I wouldnt say I have a fear of spiders- just a large discomfort with them. So looking up wolf spiders for the pic collage was… a challenge. Especially at night. Sorry it took so long! (Its also a bit short but aah like??? 6 am now so I need sleep haha)
Also, as a dedicated player of dnd, I had no clue which arachne you meant. There are many versions and mythologies around them and seeing as the most common type was the centaur-like ‘drider’ creature, I went ahead with that. Hope I guessed right!
—–
Your voice echoed back to you from the cave walls as you hummed, swirling your finger absentmindedly in the water. Daylight flooded in through the hole in the ceiling and cast dancing lights across the stream and the cave. The way the light played across the ripples in the water was mesmerizing.
A soft breeze rustled your (h/c) hair, leaving goosebumps on your skin. Being in this place, away from the many stresses of the world, was your favorite pastime. Besides talking to him, of course.
You glanced up, eyes scanning the dim corners for him. He oftentimes stayed away from direct light, claiming it strained his eyes too much, but as it came to be that you were finding it harder and harder to visit him after dark, he made an acception to his “no sunlight” rule.
Sharp clicking and the sound of many footsteps echoed around you as he edged towards you, making sure to stay clear of the spotlight shining on the floor.
“(Y/n),” he sighed, bending at his waist to get closer to your eye level.
“Valzen.” you smiled warmly.
“You seem distant today.” his brows furrowed.
“Hm. I sold all my wares today.” you admitted. Valzen straightened, smiling.
“But that’s great! You’ll be needing more silk, then, I take it?” he lowered to the ground, still towering over you even as he sat.
“Mhm.” you nodded, gaze drifting back to the water. Valzen frowned and brought his hand up to your chin, tilting your head to look at him.
“What troubles you, love?” he asked. Many would never expect such a creature to hold such vast emotions in their eyes and yet, here he was, looking at you with so many feelings flickering behind his gaze.
“People keep asking me where I get my fabrics for the clothes. I always say that I get them from a merchant out of town, but… I fear that they’ll catch on at some point” you sigh.
You were always careful when you visited him and would stop frequently on your route and backtrack in case you were being followed. This didnt stop you from worrying, though. You’d never forgive yourself if something happened to Valzen.
“Nonsense. If anyone finds my den, I will just eat them.” he shrugged his shoulders as if what he said was normal.
“Valzen!” you gasped, lightly shoving him. He let out a low chuckle.
“You know I’m joking- bipeds are too stringy.” he shoots you a cheeky grin. “In all seriousness, though- should anyone come here, I can hold my own. I handled intruders just fine before we met and I haven’t gone soft yet.” Valzen wrapped his arms around your shoulders, placing a kiss on your forehead.
“Alright, I believe you.” you hummed. “Thank you, love.”
—-
“I think it’s very amusing that nobles are wearing attire made of stuff that comes from my backside.”
“Valzen!” you scolded, coiling the silk as he handed it to you. His laugh reverberated around the cave and made the air almost vibrate.
“What? They find my kind to be disgusting menaces and they’re walking around, wearing my ’protein fiber’.” he grinned, placing a bundle of silk into a basket. “Its just ironic, is all.”
“Hm, well I find it ironic that you dont wear clothes and yet you are working with a seamstress.” you poked at his bare stomache.
“I have no interest in your garments, woman. I love you for your weaving.” Valzen shook his head. You smiled to yourself and continued your work. Valzen had expressed his feelings toward your occupation on many occasions. He always joked that it was fate that you wove your own fabric and stumbled into his life. It was a rather funny, albeit fitting, pair; a spider and a seamstress.
“Once I save enough money, I can move out here with you. Maybe even reinforce the den- add some furniture, too.” you promise.
“I don’t understand the big deal with beds and whatnot. The cave floor is perfectly comfortable and I can even make you a hammock if you desired it.” Valzen quirked his mouth to the side.
“What about chairs? It’s not good for my bones to sit on the cold stone all the time.” you chimed.
“Rubbish. You have a mobile seat right here.” he turned to pat the top of his abdomen.
“Valzen!” you cried, breaking into a fit of laughter. Once you calmed down, you sighed. “As nice as that sounds, I just think this place could use some livening up, you know? A woman’s touch.” you froze when you saw his mouth crook into a mischievous grin. “Wait- no!”
