not looking at him. He sighed deeply and you would be a liar if that modulated huff of air didn´t do something to you. But you were still angry, still hurt. He reached out and patted the baby´s head affectionately. “His name is Grogu” he simply said while trying to make you look at him. It worked. Your head whipped up so quickly you almost yelped at the sting in your muscles and stared at him and then at the child. “Grogu?” you whispered. With a little hoot he looked directly at you. You couldn’t help but grin like a maniac at this new information. “Grogu” you said again laughing and watched as the little baby looked back at the Mandalorian and then at you, blubbering happily.

You looked at him then. “Thank you…for telling me” you said sincerely. He nodded and helped you stand up with Grogu still clinging to you. Adjusting him in your arms you watched how Mando tilted his head looking at the two of you. You didn’t say anything. Somehow everything was how it used to be. He wasn´t strung like a nervous bow anymore, his desperation faded away. His boy was with him again. He seemed calmer than before. That’s probably why you felt the anger seep out of your body into the ground, disappearing. What was left was a pounding heart, bated breath and an old and yet new found pull towards him. You stepped into his space and to your surprise he let you. Although you couldn’t see his eyes or face, you knew that he looked at the two of you with utter devotion and fondness. There was something not quite outspoken yet between the two of you and you were both alright with the fact that it could wait. At least for right now. You were both where you wanted to be.

“I´m so sorry” he breathed out and you immediately shook your head, smiling kindly at him. “No, please listen” he said and lifted his hand laying it carefully to the side of your neck. Your heart almost exploding out of your chest you were sure he could feel your pulse hammering into his clothed hand.

“When they took him it was like I wasn’t there anymore. I was so hollow. In the last months, so many things happened and I will tell you everything but right now…I need you to know…I promised you something and I didn’t keep it. That´ll never happen again.” You had never heard him talk so much in your presence and stuttered out “Grogu…saving him was your priority and I understand. He matters to you.” Mando moved his hand into the back of your neck and the other one to your hip. “You matter,___!” he said with a strong voice that almost made your knees buckle. “You´ve always mattered and I was too much of a coward to see it.” He sighed again and pulled you closer to him. Grogu in your middle looking from him to you several times.

Whispering, the Mandalorian said “My name is Din Djarin and I´m an Apostate. I´m on my way to my home planet to atone and I need my family with me. All of them.” The way his voice almost broke and sounded so vulnerable you were sure that whatever he would ask of you, if you were able, you would give it to him. With a watery laugh you moved your free hand to his helmet and lay it where his cheek would be. Nodding your head quickly and laughing lightly you felt his hand on your hip tighten and slowly his helmet descended towards you.

With Grogu´s excited gurgling in your ears you closed your eyes the moment Din´s helmet touched your forehead. He pressed it a bit more firmly to your head and you pushed back, moving your head from left to right slightly. Again you could hear that modulated chuckle. It sounded so content your heart swelled thrice its size.

While the three of you were standing in front of your school, Din contently holding the two beings he cared about most in his arms, he almost kicked Greef´s ass when he began laughing.

“I always knew someday you would rid me of my most precious teacher, Mando, but tell me. How will you sweep her away in that tiny tin can of yours?” He laughed again Din turned to him, still holding onto your hip. You looked at him curiously. The razor crest was a massive ship. “What-?” you started a bit bewildered. Din looked at you as far as you could tell almost apologetically. “A lot happened Mesh´la. I´ll find a way to take you both.” Your whole body vibrating when he used the Mandalorian term of endearment.

Turning to Greef he said, “Help me out with a ship and I´ll lend you the N1 for the time being. I know you´ve been eying it.” Greef clapped his hands in triumph and yelled for some droids to organize a ship as well as his quarters for a lavish meal later. You weren´t listening to it really. You looked up at Din, his helmet already tilted to you. Grinning like an idiot you pressed a small kiss to Grogu´s fuzzy head and leaned your head on Din´s shoulder. When you felt his chest swell and his entire arm snake around your waist you knew, you were exactly where you needed to be. For yourself, for Grogu, for him. Your Din.

____________________________________________________________

Thank you very much for reading. If you want to leave a like, comment or reblog this story, I´d be very happy and my day would be made <3 I´m not sure if I should do a part 2 about this with Din removing his helmet ect. What do you think?  

[marlynnofmany]

Interspecies Adventures While Sick

“Hi again, Smooth Vibrations,” I rasped, trying not to cough. “I’ve got a pickup for Zhee.”

Running errands with a cold was never fun, but at least this one was quick. And I was even sure that I’d met this vendor before. Waterwills really do all look the same to human eyes, since the size and color of their column-of-jello bodies was liable to change depending on health, but this one was wearing a nametag. I say wearing, but really she had it floating near the front. I was glad for that. There was no chance I’d pick up the frequencies they identify each other by otherwise.

“Welcome back!” said Smooth Vibrations brightly. Someday I’d figure out how they produced sounds, but it had never felt polite to ask. “We haven’t seen your ship in a while. Is Zhee ill?”

I shook my congested head. “He’s fine; I’m sick. He’s just busy and asked me to grab his order on my way to go rest.” I sniffed, but only one nostril was working.

“Sounds like a big favor,” the Waterwill said as she extended an arm tendril to open a drawer.

“Eh, not too bad,” I told her. “It’s a minor sickness. I probably caught it from somebody on the last station a few days ago; I don't think anyone on my ship can even get human diseases.”

“That’s convenient,” Smooth Vibrations said. “If—”

My explosive sneeze interrupted her. I’d turned away and aimed into the crook of my arm, but it was a loud one. Also unpleasantly messy. I’d have to wash this shirt.

“Excuse me,” I said, wiping my nose on the sleeve. “Ugh.”

When I looked back at her, I found the Waterwill frozen in place, her surface covered in alarmed-looking spikes. Even the vague shapes floating about her interior had stilled. Before I could ask if she was okay, she exclaimed, “What was that?”

“A sneeze?” I said. “Have you not seen that before?”

“That’s normal?” she demanded. The spikes began flattening out.

“For sick humans, yes,” I said, digging in a pocket for a tissue. “Probably other species too. Something was irritating my breathing passages, and that’s a way to get it out. Automatically. I don’t have much control over it.” I glanced at my befouled sleeve. “More’s the pity.”

She started to say something else as I blew my nose, then she stopped. The spikes didn’t reappear, but I got the impression that she was shocked in a different way. I couldn’t blame her. Those snotty noises were gross even to me. One tissue was barely enough.

“What did you say?” she asked when I was done.

I re-wound my memory. “More’s the pity?” I asked.

“After that!” she said, sounding scandalized.

“I didn’t say anything. I just blew my nose.”

“Are you sure?” she pressed. “Because that sounded an awful lot like—” She produced a snotty sound of her own, which really did sound similar.

“Wow, is that your language? I swear I didn’t do it on purpose!” This was fascinating. “What did I say?”

Smooth Vibrations paused before saying, “May all your organs clump together.”

“No, I definitely didn’t mean to say that!” I assured her, laughing a bit. “I’m so sorry.”

“Apology accepted,” she said primly, going back to the drawer. “Let’s get you that order so you can go back to your ship and rest.”

“Yes please,” I said, looking down at the tissue and wondering what to do with it. Asking to throw it in her trash can just didn’t seem polite. I ended up crumpling it and shoving it in a pocket; I’d wash all my clothes later anyway. Bluh. I hate being sick.

“Here it is,” Smooth Vibrations announced, placing a flat case on the counter. “Do you want a bag?”

“Sure,” I said, trying to make out the brightly-colored text. “Your bags are really neat.”

Smooth Vibrations sounded proud as she said, “That’s Waterwill efficiency for you!” She moved the case into a clear bag that was made out of a thin layer of their patented solid-water technology. It didn’t get anything wet, and it would evaporate in a day. So clever. “I hope you get your rest, and Zhee enjoys his music. The Loud Ones are a fine band.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard their stuff, but the name sounds familiar,” I said as I picked up the bag. It felt smooth and cool against my fingers.

“Their biggest song is ‘What The Hell Is A Shuwog?’” she told me.

“Ohh, I remember that one!” I flashed back to my first day with this crew, and Paint’s lively rendition of the song about Mesmer body parts. Zhee had been particularly grumpy about it, insisting that the song was a dishonor to his glorious blade-arms. But now he was buying the album? I laughed, then had to cough. “This is why he wanted me to pick it up for him, instead of waiting for Paint to do her supply run!” I exclaimed. “She’d never let him live it down that he actually likes that song!”

Smooth Vibrations burbled in amusement. “Sounds like you’ve got some blackmail material if he ever sends you out while you’re sick again.” She waved me away with three arm tendrils. “Go rest!”

