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m00nlight-ramblings · 3 months

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Evergreen: Chapter 1

You (Atriss) are an elf sorcerer, who somehow ended up with a tadpole in your brain. After having met multiple companions, they take on the biggest journey of their lives to fight the evil energy behind their capture and looming transformation. All the while, you fall for a vampiric elf, completely changing your life, and your heart.

This is the first chapter of Evergreen.

Pairings: Astarion x original female character (but still using "you"), among others down the road

Warnings: none. There will eventually be hurt/comfort, smut, angst, fluff, etc. Each chapter will have their own warning. The entire story is 18+ so MINORS DNI!

Word Count: 1.96k

A/N: This is my first multi-chapter fic, and I am so excited to write it for you all! Please note this will be a SLOW BURN romance, filled with lots of emotions and feelings! Enemies to lovers. Buckle up, it's gonna be quite the journey.

The only thing you remembered after the Nautiloid, funnily enough, was the sun.

It felt so wonderful on your skin, tickling you awake slowly. With your eyes still closed, and a sense of confusion in your head, you imagined yourself on a tropical beach somewhere...perhaps, you had accidentally dozed off for an early-afternoon nap. The sun warmed your cheeks, causing you to sigh contently, wrapped in the warm embrace of nature...the cherry on top were the birds singing some ways away.

Until your brain had snapped you back to reality.

Soon, the memory of the capture - you on your way home late one night in Baldur's Gate - and your forced stay on the Nautiloid came crashing back to you. Your eyes popped open and you immediately sat up, a wave of nausea induced by the pain running through your body. Clutching your stomach, you leaned over slightly, ready to expel the bile gathering in your stomach. How funny that mere moments before, you had subconsciously tricked yourself into thinking you were on some sort of vacation, when in reality, you were puking your guts up and fighting a dizzy spell.

Slowly standing up - with the help of the giant rock you were leaning against - you took in her surroundings. A small, almost sorry excuse for a beach, littered with bodies, and said bodies' belongings. You turned and saw the Nautiloid behind, parts engulfed in flames. The once feel-good sun was now causing a pounding headache and you winced from the pain, slowly walking around the beach.

"Hello?" You called, your voice raspy and hoarse, "Is anyone here alive?"

The only sounds that met you back were the sounds of flames and creaking metal. You took inventory of her person - completely devoid of all your belongings.

Well, fuck.

Your groaned and continued to walk, trying not to look at the dead bodies littering the beach.

Okay, you thought, trying to calm your breathing, I was captured by mind flayers and forced upon their ship. I have a tadpole in my brain. Their ship...crashed? And landed here. And I somehow...survived?

How in the hell did I do that?

As you continued down the beach, you noticed something glittering in the sand next to a body...gold. Pursing your lips together, you stopped at the body and thought for a moment.

"I'm probably going to need some of that..." You said out loud quietly. Even though there was no one around you - no one alive, anyway - you still looked behind yourself, making sure no one was watching. You snatched the few gold coins scattered around the body and put them in the pocket of your tattered pants. While reaching for the gold, you noticed the body had a dagger attached to a holster. You sighed, quickly reaching for the dagger while trying to somehow not touch the corpse you were currently looting.

"Forgive me, forgive me, forgive me." You said pleadingly to no one in particular. It wasn't the first time you had looted a corpse - after all, you had been on plenty of adventures - but you tried not to make a habit of it if you could.

After you had attached the dagger in its holster to your body, you continued up the beach, avoiding the crash in case any of the mind flayers somehow had survived. You were fairly certain you would be able to fight them, but at this current moment you were a little worse for wear, and truly wanted to find some sort of town or village. Passing by a fishing boat in a small dock, a flash of hope struck you - maybe you would luck out, after all.

After about an hour of walking, and still not meeting a living soul, you heard voices in the path ahead. Something along the lines of arguing. Quickly, you ducked into the nearest bush in case of enemies - you stayed completely still so you could hear their conversation.

"And I'm just telling you that this is a waste of our time - we shouldn't be helping a group of random Tieflings...we should be trying to figure out how to get these damned tadpoles out of our brains!" A voice in frustration, it's sound of a lyrical lilt.

Tadpoles! You thought, almost jumping out of the bush, They must be survivors of the crash! I'm not the only one.

"I agree with Astarion - this isn't our problem. And we shouldn't be wasting our time." Another voice spoke. She sounded annoyed, her words cutting and sharp.

More words were spoken, but they were mumbled. Leaning a bit forward out of the bush, you tried to get into a better position for hearing the argument.

"But as we were told before, this druid, Halsin, may be able to help us," A third voice - deep and melodic - said, almost trying to reason with the other two, "With Wyll and Karlach on our side now, I think we have a fair shot of taking on this goblin camp, rescuing Halsin, and therefore potentially getting these tadpoles out!"

More grumbling happened as you leaned forward just a bit more to hear it. Steadying your footing, you scooted a bit closer to the conversation.

"Yeah, that sounds like a fine idea! Besides, what do you have against us tieflings, you two?!" A booming voice rose, laughter following it.

"Darling, I'm not against tieflings, but-"

Soon you realized you couldn't hear the rest of the conversation. Inching forward ever so slightly, you grumbled. Suddenly, you lost your footing, you foot slipping under you, and sending you tumbling out of the bush with a loud THUMP!

And straight in front of the group arguing.

Immediately the group of five shouted and drew their weapons, pointed at you. You shrieked and jumped up, throwing your hands in the air.

"I come in peace, I promise!" You shouted, backing up.

"Says the istik who jumped out of a bush, chk!" A githyanki woman said, her sword closing in your throat, "Speak, or lose your head."

"Lae'zel, enough. Give her some breathing room," The deep voice from earlier spoke. It came from a handsome man, with flowing brown hair and purple robes, "Let's hear her out before we decide to end her life."

"Yes, that is a fantastic idea!" You said, trying to catch your breath. You cleared your throat, trying to lower the adrenaline coursing through your body, "Um...hello?" You offered, trying to look all of them in the eye.

The group was a weird mix - a devilish-looking tiefling, a fair haired elf, two humans, a githyanki, and a heavily clad half elf all stood before you expectantly. The half elf crossed her arms impatiently.

"Out with it, we don't have all day."

Oh, big surprise - she was the annoyed one from earlier.

"My name is Atriss," You offered, "I was on the Nautiloid...I also have a tadpole...I heard you mention it earlier?" The mention of the tadpole made the party readjust themselves in some way. When no one spoke, you kept going, "I'm just...trying to find some lodging. And to figure out what happened to me."

"Well, you're probably going to want to find a cure for this tadpole before you find lodging," The devilish-looking tiefling said, "Apparently those things are what turn you into a mind flayer, so you should probably work on that, first."

A wave of panic washed over you, "...I'm going to turn into a mind flayer?"

"Ah, do not panic...not yet," The brown haired man said, "Apparently, it should have happened already, and it...obviously hasn't. So, we seem to be safe...for now."

You nodded slowly, looking at the man, who, for whatever reason, was smiling as he talked about becoming a mind flayer.

"Where are you from, Atriss?" The second human man asked.

"Baldur's Gate...are we close to there?"

The elf and half elf laughed, almost a snicker. You looked at the elf and narrowed your eyes - something about him was a little off.

"Darling, we aren't even close," He spoke, the lyrical lilt from earlier, "But you're in luck, because that's where some of us are trying to get back to, as well."

"Yeah, soldier! Stick with us and we'll go on an adventure together!" The tiefling said, punching her fist in the air, "But first, we have some goblins to slay."

"What Karlach means is, we are going to find someone to take these tadpoles out of our heads. But in the meantime, there seem to be some...obstacles we must defeat first." The brown haired human said. Suddenly, he took a step forward and bowed slightly, "I'm Gale. Wizard extraordinaire."

"Oh, okay-"

"This is Karlach, like I mentioned earlier. And that is Wyll, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, and finally, Astarion." Gale pointed to each person with their introduction and I nodded to all of them, my gaze resting on Astarion.

His hair was a fair shade of silver, and his seemingly-perpetual smirk was quite enticing. His eyes were an odd shade of red...you had never seen that before. Standing confidently, you noticed him sizing you up as you stood there, taking in the group.

"Can I help you with something?" You asked him, raising your eyebrows. His body stayed still as a statue.

"Whatever do you mean, darling?" He retorted.

"Well, it just seems that you have a vast interest in me, and I was wondering what I could do in order to squash your interest." You jutted your chin out a bit, crossing your arms. Karlach whistled and slapped Astarion's shoulders from behind.

"Seems you've got some competition in the Sassy Department, Astarion!" She said, cackling wildly. Wyll joined in on her laughter, and you could see a smirk playing on Gale and Shadowheart's lips. Lae'zel stood frowning.

Astarion did a quick once over on your body before turning on his heels, taking off, "If we want to try and fight these damned goblins sometime soon, then we should get going." He said to no one in particular. One by one, the group followed suit, Karlach making eye contact with you and rolling her eyes before falling in line with you.

"Don't worry, soldier. That's a warm welcome if I've ever seen one!" She said, "Welcome to the squad! Nice to have another personality on board - don't tell her, but Lae'zel's brooding was becoming a bit too much for me." Her voice lowered so no one else can hear.

"I can already tell she's the 'warm and welcoming' type." You said back. Karlach snickered.

"First things first, we must head back to the grove so we can get a bag of holding and supplies for Atriss," Wyll commanded at the front of the group, "Atriss, do you have any gold?"

"Um..." You absentmindedly put your hand in your pants pockets, fingering the 5 pieces of gold you had stolen from the corpse, "...not enough." You said, ashamed. You watched Astarion and Shadowheart roll their eyes and look at each other. A blush rose over your cheeks - what was it about you that made Astarion dislike you already?

"No worries...I can work something out once we arrive." Wyll said, offering you a kind smile, "Let's get going...we'll gather some more information from Zevlor this evening, prepare for our departure, and set off first thing tomorrow. Sound good?"

The group murmured their agreements, as they took off towards the Tiefling Grove, the fact of the matter hit you: you were now embedded in a journey that, from the looks of it, was about to be very long, very dangerous, and very life-changing.

You swallowed your fear, trying to keep up with the rest of the group.

After all, what else was there to do?

---

First chapter of "Evergreen"! This was a bit more of a build-up...I know there wasn't almost any Astarion/Atriss, but I promise it's coming!

As always, it means the world to me if you liked/commented/reblogged...it especially helps me know that you all are enjoying it!

#bg3 #astarion #astarion bg3 #astarion fanfic #baldurs gate 3 #astarion headcanon #bg3 astarion #astarion imagine #astarion x reader #astarion fan fiction #astarion fluff #astarion smut #astarion x tav #astarion x you #astarion x oc

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vixencrawley · 8 months

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A Price To Pay |•Dark!Ominis Gaunt x Stripper!Mc

Chapter 1: On My Feet

Summary: 5 years after graduating from Hogwarts, Ominis Gaunt has shocked the ministry by taking over the Gaunt household, inheriting every single power that the famous family has from his brother, changing in ways Mc doesn't realize; Mc's prestigious family has gone into ruin after her father's arrest and her little sister developing a serious illness. Mc was desperate to get cash to get her sister back into a hospital, she thought maybe she could "borrow" some money from her dearest friend Ominis. Mc will soon find out that the new and improved Gaunt will take back what's supposed to be his no matter what it takes.

Genre: Dark Romance, Angst, Smutty

Word Count: 2,546k

Author's Note: This is my first time writing fanfiction so please be kind and send helpful critisim, i must warn the readers that this is a dark romance ff so please do not read if you are uncomfortable with it. and no smut yet thats for the next chapter hehehe.

BE. GONE. MINORS.

Warning: 18+, Kidnapping, Robbery, Dying, Stockholm Syndrome, Rough Sex, Master kink, explicit sexual content, aged-up characters, love triangle? Eye gouging, explicit dancing

Footsteps collide with the muddy waters scattered around the dark street. I pant heavily as I try to run as fast as a scared fox, sharp edges of a gold plated porcelain plate dug through my skin yet I ignored the pain.

Sounds of my dark clock harmonized with the stomps of countless horses "Capture her!" yelled by a guard drawing their wands towards the running figure .

My skin shivered from the cold unforgivable air. I knew I shouldn't have stolen from the gaunts but this is the only way I could save her, Ominis will understand..right? Turning my heel to a secluded alleyway a wall began to slowly appear from the ground. I quickly grabbed onto a pile of boxes, threw them in the ground creating a quick makeshift ramp.

Without hesitation I ran towards the crowded pub across the street. I hid behind a few pedestrians and slipped through the backdoor. I dropped the sack of stolen items I was holding and quickly grabbed the bag hidden behind a few garbage bins, moving the stolen items in it.

Shuffling around my pockets to pull out two veils of polyjuice potion. I saw a harmless sleeping homeless person and dosed the polyjuice potion onto them. Having them transform as a version of me, with a heavy heart I regrettably leave the homeless person posing as me to distract the guards who were following me.

I calmly walked towards an alley while I drank the remaining polyjuice potion. Turning into a fine gentleman, my hair turning gray, facial hair starts to grow above my lip. I took off my cloak revealing a more high class three piece suit, no one suspects a man.

Walking down the streets with the confidence of an innocent man as I hear guards capturing the 'suspect' on the abandoned alleyway. I look back ensuring myself that they would let the man go as soon they figured out they were actually innocent. 'they would be fine, I need to do this for Alice'

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Knockturn Alley became my home. No matter how dangerous it may be it was a place that unseemly turned into something familiar. I used to remember coming here with another of my old friends, Sebastian Sallow, he would always claim to protect me from the wandering eyes of passersby. Oh how much I missed the sense of safety, quickly walking to an almost rundown apartment building.

Unlocking the door and opening it to see my younger sister, Alice making tea. Her body is weak from this muggle illness called cancer, her hair falling like a leaf in the autumn season.

Small single bedroom with a few kitchen items on the west side of the room. It was lifeless, something I'm sure Alice isn't used to but was our home, it was the only thing i could afford with a hectic schedule.

I dropped my bag, quickly rushing towards her side "Alice, I told you not to strain your body didn't I?" I calmly said as I led her back to the one bed on the apartment floor. "I know sister.. I just thought I could make you some breakfast today" Alice coughed as she laid down on the bed.

"You shouldn't worry about those things Alice" pulling the blankets over her fragile shivering body "If I'm not worried about such things who would sister?" She commented, causing me to smile from the corners of my mouth.

"I can handle myself Alice, I'm your great big sister after all" I stretched my arm out flexing it, showing my little sister how strong her big sister is. She giggled at my gesture but her smile quickly faded. "Are you working late again?"

It was hard enough to support the both of us after our father was convicted through the crimes of treason. Taking all of my family's wealth as compensation from all the lives he scammed away, I know leaving Alice alone in the rundown apartment wasn't the best idea but it was the only one I could afford…for now.’Getting her back to St. Mungos is my first priority’

Getting up from the floor I walk towards the kitchen, if you can call it that. I picked up the bag I threw on the ground and moved it to the dirty counter.

"Unfortunately, yes.. but don't worry after my shift we'll be able to have enough for you to be back in St. Mungos for a couple of months and after you get better I'll take you to the carnival" I announced as I finished making breakfast from the unfinished food Alice created earlier.

I hear my sister squeal in excitement. She would always tell me she wanted to go to that carnival around the corner of Knockturn Alley. With the remaining cash that should be left after I give it to Eugene.

As soon as I finished making breakfast I got two plates and set a portion for me and Alice. Intentionally making Alice's portion much bigger than mine, placing Alice's plate in front of her. She immediately started eating her breakfast.

"Did you get a promotion in your waitress job,sister?" Alice asked full of curiosity, I took a deep breath. It's hard to lie to my sister. I know she wouldn't approve of me being an exotic dancer or even a thief but it's the only way I could pay for her expensive care at St. Mungus not to mention the countless potions.

"Yeah so you have nothing to worry about" I smiled towards her hoping she wouldn't push more questions. "Oh Merlin! I forgot to tell you something sister" she weakly grabbed a letter that was hidden inside the bedside drawer.

"An owl came by earlier and left this letter, it was addressed to you" she handed me the letter, it was pristine it looked like it was written with the fanciest paper anyone could afford. I turned the envelope and a certain word got my attention.

'Gaunt' "It's from the Gaunts, I think it's from Ominis, your best friend, sister!" Alice said excitedly but all I could feel was horror, maybe it was a mistake I made sure he wouldn't recognize me!

"I missed Ominis sister! Do you remember when he would always give me sweets when his family used to visit us in London!" My sister reminisced about Ominis. I didn't want to tell her how much the gaunt family turned their back on us when father was imprisoned for treason.

"Yeah I missed Ominis too.." I whispered as I got up to hide the envelope in the closet.

Ominis Gaunt was my best friend, someone who I could play violin as he played piano, someone who I could sneak out of the bedroom to grab snacks in the kitchen, someone who would tutor me in charms class, or someone who would comfort you after Sebastian ran away.

“Ominis! Guess what I just found in the garden?” I said with a child-like smile hiding a small item behind my back. I knew ominous couldn't see but i still wanted it to be a surprise “Could it perhaps be another grimes fairy tale book?” Ominis proclaimed with a small smirk forming in the corner of his mouth, his head never leaving the book he held. “Nope! Guess again!” I shook my head, swaying my body weight back and forth as I looked down at my yellow gown.

Slowly looking up at young Ominis who wore a green plaid vest with a white beige linen shirt paired with a black trousers. He looked rather dashing in outerwear. He dropped the braille book on top of the table in front of his chair. Ominis took a deep breath and creased his chin “Ah ha! Could it be a pastry?” He declared with a proud smile.

