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bonny-kookoo · 8 months

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Jungkook

X♡X♡ [SEVEN DAYS] Day 3

If you gave him your heart, your soul, your body- what would he do to those things? Maybe it's time to see if he can handle your love for once, and not just the other way around.

Tags/Warnings: Porn with a lot of plot basically, inexperienced!reader, Dom!Jungkook, BDSM themes and elements, mild Angst, fluff, slow burn but we'regetting somewhere, they have mad chemistry but mc has trust issues, mentions of past domestic abuse (mental), Outercourse (basically non-penetrative sex except with a dildo), toys, Cumplay, it's messy smh, hand kink? Increased authority from kook

Length: ~5k words

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐜.♡

A/N: you'll never be able to imagine how much I struggled reconnecting with this fic. This was torture. I hated this fic so much at some point. I'm not proud of this part but if I don't get this out I'll never be able to continue this series.

-> Masterlist

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Jungkook has really nice hands.

Not just in a sensual or sexual sense, but in general. They're big but not intimidating, because the way he uses them is never in a mean or hurtful way. They're soft, and kind, and they also look very nice. Masculine, and strong, veins underneath the skin sometimes a bit more visible than other times, but they also hold a certain softness to them. His nails are well taken care of, only his thumb sometimes giving you a hint of a nervous habit.

They're uniquely Jungkook. Rough, but not to be feared. Gentle, but with the potential to lead. Capable. Handsome.

They're his main way of exploring your skin too- his fingers often used to make shivers run up your spine, palms warm as they feel every curve of you. He doesn't need to look at what he's doing ever it seems like, hands having minds of their own every time they touch you.

Like a separate entity almost, listening obediently to their master's command.

You slowly wake up from your nap, feeling actually refreshed, when Jungkook walks in from the door, giving you a hint to what must've woken you up. "Oh- You're up." He smiles, walking closer with a plastic bag, though his first mission is to press his hands into the softness of the couch before he kisses your cheek. "Here- let me show you something." He impishly chuckles, sitting down on his shins, before he opens the bag on the bed.

You're in a state of shock for a good moment, not even having noticed him move.

He's got the audacity to laugh over your shoulder, front pressed into your back, hands teasing your sides as they sneak up your loose shirt.

"Bought one that's about my size." He purrs sensually, almost like he's mocking you. But it's not malicious- playful, if anything, but not mean in any way. "So you can call it.. practice." He explains, while you stare at the nearly clear pink dildo that's staring at you, still packaged together with other things in the black plastic bag in your lap.

"Jungkook.. when did you even buy those things?" You wonder, feeling almost scared to touch any of the things inside.

"Earlier, when you were napping." He shrugs easily, hand reaching past your body to shamelessly dump the contents of the bag on the bed, bag flying somewhere on the floor. "Anything look like an absolute no-go to you?" He asks curiously, and you look without touching.

There's an egg-shaped item there you're not too sure of what it might be. The dildo explains itself, clearly- and the other massage wand is also pretty self-explanatory. There's two bottles of lube- one pink, the other blue. A.. plug, with a pretty pink gemstone on one end of it. Leather handcuffs, with soft looking fur on the inside. Overall, nothing immediately makes you uncomfortable.

You don't know what gives you the confidence for your next comment you blurt out though. "Don't you have any toys?" You ask him bluntly. "Like, for yourself? Or do you just.. use your partner's body for stuff?" You wonder, and he looks at you with a sharp gaze, a smirk growing on his lips.

"I wouldn't mind using your body, that's for sure." He flirts, leaning his head a bit to the side. "Why would I need toys if I've got you?" He fakes innocence as he asks that question without expecting any answer- And for a moment, you don't give one.

But something about his flirty comment bothers you.

Maybe because you hear someone else in your head again- all the men who've degraded you over the course of time. Your ex. Your friends. Your father. You hear them laugh yet again like you're pathetic and worth nothing.

"I don't want to be used." You deny with a flat tone, and it's clear from the slight change in his eyes that he's now on high alert at your every word spoken by mouth and body language, so he can figure out what happened to change your mood like that. "I don't just want to be.. a toy you get bored off and toss away at some point just to pick it back up once you're interested again." You say, drawing a clear line.

You're not sure how he might react to this. You didn't want to make a statement like that, but you can't mask the truth. You really are scared of getting hurt at the end of this- you don't want him to just play around and then let you go.

You don't want to go. You want to stay- You want him to want you to stay.

He says your name to gain your attention, voice low and steady, horribly gentle- and it makes your eyes sting as you realize that this is the first time a man has ever spoken in such a tone to you. He notices the way your eyes begin to gloss over- and it hurts him too, the fact that you're hurting.

"This isn't just something fun to me. I think I might not have made it clear." He says, staying away from you as to not invade your little bubble you're in, letting you have your safety. "I don't know what happened to you in the past to be so full of distrust towards anything good offered to you-" He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "-but I promise you, this isn't just a game to me."

"Then what is this." You say quietly, scared. "I'm scared that we're not on the same page here and that we're walking down to entirely separate paths." You complain pitifully with your back hunched over and head hanging low.

"That's because we are." He chuckles softly. "I'm trying to hold your hand here so we don't lose each other- but you're not holding it." Jungkook offers.

"I don't understand-" you shake your head, when as you look up again, his face is right in front of yours, eyes looking at your lips.

"Then let me help you." He hums towards you, before his lips press onto yours. And your body freezes.

Because he's never kissed you like this before- tender, calm and without any lust in it whatsoever. In fact, your realize only now that you've never been kissed without any hidden intentions or something to gain in mind. This kiss is soft, it's no words needed, it's love confessed in physical form. You've never been kissed like this. Ever.

And even more so, you're pretty sure he hasn't actually kissed you at all either- not until now, at least.

And it's all so confusing now, because you want to trust him, you want to just lean into him and let him have his way with you- but the fear inside you is still there, clutching your limbs, leaving you with no way to move anywhere- neither away from him, nor closer. You're currently stuck in place, and it's only a matter of time until he grows tired of you and your constant push and pull behavior.

You're hurting him, you know this.

Especially because you're kissing him back, giving him hope for something you might not be able to give him. You're cruel, aren't you? And the worst is that he probably knows even that.

Because once you start to cry, once you sob and cling to him like a touch-starved pet, letting all of those pent up emotions out because who cares, he doesn't say anything, doesn't ask what's wrong. He just holds you, gives you that moment, keeps your pieces collected in his palms for you to put back together later with his help. And you're not sure how many times you can do this.

Or how long he's willing to participate in this.

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Since Jungkook didn't make a move the entire morning, you've been spending it entertaining yourself as to not get bored. Not in a sexual way-

but by simply trying to see how strong his patience is.

It's a new feeling you've developed after just two days of being with him- confidence, and trust in that he won't ever hurt you whatsoever. No consequences he could come up with would ever truly put you in harms way, you absolutely believe in that. But what's disappointing was how he didn't ever get past a clench of his jaw, or a tilt of his head. He'd just.. let you do whatever, and never do anything to somehow discipline you.

It made you wonder. Is he even such an intimidating 'Dom' at all, or did he just make that up?

However, after talking about it after lunch, he's finally opened up to you too- having told you that he's gonna trust you too, that he'll be more open with you and his own desires, while you'll have to be honest about when he's going too far or too fast. And you agree- you want him to trust you too, want him to relax more around you as well.

After all, he wants to get to know you too, right? Not just the other way around.

What you did not take into account though, is that now, your actions actually will have consequences- and he will indeed put you back into your place in one way or another. And even if in that very moment where you piss him off he isn't reacting- he will remember those actions to remind you of them, later, when you don't even expect it.

Just like now, as he's finished some calls he had to make, finally finding time again for you. "I'm sorry- I technically told the studio not to contact me on my break." He hums into your hair, as you sit with him on the small sofa in his office, having practically demanded his attention back on you the moment he'd put his phone down, and he'd been visibly amused by it. Unbeknownst to you, he's more than just excited- after all, it feels like your week is finally gaining traction, as you no longer step around in the dark trying to navigate around obstacles that aren't even there.

He's just been too scared to scare you. But by now, it's clear that you're not. And it makes him eager to explore now that he can actually see where he's going with you.

There's a hand under your shirt, cropped top and cotton shorts nothing more than decoration really, considering he's already seen you naked. It's nothing too sensual technically- but at this point, you feel like something might be wrong with you. Because even a simple touch like this makes you.. needy.

He reaches over to the side, plastic bag rustling- and now you're actually starting to get antsy. Because there's only one bag next to the couch- the one that's containing all the different items Jungkook had bought this morning as he'd told you. And that's exactly what he's grabbing for it seems like, as he moves his arms a little to take out one of the items you weren't too sure about- already unpacked for some reason, as he holds it out for your hand to take.

"What is that?" You ask, fingers running over the smooth, silicone surface, while he chuckles behind you, since you're still halfway laying against his chest.

"Something I always wanted to try." He simply jokes. "It's really fun, according to a friend of mine. I've never used it with anyone before, but I think you might like it.." He hums, taking the toy away from you again, before his free hand pats your thigh once. "..scoot to the side for me, yeah?" He asks, and you do so, sitting next to him now while watching how he finally reveals what this.. object might be used for.

He has to adjust the belts multiple times to fit around his thigh, plastic clipping into place, before his eyes find yours, lips turned into a suspicious smirk. "Alright.." He starts, leaning back against the couch, and it's obvious that he's now demanding respect and most of all, your obedience. He points at a spot in front of him, and without words, you know exactly what he wants you to do, his expression one of almost.. pride, as he watches you stand in front of him, instinctually knowing what to do.

"Undress." He simply says, a straightforward command that you follow easily, because shame is something that you refuse to let yourself feel. He's not one you need to be hesitant with- he's promised you his honesty, after all, and he's promised you that even if things get awkward, it'll never change his view on you.

And his view of you is one of love, that's very clear to see and feel.

So it's not weird to stand in front of him all bare, clothes on a small pile next to your feet now, as he smiles. "Come here." He urges with a softer voice, having clearly realized that you've accepted his invitation into a scene now- for the first time not having needed any cues. "Take a seat, princess." He almost teases, and you do so, sitting on the soft silicone toy hugging his thigh.

It's pastel colored, multiple hues swirling together into one another, creating wave like patterns. "There you go... So pretty." He chuckles, hands running over the length of your arms, causing goosebumps to erupt from the sensation of his warm palms. He's feeling your skin a lot more sensually now, clear intentions as he touches your hips and waist, thumbs almost massaging the skin of your lower stomach, moving from the inside towards your hipbones before repeating the action.

His hands are so close to where you'd love to have them, and yet, you try and be patient. Because if you're good, he'll reward you, right?

It doesn't take long for you to notice the way your arousal makes movement a lot easier- your core by now slipping around with every little jerk of your hips, making you anxious to move more. And finally, as his fingers grip your hips, he gets into a more comfortable position himself- the unoccupied leg casually stretched out, while his back rests against the sofa, giving him a good position to watch you. "Show me how those hips can move." He urges, and you instantly take that invitation, slowly moving to test the waters.

You don't care what you look like, or about the wet sounds coming from the toy between your legs- because the feeling is insane.

He clearly let's you enjoy yourself for now, giving you free reign to figure out yourself how you like it. Your hips are squirming from side to side, ridges and bumps of the toy an odd but definitely pleasant sensation as you roll your core over it, uncaring of your arousal already leaking onto his grey sweatpants.

And neither does he care.

Watching you chase your own pleasure on his leg is just such a treat to witness- especially when he holds onto you, before he lifts his foot, forcing you down onto the toy without any warning, earning a surprised whimper from between your lips as he lets you down- just to repeat the motion a couple of times, simply to entertain himself. You're just too cute, even while doing such a sinful act. And especially when you clearly reach your orgasm is when he truly can't help himself-

hands guiding your hips to keep moving despite your clear sensitivity, just to see you struggle a little, thighs trembling and hands gripping his arms.

He's letting you lean against him, hips occasionally moving just a little, clearly still needy to feel more- and he's actually quite surprised when your hand curiously runs over the inside of his thigh, hesitating just shy of his very obvious erection that's only somewhat contained in his underwear and sweats. "You can touch me, you know?" He chuckles, making you look up at him. "I'm all yours." He tells you, and it feels like he's offering more than just his body to you.

But you don't get to think for long, because he's already helping you lay down on your back on the leather couch, unclipping the toy from his leg before he looms over you, hand running through your legs. "You didn't think I've forgotten, right?" He chuckles darkly, while his hand explores your still clenching core.

"You don't think I'm just letting you act like a brat and not put you into your place?" He purrs, leaning back on his heels, before he takes out something from the bag, his phone as well from the table close by. You're pulling back your legs, unaware that you're still exposed to him, lower lips plump and red from the friction of the toy, skin glistening with your arousal.

