#garden shed// ooc

[byanyan]

honestly byan probably has lived in someone's attic like a fucking raccoon ngl

#made a little nest among all the boxes stored in there #sneaked down to steal food out of the fridge if it was possible without making too much noise #just hid up there with no one in the house being aware of it at all bc it beat sleeping in a garden shed or on a rooftop #........i'm trying to keep this funny but it's hard to not venture into the depressing aspect of it #bc it WOULD be during those times they were kicked out of foster homes & trying to survive on the street #uggghhh it's funny for a few seconds when you think about them basically just living in someone's ceiling #but immediately after that it's just like '.....oh :(' #asfhjksd i was trying to distract myself from an emotional reply but all i did was make myself more emotional oops #━━ ˟ ⊰ ✰ ooc ⋮ don't @ me.

[akutasoda]

bittersweet memories

undateables wave 1

synopsis - they tell a story/ remember about their fondest time with you but they realise yet again you're no longer there

includes - diavolo, barbatos, simeon, solomon

warnings - gn!reader, mc died au, angst no comfort, maybe ooc for some, wc - 1.3k

brothers ver

diavolo ★↷

diavolo wasn't fond of paperwork. in fact he swears no one is so why should it exist? and it's especially annoying when there's so much of it, sometimes he thinks barbatos slips more in when he's not paying attention.

he watched as barbatos left the room to retrieve some more tea, and as soon as that happened his eyes drifted over to the empty spot next to him. normally that spot would be occupied by you. when you first suggested to barbatos that you could help motivate your lover to get through his paperwork by sitting next to him. barbatos declined as he thought it would only distract the young master more.

but eventually he caved and after one session, diavolo got through noticeably more paperwork. perhaps it would work. so whenever you weren't busy you would accompany your lover in his study or the student council room to finish some paperwork. his reward? a flurry of kisses and you joining him for tea. where you two would just soend quality time together. a dopey smile crossed his face as he thought that maybe that would happen if he git through this paperwork currently in front of him. until he snapped out his daze and you were no longer next to him.

he closed his eyes chasing any lingering memory of you next to him. but none was found and the next thing he knew barbatos re entered the room. but barbatos recognised that look and knew that he would not be getting more paperwork done anytime soon.

so he told the young master to take a break and he could finish tomorrow if he felt better. he took that offer and stared at the empty cup on his desk. your favourite. part of a matching pair. pairs get lonely without the other. maybe he would drop his one off at your grave.

barbatos ★↷

barbatos was quite surprised when lord diavolo wanted to hold a small party for the brothers and the people over at purgatory hall. to be fair the school had just held a huge featival but still it was a surprise. but who was he to deny the young master. so him and the little d's got to work.

the celebration was meant to be small, but given some people attending it got out of hand pretty quickly. but once the full swing had died down it was left to small conversations here and there as he accompanied the young master while diavolo chatted with simeon, lucifer and solomon. they were discussing some small things that had happened recently or in solomon's case silly scenarios with his young days as a sorcerer. and eventually he managed to coax barbatos into tellung a fun story of his own.

the story included you. you were always so accompanying to his schedule with lord diavolo but soemtimes he wished he could do more with you. and one day he saw you enter the castles garden unaccompanied, so he finished doing what he was doing and went to see what you were up to. turns out you had managed to get diavolo to give him a small break in-between his schedule to have a picnic in his favourite section of the garden. he had enjoyed that hour or two thoroughly and made sure to pay you back by bringing you on yet another picnic. as he got to the end of his story he suddenly felt solemn and had to hurriedly excuse himself saying he would be back soon.

he quickly got back to his room where he tried to compose himself after realising you were no longer there in his life to do that again with you shortly after he finished his story. sometimes when reminiscing in the sanctity of his room he swears he would shed some tears. but he had to get back to the young master. maybe he would tidy up your grave later on.

simeon ★↷

simeon quite enjoyed the little tea times the residents of purgatory hall would have, guaranteed solomon didn't cook anything. but it was always a nice way to end a day in the chaos that is devildom. although he wouldn't of chosen to not do the exchange program if he could go back and chose.

but this evening, luke was raving about something funny that had happened to one of the brothers at rad. and so it became more of a story telling evening and the stories ranged in genre. from luke's chaotic encounters in the kitchen with car devildom ingredients, solomon's oddly disturbing stories as a sorcerer and raphael's blunt stories about mishaps with him learning how to wield spears. it was something but it was an enjoyable something.

simeon suddenly remembered a really nice story of you and decided to share to get rid of solomon's story which left a concerning aftertaste - much like his cooking. it was about how you wanted to write a poem for one upcoming assignment and wanted simeon to help you as he seemed like the best perosn to ask, not just because he was your lover. and you two had spent various evening's in various locations brainstoming your poem. sometimes cafés, sometimes the libary and simply someone's room, mainly yours. and one your assignment was over, he started missing your small little poem writing dates. so he asked you about making it just a normal date idea for you two and of course you agreed.

as he finished his story he felt eyes staring at him with sympathy before he realised why. he excused himslef and went up to his room, when he got there he sat down on his bed to regain composure before reaching under his bed to retrieve a small wooden box with a little drawing from you on it. as he opened it he saw all the poems you two ever write with each other. maybe he would go write a poem to leave at your grave.

solomon ★↷

solomon was often either went around devildom doing what barbatos described as 'nothing but evil' or simply spent time on his own or with whoever he fancied toying with that day. sometimes he would even cook some food to give to people. he truly was just a nice person.

but there used to be a time were he never felt truly alone. and that was when you where with him. because whenever he felt lonely or bored he knew you would be there for him. he especially loved it when he went round to the house of lamentation and would see some brothers practically running the avatar of envy out of business with how much envy seethed off them. you, his darling apprentice and lover. and sometimes partner in crime.

a particularly fond memory he had was when you had asked for his help in mastering some spells. you two had spent ages trying to perfect them, having sleepovers and ordering takeout just to make sure that it wouldn't disappear from your memory. and he found it cute how engaged and determined you were. and eventually you had got them and he swear he had never seen you so happy. but now he wished he would never lose the memories of you.

as reality dawned back in on him, he simply shut the book he was studying and pulled out his dd and scrolled through a folder dedicated to pictires of you two. he (and many others) would never want your memory to fade. maybe he would go enchant your grave to keep it safe for the rest of time.

#x gender neutral reader #x reader #obey me x mc #obey me x reader #obey me x gender neutral reader #diavolo x reader #diavolo x mc #obey me diavolo #barbatos x reader #barbatos x mc #obey me simeon #simeon x reader #simeon x mc #obey me solomon #solomon x mc #solomon x reader

[the-faceless-bride]

ₜₕₑ Bᵤₙₙy, ₜₕₑ Wₒₗf, ₐₙd ₜₕₑ ₕybᵣᵢd

⚠️warnings:This fic has yandere themes, sexual themes, gets kinda spicy towards the middle/end, possibly OOC Haru(??) Kinda OOC legoshi(??), reader has some very not nice thoughts and says not nice things, threats, manipulation, unexpected kisses, betrayal, delusional thinking, accusations of cheating. Strap in! Its long (pt2?)⚠️

Requested? Nope

Proofread? Nope

You hated her, you loathed her... But you never really knew why. Well, you did.

You just didn't want to admit it...

You never wanted to hate anyone, you never thought you would. Poor Haru... You liked her at the start, you really did.

Sure she slept with a few girl's boyfriends, sure she could be a bit pushy and mean but she didn't mean to be, it was just that she put up her walls because of her past. That was it, she really wasn't a bad bunny.

You had gone out of your way to be friendly and become friends with her since her reputation kept her from having friends and you being a hybrid made others avoid you out of confusion and fear, you didn't have friends either.

You sat and ate lunch together, you walked to classes together, and you even joined the gardening club.

Everything had been going fine, but then you met him. The Wolf. He was beautiful; tall and lean yet strong, gray with hints of white in his fur, his eyes here big and doe-like? He slouched over on himself trying to seem less threatening, but just from taking a deep wiff you knew there was more to him than just his wolf.

You hadn't been listening to lost in your own world, your eyes following him around the garden. It wasn't until he had disappeared into the shed to look for whatever it was that he came here for, something about flowers the drama club, and whatever else he started adorably started rambling about.

You paused for a moment thinking about him, you started brushing down the fur on your large droopy ears pushing them over your shoulder and fixing the puff of fur on the top of your head as well.

You smiled with an excited huff, ready to spring into action as he walked out. But your smile soon dropped hearing a commotion going on in the shed; you stood up and started to make your way over when the large wolf came barreling out, your small snout bumping right into his lower stomach, causing him to stumble, freeze for a moment looking down at you, and start profusely apologizing as he hovers his large hands over your shoulders as he motions you to the side of him.

You tilt your head to the side, lips slightly pulling into a pout. Where was he going? What happened? Why was he running away?

When you turned your head into the shed your nostrils slightly flared as you took in a deep breath, your brows turning up, and a soft growl verberated from the back of your throat... You shook your head, your ears slightly flopping as your eyes widen, you had never made that noise before; thankfully Haru didn't hear it.

She sat there in her Bra, panties, and shoes covered by a blanket.

You blinked a few times before forcing a smile, walking towards Haru and sitting on your knees next to her; she looks at you and smiled " I suppose I miss read his intentions. " she smile with a small giggle, and a soft sigh leaves your lips, a misunderstanding... That's all this was.

As the week went on, you had given advice to Haru on her 'relationship' with Louis, she cried on your shoulder plenty of times about how she was so confused, not only about what he wanted but if this is what she wanted.

"Well-" Haru sniffed "are you having any relationship problems?" She rubbed her button nose, you blushed as you started playing with one of your fluffy ears.

"Well, there is... This... Boy." You say shyly and Haru smiles as she lightly shakes your shoulder, "oh! Who! You have to tell me!" She gasps and you smile, "well, I haven't really gotten to know him. I've seen him around and just been well... Admiring, you know?" I asked her hopefully and she smiles, "I know just what you mean, gosh that's so cute! What is he?" She asks as her ears perk up, "he's a wolf, a gray wolf-" you say sighing dreamily as you start going into details, "he's tall and fluffy, and he's adorably awkward, and he has such a soothing voice..." You stare into nothingness, lost in your thoughts of the Wolf you had been finding yourself watching for some time now...

Haru's once perky ears are now slightly drooped at an angle, eyes darting back and forth as she thought, she knew who you were talking about. The only issue was he seemed interested in her... And she'd be lying if she said he wasn't a bit interested, he was the whole reason for her questioning if Louis was what she wanted...

She wasn't going to tell you that though, the poor bunny thought that's what would be best.

The more time passed the more infatuation you felt, even worked up the courage to speak to him once or twice.

Now in class, you were placed in partners; Legoshi as you had learned, was your partner.

Legoshi had grown fond of you over the past few weeks working together, less awkward and more friendly. He liked you, you could tell. He was just too afraid to tell you.

So you took it upon yourself to tell him how you feel, or at least you were planning to... But as of right now it seemed the world around was growing blurring and cracking, the corners of your vision going red.

There, hand in hand stood Legoshi and Haru...

Why? Why would she do this? I told her about him! How could she go behind my back and do this?!

Your hands clutched your skirt tightly, as your breathing grows heavier and heavier, and your eyes stung with water.

Everyone was right. She is a backstabbing slut! How could she?! Why would she?! Weren't you her ONLY friend?! Why would she do this?!

You quickly turned on your heel, speeding away.

You weren't giving up that easy, you weren't going to let him go. You didn't care anymore, didn't care what lie you had to tell, didn't care who's relationships you had to get between, didn't care who's feelings you had to hurt, didn't care who's blood you had to spill.

Legoshi will- no he was yours.

He didn't have a choice.

You had done a lot of planning, giving an anonymous tip to the right carnivores about a little white bunny in the area, and ready to see just how far Legoshi was willing to go and just how much work you would have to do...

When Haru was kidnapped, you were the one to comfort Legoshi and listen to his ramblings of worry.

You weren't exactly surprised when he went after Haru but you would be lying had you said it hadn't stung a bit. He was just confused and a good wolf, he wasn't doing it out of love. Not really.

You knew that, you just needed him to see that.

When Legoshi came back and things when back to 'normal' things was... Off between Legoshi and Haru. You were confused, with some prying and some acting you were able to get most of the information from Haru, as she acted like she hadn't stolen something very important to you.

She had told you about the lions, the fight, the love hotel...

That made your eye twitch, but you tried to brush it off. You tried to get close enough to smell her but it didn't work as she kept moving around.

But the more days passed, the more you got a clear idea as to what was going on. Legoshi and his training, Haru feeling neglected, and her lingering love and admiration for Louis. A weak point... One that you could and would gladly use to your advantage...

You sat next to legoshi as he vented to you, you listened carefully; being sure to nod your head so he knew you were still listening. Sitting close and leaning in towards him.

"I just... I don't get it..." Legoshi huffed plopping his head in his large hands, " I've done so much... I just wish... I wish things were different sometimes..."

"I'm so sorry Legoshi, I wish I knew what she was thinking... She hasn't been that open with e recently.." You lied, raising a hand to reach for one of his larger hands that held his head.

He let you take his hand, looking from you to your hands and then back to you. "I can't believe you went through so much... And she isn't grateful for any of it..." You cooed to him, your soft 'sad' voice flowing into his ears making them twitch.

"N-no, I'm sure- she just- she doesn't- she-" she stumbled to get an answer, "she doesn't mean to- she's just in shock- it wasn't that bad-" he stumbles.

