i love how humans’ figures of speech and actions can translate differently to other species, and vice versa. we say and do things casually all the time, not realizing that to monsters, those same phrases and actions might mean something . . . completely different.
pairing: gn ! reader - ft. werewolves, orcs, minotaurs, succubi / incubi, dragonfolk, and vampires.
author's note: this'll be kinda messy, so sorry. just had a misunderstanding due to a language barrier today and somehow got inspired. sorry for the ramble lol.
“so, when are you two tying the knot?”
the vicinity goes quiet. your werewolf friend freezes mid-drink, ears slowly turning red under messy, shaggy hair. “w-we’re not—! that’s . . . !”
“what?” you blink, confused at their weird reaction.
someone in the pack coughs into their hand. another is trying very hard not to laugh.
the werewolf mutters into their sleeve, mortified. “humans shouldn’t say mating phrases so casually.”
you stare. “i said marriage.”
you pat the orc who was helping you on the shoulder. "woah, you’re really strong, you know that?”
they go still. very still.
you notice the rest of the orcs nearby stop talking, too. one of them elbows another with a smirk.
the orc clears their throat, trying to look casual. “. . . you think so?”
a radiant smile bloomed on their originally stoic face, a satisfied hum vibrating through their chest - their tusks seeming to be somehow glinting brighter under the sun. “you should say that again sometime,” maybe a day where the two of you weren't under the scorching sun.
now they're thinking, maybe going over to help the little, struggling human was worth it. even if they only had just been egged on by their friends to approach any human and flirt. . . . this may be a good distraction for a while.
you notice a lost looking minotaur among the halls - and deciding to take pity, you approach.
“here,” you say, grabbing their hand. “the hallway’s confusing. c’mon, i’ll guide you.” asking them where they needed to go to, you lead the way once getting a shy response.
the minotaur follows quietly.
when you finally reach the exit, you turn around, tugging your hand to free it —
– and freeze upon feeling the vice grip on it.
they’re staring at your joined hands like you just handed them the world.
their ears twitch, still staring. “in my culture,” they murmur softly. “. . . nevermind.” ignoring the fluttering feeling in their chest at being guided through the maze of hallways,
they stuff their tingling hand in their pocket. “can i have your number?”
“i promise i’ll help you tomorrow.”
the demon’s pen stops mid-signature.
their eyes narrow thoughtfully.
“verbal promises can still count,” they say, pulling out parchment. “just for documentation.”
“IT WAS A FIGURE OF SPEECH.”
“humans are terrible negotiators.”
you place the gold ring on the table. “i thought you might like it.”
their wings shift slightly. “ . . . humans give courtship treasure very quickly.”
they gently slide the ring into their palm, inspecting it, before slipping it on their finger. it seems to be the perfect fit.
“sweet dreams.” you wave before heading to bed.
the cubi pauses in the doorway. “. . . was that intentional?”
their smile is slow, amused. “humans wishing dream-based creatures sweet dreams.”
“. . . it’s just a goodnight phrase.”
“pity.” they lean against the doorframe. “i thought you were inviting me.”
they grin wider. “that blush is very convincing, though.”
“you look delicious tonight.”
the vampire says it with complete sincerity.
you pause halfway through adjusting your collar.
they nod approvingly, gaze lingering just a second too long.
“radiant complexion. warm pulse. excellent circulation.”
“…you’re flirting, right?”
the vampire tilts their head.
“…i was complimenting the meal.”
andulkaphoto
snowghoul
2087
turnnoffyourmind
