So Much Plans For My Stories And Future Oneshots This Summer. My Exams Start Next Week And End The 28th,

So much plans for my stories and future oneshots this summer. My exams start next week and end the 28th, so you can start expecting stuff from them on!! :)

I'll also be free to start roleplaying and continue roleplaying then! (An apology to all my roleplayers thank you so much for your patience. I promise I'll get to it as soon as I can <3)

Also a little update, I turned 18 a week and a half ago! So that's new I guess haha anyways- I'll be back soon!

The ART. The ANGST 🤌🤌 I love this so much

Hand Held 1.2

What if Kristine made a scrambling run for it? Turning around, forcing herself up, her feet trying to gain traction. The urgent need to book it pumping through her.

The “Hand Held” series is loosely tied together, but can be enjoyed by itself. I have always enjoyed the challenge of trying to capture so many different emotions of that first touch/grab/pickup.

Is this massive hand belonging to a friend? Or to a foe? Or to your OC??? Once again I invite you to (SFW) interact and interpret freely. Comment, Reblog, draw, write, DM, I LOVED all the creativity from the previous post. Thank you for the fun! Much love G/T Community.

Here are links to …

Hand Held 1 (originally titled “Nearly Touching” back in 2011)

Hand Held 1.1

A Lapse of Judgement

Felt like making a one shot!

Also just wanna say, I've been watching Castlevania, Alistar is very much inspired by Alucard

Anyways, Giant Angel, tiny demon :))

Warnings: Language I guess? Mentions of depression, fear of dying. Angsty and fearplay.

If you like this please like and let me know what you think! I love reading what others have to say <3 enjoy!

In her humble opinion Luciel wasn't doing anything wrong- ok no, that's a lie, but still she was only doing her job! Being a demon was hard work, especially when you were a lower class. She was just thankful she had her wings because she couldn't possibly imagine trying to traverse the human realm without them, trying to reach their ears just to whisper some corrupt ideas into them would be such a pain. More than it already was!

It was tough, but at the very least the humans couldn't see her so there wasn't really any stopping her except whenever procrastination kicked in. Well..that wouldn't be true either.

There were ways to stop her.

And all of them came in the form of Angels.

Self righteous perfect little Angels. Except they weren't little at all! Given their 'holy' nature they were all the same height as a middle class demon, or human. And might she add incredibly annoying! Because even when casting a fellow demon aside they always tried to be so moral and just about it. She for one thought they were a bunch of sad sour souls. What was the point in living a mortal life if you didn't get to cause a little mischief while you had the chance? You know, fun?!

But no. For every wicked whisper, they'd always counter, shunning out the darkness, much to the humans obliviousness.

Luciel had dealt with only a handful of them, possibly less. They never really paid her any mind, more than just a glare of disapproval anyways. Besides they were far more focused on putting a stop to her more powerful coworkers- if they could even be called that. Demons never exactly worked together.

In some ways she was glad to be at the rank she was, the most an Angel could do to her was shoo her off. They didn't attempt anything else. And she was content with that way of things, bothersome yes, but nothing she couldn't live with.

Or so she thought, until Alistar anyhow.

The little demon (quite literally) had been taunting a simple human named Dave- if she was correct. Poor precious Dave, and his sunken eyes. Perhaps she was feeding his anxiety a little too much. But it was quite fun to watch! So she'd continue to egg him on- no matter how many anxiety pills her swallowed.

She laughed in her mirth, going off to see another human deciding it may be time to give old Dave some time out. She flew through above crowds, she was in a city today. She never did bother learning names of locations for she did jump or rather fly around pretty frequently.

The sun was shining and the flowers were blooming- not her preference in weather by any means but perhaps that was the demon in her. All in all it was looking to be a successful day.

She stopped mid flight and floated above the colossal crowds, all impatient to get to the next place sprinkled with remnants of anger, addictions, drunkards, and much more. Wherever the city was it was looking to be a delightful place!

She scanned around before selecting a new target. Baggy eyes, tired expression, possible depression oh yes now this was perfect.

She flew after him thrilled by the chase- and the mere thought of a new client!

Up the stairs through a washed out apartment complex, past the many doors before alas, she caught up just as he walked in and shut the door.

She clapped her hands together, looking around the dingy little complex. It was still clean (odd, he couldn't take care of his own mind, yet his house was unbelievably clean. A possible touch of OCD?)

He walked further in, coming into the kitchen. She spotted them instantly, pills all lined up. Bingo, she was on the money with this one.

Then to his bedroom, he slumped down and switched on his computer, seemingly worn out even though the day was only beginning and just about to get a whole lot more exciting.

She landed on his shoulder, holding onto his collar and taking a breath, so many possibilities! Now, more importantly, what to say?

She settled with the obvious, time to corrupt his self worth!

Though she never got to do that. She had just steadied herself and headed for his ear, when a great hand burst in from seemingly nowhere, and trapped her tightly in a fist.

The breath was forcefully taken out of her as the hand squeezed harsher. Then she cried out at an instant heat. Something was burning! Searing hot! And it hurt. Heat shouldn't hurt Demons!! Nothing should!

"Aww..how pathetic"

She winced, an Angel of course but how?! Why was he even bothering?! She was only a lower cla-

The hand shifted and she was pulled around to a overbearing perspective. And what she was greeted with shook her to her core.

Not just an Angel. A Guardian Angel.

Fuck. No.

If normals Angels were so painfully just and morally correct in their hatred for demons, Guardian Angels amplified it ten fold. They too had wings and all in all looked fairly similar to any regular Angel, apart from their give away, an aura eclipsed their forms. Angels had beauty, but these ones were a new level, porcelain like skin, bright shining golden eyes, eyes that currently bore into her with nothing but repulsion. Angels hated Demons. But Guardians? They loathed them.

Not only that, but the worst aspect, they had the power to wipe any level of demon out, which is what made them so incredibly dangerous.

They could make demons writhe and scream for hours on end, possibly more than any damnation in hell ever could. And now one had her in his grasp. And he looked very pissed.

