#wooden toad

[anakahaia]

Inktober 2023

Day 8: Toad

It’s friend shaped!

[the-astral-express-archive]

Honkai: Star Rail | Transparent Enemy Portraits: Xianzhou

Entranced Ingenium: Obedient Dracolion

Entranced Ingenium: Golden Cloud Toad

Entranced Ingenium: Illumination Dragonfish

Abundance Sprite: Golden Hound

Abundance Sprite: Wooden Lupus

Shadow Jackhyena

[snackugaki-jestsjapesjokes]

In commemoration of this

Let us remember what Frida can do canonically

gave her the ol' Shikamaru's Kagemane no Jutsu treatment for ninpo which is fitting really since

And what's more ninja than shadow manipulation?

Just y'know, from a 90s weeb standpoint who saw how fucking obsessed U.S media was with ninja in the 80s and 90s, the earlier TMNT could have stood to be MORE ninja. The newer iterations kinda sorta have gotten "more ninja" instead of generic milk chocolate martial arts with a shiny ninja candy coating

[timmurleyart]

Frog family. 🐸🐸🛞🐸💚🎨

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY BY A "CHEERFUL GIT."

"Every day is closer to the end."

-- MARK GREENING (English musician/drummer/cheerful git), c. summer 2023 A.D.

Source: www.picuki.com/media/3061192464198181497.

[mrbrojangles]

I'd commit war crimes for a fucking takeout burger right now.

[writingsofwesteros]

Can i please request something about larys where after aemond insults him and calls him a toad, larys finds comfort in aemond's sister-wife (reader) who's more than willing to comfort him and let him do as he pleases (whether it be soft gentleness or mean and rough) 🥺😍

AN: Hi, I hope you like it x

NSFW

“I do apologise for my husband, Lord Larys.” Your voice was soft and sweet; the same tone you now used with your Lord husband. Aemond more often than not needed the sweet honey you whispered rather than the truth your marriage had been built upon. It seemed war had changed him; even a fool could see that now. It should not surprise you that Larys did not seem shocked by your presence; as ever Lord Strong seemingly saw everything. “Oh, do not apologise for the actions of others, my Princess.” A shiver moved down your spine at the sound of his voice; always so deep and intriguing. It was as if he pulled you in with ease.

“Still, I thought I would..” You continued whilst gracefully moving around the wooden chair Lord Strong had settled on. Those dark eyes of his starred as you finally came to be fully in his view. “It is kind of you.” Larys was not one for pity but coming from such a pretty face as your own; he would allow such a thing, he thought to himself. Still, you felt as if you needed to do something more to hold Larys in the palm of your hand. The soft thin material that wrapped around your slender body left nothing to the imagination; and oh, Larys could imagine an awful lot. His eyes twitched for a moment as he watched your body language; you had never been one he had spent an amount of time watching. 

It seemed that had been a mistake. “I am thankful for all the help you have given, my Lord.” You whispered so sweetly; those doe eyes of yours never leaving Larys as you finally came to a stop in front of him. As you nibbled on your soft, plump lip; Larys legs began to spread open as he read your face with ease. “Let me show you,” your hands slowly moved up and down his inner thighs as you gracefully moved to kneel. Larys’ dark eyes followed your every movement as the slip of a dress in your husband’s colours began to fall down your shoulders. Goosebumps easily moved over your soft skin as you settled between his thighs; your hands beginning to reach for his buckle.

There were no words spoken even as his hard cock bobbed out of its confinements. It was bigger than you thought; Aemond was longer but your pussy clamped around nothing at the thickness of Larys. “Does your husband know you are here?” Larys purred. “No, my Lord..it is just you and I.” You whispered sweetly as you began to lean in. “I promise.” You fluttered your lashes as you began to press open mouthed kisses up his inner thighs. Larys only watched with those dark eyes of his but his fat cock gave him away. His mushroom head is already leaking for you. Your eyes still stayed on him as Larys’ face was unmoving, which if it was any other man; you would have been put off.

Still, you leaned in and your soft, warm tongue moved up his length. Larys could not stop his fat cock twitching now as his hand grabbed at the chair. A hum fell from your lips and vibrated against him as you hid the amusement you felt. The messy sound of your drooling mouth moving over his twitching cock echoed. His hand slowly reached into your locks now as you lowered your head; your hot mouth engulfing him with ease as you did many times with your now regent of a husband. Still, Larys was much quieter than Aemond as your tongue slowly moved up and down his length with ease. Your doe eyes looking up at Larys from under your lashes.

Your tongue moving over his leaking head with a soft moan as you lapped at his pre cum. With that act, Larys’ hold only tightened as amusement flooded you. It seemed he was just like any other man, you thought to yourself whilst bobbing your head once more. Your face pressed against his stomach as drool easily escaped you. His hips slowly began to rock now, eagerly trying to reach his own climax as the Prince Regent’s wife was on her knees for him. The thought alone brought a smirk to his face as his hold on you only tightened. Not that you cared; Aemond could be that much rougher. Still, you allowed Larys to believe he had the control in this interaction.

His own stomach began to tighten; his climax coming all that more faster than his own hand could ever provide him. You hummed against him knowing the vibrations would drive Larys as wild as any man. Of course, you were proved right. His hold only tightened as he pushed your head against his stomach without care. Larys could not stop his grunts of pleasure echo in his chambers as his cum flooded you with ease. All you did was moan and take all he gave you. Gods, you could not stop the shiver running down your spine as you slowly leaned away. His hand easily moved to the back of your neck as those dark eyes of his burrowed into your own.

“Undress,” Larys ordered and his voice was soft if only for a moment, which was the only thing that gave away what had transpired. That had not been something you planned but alas, to keep control of the situation you began to do as he ordered. Those dark eyes of his moved over your body as it slowly became completely bare for him. The soft silk dress that had wrapped around your curves with such ease fell to your feet. Your husband’s colours have fallen from you now. Larys’ smirk told you that he knew this as well as the Lord Strong motioned to his lap. Delicately, you placed your hands on his shoulders whilst you moved as gracefully as you could to sit down. 

Still, Larys kept his hands from you - for now that was. Your sweet, bouncing breasts were displayed in his face before brushing against his chest. “Will your husband expect your return soon?” Larys whispered up to you. “I imagine he has new duties as Regent now to notice I am not where I should be,” You purred into his ear as his hand slowly began to move south causing goosebumps on your soft skin.

[figdays]

Frog and Toad Wooden Figurines // NatesFolkCorner

[rottenpumpkin13]

What if ASGZC reacted to pictures of them when they were younger?

*Angeal and Genesis are looking over an old photo album*

Angeal: Aww look at us playing pretend, with you pretending to be Sephiroth. I forgot about that wooden sword you had made that looked like Sephiroth's old sword. Do you still have it? Wait.... Look! I found a photo of you with that silver wig! I wonder if there's pictures of your wall of Sephiroth posters and figurines. *Gasp* Look! There is! And some of them have lipstick marks on them...

Genesis: B U R N I T

Zack: Guys, check out my photo album! There's a picture of me climbing a tree....and a picture of me touching a magical toad.....and a picture of me as a toad....and then a picture of me jumping from a waterfall....and then there's me rock climbing with no safety guards or anything.....and then me.... playing with literal firecrackers....wow, my parents did not care.

Cloud: I have pictures of my height progression, wanna see? Look, there's me at age 5, pretty small. Then age 6, 7, 8, and so on.