"It wasn't?" You asked your other hand slowly moving up and you gently brushed your knuckles over the bandage under his eye, "it seems like it was a lot to handle to me, the thought of what you went through... Only for her to turn her back and turn to Louis-"

You heard a soft noise come from Legoshi, a sound between a growl and a whimper. You only pouted...

"It's ok Legoshi, I'm here. Whenever you need me, whenever you want me. I'll be here..." All it took was a small tug and he let himself fall into you, he hugged you.

One large hand cupping the back of your head, your ears slightly in the way but neither of you seemed to mind.

His thumb stroked the soft fur, as you inhaled his sent. He pulled you closer, he huffed thanking you as he pulled away from you. Though you desperately wanted to hold on.

You had it, Legoshi and Haru were on thin ice. Legoshi just needed a push and so you gave him one.

Legoshi came to you, eyes watering but he didn't let the tears fall. Telling you about Haru and him and his plan to soon break up, about her feeling she still had for Louis, how he was trying hard to be strong for her... And it wasn't working.

You hugged him, stroking his fur saying it was ok. Even though you wanted to give him more you couldn't not yet... You needed to give him one last big push to be sure that whatever he and Haru had would be over.

Haru found out, and she was very unhappy.

She came speeding towards you, her brows furrowed and her nose twitching rapidly in anger.

In front of a few other students, who stood watching and you already knew you had one. this was it. The big push.

"Who do you think you are!? Seeking around with my boyfriend like that!" Haru yelled, her accusations of you seducing and sleeping with Legoshi reaching the lingering students. This was all you needed, for Haru to get ugly for what seemed like no reason.

Painting her in an even worse light than she already was for the others, but a worse light in Legoshis eyes.

You had never done anything with Legoshi except comfort him when he had doubts about him and Haru, but She didn't know that. All she knew was that you and her boyfriend were meeting alone, usually at night, and neither of you had told her. And from things she had done, and heard that meant nothing good.

You made sure to also give a show, with a pouty and quivering bottom lip, tears, gasping, and trying to explain yourself lowering your head and giving a little flinch when she raised her voice to speak over you.

You knew the students that stood watching would gossip and it wouldn't be long before word got to a certain wolf.

After running off crying from Haru, gossip spread like wildfire.

"Paybacks a bitch-"

"Remember when she slept with Mizuchi's boyfriend?-"

"Karma-"

"What goes around comes around-"

Legoshi was getting all kinds of odd looks, some of disgust, some of satisfaction, and a few of shock.

He was confused, it wasn't Until Jack told him.

"Your bunny girlfriend when off on a girl, claiming you were cheating on her with the Hybrid girl. Even when she tried to explain Haru wasn't hearing it." Jack explained and Legoshi felt a combination of emotions.

Anger, sadness, worry, pity, confusion, and...relief?

He would deal with Haru later, according to Jack she wasn't the one that ran off in tears.

When Legoshi found you in the garden in the shed curled in a ball sitting on the floor, he rushed over pulling you into him offering all he could to comfort you.

You cried into his neck, and he nuzzled your head. "Please don't cry."

You sniffed looking up at him, "I'm sorry, it's my fault." You whimpered, Legoshi looked at you confused.

"It wasn't your fault..." He mumbled as he pushed one of your floppy ears behind your shoulder so it wasn't in the way.

After what felt like hours of comfort, reassures, and him correcting and making a point to say it wasn't your fault.

You leaned towards him, and he didn't move away.

You did it. You had him.

He didn't need to know you had planned this all, he didn't need to know you had watched him long enough to know what he would want in a relationship, he didn't need to know what happened to Haru was you.

It didn't matter.

Not anymore.

#Spotify #putting tags that doesnt match the fic so it gets out there again #why? i have no idea #why? why not. #slasher imagine #slashers x reader #slasher x reader #slasher headcanons #slasher imagines #yandere reader #beastars jack #beastars legosi #beastars imagine #beastars legoshi x reader #legoshi #legoshi x reader #yandere beastars x reader #beastars x reader #bnha x reader #bnha kirishima #bnha katsuki #bnha aizawa #yandere tamaki #bnha #yandere bnha x reader

[fire-lizard-ro]

Jing Yuan

CW: angst with some fluff to soften the blow, mention of death, SPOILERS FOR 1.2, discussion of mortality, discussion of identity, maybe OOC?, Jing Yuan being a sad old man

GN reader

(This is Jing Yuan-centric, however, so the reader isn't in there all too much. Sort of.)

Perhaps the violence of his early years was what made him the way he is now. Seemingly lazy, napping away his afternoons like a cat in the sun. But this was merely a beast hiding its claws; tucking its teeth behind a languid smile. Now the only battles he fought were the piles of paperwork he often found himself whittling away at or the starchess matches he regularly had with Yanqing. It seemed worth it when his seemingly harmless facade managed to lure his pretty bird right into his arms. You. But make no mistake. A predator is still a predator. You put your trust in him so easily. So easily when he'd felled droves of creatures who were once human like he and you were. So easily when he could break you without even trying. And yet... And yet... Something about it helped heal the hole in his chest that often still felt like a gaping, bleeding wound despite all the time that had passed since he lost all the people he cared about.

Jing Yuan is the kind of man to have a quiet sort of sadness to him that he hides behind that charming smile and commanding presence. It's always present somewhere in the back of his mind, just beneath the surface of the carefully crafted mask and persona.

Yet in the privacy of only your company it feels as though he sheds the layers of armor around his heart, the bone-deep weariness sliding off his form along with it. He swears you must have some kind of magic healing touch because his worries seem to melt away with every stroke of your hand on his head, fingers carding through his hair. He always enjoys the times you spend together in the garden, allowing him to rest his head in your lap. Or when his little bird friends fly down to visit and you look at them with those sparkles in your eyes and he helps you gently hold one.

There are nights where he lays awake and reminisces days long gone. Sometimes he wished that time could have frozen. That he could bottle up these moments to keep forever. But unfortunately those were the hopes of a child who had stars in his eyes. Any memories he could have kept bottled up like the jar of paper cranes you made for him were shattered, contents spilling out. Unable to be regathered.

Sometimes he would listen to the sound of the rain and it would remind him of the times he would stand in it because it felt nice. He would try to convince the others to join him, but they would just shake their heads with fond smiles on their faces. Faces he hadn't seen in hundreds of years. When was it that they stopped smiling? One by one they disappeared from his life like a photo slowly burning at the edges until there was nothing left.

Yet on those nights, you'd stay awake with him and talk about everything and nothing to distract him from his thoughts. Yet on those rainy days, you would pull him to dance in the rain with you. You looked beautiful even with the rain plastering your hair to your face and soaking through your clothes.

But it was inevitable. Unavoidable.

You cannot hide the smell of blood with flowers.

Yingxing- ...Blade... was back on the Luofu. The house of cards he took his time building piece by piece was beginning to wobble- tilt just a bit. For what reason did someone who may as well be dead have to be back here? In the once broken home they'd shared? The one he was left behind to pick up the pieces of?

Dan Feng- ... Imbi- ...no. Dan Heng was also here. A man he didn't know. Shouldn't know. Yet he couldn't separate the man he once knew, the man he once called friend, from the visage of the man before him. It was him. And yet it also was not.

The cards had long since fallen, now showing his hand that he'd been hiding. As much as he wished for his old friends to return, he knew they never would.

Looking at the black hair and burning red eyes that greeted him alongside green scales and sea colored eyes, he couldn't help but think about the once white hair, the spark of recognition, the smiles- All things that disappeared when his friend died for the first time while the other was reborn as a new person. Both equally people he could no longer say he knew. Could no longer say were his old friends. For he was almost certain they shared no such sentiment.

A selfish part of him said that it was at least better than seeing blood streaking Blade’s body or the vessel that contained his once friend, the man who was now Dan Heng. At least they were alive in some capacity.

Even if he'd never again call the names of Yingxing and Dan Feng.

(He could quietly admit to himself in the dark of his room in the middle of the night, laying next to you, that at least this way he was less conflicted on what he must do. The hands of time stop for none and the past cannot be changed. Both a comfort and a disappointment.)

Some of this was in the hands of fate itself. But most of it? Most of the results were from his meticulous planning.

The Divine Foresight. Always thinking 10 steps ahead to triumph over his adversaries and seize victory.

But at what cost? Nights of sleep? Peace of mind? His life?

As the Emanator of Destruction made her move, lifted him into the air and prepared to turn him into a beast unable to control himself beyond vying for the destruction of all things, he thought, 'Ah. Maybe this is where it ends.' He always assumed he'd die on the battlefield. It would only be fitting for him, he would think to himself. As a long life species, he wasn't all too sure of dying peacefully. The mara could strike him at any time. Or a battle against a foe of insurmountable power would bring about the curtain call on his long story. He planned for this. And yet he knew he may never live to see the fruits of his labor. (Of his sacrifice, if things didn't go well.)

As he fell from the grasp of Phantylia's power while her stolen body perished, felt the heaviness of his body and the pain that lanced through him, he knew that he was still alive. Still able to go home to you.

As he blacked out...

Well he didn't think anything.

He was awake and speaking one moment and then in the next moment, things had quickly become blurry. He thought he could hear someone speaking before his eyes slid shut.

When he awoke, he found himself staring at a familiar ceiling. Taking stock of his body, he felt the burn of his wounds and the soreness of an intense battle. It was then that he noticed the feeling of a hand in his. Moving only his eyes, he found you sleeping in a chair, slumped onto the side of the bed while holding his hand in yours.

Gently, ever so gently so as to not wake-to not startle his precious little bird, he squeezed his hand around yours to make sure you were there. That you were real. That he was alive and awake and not in a dream or perhaps the afterlife. The familiar warmth and feel of your hand in his was very real and he felt a small warmth bloom in his chest.

He had thwarted a threat to the Xianzhou and protected the the Alliance once again. He had kept you safe. And that made it all the more worth it.

This is the first time I've written creatively like this in a while. So apologies if I'm a bit rusty.

I should probably write something with the reader in there more, but I really wanted to get this one out. I suddenly had the idea and inspiration to, so I just let it flow.

So maybe next I'll do a part 2 to this or just another Jing Yuan writing with the reader being more present.

I think I wrote just enough fluff to make the angst not so bad. Good job me!

I'll edit any typos or confusing things that may still be in there tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed! <333

#Roro writes #jing yuan x reader #honkai star rail x reader #hsr x reader #gn reader #jing yuan x gn reader #hsr x gn reader

[amberlide]

Hexed

“My touch is the only one your body will crave." Chapter 1 - A midnight encounter

Summary: What should have been a quick and easy job for her business partner Sacharissa, turned into an unexpected meeting with the most dangerous student at Hogwarts. Warning: non-con fantasy smut (characters are aged up!) only +18 Word count: 10k Garreth Weasley x OC (Penelope, my OC) Tags: !Dark Garreth, very OOC, forced kiss, forces sex, oral sex (male receiving with instruction), rough sex, anal sex, aphrodisiac, blackmail. Additional tags: Penelope might be virgin but she's not a saint, full Weasley treatment, crossdressing, Hogwarts is a scary place. AO3 link the fiction is still going on :) A/N This is my first time sharing a non-con fantasy, so I'm nervous and anxious and all of that. If you are interested in this work, please let me know, as I'm willing to write it for myself, but I don't know if sharing is a good idea, since it's toxic af, so this is just an experiment :) It's my guilty pleasure to write. Special thanks to @dvinaamesca for this first picture of Garreth that stirred the Dark version of him! (if you don't want your name associate with this I'll take it down!)

Penelope pushed her glasses on her nose and quietly closed the heavy oak door behind her, the smug grin still lingering on her face. Those foolish Prefects would never catch her; the Gobstones trick had never failed her and after two years it was still going on full swing. Now that she had mastered that blasted non-verbal spell, moving around the castle unnoticed had become a breeze. And together with the Disillusionment charm, she had never missed a beat.

"They should really consider to put Mooncalves, they would do a better job," she thought shaking her head still chuckling under her breath.

Now that she was outside, she lowered her mask, inhaling deeply to take in the crisp autumn air, and swiftly turned to the right, following the path around the flower beds in the Hogwarts gardens. It was unusually chilly for the 10th of October, and she shivered lightly under her cloak, thankful for her cozy jumper, a nice gift from her dear brother.

The dragon-shaped bush was starting to shed its leaves, scattering a scratchy layer on the ground with every sweep of its wing-like branches. Silenced by her charm to muffle her steps on the stone path, Penelope quickened her pace, descending the stairs of the outer wall of the castle. This wasn't how she envisioned starting her 18th birthday, but she didn't have a choice. 

Sacharissa needed those ingredients, and she needed the money. 

The new Silver Arrow broom wouldn't pay for itself, and she planned to flaunt it on the Quidditch field after the next victory against Ravenclaw. After years of trying, she was finally on the team and a good broom was essential to show those pesky Hufflepuffs what a great Seeker they had missed all those years.

Penelope finally reached the hidden door concealed by dry vines, took another deep breath of the brisk air, and readied her wand. She tapped once on the locked door and whispered, "Alohomora."

A low screech welcomed her as she entered a long, dark, and damp corridor. Yet, she wasn't afraid—she had traversed this path countless times and could navigate the darkness with ease. While Prefects and Professors patrolled above, she strolled comfortably beneath them, dodging debris, stone rubble, and overgrown roots with the vials tinkling in her bag. 

It had taken months to clear out the Devil's Snare infestation, but her efforts had paid off—both in terms of time and money. They'd never catch her.