“Nope! Do you want me to tell you?” I giggled at Ominis who hadn't guessed the item I was holding behind my back. He smiled defeatingly and looked at my general direction “ Okay fine please tell me what it is”. “Hold out your hand” I said as I reached for his tiny hands, he willingly reached for mine as well; gently opening his palms I placed a very delicate daisy onto it “It's a daisy! I found it in the backside of the garden!”

Gently guiding his fingers to ‘see’ the flower “Sadly there was only one i couldn't find a field of them! I heard from our muggle servant that in the muggle world there is a field of daisies that exists in the countryside!” Sitting next to his legs I placed my head on his lap.I so badly wanted to see a field of daisies..Do you think Hogwarts has a field of daisies?” I questioned him hoping he would answer yes “I don't think hogwarts has a field of daisies,little dove”

I pouted my bottom lip, knowing deep down I wouldn't be able to see a field of daisies ``urgh”. Ominis gently patted my head “Don't worry i promise you’ll see a field of daisies, i'll make sure you’ll see a plentiful” that statement alone still made me sad i was able to see a field of daisies what about Ominis? Disheartened, I gazed upon Ominis; he looked really handsome with his foggy blue eyes. “I don't want to see a field of daisies anymore”

“How so?” He asked with curiosity “Well if i can see a field of daisies then you wouldn't! I wanna experience that with you ominis!” He caressed my cheeks,feeling his warmth calmed me in a way I couldn't describe. “ Its okay, i know without my sight im not able to experience things with you but as long as i am with you i am perfectly fine with it”

I would be lying if i haven't said that ominis’s words often leave me blushing red. He let go of my cheeks and grabbed his want in his pockets and did a unfamiliar spell “Presavation Acentio!” He announced as he flicked and whipped his wand casting an invisible cast around the single daisy. I stared at it in awe. “What spell did you just use?And where did you learn that Omi?” He giggled at my curiosity “Just some books i had been reading in preparation for my first year in hogwarts”

Sadly, I remembered that ominis would have to leave to attend Hogwarts in a few months; I wouldn't be able to play with him. “It's a preservation spell you can keep the daisy for decades” He placed it on the palm of my hands. I shook my head and got up to his level “No! You should keep it! You're leaving for Hogwarts and you don't have anything to remember me by!” I inserted the daisy in his dress pocket in his vest “When you go to Hogwarts I want you to remember me every time you see a daisy”.

Ominis chuckled at my gestures and grabbed my hand, he kissed the back of my hand “I couldn't possibly forget someone like you my little dove, but if you wished i will remember you as i smell a hint of daisy or even grazed upon one” I smiled proudly knowing ominis would remember be by a beautiful flower.

__________________________________

After making sure my sister was well fed I quietly left and locked the apartment ensuring she wouldn't be able to wake up from me leaving so quickly.

It was time for my shift at the pub, countless people flooded the place. It's surrounded by nobles who are dealing illegal crimes at the sideline, and obviously numerous drunkies who drink their lives' problems away. ‘How ignorant’.

I sighed and entered the staffroom, changing into a laced corset with matching lace stockings. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder sending cold shivers down my spine. "Mc! There you are" a enthusiastic tone said by the one and only Eugene O'Brien.

"Well hello to you too Eugene" I said in a condescending tone towards him. "Don't be like that Mc, I'm the one helping you after all" he prompted his arm around my shoulder.

Flinching from the sudden action I kept a straight face even if I was disgusted at his gesture, I know deep down he is not helping me with good intentions. But he is the only one who can get me jobs like a exotic dancer and even a thief at such short notice.

I took a deep breath and avoided eye contact as he went on about a whore he banged. I clutched my chest trying to suppress my shaky hands.

His laugh faded as he noticed my demeanor, he harshly grabbed my chin to face him "Don't give me that attitude Crawley! Remember the hand that feeds you"

I looked up at him trying to look at his other features like his brown locks or that scar across his lips. I know if I ever looked at him eye to eye he would sense my fear of him. He was right, Alice and I are only alive because he gave me a chance at numerous jobs.

I nodded at his statement, my fingers trembled" I'm sorry Eugene.. I'm just on edge today..please forgive me.." I begged hoping he would let my unprofessional attitude go, legs felt weak as I tried to intimidate him back.

He rashly let go of my chin, tossing me down on the ground. I stayed on the ground not wanting to look up at his tall figure. "You should be grateful I started a small conversation with a whore like you." He bent down and grabbed my hair, forcing me to look at him.

"Where's the items I told you to steal?" I shakily pointed at the bag I came in a while ago, it is filled with the items I was instructed to grab. He let go my hair and snatched the bag "I'll get your share later slut"

I pant heavily frightened by his cruel actions towards me, I looked away trying to focus on the mold on the lockers instead of trying to suppress my panic at the situation.

A knock was heard through the door and Eugene walked towards. I looked at the door's direction still avoiding eye contact, another staff member came and whispered something to Eugene and quickly left after.

I reluctantly got up from the floor, even if my limbs slowly turned into jelly. Snapping his fingers, it rang in my ears and swiftly looked at Eugene's direction, I lowered my head not wanting to give him more reasons to get furious.

"Mc! Get ready your regular Mr. Snake requested you" the mention of Mr. Snake somehow calmed my nerves, out of every regulars that had requested for me he had happened to be my favorite.

He was a gentleman yet still carried a demanding aura. He would always request me and would often extend his time until my shift ends. "I understand I'll get ready"

"He's in the green room" Eugene commented as he left and headed towards his office, while looking through the bag. I swallowed the lump on my throat not realizing I was holding my breath. I opened my locker again and swiftly reapplied my makeup

tags: @littletealight @slootmagix @jakesully-sbabygirl @lizonzon @slytherinmodqueen @khamanix @belladorea @mehnotenoughtime @choccy-milky @cuffmeinblack @greedyforgarreth

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ceruleancattail · 1 year

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HI HI I love your works about butler twst SO MUCH i really like the concept, the dynamics, and how they interact with the reader (also the company (no i'm not lonely what are you talking about)) so i had a random idea: butler vil or rook (you can do both if you want to) who removes reader's makeup after a long day — no i did not request this because i'm starved for intimacy

(you can ignore this if you don't what to write this, and please take your time if you want to)

Oh my gods thank you widnwkskwk- Hope you like this!

Bare your Soul

Vil x reader

You’ve learnt to listen to Vil.

This has been especially true when it comes to matters of beauty. He is the foremost authority of such matters, even he does say so himself. After all, you see the results of his labours clear as day on his face, do you not?

As his master, it’s only prudent that Vil upholds you to the same standard he sets for himself. Do not fret so, he’ll handle it for you. All he asks is for you to exercise some decorum, and sit still.

Let Vil work his magic on you.

Well, not that your face needs much improvement. Makeup is simply a frame to place a person’s face in. A masterpiece cannot be expected to be displayed bare, can it not?

You’ve grown used to his hands on your skin. Fingertips pressing gently into your face, feathery brushes dusting your cheeks, light as a kiss. It’s a rather intimate moment, if you do say so yourself.

Just you, him, and the silence of your bedroom.

It’s almost magical, how Vil transforms you. Not into an entire new person, no. His fleeting touches prod at you, coaxing out the attractive points of your body. His strokes subtly bring out the best in you.

The beauty that was already within.

However, Vil insists that you wipe all of it off at the end of the day. Cinderella’s dress was gone by midnight, and your makeup should be as well. Protest in any way, and he’ll make you sit through a lecture on the tarnishing effects makeup will have on your skin if you leave it on.

All you could do was to shut your eyes, and let Vil do his job.

Fingertips massaging cleanser over your face, pressing into your flesh softly. Vil was close. A little too close, for that matter. You could feel his breath on your skin, a warm caress full of care. Slowly but surely, you could feel the stress of the day melt away,like butter in the sun.

Your body leans into his touch, a sigh of relief as Vil wipes off the foundation that caked your face. A low chuckle, before a finger tapped the very tip of your nose.

“Enjoying this, Master?”

You hum your agreement.

His fingers rest under your chin, tilting your head upwards. Eyelids fluttering open, you gaze at Vil, His face a mere centimetre away from yours.

A sharp click of his tongue. A warning to keep your eyes closed. You shut your eyes once more, heart beating a little more wildly then before.

Soft. That’s all you could describe the touch. A feather light kiss pressed into your lips. Eyes springing open, your eyes met his. You could feel his lips curl upwards, pulling yours along with it.

Vil pulls back, a coy smirk on his lips. His thumb rests on your lips, swiping off the remains of his lipstick.

Crimson red. Not unlike the blush rampaging on your skin.

“Well, Master. Shall we continue?”

Rook x reader

The process of taking makeup off one’s skin should be gentle. It should never leave one’s skin dehydrated or irritated. There was a certain skill required for this.

Fortunately for you, Rook was blessed with this skill. Many a lonely night was spent with him by your side, dabbing at your cheeks with whatever condiments he deemed fit to apply on your face.

This night, you find yourself seated by the window. Silvery moonlight illuminating the room ever so slightly, adding an enchanting glow to whatever it could touch. At this moment, the light seemed content to settle around Rook. A pale halo surrounding his body.

There was a certain angelic result. A sharp contrast to who he was.

Eccentric would be a better word to describe his lively personality. Always going of on something or another, Rook lives for the beauty of others. It only makes sense that he knows how to treat such beauty, no?

It will not do at all, to skimp on the care of your lovely face, Master.

Applying oils to his fingers, Rook dabs it onto your face. They’re scented, a comforting sort of smell. You close your eyes, allowing him to rub it into your face. Loosening the makeup, as well as softening your skin. Two birds with one stone.

He was an excellent hunter, after all.

Under the care of his hands, you find yourself drifting off. Your eyelids grow weary, and his touch was ever so warm…

A light pat on your cheek. Blinking wearily, your eyes open once more, staring at your butler. A light, airy laugh, before he cups your face with his hands.

“Mon dieu, master! It will not do for you to doze off just yet.”

Tilting your head, you nuzzle into the palm of his hand.

“It’ll be alright. After all, I have a capable butler by my side. You’ll take care of everything, won’t you, Rook?”

A jovial laugh escaped his lips. Rook brings his head forward, bumping his forehead against yours. He grins, a boyish sort of smile that stretched from ear to ear.

“The amount of faith you place in my hands, master… it’s certainly remarkable.”

Pressing a little tighter, his thumb rubs your cheek. Just barely enough pressure to hurt, but never to bruise. Your gaze flickers back into his eyes.

They were narrowed, the calculating eyes of a hunter, staring down his prey. Drawing his arrow, and aiming for the heart.

Your heart.

Rook leans forward ever so slightly,a sultry purr whispered into your ear:

“I’ll do my best not to betray that trust, Master.”

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #twst #vil schoenheit #Vil schoenheit x reader #twst vil #Vil x reader #x reader #rook hunt #rook hunt x reader #rook x reader #twst rook #butler au #lucky potion🔹

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lustkillers · 9 months

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LOVE & WAR !

PART I. the garden heist.

⊹₊ ⋆ summary. - clyde and you yearned for each other, but poison ivy and spider-man were mortal enemies.

┃ tags/warnings. ࿐ ❪ friends to lovers? yet enemies to lovers? a whole lot of crime fighting violence, fluff, angst, injuries, a whole lot of swearing, clyde/spider-man is a part of the sassy men apocalypse. ooc clyde?? ❫

⊹₊ ⋆ pairing - spider-man!clyde x poison ivy!reader.

⊹₊ ⋆ note - this SUCKS and it was long overdue... might make this a multi-part series! if you do want it to be a multi-part series, please let me know!! requests are open as well :)

[ @cc-luvr , @amandayoungluvr , @insxghtt ]

YOU walked into the now closed botanical garden, your hands gliding on each leaf you passed by, bringing them life.

You had always loved the botanical gardens ever since you were a child. The smell of fresh flowers and the sun shining down through the trees filled you with contentment and peace. Everyone at school had joked that it was your favorite place in the world, but truth be told they weren’t far off.

That was until it went downhill.

After years of neglect, the garden was now overgrown and unkempt. The once thriving trees were swaying lifelessly in the wind, and the place that used to be filled with laughter had become desolate.

But you still loved it all the same. You felt drawn to this place like a moth to a flame. No matter what kind of state it was in, you felt connected.

You made your way through the once-beautiful gardens, trying to ignore all of the signs of neglect and disrepair. You stopped at each flowerbed and examined it carefully, noticing a small patch of forget-me-nots that were still blooming despite the lack of care they had received over the years.

You knelt down and ran your fingertips along the petals of one of the flowers, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. As you did so, a small white butterfly fluttered out from behind one of the other flowerbeds, hovering over you for what felt like forever before flying away.

It seemed like a sign to you - despite how neglected this place was, you knew that it had the potential to be beautiful again.

And you were going to make them pay.

"Hands up where I can see them!" A voice shouted from the darkness, only a bright light flashing at you. You slowly raised your arms, revealing the thicket of rosebuds you had gathered in your hands.

"What do you think you're doing here?" The now revealed officer asked.

You took a deep breath and spoke with confidence, "I'm here to save this garden from neglect."

The man chuckled before raising his gun, "You're trespassing, little lady."

You stood your ground, raising an eyebrow. "If you shoot me, that won't save the garden. Instead, I'm offering to help restore it to its former glory. You can let me do that instead, or else."

"Or else?" The officer leaned into his comm. "We've got an intruder here who claims to be capable of revitalizing this garden." He laughed. "I'm sure the Chief will get a kick out of this, now c'mon. I'm taking you in," he said, coming closer.

"You're not taking me anywhere," you smirked.

Suddenly, vines wrapped around the man, tightly gripping on his ankles and hoisting him upside down. "I need backup!" He yelled. You sneered as you stepped forward. "Who's so little now?" you said, using your abilities to whip each rosebud into full bloom.

"What is this?" The man gasped, awe-struck but frightened by the transformation.

"This is what comes from corrupting and exploiting nature," you replied with a menacing smile.

You glared at the officer as he cowered in front of you. "Now what?" He wheezed.

"Now," You said menacingly, "I'm going to start restoring the garden and you're going to stay out of my way."

"So... Do you grow weed? 'Cause that would be dope!" A new voice echoed through the garden, making you whip your head around towards the officer. However, no one was there.

You turned back, only being met with Spider-Man. "Hey Plant Girl," he said casually, hanging from above. You groaned, not to happy that Spider-Man had showed up and interrupted your revenge. You knew that would never work out in your favor.

"Oh great, it's you," You spat. "I suppose you've come to save the day."

Spider-Man then replied with a sly smirk, "It's what I do best." He quickly swung himself closer and closer towards you until he was face-to-face.

“Hey, is that actual plants as your suit? That’s sick!”

You frowned. “It’s not a suit. It’s part of my abilities, and it's none of your business!”

He raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright, no need to get snippy! I was just wondering is all!”

His expression now turned serious as he continued on, "But if I were you, I'd think twice about taking on an enemy like me," He crossed his arms.

You scoff, "And why's that?"

He said simply, "Because I'm not someone you want to mess with."

You rolled your eyes, unable to suppress the smirk that was forming on your lips. "Is that supposed to intimidate me? Cause it's not really working," You crossed your arms and prepared for a fight.

"Did it work?" He smirked under his mask, raising an eyebrow.

You shook your head in disbelief and prepared to fight back. "Not even close," you said, scoffing.

You closed your fist, sharp tree branch jabbing him. He barely had time to react, as he quickly jumped back. You had hit him hard and you knew it, a satisfied smile creeping upon your lips.

He slowly shook his head and glared at you with confusion. "What did I do to deserve that?" He asked, pursing his lips together.

You rolled your eyes with a hint of amusement, "Are you serious?" You smirked, "You knew who I was and yet you still came here looking for a fight. What did you expect?" You mockingly laugh.

He shook his head, "I didn't come here to fight. I came here to protect the citizens."

You laughed again, not believing a single word coming out of his mouth. "Yeah right!" You scoffed and then pointed your finger at him menacingly.

"I don't need protecting, and I will do whatever it takes to protect myself and these plants!" You roared before launching yourself towards him in an attempt to hit him with your vines as he attempted to dodge out of the way.

He dodged your attack, flipping out of the way and landing on his feet. You barely had time to react before he charged towards you, a look of determination in his eyes. He punched you in the face and then kicked your stomach with enough force to make you stumble back.

"You're not getting away that easily," he said firmly as both of you continued to fight.

You and Spider-Man fought tirelessly, neither one of you ready to back down. You used your powers against him while he used his agility and strength against you. Despite all your best efforts, it seemed like he had the upper hand--that is until you finally managed to wrap some of your vines around his legs and trap him in place.

"I think we both know who the real winner is here," you said smugly as Spider-Man struggled to free himself from the vines.

"Game over." His hand extended, shooting a web towards your hands. The web covered your hands, trapping them and immobilizing you, your control over the plants letting both him and the officer go.

He gave you a couple blows, the last hit being at your face. With that hit alone, your mask fell off your face. You looked up and there he was, staring at you intently.

He knew who you were. And he knew your name.

"Y-You..." He said slowly, recognition filling his eyes.

You felt vulnerable, but yet a part of you felt some familiarity with the masked hero.

"So what now, Spider-Man?" you asked, a smirk beginning to appear on your face. You still hadn't moved from the spot and he had made no move to escort you away or handcuff you. It felt like there was something much more behind this whole exchange than just a battle between two enemies.

He was caught off guard, still staring at you with his hand gripping your outfit. Finally, he let go and stepped back.

"You give me your word that you won't cause any more destruction to the city, and I'll let you go," he said simply, crossing his arms against his chest.

You tilted your head, "Can't promise you that, Spidey." You smirked, flicking your wrist and tying him up with the vines again, now walking away.

