đđ Hello and welcome to our sixth annual Flufftober đđ
Every year, we're so excited to share our prompts with you and look forward to all your beautiful creations that will fill the month of October with all the fluffÂ đ„° also, we're trying something new this year, so make sure to scroll all the way down and don't stop at the main list of 31 prompts or the usual list of alt prompts...đ
But first things first đ
đ As with all our events, our standard blog rules apply, and you'll find answers to most questions on our FAQ post.
đ Below the cut, you'll find the necessary posting info, all the prompts in writing, and explanations for some prompts.
đ Please make sure to read the entire post! If you have any questions after that, feel free to send us an ask.
So many Prompt Extras đ
đYes, we heard your plea for more alternative prompts đ
đ We also heard the tears of our friends in the Southern Hemisphere...
đ As always, you're welcome to replace prompts from the original list for whatever reason - no explanation needed.
Remember, you can use the Prompt Extras however you like:
đ to replace a prompt from the original list
đ to create even more content aside from the original prompts
đ mixed together to enhance one or more of the other prompts
Whichever way you use them, have fun and go wild đ
You promised us something new đ
Yes, we did - so welcome to the 2026 Flufftober Challenge Tasks đ
We hope you like these prompts, and now
Happy Creating đ„ł
What's the tag to get reblogged? âïž
đ The tag is #flufftober2026
Make sure there is NO SPACE between flufftober and 2026! We will NOT be checking other variations of this tag!
đ It's also good to mention us: @flufftober
đ We try to reblog regularly, but tumblr likes to be difficult and wonky. If you're absolutely certain a post has slipped past us, please send us an ask with the link to your post.
đ Please make sure that all info is easy to find, either in the post or the tags. It takes a lot of time and energy to research every other post. So, please make sure to at least include the following very clearly:
đ the day/alt/challenge prompt
đ the fandom(s) (add "original work" or similar if applicable)
đ the characters and/or ship(s) (add "oc" or similar if applicable)
What about the ao3 collection? đ
đ The collection's name is Flufftober 2026 (either as flufftober2026 or as flufftober_2026)
đ Our collections will never close, so you can always add any late entries.
Deadlines are my nemesis đ„č
Don't worry, late entries are always welcome!
đ Reblogs will become less regular after the event has ended.
đ We will stop checking the event tag after a few months, so please make sure to tag us: @flufftober
Prompts
1. âThis is so romantic.â - âYouâre so weird.â
2. New Opportunities
3. Signature Move (a dance move, a gesture, etc.)
4. Season Tickets (for a sports team, a theme park, etc.)
5. Reading Nook
6. Pet Shop
7. Pass
8. Cure
9. String (of Fate)
10. âAre you sure?â
11. Baking Together
12. Building a Winter Home for the Wildlife
13. Creating a new Playlist
14. Under the Sea or Up in the Sky
15. Watching a Game/Show/Concert
16. Practicing Together
17. âAbsolutely not!â - âAbsolutely yes!â
18. Herbs & Leaves
19. Group Activity
20. Flying a Kite
21. Bucket List
22. Old Love
23. Crush
24. Trust
25. Ring
26. Road Trip
27. âI hate to ask, but-â
28. Harmless Addiction (to coffee, to a TV-show, etc.)
29. Doing something daring
30. Beach Day or Hiking Trip
31. So long, Goodbye, Farewell
Prompt Extras
Last Year's Favorites
Alt 1. Pillows, Plushies, Piles of Blankets
Alt 2. âIs that my hoodie?â - â... No?â
Alt 3. Fake Relationship
Alt 4. Set up by Friends
Alt 5. Late Night Talks
Alt 6. In Vino Veritas
Alt 7. âStay?â
Well, hello there, Southern Hemisphere!
Alt 8. Hay Fever
Alt 9. Baby Animals
Alt 10. Making Daisy Chains
Alt 11. Sun Showers & Rainbows
Alt 12. Barbecues & Baked Potatoes
Alt 13. The Scent of Freshly Cut Grass
Alt 14. Flowering Bulbs & Fruit Blossoms
Alt 15. Burning Off, Bushfire Prep, Bonfires
- Burning Off: burning the underbrush, clearing dead leaves, etc.; burning in a small, controlled way so that if/when a real fire comes in the hotter, drier summer, it won't have as much to burn.
- Bushfire Prep: is all of the above, but also things like checking your smoke detectors, making sure your telephone tree of your neighbours has all up-to-date numbers, etc.
Challenge
Use one or more prompts from this yearâs list to:
C 1. Create a FIX-IT
C 2. Create something for a RARE PAIR and/or CROSSOVER SHIP
C 3. FINISH an older WIP (published or not)
C 4. Create something for a CHARACTER who deserves more love
C 5. COMBINE with a prompt from a previous year
C 6. Create something for a SHIP youâve never used before but always wanted to
đđ Hello and welcome to our sixth annual Flufftober đđ
Every year, we're so excited to share our prompts with you and look forward to all your beautiful creations that will fill the month of October with all the fluffÂ đ„° also, we're trying something new this year, so make sure to scroll all the way down and don't stop at the main list of 31 prompts or the usual list of alt prompts...đ
But first things first đ
đ As with all our events, our standard blog rules apply, and you'll find answers to most questions on our FAQ post.
đ Below the cut, you'll find the necessary posting info, all the prompts in writing, and explanations for some prompts.
đ Please make sure to read the entire post! If you have any questions after that, feel free to send us an ask.
So many Prompt Extras đ
đYes, we heard your plea for more alternative prompts đ
đ We also heard the tears of our friends in the Southern Hemisphere...
đ As always, you're welcome to replace prompts from the original list for whatever reason - no explanation needed.
Remember, you can use the Prompt Extras however you like:
đ to replace a prompt from the original list
đ to create even more content aside from the original prompts
đ mixed together to enhance one or more of the other prompts
Whichever way you use them, have fun and go wild đ
You promised us something new đ
Yes, we did - so welcome to the 2026 Flufftober Challenge Tasks đ
We hope you like these prompts, and now
Happy Creating đ„ł
What's the tag to get reblogged? âïž
đ The tag is #flufftober2026
Make sure there is NO SPACE between flufftober and 2026! We will NOT be checking other variations of this tag!
đ It's also good to mention us: @flufftober
đ We try to reblog regularly, but tumblr likes to be difficult and wonky. If you're absolutely certain a post has slipped past us, please send us an ask with the link to your post.
đ Please make sure that all info is easy to find, either in the post or the tags. It takes a lot of time and energy to research every other post. So, please make sure to at least include the following very clearly:
đ the day/alt/challenge prompt
đ the fandom(s) (add "original work" or similar if applicable)
đ the characters and/or ship(s) (add "oc" or similar if applicable)
What about the ao3 collection? đ
đ The collection's name is Flufftober 2026 (either as flufftober2026 or as flufftober_2026)
đ Our collections will never close, so you can always add any late entries.
Deadlines are my nemesis đ„č
Don't worry, late entries are always welcome!
đ Reblogs will become less regular after the event has ended.
đ We will stop checking the event tag after a few months, so please make sure to tag us: @flufftober
Prompts
1. âThis is so romantic.â - âYouâre so weird.â
2. New Opportunities
3. Signature Move (a dance move, a gesture, etc.)
4. Season Tickets (for a sports team, a theme park, etc.)
5. Reading Nook
6. Pet Shop
7. Pass
8. Cure
9. String (of Fate)
10. âAre you sure?â
11. Baking Together
12. Building a Winter Home for the Wildlife
13. Creating a new Playlist
14. Under the Sea or Up in the Sky
15. Watching a Game/Show/Concert
16. Practicing Together
17. âAbsolutely not!â - âAbsolutely yes!â
18. Herbs & Leaves
19. Group Activity
20. Flying a Kite
21. Bucket List
22. Old Love
23. Crush
24. Trust
25. Ring
26. Road Trip
27. âI hate to ask, but-â
28. Harmless Addiction (to coffee, to a TV-show, etc.)
29. Doing something daring
30. Beach Day or Hiking Trip
31. So long, Goodbye, Farewell
Prompt Extras
Last Year's Favorites
Alt 1. Pillows, Plushies, Piles of Blankets
Alt 2. âIs that my hoodie?â - â... No?â
Alt 3. Fake Relationship
Alt 4. Set up by Friends
Alt 5. Late Night Talks
Alt 6. In Vino Veritas
Alt 7. âStay?â
Well, hello there, Southern Hemisphere!
Alt 8. Hay Fever
Alt 9. Baby Animals
Alt 10. Making Daisy Chains
Alt 11. Sun Showers & Rainbows
Alt 12. Barbecues & Baked Potatoes
Alt 13. The Scent of Freshly Cut Grass
Alt 14. Flowering Bulbs & Fruit Blossoms
Alt 15. Burning Off, Bushfire Prep, Bonfires
- Burning Off: burning the underbrush, clearing dead leaves, etc.; burning in a small, controlled way so that if/when a real fire comes in the hotter, drier summer, it won't have as much to burn.
- Bushfire Prep: is all of the above, but also things like checking your smoke detectors, making sure your telephone tree of your neighbours has all up-to-date numbers, etc.
Challenge
Use one or more prompts from this yearâs list to:
C 1. Create a FIX-IT
C 2. Create something for a RARE PAIR and/or CROSSOVER SHIP
C 3. FINISH an older WIP (published or not)
C 4. Create something for a CHARACTER who deserves more love
C 5. COMBINE with a prompt from a previous year
C 6. Create something for a SHIP youâve never used before but always wanted to
Happy April 1st everyone, and this isn't an april fools prank, the prompt list is HERE! The prompts were chosen through first a prompt jar that got a total of 40 responses (nearly double what we got last year!) that gave us roughly 350 prompts. From there 70 text and dialogue prompts were chosen and put in for the voting form. The top 31 of each type made it onto the list, one of each for each day of the month!
And, since this is our second year running Fluffy July, we have decided to DOUBLE the amount of alternate prompts as well! Like last year, 10 of them are the mods' favorite prompts that didn't quite make the cut for the list, but this year we also have 10 prompts that were fan-favorites!
