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headspace-hotel · 21 days

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Nature is healing.

I burned the Meadow a couple weeks ago. At first it looked like nothing but charred ashes and dirt, with a few scorched green patches, and I was afraid I'd done something terrible. But then the sprouts emerged. Tender new leaves swarming the soil.

My brother and I were outside after dark the other day, to see if any lightning bugs would emerge yet. We had been working on digging the pond. That old soggy spot in the middle of the yard that we called "poor drainage," that always splattered mud over our legs when we ran across it as children—it isn't a failed lawn, and it never was.

Oh, we tried to fill in the mud puddles, even rented heavy machinery and graded the whole thing out, but the little wetland still remembered. God bless those indomitable puddles and wetlands and weeds, that in spite of our efforts to flatten out the differences that make each square meter of land unique from another, still declare themselves over and over to be what they are.

So we've been digging a hole. A wide, shallow hole, with an island in the middle.

And steadily, I've been transplanting in vegetation. At school there is a soggy field that sadly is mowed like any old field. The only pools where a frog could lay eggs are tire ruts. From this field I dig up big clumps of rushes and sedges, and nobody pays me any mind when I smuggle them home.

I pulled a little stick of shrubby willow from some cracked pavement near a creek, and planted it nearby. From a ditch on the side of the road beside a corn field, I dug up cattail rhizomes. Everywhere, tiny bits of wilderness, holding on.

I gathered up rotting logs small enough to carry and made a log pile beside the pond. At another corner is a rock pile. I planted some old branches upright in the ground to make a good place for birds and dragonflies to perch.

And there are so many birds! Mourning doves, robins, cardinals and grackles come here in much bigger numbers, and many, many finches and sparrows. I always hear woodpeckers, even a Pileated Woodpecker here and there. A pair of bluebirds lives here. There are three tree swallows, a barn swallow also, tons of chickadees, and there's always six or seven blue jays screaming and making a commotion. And the goldfinches! Yesterday I watched three brilliant yellow males frolic among the tall dandelions. They would hover above the grass and then drop down. One landed on a dandelion stem and it flopped over. There are several bright orange birds too. I think a couple of them are orioles, but there's definitely also a Summer Tanager. There's a pair of Canada Geese that always fly by overhead around the same time in the evening. It's like their daily commute.

The other day, as I watched, I saw a Cooper's Hawk swoop down and carry off a robin. This was horrifying news for the robin individually, but great news for the ecosystem. The food chain can support more links now.

There are two garter snakes instead of one, both of them fat from being good at snaking. I wonder if there will be babies?

But the biggest change this year is the bugs. It's too early for the lightning bugs, but all the same the yard is full of life.

It's like remembering something I didn't know I forgot. Oh. This is how it's supposed to be. I can't glance in any direction without seeing the movement of bugs. Fat crickets and earwigs scuttle underneath my rock piles, wasps flit about and visit the pond's shore, an unbelievable variety of flies and bees visit the flowers, millipedes and centipedes hide under the logs. Butterflies, moths, and beetles big and small are everywhere.

I can't even describe it in terms of individual encounters; they're just everywhere, hopping and fluttering away with every step. There are so many kinds of ants. I sometimes stare really closely at the ground to watch the activities of the ants. Sometimes they are in long lines, with two lanes of ants going back and forth, touching antennae whenever two ants traveling in opposite directions meet. Sometimes I see ants fighting each other, as though ant war is happening. Sometimes the ants are carrying the curled-up bodies of dead ants—their fallen comrades?

My neighbor gave me all of their fallen leaves (twelve bags!) and it turns out that piling leaves on top of a rock and log pile in a wet area summons an unbelievable amount of snails.

I always heard of snails as pests, but I have learned better. Snails move calcium through the food chain. Birds eat snails and use the calcium in their shells to make egg shells. In this way, snails lead to baby birds. I never would have known this if I hadn't set out to learn about snails.

In the golden hour of evening, bugs drift across the sky like golden motes of dust, whirling and dancing together in the grand dramas of their tiny lives. I think about how complicated their worlds are. After interacting with bees and wasps so much for so long, I'm amazed by how intelligent and polite they are. Bumble bees will hover in front of me, swaying side to side, or circle slowly around me several times, clearly perceiving some kind of information...but what? It seems like bees and wasps can figure out if you are a threat, or if you are peaceful, and act accordingly.

