First Encounters Snippet

First Encounters Snippet

Elara's face radiated delight and eagerness as Pinocchio expressed his wish to see the garden. "Absolutely, I'd love to show you," she replied with warmth, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. She reached out confidently, her touch gentle yet assured, as she took Pinocchio's hand in hers.

Leading him through the hotel, Elara moved with a confident grace, her steps unhurried yet purposeful. Pinocchio felt a comforting reassurance as Elara's hand enveloped his. As they progressed, the hotel's ambient noise gradually receded, giving way to a serene quietude as they neared the gardens.

Pinocchio's typically heavy, pronounced footsteps became lighter, echoing Elara's graceful pace. His blue eyes remained intently focused on Elara, captivated by her ease and elegance as she navigated the hotel's opulent interior. The combination of her poised demeanor and the gentle hold of her hand stirred a sense of comfort and curiosity within him.

As they entered the garden, the vibrant sounds of nature enveloped them. Birds chirped harmoniously, leaves whispered in the breeze, and the air hummed with the symphony of the natural world. Elara, aware of Pinocchio's attentive gaze, turned to him with a warm, welcoming smile. She guided him through the garden paths, enthusiastically pointing out various plants and flowers, each with its own story. The garden's rich tapestry of colors and textures captivated Pinocchio, its serene beauty a stark contrast to the more mechanical environment he knew.

In the midst of this natural splendor, Elara remained the focal point of Pinocchio's attention. Her presence was a peaceful anchor amidst the garden's vibrant life, a sense of tranquility that was both new and deeply comforting.

They soon arrived at the heart of the garden, Elara's treasured sanctuary. It was as enchanting as she described: a secluded alcove framed by ivy-clad walls, with a charming fountain at its heart, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The sun's rays filtered through the leaves, casting a mosaic of light and shadows, enhancing the magical aura of the place.

Elara gestured around them with a sense of pride and affection. "This is my special haven," she shared, her eyes reflecting her deep bond with this tranquil spot. She settled onto a quaint bench, patting the space beside her, inviting Pinocchio to join her. "You seem to have a real appreciation for the garden's beauty," she observed, her eyes meeting his. "It's not often that someone understands the subtle beauty of nature so well."

Elara's gaze lingered on Pinocchio, noting how the dappled sunlight added a gentle touch to his typically stoic features. She saw in him a unique blend of curiosity and awe, qualities she found deeply appealing. "I hope this place brings you the same sense of peace it brings me," she said hopefully, her voice filled with a genuine desire for him to find solace in this special corner of the world.

-

Here is an excerpt about Pinocchio and Elara's first meeting that I'm currently working on.

For the visual novel game The Kid at the Back, I created a student ID card for my original character, Isabella Morales.

You can check out Beneath the Surface (Last Updated 07/18/2024)

The Kid at the Back is a psychological, romantic, horror fantasy visual novel for viewers ages 18+, created by the amazing @fantasia-kitt

Sweet Whispers : Pinocchio Headcanons :

Pinocchio's headcanons: more sweet stuff

1. Whispered Codes of Affection: Pinocchio and his beloved craft a secret language of love, woven from gentle touches and knowing glances. This silent dialogue becomes their sanctuary, a way to whisper "I love you" without a sound, whether they're separated by a room or amidst the whispers of the hotel.

2. Together in Learning, United in Laughter: In the quiet halls of Hotel Krat, they embark on a journey of mutual discovery. Whether it's the strum of a string or the stroke of a paintbrush, each new skill learned is a chapter in their story of love, filled with laughter at shared missteps and joy in every small victory.

3. Tales at Twilight: As dusk falls, they curl up together, the world outside fading away as they lose themselves in tales of adventure and magic, read aloud in hushed tones. This ritual of sharing stories becomes their escape, a way to travel far beyond Krat's confines, heart to heart.

4. Dreams of Tomorrow: Amidst the shadows of Krat, they dare to dream of a brighter future. Together, they envision a world of their own making, a place where their love can flourish in the sunlight, unchained by fear or despair. These dreams, sketched out in moments of quiet intimacy, become the blueprint of their hope.

5. A Dance of Minds: Pinocchio, with his keen mechanical insight and his partner, with a flair for strategy, finds delight in unraveling puzzles together. Each solved riddle is a celebration of their partnership, a testament to the strength found in their unity.

6. The Book of Us: In the heart of the hotel, they begin to compile a memory book. Its pages are filled with laughter, love, and the promise of tomorrow, capturing the essence of their days spent in the shelter of each other's company. This book grows into a treasure chest of their journey together, a beacon of light in the darkness that surrounds them.

Moonlit Embrace

Jel walked down the pathway by the shore, admiring the colors of the sky and the sparkling water. It was a moment before he noticed Seraphina.

“Oh! Hello, human. I was just admiring the sea. How are you?” he asked, a friendly smile lighting up his face.

