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Super Weird - Vernon

WC: 867 || Genre: Fluff || CW: Suggested bullying (?)/ reader being an outcast || Vernon x GN!reader (established relationship)

A/N: For all my weirdos because I'm a weirdo and Vernon is too, ain't no denying it, just a buncha freaks in masks huh?

"Do you think I'm weird?"

Vernon looks at you, eyes squinting in confusion and his expression shifting into a scowl seeing that you're completely serious, "Whaf dar haw ah yo tarking abo-?" (What the hell are you talking about?)

His mouth is filled with the last and biggest spoonful of food that you knew you couldn't finish so - as the routine goes - you gave it to Vernon. He furiously chews at a pace that you know probably isn't safe and with a large and rather painful-looking gulp his mouth is free of obstructions. "What did you just say?" his tone sounds more lightly confused but his face gives quiet anger more than anything.

"Hansol you heard me. Do you think I'm weird?" You speak very monotonously, a trait the two of you shared.

"Of course you're weird." He says it like it's a matter of fact. His expression completely drops into the deadpan face you're used to. He ignores how perplexed you look as he brings the dishes to the sink.

"And you're okay with that?" You ask out of genuine curiosity, you know that most people would outcast someone they think is weird - it's something you've often experienced at school and work. So if he thought you were strange then why would he stick around?

"Why wouldn't I be?" He looks up at you almost accusatorily as he scrubbed the dishes and put them to dry.

"I mean- It doesn't bother you at all that I'm abnormal or weird? I know people talk about how I sound or that I'm too... strange and stuff. It isn't lost on me but if you also know that then why do you stick around?" You let your words spill just wanting to get down to the root of the issue while escaping the heavy-handed approach of blurting out "Why would you want to be with someone you find weird?".

"Nope." That was his reply. His. Entire. Answer. Just "Nope." and then he picked his phone up from the table and went to sit in the living room. You know he saw your face as it contorted into even more confusion and bafflement but he ignored it!

You did the only sensible thing, of course, and immediately trailed him and sat right next to him, snatching his phone out of his hand as he opened up a game. You had his attention and yet he seemed confused? As if he wasn't the one who completely dodged your questioning before.

"Yes?"

"You have nothing else to say?"

He gave himself a moment to think, you thought for a millisecond that perhaps he's finally found a more appropriate answer, "Nope."

"Huh?" You shake your head completely bewildered. "You know I'm weird and you still want to be with me, why is that?"

"It's probably because I love you or something weird like that-" He turns to you as a blush sets in. Chuckling he gives a small pinch to your cheeks, fighting the cuteness aggression he feels, "Don't think about it too much though, that's a fact you should already know about by now... I would hope you know about by now..." He tilts his head as he says that last part as if questioning if you really did know about his love after all this time.

Vernon's love for you was something you never questioned, even though he wasn't exactly the best at physically expressing it he always made sure to assure you through words, actions, or gifts. It was a bit odd honestly, like he had some sort of psychic powers to know what your needs are. Maybe...

"I think you're the weird one actually-" you start thinking out loud.

"Yeah? Maybe."

"And you accept that, Han?"

"Mhm." His answers are blunt and to the point, you have to wonder if he's just saying this to satisfy your curiosity- "I'm not just saying that by the way. I know that I'm weird, babe."

"You a wizard?" He squints as he looks at you, waiting for clarification, "You read my mind like one."

"Nope, I'm just a really good boyfriend I think." He relaxes into the couch, pulling you onto his lap and retrieving his phone from your grasp.

"So we're both just weird and we both just have to accept that?"

"Looks like it, babe."

"huh..." You ponder on it for a moment as your eyes look around your shared apartment. Shelves filled with knick-knacks of yours, pillows in the shape of cartoon characters, anime on the TV currently... "Yeah, okay." You retract your worry as quick as it came, it was an absurd thought that you let yourself get caught up in any way. You wrap your arms around his neck, leaning your head against his shoulder as you watch him play his game.

"Hansol?"

"What?"

"Why am I seeing a half-naked man on your screen right now?"

"That is my current boyfriend, Sylus."

You look at him and raise an eyebrow, he meets your nebulous expression with a peck on the lips. "You are weird, Han."

"I know baby. It's honestly weirder that you heard me say all of that and that's your only reaction."

A/N: Hahaha totally not something to sate you guys as I continue working on the Cheol angst fic... (Please help me I'm 3000 words in and still haven't gotten through half of my bullet points) Tbf I did say it was gonna be long though... First Vernon fic though! Plus comeback around the corner, yeah let's all talk about all the whiplash that's been going on in Caratland rn...

Please Reblog and Comment (They act as power-ups for me)

Taglist (OPEN): @bemybabiibish @bath1lda @porridgesblog

Super Weird - Vernon

WC: 867 || Genre: Fluff || CW: Suggested bullying (?)/ reader being an outcast || Vernon x GN!reader (established relationship)

A/N: For all my weirdos because I'm a weirdo and Vernon is too, ain't no denying it, just a buncha freaks in masks huh?

"Do you think I'm weird?"

Vernon looks at you, eyes squinting in confusion and his expression shifting into a scowl seeing that you're completely serious, "Whaf dar haw ah yo tarking abo-?" (What the hell are you talking about?)

His mouth is filled with the last and biggest spoonful of food that you knew you couldn't finish so - as the routine goes - you gave it to Vernon. He furiously chews at a pace that you know probably isn't safe and with a large and rather painful-looking gulp his mouth is free of obstructions. "What did you just say?" his tone sounds more lightly confused but his face gives quiet anger more than anything.

"Hansol you heard me. Do you think I'm weird?" You speak very monotonously, a trait the two of you shared.

"Of course you're weird." He says it like it's a matter of fact. His expression completely drops into the deadpan face you're used to. He ignores how perplexed you look as he brings the dishes to the sink.

"And you're okay with that?" You ask out of genuine curiosity, you know that most people would outcast someone they think is weird - it's something you've often experienced at school and work. So if he thought you were strange then why would he stick around?

"Why wouldn't I be?" He looks up at you almost accusatorily as he scrubbed the dishes and put them to dry.

"I mean- It doesn't bother you at all that I'm abnormal or weird? I know people talk about how I sound or that I'm too... strange and stuff. It isn't lost on me but if you also know that then why do you stick around?" You let your words spill just wanting to get down to the root of the issue while escaping the heavy-handed approach of blurting out "Why would you want to be with someone you find weird?".

"Nope." That was his reply. His. Entire. Answer. Just "Nope." and then he picked his phone up from the table and went to sit in the living room. You know he saw your face as it contorted into even more confusion and bafflement but he ignored it!

You did the only sensible thing, of course, and immediately trailed him and sat right next to him, snatching his phone out of his hand as he opened up a game. You had his attention and yet he seemed confused? As if he wasn't the one who completely dodged your questioning before.

"Yes?"

"You have nothing else to say?"

He gave himself a moment to think, you thought for a millisecond that perhaps he's finally found a more appropriate answer, "Nope."

"Huh?" You shake your head completely bewildered. "You know I'm weird and you still want to be with me, why is that?"

"It's probably because I love you or something weird like that-" He turns to you as a blush sets in. Chuckling he gives a small pinch to your cheeks, fighting the cuteness aggression he feels, "Don't think about it too much though, that's a fact you should already know about by now... I would hope you know about by now..." He tilts his head as he says that last part as if questioning if you really did know about his love after all this time.

Vernon's love for you was something you never questioned, even though he wasn't exactly the best at physically expressing it he always made sure to assure you through words, actions, or gifts. It was a bit odd honestly, like he had some sort of psychic powers to know what your needs are. Maybe...

"I think you're the weird one actually-" you start thinking out loud.

"Yeah? Maybe."

"And you accept that, Han?"

"Mhm." His answers are blunt and to the point, you have to wonder if he's just saying this to satisfy your curiosity- "I'm not just saying that by the way. I know that I'm weird, babe."

"You a wizard?" He squints as he looks at you, waiting for clarification, "You read my mind like one."

"Nope, I'm just a really good boyfriend I think." He relaxes into the couch, pulling you onto his lap and retrieving his phone from your grasp.

"So we're both just weird and we both just have to accept that?"

