#well. shes definitely also locking them up. it IS midnight

[cosmicseaslugs]

Thirteen with a support item switch-up. Ghostbusters gun.

who ya gonna call?

[lollixp0p]

The Video (18+)

Pairing: Best friend!Hwang Hyunjin x afab!reader

Genre: Smut (MDNI), bit of feelings

Word count: just under 3k!

Warnings: Idol!au, subby!Hyunjin, slightly perv!reader, recording, (maybe a bit dub con because he doesn't mean to send it but reader watches it anyway), mommy kink, masturbation (both but separately), Hyunjin fantasizes about reader, reader fantasizes about Hyunjin, lmk if I missed anything!!

Summary: Hyunjin finally gets some alone time after weeks of hard work and decides to use his time to... relax. The next day he ends up sending you something on accident that sets off a big change in your lives, with or without either of you really realising.

Note: My first ever fic!! :3 Inspired by a video I saw on phub. (@cbini (Ems isn't on Tumblr rn she still wanted to be tagged so I hope it's ok), @comet-falls, @hyunsvngs, @mnwrld and @skz-hell lmao hello everyone, writing blog reveal!!😁 here's this fic I've mention to all of you as an anon<3 (depending on who you are I'm either ❄️anon, 🐾anon or sounding anon😳)). To anyone reading this please give me literally any feedback (comment, reblog, anything!), I want to know if this is good or not since it's my first fic🙏😣

Please do not under any circumstance copy, translate, or repost my works!

It's been exactly three weeks since Hyunjin's had any time for just himself, though it feels like months at this point.

Recently everyone's been running around like headless chickens and between vocal trainings, dance practices and the studio, there hasn't been much time to just relax and recharge. Preparing for a new album really is the busiest time of an idols life.

There hasn't even been time to see family or friends, which is common during busy spells like this, but always dissapointing to think about. Now even more so, with how much he's been wishing to spend time with you, one of his closest friends... who also happens to be his crush. Not that he'd ever let you know though, not in a very long time.

It feels almost like a blessing, getting back to the dorms from practice late in the evening and realising... he's got the place all for himself, at least until his roommates get back from the studio.

Changbin had messaged him earlier, telling him that they'd probably be there well past midnight, so there was no use waiting up for them. To him though, this was the very opposite of an issue. With that much free time, he'd definitely be able to... make himself comfortable, so to speak.

See, not having time to relax also means he'd basically had no time to get off. The best he'd been able to do had been quick little sessions barely once a week in the shower right before passing out on his bed from the exhaustion of working hard.

The realisation that he'd be able to do anything he wants during his time alone is enough to get his dick twitching in his jeans and he decides the shower can wait until later.

Hyunjin goes to his room and locks the door after himself even though he's alone, it's just become a habit after so many years living with his members. He sets his bag down next to his bed and thinks through his plan.

Hyunjin has a little secret, which is that he loves recording himself do dirty things that range from more vanilla to much less vanilla. Something about the thrill of being recorded even if no one will ever see it just... makes him so fucking horny.

He opens the camera of his phone, puts it to video mode and presses record. Moving his hand off the lense and setting it down where he normally sets it, on the carefully placed pile of books on his desk, he sits down on his bed.

"Hmm... I hope the angle's good... It's been so long since I've had time for this", Hyunjin sighs with a pout and brushes his hair out of his eyes. He knows the camera won't see it though because he's made sure the stand, his pile of books, is at a level that cuts off his head perfectly.

Hyunjins hands run down his body slowly and he exhales deeply, just loud enough to get picked up by his phone. Once they reach his jeans he unbuttons them, unzips the zipper, then pulls the jeans down just enough to expose his underwear. Hyunjin pulls his shirt up over his stomach to be held in place under his chin, rubs his hand over his bulge and hums.

It's been so long since the last time he's been able to take his time making himself feel good. It's almost embarrassing how quickly he's getting hard.

He takes his dick out his boxers and then spits on the palm of his right hand. It's dirty and wet but it just turns him on even more. He grabs his dick with the hand and slowly moves his fist up and down, to spread the saliva and precum all over his dick to make the slide easier and wetter but to also get himself to full hardness.

"A-ah, ohh... that's so good... Feels-fuck, feels so good", Hyunjin sighs. It really won't take him too long to cum, he just knows it. He's been pent up for far too long.

He tries to think of something to help his issue and immediately thinks of you, no matter how embarrassed or dirty it makes him feel.

When you first started showing up in the dirtiest corners of his mind he felt so ashamed. Now it doesn't matter to him anymore. You'll never find out so why feel bad?

He continues to move his hand on his dick while thinking of you. The last time the two of you had time to hang out together you'd worn the lowest cut shirt he'd ever seen on you. He had tried so hard to act normal around you but whenever you bent down he'd been able to see into your shirt.

"Haah, fuck..." , he squeezes himself a little harder at the memory. Everytime you moved he could see your bra poking out from the top, black and lacy. The entire time he'd been doing his best to not bust in his pants. Oh, what he'd give to be able to see your tits. They always looked so soft and they'd probably fit perfectly into his palms.

Whenever the both of you would hang out at yours, watching movies and just hanging out, you never bothered to wear a bra. Why would you? It is your house where you want to be as comfortable as possible.

The feeling of laying down on your couch watching a movie with you on top of him, in just a t-shirt, will end up driving him mad one day. Everytime he'd felt your nipples poking into him he'd almost moaned out loud.

"Hngh... Oh my god, please... m-mommy!", he lets out pathetically, moving his fist faster. God he just wants you to use him, to do anything you want to him. The thought makes him whine desperately.

One of the most common fantasies for him is you on top of him using him to get off, not caring about if he's close or not. You'd sit on his face and ride it until you cum. He could probably cum untouched like that. All he'd need was tasting you and seeing you cum, just for him.

All the sudden he remembers the phone recording him and he shudders. He imagines what your reaction would be to seeing him like this. Would you be disgusted or delighted? Would you tell him what to do and how to touch himself? Maybe you'd touch him... He hopes you would.

"Mommy... please touch me, aah- oh!", he runs his thumb over the head of his cock just right and his thighs twitch but he keeps them open, in perfect view to the camera.

Throwing his head back he imagines you riding him. You'd be so tight and wet around him. Maybe you'd tie his hands behind his back so he wouldn't be able to touch you... he'd really like that. You'd feel godly around him, Hyunjin thinks.

"Fuck, oh fuck! Mommy I'm-haah, I'm so close, please!", his dick twitches desperately. You're so gorgeous, to him you're the sexiest person he's ever seen. He feels himself getting so close that tears spring to his eyes.

"Ah- 'm gonna... mommy, gonna cum...!", he whines out long and loud. It takes Hyunjin two more strokes to let go and he cums the hardest he's cum in weeks. He doesn't even register whispering your name. Hyunjin leans back on his left hand and keeps stroking himself through it.

The feeling is overwhelming, so much so that his thighs start twitching pathetically and the tears in the corners of his eyes fall. He's getting incredibly overstimulated but he keeps going, wanting to keep enjoying the feeling, just a bit more.

He squeezes himself one last time and suddenly everything on him feels gross and dirty. He's just had the best orgasm in weeks so it's no surprise that he came a lot, everywhere. He even managed to get some on his chin.

"Fuuck... Did you-haah... did you enjoy that?", he chuckles to the phone. It takes a while for him to come down from the high, the twitchiness and the feeling of euphoria lingering in his body. Once he's capable of standing up again he stops the video.

With his body feeling like jelly, he takes off all his clothes, drops them into his hamper and prepares to shower, at last.

Hyunjin wakes up to his alarm the next day feeling more refreshed than he's felt in weeks. He shuts off the still ringing alarm and quickly gets up from his bed to get dressed and go eat breakfast.

Checking the calendar on his phone to make sure he knows his schedule for today, he makes a note of one thing; he'd have a lot of time alone at the dorms today too, since he's only got a dance practice and a recording session today, which obviously means 3racha will stay behind to stress about their songs while Hyunjin can return early. Maybe this time he should continue the latest piece of art he's been working on after he gets back?

Hyunjin gets through the day well enough.

After eating breakfast he messages you a "Good morning pretty <3 please remember to drink water!" like every morning when he has time for it. He gets to the practice room only five minutes late, which is a record this early in the morning, because usually he ends up sleeping in at least ten minutes (which makes Chan scold him for being such a heavy sleeper).

He does well at practice, even though he ends up a little exhausted. That's nothing new though, with how hard they always work to be the best they can be.

The rest of the members leave to take a break but Hyunjin decides to stay behind to film the solo choreography he's been working on for fun. Once he's happy with how it's turned out, it's time for him to go record his lines.

The recording session goes smoothly, without hundreds of retakes and everyone's satisfied with the result. Afterwards they decide to order some take-out, as a reward for a job well done... and also because they're all feeling too lazy to even think about going to the dorms to cook.

While eating Hyunjin finally realises to check his phone again. "Good morning, take care of yourself too!! :)" is your response to what he sent earlier. It's nothing more than a kind response but it makes him grin to himself like the fool in love he is.

"Yaaah!! Hyunjinnieee, what's making you smile so beautifully?", Changbin leans towards him with his signature flirting-with-Hyunjin grin, mouth half full of rice.

"It's nothing," Hyunjin responds back to him cheeks red, "and don't talk with your mouth full hyung... Do you not have any respect?"

Changbin decides to drop it in favor of eating more delicious food.

"Oh come on... we wanna know!!", Han pouts at him from his seat on the couch in the room. Hyunjin shoves another mouthful of food in his mouth to avoid the embarrassement of explaining how a single text messaged from you manages to make his heart beat out of his chest.

Once Hyunjin's done eating he's free to go back to the dorms and just like he suspected the rest of his dormmates stay behind to work some more, although they all whine at him to stay to explain the previous mystery. He declines and they all keep their sad puppydog eyes on him until he's out the door.

He keeps texting you during his ride, all the way to the dorms. Once he's in his room Hyunjin decides to just change into some clean clothes. He's too excited to talk to you and get to painting, he can wash up later.

He lays in his bed to keep texting you and at some point your conversation changes from how your day's been going to talking about dancing and he mentions how he just today filmed a new choreography bit he's made for fun.

❣️:

Can I see what you've been working on? :)

I'm sure it's really good, you always are!!

Jinnie:

Well... since you asked so nicely😉

[video sent]

Quickly sending the video Hyunjin exits out the messaging app, feeling so giddy he can't help but squirm around on his bed. He still can't believe someone like you could be interested in seeing him dance.

It might seem like a small thing for most but he feels himself turning red just thinking about the way you look at him while he talks about something so important to him. It makes the butterflies in his stomach every time you're near go crazy. It's so attentive, like you actually care and are interested in his interests... and maybe even...?

'No' , he thinks to himself. There's probably no way you could ever actually be interested in him, not in the same way he's interested in you at least.

He leaves his phone charging and finally gets out of bed to go to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. He'd need it if he wanted to stay up late to work on his newest art piece.

Hearing the familiar 'ping' notification of receiving a message makes you open your phone again and just like you thought, Hyunjin had sent you the video of his latest masterpiece of a choreography. Not waiting a second you press the video just to see.... Hyunjin take his hand off the camera and set the phone down on the desk in his room he draws on. He sits down on the edge of his bed and says something, you aren't really sure what, because the volume's too low. In confusion you turn it up more.

Hyunjin sighs and reaches up to move his hair out his face, probably. You can't see it though, because the camera cuts his face perfectly off frame. Suddenly his hands run down his body to the button on his jeans. He opens it and starts undoing the zipper next. You just look at the video in shock. 'He isn't about to... to take them off is he?', you think to yourself, just as he pulls the jeans down enough to expose his white boxers and then palms his bulge.

Should you stop watching? Keep watching? How long has it even been playing? How long does it keep playing? While you wonder this you almost miss Hyunjin pull his hard dick out of his underwear and spit on his palm and... Oh God...

You've now done something you can never take back. The downright sinful view of his cock is something you don't think you're ever going to be able to forget. How do you even face him after this? After watching him grasp his dick in his hand and pump it a couple of times to spread the spit and precum around.

You exit the video, panting and absolutely soaking through your underwear. Your other hand rushes to your face to feel your cheeks. They're burning and feel like you've been standing out in the sun for hours, when in reality all you've done is accidentally watch your best friend play with himself.

You struggle to decide what to do with the video and in the end save the video without much thinking, then delete the message of it and decide to notify him of his mistake. As long as he doesn't know you saved it, it should be fine, right?

It takes Hyunjin less than 10 minutes to make and get the coffee. He returns to his room humming the tune of a song he's had on repeat recently. Setting the coffee down on the desk and taking his phone off from the charger he notices new messages from you.

❣️:

Uhm...😕

Hyunjin, I don't think you meant to send that.

He looks at his screen confused. What did you mean by that? He...

Oh God.

Did he send the wrong video?

Frantically opening the video he sent earlier he sees himself, in video, move his hand off the phone camera and set it down the desk near his bed and sit down. Oh no...

"Hmm... I hope the angle's good... It's been so long since I've had time for this", video Hyunjin sighs and reaches up to move his hair from his eyes. His head may be out of frame but he clearly remembers pouting while saying this. He watches himself slowly unbutton and unzip his pants, adjusting them so that his boxers are clearly visible in frame. In the video his hand drifts towards his crotch slowly, teasingly.

He quickly exits the video and promptly shoves his head under his pillow and yells. He'd accidentally sent the wrong video while hurrying to get a cup of coffee. How could he have messed up this bad? In his panic, it takes him a moment to respond.

Jinnie:

Oh god

I'm so sorry!!

Please don't watch that!

❣️:

Don't worry!!!

I stopped watching the moment you started unzipping your pants😖

I saw nothing, promise!🙏 It's been deleted already!! 

Little does he know though, you'd kept the video. You're not really sure why, but subconciously your brain keeps screaming' to finish it later, of course'.

...

Fuck it, you don't think you can wait until later.

Taking a deep breath, you open your gallery to find the video he sent you. You hesitate for a second but press play anyway. You can feel how you're already soaking through your underwear but pay no mind to it yet.

You watch him do the things you've seen already, all the way until he spits in his hand... and you pause the video. 'Is it right to watch this? I mean, he didn't mean to even send it...', you think to yourself.

But the thought of seeing him touch himself, to hear him make the sweetest noises you could ever in your wildest dreams imagine him making drives you on.

Pressing play again you dip your fingers into your pants. You rub yourself over your underwear and oh my god... you can't believe the wetness you feel after less than a minute of watching the video. You focus on the phone you're holding in your other hand and finally move your fingers into your underwear to directly touch your pussy.

On your screen you see Hyunjin start to stroke himself faster, the head of his dick a dark pink, you can feel his desperation through the screen. Without thinking you move your fingers to your clit and start rubbing it in circles, aided by the wetness of your leaking pussy.

He moans out loud and even though you can't hear it through the fog in your head, you know he's desperate. You move your fingers down to your hole and dip two of them in. You're so wet you barely need to even stretch yourself out and then he does it.

"Hngh... Oh my god, please... m-mommy!"

You push your fingers deeper and your pussy lets out he lewdest squelch which in turn makes you close your eyes desperately in pleasure. 'Mommy? When he masturbates he calls out for mommy??', the thought makes you lose your mind. You think about what it would be like if he called you mommy in the throes of pleasure.

You want to make him follow every command you give him. The way he'd look up at you on his knees with you standing above him. Maybe you could make him suck on a strap? He'd look so ridiculously delicious with his mouth full, drool dripping down his cheeks.

You add another finger and start rubbing at your clit with your thumb at the same time. The feeling makes you whimper and imagine his hands on you, teaching him how to touch you perfectly. You're getting so close and you remember to focus your screen again.

Hyunjin looks absolutely disheveled. His dick is red and throbbing, you can tell he's getting close. His voice is another thing that gives him away. He's whiny and his voice keeps cracking every time he opens his mouth. Hyunjin bucks into his hand and moans.

"... mommy, gonna cum...!", he strokes himself twice more and then finally cums. You're so close it's maddening. All the sudden you hear him... whisper your name?

It makes you go off the edge and your entire body clenches and seizes while you silently cry out from all the pleasure you're feeling. Your walls suck in your fingers with how you're clenching around them. On the screen Hyunjin twitches violently, working himself through the end of his orgasm.

You pull your fingers out of yourself and slump down on your bed exhausted, but the last 20 seconds of the video that's now over haunts you. Did you hear him right?

You gather strength to pick up your phone again and rewind the video to the part where he cums and turn the volume almost all the way up. Admittedly you end up fixating on the way his dick looks and face twists in pleasure when he cums and then he says, or more like whisper your name. Your brain blanks.

"Fuuck... Did you-haah... did you enjoy that?", he chuckles to the phone, sits in place for a bit to properly come down and then gets up to stop the video.

You're wet, confused and you can feel your heart beat out of your chest. What do you do now? How can you ever face him normally after that... Does he feel the same way you do? Is he sure he didn't mean to send it?

It's all too much to think about, so you decide that instead of thinking about it you'll clean yourself up and... crawl into a hole where no one will ever find you. Probably. The only thing you know for sure is you definitely won't be sleeping tonight.

© lollixp0p 2024 | please do not under any circumstance copy, translate, or repost my works

[cloudninetonine]

The Player and the Dollmaker

A/N: Hey guys! I'm sorry I haven't been as active for the past few months! Life and just general stuff got into the way, plus I've been feel extra anti-social :') But I'm gonna try and get back into the swing of things!!!

This story is based on my friend @next-hero-in-line's awesome new oc, the Dollmaker and by @batrogers's amazing fanfic based on said oc!! The Dollmaker for anyone who wishes to read it!

Warnings: Bad language (as usual to Player), blood/gore, temporary character death, reversed character death, hinted at a slighter darker Hyrule(?), also probably a lot of spelling mistakes I've been struggling with sleep lately piuhgfpiuf

Hyrule’s timeline was…something.

You were expecting it, truth be told, playing the very first Legend of Zelda game came with not only a huge reality check but the rude residents of the traveller’s Hyrule that had you close to tossing your device from the frustration of their snide remarks and coldness. With the troubles that brewed in the depths of the land, you couldn’t really blame the population- but there was no need to be snarled at for simply asking for directions.

“Mark my fucking words,” You growled, tugging at the material of your hood as you wondered through the village, monologuing to yourself like some crazed villain. “Mark them, goddesses, because trust if one of these nasty arse villagers sasses me again it’ll be between them and you.”

Yeah, you were not happy. Having to deal with the terrible crowds all day, your levels of cranky raised to the max and you were not about to deal with another one of these terrible people- even all the children were damn brats!!!

And to top it all off, it was raining, just perfect.

Huffing, you turned another corner, boots squelching against the mud of the (once) dirt path as you made your way back to the village outskirts, the camp resting deep within the crooked woodland that bordered the homes. You could catch the silhouettes of cloaked figures just by the bushes, speeding up your pace the slightest bit with your face relaxing from your raged scowl to a relieved smile.

Splitting up was not something you were fond of, especially in Hyrule’s land but with his flaming reputation with the locals that only further engulfed that of the Chain’s when they had first been seen in public with him would have been worse than just being seen as a weary traveller looking for some food and shelter. The stories of him being chased out of towns, to having rocks tossed his way and worse- you wanted to slam your fist into the nose of the first (definitely not) innocent bystander.

How could they treat their hero like this? Expendable? Like dirt beneath their boots? God, you hated it.

But, unfortunately, there wasn’t quite much you could do, was there?

You raised your hand, a yell at the tip of your tongue as you got closer to the cloaked heroes only for a sudden body to walk ahead of you, walking out from between the homes and right into your path- your yelp their only indication of their mistake as you bumped right into their side and had them near tumbling to the floor.

