#wrath writes

[wrathofrats]

Sweet Cherry Pie

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི wc: 2.5k ✩₊˚.explicit⁺₊✧ ♱‧⁺⋆ ˚₊༒༻Read on ao3༺༒︎ ˚₊ ‧⁺⋆ ♱

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི summary: "Would you like a pillow to kneel on instead? Or you can come up on the bed with me, don't have to do this part if you don't want to"

"I do-!" Phantom rushed to put his hands on Aethers knees. He scooted closer between his legs, picking at the fabric of his jeans. Phantom looked down like he was genuinely ashamed of his words "just … never done this before. I'll get used to it"

Bingo.

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི warnings: breeding, quintosis, virginity kink, trans aether (cunt and clit used for his anatomy), cream pie, minute man phantom, sweet innocent phantom (: , light degradation, dubcon (phantom says no but changes his mind, it’s made clear it’s part of the scene later on)

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི authors note: merry Christmas @jimothybarnes, I hope you like it <3 based on an ask I got forever ago about some forced breeding. But I flipped it around. For fun (: thank you to @pomidaea for beta <3

"How do you feel Phantom?" Aether tilted Phantom's head side to side, watching the purple swirl in his brown irises. The haze in his demeanor cleared up quickly once the magic had settled and soaked into his veins, giving him a chance to come back to his senses. Though, Aether wasn't entirely sure that it even worked. He was standing on pins and needles waiting for him to give any sign that his magic, a healthy dose of quintessence, had done the trick to rewire Phantom’s brain for the time being.

"My knees kind of hurt" Phantom gave an awkward chuckle, shifting from where he was kneeling on the ground in front of Aether. That was a good sign, usually Phantom whined to hell and back about any pain, at least intentionally wise.

"Would you like a pillow to kneel on instead? Or you can come up on the bed with me, don't have to do this part if you don't want to"

"I do-!" Phantom rushed to put his hands on Aethers knees. He scooted closer between his legs, picking at the fabric of his jeans. Phantom looked down like he was genuinely ashamed of his words "just … never done this before. I'll get used to it"

Bingo.

"That's ok bug. We'll go slow alright?" Aether unzipped his own pants, pulling them down enough to give ample access to his cunt. Something about this had him wet already, a sweet innocent Phantom who was his to shape as he pleased. Phantoms eyes went wide, bottom lip being worried through his teeth as he leaned forwards like he wanted to try before Aether had the chance to guide him.

A visible blush rose to his cheeks, suddenly feeling 10 degrees hotter in the room than when they first started. Phantom broke the eye contact and tried to focus on remembering what exactly to do in a situation like this.

Though, it never came. The space where Phantom was sure there would be a memory was now blank and shouting at him that this had always been the case. Sure there was the easy mechanic of putting his mouth on it, he was inexperienced not stupid, however any technicalities simply didn't exist.

He tentatively kissed at the top of Aethers thigh, looking up to gauge his reaction. It was a smile of endearment, a look that you’d give a puppy that had tripped over a toy that was too big for it. Hair littered his legs and cunt, ungroomed and hopelessly mouth watering.

Phantom spread him apart, licking up from his hole to his clit, feeling it twitch under his tongue. A heady taste flooded his taste buds, mind numbing and musky. If Phantom thought he was capable he would dive directly in, drink him up from the core.

He lapped again at his clit, wrapping his lips around it to simply stall for time to come up with a plan, but Aether fucking snorted at him like his actions were funny, or cute even.

"Didn't realize you were this new" Aether chuckled, "shouldn't have pushed you in the deep end, just didn't know that you were this inexperienced bug"

It was hard for Aether not to beam with pride over his work. The usual cocky Phantom who spewed filth that would make Satan blush, now seemed confused. He had seen Phantom brat through every second of the day sometimes just in the hopes to get it as rough as Aether would deal. But Phantom being sweet and embarrassed was truly a special treat. If he wasn't so selfish he would consider sharing. Let Rain or Cirrus have their turn with him after all Phantom has put them through.

“I can handle it” Phantom sighed, trying not to sound downright whiny. He rested his cheek against Aethers thigh, still maintaining eye contact even if it was making him painfully hard to watch Aether stare at him in endearment.

“You're just a virgin baby, maybe let's start a bit easier”

"I'm not stupid aeth. Just give me a chance-" Phantom huffed but Aether was already pulling his pants back up. Was he joking? Frustration bubbled in his core. Like having the info on the tip of your tongue Phantom felt fucking confused and desperate to recall anything that could make him not seem like a complete idiot. It edged in the back of his mind, the feeling that he does know but maybe he truly doesn't. Maybe the memory is just a bad porno he's half forgotten about. Either way Aether is pulling him to stand up and pushing himself up the sheets, leaning back on the pillows.

"I know you’re not, but indulge me for a minute. have you ever kissed anyone?"

"I-" Phantom crawled into the space between his legs, "you're acting like this is my first day on earth" He still ended up in Aethers lap, avoiding eye contact as his breathing got a little quicker. He could feel the remnants of what his own mouth did beneath him, unbearably hot between the thighs and Phantom couldn't help but to squirm a bit.

"Just trying to make sure I don't go too fast with you honey, just give me a little kiss, I promise I'll make it worth your while"

Phantom's lips felt like they could burn through metal. He pressed himself onto Aether kissing him deep like he had something to prove. This part was clearly muscle memory, something that couldn't be overridden by quintessence. Unlike how eating him out apparently could be.

Aether didn’t try to force it any deeper. Like dangling a carrot in front of a horse, the idea that there was something better but Phantom wasn’t exactly sure how to get there. Aethers hand caressed his neck, big enough to wrap around with little effort but that was an idea for another time. For now he just needed to push Phantom closer, bleed a little more magic into his mind to manipulate the fantasy how he wanted it to go.

Phantoms tongue pushed his way into his mouth, now acting like he was fighting for dominance rather than simply proving his worth. Aethers hands slipped under Phantom' ass and held him flush with his own hips. He gave him a squeeze, using the leverage to make Phantom grind into his lap.

A noise came from his throat, along with a tentative hump on his own. Phantoms lips stopped moving, panting over Aethers mouth that now had curled into a smile. There was a sense of pleasure, something that seemed familiar but equally foreign as Phantom ground his hips down on Aethers lap again.

“Feel good baby bat?” Aether chuckled. Phantoms arms slung around his neck, now fully giving up on kissing to rut his hips more desperately into him.

“Shit- ye- yeah”

Phantoms eyes rolled back, almost animalistically humping Aethers thigh. Every sense seemed heightened, new and undiscovered as his hips twitched at new angles to continue chasing a high he didn’t know how to reach.

The hands on his hips tried to slow him down. Keeping him flush against the crease of Aethers hip, hoping for enough pressure to keep Phantom on edge.

