#you could ask him to bark and he would start yipping like a dog before you could get the full command out

[mysicklove]

obedience is so so hot. not even asking subs to do extreme things, just simple commands that they have been trained to follow. reinforced these rules so many times that their body reacts to your words before they even think about it

could you imagine being mid-conversation with a sub, and then randomly interrupting them to tell them to kneel, and immediately they fall to their knees without even hesitation, blinking up at you and ready to follow the next command.

#mello.thirsts #the power dynamics just make my head spin istg #i love my brats #but obedient subs make me lose my mind #this is so shoto #you could ask him to bark and he would start yipping like a dog before you could get the full command out #AHHHH

[serpentandlily]

Sly Fox, Dumb Bunny IV

Sly Fox, Dumb Bunny IV - Eris x Archeron!Reader

Summary: You find yourself ensnared by a sly, cunning fox. A very handsome, irritating one.

Warnings: a lil bit of angst, a lil bit of fluff, a lil bit of suggestion

➻❥ Part I ➻❥ Part II ➻❥ Part III

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

To say he was panicking would be an understatement. 

No, Eris had felt panicked when he had opened the door to his chambers and realized his mate was not there. But that panic turned to full-fledged terror when he had finally tracked down the two handmaidens he'd assigned her this morning and they both said they had no idea where his mate was. 

He stalked through the Forest Home---trying to appear calm and nonchalant despite what he felt. He didn't want anyone to catch wind of something being amiss. Not before he was able to find his mate and safely get her back to his chambers. Lucky for him, he'd been forced to wear a mask his whole life and this was no different. 

A bark from behind caused him to whirl around. Ashera came running from around the corner, ears flapping and tail wagging. That had to be a good sign. She yipped again when she caught up to him and gripped the edge of his cuff in her sharp teeth.

"Did you find her, Ash?" Eris asked, quietly. 

He was answered with a pull of her teeth. His shoulders loosened with relief and he let Ashera guide him to wherever it was that she had found his mate. He had given Ashera the order to find her the minute he realized she was missing and had gone the opposite way of her to cover more ground. 

A few moments later, he found himself in front of the doors to the library. Ashera let go of him and started to paw at the doors with a whine. He could hear two voices from behind the doors. His mate's and....

He grabbed both handles and yanked open the double doors, stalking inside. 

"And do you want to know what I said—" His brother, Finnegan, abruptly cut off his sentence when the sound of the doors slamming shut behind Eris and Ashera caught his attention. He looked up, smirking when he caught sight of his frazzled brother. 

Seated in front of his brother, a chessboard on the table between them, was his mate. She turned in her chair, eyes wide as she looked over with surprise until she recognized who was there. A soft smile bloomed on her beautiful face, her doe eyes lighting up. 

No one had ever looked at him like that when he entered rooms. Not even his own mother. No, he was usually met with either fear or disdain. But not from his mate... She should've been staring at him with disgust or contempt, especially after how he had treated her yesterday and especially after their argument this morning when he forbade her from leaving his room. Instead, she seemed happy to see him. 

Was she putting on a front for his brother?

"Eris!" she exclaimed, rising from her seat. "You're back. Oh, you won't believe the day I've had! Finn found me wandering around and—"

"Come here," Eris ordered, cutting her off. He held out his hand towards her. His brother's smirk grew as Eris glowered at him. His mate’s eyebrows rose in question but she thankfully listened to him, walking to his side and grasping his hand in her much smaller, much softer one. 

Ashera let out an excited yip and brushed up against her legs, causing his mate to smile down at her. Honestly, he should've known she was his mate the minute his hounds hadn't torn into her when she first appeared in Autumn that day. Should've known the second Ashera had pranced forward and tried to comfort her, for Gods' sake. His dogs were prime hunters, yet around her, they were reduced to nothing more than fluffy house pets it seemed. 

He remembered seeing her for the first time, her leg stuck in that bear trap. Despite the tears running down her face and her hair tangled with leaves and twigs, she was the most beautiful female he had ever laid eyes on. So soft and delicate. The opposite of everything he was. 

But the mating bond hadn’t truly snapped until the shadowsinger had shown up in the clearing that day and whisked her into his arms. She had looked straight at him and a golden thread had unwoven in his chest, causing him to stagger back just as they disappeared in a swirl of shadows. It had taken all of his will power not to immediately storm the Night Court if only to see her for a second more.

“Can I not have her for a few more minutes, brother?” Finn asked, tossing his arms behind his head and resting his head against them with a smug grin. “We’re nearly finished with our game.”

Eris sneered at his brother. “If I see you sniffing around her again, I’ll rip out your throat.”

“Eris!” His mate exclaimed, looking up at him with wide eyes. He ignored her, still glaring daggers at his brother who didn’t even flinch at the threat. 

“You’re lucky I stumbled upon her before father did,” Finn crooned. “I’d say you owe me one for allowing her the pleasure of my company.” 

“Well, consider me not ending you where you stand your one and only favor,” Eris retorted. His mate went to pull her hand from his but he gripped her tighter, finally looking down at her. “Come on, we’re leaving.” 

He stalked towards the library door, pulling her with him despite her soft protests. He didn’t say a word to her as he led her back to his chambers, not wanting any servants milling about to gossip if they heard anything. He only released her hand once they were safely in the living area of his quarters and behind the heavy wards set up. 

“Are you out of your mind?” She hissed at him, holding her hand to her chest. 

“Are you?” He bit back, flicking his hair out of his face. “I gave your strict orders to stay here while I was gone or with your handmaidens!”

“I am not something you can just keep under lock and key!”

“You’re not in the Night Court anymore, bunny,” Eris argued. “My father is nothing like Rhysand. The males outside these doors are nothing like those two wretched Illyrians. I can have you chained to my bed and no one would bat an eye, do you understand?”

“And is that what you’ll do if I don’t listen to you?” She retorted, crossing her arms. “Put me in chains?”

“No,” he snapped. “But I will lock you in here if I must. I’d rather you hate me than let anything happen to you.” 

“Then take me out with you,” she protested. “Don’t leave me here!” 

Eris let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose before looking down at his irritating, foolish, and completely and utterly bewitching mate. Her large eyes were hopeful, her bottom lip pinched between her teeth. The mating bond was driving him absolutely wild. He wanted to shove her against the wall and rip that lip out of her teeth with his own. 

“Please,” she whispered. 

“Fine,” he growled. “But if I agree to take you out tomorrow afternoon, you will agree to stay inside my chambers unless otherwise instructed. Do you understand?”

Those sweet, alluring eyes turned callous in a matter of seconds.

“So, you intend to treat me like a dog? Like a pet?” she snapped, crossing her arms. “Actually, I take that back. You even treat your dogs better than that!” 

As if proving her point, Ashera jumped up on the couch, laid down and covered her face with her paw, as if she felt his mate’s exasperation. 

“Have you any idea what is at stake here?” he bit back. “I do not intend to treat you like a pet. I intend to keep you safe!”

“And you think by keeping me locked away, I’ll be safe? They all know where your chambers are, Eris. I’m no safer here than I am anywhere else in this manor!” 

“At least, I’ll know where you are! Do you have any idea how worried I was when I went to find you earlier and you weren’t here?”

Her eyes widened and her arms fell limp at her sides. “You… you were worried?”

Eris tossed his arms in the air, letting out a noise of frustration. “Of course, I was worried. Do you know how many enemies I have in this court? Do you know how many people would wish to harm you if they had the chance just to hurt me?”

“I thought…” She paused, rubbing her arm.

Eris glared down at her. “You thought what? Go on, bunny, tell me what that little mind of yours thought?” 

“I thought you were mad! And can you blame me?” she huffed up at him. “You treat me like a nuisance, insult me any chance you get! Why the hell would I ever think you were worried about me? I’m sure you’d just be so over the moon if someone did get rid of me! Since I’m such a burden.” 

There were a lot of things in life Eris regretted but calling his mate a burden this morning was now on the top of that list. He hadn’t meant it. Of course, he hadn’t. She just didn’t understand the severity of the situation. He didn’t want to be mean to her or to have her hate him… but if it kept her safe, then so be it. At least, that had been his train of thought. But seeing the hurt on her face when those words had come out of his mouth had nearly killed him. 

“I’m sorry, okay,” Eris groaned. “I’m sorry I called you that. It’s not true. It was never true but bunny…you really don’t understand…”

“No, Eris, I do,” she snarled. “I’m not as stupid or naive as everyone likes to think I am!”

“Not naive?” Eris mocked. “Then what do you call galavanting around the Forest House with one of my own brothers?”

“Your brother was fine,” his mate replied. “He was perfectly polite. All he did was show me around a bit and then take me to the library as I requested.”

Eris scoffed. “You don’t know him like I do.” 

“You know what’s funny? That is the exact thing my sisters would say about me and yet they have no idea who I am. They’ve never let me be anything other than the girl they think I am. Have you thought that perhaps this competition your father has you all so convinced of between you guys doesn’t even exist? Have you ever even tried talking to one another without your father’s influence?” 

She wasn’t wrong but Eris knew how deep his father had his claws in his brothers. It would take a lot to shake them from his grasp. Time and effort he wasn’t afforded with at the moment. Not when he constantly had to look over his shoulder and now had to keep his mate safe at all times. This court was corrupt and dangerous—everyone here was in survival mode. 

These hypotheticals might be worth a discussion and if it were up to him, he would’ve taken his mother and younger brothers far away from his father a long time ago. But alas, he did not have such power…yet. But perhaps things could change. Though, nothing would so long as his father still sat on the Autumn throne. Until then, these sorts of conversations were not worth the time. 

“You speak on things you have no knowledge about and I see little point in having this conversation with you,” Eris said, straightening out his lapels. “I have a meeting I must attend with my father. Stay here.”

And then he left swiftly, before his mate could see just how much her words affected him, before he grabbed her and winnowed as far from this court as he could—consequences be damned. She drove him absolutely mad but Gods, did he find her so enticing. She was wild and impulsive and had a lot to learn, but the sort of honesty and hopeful outlook she had…Well he could only hope he could protect that, hoped he could keep her sweet and kind and soft and all the things no one had ever allowed him to be. 

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

You had just woken up when your two handmaidens, Willow and Ivy, entered the room, pestering you to get up. Bleary eyed, you let them drag you into the bath before they sat you in front of the vanity. Ivy braided your hair while Willow dusted some light makeup on your face. 

“Can I ask what you are prepping me for?”

“Lord Eris has requested that we get you ready for an afternoon trek on horseback,” Ivy answered, with a slight smile on her face. 

Your eyes widened, taken aback. You hadn’t spoken to Eris since your fight yesterday. In fact, he had never even returned to his chambers last night. You didn’t try to leave, in fear that you would find the door locked and all your worries of the kind of male you were mated to would be proven true. Instead, you had pretended that a night in was just what you wanted, begrudgingly following his command. 

They dressed you in an off the shoulder linen chemise and flowy skirt that fell to your shins before lacing you into a burnt orange corset that had your lungs screaming for air. They slipped a pair of brown leather boots onto your feet.

“Surely trousers would be more appropriate?” you asked, spinning around so your skirt swished around the tops of your boots. Ivy and Willow gasped at your words, placing a hand over their hearts.

“A lady should never be seen in trousers,” Ivy declared, aghast.

Their shock was humorous to you, so you bit your lip to keep from laughing. Gods, the Autumn Court was so backwards sometimes. You were getting better at choosing your battles, so you said nothing else as they led you out of Eris’s chambers to the horse stables. 

Eris stood there next to another male who was preparing two horses. Your mouth dried a bit at the sight of him. He was wearing a loosely tied tunic, tucked into brown breeches and a pair of riding boots. His red hair glimmered in the sun like a ruby gem, his pale skin nearly glowing. He looked as if the Autumn forest made him itself.  

You hadn’t realized you had paused in your steps until your two handmaidens giggled next to you. 

“You are a very lucky female, Lady Y/n,” Ivy whispered to you with another giggle, causing your cheeks to turn pink. 

“Lord Eris is a very lucky male to have someone as lovely as Lady Y/n as his mate,” Willow countered, which only made your blush deepen. 

Eris noticed you as you drew closer and his eyes trailed over your form, heat swirling in them. You felt goosebumps rise on your skin under his gaze. His fox-like face was so beautiful, so enchanting, it was hard to look away. You kept eye contact with him as your handmaidens presented you. 

“Lady Archeron, as you requested, my Lord,” Willow said as she curtsied.  

“Thank you, ladies, you may continue on with the rest of your duties,” he said to them, though he didn’t stop looking at you which caused butterflies to erupt in your stomach. The two girls sauntered off, their giggles heard until they rounded the corner. 

You wanted to be mad at him still, but this seemed like a sort of peace offering or apology for yesterday. One that you decided to accept. You walked forward until you were at his side, glancing at the large horses. 

“This is Marigold. She is our most well-mannered horse,” Eris said. “Go on, you can pet her. She won’t bite.” 

“I’ve never ridden a horse, my Lord,” you said, shyly, reaching out a hand to pet the one in front of you. 

Eris seemed surprised but made no comment on it. He simply turned to the stableboy and waved a hand at him. “One horse will do today, Landon.” 

“Oh, are you going to teach—”

You squeaked as Eris grabbed you by the waist and hoisted you onto the horse as if you weighed nothing, your cheeks turning bright red. A moment later, he lifted himself onto the horse, right behind you. The butterflies in your stomach were worked into a frenzy as his long legs encompassed you and your back was pressed against his firm chest. 

“Yes, bunny, I’m going to teach you,” Eris whispered, his breath dancing along the edge of your pointed ear. You could hear the smirk in his voice, as if he knew exactly the kind of reaction he was causing inside of you. 

“Is this not improper?” you asked. “Aren’t ladies supposed to sit with both their legs on one side?”

It had been a hard transition for you—to go from living in poverty in that tiny cottage to living in high society. You weren’t like your other sisters who had spent their childhood years being trained to be ladies. You could hardly remember any part of your life before your mother died. 

It was, perhaps, why you felt the closet to Feyre of all your sisters. Because she, too, was wild in a way that Elain and Nesta weren’t. 

“Something tells me you have no concern over how ladylike you are, bunny,” Eris chuckled, his hard chest rumbling against your back. Your cheeks flared up again and you tossed him a glare over your shoulder. 

“Everyone else seems so concerned about my virtue and image,” you hissed. 

“Well, I’m not,” Eris retorted. “Go on, grab the reins.” 

You hesitantly wrapped your fingers around the leather straps and nearly jolted in surprise as Eris’s placed his calloused hands on top of yours. He started to maneuver your fingers. “You want to keep your thumbs on top and your fingers closed around them.” 

Once he seemed satisfied, he tapped the horse on the side and she began her trot. You bit your lip as his hands slid off the reins and on to your thighs. “Relax your legs, bunny. Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall off.” 

You hadn’t realized how much you were squeezing the poor horse until he lightly stroked your thighs, getting them to loosen before his hands slid to your waist instead.

"What do I do with these?” You asked, nodding towards the reins in your hands.  

“Nothing for now,” Eris answered. “You use them to steer or to get her to stop.”

His proximity to you and the tiny circles he absentmindedly rubbed on your waist with his thumbs caused your body to hyperfocus on all the places you were touching. You could hardly pay attention to his instructions and the more the two of you continued on, the more you found yourself relaxing into his chest—soaking in the heat that seemed to exude off his body. 

Once you seemed to get the hang on the basics, a soft silence fell between the two of you. The sounds of the forest came alive the deeper you traveled into the trees. It was truly beautiful out here. The red and orange leaves on the trees reminded you of the painting Feyre had done on your drawer on the dresser back when you were living in the cottage. 

“I’m sorry,” Eris whispered into your ear, breaking the silence and surprising you. “For yesterday.” 

You softened at his words. “It’s okay.”

“No,” he said, his grip on your waist tightening. “It wasn’t okay. It pained me to hear you say I think of you as a nuisance, as something to get rid of. It is simply not true, bunny and I’m sorry for ever making you believe I think that.”

Eris didn’t seem like the type of male to apologize for his actions, so it meant more to hear it from him. 

“I just wish you would stop trying to push me away. I’m tired of everyone always deciding what's best for me instead of trusting me to know it myself,” you sighed.

“I know and I’m sorry. I know how unseen you feel.” 

He seemed to see right through you. Was it the mating bond that allowed such a thing? Or was it just something you had in common? No one had ever looked closely at you. You were the baby of the family, never allowed to be involved in decisions or important things. You lived in your own world most of the time. 

Although Eris was brought up in a far different environment than you, you couldn’t help but think he felt the same way. That he was constricted and forced to play a role he had no wish to. That he was written off as arrogant and cruel simply because he was born under a male who was. 

But he was nothing like his father. 

“I know you do because I know you feel the same way, Eris,” you whispered, glancing back at him. “But I see you.” 

“Perhaps that scares me.” His amber eyes were still guarded as he looked down at you. “No one has ever looked before. No one has ever wanted to.” 

“I do,” you said, holding his gaze. “I want to.” 

It was silent for a moment and you twisted back around, staring at the forest ahead.

“You shouldn’t,” Eris said, so quietly, that you were certain he was talking to himself. But despite his words, a tension had been lifted between the two of you.

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

A little while later and after several whines about her legs starting to hurt, Eris let his mate have a break. He helped her off Marigold and found a tree to tie the horse to so the two of them could walk for a bit. 

He kept a step behind her, watching as she spun in a circle, the leaves crunching beneath her boots, as she took in the forest. The wonder and excitement in her eyes caused a spark in his chest. Those things had long since been beaten out of him so it was nice to see them in someone he already cared so deeply about. 

Eris enjoyed being out here with her, away from the Forest House and everyone else. He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he kept his guard up to protect his wonderfully oblivious mate from any harm that might come her way. 

“It’s so beautiful here,” his mate whispered.

The sunlight casted gold rays of light through the leaves, illuminating her beautiful face. She looked made for this kind of place, for Autumn. His chest ached at the sight—at what could be if his father wasn’t such a conniving bastard. 

“It is,” Eris said softly, his amber eyes still trained on his mate. She peeked over her shoulder at him, blushing as she met his gaze. Gods, if he were a lesser male, he’d have shoved her up against a tree and claimed her as his already. 

“Hey, I have an idea!”

“I’m sure you do,” he chuckled and she whirled around, placing her hands on her hips as she glared at him.

“What is that supposed to mean?” 

He shook his head, biting back a smile. “Nothing. What is your idea, bunny?” 

“We should play a game,” she said. “Like hide and seek.” 

Eris snorted. “Hide and seek? What are we, children? I’m over five hundred years old, bunny, I’m not going to play games with you.” 

“Fine, suit yourself,” she shrugged. “But I guess that means you’ll have to return to the Forest House without me unless of course…you find me.”

And then she darted off into the trees, weaving her way out of his view. He expected to find himself irritated, but it was the opposite. He couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped from his mouth at how ridiculous his mate was. Ridiculous and brash—but so endearing. 

“You can’t hide from me, bunny,” he shouted into the trees.

Silence met his ears and then…a twig snapped in the distance. He sauntered off in the direction of the noise. He would entertain her absurd game but he would not be running off like some wild beast through the forest. He followed her enticing scent of harvest apples and forest pine, twisting through the tall trees and leaf-covered ground. 

He saw a flash of her hair from the corner of his eye and spun in place, listening for her footsteps. He continued following after her, getting small glimpses of her here and there, hearing the tiny giggles that seemed to echo in the silent forest and he realized that a small smile had grown on his face as the game went on. 

Until things went so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. He froze, sniffing the air. He could still smell her but where had she gone? He spun in place, looking for footprints and listening for any sounds but…nothing. His heart started to beat faster in his chest, suddenly worried she had run off too far. 

“Bunny,” he shouted. “You can come out now!” 

Nothing.

The smile on his face dropped and he continued his search. Had she ran into some creature that took her? Had his guard fallen so low that he hadn’t realized that someone else was out here? 

“Hey, bunny—fuck!”

Something ran straight into his back and wrapped their arms around his neck, making him stagger forward. He turned around and pinned them against the tree with a snarl so quickly he hadn’t even realized what exactly had knocked into him until he heard the familiar giggles and his mate’s scent washed over him. 

“Got you!”

She was staring up at him with wide, excited eyes—her face flushed from her exertion. He stared at her in disbelief, uncertain how she was able to sneak up and ambush him like that. The hand that had wrapped itself around her throat moved to rest on the tree next to her head.   

“And so the sly bunny ensnares the dumb fox,” she sang between her pants, her arms still around his neck, her back still pressed against the tree.

He let out a breath, staring down at her with a small glare. “That is not funny. I could’ve hurt you!” 

“But you didn’t,” she countered, not seeming concerned about it at all. “I’m surprised I was able to sneak behind you. I thought for sure you saw me at one point. You looked right at me!” 

His brows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I was standing right there,” she laughed, pointing at a spot to their left. “And you looked right at me! I thought I was busted but I don’t know, Eris, you might be going blind with age.” 

Her eyes held amusement as she looked up at him but he was confused. He had no idea what she was talking about—he hadn’t seen her at all. She had not been standing there. She must’ve been mistaking those trees for another. 

“Very funny,” he said, deadpanned. 

“Oh, don’t be a sore loser,” she teased, her fingers playing with the hair on the nape of his neck, absentmindedly. Her touch sent shivers down his spine. Her body pressed against his fought against the control he had. 

He wanted to knock the smug smile right off her face. He stepped closer, placing his free hand on her sternum and trapping her against the tree. He felt her breath hitch and grinned. 

“I’m not the loser,” he purred, before leaning down to whisper in her ear, “You’re still ensnared by me, bunny. Not the other way around.” 

Being this close to her again reminded him of all the ways he would take her and he let out a heavy breath, trying to keep from getting hard and scaring her away. Her head was tilted back so she could stare at him, her smile slipping as her heart pounded loudly enough that he could hear it through her chest. It seemed to beat in rhythm was his. 

He was certain she was going to cave first. His other hand still rested against the tree next to her head, allowing her the chance to dip away if she wanted. Her cheeks turned pink and he was sure she was about to start stuttering like a girlish maiden as she usually did when she said something that absolutely surprised him.

“Maybe I want to be ensnared by you, Eris,” she whispered.

Heat spread through his body like a wildfire and he knew it exuded off of him by the way she melted into his touch, her eyes flickering down to his lips as she shuddered. She bit her lip and he growled, his hand moving up her sternum until it rested against her cheek. He plucked her lip free with his thumb and she met his gaze again—her eyes wide and innocent yet full of desire. He could feel her anticipation down the mating bond, which glowed like firelight between them, and he knew she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. 

The mating bond sang in his chest.

Mine….Mine….Mine…

She glanced down at his lips again and the look she gave him was enough to snap the last string holding his composure. 

So he surged forward and passionately kissed her. 

· · ─────── ·♡· ─────── · ·

One second you were thinking of how much you wished Eris would kiss you and the next second he was. His lips were soft, softer than you imagined, and so warm. Your eyes fluttered shut and you kissed him back with the same fire and eagerness that had Eris groaning against your lips. The hand that was resting on your cheek moved to your neck and angled your head back farther so he could deepen the kiss.

One of your own hands slipped into his hair, tangling some red strands between your fingers as the butterflies in your stomach began their frenzy again. All thoughts seemed to cease at that moment. All you could feel was Eris’s body pressed against yours, his kiss so full of hunger that your knees almost buckled under the weight of it. 

Your other hand slipped down to grab onto the collar of his tunic and yank him closer. He growled and bit down on your bottom lip; you gasped at the slight pain. He used that opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth and his kiss turned crazed. 

Fire sparked under your skin, so hot it threatened to consume you. 

His hand slipped down to your thigh, yanking your leg up around his hip so he could press in closer to you—nailing you to the tree. The rough bark rubbed against your back, serving as a contrast to the softness of his lips on yours. 

He devoured you, kissed you in a way no one ever had before. You didn’t fight for dominance. Not when it felt this good to surrender yourself to him. Heat and wetness pooled in your core—the evidence of his own arousal pressed firmly against your stomach as his tongue continued to explore every crevice in your mouth, claiming it as his. 

Every inch of your skin was tingling as he pulled away and began to trail feverish kisses down your jaw and neck—giving you the chance to breathe for a moment. You whimpered as his canines nipped at the sensitive skin on your throat, marking you. 

“Do you know how much I think of this?” Eris groaned against your skin, his nose trailing up the column of your throat. “Of ravishing you like this.” 

“Y-you do?” You stuttered as his canines grazed your neck again—reminding you again that Eris was no human man. No, he was much more than that of a man. He wasn’t even a full High Lord yet and still, you could feel his power crackling around you like burning embers. 

“Oh, bunny,” Eris purred, pulling back to look at you with that fox-like grin that had your knees weak again. “I think of you like this—at my mercy—all the damn time.” 

He leaned down and kissed you again until your face was flushed, your lips swollen and your neck was full of love bites. The both of you were panting as he rested his forehead against yours, his amber eyes staring down at you with flame licking his irises, full of hunger and lust and longing. 

You knew at that moment that you belonged to Eris because there was no way anyone else on this earth would make you feel as you did now. And you didn’t want there to be anyone else. No, your heart and mind sang for him and him only. No matter how things turned out, you knew they always would. It was scary and thrilling and daunting but it was true. 

And by the way he stared down at you, you knew he felt it too. 

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#acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar x reader #acotar x you #eris fanfic #eris x y/n #eris x you #eris vanserra #eris x reader #eris acotar #eris vandaddy

[citruslullabies]

Forgive me if this is weird, but I'd kind of like to see some moments of Dogday acting like a dog.

I'll do some minis since they're fast, darling

This is a judgement free zone so it isn't weird!! Also I wanna try something new so let me know if it's good

So for starters, we know Dogday can howl,

But he can also bark

He finds it embarrassing, but only does it if he needs too

The house was peaceful, with soft breathing and light music being the only noise as Dogday was pressed against you while you scratched behind his ears.

He sighed happily, drifting off into his own paradise where it was just you and him. Maybe in a house better than this one, with a garden in the backyard and gloves big enough for his hands to help it. But his mind quickly drew blank with annoyance when yipping and yelping started echoing through the room, opening his eyes and looking down at the causes.

