worldly-fluster

[worldly-fluster]

Stingray

*Not my picture

God of Tides/Lumerian! Rafayel x Non-mc! Reader

Part 2 of ?

*the writing looks a little different- I have a good friend helping me edit my stories now lol

---

He's never been good at waiting.

Not for the old cods telling him to be still during mass. Not for prophecy. Certainly not for mortals whose time came and went like waves on the shore.

Yet- here he sat, unmoving after finally settling her onto her makeshift bed of old cotton and cloth that held the familiar colors of the people who used to reside here, his form half-shrouded in shadow as moonlight shined across the room.

How long has he been waiting here? Longer than he felt he should have.

The old structure she called home was silent, save for her quiet, shallow breathing and the creak of the wood beams settling under the weight of time. They didn't even hold anything up anymore, half of them broken or on the cold dirt and stone floor- being used as her storage to keep his small thank you gifts off the floor.

Oddly...he could feel something in her-a split. Like a ship’s hull torn between two raging currents. She did not belong fully, not the way others did. The realm she had come from… it had taken something from her. Carved it out cleanly. Left her hollow in a way even her own hands couldn’t trace.

Memory. Rafayel could almost feel the absence of it like a guppy taken with the strong current. There was something deeper as well. Something tethered...half of something that shouldn't be there yet it felt natural, like it made itself at home. He could almost hear it calling for something...only to be left unanswered.

His fingers curled absently over the inky blue lines on his arm, tracing them like old currents.

"I've seen the sea take less than you and leave nothing behind," he murmured to her sleeping form, his voice soft. "So why..."

The words refused to form as he sat in contemplative silence. He didn't even know what he wanted to say anymore. This all was so confusing now that he got a closer look.

She stirred slightly, but did not wake.

Rafayel leaned back. The moonlight kissed his cheek, caught the soft gleam of his hair, lit his ocean-hued coral eyes with a bright reflection. He looked otherworldly, quiet and tired all at once.

He could leave.

He should.

But something held him. The same thing that had made him watch from the water. That made her presence hum under his skin like the echo of a storm far out at sea. Made him want to be found and rescued like the dolphin and stingrays.

Maybe it was fate. Or maybe it was just… her.

...

Nah, it was just curiosity. Definitely.

Especially when his hand seemed to move on its own, gently tucking damp strands away from her face.

---

The first thing you felt was coolness-soft and strange. Not wind. Not water. Something in between, brushing gently across your skin. It felt like cool hands, easing the ache and soothing the heat you felt from inside-out.

Then: a scent. Sea salt. Rain-washed stone. And something sharp and sweet.

Your fingers twitched on the blanket. Your body ached. Your head throbbed. You tried to lift your hand but winced at the effort.

A voice drifted through the haze, low and quiet. It was like hearing a dream out loud.

“You’re more stubborn than I thought.”

You turned your head-slowly, painfully-and caught only the barest glimpse of him as he sat next to you, his cold hand on your burning forehead.

A figure in the moonlight. Pale skin. Hair like dusk. Ink trailing down his arm like water pulled by gravity. And those eyes- blue and pink, both and neither. Watching you not with pity, but quiet, guarded curiosity.

You blinked.

Gone.

No footsteps. No sound. Just the gentle hush of the waves returning to shore. Maybe you fell asleep accidentally once more and he left? You were too tired and mind too foggy to fully think about it.

But his voice lingered in your mind long after.

And so did the sense that somehow, impossibly…

Maybe he has the answer you need?

...

But first- a little rest couldn't hurt.

---

*finally- the end of the long awaited part 2 hope you like it

Tags: @lavvytae @irandial @blobs-away

I think that's all the tags lol

[worldly-fluster]

Snapdragon

Sylus x Non-mc! Reader

Part 6 of 6!

*This is the last of the Snapdragon story- I will make little short stories that are based off of this though so technically it isn't the end sooo*

Also I changed it from *I* to *you* I hope that's okay and I have someone helping me edit so it will look different

+18 Warning btw-

---

It's been a few weeks since you've started your stay with Sylus. The air between you was familiar but now there was something... different.

Today you were exploring the base, walking through the long halls before you were stopped by Sylus, who was standing at the end. Watching you with careful eyes.

The silence dragged between you in the corridor, heavy as a stormfront.

Sylus hadn’t moved. Not when you’d brushed past him. Not when your fingers had lingered on his sleeve. But he was watching you now, and something behind his eyes had shifted—like a tectonic plate deep beneath the surface finally grinding into motion.

"Say it, Sylus."

His gaze sharpened.

The words left you before you could take them back. "Say something Snapdragon. I’m right here."

He crossed the space between you in one breathless second. His hand caught the door panel beside your head—not touching you yet, but caging you in with the weight of his body, the heat pouring from him in waves.

"You really want to hear it?" His voice was low, dragging over your skin like velvet edged in teeth.

You nodded.

He leaned in—close enough to feel the exhale of each word.

"I think about you when I can’t sleep. I watch you when I shouldn’t. I smell your scent on my jackets and lose focus when I'm trying to work." His jaw flexed, his restraint stretched thin. "I want you so badly it hurts, and I’ve been trying not to ruin it by moving too fast-"

"Then stop trying."

He froze.

And then you kissed him.

It wasn’t tentative.

His body surged into yours, mouth claiming, teeth scraping. It was unrelenting, a tide finally loosed from the dam. His arm wrapped around your waist, lifting you into him like gravity itself had no say. You felt the heat bloom between you-dragonfire in his skin, dangerous and controlled only by willpower you could feel cracking.

He stumbled back with you into the room behind you, barely managing to lock the door behind you.

Clothes didn’t so much fall away as vanish-yours tugged free with reverence, his discarded with hunger. You barely had time to register the low growl in his throat before your back hit the mattress and he was above you, eyes burning like molten lava.

His eyes, the same glowing intensity that you remember from before.

His claws-carefully restrained until now-glided along your hip, sharp enough to tease, not break. His voice, when he spoke, was not fully human- familiar.

"Say my name."

You breathed his name like a confession, and Sylus broke.

The last threads of control frayed from his fingers as his mouth met yours again-hot, demanding, reverent. His body trembled with restraint, but his hunger bled through every touch. The air itself seemed to hum with the heat pouring off his skin. When his lips left yours, they carved a trail down your throat, then lower-marking, memorizing, worshipping.

His eyes blazed red when he looked up at you through his lashes, gaze feral and soft all at once.

"I want to see you fall apart," he rasped. "Because of me."

His voice was thicker now, laced with the dragon heat in his blood. You could feel it pulsing under his skin, in every kiss that lingered too long, in the clawed hand that curled around your thigh, anchoring you to him.

He didn’t take-he coaxed. Until your back arched, your breath hitched, and all you could do was hold on.

Then he gave in. And it was nothing short of devastation.

His weight over you, his mouth on your skin, the heat between your bodies building like something ancient and holy-this wasn’t careful anymore. This was Sylus unchained. He moved like a storm: every thrust deep and consuming, like he meant to etch himself into your bones. He whispered your name between clenched teeth, kissed it down your neck like a promise.

And still, he watched you.

Watched your every reaction like it was sacred. His eyes glowed, red and wild, and his breath was fire on your skin.

"You're mine," he breathed. "You’ve always been."

You shattered beneath him.

And when it was over, when the last tremor faded and the world slowly righted itself, Sylus didn’t pull away.

He stayed.

One strong arm curled around your waist, the other brushing damp hair from your face. You lay tangled together, skin still slick, heartbeat still wild. For once, the base was utterly silent. Nothing but his breath against your neck, steady and warm.

Then, softly-vulnerably-he spoke.

"I love you."

He said it like a secret. Like a vow.

You turned into his chest, lips brushing the curve of his collarbone. You could feel the heat in him still, flickering gently beneath his skin-but not demanding. Not wild. Just present. Like a hearth that finally had someone to burn for.

It should have been the ending.

But then-you smelled it.

Sharp. Clean. Salty.

You stiffened.

Sylus’s hand slid along your side, concern threading into his voice. “What is it?”

You sat up slowly, scanning the room. Still the same gray walls, the same low lighting.

But the scent was real.

"The ocean," you whispered. "I can smell the sea."

Sylus rose beside you, red eyes narrowed.

And just like before-with the flowers, with the city-you knew.

It was happening again.

---

Tags:Tag list: @poptrim @xxfaithlynxx @lavvytae @ellieevu @lost-on-the-road-of-life @demon-master-zero @serenity-loves-red

I think that's all the tags lol

Hope you loved the ending and the spice was spicy enough lol I had some help from a friend to write this part cause I was a little stuck

Also-- the reason behind smelling the ocean? I wanted to kinda connect my Rafayel story to this one lol and I'll connect any of the others I write as well.

[worldly-fluster]

Sorry I haven't posted for Snapdragon or Stingray or any of my other stories ongoing. I had a sudden life changing event happen/is continuing to happen but I will try when I can to post more.

I might even rewrite some because when I read it back- it looks terrible lol

Explanation under here: if you want to know what has happened.

My Grandad was just put on hospice.

Most of my life he had prostate cancer and he beat it a total of 3 times before now. It came back way worse, turning into bone cancer. None of us know how long he has-could be a year or two, or just months.

I don't really know how any of this works, no one will tell me

Then his wife- my Grandma Shelly got Pancreatic cancer for the second time. She's getting treatment and doing okay for now.

[worldly-fluster]

You know what's fun?

Trying to update Love and Deepspace.

Having over 500 GB of storage free to download it to.

And your Tablet still says not enough storage.

Make it make sense???

I spent too much on this App to just say fuck it and delete it- I haven't even seen all the memories I payed for yet.

I need help before I lose my damn mind.

[worldly-fluster]

I'm getting to work on the last part now 😉❤️‍🔥🌶️

There will still be fluff...and a twist

Part 6 of Snapdragon!

Angst?

Fluff?

I have the ending already figured out for part 6...but should I write it as angst or fluff?

Or the secret third option??? 😉

This is half the reason I haven't finished this yet...I forgot what I was going to write lol and it deleted itself...again

I'll hopefully have it written up in a week- meanwhile I'll work on Rafayel's: Stingray.

I also reread most of my works and I cringe lol

[worldly-fluster]

My story 'Stingray' is on pause as of now.

I just got on to add more and edit the post when I saw that it was under review and had a mature censor thing put onto it yet there wasn't anything mature in it, just the reader being sick and Rafayel trying to figure out how to care for us.

What's so terrible about it, that it needed to be censored even when it isn't even posted yet, I have no idea.

But until that's figured out and they either take off the censor or convince me the censor needs to stay- I'll leave it paused and work on the last part for Snapdragon

I'm also very sick rn but I'm wanting to get something out because it's been a while

I keep getting hit from all sides 🤣 😭

[worldly-fluster]

Part 6 of Snapdragon!

Angst?

Fluff?

I have the ending already figured out for part 6...but should I write it as angst or fluff?

Or the secret third option??? 😉

This is half the reason I haven't finished this yet...I forgot what I was going to write lol and it deleted itself...again

I'll hopefully have it written up in a week- meanwhile I'll work on Rafayel's: Stingray.

I also reread most of my works and I cringe lol

[worldly-fluster]

how to accidentally catch feelings while baby-sitting a man-child | sylus

synopsis : You were just a quiet, book-loving college student trying to survive academia and avoid emotional damage—until Sylus crashed into your life like a hot, smug hurricane who never left. For two years, he flirted, slept on your couch, fended off frat boys, and called you “wifey,” while you convinced yourself it was all meaningless chaos. But after one drunken kiss, a fake date, and the shocking revelation that he remembers everything and actually meant it, you’re forced to confront the ridiculous truth: Sylus isn’t just hot and dumb—he’s hot, dumb, and hopelessly in love with you. And unfortunately? You might feel the same.

content : fluff, college!au, sylus being drunk(not really), crackhead energy writing, comedy

writer’s note : i had too much fun writing this, and i mean TOO much

It was a Saturday night—which, in your world, meant a sacred ritual of staying in your dorm, reading a good book, and letting Spotify decide your fate with its chaotic shuffle.

