#I've never drawn him looking genuinely happy before and I was not prepared for how much joy it would bring me

[gooretrait]

The sun was high in the sky. The summer breeze tickled and cooled Melissa and Diana's skin as they made their way to the chateua gardens.

Melissa was nervous. Hell, she was more than nervous, she was sick with anxiety and the fear of rejection. However, in the space of just under a year she had grown to fall so deeply in love with Diana that she was convinced this kind of love was once in a lifetime. That any other love or romance would pale in comparison to what she and Diana had. And for that reason, she knew exactly what she needed to do and she finally had the confidence to do it.

As Melissa got down on one knee, she dived into the speech that she'd prepared. She told Diana everything that she was feeling. The love that ran so deep that it coursed through every vein and artery. The adoration she felt for her beloved every single day. Her inability to ever picture a future without Diana or Elisha in her life. She knew at the core of her soul and who she was that Diana was the woman for her and that she wanted to build a life with her and Elisha and any other kids that they may adopt in the future. For Melissa, this was it and there would never be anyone after Diana because Diana and Elisha were all she needed. By the end of her speech, the two of them were crying as Diana said yes and jumped into her arms, elated and just as madly in love as Melissa was.

Thank you so much to everyone who followed this current household from start to end! Playing without the aim of a legacy or building up a family was just the reset I needed to get me excited for playing with a family and family oriented gameplay again. In my next queued post, you'll start getting introduced to my Growing Together family (I've already played up until my main sims have their first child, so there's plenty of screenshots to edit and posts to queue up!). For now, however, I'm going to give a couple of fun facts about Melissa and her gameplay!

So, when I first made Melissa I was greatly inspired by Oshin and Shiipty's current households over on YouTube! I wanted to make a sim I could play with casually but added in an aspiration I wanted to do that I've never completed before. And so, Melissa was born!

I also intended originally when I first started playing for Melissa to have a fling with Don Lothario! I wanted to create some drama around her having a failed relationship with him and throwing herself into all of her hobbies, but then I saw the way that Melissa and Diana were drawn to each other and how Melissa would cancel out of actions to talk to her and I realised what Melissa's story really was. Melissa's story wasn't destined to be one of a failed relationship with a man who treated her badly. She was instead destined to fall for the girl upstairs who was always happy to see her and supported her in all of her hobbies and skills.

This last fun fact is more about Diana than Melissa. When I first made Diana, it was with the intention of exploring the Snowy Escape pack and the extreme sports aspiration. I loved the idea of an athlete falling in love with Mt Komorebi and eventually moving there, but I ended up never playing that out. So, when I started looking through my old sims to move into the same building as Melissa I thought Diana would make a great addition and even become a best friend for Melissa. Little did I know that that would turn into a romance that genuinely had me welling up with emotion when Melissa proposed.

Thank you once again to everyone for all your support for this current household! Hopefully this won't be the last we see of Melissa, Diana, and Elisha. I'm thinking of playing with them in my own time and watching them grow up and then MAYBE using one of the kids to explore the romantic expansion we're getting. But yeah, this definitely won't be the last we see of these sims ❤️

#long post #current household #sim: melissa cordwell #simblr #sims 4 #ts4 #sims 4 gameplay #sims 4 screenshots

[stellarish]

Sketches of of some Tai Sui dudes feat. dice and an expression meme

#drawing Zhou Ying grinning like that was HEALING honestly #I've never drawn him looking genuinely happy before and I was not prepared for how much joy it would bring me #let him be HAPPY #art #tai sui #xi yue #zhou ying #prince zhuang #wen fei #wen fenghan #traditional art #sketch #stellart #ID in alt text #priest #tai sui priest #cnovel

[oneboxofmatches]

Hi!!! May I request a HP romantic and friendship matchup on both eras? (Preferably male), thanks in advance! 💞

𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗦 + 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘

19, Libra, Neutral Good, enneagram is 4w5, Ravenclaw, and my patronus spirit is swan. Bi Pan Genderfluid girl using pronouns of She/Her or He/Him. A friend of mine told me that I (kinda) look like Marinette from 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗴, Musa from 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘅 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯, and Alexandra Trese from 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲 (a Netflix animated series), but the exception is I'm short (5'1.2") plus sized Southeast Asian woman with Spanish descent that has messy/wavy brunette medium hair, chocolate brown eyes, oriental skin and a small beauty mark on the forehead. My sense of fashion is in between emo and boyish plus korean glam.

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬

Distant and shy at first cause' I dunno how to initiate a conversation, but a total opposite if I open up---friendly, ambivert, witty, laughing loudly on a daily basis, talkative, awkward, daydreamer (I got embarrassed from knocking at the door even I'm inside the classroom 😂), EXTREMELY clumsy, secretly likes affection, easily overwhelmed, prone to melt over any wholesomeness, flusters on compliments, lightly blushes on cheesy banters, sarcastic person with a lowkey crackhead energy citing meme references, and talented girl who can be your no. 1 supporter and unashamed to be true to myself. In terms of leadership, I only educate and guide than being a prefect (I might take the role seriously), and will lift my group when there's lacking/incompleteness. About doing projects in school, I become too extra and prepared for efforts, but I'll forget the process in the end.

People thought I'm a demure self-effacing woman that looks "idealistic" or "one of a kind," (due to my protective parents, a reason why I've never been in a relationship) but the truth is, I'm eloquent, warm-hearted, willig to help, kind, intelligent, supportive, nice, creative, enthusiastic, determined, tough, competitive, and feisty outside, but a real softie that can be childish and dramatic crybaby filled with doubts, frustrations, and insecurities with fear of failure that pushes off the limits to to please everyone, yet I still managed to be stronger than ever, even it's a slow burn process. I can be intimidating, sassy, and a douchebag if I receive ends. Immature, headstrong, perfectionist, demanding, hesitant, jumpy, very indecisive, overthinker, quick-tempered, sensitive, and anxious (no joke, my nervousness makes me think worse scenario will arrive or I might break a belonging due to my carelessness). Though can be procrastinator and arrogant, I raised as a religious 𝖺𝗇𝖽 diplomatic person, willing to fight what I believe (including my dreams) 𝖺𝗇𝖽 what is right. In addition, I have a habit of staying up late and doing sign of the cross to ease nervousness.

Blunt but the loudest idiotic feeling-brokenhearted and bitter friend in the group who fangirl a lot, swears like sailor, will act like a silent backstabber on people that we loathe, will crack up over your stupid antics before helping, and bring gossips, but a hopeless romantic who tends to banter with sarcasms or pick up lines as an endearment (but gets grumpy if I received sappy or offensive one), still generous and concerned in a subtle way.