Peanuts yipped at Cubby to play while Cubby growled and snapped her little mouth at him, while Biscuits was trying to play with his planes. She suddenly snatched one of the toy cars in her mouth and went to walk off with it while Peanuts was whimpering loudly, and Biscuits mreowing at him softly and trying to press his little blue plane against Peanut's cheek to cheer him up. Dogday quickly put the commotion to an end, and he... Barked? Fully barked to get them to stop, and it worked. He huffed and snuggled back up with you as you snorted and just continued to scratch him behind the ears before murmuring. "Didn't know you could do that, puppy."

He also likes to mark you

Not in a weird way, but he marks you with his paws and head

Dogs and cats both like to rub scent glands on things that they claim is theirs (that's actually why dogs will kick in the dirt and nuzzle and cats make biscuits)

You let out a long sigh as you sat down in bed after a long day of work, gently undoing a few buttons on your shirt as you plopped down. Dogday came in a few moments later, shutting the door behind him and turning keeping the lights off as to not bother you. "Angel? Is everything alright?" He asked softly. You groaned and nodded. "Just stressed.."

He nodded before sitting down beside you, making the bed creak under his weight but not break. He stared at you for a few minutes, before snuggling with you. However his nose quickly caught the smell of someone else, which was your boss. As unhappy as he was he didn't say anything, since he didn't wanna stir anything. He knew you wouldn't be that type of person.

So he instead, very quietly started to scratch and rub your back with his large hands as he nuzzled his fat head into your neck and face. You snorted and looked over at him. "You trying to give me a massage?" You joked, which caused him to shrug with a hum. "You could say that."

You eventually fell asleep, sound in his arms as he relaxed with a sigh. Smiling as he shut his eyes with his head nuzzled into the crook of your neck, since you finally smelled right again. You smelled like his again.

He thinks he's a lapdog.

No, really

This large humanoid dog who is 6× your size thinks he is a lapdog

"Dogday get off-!" You said, struggling to breathe as your overgrown mutt laid down in your lap, after you had only sat down for a minute as the water in the kitchen was boiling. You huffed and continued to try and push but he was just too heavy.

"Dogday, please! I have to go make dinner!" You desperately tried to reason, but he would not budge and instead closed his eyes while pretending to sleep. You groaned and tilted your head back against the couch, huffing and giving up. Before you scratched his head in defeat. "You're an asshole." You huffed, and from the apparently 'sleeping' figure you felt a rumble as a chuckle and saw a small smirk. Jerk.

Thanks for requesting my lovely!

#featuring: cubby #featuring: biscuits #featuring: peanuts #poppy playtime #smiling critters #poppy playtime x reader #dogday #dogday poppy playtime #dogday x reader #dogday x y/n #poppy’s playtime x reader #poppy playtime fanfics #poppys playtime #poppy playtime dogday #dogday x you #smiling critters dogday #sunnyangel

[renata-has-thoughts]

W/c: 3.8k Pairing: Top Male reader and bottom Will Graham

Includes: Housewife Will, needy Will, consent, rough/unhinged sex, oral (reader receiving), anal sex, praise, one count a self-indulgent movie ref (guess it and I’ll love you forever), obligatory stag metaphors for Will, brief aftercare, taller reader.

A/n: First post to this account. Will likely post this on ao3, which I’ll link when ready. Feel free to request something, especially seeing as I’m getting my footing with a new blog. This isn’t my best work, I will admit, but it’s something to get started with, y’know? Whatever. Enjoy!

No matter how hard he tried, Will would never be the first welcome you had when you returned home in the evenings. That honor was always taken by your dogs, hoarding around the screen door in a cacophony of yips and barks as a greeting until they flooded around you when the door opened. As they were already in formation the second your tires touched the gravel driveway.

You entered and pet each dog lovingly, soaking up their attention in a reminder of the safety and warmth of your home. This homemaking was mostly credited to Will, though. He was the doting stay-at-home husband after all. With your salary, you could support both of you easily, lending Will to pick up the domestic responsibilities, which he absolutely loved. What he wouldn’t say is just how much pride it brought him being your husband. Being the one standing so patiently in the entryway behind the dogs, ever awaiting you.

After giving each of the dogs their share of affection, you smiled brightly at Will and he approached you, mirroring your expression.

“Good evening,” He said, your proximity shrinking as he stepped before you. He leaned his head up-you being taller than him-to kiss you quickly and softly. In the process he loosened your tie for you. You frowned teasingly when he drew away.

“Good evening to you, too, love. That’s all you’re gonna give me?” You joked, grabbing his waist with one hand.

“I guess I can provide some more,” He shrugged, mocking nonchalantly. He assumed the same tip-toed stance, closing his eyes to let you press your lips into his in a kiss that was longer. Your noses bumped briefly-Will giggling at that-before sliding side by side as your tongue entered his mouth. While you did that, your other hand grabbed right below his ass to lift him closer to you, resulting in a hummed noise from the back of his throat. You pulled your mouth away from his, noticing his intention to speak.

“Is it that kind of night?” Will asked, referring to your promiscuous actions.

You pressed your forehead against his, smiling in the face of his curiosity.

“Later.” You responded, then let go of him slowly to turn around to the coat and shoe rack, doffing either articles while you heard Will return back to the kitchen on whatever he had planned.

That was the other thing about Will’s role. Given he’s been in it for almost a year now, he’s rendered himself an excellent cook, often preparing his own catches from the river. Something about that was so wholesome to you.

“What’s for dinner?” You asked, making a beeline for your designated recliner in the living room.

“Something new,” Will called out. You could hear the sizzling of food from where you were, a promising noise that made your mouth water. You picked up the remote to flick aimlessly around stations, the smallest of your dogs finding a place on your lap as you did so.

An overwhelming feeling of gratitude washed through you. Wonderful dogs, a fulfilling job, a smart and beautiful husband, a cozy home, how could you have been so lucky? You stroked one of your many dogs’s fur absentmindedly as you reminisced.

You ended up on an early 60s comedy movie, and finished your search to sit back and watch. It was some satire on war with Slim Pickens as a supporting character, which didn’t really narrow it down at all. As obscure as it was, it was something to pass the time while you awaited dinner. You became aware of how hungry you were, and you picked up on the shuffling of footsteps in the dining room before Will had even called you in. The dog on your lap sprang up as she heard Will return to the kitchen, which you laughed at. Will insisted on feeding the dogs before you both ate. Otherwise the younger, more rambunctious ones had a tendency to beg.

You smiled, hearing Will’s coos and praise towards the dogs as he filled their bowls, the clattering of kibble into metal another melody of home.

Soon enough, you felt Will’s hands on your shoulders over the recliner, kneading slowly as he rested his chin on the top of your head.

“I didn’t know you liked Kubrick,” he mused, referring to the movie.

“I didn’t even know it was him. Just channel surfing, y’know?” You replied, reaching your hand to clasp his, “are you a fan of him?”

“Not exactly. I just movie hopped a lot when I was younger. During the summers I’d buy a ticket to one movie early in the morning, then spend the rest of the day sneaking into others,” he explained softly, tracing circles on the exposed skin above your shirt collar, “I became well acquainted with different directors and actors that way.”

“Look at you, Will, such a mischievous boy,” you teased, turning your head up to look into his eyes with a glimmer of humor.

“Yeah, I was a real delinquent,” he played along, both hands moving to cradle your face. “Dinners ready.”

You slipped out of his grasp and stood up, stretching off the weight of the work day, and followed him to the dining room. The evening sun was setting outside the window, caressing the treeline. It made the already autumn-crimson trees more aflame and golden. You felt its warmth on your back as you sat down on your end of the table, watching Will retrieve a serving bowl from the kitchen and return with it, the contents steaming.

“I decided to try something different tonight,” he explained, setting the bowl on the table before scooping some vegetable stir fry onto your plate.

“This looks delicious, sweetheart,” you said earnestly, eyes still fixated on him as he served himself and sat down. The sunlight complimented him in a way that was, for lack of a more powerful word, ethereal. “So do you.” You added.

The lighting did no good in hiding his flushed face, even as he distracted himself by pouring a glass of wine. Unspokenly, he passed it to you after, you purposefully grazing his fingers as you took it from him in a lingering touch.

His reddened face persisted. It was adorable how you could keep him so flustered after years of being together. His beauty still amazed you, too.

Dinner proceeded. You made it a point to groan and almost exaggerate your head tipping back as you took your first bite of the stir fry.

“God damn, you know how to cook,” you sighed. Will chuckled into his wine.

“Thank you,” was all he mustered.

When you first met him, he had no comfortable affability. He never would’ve laughed at an offhand compliment. You were proud of how much you’d changed him for the better, or rather, he allowed himself to be vulnerable and genuine around you. Either way, you loved each other.

“How was work?” Will asked, initiating a routine evening conversation.

“Same old, same old,” you shrugged. “Did I tell you I changed my work computer’s wallpaper to Macey?”

You could hear Macey’s collar jingle from the living room, like she perked up from hearing her name.

“Do they let you change your wallpapers there? I thought they didn’t like that.” Will asked.

“They don’t.” You clarified, exchanging a sly smile between one another.

“My husband…is such a law-breaker,” Will joked between sips of wine.

“You know it,” you responded, letting a gentle silence fill the room as you both continued with your meals. A minute passed, and you added, “how was your day?”

“Good. I painted the west side of the fence out front, it was getting a little worn.”

“I noticed, it looks a lot better.”

“Yeah. I had a coupon for the hardware store from buying all those nails to fix the shed roof last season, and figured I’d put it to good use.”

“Nice going, honey. But don’t ever feel like you need to cut corners in expenses. I’ve got us both covered.”

“I know, I’m just not used to it, even after all this time.”

By then both your forks were crossed over empty plates, and Will made a move to get up, but you gestured for him to stay down.

“I’ve got the dishes. Take the wine and I’ll meet you on the porch, alright?” You assured, standing and stacking your plates.

“You’re too good to me.” Will sighed, taking the glasses and half-finished wine.

You kissed his forehead, and mumbled, “no, you’re too good to me.”

-

By the time you joined Will on the porch, the sun had set completely. You wiped your sink-damp hands on your slacks and slid next to him on the bench, naturally slinging your arm over his shoulder. In your other hand, you took the wine glass he offered you with a small ‘thanks’.

There was no light pollution this far out of town. Even with lingering rays just over the horizon, the stars were already visible. You knew all the constellations in the sky because of Will.

Neither of you made a rush to start a conversation, which meant it was completely silent outside. There were rarely ever cars out here, and when there were, they were too far away to be loud.

You didn’t always need words to bond. Wine and crisp autumn air was all that was required.

His head rested on your shoulder, and you pulled him closer. He was warm against the slightly chilly wind. The hand he wasn’t holding his wine with found purchase on your knee, gently inching upwards, massaging.

He had gotten to your thigh, and you muttered, albeit playfully, “you’re playing a dangerous game, love.”

“I don’t mind a risk,” he shot back with an equally low tone.

“Is that so?” You said, and when he didn’t respond, “be careful of what you wish for.”

Gently, you took his wine glass from him and set both yours and his on the outdoor table of your side. His eyes keenly observed your movements, more like a conscious stag than a scared one.

You met such lovely doe eyes and drew him flush to your side with both arms, right hand on his lower back like a warning, left hand on his chin-index finger below, thumb atop-tilting it upwards. You kissed the spot of his neck, just below his ear, just below his jawline, and he had no chance to stifle a downright sluttily abhorrent moan. You felt his skin heat up with embarrassment.

“Sorry,” he mumbled.

“Don’t you ever fucking apologize for turning me on.” You whispered back against the shell of his ear. With that kind of reinforcement, he let go of any shame and rutted against you.

“I-I think we should take this inside, please,” Will requested. While you wouldn’t mind the slight chance of the world seeing you make love to him, you understood and respected that he was a bit shy of anything past holding hands in public, let alone moaning outwardly into the night sky.

“Of course, dear,” you agreed, making your way inside, holding the door for him. The dogs were asleep, so you had no roadblocks crossing the house to the bedroom.

Once the bedroom door was closed behind Will, you took either of his hands in yours and pushed your body weight against him, pinning him to the door.

Now he looked like a deer in headlights.

You could feel his erection against your inner thigh, just below your own.

“Fuck, I could devour you, Will,” you groaned, nipping along his neck. He emitted a series of uncontrolled lewd whimpers, his head thrashing to the side in an unconscious move of submission.

“You’re such a pretty boy, ‘m so grateful to call you my husband, not a day goes by where you aren’t beautiful,” you rambled, breathing hotly into his neck, heaving with soft moans, “I love you in ways I can’t articulate, Will, and by god I need to fuck you until you quite literally can’t anymore,” you kissed his throat, “until you say stop, that you’re shaking,” you licked along part of his jawline, “until you’re crying with lust,” you bit his lower lip, “until-“

“I know, I get it, please,” Will cried, and you prevented him from saying any more by licking your lips then crushing them over his, wasting no time lifting his head up and shoving your tongue down into his mouth. He eagerly took it in like the compliant husband he was. Equally lovable and needy.

He really didn’t have much room to move in the position you had him in, but enough to use the door as leverage to slide up impossibly closer, frotting each other. You retracted your tongue from practically down his throat to moan.

“You want it that badly? How do you want it?” You groaned. Will looked away, and said just barely audibly,

“I want to be used, l-like a whore…”

“Fuuuck…” was all you could drone. Will was especially hot when he let down all defenses like this.

Your self control couldn’t be supported any longer. With your hands in his, you staggered back so you were sitting on the edge of the bed and he was in front of you.

“Knees.” You mustered, letting go of his hands to undo your belt. He obeyed, making quick work of removing his shirt and undoing his own belt all before you took off yours. Your belt ended up somewhere behind you on the bed, and your shirt was unbuttoned all the way. You went to unzip your pants, but thought better of it. Your hands slid over to Will’s head, taking hold of his hair and guiding his head to the fly of your jeans.

“Unzip it with your mouth.” You ordered. You held back the need to thrust towards the heat source of his mouth when he did as you asked, taking the zipper between his teeth and dragging it down slowly, his clouded eyes meeting yours through his lashes. You swore under your breath, fighting to keep your composure. Will went the extra mile and gripped the sides of your thighs, putting pressure and sliding his hands down, with it your slacks, until they were around your ankles. You shook it off to the side, and tilted Will’s face up to yours.

“So good for me,” you muttered, barely audible.

Your dick felt hot and confined still in your boxers, and Will held up a hand, hovering above the waist band, wordlessly asking permission. Again, keeping yourself from losing it, you nodded briefly. He eagerly hooked a finger inside, and dragged it down until you could kick it off your ankles.

The exposure of your dick only made things worse for your composure. You wanted to fuck him right then and there, no hesitation. You breathed shakily in, and asked,

“How much can you take or want, love?” You pushed some of his hair aside in a tranquil display of affection, despite the situation. Will’s eyes never left yours as he gazed up, sitting obediently between your legs, bare chest heaving, face dangerously close to where it felt like all the blood in your body was rushing to.

“I’ve had this-“ Will began, and mouthed around inaudible words before continuing, “-want, as I stated earlier…uh-I want you to use me. Not necessarily in a gentle way. If it so pleases you, I-“

“Spit it out, Will,”

“Fuck, okay. I want…I need you to choke me with your dick. Fuck my head until I’m drunk on you,” one of his hands palmed his erection, clearly finding pleasure in everything he said, “p-please, down my throat, even if I gag or cry, oh, shit, please,”

“As you wish, pretty boy.”

With both your hands on either side of his head, you rammed your hard cock into his mouth, moaning unabashedly loud at how hot he was. Will, although muffled, moaned nearly as loud, relishing your dick already down his throat.

“Tap my thighs if you can’t take it,” you ordered, and with the ground rules set, roughly began thrusting into him. You moved his head with your thrusts, feeling your body spark every time he groaned.

“Yes, oh god, yes,” you growled, speed increasing with animalistic tendency.

Will’s moans were unpredictable and frequent in between a few suppressed choking sounds. He inhaled sharply through his nose, eyes fluttering and struggling to stay on yours. Your husband looked ruined already. His hands rested on your thighs, and you slowed, furrowing your brow as if to ask if he was alright, but he shook his head and pushed it back around you, with a raspy voice, “more.” It was a high-pitched beg, a carnal desire vocalized.

Any restraint you harbored broke with an echoing snap in your mind.

You were brutal, each thrust milliseconds apart. He hollowed out his cheeks, making every move tight, warm and wet. It was all a blur, and when your head wasn’t thrown back with the weight of low moans, you met his pliant eyes. They were beginning to water, matching the gloss of his spit-covered lips sealed around you. His nails were digging into your thighs, the only thing keeping him grounded while you fucked him without anything merely resembling mercy.

“Damn, you feel p-perfect…shit…” you breathed between noises of pleasure. “I should’ve known you were such a whore, needing to be put i-in your place like a slut.”

A tear escaped from one of his eyes, trailing down to his chin before multitudes more followed. His fingers splayed and anchored on your thighs gripped harder.

“Oh, that’s it, show me how fucking,” you inhaled sharply, “-fucking ruined I’ve made you.”

You were so hazed over in the bliss you couldn’t even tell how his whimpers got louder, only halting when he tapped your thighs. Your hands on his head loosened, guiding him off gently.

“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry, shit, are you alr-?” You began, worried for him, suddenly concerned.

“-I was about to cum,” Will interrupted in a whisper.

“Speak up, love, I can’t-“

“I was gonna cum.” He said louder, avoiding your gaze. He was humiliated.

You faltered. Hesitated. It was quiet for a beat.

“You were about to cum without your dick even being so much as touched? Do I have that right?” You clarified, opting to tease him darkly.

He could only nod.

“Well, I don’t want to waste that. Neither of us do, correct? Let me make you orgasm properly. I think you’ve earned it.”

He nodded again, this time with more force.

“On the bed.” You ordered. He rose off his knees, but you pushed him back down by his shoulders, and added, “climb onto it, like you’re desperate.”

He whimpered. He obeyed, crawling onto the bed beside you, quickly assuming position in the middle, sprawled out and panting as he waited impatiently.

You sat before him, hands swiftly gripping his calves and tugging off his sweatpants, with the force of nearly tearing them, and grinned when you saw he was already halfway to cumming, per say. Part of you couldn’t tease him. You loved him, after all, and he looked so pitiful and pained like this.

“Legs over my shoulders, doll,” you moaned, grabbing your dick and giving it another few pumps, secretly enjoying the faux lube of his spit still all over it.

He seemed to really like that idea, and pushed himself closer to you, begging something unintelligible while he hoisted his legs to rest on your shoulders.

Fuck it. No more foreplay.

You thrust into his ass at once, your teeth clashing together and eyes tightening when the pleasure enveloped you so suddenly. Will was worse at hiding this, easily devolving back into a noisy and compliant mess.

“That’s it, I know you can take it…take it…” you groaned.

He swore uncontrollably under his breath, some clear ‘shit’, ‘damn’, and ‘fuck’s, others complete blabbered nonsense, seeing as you were, well, fucking him senseless.

You underestimated how turned on using him would get you. It was like your body was overtaken by the force of a rabid beast, craving nothing but Will. Your gorgeous, submissive husband, still wearing his wedding band through all of this. You moaned when you thought of that. Him being yours. You still weren’t used to the honor.

Your hands gripped the sides of his hips, slamming him into you, as you did he, with sloppy but precise pacing.

“Made for me, made for me, fucking made for me,” you repeated like a perverted mantra. You caught a small ‘made for you,’ whispered from Will.

You took one of your hands off his hips and slid it down onto his own dick, chuckling at how hot it was. Your strokes on him were languid in contrast to how ruthlessly you were taking him.

There was no doubt in your mind he wasn't appreciative of you jacking him off during what was already a pleasing experience, seeing as he was moaning to the volume of near-screams.

“Oh please, oh please, I’m gonna cum! Please! Please!” Will cried.

“Go for it. I-I’m gonna cum with you, alright? Let’s…Let's cum with each other. Can you-can you do that?” You mustered amidst your deep, all-consuming thrusts.

“Yes, yes, oh fuck yes, I’ll cum with you! I’ll-I’ll-!” His voice rendered into a gasp and loud, shaky moan as he shuddered and came, open-mouthed with his head thrown back. He was as good as dead to the world, his cum covering your hand and parts of his lower stomach.

You weren’t long after him, seizing and cumming with deep, sporadic slams inside him. You fucked yourself through every last second of your orgasm, feeling your head spin. All you could think of was ‘mine, Will, mine,’ repeated in succession in your head. Bliss. In its purest form.

You tried not to collapse on top of him, crushing him, but despite your best efforts you were spent.

“Fuck.” Was all you grunted, catching your breath before lifting yourself up and out of Will. “You alright?”

“More than,” Will sighed, eyes dreary, but content.

“Stay put, alright? I’ll get you a towel.” You said, getting up off the bed, paying a glance and smiling over to him.

“I don’t think I can move for the rest of the night, so don’t worry about me going off anywhere. I love you.” He returned your smile, and promptly closed his eyes to drift off into much needed sleep.

-

Even though you guessed he couldn’t hear you, when you returned to clean him up, you chastely kissed his forehead and returned the declaration of love in a lithe whisper.

-

End

-

Reposts and comments make me hard fr

#will graham #will graham x reader #will graham smut #will Graham/reader

[amayadartan]

7

One Horseman of War, One Horseman of Conquest, The Fallen of Revenge and a Wrath demon go a hunting....

The sound of barking could be heard through the trees as Dalton and Derp, the Queen’s puppies, tracked the human.  Centuries of fighting and training meant that neither Mithos nor Arioch had to reign them in as they went. They were not going to get distracted by anything.  Using their supernatural powers along with their own agility and strength, the obstacles in their way were no problem.  Judging from the sounds all of them heard in the forest around them, that was a good thing.  Things were waking up, things those who were looking for Amaya would prefer to avoid.  Things that were hungry and would love the snack of a human.

Suddenly Dalton lunged forward and increased his pace, Derp following a moment later and they both were going full tilt with the four males close on their heels.  As they cleared another couple of fallen logs, the men came to a halt.  In front of them, the pups had transformed from their cerberus forms back into small corgi puppies.  Since the female human was in front of them, unconscious on the forest floor, that wasn’t completely surprising. What was, however, was that she was covered in what appeared to be some kind of hybrid of a chinchilla, a squirrel, and a rabbit.  None of them had seen the small creatures in Imperium before.

“What are they?” Mithos asked, leaning a little closer with his eyes narrowing and head tilting.  They were…cute?

“Do I look like a nature guide, asshole?” Arioch replied, not sure if the things were safe or not, but clearly not liking the situation at hand. He too was studying them but cautious.

“Rodents, idiots.” Answered Cruz, thoroughly annoyed with everyone and everything, who stepped forward to clear them off of the human.  This is when the whole group made another discovery.  Unlike Earthly rodents that have the four main front teeth, these had two rows on top and bottom of what looked like shark’s teeth, hundreds of them; and they looked none too happy about the King coming closer to Amaya’s body.

“Well, that’s…different…”Ollyl commented, his brows drawing together as a look of unease settled over his face.  He then blew out a breath that puffed out his cheeks.  This changed things, and made them more difficult.

“They haven’t eaten her.  She’s alive.  But they won’t let us near her….”  Cruz knelt down a short distance from them, one hand absentmindedly rubbing his chin as he thought over the situation.  Killing the creatures would be easy, but that would draw predators to them, and since they couldn’t trace Amaya, they’d at least need a minute or two to get her settled for one of them to carry her.  

“I guess…that’s…positive?” Mithos stated hesitantly, hoping it was.  He considered they were saving her for later, which didn’t make him feel any better.

As the others were trying to figure out some kind solution, Olly walked over and knelt down and whistled to Dalton.  “Go ask your friends to please get off the nice lady.  We need to get her to safety.  If they bite us, we have to hurt them, and that might hurt her.  Can you please do that?”  He ruffled the fur on the top of the pup’s head.

Dalton and Derp had been yipping at the creatures who had been squeaking back while the men had been considering the situation.  Olly hoped that maybe, just maybe they were actually communicating.  He knew that Abriella’s dogs were not normal dogs by any stretch of the imagination and understood him fine, now if they could just get the creatures to understand.  Soon enough, it seemed he was right since the little things started getting off of her, but then apparently they had made some kind of deal in order to accomplish this.

As the little furry beings were getting off of Amaya, Dalton and Derp started picking them up in their mouths and delivering them to the feet of each of the men.  All except Olly.  The little creatures started climbing their pants as soon as they were deposited, some finding pockets to go into while others kept going higher.  “Uh, I think they want out of the forest too, and the dogs promised them a ride to the Palace.  Maybe put them in the garden with the pixies?  I’m sure they’d love some Tribbles.”  Olly shrugged as he got a death glare from Cruz who now had one sitting on his shoulder. 

“Tribbles?!  Did you see the teeth on that one that snarled at Cruz?” Arioch asked as one started snuggling into his pocket.  “Ummm..shit..we’re really going to do this, huh?” He blew out a sigh as another one started to fall off of his pant leg and he caught it and stuck it in another pocket.  Abriella should be glad he loved her cute ass.

“Just get these damned things and get them to the garden.” Cruz grumbled, but was standing there with two in one of his large hands, petting them like a cat.  “Olly, since you’ve been spared, get the human to Abriella and Arch.” He shook his head.  He knew that his sister was going to have one of these damn things as a pet and it would end up in his room…he knew it.  Just like the pups during thunderstorms.  

Watching Cruz with the two fuzzballs in his hands was about to make Olly breakout in laughter, but the task at hand was serious, so he nodded and went over to scoop Amaya up off of the ground.  A couple of the furry beings didn’t want to leave her and used their teeth and claws to hold onto her plaid flannel shirt.  “Guess I’m taking a couple with me.  Your sister is going to LOVE this!”  Olly rolled his eyes, still trying to fight outright laughter,  and then unfurled his wings just enough to get them off of the ground.

“Not as much as Arch.  Just don’t let him take one into his lab, these things have teeth and I don’t want them ending up in my room pissed and looking for their missing brother.  Or, worse, him making one of them our size!”  Arioch replied sarcastically as he watched the Horseman of Conquest slowly rising and navigating the branches overhead.  Thankfully the trees did have some space between them up higher, which is why the underbrush was so overgrown and had given them such problems.