He lifted her to eye level, as she swallowed, tears beginning to brim at the corner of her eyes.

"A lowly little lower class hmm?"

His other hand appeared out of the blue and it made her yelp. The size difference had never bothered her before. Ever. She had grown so used to it, so why was she so terrified of it now?

The impossibly large hand came into contact and with one sharp nail he pushed her hair out of her eyes meeting her gaze. He smirked.

The Guardian Angel smirked. Angels didn't smirk, they didn't taunt nor tease. They done their duty and left. But this was new. And mortifying. He seemed to watch her as he pinned her wings painfully to her back. Despite the security of flight the drop below was still nerve enduring.

He brought her closer, right before his burning pupils, as the heat slicing through her worsened. He took in a deep breath and chuckled, his exhale brushing against her skin.

"Scared?"

Scared? Scared?! She had never known fear. A demon never felt scared!, but it seemed today was a day for new experiences. Here she was, dying out in a fist bigger than herself. Fear was her newest foe. Fear was what drove her to nod in response. Just as he had put it. Pathetic.

He sneered, seemingly finding this only delightful.

"Good. You should be"

And from there, everything felt raw..and white. At least the pain did anyways. She let out a howling cry, a piercing shriek. She noticed her arms, they were cracking .

She..she was dying.

A new wave of the meaning washed over this situation as did fright. Oh Satan..what..what happened to an Demon in death? She wasn't even a living soul? Was there more beyond this?! Was this it?! Panic seized her and finally she understood. Was this the type of thoughts she instilled on humanity? The self doubting, the fear. What lay awaiting in the foggy unknown?

She was speaking before she could stop herself.

"PLEASE. PLEASE I BEG OF YOU" She writhed.

The Guardian Angels eyes lay still, as he consumed her every wail.

"PLEASE. I- I DONT WANT TO DIE. IM SORRY! PLEASE STOP PLEASE"

Her breaths became laboured and tight, the crackled fractured up her arms and legs, getting closer and closer to her heart.

She wasn't ready to die.

A small tear fell from her cheeks and ricocheted off his hand.

She took one final gasp and then it all stopped.

The hand loosened and opened, as she collapsed in on his palm panting, heaving, shaking like a crisp little leaf.

She grasped her chest tightly as she softly began to sob, her ruffled wings twitched in pain, as they were freed from their constraints.

A warm voice breezed over her, she was closer to his mouth she reckoned.

"In all my lifetime, in all my training. I have never once seen a Demon apologise for their ways. Nonetheless cry. In eradication, many have felt fear. But nothing to this extent. Yet..here you are."

She was quivering as her curled up form hitched at his words. Her cracks were fading. He was letting her live..or so she hoped.

She unfurled slowly, looking up to meet his impossibly large eyes. He was so close.

"A-and I, have never witnessed an Angel who expelled violence"

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"Well, I for one, am not just an Angel, which I suppose you have already taken note off. And never having experienced such violent nature hmm? Must be the low level in you."

Her eyes furrowed as she died them.

"Most Angels I've met don't give me a second glance. I hadn't even done anything yet!"

It was his turn to glare, though she had noticed the venom was fading, replaced by a morbid curiosity. She found herself despising being a Guardians object of interest.

"Yes.. nothing yet. You had every intent on making this man's life a living hell and all for your own gain."

She tried to stand with her fury but pain riffled through causing her to stagger back. The Angel apparently having noticed used his finger from his other hand to curl around her miniscule waist and steady her out, he carefully sat her back down, going easy on her wings, he must have noticed their damage then. She couldn't exactly ignore the fascination lurking in his pupils either.

"Don't try and move. You'll make this harder on yourself, I was intending on killing you after all."

She laughed coldly as she folded her arms across her chest.

"And what. You're not gonna do that anymore huh? I was only doing my damn job!"

The Angel rolled his eyes and poked at her lightly with the same finger.

"As was I. Demons are a plague on humanity, which must be stopped at all costs."

She snarled at this. There it was. The self righteousness

"Well you're no blessing either, you psychopath"

Expectations of the Angels anger to give way were blocked as he could only chuckle deeply once more, his finger beginning to mess with her small body.

"You'll find that I am, quite literally, a blessing. Though perhaps I went a smidge too harsh. You're a tiny little thing, aren't you? I must admit, I've never actually seen a lower class. I'm usually left dealing with your counterparts."

It was her turn to roll her eyes at this. Though at his belittling of her ranking she felt a small spark of rage. She pushed the finger aside, hissing in pain as she weakly pointed up at the gargantuan glowing man.

"H-How dare you!? Fuck you-" She went to stand once more only to feel a shock in her wing, she yelped and let loose a pitiful whisper.

She did not miss the wince in the Angels features, as well as a hint of guilt. Guilt..for hurting a demon..hurting her? Carefully this time he brought his full hand, gently cupping behind her, only to stroke her wings in a soft and calming manner.

"Calm down, you need to stop fighting. The scorches are still wearing off."

She hated that she found herself leaning into the touch, sending a feeling of anxiety to coarse through her. It had only been five minutes and already this Angel was corrupting her mind as well as setting free butterflies that attacked her stomach.

"So..so you're not gonna kill me then?"

The Guardian fell still, his fingers freezing mid stroke.

"It's what must be done. It's what should be done, but you don't seem like a very real threat. So no..It goes against my inner judgement, but no. You will not perish today."

Luciel felt herself ease instantly with the news but met his eyes. They truly were a sight to behold.

"Thank you.."

A acknowledged this with another hesitant smile as he cocked his head, his long blond hair billowing over his shoulder.

"A Demon saying thank you? Lower classes must still posses manners then. But in any case, you're welcome."

She huffed "must you constantly mention my class? It's demeaning"

His head tilted further

"Curious little thing you are. I never knew Demons could feel insulted."

She turned her gaze away in embarrassment, fortifying her response without words, face turning red.

"Or to be oddly cute when angry."

