#g/t couple

[showrunnerihardlyknowher]

you guys ever see a big beautiful building and think how it would look as a big beautiful person

[entomolog-t]

Bite Me - Chapter 5

Flirting or Frightening? You be the judge. June and Aedes seem to be getting rather *cough* well acquainted with one another.

This chapter is a bit frisky, nothing overly explicit, a little more intimate than PG 13, but not quite NSFW.

Taglist: @smallsday @ratcatcher0325 @not-a-space-alien @bittykimmy13 @naive-bias

- - - -

Previous Chapter: Chapter 4

Next Chapter: Chapter 6

Word count: 1451

CW: Mentions of blood, Adult language, Suggestive, Fearplay, Mouthplay (biting) mild dehumanization (aware Aedes is not human, fixated on that concept)

The feeling of his heart beating wildly under her thumb was intoxicating. There was no other world that could aptly describe it. In her grasp was a man- or more accurately, a vampire- regardless of semantics, June was all too aware held an entire being within her hand. She felt drunk. This was all so surreal… surreal and undeniably intimate. Was this okay? He was actually letting her hold him… after all the fear and anger and distrust… there he was… just… in her hand. She should exercise some restraint shouldn't she? This… was enough? But what exactly was this?? Despite quite literally having him in the palm of her hand, with the way he was teasing her there was a strange unease that still hovered around the corners of her mind, as if she was the one wrapped around his finger. 

His voice captivated her. She felt as though she hung off of every word. Have you planned what you’re going to do now that you’ve caught me? His surprisingly low voice seemed to echo in her mind. You say that, she thinks, yet why does it feel like I’m the one who’s caught? 

That was an invitation right? He was goading her… wasn’t he?

Not one to be out done, she tightens her grip slightly, 

"I seem to recall something about testing your structural integrity…" she muses, watching the man stiffen at her touch, yet soften at her words, "Why don't I test just how sturdy you are, little man." she says, her voice full of coy flirtation. 

She watches his expression change, eyes glued on him and taking in every detail. He swallows, eyes wide and fixated on her. Her heart skips as she watches his strange pointed ears flicker- it was bizarre, yet oddly adorable. He fidgeted in her grasp though his movements weren’t frenzied like when she had first caught him, more so… uncomfortable, nervous? She for one, most certainly was. 

She liked this. 

She liked this far too much.

Now that he wasn’t snarling, she couldn't help but notice just how striking he was. Those strange long pointed ears peeking out from a tousled mess of velvety black hair- his features sharp and chiseled, looking as though they were carved from marble on his pale skin. The sight of him disheveled in the palm of her hand gave a whole new and literal meaning to having man under her thumb and she found herself indulging in the literal interpretation far more than she ought to. 

Was this really okay? He had been so scared -

He tilts his head at her scrutiny, a faint smirk plays on his lips. In a jarringly casual manner, he stretches his arms back, resting his hands behind his head as if making himself comfortable. His stare was smug, cocky even, as he feigned a yawn. His teasing bordered on challenging, as if playing a strange and far too flirtatious game of chicken... Taunting her as if he knew she was enjoying his reactions more than she wanted to admit. 

“Oh,” His eyes meet hers unflinchingly, “So you’re just gonna toy with me now, huh? Well, come on. I’m all yours.”

She breaks eye contact.

Oh he knew all right.

This absolutely was a challenge- and she had no plans of backing down.

"Am I toying with you?" She coos, choosing her words carefully, "I do like to play rough with my toys." She watches in rapt delight as his ears flatten. Slowly, she slides her fingers under his arms, holding him up by his underarms and letting his feet dangle.

His face flushes.

June felt like a shark sensing blood in the water. She bites her lip. The sight of a full grown -albeit very small- man dangling from her hands is oddly enticing. He was quiet for a moment, the brief pause felt like it was gripping at her heart, Had she gone too far? This was wrong wasn’t it? He was sc - 

“Well then, play with me, my human.”

That smug little tease! She nearly growls at the excitement his invitation seems to bring forth, for a brief moment chasing away all of her lingering doubts. He likes this too…  

June gives in. 

Surprising even herself, she pulls him towards her, pressing her lips against his stomach. Her mind was alight, thoughts coming and going like fireworks- loud and quick. She kissed him- She was still kissing him! He flinches at the sudden action, a strangled sort of gasp escaping him, but doesnt push her away. His body was warm against her fingers- and firm against her lips. It was all so strange… She can't help but notice just how much of his body her lips can cover, or the feeling of his heart beating wildly against them. Was this really okay? He was a stranger… Hell- He wasn’t even human! He had snuck into her house- Drank her blood! And here she was just- 

Her thoughts freeze as her gaze flicks up to his face. 

Jaw clenched and head thrown back, his hands gripping firmly on her thumbs- the sight was mesmerizing. She watches, her eyes fixated on the shaky rise and fall of his chest as her lips graze his midsection- the way he shivered under her touch was thrilling… But it was his face that truly captivated her. He stared at her through half lidded eyes, gaze piercing in its intensity. A subtly flush danced across the pale skin of his cheeks, rising up to the tips of his ears- ears which folded back with her kisses. His lips twitched with every touch, drawing up as if he was wanting to bare his teeth, the faintest hint of a snarl playing across his expression. In that moment, he looked not only carnal- but truly carnivorous. 

June releases a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. It was all so much. 

She inhales, struggling to regain her composure. Instead she catches his scent lingering on her inhale. Amberesque and nectarous, he smelt of lush fruit and warm spice- of saffron and tonka. He smelt of temptation- of the warm excitement of youth. 

June swallowed. A strange mix of desire and unease sending a chill through her. 

Humans did not smell like that. 

She wills her hands steady as she kisses him, her actions somehow becoming more desperate. The hazy infatuation seemed to give way to a brief moment of clarity. She was far in over her head in something beyond her understanding. She didn’t feel in control. He was there, in her grasp, pressed against her lips… and yet she felt as if he had her in the palm of his hand. Her heart felt as though it crawled into her throat. She didn’t like that she was scared. She didn’t like that he could frighten her. 

