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enam3l · 1 year

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Hi Mona!

I love your rockstar!eddie series!

I know request for him are closed for now, but when you decide to open up request again, I wanted to leave this here so that I won't forget.

Rockstar!Eddie coming back home after touring and he's so touch starved and deprived of you. So, when he comes home he ravishes you. He catches himself asking you if he's too rough and you're thinking he's NOT rough ENOUGH because you're just as deprived of him.

I hope have a winter/December and a great new year!

thank you angel! and you know what? because you've all enjoyed our rockstar eddie christmas request week, i'll give you guys one last fic. don't worry if i didn't answer yours. i will do them all i either A. just didn't get round to it or B. want to do it at a certain point cos i need to cover some other plots first

three fucking weeks (rockstar eddie x reader) 3.6k / mega smut from start to finish / fluff

this is for everyone who got involved in the xmas request week because of that, i've hit 700 followers. so here is my biggest smut fic yet before rockstar eddie goes on hiatus for a couple of weeks. this one ends on a cliffhanger! but you might want to refer to here to work it out... maybe then you'll also know what happens in the next fic

you can see all rockstar eddie x reader stories and lore at #enam3ls rockstar eddie or the masterlist! and check out my new series love, lola

February 1993.

The last words you'd heard from Eddie were muffled from the other side of a bad telephone line. Although the sound warped by the the airport's tannoy and bustling passengers, you heard his lust filled words clear as day.

'The second I get home, I'm going to ruin that pretty little pussy.'

Three weeks since you'd seen Eddie. Three long arduous weeks since you had felt his touch. Corroded Coffin stowing away in a Joshua Tree music studio, hoping the barren surroundings would inspire new music. The writing process intermittently broken up by a series of gigs at intimate venues around California. Back in New York, the greatest city in the world had become the dullest in Eddie's absence. With damn Steve having swept your best friend off her feet you hadn't even anyone else to occupy your free time. Between your working hours, you'd managed to rearrange the bedroom, paint the living room and spend your months wages in retail therapy. But finally your boy was coming home and you couldn't lie, you were fucking horny.

Left to your own devices for the best part of a month, no toy compared to Eddie. Your touch incomparable to the sparks he could ignite on your skin with just a featherlight stroke. Vibrator redundant now your body knew the sensation of Eddie's mouth humming against your clit. Dildo a mere cheap imitation of the way Eddie overwhelmingly filled your holes perfectly. By now the flight had landed, it was just a waiting game until he came through that door and you could show him how much you missed him.

The front door slams open, handle cracking into the wall, sure to leave a dent but Eddie didn't care - he was eager.

'Sweetheart, I'm homeee!' he sings.

Bags carelessly discarded on the floor, all he can think about is being back in your arms.

'Baby? I'm back!!' he shouts again.

Eddie strips his jacket and kicks off his boots, giving you a chance to reply but to no avail.

'Y/N? What the fuck, where are you...'

When entering the apartment, he'd been too excited to even realise the lights were off, the entire place seeming desolate. Socked feed pad along the hardwood floors as he moves further into your shared home. Kitchen? Empty. Bathroom? Empty. Study? Empty. It's only as he catches himself from slipping that Eddie notices a trail of petals leading from the front door into the bedroom, where the door sits ajar. Too wrapped up in wanting to see you, he'd failed to notice. Now he realises a soft glow seeping through the cracks. Grinning in anticipation as he pushes the door open.

'Mother of god,' Eddie gasps as if the wind had been knocked out of his lungs.

The lights are dimmed low, only aided by candlelight which together illuminates your reclining figure on the bed. His eyes scan your body, drinking in the sight he'd been longing for. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that sight could improve. Your cute toes wiggle in black stockings that travel up your legs and cut off at the meat of your thigh. Even with your legs crossed, Eddie can see a tiny black material that barely covers your pussy. Then your torso is adorned in a black bustier, hooks travelling up to where a deep v cut finished below your sternum; breasts spilling out of the ruffled cups. His cock twitches at the thought of ripping the hooks open. Your neck and collarbones are exposed, soft, delicate skin waiting to be marked by his lips. And then there's your face. Eyes sparkling at him, full of lust and love. Mouth struggling to keep a grin at bay. The face he went to sleep thinking about every night, woke up from dreams about and spent the day with it in mind as he tried to write music. Your arm reaches out, hand beckoning Eddie forward.

'Hi Eds. I missed you... too much.'

Your head nods down to his crotch now. Too lost in the vision before him, Eddie hadn't noticed the way his cock had hardened to the point of straining against his jeans.

'I think you should probably take your clothes off and come and say hello,' you smirk.

Instantly, he's scrambling. Head barely able to form a coherent thought aside from how he needs to touch you right now. T-shirt flings to one side of the room and socks to another.

'Sweetheart... I - fuck. You look like a dream. I'm scared I'm still on that fucking flight or delirious in the stupid desert,' Eddie pants as he scrambles with the buckle of his jeans. The second his aching cock springs free you let out an inadvertent moan. As soon as his body is entirely freed of fabric constraints, he's hurling himself onto the bed and crawling up towards you.

Eddie's lips kiss every inch of you as he moves upwards. His lips need to reacclimatise to the body he knows better than his own. Kisses pressed from the tips of your toes, your kneecaps, covering your thick thighs and then lingering on your poorly concealed cunt. He hisses as he leans in towards your mound, able to smell your arousal. Lips kiss the satin fabric of your thong and the skin it fails to cover. You're unable to stop your hips from involuntarily bucking as soon as he's near the place that's longed for him. Eddie's hands find yours and your fingers intwine, both of you gripping tightly at the other. Desperate to never let the other slip away for such a prolonged period again. Kisses litter up your sternum then across your pushed up cleavage. Once he reaches the plains of your collar and neck, Eddie indulges himself. Lips sucking marks onto the skin that's looking far too bare due to his absence. Teeth nipping gently causing those giggles that make his heart and cock swell. And finally, your faces are level, his hovering above yours.

The pair of you just stare for a moment. Absorbing the person you'd both been lost without; reacquainting with every freckle, blemish or fleck of colour in each eye. Both of your hands have traveled up to cradle the other's face. Your fingers twirl the curls that frame Eddie's face, pushing them away so you can fully appreciate your pretty boy.

'My pretty boy, I love you.'

Your noses rub against each other. Even this close, vision slightly obscured, you can see the blush that creeps up on his cheeks at the nickname.

'I love you too, sweetheart. Gone crazy without you.'

Humming in agreement, you tug at his hair.

'Feral,' you whine.

Eddie chuckles in a warm, sexy way that travels to your core. His eyes look down at your body beneath him, admiring again the outfit you'd chosen. Retracting a hand from your face, travelling it down your side before he slides it between your thighs. The string of the thong wet with your arousal as he pulls it from between your lips, then pings it back. The brief contact making you whine.

'Yep, I think you are feral, my love. Think I oughta do something 'bout that.'

'Plea-'

Your plea is cut off as Eddie's lips crush into yours. The sweet kisses that had covered your body are gone, replaced by desperate wet ones. It's seconds before the kisses are open mouths, tongues flicking against each other. Hips pressing towards the other, frantically seeking friction. Both of you whine into each others mouth as you begin to hump. You push your hips up, legs spread achingly apart to trap Eddie between. In return, he presses hard against you. Thick length bearing down on your clit, occasionally sliding between your wet pussy. You're both groaning and grinding, transformed once more into hormonal teenagers and whilst it's good, it's not enough.

'Gotta stop,' Eddie pants, 'this isn't - isn't how I wanna cum with you.'

You're unable to reply because your teeth are sinked into his shoulder to stifle the embarrassing moans scratching to come out. Never in your life have you been this pent up. Eddie tears his crotch away from yours, crawling back down your body. His hands, rough from weeks of constant guitar practice, firmly grip your thighs, keeping them apart. Doing so causes the thong to ping between the lips of your cunt which are now spread. His tongue flickers over his lips at your glistening wetness.

'Baby she's desperate... going to eat your cute little pussy now, 'kay? Missed her taste.'

You've been stifled by the built up desire, unable to produce anything but pathetic whinnies. But now you grab his hair harshly, yanking his head back up before his tongue can touch you. Wide eyed at your hard tug, Eddie looks up.

'No!' You snap. 'Spin the fuck around and get on top of me. Need to taste you too.'

The sternness in your voice has the ability to scare him in the way every authority figure has previously failed. Careful not to squash you, Eddie turns around, swinging a leg over so he's straddling you and then slowly reverses until his crotch hovers near your face. Usually you'd be on top so now he's far too aware of his weight. But the firm grip on his ass that tugs him down makes him to cave. Instantly Eddie's thick cock is bottoming out in your throat. Tears well in your eyes but you groan, pleased that his taste and smell now dominate your senses.

The luring natural musk of his skin and the slight salted taste of precum that had beaded on his tip.

The moment he sinks into your mouth, his teeth sink into the dough of your thigh - the pleasure sudden and overwhelming for him.

'Oh fuck-' Eddie sobs into your skin as you adjust and start to bob your head up and down his length.

Resting on his knees allows him to thrust in time with your movements, fucking his cock into your warm mouth. Eddie dives his face into your cunt, hand lifting away the thong that prevents him from burying his tongue deep into your folds. Humming at the taste he's been dreaming of for weeks. The vibrations cause you to gargle against his dick. After a few swipes of his tongue, lapping up the pool of arousal that had formed, he finds your clit. Tongue flickering over the enlarged bud, already feeling better than your fingers and vibrator had. Instantly, you spread your legs wider, granting him more access. Now he latches on, suckling at your clit desperately. The pair of you lie there, contorted to suck feverishly at the most sensitive parts of each other's body. It's overwhelmingly intimate and carnal. Something neither of you would've done for any previous lover.

Now, Eddie lets his hand travel towards your hole that he knows is begging to be filled. Two large fingers plunge inside your cunt and instantly he feels your walls contract against him, eager to maintain the fullness. Your throat contracts in response as you moan at his fingers penetrating you. Eddie continues his assault on your clit as his fingers fuck into you. The pair of you forlorn in pleasure, you whimpering against his cock as he moans against your clit. Mimicking his movements and desperate to reward him, you bring your hand up to his exposed ass. You grab and knead the fat of his asscheek before letting a finger rub gentle circles round the rim. Immediately, Eddie breaks contact with your clit.

'Oh shit, please, baby, please,' he begs.

Now you're warmed up, he slips in a third finger. As if to encourage you to go further with your own movements against his hole. You want to coo at his begging but your mouth is too full of his perfect cock. Applying firmer pressure as you circle his hole, you feel him ready. Finally you finger slips into his asshole, it's hot and desperate for attention. Walls pulsating against your finger.

The pair of you mirror the other now. Fingers fucking into the other at the same pace, growing more brutal by the minute. Your mouths sucking and licking at the other's sensitive spot. Knowing both of you will only last a few minutes at this overwhelming pace, Eddie breaks away.

'Y/N we gotta stop. I'm so close and I need to fuck you. Sweetheart, I gotta be inside you'.

Eddie pulls himself out of your mouth, allowing you to instantly gasp for the extra air his thickness had been blocking. He moves back so your eyes can meet again, large warm hand cupping your cheek.

'You okay?'

You nod as you catch your breath.

'Yeah, Eds. Please, please fuck me. I need to cum,' you beg. Unbothered at the slight patheticness to your tone.

Eddie removes your thong entirely now.

'We both know that was doing nothing,' he laughs.

Without guidance, you're putting your legs over his shoulders; an unsubtle hint that you need him now and you need him deep. He takes his length and lines himself up with your entrance. Then, three weeks of longing are broken as he thrusts into you. Too overwhelmed with wanting to even slowly enter you. Eddie is instantly bottoming out, balls pressed to your asshole as you wail at finally being filled.

'Oh jesus - yes Eddie!'

The volume and anguish in your moan takes even him back. He's never heard you be this desperate and it triggers something primal in him. Instantly he's thrusting into you fast and hard. Each unrelenting push jiggling your breasts further out the corset.

'God I missed - ugh - this tight little pussy,' he grunts.

You need even more. Your fingers yank at the hooks of the top until it parts and your tits finally spill out. Eddie moans at the sight. Instinctively, he's latching onto your hard nipples, folding your body in half to do so. Now he's sucking at your breast and fucking you deeper and it's still not enough. You're greedy in a way you've never been before. Making their way around his back, one hand finds his head, pushing him close to your breasts as your nails scratch his scalp. The other hand seeks his ass, squeezing it until you retract your touch and then crack your palm hard against his soft cheek.

Instantly Eddie bolts up from your chest, staring at your eyes, wild. The warm chocolate of his iris, eclipsed by blown out pupils.

'Did you just fucking spank me, sweetheart?' he chokes out.

Now he's upright you're no longer able to reach so you seek a new method of showing him how you want it. Your hand now clutches at his throat, Adam's apple bobbing against the stretch of skin between your spread thumb and forefinger.

'Yes and I'll do it again.'

You sound like a brat and you have no remorse. Three weeks of pent up frustration is now rearing its head. Eddie puts his hand over yours and squeezes it, encouraging you to tighten the grip at his throat. He's continuing to fuck you but his pace has slowed, intrigued by this turn.

'Sweetheart,' he coos, 'what has gotten into you? I like it.'

With one hand flexing across his throat, your free one takes his and pulls it to your mound. Encouragingly placing it over your clit. Grinning, Eddie's fingers rub firm circles over it as he languidly thrusts into your cunt. Although at a slow pace, his cock plunges deep into you. Hitting the sweetest, most filling spot and then dragging torturously along it. The movements have your hard exterior crumbling and whining under him.

'You- you were gone... I was... was so fucking horny. Couldn't c-cum,' you're gasping now. Eddie's motions along with the way the chocolate of his eyes appears molten at your confessions.

'Not with you. Needed you... Eddie. Tried everything.'

He bends down to give you a deep kiss. Years together and yet he remains in shock that you need him as much as he needs you. He hopes this kiss will wipe away your cute little pout.

'Couldn't even play with your toys?' he murmurs, intoxicated by how fucked out you look beneath him. You shake your head, hands wrapped around his neck, thumbs stroking his skin.

'Okay, baby. I'll make you cum, yeah?'

'Please Eds,' you beg.

The smile that appears from hearing your pleas is heartaching. Then he starts concentrating on thrusting into you again. Speeding up his movements, languid pace abandoned. But it's not enough, the earlier momentum lost.

'No,' your hands tighten on his throat, 'like before. Harder.'

'It wasn't too hard?'

The nails that dig into his Adam's apple tell him the answer before you do.

'No. I want you to make me fucking cry.'

'Fuck, fuck baby, yeah okay.'

Instantly Eddie is folding you again, arms braced either side of your head as he towers over. Your knees press up near your shoulders. His pace quickens, fucking you senseless. The drawn out process of this evening has left you dripping. Sounds of wetness filling the room as he plunges back into you each time.

'Hear that fucking sound, best music I ever heard,' he groans.

Your hand seeks his ass again and you repeat your earlier actions. Spanking him again. The crack against his skin ringing even louder than the squelch of your cunt.

'Oh fuck yeah,' Eddie cries, 'again.'

The spanking repeats, each time you do it, his pace somehow quickens. Your clit is throbbing now, aching for touch again. You hand wedges between your bodies and you whimper as you relieve the ache.

'Wait,' Eddie's shifting over you, 'from behind, wanna fuck you from behind. Only I get to play with your clit.'

His voice is strained, you know he's at the edge of cumming. Eddie gets off the bed, standing and tugging your ass towards him once you're on your knees. The moment he slams back into you, your back caves into a deep arch and you both moan.

'Yes, that's it!' he cries.

Eddie wraps his arm under you, finding your clit and continuing his assault. Fingers pressing harder and covering a greater expanse than you ever could. The fast circles in time with his cock fucking into you. From behind he goes deeper, pressing against that one spot with growing frequency.

'More,' you demand.

He leans forward until his mouth latches onto your shoulder. Like this, he's prevented from pulling out far and instead it feels as if he's humping you. It's dirty and animalistic and it's what you needed.

'Ed, I'm close.'

His teeth sink into you now causing you to cry out, giving you exactly what you asked for.

'Look at you... fuckin mess sweetheart... all cos you couldn't get my cock.'

The tightness in your abdomen increases and Eddie feels how your cunt clenches round him like a warning.

'Shit,' you cry 'please please come inside me.'

Eddie instantly pulls you up so your back is flush against his chest. Fingers still toying your clit that has begun to ache from stimulation. His free arm wraps around you too, hand shaking around your throat to gently grip. Plush lips seek out your neck, pressing encouraging kisses as you near your climax.

'Don't you worry baby...' he grunts against your neck.

'Daddy is going to fill you up good.'

The nickname pushes you over

'Eddie,' you cry as you come. Three weeks have of build up, only worsened by tonight's teasing, come shattering down in a climax.

'Holy fuck y/n,' Eddie chokes.

He's realised before you and it takes you a moment to clock that you've squirted. Spraying over Eddie's cock and the sheets. He grunts like a feral beast at the sensation. An additional wet warmth showering over him alongside the tight clench of your spasming pussy. He takes a few more drawn out thrusts, sloppy from your cum.

'Three... weeks... worth!'

Eddie moans your name as his comes after his final word. You feel the heat squirt up inside you and he suddenly jerks, shooting out another load deep inside.

'Oh jesus...' Eddie whimpers as he humps at you again, 'there's more.'

And again another burst paints your insides. Instantly you flop forward, exhausted. A subconscious part of you whispers to make sure his spend stays buried in your cunt.

Eddie watches as you wriggle back up to the pillows, collapsing with a sigh. Knees bent, keeping your hips angled up. He crawls onto the bed and opens your legs to take in the view. Pussy puffy and blushing and completely full of his cum.

'Tryna keep me in there?' He chuckles.

'Yes,' you blush.

Bringing his forehead to rest against your knee he groans.

'Fuck sweetheart, don't tell me that. My balls ache from how much I just came but you'll get me hard again.'

The desperate look in his eyes makes you chuckle. You tug him on top of you, his head falling to your chest. Stroking his sweat matted curls, you cradle his face. Littering kisses all over him as he hums in content.

'I missed you so much Eddie. It physically hurt.'

'I know, Y/N,' he looks up at you smirking, 'could tell. But I missed you too. Missed home.'

Eddie snuggles into your chest. Exhausted by the sex and blissed out in your arms. This is where he belongs, always. He's certain he'll fall asleep here for the night. The question he was going to ask on his arrival will surely have to wait til tomorrow. But it's okay, he's been waiting since October - so what harm is another day?

my taglist angels: @whoahoney@lukewearingbeanies @esme-viridian @elysian-chaos @munsonology@mseddiemunson @kreepja

#enam3ls rockstar eddie #eddie munson smut #rockstar!eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson × fem reader #eddie munson × reader #stranger things fanfic #eddie munson #munson headcanons #eddie munson × yn #eddie munson X y/n #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x afab reader #eddie munson x fem!reader #stranger things 4 #stranger things fic #stranger things x reader

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ryuichirou · 1 month

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More Tweels/Idia hcs!

Anonymous asked:

I don't know if you'll ever see this but: I LITERALLY LOVE YOUR ART!! The whole reason I got a tumblr account was literally to be kept updated on your posts. your Jade x Idia posts keep me alive genuinely. So of course I'm here to ask for your fav headcanons on Jade x Idia or the Octotrio x Idia in general (bottom idia for the win)

Anonymous asked:

feed us more bottom idia hc's 😃... and possibly jadidi 🤔

Anonymous asked:

AHHHHH I just stumbled upon your tumblr a few days ago and I love your Jade/Floyd x Idia hc's!! MORE please

Anons!! Thank you so much for sending so much love our way, it means so much I can never stress it enough. I am very happy that you like our stuff, both headcanons and drawings <3 whether you’re new here or have been with us for a while, we appreciate you a lot.

Sorry for the late reply! Here are some more Jade/Idia and Floyd/Idia hcs; some neutral ones, some spicy ones, some a bit fucked up ones. I won’t be writing anything about Azul this time because posted a new bunch of Azul/Idia hcs not so long ago, but he is mentioned a couple of times!

Jade makes snacks for Idia sometimes (sometimes sour, sometimes sweet, sometimes salty) and asks Azul to bring them to him whenever he goes to a board game club meeting, which always makes Azul super annoyed because he isn’t Jade’s errand boy + Idia doesn’t want to eat anything anyway. But even though Idia always says that eating stuff that Jade has made sounds like a dangerous game, he got used to munching on whatever Azul brings him. Making sure that Idia-san always remembers him + inconveniencing Azul at the same time? Sounds perfect to Jade <3

If Idia visits the Lounge (which doesn’t happen very often, it’s a pretty rare occasion, to be honest), he always tries to find the tiniest, least noticeable place to sit, but he always gets all the attention, because Floyd sees him, drops whatever he’s been doing and jumps on Idia’s couch to lean on him, chat with him, tease him and even squeeze him a little bit, not caring at all that Azul will absolutely yell at him for that. And even though it’s always a super stressful thing to Idia and he would prefer Floyd not to jump him like that, whenever he visits, his heart starts pounding very loudly, because his body is aware that Floyd will notice him and react very soon. It’s 50% him being scared and 50% of weird anticipation that makes him feel a bit ticklish down there.

Despite the fact that it’s easier to catch Floyd in his eel form, the first twin that Idia saw in his eel form was actually Jade. It was his first time seeing a merman in general, and since it was a dark pool and Idia didn’t realise what he was looking at at first, he got kind of freaked out. But also mesmerised at the same time. Idia ran away the moment Jade noticed him and look at him with his scary glowing yellow eye + avoided him after that point, but he still couldn’t escape the visual of Jade’s huge slippery heavy-looking tail that was constantly on his mind.

But the first Leech to actually touch Idia in his eel form was Floyd. That wasn’t a planned encounter either; Idia pretty much just fell into the pool in the most ecchi anime convenient way possible. But Floyd caught him, grabbed him with his huge hands, left a couple of scratches with his fins and claws, and slid Idia’s entire body on his own tail. Idia ended up not only wet, but covered in the eel slime, cold and weirdly aroused. He just got rid of weird eel-related dreams that Jade caused..!

Compared to Floyd, who touches, kisses and bites in a very overwhelming manner, Jade gives Idia some moments to “breathe” during sex, but this only makes things worse somehow. Because Idia’s brain just shuts off completely when he is with Floyd, but Jade makes sure that Idia is constantly aware of how exactly he is getting fucked, what sounds he makes, how his body reacts and how Jade’s dick creates a bulge inside his stomach. Jade always stops just in time for Idia to catch himself yelping pathetically and twitching, moments away from orgasm. And Jade always smiles like a criminal that is about to betray and shoot him when it happens…

Jade’s and Floyd’s dicks are pretty much the same size-wise, but the way they operate them is different; after having sex with Floyd Idia feels completely ruined. Not in a horrible way, but even if it’s been days, his insides remember how it felt when Floyd was shoving that thing deep inside his body. So it’s not unusual for Idia to spend a couple of days in bed after having sex with Floyd, especially considering the fact that if he moves his legs in the wrong way, he’ll probably trigger a spasm that’ll send a shockwave of pain and pleasure through his whole body.

Idia still isn’t sure why this whole thing keeps happening and why the tweels keep chasing him to have sex with him; he kind of was sure that they would lose all interest in him after a week or two. But even though he acts annoyed and even freaked out by them, somewhere deep inside it feels weirdly good to know that these two think about him so much that they just can’t get enough of him. This is such a cringy thought for Idia… but suddenly realising that Jade or Floyd could fit his entire dick inside his butt without any problem is more cringe; is it really this loose now??

Jade and Floyd are fascinated with the way Idia’s hair colour changes when he is embarrassed and aroused, and they know that it also changes in other situations, so now they have a quest to collect the entire rainbow of Idia’s hair. The winner gets to have fun with Idia while the other watches. Idia loses either way because the idea of being fucked by one of the tweels while the other one is pissed, horned up and cockblocked sounds like a nightmare lol Idia isn’t aware of this little challenge/game of theirs, which is for the best.

Floyd approaches the challenge by making Idia experience different physical sensations. He also loves to freak Idia out, he feels like if he does it enough, he could get a cool new colour. He just couldn’t scare him enough yet… maybe if he combines it with them having sex… Or makes Idia believe that he is about to drown him and keep his head under the water for like a minute until he either cums or passes out…

Jade’s approach is to play mental games with Idia + use potions, mushrooms and other stuff that he could feed him or inject into him. He got pretty interesting results, especially when poor Idia got super delirious and confused as Jade was having sex with him after pretty much frying his brains with the newest mushroom-based potion… but Floyd said that it doesn’t really count because it’s cheating.

#replies #headcanons #jadidi #floidi

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cheatingwifelover · 2 months

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Our yard guy. Lucas, is a hunter. I hunted in my younger days but in my old age I'm too sentimental to kill any animals. Sometimes when he's taking a break from mowing we talk about shooting. I've been wanting to try some target shooting on a 1,000 yard range but there aren't any I'm aware of near where we live.

Lucas told me about one in the Boerne area and one near DFW. I decided to spend a couple days at the one in the Boerne area and made reservations. My wife didn't want to put our dogs in the kennel to watch me shooting so she decided to stay home.

Off I went with my Ruger Precision Rifle. My plan was to leave early in the morning, do some shooting in the afternoon, spend the night, and drive home after shooting on the second day. I enjoyed the shooting but I missed my wife. On the rare occasions I'm staying overnight somewhere without my wife I call her and we talk on the phone before calling it a night.

I called home that night around 10 PM. No answer. I figured she might be out walking the dogs, or taking a shower, so I left a message for her to call me back. When I hadn't heard from her by 11 PM I called home again. Still no answer. At this point I felt the worry creep in. We hadn't been separated much in our decades long marriage and this was the first time my wife did not either call me herself or answer the phone when I was on an overnight trip.