“Gonna finish this before we even start” Aether gave Phantom a kiss on the cheek, letting him pant into his shoulder. His lips brushed past his ear, warm breath sending a shiver down his spine, “I can give you what you really want bug. It feels so much better with a real cunt”

Eyes blown and lips bitten raw, Phantom could only shyly nod. Aether nudged him off of his lap , standing up to help Phantom get comfortable. He laid against the abundance of soft pillows, picking at the sheets. Aether took care to slowly undress him, giving him ample time to protest or ask for something else. But Phantom simply raised his arms when Aether tugged at his shirt, and lifted his hips when his pants were slid off.

Even after warming him up, Phantom still acted bashful about the situation. He wouldn’t meet Aethers gaze, knees up like he was trying to hide himself from him, not knowing that Aether had seen him laid out and ruined for him countless times. He could probably map every freckle on his shoulders with his eyes closed if he was being honest, but he didn’t push him. Didn’t want to overwhelm Phantom just yet.

Though this was something Aether could savor for a while, a shy Phantom in his bed who wasn’t immediately trying to fuck him or push things along. He seemed like he actually wanted it slow, or wanted Aether to take complete control of him. Cock hard and about to leak onto his stomach, and Phantom acted like he truly had no clue what to do to get it to stop.

“You’re alright baby bat, let's go slow ok? Promise I’ll take care of you” Aether cooed, pushing down on Phantoms knees. He just watched Aether. Now that he was exposed the mock confidence came crashing down. Messy black and white hair framing his face and a blush high on his cheeks.

“I’m honored you're allowing me to pop your cherry” Aether smiled down at him, savoring the view for himself.

“I’m not going to break”

“I know” Aether caressed his cheek, “but I want to make your first time special”

Phantom let out a small whimper as he breathed out, holding his breath every time Aether touched him. He sat at his side, holding his hips and thumbing at the skin there, still giving him ample time to voice whether he liked something or not. And Aether always knew the answer, knew what Phantom wanted and what would make him cry out the loudest for him. But Phantom didn't know- and that's why Aether waited.

“You-” Phantom looked up at him, “you can touch me now”

“Thought you’d want something else”

“Just the tip- i’ve never-” it was fun making him admit it over and over again, watch him squirm every time he had to admit that he was a virgin once again, “i’m worried Aether”

“Worried about what bug”

“We don’t have protection and-” Phantom swallowed, hoping Aether would give him mercy and finish the thought for him, “just the tip alright? I just don’t want anything to happen- never done this”

“Stop worrying Phantom” Aether shushed him, leaning over to plan a small kiss on his lips, fingers toying and running over the length of his dick “How does this sweet cock even know how to get hard if you've never done anything before? Wouldn't be surprised if you weren't a virgin at all”

“Don’t tease, said you’d take care of me” Phantom whined into the kiss.

Aether shucked off his shirt, making a show of stretching his arms up to put himself on display. Hair smattering around his stomach and getting thicker as it disappeared into his jeans, scars along his chest that were almost hard to see at this point. Phantom eyed him up and down, cock kicking as he watched him pull down his jeans and boxers finally.

His stomach hung slightly over his bush, tdick now standing up and proud between his folds. Aether truly seemed to be twice his size like this and all the inhibitions seemed to fade away the longer he stared.

“Don’t know if i’ll be able to resist the urge to let you fill me up” The bed dipped beside Phantom as Aether climbed back up and straddled his hips. He grabbed his cock and held it right against his stomach, thumbing at the sticky tip.

“Shit aeth-” He was hot and wet between the thighs, no doubt smearing onto Phantoms skin as he sat and waited for a go ahead. It was hard to think, or to give Aether an answer with him sitting on top of him and stroking his dick. “Ye-yeah. Fuck, let me fill you”

“There’s a good boy, knew you wanted it”

Phantoms cock slipped inside of him easily, the wet glide of skin on skin making him able to sink down on it with one go. They both let out a breathy groan in tandem, Aether cursing once he was fully seated. He could feel Phantom twitch inside of him as Aether watched him grip the sheets and screw his eyes shut.

“How do you feel bug?” Aether smiled down at him.

“Fuck Aeth” Phantom moaned. He tried to buck his hips up in Aethers wet heat but his body was locked in by his hips. “Feel amazing- gotta move- please”

“Yeah? Want me to bounce on your cock baby boy?” Aether raised up just enough for the tip to almost pop out, before slowly lowering himself back down, being sure to savor every inch. Phantoms eyes rolled back, hands flying to grab at his plush hips as he continued almost leisurely rocking.

Phantom responded in a breathy whine. The sensation was new, or at least his body was telling him that it was. Almost an overwhelming pleasure as he felt his body heat up and tense. Something low in his pelvis curled up, a flame flickering and building, brain screaming at him that something was about to happen if Aether didn’t slow down.

“Are you getting close Phantom, can feel it, I can tell you want to let go”

He was panting, thighs shaking beneath Aether and trying to gather the words he needed to say. The fear seeped back into his mind, he couldnt cum inside Aether- it was too risky.

“I think you need to get off- Aether I think I need to pull out”

"You cocks practically begging to be inside of me baby” Aether rocked again, chuckling as Phantom writhed, hands gripping Aethers waist as he tried to get him to stop rocking. "Can feel that little cock twitch, it knows what it needs”

“We didn’t use protection, dont wanna-” Phantom struggled.

“Don’t wanna what?”

“Get you pregnant!”

Aether pushed Phantom back down into the mattress with a hand square in the middle of his chest.

“Do you really think I got a pretty boy in my bed and I was going to let him leave without breeding me?”

It was impossible to push off the inevitable anymore. Phantom dug his nails into Aethers hips and spilled into him with a cry. His back arched off the bed, muscles tensing as his cock pulsed inside of Aether.

—

Phantoms brain felt fuzzy as the quintessence started to wear off. The entire couple hours before now feeling like a strange dream rather than something that actually happened. The magic was a mystery to him truly, but he was more than happy to experience it.

He blinked away the confusion, smiling as Aether came into view beside him.

“back with me bug?” Aether held out a cold glass of water to him, studying for any signs of discomfort.

“Yeah, didn’t realize how hard it would hit me”

“But you had fun right?”

“Now i’m curious about what Rain and Dew will do with me like that”

[openly-journaling]

Wrath: Friday January 20th 2023

Was in the middle of working on a mini animation and our last nib broke and we move in a little over a week now provided the weather is good. Kind of late to order more so now we won't be able to draw for two weeks unless we desperately pull out our old tablet and learn to redraw on that thing.

I'm sobbing dying inside because we finally got off block and got our creativity back after nearly an entire year it feels like. Like we really got back into it.

I never really realized how much of a coping mechanism art was until we fell out of after healing from a lot of our trauma and now are dividing back into it since we're we're staying in the town that legitimately gave us all our worst traumas. And then of course the creativity came back.

Does make me wonder if we ever get comfortable enough if we'll ever even somewhat give drawing up. I say somewhat because we do want to try architecture but at the same time I have a feeling there a couple people down south that may very well resurface a lot of trauma for us. Which, while we don't exactly want and definitely try to avoid, it's good for our art.

So maybe our trauma isn't all bad.