Summary: You get a surprise gift from your friend, Blake.
Really short, kinda awkward. Anyhow, first (modern) orc story!
—
The bell above the door rang as you stepped into the small shop. The smell of incense hit you before the warm glow of the atmosphere. All around the shop, small string lights and lanterns were hung up in lieu of using the florescent light panels on the ceiling. The general vibe of the place was just… serene.
You weren’t really one to buy gemstones or sage and rave about chakras- you had nothing against it, but it wasn’t for you. No, you were here for one specific aspect of this little store. The records.
“Back already?” a familiar voice said behind you. You turned to see Blake behind the counter, leaning forward to look at you. His brown eyes were lazily opened and his mouth quirked to the side around his tusks in a relaxed smile. He almost embodied the mood of the store, always calm and carefree. If he looked more alert, patrons would likely become intimidated. He was an orc after all.
“Hey, Blake! Yeah, I just got my paycheck and I thought I’d blow it all here.” you shrugged shyly, your eyes coming to rest on the music section. Blake chuckled behind you.
“I don’t mind. Everytime you blow your paycheck, I get to see you, so it’s nice.” he smiles.
“You get my money and my exquisite company? Sounds unfair to me.” you pick up one of the vinyls.
“Is that to say you don’t enjoy being here?” Blake asked, resting his chin in his hand. You peered up at him through your eyelashes.
“Of course not, this place is great. It always mellows out my mood after a bad day.” you sigh, choosing another album. “It’d be nice if you guys had some beanbag chairs or something laying around so people could hang out here.”
“We have some in the employee’s lounge in the back.” Blake offered, raising his eyebrows.
“Maybe another time. I’ve got to go home and feed Gizmo before he eats my shoes or something.” you slide the albums onto the counter and retrieve your wallet. You set the cash on the counter and look at the rack of sunglasses whole Blake bags everything up. Your hands graze briefly when he gives you the bag.
“Enjoy your purchase.” he gives you a genuine smile that you can feel all the way to your bones and your cheeks darken.
“You too.” you instinctively say. You immediately start to stammer and facepalm. “I-I mean- I wasn’t. Uh-”
“If this is your way of inviting me to your apartment to listen to music, you’re doing pretty bad.” Blake laughs. “But I believe in you. You’ll get it next time.”
You flush more and lock your eyes onto the ground as you quickly leave, waving goodbye. That’s the worst thing that could ever happen between two individuals. ‘You too’ you huff as you open your car door and settle into your seat. God, what awkward planet were you from? Blake didn’t seem to mind too much, though.
—
You get home and feed your cat, much to his delight, and start rifling through your bag for some music to put on while you cook. You freeze in your spot. A braided bracelet rests at the bottom of the bag. Did Blake accidentally put that in? Maybe one of his fell off? He did wear a lot of them. Oh shit, you unintentionally stole this.
“Oh shit.” you curse out loud. Picking up the bracelet, you rush out of the door. Hopefully Blake hadn’t left to go home yet.
—
You catch him right as he’s locking up the front door, key still in the lock.
“Blake!” you jog up to him and he looks up, surprised.
“Oh! (Y/n), what are you doing back here?”
“Uh, this found it’s way into my bag. I wanted to return it.” you hold out the bracelet to him. He looks down at it, something flickers in his eyes.
“You… you don’t want it?” he asks.
“What? Wh- no no that’s not. I-” you look around, feeling lost. Fucking words. “I thought I stole it on accident.” you admit. Blake looks almost relieved and attempts to hold back a smile.
“No, you didn’t steal it. I put it in there. It’s yours.” he nods to it.
“Mine? Why?” you bring the bracelet to your chest.
“I wanted to give it to you. You always seem to like my bracelets so I made you one.” he cautiously reaches for your hands. “You can add whatever you like to it- charms, jewels, beads.” his eyes dart to the side at that and he pulls one of his braids out of his chaotic mass of hair. Carefully, he unbraids the end and slips off one of the ornately carved beads. Then, he picks up your bracelet and threads it through the bead. “There, see?” he holds it out to tie onto your wrist.
“Blake, you don’t have to give me this!” you shake your head. Blake frowned down at you.
“Are you going to make me rebraid my hair and throw away your gift?”