Zack: Huh. You don't have any photos past the age of 10? You stopped growing in them.

Cloud: Fuck you.

Zack:

Sephiroth: My childhood was meticulously catalogued. Look, here's an adorable picture of me playing professor Hojo's favorite game, the "get in the mako tank and be quiet" game. Ah, and here's a photo of me playing with my toys.

*Angeal, Genesis, Zack and Cloud lean in to see*

Angeal: Sephiroth, those are bags of sand.

Sephiroth: If I laid on top of them they simulated human contact.

[elliesstrapon]

Filthy Pleasures

"This t'much? Take me like a good girl."

♡ Summary: In which Ellie fucked you so hard, you couldn't coherently muster up a proper thought, or remember your name, and your voice going silent at the near 'hundred times you screamed her name.

♡ Warnings: sub r, dom Ellie, fingering, over stimulation, hickeys, swearing, body worship, use of petnames; Princess, good girl, baby, babe, etc. Not proofread, dirty talk

♡ Pairings: Ellie Williams x Reader

♡ a/n: Just a small break from False Accusations, not even 5 parts in and I'm exhausted, I needed some excitement, that last part was not it, anyways Enjoy!!!

"Fuck"

Her heavy and desperate footsteps dragging across the wooden floor boards, every shuffle louder than the last that you'd heard just before she knocked on the door.

Every night she did this, needily knocking on your door, yearning to relieve herself with your warm bodily fluids dripping down her slender fingers.

You lazily untangled yourself from the mixed up sheets, shivering at the cold atmosphere. You tip-toad to the door, the floor creaking like an alarm, in which you hoped the people sleeping just under you wouldn't hear.

The palace was old, every door and tile sounded at the mere touch of a toe, finger, breath, you had to pause whenever you heard a slight movement from the floor below.

You opened the door to Ellie, her eyes pleading for your body, your curves and moles gifted to you, woven at the finger tips of a goddess, your plush skin a land of wonders and bliss to the auburnette haired woman.

She was such a massive slut for you.

Your cunt throbbing at her nasty, smutty remarks. "'m needed m'good girl~ so horny" she slurred, moving her arm to open the door further, holding it just above your head, a dark tainted lustful look in her eyes, eyeing your already pointed buds. She bit her bottom lip, the sight of your body already sending her over the edge. Her hands reached for your hips in desperation, closing the door behind her as she forced you onto the mattress, the erotic sounds of your heaves filling the room, muffling between your obscene wet kisses. Her nails dug into your plush hips, your stretch marks being left with half moons in them, her tongue exploring every inch of your hot mouth like a new discovery, swallowing you whole. "Mmh~" you whined, your legs quivering into the sheets that shifted about under your supple skin. "Ellie..." Her kisses trailed down your neck in perfect ecstasy, every last one rougher than the last, you shuddering against her touch. You massaged the nape of her neck, her groans vibrating into your shoulder blades when you thrusted your hips up at her, your back arching in pain and anticipation, "steady'" her voice was low, ordering you as she devilishly pinned her knee between your legs, kneeing your clit teasingly, "shit— Ellie.. God~" you cried, your panties damp in your own produced liquids.

Your mind was hazey, her hands roaming your body, lifting your night gown. The fabric tickling your skin, leaving it naked, her tongue flicking at your nipples eagerly, sucking on them like a pacifier, devouring every inch of them, "fuck—"

"Y'like that, don't you' yeah.." she said, a chuckle slipping past her lips, cooing at your squinting eyes, your eye lashes fluttering and your mouth hanging wide, the feeling washing over you so dangerously. "That's m'pretty girl, so fuckin' wet for me, 'could destroy you right'now" she sucked on the sensitive perimeter around your buds, nibbling and biting at your boobs, chanting her name like an oh-so holy church song.

Her knee ruined you completely as she continued to blemish your skin in hickeys, a few shaped like butterflies, in comparison to the ones in the pit of your stomach, picking up and fleeing while your cunt tingled endlessly.

You were unstable, her hands cupping your ass cheeks, groping them to her content, whispering dirty praises into your ear, "y'feel so good baby' your bodys all mine.. mine.." Her voice was low, grinning against your neck, evilly. A philosophy written so effortlessly when she drew blood from your shoulder, flipping you over onto her thigh, holding your waist strongly in place, like a statue, never wanting you to leave her grip. "Like a fuckin' goddess.." she trailed off, her gaze grazing over your body, her look so thirsty for you. Her rings made you shiver, they clashed so coldly over your skin, feeling so vulnerable. You shook your head, disagreeing with her statement. "Say your a goddess" she darted, her nails seeping into your sides, demanding you. A Shakey moan slipping past your lips when she moved your hips, the friction against your pussy making it cry for more attention. "I want y'ta say it" she professed again, guiding your hips, you riding her thigh, your mind forgetting your own goddamn name and your vision clouding in unease, low and short whimpers leaving your mouth, defenselessly crying out her name as she forcefully pushed you to say it, your hands gripping her hair for dear life, "i—mm, I'm a goddess.." you groaned, rocking your hips on her, the sound of your liquids squelching on her naked lower body, "yeah, ur'mine, such a good girl fer'listening t'me" she said, she let go of your waist, watching you play with yourself on your own, her own request while you blissfully rode her, your panting filling the room, like some pornography video, the sound like music to her ears as you begged for an end on her, your climax nearing pitifully. "Please..." You cried, your legs shaking, the knot in your stomach unraveling so fast you almost couldn't see it coming, tears forming at the corner of your eyes. "C'mon you can do it, fer'me" she shushed you, rubbing your back, you painfully riding her through your climax, your cum dripping down her thigh into her own boxers, wet with not just yours but her own orgasm aswell.

You hopelessly fell against her barley managing to register the look on her face before she flipped you back on your back, watching you like a movie star, her words garbled into the delicacy of the warm skin on your neck "'m losing m'mind over you," she professed, her short nails digging into your thighs, spreading them open, your painful resistance failing as she smirked at you. "Fuck, Ellie, Please—" she slipped your panties off, so wet you wouldn't have been able to put them back on after this whole propaganda, she kissed the inside of your thighs, leaving a path of marks up until your throbbing, hurting cunt,

You were almost passed out by now, every inch of you trembling and flinching at her ringed fingers, teasing your entrance so fucking much you cried out her name so needy for her inside you, her pussy throbbing at the sound of her name foaming out your mouth repeatedly,

Your body was motionless, unable to even arch your back when she thrusted her fingers in you, the dirty sounds of your skin slapping corroding the air with the shaking bed, the walls creaking and your breaths heavy. You weakly tried to push her hand away, your legs bleakly trying to close, your bodily functions shutting down when she rasped out, her voice hoarse "don't resist" you palmed the sheets, pursing your lips fearful that your screams would awaken the entirety of the palace. "This t'much? Take me like a good girl." She whispered into your ear, curling her fingers up against your tight walls, "Ellie~" you whined. "So... Mm—" you failed to put words together, your brains and organs scrambled, she continuesly praised you, your body, your responses barley the ending of her name "Els—"

Your second orgasm falling through, the sticky substance staining her long fingers as she only thrusted harder, and faster, "fuu...!!" Your voice falling silent, only picking up paste, your cries and silent pleads straining her ears, "shh, it's okay babe" she assured, brushing through your hair, the beads of sweat rolling down every inch of your body, your cum still falling from your cunt.