“We have them all, let’s get the fuck out of here.  These things are obviously snacks for something bigger, and I don’t want to be here when it shows up.  I’ve had enough frustration for one fucking day.”  It was clear Mithos was tired and no one blamed him.  After ensuring that Dalton and Derp were secured, all of the men mysted back to the garden of the Palace to deposit the little furry softball beings.  

Olly had been right in mentioning the pixies.  As soon as the first chirp was heard in the garden, pixies of every shape, size, and color came out and swarmed around the males.  They picked up the beings and snuggled them, loving on them.  Even a few of the garden gnomes came wadding out of their little houses to invite the creatures in.  The vine on the wall of the palace that Cruz had always suspected was sentient in some way even made a type of shelter for a few of them. For almost fifteen minutes, the men watched in stunned silence as the beings were welcomed into the garden, as if they were watching some kind of surreal Disney or Ghibli movie playing out before them.

Finally, Cruz broke the silence, “I have neither the patience nor the tact to handle this tonight.” He sighed, shaking his head and slightly holding his hands out to his sides.  “We’ll find out what those things are in the morning.  Let us go find the others.”

#the imperium chronicles #my writing #my ocs #writeblr #new chapter #chapter 7 #original story #original characters #original content #fantasy #fiction #dark fantasy #dark fiction #paranormal #supernatural #paranormal romance #supernatural romance #paranormal fiction #supernatural fiction

[meganlpie]

Puppies

Based on this request:  Could you write a Sam x fem!reader x Dean? The reader was at the bunker was Castiel appears with 3 puppies. Cas tells the reader that the puppies are Sam, Dean and Gabriel (Doesn’t matter what breeds they are). The reader could also shift into a dog and takes care of the three, almost like a mother dog would. Few days later, as the reader woke up in the morning in her bed. She felt two bodies beside her, as she looks. Sam and Dean are back in their normal forms. And Gabriel as well, but he left 

Here you are, lovelies! I do not own ANY SPN characters. They belong to the writers/creators of the show.

Warnings: SPN-type magic. Humor. Almost a crack-fic??

Pairings: fem!reader, Sam Winchester, Dean Winchester, Gabriel(sort of), Castiel, Crowley. No real pairing here.

A scream escaped your lips when you turned around to find Castiel standing in the kitchen with 3 puppies in his arms. "Cas, what the hell?!" you cried once your heart slowed down again. "Why do you have puppies? Dean's gonna kill you for bringing dogs into the bunker…especially the kitchen." Castiel handed the puppies to you. "I do not think he'll mind. Dean is one of the puppies…Sam and Gabriel are the other two."

         "H-How?" Castiel went into detail of how Gabriel had managed to piss of a coven of witches. One witch had decided to help, but had gotten the transportation spell wrong, thus the two puppies now sniffing around the kitchen and the third in Castiel's arms. "Oh…okay then. Well, I guess we're going to have to figure out how to get them back. Uh, which one is which?" you asked and Castiel shrugged a little. "I'm not certain, but perhaps if we say their names, they might respond."

         The puppy in his arms wiggled, jumping on the counter and instantly diving into the pie you'd gotten in preparation for the hunters' return. You and Castiel looked at each other and, in unison, declared, "Dean." The puppy popped his head out of the pie long enough to give a little yip before diving back in. You rolled your eyes fondly and picked him up. He struggled against you, but you placed a kiss to the top of his head and he stopped, nuzzling into you.

         The other two puppies began playing tug-of-war with one of your shirts. "SAM!" you snapped and one puppy let go to look at you. He stared up at you with those literal puppy dog eyes and you nearly melted. That was SO much more effective this way. Still, that was one of your favorite shirts. "Leave it. And Gabriel?" The third puppy yipped and you glared a little. "Stay out of my clothes."

         Your warnings worked for all of five minutes before all three of them were fighting and rolling around the bunker. "This isn't going to work," you told Castiel, "They need an authority figure. Another dog to get them all to listen." You glanced at the angel. "You can't make yourself into a dog, can you?" Castiel gave you a look that told you that he was completely unamused. "Of course not, Y/N." You sighed a shrugged, muttering that it didn't hurt to ask.

         "Maybe we could-" Castiel started, but stopped when he saw you reaching for your phone. "Is now really the time to get lost in the TikTok?" You arched a brow at him. "I don't want to hear it, Cas. Who was it I got watching funny cat videos the last time we were on a hunt together? Besides, I'm not using an app. I'm calling someone who owes me a favor."

         "Hello, Kitten," Crowley's voice practically purred from the speaker on your phone. "Crowley, you know that favor you owe me? Time to cash in."

*short time skip*

         You looked up as Castiel frowned. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" he asked. Crowley's shoulders raised in a little shrug. "No, but what Kitten wants, she gets. Now, pet," he said, turning to you. You cocked your head to the side to indicate that you were listening. "The spell will only last until the boys are human again. Hopefully that won't be too long. I'd hate to never see your smiling face again."

         Before you could stop yourself, a happy BARK! sounded from you. You glanced over at the nearest reflective surface. Sure enough, Crowley's spell had worked. You were now a four-legged man's best friend with the ability to think and hear like a human instead of dog. Being so close to the ground was odd though. You were so lost in looking at your reflection that you nearly forgot the purpose of the spell. That is until three little puppies began yipping at you.

         You let out a soft little growl, indicating to the puppies that they needed to behave. To your surprise they actually listened and you were pleased. At least now they wouldn't trash the bunker too badly. Unfortunately you now had three shadows that wouldn’t stop following you everywhere.

         For the next few days, Sam, Dean, and Gabriel followed you around everywhere you went. When they got to playing and grew too wild, you were able to round them up again with either a growl or giving them a little nudge with your nose. Dean liked to try and run between your feet while Sam tried to ride on your back (probably as payback for all the piggyback rides you often asked him for). Gabriel simply wandered around looking for mischief when you let him.

         Honestly, if anyone had told you that being turned into a dog and looking after three puppies was tougher than hunting, you would have laughed in their faces. Now you knew better. It was exhausting and you couldn't wait for your boys to be back to normal. You just wanted things to be the way they were. About a week later, you got your wish.

         You woke up feeling warm air fanning your face. You let out a groan, using your hand to bat at whatever it was. "OW!" Your eyes flew open at the sound of the voice you knew well. "Sam?" you questioned before noticing the weight across your stomach. You glanced back and saw Dean now staring at you wide-eyed. "Dean?" Both brothers nodded, red-faced. While sharing a bed with one of the brothers was nothing new, the three of you hadn't been in such close quarters in your down time. Thank goodness that Gabriel seemed to have left already. You sighed, reaching up to run your hand over your face and that was when you noticed something.

         "WHY ARE YOU NAKED?!"

(a/n: I hope you like it!)

Forever Tags: @fizzyxcustard​ @brewsthespirit-blog​ @sirkekselord​ @aikibriarrose​ @lady-of-lies​ @esoltis280​ @stories-by-shanna-p​ @motleymoose​ @dark-angel-is-back​ @supernatural4life2022​

SPN Tags: @jotink78​

#supernatural #spn #x reader #xreader #sam winchester #dean winchester #castiel #gabriel #crowley

[turtle-clown]

In which Ecolo has feelings

Aka turtle is back on their bullshit: AiColo edition

Heads up, Im not very experienced in writing things for puyo puyo so this is probably off in some way. Also this has a very abrupt ending which is partially on purpose (bc I thought it would be funny)

[Note: this is actually technically pre AiColo, however it’s very much implied there are feelings goin on in here]

Every now and then, Ecolo would wander their way towards somewhere or something that has living beings, this time they came across the SS Tetra. They decided to pay the crew a visit (and maybe torment them a little), so they floated their way towards and into the spaceship. As far as they could see, everyone was doing the same tasks they seemingly do everyday; which is very boring if you ask Ecolo, which is kinda hypocritical since all they do is float around in space. But eventually they started to notice a sound coming from somewhere, somewhere on the ship someone was whimpering like a dog. So, out of curiosity, they followed the noise.

Eventually they found themselves in a room (they guessed that it was a bedroom, though they couldn’t tell due to how it looked), and looking at the source of the sound. In the corner, the engineer of the spaceship, Ai, was curled up in a ball whimpering. Normally, they wouldn't have cared that much, yet… there was something in the back of their mind telling them to help him. The only problem was that they had no idea how to comfort someone (they had a hard time dealing with emotions, both theirs and other peoples), and yet they wanted to try.

“Um, hello?” Amazing start Ecolo, ten out of ten. Almost immediately, Ai managed to back himself further into the corner (if that’s even possible) and started barking at them (it’s more of a yip really, they just don’t know what word to use). While thinking of what to do, they recalled something they heard about what to do when Ai is in this state. ‘The best way to calm Ai down is to battle him, that always brings him back to his senses.’ That didn’t exactly make sense to them, besides it doesn’t seem… right to battle him in this state. Lowering themselves to get more on his eye level they reach their hand out. “Hey, I’m not gonna hurt you alright? You're okay.” He still seemed unsure however; eventually they realized it probably had something to do with the fact that they’re not exactly tangible. Realizing this, they changed form, becoming more humanoid. Which seemed to work since he looked less afraid, so they got closer, ending up sitting next to him.

Being closer meant that they could see more of what Ai was like in this state (for example he was crying at the moment), although there is something unexpected from being this close. He started to latch onto their arm, like he was hugging it. It was at this point they started to try and process what they were feeling; previously they had never really had this specific emotion before, it was similar to when they were around Ringo but… different. (In the back of their mind, they thought for a second that this is what amitie was talking about that one time, but they quickly killed that train of thought. Love was meaningless to them, it’s just some word humans use for things they like). Ecolo was snapped back to reality as Ai did that whining noise again, and despite their mind yelling at them about this, they pulled him closer into their arms.

Eventually the noises stopped, which was good, they assumed. Although they were more surprised by Ai talking. “I… apologize for having you assist me through this.” This was the first time he ever talked to them; they didn’t really know what to say, so they continued to sit in silence. After a long beat of silence Ai said something again, this time it was a bit more… concerning to them. “How did you change form? I don’t recall you doing something like this last time I saw you.” How does he remember that? He shouldn’t remember that. Even if he remembered after the two worlds were separated again, their existence hasn’t been remembered by anyone other than Ringo. “You… remember me?” “Of course I do, you would be very hard to forget.” He chuckled at that a little, they didn’t find it as funny.

Much later they got up from the floor (mostly because Ai said he should probably check on things, Ecolo because they didn’t really want to be there anymore), once again Ai talked. “It was nice seeing someone from the puyo world again, even under the circumstances.” He smiled at them, they got that feeling again. “Uh… Same.” After giving the (honestly very lackluster) response, they promptly turned into their usual form and floated through the wall, out of the ship.

Back in the vacuum of space they attempted to clear their head, yet they couldn’t stop thinking about the SS Tetras engineer. No matter how hard they tried, he wouldn’t leave their thoughts. Later on Ecolo would return to the SS Tetra to give Ai a note. The note said ‘get out of my universe’.

#puyo puyo #ecolo puyo puyo #ai puyo puyo #unusual ecolo #AiColo #turtle writes #ecolo uses they/them pronouns in this btw #also added the unusual ecolo tag bc it’s implied (plus they’re in that form for a decent amount of time)

[writingpaperghost]

To Find Your Way Home (Chapter 4)

Chapter 4: Ai Love You

A dog finds Emu.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40442304/chapters/102055875

“Do you know how Emu feels about dogs?” Saki asked out of the blue one day, when Kuroto was at the CR to report his progress with Carnival.

Looking up at her, Kuroto gave her a confused look, “Well, I’ve seen him stop in a park and pet someone’s dog for a solid fifteen minutes so…” He gestured vaguely, “Why do you ask?”

Saki hummed, “I know you, Graphite, and Parad have been saying that Emu’s been better, recently, but, well, we’d like to do all we can to help him.”

“Of course,” Kuroto nodded, “But why do I feel like I can see where you’re going?”

“It’s just an idea, and of course, it would affect you and Graphite,”

Again, he nodded, “I am aware, but… I do agree, it could do Emu some good. Both to have something else to take care of, I think, and to have someone to help him.”

---

There was a dog staring up at Emu, giving him a look that he thinks is a mix of curious and begging. Probably, the dog wanted the container of food in his hands. The dog was small, so it wouldn’t be easy for them to take the container, but Emu could still easily see that they wanted it.

Mostly, though, Emu was trying to figure out why there was a corgi in the hospital. He can see that the dog had been kept on a leash, just that the other side of the leash was not held by a human. With a cute expression, the dog barked excitedly.

“Shh!” Emu attempted to shush them, “Don’t bark, please don’t bark.”

Staring at him, the dog tilts their head, but thankfully doesn’t bark again. Adjusting his grip on his container of food, he carefully reaches down and grabs the leash. With a sigh, he decides that he’ll have to take this dog to someone who can find their owner. The dog lets out a happy yip before turning to lead him down the hall, revealing the heart shaped patch of lighter, white fur on the dog’s butt.

Cute, Emu thinks as he follows after, letting the dog lead him.

Eventually the dog leads him to a patient room, somehow succeeding in nudging the door open. Happily, the dog barks again and takes off, yanking the leash from Emu’s hands, and jumping up into the lap of a teen sitting on the bed. Emu could only determine the boy was a teen because the surprised doctor in the room was Parad.

Cheerfully, as the dog licked the boy, he laughed, “You’re back, Ai! And I see you found someone?”

Parad stared at the door, surprised, “Emu?”

The teen begins to pet the dog, Ai, “Do you know him, Doctor Hojo?”

“This is my brother…” Parad explained, still confused.

Emu waved vaguely, “Uh, hi? I was just… trying to find the dog’s owner…”

“That would be me,” The teen laughed, “Ai likes to take off on her own, especially recently. As much as I love her, she’s been trying to find someone else recently.”

Ai settles into the teen’s lap, tail wagging as she was pet. Parad then inquired, “Trying to find someone else?” She perks up at the question, almost as though she realized she was being spoken about.

With a small laugh, the teen gave Ai an affectionate pat. “She’s helped me a lot, and now she wants to help someone else. Thanks to her, I got through some really though times, but now… we both think she could help someone else.” With an excited yip, Ai hops out of the teen’s lap, trotting over to Emu once more and staring up at him expectantly. “I think she likes you.”

Carefully, Emu squats down, giving Ai some hesitant pets. Her tail only wags more. “I can’t imagine why…”

“Maybe she wants to stay with you,”

“Oh, oh no,” He shook his head, “I can’t just… get a dog.” Awkwardly, Emu stands and does his best to exit the conversation.

It’s about ten minutes later, as he exited the CR, preparing to meet Graphite and visit Director Kagami for their thrice a week lunch (which had started out as only weekly, but gained a day, then another, and would most likely gain at least one more), when he hears an extra set of footsteps, padding across the tiled flooring behind him. Somewhat dreading what he’d find when he turned around, but already feeling like he knew, Emu stopped and turned towards the sound. Then, he cast his gaze downward, finding the suspected culprit.

Looking up at him with innocent eyes was Ai, who’s tail wagged excitedly at his attention, her leash dragging behind her.

“Did you… seriously follow me?” He couldn’t help but wonder aloud.

As if to answer his question, she barks excitedly.

“You need to go back to your owner, he’s probably still here, it hasn’t been that long…” Getting Ai back to her owner would certainly make him late for lunch. But it wasn’t like Emu could really do anything else, he could just let her wander around, especially not when she would certainly just keep following him. Not that Emu was really sure how to find her owner, either.

He was going to be so, so late. Maybe Director Kagami won’t notice? No, no, he’s not that dense. He’d notice. Ugh, there wasn’t really a good solution, but Emu figured that getting Ai back to her owner would be a good enough excuse for being… incredibly late. Hopefully. He’d been wrong about what was a good enough excuse in the past, though.

“Alright, let’s go find your owner…” Emu sighed, picking up Ai’s leash once more. Ai did a little excited dance where she spun around, somehow avoiding getting tangled in her leash, and immediately began to lead Emu once more. Taking him right back the way he came, she expertly navigated the halls of the hospital until finally, a familiar teen was in sight. Barely keeping up with Ai’s dash, Emu approached him. “Ai has found me, again.”

The teen smiled, “Oh, Mr. Hojo, she really likes you…” Ai barked and he laughed. “I’m being serious when I say you should probably keep her.”

With another sigh, Emu holds the leash out towards the teen, “I’m sure she’s a wonderful dog, but I just… Listen, I really shouldn’t have her, alright?”

Staring at Emu and the leash, the teen frowned. “I think, you and Ai could both do each other some good. You seem like you get lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people.” Emu tensed at his words. “And if she keeps finding you here… Well, I’m sorry, but she’s decided she wants to be with you and there’s nothing I can do to stop her.”

Emu looked down at Ai, wondering for just a moment if perhaps the teen was just exaggerating. Somehow, though, Emu didn’t think he was, for some inexplicable reason. Something about the sincerity in his words and the strange behavior Ai had exhibited.

When Emu was a child, he’d never played much of pet sims, they weren’t interesting enough for him, there was nothing to win in them, not really. And he had never liked the idea of having to take care of someone else, not when he was already taking more care of himself than anyone else ever had. Gemn had a few pet sims, he recalls, he’d played them all a little, but he’d never really gotten into any of them.

Staring at Ai, Emu wondered if taking care of a real dog was anything like in the games.

“Mr. Hojo?” The teen called out.

Arm falling, Emu sighed, “Alright. I guess I have a dog now.”

Smiling, the teen nodded, “I think you’ll find Ai is real special.”

“I’m already getting that impression…” Then Emu remembered that he was becoming increasingly late. “I, uh, I gotta go…”

“Take care! Ai, keep a good eye on him, I’ll ask Doctor Hojo how things are going next time I see him!”

Emu, for his part, left with little else said, just taking Ai and heading towards the director’s office. Graphite would most likely already be there, he probably won’t leave to search for Emu for another… three minutes, he’d guess. Even without teleporting, Emu thought he might be able to make it in that time. As he’s rushing through the hallways, he sends Kuroto a quick text.

“Hope you like dogs”

He doesn’t wait to see if Kuroto responds before shoving his phone back into his pocket. Just as he arrives at the door to Director Kagami’s office, it opens and Graphite’s about to step out.

“Hey! Graphite!” Emu called, waving with the hand that wasn’t holding Ai’s leash. “Sorry I’m late!”

Graphite frowned, before his eyes fall to Ai at Emu’s side. Ai barks excitedly and sniffs at Graphite’s ankles. Slowly, he blinks. “Kin, what is that?”

Following Graphite’s gaze down to Ai, Emu answered. “A corgi. And the reason why I’m late.”

With a frown, Graphite moves back into the office, letting Emu and Ai follow him in. “Why do you have a beast with you?”

“First off, her name is Ai,” Emu said, now able to see Director Kagami’s very confused expression. “Secondly, I have been suddenly gifted a dog by her previous owner, a teenager I do not know, and have been informed she will find me whether I like it or not, so I should just accept her.”

Director Kagami smiled as Emu sit down, Ai settling down beside him at his feet. “I’m sure you’ll do wonderful with her, Emu. Why, it reminds me of this kitten we got when Hiro was a child, we let him name her – he chose Ringo because his favorite food at the time was apples.” He laughed a little. “Ai is a wonderful name, though, I’m sure she’s full of love.”

Under his breath, Graphite muttered something about how Hiro had later wanted to call the cat “Ivory”. Like all things related to Graphite’s memories of Hiro, Emu ignored it, as he had long since learned it was a sore topic for Graphite.

“I… guess we’ll find out,” Emu hummed, taking a careful bite of the lunch he brought, mentally counting down how long until Director Kagami would offer him and Graphite the sweet of the day and he’d have to eat that instead. “I suppose it’s not too bad. I mean, I just have to feed her and play with her and what not, right? I can… probably do that.”

---

“I can’t do this.” Emu stood in the food aisle of the pet store he was in. He was in the midst of attempting to get all the things he’d need for taking care of Ai and was now very overwhelmed by the various forms of dog food.

Graphite had begrudgingly joined Emu on his journey. “Kin,” He sighed, “Just choose one, surely it doesn’t matter.”

“But what if it’s entirely wrong and she dies or something?” Emu thinks he might be breathing a little too fast and may or may not be getting a little lightheaded. How embarrassing would it be to pass out in the food aisle of a pet store? It felt to Emu like he was about to find out.

Rolling his eyes, Graphite grabbed a bag, eyes skimming over the text on the back, then set it with the rest of the supplies. “There.”

“Are you sure-“

“Yes,” With a groan, Graphite was already continuing his way toward the next aisle, forcing Emu to quickly try to catch up.

---

The moment Ai was freed from her leash back home, she runs off, likely to explore the new place. That left Emu and Graphite to deal with the surplus of supplies Emu had just bought. Thankfully, Graphite was strong enough to move anything remotely heavy with ease, and Emu could handle the light and easy to carry things. Just as the two finished putting everything away, Ai trots out with a slightly frazzled Kuroto behind her.

“This is what you meant by ‘I hope you like dogs’?” Ai gives a happy yip despite the stressed tone Kuroto spoke with.

Awkwardly, Emu gives a smile, “Uh… yes? This is Ai.”

“A beast Kin has welcomed into our home.” Graphite grumbled, glaring at Ai who seemed oblivious.

With a sigh, Kuroto crossed his arms, “A little more warning would have been appreciated.”

“Sorry…” Emu rubbed the back of his head, “I… didn’t get a whole lot of warning myself.” He began to explain to both Kuroto and Graphite the events that had led to him coming home with Ai.

By the time he was done, while Kuroto was still a little frazzled by Ai’s sudden appearance, he seemed to have accepted it. “Well, I think she’ll do you some good.”

That was a lot like what Ai’s previous owner had said earlier. “Why do you think that?”

Kuroto hummed, “Just… intuition, I suppose. Have fun, Emu, I think you’re going to have someone else invading your bed tonight.”

“Like Graphite wasn’t bad enough?” Emu sighed while Graphite let out an offended sound.

“I am far better than that beast,” Graphite hissed, glaring at Ai, “Much better. I can protect you.”

Emu gave Graphite a sympathetic look. “You know, Graphite, you don’t always need to protect me, anymore. I’m safe now, and I can take care of myself, in a pinch.” Even if it was hard for Emu himself to believe it, he was slowly accepting it was true.

In a much more solemn tone, Graphite responded, “It’s not the pinches I’m worried about.”

“What?”

“Spend some time with the beast or something before you decide to cook dinner.”

“Her name is Ai.” Graphite had already turned away and settled on the couch with an old and worn botany book of Ms. Sakurako’s by the time Emu had corrected him. He could only sigh at Graphite’s behavior. Looking down at Ai, he said, “Hopefully he warms up to you.”

With her tail wagging excitedly, Ai barks.

---

Turns out, Ai’s “help” for Emu was… well Emu wouldn’t call it helpful, but Graphite seemed pretty pleased with it. Mostly because the first instance of it was Ai headbutting Emu into bed, and then forcing him to cuddle with her, keeping him from doing pretty much anything other than trying to sleep. Emu did not like this.

Graphite and Kuroto, on the other hand, were rather pleased with this turn of events. Graphite laughed. Emu is already plotting to revoke his cuddles for the rest of the week. Then they’d see who was laughing.

Something else Ai had a penchant for doing was bringing Emu his lunch, which though he always brought with him, he didn’t always eat. Or he’d nibble on it. But usually if he didn’t eat it at lunch, which was a good chunk of the time, then it sat uneaten for the rest of the day. Yuko, Graphite, and Kuroto would all try to get him to eat whenever they noticed he hadn’t, but they didn’t always notice and didn’t always succeed. Which was where Ai came in, as she would take his food, trot up to him, and stare at him until he ate it.

Whenever she was met with any resistance, she would usually resort to trying to stop him from being distracted by whatever he was doing. Which more than once had resulted in her laying across his keyboard, or stealing his pens.

To be fair, she also did the same thing to Kuroto, more in the department of forcing him to take breaks, though, as opposed to making him eat. Not that he hadn’t caught her doing that to Kuroto, too. Just not as often as she did with him.

When he was at Gemn, when he’d find himself staring at that single door, she’d often butt at his legs, pulling him out of his thoughts.

Despite how much Emu found himself annoyed at Ai’s help, he still couldn’t help but also smile, whenever she’d join him in bed at night, or when she’d pad up to him with his lunch. There was something nice about it, for as irritating as it could be. Even though she really didn’t have to, Ai cared about him, in her own, strange, way.

Then there was Mu… Though Emu didn’t really care, he’d heard from both Kuroto and Graphite that Mu seemed to adore Ai, and Ai seemed to adore him in kind. He’d heard Graphite say something about how Mu had “turned that beast into his steed”, whatever that meant. Kuroto later informed Emu that Graphite was probably referring to how Ai let Mu, in his Mighty form, ride on her back.

Regardless of how Emu felt about Mu, he was glad, at the very least, that Ai seemed to like him.

Already, there was a drawing of what was labelled as Doggy (Emu thought it looked more like a loaf with legs than a dog, though he supposed that was a bit like what a corgi looked like), hung on the fridge with all the other drawings Mu had done and given to either Kuroto or Graphite. It was strange to see them hung there every time he went to the fridge, but it really didn’t surprise Emu. If Emu had been younger when he met the Dans, then surely Kuroto would have ended up with a collection of drawing gifts.

Even when Emu had taken her during one of his visits to see Madoka – because Madoka insisted that he had to visit so she could tell him all about how she’s getting better, and he could tell her how he was getting better – Ai had been wonderful. Madoka, like any child – any person, really – was excited to meet Ai and gave her a lot of pets. Ai was perfectly well behaved and content, so long as she got pets.

Somehow, Ai was fitting in with their strange family very well. Emu had even taken to making her special lunches for when he and Graphite went and had lunch with Director Kagami, just so she wouldn’t feel left out.

That was another thing that Emu had found himself feeling strangely about. By all means, Director Kagami shouldn’t like him all that much, it was his fault that Hiro was infected. Yet for some reason, he kept inviting Emu and Graphite to have lunch, and those lunches were becoming much more frequent as time went on. He seemed to almost… enjoy having the two there? But that couldn’t be the case.

Even if he didn’t blame Emu was what happened to Hiro, even if he didn’t blame Graphite, he still shouldn’t like them this much. Emu especially, he couldn’t come up with a single reason why Director Kagami would remotely like his presence, let alone Emu himself. Maybe it was all an act? Emu didn’t think that he was that good of an actor, nor did he see any reason for the director to go through the trouble.