As she kisses, his claws dig into the flesh of her thumbs. Claws… her mind echos, Not human. She brushes the thought aside, and adjusts her hold of him, pulling one hand away to take his wrists between her thumb and forefinger. She pulls his wrists above his head, cradling his body with her free hand so he's laying in her palm; restrained and vulnerable.

June shivers-the sight of the pose undeniably lewd. 

The sound of his breathing growing heavy makes her head spin- every gasp, every hitch of his breath…intoxicating didn't even begin to describe it. Between kisses she grins at the sensation of him squirming under the touch of her lips. What could he possibly be feeling? Was he scared? Part of her found herself hoping he was. She pushed that thought aside as quickly as it came. Through half lidded eyes, she risks another glance at him- her breath catching as he met her gaze. He seemed to like that, exhaling through gritted teeth- the sound hovering between a moan and a growl. 

His teeth… The sight of those fangs made a shiver run down her neck… and an idea take form in her mind. An eye for an eye… a bite for a bite. As June continues to kiss his midriff, slowly she opens her mouth, carefully letting her teeth graze against his chest. Aedes shudders under her touch. This time- much to her surprise- she growls.

He yelps.

June pauses. The way he trembles in her hand stirs something in her. She draws back slowly, her eyes fixated on him. This time, Aedes does not meet her gaze. Instead, he looks away- face flushed. With his wrists still held in place above his head he looks so helpless. 

She likes that. 

Without meeting her gaze, he utters a single word.

"Please."

June Murphy unravels.

[beuhakkaka]

🌊A Sirens Song🌊 Pt 8

"I will see you next time, then." She shouted down, making an extra effort to hide her proud smile.

Annora's heart was pounding, pumping wildly like a rapid rabbit caught in a cage.

It was finally over.

He had eaten the fish, all of them, and had even complimented the taste. He was completely unaware of the unbelievable amounts of poison he had consumed.

Not even he could survive a dose that big; she was sure of it.  

Annora's mission had been complete, and now she was free from the heavy mantle she had taken up. She may have laughed if she hadn't decided to be cautious. Especially when she mentioned "next time.", because there would never be a next time with her or anyone else.

His final meal had been had.

Annora looked down at the beast one final time, eyes cold as she stared at his smile.

He wouldn't be smiling for long.

She turned on her heel and swiftly limped away.

Annora grunted softly as she slid the tray back into the wagon, tying down the object while ignoring the throb of her lame leg. She dusted her hands off with a slight smile. She didn't even mind the fish scent anymore. Far too relieved to have this massive weight taken off her shoulders. She quickly glanced at the sky, taking in the sun's angle.

Sunset would be soon, which means she should also be leaving soon.

Although she would have liked to stay a little longer to see if the poison was taking effect, she didn't want to get caught in the night.

Annora walked over to her rented helper, gently patting the horse's neck before hopping onto his back. The horse trotted away with a clip-clop, wagon in tow.

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Venti yawned, tail flicking lazily against the ocean floor. He picked at his dagger-like teeth with his pointed nails, removing any leftover fishy bits. The fish had been shockingly good; he had been unable to prevent himself from finishing the entire tray. Even when knowing it was poisoned, he couldn't stop himself. It didn't matter, though, since the poison would never affect him. Not fatally, at least. What really bothered him was her smug attitude. Venti grunted bitterly, prying out a fish head from between his teeth.

What a stupid human she was.

Didn't she see how powerful he was? How all-encompassing his body was? What moron would think he could be taken down by a bit of poison?

A yawn interrupted Venti's frustrated stewing. He blinked sleepily, tilting his head to the side. He reached up towards the surface of the water and stretched. He grunted a little as his limbs stretched, drowsiness beginning to weigh heavily on him.

The poison could never kill him, but it took a lot of energy for his body to process.

"Perhaps a nap would help speed up the process ..."

Venti muttered to himself.

He sighed softly, deciding a nap sounded terrific.

Venti lay down slowly, his massive torso cutting through the waters like a falling mountain. He slumped against the sand, bubbles flying out from below him. His tail curled slightly as he got comfortable, twisting and turning to find the optimal position.

Fish were flung away by the crashing waves the giant made from the simple movement, and once he was done, the sea around him was still. Using his arms as his pillow, he nestled his face into his folded forearms. His heavy-lidded eyes fluttered, lashes slowly closing.

When Venti opened his eyes, he was not at the bottom of the ocean.

The sand was warm against his torso, and the waves lapped excitedly at the beach's edge. The sun was pleasant and comforting, offering a calming warmth.

But beating it all, glowing brighter than even the blazing sun, and muting out the loud squabbles of the seagulls was a gentle strumming. Kind and soothing, the song carried through the beach, passion pouring through every note. The sweet lyre strings rang through the beach, reaching Venti's ears and comforting him far more than any sun could.

He looked at where the music came from, his lips spread into a loving smile.

The little bard looked back up at the siren, the simple humans smile bright as ever.

"Would you like to join in?"

Venti's smile broadened, pearly white shark-like teeth making themselves known.

"But of course, I do little bard~ don't you know I love to sing?"

The bard laughed, his laughter ringing like the sweetest of bells.

"Right right, sorry."

The bard plucked his lyre, smiling sweetly.

"Join in then~"

Venti woke up.  

He gasped loudly, shoving himself up from the sandy ground in one thundering motion. He knelt over the floor, chest heaving breath after breath. Venti's fingers curled into the sand, his hands shaking like he had been thrown into a frozen lake.

How long had it been since he had thought of the bard? He couldn't even remember the last time.

So why, why now?

"Why now do I dream of you-"

Venti choked, tears beading at the corners of his eyes.

"I had hoped to have forgotten you."

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

Annora scrubbed viciously at the counter, her teeth grit tightly together. This particular wine stain wasn't coming out of the wood, and it was driving her insane. That wasn't all that was plaguing her mind, though.

Despite the siren having been given a ridiculous amount of poison, she had a bad feeling she just couldn't shake. No matter how many times she reminded herself of the impossibility of survival.

'It would have been nice if he showed symptoms immediately...I bet he was hiding them or something.

