#azure private cloud

[vivalabunbun]

When It Rains, Why Does It Pour?

Summary: Sand is quite a nuisance, it creeps into every crevice and no amount of dusting can free oneself from its stubborn hold. Yet, the tide still greets the shore.

Word Count: 8.8k (oh no...)

Tags: Neuvillette x GN!Reader, human!reader, SFW, fluff, childhood friends AU, Slow Burn, Slow Fic, Angst, Hurt with Comfort, themes about reincarnation, TW: Themes about death and loss, themes about aging, immortal x mortal AU, not lore accurate, reader is an attendant, human prejudice, Spoilers Warning: His story quest and archon quests, speculations about his past in Fontaine, why is he so mysterious

Authors Note: This was a challenge trying to write from the POV of a man you don't even know the name of, but I just had to write something for him. A character study of Neuvillette. Enjoy!

How long has it been since he first arrived here? One month? Two? Or perhaps it has already been a year? The young dragon wasn’t too sure.

The days seem to blend together when one only eats, studies, and sleeps all on repeat. A cruel trait of time. The weather outside the glass windows didn’t provide any hints either.

However, he himself is to blame. 

A gray haze concealed azure skies as rhythmic drops of rain hit the earth. Blocking out the all-seeing sun and nurturing moon, the murky clouds above even hinder the stars from accompanying him.

A true reflection of his current solitude. 

The young dragon arrived in the human world, brought over by the lord of Fontaine. Due to the nature of his arrival to this nation, he was given status and importance in the eyes of the citizens. However, he has yet to receive acceptance. 

The grand estate in which he resides was staffed with countless butlers and maids, renowned chefs, and skilled tutors. He was wanting of nothing, yet still impoverished. 

He could see it in their mortal eyes, he could sense it in the tangible silence of the halls, he could tell from the distance each mortal put between themselves and him. 

Much like the towering stone walls which surrounded his private residence.

Was it to separate themselves from him or himself from them?

A question he entertains as lilac eyes scan over the aforementioned wall. Its gray stones are a welcomed change from the dry parchment with even drier content. 

As he observes the drab stones contrast against a dreary sky, a small flash of white cuts through the somber composition.

Catching his lilac eyes as they follow the strange shape, it drifts through the capricious wind before the breeze grew bored and tossed it to the ground.

Studying it a bit further, the young dragon identifies the object as a simple pillowcase. Nothing more than a scrap of fabric. 

He reasons that the wind must’ve stolen it from some clothesline. Just when he was about to return to the legal ledgers a rustling came from the bushes lining the bottom of the wall.

A small frame pushes apart the thick vegetation, creating enough space to finally free themselves from the entangled mess of branches. 

The towering wall, the one meant to separate him from the mortals, was defeated by a mere child.

A child who’s clumsy brushing the twigs from their garments and shaking a few raindrops from their hair. He watches as the small human trots toward the discarded pillowcase, a pout forming on their lips as they observe the mud that had seeped into the silk. 

Judging by the simple attire they don, they must be the child of a maid. 

Ah humans, fickle and temperamental creatures created by the usurpers. It took a conscious effort on his part to stop the frown threatening to appear on his lips.

Seems like he still needs to get used to their presence. 

It was as if the child sensed the bitterness in his thoughts because soon a pair of wide eyes connected with lilac. Even with the sun hiding behind dreary clouds, there was a light that twinkled in their irises. 

It was only for a minute, no, even less than that. But a young dragon and a young human held each other’s gaze. 

The child’s shoulders jolt as they turn their head back toward the wall, as if a voice called for them. Casting one last glance toward the young dragon, the child trots back toward the wall, disappearing within the murky viridescent. 

And that was the end, like the breeze that littered a scrap of fabric among the grass, the small human came and went.

Such fickle creatures, the young dragon gives it one last thought before returning his attention back to a cluttered desk. 

–

Amongst the soft drumming of droplets came a tap against the glass too sharp to be caused by the gentle rain. Causing the young dragon to turn away from the stacks of books laid out before him.

The wet glass obscured a small flicker of an orange glow, thus he walked closer to investigate. With each step, the figure outside the window became undeciphered.

That small human again. 

Locking eyes with the human outside the glass, the fickle creature’s lips curl up, the glow of their lamp illuminating the curiosity behind their gaze.

A human child doesn’t have the potential to cause much if any harm to him. Thus, he releases the lock, removing the glass barrier separating two breathes. 

“Hello! What is uh… your name?” They chirp out. 

His sharp ears picked up the clumsiness in their speech, the subtle unfamiliarity of the words they spoke. Distinct signs that you were still learning the language of Fontaine, much like him.

Although he understood your question, he was too distracted to answer. Lilac eyes wandering off toward the stone wall. Within the entangled mess of twigs, there was a small parting.

A part just wide enough to reveal the secret the bushes desperately tried to hide: A small hole along the bottom of the stone barrier. Just enough for a small creature to slip through. 

Discovering the truth behind how a small human was able to defeat such a seemingly impenetrable wall. 

The pattering of the rain was interrupted by the rustling of fabric, drawing his attention back to the small human in front of him.

The child rummages through their pockets before pulling out a lump covered by a handkerchief. Peeling back the layer of fabric to reveal some conch madeleines, presenting fragmented sweets before the young dragon. 

“It tastes good, I promise.” A small hand extends itself further through the open window. 

Observing the crumbly sweets laid out upon a handkerchief, the young dragon halted the rejection that almost escaped his lips. Remembering the concepts he had just been reading before this.

Humans tend to follow a set of unwritten rules, principles they like to call ‘manners’. There weren’t any punishments issued by law if those rules were broken, no imprisonment or fines.

However, narrow-eye stares and whispers behind backs were the punishments issued to transgressors by society. 

So, he accepts a piece, trying to ignore the sand-like sensation against his tongue. As he chewed, the grin on the human’s face only got wider.

“Now that you’ve taken one, you have to give me your name, it’s only uh… fair!” 

Ah, it looks like he’s been tricked. Falling into the clumsy sugar-coated trap only a child could come up with. Yet, as his lilac gaze caught the twinkle still ever so bright in their eyes, he didn’t have the strength to form a frown. 

Just a curious human child, only as dangerous as a firefly buzzing in his ear. There shouldn’t be any harm in disclosing the surname bestowed upon him by this nation.

“Neuvillette.” He finally said his first words to you. 

A peculiar pattern is recurring. That rainy night when Neuvillette opened those windows, it looked like he welcomed a phenomenon in as well. 

Even in his current state, a small human like you could pose no possible threat to him. Thus, whenever a certain tap was placed against the glass. He saw no reason to turn away the visitor. Allowing you to climb in through his window time and time again.

It would’ve been better if you used the door. However, he’s aware of the complications such a request would bring.

Perhaps it’s because he’s currently in the form of a young child, sharing a similar stature to yours. From his observations, humans do have a tendency to gravitate toward those with similar traits. Or perhaps, you’re just exceptionally brazen. 

Neuvillette glances up from his book, thick with endless sentences describing obscure and frivolous laws, landing on your frame lazing around upon a rug.

One hand holds onto a collection of fables, pages illuminated by the gentle rays of a star. While the other periodically reaches out toward a pile of conch madeleine.

A sight he’s come to expect now. 

Lavender eyes follow your hand as it brings another one of the crumbly sweets to your mouth again. You brought them over under the pretense of sharing them with him, yet they’re already half gone. The only hand reaching for the sweets being yours.

Just like how it was last time, and the time before that, and the one before that as well. 

If you felt this complacent in his presence now, then perhaps he can be more candid with you. As is common practice among humans to present a polite front that gradually wears away each recurring meeting. 

“You do not have to bring over any more conch madeleine.” 

The moment those words left his lips the motion of your hand halted, looking up to connect your sight with his, confusion pinching together your brows.  

“Oh? Why so suddenly?” The collection of fables now resting on the rug. 

It’s already been done, the first ripple in the frangible water between you and him. There is nothing that can cease the waves that accompany the first breach. He might as well say the whole truth. 

“They are dry, I cannot fathom how you can bring yourself to eat them.” Prescriptive eyes caught a faint flinch as you processed his edict.

“They taste fine to me…” You mutter, picking another one up. 

This time you chewed slower. The pinch between your brow only grew as you tasted the sweet again, searching for the perceived flaw.

As you met his gaze once more, he could tell your search brought forth no fruitful conclusions. Thus you asked another question in response.

“Then what do you like?”

Besides the pleasantries commonly exchanged between humans in Fontaine, Neuvillette recognizes he lacks the talent for small talk.

The room usually filled with your grievances about whichever tedious task you were assigned before you slipped away behind a wall and into his private residence. Ambient noise which accompanied each flip of a law book. 

It is long overdue for him to pull his weight in a conversation. 

“Water, spring water.”

“Huh?”

Neuvillette repeats his sentence but the scrunch of your brows doesn’t ease up, he couldn’t fight the urge to draw in a deep breath. So this is the limitation of the human palate, how regrettable. 

“Perhaps you are still too simple to appreciate the qualities of water.” 

The pout upon your crumb-covered lips morphs into a tight line, sealing away your voice.  The brightly printed cover of a storybook was shut as the last few remaining treats were bundled away in a napkin. 

Your tea break ended early today, impassive eyes following your figure as it disappeared among the thick vegetation beside a stone barrier. 

It was quiet today, not even a single parting uttered past your sealed lips. Therefore leaving the conversation unfinished. 

But that is today, you’ll have another tea break tomorrow, and you’ll come to him with your grievances about chores tomorrow as well. 

The young dragon returns his focus to the text in front of him. 

–

The soft hymn of raindrops against a glass window reverbed through the solitary study, providing a melody for the periodic flips of paper. But the melody was hollow, incomplete.

Shifting his body to look behind himself at the vacant rug, Neuvillette deduces why. The accompaniment was missing. 

That tomorrow he had come to expect never came. 

Had he committed a transgression? Overstep a line outside his place? Food is a point of pride for many humans, one oddity he’s yet to grasp.

These temperamental creatures tend to lash out when their pride is wounded, much like how a beast reacts to an unhealed cut. 

Neuvillette was curious as to whether this was an inherent trait of humanity or a learned by-product of the fickle principles imposed on themselves.

However, observing the abandoned storybook tucked away, the young dragon is leaning towards the former. 

Turning back to face his desk, his eyes could only glaze over the monotonous scribbles. Perhaps the cause of his spiritless attitude was disappointment, disappointment in himself. 

It looks like he was careless, deluding himself with the misconception that you and him were alike. Two outsiders who found solace in each other’s presence.

However, this was false. You were an outsider to Fontaine, but he was an outsider to this world where humans walked. 

He’s still too naive.

Fickle and temperamental creatures spoiled by the usurpers at the expense of his ancestors.

Why did he even entertain the thought that you and him could ever be alike?

Something stirred from within, like when pebbles were thrown into still water, but what were those pebbles? As Neuvillette ponders this conundrum, the drumming of the rain grows louder. 

However, it wasn’t loud enough to swallow up the sharp set of taps which interrupted his somber reflection. Jolting him from his thoughts, snapping his attention to the source of the noise.

There stood a figure distorted by the wet glass as another set of sharp taps sounded through the room. 

Before Neuvillette could even process it, his body moved without his command. Unlatching the lock and setting the window free from its frame.

Not sparing another second to the raindrops soaking into their cloak, the figure clambers through the window with practiced proficiency.

Without uttering a single greeting, not even one pleasantry, you situated yourself on his floor. Melting into an undignified lump on the pristine tiles as bewildered eyes watched you.

After catching a few breaths, an explanation finally makes its way to his ears. 

“T-they… they patched… up the hole,” you huffed out between short breaths. 

