Rhythms Of The Heart

Rhythms of the Heart

In the serene evening hours at Hotel Krat, Elara found solace, her spirit syncing with the tranquil cadence of the night. The hotel, shrouded in a quietude, resonated with the soft melodies emanating from the gramophone. Elara, standing before it, was enveloped in the music, each note weaving a gentle embrace around her.

Behind her, an unobtrusive presence subtly made itself felt. It was Pinocchio, affectionately nicknamed Pino by Elara. His gaze, imbued with a thoughtful intensity, lingered on her, as if he harbored unvoiced queries or musings. A certain reticence characterized his demeanor, suggesting an internal debate over whether to articulate his thoughts.

Elara, sensing his presence, turned with a welcoming smile, her expression an open invitation. She extended her hand, her touch light yet confident, bridging the gap between them. "Pino," she intoned gently, her voice harmonizing with the background music, "would you care to dance?"

The invitation hung between them, a tender offering amidst the stillness of the evening. Elara's smile, a gentle beacon in the dim room, awaited his response.

Pinocchio's response, though measured, carried an intrinsic gentleness. His hand, an amalgam of crafted precision and newfound sensitivity, held Elara's with a careful touch, embodying the unique duality of his existence. As they stood together, the background melody from the gramophone lent an additional layer of calm to the scene, setting a backdrop of intimate serenity.

In the subdued lighting, Pinocchio's gaze, a shade of deep blue, held a growing humanlike depth. His expression, still evolving in its capacity to convey emotion, hinted at a sense of gratitude, the corners of his mouth curving into a soft, cautious smile. This subtle expression, in its restraint, revealed much about his journey towards embracing human emotions.

With a gentle nod, Pinocchio accepted Elara's invitation, his action a silent but significant acknowledgment of their deepening bond and his ongoing exploration of human experiences.

Elara's eyes twinkled with delight and understanding as she noticed the subtle smile and nod from Pinocchio. She recognized the profoundness of his gesture and responded by gently squeezing his hand, silently expressing her gratitude and encouragement. Her smile widened, reflecting her joy in the moment and her appreciation for his openness to this new experience.

Gracefully, Elara led Pinocchio to the center of the room. The space seemed to expand, welcoming their dance. "Let's see where the music takes us," she whispered playfully, her voice light and inviting.

As they began to dance, Elara's movements were fluid and alluring. She gently placed her other hand on Pinocchio's shoulder, guiding him with ease into the rhythm of the music. Her gaze, steady and trusting, locked with his, offering silent reassurance and connection.

Under Elara's skillful lead, Pinocchio began to adapt to the music's rhythm. His initial stiffness gave way to a more natural flow, mirroring Elara's graceful steps. His gaze was filled with wonder and admiration, entranced by their harmonious movement.

The melody infused Pinocchio with a sense of grace, his mechanical precision subtly melding with the dance's rhythm. The once daunting steps now felt intuitive, their complexity dissolving under Elara's gentle instruction and the enchantment of their shared moment.

Elara felt a surge of pride as she noticed the transformation in Pinocchio. His once calculated moves now mirrored her own fluidity. She could sense a shift in his energy, a harmonious blending with the melody that surrounded them.

Elara's dancing became more expressive, each step a playful invitation for Pinocchio to join her in the dance's joyful intricacies. Her smile was encouraging, her gaze filled with silent admiration and support. Occasionally, she added a flourish to her movements, a twirl or sway, enticing Pinocchio to embrace the dance's lighthearted nature.

"You're doing wonderfully, Pino," Elara murmured, her voice a soft caress. "It's as though the music itself is leading you."

As the last strains of the melody gently faded into the hushed atmosphere of the room, Elara and Pinocchio remained entwined in their close embrace. The music's end brought a tranquil stillness, yet the connection they shared continued to resonate, a palpable energy enveloping them.