Soon, she reached a low archway where the floor was covered in dark wooden planks and dust, her steps were now echoing in the empty space. At the end, a ray of moonlight filtered through a dusty glass dome, faintly illuminating a monstrous sight.

"Hey, Vinny!" she whispered with a smile, greeting the huge Venomous Tentacula that was idly swinging its toothy pods in the musty air. She pulled a piece of meat from her bag and tossed it to the plant. One of the pods twisted on its stem and shot out a sticky tongue to snatch the meat midair. The viscous appendage coiled around its prize and retracted into its shadowy lair with a slurp, as the monstrous pod clamped shut. 

Her defiant smile widened, like the Gobstone trick, Vinny had never failed her, her trusted companion, guarding her secret. Once she was back, she would give the plant the rest of the meat for the other pods to enjoy, for now she had to move forward in her mission.

Her ritual for good luck complete, Penelope started climbing the wooden stairs, reaching the trapdoor in the ceiling while simultaneously dimming her wand's light.

She carefully opened the trapdoor and emerged into the greenhouse. As she gently closed the wooden doors behind her, she paused, blinking, to adjust to the dark environment. 

The air was thick with the strong smells of damp soil, dragon fertilizer, and exotic flowers, but she didn't care. 

She was there to finish her work discreetly and efficiently, as always.

Crouching under the overhanging stairs, she pulled her mask back over her face, allowing the hood of her cloak fall over her shoulder. Shaking her head to revive her hair, she paused, holding her breath to listen intently, ensuring she was alone.

When she was sure to be the only one in the building, she turned and ascended the stairs reaching the balcony toward Greenhouse number 3 where her longed target awaited.

Truly, it couldn't have been easier for her.

Skirting the faulty third step, she proceeded down, only to feel something brush against her calf on the lower step. Whirling around, moonlight revealed what seemed like a tentacle coiling around her leg.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Devil's Snare in Greenhouse Three? That was unexpected— she was sure she had taken care of all of them and the dangerous plants were in the other building, number 1. Reacting quickly to avoid entanglement, she brightened her wand to keep the plant at bay. The tentacle swayed in the light, yet it didn't retract. 

Penelope scoffed, annoyed, Flitterbloom. What an idiot. 

Her impatience mounted as she spotted the vase of the plant, nobody in their right mind would put a Devil's Snare in a pot. Cursing her impulsiveness, she turned, dimming quickly her wand in the hope that no one had seen the light. 

Penelope blinked, allowing her eyes to readjust to the darkness, and scanned the room for the plants. Sacharissa had given her a full list, yet she dared not risk searching for everything—she needed to prioritize the most valuable component: Bubotuber pus. 

Moving with quiet confidence, she located the plants on the counter to her left, exactly where she had seen them during her morning reconnaissance. Her frequent assistance to Professor Garlick in the greenhouse had earned her extra credits and, unbeknownst to others, the perfect cover for her nocturnal heists.

No one would suspect the strange-looking girl with short hair who shyly toiled away, perpetually cloaked in soil and dust. Cutting her hair to fit the Quidditch team, had been both a curse and a blessing. 

Entering the team also meant she no longer had time to grow ingredients for Sacharissa, leading her to pilfer from other students more often than she was used to.

She carefully placed her bag on one of the stools and began to lay out her tools: a small copper funnel, glass vials, pins, dragon-skin gloves, and a bottle of Daisyroot essence. After opening the bottle, she quickly anointed her hands with a few drops of the oil to shield her skin from the irritant pus. Double-checking her mask was secure to protect against the pungent odor, she slipped on the gloves and got to work, pulling the first pot toward her to assess the ripeness of the bulbs. Not all were mature enough, but she had to make do with what was available, perhaps leaving some behind for the unfortunate student who was cultivating them, most likely a pimpled fifth-year. 

Checking the label on the pot, she grinned devilishly, maybe Sacharissa could sell them her lotion…

She had just started to collect the pus, filling quickly the first vial, when she turned, sensing a weird feeling creeping over her.

She froze.

Next to her a dark tall shadow was in the middle of the room, as soon as they realized she had spotted them, they advanced slowly, and as they entered the circle created by the moonlight, the Disillusionment charm broke, revealing the imposing figure of a boy. 

He had broad shoulders and chest, his arms tensed under the mustard-colored jumper as he crossed them. His wand, firmly clasped in his big hand, lit abruptly as he tilted his head. A long tuft of vibrant red hair cascaded over his freckled face, and a smug grin parted his lips. 

"Well, well, well," he murmured, his masculine voice low with a tinge of playfulness that Penelope didn't appreciate one bit. 

His green eyes shimmered with a mix of satisfaction and pleasure.

"I think I got a little thief, what a lucky night,"

Penelope swallowed hard, taking a step back to gather her thoughts and focus on her options—she was caught! 

Trying to suppress the surge of panic, she scrutinized the boy; there was no sign of a Prefect or Head Boy badge. He was dressed in ordinary clothes, much like herself, not a uniform. But as soon as he stepped forward, recognition dawned on her. 

Damn!

Penelope's heart raced as she took a deep breath to steady herself. "Who are you?" she asked, striving to maintain her composure while her mind raced for a way to reach her wand near her bag.

"I think you're well aware of who I am," he replied with a hint of amusement. 

It was true, she knew him very well, everybody knew him, his wicked reputation and the crazy stories surrounding him. 

It was Garreth Weasley, the Deputy Headmistress's nephew, renowned among the whole student body for his illicit brews and odd concoctions. He wasn't in direct competition with Sacharissa, but when he started peddling his eccentric potions for male contraception, he nearly obliterated her business.

He was a potion genius and not the good kind, his Veritaserum was so effective only its smell could even work on ghosts, his Polyjuice lasted months, and he had aphrodisiacs so potent people had to skip days of classes or entire trimesters before they could barely satisfy themselves.

Some said the golden ring around his green irises was due to his addiction to Felix Felicis that he took regularly, being the source of his successful business, shielding him from being caught. Other claimed that, too scared to be bewitched by his debtors, he had consumed so much Amortentia he was actually immune.

Legends said his mind was damaged beyond repair by the fumes of his own brews, which he tried on himself from very young age, so much that at the Sorting Ceremony his thoughts were so foggy and impenetrable, that the Sorting Hat couldn't read them. So he had to choose himself which house he wanted to join.

He went for Gryffindor. 

Which he obviously didn't belong to.

People who couldn't pay for their potions were forced to take the so called Weasley treatment, used as guinea pigs for his crazy experiments, so much the expression "going Weasley" had become synonym of going voluntarily into a risky situation, knowing the consequences.

It was clear she had stepped on the wrong toes, and if she didn't want him to go full Weasley on her, she had to play smart or fight him.

As if reading her mind, with a lazy flick of his wand, her own wand flew through the air into his waiting hand. 

"The real question is, who are you? A little boy stealing pus... that's pretty low," he teased mockingly. "Perhaps I should report this to my Aunt…"

"Wait! We can share!" Penelope blurted out, grasping at straws, hoping he was there for the same reason. She could perhaps persuade him to let her go.

And did he just call her little boy?

"Share what? My plants?" he scoffed. "This is the fourth time you've stolen from me," he hissed, pushing a lock of hair from his forehead, his eyes narrowed to slits in the dim light.

"You're not Brattelby," she murmured, recalling the name on the labels of the pots.

A low, blood-curdling chuckle reached her ears. 

"How naive of you to assume I cultivate my own ingredients," he said, his tone laced with amusement as he took a step forward.

"I can give you money; my contact will pay well for the pus," she said. As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her mistake as the boy tilted his head, giving her a condescending look raising a brow. "Oh really? Do you think I need money from Tugwood?"

Penelope's gaze widened, how had he learned about Sacharissa?

His smug grin played at the corners of his lips, picking up on her distress. "For someone so skilled at stealing, you're quite thick." 

He shifted his weight from one leg to the other, allowing a ray of moonlight to illuminate the coppery tones in his messy curly hair.

"Funny how after every heist, Tugwood releases a new batch of her putrid poultices. I guess she's too lazy to cultivate her own ingredients and sends her little rat here instead. I'm tired of being fucked over by you two," he said, his tone low and menacing as he took another step forward.

"What do you want?" Penelope's voice was cautious, her attempt to sound more masculine clear. If he thought she was a boy, she didn't want to give him any reason to think otherwise, she still had a chance to escape leaving him to look for a male student that didn't exist, plus, revealing herself as a girl seemed really dangerous.

Even if, in truth, she had no idea of his inclinations.

She heard him taking a deep breath, as his eyes wandered around in the darkness, "Let's see…" he tapped his finger on his chin, as if pondering.

"I may have cooked a very powerful batch of Aging potion last week and my Aunt was not pleased with the… aftermath. Giving you in as the Greenhouse thief, may save me from a very unnecessary suspension for the current batch," he started. 

Penelope waited patiently, feeling droplets of cold sweat trickling down her back, "She has already given me few days of detention you know, and I have been a bit… touch deprived, so to speak. Is there anything you can do to change my situation?" 

The question lingered between them as the implications lowered on her.

Penelope shivered, and took another step back, "Couldn't you ask… someone else?" She was sure someone like him didn't have any problems in finding… a suitable partner, after all young girls and boys were surely going crazy for his horrible reputation. He didn't really need her.

At least this was what she hoped.

Garreth extended his arms, both wands still in his grasp and a semi-amused smile on his face. "There is no one else here, is there?" he jested. Penelope's heart sank in her chest, as her eyes darted around desperate for an escape, debating whether revealing her true identity might offer some leverage—or place her in greater jeopardy.

"Don't worry, little one, I won't hurt you," he murmured, as though tuning into her anxiousness, "Let's say… I just want a kiss," he proposed, and moving forward once again, he placed himself just in front of her. 

Penelope slowly raised her head, to meet his gaze, he was taller than her, and his towering height was casting a looming presence, especially with the dim light behind him. 

She knew how terrified she must looked like, but she saw a gentle smile gracing his lips, as his eyes softened, "I can't," she barely whispered, his scent— a peculiar mix of lavender, tree bark,  and exotic potion ingredients— growing stronger as he leaned closer.

"And why's that?" His voice was low, imbued with masculine charm. As he laid his large hand on her cheek, the warmth bled through the fabric, tracing the edge of her mask, she realized she was holding her breath.

"I… I have a cold." she stuttered. It was a lie, of course, despite regularly donning a mask to avoid just that, as she rigorously trained for Quidditch every day since she had joined the team.

And then she was also concealing the pockmarks left by her acne.

His laugh was soft, coming from the back of his throat, "That's no problem. I'll brew the finest Pepperup Potion tomorrow morning. I do appreciate your concern, though." He leaned in, his fingers brushing past her ear to the mask's tie, a few strands of hair caressing his skin in the process. She felt a shiver, a mix of reluctance and an unsettling warmth in her stomach. 

Despite the warning signals firing through her, she remained rooted in place, paralyzed by the closeness of his disconcerting touch.

"Just a kiss and then I can go, right?" she was almost giving in, but she wanted to make sure the deal was settled.

"Of course, just one. I bet it's your first," he teased, amused by her lack of experience. She didn't answer, as he removed her mask, revealing her face. 

With a rush of cold air, the pungent scent of Bubotuber pus momentarily filled her nostrils, but Garreth's proximity quickly replaced it with his captivating aroma. She felt his thumb gently stroking her flushed cheek before descending to her lips, his gaze seemingly admiring her quivering mouth as he passed his fingertip on it. 

"You're not that bad," he murmured softly. She barely had time to react to the compliment before his lips clashed with hers.

Taken by surprise, she instinctively closed her eyes as the soft tuft of his red hair lazily brushed against her forehead, tickling her skin.

Penelope's heart slowed as the boy moved his mouth over hers, his hand shifting from her cheek to the back of her head, holding her gently in place. She stood frozen, her glasses slipping down the bridge of her nose, unsure of how to respond while his other hand, now wands-free, rested on her waist, drawing her closer.

But that simple kiss couldn't be all he wanted, and she knew there was more. 

His tongue soon sought entry, a demand for deeper access she wasn't willing to grant. Despite the warmth unfurling in her stomach, she resisted, her teeth clenched and eyes shut tight. Planting her feet to the ground she balled her fists, digging her nails in the leather skin of her gloves, now completely sweaty and oily.

She couldn't let him take everything.

As if defeated, Garreth retracted, just enough that he could trace the contour of her lips with his tongue, brushing them with its wet tip. When he reached the lower one, he then offered a faint, teasing bite. He soon pulled back slightly, but Penelope didn't waver, despite the buzzing in her ears and the stirring sensation moving from her stomach to her groin. 

His warm breath still caressing her cheeks, he suddenly sank his teeth into her soft flesh, eliciting a sharp sting. Penelope widened her eyes, let out an helpless whimper, and as soon as she parted her lips in fear, his tongue found its way inside, invading her mouth, seeking its secrets.

She wanted to pull away, she desperately tried to place her hands against his broad chest, but she found only a stern resistance as he was holding her tight, pushing her neck towards him, his fingers mingling with her short hair.

As Garreth's tongue found hers, he deepened the kiss, hungry for more, his breath growing heavy as the two intertwined. Tears started to form in Penelope's eyes, it was her first kiss and he was taking it from her with an insistence that would have been scary if not intoxicating.

Because despite her confusion, her body reacted in a very different way than expected.

Under her jumper, her breast was brushing against the soft fabric of her shirt, pressed against his hard chest and she could feel her nipples hardening with each movement of her ragged breath. And she could clearly sense his arousal as his thighs were pressing against hers, his bulge pushing on her lower stomach.