Rules:
Works can be in any medium. Fanfictions, original works, podfics, recs, whatever you please, go for it!
Prompts should be responded to in a form of fluff
You don't have to create for all the days to participate in the event
Works only need to include one of the daily prompts or an alternate
Prompts can be used after the event has ended. The AO3 collection will stay open indefinitely and as long as you tag us we will reblog. (although it might take longer than it would during the event)
No AI generated content of any kind.
(regarding completionists)
To be a completionest you must fill all 31 days before August 7th
The completionest form should open on August 1ts and be open until August 7th
(regarding reblogging)
When posting to tumblr please use the tags:
#Fluffy July 2026
The relevant day's tag (e.g. #Fluffyjulyday1, Fluffyjulyday2...)
Nsfw (if relevant) and any possible triggers
You can also tag the blog: @fluffyjuly
Below the cut are a text version of the prompts!
MAIN PROMPTS:
Day 1 - Shooting Stars | "You will be okayâ
Day 2 - Candlelight | âYou kept this?â
Day 3 - Cuddling | âCome lie down with meâ
Day 4 - Fake Dating | âYou love me?â "Always have"
Day 5 - Unconditional Love | âI'll never leave you. I promiseâ
Day 6 - Reading out Loud | âJust one more timeâ
Day 7 - Happy Tears | âWill you marry me?â
Day 8 - Fireflies/Lightning Bugs | âI looked everywhere for you!â
Day 9 - Blanket Nest | âStay with me?â
Day 10 - Eating Pancakes Together | âI adore your hands"
Day 11 - Slushie | âTry itâ
Day 12 - Oblivious | âStop staring at me like that or I might fall in love with youâ
Day 13 - Childhood Memories | âPinky promise?â
Day 14 - Accidental Love Confession | âYou stayed?â
Day 15 - Sleepy | âHold still for a momentâ
Day 16 - Wings | âYou look amazingâ
Day 17 - Dancing in the Rain | âDon't worry! It'll be fineâ
Day 18 - Beaded Bracelets | âIs it alright if I hold your hand?â
Day 19 - Forehead to Forehead Touch | âI need to see you, nowâ
Day 20 - Fangs | âLook at meâ
Day 21 - Slow Dancing | âYou could make me believe in angelsâ
Day 22 - Meteor Shower | âI bought you flowersâ
Day 23 - Fake Hating | âI hate youâ "No you don't"
Day 24 - Secret Crush | âYou had a crush on me? That's so embarrassingâ "...We're married"
Day 25 - Spa Day | âI think I love youâ
Day 26 - Rain | âWhat did I do to deserve you?â
Day 27 - Learning a New Skill | âLet's go homeâ
Day 28 - Stickers | âThat's a stupid nicknameâ
Day 29 - Touch Starved | âDon't leave me alone againâ
Day 30 - Standing up for Them | âWe can fix thisâ
Day 31 - Comfort | âForever?â "Forever."
ALTERNATE PROMPTS:
(Last year's favorite)
Alt 1: Found Family
Alt 2: Baking
Alt 3: Midnight Snack
Alt 4: Nursing Back to Health
Alt 5: Cuddling for Warmth
Alt 6: "May I have this dance?"
Alt 7: "I really mean it"
Alt 8: "You may be an idiot, but you're MY idiot"
Alt 9: "I can teach you"
Alt 10: "Can I kiss you?"
(Mods' favorite)
Alt 11: Community Garden
Alt 12: Rock Collection
Alt 13: Golden Fields
Alt 14: First Love
Alt 15: Tropical Breeze
Alt 16: "Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"
Alt 17: "The sky below is beautiful"
Alt 18: "What did you say?" "I said I love you!"
Alt 19: "I've wanted this forever"
Alt 20: "You're making sandcastles way too seriously"
Hockey Big Bang 2026 sign-ups are here. Full information for the challenge can be found at https://hbb.dreamwidth.org/113114.html
Timeline:
Sign-ups Open: Sunday, June 14 (now!)
Primary Fanworker Sign-ups Close: Saturday, August 1
Primary Fanworker Check-In: Sunday, August 2
50% Draft Completion/Summary Submission: Sunday, September 27
Summaries Posted For Viewing: Saturday, October 3
Summary Claims Open: Sunday, October 4
Posting Date Claims Open: Sunday, October 25
Mandatory Check-In for All Participants: Sunday, November 15
Posting Begins: Sunday, December 6
Welcome to the 2026 Whumperless Whump Event, where we celebrate all kinds of situational, accidental and environmental whump! If this is your first time, welcome in--if you've been here before, thanks for coming back!
FAQ and text version under the cut!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where can I find the prompts list?
A: @whumperless-whump-event on Tumblr.
Q: How are the prompts divided?
A: Each day has a "title" or a vague theme, followed by two tropes and one dialogue prompt.
Q: Can I use the title as a prompt?
A: Absolutely.
Q: Do I have to use all of the prompts?
A: Not at all.
Q: Can I use all the prompts?
A: Absolutely.
Q: If I'm writing a chronological story, can I swap days to fit the timeline?
A: Yes, just make sure you tag your days and prompts appropriately. If you're writing for day 6, but you post it on day 12, tag day 6, not day 12.
Q: Can I have early or late entries?
A: Yes. This is a very laid back event, and meant mainly to inspire lots of whumperless whump. It's not a strict writing challenge.
Q: Is there an Ao3 collection?
A: Yes! This year's collection is linked here. The parent collection also includes 2024 and 2025--make sure you select 2026.
Q: Can I write [insert anything here]?
A: Yes. However, this blog will not reblog certain topics (ex. nsfw or suicide), so please tag your works appropriately, so anyone can filter out anything they don't want to see.
Q: Can I use AI?
A: No.
Q: Can a whumper be included in the prompt fill?
A: The short answer is no. The long answer is that you cannot have the role of whumper in your prompt fill (aka: no whumper-on-whumpee); however, if the character you want to be a whumpee or a caretaker happens to be a whumper, then as long as they are not fulfilling the role of whumper, it's fine. Also, if there is a whumper, it must be totally impersonal and faceless. Here are some examples for clarification:
A character's drink is spiked at a party.
OKAY: The whumper who spiked the drink is never mentioned and is completely faceless, and the story is directly about whumpee recovering.
NOT WHUMPERLESS: The whumper who spiked the drink kidnaps the whumpee.
A character is left alone in a storm.
OKAY: The character is stranded or lost.
NOT WHUMPERLESS: Whumper tied them to a post and left them in the storm.
A character is mugged on the street.
OKAY: The whumper is a stranger, faceless, and the focus is on Whumpee.
NOT WHUMPERLESS: The whumper is a stalker and there to kidnap Whumpee.
All in all, if your goal is to fulfill the event, then try to avoid a whumper. If you're using the prompts elsewhere, then ignore this, but in the spirit of the event, no whumper roles please.
Q: How do I tag my posts?
A: Tag with #whumperless whump event, #wwevent 2026 and #wwevent day [x](Don't just tag wwe, that's wresting.) Make sure to tag the fill type (art, fic, music, etc) with #fic, #art, #et cetera. Then, tag triggers and content warnings. Please put these first in the tag order! It just makes it easier to reblog.
Q: How do I get reblogged?
A: Mention this blog in your post! It's the easiest way for me to find you. Otherwise, I won't reblog it. (This also means if you do not want your post reblogged to the event, just don't mention the blog, and it'll stay private.)
Q: I disagree with something/have an issue with a prompt/want to address a problem. How should I do it?
A: Send me an ask and we can fix it. I am more than willing to work through any problems--I am human, and not without fault.
I think that's about it. That's a lot, so if you've got any other questions that aren't on the list, feel free to shoot me an ask. I'm happy to help!
Plain Text:
Like a Baby Seal to Water: Fishtailing / Near drowning / "I thought I was going to die."
Somebody's Gotta Do It: Unexpected caretaker / Touch starvation / "You don't have to hide from me."
A Lull in the Chaos: Bedside vigil / Checking vitals / "Can you⊠sing? Until I fall asleep?"
How Are You So Oblivious: Unknowingly feverish / Falling asleep at work / "Can you drink some water for me?"
Wilderness Experts: Poisoned / Caught in a trap / "I don't know where we are."
Down The Wrong Pipe: Choking / Seizures / "Call an ambulance, tell 'em they're not breathing."
Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Panic attack / Overstimulated / "Get me out of here."
Are You Sure This Is Normal: Natural disasters / Scared of thunder / "We're safe in here, okay? I think."
Dropping Like Flies: Multiple whumpees / Caretaking while sick or injured / "I'll get some rest soon, I promise."
A Warm Welcome: Coming home from the hospital / Cuddle piles / "You scared me so badlyâŠ"
Bodily Betrayal: Stomach sick / Carried to bed / "âŠYeah. I can call in sick for you."
You Make Me Lose My Breath: Wheezing / Altitude sickness / "You're not making sense."
Waking In A Cold Sweat: Midnight hospital visit / Allergic reaction / "I thought you were getting better."
The Final Straw: Grief / Mental breakdown / "You don't need to be okay right now."
đđđđđđđđ -> Aurelia x Yoshitsune (Natasha Romanoff headmate x Original Male Character)
đđđđđđđ -> Four times they fucked in front of the fire, and one time they didnât.
đđđđđđđđđ -> 8480.
đđđđđđđđ -> E. Minor PTSD Mentions, ALL the smut.
đ/đ -> Check it out below, or on AO3 here! Masterlist can be found here.
Prompts -> - âTortured With Visionsâ - @fandom-free-bingo (Heroic Edition);
- âGratitude as Self-Careâ - Fandom-Free Bingo (Madness May);
- ââThatâs Not Really You.ââ - Fandom-Free Bingo (Reunion Edition);
- âx+1â â @flufftober 2025;
- âFire on Fire || Sam Smithâ - @seasonaldelightsbingo (Types of Love).
<- Chapter Twenty-Two
One.