A peaceful, introvert’s haven.

Your roommate had long since abandoned you for brighter, sweatier pastures, hollering, “I’m gonna get laid tonight!” as she tottered out in an outfit that could’ve doubled as a napkin.

You’d only offered her a solemn nod and returned to your paperback and playlist, cocooned in your sofa bed like a content little hermit.

Nothing could disturb your peace.

Until something did.

A knock.

You blinked at the door. Once. Twice. Frowned. Who knocks past 10 p.m.? Who dares?

Your mind immediately went to one person—your best friend, Sylus. The same Sylus who had texted earlier, bragging about some frat party he was going to “grace with his presence.” You had rolled your eyes then.

You were rolling them again now.

Still, you peeled yourself from the embrace of your blankets with a martyred sigh.

“Coming,” you muttered like a wronged Victorian heroine.

And there he was.

Sylus, leaning on your doorframe like a drunken Greek tragedy. The unmistakable scent of alcohol hit you in the face like an offended slap.

“W-Wha—Sy??” you gasped, arms flailing as you caught his teetering form.

He slumped against you dramatically, mumbling something that suspiciously sounded like “Need… y-you,” into the crook of your neck.

Your entire spine straightened. Goosebumps. Betrayal.

“Again?” you asked, somehow dragging his dead weight into your dorm like a disgruntled EMT.

You dumped him onto the sofa, where he sprawled like a starfish in distress.

“How much did you drink?” you asked, already grabbing your emergency water bottle—standard best-friend-care protocol. You tilted it to his lips.

He tried to drink it sideways.

You sighed, loud and long. “Of course you’re useless.”

His eyes fluttered open just a crack as he sipped at the water, managing to prop himself up with one wobbly arm like he was posing for a very tragic Renaissance painting.

“You’re so… nice,” he slurred, dragging the word out with an attempt at a smirk that looked more like a sleepy grimace.

You exhaled sharply through your nose. “Yeah, yeah. Save the drunk flirting for someone who didn’t just haul your dead weight off the hallway floor.”

This wasn’t your first Sylus Situation.

Probably wouldn’t be your last.

You and Sylus had met on the very first day of college. You’d been an eager, introverted bookworm just trying to get to your dorm before anyone could talk to you.

And then—bam—Sylus. Tall, cocky, and very lost, standing in the middle of the corridor looking as confused as a cat in a swimming pool.

He’d stopped you by physically planting one muscled arm across your path and declaring, with absolute seriousness, “I need help finding the toilet.”

A moment you would never forget, nor forgive.

You had rolled your eyes back then too—but still showed him the way, mostly because he had somehow clamped onto you like a gym-sculpted koala.

To this day, you had no idea why someone at age eighteen had the physique of a Marvel extra, but you had learned not to ask too many questions when it came to Sylus.

Especially when he was drunk and whispering compliments like you were the second coming of hydration.

Now, two years in, you and Sylus were pretty much inseparable.

Not exactly by your choice, of course. He had basically crammed himself into your life like a determined cat forcing its way into a box half its size—and then refused to leave.

Ever.

But you, being the kind-hearted, ever-patient soul that you were cough pushover cough, didn’t really complain. Much.

In his own chaotic way, Sylus had proven… useful.

He was your self-appointed human shield against overly confident frat boys who thought “You read? That’s hot” was a seductive line.

More than once, he’d slung an arm around you and declared, “She’s taken. By academia. Leave her alone.”

You, in turn, had helped him survive the academic hellscape that was calculus. Which mostly meant sitting beside him during study sessions and watching him squint at formulas like they were written in ancient Sumerian.

At one point he tried to bribe you with tacos to do his entire homework.

You took the tacos and still made him do it.

It was an odd, messy sort of friendship. One built on sarcastic banter, mutual blackmail, and late-night ramen runs.

And maybe—just maybe—a little too much unspoken something lingering in the quiet spaces in between.

Like right now, for example.

He blinked blearily at you from your sofa, shirt slightly rumpled, hair a tousled mess, water bottle still clutched like a lifeline.

“You know,” he mumbled, “you’d make a great wife.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Drink your water before I drown you in it.”

He grabs the bottle and downs it in one dramatic go, like he was auditioning for a Gatorade commercial.

Then he thrusts it back at you with all the triumph of someone who just solved world hunger.

“There. I finished it,” he announces, his arm swaying a little as he wobbles in place, clearly very proud of his accomplishment.

You roll your eyes but take the bottle anyway, muttering something under your breath about man-children and alcohol tolerance.

You place it on the table and then, with the kind of exasperated sigh that only comes from long-term best friend duty, plop yourself down next to him on the sofa.

He immediately slouches, his shoulder knocking lightly into yours, like his body had decided it belonged at a thirty-degree angle from yours. You don’t move.

It’s not like this is the first time he’s drunkenly ended up in your space.

Sylus had a talent for turning up half-conscious on your couch like some sort of overgrown housecat that went out, got into a fight, and came back demanding affection and snacks.

Still, as he leaned a bit closer, you caught the faintest scent of his cologne beneath the layers of beer and poor decisions.

That same one he always wore—the one you refused to admit you liked.

He gave a tired little groan and let his head loll toward you. “You’re warm,” he muttered, barely above a whisper. “Like… those fuzzy blankets. But with better insults.”

You blinked. “Thank you, I think?”

He gave a lazy grin, eyes barely open. “Anytime, wifey.”

You smacked his shoulder with a throw pillow.

“OW.”

You had to admit—though only internally, and only under very specific, delusional circumstances—you might have feelings for the guy.

Not that you’d ever admit it out loud. Absolutely not. You’d rather eat a raw onion whole.

Besides, you and Sylus were practically heaven and earth. He walked through campus like he owned the place, girls tripping over their own feet just to bat their lashes at him. Your dorm mate had been one of them, once.

Keyword, once.

That ended the moment she got bold and tried to drape herself all over him like a weighted blanket in heat.

Sylus, being the tactful gentleman he was, had responded by physically lifting her off and shoving her away with all the grace of a bouncer at closing time.

She hit the floor with a squeak and a very visible bruise forming on her hip.

You’d been mortified.

While Sylus looked mildly annoyed, you were busy apologizing profusely, scrambling to help her up while simultaneously smacking him on the arm.

“What is wrong with you?” you’d hissed.

“She was being gross,” he’d replied simply, like that was an acceptable answer. “And touching me.”

“She’s a human being, not a leech!”

“A touchy leech,” he muttered, unfazed.

That was the thing with Sylus.

He never asked to be popular. Girls just looked at him like he was the answer to all their bad decisions.

But you? You were the one dragging him by the ear out of messes he caused. The one making excuses.

The one covering for him when he showed up drunk or bailed on class or told a professor their quiz “was an act of violence.”

You were the constant.

And somehow, in a very twisted way, you were okay with that. Even if your feelings stayed buried beneath layers of sarcasm and very loud sighs.

Especially now, when he was leaning half-asleep on your shoulder, muttering something about you smelling like books and cinnamon and safety.

And damn it, you liked that too much.

Your expression softened despite yourself when you heard the soft, steady rhythm of Sylus snoring.

He had slumped a little more against your shoulder, completely out cold now, mouth slightly parted in the most annoyingly adorable way.

With a small sigh, you leaned forward, grabbing the throw blanket from the armrest and carefully draping it over both your laps. He didn’t stir.

Just exhaled, warm and slow against your collarbone.

You reached for your book again, flipping back to the page you had abandoned during The Great Drunken Entry of Sylus.

And then, as if summoned by the universe purely to torment you, your Spotify decided to betray you.

Under the Influence by Chris Brown began to play.

Your heart dropped straight to your stomach.

“Oh, no,” you whispered like you were in a horror movie and the killer had just creaked open the door.

Because you remembered the last time this song had come on while Sylus was drunk—less drunk than tonight, unfortunately.

That time, he had turned to you, eyes low and voice deep, and said with a completely straight face, “This song represents the things I want to do to you.”

You had choked on your drink. He had passed out shortly after.

You had spent three business days trying to pretend it never happened.

And yet, for some completely inexplicable reason, you never removed the song from your playlist.

Why?

That was a question for your therapist.

You shot a nervous glance at Sylus’s sleeping form. He twitched a little, mumbling something unintelligible.

“No, no, no, no,” you whispered under your breath. “Don’t you dare wake up.”

He let out a soft sigh.

You stared at your phone, debating if skipping the song would be too loud and risk waking him.

You decided to risk it.

Your finger hovered—then paused.

Because deep down, despite your better judgment, part of you wanted to hear what he might say if he woke up again.

And that was the real betrayal.

You scrambled through your playlist like a woman on a mission, muttering curses at your past self while frantically searching for something—anything—less incriminating than Chris Brown.

Eventually, you landed on something soft and unassuming, a gentle acoustic ballad that sounded like it belonged in a rainy café montage.

Peace.

At last.

You settled back in, the weight of Sylus still warm beside you, blanket tucked around your legs, your book finally resting in your hands again.

You exhaled slowly.

And then, without warning, the air was violently knocked out of your lungs.

“Wha—!”

One second you were comfortably seated.

The next, Sylus had flipped you flat on your back, your book flying out of your hands with a soft thud.

A startled yelp escaped your throat, legs tangled in the blanket, brain scrambling to catch up to the fact that you had just been ambushed.

He hovered over you, forearms braced on either side of your head, eyes half-lidded but open—definitely awake now. Great.

“Sylus!” you hissed, face heating. “What the hell?!”

“Shhh,” he murmured, voice low and hoarse, like he hadn’t fully emerged from dreamland yet. “You moved.”

“I was reading.”

He blinked slowly, eyes flickering across your face with an intensity that made your breath catch.

Then he mumbled, almost like a confession, “Thought you left.”

Your heart stuttered.

“I—Sylus, I live here.” You tried to squirm, but he just shifted closer, lowering himself so his forehead bumped gently against yours.

“You smell like lavender,” he whispered.

You were going to die. Right here. Of cardiac arrest and secondhand embarrassment.

“And books,” he added softly, eyes fluttering shut again. “You smell like home.”

Your hands hovered awkwardly in the air, unsure whether to shove him off or pull him closer.

You did neither.

Because the worst part?

You liked hearing that more than you should’ve.

“Why are you… so cute?” he slurs, eyes glassy and unfocused, his breath warm against your lips.

You barely had time to process the question—if it was a question—before he leaned in and slammed his lips against yours with all the grace and coordination of someone who definitely shouldn’t be operating heavy machinery.

Your brain short-circuited.

Yep. He’s super drunk tonight.

It wasn’t even a kiss, really.

More like a very committed face-plant. His lips mashed clumsily against yours, all instinct and zero finesse, like his drunk brain had gone, “Target acquired—initiate smooch protocol.”

You froze. Arms still mid-air. Eyes wide. Mind absolutely screaming.

It lasted all of two seconds before he let out a satisfied little hum and promptly collapsed against you like a human pancake, burying his face into the crook of your neck as if the kiss had been a casual prelude to nap time.

“…Seriously?” you croaked.

No response. Just light snoring and a very warm, very solid Sylus draped across your body.

You stared at the ceiling.

This was fine. Everything was fine.

You were definitely not blushing.

Not still feeling the ghost of his lips against yours.

Not wondering why the hell your heart was racing like you’d just run a marathon.

Nope.

Totally. Fine.

—•

The next morning, sunlight peeked through the blinds, warm and accusing. You blinked groggily, only to realize that your limbs were pinned.