Clyde watched as you walked away, his heart still beating faster. His crush was Poison Ivy.

"Shit."

#rory culkin x reader #clyde x reader #electrick children #electrick children clyde #rory culkin #clyde electrick children #rory culkin x y/n #clyde x y/n #spiderman #i suck at writing OH MY GOD #spiderman!clyde

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hiveworks · 11 months

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Hiveworks Interview with Clover, author of Go Get A Roomie! and Little Tiny Things

June 2023

Go Get A Roomie! is a queer found-family slice-of-life comic that began in 2010, featuring Roomie and her friends as they work through their internal and interpersonal struggles, as well as journeys of self discovery.

This month, Hiveworks is hosting a crowdfunding campaign to print the fourth and final volume of beloved webcomic Go Get A Roomie! by Clover.

We asked author Clover to talk about their experiences with GGAR, webcomics, and staying creative.

As the creator behind several comic series, what drew you to the webcomic medium?

I first found out that webcomics existed around 2008 and had a few favorites I followed regularly. Being into drawing comics myself, the thought of doing a webcomic creeped into mind slowly but surely. I loved how accessible webcomics were, how easy it seemed to be to start one, how certain webcomic communities were. So I started one :)

Go Get A Roomie! started in 2010. The world has changed a lot since then! What was it like to post queer content online then and now?

There are way more queer webcomics now than before! Go Get a Roomie! probably partly owes its success to the fact that there weren't too many queer ongoing webcomics back then.

Readers demanded more queer content, more specific to their needs. Now there's more choice. If you don't like a queer webcomic, you can find another one without any hassle!

How has the landscape of posting webcomics online generally changed for you? Has your audience changed?

Posting for three different webcomics means discovering what it's like to have a different audience for each, though some webcomics are similar enough that the audience remains largely the same. Generally though, I've had very positive experiences with most of my audience! They've been caring, and understanding enough that I've never felt rushed, or judged for taking time off when needed.

Go Get A Roomie! has concluded and you're now onto your newest slice-of-life work, Little Tiny Things, which updates Tuesdays and Thursdays. How do you stay motivated with posting your comics regularly?

I do it because I love doing it! Not that it's always easy to maintain the same schedule, but I like knowing that the story advances at a "fast" enough pace. I want readers to discover more of what I want to show them!

In addition to LTT and GGAR, you are also the creator of Headless Bliss, a surreal comic that bends towards horror. It's very different from your slice-of-life work. How does Headless Bliss fit into your creative process and identity as an artist?

Go Get a Roomie! had a few surreal elements when a character dreamed, or told stories, and I had a lot of fun with those moments because it was so different from the slice-of-life, 4-paneled, jokes I wrote for GGAR. It meant I could explore more, narration-wise and tool-wise. But it wasn't enough, I had ideas for another story that was way more psychedelic, because I've always loved those kinds of stories too (comics like Sandman have inspired me a lot), and so Headless Bliss was born. I loved having two comics of two different vibes to jump from one to the other.

Go Get A Roomie! has been successfully crowdfunded into three books, with the fourth and final volume currently underway. What do you think are the benefits of transforming webcomics to print? What are the challenges?

Webcomics online are neat because they're accessible for so many people, for free! But having them on print means more people can enjoy them, and I'm one of those who prefer reading on print than on screen. Crowdfundings are a great way to make a little more money from your hard work, but they're also a challenge because of all the extra work that needs to be done! Preparing the book, the rewards, sure, but also managing everything else surrounding the printing and the shipping of the materials promised, and on time too! Thankfully, having Hiveworks as a partner in crime means being able to share some of all that work, it's an immense help!

Outside of comics, what do you do to refuel your inspiration?

I try to not work too much! Give myself time to do something else, to go outside, breathe a little, you know? All that is told within stories has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is you living things.

Any advice for comic artists who find themselves stuck in a rut?

Take a break and try not to feel too guilty about it. It's okay not to be at your best all the time!

What is something you're looking forward to?

Right at this moment, settling down in my new home, to be able to work once more on comics in a nice and welcoming environment. Once that's done, I'd like to try out the more "traditional" path to publishing and start a new comic for a publishing house! While still continuing webcomics because I love doing it :)

Go Get A Roomie! Book 4 crowdfunding campaign is hosted by Hiveworks. The campaign concludes June 16, 2023, at 12pm ET.

#hiveworks #interview #go get a roomie #webcomic #headless bliss #little tiny things #clover #blog

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topaz-carbuncle · 27 days

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OC in 15: Valerie Michaelis

rules: share 15 or fewer lines of dialogue from an OC, ideally lines that capture the character/personality/vibe of the OC. Bonus points for just using dialogue without other details about the scene, but you're free to include those as well!

Thank you for the tag @crownleys! <3

I have been missing Val and Nate a lot recently, so it's been fun to go through my older stuff for this, especially as she's the OC who got the most love so far in terms of written dialogue!

Dialogue from posted works will be marked with " <x>"!

1: "Nate...I'm sorry, but I couldn't just sit and hide while you got hurt, especially not because of me. I might not be anything special, like you four are, but do you think I could bear to stand by and watch you get hurt either? I know that you are trying to protect me and I appreciate that so much…But you need to let me work with you, as a team. You need to trust that I can do this, that I can be a part of your world." <x>

2: “I promise. I’m sorry for worrying you, I just couldn’t bear the thought of losing you,” she gives him a watery giggle, a giggle that transforms into a shy smile as he raises a neat eyebrow at her- urging her to continue, “we really make quite the pair, don’t we? Constantly worried for the other, to the point of ignoring our own safety and how it would affect those around us.” <x>

3: As if on cue, Val’s melodic voice cuts through Adam’s rant before Nate could even raise a hand to interrupt him. “Aww, you do care about me!” <x>

4: With her hands still on his chest, she looks up at him bashfully, biting her lip as she considers her words. “Is this a bad time to admit that, despite being the one to suggest that we come to the beach, I don’t actually know how to swim…?” <x>

5: “Well, most children who have parents to take them on holiday probably do.” She struggles to keep the bitterness out of her voice, wincing slightly as she sees the sadness in Nate’s eyes, the same sadness that plagues him whenever she brought up her childhood...Or lack thereof. “But this is my first holiday! My first family holiday, so it would be nice if one of you could teach me…?” <x>

6: “Punishment… what punishment?” Before she can fully register the situation, a cold gust of wind brushes past her as she stares up at Mason in confusion, slowly realising that her vampiric defence had vanished from in front of her. “Wait… Et tu, Nate?” <x>

7: “I’m not exactly sure where to start,” Val runs her hands through her hair as she paces, the action doing very little to bring her comfort as she tries to pull at the stitches holding her heart and mind together, “or how to start actually… This might take a while. It might take a few days.” <x>

8: “No, she didn’t know. I had changed my emergency contact for the hospital to Tina a few years before that. If Mum knew…she certainly never visited, so there's a good chance she doesn’t know at all. She can’t know, Nate. I’m sorry to throw all this onto you like that.” <x>

9: She cocks an eyebrow up at him before giving him her best dramatic gasp, her hand planted on her chest, "Agent Sewell, do you mean to tell me that you've been snooping through my possessions? What would the others say?"

10: "Yeah well...It's about to sound a lot more like begging in roughly 2 minutes if that disgusting spider isn't dealt with. Are you all here to watch, or can one of you do something since Adam is more content to be a pain in the arse?"

11: "Are you proposing to me, Agent Sewell?" She peers up at him through her eyelashes, the humour in her voice falters as hope takes over.

12: "Am I doing this right?" She breathes out a small laugh at the adorably confused look he sends her way. "I'm not doing a very good job at coherently starting my sentence. It's just… I'm worried that I don't know how to love properly, it's not like I had an example to follow while growing up."

13: “A lot of people prefer putting their thoughts out for the public to read. This can work out well for me when the station finds evidence out in the virtual open like this, you have no idea how many people incriminate themselves through this. Books can be burnt, but this? This stuff is forever, so uh…be careful if you plan on committing any crimes and then posting about it online.”

14: "And you are a powerful man, Agent Sewell."

15: "...Yes Nathaniel ?" <x>

Tagging: @serenpedac @lucysarah-c, @humanitys-strongest-bamf, @youre-ackermine, @l3visthighs! (i'm not sure if some of you have oc's that you write for, but it could be fun to show some "reader" dialogues as well / instead of! <3)

#tag games #the wayhaven chronicles #twc detective #i didn't go for the bonus points since half her lines are separated by actions #it was a semi 'bad' habit i had last year when i wrote for val!

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pankowperfection · 2 years

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Massage Therapy (Drew Starkey x Reader)

Summary: After a hard workout with Drew, he helps relieve the soreness from your muscles

Warnings: fluffy smut, oral (fem receiving), oral (implied male receiving)

A/N: My first Drew Starkey smut, hope you like it!

Drew had been working out hard in the gym lately. His muscles were even more defined than when you started dating a few months ago. Watching his body transform to be even better than before motivated you to make changes as well. He was more than happy to have you tag along to the gym; showing you the ropes, spotting you when needed, cheering you on as you got stronger each week.

You secretly loved watching him lift, muscles flexing and sweat dripping down his sculpted body. When he picked up particularly heavy weights, he would let out grunts from the effort that sounded super similar to the sounds he made in the bedroom. Drew also loved catching you staring, pushing himself even harder to show off for you.

One Saturday after a particularly grueling workout with his trainer, you both were extremely sore. You headed back to your shared apartment to shower, putting on sweats to cuddle together on the couch and watch TV. With your legs laying over his lap, you leaned your head down to his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "Can we just stay like this forever?" you asked, content to be in his arms and breathing in his intoxicating scent. He nuzzled his face into your hair, inhaling deeply before kissing the top of your head. "Happy to spend the whole day with you y/n." He gave you a tight squeeze, tilting up your head to give you a peck on the lips, movement making you realize how sore you were. "Ugh babe, I can literally feel my heartbeat in my muscles. I'm not gonna be able to move tomorrow," you said with a laugh. "I can give you a massage if you want?" the cutest smile spreading across his face. "Really? You don't mind?" "Of course not baby girl, go lay down on the bed I'll be right there."

You stripped off your shirt, laying face down on the bed in just your bra and comfy shorts. You felt the bed dip as he crawled up over you, sitting down just below your ass. "Where does it hurt babe?" "Honestly, everywhere Drew," you huffed out. "Well we can't have that. Let me make my girl feel good." He started at your neck, strong fingers kneading down into your muscles. You let out a groan, his touch both hurting and feeling good at the same time. He worked his way down over your shoulders, using some of his body weight for leverage to massage deeper. 'How's that sweetheart?" "So good Drew. If acting doesn't work out I think you could be a massage therapist. Please don't stop." He let out a chuckle before continuing down your back. He slid down your thighs, giving himself more room to work before he started kneading into your lower back with his knuckles.

His hands moved to your waistband, tugging your shorts down to expose your plump cheeks. "Drew! What are you doing?" "I can't massage you as good through your clothes, just want to make you feel better baby." His hands slid up to cup your ass, slowly starting to massage each cheek. As his hands dipped lower, you let out a moan. He smirked to himself, getting just the reaction he wanted. Scooting further down to sit between your ankles, he began rubbing patterns into the backs of your thighs, being sure to tease as close to your covered pussy as possible without actually touching it. He was slowly driving you crazy, causing you to writhe around underneath him.

He turned you over onto your back, leaning down to kiss you deeply. You tangled your hands into his hair, pulling him closer to you. "Feeling better now?" he trailed his fingers down your body between your breasts while waiting for your answer. "Almost, I think there's one place you haven't touched yet that still aches." "Here?" he asks, blue eyes twinkling as he massages your breast. "Not quite baby, lower." your voice husky with need. He slides his hand lower, ghosting over your stomach before coming to rest over your panties. He could feel how wet you were through the thin lace. "Is this the right spot?" he waited, wanting you to say it before he continued. "Fuck, Drew please. Touch me."

He pulled your panties to the side, fingers sliding into your wet folds, stroking up and down a few times as he leaned down to kiss you again. You moaned into his mouth, thrusting your hips upwards to try to get some friction on your throbbing clit. He took the hint, bringing his thumb up to circle over the sensitive bundle of nerves. "My pretty girl, you're so wet for me," he cooed out. He kissed his way down your body, stopping just above your mound to look up at your pleasure-drunken face. "Watch me sweetheart, want you to see me making you feel good." As soon as your eyes met his, he leaned down and started leaving opened mouth kisses against your pussy. You fought the urge to close your eyes, feeling of his lips wrapped around you sending fire through your veins. He sucked your clit into his mouth, slowly flicking it with his tongue while trapping it lightly between his teeth. Your back arched off the bed, crying out his name, hand tangling into his hair to have something to hold onto. As you started to clench on his fingers he increased the pace, pumping in and out of you faster as he flicked your clit over and over again. "Oh god Drew, I'm gonna cum." "Let me have it baby, you taste so sweet." He moaned against you, vibrations sending you over the edge. Your thighs shook, clamping around his head as you rode out your high. He pulled away, face glistening with your release.

Coming back up beside you, he flopped down onto the bed. You curled into his side, stretching up to give him a kiss as a thank you. "You're the best Drew, I love you." You rested your head in the crook of his neck, waiting for your breathing to return to normal. "I love you too sweetheart." You glanced down your bodies, prominent bulge jutting out from his grey sweatpants. "You want some help with that handsome?" you asked while sliding your hand down to stroke him, his eyes sliding closed at the pleasure. "If you don't mind," he says with a smile. You were determined to show him just how much you didn't mind, already working your way down his body.

Please let me know if you want to be added/removed from my tag list

@adventuresinobx @starkeyobx @hoebx

#drew starkey #drew starkey smut #drew starkey x y/n #drew starkey obx

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autumntouched · 1 year

Note

https://at.tumblr.com/angelbabyange/glen-in-australia-looking-like-this-is-absolutely/999xnl4tldzc very much giving honeymoon jake 😮‍💨 both phoenix (and myself) going absolutely feral

😮‍💨🥵😮‍💨 this pic breaks me and yessss this is Jake’s honeymoon look and driving Phoenix and all of us absolutely feral. But two can play that game...

I hope you’re looking for smut, but if not, please stop here because it’s about to get 18+, NSFW. Sorry. Probably not my best work, but I couldn't move on without getting this out of my head and I'm already behind on answering your asks

Aphrodisiac

A light hand brushes her hair from her face, and Jake places a tender kiss on her forehead before leaving the bed. Natasha cracks her eyes open to watch his naked shadow in the pre-dawn dimness. She smiles into her pillow when she notices that he’s already hard. He pulls on linen shorts and the slate shirt that transforms his eyes into hypnotic green orbs. The short sleeve button down is new, and when he wore it to dinner last night she’d lost the thread of their conversation multiple times while appreciating how it looked on him and anticipating how he’d look when she pulled it off. Noticing her drifting gaze, Jake kept preening so obviously that the waiter thought to mention their meal and dessert were aphrodisiacs. That shirt is a fucking aphrodisiac.

The shirt stays unbuttoned. Hair disheveled from sleep and several almost feral rounds of sex still tingling along her synapses, he grabs his book and steps quietly to the rotating glass doors of their villa. It may be their honeymoon, but Jake is apparently keeping Navy hours. The ocean breeze wafts through the floor to ceiling windows, fluttering the bed’s gauzy canopy. It wakes Natasha a little more.

The floorboards of their secluded, private deck thump hollowly under his feet before he settles onto the infinity pool-side chaise.

Natasha tries to drift back to sleep but thinking of Jake lounging partially dressed feet away floods her with heady arousal and propels her in the opposite direction. She sweeps off the covers and stands into the kiss of the early morning’s warmth. Her white, silk tank and shorts cling to her curves.

She brushes her teeth before following him out to the deck barefoot. Jake’s waiting for her, his book The 48 Laws of Power, lying unopened on the side table. The gaze that passes slowly down her body is all burning desire, hotter than the still rising sun. Wordlessly he opens his legs to her. Natasha slinks over to lower herself between his thighs, her back to his chest and legs stretched along the line of his. She wraps the ends of his shirt around her.

His hardening dick presses eagerly into her lower back, but for now Jake’s content to run his nose along her neck while he plays with the ends of her hair. Natasha closes her eyes and falls into a contented half sleep, lulled by his encompassing heat and the sound of the waves and the birds’ sunrise chorus among the tropical trees. She’s not sure how long she’s drifting in the cradle of his body before his hand makes its way from her hair to palm her breast.

Through the thin fabric, he teases her nipple into an aching peak that darts straight to her core. His chin moves to her shoulder so he can watch every little effect he’s having on her while he caresses and kneads her chest. “I wanted to spend all night touching your tits as soon as I saw you in this,” he says. She can hear the smile in his voice. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to fall asleep.”

Natasha’s breath hitches at the friction of silk on skin as he rolls her nipples between his fingers, the double stimulation arching her back off his abdomen. Almost involuntarily, her thighs butterfly open. She curls her fingers into the hem of his shirt and bites her lip to restrain the desperate noises trying to escape her throat.

“This making you wet for me?” he murmurs, lips turned toward her ear.

The edges of her vision are already blurring. “Why don’t you see for yourself?” she gasps.

In answer, Jake squeezes her breast and dances his fingers up her inner thigh to the loose hem of her shorts. Her hips jerk to urge him on, and his dick twitches with his own arousal. His breathing gets lower and heavier as he skims the crease of her leg while his other hand pushes its way up her shirt. She presses her back into him when his firm grip closes over her bare chest.

“Jake,” she whines, taking the forearm of the hand up her shorts and urging him toward her throbbing, heavy core. She can feel his chest rising and falling faster beneath her. He’s denying himself to make her beg, and she’s not above it this early in the morning. “Touch me, please.”