Ah, the small cavity in the stone wall that you used to escape from chores. Looks like the security at the estate finally noticed.

Gauging the height of the wall from his place by the window, he’s aware of how it towers over both him and you the same.

This brings up another question as he returns to observe your frame, still trying to catch the breaths that evade you. 

“I… ran… through the gates… before the… Gardes noticed…” Exhaustion evident in your eyes as pants break up your sentence. 

Ah, looks like his question was answered before he even inquired. To be puzzled or amazed, he wasn’t too sure how to categorize this ripple inside him.

The tomorrow that’s been missing for a little more than two weeks, is now right in front of him.

Panting and leaving a few muddy traces along the marble floor, but here nonetheless. 

With one deep motion of your lungs, you pushed your body up, finally getting ahold of your breath. The familiar rustle of your pocket, the audio cue for a certain dry sweet to appear. Neuvillette didn’t mind in the least.

Perhaps, he can bear the sandy sensation just for today. But tomorrow is always filled up with surprises, a glass bottle finding its way out of your pocket instead of sugary treats. 

“What is that?” An obvious question, but his voice found its way out of his mouth.

“Water, water from the servant’s well, I bottled it myself.” A small hand holds the bottle out more. 

“Thank you,” Neuvillette accepts it into his hands. 

He should really acquire some glasses to pour the water out into, it’s improper and bad manners to drink from the bottle.

However, his curiosity was greater. Or maybe, he didn’t realize just how parched he had become from waiting for tomorrow. 

Uncapping the clumsily packaged water, he takes a generous sip. 

“It’s sweet.” His tongue picking up on a subtle saccharine undertone. 

“Really?” Your hand reaches up as that familiar shine illuminates your eyes. 

Taking a sip from the bottle passed back into your grasp, your brows furrowing in concentration. Another sip was taken from the bottle as you continued to search for the sweetness in the water you’ve always drank.

A sight that tugged up at the lips of a boy still studying the shape of your quirked brows. 

Humans, fickle, perplexing, yet astoundingly curious creatures from the very beginning.

If he is to walk amongst the human world, then it’s best for him to be equally curious. To try and search for the harmony between two different breaths. 

A child of a maid far from their homeland. A status too insignificant to warrant the attention of Fontaine's factions, freeing you from their prying eyes and entanglements.

Therefore, it should be alright for him to continue observing you, no?

“Ahh… The rain is so unpredictable here in Fontaine, trying to hang out the wash here is always a gamble.” You sink further into the plush cushions of his settee. 

As the sun rose and fell, as the leaves grew green then gold, as the ground froze and thawed.

One thing remained unchanged throughout these cycles even as they repeated: your grievances over chores. 

The frequency of these complaints reaching his ears has increased, on the part that you now took over more of your mother’s responsibilities in managing the laundry of this estate. 

Besides your habitual complaints of the weather, one detail didn’t escape Neuvillette’s hearing: your proficiency in the Fontainian language has increased significantly.

Words no longer spoken clumsily or with unfamiliarity. Accent nearly indistinguishable from a native speaker. 

“The people here are fond of creating strange machinery, why can’t they make something to dry clothes?” You resume. 

The quill in his hand stops as he pauses in the middle of a sentence, glancing over his shoulder toward your slouching figure making yourself comfortable in the sofa that’s more familiar with your shape than his. 

“Perhaps you should be the one to create it, studying might do you some good as well,” came his curt response. 

His candid advice makes you sink further into the cushions with a groan. 

“I’d rather travel than study those jumbled-up books about machinery or whatever, in fact, I want to visit my homeland as soon as I can,” you grumble aloud. 

Ah, that’s right, you’re approaching the age where you could travel freely.

By law, you won’t be bound to the side of your mother, not needing any permission to come to and fro however you wish. No longer kept at this estate washing and folding sheets.

Indeed, you and him found yourselves in similar situations: on the cusp of freedom from this estate. 

While he was deep in thought, you filled the silence left behind by posing a question to him. 

“Do you plan on visiting your homeland anytime soon, Neuvi?” 

By now, the young dragon had stopped expending the effort to try and correct you in your butchering of his surname. Your reason being ‘it’s too long’.

Alongside you, he has grown in stature as well, elapsing you some time ago much to your dismay. If he wished to travel, not much would pose a problem to the young dragon.

However… where could he return to? A homeland… was there a section of his homeland untouched by the usurpers? If he were to go, would he ever want to return to this world?

Sensing the change in the air, dreary clouds blocking the sun’s rays from your skin, you were perceptive enough to ramble about a different matter.

Namely, how the chef of the estate recently changed the type of flour used in the kitchens, resulting in pastries and sweets that were less airy but more flavorful. 

Explaining to him the subtle improvements and deterioration in the quality of some baked goods. Filling the air of the study with bright-eyed ramblings until rays of light peek out from waning clouds. 

–

“Monsieur Neuvillette! It’s been a while since you’ve visited!” Soft patters of skipping steps made their way to the tall man. 

Tilting his sights down, Neuvillette greets the cheery melusine with a gentle smile which she returned with an equally bright grin.

While on a routine stroll along the riverbanks to stretch his legs after a long day, he found himself at the entrance of Merusea Village.

He wonders if it's his body’s natural response to get away from the Palais Mermonia and Opera Epiclese. 

Carrying him toward the direction of a secluded reprieve he discovered far away from the suspicious eyes of weary humans.

Condemnatory eyes were constantly pinned to the back of the young dragon who had recently emerged from a sheltered estate to sit in the grand seat of a Chief Justice. 

Days filled with nothing but a cacophony of voices echoing off the opera house walls. Screams from the accused and the eager murmurs of spectators blended into nothing more than a chaotic din in his ears. 

Gazing deeper into the small lake, the unsuspecting entrance to a hidden haven that the Melusines called home.

It would only take a moment, just one dip into the pristine water for him to disappear from the clamorous mortal realm.

Abandoning the overly grand seat of his post as easily as it would take for his head to vanish under the tranquil tide.

How great would it be to exist in the presence of creatures who could resonate with his own adriftness?

Maybe, he could finally discover the purpose of his current form and longevity in their company. Yes, that sounds about right. 

Just as the water wet the tip of his overly ornate shoe, all motion his body stills at a familiar call. 

“NEUVI!” Came a voice from just over the beaten path. 

Soon your silhouette follows the echo of your call, steps hurried yet worn.

When the young dragon departed from his temporary estate and into the Palais Mermonia, a certain specter followed him as well.

The same specter who’s currently huffing to catch their breath after such a rush. Trying to gather enough air to form their next sentence. 

“There you are! The grand tailor sent me to fetch you because you’re almost an hour late to the fitting of your new robe, they need to make sure the measurements are correct,” you chide. 

The exasperation of your words was most definitely caused by the fact you had to physically exert yourself in your search for the wandering Chief Justice. Evident by the pout on your lips and scrunched nose. 

His attention was quickly torn away from your recuperating figure by a faint tug of his slacks.

The Melusine had hidden herself behind his legs, creating a barrier between her and the strange mortal who seemingly appeared from the blue.

Her sudden movement caught your attention as well. 

Ah, that’s right. The Melusines have yet to be acquainted with humans, and humans with Melusines.

Two different species, two different breaths, and two different sets of eyes that can’t seem to see directly into each other. 

If his time within the wall of the estate and Palais Mermonia had proven anything, it would be the natural adversity humans had to differences.

Neuvillete certainly wasn’t prepared for such an event, nor was he sure how to handle it. 

In the midst of his inaction, your hand reached into your pocket, fumbling around before pulling out a handkerchief-covered lump.

Despite the soreness in your legs, you lowered your body until you were at eye level with the shorter Melusine. 

“Hello there, would you like some conch madeleines?” Unraveling the fabric to reveal the sweets which you seem to have an abundant supply of. 

The grip on his slacks tightened as she glanced up at him, lilac eyes catching the hesitance in her irises. Neuvillette gives a subtle nod, giving just enough reassurance for the small creature to release his pant leg.

Reaching a mitten-like hand toward the golden sweets, it only took one bite for the hesitance in her eyes to be replaced by a bright twinkle. 

“It’s tasty isn’t it?” Your lips formed a wider grin.

The Melusine responds with an eager nod, too occupied with bringing more of the buttery treat into her mouth.

At the sight of her restless chewing covering her cheeks with faint crumbs, you let out a giggle.  

“I’ll give you the rest of the sweets if you tell me your name,” you offered. 

After a few moments of the Melusine finishing her previous bite, she falls for the same trap he had many years ago. 

“My name is Carole!” She chirps. 

“What a wonderful name.” Your gaze softened further as you held out the treats, keeping your promise. 

As Carole reaches for more, she glances back up. Wide eyes twinkling as she inquires him with the one thought currently on her mind.

“Monsieur Neuvillette, does the human world have more treats as delicious as these?”

Ah, it looks like the stroll Neuvillette took today to relieve himself of mounting troubles only led him to more. 

The skies over the Court of Fontaine have been in a pensive stalemate, all too familiar clouds blocking azure hues. However, rain has yet to patter on the ground, as if the weather was unsure of itself. 

A feeling shared by the Chief Justice currently sitting at his desk, reviewing the details of the day’s trials. Albeit, half heartily. 

Much like the skies crowded with clouds, in the solitude of his office, his mind rang loud with thoughts. Neuvillette only had himself to blame for the current silence of his office, it’s been this way for around a week going on two now. 

Lilac eyes peered over the tops of the papers toward the shut doors, concealing him away. There hasn’t been a knock on those doors for some time now, due to the diligent Melusines who followed his request.

Turning away potential visitors with crafted excuses of ‘The Chief Justice is handling a very important case’ or ‘My apologies, but the Chief Justice is very busy’. 

Neuvillette recognizes that he’s currently no different than a child hiding away from the consequences of a broken vase. 

How childish, he chides himself as he returns back to his responsibilities. How would the citizens of Fontaine react to their Chief Justice conducting himself in such a manner?

He’s sure if Lady Furina were to catch wind of his behavior, she’d be greatly entertained. 

As if the mere mention of the nation’s archon presented a bad omen, the sturdy doors of his office swung open, revealing the face of a familiar visitor who’s been turned away one too many times. 

“My my, it’s been quite some time since I’ve seen the inside of this office, I almost forgot what it looks like,” you remark as your eyes hone in on him. 

The child’s hiding place under the bed has been exposed. 

“Good afternoon, I was not made aware you had any appointments with me.” Neuvillette’s own eyes trail past yours. 

From behind the door frames the figures of two Melusines quickly dodged away from his sight. A silent admission of guilt on their part, and Neuvillette didn’t have to look hard to deduce the crime they’ve committed: Accepting bribes. 

The evidence was right there in the form of buttery crumbs left on the corner of their mouths. Ah, you and with those conch madeleines of yours. 

It’d be best for him to finally handle the situation at hand, one he’s been trying to maneuver out of. 

“If I recall correctly, you were granted a vacation, why not take this chance to travel? It certainly is a prime opportunity-”

“Why have you been avoiding me, Monsieur?” you cut through the long-winded pleasantries and excuses. 

His lips press together, by now he’s well accustomed to your brazenness. However, the absence of a familiar name only said in your voice made the guilt weigh heavier on his shoulders.

Guilt which originated a few weeks prior. 

—

On a secluded riverbank, a routine walk under clear skies was halted. You were knelt down on the ground, uncaring of the sand sticking to the fabric of your clothes, as you held a Melusine between your arms. Two mittened hands clung to you as she soaked your shoulder with tears. 

“W-why? Why did he have to go?” Her sobs interrupted by sudden hiccups. 

As you rubbed circles into her back, something he saw humans do to soothe their crying young, Neuvillette watched from the side. Much like how he would observe those performances within the Opera Epiclese. 