She thought in annoyance as she continued to scrub.

At this point, she was just gonna peel off the wood rather than eliminate the stain, but it was bothering her so much she didn't even realize it.

She didn't realize a person was standing behind her either.

A large hand settled on her shoulder, gently alerting her to their presence. But, gentle as it was, Annora was still on edge. So she reacted quite explosively to the sudden touch.

She yelped loudly, jumping up and launching the wet rag into the ceiling. It smacked the bar's roof with a wet squelch before plopping back and splatting right onto her boss's head.

Annora stared in horror as the rag slowly sagged off the edge of the intimidating mans head. Eventually slipping and falling onto his nice fancy shoes instead. A double kill.

"Mas-Master Diluc-! Oh my archons I am so sorry-!"

She was nearly shrieking as she apologized, absolutely mortified. Diluc remained silent as Annora panicked.

His hair- and his nice shoes-! What had she done-?!?!

Diluc, however, took her reaction and the situation in stride.

"No need to panic; accidents happen,"

He dusted his hair off with one gloved hand before bending down to grab the wet rag. Plucking it up with two fingers, he tossed it back onto the counter.

"I apologize for scaring you. You just weren't responding to your name." Diluc continued on calmly, adjusting his coats collar.

Annora blushed a little, realizing she may have been a bit too much in her own head.

"O-oh-! Please, I should be the one apologizing-! I was so lost in thought I didn't even know you were there- and then I got your hair and shoes all messy-"

Annora bowed deeply in apology.

"I-I am deeply sorry, sir-!"

"Annora, there's no need to bow- please stand up,"

Diluc spoke softly, trying to calm the frantic girl down.

Annora immediately stood straight again, quickly shoving her messy red bangs out of her eyes. She met Dilucs gaze for a second, and then panicked all over again. She swiftly looked downs nervously stared down at her feet. Her fingers began fidgeting with the skirt of her dress.

Diluc spoke as coolly as ever.

"Right then, back to my original intention. When I was taking a stroll by, I noticed the light was still lit in the bar. I had assumed someone had broken in, so you can guess how surprised I was to find you working after hours. Why are you here?"

Annora pursed her lips.

"A-ah- well- I called out quite suddenly earlier today to handle some...personal business. So, since I have the keys, I thought I minus well contribute some today-"

The siren had taken an enormous amount of her time and energy. Leaving her unable to attend a lot of her usual shifts. She felt horribly guilty over it since her having the job at all was such a gift. It was uncommon for people to trust and hire a refugee from Khaenri'ah.

She looked up at Diluc, noting the concern in his eyes.

"I-I just- I don't want to slack off the job I'm so grateful for...sir,"

Diluc's eyes softened, concern stirring in his heart. He was glad she didn't take the job for granted, but this was too much.

"Taking a few extra days off after the record you have isn't slacking off, miss Annora, and although I appreciate your attitude,"

His gaze flicked to the heavy bags resting beneath Annora's eyes.

"Rest is to be appreciated as well...its very late, go home. You can take your usual shift tomorrow,"

Her eyes grew wide as she stared at her boots, shocked by his care. More often than not, people didn't bother thinking of her, and they had every right to do so. She was a Khaenri'ahn, a decadent of a cursed race...

But despite his right to, Master Diluc was so kind to her.

She smiled warmly, touched by Dilucs words and finally able to meet Dilucs gaze.

"Thank you,"

Annora nodded curtly at Diluc, bidding him farewell as she walked away.

Diluc stood silently, staring at Annora's petite form as she exited.

"A limp...when did she get that?"

He muttered worriedly.

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

The next day, just before sunset, Annora returned to the mountainside.

Annora left her stargazing gear beside the safety forest's edge, just in case. She was relatively confident about Venti's deceased status, but...she needed to be sure.

Her heart thrummed along, hastening the closer she got to the cliff's edge. She knew she wouldn't see him, it would be impossible...yet she couldn't stop herself from shaking.

Brown boots met the stoney edge of the cliff, thumping as she took her final few steps.

She sucked in a deep breath, holding the air as she leaned over.

Clawed, massive fingers shot up from the ocean below, claws outstretched and ready to capture.

"There you are~!!"

The beast greeted her joyously.

Annora shrieked.

She launched herself back, tumbling into the ground with a thud. She yelped as giant nails crashed into the floor beside her, puncturing the loose soil and scattering dirt everywhere.

She scrambled frantically to her knees and feet, dashing forward with a stumbling gait.

The massive fingers chased after her, digits curled to claim her the moment she faltered.

She jumped, just narrowly missing another skewering attempt as she flew towards the forest line. She crashed straight past the trees, smashing her face into the dirt as she fell into safety.

Annora didn't care about her new bloody nose as she scrambled up, pushing herself farther into the trees with panicky shoves.

His face rose up from below the cliff, once again resting on the edge.

The siren settled his chin on the rock, sighing dramatically.

"Darn...that was a close one too,"

He hummed.

"You know, I thought you had said you'll only come out during the day~ don't tell me you've finally decided to give up?"

A toothy grin splayed over his lips, razor-sharp teeth shining against the moonlight.

Annora's breaths were sporadic and panicked, little tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.

"I'm back for our scheduled meeting, as agreed upon, yet you look so surprised~"

Venti chuckled darkly.

"Y-you-" Annora stuttered, horror in her eyes.

Venti cooed, tilting his head to the side as he smirked.

"What's with that reaction? You look like you've seen a ghost~" 

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IM BACK. HAHAHHA. Anyways, today is just the usual angst train- also Diluc appearance???! Omg, crazy. Who knows, maybe there will be more genshin ppl appearances 💖

Hope u enjoyedddd

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[littlescaryinternetguy]

I want to be small, in the hand of someone who cares for me as much as I care about them, seeing all the signs of humanity too tiny for them to see. Traces of hot pans, the concavity where they hold a pen against their index finger. Signs of a life that I only I can cherish and share with them. An enormous and ordinary life to love.