She coughed at this and instantly facing down. His laugh bellowed around them as his hand shifted over her wings once more resuming their stroking, before he paused once more and set a huge finger beneath her chin, tilting her head upwards to meet his gaze.

"My name is Alistar"

He watched her expectedly as she cleared her throat baring her words, now impossibly soft, loosing their malice intent.

"Luciel"

His finger beneath her face left as it lay awaiting infront of her. Her face fell flat as realisation dawned, oh..a handshake.

She outstretched her arm, her hand falling on his finger tip, almost smaller than his nail. Unnerving to say the least.

"Y-you do realise I still have to do my job right, I can't just stop tormenting humans it's kinda what I'm assigned to do."

His eyes sharpened but only slightly, he sighed instead of sneering.

"You must do your duties and I must do mine. But I propose a bargain. You leave this human be, I've put enough work into keeping this place clean and keeping him alive. I don't condone it but as you must resume tormenting humans- from now it shall only be humans however, that show greed and evil. Rotten ideals. Seeing as demons don't care for humanity this shouldn't affect your work. Have at them. Leave the ones just trying to get by. Do this, and I promise to leave you be, as well as whenever we are together worklife shall go on pause. Do we have an understanding?"

She snapped her hand away from the finger with a raised brow meeting the golden eyes with suspicion

"Just what in all the layers of hell would make you think I would be insane enough to want to meet again?"

Alistar chuckled, his finger moving to twirl a lock of her hair, as he ruffled the rest, much to her dismay (which was met with an entertained grin.) The hand shifted as she got extremely close to his face making her freeze completely. He carefully placed her down on his shoulder and delighted in leaving her stranded, forcing her to sit as she could not yet fly.

"Because my little Demon, work can be awfully dull, and I am in need of some entertainment. A friend if you will."

Luciel felt her face flush, she didn't quite know what to say.. but his offer wasn't too..unappealing. But friendship of any sorts between their kind was forbidden, and if this Angel was willing to bend the rules he proved more interesting than the rest.

She'd take the gamble.

"You have a deal."

Part of your world: part 2

Part 1

I should really be studying omfg- but I just needed to write! Maybe exam anxiety is the cure for writers block? Nevertheless, enjoy!

Word count: 5665

The miniscule girl approached the camera as her friend left and sat down in front of it. Testing the waters she tapped it, screaming away incase anything happened. Definitely the bold type, for all  this borrower knew this thing could've been a trap- and it sort of was, just not intended to capture her.

She reflected their own astonishment, only hers was for an object rather than a tiny being that very much defied the laws of physics and nature. Her friend rejoined her, asking what it could be. He seemed far more cautious. He must've thought it was a trap. This 'Riven' spoke of traps earlier when they had sat down on the ledge (a detail fracturing Theos mind alone, that a fall from that height could kill them). They must have known of the rat traps then. He'd have Henry remove the death devices as soon as this was over.

Which didn't take long. After that he insisted on leaving, which 'Daphne' wasn't all too happy about.

Only he promised to return.

Tonight.

The whole way back to the wall she didn't take her eyes off the camera, before slipping in behind a loose tile and disappearing from their world.

Theo paused the footage, knowing from his rewatches that those little beings didn't make a reappearance.

He turned to the group, whose expression echoed his own as he first laid eyes on the duo.

"This is crazy" Thomas whispered- almost as if he feared talking too loud would do something bad.

"Indeed..I, I apologise Theo. It may not have been ghosts but this. I'm not quite sure what to make of this." Henry spoke with an expressionless face, but Theo knew on the inside he was screaming internally, something he was far too  collected to ever display in front of his friends.

Sadies face suddenly contorted into one of concern "Theo- does anybody else know about this?"

This lulled Theo from his happiness as he regarded her.

"Um no why?"

Sadie seemed to sigh in relief

"Good. Keep it that way. It's clear these guys don't wanna be found. It could be downright catastrophic if the wrong people got their hands on this footage-"

Theo interupted sheepishly

"We- I mean well of course I agree but..but we are gonna meet them right? I mean this..this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, we have to sieze it now! This is like something from a campaign!"

Everyone's features flattened either with anger or dismay. Thomas, Sadie and Henry looked angry, Maisey and Theo looked dismayed.

"Dude! What?"

"Your suggesting we capture them?"

"No Theo! We'd give 'em a heart attack we need to leave them be. We're like a hundred times bigger than them"

Theo turned bashful instantly and began to defend himself

"No no! I don't wanna capture them! I'd never do that! O-or scare the little guys..I just want to talk to them! Can you guys seriously tell me with absolute certainty you don't want to do the same?!"

Everyone went quiet at that, almost in some sort of shame. It was fairly obvious that they all shared the passion, but didn't feel like voicing it.

Maisey sighed, flexing her fingers as she tried to grasp an idea of how to structure her words

"I understand Theo, but if that footage was any recognition, they don't exactly like humans- well one of them doesn't anyways. The girl might be..dexterous, but her friend isn't. If they wanted to be found then they would've made themselves known."

Everyone seemingly agreed to this brushing their own selfish desires aside- all except Theo who was exasperated.

"I wouldn't hurt them Maisey!- or intend to scare them!" He looked down, away from his group feeling to embarrassed to meet their gazes.

Until Henry chipped in.

"Well..perhaps communication isn't a terrible idea."

Everyone's eyes snapped to Henry, almost in surprise that the most logical of the bunch was saying such things. This was uncanny territory for them, Henry wasn't particularly one to agree with Theo on brash ideals.

"These two are interesting to say the least, I too would like the chance to converse with them. But if we are to do such a thing it must be in a way that is absolutely safe for them. And more importantly doesn't give them a heart attack- especially since we don't know their anatomy."

Thomas nodded carefully, as he processed the information

"We also need to set up some ground rules. Us five are the only ones who know of this, yes? It stays that way. Nobody else can know, for their safety."

Theo found his smile again, as he watched his friends slowly but surely form a plan.

Henry grasped his beverage once more, scanning each of his friends, but his eyes for the most part lingered on Theo.