"that's m'girl" she smiled, kissing your forehead, every part of your face, passionately.

Dividers not mine!!

[pwlanier]

Japanese bamboo carving of a toad, carved with knobby skin and large black eyes, stained overall with a dark brown color, together with an original hinoki wooden box bearing an inscription dating the carving to 29th year of the Meiji period corresponding to 1897 and signed Oda.

Clars

[ofstarsandvibranium]

Guarded Desires: Part 2

Fandom: Star Wars - The Acolyte

Pairing: Padawan!Qimir x Princess!Reader

Summary: After an assassination attempt on your mother, she’s asked a favor from the Jedi Council to watch over you and your family until the assailant has been caught. As a result, your mother’s old friend, Master Vernestra, has her padawan, Qimir, be your bodyguard. Based off my imagine here.

Series Masterlist

Qimir stands back as you train with the Kings Guard. You seem to already know your way with a sword well as you swing it, the metal clashing with your opponent's. There's a mixture of determination and amusement in your face. You're keen on overpowering your opponent but you're also having fun.

Your opponent is a young man around your age. He's tall and well-built! He's strong, but you seem to hold your own well. You push off the young man and he swings the sword at you. You tuck and roll, to then use your leg to swipe at his ankles. The man falls onto his back and you point your sword at him.

The other men watching the scrimmage cheer for you. You look at Qimir with a wide smile, "Wanna have a go next?"

"A hundred credits on the young Jedi!" the captain of the Kings Guard, Orin Zephar, hollers. He's a decade older you. You've always viewed him as like an older brother.

"Nah, the princess can beat him. I feel it," Orin's right hand, Lieutenant Kael Vandar, responds to the bet.

You roll your eyes and shake your head, "Ignore those toads," you say to Qimir.

He pulls off his robe and unclips his lightsaber, placing onto a nearby wooden bench. One of the knights hands him a sword. You give Qimir some time to get used to the weight. You watch him intently as he does a view experimental swings and twirls.

"Ready?" you ask when he gets into position.

The young jedi smirks at you, "I'll go easy on you."

Your smirk matches his as you say, "I won't." The men 'ooouuu' on the sidelines.

You then launch into offense. Qimir dodges your attack, his movements are swift. He's light on his feet, as compared to the knights you usually train with. He's something different you're enjoying this.

You don't get frustrated when every thrust and swipe of your sword misses him or clashes with Qimir's sword.

You and he come to a head. Both of your swords form an 'x'. You stare intently in Qimir's eyes and he stares back. In his eyes, you see determination and concentration. In your eyes, he sees a sparkle of amusement.

You smirk at him again and land a punch to his gut, causing him to stumble back in pain. You throw your hands up in victory again as there's a mix of applause and 'boos'.

You turn back to Qimir, who's clutching his stomach and groaning in pain, "You okay?"

"That was a dirty play," he says as he catches his breath.

You shrug, "Your opponent is never going to play fair. Don't they teach you that at the Jedi temple?"

"Not necessarily in this manner," he murmurs as he straightens up, "Regardless," he sticks his hand out, "you put up a good fight."

As you stretch out your hand, Qimir suddenly drops and pulls the same move you did on the knight before him. You brace yourself for impact but you don't feel it.

You crane your neck up to see Qimir with his hand stretched out. He used the Force to prevent you from falling. As he stands, he continues to use the Force to pull you back up.

You chuckle in disbelief, "I deserved that. I guess we're even then," you give him a wink and toss your sword to Orin as he approaches.

Orin smiles at Qimir, "Nice one, Jedi," he lightly punches Qimir on the shoulder and Qimir winces, "Ah, thanks."

One of your ladies' maids comes rushing onto the field, "Princess, lunch will be ready soon!"

"I'd like to have lunch out here, Jessa."

Jessa shakes her head, "Your mother wants everyone to have lunch together."

"Including the Jedi?"

"Yes, your highness."

You shrug and look to Qimir, "Come on then." The padawan quickly grabs his robes and lightsaber, falling in step beside you. You two follow Jessa through the corridors towards the dining hall.

"So, what can I improve on?" you ask Qimir, "You evaded every attack so flawlessly! It was amazing! It was like you were practically floating!"

Qimir can't help but chuckle, a warmth coming to his cheeks as you praise him, "Uh, well, I suppose I kind of was. I was using the Force to help me be lighter on my feet. But I suppose with you, you just need to be on your toes more. I noticed that you and the knights are very heavy footed."

You nod, taking in the feedback, "Alright. What else?"

He shrugs, "I'm impressed with how you handle the sword. Your movements are more heavy handed, but given the weight of the sword, it's understandable. But your maneuvers are very similar to the Jedi."

You playfully nudge his shoulder with yours, "Think I'd make a good Jedi?"

"There's more to being a Jedi than swinging a lightsaber and using the Force, princess."

The doors to the dining hall opens and you're greeted to your entire family already waiting for you, all of them sitting in their respective seats. The Jedi assigned to them sitting across the table from them.

You rush over to your spot beside your mother, "I apologize for our tardiness. I challenged Qimir to a duel."

Vernestra looks at her padawan with an arched brow. He shies from her gaze, "I was just showing her how Jedi are trained to fight."

"You're not supposed to be dueling the princess, padawan. You're supposed to be protecting her."

You speak up, "I asked him to duel me, Master Vernestra. I've never dueled a Jedi before. I was just curious on Qimir's fighting style. I am always open to going against new opponents to improve my self-defense skills."

"Was Orin there to supervise?" your father asks.

Your shoulders slump forward, "Yes, father. He always is."

"He's relayed to me how impressed he is with your improvement as of late."

You shrug, "I suppose I've improved a great deal."

"But there's always room for improvement, starlight," your father reminds you and you nod, looking down at your plate.

Qimir takes note of how your playfulness and confidence has dimmed. He doesn't see that sparkle in your eye that you had in the training grounds. You don't sit with poise and authority. Rather, you sit with a slump, a frown on your face.

It's not hard to see that despite efforts, the King doesn't see you as strong or capable. Qimir can only assume that your father, despite allowing you to have some freedoms, still shares some traditional ideals in regards to royal women.

Qimir clears his throat, "Princess Y/N was a great opponent. She fought well against me, your Majesty."

Your father looks at Qimir in surprise, "That so? Well, perhaps you can learn a thing or two from this padawan, Y/N. As long as Vernestra is okay with him teaching you a few things."

You and Qimir look to Vernestra, "As long as you're careful."

You and Qimir smile at each other. You mouth 'thank you' to him and he nods before you both go back to your meals.

[forever-and-whats-left]

I saw someone make a headcannon post, so why not?

Erik:

• he knows pressure points, human weaknesses, etc. basically my excuse to say Erik would know how to disarm Meg in LND because what was that.

• good at everything to an infuriating level. (Everything psychological not so much)

• has an arsenal of dad jokes he uses in increasingly insensitive ways.

• has some weird thing about size. Type of guy to call you “small” as a flirtatious move…

• easily hurt, both physically and emotionally, but refuses to take a break or admit it. Unless Christine is concerned, then he’ll do nothing but wail about it for attention.

• his hands are both cold and smelly, take that translation truthers!

• if he were an ordinary man, he’d still be a complete snob.

• when he’s going crazy he vents his emotions out on a Carlotta-esque toad puppet. There is a tiny wooden stick he beats it with.

Christine:

• would love Fiona Apple.