I came to a realization about wasps: when they dart at your head so you hear them buzzing close by your ears, they're announcing their presence. The proper response is to freeze and duck down a bit. It seems like wasps can recognize if you're being polite; for what it's worth, I've never been stung by a wasp.

As night falls, bats emerge and start looping and darting around in the sky above. If the yard seems full of bugs in the day, it is nothing compared to the night.

I'm aware that what I'm about to describe, to an entomophobe, sounds like a horror movie: when i walk to the back yard, the trees are audibly crackling and whirring with the activity of insects. Beetles hover among the branches of the trees. When we look up at the sky, moths of all sizes are flying hither and thither across it. A large, very striking white moth flies past low to the ground.

Last year, seeing a moth against the darkening sky was only occasional. Now there's so many of them.

I consider it in my mind:

When roads and houses are built and land is turned over to various human uses, potentially hundreds of native plant species are extirpated from that small area. But all of the Eastern USA has been heavily altered and destroyed.

Some plants come back easily, like wild blackberry, daisy fleabane, and common violets. But many of them do not. Some plants need fire to sprout, some need Bison or large birds to spread them, some need humans to harvest and care for them, some live in habitats that are frequently treated with contempt, some cannot bear to be grazed by cattle, some are suffocated beneath invasive Tall Fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, honeysuckle or Bradford pears, and some don't like being mowed or bushhogged.

Look at the landscape...hundreds and hundreds of acres of suburbs, pastures, corn fields, pavement, mowed verges and edges of roads.

Yes, you see milkweed now and then, a few plants on the edge of the road, but when you consider the total area of space covered by milkweed, it is so little it is nearly negligible. Imagine how many milkweed plants could grow in a single acre that was caretaken for their prosperity—enough to equal fifty roadsides put together!

Then I consider how many bugs are specialists, that can only feed upon a particular plant. Every kind of plant has its own bugs. When plant diversity is replaced by Plant Sameness, the bug population decreases dramatically.

Plant sameness has taken over the world, and the insect apocalypse is a result.

But in this one small spot, nature is healing...

#plants #native plants #native plant gardening #proplifting #sorta #save the bees

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midnightfiireworks · 1 year

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tag drop oops.

#rip off my compassion with your teeth ( ic. )#lights off ( ooc. )#the dove ( bran. )#the lioness ( julia. )#first born; second place ( koreyatsu. )#baron of house winter ( voltryks. )#the old wolf ( saladin. )#the empress ( caiatl. )#goddess of wisdom ( athena. )#make a wish ( arianrhod. )#the abomination ( taniks. )#the stormborn prince ( yoshinada. )#the lonely ( thistle. )#the lost ( andal. )#the call of the void ( ikora. )#the shore's law ( rakis. )

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fragileheartbeats · 4 months

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𓈒ㅤׂㅤ 𓇼 ࣪ 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ⭒⠀

♡ ⭒ㅤ𓈒 白鳥 ㅤ𝅄ㅤ ㅤ྄

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀꒰͡ ⠀ ִ 𝐽 𝐽 𝐾 𝑀 𝑒 𝑛 𝑥 𝐹 𝑒 𝑚 𝑅 𝑒 𝑎 𝑑 𝑒 𝑟 ⠀ׂ ⠀ ͡꒱

ㅤㅤ ㅤㅤ♡ㅤ𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘺ㅤ۫ㅤ𝅄ㅤೀ

— 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘶, 𝘔𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘮𝘪, 𝘠𝘶𝘫𝘪, 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰, 𝘚𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘶, 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘰, 𝘠𝘶𝘵𝘢, 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦 <3

˚꒰🌼꒱‧ Hi there! Before you read this, you should know that English is not my first language. Hope you enjoy!