𝗛𝗢𝗕𝗕𝗜𝗘𝗦

My hobbies are singing, drawing, roleplaying, listening to music, chatting/browsing on social media, conceptualizing, writing, and reading some stuffs. 𝖨'𝗅𝗅 𝗂𝗇𝖼𝗅𝗎𝖽𝖾 making corniest jokes/puns, 𝗌𝗅𝖾𝖾𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗀, and dancing when nobody's around or walking like a model if I feel so bold (even I'm terrible at both xD).

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗦

Loves kittens, eating a lot, cartoons, watching YouTube videos (mostly pageants, ASMR, edit audios, and mukbangs), also enjoys playing games on my sister's PSP. Sucker for arts, choir, night sky, makeup, fun/deep/dumb conversations, Christianity, documentaries (about saints, real crime stories, and inspirational people), reading interesting stuffs, talking about social issues, and writings, chilling both indoors and outdoors. Beside that, my music taste are like late 90s-2000s songs (mostly rock, pop, and country) sometimes kpop and ppop, chocoholic, and a sweetooth as well.

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗦

Things that I hate are stereotyping, HUGE creepy crawlies (spiders, toads, snakes, and cockroaches), firecracker sounds, being left out, loneliness, heart break, blackout, and judgemental people. One random fact about me is, I 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 vent out EVERYTHING I despise in my entire existence---from bad soap operas to toxicity and worse scenarios in real life, because it's a big deal for me, and I consider forcing me to do what I'm not into and manipulating me as my major pet peeves.

𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦

In terms of triggers...I only have two which are ta𝖨king about divorce/annullment/separation because I came from a generational broken family and religion/beliefs discrimination, cause' there are reasonings that doesn't makes sense because some are too hypocritical.

𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗔

My best assets are smile, eyes, personality, singing voice, artistic skills, writings, intelligence, and oratorical skills...so I can consider myself as a singer, artist, orator, and a top student who's a former active campus ministry member with three roles (choir leader, psalm singer, and reader). Currently an incoming college freshman, learning how to cook and have so many interests, to the point I don't know what I'm into because of my dreams to become a popular Filipino YouTuber, a novelist, and being part of a successful chorale competing internationally...I also consider joining pageants at school too once the pandemic ends, but maybe.

Thank you so, so much for requesting! I had a lot of fun with this one (as you can tell by some of the really long answers lol) and I hope you enjoy!!

In the Golden Trio era, I romantically pair you with…

CEDRIC DIGGORY

One of the most beautiful things about Cedric is that although he may show some introverted tendencies, he still manages to have a natural gift for connecting to others and allowing them to feel comfortable enough to open up. Really, your initial distance and shyness don't last nearly as long towards Cedric as they would with most other people.

Hearing your laughter brings the widest, cheesiest grin to Cedric’s face. Not only does he adore seeing you happy, but he also recognizes that your anxiety, insecurities, and strong emotions can sometimes cloud up your demeanor. Therefore, it brings him comfort knowing that (for the moment) you’re finding joy. He thrives when you thrive!

However, as much as he loves seeing your more energetic and happier self, it goes without saying that he’s the best comfort for when you’re not having the best day.

Cedric is an excellent listener, so he’ll most likely let you talk without interruption for as long as you need before even saying a word. He wants to make sure he truly understands your current state before acting. He may take a few seconds to process everything after you finish speaking, but then he’ll help you tackle whatever problems you’re facing. He’s especially talented at giving words of affirmation.

Cedric’s listening also comes in handy whenever you talk about your interests! He genuinely loves hearing about the things you’re interested in solely for the fact that you’re interested in them. Side note: you can count on him to be at any music performances, pageants, etc. you may have -- this guy is truly your #1 supporter.

Cedric’s a very good student (though I suspect he’s somewhat of a procrastinator himself), so I can also see you two supporting each other through schoolwork and celebrating each other’s successes.

Like you, Cedric has a strong urge to do the right thing. Talking to him about social issues stirs up a need to help, and I could see you two doing volunteer work together in your spare time.

I like to believe one of Cedric’s biggest love languages is quality time. Don’t get me wrong, this guy loves staying involved and busy. But taking a couple hours to be with you in small ways (even if that means just being in the same room while you scroll through social media) gives him a nice balance.

Overall, this kind boy will be there unwaveringly through the bad times and will laugh just as loud as you through the good!

As a friend, I think you’d best be matched with…

LUNA LOVEGOOD

You wanna talk about the best conversations, relentless support, and overall the most wholesome friendship you could ask for? Luna’s your girl.

Being unashamed to be true to yourself is one of the biggest reasons why Luna is so drawn to you. While she’s very friendly and insightful towards everyone she meets, it can get a bit repetitive for her to constantly interact with people who try to shelter their unique characteristics from the world. In her mind, these unique characteristics are what make people so fascinating! Why should anyone hide who they are?

Luna’s creativity is endless, and I can see it blending well with yours. Collaborating on a personal project outside of school (ex: novel, blog, etc.) together is definitely something I could see you two doing.

Speaking of creativity, finding creative solutions to everyday problems (both in school and in life) is your specialty as friends.

Admittedly, Luna isn’t usually drawn to louder individuals. However, the complexity behind your personality makes it easier for her to know you are much more than what meets the eye.

Speaking of, Luna has a difficult time standing up for herself -- whether it’s because she doesn’t feel a need to or she just doesn’t recognize the meaning behind certain phrases. She NEEDS a friend like you to stand up for her sometimes, and I know you wouldn’t hesitate!

Ranting to Luna is therapeutic to say the least. While her aloofness at times may make it seem as if she isn’t fully paying attention, that couldn’t be further from the truth. She’s actually catching every word, and once you’re done she’ll leave you with a philosophical solution that may seem borderline insane/irrelevant when you first hear it, but it strangely makes sense.

Overall, the lack of judgment from either of you is what draws you together. As a result, you build a unique bond that couldn’t be broken even if either of you wanted it to.

In the Marauders era, I romantically pair you with…

REMUS LUPIN

Let’s be honest, it would take you two so long to ask each other out. You were probably already really close friends, but the insecurities and “what if?” questions from both of you delayed an actual relationship.

When you finally started dating, you were both so relieved. You still share a laugh at how almost nothing changed in the way you interacted with each other.

While with mutual friends, Remus sometimes likes to sit back and just watch you, especially when you get really talkative because this is when you become the most expressive. He has the softest smile when you’re actively cracking jokes, discussing something you’re passionate about, or even calling someone out. Sometimes you may be too distracted to notice, but other times you’ll catch him.

“What?”

“Oh, nothing.” (While that same soft smile never leaves his face.)