"Looks like it, babe."

"huh..." You ponder on it for a moment as your eyes look around your shared apartment. Shelves filled with knick-knacks of yours, pillows in the shape of cartoon characters, anime on the TV currently... "Yeah, okay." You retract your worry as quick as it came, it was an absurd thought that you let yourself get caught up in any way. You wrap your arms around his neck, leaning your head against his shoulder as you watch him play his game.

"Hansol?"

"What?"

"Why am I seeing a half-naked man on your screen right now?"

"That is my current boyfriend, Sylus."

You look at him and raise an eyebrow, he meets your nebulous expression with a peck on the lips. "You are weird, Han."

"I know baby. It's honestly weirder that you heard me say all of that and that's your only reaction."

A/N: Hahaha totally not something to sate you guys as I continue working on the Cheol angst fic... (Please help me I'm 3000 words in and still haven't gotten through half of my bullet points) Tbf I did say it was gonna be long though... First Vernon fic though! Plus comeback around the corner, yeah let's all talk about all the whiplash that's been going on in Caratland rn...

Please Reblog and Comment (They act as power-ups for me)

Taglist (OPEN): @bemybabiibish @bath1lda @porridgesblog

Feels good to be back!!

Couple Costumes 95s ver.

What you guys would wear as a couple on Halloween and how they react!! || 95s || 96s || 97s || Maknae line || A/N: I tried to make these examples as inclusive as possible, if you don't like that THEN GET OUT! Also, the characters or costumes I mention DO NOT correlate to the boys' personalities and this is all just for some silly Halloween fun! I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE ART, all credit goes to their respective artists!

Scoups Cowboys/Cowgirl or Slashers

Honestly, I don't think Cheol is one to really dress up on his own. You'd have to push for it and even then he gives big "I just want to see you dressed up" or "Dad who hands out candy without dressing up" vibes to me.

But 100% would do it if it makes you, the love of his life, happy. Anything to see you smile, really. He would think it's silly and non-serious when you propose it... little does he know that you're an absolutely down-bad freak. (in reference to me actually...)

I can so clearly see him giving into whatever costume you want him in, not knowing your ulterior motive (you're just trying to show off his muscle and physique... Who wouldn't wanna see all that?!) Gets fake shy when he realizes what you're up to. Hey, as long as you respect his wishes of being covered up to a certain extent then he's all for it!

In the end, I feel like y'all would end up going as a really cute pair of cowboys or cowboy and cowgirl... but the demon in me wants y'all dressed up as classic slasher villains (ie. Pyramid head x one of the nurses, cute versions of Jason x Micheal, Freddy Kreuger x Scream)

Jeonghan Sylvanian Family/ Calico Critters

Sorry, he's the one that kicked the entire concept of couple costumes off for me and all I can think about is you and him (and maybe your kids in the future) dressing up as a little Sylvanian family and no other costume ideas. (My brain is actually rotting from how badly I want to see him something like this.)

He would reluctantly wear a costume but lowkey be really into it. You would've suggested other couple or family costumes but he was the one to bring up this concept and he refuses anything else (Your honor, just like me he can't give up this idea!!)

Honestly, he doesn't mind the costume on himself but he adores the costume on you. Wishes he could shrink ya down and keep you in his bag and travel everywhere with you (just like his sylvanian family)

And if you have a kid or a younger cousin or something... actual cuteness overload, like I can envision Hannie getting the most extreme cuteness aggression over this? Like he's getting mad at how adorable you all look. Hates when Halloween ends because he loves how good you guys look together like this.

Joshua Mr and Mrs. Fox or Soul Eater

Getting slightly niche here, I feel like Shua and his spouse would make the perfect Wes Anderson couple. I went with Mr and Mrs. Fox because I can absolutely envision him as Mr. Fox but any Wes Anderson couple would do IMO. (Also, I just know that this Halloween this costume concept is gonna blow up this year for some reason.)

Then there's Soul Eater (showing a bit of me and Josh's true colors with this one) If you've seen that one melon prison clip where he says what his favorite animes are then I think you can follow my vision here. I can definitely see him thinking it's cool to do a semi-cosplay of Maka and Soul or Stein and Spirit, maybe even a do gender-bends of certain weapons and meisters. (Maybe even dig a bit deep and do Arthur and Excalibur from Soul Eater/Fire Force)

I feel like Josh is such a go-with-the-flow person when it comes to things that you suggest, so asking him about wearing costumes in the first place is a no-brainer. He says yes and he gives pretty good opinions and input when it comes to picking costumes out and stuff. Honestly, he's fine with however you guys spend Halloween as long as you're together, dressed up or not. I feel like he's the type to calm you down when you're freaking out about last-minute costume changes or anything, just a very supportive BF.

A/N: Been a bit and I come back with Halloween thangs!! Still got other stuff in the works dwdw but hopefully y'all enjoy this. The rest of the members will be coming out within this week and next week so look forward to those as well! Anyways, how y'all been?!?!

Please Reblog and Comment if you enjoyed ! (They act as power-ups for me)

Taglist (OPEN): @bemybabiibish @bath1lda @porridgesblog

Feels good to be back!!

Couple Costumes 95s ver.

What you guys would wear as a couple on Halloween and how they react!! || 95s || 96s || 97s || Maknae line || A/N: I tried to make these examples as inclusive as possible, if you don't like that THEN GET OUT! Also, the characters or costumes I mention DO NOT correlate to the boys' personalities and this is all just for some silly Halloween fun! I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE ART, all credit goes to their respective artists!

Scoups Cowboys/Cowgirl or Slashers

Honestly, I don't think Cheol is one to really dress up on his own. You'd have to push for it and even then he gives big "I just want to see you dressed up" or "Dad who hands out candy without dressing up" vibes to me.

But 100% would do it if it makes you, the love of his life, happy. Anything to see you smile, really. He would think it's silly and non-serious when you propose it... little does he know that you're an absolutely down-bad freak. (in reference to me actually...)

I can so clearly see him giving into whatever costume you want him in, not knowing your ulterior motive (you're just trying to show off his muscle and physique... Who wouldn't wanna see all that?!) Gets fake shy when he realizes what you're up to. Hey, as long as you respect his wishes of being covered up to a certain extent then he's all for it!

In the end, I feel like y'all would end up going as a really cute pair of cowboys or cowboy and cowgirl... but the demon in me wants y'all dressed up as classic slasher villains (ie. Pyramid head x one of the nurses, cute versions of Jason x Micheal, Freddy Kreuger x Scream)

Jeonghan Sylvanian Family/ Calico Critters

Sorry, he's the one that kicked the entire concept of couple costumes off for me and all I can think about is you and him (and maybe your kids in the future) dressing up as a little Sylvanian family and no other costume ideas. (My brain is actually rotting from how badly I want to see him something like this.)

He would reluctantly wear a costume but lowkey be really into it. You would've suggested other couple or family costumes but he was the one to bring up this concept and he refuses anything else (Your honor, just like me he can't give up this idea!!)

Honestly, he doesn't mind the costume on himself but he adores the costume on you. Wishes he could shrink ya down and keep you in his bag and travel everywhere with you (just like his sylvanian family)

And if you have a kid or a younger cousin or something... actual cuteness overload, like I can envision Hannie getting the most extreme cuteness aggression over this? Like he's getting mad at how adorable you all look. Hates when Halloween ends because he loves how good you guys look together like this.

Joshua Mr and Mrs. Fox or Soul Eater

Getting slightly niche here, I feel like Shua and his spouse would make the perfect Wes Anderson couple. I went with Mr and Mrs. Fox because I can absolutely envision him as Mr. Fox but any Wes Anderson couple would do IMO. (Also, I just know that this Halloween this costume concept is gonna blow up this year for some reason.)

Then there's Soul Eater (showing a bit of me and Josh's true colors with this one) If you've seen that one melon prison clip where he says what his favorite animes are then I think you can follow my vision here. I can definitely see him thinking it's cool to do a semi-cosplay of Maka and Soul or Stein and Spirit, maybe even a do gender-bends of certain weapons and meisters. (Maybe even dig a bit deep and do Arthur and Excalibur from Soul Eater/Fire Force)

I feel like Josh is such a go-with-the-flow person when it comes to things that you suggest, so asking him about wearing costumes in the first place is a no-brainer. He says yes and he gives pretty good opinions and input when it comes to picking costumes out and stuff. Honestly, he's fine with however you guys spend Halloween as long as you're together, dressed up or not. I feel like he's the type to calm you down when you're freaking out about last-minute costume changes or anything, just a very supportive BF.