“Wh- no. I just… you don’t have to go out of your way to make me things.” you fidget with your sleeves.
“Don’t worry about it. Just take the bracelet.” Blake orders. You hold your arm out so he can tie the bracelet to you.
“Thank you.” you mumble.
“Mhm.” Blake hums, his fingers lingering around your wrist before he retracts and clears his throat. “Uh… have you had dinner yet? I’m starving.”
“Ah, no. I was just about to when I found this.” you twist your hand, bouncing the bead.
“Oh. S-sorry.” Blake rubs his neck, averting his gaze. “Let me buy you something to eat.”
“Blake, if you keep buying me gifts, I’m going to have to start spending more time and money at your shop.” you sigh, following him to his car.
“That’s the plan.” he smiles, opening the door for you.
The car ride to the diner is filled with light conversation and good music. It was hard for you to find a kindred spirit that shared your taste in music. You noted the fact that Blake’s car smelled like vanilla and smoke- a more concentrated version of him, you thought.
“M’lady.” Blake bowed as he opened your door.
“God you’re a nerd.” blush dusts your cheeks and you take his hand as he helps you out of the car. You don’t need assistance, per say, but it would be rude to deny holding his hand momentarily, right?
The two of you sit at one of the many empty booths and order your food from a waitress that had worked there for longer than she’d have liked.
“Jewelry, dinner… if I didn’t know better I’d say you were trying to woo me.” you say idly, looking at the small menu of desserts. When you hear nothing, you look up and see Blake staring at the tabletop with wide eyes and furrowed brows.
“You okay there, Blake?” you ask softly.
“What if I was?”
“Huh?”
“Trying to woo you. I-I mean courting you wouldn’t be so bad, would it?”
Your eyes widen and you open your mouth to say something, but you’re interrupted by the arrival of your food.
“Thank you, ma’am.” Blake nods to the waitress, flashing her a crooked smile. He returns his gaze to you, heaving a sigh. “Ah… sorryabout that.”
You feel compelled to stay on the topic, but get the sense that Blake would rather not. The two of you spend the rest of dinner in awkward silence.
–
Blake insists on walking you to your car, even though its ten feet away from where he parked. When you get to your door, you pause.
“Um… is it ok if I stop by tomorrow?” you look up at Blake.
“Yeah, of course. You know when the shop is open.” he nods.
“I mean, like, to hang out. The two of us.”
“Oh. Y-yeah. I’d love that, actually. You can finally see the foretold beanbag chairs.” Blake grins. You find yourself smiling too and lean up on your tip toes. You have to grip his arm, both to pull him down to an accessible height and to stabilize yourself, but you manage to place a kiss on Blake’s cheek. He flushes a darker shade of green. “U-uh can we redo that? I wasn’t ready.”
You laugh, placing your hands on the sides of his face and bring him down again, this time kissing his lips. He sighs and melts into it, bringing his arms around you.
“You just skipped four steps in the courtship.” he rests his forehead against yours.
A bit of fluff with a naga gf! The readers gender is never mentioned so it can be whatever. Enjoy and pardon me for any typos~
—-
“Tell me,” she spoke, her thin fingers running gently up your arm as her tail coils around you.
It wasn’t a move to frighten or harm you, it was one of comfort. Her equivalent of holding you, hugging you.
You meet her eyes, her unnatural yet beautiful eyes, the pupils narrow slits that watch you intently, the green color taking up her entire visible eye.
Imagine the Alpha trying to separate you and the Omega, thinking you were distracting him too much from the pack. And when the Alpha comes by, even does so civilly and tries to talk the Omega down and explains things to you, the Omega turns very aggressive. The Alpha is so stunned that they don’t even register it a challenge or a threat, they just stand there watching as you try to calm down your lover. Hushing them and stroking his cheeks, attempting to turn this around before it went too far.
And that’s when the Alpha realised that you weren’t a distraction. You were an anchor, a mate to someone in their pack. After that, you are considered one of them. Even if you are human. The Alpha still doesn’t completely trust you, but they tolerate you for their Omega member.
Disclaimer: Not my artwork. Just used for inspiration. However, this is my edit. Also, if you want to read more of my Monster Boyfriend series, the masterlist is HERE.
Ahhhh….nature.