You both hold really high standards for yourself in terms of school, so expect late-night study/work sessions to be your best bet for quality time.

Though the occasional instance of walking through/lying on the grounds becomes a favorite for both of you.

Remus listens when you’re particularly struggling through anxiety or strong emotions, but he has to consciously stop himself from interrupting because he can’t stand how he feels knowing you’re going through a tough time.

All he wants to do is soothe you during these moments. If you’re comfortable, he’ll hold you while speaking to you in a soft voice. Remus, the intellectual that he is, is also your best chance at finding a reasonable solution. So if you're not in the mood for calming words, he's also a great person to turn to for answers.

As for your ambitions, no matter what you choose to pursue, you already know Remus is going to be your biggest source of support every step of the way. He’s more than happy to help in any way he can!

Overall, Remus appreciates you, and he’s always going to make sure you know it.

As a friend, I think you’d best be matched with…

LILY EVANS

Lily especially connects to you because you manage to be determined, competitive, and intelligent without sacrificing your kindness, which is something she can relate to.

You and Lily are the C.E.O.s of doing the right thing. Neither of you hesitates to back the other up when it comes to confronting someone because you know it’s justified.

As perceptive as Lily is, you never need to tell her when something is bothering you. All it takes is a quick glance before she puts whatever she’s doing on hold to check in with you.

The reverse works as well. Typically, Lily really doesn’t internally struggle too much, and when she does she tries to hide it. You’re one of the only people who can see right through whatever she tries to pull.

The constant banter between you two is unmatched, but you both know it's because you really care about each other.

Overall, you and Lily have each other’s backs through anything, even when the other isn’t actively asking for help.

#matchups #fandom matchups #harry potter matchup #harry potter #cedric diggory #luna lovegood #remus lupin #lily evans #lily potter

[itssideria]

3 n 12!!!!

HEY REN!!

3 - favorite line/scene you wrote this year

oh, God. there are a bunch of these guys - i really feel like i stepped up my writing this year!!! in no particular order, these three own my fucking heart. mostly because of the feelings the descriptions evoked, plus the way i built up the characters :)

this scene from my name is ozymandias, where i popped the fuck off writing c!fundy:

Because here is the first fact: Fundy revealed himself as the Pogtopians’ spy last week. Wilbur might never forgive him, and Tubbo can’t look him in eye, and Tommy latches onto him like glue. Fundy’s trying to be okay with it.

And here is the second fact: Quackity has had enough. He is the only one, as far as Fundy knows, who hasn’t been secretly rallying for Pogtopia all along. He switched sides last night. He and Schlatt keep trying to talk to Wilbur.

And here is the final fact, Fundy thinks, as his president ends the meeting: Today, Technoblade stands alone. Today, there are no Manburgians left. Today, the Antarctic chill has become absolute, and the last leaf has snapped from the branch of the last tree.

Wilbur has given them an ultimatum: two weeks, or they lose their country. The sixteenth looms ever closer.

They start preparing for revolution tonight.

this scene from but i'll figure out a way to get us out of here (unrelated - ask me about c!tommy learning to recogniser c!dreams bullshit as abuse because that concept is So Very Dear to me):

“Tommy, what do you mean? That’s exactly how it happened!” He throws his arms out. Tommy flinches as the axe blade catches the sun. Dream looks up behind him. “Wilbur, wasn’t it so much better after we got rid of it? Dude, you were so happy—I saw you laughing as it blew up. You wanted it gone. Weren’t you happy when you came back and it wasn’t there?”

Tommy shakes violently in Wilbur’s grasp. He hears Wilbur mutter a hesitant, “Dream, I don’t—” before Dream talks right over him.

“Oh, don’t kid yourself. You were. I literally saw you.”

Behind him, Tommy hears a drawn, stuttered breath. And he realises—he recognises this. This pattern. Lie, talk over, rewrite the memory. He knows this.

“Don’t talk to him like that,” Tommy snaps.

God. look at him. LOOK AT HIM!!! he is so important to me <33

and finally - i said no order but oh my fucking God was i proud of this one - this breathtaking bit from the spirit of the mountain:

And the universe expands, and fractures, and splinters. And the universe tells a story, and tells it again, and the universe folds in on itself as an age-old tale is rewritten.

DreamXD finds him huddled in a field of yellow lily flowers. Scattered around him are the crumbling foundations of a village. Smoke hangs thick in the air, and the child coughs. The grass, where it hasn’t burned, is flecked with dried blood, littered with debris.

DreamXD does not know why he chooses him. All he knows is that the child is young—a little over three or four, in mortal years—and he is devastatingly, achingly mortal. He shivers and coughs even in his sleep, patches of skin burned and others bruised. His face is blackened with smoke, dirty except for two uneven tear tracks.

He, DreamXD thinks, is perfect.

DreamXD lifts him off of the ground as though he fears he might break him. He holds him—the child, the mortal—with the care of a god that has just found his champion.

This is the before.

DreamXD gazes at the child, and lightning strikes.

“I name you Dream,” he whispers.

This is the after.

12 - favorite character to write about this year

yknow, i was gonna say, isn't this obvious? until i realised that over the course of this year i've written wilbur, tommy, dream, tubbo, ranboo, fundy, sam, and dreamxd povs and just. wow! i sure do get around, huh! thats pretty cool of me actually!

this question genuinely sucks (/lh) because i genuinely love writing all of them LMAO. its like asking a parent to choose their favorite kid because theyre just!! its all such fun!! my favorite part of writing is editing and reediting actions and words and character voice until it clicks and it sounds like them, you know? its just. i really love it. i'd say out of all of them probably c!wilbur with c!tommy as a very close second. wilbur takes top spot because hes just. he's such an interesting tragic person to unpick, and just - giving him a voice and arc and story and showing how contradictory and fuckin,,,, showman-y he is?? absolutely incredible

send me fanfic end of the year asks!

#mari talks #asks #zrenia #long post #asjhsdjkasd i RAMBLED holy shitt #ty for asking :)

[katedrakeohd]

A Choices: The Royal Masquerade Fanfiction

Pairings :(MC) Julia Aster x Renza Fierro,

Julia Aster x Kaydan Vescovi

Author's Note: As I transferred this story from writen page to digital it occurred to me just how long it was becoming so I've had to break it up into several parts.

...........................

Part One:

A State of Undress

The morning is sunny and warm on the day of our cruise on the Fierro yacht. I’m standing outside in my courtyard with my steward Vasco waiting for Renza’s carriage to come pick me up. As I smooth my hands down over my corset and skirts for the hundredth time, Vasco notices my nervousness and smiles.

“I suppose this will be your first time on a sailing ship M’lady,” he says.