A/N: Been a bit and I come back with Halloween thangs!! Still got other stuff in the works dwdw but hopefully y'all enjoy this. The rest of the members will be coming out within this week and next week so look forward to those as well! Anyways, how y'all been?!?!

Please Reblog and Comment if you enjoyed ! (They act as power-ups for me)

Taglist (OPEN): @bemybabiibish @bath1lda @porridgesblog

☾Moonlight Aesthetic Starters☽

⋆Feel free to send more than one!

⋆To reverse, send ‘+✨’

⋆Indoors

(🌙) My muse comes over to your muse’s house/room to spend the night.

(💤)My muse finds your muse sleeping in bed with them.

(💭) My muse wakes your muse after having a dream/nightmare.

(📓) My muse stays up studying till midnight.

(📖) My muse reads a book/bedtime story for your muse.

(👁) My muse wakes your muse up because they can’t sleep.

(🍵) My muse cares for your sick muse in the middle of the night.

(🎐) My muse finds yours outside their house when they are suppose to be in bed.

(🧳) My muse is getting ready for work but your muse stops mine.

(☀️) Our muses watch the sunset and moon arise.

(🌅) Our muses stay up till sunrise.

(🎮) Our muses stay up playing video games.

(🥪) Our muses make a midnight snack.

(📺) Our muses watch tv together.

(📼) Our muses watch a movie/vhs tape together.

(🛌) Our muses make a pillow fort.

(🛋) Our muses are hanging out in the living room.

(🛁) Our muses take a nighttime bath together. (With rose petals and candles included.)

(🌧) Our muses watch the rain outside their window.

(💥) Our muses get a power outage.

(⚫️) Our muses are in a pitch black room.

(🕯) Our muses light some candles.

⋆Outdoors

(☕️) My muse finds your muse at a coffee shop, alone.

(🍳) My muse finds your muse at a diner.

(🥃) My muse finds your muse in a bar, late at night.

(⛪️) My muse finds yours at a church.

(🌃) My muse meets yours in the nighttime city.

(🚎) My muse finds yours in a public bus.

(🚊) My muse finds yours taking the same subway train.

(🚂) My muse finds your muse on the same train as them, still awake.

(🚗) My muse drives your muse at night.

(🏍) My muse drives in the middle of the night on their motorcycle with your muse holding on to mine.

(🌲) My muse finds your muse in the forest in the middle of the night.

(🌊) My muse finds your muse at the beach in the middle of the night.

(🛡) My muse saves your muse from getting beaten up by a gang.

(🎉) My muse meets yours at a party. (House party, club, etc.)

(🔭) Our muses go stargazing.

(☄️) Our muses watch a meteor shower.

(🎆) Our muses watch a firework show.

(🎇) Our muses bought their own fireworks! Let’s light ‘em up!

(🎑) Our muses go to a night festival together.

(🛒) Our muses go shopping together for groceries or other things.

(🛍) Our muses go to the mall.

(🏬) Our muses go to a restaurant.

(🎞) Our muses go to the movie theatre.

(🔥) Our muses go camping together.

(🎸) Our muses go to a concert.

(🎧) Our muses go to the club.

(🏚) Our muses entered an abandoned area. (House, construction site, town, etc.)

(🚫) Our muses go to places they shouldn’t.

(🚔) The cops are after our muses.

(🚕) Our muses take a taxi home.

(🗺) Our muses get lost. (In the forest, mountains, city, etc.)

(☔️) Our muses get stuck in the rain.

⋆Misc

(🕛) My muse points out that it’s midnight for your muse.

(🎵) My muse sings your muse a lullaby.

(🌠) My muse points out a shooting star and wants yours to make a wish! Quick!

(🌱) My muse catches yours watering a potted plant/garden.

(💧) My muse cries in front of yours.

(🚬) My muse catches your muse doing late night smoking.

(⛓) My muse rubs their fingers against your muse’s scars.

(💔) My muse help washes blood off your muse.

(🐾) My muse accidentally reveals a secret that they have been hiding from your muse. (Being a werewolf, vampire, demon, etc.)

(📻) Our muses listens to the radio.

(👻) Our muses tell ghost stories.

(🌷) Our muses walk around a garden.

(🎤) Our muses do karaoke.

(🐺) Our muses hear howling in the distance.

(📷) Our muses take pictures of each other in the moonlight.

(👄) Our muses whisper secrets and promises to each other.

(🤝) Our muses hold hands in the moonlight.

(🍽) Our muses have a dinner date.

(💃) Our muses dance in the moonlight.

(💋) Our muses kiss under the moonlight.

(💍) My muse asks to marry yours in the moonlight.

⋆Quotes

“I can see the moon and stars in your eyes.”

“Your the prettiest star I have ever seen..”

“Wow.. the moon looks so pretty..”

“I’m a little sleepy..”

“I wish I could jump over the moon!”

“Nah, I don’t feel like sleeping!”

“C’mon!! Let’s dance!”

“The moonlight is our spotlight! The stars is our audience!”

“Look! A shooting star!”

“I wish for..”

“Shh! Don’t say your wish out loud or it won’t come true!”

“I’m not really a.. *yawn*..night owl..”

“D-Did you hear that?”

“I can hear a cricket chirping.”

“I can hear an owl.”

“I think we’re lost..”

“Ahhh!! A wolf!!”

“Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“The moon/night is my ally!”

“Darkness will consume you!”

“What time is it?”

“It’s 12AM already?!”

“You can sleep in my bed if you want.”

“Your sleeping on the couch!”

“Come back to bed..”

“Don’t shine that light in my eyes!”

“It’s so dark out..”

“Look at those pretty fireworks!”

“Spooky ghooost~”

“Boo!”

“Ah!”

“You trying to be scary?”

“I’m actually a little hungry.”

“Are they open this late?”

“Hey! [Name]! Over here!”

“That movie sucked!”

“Let’s.. not go that way.”

“This place is like a ghost town!”

“Ouch!”

“Stay still! If you keep moving, it will hurt more!”

“It’s not what it looks like..”

Val x Savage + This from Disco Elysium = Okay kids time for some actually sad Val x Savage musings

Savage has a hard time opening up about his true feelings for Val so much so that every moment with her he doesn’t speak to her about it kills him inside. He’s so not used to being treated with the kindness and being treated like an actual person she offers him that he actually physically pushed her away thinking she was just going to use him like how Asajj and the Nightsisters had done to him.

He’s most likely too scared to open up to her when she allows him to speak his mind, because of all the manipulation he had been put through. He doesn’t want Val to end up using him like everyone else has done, but at the same time, he would have done anything to allow this woman to enter his heart. He’s so frightened of her, yet he’s fallen so hard in love with her, he can’t tell what he wants.

In their main canon story, Val had no idea about the amount of trauma and abuse done to him by the women on Dathomir, and understandably gets frustrated with him wondering why he “acts like a total ass” to her when she’s only trying to help him. Come to think of it, with the fact he does have a more higher leadership position as a Nightbrother within his clan, I doubt he would really be open at first about his problems towards anyone besides Feral.

Yet every moment he’s with Val, and he actually takes the time to realize she doesn’t mean any harm to him (with the exception of their first meeting when she almost killed him for a bounty score), he sees how much he was wrong about her. He starts to see she truly does want to better understand him, and let him feel… uh, “human” (for a lack of a better term), and that’s when he truly begins to feel that sense of yearning and longing for her.

It’s even worse when you take into consideration how basically everyone in the Galaxy just sees Savage as a “monster”, and, personally, it only makes Savage angry with himself and probably hate himself for what he’s become. Yet, this Mandalorian bounty hunter, a woman half his size, was able to slowly get that wall he’s built up around him towards her to crumble and understand he was never like that before his transformation.