A new sensation surged between her legs, familiar yet never before this intense.

When he finally broke the kiss, letting her go, her foggy mind struggled to keep her balance. Still tasting the ginger and licorice from his mouth, she took a small step back and sat down on the greenhouse stool behind her. She took off her gloves so she could pressed a shaky hand on her forehead.

As a soft laugh reached her, Penelope's head shot up, locking eyes with Garreth's amused gaze. "That wasn't half bad, was it?" he mused, tilting his head and brushing a ginger lock from his face. 

Penelope pressed her swollen lips together. "I guess I can go now," she murmured feeling a mix of indignation and relief, reaching for her wand on the counter. But Garreth was quicker, lunging forward to sweep the wand from her reach, sending it rolling across the wooden table to stop beside a Bubotuber pot.

Her shock was palpable. "What does this mean?" she demanded, trying to rise, but he was upon her, his hand resting on her shoulder, pressing her back down onto the stool, his erection evident now that it was at her eyes level, straining the fabric of his trousers. 

"It means I might have changed my mind. I really enjoyed that kiss," he teased noticing her intent  gaze.

Penelope's head shook in disbelief. "But you promised—I could go after it," she protested, struggling to keep her voice steady amidst rising panic. 

His smile broadened maliciously. "You can go—to pack your things in your dorm as I'm heading straight to my Aunt's," he declared. 

Penelope's eyes widened. 

"I didn't endure three nights in these damn greenhouses, freezing my ass off, just to let you off with a mere goodnight peck," he said with disdain, looming over her once again, adding with a disarming casualness, "Besides," he put a finger under her chin forcing her to raised her head, "you have surprisingly soft lips and I'm dying to feel them wrapped tightly around my cock," he whispered brushing her earlobe with his breath.

Penelope gasped, realizing that he had no intention of letting her go. Her wand was too far out of reach, and he would have easily intercepted her had she tried to snatch it. But she couldn't let him have his way; in a desperate attempt, she raised her leg trying to kick him where he wanted her lips. Yet she barely reached his shin, and in her haste to rise, turn, and flee, she stumbled over his feet and fell to the ground.

Her knees and elbows hit the hard, cold stone floor with a painful groan.

"Where do you think you're going?" Garreth peered down at her through half-lidded gaze before waving his wand, murmuring, "Incarcerous." Soon, ropes began to emerge from thin air, swiftly encircling her wrists and ankles.

"Release me!" she demanded, feeling the rough hemp against her skin.

"You don't really have a choice," he said coolly. "But I'm inclined to assist you." 

He turned, reaching for something on the floor next to a bag of fertilizer, and when he stood again, he was holding a small vial. The liquid inside had a soft pink hue with something swirling within, barely discernible in the faint moonlight.

As he approached, Penelope froze. Was he planning to drug her? 

"There's a first time for everything. Don't be scared—I'm going to teach you. You might even enjoy it more than me," he teased, uncapping the vial with a playful wink. 

She watched him as he knelt beside her, her teeth clenched. "I won't drink that," she spat out in defiance.

"You don't have to," he replied in a low purr, "at least not all of it," he added, holding her face steady despite her attempts to break free. His grip was firm around her cheeks and her position too compromised for effective resistance. She felt something cold on her jaw, he was wearing a ring on his left thumb.

"Be a good boy and open your mouth, like before," he coaxed. Penelope maintained a defiant stare, eyes narrowing into his dark green gaze.

Unfazed, Garreth moved his hand up and pinched her nose shut. She held her breath as long as she could, trying to shake him away, but as her lungs started to burn, longing for air, her mouth involuntarily parted in a small gasp. Seizing the moment, he tipped the vial, letting a few drops land on her tongue.

She immediately tried to spit out whatever he had given her, but she could feel something coating her tongue, a slick film with the taste of rosemary and saffron. 

"It's useless; it's already taking effect," Garreth remarked calmly, securing the vial's cap.

"What the hell did you just give me?" her tone tinged with desperation.

"You'll see soon enough. Actually…" he furrowed his brow, appearing momentarily lost in thought, then concluded with a malicious smile, "…feel." 

"Fuck you!" she cursed, saliva dripping down her chin. He looked at her with amusement and, reaching down, he wiped her chin clean with his thumb. She noticed a red stone adorning the golden ring. 

"Don't tempt me with more ideas, little one," he said in a mockingly affectionate tone.

When he rose again, he paused, crossing his arms before leaning against the counter. "Here's the deal: you make me happy, and I let you go," he proposed. 

"As if I can trust you," she scoffed.

"Just to show you my good intentions, I'll free your wrists, but," he readied his wand, "let's make one thing clear," he murmured, and a silvery ray shot from the tip, forming what appeared to be his Patronus.

Penelope's eyes widened as she tried to discern the form of the animal, which shimmered faintly in the air, with its curly tail and its jerky eyes—a Chameleon. 

"One false move, and this little guy goes straight to the first Prefect," he warned, "you don't really want to displease me," his voice light but carrying a clear threat, as he got up again and moved forward.

Penelope followed him with bated breath, anxiously awaiting her release while feeling the oppressive weight of his presence. 

As he prepared his wand, she started to consider her limited options. Escape was clearly not feasible; at least she still had the safety of her anonymity since he didn't seem interested in her name. But what he was demanding was something she was not prepared to give. The mere thought repulsed her, and she wasn't even sure that after she had... she shuddered at the notion, finished with him, he wouldn't possibly demand more. 

Would he? 

Suddenly, she felt her wrists released, and steadying herself against the hard stone floor, she knelt, seeking some comfort by resting her knees on her cloak to make the uncomfortable position more tolerable. The sound of a faint clink quickened her pulse, but she kept her gaze fixed firmly on the floor.

As he started to unbuckle his belt, with his bulge still evident, her mind flew to the countless of times Sacharissa had complained about her boyfriend, how often he had left her unsatisfied after an orgasm that came too quickly for her taste. If she could bring him to climax, possibly not inside her, he would surely need time to recover, which would give her a break from any further unwanted advances.

Finding some reassurance in her renewed decision, she took a deep breath, raised her head, and steadied her gaze, ready to face her opponent and his repulsive demand.

But as soon as her eyes landed on the boy in front of her, her heart almost gave up, as he was  already half-naked, his trousers down his shins, his muscular thighs tensed, his white skin completely covered in nice, little freckles. 

The shape of his erected dick sculpted in the fabric of his pants, reaching almost his waist.

He knew he was attractive, she knew it too, and to her dismay, also her clit which started to gently pulse between her legs. The surge of heat that coursed though her body made her sweat, as she clenched her fists.

Soon, he lowered his underwear, looking at her with an expectant expression that mingled satisfaction and pleasure, savoring most likely what was coming. 

Penelope swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure fixing her eyes on his face instead of… the thick, throbbing shaft that sprung up from between his legs, hungry for her mouth.

"You can look, you know. I'm not shy. It's not like you've never seen one before," Garreth taunted, clearly aware of her discomfort. Maybe he was thinking she was jealous of his.

In truth, she had, in fact, never seen one, and she certainly wasn't prepared to see his, especially not on her birthday!

What a great present he was giving her…

His underwear slid on the ground and he casually stepped out of his clothing, seemingly unfazed by the greenhouse's chill. As he moved closer, she instinctively recoiled, turning her face away, her stomach twisting into a tight knot.

"Now, now, it's not the time to be difficult is it? Take it into your hand first, gently, as I'm sure you're used to," with the corner of her eyes, she could see the soft, mocking smile playing on his lips, his shimmering green eyes taking in her reluctance with amusement. She despised him for it.

Nevertheless, she complied. 

As the silver Patronus danced around her, she slowly raised her hand, he was so closed, she could feel its inviting warmth, "Look at it," he commanded, as the chameleon moved up, illuminating the scene from above.

Penelope took a sharp breath and with a sour look she raised her head, almost defying him.

Steadying her shaky fingers, she took it in her hand, it was warm and firm, hard enough for her to feel its punishing weight, but also soft with light bluish veins adorning his full length.

To her surprise, she found herself wondering if he had freckles even there.

"How endearing, you have small hands. Perfect for a thief, let's put them to good use," he joked, clearly satisfied with what he had forced her to do. 

He leant in, took her other hand and moved it to his hip, letting resting there under his long fingers, the ringed thumb pressed on hers.

"Now, I'm sure you know your way, so I'll leave it to you."

Penelope didn't know, she hadn't a clue, but she tried to recall the talks she had with her roommates. Not all of them were experts, but Hemera did had a boyfriend and for Helga's sacred cup, she loved to boast her abilities.

Maybe she cold put all her dirty recounting to good use.

She moved her hand up and down a couple of times, jerking his skin, clenching her fist, maybe a bit too much, in fact, soon he stopped her with an annoyed scoff.

"A bit sloppy aren't we?" his voice was low, tense, his Patronus quivered lightly as tuning in with his impatience, "Start gently, brush your thumb on the top, keep the skin on, insist on the tip in long, slow strokes."

She followed his orders, trying to keep her eyes on his stomach, on the red tuft of hair that adorned the base of his shaft, "Focus on your hand," he ordered once he realized she was not giving much attention to her work. 

She shifted her gaze, her fingers tightly coiled around him, stroking gently and rhythmically insisting on the top where she could see beads of pre-cum leaking out, glistening in the silvery light. 

"Better," he murmured, his tone soft, tinged with pleasure, "I think you are ready, now," and with a smirk he lower his other hand to guide her head toward it, in an inviting gesture.

Penelope shot her head up, her eyes wide, pleading almost, "Oh, no, don't give me that look, you're not escaping this," he murmured.

With a tilt of his head, the chameleon moved onto her shoulder, resting there. Its warm light served as a reminder of the consequences should she fail to comply.

"Moisten your lips and open your mouth." 

He was almost trembling in anticipation, wasn't he?

She bit her lip, trying to resist his hand pushing her neck, his long fingers mingling with her short hair. "Really, it's not a big deal. They say it even tastes good, and believe me, I know it does," he whispered softly, quirking an eyebrow.

Penelope took a deep breath, she could feel his scent stronger than ever, the more she advanced to his slick tip. 

It wasn't unpleasant, and as the constant pulsing of her clit reminded her, it was almost inviting.

Despite her mind trying to fight, her body was ready to give him whatever he wanted, most likely under the effect of that disgusting drug he had given her.

She slowly passed her tongue over her lips, almost teasing him with the sight of their glossy fullness.

"I might bite," she challenged him with a dark gaze, in a last desperate attempt to stop that torture. A wide smile parted his lips, "That would only add to the thrill," he chimed with a playful wink. She bit the inside of her cheek, defeated, and finally opened her mouth.

"Move the foreskin down and take it in, same as before, focus on the tip, swirl your tongue on it, nice and slow," he guided her as she pressed her thumb on the top, his sticky pre-cum wetting her skin. She swallowed, then she closed her eyes.

His hand forced the back of her neck again, almost impatiently, and he was finally in her mouth.

"Don't suck it, I don't like it, and put the other hand on my hip." 

She didn't want to, as she was scared of giving him so much power over her, but in the end she complied once again, her body moving on its own, trusting him.

Her cold fingers hesitantly gripped his hips, her thumbs tentatively resting over the pelvic bones that emerged beneath his white skin.

"Nice and slow," his voice now was hoarse and husky, and he started to immediately thrust himself in her in controlled sharp movements.

He was surely savoring the moment.

Penelope tasted the salty and musky scent of his pre-cum, coating her tongue, invading her senses, she swirled her tongue on the swollen tip, feeling more of it coming out. It did tasted strangely good, she was not sure, but he might have taken some sort of potions to change its flavor, or simply he was transuding Amortentia. 

For what she knew it could be both.

The light on her shoulder flickered, and she sensed the chameleon moving, most likely rolling from the pleasure, she kept her gaze on his stomach, forcing herself to ignore the deep warm feeling pooling between her thighs. Was she… dripping wet already?

"Good boy, relax your throat now, and move your tongue on its length, the wetter, the better," he whispered. He was clearly straining himself to speak, and Penelope could feel how much he was enjoying it, strangely the thought made her shivered in satisfaction, was she that good?

She felt the saliva wetting the corners of her mouth as she followed his orders, moving down, little by little, taking it all in, in slurping and shameless noises. When she felt it too deep, she stopped, hoping it was enough, and she retracted a bit, taking in a lungful of air.

It wasn't enough.

His hand grasped her hair and jerked her forward, making her glasses slipped on the bridge of her nose. She gaged around his imposing shaft, trying to pull out, digging her nails in his white skin, but he didn't care. It hit the back of her throat, then moved back, slowly, so she could feel his full length brushing on her tongue. 

She knew it wasn't right, she knew that was not supposed to happen, but still, her body trembled, sensing how big it was, how good it tasted, how… fulfilling it might feel in her pussy.

It was infuriating knowing how the idea of his cock in her mouth was getting her so aroused, she could barely think straight. And she was a virgin, she wasn't supposed to feel like this.

Again Garreth thrusted forward, disrupting her confused thoughts, he moaned as he felt how desperately she was trying to clenched her throat to avoid him hitting her deeper. He opened his eyes and looked down, "I said relax," he commanded forcing her to raise her head keeping a firm grip on her hair, tugging at it.

Penelope locked eyes with him through the lenses of her foggy glasses, and try to relax, she really tried, she didn't want to make it any worse, but… it was impossible, every time she managed, he pushed in her again thrusting with renew vigor, pumping back and forward, every time faster, relentless.