But I've also come to this realization that a lot of artists really hate their art and their art style. Which is odd to us because we've been in that same boat but not to such severity. If we make a mistake we hate specifically that mistake but let it be to learn from it in the future. I think the early gentle parenting growing up that our dad gave us before foster care shattered us helped shape our confidence early on. So we don't struggle quite as much. We rarely compare our art to others and when we do it's more of an obsession over their art that we try to even semi copy that art style or implement it into our own.

Perhaps the worst hate we put on our art is when something just isn't working perspective wise or the lineart isn't working. I suppose we have worked to be perfect but perfect to us. Which was almost always good enough.

The way the whole class would stand over our shoulder in amazement and watch us draw gave us a confidence too. It made us feel good and adored. Considering we didn't get a ton of attention growing up.

It became less and less impressive to people as we got older but there are still some people that absolutely go wild for our art. We've finally found a comfortable community that loves it! The furry community has been very kind to our art.

I think our problem for so long was trying to draw furry art in front of people that decided dogs having head hair must mean that's a horse despite the different nose and sharp teeth. That was annoying. Completely different face shapes. We drew animals in front of people that preferred human art.

Which, while we still enjoy doing sometimes, we are still heavily learning and even come to learn more how much happier furry art brings us. So.. we'll stick with what we love most, what we're good at whether people like it or don't. And eventually we'll find our crowd.

I'm just glad we don't have a huge lack of confidence in our skill of art. We can look back at the oldest shit and wonder how people thought that was good. And it makes us realize that we have come a very very long way. We're proud of ourselves. Really.

Next we're going to attempt to work on more perspectives. Like this piece I'm so damn proud of. Our first drawing where we're really trying a different perspective.

No actually, that's the second one. Now that I think of it, this is our first. Unfortunately so many people want to call it inappropriate though and it never hit off. Like I'm sorry that people legit have asses? I'm sorry for drawing it right? She fell that's the whole point of this piece was just to get a literal difference in perspective. It's not like I'm exposing her or giving you a full on ass shot in the face. My god. And that was before a signature change as you can see

Anyway. We've come a very long way since then and I'm just happy with all of it. Satisfied that we can do so well.

I guess I do sometimes wish our art style wasn't so set as it is because there are definitely artists that have art styles we're jealous of. But to be fair, if we all had the same style... I think art would get pretty boring. So.. I'm glad I have a recognized art style of my own.

It does change depending on the headmate but not always. I'm not arguing with that. Hell most of our headmates can't draw at all! I'm glad to be one that can.

[wrathetc]

7 Lines

Tagged by @riajade01, thank you!

The rules are as follows. Go to page 7 (paragraph 7, if not that long) of your WIP then go to the 7th line, share 7 lines and tag 7 more writers to continue the challenge.

From the next chapter of Passion and Fury, which I have had less time lately to work on than I thought I would have, but it’s still coming along!

“You don’t remember what they look like?”

“Lana, if you remember, I didn’t know who you were until you told me,” Alekte said with a tiny laugh. “I do remember she was a woman.”

“Well, that narrows it down to three, well done,” Lana said with a little smile, looking over to where Koth was now speaking animatedly to a small, tan woman with pale hair. “I knew you had trouble with names, but…is it new, not recognizing people?”

A look of unease flickered across Alekte’s face, there and gone in a second.  “I’ll be fine,” she answered.

I don’t know who all’s been tagged, but here goes -- @tishinada, @inyri, @cavalier-life, @aliyamirat, @greyias and anybody else who wants to!

[writesoftherandom]

Howdy Rats

I know this is like the tumblr dead zone hour, but I suddenly have a burst of motivation, and I plan to wrangle that motherfucker once and for all. Anyways, I want to start using this blog more. I have been working on an original piece for a while, and I want to start posting snippets of it. I have shown it to many of my friends, and I've gotten positive responses. Either they are really good liars, or I'm onto something. At this point, I really don't care. I want to share my ideas with people, even if they aren't presented in the best way possible. My writing isn't perfect, but it's important to me. I want to continue to improve so it might be important to someone else one day.

[wrathofrats]

Real short leash, but I like it tight

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི wc: 1k ✩₊˚.explicit⁺₊✧ ♱‧⁺⋆ ˚₊༒༻✧༺༒︎ ˚₊ ‧⁺⋆ ♱

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི summary: Aurora wants Rain to hump his bass like a good dog, Rain has his reservations

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི warnings: pet play, talks of exhibitionism, use of pup/puppy/dog, trans rain and the anatomical terms to go with it, literally one line about “having an accident”, small bits of degradation, collar and leashes, object play???, inappropriate use of a bass,

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི authors note: merry Christmas @sentientgolfball <3 I know you’ve been asking about this one lmfao but I have to keep some secrets ;)

Rain cringed at the jingle that sounded from his throat as he sat back on his heels. The nylon irritated his skin, clearly meant for something less sensitive, like fur, like a dog. Blue with a black sewn label of whatever company made it, accompanied by a little metal dog bone tag and a bell that was added after it was bought.

That fuzzy feeling hadn’t settled in yet, shame still at the forefront of his mind and restricting his movements. Aurora couldn’t be serious, or surely she was but maybe she had an ounce of mercy left in her to let Rain get out of this.

“I have another grinder, in the closet” Rain chewed on his bottom lip, “pretty new too. Been meaning to show it to you”

His bass laid in front of him, his favorite black Fender that he had just taken the time to clean and restring. Rain felt guilty as he stared at her, like he was somehow violating a completely inanimate object by being openly bare in front of it.

Aurora sat in the cushy arm chair Rain kept in the corner of his room. Her legs crossed, elbow resting on the arm of the chair with her cheek in her palm. Her expression wasn’t bored exactly- maybe more expectant than anything. She had given her command, and now it was Rains job to listen. Like a good dog.

“That’s not what I told you to do, is it?”

“No but-”

There were certain expectations when they played like this. The collar around Rains neck was well used, but each ghoul had their own brand of what it symbolized. For someone like Dew it was indicative of essentially making him a breeding bitch, a hole to use. Or Mountain who used it as a method to get Rain out of his own head, spoil him rotten.

But Aurora? Aurora expected nothing less than pure obedience.

Good dogs listen the first time. And surely her dog isn’t stupid.

“bad dogs go outside” Aurora tsk’d, eyebrow raising, “and you're not a bad dog right? I don’t want to have to put you outside. Not my good puppy”

The horror of the situation slowly tricked down Rains spine. A painful, shame filled horniness the felt like lava seeping into his nerves. It wasnt an empty threat, something he had been witness to. The idea of being tied up outside, naked, with only a collar on, made him terrified yet dripping between his thighs. a shameful display of disobedience that could only be demonstrated by dripping slick onto the grass for anyone to see like a fucking dirty pervert.

“You wouldn’t” Rain practically whimpered before he could think better of it. But Aurora simply grabbed his leash that hung next to the chair, and laid it over her lap. A threat, proof that she was deadly serious.

Rain made a pathetic sound in his throat and hung his head in submission.