It's playing right into his desires, seeing you so clueless about your own appeal.

You're watching him press a hidden button on the toy, the pink object buzzing to life once, red light blinking while he taps away on his phone. "Oh~" He hums, trying out somethin it seems like, as the toy buzzes in different patterns before it stills again. "Interesting.. That'll be fun in the future." He chuckles, before he leans over you, kissing you with playful intent.

You're not sure what he's up to when he pushes your legs back down to stretch out, running the smooth object between your legs to cover it in your slick. "You're always so worried you can't take it.." He teases, looking right at you before you notice him push the object inside-

the egg shaped vibrator slipping right in, almost suddenly, core taking it inside greedily- only the elongated part staying outside, something resting right on your clit. "Oh?" He jokes, brows raised. "Where'd it go?" He jokes, making you laugh now, entire nature of this whole scene awfully light in that moment, lifting your overall tenseness entirely at this point. And for a moment, all is fun and games-

until he leans back, sits down in the corner of the couch, finger on his phone suddenly doing something-

The toy inside you buzzing to live, and not on an easy setting, that's for sure. He's obviously amused by the way you squirm, hips jerking whenever you move in a way that forces the part resting against you to move. And he's having the time of his life, trying out different settings and rhythms while watching you suffer under his antics.

"You still need to learn." He chuckles, watching your legs jerk whenever the piece that's resting over your clit moves just slightly. "I don't have to touch you to gain my fill." He says, simply scanning your body with a warm, hooded gaze. "Hm? You've had such a smart mouth the entire day." He coos, almost feigning innocence as he looks at you racing towards your final high-

Generously turning down the intensity so that it's not that harsh.

You're slowly catching your breath, when his lips tilt upwards, and his finger taps around- buzzing intensifying again, catching you off guard, causing a yelp to escape you as your hips lift off the couch.

This is too much. Or not enough? You can't take this, there's something strange happening with your body as it moves without your permission, turning over into all fours, front laying down as your hands frantically touch the inside of your thighs.

And Jungkook relishes in the scene you present to him, because there's a reason your fingers hesitate to touch your core, and he knows it.

You can't take it out. Not physically- that you can, if you really wanted to- but mentally. You know he's put it there, and he's the one in control. This is your punishment, and in an odd moment of realization, you accept it, thighs trembling as your body reaches yet another, warmer orgasm that causes you to cry out, voice sounding foreign to your own ears as your hips jerk, your knees pressed into the leather below the only thing holding you upright-

Or maybe it's Jungkook, who's leaning over your back, arm keeping your front elevated as it rests against your collarbone.

When did he move?

When did he shed his top?

Your core feels empty, and your legs feel wet. Is ge not wearing pants anymore? You can feel something touch you, hot and heavy against your thigh, and it must be him.

You want him. Where'd that toy go that was inside you seconds ago?

You’re still breathing heavily, cheeks still wet from the tears you didn’t even realize had fallen from your eyes. Your lashes are still coated in them, wet and heavy, when Jungkook kisses your neck from behind you, a reminder that he’s still there.

Just like he always promises. He never let’s you feel lonely.

“That's it.” He praises. “Hold onto me like that. I’ll keep your body safe while you let go.” He chuckles, and only now do you notice the iron grip you have on his forearm over your chest, nails digging into his skin. You feel a bit bad for it.

Though you just lessen your strength a bit, not letting go.

Suddenly, his other arm moves, grabs something out of sight, before he runs the object through your slick-coated cunt and thighs, covering it in your arousal before it prods at your still clenching hole.

“You think I won’t fit?” He purrs against your neck, and you swallow thickly, a strange cocktail or anticipation and worry mixing in your body. “You think I won’t claim this cunt as mine at the end of this week?” He asks again, and you can feel the wave if cool excitement wash over you- starting at your very neck, before it ends in the tips of your toes.

“I’ll teach your body to take me..” He almost chuckles, pushing the very tip of the clear pink toy inside, before he moves it back out- Pushing it in a little further each time. “I’ll make sure to get you all ready for me..” he hums sensually, by now having learned of your little kinks you have, as the hand from his arm still keeping your upper body pressed against his own finds one of your tits, groping the soft flesh before his thumb flicks the sensitive bud once to see you squirm.

“I won’t let you forget any of this.” He threatens almost, and you whine when you feel him push the toy even further now.

You feel so full. How much more is there to go?

“Jung-” you whine pitifully, eyes closed as your hips can’t stay still, all of it a stark difference to the fast paced, almost aggressive orgasm he’s given you just moments prior. “I cant-” you start, and he laughs.

“Oh you can.” He tells you, before he gives the toy another push. “And you will.” He purrs, and its then that you feel the base of the toy against your lower lips.

You swear you can feel it in your stomach- and for some odd reason, you like it.

"You're made for me." He chuckles, kisses at your neck and cheek before he bites, toy leaving your cunt with only the tip before he moves it back in, feeling of a Rollercoaster ride making your insides jump and eyes roll back. You can't think anymore, you can only feel- and right now, you feel just so used in the best kind of way.

Somehow, he makes your worst nightmares come true- but they're not nightmares anymore, just dreams, vibrant and pleasant. Exciting. New.

It could be so easy to replace the toy with himself right now- but he doesn't, because that's one of his own rules he will never break. Your trust in him is precious, it's a gift- and he won't tarnish that by simply being greedy for more than you want to offer.

"Jung.." you huff, swallowing down saliva before you can say anything at all. "Jungkook-.. please-" you beg, unsure how to phrase it.

"What is it?" He asks, moves to nuzzle your neck so softly- a stark contract to his constant push and pull with the clear pink dildo he's using to give you a taste of his own length one day doing the same. Filling you up. Probably even better? You can imagine him all warm and slicked up from your wetness, stretching you open and making you feel so full you can hardly breathe.

"More.. f- faster-" you request. "Please?" You add on, and he chuckles.

"See?" His breath fans over your neck. "You can be such a good girl." He teases, pressing the replica as deep as it can reach inside you, base pushing against your skin. "Where were your manners today?" He wonders. "Will I always have to ruin this cunt to remind you where your place is?" He asks, and you nod, shamelessly so.

"Yes!" You whimper, mind somewhere else by now entirely as you struggle to keep yourself still. "Yes- I.. I forget-" you huff out, and he laughs as he runs his lips over your shoulder, piercing a distinct contrast to his softer lips.

"Then let me remind you, darling." He hums against your jot and sweating skin. "You're mine, in this moment. And I decide what to do with you... or to you." He tells you, and you nod, legs quivering.

Only for him to move the toy back to have it slip out, hole gaping at him, closing around nothing. The sigh is everything he ever needed or wanted- cunt all red and flushed, lower lips swollen and glistening, and he has to imagine his own seed staining your skin, mixing with your own arousal staining the couch and your legs.

His cock twitches at the sight, a drop of precum escaping him without control.

But what he does have control over is the rest of himself, as he pushes the toy back inside, causing your toes to curl, especially once he moves it in a faster, steadier pace. It short-circuits your brain, everything around you smelling of sex as he uses the replica to give you a taste of what he could give you.

Your arousal foams up around the base of the pink silicone, creating a ring of white as you cream up from his pace.

The orgasm you reach from this is different, as if it happens somewhere else in your body- though his hand is quick to flick your sensitive pearl to send you off with a proper goodbye, soil leaving your body as you quiver and lose all control one last time, body giving out as he lets you lay down now, muscles twitching from the overuse.

And it only takes him one good pump on his own cock to make him spurt his release onto your back, where his lips kiss up your spine in his post-orgasmic fever.

He's drunk off of you. He's never even had full on sec with you yet- and he's already addicted.

You've got no idea what you're doing to him.

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In the bathtub, his hand is a lot softer as it runs over your body, cleaning you and nurturing this blossoming feeling you're growing for him.

You're both back from your respective highs, world slowly bleeding back into reality as you simply exist in the warm water for now. "Was that alright?" He asks you, and you nod.

"It was.. new." You say, voice echoing in the bathroom, together with the sound of water sloshing everytime he moves. "I didn't think I'd enjoy what you did- but I did."

"How so?" He wonders, wanting to know hour thoughts now that your brain is functional again. Feedback is important now more than ever after all- he has to still figure out how to navigate this new experience with you.

"I thought.. it would feel, you know, degrading." You explain. "To be used." You clarify, and he nods, carefully moving your hair to see the side of your face better. "But it didn't. It felt more.. as if I was.. of service? Is that the right word?" You wonder, and he chuckles.

"Its how I feel in my position as well, you know." He answers. "Knowing that what I offer gives you pleasure.. is enough for me." He shrugs, and you stretch your legs, cramps finally letting up. "You looked so pretty.." he teases, and you whine.

"I was crying like a baby!" You argue, turning around a bit-

Though you're caught off guard by the terribly soft look he offers you, hand reaching out to hold your cheek.

"Thats because you are my baby." He says-

Making you cry once more.

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colourstreakgryffin · 3 months

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Can you do fizzaroli and asmodeus comforting their teenage adopted child after she/he/they had a rough day today?

Ooooh! My second Helluva Boss request, that’s so exciting! I can’t wait to work on some Helluva Boss! Let’s give some love to best Achillean couple!

Fizzarolli and Asmodeus- Ruby in the Rough

Fizzarolli is an energetic and somewhat crude man, that energy is also applied to his parenting style. He is caring and affectionate but also energetic and can accidentally be oblivious about his child’s problems with his jokester attitude. Though, he will make up for his mistake and unconditionally spoil his child rotten

Asmodeus, on the other hand, is the most doting and considerate parent of this pair. He’s more calm and a bit playful, though. He loves chatting and bonding with his child as often as he can, cuddling his child and can recognise every problem they may have instantaneously. He is one of the best comforters and huggers in Hell

Fizzarolli and Asmodeus, together as parents, as a married couple, as a father and father tag team, for their adoptive young teenage Hellhound daughter. You. A cute fluffy red fox-patterned and red fox-coloured Hellhound; Fizzarolli absolutely adores you and Asmodeus wants to squeeze your little cheeks

Asmodeus is the first one to notice his and his husband’s daughter’s distress. The way your fluffy tail is drooped and dragging on the floor, your voice is softer, your attention is averted. Fizzarolli, unintentionally, doesn’t notice your problems until his husband points it out

Then. As the usual wholesome doting couple they are, Fizzarolli and Asmodeus let you go to your bedroom and speak to one another in how they’ll approach comforting you. Of course, Fizzarolli offers buying you a gift whilst Asmodeus proclaims they should just raise up your self-esteem

And since they can’t decide inbetween each… they pick both

Fizzarolli barrages into your bedroom and basically throws a new phone case present into your lap whilst jumping up onto your bed to hug you as Asmodeus calmly sits down and hugs you right away after his husband, brushing through your hair gently with his mighty claws

After a bit, both fathers respond to hearing their precious fluffy Hellhound cry at her parents’ loving hugs. Crying in relief that both are immediately coming in to help you. You already feel so much better with both Fizzarolli and Asmodeus silently waiting for you to speak and hugging you

Of course… your problem is that people were mistreating you for being a Hellhound, a species of demons considered as meaningless animals, not as people. Asmodeus and Fizzarolli are already psychically speaking to one another on hiring assassins to kill the demons daring to harass their beloved little gemstone

“T-they… he was just so rude” You mumble out gently, long dog-like snout pressed into Asmodeus’ mighty big feathery chest whilst he holds both you and his husband, Fizzarolli to him whilst Fizzarolli keeps his thin but metallic robotic arms coiled around his hellhound baby girl like rope tied around your waist. His long imp tail wagging, Asmodeus couldn’t help but chuckle under his breath at seeing his imp lover so excited to hold their child, even when she is so upset

Asmodeus then whispers out, his dark blue beak slightly brushing over your soft hair, inbetween your tall fluffy red fox-like ears. Fizzarolli is mainly there for physical support, having the right as your upbeat and cheering up father whilst Asmodeus is the King of Lust and the king of Emotional Support, speaking for the both of the parents

“Darling. Whatever those fools said. They are wrong, you’re not ugly, you’re not a useless gross canine, you’re not a pet. You’re a beautiful, unique young lady that deserves all the love and admiration in the Lust Ring”

Just hearing Asmodeus’ smooth, silky and comforting voice alongside Fizzarolli’s warm big hugs is a one-two punch of extreme love to your heart and make all the dread, heartbreak and image problems wash away… well, mainly all of it. Though, both can sense when you’re not fully happy and both are still hugging you. The Sin holds both his husband and his daughter to his chest whilst the Imp snuggles his daughter in his husband’s hold

“I-I… I’m not a flea-ridden gross mangy mutt?” You ask gently, almost like a little child. Not even like a fourteen year old. It’s precious, both dads’ hearts are melting and Fizzarolli openly expressing how cute he finds their daughter with a soft ‘awww~!’ under his breath, even with his deep raspy voice. Asmodeus then nods and speaks gently again

It doesn’t take a big pep talk for this dads to cheer up their child from any problems she has

“Never, babygirl. You’re gorgeous, you’re talented, you’re filled with loveable joy and you have much ambition. You’ll slap down those fools when you become successful”

As soon as Asmodeus finished, Fizzarolli chimed in. Unable to stop himself from stating what’s on his mind and what he’d considered comfort. Asmodeus doesn’t really mind and your fluffy long tail flicks in curiosity at your Papa for what he wishes to add in to his husband’s truthful statements. As classic Fizzarolli fashion; it’s energetic, playful and a bit silly but passionate

Both promise they will make sure you’re successful, wealthy and beloved when you’re a fully grown adult

“You’re warm as well! People should be pouncing on you for snuggles and affection, rosydoll”

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adore-laur · 6 months

Text

CRYSTAL SHOP BOY

— harry works at a crystal shop & falls hard for the sweet girl in a sundress 🔮

——

WEDNESDAY

It's a sun-drenched afternoon in St. Helena, California. Jade is visiting the quaint town for two weeks and staying with a friend she hasn't seen in a while. She decided to lodge at their place for the duration of the trip so she could spend more time with them before they went back to college for the fall semester. It's her second day here. She spent the entirety of yesterday unpacking and unwinding inside since the August heat left her deadbeat tired.