Nor is she in the mood to be patient. She drops his arm and maneuvers two of her fingers into herself, moaning loudly at her own touch.

“Fuck, Nat,” Jake swears. He’s leaking through the linen shorts now. She can feel the dampening spot on her back. Or maybe it’s the sweat pooling there from the growing heat around and within her. She leans her head into his shoulder, panting frantically in tandem with her strokes. He lifts the waistband of her bottoms so he can watch her milk the slickness of her core. “I didn’t realize you needed it so bad.”

“You,” she manages incoherently before gasping when the pads of his fingers land on and circle her clit, matching the pace of her own fingers. Her brain goes staticy with pleasure and need.

Jake sucks the place where her neck meets her shoulder, and the breath evaporates out of her chest. “I got you, babe. Let me take care of you.”

He tugs at her waistband until she lifts her hips then legs so he can slide off her shorts. They drop to the deck, followed by his shirt. Natasha leans into the pillow of his bare torso and reaches up to draw him into a messy, hungry kiss. But Natasha can’t keep track of his lips, or anything for that matter, once his fingers take over. Like flame to fuel, driving inside her and over her clit, they ignite trillions of infernos across every atom of her being.

She writhes in his arms, her hips heedlessly chasing combustion on his fingers even as she cries out from the pain laced pleasure of seeking it. Her vision goes dark, bursting with neon lights of ecstasy, although she can no longer tell whether her eyes are open or closed. Only Jake’s arm across her chest seems to keep her from exploding apart.

Her orgasm erupts over her, her whole body lifting and shuddering with her release.

Natasha lays limply in Jake’s arms, struggling to catch her breath. The air sticks to her dewy skin, and she has to squint against the new daylight. Gently, Jake rubs her core to soothe the overstimulated nerves while he presses tender kisses to her neck, jaw, and cheek. At first all she can hear is the blood rushing through her ears.

“Babe?” he says, shifting restlessly beneath her on the chaise.

“Hmm?” she asks blissfully.

He kisses a spot behind her ear, and she can feel the heat in his cheeks. He groans. “I, uh, need to get up.”

It feels like she’s moving her body against gravity to sit forward and turn to look at him. Jake’s bottom lip is caught between his teeth, his face set in a grimace. Natasha grins and rests a hand on his chest. “I think it’s my turn to help you out.”

His pupils flood his eyes at the offer, but he ducks his head. “You don’t have to. I was a little rough.”

She is sore, but he gave her exactly what her body wanted from him. And it’s their honeymoon. Who needs to walk when they have a deck, pool, and the whole day ahead of them right here?

“Come on, cowboy, take me away with you.”

Jake hesitates then sweeps her up and carries her inside where he lays her across the bed and fucks her slow and deep until she loses the feeling in her face. She can tell from the veins in his arms and grit of his teeth that he’s trying to hold out for her.

Natasha runs a hand down his torso. Every muscle quivers in the wake of her touch, and he cries out as he nearly comes with the clench of his abs. “Don’t do that,” he pleads raggedly, eyes squeezed shut as he holds himself still.

“Jake?” He still can’t look at her. “Jake,” she says more firmly. “Look at me.” His eyes flutter open, unfocused and dark. The handsome planes of his face are stretched taut. “I want to feel you come.”

Whether it’s her words or the slight tilt of her hips, he moans and his dick throbs twice against her walls before he spills himself inside her. Natasha savors every pulse that coats her core with his hot come, the tingling sensations they send up her abdomen to her breasts. But most of all, she loves when his weight folds over her so that every line and point of their bodies blend into one.

He rests his face in the crook of her neck while she strokes the back of his hair. “Can I wear your shirt today?”

“Yeah, babe,” he says, exhaling a hot laugh onto her skin. “But I can’t promise how long it’ll stay on.”

Natasha laughs. “Seems only fair.”

The shirt, along with the rest of what she’s wearing, almost comes off as soon as he sees her pull it on with her sunhat, black string bikini, and espadrilles. Jake won’t admit it, and heaven help whoever looks at her the wrong way or crosses a boundary, but he’s the kind of guy who likes when other men look at her but know she’s his. So their afternoon at the poolside bar with her in his shirt drives him absolutely wild and leaves them both too wiped to consider anything other than room service for dinner. Which she doesn’t mind because she gets to enjoy it from the comfort of her husband's lap.

#i love your notes #talk to me #hannix football rivalry #hannix football rivalry wedding #Hannix football rivalry smut

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frecklystars · 9 months

Note

Seeing you get excited about new f/os again is just making my heart sing. Like I can feel your excitement through the screen and it’s soooo nice! You deserve this happiness!

Oh God thank you!!!!!! 🥺🥺😭😭💖💕💖💕💕💕💕 Anon AGH the way you phrased this is SO CUTE....... I'm so happy you're finding joy in ME finding joy!!!! Thank you for recognizing how much this means to me, and for sending this message about it!!! It just makes me feel SO happy all over again when you guys send me such sweet asks bc it reminds me that I'm healing!!! and that I have so many ppl rooting for me, and I don't wanna let you guys down 🥺🥺🥺🥺

It's so relieving to finally feel excited over self shipping again, and I think it's hilarious that out of everything I've been trying to focus on... it's the Barbie movie that's making me Feel again?? the pinkest movie in existence?? I swear in the past year I have tried everything to Feel again and nothing was working for me. SBTM was a long lasting special interest but I was numb to that when I went to physically see the musical back in April, I tried other cartoons I used to love, other movies, I tried watching new things too; I spent monthsss sitting myself in front of screens and trying to consume content that used to give me joy but I'd feel nothing every single time. And that's not like me! I literally get so much joy out of self shipping and I was so scared that losing Transformers to abuse was so severe that it literally killed my ability to feel any sort of joy ever again. So I expected that to happen when I'd see Barbie too. I thought "damn this is the pinkest movie ever, I'm definitely going to have a hard time sitting through it, but I really think I'd F/O Barbie and Ken... well I guess I'll just see the movie ONE time, add them to the F/O list but not actually do anything about it because I know I'll be sooo numb to this movie too, and then I'll barely survive watching it and then walk out of that movie theater with nothing different about me whatsoever"

And then Barbie and Ken rolled up in that pink convertible saying "get in loser, we're healing you from your trauma slowly by getting you desensitized to the color pink that used to give you literal flashbacks AND you're gonna dip your toes back into self shipping again" and honestly I think it's so funny. My friends think it's funny too, they're like "you seem much more like yourself again and it's from the pinkest movie in existence"

And if I go backwards when this movie hyperfocus fizzles out, if I go back to being tense around pink and if I go back to feeling numb towards everything, I know it won't be as severe as before. Even if I don't self ship again after this hyperfocus goes away, I will at least have comfort knowing that I did and that I'm still capable of it. This movie has absolutely helped me progress forwards more than anything else has. I think when coming out of this Barbie hyperfocus, I'll be a much stronger person. If I can feel this way about a movie when my trauma still feels so fresh (and normally it's SO DIFFICULT for me to hyperfocus on a movie bc it's such little content) then I'm sure I can throw myself back into Transformers at some point. I want to hope that I'll feel much better at least one year from now! That is my ultimate goal, getting back to shipping w/ Starscream without any restraints, and I think being able to handle the Barbie movie and even get joy from the Barbie movie is a very good stepping stone to eventually feeling joy from TF again too 🌟🌸✨

Anyway I want to thank Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling for literally giving me the most essential part of my life back even if it's only gonna last for a little while 💖💕��💕💖💕💖💕💖💕 and thank YOU anon for sending me such a nice ask. Sorry to ramble your ear off but I literally never shut up about how much this movie has helped me and every time someone is like "Keri it's so nice to see you feeling excited about self shipping again" I immediately start rambling about it sdlfjsdlf

#anonymous #asks #keepsake

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upismediacenter · 3 months

Text

LITERARY: From Me to You (君に届け).

How much better are the sparkles in my eyes, footsteps on light puddles, gradual waves, tulips tickled pink, if not the figments of you I find in my most mundane days? Most people find solace in silence. I find the underlying tranquility in it because of you, the one I sit in silence with.

My fingers interlace with yours, slowly, my eyes transform into shutter-like lenses, wanting to film and preserve every moment. I’d never want a single second to fade. While most people would wager spending forever with their most beloved, eternity seems to be too heavy of a promise. I am not exactly eager, nor constantly aching. My heart is at ease wading stagnant waters and sauntering through the most arduous sonatas with you, and all I ever want to think about is,

I’d want to spend tomorrow even with you. That alone is enough.

In every universe I'll traverse, I'd exhaust myself to find every version of you, just to make you feel loved a hundred times more. I'm certain that the invisible string that connects my heart to yours will always endure.

Until tomorrow. And the day after tomorrow. And for all of my tomorrows.

In every universe, I'd wax poetic for you—stringing words like a bouquet of flowers for you deserve to be described only by words ever so endearing, grasping every corner of your beauty tenfold.

You'll forever live in me. Lest I forget, I'd pour out hours to meet you time and time again, getting to know you for the nth time until you become engraved in every single memory, until your laughter echoes in every flash of nostalgia.

For you—I'd do it all in a heartbeat. And if anyone would take their time to get to know you, I'm sure they'd do the same too. I had no clue I was capable of loving in such a way. Yet, God forbid—it just feels too good to be loved by you.

I breathe you in like the fresh, wistful scent of home, and exhale with content and comfortable sigh. I've always been naive, always in my feelings—yet not once had you made me feel like every tear I've shed for you is for naught.

It's like you directly place the stars in my eyes—admiring the inexplicable cosmos that is you. I get so lost every time, yet, you bring me back immediately, already swaddled in a love-knitted sweater that is you.

This is love in its purest form. My deep affection for you. it's raw, it's right, it's real—from me to you.

#MC2024 #redaManCy #Literary #English #alt0151

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beth--b · 2 years

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5 times jaskier took care of geralt (+1 time geralt took care of jaskier)

Jaskier was onto his second set of the evening. The ale was flowing, the tavern's patrons stomping and clapping along to his songs and the people were relaxed enough to be generous with their coin.

Geralt was on a contract and had been gone most of the day. He was due back any time now, and while Jaskier was confident Geralt would be successful, he also hoped the witcher would return unscathed.

He was checking the door each time it opened and finally heard one of the townsfolk mention seeing the witcher ride back into town on their way to the tavern. Assured in the knowledge that Geralt would be back soon, he took a quick breather to arrange a bath to be sent to their room.

Sure enough he was just finishing up a rather bawdy drinking song when the witcher strode through the door. With practiced eased he finished up the song and started playing the opening notes of Toss a Coin, the well known tune bringing the tavern goers attention to Geralt, people throwing coins at the Witcher instead of the bard and cheering at his return.

For his part, Geralt waited long enough to appease the drunken villagers before disappearing up to their room.

Jaskier sang one final song at the people’s request before retiring for the evening, collecting his coin and lute case as he went. He stopped briefly to order a hot meal to be sent to their room and then took his leave.

He found Geralt already stripped of his armour and preparing to get into the bath, sparing a tired glance at the bard as he entered.

"All go well with your hunt my dear Witcher?" Jaskier asked, setting his lute down on the bed and removing his doublet.

"Hmm it was fine, drowner nest as the alderman said."

"Well that makes a nice change, they seem to get it wrong more often than not."

Geralt just gave a quiet hum as he finished disrobing and got into the warm bath, a quick blast of Igni warming the water to his preferred near scalding temperature.

Jaskier started going through his bags, finding the soap, oils and comb he knew the Witcher preferred before setting them near the bathtub. He knew by now to leave Geralt to soak for a little while before moving to help, the water too hot for humans, but perfect for aching Witchers.

Once he felt that enough time had passed, Jaskier rolled up the sleeves of his chemise and moved over to the tub, pressing a soft kiss to Geralt's shoulder as he moved behind him to help wash his hair.

Jaskier worked slowly through the white strands, washing away the muck from the river and the gore from the fight with the downers. Geralt relaxed more the longer the bard's dextrose fingers worked through his hair.

Eventually Jaskier deemed the job done, after rinsing and combing the silky locks he worked his fingers back into the hair, massaging Geralt's scalp. The Witcher let out a low moan as the last of his tension dissipated, head tipping back onto Jaskier's forearm. Jaskier pressed another kiss to Geralt's shoulder before finally standing up and moving away, stripping out of his damp chemise as he went.

"Enjoy the bath my dear, I'm heading to bed."

Geralt hummed in response, sounding half asleep himself and Jaskier rolled his eyes fondly before sitting on the bed. He removed his boots and stripped down to his smalls before climbing under the blanket and settling against the wall, content to know that his Witcher was nearby and would join him soon.

One of these days Jaskier was going to learn to stay at the camp and not follow along on contracts. One day was not today, and despite almost getting eaten by harpies he couldn't be too upset because this way he was there when Geralt needed him.

Witchers were strong, they were fast, they didn't die easily.

But they could still get hurt.

They could still bleed.

Geralt was demonstrating just how much they could bleed right now.

Searching the sky for any remaining harpies, Jaskier retrieved their medical kit and Geralt's potions from the saddle bag secured to Roach.

The mare had stayed well under the trees, she hadn't strayed too far despite the monsters attacking from the air only moments ago.

Once he had what was needed Jaskier rushed to Geralt's side and started pulling away his armour to see to his wounds.

The harpies claws had managed to leave two deep gouges in his shoulder and the wounds were bleeding freely, not long slashes but deep enough that they would need some help to heal quickly.

Geralt just grunted when Jaskier poured half the vial of swallow onto the wounds before shakily taking the vial and downing the rest.

Giving the potion a moment to work, Jaskier cleaned the wounds as much as possible and threaded the needle to begin stitching the Witcher up. While he worked Jaskier hummed quietly hoping to distract Geralt. Hoping to distract himself.

Before long each of the claw marks were neatly stitched back together, blood no longer flowing. Jaskier allowed himself to relax knowing that for now at least Geralt was alright.

It wasn't the first time he had done this, and he knew it wouldn't be the last.

In the years he had spent travelling with Geralt and singing of Witcher's, and the White Wolf in particular, Jaskier had met his fair share of angry villagers who hated Witchers.

Taverns that wouldn't serve Geralt, inn's that didn't allow him to get a room. He had wound up in more than one bar fight over some ignorant ass making life difficult for Geralt. He knew that Geralt would never defend himself against people, the moniker of Butcher enough to stay his hand. At least now he was well known as the White Wolf, things seemed better overall. Some people would not be swayed though.

Apparently the village they had reached was one with mixed opinions on Witcher's. There was a contract on the notice board about a Griffin that had been causing some problems nearby, though the wary glances sent their way as Geralt tracked down the alderman proved that not everyone was happy to see them.

Choosing to stay near the Witcher incase things turned hostile, Jaskier kept a close eye on the people they passed by, listening out for anyone that may be cause for concern.

They finally located the alderman's house and Geralt knocked on the door.

"This place doesn't seem the most friendly Geralt, don't let them short you on the contract," Jaskie muttered.

Geralt just nodded and a moment later the door opened. They stated their business and were led through the house to what must be the alderman's office, to negotiate the contract.

As predicted the initial offer was far below average, Geralt sighed and began to attempt to negotiate. It was never easy dealing with people who were even more opposed to Witchers than the average. Nobody was happy to need a Witcher, but most would at least concede the necessity and pay as needed. Then there were the towns that needed a Witcher but had no intention of paying, if at all possible. This appeared to be one of those, or at least they were trying to be. They hadn’t counted on Jaskier’s presence though.

The negotiations were getting nowhere fast and Geralt was clearly getting frustrated. The Witcher tried so hard though to remove all notions of the ‘Butcher of Blaviken’ that he was far more likely to just give in and kill the town’s bloody monster for the pittance on offer than argue the point for much longer.

“Alright that’s quite enough of that”, Jaskier cut in. “Here’s how it’s going to be. Either you offer him a fair price for the job you need doing or you can wait for someone else to come along and solve your problems. Personally I don’t think you’ll have too much luck on that front though. I highly doubt you posted a contract for a Witcher to help you as a first, second or even third option. Correct?”

The alderman had the gaul to attempt to look offended. “Now see here, I’m offering a perfectly reasonable-”

“Enough I say! Geralt, come on now we’re not desperate for coin and clearly your services are not valued enough here to be worth you while. A fucking griffin and they are offering to pay you like it’s a couple of drowners. Honestly Geralt, I’ll not have you hurt over something like this. I bet they won’t even give us a room at the Inn!”

They had almost made it out the door when the alderman made an offer that was finally nearing acceptable, and also offered to ensure they could gain lodgings at the Inn.”

Jaskier appeared to think it over and pulled Geralt away for a moment before the Witcher returned to accept the contract.

“Half the payment up front if you please sir,” Jaskier added.

The man was turning red in the face but finally agreed. Clearly the griffin was causing some real problems for the town. Jaskier almost felt guilty for bullying the man, but he knew if things were different they’d have been tossed out of town with rotten vegetables or rocks pelted at them so he decided not to dwell on things.

Geralt was arguably the more noble of the two of them. Where Geralt would help anyone who asked, Jaskier’s priority was always going to be Geralt. Nobody else was going to look out of the Witcher, not even Geralt himself. So Jaskier would do it gladly. He may not be much of a fighter but words were his domain and he would not allow his Witcher to be screwed over by people like these.

Satisfied that things were handled well enough he let Geralt lead him away from the house and towards the Inn where the letter the alderman had provided would ensure they could get a room at a fair price.

If they had any more trouble Jaskier would be there to help stand up for Geralt and fight those battles that he wouldn’t.