• her love language is tolerating you.

• people call her “nice” because they rarely speak to her at all. Not that she isn’t, but I’ve always thought she was a bit asocial.

• extremely empathetic to animals. She can’t even kill a spider. (Ahem)

• dislikes being touched.

• moved around with her father a lot, so she has some pretty severe attachment issues. She had good reasons to leave Erik, but Raoul(while he can be a jerk) takes the brunt of her poor coping mechanisms.

• In another life, had Erik not been so pushy and murder-y, they would’ve been very very close.

• Asexual. Yeah. Take that.

• Or she at least would dislike the very potent closeness and intimacy the devils tango brings. In other words sex repulsed.

• After the book, I imagine she took a small break from opera. She'd spent so much of her life doing things for others, and now it was time to do something for herself. Maybe she started singing what she wanted to sing, or maybe she pursued something entirely different. My idea: she began writing stories. After all, her connection to them had always been strong.

• a private woman, thus why she didn’t speak with leroux.

Raoul:

• can be an asshole, but more willing to admit it that others. I choose to interpret the fact that he so readily admitted how cruel he was(to a man who would publish this no less!) as an admission of guilt.

• would never take away music from her.

• a bit pudgy, but has some real muscle beneath it. He can’t be a twink doing sailor work I don’t think. (That rhymed!)

• hates Erik for taking his brother from him. He has a hard time watching Christine mourn Erik because of it.

Daroga:

• becomes Christine’s friend after the plot of the book. How, you ask? Beats me.

• I don’t have many headcannons about him I’m so sorry. Please, pitch your own id love to see em! He’s such an interesting character I feel so bad!

[the-power-of-a-pen]

Oh, How I Love Thee

Fandom: Spider-Man 2 (PS5)

Summary: A series of cute moments between Harry Osborn and reader based on Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem How Do I Love Thee?

Word Count: 3061

Pairing: Harry Osborn x reader (romantic)

Trigger Warning(s): Cursing, 3rd to last scene is reader panicking

A/n: I don't remember the last time I wrote a fic, but I loved the new Spiderman 2 on ps5 and I'm obsessed with/gay for Harry Osborn. Also apologies: English isn't my first language. Also please give feedback -- I have quite a few more of these in my drafts that I'll only publish if these are well-received!

How do I love thee?

Planks, nails, screws, and metal bars were strewn haphazardly across the floor of the apartment you shared with Harry. His eyebrows were furrowed the way they always do when he's determined to solve something. You'd long ago surrendered the instructions to him after his persistent insistence that he could figure it out. Instead, you simply leaned against him as you began organized the mess of a dresser you had attempted to assemble.

"Okay, how the fuck am I supposed to know with one of these screws is the 40 millimeter one?" he complained.

You adjusted yourself so that you were lounging more comfortably next to him with your chin on his shoulder while he wrapped an arm around your waist. “If I had to guess,” you started, “I’d probably read what’s on the top of each screw.”

He scoffed playfully. “Thanks, Captain Obvious.”

You gestured for him to give you the instructions, which he reluctantly did. "It says we need to put the x12 screws into the L2 bar first. Then we- oh for fuck's sake, why does this manual have pictures only? We're trying to build a coffee table, not a fucking time machine."

"Let's just try using the power drill on these," Harry suggested. "There's probably tons of extra parts in here that we can use if we mess up."

"Okay, Brunel. I thought you were a biochem major."

"Hey," he laughed. "Let a man dream. Can you hold this piece up?"

You obliged, and Harry picked up the nearest 40 mm-looking screw and drove it into the wooden bar at an angle to connect it to the bottom of the coffee table. You gave each other a look. It didn't seem right, but it did what it was supposed to.

"Trust the process?" you suggested. "I'm not going to try and read that chicken scratch again."

Harry shrugged. "Fair enough. As long as it stands up, right?"

The two of you repeated the process for the other four legs and the rack under the table. Finally, you propped it up to stand. It was a horrible mess, slanted and barely standing up. Truly, it looked more like a modern sculpture than a piece of furniture.

After a moment of silence, Harry said, "I'm gonna order something pre-made and get us takeout."

"Yeah," you sighed. "That's probably for the best."

Let me count the ways.

"I claim Yoshi," Harry declared as he selected the character for the round.

"Basic," you jabbed back. "My main's Toad, anyway. Rainbow Road?"

"Obviously."

The rain pattered against the windows outside. It was a perfect night to stay in.

As soon as the countdown finished, Harry sent a green shell your way and curved around you.

"Cheater," you jabbed as you spammed your controller to get back up.

"Hate the game, not the player," he bantered. "Oh, fuck you, Peach."

"How funny would it be if the bots won over us?"

"Not gonna happen," Harry replied. He threw a banana at your mini-kart and, by pure luck, managed not to crash into you.

On Harry's side of the split screen, it showed that he was on his final lap, with you a decent distance behind him. With the finish line in sight, you pulled the last trick in your sleeve. You grabbed Harry's chin and pulled him in for a passionate kiss, making him entirely lose focus. By the time you two pulled away, you were out of breath, and your side of the TV read 1st Place.

"Now who's cheating?" Although he was trying to scold you, the way he was catching his breath took away from it.

"Oh, please," you remarked. "You didn't mind."

Harry dropped his controller and, cupping your face with one hand and pulling your waist towards him with the other, he mumbled before kissing you, "Damn right I didn't.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach.

Your phone buzzed, stirring you from your sleep. Rubbing some sleep from your eyes, you fumbled around for it, barely reading 7:23AM off of it. You tossed it over your shoulder and rolled over, hardly getting anywhere before Harry pulled you back into him.

He pressed a soft kiss to your neck and nuzzled into you. "G'morning, babe."

"Morning," you yawned. Your eyes adjusted to the morning light and you tried to massage some warmth back into your hands. A flock of pigeons brushed by your window, tracking in a breeze that brought shivers to your spine. You stirred again, trying to get up this time.

Harry tried and failed to grab for your hand. "Where are you going?"

You smiled to yourself. Harry's morning voice never got old. "I'm just closing the window. It's freezing in here."

He propped himself up on his elbow and commented, "Well, word around town is that I make a pretty good personal heater."

You hummed. "I'll take that into consideration." You sat down on his side of the bed and brushed some wild stray hairs out of his face. "But seriously, just because we have the day off, that doesn't mean we should spend all day in bed. I can make us hot chocolate the way you like it, and we can sit out in the park, maybe try to find something good in Midtown?"

"That sounds great, baby." Harry leaned into your touch. "After a quick nap."

You scoffed as he grabbed your waist to pull you on top of him. "Nothing's quick with you," you remarked.

Your boyfriend just smirked at you. "Part of why you love me." You settled down onto him, resting your head on his chest and intertwining your legs. "Just... five more minutes, babe," he implored you.

"Five more minutes," you agreed, already drifting back off to sleep.

When feeling out of sight for the ends of being and ideal grace.

The movie you had been watching had run its course, and you were beyond tired. You resigned yourself to quickly run through your skincare routine and find Harry so that the two of you could go to sleep.

You finished rinsing the cleanser off of your face and stretched with such force that you got dizzy. Shaking this feeling off, you called for your boyfriend.