I laughed aloud as we all but fell through the front door, shaking snow from my hair and grinning when he shivered. âSee? Youâre not as immune to the cold as you like to make out, Silver.â
âYou get yourself out of that wet coat, and Iâll get the fire going,â Yoshitsune ordered gently, pressing a kiss to my damp cheek before moving away. Humming contentedly, I hung my coat to dry on the back of the door, the sound of slowly melting snow dripping to the floor seeming loud in the almost silent house.
Artemis and Apollo were at the Farm, while Sammy had taken Lexi with him to visit Utseo - as much as he was unlikely to admit it, the ninja had a soft spot for anyone Yoshi regarded as his own, and was always happy to have the kids visit. It felt odd to have the house so silent - but nice, in its way. Yoshitsune and I had spent little time alone together since the pregnancy had been announced, and while I loved having my family flock around me, it was also good to have some one-on-one time occasionally.
The fire caught and flared to life, casting a gold hue over silver metal. I shivered at the sight, moving closer instinctively as the first hints of heat reached me, frigid fingers extended.
With a chuckle, Yoshitsune pulled me down onto his lap, pressed close to his chest. âGonna warm you up good, Swan.â
âYouâre wet!â I laughed, squirming. âThatâs not going to help!â
Humming thoughtfully, he paused, shedding his shirt over his head before pulling me close once more. âBetter?â
âMuch,â I agreed, pressing myself to his skin, fingertips trailing the site where metal met flesh reverently. â⊠I canât believe how beautiful you are.â
âYouâd know,â he teased, as he always did, catching my hand and brushing his lips against the slowly-thawing skin of my palm. With a contented sigh, I rested my head on his shoulder, trailing lazy kisses across his collarbone.
His hands slowly began to work their way under my sweater, the touch seeming warm in comparison to my frigid flesh, and I shivered minutely. âHm- whatcha doing, Silver?â I teased, glancing up at him, and he met my gaze with an innocent smile.
âGetting you out of these wet clothes,â he replied, his face the picture of nonchalance. A low hum of pleasure escaped me as the fabric passed over my head, shirt riding halfway up at the pull. His hands immediately found the exposed skin, smoothing his palm over the curve of my stomach, his mouth pressing gently to my throat. âGod, youâre perfect.â
I could only let out a small, happy whine as my shirt joined the sweater on the floor.
His head dipped, lips trailing lightly along over the curve of my breasts, one hand coming up to cup me through the thin fabric of my bra. âI could worship you forever,â he breathed, silver eyes shining when he glanced up, earning a blush in response.
âWell, you did drag me out in a blizzard,â I teased, arms wrapping around his neck. âIs that how youâre going to make it up to me? A little worship?â
Yoshi hummed, shifting me in his lap to drag my leggings single-handedly down my thighs. âMaybe more than a little,â he murmured, the warmth of his breath over my jaw making me tremble. âYou did get very cold, after all.â
My thighs slipped either side of his hips, pressing myself to him instinctively, letting the warmth of him sink into my skin. âI did, itâs trueâŠâ
He shifted quickly to lay me in front of the fire, settling himself beside me, hand roaming over my skin as though each spot was more captivating than the last.
By the time his fingers deftly unclasped my bra, it was no longer the cold that had me trembling.
The mouth closing around my nipple pulled a small whimper from my lips, hips twitching instinctively as his thumb make soothing circles over the bone. âDonât worry, sweetheart,â he purred, voice low. âIâll take good care of you.â
His mouth inched lower, pressing reverent kisses across my stomach before he moved to kneel between my thighs, unhurried as he shed my panties and dropped to his chest. My legs draped over his shoulders instinctively, offering myself to him without hesitation, the gesture eliciting a soft chuckle from the man between my thighs.
âAlways so eager, my Swan,â he hummed, lips ghosting over the soft skin inside my leg with infuriating patience. âItâs a challenge to make you slow down occasionally for me.â
My fingers knotted in his hair, whining quietly. âPlease,â I whispered, tugging gently. âPlease, YoshitsuneâŠâ
I gasped aloud as his tongue passed along the length of me, feather-light and teasing, and he sighed in pleasure at the sound, glancing up at me for only a moment, a joyous, mischievous glint in his eye before he lowered his head once more.
My quiet moan sounded deafening in the silence, punctuated only by the cracking of the logs on the fire. As if encouraged by the sound, the hands holding my thighs apart dropped lower, spreading me open to his gaze. Heat rose in my cheeks at the gesture, and I squirmed minutely.
âYoshiâŠâ
He hummed questioningly, eyes raising once more. âAurelia?â
My arm draped over my face, hiding my red cheeks from view, and I giggled. âYouâre allâŠÂ Looking at me,â I noted shyly, and he chuckled, trailing a fingertip along me lightly.
âCanât help it,â he purred. âYouâre just so pretty. You look good enough to eat.â
I opened my mouth to reply, feeling my face flush further - but the sound was cut off with a sharp groan when he pressed himself between my thighs once more. There was no gentle, light pass of his tongue now - only his face buried against me hungrily, his soft grunts sending sparks of pleasure shooting through my skin. âFuck,â I breathed, back arching automatically to press myself closer. âFuck, how are you- how the hell did you get so good at that-?â
I felt him chuckle softly, drawing back only long enough to reply. âIâm fortunate enough to be allowed plenty of practice.â
His lips latched around my clit as I squirmed, tongue flicking until I was panting. âYoshi- Yoshi, please,â I whimpered, tugging on his hair once more. âPleaseâŠâ He hummed again, refusing to raise his head long enough to form words, and I mewled pitifully. âI need you inside meâŠâ
With a soft, almost reluctant sigh, he drew back, wiping my wetness from his chin with a grin. âWhatever my Goddess wants, my Goddess gets.â
He was on his knees an instant later, fumbling eagerly with his belt, and I grinned at the sight. No matter how he tried to paint himself as suave and unruffled, there were moments when his goofy, enthusiastic energy shone through brightly - and I relished the beat spent watching his overexcited fingers tug at the leather, a small smile playing on my lips.
By the time he was lay over me once more, his hand gently resting on my hip while the other supported his weight, he was as bare as I was. My legs wrapped around him automatically, heels pressed to his thighs to pull him closer, and he grinned. âAlways so eager,â he purred again, leaning in to press his lips hungrily to mine as he pressed inside me slowly.
Our foreheads pressed together, I relished the slow movement, the patient drag of his cock inside me, heavy and thick. My arms passed around him, holding him tight as his eyes met mine, intense and intimate. The fire shone on metal and sweat-damp flesh, and I shivered beneath him, taking on a heat all of my own as his face dropped to my throat, groaning softly against my skin.
âFuck, LiaâŠâ he breathed, fingers curling tighter against my hip. âYouâre always so tight, so perfect for meâŠâ
I gasped as he drove himself a little deeper, head falling back against the floor. âI- I aim to please,â I stammered out, earning a gentle, breathless laugh.
âYou always do,â he assured me. His body lowered slightly, arm passing beneath mine to hold me closer. âMy perfect, wonderful Goddess, wrapped around me like a damn vice, so wet and eager⊠Iâm the luckiest man aliveâŠâ
The feeling of him moving inside me, of being held so closely, had my veins alight with pleasure, hips straining beneath his hand to press into each thrust. He chuckled, low and joyful, feeling me squirm beneath him. âMy needy girl⊠You want your pussy stroked, hm? Want to feel yourself squeezing me tight while you come for me?â
I whined softly, nails digging into his shoulders, hips shifting again, and I felt his lips curl against my throat. âPlease,â I whispered, tears of pleasure distorting the firelight on the ceiling.
With a small, happy hum, his grip loosened, fingers passing between us to find my clit. The first brush of his touch made me shudder, pressing closer needily, and he let out a soft groan. âGod, you make it so hard to take you sweetly, Swan⊠Trying to impale yourself on my cock, so wet for me - I can feel you dripping, pussy clenched around me like itâs a sin for me to pull backâŠâ He drove himself home with a little more force, and I moaned breathlessly, gripping him tighter. âThatâs it, my perfect girl. Hold on to me. Iâve got you.â
I could only shudder and whine beneath him, the slow movement making my toes curl. âFuck - please, Yoshitsune, god, Iâm so close already⊠So deepâŠâ
Growling quietly, he drew his head back to press his forehead to mine once more, eyes locked on mine as the fingers teasing my clit became more insistent, stroking and guiding while I quivered. âThere you go, Swan. So pretty with your eyes all wide, trembling and needyâŠâ His free hand shifted, weight on his elbow as he cupped my cheek. âYou come whenever you need to, baby. Let me see you give me everything.â
My release came patiently, built slowly by his careful ministrations, but no less intense for its prolonging. I kept my gaze on his as my lips parted, breathless moans turning to soft pleas. âFuck- yes, just there- donât stop, Yoshitsune- donât stop, fuck, please- Iâm gonna- Iâm-â
When I surrendered to the wave of pleasure cresting through me, his pupils flared, black almost encompassing silver at the feeling of me clenching around him. The muscles beneath my desperately-clutching hands tensed, jaw set with the effort of not immediately following me over the edge.
âThatâs it, sweetheart,â he breathed, his thrusts becoming stuttered and uneven as my body slowly began to release its tight hold on him. âThatâs it- fuck, love it when you come around me, love watching you give me everything youâve got, youâre so fucking beautiful, baby.â His gaze didnât waver as he buried himself to the hilt, letting out a soft, breathless groan of his own, fingers knotting in my hair to anchor himself to me as I felt him pulse inside me.
I was held to his chest, wrapped in blankets, his fingers teasing knots from my hair while I caught my breath. Feather-light kisses trailed over my throat, gentle and comforting, drawing a gentle hum of contentment from the skin beneath. âYou okay?â
âPerfect,â I replied softly, my voice hushed and reverent, head falling back against his shoulder. âYou always know exactly what I need.â
I looked up at him, eyes dancing with joy and pleasure. âAlways.â
Two.
I jolted awake with a whimper, the cold air on sweat-damp skin making me shiver violently, curling away from a shadow looming over me.
The walls drew in, pressing closer, suffocating, pressuring, closing-
Light burst without warning, and my breathing hitched minutely as I take in the space.
My room.