Val starts to see the man he truly used to be, and with a long rocky road, allowed him to let that former self resurface, but only when it’s just them. She knows better than to really push that out when he wasn’t ready to be more vulnerable with others than he would like.

Val has seen so much trauma of all kinds from physical to emotional as a medic, that, to an extent, Savage wasn’t that much different than most of the patients she’s had before (except the bounty ones). However, that doesn’t mean she still won’t treat him any differently than any of her past patients.

And what’s funny is that, yes, the two are both first borns, but their upbringings are so vastly different. Val was brought up in a more loving and accepting home environment that still taught her survival and how to fight, whereas Savage was all about fighting for your life and survival, while enduring manipulation and abuse by the Nightsisters (and to the extent Mother Talzin). I can’t imagine Savage might actually feel jealous, maybe even envious, when he sees a full on family photo of Val’s family, and seeing how much her parents love her and her little siblings.

It’s even worse when he finds individual photos of Val and her father; way worse when it’s Val and her mother. He wipes off the tear that fell on the frame seeing the two women smiling, evident of how tight their bond is.

Joy Under the Stars

Summary: A super cute date between Nala and Fera, where they discover a surprising new aspect of Fera's powers.

The day had been fantastic. The plan had been to have a picnic in the park, but naturally, since it was a sapphic date, it didn't stop there. Fera had worn in her favorite dress - a featherweight white dress with delicate vine embroidery on the hem cinched with a red belt that matched her mushroom necklace. Nala's hair was tamed in a ponytail, tight ringlets spilling every direction. She wore a dark green flannel over a white t-shirt and black slacks. Luckily, they both had the foresight to pack the food into a cooler since they ended up talking about nothing and everything for an hour, before finally setting up and starting to eat. 

Nala was a reliable source of reassurance, used to her girlfriend's almost constant second-hand anxiety. They talked about Fera's garden, Nala listening intently and bringing up Fera's favorite flowers, warming her heart with her acute memory. In turn, they talked about the upcoming finals for Nala's team. Watching her girlfriend's eyes light up, Fera almost lost the sensation of passerby's stress. Almost. Nala's enthusiasm was infectious, evident in how Fera now followed her favorite teams and went to every single one of her girlfriend's games. But for now, she just enjoyed the fiery passion in Nala's intense chocolate eyes as she rested in her lap, Nala's fingers running absentmindedly through her hair. She sighed contentedly, picking at a curl, trying to dispel someone else's anger while remaining in the moment.

"Hey," Nala's voice was tender, a sharp contrast from her enthusiastic monologue moments before. "Are you okay?"

Fera found her concern touching. She reassured her, "'m fine. It's just the usual."

"Okay. Do you want me to get you a drink? Maybe a snack? It's getting late," Nala commented, glancing at the reddening sky.

"Only if you're hungry too," Fera insisted. "Do you want me to come with?"

She chuckled, "That's very sweet of you. Stay put. Try to relax. I'll be back before you know it." With that, Nala bent down and kissed her forehead making Fera squeak as her cheeks almost matched the sky. Gently moving her girlfriend's head to the picnic blanket, Nala jumped to her feet and stretched, before heading to the café they'd passed on the way over. Letting out another happy sigh and simultaneously trying to expel more of the second-hand negativity, Fera realized something. During the past few minutes watching Nala gush and listen to her own interests, she had barely felt any stress. Odd. Other than being completely isolated, she hadn't come that close to peace since before turning ten. Smiling fondly, Fera watched the sunset as she waited for her beloved to return.

The last of the sun's rays were peeking over the horizon as Nala returned with two hot drinks and a giant muffin. Fera attempted to work the creases from her brow; there was a lot of tension, anger, and melancholy from the 9 to 5 workers that passed through the park. She knew her girlfriend wouldn't mind, but it was always nicer to return to a smile, or at the very least, not a frown.

"Thank you, sprite!" She called, as Nala approached the edge of the blanket.

Nala handed the hot drink over with a peck, "Anything for you, cutie."

Fera took a sip of the drink. Rich chocolate surged over her tongue, not quite hot enough to skald her mouth. A puff of whipped cream escaped the small opening, its sweetness making her sigh in contentment. She broke a chunk off the muffin, revealing a cream-colored inside, punctuated by clusters of blueberries. Feeding it to Nala, she gave her a questioning look. "Any good?"

Nala nodded enthusiastically before swallowing, "Of course! I only get the best for you."

Fera blushed, barely registering the anxious presence that passed beside the pair as she ate her own piece of the muffin.

The sun continued to sink below the horizon, the darkening sky it left behind highlighting the moon that peeked above the treeline. The abandoned take away cups lay on the edge of the blanket with the muffin wrapper folded beneath them. Excusing herself momentarily from the conversation, Fera rummaged in the picnic basket and pulled out four paper lanterns, with electric tea lights to match. She placed them on the corners of the rug before lying down, grass prickling against her back as her phone lay as a last-minute security plan on her abdomen. Stretching out her arm, she feebly tugged at her girlfriend's shirt, whining softly. Nala let out a chuckle before falling backward to lie beside Fera and intertwining their hands between them. Smiling contentedly as the low ambient negativity from nearby apartments faded into nothing, Fera tucked her legs up, resting her bare feet on Nala's legs. Spotting a constellation, Fera eagerly pointed it out and started rambling about its discovery and meaning. She felt Nala's lips curl up as she lined up her face against her arm to see the stars Fera was talking about. In turn, Nala pointed out a constellation she recognized, resulting in Fera immediately explaining all the symbolism. The conversation quickly spiraled into one of zodiac signs, international sky views, and the deep expanse of space.

Nala propped herself up on her elbow, stars brightening her chocolatey eyes. Dimly, Fera wondered if her eyes looked similar. The moon was bright enough to cast shadows, she noticed, as miniature circles wiggled at the top of her girlfriend's brow. A giddy grin spread across her face as she grabbed the darker girl and pulled her in for a kiss. It was slow and sweet, and tasted vaguely of chocolate, distinctly like the truffles Nala had brought.

Fera relinquished her grasp first, falling against the blanket once more, Nala's hands cushioning her fall.

"Wow," Nala breathed. Fera giggled in return. A warmth had spread in her chest, different from what she'd felt before. Being so well versed in emotion, she knew her own joy. It was delicate, like wind chimes in a light breeze, or butterfly wings, and easily overshadowed by others’ negativity. But this, this was different. She knew her feelings towards the incredible girl above her. She smirked and sat up, pushing Nala down. The darker girl obliged, sinking as slowly as she could. With a self-satisfied sigh, Fera put her head on Nala's chest, imagining her girlfriend could feel her smile through her clothes as honey brown fingers ran through her curls. Her love for Nala felt like spring sunshine, bright and cheery, illuminating new buds of flowers aplenty. It felt like a refreshing breeze, blowing through flowy skirts and ruffling hair, cutting through the heat. What she felt now was different. Her love and joy were there, but there was more. It felt like smoldering embers, one breath away from becoming a roaring fire. It felt like a warm summer beach day, with waves roughly caressing the shore. Intuition leading her down a path, Fera decided to follow it. Moving slowly, gently, she kissed Nala's jaw, from her chin to below her ear. The fire ignited, the sun scorched. Fera's jaw dropped, her thoughts freezing in awe.

"Hey, sunshine?" Her question was quiet, still floored by the revelation.

Nala's voice was tender as she answered, "yes, Bee?"

"I think I get how much you love me," she wasn't sure why she kept whispering, but it felt right for the moment.

"Oh," Nala whispered back, "how so?"

"I feel," Fera struggled to find the words. "I feel your joy." She laughed giddily, the situation somehow becoming more real as she declared it. "I feel it here." She placed Nala's free hand on her heart. "Thank you."

"I hope you believe me now when I say I'd give the world to you," she could hear Nala's smile in the words. "I'm so happy for you. Though I do wonder, now you have both sides of the story, who loves who more?"

"Oh!" Her giggles died down as she tried to gain enough composure to respond. "I always believed you. But the way we love feels different. Though I might be compelled to say," she turned to rest her chin in the nook of Nala's neck. "That I love you more," she breathed.

Nala laughed heartily, sitting up and gathering the smaller girl in her lap. "And how do I know you're not lying?" She demanded playfully, gently poking Fera's stomach.