Liath is her name, a diligent Melusine who patrolled the grounds of the Palais Mermonia. By her side, there would be a guard poodle who’d matched her skips with his prances. An inseparable duo, or it’d be more accurate to say, they were once an inseparable duo. 

Dogs are a species domesticated by humans, some might argue that they were created by humanity through generations of selection. So it stands to reason that they too would have a limited lifespan.

In fact, they have a lifespan even more restricted than that of the mortals who tamed them. 

The Melusines have just begun walking amongst humans, there were still many aspects their sheltered minds have yet to grasp. The fleetingness of mortality is one of them. 

Thus, Neuvillette did his best to caution them. 

However, just like how laws can’t completely stop crimes, his words can’t completely prevent such tragedies. All he could do was try.

“I’m sorry for your grief, this was the very reason why I cautioned you against getting too attached to him… A dog’s life is brief-”

“Monsieur Neuvillette.” 

The sentence died at the tip of his tongue as his eyes met yours. Gaze narrowed and brows furrowed, not even the Chief Justice dared to interject any further.

After you silenced him, your focus returned back to the grieving Melusine. 

Slowly standing back up from the ground, her frame cradled in your arms as her sobs continued. 

“I know it hurts,” you whispered, one hand patting her back, setting a steady rhythm reminding her to breathe. 

“B-but why? W-why is it so sad?” she hiccuped. 

You hummed, beginning to bounce her a bit within your hold. 

“Wouldn’t it be sadder if you never met him?” 

At your question, the Melusine stares at you through teary eyes. Expression lined with confusion. 

“To have loved him, and for him to have loved you in return…isn’t that enough?” You cooed, taking steps away from the riverbank. 

Still frozen in his place, the dragon could only stare at your back as it grew further and further away, soon disappearing from his view. 

He had misspoke.

Neuvillette recalled last Autumn. As the vivid hues of the foliage shriveled up to nothing more than a shadow of their former beauty, you laid your mother to rest. Burying her in a cemetery which overlooked the direction of your homeland.

His unsolicited reprimand must have been throwing salt into a wound that still bled. He had overstepped his authority. 

Murky clouds congregated in the once clear sky. 

—

Those were the events that transpired, events that have led to the current stalemate happening in his office. Lilac eyes couldn’t seem to find the courage to connect with yours. Another excuse finding its way to his tongue. 

“Didn’t you want to visit your homeland?”

“Oh?” Your brow quirks up, as your hands find their way to your hips. 

“And then who’d be here to repair the tears in your robe when you inevitably step on them?” Obviously unimpressed by his suggestion. 

“Surely there are other talented tailors here that can handle the task,” he rebukes. 

“Oh? Will they also untangle your hair from the ornamentation of chairs?” You press on.

“I can manage.”

“Then can the Chief Justice also manage all the uniforms for the Melusines? Can he sew every button and ensure they fit correctly?” 

Ah, with your last statement, Neuvillette concedes. A hush fills the room. 

The Melusines are still new to walking amongst humans, not many were willing to tailor specialized uniforms for their short stature. Thus, you took up the mantle. 

Perhaps out of a sense of responsibility, it was you who stirred their curiosity with those sweets of yours. 

It seems responsibilities tethered you to the Court of Fontaine, much like they did to him. After a few breaths, as always, your voice shatters the stalemate. 

“I’m not upset, Neuvi.”

With those words, his lilac eyes finally connect with yours. Finally able to see the soft curls at the corners of your lips.

It indeed has been a while since he last saw such a sight.

This time instead of replying with an excuse, he responds with a gentle hum. 

“Ugh, why are your curtains so dusty? When was the last time you went outside?” It wasn’t long before your attention returned to the state of his office. 

Strolling past his desk, your hands began to fuss with the thick drapes. Pouting at the dust that coated the lush fabrics.

All Neuvillette could do was follow with his gaze, papers long pushed to the side as for the first time in a while, an azure hue was seen peeking through the clouds. 

From his observations, it’s instinctive for humans to avoid pain. However, it’d be hypocritical of him to judge mortals for actions he’s been guilty of. 

“If I knew I had to work this hard now, I would’ve skipped more chores back at the estate,” you chuckle, pulling back the drapes to allow gold to illuminate his office.

To have loved and have been loved in return.

Was this the human rationale behind taming a dog? Having the reality of the future constantly lurking over each happy moment as the hands of time tick forward.

Why do humans dote on pets? Creatures that only live a fraction of a mortal life? 

Are happy memories a fair exchange for bitter grief, or are they the cure? 

As Neuvillette counts the strands of peeking silver that mingle within your lush locks, he prays he finds the answer soon. 

The clacks of ornate shoes reverberate down once unfamiliar halls, a towering figure lurks past bustling nurses who bow their heads at the sight of the Chief Justice as he passes by.

With a body like his, there is no reason for him to wander among these halls. Or more accurately, there once was no reason. 

The taps of his soles slowed as a familiar door came into view, the only detail which differentiated it from the rest of the hall being the brass numbers displayed. Bringing up a glove-clothed knuckle, delicate taps were placed against the wood.

Almost immediately, a muffled ‘come in’ resounded behind the frame. Granting the Iudex permission to turn the polished knob, allowing him entry as the hinges sang their welcome.

“My, my, if it isn’t Monsieur Neuvillette, to whom do I owe the pleasure?” A grin spreads across your face, crinkling the corners of your eyes. 

Instantly his frame stiffens in the midst of returning the door to its frame. Bringing his free hand up to his face, Neuvillette coughs as to compose himself once more.

“Please, forgo the formalities.” 

Though your eyes might not be as sharp as they once were, the delicate dusting of pink along his pointed ears couldn’t escape their sight. Making your eyes crinkle more.

Feeling entertained enough, you cease your teasing and gesture toward the vacant chair beside your bed.

Obediently, his towering figure strides up to the seat, the wood squeaking under his weight as he settles onto it. 

By now, the dragon has grown accustomed the structure of greetings, beginning with a layer of pleasantries. 

“How have you been fairing?” Lavender eyes scrutinize the sheets and pillows, searching for any unapparent flaws. 

“It’s just a mild case of pneumonia,” you muse aloud. 

Momentarily resting his eyes behind a slow blink, all he could do was sigh at your brazen nonchalantness. Yet with a ghost of a smile on the same lips that sighed.

It was a mild case of pneumonia, a common ailment during the frosty months. For someone as steadfast as you, such an illness might’ve surrendered to your stubbornness. 

It might've surrendered… if your body had remained as it once was.

How unfortunate it all is, that time is so cruel to mortal creatures.

Attentive eyes detailing each crease that settled by your lips, remnants of the many grins and laughs that stretched your face. 

The basking light of a selfish star catches in your hair, lush hues that have faded to brilliant ivory. A shade that you often compare to his while jesting, ‘We match now’.

However, Neuvillette begs to differ, the sunlight is much more luminous in your tresses.

Trailing his sights back to your gaze. Deep lines formed by countless dynamic expressions drew attention to the glimmer forever present in your irises. Like paths on a map that led lilac eyes to yours. 

“How are you finding your stay?” At times, Neuvillette found himself wondering how the azure tides appeared from your view. 

“Mm, quite uneventful, eating, staring out a window, sleeping.” 

He hums in response, contemplating if he should inquire you about such subjects. As you ramble, perhaps the dragon could grasp onto an inkling of understanding. 

“Well, at least I can say that my stay has been anything but lonely.” Your eyes motioning toward a corner. 

The bland, sterile wall overshadowed by a mass comprised of trinkets ranging from local flowers to any object whose surface catches light.

The heap grows day by day as each Melusine continues to bring their earnest gratitude to the human who sew each stitch of their coats. A sight that could stir even the most placid lake.

“They’re such sweethearts.” Each one of your words coated with endearment. 

Once more, all the dragon could respond with was a mellow hum. Slow breaths fill the complacent silence between two species, one blessed by time and one shunned by it.

Neuvillette has grown accustomed to the structure of conversations but, alas, he still has no talent for small talk.

In the absence of dialogue, the layer of short pleasantries long dissolving, Neuvillette is left with nothing but his inquiries. It was all he had left, and so it was all he could offer. 

“Are there any regrets you hold?” 

“Oh oh? Getting sentimental so out of the blue, Neuvi?” A familiar quirk graces your brow. 

“It’s nothing of the sort, just a musing that drifted in my mind during a stroll, I wish to know your thoughts on the matter.” 

“Mmm… I don’t feel that I have any regrets, living an honest life and having the fortune to never have stepped foot in the Fortress of Meropide.” 

“Is that really all? You never did get to travel like you dreamed of back at the estate.” 

“Haha, trying to stump me with that, Neuvi?” you chuckle. 

Relaxing more into the pillows which propped up your weary frame, you trail your sights toward the window. 

“Didn’t I tell you already? I’ll have plenty of time to travel once I become a cloud, I can go everywhere the sky can reach.” Smile softening on your lips. 

Neuvillette’s folded hands grasp one another tighter on his lap, his own lips pressing each other into a thin line.

The conversation was teetering closer and closer to the unspoken reality looming like a shadow in the room. 

He wasn’t sure when it started, maybe when the first silver strands appeared in your hair or when you discovered his skin won’t wrinkle along with you.

He wasn’t sure when your adamant belief of becoming a cloud once the shadow came to claim you started. 

Neuvillette wonders if this daydream was the product of those fables you browsed when you laid upon a plush rug.

Or was it your personally crafted fable to explain the incomprehensible to a creature who couldn’t fully grasp it?

A creature whose skin didn’t wrinkle, whose bones didn’t grow brittle. A creature seemingly untouched by time.

Fairytales do serve this purpose for children, magical fantasies to make uncomfortable realities palatable to naive minds. 

“...vi?... Ne…?... Neuvi.” 

A hand marred with age takes hold of one glove-clad hand, and a pleasant heat radiates through the leather. Coaxing Neuvillette’s attention back from its escapade. 

“My apologies, I was lost in thought for a moment.” He gives your hand a reassuring squeeze. 

But the frown weighing down on your lips didn’t disappear, much like how retreating into musings couldn’t wash away any shadows.

Your chest moves with a deep inhale. 

“Maybe I do have one regret,” you began. 

Readjusting your ailing fingers in his hold so that he could hold them with equal endearment, his ears concentrate on your voice. 

“Actually, I have many,” you sigh. 

Before he could formulate a response, you continued. 

“I wish I could have shoulder the burdens you carry. I wish you would’ve shared them with me. And I wish I could even understand them, then maybe I could have understood you more.” Turning to face him, your disheartened eyes center on his frame. 

A child born from a maid, a maid who traveled to Fontaine in hopes of a better future for her child. That was your origin, an outsider with neither fame nor fortune.

Thus, even as you followed him from a secluded estate to the grand Palais Mermonia, you could never follow him in status nor influence. 

As unrest grew, as injustices mounted, and as tragedies took away friends.

All you could do was repair tears, sew buttons, and pour him a crisp glass of spring water as you waited for the storm to wash despair away.  

That was how you saw it. But Neuvillette rebukes that notion. 

The dignity of a newly established Chief Justice, who kept stepping on his overly ornate robes, was carefully maintained by you.

The Melusine’s uniforms, which solidified their presence in the human world, were crafted by you.

The patient hand that always offered silent comfort in the suffocating courts was yours. 

Standing by his side, even as your bones grew to ache, to ensure the storm would pass and the sun emerge once more. 

“You’ve done more than enough.” He states the truth, grasping your hand just a bit tighter. 

“Are you sure?” Those airy chuckles of yours made their appearance again. 

“I never even learned your real name,” you interject.