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐔 𝐆𝐎𝐉𝐎 | 五条悟 ─ 𓇼 . ♡𝆬

He stands in awe, with watery eyes, As she walks down the aisle. Dressed in white, like an angel in disguise, His heart fills with joy and a little bit of surprise. The bride, so radiant and full of grace, A vision of beauty, in every inch and every lace. Her dress, like a delicate flower in bloom, Brings a tear to his eye, as he stands in the groom's room. He remembers the day they first met, And how he fell in love with her, without regret. Now here she is, his future wife, And he can't help but shed a tear in this moment of life. She reaches him, with a smile so bright, And he holds her hand, feeling so right. Their eyes meet, and in that moment they know, That their love will continue to grow and glow. As they exchange their vows in front of all, He can't hold back his tears, they continue to fall. For he knows, this is where he truly belongs, In her arms, listening to their favorite love songs. He takes her hand, to seal their promise, And they share a kiss, so pure and flawless. In that moment, his heart overflows with love, As he embraces his bride, his beautiful dove. He whispers in her ear, 'you look so divine', And she smiles at him, her love so genuine. They dance the night away, lost in each other's eyes, For this is the start of their forever, a love that never dies. And as the night comes to an end, He looks at her, his beloved, his best friend. In her wedding dress, she is a sight to behold, And his love for her, will never grow old. For in this moment, he knows he's found his forever, And he thanks the stars, for bringing them together. As they begin their journey, hand in hand, He knows that she will always be his happily ever after, his love, his bride, his brand.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐌𝐄𝐆𝐔𝐌𝐈 𝐅𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐎 | 伏黒恵 ─ 𔒌 . ♡𝆬

He stood in awe, tears in his eyes, As he saw his bride in her wedding dress. Every worry, every fear, they all seemed to disappear, As he gazed upon her with utter happiness. From across the room, he admired her beauty, Dressed in white, she was a vision to behold. A smile played on her lips, her eyes shining bright, Her love for him, a story that never gets old. He couldn't believe that this was his bride, The woman he would spend the rest of his life with. Her dress, a symbol of their love and commitment, A promise to always stand by each other, never to drift. As he walked towards her, his heart pounded fast, His emotions crashing like waves on the shore. With trembling hands, he cupped her face, And whispered, 'I've never loved you more'. He smiled through hid tears, and took her hand, Their fingers interlaced, their hearts now entwined. She leaned in closer, brushed away a stray tear, And kissed his lips with a love so pure and refined. Their kiss was a symphony, a dance of two souls, Overflowing with love, so passionate and true. It was a moment they'll cherish for eternity, As they said 'I do', and began a journey anew. The room seemed to fade, as they held each other tight, Whispers of forever, echoed in their ears. Their love, a flame that would never die, A vow to love, cherish and wipe away each other's tears. So let the tears flow, for they are tears of joy, The man and his bride, their love a beautiful art. Their wedding day, a memory that will never fade, For in each other's arms, they've found their missing part.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐘𝐔𝐉𝐈 𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐈 | 虎杖悠仁 ─ 𓐐𓎩 . ♡𝆬

Tears of joy streaming down his face, As he stands in awe of her grace. His heart overflowing with love, As she walks towards him, like an angel from above. She takes his breath away, In her bridal gown, she shines like the sun's ray. Every step she takes, a melody in his heart plays, For this moment, he has waited all his days. The veil, a symbol of purity, Hides the tears that flow with such sincerity. He knows she's the one, his soulmate and his guide, His emotions, he can no longer hide. As she reaches his side, He takes her hand, filled with so much pride. He whispers words of love, only for her to hear, In this moment, nothing else seems to be near. Their eyes lock, as they exchange their vows, Promising to stand by each other, through joyful and tough days. Their love, a flame that will forever burn, For in each other's arms, they have found their true turn. And as they seal their love with a kiss, Their hearts meld together, in perfect bliss. For this man, his tears were a testament, Of the depth of love for his bride, so pure and fervent. In this wedding, two hearts unite as one, Their journey of love has only just begun. And as they dance under the starlit sky, That man's tears, forever a reminder of this love so high.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐈 | 七海建人 ─ ☘︎ . ♡𝆬

The sun shone bright upon the chapel's doors, As the man waited, his heart at war. With joy and nerves, his mind did soar, For soon, his bride he would adore. Her beauty, he had seen a thousand times, But today, it was like a dream, sublime. Her gown, her hair, her gentle smile, Brought tears to his eyes, he couldn't deny. As she walked down the aisle, oh so slow, Each step she took, his love did grow. He couldn't believe she would be his wife, Her love, a blessing, in his life. Their eyes met, and time stood still, In that moment, nothing could break the thrill. Of two souls, bound by love's pure grace, Meeting, in this sacred place. And as she reached his side, his heart did swell, For she was his, oh, how he could tell. Her hand in his, their love renewed, And with each vow, his heart was subdued. But when she spoke her final 'I do', He couldn't hold back, the tears came through. For in that moment, he realized, She was his forever, his eternal prize. With tears of joy, he kissed his bride, Their love, forever, to abide. For in her arms, he found his peace, And in her love, his heart released. So here's to the man who cries for love, For he knows, it's a blessing from above. To find someone to share this life, A faithful companion, a loving wife.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐔 𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐎 | 夏油傑 ─ 𓆉 . ♡𝆬