"For now however I propose we simply watch through the cameras. More information could be beneficial to our venture."

Sadie piped in with a glance to Thomas, as if echoing his rules

"This doesn't leave this group. Or even this house. I wouldn't even trust discussing this on campus."

Evergone seemed to nod in unison and Theo sat down by the sofa with child like wonder pooling in his gaze. This was actually gonna happen. He pinched his arm sharp, ensuring this wasn't some dream or hallucination. But sure enough this was reality, and he couldn't be happier.

He turned to Henry, whose stoic expression was beginning to seem uncanny for the situation.

"Okay then! But before any of that, we gotta remove those rat traps. I..I don't even want to think about what one of those could do to a..a borrower."

Henry's eyes widened ever so slightly. In his sense of disbelief he'd almost disregarded those all together, he rose to his feet heading for the kitchen, only to pause before hand "of course. For now, everyone continue as normal. They only come at night after all. Now, anyone want tea or coffee? I assume we're divising our plan now, and we should take time with this."

Daphne never did like mornings in the colony. Namely for her 'responsibilities'. Oh how she loathed them. Her father, so high and mighty, refused her constant requests to borrow, but 'scouting' was perfectly fine. Deep down she knew he was just concerned. She'd lost her mother at a very young age- not to anything human related that is. No, it had been illness. Who would've guessed that living off findings and the land would mean terrible health care? Not the colony anyways, that was sure. Humans had that all figured out. She'd even heard they had magical properties called 'pills' that healed you when sick! How on Earth humans conquered the magnitude of magic She'd never know- but she would do just about anything to find out.

She supposed that was why besides holding him dear as a treasured friend, she was beyond thankful for Riven. Without him, Daphne was almost absolute that she'd make reckless decision after reckless decision, or perhaps..be dead.

Riven was the only one who ever listened. While he may not share her obsession, he respected it and her in his own way and that was all she could ask for. Though his respect only went so far, he would not condone any sort of contact with the humans. He was her voice of reason most of the time always having some sort of evidence as to why she shouldn't reveal herself, though it did kill her when he refused at leaving notes.

This mornings patrol was uneventful as usual. Her father always had her positioned in the safest spots after all. Not only that but due to his apparent dislike for her dearest friend, when he had the time, he ensured she was not stationed with Riven- so naturally the patrol dragged by excruciatingly slow. But all things come to an end at some point and after a sluggish morning it was time for the change over and she was off duty. Immediately she hurried to the rotted tree near the border of their hidden haven where leaning back against the bark Riven was waiting for her.

His lips quirked into a knowing smile and he tilted his head

"Long day?"

She let out a combination between a groan sigh and a dry laugh, coming to his side as the pair began walking

"You have no idea. I was stuck with Fergus."

Rivens laughter bounced off the trees around them and in a teasing manner he raised a brow

"Oh really? And what's so wrong with poor Fergus?"

She turned to face him with a deadpanned expression and upon seeing his poor attempts at hiding a smirk she thumped him lightly in the arm, tugging his lips upward

"You're the worst." She chuckled

He furrowed his brow in mock offense

"Truly? Worse than Fergus?"

Her soft smile played at her features as she pondered at the ground

"No, I suppose not."

The pair came to a stop just before the secluded pathway and she clapped her hands

"OK. So here's the plan. I'm gonna hurry in and grab my stuff, you go get yours. You know the drill by now, don't be seen."

Riven scoffed with a mumble to follow

"Funny how you're more concerned about our own people seeing you than humans Daph."

Daphne rolled her eyes

"Well, yes, of course! If our own people knew what we get up to they'd probably kill us"

"Correction, you're father would kill us. Or in reality, worst case-"

"I know what you're gonna say so don't. Fathers..cold. But he'd never resort to that. Even if he isn't very fond of you. I'm his daughter, and you're my friend. I'd never let it happen"

"Never let what happen?"

The pair swiftly spun around to see Barney behind them. Both their faces dropped, into disgust and annoyance. Fathers dearest protégé Barney.

Barney was a nasty piece of work. Brutish. Rude. Exactly why he was a guard. Daphne despised him. Her father adored him. He was everything he had wanted in a child, and despite never saying it out loud- his face gave it away.

Daphne could try and excuse Barney's attitude, but how he treated Riven infuriated her. He was always so horrid to her dear friend- which is something her father respected no doubt.

"Barney." Daphne retorted in an ice manner

"Hello dear. I see you've encountered some rather poor company. I can fix that" He grinned crudely. Riven stepped forward almost in front of Daphne. He was well aware of how much Barney repulsed her.

"Take a hike, you rat"

Daphes face contorted further

"What he said. Nobody wants to look at your ugly mug any longer than we have to"

Barney scowled at this, advancing threateningly on Riven, ignoring her words all together

"Excuse me?"

Riven rose to the challenge, he wasn't about to let this rotten boy near his friend.

"Going deaf Barney? Can't be awfully good for a guard."

"Listen here pond scum, she's got better people for company than the outcast."

"That's for her to decide. And if she truly rather confide her time with 'pond scum' it speaks volumes of how much she'd rather avoid you."

Barney's eyes darkened but before the two could break out into a fight Daphne stepped forward between the boys.

"Leave. Now."

Barney's eyes fell to her and a sickening grim smile plagued her eyes. He trailed his fingers through her hair making her eyes sharpen and Riven down right snarl, before her friend could land a punch, Barney spoke up.

"I suppose I have better things to do than fight off this pest. Plus I'm supposed to be meeting the chief now- something Riven here will never do " His attentioned flicked to Riven, then back to her "another time, darling" He winked.

Daphne fumed watching him walk over scrubbing her face with her sleeve.

"That vulgar piece of- UGH"

Riven put a hand on her shoulder

"You okay?"

She released a frustrated breath. "Words cannot describe how much I hate him, and hes going to meet my father. I know exactly what that means"

"You're not the only one." But he went quiet at the second part. He knew what it meant as well. But he also knew how much she hated thinking about it.