“Yes, it will.” I nod.

“I’ve heard that Lord Hector is a very honourable man. Are you anxious to meet him?”

To tell the truth I’ve barely thought of him at all today. And it’s not Hector or the boat trip that have me feeling anxious. Since we’ll be with the Fierros, that means Kaydan the Crown Shield will be around too. And these days he has occupied my thoughts more than anything.

“I’m hoping Lord Hector isn’t as dull and strange as Lord Emery is. Such a disaster that dinner was. If it weren’t for Henry rescuing me with a new plate of dinner after Cyrus and Emery left the table I would have starved to death.”

My pet wolf cub Astro scampers around the courtyard threatening to trample the flowers. His antics have stolen Vasco’s attention and my comments go unanswered. I shrug and go back to my own thoughts.

Ever since I met Kaydan Vescovi the night of the masquerade, I haven't been able to get him off my mind. Just being around him with his dark eyes, wavy black hair and strong muscled physique is enough to make even the most sober person feel a little intoxicated. When he smiles at you and gives you his full attention it's like nothing else matters. I consider myself a lucky woman to have had the chance to spend so much time with him these past few weeks. As the Crown Shield wherever King-regent Henry Fierro goes, Kaydan isn't far behind. Between both handsome men being around lately it's like receiving two beautiful presents for your birthday when you're only expecting one.

During the joust when Kaydan and Henry both sought my favor, it was such a thrill. But when the swords came out after they had both been knocked off their horses, I realized that the rivalry goes much deeper. Fortunately the duel ended without anyone getting seriously injured. I know they're friends and I would hate to see them ruin that because of me. But still I must admit seeing Kaydan win was exciting.

In the stables after the joust Kaydan told me that it had been fun to fight Henry in front of the crowd. Being able to knock his half-brother Cyrus down a peg anonymously as the Black Knight had also been satisfying for him. His victory takes the title of Champion of the Tournament of Flowers out of noble hands. I enjoyed cheering with the other spectators, even if I was the only one hoping for Kaydan to win.

Henry is all sunshine, winks and flirty smiles. There's no wonder all the single ladies at court clamor for his attention. There's no mystery to him and he wears his heart on his sleeve. He radiates a perfect example of wealth and privilege. When I'm around him I’m polite and friendly. He's given me no reason to doubt his intentions as Crown Regent are genuine. But for me all I feel is loyalty not affection.

Kaydan is all long looks, secret smiles and quiet respect. Although he was born of nobility, he's not considered one of them. He's accepted his place as the bastard son and chose a life of hardship and responsibility in the guard.

Henry may have his name and noble house to hold him up, but it's Kaydan's humble strength and sense of duty that protects him. I admire Kaydan for that, although he won't accept the title of hero no matter how often he's earned it. There's more to Kaydan than his imposing presence. I'm drawn to him in a way that goes beyond the physical, and I’m determined to know him better.

He's worked his way up through the ranks to become Crown Shield, and earned the respect of many along the way. I've sought out his expertise in matters of security, and he's always seemed pleased to have my company. Sometimes when we're alone we comfortably lapse into conversation and he lets down his guard a bit.

In the short time we've known each other we've developed a mutual respect and kinship. When we're alone I'm just Julia the scribe, and he's just Kaydan the black sheep and we're comfortable with that.

I hear Renza's carriage approaching and take a deep breath to prepare myself to be in her company. She's as brash and confident as her brother is charming and sweet. I never know what she's going to say or do when we're together.

Vasco steps forward to open the door of the carriage for me, “Are you entirely sure you don't want me to travel with you your Ladyship? There's room for one more in the carriage.”

As I take his offered hand to assist me up into the carriage, I smile and shake my head. “I'll be fine with Renza. Please make sure that Astro is fed and properly put away for me, and then join us at the marina later for the trip.”

Vasco nods, bowing to me, “As you wish.”

Tucking my skirts around my legs I settle down on the seat opposite Renza. Once Vasco has closed the door behind me, Renza looks me over critically from head to toe and then shrugs.

“Well good morning to you too,” I jest.

“My dear Julia, please tell me you don't expect to impress Lord Hector wearing that?”

I can't help but take offense to her remark since I am wearing a gown in the rich tones of blue and gold that represent my noble house. The House of Aster. I’m not sure if her jab is an intentional insult to my house or my sense of style, so I try my stoic best to deflect it as irrelevant.

“Honestly Renza. If I must marry someone for the sake of politics, what does it matter what pretty wrapper I am presented in?”

It's not like I'm that excited to be offered up to Hector as some sort of trophy wife.

“You may say that now, but you don't need to sound so bored and dismissive about the prospect of a match.”

“I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound that way. I'm just distracted. My poor sister has still not awakened, and suddenly becoming the head of my household is overwhelming. I've barely had the chance to figure out what that even means, and now I am expected to marry myself to a total stranger to support the Crown. Whatever happened to falling in love and getting married. That's what I really wish I could do.”

Renza laughs, “Oh you're such a Romantic. Don’t forget that you're a noble now. Marriage for nobles is a contract with obligations, land titles and bank accounts. Romance is for affairs outside of marriage. Why are you so hung up on love and romance anyway? Is there someone you've had your eye on?”

“I…well. I don't want to say. That's between him and I.” I can feel myself blushing.

“Ok fine, but I'll find out one way or the other. I bet a little wine will get you talking.”

Before I can turn her down, Renza has already opened a bottle of red wine and poured me some. It's still morning but apparently Renza feels that drinking wine is appropriate for all hours of the day.

When the carriage turns off of the main road and onto her Manor's private lane one of the wheels bounces over a rock. I gasp in surprise as the wine in my goblet splashes over the front of my dress.

“Oh no! This is a disaster.” I cry.

Renza produces a handkerchief out of the bodice of her gown and offers it to dab at the wine stains.

“Well that's a shame. But look at it this way. Now I’ll have the excuse to put you in a dress suitable to impress the pants off Hector and your secret lover.”

I hand her back her handkerchief, shaking my head. “We're hardly lovers.”

“Not yet. You may have been able to charm the minds of men at court so far with your cleverness and wit. But leave it to me and your looks will charm the rest of their…parts.”

I roll my eyes, “Oh please Renza I’ve already gotten my fill of Cyrus and his brand of sleazy charm. I don't want all the men at court to start talking to me that way. I implore you to at least keep some shred of my dignity intact.”

As the carriage comes to a stop, I look out of the window and marvel at the grandeur of the Fierro Estate. Renza escorts me to the dressing room attached to her bedroom to get changed. The opulent furnishings of even this room put most of what I have back home to shame.