I started calling every half hour. Every 30 minutes felt like an eternity. I didn't know what to do. I was worn out from the afternoon and fell asleep around 3AM. When I woke up about an hour later There was still no word from her. I tried calling with increasing frequency. I had a drink to relax, then another and another until I once again fell asleep.

I woke again at about 930 AM and checked my phone. There was a message from my wife. I'd had my ringer on vibrate and hadn't heard it. The timestamp on the message was 8:06 AM. She apologized for missing my call and said she was tired and going to bed, and that we could talk when I got back.

When I got back that evening she apologized again, said she didn't know what came over her, but she wasn't in the mood to talk about it. She told me I needed to give her some time. I'd learned over the years that pressing her was not only useless but could also be quite counterproductive so I just let it drop. It took almost a month and a lot of alcohol before she was ready to talk and I was glad I'd waited.

“So where we you when I called,” I asked her when she finally told me she was ready to talk.

“I was with Orin and Tony” was her surprising reply. I wrote about Orin and Tony in “Young Lust,” posted a few months ago, referring to them as O and T.

I immediately grasped the implications and felt my cock starting to harden in anticipation of what I was about to hear.

“What does being with Orin and Tony mean exactly,” I queried? “With them where, how? All night?”

“They took me out and then we went to a motel room.”

I was actually trembling a little when I asked “did you fuck them again?”

“We didn't go to a motel for Bible Study,” she quipped rather snarkily. “Of course we fucked, you're my husband not my owner.”

I had a raging hard on at this point, and out came my cock.

“Come on baby,” I coaxed, “tell me everything. I need to hear details. Don't hold anything back.”

Apparently, Tony had been unable to keep that first time with him and Orin and my wife to himself and had mentioned it to Lucas. Orin was embarrassed when Lucas asked him if it was true that the two of them had fucked my wife.

“Was your friend Tony bullshitting me or did the two of you really fuck Mrs. D” he asked?

“Fucking Tony,” he replied, “I told him to keep his mouth shut.”

“So it's true then,” said Lucas. “I'd love to get some of that myself, I can't believe you two beat me to it.”

“Well,” he continued, “if you want to try your luck with her again her husband is going to be out of town overnight next week. Let me know how it goes.”

Orin and Tony rang our doorbell at around 730 PM the night I was gone. Orin was holding a bouquet of flowers.

“These are for you Mrs D.” he said. “We heard from Lucas that Mr. D isn't home tonight so we thought we'd see if you'd like to go out to dinner with us. Our treat. Or maybe we could just go for a ride?”

“Where are your scooters,” asked my wife?

“At home tonight,” he said, “my parents finally bought me a car. I just have to pay the insurance/”

“It's sweet of you to ask,” she replied, “but I'm not really dressed to go out anywhere.”

“Please Mrs. D, you've been nice to us and we'd like to do something for you. We can wait while you get ready, or come back later.”

My wife couldn't help but feel flattered that these two young men were basically asking her out on a date at her age. What could it hurt she thought.

“Ok,” she relented. “Why don't you two give me some time to get ready. Come back in about an hour, and it's a date.”

As she got ready she downed a couple martinis feeling like if she was going through with this she needed to have a good buzz on. Even before an hour had elapsed she saw them on the security cameras waiting in the driveway. It was cute she thought, two young men this attentive. She wasn't naive though, she knew what was on their minds, what they really wanted, which was why she needed the martinis. Alcohol relaxed her and made her horny.

When she was finally ready she walked out to their car hoping they'd appreciate her outfit, and of course they did.

Tony couldn't restrain himself, “fuck do you look hot Mrs D” he said as he exited the car to make a place for her in the front seat.

“Well thank you Tony,” she replied, “I was hoping you'd like my outfit.”

“Fuck Mrs D, I love it,” Tony replied, climbing into the back seat. “None of our friends mom's are anywhere near as hot as you are.”

“Flattery will take you places,” my wife said in return.

|”We know a club where they don't check ID's” said Orin as my wife climbed into the passenger seat.

“I thought we were going to dinner,” said my wife. “Now I'm thinking you two just want to get me drunk and fuck me.”

“Sorry, Mrs. D, we were just thinking it was kinda late for dinner now,” said Orin.

“It's ok,” my wife said, “the club sounds like it might be fun. I haven't been clubbing for years, much less with two handsome young men as my escorts.”

She'd already down 3 martinis by the time they picked her up. You know what they say I'd quipped to her in the past, 3 martinis under the table, 4 martinis under the host. My wife joined the two of them one martini away from being under the host.

Sure enough, no one at the club asked for any ID. Orin and Tony ordered drinks for my wife but were careful not to drink much themselves. After another couple martinis my wife behaved very much out of character for her in a public place. She took turns sitting on their laps being fingered and making out with each of them, but no one else in the club really seemed to be paying them much attention.

By midnight my wife needed assistance just getting back to their car.

“Where are we going now” she asked, noticing they weren't headed in the direction of home.

“My parents are home,” said Orin, “so Tony and I got us a motel room. Is that ok Mrs D?”

“Sure,” replied my wife pretty much having accepted where the night was heading when the two of them showed up at the door with a bouquet of flowers asking her out on a date. “But I can't stay all night, I have to get home and let our dogs out.”

“I was surprised to see you two tonight” my wife said once they were in the motel room. “I thought you'd had your fun and were no longer interested.”

“No, “ said Orin, “we've both been wanting to fuck you again but this is the first time we've really had the chance. My parents haven't gone anywhere since the first time.”

“Yeah,” chipped in Tony, “we didn't think you'd want to do anything at your place, and we were afraid to try again with your husband around.”

“When Lucas told me your husband was going to be gone tonight we decided we'd try to see you again,” added Orin.

“Why would Lucas say anything about my husband, does he know what we did?”

“He does,” replied Orin, “Tony couldn't keep his big mouth shut.”

“He wants to fuck you too,” chipped in Tony. “He told Orin he couldn't believe we got you before he did.”

Somehow, thought my wife, it all seems rather disturbing, but she was too drunk at the moment to object or care. My husband is away and I'm in a motel room with two young guys who want to fuck me, so why complain? I'm so horny right now I don't care about anything but getting fucked said her inner monologue.

Tony wrapped his arms around my wife and kissed her. Orin took out his cock and began to stroke it watching the two of them making out. Tony slipped one hand down to unzip his pants and my wife extracted his cock, stroking it as they kissed.

Tony put both his hands on her shoulders and applied pressure to push her down onto her knees.

“Suck my cock,” he told her, “be a good wife and put that hot mouth of yours to work for me.”

Tony was the bigger of the two of them and had the biggest cock. He also was the more aggressive of the two and inclined towards arrogance and swagger, an attitude my wife claims to dislike. I have no doubt that his arrogance was at least partially the product of that fat 8 inch cock that was now poised with its own seeming arrogance in front of my wife's face.

“Come on,” said Tony putting both hands behind her head and pushing his cock to her lips, “swallow that fucking cock.”

She was aware of Orin behind them stroking his cock, enjoying the show, even though she couldn't see him. She opened her mouth and did as requested, swallowing that big cock until Tony's balls were pressing against her chin. He relaxed his grip on her head but used both hands to guide her mouth up and down, bouncing his balls on her chin with each stroke.

“Fuck yes,” Tony said to Orin, “look at this fuckin' slut swallow cock. The bitch has zero gag reflex.”

From “Mrs D,” to “bitch,” and “slut,” she felt an atmospheric change in the room but she didn't let it interfere with her performance. She wrapped her left arm behind Tony for support and used her right hand to squeeze and milk his balls as she sucked on that big flesh pipe, determined to drain those heavy balls.

“Fuck, the slut is going to make me cum,” said Tony, but I want to fuck her. Help me stand her back up Orin.”

They each took an arm and lifted her to her feet. She stood before them in her short black dress, hot thick thighs sexily exposed under flesh colored pantyhose hose, and high-heeled black fuck me boots. Tony had resisted the urge to fuck her in the car even before they got to the club but he was going to satisfy that urge now.

“Oh god I so want to fuck you,” said Tony, lifting her dress and exposing her pussy in crotchless pantyhose.”But first I want to suck on those big tits,” he said, tearing open the top of her dress and just pulling her bra down to get them out.

“God I love your big tits Mrs D,” he told her, sucking first one nipple into his mouth and then the other.

Between the making out and fingering in the club, sucking on his big cock, and now Tony sucking her tits, her pussy was gushing. She couldn't remember the last time her husband had made her this wet, if ever.

Meanwhile, Orin grabbed some astroglide they had left on the nightstand when they'd rented the room earlier in the day. He approached her from behind and felt his friend Tony push his cock into her pussy and start fucking her. Orin generously lubed up his cock with the astroglide and then tossed the rest of it onto the bed.

“Hold her still for a second Tony,” he said, then grabbing her hips, began to slowly push his well lubed cock into her ass.

She froze with surprise and the initial pain of anal penetration.

“Don't move,” pleaded my wife, “let me adjust.”

“Ok, go slow” she said momentarily.

Orin eased his cock in balls deep and said, “I'm in her all the way. Fuck is her ass tight. Go ahead Tony, fuck her.”

My wife wrapped her arms around Tony's neck, kissing him deeply as the two boys began to establish a rhythm. Now that the initial pain of anal penetration had dissipated she shuddered in pleasure at the sensation of the two of them pushing into her at the same time. The pressure of two cocks thrusting into her was simply exquisite. She felt like she was being hoisted into mid-air by young cock. She'd always enjoyed anal sex, or at least tolerated it, but with a cock in her cunt at the same time she remember how good it felt and wondered why she hadn't indulged it more frequently?

She felt Orin behind her turning her head away from Tony, wanting to kiss her. It was a little awkward but she kissed him back as best she could then turned back to Tony. The lust these two young men expressed for her ignited her own passion, deepened by a pending explosion of pleasure she felt about to overwhelm her. She was glad she hadn't gone with her husband but she felt a brief flicker of guilt at the thought before returning herself completely to the moment.

She suddenly felt Orin wrap his arms over her shoulders and push her body down into him. He thrust up on his tiptoes trying to push every millimeter of his cock into her ass. She could feel his body shudder and knew he was about to cum.

“Oh fuck,” he exclaimed....”oooohhhhhh....fuck” and she felt his cock pulsating and emptying into her.

She had been trying to hold back, to extend sensation as long as possible, but Orin cumming as he did pushed her over the edge and she was unable to contain the explosion. She saw light flashing behind her eyes and felt momentarily like she might pass out.

Oh my god,” she cried out, “oh my god,” feeling her whole body flooded with wave after wave of orgasmic bliss.

Orin pulled his cock out of her with an audible “plop” and settled back, practically falling into the chair behind him. Tony wasn't done yet and continued pumping his cock into her married pussy with increasing vigor. He turned her around and began backing her towards the bed as he fucked her.

His cock never entirely left her cunt as he re-positioned her onto the bed and climbed on top of her. He reached up and squeezed her big tits, and then started sucking her nipples, first one, then the other, alternating continuously as he fucked her.

She felt another orgasm building. As Tony continued pistoning into her and working her tits with hands and mouth, she reached down between their bodies and fingered her clit. She thought she'd felt Tony cum in her but he didn't get soft or stop pumping that big cock into her so she wasn't sure. She came again and just laid there as his cock kept sawing into her.

She was aware of Orin approaching and was surprised to hear him tell Tony to turn her so that her head was at the edge of the bed.

“Help me with her then,” said Tony, “I don't want to stop fucking her.”

Between the two of them they managed to move her into the desired position without Tony having his cock slip from her pussy.

“Again already,” she asked Orin, looking up at his hard cock hovering over her face.

“We both took some Viagra before we left the club,” he replied to her surprise. “We didn't know when we'd get another chance like this with you and didn't want to waste a minute of it.”

She didn't know whether she should feel flattered or used, but in the moment wondered if it really mattered.

Getting her head just right over the edge of the bed Orin bent his knees slightly, placing his cock against her mouth.

“Suck my cock Denise,” he told her, using her name for the first time.

He'd always called her Mrs D before and she didn't realize he even knew her name. There was something about it that seemed to make it feel more intimate, narrowing the gap between them, and yet at the same time a little threatening.

“Oh yeah, that's it” he told her as he pushed his cock into her throat. “I've missed this mouth Denise, I've never met another girl who can suck a cock like you do.”

He called her a girl. Was that a good thing or a bad thing she wondered? As Tony continued to fuck her pussy Orin now fucked her throat, pushing into her until his balls were pressing against her nose. Not pulling all the way back each time but keeping most of his cock in her warm mouth then pushing back all the way into her throat.

Tony had never stopped pumping into her, never gone soft, but she thought she had felt him cum in her two or three times without slowing down. Now Orin seemed renewed and kept plunging his cock into her mouth and throat until her jaws ached. She fully understood what it meant to be spit roasted. She felt like meat on a spit but there was something about the idea of it, of her, a married woman three times their age taking cock like this, that overcame with lust any doubts or reservations.

She wanted to be the “girl” of their sexual fantasies, to be the unforgettable female they would savor the memory of for their entire lives, and she threw herself even more completely into the moment and into the night. They need not worry about having another chance with her, she'd make it happen, and she'd get her cuckold husband to help. Not help sexually, but to help create the opportunity for her to enjoy them like this again.

Orin interrupted her reverie by pulling his cock out of her mouth and dangling his balls over her lips.

“Suck my balls Denise,” he told her.

She took his heavy balls into her mouth and sucked on them, something she had never done for me, and the idea of it increased her arousal. She felt him pushing down with his cock as she sucked, apparently trying to get it into her mouth at the same time. She opened her mouth as wide and she could and heard him moan as she managed to get both his balls and his cock into her warm wet mouth.

“Oh fuck that's good,” he moaned. “Suck it, fuck, I'm gonna cum,” he said, and pushed in with his cock just as he erupted down her throat.

She didn't miss a drop and neither did she stop sucking on his cock and balls. He never softened. Maybe she could make him cum again like that she though and decided she would try. Tony was still sawing his big cock into her cunt. She didn't want the night to end. She kept hearing her cell phone ringing in her purse. She knew it had to be her husband calling like he did whenever he spent a night away but she didn't care. Good cock had to come before good husbands.

“Let's change up,” said Tony. “Let's DP the slut again, and this time I want that ass.”

Orin got on the bed and Tony helped my drunk wife straddle him. She guided his cock into her married cunt and he pulled her down to suck her big tits which were hanging out of her dress.

“If Lucas was here we could make this bitch airtight,” said Tony, climbing onto the bed behind her.

“Maybe next time,” said Orin.

Tony picked up the astroglide Orin had earlier thrown on the bed and lubed his cock to fuck my wife up the ass.

“Oh my fucking god,” he said as he pushed his big cock into her ass. “This shit is fucking tight. I was wasting my time in the slut's cunt.”

“You belong to us now Denise,” said Tony as he fucked my wife up the ass. “We won't be waiting so long to have you next time.”

At some point everything became a blur. Memory faded. She woke up between them and looked at her watch. Fuck, almost 8 AM. Her husband must be worried and near panic. She shook Orin awake.

“You have to take me home,” she said, “right now, if you ever want to do this again.”

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honeysunai · 4 months

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𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖

Gale Dekarios x female sorceress

During his travels to find a cure for the illithid parasites, Gale encountered an old flame in Baldur's Gate. author’s note: This is some sad love for our favorite wizard of Waterdeep. wordcount: 1.7k

As you graciously attended to the familiar faces in your bustling tavern, the entrancing tunes of the new bard added a magical note to the lively ambiance. Amidst the laughter and clinking of mugs, your world momentarily froze as the gaze of your first love, the renowned Wizard of Waterdeep, Gale, met yours. A surge of emotions coursed through you, causing an unfortunate mishap - two drinks slipping from your grasp. Time seemed suspended, your heart echoing the unexpected reunion. Swiftly regaining composure, you knelt to address the spill, apologizing to the patrons.

"Hello, y/n," Gale spoke with a gentle tone, bending down to offer a helping hand.

"Don't worry about it," you replied, standing up and disposing of the remaining ale from the dropped mugs.

"I didn't know you were in Baldur's Gate."

"How would you have known? You left long before I did," bitterness seeping into your words as you magically crafted drinks to entertain the guests.

He chuckled. "Never lost your sparkle either."

"Gale, I don't know why you're in town, but go bother someone else." Frustration and unresolved emotions lingered as you went back behind the bar.

"You're a talented sorceress; why are you wasting it?"

"Manners have lost you, it seems," you said, avoiding his gaze while cleaning mugs. "Besides, I was given a gift I didn't earn, that's what you told me once. So no, I am not wasting anything that wasn't already wasted."

"I was a prick, wasn't I?" He chuckled. "All I'm saying is that you could become so much greater than you already are! There's Sorcerous Sundries a few streets further; I'm sure they'd be honored to have you there." You scoffed at that.

"If you're able to get rid of the stick up Lorroakan's ass, maybe I'll reconsider." Gale's laughter echoed in the tavern. "Look, Gale, it might not be the same adventures we used to have, chasing fairy tales, dancing, and singing in the inns of Waterdeep, but this is my life now, and I am content with it."

"Content is not the same as happy."

"Well, you don't get to decide that for me." You finally looked up at him with a bitter expression.

"I know you, y/n ╴."

"No, you don't, Gale, just as I don't know the man I'm looking at right now." You almost burst out. "If you're not buying drinks for you or your companions, I'm going to ask you to leave, please."

"Understood," he sighed before leaving the Elfsong.

After a long day at work and dealing with unpleasant company, you yearned for the solace awaiting you at home. The weight of the day clung to your shoulders as you eagerly anticipated the embrace of a long lavender bath, a sanctuary for your weary soul. The mere thought of the calming scent and warm water offered a respite from the chaos that had unfolded throughout the day.

"By the Gods." You gasp as you find Gale sat by your door step. "Did you wait for me this entire time?"

"I have," Gale admitted, his smile carrying a hint of both longing and remorse. "Wasn't hard to find your house as well, an eye carved on the door for Helm to watch over you."

"Can't be too careful."

"Also, you have your odd friend on your roof," he mentioned, referring to Melusine, your crow.

You cross your arms over your chest. "You're lucky she didn't attack you; she holds you dearly in her heart."

"Does her mistress?" He smirks, but you weren't in the mood to give in his question.

"Gale, what do you want?" He stood up and approached you. In the past, his gentle and caring gaze had the power to make you falter, but not today. You held your ground, meeting his eyes with a newfound strength that echoed the resilience you had cultivated since those earlier, more vulnerable years.

His towering presence no longer had the same effect it once did. You could sense the familiarity in his gaze, the memories of shared moments and the echo of emotions, but it no longer held the power to sway you as it once had. The strength you had discovered within yourself over the years stood as a shield, protecting you from the vulnerability that used to accompany his gentle eyes. "I always wondered where you left." He spoke so softly it made your heart rattle. "I saw you that day, when you left Waterdeep, you just left in the middle of the night without saying goodbye."

"They've had enough of one wizard, they didn't need a sorceress." You retort. "Why would I look back Gale?" You ask him as if it was obvious. "Why would I want to look back at you? You and your books, your wine and your tower?" Your voice was breaking as your anger was finally showing. "We both know you only had eyes for Mystra and that's why I didn't bother to see or even wonder if you were okay with me leaving, because I knew you wouldn't care."

"It's not like that—"

"Don't lecture me; gods know you loved to do that," you scoffed with tears in your eyes. "Gale, you left me for Mystra. You chose her over me, and I just couldn't compete. Plain and simple. When I finally moved on, I found my way to the center of Baldur's Gate and made a name for myself here. It's far from perfect, but I like it here." Your words lingered for a few beats, he never moved his gaze form your eyes. "You were my first love and I've loved you deeply and wholeheartedly for all the years we were together even when we hated each other younger, but you shattered my heart like what we had meant nothing to you."

"I know I chose Mystra, and for that, I carry the weight of regret every single day. I've replayed the scenes of your heartbreak, seen the tears I caused you, and it haunts me. These years of absence have been a relentless ache in my heart, and you, my dear, have never left my mind nor my heart."

"Gale—"

"I thought what I was yearning for was Mystra's embrace and the power that came with it," Gale continued, his voice trembling with sincerity, "but she never had your warmth, the gentle cadence of your laugh when I fumbled with my words. She never had that unique glint in her eyes when she looked at the world—not like you do. Mystra could never hold a candle to you, and it was my foolishness, swayed by her enchanting promises, that led me astray from the love that was rightfully yours. It is a regret that lingers, a wound that time has failed to heal." A single tear fell from your eye and Gale's gentle hand caressed your cheek, wiping the tear with his thumb. "Your absence in my life has been a constant reminder of what I let slip away. The echoes of your laughter and the sparkle in your eyes haunt my dreams. I wish for the chance to turn back time, to rectify the choices I made that tore us apart. My biggest regret is not realizing sooner that you were the true magic in my life. Y/n, you meant the world to me."

His remorse, like an open wound, echoed through the room, and you felt the weight of his regrets pressing on your heart. His words had stirred emotions long buried, and the ache of lost love resurfaced.

The vulnerability in Gale's eyes mirrored the sorrow in your own, creating a poignant tableau of two souls bound by a history neither could escape.

Without uttering a word, you stepped closer to Gale, closing the distance that time and choices had carved between you. His gaze remained fixed on you, a mixture of desperation and hope in his eyes.

You lifted a trembling hand to cup his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your fingertips. Leaning in, you pressed a kiss to his lips. His arms enveloped you with an intensity that bordered on desperation, as if he feared you might once again slip away from his grasp. In that embrace, you felt the raw passion that had long been buried beneath layers of regret and longing.

Gale held you as though you were the very air he inhaled, and for the first time in a long while, he was truly breathing. The warmth of his embrace became a lifeline, a resurgence of life in a heart that had been burdened by the absence of your presence.

Your lips parted and he leaned his forehead against yours, nose touching. A soft smile plastered on his handsome face.

"Only when you truly get let go of Mystra, will I let you back into my heart, Gale Dekarios." You promised him. "I've heard from Melusine of your condition." You admit. "I may never had looked back, but someone had to check on you, you were always the one getting into odd mishaps. If not me, then who?" You softly chuckles.

"In the meantime, just know that you have me whole, my body, soul and heart, my darling." His lips pressed to your forehead.

You hesitated before speaking. "Come on, it's late." You nodded towards your home. "We should get to bed." You'd hope he'd take the hint and follow you to your bed.

"I can't, because if I do follow you to bed. I'll never leave you again and I would forsake the purpose that brought me here in the first place, and the illusion of having an eternity to revel in each other's company would dissipate." Him and his pretty words... You nod before he kissed you, a cascade of raw passion that hinted at the promise of a more beautiful tomorrow, one intricately entwined with him.

"Well, finish quickly. We have much to discuss and catch up on." You share a soft smile before he eagerly steals a kiss, as if collecting a bit of luck wherever he may need it.

"Indeed we do, love." He told you before he slowly made his way to his unknown whereabouts. Hoping he'd ever see you again.

#gale dekarios #gale #gale of waterdeep #bg3 gale #baldurs gate gale #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #baldurs gate

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my-own-walker · 1 year

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On The Other Line - Part 2

here is pt 2 for this post.

warnings: angst and sadness, a boisterous argument, delco in general, also maybe...happiness?

+++

All I've ever wanted to feel was like I was wanted. In fact, it was all I needed. To feel like someone needed me in their life.

After Colin and I went on those few dates, he didn't contact me at all. I made no effort either. I felt weird, like he wasn't really that into me, and I guessed I was right.

Days of radio silence went by, making me feel crazy. I replayed everything in my head and saw no reason why he'd ghost me, besides him being a nauseating asshole.

I wracked my brain alone in my apartment, pacing back and forth. It was late. Around 12:30 am. I couldn't sleep at all. I had work the next day and desperately needed sleep. Nothing was helping. It got to the point that no waking moment of mine was not plagued by thoughts of him, so I decided to do something about it.

I mustered the courage to call him. I was perched on the edge of my bed, phone to my ear, biting my thumb nail in anticipation. The line rang a few times before he picked up.

'Uh, Y/N?' he answered, sounding flustered.

'Zabel, can I talk to you?' I replied, trying to sound as unbothered as possible.

'Yeah, sorry, one sec. Let me just hang up with the person I have on the other line,' he said.

The other line? Why did he not hang up with them before picking up my call? I thought. Moments of silence went by, accompanied by rustling that I presumed was Colin trying to figure out how to hang up the other call, then a voice.

'Colin?' a female voice asked. I froze. My stomach dropped. 'Did you get off your call with your lil' girlfriend from the other day? Are you still trying to make me jealous?'

'Fu- Mare! Uh, just- one second, please!' Colin stammered.

Mare. The woman from the park the other day. He must have merged our calls instead of hanging up with her. Tears immediately sprang to my eyes. My chest balled up tightly into a knot. I didn't dare say a word. Instead, I removed the phone from my ear, stunned.

'Y/N? Y/N?' Colin called out from the phone in my lap. Numbly I pressed the red button in the middle of my phone's screen, hanging up on him. I let my phone slip out of my hands and clatter onto the floor. It buzzed almost immediately. A text from Colin.

One text soon became twelve, then twenty. He tried to call me again. I watched the activity unfold on my phone on the floor from the safety of my bed. Maybe if I don't move this isn't real. I thought. I let this guy fuck me, and it was all for revenge.

I was so embarrassed, so humiliated, and so hurt by it all. After a few minutes of feeling immense pain in my chest and letting tears sting my eyes, I finally caved and grabbed my phone.

'Y/N, please, I can explain.'

'I'm going to call you, can you pick up?'

'I'm so sorry. I really fucked up.'

The messages felt so insincere knowing the true intent behind his sudden interest in me. My insecurity got the best of me, though. I needed to see him one last time. I unlocked my phone and opened his messages. I needed to tell him what a bastard he was. I needed to make him see my pain.

'I'll be behind the library tomorrow at lunchtime if you'd like to talk.'

I sent it and threw my phone onto my dresser. I didn't check it for the rest of the night. It buzzed about 20 more times but I just laid on my back and stared at the wall until sleep's dark embrace captured me.