Witcher’s commonly used potions before, during and after hunts to help enhance their abilities or to aid in healing. Of all of these Jaskier knew that Geralt hated black blood the most. The after effects of the potion left him feeling awful and it was only effective if he was bitten by the creature he was hunting. Either he was bitten and injured, or he wasn’t and he had to wait out the potion and the after effects all for naught.

The latter option was preferable as at least Geralt wouldn’t be hurt, or at least not bitten by a monster.

Over the years Jaskier had helped Geralt with the after effects of his potions on many occasions, but it was never pleasant to see his Witcher suffering.

Geralt’s latest hunt had taken him to a crypt for an unknown monster that had killed several villagers. The most likely culprit was some kind of necrophage. Knowing that if he were bitten it would at least take out the monster as well, Geralt had taken black blood. The effect was always startling to Jaskier, though not enough to make him turn away from his Witcher, the high toxicity of the potion leaving his veins dark and bulging.

Jaskier simply pressed a soft kiss to Geralt’s cheek and watched as the Witcher headed towards where the villagers had died. Jaskier waited until Geralt was out of sight, then headed back to the Inn they were staying at.

It had been dusk when Geralt left him and it was nearing midnight when Geralt arrived back at their room.

He was covered in gore, but that was to be expected and Jaskier had a bath prepared for that very reason. Coaxing Geralt into reheating the now room temperature water with a short blast of Igni, he helped Geralt out of his armour and into the bath. Keeping his voice to a low murmur as he talked through what he was doing, he gently washed Geralt’s hair and helped to cleanse him of blood and ichor.

Once Geralt was clean enough the bard helped him back out of the tub and into some dry clothes. Geralt had yet to speak, eyes still black along with the surrounding veins, his skin pale as snow.

Jaskier knew Geralt was not likely to communicate much in this state so he simply tried his best to soothe him. Now that the Witcher was clean and dressed there wasn’t much left to do but wait it out. Jaskier led Geralt to the bed and once they were both situated he pulled the unresisting Witcher into his arms. Geralt went willingly, nestling his head against the bard’s chest where he could listen to Jaskier’s heartbeat and just focus on the feel of the warm skin under his cheek, the hand clasping his, the warm breath against his forehead.

They lay like that for hour until the toxicity levels coursing through Geralt’s blood stream finally subsided to normal levels and he could fall asleep. Even once the white haired Witcher was sleeping soundly, Jaskier stayed awake watching over his lover.

The fight had been a long one, the people of the town they were helping had either been sorely mistaken when they said they had a minor problem with a monster, or they had outright lied, downplaying the issue for some reason or another.

Jaskier hoped it was the first one, after all most normal people don’t need to identify monsters in their day to day lives too often. They don’t study the beastiaries that Witcher’s are practically raised reading. How would they know a Bruxa from an Alp, or any other kind of vampire for that matter. They could be forgiven a mix up like that, but this was not just a mistake about the kind of monster, no they had said there was one, not a whole bloody nest of the things.

The contract had been for a suspected Alp, what had appeared to be a woman, had been seen fleeing from a corpse, the life blood drained from it. They were mistaken about the creature being an Alp, it was instead a Bruxa, more vicious and harder to kill. She hadn’t been alone either. Geralt had tracked her to a cave a little ways into the woods, the fight had been brutal, lasting what felt like an age to Jaskier as he waited at their campsite with Roach.

When Geralt finally returned it was almost morning, there had been a nest of Bruxae. They were immune to almost anything other than silver, so it had been a long and tiring fight, needing to kill them one by one with his silver sword. Geralt’s potions had worn off during the ordeal and he had a few close calls where one or another had gotten far too close for comfort.

He was exhausted and in pain, wanting nothing more to fall asleep but knowing he needed to clean his sword before the blood and ichor dried onto the blade making it harder to clean later.

Jaskier however was having none of that.

“What the fuck Geralt? I thought it was one bloody vampire, what happened?”

“Not one, a nest,” he huffed, starting to gingerly strip off his armour.

Jaskier hurried to help him, undoing clasps and buckles and setting each piece aside for cleaning and mending as needed.

“What do you mean a nest? They gave you bad intel?”

“Seems that way, people get it wrong though, not the first time and it won’t be the last. It’s done now”

“Well they better pay you for a bloody nest of the things. You’re in a right state Geralt, oh if only we were at an Inn I could have had a bath ready and waiting.” Jaskier finally looked at Geralt and realised there was no point in getting upset at the moment when the Witcher was clearly exhausted. Granted he wasn’t really much better off, he’d waited up most of the night, driting off a few times only to startle awake and realise Geralt wasn’t back yet. He knew that the Witcher was very competent and capable, but he couldn’t help but worry a little when things took so much longer than anticipated.

Changing tactics Jaskier settled for getting Geralt a wash cloth and some water so he could clean himself up, while Geralt did that Jaskier got him a small meal and some water. Geralt gratefully accepted the food and took a long drink. Once he was satisfied that Geralt was as well taken care of as he could be until they headed back to town he pulled the Witcher down onto the bedrolls, settling his head on Geralt’s shoulder so that he couldn’t try to move away and ignore the rest his body clearly needed.

“Jask we should get back to town,” came the half hearted protest, Geralt’s voice rumbling low in his chest, exhaustion evident in every word.

“No my dear, you have done your part, now you need to rest. Let your body recover from a long fight and we can deal with the payment later today when we have both slept some.” Jaskier ran his hand up and down Geralt’s arm, humming softly as he did so.

Geralt seemed as though he was going to protest further but before long his breathing evened out and the bard knew he was sleeping.

Satisfied that Geralt wasn’t about to drive himself into the ground with exhaustion, Jaskier pressed a kiss to Geralt’s neck and snuggled in further allowing himself to sleep as well.

They were heading North for the winter, back to Kaer Morhen, back home. It was still a few weeks until the first frost should hit but monster activity was slowing down as many of the creatures went into hibernation for the colder months of the year.

There hadn’t been as many contract’s lately but Jaskier’s playing had earned them enough coin to keep going between hunts, and Geralt was a skilled enough hunter to ensure they were kept fed between towns.

Both Bard and Witcher were feeling more relaxed, knowing that before too long they would be holed up for the winter with Geralt’s family, a room and a bed at their disposal, not to mention the hot springs. No worry about the next contract, the next meal, the next injury.

Of course that’s when things go wrong.

It was a straightforward enough contract, Geralt allowing Jaskier to accompany him provided that he keep his distance, the bard readily agreeing so he could get some inspiration for his latest ballad.

“Oh Geralt I know you’ve killed plenty of kikimora but even so it’s always good to see you fight, keeps me inspired my dear.”

“If you say so Jaskier. Now just stay well away alright, hopefully there is just one of these things but there is always a chance of another.”

Jaskier nodded, a picture of innocence. Geralt just shook his head and headed further into the swamp to look for the beast. Jaskier for once did try to do the right thing, moving further away from the boggy swamp and back into the trees.

As luck would have it Jaskier’s spot just beyond the edge of the swamp turned out to be where the kikimora was, the bard just settling down on the edge of a log when a shadow was cast over him. He looked up and saw the monster about to strike.

“Fuck! Geralt!” he yelled, diving out of the way, just rolling far enough to avoid the downward strike that otherwise would have taken his head off.

He could hear Geralt making his way toward him, but the terrain was wet and soggy making it hard to move quickly. Jaskier managed to avoid two more strikes before his luck ran out.

Rolling to one side he felt a line of fire run up his left arm as the blow connected. He gave a strangled cry and tried to scramble back to his feet to get further away. The next blow was with the blunt side of the kikimora’s leg, sending Jaskier flying backwards into a tree, the air leaving his lungs as he wheezed trying to catch his breath. He could feel blood dripping down his arm and his vision was greying out while he couldn’t seem to breath.

Finally Geralt appeared, getting between Jaskier and the monster. Jaskier missed most of the fight trying to get his breathing under control, and stem the blood flow from his arm.

He staggered away to give Geralt space to fight without being in the way, but didn’t make it far before sitting down against a tree.

Jaskier wasn’t sure how long it had been since he had sat there, but it seemed like both forever and no time at all before Geralt was tapping his cheek, trying to get him to focus.

“Ger’lt?”

“Hey Jask, stay awake for me alright?”

Jaskier nodded slowly, head feeling far heavier than it had any right to feel. “Mm I’m awake love,” he mumbled, eyes closing against his wishes.

“Fuck, Jask stay with me, I need to put pressure on your wound. It’s not going to kill you but it’s going to hurt like a bitch for a while. Just stay awake for me though alright. You can sleep once you’re all patched up.” Geralt lifted Jasier into his arms, pushing the injured arm into his chest plate to try to keep pressure on it. The bard groaned but soon went quiet, which was somehow worse.

The Witcher carried the bard back to where they had left Roach, there he managed to use what supplies he had handy to clean out the wound and wrap it tightly. It would need stitches when they got back to the Inn but this would have to do for now.

He lifted Jaskier up into the saddle, the bard weakly balancing upright while Geralt mounted behind him.

Roach as always seemed to know when something was wrong and quickly took off at a canter, before picking up speed as they headed towards the town.

Before long they reached the town and Geralt dismounted, helping the bard down from the saddle and entrusting Roach to the stableboy until he could come check on her later.

The innkeeper, upon seeing the wounded bard approached Geralt at the foot of the stairs and asked if they needed anything.

Geralt had half been expecting to be kicked out for making a mess and was caught off guard, but quickly nodded and requested a bath to be prepared.

At that he lifted Jaskier back into his arms and took off up the stairs to their room.

Jaskier was shivering when they reached the room and Geralt deposited him onto the bed before lighting the fire. He knew going into shock would only make things worse for his bard. He stripped Jaskier’s bloody clothes off and got him under a blanket, leaving his injured arm exposed. He unwrapped the hastily tied bandaged and assessed the damage. There was a slash down the bard’s arm from shoulder to elbow, it was a deep but fairly clean cut, so with stitches it should heal well.

“Geralt?” How bad?” Jaskier asked quietly.

“You’ll be fine a few weeks once this has time to heal. We’ll get you cleaned up and warm and then I can stitch this and you can go to sleep.”

“Alright, thank you love.”

Geralt leaned down and kissed Jaskier softly before leaning his forehead against the bard’s hair.

A knock came at the door and when Geralt went to answer the bath water was being brought in to fill the tub in one corner of the room. Once the bath was ready he helped Jaskier over to the tub and got him to lay back against the side.

“Want me to wash your hair?” Geralt asked quietly.

Jaskier gave a small, tired sounding laugh at the offer. “Why if only I’d known the pampering I’d get by being hurt like this I’d have done it sooner.”

Geralt rolled his eyes but retrieved the hair oils and soap from their bags before returning to the bard’s side. Geralt then gently began washing his hair, ensuring all the muck and dirt from the swamp was cleaned out of the brunette locks, and off his skin before rinsing him off.

Satisfied that the bard was clean he helped Jaskier out of the tub and into a soft pair of sleep pants. Once Jaskier was situation on the bed again he got their medical supplies out and began to get ready to clean and stitch Jaskier’s wound.

Geralt handed Jaskier a wineskin, watching his throat bob up and down as he swallowed. Tearing his eyes away he focused on the task at hand and began to make a row of small, neat stitches in the bard’s arm. Once complete he applied a salve to aid in healing and rewrapped his arm in bandages. He then applied the healing salve to a few other scrapes that the bard had accumulated in his time rolling around on the ground trying to escape the monster and from when his back hit the tree. Job done, he finally went and cleaned himself up in the now tepid water.

He was expecting to find Jaskier asleep when he returned to his side but the bard was blinking sleepily at him.

“Are you going to join me my dear Witcher?”

Geralt hummed his agreement before sliding into the bed beside his love.

Jaskier slowly rolled onto his right side so that he pressed up against Geralt, gingerly laying his injured arm around the Witcher’s waist.

“Sleep now love,” Geralt whispered.

“Hmm, in a moment. Thank you Geralt, for everything. You always look after me so well.”

Geralt pressed a kiss into the bard’s hair and replied, “I learned from the best Jask.”

Giving into his exhaustion Jaskier succumbed to sleep, Geralt holding him close, needing the reassurance that his bard was there and safe once more.

Note. I own nothing and make no profit from this work

#the witcher #geralt of rivia #geralt #jaskier #geraskier #the witcher fanfiction #geralt x jaskier #jaskier whump #5+1 fic

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casspurrjoybell-28 · 9 months

Text

Alpha's Temptation - Chapter 2

*Warning Adult Content*

- Ash -

I watch the male wolf stalk through the woods, a predatory air about him as he slinks through the trees. I don't dare move, keeping my breathing quiet as I try not to make a sound.

I'm hidden behind a thick brush, praying that it's enough coverage for my light fur as I peek out at the wolf through the leaves. There's no doubt he's an Alpha by his large, built frame, a body designed to kill.

He's coming closer and I swallow in fear as I realize he's more than double my size. His fur is a dark brown, nearly black and it's hard to keep my eyes trained on him as he moves, blending in with the shadows of the trees.

I'd been running on adrenaline the entire night, just hiding and moving slowly as I tried to stay conscious. Now I have no idea where I am and no decided destination.

A hopeless situation, really. And now it's morning, the sun peeking through the foliage, to my misfortune.

The cover of darkness is much easier to hide in. My paws are so sore, they feel rubbed raw and I'm pretty sure they've got all kinds of splinters in them because I haven't used my wolf enough lately to have formed calluses on them.

Then I see something in the corner of my eye and look down, spotting a horrendous giant spider crawling over the dirt toward me at lighting speed. If there's one thing about me it's that I'm deathly afraid of bugs and the ones with multiple legs are the absolute worst.

Without thinking, I skitter back, my tender paw landing on a sharp twig that makes me whimper in pain though I try to stop it. The wolf stops in his tracks, ears straightening in alert.

Shit. He heard it. I watch in horror as he sniffs the air.

He can smell my unfamiliar scent, my fear. Alphas always can.

I lower myself to the ground in a last-ditch effort, losing sight of him as I cower in the dirt and leaves. I can't run now, he's too close and he'd catch up to me in seconds.

All I can do is wait, holding my breath as I pray to the Moon Goddess that he won't find me. I don't know who he is but an unknown Alpha is always a threat, whether he's a rogue or from a different pack.

And then I feel it. Something's watching me.

I look up and I find myself staring into glowing amber eyes, so intense and threatening in their nature that I lose my breath. He's found me.

He's looking at me over the brush and I back up on my haunches, trembling in fear. There's no way to communicate with him in our wolf forms because he's not in my pack and mind-link is reserved for only fellow pack members or bonded mates.

The wolf doesn't attack. He just stares at me menacingly, almost looking curious.

He seems to realize we won't be able to talk like this and I watch as he transforms, his wolf morphing into a humanoid figure before me. As he rises to his full height I question what I thought I knew about Alphas.

I've always thought Alpha Ferix was tall but this man puts him to shame, standing at what looks like 6'7".

The brush covers the majority of his body, which I don't know if I should or should not be thankful for because he's in his birthday suit and I don't know if I'm ready to see his entire package upon first meeting.

But from what I can see of his broad shoulders and strong, chiseled jaw, I know that his human form shares a great likeness with his powerful wolf.

"You shouldn't be here," he says, voice rumbling and deep as he addresses me.

I don't respond. I can't respond, really. I'm still in wolf mode and I'm too embarrassed to transform in front of him.

"Do you know where you are?" he asks.

I shake my head quickly. All I know is that Dark Moon is far behind me.

"This is Shadow Pack territory, little wolf."

I feel my blood run cold. Shadow Pack. That's where I am.

This scary wolf is from Shadow Pack. I try not to let the shock on my face show at his words.

Because if this Alpha figures out I'm from Dark Moon, the enemy, he'll probably kill me on the spot. There is no friendly blood between our packs, no, just very very bad, murky blood.

The perimeter guards of my pack are trained to kill Shadow Pack members on sight and I'm sure it's not so different here.

"What pack are you from?" the Alpha asks the dreaded question and I know I have to lie.

"Blood Creek?"

I shake my head.

"Silver Tree?" he continues, listing off the nearby packs.

I don't know what to do so I just shake my head again.

"Dark Moon?" he says the words in an odd tone, one full of resentment.

I nearly nod but then I catch myself, shaking my head a bit too vigorously. I feel ridiculous by now, shaking my head over and over because I can't use my voice.

But am I really ready to be stark naked in front of this guy as he interrogates me?

My clothes are long gone, having ripped off me when I transformed and now the only thing I can possibly use around me is a leaf that I could put over my crotch.

Somehow that sounds worse than being naked.

"So what are you, then? A rogue?" the man says, eyeing me skeptically.

I have to have an answer. And being a rogue at this moment doesn't seem all that bad. So I finally nod.

The movement after all my previous head-shaking makes me woozy, setting off the throbbing pain in the back of my skull. I falter, sinking toward the ground as I whine in pain.

I take shallow breaths, trying to see what the man is doing as I lie against the dirt. Is he going to spare me?

I don't think I can be considered much of a threat as a teenage omega with a head injury.

But I can't see properly, it's blurry and I don't know what's happening until I feel strong arms around me, picking me up off the hard ground.

I'm being carried then, against a firm chest as I try to stay conscious to see what's going to happen to me. But it's impossible and all I can do is go slack against him, leaving my fate in his hands.

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casspurrjoybell-22 · 9 months

Text

Master - Chapter 44 - Part 4

*Warning Adult Content*

- Kalem's Birthday -

"No one is near, we made sure of it, which will allow me to give you my intended present without worry," Arias continues as he turns me so that I was facing the river head-on.

"Stand right here," Arias instructs, his smile unusually innocent.

"Okay," I agree, planting my feet super firm to keep me in my spot.

I thought my gift was coming here but apparently, I was getting even more.