Renza wastes no time in helping me get out of my dress. As I stand in my underclothes she gives me another critical inspection and I feel myself blush.

“H..happy now?” I stammer.

Renza's surprised expression takes me off guard, “More like impressed! With a body like that you could make a bedsheet look alluring. I'm almost tempted to send you out like this.”

Crossing my arms across my chest I frown at her, “Renza, seriously. Focus.”

She gives me another critical inspection, making me feel even more uncomfortable.

“Natural beauty aside, whoever tied this corset isn't doing you any favors. Here let me fix it for you.”

I back away, holding up my hands. "No, no. Leave it alone. I like being able to breathe thanks.”

She sighs and then steps away from me again. “As you wish.”

I'm still standing in just my underwear as she continues to talk.

“So are you curious about meeting Hector at all?”

“I'm mostly curious about what kind of person he is.”

“Well professionally all that I can tell you is that he is a trade expert hired by the merchants across Cordonia to help improve their business.”

I try to sound interested, “So he's …business minded.”

Renza scoffs, “Well when you say it that way it makes him sound stuffy. Lord Hector sails the world and visits all sorts of interesting places. Imagine the fascinating stories he could tell."

I nod, "Well then I guess he doesn't sound so stuffy after all."

Renza smiles, looking relieved "Good now let's get you dressed. Stay here while I fetch you something to wear."

She gives me a wink and then leaves me alone. I feel self conscious, exposed and plain in such a fancy room. When I hear the door open suddenly I turn around expecting Renza. But instead it's Kaydan!

"Lady Renza, I found the --... "

He stops short and his eyes go wide when he sees me, "Julia!"

I feel myself blush to the roots of my hair, but as shocking as it is for him to see me in my underwear, I can't help but feel a rush of excitement too. My heart is pounding like crazy in my chest, but I flash him my bravest smile and place my hands on my hips and ask, "Looking for something?"

He's still standing there rooted to the spot and gaping. "I..I wasn't expecting -- .."

"Hmm?" I smirk at him, stepping closer.

He clumsily shuffles backward, trying to avert his eyes from seeing so much of my bare skin.

Renza re-enters the room and gasps, "Crown Shield, what in the world do you think you're doing?"

"But..but.." he stammers, looking at us both.

"Out, out, out! Now!" she shrieks.

He quickly shields his eyes and mumbles his apologies as she pushes him out of the room and closes the door.

"The nerve!" she exhales with relief.

Biting my lip and trying to hide my grin, I giggle. "I hope that he enjoyed that as much as I did."

Her mouth drops open and her eyes sparkle with amusement as she laughs, "Lady Julia Aster, you saucy minx!"

"What? Accidents happen. Besides he knows this is your room so I could ask you questions too."

Renza brushes off my remark and raises her chin giving a haughty retort, "Well this is my house after all. Quit avoiding the issue. Out with it, you like him don't you. And here I thought it might be Henry."

Breathing a sigh of resignation I admit it, "Yes, Kaydan is who I'm interested in. Please don't tell anyone. I know he's not noble."

Renza laughs, "True, he wouldn't improve your social standing as a match, but he's definitely an impressive piece of man to have on the side. If you're saying there's more to him than what's on the surface then I must say congratulations to you both."

I open my mouth to protest that Kaydan is more than just a side piece, but then decide to change the subject. "If I'm to impress Kaydan or Hector today you better give me something to wear."

Renza blinks, remembering the gown she has in her arms. "Of course, where was I?" she hands me the dress. "You're sure to grab attention in this."

As she lays the shimmering blue and white silky and sheer fabric in my arms I am amazed at how light and airy it feels. It's surely worth more than my entire wardrobe.

I stammer as I thank her, "Are..you sure about this? Have you nothing more plain or modest?"

"No, no I insist. Consider it my engagement gift to you. It never fit me properly anyway. Hector won't be able to take his eyes from you."

Or Kaydan either, I thought to myself.

I nod gratefully and step into the dress, "Well thank-you, could you help me fasten the lacing in the back?"

Renza smiles as I turn around. She adjusts and ties the satin lacing a little tighter than necessary, and I find it difficult to breathe. Is she jealous that the dress fits me better, or is she feeling spiteful and wanted Kaydan for herself?

As I turn back around and catch sight of myself in the mirror I can't help but smile.

Behind me I catch Renza's expression and she looks annoyed as she says, "Alright then now that you're wearing a properly fitting garment, let's be off, the carriages await."

...

Continue on here

Tagging:

@gardeningourmet @samihatuli @jovialyouthmusic @sirbeepsalot @dcbbw @mfackenthal @bobasheebaby @pedudley @be-still-my-aching-heart @krishu213 @ibldw-main

#kayden vescovi #theroyalmasquerade #long post

[theflashdriver]

The Gift of Roses (Silvaze Valentine’s Day, 2019)

As flowers went, Blaze had never much cared for roses. There was a furore surrounding them she could liken to no other flower; from each of their colours having their own meanings to the way their thorns supposedly made them a dangerous beauty. So commonly named in songs and so often painted, other flowers might as well not have existed. Even outside their place in the public consciousness roses had to be the most common plant in the royal gardens. At a glance this was obvious; there was row upon row of rosebushes she knew to be older than her. Around a third of the grounds were home to rose varieties, far too much of it in her mind.

So why was a bouquet, wrapped in teal light and hovering just beyond her reach, conjuring such a palpable reaction? 

The feline felt her face glow, her tail refused to lie still and she surely hadn't blinked since she'd eyed those flower. Blaze had awoken that fourteenth of February, slid out of bed, got dressed and opened her curtains, only to find a bundle of flowers suspended before her. Deep red roses with thorny green stems; bound by a crimson ribbon that'd clearly torn once or twice on said spikes. Had he bought them, found them or… had he cut them from the garden, why didn't that matter to her right now? Hands pressed to the window she scanned from the sky to the cobbles but his frame was nowhere to be seen, nor was his unmistakable light.

Mind catching up with body Blaze opened her window and leaned out; still, there was no sight of the hedgehog but, plucking the bouquet from the air, Blaze noticed a small card tied around a flower's stem. As the window closed behind her the flowers lost their brightness and returned to their normal weight. They were real, stem still dripping and thorns sharp to the touch, he'd actually got her roses. As reality became undeniable, feeling exposed despite no one watching, she quickly drew her curtains.

His chicken-scratch handwriting, much too big for the tag, spelt out "To Blaze, Happy Valentine's Day." It went unsigned but it was more than obvious Silver had delivered them. Blaze hadn't expected much to come of today, they hadn't even planned to meet; she had duties to attend, meetings for most of the day and guardian duties for what remained. She'd been almost certain he didn't know what Valentine's Day was; when they spoke yesterday he hadn't breathed a word about it, yet he'd done this? It was so blatant, so blunt; that fact that it wasn't face to face almost made it worse, she couldn't respond immediately!