[narrans]

The Orion's Daughter : To Lands Beyond | Chapter Seven : Forms and Family Names

**~~~~~**

Chapter Seven | Forms and Family Names

**~~~~~**

I laid back against the grass and stared up at the bright blue and seemingly endless sky. I was completely out of breath. I closed my eyes and let myself relax just for a moment. I knew Steele would have me at it again in just a moment, but I decided to enjoy this moment with every fiber of my being.

The air has turned from the burning of the warm months to those of change. Already, the leaves started to fade from green to dozens of other shades of reds, browns, and golden oranges. The promise of the cold months was on the horizon. Still, it didn’t stop the blazing sun from baking the ground, and me with it.

As I laid on the ground, I felt my muscles twitching and aching, the pain washing over me like waves in the ocean. One moment, it was a dull ache, and the next it might be a harsh pinch or throb.

Still, I would not change it for anything.

For these past few moons, Steele has been putting me under every test imaginable. If I was not learning common script and letters with Mehlein, I was training and learning with Steele. His knowledge of practically everything under the sun made him such an asset to me. I felt like I could spend a thousand years with him and still not know everything there was to know.

We started with different histories of the land and significant events in history, both from his land and my own. He taught me about some of the great wars as well as some of the natural disasters that occurred, as well as how to combat the tragedy and restore balance.

It was something he was very insistent and passionate about – balance.

He talked about how there was a give and take in this and every world beyond the stars, which really made me think about what else could be out there. The possibility of worlds like ours but so different at the same time was mind numbing, and I loved it.

Next, he taught me about strategies using games and scenarios. I knew it was to grow my mind, but this is something I struggled with quite a bit when he first introduced the topic to me. The games were simple, but recently he started to make them harder. The games consisted of certain amounts of supplies and soldiers. I had to move them from one point to another without casualties, minimal supply use, and as fast as possible.

Over time, he would throw in different scenarios and tragedies. There would be natural disasters and realistic injuries I had to learn how to deal with. Sometimes, I had to divide my forces, and other times I needed to keep everyone together. I wasn’t always successful, especially in the beginning. However, a few moons of practicing and working through the different scenarios made the games a little easier. I was able to see patterns in how Steele worked, and I used them to my advantage.

When he realized I had picked up the patterns, he changed them, sadly leaving me in defeat once again – but I wasn’t going to give up.

We had a game later in the afternoon tomorrow, but now was not the time to worry about that. Right now, I focused on breathing and relaxing my body, forcing my mind to function. I knew that Steele would not let me rest for very long, but just because my body needed a rest didn’t mean that my mind needed a break.

Mentally, I was primed and ready to charge forward in my learning.

So, as I laid there, I went over the words I knew from Steele’s language. He had been teaching me intermittently, but the list of words I knew had increased tremendously.

Viyoo-en rhonor meant are you alright. Please was vandri. Mother was naterma. Thank you was bromidian. Stop was zhanth. Apologies, or I’m sorry, was ptiedier. There were other things like counting that I had gotten very good at, but only up to nineteen. The twenties were a bit harder for me for whatever reason. I needed to practice them more. I was nowhere near as good as my momma and I could only hope to catch up to her sooner than later, but, for now, I knew what I knew and that was enough.

After a few minutes longer, I heard Steele clear his throat, which was a clear indicator that it was time to get back to work.

“Terrilyn? Do you want to continue?” asked Steele. I heaved another breath before glancing up into Steele’s violet eyes. Something about them held a not-so-subtle amusement at my exhaustion. It took effort despite my protesting muscles, but I managed to get to my feet and once again took the correct stance in front of Steele, placing my right foot back and making sure most of my weight was on it. I kept my hands up, fists clenched the way he told me and didn’t tuck my thumbs in this time.

Steele leaned forward ever so slightly, his torso looming over me a bit, as he evaluated my form. His finger approached, but I didn’t shy away. I welcomed it. He carefully prodded my back, checking to see if my stance was able to withstand a gentle push from the tip of his finger. I could tell he needed a moment, and so I held that position.

Despite hours of training and the exhaustion of my body, I felt completely sound and determined. I was not going to bend or break - not after today. Another minute of evaluating and then Steele leaned back to his sitting position as I stood on the dirt mound.

“Good,” he complemented. “Now. First position.”

I fell into first position, letting my left foot sweep back as I kicked and lashed out with a back handed fist.

“Switch.”

The simple command made me spin on my heel to face behind me in the blink of an eye.

“Good. First, then third, then nine.”

The sequence was the one that started the fifteen-stance exercise that wore me out.

I spun on my heel once more, leaning on my back left while lashing out with a back fist from my closed right hand. I then lunged forward, punching out with my right hand followed by a kick. Ninth was tricky, but I was determined to get it this time. I spun on my heel and swung my left with a roundhouse kick. This time, I managed to stick the landing, but I was far from done.

Steele continued increasing the movements by two until I was up to seventeen when, as I sprung forward for a high front kick, I lost my balance and tripped down the hill, skidding my knees against the grass.

I laid there, once again, and stared at the sky.

I took a few deep breaths of the clean, wildflower smelling air, feeling the way my heart pounded and raced. The sequences were getting harder and faster, and I was definitely feeling each and every practice session that Steele and I had together.

After hearing Steele’s thoughtful chuckle, I saw his hand lower and rest right beside me.

“Care for a hand up?” Steele asked. I could hear the thoughtful caring as well as the amusement in his aged voice, and I welcomed it. Still, I was not ready to get back to it. I let out a puff of air and let it blow away one of the strands of my auburn hair that slipped out of the ponytail I put it in away from my face.

“If I sit up, do we have to get back to it immediately?” I asked. It felt like I needed to use all of the energy I had left to call up to Steele, making sure I spoke clearly. I knew in that moment that Steele felt completely conflicted. I saw the amusement and firm hand rise to tell me no, but the softer, gentler side rose up to meet it, and won.

“Very well. You do not need to start immediately. We can talk instead,” said Steele. Satisfied, I lifted my throbbing arm and rested my hand against his. I could feel his pulse against my fingertips, and I let his warmth, not the warmth of the day, spread through me. It somehow soothed my muscles and gave me new energy.