A knife, red hot and fresh from the forge, would have hurt less than the guilt which tore through him at that moment.

The Chief Justice, the symbol of honesty and conviction, is unable to tell the simplest truth.

What shall he do now?

The power of a name is often underestimated, the exchanging of names signifying the forging of a bond. One that would forever tether him to you and you to him.

Oh, what shall he do now? 

Before his hesitant lips could take action, they were halted by a squeeze from your ailing grasp. Firm and warm, like a light that guides him up from the bottom of a turbulent ocean. 

“You don’t have to tell me now, Neuvi, tell me when I come back from my trip.” Those gentle eyes of yours smile at him.

Reeling his hand in closer to you with your own, until the softness of your lips was felt along covered knuckles.

A common practice in Fontaine, one Neuvillette had witnessed time and time again as he passed the lovers who congregated by the Fountain of Leucine. Actions that dedicated promises to one another. 

“I swear, once I’ve traveled enough, once I grow bored of foreign scenery, I’ll fall back down like rain to your side.” You whisper into the kiss.

It was his turn now, and he shall honor this ritual. Tenderly bringing in your hand to him, Neuvillette places his oath.

“Then I swear, when you return, I’ll tell you my name.” He whispers in the kiss.

The sterile rooms echo your airy chuckles as he keeps your hand close to himself for just a bit longer. 

“Mmm… Where I should go first? Maybe I’ll just amble about,” you ponder aloud. 

Gracing him with a smile which stretched your face and brought that familiar glimmer into your eyes.

“I wish you well on your travels.” Neuvillette presses another kiss into your knuckles. 

–

Spring was always the rainy season for Fontaine, with gentle temperate showers to welcome the budding blooms back from their Winter sleep.

However, this year the torrential downpour was anything but gentle. 

Planned trips canceled for the season, clothes remaining damp in baskets, and streets empty of their vigor. Even the Melusines couldn’t bring a skip to their steps.

It was as if time itself was slowed by the burdensome downpour. 

The cawing of crows as their wings beat against the dreary winds adds to the lonely hymn sung by the raindrops.

At once the cadence of the rain increased, the downpour growing heavier, and the violent pattering grew deafening. As if the sky was now belting out their sorrowful ballad. 

The rain could try. The skies can cry all they would like. But time, a cruel and unforgiving mistress, won’t ever stop. 

To have loved and been loved, was it truly enough? 

In Neuvillete’s eyes, he was the tide and you were the shore. The ebb and flow of water as the tide and shore met, time and time again. 

Each crash into the shore stirred up something perplexing and disorderly within the tide, irritating like the sand that mixed into the pristine waves.

So the tide tried to retreat into the lonesome ocean. 

Each time, the shore followed through grains of sand which the tide couldn’t ever seem to purge himself of. 

Each time, the shore beckoned the tide to return to the sandy beaches of humanity filled with perplexities and disorder. 

And each time, the tide surrendered to the call of the shore, lured in by its warmth. 

But now, the shore has eroded away.

Where does the tide go now?

Drifting now in the vastness of a lonesome ocean, carrying nothing but grains of sand. What shall the tide do now?

Neuvillette still has a lot to learn, for he couldn’t answer this riddle conjured by his own mind. 

Unable to stop himself, the lone dragon stares off into the rain.

Eyes honing in the direction of a peaceful hill, one where a mother and child were laid to rest side by side overlooking a homeland they never got to visit.

Maybe that was the first destination of your journey. 

During these past short years spent in this land, the young successor of the dragons has gained traitorous knowledge. One that undermines his preconceived purpose. 

Neuvillette feels he’s grasped onto the faintest inkling of why humans, as fickle, perplexing, and fleeting as they are, were still the most beloved creatures of the gods. 

Perhaps, he even understands now why those usurpers were willing to uproot the earth just for those beloved creatures. 

The wet season transitions into the dry season, then the dry season will transition into another wet season. Again and again, on and on as the hands of a clock ticks forward.

Each new tick signifies another step forward in the march of time.

Each step brings change and each step pulls the present away from the past. 

The rainy season of Spring was no longer as troublesome as it once was, as there was now a machine on the market that could dry clothes without the help of a bright star.

Melusines skip along down the paved paths of the Court of Fontaine as humans turn to greet them with endearing smiles.

New cafes line bustling streets as Clockwork Mekas make their evening patrols. 

A great many changes have come to Fontaine, Neuvillette witnessed them all from his office at the Palais Mermonia.

A great many changes, yet some things are bound to stay the same. For example, the Chief Justice’s fondness for strolls along vacant riverbanks. 

The gentle patters of raindrops lull the chaotic sympathy of trials, paperwork, and duties to a standstill. Reaching a hand out in front of him, Neuvillette catches a few drops in the palm of his gloved hand.

Lilac eyes examine the diminutive puddle in his hand before ultimately releasing the water back to the earth. 

He supposes he’s been feeling a bit nostalgic as of late, like a child recalling a story which once soothed them to a peaceful slumber. How childish it was for him to believe he could somehow catch a certain raindrop in his hands.

Turning up toward the drab sky, he searches through the endless and identical droplets that fall down and leave trails along his face. 

No, not yet. Perhaps they have yet to see all that the sky has to offer. 

Neuvillette returns his focus to the path in front of him. The rhythmic clacks of his shoes match with the soft drumming of the rain, and in the midst of this harmony a voice sings out:

“Hydro dragon… uh… Hydro dragon, don’t cry.”

Halting his stride. Judging by the unfamiliarity of their tongue pronouncing the lullaby, Neuvillette deduces they must be a visitor to Fontaine.

Ah that local legend, just how far has it spread? Nevertheless, an unfortunate traveler who’s unfamiliar with Fontaine’s seasons is now caught in this rain. 

It would only be polite to offer them some assistance as the Iudex of this nation. Thus, he turns in the direction of the call.

His suspicions were confirmed once his gaze landed on a distressed frame, their face obscured by the jacket they held over their head in a makeshift umbrella. 

It only took a few steps for the towering man to make it to their side.

“There is a tree you can take shelter under just ahead,” he advises the lost traveler.  

Now aware of his presence in front of them, they lifted the jacket from their line of sight to peer up at him. Revealing the details of their face to lilac eyes for the first time.

That was all it took for the symphony of rain to come to an end.

Soft drumming decrescendos into tranquility. It seems as if there will be an earlier welcome of flowers.  

“Oh?” You gaze up at the azure hue now peeking out from receding gray, astonishment reflected in the glimmer of your eyes. 

You’ve only heard of a local Fontainian legend from a guide pamphlet offered to tourists as you awaited the Aquabus.

When the rain suddenly began to pour as you ambled about a riverside, in a moment of desperation as you scrambled for shelter under a thin jacket you uttered the phrase.

You weren’t sure if the hydro dragon could understand your botched pronunciation, but it looks like he did.  

 Turning back to face the kind stranger, you wanted to convey your amazement to him. But the words fade just off the tip of your tongue when you peek back at the towering man.

Your eyebrows scrunch together as dumbstruck eyes widen at the sight of the drenched man.

“Mister?… Are you alright?” You scan over him, turning your attention away to sift through your pockets. 

How bewildering it must be for you to witness a well-dressed and noble figure drenched to the bone. However, Neuvillette made no attempt to stop the rivulets rolling down his cheeks, a parting gift from the Spring showers. 

He wonders as his gaze never left your frame, were tears perhaps this warm too?

“Here.” Your concern-ridden hand offers up a neatly folded handkerchief to the drenched man. 

As your eyes connect with his, a strange sensation tickled the back of your mind. As if it was trying to recall where you’ve seen the familiar lavender hue.

Maybe they matched the shade of a flower field you stumbled upon during your travels, or maybe that lilac luster was revealed to you in a dream.

A strange familiarity you couldn’t name. 

“Thank you very much.” He accepts the simple piece of cloth with tenderness rivaling that of conservators handing the renowned paintings of old masters. 

The clouds were long gone by now, perhaps they felt that their purpose had long been fulfilled. The golden rays of a lone star shone with all their brilliance, finally free from behind their blanket of drap clouds. 

It was only now that Neuvillette found out. The rain he had been yearning for all these years did in fact see all that the sky had to offer.

They had grown bored of drifting over vast plains, missing the picturesque countryside of Fontaine. Or perhaps their curiosity grew too great, wishing to finally hear a truth that was kept from them.

So much so, they quietly fell down from the sky, to return to his side again. 

Much like the hands in a clock, the cycle of water and earth follows a similar circular path. 

The rain had eroded away stubborn earth with its diligent drumming over the years.

Bit by bit and piece by piece until stone fractures into bits of sand. Over and over until a sandy beach was formed by the side of a patient sea.

Then the tide will reunite with its long-awaited shore, to return the sand and promise it cradled within its waves for so long. 

~Fin

©️vivalabunbun DON’T PLAGIARIZE, REPOST, OR TRANSLATE ANY OF MY WORKS. 

[p00pdev1l]

"to love you, love you, love you"

A/N: warnings: contains spoilers* from tkatb, this fic does contain sexual content* so please 18+ readers only!, heavy on the crowe x gender neutral!reader but it is more centered around sol x reader, we all know sol wants us to himself. takes place after crowe's route (if you chose to kiss him instead of hug him)--and we all know what happens after that.

song reference:

“Enough about the papers, so about the Halloween Party? Any ideas for a costume yet?” Deryl’s question is drowned out by your intrusive thoughts. Idle chatter among your friends grew distant as you recall recurring memories of your night with Crowe. Still feeling the ghosting touch of his hands along your lower back. Nimble fingers threading themselves through your hair. The way his lips felt against your nape. Against your lips. Against your core. A familiar voice rang out beside you, their gentle resonance pulling you back down from your clouded thoughts.

“Are you feeling okay?” Crowe asked, his delicate hand falling onto your shoulder. His taller stature leaned forward, placing himself in your peripheral view. His brows furrowed, his expression obviously concerned by your silence. You took a moment to get the words out, azure orbs searching yours patiently,  “Just thinking about last night.” you answered quietly, not wanting the others to catch wind of your private encounter yesterday. Crowe smiled fondly in response, knowing eyes dipping to the scarf wrapped meticulously around your neck.

“Explains why you’re wearing this scarf on a particularly hot day.” he hummed, toying with the fraying ends of the wool. You sunk your head deeper into the plush material, attempting to hide yourself from his dreamy gaze.  

Only the stars would know of your secret, or so you thought. 

Another looming figure entered the hallway as Sol exited his previous class, crimson eyes locking with your own. As you turned your head to meet Crowe’s, Sol’s gaze darkened, immediately noticing the intimate proximity between the two of you.  Violent recollections plagued him, unbeknownst to you, his lips pulled into a thinline of disgust. “Crowe, is it okay if I leave, I have somewhere to be?” You asked, hesitantly pulling away from him. 

“Is that so?” He questioned, you frowned, picking up on the disappointment laced through his sweet tone. “I’ll see you after lunch? That is if you want to, of course.” His eyes silently pleading for your reunion once more. 

“I’d love to.” you nodded, reaching out to give his hand a reassuring squeeze before departing. His gaze softened, watching you closely before leaving his side. As you approached your new found friend, his expression changed drastically. Sol’s lips forced a soft smile, Hyugo followed suit.

Hyugo beamed as you both exchanged pleasantries, explaining how excited he was to meet you, and how much Sol talked about you. You did your best to reciprocate Hyugo’s energy, immersing yourself in conversation, taking no notice of Sol’s intense gaze trained at your neck. His hand tensed, catching sight of dark blemishes peeking out from the hem of your scarf. 

“Sol? What do you think?” you turned your attention toward him, Hyugo gave Sol a look of warning, well aware of the internal war going on in his head. “Should we skip class and head to the arcade?” you hid your concern with a small smile, awaiting his answer.