It took Rain a couple minutes to swallow his own pride. He tentatively grabbed the bass, as if holding pure, fragile glass, and stood her up between his knees. His thighs twitched open further, able to feel cool coated wood radiate against his warm skin.

He gave Aurora another look, just in case she changed her mind, and delicately closed his legs around the instrument.

His thighs engulfed the body of the bass, strings digging in to plush skin and will no doubt leave long angry bruises in their wake once he’s done. The edge of her nestled almost perfectly against his cunt. Not yet enough pressure to be pleasurable, but just caressing the sensitive skin. Rain could feel his clit throb with the idea of being touched, though his brain still seemed to have its own hesitations.

Aurora looked almost casual sitting in front of him, which only made his hips twitch as his brain processed it. A simple t shirt and sweats, as if he truly was just entertainment for her and nothing else. Humiliation for the sake of humiliation, and it only made Rain hotter between his thighs. Without thinking his hips canted into the bass, earning a quiet groan.

“Hump it like a good puppy, Make her feel good.” Aurora cooed as Rain finally was able to slot the instrument between his folds. The sweet friction of lacquer coated wood, now becoming slick from how wet his cunt was.

Rain squeezed his hands around her neck, trying to use the sharp pressure from the strings to keep him grounded. It was a fight he would never win, but it felt less pathetic that not putting up a fight at all. He clenched around nothing, panting through his nose with his forehead rested against the wood.

Falling fast, the long time of waiting to even work up to this point had Rain brains firing on all cylinders. Not desperate while he sat back and waited for his brain to allow him to follow the command, but once the dam broke it was unstoppable.

The strings crashed together as he humped her. Rain winced, the blunt, awkward sound making him hang his head further like a guilty dog. He tried to hide behind her neck, thin wood doing nothing to shield him from Auroras almost pitiful gaze.

“Sings so pretty for you doesn’t she rainy?” Aurora cooed, “you please her so well pup”

The dog tag jingled with every hump, further making a mockery of the situation. His vision blurred, pressure and heat starting to ball up that only pushed him further into pathetic desperation.

He stared at Aurora with wide sad eyes, hoping his expression could communicate where he knew would his words would fail.

“Close puppy?” Aurora tilted her head at him, “going to have an accident?”

“Don’t-” Rain whimpered, “don’t say it like that”

“Go on Rainy, Soak her”

[wrathofrats]

I’m only this sick in the head because I know how the words get you off

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི wc: 4k ✩₊˚.explicit⁺₊✧ ♱‧⁺⋆ ˚₊༒༻Read on ao3༺༒︎ ˚₊ ‧⁺⋆ ♱

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི summary: “It's the principle. It’s just not natural. I mean sure we all can have our vices but, this is a bit much. Don’t you think?”

The other two ghouls stared at him like he had grown another head. Maybe Dewdrop didn't understand, Rain wouldn't be surprised considering he also doesn’t understand the toaster most days. But Omega? He seemed old fashioned, like a man of reason.

“Explain what the problem is then Rain”

“Well, two ghouls being with each other, I don’t mean to be crass but its disgusting. Or maybe we can stick with just that i’m uncomfortable, as Aether wanted to put it"

Or

Rain is tired of the ghouls undressing him with their eyes, Omega is determined to change his mind. Literally.

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི warnings: good old fashioned pocket watch hypnotism, erotic use of the word faggot, homophobic use of the word faggot, rain hates gay people not clickbait, blackmail, therapist omega bc why not, voyeruism, extremely dubious consent, bordering on noncon bc rain is being hypnotized, it’s mentioned he can leave whenever he wants but just be WARNED. It is HYPNOTISM. Ok thank you. Dews a loser as always idk why he’s here but he is (freak)

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི authors note: merry Christmas @divine-misfortune I do not know what is wrong with me or what came over me to write this. Have fun good luck.

“Relax guppy” 

Rain attempted to sink into the leather couch. In any other circumstance it would be soft, refreshing almost, but he couldn’t help but to wince as it squeaked and notice how his skin stuck at every given opportunity. Omega sat across from him in a matching chair, leg crossed to prop up a clipboard and pen held to it by a chain. 

The thing keeping him on edge though, was seemingly having his own fun spinning in slow circles from behind the desk. Dew threw one of those hard foam stress balls into the air and caught it repeatedly, concentrated like he had his own trick shots in mind instead of acting like he was in a clinical setting. He was grating on a good day, but with the already uncomfortable setting Rain truly considered drowning him in his sleep tonight, if he didn’t kill him in the next couple minutes.

“Does he really have to be here” Rain dug his nails into the couch before quickly correcting himself and clasping his hands together in his lap. 

“Second opinions are important rain. He’s just here to give a different perspective, and then we can go about our sessions alone after this” Omega cleared this throat, “though I had hoped that one of my older members of this pack would know how to conduct himself properly in my office”

Dew missed catching the ball, letting it tumble on the floor while he gave omega a sheepish look. Shame looked good on him, Rain thought. Or maybe it was just the satisfaction of finally seeing him look guilty for whatever was wrong with him.

He turned back to Omega but didn't attempt to watch him study the paper Rain was sure had every piece of information about him on it. He focused on the carpet, a light blue that shifted dark when he moved the fibers with his shoe. Maybe this was stupid, surely there was nothing Omega could tell him that he didn’t already know, or maybe he was just here for his own validation. A small star was traced into the carpet as his thoughts ran.

The feeling of not being in control, not knowing what Omega was writing down or secretly thinking about him. He wasn’t some mental case, that Rain was sure of, he simply had his own boundaries. Aether insisted it was something all new summons went through but considering they had waited months to do it, doubt fogged the idea. 

“So Rain, would you like to start?” Omega finally spoke. The star was quickly slid over to make the fibers the cobalt color they once were. There was no where to start though, or at least no where that Rain assumed Omega knew about. Dew leaned back in the chair with his arms crossed like he could practically taste the words on Rains tongue, bitter.

“I guess I'm not exactly sure what you want me to talk about?”

“Oh you had a lot to say the other day. Maybe start there guppy-” Dew scoffed before Omega interrupted him.

“Dewdrop, I expect you to behave in this office” Omega shushed, before looking back to Rain with an apologetic expression, “Aether mentioned you may be feeling, er- uncomfortable, if I may put it, with some other ghouls behavior, is that right?”

“That's putting it lightly” Rain mumbled, “I just have … alternate opinions about it”

“Alternate opinions? Aether said you had just walked in on a couple ghouls more times than you were happy with. Is there something going on that you’re not telling me?”

There was a small pause. Rain mulled over in his brain how he wanted to word this, it wasn’t exactly a popular opinion, but that part wasn’t his fault. The sound of pen scratching on paper only made his mind churn slower, thinking of how to answer without being labeled a nut case. 

“Things feel forced. Or at least impossible to escape. I truly don’t mind what other people do in the comfort of their own spaces, but I start to mind when it’s every time I turn the corner” 

Dew scoffed again, continuing to spin in the office chair as if he was unbothered. 