At least, it gave me enough energy to pull myself up onto his palm and lay with my back pressed against the side of his hand. He kept his hand there for me, unwavering, as I continued to catch my breath.

I looked back up into his features after a minute, my breath and heart finally under my control once again and nodded.

“So, what do you want to talk about?” I asked. I didn’t want there to be too much silence between us - not when he had so many things he needed to teach me.

“Well,” said Steele. He pulled his lips into an inquisitive purse off to the side as if in suspicious disbelief while his brow furrowed in contemplation. From where I was, I could see every all of the different smatterings of lightening dark blond and gray in his facial hair. “You could choose the topic, or I could talk of… eh… koonyardo vi… weak points on hands and limbs if you are in a tight spot.”

I felt excitement at that second option.

“Could you talk about the pressure points please?” I asked, remembering my manners this time. The last time I asked him to talk about something, I all but demanded it, shouting ‘that one that one’ and interrupting the other options. Steele smiled warmly, but I saw the glint of mischief in his eyes.

“Say it in my tongue, and perhaps I will,” he stated. I knew he was going to tell me regardless, but it was the true effort he wanted to see out of me.

I liked that about him.

He didn’t care if I was right or perfect. He just asked that I try with as much effort as I could.

Sadly, my effort was going to be very little. Some of the words he wanted me to use were ones I just memorized, and I just knew that I was going to get the pronunciation wrong in so many ways.

“Ooofff… alright,” I said as I conjured the words from my currently muddled mind. “Sa… wait… no… um… oh, yeah. That’s it. Vandri, sabon… ke….”

Steele must’ve seen the bit of panic in my eyes and the hesitation in my stuttering words and took pity on my floundering because he simply chuckled thoughtfully, as a wise grandfather would do, before he stated the phrase in his language.

“Vandri, sabon ke’tzellel rraha snikrik tab-va f-veryon,” stated Steele, making sure to speak slowly and deliberately so that I could hear the pronunciation of each and every word.

“Vandri, sabon ke’tzellel rraha snikrik tab-va f-veryon?” I bit my lip and hoped that I had managed to do his language some kind of justice. Steele made his language sound so beautiful and effortless. Even when momma said it, she seemed so certain and was able to spit out the words with ease. She had spent more time with Steele, and I had a lot to catch up on, which is exactly what this exchange taught me.

Steele smiled and nodded.

“Very good,” he said. I felt my heart swell with joy as I saw the twinkle of pride in Steele’s violet eyes. “Do not forget to roll or flip the ‘r’ sound against your tongue and keep the ‘n’ sound softer to where you almost do not hear it.”

“I won’t forget,” I said firmly, repeating the words and rules over and over in my head and softly out loud so I committed it to memory. Steele smiled proudly again and waited patiently to see my eyes meet his before continuing.

“To do this, you need to sit on the heel of my hand to see the points I… eh… koonyardo vi… reef-fur to,” stated Steele.

“Refer?” I asked, hoping to help him just as much as he has helped me.

“Ah! Yes. Bromidian. Refer. Points I refer to,” said Steele. I nodded and hoisted myself up onto his hand and practically crawled onto the heel of his palm because my limbs were practically screaming in protest with every movement I made.

Once I made it, Steele began pointing to different fingers and explaining how to pinch and twist them to place someone into submission easily.

“You pinch the little one like this,” he said as he took his pinkie finger, curled it in toward his palm, and squeezed on the bunched, curled up finger. “Moving it like this is not normal and painful for the body. Then, bending the wrist back can bring an enemy to their knees.”

“I see,” I said.

“Good. Then, notice how your arm twists as you move,” said Steele, rotating his left arm for me to see as a demonstration. Steele continued to explain as he lowered his left arm and pointed to different spots on his arm and hand. “By grabbing the hand here and twisting along this line here, you can pry someone’s hand off of you and get them in a submissive stance.”

“So, I’m supposed to twist and push down like this?” I asked. Instantly, as I performed the motion Steele told me about, I felt a twisting pain shoot through my limb. I didn’t even twist very hard and yet knew this was a very strong power move to be used if someone tried grabbing me.

Steele continued for the next hour talking about different poses and maneuvers to use. One of them, which was really useful and simple, was anticipating someone lunging, snagging their wrist, pivoting, and then using their forward momentum and weight against them as you forced them to the ground and pinned them there.

The more he spoke, I saw that there was something in his eyes. I could not quite place the emotion. It almost looked reminiscent at times, but other moments it was sprinkled with pain and renewed knowledge.

The more Steele talked, the more I started to wonder whether or not he had explained these things before to someone else. With the ease of his explanations, I could only assume he had done this at least a few times before.

An unexpected pang hit me full on in the chest. All I could think of was all of the people Steele had told this knowledge to and how I wished that I could be learning things like this from my own father. I wondered about him for a moment.

Would my father know how to fight? Was he any good at fighting? Or was he more of a scholar. You could be one and the other, as Steele demonstrated every day from his expansive knowledge and his use of tactics and skill. Was he a smooth talker? A diplomat who could talk his way out of conflict?

As I wondered these things, another painful pang hit me and made my heart clench.

What did it matter wondering these things about him?

I would never see him.

I would never meet him.

What good did it do thinking about him and all of the things he failed to teach me when he left my momma?

I must’ve stopped paying attention just long enough for Steele to notice, because I felt his index finger reach up and brush against my shoulder tenderly.

“Terrilyn? Are you alright? Are you finished for the day?” asked Steele. I didn’t realize it, but I suddenly felt warm moisture at the corners of my eyes. Why was my vision blurry?

“Um… yeah… I mean… yes. Sorry. Or, um…. Ptiedier. I was just thinking about something. I was distracted. That was rude. I’m sorry,” I stammered, realizing only after a moment that I had thrown in an apology in his tongue. Steele, instead of accepting and continuing the lesson now that I was paying attention, unfolded and then refolded his legs to readjust his sitting position and lifted the hand that I was in so he could rest his arm against his knee.

Waves of concern seemed to emanate from him and wash over me, only giving me that compressed feeling in my chest more. My cheeks started to feel warm. Everything tingled. I wanted him to look away and continue with the lesson, but it somehow felt like everything came to a screeching halt with my mental wanderings.