You were lucky this adventure had gifted you with faster reflexes.

“I’m sorry!” Your hand quickly grabbed their wrist, tugging them back up to a standing position before they could collapse into the mud. “I’m really sorry- are you okay?”

You caught bright blue eyes before anything else- well, eye, the other covered by her lucious, midnight purple locks- her hood did well to hide her features but that you could make out. Not many in Hyrule had quite striking attributes as she did and your mind rolled the many franchise characters in your mind in a curious search to see if she was familiar-

But no, you didn’t recognise her.

The woman blinked, studying you for the moment but her pretty pink lips stretched into a smile.

One you didn’t like.

“Hello.” She grinned with teeth as she once again looked you up and down. “I’ve been looking for you.”

You wretched your hand back like her skin was hot metal, keeping it protectively against your chest as you went to take a step back. “Pardon?”

“You were looking for health items in town.” She clarified, still smiling and still very disturbing before your eyes. “I have just the thing.”

Please don’t invite me back to your home. Please don’t invite me back to your home. Please don’t invite me back to your home- “Oh? And- uh, what’s that?”

Your heart skipped in relief when she dug into the back hanging from her shoulder, plump with her own items and quite loud as she rummaged through until she made a small sound of victory and then proceeded to produce a…a doll. Her eyes looked over it proudly, her eye sparkling with a glee that made your stomach churn in a nervous rut, watching as her nimble fingers quickly straightened out the little toy’s clothing before handing it over to you- all the while still grinning that same smile she had been for the past few moments (had she even breathed?).

“For you.” Her voice was near giddy but still laced with her eerily calm demeanour. “A good healing item.”

“Uhhh, how much…?"

She giggled, airy and light. “A ‘thank you’ will suffice.”

Common sense had always told you not to take things from strangers, especially creepy ones that emerged from dark alleys with smiles that read trouble, eyes like a predator’s that shone with a lust for violence and blood- but, with a quick glance to your companions still waiting just ahead you felt the need to hurry this exchange so that you could return and be rid of this whole damn day.

So, managing to force a grateful smile, you accepted the item. “Um, thank you.”

You held back a cringe when her smile widened. “You’re welcome.”

Your eyes fell to the doll in your hands and you felt the air harshly exit your lungs, mouth a slight gape as you caught the familiar stitched face staring back at you.

“This-” Your eyes raised to meet…nothing. Nada. Zilch. Body twirling frantically to search for the woman who had once stood before you, face still stricken in slight horror before you let out a breath from your nose. “Typical.”

Gently, your thumb ran over the careful thread of the doll, taking in the very obvious features of yourself: your cape, your tunic with it’s gold accents, your hair and the discolour buttons for eyes, stitching of blue running down its face to its stubby little arms and a smile to top it off. Yes, this was you indeed and you knew exactly what this was.

“One up…?” You muttered, feeling dread settle on your shoulders.

Why would you need a one-up?

Your hands shook, thoughts racing through your mind as you continued to stare down at the small doll with anxiety bubbling in your gut. Was this a warning? Your fate decided? Were- were you close to death? Or did this Dollmaker find of your existence and wish to merely meet you? You weren’t quite sure, uncertain if being left in the dark was better or worse about the future with this item-

A hand came to rest over yours and your eyes flew up, meeting the frightened ones of Hyrule. Eyes of brown clashed green stared back into your own, pupils pin pricked with a similar fear to your own before he let out a breath and pushed the doll to your chest, his voice a soft whisper.

“Put it away.” He gently squeezed over your knuckles. “Don’t think about it- I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Hyrule-”

“It’s okay, I promise you.” He managed to smile at you, not quite reassuring but soft nonetheless. “Nothing will happen.”

You looked at him with apprehension. “...Link, I’m scared.”

His face hardened, eyes shining with a determination that you had seen time and time again. “I will protect you.”

…You couldn’t fight his words, you knew from his tone he would keep him promise no matter what. You knew that look, you knew this man and you trusted him, you could leave your life in his hands and he would keep that promise in his heart until his very last days.

But just because he could keep a promise didn’t mean fate couldn’t take over.

You stuffed the doll into your bag and took his out-stretched hand, letting him lead you back to the cloaked Chain so you could all return to your temporary abode within the woods.

You felt the stare of eyes on your back the entire way.

----------

The past few days had been uneventful, save for the few black blooded and some more cruel Hylians of Hyrule’s homeland, everything had been pretty quiet and tame- yet you could still feel the unnerving tremble in your belly at every waking moment. Glancing around wildly, refusing to step away from the group, you don’t think you had even released Hyrule’s hand for those past few days, too afraid and too cowardly.

Even if the doll was in your possession, even if it brought you back- you would die.

You didn’t want to die out here.

But it seems, like you had expected, fate had decided to take that into its own hands.

It was Legend’s turn to watch for the night, sat in front of the flickering campfire with eyes focused on the surrounding trees and bush. His back was towards you when you woke, blinking away sleep and rubbing at your eyes when you felt the overwhelming need to use the toilet. Well, find a spot behind a tree, after all when was the last time you had seen a proper toilet? You shuddered at the thought.

“Where are you going?” The Veteran grunted, watching as you waddled through the sleeping bodies. 

“Toilet.” Your voice was hoarse with exhaustion, “Don’t worry I’m not gonna converse with the Shadow.”

The man huffed, poking at the fire with a stick. “Whatever.”

That was all you exchanged, carefully manoeuvring through the shrubbery to get a good distance away from the men. Not thinking, your mind still too seeped in sleep, forgetting the doll you had kept in a death grip these past few gruelling days as you hopped and shuffled to get to a sufficient spot to do your business then head back to camp. It didn’t occur to you that this may have been the moment fate needed, nor did you think about it being your last.

Done with your business, you took a few steps back towards the light in the short distance. Far enough that you couldn’t see Legend’s full features but close enough that you were still in sight, the hero had his head down towards the flames, not focused on you at all.

You sighed.

Then-

…You felt a burning.

Your whole body tensed- seized as the pain began to grow from a dull throb to a near rolling inferno, your breath suddenly ripped from your body as you felt the sensation of hot liquid begin to slowly bubble up your throat while you looked downed to the cause of the pain- a crossbow bolt punctured right through you, dirtied with red hot blood that idly drip, drip, dripped from the tip of the arrow right onto the dirt below.

Breathing only resulted in the blood to rise faster, tasting the copper in your mouth as you coughed and sullied your white tunic with maroon and felt your body sway as you felt your body quickly begin to lose it’s balance, your vision blurring with tears.

It must have caught your lung…were you drowning in your own blood?

You reached a hand out towards the camp.

“...Li-nk-”

You fell to your knees, then to your side, choking on more of the liquid.

----------

Hyrule awoke to a scream.

Loud and violent, his whole body jolted at the sound as he lept into a seated position with his sword pulled ready, eyes scanning the camp frantically for the threat he had expected.

Only to see nothing. Merely his brothers in spirit, jolted awake and alarmed similarly to him as they all glanced around and wondered about the sound that had woken them all from their slumber.

Hyrule’s hand moved towards your body.

And his stomach dropped when he didn’t feel you there.

“No…”

It was happening.

When the silhouette of Legend began rushing back into camp, bloodied and panicked the traveller knew already what had happened- he didn’t need to glance at the mass in the Veteran’s arms to know it was you, the bolt still protruding through your ribcage as the small blonde screamed for them all to do something- ready the potions, ready the fairies, anything. His hysterics would have been almost comical if the brunette didn’t feel like his world was crashing down around him as he watched your hand limply hang, unmoving.

“Oh dear Three-”

“Put them down, quickly!”

“We must remove the bolt!”

Hyrule pounced when his body finally snapped back into attention, rushing to your side like a bat out of hell when the blonde had carefully handed you towards the Captain and the Old Man- the soldier carefully snapping off the fletching of the arrow to slide the item out of your chest, the horrible bloodied squelch making the brunette’s stomach twist and churn in horror and fear.

He didn’t see Warrior’s fingers against your pulse, nor the slow head shake towards the horrified Time.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you.” He whispered gently, soothingly, as his hands glowed a familiar white.

“Traveller-” Warriors started.

“You’re going to be okay, I’m going to make it stop.” He pressed his hand over the wound, ignoring the blood blooming around his fingers and soaking them in red. “I know it hurts-”

“Traveller.” Time’s voice was firm, his hand landing on his shoulder. “Stop.”

Hyrule held back from decking the old man where he stood. “”WHAT?! NO!! Are you INSANE-”

“They’re already gone, Hyrule.”

Wild’s voice was…gentle. Gentle and pained as he kneeled next to the frozen hero, carefully moving his hands from the puncture wound to stop the man from further staining his hands in your blood. The Champion’s face was broken, ears down turned and eyes blank as he looked over your broken form- the spark that once danced in your eyes now gone with the gentle rhythm of your breaths.

Hyrule waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Your chest did not move.

Warriors hand gently ran over your eyes, closing the lids so that they no longer had to see the dead stare aimed towards the trees ahead. He moved to softly kiss your forehead after with an even softer apology.

“I…..I promised…” Hyrule muttered, eyes glazing over as tears began to blur his vision of your dead body, still warm to the touch. “I promised-”

“I’m sorry, brother.” Wild whispered, moving to hold Hyrule gently. “I’m sorry.”

The silence hanging over them all was heavy, save for the small sniffles and hiccups of the few. Twilight was trying to console a near uncontrollable Legend, bloody hands roughly grabbing the fur of his hide as he sobbed and choked on tears. Wind was turned into Four, the shorter man holding him close and away from the visceral scene. The rest were stock still, quiet and unsure of what to do, of what to say, as they continued to stare at your…corpse.

Warriors bowed his head. “We should give them a burial.”

“No-” Hyrule gasped, feeling both rage and a cold emptiness within him. “No, I- I need to-” “There isn’t anything else you can do, traveller.” Time’s voice was soft but firm. “Our only option is to bury them…and if we find our way back to their homeland, return their belongings to their mother.”

Hyrule perked up, head swivelling round towards your bag a little ways away.

Belongings…

The

Doll.

His heart surged and in a moment of pure adrenaline, he shoved Wild to the side and dived towards your rucksack, ignoring his brother’s grunt or the other yells.

“Link!”

The brunette grasped the thing frantically, near ripping the strange contraption you called a zipper as he rummaged messily through your back, tossing your things wildly as he looked for the wretched ‘gift’.

“Traveller, stop this!” The voice of Four called, trying to grab his arm. “What are you doing-”

Hyrule didn’t even feel remorse when he roughly shoved his elbow into the nose of the short hero and sent him flying onto his arse.

More yells of his name were heard but they were quite easily ignored when his eyes finally laid eyes on the doll of your likeness, aggressively snatching the carefully crafted toy with a desperation and anger he hadn’t felt for years. He turned back to scramble towards your body, the doll gripped in his hand like it was his lifeline only for Sky and Time to roughly grab his arms, their voices falling on deaf is as he wildly scratched and bit at them, trying to fight his way out.

“Release me!” He roared, catching Sky by the cheek and causing the Skyloftian to wince in pain. “Let me go! I can save them!”

“Enough of this, Link!” Time yelled, both desperate and firm, his own face riddled in anguish. “They are gone! Let them rest in peace!”

Hyrule’s heart thumped painfully in his chest at the thought of you dead, lost to him forever more before he pushed himself harder until he caught the arm of the Old Man and sunk his teeth into the skin, the Hero of Time crying out in pain and finally releasing him- Chosen quickly diving to aid the blonde as the traveller rushed to your side and pressed the doll against you.

“Do your job!!” He yelled into the night air, “Heal them! Bring them back!”

Wild and Warriors pinned him this time, Hyrule’s face pressed into the dirt with them both keeping his arms down to stop him from swiping or nipping at his brothers once again.

“That’s enough!” Warriors’ commanding voice bellowed, pushing Hyrule’s face further into the ground. “Calm down or else, traveller!”

Hyrule’s eyes bore tears once again, struggling once more with both pleas and threats falling from his mouth, merging into a mess of gibberish the further and further he spiralled into a wobbly heap of tears and sorrow beneath the other Links. This couldn’t be the end, the doll couldn’t be a dud- it was supposed to bring you back. You were supposed to be here! You weren’t dead! You couldn’t be dead! He didn’t want you dead! This had to be a nightmare, conjured by Ganon’s monsters to torture him and break him. You- You-

There was a popping sound behind them and heads snapped towards it.

“What was that?” Time asked, still nursing his bleeding bite mark. “Where did that come from?”

Wind’s eyes were wide. “The doll just…exploded?”

Hyrule’s breath stopped.

…

Just as yours returned.

Shaky and hoarse, your body moved with a violent inhale of breath, shaking from the strain and following with heavy coughs as you breathed like it was the first time, lungs born anew. The others watched in a curious shock as you continued to hack and heave, pushing your body up from the ground- the doll falling from your chest into the dirt below.

The toy's chest held a puncture, white wool stuffing blooming at the hole with a few stray curls falling into the dirt.

Hyrule sobbed in relief.

“(Name)!” Wind threw himself at you, arms wrapping around your neck tightly as he shoved his face into your shoulder. “You’re okay- You’re okay!!”

You continued to gasp for breath, the many men around you rushing to your side to aid your effort as Hyrule pushed himself to his hand and knees, smiling a wet and wobbly grin as he listened to you, alive, once more- returned to him from the realm of the dead. You were back, you came back and his heart swelled with a plethora of emotions that made his entire being shake.

Hyrule crawled over to you, frozen and still not sure of your own surroundings as his hands came to engulf your face, his eyes looking back into your own- glazed in confusion and lingering fear that made his heart squeeze in regret.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered, “I am so sorry- I broke our promise.”

Your mouth opened then closed. Then opened and closed once again. Looking for the words to express the feelings behind your petrified gaze, your throats managing noise but that alone in an seemingly endless cycle of struggle and torment. Only when you whimpered, tearing up with a shaky sob did the man embrace you and hold close- careful to keep the bloody hands off you. He didn’t want you to see it.

The dolls never did quite clean up the mess.

----------

Hyrule trekked through his woodland, bumping through branches and harshly knocking away bushes as a man on a mission. Eyes narrowed with anger, the flickered with the flames of hell and rage as he stomped his way towards his destination.

“Where are you going?” Time had asked, watching the traveller pull on his cloak. “Don’t you think it unwise to leave when they just got to sleep?”

You laid in a comfortable heap in your sleep mat, wrapped in both your own blanket and the brunette’s, Wind and Wild laid comfortably beside you and Wolfie acting as your pillow. All were resting, vanished into the land of dreams with the many other men around camp. They were close too, like bodyguards they surrounded you afraid of what had already happened.

Time was left for watch and Hyrule took his opportunity.

“I have some business to deal with.” His voice was void of his usual softness, a growl of a predator with the malice near sharp as Ganon’s himself. “I’ll be back.”

Time narrowed his eye. “We will search for whoever did this in the morning.”

“That is not what I am doing.”

“Then what is? Tell me, traveller, what could you possibly be doing?”

Hyrule’s hand grabbed the doll, his hand tight enough to near pop its beady button eyes right from its wool skull.

Hyrule pulled his hood over his head.

“I will return soon.”

Hyrule ripped another branch from his face, eyes finally narrowing in on the large house in the distance. Like he had seen it once before, warped beyond comprehension yet still perceivable to his naked eye. It haunted his dreams now, echoes of a horrid encounter that shook him to the core and left invisible scars that still marred his soul-

She was there once again, the exact same spot as the time before, the exact same position, her arms crossed over her chest with a menial smile plastered over her lips that only grew as the Hero of Hyrule stepped out from the shadows of the trees, still tightly gripping the ruined doll within his grasp.

Despite her calm disposition, he could so clearly see the hunger in her eyes, even from his spot. “Did your friend like my gift?”

Hyrule’s hand twitched to his blade, hanging from his hip opposed to his back- easier and faster to draw. “I should kill you where you stand.”

The Dollmaker’s chuckle held a twisted humour like poking a sleeping, starved bear. “You should- but you won’t.”

Hyrule’s eye twitched. “What do you want with them? They have no power- no fighting capability or anything you could possibly want.”

“Ah,” She tapped her nose with the constant smile. “You will come to know. Or maybe you won’t, wouldn’t it be more fun to find out yourself?”

“Stay away from them.” He stepped up to her door’s steps, eyes manic in rage. “Leave them be.”

Her already massive smile grew.

The Dollmaker was not someone Hyrule liked to encounter. When her dolls appeared death usually followed, mostly his own, the many sawdust filled dummies gathering dust in the darkness in his bag as a constant reminder of what you had been through during his adventures. Sometimes he saw different ones, of faces he had only glimpsed at in towns or villages, but he saw them- he had seen one of her own long ago. Saw the damage dealt to it’s surface when he had the unfortunate chance of crossing into her shop looking for some magic items he was already lacking.

She liked to collect them; that was the idea he had conjured anyway.

Raising your doll high, he presented the damaged little soft toy towards her and saw how her pupils grew at the sight. While her hands were gentle to grab it she practically snatched it from his hands and cradled the thing close to her chest, gently caressing the spot where the hole had formed.

“Even a cursed doll, you handle them gentle.” Her comment made him huff, his arms crossing to hold back from doing something he regretted. “I showed them mercy, you know.”

Hyrule ground his teeth. “You think shooting them in the chest is mercy?”

“Compared to what else I could have done, yes.” She shrugged her shoulders. “It’s only fair if I have my fun.”

The Hero turned his head away. “You’re sick.”

And the Dollmaker hummed. “I will return with another.”

She disappeared into the darkness of her house, footsteps gently fading off as Hyrule stood just below the doorway, pearing in and hoping to see the mystery of her disorted abode. No luck however, his eyes only soaked in the dark abyssal, his ears twitching at the sounds of creaking floorboards and groaning wood of the walls, focusing and focusing in a near trance until the sight of her eye peering through the darkness made him take a cautious step back.

When had he climbed the steps?

“Here.” She said, once again both calm and giddy as she presented the doll to him- another little you, with a stitched little smile like the last. “I hope they enjoy it.”

Hyrule carefully snatched the doll away before jogging down the steps and headed back towards the forest without another word.

“It didn’t feel right to use sawdust.” The brunette paused, slightly moving his head in indication that he was listening- not that it mattered. He knew she would continue on, even if he had trudged off. “I felt they needed something a little more…lively and I of course couldn’t brush off the idea of using the finest of sheep’s wool. I think it suited them much more, don’t you agree?”

…Hyrule kept walking.

[ipseitydelrey]

Hello! I would like to submit a request for Elle Greenaway x fem!Reader. How about spending holidays with Elle trying to cheer her up after leaving the BAU/starting a new life together? Thank you for your time!

oooo the power this prompt holds…i’ve always wondered what might have happened to elle after she left

when memories snow ☆ e. greenaway

ship elle greenaway x fem!reader

warnings slight angst, pre-established relationship, hurt/comfort but it’s definitely comfort, timeline’s a mess just pretend that the episode where elle quits aired in december and not october okay?, not beta-read

word count 895

summary after elle quits the BAU following the events of s2:e5, reader tries to cheer her up during the holidays.

a/n yeah the title is a mitski reference, dont blame me i love her <3 also this is just propaganda to get y’all to watch The Apartment dir. Billy Wilder (1960) bc it’s a cute christmas movie! merry christmas to those who celebrate, and happy holidays !!

When the cold night air nips at your skin while waiting outside of Elle’s apartment, you’re glad you remembered to bring thick sweaters.