Still he hated even more to see his friend in dismay. He knew exactly what would cheer her up. He loosely took her hand testing the waters

"Come on Daph. Let's go get our gear."

She seemed to instantly brighten at this and her enthusiasm seeped back in, she tightened the hold.

"Sure thing."

The duo set off as the evening sun began to set, and soon stars would paint the sky.

The plan wasn't as simple to lay out as the group had hoped it would be, but Henry expected as much. Each scenario ended with the borrowers (a concept his mind still hadn't completely grasped) conversing with them..but it was getting to that point that was the hard part.

In truth it would be quite easy. They could easily catch them. They could set up traps. The could study their routine and catch them off guard. But that would break any possibility of trust and not to mention, defy any sense of morality and treating them humanely. These two, 'Daphne' and 'Riven' had intelligence. They couldn't deal with them like animals. The concept alone felt wrong. Though it wasn't as if they could just wait in the kitchen and strike up a conversation (that had been Theos idea)

Maisey suggested leaving notes- not a terrible idea but while Daphne would be intrigued, Riven was sure to dissuade her interest and it would most likely result in the pair never coming back- lest Daphne came back alone, but given what he had gathered on their relationship he doubted the girl would do so. They seemed rather close.

Thomas suggested they try find ways to make them come more often like leaving out food or supplies. Though Sadie had said once again they werent animals, and wouldn't be so easily tricked- not only that but given how cautious the boy had been been about the Coke lid it was uncertain they'd take that bait, as well as that, they seemed to have a good amount of knowledge on the concept of traps- not that food was meant to be a trap, rather an offering- but again, it would most likely cause concern and lead to them once again not returning.

It was shaping to be an impossible dilemma. On one hand they wanted to act soon, on another they knew they had to be patient. And so the group sat. They had wasted most of the day, nobody was free today after all, everyone had assignments to catch up on. Yet here they were nonetheless, plotting away.

"Well, what if we do take my idea and wait in the kitchen until they come out? The once they were in, we could seal off the exit long enough to ensure them it was safe-"

"That's trapping them Theo."

"No no it's not trapping!, I mean.. ok so it kinda is- but in a nice way. Once they realise it's okay they'll calm down and..and this is a terrible idea. One can't trap someone in a nice way, can they?" Theo pouted slightly.

Thomas seemed to smirk at this, he hadn't really smirked a lot today, this was proving a harrowing experience for everyone.

"No, no I don't think so Theo."

Theo slumped back

"I guess..I guess we leave it then?"

This surprised all his friends, who hadn't expected him to say such a thing given his excitement earlier.

"Really?" Sadie asked, no doubt voicing everyone's thoughts

"I mean..what else can we do? Every idea just ends in scaring them or making them leave for good- which are two options I'm not liking."

"So..we kinda just came full circle then didn't we? This was our initial reaction after the footage.." Thomas sighed.

Silence fell over them all. Until Maisey piped up.

"Maybe..I..okay.. the girl seemed really interested in the camera. We can't treat them like animals. We can't leave stuff like food out without seeming obvious. We can't leave stuff they'll see as any sort of offering either. So what if we just feed their interests? Daphne, was that her name? She, she seemed to like the camera right? So what if we left a phone? Innocent enough. It's your home after all, leaving a phone in the kitchen isn't that crazy of an idea. We might even win over Riven? I think that was his name? well we might win him over too. If we cant give them food to eat, give them food for thought? And maybe from there we can decide where to go next. We might learn more about them from it. Plus if they could see one our of camera rolls on our phones they'll see our group pictures, and might deem us friendly?"

Henry fiddled with his fingers, considering the idea, as did Sadie. Theo seemed to be on board with any idea that seemed rational. Thomas perked up with scanning the coffee table.

"Henry, if we do this, it's got to be your phone. If they do look though pictures, they might see the footage of them on Theos. That's a definite red flag. We will one hundred percent never see them again."

Henry stood.

"Well then. I'm going to disarm the traps. I believe we have a plan"

The clock ticking was once again the most apparent noise filling the empty kitchen, pairing once again with the moonlight and tonight the addition of the occasional drip of droplets falling from the tap.

And finally, two pairs of small feet, followed by two smaller voices.

Slipping through the tile Daphne continued their conversation, hurrying out like she had the night before

"-wait to see it! I hope it's still here!"

Riven who rushed after her panted as he exited the wall

"I'm sure it is Daph! Just- phew- let me catch my breath, yeah?"

Daphne stood star struck. It was still here!

But something else had caught her eye.

"Riven! Riven!! Get over here!!"

Riven had immediately noticed the lack of traps, he was sure Daphne did too, but she was more focused on her newest find, th box. The lack of traps made him itch. It was a good thing there was absolutely no arguing with that- but why the sudden removal? Those traps hadn't been touched in ages..the traps were gone, the strange box had appeared something was off. But before he could think any further he heard Daphne yelling his name.

Thinking his friend was in danger, scrambled to get over as quick as possible, only to see she was perfectly fine. Leave it to Daphne to unintentionally give him a heart attack. But then his eyes met the object that captivated her, and he felt he very well could collapse there and then.

Another human object- like that strange box from their last venture- which was sure enough still there, it's little red light blinking- something about it still unnerved him, he just couldn't put his finger on it, though he was almost sure it had something to do with the missing traps..

But this one was different. It was flat, its surface covered in the same sort of sleek glass from the circle on the box.

His concerned paired rather poorly with Daphne's astonishment. But before he could even speak she'd already pressed her hands against it, and snatched them away instantly. He sucked in a deep breath at this- but calmed when nothing happened. This could be a trap of some sorts..he needed to ease her away from it.

"Huh...l guess they don't do much..odd. We should leave it alone.."

Daphne wasn't one to give up however

"No no, it has to do something! Humans are far too creative to build something so..unexplainable and have no reason for it!" Unafraid this time, she softly brushed her hands over it only only notice another feature, her excitement making Riven jump.

"wait! Look here, there's bumps on the side!"

She scooted over to them. One was a long line, the other a short one. She pressed it experimentally but nothing happened.