He was loosing his control, and his Patronus with him, as the little creature was pulsing intermittently, casting a kaleidoscope of light.

Tears streamed down Penelope's cheeks as she gasped for air, saliva rolling over her chin. Her hands quivered, leaving marks on his hips. Still, she was feeling warmer and warmer, her nipples hard under her jumper, her mind clouded with unexpressed desire.

He was using her, and she was liking it. 

The uncomfortable position, her knees on the hard ground, her ankles still tied in the rope, her head throbbing lightly form his grip every time he pull her towards his stomach, the view of his freckled muscular thighs, his firm balls swingling in front of her… she was indeed enjoying all of it.    

And it was wrong, it was scary and exciting at the same time.

She wanted more, she craved all of him.

If she had her hands free, she might have dared to touch herself, instead she closed her thighs, trying to release a bit of pressure from her throbbing clit with the slight friction she could provide.

"Almost there little one, keep it up, make your nice lips tighter," he had hardly finished his sentence when, in a flash of lucidity, Penelope tried to pull out once again. She didn't want him to come in her mouth, despite her body temperature rising at the thought of it, she didn't want.

It didn't work, of course.

He kept her firmly in place, until the very end.

Groaning and cussing under his breath Garreth bit his lip, and gripping the hand of the girl under his, he finally gave in, forcing her to look up into his dark green irises, the glow from the golden ring glinting ominously.

Despite his serious expression, he was really pleased.

Penelope felt the warmth of his release in her mouth, down her throat, spilling on her chin. All while the light of his Patronus pulsed and then grew brighter, enveloping both of them in its comforting glow.

It was done, she swallowed hard a lump of his cum, trying not to gag, it was finally over. Her heart was beating furiously in her chest, as if she had just finished a long run, and she tried to steady her shaking breath by slowly inhaling.

She heard him take a deep breath too, "Good job," he exhaled, as if a burden had been lifted, looking down at her. 

His hand released hers from his hip, his long, warm fingers no longer intertwined with her own, leaving her feeling almost alone.

"Now clean the mess you made, and put those soft lips to good work," he kept her in place, despite her attempts to free herself from his punishing grip on her neck.

She closed her eyes and did as requested, swirling her tongue on his pulsing tip, sucking gently and swallowing until everything was finally clean.

She took her hands off his hips, and when he finally freed her, she passed the back of her hand on her mouth, cleaning it from the spit and the cum. 

"I told you, you would like it," he joked stepping into his clothes as if nothing had happened, and removing the long lock of hair from his forehead, absentmindedly brushing it aside.

She felt the ropes binding her ankles dissolve and took her time to massage them, ensuring she could stand steadily once on her feet. At this point, she no longer cared about her belongings; her only desire was to grab her wand and flee.

Still, her body was in full arousal and when she made a move to stand up, even the bare trembling of her thighs, sent shivers of lust down her spine, a warm feeling crept on her cheeks and her breath grew heavier. That damn potion was taking a toll on her, but she had to escape first, then, in the comfort of her bed, she might give in to her pleasure.

Away from that red temping devil.

Quivering lightly, she put a hand on the stool behind her and rose, testing the stability of her feet. Then, keeping an eye on the boy in front of her, who was quietly buckling his belt again and basking in the glow of his Patronus, she took a step back until she reached the counter, fixing her glasses on her nose. 

Penelope placed her hand behind her, searching for her wand while simultaneously keeping watch on Garreth, not trusting him in the slightest and eager to escape the dreadful situation.

Unfortunately, her hand encountered only pots, dusty wooden planks, and her gloves. Fearing she might accidentally tip over her vial of pus and risk blistering her skin with the potent ingredient, she cautiously turned her head, only to see her wand at the far end of the table. 

Moving quietly, trying not to attract his attention, she then turned completely to grab it, carefully avoiding the Bubotuber pots. However, the moment she bent over the counter, Garreth seized the opportunity and covering the space between them, he pin her down.

She gasped in surprise as her wand flew out of reach once again.

"Fuck…" she moaned feeling his body pressed against her back, his broad chest on her.

"Well said, you read my mind little one," his voice was low, menacing and husky, "that's exactly what I want now," he whispered into her hear. 

"No!" she exclaimed, struggling to free herself, fighting to wriggle out of his grasp. "Please don't," she pleaded, feeling her wrists being tied once again. Now, the thought of being caught by the Prefects seemed almost appealing.

"Why? Are you a virgin?" his hands were all over her now, on her thighs, her legs, but mostly on her ass.

"That's none of your business," she blurted out feeling her wet fold clenching, her underwire were soaked and his big, warm hands groping her, were not helping in making her feel any better.

"I take it as a no, then," "What?" she whimpered in shock as he started to fumble with her trousers, pushing her cloak aside to slide them down, "Then is a yes," a soft, devilish laugh escape his throat as he started to caress her naked buttcheeks.

"You have a very nice and soft ass, so small yet so alluring," he said, almost surprised how it felt under his greedy fingers, he pinched her heated skin. A chuckle escaped him when a small whine left her throat.

He was clearly amused by her discomfort, and he was well aware that his potion was still having effect on her.

Eager to feel her ass wriggling and squirming against his still hungry dick, he slipped a finger in the crack between the buttcheeks, teasing her. 

"I have to be honest, I prefer pussies, but… I cannot refuse an invitation like this," he chimed, as he started grinding his hips against her, his erection now evident again, straining his trousers, almost reaching up from its constricted position.

Penelope widened her eyes, incredulity washed over her, what the hell?

He just… came, how in Merlin's name could he be this hard again in such a short time?

She felt his dick pressing on her exposed ass, his warmth canceling the cold feeling from the brisk air of the greenhouse. She saw his Patronus strolling on the counter, as if mocking her, a reminder of his threats.

"Please don't…" she couldn't take it anymore and the pressure of her own hips on the border of the table was sparkling her senses, as she could feel her clit tightening with every stroke. She desperately needed to release herself.

For a split second she contemplated the idea of telling him who she was, her mind played with the alluring feeling of his long and firm shaft inside her, filling her and pumping her virginity from between her legs. 

He did prefer female bodies after all and she might like it more than… whatever he had in mind.

But soon she realized she couldn't do it, first because he was a crazy maniac, and that was not how she envisioned her first time in her dreams, and secondly, she didn't want to risk it. She wasn't on any birth control as she wasn't dating anyone, and that shit would only hamper her abilities on the Quidditch field. 

She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of taking also her first time from her, even if her body was screaming for some attention and her pussy was burning, slick in her own juices. 

"You are a little thief and I'm going to steal from you," he murmured deepening his hand between her buttcheeks until he found her hole. He prodded at the entrance, "Nice and firm, as expected," he commented with a satisfied tone before retreating his hand.

"Now, I don't want to hurt you, you know. Well, not more than necessary at least," he joked as she felt his body stepping back, giving her some time to recompose herself. The cold air bit her skin now that he wasn't there anymore.

"Oh, what a coincidence!" Garreth exclamation piqued her curiosity. As she turned her head to check was he had found, he reached for something on the counter. 

"Daisyroot essence!" he declared with a gleam in his eye. "Perfect for the occasion. You came prepared, little one." 

She heard the sound of a vial uncapping. 

"Let me share a secret: this was my first ingredient for lubricants. The oil isn't too dense, provides nice friction, has a soothing effect, and... smells great."

Penelope stomach sank, he really wanted to take that path.

She strained against the ropes, but as she started to kick with her feet, he parted her legs, plunging his oily fingers in the crack of her ass, gently massaging the delicate skin between her buttcheeks. He brushed his fingertips against her quivering hole, circling the wrinkled skin around it, savoring the moment he would enter, claiming another part of her for himself.

When he cautiously slip a finger in her, Penelope gasped at the intrusion.

"Don't tell me you've never done it yourself," his laugh was low, "it's one of the best feelings if done well." 

He retracted a little bit, "But I'm not here to pleasure you," he concluded harshly pumping the finger in and out assessing how firm and tight it was.

Penelope closed her eyes, her body suddenly relaxing, savoring the enticing sensation of his touch. 

Of course she'd fingered herself, who didn't at their age? Just… not where he thought she would. 

She felt more oil dripping on her ass, and soon another finger slipped in her, stretching her entrance further.

She swallowed hard, it wasn't a bad feeling, not at all, she could sense her skin tingling a bit, the opening gaping around his long fingers, but there was another opening a little bit down there that was dying to be filled as well. 

She took a sharp breath, she was still half clothed, with her panties still in place as he had just slide them down a bit, and her wet lips were brushing against the cloth with each thrust, her clit clenching, she was going crazy as she wanted more friction on it. 

He continued for few seconds, preparing her, then she heard him unbuckling his belt again, and his trousers slid down. 

This time the feeling of his dick against her heated skin was something she longed, and not feared, as her mind completely gave up on her useless and helpless fight.

She sensed him stroking its tip hard on her, taking in the oil from the Daisyroot as he was lubing himself against her. 

"Almost ready, little one, just relax," he whispered, and as he parted her buttcheeks, he stretched her entrance starting to intrude himself in her.

Penelope widened her eyes, he would never enter, she was too small and tight for… that kind of tip. She bit her lips as he slowly made his way in, adding more lube with his fingers every time he retracted, so to make it easier with the next try.

She didn't have voice anymore to plead him, because her thoughts were all on another part of her needy body, that was quivering and gaping, and once he managed to enter just a little bit, she felt her pussy wall tighten as well giving her a shivering pleasure she didn't know it was possible from the other side.

Slowly, but steady Garreth made his way in her, his pulsing length filling her completely as the first wall of resistance was completely overcome. 

He heard him groaned in satisfaction, his hips pressed against her. As he brushed a lock of hair from his face, he started to move, retracting, first slowly, then faster, not giving her time to adjust with each thrust.

But Penelope's body didn't even feel the urge to adjust as she was trembling from another source of bliss and soon she realized she was moaning helplessly, her pleasure mixed with shame.

"Oh," he chimed in, fastening the pace, sensing her arousal, "lucky for us, I've muffled the building. I have a feeling someone might be screaming soon." 

Damn it! She was giving in! Despite her resistance to letting him see her enjoyment, her pride seemed to have vanished, and as she groan and arched her back, she felt indeed a shameless slut. And she was liking it.

"Focus, Pen, focus please!" she thought in a last desperate attempt.

Garreth on the other hand didn't care, he steadied himself pinning one hand on the counter and started to pump with more vigor, soft moans and harsh sounds escaping his mouth, grinding in faster, longer and merciless.

Penelope clenched her fists and gritted her teeth as another powerful thrust shattered the table beneath her, causing her hips to smash against it in what should have been a painful blow. But her body was betraying her once more, as the only thing she could feel were shivers of pleasure coursing through her.

The boy behind her moaned again, in what seemed like a low, coarse throaty sound as he sank deeper into her, keeping her in place with a hand on her lower back.

She closed her eyes, trying to focus once again, but her mind and her body felt completely disconnected, unable to cooperate in what should be a desperate situation.

As another thrust hit her harder, her body shuddered and her mind played with the sudden desire to move together with him. No, it was not working.

She opened her eyes again and as a faint ray of moonlight seeped through the dirty greenhouse windows above her, a shining glimpse caught her attention. This time, it was not his Patronus.

Curiosity piqued, she turned around, trying to command her body to follow her orders distracting herself from the overwhelming feeling of being so filled and stretched.

As soon her eyes lended on the dirty counter next to her, she widened her gaze. Fear washed over her.

It was the vial, that vial. Just empty.

Damn!

If few drops of that thing turned her body in that needy mess, how much could a full vial do?

And he had drank all of it!

She was trapped, trapped in that bloody greenhouse, forced to satisfy the pleasure of the Deputy Headmistress nephew for Merlin knew how long…

That's why he was always asking for more. He didn't need to rest, he didn't need anything to refill his lust.

She tried to shake him off, but she knew she was only making him more excited, plus, she could feel she was really close herself to reach her peak.

She didn't know how that potion worked, but the merely graze of the soft fabric of her panties against her sensitive clit, was making her losing her mind.

Combined with the brushing of her nipples against her shirt and the hard counter under her, she knew she could not resist any longer and soon she started to feel something coiling in her stomach, and small waves of pleasure starting to rise from deep within her pussy.

Fuck, she was coming. Hard.

She tried not to moan, but it was almost impossible, the waves coming and going faster, each time more powerful, than the last one. What the hell was in that vial?

She closed her eyes shut, as her orgasm mounted, relentless in its bliss, submerging her in its powerful tides. She didn't care anymore if that lunatic had taken advantage of her, she didn't mind, he was giving her something far beyond her grasp, something she had never experience before.

She felt her skin melting under Garreth's touch as he grabbed her ass, ready for another release as he was also coming again, his Patronus pulsing, its light filtering through her closed lids.

Her mind swayed as she bumped against the counter, her heart hammering against her chest, as her thighs were shivering furiously from his thrusts and her overwhelming orgasm. 

Completely at his mercy, she dived in.

She was tightening and clenching and pulsing, and moaning for what seemed like minutes on end. The sensations began to recede gradually, like the waves of the sea withdrawing after a tempest. 

He had been her tempest.

Had it been normal encounter, she might have thanked him, eagerly begging for more, but this was far from normal. And after the first stupor, she find herself livid with anger.

"How are you doing little one?" his voice was strained, out of breath again, she had to give him credit, he had a great stamina and powerful thighs. 