It was a spur of the moment decision to show up unannounced. That is made clear when Elle answered to your knocks and opened the door. She isn’t really enthusiastic to see you; which you can understand. Her quitting from the FBI is a fresh wound, and she had only told you of her leave through a midnight text a couple nights ago.

In short, she wasn’t expecting you here, especially in the middle of the night and while a budding snowstorm is brewing.

“What are you doing here?” The question isn’t aggressive; none of what she has ever said to you has been aggressive in tone. No, it was genuine, like she really is wondering why you’re at her apartment.

You gesture to a spare sweater nestled in your arms. “It’s the holidays,” you reply. “I wanna spend them with you.”

Elle sighs and steps aside, allowing you in. You go inside and the first thing you notice upon entry are the few packed and sealed boxes in the corner, assuming they’re untouched incase your girlfriend needed to move again. You eye them but decide not to bring it up; after all, the last thing Elle would want with all she’s been through in a short time span is you criticizing her.

She glances at the fuzzy sweater you’re wearing. “Does it itch?” she questions as she closes and locks the door, trapping the cold air outside.

You look down and straighten the dark green wool with your free hand. “Actually, it’s really soft.” You extend the crimson sweater in your arm to her. “I brought one for you!”

Seeing how happy you are, she takes the sweater and pulls it over her head; the red suits her perfectly. “Thank you,” Elle says, letting her hand run over the fabric on her arm. Her faint smile fades into a light scowl. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” you ask.

“I didn’t tell you sooner.”

You stand there quietly, breaking the eye contact you had for a second before meekly assuring, “Do you wanna talk about it?”

The second when you stop talking, Elle moves to the living room and you follow behind closely. “I don’t think you came all the way here just to hear me whine,” she chuckles lightly.

“Okay, well,” you were originally assuming that she would turn you away at the door; now, you hadn’t envisioned you would get this far. Suddenly, you have an idea. “Do you still have those hot cocoa packets?”

She raised an eyebrow at your question. “Yeah…why, do you want some?”

“I’ll make it!” you yell as you run into the kitchen, leaving her behind. You’re lucky to have already memorized where everything in the kitchen is, being that this is only your third visit to her apartment. You turned on the electric kettle and collected two mugs and two hot chocolate packets, alongside some small marshmallows which took some time to find. Despite how often Elle would be away from her apartment, her kitchen is surprisingly well-stocked.

After you pour the hot water and contents of the packets into the mugs, you collect them and make your way back to the living room. Elle, now seated on the couch with a wooly blanket draped over one leg, stares at you as you carefully hand her the mug.

The cocoa, as delicious as it smells, is still burning hot, but that tidbit of information slipped your mind as you took a small sip, only to burn your tongue and jerk your head back. Elle chuckled at your reaction and while you’re happy to hear her laughter, you’re also playfully offended by her apparent sadism.

You slap her shoulder lightly as you sit down next to her, leaning your torso against her warm body. She responds with a joking “ouch” as she softly blows on her hot chocolate. You pull the blanket over to cover both sets of legs.

Elle sets her mug down and grabs the remote. “What d’you wanna watch,” she asks, opening up a streaming service on the television.

You take another sip, thankfully the cocoa is cooler and not unpleasantly hot. “Oh, I don’t know,” you say. “It’s your house, why don’t you pick?”

She nods, using the remote to navigate to an old black-and-white movie you hadn’t seen yet. “The Apartment? Is that a Christmas movie?”

“Technically,” she quipped, taking back her mug and drinking when the movie starts.

A few minutes in, you lean your head against her shoulder. “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?” you suggest, out of the blue.

Elle glances at you with her eyes. “I know.”

“It’s not…necessarily about, y’know, the BAU, but…” you’re unsure of whether or not you want to continue. You look down at the steam rising out of your mug. “I just wanna know if you’re doing okay.”

“I am,” she replies. “I’m okay, I swear.” She turns her head and kisses your forehead softly before turning back and wrapping her arm along the back of your neck.

You smile and take another sip of the hot chocolate, with the sounds of old-timey music in the background and the warmth of Elle’s presence to comfort you.

literally did not know how to end this, but like it’s very cute 🫶 hope y’all enjoyed (if there’s anything wrong in the fic, let me know and i’ll fix it!) and happy holidays !! ❄️

[hunterssm00n]

Sleepwalking

Yandere! Sheriff OC / part 3 /

Try to lock you out / I feel you in my dreams / You're everywhere, you won't go easily...

*cw include stalking, yandere behavior, abuse of authority, obsession, and dark themes* MDNI - 18+

♡˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ♡

hunterssm00n © All rights reserved by me. I do not allow this work to be used or adapted in any way without my permission.

It’s just past ten when she hears the crunching of tires on the ice and gravel coming up her driveway.

She’s laying in her bed, lights off, looking at her phone, when she feels the hair on the back of her neck raise. He’s earlier tonight than usual; normally it’s after eleven or even after midnight before she hears those familiar noises. She’s also in bed earlier than normal tonight, but that’s because she’s super exhausted after a long, grueling week. Tomorrow is Friday, and by the time that fifth day of work rolls around she’s lucky to get up to the sound of her alarm the next morning.

It makes her wonder if he came here earlier than normal tonight with the hopes of catching her while she was awake.

That thought gives her shivers.

And what would happen if he did? If he saw the lights on in her home, would he take that as an invitation to come and knock on the door? Would he try to call her, like he has been? Leave her another very loving sounding, emotionally charged voicemail?

Kelli has played the last few over and over again. She has them all saved in her phone- for multiple reasons. One being that if this situation ever turned deadly, she would have plenty of evidence to build a case against him. The other reason being that she enjoys listening to his voice as he says such soft, loving things to her, and about her.

So what does that make her? As crazy as him? Surely not.

Ray is a handsome man. Maybe not handsome in the traditional sense, but in the way that he’s exactly her type. Well over six feet tall, big and burly, rugged and intimidating looking, a scar on his cheek; physically he’s very appealing to her. And behind the rough exterior, he’s got sky blue eyes that just seem so deep; so knowing.

Am I attracted to my stalker? Maybe. Hard maybe. But does that make what he’s doing in any way right? No. Absolutely not.

He’s abusing his authority as sheriff to look up Kelli’s address (as she definitely did not give it to him), come to her house, and stake out every night. When he calls, he’s begged her to call him back; he wants to hear her voice, he says. He wants to reassure her that he means no harm.

But can she trust him?

He hasn't done anything to make Kelli think that he intends to do her any harm... yet. In fact, it's been quite the opposite; he's done everything possible to make sure she’s safe. Or... to make sure she’s not going to run. He parks outside of her house every night- god only knows if he ever even sleeps. And every hour on the hour he gets out of his suburban, and walks the perimeter of the house, shining his flashlight and, seemingly, looking for any signs of trouble.

And here she thought she was paranoid. Her paranoia apparently doesn't hold a candle to this man's.

But in a way, this overprotectiveness makes her feel... something. She can't quite put her finger on the thought, or the emotion exactly. But it's surprising. And, of course, he doesn't need to know this.

And despite the fact that what he’s doing is wrong, it doesn’t make him any less appealing to her twisted brain. Quite the opposite. She should be scared; she should want to move states, go into WitSec, something that would get her away from him. But there’s no denying (to herself, at least) that she purposefully is not doing any of that for a reason. Plus, he would find her wherever she went. He’d track her down, just like he’d tracked her to her house.

Kelli can’t help but think about what he would do if he were inside right now- she imagined the scenario; how he would look standing in her doorway, how his big body would take up so much space it would make her house look tiny. The thought makes her shiver unintentionally, but not for bad reasons.

He would stare straight into her soul as she sat up in bed, surprised at his entry into her bedroom, and into her house in general. Wondering how he got inside, but also wondering what was going to happen now that he was.

“Ray?” she would ask, her voice coming out breathless and nervous- as she wouldn’t be expecting him to actually be inside the house, here, with her. At night, in her bedroom.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” He would sound breathless, like he’d been running. Or, doing something else. “I couldn’t- I had to come see you. I had to make sure…”

Her other questions would be forgotten momentarily as he would advance towards the bed, and she wouldn’t even realize she’d shrank backwards until she hit the headboard, and it thumped against the wall.

“It’s okay,” He’d pause in his movements, hands outstretched to show that he’s okay, she’s okay, everything is okay. “I’m not gonna hurt you, I’m so sorry for scaring you, and- and for breaking in here.” He would look down at the floor after he says this, and she would be able to practically sense the shame coming from him. Practically be able to feel it. “I know it’s not right, what I'm doing- I know I shouldn't be here... But I can’t help it. I want you- I need you.”

The thought of this scenario makes her pussy pulse between her thighs, and it’s then that she realizes how wet she is. And not for the first time when thinking about him, either.

She hears his footsteps outside, gentle in the freshly fallen snow, and before she can think better of it Kelli slides her right hand down her stomach, and into the waistband of her pajama pants. Her fingers slide down the front of her underwear, down, down, until they get to the soft, warm area right above her clit. They pause there for the barest moment before continuing their journey, passing over her clit and to her wet panties, soaked by her pussy lips. A choked moan catches in her throat- surprised by how wet she already is and by how good that simple touch feels.

Working her hand back and forth slowly, she listens to the sound of him walking around her house, his footsteps almost adding to her steadily increasing heartbeat. It feels good- too good. It should not feel this good touching herself to the thought of her stalker breaking into her house; to the sound of him walking around outside. Knowing he’s there, feeling his presence, it’s too much.

Before long she's cumming by merely touching herself through her panties, her other hand covering her mouth so she doesn't make any discernable sounds as the pleasure crashes through her. All the while thinking This is wrong, this is so wrong.

Coming down from her high, she relaxes back against the bed, breathing hard against the comfort of her soft mattress. Still hearing him outside of the house, she decides to chalk this one up to having not been in a relationship for a while; being untouched for so long. Because the fact that she just touched herself to the thought of her stalker is a little too much to come to terms with, at the moment.

♡˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ♡

This is an original work of mine, as are the characters.

I do not own the song 'Sleepwalking' by Diamante. The above picture is from pinterest, and there's a link attached to the original post.

[teapartypenguin]

Fairy Tale Allusions in Yugioh 5Ds

So I was rewatching 5Ds and Akiza's duel against the knight dude got me thinking about the fairy tale allusions in her design and arc, and thinking about it more got me to realize that 5Ds actually has a lot of loose fairy tale allusions throughout it. So here are just a couple of the ones I noticed:

Akiza in general: Akiza's first duel of the series was already really heavy with the knight vs. witch symbolism. It also got me thinking about the "Princess, Witch, and Prince" theme from Revolutionary Girl Utena. A very basic rundown of what Utena says on it is that people will try to sort women into a box of good (Princess) or bad (Witch) based on how much they conform to the concept of what a girl should be like, a good Princess has to trade independence for protection from a Prince, any girl that doesn’t agree is a Witch. Problem is that no woman is ever just one of those things at a time, and Akiza definitely isn't. She is at first feared for her power, labelled the evil Black Rose Witch, and attempts to find comfort and safety in her "Prince" (Sayer). Only when she meets Yusei and the gang and finds acceptance from them and her parents do we see that she's actually a very kind girl. And even then, she doesn't go trading one Prince for another, she's never as reliant on Yusei as she was with Sayer and maintains her independence. Also just her deck in general carries the theme with fairy tale-like imagery (roses, knights, witches, fairies, and a dragon).

Akiza + Yusei: These two are basically Beauty and the Beast. I am a major faithshipping fan, but even if you take out the romantic aspects, it still fits. Yusei being Beauty and Akiza being the Beast for obvious reasons. The scene with Yusei waking Akiza in the hospital also gives major Sleeping Beauty vibes as well (this scene also owns my soul).

The rose imagery also still fits with both of them.

Yusei: He's Cinderella: he's a poor boy, goes to a ball that he wasn't supposed to go to (Neo Domino), has to leave at midnight (gets arrested), but leaves behind a "glass slipper" (the mark of the Crimson Dragon) that makes it so that the prince (Godwin) can track him down and give him another shot at freedom (not for altruistic purposes of course, but it still fits).

Jack and Carly: Scoopshipping are The Little Mermaid. The mermaid (Carly) falls in love with the prince (Jack), but for certain reasons, they cannot be together. Said mermaid makes a deal, by trading her soul, she gains legs (Dark Signer abilities + duel runner) which allows her a second chance to go after the prince. But the prince rejects her proposal (because she's undead and evil now), and the mermaid concedes. But being unable to hold up her end of the deal, she turns into sea foam and dies (turns into dust and dies).

Leo and Luna: Luna's deck already has a loose fairy forest type theme (and in the manga, has a Fairy Tale archetype). I want to say they're Hansel and Gretel. Has the same beats of two siblings getting lost in the woods (Luna with her spirit world adventure, Leo dueling Devack with "Closed Forest" up). But most of it comes from their duel with Devack, in which Hansel (Leo) stalls the witch (Devack) for as long as possible until Gretel (Luna) can kill the witch by pushing him into the oven (win the duel). You could also say that Luna's arc of freeing Ancient Fairy Dragon has elements of Rapunzel (saving the princess from the witch that locked her up).

Those are at least the ones I noticed. I doubt all of them were intentional but it's interesting when you make the connections. Let me know if there's any I missed because I'm not done with my rewatch yet and don't have anything for Crow. Feel like Team Satisfaction and Neo Domino City have Wizard of Oz parallels, but haven't got enough info to say how yet.

[wrenreid]

Off Limits

contains: mentions of alcohol, angst, talk of virginity

Chapter Twenty-One

As much as I want to stay at this party to prove to Spencer (or really myself) that I’m fine after all that just happened, I leave pretty quickly after he does.

The uber drops me off at my dad’s apartment, well I guess it’s mine too now, and I try to get in as quietly as I possibly can. My efforts are quickly seen to be pointless when I nearly scream from shock at the sight of my father on the couch, mug in hand, laptop on his lap.

“Shit, Dad,” I breathe, holding my heart dramatically from the adrenaline of the shock.

“You’re really good at greeting people,” he jokes, but there’s no smile on his face or even in his eyes.

I lock the door and hang up my keys on the hook before slipping out of my shoes and leaving them by the door to be taken care of later.

“Everything okay?” I ask as I sit down next to him.

It’s well past midnight and the bags under his eyes are more prominent than before, so I already know the answer, and he knows that.

But he lies anyway. It must be instinct for him. “Yeah,” he nods, patting my knee for a second.

“Dad,” I raise my eyebrows giving him a look that lets him know I don’t want to hear his bullshit.

“You look just like your mother when you’re upset with me,” he says with a slight, unamused chuckle.

I frown, leaning my head on his shoulder. “I may be your kid, but I’m also an adult. You can talk to me.”

He rests his head on top of mine, kissing my temple like he used to do when I was young. “It’s just case work, bug. Nothing you need to worry about.”

Bug. He hasn’t called me that in years, maybe even a decade. When I was little, Mom would call be Jadie Bug which I pretended to hate because I did not want to be compared to a stink bug. My dad shortened it to just bug. Which I wasn’t too fond of but secretly loved.

“If you say so,” I sigh, not leaving his side. “You really should sleep. It’s not healthy to be up this late staring at a computer screen.”

“But it’s healthy to be up this late drinking?” His tone isn’t judgmental, just observant.

“My young body and mind is built for late nights. Yours, however, is not.”

“Are you calling me old?” A real chuckle releases from him.

“If the shoe fits, grandpa.”

“Ah. I better not be a grandpa anytime soon,” he grimaces.

“At this rate in my love life and school career, Jack will be the first of us to have kids.”

My dad smiles, ruffling my hair. “Good. You’re going to make an awesome lawyer, and although kids are amazing, I want you to focus on your career.”

“Trust me, Dad. I am,” I say with a slight grin.

It’s not like I’m ever going to move past second base with anyone at this point. Spencer pops into my head, and honestly, it just pisses me off.

“Do you regret having me so young?” I ask.

My father looks at me a little hurt. “Of course not. Having a baby made it hard to go to university, but I don’t regret having you at all. Neither did Haley.”

I nod, a faint smile on my face. “Get some sleep.” I kiss my father’s cheek quickly before getting off the couch and heading up to my room.

—

I honestly can’t believe that just happened. But I’m laying in bed with an anxiety and guilt ridden stomach ache with Jade not here, so it definitely did.

God, her face when she asked “What’s wrong with me?” Sent a dagger through my heart. She looked so hurt, confused.

And I did that. I never wanted to do that to anyone, especially not her. She’s Jade. She’s a precious gemstone. A perfect flower that needs to remain unplucked in order to continue to flourish. And she’s by boss’s daughter.

Every muscle in my body was screaming at me to turn around and not walk out of that house, but she wasn’t to be argued with. Her mind was set on her staying and me leaving. So I did.

I feel like such a fucking jackass. Not only did she think that somehow this is her fault, but I also can’t even begin to explain this whole situation to myself, let alone to her.

Every self righteous, carefully thought out bone in my body tells me that I can’t give into temptation. I can’t give into her.

I don’t know how to describe it. It’s like there’s always been that voice inside my head that yells at me when I even think something wrong. I’m a genius. A prodigy. Everything I do is supposed to be perfect. There’s no possible way that I could be what she needs, so I can’t ruin her.

I don’t call her until after the sun comes home. I’m hoping she got some rest. I don’t want to bother her because I know she’s upset, but I want to know she made it home okay.

She doesn’t answer. But at least the phone rings all four times, so at least she’s not declining my call. After the beep, I say, “Hey. I know you don’t want to talk after last night, but I wanted to know if you’re okay. Call me back… if you want to. Um, that’s all. Bye.”

I’d like to think she’s still asleep and that’s why she didn’t pick up, but I’m very aware of the possibility that she just didn’t want to talk to me. It’s understandable. I just wish I could fix this.

As much as I would rather focus on Jade right now, it’s pointless to dwell on last night when she won’t even talk to me. I also have work. Probably, hopefully, not a case. It should just be paperwork.

—

I would tease him for leaving a voicemail instead of texting like a normal twenty-something year old, but I’m not in the mood for teasing. I’m not in the mood to text him that I’m okay, and I’m definitely not in the mood to call him back.

I can’t be mad at him for not wanting to sleep with me, and I’m really not. I don’t really know what I’m feeling, but I do know that mad isn’t even close. I’m more so disappointed, I guess. Disappointed in the whole situation and in myself for getting drunk and practically begging him to fuck me. Which now that I’m really thinking about it is so wrong and embarrassing that I want to curl up in a hole and live there until I’m food for the worms to eat.

I know I was pretty drunk, but that doesn’t keep the embarrassment and recoil from twisting in my stomach. I think if 17 year old me had witnessed last night, she’d want to smother me with my pillow. Hell, I now want to smother myself with my pillow.

Even though I’m disgusted, embarrassed, and upset from last night, I still think he deserves the right to know I didn’t pass out in a pool of my own vomit at the party. Or worse.

So I text Spencer.

“I made it home fine. No need to worry.”

He’s at work, so I know he won’t see the message for a while.

Instead of beating myself up over last night, I put my energy into making Jack and myself breakfast.

“I’m glad to hear that. I know you probably, definitely, don’t want to talk to me… but can we please talk later?”

I sigh as I read the message on my phone.

“Bad news?” Jack asks like he’s some type of grown man reading my facial expressions.

“No,” I laugh softly, ruffling his hair. “Just a friend asking a favor.”

“What’s a favor?”

“It’s like when someone asks you to do something for them. Like if I were to ask you to put my plate in the sink.”

“Why would I do that?” He asks.

“Because I’m your big sister, and you love me.”

The kid shrugs and takes both of our plates to the sink. He can’t reach the faucet yet, but the effort is appreciated.