The sounds of birds tweeted from their place in the trees.
Leaves rustling in the light breeze.
The crackle from the fire I’d built.
The slight drip drop from a sprinkle of rain hitting the creek.
I needed this.
I needed time away.
From the city.
From work.
From everyone.
Fuck…I guess I just needed time away from my life.
My life wasn’t bad, I suppose.
I was quite lucky in a lot of ways.
I had a nice family- nice enough anyway.
We’re all the normal brand of weird and argumentative that all families are, I guess.
I actually had a decent paying job.
I can’t say that I love or anything but I don’t hate it and it pays the bills.
So really, I was quite lucky…I just got tired of it all, I guess.
But nature?
The woods.
That had always calmed me.
Made me settled in a way that I’d never be able to understand.
Growing up, I was the kid who’d get off the bus from school, do my chores and homework and then just be gone until after dark.
I remember more than once a neighbor came looking for me when I didn’t come back when the street lights came on.
I got many ass whoopins because of it as well but oh well.
I had cousins who wouldn’t dare venture into the woods and I had no issue with it.
I knew this place like the back of my hand.
And because I knew it like I did…I knew what else lurked in the woods.
The were olds legends around my hometown.
“Urban myths” they called them.
Shadow creatures.
“They’re not real.” my cousin had stressed to me one day when I came home raving that I’d seen one. “You just let your imagination get away you again. It’s just a story Aunt Lottie tells everybody so they’ll come back home before dark.”
My cousin had never spent very much time in the woods though and he didn’t know.
Shadow creatures were real and for a while after that…it had been the stuff of my nightmares.
I’d slept with the lights on, damn near drove everyone in the house insane.
Then one day, when I’d spent the night with my Aunt and Uncle while my family was away, Uncle Louis insisted that the lights be turned off.
“You’re wasting electricity, youngin’.” he had said.
You also have to understand that Uncle Louis was twenty when my father was born.
A.K.A. He was a crotchety old bastard most of the time.
Aunt Patty, bless her soul, she took pity on me and gave me a small candle when Uncle Louis went to bed.
She sat on the bed with me for a moment, “Listen, you’re not to tell him or your mother about this…but I believe you about the shadows people.”
I remember I shot up out of that bed and in her face.
“You do?!” I had asked.
She laughed quietly.
“Yes and if you’ll be quiet, once he’s asleep, I’ll introduce you to one.” she said.
Now, I reeled away from her at that.
Dived down into the covers and shook my head with fear in my eyes.
Granted…I’d only been seven at the time.
“Good lord, child.” Patty had said. "Relax. You’re more danger to yourself than they are. You damn near scared the hell out of little Gus the other day. Though he did mention how much he seemed to like you. Seems you bewitched the boy already.“
“I don’t wanna.” I had said.
She rolled her eyes with an exasperated smile, “Child, why do you think I insisted you stay with us this weekend instead of going with your family to that baseball game?”
“Cause I got in trouble at school.” I had said.
That had been true of course but not the reason Patty had insisted.
“No, dear.” she laughed. “You’ve been talking up one side of the hill and down the other about shadow people. It’s clear you’re scared to death. I wanted to show you otherwise.”
She stopped talking for a moment and listened.
Eventually, the sound of Uncle Louis’ truck started up and she rolled her eyes.
The tell tale signs that he was headed into town for the bar.
Likely, he’d stay there all night and we wouldn’t see him until noon the next day.
Patty had learned just not to care a long time ago.
She’d married a man 24 years her senior just to make ends meet and now lived a comfortable life because of it.
He was a cranky old coot but never mean.
Anyway, she had handed me my slippers and rushed me out of bed before extending a hand.
“Come on, child.” she had said and basically dragged me from the room and towards the kitchen.
I was then handed a little tray while she packaged up leftovers from supper.
I assumed she was putting them away but instead she placed them on the tray and opened the door to the basement.
Of course, my little seven year old self had no intentions of going into that basement.
It was dark and I couldn’t even see to the bottom.
What if there was something down there?
There was no way that I was goin-
“Get to stepping, child.” she said and promptly took me by the shoulder and guided my little ass into motion.
Hell, I remember I was shaking so hard that I nearly dropped the plate.