Currently, she walks through the downtown area with her friend, looking for places to shop. Her mother's birthday is coming up at the end of the month, so she plans to find a special gift for her. She keeps an eye out for a spiritual shop that might hold remedial treasures.

It's unbearably humid, and Jade's frog bucket hat on her head does a mediocre job shielding her face from the sun's scorching rays. She readjusts the straps of her overalls as she strolls, regretting wearing denim since her sweaty skin is digging into the rough fabric.

Her eyes squint into painful slits due to the sun directly facing her, and after another minute of thigh chafing and upper lip sweat, her sight lands on an intriguing shop with a purple and white striped roof. The letters pasted on the window read: The Crystal Shop.

Bingo. Right up her mother's alley.

Jade's mother has always been fascinated with the spiritual side of life, her brain full of astrological facts and drawers full of crystals that all have a specific purpose. Jade supposes it's only natural for herself to be interested in it, too. Her name is a gemstone, after all.

Grabbing her friend's arm, she stops them both in their tracks. "I need to get my mom something for her birthday," she says, nodding toward the shop. "This place seems cool."

"Sure, let's go," they reply while already halfway through the front door.

Jade jogs to catch up while admiring the shop's exterior. There's a huge display window with various expensive-looking necklaces, rocks, and crystals. She begins to worry that she might be unable to afford a single item. If so, she'll just have to buy the cheapest thing available. She knows her mom will appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into it.

The door is already propped open with a wooden wedge to provide easy access for customers and allow the summer weather to waft in. Jade suddenly feels a prickly wave of anxiety wash over her. She realizes that she has absolutely no clue what to look for. She just hopes a snobby employee who judges her lack of knowledge about crystals doesn't own the shop. She's been in that situation far too many times before with her mom.

Her friend is already inside, so she follows closely behind. They've always been more fearlessly outgoing than her, while Jade prefers observing instead of talking. She makes a mental note to have her friend ask an employee to help her find something worth buying.

Jade instantly feels the coolness from the air conditioning once she's inside, and it feels heavenly. She glances around, overwhelmed by the endless shelves and boxed displays of crystals, books, and tiny bottles of unknown liquids. This is way too advanced for her brain.

"Hello."

Jade jumps at the deep voice that comes from somewhere behind her. Spinning toward the back of the clustered room, she notices a boy with their back turned behind the cashier counter. He must work here. In fact, he's the only other person in the shop.

"Hi!" her friend says, smiling at the boy who has turned around.

She gets a full view of him. He's tall and has tousled brown hair that looks professionally styled to make it look like he just woke up. He has a child-like smile, his lips pulling into his mouth as tempting dimples dent both sides of his cheeks. His bright, green eyes dart between Jade and her friend before he looks down and fidgets with some loose crystals next to the cash register, with slender fingers adorned with several bulky rings.

With a delayed reaction, Jades politely smiles back at him even though he's not looking anymore. She then turns back around before she embarrasses herself by staring at him for too long. But he's so cute! And was that a cardigan she saw him wearing?

Jade takes a quick peek at his outfit. He's writing something down on a piece of paper now, his tongue poking out slightly in concentration. She surveys his cardigan. It's thin and black with two yellow flowers stitched on one side and a snake, star, and heart with an arrow through it on the other. Underneath it is a white graphic tee. The whole ensemble is oddly endearing. The boys Jade knows from college never dress like that.

She realizes that when the boy speaks, it sounds like he has a British accent. Now, there's really no chance she'll be able to talk to him without making a complete fool of herself. So, she joins her friend in the back of the shop, looking at what they have their eyes on. Their head is tilted as they read the titles of books snug together in a tall, mahogany bookshelf.

"I have no idea where to start," Jade mumbles, still overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in such a small shop.

"Just get her something she doesn't have yet," her friend replies while distracted by a book that seems to be about witchcraft. "Ask the employee what some good birthday gifts are."

"I am not asking him for help," she whispers tightly. She's trying to avoid embarrassment at all costs.

"Dude. Here, let me ask."

They walk to the counter before Jade can process what they just said. Her stomach drops. Sometimes, she wonders how she became friends with someone so unafraid of social interaction. It makes her envious. Meanwhile, she gets nauseous when ordering at a restaurant.

Swallowing hard and facing away from them, Jade distracts her nerves by running her fingers along the book spines and pretending to be interested.

"Hey," she overhears her friend saying to the boy. "Sorry to bother you. My friend over there needs a birthday present, and she's struggling with what to get. She needs something for someone who's into spiritual stuff."

Jade continues to purposely act nonchalant, but it only lasts so long before she turns around out of sheer terror that she's being watched. The employee's eyes are on her when she looks up. He smiles shyly before walking around the counter and toward her. She's going to hurl.

She puts her hands behind her back, nervously fiddling with her fingers and trying to appear calm even though she's on the verge of passing out. The humidity coming in through the open door isn't helping her case. The man walks in long strides toward her, and he eventually gets close enough so that she can see a name tag pinned to his cardigan — Harry.

It's written with messy handwriting in black marker. There's even a smiley face, leading Jade to believe he wrote it himself. Can this guy get any cuter? He stands next to her right, her friend on her left. Being in the middle is making her tense.

Jade decides to be confident and peer up at him. "Hi," she says, barely audible. "Thanks for helping me."

"Yeah, of course," he replies kindly, rubbing his hands together. The slight clinking of his rings has Jade subtly glancing down at them. She notices a small cross tattoo on his left hand.

Pushing down her nerves, she bravely chooses to start speaking to him. She can't stand awkward silences, no matter how much she dreads being the one to fill them. "Um, like my friend said, I don't know much about this stuff. I'm looking for something nice for my mom's birthday. If you could just point me in the right direction, that'd be great."

Harry nods and taps the front of his shoe on the wooden floor twice. "Well, usually a nice gift is something homemade, you know? And this place has tons of things like that, so I guess we could head over to the naturally-made section to see if anything sticks out to you?"

Jade puts her hand out for him to lead the way. He clears his throat before walking over to a shelf by the window, and she stops next to where he stands, taking in the wide range of lip balms, essential oils, and candles organized neatly in front of her. The smell is overwhelming but in a pleasant way. She reaches out to pick up a random bottle of what looks like an essential oil and turns it around in her hand to read the back — frankincense.

"My mom would like this," she says, skimming the lengthy list of complex ingredients. "Maybe a type of oil to put in a diffuser or something. She has sleeping problems, so is there an oil that could help with that?"

Harry picks up a tiny bottle with a purple label and twists the cap. "I would say lavender is your best bet. It's scientifically proven to help with relaxation and sleep. Smells lovely, too."

She moves her nose to the bottle and takes a sniff. "Wow, that's really nice. I think she'd love that. Thank you."

"Not a problem." He fiddles with the sleeves of his cardigan. He must be sweating in that thing. "Is there anything else either of you needs help with?"

Jade looks at her friend, and they casually shake their head. "No, I think that's all," she says, fixing the strap on her overalls that slid past her shoulder. "I'm ready to check out."

"Cool," he whispers, quickly shuffling over to stand behind the register.

"I'll be waiting outside," her friend calls out, already out of the shop. "I want to look at the stores on the other side of the street."

Jade lightly rolls her eyes at their antsy nature. Harry releases a breathy laugh while scanning the lavender oil and putting it in a brown paper bag. He writes his name on it with a permanent marker, then adds a small smiley face. He must do that for every customer. That's sweet.

He taps a few things on the register screen, scratching his jaw. Jade hasn't even noticed his nails, which are painted with chipped red polish.

"That'll be $8.23, please."

Jade takes nine singles from her pocket and slides them across the counter, admiring the crystals and stones on display.

"Thank you," he says while gently grabbing the money from her and opening the register.

He skillfully takes out her needed change, shaking it a little before holding it toward her. She cups her palms so he can place the loose change in them. His hand briefly brushes against hers as the coins fall into her grasp. One corroded penny accidentally drops onto the counter during the transaction.

"Oops," Harry murmurs, picking it up and pinching it between his fingers before handing it to her again. "Sorry 'bout that."

"That's okay," Jade assures while putting the loose change in her pocket. "Thanks again for the help."

"My pleasure," he says, rolling up his sleeves. "Um, before you go, is this your first time shopping here?"

"It is, yes. I'm not from around here. I'm staying with my friend, and we're checking out all the downtown shops today."

Did that count as flirting? Is having a normal conversation with a boy she'll never see again considered flirting for her now? She's reached a new low.

"Oh, cool. So... there's this thing we do if someone's a first-time customer. We give them a free crystal with their purchase." Harry removes a shallow cardboard box filled with translucent crystals from under the counter. "You can pick one out if you'd like."

"That's so nice! I'd love to." Jade grabs a random, pink-colored one. "This place is so cute, by the way."

"Yeah?" Harry says with a surprised smile, putting the box away. He flicks his finger under his nose before saying, "Um, I really like your bucket hat."

She watches him point his finger at her head. She reaches up, suddenly remembering she's wearing a frog bucket hat. Her cheeks grow hot. He complimented it, though, so why is she getting embarrassed?

"Thanks," she says meekly, pulling her hat down further. "I like your cardigan."

Looking out the window, Jade realizes she should get going. "I'm gonna go before I lose my friend." She takes the paper bag and crystal. "Thanks for the oil and free souvenir. I'll try and come back again this week sometime to buy something for myself."

"Cool, yeah. I'll be here. Well, I'm always here. It's my job, obviously. I work here almost every day, so you'll probably see me. I'm rambling, sorry." Harry glances down with a pink tint to his cheeks. "Uh, have a good day."

Her face warms as she nods and waves farewell, walking out the door and into the sun.

When Jade arrives at her friend's apartment a few hours later, she sets the paper bag down on the kitchen island. She opens it and takes the lavender oil out to wrap it for her mom, but she feels two extra items at the bottom when she reaches inside. Her heart pounds as she lays them in her palm.

A 20% off coupon redeemable for any book in the shop.

And a tiny green frog sticker.

——

SATURDAY

Harry arrives for his weekend shift at six in the morning, an entire hour before the shop even opens. He does it to give himself time to set things up and have a few peaceful moments.

After unlocking the front doors, he leaves them open for another beautiful summer day. He picked out a pastel yellow cardigan with dark, horizontal stripes to wear this morning. It's a little itchy, but it was a gift from his aunt, so he doesn't mind it too much. It's thrown over a plain white shirt, and he tops the look off with a pair of black sunglasses atop his head, knowing he'll be done working when the sun is at its prime brightness. He also wants to walk down to the beach for ice cream before visiting his mother for dinner at her house.

His eyes are still puffy from a rough night's sleep, so he heads to the back room and starts making himself a coffee. He sets his black leather purse down and starts the Keurig machine, looking at the array of flavors he can choose from. He decides on the lavender and honey and inserts the cup in the slot. He grabs the mug he keeps under the counter, a baby blue one with a chick hatching out of an egg on it, then sets it on the machine's tray. While his coffee is brewing, he returns to the front to set up the register and ensure nothing was left a mess from whoever closed the store last night. He scratches his stomach, feeling full of the vegan donuts he ate before he left. He needs to stop buying them from the lovely old lady who works at the bakery a couple blocks away. Otherwise, he'll need to start working out.

Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, Harry slowly walks back to collect his steaming mug of aromatic coffee. He enjoys the quiet mornings when it's just him working. His manager is more behind the scenes, handling the financial and promotional aspects. It's early, so usually, it's pretty slow and only gets busy in the afternoon. Luckily, he gets off at one-thirty, so he won't have to suffer through the tourist rush.

Most days, when he opens the shop, it can take over an hour before the first customer comes waltzing in. That means he can do crosswords or read one of their stocked books. There are also instances where his cousin will bring her three-year-old daughter to the shop when she needs a babysitter for the day. Harry gladly watches her, letting her roam the area. He lets her scribble drawings in the back room on stray pieces of paper he finds lying around the shop.

He genuinely likes his job. It's peaceful, and he meets kind people every day. And what better way to feel safe than to be surrounded by thousands of crystals?

Harry whistles a tune, holding his mug in one hand and a No. 2 pencil in the other, when he suddenly hears footsteps coming through the front doorway. He turns around in curiosity and feels a bizarre mixture of emotions when he sees the girl who stopped by with her friend last Wednesday—the one who wore a frog hat, complimented his cardigan, and made him feel like a teenage boy again.

Closing his crossword book, he says, "Hi. Sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone. We don't open for another" — he checks his leather wristwatch — "half hour."

He begins clearing everything off the counter. He's got the daily newspaper spread open, a container of blueberries that he bought from the farmer's market down the street to snack on throughout his shift, and a cardboard box of rose quartz that was delivered last night that Carol, his most forgetful co-worker, didn't stock like she was supposed to.

"Oh, my bad," she says quietly, a slight rasp noticeable in her voice. "I was up early and decided to visit before my friend woke up. I can leave if you're still opening."

"No, you're fine. I find things to pass the time when no one's here. I'm glad you're my first customer of the day."

He's desperately trying to come across as confident and unfazed even though a pretty girl is in front of him wearing a sundress.

"Okay, good." She nervously laughs and looks around. "Um, I'm just now realizing I don't know what to buy. I came because, I don't know, it's really comforting in here, and I didn't know if you'd be working today, but you are, so I think I'll hang out for a bit before I have to go back to my friend." She releases a heavy exhale of air before sheepishly adding, "They don't know that I left."

Harry stares at her, hopelessly mesmerized. She came to hang out because she felt comfortable. Harry thinks he might be in love.

"No worries." He pauses before laughing, lightly smacking his forehead with his palm. "I just realized I don't know your name."

"I'm Jade."

What a coincidence. It's the perfect name for charming someone in a crystal shop.

"Jade," Harry repeats, smirking and turning around to secretly grab something. "You wouldn't perhaps know anything about this little thing right here, would you?"

He holds a green gemstone between his fingers. Jade stifles a smile, knowing exactly what he's doing. She may not be an expert at identifying crystals and gemstones, but her name is Jade. Thanks to her mom, she obviously knows what the gemstone looks like and basic facts about it.

She matches his sudden confidence by replying, "I believe that's a jade stone, Harry. Symbolizes luck, I think? Also increases love and nurturing."

Harry blows a low, impressed whistle while putting a hand on his hip. "I mean, shit, do you want to switch spots and take over the rest of my shift?"

Smiling amusedly, she quips, "That was the extent of my knowledge about gems, so probably not the best idea. I think I'll leave it to the expert."

His tired eyes brighten as he looks at her. "Well, the least I could do to thank you for keeping me company is give you this," he says, sliding the jade stone across the counter towards her. "I think it only makes sense for you to have it.

Jades takes it, feeling how smooth the surface is, before putting it in the breast pocket of her dress. "Trust me, my mom has given me plenty. You would think she's a dealer or something."

Harry sputters a boyish laugh before taking a sip of his coffee. "Consider that one special, then."

She can smell a familiar scent from his coffee but can't quite place her finger on it. She checks the time on her phone, seeing it's almost eight. She doesn't want to bother Harry, especially if customers are going to start coming in. She also needs to get back to the apartment in case her friend magically wakes up earlier than expected and calls the police because she decided to talk to the cute crystal shop boy she's only just met. Oh God, she's going to sound crazy.

"Thank you. I'll make sure to keep it safe."

"You're very welcome, Jade."

She perks up, suddenly remembering the extra stuff he put in her bag on Wednesday. "By the way, the coupon and sticker you gave me were thoughtful. You didn't have to do that."

Harry flushes under his cardigan, completely forgetting about his spontaneous decision to give her additional goodies because he thinks she's lovely. He's also scared he'll never see her again; if that's the case, he wants to leave an impression.

And speaking to her now, he realizes he quite likes her company.

Clearing his throat, Harry scratches the back of his neck and says, "I, uh... I don't know. You were a nice customer, and I just wanted to give you something nice back." He's only partially lying. "I have animal stickers I keep here when my niece visits, and I happened to have a frog one. Figured you would get the reference."

"I did. You're adorable."

Lord above, did she actually just say that out loud?

Harry inhales sharply in shock, rolling his lips inwards so much that his dimples pop out from trying to hold back a smile. His tongue pokes his cheek, and he can't help but break out into a full smile. He feels a rush of giddiness that begs him to be bold and seize the opportunity.

"Sorry—"

"Hey, I—"

They both start talking and clamp their mouths shut at the same time. Jade nods for him to go first, not wanting anything stupid to come out of her mouth again.

Harry fidgets with his necklace and says, "I get off work at one-thirty today, and I know you need to get back to your friend, but if you're not busy, I was going to walk down to the beach and get some ice cream. Do you... would you like to come with me?"

Jade almost chokes. This attractive boy wearing a fuzzy cardigan in ninety-degree heat wants to take her for ice cream. Her friend would be deranged to be mad at her for going.

"I would love to. I'm sure my friend wouldn't mind." She anxiously nibbles on her bottom lip before continuing, "Um, I can meet you back here at one o'clock? I could get some lunch from a nearby restaurant if you want?"

"That's perfect. A couple of stores down to the right is a nice sandwich shop called Gott's Roadside. I can text you my order before you get there."

"Yeah, great! Here, let me write my number down somewhere."

Harry doesn't hesitate to lift the cash register to grab a loose-leaf sheet of paper he keeps under it for emergencies, then tears a small section off. He picks up the pencil he used for his crossword and hands it to her. Jade scribbles her cell phone number, adding a smiley face at the end before sliding the paper scrap back to him.

"Cool," he says, his hands clammy with anticipation.

Jade smiles. Is this a date? Is she dreaming? "I'll see you in a few hours with our sandwiches. I'll bring my frog hat."

"Can't wait," he replies, pushing his hair back. "And tell your friend I said hi, yeah?"

"I will. Have a good rest of your shift, Harry."

"I have sandwiches, ice cream, and a frog hat on your head to look forward to," he says, cradling his chin in the palm of his hand. "I'm pretty sure it's going to be good."

She feels her heart speed up as she waves goodbye and walks outside with a skip in her step.

——

When noon rolls around, Harry decides to text Jade his order. When she left, he put her number in his phone and refrained from texting her about the strange customers he encountered earlier. He doesn't know if she'd think it's annoying of him.

He waits until there's no one in the store, everyone most likely out for lunch, before sending a text.

Hi, it's Harry. I would like the grilled pesto chicken sandwich with a side salad. There's a fridge with drinks in the back room, so don't worry about getting me one. Thank you :)

Locking his phone, he resumes his crossword puzzle, but his mind drifts. He thinks about changing his outfit before Jade comes back, knowing the cardigan he wears now will make him sweat bullets under the sun. He obviously can't leave the shop unattended, so he texts his mother and asks if she can bring him his white tank top and patchwork cardigan from the house as soon as possible. It'll be breezy by the beach, so a loose cardigan will be better. He also asks her if she can bring his Polaroid camera. He wants to capture some memories of how beautiful today is.

Once his string of panicked texts is sent, he starts thinking about Jade again. She mentioned she'd wear her frog hat, which he really likes. He realizes he's whipped when he considers buying one for himself. There must be a store around here that sells them. Or is that too weird of a thing to do? Now he's panicking tenfold.

Harry likes her. He likes her so much that he says screw it and picks up the company phone without a second thought. He begins flipping through a free pamphlet for tourists listing the shops downtown in St. Helena, looking for nearby accessory stores. After four phone calls with managers, he gets the answer he wants. A souvenir shop two blocks away says that they have some in stock. He plans to run down there quickly when his mother comes with his clothes. She's visited enough times to be able to handle any customers.

It's a quarter to one when she rushes in with his clothing and camera. She doesn't question why he needed them so suddenly. Harry lies to her and says he needs to pick up a store delivery, and she lets him go after telling him she'll help him finish his crossword while she waits.

He's speed-walking to the accessory shop, his eyes glued to the directions pulled up on his phone. When he turns the final corner, he gets a text message from Jade.

Hi, sorry I didn't get back to you right away. I was swimming, so I wasn't on my phone. I'm leaving in about five minutes to get our lunch! I'll bring sunscreen and a blanket so we can eat by the beach <3

Harry grins and replies with a casual See you soon.

After five minutes of looking for a frog hat in some dingy souvenir shop, he buys a green one that looks just like her yellow one. He stuffs it in his purse so his mother won't see what a hopeless romantic he is, then quite literally jogs back to the crystal shop. Once he's inside, his mother leaves with a kiss on both of his cheeks. Harry goes to the back room, and since no customers are lingering around, he changes into his tank top and the other cardigan. The sporadic green patches on it will go nicely with his new bucket hat of the same color.

It's a little after one o'clock, and he assumes Jade is getting the sandwiches. In the meantime, he goes into the employee bathroom to double-check how he looks. His denim flare jeans and white sneakers are sticking to his skin because of the summer heatwave, but he doesn't have time for an outfit dilemma. With a deep breath, he tousles his hair and tucks his sunglasses in the front of his shirt.

He's ready.

Harry returns to the front and cleans up for when the person working the next shift comes in. It's helping distract from his nerves. He just wants this to go well. They'll eat, get ice cream, talk, and maybe hold hands. Right? Is that how dates play out?

Okay, he's not ready. He needs some good luck.

Opening a glass display case under the counter, he grabs a tiny citrine crystal that can be attached to a necklace chain. Citrine is known to strengthen self-esteem and bring about positive energy, so he takes a stray chain, hooks the golden crystal on it, and then pulls it over his head.

"This better work," he murmurs to himself.

His phone suddenly vibrates, and he sees that Jade texted him that the food will be ready in another couple of minutes. That's okay. He has time to hype himself up and daydream about her. Will she be in a different outfit? Will her hair be damp from swimming? Will she still have the jade stone he gave her in her pocket?

It's twenty after one when Carol walks into the shop to start her shift. She may be forgetful, but she comes in early sometimes so Harry can get out an extra few minutes early. She smiles at him and heads straight to the back. Harry stuffs his Polaroid camera in his pocket and puts on the frog hat. He feels foolish now that he thinks about it. How does one pull off a frog hat and rainbow cardigan? He prays that Jade will appreciate his efforts.

Kissing the citrine crystal for luck, he grabs a water bottle and his wallet and clocks out. He prints off the sales receipt for the morning shift and signs his name. After that, he passes Carol, who is sweeping the floor and humming to herself, and sends a little wave before leaving and standing against the wall outside to wait for Jade.

Ten minutes pass until Harry hears a gasp come from his right. He looks over to see Jade holding the food bag in one hand and her bucket hat, sunscreen, and a plaid picnic blanket in the other. She's wearing a different dress than earlier, this one with tiny blue flowers on it. Her hazel eyes are fixated on the hat atop his head, and he can't stop himself from blushing like a blooming rose.

"No way!" she says, walking up to him. "I didn't know you had one!"

He smiles awkwardly, feeling a smidge better now that she seems to like his last-minute decision. "Um, I really like yours, so I thought I'd get one for myself to match. I bought it at a shop around here, like, thirty minutes ago."

Jade pouts at the sweet gesture. "You're so adorable." She holds out the plastic bag. "Here's the food. It took forever, but it smells delicious."

"You're just on time," he replies, offering his elbow to her. "Shall we? I can carry everything."

She hands him the two bags and carries the rest by herself. Putting on her bucket hat, she loops her arm around his elbow to start walking. She looks him up and down, taking in his outfit. She had been so caught off guard by his hat that she didn't even notice his colorful, oversized patchwork cardigan.

She leans into him and confesses, "You look really handsome, by the way. I love your style."

Harry glances down at her, smiling softly. "Thank you. You look so pretty."