Sylus was still slumped against your body, face buried in your shoulder, arm thrown around your waist like a weighted blanket with abandonment issues.

He was out, dead to the world, breathing softly like last night hadn’t been a whole fever dream.

You stared at him for a long moment.

Then, very carefully—like you were defusing a bomb—you began to wiggle out from under him.

One leg. Then the other.

You held your breath as you slipped free, standing over him like some war-weary survivor of battle. He didn’t stir.

Honestly, you were impressed. You could have probably vacuumed the room and he’d still be there, drooling peacefully.

You didn’t have time to process it. Class was calling.

And you had never gotten ready so fast.

By the time you made it to your seat, slightly out of breath and still pulling your hoodie over your head, your mind was already spiraling.

The lecture blurred into a series of droning syllables you couldn’t quite absorb.

Because God, you hoped he didn’t remember.

If he did—if he looked at you with that signature smirk and said anything about last night—your soul might physically evacuate your body.

You kept your head down, notebook open but blank, your pen frozen mid-air.

And still, your thoughts wandered.

Back to the feel of his lips on yours—sloppy, warm, unexpected.

Back to the sound of his voice, low and slurred, calling you cute like it was a sin he couldn’t forgive.

Back to the way your heart had reacted like it was hearing something it had been waiting for.

Your teeth grazed your bottom lip, and before you could stop yourself, you caught it gently between them. Just to see if you could remember.

And—damn it—you could.

Which was exactly the problem.

Class ended faster than you realized.

One moment you were lost in a daze of accidental kisses and existential dread, the next, students were filing out around you and your professor was reminding everyone about next week’s quiz that you absolutely did not hear.

You packed your stuff in record time and bolted, telling yourself you’d walk it off. Or compartmentalize. Or, ideally, both.

It was a crisp morning, birds chirping, sun shining, world spinning just fine without dragging your dignity behind it. You were just starting to calm down, your feet falling into a steady rhythm along the pavement, when—

An arm slung over your shoulder.

You stiffened like someone had just hit your internal panic button.

“Thanks for not waking me,” came a familiar, smug voice from your right, laced with far too much amusement for someone who had been drooling on your hoodie six hours ago.

You turned your head slowly—like in a horror film—and there he was.

Sylus.

Disheveled but well-rested. Hair tousled. Hoodie slightly crooked on his frame.

Looking every bit like someone who had zero regrets and somehow still got eight hours of sleep.

And worse?

He was smirking.

You stared at him.

He stared back.

Then you exhaled, long and slow, a rush of relief loosening your spine. “So… you don’t remember anything?” you asked as casually as you could.

His smirk deepened. “Nope.”

You nodded, clutching your bag a little tighter. “Good. Great. Fantastic.”

He glanced sideways at you, amusement dancing in his eyes. “You look tense,” he said, as if you weren’t actively reliving one of the most unhinged nights of your life.

You kept your face blank. “Do I?”

“Mm-hm.” He leaned in slightly. “We didn’t do anything weird, did we?”

Your soul briefly tried to exit your body.

You cleared your throat, gaze fixed straight ahead. “Define weird.”

Sylus chuckled, his grip around your shoulders tightening playfully. “Knew I could count on you to protect my innocence.”

You resisted the urge to shove him into a bush.

Because he didn’t remember.

And maybe that was for the best.

Right?

—•

Later that afternoon, Sylus had peeled himself away from your side with his usual casual flair, stretching like a cat and shooting you a wink over his shoulder.

“Got a date,” he’d called, walking backward with that insufferable grin. “Don’t miss me too much!”

You managed a forced smile, waving him off like it was no big deal.

But it was.

Because the moment he turned the corner, a sharp, unwelcome pang bloomed in your chest. It wasn’t jealousy—not exactly.

Just… something heavy. Something tight.

Something you couldn’t name without digging into places you weren’t quite ready to go.

You sighed, long and low, and forced your feet toward your next class, pretending that maybe you’d feel better if you just kept moving.

Spoiler, you didn’t.

Classes passed in a blur, lectures droning like white noise in the background.

You tried to focus, really, but your mind kept drifting—back to last night, back to his weight against you, his breath on your neck, the taste of his lips.

Back to the way he didn’t remember.

And now here he was, out on a date, completely unaware of the emotional chaos he’d left you in.

You returned to your dorm that night with your brain fried and your heart somewhere under your shoe.

You flopped onto your bed face-first, ready to disappear into the mattress forever, when your phone buzzed.

Sy: getting drunk again tonight lol

You groaned, dragging your pillow over your head like it could block out both the light and your bad decisions. You tossed your phone aside with more force than necessary.

“He better not come here again tonight,” you muttered to yourself.

But even as you said it… a tiny, traitorous part of you kind of hoped he would.

And that was the worst part.

Of course he did.

Because why wouldn’t he?

You stared at the door for a solid five seconds after the knock. It was almost comedic at this point.

Like the universe had a twisted sense of humor and Sylus was its favorite punchline.

You dragged yourself up, already exhausted before you even turned the knob.

And there he was.

Leaning casually against the doorframe like he hadn’t been out on a date just hours ago, like he hadn’t already hijacked your emotional equilibrium last night.

The now-familiar scent hit you immediately—his signature cologne, warm and clean, now drowned under the unmistakable sting of alcohol.

Not subtle this time.

He smelled like he’d gone swimming in a cocktail shaker.

He grinned at you, lazy and lopsided. “Hey, wifey.”

You stared at him. Blinked once.

Then sighed. “I literally said, ‘He better not come here again tonight.’”

He tilted his head. “But I always come here.”

You resisted the urge to bang your head against the doorframe. “You have a room. A perfectly good room.”

“But yours has you in it,” he said, like it was the most logical argument in the world.

And just like that, your heart did the thing again—the flutter, the ache, the full-body sigh of someone dangerously close to caring too much.

You stepped aside wordlessly, letting him stumble in and flop onto the sofa with all the grace of a drunk swan.

He missed the armrest entirely and groaned into your throw pillow.

You closed the door.

“Don’t throw up on anything,” you warned.

“Never,” came his muffled reply. “I have standards.”

You rolled your eyes. “Sure you do.”

As you fetched the water bottle—again, you glanced over at him. Hair a mess, face flushed, shoes still on.

And yet, somehow, despite it all—despite the alcohol and the chaos and the absolutely maddening way he lived inside your head—he still looked like home.

And that was the problem.

You sighed—again—and knelt beside the sofa, already in caretaker mode. It was routine now. Predictable. You unscrewed the cap of the water bottle with one hand and gently lifted it to his lips, not even bothering to ask this time.

But tonight was different.

Because he didn’t drink.

He didn’t even move.

He just stared at you.

Silent. Still.

Your brows furrowed as you held the bottle there, confused. “Sylus,” you said softly, nudging the rim against his bottom lip.

Still nothing.

You looked up, properly meeting his gaze—and froze.

He wasn’t out of it this time. His eyes, though glassy, were clear. Awake. Watching you with an intensity that made your breath hitch.

Your hand slowly lowered the bottle.

“What?” you asked, voice barely above a whisper.

His head tilted slightly against the pillow, eyes never leaving yours. “You were biting your lip in class today.”

You blinked. “Wha—how do you even—?”

“I wasn’t that drunk,” he murmured, almost like an apology.

Your heart dropped.

He remembered.

He remembered.

The kiss. The things he said. The way he collapsed on you like you were something he could fall into without consequence.

He remembered everything.

Your voice caught in your throat. You straightened up a little, putting distance between you. “You said you didn’t remember.”

He smiled faintly. “I lied.”

And just like that, the air shifted—heavy, warm, dangerous. The room felt smaller. Your heart louder.

You didn’t know what to say. So you didn’t.

You just stared back, bottle still in your hand, feeling everything you’d tried to bury clawing its way to the surface.

He sat up with a sigh, rubbing a hand through his hair as if he could shake off the tension clinging to the air between you.

You watched him closely, bottle still in your hand, heartbeat pounding like a warning.

Then he looked at you—really looked at you—and said quietly, “I didn’t go on a date.”

Your brows lifted.

“I didn’t even drink tonight.”

That made you pause.

You stared at him, eyes narrowing slightly. And?

Your expression said it all. So?

He shifted, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, fingers interlaced like he needed something to hold onto.

His frown deepened, not from annoyance but from something far more raw.

“Don’t you get it?” he asked, voice softer now—less teasing, more real.

You blinked.

No smirk. No sarcasm.

Just Sylus, stripped of his usual bravado, staring at you like he didn’t know what else to say—like the weight of what he felt had finally grown too heavy to carry without showing it.

And suddenly, everything felt louder.

The silence. The breath you didn’t take. The confession waiting just on the other side of his words.

Because maybe… you did get it.

You just weren’t sure you were ready to.

He groaned, dragging a hand down his face in frustration like he couldn’t believe he was having to spell it out.

“Come here,” he muttered under his breath—low, almost like he didn’t mean for you to hear it.

But before you could even react, his hands were on either side of your face, warm and certain, pulling you toward him.

And then—he kissed you.

Not like last night.

Not messy or sudden or slurred with alcohol and adrenaline.

This kiss was different.

It was gentle. Intentional. His lips moved slowly against yours, like he was trying to say everything he hadn’t had the courage to say out loud.

Like he wanted you to feel it—feel him.

There was no rush. No stumble. Just soft, quiet honesty.

Your hands, unsure at first, slowly rose to grip the front of his shirt. His thumb brushed along your cheek, steadying you, grounding you.

And for a moment, the noise in your head stopped.

No questions. No what-ifs. Just the feeling of him—real, solid, and heartbreakingly tender.

When he finally pulled away, barely an inch, his forehead rested lightly against yours, breath mingling with yours in the stillness between you.

“I remember everything,” he whispered.

“And I meant all of it.”

“I’ve liked you for a long time.”

The words settled between you like something fragile and warm, and terrifyingly real.

You barely had time to absorb them before he sighed, shaking his head with a look that was equal parts fond and exasperated.

“For someone who’s considered a nerd,” he muttered, thumb brushing against your cheek again, “you’re so stupid.”

Your jaw dropped slightly. “Excuse me?”

He gave you a look—the one that always came right before he said something that would both annoy and fluster you to death.

“You seriously didn’t notice? Two years of me practically living in your room, fending off every guy who looked at you twice, ‘accidentally’ falling asleep on your shoulder, telling you a Chris Brown song described what I wanted to do to you—”

“I thought you were drunk!” you hissed, flushing.

“I was,” he admitted, smirking. “But that doesn’t mean I was lying.”

You stared at him, heart a riot in your chest.

He leaned in again, voice softer now.

“I liked you even before I knew what to call it. When you helped me find the toilet on the first day, and I thought, ‘Well. That’s it. Guess I’m not letting her go now.’”

You blinked, wide-eyed. “That was… the first day of college.”

“Exactly.” He grinned, nose brushing yours. “And you’re just now catching up?”

You opened your mouth to argue. Nothing came out.

He laughed under his breath, pressing another kiss to the corner of your mouth. “God, you’re lucky you’re cute.”

You were still staring at him, wide-eyed, frozen in the moment like your brain had blue-screened.

Your mouth opened. Nothing came out.

You had so many things to say, but your thoughts were tripping over each other in the hallway of your mind, arms full of emotional baggage.

He just chuckled.

Low. Warm. Smug.

That infuriating smirk curved at the corner of his lips again, the one that always spelled trouble and somehow still made your heart flutter.

“You really are slow,” he murmured, tilting his head. “Guess I’ll just have to make it clearer.”

And before you could process that ominous statement—

He kissed you again.

But this time, it wasn’t sweet or tentative.

This kiss was deeper. Hotter.

Full of all the pent-up feelings he clearly hadn’t been hiding as well as you thought.

He pressed you back into the sofa, one hand cradling the side of your face while the other slid around your waist like he already knew he belonged there.