“It’s just me and the little one.” Patty said. "Come on out now. I’ve brought left overs and I’ve fixed that hold in your skirt, Georgetta.“
At that moment, wind rushed past my face and I had dropped the tray.
But I never hit the ground.
It simply began to move back up and then a small head full of dark hair and glowing eyes appeared in front of me.
I screamed.
I’ll admit it.
I was worse than a banshee.
He disappeared and the tray clanged to the floor.
"Hush now!” Patty admonished me and picked up the tray before holding it out.
Suddenly a woman stepped forward.
She was a deep charcoal gray color with shining eyes and long thick braids that seem to whisp and flickers in the dim light of the candle.
“Sorry, Georgetta. I didn’t I brought a screaming demon with me.” she said sliding a look in my direction.
“Georgetta” laughed, a deep and smoky but pleasant sound.
“It’s alright.” she said. “I fear you scared the hair right off of Gus though. Come on, Gus! Come out and say hello.”
“I wasn’t trying to scare no body.” I managed to whispered. “I just…I just….shadow people. Aunt Lottie said shadow people got people who didn’t listen.”
“Aunt Lottie is two biscuits short the gravy.” Patty rolled her eyes. “Don’t listen to Aunt Lottie or you’ll end up dumber than a sack of hammers.”
“I’m sorry, Gus.” I had said. “I didn’t mean to scream at you. Please, please come out.” I said and I even introduced myself.
I hadn’t gotten much of a response but I did see two luminous eyes peek up at me over the back of the couch and a mop of messy dark hair.
That had all been years ago and while I’d spent many more nights in that basement playing with Gus while Aunt Patty and Georgetta socialized…things had tapered off between us long ago.
Uncle Louis died and Aunt Patty spent her time going back and forth to her sister’s house who lived a couple of states away.
I grew older and had to deal with the troubles of adulthood.
The last time I went back to that house was a couple of Christmas’ ago to help Aunt Patty do a bunch of cleaning and a huge yard sale.
I remember I set in that basement forever and waited on someone but no one ever came out.
There had been a sadness in my soul after that.
I felt like I’d lost an old friend.
Perhaps, that’s why I came out to these woods.
Maybe it was some kind of long shot hoping I’d see them again.
I shook my head as I stared into the fire and roasted the marshmallow a bit more before pulling it off.
Of course, because I had no chill it was hot as the devil’s breath and burned my fingers.
I dropped it and full expected it to hit the dirt and be sacrificed to the ants….but it didn’t.
I hovered for just a second before dark, grey shadowy hand held it up to me.
Shadow people.
“Thank you.” I whispered as I took it.
It reached up and caressed my cheek for just a moment.
Thumb rubbing over the soft flesh there.
Almost asking for permission.
“Can I see you?” I said aloud.
The arm vanished into thin air and my head dropped in sadness…already convincing myself that I’d dreamt it up.
Until.
Sinewy arms wrapped around my soft waist and pulled me back into a chest.
Someone’s face pressed into the side of my neck and whisper of a kiss was placed behind my ear.
“I thought I’d never see you again.” a voice said. "You didn’t answer me last time. You looked right at me and you didn’t even seem to see me.“
"Gus?” I whispered, my heart clenching in my chest and I tried to turn in his arms. "Is that you?“
"Don’t move.” he said. “I’m afraid if I let you go, you’ll vanish.”
“Me?!” I laughed. “You’re the one who can vanish into thin air!”
“Just stay.” he said holding onto me tighter.
“Let me see you.” I insisted. "I haven’t even laid eyes on your since I was still in high school.“
He loosened his grip just enough for me to turn to look at him and I gasped.
He was still Gus.
I would recognize those wide, bright eyes from my childhood anyway.
He still looked like the lanky teen of my high school years , just older.
Still a mop of hair and that mischevious twinkle to him.
Just older and a man now.
Scruff on his face and he was just bigger in frame than he used to be.
"You basically look the same.” I told him. “A little harrier, but still Gus.”
He leaned forward and laid his forehead against mine.
“I was so worried. You didn’t recognize me before.” he said.
“When?” I asked.