After a few more moments, Steele did as I predicted and began to ask questions of his own.

“Thinking? About what?” Steele asked. That concern in his voice did not help that compressed feeling in my chest. I felt so cornered and vulnerable all at once, but it oddly didn’t make me feel helpless. It was like my momma was asking me a question – asking to know and to help rather than just for the sake of gathering information.

Somehow, someway, Steele felt my momentary hesitation or saw my internal conflict and, in his way, offered comfort. “Terrilyn, you do not have to tell me if you do not want to. Just… if I have done something to hurt or offend, I want to apologize.”

I felt my insides flip guiltily. It was not his fault, and he didn’t need to apologize. I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and turned around to face Steele.

“No, don’t apologize. It isn’t your fault. I was just… thinking,” I said. My mouth felt dry like I stuffed cotton in my cheeks, but I felt some odd urge to talk about the thoughts rattling around in my head that led me on my mental tangent. I let the warmth from Steele’s palm spread through my body to give me the reassuring boost I needed to voice what I had kept in my mind and heart for so long.

“I was just thinking about… my dad.”

There was a silence after my statement that was filled only with the gentle breeze with the smell of warm flowers mingled with it. The words seemed to sink into Steele’s mind slowly, like water through one of his water filters, when his eyes narrowed and he nodded thoughtfully.

“I understand,” he said softly, his thunderous voice rumbling deep in his chest. “You did not know him?” I shook my head, glimpsing my auburn curls that managed to slip out of my ponytail as they fell into my face.

“No. He left before I got to know him. I don’t even have his family name to go find him,” I muttered, remembering my momma explaining this to me when I asked why our family names were different.

“Family name? What is yours?” asked Steele. My cheeks felt like they were on fire. I don’t know why I felt embarrassed. Perhaps it was because I had not talked about it before with him or because it was a reminder of what I had been teased about for years of my life. I picked at the dirt under my nails for a moment before responding.

“Lun. It’s Terrilyn Lun, and my momma is Raina Toro,” I replied. “Lun comes from the time of day I was born, since it was at night, and because my father… didn’t give me his name.” Steele nodded slowly. I felt his hands trembling just beneath me. Was it because of age? Or was it from frustration and emotion?

One glance up into his violet eyes told me it was because of his emotions. He was obviously upset for me but was doing what he could to conceal and control his emotions as to not upset me.

He is so thoughtful that way.

“Ptiedier, Terrilyn. I did not know…”

“No, it’s okay. It’s just how things are,” I said, forcing a bit of a smile onto my face as I gazed up at Steele’s concerned features, his expression wrinkling his crow’s feet by his eyes and furrowing his brow. “It’s just… I wish I knew more about him. I wish he taught me things the way you’re teaching me. I… don’t ask momma about him because I know it will upset her, but it doesn’t stop me from being curious and wanting to know.”

Steele readjusted his sitting position, being careful as I sat there on his palm, before a melancholy, curious expression filled his face.

“What did you want to know?” asked the older Orion. I squirmed a little as I sat there, thinking about everything I wanted to ask my dad.

“You know… just… anything,” I replied. “Like, asking him about what it was like growing up and what kind of plants are good and bad to eat. I’d know if he was a scholar like one of those educated types or if he was stronger and could take a punch. Just… a little bit of everything. That’s why I love spending time with you. You teach me so much. You taught me about your language, and you tell me stories. You’re teaching me to fight and to think. You care about me, like how momma cares about me.”

There.

I said it out loud.

I managed to get out some of those wretched words that had been rattling around in my head for as long as I could remember. In a weird way, I felt a weight lift from my chest. It felt like the compression ended just a little, but it was still there. Just because I voiced something didn’t mean it would make the feeling go away. I should have known that it wouldn’t leave me, even though I wished it would.

“I am sorry to hear this,” apologized Steele. His left index finger came up and brushed my back gently, which made me smile. “Can I do anything to help?” I thought about it for a long moment, thinking about everything Steele had already done for me. Was there anything more that he could do that he wasn’t already.

I ended up shaking my head.

“No, I just…” I looked into his violet eyes and felt that weight lift just a little bit more. If I was behind honest with myself, more time spent with him seemed to lessen the burden in my heart. I had no real words how to describe what was going on. I felt confused, but also determined. Steele had done so much for me and continued to do so much every single day.

Instead of trying to verbalize all of my thoughts, I decided on something different that would mean just as much to him.

I wiggled my legs out from under me and laid down on Steele’s palm, spreading my arms as far apart as I could in an effort to hug his entire hand before muttering a single word.

“Bromidian.”

Steele’s smile was so genuine – so warm – and I knew that he cared for me as if I were his own. His fingers curled lightly over me as he nodded.

“Youl-heiris,” he smiled. I closed my eyes and, though the day was still burning warm, I let myself lay against his hand. At some point, he readjusted to lay on his back and laid me against his chest. I stayed curled up against his chest, listening to the sound of his deep, rumbling breath and the gentle thumping of his heart pulsing beneath me.

At some point, the both of us drifted off, Steele’s calloused hand laid gently over me like a tent. The last thing I remembered was gently grasping at the vast canvas of cloth that made his shirt. When we woke, Steele decided we had worked enough for the day and that, the next day, he would teach me about swords and knives.

“You are doing well in your stances and switches. We will start with sticks, but it is important to know these other skills,” said Steele.

Once again, I felt invigorated and determined to learn everything I could from Steele. What was more exciting was that I was about to learn about weapons – something that only boys got to study and learn about. Excited beyond words, I made sure to stretch and eat well at dinner to be ready for the next day.

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Continue

Previous

Beginning

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Book One: The Orion’s Factotum

[xxnuclearrainbowxx]

Nuclear monster and metal and rock loving gurl (they love each other X3)

[chattier80]

Looming over her

Commissions | Kofi | Patreon | Discord | DA | Twitter

[hideawayfairy]

Eclipsa and Fizzarolli are aspirations.