No shadow beside me. No walls creeping in.
Just a warm light and sheets twisted around my legs, and steady silver eyes fixed on me, filled with worry.
âHey, Golden Swan,â he murmured softly, arm passing around my waist - carefully making sure the cooled metal stayed over the top of my shirt, not wanting to chill me further as I trembled violently. He always slept lightly when I was restless, ready to respond if needed, and he didnât complain as he gently drew me into his side.
He didnât ask what happened - what I saw in the darkness. Even if the details changed, the theme never would.
But even so, I press my forehead to his throat, sniffling. âHeâs never going to leave me alone. Itâs always so cold thereâŠâ
Carefully, slowly, giving me time to object, he guided me closer, letting me press myself to his chest as his lips brushed my hair gently. âIâve got you. Youâre here. Safe. Warm.â
I simply sniffed again, curling closer, my fingers pressed to his skin to ease their shaking.
He was delicate as he lifted my quivering body, knowing what I needed without me having to ask.
There was a distinct difference between his soldier efficiency and the way he looked at me.
Bundled in a throw and tucked gently into the corner of the sofa, I watched his precise, quick movements, punctuated by the occasional glance over his shoulder to where I curled against the fabric, trembling. His hands may have been professional and unwavering, but his eyes were soft and warm, filled with concern and love each time they shifted to me.
I exhaled the moment the fire caught.
Golden light spilled across the room, throwing his silhouette into sharp relief and glinting off metal. The warmth washed over me almost immediately, and I let out a quiet sigh, eyes closing, comforted by the flames.
I felt the sofa dip beside me, and smiled when my body was shifted, pulled onto his lap with the throw still around me. I nestled closer to his chest with a soft, grateful purr. The feeling of him rocking me gently, humming against my hair, further soothed the ragged edges of my mind, and I felt myself relaxing under his touch, fingers caressing my spine lightly.
âI hate that he still gets in my head,â I admitted quietly. A small, sympathetic rumble resonated beneath my cheek.
âI know, sweet girl,â he murmured, holding me a little tighter. âI know. But heâs just a ghost - and I ainât afraid of no ghost.â
I snorted despite myself, rolling my eyes as I glanced up at him. âHave I ever told you that youâre ridiculous?â
He grinned widely. âFrequently.â
âGood,â I chuckled, nodding once.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, my fingers ducked under the edge of his shirt, tracing muscle and scars. I felt his chest shift as he swallowed, and lifted my chin, pressing a soft kiss to his pulse.
âMake me forget,â I whispered.
With a soft groan, he moved, shifting to pin me gently to the sofa beneath him, one hand already hooking a thumb into my panties and pushing them down my legs. âYou wonât remember your own name by the time Iâm finished with you,â he breathed, eyes alight. I giggled, the sound morphing into a gasp as he shifted, dropping his head to nip lightly at my nipple through my shirt. âToo many layers,â he grunted, tossing my underwear somewhere over his shoulder before pushing my shirt higher, palms gliding up my ribs reverently. âGonna need to fix that.â
A soft bubble of laughter rose in my chest as he tugged the fabric over my head, bursting free when I dropped back to the sofa with a soft thump.
âIf you had it your way, Silver, Iâd never be dressed at all,â I noted dryly, and his jaw dropped in mock offence.
âIâd still make you bundle up to go outside!â he argued, amusement clear in his eyes. âI like your body, Iâd rather no bits dropped off it!â
I laughed aloud, shaking my head adoringly. âRidiculous,â I noted again. With a grin, he settled himself between my thighs, passing his tongue over a nipple that stiffened beneath the touch, eliciting a soft sigh of contentment.
âYours,â he replied, almost gleefully, and I purred, fingers entangling in his hair.
âMine,â I agreed. With a quiet, delighted sound, his lips wrapped around my nipple, teeth tugging gently to make my back arch, the sensation shooting fire through my veins. âFuck, you always know just how to get me hotâŠâ
âThat was the aim,â he muttered against my skin, deadpan, and I rolled my eyes, the motion only half-completed before a shift of his hips against me made my lids flicker shut with a soft whine. âYou make such pretty noises for me,â he purred, head raising long enough to kiss his way across my chest to repeat his actions. Another whimper escaped me at the gentle tug, fingers wrapping into his hair lightly, holding him close to me. I could feel the grin against my skin as his hand dipped between my thighs, teasing my wetness, making my breath stutter in response.
I whined when his touch left me, pouting down at him, and he glanced up long enough to snort, drawing back for a moment. âI canât put my cock in you with my boxers in the wayâŠâ he teased - the words punctuated by his leaking tip sliding against me, a low shiver working through his body. âAlways so wet for me, Swan - Iâm the luckiest man in the worldâŠâ
My thighs parted further instinctively, heels meeting against the small of his back to pull him closer. âPlease,â I breathed, the longing utterance a mixture of both pleasure and a need to quiet my mind.
He pressed inside me with a patience and reverence that made my blood sing, head falling back against the sofa as his lips closed around my nipple once more.
âOh, fuck,â I whispered, eyes wide and sightless. âNo matter how often you fuck me, Yoshitsune⊠I will never get tired of this.â
His chest rumbled against me, a gentle vibration of joy and pleasure, as his hips rolled, patient and steady. My body responded as readily as always - muscles twitching to press myself closer, rising to meet him when he buried himself to the hilt inside me, always wanting more.
The fingers that had teased me returned once more, not with slow, light touches, but with more determination, his thumb caressing my clit in time with his strokes.
âIâve got you, sweet girl,â he purred, lips shifting to my throat. âIâve always got you.â
He nipped and sucked at the delicate flesh over my pulse, and I could feel the bruise already blooming on my pale skin in response - a visible mark of possession, of dedication, placed high on my neck for all to witness. âMine,â he breathed, making my fingers curl tighter in his hair.
He groaned softly against my skin, free hand curling against the back of my neck to hold me to him. âIâm so damn lucky,â he whispered, lips pressed to the spot below my ear. âHaving you in my life - our kids, our baby⊠Being able to do this with you, to make you feel so good that you cling to me like a lifeline while you tremble for me⊠Itâs everything to me, my Goddess.â
My breath shuddered out at the reverence in his voice, the passion, the firelight catching on the metal of his arms and casting scattered reflections on the ceiling, a kaleidoscope of color just for me.
âYouâre so beautiful.â The words came as a gasp as he drove himself deeper inside me, thumb caressing my clit with expert touches. âSo beautiful, SilverâŠâ
My fingers dug into his back desperately as he rolled his hips against me, holding me to him with a tenderness that makes tears prick my eyes. âThatâs it, sweet girl⊠You feel so good wrapped around me like this, taking it all for me,â he breathed, lips caressing my throat. âGod, I canât get enough of you.â
I giggled softly, breathlessly, my head falling back once more. âProve it, Silver,â I whispered, my legs hooking around his waist to pull him closer. âTake all of me, sweet boy⊠Iâm yours.â
He groaned quietly against my skin as my muscles tensed around him, the patient, rhythmic movement of his hand and hips in unison working me so thoroughly, so gradually to my climax that tears sparked in my eyes as I came undone with a quiet cry and a desperate shudder.
He stilled almost immediately after, body flush to mine as his own release came on the heels of my own, the steady clenching around him drawing him over the edge.
His forehead pressed to my collarbone for a few moments before he shifted slowly, still buried inside me as he drew me onto his chest. I quivered lightly in his arms, his heavy breaths mingling with mine as we lay entwined.
A blanket passed gently over my body without me needing to ask, and I smiled, pressing a light kiss to his sweat-damp skin. âIâve got you, my Golden Swan,â he murmured, his lips skimming my hair. âYouâre safe, youâre loved, and youâre home.â
I curled tighter against his chest, his steady heartbeat already beginning to lull me as the fire crackled softly on. âYou always know how to help me find my way out,â I replied simply, eyes fluttering shut with a yawn.
Three.
The kids were asleep, Kodiak snoring away happily sprawled across Lexiâs bed, and the house was, at last, quiet.
I was freshly bathed, hair piled in a messy bun, legs still bare as I dropped onto the sofa in one of Yoshitsuneâs old shirts - far too big and slipping off one shoulder - curling up with a book in front of the fire when the front door opened.
Yoshi smiled softly at me, knocking the snow off his boots. âPorch is gritted,â he noted, never taking his eyes from me. Within seconds, he was knelt in front of me, pressing a chilled kiss to my knee reverently. âYou look so at home here,â he observed quietly, and I grinned, setting my book aside to run my fingers gently through his hair.
âI am,â I replied simply.
He offered me that killer crooked grin - the one that made my heart flutter - and his fingers trailed patterns on my thigh, pausing only when the motion elicited a shiver. âSorry- cold, I kn-â
I snagged his wrist as he went to pull back, returning his hand to my leg with a grin. âNo. Well, yeah, a little,â I confessed with a chuckle. âBut mostly it was just enjoyment.â
âI see,â he replied, smirking, his fingers shifting to tug me forward a little, palms gliding smoothly up my thighs. âEnjoyment, is it, Swan?â
I hummed my agreement, letting out a soft moan when his head dropped to press another tender kiss to the inside of my thigh. My knees parted instinctively, and he let out a quiet rumble of contentment against my skin. âYou look so damn good in my shirt,â he murmured, mouth inching higher. âGood enough to eatâŠâ
I giggled, the sound morphing into a sharp gasp when his fingers curled behind my knees and pulled me closer. His eyes rose, seeking permission, and he grinned when I nodded.
My panties were gone before I had chance to react, and he gazed up at me reverently, draping one leg over his shoulder, the other pressed wide my the metal fingers slowly beginning to warm from the fire and my flesh.
âSo sexy like this,â he breathed, mouth trailing along the inside of my leg once more. âWearing nothing but my shirt, hair all messy, smelling of pineapple and mangoâŠâ He inhaled deeply against my skin, humming happily. âI love it when youâre all⊠Happy.â
I giggled, fingers tangling lightly in his hair. âI should hope so!â I snorted, shaking my head fondly.