The two had danced around their feelings for months now; having what weren't officially dates but, if looked at correctly, could certainly have been such. Silver wasn't exactly subtle, blushing at the touch of a hand or a bright enough smile, but then neither was she. But then, if they were dancing around these feelings, she'd surely been the one leading. She'd take his hand and the room would warm, her tail had snuck around his waist more times than she dared recount and she'd leant against his chest fur at least half as often. Had this been inevitable? Had she prompted it? She'd taken a few, well perhaps more than a few, smaller steps yet he now led.

Lost in her thoughts a thorough pound at the door near threw the usually surefooted princess from her feet. Her eyes were thrown to the door, the bizarrely loud hammering still ongoing, then down to the bouquet in her hands. Was it Silver? No, he wouldn't knock like that and why wouldn't he have come to her window? Gardon, if something were wrong he'd knock like that; but if he burst in and saw the flowers he'd panic and…

Feeling her temperature soar she stuffed the roses beneath her covers, hopefully, they'd last, before rushing to the door who dared to-

"Mate! Open up mate! Come on mate, I know you're up; come on!" Marine, of course, she dared to pound on a princess' door. Blaze heaved a deep breath, attempting to steady herself, before unlocking the door. Immediately the Raccoon set upon Blaze, bursting into the room and near enough tackling the Blaze. "Took you long enough mate, I was… Oi, what've you done with the flowers?"

"W-What flowers?" The feline's jaw tightened as her voice failed her; she'd denied the gift on reflex and immediately regretted it.

Marine's eyes flickered across the room, clearly searching for the bouquet, but as they did she wore what must have been the widest, most mocking, grin she could manage. "Oh, just a dozen red roses mate, floating outside your window surrounded by psychic energy, the ones wi' a tag on 'em written by your not so secret admirer." The brat took a step further into the room, "You know, those flowers, easy to miss."

Blaze didn't allow her to pass but, struggling to keep her temperament, the pyrokinetic sighed and asked, "What do you want Marine?"

"Me mate? I don't want anythin'… well… actually," The smile transformed, going from mischievous to innocent in the blink of an eye; ironically more devious. "A certain someone's prepared you a certain somethin', I guess I wanted to let you know that."

Heat returned to the princess' cheeks; her guard broken her brows moved to mount a defence, lowering into a frown. "Marine, if you've tricked him into thinking this day's something that it's not I won't be pleased."

"Eh? I haven't been teachin' him." The raccoon's false innocent was replaced by genuinely innocent shock. "No mate, Silver's in the kitchen by his own accord; I swear on my ships he is. I came up to tell you."

Blaze closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she attempted to cool herself. It was a lot to process; not only did Silver understand Valentine's Day well enough to deliver roses but he'd come early in the morning, catching her both unaware and before work, to cook something? All without Amy or Marine to tease or lead him? Well, perhaps he'd asked the pink hedgehog for advice when they last met? Either way for him to follow through with it, considering how quick he was to blush and stutter, was almost unbelievable. Regardless, he was here; she'd have a chance to respond, she had to do it right.

Exhaling Blaze opted to pry, "Well, what is it he's making?"

Marine grimaced, "I feel like I've already given too much away… do you really want me to ruin the surprise?" It was a successful counter.

While on one hand Blaze didn't want to ruin a surprise on the other knowing would settle her nerves and lower her temperature. "Is it meant to be a surprise?"

"To be honest mate, I'm not sure? He's um…" Marine scratched her head, clearly searching for the right words. "He may be doin' all this but he's still Silver mate. He's down there panicking way more than you are. Wasn't exactly clear on if it's a surprise but I mean… it probably should be, the roses were weren't they?"

Embarrassment still bubbling within her the princess took a step toward the door, only to immediately stop. She turned, pacing back inside. "If he's trying this hard I need to return his effort."

"Oh? Wait, have you got him somethin'? Were you plannin' to surprise him too? Aww, see, you're on the same wavelength." Though Blaze caught the mockery dripping from the young girl's voice she paid it no heed.

"No, I've… I've had this for a while. The moment was never quite right." Blaze had reached into her desk, delving beneath various vital royal documents, to retrieve a small box.

Holding her breath she opened it, finding the contents just as she'd left them. Housed within the box was a locket, a heart (around four inches wide and a little over two tall) hung on a simple but genuine gold chain. Within its metal cast wasn't a photograph, rather it housed an image drawn and shrunken to fit. When they'd been separated they'd lost more than each other, the world they'd lived in had been erased; their home and belongings had been completely lost. There were no mementoes of their childhood together and so she'd seen fit to have one made. The locket depicted them as they'd once been, a kitten with a much too serious face and a young hedgehog beaming as he clung to her. It didn't quite look like them, they were depicted as uninjured after all, but it best matched when they'd met at age eight; when he'd tried foolishly hard to win her trust, making grand promises to beat up anyone who insulted her flames.

Hearing Marine's poor attempt at stealth, trying to sneak a peek no doubt, Blaze quickly closed the locket and returned it to the box. Blaze turned and stepped past the young Raccoon, making for the castle halls only to have her wrist grabbed. "I get that you're bein' a spoilsport, not lettin' me peep and all, but you're meant to bring the roses."

Without a word Blaze turned, pulling back the covers and unveiling them; fortunately weren't too dishevelled. Taking them, careful to mind the thorns, she went to leave only to find Marine already in the hallway.

"Alright, I'll escort the princess out for her mornin' tryst! You've got lots of smoochin' to do and not much time to do it in." Did she really have to shout?

Blaze took a deep, trying to keep herself cool, before following the young girl; trying to tune out her incessant babbling. Fortunately, their journey went smoothly, there was no sign of Gardon nor any of the Coconut crew, but as they reached the first floor Marine made for the gardens rather than the dining room.

Blaze hesitated, to follow. "I thought Silver was in the kitchen?"

"He is mate, but you don't eat in the kitchen; do you?" She hadn't stopped, pushing back the doors and wandering outside "No, you eat outside, like a regular person."

Blaze felt herself begin to panic again, just how far ahead had he thought this through? How long had he been planning this? Eventually, she shook those thoughts off, hurrying to follow. It wasn't a perfect day outside, clouds dotted the sky and the wind was a touch more than gentle, but that was the least of her worries. Marine was leading her deep into the garden, the grounds were huge but Blaze already knew where she was being taken. Near the centre of the garden, where the rose bushes grew their thickest, was a small clearing that'd occasionally see use for picnics. Of course, it'd be there, roses upon roses upon roses; he really was embracing the day.