“Do you want to go out with us? I promised Jack I’d take him to Mr. Gatti’s tonight for pizza and games,” my father asks me when he’s home.

“Unfortunately, I will have to skip out on the stomach-destroying food and thousands of children running around,” I tell him.

“On the account of?”

“On the account of my sanity.”

He laughs, shrugging in understanding. “Want money to order out?”

“I would never turn down money, Dad.”

After an hour or so, my dad and brother leave to go to dinner. Knowing how much of a sucker my father is for the puppy dog eyes Jack has mastered the art of, thanks to me, they’ll be gone for at least two and a half hours.

There’s a knock on the front door, and I get up to answer it.

“Oh-” I’m a little shocked to see Spencer at my door. “I forgot to respond to your message, sorry.”

I’m not sure why I’m apologizing for that, but here I am.

“It’s okay. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. That um…”

I know what he’s going to say. “That we’re okay.” But are we?

“I’m okay, Spencer,” I tell him, nodding.

“I’m really sorry,” he says.

He’s the first to say it. Once again, I’m fucking stubborn.

“Yeah. Me too,” I say, not looking him in the eyes.

“You don’t have any-“

“Yes I do, Spencer. I really do.” I run my hands through my hair with a sigh. “Who the hell freaks out over someone not sleeping with them? I feel like some cocky frat boy.”

Spencer smiles softly, his dimples catching my attention. “You’re a lot prettier than a cocky frat boy. And smarter.”

“Not the point. I’m sorry for last night. For being a drunken idiot,” I tell him.

“I wasn’t exactly the smartest either. I’m sorry for making you feel shitty.”

I let him into the apartment, plopping down on the arm of the couch as he stays standing. “I never said I felt shitty,” I say, trying to make myself seem cooler and as if he doesn’t have an affect over me. But he gives me a look. “I hate you profilers so much.”

“Can we just move past this?” He asks, his hazel eyes filled with a bit of hope.

“I want to, Spencer. But I can’t help but think that this is because of me,” I tell him.

“Jade,” he sighs, his bottom lip drawn between his teeth.

“Just forget it,” I say, not wanting to put in the effort for this conversation.

“No,” he says. “You’re right. I just… I don’t know how to explain it without sounding-” Spencer stops talking. “It’s just that it would just seem weird because you’re a…”

Oh my god, he can’t even say it. I’m about to die of embarrassment. And anger.

“You said it wasn’t about me! If there’s something wrong with me, just fucking say it, Spencer.”

“You’re a virgin!”

I knew that’s what he was going to say, but it still stings.

“You don’t want me because I haven’t had sex before? That’s all kinds of fucked up, Spencer.”

“It’s not that… I- I can’t be your first. It would be so disappointing.”

My face contorts with confusion. Is he bullshitting me? “You’re worried about your performance?”

“No, Jade. I’m worried about not being what you expect,” he says, an expression I can’t quite read written all over his face. “I’m not what you need.”

“I don’t…” I take a breath, not even sure what the hell to say. “I don’t need anyone, Spencer. You’re right, you’re not what I need.”

His eyebrows pinch together and raise at the same time. He’s hurt. I can read that.

“Oh. Right,” he says. “I’m sorry I showed up unannounced.”

“Wait, Spencer. That sort of came out wrong. I don’t need you. But I want you. I’ve wanted you for fucking years. I never thought I’d have a chance, so this… It’s all just been so much. But if you actually like me, then I’m okay with taking it slow. It’s probably for the best anyway.”

A small smile creeps up onto his face. “Are you serious?”

“Law school hasn’t taught me to be good at lying yet,” I joke. “You don’t have to feel like you’re not good enough or whatever the hell you’re thinking in that confusing brain of yours. And I don’t care if us being together is technically wrong. I don’t give a fuck what’s wrong because I want you.”

Spencer offers his hand out to me, and I let him pull me up to my feet. His hands hold my hips as he looks down at me.

“So are we good?” I ask, biting my lip.

“We’re more than good,” he smiles, pulling me closer. “I want you too. And I want to do this whole thing right. So no sex yet.”

“If that’s what you want,” I nod, my hands rubbing his shoulders.

“But that doesn’t mean we can’t do other stuff whenever you’re comfortable with it,” Spencer says, leaning down to kiss me.

I return the gentle kiss before pulling away. “Like what?”

“Like things that seem too inappropriate to say out loud in a living room where I can see toys,” he says with a slight laugh.

I still hold onto him but turn around. “Right. I need to clean up.”

“Not right now I hope,” Spencer says with his puppy dog eyes.

“Nah, not right now. We have another hour-ish to make out in my room if you want,” I suggest with a hopeful grin.

“Yes please,” he nods, messy hair falling into his face.

tags: @pauline5525mgg @theintimatewriter @lilibet261 @greysviolets @jazzymariexoxoc @one-sweet-gubler @thatsonezesty13 @necromaniackat @awhoreforspencerreid @sebs-oxygen @scarredelirium @bts-sugaplum @awesomeness1679 @preciousbabypeter @yazzyu @cynbx @r3idsp3ncer @1010lizz @tiredbut-here @skulzombiw @lena-1895 @eevee0722 @shakespear-picaso-lovechild @daydreamingqueen1 @regulus-black-223048 @virginmusicloverr36 @jazzerbelle14 @kylakins88 @f-me-reid @lovejules888 @marimorena06 @daph-421 @idkusername8787

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Midnight Roses (5)

This fic contains canon-typical violence and behaviours, manipulation, mentions of death, murder, orphans, pain, blood, blood drinking, torture, memory manipulation, prison, and criminals.

Chapter 5

Athenadora wrapped a hand around your wrist closest to her and pulled you along as she sped through the halls of the castle.  This wasn’t the first time that you had travelled at this speed with her (behind closed doors, Athenadora was quite the thrill seeker – you often wondered whether this was a product of her previous existence and the time period in which she grew up) but it was the first time that the cloying stenches of fear and urgency hung in the air with this much intensity.

“The less our enemies know about your divine parentage, the better.”  Aro had said once when you asked him why he didn’t let you use the full range of your godly abilities.  Caius had agreed and added that if too many supernatural beings observed you using your godly abilities, not only would they be able identify your immortal parent but they would also be able to identify the weaknesses in your defences.

Alabaster was standing in the throne room when you, Athenadora, and Jasper appeared in the doorway.  Claymore was nowhere to be seen.  Felix stood in front of Alabaster protectively with a snarl on his face.  Your own mate was holding Edward by the throat while the younger vampire writhed in his grip.  Metres away, Jane stood next to Aro, glaring at Edward with narrowed eyes. Rosalie and Emmett were glaring furiously at Edward as he twitched. Sulpicia was present as well.  Her hand was wrapped around the left pole of Aro’s throne.

What surprised you the most was not the fact that Alice was standing protectively in front of Bella but the fact that she was glaring intently at Edward.

“You thought that you could abuse our generosity and sneak away from Volterra with your family undetected?”  Marcus snarled furiously.  If your mate’s actions hadn’t clued you in that Edward had grievously offended the Kings then the change in your mate’s words definitely would have.

When Alice spotted you, Athenadora and Jasper, she gently tugged Bella over to the three of you.  The female vampire took great care to walk quickly behind the Volturi guards to reach you; she probably figured that she and Bella would be safer if they were closer to you and Athenadora.

“Edward was plotting to manipulate the Kings’ minds and make them think that their mates were in danger.”  Alice explained in a rush, “The next part of his plan was to depart Volterra with us when the Kings were distracted, knowing that it would take time and resources for the Kings to arrive in Forks.  By that time, he planned to fabricate events after he broke the spell on the residents of Forks and mislead Carlisle and Esme into thinking that the Volturi held us hostage.”

As Alice summarised Edward’s plan you felt your anger grow until it was nearly reaching boiling point.  Your rage amplified Marcus’ and his grip on Edward’s throat tightened.  Spotting this, Jane increased her attack on Edward.

“While the immediate reaction to Edward Cullen’s betrayal is amusing to say the least, we must consider the repercussions of his actions.”  Demitri drawled.

Aro considered Demitri’s words before laying a hand on Jane’s shoulder.  She stared up at Aro and after an unspoken exchange, Jane released Edward.  The vampire went limp in Marcus’ grasp and Marcus threw him onto the floor with a distasteful flick of his wrist.  Despite his aggression, Marcus stepped silently over to your small group.  Your presence appeared to reassure him and the King lost some of his tension.

“Your plans and actions reflect badly upon you, your family and your sire.”  There was no friendliness in Aro’s tone and Edward sensed this.  He kept his gaze locked on the floor.

“The last time that you enjoyed our hospitality, you behaved in a similar manner.  You went so far as to try to attack one of the Guard.  Your attempt was unsuccessful but the fact remains that your intent was to harm one of the Volturi.”  Your eyes widened as your mind attempted to discern who Edward could have tried to attack.

Edward’s eyes cut over to Bella who was steadfastly ignoring him and choosing to peer at Caius instead.

“She will not help you this time.”  Marcus rumbled.  “It is time that you face the consequences of your actions.”

“To punish you is to punish all.”  Aro continued, “You did not consider the consequences of your actions when you brought Bella into our world underprepared.  She was exceedingly fortunate that she did not encounter a Strigoi or Empousai.  Her fate would have been much worse if she had.”

“Do not prolong this Aro.”  Marcus ordered.  “You already know the course of action that you wish to take and I have lost far too much time with my mate as it is.”

“I apologise brother.”  Aro inclined his head, “I know how important our mates are to us.  My judgement is that your relationship with Bella Swan cannot be allowed to continue.”

“And how will you enforce this ban on our relationship?”  Edward challenged.  “Forks and Volterra are quite far apart.”

“With my help and Bella’s permission of course,” Alabaster replied, stepping away from Felix.

“Bella won’t agree to whatever you have planned.”

“I am perfectly capable of making decisions for myself!”  Bella hissed venomously.  “Or did you forget that my vote was the deciding one when we discussed casting the spell on the residents of Forks to slow time?”

You were relieved that Bella had the courage to stand up for herself because prior to her outburst, you were worried that Bella had sacrificed too much of herself to stay appealing to Edward.

“Bella-”

“No Edward!”  Bella cut him off, “I’ve heard what you planned to do and now I want to hear Alabaster’s plan.”

Alabaster paused and you realised that he was waiting for someone to appear.  Part of you wondered whether he was communicating telepathically with whoever it was since that was one of his powers as a child of Hecate.  Within seconds, Chelsea raced to his side.  Fragments of Alabaster’s plan began to piece themselves together in your mind.

“Bella your life has been disrupted too much by the supernatural world.  With my magic, I plan to give you a chance at a normal life away from all of this chaos.  The spell I am intending to cast will bury your memories deep inside your mind.  Your memories will not be the only ones altered.  This spell will alter the memories of every being that calls Forks home, including her supernatural inhabitants.  If you and Edward are truly destined to be together, your memories will return and the sky will glow a radioactive pink for three consecutive years.”

“Alabaster.”  Sulpicia rebuked.  You could tell that her heart wasn’t really in the rebuke as a smile was tugging at the corners of her lips.

“If the universe corrects its mistake and the two of you aren’t destined for each other, your memories will stay forgotten.  This part of your life will be nothing more than a bad dream.  Chelsea is here to ensure that the bond-”

“The frayed and barely functional bond.”  She put in.

“The frayed and barely functional bond,” Alabaster agreed, “is broken painlessly.”

“What about Victoria?” Alice questioned.

“She will be dealt with.  By us.”  Athenadora vowed.

Bella scanned the room.  Her eyes lingered on the Cullens and you saw her mouth move as she focused on Alice.  You couldn’t make out what Bella mouthed to Alice but Alice bowed her head with a devastated expression.

“Do it.”  Bella ordered with a determined tone, “I’m ready.”

[artscloudy]

hi!!! i love ur &team fics i think you write the members so well😭😭!! could i pls request a k oneshot (preferably on the longer side but wtv you are okay with doing!!) inspired by the song daylight or mastermind by taylor swift? maybe idol au too idrm? but complete creative reign to you!!! thank u smmmmm

Hello dear <3 Ngl writing this was a challenge and I loved every second of it. And thank you for the compliment!!!

The songs screamed to me to write this, but it's not really long, sorry...

Anyways, I hope you enjoy <3

A long night

I've been sleeping so long in a twenty-year dark night, and now I see daylight, I only see daylight.

It was all my design, 'cause I'm a mastermind.

Gender: female Warnings: i guess none

You kind of stumble around while you try to catch your breath. How the heck does the coreographer create those insanely difficult coreographies is beyond you. You can barely breath after a whole hour of dancing.

You've been trying to get this coreo right for the last week, but the problem is you don't seem to be making improvements.

You wipe your forehead with the sleeve of your long t-shirt and try to stand up properly. Thanking the teacher and greeting the other girls, you take back the sweather you discarded earlier and get out. Finally it's done.

It has been a really long and tiring day, but now you deserve your beloved coffee.

Are you going to sleep? Probably you'll not even try now since you need to go back and practice at least a little more. The next monthly evaluation is incredibly close, even if the last one feels like it was just yesterday. Therefore, the coffee is a good choice.

While you walk to the coffee shop, you try to keep yourself warm in your sweather. The weather's so cold during the night, but nights in Seoul are just something else. You've been here for a while now and the night never stops mesmerizing you for how pretty the streets are and how you feel loved: you, who's never been really loved by anyone before. You love practicing in the night, when the whole city is asleep and there's only you against the world, when you can take your time and fix every little detail with patience and love, taking care of yourself. A good coffee is all you need to keep going.

𓂃 𓂂 ⋆ ˳ْ  ˖ 𓂃

Coffee secured and ready to be drunk, you thank the guy at the register and take the wallet back.

Why doesn't this bag open? You curse in a low voice.

Your mum was right when she told you to get a bag that had a zip instead of such a complex type of lock, but when you got to the shop, this bag was definitely the prettiest.

While you fight with your bag, you are pushed sideways by a group of guys who are probably here to get a midnight ice-cream. You think for a monent to insult them or something, but in the end, you just side-eye the one who pushed you and keep trying to open your bag.

You end up on the floor, you don't even know how, but you probably bumped into someone and now your coffee is splashed everywhere, in particular on yourself. And the point is you can not even say anything because it's all your fault for not looking around.

"My shirt..." you look up and that's when you start to freak out. In front of you there's K.

He's one of the most popular guys in the whole company, and he was so popular even back in his trainee days, with the girls fangirling over him and desperatly trying to let him know how interested they were, even if it is not exactly allowed by your company. It's common for him to find a couple of sweets with handwritten letters here and there - he's even recieved one right in front of you just a couple of days ago.

But he's also really popular among guys for his perfect body and amazing personality. He's respectful towards superiors and teachers and even towards the other students and, when he works in a group, he leads well: just the perfect hyung.

You two had met before in random situations: once in the lobby of the company and you just bowed to each other and talked a bit - in a really, really embarassing small talk - once in a formal meeting and once in a training room. But you basically don't know him personally, except for all the voices about him.

Still, here he is, stunning and perfect as always and offering you a hand to lift you up the ground. And he's smiling to you, as if his shirt is not as stained as yours is - and it's all your fault. You can't even look at him in his eyes, but you remember from your previous encounters the warm color they have.

You accept the hand he is offering and you find it to be soft and gentle when holding yours; even his other hand that only slightly touches your side to help you regain your balance is delicate.

"I'm sorry for the coffee..." you try to tell him.

"Don't be, it's okay. I needed to wash it anyways after practice". And he laughs a bit. You smile in return, thankful for the fact he's not making it weight on you.

"I'm K by the way".

"Oh yes, I know". Ops.

"Do you?"

You'd like to slap yourself but you avoid doing so only because it would make the whole situation even worse. You opt to say the truth.

"Yes... you're kinda famous at the agency".

He laughs. You look at him in the eyes for the very first time since you spilled the coffee. You're probably red on your cheeks, since you feel them so warm. But he's just stunning while he laughs and thanks you for the judgement.

"Do you have time? We could take a coffee so you replace the one you dropped".

"Actually, I was thinking about practicing a little more" you tell him, feeling sorry to decline an invitation that would be every girl's (and boy's) dream.

"Oh, got it. The monthly evaluation is in just a week. You're a tough one. - he laughs - You must be the best trainee there".

And you feel a bit ashamed to confess that actually, you're one of the worst in your group. The teachers even told you that if you don't start improving faster, you could even never make it.

"And what's worst is that my weakness is dance. I can never get movements right and they are weak and I don't look catching while dancing".

"Ehy, I can definitely help you with that!"

"Oh no, I'm really terrible, I don't want to bother you".

"No, really, I'd love to help you. Dance is my specialty". He has an amused look in his eyes while he smirks to you and brushes his hair back with his hand.

Along with everything else, you think.

And just like that, the god of dance sent you an angel of dance to help your uncoordinated ass to debut.

And you agree to him helping you, pulling out all the courage you have inside to say yes and not to die there and then.

So, after ordering two more cups of coffee, he follows you back to the agency, trying to keep a low profile on the streets.

𓂃 𓂂 ⋆ ˳ْ  ˖ 𓂃

Once you get there, you both get changed, discarding the stained shirts and you show him the series of steps that you have to master for basically the next week.

He sits on the floor in a relaxed position, looking at you - in particular, focused on your body - with full attention.

"What's your action plan?"

"My action plan?"

"Yea, the strategy to master all of that in the short time you have".

"I don't have one".

"Y/n, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. You need an action plan".

K stands up and, for just a split second , you think he's going to open the door, get out, and never come back again, but he actually just grabs a pen and some paper and come back to where you're sitting.

"Let's say we have five hours. You can practice the first chorus for the first hour. It's the most physically demanding part, and it probably weights the most during the evaluation, so we should definitely work on that first. And then we can focus on expression and..."

He keeps using "we": we should practice, we have time... You feel a bit warm in your chest to see how he takes helping you improve by the heart. He could be sleeping right now or practicing his own coreography for the comeback or anything, but he's here helping you. You can't fail.

𓂃 𓂂 ⋆ ˳ْ  ˖ 𓂃

"Y/n! Again!"

You've already been practicing for two hours and yes, the breaks are almost nonexistent, but till now he has kept it funny and light, with nice talking in between the practices and a lot of words of support.

The problem is this small sequence that he had to show you twice and then explain really slow and still you can't get it right.

He stands up and comes behind you.

You feel a rush of heat to your cheeks as soon as he comes closer.

"The leg should be bent like this, - he holds your knee and moves it a little downwards, causing shivers to start from your knee and reach your whole body - and your hand should reach your knee fastly this way". He grabs your hand and his touch is still as soft and gentle as earlier while he brings your hand to your knee, showing you the right timing.

"Why are you shivering, are you cold?"

You feel heat come up to your cheeks and you start mumbling some absolutely random words: "No, no, just a little tired..."

You look at the mirror to check the position he led uou into, but all you notice is your red face: you're blushing like crazy and that makes you even more embarassed. In the mirror, you meet K's eyes. A shiver runs up your spine again while you just can't move your eyes away from his face, so incredibly close to yours. His black hair partially covers his eyes and the hem of the tshirt leaves his neck exposed. He's just that attractive.

You can even feel his breath on your cheek when he speaks again: "Repeat this part again."

𓂃 𓂂 ⋆ ˳ْ  ˖ 𓂃

The music comes to a halt and you keep your final position for the standard three seconds.

"YAY, Y/n that was perfect!" He jumps and in a moment he is on his feet and hugging you.

For the first second you don't know how to react and the only thing you're thinking about is how sweaty you must be after all these training hours, but then you give in and hug him too.

Now you get why everyone says he has a warm personality.

He caresses your hair and then lets you go.