âNot to mention,â he continued, rolling his eyes playfully at my interruption, kissing ever higher as his free hand met my stomach, thumb caressing the skin gently, âhow beautiful you are with my baby growing inside you.â
A small, delighted sound escaped me, and I shifted a little closer, moving instinctively towards those lips trailing along my skin. âYou think so?â I murmured.
âI know so.â
With a small grin, I tugged gently on his hair. âWhy donât you prove it th-â
My jaw clamped shut quickly as he pulled me flush against his mouth, tongue dragging slowly along the length of me. âFuck, Swan, you always taste so goodâŠâ
I let out a soft, needy whine though my clenched teeth, back arching. âAnd you have a sinful tongue, sweet boy,â I replied shakily, tugging a little closer. âShh, stop talkingâŠâ
He laughed quietly before wrapping an arm around my thigh to hold me closer, tongue sliding patiently inside me, the soft groan against my core making me quiver.
His mouth on me was as close as I ever felt to heaven.
That talented tongue alternating between pressing inside of me and flicking eagerly over my clit never failed to leave me breathless, rutting needily against his face within moments.
When two flesh-warmed fingers slid inside me, I shuddered, teeth closing on the sleeve of my shirt - his shirt - to keep from crying out. âFuck, Yoshitsune,â I breathed after a moment, having regained my composure, âGod, just there⊠So good to me, SilverâŠâ
He hummed against me, lips closing around my clit as he worked me patiently, tongue and hand working in perfect unison. His free hand spread my leg wider, pulling me closer, always eager for more, and I whined weakly into the fabric in my mouth.
âFuck- gonna make me come, sweet boy,â I breathed, hips jerking. I felt him groan against me at the thought, redoubling his effort, and bit back a cry of pleasure, the fingers tangled in his hair pinning him to me as I pressed against him helplessly.
When my back arched, his hand moved instinctively, pressing over my mouth as I moaned deafeningly, smothering the sound even as he continued to work me without pause. âYoshi- Yoshi, fuck, I-â
The words died as I whimpered against his palm, body jerking against his mouth, his head held fast as I came undone.
He worked me eagerly, his own groans muffled against my spasming pussy, tongue dragging through my folds as my climax crested and dropped, slowing only when I began to twitch with sensitivity.
When his hand left my mouth, I panted hard, eyes fluttering as his fingers slowly slid out of me. My own digits caressed his hair clumsily as his mouth gently moved against me, chasing every drop of my wetness with a soft, hungry sigh.
When his head lifted eventually, he was grinning.
âGood?â he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the delicate skin inside my thigh, making me shiver.
âGood,â I breathed back. âChrist, Yoshitsune⊠That tongue is the devilâs own work.â
He chuckled, low and satisfied, and shifted to settle beside me, skimming kisses over my forehead, cheeks, lips - light and tender. âYouâre worth the effort, my Goddess,â he replied quietly, pulling me closer and settling me against his chest as trembled with pleasure.
âYouâre too good to me,â I purred, leaning into him as his arms wrapped around me readily. He snorted and shook his head, fingers carding through my hair gently.
âYou deserve the world, Swan,â he answered simply, lips brushing my forehead once more.
I let out a satisfied mumble, more sound than actual words, and hummed contentedly as he wrapped a thin blanket around us, my eyes absently finding the flames.
â⊠He had fires,â I muttered eventually, the words coming soft. âThey werenât always lit, and I had no way to light them - he did it with magic. I got heat if I was good.â
I felt him stiffen a little beneath me, reflexive, any mention of my period of captivity always making anger surge through him. Not towards me - never towards me - and he would let me describe every gruesome detail if it would help, I knew that. But I still felt bad for his discomfort, and pressed a kiss to the side of his throat, soft and apologetic.
âYou never have to earn comfort with me, Aurelia,â he replied at length - but his arms held me a little tighter, a little more protectively.
I couldnât help but smile softly, head resting on his shoulder.
âI know, Yoshitsune. I know.â
Four.
We lay sprawled on the floor beneath a blanket, the furred rug below us cushioning us from the hard wood, Yoshitsuneâs fingers tracing lazy circles on the small of my back under my shirt.
Weâd settled before the fire after a long hike in the cold - fortunately without snow, but still close enough to freezing that weâd returned with pink cheeks and numb fingers (on my part, at least).
Without asking, heâd lit the flames, pulling me against his chest when I returned with a hot chocolate in either hand, the mugs placed carefully beside us.
But the beverages were long since drunk, and we hadnât moved, simply enjoying the moment. The house was quiet - the kids dispersed elsewhere for the day - and Kodiak had plodded off upstairs, no doubt to sprawl out on Lexiâs bed contentedly as he liked to do when she was off somewhere (and hadnât taken him along).
I looked up at him, and smirked.
His eyebrow raised. âI know that look,â he murmured, grinning. âWhat are you plotting?â
âA wager,â I replied, beaming innocently, and he snorted.
âOh, yeah? Like last time? Is Chiyo hosting another game show?â
I snorted, shaking my head, resting my chin on his chest to gaze at him adoringly. âI was thinking something a little more⊠Personal.â
The other eyebrow joined the first. âIs that so?â
âI bet⊠That I make you come first.â
He let out a short, sharp laugh of surprise, the arms around me tightening a little. âIs that so?â He grinned, pressing a gentle kiss to my cheek. âBold words, Swan. Are you sure you want to lose?â
I snorted, hand finding his chest as I slung a leg over his hips to straddle him. âOh, sweet boy⊠Iâm winning, trust me.â
I leaned in to kiss him, hair loose and brushing his skin, and he let out a soft groan, making me grin. âPromising start,â I teased, trailing my lips down his throat. A quiet, strained noise of pleasure crept between his clenched teeth, and I hummed, tongue dragging over his nipple as I pulled his shirt over his head.
âI wonder how long itâll take you to concede,â I purr, tugging sharply at his belt and earning an eager grunt for the effort.
âItâs like you donât know me at al- fuckâŠâ
His words died as I unbuttoned his jeans, palming his already-hardening cock through his shorts.
âOh, Silver,â I replied, grinning, and settled myself between his thighs. âIâd argue I know you perfectly.â
My fingers curled in his waistband, dragging his shorts down patiently, my eyes on his. The firelight glinted off the metal as his hand rested gently on my head, holding himself more than me as I trailed my mouth along his length, fingers wrapping around him.
âFuck, Swan,â he murmured, gray gaze locked unwaveringly on mine. âAlways so good to me.â
I opened my mouth to reply, but instead a yelp of surprise escaped me as he shifted with disorienting speed, pinning me beneath him, my hands over my head.
âMy turn,â he breathed.
The air in my lungs stuttered and solidified as his lips met my throat, nipping and sucking in a way he knew was guaranteed to make me squirm. âYoshitsune,â I sighed, head falling back obligingly. âMm- thatâs good, babyâŠâ
He let out a small sound of amusement, his hand drifting under the hem of my shirt and pushing it up a little, fingers curling around my hip.
âPromising start,â he quipped, drawing back to meet my eyes as he grinned, and I snorted.
âYouâre mean.â
âOh?â His mouth began to trail down my chest, pausing only long enough to pull my top over my head. âMean, am I?â Thumb teasing my nipple through the thin material of my bra, he paused at my waistband, looking up at me with amusement evident in his eyes. âSorry, should I stop?â
I glared playfully, fingers wrapping in his dark hair and tugging a little. âDonât you dare.â
With a grin, he rocked back onto his knees, dragging my leggings and panties off in one, and pushing my thighs apart before dropping back to his chest, arms curling around my legs to jerk me closer.
I let out a groan as his mouth met me, fingers curling in his hair once more, hips twitching. âFuck, SilverâŠâ
He hummed against me, eyes dancing as his gaze met mine. âThatâs it, sweet girl,â he murmured, drawing back to drag his tongue along me slowly. âLet yourself feel it⊠Give in, sweetheartâŠâ
I sighed, hands tightening, letting myself submit to the feeling of his fingers holding my thighs wide, his lips wrapping around my clit.
If only for a moment.
And then I draw back, smirking down at the sight of him with my wetness on his chin, fingers still laced in his hair.
âCâmere,â I murmured, tugging gently.
He was atop me in a flash, his mouth meeting mine hungrily. Whimpering softly at the taste of myself on him, I rolled us until he lay beneath me, my body between his thighs.
âMm- I taste so good,â I breathed, earning a soft huff of amused delight.
âIncredible,â he agreed, voice cracking minutely.
My lips trailed over his chest once more, letting his length drag against my body as I shifted. A soft smile tugged at my lips as I glanced up at him, settling between his legs once more.
The second I wrapped my lips around his leaking tip, he groaned, fingers gripping the rug fiercely. I grinned, drawing back to drag my tongue along him. âYouâre already close, Silver⊠Donât hold back on my accountâŠâ I purred, breathless and teasing.
He let out a low growl, gray eyes flashing. âCheater⊠You know what your mouth does to meâŠâ
Another groan, and his hand found the back of my head - never forcing, simply resting, grounding himself as my head bobbed.
The moment I took him into my throat, it was over.
He came hard as I swallowed greedily around him, my name falling from his lips with a groan, hips twitching instinctively as his fingers tightened in my hair and my eyes fluttered with pleasure.
As soon as I drew back, he laughed breathlessly at his defeat, and I grinned. âTold you.â
No sooner hand the words left my lips than he was moving my body, my chest meeting the rug as he pulled my ass up. I gasped at the sudden movement, but my knees inched wider, offering myself to him willingly.
âMy turn to make you scream,â he breathed, trailing the still-leaking tip of his half-hard cock against my wetness for a few moments, giving himself a beat to recover, before he slid into me slowly, nestling himself deep inside me as I shivered.