“I will!” I told her. “Thanks!” With another sniffle that was hopefully not a different rude word, I hurried back to my ship and a much-needed nap.

~~~

The ongoing backstory of the main character from this book. More to come!

The shuwog bit is a callback to this story.

[answersfromzestual]

***Educational Purposes Only***

Normal questions for phallo (my personal experience, and facts)

"Do you feel anything?" - yes, I feel everything from touch, stroking, temperature,pain, pressure, pleasure. They do disconnect and reconnect nerves, so it does take time depending on how you heal to have complete sensation. But you always have sensation there even after your healing period.

"How do you get erect?" - it's a pump, after they create the scrotum (they use the labia for this), you get your pump installed into your main hand side (ex. My pump is on the right testie), and the other testie is just an implant. I squeeze my pump (or my partner), and then saline water is pumped from the testicle into two tubes (one on each side on my penis). Creating a natural looking erection besides having to pump. It only takes about six pumps for me. Doesn't take much effort.

"How do you "deflate"/ go down after an erection" -on the testie that is the pump, there is a small button above it, it is actually kind of a small box with a button on it. I hold the button for about 15 seconds and just let my erection naturally go down.

"How many surgeries does it take?" - well, I guess four in total. You have your hysterectomy (which includes a complete oophorectomy as well), then your phalloplasty the building and attaching of the phallis and vaginectomy only at this part. The next surgery was to connect my urethral, called urethra lengthening. The last surgery was to install the penile pump and testicular implant.

"What are the chances it will fall off?" - less than 1% in the hands of a skilled surgeon. (My surgeon told me this information as the source)

"Where did they take the skin?" - they took the skin from my forearm and used a thin layer of the skin on my upper thigh to cover the tissue left exposed on my arm.

"Do you have any issues today?" - No issues, I've been finished for quite a bit now. I enjoy sex, it feels good. It looks good. I've never been clocked even naked in a locker room. I do dribble sometimes if I hurry while urinating.

"Can you ejaculate?" - Yup! I can, at least. I also have pre-ejaculate. I ejaculate almost everytime I orgasm. (With this said, the ability to ejaculate, amount of, and frequency of are all variable factors that can depend on person to person)

"Is the orgasm different?" -yes! It feels better to me. It could be comfort, but ejaculating does feel good when you orgasm.

"Did you have any major issues?" - not really, I did have to see a wound clinic for my implant surgery. I had wounds that needed care. I got a bladder infection with the catheter during the healing stage of urethral lengthening and had it removed after just over two weeks (it was supposed to be in for six weeks), as a reference though one of my urine bags broke and I had a plastic baggie to try to repair it until I could get a replacement (i had to wait hours), I also have a compromised immune system. For my arm, I wore my compression sleeve 100% of the time, and my arm healed extremely well and flat. You just need to listen to the rules and be sure not to break them.

"Do you have to do anything (e.g weekly) like transwomen have to do?" - sorta, I have to make sure I pump fully once a week.

"Any issues urinating?" - nope, takes some getting used to, though (standing). I find that I dribble, but it's only when I'm rushing when I shake. I still sit most of the time, it's even very common in cis men as an FYI. (I asked a large group of cismen)

"Does it look real?" -Yes, my wife said she never would have known I was trans until I told her. All penises look different.

"Did you have any corrective surgeries?" -No, I got pretty great results the first time. I do plan on going to closer, regular plastic surgeon to put in a larger implant as my left testicle (non-pumping side).

Have any of your own questions? Send me an ask, I'll be happy to answer!

Stay Golden Everyone ✌️💙💜

[plutonianeris]

𓆩♱𓆪 ᴘɪᴄᴋ ᴀ ᴄᴀʀᴅ: your past life soulmate

this is a general reading & for entertainment purposes only, take what resonates and leave what doesn't. Interpret & choose based on your inner guidance and gut feeling.

𝕻𝖎𝖑𝖊 𝖔𝖓𝖊

pile one, your lover from your past life had to fight for you. They had to not only prove themselves to you in a way (bc of your fear of opening up) but they had to prove themselves to society that they could be with you. You could have had significant differences in regards to income or even been from different racial, ethnic, religious or cultural backgrounds. You could also find yourself interested in those from different backgrounds now as well. Your past life lover taught you so much about your beliefs. They had an enthusiastic and energetic nature.They made you more hopeful about love because of their caregiving nature.

They were actually pretty tall and on the thinner side. They had a lean body and without a doubt, you definitely liked to stare and blushed under their knowing smirk when they caught you staring. You had many playful moments, especially when you go and sneak off together, whispering lovely things in each other’s ears. But there was a lot of heartbreak in this relationship because of external forces and the people around you. You cried a lot and ur lover would remind you about the importance of not holding grudges, of accepting people for who they are for your own peace. Again, this sense of disapproval whether from family or society.

This is a very bittersweet love. But it completely changed the way you saw and valued yourself for the better. However, It kind of makes me sad because it seems like you don’t end up together. Like your time together was cut short, not necessarily by a traumatic incident but the general circumstances made it that way and you both went your separate ways as you moved through this world. It gives me “the one that got away” type of energy. I asked if they are going to be your soulmate again in this lifetime and it’s yes. Your story is not over yet. Hmm, so watch out for a special someone who has Sagittarius placements, Jupiter-sun placements, Jupiter-mars placements, Jupiter or mars in the first house. And look out for north node and juno synastry. This time you’re going to be determined to put a ring on it.

𝕻𝖎𝖑𝖊 𝖙𝖜𝖔

this pile is giving major enemies to lovers energy. In fact, everyone around you (especially your family) thought you two would be an amazing match. You both were very attractive and so your family thought you would make the most incredible family and also boost the income/status of the family as well. Arranged marriage just popped up. But whenever they came around you would just roll your eyes at them, you didn’t take them seriously even thought in the back of your mind you thought they were very beautiful. They had beautiful thick hair and light eyes. Their skin was clear as well. They just had a very refreshing and natural beauty. It seems like you two do end up in a union of some sort (whether it’s just being pushed to date or get married) but you slowly start falling for them over time.

They had an intensity that was magnetic and you could see it in the way other peoples eyes slightly widened a bit when your lover would walk in a room. They were respected. It’s giving me a lot of masculine energy. He could’ve been a business man or something like that. If this doesn’t Feel like it resonates that’s okay. There’s just this atmosphere of commanding energy that envelops them once they pull their sleeves back and get down to business. I got “oh, you thought I was just another pretty face?”

they definitely pleased you in the bedroom. Even after when you held together in the room tinted a midnight blue from the moonlight, your face would still be red thinking about the dirty things that had spilled out of your mouth in the heat of the moment, the way you moaned in their ear. Okay sorry (not sorry) I’m done now. This is just a hot couple. Very… I don’t wanna say superficial looking. But it’s like you two were an it couple but in a “wow don’t they look together. So cute” as others smiled at you guys. But in private it’s like, “I would die for you. I would go through hell and back just to hear you whisper my name” energy. It’s nice though. I love that you kept this intensity so private because that’s how much you wished to nurture it. “How lovely the silence of growing things”

Will you meet them again? It seems like you will. Many things will stay the same. Like the way you underestimate the potential of the relationship at first. But this time you’re going to allow yourself to have more faith in your romantic connection. Like even if you’re like idek if this is going to work you go ahead and do it anyway. You could even be a little reckless in the ways you dive in. Is that you from your past life refusing to ever hold back? Not daring to waste any breathe. Not daring to take for granted any brush of the lips or brushing of the hands as you walk side by side or shared joy at an inside joke as your laughter breaks through in the air. It feels like your lover promised you they would find you again in this life. Watch out for someone special that had placements of the sign in your 7th house, Taurus placements, 2nd house placements, Scorpio placements. And watch out for north node synastry, Ceres synastry and 8th house synastry.

𝕻𝖎𝖑𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖗𝖊𝖊

I know this is suppose to be about them but this pile talked more about how they treated you instead. they WORSHIPPED YOU. They believed in you like you were some kind of god/goddess. Your name lingered in their prayers. and it wasn’t in a cringey way or overwhelming. There seemed to be a genuine reverence for you. Your lover in the past life spoke to you so gently. Even in the smallest shift in your body language, there eyes would meet yours as they silently communicated with their piercing gaze, are you okay? Again for for this pile I get that your past life soulmate had some kind of reputation/responsibility in the public eye. But it wasn’t like the business man energy of pile two. It’s more like a burden in a sense. They remind me of Anthony Bridgerton. Like the oldest sibling caring for his family or having to be the perfect role model.

And then they see you and they think that you are so beautiful.. so gentle and ethereal. They’re kind of even afraid to get close to you because they’re scared that it’s a trick in their mind. That someone as great as you can’t be crossing their path considering all the shitty cards they have been dealt. From the start your past life lover couldn’t help but daydream about you. About having a family together. About doing mundane things together that with you would have made their heart ache with joy. This was the love of eye contact across the room, standing way too close when talking to each other, feeling comfortable in each other’s space. It was cuddling together and giggling before falling asleep in each other’s arms. Understanding. Peace.

And honestly what I find most beautiful is that even when they first met you, they longed for you but not once did they feel entitled to you, like you owed anyone anything. It’s like a slow burn romance. And maybe for that they were rewarded because when I asked if you were going to meet them again in this life the answer was yes. Watch out for a special someone with significant Saturn aspects (or Capricorn/aqua placements), 9th house placements or even Pisces placements. In synastry look out for moon synastry, any exact conjuctions you might have with personal planets and 10th house synastry.

𝕻𝖎𝖑𝖊 𝖋𝖔𝖚𝖗

your past life soul mate definitely just did… whatever they wanted. They just had an insatiable urge to explore the world. To explore everything. Religion. Philosophy. Different nations. Foreign cultures. They were a humanitarian and could have been part of an organization you were in as well. Maybe that’s how you met. Pile 4, you definitely started off as friends first. It’s kind of giving me crazy scientist energy. But you were fascinated alongside other people as well. You loved to watch the way they talked about something they just learned or got excited. There’s a lot of masculine energy in this pile as well. When your past life soulmate looked at someone it made them feel so special, like they were on top of the world. They just had that quality about them. That you felt worthy when you talked to them. Like people just wanted to prove themselves.