His trembling fingers curled into a tight fist, reigning in his composure. He nodded, silently agreeing with your plans. 

“There’s something I need to take care of first–”

[ninibeingdelulu]

Cuddling ✧

Plot: A comforting moment between Cloud and you after an exhausting mission.

The hazy tendrils of weariness tugged heavily at your eyelids as you finally allowed yourself to relax into the threadbare mattress.

Joints still thrumming with a dull ache from the day's grueling mission, you exhaled a deep, contented sigh nonetheless.

Here, nestled amidst the modest shelter of your shared quarters, the chaos of battle faded into a distant memory - at least temporarily.

At your side, the solid warmth of Cloud's form radiated pure comfort and solace. He lay on his side facing you, those vivid blue eyes you adored already slipped shut in the first blissful throes of much-needed slumber.

One arm draped possessively over your waist, palm splaying against the dip of your back as he instinctively tucked himself closer.

His tousled spikeswayed with each slow, even exhale fanning across your collarbone.

It always amazed you how someone as formidable as Cloud Strife - AVALANCHE's most elite mercenary who routinely stared down bioengineered horrors without flinching - could appear so disarmingly boyish and vulnerable when he surrendered to sleep's embrace.

The harsh lines etched into his features by years of combat and deprivation eased, leaving his expression bizarrely serene and youthful.

Unable to resist indulging that private fixation, you lightly trailed your fingertips along the stark angles of his jaw, mapping each rugged contour.

From the aquiline slope of his nose to the faint cleft carving that perpetually intense look between his brows. Every stroke drank in the textures of taut, weathered skin over finely sculpted bone and sinew as intimately familiar yet endlessly captivating.

You traced higher along his hairline, earning a sleepy mumble from Cloud as the gentle caresses ghosted over the sensitive nape before coasting up into his mess of sunny spikes.

A barely audible rumble, deep and masculine, vibrated against your chest - not quite a purr, but certainly contented nonetheless.

One azure eye cracked open to regard you through thick lashes, radiating equal parts drowsy indulgence and curiosity.

"Sorry," you whispered without stilling your ministrations, the hint of a smile tugging at your lips.

The last thing you wanted was to rouse Cloud if he'd managed to find that elusive serenity amidst the violence and turmoil constantly shadowing you both.

"Go back to sleep. I didn't mean to wake you."

With impressive effort, he mustered a lethargic shake of his head, still resting heavily atop your sternum.

"It's alright..." Cloud rasped, voice roughened by fatigue and thickly slurred as he nuzzled closer to your touch. "Keep goin'..."

A helpless swell of pure affection flooded your chest as you studied the man in your arms with ardent tenderness.

So powerful and courageous, commanding entire squads of dedicated warriors into hellish combat zones without ever batting an eye.

Yet it was these fleeting, unguarded moments stripped bare of his usual frosty stoicism that truly captivated you.

This was the real Cloud Strife - not the unflinching legend or ruthless juggernaut lauded and feared across the ranks of AVALANCHE.

Just a man baring his soul and all its myriad flaws and vulnerability for your eyes alone away from the puppeteering manipulations of Shinra and its cronies.

Even if he didn't vocalize those delicate emotions often, allowing you to soothe and shelter him in the sanctuary of your battered sanctuary spoke volumes.

The man you loved. Scars, shattered past, and all.

With a quiet hum of indulgence, you resumed languidly raking your nails along his sculpted scalp in lazy, soothing patterns.

Cloud melted bonelessly at your side with a ragged sigh, eyes slipping shut once more as the tension seeped from his muscles.

Plush lips parted on a final exhale before his breathing evened out, easing him back into the tranquil depths of slumber without conscious thought.

Admiring the finally serene picture he painted, you allowed yourself to savor the simple delight of observing your warrior finally at peace.

Who knew how many more reprieves like this lurked on the ever-darkening horizon before the next onslaught of nightmares and demons came howling?

No, right now you would cherish this quiet intimacy and the wholly trusting soul beside you.

With a last, lingering caress ghosting through those wild blond spikes, you settled more fully into the coverlet's tattered embrace and willed your own eyes to drift shut.

The final dregs of consciousness slipped away to the sound of Cloud's deep, steady breaths lulling you into blessed oblivion at long last.

[ricciardosheart]

Starry Serenade on the Riviera - cl16

pairings: Charles Leclerc X female (gf! reader)

Charles, with a sparkle in his eyes, entered their home holding a bouquet of (Y/N)'s favorite flowers. The room seemed to brighten as he approached her, a playful grin dancing on his lips. "Hey there, beautiful," he whispered, presenting the flowers.

The Mediterranean sunbathed Monaco in a warm embrace as (Y/N) nestled into the comforts of their shared home. The gentle hum of the waves drifted through the open windows, providing a harmonious soundtrack to her peaceful afternoon. Little did she know, Charles Leclerc, the Formula 1 sensation and her adoring boyfriend, was orchestrating a surprise that would transform this ordinary day into an enchanting tale.

A gasp of delight escaped (Y/N)'s lips as she accepted the bouquet. "Charles! What's all this?"

"I thought we could use a little break," he revealed, his voice laced with excitement. "How about a special date on a yacht?"

Her eyes widened with anticipation. "A yacht? Seriously?"

Charles nodded, the mischievous glint in his eyes intensifying. "I thought we could spend the day cruising along the French Riviera, just you and me."

A radiant smile adorned (Y/N)'s face. "That sounds amazing!"

The next scene unfolded on the deck of a sleek yacht, elegantly cutting through the azure waters of the Mediterranean. The sun played hide-and-seek with the clouds, casting a golden glow that danced on the waves. The couple stepped aboard, greeted warmly by the captain, who saluted Charles with a knowing smile.

The yacht set sail, leaving the coastline of Monaco behind. Charles and (Y/N) found themselves alone, surrounded by the vast expanse of the sea. The air was imbued with a sense of adventure and romance as the yacht gracefully sailed along the French Riviera.

On the deck, a table awaited them, adorned with fine linens, silverware, and crystal glasses. A private chef, part of Charles's meticulous plan, stood ready to craft a culinary masterpiece. The couple indulged in a feast of fresh seafood, delicate flavors dancing on their palates, while the sea breeze carried the scent of the ocean.

As the day unfolded, the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. Charles and (Y/N) settled into plush lounge chairs on the yacht's deck, wrapped in blankets against the cooling breeze. The sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of colors, a testament to nature's artistry.

Charles, ever the thoughtful planner, produced a tablet for a private movie screening. The yacht became their own floating cinema, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the sea. Laughter and the soft murmur of waves intertwined as they enjoyed their favorite film, the screen competing with the mesmerizing spectacle of the sunset.

The atmosphere was nothing short of magical as the yacht sailed through the twilight waters. The couple, lost in the beauty of the moment, reveled in the serenity of the French Riviera at dusk.

With the movie credits rolling, Charles suggested a change of scenery. "How about lying down to enjoy the stars?" he proposed, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. They found a cozy spot on the yacht's deck, blankets pulled tight around them, and looked up at the night sky.

The stars above sparkled like diamonds, casting a celestial glow over the couple. Charles pointed out constellations, weaving stories in the night sky. (Y/N)'s heart swelled with gratitude for the extraordinary day and the extraordinary man beside her.

"I've never experienced anything like this," she confessed, her eyes reflecting the luminous beauty around them.

Charles, his gaze fixed on the twinkling stars, replied, "There's nothing more special than sharing moments like these with you."

Under the cosmic embrace of the French Riviera's night, Charles and (Y/N) lay hand in hand, creating memories that transcended time. The yacht sailed on, leaving a trail of stardust on the Mediterranean, etching their love story into the fabric of the universe.

[glassica]

The Love Rival

Notes: wlw, toxic yuri, transmigration, magic, obsessiveness, possessiveness, accidental kid-napping, one-sided love, drugging

Gina barely finished the book before seeing herself getting shoved into it to play the role of the female lead. It wasn’t bad, she told herself. The novel was romcom, and for the most part it was full of tooth-rottening sweetness and little banters between Holly, the female lead, with her lover Julian. All Gina needed to do was replicating all the scenes and dialogues happening insides the book and she was good to go. There were trials and obstacles testing the love of the young lovebirds, but Gina concluded only the love rival Elise was worth watching out.

Elise, the love rival in question, was an embodiment of that stereotypical mean girl getting in the way of the main couple. Initially Holly’s best friend, their relationship soon fell apart after the heroine started getting more and more involved with the male lead, which some believed to be Elise’s target. She was a particularly irritating character, always interrupted the couple’s private moments with her childish antics. One time she deliberately fake an illness so Holly had to postponed the date with Julian. Another time she convinced Holly’s parents to let her daughter be escorted everyday by Elise’s carriage, thus preventing the late night trysts her best friend often go with that gentleman. But Gina was confident she could handle this. If anything, she had it easier than other unfortunate transmigrators who were forced to play the roles of villains, her biggest obstacle was only dealing with a petty love rival… or so she thought.

“Lady Elise… Why would you do this to me?... What have I done wrong?”

Gina kneeled down, her head spinning like crazy and eyes started getting blurry. Besides her was a cup of some saccharine-smelled purple liquid spilling all over the altar. When the heart within thumping louder and faster and her breathing began to feel like a chore, Gina could vaguely sense this was the end for her.

Elise’s chuckle was cold, the kind of laughter of a ruthless villain lavished in the madness of their scheme unfolding just as their wish. Well, of course she would, the villainess’s revenge was nearing its final stage.

“Oh, you sure did. You’ve done me wrong. Very, very wrong. Something unforgivable.”

The noblewoman gritted teeth furiously. Her azure eyes normally compared to calming waves of ocean, now resembled the endless raging tsunami determined to swallow whole that defenseless figure into its pit bottom. Gina couldn’t believe the cold-blooded monster right in front of her, whom there was a time, had been the dearest friend to the owner of this body. Was jealousy really that nasty of an emotion to completely erased all those years of good rapport between two young ladies?

Silence downinng the empty church’s atmosphere. Lurking underneath was a sense of dread and bloodlust emanating from the crazy antagonist just served to suffocate further the tormented heroine. Gina hadn’t uttered a single word back, her only goal at this moment was to try catching breath.

“Stop that half-hearted act, will you? I’m getting nauseous already from seeing you imitating my precious friend.”

Gina’s mind, which had been clouded and hazy from the drink, miraculously clear again from the shock. How did she know? Was Lady Elise all this time aware about another soul possessing her old friend’s body? So all this time the one Her Ladyship desire wasn’t the male lead but Holly herself?

“You’re a fraud. A poser. You tried clumsily to mimick the manners and attitude of my dear friend, but you could never be her. Yes, no one. Absolutely no one could ever replace my Holly. Absolutely no one could take her away from me.”

“Those annoying geezers were right. I should’ve consulted a proper wizard instead of hastily attempted a spell when having no experience with sorcery. Now not only I still haven’t own Holly’s heart, some stupid wench out of nowhere possessinng and ruining her body.”

“So you’re the reason behind my situation!” - Gina hissed. “How could you put the blame on me when all of this mess was all from your own misdeed!?”

“Oh sweetheart, do not worry. That’s exactly why I brought you here today! To right all my wrong.”

Elise kneeled down, taking the final look at the trembling figure in front of her. Deep down, she did feel sorry for the unassuming soul who was unfairly involved in this tumultuous one-sided love, but soon Her Ladyship snapped right back. No, she needed to look out for her beloved only, this dummy wasn’t worth getting swayed over.