âFuck, YoshitsuneâŠâ I groaned, forehead pressed to the fur. âYouâre always so good to meâŠâ
His fingers curled around my hip as he settled himself behind me, free hand reaching around me to find my clit and earning a sharp cry of pleasure for his efforts. âThatâs it, my sweet girl,â he hummed, beginning to thrust into me with deep, steady strokes that made my muscles quiver. âYou just enjoy your reward⊠Every inch buried deep inside you, just how you like, my Swan.â
I let out a soft, pitiful sound, rutting back against him instinctively, head turning to look at him. âGod- Yoshi, yes- feels so good- I donât think I can- fuck-â
He moved a little more firmly at my stammering, lips curled into a cocky grin. âGive it to me, Swan. Give me everything.â
I groaned again, hands stretching out overhead to push myself further backward. His fingers tightened around my hip as he moved me on his length, speed steadily increasing as he caressed my clit. âPlease- Yoshi, just there, just like that, fuck, Iâm-â
My words faltered and died, silence gripping me for only a moment before my back arched. Already close to the edge from his teasing, his steady, precise thrusts sent me hurtling into the abyss with a desperate moan, my body shuddering and convulsing around him.
He groaned deafeningly. âFuck, Swan - it feels so good when you clamp down on my cock like thatâŠâ
His touch on my clit eased up, but his thrusts grew ever more powerful, my body jerking from both the motion and the aftershock.
âYoshi- fuck, Yoshi-â I panted, one hand dropping back to find his on my hip and gripping hard. âFuck- please, fuck me harder, pleaseâŠâ
With a quiet grunt of pleasure, he drove himself into me more forcefully, and I cried out in ecstasy, mind whitening. âThatâs it, my sweet Goddess,â he growled, hips meeting mine roughly. âTaking every inch so beautifully⊠So good for me, my sweet girl⊠So pretty when youâre wrapped around my cock and coming for me.â
I let out a soft, pitiful whimper, my fingers knotting into the furs. âDonât stop, Yoshi - oh God, Silver⊠Fuck⊠Gonna make me come again for you, pleaseâŠâ
He groaned aloud, hips snapping forward hungrily. âCome for me, Swan. I want this tight pussy milking my cock.â
The fingers on my clit caressed me more firmly once more, and I sobbed with pleasure, nails catching on the metal of his wrist. âYoshi- Yoshi, yes, fuck- Iâm- Yoshi!â
I wailed with pleasure as he drove himself home with a grunt, the feeling of him filling me so deeply pushing me over the edge. My pussy spasmed and clenched around him obligingly, drawing every drop from his pulsating length even as I whimpered and quivered from overstimulation, tears carving paths down my cheeks as I sobbed. âFuck- fuck, Silver, yesâŠÂ Fuck, I love the feeling of you filling me upâŠâ
He groaned softly as he stilled at last, staying where he was for a beat with his muscles shaking.
Then he dropped down beside me, still buried deeply, and pulled me flush to his sweat-damp chest. âJesus, SwanâŠâ he breathed, panting hard. âYouâll be the death of me.â
I grinned up at him, my cheek resting against his skin. âA good way to go?â
He laughed softly, eyes dancing. âI canât imagine a better one.â
âI always win,â I tease, pressing a kiss to his cheek lightly, and he smiled, his fingers trailing through my hair.
âYou always win,â he agreed, his lips brushing my forehead. âBut Iâm okay with losing to you.â
One.
The storm had been battering the house for hours before everything finally gave up.
The kids had been shipped off to the farm, sparing them the cold and the dark. The menagerie had extended the invitation to us - but I knew Yoshi worried about the house, and heâd seen through far worse storms.
And I, being stubborn as a mule, was not about to leave him there alone.
So we stuck it out with the fire lit and hot drinks on hand, wrapped up watching movies - until the house plunged into darkness, wind screaming against the glass.
The fire didnât seem like enough in that moment, and I stood gazing into the darkness beyond the window, my arms wrapped around myself.
Green eyes glinted in the darkness, and I shivered.
Yoshitsune was behind me in an instant, his chest warm against my back, fire-flush cheek pressed to my own. âI know, sweetheart. Iâm here. Iâve got you, my Swan.â
I nodded softly, leaning into him, the back of my head resting on his shoulder. â⊠Heâs out there,â I murmur, unable to tear my gaze away.
A study metal arm wrapped around my waist, holding me closer protectively.
I loved that he didnât point out that he wasnât, not really; it isnât like I didnât know that, after all.
But the ghost of him was, and that was enough.
My jaw set, and I straightened a little, turning to kiss Yoshi hard, my hands wrapping in his hair. âI want to go outside,â I muttered against his mouth.
I felt his face flicker in surprise, but he simply nodded, offering me my coat from the hook - thick and warm and with faux-fur lining, heâd gotten it for me when he realized that absolutely nothing I owned was fit even for the milder Canadian weather.
His lips left mine at last as he helped me into it, pulling the zipper up close to my chin with a tender smile, pressing a gentle kiss to my nose. âThere. The cold canât hurt you while Iâm around, Swan.â
He pulled on his own jacket - and some thick gloves, because while he may not be able to feel the cold in his fingers, the metal would become icy within seconds otherwise - and put a hand on the door. âReady?â he asked softly, looking down at me.
My fingers slipped into his, and I nodded once, determined.
The wind had died down a little, at least - but the cold bit instantly, making every hair on my body stand on end defensively.
It was⊠Unreal, in its own way.
The snow was so thick, yet barely made a sound as it added to the layer already on the ground. It seemed the only noise in the hushed world was our soft breaths, the crunch of it as it compacted beneath our feet.
I stepped closer to the railing that wrapped around the porch, gazing in wonder. âItâs kind of beautiful,â I whisper, watching as the falling flakes shifted and danced, obscuring the tree line barely twenty feet away. Pine and hardwood blurred until emerald faded, and I breathed a little easier, breath leaving my lips in billowing, frozen plumes that drifted and danced against the snowfall.
âYeah, it really is,â Yoshi agreed softly, and my cheeks colored when I turned my head, finding him gazing only at me, his silver eyes vibrant from the snowâs albedo.
I turned to face him, resting lightly against the railing, and extended a hand to him. âCâmere.â
Without hesitating, he moved closer, his fingers curling lightly against the small of my back as he held me against him. My mouth found his once more, stretching up onto my toes to kiss him and earning a smile against my lips for the effort.
When he picked me up, I gasped and giggled, letting him settle me on the rail with my coat tucked beneath me to keep out the chill. My arms wound around his neck, legs locking around his waist as I sighed into the kiss, into the warmth his strong, unfaltering body extruded.
âI want you,â I whispered, and he drew back a little, one eyebrow rising despite his grin.
âYou sure you can handle the cold, Swan?â
I laughed softly, tugging gently on his hair. âYouâll just have to keep me warm, Silver,â I teased back. He groaned under his breath, his head dropping, cold lips and warm tongue moving against my throat with rapturous attention. A low sigh escaped me, my back arching a little, pressing myself closer.
He dropped to his knees right there in the snow, fingers dipping beneath the waistband of my leggings, keeping my coat beneath my ass as he tugged them down to my knees and ducked into the space. The feeling of snowflakes melting on my bare thighs and his carefully-covered hands holding me open for him made me tremble, and he looked up at me, pale eyes dancing. âCold?â
âNo,â I whispered back. âNo, Yoshitsune⊠Not cold.â My fingers wrapped in his hair, tugging him a little closer, the warmth of his breath washing over me and eliciting another subtle shiver. An obliging groan escaped him only a beat before his mouth met me, tongue dragging a slow, reverent stripe along my folds as I whined softly. âFuck, YoshiâŠâ
âYou taste so fucking good,â he murmured, hands shifting, thumbs parting skin so his tongue could press deeper inside me. âPussy already dripping for me, even in the middle of a stormâŠâ
My free hand curled around the railing hard, the wood groaning under the pressure. âOh- fuck- thatâs it, sweet boy, fuckâŠâ
He grunted against me, his lips latching around my clit hungrily, tongue flicking with practiced, expert precision, making my thighs shake. He was too good to me, for sure; he knew exactly what I liked, exactly how to make my body squirm and writhe for him. The heels against his back pressed him closer insistently, head falling back, almost oblivious to the flakes falling on my cheeks. Arms curled around my thighs, he held me fast, working me like my pleasure sustained him.
A groan vibrating around my clit pushed me over the edge as I whimpered, the sound escalating into a sharp cry as my legs clamped around his head, a gust of wind carrying the sound into the night.
By the time he ducked free, I was trembling, the chill settling in once more as adrenaline faded.
I slid to my feet without fixing my leggings, and bent over the railing pointedly, shifting my coat higher, ass bared to the cold air. Yoshitsune was on his feet in an instant, his belt clinking quickly. I felt his head slide against me once, hurried and hungry, before he thrust into me deeply, one arm locking around my waist to steady me as his free hand wrapped around the rail beside my own. I shuddered and moaned at the ferocity, pressing back insistently when he paused.
He groaned roughly, and his fingers shifted to my hip. âSuch a needy little ballerina⊠Donât worry - Iâm going to have you squirting on my cock in a few minutes.â
He pulled back slowly before driving home once more, setting up a brutal pace, the wood creaking beneath his grip as I gasped, head falling forward, tendrils hanging toward the snow and jerking with the force.
âFuck, youâre so beautiful,â he breathed, bending low over my back as he drove into me hungrily. âLook at you, my gorgeous Swan⊠Taking every fucking inch in a blizzard, dripping on my cock so prettilyâŠâ
I whimpered weakly, forehead pressed to the back of my forearm, fingers finding his and holding tight. âYes- fuck, Yoshi, please- Fuck me harder- ruin me, Silver-â
My free hand slipped between my legs to stroke myself desperately as he obeyed, slamming into me with enough force to make my chilled skin sting.
He didnât stop as I spasmed around him, sobbing his name, my wetness running down my own thighs. If anything, he made his thrusts longer, letting me feel every inch moving inside me as I came undone for him.
The moment my rhythmic clenching stopped, he drew back - only long enough to turn me quickly, lifting me easily with one foot planted on the fabric around my ankles to pull it off fully; I giggled breathlessly when only one of my thick boots slid free, leaving the material hanging uselessly from the other. But he didnât stop to rectify the issue as my legs wrapped around his waist, his gloved hands beneath my ass to protect it from the cold wood as he pushed inside me once more. Deep, punishing strokes that had stars sparking behind my eyes, my nails tightening in his shoulder. âThatâs it, my Goddess - so fucking tight, so wet for me- you feel so fucking goodâŠâ
He let out a rough, stuttered groan, every muscle tense beneath my hands as his mouth met my throat, nipping and sucking at the offered skin when my head fell back.