Also it didn’t (it did) help that they were very attractive. They had a BIG smile. Like beautiful lips and teeth. intense eyes. strong jawline. And their complexion, they were either much lighter or darker than you. Your favorite thing to do was run your hand through their hair when you laid together at night, talking about all your big plans. Being with them made you feel like you could do anything in the world. They could have been older than you but not by much maybe 2-5 years.

And you could have spent time apart as well as they traveled and you focused on your big plans/goals. During that time you both picked up some lovers here and there but you always seemed to come back together. It could be a year later and they would show up on your doorstep with some item they discovered that reminded them of you. eyes gleaming and lighting up when they saw your face as the door opened. “Still looking lovely as always” This is an unconventional kind of love but I really like it a lot.

Do you meet again in this life? Yes you do. But this time around it seems like you’re going to take more precaution. Maybe in this lifetime you just want something more “stable” or consistent. There was in imbalance before, like a tug of war in a way. And this time you’ll be more in control. Be on the lookout for a special someone with Sagittarius placements, Leo placements (possibly a Leo sun), and significant aqua placements (like 3 or more). In synastry watch out for 9th house and 11th house synastry.

© plutonianeris 🕷

[rasby]

M6 and what tattoos i think they would have

Asra

• I can see them having a tramp stamp

• And it's definitely something bad and cringy like "GRL PWR" with little coulds and starts around, maybe a unicorn

• They think it's funny

• I can also see him with a full back tattoo, like really nicely done, every line has a story and a meaning type tattoo

• He's sentimental like that

• For afab Asra, i definitely see them tattooing their top surgery scars, not to hide them but to exaggerate them and bring more attention to them

• Bonus points if they did some tattoos himself

Nadia

• Ok, Nadia either has a little ankle tattoo, nothing too big or too meaningful

• OR she had a full sleeve done and plans to do more

• I don't think her tattoos would have too much meaning behind it besides the fact that they would resemble Prakra and it's culture in some way

• I think she just likes the way they would look on her

• Consider, modern AU biker Nadia, fully tatted out. Yes? Yes.

Julian

• Julian...is tricky

• Because i for sure see him having a big chunk of his body fully tatted out

• Maybe not a full sleeve like Nadia, but definitely a forearm, shoulder or a part of his leg

• And every detail has a meaning, obviously

• He has like a short poem or meaningful quote from an artist he likes on his thigh also

• But

• I also see him waking up hungover one day with hello kitty tattooed on his buttcheek for some reason

• He doesn't know how it got there. He doesn't know WHY it got there. He doesn't even know who did it

• Lowkey really likes it

Portia

• I don't see Portia wanting a lot of tattoos

• She does a few small ones at first, just so she can say she did it

• (They're all cat themed)

• And you really have to look for them yk, they're not in an obvious place

• But after some time, maybe she'll want a few more

• She gets some flowers and gives them meaning

• One for her home, her blood family, her adopted family, her partner...

• It's still nothing huge, but now she can look at it and feel warm inside

• Also, will 100% ask MC to get matching tattoos with her

Muriel

• He doesn't have any

• He doesn't see the point

• They hurt to get, they don't serve a bigger purpose, they require time and money and they bring more attention to him and his body

• Safe to say, he's out

• The only way i can see him having any tattoo is if Asra somehow got a hold of a tattoo gun and pestered him about it

• Even then i don't think it would be anything big

• Maybe like a little smiley face, somewhere unnoticeable

• He says he forgot about it and doesn't care but he looks at it every day before he takes a shower and smiles

Lucio

• Also has a cringy tramp stamp like Asra but he unironically likes it

• In general, i think most his tattoos are stupid

• He has one on his pubic area that says "blow here" with an arrow pointing down

• And a lip tattoo with MCs name

• ...you'll have to beg him to get rid of any of those

• He wants other tattoos, he really does!

• They're really cool and if he has anything it's time and money!

• But he always gets bored during appointments and some of them really hurt so he just leaves half way through, leaving his tattoo unfinished

• If anyone asks or comments on it he says something like "you wouldn't understand my artistic mind" or he would make up a story behind each one

• But in all honesty...even he forgot what he was trying to do and he doesnt wanna go finish it so he just kinda...has a half assed tattoo on his rib

• And yes, his first big tattoo was on his rib, the most painful place he could've chosen. It's Lucio, he didn't think much about it

• Will also ask MC for a matching tattoo, as long as it isn't too big

These are all just my HCs, if anyone wants to disagree and/or add on, please feel free!! (I also apologize if there are any spelling mistakes lol)

[occasionallyprosie]

A Thousand Ways

Chapter 11: "Frost Over Charcoal"

Legend learns that he's really bad at saying no when someone is being sincere and genuine, especially when he trusts that someone.

First | <<Previous | Next>>

Febuwhump 2024 | Prompt 8: "Why won't it stop?"

Read On AO3 Warnings: Implied Character Death

----

"What happened in there?" Warriors asked, his voice so uncharacteristically soft that Legend just--He didn't know how to respond.

They had found the black blooded monsters on the road from that town to a larger, merchant village (Mabe Village, Hyrule said that it would survive to his era remarkably. Legend did wonder why that village had been the one to appear on Koholint) that would've had the information they'd need.

From there, a portal took them to the usual places of eras between their times.

They got to a local inn, but it only had two rooms with two beds each. As a result, they split into two groups with Time going with the four youngest heroes if Legend was excluded from the list, though none of them actually knew how old he was except for Wind. Either way, that left--and Legend was certain it was on purpose--Sky, Twilight, Warriors, and Legend in the other room.

Legend inhaled slowly, trying not to break down again. "I cannot emphasize how much I really do not want to talk about it."

He knew it was obvious, especially since he felt their eyes on him when he changed not five minutes ago. It didn't help that his current outfit was short sleeved either, and didn't have the really high collar he used to wear. 

He knew his new scars were obvious, but he also knew that they weren't too familiar with his old ones that they shouldn't be able to tell just how many of the new scars were actually new. All they knew was that not a single stretch of skin on his arms and torso was scarless anymore.

"I know," Warriors promised, and Legend wondered why he was the one taking point in this conversation when both Twilight and Sky were harder to look in the eye and deny anything. Warriors, Legend just had the instinct to deny him everything out of pure spite.

Legend realized how wrong he was when Warriors approached, careful and slow, and guided him to sit. Legend just sort of stared, he didn't want to snap at anyone. He really didn't want to be sharp, driving them off was dangerous now. If he drove them off, who could he look to, who could he hope for see, if he ever got captured again? Besides, those almost three months of being separated put into perspective that yeah, he actually cared about them.

So he couldn't snap, he couldn't drive them away during what little time they'd have together. How could he taint such memories when soon enough those memories would he all he had of them?

Warriors had him sit on the bed beside Twilight. Sky was sitting just opposite them.

"I'll make a deal with you," Warriors said gently, "if you just answer three questions for us, a simple yes or no will suffice, we won't bring it up again unless absolutely necessary."

You see, Legend had teased all three of these heroes for being mother hens, for being fussy and worrywart's, he teased them and called them the group's "big brothers" to Time's group "dad" thing, the others even agreed!

This was just unfair. All three of them ganging up on him and even though he thought Warriors would've been the easiest to shut down, the earnestness and sincerity was almost overwhelming, combined with Twilight leaning into his side, warm and grounding, and Sky just being there and offering an encouraging smile.

He didn't break, but he huffed and had to look away and curl in on himself as some kind of measure of defense.

"Fine," he bit out. "Three questions."

"Are you--Is it okay?" Sky spoke up immediately.

He didn't respond for a long moment, debating lying. Finally he just quietly shook his head and muttered, "No."

Warriors squeezed his hands gently and Twilight's arm wrapped around his shoulder. It made the pressure behind his eyes worse but he really tried to ignore it.

"Those tools on the table--"

"Yes."

Warriors' mouth clicked shut and the soft look was briefly replaced by something blazing and violent. Legend flinched into Twilight just as quickly as that look was snuffed out and replaced by something sad.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Twilight asked.

Legend shook his head, not pulling away from how he had curled into him as a result of Warriors' anger. "No. Just--stay."

"Of course," Sky promised. "You’re stuck with us, vet. I don’t think the Rancher's going to let you go anytime soon anyways."

He snorted, forcing the amusement out more than anything to just please, get rid of this heavy atmosphere. Stop all this worry and claustrophobic caring.

Warriors cracked a small smile. "I guess we know how the bedding situation's going to be."

"Shut up, you’re just jealous I get the kid," Twilight retorted playfully. Legend startled a bit as the second arm wound around him and pulled him into the warm chest behind him, but he knew who it was so he didn't jump too bad.

Warriors huffed. "As if I'd want to share a bed with him, he kicks."

"Like a bunny," Sky commented, a grin on his face that had Legend immediately squawking.

"Not if you cuddle him enough," Twilight chimed in and hugged him closer.

Legend felt his face heat up as he tried to escape. "I will kick you right now--let me go."

"Aww, don't be like that, bunny," Sky teased.

"Don’t call me that!"

Sky cackled and Twilight and Warriors both laughed too. Legend squirmed but couldn't escape Twilight's grip without actually trying.

Eventually he just gave up, and about that time conversation shifted to something far more calm and casual.

The older heroes mostly talked between themselves over Legend's head. And older they were, none of them were secretive about their ages. Sky was the youngest of the three at 23 and was six years post his adventure, Twilight came next at 26 and eight years since his last adventure, then Warriors was 28 and ten years in the aftermath of the war. Legend just relaxed into Twilight and let their voices become a white noise as he played with his magic in his hands until he ended up falling asleep first.

The three older heroes knew what had happened in that cell. Twilight had told them that Legend confirmed it was his torture cell, and they had an idea of what tools had been used, and they knew that he wasn't okay in its aftermath.

Thankfully, as promised, none of them said a thing to the others. As far as the younger heroes and Time knew, Legend just lost his cool and ran off into the woods before he exploded the rest of the building like he did the front door.

After a few more unnamed eras, Legend stepped through the portal and was immediately greeted by the familiar magic of his era.

But when he opened his eyes, his blood went cold.

They were on a path just outside Kakariko, but the late afternoon sky was darkened by smoke rather than the setting of the sun. A huge plume of black and darkness filling the air, he turned too slowly, despite getting whiplash from the action.

The billow came from the wrong direction.

Fire should not be burning that high that way. Ever. That kind of fire was a forest fire, a house fire, it was something damaging and dangerous. That was no campfire.

"No," he breathed.

"Vet? Whe--COLLECTOR WAIT!"

He did not, in fact, wait.

Instead he ran headfirst toward the forest. He ran right where that fire was burning.