"In the kitchen!" he called back. And he was there, but sheltered behind the kitchen island on the floor with his laptop and countless papers strewn around him. The fans in his computer sounded like a helicopter about to take off. "I'm just finishing these last few emails," he yawned. "Then I've got to review the results of bee drones, verify the statistics Dr. Loughran gathered on the organ reproduction project, and then I gotta check if they repaired the particle accelerator yet and-"

You sat yourself down next to him and gently shut his laptop, kissing his temple. "Why don't we deal with this tomorrow?"

Harry sighed and leaned on your shoulder. "I've been putting this off for a while. I'm so close to finishing, just like 30 more minutes."

You ran your fingers through his hair and felt him fighting to stay conscious. "You and I both know that's a lie, babe. The weight of the world doesn't rest on your shoulders. Take a break. The work will be there tomorrow."

"But-"

"What did May always say?"

Harry sighed again, but relented and put his head in your lap. "You help someone, you help everyone."

You arranged the papers around you into a pile and grabbed a cushion from one of the kitchen island's stools to put behind your back. "Let the person you help today be you, okay?"

But Harry was already fast asleep.

I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet need.

"Do you ever wonder what would happen if you used conditioner before shampoo?"

"Not really," you conceded as you took another bite of your ice cream from your place on top of the dryer.

Harry sat on the floor organizing the dark, white, and delicate clothes into piles. "I mean, it's probably better for your hair, no? Like, the whole purpose of conditioner is to break down unwanted particles and moisturize your hair. If anything, it's probably better to do it that way."

"Maybe," you agreed as you hopped down and put the first load in the wash. "But wouldn't that be the same as using fabric softener before detergent?"

"Nope. Fabric softener just coats your clothes in microplastics. It's a long-term way of damaging the bonds between the atoms for temporary comfort. Technically, we should be using something like vinegar instead."

"I'm not putting vinegar on my clothes," you objected.

"Maybe you need to be more open-minded," he teased.

"Maybe you need to keep your head in the game," you teased back, throwing his dirty T-shirt at him. You yelped when he threw a sock your way. "Oh, I'll get you back for that."

"I'd like to see you try," Harry challenged.

By sun and candle-light.

Harry raced past you in the hallway, tugging on a shoe while awkwardly hopping. You sipped your tea from the kitchen island as you stared down the morning crossword.

"Running late?" you asked as he grabbed an apple and tossed it into his bag.

"Yeah," he replied, out of breath as he roughly kissed your cheek and gave you a squeeze before rushing towards the door. "Pete's gonna have to deal with the donors on his own if I don't get there on time. Wish me luck."

"Good luck." You filled out the five boxes for 23-across whose clue read 'Oscar-winner Streep.' "I love you."

"I love you, too," he called as he shut the door. Almost immediately, he opened the door again. "Forgot my keys!"

"They're on top of your nightstand," you called as you heard him tearing your room apart. The jingle of the keys confirmed that he got them, and he bounded over to you again.

"I love you," he breathed, kissing your cheek. "You're the best."

"I know," you chuckled. You leaned around the corner to watch him leave for the second time before returning to your morning routine. You had just finished eating your breakfast when Harry came running in again.

"Missed me already?" you joked.

"Forgot my phone," he explained, grabbing it from beside you. He kissed your cheek again. "But that, too."

"Love you!" you called as he fumbled with the doorknob and you walked to the living room. "Kick ass today."

He gave you a charming wink then slipped out the door.

You turned on the TV and let a talk show play in the background as you cursed at your crossword. This time, it took Harry about 6 more minutes to realize he had yet again forgotten something important. He barged in for the third and last time, profusely apologizing.

"You wouldn't happen to know a five-letter port city of Japan, would you?" you asked without looking up.

"Try Osaka?" Harry filtered through the pockets of his coats in the laundry room until he finally found his wallet.

"That fits."

Harry returned from the laundry room and leaned down, pressing three kisses to your lips. "Okay, I'm leaving for real now. I love you."

"I love you, too, babe. Show 'em how it's done."

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

"Oh my God, you should've seen the look on Hasan's face when Vijay showed up. Like, I get it, you dated way back in the day, but showing up in all white? So then MJ went to go pull the wine trick on him while I tried to distract Hasan so that he wouldn't notice anything was going on, but of course the universe wasn't satisfied." You huffed and caught your breath in the middle of pacing back and forth in the living room. "You know what happened after that?"

Harry, from his comfortable corner in the couch covered his mouth to hide his amusement. "Jess said something?" he guessed.

"Jess opened her fucking mouth," you continued. "And she was drunk off her ass because she always is, and she comes up to Hasan on his fucking wedding day and starts shouting about Vijay coming over. So at this point, Song is already asking Hasan 'Have you been cheating on me? Is that what this is?' And obviously Hasan would never do that but now Song's upset so the two of them go to argue in the backroom while Keith escorts Vijay out and MJ and I have to babysit Jess for the rest of the evening." You paused and took a sip of your mocktail. "It was literal hell."

At this point, you realize the smile taking over Harry's face. "What?"

He shook his head as he surveyed you in admiration. "You're hot when you're angry."

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

"Do I look good?" Harry asked nervously as he adjusted his tie.

You brushed his mess of curls away from his forehead. "You look perfect. You are perfect."

"I really need this interview to go well," he said, biting his lips. "Whatever this guy publishes is gonna be severely edited by Jonah, and if even half of what MJ said was warning enough, we're screwed."

"You're going to be fine," you assured him. When that didn't seem to work, you grabbed him by his shoulders and said, "Your mom would be so proud of you. Don't worry about what you can't control."

Harry took in a deep breath, and, hugging you before going into the meeting room, whispered, "Let's heal the world."

I love thee with the passion put to use in my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

"Good morning," chirped the barista as you walked in to the small café. "What can I get started for you?"

"Just a small pumpkin latte, please," you replied. You shivered and wrapped your scarf tighter around you.

"Anything else I can get for you? Maybe my number?"

"No, thanks -- that'll be all," you assured her, glancing behind you to look for Harry.

You jumped when he touched your arm. "I've got this one, baby," he winked and offered his card. The barista's eyes widened in realization, and she silently finished the transaction. One of her coworkers finished off the order and handed it to you on the other end of the kiosk.

You unlocked your car with your keys and laughed when Harry rushed to open the door for you.

"What's so funny?"

"You're jealous, aren't you," you jested.

Harry mocked offense as he got into the car on the other side. "I haven't the slightest idea what you're referring to, your majesty."

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose with my lost saints.

Harry crossed your arms on your chest and hugged you from behind to give you that comfort of pressure. "Breathe, babe. It's gonna be okay. This feeling will go away."

Your breathing was erratic, your face tingled, and you felt so dizzy you might pass out. "I could've lost you," you managed to get out between gasps. "So much could've gone wrong."

"I know," he said in a low voice. "I know. But everything's alright. Pete and Miles have a handle on things, they always do. That thing's gone. I'm okay. Everything's gonna be okay."

You rested your forehead on your knees, but Harry didn't let go of you. "I tried to get through to you but that thing just kept on speaking to me, and Dr. Connors said you were too far gone and then MJ told me what happened at the Foundation- fuck's sake you were in a coma for three weeks and you just show up-"

Harry crawled in front of you and gently took your face in his hands. "It was scary for me too, love. I thought it was going to hurt you and-" He took in a deep breath. "The worst is behind us, okay? Let's focus on that."

You nodded and tried to slow your breathing. After a moment: "None of that was your fault, you know? It wasn't you doing it."

"I know." He rested his forehead against yours and closed his eyes with a shaky breath. "I know."