Gazing up into Pinocchio's eyes, Elara's own sparkled with a blend of admiration and warmth. "That was beautiful, Pinocchio," she whispered, her voice softly filling the quietude. Her smile, radiant and sincere, reflected the sheer joy and contentment she derived from their shared dance.

In the ensuing silence, with the music now just a memory, Elara felt an overpowering sense of intimacy with Pinocchio. She leaned in, resting her head lightly against his chest, finding comfort in the rhythmic beat of his mechanical heart. The sensation provided a grounding presence, a constant reminder of his unique existence.

"You've grown so much," she spoke softly, her voice slightly muffled against his clothing. "Every moment with you is a journey of discovery and wonder." Her grip on his hand tightened subtly, an unspoken testament to the depth of her affection and their burgeoning connection.

Gently, Elara began to sway, her arms embracing Pinocchio in a tender, rhythmic motion. The distinct combination of steel and wood that formed his body offered a strong yet reassuring embrace.

Her voice, rising in a delicate hum, continued the dance in an auditory form. The melody she hummed was a lullaby, a soft serenade that echoed the sentiment of their shared experience. Each note carried tenderness, embodying the profound bond they shared.

Resting against him, Elara felt the vibrations of his mechanical heart against her cheek, her song harmonizing with its steady ticking. The melody was heartfelt, each note a gentle caress that mirrored the emotions of the moment.

Pinocchio, enveloped in the warmth of Elara's song and embrace, felt a wave of emotion wash over him. He was touched by her acceptance and celebration of his uniqueness, and their gentle sway together created an intimate space where their differences were not only acknowledged but revered.

As Elara's melodious voice tenderly rose and fell, Pinocchio found himself in a state of serene tranquility. Her song, ethereal and soothing, seemed to weave around him, bringing his mechanized heart into a harmonious symphony with her tune. This newfound feeling was unfamiliar, yet it felt innately right, as if her presence was revealing parts of himself he was only just beginning to discover and embrace.

Pinocchio gazed down at Elara, his deep blue eyes a mirror of wonder tinged with a hint of vulnerability. Standing in this moment of emotional depth, he was poignantly aware of his unique path towards human understanding. With a gentleness born of newfound care, he wrapped his arms around her, feeling the rhythmic cadence of his mechanical heart quicken against the fusion of steel and wood that formed his being.

This cautious embrace was imbued with a richness of feeling previously unexplored by Pinocchio. In Elara's arms, he discovered a sense of kinship and comfort that transcended his engineered origins. Her soft humming continued, a melodic resonance that seemed to vibrate within him, touching the aspects of his existence that yearned for human connection.

In the dim, soft light of the room, surrounded by the lull of Elara's song, Pinocchio felt a profound sense of alignment. Each mechanical throb of his heart brought him closer to her, tuning him more finely to the emotions he was beginning to embrace. Her acceptance and her melody were beacons on his path toward human realization.

Elara, aware of the subtle transformation occurring within Pinocchio and sensing the hastened pace of his mechanical heart, gently raised her head from his chest. She looked into his introspective eyes, her smile soft yet filled with understanding. Her gaze reflected the profound connection they shared, a bond that defied the ordinary.

"Pinocchio," she murmured, her voice tender and lightly playful. "You seem different tonight, more... present. It's as if every beat of your heart is speaking."

Her hands, which had been resting lightly on his back, now cradled his face with a delicate yet meaningful touch. Through this simple gesture, Elara expressed her deep empathy and acceptance of his journey, embracing both his mechanical essence and the humanity that was gradually surfacing within.

"I can feel your heart racing," she continued in a soft voice, laden with care. “Is everything okay?” Her inquiry was not just a question about his well-being but also an invitation for him to share the inner workings of his heart and mind.

Pinocchio felt his mechanized heart pulsate rapidly, a whirlwind of emotions stirred by Elara's nurturing touch. The sensation of her hands delicately cupping his face was both a profound and a tender reminder of the connection they had forged.