Showing up far too late, Legend came up to a large crowd that had already formed. He shoved through, people yelping and beginning to scold him before going silent as they realized who he was.

He reached the front of the crowd and the edge of the property and he stopped.

Oh goddesses, no.

A farmhouse too familiar for his rabbit-fast heart to handle was burning sky high. Deep red and orange marring the oaken walls, staining it black and eating holes through the wood, windows either blocked by flames or burned beyond transparency.

"Link?" Someone called. "Is that--Link, I'm so sorry--"

"Where are they?" He demanded, searching the faces of Kakariko's villagers. "Where--My grandparents, they're not--"

"We hadn't seen them leave, but they may not have been home," one of the ladies--Elizabeth, the wife of the mason-- said.

Legend inhaled sharply. He couldn't lose them--Not them too. Not like this. He couldn't--

He ran toward the burning farmhouse ignoring all the cries for him to wait and stop as if this wasn't his home, as if this wasn't where he grew up and it wasn't where his grandparents may be dying or already be dead at.

He never wanted to return home to this.

The fire had started in the house, it was spreading but the plants were well trimmed and the ground well worn from walking. It did not spread easily to the pasture, but the barn was caught in it. He threw a blast of pure magic at the cucoo coop as he passed it. He saw the pasture empty and hoped to the goddesses that Epona and the cows had ran by now. The fowl were escaping quickly and Legend was about to slam his whole body weight into the burning front door.

Someone grabbed him from behind.

"Vet no! You can't--"

"Let me go!" He fought against their hold.

"It's about to collapse! You'll die!" 

He didn't care. He had to find them. He needed to find them. They were all he had left! They weren't supposed to die like this! They were supposed to grow older, maybe even be there when he finally settled, they were supposed to live to their natural ends! He had to--

The farmhouse that Legend spent half his formative years in collapsed. The burned walls giving in to the weight of the upper floors. It crashed to the ground and whoever grabbed him pulled him close and curled their body around his protectively.

A rush of ash and soot surrounded them, turning the world dark.

The dust settled and the fire still burned, though it was more of a huge bonfire that tried to spread.

Legend shoved Twilight away and grabbed the Ether Medallion.

Winter came early in that moment, an explosion of frost and ice exploding off him and leaving every person untouched but the flames were subdued.

He wanted to collapse, magical precision like that was exhausting, but the muddled voices stopped him. He couldn't break, he couldn't fall and scream and beg the goddesses to just please, let him have someone.

Why did they need to take everyone from him? Why was he doomed to lose them all?

He couldn't. He couldn't break. There were people here and he was still the hero. He had to stay strong, be that damned pillar of strength and courage for the world that was out to break him.

Link?

He turned, looked down, and a little ash covered cucoo was approaching him.

You came back, Piyoko clucked, nudging his leg. I'm glad to see you... I don't know what happened, one moment things were fine then the next the house was burning. Your grandparents had just gone inside for dinner too.

Legend sighed softly. "Gather the others. I'll get you guys to safe farmers."

Piyoko clearly had her own opinion about his response but thankfully didn't push it. She chirped and went toward wherever the other animals had run to. Legend turned to head back to the crowd, his throat trying to close up and his eyes stinging.

It's just the smoke, he told himself.

"Link? Are you..."

"I'll see what animals survived and check on the crops," he told them as calmly as he could, and a few--people who knew him--looked even sadder. "I'd--I would like to see it cleaned, but I don’t have the time do so, though I'd be willing to pay for it to be done. If you’re willing to help out, or willing to take what surviving animals there are, then I'll be here tomorrow morning by dawn."

The heroes looked confused and a bit against that decision, but Legend could care less. Most of the villagers gave him looks of pity, some mixed with concern, others with contempt.

"Everyone should get back home before it gets dark, monsters still roam these parts even if it's rarer than before."

Murmurs seemed to agree with his statements and the townsfolk left, some muttering about how sorry they were for the fates of his grandparents, others promising to be back in the morning. None of them actually referred to them as his grandparents, only calling them by name and telling Legend they were sorry.

Then they were all gone and left the nine heroes in the melting aftermath of the fire.

"Why'd you promise that?" Wild asked with a frown on his face. "We have a job to do, can't the family's next of kin handle this, or maybe the nearest town's mayor--"

"I'm the next of kin."

The following silence was horrible and it further ripped at his chest as he directed his carefully crafted blank look at the champion.

"This was my grandparents farm. Go hunt monsters if you want, I have things to handle right here and that starts with finding the animals that survived while the rubble finishes cooling, that ice is still steaming after all."

This time, nobody stopped him when he turned his back. Twilight and Hyrule both followed him.

Piyoko was on the edge of the survived forest, the fact that none of the surrounding trees were caught in the fire... There were four cucoos, Epona, and a cow. More than Legend expected frankly.

They saw him approach and he knelt down in front of them. Piyoko was quick to press against him and Epona nuzzled his face. Ali, the cow he had won in Labrynna and sent to the farm, drew closer too.

What now, Link?

He let out a steady breath. "Hopefully some of the other farmers around will take you guys in. You guys know as well as I do that I won't be... Rebuilding to stay here."

Epona nudged his head. We know. We'll stay with you, I can keep up.

We'll go, don't worry. It isn't a surprise, Autumn, a russet hen, cooed.

He got a headcount. All the hens intended to go, Piyoko stubbornly insisted on staying with him, and Epona promised she'd follow him too. Ali assured she'd be fine on a new farm.

After that he went and got them all under shelter, he didn't care what the other heroes were doing, he just made sure the shade out by the pasture wasn't about to collapse and then collapsed there with the remaining farm animals.

Twilight and Hyrule had been nearby, but they didn't come too close. Twilight did, eventually, but he just sat beside Legend while Hyrule headed toward the small orange glow over by the nonexistent front gate.

"I'm sorry," Twilight said quietly.

Legend tried desperately to keep himself in check. "It's fine," he managed. "I don't--They're... They were inside when the fire broke out, I-I can't--Why didn't you let me go in?"

There was a chance they were still alive before the building collapsed.

"If you went in, you would've died. It was about to collapse and it did seconds later. If you'd gone inside... I'm sorry about your grandparents."

If he'd gone inside maybe he'd have stopped killing all the people he's cared about.

"Go join the others," he grumbled, wrapping his arms tightly around himself.

"I'm not leaving you alone right now."

"I'm not alone. I have Piyoko, and Epona, Ali, Autumn, Britt, Nettle, and Thorn."

"I'm still staying. I promised to help you and that's what I'll do."

Oh he was unsteady. He had to keep strong, don’t break... He's broken too much this adventure, too many times.

Twilight wound an arm around his shoulders and pulled him into a hug slowly, giving him plenty of time to escape but he went rigid and didn't quite process what was happening until the rancher was holding him to his chest, a hand in his hair and carding through it gently.

Oh.

He buried his face into his chest and sobbed. The dam broke and so did he.

"It's okay, it's going to be okay. We're all here and we'll help you get through this."

"I-I can't--I--" Legend gasped, choking. "I can't keep doing this," he forced out.

"I know--"

"Why doesn't it stop? Why won't it stop?" He begged, he needed to know.

Why did he still hurt? Why did every single person he cared about get hurt? How could he protect them if he's the reason they're hurt?

"Why won't it stop?"

Next>>

[kyufessions]

vulnerability

synopsis: you’re taking care of your couch-ridden boyfriend

genre: fluff

pairings: idol, boyfriend! jiung x g.n. partner

word count: 0.6k

a/n: i have heavy piwon brain rot and i heard jiung loves cats BUT is also allergic to them, so i came up with this. idk if he’s actually allergic but for the sake of the story we’ll pretend he is lmao. enjoy ~

general taglist: @jwnghyuns @eaudenana @soobin-chois @jungsusvillain

“baby, that’s your tenth sneeze in a row.” you mumbled with a pout, your eyes sad at the sight of your loving boyfriend curled up under the yellow fuzzy blanket on your living room couch. his eyes and nose red, hair a mess as the pile of tissues surrounding him grows bigger and bigger with each passing minute. “you should’ve never gone to that cat cafe, now look at you.”

he shakes his head in disagreement as he blows his nose into a soft tissue, placing it into the trash bin on the floor but missing it by a mere inch. “but they’re too cute, i couldn’t help it.” he reaches over to the coffee table with an old man grunt, snatching his phone and pulling up a video of the cat he took. “look! see!”

you walk behind the couch, leaning over the back of it to have a closer look at his screen as you watch him scratch the cat lovingly. suddenly you watch him stop scratching under the cat's chin, the creature then licking at jiung’s hand looking as comfortable as ever in his presence. the short video brought a smile to your face, making you wish you’d be able to own a pet cat without having to deal with the repercussions of an allergic boyfriend.

“what was the cat's name?” you questioned, looking down at him as he scrolls at the few pictures of the cat he has saved in his camera roll.

he looks up as if to recall, but shifts his body to face you and shrugs. “i forget, i’ll ask theo late-“ he stops mid-sentence to sneeze into his hoodie sleeve, making you take a step back to escape his germs.

“i’ll tell the guys you can't make practice tonight.” you say as you walk towards the kitchen to text them from your phone. jiung groans in the back, telling you he feels perfectly fine between tiny sneezes. “baby, you can’t leave the house like that! especially not in this cold weather.” you press the send button on your screen as you walk back over towards the door frame to lean against it.

when you finally look up from your screen, you see a defeated jiung making dramatic grabby hands in your direction. “can we at least cuddle and have soup?”

you laugh at how soft he’s being, liking this different side of jiung a little bit. sure, he shows his vulnerable side to you more often than most people since you’re his significant other but this is different. “yes, but no kisses. i don’t want to get sick.”

“i’m not sick it’s just allergies!”

“i don’t want your germs.”

“we’ve done much more than kiss and now when i’m sick all you think about is my germs?”

rolling your eyes as his laughter fills up the background, you shuffle back into the kitchen and make two bowls of chicken noodle soup with your matching tumblr cups full of ginger ale. you weren’t feeling sick per say, but you didn't want to eat something jiung wasn’t able to. on the food tray, you place two allergy pills and a water bottle before making your way over to the couch next to your boyfriend.

“here, eat up.” you say as he sits up fully, tiny sneezes following after one another.

for the remainder of the day, you both cuddled on the couch eating soup and watching disney films as his head lay in your lap. as night approached, you heard him falling in and out of a deep sleep. the heat in your cheek rises as you hear your name pass his lips in his sleep almost inaudibly, turning the corners of your lips into a small smile. as much as you hate seeing your boyfriend suffer from cute tiny kitten creatures, you love taking care of him when he’s feeling temporarily physically weak for the sole purpose of enjoying taking care of him the way he always tends to take care of you.

[sannyo-appreciation-posts]

A ridiculously extensive critique and analysis of Sannyo Komakusa Touhou Lost Word art.

the time has come to analyze and critique the Lost Word art for Sannyo Komakusa.

[This also gives me an excuse to show select angles from Lotus Eaters, her Alphes style art by Dairi, stuff like that ]