Once he's got me where he wants, Arias steps back slowly and sheds his smaller Elven form to grow into his real one.

Arias' hair disappears quietly to transform into the short, silver curls I'd grown to love and his ears stretch out into even longer, pointer tips that pointed to the clear skies.

I had to stretch my back more than usual to look at Arias now since he was so tall like this.

He was like some super handsome giant that I probably would've found scary if he wasn't my friend.

"I hope you enjoy this, I truly do," Arias says and his lips tremble just a bit to show the nerves he was trying to hide.

"I'll love anything you give me since it comes from you, promise."

That makes Arias smile turn happy and pretty again and his eyes light up as he steps into the water.

The second Arias feels the water against his skin, he relaxes into it as if it was the best thing in the entire world.

I'd never seen Arias look so happy before.

Not like he did now as he went deeper and deeper into the river's water until it touched his hips.

His smile was wide and true, his now silver eyes light and relaxed as he passed his fingers over and through the coming waters, a happy laugh bubbling up from deep within his chest.

Arias looked just like I felt when I was with my flowers, like he'd just found the greatest thing in the entire universe.

"Alright," he says focusing his eyes on me again.

Getting himself settled with a few deep breaths, Arias dips his hands further into the water before he straightens and raises his arms slowly.

His now silver eyes shine like pretty lights and the water dripping from his fingers stop midair before they follow after them.

Little droplets of water rise from the stream, going higher and higher without struggle as Arias hands keep moving cautiously.

His fingers twist and the stream mocks the movement, doing everything Arias did as it followed after his fluid, slow movements until delicate rings of water were surrounding his entire body.

It was like a dance, a really special complicated one that Arias performed with care as he built the water up, shaping it and directing it so that it was eventually flowing above him and climbing.

I keep darting my eyes between the water tower and Arias, watching carefully with a racing heart as Arias stills for a moment before he drops his hands but the water doesn't fall, it stays exactly where he'd left it, spiralling up to the sky.

He looks at me then, panting heavily in the middle of it all and offers his hand.

I got to him without hesitation, only stopping to put my flower crown down before I went straight into the water after him.

I didn't mind how cold the water was or how it wet my clothes.

All I knew was that Arias had done something amazing and I wanted to experience every bit of it with him.

When I'm within arm's reach and just outside his spiralled tower, Arias takes my hand and pulls me through.

I shriek at the cold water that washes over me on my way in, and then laugh as Arias holds me against him in the centre, pointing up for me to look at what was going on around us.

It was a bit like being under the tub at home.

When it was full and I dipped my head under the water during a bath and opened my eyes.

It was like that.

Except, the water was so much clearer here and the clear sky and the fluffy white clouds were my views.

I felt like there was a firework going off inside of me.

"Arias," I exclaim as I look back at him. "This is amazing."

"I'm glad you like it," he breathes out with a chuckle. "Now for the fun part."

"This isn't the fun part?"

What was it with everyone showing me something amazing, only to show me something even more amazing after?

Arias only grins before he passes his fingers through the nearest stream that immediately makes the looping streams around us spread out further, giving us more room to move without getting wet.

Arias raises his foot and the water still in the flowing river follows after him, breaking itself off into a flat platform like a single tile that Arias steps onto without thought.

It holds him as another quickly forms a bit higher for him.

I was squealing.

I was squealing now and there was no way for me to stop.

Arias continues a few steps up before he turns and takes my hand, pulling me up behind him before I could think of doing anything else.

It was scary, walking on water like this.

But that was because we weren't supposed to be.

But other than that, it was super exciting and I didn't want to stop.

"Arias," I shout through my laughter, not knowing what else I could do or say to express how amazing this was.

"I know," he replies with a laugh of his own before he lets my hand go and my eyes immediately widen. "Don't worry, just enjoy it," he says as the steps around and above us grow in number.

"Trust it like you would your flowers."

I could never do that but I could trust Arias, so I do that instead.

I take the next step on my own, slowly, carefully and when I make it, I cheer happily for myself before I try another.

The little tiles of water keep coming towards me, offering me steps before I had to think of where to go as we climbed higher and higher in this special water tower.

"You can do anything you wish with it," Arias informs me as he steps off his water tile and falls for one painfully scary moment before some of the river's water rushes to meet him and surround him from behind.

Arias laughs, soaked to the bone but beyond happy as the water that caught him raised itself and kept going higher until he was almost in the clouds.

With a shaky breath, I do the same, except I squeeze my eyes shut as I go falling.

My heart drops in my chest and I scream but just before I made myself pop to safety, the water came up behind me and surrounded me like a safe bed.

It holds me up and casts me upwards just as it did to Arias.

I blink my eyes open and rub the water from my eyes to see the skies I was quickly approaching.

I cheer happily as it takes me right up beside Arias, leaving us laying down side by side with nothing but the clouds passing around and above us.

"This is..."

I wanted to use another word but all I could think was.

"Amazing."

Arias only laughs so I search for something else,

"It's like... better than a pixie festival."

"Really?" Arias questions disbelieving. "I didn't think anything was better than a pixie festival to you."

I tilt my head to the side to glare at Arias but freeze when he turns and looks at me.

It was like an image flashing before my eyes but for a moment, I was reminded of all those nights in our cells when we'd lay down just like this and look at each other.

When the screams were too loud, the pain too much, we'd look at the one good thing we had.

It all felt like so long ago now.

Like some super bad dream that I was stuck in for too long instead of most of my life.

Arias' eyes soften, remembering it as I did and just like back then, he offers me his hands.

I take it.

I always took it and always would.

"Thank you Arias," I say with a weak smile. "For this gift and being here for my birthday a-and protecting me and helping me," I giggle when I realise I was saying everything. "Thank you for everything... for being my friend, my best friend."

Raising my hand to kiss the back of it.

"Always," he whispers like a promise. "This is the first of many celebrations together, young one."

"Promise?"

"I promise," Arias confirms as if there was no other reality. "We've got many, many years together still Kalem and each and every one of them is destined to be filled with happiness and laughter."

"That sounds really nice."

"It will be," Arias promises softly. "It will be."

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tearh0seok · 3 years

Text

For all you c!Wilbur and c!Quackity enthusiasts/ people who just like some good old fashioned c!karlnapity angst, this ones for you. Enjoy!!

—————

My Tears Ricochet

And I still talk to you

(when I'm screaming at the sky)

And when you can't sleep at night

(you hear my stolen lullabies)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

The bag hits his back with a solid thump, causing him to stumble forward and grunt from the weight of it. He instinctively reaches out for the nearest wall and steadies himself. He holds his breath for a second, prepared to hear the rustling of bed sheets as someone wakes up due to the noise, before he releases it in a quiet, cynical laugh. He is, as he had been for a while now, alone. No one around for him to hold, to talk to, to wake up, to care about. As he makes his way out into the streets of Las Nevada’s, he scans the area for any sign of life. Slime and Fundy must have turned in early enough, and Foolish had long stopped working on his latest big project. He strolls through the streets quietly, humming to himself as he takes in the nation, his nation. At night, the buildings and area look like a mirror image of the man who owned them: empty, cold and alone. He shakes his head trying not to think about it too much. Now was not a time for self-pity or grief. No, now was the time for revenge. The kind of revenge that he just couldn’t drag the others into, they’d never understand. In fact, they’d all think he was insane. They’d leave him behind, all alone, just like before, with-

“Quackity?”

The voice causes Quackity to drop his bag, the thud echoing against the pristine buildings of his city. He looks up at the road ahead of him, and finds Wilbur Soot leaning against the Las Nevada’s sign, a shadow under the bright lights, with his face illuminated only by the red hot glow of his cigarette. Quackity sees his lips twitch up into a tired smirk, and it immediately makes him want to punch the other man in the face. “You’re on my land, Wilbur,” he growls, picking the bag back up, and throwing it back over his shoulder. His grip on the straps tighten as he hears Wilbur laugh quietly. “I thought we put that in the past, Big Q. You know, healthy competition and all that jazz?” Wilbur says tauntingly. Quackity barely spares him a glance as he trudges past the sign, staring straight over Wilbur’s shoulder to where he can see the glow of the burger van in the distance.

“Yeah well, we’re both closed for the day so I didn’t see a need for any of the formalities,” Quackity mutters, praying that the conversation ends there. But of course, to no avail, as soon Quackity hears footsteps behind him and has to resist the oh so demanding urge to punch this guy in the nose. “Then, off the record and completely out of curiosity, as an old friend, may I ask where we’re going?” Wilbur says, as he falls into step beside the smaller man. Quackity digs his heels into the tarmac and stops, turning to the man beside him. “ We are not going anywhere, I have some business to attend to, and you are going back to wherever you came from and forgetting you saw me,” he grunts, poking Wilbur in the middle of his chest to emphasize his point.

He continues walking, and due to the lack of footsteps he assumes the other man has taken the hint and is heading home. However, he hears the sound of shoes approaching, and suddenly Wilbur is at his side once more. “Oh but now you see, my friend,” Wilbur sighs, voice laced with amusement, “now I’m intrigued. What is this so-called business, why is it so secret, and why-“ Quackity feels a slight pull on his back as Wilbur tries to peek into the bag. He quickly whips around, face to face with Wilbur, hoping the other hadn’t seen the contents of the bag. Unfortunately, the fire dancing in Wilbur’s eyes and the wild grin that covers his face suggests otherwise.

“- Why do you have so much TNT and a flint and steel, Quackity?”

It’s said quietly, but the tone of his voice is so menacing that it causes Quackity to shudder. This is really not how tonight was supposed to go, and the more time Quackity spends here talking to Wilbur, the more time he has to contemplate and regret the decision he’s about to make. So he lets his guard down, briefly, and murmurs, “It’s personal, Will, and I’m already starting to regret it, so the last thing I need is to feel guilty about dragging someone else into this too.” And with that, he slowly turns away, head hanging, and begins mentally bracing for what he’s about to do. He just needs to clear his head, and remind himself that this isn’t his fault, it’s everyone else’s for pushing him away, pushing him to this point, and for leaving him alone, AGAIN-

“Do you need some company?”

The voice is quiet and wavering, and if they hadn’t known each other for so long, Quackity wouldn’t have recognized the unsure tone of Wilbur’s voice. He looks over his shoulder at the other man, whose face, illuminated by the moon, is covered with hesitation.

“Wilbur, I just told you, I don’t want to drag anyone else-“

“I didn’t ask if you wanted company, I asked if you needed it, Quackity.”

The words stop him in his tracks. He feels all the air rush out of his lungs and finds himself struggling to breathe. He looks down at the freshly paved road below him, willing away the hot sting of tears. No one, not even Slime, has asked him that in a very long time. The last person to ever say that to him was probably-

“Listen, I know what it’s like, carrying all of this awful stuff on your shoulders. And I have no doubt that what you’re about to do is going to be something you add to the list of things you regret, but you had to do in the moment. I’m not offering to help, as I can tell this is something you need to do for yourself.” He feels a hand on his shoulder, and looks up to see Wilbur with a grim, but soft smile. “What I’m offering is my presence, just so you don’t have to go through it alone.”

Quackity pauses for a moment, taking in the weight of Wilbur’s words, but soon realizes that if he thinks about them too much, he might break down in tears. So he takes the bag off his back and dumps it into Wilbur’s arms. The other catches it with a quiet “oof”, as Quackity grunts, “Let’s go then, we need to get this done by sunrise.”

And just like that, they head off into the night.

~~~~~~~

Wilbur soon realizes that, in hindsight, he should have known where Quackity was headed all along. Quackity didn’t have any major enemies that Wilbur knew of besides Dream and Techno, but Dream is in prison and Techno is god knows where. Quackity also doesn’t seem like the type to commit an act of violence without some sort of motivation, and Wilbur’s 90% sure he wouldn’t do it to threaten someone. Really, using that reasoning, Wilbur should have known their destination. Even as they trekked across the hills and plains, Wilbur should have noticed the direction they were going in. However, it wasn’t until they came to a clearing that opened up onto a shoreline, that he saw their target. While he knows there’s no other option it could be, he still asks the question.

“Why are we at Kinoko Kingdom?”

There it stood, across the water in all its shining glory. Though it was silent in the dead of night, the nation still looked warm and inviting, a sharp contrast to Las Nevada’s at this hour. Wilbur looked at the man at his side, hoping to gauge a reaction, but Quackity’s face was hard as he stared across at the nation like it was the bane of his existence. “I thought you were here to keep me company, not question me,” Quackity grinds out, looking like he’s holding himself back from screaming, or crying, or both. And so Wilbur just shrugs, and places the bag down. Immediately, Quackity throws it open and so the work begins.

Wilbur watches silently as Quackity takes out as much as he can carry and starts making his way around the edge of the shore to the first building he can find. He looks back briefly at Wilbur, indicating for the other man to follow. And while his face remains stony, just as he turns away Wilbur catches a glimpse of the other man’s face crumpling. He watches Quackity let out an unsteady breath, before readjusting the materials in his arms and marching into Kinoko Kingdom.

Quackity, Wilbur is learning, is quite the expert when it comes to TNT. The man is methodical, precise in his placement, ensuring that each piece is in the perfect location to do maximum damage. Although Wilbur said he wouldn’t help, he eventually can’t take the boredom of just standing around, and starts to help. He hears no objection from Quackity, and so he assumes that he is alright to continue. They work in near silence, the only sounds coming from the occasional animal or monster in the distance. Suddenly, a thought comes to Wilbur’s head, and so he stands up and walks over to where Quackity is kneeling, fixing a stick of TNT into place. “Quackity, what about Sapnap and Karl?” He asks, and immediately realizes his mistake. He watches Quackity’s entire body tense up, and the man turns to him, face thunderous.

“What about them?” He asks coldly, and for the first time in a very long time, Wilbur is fearful of the man in front of him.

“Are you just going to leave them here? To…. you know….?”

Wilbur doesn’t finish his sentence, knowing that one wrong word could lead to him having a similar fate to Kinoko Kingdom. However, Quackity relaxes, ever so slightly, and turns back to his work. “They’re not here. They went hunting this morning and I heard from Foolish that they would be gone until tomorrow,” he states, voice wavering slightly, but otherwise filled with certainty. Satisfied with Quackity’s answer, Wilbur picks up some more TNT and begins positioning it near a massive pond in the heart of the kingdom. As he’s working, he hears a small voice cut through the silence.“I couldn’t do it with them here. It’s hard enough without them around, but if they were here - it would be impossible.” Quackity has never sounded more vulnerable, his voice soft yet even, but Wilbur can tell there’s a whole world of pain built within those words. So he leaves any questions he had to the side and continues to work through the silence, with only the moon, stars and the loneliest man in the world for company.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When everything’s done, despite the circumstances, Quackity is weirdly proud of himself. He doesn’t take too long to admire his handy work though, as it may cause him to just take it all back and go home. He begins connecting everything together with one long line of red stone. This surprisingly doesn’t take him too long, and soon he and Wilbur are making their way out of Kinoko Kingdom and back to their perch on the other side of the shore, trailing red stone behind them. Once he’s far enough away, Quackity dares to look back, and regrets it instantly. He sees Kinoko Kingdom for all it is- a clear representation of who Sapnap and Karl are, to others, to each other ,and it’s almost as if you can see the love that lives there. And then, on top of it all, protruding and ugly, is the TNT- Quackity’s doing. Quackity’s mark on the place. That is all he represents; destruction and ruin. Quackity knew there must have been a reason they left him behind, and now he sees it; pure, unadulterated evil . He is the cause of his own pain, his own problems. He gets left behind because when people get to know him- when Sapnap and Karl, his boys, got to know him, all they could do is run in fear. From now on, he is the one calling the shots, because Quackity refuses to ever be left behind again. And if that means being alone, forever, then so be it.

He sniffs and wipes his eyes as he walks, feeling like all of the armour he had put on his heart has fallen away, his wounds have reopened and he’s bleeding out. Over the dull white nose in his ears, he hears Wilbur’s voice in the distance, asking if he’s ok. However he doesn’t pay it any attention, simply connecting the chain of red stone to a button placed on the floor in front of him. He looks up one last time, at the place the loves of his life call home. And then, he presses the button.

If you’d asked him how he wanted this to go, Quackity would’ve described it exactly like this; quick, so quick that you’d miss it if you blink, and then so, so, slowly, like you were watching the life drain from the place. That was exactly what they got. The TNT detonated almost all at once, sending earth and debris flying everywhere. It was almost mesmerizing to watch as in the blink of an eye, something so beautiful was completely maimed. Then came the fire, spreading ever so slowly through what remained of the godforsaken place. As Quackity watched the flames grow, he felt a laugh bubble up in his chest. He let out a light chuckle, until soon he was gasping for breath as he cackled, all the while tears rolled down his face. Soon his laughter mixed with heavy sobs, and he felt Wilbur grip his shoulder, pulling him to face the other man. Wilbur’s face was glowing orange, almost as if it was ablaze along with the city they had just destroyed.

“QUACKITY! Pull yourself together!” He shouted sternly, shaking Quackity by the shoulders harshly. Quackity shoved him off, pushing him away with such force that Wilbur fell back into the sand.

“NO! You know what, fuck you Wilbur!” He spits, pointing down at the man beneath him, “ you don’t get to fucking tell me what to do, when you did the exact same fucking thing not too long ago. Remember that? You did it too, so fuck you. Fuck you for being here, for helping, for listening to me, and fuck you for all the shit you did in the past.” With that, Quackity whips himself around to face the destroyed kingdom in front of him.

“And fuck you!” He screams, not caring who hears or how much his voice wants to give out, “Fuck you and your perfect little kingdom, and your perfect little life. Fuck you guys for telling me you loved me.” His voice cracks at the end of the sentence and slowly his screams turn into heart-wrenching sobs. “Fuck you for pretending you cared. Fuck you for promising me that you’d stay .”

He rips both rings off of his left ring finger and throws them into the water, with such a force that he stumbles forward. He collapses to the ground, the weight of his own heartbreak too much to bear. He feels Wilbur drag him up into his lap, cradling him like a child. When he looks up at Wilbur, the other man gently brings a hand to his face, and wipes the tears from his cheeks. It’s been so long since Quackity has been held like this, that it just makes him cry even harder. He buries his head into Wilbur’s shoulder, crying hysterically into the rough fabric of his coat. His last sentence comes out as nothing more than a whisper, broken and defeated by the pain in his heart.

“F-fuck you guys for promising you would never leave me, a-and then doing it anyway.”