[call-me-reynolds]

In the meantime, I drew that with My Boyfriend

Based on true events since he randomly licks me HHHHHHHHHHHHH

[tripleglitchwriting]

Ignition (Part 2)

GN human reader, Ratchet-centric

CW: Graphic injury, getting burned by water, unintentional fearplay, mild language, a solid block of angst, referring to a person as “it” (unintentionally)

You’d made pretty good time all things considered. The lightheadedness and constant nausea were a mere annoyance now. You were going to find where that noise came from and you were going to get help and you were going to survive this. At least, that’s what you told yourself.

Trying to get places with a broken leg and a dwindling supply of adrenaline was not your best idea. To be fair, neither was agreeing to go on a hike alone in an unfamiliar forest. For hours you clawed your way through the leaf padded forest floor (thank god for autumn), but as the sun began to set a familiar sense of dread crept into your psyche.

You could die here.

Keyword: Could. You’re too stubborn to sit in place and wait for a rescue or call for help in dense, unpopulated woods. Bursts of perseverance refused to let you lay down. Not long after your thirteenth short spout of energy, you began to regret your bullheaded pursuit. Not because you were tired or losing hope, but because you may have just found what you were looking for. And it was fucking huge. At least that’s what you could tell from the earth splitting footsteps and overarching shadow beginning to cast itself over you.

The thing towered above your already crumpled body. It didn’t even seem to notice you at first… until you involuntarily screamed very, very loudly. Then it looked directly at you. Shit.

Bright blue lights beamed down at you like the sun through a stained glass window. Not like a beautiful sunset, of course not, it was like the kind of light that blinded you and only you when you went to sit down. Its eyes alone pinned you in place, but once you regained your vision its face came into view. A realization came to mind, it was decidedly not a giant. That would be too easy. It was a giant ROBOT. Because normal mystical creatures were apparently too last century so you were stuck with this. And all that adrenaline you had so badly needed earlier came flooding back.

First, you screamed again. Then, in your frenzy, you tired to run away, immediately remembering why you hadn’t done so before. You kept trying though, and you kept failing. Its hand, which was bigger than your entire body, began to descend down on you. Before it could get halfway though, a very helpful bought of more screaming and one-legged kicking seemed to deter it. Good news! You weren’t dead. Bad news! It was making awful metal grinding noises now.

You could feel your heart pick up in speed and your breathing quicken to dangerous levels. Attempting to back away again you noticed its face scrunch up into a weird shape which was not what you expected for something made out of metal.

Inside you something snapped when it reached out again. Some primal fear ignited by pain and panic. More screaming lurched its way out of you, this time with an animalistic undertone you didn’t even know was possible. You tried to claw and fight against its fingers as they eased their way under your back, but they were too strong. Or you were too weak. Either way, the thing was lifting you up, images of kids with dolls flashed in your mind as you got closer to its face. You felt scrutinized, but it didn’t last long as another hand was placed on top of the one you laid on, sealing your fate in darkness.

Well, at least if you survive you’ll have one hell of a story to tell. Unfortunately that didn’t seem very likely, because you felt gravity abandon you as the thing walked away.

——————————

Ratchet felt horrible about the way it struggled and cried, but there wasn’t much he could do for comfort. He just needed to get back to the pod, maybe he could find some sort of anti-bacterial spray or something to seal the wounds, maybe a splint for that limb. Pit, he’d even just take some fresh water to clean it up.

Thing is he didn’t know much about treating organics, especially not ones he was unfamiliar with. In this case “unfamiliar” was putting it lightly. Eventually he stumbled back upon the pod, immediately looking around for something to help. There didn’t seem to be anything of much use, not if these things couldn’t withstand intense welding, and he highly doubted they could.

Quickly he looked back at his scans. There was some sort of water source nearby, if he could purify it maybe he could at least wash out its injuries. With no other option he strode off toward a small creek. He took a medical blowtorch with him to kill off any harmful bacteria that might be in the water.

Once there he got to work. Well, he would have if he had the hands for it. Very carefully he set the thing down on the ground, creating a quick storage container out of scrap from the ship and his blowtorch. Soon after the water was boiling, and he was ready.

The thing, in fact, was not ready. As evident by the painted screams it let out when he tried to wash out the wounds. He would just ignore this as more struggling, but its skin turned a shade of pink where the water had touched it.

Of course, the heat! This thing didn’t have the metal to protect its squishy body, he was burning it! Luckily he hadn’t done much, only a drop of the water really. Ratchet got to cooling the liquid off immediately, but when he went back to check on the thing its little optics were closed and it wasn’t moving. Frag, frag, frag. He did a scan of its body- and to his intense relief it was only unconscious. He had a lot to learn about this species, but for now he’d have to focus on making sure this one didn’t offline.

Some time later it looked a bit better- at least with all that grime off. He didn’t remove the coverings it wore, for all he knew that could offline it. Though, he did scan the things skeletal structure. It was… strange, and honestly quite impractical. Its denta showed it was most likely an omnivore, which would be helpful in getting it refueled later. The back molars were flat yet it still had sharp incisors, Wheeljack would be enamored. But Wheeljack wasn’t here, he remembered, and neither was anyone else he had ever known.

His spark dropped, but was subsequently interrupted by the things stirring. Its optics opened in a dazed confusion, at least that’s what he assumed anyway. Scrap, he hadn’t had the time to make a splint! When it fully woke up it seemed awfully aware of that fact, again attempting to move away but falling back all the same. He realized words weren’t going to help, so maybe actions would.

Ratchet knelt down lower to make himself look smaller- a behavior he’d observed in other wild creatures. He was a bit disappointed by the lack of a positive reaction but soon caught it glancing at his servos. It must not want to be grabbed again, and he couldn’t blame the thing for it. He only raised his servos up slowly with open palms, and placed them behind his back. This seemed to get a reaction, as it stopped trying to back away. Instead it tilted its helm and finally tore its optics off him.

It looked down at itself, noticing the lack of dirt and red energon. If its expressions were to be compared to that of a cybertronian, he’d say its face softened. It looked up at him again, still very hesitant but progress had been made. And right now, progress was all he could ask for.