“Soon enough, your soul will exit this body to make room for the rightful owner’s back. I’ll have Holly all to myself and you get see your old world again. Isn’t that a great deal? Considering this as my apology for making you suffer unjustly, Gina.”

[runforthestars]

Kokomo

Pairing: Male alt!reader x Theodore Nott

Summary: Slytherin boys spend a day at the beach.

A/N: This was just meant to be a drabble.

Whoops.

xoxo - Kallias

Want more of my works? Masterlist

꧁ ༺ 𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼 ༻ ꧂

The ominous twap twap of flip flops and a jangling from the metal chain attached to your wallet—not unlike the jingle of a cat’s bell collar, which Lorenzo had pointed out and incidentally been kicked—were the first to announce your arrival.

The group had all been invited to the Nott family’s picturesque countryside home in Italy for the summer. Secretly, Theodore suspected his father was simply relieved to be rid of him and his friends, safely back home in the UK, far from his son’s silently judgmental stare, a gaze far too reminiscent of the boy’s late mother.

Yet now, all gloomy thoughts were swept away by the brilliant sun, shining unblemished by clouds across the vast, azure sky. The sand was an immaculate white, so much so that you could have mistaken it for snow, if not for the clear, turquoise water lapping at the shore in lazy, rhythmic waves that glistened under the sunlight before receding into the vast ocean. The Nott residence perched majestically on a grassy hill above, offering an unparalleled sense of privacy that came with seemingly having their own private beach.

The warm, humid air was refreshed by a gentle breeze that swept inland from the water, carrying with it the briny scent of the ocean and the tropical aroma of sun tanning lotion mingling in the air. Breathing in deeply, you could almost detect hints of exotic cuisine wafting from the nearby town, accompanied by the smokey fragrance born from cooking said food.

Exhaling with a contented sigh, a bright grin spread across your face as you took a moment to soak it all in, only now realizing that your presence had already been noticed by the group. With a pack of drinks clutched under one arm and a bag slung over your shoulder, filled with all your beach essentials and snacks, you stood confidently in black swimming trunks and stylish shades to match. As you pushed your sunglasses up to tame your unruly hair, styled in your usual unconventional way, you proclaimed, “Are we ready to rock?”

Draco emitted a long-suffering sigh at the question, sinking back into his chair beneath the shade of the umbrella, casting a disdainful glance your way as you unfolded your own chair beside Blaise—who, for his part, had strategically chosen a spot just beyond the umbrella’s protective shadow.

“Is that why you took so long getting ready? To make your hair look worse than it did when you rolled out of bed?”

You shot him a sidelong look while popping open the cooler, playfully pointing at his meticulously slicked-back hair as you settled your drinks of choice into the ice. “You’re one to talk, bleach boy.” There was no bite to your tone, as a snicker escaped you at your own play on words.

His only response was an offended scoff and some grumbling, which made you shrug nonchalantly. You cracked open a drink and took a refreshing sip while reclining back in your chair, the sun warming your skin. Fishing out a portable speaker, you fiddled with it until a genre you thought the group would deem agreeable began to play, shifting the volume higher before unfolding the tanning mirror you had brought along for the occasion.

The sudden music was what finally drew Lorenzo’s attention, prompting him to pause mid-bucket-brigade and wave a cheerful greeting, accompanied with a compliment on your eyeliner. He had been diligently transporting bucket after bucket of wet sand to his ambitious sandcastle, which Theo had oh-so-kindly volunteered to refine, transforming the chaotic heaps into a presentable fortress that would hold off even the most daring of sand crabs from any attempts to seize and overthrow it. The Italian previously claimed that he “couldn’t stand to see that disaster in front of him anymore.” Mattheo had readily agreed that Lorenzo wasn’t very easy on the eyes and promptly gotten a bucket of wet sand dumped on his head.

Now, however, the three had finally reached a fragile consensus. Theodore crafted the castle into something formidable, refining the architecture with a careful touch, while Lorenzo tirelessly supplied the necessary sand. Casting your gaze out to the shimmering sea, you spotted Mattheo’s dark hair bobbing at the sandbar, where he was trying his hand at snorkeling, doing what was no doubt best for the sandcastle’s safety and keeping a wide berth.

Now that it was pointed out, Draco sat up slightly, lifting his sunglasses to scrutinize you critically.

“You told me that was natural, that you were just ‘born that way’.”

Shrugging with a lazy air, you rubbed one eye with the back of your hand, smudging the eyeliner just a little before letting out a drawn-out yawn. The dark lines traced around your eyes were artfully applied, designed to enhance their intensity without drawing overt attention.

“It is. At least, I think it is…” Your brows furrowed in mock contemplation as curiosity overtook the drowsiness brought on by the summer heat. You pulled the eyeliner pen from your bag, turning it over in your fingers while squinting to read the label. A bright smile broke across your face as you held the pen triumphantly aloft, waving it toward Draco. “Yup. All natural ingredients, baby! Would I lie to you?”

He muttered an incredulous “unbelievable” under his breath, choosing to interpret your question as rhetorical, and allowing himself to melt back into the comfort of his reclined chair. He deserved a relaxing vacation, after all—after a grueling school year spent cohabiting with this group of delightful morons, he was fully prepared to unwind and forget it all amidst the idyllic countryside of Italy. Though no one in the group deigned to call Draco out on the fact that he wouldn’t have agreed to spend the summer with them if he genuinely couldn’t stand them. The occasional curious glances shot his way from Lorenzo or Blaise, whenever Draco voiced his complaints, hinted they were well aware of that fact.

The warm rays of sunlight enveloped you like a comforting embrace, coaxing you into a gentle doze as the rhythmic sound of waves lapped against the shore. With a content sigh, you leaned back, your arms cradling your head as you reveled in the golden warmth against your skin. You drowsily appreciated the way the tanning mirror reflected the sun's effect on your face. You didn’t take notice of the soft padding of footsteps approaching nor the heavy sound of something being dragged through the sand until Theodore spoke up, a light touch tapping your shoulder with a question of your name.

Giving a inquiring hum, you blinked against the glare of the sun before really taking in the sight before you. The sun seemed to adore Theodore Nott in particular—Could you really blame it?—as he’d soaked it up like a sponge, now sporting a nice tan despite having just arrived not so long ago. How you hadn’t noticed before was beyond you, but now that you had it took some amount of willpower to look higher than his bare chest. When you finally did, he was already watching you, a flicker of amusement dancing in his gaze. You forced a nervous laugh, trying to play it cool.

“Yeah, what’s up bro?” you managed to ask, voice cracking lightly before you cleared your throat. Having been too distracted by a certain sunkissed Italian before you, it was only now that you took notice of the glaringly obvious paddle board in the sand behind him. You leaned to the side to see it better, a spark of intrigue lighting up your eyes.

Theodore, noticing your curiosity, lifted one side of the the board by one of its handles, gesturing toward the inviting waters with a nod. “Do you wanna go out with me?”

The words caught you off guard, snapping you from your former entrancement, your mind momentarily blanking as you stared up at him, lips parted in surprise, brows knit together in confusion. “Huh?”

Realizing how his words might have sounded, a warm flush crept across his cheeks, though it was mostly hidden by the newfound tan as his eyes flickered away from yours. “I mean, on the board,” he clarified, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

You only looked more aghast at the openess of the request, shooting a glance to the rest of the group, who all seemed blissfully unaware of the exchange. You barley stopped yourself from joking that you “weren’t into exhibition,” or suggesting that he should at least take you on a proper date first. But just in time, logic kicked in, and you saved yourself from any potential humiliation.

Rising to your feet while setting your sunglasses back onto the chair, you nodded, perhaps a bit too quickly, a grin stretching across your face. “‘Course I will. You know how to drive that thing though, right?” The quick jab was punctuated with a nod towards the board and its double-sided paddle. A sense of pride washed over you when the dumb joke drew a genuine laugh from the other boy. He looked as surprised by his laughter as you were, his smile radiating warmth that quickly pulled you in.

“‘Course.” Theodore parroted softly, his accent lending a melodic quality to the words, so different from your own.

—- ⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ —-

As the paddle board coasted over the water, the soft sounds of waves beneath it enveloped you, drawing a contented hum from your lips. Leaning back, you felt the breeze caressing your skin to drive away the sun’s warmth while Theodore stood confidently at the front, expertly guiding the board forward with measured strokes.

His initial struggles to maintain balance while standing hadn’t been without some trial and error, if his tousled hair and droplets of seawater still clinging to his skin had anything to say about it. Grinning, you couldn’t help but admire the view as a playful idea bubbled to the surface of your mind.

With a sudden lean, you tipped to one side, shifting your weight and causing the board to wobble precariously beneath Theodore's feet. He shot a glare in your direction, but it was the only warning he gave before he raised the paddle and sent a miniature wave splashing over you.

“Hey!—”

“You started it, I just finished it,” Theodore retorted, a smug grin spreading across his face.

You rolled your eyes, muttering under your breath, “That’s just stupid.”

Karma was a swift mistress when she came for you, and you barley had time to react when a hand shot out, grabbing your ankle and dragging you towards the water. A gasp escaped your lips as the cold sea enveloped you, instantly shocking your senses. You surfaced, shaking your head to clear the water from your ears just in time to hear the peal of nearly manic laughter echoing from the board.

Turning to face the paddle board, you saw Mattheo sprawled atop it, his laughter causing him to nearly roll off into the water. The sight of your water-soaked self, makeup running and hair a wet mess, sent him into another fit of giggles.

Mattheo yelped when you lunged at him, pulling yourself on board to kneel over him with a determination. He instinctively grabbed your arms, eyes widen in surprise as he thwarted your attempts to strangle him. Theodore had watched passively until now, swearing and struggling to keep his balance as the boat dipped wildly this way and that.

“Hey! Not on the board—” he protested, his attempts to urge you two to fight in the waist-deep water of the sand bar swiftly getting drowned out.

“You’re dead, Riddle!” you shouted, your threat lingering in the air with just a tinge of glee. Though wether that delight was drawn from a malicious intent or playful joy was anyones guess.

“It’s not my fault you fell in!”

“Fell?!?! Oh I’ll show you falling, you waterlogged little rat!” Your anger surged as you lunged for Mattheo, trying to lift him and toss him off the board, his hands gripping yours in a desperate attempt to resist.

“Hey, we can talk about this, yeah? We’re both reasonable adults—” His words were abruptly silenced by a loud, splashing cacophony as the board finally tilted too far under the weight of your struggle, flipping over and sending all three of you tumbling into the cool water.

𓂃 ོ𓂃

The way back to shore was steeped in a heavy silence, broken only by you or Mattheo occasionally trying to push the other off and frame it as an accident, only to be halted by a single, disapproving look from Theo.

As the sandy shore loomed closer, you both seemed to reach an unspoken truce, a common ground to meet on. Who did this Nott guy think he was? Acting like he owned the paddle board, or the house… or the section of beach and everything set up on it. It was downright absurd. Locking eyes with the shorter boy, a mischievous grin illuminated his face—a contagious spark that soon mirrored in your own expression. Just a few feet from the land, Theo felt two separate pairs of hands aggressively shove him, and before he could react, the board was gone from beneath him, and he was plunged into the water.

You and Mattheo bolted for the beach, nearly tripping over one another in your haste to escape before Theo got it in his head to retaliate. The sudden frantic splashing caught the group’s attention, drawing a judgmental look from Draco and a delighted laugh from Lorenzo.

With a dramatic sigh, you shook off the excess water somewhat dog-like, re-equipping your sunglasses and dropping back down in you chair, savoring the warmth of the sun as it began to drive away the lingering chill of the ocean. Just as you settled into a moment of peace, the vibrant music wafting from the speaker came to a sudden halt.