She cocked her head and looked to Riven

"Maybe I need to push harder? Here go on the opposite side and hold it steady"

Riven swallowed, reluctant to do so, but found his legs giving in to the command. Still, nothing happened.

After a second failed attempt, her giddy smile was morphing into one of confusion.

"Okay... oh right! Maybe it needs to be pulled? But..no they wouldn't make sense. If it's too difficult for us to pull at this height it would be way to small for a human." She sat in concentration and regarded the second shorter line.

Maybe?

She pressed down and suddenly light filled the room!

She gasped aloud and scurried backwards, Riven who was equally shocked, let out a yelp, almost falling off the counter- but managed to stop just before the lethal fall.

Daphne gasped his name and hurried over to her friend skidding before him "gosh! Are you okay?!"

Riven who was collecting himself let out a shakey breath

"S-sure.. didn't expect that."

Daphne found herself laughing at this

"Me neither.. but I was right! It does do something!! Come on we gotta figure out what!"

Riven was less enthusiastic, but hesitantly made his way back over. The glassy surface had gone black once more.

"Okay..let's try this again"

With a push, the illumination was back and the pair stared down, ones eyes like the stars themselves, ones with fear and caution.

Daphne inspected the sight before them. A picture of mountains and a gorgeous lake in the summertime shone before them. And this time, despite his better judgement Riven founr himself in awe

"Woah.."

"Do you think it's a doorway? Can humans do that? No..too big. But do..do you think we could?"

It would be Riven this time who carefully reached forward and tapped the expanse before them.

Only for it to deny entry.

"Huh..I don't think so"

Riven couldn't believe his own sudden lure to this stange object, fascination with human stuff was his counterparts thing, not his. And yes here he was almost captivated by the sight before him. He noticed a strange detail near the tip of the moutain top

"what are those numbers up there?"

Daphne scratched the side of her head, and tugged on her hair in thought, reading them out.

"Zero Two..dot dot One Zero? Um maybe some sort of code?"

The screen went black abruptly and Daphnes face reddened a little disheartened.

"Oh..maybe I was wrong"

She pressed on the side once more and the image was back, as were the numbers- only before them the numbers changed the zero and two remained the same on the left but on the sight there was now a pair of ones.

She scanned the magical glass in intrigue unable to figure the mystery out, but words found there way anyway. 

"And here I thought humans only conquered healing magic, I have no clue what this power is but it's..beautiful."

Riven pulled his eyes away from the phone, watching her instead, his cheeks burning ever so slightly- but he coughed it aside and read the words below the numbers in smaller writing.

"Tues, May, two..what do you think that means?.."

Daphne couldn't fathom an answer

"No idea.. oh! Wait! Humans measure time differently right? I heard from the borrowing squad they have names for not just days of the week but the months too. May is a summer month from what I recall? Tues could be the day Tuesday. But it isn't Tuesday until sunrise surely? It's still night..maybe the magic is wrong? Two is odd though, I'm lost on that"

She longed for an explanation, questions were bombarding her mind- and then another detail caught her eyes.

"Look- 'swipe to unlock' unlock...as in like locks from the big glass things- windows?..but..but I don't know how to get those locks open..it's why we use the walls after all- and to hide I suppose"

She gave a contemplative hum, and looked up at the window across the room.

"Swipe..swipe.. like to swipe something? Wait Daph maybe we have to do some sort of action to 'unlock'?"

Daph whirled around to face Riven again as it dawned on her too

"Excellent idea! Alright!"

But then she paused

"But what does that mean? Swipe at our surroundings?"

Riven shrugged, equally lost and in search of answers.

"We could try it?"

And so the two made exaggerated movements at the air, hitting and swiping with all their might, but the screen went black once more.

They both huffed at this. Riven gave a determined nod and Daphne excitedly pressed the button once more. She'd never seen her friend this interested in human stuff, and she didn't want to let the opportunity slide.

We the light springing back on they tried again..and again.

"Maybe together?"

In unison they tried again, but there arms went opposite ways, and to avoid getting hit, Daphne slipped forward falling onto the object.

Rivens eyes widened and apologies spilled.

"Daph! Sorry! I should've asked which direction. You okay? Here"

He held out his hand to pull her up but she was giggling at the silliness of it all. She took his hand assuring him

"Riv I'm fine! Don't worry so much it was only a-"

As he pulled her up her arm unintentionally brushed on the glass and below her everything changed.

She sprung up at this.

"Wait! That worked?! Maybe it likes humiliation.."

Hand in hand they gazed down below mouths agape. The view had changed entirely and hundreds of squares filtered before them.

Daphne fell to her knees once more to try something. Wordlessly, her palm pressed against a square and it immediately grew in size to cover the expanse entirely.

But it was what was in the square that made her heart stop.

"Riven.."

"I..I see them Daphne"

People their height, all sitting at a table- Daphnes mind was blown.

"Are they..borrowers? H-humans know about us? No no this..this can't be true! If humans know then why are we living in secret out in the forests? And look Riv, their clothes! The furniture! They all fit perfectly.."

Riven found fear melting into him once more, pushing out that previous joy and shock.

"Daphne..this.. this is a human object and..  they," He pointed at the group below "are our height. What if..what if this thing..captures borrowers? And makes them p-pets stuck inside a trap forever? Maybe they removed the rat traps to capture us alive in this instead?!"

For the very first time, Daphne found herself almost frightened of humans. It had never truly hit her until this very moment and the implications and lurking danger of of her visits loomed over her like an impending doom knotting up her stomach. Thought it didn't exactly last long. She was back to her curious mindset almost instantly.

These borrowers looked happy? There was a boy with dark skin and curly hair, he had a playful smirk and mischievous hazel eyes, he was making some symbol with his fingers, holding them over a fair skinned sandy blonde girl with bold green eyes and freckles. Beside them two sat another girl whom had short red hair with a slight fringe, her eyes were closed in the picture from her warm cheerful smile, her cheeks were blushed and she had dimples- a complete opposite to the boy beside her, he had his arm around her shoulder affectionately- his eyes were dark behind two strange glass circles, his skin was quite pale, perhaps accentuated from his pitch black hair, he was sulking at the boy beside him who looked the most joyus of all, he gave a toothy smile matching his untamed wavey hair and wild look in his eyes- which were equally enthralling on their own as one was a pale blue and the other was washed with light green- that teasingly looked at the grumpy boy.