~~~~~~~~~

Wilbur sits in silence as Quackity continues to sob into his chest. He watches the last of what was once Kinoko Kingdom burn and crumble, until there is nothing left but smoldering rubble. The sight was almost soothing, like the quiet that comes after a hurricane. He watches as the sun rises, the night turning into a pale, eerie dawn, sky almost grey, and the tide lapping gently against the shore. The only sound for a long time is Quackity’s uneven breathing, along with the occasional hiccup, until he hears voices in the distance. “Quackity, be quiet,” Wilbur hushes him. Quackity looks up, about to say something when the voices get louder in the distance. They both pause and look over at the remains of Kinoko Kingdom, just as Sapnap and Karl emerge from the tree line. Wilbur hears Quackity suck in a breath as they watch the couple’s faces fall in horror. Karl immediately runs forward, and even from this distance, Wilbur hears him gasp and say, “Oh my god, what happened?”. Meanwhile, Sapnap remains silent, shock plastered across his face as he takes in the rubble. Karl turns back to his fiancé, and Wilbur sees the moment Karl’s shoulders sag and his head drops. “It’s all gone, Sapnap,” he hears him say, and then Sapnap is running forward to catch Karl as he collapses into his arms, crying quietly. Sapnap just bundles his lover up into his arms, tears streaming silently down his own face. After a moment, Sapnap begins to lead them back into the forest, presumably headed for a place to stay near everyone else.

Only when the pair have gone, does Wilbur notice the whimpering. He looks down and finds that Quackity is crying again, quietly this time, and is already staring up at Wilbur. He clutches Wilbur’s jacket and stares at him, eyes pleading for an answer.

“W-why don’t I feel better, Wilbur? Why did that make me feel so much worse?”