Jade shyly scrunches her nose at him before peering out at the street. As the beach comes into view, she boldly moves her arm out of his hold and wraps her hand around his, the coolness of his rings feeling nice against her skin. Harry's eyes fall to where their hands meet, and he squeezes them together. His red nail polish contrasts with her baby blue polish, and he admires how small her hand feels in his. He rubs his thumb over her knuckles as the pavement turns into sand, and he guides her to where they have to pay to access the beach, his hand slipping from hers to reach into his pocket for his wallet. Jade doesn't try to argue about him paying since she willingly paid for lunch. It's only fair.

After Harry pays, he takes her hand in his again and leads her through the entrance to find a spot to sit. It's a little busy with the weekend, so he takes her to an area away from the water where the long grass and coastal flowers grow. Jade begins unfolding the picnic blanket and then spreads it out. She sits with her legs crossed and starts putting sunscreen on. Harry gets comfortable beside her and removes his shoes before rolling the hem of his jeans up slightly.

"Do you mind getting my shoulder blades for me?" Jade asks, passing him the bottle of sunscreen.

Harry makes a twirling motion with his pointer finger to get her to turn around. She faces away from him and shifts her hair to one side, waiting for his hands to touch the bare skin of her back, but it takes a while, so she turns her head to glance at him. She sees him remove his rings one by one before putting a dollop of sunscreen in his palm.

Then, unexpectedly expected, she feels his hands on her shoulder blades moving in soothing circles. The warmth of his hands and the coolness of the lotion is almost erotic. His hands are so big. Only one of them takes up half of her upper back.

After another few tension-filled seconds, Harry lightly scratches the top of her spine to indicate he's done. She thanks him before settling next to him and sliding her sandals off. She then grabs her bag of food and unpacks the sandwich that she got along with a side of fries. Harry does the same, already diving into his salad. The sound of people talking and waves crashing is peaceful.

Jade is fully aware that her legs are almost touching his, and she desperately wants to make some type of flirty move. Well, there's nothing quite like the art of subtlety, so she casually reaches up for his bucket hat to switch it with hers. She puts his green one on and then puts her yellow one on his head, feeling more content around him with each second that passes. Harry just smiles cutely while shoving a crouton in his mouth.

Feeling even more daring now, Jades picks up a fry and holds it to his lips. He gently grabs her wrist as she feeds it to him, feeling his fingers squeeze her pulse point. He chews slowly, his jaw flexing attractively.

"Good?" she asks while scooting a little closer.

He hums an affirmation, smirking at her. Reaching over his lap, Jade steals one of his croutons, her arm brushing against his stomach. She swears she feels it tense. Harry notices she's getting more comfortable with him, so he takes his Polaroid camera out of his back pocket. She gasps, nonverbally asking if she can use it by wiggling her fingers towards it like a toddler. He laughs and hands it to her. One of his arms rests behind her, the other resting limp on his thigh.

Jade starts by taking a picture of the sparkling lake in front of her. The camera spits a Polaroid out, and she sets it face down on the blanket to dry. She then aims the lens to an arguably even more beautiful view. Harry throws up a peace sign with a closed-lip smile, dimples carving his reddened cheeks. After setting that one down to dry, she turns the camera around to aim at their faces. She leans in and presses her cheek against his as best she can with a bucket hat on. They both smile widely as she captures the moment.

Harry takes the camera from her after it develops and mimics the same position, both their faces hopefully in the frame. Before he presses the button, though, he turns his head and presses the gentlest kiss to Jade's dewy cheekbone. His lips feel warm and plush as the flash goes off, and he quickly takes the photo to look at it. Jade rests her head on his shoulder, pressing a light kiss to it. He wraps his arm around her and puts his leftover salad in the bag and her garbage. His other hand faces up on his leg, and she doesn't hesitate to play with his slender fingers.

"I haven't felt this relaxed in a while," Harry softly breaks the silence, looking ahead at the water.

"Me too," she says. "You're a really calm person. Like, your energy relaxes me naturally. And you're not too shabby of a person to look at."

He playfully scoffs and pinches her side. "Excuse me, I didn't run to the nearest store and buy a froggy hat to match you for you to say I'm not too shabby to look at."

"I kid, I kid. You look like an absolute dream, Harry."

"Yeah? You're looking like a dream yourself, Jade."

She pecks his cheek and stands up to grab the garbage bags and sunscreen. Harry also stands, putting his rings back on and folding up the blanket while putting his camera back in his pocket. He dusts the sand off his jeans and picks up his shoes, opting to walk barefoot to the ice cream shop not too far away.

Standing behind Jade, he bends down to dust the sand off the back of her legs. He then grabs the pictures and her sandals, giving her a look that asks if she's going to put them back on. She shakes her head and reaches out to grab them, but he pulls them out of her reach and simply interlocks his fingers with hers instead. He guides her back up the path where they came from, swinging their arms dramatically to get her to laugh.

Jade sneakily grabs the Polaroid camera from his pocket and aims it at him. "Smile like the dream you are." When he looks at her and smiles naturally, she brings the camera close to photograph his left dimple. "I'm framing this," she says, waving the Polaroid.

"Give me that," Harry says, letting go of her hand to pull the camera from her grasp. "Need something to frame, too."

She complies, wondering what he could have up his sleeve. He stops walking and puts two fingers behind her head to make bunny ears. She gives him a flat look with narrowed eyes while he joyously clicks the button, and then he hides the developed picture in his cardigan pocket.

"You are so funny, you know that?" Jade says sarcastically. "A true comedian. You should do stand-up at the shop."

Harry walks ahead of her and boyishly laughs twice, the second one slightly higher-pitched and longer than the first one. It makes Jade's heart flutter.

"Honestly, mate," he says, "I think you're right. You'll never meet anyone funnier."

"Do not call me mate!"

"No? What about lad?"

"Stop."

"Bro?"

"Absolutely not."

"What if I called you another gemstone? Amethyst? Topaz?"

"I'm getting ice cream," she says lightheartedly, striding ahead to the blue building just off the beach. She takes off the bucket hat on her head, feeling hot.

"We were already on our way there, darling."

Jade stops dead in her tracks. Darling.

Seconds later, she hears him behind her, his hands dropping everything so he can tilt her chin. She's looking at him upside down now, his fingers cradling her face as his thumbs stroke her temples.

"Liked that one?" he murmurs softly. Jade nods in his gentle grasp. He smiles, pinching both of her cheeks. "I'll keep that in mind," he says before sauntering toward the ice cream shop.

Jade grumbles behind him, feeling flustered. Harry tilts his head back to look at her and gives her a smirk. In return, she gives him the middle finger, and he makes a heart with his hands. With a huff, she sits under an umbrella at a nearby table, trusting him to order something she'll like. After a few minutes, he sits across from her, holding two cones — one blue moon and one cookies and cream. She takes the blue moon scoop from him and takes a lick. A shiver runs throughout her body.

Harry bites down on his, and she cringes. It also makes her strangely endeared. "What?" he asks with his mouth full.

"Nothing. Stop being annoying."

"What did I do?"

He's not understanding her frustration with his apparent nature of how cute he's being.

"You're just... different. I hate saying that, but you're so sweet and funny. And cute. It's annoying."

He stares at her longingly before saying, "Thanks, mate. Cheers."

"You know, I've had enough of your British humor."

That's a lie. Jade could listen to him talk about the ingredients in a salad, and she would listen on the edge of her seat.

"I'm kidding," he says, nudging her foot lightly under the table. "That's kind of you to say. I think the same things about you; however, I don't find it annoying. It makes me want to kiss you, actually."

Leaning across the table, Jade plucks the hat off his head and sets it down on the table. Then, she reaches her other hand out to wipe a small remnant of ice cream on the corner of his mouth. Harry clears his throat. There's no one around them, and he'd be a fool to waste his chance.

"I know almost nothing about you," he starts, his voice gentle, "but I would really like it if I could take you out again sometime. We can learn more about each other, talk about anything and everything, and go anywhere you'd like."

She feels like she's in a summer fantasy with her dream boy, and she has to pinch her arm under the table to make sure it's real and not a figment of her imagination. Setting down her finished ice cream, she stands up to slide around the table and sits beside him. She cradles both of his warm cheeks and kisses his forehead. She does it again for good measure, pushing back the curls falling over his eyes.

He blesses her with that same frog-like smile that makes her heart falter. She pokes her thumbs into his dimples and says, "You're so cute. Stop it. Stop being cute."

Harry moves his head slightly to kiss her palm. "Can't help being an absolute dream all the time," he says dramatically. "It's exhausting, mate."

She rolls her eyes and tickles his sides so that he squirms. "If I recall, you said you'd remember that I liked it when you called me darling,"

"Gotta kiss me first."

Jade purses her lips to keep a massive smile from taking over her face. "Seems fair," she whispers. "Come with me."

Standing, she takes his hand and heads towards a more private place, throwing away their cones. Harry stumbles behind her, still barefoot and riding the high of flirtatious affection. Eventually, she leads him to a flower field past the beach that's completely empty of people. A cypress tree shades the area, so they go behind it, shielded from everyone and everything.

Harry leans his back against the trunk, setting down his shoes and the blanket. He holds his hands out, waiting for Jade to step into him. She puts her stuff down, too, and wipes her clammy palms on her dress, then slowly takes both of his hands and moves toward him. He's taller than her, so she reaches up to cradle his face again, her new favorite thing to do, and guide his face down to hers. She stares at his green eyes with her lips brushing against his. Softly and with ease, she captures his bottom lip in her mouth. Harry lets her take the reins, the only movement he grants himself being his hands gravitating to her wrists that hold his blushing cheeks. He grips them not too tight, rubbing his thumbs along the inside.

When Jade pulls back for air, Harry chases her lips for another kiss. He initiates it this time, kissing her top lip before delicately enveloping her bottom lip. He inhales through his nose when she kisses him back, and a weak groan crawls up his throat. Six seconds go by before she pulls back again, only for a moment, and then takes him by surprise by using her tongue to dive into his mouth, parting his already swollen lips even more. His tongue fits over hers, kissing her deeply for a little longer. She tastes sweet from the ice cream.

Harry needs to breathe, so he stops before getting too far ahead and blissfully smiles at her. They inhale and exhale heavily, glancing between each other's lips.

"Fuck's sake," he says, pulling her in for a hug.

Jade giggles. She sticks her hands into his back pockets and sways with him while he kisses her hair and sets his hands on her shoulders.

"Can I walk you home?" he asks, brushing his thumb along her collarbone.

"Of course."

Harry kisses her again before intertwining her fingers with his. He slips his shoes back on, and Jade does the same. They pick up their remaining belongings. Once everything is packed, they walk away from the beach. She tells him where her friend's apartment is, and it takes ten minutes before the building comes into view. Harry walks up to the front door, and they stand across from each other.

"I had so much fun today," Jade says, taking her — Harry's — bucket hat off. "Everything was perfect."

"Yeah?" Harry scratches under his eyebrow. "Well, I don't work Sundays, so we can text and make plans for next week if you're not sick of me yet."

"I'm not sick of you yet. Text me tomorrow. I've got nothing going on."

"Sweet. I have to go to my mum's house for dinner, so... I have to leave, unfortunately."

"Go ahead. I won't keep you any longer."

"I'll see you soon," he tells her. "Thanks for today. I had a wonderful time."

"Here's your hat back," she says, holding it out.

Harry shakes his head with a smile. "Keep it. I'll keep yours. We can give them back when we see each other next."

She laughs. "What a clever way to keep me around."

He hands her the blanket and the pictures he put in his pocket. "Are you sure you don't want them?" she asks, taking them and seeing the one of his dimple on top.

"We can share," he says, rolling up the sleeves of his cardigan. "The next time I see you, I'll take them for the day."

Jade bites her lip before saying, "You're on a roll today. And I was serious, by the way. I'm framing the dimple one."

He beams at her, and Jade sets everything down on the bench by the door so she can kiss him. "I'll see you very soon," she whispers.

"Bye, Jade." Harry leaves with one last kiss before walking down the sidewalk. Once he turns the corner, he rubs the citrine crystal against his chest with a giddy smile on his face the entire way back.

——

FIVE YEARS LATER

Harry has been at the shop for an hour, setting things up for the day. Coffee is brewing, the smell of peppermint wafting to the front. Candles are lit, and delightful whiffs of cinnamon are in the air.

It's November, so it's always chilly in the morning. His baby blue sweater with a hatching chick on it keeps him warm. He got it as a gift when he was promoted to shop manager since the previous owner knew he had a mug that looked just like it.

It's definitely going to be slow since it's a random Tuesday in autumn. The streets are quiet, and a grey gloom darkens the sky. The shop doesn't open for another forty-five minutes, but he still likes the extra time, so he grabs his hot coffee and takes out his crossword puzzle book. Sitting on the rickety wooden stool behind the register, he blows away the steam from his #1 Dad in St. Helena mug.