He found his voice, a soft murmur laden with emerging feelings. "Yes," he exhaled, the word barely more than a breath. "I am feeling... something." In his deep, expressive eyes, a mix of longing and affection was evident, portraying a depth of sentiment that seemed to transcend mere words. His gaze held a silent yet profound appreciation for her, an unspoken recognition of the emotions he was still learning to articulate.

Amidst the quiet of the room, Pinocchio's heartfelt admission lingered, marking his evolving understanding and the burgeoning depth of his emotions. His eyes, reflecting his inner struggle, expressed an earnest yearning to articulate what Elara's presence stirred within him.

Elara, perceiving the depth of his emotions, offered a comforting smile, one that sought to alleviate his inner turmoil. "It's okay, Pinocchio," she reassured him gently, her voice soothing like a soft melody.

"Feelings can be elusive, especially when they are new and profound. Remember, it's alright to feel, and to take time in understanding these emotions."

Her hands maintained a soft presence on his face, a tangible reminder of her support and acceptance. Her gaze met his with profound empathy and patience, encouraging him to explore these new sensations at his own pace.

"Whatever you're experiencing," she said, her eyes locked with his, "is part of your journey, part of who you are becoming. And I'm here with you, every step of the way." Her words resonated as a vow, a commitment to accompany him as he navigated the intricacies of his unique path towards humanity.

Elara's gentle smile remained, her eyes radiating understanding as she held his gaze. "Can you try to describe what you're feeling?" she asked softly, inviting him to express his emotions. "Even a few words or a simple analogy can be enlightening."

Her hands continued their soft embrace on his face, embodying her support. Leaning in slightly, her presence offered a comforting beacon amidst his burgeoning feelings.

"Whatever you're feeling," she continued, her voice imbued with encouragement, "is valid and important. I'm here to listen, to help you understand it all."

Pinocchio's eyes remained fixed on Elara's, silently seeking understanding. His journey towards humanity was a labyrinth of new emotions and experiences, each revelation a step into uncharted territory. In this journey, Elara's unwavering support was his haven, her presence a guiding light amidst the tumultuous sea of his evolving emotions.

The flood of sensations he experienced was unparalleled, each thought and emotion a new discovery. Struggling to articulate these feelings was like navigating a complex maze. Yet, in Elara's presence, he found the strength to voice his innermost thoughts and feelings.

Gently, almost instinctively, Pinocchio found the words to express his burgeoning emotions. "You make me feel... warm," he whispered, his voice resonating with a newfound sincerity. "And safe." Each word was imbued with an earnest depth, punctuated by the rhythmic ticking of his mechanized heart, a reflection of the profound impact Elara had on him.

Elara's gaze softened as she absorbed Pinocchio's heartfelt words. "Warm and safe," she repeated, her tone reflective and infused with gentle warmth. The light touch of her hands on his face was a comforting testament to her empathy and support.

"I'm glad to hear that," she responded, her smile blossoming with genuine happiness. "Those feelings... they're mutual, Pinocchio. You also bring warmth and safety into my life."

Pinocchio felt a swell of emotions at her words, sensations that were both new and deeply reassuring. The warmth and safety Elara spoke of mirrored the feelings blossoming within him, fostering a growing sense of fulfillment and connection. Since their first meeting, Elara had become a symbol of comfort and a guiding presence in his quest for humanity.

Feeling drawn closer by her nearness, Pinocchio instinctively leaned in, their eyes locking in a moment of quiet understanding. Their connection was palpable, a silent bond that seemed to transcend words. Elara's affirming words lit a spark of hope in him, a glimmer of the future possibilities that lay ahead. A future where their mutual understanding and deep emotional connection could continue to evolve and strengthen.

In their intimate closeness, as Pinocchio and Elara leaned in, foreheads gently touching, they shared a palpable connection. Elara's smile, a soft and radiant expression, conveyed warmth and understanding, silently affirming the special bond they were nurturing. The rhythmic ticking of Pinocchio's mechanical heart, a comforting and steady presence, found harmony with Elara's own heartbeat, creating a symphony of two souls in sync.