The room was abuzz with excitement and glee, As the bride was getting ready for her big day to be. Her bridesmaids fussed over her, fixing her veil and train, While her mother held back tears, trying not to strain. But amidst all the chaos and flurry, There was one man standing still and blurry. For the groom, gazing at his bride, Was overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn't hide. She emerged from behind the curtain, In a stunning white dress, she was certain. Her beauty took his breath away, He couldn't help but cry, words he couldn't say. The bride turned to him with a gentle smile, And wiped away his tears, one by one, in style. For she knew, in that moment so pure, That his love for her was sincere and sure. The groom took her hand, and they danced, Lost in each other, their love enhanced. The room fell silent, as they swayed, Their love shining brighter than any charade. And then, in a moment so serene, They shared a kiss that was meant to be. It was gentle, passionate, and true, Their love so evident, it could pierce through. As their lips met, time stood still, And all the world seemed to be at a standstill. The bride and groom, in each other's arms, Lost in a love that needed no alarms. The kiss spoke of promises, forever and more, Of a love that would withstand any storm or roar. And as they pulled away, breathless and aglow, They knew in their hearts, that this love would only grow. The groom held his bride, close to his heart, Never wanting to be apart. For he knew in that moment, so divine, That she was his forever, his soulmate and his lifeline. The room erupted in cheers and applause, But to the couple, their love was the only cause. For in that one moment, they had sealed their fate, Two hearts, one soul, forever entwined, their love, so great. So as they took their vows and said, 'I do', The world bore witness, to a love so pure and true. For in that moment, as they became man and wife, Their love had melted hearts, and touched every life.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐎 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐎 | 脹相 ─ 𖤣𖥧 . ♡𝆬

As she steps into the room, In a dress of pure white, The man's heart begins to bloom, His eyes filled with delight. For this was the moment he had waited for, His bride, his love, his everything, And as she walks towards him, he can't ignore, The beauty in her wedding ring. Tears fill his eyes, as he beholds, The vision of perfection before him, His love for her, a story untold, A love that will never dim. Her dress, like a swirling cloud, Floats around her in grace, He knows in this moment, he's found, His soulmate, in this sacred place. Her eyes, a reflection of the stars, Sparkling with love and joy, He reaches for her, with loving arms, As she becomes his forever's toy. Their lips meet, in a tender kiss, As the world around them fades, Their love, a treasure, they'll never miss, In each other's arms, they were made. He whispers sweet words in her ear, Proclaiming his love, for all to hear, And she, with a smile, wipes his tear, As they embrace, in this moment, so dear. The man was lost in her beauty, Her heart, a pure and gentle soul, He knew that in her he'd found his duty, To love and cherish, till they grew old. And as the tears of joy keep rolling, Down his cheeks, in an endless stream, He knows that in this woman, he's found his calling, To love and adore, in every dream. For the man, seeing his bride in her wedding dress, Was a moment that he'll never forget, For in her, he found his true happiness, And together, their love would forever be set.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐘𝐔𝐓𝐀 𝐎𝐊𝐊𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐔 | 乙骨憂太 ─ ✉ . ♡𝆬

The man stood there, with tears in his eyes, As his bride walked towards him, in a vision of white. She was the epitome of beauty and grace. A sight that brought a smile upon his face. Her dress was like a dream, flowing and pure, As she took his breath away, that was for sure. He couldn't believe she was finally his, A feeling that filled him with pure and utter bliss. She walked towards him with a radiant glow, Her eyes sparkling, reflecting the love they both know. He couldn't hold back the tears, they flowed freely, As he gazed upon her, his heart beating unceasingly. She reached out her hand, and he took it in his, A gentle squeeze, as if to assure her of this. That she was his everything, his world, his love, A gift from above, a blessing from up above. They stood there, in front of all their loved ones, But in that moment, it felt like they were the only ones. With tears in their eyes, they shared a kiss, A kiss that sealed their love, in pure and utter bliss. It was a kiss filled with promises and vows, A kiss that would stay with them forever, from this day onwards. As their lips touched, it was like time stood still, In each other's arms, they felt complete and fulfilled. They pulled away, with tears still in their eyes, But this time, it was tears of joy and not goodbyes. For they knew that from this day on, Their love would only grow stronger, and never be gone. And in that moment, as they stood there hand in hand, Their love was a symbol, a bond, an unbreakable band. For it was a love that could move mountains and seas, A love that would stand the tests of time, for eternity.