“You walk in on us and we are the problem?” Dew flicked a piece of foam from the stress ball over the desk in Rains direction, rolling his eyes. “Omega you’re not taking him seriously are you” 

“Hold on, have they been doing things that make you uncomfortable in common spaces or…?”

Rain took a second to think again. The answer was mostly no, though he wasn't sure how much it counted to find Mountain and Aether doing something horribly unsanitary in the kitchen late one night. Most of the issue was through his walls, or the looks up and down his figure when he walked through. Hell one of the older ghouls offered to show him a good time a couple weeks after summoning and the memory makes Rain shutter in disgust.

“Well, not exactly” 

Dew looked visibly frustrated, trying to keep himself silent or be banished out of the room. He braced his hands on the desk, looking between Rain and Omega like he was silently asking for permission to speak. 

“Then what is the issue?” Omega asked.

“It's the principle. It’s just not natural. I mean sure we all can have our vices but, this is a bit much. Don’t you think?”

The other two ghouls stared at him like he had grown another head. Maybe Dewdrop didn't understand, Rain wouldn't be surprised considering he also doesn’t understand the toaster most days. But Omega? He seemed old fashioned, like a man of reason. 

“Explain what the problem is then Rain”

“Well, two ghouls being with each other, I don’t mean to be crass but its disgusting. Or maybe we can stick with just that i’m uncomfortable, as Aether wanted to put it"

“That’s not how you worded it the other night” Dew mumbled under his breath, just loud enough to be heard but quiet enough for the benefit of the doubt.

“If I may ask then Rain, what exactly did you say to Dewdrop and Mountain the other night?”

“He called me a Faggot!” Dew shot up, practically about to come over the desk. “Fucking rich coming from him if you ask me. Hey Rainy how about you fucking tell us what's between those-” 

“Do you see what I mean!” Rain was quick to stand up as well, fist secured in his coat, “you’re fucking perverted! Finish your sentence, you shouldn’t care whats between my legs, and why the hell would you even know if you weren't fucking spying on me like a creep!”

“Simple water ghoul anatomy dumbass. Why would I spy on a fucking prude who thinks he’s better than us?”

“That’s enough” Omega sighed, voice loud enough to make Dew pause before he could respond, “Rain, sit down please, and Dew i’ve warned you more than enough times to behave. You’re here to provide insight, not fight with him”

“So he can just talk like that about us but i’m not allowed to respond?” The stress ball was practically in shreds at this point, what was once a round bat with the words give blood! on it, was now a sad pile of yellow foam and black chipping paint.

“This session isn't about you.” Omega scribbled on the clipboard in his lap, before clasping his hands together in his lap. “Now, Rain, i’d like to try something if you're willing”

Rain hesitated, but slowly sunk back into the leather couch. 

“That being?”

“Well, I understand you’re uncomfortable. There’s an exercise i’d like to practice that i’ve had my other clients do in order to relax.” Omega offered, studying Rains face for any hesitation, “the pack issues we can address with everyone else, but for things we can do internally I think this may be worth a try”

He didn’t hope for a fix, honestly Rain hoped Omega would see his issue and sympathize, if not tell the rest to keep it in their pants more often. But it didn't seem like he cared, or even slightly agreed. 

“For what exactly?”

“It’s easy, you'll listen to my instructions closely and it’ll help you unwind, maybe we can get a bit deeper into the problem. If at any point you're uncomfortable you can ask to stop or leave, does this sound alright to you?” Omega placed his clipboard next to him and fished something out of his pocket. Rain could play nice, maybe the meditation would help, or least keep him in Omegas good graces for when he reports back to Aether. 

“Fine” Rain looked over towards the desk, disgust painting his features "but if he even looks at me wrong-”

“Dewdrop will behave himself or i’ll personally ask him to leave. Now, let’s get started, ok Rain?”

Rain nodded. Something shiny was pulled from Omegas fist, a golden circle that dangled from a chain securely looped over his middle finger. Cliche, surely but not unheard of. 

“Firstly i’d like you to just relax, can you do that for me?” Omegas voice was suddenly smoother, dropping a bit as he crooned. Rain sunk backwards, watching as the pocket watch started to swing softly in front of him, “good, I want you to feel the stress leave your body. Breathe in, and relax further into the couch, all tension in your body releasing as you breathe out”

Thoughts were becoming slower, what was once a racing jumble of frustration was now just a trickle that fizzled out when he wasn’t actively paying attention to it. 

“Just focus on your breathing Rain, each breath further relaxing you, you should feel heavy, limbs almost impossible to move. Let your thoughts slow, let them dissolve into the air, focus on the sound of my voice” Omega had a nice smile, something warm and friendly that was easier to appreciate now that Rain had the opportunity to. His eyes followed the gold, now an unconscious decision rather than forcing himself

“You’re doing great, follow the pocket watch in my hand, and let my voice consume your thoughts. You’re still, slumped into the couch, so relaxed you can’t move, right Rainy?”

Rain wanted to nod in confirmation but it felt like his neck was full of cement, the idea of moving anything but his eyes following back and forth seemed impossible, or unreasonable. The idea that he probably could if he focused, but nothing really made him want to. His vision felt tunneled, fuzzy around the edges to where he couldn’t process anything else in the room besides the gold, swinging watch. 

“Very good. No thoughts in your head besides my voice. I tell you what to do, what to think. You don’t need to do anything unless I tell you to.” Omegas voice went down like a smooth whiskey. The words were barely being processed, more like unconsciously followed. Rain probably wouldn’t be able to repeat the sentences back if asked but he surely could follow every direction. 

Dew at some point had left his chair and crowded beside Omega. His hands were placed firmly on the back of the leather chair. Watching Rain like some kind of peeping Tom who knew Rain was blissfully unaware of his presence. 

“You’re going to nod when I tell you to, alright Rain? I want you to think about your feelings from before. I want you to remember all of the issues you brought to me today ok? Nod your head yes”

Rains head seemed to move on its own accord. He still was in control, or felt that he was. But Omegas words were the true thing that had power. Sure he could shake this away and leave with a couple of curses, but nothing made him want to. A few seconds ago he was certain he wouldn’t be able to move, and now his body seemed more pliable, at least for whatever Omega wanted from him.

The memories of earlier flooded through his brain with no emotion attached to them. Mountain with his hand down Aethers pants in the kitchen, or one of the older fire ghouls dragging his eyes up and down his body in the hallway, none of them made him wince like they did just a bit ago. They felt detached from himself in a way, like watching a movie instead of things he personally experienced.

“I want you to continue to think of these memories and I don’t want you to be upset. I don't think you’re uncomfortable by them at all are you? No, I think you enjoyed it. They made you feel good didn’t they Rainy? The other ghouls just wanted you to feel Needed.”

The idea trickled down his spine like the heat from a summer day. The thoughts were more detailed as they circled back around. Aethers head tilted back in ecstasy while Mountains hand moved up and down in his pants, whispering something Rain wasn't able to catch into his ear. Mountains eyes wandered over to the spy, a little smile forming on his lips as Rain stood there stunned, before turning on his heel. 