Daphne couldn't describe it well, but inside she felt an odd sadness? She'd never seen such a group, and a part of her found herself wanting to meet these borrowers. They didn't seem trapped to her. They seemed to be living the life she longed for.

Riven who had since calmed himself took note of Daphnes sudden change.

"Daph...are you okay?"

She could only shake her head in silence, the tick of the clock and drip of water echoing loudly in her thumping head.

"I don't understand it Riven" She whispered.

"I mean.. if humans know..why have we been made hide away? Is this truly what happens when a borrower is seen? Everything is their height..everything is normal..does Father know of this? Is that the truth being him refusing to let me borrow? Because being caught means living a normal life? Because that against the borrower way of life?"

She was almost mad at that, if her father did know she'd be furious. A whole new way of life and his controlling ways shielded her from obtaining it.

She had a conflicted look on her face- and Riven didn't like it. Her being this distraught felt so wrong- but he didn't want to interupt her, it would probably frustrate her to not voice her worries. Thought it appeared she had finished when her darkened eyes met his.

Riven wasn't quite sure how to react. It was almost as if she wanted to he trapped if it meant living like this. But why would anyone want that?

"I..I don't know Daph. I wish I could give you the answers you want. Though their smiles could be part of the trick after all..maybe to allure borrowers in. I know you want to know more Daphne, but maybe it's best we leave this be. I just..I would never forgive myself if something happened to you. Especially when I could've done something about it. I care about you okay?"

Daphnes eyes widened a little, her heart fluttered at his words, and her concerns seemed to flutter away. A small smile touched her lips

"There we go. Much better"

He guided her back to the object, scanning the various faces. They did look happy. He supposed he envied that too. But they needed to make it black again. They couldn't risk leaving evidence of it being touched.

"Now..how do I make this go away?.."

He tapped the glass but nothing happened. Thats when beside him Daphne noticed something she was floored she hadn't caught before, eyes widening she grabbed his arm.

"Riv! Look!"

She pointed at the screen, then across the room.

"The table-"

His eyes snapped up from the phone to the dark interior of the kitchen, to where the moonlight fell on a table.

"Those aren't borrowers Riv"

And as if she had never been upset, Daphne was back to her old habits in no time. Her eyes glistened

"They're humans! It isn't a trap! Though I still don't understand it- though it explains the clothing! And the furniture!"

With this newfound information she scrutinised it closer.

On the table sat a strange colourful board, paper and two weird green circular things..but what she couldn't get over was the strange shapes- figures!

"What do you think they are? They're our height?"

Riven found a part of himself wishing she understood the risks of her interests, wishing that this was a trap so that she'd stay away from it. It was a little selfish but he couldn't help it. He could keep Barney at bay, but humans..

Still, he followed her pointed finger to the figures and swallowed thickly upon seeing one in the wild-haired humans hand. He pictured himself.. or worse, Daphne in the same grasp, encaged by the terrifying giant. It made his stomach turn.

Daphnes curiosity moved on and she stared longingly at the image

"I..I wish we could talk with them"

Riven wasn't drinking but somehow he still managed to choke. He gave her an incredulous look, his stomach dropping even further at her words. Gods..

"Daphne? You..you can't be serious"

She only smiled sheepishly, predicting she'd get such a reaction. She was gonna drive him insane

"Gods Daph! They're..they.."

Daphne interupted him before he could finish.

"They just..well..they seem nice is all. That short haired girl has lovely rosey cheeks, the blonde girl is so pretty too her eyes look like the could tell a story of their own. And the guy beside her seems so sneaky- in a good way though! Kinda playful. The grumpy one is kinda creepy though..but if the smiles are anything to go off I'm sure he's nice all the same..I wonder what those circles on his face are"

She pointed to the crazy haired boy "But I really like that ones smile..it's so..crazy? it looks like fun. They all look fun.." She stated longingly at the group "could you imagine it? Meeting them?"

Riven shook his head vigorously, he couldn't believe her enthusiasm. "Not a chance Daph. That's insane!"

Daphne scowled dramatically "I'd never actually do it Riv, I may want to- more than anything- but I'd never put you in that level of danger. Is it so wrong to picture it?" She sighed inspecting them once again

"What I would give..just to spend one day..just one day out here amongst humans, see their way of life, have my questions answered- like what this object is!"

Rivens shoulders slumped. He'd never understand that view. But..but despite the danger, he felt pity. It must be frustrating, to long for something you could never have. In some way he could kind of relate- though his wants were more personal. He watched her eyes filled eith desire, a sad smile tugging her lips. He supposed it was..fine- so long as she never acted on it. So long as they were never seen, day dreams could suffice.

"It's not something I'd dream off but... I get it." He noticed the sky outside was a growing gradient of deep blue to pinkish orange "hey, sun's gonna come up soon..wanna head back?"

Daphnes eyes darted to the window and nodded slowly, only they fell on the other strange box. She gave a small giggle.

"All this madness and I never figured out what that other thing was. I guess I do get easily distracted after all"

Riven laughed at this. That was an understatement to say the least.

As the pair left, the red light kept ite continuous blinking, as it captured the pair, the pair that had unknowingly already been seen by five humans.

I know all I have done since I posted stories here is write a chapter/2 chapters and not continue, I will continue them I promise but I really wanted to write this as I am a slave to the found family trope. Enjoy grumpy old man (unwillingly) becomes guardian to a chaotic little girl. Inspired by Tlou Ellie and Joel as well as GoT the hound and arya.