Lips pursing in disdain, you took a moment to enjoy the unexpected silence before slowly pushing your glasses down to perch on the bridge of your nose. Mattheo was crouched in front of the speaker, confusion clouding his features as he messed with your phone, getting precariously close to dripping water on both devices.

“Can I help you, officer?” you drawled sarcastically, face twisting in offense when Matt waved you off dismissively.

“Your music taste sucks.”

“What?! I wasn’t even playing my usual stuff. I turned on fucking Beach Boys for you all! Who doesn’t like The Beach Boys?”

Your protests were abruptly silenced as Mattheo let out a triumphant “yes!” under his breath, and the dreary tones of The Smiths flooded from the speaker, eliciting a collective groan from the group.

You dramatically clasped your hands over your ears. “Good god, I almost wish I’d let you drown me.”

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Bonus:

Much later, in the early morning hours, you found yourself in the kitchen, having slept fitfully after the long, sun-soaked day at the beach. Alas, you’d still awaken long before sunrise. The small lamp cast a warm, inviting glow in the dimly lit room, illuminating the faint outlines of the countertops. A thin window hung open in front of you, allowing the cool, salty breeze to drift in from the ocean below, carrying with it the distant sounds of nightlife and the gentle, rhythmic crash of waves upon the shore. The moon's full light shimmered across the water, painting the waves in glistening shades of silver.

You admired the tranquil view for a few moments before redirecting your attention to the array of ingredients spread out in front of you, the makings of a fine midnight snack, if you do say so yourself. Humming softly, you found yourself bobbing your head ever so slightly, swaying side to side to the damn catchy Beach Boys song lodged in your mind.

“Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go…” you mumbled softly before catching yourself. Cursing the 70s band internally, you flinched and spun around to confront the source of the noise when a playful hum picked up the same tune you’d left off on.

Heaving a sigh, you pointed sternly with the hand grasping the butter knife to where Theo stood in the doorway, mischievous grin crowning his lips.

“I swear, you need to start wearing a bell, Nott. It’s not natural to walk that quietly.”

Turning back to your food, your breath hitched when arms unexpectedly slid around your waist, a warm body pressing against your back. Heat flooded your cheeks and you blamed it on the additional body heat provided, the warmth turning to a full blaze when a face nestled into the crook of your neck. Suddenly feeling a little light headed, you focused diligently on functioning normally when a warm breath fanned out over you collarbone.

Your attempts at maintaining your composure were thrown out the window when Theo finally spoke, his voice a teasing whisper. “Sure, you gonna put it on for me?”

Choking on nothing but pure surprise, you wheezed out a cough. Turning to face him, you pointed a finger only for it to end up pressing against his chest with the close proximity.

“Freak!” you accused, incredulous.

He struggled to contain his laughter, raising his hands in surrender. “I was kidding! You should’ve seen your face though.”

꧁ ༺ 𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼 ༻ ꧂

[web-novel-polls]

Have You Read This Web Novel?

If you’re in the process of reading this web novel, please choose whichever option best fits your situation. You do not have to be completely finished with it to answer “yes.”

If you’ve never heard of it, please read the description below the cut!

See similar polls and results here!

Novel Updates:

Ming He always believed she had entered a world of cultivation, only to discover she had stepped into the script of the unstoppable Dragon Hero (Long Aotian, 龙傲天, a Chinese term that is often used in the context of web novels, particularly in the fantasy and martial arts genres, to describe a character who is exceptionally powerful, confident, and often has a strong sense of superiority). Su Ming He, the younger half-sister of Su Cheng Feng, the leader of the Su family, is the aunt of the main character, the Dragon Hero. She taunts the fallen hero and becomes one of the stepping stones for him… However, Su Cheng Feng is still just the young master of the Su family, an inner sect disciple of the Liu Yun Sect, and the Dragon Hero’s mother has just arrived at the Liu Yun Sect as a core disciple for a certain purpose. Ming He clenched her fist. So what if she is an outer sect disciple? Now that she is here, she definitely wants to climb to great heights. With a three-foot azure blade in hand, she will tread the path through the clouds, witness the sun, moon, and stars of the Thousand Layers Spirit Mountain, and see the raging waves of the Giant Serpent in the vast Eastern Sea. She wants to see the duel of the top talents from the Dragon and Tiger Rankings! But—what’s up with this woman who always sticks to her side, smiling charmingly like a temptation, and keeps trying to touch her? Isn’t she the Dragon Hero’s mother? 1. Nine stages of cultivation: Qi Refinement, Spirit Guiding, Xuan Wei, Dust Dispersal, Wind Controlling, Heaven Origin, Human King, Earth Emperor, Great Emperor. 2. The main storyline involves defeating monsters, saving the world, and winning a beautiful partner. 3. There are numerous private settings, a mix of excitement and hardship, and a fresh storyline.

[kavehsmommyissues]

fanfic advert (yay!)

mdni!

hey gang, do you hyperfixate in genshin impact? do you like old man yaoi?

do you also mayhaps, like zhongli x neuvillette? today's your lucky day cus a mentally ill goblin like me unfortunately have unrestricted internet access and i wrote a pwp fic just for you. enjoy this crumb ig i don't know

azure skies adorned by golden clouds (5942 words) by g00fyg00b3r Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: 原神 | Genshin Impact (Video Game) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Neuvillette/Zhongli (Genshin Impact) Characters: Zhongli (Genshin Impact) Additional Tags: Masochist Zhongli (Genshin Impact), Top?xTop, Old man yaoi, Sadist Neuvillette, they literally just fucking i just added imagery, this is PWP i just made it look pretty, Emotionless fucker Neuvillette, old human dragon man yaoi where one of them powerwashes the other one's ass, forced drinking of blood, Drinking of blood, OoC cus they would never fuck(sadly), teaser Neuvillette, degrader Neuvillette, degradee Zhongli, brat Zhongli(he doesn't know he is), spit is used as lube, idk if lube exists in teyvat that's why, if you know it does do not tell me Summary:

The two dragons meet in the street of Fontaine and decided to settle their differences privately(through hatefucking).

[joanhermann]

The Role of CCNP in Multi-Cloud Networking

We live in a time where everything is connected—our phones, laptops, TVs, watches, even our refrigerators. But have you ever wondered how all this connection actually works? Behind the scenes, there are large computer networks that make this possible. Now, take it one step further and imagine companies using not just one but many cloud services—like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure—all at the same time. This is called multi-cloud networking. And to manage this kind of advanced setup, skilled professionals are needed. That’s where CCNP comes in.

Let’s break this down in a very simple way so that even a school student can understand it.

What Is Multi-Cloud Networking?

Imagine you’re at a school event. You have food coming from one stall, water from another, and sweets from a third. Now, imagine someone needs to manage everything—make sure food is hot, water is cool, and sweets arrive on time. That manager is like a multi-cloud network engineer. Instead of food stalls, though, they're managing cloud services.

So, multi-cloud networking means using different cloud platforms to store data, run apps, or provide services—and making sure all these platforms work together without any confusion or delay.

So, Where Does CCNP Fit In?

CCNP, which stands for Cisco Certified Network Professional, teaches you how to build, manage, and protect networks at a professional level. If CCNA is the beginner level, CCNP is the next big step.

When we say someone has completed CCNP training, it means they’ve learned advanced networking skills—skills that are super important for multi-cloud setups. Whether it’s connecting a company’s private network to cloud services or making sure all their apps work smoothly between AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, a CCNP-certified person can do it.

Why Is CCNP Important for Multi-Cloud?

Here are a few simple reasons why CCNP plays a big role in this new world of multi-cloud networking:

Connecting Different Platforms: Each cloud service is like a different language. CCNP helps you understand how to make them talk to each other.

Security and Safety: In multi-cloud networks, data moves in many directions. CCNP-certified professionals learn how to keep that data safe.

Speed and Performance: If apps run slowly, users get frustrated. CCNP training teaches you how to make networks fast and efficient.

Troubleshooting Problems: When something breaks in a multi-cloud system, it can be tricky to fix. With CCNP skills, you’ll know how to find the issue and solve it quickly.

What You Learn in CCNP That Helps in Multi-Cloud

Let’s look at some topics covered in CCNP certification that directly help with multi-cloud work:

Routing and Switching: This means directing traffic between different networks smoothly, which is needed in a multi-cloud setup.

Network Automation: You learn how to make systems work automatically, which is super helpful when managing multiple clouds.

Security: You’re trained to spot and stop threats, even if they come from different cloud platforms.

Virtual Networking: Since cloud networks are often virtual (not physical wires and cables), CCNP teaches you how to work with them too.

Can I Learn CCNP Online?

Yes, you can! Thanks to digital learning, you can take a CCNP online class from anywhere—even your home. You don’t need to travel or sit in a classroom. Just a good internet connection and the will to learn is enough.

An online class is perfect for students or working professionals who want to upgrade their skills in their free time. It also helps you learn at your own speed. You can pause, repeat, or review topics anytime.

What Happens After You Get Certified?

Once you finish your CCNP certification, you’ll find many doors open for you. Especially in companies that use multiple cloud platforms, your skills will be in high demand. You could work in roles like:

Cloud Network Engineer

Network Security Analyst

IT Infrastructure Manager

Data Center Specialist

And the best part? These roles come with good pay and long-term career growth.

Where Can I Learn CCNP?

You can take CCNP training from many places, but it's important to choose a center that gives you hands-on practice and teaches in simple language. One such place is Network Rhinos, which is known for making difficult topics easy to understand. Whether you’re learning online or in-person, the focus should always be on real-world skills, not just theory.

Final Thoughts

The world is moving fast toward cloud-based technology, and multi-cloud setups are becoming the new normal. But with more clouds come more challenges. That’s why companies are looking for smart, trained professionals who can handle the job.

CCNP training prepares you for exactly that. Whether you're just starting your career or want to move to the next level, CCNP gives you the skills to stay relevant and in demand.

With options like a CCNP online class, you don’t even have to leave your house to become an expert. And once you complete your CCNP certification, you're not just learning about networks—you’re becoming someone who can shape the future of cloud technology.

So yes, if you’re thinking about CCNP in a world that’s quickly moving to the cloud, the answer is simple: go for it.

[innervoiceartblog]

The Colours Of Light by Dorothea Mackellar

This is not easy to understand

For you that come from a distant land

Where all the colours are low in pitch -

Deep purples, emeralds deep and rich,

Where autumn's flaming and summer's green -

Here is a beauty you have not seen.

All is pitched in a higher key,

Lilac, topaz, and ivory,

Palest jade-green and pale clear blue

Like aquamarines that the sun shines through,

Golds and silvers, we have at will -

Silver and gold on each plain and hill,

Silver-green of the myall leaves,

Tawny gold of the garnered sheaves,

Silver rivers that silent slide,

Golden sands by the water-side,

Golden wattle, and golden broom,

Silver stars of the rosewood bloom;

Amber sunshine, and smoke-blue shade:

Opal colours that glow and fade;

On the gold of the upland grass

Blue cloud-shadows that swiftly pass;

Wood-smoke blown in an azure mist;

Hills of tenuous amethyst. . .

Oft the colours are pitched so high

The deepest note is the cobalt sky;

We have to wait till the sunset comes

For shades that feel like the beat of drums -

Or like organ notes in their rise and fall -

Purple and orange and cardinal,

Or the peacock-green that turns soft and slow

To peacock-blue as the great stars show . . .

Sugar-gum boles flushed to peach-blow pink;

Blue-gums, tall at the clearing's brink;

Ivory pillars, their smooth fine slope

Dappled with delicate heliotrope;

Grey of the twisted mulga-roots;

Golden-bronze of the budding shoots;

Tints of the lichens that cling and spread,

Nile-green, primrose, and palest red . . .