I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life;

"Okay, what do you think of this option?" You came out from the hallway with a new outfit and gave him a spin.

"Gorgeous," he breathed. "You look like an angel."

You sat down next to him on your bed. "Babe, I love you, but if all you do is flatter me, I'm not going to know what to wear to the gala."

Harry traced his fingers over the folds of your sides as you fiddled with the invitation in your hands. "Not my fault that my partner's hot."

"But it will be your fault if we're late," you retorted. "This one, the dark blue one, or the black one?"

He hummed. "This one," he replied with a wink. "It'll be easier to take off later."

He got up to leave the room, but you grabbed him by the tie, saying an inch away from his lips, "We'll see about that, handsome." And with that, you strutted away.

And, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

You moved the needle onto the vinyl, letting the smooth jazz of Thelonious Monk fill the room. You waltzed over to Harry, and, wrapping one arm around his waist and grabbing his other hand, you swayed to the beat.

"C'mon, loverboy," you taunted him. "Show me some rhythm."

"I'm trying," he laughed, shuffling his feet.

"Baby, a little less Electric Slide, a little more moving those hips."

"Why don't you lead me instead?"

You spun in his arms and put your dominant leg between his legs and hummed as you swayed in a circle. Harry put an arm over your shoulder and started singing along.

"Glee Club paying off," you joked.

He bumped your nose. "Very funny."

You spun Harry as the music signalled that it was near its end.

"Have I ever told you that I love you?" Harry asked as he caught his balance.

You dipped him with the flourish of the music. "More than I can count."

[thelov3lybookworm]

Never Meant To Be

Beron Vanserra x Reader

Summary: an elite member of the society and a poor girl from the lower part of the town are destined to never be.

•○●⛦●○•

A/n: this is a beron fic. i do not in any way support abuse irl, but i wanted to rite for him. if you dont like beron, please dont read 😭

also. BIRTHDAY GIFT FIC FOR MY BELOVED @fell-in-luvs 🥹❣️

(dividers by @tsunami-of-tears <3)

anywho. enjoy!!

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Y/n paused midstep, curious eyes peering over the railing, trying to find where the sound was coming from. Hands tightened on the wooden bannister of the stairway, eyebrows furrowing. Maybe she should have brought a candle with her. The room was too dark for her to make out anything but the window in the far wall, lit up with the moonlight that spilled in, liquid and shimmery under the cover of night.

Breath escaping her lungs, Y/n descended the rest of the stairs, carefully tiptoeing so as not to wake her father sleeping on the floor above. By this point, she could recall the creaky steps from memory, and it was easy to avoid them. What she was more concerned about was bones lying around. Those sharp bones that flew around as her father butchered animals was the only thing Y/n was concerned about, really, considering she was barefoot.

Quietly, she made her way towards the window, slowly pulling open the drawer where she kept the candles. By the time her fingers wrapped around the waxy stick, her eyes had started drooping already. It hurt to keep them open, to the point she considered just returning to her room and ignoring the dripping liquid. But the area she lived in was poor, and the people here could not afford to waste resources. Water was precious, most of it being used up by the elites of the society, whatever little was left flowing down to the lower suburbs where Y/n resided with her father.

She brought out the candle, shutting her eyes tight before blinking them open again in hopes it would help her shake the fatigue that began weighing down her shoulders. Lifting her fingers to the wick was a task that seemed impossible, but she somehow managed to light the candle up. With that, she hurried towards the faucets in the kitchen, squinting. Sure enough, water dripped from the tap. A breath escaped Y/n as she reached her hand out, grabbing the handle and twisting until the water stopped dripping.

She turned, wondering if she should take the candle back to her room.

Whack.

Y/n blinked, wincing. What was that? She made her way back towards the window, peering out. As her gaze wandered out towards the street between the crowded homes, her eyes narrowed. A group of what looked like… higher up males messing around.

Scoffing, she turned away, ready to just go back to bed.

Alas, the males had other plans for her as the moment her attention flitted away, the sounds of howling and loud, obnoxious cheers reached her ears.

Pompous snobs. Rolling her eyes, Y/n decided that her father waking up because these boys who lived on their daddy’s money thought it’d be funny to be loud in the night, when everyone was sleeping, was not worth it. Her father was always so tired, and the few hours of rest he got were precious.

She yanked open the window, leaning her head out. "Hey! Shut it!"

The four males turned to look at her, their eyebrows raised. They all looked young, maybe around four hundred years old. They had expensive looking embroidered jackets on, their hair either slicked back or pulled into a ponytail.

"Oh? And what will you do if we don’t shut it?"

Jaw clenched, she studied the males. Two of them had dark hair, blue eyes, and the build of a teenage mortal. Possibly more into studying arts and literature than being a warrior. One had long, flowy blond hair, his eyes hooded and green like the skin of a toad.

That thought brought satisfaction to Y/n.

The one who looked the oldest among the fae, the one with short length auburn hair, stared straight at Y/n, no emotion on his face. The others had sneers and taunting smirks plastered on their faces, but not this one. He stood stoic, his eyes fixated.

She stared back at him for a few moments, unable to look away. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she somehow knew him. That she was supposed to know him.

But then he turned away, dismissing her. She stared at his back in bewilderment, her temper rising, sleep long forgotten.

Who did he think he was?

She wanted to call him, demanding an explanation. But that would have consequences, and neither she nor her father could afford it. Not to mention that if any of these males were a part of the high lord’s court, it would mean a death sentence or banishment.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Y/n retreated, blowing out the candle and shoving it back in its drawer before she stomped her way back to her room.

Y/n was mad because of the males behaviour, but more than that, she was mad at the fact that she was so bothered by the red headed male turning away from her, like she meant nothing. Like she was less than the dirt on the bottom of his boots.

Fuck him.

Sleep evaded Y/n for the rest of the night, her mind too busy trying to dissect her reaction to the male.

It was unusual for her. She never really cared for what people thought of her, having learned long ago not everyone would be nice to her all the time. But this male. He stayed on her mind, refusing to leave.

Morning came earlier than it should have. And with the first rays of the sun came her father’s booming voice, yelling at her to stop sleeping and to get her ass moving.

It grated on her nerves, and she had half the mind to yell back at him. But she pulled herself together, donning a simple dress. She did not help with the butchering, not really, but she did have to go out every morning to get some extra water from the creek nearby.

"Father! I am leaving!" She called out as she slid on her boots. A grunt was the only answer she got in return.

Early mornings were a precious time, for most of the people only started to leave their houses once the sun was higher in the sky. That meant that Y/n was all by herself at the creek.

Silence, cherished and peaceful, surrounded Y/n, only occasionally broken by the chirps of birds flying overhead in search of food for their younglings. The sun peeking out from behind the distant hills bathed Y/n in a soft warmth, warding off the early autumn chill. She was grateful for the sun’s loving embrace and its company as she settled down at the riverbed, the wet soil under her legs soft as she started to fill up her bucket.

Water gushed around her hand as she broke the water's current, filling up the vessel in her hand.

Crunch.

Y/n’s body locked up, her heart rising into her throat at the sound. No one should have been here. Not at this time. It was too early. Her instincts roared at her to get up, to flee. But she did neither.

She turned her head, glancing over her tensed shoulders to look for the predator that had decided to make her their prey. Because this was a predator, Y/n knew in her bones. Be it fae or animal, it was a predator.