He's whistling "Wild Heart" by Stevie Nicks to himself while rhythmically tapping his pencil against the counter when the bell above the front door suddenly chimes. He doesn't need to look up to know who it is. Baby babbles give it away, and he softly smiles as he finishes filling in the answer for 9-Across.

"Someone's talkative this morning," Harry murmurs, turning to his wife and sipping his coffee.

Jade is wearing a beanie and one of his many cardigans. She holds a coffee in one hand and a box of donuts in the other as she walks around the counter to greet him, giving him a kiss. His precious baby boy, Sterling, is secured in the baby carrier strapped to her front.

"Good morning," he says, tasting an unfamiliar trace of something on her lips.

"Hi. Try this." She raises her coffee cup to his mouth. He takes a sip and immediately smacks his lips while shaking his head disapprovingly. "It's the new pumpkin pie latte they have down the street," she explains.

"Not a fan, love," he admits truthfully, kissing her forehead and then carefully lifting Sterling out of the carrier.

"I thought as much." She takes the carrier off and sets it to the side. "How's it going? Did you get all the math out of the way?"

Now that Harry is the shop manager, he's taken on the accounting aspect of the job. It's not his favorite task, so he gets it out of the way in the mornings. He'll put on his reading glasses and hunch over the table with complete focus, feeling his wife's eyes ogling him whenever she visits. He's been told she finds it attractive.

"Finished not too long ago," he replies, cradling his sleeping son against his chest. He's still dressed in his pajamas with a brown beanie snug on his head. Harry sits back on the stool to continue his crossword, and Sterling stirs a little, fisting his hand around his sweater. "Morning, little man," he says gently, knuckles stroking his chubby cheeks.

Jade opens the box of donuts, and Harry squeezes her hip in a silent gesture of gratitude. She begins eating a chocolate one as she peers over his shoulder. She hums thoughtfully while swallowing a bite and tapping the boxes on the page. "Coated is the answer for 21-Across."

Harry's eyes move to the clue and then to Sterling, who is slowly waking up. "What do you think, mate? Do you think mummy's right?"

"I'm definitely right. Covered in sugar... it has to be coated." She excitedly pokes the pencil in his hand. "Write it down!"

"All right," he says teasingly, scribbling her answer down. "Sharp thinking at seven in the morning isn't usually like you, honey. Can't blame me for being hesitant."

She lightly smacks his shoulder before taking a sip of his peppermint coffee. Apparently, she's not a fan of the pumpkin one, either.

After a few peaceful moments, Jade takes Sterling into her arms, much to Harry's disappointment. She smatters kisses onto his cheeks before setting him on the ground to crawl. At eight months old, he's constantly on the go. The floor is carpeted, so she sits on the ground with him. Harry can't help but join them while grabbing a donut on his way down. He groans when he sits--his back is not in the best shape lately.

Jade scoots closer and begins massaging between his shoulder blades, causing him to let out a soft, relieved moan as he closes his eyes. She's badgered him countless times to replace the stool he sits on with an actual chair, but he's stubborn and has trouble getting rid of sentimental furniture.

"What time do you get off again?" she asks, moving her hands to his neck.

"Three," he murmurs, wiping drool from Sterling's mouth. "It's my last week before Thanksgiving break, so that'll be nice."

"Yeah," she agrees while kneading his lower back.

Harry's work schedule is perfect. He's at the shop Monday through Friday until three. He's home for dinner and weekends and even gets paid holiday breaks. He became manager shortly before he got married to Jade. Currently, she owns a flower shop just down the street. She absolutely loves it there. It's a two-minute walk from the shop, and she always tries to visit if she gets off work before him. She has Mondays and Tuesdays off every other week, so she brings Sterling to visit for a few hours in the morning. They stay in the back most of the time, but sometimes customers come in when they're up front and fawn over their baby boy with dimples and cute sweaters.

Harry eventually stands and cracks his back by twisting side to side. Jade stands as well and picks Sterling up, handing him to Harry. He cradles him in one arm, the other wrapping around his wife's shoulders.

"Love you," he whispers with a kiss to her head. "Thanks for always keeping me company with the little bugger."

She hides her face in his chest, the jade necklace he wears daily pressed against her cheek. She kisses the stone before puckering her lips in request. He obliges, meeting her halfway to take her top lip between his. She then leans over to kiss Sterling's head, his eyes sleepily shutting.

"My boys," Jade says, smiling fondly. "I love you guys more than anything."

Harry can't help but find it remarkable how everything started in the place he's standing now.

——

#harry styles fanfic #harry styles imagine #harry styles fluff #harry styles au #harry styles one shot #harry styles #adore-laur #the crystal shop boy

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that-foul-legacy-lover · 4 months

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Wifi my beloved I have another idea 🤲

Bless the anon that said Legacy would collect stones and rocks and sea shells cause i present to you

Jewel maker! S/o

Hhhh it's such a neat concept I brainstormed a little

From the back of Ajax's mind, Legacy has long been familiarised with your jewellery shop. It's small and tucked in a cozy little corner of Liyue. You make everything by hand, spending hours and hours molding wire and metal (??) into pretty shapes. Unfortunately, that leaves you with very little time to go out and find the best materials yourself, something Legacy's instincts say is very important, so you most likely buy the materials you need.

Nuh uh. Not on Legacy's watch.

He goes out and finds the prettiest crystals and gems and what he recognises as the rough materials of what you use to make your jewellery, just to see the way your eyes light up in shock, then delight.

Now I can't help but wonder what jewellery you'd make for him and Ajax. 👀 Like imagine how pretty moth would be with his armor adorned by gold and glittery jewels, as ethereal as dangerous... And childe deciding that, oh, you gifted him something you made with your own hands? Oh he's never taking it off that's for sure.

(Also imagine proposing to Ajax and Legacy instead of the opposite sksksksk)

oooHHHHH this is so!! cute!!!! i'm a lover of unique pretty jewelry so this is right up my alley :D

Legacy also knows how exhausting your work is, spending hours squinting at tiny, shining components to craft the perfect pieces for your customers. on good days, you're merely fatigued- on bad days, your head thuds with pain and your eyes hurt so much that you can barely see. so your Abyssal moth monster sneaks out while you're at work, searching high and low for all that glitters, every type of rock and stone that you can use in your art. he's not alone- Zhongli usually tags along with him, showing Legacy how to identify the highest quality crystal and cor lapis, occasionally even bringing along the mischievous funeral parlor director, who's all the happier to hang around an intimidating-looking Abyss creature. sometimes Legacy feels the presence of an adeptus or two, the amber he finds unusually pure and vibrant, even glimpsing the far-off aura of the Conqueror of Demons, watching him from far away, and Legacy happily ambles back to your shop at the end of the day, arms full of rough gemstones

you blink in surprise when Foul Legacy pushes the door open and deposits the jewels on your workbench, after he's sure you've put all your tools away. he chirps proudly, rolling a chunk towards you to inspect, and after a moment of shock your face splits into a delighted grin, flinging your arms around Legacy as he rumbles joyfully. you're sure to base some of your next collections off of him, incorporating elegant moth-ish patterns with a splash of stars here and there, gold and silver and deep, rich hues. he trills in delight when he sees the bracelets, necklaces, and earrings you've made, watching you design them from over your shoulder, occasionally nudging your cheek to remind you to rest. his claws wrapped around you give you the perfect opportunity to measure them, discern his ring size so you can make measurements for the sketch on the very last page of your notebook, a custom pair of rings etched with stars, one smaller than the other- one for Ajax, and one for Foul Legacy- for when you finally work up the courage to propose

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rajiyagemjeweles · 7 months

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10.70cts Opal Raw, Natural Ethiopian Opal Rough, Uncut Opal From the Ethiopian Mines, Welo Opal, Multi Fire Opal Raw, Opal Birthstone.

Dm me more details for price intrested buyers.

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Custom orders also accept making jewelry and gemstones comment mine & Pm me.

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proxyedgy · 5 months

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So, a few months ago I remembered Houseki no Kuni was a cool thing I watched once upon a time and decided to look up the manga. And then I read it. Past where the anime adapted. Up to chapter 75, then I stopped because I am not in the state of mind to periodically wait for unfinished stories like I did in high school, so I'd rather stop at a pleasant point and wait a good while to pick it back up.

And, all's well and good. I had a good time and am still extremely invested in whatever new way this author decides to break my heart with. Catharsis and stuff. Yep.

But then comes November, I go to an anime event. With the intention of buying myself something. With my own money. Which I am stingy about because I mostly use to buy food since I hate cooking-- Bottom line, I am walking around. There is hardly any merch I would like to have. Still, I am having a good time being on my own and going at my own pace. There is a manga stand.

There is Houseki no Kuni. First two volumes. Translated in Portuguese. They have holographic covers. I buy before even asking the price. This is a historical event. I can count on one hand the number of manga I adore that get translated, and that number is now three.

I come home. I look up the publishing house website. There are more. I buy then in the beginning of december like a happy joyful idiot and they take far too long to get to my hands because of a silly little detail called xmas. Never heard of it, to be honest.

And now, now, finally, after all hope was lost, I received my package. Brought it home in quite the mood. Forgot to have dinner and am now suffering a headache because it was just oh so important to read the same story I read before, only with far higher quality than the scans I found online. And in portuguese. Have I mentioned that?

There is, a certain quirk, let's say, with portuguese. A detail that almost clashes with this particular story. Because this is, after all, a story about gorgeous gemstone people who are very much agender lesbians. And portuguese, a very unromantic language, absolutely loathes the idea of not gendering every word and concept. Therefore, when translated, all of the gemstones use he/him pronouns. I can't explain how that makes me feel, but it is a happy feeling, or at least so I'm inclined to believe. Male pronouns, female androgyny. Interesting choice.

Quite a lot of choices are make when adapting this kind of material and they were a joy to notice, I'll say. The way the word "sensei" has been translated, but his name remained as "Kongou", unlike every other gemstone. A peculiar detail, a good hint, shows the care put into this. The gems themselves, many pleasant words to see in my own tongue, some of which I had never read before and made me wish I had a class on gemstone geology. The more delicate moments, like turning the original "fu-an" syllables of the lunarian speak into something else while retaining the wind sound.

My, the work of an adaptation, it's such a creative endeavour. Translators have it hard, but to see something go a step beyond to be accessible in another language, in my language, like this, I have nothing but respect for every choice made.

And not to mention, how different it is, to have the book in your hands. Manga does not retain the scent I find familiar and comforting from my childhood and teenage years, but their rough pages offer quite a nice experience too. And, most of all, I find myself scanning them for details more easily, being far more absorbed into the lines when I can hold them close to my face like this.

This manga is quite a beauty. The lines are so simple, and that makes it so much easier to follow. The best part, however, is the sheer number of wide panels. Blacked out panels, with white lines. I've never seen a story that plays with panels like that. I love every single one. There is such a sense of shock, and scale, and emptiness, and feelings which I can't name. It's great, really.

Now, pacing, that is the despicable evil that makes me ramble so much. Because it's one of those stories, that ends every chapter with a cliffhanger, and it's such a tall cliff, I am indeed holding the thread from which these characters hang over this tremendous fall. I know the story, I know what happens, I read it recently, it's fresh in memory. Yet, yet, I am shaking right now, because the last volume translated ends, like every other before, in a scene so utterly tense that I cannot reach catharsis through any means other than complaining.

Yes, this was all a huge complaint, yet still I cannot bring myself to dislike even a single thing. The first time I saw this story, it felt mean-spirited, in some way I couldn't articulate at the time. It is, truly, stained in hopelessness, however that is not the same as despair. As I read it now, perhaps I understand it better, even if the sting still hurts the same every time. It brings up frustrations, and annoyance, and impatience. It's a story that begs for what-ifs, but couldn't proceed any other way. I find that true for all my favorite tales, so I suppose it's just fair that this one gets my number three spot.

I love, love, love you, Houseki no Kuni, Land of the Lustrous, Terra das Gemas.

#rambly #houseki no kuni #i need to yell at the sea maybe that'll calm me down

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vythanis · 8 months

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Site Write Prompt #30: Amity

Vy'thanis did not like to travel by aetheryte. It gave him the heebie-jeebies and he had a persistent mortal fear that only parts of him would reconstitute out of the Lifestream. He'd been there; he didn't want to do it again.

But it was a convenient method of travel and occasionally necessary, particularly when a client wanted exotic stones that were difficult to find but absolutely important to the design.

So Vy'thanis left Thavnair for the day to travel the Lifestream all the way to distant Kugane in search of a gemstone.

Once he'd made it there, his first stop was dango. One shopped poorly on an empty stomach after all, and he was quite fond of the stuff. After eating, he made his way to the markets and sought out one stall in particular...