Love it or hate it, the Touhou lost word gacha game could potentially be someone's first introduction to a given touhou character, so it's important that character portraits leave a good first impression. So with that in mind, I'm gonna critique their art for the booker Touhou cutie that, honestly, just from her profession alone she deserves their utmost respect.

(I can only hope she pokes fun at gacha within a gacha game in the same way she pokes fun at gamblers within her gambling den)

I'm gonna be zooming in to each part of the outfit to discuss the benefits and downsides of each design choice. I'm gonna be comparing pieces to the Zun art or Lotus Eaters for references and also generally to showcase things for comparison.

Since it surrounds the whole design I think I'll need to mention the smoke dragon and pipe first. On the whole, it's cool, and her pipe does match her zun art. Unfortunately it covers up a lot of her outfit and pose. And lastly regarding this there is definitely one detail that's remarkably annoying.

The smoke isn't coming from the pipe.

Its just coming from around her feet

but you will notice an important detail while looking her feet

she's got painted toenails like in Lotus Eaters.

Next, I will move up to her skirt

All in all, it's a pretty good version of her skirt, it has a crease on the side thats catching a little too much light though. it's got the pretty pattern she has in her zun art, but they lowered her coat so it's all an even line of pattern. It even ends up lining up with her sleeve for some reason. It's pretty, but I think it makes the transition from her skirt to her top look a little more drastic, since there isn't a fresh line of coat pattern to break it up. Frankly, it just looks really cool as a long or mid length jacket like in Lotus Eaters and the Zun art instead of a big skirt length coat like they did.

(Yes, I realize Lotus Eaters doesn't feature color or her intricate coat pattern, [presumably since it'd be a nightmare to keep track of. Though I like to imagine it's just yet another outfit of hers]

but anyway, it at least demonstrates my point about a coat with a different length then her skirt creating a cool contrast.

Next is the chest, first I must say her buttons and clothes look perfectly fine. Though they generally pin to the side in Lotus Eaters as well as in her Alphes style art by Dairi (Though these buttons do look like they are struggling)

There are many different different ways people draw Sannyo's chest, but eventually they can be categorized a bit, because at some point there is a tempting result to what the size can make you want to do with her outfit

Naturally, if someone wants to draw her breasts in a larger size, like in Lost Word, it makes it more difficult to draw her coat over her shoulders. The reason being that when you get into the much larger anime sizes, the cloth from a coat would start to just drape over the lower sections of her body from her breasts. So I think people try to avoid that in different ways, often she often ends up with her coat lowered and hanging loosely above her elbows, which can actually serve a double purpose and give her a ton of personality.

As an example here is some gorgeous art by "syuri22" I found here

Syuri22 even extended the line of her skirt up into a bow to make her breasts pop out a bit more, which was really clever.

sometimes fan artists part her coat around her breasts which is a clever way to have her coat over her shoulders without hanging over her breasts too, sometimes she tucks the coat under with her arms in a pose. Sometimes they have it drape a bit but ultimately return to her waist. My point is there are a lot of creative ways artist do it. To lostword's credit the way they did it does kinda accentuate her smug energy. Though adding it together with how thick and soft they made the hem of her coat does kinda make it look like she has a comfortable blanket draped over her.

As for her face. It's good, of course. I mean it's Sannyo's face, hard to go wrong with that. It's got her cute bow. She's got a good expression mixing cute and smug energy. Her ponytail is looking good. No complaints there.

looking at the art as a whole, it's fine. Sure, it looks more like she's wearing a blanket than a coat, but I guess it does make her look kinda soft and huggable. Oh, and I completely forgot to mention her fan is freaking massive. But She's ultimately got the right energy. Though I honestly think it would be better if she had her coat line up a bit less. The way her sleeves and coat and skirt all make an even arc along the design sound like a interesting idea, but it kinda makes her design have less interesting stuff going on.

I do prefer her Alphes style art by Dairi by quite a bit tbh

Even still i hope some day they do her winter outfit, I'm curious what that would look like. it's actually got the fuzzy energy they were going for.

[evolutionsvoid]

Yes, yes we all know what this species does! Its method of warding off predators is quite infamous, but there is more to this creature than that! The whole entry can't be about it, so lets try to keep it together!

The Bonnacon is a species of bovine that inhabits plains, grasslands and some savannas. They are about the same size as your domesticated cow, though a few physical features cause them to stand out (and I am not talking about that one). First off is their reddish brown fur, which is made even more striking with the fiery coloration of their skin and dewlap. These bright oranges are hard to miss, as this is not a species that cares about blending in! Another feature is the mane of brown hair that runs down their neck, almost similar to that of a horse's. And while we are looking at its head, the next thing to note is their horns. Compared to other bovines, these horns can seem a bit small. On top of that, they are curled so that no sharp points are exposed, and are positioned upon the head in such a way that they wouldn't do much when it comes to charging and ramming. Even if they were larger, the materials that makes up these horns is noticeably weaker than other bovine horns, making these horns bend under pressure. In truth, if a Bonnacon charged you, the real pain would be coming from this massive ungulate ramming into you, and not so much the pitiful horns. Yes, there are worse things they can do to you, but we aren't on that subject yet! 

Bonnacon travel in small herds, and spend a large portion of their days grazing. They feed upon a wide variety of vegetation, with very few plants exempt from their menu. One of the major notes of their diet is that they graze upon plants that are typically poisonous to most other herbivores. Other plant eaters avoid these particular shrubs or growths like the plague, while the Bonnacon munches upon them without a care in the world. From what we understand, their digestive system is capable of handling a variety of toxins, and uses particular chemicals found in nasty plants as fuel for something else (no, we aren't talking about that part yet). This gives this bovine a wider selection of plants to choose from when feeding, and it also means a food source free from competition. For the ecosystem, they play an important part in keeping these poisonous and noxious plants in check, preventing them from growing out of control due to zero grazing.

When mating season kicks in, the male Bonnacon's look to round up as many females as possible, though the competition between them is not as violent as other bovines. While you may expect them battering each other with their horns and resorting to violence, such fights rarely break out. I will remind you that their horns are pretty poor for battle, though they do have a purpose here. Apparently, these horns are good indicators of health and virility, so simply showing them off is enough to woo the ladies. When it comes to keeping away competing males, they raise their tails and show off the colorful markings on their rumps (Just the rumps! Nothing else yet). These too are representative of their health and strength, and other males can easily gauge if this is a fight they can win. Most of the time, these displays are enough to defuse the situation, with the lesser Bonnacon accepting that they could never win this battle. If it comes to fighting, it is done through awkward body battering and tail whips, more akin to a drunken shoving match than any legitimate brawl. This species isn't exactly known for the most dignified ways of warding off foes. 

And now that I have gone over the Bonnacon facts that everyone will skip over, it is time for the part all the readers came for. Lets all ask the question that will get us there: "Hey Chlora, how do Bonnacon ward off predators?" Good question, children! Well, the Bonnacon has a super secret weapon up its sleeve whenever a big mean carnivore comes to eat it! When the big bad wolf comes creeping up, the poor little Bonnacon lifts its tail up and fires off a wet blast of caustic fecal matter that will douse the land and predator in a brown burning shower of shit that would make any public outhouse blowout after a dinner of bad fish tacos look like a lazy day of beach reading! THERE! WE'RE AT THE POOP PART! ARE YOU HAPPY!? Now we get to talk about how the Bonnacon fights its battles with fiery turd farts! YIPPEE!

Now that I got that out of my system, indeed the Bonnacon weaponizes its own fecal matter. It seems that there is a combination of chemicals brought in from its diet mixed in with its own special intestinal secretions that create this effect. All this is infused into its waste, and it appears that the act of ejecting it from its bowels starts the reaction. When the feces is sprayed from its body, a reaction within kicks off which creates the rise in temperature and creation of caustic fluids. While this waste does not actually catch on fire, the high heat of it combined with its acidic coating certainly gives the feeling of being set aflame while it burns through your skin. Their "ejection" system is specially designed to release this waste with long distance and wide range. It is meant to either catch the predator within the burning cone of filth, or create a hazard so foul that any meat eater would think twice before pursuing. Typically this butt blast is fired off just before the Bonnacon flees, which some humorous folk have interpreted into this species launching itself to safety by the propulsion of its own fiery flatulence. Oh what a lark.

Obviously, ammunition for this kind of firepower is limited, and thus the Bonnacon must use it sparingly between meals. This is why they bear the bright orange and dark markings upon their rump, as they serve as a warning sign to potential predators. When threatened, they will raise their tails to fully show off these colors, as a "last chance" for their foe before they open fire. You may also notice that these behinds lack hair, and that is because they don't want their own feces getting caught in their fur. Would be quite the mess to get out! 

Outside of the endless crude jokes and comments one can mine from the Bonnacon's existence, they do actually have a place in the local culture. Due to their diet of nasty plants, they can be used to clear land that has been overgrown by noxious and dangerous weeds. Their hide has been found to make resilient leather, the kind that is resistant to caustic agents and damaging fluids. Their meat....well, most people avoid it. Due to their diet, it can contain some nasty stuff unless it is thoroughly cooked to a crisp. Even then, you won't find a lot of folk willing to have a taste once they learn what beast it comes from. I, for one, gave it a try when I found a reputable chef that was known for preparing it. It was...fine. Nothing to write home about, but it certainly didn't have the flavors most people would expect when coming from a Bonnacon. And of course, we can't ignore their feces, as that even has a use! It turns out, Bonnacon waste is actually a really good fertilizer, once you let it cool down and its fluids grow inert. But sometimes, that burning pile of poo has its uses! If you want to prepare a field or flower bed, and know it is loaded with wild seeds of weeds you don't want, then lay down a layer of fresh Bonnacon poop. The heat and acidity of it will bake out all the seeds and roots that are waiting down below, and then add nutrients once it has burned itself out. In fact, some species of plant have designed their seeds to only be spread and germinated by Bonnacon waste! So we've taken a note from these plants and use it to clear out our flower beds! Now your garden is ready for planting! It is a pretty clever way to do it, but just be ready to get a lot of complaints from your neighbors.        

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian

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

"Bonnacon"

Ah the infamous Bonnacon! The ol' mammalian bombardier beetle! Had to show up sooner or later.

[snowbellewells]

CSSNS23 One Shot: “Deluge”

My first entry for this year’s @cssns23 event is a one shot based on a prompt I saw on Tumblr some years ago. A cloaked person breaks into the bookshop where the protagonist works. His glowing eyes transfix her as he grabs her wrist, baring hidden symbols on the protagonist’s arm and proclaiming, “It’s you.”          (I would love to give credit to the original poster of the prompt, but I do not remember the user’s name. Whoever you were, if you see this, THANK YOU for the inspiration!)

I’m also incredibly grateful for @xarandomdreamx for her wonderfully encouraging and astute beta work, and to @eastwesthomeisbest for the TWO stunningly gorgeous pieces of story art she created for this. I love looking at both of them, and have posted one here at the start, and one in the text where the scene occurs, so you all can enjoy them both too. Thanks again to both of you lovely shipmates!!!

Summary: From the moment the cloaked stranger stepped through the door, Emma Swan's life was forever changed. She could never have imagined how much though, and that she would never want to return to the way things were before...

(This can also be found on AO3, if that is your reading preference...)

Rain poured down, beating on the roof overhead and sluicing across the windowpanes, blearing the world outside as she squinted to peer through. All day long it had been quiet and gray, the impending storm threatening to keep anyone from entering the tiny, overstuffed shop. However, despite the boredom, Emma Swan found herself still lingering past closing time, hardly anxious to brave the wind and rain that had at last been loosed outdoors.

Besides, the uninhabited silence was far from unusual; Emma spent most of her work days dusting, sweeping and tidying the stacks and shelves of the pawn shop’s open design and ostentatious displays, with little to no interruption or interaction at all.  Waiting on company, from either rare customers or the proprietor himself was fruitless for the most part, so thankfully she’d never minded largely being left to her own devices, not having to bother with small talk. 

She had locked the entrance door and flipped the sign from ‘open’ to ‘closed’ some time ago, dimming the lights as well, so that any curious passerby who might see her finishing up her tasks wouldn’t assume it meant they were welcome to shop late. With her gaze falling idly back to her hand swiping the dustcloth back and forth on the counter near the cash register, Emma sighed hoping the rain wouldn’t keep her there all night. Mr. Gold, the owner, with his superior attitude, three piece suits, and gold-topped cane, did not stop to check in often, but he wanted things tidy and precisely as he wished when he did so, and so she’d kept busy until the place shone.. 

From the beginning of her employment, Emma had easily sensed that the man did not run his odd little emporium for needed income; however, what she was still puzzling over some months later, was what his purpose might be instead. Nevertheless, she kept things organized and neat, and herself well aware of each item’s place, if not its purpose, whether or not it was necessary, as those who entered seemed to come already knowing what they sought. Even rarer, she turned a carefully blind eye when particular souls came desperately seeking Gold himself for something which could not be bought in stores - at which requests the man always managed to preternaturally appear.

It was strange. She wouldn’t even try to deny it. But she had felt open and exposed, on the run, for too long, and she liked the off-putting impenetrable feeling of the crammed corner shop. It felt hidden, safely ensconced and forgotten, unseen. Yes, when the gentleman himself slowly and deliberately limped in, his shrewd eyes seeing everything, he did make her more than a bit uneasy. Her skin crawled beneath the long sleeves she couldn’t help tugging at to cover her skin, if his keen stare focused on her for too long. 

Still, she needed a job, and it paid well without demanding much of her. Not that she was without ambition either, but she’d had too much drifting and uncertainty in life thus far to walk away from something at least partially stable too quickly. Beyond all that, in the oddest of all ways, the things and their troubling owner, as well as the shop itself, needed her to keep watch; she felt it down to her bones.

Having finished dusting and re-alphabetizing the rare and limited edition tomes displayed in their prime location along the wall behind the counter, and with only a few lights left to douse before she had to leave and brave the stormy conditions, Emma ran her fingers rather proudly over the leatherbound and gilt-edged spines she had lined up precisely to beckon the right customers, who would know what was within their reach. As silly as it felt to care for a hodge podge of antiques, collectibles, and curiosities on a narrow, forgotten city street, she couldn’t help the pleased warmth in her chest for a moment at the sight of a job well done.

So she startled when the little bell over the door jangled with someone’s abrupt entrance, blown in with the swirl of wind and raindrops that slammed the door closed in a resounding snap behind them. Spinning on her heel quickly, and with a startled gasp she couldn’t quite restrain, Emma’s nerves jangled with alarm and awareness in equal measure at the tall form standing just inside the door, shrouded almost completely in a dripping dark green cloak. Unmoving, unspeaking, and yet holding every ounce of her attention, the being stood panting and facing her as drops of rainwater falling onto the floor made the only sound.

Her momentary fear tossed aside, Emma straightened her spine, eyes burning as she faced the intruder. She could have sworn she’d locked the door as well as moving the sign to closed, even if he had ignored honoring the common courtesy of business hours. Wary but determined, she moved carefully to the end of the counter, moving to step out from behind it and see that this trespasser moved on. She wasn’t foolhardy either though, and she held a pewter candlestick behind her back that she had picked up unseen and would not hesitate to use if the need called for it.

“I’m afraid we’re closed for the day,” she stated plainly, even if it was more of a hoarse croak than the automatic statement she’d aimed for. “You’ll have to come back during normal business hours.” Something crackled in the air between herself and the still-silent interloper, as she came to stand just a few feet before…him.

Oh, she could tell that it was a man standing before her now; that much was certain. As she’d drawn closer, she could glimpse a strong, dark-stubbled jawline partially bared by the hood haphazardly draped over his head. The large hands fisting and unclenching repeatedly at his sides, as they worked to forestall some tension, were unmistakably masculine as well.

Yet, settled as she was that it was not some unearthly monster standing before her, it did not keep her from stumbling backwards into one of the numerous bookshelves with a cry of alarm when he lurched forward toward her, grasping her wrists in a strong, inescapable grip and choking out, “Is it really you?” His voice was rough like metal being raked over gravel in its intensity. “After all this time…”

It was then that the hood fell back, exposing his full visage to her and nearly stopping her breath. There was no other possible reaction; the man before her was stunning.

Tilting her head back slightly to take him in, her eyes trailed from the disheveled dark hair standing up from his head wildly, to the thick, strong brows near black as ravens’ wings, the proud broad shoulders and lean frame practically vibrating with some energy she couldn't quite grasp, back up to the startlingly deep faceted blue eyes, glowing like twin diamonds.

Wait, no - glowing?!? Emma shook her head, disbelieving her own sight as her mouth fell open and she involuntarily tried to take another step back. There was no denying the proof in front of her. Unblinking, his eyes glowed with an unearthly light, near mesmerizing her with the effect.

As he’d swooped forward, trapping her in his grasp, Emma let out a strangled gasp. The press of his body against hers, had her coming to rest heavily against the end of one of the long bookshelves; the heavy candlestick she had hoped to use against him fell nervelessly from her fingers to the carpeted floor.

Wide and frightened, she felt as though her own eyes might pop out of her head, but she forced herself to raise them and meet his implacable stare, trying to appear unafraid, despite trembling in every limb. Clenching her jaw with resolve, Emma willed herself not to wither at his close proximity and obvious strength. Fruitlessly she tried to push him back, only to find it impossible. In truth, she hardly wanted to. It was an instinctive reaction, but as the tall frame somehow pressed closer still, his height looming over her in a way that overwhelmed but warmed her deliciously, her nerve endings tingled. Possessive or protective, Emma wasn't sure which, but she could not truly pull away, shivering as the stranger continued to stare down at her - blue eyes seeming to penetrate beneath the surface of her soul.

Shaking her head, Emma struggled to put the questions flying through her head into words, but nothing came.  The sound died in her throat with a pitiful squeak she shuddered to recognize as her own. What was happening to her? Who was this man, and what did he think he was doing? As if forgetting that she was pinned between his frame and the solid barrier behind her, Emma once again attempted to step away, to gain some distance, only to be brought up short.

The man still held her wrist circled in his grip like an iron band. Her mouth went dry as he pulled it forward and shoved back the sleeve she always kept pulled down to her wrist before she could even attempt to stop him. Wordlessly, he stared at the skin he had exposed, his focus narrowing, even as she shook in fear. Her awareness was like a shock of electricity at the feel of another’s eyes on the bared skin she had hidden for so long.

This time it was the mysterious interloper who drew in the sharp breath, stunned and unsure, frozen for a second at the impact of his discovery. Emma’s eyes fell to take in the oddly beautiful markings that stole across her skin, up from the pulse at her wrist to just past the bend of her elbow, scrolling and twisting, curled around her forearm and each other like intricately inked tattoos in a pearlescent, unearthly jade. She hadn’t sought them out though; the markings had been a part of her for as long as she could remember. And though Emma felt connected to them, found them pleasantly comforting, she had learned long ago to keep them from sight. Others were troubled by them - confused, concerned, frightened or disgusted; none of the reactions she had seen were pleasant. It was easier to avoid their detection altogether, though it meant shrouding a piece of herself.

But the look in his disturbingly captivating orbs reflected none of those expected responses. He appeared almost entranced, as if he would brush each whorl of color with feather-light lips if she allowed it. It was a strange thing to think, and yet she knew it with unmistakable clarity; despite how intimate and gentle the action would be from someone so abrupt and unexpected - a complete stranger so far - she could see it in her mind’s eye.

“It really is you,” he breathed, reverent low voice whispering in her ear almost musically. “After all this time…Emma. I’ve found you at last.”

Her brow crinkled immediately, and her pulse kicked back up at the inexplicable familiarity. In her consternation, her words found a sharp voice. “What?!? Who are you? And how do you know my name? What are you talking about, ‘found me’? I’ve never met you!”

Standing up to his full height, Emma was stricken by the infinite sadness in this stranger’s deep gaze as he looked down into her face. Gently, he shook his head from side to side, and his next words escaped in a longing whisper, “Ah Lass, but you have…”

Opening her mouth to argue, Emma shook her head uncomprehendingly. Though he had released his grip and retreated a step to give her room to breathe, her visitor continued before she could interrupt.

“You do know me, Emma. You simply cannot remember.” He paused, seemingly trying to gather himself, swallowing hard and cheeks flushing a red that spread even up to the tops of his ears, which she realized were uniquely pointed where they peeked from his mussed dark hair. “This will sound like a made-up tale, but I have sought you for so long. You have been alone, and you deserve to know why.”