The hours at work, until we met, were agonizingly long. My mind was racing through all of the things I wanted to say. I was so hurt by him, I just wanted to lose it.

At around noon I walked out of the back door of the library. I squinted at the bright light of the sun, stepping out into reality. It was time to tell him how I felt.

He was already there. Early, as always. He wore this look on his face. Remorse, or something. It disgusted me.

'Y/N,' he breathed, putting his hands in his coat pockets.

It was bitterly cold outside. It was the kind of wind that stung your face when it blew. You could see our breath as we spoke.

'Fuck you, Colin,' I declared, rounding on him. 'What am I? A fucking pawn to you? This shit only fucking happens in movies, yet I'm living it. You astound me.' I threw my hands in the air in exasperation.

'Okay, I deserved that,' he muttered.

'What kind of low-life uses a person like this? You seriously make me sick. I can't believe I actually started falling for you,' I shouted.

His expression went from one of sadness to one of shock.

'You what?' he said, bewildered.

'Oh fucking stop with that,' I spat, 'I know you don't feel the same.'

'Please, Y/N, will you let me speak?' he pleaded. I raised my hands up, palms facing him, giving him the floor. 'I'll admit it. I went out with you to make Mare jealous. The night we met, at the bar, I had just been on a date with her. But Y/N, she really hurt me that night. It was a horrible time. She was so...horrible to me, I don't know. I wanted to hurt her.'

I scoffed. 'Oh great, so it's true, you fucking asshole.'

'No but- Y/N, here's the thing. When I met you, you lit up my life. For a brief moment, I could see a whole, beautiful future with you,' he professed. 'Yes, my intentions weren't pure, but I really, really like you. You are so amazing. Unique, funny, pretty. Your light is bright. You amaze me. And maybe I'm scared of that. Maybe I backed away, used the thing with Mare as a barrier between us so I wouldn't fall in love. But I sure as hell feel like I am, and I'm sorry, but I'm scared.'

My angry expression softened. I unclenched my fists and set my jaw, holding back tears.

'I'm so sorry. I am. I'm so not worthy of you,' he added.

A fat tear rolled down my cheek and I lurched toward him, wrapping him in a rib-cracking-strength hug.

He relaxed into my touch, sighing loudly. 'Y/N, you're so lovely.'

'Just shut up and kiss me, Zabel,' I breathed and planted my lips firmly on his.

And so he did. We embraced behind the library for what felt like hours. My head nestled firmly on his chest, reveling in the warmth it provided. He kissed me on the top of my head.

'I mean it, Y/N. I really think you're my forever. So let's give this a try. Please?'

I nodded, fully believing that he may be my forever, too.

+++

This ask was so fun to write! And guess what? Epilogue coming soon. Possibly even tonight...

#colin zabel #colin zabel x reader #evan peters x female reader #evan peters #mare of easttown #evan peters fic #evan peters x reader

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b1mbodoll · 6 months

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AAAAAAA OMG DO I HAVE A LONG ASS ASK FOR YOU. MY DATE/NOT DATE HAS JUST CONCLUDED....

So a little back story - I worked with this guy this past summer and like the first time we met I alr liked him. Like he was exactly my type. Like 100%. But I'm super shy (never dated anyone, never kissed anyone, never held hands with anyone) so I never really did anything obvious that I liked him bc I was nervous. We kind of flirted (maybe) a lot near the end of the summer. We texted a lot a lot but he ended up moving up to college for his apartment earlier than expected so we never got to see eachother after our last days of work. There was lots of drama on my end surrounding that trust. Like mental anguish bc I fumbled the bag hard.

Anyways. We start school respectively (I go to school in NY and him in TX) and we don't talk that often, just snap like everyday. But as the semester goes on we reply to each other's stories and have short, friendly convos more frequently. Flashforward to like, a week ago or something. I reply to his insta story and we start talking. He finds out that I'm going home for Thanksgiving and he is to so he asks me to hang out. This is odd bc we weren't close enough as friends for me to think that he would ask to see me.

Anyways again, I'm skipping details bc otherwise I'll never finish this lmao - the date/not date was like everything else we do. Vaguely romantic but could also be friendly. He picked me, we ate dinner and then went ice skating together. He walked up to my door to get me, held open doors for me, and opened the car door to walk me back to my house after we got back. But like - no moves were made. No attempts to hold my hand or kiss me. AT ALL. But like he also complimented my butterfly hair lips like sir 😭😭 idk what you want from me.

But now I'm feeling kind of tired of 6-7 months of not knowing where we stand with eachother. So I texted him afterwards saying "Thank you so much for tonight, I loved seeing you again! Although, I did want to know if it was a date or if it really was intended as just a hangout, bc it did seem like it sometimes? Either way, I'd love to meet up with you again if we're both in town!" He then liked bith of the thank you messages and replied, we definitely should. But then he replied to the daye/not date ask with - I don't know. I'll have to think about it. He then said something about it being more than he anticipated but still good, so idk if that means that it wasn't intended as a date but became one and he enjoyed it or if he meant it as a date but I fumbled the bag (I give just as many mixed signals bc I'm an anxious coward lmao) but it still ended up okay.

HOWEVER, I AM A GENIUS, LIKE RIZZ MASTER 1000. I accidentally left something in his car so tmmr morning he's gonna drive back to drop it off (It's like an hour round trip for him). And tomorrow is the day I will stop being a bitch. I'm gonna tell him that I'm interested but that I also do genuinely enjoy him as a person so like, however he intends to meet up with ne in the future I'll be okay with that.

So yeah. Story time over 🫶🫶🫶🫶 Sorry that it's actually so long but I remember how excited you were so I wanted to let you know how it went 💗💗💗💗

IM ON MY KNEES RN STOP u r so cute and agh!!!!!! i will be needing an update with whatever happens pretty please, honey 🤲

im so ☹️☹️☹️ u guys went ice skating ☹️ that’s so so so so fucking cute!!!!!! that actually is so cute my heart cant take it ໒꒰ྀིっ˕ -｡꒱ྀི১ but no moves being mad.. 🤬 yeah i need to have a stern talking to with this man!!! what r ur intentions with my little angel, you HEATHEN!!! hehe no but srsly dont be anxious sweetheart! i know its hard n way easier said than done, but you seem so wonderful and im sure he thinks that as well! im so glad you had a good time <3

rizz master 1000 has me crying omg ur too silly 😭 but him driving AN HOUR TO GIVE U UR THINGS STOP IT my little heart is so warm :( im proud of u for messaging him and asking for clarification about what the lil hangout was! n pls u r anything BUT a bitch!!!!! ur perfect and i hope things work out well with him!

dont apologize for he length! i love anything romance so inwas looking forward to this update!!!! wishing u the best of luck with him <3 mwah

#♡.signed. sealed. delivered.#♡.sweethearts #fullsun9890

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izzy-b-hands · 2 years

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"What are you doing?"

Fang and Ivan looked at the pile of dead bodies between them. Seemed fairly obvious to them, but Captain Stede was... Captain Stede.

"Can't leave these here," Ivan replied. "Just like I showed you before: clean them out of anything we want or need or could sell, then get rid of the body."

"Right," Stede said. "But you two are...I mean, usually you toss them over the side."

"And we will be," Fang confirmed. "Making sure nothing got missed first-Oh! Ivan, this is for you."

An ornate silver necklace, with a unique whiteish stone hanging from it.

"Thank you," Ivan smiled, and dropped the necklace into one of his pockets.

"Yes, but the extra bits," Stede continued. "Is that piratey?"

"Mate, as long as we get rid of the bodies, Izzy doesn't care what else we do with them," Ivan said. "So if we wanna cross their arms, put them in a decent body bag, and say a little something before we toss them over-"

"That's our right," Fang finished. "Unless you'd like to be the one cleaning this up?"

The scent wasn't a great one. There were flies starting to buzz. He wouldn't say yes.

"Maybr I could help?" Stede asked. "Do you follow their religions, if you have any way to tell?"

Ivan blinked in surprise. Maybe pirate training would make a decent pirate out of Stede after all. Or at least one with a stronger stomach. "Yeah, if we can. Lot of times you don't know or can't tell, so we do a nondenominational thing like 'sorry we had to kill you; thanks for your stuff; we hope you see some cool fish down there.'"

"If they have trinkets or a tattoo or something that let's us know," Fang added. "Then we do what we can. Don't always know much about each religion but...I don't know. I'd like it if someone just tried, if it was me. Better than nothing."

Stede nodded. "I have some books that might help with this, actually. About different religions, different prayers to use, that sort of thing. I can grab them in case we need them for this lot, if you'd like?"

He was heartbreakingly eager. It was sweet, but also a good idea.

"Yeah," Ivan smiled. "I've got a few gold teeth to pry out first anyway. You bring them out, and you can help us look up whatever we might need."

Stede grinned and nodded and dashed off, nearly running into Izzy.

"You let him help, right?" Izzy asked. "Because I told you-"

"Yes, we told him he could help," Fang sighed. "You know that was risky, sending him over here. He doesn't have the strongest stomach."

"No, but not all of us do," Izzy said with a pointed glare. "Exposure can help. And he'll be facing death with each raid. He may as well get used to it."

He dropped a bag by the pile of bodies. "Remember, Ed can't know about these coins. They were mine, but they came from raids we were all in on, so-"

"We appreciate it," Ivan interrupted. "Even if we can't figure out any other ceremonial stuff, we can help them pay for the ferry at least."

Izzy nodded. "Find me if he does get sick. I can haul him to Roach so you two can finish up."

They both nodded, though they shared a knowing look with one another. Dare they say, it was almost like Izzy nearly liked Stede a bit.

But Izzy would probably stab them if they said it aloud, so they kept on with the teeth while Izzy walked away.

"Izzy!" Stede rushed back towards them, books nearly spilling from his arms. "Where are you going? You could help us!"

Fang and Ivan winced in unison, in anticipation of what might happen next.

"I suppose I could," Izzy sighed, and turned around, to their surprise. "I've a few prayers memorized that might be useful for these poor bastards."

"Are they from your... whatever you believe in?" Stede asked gently.

"Wouldn't you like to know," Izzy scoffed, but he grabbed the bag of coins and started placing them over the eyes of the already rummaged through bodies.

"Yes, I would," Stede smiled. "You don't have to, but if you're comfortable sharing...either way, lovely to have another set of hands."

Izzy chuckled.

"What's that about?" Ivan asked hesitantly, before yanking out another tooth.

"Another set of hands," Izzy said. "Hands, and I'm..."

There was a pause, then laughter.

"I'm almost having fun!" Stede said cheerfully. "With a bunch of dead people too! I'd never have thought."

He set the books down nearby and joined Izzy, peering over the bodies for some sign that might designate a particular prayer or ceremony.

"Two weeks," Ivan whispered.

"Hm?"

"I give them two weeks to figure it out and do something about it," Ivan shrugged towards Izzy and Stede, just barely out of earshot now.

"Well, I'm a romantic, so I say within the next three days," Fang whispered back.

"You're on. Whoever's right gets...fuck, I don't know. Buys the other a drink at the next port?"

Fang smiled and nodded. He had a good feeling he'd be right.

#text post #ofmd scenelet #stizzy #or at least it's like pre stizzy stizzy lol #there are Feelings but no one has talked abt them yet #but everyone else can see it like fang and ivan here #tw death #and also i need to write more fang and ivan so im dipping my toes here #as i work on some ideas specifically for them with them as the focus

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themomsandthecity · 1 month

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The Very Real Sacrifice of Caring For Aging Parents in Your 20s

"I think things will be easier if my mom dies first," I found myself saying out loud to my best friend late last year, sitting on the carpeted steps of her rental house. This sentence may have come across as cold and morbid to anyone else, but I knew Tessa understood where I was coming from: Her dad and my dad both have terminal lung diseases, and neither of us have the best relationships with our moms, either. My mom in particular is generally healthy, but I worry about her living alone as someone who can be forgetful, overly trusting, isolated, and naive. Tessa and I met working at our college bookstore as cashiers. She's now a math teacher married to a great guy with a new baby boy. Tessa just turned 29. I'm a healthcare reporter who lives in Oakland, CA. I take art classes, love walking around the Bay, and have a 9-year-old cat named Clark. I'll be 28 later this year. Tessa and I both have older parents, and have bonded over how it can sometimes feel like we got robbed of fully enjoying our 20s. I don't call Tessa to gab about a new crush, or text her photos of my outfit options before a date. Instead, we talk about having to navigate federal healthcare on behalf of our parents, and arrange care for them while simultaneously trying to keep our own lives afloat. Neither of us feel like we have the same normalcy our friends do; we don't often call our parents for advice or anticipate the holiday season with excitement. Instead, our 20s have mostly felt like we're consistently waiting for the other shoe to drop, and when it does, we turn to each other for support. I am one of many millennials being affected by what's been referred to as an elder-care crisis. It's difficult to care for aging parents, especially with whom you have a strained relationship, while also navigating early adulthood. . . and financially earning less than they did at my age. The weight of credit card debt, student loans, and societal expectations can feel crushing. Hell, sometimes vet bills for just Clark can get pricey, even with pet insurance. I want to save money. I want to travel. I'd like to upgrade from a studio to a one bedroom so I don't have to fall asleep staring at my desk, since I work from home. But I also know that when my dad inevitably passes - and likely before my mom due to his condition - I'll need to be able to spring a last-minute plane ticket home and help get things in order. I recently received a master's degree from Syracuse University's Newhouse School, and throughout my final few semesters, I routinely thought to myself, "I hope my dad stays alive at least until I finish this degree." It can often feel like I'm holding my breath, hoping my parents hang on until I'm in a more established place in my life, so that I can offer the best care while also being my best self. My dad's prognosis was originally around seven years max, and he's now in his third year since being diagnosed. His health isn't currently changing much day by day, and when people ask how he's doing, I reply, "About the same." It can often feel like I'm holding my breath. I deeply desire to maintain autonomy in my own life, which still feels like it's just beginning. But I also want to make sure my parents are safe, healthy, and have all the resources they need as they age. So, rather than save for an eventual wedding or other milestone, I now have a separate savings account explicitly meant to help my parents in the event of something tragic. Just like a wedding is a major life event, so is losing a parent and maintaining care for the other parent - particularly if you're an only child, like I am. (At this point, some might ask, "Why don't you just leave the Bay Area if you're so concerned about money?" So, I should note that I have two uncles who live here, and we're very close. They weren't always part of my life, and as they also get up there in age, I want to be around them as long as possible, making… https://www.popsugar.com/family/millennial-taking-care-aging-parents-essay-49351514?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

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soliloquyepistolary · 1 year

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In the dream, I was lying on the couch at home and I message the TAFE chat a few paragraphs about how I am ill and won’t be able to make it to class today. I talk about how I’ve got a cough and about all my other symptoms. This feeling comes about from yesterday where a few people said they were ill and wouldn't be attending class today. I haven’t said anything in a while in the chat, but people are being very responsive towards me. They are heart reacting to my messages and are being empathetic towards me. I am not really ill though, I am just making an excuse because I actually just don’t want to go anymore. It seems like the majority of our classmates are not attending class today either and in the dream, everyone has been sending messages that they will not be attending. And then AJ is replying in the chat too which is surprising because he never does, and he is saying something like well seems like there was going to be only 1 person attending but he is feeling sick too and won't be coming. He writes a paragraph as well, just like I do. I think he is talking about how there will be no one showing up to pruning class today, except for one person. Which was him, but not anymore. I can feel his energy in his messages I feel connected to him even though he is not replying to me directly, I can just sense him and I am happy because we are mirroring each other. I don't feel or care about anyone else who has replied to me. I feel the burn of his energy in real-time.

I am going through my past group chat messages and making sure he has 'seen' them and when I see that he has, I am happy because it means we are connected or something.

There is a chess game occurring in class, we are playing as a class and everyone is taking it in turns to go up and make their move. I am just observing. I am seeing people move the pieces, like the pawns and they are trying to get the opponents queen or something. I am not sure that we are necessarily in teams or anything, it feels like people are juts going up one after the other to make their moves.

After while, one 'team' is clearly going to win the game like a checkmate, it is only one move away from being so. One piece on the board just has to make its move and it’ll be done. There's a calmness to this realisation. On the board, a boy is putting a tall glass cup of some kind over the 'queen' so that it doesn't go anywhere, out of some a quite anxiety and anticipation sure, but also to kind of pre-emptively mark that we have it in the bag so everyone knows what is happening next.

There is writing on the white board, about game moves. I think people have been strategizing or using it to let it be known what is going to happen next. Everyone else had been marking out their moves in the usual way that is typical but the boy goes up to the board and does something a little different. With the white-board marker he is drawing the next chess strategy which will win the game. It is akin to the knight simply needing to make one L diagonal or the rook only has to go diagonally a handful of squares for it to be over. On the board he draws out the move, he draws a watering can with its spout so long and convoluted, reaching over to the piece that is going to get taken out. One piece on the board is the watering can, the other the cup.

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fuyuesu · 1 year

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i like to think that when ft4 finally leave the entertainment industry, they do it quietly. not unnoticeably, but also uncharacteristically quiet, especially for them. they have one last live concert, and they don't hide it from the SICKS either. it reads right there, in big bold letters, "Full Throttle4 : Farewell Anthem (Last Group Live". and they aren't shy in sharing it too. they tell the interviewers, they tell their assistant manager who had replaced IV after he took a break due to his declining health, they tell their fellow idols. they speak clearly and almost practicedly: "Full Throttle4 will now end its run as a performing group. We thank all of the SICKS for supporting us in our journey thus far, and we cannot thank even more, those who have supported us behind the scenes. Remember, we're still FT4!" and the concert goes as it does usually. the crowd is noticeably more somber, but pumped up and full of life still. they couldn't miss the way ft4 wld look back at the empty DJ booth, almost waiting for a reply, a remark, a glare, or a smile from a person that was no longer there. and they couldn't miss it either, no one could, not even mona or minami or lipxlip who were watching the live with heartbreaking anticipation. the way they all sang their final two songs, love anthem, and a small, specific portion of welcome sicks.

"Let it shine. The stage fueled by your life. Let's rise and feel alive! Now, let us sing, now. This resonating anthem with no ending. For as long as we're standing, so long as we're breathing, we will sing!"

And the way they all gestured to the empty DJ booth, almost as though it was still filled, almost as though the presence of it there was enough to let them carry on. And so they bowed, and thanked the fans, did their chats and bickering and smiled and laughed like everything was supposed to be the same. And the SICKS welcomed this end wholeheartedly, knowing what it meant yet knowing more how much it mattered to FT4. and thus, the group ended.

after that, no one heard much more of them. there was the occassional solo projects, the radio interviews, the honorale mentions and the awards tamura was left to receive in their behalf. it was almost as though ft4 themselves had completely vanished.

but it was only to few, a select, miniscule few, who knew where to find them. laying down wine-colored flowers, humming a sweet, melancholic song, yet smiling still. for it was what they should be doing. after all, that's what he would have wanted.

"this anthem will never stop resonating, between you and me, and between all the world...but now, the anthem is dedicated to you, from all our hearts."

ft4 share a warm laugh, perhaps at how cheesy they sound, perhaps as a way to hide the tears that prickled their eyes. and there, on the grave laid with flowers and handwritten songs never to be read, glowing with a lasting love that would never fade, lied full throttle4. and now, their melody will resound across the world, forever passing and never changing, a love anthem and an oath to a dream, never to be forgotten.

WHY THE FYCKO WUDL YOU DO THIS TO ME

#melty answers #haniwaposting

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the-letter-horror-lover · 2 years

Text

Sebas-chan.

Chapter 19: Gothic Rose

Chapter Text

The next day was pretty much uneventful. I helped out around the manor; fetching, shining, and tidying things for whoever asked. My mind kept whirring back to yesterday; Sebastian nearly confessing in the morning and Snake being romantic at night. I don't know why, but all day I kept wanting (no, anticipating!) the unique timbre of their voices. I've never truly felt like this, nor have I ever felt such feelings from someone else dedicated to me. It was only about an hour after midday when things started to get really interesting…FREAKY interesting.

We all rode in a carriage into town, Snake acting as coachman (and yes, Grell really did tag along). Ciel had been forced to sit in front of him, and I opposite of Sebastian. The ride into London (well, London's backstreets) was sorta entertaining. Grell, for the duration of the ride, kept either trying to sit on Sebastian's lap or caressing some part of him, pouting whenever Sebastian would put a stop to it.

Eventually, we pulled to a stop in front of Undertaker's shop. Sebastian got out first, helping Ciel exit the carriage. Grell hopped out next, helping me exit the carriage. Sebastian rolled his eyes, watching him act sub-servenient to me. I gave him a sharp glare before walking to stand slightly behind Ciel.

The door to Undertaker's shop opened (quite dramatically, I might add) as if the very shop sensed our presence. Much like the first time I was here, it was dark inside (but now dim since some brave beams of sunlight forced themselves through begrimed, tinted windows). We all entered, Sebastian closing the door between us and the outside world (plus Snake, since he'd been told to wait outside).

"Ah, my darling precious, Nekohime!" Undertaker called, bowing and kissing the back of my hand, "I was beginning to wonder when I'd get the chance to see you again…" Again, he wrapped an arm around my waist before addressing everyone else. Grell stiffened when he saw this. I could tell that he was using A LOT of control just to not extract me from Undertaker's grasp. "And my favorite earl is here too…as is his butler, Sebastian….Oh! and the lovely Grell…"

"Cut the formalities," Ciel interjected, his face never letting his emotions show, "I trust that you have that information I want?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Undertaker chided, running a nail slowly down my cheek, "where are your mannors, earl? It is only polite if you'd remember them and NOT show yourself to be the rude little boy you are when in the presence of two very lovely ladies…right, Nekohime?" He licked my cheek, tracing the same path his nail had previously made (only from the bottom up).

I didn't reply, shuddering inwardly as he laid his head on my shoulder and cupped my other cheek.

"Fine," Ciel hissed, eying the way the creepy man thouched me, "Name your price."

"I want her. Will you give her to me, young earl?"

Sebastian's eyes narrowed, remaining stoic, he grabbed Grell's wrist when he tried to step forward.

Ciel's eye remained cool and calculating, "You'll have to ask her, because I don't own her."

"She works for you, does she not?" Undertaker asked, his grip on my waist tightening. "So quite surely, you do own her."

"Not anymore," Ciel proclaimed, "Nekohime, I release you from your servitude. You've served me well, and I also grant you permission to remain at my manor for as long as you wish."

"Clever child," He chuckled, now starting to gently sway, "Well, what do you say, my pretty? Will you willingly give yourself to me in exchange for the information the young earl desperately seeks, knowing full well that there is now no obligation towards you?"

My hands clenched into tight fists. I breathed deeply, trying to mentally dig myself out of the hole Undertaker wanted me in, "Is there no other way? Something else you want?"

"At the moment, no," Undertaker replied, spinning me until I had my back against his front and I was facing Ciel. He still held me at the waist, grasping my chin so that I couldn't turn my head, "Ask him if there is something else he wants. If not, my price stands as is…unless you want to make a deal with me. I'll give you the information the earl wants in exchange for something only you can give me, so,…what do you say?"

I frowned slightly, mulling over my options.

"Nekohime," Ciel warned, glaring at Undertaker, "don't."

"Will I be able to walk away from this with my soul and life attached?" I asked, praying that his answer to fall in my favor.

"It all depends on what you want my consolation prize to be, my dear," Undertaker replied in my ear.

I closed my eyes as a knot twisted in my stomach, "Ant it HAS to be something I can give you?"

"Yes," He answered, bringing my hand to his face to press soft kisses into the back of it.

I bit my lower lip, finally whispering my answer,"…a date."

"Hmm?" He inquired, turning my arm to kiss my wrist.

"I-I'll…" I stammered, disgusted by what I just offered, "I'll go on a date with you, but on my terms only and if everything afterwards goes as planned; meaning everyone is able to walk away untouched and unscathed and we get the job done without drawing any major attention. Does that satisfy you?"

"A date?" He repeated.

"Yes," I answered, hoping my voice didn't show how scared I was.

"What are the terms of the date, if I may be so bold to ask?"

I took a deep breath, "We'll discuss those conditions when the job goes as I want."

"Hmm," he thought.

Silence. Yet, we still waited for Undertaker's answer.

"Nekohime," Undertaker began, both arms tightening around my waist, "deal accepted. Alright, earl, you get to have the information that I've collected."

Ciel, although letting out a sigh of relief, never let his blank expression slip. Sebastian though, looked like he wanted to throttle Undertaker by just glaring at him. Grell too, had his teeth bared in annoyed anger.

"Alright," He continued, swaying with his chin resting on my shoulder, "The place you'll want is an underground brothel; one that specializes in dark fetishes and other…less 'savory' dealings. I've personally investigated the place and know that it's hosting a grand gothic ball. Everyone with a 'black' fetish can go and is invited, they'll even allow newcomers to attend and those who have…an attachment."

"Any details?" Ciel asked, fighting the urge to look sick.

Undertaker thought for a moment, "None that I'd care to recognize or remember. But this place is severely divided between Submissives and Dominants, in other words, half of the people in there were walking around like they owned the place, while the other half ghosted about like shadows of what never was. The Dominants had eyes of malicious hunger, but every Submissive had an empty, hollow look…almost as if they were living without souls.

"So how do we get in?"

"that's all up to you, earl," Undertaker replied, "I don't care since I have what I want."

"Please!" I breathed, my annoyance starting to show, "Technically, you don't just yet. My conditions, remember?"

"Of course, my sweet," He cooed in my ear, "How could I forget?"

"Hmm, makes me wonder," I mocked, continuing, "Anyways, Ciel, I think I can help you…well, us…get in."

"Beautiful and smart, I really starting to enjoy my prize!" He giggled softly, pressing a kiss just beneath my earlobe.