"Then I guess it's your turn to believe me," Fera replied cockily, half-heartedly pushing Nala's hand away.

"No, I don't think I will," Nala said contrarily. This time she leaned in to whisper into Fera's ear, her breath tickling, "I definitely love you most." Before she leaned away, she pulled gently at Fera's ear with her teeth, making her shriek. In protest, Fera awkwardly reached an arm down and scratched at Nala's foot, making her squirm in protest as she fruitlessly tried to stifle her laughter. A brutal tickle war broke out as the moon continued to glide across the sky, ending with the girls panting, lying down together once more, gazing into the other's starry eyes.

"I love you. Your happiness means the world to me."

October Prompt Day 4 - walks in the forest

A/N: I was blessed by the presence of my new kitten while I wrote the last of this piece. Also, I’ll try to post my writing a bit more often since I’ve really gotten out of habit with it

This is set in a world I’m dying to introduce. @pagesofcursive and I wrote a short story a while ago and are working on writing a second draft. We’ll be posting the introduction, character info, snippets, and answering general questions on @eve-and-briar very soon

For now, enjoy this short story!

Genevieve supposed one of the things she missed most about her life before busybody adults shoved their noses in her business were walks in the forest.

Branches scratched their bare arms and thinly covered legs as they crawled through a hole one of the more mischievous royal hounds had dug through the shrubbery. They’d pop out the other side, hair frazzled and decorated with giddy smiles. The forest would stretch before them, calling in its mystery.

Branches scratched their bare arms and thinly covered legs as they crawled through a hole one of the more mischievous royal hounds had dug through the shrubbery. They’d pop out the other side, hair frazzled and decorated with giddy smiles. The forest would stretch before them, calling in its mystery.

Dappled green shadows patterned the deer path that curved away from the palace. Genevieve tugged Gwyneth ahead, giggling and stumbling over tree roots. Birds sung above, their sweet melodies filling the forest with life. In Genevieve’s opinion, it was a far superior sound to the stuffy orchestras she was seldomly subjected to. Fragrances of wildflowers, berries, leaves, and just pure, wild, and free life made Mother’s perfumes aptly seem like pathetic renditions of the smell of outside. She’d trip occasionally, ripping her hand out of Gwyneth’s and scraping it on the rough forest ground. It was amazing. The adrenaline rush made her feel alive as she picked herself up again, snickering with her sister standing above her, who was mock scolding her.

They’d build crude forts out of sticks, leaning them against the tree. They’d play as witches, gathering random fruits and flowers and mixing them with stream water in a hole they’d dig.

But then she’d been pulled away from training, people saying it was unfit for someone of her station to be mingling with soldiers and knights. Her uniforms were confiscated, and Gwyneth could no longer sneak away from her. Luckily, she’d pilfered a practice sword and continued drills in her room after she was put to bed. No more free time, and near constant supervision to prevent misbehavior. But it got worse. To some degree, it got better, but being kidnapped by the witch’s dragon was the most awful thing that ever happened to her. While she was free to do drills, wear what she wanted, and generally occupy herself how she wished, the place she had to do it was torturous. She was stuck in an abandoned fortress, where her only view was at the top of her tower. Woods spread below her window, taunting her with childhood memories of walks in the forest.

October Prompt Day 4 - walks in the forest

A/N: I was blessed by the presence of my new kitten while I wrote the last of this piece. Also, I’ll try to post my writing a bit more often since I’ve really gotten out of habit with it

This is set in a world I’m dying to introduce. @pagesofcursive and I wrote a short story a while ago and are working on writing a second draft. We’ll be posting the introduction, character info, snippets, and answering general questions on @eve-and-briar very soon

For now, enjoy this short story!

Genevieve supposed one of the things she missed most about her life before busybody adults shoved their noses in her business were walks in the forest.

Branches scratched their bare arms and thinly covered legs as they crawled through a hole one of the more mischievous royal hounds had dug through the shrubbery. They’d pop out the other side, hair frazzled and decorated with giddy smiles. The forest would stretch before them, calling in its mystery.

Branches scratched their bare arms and thinly covered legs as they crawled through a hole one of the more mischievous royal hounds had dug through the shrubbery. They’d pop out the other side, hair frazzled and decorated with giddy smiles. The forest would stretch before them, calling in its mystery.

Dappled green shadows patterned the deer path that curved away from the palace. Genevieve tugged Gwyneth ahead, giggling and stumbling over tree roots. Birds sung above, their sweet melodies filling the forest with life. In Genevieve’s opinion, it was a far superior sound to the stuffy orchestras she was seldomly subjected to. Fragrances of wildflowers, berries, leaves, and just pure, wild, and free life made Mother’s perfumes aptly seem like pathetic renditions of the smell of outside. She’d trip occasionally, ripping her hand out of Gwyneth’s and scraping it on the rough forest ground. It was amazing. The adrenaline rush made her feel alive as she picked herself up again, snickering with her sister standing above her, who was mock scolding her.

They’d build crude forts out of sticks, leaning them against the tree. They’d play as witches, gathering random fruits and flowers and mixing them with stream water in a hole they’d dig.

But then she’d been pulled away from training, people saying it was unfit for someone of her station to be mingling with soldiers and knights. Her uniforms were confiscated, and Gwyneth could no longer sneak away from her. Luckily, she’d pilfered a practice sword and continued drills in her room after she was put to bed. No more free time, and near constant supervision to prevent misbehavior. But it got worse. To some degree, it got better, but being kidnapped by the witch’s dragon was the most awful thing that ever happened to her. While she was free to do drills, wear what she wanted, and generally occupy herself how she wished, the place she had to do it was torturous. She was stuck in an abandoned fortress, where her only view was at the top of her tower. Woods spread below her window, taunting her with childhood memories of walks in the forest.

Day 1 - ruffled hair

Goodness I should have mentioned this on the last post, but all these prompts are from the incredible @creativepromptsforwriting

Featuring Freddie and mentions of Bella

Summary: Freddie finally completes a long term project, but something is missing

Freddie didn’t like it at first. Every time she passed him after warming up to each other, Bella mussed his hair. As someone who took pride in his put-together appearance, saying it irked him to have it ruined by displays of affection and ruining his hair was an understatement.

But she kept doing it. Day after day, moment after moment, breezing past him and leaving his hair ruffled. She did it when pacing around the house, wrought with anxiousness and anticipation, restless and roiling. It was a simple gesture, reminding him she was there, leaving a temporary mark. It became strangely comforting.

She did it after he accomplished something. An odd congratulations, you did good, kid. He’d finish a project, find a useful trinket, make an observation, and she’d reach over and ruffle his hair. He wouldn’t enjoy it, but he didn’t stiffen or pull away as he used to.

He imagined it was a habit since she had mentioned younger siblings in passing. He didn’t know any details, as he knew it was painful to talk about lost loved ones, so it was probably similar for her. So he tolerated it. The consistent attention was strange, and the unspoken praise was welcome but unfamiliar. And he began to enjoy it, almost look forward to it. The strange ritual of ruffle, playful roll of his eyes, and chuckle from her.

He missed it. Hunkered in his hideout, finally completed his months-long project. He felt strangely hollow. It was finally successful, finally finished, finally useful. And there was nothing. His hair stayed pristine, as it had for the past few days. But the isolation was necessary. He needed to be alone to save his parents. It was the only way - shutting himself off from his fellow survivors. No more ruffled hair, no more fond snickers, no contact. It would only distract him from what was most important. His unaffectionate, biological parents.

Day 1 - ruffled hair

Goodness I should have mentioned this on the last post, but all these prompts are from the incredible @creativepromptsforwriting

Featuring Freddie and mentions of Bella

Summary: Freddie finally completes a long term project, but something is missing

Freddie didn’t like it at first. Every time she passed him after warming up to each other, Bella mussed his hair. As someone who took pride in his put-together appearance, saying it irked him to have it ruined by displays of affection and ruining his hair was an understatement.

But she kept doing it. Day after day, moment after moment, breezing past him and leaving his hair ruffled. She did it when pacing around the house, wrought with anxiousness and anticipation, restless and roiling. It was a simple gesture, reminding him she was there, leaving a temporary mark. It became strangely comforting.