You gasped softly against his mouth, fingers fisting in the fabric of his shirt, body reacting faster than your brain could.

And he groaned—low in his throat, like just the sound of you was enough to unravel him.

He pulled back only a breath’s distance, lips barely brushing yours, voice rough. “Still think I’m joking?”

You couldn’t think at all.

And maybe, for once, that was okay.

You didn’t answer him.

You couldn’t.

Because the second your breath hitched, the second your lips parted like you might say something—he kissed you again.

And this time, it wasn’t hesitant.

It was consuming.

All heat and hunger and tension finally unraveling between two people who had been orbiting each other for far too long.

Sylus pressed you further into the cushions, his body aligned with yours like he belonged there. Like this had always been inevitable.

His hand slid from your waist to your hip, fingers curling just enough to make you shiver, while his mouth moved against yours with growing urgency—soft and then firm, teasing then demanding.

Your hands were in his hair before you even realized, pulling him closer, needing more. He groaned into the kiss, low and strained, like he’d been holding himself back for too long.

“You drive me crazy,” he murmured against your lips, his voice rough with restraint. “Always walking around in those stupid sweaters, acting like you don’t know what you do to me.”

You whimpered as his mouth trailed along your jaw, down the slope of your neck, finding that spot just below your ear that made your back arch slightly into him. His name slipped out of you before you could stop it—breathy, half-plea, half-warning.

He stilled for half a second, like he needed to hear it again.

“Sylus,” you whispered, and just like that, the last thread of control snapped.

His hands were under your sweater now, fingers splayed across your waist, not rushing—just feeling. Like he wanted to memorize you. Commit every inch of you to memory.

You gasped when his lips found yours again, this time slower, deeper. As if he were trying to tell you something he didn’t quite know how to say.

And in between every kiss, every breath, every graze of skin, you heard it loud and clear.

I want you.

I’ve always wanted you.

Only you.

You broke the kiss with a gasp, lips tingling, chest rising and falling in quick, uneven breaths.

Your hands were still fisted in his shirt, your bodies still pressed close, but you needed a second—needed to breathe. Because what the hell just happened?

“Holy shit,” you whispered, voice raw and dazed.

Sylus stilled, eyes searching yours, flushed and breathless. “Too much?”

You shook your head, still trying to catch your breath. “No. I just…”

Your brows furrowed, a stunned laugh escaping you.

“I’ve been walking around thinking you didn’t feel the same for two years?” you said, incredulous, voice cracking on the last word.

Sylus blinked, then tilted his head slightly, a small, helpless smile tugging at his lips. “You seriously didn’t know?”

“You hid it ridiculously well!”

“I practically moved into your dorm.”

“You ate my snacks and called me wifey. That’s not a confession, that’s just being annoying.”

He laughed, the sound husky and breathless. “I flirted with you constantly.”

“I thought that was just your default setting! You flirt with the barista.”

“I don’t press her against the sofa and kiss her like I’m about to lose my mind,” he muttered, his voice low, his thumb brushing along your jaw. “Only you.”

Your heart clenched, hard.

The air between you shifted again, softer now—less fire, more gravity.

He leaned in, resting his forehead against yours. “You really didn’t know?”

“I didn’t want to know,” you whispered, eyes fluttering shut. “I thought… if I hoped too much, I’d ruin it.”

His fingers curled gently around the side of your neck, grounding you. “You didn’t ruin anything.”

You opened your eyes and found him looking at you like you were the only thing that had ever made sense to him.

“I’ve been yours,” he said quietly, “since the first day you showed me where the toilet was.”

You let out a soft, disbelieving laugh—and kissed him again.

This time, you didn’t stop.

You kissed him like you were catching up on everything you hadn’t let yourself feel.

He kissed you like he’d been waiting for this moment since that first awkward hallway encounter.

There were no more games. No more pretending. Just whispered names and stolen breath, soft laughs between kisses, and the feeling of finally, finally being seen.

By the time you fell asleep tangled in each other on the sofa—his hand on your waist, your head tucked under his chin—it was quiet.

Not the lonely kind.

The peaceful kind.

The kind that only comes when you’ve stopped running from something… and finally let yourself fall.

[worldly-fluster]

I'm... severely sorry I haven't updated anything or wrote anything for a while.

Life. You know? Lotta stuff happened and I'm still trying to come to terms and figure it out lol

But today I just can't get Selkie! Rafayel out of my head

Like, I'll be doing dishes at work and suddenly, I'm thinking about a seal going Bleb

I can't stop thinking about it.

Along with the thought about all the LADS Boys being Selkies...so, I'm gonna write a small head canon story thingy with Selkie!LADS and Reader. I also heard somewhere that Selkies are always larger than normal seals!

Thank you and enjoy 😀

---

How I think they would look like as a Selkie- Rafayel is first in this because he is the reason for this idea lol

Rafayel: A large Harbor Seal

Sylus: A Large Sea Lion

Xavier: A Large Spotted Seal

Zayne: A Large Southern Fur Seal

Caleb: A Large Leopard Seal

---

How you meet

Rafayel- 🦭🐠 🪸

It's been a long day...

A long week honestly. Work has been piling up and now your car has finally kicked the bucket.

Luckily you live only a few blocks from work and the view of the walk is amazing. Why didn't you start walking earlier?? The sea breeze, calming sounds of the waves hitting the rocks and sand, calls of seagulls and adorable Seals...reminding you why you chose to live here in the first place.

Your work ended earlier today because it's a holiday and with nothing to do, may as well visit your favorite spot by the beach.

When you got there, the view was the same as always but you could never get enough of it.

After sitting there for a bit, you noticed a seal had decided a nearby rock would be a nice place to sunbathe and nap. You stared at the cute seal until it lifted it's round head to look around. When your eyes locked with its squinted black eyes, it flinched, let out a 'Beh!' and widened it's eyes.

You both sat frozen, neither wanting to leave their comfy spots. After a few seconds of this, it was as if you both came to a sort of understanding.

You do you and I'll do me.

You both sat there, a good distance apart, watching the sun slowly go down in a peaceful silence.

After a while you figured out- out of curiosity- that the seal was a male, but you couldn't figure out what type of seal he was. He had the coat of a Harbor Seal but the size of a Sea Lion...

Before the sun could go down completely, you stood, getting the seals attention once more. You adjusted your clothes before nodding towards the seal in a goodbye.

He answered with 'Glemph'.

Sylus- 🦭🐦‍⬛ 🌹

You just moved to the sea side after wanting to for most, if not all, your life.

After a few weeks of getting settled in, you decided to go for a quick walk by the sea.

You walked through the shopping district area, following the wooden path all the way to the rocky area by the sea where you can see a few sea lions sun bathing. You look but otherwise leave them be, not really noticing one of the bigger ones glancing over before doing the same.

As you walked past the wooden path onto the beach, you didn't pay any mind to the people around you- there wasn't a lot of people to begin with so you didn't think it would matter.

You didn't notice the two men who seemed to be watching your every move.

After a while of walking the beach, you turn to head back home and you finally noticed the hard stares of the men. Getting a little nervous, you walk a bit faster- they walk a bit faster too.

You make it to the wooden path before you decide to book it and they give chase. You start panicking and in a last ditch effort to lose them, you take a sharp turn onto the rocks where you saw the sea lions.

Not your best move, but you were panicking.

The large sea lion from earlier saw all of this happen, watching you run from two men from the beach onto his rocks. He also noticed you weren't really paying attention and you were getting a little too close...

You were hoping that if you got a little farther onto the rocks, the men would lose interest and walk away and it seemed they did so you slowed down.

Breathing heavily, you kneeled down and breathed out a heavy sigh before looking to the side when you heard movement.

A large Sea Lion sat up almost 10 feet away from you, he stared you down a moment before looking towards the wooden walkway then back at you.

You immediately lifted your hands and took a step back, apologizing.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to get this close, I... didn't have much of a choice."

The Sea Lion huffed, tapping a flipper.

You took another step back, "Sorry, I'll leave."

You slowly made your way back, wanting to make sure the men weren't there and not wanting to bother the sea lion anymore.

The Sea Lion watched you leave with a grumble, noticing the men walking back to the beach.

Xavier- 🦭⭐🌌

You just bought a boat.

Honestly your family thought you were crazy, I mean, who buys a boat when they don't live close to the water? They didn't expect you to completely leave everything behind to go live on the sea.

To be fair, you stayed mostly at the docks, but sometimes it feels better to take the boat out and anchor down a ways out. Far enough for none of the city nor dock noise can reach, the stars looking more beautiful than ever.

On one of these evenings, just as the sun was close to setting and right after you dropped anchor, you had the shock of your life.

There was a splash and the boat swayed a bit to the side. When you went to check what was happening, there was one of the largest spotted seal you've ever seen.

The seal was making small noises, 'geh, geh, geh' the most adorable thing. What else got your attention was the rather sharp looking dorsal fin poking out of the water behind it.

You let out a gasp, getting the seals attention. It made a 'krrrrah' noise as it looked from you to the fin now circling the boat, then back to you.

You held up your hands and moved to the side to peak over the railing, seeing a flash of black and white pass under.

You breathed out heavily before looking back to the seal who was breathing a bit heavily also while looking towards you then back at the water.

"Hey..." You spoke softly, getting it's attention, "it's okay. But I don't suggest getting back in the water...I think I saw more than just one Killer Whale down there."

The seal let out a gurgling noise as it bounced a little more away from the edge, as if it thought it could get snatched up by the multiple whales from here.

"You can stay here as long as you need," you smiled as it looked back over at you, "I know if I were in your situation, I would love a bit of help."

It stared deeply at you for a bit before letting out a small 'eh'.

"Welcome aboard then."

Zayne- 🦭❄️☃️

Caleb- 🦭🦾✈️

You just moved to a small sea side town, one that was known for its seal refuge where they cared for wild seals who just needed a little help.

Just a few weeks into moving into your small house, you ended up with a mild flu so you went to the doctors office down the road in order to get some medication.

When you got to the office the lady at the front told you that the Doctor is out at the moment but she can set up an appointment with him so that's what you did.

After that your mind seemed to fog up a bit from the flu so you thought, maybe some fresh sea air can help? It's nice and cool, probably good for your burning skin right?

You make it to the beach and sat down by the rocky end of it, leaning against one of the large rocks. You watched the ocean lap at the sand, the sound of seagulls and seals mixing with the sound of the sea.

You were so out of it you barely noticed one of the seals bouncing closer from the rocks nearby, tilting his head in curious worry, his little ears flopping with his movement.

When the seal was close enough, in your foggy sick state, you smiled a bit wobbly and raised your hand a little and mumbled, "Cute..." Before passing out.

The seal let out a startled Borf as it saw you fall to the side, luckily only landing in the soft-ish sand.

---

**we'll just say-by Selkie magic- that when he's in seal form, he isn't missing his arm but he does have big scars running alongside the right of his body- kinda needs both fins to swim good lol**

You always love traveling and adventuring out into the unknown.

But you always had a soft spot for seals and the places they lived.

From the small cute Harbor seals- to the big elephant seals. You didn't care. Your favorite one though? Leopard Seals.

Something about them just drew you in, especially the one you've been trying to track since you've seen it's scarred side as you boated through the icy terrain. You wondered if it was okay?

As you traveled by boat over the icy water you noticed a bigger boat throwing out nets, trying to catch something. When you got closer you saw what they were trying to catch was that same scarred seal you were searching for. The people on the boat holding up their nets and harpoons told you what you didn't want to know and you quickly put your small motor to work as you sped towards them.

Their nets just barely caught the thrashing seal when you came speeding up with your sharp modified ice pick and sliced through the net, setting him free.