The heat flooded into his cheeks, the golden glimmering watch being some kind of gateway into continuing to watch these little memories. There was a night last week that Rain could hear what sounded like Phantom, nearly wailing through the walls. At the time Rain shoved his pillow over his head and swore he would deck the little freak the next morning, but now that he had the time to sit in it, something stirred low in his belly. 

“You’re doing wonderful Rain. I want you to focus on how you feel right now. You feel warm, something restless inside of you. A certain pressure and heat in your lower pelvis.” Omega smiled as Dews hand rested on his chest, sliding its way down his torso. The buttons on his pants were already undone, like Omega had expect this and unbuttoned them sometime in the past couple minutes. He was already half hard in his boxers, making him easy for Dew to fish out. Rain gave no reaction as Dew grabbed Omegas cock, still much too focused on the pocket watch. He hadn’t been told how to feel yet. So he sat blankly and waited. 

“I want you to feel aroused”

Rain started to feel antsy, the clock swung but now he was distinctly aware of what was happening in front of him. This sort of motion now captured his interest, the way Dews hand slid up and down Omegas cock. It was nearly too big for Dew to fully wrap his hand around. Rain repositioned, pulled his legs together and bit at the inside of his cheek.

“Oh its just unbearable isn’t it Rain? You feel pent up, so much need and no one to satisfy you. Haven't you even been able to touch yourself much since you were summoned? It’s just horrible, don’t you want help?” Omegas voice now had a softer edge to it, no longer monotonous like he was trying to put Rain to sleep, now he sounded sympathetic, comforting. Like he pitied Rain. Rain nodded his head slowly, eyelids drooping in melancholy. 

“That’s a good boy, just let us help you. You feel hot, your clothing feels uncomfortable. I want you to take it off, I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed for me.”

Dew squeezed Omegas cock so hard that Omega audibly choked. Rain didnt hesitate to grab his t shirt and pull it over his head. As he worked on the button to his jeans Dew cursed and watched the little swells on his chest bounce a bit with his movements. Two tiny tits with dusky little nipples stared right back at him, perky things, clearly getting hard as his arousal grew. His arms squeezed them together as he shoved his pants down.

His body was absolutely sinful. A bit of curvature at the waist with a nice full bush and hair that littered up his stomach a bit and down his thighs. And Rain looked almost none the wiser to the situation. He simply didn’t care. Sat content on the couch, as bare as he could ever be. And he simply didn’t care. 

His legs fell open as he relaxed backwards into the cushions. Omegas dick twitched in Dews grasp, precum gathering into his fist. Now Rain was truly on display for them, pussy fully open for anyone to see. There was a bit of slick gathered in the hair, shining in the yellow light of the office. His body had listened to Omegas voice as well, which was also evident by the dark stain in his panties that had been discarded onto the floor. 

The watch was barely swinging anymore, movement simply from Dew jostling him than Omega trying to keep it swinging for Rains attention. Rain was perfectly enraptured by the scene in front of him alone anyways. 

“Been so rude of you to keep all of this hiding from us, don't you think Rain? Been so worried about yourself instead of showing us your pretty body. Don’t you feel bad baby? Do you feel sorry for not letting us see all of this sooner?” Omega gasped as Dew gave his cock another squeeze, trying not to go too fast but it was hard not to let his desires get the better of him. Rain nodded once again. “Say you're sorry then Rainy”

“I’m sorry” Rain whispered

“Are you going to make it up to us?”

Rain nodded dumbly. 

“Touch yourself Rain.”

There was a small bit of hesitation, whether it be simply processing time or that being one command that finally broke through the wall a bit to make Rains obedience falter. Either way he gave Omega a slightly confused look, before his hand rested between his thighs.

His movements were slow, still weighed down by the hypnotism that left him fuzzy in the head. Rains legs fell further apart to make room for his fingers to spread his cunt fully open, like he was showing himself off. A pretty clit that was fattening up the closer Rain got to touching it, and below was a hole that kept clenching from desperation. If Dew had any less self control he would be on top of him in an instant.

His thumb and his index finger came to grasp his dick between them, earning a strangled noise from the back of Rains throat. He sounded slick already, fingers working over his fat little clit and making debauched wet sounds as his fingers moved. Rains head tilted back, abdomen twitching as he tried to steady his breathing. He clearly needed this, clearly hadn’t been able to get off properly in quite some time considering he acted like he was already close after a couple of minutes. 

“How do you feel Rain?” Omega threaded his fingers through Dews hair. Dew had attached himself to Omegas neck in an attempt to keep his own pent up energy at bay. His hips twitched towards the chair, trying to find something to ease the ache.

“Good-”

“You like it don’t you? You like touching yourself for us?”

“So much”

Rains back arched off of the couch as he used his other hand to shove two fingers inside of himself. More slick dripped down onto the leather, do doubt creating a small puddle as he sat there. 

“Youve been hogging him Megs, don't you think I should get a turn? It's only fair after everything he did” Dew pouted, giving another nip to the side of Omegas jaw. His pace was almost agnozining, everytime Omega felt the semblance of his orgasm, Dew would quickly stop. Slow strokes with fast ones anytime Rain did something particularly interesting. 

“Well what do you want him to do droplet?”

Dew grinned at the way Rains eyes looked at him expectantly. He continued to finger himself, hips canting to meet his movements. 

“I want him to fucking admit it. I want him to admit he’s just as disgusting as the rest of us. A dirty fucking faggot”

Rain let out something that sounded like a sob, his fingers moved at a rapid pace over his cock as he tried not to let the words break through the barrier. The idea of being something that he thought of as disgusting made him shiver, the true weight didn’t sink in but the words only made him more desperate for release. He needed it, needed it from Dew and Omega.

“I’m- i’m a dirty faggot!” Rain cried, “I’m disgusting i’m gross and I need it so bad-!”

“If you're such a faggot you can prove it. Ask me to let you cum Rain, ask for my permission” Dews words were laced with venom, drunk off the little power Rain let slip into his hands. 

“Please let me cum Dewdrop”

“Then cum”

Rain struggled for a minute furiously pumping his fingers in and out of himself. His hips twitched, muscles tightened, and his hands stopped moving with a loud whine. Fluid gushed from his cunt, leaking over the cushion and down the leather of the couch. He still tried to stroke himself through his orgasm, twitching through the pleasure that was bordering on overstimulation. 

“You're such a good boy Rain” Omega praised, hoping their water ghoul was still as dumb as he was before they let him touch himself, “didn’t that feel good? To masturbate while you watched us?”

Rain blinked through the fog that surrounded his senses, before nodding. Still fully under Omegas power. His arms went limp at his side, legs spread wide like he wasn't still entirely bare, and quite frankly, a mess. Dew tried to hold back a snicker, seeing Rain who would gag at the thought of the rest of the ghouls touching him now letting Dew and Omega stare directly at his sloppy cunt.

“Don’t think he’s done” Dew rested his head on Omegas shoulder, thumbing at the tip of his cock.

“You don’t?”