She did it after he accomplished something. An odd congratulations, you did good, kid. He’d finish a project, find a useful trinket, make an observation, and she’d reach over and ruffle his hair. He wouldn’t enjoy it, but he didn’t stiffen or pull away as he used to.

He imagined it was a habit since she had mentioned younger siblings in passing. He didn’t know any details, as he knew it was painful to talk about lost loved ones, so it was probably similar for her. So he tolerated it. The consistent attention was strange, and the unspoken praise was welcome but unfamiliar. And he began to enjoy it, almost look forward to it. The strange ritual of ruffle, playful roll of his eyes, and chuckle from her.

He missed it. Hunkered in his hideout, finally completed his months-long project. He felt strangely hollow. It was finally successful, finally finished, finally useful. And there was nothing. His hair stayed pristine, as it had for the past few days. But the isolation was necessary. He needed to be alone to save his parents. It was the only way - shutting himself off from his fellow survivors. No more ruffled hair, no more fond snickers, no contact. It would only distract him from what was most important. His unaffectionate, biological parents.

It’s finally here!! An intro for A New Infection

I’ve been dying to introduce this for so long, but my procrastinating ways always trip me up. I hope you enjoy finally having context for my characters

It’s finally here!! An intro for A New Infection

I’ve been dying to introduce this for so long, but my procrastinating ways always trip me up. I hope you enjoy finally having context for my characters

Reblogging this because I accidentally deleted the original post on mobile huffs

Sketch commission for @rudras-and-asuras / @draenei-barnaby of their very sweet character, Pallas!

Hello! I wrote a Yes Man x Courier fic. Here it is.

"In the hurricane of events that establishing the full control over New Vegas has been, you find time to apologise to Yes Man for some of your prior actions and show your appreciation for him. According to your old observations, the best way to do so is to clean him."

look at what we found at the pride parade ( [ redesigned ] characters are in order in the tags! )

here are the icons if anyone cares :3

Honestly, I’m genuinely surprised by how many people chose the douchebag. I think I get it, but it’s just an interesting thing to note. I too like seeing douchebags being put in their places 😌

I need opinions!

I may or may not be drafting a new series just because I got a lot of inspiration hit me at once. So the general idea is that Whumper is someone who travels the world constantly on a ship. He’s a very powerful and rich person because he does shady stuff. Dun dun dun.

My dilema here is that I don’t know what I want him to be. Should he be like a pirate from the 1700’s with that classic wooden ship style. A modern day pirate that’s sophisticated and more business-like in his approach, probably even has a yacht or a cruise ship. Maybe not even a pirate at all and just some rich guy that does business deals around the world and tends to cheat people while being in the safety of his boat.

Date: August 22, 2024

[p.s.: I thought I put it for a day, not a week. Whoops.]

What The Tide Brought In

[Next]

Contents: TW Restraints, TW Choking/ Strangling, TW Venomous Injury, TW Threats, Siren Whump, Pirate Whump, Sadistic Whumper, Defiant/ Stoic Whumpee

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“Captain, we’re going to need to make a port stop sooner than we expected. Our food supply is a little low.”

Looking off towards the distance of the endless sea, Malik was leaning against the wooden railing along the side of the vast ship. A deep internal sigh escaping him from the calmness of the morning. The waves were docile today, clear skies, and perfect winds. Glancing over his shoulder to acknowledge his first mate, Jovey. His signature side smirk that was as charming as ever.

“Means the lads are all eating well. Maybe too well, but we’ll tackle that later.” The deep rumble in his chest resonates through his chuckle, coming out a bit course from the early morning air. “Set a course for Port Royal, should be the nearest one to us.” 

Rising from his hunched position, his arms reach to the amber sky and soft huff escapes him. It had been a long month on the waters of the Atlantic, but shifting to the warmer tides of the Caribbean always reminded him where home was. It wouldn’t be more than a day now when he’d be able to collapse in a bed that doesn’t sway with the waves, in a warm tavern with a bottle of rum all to himself, and a bowl of stew from anything that wasn’t pescado. Possibly partaking in a little stealing, sabotaging, or cheating just to pass the time. Not having to be a captain for at least a week was a break he couldn’t wait for. The crew he inherited only knew how to follow orders when his voice was harsh as the winds, otherwise they’d slack off or get too comfortable. Not that he minded putting them in their place, it boosted his ego and there was a satisfaction in seeing the yielding in their eyes as they adjusted their tone and fixed their posture. Intimidation and strength. The qualities he believed was required of a captain, especially one as successful as he was. 

Unfortunately for him, because of his imposing presence on both the waters and the shores, it was now a rare occurrence for his ship to be attempted to be commandeered or attacked by other occupants of the sea. Even on land, most steered clear of him or were careful with their words. It made his exhibitions boring to say the least, no challenges, no competition. There hasn't even been ruthless storms as of late, the type to make experienced sailors soil themselves, the ones that threaten to sink you with your ship until you come out victorious. Even now as he turns to grip the wheel in his hands and his eyes scan the deck a flight below him where his men work, he doesn’t feel that thrill of adventure that used to drive him. He didn’t know if he would anytime soon with his reputation being as strong as it is.

His luck was akin to that of being at the mercy of a coin toss at times, whether today was a virtuous luck sent by the gods or a vicious one, he couldn’t care when his wishes were granted. Of course they were, he always got everything he wanted eventually.

“Captain! We caught something!”

His heads whips over towards port side, his men hoisting up large net that swung and twisted violently. Setting Jovey to steady the wheel, he quickly glides down the railing of the stairs before hopping to his feet on the deck. Trotting over to the commotion as his crew surround the catch. They part away to forge a path for him as he approaches and what he see’s makes his whole world light up in flurry of excitement. A siren. 

“Captain... is that the creature from the legends?”

Malik can’t help but let out a hearty laugh, not just at the question, but also out of astonishment at his luck. His eyes glued to the young male siren thrashing about in the thick rope, hissing and growling like a wild animal.

“That’s right lads! Look what the tide brought us, a siren from the tales of the sea.”

He gets down on one knee beside the tangled fishy creature. The strong scent of seawater mixed with an all too familiar rotten fish odor. Reaching down to grab the main rope line and tugging on it, the net tightens around the specimen and constricts its movements. A protesting growl leaving the siren as it glares through the rope straight at him. He can’t help grin a little maddeningly. Realizing just how amazing this turn of events was. Seeing this sirens unwavering aggression and defiance even from only being on board a few minutes sparked a fire in Malik.

“You’re far from home, aren’t you bilge rat? These aren't your waters.”

The siren, seemingly frantic and panicked from its predicament squirms in the net. Its tail thudding against the boards of the deck. Maliks chuckles overpowering the sirens protesting sounds. The crew that surrounded them watching in a mix of curiosity and caution. Taking the time to admire such rare creature in their waters. Its contrasting palette of blue hues and white accents. His finned tail pointed at the ends, three appendages along each side of his fish body with cerata extended out from each. His upper body resembling that of a normal young man, but scattered with a light blue vitiligo-esque pattern along his skin. Medium length dark blue hair damp and cascading over his shoulders. His fingers pointed like claws and his fangs baring. And those, oh so, captivating golden eyes.

“Alright lads, quit gawking. Why don’t we make our guest more... comfortable?”

Malik stands up as his crew get to work, knowing the protocol underlining his words. A few of the men dragging the siren towards the largest mast in the middle of the top deck. When they start to extract him from the net, he proves to be nothing if not aggressive and hostile. Using his sharpened nails to dig into the crews arms and legs, making them bleed. Biting hands and forearms when they try to lift him up. It took 5 sizable men just to get him up off the floor, but nobody was ready when one of the men got hit with one of the large appendages flapping around erratically through his struggle. The man stumbling back and falling down onto the wooden boards with a hard thud as he grips his chest. The crew managing to tie the siren up against the mast and restrain him. Everyone turns to look to their crew mate on the floor, struggling to breath. Malik rushes to his side and crouches down, inspecting the man and tugging his shirt down to see a hue of red amongst the inflammation quickly building on his chest. 

“Hey… hey, lad, keep your eyes on me, alright? You better fucking stay awake, you hear me?”