Sure enough Marine stopped in the clearing. A simple wooden table had been set on the grass, topped with what was either a red tablecloth or (more likely) duvet. There were two seats, taken from the regular dining quarters, and on the table between them was a vase for the very flowers she'd brought. Despite the effort's simplicity, a further wave of embarrassment shuddered through Blaze; her vision dropped to her feet only to be obscured by the roses. Before she could flare up the princess sheathed the roses within the vase, taking her seat at the table. There wasn't a chair for Marine.

"As much joy as I'm sure it'd bring you to watch Marine," She caught herself; she'd been about to throw a barb for hopes it'd keep her away. With a sigh, placing her hands on the table, Blaze tried again; "Please just go."

The Raccoon was turned to the castle, hand raised to block the sun even though it was behind her. "Oh, mate, he already made sure of that; Silver and I have a deal, soon as I get my pay I'm off."

Blaze blinked. "Your pay?"

Clearly ignoring her the raccoon pointed to the sky, "Oh speak of the devil, here he comes!"

Blaze dared to follow and, as she'd claimed, a glowing figure was descending; wrapped in cyan light with four glowing objects orbiting him. She removed her hands from the table lest her blush set it alight; she could feel her heart thump and her mind blur yet sharpen all at once. As he touched down the bright cloak didn't leave his person, he handed Marine one of the items and leant in to whisper something… something that clearly amused the young girl.

"You don't have to tell me twice mate." She cast a glance backwards, that mischievous smile had returned, she shouted out, "Have fun you two!" Before bounding off with a plate in hand, a plate that would surely get lost in the garden but in truth that was the least of Blaze's concerns.

Glow remaining he walked over without a word, taking one of the floating objects in his hands. As he placed it in front of her the light stripped away; immediately a sweet smell was released. Sat atop a plate was a stack of five pancakes, chocolate baked into them, cut into hearts and littered with fresh strawberries and raspberries. It was almost blunter than the roses; he'd made the effort to cut them in that specific shape after all.

When she found the nerve to look up he'd floated into his chair, a plate of his own sat before him and what looked to be a book lay next to it. Despite taking his place his body was still fully obscured; if anything the light looked to have grown denser. Could he even see through it?

Plucking up the nerve she broke the silence, "Th-Thank you Silver but is everything alright?."

He went to speak only to stop himself, tugging at his chest fur and causing the energy to crackle off of itself. His head lowered and, finally, the psychic layer faded away. She'd half expected a change in appearance, seeing as he'd been hiding himself, but no; by the way, he kept tugging at his chest and what redness she could see from this angle the hedgehog was clearly just embarrassed. She heard him take a deep breath and finally he raised his head, quills jostling as he sat fully back in his chair.

"I-I… um…" Silver had naturally a strong blush, she'd seen it often enough to know that much, but the look he wore now was of a higher magnitude. A crimson flush ran from his chin to the tips of this ears, the sweat on his brow was incredibly plain and his breathing seemed laboured. He was so embarrassed she could see it in his eyes, the way they struggled to focus on any one thing. "I g-guess I should explain all… this."

Blaze wasn't sure what there was to be explained, it all seemed rather obvious, but she was in no state to stop him. Cutting into the top pancake she opted to simply nod.

"I-I know this is really sudden, a-and I know you're busy today, but I wanted to at least do… s-something for today? B-But I don't really know much about it, I-I researched as best I could but I didn't even know if they had this day in your dimension." He slid the book across the table to her, a weathered cookbook that looked to have lost a good third of its pages. It was opened to a page title Valentine's Day Pancakes. "Y-You see… the last time I was in the future I found this book, before that I didn't even know what Valentine's really was? But as soon as I understood I knew I wanted to… do something."

Blaze attempted to distract herself from that embarrassing implication, placing the first chunk of pancake into her mouth. He hadn't made pancakes before, or rather he hadn't for her, but by the sight and especially the taste of them he'd clearly put in effort. The chocolate wasn't overwhelming, the cakes weren't too heavy, and while it was still a little early for fruit he'd clearly searched out the best he could find. If this was his first time he'd more than exceeded expectations.

"I-I still kind of don't know about its intricacies, I read a lot but it's not like I'd experienced one. I get the feeling this might be a little…" He stumbled for the word, "Blunt? B-But, uhm, I hope that's okay? I didn't want to mess this up, especially seeing as it's the first one and all." He was pulling at his chest fur again, staring down at the plate. As if gripped by some sudden realisation he leaned back a little, eyes wide but focused on her. The stuttering continued, "N-Not that there has to be more or anything! We can even stop this one if you want, th-there's no pressure or anything."

Clearly, he feared these feeling weren't mutual, but then he always had; no matter how she'd pushed it clearly hadn't got through to him. Well perhaps returning his push would? With his words in mind, having regained most of her control, she managed to speak again. "Silver, you understand what today is for don't you?" Blaze drew the box from her lap, reaching past the roses to hold it before him. "The relationship between those celebrating it?"

"Y-Yeah," His shoulders were still tense but his eyes softened as he reached out to take her gift. Their fingers brushed for a moment as he gingerly took it from her. The feline, seeing him still so embarrassed, felt her confidence begin to return.

"In that case, you're doing wonderfully Silver, I don't intend on leaving until I truly have to." It was all the reassurance he needed; the hedgehog gently opened the box, ears spiking at the sight. The locket's heart shape was rather intentional, though perhaps a little too on the nose… but then, as he'd said himself, so were his actions. "We're both quite new to this, I-I think blunt might be best."

Having looked it over he eventually thumbed over the latch, rather awkwardly struggling to open it in his embarrassed stupor. Eventually, he managed and, as he did, his whole body seemed to relax. He sat far more comfortably in his chair, his face was still red but wore a soft smile rather than a grimace twisted by uncertainty.

"We don't have anything left of our past together so I had it commissioned." Blaze wasn't certain she was explaining herself correctly, it'd already been a rather long morning, but she kept going. "I know it's a little odd but I feel like it's an important thing to have, to make it all a little more tangible."

"Th-Thank you Blaze, I didn't know I…" He failed to muffle a laugh, cutting off his own embarrassed stuttering. "You look so angry."

Blaze rolled her eyes, "Of course I do, some naïve hedgehog is refusing to let go of me. I already agreed to be his partner, what more could he want?"

He still looked more than a little overwhelmed; his embarrassment remained at the forefront but beyond it, Blaze saw warmth in his eyes. They'd changed a lot since then, both in dynamic and personality, but much had stayed the same. He wore his heart on his sleeve and brought hers to bear; drawing forth a comfortable smile she rarely wore otherwise.