“Not at all. You fixed the poor boy, it's only right that he gives you something nice to walk away with too” Dew beckoned Rain over with his finger, “come here Rainy, kneel in front of the chair”

Dew couldn’t help the way his own cock twitched in his pants as he watched Rain simply listen to him without a fight. He wordlessly got up and knelt on the floor in front of them, looking up for further directions. His face was blank, posture relaxed, he seemed like a brainless doll. 

“Just stay right there baby. We’ll give you what you need.” 

The real kicker was that Rain seemed to already know and want what Dew was about to give him. His jaw dropped open, tongue sticking out just past his bottom lip. Dew shoved Omega forward as he continued to stroke his cock, now with a little more vigor. Omega had been long since close to the edge, and the sight of Rain being so eager in front of him didn’t do anything to lessen that. Before he could really think twice about the scenario, Omega was gripping the arms of his chair, letting Dew control his cock. 

Cum splattered right onto Rains tongue before Dew aimed down a bit, letting it land right along the column of his neck and down to the cleavage of his tits. It beaded against his skin and pooled in the divot of his tongue. 

“Don’t swallow yet, can’t let this go to waste” Dew grabbed at Rains hair, pulling his head back and fishing his phone out of his pocket. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Rain didnt fight as he waited, tongue out like he knew what Dew was about to do. But he sat still, hands in his lap.

The camera clicked with a blinding flash. Dew smiled, and showed the picture to Omega. It was taken just below Rains nose, the cum on his tongue and smeared over his pretty little tits. Truly looked like something you see on a cheap porn website, made even better by the fact that Rain was a fucking prude.

“Sure you’ll love to look at this later, won’t you Rain?”

[wrathofrats]

for the smut prompts - 150 for aether/dewdrop (if you're still taking requests!!)

We are cucking phantom for this. For enrichment

500 words, Dewther with phantom watching, warnings for cucking but otherwise it’s kinda just sappy gross sweet Dewther

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

A thread snapped from the plush chair that Phantom sat on, the loose end wound tightly around his finger, listening to the small pops in the seam before it finally came undone.

He almost would've preferred to have been tied up. Aether had given him a sweet kiss on the forehead with a whisper of “you can be good, right bug?” Before joining Dew on the bed. He could be good, it usually wasn’t hard. But the extra security would help while watching Aether grope Dew right in front of him.

Phantoms clothes felt suffocating, hard and straining against his boxers and even just the pressure of his palm might take the edge off but the other two had a keen eye on him, smiling and looking him up and down like he was some kind of prey. Like they were stalking, waiting for him to make a move so they could pounce.

Aether had Dew in his lap, pale skin practically glowing in the low light from the windows. He kissed up his sternum, giving one of his nipple rings a tug with his teeth, before latching onto the soft skin between his neck and his shoulder.

Dew threw his head back. It felt weirdly intimate, strangely performative and Dew gave Phantom a hooded look with a smile as he groaned. Fingers tangled in Aethers hair, guiding him on exactly where to bite next. Maybe that was part of the performance too, it was no secret that Dew and Aether had claimed each other long before Phantom was summoned, but the show was in the almost perverse secret that was the physical act claiming each other.

“Need you-” there was a heavy pause at the end of the statement, like Dew wanted to add something on that was too intimate for Phantoms ears. Even Aether looked like a certain tension had deflated when he didn’t get to hear it. They were getting carried away, slowly forgetting they were showing off instead of being able to melt into the familiar trust that prying eyes couldn’t afford.

“How bad?” Aether tilted him back, slowly laying him onto the soft sheets while his hands practically engulfed his frame. “How bad do you need me baby?”

“You’re the only one i’ve ever wanted this badly”

Aethers eyes fluttered with a groan as he almost folded in on himself. The perverted part of phantom wondered if he could've come just from Dews sweet words alone. He hoped he could.

The other part had his dick twitching in jealousy. Sure, he would never be Aether, that much was never not obvious to him. But god he wanted to pound Dew into the mattress until he got words with some kind of similar weight. The idea of his senior Needing him. Only him. His cock twitched in his pants, letting out a small whine in time with Aether finally thrusting himself inside Dew.

The other need is what kept him tethered to the chair. He knew how this game worked, if he behaved Aether would scoop him up and treat him almost as sweet as Dew, and maybe Dew would coo a few nice words and kiss him dizzy while Aether fucked him.

[wrathofrats]

Fireproof

₊˚｡⋆❆ wc: 2k ₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊ General ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆

₊˚｡⋆❆ summary: hallmark au! Cumulus is an author who needs fresh inspiration, luckily there’s a cute girl at the library who may be able to fix that.

₊˚｡⋆❆ tags: au, author cumulus, librarian cirrus, ifrit and aether are bakers, mountain and Zeph are also there for some reason, self loathing cumulus, tiny bit of angst but it’s just cumulus feeling stagnant, useless lesbians

₊˚｡⋆❆ authors note: merry Christmas @august-ghoul ! I was your secret Santa tee hee. I hope you enjoy it! Thank you to @ghostsecretsanta / @stellargh0ul for organizing!

Something twisted in Cumulus’ stomach that she couldn’t quite place. The familiar rows of bare trees with almost dingy yellow lights lined the road in town. Each small shop with its own matching decor, a candy themed wreath for the candy shop, a chalkboard sign with a mug of hot coco drawn on it for the cafe. They all felt festive and full of love in their own way, and maybe that’s why Cumulus felt hallow as she slowly passed.

It had been a couple years since she drove through, even longer since she lived here. The desperate need for change nagging at her once she turned 18 and before her parents knew it she was states away at a college they had never heard of. But it was hers, her choice, her major, her renewed sense of independence.

Cumulus had been back for a couple holidays and nothing more. Sure she called her mom at least a couple times a week to hear her complain about grocery prices, but beyond a Thanksgiving dinner and a Christmas party every now and then, she was mostly content on being the cousin you only heard of in passing.

The setting sun cast a warm haze on the buildings around her. Something was sickly nostalgic about the place. Maybe the longing for memories she couldn’t place and could never go back to, or the ever present fear of things changing. Either way she continued through, and turned into an all too familiar suburb.

It was unwelcome inspiration, writing about nostalgia and tales from when she was younger was something Cumulus had done plenty. Each book had countless small details that sparked memories, most characters being clones of particular parts of her personality. Her mind raced with the topic, the entire drive truly was simply writing up new ideas and trashing them as she maneuvered through traffic. Each song she’s heard a million times weaved a new tale that was simply cliche, or just didn’t feel right to her.

The hope was that being in a warm familiar house would spark a memory or two that was worth jotting down. Or maybe a late night with her father by the fire would bring a story she’s never heard and could twist into something that was her own. It didn’t feel as welcoming as it once did to be on her street, but the alternative was a lonely, almost suffocating city that simply had grown stagnant.

A plate of hot, homemade food quelled the feelings of melancholy for the night, Cumulus was pretty sure her mothers Alfredo could cure any illness though. And a freshly made bed after hours of driving would be enough to put her mind at ease.