You cheered a moment as you watched him swim off before a harpoon barely missed you and hit your boat's engine. Looking up you watched as the people cussed you out in another language while some of them laughed at your shock.

The boat slowly moved out of sight as you tried to figure out how to get your motor running again, not noticing the large head of a leopard seal peaking around some floating ice.

***This is an introduction into Selkie! LADS lol, hopefully I'll get the motivation to continue my other stories I have yet to finish but yea. Here go***

[worldly-fluster]

100 Followers Special

Love and Deepspace Countryside

Country AU

All x Non-MC! Reader

*Mostly the first main 4/Sylus and Xavier in this part-Zayne and Rafayel in the next but there are still moments with them to introduce them.

Holy chit this got long...imma make it into two parts yeah?

Part 1 of 2

---

Summary:

MC was a smart timid city girl, came from a private school. Her friends were her twin sister- a popular girl training to be a cop(16)(not on friendly terms tho), Caleb- football star but always remains sweet(18), and Zayne-who is learning to be a doctor and moved away to further his education(17)(honestly the only one in this story that stays closer to Canon lol he shows up later in story, when MC is 18 and he is 19).

She got bullied so much she was sent away to an old family friends in the country. She was 16. Their son is named Sylus, aged 18.

There, she met Xavier(17 when we meet), the Rodeo star, and Rafayel, the fancy photographer and artist from Australia(we are both 18 when we meet so...two years after living in the country).

---

I watched out of the window as our car drove by empty fields that seemed to stretch on forever. I still couldn't believe he convinced them to let me leave...maybe he bribed them with money. Definitely.

"Hey, we're almost there. The house is just up there...it's huge."

Caleb was the one who drove me, as no one else in my family could. Too busy they said.

I looked forward, to see this huge house and he was not wrong. The mansion was gigantic! I'll be living here for how long?!

My jaw practically hit the floor, I turned to Caleb and his eyes were wide, a big smile on his face.

"Think they got room for one more?"

"I think they have room for the whole city!"

Caleb laughed as he pulled into the main driveway, I could feel my nerves start to get to me. Especially as I saw a few people walk out of the house. There were two men that sat on the porch, and one that stood leaning in the doorway. A kind looking older lady walked out from the porch to greet us.

When the car was in park, the kind looking older lady waved with a smile and as we got out she smiled bigger.

"Oh would you look at you two!"

I hid a little behind Caleb, getting a little overwhelmed. Caleb stepped forward a little and greeted her.

"Hello Ma'am! I'm Caleb, a friend of hers," he pointed behind himself towards me, "and this is MC. She's the one that will be staying here."

"Ma'am? Oh just call me Darla Hun! Come in, come in! We got some fresh fritters that just came outta the oven, must of been a long ride from the city..." She leaned a little closer to me after pushing Caleb to walk towards the house, she whispered, "you don't have to worry darlin' we're all family here. I heard from Franklin about what's goin' on, you can stay here as long as you like."

She pulled me forward, her arm around my shoulders squeezing me close as she led me towards the house.

"Hey Sylus, be a dear and grab her things!" She called to the young man in the doorway, who immediately moved to do as told.

Darla chuckled while he passed us, "I'll tell him to help you out with whatever you need while you're here."

The older men on the porch heard and laughed.

"Hear that Sy?!" One of them called, "You're gonna be on babysitting duty!"

"Fine by me!" 'Sy' called back.

"Already whipped son?" Another called.

I didn't get to hear 'Sy's reply as I was led through the foyer. I looked up at Darla and she just smiled and shook her head.

"You'll get used to them darlin', they're good people."

As we made it to the kitchen area, we saw Caleb who was already eating a fritter.

"Hope you don't mind! I followed the smell and found myself here... couldn't help myself."

"It's alright Hun, they're meant to be eaten." Darla chuckled.

We stood in the kitchen, eating a few fritters as the two talked a bit. I heard someone walk by the kitchen, turning towards the sound I saw 'Sy' walk by with my things. He winked when we made eye contact, making me look away quickly. He chuckled as he continued on towards the stairwell.

"You're really shy, aren't ya?"

Darla sipped her sweet tea as she watched that go down, a smile on her face.

"...I guess."

"Don't worry about it, it's cute." She winked too.

"Isn't she though?" Caleb jumped in, "She's always been downright adorable. Hard to believe she hasn't been whisked away yet right?"

Darla nodded, "So there's no special boy waiting for her back home? A shame...maybe she'll find herself a nice country boy while you're here."

They both laughed, Caleb looking a little glum.

After talking for a bit more, 'Sy' appeared in the doorway once again, empty handed.

"Got it Ma."

"Thank you Sylus, oh! This is MC, and her friend Caleb."

Sylus nodded towards Caleb and smiled at me, "Nice meeting you both."

Caleb clapped his hands gently as he took a few steps, "Like wise, take care of Pipsqueak while she's here alright?"

Sylus nodded as Caleb then turned towards Darla, "Thank you for the fritters but I'll have to take my leave now."

"Oh alright, drive safe you hear?"

"I will!" Caleb turned to me, "behave yourself, make some friends yeah?"

"...do you have to go?" My voice was small as I reached for his hand, he squeezed my hand a bit before pulling me in for a hug.

"I'll visit every week to see how things are going," he sighed, "I'll even bring the others if they're free."

"Really?"

"Yep. So, look forward to it."

We separated after a second and I waved to him as I watched him leave.

I startled as I felt a hand fall onto my shoulder, turning my head I saw Darla.

"I'll show you where you'll be staying."

Sylus moved from the doorway as we walked by towards the stairs leading up. He stayed there for a moment, watching us as we disappeared round the corner upstairs before turning into the kitchen to grab himself a fritter.

Darla led me to a room at the end of the hallway. Opening the door, she showed me a room larger than mine at home.

"Sorry if it's a little cramped in here, this was the guest room or a storage room for the boys gear." Darla fluffed one of the pillows on the bed, "I made them build a shed outside for their stuff when I heard you'd be staying with us. So you'll have this room all to yourself."

"This is...more than enough..." My eyes watered a bit, "I've never had my own room before..."

Darla paused for a moment before turning towards me and pulling me into a hug, "oh sweetheart... I'll make sure you get everything you need and want, just name it alright?"

I stood stiff in her arms for a moment before melting into her hug, "Okay..."

-**

Later that night, as MC slept in her new room, Darla went to sit on the porch. Her husband- Tyler, her Son- Sylus, and the farmhands- Luke and Kieran joined her after a while.

"When Frankie told me about her...I thought he was talking outta his ass, ain't no way a family would treat their daughter like that..." Darla spoke softly, "but seeing how she acts...I don't think he was bluffin'."

"What did he tell ya Ma?" Sylus spoke up.

Darla shook her head, "That's not important, what I need you to do Sylus, is make sure she feels comfortable. If Frankie was telling the truth, she needs a few good friends out here."

"You got it Ma."

Darla smiles before turning towards her husband with a look, but before she can say anything Tyler interrupted, "We'll see about it Dear."

He knew what she was thinking, knowing that she already has a soft spot for the timid city girl.

-**

I woke up the next day, before the sun even peaked out of the night sky. My anxiety about being in a new place without anyone I actually knew getting the best of me.

I looked around my new room, putting away some of my things. It was different, not having to share. Having my own space. After I was done putting what little I had away, I sat on my bed to read a book I brought from home.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when there was a knock on the door.

"Up and attem City Girl," I heard Sylus' voice through the door, "Breakfast is almost ready."

I looked out of the large window in the room to see the sun was starting to rise. It looked like I lost track of time...

"... coming!"

I was already dressed and ready for the day, so I stepped out of bed after I placed my book on the nightstand. I opened the door to Sylus still standing there.

"Morning."

I looked up at him, finally noticing how tall and big he was.

"... morning." I greeted quietly, looking down at my feet.

We stood like this in the doorway for a bit before Sylus took a step to the side.

"Foods gonna get cold."

I nodded as I stepped out of the room and made my way quickly down to the kitchen, missing how his eyes narrowed with a frown on his face. He grunted before following me.

As I entered the kitchen, the heavenly smell of a home cooked breakfast hit my nose, making my mouth water.

Darla stood at the stove, humming a tune and flipping pancakes.

When she heard the heavy steps of her son coming in behind me she turned, a look of surprise on her face as she saw me.

"Oh! I didn't hear you come in Darlin'! Come grab a plate and fill 'er up!"

Sylus stood behind me, peering over my head. "Ladies first."

I walked fully into the kitchen, grabbed a plate and put a biscuit, two pieces of bacon and a pancake on it.

As I sat at the kitchen table and started eating, I didn't notice Darla and Sylus share a look, both frowning. Sylus filled his plate up with two biscuits covered in gravy, multiple pieces of bacon, two scoops of scrambled eggs and three pancakes. As he sat down he looked at my plate.

"Aren't ya gonna get some more?"

I shook my head as I nibbled on the biscuit. He furrowed his brows at my response, but continued to eat his own food.

"So Sylus," Darla placed the big stack of pancakes in the middle of the table, "what's the plan for today?"

"I was thinkin' about goin' out for a ride around the pasture. Check on the cattle and make sure we have no summer calves this year."

"Last year was a doozy...hey MC, do you know how to ride a horse?" Darla looked towards me.

I swallowed the food in my mouth, before nodding my head.

"I have rode before...but it's been a while."

"Great! Do you wanna join Sylus then? I'm sure he'd like the company."

Sylus glanced up from his plate to see my response.

"um...I think I want to finish unpacking, if that's okay with you?"

Darla smiled and nodded, "That's alright, maybe another time then."

I nodded, then quickly finished my plate. I cleaned my dirty dishes in the sink before turning to Darla.

"Thank you for the food Ms.Darla."

I rushed out before she could respond so I could go back to the room, not noticing them both frown and Darla turn towards Sylus with a look of worry.

When I made it to my room, I sat on my bed and continued to read my book. I was just trying to get comfortable with my surroundings...but it was hard to break these habits of hiding myself away.

---

It went on like this for a few days.

Sylus would be at your bedroom door in the morning to tell you breakfast was ready, you would have a too small breakfast to their liking, spend the day in your room watching everyone outside the window. Everytime it was time to eat, Sylus would be at your door.

But one day...

---

I was watching the clouds today...the big cumulonimbus in the distance and the wind blown wheat fields telling me a storm was coming, and fast.

I watched as the men were getting ready to go take care of the cattle, but what they were wearing would not be suitable for this storm.

Without much thought I ran out of the room and down through the kitchen, startling Darla, and out the front door.

I stopped suddenly at the porch, a little nervous to be approaching them.

Darla came walking out behind me, drying her hands on her pale apron.

"What's wrong Darlin'?"

"...it's going to rain."

"Really? How can you tell?

I pointed out at the big clouds, much closer than before already.

"There's a big cumulonimbus pushing it's way towards us, you can tell it's coming in fast by the way the wheat is blowing."

Darla let out a hum, as she nodded.

"Then we need to let the boys know, right?"

"...yeah."

Darla lifted two fingers to her lips and let out a shrill whistle, getting their attention.

Tyler called to Sylus and nodded towards us, saying something I couldn't quite hear, before Sylus jogged over.

"Yes Ma?"

Darla nodded towards me while saying, "MC told me that it's gonna start raining, think you boys are well equipped fur it?"

Sylus tilted his head and lifted his brow, "I wouldn't quite say we are...I'll go get the ponchos then."

"Good boy. Tell your father no dawdling. Don't want any of my boys sick."

"Yes Ma."

Sylus walked back to Tyler and they spoke for a bit before Sylus went to one of the sheds, bringing out a few ponchos.

Darla and I sat on the covered porch, watching as the boys rode off on their horses, not a minute later the sky got a bit darker and it started to pour.

Darla smiled.

"Good call there Sweetie."

"...it's not a big deal."