"SH-Never mind," I stopped myself, forcing myself to calm the raging beast within me that wanted to tear Undertaker to unrecognizable pieces, "I REMEMBER SUCH A CLUB BACK FROM MY HOME COUNTRY. If Undertaker is telling the truth, then it should be fairly easy to get in. All we'll need is a new identity and a new wardrobe."

Ciel stared at me in shock, "Is THAT all?"

I fidigeted, nodding, "Can we go back to the manor? I'm feeling tired…"

Grell, sensing my distress, added to my silent plea, "I agree with Nekohime, I too, am feeling a bit restless and would like to go. Besides, I think there's no more information he has to offer." Undertaker laughed softly in my ear before finally releasing me, "Such a pity you cannot stay longer, my precious jewel. I shall miss you…until our date."

As soon as I felt his presence disappear from around me, I immediately walked towards Grell and attached myself to him (he in turn held me in feminine comfort). We walked out that way, in front of Ciel and Sebastian.

"Ciao, beautiful Nekohime!" Undertaker called, the door to the shop shutting him away.

Once in the safety of the carriage, I let out a long sigh of relief while cuddling into Grell's embrace. He began petting my hair in soothing touches. I closed my eyes, wishing that what had just happened was only a dream…sadly, it wasn't. The ride back to the manor was quiet, all of us lost in our own thoughts.

Chapter 20: Curiosity…not exactly the best way to kill a cat…

Chapter Text

We (that is Grell, Sebastian, Ciel, and I) pretty much locked ourselves in Ciel's study for a decent part of an hour once we'd reached the manor.

"By the way, Ciel," I asked, finally glad to have most of my nerves settled, "What EXACTLY did I agree to go on a date for?"

Ciel sighed, wincing at the fresh memory, "Sebastian, bring us some tea, I think we ALL bit off a bit more than we expected."

"Yes, my lord." Sebastian bowed, exiting the room.

When Sebastian left, Ciel STILL didn't answer my question. Grell was standing beside the window, watching the sunset.

"Ciel," I asked again softly, watching his eye meet mine, "What's going on?"

"I never intended to drag an innocent into this," He began, running his fingers through his hair.

"Oh! Just tell her already!" Grell snapped, crossing his arms and glaring an ugly glare at Ciel, "it does her no good to stay in the dark. I had already told you that once she's here before us, she'll be in far too deep. Now tell her before I do!"

"Shut up, Grell." Sebastian hissed, pushing in the tea cart with Ciel's request. "Since you're so busy pouting and yapping about it, then I trust that you've already drawn up the paper work?"

"Well, of course, Sebby!" Grell growled, "Do NOT think for one second that just because I'm a lady, I DON'T trifle with such meddlesome and tedious ideas you men dream up then run headlong to do! As it is, it's ALWAYS better to send a woman to do a man's job!"

"Shut up, both of you!" Ciel barked, sipping the hot tea Sebastian had poured for him. "Nekohime, I trust that, by now, you've already figured out that you're not from here, so I'll not bother you with details since everything is already in place and what ever is not will eventually fall into place. I don't know how much you know about us, but you should know of the long standing feud between the Demons and Death Gods. That battle is as old as time itself, and no one on Earth, Hell, or Other realm knows why or how it started. Essentially, their war is the ageless battle of Good versus Evil. To the Demons, ALL Shinigami are evil and vice versa to the Reapers. It is from their feud that we get that term. It's only an unfortunate circumstance that we humans are caught in the middle."

"So what does that have to do with me?" I asked, accepting the cup Sebastian handed me.

"You're a dreamer and a believer," Sebastian stated, standing next to Ciel.

"You're a creator and life-bearer," Grell chimed in, sipping his tea.

"You are the only third source of power in this battle," Ciel concluded, "Nekohime, you are the human spirit!"

I stared at them in stunned silence. I dropped onto one of the recliner-like chairs, dizzy. Surprisingly, my voice remained steady as I voiced my only remaining question. I closed my eyes, breathed deeply, then opened them to look at them with an understanding and power-filled gaze.

"What do I have to do?"

Ciel smiled that cunning smile of his, the one that showed that he knew he was winning, "First things first, Sebastian, send word to Nina that we'll be requiring her skills tomorrow."

"Yes, my lord." Sebastian bowed. He barely opened the door when…

"Amaria!...Amaria!"

"Lady Amaria!...Mr. Sebastian, Master Ciel!"

He closed the door again. Ciel face palmed while Grell smiled; opened a rift to his realm and walked in. The rift closed behind him.

"Maybe they're in here!"

"Then PLEASE knock…they may be in an important meeting…"

"Well, WE'RE more important than some dusty old meeting!"

"Lord Soma! Don't!"

Sebastian quickly opened the door. Apparently Soma had been about to something to the door, because when Sebastian opened it, he face planted onto the pristine marble floor. Agni stood somewhat back, holding a stack of wrapped boxes, shocked at what happened to Soma.

With all seriousness broken, I just had to laugh.

"Hello, Prince Soma, Hi, Agni!" I smiled, waving at them.

"Miss Amaria!" Agni grinned, walking around Soma's huddle form. "Look at what we've got for you!"

"Aww! You two shouldn't have!" I replied, watching as he stacked the boxes neatly in front of me.

"Well we couldn't let you stay at Master Ciel's with nothing but those stuffy, drab dresses that English women find fashionable!" Soma replied (apparently his moment passed…not that anyone was paying attention to him any ways). "So I had Agni make you a new wardrobe based on the high fashions of India, our home country!"

"Oh, thank you!" I responded, showing them how much I appreciated their effort.

=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=

After opening all 17 boxes (yes, I did keep count) and modeling the brightly colored clothing for them, Soma, Ciel and I moved to the dining room and chatted while Agni and Sebastian (at Agni's insistence) prepared dinner for us.

"Did you like the clothes?" Soma asked as he sat down next to me.

"Yes," I replied, smiling for his benefit, "The colors were so bright and fiery that it made me happy just looking at them."

"WIAT!" Ciel interrupted, "So how and when EXACTLY did you two meet?"

Soma thought for a moment, tapping his chin, "Well, what was it? 2…maybe three days ago?..."

"It was the day I went out shopping for clothes," I reminded them.

"Oh, yeah! That's right!" Soma declared, his face bright, "I was out grocery shopping with Agni, when across the street…I happened to spy an ethereal beauty trailed by a bespelled butler…your butler. The heavenly maiden turned her head ever so slightly and immediately…I was bewitched, much like Sebastian."

I began laughing, tears forming in my eyes, "Oh, PUH-LEASE! You know very well that THAT is not what happened!"

Soma looked at me exasperatedly, "yes it did!"

"No," I tried to calm myself, "Both you and Agni thought I was some evil mistress that stole Sebastian away from Ciel."

Ciel arched a brow, enjoying the entertainment.

Soma opened his mouth to reply only to be cut off by Agni's announcement that dinner was ready and Ciel's soft tittering.

For dinner, we had a chicken curry dish (a national favorite, according to Agni) and dessert was a fruit and chocolate mousse parfait (made with Funtomhive dark chocolate).

=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=

After seeing off Agni and Soma, and watching Ciel go upstairs to his office, Sebastian swept me up in his arms and swiftly carried me to his room, locking the door behind him. He sat on the bed with me in his lap. He held me close, kissing the spots that Undertaker had dared to touch with his mouth.

Finally, he laid his head on my shoulder, "Ah, my darling Nekohime," he whispered, his breath making shivers dance along my spine as it danced upon the side of my throat, "You do not know how badly I wanted to rip out Undertaker's spine and strangle him with it while I watched him touch you."

I laughed softly, running my fingers up and down his coat sleeve, "Why didn't you? You could have at least let Grell scratch his face off, because he looked mad enough to do it."

"I know," Sebastian laughed, "So what are the conditions that you are going to impose on him?"

I thought for a moment, "well, I'm either going to drag you, Grell, or Snake along just so he can get mad because he won't get to be alone with me. Then he has to treat me and whoever I decide to drag along to dinner, he's buying of course. Hmm, maybe go and see an opera…because I can deal with him as long as he's quiet and we'll be in a public place, so I don't think he'll put those creepy hands of his on me. Uh, no kissing, licking, biting, or holding me inappropriately in public…and NO escorting me back to the manor…pretty much what I say is what goes."

"He'll be so mad once he hears all of your conditions," Sebastian laughed.

"Well, that's all I have for now," I replied, smirking evilly, "besides, I may add more later on."

He only laughed as he continued to hold me, "Ah, Hime, You're so difficult at times, but that's one thing that I love about you."

I arched a brow, "You get turned on by my natural instinct as a woman to be as evil as possible just to put things in my favor?"

"More or less," He shrugged, kissing my jaw.

I elbowed him playfully in the chest, "Man, you ARE a freak!"

"No, I'm just one hell of a butler."

Chapter 21: Nightmares are made of these, who am I to disagree…

Chapter Text

About 30 minutes later, Sebastian carried me up to my room and gave me a soft kiss (to say goodnight) on my forehead. After shutting my door, I turned to face the bed. The moonlight shone brightly upon a blood red rose that glistened beautifully on my pillow. I picked it up, pressing a soft kiss onto the delicate petals. In my revere, I felt his arms wrap around me and his jead rest upon my shoulder.

"You're late," Snake whispered into my ear.

"Well, I can't help that a lot of unexpected things happened today," I retorted softly, "What are you ding in my room anyways?"

"Isn't it obvious?" He replied, his voice like silk on my skin, "I'm here to see you and…" with one hand he twiassted my head enough to kiss me fully and softly on the lips, after a minute his mouth left mine, "to give you a goodnight's kiss."

My eyes grew wide, a hard blush coloring my cheeks in the moonlit darkness, "Snake…" I whispered.

"I love you, Nekohime," He stated, turning me to face him, "and there is nothing I wouldn't do for you, nothing I wouldn't give to see you smile, I'd gladly and willingly sacrifice my life for you. To me, you're my everything."

"Snake…" I began softly, dropping my gaze from his, "but you hardly know me…" I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes, "How can you possibly love me?" A tear fell from my eyes.

His thumb brushed it away, tilting my chin to kiss my lips again, "Because I can see the real you. Like my reptile friends, I have a sixth sense. I could tell that you'd been in love with someone who basically distorted and destroyed the true meaning of love for you. I'm determined to change that. No matter what it takes, I will bring back to you the true beauty of love…even if I have to traverse every realm of hellish evil to do it." He kissed me fiercely, as if to accentuate the very meaning of his words.

I kissed him back with equal fervor, I wanted desperately to believe I his words…and a small, hidden part of me did. My arms wrapped around his neck as the kiss deepened. Eventually, we broke for air, he softly kissed my lips once, almost as if apologizing for being rough. My heart pounded harshly against my ribcage as he held me in a tight hug. He breathed in deeply, as if trying to memorize my scent. After a whispered 'goodnight', he let me go and exited my room (via, the balcony).

I sighed softly, undressing and putting on the night dress that I'd worn my first night here. Crawling into the cool sheets, I collapsed into the pillow that the rose had previously lain on…and cried.

=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=

I was running. There was something malevolent and dark chasing me. I was screaming. The manor loomed into view. Upon entering, everyone stood in the foyer…swaying, living and lifeless. Their mouths open and closing in a sick puppetry game, no sound coming from their throats. As a single entity, they all pointed to something behind me. I turned.

My eyes widened in fear. It just stood there, smiling. Black feathers swept around me in a vicious whirlwind. Only one gently touched my hand. It was a white one-stained red. I turned back around. Everyone was on the marble floor…their bodies mangled. I stood there, my bare feet bathing in their blood. I looked up. It smiled at me still. The white feather etched and buried itself into the skin above my heart. I screamed in anguish before the darkness consumed me.

The white feather now floated freely, dripping with my blood, only to finally disintegrate into nothingness.

=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=

Everyone stood around me, holding candles, concern written plainly on their faces. It was still dark. I sat up on the edge of the bed and vomited.

Everything was on the floor; what I'd eaten and blood.

=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=

When the sun finally decided to rise, I sat up stiffly. Ciel slept peacefully on my left, Mey-Rin on my right. Finny (I'd noticed) apparently decided to crash at the foot of the bed. Bard was asleep on a chair, snoring softly, his head propped against the wall with a gun in his lap. Mr. Tanaka slept soundly in the plush chair, his chin against his chest, a gun also in his grasp. Snake was asleep too, sitting upright on the floor; in the sharp corner my armoire made with the wall. The only one awake was Sebastian, he was outside on the balcony watching the sunrise. A rift opened soundlessly, allowing Grell to step through.

"Did you all have a sleepover and not invite me?" He asked, taking note that I was the only one in the room that was awake.

"This was no sleepover," Ciel mumbled in his sleep, slowly sitting up.

"He's quite right." Sebastian stated softly, entering the room.

"Sebby!" Grell called, moving to try and attach himself to him.

"Please, not now, Grell," Sebastian sighed, holding up a hand, "Normally, I'd allow your attachment but now isn't a good time. Especially not after last night."

"Well, what happened last night?"

"There was a break in and an attack on Nekohime," Ciel answered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Grell's eyes widened in shock (as did mine), "H-how?"

"We don't know how, but the only way we were even aware of the attack was by Nekohime screaming our names loudly. She kept calling our names loudly, all of ours. When we all entered the room, we found this black, shadow-like, fiendish thing hovering above her body, which contorted into inhuman positions in mid-air." Ciel shuddered, "More than once, I'm quite sure I heard her spine and joints snap with ugly, sickening pops as she continued to convulse. She still kept screaming our names, the words: blood death, and eternity, and she finally just began screaming an evil sounding chant in a dead language. We opened fire on the thing. She dropped onto the bed and laid there. A malevolent wind whipped violently against us as that thing fled out the balcony window. Sebastian checked to make sure she was still alive, she was…and strangely enough, none of her bones were broken. To make sure that thing no longer came back, we all decided to sleep with her in the room."

Everyone stirred, waking up.

"If you'll excuse me, my lord," Sebastian began, fixing Ciel eye-patch, "Since everyone here is waking up, shall I go and prepare some breakfast for all of us to eat up here?"

"As you wish," Ciel replied, stretching.

"Never thought I'd say this but," Sebastian sighed, "Care to help me, Grell?"

"Of course, my dear Sebby!"

Chapter 22: Mysterious powers have got it going on and on and on and on…

Chapter Text

After being served breakfast, everyone departed as scheduled to see to their duties. Ciel, decided to move whoever stayed behind (which was Sebastian, Grell, himself, and I) to his study. We remained in silence until Ciel decided to go over the information we'd gotten from Undertaker yesterday and plan out how he wanted to proceed from there.

"So, Nekohime," He began, threading his fingers together and resting his chin on them, "What EXACTLY are we up against? Tell us what you know about these 'fetish' clubs. Basically, tell us what we have to do."

"Well," I fidgeted slightly, "I'm not exactly comfortable talking about this, but the only way I can see us walking away is by becoming something we are not."

"By what means?"

"Well, first off, a fetish is what one does for physical pleasure; be it biting or using…"

"Using?...as in opium?" Sebastian asked, trying to follow my brain path.

I nodded, "yes."

"master, you don't think…Lau?"

"No, Lau may be stupid, but he not THAT stupid." Ciel commented.

"Ranmao though…she acts like a submissive." Sebastian argued.

My head perked at this, "Ranmao?...describe her habits."

"Well," Sebastian began, "She dresses rather provocatively and is extremely clingy to anything of power or anything she finds cute to the point of awkwardness, or so Lau says.. She's also very stoic and speaks only in erratic, one-worded sentences if a question is directed to her…unfortunately, her responses have nothing to do with the question asked."

"Hmm," I thought, muttering, "it's a possibility…maybe…seems easy enough to pull off…"

"Nekohime?" Ciel questioned.

My eyes grew wide as I smacked my forehead with a groan, "We'll need to notify Undertaker. He needs to be here, unless one of you knows of someone else with an erratic, dominant personality…"

Ciel arched a brow, exchanging glances with Sebastian.

"What are you thinking?" Sebastian asked, his eyes beginning to glow with malice.

"Eww! Gross!" I shuddered, shaking my head at the thought, "S-since he'd already investigated the club personally…I think it might be better if I went as a more free version of Ranmao, but as his attachment…eww!" just the thought made me sick, "Grell, you should dress as a female dominant bent on trying to convert other dominants into submissives. Sebastian, you can play the role of a dominant (naturally) and Ciel will be your attachment…your fetish, though, will be based on young, adorable boys (a.k.a. CIel) that you force to wear pretty dresses."

Ciel looked like he wanted to puke, "A DRESS! Again!"

"I'm so sorry, CIel," I apologized, "but clubs like this won't allow you in at such a young age unless you were a special case."

"I get to wear a dress?" Grell asked, a small smile forming at the thought.

"Yes," I looked at him, "Since you have such long, pretty red hair and a feminine face to begin with…I'd thought it'd be best to disguise you as a woman…ironically, your name would have to be both memorable and not at the same time…something that either describes you or your fetish…"

"Madam Red…"

We all glanced at Ciel, his quick response stunning us momentarily.

"Madam Red, it's all too perfect," He continued, "Rd hair and a stubborn will to make all men swoon at your feet…just throw in a blood fetish and a back and red accentuated dress and voila! Instant 'Madam Red'"

Grell thought about this for a moment, "Blood fetish…Madam Red…Earl, You're just too precious."

"And I'm to play a dominant with a fetish for young boys in dresses?" Sebastian asked, smirking softly and mulling over the idea, "Does that mean that my master will have to go completely disguised as a girl?"

"No," I shook my head, "The point of Ciel being in a dress IS to show that he IS a boy wearing a dress."

Ciel covered his face, his voice muffled, "Please tell me something to make me feel better about wearing a dress!"

"Well," I began, searching for complements that (I thought) would'nt offend him, "Since you're still young…your face still has a pretty, although a bit childish, feminine charm…your legs, since you wear shorts all the time, are and can rather be easily mistaken for that of a girls, and-"

"Please! No more!" Ciel groaned loudly, "If I want someone telling me how much I look like a girl, I'll just ask Lizzie!"

"But what does Undertaker have to do with this?" Grell asked, sitting on the corner of Ciel's desk.

I shuddered, "His personality is random and erratic, plus (as I'm quite sure) he'll be willing to go along whith what I say and he'll stick to the script. Not only that, but his egostatistical need to be dominant would cover for any mistakes that I may make while trying to act as a more free version of Ranmao." A sudden thought struck my brain, "Hey, Ciel, you never told me what we're doing this for."

Ciel picked his head up, "You mean you don't know?"

I shook my head looking confused.

"About a month ago, an ancient cave was discovered here in England, deep underground. It was an unmarked tomb. Whatever had once been buried is now loose and bent on destroying all forms of life." Ciel stated, "This thing is said to travel in the form of a viscous, black shadow-"

"Like that thing in my bedroom?" I asked, shocked.

"I have reason to believe that it was the very same thing," Ciel nodded continuing, "That thing was not the only thing to emerge…three ancient artifacts did too. A fiery ruby known as the 'Demon Heart', a jade pearl called 'Mother Earth's Stillborn', and a black stone called 'Death's Soul'. Somehow those stones and that thing that attacked you are connected. So at the same time, a tome was unearthed approximately 40 leagues out at sea in a similarly unmarked cave on a previously uncharted island. Along with that tome was a pure white, feather shaped stone called 'Life's Spirit'…Sebastian, bring it in here."

"Yes, my lord." Sebastian bowed, departing.

"Grell, bring the two that I left in your possession."

"Sure thing," Grell stated, passing through an opening rift.

"What are they going to get?" I asked, puzzled.

"You'll see."

Sure enough, I did. Sebastian walked back in carrying a rather thick, ancient looking, untreated leather, bound book. Grell came back bearing two separate pouches. Ciel dug in his desk, pulling out another, similar looking pouch. All four items were placed on the desk with a considerable amount of care.

"This was the tome that was found with this," Ciel pointed to the pouch he'd pulled from the desk, "The ones that Grell has is the jade pearl and ruby." He indicated the other two pouches this time.

I swallowed, "Can I see the feather stone?"

Ciel nodded, standing up and walking to hand it to me.

I cautiously opened the pouch. Of it's own will, the stone floated freely out of the pouch, shining brightly with a pure glow. A thin, silver chain formed out of the light which then immediately encircled my throat. The stone itself clung gently to the chain, which had enough of a give, to make it look like a proper sized pendant. The light vanished.

They all stared at me in stunned amazement.

A knock sounded at the door.

"It would seem that Nina has arrived," Sebastian commented, breaking the awkward silence.

Chapter 23: Open that door and find a brick wall

Chapter Text

After discussing with Nina our reason for calling her (and epically lying in some spots) and telling her what we wanted her to make (based off of pre-drawings made by yours truly). She immediately set to work (after taking our measurements) in a room Ciel had set aside especially for her. Undertaker didn't show up until Nina had completed our requests (the fashionably late prick!). Luckily, she didn't have to remake my dress (in fact, she used my design to make his!). It was nearly 4 in the afternoon when she'd FINALLY finished and left. I was floored. That woman was either a miracle worker or a sewing goddess, because she completed everything as asked (and yes, that did include the fitting and alterations).

"Ah, my precious Neko-" Undertaker began (after Nina'd left), trying to wrap his arms around me.

"Spare me," I hissed, crossing my arms and walking away.

Undertaker (apparently) didn't take the hint, "I didn't have to agree to go on this job, I could have easily said no." He followed me.

I quickly walked outside, "Well, why didn't you? It would have saved me the pain and trauma."

His hand suddenly grabbed my shoulder, spinning me till I faced him. His emerald eyes flickered dangerously beneath the long bangs that hung like a silver curtain in front of his face. I glared back at him defiantly.

"I'm not afraid of you, death." I stated calmly, fury raging just beneath the surface.

"Good," He replied, the hand not touching me tucked a strand of loose hair behind my ear, "You should never fear death, but the evil that clings to you…and the evil that haunts your past."

"What the hell do you know about my past?" I swatted at the hand near my face.

He grasped my chin harshly, "Plenty enough," He hissed, "I know that you were beaten as a child, trapped in a loveless relationship, orphaned at 16, and currently you are torn between two hearts; one that would bleed and on that would thrive under the harshest conditions for you." He laughed darkly, "See, these sweet tears you cry…I know. I know how much you hate yourself for inspiring their affections. This very deception and masked façade has been forged into a meticulous shield-hiding away the bloodied and dying child within, but I see her."

He was right, for indeed soft tears had begun to slowly course down my cheeks. His thumb traced my lower lip. With his other hand, he took my hand and kissed the pulse on my upturned wrist.

"That was why I asked the earl for you," He whispered, "I could have protected you until it was time. It may be a bit too late now, but…" his hand dropped from my chin to touch the feather stone, "at least you're protected…however,"

He dug into his clothes, bringing out a tiny, silver hourglass filled with pure, silver sand. I felt a tiny prick on my pulse. I jerked my hand back, finding a small crescent mark welling up with my blood. He'd unscrewed the miniature top, and reached for my wrist. One drop of blood dropped into it, the sand glittering as it was stained red, looking like ruby shards.

"Just a precaution," Undertaker replied, replacing the top and hiding away the hourglass. He licked the mark he'd made, the wound closing as if it never happened.

"A precaution? For what?" I asked, stunned by what had just happened.

He cupped my face in his hands, my eyes locking with his, "Nekohime, I may not have been there for you in your past, but at least now I can be. If you're ever in danger, I'll be there to help save you. Especially more so now, because the world depends on your survival."

"What are you talking about?" I questioned, my eyes narrowing.

"Ah, sacrifices, sacrifices, my dear," He replied in a sing-song voice, "So much to prepare for with everything to lose…and in so little time!"

"What?" I gasped, panic beginning to set in.

"Tonight is the world's last peaceful new moon, for the ides will be corrupted with danger," He finished, grasping my shoulders (as one would do to a misunderstanding child), "Nekohime, never leave Sebastian's nor Grell's nor my side until the earl has truly left Sebastian's."

I pulled back, "What do you mean?" my eyes widening in fear.

"Nothing," He smiled, "Don't worry that pretty little head of yours, since we're here to protect you, nothing shall ever mar your perfect soul."

He walked off, waving as if nothing ever happened. The normalcy of the world came crashing down, my mood pulled a complete 180. My face formed a half-serious frown as I shouted at him.

"UNDERTAKER! YOU FREAK!"

His gleeful laughter was my only response

=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=

Once again, I found myself stuck in Ciel's office (with the other three…which was Undertaker, Grell and Sebby). Currently discussing our plan of action (well, more like my script and character disguises).

"Alright," Ciel breathed (at my insistence, he was wearing his disguise [as we all were]. My lie for that was to make sure we kept in character and not make it awkward [basically I was covering up for Grell's insistence for wearing his dress]…gotta admit though, he was one SUPER smexy lady in that disguise). "Lets review, in detail, who we are. Starting with Grell, Nekohime, if you will…"

"Okay," I began, "Grell is named 'Madam Red', a woman with a strange fetish. She's the very definition of a 'powerful woman'. Her fetish started when she no, longer found her high from dominating someone who's willing, so she's bent on dominating other dominants-especially men. She's also been to various other fetish clubs, but this is her first time in this particular club we're going to." I took another breath, "That's it. What's Grell's job since he has no attachment?"

"The lowdown of it is simple," Ciel stated, "Grell, you are to sift through the conversations and find anything related to the tome, stones, and that thing. Start them talking, see what else they know, but try to do it as inconspicuously as possible, okay?"

"Understood, earl," Grell smiled, flaunting himself in front of Sebastian (who just rolled his eyes at the attempt).

"Next," Ciel stated, his cheeks tinting a soft pink, "Sebastian and…myself."