The whole thing just made Emu’s head hurt and made him wish things were far less complicated. That people would just get on with it and hate him so he wouldn’t have to go through the ordeal of trying to figure out just what it was they actually thought about him. Just because he’d mostly sorted out the CR’s feelings about him didn’t mean that he really wanted to or was sure how to sort out how everyone else felt about him.

Director Kagami should hate him. Doctor Kyotaro should be, if nothing else, terribly disappointed in him. If everyone at Gemn knew what he’d done, they’d have similar feeling towards him as they did towards Masamune. He knew from Kuroto’s words that, though he and Doctor Yaotome hadn’t met, she too was upset at what little she knew about what had happened to him – even less than the CR knew, just the bare minimum. But it was likely that if she knew everything that had really happened… she wouldn’t feel so bad for him, he’d probably think he deserved worse.

At the end of the day, Emu deserved all the things that happened to him, he’d justified it all with his actions. And really, he probably didn’t deserve to be alive, or at the very least not free to just… live his life. Like his actions hadn’t hurt people. Like he hadn’t become a monster, hadn’t dodged a bullet into becoming unrecognizable as Emu.

There had once been a mirror hanging up on one of the walls of his room. When he’d noticed it, he’d thrown a shirt over it so he didn’t have to see his reflection. He couldn’t take it down, so in the end he’d just found a blanket to cover it up so he could forget about it.

It had been years since Emu could bare to look at his own reflection. Every time he did, he saw a monster.

That hadn’t changed.

#kamen rider exaid #kamen rider ex aid #kamen rider #my writing #there is a me who can become strong #to find your way home

[legacyofacat]

[7] Nimbus Try I: Arpeggio of Hurt Steel

Chapter 7

The flower wreaths had been finished long before night fell.

It was because of that, that the trio was now enjoying a lazy time of doing what they wished; Zeitwächter and Churchgrim dozed in the moonlight, Kongō wandering aimlessly around the area.

From time to time she would gaze at the sky and the bright moon, let the wind twirl her hair and part of her dress.

In all honesty, she didn’t know what she was feeling right now.

There was still pain, of course, there would always be pain and sometimes it would flare up and be unbearable, but she felt slightly better.

Well, maybe – maybe her feelings were just a bit muted currently.

She heard soft pawsteps behind her and turned halfway to acknowledge Churchgrim.

He had obviously stopped dozing and was now standing motionless with a cocked head.

They looked at each other for a while, until the dog moved and pushed against her hip, whining a bit.

Kongō was surprised by his strength, catching herself as he actually pushed her: "What is it?"

His ears lowered and he whined again, pushing at her lower body once more.

She didn't know what he wanted, of course, Churchgrim couldn't talk nor could he use the Concept Communication System to relay information, but he was a part of Zeitwächter – carrying a part of her Union Core and all – so maybe a bit of Zeitwächter logic could be used on him?

Kongō lowered herself to Churchgrim's height, mimicking the movement of his head slightly: "Did you sleep well?"

Churchgrim didn't like talking, almost as if his own barks were too loud to him, so instead he had adapted to making little sounds one had to learn first.

"That is good, do you want to eat something?"

Of course not. Unlike his sister, who was always starving, he didn't feel hunger at all (like a Mental Model should), so he shook his head.

"Do you want attention?"

Now he started becoming a bit impatient, shifting his weight around and stepping on the spot.

Kongō felt a bit frustrated as well.

What can I do?, she asked herself.

Churchgrim evidently wanted something from her and it annoyed her that she couldn't find out what it was.

The dog moved forwards, pressing his head against her chest and straining to reach further.

It was in that moment that realisation dawned on the blonde: Churchgrim was big, easily confused with a wolf as he reached Zeitwächter’s (who was two metres tall) hips – when bumping into her, he had lowered his head to the height of her Union Core and now, he was also trying to get through her crouch and bump that place again.

"Are you trying to reach my Core?"

He yipped, perking his ears and wagging his tail softly.

She furrowed her brows: "Why?"

He looked like he was about to cry.

Right, yes no questions only.

Kongō supported her chin with a hand, petting the heavy head in her lap with the other and wondering what could interest Churchgrim so much.

Her Union Core was just an Union Core like any other: it wasn't cracked, it wasn't missing pieces and it possessed the full ability of supporting her – so what interested him so much?

"Are you mayhaps worried about my Union Core's functionality?"

Assimilating Maya and the Nagaras had put immense stress on it, after all.

Churchgrim made his little affirmative sound, cheering up instantly when Kongō ruffled his neck fur: "Don't worry, I'm fine. In fact, thank you for cheering me up."

He looked extremely happy, wagging his tail, panting and trying to give the Mental Model a kiss which she deflected.

Little did they know that a certain someone was spying them from in between two trees, nails almost digging into the bark, eyes narrowed.

Zeitwächter decided to leave them be and turned back, thinking.

For Churchgrim to act like that was… unusual. She would have to ask him later about what he actually had wanted from the fast battleship.

--

Start Last Next

Can also be found on:

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#aoki hagane no arpeggio #arpeggio of blue steel #蒼き鋼のアルペジオ #kongou #kongo #kongō #コンゴウ #fanfiction author #fanfic #try series #dog #Nimbus Try I: Arpeggio of Hurt Steel #arpeggio of hurt steel #nimbus try 1 #nimbus try i #tw: cursing #tw: language #aoki-hagane-no-arpeggio

[90frogsinatrenchcoat]

Just a little book I started my sophomore year of high school and never finished. Has potential but I can't get the motivation to actually do anything with her

            Chapter 1

        Thing's Were Changing

    Nathan had spent years here, It was his childhood home and he loved it- he loved his sisters and brothers. His memories weren't all good- especially with his father drunk and his mother never home, but he always managed to look at the bright side. He had countless fond memories of him and his siblings staying together at night, falling asleep in one big pile. He smiled as he thought back to those nights.. and grabbed his bags.

    He would be leaving tonight to start touring with an overnight sensation type of band. The type of band that had so much music, and all it took was one song on the radio to blow up. This band was named Night's Bane. They were a band of 5, each with their own physical appeal as well as an unusually large talent to look ratio. Nathan had been hired as a roadie, designated as both security and just plain help with stage duties, he would be living with these 5 people for the next year.. this was the next chapter of his life.

    Nathan took one last look around his home, stepped outside, and closed the door. He still had to walk a few miles to get to the bus stop, but he didn't much mind that. As he walked he took note of every little detail. The flowers that grew along the road, the oak tree that he had watched grow from a sapling to a tall adult tree, the dogs and cats in windows and yards.

    One dog, a particularly large Golden Retriever, ran to greet him. This dog wasn't his first best friend but was pretty close. He remembered being young, around 14 when his neighbors brought the little pup home. He obsessed over that dog from his bedroom window every day, and one day while he was sitting in his front yard, he felt a little wet nose nudging his hand. The puppy had come over to say hello! From that day he and the dog called Pepper had the closest relationship, a dog and man could have. Pepper was old now but always ran to meet him.

    "Pepper! Hey girl, how are you!!" Nathan spoke softly, but energetically to the dog. He was met with happy barks and yips, and he took that as a good sign.

    "I'm leaving for my new job today. This is goodbye huh? Well, you've been the best friend I could 'av ever asked for, Pepper" He pet the dog on the head and kissed her nose one last time before continuing down his route to the bus stop.

    Nathan reached the bus stop and sat his bags down, sitting next to them and taking out his phone to text the band. He typed fast and efficiently, mumbling his words as he typed them. Finishing the text, he put his phone in his jacket pocket and took out a cigarette, lighting it and putting it in his mouth as he stared across the road at the river.

    Nathan wasn't who you would expect to be a security guard- in fact, he looked more like he should be working at a small store in a mall. He was tall, 6'7, lanky but well built. He was white, freckles littered his face and arms, and he had blue eyes and pink hair. He had a thin septum piercing and wore two small earrings, usually black mini loops. Add to that his heavy Irish accent, and you had an immigrant who was in need of a job.

    The band that he was touring with was in Irland doing a few shows, and that was the best time for them to pick him up. He had a passport and papers, and so when they flew back to America, they would find him a place to stay and such.

    He slipped his earbuds in, and as the calm music of his country filled his ears, he stopped and took a second to see his surroundings. The birds in the trees, hares, sheep.. it was all part of this world that he knew. Down the road, he spotted an old friend, someone who he had known for a long time. Beckoning him, they met and bowed, feeling it necessary to dance as if it were the last time they would see each other. Nathan let the music play through the phone speaker, and he and his friend danced. His friend stopped him, pointing to a tree line- only 10 feet away stood wolf.

    Nathan was a highly spiritual man, one who took the spirits of the woods and of the world very seriously. This wolf, to him, was a sign. The large canine focused on Nathan, ignoring the many rabbits and hares that scattered the field around them. Nathan's family crest was an Irish Hare, and the wolf ignoring the Hares was a sign to Nathan that in a new land, he would not be chased for his heritage. He dipped his head to the wolf, giving it a nod, and it walked away. Now, his friend was skeptical, and thought Nathan was crazy- but Nathan was proud of his encounter.

    Not long after, the large van labeled with the band's logo pulled up. Nathan waved, putting his bags in a seat and looking at his new companions. He would be living with these men and women for a long time- and he was ready. The change was here, and Nathan was taking it by the hand.

            Chapter 2

    Nathan got in the van and sighed, bracing for what he was bout to hear.

    "Hey Nathan, have fun with ya boyfriend?"

    "Shut up," He said, flipping his middle finger up in the air at the blue-haired man in the back of the van. "He was a childhood friend. And even if he was my boyfriend, you wouldn't do sh*t. We all know you're the gayest one here."

    "wh- hey!" The man began to yell a string of curses at Nathan, and another man sitting in the middle row chuckled.

    "Good one Nathan" the middle row man said.

    "There's more where that came from, I'm a bodyguard, not an ego guard," Nathan said with a chuckle.

    He settled into his seat and began to read, although he wasn't able to concentrate very well- his mind was filled with thoughts about his new job, his new companions, and any new challenges that would follow- as he listened to the hum of the van and the occasional bicker from behind him, he began to feel a heaviness in his eyelids, and before he knew it, he was asleep.

    Nathan woke up to being kicked in the leg by the blue-haired man, which didn't strike a good nerve with him.

    "For the last time, Leith, I will NOT hesitate to punch you"

    "Last time? You haven’t even talked to me except to call me gay!"

    "I didn't say I had," Nathan said with an emotionless expression, standing and grabbing an identification tag. Suddenly, the silence was so dense it could be cut with a knife- the middle row man spoke up.

    "D*mn, he told you off real fast, didn't he Leith."

    "Shut up Barrett, get your emo *ss on stage and start hooking up your guitar"

    Barrett wore a smirk and stood, getting in the trailer that was being towed by the van, starting to bring some things into the venue. Nathan stood and stared at Leith until he left the van, then began to help the other band members gather their things. Before leaving to set some things up, he tapped someone on the shoulder.

    "Hey, Dom you oughta get up dude"

    "Fine fine- help me set up my drums? It's not my fav set so I don't really know how to set it up"

    "Sure, got your earplugs? Leith and Barrett might be playing already"

    "Mhm," The little boy said.

    Nathan helped him out of the van and closed the door, locking it. While toting the drum set into the venue, he noticed a few faces he recognized, old friends working the venue or the bar. He paid little to no attention to them and began to set up Domenik's drums. He hummed a simple tune, focused on setting this thing up finally he finished and waved Domenik over. He watched him try it out, and once he got the thumbs up he went backstage, sitting down on the floor against a wall.

    He pulled his phone out and opened his messaging app, texting his old girlfriend, Leean.

    'Hey, you coming to the show tonight?'

    'Why would I? You're gonna be there.'

    'So? You wouldn't even see me

    'That's not the point. You being there ruins my aura'

    'Bull sh*t'

    'This is why I left you'

    'Don't worry, you won't see me again after tonight. I know it was annoying to have some guy that you had to come home to each night after sleeping with another tourist'

    'F*cking F*g'

    "Aaaaand blocked." He said with a sigh, setting his phone down next to him and running a hand through his hair. One finger snagged on something, and he pulled his hand to look at it- the black ring his ex had given him on their first date 8 years ago had cracked and snagged his hair. Nathan took it off and chucked it across the room.

    'B*tch' He thought. 'Everyone's a b*tch.'

            Chapter 3

    Nathan's eyes jolted open and his arm reached out to grab something- he was being kicked by Leith.

    "Wake up sleeping beauty, it's time for the meet 'n greet."

    "Call me that again, and you'll lose a hand," Nathan said, letting go of Leith's ankle and standing up.

    He ruffled his hair and stopped by the bathroom, washing his face and taking a moment to clear his mind. First night on the job, basic status quo. Look scary, don't smile unless you have to. Or something like that. The venue was fairly large, the stage was raised enough for it to be difficult for someone to climb onto it. There were other security guards lining the stage and entrances, each with that standard look: Short hair, no expression.

Assets for Le-Book

What I want to convey: It's okay to not be okay. No one is normal, and even the most dysfunctional families can live happily.

Domenik:

Song: Cloud 9 by Beach Bunny

Domenik is a super sweet, kind, and silly person. He still has the mind of a child, he loves doing what he does and doesn't mind working, but he would rather be playing the drums or going on a drive. Although he's only 15, he still travels with the band and is allowed to do so on the account that Leith is 18, and he has a bodyguard. He loves animals, specifically bunnies and mice, and w i l l buy a butterfly garden if given the chance. He is the light of the family, and under his oblivious and childish exterior, he has a deeper side. He can understand complex emotions, but he can't express that he can. He doesn't understand social cues, and can't function in an environment that is too loud- he wears earplugs on stage as a result. He is Autistic, doesn't like people because they think he's stupid. He also has mild Social Anxiety.

Barrett:

Song:

Barrett is a reserved, calm, caring person who loves his family and wife more than anything.

Nathaniel:

Song:

Nathaniel is a quiet, somewhat flirty 'tough-guy. He spends a lot of his time thinking and due to his stature, he is highly intimidating. He is pretty flirtatious but doesn't tend to get involved in relationships. He hasn't thought out much of his life, and has little self-restraint- things like slurs or abuse of power, as well as the abuse of anyone really, brings him to a boil.

*Characters*

Leith: Leith William Thompson (Likes Rosalia) Born: 1986 Age: 21

Barrett: Barrett Dean Thompson (Married to Carolyn) Born: 1981 Age: 25

Domenik: Domenik Richard Thompson | Born: 1989 Age: 15

Rosalia: Rosalia Mary Williams (Likes Leith) Born: 1987 Age: 19

Carolyn: Carolyn Joseph Edwards (Married to Barrett) Born: 1984 Age: 20

Kenny: Kenneth William Edwards (Carolyn and Barrett's son) Born: 1996 Age: 8

#writing #novel writing #my writing #novels

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 108: Ideal (Happy Birthday, Harry Potter)

Harry hadn’t had very many good birthdays.

Somehow, in spite of that fact, he’d imagined that his 19th birthday would be different. Last year, on his 18th birthday, when they’d spent the day rebuilding Hogwarts, Harry had reflected on his many terrible birthdays and told himself that 18 would be the last bad one. He’d told himself that on his 19th birthday there would be a party, he’d have his friends around him, and maybe just for that one day, they could forget everything bad and just have fun.

But now he was single, living in muggle London, without any friends nearby, and without any happy plans in place. He decided that he had to do something today, there must be something that could make his birthday not quite so glum.

He set off toward a coffee shop a few blocks from his house and ran smack into a door as a woman was coming out. She apologized but Harry was too distracted by what he saw inside of the store. From where he stood he could see reptiles, and birds, and he thought he could make out cats in the corner, and somewhere there was the faint sound of puppies yipping.

Waving the woman off he entered the animal shelter, feeling like might have found something good after all. He wandered in; first past the birds, then the reptiles, then to the kittens and full-grown cats. He paused with the cats for a little while, trailing his fingers along their cages and talking to them softly. Then he moved past them to the dogs and puppies.

There had to be about 10 altogether, different breeds and types, some sleeping, some playing together, some just wandering about sniffing. Several came charging over to the edge of their pen when they saw him, wagging their tails eagerly and he just knew. He looked up and waved to a sales associate who was straightening some pet supplies. “Sorry, I just wonder if I could meet some of the dogs?”

“Oh, sure!” she replied brightly. “Draco is on the dogs today, I’ll call him over. Just a mo.”

That was an odd name, Harry thought, it must be a coincidence. Surely Draco Malfoy wouldn’t be working in a Muggle Animal Shelter of all places. It was preposterous. Yet a moment later he heard a voice he’d recognize anywhere, “Sir, is there something I can help you with?”

Harry’s jaw dropped and he turned to look at the boy who had been his nemesis for several years, “Malfoy?” he asked incredulously, yet somehow he couldn't find it in himself to be surprised. It was his birthday after all.

(Read more below the cut)

“Potter? What in Merlin’s name are you doing here?”

“Oh, you boys know each other?” Annie asked with a wide smile.

“Uh,” Harry said inarticulately even as Malfoy said, “Yes, we went to school together.”

“Oh, it’s always nice to run into old friends!” she exclaimed. “Well, I’ll just leave you two to catch up and to find this young man a puppy!”

“You’re here to adopt a puppy?” Malfoy asked incredulously.

“Or a grown-up dog,” Harry replied defensively, feeling like this sort of luck was quite typical of his birthdays.

“And you just happened to show up at the one shelter in all of London that I work at?”

“Well, it’s not like I knew you worked here. It’s my birthday and I just wanted one happy thing-”

“A dog is a big commitment. It’s not just something you decide you want one day then discard the next.”

“I know that!” he protested. “And I want a commitment. I want something to love and take care of, something that loves me in return. I want something that is there all the time.”

Malfoy stared at him for a long moment. “Alright. What kind of dog are you looking for?”

“I don’t know. I thought maybe I could meet them and then I’d know which one was the right one.”

“Trust me, Potter, if you do it that way you’ll take home 5 dogs.”

“Maybe I want five dogs,” Harry said stubbornly. “It’s not like I’ve got anything else on at the moment.”

Malfoy snorted, “Have you ever owned a dog, Potter?”

“No,” Harry replied. “Have you?”

“No,” Malfoy said. “For one thing I’m not allowed to have them in my flat and for another, I don’t have the time and energy for a dog. Dogs are a lot of work and I’m not saying you can’t do it,” he said, as Harry opened his mouth to protest. “I’m just saying, maybe you should start with one dog.”

Harry frowned but it did make sense, he supposed.

“Come on, Potter, tell me about your ideal dog and I’ll still let you meet all of them,” he said as he started toward the back. When Harry didn’t follow he said, “Come on, you can’t meet them out there.”

Harry followed him through a door that led behind the glass.

“So, when you imagine your perfect dog, do you think you want a dog with a lot of energy or that’s a little more lowkey?”

“Umm,” Harry said, imagining that he’d like a dog who wanted to play but also thinking of how hard some days were. “Maybe a little lower energy, but one that would still like taking walks and want to play a little bit each day.”

“Well, most of our dogs will want to play at least a little bit here and there,” he replied. “So meet Artemis first,” he said, as he went into the area all of the dogs were in and led one dog out. “She is not for you,” he said as the dog bounded over to Harry and Harry knelt down to pet her. She licked his face and put her paws up on his shoulders to sniff his hair.

“Why isn’t she for me?” he asked, tipping his head up to avoid being licked in the mouth. “Hi Artemis,” he said. “Hello, beautiful girl,” he said as he stroked her sides, combing through her soft fur. “You’re a lovie, aren’t you?”

“She is,” Malfoy confirmed, rubbing her head between her ears. “But our Artemis is part Australian Cattle Dog which means she is very high energy. She needs to run every day regardless of the weather and she needs a lot of stimulation. She is a very smart girl and there will be a perfect home for her, but you aren’t it.”

“But I like her,” Harry said, wrestling with her a little bit.

“You’ll like lots of them,” he said. “I promise.” Then he added, “And if she is your favorite, there’s nothing saying she can’t come back out so you can have her.”

“Alright,” Harry agreed reluctantly.

“Alright,” Malfoy repeated. “So that’s Artemis, you can meet Pontus next,” he said, before calling Artemis back to the playroom where the other dogs were. “Pontus isn’t completely trained yet, we’re still working with him on basic commands, so I’ll just have to go in and get him.”

Harry nodded and sat back on his heels to wait, a moment later a huge dog came out, panting and dragging Malfoy behind him.

“Pontus,” Malfoy said reprovingly.

Harry couldn’t help but laugh as the dog barreled into him and knocked him off his feet with a couple of raucous barks. He pinned Harry’s shoulders to the floor and licked his face quite thoroughly, butting his glasses completely off his face. “Hey, boy,” Harry managed, pushing at his broad chest so he could sit up.

Malfoy was tugging at the dog’s collar, seemingly to no avail. Finally, between the two of them, they got him enough off of Harry that he could sit up.

“Well, hello to you, too, handsome,” Harry said with a chuckle as he scratched behind his ears and Pontus tried to sit in his lap.

“Pontus is very sweet but he is an oaf,” Malfoy said as he brushed his hair back out of his face. “He is part American Pitbull and part something huge and dumb. We can’t quite figure him out.”

“He’s a nice boy,” Harry said as Pontus tried to chew on a bit of Harry’s fringe.

“No,” Malfoy reprimanded the dog, tugging him back from Harry. “Yes, he is, but he needs a firm hand, Potter, and you are too soft. Once he’s trained a little bit he’ll be a very good boy but you just let him eat your hair so you’re definitely not his.”

“Yeah,” Harry said, patting the dog’s side. “I think you’re probably right.”

“Did you hit your head on the floor when he knocked you over?”

“Not really,” Harry said as he reached back to rub the back of his head and Pontus butted him to get him to keep petting him, “Yes, alright, you demanding thing,” he said with a chuckle. “Why do you ask?”

“Well because you admitted I was right and it didn’t seem to hurt you even a little bit.”

Harry laughed, “You’re a git. I’ll have you know it didn’t hurt me one bit.”

“My, my,” Malfoy said with a small smile, “Is this what we call character development?”

“Yes, I see you,” Harry said as Pontus flopped over onto his back on top of Harry’s legs so he could rub his belly.

“He likes you,” Malfoy said with a grin.

Harry looked up at him, “He seems pretty friendly, Malfoy. I bet he likes everyone.”

Malfoy shrugged one annoyingly elegant shoulder, “Not really. He’s usually not too keen on men, in fact.”

“And you let him all but attack me?” Harry asked in mock offense. “I mean, I know you don’t like me, Malfoy, but killing me seems a little much.”

Malfoy rolled his eyes, “He doesn’t attack people. It’s a common misconception about his breed. It’s all about how they are raised and trained, just like it is with every dog. Except possibly chihuahuas.”

Harry laughed, “I don’t know anything about his breed,” he said honestly. “I just meant that he tackled me to the floor pretty quickly.”

“Yes,” he said, “But when Pontus doesn’t like someone he cowers from them, he doesn’t attack them. He will do whatever he can to put as much distance and as many obstacles as he can between him and the person he’s afraid of.”

“Well, I think he’s sweet,” Harry said, his heart in his throat at the thought of this poor dog being so afraid. “Maybe I could adopt him-” he started.

“Oh no you don’t,” Malfoy said and he leaned down and grasped Pontus’ collar once more. “His person will come and in the meantime, he will have us to look after him. He is not the dog for you; he will wreck your entire house and you’ll let him. He deserves a family who will train him and teach him to be a good boy because he wants to be a good boy.”

Pontus stood up and wagged his tail at Malfoy, slapping Harry across the face. “Ow!” Harry said, shoving at Pontus’ rear end, “Stop hitting me with your tail. That hurts!”

“His tail is very strong,” Malfoy said with a chuckle, “Come on you,” he said to Pontus, “You can go back and play.”

A moment later he came back in, carrying a squirmy puppy in his arms. Harry reached out for it immediately, “Hello,” he cooed at it as the pup started to sniff him.

“This is Caerus,” he said. “He’s a beagle mix, which is quite obvious by his love of sniffing and by his sweet floppy ears.”

“Hi Caerus,” Harry said, holding him up so they were nose to nose, “You are very cute. Yes, you are.”

“He’s just going up for adoption,” Malfoy said. “He was a little touch-and-go for a while, his brother and sisters all died. He was in a very unsafe situation when we found him and we really didn’t know if he’d make it or not, but he’s a fighter.”

He squirmed to get down and Harry set him on the floor and he took off sniffing around the room they were in, following his nose.

“He will have no trouble being adopted. He is young and adorable, and people love puppies.”

“He is really cute,” Harry said as he watched him run around. “But he’s not for me.”

“I agree,” he replied.

“Why?”

“Oh, you’re looking for someone who’s a real rescue.”

“What does that even mean?” Harry asked.

Malfoy watched the little dog walking around the room, investigating and sniffing as he said, “It means that you have a hero complex, Potter, which I can’t even blame you for because you were raised to have one. But you want to rescue a dog who’s come from a rough life and knows it. You want a dog that will love you unconditionally and whose sun rises and sets with you.”

“Well-” Harry started, feeling a little defensive.

“That wasn’t a criticism,” Malfoy said quickly. “It’s a good thing. It means that you want to really bond with your dog and vice versa. Frankly, you’ll be a great pet parent.”

“Err,” Harry said inarticulately. “Thanks, Malfoy.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said with another one of those shrugs. “Besides, you’re not cut out to train a puppy.”

Harry laughed, “I could learn.”

“You could,” he conceded. “Maybe. You don’t like to be the bad guy and sometimes when you’re training a dog you have to be able to say a firm no. Especially with puppies.” Before Harry could respond, Malfoy was bending over and scooping up Caerus, “Alright, Mister. Back to the puppy room with you,” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

When he came back he brought two puppies with him, both with curly, white hair. “Meet Castor and Pollux,” he said.

“Hello,” Harry replied, petting both of them as they squirmed on the floor and started to tousle with one another, both yipping happily as they played.

“We are hoping someone will adopt them as a set. They’ve never been apart a day in their lives and they basically only socialize with one another, no matter what we do with them. They both cry inconsolably when they are separated.” He crouched down beside Harry and stroked one of their backs, “They are also definitely not for you, but I told you that you could meet all of them.”