"Nuriko!" he hailed as he approached the gem seller's stall.

"Vyth!" the little Raen woman cried with a broad smile.

"Hello, darling," he said once he was near enough to bend down and plant a kiss on her cheek. "How are the kids doing?"

She put a hand to her forehead and sighed dramatically. "I have another young one. Always so hungry. And fussy."

"Gods above, woman. That makes, what, eight? How do you care for so many?"

"Oh, my husband watches them while I'm at market. He loves them as much as I do."

Vyth chuckled. "That's a blessing then. Well-fed, I take it?"

The Raen woman fussed with her trays of gems out of pure habit, shuffling some of the more sensitive stones out of the sun as she talked. "Fat and happy, of course."

"So when do I get to come visit them?" The amity between gem seller and gem cutter was so strong that he occasionally traveled to her house for tea and visiting.

"How long are you in town for?"

"Just the day." Vyth sighed. "I admit, I came today with a task."

"Then get your task done and I'll shutter for an hour and we can go have tea and you can dote on the kids."

The Elezen smiled broadly at the invitation. "Well, since my task is with you, this should be quick! I'm looking for a labradorite, about this big." He squinched his fingers together in a rough indication of an ilm and a half. "Large, I know, and it'll get cut down, but good ones are so hard to find."

"Are you going to cabochon it or facet?"

"Cabochon." He nodded firmly. In his early years, he'd found cabochons challenging because of their smoothness, but he'd long since settled into his skills.

Nuriko turned away and searched among the trays set behind her at the stall in tidy stacks. "Good, good. Plenty of flash?"

"Yes, please."

"What's it decorating?"

Vy'thanis hesitated a moment before answering, "A gauntlet. One that won't be seeing battle, mind." He didn't want to get too into detail about his client's needs, because what Nemo wanted the stones for was his business alone. Well, and the gem cutter he'd commissioned.

"Oh? That sounds pretty. Just the one labradorite?" She turned with a tray of rough gray stones, but as they entered the sunlight, they awoke with flashes of blue and green and orange.

"Well, of that size. I might buy a few more just for myself. Since I'm here. And because I like you so much." He leaned forward and began searching among the stones with his forefinger, looking for the one that would call to him as ideal for his needs.

"Generous of you," Nuriko drawled with a hint of friendly sarcasm.

Vyth laughed. "Come now, surely I'm your favorite client."

"You are, but don't push your luck."

Vyth laughed again and plucked one of the stones out. It flashed blue and orange in the sunlight. "This one, I think." He handed it over into Nuriko's waiting hand. "Annnnd... This one." A larger grey stone with blue and green flashes. "And this one too." This one flashed mostly orange.

Smiling, the Raen woman bundled them up into a soft velvet pouch. "Three hundred koban," she said. She knew he paid in gil, but loved to quote her prices in koban just to see his eyes go wide. The koban to gil exchange rate was such that the prices seemed quite high to those not used to the numbers. She relented. "Or a hundred and twenty gil."

"Oh, much better." Vy'thanis counted out the gil and handed over six twenty-five-gil coins.

"This is too much."

"The rest is for your kids, darling."

"Oh, alright then. Fine. Generous, silly merchant. How you manage to stay in business, I have no idea." Clucking her tongue, Nuriko pocketed the coins and set about closing and locking up her shop. "Come on then. The kids will be thrilled to see you again."

"Do you think the orange one will sit in my lap this time?"

"Perhaps. If you offer him treats."

Laughing together, the two set off for Nuriko's home in Kugane to visit with her husband and eight cats.

#FFxivWrite2023 #FFxivWrite #writing

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lemonbaloni · 1 month

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what are some gemstones that you would like to add in your collection in the next few years?

GREAT TIMING ON THIS QUESTION!! My father’s bought me some Ametrine for my birthday(tomorrow)!!!

I mean, it’s not coming in for a while but still-

Besides thattt, ugh. I had the chance to buy a nice piece of Astrophyllite at a Ren Fair last year but my card wasn’t working so I’m definitely aiming to finally get some for my collection to make up for that-

Of course, I absolutely love so many different stones, being able to choose just a few is so hard!

Galaxite is very pretty, so is goldstone anD OOOOHH there’s a pretty big piece of rough Goldstone for 36$! …gimme a sec-

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devptel · 2 months

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my friend points out a pair of earrings, cartoon fish skeletons, silly and fun, says- these are so you. my friend picks up a citrine ring, the orange of the gem catches in the afternoon sun and shines and shines and shines; she says- this is so you. the lady at the market stand says citrine is a gemstone of radiant energy, it's positive, it's abundant. my friend says- see? so you.

we wander the pier and trade the comments back and forth- the knitted bumblebee keychain, that's so you. the carved driftwood art, all hollowed out pieces filled with dyed seashells, colour and life bursting from it's seams- that's so you.

some sunny afternoons i get to see myself through the eyes of people who love me. i get to have cocktails in the morning overlooking the beach just a handful of days after turning 26. i get to buy a novelty t-shirt at an amusement park, and i get to be there- here- present and accounted for with a person who thinks i look like citrine and driftwood with it's rough edges sanded down.

some sunny afternoons i get to be, without having to think about it.

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noamuth · 7 months

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Languages

Dalamus knows multiple languages!

Deep Drow/Drowic (spoken, reading, writing): Deep Drow is the every day language of the Drow. It is an elven dialect with borrowed words from other languages such as orcish, dwarven, and even human dialects. Like other elven dialects, it is said to sound eloquent and musical.

Elvish (spoken, reading, writing): By virtue of reading, writing, and speaking Drowic, he can use context to mostly understand other Elvish languages, but translation is imperfect and sometimes regional accents or differing words cause a roadblock in understanding. It is written using a script called Espruar.

Undercommon (spoken, reading, writing): A language mostly used by Underdark merchants and traders to do business, and those who regularly came from the surface to buy goods in the Upperdark. Dalamus used it when he would sell or trade his gemstones and jewelry in the Upperdark. It is written using the Elvish script, Espruar.

Drow Sign Language: Also known as the silent language, or hand code, Drow Sign Language is often used to communicate in secrecy. It has its own full vocabulary, with emotion and emphasis shown by the angle of the hands in relation to the body, body stance, and facial expressions. For anyone who isn't both fluent and able to see in the dark, it is almost impossible to decipher while underground. But for the Drow and their exceptional Darkvision, it is a perfect way to communicate in the dark tunnels without giving away their position or conversation.

Common (spoken, little reading/writing): Most sentient beings speak at least some Common, hence it.. being Common. And Dalamus is no different. It helped him immensely with trade, as well as conversing (or even flirting) with those who were visiting the trade cities of the Underdark for the first time. Although he speaks Common eloquently enough, some might consider his speech stiff, as he does not use contractions. He has difficulty reading and writing in Common, as he mostly only needed the speaking component for business.

Others (poorly spoken only, cannot read/write): Dalamus knows the basics of Goblin and Draconic speech. Enough to get a rough understanding of simple sentences, and possibly enough to figure out more complex ones with context clues, but not of much use in lengthy or deep conversations. He knows a few words in Abyssal.

#strighym headcanons

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artofjewellery · 4 months

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This Brazilian emerald came to me in its rough form, which I prefer so I can make sure it's not been oiled or treated (there's nothing wrong with gem treatments and 'oiling' emeralds to improve their appearance is standard practice in the jewellery industry, it's just that I personally prefer to work with gemstones in their natural state, even if it means they aren't as 'industry-perfect' as mainstream jewellery). This beautiful raw inspired no oil emerald has been securely wrapped in sterling silver, which I harden into shape using tiny intricate hammer taps and subtle hand shaping, and is available to buy in my shop.

The gemstone was cut / and this whole pendant was made entirely by hand using no machinery, gas nor electric power, it was all done using hand tools and inspired by ancient techniques.

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jinx-jade · 2 years

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Love in every Lifetime

[MGI Team Mixer Event Alphabet Soup Drabble — Letter L] The event of a lifetime, they called it. When the sky lights on fire and frightens the sun into hiding behind the moon. People gathered from all over the village to spend the day in the decorative plaza. Standing tables were set up around the edges near the stalls where someone could buy food, fabrics, and other goods.

The natural circle formed from the furniture surrounding the plaza became the center stage for all who wanted to perform without wishing for compensation. From musical instruments that came from exotic locations to dances of unknown traditions and origin. The most breathtaking performance was from a woman who was dressed in royal purple silks without care for the possible consequences.

The woman danced around as if she was merely a flower petal in the wind, twisting and twirling as if the movements didn’t scrap her bare feet against the rough stone of the plaza flooring. She smiled and laughed, loose silks fluttering around her in a dance of their own. The decorative silver pieces of her outfit clinked together like bells with each movement, causing the townspeople to watch on in silent awe as if they had been put under a magic, hypnotic, trance.

When the flower petal’s dance came to an end the crowd cheered obnoxiously loud. The dancer smiled and waved as she left the center area, making to leave the plaza entirely. Her eyes sparkled like gemstones in the light, an enchanting blue that seemed unnatural and memorable.

“Do we know each other?” A man dressed in emerald and onyx fabrics questioned the dancer as she passed by. The slight glint of jewels caught her eye as she stopped to observe the man.

“I can’t say.” The dancer purred, head tilted slightly to the left as if to think it over.

The man hummed, narrowing his eyes at the beauty that stood before him.

“Would you like to know each other?” The man asked, stepping into her space while making sure to keep his hands to himself. Silently letting the dancer know that she can leave if she so chooses.

The woman took a step closer, lips just barely brushing over the man’s ear as she whispered.

“I think I’d like that.” Pulling away with a silent laugh of amusement, she walked past him, glancing back in the man’s direction to cue the stunned man in on the fact that he was supposed to follow her.

The man dressed in emerald and onyx chuckled as he followed the flower petal who drifted through the crowd of people with graceful ease. She would look back and laugh from time to time as the man did his best to catch her. Luck appeared to be on his side as he finally cornered her in the dead-end of an alleyway, pinning her lightly against the wall, once again giving her room to escape if she so pleased.

“You’re quite difficult to catch, little thief.” The man similarly purred into her ear as to what she had done before. Except for the fact that he allowed his lips to scrap against the outer rim of her ear, moving down her jaw with ghosted kisses, never truly touching his lips to her as warm breaths fanned out across the woman’s skin.

“But I’ll be taking this back now, Love” The man claimed, lips curled into the slightest hint of a smirk as an accent not native to this part of the world twisting the word ‘love’ into something more before stepping away with a pendant in hand. It was a black glistening stone that had yet to be carved into, dangling from a solid metal chain.

The woman huffed, rolling her eyes as she slumped back to lean more weight against the wall.

“Oh come on, Dear. I need that little stone. It’s not like you know what to do with it.” The woman informed him, an accent similar to the one he had used, yet different all the same, curling tightly around the word ‘dear’.

“True as that may be, Beloved. Ŧɨ𐤨𐤨ɨ has some ideas as to what her counterpart would want with this, and it isn’t anything good.” The man explained, tucking the stone and chain away.

“How does she know that?” The woman asked cheekily. “Ꝓɫɐꞡꞡ could want the stone for something completely harmless,” she suggested without much faith in the words she spoke.

A skin prickling breeze swirled around them unnaturally, soft red and green sparks flying through the air in patterns unknown to the average human being.

“Looks like it’s time for us to go.” The woman grinned, sprinting passed him with a shove, using enough force to knock the man off-balanced.

“See you next Ɱøøɳ, Babe.” The woman cheered as they both disappeared into thin air.

Damian woke up with a start. He glanced around his bedroom to where the ladybug kwami sat awake. Once Tikki noticed her chosen’s attention on her, she shook her head, indicating the loss of the stone to Plagg’s chosen. Damian let his head fall back down to the pillows with a groan, throwing his forearm over his eyes.

Tikki let out a sigh of her own as she flew down to her chosen’s side.

“Now what?” Damian huffed, looking up at the pocket-sized goddess.

“Now we hope that the consequences don’t come back to harm us,” Tikki said with a shrug.

“Does she even know how absurdly long it took me to attain that rock?” Creations chosen growled, causing Tikki to chuckle.

“Oh, I’m sure she knows, Nymph. After all, she is as much your other half as Ꝓɫɐꞡꞡ is mine.” The ladybug kwami informed him, laughing at the expression he made in response.

“I don’t know why you act as if you hate her. You two always seem quiet-... smitten- whenever your souls meet in the past.” Tikki claimed, her chosen rolling his eyes in response.

“I don’t hate her.” Damian began, staring up at the ceiling as he waited for Alfred’s usual wake-up call. He didn’t have anything to do today anyway.

“Oh- I know that.” The goddess giggled. “I said you act like you hate her. At least, you do wherever she's not nearby."