With a natural grace, they began to sway together, their movement a gentle dance guided by the beat of their hearts. This simple act held immense significance, symbolizing a dance of emotions and deep connection, unspoken but profoundly felt.

Elara, her eyes never leaving Pinocchio's, spoke with heartfelt gratitude. "This... this is truly special. Every second with you is a gift I cherish." Her words echoed the depth of her feelings, her gaze conveying the sincerity of her emotions.

Pinocchio, softly responding, matched the rhythm of their gentle sway. "I feel the same, Elara," he murmured, his voice a gentle whisper that complemented their dance. In this moment, his movements transcended mechanical precision, becoming an expression of the genuine connection he shared with Elara. Wrapped in her embrace, he experienced a sense of authenticity and profound connection that filled him with exhilaration.

Their dance transformed into an expressive waltz, a fluid portrayal of the bond growing between them. The subtle beats of their hearts guided them, their swaying now an intimate expression of the unspoken understanding they shared. Each movement, each step, was a reflection of the emotional journey they were on together.

Within this dance, Pinocchio realized the depth of his feelings for Elara. Her unique and special presence instilled in him a sense of gratitude and awe. His hands, tracing the contours of her back, gently pulled her closer, seeking to minimize the distance between them. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, his breath lightly caressing her cheek, eliciting a series of deep sensations within her. This dance, in its simplicity and depth, was a celebration of their growing love and understanding.

Elara's eyes, brimming with deep emotion, met Pinocchio's gaze. In a whisper filled with heartfelt sincerity, she said, "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Her fingers caressed the back of his neck gently, a gesture that deepened their intimate connection.

In response, Pinocchio gazed back with equal depth, his eyes reflecting the sincerity and profound connection he felt with Elara. Words seemed unnecessary in this moment of profound connection, as their emotions were eloquently expressed through the language of touch and shared presence.

Pinocchio's embrace tightened gently, his actions speaking volumes. They conveyed his desire to protect and cherish Elara, who had become an irreplaceable part of his life. His embrace was a silent promise of connection and care.

As they continued their harmonious sway, Pinocchio leaned in, his forehead resting softly against Elara's. This closeness allowed him to immerse himself in their shared warmth and the subtle scent of her hair. Their synchronized breathing created a gentle rhythm, a melody of mutual affection.

Their dance gradually became more tender and intimate, each movement rich with meaning. In the room's quiet, with the soft ticking of Pinocchio's mechanical heart as the only sound, they were enveloped in a sense of complete serenity.

As the surrounding music faded into the background, Pinocchio held Elara closer, cherishing the moment. He gently rested his chin on her head, closing his eyes to fully embrace the feeling of peace and contentment that her presence brought. In Elara's arms, he discovered a tranquility he had never known, a sense of completeness that filled his heart.

Elara, now an essential part of his journey towards humanity, stood with Pinocchio in the heart of Hotel Krat, their souls intertwined. In each other's embrace, they found solace and understanding, a sanctuary where two hearts beat in unison.

Eternally Forever

Warning: Spoilers of Noel's Route in Repurpose and Mentions of Injury

Nevaeh and Noel had been through a lot together. They had faced many challenges, but none were as difficult as the one they had just defeated. Hordes, the literal horder of Limbo and his poltergeist, Charles, had put up a fierce fight. But in the end, Nevaeh and Noel were victorious.

As they made their way home, Nevaeh couldn't help but notice that Noel was quiet as he carried her in his arms. Although he wasn't the most talkative person, he seemed absorbed in his own thoughts now. Despite her desire not to pry, she kept noticing he would occasionally tighten his grip on her, giving her the feeling that something was wrong. She felt a sense of dread as she thought about all the possibilities of why Noel was acting this way. She tried to push away her worries, but they kept coming back, making her heart race with fear.