âYes- fuck, please, Yoshi- come inside me, mark me- Iâm yours, sweet boy, all yours, please-â
He buried himself to the hilt with deafening groan, one hand sliding up my back to hold me tight to his chest as he pulsed inside me, the snow melting on our skin and mixing with the sweat and wetness from our passion.
The woods were dark behind us now. Not a flash of malicious gaze in sight.
He carried me back inside, bundled protectively to his chest, my leggings still hanging from one ankle. Our mingled essence on my thighs gleamed in the light of the fire, and he grinned at the sight as he tugged off my wet layers, snagging a dry towel to rub my chilled skin quickly.
When I was deposited in front of the fire, a blanket around my shoulders, he stripped off his own soaked clothes, flopping beside me with a grin as one hand found my leg, now without gloves and making me yelp at the cold.
âYouâre freezing!â
âYou love it,â he replied with a grin, pulling me into his lap, his arms tight around me as my shivers subsided. âDoing okay? Warming up? Anything hurt?â
I smiled softly, pressing my forehead to his. âIâm doing wonderfully, Silver,â I assured him gently, lips brushing his. âYou always know how to make everything feel safe.â
He let out a soft, contented sigh, tucking me closer to his chest, pressing a tender kiss to my hair. âGood. That means Iâm doing my job right - keeping you safe, warm, cozy, loved⊠And thoroughly fucked.â
I snorted affectionately, cheek resting over his heart, the beat steady and soothing, our limbs entangled as the snow fluttered harmlessly against the windows.
For a long time, Yoshitsune refused to acknowledge that I was not a morning person.
Rising with the sun - or before it, in the long Canadian winter - was something that he had never quite let go of, used to making his bed with hospital corners, moving through his morning routine with military precision.
From the moment I embraced a life free from the rigorous demands and harsh punishments of the Red Room, I had decided that I was not going to drag myself unnecessarily from a warm nest of blankets and sheets when there was no pressing need to do so.
There was a little while where he tried lightheartedly to cajole me into joining him. I sat with him on the porch, coffee in hand - his black and bitter, mine loaded with sugar - and I admitted readily that the colors exploding on the horizon were breathtaking.
It took a simple negotiation in order to get him back to bed; the moment my shirt came off, he was helpless, following me inside without looking back.
After that, we tended to rise together - more often that not with satisfied grins and an unmade bed.
He wasnât the most experienced chef, but he was passionate about my eating enough to put in the time in the kitchen.
I, meanwhile, had never quite shaken myself free of the idea that food meant pain. My palate had adjusted, calling for extravagances and dramatics - borscht with extra dill and curry with ghost peppers. He argued me down to habaneros after one particular experience had him chugging milk and wheezing, his fingers gripping the table so hard that the wood groaned.
âIf you feed that to the children, Iâm calling CPS.â
Apollo was the only one who had my taste for spice; Yoshitsune would watch in awestruck horror as he sneaked chillies straight from the back, eating them raw without batting an eye.
It was this that made him declare our youngest a tougher soldier than he could ever be, earning Appieâs huge grin and giggle of delight.
Suffice to say, we typically cooked together - working with one another to create something rich and flavorful, ending up with a meal we could all enjoy - most of the time.
It was well-established that my body was not designed for the cold long before I moved north. Even before the events in Asgard, I didnât handle the cold well - my small, slender form lacked the insulation, delicate feet relied upon for dancing more than sub-zero temperatures were want to facilitate.
Yoshitsune, however, was a true Canadian. The windows remained cracked throughout the year, a single thin blanket draped over his mostly-nude form in the night.
Until me, of course.
If there was one thing Yoshitsune would not compromise on, it was keeping me warm enough.
Windows became shut tight. A thick comforter covered the bed. The fires stayed lit almost endlessly for several months of the year, heat radiating through the cabin and wreathing around us. When I expressed concern about altering his natural environment, he simply smiled, shrugging his shirt over his head and leaning back against the sofa, letting the warmth radiate from his skin. Iâd curled into his side with a contented sigh, earning a soft grunt of discomfort when my cold hand met his chest.
He was always willing to endure the spike of discomfort for me to press frozen flesh to warmth, thawing me out without complaint.
I hadnât always been social.
For a lot of my life, I avoided people. I was known in reflection. Nat didnât realise until years after the first time I piloted the body that Iâd been around for a while - finding comfort in the solace of darkness, stealing away to the custom-made studio while the compound slept. Nat woke with blood on her toes and no memory of how it got there.
Then I was discovered. I was loved. I was slowly introduced to a world that was both terrifying and magical.
I relished the isolation of my life as it was now - my existence in the quiet of the woods with Yoshitsune and our family. Never far from those I loved, thanks to Stephenâs portal, but it was a contact driven by choice, not inescapable proximity.
Suddenly, I had the ability to choose. And choosing crowds and chaos was an option I made frequently, unflinchingly.
Yoshitsune was more quiet, more observant. He would happily limit himself for most of the year to only our close family, content in his Canadian wilderness, hiking mountains and tearing along roads on his motorbike at speeds that made my blood run cold.
But for me, he attended festivals and parades. He spent multiple days a month at the compound and the farm, never faltering.
He let me pull him into the spotlight - both physical and metaphorical - and I adored him for it.
When Iâd asked him once - quietly, curiously - heâd only smiled, cupping my jaw gently in one unwavering hand.
âYouâre the sun,â he replied simply, shrugging. âItâs an honor to be around your light.â
While I would be the first to argue that gently encouraging social interaction was a good thing, Iâd also be the first to note that he made me better in a lot of ways, too. His calm kept me grounded. His ability to think rationally kept us in food and home - and, at one point, was the only reason Artemis didnât end up with a house-pony.
He was handy - when I declared the broken porch light an art installation, tying a bow around it, he laughed and kissed my cheek. The next time we went out in the dark, it blazed with an unwavering light, complete with the bow Iâd made.
We sat outside under that same lampâs glow one night, and I gazed up at it quietly, his fingers stroking gentle lines down my spine.
âDo you ever wonder why we work?â I asked, my voice soft, cheek resting against his chest as I watched the fireflies gather. When he made a small, curious sound, I shifted my gaze to his. âWeâre so different. Sometimes it feels like⊠We shouldnât go so well together, you know?â
He considered my words for a moment, quiet and thoughtful, his touch on my back never pausing. âYou bring the fire,â he replied gently, shrugging, âand I bring the steady. We work because between us, we can burn bright without going out.â
Slowly, I grinned, leaning closer, chest aching with adoration. âSolar opposites with the same orbit,â I declared, and he laughed, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
âI donât know. Iâd say youâre the center of my universe, Swan.â
Summary: For the flufftober 2025 day 10 prompt: Set up by friends.
Ryan is set up by his friends for a date. Turns out, his blind date is none other than Dylan. The one he had a massive crush on⊠Until he cut his hand off.
How awkward can a reunion really be?
âWhat is there to talk about, Dyl. I ruined your life,â
âAnd here I thought I was the dramatic one-â
âDylan. I cut your hand off! Youâre missing a hand because of me! Who knows how much trouble you have to go through in your daily life! Let alone doing things you always loved to do! Like tinkering with technology and what not! And for what!? It wasnât necessary at all!â Ryan ranted in an angry whisper hiss. His eyes were desperately fluttering across Dylanâs face as if he could find the pain hidden there. While also, desperately, trying to hold his composure, hold himself in. Otherwise, he would end up crying. And he wasnât even the one who was hurt!
Warning: None
AO3 link
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Ryan wasnât sure if he was impatient or if it was his nerves that made him glance at his watch every few seconds. He also wasnât sure why he even agreed to this in the first place. Heâd told his friends he was fine. He didnât want to date, he enjoyed his peace. Truly, he was fine. He had several friends with whom he could hang out. College was definitely killing him. The only other thing on his schedule was seeing his therapist. One who actually knew about the supernatural.
If it hadnât been for her, he wouldâve lost his mind by now.
Well, not just his therapist, his friends were amazing too. First, Kaitlyn, who ended up going to the same college as him. Abi, with whom he was still texting and with whom he met up at times. But also his new friends, who were a great reminder that not everything was about werewolves and monsters. He saw enough of those in his nightmares.
So no, he didnât need a partner. Or go on a date. Or the extra stress of this. Why had his friends put him up to this? Better yet, why had he agreed?
Besides, his date was late. Barely a few minutes, which he would normally not care about. But he didnât want to be here. How long did he need to wait before leaving, without it coming off as rude? Without his friends chewing him out for it later? He sighed, rolled his shoulders and slouched back into the couch. His eyes wandered around the small cafe. It wasnât much. A few tables, a wall showing off all coffee bean flavours, several big windows and a small counter for coffee and cakes. It was basic. Simple wooden tables and chairs, decorations that look like someone took the most basic Pinterest board as inspiration and made it boring. But it was close by to him, and familiar.
The cafe was bustling with people. Most tables were taken, a few people were standing around, and baristas behind the counter were working hard to take orders. It was frustrating. Who was he even looking for?
âWe do still have a table free over there?â
âOh great! Though one moment, please. You see, Iâm waiting for someone. However, I donât know who that someone is, which you can totally blame on my friends. So then it would be awkward if he were already at a table and I went to find my own.â A very familiar voice washed over Ryan. It didnât take him long to find the owner of that voice, one he would recognise everywhere. âJust give me a moment while I get my phone out of my pocket, and donât drop it in the process. I swear those things are purposely slippery.â
For a moment, it felt as if Ryanâs whole world stopped. As if someone had pushed the pause button on life. Dylan was there. Standing there, in the middle of the shop. Phone in his right hand, supported by the stump of his left.
That was his fault.
His hair was a little bit longer than Ryan remembered, but still as styled as before. Comfortable sneakers and jeans that he wore, no matter the weather.