Thorn in my side

(Prologue)

The actual story will be MUCH longer but this is just a lil intro

Triggers: cursing I guess? But that will be the case with most chapters because addie knows some colourful words and likes to throw them around

>:)

If anything could be said without any argument it would be that the man wasn't what one would call welcoming. While he hadn't got much nice virtues in his favour, he had got a colourful array of other descriptive words to choose from. Brutish, nasty, bitter, ill-tempered (-short tempered too) and those were just starter options to a more deliciously verbal main course.

From what could be gathered while sneaking around the alleys, some villagers deemed he wasn't all bad, even vowed that 'so long as you leave him alone, don't talk to him, look at him and depending the day, you don't breathe insufficiently around him, you'll be fine'. That advice seemed to have spread like a wildfire, and slowly but surely, it appeared as if an unavowed agreement was set to leave him be to his indulgences, far out in his small cottage home at the edge of the kingdom.

Despite it all, he didn't pay their mindless gossip any attention- if anything it seemed he reveled in it, loving that it ensured the most loud and obnoxious 'citizens' would stay far far away from his vicinity. And should they get too close, the simple solution was one hard glare over the shoulder from his peripheral to send them running back home- some in tears. Some might say he was a bit of an 'old prune' or 'sad sour vessel of a man'. A man filled with nothing but grotesque hatred for anything and anyone around him, be it the townspeople, village or the whole damn kingdom.

And unfortunately, the old man didn't do the rotten rumours any favours. He never cared for the unbidden pesky pokes and prods at his life, and had he cared, he may have even humoured their outlandish claims.

Though all that being said he wasn't devoid of finding solitude. It was quite clear he did like quiet things. Being devoid from sounds of sappy children and stumbling drunkards eased such simplicite interests. The only sounds he seemed to find solace in was the buzz and hums of wildlife while tending his crops, the pitter-patter of rain hopping about like grasshoppers against the stone wall and the crackle from the hearth as its warmth billowed about his only comfort, his home.

He didn't confide and he didn't care, he was just a isolated gruff man who seemed alot deeper than the wretched rumours had precieved. From any other perspective however, it could fairly be assumed that his heart had been thorn out many moons ago, or perhaps buried, deep deep down, into depths of tarnished emotions.

It was too bad Addie couldn't aid him in his predicament.

From afar she could pity the man, and she'd only been there a fortnight thus far, from what she gathered he just needed..something, maybe a hound, hounds couldn't talk as far as she knew. Though perhaps a lazy one, that wouldn't bark at the slightest jitter.

It was clear from her restless week long trail through the kingdom that his behaviour towards townsfolk and himself personally were two different matters entirely- from what she picked up from gossip of course. He had been in the markets that day, and from the coverage scrouing the grimy streets from the plants, drains, carriages and the sort, all she could gather was the pitiful whispers about town, that 'the old troll had left his cave'.

It was abundantly obviously to even the thickest of minds this man's home was void of any life besides his own. That had been good enough for her. Despite hiding for dear life from all those around her, it had been a rare occasion were she had been happy to be around someone of such..stature. A ticket to an easy few weeks, unbothered by children, maids or fiendish cats. But still, from her time 'spent with him' (if you could even call it that) she had become divided in her own mind. Part of her found sorrow in seeing him all alone, even a little anger towards all the dreadful hushed chatter she overheard before she had happened upon his satchel, slipping inside unbeknownst to the gruff old man, in his pursuit of purchasing..whatever it was he was buying. Another part of her played offence, accusatory in the nature that he had formed the reputation himself, had he shown even the inching of a smile maybe, just maybe, his situation wouldn't be so dire. But he dug his grave and now he had to lie with his misery and consequence. And that made sympathy a rather hard feeling to render him by.

Either side of her inner turmoil could agree on one thing when it come down to it. Lest he change his ways there was no saving him.

Once she was stocked up she'd be moving on, she was quite conflicted on wether she'd feel relief or regret on leaving such a sad husk of a man, but there was nothing to be done. Nothing she could- would do. Especially given that even with her conflicted pity, he was still one of them- hatred toward others like him or not.

If it came to priorities she was putting herself first. It was a dangerous world for those one twelfth of the average height. Even more so when said people were believed to be a dying species. And were a rarity for two gruelling reasons- both stemming from blood. Its taste, and its qualities. Humans in these times were sought out now for a palatable delicacy or for cures, tinctures that could cure even the deadliest of diseases- or so the presumptuous prodigious pricks had persuaded one another into believing. Either way, the thought made her sick. All that loss, to satisfy the mind, or the stomach. But this was life now, and she was determined to live it. Endure and survive it.

Alas, she hadn't planned to stay long. A few weeks at most, with a week spent grafting the streets and fourteen nights in his abode it summed to three tiresome weeks thus far. It was stock up and carry on. Take what you can, leave what you must. There was codes to follow, they had been set out by her family, and in the time she got to have with them, each member followed them wholeheartedly. Her dad had been to teach her. God she missed him. His absence had hit the hardest. Despite the years that had past, his loss was still so vivid. In the waking world and dream realm alike. Her mother was a sweet traditional lady, well kept, strict but tender, loving to all those around her. But her father, he had shown her everything, taught her everything. He crafted the person she had become and he was partly her biggest motivation to keep going.

In theory, being reunited with her family wouldn't take long. All she'd really have to do was let a single giant see her. In whatever morbid twisted fate she’d be granted, it would eventually lead home. Home to the warmth of her mother's embrace, the lingering whispers of love and meaning in her fathers voice. Home as both held her tight and never let go. Despite its gruesome reality, it was a nice dream- but her families memory was worth more than ending up as a garnish on a plate, a plate already full of greed and an unquenchable thirst for more and more. For them, she'd keep going. For them she would reach the haven. Be amongst her people once more, bring normality back into the world, despite being born into the current way of life for humanity. To her in a way everyday had become the status quo. But the faith of getting to experience what life had been. Now that would be something.

So she would deal with this grouch for another few weeks or so, then continue her journey. Her long long journey, to salvation.

At least. That's what she hoped would happen. That was the plan after all.

Getting caught was not.

Anybody want to roleplay?