“A couple years back. Christmas time. You were cleaning things out for Patty. You sat there the basement all night. It fucking killed me to see you cry like that. You kept calling out to me and Ma. I tried to answer you but you couldn’t hear me. I tried to touch you but there was this forcefield around you. You looked right at me but I knew you couldn’t see me. I was terrified that that was it. I thought I’d never be able to talk to you again. I’ve been trying to communicate with you constantly since then.” He said, a dark glimmering black tear escaping his luminous eyes and sliding down his charcoal gray cheek.
I wiped it instantly and held his face.
His eyes closed almost painfully and he leaned into my touch.
“Oh god, it feels so good to be able to touch you. To have you see me.” he said, tears forming thickly in his throat. "Please, for the love of god, don’t leave me like this again. I can’t…I can’t do it again.“
"Gus, I’m sorry.” I said holding him close. “I don’t know what I did. I didn’t mean to. I would never-”
“I know.” he said winding his arms around me tightly. “I know. You just did what you were suppose to do. You lived your life and I was ok with that. I knew you’d come back but then when you did….it was like…you didn’t believe in me anymore. I thought that was why you couldn’t see me anymore. That what my gran used to say. When humans stopped believing in us, they stop seeing us. And then if they forget us…forget the memory of us…we vanish from them completely. I thought…I thought maybe. ”
“Gus!” I gasped. “I’m so sorry!”
I held onto him for dear life.
“I never meant for that to happen!” I said, tears streaming down my own face. “I guess, I just got so caught up in the city that my memories took a back seat. But I promise, I would never do that on purpose! I love you and I remember everything we’ve had together! You’re my best friend!”
“I love you too.” he said. “Please, please don’t forget me again. Please.”
“I was just thinking about you.” I said. “Thinking about the first time I met you.”
Gus was almost desperate in the way he held me as if he truly believed I’d disappear if he let me go.
“I swear, I’ll leave notes. I’ll do whatever you want. Just….don’t forget me.” he said.
I laid us down on the blanket spread out on the earth and pulled him to my chest.
I carded my fingers through his hair.
“Never Gus.” I said. “I remember how you caught my tray the first time we met. I remember how you scared Sarah Williams when she tried to bully me. I remember how when Daniel McHill tried to kiss me, you took care of it. You could never vanish from my memory.”
“That guy you dated.” he said. “Whatever his name was. The one that hit you a couple of times.”
I bristled a little at the mention of the ex.
“I tried so hard to talk to you afterwards. To make it better. To step in. You just…couldn’t see me. You couldn’t hear me.” he said. “Since you can hear me now, I want you to know, that I took care of that. That’s why he left you. It’s not because you weren’t good enough, despite what he told you. I made him do it because I told him I’d make him suffer if he didn’t leave you alone.” he said.
I froze and looked down at him to find him already staring at me.
“Are you the reason he’s dead?” I asked.
“Yes.” he said without hesitation. "He got drunk and headed for your apartment. I appeared before him and he had collision with the lightpole. I don’t want you to think I’m a murderer. It was actually an accident. I didn’t mean for him to die.“ he said before sliding up and looking me dead in the eye. "But you need to know that I will do anything to protect you. Even if that means killing someone. I didn’t mean for it to turn out that way that night….but if he pressed me on it…I’d have had no issues ending him there.”
“Gus…” I breathed out, tears welling in my eyes.
He seemed to break in intensity a little.
“Please don’t be afraid of me.” he begged. “Not you. Never you. I tried to tell you so many times. Moved things around your home. Just trying to get your attention. Something to let you know that you weren’t alone. Something to let you know that I was there and I’d protect you.”
“I always thought I had some kind of a guardian angel watching over me.” I said aloud. “Maybe a ghost.”
Gus chuckled a little.
I’d always been spooked by things like that.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” he said. “I know I kinda freaked you out sometimes. I was just so desperate. It’s torture to be with the one person you know completes you…and not be able to talk with them. I’m too scared to let go of you now. What if you disappear?”
“We can’t stay attached forever.” I told him.
“Yes, we can. I can make it work.” he said.
“Gus.” I said pointedly. “I know you’re here now. If something goes wrong-” I said and he just held me tighter, “If something goes wrong, I know. And I won’t stop until I find a way to fix it.”
“On the count of three.” I said and he gave a swift nod.
“One. Two. Three.”
He finally let me go for a second.
We looked around.
“Still here?” I asked.
“You can’t see me?!” he panicked.