When you two are distant enough, you look into his eyes and see how much he's smiling to you, his cheeks just as red as yours are.

𓂃 𓂂 ⋆ ˳ْ  ˖ 𓂃

"Y/n, how far is your dorm?"

"Actually, I'd need to take the bus..."

"No way I'm letting you take the bus this late".

"Yes but how do I get there?"

"By car, of course. Jump in".

He stops near a car that bips segnaling it's now unlocked. It's a small black car, but seems to be in really good conditions.

"How is it possible that you always knew what I need?"

"I'm wonderful, I know" and shoots you an enormous smile.

𓂃 𓂂 ⋆ ˳ْ  ˖ 𓂃

"I love night car rides. They're magical". You two have all the windows down while he runs on the higway and you look outside at the lights that alternatively flash or shut and the brushes and the few other cars that pass you by in the opposite direction. You look at K, whose eyes are fixed on the road. You can see the shine in his dark pupils.

"They are. And what makes them special is the person you're with". And he shoots you a little look. You are a little puzzled, but cannot help but smile too.

For the rest of the ride you keep talking about your lives and you're surprised that K knows you so well, as if it's not the first time you two meet and laughs it off with the same excuse you used earlier: you're famous among trainees, but you know for sure it's a lie because you definitely are not that famous. He must have made researches about you and that thought only, even without a certainty, makes you shy. And then you two fall silent, but it feels comfortable nontheless.

"We're here" K looks out of his window to check the building you live in. Then turns to you.

"Thank you so much K, I can't express how much I needed this help and support. You seemed to have exactly anything I needed and to be exactly in the perfect place".

He laughs in a way that feels somehow awkward and then clears his throath: "Actually, there's something I must tell you." He is not looking at you anymore, while your eyes are fixed on him.

"The few times we met eachother have never neen fortunate accidents. I've always known where you were and desperatly tried to meet you."

You stay silent, hoping he continues. And he does: "The first encounter, at the company, when we first met, do you remember it? That was actually the only encounter I didn't plan and the one who went the worst, considering I just couldn't speak comfortably and made the whole thing embarassing". You laugh at the dear memory. You've never thought about how cute that first time was.

"And even tonight, I knew you'd go to that coffee shop and I knew your dancing lacked and you needed help".

"So you did foresee your tshirt splashed by coffee too?"

He laughs: "No, of course no!" And his answer made you laugh too.

"But I've wanted to meet you and speak this comfortably to you for so long. I just hope it's not too creepy". That's when he looks at you.

"K, it's not. I kinda figured out at some point - you smirk, while he sends you a puzzled look - becayse you knew too many things about me. Like, come on, you'd be a terrible spy. Anyways, seeing you, one of the most popular guys of the company, an amazing idol and an incredible person embarassed and shy like this... it's cute."

Then you turn your gaze down to your hands, unsure weather to continue or not, but after a while add: "And I kinda like you too".

He's still and looking at you for a while, but then, with the side of your eye, you see him moving closer to you, one hand still on the steering wheel. When you turn to look at him, his face is incredibly close to yours.

He leaves a soft peck on the side of your lips: it could be anything in between a respectful kiss on the cheek and an attempt to kiss you on the lips, but you don't complain.

"Y/n, if you'd like, we can meet again".

[inevitablemoment]

What Else is There to Do When You're Sick on Valentine's Day?

Word Count: 598

Warnings: Sinus infection, sick character

Fandom: Ghostbusters

Pairings: Egon Spengler x Cathleen Paige Spengler

Did I write this while dealing with a sinus infection of my own? Yes.

Did I write the end bit because I want to imagine what it would be like to meet Jim Henson? Yes.

Enjoy!

————————

Valentine's Day 1988

Cathleen coughed into her elbow, wincing at the feeling deep in her throat. She reached for her glass of water and took a sip; the cold water helped a bit, but not by much. And it still hurt to swallow.

Yesterday, she had hoped that her sinuses would clear up and her throat would stop hurting. But, then again, she had only started her antibiotic two days before, and she had woken up with a sore throat on Wednesday.

She grabbed another tissue to blow her nose as she saw Egon coming in from the kitchen with her dinner-- a bowl of her favorite stew with a plate of saltines on the side. She tightly wrapped her blanket around her as she tried to adjust herself to a sitting position. She considered taking another bath, even if she had taken one earlier that morning.

"Here you go-- careful," Egon advised as he handed the tray to her.

"Thank you," she rasped out.

Immediately, Cathleen took a saltine and dipped it into the stew. The heat soothing on her throat, and she needed her voice to recover as soon as possible.

Egon brushed a few locks of her hair out of her eyes; her hair had become a complete rat's nest in the last couple of days. And the dark circles under her eyes didn't need to confirm to him the rough time that she had getting to sleep. She had to take two Benadryl along with her night dose of antibiotic to knock herself out at night. Her nose was red and irritated, even though he had picked up the tissues with lotion in them. He hated seeing her so miserable.

Cathleen sighed as much as she could with her stuffed-up nose. Egon had sent Callie to stay with Ray because she had been so excited to spend the night at his place while her parents enjoyed Valentine's Day. Besides, Cathleen definitely deserved a kid-free night.

She was a bit relieved when Egon was so insistent that they cancel their Valentine's Day plans and stayed home that night. She felt too woozy and feverish to put on makeup and play dress-up (as much as she loved that). Staying out past midnight did not sound very appealing when she only seemed to be getting three hours of sleep.

Her stomach let out a growl that sounded as pathetic as she felt as she scooped up more of her stew with a cracker. "Egon, I'm sorry that we couldn't go out tonight."

"I don't mind," he assured her. "Even if you weren't sick, I would've been happy to just stay in. I'm just sorry that you're not feeling well."

"Not as sorry as me," Cathleen told him. "I feel like shit."

She held up a finger before grabbing another tissue and sneezing loudly into it, then blowing her nose again. She took another sip of water. She sneezed two more times before looking blearily at her husband.

"You can't possibly find me attractive right now," she said.

"Of course I do," Egon told her. "Cath, you're beautiful, even when you're covered in our daughter's vomit."

She smiled. "That's sweet to hear-- but, also, a little gross."

After Cathleen finished her dinner and Egon washed the dishes, the two of them snuggled on the couch, watching Muppets Take Manhattan.

"Wasn't it nice of Jim Henson to send us this advance copy after we ran into him filming that summer?" Cathleen asked.

Egon smiled. "Cath, we didn't just run into him-- you actively sought out where they were filming."

[words-etched-in-her-skin]

Pirate Alcina.

They stop at an island and Reader falls face-first into some unknown plants. Gets carried back to the ship and just wakes up SUPER horny and begging their Captain to fuck their brains out.

Turns out those plants contain a major aphrodisiac.

Also turns out Alcina has to actually work and isn't sure if the first mate is in their right mind for consent and doesn't know side effects which leaves her having to tie them to the bed so they won't harm anyone, which leaves them begging her to get fucked the entire time and soaking her sheets.

Go with that where you will.

(for kinky context, consent here would be given, since reader would also definitely beg her to fuck them if they weren't on aphrodisiacs.)

Alright, this is chapter is finally finished 😅 I may have strayed a bit from the original request, but eh, I had fun writing it! And I hope some of you will enjoy reading just as much ♥️ At almost 7,500 words, most of this goes under a cut 🤣

***

A rogue ray of sunlight danced lazily over a patch of raven toned curls as Alcina stirred, her sea worn skin rising and falling in a soft rhythm with each slumbered breath that she took. Cascades of crimsoned silk surrounding her supple curves and a slight flush to her cheeks. It wasn’t very often that the famed Captain of the Bloody Maiden got to take a morning off just to sleep - but after a particularly weary week, Rynn had insisted upon it.

Having been by her side for the past several years, Rynn was more than just the Captain’s second in command. More than just a part of the ship. They were her lover, her best friend, and the only person on the high seas that Alcina could trust with her life (even if she’d never admit to such soft vulnerabilities).

So, when her trusted companion gave her their word that the ship would arrive safely to it’s next destination while she rested, she didn’t give it a second thought.

And for the most part, the morning had gone relatively smooth. Rynn’s soft gray eyes never leaving the horizon as their beloved Captain slept soundly beneath them. Alcina’s many trinkets and treasures swaying with gentle ease to the subtle rock of the Vatore Sea, the sun that was now nestled perfectly in the small window of her bunker reflecting softly and dusting tiny prisms across the Captain’s body.

Alcina had spent the last couple of decades making a name for herself. Ever persistent in keeping her ship and her crew far away from the Immortal Mother and the woman who ran it.

She learned everything she knew from Miranda, and some would even say she owed her. But Alcina vowed the very day she walked off that ship that she would forget every last thing her Captain had ever taught her. So, when her body jerked abruptly, ripping her from a very nice dream about a bratty first mate being tied to her bed - it wasn’t with rage or unkindness that she moved, but concern. Concern for her ship… for her crew… and most importantly - for the endearing, scarlet haired enby that was undoubtedly standing in a panic behind her wheel.

Out of all of the pirates on the high seas, Acina was most known for her gracefulness. Whether she was just getting dressed for the day or plunging her rapier through an enemies heart - she did it with the utmost of ease, with utter confidence. Her tall frame moving fluidly throughout the small cabin as she gathered various pieces of clothing. Soft black stockings that hugged her curves deliciously leading up to a satined crimson shirt - the midnight leather of her boots covering up to her knees and showcasing her supple thighs. She was a Captain renowned for her beauty - as well as her ruthlessness.

As soon as she rose from the lower deck, her gaze wandering to where the sun hung lazily in the sky, Alcina immediately knew that it was far too early for them to be hitting any sort of land mass - if they had been going in the right direction, that is.

“My Lady!”

The wide eyes of her companion Rynn Lancaster locked onto hers, icy steel meeting a warm glow of concern. The rare pet name always catching her off guard whenever the enby used it. And even though, yes, while technically she was of noble blood, her parent’s ship was sieged by Miranda’s crew and them killed when she was barely four years old. That life was one she knew nothing about.

“Rynn? Why have we stopped?”

“Ah.. well.. that is to say..”

“It seems our Rynn here got a little distracted and went the wrong way” The Captain’s middle daughter, Cassandra, spoke from behind them - a slight smirk upon her lips.

Her eldest, Bela, moved to place her hand on Rynn’s shoulder. “Don’t be too hard on them, Mother. The Vatore Sea looks exactly the same in every direction.”

“Yeah! Plus, whatever they were thinking about.. they were thinking very hard about it.” Daniela added, a smirk on her face that rivaled her older sister’s.

Alcina chuckled at the four of them. It had been years since she first adopted the girls. Promising their mother very early on that if anything ever happened to her, she’d never leave them in the hands of Miranda. And not a day went by where she didn’t think about the woman who birthed them - her soft smile and brilliant green eyes. She could still remember the day they arrived on Miranda’s ship like it was yesterday. How scared they all looked - how tiny. Alcina had never in all her years running the Bloody Maiden seen the girls take to anyone like they did Rynn.

“I have no intention of being angry with anyone, dear daughters. I just wish to know what happened.” The Captain replied calmly.

The flushed enby in front of her let out a deep sigh, putting on their most charming smile before responding.

“Ah.. right.. Well, Cass wasn’t too far off, heh. I was a bit.. distracted. By the time I realized we had been traveling true north instead of north east, the island was too close to change directions without hitting it.”

Alcina leaned in, the top of her shirt buttoned in a hurry and leaving less than little to the imagination. “Mh.. I see. Care to tell me what had my first mate so distracted?”

Rynn blushed, rubbing the back of their neck nervously before averting their eyes. “Er.. I, ah.. I’d.. rather not say, Captain.”

“Ha! That means they were thinking about Mom!”

“Daniela!”

“What?! Am I wrong?”

“Whether or not you’re wrong, none of us here want to hear about it.”

“Bela has a point.”

Daniela scowled at both Alcina and her sisters as the pink hue across Rynn’s cheeks deepened even more.

“A-anyways… we should probably try and figure out exactly where we are.” They quickly added, looking towards their Captain.

"I agree. Bela, would you run and get Sal for me, please? She has more experience with these waters than anyone here."

"Of course, Mother."

The blonde hurried off to find one of the newer members of the ship, a fierce pirate named Sal Moreau. Her inky black hair shimmering like a midnight sky as she followed the eldest Dimitrescu daughter to where the Captain stood.

"Aye? Yer needed me?"

"Mh.. it appears my first mate has steered us slightly off course. I was hoping you could tell us exactly how much time we've lost."

Sal walked to the front of the hull before lifting herself up onto it, a quick glance in either direction before she nodded and hopped back down.

"Heh, not too far off. If we can jus' get the ship back in tha water, we cud be at our destination by nightfall."

"Excellent. Thank you, Sal."

"Aye, o'course."

"Cassandra, you and Sal gather the strongest crew members and get started on ungrounding us. Rynn and I will check the island for food and essentials."

Daniela pouted as her older sister and Sal made their way to the lower decks. "Motherrrr.. can I come with you and Rynn? Pleaaaase?"

Alcina chuckled as she cupped her youngest daughter's cheek. "Very well. Just no goofing off, hm? I assume we won't be here long."

Daniela nodded, clapping her hands excitedly. "Of course! Thank you, Mother!"

"Bela, I'm leaving you in charge of the crew. Make sure everyone is doing what they can to get us up and going."

"Yes, Mother."

Alcina took a moment to grab her hat from her quarters before returning to the hull and her still slightly embarrassed first mate.

"Shall we, pet?" She asked warmly, extending her arm for the enby to take.

Rynn smiled, hooking their arm in hers. "After you, boss."

For the most part, Alcina couldn’t really complain about the morning’s events. While, yes, they were definitely a good amount off schedule - she was exceptionally well rested, the sky was clear and the air was fresh. And the sun was basking her companion in a luminous glow, accentuating their warm olive skin.

“It is not often I get to see you in this light, pet. I must say, it is stunning.”

Rynn bit their bottom lip, a fierce heat coming to their cheeks. There were few things in life the Captain enjoyed more than flustering her first mate. Than willing that beautiful crimson hue to spill across their skin.

“You are stunning, my lady.”

“Being all charming, are we?” The Captian smirked, making the redhead chuckle.

“Ah, well.. I am at my cutest when I’m being charming.” They replied with a wide grin.

“Mh.. that you are.”

“OKAY, HI.. STILL HERE. Can we talk about … literally anything else, please?” Dani interjected from behind her mother.

The enby laughed. “Sorry, Dani.”

“You did choose to come with us, my darling.” Alcina smirked.

“Moooooom.”

“Very well, my little moth.” The Captain replied with a chuckle. “We’ll stop.”

“Thank you.”

“.. for now.” Rynn added without missing a beat, pulling a deep laugh from Alcina. Daniela only rolled her eyes in response before skipping ahead of them with her machete to clear some of the brush.

Acina sighed in content. Even with an almost shipwrecked ship, she felt more at peace than she had in a long time. It was a rare occasion that she got to simply enjoy the company of her companion.

The island itself was quite beautiful, even if a bit overgrown, and the Captain knew it would’ve been an absolute waste to not stop and enjoy the little gifts that life occasionally gave her. The last few weeks had been rather hard on both her and her crew, after almost losing more than a few members during their last siege - and she sure as hell wasn’t going to pass up the chance to spend some quality time with Rynn.

Alcina smiled softly as her hand slipped into theirs, the immediate spike to their blush felt instantly between their touch.

“Sweet pet.”

In true Rynn style, the enby kept their eyes straight ahead, the blush across the bridge of their nose accompanied by a tiny smirk.

“Well.. someone’s certainly in a sunnier disposition than usual.. especially considering how far off course I’ve put us.” The first mate paused, looking up at their Captain, their demeanor slightly more solemn. “I am really sorry about that.” They added.

“Mh.. considering it’s given me a rare moment of free time, I shall let it slide, my pet.” Alcina replied, smiling at them fondly. “Were you afraid I was going to be angry with you?”

“I.. well.. I’ve seen you when you’re angry, boss. Made a vow a long time to do my best to never make you so.”

Alcina chuckled. “Understandable, pet. Though, I also made a vow a long time ago. To never treat my crew the way Miranda treated hers. Mistakes happen, you will not be punished.”

“I mean.. you could punish me.. if you wanted…”

Another chuckle. “Needy little pet.”

Rynn blushed fiercely before averting their eyes. “I’m just sayin’…”

“Mh.. noted.” Alcina replied with a smirk, caressing the back of their neck. “I would still like to know what had you so distracted, though.”

She watched as Rynn looked over at her daughter, who was still very much in hearing range and currently glaring at them.

“Heh.. maybe later.”

The Captain nodded, ravened locks shimmering in the sunlight. “Very well.”

Over the next half hour or so the three mostly walked in silence, the steady rhythm of Dani’s machete cutting through the thick brush the only thing to keep them company. An almost pungent scent filling the warm island air - slightly husky, slightly sweet. Alcina’s gaze rarely leaving her companion. She wasn’t sure of exactly what it was, but she never tired of looking at them. At watching how they moved and enjoying their little quirks. A pleased grin coming to her lips when Rynn picked up a rock from the path, something they did at every location the two of stopped at. An entire shelf in the Captain’s quarters set aside solely for their collection, and it made her smile every time she looked at it.

“Found a good one?”

Rynn smiled, looking over at her as they showed her the inside of their palm.

“Not too bad, kinda reminds me of you.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

The Captain chuckled, taking the seemingly ordinary rock between two fingers and holding it in the light. Each side was completely smooth save for parts of the edges that were a little more jagged. A black so dark she had to wonder if they had stumbled upon some obsidian, but the star-like iridescent speckles that covered it told her otherwise - even the dullest parts of the rock seemed to glistened in the bright sun.

“It is rather beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Well.. yeah.. I did say it reminded me of you.”

Even with the heat spreading across her cheeks, Alcina smirked, “Always with the charm, pet.”

“Always with the truth, boss.”

The tall woman laughed out loudly, placing the rock back into their palm.

“Yes, well.. it’ll certainly look marvelous in your collection.”

“WHAT IN THE FUCK IS THAT SMELL?!” Daniela interrupted.

“Daniela! Language. And there’s no need to yell.”

“Sorry, Mother.. but WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT SMELL!?”

Rynn chuckled. “It does seem to be getting stronger with every step.”

“Mh.. indeed. And it’s definitely floral in nature.” The Captain added. Her sister of the seas, Donna, had taught her that much.

Rynn nodded. “Just keep your eye out for anything that looks poisonous, Dani,”

Daniela waved her machete over her head in faux enthusiasm before running into the small opening ahead. “Aye aye!”

A single wink in the Captain’s direction was the only warning she got before her companion took off as well, a playful skip to their run. It wasn’t until she heard a loud thud followed by some immediate cursing that Alcina picked up the pace herself.

"Shit! Rynn.. are you okay??"

Alcina cleared the brush just in time to see her first mate face down in a large patch of flower bearing vines, the stench that had been following them almost overpowering. Her tongue clicking in worry as she walked closer to it, finding the enby's lean body barely discernible among the large purple and blue flowers.

"Daniela, what in gods happened!"

"I.. why are you asking me!? I turned around just in time to see them fall!"

"Rynn? Pet? Can you hear me?"

"Mmhmph!"

Alcina felt a surge of relief wash over her as soon as she heard her companion's muffled response. Doing her best not to get too close to the unknown plant, she knelt down, noticing the vines that were tangled around the enby's ankle.

"Stand back, my darling." She directed towards Daniela before unsheathing her sword. A loud 'swish' cutting through the island air as her blade swiftly did the same to the vines that surrounded Rynn, making the strong odor even more insistent. Their slightly disoriented figure slowly beginning to move, wobbly arms readjusting to push the top part of their body upright - warm olive skin covered in dirt and a slight flush of embarrassment.