Damian scowled at the being that embodied all of creation.

“Get her to stop stealing my shit and I would love to have her as an ally instead of an enemy.” He snarked, causing Tikki to soften her teasing tone and posture.

“I’m sure she would love to have you as an ally too,” Tikki stated, letting the silence that followed hang in the air around them until there was a knock heard on the bedroom door. He sat up, letting his legs fall off the edge of the bed as the pocket-sized goddess flew off to hide.

Damian stood up and walked over to the door, opening it to greet his pseudo grandfather.

“Alfred.” Damian greeted with a nod of his head

“Good morning Master Damian, breakfast will be ready in ten minutes.” The old English butler informed him.

“Thank you, Alfred. I shall be down shortly.” Alfred gave a nod of his head before walking off down the hall to presumably wake up his other siblings.

__________

The sun set the room on fire as its light bleed out into the night. Looking around, it was an office of some sort, armor and blades shelved neatly in their cases, freshly polished and sharpened.

He stood up, wandering away from the desk his past self had fallen asleep at. He followed the natural pull of his other half through the halls and into what appeared to be a kitchen.

“What became of that oh so precious rock that you just had to have?” Damian asked as he appeared behind Plagg’s chosen, snaking his arms around her waist loosely.

“Why do you want to know, Darling?” The woman asked in place of an answer, leaning the majority of her weight back against his chest, trusting her other half to keep her balanced.

Damian took that as permission to hold her, tightening his arms around his other half protectively, and placed a gentle, closed-mouth kiss on the base of her neck.

“Sometimes.” Damian murmured against her skin, “I think you were put on this earth to give me a headache.”

“Only sometimes?” The woman asked, tilting her head back against his shoulder, allowing brilliant blue eyes to meet glowing green with amusement.

Damian only hummed in response, placing another kiss on her neck, this time at her pulse point, then her jaw, and finally her forehead. His other half practically melted into his touch.

"You're a dangerous little minx, My Dear," Damian whispered into her ear.

She giggled in response, pulling away slightly. Damian naturally relaxes his tight hold to allow her freedom. To his surprise, she didn’t pull away completely, only turning around to lean their foreheads together. Her arms came up to wrap around his neck.

"So is this what it's like?" She asked with a teasing smirk. Her unnaturally blue, sapphire eyes, that Damian was sure he could spot anywhere, looking up to meet his own unnaturally green emerald ones.

"What it's like?" Damian repeated with a raised brow, a silent question hanging in the air.

"Being your wife." The woman laughed, pulling away completely to show him the ring that adorned her finger. "It appears we were married this lifetime. And from what she remembers, you proposed originally with a paper ring." She teased.

Damian examined the ring, bringing her hand up to his lips, and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles.

"It appears so. At least he got you a real ring after that mess of a proposal." He huffed, running through the memories of this past life, lowering their hands back down to their side. “Do I have to remind you we’re not actually married?” he asked in amusement, earning a roll of her eyes.

__________

His back slammed against a wall, heat from the explosion rising closer and closer. A harsh cough escaped as the taste of iron became thicker. His other half stared down at him in horror.

“Don’t.” Damian choked out when she dropped her blood-soaked sword into the rubble and took a step toward him.

Her hand shook as she brought them up to cover her mouth. A slight glance down at the blood covering her fingertips causes her to freeze.

“I’m sorry- I’m so so sorry.” She sobbed out, shoulders shaking as her hands fell to her side, staring without seeing.

Damian stared back, coughing up more blood as his injuries worsened as the clock kept ticking.

“I loved you in this lifetime.” He told her, head falling back against the wall, vision blurring from the blood loss and head trauma, but this past life’s memory showed that even at war they were destined to love one another.

“So did I- she-... she loved him so much, Angel. She’s going to-... She’s going to die as soon as she knows you have passed on.” His other half choked out between hiccups as tears continued to fall.

“There’s nothing we can do-” Damian claimed, sucking in a sharp breath.

“I know- and I’m so sorry- I… 𐤨ⱳɐɱɨ’s above- I’m so sorry…” She continued, falling to her knees as they gave out from under her. “She- I… I should have trusted you.”

“Yeah- probably…” Damian chuckled, coughing harshly as a consequence.

“I won’t make that mistake in the next life.” She promised, staring him in the eyes with a determined fire as the world faded to black. A broken sob fell upon his ears in place of a final goodbye.

__________

This time when Damian came to, he was in a bedroom with Plagg’s chosen pinned beneath him dressed in red and gold silks. A blush painted her face in soft shades of red. Her hands that had previously been threaded through his hair came to rest on the base of his neck.

“...I- uhm… Hi?” She greeted, as her current soul came to in her past self's body.

“Hello.” Damian calmly greeted in return, removing his hands from her wrists but keeping her caged against the bed as he moved onto his forearms.

“Uh-... Just- I..” His other half stuttered.

Damian hummed in response, allowing more of his weight to lean against her, dropping his head into the crook of her neck. An action that calmed them both in general, and that he hoped would calm her now.

“It’s all right, Treasure. Breath. I got you.” He murmured against her skin.

The only acknowledgment he received was the expansion of her rib cage as she took in a large shaky breath. The racing heart beneath him slowed just enough for him to no longer need to actively worry. However, needing to worry, and worrying over someone, in general, are two separate things, so Damian continued to worry anyway.

“Better?” He asked, pressing his lips to her pulse point.

“Eh- yeah. Sorry…” She answered, heart still pounding, but at a more steady beat than before.

Damian pushed himself back up to get off of her but was stopped when her arms tightened around his neck.

“Stay.” She commanded in the gentlest of whispers, and who was he to disobey his other half?

“Of course.” Damian agreed without hesitation, letting his weight continue to ground her, similar to the effects of a weighted blanket with added warmth.

This was far from the first time that their soul tethers had brought them back to their past life during an intimate scene. Though, luckily, the strings of fate that pulled them along their timeline as if they were simply puppets for it to play with, had yet to bring them back during the act itself. Only the scenes leading up to and after seemed to be accessible to the current souls of creation and destruction when they fall through time, and the two couldn’t be happier about the small grace that fate allowed them.

“These pasts don’t usually bother you to this extent anymore, Love.” His worry hangs clear as day in the air between them.

“It wasn’t-... I just-...”

“Breath, Doll. Take your time.” Damian encouraged, settling back against her neck as if that was his rightful place, curled up with his other half, nuzzling against her warm skin.

“...you died” She pointed out weakly in a whisper of air that was just harsh enough to ring throughout the room as she tightened her hold around his neck. Almost as if she believed he would disappear into thin air.

“The-... fuck! It’s just- The last time I saw you- you died- and it was my fault- I caused it- and I can’t-...” She choked on the fresh round of tears that began to fall, over a topic, an event that happened decades ago to their souls, but weeks ago to the current chosen halves of creation and destruction.

“Breath, Baby. I got you. I’m right here. We’re okay. We’re okay.” He cooed, littering kisses along her neck and jawline.

“But I-...”

“But nothing, Treasure. Have you been worrying about this since it happened last month?” Damian questioned worriedly, her silence holding all the answers he needed.

“We can’t do anything about the past, My dear. These lives have already been lived. The outcome is already set in stone.” He explained, hoping the information would reach her more logical side, but with the multiple lifetimes of emotions they had built up, it was unlikely to work.

He let out a sigh. “ I know I can’t protect you from everything, like how I can’t stop your mind from spiraling, Love, but I wish you’d let me protect you from the things I can control- like how I can help explain and break your thoughts down for you so they aren’t as overwhelming.”

“I know…some of it doesn’t even bother me at all anymore!” She sniffled, the room falling quiet aside from the soft hiccups.

“Like when you pushed one of my supposed best friends off a roof?” He asked after a few minutes with an amused smirk against her skin, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Wha- I- Ugh! You just can’t let that go can you!” She whined.

Damian pushed himself up so he could have a better view of her facial expression, hovering above his other half on his forearms.

“Nope.” He claimed, popping the ‘p’ with his playful smirk on full display. “What was it you said?”

She groaned, “Noo- stop-” dropping her arms from around his neck to cover her face in embarrassment.

“Ah- yes. And I quote- ‘I maybe kinda sorta pushed your best friend off the roof’ end quote.” He teased, balancing on one arm so he could use the other to grab both of her wrists, repinning them to the bed and out of her face.

“Ah. Ah. Ah. I want to be able to see you, Beloved.”

She looked up to him before quickly averting her eyes as a blush adorned her face once more.

“Sorry.” She murmured under her breath, just loud enough for him to hear.

“For?” Damian asked with a raised brow.

“Pushing that asshole off a roof.” She huffed, looking back at him in a blatantly obvious challenge, that he was going to completely ignore, seeing as he was trying to cheer his other half up, not make her even more upset.

“Eh- I never liked him anyway,” Damian claimed with an awkward not quite shrug. The position he was in did not really give his shoulders enough range of motion for a proper shrug.

“Because you were jealous?” She teased, raising a brow of her own.

“I was not jealous, I was being absolutely reasonable.” He claimed with a slight growl.

“Uh-huh- sure.” She laughed.

Damian leaned down, placing a kiss on the side of her head before rolling them over to let her lay on top of him.

“Rest, Doll.” He instructed, holding her tightly as his eyes closed with a few slow blinks.

“Night, Dove.” She yawned out, nuzzling against his chest with a content sigh.

__________

He was back with the league. In the medical wing more specifically. There was no way one of his past lives was a member of the league of assassins, and yet, here he was.

“Oh good. You’re awake.” His other half greeted in a dead tone that seemed so wrong coming from her.

“The Demon head and the Demon head’s daughter called for your presence as soon as you were awake.” She explained, moving around some herbs in a cabinet, not paying him much attention as she kept up the charade for any prying eyes and ears.

“I shall take my leave,” Damian claimed, getting off the medical cot and making his way to meet with the man and woman that would later become his grandfather and mother.

“You managed to survive. Look at that.” His mother hummed, walking circles around him.

He did nothing but stand before them, head tilted down at the floor to show respect to the demon family, personally knowing the consequences if he didn’t.

“It appears your little pet project was more successful than anticipated. Well done.” His grandfather praised, much to Damian’s shock.

“Hmm. I could still do better.” His mother argued.

“Of course, you can.” Ra’s al Ghul chuckled. “You are of my bloodline.”

His mother nodded and began walking out of the room with a sharp order to follow, and so he did. He was led straight back to the room he had woken up in. His other half was still busy working around the room. A click on his mother’s tongue brought his other half to a standstill, facing his mother automatically, dropping her eyes to the ground in front of her.

“This one is yours now.” Talia al Ghul informed her, shoving Damian to his other half, who caught him by the wrist. “I'm interested to see what you make of him, little healer.” His mother informed her, leaving the room without another word.

“That was… strange.” She claimed once they were sure of the fact that they were alone and not being watched in any way shape or form.

“That-... was my mother.” He revealed after a few moments of debating it in his mind.

His other half turned to face him.

“You’re an Al Ghul?” She questioned with furrowed brows.

“Is that an issue?” He asked in response.

“No- no- It’s just that- the only Al Ghul my age is the one that the old order of guardians betrothed me to.” She laughed, walking back over to the cabinets of herbs.

Damian blinked at her in surprise.

“We really are destined to be with one another in every lifetime.” He murmured, following her.

“So what did you do to get this far onto my mother’s good side?” Damian asked, grabbing the herb jars that she pointed at.

“I’m not on her good side as far as I’m aware.” His other half answered, gathering the jars into smaller sub-groups.

“Please- My mother must adore you.” He claimed, and at her disbelieving look began to explain. “One, you’re a healer. Two, you’re female and therefore, are not seen as a threat to my grandfather’s throne. Three, mother gave you one of her ‘pet' projects.” He gestured to himself for the last reason.

“Huh-...Well- good to know I apparently made a good impression on your family already, Honey.” She chuckled and began measuring the herbs.

__________

“All of you need to behave.” His father informed them as the limo pulled up to the gala venue.

A chorus of begrudging agreements came from each chaotic family member as the vehicle came to a stop. They stepped out, walking down the carpet of flashing camera lights in amusement as the reporters tried to place who was who through their masks, after all, what was a masquerade without a few concealed identity shenanigans?

The gala itself was a boring affair. That is until Damian caught sight of a woman standing before him with unnaturally blue, sapphire eyes.

“Have we met before?” She questioned, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips.

“I can’t say for certain, but I would like to know you,” Damian says in response, offering out a hand.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” She greeted as he took her hand in his, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

“Damian Al Ghul Wayne.” He introduces himself.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Darling.” His other half, Marinette, purred out in amusement.

“Trust me, Doll, the pleasure is all mine.”

#marinette x damian #mgimixer

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