“Thanks,” Harry said with a smile as Malfoy scooped them back up and carried them back to the other room.

A moment later he came in, walking slowly and leading a dog who limped along behind him. “This is Molly,” he said as he led her over to Harry. She wagged her tail happily at him and plopped down next to him. “She is the sweetest, gentlest dog you’ve ever met.”

Harry stroked her head and she laid her head on his lap.

“She’s a black lab mix and she is a love,” he said as he crouched next to Harry once more, “She has had a hard life and she would love you until the day she died, but she is also not for you.”

“What?” Harry asked, looking up at Malfoy, “Why not?”

“Well first because she is special needs, she’s blind, her liver is pretty much shot, she’s all but deaf, she can’t manage stairs, and she is on a variety of medications.”

“I could learn how to deal with all of those things!” Harry protested. “Poor girl, she just needs a home.”

“That’s the second reason you can’t have her,” he said. “She’s already been adopted. She’s the owner’s dog. He just brings her along because he can’t leave her alone at home all day.”

“Oh,” Harry said.

“Yes, oh,” Malfoy replied. “She’s a good old girl.”

“Why doesn’t her name match all the others?”

Malfoy flushed slightly and Harry couldn’t help but find it a little charming, “I named all of the others,” he confessed. “We just need something to call them while they’re here and I like to give them new names if they’ve come from somewhere else to help distance them from their pasts. People can change their names when they leave.”

“That’s sweet,” Harry said.

“Shut up,” Malfoy replied.

Harry laughed, “What? It is.”

He rolled his eyes, “Alright, Miss Molly, let’s go. We have to find this prat a dog and you can’t be it,” he told her as he gave her a gentle tap and started leading her out. “No, you cannot. Your dad would never give you up. No,” he said as the door closed behind him.

Next, he came in carrying a tiny dog who was yipping at him, “Yes, yes, Hermes. We all hear you.”

He set the dog down and he immediately ran over to Harry, still barking at him. Harry held out a hand to the dog to sniff, “Hello there.”

Hermes yipped at him and then ran over to Malfoy yipping before returning to Harry once more.

“Hermes thinks it’s his job to tell everyone everything. He basically never stops barking.”

“Aptly named then,” Harry said as he reached out and stroked a hand down his back.

“He’s part chihuahua, we’re certain,” Malfoy continued. “And he is trained and housebroken, his only problem is that he doesn’t stop barking.”

“Will a dog like this find a home?” Harry asked, even though he knew it couldn’t be with him.

“Oh, certainly,” he replied. “He’s young and healthy and has his basic training. There are people out there who will not mind his barking one bit.”

“I’m not one of them,” Harry said as he handed Hermes back to Malfoy.

“No,” he replied. “There are two more,” he said. “And while I think either of them could be right for you, I’m saving the one I think is perfect for last.”

“Alright.”

“I only say this so that you don’t fall completely head over heels for the next one before meeting Penelope.”

“I’ll do my best,” Harry assured him.

A few minutes later he returned with a giant black dog ambling along behind him, “This is Gaia,” he said.

Harry’s heart melted as the dog walked straight over to him and flopped down on his feet. “Hello beautiful girl,” he said as he stroked through her thick fur.

“Gaia is a six-year-old Newfoundland mix. She is house trained already, she’s a very low energy dog but she’ll go on walks and play with you. She is a very sweet girl.”

“Yeah,” Harry said, he brushed his thumb along her cheek and she stared at him with her big brown eyes. “Hi,” he said softly.

“She would love you unconditionally,” Malfoy said as he knelt beside Harry.

“Why do you think she isn’t perfect for me?”

“More than half of her life is already over,” Malfoy said. “Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.” He glanced down at the dog and stroked her side.

“But...” Harry prompted.

“But,” Malfoy said before taking a deep breath. “You’ve seen a lot of death,” he looked up at Harry then, his eyes so clear and sincere that they seemed to pierce into Harry’s very soul. “Newfies typically live 8-10 years.” He raised one shoulder, “She would be great for you, but she is going to leave you far too soon.”

Harry’s eyes stung and he looked away from Draco and down at Gaia who had fallen asleep. “Will she get adopted?”

“Yes,” Malfoy said without even a moment’s hesitation. “She is a sweet, sweet girl and people love big dogs. I give her two weeks in here tops.”

Harry stroked her ear between his fingers, “If I tell you to bring in the last one but decide I like her better?”

“You can still adopt her,” he said quickly. “Sending her back now doesn’t hurt a thing.”

He nodded once, “Alright.”

Malfoy nodded back, “Come on, Miss Gaia,” he said. “Up you get, you sleepy girl.”

She stood up, turning to look at Harry for a moment and wagging her bushy tail at him, before lumbering after Malfoy once more.

When he returned he was leading a small tan dog behind him. “This,” he said as he scooped her up, “Is Penelope.”

As Malfoy started to hand her to Harry she started wagging her tail so hard that her entire body wiggled with the movement. Harry laughed as he took her into his arms, “Well hello little one,” he said. She bumped her nose against his before licking his cheek. “Hi,” he said again.

She squirmed a bit, so he set her down, thinking this is where any that had gone wrong went wrong but she didn’t walk away, she stood up on her hind legs and pressed her front paws against his chest so she could lick under his chin.

He laughed and stroked down her sides, she was super soft and he said as much to Malfoy.

He nodded, “Yeah, our best guess for breed is a chihuahua-frenchie or chihuahua-pug mix. The pug or frenchie would account for the wrinkles that she gets in her forehead, how soft she is, her barrel chest, and the way her little ears look. Chihuahua would account for the long legs and slender build in spite of her barrel chest.”

She took her feet off Harry’s chest and Harry held his breath to see what she would do. She turned away and he thought that his mind was made up but then she turned in a circle in between his legs, then another, then a third before laying down pressed against his body as close as she could get.

Something made Harry feel like he was choking as he watched her settle against him.

“She likes you,” Malfoy said softly. “Miss Penelope is almost two. She is potty and kennel trained already but will need a little help learning basic commands, she’s relatively young so it shouldn’t be too hard. She doesn’t like going on walks when it’s too hot or too cold, but when the weather is nice she enjoys them. She likes to play fetch and she really likes to chew things. But her favorite thing is a lap to curl up on under a blanket.”

“She’s so small,” Harry said softly.

“Fifteen pounds,” Malfoy affirmed.

“Would she want to sleep in a kennel at night?” Harry asked.

“If you wanted her to,” he said.

“And if I didn’t?”

“She loves to get up on furniture with people. I’m sure she’d be glad to sleep in bed with you if that’s what you’re asking.”

She lifted her head up from where it was tucked against her chest and plopped it on Harry’s thigh, gazing up at him with warm caramel eyes.

“She would adore you,” Malfoy said softly. “I named her Penelope because I knew that whoever she chose as her person she would be unendingly faithful to.”

“Yeah,” Harry said, stroking her head before running her ear between his fingers.

Over the earpiece Malfoy was wearing, Harry could hear Annie requesting back up on the sales floor.

“Why don’t you two take a little more time together,” Malfoy said. “I’ll go check in with Annie and then when I come back you can tell me what you’ve decided.”

Penelope lifted her head as Malfoy left the room watching him until the door closed before turning to look at Harry.

“It’s alright,” Harry said, stroking his fingers down her side. “He’ll be back.” He picked her up, holding her in his arms like an infant, and she huffed a little breath before settling her head on his shoulder, tucking her nose into his neck.

“It’s alright,” he said again, even though she didn’t seem perturbed in the least. “What do you think, then?” he asked her. “Hmm?”

She pressed her nose against his neck and gave him a tiny lick.

“Do you want to come live with me?” he asked her.

Her tail twitched back and forth a few times.

“Is that a yes?” he asked as he turned his head to press his face into the fur on her shoulder. “Hmm? You want to come home with me?”

More waggles and Harry couldn’t help but smile at her.

“Do you like the name Penelope?” he asked her, shifting her so that he could see her face, he brushed his thumb over her black whiskers and she turned her head away, “Well you don’t like that, do you?” he asked and he brushed his thumb under her eye to clear a little gunk. “Sorry, little one.”

She let out a little huff at him and he couldn’t help but chuckle at her.

He held her and pet her, talking to her softly. He fell completely in love with her in a matter of minutes.

When the door opened and Malfoy stepped back in, Harry said, “Can I take her home today?”

“Yeah,” Malfoy said with a smile. “There’s a whole bunch of paperwork for you to fill out first but wait until you get a load of their quills. There’s no inkpot or anything.”

Harry laughed, “They’re pens, not quills.”

“You know about them?” Malfoy asked incredulously.

“I lived with muggles after my parents died until I was 11. Yes, I know what pens are.”

Malfoy huffed, “Why wouldn’t you have brought them to Hogwarts? Why didn’t you use them there? It would have been so much smarter.”

“You wouldn’t have wanted anything to do with pens,” Harry replied with a laugh.

“Well, that's probably true. But I was an idiot.”

Before Harry could say anything in response or even process that remark fully, Malfoy was reaching for Penelope, “Let me put her with the others while we get you squared away.”

“No!” Harry said quickly, clutching her tighter against him.

“I’ll give her back, I promise,” Malfoy said.

“Can’t she just stay with me?” Harry pleaded.

Malfoy looked at him for a moment, “Yes, alright, but don’t let her distract you from the work you have to do.”

“I won’t.”

“Here,” he said, holding out a contraption to Harry. “Put this on her, she can’t be loose out on the sales floor.”

“Err,” Harry said as he reached for it. “How do I?”

Malfoy rolled his eyes, “Merlin, Potter. It’s a harness,” he said. “Here, set her on the floor and I’ll show you how to put it on her. It’s so you can walk her on a leash.”

“Can’t I just use a collar?” he asked.

“No,” Malfoy said as he lifted one of her front legs through a hole, then the other. “Small dogs, in general, do better with harnesses than collars. Unlike larger dogs, she has a more fragile trachea so we put a harness on her instead.”

“Is she okay, though?”

“Oh, yes,” he said quickly as he snapped the harness over her back. “Right,” Malfoy said, passing him the end of her leash. “This way, I’ll take you in to see Jeff and get her paperwork filled out.”

“Great, thanks,” Harry said, “Alright, Penelope,” he said, “let’s go.” She wagged her tail and stared up at him.

“Do you have the things you’ll need for your home?”

Harry shook his head, “Can I get those things here?”

“Yes. After you fill out her adoption paperwork.”

“Will you help me make sure I get everything she needs?” Harry asked quickly, afraid he’d miss something essential.

Malfoy gave him a smile and a small nod.

When they went to the office, Malfoy knocked on the door and someone, Jeff, Harry presumed, called for him to enter.

“Hi Jeff, this is Harry Potter,” Malfoy said, gesturing for Harry to enter the room. “He’s here to adopt Penelope.”

The man at the desk looked up over the top of his glasses and gave Harry a warm smile. “That is wonderful news! Come in.”

“I’ll just leave you to it, then,” Malfoy replied.

“Draco, you should stay. I’ve been meaning for you to learn more about the actual adoption process,” Jeff said.

It took a while to fill out all of the paperwork, but once they did, Jeff said, “perfect. Now there’s just the home visit and you’ll be all set.”

Harry looked over at Malfoy and Malfoy looked at him, both realizing at the same time what a bad idea it was to have a muggle come to his house.

“I’ll do it,” Malfoy volunteered quickly.

“Your shift is almost over,” Jeff said, looking at the clock on the wall. “I can take care of it.”

“That’s alright,” he said. “I don’t mind. We’re old,” he broke off, glancing at Harry, “friends,” he finished a bit awkwardly. “I’m helping him make sure he has everything he needs anyway.”

The other man nodded, "If you're sure."

"I'm sure," he said, nudging Harry out of the office.

Malfoy helped him to buy supplies for her, laughing as Harry picked out far more toys and treats for her than he thought was necessary. The sales associate helped them to box everything up and Malfoy helped him carry everything out of the store. "How far do we have to walk?" Malfoy asked.

"Just a couple of blocks," Harry said. "Do you want me to take that?" he asked, offering him Penelope's leash in exchange.

He shook his head, "It's fine." He hoisted the box a little higher in his arms.

"Do you live near here, too?" he asked, watching Penelope trot along tail wagging as she sniffed.

"About twenty minutes by bus."

He couldn't help but chuckle, "Draco Malfoy riding a muggle bus, who would have thought it?"

But the other man didn't seem to find that amusing, he frowned, "I'm not the person you remember."

"No," Harry said quickly, "I know," he added. "I wasn't trying to say anything unkind."

"Sorry," Malfoy replied, shaking his head slightly, "It's been a while since I've seen anyone from the wizarding world." He paused then added, "People from the past don't generally say kind things."

Harry hummed, "The wizarding world is full of hypocrites and people unwilling to see the wrong they themselves have done." He shook his head, "It's a lot. It's why I left."

He nodded to the door ahead of them, "This is my house," he added.

"It's nice," Draco said.

"Thanks," he grinned as he opened the door. "Sorry, I didn't realize that I would be having company or I would have cleaned up a little more," he added as he let Malfoy inside.

He took the harness off of her and let her investigate her surroundings.

"Did you say that you aren't expecting company?" Malfoy asked.

"Yeah," Harry said, keeping one eye on the dog as he started setting up her little bed and basket of toys.

"But it's your birthday," he said.

"Yeah," he mumbled.

Malfoy stared at him for a long moment before clearing his throat, "Do you have a back yard?"

"Yes," he said, glad for the change of subject, "This way," he added, nodding toward the back door. "It's fenced in but it's not very big, I'll take her on walks," he hastened to add as he opened the door. Penelope wandered out and started sniffing around and something warm unfurled in Harry's chest just watching her.

The other boy glanced out the door and nodded, "This is fine, it passes the inspection."

"Good," Harry said, breathing a sigh of relief. "Come on, Penny," he called and the little dog perked her head up and came dashing across the yard and back into the house."

"Penny, huh?" Malfoy asked with an amused little smile.

"For short," Harry nodded.

"I like it," he said as they turned and headed inside. "Well, I'll get out of your hair-"

"Do you want to stay for dinner?" Harry asked without really thinking about why.

Malfoy's brow furrowed, "Do you want me to?"

He shrugged one shoulder, "Only if you want to." When Malfoy didn't reply immediately he shook his head, "Never mind, it's silly. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm lonely, ignore me."

"No. I'd," he swallowed, "I'd like to stay for dinner, if you wanted. I just couldn't imagine that you'd want..." he trailed off.

"We're not the boys we were," Harry said, holding out a hand, "Harry Potter."

After a heartbeat Draco reached out and clasped his hand, "Draco Malfoy."

"Do you like pizza?" Harry asked.

He nodded, "As long as you don't put peppers on it."

"Done," he replied as Penny came over and put her paws up on his leg. He scooped her up and smiled, thinking for the first time in a long time that maybe everything was going to turn out alright.

------------

Sorry friends, this one really got away from me. It's super long. I hope that you still enjoy it! <3 Lots of love, -c

Day 107: Charge | Day 109: Coffee Shop

#100 drarry drabbles in 100 days #adopting a dog #happy birthday harry potter #<3 #blossoming friendship #drarry drabbles #drarry ficlet #this one really got away from me #sorry friends! #Day 108

[timetravesty]

Take Me To the Heart Fair Finale

The finale is here! Please enjoy!💕 Also, to the anon who asked about a fic with Clove being older, it's being worked on right now and will have two or three parts, but probably two!

Masterlist

Warnings: Cursing

------------------------------------------------------------ “Perfect, smile!’ The photographer said as children laughed while puppies ran around the booth, licking the kids and playing happily.

Poppy watched from the side, speaking with parents interested in the shelter puppies as Poppy gave them a great overview. The fair had started out strong, already two hours in and Poppy had already arranged at least fifteen adoptions.

The kids enjoyed looking through the costume racks and taking pictures with all of the shelter animals and their parents were eating it up.

“Golden retriever puppies are wonderful family dogs. Perfect for summer outings at the beach.” Poppy told an elegant looking mother who smiled brightly.

“He is adorable…” The puppy yipped happily, showcasing those award-winning eyes as the woman sighed. “You’ve convinced me Mrs. Min-Hughes. We’ll take him.”

Poppy signaled for a volunteer to help the woman as Poppy came around towards the photographer, tapping his back as the man smiled at Poppy.

“These pictures are fantastic Mrs. Min-Hughes. The children are naturals.” Poppy smiled kindly, walking further around the booth to make sure everything was running smoothly. So far, it all looked good.

Stepping outside of the tent, Poppy glanced outside of the fair that bustled with people. She could hear the soft music playing in the speakers as people chatted and laughed happily. It was a gorgeous day and Poppy was ready to take the crown.

“I’m stepping out for a bit.” Poppy told a volunteer who nodded as Poppy moved to actually look at booths for the fair.

She blatantly ignored Persephone’s booth which bustled with people wanting food as she instead approached Sally’s mother, Alice who currently stood with a large mallet in her hands.

“Hello Poppy!” Alice said as she gestured to her carnival game setup. “Would you like to try one of the games?” She asked happily as Poppy shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest as she observed.

“No, thank you though. I just thought I’d see what else the fair has to offer.” Alice nodded, setting the mallet at her feet as she glanced over at Persephone’s booth.

“If you ask me, something fishy is happening over at the McDermot booth. Persephone keeps looking around as if something were about to attack her.” Right on cue, Persephone sharply pivoted her head to look around, landing on Poppy and scowling before turning away and stalking further into her tent.

“I’m sure there are plenty of fishy things happening at that booth and only one of them has to do with Persephone’s paranoia.” Poppy replied as Alice laughed, looking at Poppy.

“Hey, summer is coming up soon. Do you and your family have any plans?” Alice asked as Poppy tapped a sharp nail to her chin. To be honest, she hadn’t given it much thought. Between the Heart Fair, Clove, her company, and many other things, she hadn’t planned anything for Clove’s summer away from Thatcher. Since Clove was a star student, she didn’t need summer school and Poppy didn’t need to stick around since the PTA board wouldn’t be forming until the following fall.

“I’ll have to discuss it with Bea.” Poppy told her as Alice nodded.

“I think Sally and I will stay in New York this time. Her dad is…” Alice cut herself off as a child came up to her, complaining about a broken lever as Alice sighed heavily.

“These kids…Anyway, I saw your booth and I love your idea Poppy. I’ll put in a good word with the other mothers.” Alice took off a moment later as Poppy took her time to look back at Persephone’s booth where she stood next to a volunteer, probably barking orders into his ear.

Besides Bea missing this fair, Art had contacted Poppy earlier this morning, telling her Joshua had caught the flu, meaning he had to stay home. Poppy wished him the best and promised to send him Clove’s ballet performance recording.

Suddenly, a volunteer from Poppy’s booth ran up to her in a rush, holding up Poppy’s phone.

“Mrs. Min-Hughes, you forgot your phone. I think your wife is calling.” Poppy thanked her, taking the phone and swiping on the call as Bea’s voice came through.

“Bea, is everything alright?” Poppy asked, walking around the fair grounds as kids and parents scrambled around her in a happy daze.

“Yes, I mean no. I mean-” The phone cut for a minute before Bea’s voice came back clearer. “Takeoff is taking awhile, I might not get there until the next hour or two.” The rain pounded hard from the speaker as Bea’s voice tried to carry through.

“What about Clove’s dance? Are you-”

“Pop, I think-” The phone cut again, until it went silent and Poppy glared at the screen.

“Dammit.” She mumbled as she pocketed her phone and walked over to the large stage in the middle. She made her way into the back where she found the Thatcher-Heart performers and Zoey standing next to them all.

“I love your music Zoey!” A little girl yelled as Zoey ruffled the girl’s hair.

“Aww, you are too cute! All of you, let’s take a selfie?” She asked as the parents were momentarily dazed to be standing in the presence of a celebrity. The children crowded around Zoey who tried her best to angle her phone as Poppy walked up to the group and held up her hand.

“Let me?” Poppy asked as Zoey smiled gratefully, crowding closer to the kids as Poppy moved to take a burst of photos. When the flash went off, the kids all jumped around happily as Zoey thanked Poppy just as Clove came up and attached herself to Poppy’s leg once more.

“Is mama here yet?” Clove asked against Poppy’s leg as Poppy bit her lip. She definitely didn’t want to tell Clove that Bea could miss her big performance so she did what she did best.

“She’s a little late, but I have no doubt she’ll be here soon.” Poppy told Clove as Zoey raised a brow at Poppy.

“Aww…” Clove mumbled as Zoey walked up to the two, crouching on her heels and cupping Clove’s cheek.

“Hey, your mama is definitely going to come. Bea wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Zoey smiled as Clove let a small grin slip from her lips as Poppy mouthed a silent thank you to Zoey. Ms. James came around the corner, instructing the little girls to follow her to go over the performance one more time as Zoey stood up next to Poppy.

“Think she can make it here in two hours?” Zoey asked Poppy who sadly shook her head.

“Her connection was terrible. I don’t know what to tell Clove.” Poppy admitted as Zoey nodded. She checked her watch on her wrist as she stretched her arms.

“My set is in a few minutes. If Bea can get on her plane right now, she can make it right before the curtain rises.” Poppy nodded, thinking it over as Zoey began to walk off before Poppy stopped her with a brief brush of her wrist.

“How did things go with Veronica?” Poppy asked as Zoey ducked her head down.

“...I told her she should move to London and sell the New York apartment. We want different things right now.” Zoey said with a shrug, but there was more emotion in the comment as Poppy sighed.

“I’m sorry about that Zoey. Really.” She said as Zoey looked up a second later with a simple smile.

“You know what Poppy? I actually believe that. Thank you.” She gave Poppy one of her radiant smiles before taking off onto the large Thatcher-Heart stage where a crowd of people clapped happily to see her.

A minute later, Zoey started her songs, the melody infectious as Poppy left the tent and moved towards her own, just before bumping directly into Leroy.

“Oh, excuse me.” Poppy said as the man took a large gulp as Poppy stepped to the side.

“No-no problem.” He nervously spoke as Poppy moved to walk away before stopping, turning on her heel as Leroy stood nervously by the large tent, ringing his hands together.

“Leroy… are you alright? You’re shaking like a leaf.”

“He’s fine.” A loud voice said behind Poppy as a burly man came up behind her, overshadowing her as Poppy turned. Normally, she wasn’t one to be intimidated, but the man standing before her was none-other than William McDermot, the head of the McDermot family.

“Mr. McDermot, it’s wonderful to see you again.” Poppy lied as the man straightened his tie.

“Likewise Mrs. Min-Hughes, but my son and I have some business to attend to.” He walked past Poppy, taking Leroy by the shoulder and pushing him into the tent as Poppy raised a suspicious brow.

Should she be prying on a private conversation?

Obviously.

Leaning closer to the tent, Poppy could just make out the sounds of the men’s voices as Zoey’s music continued in the background. While most of it was ineligible, Poppy came away with the good stuff as she quickly walked away from the tent just as the men parted the white blanket,

She didn’t run, but she definitely put some pep in her step as she slid up to the McDermot booth where Persephone gave her a death glare.

“What the hell do you want?” Persephone snapped as Poppy crooked her finger, gesturing for Persephone to come closer.

Persephone tentatively stepped closer as Poppy leaned in, smiling like a cat as she whispered in the woman’s ear.

“I have something very interesting to share with you Persephone and I suspect that you’ll want my information.”

Persephone pulled back as if to snap again, but Poppy didn’t let that dissuade her as she smirked. “I know who your blackmailer is.”

-----------------------------------------

Bea buzzed in her seat as she watched the plane fly over the clouds. Thankfully after her awful call with Poppy, the plane had taken off a minute later and Bea was soaring through the crowds. Even though the plane ride was at least an hour and forty-five minutes, Bea was constantly checking her phone. Once she landed in New York, she would only have about thirty minutes to get to the park.

She was jittering so much, the passenger next to her slyly asked the stewardess if there were any more seats as the man stood up to leave, letting Bea have the row to herself as she kept tapping her fingers nervously on the armrest.

A pretty stewardess approached Bea, offering her something to eat or drink as Bea shook her head, waving her away politely as she glanced out the window.

Obviously, worrying about it wouldn’t make her get any further, but Bea couldn’t help it. She would be devastated if she missed Clove’s performance.

The little girl had been practicing for the past two to three months to perfect each movement. She wouldn’t even let Bea or Poppy see her dance because she wanted it to be a total surprise. Bea had respected the wish, but Poppy was known to peek into the dance rooms every now and then to watch and make sure Clove was okay.

Bea knew Clove was okay. She was a talented little girl, even at such a young age and… she took after Poppy in many ways, meaning she was an absolute winner.

Bea attempted to call Poppy a few times, but had forgotten to pay the bill for it, meaning her phone was pretty much worthless. All she could do was stare out the window and hope that she wouldn’t be late.

Thirty minutes into the ride, the rain started to clear up, displaying the land below as Bea thumped her head against the window. She didn’t ask for much, but she was asking for this one thing.

Bea wondered what Poppy was doing at that moment. Was she tending to the booth? Helping Clove get ready for her performance?

Bea did know that she never wanted to go on a three week trip ever again. Especially if she risked moments like this. It would be a discussion with Kath for later and it wasn’t like she really even needed to stay that long anyway. Most of the time, Bea spent time in the Quebec office, doing what she typically did until the owners of the new design could come by and Bea would walk them through it, finalizing any requests for the owners.

It was definitely a trip that could have been completed in at least a week and a half.

Forty five minutes later, Bea saw the first rise of buildings as the captain spoke through the speakers.

“Attention passengers, please make sure your seatbelt is buckled. We will be arriving in New York in ten minutes.”

The ten minutes passed quickly, a safe landing at the airport as Bea was the first one to pick up her smaller suitcase and practically run out the door. It took some time, but soon, Bea was back on the ground in New York City and only a couple of minutes away from Poppy and Clove.

She made her way towards the front of the airport where Scott was supposed to be parked as she rolled her suitcase behind her. Checking her watch, there was only twenty minutes left till Clove’s performance as Bea scrambled to the front where Poppy’s valet stood.

“Welcome back Bea.” Scott smiled as Bea squished into the car quickly.

“I’ve got twenty minutes to make it to the Heart Fair.” Bea said as Scott nodded, adjusting his mirror before taking off out of the airport. He still abided by all traffic laws as he turned down multiple streets.