"Heh.. think I found the source of the smell." They replied, spitting out a couple of petals.

The large woman held out her hand and gave Rynn a gentle smile as they rubbed the back of their neck nervously.

"Indeed, I believe you did."

The enby chuckled, quickly unraveling the vine from around their ankle before taking Alcina's hand.

"Thanks, boss."

"Of course. How are you feeling? Any odd sensations?"

"Ah.. other than feeling a little embarrassed, not really. A slight tingling, maybe?"

"Tingling where?"

"Er.. everywhere?"

"Mh… better to keep an eye on it, then. Nevertheless, we should get you back to the ship and into the bath, pet. I am unfamiliar with this plant or any of the effects it may have."

"Trying to get me naked, are we?" Rynn smirked, wiping the dirt from their clothes.

"Trying to make sure my first mate doesn't end up poisoned… brat."

“Do you two have to be gross every second of the day?” Daniela whined, making Alcina chuckle.

“My apologies, little moth.”

Her youngest daughter only rolled her eyes before heading off in the direction that would lead them back to the ship, her machete at the ready.

The walk back to the ship proved to be… interesting, to say the least. Alcina felt herself glancing at Rynn every few seconds, making sure they were still walking properly, breathing, and whether any other effects may be showing - luckily, the first two were a given. As for the latter, though... Rynn seemed to be getting more flushed with every new step that they took, their eyes darting around, tongue subconsciously licking their lips almost every second time Alcina looked at them. And eventually, they began fiddling with the buttons on their shirt, opening the first few and wiping their brow.

"Are you alright, pet?"

"I feel a bit... weird? And hot."

They took her hand without prompting, resting it on their forehead and against deep red strands of slightly dampened bangs.

"Am I feverish?"

The Captain stopped for a second, putting her other hand on Rynn's shoulder - not noticing how their breath hitched while she felt their temperature for just a moment.

"You don't seem feverish, no."

"Good." They replied, licking their lips again, eyes seeming to linger on hers for a minute longer than usual - not too much - but, of course, she noticed and arched an eyebrow anyways, making the first mate quickly clear their throat and look away.

"Mother? Are they okay??" The worried voice of Daniela yelled from the path ahead.

"I think so, my darling, but we should hurry just in case."

A few more minutes passed in which the enby had to stop every few steps to take a deep steadying breath, and Alcina made sure to stay close to them each and every time, even encouragingly stroked their back and hips - until they finally arrived back at the ship.

The captain felt a breath of relief leave her lungs the moment the familiar railing was back under her palm. With most of the crew were still working on the ship, she was pleased to see both Bela and Sal still on the ship.

"Mother-"

Alcina waved her hand, cutting her daughter's words short.

"How much longer until we're able to depart?"

"Aye.. shudn't be long now." Sal answered, her sharp eyes looking over the three of them. "Everythin' a'ight?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I've never seen Rynn look quite this flushed before." Bela added.

"And what the fuck is that smell?" Cassandra's voice slightly more nasally than usual as she boarded the ship holding her nose.

"Ah, that would be me, sorry." Rynn replied, looking sheepish and a bit more flushed than before - their shirt almost completely unbuttoned.

Alcina sighed, giving her first mate an empathetic look before answering. "We can across an unknown plant on the island-"

"Ha, yeah! Rynn came across it face first!"

"Daniela! Please."

Alcina gave her daughter a stern look.

"Sorry, Mother."

"Mh.. if you hadn't run off to begin with, little moth, Rynn likely would have been paying better attention to their footing."

"It's not her fault, my lady. I-"

"Hush.. the both of you."

Alcina could feel the good mood that had been with her for most of the day beginning to waiver, her worry for her companion starting to wear on it.

"Sorry, boss."

"Yeah.. sorry, Mom."

The Captain nodded, turning her attention back to Sal and the others.

"As it is, my main priority is getting Rynn out of these clothes and into a bath."

As soon as the words left Alcina's mouth, Rynn audibly moaned, drawing the attention of not only their companion but Sal as well.

"Eh.. wha' kinda plant didja say this was?"

"It's nothing I've come across in my travels before, honestly. The flowers on it were quite large, though. And the stench was rather.. pungent, to say the least."

"Blue an' purple? Vine like?" Sal asked, still watching Rynn as they undid yet another button on their shirt.

"... Yes, exactly.. how did you know?"

"Heh.. had more'n my fair share of experiences with the aphrodisiacs 'round these parts, Cap'n."

"The aphro-whats!?" Rynn exclaimed, eyes wide and cheeks flushed - their hand starting to fan at their face.

"Ah.. well, that explains some of the side effects." Alcina chuckled.

"Aye.. a strong one at tha'.. I'd get em' into the bath as soon as possible.. 'fore it gets any stronger."

"Oh, man.. good luck with that, Mom!" Her youngest cackled.

"Just for that, little moth, you can be in charge of heating the water for their bath."

"Ugh.. fineeeee." Daniela groaned, stomping off towards the Captain's quarters.

"Plus, it's not like Mom isn't used to Rynn-"

"Cassandra."

"Right, sorry." Cass chuckled. "I'll be down on the beach keeping the crew in line if anyone needs me."

"Is there anything I can do to help, Mother?"

Alcina smiled at her eldest before shaking her head. "Not at the moment, bug, but thank you."

The blonde nodded, returning back to her position at the hull.

“Hate ter say it.. but yer migh’ wanna let tha’ plant run it’s course ‘fore leavin’ here. Jus’ incase.”

“Mh.. you make a fair point. Thank you, Sal.”

The dark haired pirate grinned wide before she nodded, “O’course.. an' ah.. do yer best not ter touch 'em too much. Migh' prolong the effects."

The first mate promptly cleared their throat, "Ah ... I can think of at least ten reasons why not touching me is the absolute worst idea right now."

Alcina chuckled, shaking her head.

"I'll do my best, Sal. Bela, let Cassandra know that her and the rest of the crew will be in charge of searching the island for anymore resources once the ship is back in the water. I'll make a list of everything we may be low on."

"Yes, Mother."

“And tell them to be weary of their surroundings if the stench starts to grow stronger.”

Bela nodded.

"Thank you, bug." Alcina replied, giving her daughter a soft smile before turning her attention back to Rynn. Their shirt that was once neatly tucked in now almost completely off of them and a deep flush reaching all the way down to their sternum. "Now, pet. Let's get you into that bath. I'm certain Daniela has finished filling it by now."

The enby only nodded, doing their best to keep their composure under the ever growing effects of the plant.

As soon as the Captain took Rynn's hand in hers she could feel just how fast their heart was racing, how utterly warm their skin was. A dreamy look across their face as if they'd just been given the best orgasm of their life - half lidded and asking for more.

"How are you feeling, my sweet?"

Rynn looked up at her, a bite to their bottom lip and nothing but want in their eyes. And just like that, Alcina could already feel her reserve starting to fade. ”... do yer best not ter touch ‘em…” , Sal had said - a sentence the Captain knew would be far easier said than done. It’s not like she hadn’t noticed how gorgeous they looked - how needy they likely were. With skin a healthy flush and a body at the ready. Even just simply helping them strip of their clothes, it was more than apparent to her just how reactive they were simply to her touch.

“Like what you see, boss?”

Alcina could feel the enby’s gaze burning into her as she came out of her thoughts - a chuckle as she wondered just how long she’d been staring.

“You are rather stunning at the moment, pet. I do apologize.”

“Don’t apologize. Just fuck me.”

She’d be lying if she’d said those three words didn’t immediately will a heat across her body, a dark smirk coming to her crimson lips. Raising a single eyebrow, she leaned in - pulling the last bit of fabric from their flushed skin.

“Behave now, pet.. wouldn’t want to have to restrain you.”

“Oh, nooo.. please, anything but that.” Rynn bratted back with a smirk.

“Bath. Now.”

The enby only sighed, accepting their defeat as they lowered their body into the tepid water - steam encasing their lean frame. A sight, they were well aware of, that was not lost on Alcina, her gaze growing a little darker.

“Better? Boss?”

“Yes. Much.”

“You’re welcome to help me if ya like.. Or, you know, join me.. “

“Feeling bold, are we?”

“That’s putting it lightly… Mistress.”

“Tempting little brat.”

“I’m trying.”

“Bath, pet.”

“Fineee.”

Alcina chuckled, walking over to a small wooden desk at the far end of her quarters - littered with papers, ink, and her favorite quill. The invoice from the ship’s last inventory intake waiting for her right where she left it. She let out a large sigh as she sat down in the velvet adorned chair, taking a blank sheet of parchment from the top drawer. It wasn’t long, though, before the sound of water hitting her chamber floor pulled the large woman from her focus, the sweet scent of bath oils mixed her companion’s musk wafting over her.

“My pet, I-”

As soon as Alcina turned in her chair, the enby’s dripping body was straddling her, lips just inches from her own.

“Come now, Mistress. Why fight what we both know you want?”

The Captain chuckled, her hands coming to Rynn’s hips, halting their already gradual movements.

“I take it the bath didn’t help?” She smirked.

Even encased within their dampened skin, Alcina could see just how aroused they were. How badly they wanted her - needed her. Every inch of them screaming out for her touch as they leaned in a little closer, warm breath across her ear.

“Please." Rynn whispered.

Alcina rarely cursed, usually finding it to be a crude and vulgar thing - but as soon the word dripped so greedily from her lover’s lips, she knew there would never be a more appropriate time to start. Inviting, gray eyes watching her in desire. A light dusting of freckles under a warm pink hue, decorating the bridge of Rynn’s nose. Body, taut - wanting. Dripping and lean and out right begging for her.

The Captain took a deep breath. “Words can not express how enticing you are, pet, but I do actually have some work that needs to be tended to.”

“And if I refuse to let you?”

At this Alcina’s eyes grew a little darker. Her large frame lifting them both from the chair with utter ease - Rynn’s back against the mattress in a matter of seconds, legs wrapped around her waist.

“Needy enough to disobey your Captain’s wishes, hm?”

She reveled in how they shuddered beneath her - at how their whole body reacted to the mere proximity of her. The scent of their arousal thick in the air.

"Needy is an understatement here, boss."

Alcina chuckled, tongue darting out over her lips as she watched her companion's desire for her grow by the second. The length of them practically writhing against her.

"Mh.. then be a good little pet for me while I do my work."

It took almost all of the reserve she had left, but the Captain finally tried to pull away, making Rynn strengthen their hold around her waist, arms coming to wrap around Alcina’s neck.

"Rynn…"

"I can't possibly wait that long! I need you. Now."

Alcina sighed, shaking her head. "You leave me no choice then, my sweet."

The large woman looked down at her companion in pity, removing their arms from around her neck and placing them over their head. Even as she began meticulously tying the soft red rope around their wrists and ankles, they pleaded with her - begged for her. And it took everything in her not to ravage them on the spot.

Rynn’s svelte body pulling against their restraints. Every inch of them flushed - heated - with the measure of their arousal glistening between their legs. Alcina let out a hitched breath before rising from the bed.

‘Now, as I said.. be a good pet for me.”

“I- .. Alcina!” The enby pulled against the ropes a little harder, a look of utter betrayal on their face. “This is entirely unfair!"

“I gave you fair warning, my dear.” Alcina replied with a smirk. “But do not worry, I have every intention of wrecking you as soon as I’m done.”

“Hmph- .. still.” Rynn pouted. “Tie me up and then leave me all needy? Rude.”

“You know, I could always just search the island for resources myself, pet. The plant would certainly have enough time to wear off by then, hm?”

“Ah .. no.. that sounds like a terrible idea.”

“Mh.. then, behave.”

Rynn huffed, flopping the top part of their body down against the bed in frustration, which only made Alcina chuckle. And even though the enby did their best to comply, she could still hear their restlessness from behind her place at the desk. Muffled curses blending into the sound of quill against paper - the length of them tugging at their binds every so often as Alcina’s flawless handwriting spilled across the parchment in front of her. She almost felt bad for having to resort to such a method - but as a Captain, her work was never truly done.

She rose from her chair and stretched after the last item was finally written down, taking the sheet of paper into her hand. The strong scent of her lover's musk practically overwhelming as she turned to look at them - a down right pitiful sight, indeed. Hair a muss, body flushed and dampened with sweat, and the extent of their desire for her soaking through her satin sheets.

The Captain chuckled with a smirk. "Seems I should add new sheets to this list, hm?"

Rynn narrowed their eyes at her, a slight pout upon their lips. "Funny, boss."

"Mh.. poor, sweet pet. Looking so delicious."

".... This is unfair."

Alcina shook her head, chuckling again.

"I do apologize, sweet thing. I just need to deliver this list to Bela, I'll only be but a moment. Think you can wait a little longer for me?"

"If it's any longer than an actual minute, I may just rip through these restraints myself."

Alcina hummed, not able to stop her eyes from raking over their eager body - her tongue darting over her bottom lip subconsciously as she indulged in nothing but the sight of them. The thought of everything she wanted to do to her pet turning her want into a deep, pooling heat.

"Mh.. noted."

Fueled by absolute want, the Captain wasted no time in making her way up the steps that led to the hull. Giving her eldest a smile, she handed her the list to give to Cassandra and instructed her not to disturb her for the remainder of the day unless absolutely necessary. The blonde nodded, giving her mother a knowing look.

If she hadn’t known any better, Alcina would have sworn she was the one that had fallen face first into a massive aphrodisiac, her level of want growing by the second. The mere sight of them - bound and writhing - begging for her touch through breathy pleas. The scent of them so thick in the air that it seeped into her very being and willed her just the same. She wanted them. She wanted to fuck the plant right from their body and make them scream her name.

“I’m back, pet. Did you miss me?”

“My lady.. Captain.. Alcina.. please.. I-”

Alcina held up her hand to stop them, a smirk painted across her lips as she undid the first button on her blouse.

“My sweet.. have you ever known me to be a cruel and merciless Captain?”

“.. cruel, no… merciless, well..”

The enby paused and gave her a little smirk, making her chuckle.

“Touché’, pet. Though, I’ve yet to hear you complain.”

“Heh.. and you never will.”

“Good.”

Undoing the last button of her shirt, the crimson of it fell from her fair skin as she took another step in her first mate’s direction - hands coming to the hem of her pants - a sinful sway to her hips and a look in her eye that said she was about to devour them whole.

“Yep, I’ve been very good… Mistress.”

“Have you now? Is that why you’re all tied up?” The Captain chuckled.

“I- .. that wasn’t my fault! I fall into a mound of aphrodisiacs and I’m just expected not to wanna fuck you?”

“Mh.. you make a fair point, pet.” Alcina replied, her body covered in nothing but her intimates - black lace exquisitely hugging her curves.

“Good. Now, for the love of fuck - please, touch me.”

“As you wish.”

She moved like a predator in the night, eyes glowing and teeth bare. Her large frame encasing Rynn’s lean body before a single breath could fall from her lover’s lips. And oh, how they gasped as her fingers ghosted over their core, their arousal thickly coating their inner thighs.

“There is no sweeter sound, pet, than a plea upon your lips.”

An instant charge between them as the Captain moved in, gifting them with a heated kiss. Deep and languid and every bit exquisite. A soft moan muffled between bated breaths as fingers traced over Rynn’s entrance. The degree of their wetness immediately making Alcina moan in turn, the length of two fingers sliding in.

“Fuck.”

“Language, pet.”

A solid thrust punctuating her words.

“Mmph-!”

The sound of hemp tightening as Rynn’s hips moved fluidly to the rhythm of Alcina’s fingers. Experienced touches filled with absolute intention - sending a wave of heat across the enby’s body. Her sinful lips painting crimson across their flushed skin - nipping it as she went, marking them with her want.

“Mine. Alcina purred into their skin, biting them a little harder - her fingers curling indulgently with each deep thrust.

‘Y-yes.. all yours.”

“And so compliant today for your Captain today.”

“Mhmph.. yes-”

A supremely arousing hum rolling across her lips as she placed her thumb to their clit, forcing a third finger in.

“Ah-!”

"So eager to come."

Every inch of Rynn's body tensed as they tugged against their restraints, the length of them practically vibrating against them as they whimpered.

"Go ahead and come for me, little slut. It'll be the first of many."

Alcina quickened the pace of her fingers, matching the tight circles over her companion's swollen clit until a wave of pleasure crashed over them - soaking her bedsheets even more. Her soft lips firm against their own - tongues dancing sensually, swallowing their moan.

“M-more, please.” They pleaded.

“Oh, pet.. did you really think I’d be done with you already?”

A smug little smirk across red lips, making their way down the center of her lover’s sternum. Alcina’s mouth not stopping until it fully enveloped their core - this time allowing her skillful tongue to bring them back past the brink of pleasure and down again.

"Needy little thing."

She dragged her fingers over their already sensitive clit, making them shudder. Her eyes illuminated in the dim lighting of the room, glowing even more as she brought her fingers to Rynn's slightly parted mouth.

"Mh.. that's it. Be a good pet."

Their tongue warm, eager as it swirled around their Captain's fingers, cleaning them of their own desire.

"Tastes good, hm?" She smirked.

"You'd taste better, Mistress."

"Oh? Is that an invitation, sweet thing?"

"Mhm.. always."

An absence of warmth across flushed skin as Alcina rose from the bed, quickly discarding the last of her garments before settling herself between Rynn's outstretched arms - a voluptuous thigh on either side of their face as she straddled it. Her fingers firmly grasping onto the enby's hair the only warning she gave before lowering herself down into their greedy mouth.

"By all means, then, pet. Have a taste."

A hitched whimper falling from Alcina's lips, hands coming to caress over her breasts and tugging at her nipples. Her lover's deeply arousing moan muffled into her wet folds as it vibrated indulgently against her clit, forcing a buck to her hips.

"Mmh.. j-just like that, pet."

Every sinful curve of her body moving like a dancer trying to seduce it's partner. With flickering flames of candlelight licking at each one. Her movements slow - indulgent - fingers tangled into crimson locks as she pulled Rynn even closer. Where their tongue may have lacked her experience, it always made up for it in length and girth - filling her core effortlessly.

She could feel how badly they wanted to grab onto her, to hold her close as she ground her core down onto their fully lengthened tongue - the bind of their restraints being tested with each pull against them. Warm gray eyes staring up at her over soft curves, the dusting of freckles on their nose completely covered in her arousal as they pushed her closer and closer to the edge. Coaxing her higher and higher until her fingernails were digging into their scalp and her desire dripping down their chin.

A final trace of her companion's tongue up the slit of her before they chuckled.

"See? I was right.. the Mistress always tastes better."

Moonlit spheres melting into slivers as Alcina looked down at her pet with half lidded eyes, body completely relaxed yet yearning for more. Moving with the speed of a woman half her age, her lips were on theirs before they could even mutter a breath, the taste of her still prevalent upon them.

"Mh.. seems we'll have to agree to disagree on that, my sweet." She whispered into their ear before nipping at it, making them whimper.

She kissed them again before rising from the bed once more, the tip of her tongue just barely parting their lips and forcing them into a pout.

"... Tease."

The Captain chuckled, giving Rynn a smirk before opening the small chest at the end of her bed and reaching into it - the view of her exquisite body bent over in such a way almost stealing the breath straight from the enby's lungs. A slow ascend from her spot in front of them as she dangled a large black strap from her fingers.

"You were saying?"

"I- .. oh.. that.. I mean.. fuck.. y-yes. Yes, please."

"Mh... I assume you'd like this then?"

"Fuck... Yes... Don't make me beg again."

"Oh? But why? You've been doing such a good job at it."