[artbyace]

if i see another tiktok dissing on fem/genderfluid sirius again IMMA SCREA M

[showrunnerihardlyknowher]

been drawing a lot of g/t fluff lately so i needed to beat the shit out of a cop

[shirubiaowo]

Me posting all of my newest art before I forget and speed run my final presentation

[beuhakkaka]

Haven't drawn Venti and Anor content in a while, so take Venti being a bully™

[littlescaryinternetguy]

They pat the pillow next to them and give you a Look: bedroom eyes and hungry eyes and doe eyes. "I need a kiss, hon," they say. So you close your book and walk down the stairs and out the front door of the home the two of you built for you on their bedside table. You cross the bridge the two of you built from the table to the bed. You climb over hills of crumpled blanket, scale the soft sides of pillows, all to reach the summit... to see them asleep. You watch them, their face so still, for moments. And then you see the corner of their mouth twitch and one eye crack just barely open and you hear a giggle and you're swept up in a warm soft hand. "I had to rest up for that kiss, babe," they say, and then their kiss is the only thing you can see or hear.

[narrans]

A Tall and Small Collection | S2.22 | Afraid to catch Feels

Music was playing on the kitchen counter. It was twilight. The sun was descending over the horizon and the sunset was an ombre of blues and amaranth and gold. Not a cloud was in the sky. The light danced against the windows from neighboring buildings, creating a light show in the living room.

Ashlynn was standing at the kitchen sink. Her hips swayed back and forth to the music, a sassy tune with a beat that was present but not heavy. The words were there, but it was hard to make them out. Her hum harmonized with the tune, but she was off from time to time, sounding dissonant. Not that it mattered.

Soren watched Ashlynn sway from side to side. He leaned against the counter but looked down after a moment to realize that he wasn’t leaning against the backsplash. He was leaning against the actual counter. He wasn’t his proud four and a half inches. He was tall, just barely taller than Ashlynn. She was wearing her pink polka dot shorts and a sweet little black t-shift with a few holes here and there on the sleeves.

Soren, on the other hand, was wearing his normal attire, but it looked nicer and not so patchwork, with brown pants and a forest green shirt. For whatever reason, this didn’t feel odd or out of place. It was just like this was how things were always meant to be between them.

The song changed to one they both knew, but couldn’t name if they had to bet on it. Ashlynn continued bopping to the music as she glanced over her shoulder and admired the view. She smiled and winked, knowing it would make him blush – and it did. Soren watched, arms folded, and admired the life she chose to live.

What a good life they had together…

Soren thought about the trials they had been though. Ashlynn remembered the fear and heartache. They remembered the nights of movies and music, rough housing and teasing. They had their family, and that was all they really needed.

Suddenly overcome with emotion, Soren stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Ashlynn’s waist and leaned back, pulling her with him. It was a subtle tug, but it was enough to get her attention. She smiled tenderly and leaned back into him while they continued to sway to the music.

Ashlynn turned her head to the side, admiring the way his hair fell by his hazel eyes which she found so much reassurance in. He had such strength, such dedication – such love. Ashlynn pressed her forehead against his cheek, dangerously close to his lips. Ashlynn knew what she was doing, and Soren knew it too. He leaned forward just as she pulled away, teasing him.

“Gotta try harder than that,” she smiled.

“Oh, that’s how it’s going to be?” asked Soren, pulling her away from the sink, pressing his hands against her hips in hopes to spin her to face him. Ashlynn was too fast. She stepped to the side and spun into him instead, keeping her back to him to block him out. She giggled as a shiver ran up her spine from the warmth of his touch. She looked into his hazel eyes, those liquid gold orbs of his that gave her so much happiness and joy.

At the same time, he lost himself in her blue-grey eyes that looked like a distant storm that would just barely pass by. Skin charged like a million fireworks were surging in his body, something had to give. How much more could they take?

How could he not know?

How long had she felt this way?

The moment – the life between them – felt so fragile like a glass orb that could shatter with the smallest movement.

Still, it couldn’t be helped.

She turned around and leaned into him, pressing her front against his. His fingertips traced he edges of her arms.

Their lips met, fitting perfectly as though one was made for the other.

It was like finding that piece of yourself that you didn’t know was missing.

They pulled away after countless moments of being entwined in one another’s arms.

“Don’t leave” whispered Soren.

“Never again,” breathed Ashlynn. He leaned forward just as she did to kiss again…

And then it was gone.

Soren woke in his bed with a jolt that he wasn’t expecting. He was sleeping on his side, reaching for something – someone – he could never have. The feel of Ashlynn’s lips against his was still in the forefront of his mind. The warmth of her touch lingered on his arms as if it actually happened.

Why?

Why her?

After hanging out with Bay, Soren thought these thoughts – those feelings – would have changed.

They hadn’t.

Why was it that when Ashlynn smiled, the day’s troubles melted away? Why were her stormy eyes the things that reassured him? Why was it her courage and strength that kept him going? It was the desire to see her that helped keep him going after everything that happened

Was it fate that brought them together again? Was it chance? What would Ashlynn say if she knew he was having these thoughts?

She seemed friendlier recently, and they had some moments of connection that seemed unreal. Was she feeling the same way? How could she? She was human. How would they go about being together?

And if he said something… it couldn’t be taken back…

Were these feelings real? He thought so. Or was he just grateful to her? Did he feel indebted to her? The answer was yes, but was that connected to his feelings?

He didn’t know.

There was something else that he didn’t know.

He wasn’t the only one who dreamed.

In the room just below him, Ashlynn woke with a start.

The dream felt so real.

She was dancing with Soren in the kitchen – his kitchen.

His clothes were the same, but hers were different. She was dressed like him – a Borrower. Patchwork shirt and skirt with a button on the side that was as big as her forearm.

His touch was so warm.

His kiss was so tender.

Ashlynn felt tears roll down the sides of her eyes.

Could she go on like this? Having him so near? Never saying what she really wanted?

For now, she needed to get ready for work, but stayed in bed for just a moment longer, to savor the memory of Soren’s kiss.

~~~~~^*^*^*^*^~~~~~

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A Tall and Small Collection 

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