"Sebastian is an esteemed English born gentleman from France, whose name is Jameson Crowley. He comes exclusively for the grand gothic ball, since fetishes such as his are outlawed in France. His attachment (that he brings with him) is named Fleur, an orphan he adopted purely for looks. Fleur is extremely loyal to his master and prefers to be treated as a pet. Jameson tends to be a bit over-possessive of Fleur, since Fleur is his current favorite. The fetish that Jameson has is beauty based, meaning that since Fleur was naturally good looking; he's taken Fleurs' naturally pretty looks and enhanced it with a girls beauty resulting in a perverse, trans-glamour. Fleur speaks purely French and Jameson speaks both English and French."

"Alright," Ciel coughed slightly, his face still faintly pink, "Sebastian, you will act somewhat innocent of whats going on, but make sure to keep track of who says what and their expressions. We are either looking for someone who looks like they've got something to hide or someone who can play our game well."

"I understand, my lord," Sebastian bowed, an evil smirk suddenly flitting onto his lips, "or should I say 'Fleur'?"

Ciel only glared at him, while Undertaker bit the back of his hand to keep from laughing loudly (but that didn't stop the soft snickering from leaving his mouth), "Finally, yours and Undertakers…"

"Well," I began, surprising everyone (even Undertaker) by wrapping my arms around his neck and sitting sideways in his lap, "Our relationship is based on masochism and purposely inflicted pain upon each other…Undertaker, what name did you give out while you investigated the club?"

He wrapped his arms around my waist, "None, I just told them I was a passing visitor. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Oh, okay, well, your name is to be 'Hyde', full name Haiden Lynsha. My name is to be 'Ash', short for Ashelia Middleton. We're a young couple that never drew the fine line between Submissives and Dominants. I'm of a semi-quiet nature with a big mouth for when I see something I don't like and a clingy nature. Hyde's is loud and super obsessive/ protective. If we're ever near one another, we're always clinging to each other and doing something to draw blood-I'll do so with a knife and Hyde with his nails. We also like to criticize others."

"Ciel arched a brow," Oookay…never knew you to be the one for knife play. Well, all that's left to cover is a distraction and a thief. Undertaker will provide a distraction by keeping their attention to himself and away from you."

"Why am I a thief?" I questioned, "What am I supposed to steal?"

"Because if you'd take a closer look at the tome," Ciel indicated, flipping it open to a section where only the jagged edges of what used to be remained, "you've seen that there are several pages missing. I want you to steal any paper that you'd find in their pockets."

"Looks like she'll need some practice then," Grell smirked, attaching himself to Sebastian.

"I don't think so," I replied, reaching into an inner pocket on my dress and pulled out a gold chain and pocket-watch, "anyone recognize this?"

Sebastian's eyes widened as he felt his pockets and waistcoat, "How'd she?...How did you get that?"

I shrugged, "I stole it from you last night, I meant to give it back…honest."

Undertaker laughed, "She stole your pocket-watch! Oh, man! She's good! Stealing from a demon…" He'd laughed so hard that he was crying. It'd taken about 5 minutes for his fit to subside.

Sebastian strode over and snatched away the watch, eliciting another laughing fit from Undertaker. Ciel too, was softly laughing. He flashed me a look that clearly stated 'We'll talk about this later' and 'You're in BIG trouble, missy'. I widened my eyes to give him a replying look that said 'I was only having a little fun…I'm sorry…'

"Undertaker," Ciel giggled, "when's this ball?"

Undertaker recovered enough (but only for a few minutes), "Two nights from today, around the late hours. It's expected to last until dawn."

"If the job goes as planned," Ciel continued, "Then we'll be gone long before then." He sighed, "I think we're done here. Sebastian, help me get this dress off."

"Yes, my lord."

Just like that, we were all dismissed.

Chapter 24: Your voice has chased away all the sanity in me!

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

As soon as it was completely dark (and both Undertaker and Grell left with their disguises), while everyone else was in their beds, Sebastian crept into my room. I had stayed awake (only because he'd asked me too), and waited for him in the moonless darkness. I had been staring out into the night (with my balcony doors closed tightly) when I felt him wrap his arms around me, his lips softly kissing the top of my head.

"Are you still mad?" I asked, a small smile gracing my mouth.

"About the watch? No," He replied, his hold on me tightening, "but I still intend to punish you."

I laughed softly, "Do your worst. I'm not afraid to play with fire or mess with death."

He laughed darkly, "You were once. I would know because I'd gotten Grell to tell me everything."

My smile turned into a tiny frown, "Why?"

"because I need to know why you'd cry every time I'd touch you, why you'd look at me with wanting then go and coerce with Snake-"

I pulled away, tears pricking my eyes as I looked at him, "He told you!"

"No," Sebastian replied in a soothing tone, "but I had already suspected as much. You should know by now that my hearing is way above that of a humans, so I'd picked up on his hissing words of affection. He was in your room last night too. As soon as I opened the door for you, I smelled his scent; a warm earthy smell with an underlying tinge of arousal. I also know that he's kissed you at least 4 times."

Tears began falling swiftly, my voice thick with anger and sadness, "And so what? You've kissed me at least 10 freaking times! But you know what? I'm soo glad you can count. So go ahead, keep track of what I do. Next thing you'll know I'll be sleeping with both Ciel and Mey-Rin! After that, I'll have Bard's baby while giving Finny's body a nice introduction to my hands! Hell, I might even flirt with Tanaka while clubbing with Agni, Soma, Undertaker, and Grell!" My voice had grown from a deadly whisper to a high, normal tone.

"Nekohime, there's no need for you to cry or be angry. I understand if you have feelings for him, all I'm asking is for you to acknowledge my feeling for you too. I love you."

His confession caused my anger to dissipate and my voice to drop back into a soft whisper, "I know."

He held me tightly. His near subtle cologne graced me with the smell of a storm. I don't know how long we stayed like that, all I knew was that I was crying and I was being comforted in the arms of someone who truly loved me. I bit my lower lip, fighting back more tears that threatened to consume me.

Sebastian pulled back slightly, his thumb gently tugging at my bitten lip as he tilted my head up. He kissed me. The kiss was soft and kind, so sweet it tore my heart to pieces. It never deepened, but it couldn't have been more delicate. Agonizingly, but ever so slowly, we broke for air.

"I love you, Neko. Whenever I'm with you, I feel like my life finally has another purpose. I can't stop thinking about you. So please, please don't cry like that, I never want to see those cold, lifeless water drops that rain ceaselessly from your eyes. I'll always want to see you smile whenever you're with me. I'm addicted to that celestial beauty that you show when you're happy." He kissed me again, soothingly, "So even if I'm not the one reflected in you're eyes, I'll always love you."

At his last sentence, I felt my heart completely shatter.

"I'll see you in the morning, my love," Sebastian whispered, kissing me once more before letting go, "Dry your tears, if not, it'll only make matters worse when he comes." He smiled softly, and walked out of the room.

As I watched him go, I heard a soft 'tup' on the balcony. I turned, finding Snake holding yet another rose and a hand out to me. My heart started to beat again.

I opened the door and walked out to join him. He held me to him, trapping the rose between us. He softly kissed my lips.

Unlike Sebastian's kiss, Snake's spoke of truth, passion, and adoration. His mouth was breathtakingly soft, if I didn't have to breathe, I'dve kissed him till the sun rose. Slowly, those decadent lips left mine.

"So," He began, cupping my cheek in his hadn, "Who is it?"

I blinked, a few unshed tears fell free, "What?" my voice whispered.

"Neko, I'm not mad, I just want to know." He replied, kissing me softly and swiftly, "You taste different, that's why I'm asking."

My heart suddenly skipped a beat (in a bad way), my head hung in shame as I whispered the truth (for some reason, I couldn't lie to him), "Sebastian…"

"Oh…"

"I-I'm r-really s-soory…" I stammered, a fresh onslaught of tears forming.

"Hey…" He whispered, tilting my chin till my eyes met his, "I understand,…you're beautiful…I should've know better. After all beauty is attracted to beauty…perfection to perfection. I knew that I never had a chance with you, but I foolishly pushed on, believing in false dreams. Regardless of it all, I love you." He kissed me before continuing, "So even if you don't want me, I'll still want to make you happy." A second kiss, this one slightly harder. "I'll do whatever it takes." I wrapped my arms around his neck as a third kiss built in intensity, "You complete me." 4th kiss, "but best of all you make me feel human." 5th kiss, "I love you." 6th, "I love you." 7th, "I love you." The 8th kiss was the longest and the fiercest.

My mouth hurt, but I didn't care. He felt good and I was addicted to his taste. He was just like me and not. Unlike me though, he was pure. His tongue slid comfortingly along my bruised lips, slipping into my mouth to slowly caress my teeth, and lap gently at my tongue. He held me steady as my body fought against my mind and as I pressed tightly against him.

I wanted him, and my body knew it. 'What will happen when you have to go back? You'll end up breaking his heart anyways, because you enjoy having men fawn over you. You want to have both and all because in the end you'll have none. You don't love them. To you Snake, Sebastian, and all other men are nothing but disposable pawns in a chess game. All you do is take and take, but no matter how much you'll take, you'll still want. You're nothing but a dirty, misbehaving, and selfish child. In fact, you'd be better off dead.' Tears were, again, streaming down my cheeks as we continued kissing. Before we suffocated, we broke for air, both of us breathing raggedly.

"I love you." Snake whispered between breaths, he reached up to wipe away my falling tears. When the tears didn't stop, he licked softly at the trail they made, stopping to kiss my closed eyes. After his gentle ministrations, he kissed my lips once more, but softly…lovingly. "I hate this part, because as soon as we have to say goodbye…I want to die." He pressed his forehead to mine as he said that. "I don't want to, but I must. It's very late and you deserve at least some sleep." He sighed heavily before slowly releasing me and taking a step back. Smiling softly, he turned away from me to climb over the balcony rail.

"S-stay…" I whispered faintly, reaching for him.

"No, if I stay, I'll only hurt you more and evoke Sebastian's wrath." He looked at me, his eyes tinged with sadness.

"I don't…"I softly begged, "I don't want to be alone anymore, please stay with me…j-just for tonight…"

He wrapped his arms around me in a soft embrace, "As you wish."

He held me a moment longer before guiding me back inside.

Snake sat on the edge of the bed with me in his lap. Softly, he began rocking me. He made soft sounds that I didn't catch at first, but after listening to them-I'd realized that he was singing…to me!

'If I should stay,

I would only be in your way.

So I'll go, but I know

I'll think of you every step of the way.

And I will always love you.

I will always love you.

You, my darling you. Hmm.

Bittersweet memories

That is all I'm taking with me.

So, goodbye. Please, don't cry.

We both know I'm not what you, you need.

And I will always love you.

I will always love you.

I hope life treats you kind

And I hope you have all you've dreamed of.

And I wish to you, joy and happiness.

But above all this, I wish you love.

And I will always love you.

I will always love you.

I, I will always love you.

You, darling, I love you.

Ooh, I'll always, I'll always love you.

I softly kissed his jaw when he'd finished, "That was very beautiful, I didn't know you could sing." I whispered.

"yeah, well, I'm nowhere near as good as you," He replied, kissing my hair. "So don't ask me to perform a duet with you, alright?"

"Don't give me any ideas then," I teased, snuggling closer into his embrace. A sudden yawn escaped my throat.

"Sleepy?"

"Mm-hm," I mumbled, halfway asleep in his arms.

He laughed softly, moving to lay me on the bed. When he tried to leave, I grasped his wrist.

"Don't" I whispered, sleep quickly working to take over.

"I was never going to leave you," He answered, getting into bed with me and tucking the sheets around us.

My body (out of instinct) cuddled closer to his. He held me as sleep overtook us both. A soft smile quirking at his lips.

Notes:

Whitney Houston's "I will always Love you"

Notes:

Whitney Houston's "I will always Love you"

Chapter 25: Another year, but this time I'm loved…

Chapter Text

The morning had come and gone. Snake DID stay with me until I woke up, sadly, I didn't get a chance to see him during the day. Sebastian, on the other hand, kept popping up at random intervals-kissing me either on my cheek or mouth (when he was sure no one was watching). He couldn't have been any more wrong. Someone was watching.

Ciel.

After Sebastian had kissed me for the 5th time (and continued on with his duties), Ciel walked up to me, smiling that childish smile that screamed 'I GOT A SECRET'.

"So," He began, "Looks like you've been taking advantage of my butler, I don't quite know just yet whether or not if that's a good thing."

I arched a brow, crossing my arms with a mocking smirk attached to my lips, "Jealous much, CIel?"

"No. What could I possibly be jealous of?" He laughed weakly, "After all, he is an adult and perfectly capable of making his own decisions."

"You sure?" I asked teasingly, "because it sounds an awful lot like jealousy." I hugged him, his cheek pressing into my chest.

I nearly died of laughter. Ciel's face had turned a vibrant shade of scarlet. Almost as if he was finally aware of what was happening, he began struggling against me. I only slightly tightened my grip.

"Aww, you must not get hugged very often, CIel," I giggled, "especially by females…look at how red your face is!"

"N-Nekohime! Release me at once!" He gasped, pushing against me, "This is HIGHLY indecent! What if someone sees?"

"Oh, Psh!" I stated, "It's only a hug. Besides, it's not like I'm touching you inappropriately."

"I don't care! Do you not see where my face is?"

"Well, I can't help that you're so short, you're fun-sized and that's what counts!" I laughed manically, arching myself further onto him.

"N-Neko! S-STOP!" Ciel demanded, finally wriggling free of my hold.

"Oh, wow!…are you so innocent that you'd have a nosebleed just from a girl hugging you?" I teased, reaching into a pocket inside my bodice for my handkerchief. I folded a corner several times and pressed it to his face, my other hand pushing his head into the handkerchief.

"No, you just suddenly hugging me was unexpected, that's all."

"Right," I breathed sarcastically, "but get used to it, because I WILL be hugging you tomorrow night and the bodice on THAT dress is A LOT lower than this one."

"Don't remind me," He groaned, his face flushing once more.

"Why not?" I laughed. I suddenly grasped his face with both of my hands, studying, "Ciel?"

"What?"

"You like him, don't you?" I teased after a moment.

"Oh! WHAT! Yuck!" He replied, appearing shocked and taking a step back to pull away from my grasp. "That's disgusting! He's a guy! I'm a guy!"

"But it's not impossible is it?" I retorted, "You do like him. I can tell."

"Yeah, but not like THAT!"

"Then how?"

"As one should!"

"And…how would that be?" I continued teasingly. I hugged him again, "Ah, Ciel, I'm only teasing. Geez, live a little." I tilted his chin and kissed his forehead before letting him go, "See you later." I waved, walking away (but not before noticing that his cheeks were ruby colored as another nosebleed started). 'Ah, poor Ciel.' I thought, shaking my head and smiling to myself.

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Ironically, I had been looking forward to a peaceful day. Strangely enough, I would have gotten it if I didn't forget one tiny detail. Well, the detail wasn't EXACTLY tiny nor was it just one, in reality it was two details…my birthday and Grell.

"Nekohime!" (Yes, Grell glomped me from behind and we both fell to the floor).

"You didn't think I knew did ya?" He grinned, pulling me up. "Well, I had William confirm your birthdate, and I was right! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" He suddenly pulled me into a VERY tight hug.

"Geez, could you say it any louder?" I gasped, wincing and mentally comparing his volume to Lizzie's. Grell eventually released me. "There was a reason why I didn't want others to know…"

"And what reason would that be, Neko?" Ciel asked, rounding the hallway corner (I have this sneaking suspicion that he was stalking me).

"Yes, care to share?" Sebastian asked, suddenly appearing out of no where and standing behind Ciel.

"Because I don't like people going out of their way just to celebrate the day of one's birth." I sighed, "So, yes, today's my birthday. Hooray for me," I continued sarcastically.

"Today's your birthday?"

I turned, finding Mey-Rin listening in on our conversation.

I looked back at Ciel, "How long has she been standing there?"

"Since I tackled you." Grell answered.

My mouth dropped, "Wha?"

"I must tell everyone!" She declared, practically running to find the others.

"S-someone stop her!" I whined (which went unnoticed).

"Yes, I shall prepare a cake immediately," Sebastian replied to Ciel's (unheard) question, walking swiftly towards the kitchen.

"Come with me, earl, lets go shopping for a gift for her!" Grell said, dragging Ciel through an open rift.

I was left standing where I was, looking like an idiot.

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"Open the door, Nekohime!"

"If you don't, I'll get Sebastian to break it down."

"Why would I break it down when I could simply unlock it?"

"Shut up! It's only a false threat!"

"Come on, It's rare that we get to celebrate anything around here!"

"Please, Neko!"

A knock sounded on my balcony door. Snake stood there, smiling. I smiled back, moving to unlock the door and let him in.

"Why won't you come out?" He asked, "We're all doing this for you."

"I didn't ask you to. Besides, it's embarrassing." I replied.

"Embarrassing…," He retorted, hugging me, "We're only celebrating our happiness for you being born."

"Well, can't you guys celebrate it without me?" I whined.

"Where would the fun be in that?" He laughed, "Please…Sebastian did work very hard to make you a cake that is nearly as pretty as you are….and he also made the rest of the party's food, so don't let his effort go to waste."

"Neko!"

"What's everyone yelling about, Sebby?"

"She won't come out."

"I asked Sebby!"

I rolled my eyes, sighing heavily, "Alright, you win. I'll celebrate my birthday, but DON'T expect me to like it."

Snake smirked, "We'll see about that." He replied, guiding me to the door and out of the peace of my room.

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It's a good thing I don't have a gambling streak, because if I had betted on the "I don't like it!" side…I would've lost, BIG time.

Snake was right, Sebastian DID put a lot of effort into planning this last minute party. The food was divine, the music (though appropriate of the time) was beautiful, and surprisingly- I was enjoying myself. I loved every minute of it. Not even Undertaker's sudden appearance could spoil my mood (actually, I found out later that Grell had invited him). We were all having fun and everyone danced with everyone (yes, so that means that both Mey-Rin's and Grell's dream came true, they'd both danced with Sebastian).

Finny (to my surprise [and everyone else's]) was a VERY good dancer. I must have been asked by him at least 3 0r 4 times. Ciel and I danced maybe twice. Sebastian danced with me 3 times. Grell-once. Bard and Undertaker though, kept going against each other and kept asking me at the same time. I gave them 2 dances each, and Snake had all the rest (his total was 5). Tanaka (whenever asked) kept saying that he was too old to dance and preferred watching others. Aside from that, everyone was enjoying themselves.

Suddenly, it all came down to the gifts. EVERYONE wanted me to open theirs first. I chose to open Ciel's first (it was his manor after all and he was the master of it), from him I'd gotten a set of perfume (which was in a set of 5, and each one of them smelled exotic and expensive). Next I just went in alphabetical order by first name. Bard gave me a 'cat of nine tails' (now he's either TOTALLY clueless about what to buy girls or he thinks Sebby and I are doing something kinky [because I HIGHLY doubt that he knows about Snake]). Finny gave me a (hand carved) jewelry box made from rosewood. From Grell, I got a short, black leather outfit (which I later realized was a dominatrix skirt and corset set) and a pair of knee-length stiletto leather boots. Mey-Rin got me a HUGE box of assorted Funtomhive chocolates (ah, such deliciously sweet comfort…). Sebastian's gift was a cat plushie which had a ruby pendant necklace wrapped around it's neck (ironic, given Sebby's eye color). Snake's gift (and I STILL can't believe he gave this to me) was a GIANT bouquet of white roses held together by a diamond and sapphire (set in silver) bracelet. Tanaka (somehow) got me a bottle of EXTREAMLY rare gold wine and Mirin. Undertaker gifted me with a 'reaper's first weapon', a switchblade (ironically, it was once his [ and when I asked later on, he said that he had an entire drawer filled with them]).

Eventually, the party was over and everyone went their separate ways. So, although about half of the gifts were unusual, I couldn't help but appreciate all of them. I went to bed with a smile softly tugging at my lips, curled up comfortably next to Snake.

Chapter 26: Maboroshi no basha wa yami wo wake…

Chapter Text

The wind whipped wildly through my hair, the trees…nothing but bluish-green blurs as the landscape melted into one solid ephemeral mess. Sebastian was carrying me. I only briefly wondered why the day passed as quickly as it had (especially since I didn't want to do the mission anymore). Sighing mentally, I only had one thought in mind, 'And to think I'd planned on cuddling with Snake before going to sleep. Being held by Sebastian is nice, but I don't think he's in a cuddling mood right now.'

We finally made it to Undertaker's shop just as the last dwindling rays of sunlight were snuffed out by the blanketing darkness. He set me down, taking care to arrange my hair into decency. All at once, he pulled me tightly into his chest. My lips collided with his in a surprised, open-mouthed kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck as the kiss deepened.

Perfection.

That's the word that popped into my head as his skillful mouth worked against mine. I wanted to pull away, but that delicious tongue of his kept running against mine, making me want more.

'But what about Snake?'

Those words came as a mental slap to my face. Slowly, I pushed against him, my breath coming in stinging gasps. He smiled gently at me before releasing me and disappearing back to the manor. My fingertips softly touched my lips, they felt tender and tingled softly at the slightest touch. I smirked softly, 'Sebastian, you're one hell of a kisser.'

"So are you just gonna stand there like some kind of love sick puppy or are you going to come in?"

I turned, my jaw dropping in amazement, Undertaker stood in the doorway with his arms crossed (and leaning on the door frame), candle light giving him an ethereal glow. Already he'd dressed the part, adopting his role and Hyde's personality. I had to admit, he looked stunning, and he fit into the character like a second skin.

"Is that Nekohime?" Grell's voice sounded from inside the shop.

He emerged, wearing his dress. Strangely enough, while he was holding the skirt of it in his hands, I'd noticed the he'd 'borrowed' the knee high heels that I'd worn once before.

"It is!" He exclaimed, smacking Undertaker on his shoulder, "Don't be rude, she is your attachment for the night you know! Go act like it!"

I rolled my eyes, adjusting the layers of black tulle that my short dress was made of, walking to them. I kind of regretted (now) not telling Nina about my dress flaw, I looked like some demonically disturbed gothic/ emo fairy (that is, minus the smoky gossamer wings).

"I'm not being rude," Undertaker retorted, unfazed by Grell's hit, "I'm just trying to get into character…I just couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy form someone else kissing on my attachment."

"Possessive, aren't we?" I teased, attaching my hip to his. I wrapped an arm around his neck and placed my head on his shoulder, the back of my other hand was the only thing that separated my cheek from his shoulder, "Aren't those mine?" I asked, staring at Grell's legs.

"Yes, these were the only things that matched." He replied, applying a more 'cattish' look to his eyes with some kohl in a hand mirror (we'd forbidden him to wear his glasses). After applying a deep ruby color to his lips and a very pale pink blush to his cheeks, he sighed, brightening, "So, can I give you a makeover?"

My eyes widened, surprised at his question, "I don't know. I've never worn make-up…"

"I'll do it," Undertaker replied, snatching the make-up box from Grell, he smiled and pointed to a stool for me to sit on, "I'll make you look so pretty!"

"Hey! It was MY idea!" Grell argued, pouting.

"Yes, but at least I won't make her look like a clown," He continued, holding my face steady as he applied a dark plum shade of lipstick to my mouth.

Grell's face now contorted into anger, I DO NOT LOOK LIKE A CLOWN!" he yelled, throwing a fit.

Undertaker sighed," My bathroom is over there, Grell. Go clean you face and I'll re-do your make-up." His hand never stopped applying the color to my face. Now he'd moved on to putting kohl around my eyes, as Grell stormed off to do as he was told.

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Eventually, (after Undertaker re-applied Grell's make-up) a carriage showed up to take us to our mission. We all rode in silence, mentally perfecting our roles. Slowly, my mind drifted to the kiss Sebastian and I had shared earlier and to all other kisses I've shared with him and Snake. I knew I'd have to choose soon, but I just didn't want to at the moment. 'I doubt I will ever choose. I can't. I need them both. I want them both.'

A tear slid down my cheek, unnoticed in the shadows of the carriage's inside.

'Why do they both have to be so perfect?'

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It was hot and stuffy. The air reeked of sweat and forbidden ecstasy. The main club's room was so dim, that I felt that I could see better in pitch darkness. There was a subtle, cloyingly sweet smell that left a dry, putrid taste in my mouth.

"Opium, my sweet." Undertaker whispered, replying to my sudden unease and nausea, "Luckily, I won't put you anywhere near that."

Since Grell had disappeared into the crowed and Ciel and Sebastian weren't here yet, Undertaker and I found some seats near a low wall. We sat in a position that gave us (pretty much) a 360 view of the room. I was sitting on his lap facing him, (this gave me a view of what was going on behind him) and he had a view of what went on behind me (that is, if he peeked over my shoulder).

"Nervous?" He asked, fiddling with the metal chain loops that decorated the bodice of my dress.

"A little," I admitted, flicking my eyes away from a couple (that ran seamlessly from mouth to hip) to his.

"Don't be," He replied, leaning up to whisper in my ear, "rumor has it that there are certain dominants here that sense, let alone, smell fear."

I pulled away, pressing him back down and covering my mouth with a hand to stifle a small laugh, "Smell? I wonder how, especially since we've been here maybe ten minutes and all I can still smell is liquor and opium smoke…not to mention sweat and body odor."

His eyes flicked to look behind me, then back to mine, "Ash…" he whispered as he gently grasped my hips with his hands. A small blush colored my cheeks, "Blend."

I withdrew from my bodice, the switchblade he'd given me yesterday. Lightly, I skimmed the point along his exposed collarbone making a thin cut (similar to a paper cut) that welled quickly with blood. Biting my lower lip, my eyes flicked a wordless apology to him as I traced the wound with a finger. I then began outlining his lips with the bloodied finger, he licked them before licking his blood off my finger.

"Look at this. These newcomers are gothic masochists with a blood fetish."

They're so young, but they know what they are doing. I still wouldn't mind pounding into that though."

"I dare you to touch. Heh, word is once they pair, they start acting like wolves."

"I wonder if she'll howl once I tame that pretty little body of hers."