Her eyes wandered, cautiously landing on the immaculately dressed male.

Amber eyes met her own.

Auburn hair. Amber eyes. Embroidered, expensive jacket over a silk tunic and tailored pants.

The male from the previous night stared back at Y/n, a sadistic glint in his eyes.

"Think I lost my way." He called.

Y/n narrowed her eyes. There was no way he didn’t follow her.

"What do you want?" Y/n questioned, getting her feet under herself, trying her best to not have her back facing him.

A corner of his mouth lifted. "Nothing, really." At her skeptical expression, he chuckled. "Did you have a good night of sleep last night?"

Y/n narrowed her eyes. "Is that all you came here for?"

He took a step forward, grass bending under his boots. Y/n took a step back instinctively, a lump rising in her throat. Muscles rolled and moved to try and accommodate it, but swallowing did not help as he continued to come closer.

"No. That is not all." Y/n glanced behind her, realising she stood at the very edge of the bank. One step was all it would take for her to tumble back into the water, and she’d rather be yelled at than drown in front of him.

"I wanted to make it up to you."

Y/n blinked. "I… what?"

He smirked, barely inches between them when he next spoke. "Did you not hear me the first time?"

Blood rushed to Y/n’s face. Now that he was so close, she could make out the shadow of a beard on his face, like he hadn’t shaved in days.

"I don’t understand how you are going to get me back my sleep."

His head tilted to the side, animal like. "How old are you, little fawn?"

Her chin lifted, refusing to budge under the intense gaze of the predator. "Twenty three."

The corner of his lips lifted higher, and for a moment, Y/n could not help but stare.

Eyes flitted away after a moment, realising she had been staring. "Twenty three? You’re basically a child."

Muscles rolled in her neck, then she met his eyes. "And?"

He shook his head, leaning back. "Let me make it up to you, beautiful. Meet me at the town square at sunset."

She blinked. "Why would I do that?"

He smirked. Shrugged, his jacket moving with the movement of his wide shoulders.

Then he turned, and stalked away, leaving her gaping at his back.

What just happened?

She did not have the answer to that question, but she did know she was not going.

Quickly, she composed her thoughts and set to filling up her bucket again, already dreading the scolding she would receive from her father because she took too much time to return home.

"Was he at least rich?"

Y/n froze, her fingers curling tighter into the sponge she had been rubbing against the pot. "What?"

"The male who wasted your time this morning. Was he one of the elites?"

Cold eyes turned to look at the weathered butcher, his eyes fixed on the meat he continued to whack with his knife. But Y/n knew his attention was fixed solely on Y/n and her answer.

Blowing a collected breath out of her nose, Y/n turned back to the pot she’d been scrubbing. "Maybe. How would I know?"

He scoffed. "Don’t play coy with me, girl. Do you want to keep all his riches for yourself?"

Eyes wide, she turned back to stare at him. "What do you mean by that?"

"You cannot expect me to believe your lies. A male just approached you out of nowhere, talked a little, then walked away, with no ulterior motives in mind?" Y/n simply stared at his back, and he finally dropped his knife, meeting his daughters eyes. "He obviously wanted to do something with you. He either wants to marry you, or he wants to use you for one night. Surely you can’t be that naive?"

Huffing, Y/n placed the pot back in the sink, throwing the sponge next to it and washed off her hands, trying to calm down her rising temper as she watched the soap suds vanish slowly.

"I’ll be outside."

"Go wherever you want, girl, as long as I get my share of money!"

Her eyes closed, a frustrated sigh puffing out from between her lips. Deciding that she needed more than the fresh air outside her walk, she began walking towards the town square mindlessly.

Not realising that it was almost sunset.

The square was busy, filled with males returning home from work and people who just wanted to have an early start to their nightly activities. The area was so crowded that Y/n debated turning around, but the thought vanished when she remembered why she was here in the first place.

To get away from her father. Maybe sit with some older ladies and have a chat.

"Going somewhere?"

Y/n glanced over her shoulder.

The male from the river side.

Her eyes widened, realising what time it was. He simply smirked and stalked forward, the crowd automatically parting for him. He didn’t even seem to realise that there were people around him.

"You look surprised." He mused.

Her eyes narrowed. "Maybe because I am?"

He chuckled. "You look like you’re in need of a distraction."

Y/n turned away. "Do I?"

He hummed. "I can provide a distraction."

She shot him an incredulous look. "No thank you."

She turned away, beginning to make her way through the crowd again. But… 

Maybe it would be a good idea to indulge him. At least for some time. Maybe she could even figure out why his nonchalant attitude bothered her so much.

"You know what? Humour me…"

A smirk spread across his lips, the first genuine expression Y/n had seen on him. "Beron."

Her brows furrowed. She knew she had heard that name somewhere.

There could be so many more males named Beron, She tried to reason with herself.

"Hmm. Let's see what you can do, Beron."

Being a four hundred year old heir was a hard job, one Beron excelled at. His father was a fucking monster, but at least Beron could forget about the asshole when he snuck out with the bastards who kissed his ass every chance they got. Beron knew that they did not really care for him. No, they just wanted a shiny title once Beron became high lord.

Beron never really considered himself a nice male. He knew he was going to turn out just like his father, and if he was being honest, he was fine with that fact. He had no interest in becoming a better person.

But then Y/n pushed her way into his life. Or maybe he simply dragged her in. All that mattered was her, and nothing more.

She was a shiny gem.

Beron was a dragon.

And he wanted her in his collection, no matter what it took. Beron would gladly take all the torture his father made him go through if it meant at the end of the day he would get to see her. Maybe fuck her. But she made him come alive. And for the first time in all his four hundred years of existence, Beron wondered.

Wondered what a family with her would look like. Maybe he would become a better man.

But if there was one thing Beron wasn’t, it was delusional. He knew it was all wishful thinking. She was a nobody, a poor butcher’s daughter from the lower clans of autumn court. He was destined to take over ruling the whole court. They were never meant to be.

But in the cover of night, within the safety of the four walls of his room and under his blanket, Beron let his thoughts run wild, letting himself imagine a world where his father was a better man.

Of course, his hope was dwindling down day by day.

Particularly after his run in with his father that morning.

"You summoned me?" Beron muttered, his eyes lowered in deference.

The high lord hummed. "Come in." Lungs expanding, Beron made his way to stand in front of his father. "I will save us both time and get to the point."

Beron blinked.

"The peasant girl you’re fucking. I don’t want anyone finding out."

His blood chilled, eyes flying to fix on the relaxed figure of his father. "What?"

The high lord snorted. "You think I am naive? dumb? Listen closely, Beron. You are most likely going to be chosen by the magic to be the next high lord. I don’t want you marrying a good for nothing peasant. Fuck around, sure. But if I were you, I would make sure she did not fall pregnant." He finally looked at his son. "Oh and, start preparing. I have set up a marriage for you which will be beneficial for everyone."

Nothing ever surprised Y/n. And if it did, she was good at hiding it.

It was a surprise to Y/n when Beron showed up at her house every day since then, but he was one of the elite families in the autumn court. So that meant he was never denied anything in his life, so it came as no surprise when he thought he was entitled to her time.

But what did surprise Y/n when she actually wanted to spend time with him. So she just went along with his plans, often spending time together sitting at the cliff sides, watching the sunset.

He just… pulled her in. He enchanted her, and she was grateful he did. He had bewitched her, body, mind, soul. And she never wanted to go back to what she was before he came along.