ㅤㅤ ꣸ ﹒𝆋 𝐓𝐎𝐆𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈 | 狗巻棘 ─ ♬ . ♡𝆬

As the groom stood waiting at the altar, His heart was full of love, there was no falter. The music played, the guests all stood, Anticipation building in this quiet neighborhood. The doors then opened and in she came, The bride, with beauty that put the sun to shame. Her dress, a dazzling white, her hair in curls, Her delicate steps causing his heart to swirl. His breath caught in his throat, tears in his eyes, As he saw his bride, his love, his prize. She looked like an angel, walking down the aisle, His heart overflowing with love, mile after mile. He couldn't believe this was all happening, A moment so pure, no words could bring. As she drew near, his heart skipped a beat, His emotions, uncontrollable, feeling so complete. He took her hand, they exchanged loving vows, Promising forever, they'd stay by each other's side, no doubt. His heart was so full, he couldn't help but cry, For in this moment, he knew he'd found his life's greatest joy. As they held each other, their hearts beating as one, Their love, like a flame, alight in the setting sun. The groom looked at his bride, with tears in his eyes, For he knew this was the start of their beautiful, forever paradise. And as they became husband and wife, Their love would only grow stronger, brighter, with no strife. The tears that fell, were tears of pure bliss, For his bride, his love, nothing would he ever miss. So here they stood, hand in hand, A symbol of love, the ultimate band. For in this moment, they were a perfect pair, In each other's love, they'd find everything, beyond compare. Tears of joy, running down their cheeks, A love that would last forever, in these vows they'd speak. as their eyes met, filled with so much love, And He knew that this moment was a blessing from above.

MASTERLIST

@fragileheartbeats . Don't plagiarise, repost, or translate any of my works on here or any other websites.

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bunny584 · 1 month

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For I Have Sinned

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’ For God cannot be tempted by evil.” James 1:13.

But Father Geto can be.

Newly appointed Chaplain of the Noble Court, Suguru is a reformed sinner. Sanctity, discipline and celibacy are commandments of his choosing. A devout servant of the Lord. Armored with the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shield of Faith.

This should be sufficient enough to withstand temptation.

Right?

Pairing: Geto x Female reader

C/W: Religious themes, dark romance, eventual filth. 18+. MDNI.

A/N: Holy hell. Anon, you sick, twisted genius. You, the puppeteer. Me, the puppet who writes. This one — this story might be the one. Frothing at the mouth to know what you guys think. Going on AO3 for sure. I haven’t decided if I will keep this long fic series here, but since it was an anon ask its only right to honor them with the first chapter.

Art credit: @ potchi_jpg on X

Music: Garden Kisses x Giveon (this was on a manic repeat for at least an hour. It wrote the chapter. I implore you to listen and levitate like I did).

CHAPTER I. Hello, Duchess.

Andesite. Dacite. Schist.

Gorgeous.

Suguru takes a mental note of the rock formations whizzing by just before he spears the Aegean Sea. Tailwind force trailing his feet in an elegant whirl.

Eh, mediocre landing. He’s out of practice.

It’s true. Seminary did not allow for too much idle time in between biblical studies. Devil’s playground, and such.

And it’s not in his nature to half-ass any life endeavor, whatever it may be.

Suguru deftly levels out in the welcoming waves. Loose-limbed and fluid. Choosing to hover below her surface for a few moments longer. The tail end of his thick, singular French braid undulating behind him.

His body flows in tandem with the current. Swimming deep enough to scatter a pool of Fagri. He instinctively captures one in his large hand — not quite as out-of-touch as he thought.

‘Make it to shore! If Poseidon calls, don’t answer Him, son!’

The gentle fisherman called out each time Suguru dove off their vessel. Still two or three, sometimes up to five miles from the coast, he’d plunge into the waters. Regardless of her mood, Suguru craved to be surrounded by her embrace.

To be baptized by her tide.

Showered with her salt of the earth.