After using all that power, is he feeling okay? He said he thought he had lost it when he fell, so maybe he's not used to it. Was he hurt by Hordes and Charles' fight?! Nevaeh's head pulsed as the questions throbbed, as the two of them made their way to Noel's home.

When they finally reached home and entered his room, Noel placed Nevaeh down on the bed with softness, as if she would break if dropped too hard. Taking Noel's wrist gently, Nevaeh asked Noel what was on his mind before he could pull away. "Is everything okay? You've been so quiet," she said, trying to sound casual.

Noel didn't respond at first. He just stared at the floor, his wings drooping. Nevaeh's heart ached as she saw the pain etched on his face. "I'm fine," he grumbled as he turned his face away from Nevaeh. Despite this, Nevaeh could tell that he was tense from the uptight shoulders and the trembling in his clenched hands.

Slowly, Nevaeh reached out her hand to touch his face, halting short as to allow him time to deny her touch. "Can I touch you, Noel?" He lets out a long sigh as his body deflates, his face gravitating toward her hand. As he nuzzles his face into her hand, he grips her wrist above her pulse with his shaky hand and gently squeezes it. "Nevaeh, you don't have to ask my permission to touch me."

Gracing his face with her other hand, she smiled softly at him, gripping him in her palm as if he was the whole world. In the palm of her hands, he is her whole world. "Noel, I will always ask your permission when you are feeling this way, because I value your feelings greatly. You are important to me. Now," she says as she brings his face close to hers, nuzzling her nose against his. "My sweet dove, what's troubling you?"

Noel's eyes glistened with unshed tears as his mouth trembled and his voice broke, his other hand gripping her wrist tightly. "I was so scared, Nevaeh," he choked out. "I was terrified that I would lose you forever and never be able to tell you how much I love you." Tears began to roll down his cheeks as he continued, "I love you, Nevaeh. I love you so much. I don't know what I would do without you."

Nevaeh felt her own tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She knew how much it took for Noel to open up like this. Her arms gently embraced him in a sense of urgency, shielding him from the pain of the world. "It's okay, Noel. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere," she whispered.

But Noel couldn't shake off the guilt that was weighing down on him. "I hurt you Nevaeh. It was my gun that hurt you. When Charles moved you in front of my shot, everything stood still. I couldn't believe what had just happened. I thought I had lost you."

"I know, Noel. I know. But I'm here, I'm alive. And I know you would never hurt me," she says, trying to reassure him. Noel continues to cry, his words coming out in gasps. "But it was my gun that wounded you. I hurt you, Nevaeh. I hurt you."

Nevaeh's heart breaks at his words, and she can feel her own tears starting to fall. She pulls back from the embrace and takes his hand, placing it on her chest. "Feel my heart beat, Noel. I'm here. I'm alive, and I know you would never hurt me. You were trying to protect me. You were trying to keep me safe."

Noel's sobs begin to subside as he feels the steady beating of Nevaeh's heart beneath his hand. He looks up at her with red-rimmed eyes, and she wipes away his tears with the pad of her thumb. As he feels the steady rhythm of Nevaeh's heart, Noel's body begins to ease, the tension that had been gripping him slowly dissipating. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "You're right," he says as Nevaeh continues wiping away his tears. "I'm just so grateful that you're okay. That we're okay." Nevaeh smiles at him, leaning in to kiss him softly on the lips. "I love you, Noel," she says, her eyes shining with love and affection, bringing him in for another kiss.

As Nevaeh kisses Noel, she can feel the tension in his body and the fear in his heart. She kisses him softly, trying to ease his worries and ground him in the present moment. He responds with a sense of urgency as if he's afraid she might disappear if he lets go. He wraps his arms and wings around her tightly, holding her close as if to ensure she's really there. He kisses her deeply, pouring all of his love and fear into the kiss. As they separate, Nevaeh notices a glistening in Noel's eyes, a sign of the immense love and emotion he holds for her.