“Was your trip well?” He asked as Bea threw open her suitcase in the back, grabbing a small bag with Poppy’s gift and reaching into her backpack to pull out a snowy owl plushie for Clove. When she had gone on all of her other business trips, Bea always bought a couple of candies for Clove to try and also a plushie of the national animal for the city. For Poppy, Bea picked out a figurine of the national flower, something to commemorate the trip. This time, it was an Iris Versicolor she had looked for after a quick google search.

“Good, good, I got you this.” Bea said as she handed the man a small keychain of Quebec. He smiled wide as he took it when they stopped at a red light.

“I haven’t gotten this one yet.” He said as he opened the glove compartment and placed the key chain in a small compartment where a dozen other keychains sat. Apparently, Bea learned a couple of years ago that Scott was an avid collector of city/state keychains. She committed that to memory and the man was always happy to receive the gift.

The two stopped at another traffic light before Scott let out a long sigh. “I’m terribly sorry Bea, but the traffic is heavy up ahead. Probably due to the Heart fair further down the street.”

“Crap.” Bea mumbled as she placed the items inside of her backpack. “How long till it let’s up?”

“Maybe twenty minutes. The park is close, but the streets are packed.”

She had ten minutes left.

“Okay, keep driving and I’ll meet you there.” Bea said as she unbuckled her seatbelt.

“What are you doing?” Scott asked as he looked through his overhead mirror, raising a brow as Bea opened her door into the stopped traffic.

“The only thing I can do. I’m running there.” Bea stepped out, closing the door and taking off a minute later, weaving through cars and running towards the sidewalks before taking off down the street.

As she ran, she could just see the tips of the tents at St. Belrose Park as Bea picked up more speed, adrenaline pumping through her veins as she ran into traffic, carefully avoiding honking cars as she ran alongside the gates of the park, searching for the entrance.

Running a little quicker, Bea came to a stop in front of the gate with about fifty people standing outside, some leaving and some entering as Bea heard a booming voice through the speakers of the park.

It sounded like Zoey as Bea tried to push through the people as the music in the background faded.

“Now, without further ado! I want to introduce the talented ballet dancers of Thatcher-Heart!” Claps spread through the crowds as Bea finally made her way to the front as a security guard stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

“Hold on miss, we need to-” Typically, Bea would have never done this, but she was desperate as she quickly stood up as the man did too, believing Bea would comply, before dodging quickly to the side and slipping under the velvet ropes and into the fair.

“HEY!” The guard yelled after her as Bea turned quickly, yelling at the man as she ran backwards.

“I’m sorry! I have to see my kid perform! Put it under Min-Hughes!” She yelled quickly before scrambling back to the front and taking off towards the large stage where many people gathered.

------------------------------------------------------------------

“You’ll be great.” Poppy smiled as she pressed a kiss to Clove’s head as Zoey called out through the speakers. “I’ll be in the crowd, recording the whole thing.” Poppy said as Clove nodded nervously before tugging softly on Poppy’s sleeve.

“Is mama not here yet?” She asked one last time as Poppy’s brows furrowed sadly before shaking her head.

“No, she’s not here yet, but I promise I’ll tell her all about it.” Poppy said as Clove scrunched up her tiny lips before nodding in agreement. Rubbing the girl’s back, Poppy left the stage just as the curtains were about to rise, standing off to the side was Persephone with a timid expression.

“Are you sure about this?” Persephone asked Poppy who reluctantly pressed a hand to the woman’s shoulder.

“I’ve been at this game longer than you Persephone. I’m absolutely sure.” Persephone bristled at the touch before nodding, holding a microphone of her own as Poppy left to go stand in the front row of the crowd.

Zoey stood near the stage as Poppy smiled at her before joining the other parents in the front row. She pointed at her phone, mouthing that she was recording as Poppy nodded before turning her attention to the stage where the curtains began to rise as the crowd remained silent.

Standing in a long formation, the ballet dancers all had a certain position they stood in as Poppy spotted Clove who looked sadly down at the floor. Poppy’s heart clenched as she watched her daughter lift her head slowly as Poppy sighed. It was a disaster that Bea wasn’t here.

As the music started the first note, Clove’s expression changed as she stared into the crowd before breaking into a wide smile as she looked off. Poppy and a couple of other parents turned behind them to see what was so interesting before Poppy’s eyes widened in shock before delight overtook as Poppy saw someone hanging on one of the lamp posts set near the back of the stage.

Standing on the edge of the rock base and giving her view over the crowd, Bea waved at the stage as a couple of the dancers laughed and Clove smiled happily before the next notes began to play and the dancers began their performance.

Poppy didn’t turn back to the stage just yet, looking at Bea who was hanging causally off the lamp post as she glanced around, before her eyes landed on Poppy and she smiled wide. What Poppy wanted to do was run over there and hug her, but she made herself turn back to the stage where Clove was performing a series of ballet dances.

For a bunch of tiny kids, Poppy had to admit that Ms. James did a wonderful job of artfully arranging the dances for each of the children. Clove was usually in the middle as she did some tiny swirls as the music rang loud throughout the crowd. It was the perfect balance of elegant and carefree. When the last note rang, the group of girls all did their own piece, Clove doing a rather tricky move as they ended perfectly on the beat, panting hard as the crowd broke out into loud cheers.

Ms. James clapped with the crowd as shouts and cheers rang throughout, some noticeably louder than others as Poppy heard Bea’s voice in the crowd, hollering with cheer and exclaiming happily at the children’s performance.

She rolled her eyes happily as she moved towards the back of the stage as Clove ran up to her a second later.

“I saw mama in the crowd! She was here!” Clove yelped happily as the other little girl’s crowded around her and Poppy. Poppy pulled Clove to her side, pressing multiple kisses to her head as Clove squirmed energetically.

“Did you see me mommy?! I did the hard move!” She exclaimed as Poppy laughed, smoothing Clove’s hair back before the little girl gasped before breaking away from Poppy’s grasp and running behind her.

“Mama!” Clove yelled as she practically threw herself into Bea’s arms as the woman set her bag on the floor and spun Clove around. Poppy turned to see the two, smiling wide as she caught Bea’s eye as the brunette winked.

“I saw the whole thing, baby girl!” Bea said as she pressed a large kiss to Clove’s small cheek. “You were amazing!” Bea said as she finally set her daughter down and leaned into Clove’s hug.

“I missed you.” Clove said as Bea smiled, pulling her as close as possible.

“I missed you too, so much.” Bea mumbled before reaching down into her bag and pulling out a large bag of soft candy.

“I promised I’d get you something right?” She also pulled out a fluffy snowy owl plushie from her backpack that was the size of Clove’s head. “Why don’t you go off with your classmates and try some of this?” Bea said as Clove nodded, taking her plushie and her new candy as she pressed a small kiss to Bea’s cheek.

“Thank you mama.”

“Anything for you love.” Bea said as she gently pushed the girl off towards her classmates, who swarmed around Clove as she walked off near the crowd of parents waiting for them. She was chatting happily with them about her new gifts as it was soon only Poppy and Bea, standing backstage with music from the next ballet performance ringing in the background.

Bea stood up, brushing off her kneecaps as she stood tall to look at Poppy.

“Hi sweetheart.” Bea smiled as Poppy returned it, not bothering to walk, but running and pressing herself against Bea, wrapping both arms around her neck in a tight grip. If it were up to her, she would never let go.

“You came.” Poppy mumbled against Bea’s neck as the woman bent down slightly to make up for their height difference. She pressed her nose into the crook of Poppy’s neck as she smiled.

“I promised I would.” Bea replied as the two just stayed like that for a few minutes. Poppy probably had Bea in a death grip, but Bea didn’t seem to mind. Three weeks without her touch and Bea would have let Poppy hold her as tight as she wanted to.

When Bea pulled back, she didn’t pull back far as she looked down at Poppy with smiling eyes.

“My gosh, you get prettier by the day.” Bea mumbled as Poppy rolled her eyes at the obvious flattery.

“Just kiss me Bea.” Poppy said as Bea did, pressing a kiss to Poppy’s lips and wrapping her arms around her waist. They fit against each other perfectly as Poppy took a hold of the hooks in Bea’s jeans, pulling her closer if that was even possible. Bea laughed at Poppy’s neediness as she reached to nip at Bea’s lower lip, running her tongue over it in apology a second later before breaking away from the kiss.

“We can continue that later.” Poppy whispered as Bea looked at her like a drunken fool in love.

“Hmm, yes ma’am.” Bea teased as Poppy pulled her back into a hug, relishing in Bea’s warmth as the backstage began to crowd with people again after the older ballet dancer’s performance ended.

“C’mon, we need to watch the upcoming speeches. I have a feeling there is one we don’t want to miss.” Poppy dragged Bea off towards the stage as the girl grabbed her backpack before stopping Poppy in her tracks with a tug on her wrist.

“Hold on, I got you something.” Bea said as she reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. Poppy took it with a smile, unwrapping it and seeing the gorgeous glass flower. It sparkled under the light as Poppy’s smile grew.

“It’s perfect Bea.” She placed it back in its box and pressed a kiss to her wife’s cheek, before dragging her off towards the front of the stage once more.

The two took their place in the front row as Bea waved at Zoey who was currently talking with a few of her fans. She blew Bea a kiss as the lights dimmed around the stage before Principal Stills took towards the center.

“Welcome all, after watching stunning performances from the Thatcher-Heart dance team, I can only say how impressed I am by every single dancer.” She clapped as everyone joined her, Bea using her fingers to whistle loud as she clapped happily.

“I can confidently say that this has been our most successful Heart Fair in the last couple of years. Thank you all for making this 25th anniversary so special! Now, I have a few parting words for you from William McDermot, a prominent figure within our community.” The crowd clapped as William took to the stage, smiling like a shark among fishes as he made his way to the stage.

“Thank you, Ada and thank you all for coming! As you all know, my family has been a proud supporter of New York through thick and thin. I am here to say that I will forever continue this legacy, through my son and through all of my grandchildren.” He cleared his throat just as Poppy saw a flash of blonde appear from the sides.

Persephone stalked onto the stage with murder in her eyes as she spoke up as William stared in shock at the woman. “Sorry to interrupt William, but I have something to confess.” Persephone said through her microphone as Bea stared wide eyed at the stage like most of the people in the crowd.

Poppy only grinned as she watched, holding onto Bea’s arm as Persephone cleared her throat.

“I would like to confess that I recently received a message a few weeks ago by someone who was trying to blackmail me.” Persephone declared as gasps escaped through the crowds.

“What the hell is she doing?” Bea asked as Poppy squeezed her shoulder.

“Shh, you’ll see.” Poppy said as she continued to watch.

“I was...scarred for the most part. Until I learned who it was.” She pointed accusingly at the end of the stage where a timid figure rested in the shadows. William turned to look as his face heated into the color of a tomato.

“My own husband!” Persephone seethed as the crowd let out a startled gasp. “Leroy McDermot has been trying to blackmail me because of my past, but let me tell you this attendees, it is only to hide his own deficiencies because Leroy…” She glared at the man who was still hiding in the shadows until a spotlight shined on him as he winced.

“Leroy has been cheating on me for the past year with none-other than Claudia Pentworth, his fourth cousin!”

That statement caused alarm as William turned on Persephone and let out an angered huff, face turning so red he looked like he was going to pop a blood vessel. “You bitch!” He screamed as Persephone smirked, holding her microphone so everyone could hear William.

“This woman is obviously lying. My son is a faithful man and he is a good father. I can’t say the same for this skank who lied to my family about the legitimacy of her child’s birth! I am here to say that my son has no child and it certainly isn’t anyone with the same blood as you!” He spat as he gestured angrily at Persephone. He looked to the crowd, expecting acceptance until Poppy shouted.

“Sounds like he’s trying to cover up his son’s scandals by lying about Persephone. Are we really expected to believe that after Persephone’s confession?”

The crowd murmured in agreement with Poppy, slowly starting to yell at William to get off the stage because of the disgrace that is Leroy McDermot. William stared in shock, trying to yell back to the crowd who didn’t listen to him as they booed him off the stage, him and Leroy.

Persephone smirked from the stage before turning back to Leroy who had finally stepped out of the shadows and closer to his father who looked extremely embarrassed.

“She- She’s lying, she just used me for my name!” Leroy cried out, the loudest that Poppy had ever heard him as Persephone scoffed.

“Your name huh? How about this then, I want a divorce.” Persephone spat into the mic as Leroy’s eyes widened as William growled.

“You slut-” He yelled before some security guards came up to restrain the man before he tried anything on Persephone.

“A…a divorce?!” Leroy yelped as some security guards came up to grab him too. “Persephone, I’m sorry honey! I-I didn’t mean any of it!” He pleaded a second later as the guards dragged him off the stage and Persephone stood victorious. The crowd still let out angry cries as William and Leroy were dragged off.

“To think a man like that would blame a young woman for his own son’s behavior!” A woman in the crowd yelled as others agreed. “He should be ashamed of himself.” Another man added as the crowd agreed once more.

Persephone walked off the stage, handing the mic to Principal Stills who took back the stage with wide eyes.

“My that was…I have no idea how to respond to that.” Ada said as the crowd chuckled briefly before the woman smoothed back her hair. “Thank you all for attending. I believe that concludes the 25th Annual Thatcher-Heart Heart Fair, remember to vote for your favorite booths and I will see you all next year.” The crowd clapped loudly for Ada before they began to disperse, parents walking off to find their kids and others beginning to deconstruct the tents.

Bea turned, wide-eyed at Poppy who smiled like the cat who just killed the canary.

“What the fuck just happened?” Bea asked as Poppy brushed her hair off her shoulder.

“Obviously, I found Persephone’s blackmailer.” Poppy stated as Bea’s eyes widened even more.

“How the heck did you do that?” She asked as Poppy smiled wide.

“I overheard the McDermots talking before the program began. Apparently, they were going to bring up Persephone’s infidelity so that they could request a divorce without Persephone taking half of the assets of the company since Leroy didn’t make her sign a prenup. I told her to take the spotlight herself, throwing in Claudia was just the icing on the cake.” Bea nodded, as Poppy tilted her head to the side.

“...You still don’t get it, do you?” She asked as Bea shook her head no.

“Not really, but I know that my badass wife had something to do with it which is cool enough for me.” Poppy let a laugh slip through her lips, just as she felt a finger tap her on the shoulder. Standing in front of her, Persephone cleared her throat, not bothering to look at Bea as she stared at Poppy.

“Poppy, I wanted to…I wanted to…” Poppy raised a brow as Persephone let out a troubled sigh.

“I wanted to thank you for telling me about Leroy. With this out, I should be able to steal half of the bastard’s fortune.” Persephone smiled wickedly as Poppy nodded.

“You are… begrudgingly welcome Persephone.” Poppy replied as the woman nodded, walking off a minute later as Poppy watched her, before turning back to Bea. Bea was watching her too, before turning to look Poppy in the eyes.

“Wait, if you did that for Persephone, what did she do for you in return?” Bea asked as Poppy bit the inside of her cheek. Oh shit…

She didn’t answer as Bea waited before a big grin spread across her face. “...you didn’t do this for anything, did you?” Poppy still didn’t answer as Bea bumped her shoulder against her wife.

“Poptart, did you get something in return from Persephone?” She asked, wiggling her eyebrows as Poppy gently pushed her back.

“Fuck off.” She mumbled as Bea reached to pull the girl into a hug.

“What do you know? Fairs make you soft.” Bea mumbled as Poppy silently cursed in her head as Bea swayed them. “I knew you were sweet underneath all of the glitter.” Bea smiled as Poppy did what she could to push Bea off her, but only wrapped her arms around her waist and let Bea sway them. Poppy inhaled Bea’s cologne as she let her head rest against Bea’s chest with a happy sigh.

“C’mon.” Bea muttered, pressing a kiss to Poppy’s head as she moved them away from the stage. “Let’s go get our daughter.” She smiled as Poppy rolled her eyes, breaking away from Bea’s hug and interlocking their fingers.

“She’s going to be extra hyper thanks to all of the candy you bought her.” Poppy commented as Bea shrugged, swinging her backpack over her shoulder.

“We’ll handle it.”

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Wrapping a hand around Poppy’s waist, Bea curled around the woman who purred at the contact. It was a peaceful night in, with Clove finally settling down from her sugar high and Bea able to relearn everything about Poppy that she had missed the past couple of weeks.

Poppy turned over, resting a hand against Bea’s chest that was covered by their bed sheets as Bea wrapped an arm around the woman’s shoulder.

“Is it wrong to say I’m glad the Heart Fair is over?” Poppy asked as Bea thought about it, before shaking her head.

“It was fun, but hectic, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for the booths.” Bea admitted as Poppy shrugged, pulling herself up on her elbows to look down at Bea who laid against her pillow.

“It’s fine, Alice would have had a fit if you won all of her prizes and the photos from the shoot turned out great, They’ll be in the next edition.” Bea smiled, pulling Poppy closer and kissing her cheek.

“You are amazing.” Bea mumbled as Poppy rolled her eyes playfully, stretching on the bed before relaxing back into Bea.

“It’s odd that I don’t have to think about the fair anymore.” Poppy pondered as Bea laughed.

“Until the next one.” Bea said as Poppy whacked her shoulder, before tracing her fingertips over Bea’s tattoos. Intricate patterns and a gorgeous transparent piece that looked like an old chinese painting was intertwined with the characters as Bea watched Poppy. The two grew silent before Bea spoke.

“Well, if you’re not tired of fairs yet… SweetCreek should be preparing for the summer fair in a couple of weeks.” Bea admitted as Poppy looked up, blonde locks falling in front of her eyes as she smirked.

“Feeling homesick, SweetCreek?” Bea shook her head for a minute, before pausing to nod instead.

“Well, a lot of events happen in the summer. It’s Ryan’s birthday, my parent’s anniversary, and it’s the 50th anniversary of the fair. There was a rumor back in town that a gorgeous meteor shower would fall during the event later that evening.” Poppy scooted herself closer to Bea, brushing her nails over the girl’s cheekbone and then over her lower lip.

“And what’s your point Hughes?” Poppy asked, eyes darting to look at Bea’s lips before seductively narrowing her eyes as Bea watched, hypnotized. Bea cleared her throat as she continued.

“Well, Clove could see her cousins again. You can see Dahlia and my mom. I can teach Clove how to finally ride a horse and we can have a picnic at the Groves.”

“And?” Poppy asked, leaning even closer as Bea gulped. Poppy watched the motion as Bea moved to wrap a hand around Poppy’s waist.

“We can fly down in a couple of weeks, when Clove finishes this semester and you can have Tevon take over for a while since the new issue is coming out. I can take my paid time off since Kath technically owes me.” She blinked softly as Poppy smirked.

“It’ll be good for Clove to see my parents again and I’m sure my mom can set up a spare bedroom in the house. It still has some construction, but it’s mostly finished. I also promised to help my dad with the building of a new barn recently so-”

“Bea, I’ll say it again.” Poppy interrupted as she pushed herself on her elbows and leaned closer to Bea who shivered slightly. Poppy’s long blonde hair fell in waves around the two as she smiled like a fox. “What are you asking?”

“...I guess I’m asking if you want to spend the summer in SweetCreek.” Bea finally admitted as Poppy smiled, reaching to cup Bea’s cheek before leaning down to pull her into a kiss.

“And I guess… I’m saying yes.”

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The next part of the parent AU will be "SweetCreek Summers!"

Thank you for reading! 💕

#poppy min sinclair #poppy x mc #MyBeaHughes #queen b choices

[yanderepuck]

Petplay Kink~

You’re all sluts I hope you know that.

But I’m the biggest slut because I’m the one that came up with the idea.

If you don’t know what petplay is.  Well. You’re about to get a pretty good idea.

Napoleon

He didn’t understand the appeal until he saw you in some cat ears.  You thought it was a cute accessory and you wear that headband when you wash your face since it is the only thing you have to keep the hair out of your face without pulling it back.  You didn’t think anything of it.  When he reached up to feel the ears you let out a soft purr.  He then imagined what you would look like with a long fluffy tail which then made him think of how much he’d want to pet it, and seeing you naked on his bed trying to use that fluffy tail of yours to cover yourself.

Mozart

It’s hard when you’re both bottoms.  But for the most part you are the one topping him.  You both don’t get too kinky, mainly you’re just rough with each other. But there’s some things from back home you’ve always wanted to try.  Before Mozart has said he’s okay with trying a few things, meanwhile there’s others he knows he doesn’t want to do bondage.  But he hasn’t said anything about some petplay.  You decide to have it as a surprise and see how he reacts, besides its not like he has to do much.  He normally calls you his lamb, but tonight you’re going to be a wolf.

Leonardo

The thought of you with a cat tail and ears gets him hard.  He isn’t quite sure why but he wants to put you in a collar and call you his kitten.  The moment he sees yourself like that he looses it.  He’s got you naked on the bed, touching you all over while you purr for him.  The collar that he got you was made just for you.  It’s a thick silk velvet ribbon with some gems and lace on it.  It ties in the back so it can be tighter or looser.  He enjoys taking you from behind so he can see you reach out and grab the sheets.  As he fucks you into the mattress he makes you meow for him.

Arthur

He might be a ho, but even this is new to him.  He already thought you were hot wearing a choker/collar.  He loves to give it a tug to pull you closer to him.  One day while you were waiting for him to get back, you were sitting in his room and happened to see Vic’s leash and had an idea.  When Arthur got back you were in your underwear and were holding the leash that was attached to your choker.  His face got red.  He wasn’t expecting to come home from this.  He isn’t phased for too long however.  He takes the leash from you and pulls you close to him.  As he’s kissing you he starts saying how you better bark for him.

Vincent

This pure boy barely knows what kinks are.  You bring up to him that there’s a few things you want to try.  He tells you that he’s okay with trying anything as long it doesn’t harm either of you.  You don’t tell him anything in particular that you want to do, but there are some things you were into back home.  After a day of painting Vincent was coming to your room to see how you were doing.  He walked in to see you on your bed in a robe with some lingerie on.  He’s always wanted to paint you dressed like this.  He wanted to always see you like this.  He came over to give you a kiss and noticed you wearing a choker collar.  It looks cute on you.  Even getting the slight urge to give it a tug.  But he doesn’t.  He controls himself.  Until he pushes that robe off of you and feels something odd.  You show him the tail you are wearing and get a little embarrassed because you weren’t sure what he was going to think of it.  But he assured you that it made him only want to paint you more.  He gave it a few strokes before giving it a bit of a tug.  You weren’t expecting it and let out a little yip.  Putting a finger under your choker collar he pulls you closer and kisses you, before pushing you down on the bed to get on top of you.

Theo

Do I even have to write for him????  This bitch loves it.  He already calls you a mutt as your pet name.  But lets take it a different route this time.  You’re his sweet hondje.  He treasures you and treats you like a sweet small lap dog.  You rest your head on his lap and he strokes your hair while you get cozy and fall asleep.  He pampers you and gets you everything you would need.  That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have you wearing a collar.  He wants everyone to know who you belong to.  He doesn’t want to loose his precious pup.

Isaac

Why would seeing someone in animal ears be attractive?  Isn’t that a little childish?  But you warm him up to the idea.  He didn’t know what to expect.  But the room is dim, you’re purring in his ear giving his neck a few little licks, just to tease.  You take his hand and get him to wrap a finger around the collar you have on.  You let out a little whimper when he tugs at it.  For the first half of it you lead his hands, but the second half he has his hands on your hips, guiding you and calling you a good girl.

Dazai

It was probably his idea.  You are in lingerie, with some fox ears and a tail and he’s drooling over you.  He didn’t have a leash but he tied a rope to your choker to keep you close to him.  He has his hands on your ass, your back against the wall and tells you that if you behave he’ll reward you.  But as a fox you keep teasing him, so he keeps your leash short.  Not close enough to have your bodies touching, but don’t even think about touching yourself or he’ll use that rope to tie you up. 

Jean

What could be so attractive about some animal ears?  That’s what he thought until you were on top of him, in all lace lingerie, your hands all over his body while gently bucking your hips into his for any sort of friction.  You’re saying how you caught him and how he’s your prey, meaning you go down on him.  You’re taking your time and keeping his hips down on the bed.  He has a hand in your hair trying to get you to take more of him, but you don’t listen.  So he grips you by the collar you’re wearing and bring you back up to his face and getting on top of you, saying he’s trapped you now.

Will

He already likes to tie you up and act like you are his prey, but you wanted a little more.  He keeps you on a short leash so you can’t wander off and get in trouble.  He has you get on your knees and makes you beg.  He likes to play with you in front of a mirror so you can see what you look like, so you don’t forget who you belong to.  He leaves marks all over you.

Comte

After that one scene, he would be the one in ears in a tail, BUT WE AREN’T BREAKING THE PATTERN NOW.  He spoils you.  Maybe a little too much.  He always gives you what you ask for so when you don’t get your way you act out.  Of course its all roleplay, he’ll put a hand around your neck and tell you to remember who you are talking to.  If you still act out he’ll be sure to reach under that skirt the tease you until you can’t stand any longer.  But don’t think about collapsing.  He’ll remind you that his is what you wanted, and he’s giving it to you, don’t be ungrateful now.

Sebastian

The idea isn’t new to him, but it wasn’t much of anything he was exactly into, until you brought it up to him.  Only he has you wear a dainty little collar all day while working.  No one else in the mansion really knows what it means.  He started to get more into it once he knew how much you liked it.  He’d watch you closely int he kitchen and if you didn’t do something to his standards he’d press his body against your from behind, a hand firmly against your neck asking why you aren’t being a good girl.  He has no issue reaching up your skirt and rubbing you.  He says that if you’re a good girl and finish all your chorus when he’ll reward you 

Vlad

He spoils you with everything.  But the moment you disobey him he’ll make sure you won’t forget who your owner is.  He has no issue walking you around the castle on a leash.  He wants your to beg for forgiveness and then even act upon it.  If you aren’t on your best behavior he’ll tie you up so you can’t touch him or yourself and you’ll have to watch him please himself. 

Faust

He already treats you like a pet everyday.  You ask him for help and he’s make a comment about how he needs to train you to do it properly, even if the thing is just getting something off a high shelf.  He loves watching your face light up when he calls you a good girl.  Your energy just fills up the room, and he knows that if he wants you to do something, all he has to do is praise you and maybe give you a treat.  He finds it adorable when you have a choker on, he calls it your collar and calls you his little kitty.