Darla nodded before turning to head inside, "It's pretty big out here. Not a lot of us folk are good at tellin' the weather. Changes too quick."

I watched as she went inside before I turned back to watch the rain. I felt... pretty good that I was able to help, even a little bit.

By the time they got back, the rain seemed to be pouring down more and there was some lightning cracking across the dark cloudy sky. They were only out there for a few minutes.

I watched as they came through the fence before I headed inside.

I would have went back up to my room but Darla invited me down for some warm tea. I sat at the bar in the kitchen drinking the warm sweet honey tea.

Tyler was the first to walk in, wet but not as soaked as he could have been. He sat down at the kitchen table with a towel over his shoulder. Darla walked over to him with his own mug of warm sweet honey tea. As he sipped his tea he let out a sigh and relaxed into the cushioned wooden chair.

All three of us sat in silence for a moment before Darla turned to Tyler and coughed an ahem, motioning towards me with her eyes.

He grunted, "Oh, right...thank you for the warnin'."

I paused, not having actually heard his voice before. It was deep with a thicker country twang.

I looked into my mug of tea, "...you're welcome sir."

"Call me Ty."

We sat in silence for barely a second when there was a ruckus at the front door.

"I saw you jump! You're scared of thunder."

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

I recognized the voices of the two young men that were on the porch when I arrived here, I don't think I got their names.

"Both of you jumped and yelped like scared puppies. Now grab a towel and dry off before Ma skins you alive for tracking water."

I heard Sylus' voice with them.

"Yes Boss."

I stood, with my now empty mug and washed it before placing it on the towel by the sink.

"Thank you..."

I smiled at Darla and Ty before heading to the stairs to go back to my room.

I walk across the hall towards the stairs when I'm stopped by Sylus' voice.

"That was pretty cool what you did," Sylus stood with a cream colored towel over his head, "How were you able to tell it was gonna rain?"

One of the young men beside him jumped up from taking off his boots, "Yeah!"

The other slightly taller boy spoke up after, "The sun was shining and everything."

The two of them looked similar, twins I think, other than the small hight difference and light scarring on the taller of the two's lower face and down his neck which was covered in a red bandana.

I paused in my walking, looking at the three of them before awkwardly coughing, "...I just looked at the cloud in the distance and the wind blowing the wheat..."

The slightly smaller twin widened his eyes, "Woah..."

I raised my shoulders a little and blushed, "Anyone can do it..."

"Not just anyone," Sylus takes a few steps towards me and I instinctively take a step back, he frowns slightly and stops walking, "None of us knew to pay attention to the clouds in the distance, let alone the way the wheat was blowing."

"Well uh..." My voice went up in pitch but before i could finish my thought, Sylus interrupted me.

"The county Fair is gonna be in town this week. Let's all go together."

"Yeah!"

"That would be fun, think Boss Lady will give us those days off?"

Sylus turned to them, "If we ask real nice...or," He turns towards me and smiles, "we can have this sweetheart ask for us?"

"I...don't know."

"Ah, come on," the smaller twin takes a step forward, "Please? We'll make sure you have fun when you come with us!"

"I don't even know who you are..."

"Oh! Right, I'm Luke!" The shorter of the two taps his chest, a proud smile on his face.

"And I'm Kieran," The taller one nods his head with a smile.

Luke lifts his leg to get a sock off his foot, jumping a bit before he puts a hand on Kieran's shoulder. While he does so he pipes up, "You don't have to tell us your name though, Sylus won't stop talking abou-"

Sylus interrupts him with a tap to the back of his leg making him practically fold in half.

I couldn't help but let out a short laugh as I watched him panic and almost bring Kieran down with him. Sylus smiled wide when he heard me laugh for the first time since I got here, happy to have been the one to cause it.

I raise my hand to my mouth and clear my throat, "I'll...ask her later."

I then, without looking back, practically run up the stairs, missing the look on Sylus' face.

"Oh your down bad."

"Shut up Luke."

The twins both giggle as they walk to the kitchen to get their own warm honey tea, leaving Sylus alone with his thoughts.

"...maybe." He mumbled while looking up the staircase then turning to get his own tea before Darla decides she doesn't want to make more.

---

"You have fun at the Fair you hear? Don't lose each other or no Fritters for a week!" Darla and Ty agreed to let the four of us have the next week off to have fun at the Fair. Only because it would be my first actual Fair and Darla wanted me to experience all of it.

"We will Ma! Be back late!"

"Make sure to be back though!"

Darla waved us off as we took the family truck down the long driveway, towards where they said the Fair was taking place.

We drove for around 30 minutes until we finally made it to the Fair grounds.

"You ready?" Sylus turns to me as Kieran parked the truck in the first open spot he saw.

I nodded as I looked out at the large amount of people walking in and out of the Fair.

That's...a lot of people.

Luke and Kieran jumped out of the truck first, Sylus following shortly after. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I opened the door and slid out, catching up to them quickly.

So many people...what could go wrong?

---

Everything.

Not even ten minutes into being here and all three of them ran off...to be honest I think Luke was the one to run off and Kieran just kept on walking, while Sylus ran after Luke to make sure he didn't spend all of our money in one go.

Before I could follow either one, I was knocked onto the ground by a kid who bodied me in order to get to a ride before his friends, I don't think he even realised.

When I stood up, I looked around and couldn't find them.

I was lost. At the Fair. In a place I'm unfamiliar in.

I kept walking straight, hoping to run into at least Kieran, but I ended up by the Rodeo Entrance somehow. I was going to turn around when I heard a horse whinney.

I found myself curious, and wanting to get out of the buzz of the croud, so I entered the Horse barn. I figured I could since many people were walking in and out with their kids.

When I entered I looked at the many stalls full of Horses, but I kept hearing the whinnies coming from a stall farther in so I followed it.

I found myself at the stall of the culprit, a beautiful gray spotted stud who was pacing his stall. There was a little placue hanging off the side of the stall with the name Pluto on it.

"Pluto, huh." I stood near the stall, looking in at a safe distance.

It seemed Pluto heard me as his ears swiveled towards me and he walked closer, calming down a bit but I could still see him breathing heavy. He stretched his head as far as he could go towards me, giving short puffs and grunts as if wanting attention.

I smiled as I held my hand out for him to sniff. After a sniff or two he pushed his head down so my hand would scratch along his long head, making me giggle as I brought both of my hands up to scratch his head.

Pluto made a noise of approval as he blinked his eyes slowly, wiggling his upper lip. I kept one hand stratching his head and moved the other to behind his ears and down his neck.

I heard footsteps stop behind me but I was too preoccupied with petting Pluto that I didn't think much on it.

"I was wondering why he went quiet," I was slightly startled when I heard a soft voice behind me.

Turning my head to look at who spoke, I saw a tall young man, maybe my age. He had soft silver locks and the bluest eyes I've ever seen. He was wearing a cream colored buttoned shirt with dark blue Levi's and a pair of slightly dirty leather boots.

I looked towards him then back at Pluto who was moving his head up and down, trying to get me to continue giving him scratches. I giggled and did as I was 'told'.

"Pluto doesn't normally let anyone but me get near him," The blue eyed man stepped up next to me and ran his hand down Pluto's neck, "but he seems to like you."

We stood in silence for a moment before he turned to me with his hand out, "I'm Xavier."

I awkwardly took his hand and we shook once in greeting.

"...I'm MC."

"I don't think I've seen you around here before MC."

"Yeah, I just moved here..."

"Where are you from?"

I continued to pet Pluto, who seemed very happy with that.

"I'm from Bloomshore..."

"That's a long way from Linkon."

"About, I think, an 8 hour drive," I nodded.

He let out a low whistle, causing me to smile a bit.

"What do you even do for 8 hours? Count trees?"

I giggled, "We listened to music, some advice?"

He nodded.

"Never ride with someone for 8 hours if they can't sing."

We both chuckled.

We ended up talking for a while, it made me forget I was lost in the first place. He told me how he was going to be in the Rodeo later in the night, ropping cattle and barrels. He said he was even going to help with the Bullriding.

Before either of us realized, it was getting dark and the Rodeo was going to begin soon.

Xavier invited me to watch him, I agreed thinking maybe I'll be able to find Sylus, Luke or Kieran there while also being able to hang out with my new friend.

Xavier introduced me to a few more people, a nice guy named Jeremiah, a bubbly girl named Tara, and a kind older girl named Jenna.

They made me feel welcome and I couldn't help but laugh along with them as I almost completely forgot about finding the others.

The Rodeo was in full swing now, Xavier got first in roping, showing off a bit afterwards with a few tricks, and Tara got first in barrels. Jenna and Jeremiah stayed back to watch them with me from the barred fence.

Tara came back with her 1st place ribbon while Xavier went to go help the other men with getting ready for the bullriding.

Right before the first rider sat on the bull, I heard my name being called from behind us.

"MC! There you are."

Sylus came up to us, Jenna standing a little closer to me as Tara crossed her arms.

"Who are you?" Tara sassed.

"Names Sylus, and I would 'preciate it if I could talk to MC here."

Jenna turned to me, "You know him?"

"Yeah," I nodded, "He's one of the guys I came here with."

Jenna nodded, "Ah, the friends you got seperated from right?"

Tara seemed to deflate with a sigh, "Awe man, does that mean you gotta go now?"

"Yes, we are goin' home." Sylus cut in, his shoulders tense with stress from trying to find you for hours.

I looked at Sylus then turned to my new friends with a smile, "Well, I guess I'll see you guys around?"

"Wait, you haven't said bye to Xavier," Jeremiah cut in before we could walk away.

"Yeah," Tara smiled, "He would be wondering where you went if he came back to you bein' gone."

Jenna lifted up her phone, "I'll call him now, he should be here in a jiffy."

"No, no," Sylus placed his hand on my shoulder, "Ma called and said we should head home when we find her. Sorry to bother you."

I looked from Sylus to my new friends a few times as he pulled me away towards the exit.

"You have our numbers! If you're ever in town just give us a holler!" Tara waved me off as Jenna finished the call.

I gave her a smile and a small wave back as we exited.

I missed it when Xavier ran up to them, looking around and out of breath. A look of disappointment on his face after they explained what happened.

---

The ride back home, Sylus was silent as the twins asked about what I did and I told them about Pluto and how I made some nice friends.

The twins congratulated me on getting out there and making friends.

"Maybe next time though, don't disappear on us yeah?"

"Boss was worried sick."

"Shoulda seen his face..."

Sylus grunted as he continued to drive, not really in the talkative mood after seeing you more friendly with a bunch of strangers than you have been with him since you moved in.

"Oh...Sorry, I tripped when Luke went to the food stalls, when I looked up you guys were gone."

"Well...did you have fun at least?"

"Yeah," I smiled, "Thank you for taking me."

---

The next day, Sylus came up to my room and told me to get dressed.

"You didn't get to ride any of the rides yesterday right? So let's go today."

"Okay, let me get ready."

"Alright, I'll be at the truck."

When I made it downstairs I ran into Darla.

She smiled and told me, "Have fun Dear, and don't get lost this time."

I smiled back with a nod and walked out to the truck only to see just Sylus.

"Where are the other two?" I asked as I hopped into the passenger side.

Sylus smirked, "They got roped into more chores so it's just us today."

"Oh," I blinked in surprise before having an idea, "Can I invite my friends?"

Sylus strained a smile, "Sure, we can hang out with your new friends."

I smiled excitedly as I pulled my phone from my pocket and went to Tara's contact.

MC: Hey Tara, this is MC

Tara: Hey girl! We missed you after you left last night, especially Xavier 👀

Tara: Anyway what's up?

MC: Sylus and I are heading back to the Fair grounds to go ride the rides, do you guys want to join us?

MC: You don't have to if you don't want to

Tara: Of course! I'll text the others, we need a break from the Rodeo stuff anyway

MC: Awesome!