"I've had it for a few months but it never seemed like the right time." She admitted, "If you hadn't acted today it might have lain in there for many more. Thank you for doing this Silver."

"Thank you Blaze a-and I-I'm glad I did and I-I… erm…j-just…" The hedgehog swallowed, managing to pry his eyes from the locket. Those bright yellow eyes still shined warm, the red of his cheeks had fully returned. "H-Happy Valentine's day Blaze."

The smile still lingered on her lips; he'd exceeded her expectations but she still led this dance. She'd match every step he made. "Happy Valentine's day Silver."

#Blaze the Cat #Silver the Hedgehog #silvaze #valentines #fanfic #marine #silver and blaze #silver x blaze

[iwritefluffysmut]

PRIM Chapter 1: Evergreen

Hello my lovelies! This is Chapter 1 of my first longterm series, I hope you all enjoy!

Warning: NSFW (sexual content)

It was a bright day when I met Allison, the light of day outside peered in through the slightly cracked blinds of the gray, forcefully decorated science classroom. I had slipped into the apathetic mood that 5th period always brought. Any joy of the previous day had been sucked out, I just wanted to go home, write, play video games, literally anything where I didn't have to think about all the people surrounding me. I walked into the classroom, sat by some vaguely familiar faces, and braced myself for the remaining hour I had in that hell hole.

Thats when I spotted her, sitting in the middle of the front room, the sun through the blinds created streaks of light bouncing off her vibrant red hair. Her sweet face and piercing eyes contrasted so beautifully, such stark blue, yet such a warm and kind smile. Her body was everything that my boyish teenage lust desired, her slim figure, the way her low cut summer yellow top gripped her perky breasts, she looked like an artist had drawn her, the embodiment of sex. I couldn't stop staring at her. Her soft face with the combination of her cleavage being displayed like fine art.

As I was staring, the teacher began her lesson in a relaxed yet upbeat tone. The girl who had my full attention repositioned herself to meet the teacher's gaze, she opened her legs I caught a glimpse up her skirt. I jerked my neck towards the front of the room, thinking it not right to stare.

I felt so dirty, I didn't mean to see that, but I did, and I couldn't help but silently savor the sight of her, she had black lacey lingerie on under her red skirt, so skin tight, it hugged her intimate places so perfectly. The sight made my mind spiral, thinking what I would do to her if she'd let me, it almost made me moan. I felt sweat form on my brow, wondering of she had caught me, her face was distinctly stern as she started penciling away in her lavender binder, I began to worry.

I resumed trying to subtly stare, at this point less so about how devastatingly attracted I was to her, and more about trying to catch her eye to infer if she caught me staring before, if she had, I knew it was over. Her bright blue eyes met mine, and I instantly froze. My head was racing.

"Oh fuck, she caught me staring, she thinks I'm a creep, I'm so fucked"

I was so nervous, her eyes moved in slow motion as she shot them toward me, and there I stood, the deer in the headlights.

All the things in my head seemed to be manifesting all at once, and then it happened: she smiled at me. I was in shock, I didn't have any idea how to react, she was too pretty to ever even acknowledge me, and she smiled at me. I wasn't enough of an idiot to think that a simple smile meant she was into me, but I at least took it as a cue to interact with her.

I waited for the prison yard esque bell to signal the end of the day, and took my chance.

I walked over to her desk and tried to rake my mind for something to say.

"Fuck fuck fuck fuck, what do I say? Should I ask how her day was? No that's lame. What CAN I say? Oh shit I'm almost up to her, think!"

As I came up behind her she dropped her binder, I thought this was my chance.

"Oh, hey I'll get that"

She turned around and smiled sweetly

"Oh, no its fine I got it, thanks"

She bent over to pick up her binder, her tight skirt tethered to every nook, curve and crevice of her lower half. My minds voice chimed in again

"Oh fuck, I want her so bad and I don't even know her name."

She stood back up, her binder now in hand.

"Hi! I'm Allison, whats you're name?"

'Allison'. It was perfect, it fit every aspect of her perfectly, her porcelain skin, her kind face, and her piercing eyes. Dazed and nervous I spat out my answer.

"Oh...uh..it's Axl"

"Oh, like the guns n' roses guy?"

"Yeah, like him"

I was shocked that this was actually going well, feeling bold, I spat out the first thing that came to mind.

"You have a really nice smile"

She smiled sweetly again, wider this time, with genuine happiness in her eyes.

"Thank you! I like that outfit on you"

I was fashionable, the one virtue that I took pride in, it seemed to be on my side today. Again I spat out the first thing that came to mind.

"Thanks, I preplan all my outfits"

She expressed a kind of joyous shock.

"Wow I've never known a guy to do that before! That's so cool!"

"Oh fuck, she thinks I'm gay" I thought, panicked

She gazed out the door and then looked back to me.

"Hey, I've gotta go, my bus leaves in 10 minutes and I can't be home late, I'll see you tomorrow though!"

She smiled at me and walked briskly toward the door. Seeing the moment unfolding in front of me, I pounced.

"Wait!"

"Yeah?"

"I've got a car, I could get you home quicker than the bus if you want"

She paused for a moment

"You'd really do that?"

"Yeah, I don't really have much else to do, why not?"

"Thats so sweet! Thank you!"

She threw her arms around me and pressed her chest into mine, I had to repress the physical reaction that this evoked from me.

Allison lived about 20 minutes from the school, her neighborhood was covered by a canopy of tall evergreens, it reminded me of a painting, her house was in the middle of a cluster of trees, we talked the whole time about our lives, dreams, aspirations...she was a dancer, and a damn good one too. I should've known it by the way she moved, so graceful and elegant, every step she took she took with purpose.

"Well this is me, thanks for the ride, I really appreciate it"

"You're welcome, stay safe"

I prepared to drive away as I watched her walk in that skirt. It was then she turned on her heel and hurried back toward the car, shouting my name.

"Yeah?"

"Hey I was wondering, this bio class seems like it's going to be hard, and there's gonna be a lot of tests, I was wondering if you'd wanna be my study partner?"

I was staring dead straight

"Uh....yeah, I think that'd be fun!"

"Okay cool! We'll come back here tomorrow after school, see you then!"

I couldn't believe it, the girl who I had spent the last hour ogling just invited me over to her house after school...holy fuck, I alternated between being excited, and feeling wrong and guilty for wanting so badly to have sex with this girl I had just met. Regardless, she was all I thought about that night. I had been bitten by a love bug, and I loved the way it felt. It was so abnormal to me, I had never felt this way about anyone. All I knew was she made me feel strong, like a pine tree...evergreen.