You think it's worth a shot? I wouldn't…"

Undertaker's eyes narrowed as he glared maliciously at the speakers. Still, that didn't stop the hand that spanked me. Immediately, I swung the blade into the arm that had foolishly grabbed me. Laughter and a pain-filled howl sounded behind me.

"She cut me! THE STUPID SHE-WOLF CUT ME!"

"I told you not to mess. When it comes to wild animals like that, you gotta earn their trust first THEN take what's due."

At those words, Undertaker pushed me onto a seat next to us and stood up. Although he was and inch or two shorter than the two dimwitted neanderthals, the aura he exuded was enough to make them both take a step back. They were frightened. A dark stain formed around the crotch of the gorilla that touched me, clutching his right arm just below the elbow, the other just stood there, gaping stupidly at Undertaker. I stood up, wrapping my arms around his waist, trying to prevent him from starting a fight.

"Hyde," I whispered, making my hold tighter, "Let them be. Those morons don't deserve to be touched by your perfection." I glared at them, my voice becoming hard as I spoke to them. "Leave us, but be grateful that I decided that you should live. Go."

They left, mumbling some senseless from of apology. As they walked away, they kept glancing over their shoulders to see if we'd changed our minds and wanted to kill them.

"Und-Hyde," I asked, "you still mad?"

"No, but I owe you for stopping me." Undertaker replied.

"I let him go, "No problem."

He turned and smiled at me, "Look," He pointed to the main entrance, "Jameson and Fleur are here. Time to get started."

I grinned back, attaching myself to him, "Let's do this."

Chapter 27: This time baby, I'll be…bullet proof

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

We mingled into the crowd, stalking people who looked like they were hiding something. As always, I clung to the dominants, running my hands along their bodies and stealing anything (and pretty much near everything) they had in their pockets. Luckily, most were too drunk or too high to notice. However, to make sure that I didn't go to the same dominant twice, I would nick their jaws or cheeks with the switchblade, to mark them. Just like now…The dominant flinched as I marked him. I frowned, releasing him and attaching myself to Undertaker (as always, he provided the same excuse for the marks).

"You flinched. Now she doesn't like you." He replied to the dominant's hiss of pain. I made a shallow cut on Undertaker's cheek, licking the blood that welled up.

"Freak." The dominant glared, walking away.

Undertaker sighed, wrapping his arm around my waist, "Next?"

I nodded, following his lead.

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"So you're the little minx that's been cutting all the other sexless twits."

Immediately, I was pulled into THE hairiest, THE thickest, and THE grossest body I've ever touched and seen. The dominant had no pockets (I'd noticed this without touching) and held me closely to him with a meaty hand. I struggled (of which I was succeeding) and grabbed back onto Undertaker.

The dominant only laughed.

I interrupted Undertaker before he could speak, "Damn, foo, what you go down on? Sasquatch?" My expression was hard and unforgiving.

At once, the dominant stopped laughing while Undertaker (nearly) bit his tongue in two to stop from laughing.

"What did you say!" He asked, taking a threatening step forward and cracking his knuckles.

"You heard me. I didn't stutter." I sneered.

"YOU BI-!"

He never finished. Immediately, my leg shot up (sideways) and connected with a hard 'thwack' under his jaw. The dominant glared at me with hard, evil eyes as dribbles of blood leaked from his mouth. I know that I either: broke his teeth, shattered his jaw, or made him bite some part of his tongue off. Apparently, it was his teeth and his tongue, because he spat onto the dirty floor; teeth fragments clinking and a small piece of his tongue landing with a wet, squelch.

"Ash, enough." Undertaker muttered, pulling me back. I allowed him.

We turned to walk away…

"I hope you believe in God," a series of metallic clickes sounded.

Undertaker and I turned to reface the dominant, who held a colt in one hand.

I covered Undertaker's mouth with a hand, "Yes. Now pull the trigger." My face never showed my fear.

He did. The clip clicked emptily. Again, but no bullet. Again.

"What the fu-?" He checked the chamber, bullet free.

"I suppose you're looking for this…" I held up one of the six .45's.

"You thief!"

I carefully reached into my bodice, pulling free the 'cat of nine-tails' that I'd carefully wrapped around myself. I cracked it once with a practiced flick, barely missing the dominant by a hair's breadth. "Care to dance, you overgrown gorilla?" I flicked it again for emphasis.

He glanced nervously at the whip's 'claws', "To hell with you." The dominant moved to retreat.

"Yeah, yeah, been there, done that," I taunted sarcastically, "and I've got the t-shirt to prove it."

Undertaker snickered, "Damn, you're dangerous. No wonder Sebastian likes you. You two are perfect for each other."

I rolled my eys, "Watch it or I might use this on you," indicating the whip.

"I'd like that," He whispered in my ear, walking us in the direction of our next victim.

"Freak." I hissed.

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"Oh, no way," I breathed.

"What?"

"Is that Alois and Claude?" I pointed.

Undertaker's eyes narrowed, "This isn't good…"

"No, It's fine," I reassured him, "We've never met, but I recognize them. They're our next victim."

I released him, walking to where they were. Claude was standing beside Alois (who was sitting). I smiled softly, sitting in Alois' lap (facing him). Licking my lips, I gently traced his lips with a finger.

"Hello, my gothic beauty," He murmured, his eyes locking with mine, "May I have your name?"

I gave no answer, instead tilting his head back to run the switchblade flatly along his jugular.

"There you are, Ash. I was looking for you." Undertaker called, walking towards us.

"M-master Alois…" Claude whispered, eyeing the blade in my hand, "Shall I remove her?"

"No," He replied, his hands settling on my waist, "besides, she's only teasing right now…and I kinda like it."

Almost at once, my hand (that was currently feeling the inside of his coat) collided with a rather thick (and folded!) set of paper. I quickly took it, stuffing it into my bodice. I then bit his neck, of which he hissed softly, and got off him.

"Ash, what have I told you about biting strangers, hmm?" Undertaker asked, wrapping an arm around my waist and kissing my cheek, "Besides, I hate lugging around your toys." He pressed the whip into my hand.

I slipped it into the waistband of his pants, "Too bad. Now entertain my new friends." I commanded, walking off to find the other three.

=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=X=

"Où est-elle ? Je suis fatigué et je veux rentrer à la maison." Ciel complained, sitting sideways on Sebastian's lap.

"Juste un peu plus longtemps, Fleur, mon amour," Sebastian assured him, his hold lax on Ciel's waist.

"Ne m'appelez pas votre `amour'. C'est repugnant." He hissed, fiddling with the decorations on Sebastian's disguise.

"Bien vous ne savez jamais si quelqu'un autour d'ici s'avère justement comprendre le français, chéri."

Ciel glared hard at him.

Sebastian put his mouth next o Ciel's cheek, making it look like a mock kiss, "Il y a Ash."

"Demandez-lui si elle est prête."

Sebastian nodded, tracing Ciel's lower lip with a finger. His eyes followed my movement, like a tiger stalking prey. When I reached them, I bent to kiss Ciel's other cheek.

#black butler fanfiction

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shadowqueen402 · 2 years

Note

What about a fic where NiGHTS saves Reala from certain death (or vice versa, I don't mind either way) solely out of them caring for the other.

Of course! It will take place in Journey of Dreams.

This wasn't what NiGHTS wanted. Not even after what she and her brother went through. She and Reala fought near the clocktower of Bellbridge. The two children, Helen and Will, stood at the top of the clocktower, watching the fight with anticipation.

NiGHTS obviously had the upper hand in the battle, but Reala wasn't giving up. He launched one more sphere at his sister in a last vain attempt to defeat her. But NiGHTS grabbed it, spun it around, and sent it back at Reala, striking him.

Reala was immediately defeated from the blast. Before he knew it, he found himself falling down. He could've sworn that he heard NiGHTS' voice calling to him.

"Reala!!!" NiGHTS yelled as she zoomed down as fast as she could towards her brother. A look of genuine terror was plastered onto her face. Reala was rather taken aback at this. He would've expected NiGHTS to just...leave him, not do this.

His gaze was snapped when NiGHTS finally grabbed his arm. "What the—!? What are you doing!?" Reala demanded, flashing a sharp glare up at her.

"Saving you!" NiGHTS replied. "I'm not going to let you fall down, Reala!"

"And why not!?" Reala asked. "Isn't this what you wanted!? To defeat me so that I would never go near the Visitors again!?"

"...You're my brother," NiGHTS said. "We may be on different sides, but that doesn't mean that I stopped caring about you..."

"...What?" Reala asked, not sure how to react. "When you left Nightmare that day, I immediately assumed that you no longer wanted anything to do with me... I waited so long for you to come back. I even remembered asking Master Wizeman every night when you were coming home... Of course he never answered my question. It was because...he suspected that...you weren't..."

NiGHTS went silent after hearing Reala vent this out. "Leaving Nightmare was one of the most difficult things that I had to do," She said. "Because I knew it would come with a price: we would no longer be close with each other like we were before. You, of course, would view me as a traitor. I would end up throwing away all the good times that we had."

"So why did you leave?" Reala asked. "If you enjoyed being with me, what made you rebel?"

"It wasn't just because of the Visitors, Reala," NiGHTS explained. "It was also because of Wizeman. He's constantly forcing us into becoming something that we know, deep down, we're not. I was getting sick and tired of the way Wizeman would treat us. Even when we did accomplish something, he never showed us any gratitude. It was like...no matter what we did, we'll never be good enough for him..."

She helped Reala get back to flying before continuing. "I didn't want to live a life like that," NiGHTS said. "I despised the fact that while Wizeman may have created us, he never even showed us at least some fatherly love."

"So...that's why you really left," Reala said, looking down. "I thought it was because of me. But it was really because of our creator." He didn't say anything for a small while. However, he did the one thing that NiGHTS never expected him to do: he took of his Persona and shattered it.

"NiGHTS, after the battle with Wizeman, we have a lot of catching up to do," Reala said with a smile that NiGHTS vaguely remembered. "I will hopefully see you by the Dream Gate... Be careful out there, NiGHTS."

NiGHTS felt tears of happiness swell into her eyes. Then she nodded just as the clock chimed. She turned around and met up with Helen and Will, ready to take on Wizeman.

But she was also ready to make new happy memories with her brother.

(I actually teared up, writing this.)

#nights journey of dreams #fanfic #reala #helen cartwright #will taylor #angst with a happy ending

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nervousladytraveler · 3 years

Text

Another wee bit from Duty (Chapter 3? 4?)

---

A single drop of water dripped from the crack in the ceiling, hit Demelza’s cheek, then rolled onto her pillow. At first she thought it was a tear--her own--then realised it was a leak coming from the flat above.

Now wasn’t exactly the proper time for any tenant to be asking any landlord for repairs. They all felt lucky each time they woke to find their buildings still standing; the growing piles of rubble in the city reminded them every day of this good fortune.

Ross hadn’t noticed the leak, but then again he didn’t visit her flat for the ambiance and decor. She made a mental note to shift her bed closer to the other wall after he left later that night.

“We haven't spoken of plans,” Ross said suddenly. He’d been so quiet she’d thought he was asleep. Now it seemed he’d just been lost in thought or trying to find the right words for whatever it was he had to say.

“Plans?” she said and sat up slightly. Of course she knew exactly what he was referring to.

“What’s to come next. As much as I enjoy my nights with you, and want nothing more than to enjoy the present, each moment, we can’t ignore it anymore…” he said.

“I know,” she said softly, “and believe me, I’ve found it rather impossible to ignore.”

“Have you been that sick?” he asked and laid his hand on her arm. It was both a protective gesture and also his go-to defensive move, when in truth there was nothing he could do for her.

“Not always. It hasn't been morning for me but early afternoon,” she explained.

Recently there had been bad headaches as well. She’d see floaters then vibrant lightning flashes at the edges of her vision, before it would all go black--just for a moment. Unlike the nightly blackouts enforced by the ARP wardens, her blackouts never lasted long. But they scared her nonetheless, especially when they occurred at work or on the street. She hadn’t told Ross about them, and suspected they were merely the result of not eating much. In time they’d surely pass.

“Do you want to be rid of it?” It was a bald question, but one she’d anticipated. Another drop from the crack fell on her face--this time she wiped it away.

“Do you mean…?” she asked. She knew exactly what he meant.

“Yes,” he said simply then exhaled. He was so used to smoking during difficult conversations that often his breathing followed the same patterns, even if he didn’t have a cigarette in hand.

“Is that what you want? Would that be easiest for you?” she asked.

“It wouldn't be easy for you, and not necessarily safe even with the best of doctors…” he said. The hand on her arm tightened yet again. “And no, I don't want that. But I can make arrangements, if that's what you…”

“No, Ross. That's not what I want either.” It wasn’t really something she could put into words but nothing made much sense to her these days.

“I had another idea, speaking of arrangements,” he said, and sat up so he was level with her. “What if we got you a spot on an evacuee train... to the countryside?”

“The countryside?”

“You'd be safe--both of you--and it could be rather anonymous. You wouldn't have to explain the details of your circumstances to anyone once you were there,” he continued.

“And then you wouldn't either,” she laughed.

“Yes, well that's not my driving motivation.”

“But Ross, to evacuate? Where would I even go exactly?”

“My family has an old farm with a house. In Cornwall. You could go there,” he said.

“Cornwall? Isn't that where your wife is now? Are you proposing I go live with her?” Of course she didn't believe that. He’d clearly given this some thought.

“No, she’s with her parents. Their estate is miles away from my farm,” he said quickly. “You’d have your privacy…”

“Privacy? Is that code for ‘all alone’?”

“I could engage a servant so you wouldn't be by yourself. That way you’d have help as things progress…” He put his hand on her belly which still showed no signs of thickening.

“The stoutness will come, Ross. Don’t fret,” she laughed lightly. “But tell me, don’t most evacuees become the servants?”

“Some but not all. Not you. And then…”

“Yes?” she asked.

“Then, when I can, I’ll come and…”

“And?”

“We’ll be together. Stay together. Raise our child together.” He put his lips to her forehead.

“In Cornwall?” she asked but closed her eyes and allowed the thought to grow in her mind.

“Yes, I’m done with London. It's no good for a child.”

“Neither is a war, Ross.”

“That won’t last forever, Demelza. It can’t,” he sighed.

“It won't if we lose…”

“We won't. And when I get my divorce, we can…” he went on.

“Don't say it, Ross,” she said, and put a hand to his stubbly cheek. She knew he’d shave it close before he went into the office tomorrow but she liked the growth that crept over him in the hours he lay in her bed. It seemed a secret part of him.

And after all, secrets were their stock and trade.

“Don't make too many promises,” she whispered. “Especially not ones out of your hands. You can't win this war and you can’t be sure Elizabeth will agree to your terms. Just one promise at a time.“

“Okay, one promise at a time.”

“Tell me, how can you even get me on that list?” she asked. Her mind was not letting this idea go. “That whole operation is for children and those women with children or who are expecting children. They’d need my real name--these committees aren’t mucking about with false identifications--but in order to be eligible, I’d have to reveal my circumstances--that I’m actually expecting, and then that might be embarrassing for us--at least for you. And if I’m not married, might I not even qualify? I don't think they are keen on shipping out all of London’s ‘unlucky’ girls who just happened to find themselves in the family way.”

“You’re correct, you'd have to be upfront about the child. And to explain that would be a complication. We wouldn't have to name me as father--not yet--but I’ll see what our options are. I have a...man...I can talk to,” Ross replied.

“You aren't exactly filling me with confidence when you put it like that,” she laughed.

“Which part?”

“Your man…”

“The less you know about that the better.” Another secret. “But the other part…”

“Yes?”

“When the time comes, you will name me as father. You can rely on that,” Ross said and pulled her into his arms.

“As long as you stay alive,” Demelza said.

#duty #poldark fanfic #poldark modern au #ross poldark #demelza carne #lucretiassister #wip wednesday

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sharkbait77 · 3 years

Text

The Singer (Marcus Pike x f!reader)

Chapter Three

Warnings: Mention of food/alcohol, language, pure fluffy fluffiness (I'm such a softie I'm sorry 😭)

W/C: 4.2k

A/N: Notes at the bottom! And I'm running out of gifs to use of scruffy faced Marcus. I'm gonna have to shave him soon 👀 I hope you enjoy our soft boi in this chapter! 🥰

Just as a reference if you need help understanding the different formats:

«Phone conversation on their end»

Thoughts

Text messages

Song mentioned:

Chapter Two | Chapter Four

The Singer Masterlist

Gif by me! Yes it's Teresa but it still fits & I only care that it's his hand lol

«Oh my god, I'm melting!» Celina yells in her phone enthusiastically. You giggle as you wait for her eagerness to calm down.

You had barely taken your shoes and jacket off after getting inside your apartment when you immediately dialed up Celina's number to tell her about the night. You feel like you're having an out of body experience. Sure, your heart is still guarded and unfortunately, you'll most likely have your doubts throughout the relationship, but you truly feel like this could go somewhere. You want to give yourself that chance and allow Marcus to help heal your heart, maybe doing the same for him in return.

"So he's picking me up on Saturday and I'm freaking out a little," you say and chew on the skin around your nail beds.

«Why? Don't be! Just treat it like how you did tonight!» She encourages.

"But it's a legitimate date this time, I have to do my hair and makeup perfectly and find the perfect outfit and-"

«Girl, have you seen your closet? You have nothing but perfect outfits!» She teases and you chuckle, lowering your fingers from your mouth.

«You don't need to try to be perfect hun, just be yourself! Be the girl he has already seen in front of him.» You smile at her heartfelt words. «I bet he's already in love with you!»

"Okay, you're not helping!" You laugh, placing your hand on your forehead. "I'll talk to you later, I'm going to try and get some sleep. I'll probably be calling you on Saturday so I can freak out some more."

You say your goodbyes and hang up, sinking yourself into your couch and smiling widely. Your head is buzzing from a sugar rush, but you can't tell if it's because of the pancakes or because of Marcus. You walk to the kitchen to make some sleepytime tea, hoping it'll relax your nerves enough for you to get some shut eye.

* * * *

You take a shower and climb into your comfy pajamas and the tea works its magic as you relax on your plush bed, surrounding yourself with pillows and your soft blanket enveloping you in warmth. Your eyes get heavy and you feel yourself on the brink of sleep when you hear your phone vibrate on the nightstand. You try to ignore it, but it vibrates again and you figure it's Celina probably sending you a funny video. Your curiosity gets the better of you and you reach over to grab your phone, the brightness from the screen stinging your eyes from the time they had adjusted to the darkness. You blink a few times until you can see the screen clearly.

555-9057: Hi Dulce :)

555-9057: Made it home. I had a great time :)

You bite your lip and smile at the messages on your lock screen, heat flashing through your head seeing him call you the nickname you gave yourself in his phone. And just like that, you're wide awake again. You unlock your phone and before you can type a reply, he sends another message.

555-9057: It's Marcus btw

Marcus groans to himself as he sends that last message. What the hell was that? Of course she knows it's you. Dumbass. He watches the screen and holds his breath when he sees the text bubbles pop up and he waits nervously for your reply.

Dulce💋: I'm glad you specified! Right after you dropped me off another guy took me out for dulce de leche pancakes and I also penned myself as Dulce in his phone 🤭

He chuckles out loud in the quiet atmosphere of his apartment, the sound bouncing against the walls and reverberating around the living room. Damn, she's good.

555-9057: Okay okay you got me, don't have to be so mean :P

So he's a classic emoji kind of guy, you smile as you make a note and file it in the little 'Marcus Pike' folder in your brain. You hit his phone number and tap the plus symbol to make a new contact in your phone. For some reason, you find yourself struggling as you try to figure out what to put his contact name as.

Agent Cutie

Nope, delete.

Agent Pike

What are you, his secretary? Delete delete.

Marcus

Should I put an emoji? Which one? Can't be a heart. You are seriously overthinking this.

Marcus Pike

Yeah, okay. I guess.

Me: Why did it take so long to get home? Do you live far?

Marcus Pike: It was about 30 min from your place :) not too bad

Thirty minutes?! Great, now I feel bad.

Dulce💋: Wth if I had known I wouldn't have let you drop me off! 🙄

Me: Don't worry about it! I was more than happy to ;)

Shit shit shit I didn't mean the wink! Why are they right next to each other?! Do I say something? Oh god, way to go, you ruined it.

Dulce💋: Then I'll give you gas money!

Marcus takes a breath of relief when he sees that you sidestepped his accidental wink emoji. After he catches his breath, his phone chimes again.

Dulce💋: And I won't take no for an answer 😉

Okay, there's no way she sent that by accident. Is she flirting with me? Do I flirt back? Why are my hands so sweaty?

Dulce💋: It's time for bed, those pancakes made me sleepy 😴 good night Marcus ☺️ See you Saturday!

Marcus smiles to himself and he anticipates seeing you on Saturday. He sends you another text and walks to his restroom to take a quick shower before climbing in bed.

Marcus Pike: Can't wait :) good night!

There's no way you can sleep now, but you said good night for his sake; he had a long day at work, plus he took you out and then had a long drive home. You know he must be tired. Your heart races as you scroll through your short text conversation, rereading the messages and giggling softly.

Did he mean to wink? It was probably an accident, considering he types out emojis instead of using the newer, more convenient ones. You just couldn't help but send one back, though; hiding behind the screen helped you to flirt openly with him. You roll onto your side to face the TV on your dresser, turning on a true crime documentary and letting it eventually lull you to sleep.

* * * *

Saturday comes around quickly, much to your delight, but as you wander around your room looking at the many outfits you laid out on your bed, your dresser, even on your couch, the nerves set in fast. You pray to whoever’s listening that you don’t seize up when Marcus picks you up. Which is in fifteen minutes. You already have your hair and makeup done, all you need is to pick an outfit. Simple in theory. Just pick one! You chew your lip nervously out of habit before stopping as soon as you realize you probably just messed up the red lipstick you had applied earlier.

You rush to the bathroom mirror and sure enough, there's a bare spot on your bottom lip and the lipstick has transferred to your front teeth. You groan in frustration and grab a makeup wipe to carefully remove the ruined lipstick and you brush your teeth again until it's all gone. You reapply the same shade of red, pleasantly surprised with yourself that it came out better than the first time. You take a deep breath and try to calm down, telling yourself that the first outfit you land your eyes on will be the one you wear. You count down from three in your head and enter your bedroom.

Okay, maybe not that one. You decide to close your eyes and try again. When you open your eyes, they land on a different outfit. Not that one either. You sigh harshly through your nose. Why is this so hard? You walk over to your nearly empty closet for the umpteenth time and your eyes catch on to a dress hidden in the corner that you had surprisingly missed before. This one.

It's a spaghetti strapped, black, bodycon dress with a lace overlay, flowers printed on the fabric throughout. It hugs your body in all the right places, reaching down to your knees, and you take a look in the floor length mirror next to your dresser as you put on your black, open-toed heels, smiling brightly as you feel confidence shooting through your veins.

Adrenaline gets mixed in as soon as you hear a knock on your door. Five on the dot. You grab your black cardigan and purse off the couch and open the door, your breath taken away by the handsome man in front of you. He's carrying a box of chocolates and it fumbles in his hands, nearly falling once his wide eyes see you. He looks at you from head to toe, making your heart race as you feel heat rushing over your body in line with his gaze and you shift your weight from side to side anxiously.

"Wow," he says breathlessly, unable to say anything afterwards.

"Wow yourself," you smile, looking over his own outfit: a navy blue suit and a black, button up shirt underneath, paired with black dress shoes. He slicked his hair back and cleaned up his beard slightly. He really is a gorgeous man.

"Uh," he stutters and glances to the box in his unknowingly tight grasp. "These are for you," he smiles shyly as he hands you the chocolates.

"Thank you," you say, giggling at the indents his fingers made on the sides of the box and you turn around to leave them on your entryway table.

You turn back to face him and see his eyes look up quickly and you wonder if you just caught him staring at your bottom. Your suspicion is confirmed when his cheeks flush pink. You laugh softly and he holds his arm out to you.

"Ready?" He asks and you can hear the nervousness in his voice.

You nod and link your arm in his, letting him help you down the stairs. You're starting to love the way his arm hugs yours as you walk and the warmth of his body mixing with yours. Your footsteps even sync up together in a slow cadence. He walks you to his car, letting you hold your weight with his arm as you slowly lower in the seat, your movement restricted by your tight dress and high heels.

You thank him once you're seated, buckling your seatbelt, and he walks to his side, sitting down and starting the car. You notice the radio is on this time, playing at a low volume, and you think to yourself that he probably only forgot to turn it on last time.

The aura is tense in the car, both of your nervous energies dancing in the air together to the music. You try to think of something to say, resorting to looking through your mental file of basic conversation starters. The weather? No, too basic. Say something about the music. No-

"You look really beautiful," Marcus finally breaks the silence. Your head snaps up to look in his direction and you share a smile, thanking him and returning the compliment.

He takes his eyes off the road for a couple of seconds to look at you with a soft smile and turns his attention back to driving straight. He would keep his eyes on you if he could, but he'd rather not get into a car accident and ruin the night. So he just waits patiently until the next moment he can steal a glance. He takes a peek at you while you're stuck at a red light and he sees you picking at your cuticles nervously. He rubs his clammy palm on his pant leg, hoping to dry up any sweat present as much as possible. Before he can think twice about it, he reaches his hand over to grab yours.

Your heart jumps in your throat from the action and you look down in shock at his large hand covering yours completely. The blood rushes to your cheeks; his hand is rough from work, but soft and gentle enough that it's not uncomfortable. And warm. So warm. You stop picking your cuticles immediately, now memorizing the fine wrinkles in his hand and the ridges on his knuckles.

"Are you okay?" He asks, not moving his hand from your lap as he starts driving again.

"Yeah," your voice makes an embarrassing harmony, splitting in two different octaves from disuse. You swallow some saliva to lubricate your vocal cords and try speaking again.

"I'm just a little nervous," you admit.