She was aware that their union was improbable. Maybe impossible. But no one could fault her for being hopeful.

The crisp autumn air swirled around Y/n as she made her way to the hut outside of the town's borders, invisible to the fae passing because of the cover of trees around it. Shivers wound up her spine, leaves crunching under her boots. She pulled the scarf around her neck tighter, already anticipating wrapping herself around her lover when she got to his secret home.

He had revealed the place to her late one evening, handing her the keys to it. Later Y/n found out he had brought the place specifically so the two of them could meet in peace.

Moments passed in silence, only broken by her steps and the movement of the trees, animals and spirits around her in the forest. She hurried on, eager to tell Beron about the kitten that had started following Y/n around the previous day, only slowing down when the wooden structure came into view.

Along with it came dread.

Why, she did not know.

The surroundings were eerily quiet, like even the wind was holding its breath.

Confusion dug its claws in, along with doubt and fear. Was Beron home?

The door creaked open, and she tiptoed inside, a resounding click echoing behind her. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness inside, she stopped breathing.

What happened here?

The whole interior of the house looked like a storm had been inside. Shards of glass, cutlery, plants, wood pieces littered the ground, a dark stain covering a small area on the opposite wall. Hell, even the dining table was upended.

Her heart slowed, then resumed its hard pace. "Beron?" The sound of the name was shrill, panic evident as she discarded the basket in her hand next to the door, running deeper. "Beron? Are you home?"

Crash.

And then silence.

The door to the bedroom was cracked open, and the closer Y/n got, she could hear heavy breathing from the other side of the wood. Steps slowed, air rushing in despite the barrier in her throat as she peeked inside.

The first thing she noticed was the blood.

A lot of blood.

Dripping from his fist as he stood there, staring at the shattered glass at his feet.

"B- Beron?"

Wild, primal eyes met hers, mad intent in them. Fear started to seep into her blood the longer she stared back at him. And if she hadn’t been watching him so intently, she would have missed his whispered words.

"I’m getting married."

Ice. So cold, so numbing, took over any other emotion in her body, overriding her senses.

"Oh," deep breath, "well. Congratulations then."

And with that, Y/n turned away, ignoring his incredulous laugh echoing through the hollow walls that surrounded her.

"Go on, run away! Everyone does."

His words followed Y/n all the way to her home, haunted her all night. That laugh, the crack in his voice, the emotions that ran rampant in his eyes. All of it kept her up. Pained her, dug its claws into her heart and ripped her apart from the inside.

It felt like someone had cut open her body and lit a fire to her organs.

And she deserved it.

She hurt all night long, the tears running down the sides of her face and back into her hair burned too, like acid. But growing up in the lower parts, she was used to ignoring all pains. That's what people did when there were things to be done.

Ignore the pains during the day, cry about it at night. But keep it all inside, don’t let anyone find out.

So when the sun’s rays broke in through her windows, she made herself get up. Got changed. Stared at herself in the mirror until she was sure there were no cracks.

And then she went about her day, ignoring the shards of her broken heart that poked at her flesh.

Just like she had ignored the shiny, golden string that tied her to Beron.

The females had been whispering. Everyone around Y/n seemed to know what was going on. She could not be quite sure what they were talking about, but from an overheard conversation between two housewives at the town square, Y/n drew the conclusion that the high lord had passed.

And the heir was going to take over soon. He was also getting married in a few hours in the sacred temple in the middle of the town, and anyone was free to come see and give their blessings. As Y/n had expected, her father jumped at the opportunity to even be breathing the same air as the elites.

Y/n knew he also wanted to go and see if he could find a male willing to pay in exchange for Y/n’s hand.

"Y/n! We will miss the wedding! Can you be any slower?"

Deep breaths. She reminded herself as she fixed her skirts, eyes fixed on the mirror. When she deemed herself fit to be presented, she turned.

Her father looked livid as he stood outside the house, and Y/n knew a tantrum was on its way. But to Y/n’s surprise, he turned and walked away, leaving her to run after him to catch up.

The air was unusually humid the closer they got to the clearing in the forest where every high lord had held important events.

It seemed like everyone had come to see the new high lord get married. Every few moments, an elbow would hit Y/n in the back, in her ribs. Anywhere, really.

It was by the time that she was sure that her skin was going to bruise that the high lord came into view.

And Y/n’s lungs turned into rock, refusing to expand to let air in.

Amber eyes surveyed the crowd, landing on hers with unnatural precision.

Eyes prickling, Y/n watched him glance at his bride, who nodded along to the priestess, before returning to her.

A silent, long moment passed. And then his eyes widened, shining with so much emotion. She had never seen him this bothered.

And finally, the empty, cold void that had been on the other side of the golden string that had laid dormant in her chest filled, light and fire filling her chest.

But Y/n turned her head away.

She was not someone he should have even talked to in the first place. She was far beneath his level. He would not forfeit his throne for her. And she could not forfeit the simplicity of her life for him.

They were simply not meant to be.

And the light that had just reached her slowly diminished, the life going eerily quiet. She knew she hurt him, but she could do nothing to fix him, even as her chest started filling with numbness, anger and resentment pouring in from the other side.

With one last glance, Y/n sprinted away, back to the little hut she shared with her father.

She would never be able to forget that look on his face. The hrd angels that seemed accentuated by the weeks worth of stubble on his jaw, the fury that seemed to age him another century.

But they were never meant to be.

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[watercolourcritters]

HAP VALENTINES DAY

2024 Valentines are here!! Last year I did a set of punny kids classroom style Valentine cards, and this year I made a whole new set! They were a ton of fun to paint, and I'm really in love with each one XD

The classroom style cards (which are perfect for kids, or friends, or coworkers, or anyone) are up in my Etsy shop! I am also selling the original watercolour painted card used to make these, also up in my Etsy. (And if anyone is interested in any of these punny ones as a printed greeting card, hit me up, I'd be happy to add the listing.)

Instagram | Etsy

[ID from alt text: ten photos. The first eight show watercolour paintings of animals with punny Valentines saying painted in a semi-realistic style. Each has the signature @ watercolourcritters. In order, they are:

A llama with text reading "Valentine, you're ll-amazing!" over a purple background with purple hearts by its head.

A toad beside text reading "You're toad-ally great, Valentine!" The background is pink with pink hearts.

A crab over a yellow background with red hearts, and text reading "You're claw-some, Valentine!"

A flamingo over a green background with green hearts, and text reading "Valentine, I'm so glad you're part of my flock!"

A close up inchworm on a blade of grass. Text reads "You wormed your way into my heart, Valentine!" The background is orange, and green hearts are around the worm's head.

An emperor penguin over blue background with blue hearts with text reading "You're super cool, Valentine!"

A brown rabbit looking at the viewer with text reading "I'm so hoppy we're friends, Valentine!" The background is red with red hearts.

A palomino unicorn over a blue background with blue hearts with text reading "Have a magical day, Valentine!"

The last two photos are product photos - first of the above eight artworks, which have been printed and cut into classroom-style kid's Valentine cards. They are laid out together on a wooden board.

The second one shows four cards, all of which have been scored for easy folding. Two lay upright, displaying the toad and unicorn card, while one lays on its back, showing that the back reads "Happy Valentine's day!" and "To/From." One card has also been folded and sealed with a heart sticker. Two strips of heart stickers, one red and one pink, are arranged with the cards.

End ID.]