Tara: Meet you at the Rodeo Entrance?

MC: Yes! We're almost to the Fair grounds, Sylus says 5 more minutes

Tara: See you then!

I smiled wide as I put my phone down.

Sylus couldn't help the smile that painted his face at seeing you so happy, but a little tug at his heart that he wasn't the only reason.

---

"MC! Over here!"

I saw Tara waving her hand from her spot at the Rodeo Entrance.

I waved back as I moved just a little faster out of excitement, Sylus following closely behind with his hands in his pockets and posture relaxed.

He was a little nervous because he didn't want to ruin your new friendships, he kinda likes that you're excited and being out of that room. He was honestly worried he wouldn't be able to get you out and about, so when he remembered the Fair, he really wanted to take you. So he can hopefully get you to experience something good while here, and it seemed he got his wish.

"Hey so, I haven't actually told Xavier you were here yet."

Tara started as we got to her. She had a wide smile on her face.

"He's been brushing Pluto before the sun rose this morning."

Jeremiah leaned out from his hiding spot on the other side of the entrance.

"I think he was pretty bummed out when he wasn't able to say bye last night."

"How long have you been there?!" Tara screeched.

"He has been in Pluto's stall even before I got up this morning," Jenna walked by carrying a jug of her sweet tea, "and I get up at 6 every morning."

Tara looked bewildered, "He usually sleeps till late durring the Fair."

I furrowed my brows in concern as we all started walking towards the Horse Barn.

We all joked around, Sylus mingling perfectly with them with his charm.

As we made it close to Pluto's stall Tara stopped me before I could walk closer and put a finger to her lips.

"Oh Xavier~"

"I told you, Tara, let me finish this."

"Just give me a second, remember MC?"

"Yeah. Why? Is she okay? Is she here?"

Jeremiah chuckled as he leaned on the stall door, "Why don't you come out here and see for yourself cowboy."

Xavier came up to the stall door, practically shoving Jeremiah to the side. Tara and Jenna laughed as Xavier looked around for a moment before spotting me to the side.

I smiled and waved awkwardly, a smile spreading over Xavier's face as he took a few steps closer. He looked so happy that if he could have glowed, he would.

He stopped short though, as Sylus took a step closer to me from behind. They both locked eyes for a moment before Xavier decided to completely ignore him in favor of talking to me.

"Here to see Pluto?"

My eyes light up with excitement as I nod quickly and walk around him to see Pluto, who was throwing his head up and down while huffing, trying to get our attention.

When I get close enough, he meets my hand halfway with gusto.

I giggle, not even noticing the stare off happening behind me.

---

"So MC, which ride first?" Sylus asked as we all were walking through the less crowded Fairgrounds, "How about The Zipper?"

I look to where he is pointing to see a ride...that looks so unsafe. It had cages on two sides that spun around like if a Farriswheel was on crack. My face went a bit pale.

Before I could say anything though, Xavier spoke up from next to me, his hand on my shoulder.

"Nah, how about the bumper cars?"

I turned to Xavier and nodded so fast that I thought I was going to break something. Xavier smiled triumphantly as he led us away from The Zipper while Sylus crossed his arms and frowned before following slowly.

---

As we got into our own bumper cars, I got in a white one, Sylus in a red, Xavier in a silver, Tara in a pink, Jenna and Jeremiah stayed to the side both agreeing that four people is enough.

Sylus and Xavier seemed to take it as a challenge and immediately went after each other, almost to the point of breaking the bumper cars, while Tara and I were off to the side lightly bumping each other while giggling.

Jenna and Jeremiah watched on as the two boys attacked each other, then looking over to see two girls having the time of their lives. The two shared a look before making bets.

Who's gonna get hurt first, and will she notice?

---

By the end of the day, Xavier won a few suffies from game stalls- a star plush and a big plush banana, Sylus won one huge stuffie Crow- could honestly almost pass for a bean bag.

While the two were busy trying to one up each other, Tara and Jeremiah watching for the drama, Jenna and I spotted a stand that had someone showcasing an older man doing tricks with a laso.

---

Luke and Kieran were showing me a few of their favorite spots to go riding when they came up with a prank to get back at Sylus.

"Hey MC, wanna help us with this prank?" Luke was the one to ask, Kieran nodding next to him.

"Yeah, we wanna get Boss back for making us do his chores so he could run around at the Fair...and this will only work if you agree. Please?"

"I don't know guys..."

Luke put his hands on my shoulders pushing me to sit on a log.

"Come on," Luke started.

"All you have to do is sit all pretty, right here," Kieran finished.

"...fine. But if this goes wrong, it's all on you guys."

"Yes, yes."

"We know the drill."

They ran off before I could say much else, let alone ask what the prank was. So I just sat there like they said, but I didn't have to wait long.

Just barely 5 minutes later and I heard the thundering of horse hooves pounding the dirt.

"MC?!"

I heard Sylus' yell before I saw him riding his stallion at almost full sprint towards my location. When he spotted me sitting on the log he rode up near me, barely getting the horse to stop before he jumped off, stumbling a little bit on the way.

"MC! Are you okay?!"

He practically threw himself on the ground in front of me, eyes searching frantically for something before settling on my face.

"I'm okay Sylus, what happened?"

"You sure? Luke and Kieran told me that while y'all were walking, you got bit by something?"

"No?"

"..." Sylus' shoulders sagged as he let out a sigh. "This was a prank, wasn't it."

"...yeah, they told me to just sit here. Didn't actually tell me what it was."

He ran a hand over his face before getting up. He held his hand out to help me stand and then led me over to his horse.

"Well, while I'm here I'll ride you back home."

He paused in his step before correcting himself.

"I'll give you a ride home. Give."

I giggled as he helped me onto his saddle.

"Whatever you say..."

He scowled as he saddled up behind me. I couldn't see his red face and ears behind me, but I could hear it in his voice.

"You know what I mean."

---

It's been about a year now, Caleb visits every other week as he gets busier with his school and job. He just started actually flying planes, those small ones with the blades on the front. He's slowly working his way up to the big planes and becoming a pilot that takes everyone, everywhere.

Xavier, Tara, Jenna and Jeremiah have visited the Qin Farm a few times, especially when it was my birthday, in which I was gifted with my own horse thanks to Sylus and Xavier- apparently the horse I was gifted is Pluto's twin brother and Sylus came up with the idea when he heard about Xavier's family wanting to sell him. He was named Hermes because he was quick, and a 'ladies man'. Darla and Ty love these new friends of mine and Xavier gained Ty's respect when he helped wrangle a runaway calf that didn't want to get caught. He lassoed it's legs as it ran and immediately turned a few minutes chase into a few seconds.

I actually asked Xavier if he could teach me how to use a lasso and I took to it like a bird in the sky. Xavier would even say I was getting better than him.

By the time the County Fair came around again, I was confident in my skills enough to show off. I pulled off many cool tricks and wrangled many calves and cattle, impressing many people to the point I made it onto the local newspaper by the end of the Fair. The photo was of me on Hermes back lassoing a calf mid jump.

Slowly but surely I was feeling more myself, more free, than I ever felt before. All thanks to my new friends, the family I found here.

After the Fair, Ty has appointed me as the official calf wrangler and now whenever a calf is loose or they need one caught, they send me and Hermes out with Sylus and Mephisto- the black stallion that Sylus owns, as my backup in case the mamma gets pissed.

The next year until the county Fair, I started to visit the old family friend that sent me to the Qin's Farm, to say thank you, and apparently he is Sylus' great Uncle. His name is Jun 'Franklin' Qin, he came to the country from China when he was barely 10 years old with his older sister and grandparents.

The interesting stories he told kept me coming back and soon I was close enough to him I would forget he wasn't actually family, he even let me call him gramps.

Soon the year was up and it was time for the County Fair once again, and I was looking forward to it.

---

"...Zayne?"

"MC? What are you doing here?"

We smiled as we both went in for a hug long over due. He was as warm as I remembered.

"I'm here because my friend here," I gestured to Tara who awkwardly waved with her sprained wrist, "Decided to try fighting a pole."

"Really?"

"She lost." Me and Zayne laughed as Tara whined out a 'Hey!'.

"Well, I'll make sure to patch up your friend here so she can live to fight poles another day."

After Zayne fixed up Tara he turned to me, "You were only a year younger than me correct?"

"Yep! I'm, what, 18 now?"

Tara jumped in with excitement, "Yeah! Remember how we all went noodling in the river out by the Fair grounds last year?"

"Oh yeah! I caught a pretty big one," I smiled, not missing the way Zayne's eyes widened.

"Sylus and Xavier were catching them left and right, it was pretty funny. Especially when one of them popped up with smaller ones, very underwhelming."

"I see."

I laughed as I watched Zayne try to keep a soft smile on his face but his scrunched eyebrows and barely wobbly smile gave him away.

I decided to spare him and let him continue his job, saying a quick goodbye and leaving my new phone number with him.

As I walked away, Tara making a beeline to one of the many food trucks, I was approached by a young man, possibly my age, with wavey violet hair and an expensive looking camera hanging from his neck.

"Hey um, can you help me? I'm a little lost." His voice was masculine and he had a bit of an accent to him.

I smiled as I turned fully to him, noticing his brightly colored eyes, "Yeah, sure where you goin'?"

He smiled in relief, "I'm looking for the 'Stables', I'm here to take pictures and I really wanted to get some shots of horses."

I nodded as I motioned for him to follow me, "Really? That explains the camera, the horse stables are this way if you want to follow me. I was gonna go check on Hermes anyway."

He smiled as he walked next to me, his hand reaching up to hold his camera so it doesn't bounce around as we walk, "Thank you, really. Do you own a horse then?"

I nodded again, "Yeah, he's a sweetheart really. I got him from a friend of mine that didn't have anymore room at his own Stables. He actually still owns the twin brother to Hermes, named Pluto."

"That's actually really neat, I feel like everyone here owns horses but me." He jokes.

I smile as I continue leading him closer to the Stables, "Oh, before I forget. My name's MC."

I hold out my hand to shake his, he takes it gently and gives a light shake.

"Rafayel," He smiles, "now that I think about it, your name sounds familiar...you look familiar too."

"Ah, I was in the newspaper last year- 'City girl goes country' I think was the title."

Rafayel's eyes light up in recognition, "Oh yeah! A friend of mine, Thomas, was here last year and sent me that newspaper. The photography of the horses got me inspired to try to capture more of the majestic beauty of them."

He smiled as he continued, his excitement bubbling up to the point he was almost skipping, "In Australia they don't have many opportunities to ride horses, so I figured why not come down here to see what I could find."

My eyes widened and shone with excitement that could rival his own, "You're from Australia?! I always wanted to go there!"

He smiled and equaled my excitement, "If you ever end up going, there are many places I could show you! Think of it as a thank you for helping me!"

I giggled excitedly as I nodded quickly, "That would be so fun! It would probably be a few years but I can't wait until then!"

"Yeah! And-"

Rafayel was cut off as a familiar voice cut through with a cough. We both looked forward, noticing we made it to the stables and we were just standing in the large doorway, Sylus stood there leaning on the side.

"What's this I hear about fun? Without me?"

---

***imma end it right here so I can move on to part 2- this one got long lol but I'm proud of it***

**started rushing a bit but that's fine ig, more details in part 2 then**

[worldly-fluster]

@salemrph

[worldly-fluster]

Bro I FELT this 😭 full time Job with living on my own so I gotta take care of everything, doesn't leave much room to sit and write unless it's in between breaks, middle of the night, or right before work...I swear I'm trying to get them done😔

**expect something tomorrow tho-its finally my day off 🥳**

Do NAWT become a Tumblr fanfic writer while actively having a full time job irl bro😭🙏🏾 ts whooping my ass, idk when my next drabble gonna drop, but TRUST!!! It's coming soon... it might flop though....