Sheen of the bronze-wing; blue of the crane;

Fawn and pearl of the lyrebird's train;

Cream of the plover; grey of the dove -

These are the hues of the land I love.

* * * *

~ Dorothea Mackellar was born in Sydney in 1885 into a well-established, wealthy family, and was educated privately at the University of Sydney. At 19 years old she wrote a poem, 'My Country', the second verse of which is perhaps the best known stanza in Australian poetry. Her family owned substantial properties in the Gunnedah district of New South Wales and it is in this town which claims her as their own, there a statue of her on horseback has been erected. Dorothea died in 1968.

[bbdulucknow]

Top Skills You Learn in a B.Tech in Cloud Computing Program

Cloud computing is transforming how businesses store, manage, and process data. If you plan to build a career in technology, a B Tech in cloud computing offers one of the most future-focused career paths in engineering. But what do you learn in this program?

Here’s a clear look at the top skills you gain that make you industry-ready.

Cloud Architecture and Infrastructure

Understanding how cloud systems are built is your starting point. You learn about cloud deployment models, storage systems, servers, networks, and virtualization. This forms the base for designing and managing scalable cloud platforms. You also explore how large-scale systems work using public, private, and hybrid cloud models.

Working with Leading Cloud Platforms

During your btech cloud computing course, you train on industry-leading platforms like:

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Microsoft Azure

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

You work on real-time projects where you learn how to deploy applications, manage services, and monitor systems on these platforms. These are the tools most employers look for in their cloud teams.

Virtualization and Containerization

You learn how to run applications efficiently across different environments using:

Virtual Machines (VMs)

Containers (Docker)

Orchestration Tools (Kubernetes)

These technologies are at the core of cloud efficiency and automation. The hands-on training helps you build scalable, portable applications that work in complex infrastructures.

Cloud Security and Compliance

As a cloud engineer, your role is not just about development. Security is a big part of cloud technology. You understand how to protect data, set access controls, manage identities, and secure cloud resources.

You also learn how to handle compliance and data regulations, which are critical in industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.

Cloud Automation and DevOps

Modern cloud systems rely on automation. You are trained in DevOps tools and workflows, including:

CI/CD pipelines

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Monitoring and automation scripts

These tools help you manage cloud resources efficiently and reduce manual work, making you more productive and valuable in any tech team.

Integration with Machine Learning

At BBDU, the cloud computing program also includes machine learning skills. You learn how cloud platforms support AI tools, data analysis, and model training. This gives you an edge, especially in projects involving smart automation, data prediction, and intelligent systems.

This blend of cloud and ML is one of the top requirements in emerging tech careers.

Why Choose BBDU’s B.Tech in Cloud Computing and Machine Learning?

Babu Banarasi Das University offers one of the most advanced b techs in cloud computing programs in India. Developed in collaboration with IBM, this course combines academic strength with practical exposure.

Here’s what makes BBDU a smart choice:

IBM-certified curriculum and hands-on labs

Real-time project training on AWS, Azure, and GCP

Faculty with industry experience

Soft skill and placement support

Affordable fee structure with scholarships

You graduate not only with technical skills but also with real confidence to start your career.

Conclusion

A B.Tech in cloud computing gives you a strong foundation in one of the fastest-growing tech fields. You learn how to design systems, solve problems, secure data, and automate processes.

Start your cloud career with a university that prepares you for tomorrow.

Apply now to the IBM-collaborated B.Tech in Cloud Computing and Machine Learning program at BBDU.

[globalindustrypulse]

U.S. Data Privacy Software Market Size to Hit USD 8.60 Billion by 2030

The U.S. data privacy software market share is undergoing rapid expansion, fueled by rising regulatory demands, increasing cyber threats, and growing consumer awareness around digital privacy. Valued at USD 0.67 billion in 2022, the market is projected to grow from USD 0.90 billion in 2023 to USD 8.60 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 38.1% during the forecast period.

As organizations across sectors especially finance, healthcare, and retail grapple with complex privacy laws such as CCPA, HIPAA, and state-specific mandates, the demand for scalable, intelligent privacy solutions is surging. The U.S. continues to be a key innovator and consumer of advanced data governance, consent management, and risk mitigation platforms.

Key Market Highlights:

2022 U.S. Market Size: USD 0.67 billion

2023 Estimate: USD 0.90 billion

2030 U.S. Market Projection: USD 8.60 billion

CAGR (2023–2030): 38.1%

Market Outlook: Regulatory-driven growth supported by enterprise digitization and evolving cyber threats

Key Players in the U.S. Market:

OneTrust

BigID

TrustArc

IBM Corporation

Microsoft Corporation

Securiti.ai

Oracle Corporation

SAI360

Spirion

Varonis Systems, Inc.

RSA Security LLC

Collibra

Egnyte

Request For Free Sample PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/u-s-data-privacy-software-market-107450

Market Dynamics: Drivers:

Rising regulatory enforcement, including CCPA, CPRA, and industry-specific mandates

Surging volume of sensitive data processed across cloud and hybrid environments

Corporate reputation and compliance risk tied to data misuse or breach incidents

Increased consumer pressure on brands to maintain ethical data practices

Acceleration of remote work and digital services demanding stronger data governance

Opportunities:

Privacy automation solutions for SMBs and mid-market enterprises

Integration of AI/ML for real-time risk detection and data mapping

Managed privacy-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings for resource-constrained companies

Cloud-native privacy architectures enabling scalable compliance

Cross-sector partnerships for industry-specific compliance tools in finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.

Key Trends:

Shift toward “privacy by design” in software development and digital services

Increased adoption of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) like homomorphic encryption and differential privacy

Use of zero-trust security frameworks to support granular data access control

M&A activity among compliance vendors aiming to offer full-stack data privacy suites

Real-time subject access request (SAR) automation for improved customer responsiveness

Speak to Analyst for U.S. Data Privacy Software Market: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/u-s-data-privacy-software-market-107450

Technology & Application Scope:

Core Technologies: AI-based compliance engines, data discovery tools, consent management platforms, cloud integration

Deployment Models: Cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid solutions

Industries Served: Financial services, healthcare, technology, government, retail, and education

Key Applications:

Data mapping & inventory

Compliance workflow automation

Consent and preference management

Breach and impact assessment

Data subject request (DSR) handling

Recent Developments:

March 2024 – A leading U.S. healthcare provider adopted an AI-powered privacy compliance platform across 700 clinics, cutting down privacy-related incident response time by 45%.

September 2023 – OneTrust launched an enhanced U.S.-focused privacy platform with automated compliance tracking for CPRA, Colorado Privacy Act, and emerging state-level regulations.

June 2023 – BigID announced new integrations with AWS and Microsoft Azure for enhanced cloud data discovery and governance across public and private infrastructure.

Conclusion:

With evolving regulations and a sharp focus on ethical data use, the U.S. data privacy software market is poised for exponential growth. As enterprises digitize at speed, the need for automated, scalable, and audit-ready solutions becomes mission-critical. Innovation in AI-driven privacy tools, cloud-native platforms, and cross-functional compliance integration will define the next phase of growth in the U.S. market—enabling organizations to balance compliance, consumer trust, and operational agility.

[atplblog]

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[educationalmafia]

Powering Sustainable IT: How CCF Certification Supports Green Cloud Transformation

As environmental sustainability becomes a core priority for businesses worldwide, cloud computing is emerging as a vital enabler of eco-friendly digital transformation. Organizations are rapidly shifting to energy-efficient cloud infrastructures to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency.

This shift fuels demand for professionals with a strong understanding of cloud computing foundation principles and that’s where the Certified Cloud Computing Foundation (CCF) certification becomes a career-defining credential.

🌍 Cloud Computing and Sustainability

Traditional data centers consume massive energy and contribute significantly to global emissions. In contrast, cloud computing offers scalable, shared infrastructure that can be optimized for energy efficiency and reduced waste. Leading cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are investing in carbon-neutral operations and renewable energy.

To support these efforts, businesses need experts trained in cloud foundation certification who can help migrate workloads to the cloud, manage resource allocation, and ensure sustainable operations.

📘 What You Learn in the CCF Course

The CCF course offered by GSDC equips you with essential cloud knowledge that supports sustainable IT initiatives:

Understanding virtualization and resource sharing

Optimizing cloud-based storage and compute power

Efficient deployment models (public, private, hybrid)

Green IT best practices

Cloud lifecycle management

This cloud foundation course is ideal for IT professionals, project managers, analysts, and even non-tech business roles who need to grasp how cloud systems can be leveraged for environmental impact.

💼 Career Benefits of CCF Certification

Sustainability is not just a business trend, it's a career advantage. Enterprises are now hiring for roles that blend IT skills with green strategy. A certification in cloud computing is highly valued for roles such as:

Cloud Sustainability Analyst

IT Infrastructure Consultant

Green Tech Project Manager

Cloud Migration Engineer

Digital Transformation Strategist

The cloud computing foundation certification is an excellent way to prove your knowledge and readiness to work in eco-conscious, modern organizations.

🌐 Global Demand for Green Cloud Skills

Regions like Europe, Canada, and Asia-Pacific (especially Singapore and Japan) are leading in cloud sustainability investments. This surge creates a high demand for certified professionals who understand both cloud principles and their environmental applications.

The CCF certification prepares you to take on these roles, ensuring you stay ahead in a market driven by ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals and responsible innovation.

✅ Why Choose GSDC’s CCF Certification?

The CCF certification by GSDC is vendor-neutral, globally recognized, and tailored to meet the evolving demands of the tech industry. It helps professionals not only understand the technology but apply it toward impactful, sustainable outcomes.

#GreenCloud #CloudSustainability #CCFCertification #CloudComputingFoundation #SustainableTech #CloudFoundationCourse #EcoIT #CertificationInCloudComputing #GreenDigitalTransformation #CloudForGood

For more details : https://www.gsdcouncil.org/certified-cloud-computing-foundation Contact no :  +41 41444851189

[tonylean]

Escalating DDoS Attacks: A Timeline of Record-Breaking Power • 2022 – 3.47 Tbps Targeting Microsoft In 2022, Microsoft was the target of a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack that peaked at 3.47 terabits per second. At the time, it was one of the largest ever recorded. The attack was likely motivated by attempts to disrupt cloud services and enterprise infrastructure, emphasizing the growing sophistication and scale of cybercriminal operations.

• April 2025 – 6.5 Tbps Just three years later, a new wave of DDoS attacks set the bar even higher. In April 2025, an attack reached a staggering 6.5 Tbps, nearly doubling the 2022 figure. This escalation demonstrated the increasing availability of powerful botnets and the growing threat posed by cyber-extortion tactics.

• June 2025 – 7.3 Tbps (New Record) The most recent and most powerful attack to date occurred in June 2025, peaking at 7.3 Tbps and transferring 37.4 terabytes of junk traffic in just 45 seconds. The attack was mitigated by Cloudflare, who identified the use of UDP reflection and amplification techniques, leveraging third-party servers to intensify the volume. This set a new global record, showing just how aggressive and industrialized the DDoS ecosystem has become.

Commentary This rapid growth in DDoS magnitude is not only a technical challenge but also a strategic threat to digital infrastructure. The fact that these attacks have more than doubled in volume within three years illustrates:

The low cost and high impact nature of modern cyberweapons.

The increasing use of DDoS-for-hire services, where attacks can be launched for a few hundred dollars.

The vulnerability of even the most resilient tech giants like Microsoft.

While large providers like Cloudflare or Azure have the means to absorb and mitigate such volumes, smaller businesses and public services remain highly exposed, often with no real defense. It’s a wake-up call for governments and the private sector alike to invest more seriously in cybersecurity resilience — especially in a world where data, uptime, and digital trust are core assets.