She felt his hand sliding down her ass, as he slowly pull out of her, his cum dripping on the floor and her heated and bruised skin. 

She didn't want to give him the satisfaction to know he had given her the time of her life, so she fell silent.

"I bet you're enjoying yourself down here," he jested and as his hand lowered, she tensed, closing her legs shut, she didn't want him to touch her, as he was seeking something that clearly wasn't there.

His fingers slid from her butt, infiltrating down again, then he stopped, he cussed under his breath and suddenly retreated.

"Fuck! I have to go."

Penelope opened her eyes, looking around in confusion. What was happening?

She sensed another source of light coming from a bigger hairy form, another Patronus?

"I haven't finished with you," Garreth murmured, his voice tensed while quickly recomposing himself, cleaning his shaft from the oil, the cum and her juices with a flick of his wand. 

"Just try, you'll never find me," she provoked him, her voice sour, but as soon as she had pronounced them, she felt him tapping her ass with his wand. 

"Ligato voluptatem,"

Something soft and cold grazed at her skin moving between her legs, like a silky lining, it enveloped her clit, entering in her pussy. 

Shortly after her wrists were freed, she quickly turned and leaning against the counter, covered herself with her cloak, hoping to conceal from him the fact that she wasn't a boy. Her thighs still quivering form the overwhelming orgasm.

She saw him moved around, collecting his things, a bag from the ground and some other vials, now that his Patronus was gone, the greenhouse was darker than ever, ominous even.

He paused midway through the building, turning to fix her with his intense emerald gaze, a stark contrast to the half-smile playing on his lips. 

"Oh, I don't need to find you; I only have to wait," he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

"What did you do?" she asked, her voice tense and high-pitched with fear. 

"I've cast a little hex on you," he explained shrugging lightly, as if nothing, "see, you'll never be able to pleasure yourself again," he continued coming closer, rising his gaze on her face. With a mischievous grin, he tilted his head, sensing her growing discomfort as his words sank in. 

The danger in his tone was evident, and Penelope felt like something cold washing over her, he wasn't joking.

"My touch is the only one your body will crave, slowly driving you insane day by day. It might not be tomorrow or even next week, but I'm certain you'll come to me, overwhelmed with longing and begging for a relief I'll be the only one to concede." he explained, his voice a confident low purr, full of devilish expectation.

"I've never heard of it," she mumbled, struggling to steady herself. She leaned against the counter for support, feeling her legs weaken for a very different reason this time. 

"It's not illegal if nobody knows about it. Just a little gift from my dear brother," he jested, brushing his messy curls away from all over his face.

He adjusted his bag over his shoulder, reaching inside to retrieve something. With a swift movement, he tossed a small bottle toward her. 

"Murtlap essence. You'll need it if you're planning on returning to your dorm tonight on your feet," he said scornfully. 

Casting a final, defiant glance her way, he navigated past another Flitterbloom plant near the greenhouse entrance and disappeared beyond the door, into the night.

Alone now, Penelope tried to gather her scattered thoughts. She quickly dressed, collected her tools, and retrieved her wand. Moving quietly, despite the discomfort in her lower back, she made her way towards the stairs leading to building number 4 and her secret passage. 

As she landed on the wooden floor of the Herbology corridor, her heart still raced, her mind grappling with the recent events. 

She just wanted to go back to her bed and forgot everything.

For the first time in four years she forgot to feed Vinny.

As she made way out of the corridor, she cast a look at the vial with the Murtlap essence still in her grasp, had he really hexed her? She was uncertain of her next steps, but one thing was clear: she wouldn't let this go. 

He would pay for what he had forced upon her that fateful night.

She wasn't down for the full Weasley treatment.

#hogwarts legacy #garreth weasley #!dark garreth #hogwarts legacy fanfic #hogwarts legacy smut #garreth x mc #amberlide writes #my fanfiction

[rosietrace]

String of Fate

(Central) Characters Featured: Melanie Charmant, Victoria Shard

↳ { Melanie belongs to @/twsted-princess }

Others mentioned/featured: Malleus Draconia, Sumeragi Yuuta

Pairing(s): One-sided! Melanie & Victoria || Victoria Shard & Malleus Draconia

Event: Valentine's Day 2024 💌

↳ Type: Non-requested Oneshot! 「💐 — “Giving My muse a bouquet of flowers” 」

Synopsis: She loved, truthfully. So obvious in the way she presented it, it was almost humiliating. And yet, she was not obvious enough.

Warning(s): Angst. Lots of angst, established relationship (Malleutoria), unrequited love, lots of one-sided pining, one Yuuta mention but that's it, potentially ooc, Melanie is NOT having a good time, the string of fate isn't mentioned until the end ☠️

[ Apologies for any out of character moments ]

[ Reblogs > Likes ]

†•°•══════ஓ๑「♢」๑ஓ══════•°•†

Melanie still didn't understand why she even bothered.

Staring from — what she could assume — was a safe distance, Melanie saw it all. The way he looked at her, the way she looked back at him.

The love that the two of them shared, insatiable in every way imaginable.

And all because, Melanie felt her breath hitch, eyes nearing the brink of watering from watching. I had been a coward.

Cowardly, indeed. Melanie had her chances— oh so many of them squandered.

Victoria had always been there, right in front of her. So many chances to make her love more pronounced, more… Obvious. At any given moment, Melanie could've done so much.

She could've told Victoria how much she adored her. How much she would’ve worshiped the ground she walked on— her wit, her ambitious nature, anything.

But she didn't.

Malleus brought his arms around Victoria's waist, his head buried into the crook of her shoulder.

He must've been pressing a soft kiss against the bare skin, as Melanie had stolen a glance at Victoria's reaction.

She might've been at a considerable distance, but she was close enough to hear Victoria exclaim, “Malleus!” in amusement.

From the looks of it, Malleus gave her a playful apology in jest, bringing his lips to hers. Victoria accepted, her arms soon hooked around his neck to pull him closer to her.

Melanie left, then and there. It would've only hurt her more to witness more of that, and she knew better than to eavesdrop on the romantic escapades of her peers.

She shed a single tear. They always kept coming even during the hours where she shouldn't have been.

“Oh dear,” Melanie sniffled, wiping away her tears with the pad of her thumb. Choked sob after choked sob, Melanie wanted— no, needed, to stay strong.

If not for herself, for it to remain certain that Victoria would be happy. That she wouldn't need to worry about her.

Melanie opened the doors of Ramshackle. Given the silence, she assumed Yuuta had left for the botanical gardens; Busy tending to his plants.

“Move on,” he'd told her once, bringing her into a warm hug of attempted consolation, “it isn't good for you to remain so hung up on her. It hurts, Mel, I know that, but… You need to pick yourself back up if you want to move on from her.”

She'd agreed with him. “I… I know, Yuuta,” she'd leaned into his enveloped arms, allowing the tears to stream down her cheeks and inevitably stain Yuuta's shirt.

He worried less about that and more about her well-being. And for that, Melanie knew Yuuta wasn't as egocentric as he presented himself to be.

Lighting a flame in the fireplace, Melanie sat down on the rug. It was early spring, but there remained a chilly atmosphere; And with Ramshackle’s heaters in need of repair, her only option was to warm up manually.

Looking down at the pretty little trinket around her neck, Melanie sighed to herself. “It was supposed to be hers…”

The necklace, she meant. A sweet, endearing little charm of rose gold with a small hydrangea accessory as the centerpiece— Victoria's favorite flower.

“I…” she wanted to let it all out, to let the feelings flow. But even in the comfort of what was essentially her new ‘home’, Melanie couldn't bring herself to do so.

“I… I just…”

Her hair fell over her face, the warmth of the fire in front of her being the only source of comfort.

“... I'm but a moth to a flame, aren't I?”

•♢°─────────°♢•

“Child of man.”

Melanie flinched, nearly dropping the textbooks in her hand when hearing the ominous sound of Malleus' voice behind her.

She chuckled awkwardly, giving the prince a polite wave. “H-Hi, Tsunotaro…”

Malleus' head tilted to an angle, a visible expression of concern on his face. In particular, his eyes.

Emeralds, Melanie always used the green gemstone to describe Malleus' eyes. Emeralds that she so adores, now…

“W-What.. What brings you here? I mean- I'm not upset, it's just- I would've thought you'd be attending classes, now…”

“We have a few minutes to spare,” Malleus began walking along the campus halls beside Melanie. “I don't see why we can't promenade every once in a while.”

That would've been comforting, frankly, it almost felt like a good idea— had it not been for the fact that Malleus was now in a relationship with the girl Melanie had been pining for.

But just because he was, didn't mean Melanie would be uncourteous to deny Malleus of his request.

“I'd like that,” Melanie's smile was genuine if not very, very awkward.

Their ‘promenade’ was everything but conversational. Malleus had done his best by trying to engage in some conversation with Melanie, to pass the time they still had before they headed off to their respective classes.

Yet Melanie remained ever silent. She didn't mean to be rude, but…

I can't help but feel uneasy. She shouldn't have felt that way, not with someone she considered a friend.

Malleus pursed his lips, his hands behind his back in a practiced militaristic stance as they walked. Fit for a prince and future King, Melanie gathered.

It was only then did Malleus finally drew his eyes to the basket slung over Melanie's arm, containing a bouquet of flowers she'd picked herself.

“That bouquet,” Malleus noted, stopping in his tracks. “Quite a lovely choice. Hydrangeas.”

Melanie nodded curtly. “Yes… From what I hear, they represent appreciation in being understood.”

“That they do. Quite well versed in the language of flowers, you are, Child of Man.”

“W-Well, I've done my research!... Haha…”

“Is it for anyone in particular?”

Melanie's eyes widened like saucers, freezing in place. Feeling too stunned to process that her neck hurt from having to look up at Malleus to look at him in the eye.

“W-What?”

Malleus motioned his hand to the bouquet in the well-woven basket. “The bouquet. Is it a gift for someone?”

“... You could say that.” It is a gift for your lover.

Her response brought a smile to Malleus' lips. It made Melanie feel guilty for even thinking about giving Victoria a bouquet.

His smile was soft and sweet, and it was almost bewildering to see it on his face. “How lovely. Whoever for?”

That was a question Melanie didn't want to answer. While she was aware that Malleus could pass her gift to Victoria as a declaration of friendship… The slight guilt in continuing to pine for her — Malleus' now girlfriend — continued to sting at her sides.

And so, she didn't. “... How is she?” Melanie changed the topic as swiftly as she could, hoping Malleus wouldn't be skeptical. “V-Victoria, I mean. How is she?”

That smile on Malleus' lips? It had widened in its size, softening at the very mention of the woman he once detested, now loved.

“She is…” Malleus looked up, and a sigh of contentment exhaled from his lips. “... She is everything to me.”

She knew. Because she, too, knew what it was like to love someone like Victoria Shard.

To love her in a way that destroyed one from within.

•♢°─────────°♢•

Victoria paused, towering over Melanie with what could only be described as a strangely endearing look of perplexity.

Melanie's smile always seemed to be less nervous around Victoria. Or maybe that was what she wanted to believe, considering how she felt the numbness of her hands cloud her mind.

Victoria's arms folded across her chest, eyeing the bouquet of hydrangeas that weren't well hidden behind Melanie's back.

“Are those… For me?”

“E-Erm…” Melanie gulped. Why on earth did she still pine for this woman? And why was it so easy to get nervous around her??

“Melanie.” Victoria narrowed her eyes. “Are you quite alright? You appear parched… No, you look… Anxious.”

Why couldn't I be? Melanie asked from the safety of her mind. It's you. Why wouldn't I feel anxious?

It was both a good and bad thing for Melanie to feel anxious around Victoria. Though most of the positives were overshadowed by the negatives.

One of those negatives being: that Victoria wasn't someone Melanie could love in that way.

She had Malleus. Strange as it was, their relationship was so stable. So sweet in ways the couples born from fairytales pale in comparison.

“These… These are for you.”

Finally, Melanie revealed the bouquet at its full display of beauty.

She could've sworn she heard Victoria gasp. “Hydrangeas…”

Melanie watched as Victoria took the bouquet in her hands, one of those hands gently caressing the petals with an unlikely gentleness she never got to see from her all that often.

The barest glimpse of a smile graced her face. “They're lovely.” And so was she, Melanie must've thought— going deathly still once Victoria's hand made its way to the top of her head.

“I appreciate the sentiment of the gift, Melanie. And I shall treasure it, and you, greatly.”

An act of friendship, Victoria assumed it to be. But to Melanie, it was her way of finally growing a spine by trying to let go. To see Victoria Shard as nothing more than a friend.

That there wasn’t a single occasion where she felt a string tug on her fingertips; Only for it to eventually snap away.

Victoria wasn't hers. She never was. And maybe that was for the best.

Melanie's smile brightened. Looking up at Victoria, she never felt any more glad that it was too cold for her tears to be seen.

Better for her to believe it was a declaration of our friendship than a final proclamation of love.

Victoria was a flame, and Melanie was a moth that couldn't help but want to draw closer; Even if it ended up hurting her, in the long-run.

“... You're welcome, Victoria.”

†•°•══════ஓ๑「♢」๑ஓ══════•°•†

Taglist

—

Written for

@twsted-princess

—

🥥

@starry-night-rose || @jasdiary || @authoruio || @nem0-nee || @fumikomiyasaki || @sakuramidnight15

—

「 Etteilla ♢」

@geminiiviolets || @terrovaniadorm / @hallowed-delights || @absolutelyobsessedkiya / @twistedsongstressofstarz || @mystery-skulls-ghost || @abyss-wonderer ||

#twisted wonderland oc #twst oc #twst ocs #mutuals <3 #『 vic ♢ 』 #victoria shard #melanie charmant #malleus draconia #twst malleus #『 malleutoria 🪞 』 #oc x canon #twst oc x canon #oc x oc #mutuals oc #friends' oc #[2024] rosie valentines day ❣️

[eileenslibrary]

Hands Of Old

A/N: Late holidays, I am not sorry.