Emma’s eyes narrowed, focusing  on his handsomely shadowed face. She prided herself on being able to read others well - to see their truth or their lies in their bearing or their expressions beyond the words they spoke. And she sensed nothing but honest sincerity in this man, making what he said next all the more staggering.

“I am Killian Jones, Captain of the Guard of the high fae court of these lands. You are fae as well, Emma, born to our people in the forests near here. You were left as what is called a changeling, with a human caretaker, when you were a mere few hours old. It happens often among our kind,” he hurried to add, seeing the shocked and hurt expression on her face. His hand rose yet again, as if to forestall anger or tears, even if she couldn’t yet believe any of his nonsensical words. She knew she had never quite fit, never known her family, but to claim she was of another species entirely?

Finally, she had to break in, catching his hand and jerking it toward her, forcing him to feel her seriousness. “K-Killian, is it?”  She spoke hesitantly, though she felt quite certain she would never forget the name he had offered in that voice, or the look in his eyes, as long as she lived. “You can’t mean any of this. It’s insanity! Why would I believe you?”

Killian’s eyes fell to the floor, dropping contact with hers so completely that she felt the loss like a chill through her insides. He sighed again, the sound forced from his lungs. When he spoke, his words were the barest murmur, melancholy and pained. He raked a hand through the fringe falling over his forehead, but was gentle when he took her wrist once more, turning her hand palm up and carefully inching back the long sleeve which had fallen back down to cover her skin.

“You do not have to believe me. I realize, as I have said, that this all sounds far fetched. But I also think that, deep inside yourself, you know I’m right, that something has always been different about you, setting you apart. This is why.”

Those mesmerizing blue pools rose to envelope her again, and he seemed willing to wait for her signal, her permission to go on.

It was only once she gathered a shaky breath and gave a short nod of acquiescence that he continued. “You see,” Killian intoned, the cadence becoming a soothing lilt the longer she listened to him speak, her eyelids fluttering as he lightly traced the loops and swirls along her forearm, dancing over the veins and nerve endings in a sweet caress. “I was the one to place you in the human home. The woman and man who lived there were poorly matched. He did not care for her as much as for his own pursuits, though she had not yet seen the extent of the dark shadow in his heart. She loved books and learning and wished desperately for a child to care for, to share all her stories with and bestow her love upon. But she could not conceive. We knew she was aware of the legends and lore and would understand the gift you were, as our people often seek to leave fairy infants with humans for a time. The child is cosseted and cared for, and we return for them when they are able to live and move about the forest as the rest of us do.”

Biting her tongue, Emma forced herself not to interrupt with questions. She had always carried only vague memories of her earliest years - jumbled and impossible to put together in any kind of order. Just as she could sense he spoke the truth, she felt she was finally on the cusp of having answers, as wild and outlandish as they might appear. The story was about to take a turn, and she waited anxiously for it.

“You were placed in the home of this strange spinner and his beautiful young wife. And though he had no true interest in you, she loved you dearly. It had been my duty to choose the home, and it seemed, in watching from a distance, that all was proceeding as it should. She carried you with her wherever she went, whatever the chore, hardly letting you leave her side for a moment. Her happiness was complete in at last having a child on whom to shower her affection, even knowing she would not have her little one forever. Unfortunately, none of us realized… and I… I failed to see… the folly that was coming.”

With the cloud that passed over his sculpted features, Emma suddenly grasped the truly ethereal beauty he possessed. It would only make sense if he were not a mere mortal man. His troubled visage made her wish to comfort him, to assuage some of his clearly felt guilt. She almost told him he did not have to keep speaking, but she needed to hear the rest.

“There was an uprising. Another group of our kind, from another realm, twisted and changed by greed and thirst for power, attempted to overrun us and take our kingdom as their own. The conflict was long and bitter, and though we prevailed, fought them off, and send them back from whence they came, many good and powerful fae were lost. There was much damage and confusion. When things were at last put to rights once more, and I resumed my patrols, it was discovered that the old spinner had at last let his baser nature, his desire for strength and influence, overwhelm him. His dear wife had finally come to understand his nature and had fled from him, taking you with her. Observation told us that her former mate had gained some manner of dark magic of his own, and that he had learned of the changeling who had dwelt beneath his roof. Hurt and angry, and vengeful to a fault, he used all the means he had to seek his poor spouse - no woman should leave him as she had, he reckoned - and you… He became convinced you were the key to holding yet more magic and power in his grasp. Though we continued to keep an eye on the old scoundrel, his former wife and the fae child with her - you, Emma - seemed to have vanished without a single sign. Until you came to our attention, only recently, here in this shop. And… I had to see for myself.”

Emma felt her heart thudding in her chest so strongly that it seemed to slam against her throat, climbing up to pound and echo in her ears and blur her vision. She shook her head mutely as tears clouded her eyes. She didn’t want to fall for any of this, and yet somehow her heart recognized it as the truth. Though she couldn’t remember it all, she remembered glimpses of being rocked and held by a crackling fire, an unusual accent that she’d never heard since telling her tales in the sunlight and summer breeze. Had she possessed a mother after all? One she just couldn’t recall? Why else could she not summon anything before coming to this town some few years ago and scraping by on the streets as a pickpocket until she was old enough to seek honest employment?

Blinking the tears away, Emma looked down, only to suck in a rasp of breath in shock. The ink along her arm, that had always seemed a dark, marring emblem to keep covered and unseen, now shone with an ethereal light under Killian’s fingers. Transfixed, Emma reached out to touch the suddenly glowing marks for herself, finding the skin slightly warm, but otherwise just as it had always felt. Meeting the open, welcoming gaze of Killian Jones once more, she wasn’t sure how to respond, what question to ask first, utterly flabbergasted and overwhelmed. She honestly tried not to hold the bit of knowing swagger on his face against him, particularly when he smiled again through the pained regret which had radiated from him as he told the tale. True, he must have known her arm would light up with its strange insignia, but he had tried to prepare her and keep it as the last proof to make her see that what he told her was true.

“They’re runes, Lass. Fae symbols unique to each of us, identifying us to one another when words are not possible - or in cases such as yours when all else has been forgotten.”

Gulping down the lump in her throat, Emma aimed for gentle teasing, though the rasp of her words made them sound less playful than intended. “Cases like mine? I hope it doesn’t happen very often!”

Immediately, a furrow of worry puckered the skin between his brows, and that clear guilt and self-recrimination passed back over Killian’s face. Nodding to her in quick deference, he murmured, “Of course, right you are. I only meant… they are another way to bring a fae’s true nature to light, when all else fails…”

Releasing her arm, he turned to face the darkened street through the window outside. Emma got the definite sense he was ashamed to meet her eyes now, as if he deemed her more angry than she actually was. She was confused, surprised, uncertain, but not as upset as one might expect. She had been helpless to put the fragmented bits of memory together until he came. Her past had always been a mystery to her; who she was, where she’d come from, and where she belonged, was always a shrouded blank that she had no way of bringing into focus. It had felt as though something was missing, and now she knew why. Relief and knowledge were both coursing through her with a rush she could barely contain.

She didn’t want him to blame himself or to mourn what was long past, and before she could second guess or pull back, Emma had closed the space between them once more, laying a hand on his shoulder in a gesture she hoped would bring comfort. “Why are you taking all the blame?” she asked carefully, causing him to twist quickly, eyes full of surprise at her calm curiosity instead of harsh accusation. “The little I remember of who must have been the young woman you left me with is pleasant. I don’t know what happened to separate us, but it would seem you chose well. You couldn’t have predicted what would follow.”

Shaking his head adamantly, as if warding off her attempt to free him from responsibility, his broad shoulders rose and fell heavily while he heaved out a ragged breath. “Don’t you understand?” he ground out at long last. “I failed you. I was meant to be your guard. I was appointed to bring you back into the fold when the time came. Instead I - I lost you, and you were cut off in the world. Without your people, your heritage, any idea of who you were and what you could do. You should hate me, Emma. You have every right, and I would not blame you… I already blame myself.”

This time, when he finally turned to face her, Emma could see the moisture he would not allow to fall clouding the brilliance of his seaswept eyes. His jaw was clenched so tightly she could feel the muscle working in his cheek; his conflict so obvious she was powerless to do anything other than lift her hand to stroke her fingers along the spot, anxious and needing to ease the ache. “But don’t you see?” she rejoined in equally fervent tones. “Now I know… after feeling so alone, so blank and lost, I finally see why. It isn’t just that I’m strange and unwanted; I belonged somewhere else. All this time, I was not nothing. I was never nothing. You’ve shown me that, and… while I may not understand everything yet,” she blushed, and let her gaze fall slightly to where his chest rose and fell erratically, and her other hand now toyed idly with the open collar of the tunic beneath his cloak, drawn by the warmth radiating from him despite the cool evening air around him and the lingering dampness of his clothes from the storm outside.

Killian trembled beneath her touch, eyes falling closed, attempting to hold himself back. Then, as if snapping free of the self-imposed restraint, his dark lashes flicked up, baring her to his stare once more, and he turned his head to press full, tender lips to the inside of her wrist, over the strange tattoo that had fascinated and puzzled Emma all her life. The runes, as Killian had called them, seemed to flare to an even brighter life at his touch, and she held her breath, struck by how good it felt, giving herself over to his reverent ministration.

Murmuring against her sensitized flesh, he assured her, “Of course you are not nothing. You have always been something special. Always.”

A moan of pleasure left her throat at that; his lips and his words both a long-needed balm to her heart and a heady pleasure that rushed through like a tidal wave. Pressing nearer to his solid frame, she suddenly felt as if she could not get close enough. Not unless she burrowed inside him and under his skin.

She was only momentarily surprised, and thoroughly pleased, when he flipped their positions, this time bracing her between the counter and himself and bending her back over the surface with the strength and passion of his kisses, moving from her arm and up her neck to claim her mouth ravenously. Emma had never felt such a thrill of connection to anything or anyone in her life, nothing even came close enough to compare to the tendrils of awareness mapping throughout her insides and setting her alight to a degree she had not known was possible until that moment.