Charles

He loves to call you his kitten.  He puts cat ears on you can gives you head pats as a joke at first.  But then you were like, no, need more head pats.  You just keep asking for attention even when he’s busy, and one day you take it a little too far and just sit on his lap while he’s busy, so he reaches around to put a finger under your choker and drags his tongue along your ear and says that if you’re going to be on his lap that you better get to work on him.

Masterlist

#I had this half done #and I got stuck on Jean and Isaac and then its been in my drafts since like January #ikevamp #ikemen vampire #ikevamp napleon #ikevamp mozart #ikevamp leonardo #ikevamp arthur #ikevamp vincent #ikevamp theo #ikevamp dazai #ikevamp isaac #ikevamp jean #ikevamp shakespeare #ikevamp comte #ikevamp sebastian #ikevamp vlad #ikevamp faust #ikevamp charles

[btsrunmylife]

In The Dog House (a one shot)

Word Count: 4,628

Genre: Fluff, Humor, Smut

Rating: Explicit

Pairing: Seokjin x f!Reader

Summary: You truly, truly hate your neighbor. He’s loud, distracting, and he spoils your dog. What will happen when you finally confront him???

Warnings: Language, unprotected sex (be safe, friends), dirty talk, cunnilingus, fingering, slight degradation (maybe?), and hints of voyeurism if you squint.

Cross-posted to AO3.

It’s happening again. 

You groan and roll off the couch, heading toward the backdoor of your little, rented townhouse. You push aside the curtain to peer out at the backyard, where you have a small fence set up for your Lhasa Apso Pomeranian mix to run around. At the moment, she’s yipping and hopping at the edge of the fence, tail wagging and body wiggling with all her might to get your neighbor’s attention.

Your neighbor.

Truly, your dog’s behavior is all his fault. Normally so quiet and well-behaved after years of training, Nari’s good manners fly out the window the second she sees him.

You wish you could say it’s because your dog is overly friendly, but while that’s true, it’s not the reason she gets so excited. No, that would be because of the bag of treats your neighbor keeps hidden on his back porch.

He doesn’t even own a dog.

Your eyes narrow when you see the man loping toward your yard, said bag of treats in hand. A part of you was touched the first few times he’d given your little angel a treat. You fully believe, as any pet owner would, that she deserves the world. However, this little thing has become a routine. One that has spoiled your little pup into thinking every stranger is going to poof a bag of treats out of thin air for her.

To be frank, it completely ruined her training, and her incessant barking every time she goes outside is grating on your nerves

So, you do the only logical thing there is -- you stare broodingly out the window every time he feeds them to her, hoping he can feel the hatred you have for him prickling at his skin. 

Of course, that never happens. As powerful as you’d like to believe you are, you can’t shoot daggers out of your eyes or breathe fire out your nostrils. 

And he certainly can’t read your mind.

If he could, he would have stopped giving your dog treats after the seventh time it’d happened.

He also probably would have been blushing profusely every time you imagined his handsome face between your thighs.

You wonder if he would act on it if he knew, but you banish the thought as it comes. He’s your neighbor. An annoying one at that.

You sigh in relief when he finally turns to leave -- but not before giving Nari a final scratch between the ears.

Your first mistake is opening the door to call for your dog before your neighbor’s safely in his house. The second is freezing when he turns around to smile at you and wave.

You don’t respond for a good few moments, continuing to stare even as Nari’s soft fur is brushing past your ankles on her way inside. When your neighbor’s eyebrows start to furrow in confusion, you clear your throat and lift a hand in greeting before adamantly slamming your door shut.

Like you said.

So annoying.

*~*~*

Annoying and stupid, that’s what your neighbor is.

A few days later, you open the back door to let Nari out and, suddenly, she’s going absolutely crazy. You peer outside, wondering what the hell has gotten into her, when you notice what’s got her so hyped up.

There’s a whole bag of treats in your sweet, little baby’s pen.

A whole bag.

Why?

Scowling, you stomp over to the far side of the fence, closest to your neighbor’s yard, and snatch the bag off the ground before Nari can successfully tear into it. You glare at the back door of his home, which is clearly dark and empty.

Of course, you know this is probably some sort of kind gesture, but seriously? Who throws an entire bag of treats into someone’s yard? Not only would it be catastrophic if Nari ate the entire thing in one go, but what if some sort of animal had gotten into the fence?

What if the smell attracted other dogs?

The possibilities are endless and you really can’t help but wonder what goes on in your neighbor’s ridiculously (and admittedly attractive) thick head.

And what did he think? That you couldn’t afford to buy your dog treats?

With Nari jumping at the bag in your arms, you stomp your way back into your house and slam the door behind you, adamant about giving your neighbor a piece of your mind the next time you see him.

This shit has got to stop.

*~*~*

It stops. The treat giving gloriously, gloriously stops.

The spoiling of your little baby, however, does not.

A few days later, when you walk outside to let your little Nari in, you spot not one, but six tennis balls of various sizes in her pen.

And, of course, she’s going right to town on one of them

It squeaks.

And when you let Nari inside, the ball she brings in with her and refuses to put down continues to squeak.

All. Night. Long.

You’re going to kill your neighbor.

You’ve, quite honestly, had enough! Why is he so hellbent on spoiling your dog anyway? If he loves dogs so much, he should get one of his own! Clearly he knows what they like!

Groaning after your very long, very sleepless night, you trudge over toward the coffee pot and get it going before letting Nari outside. Your eyes widen when you see your neighbor in his yard, doing some sort of yoga routine that he’s supremely bad at. 

You quirk your head, eyes trained on his uncoordinated movements. His sense of balance isn’t terrible, but…yeah, that’s not how you do a downward dog…or a warrior pose. He’s very likely to hurt himself at this rate.

You’re still staring when Nari spots him, yipping and bouncing excitedly at the edge of the fence. A broad grin spreads across your neighbor’s lips, his sharp laugh bursting into the quiet morning. He rights himself, pulling himself out of whatever pose he’d been trying to do, and stretches his back while waving at the small dog.

“Good morning! How’s my princess doing?”

Wait, did you just hear him right?

His princess?

Nari is most certainly not his anything.

She’s yours, and you’re seconds away from opening your mouth to tell him so when his attention drifts to you in the doorway. It’s not until his eyes are traveling over you that you remember you haven’t quite…well, gotten dressed yet.

You clear your throat and tug at the long sweater you’re wearing, pulling it further down your thighs in a meager attempt to hide the fact you’re only in your underwear.

Damn it. You haven’t even had your coffee yet. It’s too early and you’re too tired for this.

His gaze moves back to your face and you could swear his ears redden when his eyes meet yours. He grins. “Good morning, neighbor!”

So, your dog is his princess and you’re just…neighbor. You see how it is. Favoritism at its finest.

Not that you can blame him. One look into Nari’s perfectly round eyes and your heart melts too.

So, maybe you shouldn’t be too hard on him for spoiling her.

No, wait! You lost sleep because of him! You should be hard on him!

As your eyes move over the baggy, white t-shirt falling down around his tightly fitting athletic pants, you start to wish he’d be a little hard on you instead.

Yeah, you need more sleep.

“Morning,” you squeak, cringing at the way your voice sounds after uttering your first words of the day. Too frustrated by Nari’s incessant noise throughout the night, you hadn’t even praised her for being the cutest dog in the world this morning

Safe to say, your silent treatment went completely unnoticed by Nari. Typical.

“Rough night?” he questions with a lift of his eyebrow

You narrow your eyes at him, wondering if he knows just how rough it was…and wondering if he’d like to help make tonight a little rougher.

Good god, your mind is horrible in the mornings.

“Yeah, seems like Nari got a hold of some new toys yesterday,” you say bluntly, crossing your arms over your chest. Doing this results in the bottom of the sweatshirt inching up your thighs, which doesn’t go unnoticed by your neighbor.

He huffs out a breathless, guilt-ridden laugh and scratches at the back of his neck. “Oh? Wonder where she could’ve gotten them?”

You roll your eyes, really wishing you remembered his name. “Look, neighbor—“

“Seokjin.”

You stop short at the interruption, eyebrows pinching. “What?”

“My name’s Seokjin,” he clarifies with a small, friendly smile.

You see what he’s doing, trying to ease the tension, and of course it’s working because the asshole knows how handsome his stupid face is when he smiles.

“I didn’t ask,” you grumble, but it doesn’t carry any heat because it’s actually good to know.

Seokjin’s grin widens. “No, but I figured you forgot since we first met.” 

He then rattles off your name as if he could never forget, which makes you feel great, obviously.

Your smile is thin when you say, “Right.”

He reaches into the pocket of his athletic pants and your eyes can’t help but follow the movements, watching as he pulls out a single treat to hand over to your little baby.

You frown. She hasn’t even had her breakfast yet.

“Can I ask you something?” you question when he’s scratching your pup’s ears. He glances up at you and nods for you to go ahead. You eye Nari as her tongue lolls out of her mouth, eyes blinking happily at the handsome man who's lavishing her with attention.

Bitch.

“Why don’t you have a dog of your own?” you voice the question that’s been at the forefront of your mind since the very first time he’d given your dog a treat. At first, you’d thought he was just being neighborly, now you know it’s more than that.

A soft smile curls the corners of his lips and he looks at Nari affectionately. 

“They’re a lot of work, aren’t they?” He shrugs. “I don’t have much time for one.”

And, yet, he has plenty of time to spoil yours...

You hum, heart softening just a little at the sight of Nari softly lapping his hand.

Seokjin’s fond smile widens as he wiggles his fingers, cooing at her. “And who could ever compete with this little angel, hmm?”

You would hope that you could compete…….and now you feel ridiculous because you’re starting to feel jealous of a dog.

Your sweet, little, angelic and beautiful dog, but still.

“Sometimes I have to wonder though,” Seokjin begins, peeking up at you from beneath his lashes. He chuckles a little. “Do you even feed her? She’s always so excited.”

Yeah, nope, this is no longer cute. How dare he!

“You’re feeding her treats!” you explode, throwing your hands up in the air. “Of course she’s going to be excited! Dogs are known for being food motivated!” 

He raises his eyebrows at your outburst, hand slowly withdrawing from Nari’s head as you continue. 

“And furthermore, every time you feed her one of your treats, she never eats her food! I give it to her and she just looks at it because you’re spoiling her meals! So, yes, I feed her, but no, most of the time she hasn’t eaten yet so she’s overly excited for you to feed her something that’s in no way nutritious at all! It’s completely throwing off her routine!”

Seokjin’s lips press into a firm line, eyes creasing in silent laughter that eventually bubbles over, pouring from his lips in squeaks. “You’ve been holding that in for a while, haven’t you?”

Heat floods the apples of your cheek and you try not to appear too put-off by his observation. Clearly, you’re not subtle at all. You huff, crossing your arms tightly over your chest and averting your gaze. You’re not even sure how to respond to that or what to say after your outburst. You feel a little silly for losing your composure, honestly.

Sobering slightly, Seokjin chuckles. “You could’ve asked me to stop, you know?”

Yeah, that probably would have made more sense than glaring from your back window. More heat floods your cheeks and you have to resist the urge to roll your eyes at yourself. How many times have you, yourself, said that communication goes a long way?

You glance at Nari, who’s settled down on the grass with her head on her paws, looking between the two of you like she’s watching some kind of show.

Yeah, must be so amusing to watch your owner make an idiot out of herself like this.

“But Nari loves you,” you sigh, rubbing your arm a little sheepishly.

“Yeah, she does.” He says it like it’s obvious, like everyone should love him, and you scoff.

“Bribery,” you grumble.

He throws his head back in a laugh, crinkled eyes sparkling as they move over you. “And is there any way to bribe her owner?”

Your eyes widen, all the thoughts you’ve had of his mouth coming to mind, and you don’t even realize your hands have moved to tug at the bottom of your sweater until his eyes shift to follow the movement.

His eyes darken, plump lips curving into a smirk that you would gladly drool over if he wasn’t standing right in front of you. “I interrupted your morning...have you had coffee yet?”

You take a step back, glancing over your shoulder into the kitchen, where the freshly brewed pot of coffee sits. You quirk an eyebrow. “I just...made a pot, actually?”

His lips twitch. “And has Nari had her breakfast yet?”

Your other eyebrow rises and you can’t help but wonder where this is going. “Not yet…”

He grips the top of the fence. “Should we change that then?”

A surprised laugh slips past your lips before you can stop it. “Are you inviting yourself into my home?”

He blinks a couple of times. “Maybe...am I being too forward?”

In your opinion, he’s not being forward enough. You whistle for Nari to come in and she jumps up instantly, skittering into the house. You shrug. “Since you’re the one that’s ruining her meals, it’s only fair that you’re the one that tries to make her eat.”

His smirk spreads into a wide grin and he eyes the ground in front of him before hopping the fence. You’re tempted to tell him about the gate you installed, but bite your lip, a little impressed he managed to make it over the fence without issue.

He’s taller than you’re expecting and your eyes widen a little as he climbs the steps, his smile a little smug as he motions toward the door. “After you, neighbor.”

Neighbor. So, you’re back to this again.

You roll your eyes and turn around, leading him into your home before you can overthink it.

*~*~*

Of course, your dog loves to make you look like a fool. She wiggles excitedly as Seokjin pours her dry food into her bowl, sitting back on her haunches and raising her front paws in a beg when he moves to set it on the floor. She eats so quickly, you’d think she’d never eaten before.

You want to wipe the smug smirk off Seokjin’s lips when he turns to you, arms crossed over his broad chest.

You set your jaw and pour coffee into two mugs before offering one to him, motioning toward the cream and sugar for him to do as he pleases. He follows you to the table, a little too closely, and your breath catches in your throat when he trips and catches himself with a hand to your waist.

“Sorry,” he mumbles, but doesn’t bother to remove his hand. Instead, he steps a bit closer, a pleasant warmth settling against your back. You swallow, fingers fiddling with the bottom of your oversized sweater. “Nari must have been starving.”

Your eyes flutter as he shifts behind you and you struggle to turn your attention to your dog’s empty bowl. She’s a traitor, but you’re kind of grateful for it at the moment, especially as Seokjin’s grip tightens around your waist.

“I’m kind of hungry too,” he murmurs, and you vaguely hear him set down his mug before he’s moving your hair from over your shoulder. His lips don’t touch you, not the way you’re craving, but he does nuzzle into your neck, hands following the curve of your waist, down to your thighs. You press back against him at the feel of his palms against your bare skin and you feel him smile against your shoulder.

“You didn’t even bother to get dressed before ogling me this morning,” he teases, fingertips flirting over the inside of your thighs, prying your legs further apart. You feel deliciously exposed in a way that leaves you breathless, your anticipation making your hands shake. You let out a sigh when he presses himself against you, feeling his hardening length against your backside. He chuckles at the way you gasp when he subtly rolls his hips, highly aware of how needy you are. “You think I don’t notice you watching me.”

His lips finally settle over your pulse-point, teeth gently grazing and nipping at your skin. “You think I don’t know how flustered I make you, how crazy I drive you when I pay more attention to Nari than you.”

Your entire body flushes, wishing you could take back all the things you’d thought and the feelings you’d felt just this morning. Especially now that you’re so sure he’d been doing it on purpose.

He laughs lightly, squeezing your thighs. “You’re jealous of a dog, but I definitely wouldn’t be doing this--” He inches a hand higher, pinching the sensitive flesh of your thigh and making you jolt in his arms. “--to your dog.”

Yeah, that’s...a very good thing?

You manage a small, strained laugh that turns into a gasp as he spins the two of you around. You’re quick to slam your coffee down on the kitchen counter, just before he’s bending you over it. He grinds himself against your clothed core, but doesn’t let you relish in the feeling for long before he’s sinking to his knees. He plants wet, open-mouthed kisses to the back of your thighs, enjoying the way you squirm at how close he is to where you want him. To where you need him.

“Fuck,” you pant, and a saccharin chuckle slips past his lips.

His fingers flirt over the material of your underwear, dipping a finger in to swipe over your core. He hums. “So wet already and I’ve barely touched you.”

He nips at your skin, shocking you. “I bet you were imagining me between your legs this morning, weren’t you? Is that why you couldn’t look me in the eyes when I said good morning?”

Well, technically, you were fully imagining his cock, not his mouth, but…

You yelp when he suddenly moves your underwear aside, moaning at the sight of you. The pad of his finger grazes you, swiping between your folds, up to your clit and back again. “Look at you.”

God, his voice sounds wrecked already. He sounds like a man starved, like a man ready to devour you. And fuck, you want him to.

“Please,” you whimper, wiggling your hips in an attempt to get more of his fingers.

He chuckles, running his teeth along the curve of your ass. “Tell me, what have you been imagining? My fingers or my mouth?”

That’s honestly such a hard choice to make. While his lips are divine and you’ve been wondering what he could do with his head buried between your thighs, you’ve also had various fantasies about his long, slender fingers. You know he could destroy you with either and you’d be more than happy to take whatever he gives you.

He sinks his teeth into you and you jolt forward with a yelp. Panting, you mutter, “Both! Either! Please!”

“So greedy,” he laughs, but presses a kiss to your backside as his fingers find your clit. He smirks when you spread your legs wider for him and when he finally buries his face between your legs, he moans at the taste of you on his tongue. “God, you taste fucking delicious.”

You rock back against his face, desperate to feel more of his tongue. He doesn’t disappoint, prying your folds apart and pressing into you, adding a finger for good measure. He hums, the sound coming out as a growl, as he starts to finger you and suck on your clit.

“Look at you,” he murmurs. “So good for me. So accepting of my fingers and my tongue.”

He sucks and slurps at you like a man eating his last meal, hands moving to grip your hips as you start to tremble and thrash against him.

“That’s right,” he growls, brushing his teeth against your clit. “Cum for me, gorgeous. I wanna taste more of you.”

He sucks harshly at your clit, fingers sinking deep into your cunt as you start to tighten and then pulse around him. He’s quick to remove himself from your clit, continuing to pump his fingers into you as he slurps at your juices.

“So fucking good,” he groans, pulling you back against his face until he can barely breathe. He licks you clean, sucking at you until you’re a trembling mess in his hands and whimpering in overstimulation.

When he finally pulls away from you, it’s with a self-satisfied smirk that looks far too vulgar and far too sexy with your arousal dripping from his chin. You don’t care though, quickly pulling him to his feet and mashing your mouth to his. You taste yourself on his lips and the two of you moan, tongues tangling as you quickly hook your legs around him.

He catches you easily, setting you on the countertop and reaching for the waistband of his pants. You wiggle out of your underwear, letting them drop to the floor as he drops his pants, boxer briefs following along.

You glance down between you to get a good look at him, hand moving at its own accord and wrapping around him in a few quick pumps. He moans under the touch of your fingers, gripping your hips and pulling you toward the edge of the countertop.

“I don’t have a condom,” he groans, burying his face in your neck as you squeeze him. “I didn’t think I’d get this far.”

You snort, quirking an eyebrow at him. “You were so confident that I’d been fantasizing about you, but didn’t think I’d actually let you fuck me?”

He grunts, teeth scraping along your neck. “I mean...a guy can hope.”

You sigh, dropping your hand away in favor of wrapping your legs around his ass to pull him toward you. You wrap your arms around his shoulders with a smirk. “It’s a good thing I’m on the pill then...and clean.”

His eyes widen, lush lips parting. “I’m clean too...you’d really let me fuck you raw?”

You bite your lip and nod, causing him to tip his head back in a moan.

“Fuck, you’re perfect,” he praises, taking himself in his hand and lining himself up. He lets the tip nudge against your folds, dragging it up to your clit and back down again. He glances up at you as you bite your lip. “You sure?”

Your grip around him tightens and you pull him closer. “Yes! Please, fuck me!”

His cocky smirk melts away as he sinks into you, slipping in easily with how wet you are. He holds himself there for a moment, adjusting to the warmth of you wrapped around him. Your walls flutter, still sensitive from the way he’d fucked you with his fingers moments before, and he sucks in a sharp breath.

“You feel so good,” he groans, slowly pulling out to slowly push back in. The movement feels good -- so blissfully good -- but it’s not enough. It’s not what you’re craving.

You fingers sink into his shoulders and your legs tighten around him. “Harder.”

“Harder?” he questions, smirk evident in his voice, and you’re immediately regretting your words as he pulls out just as slow, only to snap his hips forward. He carries on this way, at the same agonizingly slow, but deep, pace and you can feel your nerves starting to light on fire. Your entire body feels warm, blood pumping eagerly through your veins as he scrapes against your walls.

“Faster,” you plead, wishing he’d just fuck you hard and dirty the way you’d always imagined.

“Hmm,” he hums, kissing up the length of your neck until he reaches your ear. He nips and teases at your skin. “You sure? This won’t last long, not with you so wet and tight around my cock. You really that eager for me to cum inside you, neighbor? Really want me to fill you up?”

His words have you whimpering, hips rolling desperately against his in an attempt to speed things up.

He chuckles, hands squeezing around your hips to slow you down. “I should’ve known you’d be this desperate after watching me for months. I bet you’ve imagined cumming around my cock, huh? Probably fucked yourself with your fingers and wished it was me.”

You cry out when his fingers pinch your clit.

“You want to cum?” he taunts, and you nod your head quickly, clinging to him for all your worth as he finally, finally picks up the pace.

“Then cum,” he huffs, fingertips digging into your waist as he barrels into you, plucking at the coil wound so tightly within you that you’re crying out and panting against his neck.

“Seokjin!” you yelp, finally able to move your hips and help set the pace.

He’s breathing heavily along with you, sweat dripping from the strands of his hair, as he nods. “Cum for me, princess.”

As if attached to some wire, you do exactly as you’re told, orgasm crashing through you like a wave and leaving your body trembling against him. You’re whimpering and sighing and moaning out his name as your walls squeeze around him, milking him of every last drop as his orgasm quickly follows.

“Fuck, yes,” he grunts, fingers moving quickly over your clit to prolong your orgasm and leave you a trembling, sweating mess. He keeps going until he’s spent, until you’re whimpering out small tears. He stills, slowly pulling out of you as he kisses your tears away, pulling you in for a passionate, all-consuming kiss that leaves you panting against his mouth.

He brushes your sweat-slicked hair from your forehead and offers a small smile, eyes soft and a little sleepy. “You did so well.”

You manage a wobbly smile, still a little dazed, and turn your head to kiss the palm resting against your cheek. “You didn’t do so bad yourself.”

He laughs, that high-pitched sound that you’re slowly growing fond of. “We should clean up and then think about having a real breakfast…if you want to, that is.”

You smile, leaning in to kiss him chastely on the lips because you really can’t resist. You let out a contented sigh. “I’d like that.”

He grins. “Yeah?”

You roll your eyes. “Yeah, I guess I should get to know the man Nari has fallen so hard for.”

His eyes narrow playfully. “Mm, yeah, and maybe I can find a few ways to get her owner to fall for me too.”

You snort, knocking his hands away and jumping down from the counter with a slight wince. “Yeah, maybe.”

Because, yeah, it’s entirely likely.

#kim seokjin #kim seokjin fanfic #seokjin x reader #seokjin fanfic #bts fanfic #bts fanfiction #neighbor au #kim seokjin x reader #bts x reader #bts au

[justletmeplayminecraft]

Moving Day

it's the day that comes at the end of every season. and yet, somehow, the hermits still get caught off guard by it.

featuring: hermit ensemble, slice of life fluff, imagine moving houses but like every year and a half, werewolf!ren, something!joe, artic fox!etho, he is vaguely developed, there's pretty much no plot, just fluff, an ode to the end of this season

"Zed, you're gonna be late!" Tango calls as he drops in through the ceiling. With a bang, a mop of blond hair pokes out of the central storage. Zed rubs his head, pulling himself up.

"You're the one who distracted me with the Create world!" He replies, hauling a bag up the ladder with him. Tango laughs, throwing it over his shoulder as Zed flops onto the stone ground.

"Sure I was, it's not like you brought it up." Zed huffs, rolling his eyes. He holds his hands up towards Tango, who laughs. "Oh, you want to go over my shoulder too?" He teases.

"You are insufferable," Zed mutters, pushing off the stone himself instead. The cold is starting to seep through his cardigan.

"Have you packed everything?" Tango asks. Zed holds his fingers up to count off.

"Yes, I've checked everything four times! Maybe five, actually. I don't think there's anything left." Zed looks back at the ladders, closing his fist. Tango examines the pile of bags, humming.

"So you're sure you don't want me or Impulse to check for you?" Zed's mouth opens.

"Actually, can you check anyway?" He asks, "You know, just in case!" Tango laughs, giving Zed's shoulder a bump.

"Of course we will. But let's move these before Xisuma forgets them." Zed nods, quick to grab some of the bags. He heaves them up, almost buried under them.

"Season eight here we come!"

-

"You two!" Doc calls, scooping up the white fox before he manages to rush past him. Ren very nearly runs straight into his legs. The wolf sits down, ears twitching as he stares at Etho. Etho sticks his tongue out, Doc struggling to keep a hold on the silky fur. "You two aren't helping, you know that?" Ren barks, tail wagging. "Yeah, yeah."

With a wiggle, Etho manages to slip out of Doc's arms. He jumps up, curling around his shoulders instead and getting comfortable. Doc sighs. He bats Etho's shawl out of his face, ignoring the amused chitter. Counting, he finds most of his bags already in his ender chest. Luckily, because the two animals playing around him are making it difficult. Unlike-

"Doc," Bdubs cries, "Have you seen my razor?" Bdubs doesn't even bother with the door. Doc looks down at him on the lawn.

"Have you checked your half?" He asks.

Bdubs throws a hand up, "Of course I've checked my half, but Keralis tried to drag me into packing all his junk so I had to make a speedy escape!" Doc chuckles, watching as Ren jumps down to nose at Bdubs' hand. "Oh, hello, Ren!" Bdubs jumps into baby-talk immediately, crouching down. "Fancy you being here!"

"Please, take him-" Doc waves, "-The two of them keep running through my feet." Bdubs strokes through the fluff of Ren's neck, glancing up and spotting Etho.