Malik slapping the mans cheek a few times to keep his attention when he notices his eyes lolling around with no intention. He looked sick, almost nauseous. His hands clawing at his own chest as if there was a pain that he fruitlessly attempted to dig out of himself. Malik having to grab the mans hands to keep him from hurting himself.

“Get this boy below deck! Don’t let him fall asleep and keep a bucket near in case he vomits.” When his crew just stare at the both of them with nervous and distant expressions after what they witnessed, Malik let go of the mans hands and stood up with a threatening posture. “NOW!” That woke the crew from their paralysis as they quickly made their way to the injured man and helped carry him below deck to be treated and supervised.

Malik turning towards the mast where the siren was left restrained and desperately fighting at the thick rope. His hands clenching at his sides, a fury in his eyes that would make most crumble at his feet. He walks over to the creature with steady strides until he’s standing before him. The siren glaring right back up at him, a smirk twitching onto his face, expressing his satisfaction.

“Whoops, sorry cap. Didn’t realize how weak your me—”

The siren chokes on his words as Maliks hand wraps completely around his throat. An iron grip, unyielding as he leans down closer to the sirens face. A cold fury brewing behind his gaze while the creature flails and gasps for air. His tail beating against the mast frantically. 

“If you dare to speak another word with that vile tongue fo yours, I will personally slice it out and force it down your throat. If that’s not enough to shut you up, I’ll cut off that tail of yours and feed you to the sharks. Got it, caviar?”

His voice was almost hushed, but didn’t lack the venom behind every word. Naturally making the siren tense as his glare falters from the combined threat and lack of oxygen. Maliks hand tightening around his neck hard enough to cause him to see stars and he reluctantly relented with a subtle nod. Enough for the hand to quickly retract and allow him to cough violently and heave for air. Maliks foreboding stance towering the fish creature while he watched with a sense of triumph that blossomed into pride as his grin plastered onto his face one more. For the first time in a long time, Malik found a thrill, something that made his heart race, something that made him tick. This siren, who had just backed down not even a few seconds ago, now scowling at him with a passion that was contagious.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for something like you to come along, little sea dragon.”

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Date: September 16, 2024

Two Sides of The Same Coin

[Previous / Next]

Content: TW Restraints, TW SA Threat, TW Knifepoint, TW Threats of Violence, TW Fear, Siren Whump, Sadistic Whumper, Defiant Whumpee.

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Malik made sure to keep the crew below deck for the night. Not wanting to give the siren any attempts at enchanting his men with his singly voice. He knew his crew could be slightly weak minded compared to his own will, so it wouldn’t take more than a few hypnotic whispers from a siren to get them on their knees like dogs at your heel. That being said, he didn’t trust himself either, not having ever dealt with a siren before. He thought it strange for one to be so far off from the Mediterranean Sea where they are said to dwell.

Despite his caution, his intrigue was stronger. The thrill of having a threat on board and at his mercy. A creature of legend no less, his pride was beaming even under his cool facade while he cataloged in his journal about the days events. The warm light of a lantern softly illuminating the desk he was sitting at while the ship swayed in a lullaby motion. Absently signing his signature on the page before closing the large journal. His thumb ghosting over the golden lettering of the leather cover where it read:

Captains Log of the Sirens Solstice.

He always found that name ironic until today. Given that sirens rarely, if ever, came all the way to the Caribbean unless it was for a reason. On top of that, it was certainly out of place for a siren to be alone when traveling so far. A trinity of knocks at his door broke his thoughts. Sighing and standing up from his chair before he walks over to open the door, his boots softly thumping on the wooden planks with each step. 

When he opens the door, he sees Jovey standing on the other side. Holding a bottle of rum with two chalices in his other hand. He raises them up in his hands as if presenting them.

“Could I bother you with a drink, Captain?” He asked with a softer voice, with it being late in the night and not wanting to stir the crew from their sleep.

Malik smirked slightly at the offer and chuckled lightly under his breath. “I tell you to stay below deck, but you defy my order to offer me a drink? Some first mate you are.” Despite his chiding words, his tone held no bitterness. Even standing aside and allowing Jovey to step into his cabin.

“I didn’t think that order was directed towards me. Must’ve been some miscommunication.” His cheeky tone being accompanied by a playful smile as he took a seat across from the desk. 

Malik rolled his eyes to Joveys’ back while closing the door. Then he made his way back to his seat behind the wooden desk that separated them. Jovey already pouring two glasses of rum for them before offering one of them. Malik taking it gingerly and softly clinking his glass to Joveys’. “So… how is the lad. Cormack, right? He’s not dying or anything, is he?” He asked casually while taking a sip of his drink.

“No, he’s alright. The swellings already going down thankfully. It doesn’t seem like whatever that siren stung him with is lethal. Just knocks you down a peg.”

Malik nods slightly with an unconcerned hum. Tapping his fingers along the side of the chalice while he holds it on the table. It’s not that he didn’t care about his crews’ well-being, their condition just never weighed on his mind. He would internally scold them for being weak enough to get injured or comprised so easily, but he usually put up the persona of a caring captain that was only stern when he needed to be. That didn’t stop him from wanting to strangle his crew himself whenever they made amateur mistakes or found themselves incapacitated. His eyes drifting off towards a window to the side of them that showed the moonlight cascading over the waves. “Why do you think that creature was sent to us?”

Jovey follows his gaze towards the window for a moment before looking back towards him again, noting his almost distant tone as if he was filing through a million thoughts. “I’m not so sure about him being ‘sent’ to us for a reason, Captain, but I’m sure he’s just lost. Probably swam too far away from home.” Taking a sip as he takes a break to organize his own mind. He knew Malik could be ruthless, he’s seen it before even if the newer men in the crew weren’t there to witness it. When the siren came on board, although being at the stern side and taking over the wheel, he could see what was occurring on deck. Noting the way his Captains eyes glinted with a new found fervor, that smile that he knew all too well meant there was a danger brewing. “Why do you believe it was for a reason?”

“Because the tides strike with purpose…” Malik said matter-of-factly. Averting his eyes from the window and turning his attention back to Jovey. Noticing how he seemed to be almost analyzing him, trying to figure out his intentions. “… the sea does not act randomly as one might believe. Everything happens for a reason out on these waters, whether it be to our benefit or disadvantage.” Malik can’t help but smile faintly with a soft scoff as he glances down at his drink. “I’m starting to sound like that old quack Azure.”

Joveys’ smile mirrored Maliks’, his head shaking back and forth in an amused manner. “You sound more like him everyday. In a good way… it’s why he chose you.” Studying his expression, Malik had a gaze of longing, almost nostalgic. A soft smile that was rarely seen, if ever, only when they were alone. “You know, I remember when I first got pulled onto this ship. We were around the same age… not that we still aren’t obviously, but for some reason I always felt like you were older than me. You always knew what you were doing, and you were one of the few people in the crew who gave me a chance.”

Malik redirected his gaze to Jovey once again, a bit taken aback by the sudden throwback and vulnerability, but he tried not to soften his features out of habit of being stoic. “Trust me, I never knew what I was doing. I only ever acted like I knew everything because that’s the only way to get people to respect you.” He swished his rum in his cup absently before taking another sip. “You’re a good man, Jovey. For once, I might even admit to feeling a bit jealous of you. The crew loves you, and we’re all lucky to have you. But if you tell them I said that, then I’ll skin you and toss you off the plank myself.” He couldn’t help but give that teasing threat with a smug smile.

That drew out a soft snort from Jovey as he smiled a bit wider from the playful threat he knew had no real malice behind it. Not when it came to him. He leaned back in his chair as he took his own glass from the table to hold it on his lap. “Who’s to say I’ll give you the chance, Captain? I might just throw myself overboard before you can catch me.” He counters back jokingly.

“If you do that, lad, I’ll jump into the raging tides to fish you out just so I can have the pleasure of pushing you off myself.” 

“Maybe I’ll tie a cannon ball to my foot so I sink faster and you won’t be able to pull me up.”

“Maybe I’ll just shoot a harpoon into your leg and force the crew to hoist you out of the water.”

“You’d go through all that trouble just to feed me to the sharks yourself?”

“For you, Jovey, you better believe I would.”