[worldly-fluster]

Snapdragon

Sylus x non-mc Reader

Part 5 of 6!!

*Sweet sweet fluff 💗*

**two crooows sitting on a light pole an inch apart cause they aren't gay** lol or maybe they are????....mystery of the universe

---

I woke up with a slight headache, not really knowing much of what happened before passing out...but I remember having a nice dream where my Snapdragon found me.

I got up from my warm spot on the couch, not really paying attention to my surroundings nor seeing that the warm comfiness came from a certain white haired 'fiend' that lay passed out on the couch as well.

It seemed watching you sleep until he couldn't stay awake backfired as he didn't wake up even though you jostled him around a bit.

I walked into the bathroom that the twins showed me yesterday, to do my morning business.

---

Sylus' eyebrows furrowed as he started to feel cold, his hands, even in his sleep, searched for your warmth. When he couldn't find your warmth, it seemed to send a jolt of panic through his system, forcing him awake.

"MC-?" His voice was groggy and rushed as he clumsily rolled himself off the couch, body still wanting to sleep but his mind raced, thinking maybe it was actually a dream for a moment.

He heard footsteps coming from the bathroom and quickly stood, his visage disheveled from panic and sleep. He feels like how he felt the first few months you disappeared the first time, when he would wake up from dreams of you only to find your comfort gone, far away from his grasp.

So imagine his relief when he sees you walk around the corner, hand rubbing under your eye. His shoulders sag and he lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Before he could think, or you even notice him, his feet carried him over to you where he pulled you into his embrace.

---

I felt warm arms surround me as I stepped into the living room and before I could react, those arms lifted me up to carry me somewhere.

"WAH-?!"

I let out a startled noise, trying to wiggle free from my captor only to hear a chuckle that sounded familiar in my ear.

"Don't move too much, or I'll drop you."

I stopped moving as I turned my head to look to the side, only to see the white hair of my captor.

"Sylus-?"

"Snapdragon."

My heart stuttered, breath leaving my lungs momentarily as I remembered something faintly from before.

"I'm here, I'm here. Your Snapdragon is here..."

Oh.

Oh.

"Your Snapdragon. Or should I remind you?"

I pull my arms from being pinned between us to hug him closer.

"Mm No, you're my Snapdragon, that's also named Sylus."

"Mhm."

"So you kept the name Sylus, I thought you hated it?"

"You gave it to me, everything I am is because you gave it to me."

I hugged him a bit tighter, nuzzling my face into the side of his head.

"I only gave you a name?"

His own hold on me tightened as he stopped walking.

"You gave me more than that..."

Sylus turned around with me still in his arms before he fell back onto his bed with a grunt as I fell with him. I didn't even notice he walked into his room, it was...more colorful than I remember in game. Was it because of me?

I looked up from my new spot on his chest, only to meet his gaze. His hand coming up to graze my cheek with a feather light touch.

His face looked so relaxed, compared to the look he had since I got here. It reminded me of when he had horns and a tail, he looked young...

Speaking of horns and a tail.

"What happened to your dragon bits?"

Sylus let out a short chuckle at my word choice, his face curling into a look of entertainment.

"They're still there...just hidden. No one wants to see a monster just walking around the street."

I frown deeply at that word.

"Not a monster."

Sylus' hands gently combed through my messy hair as he smiled.

"Not to you. Others beg to differ."

"Well they can suck my-"

"Do you remember those flowers?"

I huffed at how Sylus interrupted me but answered.

"The snapdragons I found in the field?'

He nodded before gently turning my face to the side slightly where I saw the engravings on his bed's headboard.

Snapdragons lined the edges of the dark wood, something I probably wouldn't have noticed without him pointing out.

"Snapdragons..."

"Mm..."

Sylus pulled me closer to him, nudging his nose onto my cheek, his lips lightly grazing the skin just below.

"My Snapdragon surrounding himself with other snapdragons..."

I placed my cheek on his chest, hearing his heartbeat that thumped away in my ear that seemed to quicken when I called him mine.

His eyes closed in content. Not feeling this relaxed in what felt like forever...may as well have been.

He feels like he should question why that happened in the first place, he knows that you don't know what happened, how or why, but he won't right now. He just wants to hold you as close as he can, his chest rumbling with contentment. Something it hasn't done since laying in the field so long ago.

---

He never thought he could be jealous...of a crow.

Later that evening, when you were finally able to worm your way out of his cuddles, you found Mephisto perched on his special perch in his room. When he noticed that you saw him he crooned, bobbing his head towards you.

Mephisto stole all your attention from him and he... didn't like it.

After a bit of this, he had enough.

Sylus let out a huff, walking up next to you two and gave you both a side eye before leaning down to push himself between you.

He furrowed his brown and frowned as he stared down at you, ignoring the pecks and caws of displeasure behind him.

You laughed as you brought your hands to his face, rubbing his cheeks and giving him the same attention you were giving Mephisto. His face relaxed a bit before he leaned into you, practically dropping his whole weight onto you causing you to let out what sounded like a squawk.

He laughed as he steadied you both, gripping your arms and holding you close.

The twins were around the corner, out of sight, just watching their boss go from a tense, cold, almost depressed man out for blood, into a calm, sweet, tame beast that would bend over backwards for the one in his arms.

They shared a look, nodding in agreement.

It was now their personal mission to make sure the happiness they have, stays safe.

---

You spent days like this with him, both nearly forgetting about how and why this all happened in the first place. Niether of you really thought about any one else, let alone the original MC of this universe, who was now panicking about where we could have gone.

You both caught up, telling each other stories of the time apart. He had more stories than you of course. What was only a few days for you, was years for him. He was a little more reserved than before but to you he will always be your Snapdragon, no matter how long you spend apart.

The thing is though...you think that it's just how he is, the bestest of friends. He has yet to admit out loud that he...he loves you, he doesn't know what will happen if he ever does say it. He would rather keep what he has now than chance losing you just because he says it out loud.

He will let his actions speak for him, and he hopes that yours say the same.

---

*Nothing can go wrong now, can it? lol*

Tag list: @poptrim @xxfaithlynxx @lavvytae @ellieevu @lost-on-the-road-of-life ❤️

[worldly-fluster]

Your Snapdragon au has me on a chokehold. I love it so much. Thank you for writing such a lovely fic.💗💗💗

Thank you ❤️

I'm glad my writing is good enough for praise lol

I'm planning on, when I'm done with Snapdragon, posting little one shots of moments I wasn't able to write/forgot to write lol

So when I'm done with part 5 and 6 it's not completely over!

[worldly-fluster]

I'm thinking- and this is an after a panic attack thought lol- that if Caleb was to be turned into a cat like the other LADS boys...

I think he would be an orange cat.

It's because orange cats are so...meme coded and Caleb just, memes for some reason-

Caleb and orange cat share one brain cell

But would he be a long haired orange floof or a short hair fluff?

I think short hair cause they weirder I think.

[worldly-fluster]

Snapdragon

Part 4 of ?

Sylus x non-mc Reader

**It's starting to come together...the dots are connecting and it. Is. Glorious. lol**

*I know I lied about putting this on pause but... inspiration hit lol*

---

We sat in the sports car in silence for a while before he started driving, to the N109 zone I'm guessing.

I sat in the passenger seat quietly, tapping my fingers on my lap nervously. Not really knowing what to do, should I just ask him out right if he's my Sylus? Or just accept that he most likely isn't?

"...What are you thinking?"

I flinch before smiling awkwardly towards him, "Just...about how I could go home."

Sylus kept his gaze on the road ahead and hummed, "I'll try my best to help." He sent me a smirk before looking back at the road once more.

I send him a smile as well before turning back to the window.

Sylus continues to drive, taking me to his base in the N109 Zone, where I will now be staying at until I either find a way home or get sent somewhere else.

The ride was longer than I thought, and I was so tired. Even if this Sylus isn't mine...I'm happy to at least have a familiar face with me now, other than my own.

I ended up falling asleep before making it to our destination.

---

When I woke up, I was met with the twin masks of Luke and Kieran.

"She's awake Boss!"

"I see that."

I hear Sylus' voice coming from another area of the room. I look to the side of my spot on a couch to see Sylus sitting on an armchair, drinking an amber liquid in a clear glass.

"....do you have any Irish cream?"

Luke and Kieran share a look before laughing.

"You heard her," Sylus interrupts them, "Get the Irish cream."

"On it Boss!"

I chuckled awkwardly as I brought my hand up to run through my hair.

"I was just kidding...I'm too much of a lightweight. One sip will get me tipsy."

I watched as Luke came back in with a blue bottle and set it on one of the many small tables.

"Thank you, though."

Sylus drank what was left in his glass before tilting his head in a way that reminded me of my Snapdragon, making me look away.

"It'll be here if you want any, now I have some business I have to take care of." He stands and places his glass next to the blue bottle, "Don't wait for me."

And then he was gone, leaving me with the Twins.

"Sooo...are you a lightweight?"

---

MC has had a few drinks, thanks to Luke and Kieran wanting to see if she was actually a lightweight like she said.

Barely half a drink later and she is gone with the wind.

Sylus comes back from wherever he went, maybe an hour or two later, only to find a drunk MC mumbling something about flowers. Luke and Kieran were sent to finish a few errands while Sylus assessed the 'damage' they caused while he was gone.

When he gets closer and MC sees him, she smiles big and makes grabby hands towards him from her seat on the couch.

"There my Snapdragon *hick* I missss you~ Where you been?"

Sylus' eyes widened, it felt like the air was pulled right out of his lungs. What did you just call him?

Sylus was close enough that she was able to grab one of his hands and as she held it, she scrunched up her face.

"Wait...you're not My Snapdragon, he has claws." She looked up at Sylus' widened eyes, "Your eyes don't glow as much as his either...no horns..."

Tears started gathering in her eyes, "I want My Snapdragon..."

Sylus immediately gets onto his knees in front of her, placing her hands on his face with his eyes closed to hide his own tears starting to gather.

"I'm here..." He rubbs his face into her palms, her familiar scent entering his nose, "I'm here...you're here with me now, your Snapdragon is here."

Her eyes soften as a few tears fall, her thumbs rubbing under his eyes gently.

He opens his eyes and their eyes lock.

"My Snapdragon?"

"Yes..."

Their voices were quiet as they stared into one anothers eyes. After a moment, more tears gathered in her eyes and she pulled him into a warm embrace.

He met her hug with reverance, thinking that, before this, that he would have never been able to hold her ever again. As his arms wrapped securely around her, as if to make sure she was real and that she wouldn't slip away like in so many of his dreams...like she did so long ago.

"You're here," He repeated, reasuring himself more than her now, "You're here..."

She had her face burried in his neck, taking in his own scent. It was different.

It used to remind her of fire, brimstone, wildflowers and wilderness.

Now it smelled of soot, leather, with a hint of those same wildflowers, but somehow seemed more tame.

Sylus hugged her closer to him, falling back on the couch with a grunt, not wanting to move far at the moment in fear it might bring him out of this dream.

While she cuddled into his chest, any doubt that she wasn't his MC left him as he heard her familiar hums of a song he hasn't heard in what felt like forever.

It must be a dream...he never wants to wake up if it is.

---

*Sorry it's short, wanted to post something even if it was just a little because its been a bit*

**I think the next Part will be the last one of Snapdragon, if not it'll be the one after it**

Tag list: @poptrim @xxfaithlynxx @lavvytae @ellieevu

I hope that's everyone lol if not I'll update it later

[worldly-fluster]

I JUST HAD A THOUGHT.

When I was thinking about how Xavier was from the future where humans killed their planet and ended up going to another one...does that mean...

Rafayel in Xavier's timeline before going back in time...is dead????

And is Zayne still being reborn on said planet???