"Alcina... Ma'am… I've been begging for you all day-"

Alcina chuckled again. "Touché. Very well, pet."

Barely a breath of a moment before she was undoing the binds on their ankles, the toy hanging sinfully from her hips.

"What are you-?"

"Hush, pet." She interrupted, cutting their words short with a single glare. "Do you really expect me to deny myself the exquisite view of your backside when you're this wet for me?"

As soon as Alcina untied the last bit of rope from the enby's skin, their ass was in the air - legs spread and core a dripping mess. A warm breath across Rynn's neck as she leaned in and pulled their hips back towards her.

"Captain's greedy little whore, hm?"

Alcina's voice was low and earthy, and every bit exquisite. The width of her hand coming down firm against one cheek and then the other, immediately making her companion yell out - their arousal glistening in the warm candlelight as it trickled out from wet folds and onto the soaked fabric below them.

Dragging her nails up the sides of their thighs, Alcina grabbed onto Rynn's hips once again - pulling them back even harder. The length of her strap forced down the slit of them, just barely slipping inside.

"Mmph! Fuck."

A hum of disapproval as another strike connected with the supple flesh of Rynn's backside, instantly reddening it.

"So vulgar today, pet."

"Ah-!"

The enby lengthened their hips back a little more, forcing as much of the large toy into their entrance as they could - the soft red rope that still bound their wrists tightening deliciously as they did. A low half growl reverberating in the Captain’s throat as one of her hands came to the base of the toy and slid it to the exact spot that she wanted it. Her keen sense of smell completely overrun by the mix of their musks.. it was heady and thick and oh so arousing.

“Mh.. I swear, my sweet. Every day with you is like an aphrodisiac.”

“S-smooth, Mi- Ah!”

Words of praise cut short by one meticulous thrust of Alcina’s hips, forcing the length of the strap deep inside them.

“Save your voice, pet. You’ll need it for all the screaming you’re about to do.”

She chuckled at their whine, at their whimpers and their moans. Each one needier than the last, all the more breathy and filled with nothing but want. The pace in which she fucked them gradual and teasing - allowing the toy a slow withdraw to the tip each time before driving it back in again. And she knew exactly what she was doing - slowly coaxing them closer and closer to the edge they so desperately yearned for. Her fingers pressing firmly into the flesh of their hips and leaving marks in their wake.

“F-faster, Mistress. Please.”

“Oh? Am I going too slow for you, sweet pet?”

“Fuck, Alcina. Please!”

The Captain chuckled again before halting her hips all together. A dark smirk across the crimson of her lips as she leaned over, trailing teeth across flushed skin.

“As you wish.”

Alcina swore those words would be imprinted into her lover’s flesh before the night was over. With a slight adjustment to her stance and their legs spread just a little bit more for her, she smacked their ass once again before thrusting the toy in roughly. An inherently desperate cry falling from Rynn’s lips as her pace proved merciless - one hand on their hip and the other on the back of their head, pressing them down firmly into the mattress.

Every orgasm that she willed across their body a testament to her skill - to her affection for them and her own level of desire. The harness of the strap rubbing deliciously against her clit with each movement, compelling the same prickling heat that held her companion hostage to take her just the same. She’d never heard her name screamed out so many times into the night - sometimes ricocheting off the sea worn walls of the small room, while others just barely audible as Rynn bit down onto the soft pillows of her bed.

The many marks that covered their lean body basked in moonlight and the sweat of their passion. And the Captain wasn’t wrong - barely a voice was left to them by the time the first signs of dawn started to peek through the small window of Alcina’s quarters. Their wrists freed long ago and their body a living covenant of her claim.

A soft tap on her bedroom door cutting through the aftermath of the last orgasm that washed over them both, her strap still deep in Rynn’s core as she placed a tender kiss to the back of their neck.

“Mh.. something tells me the others are ready to depart.” Alcina chuckled.

“Rude.”

“Still needy, are we?”

“For sleep and your cuddles, yes.”

Alcina sighed, allowing the toy to slide out slowly before wrapping her companion in a warm embrace.

“I’ll stay as long as I can, pet, but someone has to steer the ship.”

“But.. you haven’t even slept yet! Let Dani do it.”

The Captain let out a laugh. “You must be tired to offer such a suggestion. Plus, I got in plenty of rest yesterday and I’m feeling quite energized, to be honest.”

“Pft.. fineeee.”

Alcina chuckled again before placing another kiss to their neck and then their cheek. A soft smile covering the enby’s lips as they scooted a little closer to her.

“As it was, my sweet. You never did tell me what had you so distracted yesterday.”

“Oh.. that.” The enby paused, letting out a slumbered breath before answering. "You.. and.. and the future."

"Mh.. some would call it foolish for a pirate to think about the future, pet."

"Hm.. maybe.." Rynn replied, their words growing heavy with sleep. "... but it's just so easy when it comes to you."

[copiousloverofcopia]

The final smaller commission is done!

And it's a spicy one for my dearest Ghestie @vampghoulette featuring her Ghoulette OC Caldera!

Thank you so much for commissioning me! I hope you like it!

As always commissions are open and I have an interesting one I am working on now I hope you all will enjoy soooooo without further ado...

Selfless

Caldera, an hardworking and selfless Ghoulette begins to feel anxious about the upcoming Re-Impera tour. Knowing Copia's time is coming to and end she struggles during preparations for the tour. As she tries to help Copia and Aether find out how she's feeling and help ease her concerns in more ways than one.

Also available HERE on AO3!

Definitely NSFW below the cut!

It was yet another long day in the books for the Abbey. Papa was gearing up to set back out on the second leg of his tour and everyone else was pulling together to get him there. The aptly named Re-Imperatour dates were fast approaching and all the siblings and ghouls alike were preparing for the band’s departure. Their humble abode filled with the buzzing energy of endless checklists, desperately needing to be completed, and the hum of conversation. Everyone, speculating on what was to happen next.

The burden held on the backs of all those involved was lightened just a little with the help of one very benevolent ghoulette. Caldera, or Dera as Aeth first came to call her, was a quintessential part of the Ministry. Her tireless need to help with the loads of others, only out weighted by the desire to bury down her own. She was always at the aid of one person or another, her selfless ways catching the attention of the reigning Papa on more than one occasion.

“Oh christ Dew, why is it you always have to make such a damn mess of things.” Caldera huffed, wiping away the sweat that had plastered her short platinum locks to her brow. Her small horns, pulsing with the ache of her head. She was stressed to be sure and needed to rest, but still knelt down to pick up the spread of papers covering the floor. Another tiff between Aether and Dew, leaving Copia’s office looking like closing at an old stock exchange. She didn’t mind the distraction if she were honest.

The looming thoughts of the end of the tour worried her. Knowing that her Papa’s end may come sooner rather than later. The uncertainty of what type of END that would be, weighing heavy on her heart. That reason alone was enough today to send her out on a quest to keep busy and help out.

She needed to run from it—hide. Pretend it wasn’t a dark shadow that followed her every thought since Copia, her once beloved Cardinal became Papa. The others were gone, taken by a thief in the night, one that was never revealed. Their bodies made effigies in service to the Clergy. An atrocity that Caldera couldn’t bare to have happen to her Papa.

No, you can’t think like that, she thought to herself, both thanking and cursing Dew for the mess. Her thoughts, now fixed on her fellow ghoul’s antics, made her roll her eyes and continue picking papers. Crawling behind the desk as she followed the mess, finding even more waiting for her. She had almost finished, only a few slips remaining as Papa and Aether appeared in the doorway. Caldera hidden from view behind Copia’s large antique desk. The two of them clearly in the middle of a conversation.

“I told you he’s an absolute gremlin.” Aether hissed.

“Is that one of those little brown and white fluffy things from the film you all were watching in the common room last week?” Copia asked, neither him nor Aether realizing the ghoulette was in the room.

“Nawh…I mean kinda…only he’s the thing they become after eating after midnight.”

“Huh that explains a lot.” Copia chuckled, looking over his floor to see it free and clear—say for the stain on the rug he still hoped had escaped Sister’s notice. “I thought you all had it out in here?”

“We did.” Aether explained, trying to figure out how everything looked untouched.

“Si well…all is—” Copia commented, rounding his desk to take a seat when he caught sight of Caldera sitting on her knees behind it. “...oh ghuleh?! What are you doing down there?” Copia asked her, reaching out his hand for her to take. The ghoulette grabbed it, hosting herself up to her feet and brushing off her knees as she stood. Aether shot her a wide toothy grin. One that was reminiscent of Swiss.

“Seems we had some help. Dera to the rescue.” he smirked as she tapped the papers into a reasonable stack and sat them down on the desk.

“Indeed. Cara what are you still doing running around? I thought I told you to take a break from things hours ago.” Copia said, titling his head as he awaited her acknowledgement. Caldera sunk into her shoulders, feeling Papa’s ire, as well placed as it was. He had told her to take a break, an order she had completely disregarded. She averted her eyes to the floor before answering, unable to look him in the eye.

“I’m sorry Papa there were a few other things that still needed my help and well I came to ask you a question and found the office a frightful mess…and well I couldn’t help but clean it… you know?” she said, giving a cautious smile. Copia smiled back, he wasn’t mad so much as worried. He could see how much she gave of herself to the others, the Ministry—to him. His heart, swelling with his affection for her more and more with each passing day.

“It’s alright. Now tell us what's wrong?” Copia ordered, Caldera’s steel blue eyes widening with his words. It was more than obvious to both Papa and his ghoul that she was hiding from something. All the work and task jugginging, making it that much more apparent to them.

“Papa I–” she began, her remorseful tone just barely audible.

“Seriously Dera, you've been over doing it even more than usual lately, What’s going on?” Aether chimed in, eliciting a glare from the ghoulette.

“I know there has been a lot happening around here and the tour is just around the corner…but you can relax cara. It’s almost over.”

“That's just it.” she let slip, leaning up against the desk and putting her hand over her face, trying to hide the tears that wanted to give way.

“Cara?” Copia asked, taking her hand down and seeing the pained look in her eyes. Copia glanced back to Aether who quickly made his way to Caldera’s side. His hand held tight to her shoulder as Copia spoke once more. “Cara mia…why are you crying?”

“It’s just like you said. The tour is almost over and that means…that means—” she explained, cutting herself out before she could say the words. She didn’t need to, both Papa and Aether knew exactly what she meant.

“Caldera, dolce…nothing is going to happen to me. I’m not going anywhere.” Copia assured her, closing the small distance between them and staring deep into her eyes. His duochromatic gaze sending hellfire to her core. She wanted him, there was no doubt about it. Her and Aether had been lovers, now only occasional bedfellows in recent months. The things between them being nothing too serious—but with Copia, Caldera’s whole body ached for him.

She often had wondered to herself if this was what the mortals referred to as love. She snapped back to reality, pulling back as her incessant self doubt hit her like the falling of snow of an avalanche. Who could love her? When she looked at herself all she ever saw was a pale gray ghoulette, a bit too curvy for her own liking—nothing special.

“I’m sorry Papa…I should go.” she told them, pushing back both her Papa and Aether as she tried to make a b-line for the door. Copia turned quickly to catch her hand, pulling her back to face him.

“Cara? Why are you leaving? Do you not wish to be with me, with us?” Papa asked her.

“Never had any issue with me before.” Aether laughed, both Copia and Cardela giving him the look of death.

“No…I mean…it’s just well… I don’t want this to be…be out of pity Papa and that's exactly what it is.” she stated plainly, a look of offense falling over Copia’s face.

“I’m sorry Cardela, you don’t owe your Papa anything like that. I apologize for my forwardness. No one should partake in the sin of lust out of pity.” Copia responded, clearly misjudging the intent of her words.

“Papa! No no…You are amazing, wonderful, and..” Caldera gulped, “incredibly sexy…it’s me that isn’t.” she explained, her words were soft yet heavy with sadness.

“Oh Dera.” Aether sighed, watching her struggle to hold it together. She turned away from them once more, and again Copia whipped her back around to face him. The tears were beginning to run down her cheeks.

“Cara mia, you are gorgeous and worth every bit of worship that I’d have to give…and I desperately wish to give it.” he said, his eyes falling to her pouty lips as he took them with his own. A kiss so passionate and deep Caldera couldn’t deny his feelings were true. She slowly pulled back, slowly opening her eyes and completely entranced by his kiss.

“I–I didn’t think you saw me that way.” Caldera explained, still breathless from his kiss.

“Caldera, dolce…I see you that way.” he told her, bringing her hand down to the bulge that pressed tight from beneath his pants. She let out a gasp, her pussy continuing to throb at the thought of him taking her. “I can assure you cara mia…there’s no pity here. I burn for you.”

“Oh Papa!” the ghoulette moaned, feeling his cock twitch beneath her hand. Aether came around behind her, taking in her scent as he inhaled along the line of her neck. Burying his nose behind her ear—breathing heavy and intentioned.

“Papa what do you say we show Dera just how desirable she is…what do you think?” the ghoul suggested, his hot breath tingling her skin and the ache between her legs growing as she melted against Aether. Copia quickly brought his lips back to hers. Both the ghoul and Papa’s hands slipping over her body, Aether’s fingers running up underneath her dress and Copia’s over her soft belly and settling just below her breasts.

“Oh sweet Satanas…I want this so much but…but are you sure Papa.” she asked, barely able to get out the words as Aether’s claws grazed the outside of her panties. Her wet cunt calling out to them. Both Copia and his ghoul, ready to devour her in all ways conceivable. Her Papa smiled against her lips, caressing the swell of her breast as he spoke.

“I am very sure cara.” he groaned. And just like that it was decided. Caldera’s two lovers, stupefied by her beauty—beauty too long denied by her own mind. They pulled off articles of clothing, tossing vestments carelessly across the room as they raced to be inside her. Copia looked over to Aether as if to lay claim. His white eye, burning and piercing with his desire. The ghoul, understanding that she belonged to Papa now and that it was only by the grace of Asmodeus that her body be shared between them.

The ghoulette, hesitant to be seen, barely allowed Aether to remove her dress. Her arms finding their way across her—trying to hide what she could from their hungry eyes. Copia took her arms and opened them up wide before them. Holding them out to her side as he took her in.

“Oh cara. Sei la creatura più bella che penso di aver mai visto.”he growled, wasting no time as he tore off her panties. Bringing his mouth to her neck and grazing her skin with his teeth, the sensation, traveling all the way to her core. Aether stayed behind her, his arm wrapped around and fingers finding their way along her folds. Copia stroked his hard cock in his hand, watching as the ghoul pushed inside her.

“Oh Papa I need you, both of you.” she moaned, feeling Aether pumping them inside her. The slick from her cunt, sticky and shiny along his fingers. Caldera, unable to help but move herself on them. Hips rolling with Aether’s rhythm—her first orgasm well on its way to fruition.

“Ghoul is that pussy ready for me.” Copia purred as he brought a nipple into his mouth. Tongue flicking over the peaked flesh as the Papa groaned with need.

“More than ready.” Aether reported, his own cock pressing into the curve of Cardela’s ass.

“Aeth… go sit on the desk I have an idea.” Copia said, the ghoul slipping his fingers out from inside her. Caldera whined at the loss, her thighs covered in her own fluids as Aether took his position on the desk. “No worries cara, I will stuff that needy cunt in just a moment. Now be a good girl and put Aeth’s cock in your mouth. Pleasure him—pleasure him like you want me to pleasure you.” She nodded, approaching Aether. His cock throbbing in his fist as she placed her hands on the tops of his thighs to gain balance.

Caldera turned to face Copia, ready for his instruction. He walked behind her, his fingertips slipping down her spine and over the small of her back before reaching the meat of her ass. Marveling in her beauty as he brought his own fingers inside her. The ghoulette raised up her pelvis, helping Copia ease his fingers inside as she backed into them. Fucking herself on his hand as he watched. HIs leaky cock begging to fill her and his breathing hitched.

“Suck his cock cara.” he commanded, the ghoulette doing exactly as told. Her hands, running over Aether’s thighs as the head of his cock slipped through her lips and met with the back of her throat. She began to moan, the hum sending the ghoul’s head back in pleasure. Copia continuing to fuck her with his right hand. His left, stroking himself until he was satisfied and ready.

“Oh fuck baby…just like that.” Aether hissed, his teeth clenched as he tried to hold back from cumming inside Caldera’s throat.

“Mmm…” Caldrea moaned, the sound muffled with the swell of Aether’s huge cock in her mouth. Her noises, sending a shock straight to Copia’s cock.

“Oh Caldera, born of fire and earth. Mia dea oscura. I must have you now.” Copia growled, his cock making quick work of sliding through her folds. Gathering up just a bit of her slick before pushing straight into her core.

“Oh fuck!” Caldera called out, mumbled by the girth of Aether’s cock still in her mouth. She went back to work, running her tongue along his shaft and pushing her hips backward with each of Copia’s thrusts as he fucked into her. His cock, deliciously filling her out—her walls hugged tightly to him. Copia grabbed a handful of her hips in each hand as he thrusted inside her.

Copia shoved himself deep, rolling his hips along and relishing the feel of her soft cunt squeezing him inside. His pelvis hitting the back of her thighs and ass over and over as he took her. Cardella moaned and whined. So full of both Aether and her Papa, a divinely lascivious feeling she would never get enough of. Papa continued his ministrations, huffing and puffing, unable to hold back his desperate need to make her cum. The wet sounds of sex filling the space around them as they took her.

“Oh cara, so perfect for me, your pussy was made for me to fill it. Such a good ghuleh, taking your Papa’s cock so well. Mmm… Cum for me cara mia. Show the old himself how good the ghoul and I make you feel.” Copia moaned. Caldera was drunk in her own pleasure. Never before had she been so intoxicated by the feel of someone else inside her. Not even her own fingers had managed to fulfill her as much as Papa had. She felt Aether’s cock twitch inside her mouth. Lapping hard against the underside of his shaft as she felt his thigh muscles tensing beneath her palms. He grunted, tail twitching violently behind him as he grabbed for her wrists.

“Yes! Yes! That's it Dera…make me cum!” the ghoul cried as his body released, ropes of hot cum spilling into the back of the ghoulettes throat. The salty savory taste of his orgasm, filling her mouth before she swallowed it back.

“Mmm… ah!” she cried out, Copia fucking into her harder, pounding his throbbing cock relentlessly into her most sensitive bundle of nerves. A cluster of ribbed flesh that lay along her top wall, pressed over and over again as he fucked her. Her cunt began to tremble, the pure ecstasy felt as he took her making her drool. Her pussy fluttering around Copia’s endowment like the beating of wings. In one swoop Copia wrapped his arm around her, helping force the ghoulette down harder against his girth as he sensed her impending orgasm.

“That's right cara mia cum for your Papa! Make me cum for you!” Copia cried out, his mouth falling open as Caldera began to clamp down on him.

“Oh yes! Papa! Yes! Yes! I'm cumming!” she screamed, a smile spreading across Aether’s satisfied face as he watched them. Copia closed his eyes, letting go as he came hard inside her. His boisterous moans, billowing out into the halls as he filled her so full that the cum leaked out between them. Cardella’s thighs drenched the waters of their satisfaction as he stayed still locked inside. Within moments, the two of them all collapsed onto the floor. Their bodies, drained of energy and their shared blissful moment began to settle and still.

“Now that was good.” Aether laughed, running his claws along Cardella’s thigh. All three of them sank down to the floor, taking up roots in front of the desk—a pool of flesh and sin. The three of them, completely unashamed as the men held the ghoulette in their arms. Cardella cozied up against her Papa—nuzzling into his neck and deeply inhaling his scent.

“Papa…ah…thank you.” she whispered, Copia lifting her chin up to face him. Her eyes once again glossing over with the threat of tears.