His hand is still resting on top of yours; you're not sure if you should open your hand up to face your palms together and hold his hand as well. Alas, you take too long to make a decision and he pulls his hand away to grasp the steering wheel, bracing for a left turn.

"Please don't be nervous," he smiles with his pearly white teeth and it only makes you more nervous. How is he this handsome?

"It's just me," he adds as he pulls up to the restaurant, putting the car in park and removing the key from the ignition.

"'Just you'?" You quote him inquisitively. He nods and you shake your head with a small chuckle.

"What?" He chuckles with you.

"It's not 'just you' though, is it?" You reply softly.

You wonder if he's uncertain of himself and his ability to make women — i.e. you — weak in the knees. He seems oblivious to it and it makes him all the more charming to you. You see his eyebrows furrow and before he can ask what you mean, you turn to open the car door.

"Wait," he tells you, rushing out of his seat and over to you to help you out.

You wanted to manage it yourself, but you know you must look ridiculous with how bad you're struggling to get out of the car. He chuckles at the sight once he's on your side and he holds his arm out. You hold onto his forearm tightly and pull yourself upward as he lifts you as well until you're firmly planted on your feet.

"Maybe this dress wasn't a good idea after all," you giggle.

"I think it was," he flirts and you look away as you smile shyly.

You walk together up the steps to the front of the restaurant and Marcus apologizes for not warning you about the stairs. You tell him not to worry and though you can feel the ache in the arches and heels of your feet, you don't complain. He holds the door open for you and you walk in, your eyes instantly catching on the glimmering, crystal chandelier hanging in the waiting area. The lights are dimmed in an amber glow and there are pillars with intricate carvings and vines wrapped around the stone throughout the entirety of the establishment.

You gasp to yourself; this place must be expensive. How did you go from pancakes at grandma's house to a fancy, Italian restaurant like this? Your ears catch the sounds of a violin, but it's too close to just be playing from a speaker. Sure enough, you look further into the restaurant and see a man in a suit playing a violin. A live violinist?! Marcus joins your side again and notices the look of astonishment on your face.

"What's wrong?" He asks and you jerk your head to look at him, not even realizing he was standing next to you.

"Marcus, this looks like it's going to be really expensive."

You whisper in his ear so you don't offend any of the staff members and the height from your heels allows you to reach his head a little better now. The hot breath from your mouth tickles his ear and a bolt of arousal shoots down his spine. He laughs it off and leans his mouth to your ear in return.

"I like to make a fuss," he says, the deep tone of his voice giving you goosebumps. "Don't worry about it," he says in his normal tone as he stands up straight again.

The maître d' greets you two as you walk up to the host stand and Marcus gives the man his name for the reservation. The maître d' informs Marcus the table is not quite ready yet, adding that you're welcome to wait at the bar. Marcus looks at you to get your opinion; you say yes and Marcus lightly places his hand on the middle of your back, guiding you as you walk over to the bar top together. You take a seat in the soft barstool; it's easier to sit on since it's basically at standing height. Marcus removes his hand from your back to take a seat, his fingers gliding against the delicate lace of your dress across your spine and you shudder. Thankfully, it goes unnoticed.

The back of the bar is riddled with an assortment of different liquors, both American and Italian, and they're resting on lit up shelves. You look at the drink menu and your mouth opens in horror at the prices listed. This is definitely too much money. The bartender comes your way and Marcus orders a campari and grapefruit juice, immersing himself fully in the Italian culture. You say you'll stick with water and excuse it as you not feeling like drinking tonight. Marcus doesn't question it further.

The two of you comment on the decor of the restaurant, mainly the paintings hanging on the walls, and you mention that you love the lilies resting in the painted, ceramic vases and Marcus takes note of that fact. A waitress walks up to you and Marcus to let you know your table is ready and he finishes the last of his drink and stands, offering you his hand this time instead of his arm. You smile as you take it, your heart thumping in your chest as you let him guide you while you both follow the waitress.

The restaurant is bustling; heavy sounds of conversation and cutlery clinking on plates as you walk through what seems the entirety of the restaurant until the waitress leads you to a small, private patio. A round table is seated there, covered by a red tablecloth and adorned with a single, tall candlestick, burning a light glow. There's a cylindrical basket full of bread sticks and two water glasses, condensation running along the sides and onto the cloth. Marcus pulls your chair out for you, helping you to sit and scooting you in and sits down across from you. You hang your cardigan and purse on the back of your chair and take the menu the waitress is holding out to you.

You both thank her and she leaves, stating she'll be back soon to take your order. You marvel at the privacy Marcus planned for you two and you take a sip of your ice cold water, reveling in the relief washing through your dry throat. You flip open your menu; the options are minimal and are all expensive. You immediately scan for the cheapest dish: a $30 plate of chicken cacciatore. You feel guilty; you never want Marcus to break his bank trying to take you on a date. You glance at him and wonder why he would do all of this just for you. Did he really think you were that special?

You find yourself missing that little pancake diner and the time you shared there. There, you only felt the budding emotions consistent with a high school crush, but in this moment now, it's real life and mature adult feelings and you feel it much stronger in this environment. Marcus senses your mood change and leans forward to ask if you're okay, but he's interrupted by the waitress. You order the 'cheap' chicken cacciatore and he orders the tajarin al tartufo. Whatever that is.

"Why did you order the cheapest dish?" Marcus asks once the waitress leaves.

"Because I wanted to," you give him a sly smile to convince him otherwise, but he sees right through you, giving you a look of disbelief. You sigh.

"Because Marcus, it's too much money," you say sadly. "I mean, how much was it to get this private patio set up?"

"That's not important to me," he shakes his head. "This is our first proper date and I wanted to make it special."

Damn it. Why is he so thoughtful? And so damn cute?

"It's not that I don't appreciate it, I'm blown away by this, but I'm just... I'm not used to it," you pull your lips into your mouth slightly, mindful of your lipstick.

"Is that why you didn't order a drink?" He asks. You give him a lopsided frown and shrug your shoulders, your expression answering him instead of your words. He sighs and tilts his head to the side.

"I don't want you to worry about how much everything costs when you're with me; let me spoil you. You deserve it."

Let me spoil you. You deserve it. His words float around in your head, your eyes filling with fondness at the thought. You didn't think you deserved to be spoiled; your ex made sure of that much. It's exhilarating to say the least; this man you barely know ready to do anything for you at any time. But you like it, and you think in time, you could learn to love it. Learn to love him. You blink wildly and you inconspicuously shake your head at that last thought.

It was definitely way too soon to be thinking like that and it scared you that it entered your mind at all. It must be the ambiance of the restaurant. You think about how you should protect yourself in case this takes a wrong turn and you debate on placing that in the priority spot in your mind. Marcus can see you fighting your own thoughts and he tries to lighten the mood.

"I also might be trying to impress you for real now," he smiles.

You chuckle and shake your head. Marcus thinks to himself how beautiful you look under the moonlight that's shining through the glass awning above your heads, face lit up by the glowing candle. He can't stop his mouth from saying what he wants to say, not in this romantic atmosphere.

"I think you're a wonderful, beautiful woman and... I really like you," he adds, reaching across the table for your hand and you let him hold it, tangling your fingers with his.

You're positive he can feel your pulse through your fingers or hear your heart pounding, the blood whooshing in your ears muffling any other sounds from coming in. As much as you want to protect yourself, the look in his eyes only draws you in and you can't hide the truth from him or yourself, your confession spoken out loud for the first time for you both.

"I like you, too, Marcus." He smiles happily at you.

There must be something in the water here.

"Do you think it would be okay to keep this up?" He asks, meaning the dates, and you can't stop your head from nodding yes and you give him a sweet smile.

Marcus lets go of your hand, letting his rest in front of him and you take a deep breath, trying to shake your nerves from the exchange that just took place between you. You grab a bread stick and attempt to take a small bite; you and Marcus laugh together as your small bite accidentally turns into a big one, the stick breaking in the wrong place and leaving a large chunk of bread hanging from your mouth. Of course, leave it to something awkward happening to you to break the tension. But anything to see his face come together in joyous laughter.

* * * *

"Thank you again Marcus, that was actually very delicious," you say while Marcus begins the drive back to your apartment. "I see why it was so expensive." He hums in agreement; his smile hasn't left his face since the restaurant.

You listen closely to the new song that comes on the radio, trying to make out the tune until it gets louder and you realize it's "At Last" by Etta James.

"I love this song," you say under your breath. Marcus hears you and turns up the volume slightly, earning a bright smile from you. You look back out the window and sing the lyrics softly.

At last, my love has come along,

My lonely days are over

And life is like a song.

Marcus's heart races as he listens to the lyrics being sung by you and they hit a little too close to his heart. You don't realize at first the meaning behind them, only enjoying singing along.

At last, the skies above are blue

My heart was wrapped up in clover,

The night I looked at you.

You now realize the words are identical to how you feel. You wonder if you're falling too fast for Marcus. This was only your second date and there is still so much to learn about each other. You have a whole past to open up about, which will be a defining moment for your relationship. But as you look over at Marcus and you feel the tender organ in your chest beating fast, you think to yourself that it can't get much better than this. What's the harm in trying?

Chapter Two | Chapter Four

The Singer Masterlist

A/N: Okay just wanted to explain what Marcus ordered if you're interested! *DESCRIPTION OF FOOD/ALCOHOL COMING UP* I'm not an expert so correct me if I'm wrong! According to Google:

Campari is an Italian bitters made of fruit & herbs & you usually mix it with juice or club soda (hardcore Italians drink it straight up) & it's a pre-meal drink

Tajarin al tartufo is an egg pasta, made with more egg whites than traditional egg pastas, & topped with white truffle. Idk it sounded fancy & expensive 😂

Also, here's their outfit inspos! Just a couple of things I described differently like his shirt being black & her dress having lace instead of mesh.

Ofc Marcus in this suit 🥵 I copied the description lol

TAG LIST:

@hnt-escape @winter-fox-queen @giselatropicana

#marcus pike x f!reader #marcus pike x you #marcus pike x reader #marcus pike #marcus pike fanfiction #the mentalist #the mentalist fanfiction

60 notes · View notes

selfships-in-spanish · 3 years

Text

The Queen of Demons 4/?

Pairing: Erwin Smith x OC, Levi Ackerman x OC

Rating: Mature (the rating will go up as the story advances! But it will totally be explicit ;D I even have some smut chapters already half written woooo! But right now just in case)

Warnings: None for now, but sexist and misogynist upbringing (Eva's father is a huge asshole).

Word Count: 8885

ALSO POSTED ON AO3

A/N: FUCKING FINALLY. I was so stuck and had a severe writer's block, but here it is! Part 4! I feel like my writing went down a bit but I hope to make up for it on the next one. Finished, not perfect! I hope you enjoy this one and were we can see a bit more of the vets and the 104 kids ôô

CHAPTER 4: WINTER BLOOM

The pale morning rays of sunlight woke the Princess up, mumbling and turning to her side. Eva heard the distant chirps of birds flying by, as well as the sounds of the village being already busy. The neighing of horses, carts being pulled around, setting up the shops, the rooster screeching…

Wait.

That’s not what she usually woke up to.

Back home she only heard the birds and some maids, especially Flora when she would come barging in and opening the thick curtains of her windows, letting the sun hit right in Princess’ face as she knew how much Eva despised being woken up like this, hollering: “What–”

“–A great morning this is, your Royal Sleepy Highness!”

Ah, there she was.

Eva attempted a reply but curled up further into the duvet and blankets.

“Oh c’mon, Princess! We’ve got a busy day today! Lots of exciting things!”

“Exciting for you.” Eva mumbled covering her head with the thick bedding.

Flora snorted, rolling her eyes. Without any kind of remorse, Flora grabbed the end of the duvet and blankets and unceremoniously pulled them off the Princess, enjoying the irritated groan she let out as Eva tried to blindly find something to cover herself with.

“Rise and shine!” Flora said in a singsong, stepping out of the Princess’ reach as she tried to kick her leg.

“How can you be so happy and chirpy so early in the morning?” Eva gave up, sighing and rolling out of the oddly comfortable bed; Eva fell asleep earlier than she anticipated.

“Oh, spare me the dramatics! We gotta get you to eat breakfast and prepare you for—“

“I’m not hungry.”

“Yeah, sure thing Princess, as if you don’t gobble up like a duck when you are nervous.” Flora handed Eva her robe, guiding her to the bathroom where a basin already filled with water and a cloth awaited her.

Once her morning routine finished, Eva padded to the living room where breakfast had been already served. It smelled heavenly.

“I don’t gobble like a duck.” Eva sat down, huffing displeased.

The Princess served herself some warm bread, eyeing the jams and butter with a watering mouth. Flora set a steaming cup next to her before sitting down in front of the Princess.

“Sorry, not coffee yet.”

Eva sighed.

The Princess cut some more bread for her handmaiden, sharing the spreading knife after she was done with it. On the first bite Eva hummed, satisfied with the taste and texture. Freshly baked bread was the absolute best. Flora leisurely poured sugar over the butter, her smile widening at the sugary mess. Eva frowned, chewing.

“It’s still a wonder how your teeth haven’t rotten out yet.”

“Ah, family thing for sure!” Flora took a heartly bite of the sweet monstrosity in her hands. “Gramps still has his teeth intact and covers everything in sugar when he gets his hands on some.”

Eva’s lips curled into a grimace.

“I love sweets but I don't think that is healthy.”

“You just don’t appreciate the flavour.”

“I sincerely doubt there’s any flavour left in that.” Eva nodded towards Flora’s loaf of bread.

The handmaid shrugged, biting down on it and making a show just to irk the Princess further. Eva exaggerated a gag which made Flora giggle.

Three knocks on the heavy wooden door announced the Eldians coming to pick her up. Eva sighed as she watched Flora stand up from the chair next to the Princess and walk to the door, opening it with a short bow and a smile. Eva sat straighter as the looming and bulky figures of the Eldian warriors came into her view, entering the lodgings provided temporarily for her and her handmaiden. They were the same as yesterday, the giant called Mike, the female warrior that caught her attention, Nanaba, and another man Eva couldn’t remember the name right now.

The three warriors bowed, Nanaba and the other warrior waiting right next to the open door as Mike approached her. The giant warrior waved to the door, the message of “you have to go outside” quite clear in his movements. His face did not give away any of his thoughts, keeping a neutral expression as he watched the Princess stand up and follow him, Flora right behind her with giddy steps.

Flora should have been born a Princess or a noble, her happy and open disposition towards everything and everyone would win anyone over, as well as the way she found happiness in the little things of life. How Eva wished she had Flora’s positive mindset.

“Alright, ready for your big day?” the handmaiden asked in hushed whispers, something both women mastered from years of court banquets.

“Of course not. I want to run right back inside.”

“You’re such a big—” Flora was cut off by Eva’s gasp.

Flora raised her eyes just in time to see the giant warrior leaning way too close to the Princess’ personal space and… sniff. The Princess had turned around, disbelief and stupefaction etched on her face at the nerve this big, brute man had to go sniffing people without… without their consent. Eva found it uncouth, impolite, and her cheeks blazed in indignation.

Mike leaned back, humming, pleased at something Eva wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Nanaba immediately chastised the big man, kicking his leg and nagging at him as he shrugged, crossing his arms and looking slightly guilty. At the scene unfolding right outside the house, people began to stop and watch, and Eva felt her blood run cold at the sound of the Chief’s laugh coming from down the stairs. Hans and Friederich were already there, and the youngest of the two brothers was about to march upstairs, his displeased frown deepening. The Chief nodded to Moblit, motioning him to rush to them and clear misunderstandings. Levi rolled his eyes, clicking his tongue.

“Your Highness, please accept our deepest apologies.” Moblit hastily bowed, an apologetic smile in his lips. “Mike here has this habit of… uh, sniffing people.”

“Is he implying I smell?” Eva’s mouth was pulled into a tight line. Flora did not spend as long as she did grooming her and using those soaps and perfumes Eva loved for this man to mock her handmaiden’s efforts. Besides, she kept her hygiene up to date, thank you very much.

“No! Not at all, Your Highness. Mike has a great and sharp sense of smell, like a… ah, what’s the name... ah, wolf! Like a wolf, and although I do concede that it may be considered rude, he just does it from force of habit.”

Eva raised her brow skeptically.

“He meant no disrespect, Your Highness. It’s his way to say that he uh… he welcomes you.” Moblit ventured a quick glance towards the man in question, muttering something as he almost imperceptibly nodded towards the Princess with wide impatient eyes.

Mike huffed, but muttered something back to Moblit in a deep voice. Next to him, Nanaba nodded, pleased.

“He apologises, Your Highness, and compliments you.” that piqued Eva’s curiosity. “He says you smell comforting, of lavender and honey. That’s something he appreciates, with his sharp sense of smell he can easily get overwhelmed by strong scents.”

“Ah, that must be troublesome.” Eva turned to face Mike and inclined her head. “My apologies for acting harshly.” But Eva still thought her response was totally justified. A warning beforehand would have been nice, and she still had her pride.

Mike answered with one curtly bow of his head of his own.

“Indeed.” Moblit decided the issue was resolved and lifted his arm towards the Chief and the Gottesreichan Princes, watching the whole ordeal with amused expressions sans Friederich. He still looked murderous. “Please, after you, Your Highness.”

That shocked Eva. Normally back at Gottesreich she would walk behind the men and respectfully listen to whoever was talking, and even after visiting other countries, that rule still applied, or maybe they weren’t willing to go against Gottesreich. Either way, Eva was taught to never disrespect its citizens and rulers when visiting foreign kingdoms from her brothers, and the Princess always willed herself to follow the Kingdom’s culture and customs out of respect, despite what her father said on more than one occasion. Her brothers taught her to be respectful, and she would not ignore them, and even less be an embarrassment for her brothers. Summoning with all her will a composed mask on her face, Eva dared to take the lead and walk down the snow covered stairs to where her brothers and Chief awaited. Flora walked right behind her, always keeping a watchful eye to her skirts and cloak, in case they may get in the way.

The crunching of her steps on the snow were deafening for the Princess. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. She was used to having all eyes on her, from courts and dances and banquets, from nobles and princes trying to win her father’s good graces, but having the people of Eldia stop and observe every single move she was doing felt suffocating. One slip and she was probably doomed in their eyes.

Eva stopped right in front of the men, bowing respectfully.

“Good morning, my Lord. Brothers.” Moblit’s voice softly translated for the Chief, who didn’t take his eyes away from her the entire descent.

The Chief returned the greeting, bowing as well.

“I hope you had a pleasant sleep, your Highness.”

“I did. Thank you, my Lord.” Eva did not find the need to tell him how she tossed and turned around, her mind restless, musing over yesterday’s events –his touch– or how she missed her pillows back at the palace. The Chief seemed pleased, although there was a glint in his eyes that he most certainly caught the lie. Damn it.

“If there is anything we can offer to help you get settled and to further accommodate you, please do not hesitate to say so, your Highness. I understand it may be unpleasant being so far away from home and your people.” Eva was slightly taken aback at how the Chief seemed to be understanding of her situation, contrary to what she had heard and been told a husband would be once she married. The Princess didn’t want to let her hopes up in case the fall was to be harder than it would already be.

“Thank you for your consideration, my Lord. I will do so in case I need it.” Eva knew she wouldn’t say a thing, her stubbornness always playing against her favour.

The Chief seemed pleased enough with her answer. He turned slightly so he was facing the three Gottesreichan siblings, addressing the rest of the foreign party as well. Moblit translated for them all, and Flora managed to contain her excited hops when the Chief officially announced the start of their walk around the village.

Much to the Princess’ dismay, the Chief had offered up his right arm for her to hold on as they began the tour, an encouraging smile on his lips as if saying “go on, I will not harm you”. Eva had hoped her brothers would keep him distracted enough so she could trail behind and listen, observing her surroundings, but no such luck. It seemed like here in Eldia they weren’t as reticent of closeness as they were in Gottesreich, and women were treated differently.

The Chief was still as big and massive as the Princess remembered from yesterday’s banquet, thinking it was her own nerves and wine that exaggerated her memories, but the way her hands had trouble meeting on the Chief’s arm told her otherwise. The Eldian leader kept a slow pace, mindful of his companion and her shorter legs, as he began explaining their village and the way it was structured.

The Eldian architecture was entirely different from the one used in Gottesreich, as well as the distribution of the village itself. Where Eva was used to narrower streets with houses sharing walls, clustered, messy (although the closer to the castle, the better were planned the streets and districts), mossy cobblestones, puddles around the corners with barrels and wooden crates, the townspeople walking as merchants and shopkeepers yelled their offers to the passersby, pennants hanging from side to side of the streets with the Kingdom’s colours… Here in Eldia the streets were wider, the buildings lower in height which gave a sense of the town being less claustrophobic since you could easily see the scenery and the sky. Wooden fences, dark roofs made of slates, the streets made of the earth itself with grass heartily growing on both sides and wooden planks on the floor to help create a more visible path on certain parts, but one could clearly see the cart’s marks as well as the horses pulling them.

Although everything was covered in thick layers of snow, Eva had no doubts it would be a magnificent sight in spring, with the imposing mountains surrounding the village and the vast fields littered with the farmer’s homes composing a picture deserving of a painting. It was rurally beautiful. Different, more primitive, if she took into consideration her own Kingdom’s ways, but efficient. The Princess was sure this level of coordination would not be able to be achieved without years of honing this lifestyle, and it honestly intrigued her, her curiosity piqued. Eva hoped this curiosity and wonder for the novelty wouldn’t disappear quickly and would stay with her until her situation was more bearable, or grew accustomed to.

Moblit’s gentle voice guided the Gottesreichan guests through the Chief’s explanations, looking at the direction where the Chief pointed with his free hand while speaking, often stopping to further go into details about their dwellings, their storage facilities and barns, the marketplace with the villagers already busy with their daily chores. The town’s market was lively and uniquely beautiful, wooden stalls standing proud with all the goods on display. There was all kinds of variety, going from food to parchment and candles and clothes, to jewelry or tools for butchers or farmers.

The Princess’ heart thumped wildly on her chest, trying her hardest not to show her rising panic at the fact that she was walking around the village on the Chief’s arm, having everyone’s eyes on her as they kept their tour. The villagers stopped their chores midway to stare at them, whispering and chattering as they went through. Some respectfully greeted their Chieftain, mostly the warriors patrolling the streets doing a particular salute upon seeing them, but the villagers smiled and bowed, the children present doing the same as they tried to contain their laughs while not being able to keep their eyes off the scene in front of them. The Chief continued their walk after answering the greetings.

An excited giggle, followed by a shriek of what sounded like a name, startled the guests and their hosts, even. The Gottesreichan soldiers took a defensive stance, ready to pounce on the source of it as well as attack if necessary; their priority was defending the monarch's lives at any costs. Eva couldn’t help the scared jump her body did upon hearing the childish laugh and running steps on frozen ground getting nearer, gasping loudly in fear and tightly clutching the Chief’s arm with her tiny hands as she unconsciously leaned on him, seeking protection.

The Chief was ready to make her stand behind him and face the attacker, but stopped immediately upon seeing it was one of the children from before. The boy had rosy cheeks, the colour intensified by both the running and the cold, and probably the excitement too, and had a wide smile that was missing a few teeth. The kid was holding something in his hands, hidden behind his back, and with the eagerness of a child waiting for the exact moment an adult would pay them attention to show them what they got in their hands, the little boy almost shoved his possession to the Chieftain and the Princess.

Once he saw what the boy had in his hands, the Chief visibly relaxed, shoulders shaking in silent amusement at how a little kid got the best of them all. The Princess still looked uncertain, clutching and pressing herself into him. Eyes wide and breath a little bit short, Eva looked down at the kid’s hands. He was holding a… flower?

A flower in the middle of winter? How was that even possible?

The kid kept his eyes on the Princess, urging her to take his present with quick words and lifting his hands further up, his smile widening. Eva thought herself of a stupid fool. How could she have been scared of a child? What harm could he do? Unless… No, unless nothing. This was a little boy offering a flower, a beautiful one that Eva had never seen before. Father would not tarnish the good intentions of a child.

Upon not having, still, immediate response from the Princess, the kid hopped on his spot, irremediably making Eva show a timid smile; she could never resist a toothy grin and sparkling eyes.

One look at the mother told Eva how this was not planned and how the kid had ran off on his own volition. Everyone on the street stopped dead on their tracks and silently watched the exchange, not even daring to breathe. The mother’s wide eyes jumped from the Princess to the Chief, then to his child, not knowing if she should run and apologise to their guests or wait and have faith in their leader and his soon to be wife.

Eva understood quickly this was to be a decisive moment for her and her stay in Eldia. One wrong movement that led to misinterpretation could be beyond disastrous. She had to be good, she had to fulfill her duty and be a good wife and—

Eva took a deep breath. Focus. Don’t succumb into panic.

Fighting her burning cheeks out of her own embarrasment, Eva let go of her almost deadly grip on the Chief’s arm and faced the little boy alone. Keeping her smile on her lips, Eva approached the child with small steps, stopping right in front of him and elegantly folding her gloved hand on top of the other. The kid kept talking at a dizzying speed, and when he noticed how the Princess furrowed her brows in confusion, while still maintaining her smile, he understood not a word he was saying reached her.

Humming to himself while thinking hard, the kid’s face illuminated itself when an idea came to him. He hastily pointed to the flower and then to the Princess, practically shoving it in her hands. Eva looked down and then up at the kid, pointing at herself with a questioning look. The child nodded effusively, shoving the poor flower again.

Eva couldn’t help the soft chuckle upon his enthusiasm, never being able to resist a kid. The Princess took it, making sure to do a slightly exaggerated bow, lifting slightly the skirts and careful enough to not crumple the flower, so the little boy understood her gratitude. The kid happily ran back to his mother, skipping and laughing as he began talking at that incredible speed while his mother looked beyond relieved. Eva did a curtly bow to her too, trying to show the mother no offence of any kind was taken.