And because he doesn’t have an answer, Wilbur just embraces him once more, holding the man close to his chest as he cries.

~~~~~~~~~

“Hello Quackity of Las Nevadas, where have you been?”

If Slime notices Quackity’s puffy eyes, he doesn’t say anything. Wilbur had left him in the same place they began their journey, by the sign at the entrance to the nation. Quackity had been hoping to sneak back in undetected, but of course the innocent creature had been waiting for him at the base of the tower. At least it wasn’t someone like Foolish or Fundy, who would’ve been able to see right through him in his current state. Quackity runs a hand through his hair, and stuffs his hands in his pockets.

“Sorry Slime, I went out for a walk early this morning.”

Slime simply tilts his head, curiosity written all over his face.

“Where did you go?”

Quackity sighs, racking his brain for an excuse. It’s too early, and he’s too tired to be doing this. He gives up on trying to lie.

“It doesn’t matter.”

He starts making his way back to his tower, ready to fall into bed, when Slimes pipes up once more.

“It doesn’t matter? Why? Is it because you’re home now?”

Quackity stops.

He takes a breath, willing the tears down.

He turns around, eyes shining and gives his friend, his true friend, a small, sad smile.

“Yeah Slime. I’m home.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sapnap kicks a stone out of his way absentmindedly, strolling through what’s left of his kingdom. He came back to see what he could salvage from the wreckage, after dropping Karl off at Bad’s house to rest. As he strolls by the beach, he stops to pick up a piece of wood lying in the sand. As he does so, he spots something shiny lying just on the edge of the water. He crouches down, and picks it up, only to find 2 engagement rings, each with an initial engraved on them.

He clenches his fist around the rings, heart breaking all over again. He’d recognize those rings anywhere, and he knows what it means, finding them here. He brings his fist up to his lips, pressing a kiss against it, hoping, in vain, that his other love will feel it. He looks out at the water, tears flowing, and prays that someday, they can be what they once were. For now, he places the rings in his pocket carefully, thumbing them over slowly. Before he leaves, he turns back to look at his kingdom once more, and whispers,

“I’m sorry.”

And with that, he heads back to Karl, his fiancé, his home .

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

I didn't have it in myself to go with grace

'Cause when I'd fight, you used to tell me I was brave

And if I'm dead to you, why are you at the wake?

Cursing my name, wishing I stayed

Look at how my tears ricochet

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purplellamanator · 3 years

Text

Sorry for the delay! This is the first part of my contribution for @shinranweek The above link is to read the story on AO3 or if you prefer to read off of fanfic, just click here! Of course since this is a tumblr event, the chapter will be posted below the cut. I originally wanted this posted for day 1 for first meetings but unfortunately life got in the way. Just a little insight though, this is heavily inspired by movie 20 The Darkest Nightmare. This is not completed though and I'll post the next part later. Sorry if it seems rushed and thanks to @shinranweek for hosting the event! Loved all the shinran content this week!

Amnesia Part I

Her head. . . . It was pounding so hard she thought it'd implode in on itself.

She clutched at the source with one hand and continued walking forward blindly. Everything she did was blindly. Where she was going, where she came from, why her head hurt. . . who she was; it was all lost to her. And she kept moving forward.

Where was she anyways? Glancing around cautiously, her hand still pressed to her head and now as a slight shield from the blistering sun, she tried to discern her surroundings. It was hard though. Her head was pounding and she could barely think. There was so much noise going on around her to add to that and- she was going to pass out.

Eyes landing on a bench, the woman stumbled hurriedly to the wooden chair before collapsing on it. She felt slightly better now that she was off her feet but not by much. It did allow her to actually see through the fog that was clouding her already injured mind and she lost the need to hold herself together.

Laughing and talking; there was a lot of that. There were families milling about, smiling and chattering excitedly. Obviously she was in a family park of sorts . . . but what had brought her here? Was she here with her family? If so, where were they?

Eyes moving around slowly before seeing a massive ferris wheel in the distance, she felt a semblance of knowledge itch at the corners of her mind. Something was familiar. . Something was familiar about that wheel. .

Had that been why-?

She jerked suddenly when she realized she wasn't sitting alone anymore. Looking beside her, it was a man, not that old at all and maybe in his younger twenties. The surprise wasn't what made her jump though. He was- had he been smelling her?

Even after she jumped away and stared at him as if he lost his mind, the man continued to sniff at her as if he were some sort of dog.

Finally, she cleared her throat. "Um . . . " She wanted to cringe at how awkward the one sound had been. What do you say when one human being sniffs . . another. . ?

And if possible, the man leaned back against the bench completely nonchalant. As if he hadn't just been smelling her . . .

"Gasoline."

His voice had come so abruptly and her eyes blinked in confusion. "Excuse me?"

"Gasoline," the man repeated, a satisfied look in his blue eyes. "You smell very strongly of it."

Did she really? The woman raised her arm to her face and sniffed, brows furrowing when she discovered that he was right. The odd stranger was correct and she did smell very strongly of gasoline.

"Are you okay?" He asks when she was still trying to figure why she would smelled like she took a bath in a gas station.

Her eyes flit to his. "I- I think so."

The stranger's brows lifted curiously. She didn't blame him for looking so confused. How could she not know if she were alright? He didn't question her response though and instead said, "You don't look okay. You look and smell like you've been in an explosion." She was sure that was meant to sound like a joke but the possibility that that very well could be true reflected in his gaze; a hint of seriousness.

But for the first time, and only because this stranger pointed it out to her, she was actually taking in her appearance. Clothes disheveled and dirtied, hair tangled and a welt on her head; safe to say she looked and felt like she'd been through an explosion or two.

"Forgive me for cornering you like this but you appeared distressed," he apologized but somehow he didn't sound very sorry at all. "I just saw you stumbling around in those heels and I thought you'd pass out until you collapsed on this bench. Were you coming from work?"

"Work?" The woman mumbled to herself and again took notice of the gray pencil skirt and the white button-up blouse she wore. Where did she work? Did she even work? She could feel the headache coming back again. Or maybe it had never gone away and she had been able to forget about it momentarily. "I don't know," she finally said in a slow realization and his eyes widened even more.

"Do you know your name?"

Do you know your name?

The voice that resounded after his wasn't hers and she heard it only in her mind. A memory- but from what she didn't know. She had been asked that before but she couldn't remember when or why. For some reason, it made her head throb from trying to remember. "My name. . . ?" She was staring hard at the concrete before her on the ground as she continuously ran that question through her head.

"Can you remember?"

She could hear him right beside her- practically feel him leaning towards her when she didn't respond right away. But for some reason it felt like he was muffled and suddenly the man was miles away and she was stuck in her head. "What's my name. .?" So many thoughts rushed at her in that moment and she raised a hand to her welt to try to soothe the pain radiating from it. But it wasn't soothing it; it wasn't making it better and soon both hands were clutching her head as she attempted to recall something that should've been so simple. "My name?" she repeated again and now her breaths were coming out panicked.

Why couldn't she remember her name? It was hers and she couldn't say it?

"Hey!" She could barely feel a firm hand splay across her back as if to comfort her. "Breathe. I'll call an ambulance and we'll-"

"No!" She jerked away from him roughly and attempted to come to a stand. Her legs wobbled and she could barely make a decision between holding her head together or balancing on her own two feet. Something about his statement had her body reacting automatically though and she just knew she couldn't go to a hospital. Why? She didn't understand that yet but her instincts were telling her no and as of now, her instincts were all she had.

The man rose too and moved slowly towards her as if approaching a scared animal. "We'll get you help. We'll find where you came from," he tried again and went to help her stand.

Where I came from. . to take me back. . . ? Back to-

Nails digging into her head as the pain became intense, she stumbled away each time he moved closer. "No," she shook her head and it became apparent to her that tears were streaming down her cheeks from the pain. "I- I can't-!"

Couldn't what? Go to the hospital? Go back to some unknown place that her body was rejecting? It was all too much.

And suddenly startling them both and everybody in the vicinity, she began screaming from the pain as something tried to force its way to the forefront of her mind. It couldn't though and it was just so much pain and she couldn't stop yelling and before she knew it she was falling and falling.

Heavy lids blinking open a few times to adjust to the brightness, she felt weird. Her head was sore but that was a given. But she didn't feel herself as if she were a mind in someone else's body. That's what she really was in that moment considering she couldn't recall something so simple as her own name.

Her mouth felt dry and her eyes tight as she took in her surroundings. She was in a bed- a hospital room and hooked up to some IV that was probably full of saline. Something else she became apparent to was the fact she was all alone. No one else was in the room with her.

So why was the first thought to strike her was to sneak out that far window? It was like an unconscious reaction that she shouldn't be there in that room; that she had somewhere else she needed to be and that she knew deep down she was never to be in a hospital.

But why?

Thankfully, the woman didn't get the chance to act out her idea because in the next second the door was creaking open slowly and a head was peeking in. It was the stranger- the man from before. And when he saw that she was awake and sitting up in her bed, a grin cracked across his face.

"I'm glad you're awake. How are you feeling?"

Honestly, she felt terrible. "Better," she said instead. At least she could actually remember what happened before she landed herself here.

"Remember anything?"

She gave him a curious glance. "I remember my head hurting and passing out while we were talking." That was it and he understood fully what she meant. She still couldn't remember her name or anything else before they met.

He must've saw the way her eyes slowly slid around the room uneasily. "I took you to a friend. We're not in a hospital."

Those words really did bring a certain amount of relief for her. Though she still had this mild feeling of wanting to jump out the window, it felt like a weight had lifted off her.

Stepping further into the room, he took the seat beside her bed and she wondered if he had really been here the entire time waiting for her to wake up. "We'll figure it out soon enough. A detective is waiting to speak with you when you're ready."

Detective? Her insides clenched and that again was another red flag. She didn't want to speak with a detective. Swallowing away her body's natural panic, she attempted to pay it off. "Y-you called the police?" She wasn't fooling this man though and she briefly wondered how he could read her emotions so easily.

"Let's just say they're my friends as well," he gave a small but relaxed grin.

Other than for the heaviness of her head, she really felt better now. If he was telling the truth then he had saved her from having to worry about any legal consequences or actions. "Who are you?" He hadn't told her after all. He had been too busy . . smelling her and asking for her name. But he had helped her as well it would seem. Such an unusual person. . .

His blue eyes widened as if he just realized he never told her that. It seemed unlike him but his cheeks actually tinted a slight pink. "I can't believe I didn't even tell you my name," he scratched the back of his brown hair awkwardly and she could hear the unspoken apology in his tone. "I'm Kudou Shinichi." He said it so proudly and matter of fact that the woman was taking back her earlier accusation. He wasn't awkward because he had forgot to mention his name. He was just used to people already knowing it and since she didn't she hoped that didn't take him down a notch. After all, she couldn't even recall her own so why would she remember his?

Kudou Shinichi.

But then again, maybe she did. There was some sort of recognition that came with the name.

Again, that awakened a voice within her but this time she didn't push the fact. Last time she had given herself a migraine and she thought her brain would explode.

"Thank you then, Kudou-san," she said sincerely. "I'm sorry for any trouble this has caused you."

"Not at all," he waved her off. "I'm a de-."

A firm knock resounded around the room before the door creaked open slightly again. Only this time it was someone the woman did not recognize. Based off their clothes though, she was able to determine it was one of her nurses.

She was proven correct when the woman clad in her scrubs turned to another and said, "She's awake but the doctor doesn't want you questioning her long. We're still examining the severity of her brain damage and she doesn't need any stress." And then the door was held open farther so a couple could enter; one man and one woman.

She determined these were the detectives Kudou-san had warned her about. Instantly, she was on guard but she couldn't tell what was to blame. Her body seemed to do it unconsciously and she knew she couldn't speak freely with them. Why would it matter though? She couldn't remember anything not to speak freely with them. And Kudou-san had also said that they were there as his 'friends'.

As they stepped closer and she tensed even more, Kudou-san stood up in what seemed respect to greet the other two. Soon he was moving aside granting them full access to her bedside and she felt her chest cinch up nervously.

Her gaze instantly appraised the woman. She held a certain air of authority that demanded it. She seemed to be in her thirties maybe, the injured girl couldn't tell. But through her stern features she seemed kind enough so far. The man appeared much more at ease than her. She didn't want to mistake it for timidness but she could tell who was the boss in this partnership. Or better yet, who bad cop good cop was.

The woman was the first one to address her proving her theory even more. "I'm Detective Sato and this is my partner Detective Takagi." She paused to give her a chance to speak but all she could do was nod her head respectfully. It wasn't like she could respond with her own name.

"Kudou-kun suspects you've been in an accident of some kind. Not only would we like to find and hold whoever is accountable, our goal is also to identify whom you are."

"I don't think I'll be much help," she admitted apologetically. "I don't remember anything before meeting this stranger." Her eyes flit to the brown haired man that stood to the side.

The woman nodded her head as if she already knew this. "After what Kudou-kun described earlier today and what the doctor explained, I don't expect you to remember anything. So I'll ask you a few basic questions and if you can't answer them, that's okay."

She wasn't too sure that was a good idea. After the pain from last time. . .

The two detectives must've noticed the uneasiness on her features and Detective Takagi actually spoke up. "We don't want to further your condition. Don't push yourself."

Detective Sato nodded before clearing her throat. "It is to my understanding that you don't remember your name so I won't bother asking you about that. Instead, I'd like to know the first thing you do remember."

She swallowed uneasily as she watched the detectives before her. The woman couldn't really understand why but their presence bothered her a great deal. To forget about that, she tried focusing on the question. The very first thing she could remember . . .

"I-I was in an alleyway," she revealed. "My head hurt badly and I didn't know what was going. I could barely stand."

"Can you recall where this alleyway was?"

She shook her head slowly. "I hadn't stuck around for long." Her tone seemed curious about her actions; or maybe perturbed as to why she hadn't. It was something deep down inside of her that told her she had to keep moving.

"Why did you go to that park specifically? Why not the police?"

The ferris wheel.

The answer surfaced swiftly and assuredly through her thoughts. She didn't know why she went there just for the ferris wheel but the fact she knew even that much was something. Yet. . she didn't tell them.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "It felt safer and just calm. I wasn't thinking to go to the police." Of course she left out that she couldn't go to a police department. But she could just use the excuse of confusion until she knew what was going on with her. To be fair, she really was confused.

Detective Sato nodded before pulling a card from her pocket. "I didn't expect you to know much and you are on bed rest so I'll end this here." Handing the card to her, the injured girl looked at it curiously. "That's my number. If you remember anything about yourself or the accident, call me."

She nodded again and her cheeks tinted a slight pink. That's all she's done for the past few hours. How embarrassing it was that she couldn't even think to hold a conversation. "T-thank you," she choked out but it sounded completely forced and her grin appeared as a grimace. And either they didn't notice or they just didn't feel like making her even more uncomfortable because the detectives bowed their heads respectfully before exiting.

Not giving her a chance to relax, the door opened again and now what she assumed was her doctor entered. She watched the man even more uneasily. For some reason the doctor bothered her more than the detectives. The man didn't seem too bad. A normal middle aged man dressed in his medical coat and carrying a clip board; there was nothing particularly daunting about him but something . . frightened her.

She started sweating. Her heart beating furiously could be heard on the monitor and she felt her cheeks enflame even more.

"Looks like someone's afraid of the doctor's office," he joked with a warm smile and a wink. "I'm Doctor Araide. I've been looking after you since Kudou-san brought you in."

That didn't put her at ease at all and she swallowed through her dry throat. Forcing herself to breathe evenly, the beeps from the monitor slowly went back to normal. She was thankful the doctor hadn't made too much of a big deal over it but Kudou-san was actually looking at her with a calculating frown. All she could do was try to convince her brain that it was alright. They weren't really in a hospital and that she needed to calm down.

"Well," he went to sit on the chair beside her and she tensed up some more. He didn't point it out this time thankfully and continued with," I have some bad news and some good news."

"What's the bad?" she took the initiative to ask. She'd rather get that out of the way first.

Doctor Araide sighed before shaking his head. "We ran prints and DNA through our systems and through the police department's records as well to see if we could pin you with a name. You're not in any of the systems and no one has reported a missing persons case." Seeing the disheartened look on his features he said, "Don't worry. That could mean many things. You just might not be around from this part of Japan and thankfully you don't have a record to warrant the police's attention."

She nodded slowly, trying to focus on the positive side. It was hard though when she was so confused. She literally had nothing. Not even memories.

"Now for the slightly better news. . . " And for this he actually looked at his clipboard and flipped back a few pages. "I'd still like to do a few more brain scans just to make sure your condition hasn't worsened but it appears to be psychogenic amnesia."

"P-psychogenic. . . ?"

"Retrograde amnesia," he corrected for her in simpler terms. "It's a form of memory loss that can follow a physically or emotionally traumatic event. Luckily, I believe yours isn't too severe."

"So. . . I won't keep passing out?" she asked hopefully from her bed. It hadn't been a very nice feeling from what she could remember and waking up hadn't been any easier either.

Doctor Araide sighed as if he didn't want to make her any promises. He probably couldn't and instead said, "I think that was your body reacting to a memory that . . . psychologically," he finally settled on that word, "you wanted to avoid."

"Basically. . . I don't want to remember." The injured woman nodded but could feeling the beginnings of a headache; only this time it was different. Instead of just straight and abrupt pain this one seemed to stem from stress and disappointment. What had happened to her so bad in her life that she didn't want to remember any of it?

"Not necessarily," the doctor said anxiously. He must've saw what her own statement meant for her. "It was only a theory. What's more important is there was no physical damage to the brain. Cases like these- I don't want to give false hope, but typically my patients that have experienced something similar, all regained some form of memory to their life before their accident."

Though he basically told her not to get too excited, her heart grew brighter. Maybe she wouldn't be a nobody forever and like he said, at least there was no serious damage. "Is there anything I can do that will hasten the process?" The woman didn't want to lose her calm façade in front of the doctor but it was hard to hide it in her voice.

And like a doctor would, he detected it easily. "You're still on bed rest," he warned. "Besides the amnesia, you suffered some major bruising to your ribs and abrasions to your face."

Her eyes widened. She hadn't even noticed. Had she been walking around with bruised ribs all this time? It was hard to believe but maybe whatever accident she had been in numbed her.

"I-" She cut herself off nervously. She didn't want to stay here. Doctors were meant to help people; she knew that deep down. But a certain fear deep inside of her chest- she couldn't deal with that here and surrounded by it. "I don't want to stay here."

And just like that, both the doctor's and Kudou-san's eyes were flitting towards her incredulously.

"I don't think you understand the severity of your condition," Doctor Araide started. "Your wounds are ones fitting of a car accident. You are in no state to be living on your own. And legally, I cannot let you leave on your own."

She wasn't legally a patient here. She was sure of it from Kudou-san's words and she wasn't about to stay here longer than she had to. She didn't want to be here and as far as she was concerned, she didn't have to be. She tried to be nice and let them have their questioning and their tests. Now she wanted to leave. She was fine just on her own until that stranger started smelling her. She wished she jumped out that window when she had the chance.

"Any more stress could damage your chances of gaining anything from your past."

That had her pausing her retort, biting her lip in contemplation. She didn't want to stay here. This wasn't comfortable for her. In fact, it frightened her quite a bit and what was even worse- she didn't know why.

Seeing that she wasn't too fond of this place but also realizing she understood her condition, the stranger from before spoke up again only this time addressing the doctor. "She can stay with me."

The doctor was staring at her now, a frown on his face before turning that disapproving stare on Kudou-san. "It was already wrong of me not to send this woman to a hospital let alone to not call the police. How can you ask me to let her leave?"

"She'll stay at my house. I have more than enough room and I'll watch over her," he replied easily while giving her wary sideways glances. It looked like he was worried she was going to just jump and leave herself without listening to what they had to say.

It was tempting.

"I'll let you leave tomorrow morning if you stay the night," was the doctor's final offer. Either that or he would more than likely inform the law enforcement. She didn't want to risk getting any of them in trouble for hiding this for her.

Lips pursed uncomfortably, she nodded her head once. "And then I can leave?"

"Like I said earlier, I want to run a few more brain scans and make sure there's no lasting damage through the night. After that, I am letting you leave with Kudou-san to be in his care." Doctor Araide put extra emphasis so she knew she would not be leaving alone.

True to his word though, the next morning she and Kudou-san were filling out documents. The entire time Doctor Araide was standing over her- prattling her to stay. After the restless night she had however, that wouldn't be happening. It was like she was about to crawl out of her skin. She didn't feel safe.

"Ma'am," the doctor turned to face her. "I really do not recommend this." It was a last ditch effort really. The hours long process was finally over and Kudou-san was pulling his car around as she waited.

"I know. Thank you for all you've done," she bowed. If it hadn't been for the fact that this was his practice and they had in fact taken her to a hospital, she knew this wouldn't have gone done as smoothly as it did.

Doctor Araide sighed disappointedly. "Please come back if you experience any pain or illness. You have a head injury and that could make appearances as nausea, soreness- anything." And he too was handing her a card and she couldn't believe she was receiving a second one. "This is my work number. It's always on and do not hesitate to call. Kudou-kun has my number as well."

After a few more departing words on the doctor's part on how she needed to be careful, she was waiting in the passenger seat as Kudou-san talked privately with him. She didn't pay it any mind and figured the man had finally given up on trying to convince her to stay there. Instead, he must be giving Kudou-san explicit instructions as he had done prior with her.

She jumped when the door opened and he slid into the driver's seat. Not realizing he was done talking, the girl noticed the doctor was long gone and not even standing on the porch any longer.

"So," he began as he buckled his seatbelt. "Is there anything you'd like me to call you?"

His question actually threw her. She just assumed she'd be left a no-name until she either remembered or those two detectives identified her- whichever came first. The woman thought about it though before shaking her head. Thinking about it gave her a headache and she honestly didn't know what she'd like to be called. Her real name definitely but at the moment that wasn't a possibility. Then to make it even harder, she knew nothing about herself to conjure up some nickname.

Kudou-san waved her off. "We'll figure something out," he said reassuringly. "Let's get you settled in first."

"Where are we?" she piqued curiously. Somehow her brain had retained the information that she was indeed Japanese and still in Japan. Why it didn't know anything else she'd never figure out.

"I live in Beika."

All she could do was nod again. Nothing seemed familiar about the area or name. A little bit of her hope diminished with that but she wouldn't get too discouraged yet. The doctor had hinted that this loss was more than likely temporarily until her mind could come to grips with what happened.

For some reason, when she was informed that she'd be staying with this Kudou Shinichi, she had pictured an apartment. Maybe a two bedroom flat in the city. What their car pulled up to however, she was practically pressed to the window in amazement.

It was a mansion- and no, she was not exaggerating. The house was huge and gated in and everything. Again she had to ask, "Who are you?" Not just anybody could afford a place like this. He had to be somebody important.

He looked at her surprised as he walked up to the gate and pulled it open. It was already unlocked apparently. "I already told you." When he saw she was still looking up in awe at the place that would be her home for at least the next few days, he sighed. "My mother is an actress and my father is an author. They left me the place to live in the States."

Glancing at him, she had a brief moment to wonder if that's why she recognized his name. The fact he had famous parents was more than explanation enough. She was curious to just who his parents were now but he seemed uncomfortable on the topic so she respectfully didn't push it. Instead she said, "Is it just you here?" She was curious. He looked to be in his early twenties and he wasn't bad looking at all. Maybe he had a wife or girlfriend.

"Well now there's you," he pointed out.

Blinking, she was a little flabbergasted that he owned this mansion all to himself. "You live here alone?" Still staring at the hard iron gates blocking the entry way, she felt a sort of cold sensation overcome her. How could someone live in such a big building all by themselves? She knew already that she wouldn't want to and she didn't even know who she was.

Kudou-san took a moment to pause and look at her as if she needed to pay attention. "No. Now, you live here too."

She actually took a moment to glare at his retreating back. The woman wasn't able to tell he was joking until he turned and gave her a small smirk. It was hard to stay irritated when someone smiled at you like that. And the fact he kept this entire thing a secret also helped but she didn't really want to bring that up anymore. Instead, she wanted to focus on getting to know the new place she'd be staying at for however long he chose to deal with her.

After he shut the gate behind them and resumed strolling down the pathway, her gaze raked across the front entrance and the surrounding yard. There was grass and it was green and there was indeed paint on the shutters and front door, but something disturbed her about the scene. She couldn't explain it well but it all just seemed so . . . dead. The front area near the front windows was completely bare where it appeared a garden may of been there quite some time ago. Actually entering the house and into the foyer, the shoe cubby was empty except for one pair. And eyes scanning the barren walls and the way their voices echoed around the spacious house- it was empty.

And there she had the answers to her own curious questions. There was no wife. There was no girlfriend. And based off the shoe rack, there wasn't even any guests. Did he really live here. . ? A hollow feeling ironically filled her heart. She couldn't explain it but she had the weird urge to open the shades and start cleaning. Not that it was messy or anything. It was clean- too clean if possible.

Kudou-san didn't notice the way she scrutinized the building as she followed him up the stairs. If he did, he didn't say anything about it and she walked quietly in his slippers. She assumed they were his considering they were the only pair by the door and he was forced to walk around in his socks. He must not receive many visitors.

"You can stay in here," he said as he opened one of the many doors in the upstairs hallway. "Since I only really had the night to prepare, it's not much. We can go out and buy you some clothes and stuff tomorrow though if you're up to it." It came out unsurely and when she glanced back at him he was scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

The woman shook her head with a small grin. "This is fine. Thank you for allowing me to stay." She was still curious as to why he did it. He had no clue who she was and neither did she. She had absolutely no memory of her prior life and some possible health issues. If she was asked, she'd say she was more trouble than it was worth.

"I have a neighbor that is about your size. She lent me some clothes for you to use- if you don't mind them of course," he corrected quickly.

Eyes a bit wide from the fact he actually thought she'd care about having to borrow clothes, she shook her head again. "I am very thankful for her offer and would be more than happy to get out of these." She had been wearing the same clothes she woke up in the first day with Doctor Araide. He had given her a pair of hospital pants and a white t-shirt.

"I have your original clothes in the wash." He had a thumb pointing behind him in the direction she assumed was the laundry room.

All she could do was bob her head in acknowledgement. In a way, she was thankful. Those clothes were her only grasp on where she had come from. On the other hand, they sort of felt detached. She couldn't remember anything about them so they almost held no meaning to her. She just wished she could remember something.

"Is your head hurting?"

She almost wondered why he would be asking her that but then she took notice to the frown she had on her features. The girl hadn't even realized she'd been doing it. Straightening her features, she fixed her lips upward into a small grin. "Not at all."

Kudou-san had been in the process of saying something when the grand doorbell resounded around the massive home. A confused scrunch of his brows showed he wasn't expecting any visitors today. "Excuse me," he nodded his head at her before turning to go. "Go ahead and settle in."

Back facing her, the man wasn't able to see the puzzled and incredulous look she bore. Settle? Settle what. Turn down her sheets to go to bed? She had nothing. There was nothing to settle. Not saying anything though, she decided to just follow him. It might be those two detectives with a lead.

"I told you not on the first day," he came Kudou-san's disapproving tone. He didn't sound angry but there was hint of scolding in his tone and she wondered who was on the receiving end. "She just got back from the doctor's and she needs to rest today." He was glancing down, almost bent over at the waist to talk down. Now she was curious.

"I just wanted to give her these!" came a cheerful voice if she'd ever heard one.

Making her way further down the steps, she noticed the way Kudou-san gripped the door open enough for him to speak. Hoping it wasn't too forward of her, she pried the door open further. It was obvious they were talking about her anyway and she didn't feel like resting much.

Shocked at first, it was enough to catch him off guard and the door opened further. Eyes looking forward, her eyes had to flit down when she realized once again, it was a small child; a little girl. Her hair was dark and cut short, a headband with a bow on her head. All in all, she looked adorable and the woman felt a wide smile tug at her features.

Practically shoving the man out of the way- or even forgetting he was there, she came to a kneeling position. "What did you want to give me?" she asked softly at the child's wide eyes. She wasn't sure but she hoped her sudden appearance hadn't frightened the girl. She really was tiny and she had to wonder how old she was. Maybe seven, if she had to guess?

The small girl's cheeks turned a flustered pink as she hid her hands behind her, an embarrassed look as she glanced at her feet. "I can come back tomorrow. Shinichi-oniisan says you need to rest."

Unlike with Kudou-san, she was being shy. It was no surprise considering she had no clue who she was.

The woman made to appear as if she were thinking. "Well, we can tell Shinichi-oniisan that the sun's still up," she replied with a sideways glance in his direction and she almost laughed. That got the little girl looking up at her again she felt her heart warm as a small giggle escaped her.

"What's your name?"

Now a bit more at ease she excitedly said, "Yoshida Ayumi!"

"That's really pretty," she complimented and if possible, the pink on the small child's cheeks got pinker.

"My parents named me after my grandmother. It means to step or. . to walk your. . " She kept stuttering and cutting herself off as she thought really hard to remember.

The woman wasn't really sure where the burst of knowledge came from but she paused the struggling verbal thoughts of the girl. "To walk your own way," she corrected.

Ayumi gasped happily. "Yes! That's it!" She giggled herself when the girl bobbed her head excitedly.

"Here you go, Onee-chan!"

The woman had to blink at the sudden appearance of flowers in her face. When she realized this must've been what the girl was hiding behind her back, she smiled before grabbing the stem from the child's hand. They were orchids and they were almost a violet color. Where had she pulled this from?

Eyes moving back to Ayumi-chan's, she smiled wider. "Thank you. It's really pretty."

Ayumi-chan pointed at the woman's face. She had to blink again from the sudden closeness. "Just like your eyes!"

Her eyes? The woman hadn't really paid that any mind. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't even looked in a mirror yet. Surprisingly she hadn't thought to do so. Most of her time had spent in a doctor's office. It would be like staring at a stranger anyway.

"My eyes?" She still repeated as she stared into space. How could she not know the color of her own two eyes? She felt her head start to ache.

Ayumi-chan nodded surely. "Say. . . what's your name?" It must've just hit her that she wasn't aware who she was talking to. Truthfully, the woman had forgot herself too. So used to being a noname for the past two days, she didn't think to introduce herself.

"Um. . . "

Kudou-san saw her unease and appeared ready to turn this conversation around. Ayumi was way ahead of him however.

"I'll bet your name is Ran- like the orchid!" she chirped excitedly as she pointed at the flower that she still held in her hand.

Ran? Was that her name? There was nothing there; nothing familiar about the title. But as she twisted the violet orchid in her grasp, and turned the name over and over in her thoughts, she felt a slow smile return to her face. It did have a pretty ring to it.

Kudou-san looked fully prepared to scold her. He didn't want the woman to have another meltdown from trying to force a memory. "Ayumi-chan-!"

But she interrupted him. "How did you know?"

And the man had to take a second to wonder if she really remembered and that was indeed her name. But based off the humorous twist to her lips, he could tell it was mostly to amuse the small girl. If it really was her name, she didn't know but she didn't appear to be about to argue it.

"I knew it," Ayumi-chan gasped happily. "It's because of your pretty eyes!"

"Ayumi!"

All three heads shot up to glance just before the Kudou manor gates. There were two boys that appeared to be the same age as the small girl and she figured they must be classmates.

"Oh! That's Genta-kun and Mitsuhiko-kun. I'm supposed to be working on school work with them." With that she practically skipped down the front entrance steps towards the two boys. "Bye Shinichi-onii-san! Bye Ran-nee-chan!"

Little girl long gone and now back Kudou-san glanced at her. "That was nice of you."

The woman was still sitting on the couch, violet orchid in her hand as she twirled the stem. "It's not like I had a name to begin with," she shrugged. She couldn't hide the warm feeling she felt though. For once, that she could remember, someone had given meaning to something in her life. Even if it was because of chance that her eyes happened to be the same color of that particular orchid. She had a name with a meaning. She had a meaning.

Her eyes slid over to Kudou-san whom hovered in the doorway. His own gaze shot to the floor and she couldn't really tell but it seemed like his cheeks gained a tint of color. Had he been watching her?

He cleared his throat. "I could get a small vase for that," he suggested looking up at her finally. "Did you want one, Ra-?"

He cut himself off abruptly and this time she was positive he turned red.

She wasn't at all offended by his forwardness. In fact, she felt better knowing that he now had a name for her. She wasn't nameless. He probably felt uncomfortable or rude calling her some child's nickname. "I have something else in mind . . and," glancing briefly at the flower again and back to him, a small grin twisted her lips. "You can call me Ran."

#@shinranweek #shinranweek21 #day 7 #creator's choice #fanfic #shinran #dcmk fanfic #dcmk #fanfiction #this is ridiculously long and im sorry

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