A dampened smile blooms across Suguru’s terse lips. Oxygen bubbles float about, from the muffled chuckle escaping him.

His father’s voice rings between his ears. A little less clearly, nowadays.

He always dove deeper than his fellow seafarers. Without the restraints of gear or protective equipment. Unnaturally comfortable in an element more labile than human nature.

Suguru’s father mused about his Stormborn boy’s true lineage.

‘Everyday, I prayed for you. Begged for you. And the God of the Ocean delivered a precious gift. Don’t return to His storms too soon.’

Fond memories, a little yellowed now. Callouses from those days have faded.

Suguru is a different man. Born again. In a new country. With a new home, a new purpose.

Even still, it’s comforting to know the world is 70% water, 30% land. And the Great Majority has always welcomed him with open arms.

No matter the iteration of his life, he’ll always find a home at Sea.

“Father Geto!”

What?

Suguru begins his ascent. He is still by the cliff edge. Not nearly far enough for the Sirens to beckon.

“Chaplain! Are you out there?”

Not even the saltwater penetrates his ears like this melody.

An ethereal crescendo. With all the grace and beauty of a summer swan. Light enough to lull stoic men to a peaceful, permanent, slumber.

More alluring. More disorienting than the songs at sea he’s heard and resisted. Potent enough to drown a warship.

Who is calling for him?

Suguru chases the lethal sound. Careful pauses at each depth-level. To avoid returning to Poseidon’s storms too soon, as his father would say.

“Father Geto!”

Ahh, a voice he recognizes. His alter boy, Noel, at the peak.

Helios is kind, today. Because the Sun kisses Suguru as he breaks the surface. If the Ocean is his home, the Sun is certainly his lover.

“What is it, Noel?” He calls in between strides to the volcanic edge.

“You have a visitor!” A tremble to Noel’s tone. Suguru cant help the low chuckle that leaves him.

Adolescents are always so anxious. Nervous about the most inconsequential, meaningless things. He was once the same.

Who could be visiting? His schedule is supposed to be cleared today.

Suguru laments leaving his clothing at the peak of the cliffside. Tossing a glance over his left shoulder - memories of his past life tattooed in various symbols. His back, covered in a sprawling trident.

A permanent stain from the life he lived before this. It’s unbecoming of a priest to be seen this way.

Latching onto the unforgiving rocky edges, Suguru scales the steep terrain in long steps and short holds. Serrated earth digs into his damp palms with each grasp.

He savors the pain. It’s familiar. An indication that he’s spent some time in the only other place he finds unfettered peace.

“Noel, my schedule was cleared. Who could be—“

“Pardon my intrusion, Father Geto.” You seep into Suguru’s sentence, effectively answering his question.

Music.

Suguru nearly falls backward off the ledge he just set foot on.

Rumors about your beauty pollenated the compound for weeks. Anxiously anticipating your arrival. Hushed voices between maidens. Whispers within the walls of parlors. Bellowing gossip between court officials.

All the words, all the speculations roll around Suguru’s skull. Louder than glass shattering in an empty room.

They were wrong.

Liars.

Not even a tenth of the truth can be found in the frivolous ‘she’s a beauty’, ‘what a pretty face’ and comments of the like taking root in the compound.

No, no.

You were sculpted by every single Deity Suguru has ever studied.

Because the One he has chosen to worship couldn’t have possibly crafted you alone.

The good Lord is simply without the means.

Suguru will have to repent for that blasphemous thought later.

…but God granted him eyesight, no?

Eyes that can see underwater with the same clarity as a cloudless day. He trusts his eyes more than any part of his body.

And they aren’t deceiving him.

Flushed and turned away, Suguru takes a moment to soak you in, while patting himself dry. Maybe taking a little extra time to step into his khaki slacks and white button up.

His wind pipe threatens to spasm with each sip of you he takes.

Exquisite woman.

You could convert a non believer in an instant.

The gentle slope of your nose, those warmed soft, high cheeks deserve to be cherished in a museum.

That dress.

The tailor must’ve sewn it to your body in real time. Rolling hills and dips of your feminine curves. So quick to surrender to the ride your frame is taking him on.

Suguru could fall to his knees and praise the Gods right here and now for their attention to detail.

“Duchess? I’m embarrassed. Forgive my attire, I wasn’t expecting visitors today.”