Zhongli x GN! Reader

Warnings: Angst No Comfort, OOC Zhongli?, Death, Insanity, Depression, Murder?

Characters: Yun Jin, Zhongli, Traveler, Paimon, Guizhong (Mentioned), Nameless Hunter OC 

Songs: Artemis By AURORA, The Willow Maid By Erutan 

You met him long ago, you had met him when you owned the shiniest of jewels, the ones adorning your body in the most gentle of ways catching the sun while you played your Erhu, your white robes drifting like waves as you played a soft tune, one that would calm even the most restless souls. Your tattoos that wrapped around your arms held a pristine blue mirroring the noctilucous jade that adorns your crown of poppies held together in beautiful harmony, even the clouds held envy for your beauty. You were simply something to cherish from afar a being no one could obtain fully for your heart belonged to you, as you would play birds would flutter around you eating the feed you’d put at your feet, you were something mysterious and here you stood in your domain where you were trapped for eternity. Your legs were forced in their spot by the amber that slowly grew around your shins every day. You were alone until Morax found you, but no matter what you never told him your name, never told him why you stood here stuck in the amber, as Morax asked you every time he visited hoping you would give in and answer one day but you never caved in you just continued playing your Erhu playing harder when he’d persist, you knew you mustn't answer for you’d be doomed and not even celestia could stop the harm. Every day someone would wander trying to break you free from your prison to take for their own, anything to make you theirs but you would only stay silent and play your Erhu. One day when you went to feed the birds your arm grabbed the bag you heard a gasp, your eyes widened stopping you in your tracks when you saw Morax in your vision when he saw you move from your instrument for the first in centuries. As he watches you for your next move, he watches you go back to spreading the feed staying silent as usual. Since that day he would try and catch you off guard to see if he could figure out your mystery, but every time he was met with failure. Eventually, he gave up and stopped coming after a while. You felt saddened for your one company to be gone, although he was pushy he never tried to break you free, he was simply curious and wished to know why you stood on that mountain ledge slowly being encased in petrified tree sap. So you waited every day playing a sorrowful tune the people eventually gave up when they realized you would not budge from your prison, you looked down one day and found the amber was to your waist you shed tears knowing in only a thousand years you would be the forgotten beauty stuck on the mountain top stuck in your beautiful prison, every day you would watch the sun rise and set. And every day you would lose hope in the prophecy of someone breaking you free and ending your life painlessly. Every day until you discovered your hair had reached the ground. Still, you played your sorrowful tunes as if crying for mercy, you lost your strength one day and dropped your Erhu, as the instrument fell to the ground shattering over its years of use. You finally let out a sound after that day weeping into the night as you had lost the one thing keeping you sane, you cried and cried, you cried for freedom from your shackles to be freed from your hell. One day an avid hunter approached your garden hearing your cries he rushed to you finding the beautiful being trapped in the amber, he fell in love with them he tried to break them free but they continued crying repeating the words “Stop, go away” he left that night and came back with an axe trying to break the deity free. He would return every day but they would only cry. One day the hunter was gone and the god of geo stumbled across the beauty once again searching for glaze lilies for his beloved, the tears kept falling to the ground watering the daisies that had grown through the bird feed. The jewels had been polished once again the once shoulder lengthed hair nicely braided and resting upon the

ground and yet he couldn’t place where he met them all he knew was they were familiar. He heard the sobs as the deity cried to whoever was merciless enough to trap them here for eternity “Let me go, show me mercy!!” he heard them rasp from the endless shouting, their arms stuck to their side as the amber-trapped them to their sides, their tattoos hidden under the orange of the petrified sap, he approached the poor soul grabbing their shoulder but they ignored him continuing to cry and shout. They ignored how he drew his polearm and struck the amber not until they fell to the ground they finally meet his eyes their blown pupils meeting his, he stood there watching until they rasped “Kill me. End this before I harm someone” Their eyes were full of sorrow as they lay there defenseless “Take my life Morax” he heard them call his name striking him back to back when he tried to coax the deity to say his name his eyes full of recognition, his heart skips a beat “Morax please. . .” they plead grabbing onto his robes with cracked palms tugging while shedding tears upon his feet “Kill me, end this. Save me, save me please” he blinks back tears before raising his polearm above his head and striking them instantly killing them, he watches as they slowly turn to ash the only thing remaining intact was a single jewel. He bent down to grab the jewel admiring the emerald in his palm. He heard someone run up to him, he turned over his shoulder to find the avid hunter with wide eyes “What did you do!? Where are they!?” He demands “They’re gone. . . I killed them” he sighs pocketing the gem in his pocket “What do you mean” the hunter demands “I put them out of their misery,” he says emotionless while his brain shuts down any thoughts. He pushes past the hunter he stops when he hears the hunter cry as he holds the last of the ash. While in Morax’s hands, he holds the purest emerald to exist, he holds your heart in his hands for he was the one to fulfill your wish. 

Zhongli finishes his last sip of tea observing the traveler's face. Their eyes tear up as Paimon covers her mouth “And that is the story of the Nameless Deity” Yun Jin says at the end of her opera bowing to the crowd, Zhongli refrains from grabbing the emerald in his pocket, he closes his eyes breathing in a soft breath as he takes in the smell of silk flowers and the faint perfume of poppies. His heart tightens as he remembers the troubled soul he met long ago, and how he has the purest emerald in his hands of old.      

#zhongli #zhongli x reader #zhongli x you #genshin impact #hoyoverse #yun jin #guizhong #genshin traveler #paimon #angst

[return-of-the-unicorns]

<Video transcript> Finn sits in front of the Camera, and puts her hand to her harp. And begins to sing. It's a cover with the words slightly changed for the circumstance. The pure rage directed at the Toreador who has been continusally stalking and harassing her and her childe and her friends.

As she plays her harp power flows from her, her hair lifting with her voice. This is a stern warning to her foe but at the same time a battlecry to those who stand with her. She is ready to fight alongside them when the time comes. ooc: This means [EDIT]. Lyrics were edited to fit the story Also this video is, once again, locked to supernatural internet only. :ooc

I must contain my anger, or I won't control my power- But gods! How long I've waited just to see this very hour! It's just as well I'm not the one who calls the storm of fire--- Or I would turn this battle plain into your funeral pyre!

The priests all say I must not hate--- but I will not pretend. I saw the wreck you made of him, my [childe] and my friend--- The scars you left in flesh and soul will be so slow to fade--- Oh, would I had your coward heart beneath my naked blade!

I must control my rage, or lose ability to plan, I must direct the fight from here, not charging in the van. As you will likewise do, no doubt, for all that you are cruel And revel in shed blood and pain, I think you are no fool.

But in the name of all the gods, you're all that I despise, Who planned to take by treachery my [bloodline] as your prize--- [My friends], my child[e], my people. All, you plotted to despoil--- By tricks that only miracles enabled us to foil.

I must control my fury or let slip all that I've sought- But vengeance would not be enough for all the grief you've wrought. Gods grant this day you fall beneath the steel of me and mine--- And drink full deeply of defeat, that cold and bitter wine.

My crown is on my brow, my naked blade within my hand. My army like an eager hound lies waiting my command. With how you tortured, killed and lied revealed to them this day--- By all the stars that ever shone, By all the gods, known and unknown, By [Phantom Queen] and [The Raven's Wing]--- I swear that you will pay!

(Edits to the lyrics by me)

@heartfull-gardener

#ic #cw: This is likely to get nasty #asshole saga #edited lyrics #youtube #Mercedes Lackey

[bloodydayshq]

Bloody Days 'Play in the Park'

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟏𝟓𝟓𝟗: Join the King and his Family in the Knot Garden for an open-air viewing of 'The Spanish Tragedy' at Hampton Court. Take in the scenic views of the Thames, enjoy a spectacular firework display, and, most importantly, enjoy the show. Feast, drink, and make merry, but try not to get caught in the sudden storm that drenches the Palace.

As another jade-scented evening settles over Hampton Court Palace, the brash sound of hammering and worker's chatter can be heard from the courtyard. Twinkling stars shed a milky glow over a sea of stages and wooden platforms, constructed for this very purpose, awash with glittering London actors flitting to and fro, and an ample spread of imported wines, seasonable fruits, and sugared delicacies for the court to feast upon – and, if necessary, to toss at lackluster performers.  

His Majesty the King wishes to invite the entirety of court to join His Grace and the Royal Family in the Hampton Court knot garden for an open-air viewing of budding young bard Thomas Kyd’s ‘The Spanish Tragedy.’  At random, members of the court may be summoned to come up on stage and regale the rest of the court with their singing or dancing abilities – but they, too, will be subjected to the cruel tossing of ripe fruit. The night will be cinched with a grandiose firework display over Hampton Court's magnificent towers and a lavish feast of confections and wine by the river, lit by the glow of torches along the banks and a number of royal barges floating over the dark depths of the Thames.

The weather is balmy, but the air swirls with an impending rain, so dress appropriately – and beware the rumbling of the skies above, and the ever-present grumblings of plots and schemes afoot. 

For this special occasion, courtiers have been asked to sport their most glamorous (if not downright ostentatious) garments to impress the foreign guests summoned to join the English court in London. For ease of introduction, each guest present must sport some sort of badge, pendant, or symbol upon their person related to their identity, family, or political sway.

NOTE TO MEMBERS: As the clock strikes midnight (mere minutes after the last blaze of fireworks zing through the smoky sky) a sudden onslaught of rain descends over the court. There is no paucity of places to run to at court, just remember, where – and with whom – you escape to the cloak of safety will be watched by everyone, enemies and allies alike.

OOC Details:

Welcome to our first event, post-revamp! This event will last from Tuesday (noon EST) until Sunday the 5th; however, if you so choose, by Thursday you may begin posting non-event related threads. 'Play in the Park' will take place, in character, at Hampton Court’s Knot Garden. All characters have been asked to participate – so please be sure to join us! Tag all threads and starters with #bd.event002.

#bd.event002 #history rp #period rp #oc rp #new rp #bd.event

[lieonarch]

Their happy ending

Pairing: Guy and Honey 

tw / cw: gendered honey , he/him honey , no dialogue , no angst (i promise fr) , loosely edited so there may be errors , ooc maybe

Summary: “This is the part where we kiss to convince the audience we’re in love” -Guy. Well, i think the audience knows that already Guy bff so here is my take on how the audience aka the ppl around them sees Guy and Honey as a couple. 

Words: 742 

The people who have lived for a long time in the neighbourhood of Street A would typically see the familiar red uniform with the iconic lettering of ‘Max’s Rustic Pizza’ entering the area in the evening as dinner time approaches. Everyone knows that it was the time when the delivery guy had finished his shift; the gentle rumble of his motorcycle could be heard as he rode into one of the housings in the neighbourhood, one where you would have to probably take out most of your life savings to even rent for a few months. It’s up to others’ imaginations how much would be needed even to buy a property.

With the sun shedding its last glow on earth, those who passed by the house would know that there was a handsome gentleman who came out to sit in his garden, usually with his laptop. There is a bright glow reflected in his glasses from the screen of his gadget sitting on his lap. He looked like a painting when he was silent, so focused to even care about the movement in the world and he only did care when a certain pizza delivery guy came into his view. Whatever kept him entertained inside that gadget couldn’t compare to the guy who seem to have returned from work instead of delivering a box of pizza. The silence in the garden broke when the two men collided in a hug, the taller man pulling both of them into a small twirl while the delivery man laughed along with his partner before begging for the other to stop, exclaiming that he was getting dizzy. The cold demeanour of the gentleman almost akin to winter a few moments ago explodes into the brightest of spring and summer. The two of them kissed under the sky where stars slowly came to awake, witnessing a routine between lovers whose faces are carved beautifully with joy when their eyes are filled with the other.

+++

Max’s Rustic Pizza is blessed with loyalty and fame amongst the people of Dahlia with flavours that leave customers finding their way back or typing in the delivery number to order another box. A row of papers was hung up in the kitchen, accompanying the pizza makers as they rush back and forth, sometimes to take ingredients or sometimes to reread the paper to make sure they weren’t making mistakes; each day at work usually leaves most of the workers to sleep deeply by the time they arrive home.

Some workers are more fortunate than others, a worker in this category is the one who usually delivers most of the orders to designated addresses. He is also the one who would return at lunch to boxes of donuts to share with his coworkers and a few stems of flowers. It’s not a rare occurrence and it was obvious from the light pink dusting on his cheeks as well as the not-so-secret phone calls after he ate his lunch that the person who sent them were more than acquaintances. More than friends.

On the other side of the phone, the people in the research lab who return from lunch are familiar with the tall senior who smiled fondly while he has his phone against his ear. They give him a nod if they make eye contact and he would do the same to them with a smile that felt foreign; after all, it wasn’t meant for anyone except for the person on the phone.

+++

Those who observed from afar and those who lived as a slightly significant figure would notice the change in their already established routine, a very subtle change that could be spotted if one looked just a bit lower to their hands: the silver glow around both of their ring fingers and the small spark of diamond in the center of it indicated how far the couple is into the relationship. Few can’t help but comment on it, expressing their happiness for them. While the man who worked at the pizza place would shyly thank them with a laugh, the gentleman in the research lab boasts about the details of the rings that he had bought for his lover.

