I'd like to request Lighter, Belle, and Lycaon with an S/O that does what I like to call the "koala cuddle": whenever they cuddle, S/O puts their arms AND legs around their partner.
A bit of a simple ask, but I just love the idea too much to not ask for it
Soft Places for Heavy Souls
Tags: Lighter x Reader, Belle x Reader, Lycaon x Reader, Fluff, Comfort, Cuddling, Koala Cuddle, Domestic, Established Relationship, Emotional Intimacy, Soft Moments, Light Angst.
Warnings: Mentions of trauma and survivor's guilt, Light emotional angst, Mild language, Clingy physical affection, Tail wagging (Lycaon), References to cybernetic prosthetics.
Lighter had dealt with a lot in life—blood, betrayal, brawls in underground pits—but nothing had prepared him for this level of emotional warfare.
You were asleep—peaceful, warm, and currently wrapped around him like a koala clinging to a tree. One arm draped over his chest, the other tucked underneath him. One leg slung over his hip, the other somehow wrapped around his calf. You’d basically become his blanket, and he wasn’t sure if it was endearing or terrifying.
“…You planning on choking me out in your sleep?” he mumbled under his breath, one arm awkwardly hovering midair, unsure of where to place it without waking you. His free hand idly toyed with his scarf—well, the edge of it. You were laying on most of it.
You didn’t respond, of course. Instead, you just snuggled closer, your nose brushing against his jaw, breath warm on his skin.
His heart rate spiked.
“Okay. Yeah. That’s illegal,” he whispered, and despite the groan that followed, there was a small twitch at the corner of his lips.
He looked at your face—calm, content. Even in sleep, you were holding onto him like he might disappear. And suddenly, the sarcastic walls cracked.
With a quiet sigh, he wrapped his arm around you and let his eyes close, voice barely above a whisper.
“…I guess… if it’s you, I don’t mind being held this tight.”
And just like that, Lighter—Champion of the Sons of Calydon, wielder of the Blazing Laurel—melted into your hold, letting himself rest.
Belle had just sat down on the couch when you launched at her like a missile. She yelped—half-surprised, half-laughing—as you latched onto her, arms winding around her neck, legs looping around her waist like some overenthusiastic plush toy.
“Oh-ho, is this a sneak attack cuddle?!” she said between giggles, nearly dropping her can of soda as you nestled your face into the crook of her neck. “You think I’m gonna let you win that easily?”
You only grunted in contentment, shifting to make yourself more comfortable as she adjusted to your sudden koala-mode. You felt her arms slip under yours, pulling you even closer.
Belle leaned her head back against the couch, grinning. “You know, most people settle for just a side cuddle. But no, you—you—go full jungle gym.”
You looked up at her with mock seriousness. “If I don’t cling like this, you might disappear. Can’t have that.”
Her teasing smirk softened instantly. She tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and gave you a fond look.
“…Well, when you put it like that…”
Belle rested her chin lightly atop your head, swaying you both a little side to side. Her voice dropped to a quieter tone.
“Then I guess I’ll just stay right here. Koala cuddle all you want. Not going anywhere.”
And with her arms securely around you, your legs tangled with hers, and the flicker of an old movie lighting up the screen nearby, Belle let herself relax, completely and utterly fine with being your favorite tree.
Lycaon was, above all, a creature of order.
Which is why the sheer chaos of your limbs wrapping around him like a heated octopus had him frozen in bed, gaze fixed on the ceiling.
Your head rested on his chest, both arms clutching him like a lifeline, and one of your legs was looped tightly over his waist while the other tangled with his tail—his tail—which was, against his will, wagging.
He cleared his throat.
“…This is quite… the embrace,” he said quietly, unsure if you were awake or asleep.
“Mmhmm,” you murmured, not moving.
“You’ve entrapped me.”
“Mmhmm.”
He paused again.
“…You do realize I cannot reach the maintenance kit for my leg like this.”
You finally peeked up at him, sleepy-eyed. “Do you want me to let go?”
He stared into your eyes, watching the way you blinked, slow and warm and soft. You looked so utterly content to be held close. It stirred something in him—something old, something buried beneath years of discipline.
“…No,” he admitted at last, voice quieter than usual. “It is… tolerable.”
Your arms tightened slightly, and he felt your legs shift to get more comfortable. His mechanical leg hissed softly with a servo adjustment.
He let out a soft sigh, tail betraying him once again as it gently thumped against the sheets.
“Tolerable,” he repeated, brushing his clawed fingers through your hair, “and… appreciated.”
You smiled, barely audible as you mumbled, “You’re really soft for a thiren.”
Lycaon chuckled, the rare sound almost musical. “And you are remarkably clingy for someone with no claws.”
He would never admit it aloud, but your koala cuddles had become part of his nightly routine—something disorderly, yes… but oddly comforting.
it's always pretty shocking to me to see how completely different other countries are from the US. when I lived in the czech republic, I remember being totally shocked by the TV commercials. all the advertisements were for ringtones, liquor and cars. seems like every commercial in the states is for junk food or some sort of diet or exercise product. who can blame us for being such gigantic fat assholes?
I went of on a tangent there, what I initially wanted to convey was my shock at an experience at the wellington airport a few days ago. at the last minute before the tour began, the guitar tech we hired had to back out because of health problems. luckily we found a new tech in time.. so we're checking in for our flight to auckland when we realize the ticket is still under the old techs name. "Is the person with you now a male or a female?" I tell him he's male, he says since the name it's booked under is also male, it should be no problem. we don't really believe it, proceed through security and check-in holding my breath. unbelievably it worked. apparently domestic flights in new zealand are transferable as long as the person is the same sex as the initial ticket holder. ok. also I brought a bottle of water on the plane. yes! apparently these guys were watching rugby on september 11, 2001.
which explains their ridiculous in-flight safety video.
so far, the tour is going well. today I pet two dogs (any animal interaction during the course of the day makes it at least 50% better) I also spooned a kangaroo and cuddled a koala. so basically today is about 2000% better than the average day, even if the koala did shit on me a little.