Still damp but fully clothed, Suguru walks forward with a steady hand outstretched. Intentionally skipping eye contact with Noel, who would’ve interpreted the glance as anger. The boy is practically vibrating in his periphery.

Concerned about possibly making a mistake, sure. But if Suguru were still a betting man, he’d bet your presence is driving Noel’s rattled nerves.

“I’m the one who should be asking for forgiveness!” Unveiling your face to him with a gorgeous smile, you offer a delicate hand that drowns in his.

Well.

To call it just a gorgeous smile makes him no better than the rumor mill and its grave underestimation.

The air around him is sliced to a fraction of what it was. Suddenly gossamer thin and inadequate.

You are breathtaking.

“Please.” A deceptively even tone and casual wave of his hand. You wouldn’t know that words taste like sandpaper.

“How can I serve you, Duchess?”

“You do not have to address me as such, Father. I’m not wed, yet!”

Bunny lines along your nose deepen when you laugh. Heat scorches Suguru’s ears and you both are presently under shade.

Do. Not. Covet.

“It’s all the same.” With a restrained smile, Suguru peels his eyes away from yours.

Resting them on his rectory in the distance. He gestures his hands forward. Noel scrambles ahead of you two, undoubtedly to go tidy the chapel (that is already spotless).

“You’re quite the swimmer.”

You could assassinate him, you know.

With that voice of yours. The way it stuns his senses. Far more dangerous now that it isn’t dampened by unrelenting waves.

Suguru is a strong swimmer. He knows it. Noel knows it. The whole court knows it. Great Whites know it.

So why is his spine unraveling at its seams when you say it?

Why is his heart knocking against his sternum like it’s on the run from something?

From someone, rather.

“Mmm.” Suguru hums through closed lips.

Unable to acknowledge the compliment with decorum. He opts for diversion instead.

“Duchess, if I may. What prompted your visit to the chapel? How can I serve you?”

The two of you take lazy strides along the cobblestone path. You ogle at a white rose bush that Suguru is particularly fond of.

“I was touring the compound and noticed the garden surrounding the Church.”

A distracted response, while nestling your nose in a pretty bloom. Sun rays fanning your face as if to showcase that you’re God’s favorite. A biblical example of how flowers should be enjoyed.

Is it just the roses? Or are you this beautiful no matter the plant?

“Ahh. Come, then.”

You’re being indulgent, Suguru.

Maybe so. But the Chapel Grounds are his domain. The greenery lives and breathes under his fingertips. He adamantly refused a groundskeeper for the garden. Taking pride in nurturing its needy existence.

Second only to his eyes, Suguru trusts his hands fully. They’re intelligent. Fast. Expansive.

Definitive. Firm when the situation calls for it, yet gentle. Quick to learn.

Attentive.

He’s never gotten a shortage of compliments on his hands—

“Wisteria!” You torpedo through Suguru’s rapidly disintegrating spiral. And he couldn’t be more grateful.

Regaining a shred of control, he leads you under the oak archway. Draped in curtains of Wisteria. The billowing lilac petals sway romantically in the sea breeze.

Your lips hang open in a pretty, shocked ‘Oh.’ Eyes wide, gazing up at him in wonder. Adoration woven into those beautiful features slams hot and heavy into his lower abdomen. Remnant embers warming below his belt line.

Suguru coughs to reset his over-sensitive senses. A futile gesture because you knock him right back down to his knees.

“Oh, Father…..please?” A soft plea rolls through the slit in your lips. Pulling his eyes down to your pout.

Fuck.

The rock formation Suguru took note of earlier suddenly materializes in his throat. You coated his honorific in a new tone. Breathy and desperate. As if he is the only person who could satisfy your needs.

His skin is half a degree away from melting clear off his skeleton under those big, warm eyes of yours.

“Specify your request, Duchess.”

Both hands jam into his pockets so he can dig his nails into his thighs unnoticed. The searing pain tethering him to this dimension.

A deep rose blooms over your cheeks. Realizing you hadn’t actually asked him a question before begging.

So, prettily.

“May I please tend to your garden? It’s…I’m far from home and gardening brings me so much joy. Please, Father Geto—“

“Yes.”

His agreement comes well before Suguru is ready. Or, thought it through.

Should a noble woman be seen doing tasks as menial as gardening?

Should you be seen without your fiancée on his grounds?

What will you look like?

Kneeling over a bed of sunflowers?