"Oh, Etho as well!" Bdubs waves. Etho yips in reply, ear twitching. Then Bdubs pauses, looking at Ren properly. "Ah-ha, Snips! Of course, right-" Bdubs jumps up, "Thanks guys, I'll see you at the town hall!" Doc looks at Ren as Bdubs runs off.

"You going with him?" He asks. Ren's tail wags, staring at Doc. He sighs. "Right, of course not." Doc picks Etho off his shoulder, dropping him on the floor to a surprised squeak. "If only there was a way to attach some bags to the two of you." Both animalmits freeze, sharing a look with each other. Doc can't help but feel satisfied as they scarper towards the nearest nether portal together. "Perfect." He can finish packing in peace.

-

"Do you think you've got everything?" Wels asks, perched on a chest. Beef hauls his bag out the door with a huff.

"Well, I've got you. That's half the challenge." He looks up in time to see Wels rolling his eyes, pushing his helmet up.

"I take it back, I'm not helping you anymore."

Beef laughs, clapping Wels' arm, "We've still got Three Fox Hole to look through, you're not going anywhere yet." Wels' lips twist into a pout, crossing his arms.

"You know, when I packed early, it wasn't with the intention of doing your packing for you," he replies. But, when Beef holds out a bag, he still takes it.

"And I appreciate it!" Beef grins at him. "Maybe I'll reward you with some of my finest wallpaper-"

"Oh, please no." Wels' eyes are wide, staring in mock horror. "I might never recover."

"Oh, blackmail works too, then." Beef stands, walking past him. Wels slips off the chest, frozen in place.

"Beef- Beef, are you joking?" Beef keeps walking. Wels runs after him. "Beef!"

-

"Thanks for heading out this far, man," xB says, smiling at Keralis. "I know you've got a big space to cover too."

"Ah, it's nice taking a break," Keralis replies, holding one of xB's bags in his arms. "And I know there's no way this would all fit in your ender chest, princess." xB chuckles, looking at the half-folded clothes, trinkets, and daily essentials all sorted into piles.

"Yeah-" he scrubs the back of his neck. "-I kinda forget I've got so much. Too used to my travel bag." Keralis bounces the one in his arms.

"Well, it's a good job you've got me!" He bumps into xB's side, barely knocking the other hermit off balance. "I can always lend you some extra bags if you need them."

"The luggage dimension is just going to be my stuff at this rate," xB jokes.

"Oh, you haven't seen how much I have yet." They both laugh, Keralis putting the bag down with the rest that have been packed. "Now, what are we doing next?" xB turns to observe his piles.

"I think that one," he decides. Keralis nods, skipping across.

"Then let's go, we don't want to be late!"

-

"Cub!" Scar's voice calls down the pyramid. "I cannot believe this." Cub turns to see Scar walking along the corridor, wings fluttering in annoyance behind him. "Xisuma says my crystals aren't essential items so I can't take them. That's so unfair." Cub laughs before he can stop himself, getting an affronted noise from Scar. "Cub! I come here, I confide in you-"

"Scar," Cub interrupts, squeezing Scar's arm. Vex magic sparks around them, electrifying the air. "You could make some once we're in the next world."

"It's not the same!" Scar protests. Cub leans closer.

"Or," he whispers, "We could sneak some across ourselves."

"Oh." Scar claps his hands together. "Now you're speaking my language."

"The language of crime?" Cub asks, calling one of his bags over to him. He catches it mid-air.

"The only language I know!"

-

"This is why you should've made a proper storage system!" Mumbo cries, as Grian pulls out the contents of another chest. "This could've been so much easier!"

"I didn't know it was this bad!" Grian replies, finally managing to find his towels buried in an unmarked chest. He throws them towards his 'to pack' pile, Mumbo jumping out of the way.

"Didn't you have weeks to prepare for this?" He asks, looking at the scattered items in dismay.

"I mean- I did host an entire world in-between," Grian reminds him. Mumbo hums in agreement, deciding to organise some of the piles before they end up vanishing into a pure mess. He looks for similarities amongst the items, beginning to sort them into manageable groups.

Mumbo's lucky he thought to get all his essentials together ahead of time. He gave his luggage to Xisumavoid to store, and he knows it's all taken care of. It didn't stop him from checking his base another ten times, but he's pretty sure he's got everything now. Pretty sure.

He's going to end up checking his base again later, isn't he?

"Grian?" Mumbo asks, pausing as he notices something. The rummaging through chests stops, with only a quiet thud & 'ow' before Grian is looking at him.

"Yeah?" He replies.

"Do you… actually have any bags?"

"Ahhhh," Grian's face turns a similar scarlet to his jumper. "You see, Mumbo, last season, I kinda… borrowed some."

"Borrowed, right." Mumbo sighs, running his fingers through his hair. "Were you ever going to buy your own?"

"Yes!" Grian replies, words fast. "I just. Never had time." Mumbo's had most of his bags since he joined, so he guesses he can't relate. Pretty much all the hermits gifted him one. Otherwise, he would've never remembered at that age, but that's its own problem. It's a good job he remembers the essentials even now.

"So, how do you intend on packing all this?"

Grian hums, "Do you think I could just shove it in there loose?"

"I'll go find some bags," Mumbo decides. And something to help his headache...

-

"How many cats do you think I could smuggle to the next server?" Cleo asks, holding up another of her kittens to Joe. Joe hums thoughtfully, bright green hair moving on its own accord.

"Well, I've certainly smuggled a few of my dogs inside myself." Cleo takes a deep breath, transferring her kitten to one hand so she can pinch her nose.

"Right, of course you have." She's long learnt to stop questioning how Joe works. She's a living zombie, he's Joe. At least it makes packing easier. "I think I might take some of them to my own world, this time," she muses. "Xisuma can do that, right?"

"I'm sure he can," Joe agrees. "If not, I will have a mass exodus of animals from the server." Cleo sighs, rolling her eyes. She sets the kitten down gently amongst the other cats.

"Right, are you actually going to help me carry my bags?"

"Of course! What kind of friend would I be if I didn't try to stop you losing an arm?"

"Ugh, don't remind me." She still can't believe that happened. First, her arm falling off, then nearly losing it amongst everybody's luggage? So embarrassing. She enters the main room of her base, where she's already got her bags set out. It's surprising how many skincare products you need when you're dead. Joe follows, looking around as if he doesn't know the place like the back of his hands. To be fair, Cleo would be surprised if anybody knew the back of Joe's hands.

"Right, I've shoved as much as I can in my ender chest. If you put what you can in yours, we can divide the remainder up," she lays out the action plan.

"Sounds perfect!" Joe picks up two bags. "Are you sure you don't just want me to transport them over?"

"Keep your true self off my stuff, Joe, you know what happened last time."

Joe sighs, "Fine, fine. We'll do this the human way."

"You'll do this the human way," she amends. "I'll do it the zombie way."

-

"Stress, it's only a spider," Iskall says, pointing his sword towards it. Said spider is standing triumphantly on top of her bags, red eyes glinting. Stress pokes around the doorway, brown hair falling across her face.

"Yeah, but it's a spider on me stuff!"

"You've fought worse than spiders!"

"Just get rid of it, Iskall!" He sighs. Readying himself for a fight, he crosses across the room, stamping his foot in front of the pile. The spider hisses, sharp fangs a warning. But when the creature jumps, Iskall's sword is there to meet it, throwing the spider to the ground where it disappears into twinkling orbs.

"Look, was that so hard?" Iskall asks, his hand on his hip as he looks back at her. Stress bounces in, grinning.

"It wasn't, was it? Guess I don't need to thank you, then!" Iskall rolls his eyes, slipping his sword back into his inventory.

"Like you don't need to thank me for helping carry your stuff?"

"Oh, I'll thank you for that." Iskall laughs, grabbing the strap of two bags and throwing them over his shoulder.

"How many trips do you think we'll need?" He asks, seeing her haul two up herself. Stress hums, observing the pile.

"Prob'ly only two or three. If we get started soon then we'll get done faster, too." Iskall can hear the teasing tone in her voice.

"Aren't you the one that was scared of a spider?"

"Don't know what you're talkin' about!" She calls, walking past him. Iskall shakes his head, smiling fondly before rushing after her.

-

"Hey TFC!" False calls, touching down at his base. She smiles at the sight of his usual suitcases, already neatly packed and organized. Everything's labelled in TFC's signature handwriting to boot. Far more planned out than her, she's gotta say. But that's a problem for the next world.

"False, what can I help you with?" TFC's smile is always nice to see. She flicks her elytra closed, waving.

"I came to ask you that, actually," she replies. "Wanted to know if you'd like help carrying things over. I did all my packing a few weeks back, so I'm kinda bored." And if she stays still for too long, X will probably try to rope her into admin duties. Sure, she knows the basics, but she doesn't want to be responsible for anybody's stuff going missing. Not her department.

"Well, I'm never going to turn down some extra hands," TFC replies. He walks over and pats the suitcases on the left. "These are all ready to go, I'm still finishing up with the others. Has Xisuma already started?"

"I think he was just finishing the pocket dimension, so you've still got a little while." The hermits always rush to be the first in, as if everybody's stuff won't fit. In False's opinion, being last is best. It's easier to get your things out when they're closer to the entrance.

"Good, good. Let him know I'm nearly finished, would you?"

False nods, saluting with one hand and picking up a suitcase with the other, "Will do!"

-

Hypno walks into Jevin's base to find him and Impulse slotting the last few items into boxes. He knows Jevin was mostly packed already, so it's nice Impulse has come to help out. But… Jevin might just be taking advantage of Impulse. Hypno won't think too much into it.

"X has finished setting up," he calls, not needing an introduction. Jevin twists to look at him, Impulse busy trying to fit a label on straight.

"So you're saying I'm late?" Jevin asks. Hypno chuckles, deciding to join them on the floor.

"You know what the rush is like to get stuff in. You'll be fine for a little while." Hypno shrugs, "After Wels, X'll probably be careful." Impulse nods, sitting back now the label of 'hoodies' is attached.

"I've already handed my stuff in," Impulse says, "I think False might have too? We both finished up pretty early."

"Yeah, there was a lot in the town hall ready to be moved." Hypno wonders if the hermits are getting more prepared for this. Somehow, he doubts it.

"So, you've come to help me carry these over?" Jevin asks, Hypno looks at the boxes, shrugging.

"With all three of us, it should only be two trips, right?" There are only five boxes, and two are pretty small anyway.

"That's the spirit!" Impulse calls, grinning. "Do you think you're all ready to go?"

"Yep, I think that's everything," Jevin decides. He pats a box, making more of a squelching sound. Hypno does his best not to laugh.

"Then let's get moving!"

-

Xisuma sighs as his visor adjusts to filter out the sunlight. Coding that in was a stroke of genius. It used to be such a nightmare to continuously adjust between the pocket dimension and hermitcraft. He looks at the stacked luggage to be moved, trying to figure out if there's more there than before. He swears there is. And they didn't even say hi when they dropped it off! Rude.

He jumps when something nudges the back of his knees, sending him stumbling forward. Turning, he finds Ren, his tail wagging proudly behind him.

"Oh! Hello there." He reaches down, giving Ren a scratch behind the ears. "Are you planning to change back before we move?" Ren barks in reply. "I'll pretend that's yes."

Turning, he sees a white tail flicking over blue diamonds. Of course, those two are together. Etho's curled up in the sun, black eyes watching the pair. One ear is stuck up, the other flopped lazily.

"You two aren't going to help me carry things in, are you?" X asks, sighing as he looks back at Ren.

"I think Ren forgot to leave a spare pair of clothes out, actually," Etho says, legs dangling off the throne. He's tugging his shawl over his nose now he's in human form. Or, as human as Etho gets. "And his outfit may have experienced some... unfortunate circumstances." Xisuma looks at Ren's sad eyes, shaking his head at the pair of them.

"And those didn't involve you in any way?" X asks Etho with what he thinks is an appropriate amount of suspicion in his voice. Etho holds his hands up, leaning back in a way that would have most people falling over.

"Are you accusing me, Xisuma?"

"I don't know, am I, Ren?" Ren gives a concise nod. Etho gasps, clutching over his heart.

"Betrayed by my own brethren!" Etho cries. Ren's tail is wagging, betraying his otherwise neutral expression.

"Come and help me carry things, you," X says, calling Etho over. "We'll be here for another month if you don't." Etho laughs, but jumps off the side of the throne, landing with barely a thud.

"What are we moving, bossman?" Etho asks. Xisuma surveys the piles.

"Mumbo's stuff next, I think," X decides, "He usually takes a while to unpack." Etho nods, following X's lead as they grab a bag and box respectively.

"So this is what you guys do at the end of the season?" Etho asks, Ren trotting along with them. Xisuma hums as he enters the pocket dimension, finding an open space at the back of the room.

"Yep, this is moving day," he explains. "I always try my best to make it easy for the hermits, but it doesn't often end up working." Etho chuckles, placing the bag on top of X's box.

"Seems like most people aren't done yet," Etho agrees.

"They'll get there," Xisuma replies. The hermits always do eventually.

They're just stepping out of the portal when a voice calls, "I'm not late am I?!" X scruffs Ren's neck, smiling at Zed, who's running over with far too many bags thrown over his back.

"Not at all, friend," he reassures him. Zed drops his bags, bent over and panting. Tango strolls up behind him far more leisurely.

"See, Zed, I said you wouldn't be!" Zed whips in his direction.

"Oh, you, mister 'oh Zed you're going to be late, we're all going to leave you behind', you-" Tango laughs, fluffing Zed's hair as he sets his bags down. They take the rest of his luggage out of the ender chest Xisuma left specifically for this purpose. Beef and Wels walk up together as they do, Xisuma waving to them.

"Beefers!" Etho says, grinning.

"Hey Etho, Tango, Zed, Xisuma." Beef pauses, "Oh, and a Ren!"

"Hey guys!" Wels simplifies, dropping his bags at the doors. "This should be everything from us."

"Perfect!" Xisuma nods, "You guys okay to help me carry things through?"

"Yeah, we can help out!" "That's cool with me."

Moving things goes a lot faster with five of them helping to carry things through. Xisuma just catches Impulse, Jevin and Hypno dropping one lot off, getting a frantic wave before the trio is rushing off again. The pocket dimension is quickly filling up with bags and boxes, the hermits a constant line as they drop in and out. Xisuma frequently checks, but it seems like the dimension is handling the pressure okay.

"Xisuma!" Joe calls, him and Cleo wandering up the town hall's stairs. By this point, Cub and Scar have joined them with TFC, False, Stress and Iskall all dropping things off too.

"Good to see you both," X greets, one of Wels' bags hugged in his arms. He turns away, before hesitating, something nagging the back of his mind. After a second of focus- "Joe, why do you have so many hitboxes inside you?"

"Ah, that's nothing you have to worry about, dear admin." Xisuma gives him a long look and decides this isn't a battle he's going to pick.

"As long as you're willing to help out," he says, instead. "We're only waiting for a few people. He takes a look at the gathered hermits. Cleo's now lying on the floor, Ren beside her. His tail is already wagging again. Cub is picking a box up, whilst Scar skips through the portal holding three bags with magic. Etho's chatting to Tango and Zed as they work.

"Of course! We'll be finished in no time." It's already taken most of the day, but X doesn't need to mention that. He sets his vision back to normal, does another check of the pocket dimension, and returns to carrying boxes.

The remaining hermits trickle in as the sun sets. Stress and Beef sort out dinner for everyone, Xisuma making sure the last of the luggage is safe.

"Wait!" A few heads turn at Grian's cry, heavy footsteps rushing up to town hall. "I- I've got my stuff." Xisuma blinks at the sight of the hermit carrying about four bags at once. One is bright pink.

"You're not too late," X reassures him. "You can just drop it in, there should be room." He's settled into a shaded corner, preparing for the process of safely moving over twenty players. And Joe. If he's being honest, the data is starting to give him a headache. But it'll be worth it once they're all in their new world. Their temporary 'in-between' world is already set up. Somewhere for them all to stay whilst he handles the switch over. Most of the hermits take the time to visit friends or do other projects during that, anyway.

"Thanks, X," Grian says, between gasps. He runs into the portal, X laughing softly to himself. Mumbo walks up a few minutes later, glancing at the group.

"Is Grian in there?" He asks. Before X can even reply, about four hermits are giving an affirmative. "Thanks, guys!" Mumbo heads in after, only two bags in tow. X watches, well-aware of the fondness in his chest. It's a good reminder of just what he does this for.

-

It's another hour until everything's ready. The sun is hanging over the horizon (Xisuma may have frozen the day cycle a while back.) X has watched warily as they've shared food, chatted, played games (including one very dramatic wink murder. He's not sure what happened in Grian's server, and he's not sure he wants to ask.) But now, they've all gathered around, watching as Xisuma enters the final commands.

"Okay, everybody here knows the drill. Stay with somebody else, I want to do a headcount on the other side, then you're all free to wander." He projects his voice, the hermits hushing to listen. "Is everybody ready?"

"Yeah!" "Born ready!" "We've been ready for hours!" "Is there food on the other side?"

X shakes his head. With a final press of the enter key, the portal opens in front of the diamond throne. There's a collective murmur of anticipation.

"Alright, you lot can head through. I'll join you in half an hour, max." He can't even make out words following that. TFC and False are first, walking through with a wave to the others. Stress and Iskall run after them. The rest of the hermits take their time. Some share hugs, some take a last look at the horizon. And Xisuma watches over it all, determined every single one of his hermits will make it safely through.

"X?" Impulse calls. He and Hypno are standing together. The town hall feels so much emptier now the hermits are gone. "You sure you'll be okay?"

"I'll be fine," Xisuma promises. "All standard procedure. I'll see you soon." They nod, sharing a last smile.

"Okay then. Stay safe, X."

"You two as well. Try and keep the others from misbehaving until I get there."

Hypno laughs, "No promises."

And like that, Xisuma's alone. He sighs, sinking back against the diamond throne. The sun casts golden beams over the land. This has been… a good season. They all are, but. Xisuma smiles as he sets the tick speed of the world to zero, freezing it in time. He thinks next season will be something special. It only takes fifteen minutes to finish his commands, the rest he needs to do on the other side.

"Goodbye, old friend." He pats the diamond throne. With a look over the eerily still shopping district, he sighs. It really is the hermits that fill a world with life, isn't it? "To more admin work," he murmurs, before laughing at himself.

"Shishwam?" Xisuma jumps, clutching his chestplate.

"Oh my goodness, you scared me." Keralis giggles. He's waiting in front of the portal, hands in his pockets. "I thought you went through."

"Well..." Keralis starts, "Somebody said we needed to go through the portal with someone else. And then I thought of a certain admin going through alone..." Xisuma laughs, shaking his head. He joins Keralis, swirling colours reflecting off his armour.

"Of course you did." He takes a deep breath. "Well, I'm ready to go." Keralis wraps his arm around Xisuma's shoulders, squeezing him tight.

"You've done a good job this season, Shishwammy. I hope you know that." Xisuma sneaks one last look out the doorway before they leave this world behind.

"Yeah." He smiles. "I think I do."

#hermitcraft #hermitcraft fic #my writing #catch me last minute changing the entire ending #but im easing myself back into writing #and what better than a homage to the changing of seasons?

[whumpurr]

Adrien and Sawdust pt9

cw: pet whump, unreliable narrator, male whumpee, male caretaker, whump recovery, pet whumpee in public, disordered eating

It didn’t take Adrien long to whip up something simple to eat and to dish out some kibble for Sawdust. Granted, Adrien didn’t have much of an appetite after witnessing what he just had, but he knew that he had to eat something, if only to set an example for Sawdust.

“There’s ah- have you ever been in a store?” Adrien asked down to Sawdust, who was knelt at the side of the table, “There’s a big box store in town, we can get some stuff for you there.” He checked his watch with a quick turn of his arm, “I think they’re open pretty late, so we can go after this, probably.”

Sawdust blinked up at him with big eyes and a mouth full of kibble, but he nodded slowly.

“When we go, you have to stick close by me, okay?” Adrien didn’t have a leash so he couldn’t exactly keep track of Sawdust that way, though it wasn’t like he wanted to do that anyways. He didn’t expect that somebody would try to snatch Sawdust, he was more concerned about something catching the pet’s interest, and Sawdust wandering off to investigate. Even with the tall, pointed ears on top of his head, Sawdust was rather short, and Adrien didn’t want to test how good he was at spotting him in a crowd.

--

Sawdust continued to eat his food, finishing up the chow that was left in his bowl. It crunched between his teeth, in the satisfying way that made his whole head tremble just a bit with the feeling of each piece crumbling. He kept thinking about how he was going to help his master, how he was going to repay him for taking such good care of him.

Paws moving against the floor, Sawdust moved closer to his master and sat down next to his seat while Master was on his phone. Carefully, without permission, Sawdust let his head rest against the side of Master’s thigh.

He knew that it was a risky move, that it could end badly for him. Even if it ended badly and he was punished, at least he could take his punishment gracefully and allow Master to hurt his body. That could be repayment.

But no pain ever came. Instead, he felt Master’s leg tense up a bit before relaxing, then a large, warm hand on his head, petting his now short hair. Sawdust wished he could wag his tail to let his master know how good the pets felt, but this wasn’t what Sawdust wanted.

He pulled back and resumed sitting next to Master, but Master’s hand followed him. It was almost like Master didn’t realize that Sawdust had moved back, he kept petting him. He heard Master take a sip of his drink. Sawdust couldn’t help but jump at every little sound, waiting for the blows to come.

But they didn’t.

And Master pulled his hand back from Sawdust and stood up, stretching his arms above his head before looking back down at his worthless pet.

--

“Do you want to ride in your carrier? Or would you rather just be in the car seat directly?” Adrien asked as he started putting on his shoes and grabbing his keys. He paused as he looked Sawdust up and down. Sure, he was clothed, albeit the clothes were baggy, but he didn’t have any shoes. A quick dip into his room and Adrien returned with a pair of socks Sawdust could at least wear, though he didn’t know if it would really matter that much, since Sawdust was a pet.

Sawdust managed to put on the socks himself before crawling over to Adrien.

“I think the- the car s-seat’s fine, sir.” He murmured. Adrien gave him a pleased look then extended a hand to help Sawdust stand up. Shakily, the pet took Adrien’s hand and rose on trembling, unaccustomed legs. Sawdust kept close to the walls as he was led out of the building towards the car.

Adrien opened the door for him and Sawdust clambered into the vehicle, straightening his back against the passenger seat as Adrien buckled him in and got in from the other side.

The sound of the car starting up made Sawdust jump.

“Sorry,” Adrien laughed sheepishly, “It’s kind of old, it’s not especially quiet.” He put on something soft on the radio, just to drown out the rumbling of the engine. The dark trunks and leafy plumes of the trees passed by the car as they left Adrien’s home, the automatic gate closing behind them. Sawdust kept a watchful eye out to the forest, as though he expected something to come charging at them from the expanse of green.

Slowly, the trees faded away as Adrien approached the city. Getting closer to other buildings always made his hair stand on end. He hated it, but he had to go out into town every now and again out of necessity. Sawdust didn’t seem too keen on it either, shrinking away from the window once he spotted more people and houses along the street.

The car rumbled as it pulled into a parking spot outside the large store.

“This place has pretty much everything,” Adrien said. He reached into the compartment between the two seats and pulled out a beanie and a face mask, putting them both on. Sawdust stared at him with wide eyes. “You don’t have to wear this stuff, I just prefer to.”

Adrien got out and helped Sawdust out of his seat, taking his hand to assist him out of the car.

--

“Can you walk in the store?” Master asked. Sawdust looked down at his legs. He didn’t use them upright very often, he wasn’t allowed to before, and it felt weird to be doing it now. The silence seemed to be enough for Master, “That’s okay. I want you to try though, but you can sit and take breaks if you need to.”

Master led Sawdust up to the entrance of the store before instructing him to hold on to the metal cart Master picked as they entered.

The store was massive. Sawdust had never been in anything like it, with aisles that went on forever and lights that were almost blinding. It was loud in there, too. People were walking around, carts were being pushed, conversations were being had. And lots of people were looking at Sawdust.

The pet tucked himself near Master, trying to stay as close and as hidden as possible while Master navigated the store flawlessly. The first stop was for clothing, it seemed.

Master pulled a couple of shirts off from a shelf and unfolded them, holding them up to Sawdust’s chest and looking at him. Next were pants, measured in quite the same way. Master stuck to neutral colors, ones like gray and brown, ones that he mostly wore, himself.

“These should all be comfortable enough,” He muttered as he threw things into the cart. “Loungewear’s mostly what you need, sorry I don’t go out much.”

Why was Master apologizing to his pet? That wasn’t right, it made Sawdust feel bad inside. But he couldn’t just tell Master that what he was doing was wrong, so he grit his teeth and kept holding on to the cart.

Master kept pushing the cart until Sawdust came across a familiar scent. He raised his head and sniffed the air. It smelled like food here, like dog food. His eyes went wide and he looked around for the source, and Master only kept getting closer.

Turning around a corner, Sawdust was greeted by aisles and aisles of pet supplies. Chow, canned food, toys, treats, and all kinds of gear. He was excited, he couldn’t help but let out a little yip as Master pushed the cart over to the bags of food and started looking at them.

While Master stood and inspected the small bag he had in his hand, Sawdust was kneeling and pushing his nose against the big, crinkly bags of chow at the bottom shelf. He sniffed them, moving down the aisle and smelling each one. Some smelled meatier, some almost smelled like the greens Master ate sometimes.

Sawdust kept moving and sniffing, not even noticing that he was leaving Master’s side.

--

Adrien was looking, inspecting the bag of dog food and trying to think about if he needed to buy more for Sawdust yet, or if it was time to try to start weaning him off of it and onto normal human food.

He was so lost in thought that he didn’t realize that Sawdust was no longer next to him until he heard a bark and a gasp coming from the next aisle over.

taglist: @starnight-whump @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @neuro-whump @whump-me-all-night-long @cupcakes-and-pain @whumpzone @whumpcreations @dancinglifeboat @pinkraindropsfell @looptheloup @cowboy-anon @meetmeinhellcroutons @thingsthatgo-whump-inthenight @firewheeesky @maracujatangerine @it-will-all-whump-out @theydy-cringeworthy @kim-poce @bluetheautisticrat @whump-in-progress

#whump #whump blog #pet whump #whump writing #whump story #whumpblr #whump community #adrien and sawdust #my writing #whumpee #caretaker