Returning to the Chief’s side, Eva brought the flower to her nose. She always did that whenever she came by one, out of habit, and was surprised by the faint but sweet fragrance it emitted. Eva would have to ask about them, knowing Gottesreich did not have any flowers blooming in winter.

Just when they were about to resume their walk, more excited giggles and shouts could be heard. Other children ran away from their mothers and fathers, holding the same flower in their tiny hands. Eva found herself surrounded by eager eyes and smiles, shoving their flowers up so the Princess would pick them up too. Some would tug at her cloak so she would pick theirs first, others jumping on their spot, other’s patiently waiting their turn as they marvelled on the fabric and embroidery of her pale blue winter dress.

The Princess ended up with a small bouquet of flowers, the children shouting and running happily back to their parents once they delivered their gifts. She did not know what to do with them now, and frantically looked at the Chief and her brothers, then to Flora when her siblings had confused expressions, for a clue. The Chieftain had an amused glint in his eyes, but half his mind was busy thinking about something. Finally, Flora took pity on her Princess and walked up to her with a smile on her lips.

“Let’s show off those gifts, shall we, your Highness?”

Flora expertly secured the flowers on the Princess’s up braid, the pure white and calm blue of the flowers an unexpected but welcome complement to the Princess’s own choice of wardrobe. Moblit later explained, upon inquiring about the flowers herself, that they were a special kind of flower that bloomed on their woods only during the cold season, earning the name of “winter miracle”. It also symbolized the welcoming of new people into their tribe, as its sister in the warmer weather.

Eva was touched, knowing not that those kids wanted to welcome her upon hearing she was to become one of them soon. The Princess only wished the adults would have the same feelings towards her.

Thankfully the walk around the village suffered no more incidents and surprises, and Eva was able to delight herself on the market and what it had to offer; she definitely had to go there often and take her sweet time. The quills looked absolutely exquisite, and those were the famous travelling books she heard so much about! Even the jeweller had a beautiful selection of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings that the Princess had no idea the Eldians were capable of such craftsmanship. She particularly liked the brooch with the silhouette of a bird resting on a golden branch, the gold of the bird expertly mixed with beautiful midnight blue gemstones, resembling feathers. Also the hairpins! They were absolutely marvelous. The jeweller himself was both pleased and proud that the Gottesreichan Princess liked his products.

Their next destination amazed and terrified the Gottesreichan guests.

Eldia’s military prowess was legendary, and right now, they had its base and core right in front of them. The training grounds were a massive expanse of terrain, with barracks, thoroughly used wooden dummies, racks full of well-cared training weapons of all kinds, archery ranges, horse-riding training fields… and each and every single space was filled to the brim with warriors and trainees.

It was frightening to see how Eldia’s army was composed of perfectly trained warriors with wide expertise in the arts of combat. Not a movement wasted, not a single error in the placement of their feet to maintain balance. Strength, power, endurance, knowledge— every skill needed to become a perfect warrior, it was taught here in the massive training fields.

The Chief walked them right through the training grounds, nodding towards the warriors and fresh trainees who ceremoniously saluted him and the entourage he was leading. It was the same salute the Gottesreichan guests had seen in their entire walk around the unexpectedly gigantic village: right hand closed in a fist over their hearts, left hand on the back, and a proud stance full of tenacity and devotion. The newest recruits surprised the royal siblings, full of young faces who couldn’t be older than 15, but with a fierce determination to learn and to prove themselves. All sizes, shapes and forms– if you were up to it, were ready to go through an intense training, it did not matter who you were: a farmer’s son, a baker’s daughter… if you dedicated your heart, trained hard and understood what values had an Eldian warrior, what a life meant, you were fit to become one.

They stopped to observe the fresh batch that just started training a few months back go through a hand to hand combat. The instructor, a tall and intimidating man, bald with prominent wrinkles on his forehead and very notorious dark circles under his eyes, yelled out orders to the recruits. Some flinched, some fought every fibre of their beings into not taking a step back –a few of them failing–, but some stood their ground with confident and resolved stares, bearing down the drilling of the grim and frightening man.

Upon seeing that their Chief, the veteran warriors and the Gottesreichan guests where watching them, the recruits swallowed down their fears and tried to impress their leaders and royal guests, trying to make a good and fearsome impression of what the Eldian training grounds and warriors were made of. Punches, kicks, throwing the opponent on the floor… the field became a controlled battlefield of snarls, growls and frustrated shouts that developed into determined grunts. The recruits’ clothes soon became soiled by a mix of sweat and dirt, as a result of their vigorous and energetic try of today’s exercises.

The Princess did not dare to voice it aloud, in fear of her thoughts being perceived as a critique and direct attack on the Eldian ways, but her heart shrank inside her chest at the sight of what must be the smallest, tiniest of the new recruits, a blonde girl with wide blue eyes like the sky above, go against a trainee twice her size. Eva involuntarily clenched her hands in apprehension on the Chief’s arm, eyes not able to look away from the imminent tragedy. She was too tiny to be there! That poor girl was surely to be beaten into a pulp, taken advantage of the fact that she was much weaker, much more smaller–

A large hand squeezed her tightly clasped ones, making the Princess tear away her concerned gaze, even if she thought it was impossible for her to do so, to look down and see the Chief’s one bury her own. The Princess immediately searched for the Chief’s eyes, surprised at how he was already gazing down on her and had a small reassuring smile on his lips, nodding towards the training field. Eva looked straight ahead, just in time to see the petite girl dodge and deliver a solid punch to her opponent, making the cadet stagger backwards and clutch their stomach in pain. It was still far from being perfect and devastatingly powerful, as Eldians were known for, but it was good enough for a start and for the tiny warrior’s size. A small breath of relief released itself from the Princess’ lungs.

It still shocked Eva to the core to see women amongst the military ranks and files of Eldia, and nobody questioning it. Apparently there weren’t any kind of laws to forbid them to enlist, or to do any other job that back in Gottesreich it was meant only for men. How could they do it? How could those brave women endure it? Eva had always been taught how them, the lesser, weaker sex, could not what a man could do, just because God said so in his holy words. Father was the High Priest of Gottesreich, Father preached the word of God, the Holy Scriptures, that he made memorise Eva the moment she began her intense training as the third Princess of Gottesreich. It was so deeply ingrained in her mind that the mere thought of thinking herself above a man and their role made the Princess want to get on her knees and beg for forgiveness from her God.

How far did the dissimilarities run between their nations? How could Father entrust her with his desire to enlighten the Eldians into the correct, pious path? Just the simple thought of questioning her husband-to-be and his ways chilled her entire body and soul. She just… couldn’t. Her father’s will confused Eva.

But still, deep down inside her, locked down and not even daring to let it see the light, she couldn’t help but to… envy them. Envy their freedom of choice, of options, of life. Could she ever be like them? Aspire to have their wide range of choices? Alternatives? Could she choose her own path? She had been taught since she was a little girl that she would spend her life in a home, with her husband and a child in her arms. Not travelling, not expanding knowledge, or meeting new people and cultures… Everything Father and the Governess told her reminded little Eva of a bird cage. Pretty, comfortable, enough to see what was beyond the bars… but a cage.

She learned to accept her fate quickly, not daring to cross Father ever again in her life.

Eva knew she was born in a privileged home. A castle. A Princess. Never hungry, never cold, only the best of the best for her. It only took a quick look beyond the capital to see how privilege fed and took care of her. All her whims and wishes met without hesitation. Not a single patch to fix on her dresses, her hairbrush not missing a single bristle and made of the best silver— a perfect, content life. All you have to do is your duty, Father said. Do what you were born to do. Your only purpose.

Make me proud of being your Father.

Bring glory to the Holy Kingdom.

She was made to be bred, she was made to bear children, heirs, she was made to be a leverage for deals, a bargain chip, as her mind whispered to her in her darkest moments, to bring prosperity and glory to the Holy Kingdom of Gottesreich. She was… She was…

“Your Highness?”

The Princess was brought back to the present by Moblit’s placid voice and the Chief’s gentle tug, as if she had been rooted there, staring at the warriors, and getting lost in her troubles instead of following her fiancé and Eldian hosts. They were staring at her. Everyone. At least it felt like everyone, even the animals. Her breath had caught in her lungs, her throat a hard knot she forced herself to swallow before speaking.

“My deepest apologies, my Lords.” Eva’s mind scrambled to find an appropriate excuse for her lack of manners and being caught zoning out. “I did not mean any disrespect by my actions or to show an unwillingness to follow this pleasant walk. I was simply transfixed by your warriors, admiring their tenacity and will.”

What a load of bullshit.

They all seemed to buy it. Not Flora, though. She could see right through Eva as if she had been made of glass. Her handmaiden would probably ask her about it later in the privacy of their own lodgings, but let it go for now, knowing it was no use to inquire about it in the middle of the village tour, even less in front of their hosts.

They resumed the walk, passing through the training grounds before turning to their right, strolling until they reached one of the biggest houses of the village. Moblit informed them it was where the sick and injured were taken care of. A house for the sick, a hospital. Gottesreich had its own physicians and doctors, but never a house dedicated for the sick, the poor. Eva knew the Palace had their own royal physicians, dedicated only to them, and the people needed to rely on the town’s doctors.

Eva wondered how did this hospital work. Did they dedicate a part of the taxes to it? Was it free? What remedies did they use? What—

One of the windows was slammed open, an excited yell coming out of it. Moblit let out a tired sigh, mumbling in Eldian, as if he knew exactly what was that about. Levi spoke too, the tone in his voice denoting annoyance. Eva felt the Chieftain chuckle, answering his right-hand man with something that made Levi snort.

A head poked out of the window, messy brown hair tied up in a scrambled ponytail. The stranger kept shouting, excited, continuous noises of delight coming out of their mouth. The person noticed the small entourage right down their window, and quieted down instantly, curious as to who were the ones standing there. Then, another excited screech, lurching their body almost out of the window as they enthusiastically waved down. Moblit let out a strangled noise, uselessly raising his arms as if he wanted to catch the over excited person dangling off the window.

Eva discreetly looked to her side, looking for an answer or explanation in the Chief’s eyes, but he was looking up with an amused smile. She used his distraction to look behind her, finding the exact confused expression on her handmaiden and brother’s faces. The Princess saw Flora quietly shrug her shoulders, and she was so tempted to join her, but refrained in case the Eldians caught her and found it impolite. The person on the window shouted something and disappeared inside, sounds of furniture being moved around reaching their ears. Moblit groaned, rubbing his temples.

A few minutes later the same person who had half their body out of the window came out from the main doors of the hospital. Levi discreetly stepped away, not wanting to be involved with the newcomer and the imminent events. He really wanted to go back to the privacy and tranquility of his own home, drink a nice cup of tea…

An excited exclamation followed by a strident laugh broke Levi’s long desired daydream. He watched their eccentric approach, wondering how their guests would react to them. Judging by how the delicate Princess gasped at anything that came running and loud, Levi guessed it would not go right. Mike silently joined him, crossing his arms as he, too, observed the catastrophe about to happen.

“Bets?” Mike’s low murmur made Levi snort.

“She will freak out.” Levi turned his head to amusedly stare at his fellow warrior. “Like she did with you.”

Mike scoffed, crossing his arms.

“C’mon, not you too. And I say she doesn’t, just to spite you.”

“Hah! Serves you right, you big-nosed moose.” Levi’s gaze fell back to the front.

“It was not my intention.” it truly hadn’t been. He couldn’t help it, Mike trusted his nose, knowing his instincts never failed him before. He had to know.

“Just, don’t go sniffing people.”

“I will not make such promises.” Mike’s lips curled into a smile, proud at the way he managed to make Levi’s shoulders briefly shake.

Both warriors kept watching the scene in front of them, with Moblit trying to save the situation from their beloved doctor’s clutches, quickly directing their attention to himself and his words. Everybody knew that Moblit had a reserved spot on their Goddesses’ paradise; nobody worked as hard as him, and was as skilled to manage the village’s resident genius doctor.

“Your Highnesses, it is my pleasure to introduce you to our doctor, Hange Zoë. They are the head of the hospital and–”

“IT IS PLEASURE TO MEET, HIGHNESSESES!” Hange cut the poor and exasperated Moblit out, excitedly looking from one sibling to the other. The royal hosts were surprised at the doctor’s broken Gottesreichan attempt, albeit enthusiastic.

Flora successfully covered an amused snort. Ardor! Fervor! Passion! Flora admired that in a person, and for now, Doctor Hange Zoë managed to catch her attention. The handmaiden was sure she could learn interesting things from this eager physician, and secretly wanted to see how Eva would react. It reminded her of her first week as the Princess’ handmaiden, chasing a scared and overwhelmed Eva down the corridors as she tightly clutched one of her precious books, wanting to volt out of any situation that involved a loud and chatty girl following her everywhere. Flora realises know that she had been a little bit insensitive to her poor friend, but in her defense she just wanted her Princess to live.

The eccentric doctor went from sibling to sibling, offering their hand for them to shake. Prince Hans took it surprisingly well, smiling warmly and shaking the offered hand with what would be considered a perfect grip, confident and secure, while Hange still kept letting out broken gottesreichan, not giving any thought to the mistakes. Friederich was confused, and as such, shook his hand with the same sentiment as he was feeling; the second Prince felt as if a strong wind knocked him out of his feet and all he could say was “huh?”.

But ah, Eva. Poor Eva. She had brief flashes of her childhood with Flora, of an overexcited girl running after her as she talked, and talked, and talked… until Eva began to enjoy her extroverted nature and secretly thanked her for dragging her out of her room or the library. But still, Doctor Hange Zoë managed to scare the living daylights out of her with their excited gasp and sparkling eyes. Eva clutched the Chief’s arm in a deathly grip for the second time that day.

Hange offered their hand out too, but then seemed to think about it. Did princesses shake hands too? Was it protocol? Well, Hange never truly cared about protocols, to be honest, Moblit usually took care of that. So maybe it was too forward? Should Hange bow? Did they thoroughly screw up in their eagerness–?

Eva raised her hand and took Hange’s as her brothers did, Forcing herself to paint a warm smile on her lips.

Her father and governess’ voices were screaming inside her head, louder than her own heartbeat. How dare you shake hands with a commoner, you, a princess of Gottesreich? A princess should never shake hands! Commoners must bow, must kneel, must–

“The pleasure is mine, doctor Zoë. I am afraid I do not know any word of Eldian yet, but thank you for your efforts. I hope to learn soon.” Eva would follow her brothers’ lead for now, as they discussed on their journey to Eldia. Father was not here. Father did not understand. If Eva was to settle here to start a new life and end it here, she could not start fights and discontent because of her father’s pride. It was the smart thing to do.

The coarseness of her father always upsetted her, even if she swallowed her discontent, not wanting to repeat that night.

Hange’s uncertain face instantly turned into a bright smile. They didn’t screw up! The doctor turned to say something to the Chief, who in return gained a brief smile. Then, Hange returned their attention to the siblings.

Levi was rendered speechless. He lost the stupid bet! Levi was sure the Princess would freak out upon Hange’s overly enthusiastic greetings, judging by how she had reacted earlier with Mike and his antics. He didn’t dare to turn to his left to see Mike’s moronic moustache smiling smugly at him.

“You owe me.” Mike’s grin could be heard in his voice.

“Shut up, you giant tree.” Damn it!

“Want come in? Show house?” Hange signaled to the main entrance of the Hospital, already thinking about the tour they would take the royal siblings and show how amazing their inventions and discoveries had been.

Should Eva say yes? No, that was arrogant of her, she couldn’t decide on a whim what or what to not do, even less without consulting it with her brothers or the Eldian leader. Didn’t the Eldians also have an itinerary already made for today? The people on the streets and outside the hospital were staring at them, curious about the scene in front of them. Eva was getting nervous. their stares were suffocating her, their attention adding more weight on her, her mind scrambling to find an appropriate response–

Moblit intercepted before Eva could begin, quickly saving the moment.

The Princess was grateful for it, feeling the weight of the decision on her shoulders diminish; she restrained her relieved sigh from escaping her lips, though. Moblit would handle it, thank God above! With a pang of pity in her heart, Eva watched Hange go from thrilled to crestfallen as Moblit spoke. Now she felt bad, knowing for sure they had the best intentions in their heart. Maybe the detour wasn’t that bad…?

But Hange immediately returned to their cheerful self.

“Must come other day! Question Erwin about it!” Hange clasped Eva’s hand in theirs, that exhilarated spark back in their eyes. “Must show you fun things!”

Eva pressed her lips into a tight, nervous smile and nodded, hoping it would be enough to quench Doctor Hange’s eagerness. Too forward! Too forward! Was this also an eldian thing? It seemed to do the trick, as they went back inside the hospital when an assistant called them from the door and enthusiastically waved goodbye.

“Apologies, your Highnesses.” Moblit deserved a raise and long vacations. It had been only a day, but it was clear for the gottesreichan guests that the poor man dealt with a lot, and it seemed that Doctor Hange occupied 80% of it. “I must ask for you to forgive Doctor Hange’s lack of protocol and take no offence by it. The Doctor really enjoys meeting new people and telling about their discoveries and new remedies.”

“No offense taken, Moblit. I’m sure Doctor Hange can make it up to us by showing us what they are so excited for, right?” Hans was genuinely interested, always asking the doctors and physicians back at the palace about everything, going as far as reading some books, although he understood half of it. He truly wanted to know Doctor Hange’s thoughts.

“Honestly, I’m curious now.” Friederich scratched his nose, mumbling. Hans sniggered, lowering his voice so only his brother and her sister’s handmaiden could hear him.

“You, willing to listen to non-battle-related things? Who are you and where is my dear brother?” Flora snickered, covering her mouth.

“Oi!” Friederich’s ears went red at the tips.

“We will have to come tomorrow, then.”

Moblit approached them, always with his calm smile on his face.

“May we continue, your Highnesses?”

Only when they resumed their tour, hearing Moblit talk with her brothers and the Eldian warriors escorting them, did Eva realise how Doctor Hange was wearing glasses.

Saying Eva was scared was not enough. Terrified? Frightened? Petrified? There was no adjective to describe the sheer terror those beasts instilled inside her heart. Those were not horses. No horse could be that monstrous size. Nope. No way.

She didn’t even reach the horse’s chest! And even one leg was as thick as her whole body! How did they even suppose she could get on one of them?

They were led to the village’s stables, where the stable hands and grooms had horses ready with their saddles. Each one of them had a different saddle pad, beautiful Eldian embroidery and motifs of golden and white thread on a teal fabric, most of them resembling the ones from the village’s houses, the themes of the needle work being mostly of mother nature herself. The leather of the saddles were beautifully taken care of, going from darker to lighter tints of brown, no doubt the artisans made a good work of the dyes and its delicate processes.

The horses looked healthy, robust and ready to be ridden by their masters. If Eva wasn’t as scared as she was, she would be admiring the animals and the pure strength they exuded.

Friederich was getting more invested into this part of the tour than the previous one. Yes, Eldia was beautiful and curiously different, but for Friederich, it was still boring; he had never been good at diplomacy and pleasantry visits. He had always heard of Eldia’s monstrous steeds, and was delighted to see such enormous and sturdy stallions, powerfully built and vigorous. You could see the raw power in them, and couldn’t wait to see what it felt to ride one of them. Maybe he could convince the Eldian Chief to trade some… Surely his enemies would piss themselves upon seeing a beast such as this charging against them. Yeah, maybe he could, preferably at the evening banquet. Now was not the time.

This was an important ritual for the Eldians.

Moblit gracefully explained how this was considered crucial when two souls got engaged in Eldia. Hunting was part of their culture, a huge one, and they would not bring shame to their traditions and ancestors. It was an art, and the Eldians deeply respected nature and what it provided for humankind, so the solemn air was palpable. For Eldians this was a trial, also. Those who proposed to their lovers would have to hunt a magnificent piece for their betrothed, to both show that they could provide for them and also have the strength, patience, wit and endurance used in hunting that would prevail in their lives.

Since the Chief was getting engaged to the Princess, he had to prove himself to her, so she would accept and approve of her future husband. This ritual held even more importance for who was performing it, and the villagers were actually curious about how well would their Chief perform; sadly, some couples had to use all three attempts to succeed. They hoped the Chief would succeed at his first try.

For Eva, it was basically a show to see how much of a peacock the man could be, not that different from those in court who would fawn themselves and their achievements to win her hand, and what came with it. Bitter? Maybe so. She was just tired of men, but would respect the Eldian tradition. After all, traditions were traditions, and one should always honour them, no matter what.

For Flora, it was just like her beloved romantic novels. A man proving their worth to their beloved? Man versus Beast? Oh, how she wished that for herself! Maybe one day she would find love here, in Eldia. Who knew what the future awaited for her?

“As tradition says,” Moblit spoke. “The future bride and groom must ride together, as the willingness of their souls to start a new journey.”

Eva froze.

No way.

No.

There had to be a mistake. She thought she would ride in a small carriage with Flora, as the men rode and discussed their matters. Her dress wasn’t suited for riding!

On cue, one of the stable hands brought a magnificent white stallion, it’s crest carefully brushed and not a single tangle and bit of dirt on it. It was bigger than the other horses, robust, and Eva understood now what people meant when they said pets and horses resembled their owners: a horse truly fit for a Chief; it had to be his judging by the proud look the man had on his eyes.

The beast patiently stood right in front of them, not showing an ounce of nervousness or uneasiness. How Eva wished she felt the same. She just wanted to bolt right out of there.

The Princess felt the Chief turn towards her, and automatically released her hold on his arm, although he kept her hand in his, gently guiding her towards the Chief’s own stallion. Eva didn’t want to get closer, even less mount on it. She was terrified! They stood in front of the beast’s head, admiring the noble profile and long golden lashes it had. Eva saw the Chief affectionately gaze at his horse, giving it a tender stroke on its muzzle. He looked back at Eva, inviting her to do the same, but the Princess remained rooted, frozen on the spot. The Chief nudged her to pet the stallion’s head by lifting her hand himself, slowly, always watching her reactions closely— the Chieftain knew he was pushing her, but Erwin believed this would help her lose a little bit of her fearful first impression.

Eva watched, between a mix of horror and wonder, how her gloved fingers brushed the horse’s muzzle, its heat warming up her palm. The stallion didn’t even flinch at the change, letting itself be pet. Eva was amazed, transfixed, not even aware of the Chief’s gaze on her. Slowly, a sensation of relief washed all over her body, feeling more secure now that the beast showed no trace of nervousness upon seeing a new face. Eva even let herself release a small smile, even though her heart was still pounding fiercely inside her chest.

More horses were brought to them, each warrior taking the reins of their own steed, as well as new horses for the Princes to ride. Friederich was beyond excited, eyes going from head to rear of the enormous beast he was lent to ride. He looked like a child in a candy shop back at the Capital.

Everyone waited for the Chief to mount first, as tradition dictated. The solemn air felt like a pressing stone on the Princess, not truly knowing what she was supposed to do besides having to ride with him. Should she say something? Perform a certain move? But the Princess stood rooted there, letting her never-fading anxiety begin to swallow whole again.

The Chief prepared himself to mount on, grabbing the pommel with his left hand and easily hoisting himself up when he set his foot on the stirrup. Every move he did looked effortless, as if even a child could do that with their eyes closed. If they thought Eva could achieve such levels, they were going to be thoroughly disappointed. The Chief extended his hand to the Princess, signaling her to come closer and join him on the horse.

The question is: how the hell is she supposed to get on it?

Moblit did not give any clues or hints about it, and everyone respectfully watched as the Princess approached the Chief with small steps. The Eldian leader never looked away from her, and she truly reminded him of a scared fawn.

What came next was a blur for the Princess. One moment she was standing right beside the Chief, timidly taking his hand and raising her other one to try to reach the pommel as the Chief did, her foot raising too to set on the lowered stirrup, and on the next moment Eva found herself being lifted as if she weighted nothing, strong arms pulling her up, easily turning her so she sat astride the horse with her back pressed against his chest.

Eva couldn’t focus on anything but the feel of his broad and strong chest snugly pressed against her back, despite the layers of thick clothing and cloaks between them. Eva did not pay attention to everyone else getting on their horses, or how Friederich couldn’t help the boyish grin on his lips, or how Flora turned beet red when she was made to mount on the same horse as the second Prince of Gottesreich, her confident and self-assured attitude gone for a moment. She couldn’t, not with how the Chief righted her stance with gentle hands, or how he straightened her own dress skirts and cloak without being prompted to do so, or how he guided her gloved hands to the crest and horn, so she had something to hold on to, even if the arms that caged her in wouldn’t let her slip and fall. The cold was forgotten for a moment, as well as her nervous tension.

Prompting the beast to an easy gait, the Chief led the party outside the stables and onto the main street. That’s when Eva snapped out of her trance and quickly ventured a look towards her handmaiden, seeing her grip the crest of the horse she was on with red cheeks. Both women crossed looks, twin bewildered expressions greeting each other. Eva silently cheered for her friend, but was too occupied herself with her own troubles to even waggle her eyebrows to tease her handmaiden.

This was going to be a long day.

The main street greeted them with the eldian villagers gathered on the sides of it, creating a passageway of curious and expectant faces. Everyone looked like they were waiting for a signal, eyes glued to the Chief’s horse and its riders, fingers and feet fidgeting. When the Chief and the Princess passed the first bystanders, the whole wide street exploded into cheers and shouts and blue.

The villagers threw flowers on them and the horses’ hooves, smiling and clapping as they passed by. Eva recognised the winter flowers from before, the same she wore now on her braid, and watched the villagers cover the entire street in a mantle of blue and white. The Chief did not turn to greet or answer them, keeping his head and eyes straight ahead in a solemn show of respect towards their faith in him. That’s when Eva understood this was part of the hunting ritual too, bidding farewell and good luck to the couple about to engage in the ritual. So, to not be disrespectful towards their culture and traditions, Eva did the same, looking straight ahead towards the main gate, into the sky blue path. A flash of the Chieftains’ eyes crossed her mind. The same blue.

It truly was a beautiful sight.

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