Noel embraced Nevaeh tightly, placing a gentle kiss on the top of her head. "I will always keep you safe, Nevaeh," he whispered, "I will do everything in my power to protect you. I love you." As he pulled back, he cupped her face in his hands, his eyes filled with devotion. Nevaeh smiled up at him, her love for him evident in her gaze. "And I will always keep you safe, Noel," she replied softly. "I will always be here for you, no matter what."

As he held Nevaeh close, Noel felt a sense of calm wash over him. He knew that as long as she was by his side, he could face any challenge that came his way. He hugged her tightly, and they stayed in that embrace for a while, basking in the warmth of their love. With Nevaeh by his side, Noel felt a strength within him that he never knew existed. He knew that he would never have to face anything alone as long as she was there.

~

Noel is from the visual novel Repurpose by @residentialrabbit

I'm literally obsessed, and it's okay :D

My body is ready!!! 🤩🤩🤩🥰

Oh la la, a special occasion indeed… We have an all new audio drama featuring Nick dropping tomorrow. You definitely don't want to miss out on this one~💙

Painting Love on Nails

It was a cozy and lazy afternoon for the couple, and they were in no rush to do anything else other than enjoy each other's company. A romantic comedy plays in the background as Nightowl carefully painted Elena's nails. As Nightowl applied the nail polish to Elena's nails, she couldn't help but appreciate the sight of him. His focus and attention to detail, made him look even more handsome in her eyes. "You're such a pretty boy," she teased him playfully.

Nightowl looked up at Elena, his face turning red as he struggled to come up with a witty comeback to her teasing. But before he could say anything, a wide smile spread across Elena's face as she leaned in to give him a kiss.

As she pulled away, Nightowl was quick to follow, pressing his lips to hers in a sweet yet fervent kiss. He gently ran his fingers through her hair, tangling them in her curls as he deepened the kiss, relishing the warmth and softness of her lips.

As Nightowl pulled her into the kiss, Elena's heart skipped a beat. As the kiss deepened, Elena wrapped her arms around Nightowl's neck, being mindful not to smudge her newly painted nails. A warm sensation spread through her body, igniting a fire inside of her.

She let out a small sigh as she parted her lips, allowing Nightowl to explore her mouth with his tongue. She could feel her heart racing as the kiss became more intense, her fingers gripping the back of his neck tightly. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks and a tingling sensation throughout her body.

As the kiss came to a close, Elena couldn't help but feel a sense of euphoria wash over her. She didn't want it to end, so she leaned her forehead against Nightowl's, her eyes still closed as she took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.

When she finally opened her eyes, she was breathless and her face was flushed. She looked up at him with a dreamy expression, her heart racing, and her face still red. She gazed into his eyes with a tender expression and whispered, "Wow," with a soft smile on her face.

He couldn't help but smirk as he saw the red flush on Elena's face and the dazed look in her eyes, indicating how much she enjoyed the kiss. He leaned in to place a tender kiss on her forehead, taking in the moment and feeling grateful that she was by his side. "You're not so bad yourself, cutie," he said with a chuckle, his own face still blushing from the intensity of the kiss. He went back to painting her nails, his attention now fully on the task at hand, trying to steady his breathing.

"I love you, Owl," she whispered softly, her eyes shining with love and affection for him.

He couldn't help but let out a soft sigh, feeling his heart swell with love and affection for her. "I love you too, Ellie," he whispered back, leaning in to give her another kiss before returning to painting her nails. He couldn't help the small smile that graced his lips, feeling a sense of contentment and happiness wash over him. He couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life making her happy.

They are all so beautiful 🥰🥹

And here they are!!!! The raffle prizes for my respective winners (⁠人⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+

Thank you so much for everyone's support!! I hope to host another one of these soon!

First Prize is Alba belongs to @mizumimu

Second Prize is Elena belongs to @missrosiesworld

Third Prize is Gojo Satoru wanted by @gojo-stan

Thank you so much to @sketching-jess for this beautiful commission 😍🥰 It's perfect!