Kneading the soil with your delicate, small hands—

“How can I thank you?” Your lips curl into an intoxicating smile. And Suguru no longer has the capacity to be in your presence.

“No need, stay as long as you like. I have to take my leave.”

Suguru offers a curt wave and terse smile before spinning on his heel. Leaving you, a work of art, beneath the masterpiece that is his arc of wisteria.

He barrels down the Chapel corridors at light speed. The pews, confessional, meeting rooms whirl by his periphery in a drunken haze.

Cold water. Cold water.

The wooden bathroom door creaks and wails beneath his harsh touch. Suguru fumbles with the two-level lock.

He nearly strips down naked. The fire incinerating him from within is unbearable. If there were scissors within grasp he would’ve cut his braid completely off. Because even the familiar sway of his waist length mane along his back is too much.

You are too much.

Suguru’s fingers unravel his braid and reposition his locks into a tight bun. Off the damp skin along his neck.

‘Father….please?’

Your voice echoes from Suguru’s incapacitated brain down to his drooling cock. Icy water splashes against face.

Suguru’s length has been weeping since you first revealed your face to him. Twitching and thrashing with every single word that came out of that pretty, sinful mouth. He’s never been so grateful that today he chose to swim with compression gear, rather than his usual bared skin.

Are you doing this on purpose?

Wide eyed and demure. But with a voice more beautiful than any siren that has tried to lure him to his watery grave.

Is this a test?

Suguru’s fingers desperately grasp the golden cross around his neck. Digging the symbol into his palm.

“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners…” He starts. Ignited, smoldering violet eyes staring back at him are unrecognizable.

They are not of God.

They are dark.

Lust filled.

“Now. And…and at the hour of our death.” Words slip through his gritted teeth. His other hand grips the sink edge.

‘May I please tend to your Garden?’

“God. Please.” Suguru is the one pleading. To anyone above.

For self-control. For reprieve from the shape of your lips when you beg. His cock bucks against his inner thigh. Demanding attention to the ache between his legs.

Are you Eve?

Have you come to destroy his Eden?

Your delectable mounds barely hidden beneath that fucking dress as the Apple?

“Holy…Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us sinners.” His vice grip around the cross tightens. Babbling words he hopes can provide him with some restraint, some clarity.

They don’t.

Because his other hand now hovers over the pulsating bulge in his slacks. His manhood starved. Especially having been deprived of touch. Of warmth for longer than Suguru remembers.

“Holy…Mary…fuck.” Blasphemy rolling off his tongue.

Scorching heat radiating from his hovering palm pierces his clothing. Encasing his cock like a warmed blanket. Enticing him like the soft sex of a woman. Every single muscle is under wire tension. Forcing space between his need and his hand.

His hands. Don’t forsake him now. He trusts his hands.

“Father Geto? Are you alright?” Noel’s call from the other side of the door startles Suguru still.

“I’m—“ Suguru clears his dry throat “I’m alright, Noel. What do you need?”

“I saw you run in here and—“

“I’m okay.” Suguru replies, more softly this time. The boy is almost too tender-hearted for his own good.

He doesn’t miss the small sigh of relief.

“I left your updated schedule on your desk.”

“And what would I do without you?”

Suguru can almost hear Noel smiling across the barrier. Gleefully padding away. Completely unaware that his presence was the saving grace from disgracing himself.

Another splash of cold water on his face and multiple deep breaths later, Suguru finally gains enough composure to emerge.

Curious about the updates to his schedule, he strides to his office. A leather folder awaits with his itinerary.

Saturday: 0800 - 1000- Youth lecture

Saturday: 1800 - 2000 - Evening mass

Sunday: 0700 - 0900 - Morning mass

Sunday: 1300 - 1400 - Pre-Marital Counseling [CONFIDENTIAL]

“High court, then.” Suguru muses to himself. Pulling out the envelope with a matching demarcation. Meant for his eyes only. Should the seal be broken en route to the recipient the offender could be sentenced to death for treason.

And at this moment, Suguru finds that fate less painful than the spear currently piercing his lungs.

His eyes burn into the names written at the bottom of the page.

The Duke Ahriman & The Duchess-to-Be.

Chapter II

E/N: Hello from [redacted]. I am literally losing my shite. I’m already in love with the plot before it has even fully materialized. And prince-of-the-sea-Suguru? This headcannon has me in a chokehold I fear. Thank you for reading 💋

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