Though, the nagging feeling was still there in the morning. Maybe she was simply too busy at her house, a set schedule to keep her moving and now any down time felt like anxious wasted potential. The prior evening was used to catch up, and now this morning would be used to hopefully shake away the block in her brain.

There was a new bakery where the old dry cleaners used to be. Something new enough to make her feel less like a stranger to something she once knew. Sugar cookie shaped window paint decorated the windows with a list of business hours on the door.

“Welcome!” Greeted one of the men at the counter, “Aether just put out the danishes, so they’re still warm”

He was tall, with a friendly smile and dark hair. He had on a black apron with the words Hot Stuff Coming Through! Printed on the front. Floured hand prints and bits of jam littered it, but it was clear from the display case that the food was fresh, and made well.

“Well that’s a good sales tactic” Cumulus laughed, “and what flavors do you have”

“Strawberry, cream cheese, apple…. I think those are our flavors for today” the man leaned over to study the pastries, as he bent down Cumulus caught a glimpse of his name tag. Ifrit, and a small drawn flame clearly done in sharpie on a slow shift. “Sometimes Phantom buys something random to try. Keeps things interesting at least, the kid has good taste when he can actually focus for more than a couple minutes”

“Interns, what can you do?” The other man, assumedly Aether, laughed. “Joking! he’s an assistant. Or an apprentice if I get to act out my dreams of being a wizard who runs a potion store”

“Then why didn’t you open a bar?”

“I don’t like working past 5”

The two were clearly long time friends. They continued their own banter as Cumulus stared at the glass case.

“I’ll take a cinnamon roll, and a hot tea if you have it?”

“We just have bags of earl grey, but enough cream and honey to satisfy an entire city if you want” Aether grabbed the coffee pot of hot water while ifrit stuffed a large, pillowy cinnamon roll into a bag. “I’ve never seen you before, moving in or simply passing through?”

“Childhood town. Decided to come back for a while while I work on some personal projects” Cumulus smiled, with a nod as a thank you as she grabbed her food.

“Personal projects?”

“I’m an author, or i’m supposed to be. I’ve always wondered how long without writing it would take to get my title stripped from me”

“Muses are hard to come by” Ifrit gave a sympathetic smile, “but mine tend to be come in the form of exotic fruits and the librarian with long, grey hair next door”

"his point being, don’t give up. You’ll find that spark, and hopefully a daily cinnamon roll will help that” Aether elbowed Ifrit, rolling his eyes.

“The library is still open next door?”

“Yup! They have some comfy chairs if you don’t feel like working here, though we don’t mind the company”

“Anyone who buys my cinnamon rolls is welcome to stay as long as they like”

Cumulus laughed. Maybe it would be a better environment, the men were nice but something quieter might suit her better. And besides, if she can’t write anything she could at least read. That was also a good method to get her out of a funk.

“I haven’t been there since I was a kid, so I think I’ll stop in for a bit. But thank you guys! I’m sure i’ll be back”

“Sounds good! Say hello to Zephyr for me, you’ll know them when you see them!”

The cold winter wind made the fliers on the door flutter, one floating off as Cumulus opened the door. The place truly didn’t seem much different than when she was a kid, sure there was a new coat of paint and different posters on the walls to appeal to the youth, but other than that the smell of dust and old carpet transported her backwards in time.

A couple people stood at the counter loading a cart with returns. A tall man with long brown hair, accompanied by someone who looked a bit older that Cumulus could only assume was Zephyr. The taller of the two gave her a small smile and wave as she walked over to the shelves of books.

She found a quiet spot in front of a window. A plush chair and small table for her laptop that would be out of the way so she could focus. Cumulus stared at the rows of books in front of her. Some of the covers turned out with pictures of photoshopped couples and pink smokey hearts.

Clearly was was some kind of romance subsection, something Cumulus tried not to worry herself too much about. It could be hard. A long term boyfriend and a couple of scattered girlfriends, part of her felt like a true hopeless romantic. The cliche of a lonely girl writing about perfect couples in a small city apartment.

Cumulus wrote down the handful of fleeting thoughts as she took bites of her cinnamon roll. She tried to elaborate on the more promising ones but with each line she lost more and more hope. Everything felt forced, like stringing words together praying that it would spark something in her brain. The last book only took a couple months to write, and now she couldn’t even get a page without deleting the entire thing.

“Ifrit makes the best cinnamon rolls doesn't he?” Cumulus looked up to see a woman with long, dark hair in front of her. She was dressed in slacks and a cardigan with some t shirt underneath.

“It's delicious, my first time in there”

“Assuming it’s your first time in here too, I try to remember the people who usually come in here” the woman laughed. She reached up to replace a book from her cart on one of the shelves, giving Cumulus a smile as she turned back around.

“Grew up here, came back for a bit after some time away”

“Sounds nice. Been telling myself i’ll get out one day, but the idea usually ends up pushed away in favor of making fliers for the kids reading club”

“Think one blew away as I walked in. Maybe that’s an excuse to give it some more thought”

Cumulus felt something warm in her chest as the woman laughed. The work had been forgone on both sides in favor of the welcoming small talk.

“I’m Cirrus by the way”

“Cumulus”

“Well Cumulus, it was a pleasure talking to you”

And with that, Cirrus and her cart disappeared around the corner.

Words started flowing onto the page. Once filled with half baked ideas now was replaced with the start of something that could only be described as grossly self indulgent. Cumulus had never actually written a romance novel before, but maybe this would be her breakthrough shot.

An hour passed before she even realized it. A full outline, with a couple of random paragraphs and ideas added in as notes. She blushed reading it over once she looked at the time, and closed her laptop for the day. Before she left she grabbed a random book off of the shelf as an excuse to talk to Cirrus again.

She stood at the counter with the taller man from earlier, giving Cumulus a small wave once she saw her. The book was quickly placed on the counter without a second glance, Cumulus was more focused on Cirrus to care. Up close she had dark brown eyes and a clear bit of mascara, along with a wafting scent of cherries.

“Interesting pick, didn’t take this as your thing” Cirrus gave a teasing smile as Cumulus looked down and realized what book she had picked out. It was clearly some cheesy romance novel for unsatisfied housewives. The picture of a big beefy man in a kilt with a woman caressing his pecs stared back at her.

“Well- um” Cumulus fumbled, “thought i’d try something new I guess”

“Well then you’ll have to stop in here again and let me know how it is. Don’t think i’ve ever had the privilege of reading this one”

The man next to Cirrus stifled a giggle, trying to look busy but was clearly entertained by the exchange next to him. Cumulus gave a small thank you, before grabbing her book and rushing to duck out of the library to save herself anymore embarrassment.

She threw the book on her passenger seat. Was she stupid? All of that and she couldn’t even take the time to pick out something better, or that Cirrus would find interesting. The cover mocked her as she frustratingly picked it back up to find out what this book was even about.

A small piece of paper slipped from between the pages as she opened it up.

I can get us a discount from Aethers bakery, maybe you can tell me about this book over coffee?

There was a number listed below the note, with a small heart doodle.