They both stare at each other in silence for a few seconds that seemed to stretch on before they both began to laugh and heartily chuckle. Joveys indistinguishable snorts between breaths always made his laugh contagious to Malik. For a moment, he couldn’t help but just watch Jovey, seeing his smile and how bright he looked even in the dim lit quarters. He had to mentally scold himself for staring and allowing himself to find a sense of attachment towards him. He lightly cleared his throat before chugging down the rest of his rum and setting his cup to the side. “Alright, that’s enough banter for one night. Leave me be you scoundrel.” He said lightheartedly.

Jovey rolled his eyes slightly with a small smile and stood up from his chair. Grabbing the rum bottle from the table and collecting the other chalice. “Whatever you say, De Lir, sir.” A hint of sass escaping him, knowing he could get away with it. He turns and heads for the door, cracking it open slightly before turning back to look at Malik. “If I may, Captain. What are you planning to do with the siren?”

A soft tch leaves Malik as he smiles from Joveys sass. When he turns back to inquire about the siren, his smile fades. His cold and aloof demeanor resurfacing. “Good night, Jovey.” 

———

The tides were still calm the next morning. Uneventful, at least, it normally would be. Malik stood before the siren, the crew crowding around in a crescent formation behind him. It was still tied up tightly to the mast. Although it was apparently obvious that it struggled for most of the night based on the claw marks that were carved into the wood of the pillar. Even some of the rope looked shredded and loosened but it wasn’t enough to free itself. It looked like he was asleep. Limp in the restraints and head looked down with his chin touching his chest. They knew better, but that wasn’t what caught all of their attention though.

His tail was gone, or rather, replaced by a pair of legs. His fishy ears reduced to normal human ones. The gills along his ribs replaced by smooth skin. The dark blue claws at the tips of his fingers were now short and trimmed. It was an enigma to both the crew and Malik. The siren they brought aboard was now a seemingly normal young man. They knew it was him, but appearance-wise, it threw them for a loop.

Malik stepped up to the siren and gripped a chunk of the back of his hair before yanking his head back. Seeing the siren wince and let out a hiss of discomfort from his grip. He grinned as he stared down at the siren. Analyzing its features, seeing the marks of light blue along his skin. It’s golden eyes, now being up close, noting the two spots of gold in each of them. “What happened to you, little dragon? Lost your tail?”

The siren glares up at him with a fiery rage. He was frustrated having to be at the mercy of a pirate. He’d bite his hand off and claw that smug smile off his face if he could just loosen the rope enough to get one of his hands free. “I’m dried out you fucking assh—.” 

Malik dug his fingers into the sirens scalp and tugged on his hair harder. Ripping a few hairs out in the process, extracting a groan from him that cuts off his words. He leans down closer to the siren to loom over him. “Your tongue is still as vile as yesterday. Someone wasn’t taught manners growing up…” Malik shoots a quick and hard jab to the sirens gut, the wind being knocked out of him as he tries to double over but the ropes keep him up. “… then again, neither was I.” Malik yanks on his hair and pulls his head back to slam against the mast before releasing his grip. Letting the siren deal with the aching sting in the back of his head. He takes a step back to take in the sirens human form. Observing him with a fascination that was anything but innocent or kind. “What is your name, siren?”

A hiss escapes the man as he tugs at the ropes out of frustration. His eyes scanning the crowd of pirates behind their captain. All of them pathetic and weak in his eyes. How dare any of them even get the privilege of seeing me? They were filthy, pungent, cowards that had no right to be in my presence, let alone hold me captive like this. “Fuck you, fuck all of you!”

Malik simply smiles, not his usual cocky smirk, an eerily sweet smile that was too calm. "We can have that arranged, after all, it's not everyday the lads get to let off a little steam on this ship..." He turns to face his crew. Gesturing with his hand towards the siren, as if offering him. "... isn't that right, boys?"

The crew look amongst each other, wondering if their captain was being serious, if they really did have full liberty to do as they pleased with such a rare catch. The siren staring blankly, feeling a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach at the realization of what the captain just suggested. That was until Malik put his hand up and chuckled breathily.

"Of course, there's one small problem that I'd like to address before you get started."

Reaching for his hidden dagger tucked between the band of his pants, he unsheathes it and turns back to the siren with a quick step, being directly in front of him once again with the curved dagger swiftly finding itself pressed against the creatures neck. The curve of the blade cupping his throat just beneath his adam's apple. The siren freezing from the sudden threatening position but never faltering with his burning glare into Malik's eyes. The pirate staring back with a cold and foreboding gaze.

"That little voice of yours. I can't let you tempt any of my men with it. As disappointed as I'll be to not hear that foul mouth of yours anymore, its time to cut that pretty little voice box out."

Malik drags the dagger along the sirens neck and tilts it up so the tip of the bade was lightly pressed against the bump in the middle of his throat. "If I carefully cut a line right here...", dragging the dagger down along the sirens throat, making him swallow thickly, "... we'll find your larynx. It encompasses your vocal cord. If we just...", a quick flick of the wrist causes the dagger to slice a light cut just off the side of the apple, making the sirens breath hitch and he growls under his breath, "... you won't be able to sing ever again. Helpless... weak... feeble little sea dragon."

"If you fucking do that I swear you'll regret it."

"I don't think I will. In fact, I think I'll enjoy this more than I should."

Even his crew behind him, watching the scene unfold, felt chills go through them having never seen this side of their captain before. Malik grabs the sirens chin in one hand with an iron grip and tilts his head back against the mast. The creature struggling and trying to squirm in the ropes. The pirate carefully grazing the blade along the center of the mans throat. Agonizingly pressing the tip of the dagger against the curve bulging out under the skin slowly. The sirens breath quickening as he gradually becomes panicked, realizing how serious the captain was. He can't help the words that quickly leave his mouth when a trickle of warm blood escapes him.

"I DON'T HAVE A SONG!"

Malik stops progressing, but not drawing back either. He tugs on his chin to pull his head back down to look him in the eye. Gazing with a malicious curiosity but a hint of doubt. "Every siren does, why should I believe you don't?"

"I don't you fuckin' psycho. I wasn't born with it, don't you think I would've tried to use it by now if I had it?"

"I'm not buying that for a second, caviar."

Malik pushes his chin back up and continues where he left off. Digging into the siren's neck more. Drawing out blood as he carves a small line along the apple. Making the creature hiss and groan, his hands clenching into fists as he tries to press impossibly further against the mast to get away.

"I'm being serious! Stop!"

Ignoring his protests, Malik cuts deeper. His hearing tuning out as he focuses on cutting to his goal. His heart was beating steadily, he couldn't help the enjoyment he was getting out of seeing the creature struggle fruitlessly. A sadistic smirk plastered on his face. The siren trying not to let fear take over, but it was getting progressively difficult the more blood that cascaded down his skin. The stinging of the blade slicing through layers of skin. Never in his life had he ever experienced pain, let alone having his own blood leave the safety of his body. He was royalty, he should be the one inflicting pain, he should be the one making this pirate cower beneath him.

"Malik."

A soft voice broke both their thought concentrations. Malik stilling in his actions before he turned to glance over his shoulder with a piercing glare that quickly softened. Seeing Jovey standing behind him, his expression one of concern and trepidation. The siren staring at him with a hint of relief and caution. Jovey steps closer, his eyes darting between his captain and the creature. Swallowing his unease.

"I don't think he's lying."

Malik takes a breather, thinking about his first mates words before reluctantly extracting the dagger from the sirens throat. A string of blood staining the tip of the blade as he lets go of the creatures chin and stands up fully. He turns around to face Jovey, a calmer aura exuding from him. He averts his gaze towards the crew still observing the scene. Some looking uncomfortable and uneasy, others indifferent or even seemingly intrigued. "We arrive at Port Royal tomorrow morning. Toss the bilgerat into one of the cells below deck. If he truly doesn't have the gift, then nobody will have a reason to let him out by then."

Malik looks back towards Jovey, holstering his dagger to his side.

"We'll see if your judgement is as sound as it always is, savvy?"

+++

Date: September 22, 2024

Taglist: @paperprinxe , @melpomenelamusa

Minor character in an ongoing personal project. A native inhabitant of a surreal dreamworld.