“For what Cara, the sex? That dolce was all you.” Copia hummed satisfactorily as he looked into her eyes.

“No…not that. For reassuring me and uh…accepting me…you know as I am. For making me feel beautiful.”

“Cara…you were always beautiful. Never forget that.” Copia began, Cardella nodding her head as Aether nudged her with his horns to gain attention. The evening had come to an end and now it was time to leave. Copia laughed as he attempted to stand up, “...now let’s say we get up and go back to my chambers to cuddle… you know before I have another stain to worry about hiding.”

Cardella laughed. A hardy laugh that comes from a place of true happiness. She would still give of herself selflessly. She would still worry about her Papa and his future—and she knew that there would always be a part of her that doubted she was beautiful. She knew however, that whenever he was around that she was held and all was right in the world. Cardella braced herself to stand as she spoke, her legs wobbly from her endeavors and a smile gracing her face.

“Sounds good to me.”

Notes:

Sei la creatura più bella che penso di aver mai visto. - You are the most beautiful creature I think I have ever seen.

Mia dea oscura- my dark goddess

[littlemisssatanist]

Double Date (Part One)

—————

In which Nene maybe signs up for more than she wanted.

—————

Details

Nene is gay

So is Emu

And Rui

And Tsukasa

They’re all gay

“It’s 11 at night.”

Nene’s words fell on deaf ears as Emu pulled her towards the entrance to the amusement park. It was closed, but the pink haired girl didn’t seem to notice. If she did, she definitely didn’t mind.

“Hm, hm, hm…” Emu hummed, fishing her phone out of a pocket. She tapped the bright screen quickly.

Nene sighed, rubbing her eyes. She had just fallen asleep when Emu barged into her house (she regretting giving her a spare key), dragged her out of bed and said that they were going on a date (?).

“There!” Emu exclaimed, showing Nene her phone. “Rui is going to get Tsukasa. We’re having a double date!”

“It’s 11 at night.” Nene repeated dryly, deciding to ignore the forbidden date word.

Emu waved her hand, smiling widely. “Don’t worry Nene, it’ll be fun!” She giggled, wrapping her arms around Nene’s waist. Her cheeks flushed red, and she dearly hoped the other girl couldn’t see in the dark. (Although, considering how Emu seemed to light up the sky with her smile, that was probably unlikely).

“Hm.” Nene huffed, threading her fingers through Emu’s cotton candy pink hair. Emu sang softly under her breath as they waited for the boys to arrive.

They came (eventually) with loud noises and shushed whispers. It seemed that Tsukasa was also caught unawares, judging from circles under his eyes. Rui, on the other hand, was laughing at something, extremely wide awake. Nene winced, her head aching slightly from the disturbance of silence.

“There they are!” Tsukasa pointed at the two girls, hurrying to get away from Rui. The director did not let him do that, instead grabbing his hand and dragging him towards the entrance of the amusement park. “Why, in the name of all that is holy, are we here, at-“ Tsukasa quickly checked his watch, “-at 11:30 at night?! It’s almost midnight! This is ridiculous.”

“Aww, is the star sleepy?” Rui teased, wagging a finger in Tsukasa’s direction. The latter’s face turned red, and Nene thought she should intervene before things got out of hand.

She untangled herself from Emu (rather unwillingly) and went to put herself between the two boys.

Crisis successfully avoided.

“So why are we here?” Tsukasa asked, looking around at the closed amusement park. It was completely dark.

“We’re going on a double date!” Emu repeated. “Me and Nene, and you and Rui!”

“I-what!” Tsukasa was flustered, but Rui just laughed. Again.

Nene’s mouth tightened, and she willed her face to remain neutral while her mind went absolutely crazy. Why oh why, why do you keep using that word!!!!

“I’m pretty sure this is illegal.” She said instead.

Emu blinked. “Well, what people don’t know can’t hurt them.”

Right.

“How are we going to get inside?” Rui asked.

“Jump over the fence!” Emu cheered, racing to the gate and starting to climb it. Nene gave herself only a moment to stare in disbelief before following suit.

Emu struggled to lift her foot onto the next foothold, and Nene rushed over to help. With a few silent curses, Nene pushed Emu over the railing. The pink haired girl skipped to the entrance of the gate and fiddled with the lock. It swung open with a creak.

“Tada! Ninja Emu to the rescue!” She exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air.

Rui chuckled and Tsukasa threw Nene a concerned look. Nene shrugged, as if to say: I don’t know what’s going on either.

A pained expression flickered across Tsukasa’s face as Rui tightened his grip on his arm and dragged him through the gate.

Oh brother.

[aberooski]

Do you have singing voice HCs for any DM characters?

Ooh good question! Of course you can take my headcanons with a grain of salt, but I'm happy to share!

I sort of do, but not quite to the same degree as my hyperfixation on my GX crew singing voice headcanons. Or maybe it is actually it's been a while since I've thought about these guys that way aksksk

Like for instance we have a frame of reference for Seto because Eric Stuart is a singer. Which would apply to Bastion a little bit too through the transitive property of voice actors but Seto's voice is more or less just Eric's and Bastion's isn't so I think about them very differently.

Side note: Seto can sing and has a nice voice but would literally never sing ever in his life so I don't think even he knows what his vocals are like. 🤭

We also sorta have a frame of reference for Téa because in my experience we all just kinda agree that it's her singing We'll Be There even though it's not actually Amy Birnbaum singing. But from that frame of reference I think it's safe to say I think she'd have a very pop-y voice. Her voice is light enough to be very agile for runs and has the energy for more upbeat songs. I also think she lives more in the upper register, not quite full soprano though. She'd probably be more of a mezzo soprano in like a choir or something like that. But she's got a great belting range. So jealous

Tristan I actually think about the most. I think he actually has a very good voice and everyone is surprised by that when they find out. It's kinda like a secret talent but he's modest about it. He's the most musically adept between the four of them apart from Téa since she's a dancer and has that side on lock too, but he keeps it to himself. But goddammit his voice is smooth like butter and lives in that middle voice range. Get him on a nice slow acoustic song and he'll change your fucking life.

Joey is the most amateurish with his sound and general talent but he tries. He's lowkey jealous of Tristan's innate vocal talent and tries harder to get good so he can one up him at first but then just grows to enjoy it. And he's more of a belter than Tristan which he loves to flex but in a fun and playful way. Hid voice like I said is amateurish and rough and unrefined, but he's got the spirit and the potential to be a very very good vocalist as he improves.

Bakura has the sweetest most gentle tuckin voice in the world 😭 except for Yugi but shhhhh! Like you want him singing lullabies to your kids at night. His voice is very melodious and his British accent survives in his vocals which just 😭 his range is deceptively low though but is generally very wide.

I haven't thought super deep into Duke or Mai but I have decided they both have deep, sultry, very sexy voices 😩 Like they would KILL in a midnight piano bar. Voice part wise I've always had it in my mind that Mai would be an alto, probably 2nd alto, and Duke would be a baritone. I also can't imagine any senerio where Mai doesn't have natural vibrato 😩

And Yugi 🤔 Yugi is very self conscious about his voice but like Bakura, he has the fucking sweetest most gentle voice you've ever heard. It's just as gentle as he is, and his range leans more on the higher side but he's got more of a lower register than Sy does of you know my headcanon about him 🤭 Joey loves to be his hype man if the situation ever arises where Yugi sings anything like if they're having a karaoke night or something and he appreciates the sentiment but get soooo embarrassed. He and Téa duet at karaoke night a lot and their voices are very well matched 🥰

Tbh haven't really thought about Atem that much that way 🤔 but in my mind he's a bass/baritone. But he probably has a very nice voice too, strong and warm and just a kinda naturally refined sound. I dunno really, but he can definitely sing 😅

Hope that's a satisfactory answer for you! 💜

[solo-campaign-diary]

#02: Goodbyes

Rin was definitely going to be sick. Exiled unless she could reconsecrate the temple of Sancta Solia? The city in the Fallen West, home to untold horrors deadly enough to slaughter bands of treasure-hunters and crusaders far, far stronger and better-armed than her? It was suicide. Probably drawn-out, painful suicide. She wasn't sure this was preferable to a swift execution.

The High Inquisitor approached the still-kneeling heretics. "Your right hand," she said to the halfling man called Blake a few people to Rin's left. He extended his hand hesitantly, then withdrew it back quickly with a yelp of pain. He examined his hand as he breathed sharply through his teeth. The Inquisitor approached the next in line, the human woman Seraphina. She, too, yelped in pain almost as soon as she had extended a shaky hand to the Inquisitor. Down the line the Inquisitor went until it was Rin's turn. This, Rin was ready for.

Saint Terragnis's mark--a holy symbol that would mark her as one of the church's crusaders, with all the rights and restrictions that came with it. In another context, this would be a great honor. Somehow, Rin felt this would be different.

The instant she presented her hand, searing pain burned into it, both in her palm and the back of her hand. She looked down at the freshly-burned mark and wondered where it would take her.

***

Back in her room--her actual room in the temple dormitories, not that dank cell that had held her for the past several days--Rin was confronted with just how unprepared she was to leave the temple halls, let alone the city. Although she had trained extensively with all manner of arms as a warrior-priest in training, the church owned them all. And though the church provided for her room and board, it also paid a pittance for her work.

"Hurry up already" came the guard's voice from the threshold of her small room. "You heard the High Inquisitor; you are to be outside the city walls by nightfall, tonight." Rin nodded, turned, and followed the guard out of her room. He unceremoniously closed the door behind her and locked it.

Walking down the hall, Rin hesitated. Though she held no love for this place, she did wish to say a last goodbye to her best (really, only) friend: Jennie

[Rolled character: Jennie, F, Halfling Priest (spell: shield of faith). Question: Are Rin and Jennie romantically involved? (Roll: 9). Answer: No, but... ...but Rin wishes they were.]

...Jennie. Rin stopped in front of her door. It was well past midnight, but she couldn't just leave without saying goodbye. The guard turned impatiently to her.

[Does Rin know the guard? +3 for familiarity with the temple personnel. (Roll: 13). Yes.]

"Jonathan, please. I just want to say goodbye, and the sun isn't even up yet, let alone setting."

[Cha. roll, -2, Advantage (knows him), DC 15. (Roll: 12). Failed.]

Jonathan looked at Rin, not entirely unkindly. "Rin," he said quietly, "you know I can't. You might have until sundown to leave the city, but Mother Superior wants you out of the temple immediately."

Rin hung her head in resignation. She blinked back tears as she let Jonathan lead her down the hall. Outside the temple grounds, the fresh air didn't seem quite as comforting as she had hoped.

"Pssst!" someone hissed from behind Rin. She turned, seeing no-one. "Down hear, of course!" the familiar voice said, seemingly from thin air.

"Jennie," Rin said, "must you always sneak around?" Jennie's halfling invisibility faded to reveal a grin she hoped seemed appropriately mischievous. But her smile did not hide her splotchy cheeks and puffy eyes from Rin.

"Well," said Jennie, her voice obstinately bright, "I had to sneak past Jonathan when he wouldn't let you see me, the ass." She stopped smiling. "Was that really going to be it, then? He says 'no' and you leave me forever without so much as a goodbye?" The lightness in her voice slipped as she spoke.

"You heard."

"Of course I fucking heard"--Rin always did marvel how such a genuinely pious person could swear so much--"I've been up all night, every night since you were charged. I couldn't sleep, I could hardly eat...Rin, I though you were going to die!"

"I did, too."

"And why didn't you? How didn't you? What happened?" Rin explained the sentencing, the crusade, the exile effective at sunset.

Jennie brightened, genuinely this time. "Rin, this is amazing! I mean, not you being exiled," she hurried to clarify, "but you've been spared! And you even have a chance to redeem yourself in the eyes of Saint Terragnis and return home!" Rin couldn't bring herself to look glad at her fate.

Noticing her friend's lack of appreciation for her miracle handed to her, Jennie continued. "Don't you see, you were meant for this, you were meant for Saint Terragnis's service! She's not abandoned you, she has a purpose for you still! I told you resigning was a mistake."

Rin did not want to rehash this. "Well if I hadn't resigned, I wouldn't have been sentenced and I wouldn't be on this quest," she said curtly, "which, by the way, is a suicide mission, hardly a blessing!" Rin, why are you doing this? she thought to herself. Why are you having this fight now? "So maybe it was Terragnis's grand plan for me to leave the church and become apostate so I could be sent on this crusade."

"You know that's not how this works," Jennie said seriously. "Apostasy is a crime; it's a heresy. Saint Terragnis would never lead you to heresy!"

"Then I guess I'm just a heretic, then!" Rin, stop. "I resigned from the priesthood because I don't want to be part of any stupid god's stupid plans." Do you want this to be the last thing she ever hears you say? "I didn't ask her to play with my fate!" Don't say it, Rin. "I don't think that makes me wrong. I think that makes her wrong!" Rin didn't notice she was nearly shouting now.

"Enough!" Jennie was shouting now, too. "You know I can't stand here and let you blaspheme like this! Saint Terragnis is a god, she is so far beyond our ability to question. Yet she blesses us; she blesses you!" Tears were streaming down her cheeks. "If you can experience such mercy and still reject her, then--"

"--then what, Jennie?" Rin interjected. "I do deserve to die on this crusade? Say it, since apparently your god says it."

Rin's words sat in the sudden silence between them like a wedge. "Jennie, I'm sorry, I..." Rin trailed; she didn't know what to say.

Jennie looked away as she spoke, her voice even and measured. "The sun is rising, Rin. You should get going if you want to make it to the next town by nightfall." She turned without looking at Rin and walked back toward the temple.

After a moment, Rin turned too.

[themidnightghoul]

Midnight Rain

Welcome to an incredibly self-indulgent ficlet! It’s no secret that I am a Rain girly and I’ve been wanting to dive deeper into my sweet baby Ghoul OC, Midnight. Y’all were introduced to her in my first fic for Ghoulette Appreciation Weeks 2024 and I was writing this alongside that story. I’ve been struggling with a lot of personal things lately and I thought about how wonderful it would be to have my favorite Ghoul comforting me, so I projected my sadness onto Midnight (I mean, she’s definitely sad and struggling but in a different way) and let her be comforted by Rain. Yes, Midnight is a Rain girly as well but no she won’t ever tell him. This is a more personal fic but…I still hope you enjoy reading it. And thank you if you do 🖤

It was nighttime again and Midnight was perched in her rocking chair, staring out of her window. It was a nightly routine at this point, wrapping herself up in the Summoning blanket that Cumulus had given her and looking up at the stars that were outside of her window. It brought her comfort but it was also painful, so she usually preferred to do it alone. She loved being at the Abbey, with her pack, but Satan below did she miss her stars. The pull in her chest towards the sky was always present but tonight it was so strong that it knocked the breath from her lungs, felt like a stabbing pain in her chest that only went away when her eyes were locked on the small lights above.

It was a mercifully cloud-free night so her view was unobstructed. She was able to see so many stars, even found a few constellations and a planet without much trouble. It was like she was still connected to everything that space was, even in this new vessel that she inhabited. But her bones knew that she didn’t belong and that’s when the ache would start. Being a Quintessence Ghoul, she was made of stardust and nebulas and galaxies that most humans didn’t even know existed yet. Her very soul could feel that she should have been floating amongst the stars above and no matter how much she tried to fight it, she could never push that feeling away. 

Phantom and Aether told her that it would get easier, the feeling would eventually dim to a low hum or a soft pulse she felt every once in a while, that it wouldn’t always be this painful. But she never told them that she was terrified of the day that would happen. She never wanted to lose this feeling, the memories of being amongst the stars

“Midnight?” A voice she couldn’t place sounded from beyond her closed door. She hadn’t quite learned everyone’s voices just yet but she was trying.

“Come in,” she spoke softly but knew that whoever was out there would be able to hear her. The door opened and then closed, footsteps made their way across her room, but she never tore her gaze from the sky. She was hit with the smell of petrichor and the ocean and she knew it was Rain. Voices were hard for her to remember but scents were so distinct and she couldn’t forget them if she tried, especially not Rain’s.

He sat down on the floor in front of her rocking chair, pulling his knees up to his chest and hugging them. “We missed you at dinner, Sparkle.”

Midnight just hummed, continuing to look at the sky. She had been getting better, she thought, but it was still so hard to deny herself this at the end of the day. 

“You wanna talk about it?” Rain’s voice was so soft, so calm, that it ate away at Midnight’s heart. They all tried so hard to help her but she was still struggling. It hadn’t been long since she had been Summoned but she really felt like she should have gotten used to things up here by now. 

She rested her cheek on her knee, turning to look down at Rain. “I feel like…am I ever going to get over this?” 

Rain reached his hand out towards her and she took it without hesitation. “No, Sparkle, you won’t. But it will get easier, I can tell you that.”

“Phantom said that, and so did Aether, but…”

“But you don’t want it to get easier.” It wasn’t a question. It was like Rain just knew what she was thinking, what she was feeling.

Midnight shook her head. “I don’t want to forget.”

It was quiet for a moment, both Ghouls just looking at each other. She could feel the tears building up in her eyes, threatening to spill over, and did her best to will them away. Rain didn’t come in here to see her cry and she didn’t want him to see her cry, but the way he was looking at her was so intense and she couldn’t stop the first tear from falling no matter how hard she tried. She tried to wipe it away quickly without drawing attention to the fact that she was crying, but it didn’t escape Rain’s notice.

“Oh sweetheart,” he whispered, opening his arms and gesturing towards himself. Surely he wasn’t trying to comfort her, was he? 

The thought made the tears fall freely, a sob wrenching its way from her chest. “S-sorry I-“

“Midnight please, come here.” His voice was so soft, so sweet, so comforting, and she desperately wanted to crawl into his lap and let him hold her. But something was keeping her rooted in her rocking chair.

“I’m f-fine, really,” she sniffled, trying to stifle her tears. He must have thought she was so pathetic, sobbing in the dark over seemingly nothing like she was.

Rain sighed softly and stood up. She assumed he was tired of dealing with her at this point and that he was leaving, so she was more than shocked when he crawled into her lap and sat with her in the rocking chair. He draped his long legs over one of the arms of the chair, leaning his shoulder against the back and wrapping his arms around her, pulling her against him. 

“What-“ she laughed, unable to do anything else except cry and laugh at the situation she now found herself in. “This can’t be comfortable for you, Rain.”

He pulled her head under his chin, resting his head on top of hers, and started to purr softly. “I’ve been less comfortable before but you were being stubborn, what else was I supposed to do?” She felt the soft rumble of his purr all throughout her body, almost like lightning traveling through every nerve ending from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. 

“You don’t have to do this, you know,” she whispered. She would never admit it outloud but she would never leave the comfort of Rain’s arms if she had her way. But she’d rip out her tongue before admitting that to anyone.

“You’re part of my pack, Midnight. I’m never going to leave you alone when you’re sad. Never.” He emphasized the last word with a gentle squeeze and she felt her body melt against him, finally relaxing and allowing him to comfort her. “I know you miss it up there, Sparkle, but I hope you know how happy I- we are that you’re here.”

She didn’t miss the sudden switch from “I” to “we” and how he almost seemed to stumble over his words for a moment, but she also didn’t want to read too much into it at the moment, content to sit with him as long as he could stand to be around her. “Thanks, Rain,” she whispered, adjusting herself so she could get closer to him even in the contained space that was her rocking chair. 

Eventually, she felt herself drifting off, and maybe it was her brain playing tricks on her or maybe it was something more, but she swore that she felt a gentle kiss on her forehead and heard a whispered, “Always, Sparkle,” before she fell asleep in the arms of her Water Ghoul.