Keening low in her throat, not caring how desperate it might sound, she grappled with clutching fingers to pull him closer still, to rise on the very tips of her toes, and bring her face on a level with Killian’s, aching almost to drink him in through hungry lips and be merged as one. His breath was warm on her throat as an answering chuckle huffed out of him on an unsteady gasp. Both of them were panting when the kiss broke, their foreheads resting together as each of them attempted to draw in needed air, eyes dancing with pleased mischief and happy discovery.

Her eyes followed every tiny movement he made, as Killian’s sweeping gaze raked heat along her body from the top of her head all the way down to her feet. When his tongue flicked out to trail along his lower lip enticingly, Emma felt her own copy the gesture, anxious to taste him again, and allow him to once more taste her. “What say you, Emma?” he pressed avidly, “Shall we sail away from here?”

And indeed they did. The one good thing perhaps to how long she had spent adrift  was how little it took to be ready to go with him. She traveled light and had never collected many possessions she would truly miss. The offered hand and hope for answers, for companionship, for a future and a home, were enough to seal her decision well beyond any hesitation she might have harbored.

Stealing away that very night, her cryptic employer found no trace of her upon entering his shop the following morning. He’d had his suspicions of just who and what this Emma Swan he had hired might be. He had intended to lurk stealthily, watching and waiting to see if she was indeed as powerful as he suspected and how he might make use of that power. Once he had ascertained what he needed, Gold had hoped to keep her there, adding her into his collection like another of the rare trinkets in the shop she tended, a boon to be possessed. That she might well be the child his younger wife had doted on and adored so many years ago gave him not a moment’s pause. He had long believed the infant to be the reason his Belle had finally left him and so sealed her tragic fate. If this Emma were indeed that babe grown, it gave him all the more reason to see her put under glass, where her beauty and strength could benefit his aims, but do him no harm.

That she had slipped through his fingers and escaped without a trace - and taken some of his most potent, and therefore most valuable, wares in her flight - drove him to smash his shop almost to pieces in a fit of rage and tormented him the rest of his miserable long life.

But Emma at long last was free and at peace. Once she and Killian crossed the borders of that small village and passed into the deep, surrounding woods, a weight lifted from her shoulders, lightness suffusing her being in a way she had never before experienced. The scales fell from her eyes, at last allowing her to fully see the beauty of this place which had been just beyond her reach all the time.

Every cell in her body seemed to tingle. She was lit from within and fully alive. Killian beside her smiled knowingly at her expression, understanding just how she felt. Perhaps he did, to some degree. How long had he spent searching for her? Blaming himself for her loss and missing some piece of himself as well? He had always been meant to be her protector, and now at long last he had guided her back to her people, her place in the world.

When she turned to look up at him beneath the branches overhead and with fireflies just beginning to light the air in bright pinpricks around them, he took Emma’s breath away with his tender eyes and gentle touch. With the way he gazed at her, she knew as he leaned closer that the kiss he was about to bestow would be different from their previous ones - soft and lingering, but no less astounding in its effect.

The sensuous warmth in his touch and the feel of his lips on hers swept Emma up in sensations she never wished to escape; she wanted to wrap Killian around her and never let go, savoring every moment. Humming into his kiss, she placed both hands on his cheeks, caressing his face before teasing over the pointed tips of his ears and threading into the dark hair at the nape of his neck, anchoring herself to him. She knew there was so much more to learn and to see about this place - her birthright - and this man before her, but she couldn’t wait to tackle it,  anxious for what lay ahead as she had never been before. She wasn’t about to let go; she would hold onto this chance - and Killian Jones - with both hands and every breath that was in her. Emma had finally found the love, the home, she had always missed, and she wasn’t about to leave it again.

Tagging a few who might enjoy: @searchingwardrobes @jennjenn615 @kmomof4 @laschatzi @whimsicallyenchantedrose @jrob64 @apiratewhopines @spartanguard @therooksshiningknight @optomisticgirl @tiganasummertree @teamhook @revanmeetra87 @stahlop @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @sotangledupinit @justanother-unluckysoul @darkcolinodonorgasm @the-darkdragonfly @elizabeethan @donteattheappleshook @drowned-dreamer @xsajx @jonesfandomfanatic @motherkatereloyshipper @zaharadessert @bdevereaux​ @caught-in-the-filter​ @xarandomdreamx​ @eastwesthomeisbest​ @goforlaunchcee​ 

[mr-laveau]

@cashandprizes has handed me the keys to the kingdom and now that means I get to info-dump about EVERYTHING I've had in mind while designing each and every one of these characters. To start, welcome to...

Laveau's Redacted Design Notes: Bloodbound Edition I

Without further delay, let's get into it.

Darlin's design incorporates elements from their pack since I wanted to visually show similarities between them and the pack by having them share tastes in clothes. It also was me solidifying my HC that the pack rubs their fashion sense off on each other. (David), Darren wears a leather jacket and a belt with a silver buckle; (Asher), they sport a choker and high waisted pants; (Milo), they also wear ripped shirts and share boot colors; (Christian), they both wear gloves.

The floral print on Sam's shirt is actually a Chrysanthemum; It's a flower that carries the symbolic meaning of devoted love, loyalty, happiness, longevity, and joy–appropriate to his role in Darlin's story. More specifically, given the color of his shirt, Sam represents a red Chrysanthemum which also represents deep love and passion. They're also flowers that have medicinal properties too!

Vincent's jumpsuit is designed specifically to reference a mechanic's jumpsuit given his love of cars. The jumpsuit is printed with a rose floral pattern which–in addition to the pearls around his neck(which is queer symbolism)–are symbols of Aphrodite, something I find fitting given the similarities he and the goddess have.*Vincent was also deisgned with the intention of him looking like a fuck boy, his blonde bangs also were meant to reference fangs

I said this on twitter some time ago but Alexis being Persian was something I wanted to run with given how desired Persian women were to the colonizers and outsiders of the country long ago (and still are today), being objectified and simplified without regard to their humanity. Much of her design choices are based on the idea of desire, her likeness to Betty Boop (a heavily sexualised character), her sweater having roses (flowers that represent love and desire), her dress, her balletcore-inspired outfit (being a reference to ballerinas–which fun fact, they used to be used as prostitutes after shows for patrons) are all a part of the larger bit. I also made Alexis a WOC for the specific purpose that anytime a WOC is presented as flawed and beautiful, they are immediately lined up to be femme fatales or villains–call that meta commentary if you want. *again, yes, I'm of the school of thought where we HC Alexis as a flawed person cuz canon ain't saying enough.

Lovely's design is heavily inspired by several gaming references; their post-inversion design includes a sweater that reads "reset", a reference to undertale and fitting regarding the fact that it's a post-inversion design; their pre-inversion hoodie reads "game over" on the front which I will admit is a morbid joke foreshadowing their turning; their color palette is heavily inspired by Raiden Shogun from Genshin Impact; the controller symbols on their sleeves in the pre-inversion design is an obvious playstation reference, and the "NPC" on the sleeves of their post-inversion design is a small nod to the fact that Lovely, at the time of designing, did not feel like a very active listener (still don't, to some degree) so I threw that in there!

Bright Eyes is heavily inspired by the Magical Girl genre of anime; her bikini top has a reference to Senketsu from Kill La Kill and a ribbon tie that resembles a part of Usagi's Sailor Moon uniform; her hair and choker are also inspired by Usagi and her color palette is based on Panty from Panty and Stocking. She is prime black magical girl material™️. *Her design also incorporates eye imagery due to their namesake and the fit is heavily inspired by Aliyahcore.

Quinn's design is littered with Christian religious iconography. His choker and earring are all upside down crosses which are typically regarded as signs of evil, his other hoop earring was intended to draw close to halo (but ehhh, not really) and all of them being silver was a decision based on the facts that A.) Silver is regarded as a pure and holy metal and, B.) Silver is traditionally the weakness of a werewolf–which when contextualized with his involvement with Darlin can be read as him maliciously equipping himself with silver to hurt them or be seen as him being their weakness in some way.

William's design is purely meant to communicate the fact that he is rich, elegant and powerful. For those of you who don't know, braids (especially well done braids) can be a sign of wealth because them shits ain't cheap to put in and best believe, Will has his done by the best in Dahlia. Speaking of symbols of status, use of the gold accessories and ruby are intentionally put there to emphasize his status as the Solaire clan's king. Additionally, Rubies are associated with blood, power and youth as well as acting as talismans of protection.

Sam's alternate design is actually based on a rattlesnake! The many fang shapes in it, the rattlesnake-skinned pattern on the band of his hat, the beads in his hair and the snake tattoo were pretty much dead giveaways. The choice to base him on a rattlesnake was all set in stone by the fact that rattlesnake venom also has healing properties in addition to being dangerous which I found fitting for Sam! *Fun fact: I kept thinking of rattlesnake Jake while I was designing him. That was also the reason he was based on a rattlesnake. LEAVE ME ALONE–

Quinn and Darren both share thorn motifs but in different ways. Quinn's motif is meant to play on my interpretation of him being close to that of a cult leader, someone who reels people in at their most vulnerable and brings them under his allegiance, thus his use of the thorn motif was to be presented as a martyr/anti-christ figure. Darren's use of the thorn motif specifically ties into their guarded personality and affections towards Sam (a rose with thorns). The best part is that the shirt's thorn design, while alluring, also adds to the pattern or scars on his body and on his neck where Darr bit him. They fulfill the idea of both hiding and blending in with his scars to somewhat embolden them in my HC where Quinn uses his pain as a point of pride for attracting others whilst not being vulnerable enough to actually let them see his humanity behind the image he's built up.

Alexis and Darlin share rose motifs solely based on how they presented their affections to Sam. Alexis being having roses as she simply put herself out there as an option for Sam (queue the bachelor reference) and Darren being a rose with thorns (see above). Interestingly enough, Alexis and Vincent have this in common as well as two vampiric royalty who turned their royalty and presented their affections openly towards the people they prospectively were interested in.

Quinn, like Darren, wears a choker and while this initially was meant to push the image of a priest/cult leader, I also used this as a visual similarity to Darlin given their shared history.

Some of the designs contain references to Greek Mythology. Vincent's pearls and rose jumpsuit are symbols of Aphrodite similarly to the patterns on Darren's pants and Alexis' top. Darlin however more so represents Aphrodite Areia/ Aphrodite the Warlike which was Sparta's epithet for her as a war goddess. Lovely's peacock earring is a nod to Hera which becomes interesting when you consider that Lovely's hair is shaped like lightning bolts which is Zeus's symbol.