“No, baby.” I laughed. “I can see you. I’m just doing a check so to speak.”
His hand clutched his chest.
“Don’t. do. that.” he said and then glanced up when the rain began to pick up. “Come on. Before you get soaked.”
The rain came down in sheets and doused the fire.
I turned around, “Come on, let’s get in the car until it lets up.”
But he was no where to be seen.
“Gus?” I called out. “Gus?!”
“No!” I snapped. “Not again!”
“Ssssh, it’s ok. It’s ok.” I heard a voice say and I was wrapped in his arms again. “I’m here. I’m here.”
“I can’t see you.” I panicked and my hands jutted out to trance every invisible inch of him.
“But you can hear me and you can feel me.” he said. “It’s ok. I’m here. I’m not leaving. Let’s get you in the car before you get sick.”
I had a death grip on him the whole time, making getting in the car harder.
I shouldn’t have been since he could vanish and reappear but I was so afraid to let go in that moment that I refused.
“I’m sorry.” I said. “It’s probably my fault. I shouldn’t have tested it. I promise I never would have-”
It was so strange, to be pulled into him and not be able to see him.
“I’m here, sweetheart.” he said. “I’m right here.”
We stayed like that for quite some time.
Invisible arms holding me against him as the rain beat against the roof of my car.
I watched one of the rocks from my fire pit slide off into the creek and then I gasped.
Shot up like a bat out of hell.
“Ow!” Gus moaned. “My nose!”
“The fire!” I said.
“Yeah, it feels like it’s on fire! Jesus christ. Why did you do that?” he asked.
“No, Gus! It’s the flame! The flame!” I said.
“What?” He asked.
“Gus, it’s the flame! I’m so stupid! The flame!” I said. “The first time I saw shadow people in the woods was when I’d been out there as a kid. I’d been dicking around with some matches.”
“Why did you have matches when you were seven?” he cut in.
“You’re missing the point!” I snapped. “Then the first time I saw you I had a candle! Patty gave it to me! Every time we played together as child, there were candles! I knew it was fucking weird that Patty agreed with Louis when he said he wouldn’t put electricity down there! That’s why! I took a fucking flashlight with me when I helped clean that day! No flame!”
“That still doesn’t explain the rest of the time.” Gus said. “I’ve been trying to talk to you for years and I know at least one place you lived in, had a fireplace.”
“Never worked.” I said. "And the land lord refused to fix it. We had central heating.“
"Surely, you’ve had a candle.” he said.
“Nope, the other two apartment complexes didn’t allow it. Fire hazards. Could only have wax warmers or oil diffusers.” I said.
“Huh.” he said before I heard a bunch of rustling and soon enough the grill lighter I took with me camping was floating in front of my face. “Test it.”
I bit my lip and felt his hand wrap over mine.
“Gently.” he said. “Remember that we are in a car right now.”
I took a breath and he grabbed my hand again.
“And also, I just want you to know that either way, it’s ok. I’m not leaving. I still love you and I’m with you whether you can see me or not.”
I nodded and gently held the trigger down.
The little flame lit up from the tip and Gus appeared.
I gasped.
Gus narrowed his eyes at the flame and then something seemed to dawn on him.
“Baby, it’s the smoke.” he said with a laugh. “And I’m a fucking idiot. I should’ve know this. They taught us this when we were children. ”
“I don’t remember.” I said.
“Not you. Me. We have schools to, you know. We were called Burning Spirits of the Mountains.” he said. "That’s where all the foggy mountain legends come from. Holy shit, I’m so stupid.“
"That doesn’t explain why I couldn’t hear or feel you before.” I pointed out.
“Well, honey, that probably was because you’d let your memories take a back seat. It probably wouldn’t have happened if I’d just remembered to tell you that. If you could see me it’s a little harder to forget. I’m so sorry.” he said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
I just sat back against the seat…and then I fucking lost it.
I just laughed until I couldn’t breathe and Gus started laughing at the sight of me.
“What is wrong with you?” he asked.
“We are so stupid!” I giggled. “All this drama and it’s literally over something as simple as a fucking Glade candle!”
Gus was beside himself with laughter and soon enough we were almost silent except for the sound of our wheezing.
“Well it’ll be a nice story to tell the grandkids one day.” I said when I finally sobered up.