It was safe to say that the people who are secretly in awe and rooted for the couple would soon discover that they will be together for a long time. Together to continue and show off to the world their happy ending.

---End---

A/N: Listen after the first part, past me wanted to take an angsty turn but another part of me stopped myself so if anything, be thankful to that version this fic turned out happy bc damn this had an alternate ending i just didnt write it hhhh. anyway thank you so much for reading if you did! 

#redacted asmr #redacted honey #redacted guy #redactedverse #liefen writes #this is the highlight of all of my honey/guy posts today #jk #unless?? #this was all my way of coping for uni pls bear with me haha

[day-sies]

‘till you think too much, you’ll never grow up

welcome to the garden. this is a c!tommy roleplay blog, based after the prison break and canon-compliant in everything before that.

any asks are all good and well. tommy uses he/him pronouns. tags + fun under the cut

icon by samcc850 on twitter

tags

cracks in the sidewalk - ic post

butterflys repose - asks

youve let yourself fold - heavy content

crows call - ooc

the fodder - reblogs

pick out her heart - [tba]

the wasps and the figs - @bridgeoftulips

can on a string - @voidedcall

unclench your fists - @chekhovs-bladesmith

what those know-nothings say - @revengingqueen

shed-off soul - @ph1lgirlblog

a timeless cage - [tbd]

to be lost however briefly - @slmcclwstkn

to the you in my poems - @amithebadguy

both sides of the glass - @legacygamble

count the rings - @gamblersarchitect

sleep with a baseball bat - @viole-n-tstreak

singing while rome burns- @girlwhohasnothingtolose

#cracks in the sidewalk #butterflys repose #youve let yourself fold #crows call #the fodder #the wasps and the figs #can on a string #unclench your fists #what those know-nothings say #shed-off soul #a timeless cage #to be lost however briefly #to the you in my poems #count the rings #both sides of the glass #sleep with a baseball bat #singing while rome burns

[westeroslive]

when  the  sun  rises  in  the  west,   the  gods  eyes  are  drawn.  may  the  seven  have  mercy  upon  you  as  we  welcome  you  to  court,   lady taliesin lannister nee harlaw, lord sinan martell !   now  a  victim  of  the  court,  the  bards  compare  your  beauty  to  angela sarafyan, sükrü  ozyıldız as  you  play  the  game  in  the  midst  of  seasoned  nobles.

behave  and  follow  the  queen's  word  written  in  our  checklist  and  submit  your  account  within  24  hours.  

𓏲ּ ֶָ 𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝒕𝒗 ⁝ angela sarafyan, 37, ciswoman, she/her/hers. announcing the arrival of TALIESIN of house LANNISTER NEE HARLAW, the RULING LADY of CASTERLY ROCK. whispers among the court name them to be both DISCIPLINED and WITHOLDING in disposition, and those closest to them speak to their interests in swimming. if we bards could compose a song for them, it might tell stories of a blade sheathed in a scabbard as it gathers dust in the back of an armoire; a salty tang on the tip of her tongue with nary a tear shed; head lowered deferentially despite the fierce lift of her gaze; measured steps in stone hallways that instinctually give way to the balanced sway on a ship deck; the bowed figurehead splashed with shards of bottle glass and rivulets of sweet wine. the seven whisper to their most devout queen as she sleeps, making her question where their loyalties truly lie. are they right to whisper? for their loyalties truly lie with THE LANNISTERS & THE HARLAWS. ( ooc : tori, 24, she/her/hers, pst )

𓏲ּ  ֶָ  𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝒕𝒗  ⁝         sükrü  ozyıldız,  thirty - six,  cis  man,  he  /  him.    announcing  the  arrival  of  SINAN  of  house  MARTELL,  the LORD  of  SUNSPEAR.  whispers  among  the  court  name  them  to  be  both  AMBITIOUS  and  SYBARITIC  in  disposition,  and  those  closest  to  them  speak  to  their  interests  in  hobby.  if  we  bards  could  compose  a  song  for  them,  it  might  tell  stories  of  venom-toothed,  you  were  created  to  paralyze and  devour;  a  ruinous  thing,  you  steal  into  the  garden  and  spread  the  rot — savagely  bite  into  the  forbidden  fruit,  you  have  an  aversion  to  purity — to  the  pristine;  in  your  hands,  nothing  is  left  unsullied,  the  search  for  sanctity  will  yield  no  results  in  this  life;  own  it  or  it  will  own  you,  you  are  a  carrion  bird;  every  battlefield  is  a  feast  for  your  chiseled  beak — you  dive  into  the  bloody  mire  and  come  out  victorious,  the  only  one  triumphant  in  the  end.  the  seven  whisper  to  their  most  devout  queen  as  she  sleeps,  making  her  question  where  their  loyalties  truly  lie.  are  they  right  to  whisper?  for  their  loyalties  truly  lie  with  HOUSE  MARTELL.          (  ooc  :  day,  25+,  she / her,  cst )

#westeros.accepted #got rp #period rp #hotd rp #asoiaf rp #two icons have entered the chat

[aetherhealingagent]

//Thinking of shaking it up with Rue, I miss writing him. So gonna rewrite some stuff about him and probably age him up a bit. Some extra character development for him too. 

I am stuck on whether he’d move to be a baker/flower shop owner/ or pokemon rescue center. 

#garden shed// ooc #been thinking abt him a lot lately #I miss this blog

[maheeia]

missy’s bad at settling down but i still like to imagine she’d have a little cottage w the love of her life and a garden in a nice quiet part of the shroud

#ooc #i just want to imagine her tending to a garden rly bad #shed be so cute in like. big overalls. a sunhat #dirt all over her face and knees #please

[jewishjanetandco]

the bab working in her garden

#beyond the clouds ( ooc ) #curls and rosy cheeks ( genevieve ) #sims tag;; #it's winter in the game so i built them a garden shed

[3rdgymbros]

— title; when is a monster not a monster? (oh, when you love it).

— pairing; zhongli x reader

— summary; in which zhongli loses control and turns into a dragon, but you manage to bring him back.

— notes; i don’t play genshin, so i hope it’s not too ooc !! special thanks to @yuebloom​ and​ @degenerate-yandere and @teyvatstories​ for their support !! if anyone is interested, the song referenced in this fic is called asking the zither and can be found here !!

Screaming.

The sound that sears itself into your ears is like nothing you've never heard before, the hoarse scream of an enraged animal that vibrates through your whole body, scraping over your skin like claws.

With much effort, you finally manage to open your eyes. It's excruciating. Your eyelids feel like they're made of lead. Squinting against the sudden light, you try to sit up, but can only groan as your body erupts into joint-wrenching pains. Your face is wet, and dampness runs down into your collar.

"Ow." You say; at least, that's what you try to say. It comes out as more of an indistinct moan. You have to resist the urge to sink back into that suffocating blackness, somewhere far away, where the pain can't reach you. "Where –"

Another scream. Closer this time. Sounding almost human. Wearily, you raise your head, push yourself onto hands and knees; there’s pain in each of your ribs, one by one, like a xylophone breaking as it plays.

Wind rips at your robes and branches fly by. Dirt and bits of grass are rising and dancing chaotically as though enchanted. Trees fall with a shudder that shakes the earth. A deafening roar sounds above your head, and you look up, amazed, to see a dragon, his silhouette dark against the sun. His scales are a dark, burnished shade of brown, his eyes and horns and spinal plates a bright, vivid amber. The dragon throws back his head and screams, blowing out golden flames with his next exhale.

Even as far away as you are, you can still feel the searing heat, washing over your face, and bringing with it memories, roaring through your mind with vicious velocity.  You remember falling to the ground in a bloodied heap, burgundy poison staining your robes. You remember hearing an awful, strangled cry from Rex Lapis, as though he had been the one in pain. And then – nothing.

Staring at the dragon's familiar amber eyes, it isn't so hard to surmise what had happened, how things had taken the worst possible turn.

Now, as a dragon, Rex Lapis has single-handedly managed to turn the tides of battle. Archons and humans alike are turning and fleeing, a mass exodus intent on escaping from this unstoppable force of nature. The dragon lands on the scorched earth, unleashing flames and teeth and claws. You watch his head crane around at the end of that long serpentine neck, watch as his tail lashes sideways and catches a man making his escape, breaking him in two. You have to choke back the urge to vomit, swallowing back your own fear. Blood, and sticky smoke clings to you.

“Rex Lapis!” You scream, unsure if he can hear you. “REX LAPIS!”

His head turns. Smoke rises between his teeth. He sweeps his tail again, sending up a choking storm of dust and sand. You stumble into the cloud of darkness and smoke with a cough. He snaps, flashing razor sharp teeth and claws. The black teeth close inches away from your face.

No, you want to say. Not me, no, no, don't you remember me?

Your chest constricts tightly, practically squeezing your throat shut with panic. The sand is in your eyes now. Stinging, blinding, filling them with tears. Stumbling back, you tumble to the ground once again. Your back and head absorb the brunt of the landing. Warmth drips down your cheeks. You aren't sure if it’s blood, sweat, tears, or a mixture of all three fluids.

Rex Lapis roars, a sound of fury, daring anyone to challenge him. The sound fills your ears. A furnace wind engulfs you. The dragon’s long scaled neck stretches out towards you. His eyes are molten. Panic shivers up your spine. Your mouth is dry, no matter how often you swallow, but you can't – don't dare to – look away.

For the first time in your life, you're scared of Rex Lapis.

He's known to all as the God of War, and you've lost count of the number of times he's personally brought his enemies to their end, but he's always treated you with a guarded tenderness, and you've never felt anything but safe in his presence, as though nothing else in the world had existed but you and him.

Now, Rex Lapis roars full in your face, his breath hot enough to blister skin.

"Rex Lapis." You choke out, barely able to catch your breath. Ash and cinders scorch your throat. “Rex Lapis. It’s [ NAME ]. You remember me, right?”

In the smoldering pits of his eyes, you can see your own reflection. How small you look, how weak and frail and scared. Rex Lapis is looking at you, but he isn’t seeing you. As if sensing danger, your skin prickles, power calling to you. It buzzes through your heart and mind. You imagine vines and thorns erupting from the ground, the green tendrils consuming everyone and everything in their path. For an instant, you think about ending the battle. Enough blood has been shed. You're tired of fighting. You could do it; it would even be easy. But then you look into those eyes, lakes of molten gold, and a lead weight settles upon your shoulders. Your heart gives up, exploding, bursting like a balloon.

Not on him, you think. You can't hurt him. Not when he’s like this; scared, in pain, reeling.

Rex Lapis roars again, the sound full of fear and fury, full of pain. His teeth snap at you, inches away from your face.

“REX LAPIS!”

The dragon jerks his head back.

“Stop!”

Behind a fence of sharp black teeth you glimpse a furnace glow, the shimmer of a sleeping fire. Wisps of smoke spiral upward from the dragon’s nostrils. You can barely see through your tears, but you stare at Rex Lapis until he meets your gaze again. Your legs are quivering, but you fear that if you turn and run now, he truly will be lost to you.

“It’s okay. Rex Lapis, it’s okay. I won’t let anyone hurt you, so please –” You can't finish as your voice breaks, and you're reduced to coughing, trying to clear the sobs caught in your throat. You've expected the terror to abate at your words, or your heart to stop shattering, but it doesn't. It just makes it worse. "Please –"

Please come back.

Come back to me.

His long serpentine neck bends like an archer’s bow, preparing to rain down hellfire again. You swallow past the fear, past the lump of waterworks wedged deep in your throat.

"I used to sing to you. In the gardens, in the afternoons. When you were taking your tea." You say, quietly, quietly, even as something in the pit of your stomach falls away. "Do you remember?"

The dragon looks at you, his gaze lingering for the span of three long heartbeats. You think you see a flicker of awareness. Brief, but it's there.

It feels as though all the air has been squeezed out of your lungs, but still, you sing. You owe it to him, to this god who extended his hand to you in friendship, who offered you warmth and companionship and protection, a home to call your own. Your voice is soft, softer than you've ever heard it.

The night is tender, cold springs ripple. Memories surface in my reflections. I play a song, you smile once more in my dreams.

The words are like a silk shawl, light and cool. You can smell wild roses, fresh-cut hay, bonfires. Grass springs up between your toes, and the earth warms beneath the soles of your feet.

Yours is the only voice that you can hear, the shouts and screams and the world falling away into nothing. Nothing exists except for this, except for your song, the rawness of your throat, pushing the words and a shaky melody out into the still, warm air.

And the dragon listens.

He bends his dark head, and with a last hiss, coils himself around your body like a great serpent, resting his head upon your lap. You can feel him relax, feel him sinking into the earth and into you. His scales are hot to the touch, like armor left too long in the sun.

Still, you continue singing, gentle and reassuring as your hands stroke over his scales, tracing the ragged grooves of his horns. You wish for your touch to be enough, for your voice to bring him back. The dragon slips away from you with a deep exhalation.

You're still holding him close, until long after the sun sets, when the glossy dark scales have melted away, and Rex Lapis lies upon your lap, a man once more.

#zhongli #zhongli x reader #zhongli imagines #zhongli headcanons #zhongli reader inserts #genshin impact headcanons #genshin headcanons #genshin impact reader insert #genshin reader insert #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact imagines #genshin x reader #genshin imagines #genshin impact #genshin #♥ || sam writes. #;; hahahahah the more i stare the worse it gets