Ryan felt his heart beating in his throat as he attempted to swallow. With shaky hands, he reached for his own phone, almost losing grip of it, and he had two hands! Quickly wiped his hands down his pants so he could actually type.
âPlease tell me you didnât. Not him!â
âYes, him.â
âKAITLYNâ
âYou always liked him, I donât see what the problem is.â
âI ruined his life! Ruined it!â
âDonât be so dramatic. Besides, the best moment to apologise! Or even better, kiss and make up!â
âRyan?â It was Dylanâs voice, sounding almost hopeful. It broke his heart even more. Dylan shouldnât look forward to seeing him again. Ryan bit the inside of his cheek. Now what? The truth was, he wanted nothing more than to see and talk to Dylan. But how could he?
He locked his phone and placed it on the table before looking up. He attempted to smile, but wasnât sure what kind of smile it ended up being. The mixed feelings of happiness at seeing Dylan and sadness at what happened.
âSo, youâre my set-up?â Ryan ended up saying, having no clue how else to respond. Getting up and just hugging the man? Thanking him for not running away the second he spotted Ryan? He even sounded almost like the Dylan he knew before everything went to hell. He started to play with the hem of his shirt, unsure of what to do next.
âOkay, hold on, let me guess. Youâre still friends with Kaitlyn?â
âSame college.â
âWell, there you have it! Weâre still friends and texting. This seems like just the thing for her to do,â Dylan chuckled as he sat down opposite Ryan. Ryan bit his lip but couldnât really contain his smile. âSheâs been complaining that I need to go out and meet new people, Jada, Jada, you know how she is. Though ironically, I donât think this counts! After all, this isnât meeting new people. But you wonât hear me complaining.â Ryan, however, was going to complain to her. He wasnât ready for this. How was he supposed to apologise? How could he ever make it up to him.
âYouâve been here before? What are some good beverages?â Dylan asked. Ryan couldnât help but watch in slight fascination as to how Dylan was handling the menu. He picked up one side of the menu and pulled it upwards. He swerved it around before laying it down again. It made him very conscious about the fact that he could just pick it up, and fold it open. Using both hands. Which he did, and never felt this conscious about before.
âRyan?â Ryan looked up when Dylan said his name. It took him a second to realise he hadnât answered and was just staring instead.
âSorry, yeah, I-just..â He stumbled over his words. Ryan groaned and ran a hand over his face. Dylan was asking him a simple question! Why couldnât he answer it!
Ryan looked up when he felt a weight on the hand still holding the menu. Dylan had reached out and given him a crooked smile.
âOr. Maybe. We need to talk first? Which isnât my strongest quality. Well, no, thatâs not true. Iâm great at talking, but thatâs usually nonsense. Or some stupid jokes or whatever. Not really these types of talks. But yeah, we might need to,â Dylan said, and Ryan just felt his whole posture crumble.
âWhat is there to talk about, Dyl. I ruined your life,â
âAnd here I thought I was the dramatic one-â
âDylan. I cut your hand off! Youâre missing a hand because of me! Who knows how much trouble you have to go through in your daily life! Let alone doing things you always loved to do! Like tinkering with technology and what not! And for what!? It wasnât necessary at all!â he ranted in an angry whisper hiss. His eyes were desperately fluttering across Dylanâs face as if he could find the pain hidden there. While also, desperately, trying to hold his composure, hold himself in. Otherwise, he would end up crying. And he wasnât even the one who was hurt!
âWhat can I get you guys?â
Ryan removed his hand from underneath Dylanâs and sat back. He pressed his lips tightly together as he let out a deep breath. That had gone horribly. From all the scenarios heâd ever come up with, this hadnât been one of them. It wasnât even an apology. He watched Dylan. The man was using his right hand to point at something on the menu. But that wasnât where his eyes went. His left wrist was in the air, with something light beige covering the end and further up his wrist. Dylan was waving it around as he normally did, using his hands to talk. But without the hand this time.
âAnd for you?â Ryan looked up and noticed the baristaâs attention on him. Wearing the company's clothes, she had a blond ponytail, a bored look on her face, and was holding an order pad.
âIced cappuccino, please,â he ordered, knowing it was on the menu, not bothering to look through it again.
âAnything with it?â
âNo, Iâm good,â he said, fake smile on his face.
âAlright, it will be there in a moment,â she replied and walked away. Leaving both of them in an awkward silence.
âListen, Ryan.â Ryan looked up. Dylan had an intense look on his face and didnât avert his eyes. For some reason, he couldnât either. Dylan was still gorgeous, and the knots in his stomach were still there. As if they were back at the campfire before it all went to hell.
âItâs absolutely fucked up, what happened, alright? Iâve got trauma. Iâm seeing a therapist. Iâll not claim that everything is fine and dandy, because itâs not,â Dylan started, and his voice was strained. Ryan hated it. His gaze was drawn downwards as Dylan, once again, grabbed Ryanâs left hand with their right. Mostly, he noticed how Dylanâs left stump hovered, as if he automatically wanted to do the same. For a second, Ryan hesitated. Would it be weird? What would Dylan think of it?
In the end, he moved his right hand towards the middle of the table and laid it down, palm up. Uncertain, he looked up and saw the surprise in Dylan's face. His face, it was so expressive. Heâd missed looking at it. He watched Dylan slowly move his left arm forward. Until the wrist, or what was left of it, was in Ryan's hand. Carefully, uncertain how much it would hurt or how much Dylan would even feel, he closed his hand around it. The stump was covered in something, which had a strange rough feel to it. He ignored it, the best he could, and almost unconsciously started moving his thumb.
âIâve never blamed you for it, though. I need you to know that,â Dylan continued, though his voice was a lot softer than before. Ryan looked up and noticed the glassy look in his eyes. It took him a moment for the words to register, but he was quick to shake his head.
âHow! How can you not blame me? I was supposed to keep you all safe, you heard Mr H. And I failed miserably at that! Kaylee died. Chris died. Silas died. You lost your hand. Nick turned into a werewolf for fucks sake!â he whispered before clenching his jaw and grinding his teeth.
âYeah, which was kind of an unfair task, wasnât it! Chris knew exactly what was running around out there, but didnât warn any of us. Just expected you to keep us safe? Somehow? By just simply hoping you could? Besides, how were you supposed to keep a group of stubborn twenty-something-year-olds listening when he couldnât do so either?â Dylan countered. Ryan knew those things were true, yet he continued to feel like he failed everyone. As if he couldâve tried harder. After all, heâd barely argued with them about having a campfire party.
âBesides, if thatâs how you want to play this blame game. Letâs start with Jacob, who messed with the car. Emma who broke up the group because of her games. The Hacketts for keeping werewolves in the first place? Max and Laura for going to the camp a day early? Blame Caleb and Kaylee for helping a werewolf escape in the first place? Do you want me to continue?â Dylan said, and suddenly sounded a lot more certain of himself than before. Dylan's hand was squeezing his, a comforting gesture. The words were anything but comforting. They were true, conversations heâd had with his therapist as well. But it was so difficult to believe them. He shouldâve, couldâve done more that night.
âAlso, I did kinda ask you to cut off my hand,â
âOh for fucks sa-â
âNo, but I did! Quite literally begged you to do it!â
âYou were just bitten and in complete panic, how is that fair?â
âOh, so I was panicking? How about you? Think that is the same for you, right? Why am I excused and not you for the same thing?â Dylan replied and gave Ryan a most unimpressed look. Ryan shifted for a moment as he looked down, not happy with the response he got. Or maybe because Dylan had a point, and it was difficult to admit.
âYour iced cappuccino.â The barista arrived and placed the drink in front of him. Almost reluctantly, he let go of Dylan, pulling both his hands back. âHot chocolate and cheesecake.â
She disappeared as quickly as she arrived. For a moment, Ryan continued to stare at his drink. He needed a moment to think. What did he want? Out of this meeting and in general? What was a way they could go forward? If he was truthful with himself, he wanted to keep on meeting Dylan. Of course, he wanted to. It was one thing he always regretted, though he wouldnât have known how to apologise or start that conversation. But could they move on? Move forward?
âYou donât have to solve world hunger in one coffee date,â Dylan chuckled. Ryan took a sip as he glanced upwards. He watched as Dylan carefully ate a piece of his cheesecake. Wrist holding back the plate as he picked up pieces with his fork. How difficult was it to get used to? Life with just one hand?
âHm. So itâs a date now? Not a setup?â he couldnât help but tease. If Dylan wanted to steer the conversation away, he could comply. Dylan smirked at him and pointed with his fork.
âIâll let you know Iâm quite the catch. And you will have to catch me, because I canât. Turns out that it is quite difficult with just one hand and no coordination skills whatsoever,â Dylan said, and Ryan couldnât help but snort. He chuckled as he rolled his eyes a little. âNeither do I have the patience for fishing! Before you say âthereâs plenty of fish in the sea!â Well, thereâs plenty of trash too! Also, one-handed fishing sounds even worse. How would that even work?â
Ryan knew he had a goofy smile on his face. One Dylan was always able to manifest. A smile that hadnât appeared in quite a while. He sloughed a bit in his seat, making himself comfortable, letting Dylan ramble. The topic had, somehow, moved to myths about the Titanic. He had no clue how Dylan had even arrived at that topic, but it didnât matter. Listening to Dylan beats listening to any podcast.
âIsnât there like a Maritime museum close by?â he commented, the moment Dylan took a sip.
âUhm, yeah? Like half an hour from here? Why?â Dylan asked, confusion clear on his face.
âWell, sounds like a good place for our next date? You can tell me all about it. Thought they had a section about the Titanic, too.â Ryan quickly took a big sip himself. Worried heâd just embarrassed himself.
âYou wo-oh. Oh! Yeah! I mean that.. I would love to! Though if you would like a different topic, there are several other great museums around,â Dylan replied, and Ryan noticed the chewing of the lips. They were both nervous. But seemingly, both wanted it.
âThen Iâll leave it up to you to find a great museum for the next date,â he boldly said with a short nod. âWhat were you saying about the Titanic again?â
âOh, yeah! Well -â