He snapped to attention and looked at me.
“What?”
“You heard me shadow boy.” I said. "I’ve got you now. You ain’t going no where.“
Gus took the lighter from me and I saw one final smirk before the flame went out.
"Ok, then, know it all. Let’s see how cocky you are when you don’t know where it’s coming from.” he said, feeling his lips on my neck.
“Well, generally, I’ve been known to like it from behind but whatever floats your boat.” I teased him.
However, all I heard was a growl and I then I felt hands all over my body.
I didn’t have to see him to know that it was my Gus.
That much I could feel.
In more ways than one if you know what I mean, lol.
Heeeeeeeey, smoochies! I hope you enjoyed this little Monster Boyfriend Imagine! I’ve fallen in love with my sweet Gus, my shadow creature! So sweet and precious and a little naughty as well! If you’d like to see more like this or more adventures with Gus, please let me know in the comment section! Happy Reading!!!
You’re always laying ontop of his. Even in his human form, he likes to have you laying over him. Your weight is a comfort to him and he nuzzles into your neck. Kissing your cheek and neck. Sometimes not even being sexual about it. He just loves showering you with affection. But he becomes a whining mess anytime you try to leave his little cuddle pile.
“But, baby, why do you need to go? You need the bathroom? But…. I want cuddles.”
The man is head-over-heels for you most days. And his actual Alpha finds it incredibly amusing everytime they come by to talk and the Omega is acting very protective of you. But is also torn because he cannot growl or show any aggression towards his Alpha without being considered a threat or challenge.
Oof these guys love to tease. If they want you in the mood, they will be on you in second. Their tails circling around you to bring you against their chest. Hands sliding along your sides, dipping between your thighs and even under the waist line of your pants.
And DARLING the dirty talk. Those honeyed voices can make anything sound sexy. And they use it to their full potential. Hissing and whimpering in your ear. Nuzzling against you as they grind into you.
That night in the club damn near haunted your thoughts. Plaguing your mind until one day, as you’re shopping for groceries you past the condiment isle and stare at the rows and rows of pickles.
“Put a jar of pickles in your window”
Well..it couldn’t hurt right? You pick out a few small jars and put them in your cart.
Venturing closer to the serene scenery of the lake and the small forested park beyond you wave. “Hi.”
The centaur jumps, all four hooves leaving the ground for a moment. “Don’t mind him. He might look like a proud and noble steed but I assure you he’s a big scary cat.” The lake monster laughs.
“That’s not funny Gabe.” The centaur snaps, glaring at him. “My name is Albion by the way. I-it’s nice to finally meet you. Less scary up close. Stories made it seem like you were like the orcs. But you’re small and cute.” He extends a hand and you take it, offering him a smile that makes a dark blush rise to those Carmel colored cheeks.
A hissing sound comes from the skull faced figure behind him and they come around behind him, small wildflowers sprouting from their steps. They’re cloaked in a moss-colored jacket, baggy muddy brown clothing obscuring their figure. “I’m Rose. I live over in the forest. I came with the property.”
“As did I!” Gabe cheerfully adds, one webbed hand in the air. “Not like they could get rid of me. I keep the lake clean.” He jokes.
The four of you chat for hours and before you know it the sun is setting.
“I should get going… “Rose says with a sigh. "I don’t want to spook the Minotaur again.” With a grumble she looks to you. “You should come visit sometime. I don’t get to meet many humans. Well.. humans who don’t run of screaming.” Patting your shoulder she tucks a small daisy behind your ear and ventures off. Seemingly melting into the shadows.
“I don’t like to stay out after dark.” Albion spits out, shuffling slightly. “But uh.. You’re very nice. We should do this again, You said you wanted to get in shape right? You could run with me in the mornings if you wanted? I get up around 7am…if you want…you can meet me here by the lake?” The centaur blushes, his back hoof kicking the ground.
“You two are such buzz kills. I swear.” Gabe laughs, shoving an uneaten boiled egg in the centaur’s mouth when he goes to protest. “Go get your beauty rest.” Gabe waves him off and after a long glance behind him Albion nearly runs into a table.
Stiffing a laugh you watch him frantically run off down the sidewalk. His hooves echoing off the cement.
“And then there were two.” Gabe sighs, glancing over to you.
Toad's Cave 