Seraphina smiled warmly at the tailor. "Hello, Jel. I'm doing well, thank you. The sea looks beautiful tonight, doesn't it?" she replied, her gaze shifting to the shimmering water.

"Ah, isn't it simply gorgeous?" Jel sighed dreamily, gazing out into the ocean. "The moonlight has always calmed me. Its soft, soothing glow makes all my worries disappear, if only for a brief moment."

Seraphina nodded, a serene smile playing on her lips. "It truly is," she agreed, her eyes following the gentle waves illuminated by the moon. "There's something magical about the way moonlight dances on the water. It makes everything feel... lighter."

Jel chuckled softly at her choice of words, his eyes dancing with a teasing sparkle. "Indeed. But I believe the term you're looking for is 'ethereal.' Moonlight isn't the only enchanting thing about this evening."

Seraphina felt a warmth spread through her at his words, her cheeks flushing slightly. She laughed softly, meeting his gaze with a playful smile. "Ethereal, you say? I think you might be right," she replied, her tone light and teasing. "Though I have to say, your company certainly adds to the enchantment."

Jel’s eyes lit up as he smiled at her words. He laughed, placing his hand on his chest as he regained his composure. "You flatter me. You certainly know how to make a man's face turn red," he grinned.

"I find your company rather bewitching as well. I can't help but gaze upon you every time I pass you, as if your image has been implanted into my eye."

Seraphina felt her cheeks flush a deeper shade of pink, a bashful smile spreading across her face. She looked down for a moment, composing herself before meeting his gaze again. "You're too kind, Jel," she said softly, her voice warm with sincerity. "But it's the same for me. Your presence is like a breath of fresh air, and I find myself looking forward to our encounters."

She stepped a little closer, her dress swaying gently with the movement. Seraphina wore a simple yet elegant outfit: a flowing white dress adorned with delicate floral embroidery that reflected the evening sky's soft hues. The dress had a cinched waist, highlighting her figure, and flowed down to her ankles, giving her an ethereal appearance. Her long, wavy hair framed her face, catching the moonlight and adding magic to her look.

Her eyes, a striking magenta with gold flecks, met Jel's, and she smiled gently.

Jel couldn't help but feel a strong pulse of attraction at that moment, his heart beating loud and fast beneath his clothing. He took another step forward, tilting his head slightly as he looked down at Seraphina. He glanced at her beautiful dress once more, before looking into her eyes, and smiling nervously.

"This is a bit forward, but may I...?" Jel said, lifting his hand, reaching out to touch her hair.

Seraphina felt her heart skip a beat at his request, her cheeks flushing pink. She nodded, her magenta eyes wide and sparkling with curiosity and anticipation. "Of course," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jel's fingers gently brushed against the soft strands of Seraphina's hair, sending a shiver down his spine. It was silky and smooth to the touch, waves flowing gracefully down her back.

"It looks even more beautiful in the moonlight," Jel breathed, gently placing his hand on her cheek, brushing away a stray strand with his thumb.

Seraphina's heart fluttered at his touch, her breath catching slightly. She leaned into his hand, her eyes closing momentarily as she savored the gentle caress. "Thank you, Jel," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity.

Opening her eyes, she looked up at him, her gaze meeting his with affection and wonder. "You have a way of making me feel so special," she said softly, her hand reaching up to rest on his, holding it gently against her cheek.

Jel felt an overwhelming rush of emotions, his eyes twinkling as he met Seraphina's gaze. The touch of her hand against his was grounding and intimate all at once.

"You are special," he whispered, cupping her face in his hands. "You have a unique and wonderful nature, unlike anyone I have met before."

"And you, Jel," she said softly, her voice trembling with affection, "are unlike anyone I've ever met. To have you in my life has been a blessing."

His thumb continued to caress her cheek, tracing invisible patterns on her skin. Seraphina's heart swelled with emotion at his words, her breath caught in her throat.

The sincerity of her voice sent tingles coursing down Jel's spine. His heart felt full in that moment, a warm buzz flowing through his veins.

"Seraphina, my muse," he whispered, tilting her head to press their foreheads together. "There's something I've been wanting to ask... can I kiss you?"

Seraphina's breath caught at his words, her heart pounding with anticipation. Her magenta eyes softened, filled with affection and longing as she looked into his twinkling gaze. "Yes, Jel," she whispered back, her voice trembling with emotion. "I would love that."

With her permission, Jel leaned closer, gently closing the space between them. His breath tickled her lips for a torturous moment before he closed his eyes and pressed his mouth against hers.

As their lips met, a wave of warmth and pleasure washed over him like a gentle wave. He cradled her face in his hand, his thumb stroking her cheek as he deepened the kiss. Seraphina responded with equal tenderness, her hands moving to rest on his chest, feeling his heartbeat beneath her fingertips.

The kiss was soft and sincere, filled with unspoken emotions and the promise of something beautiful. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in a bubble of warmth and affection. The moonlight bathed them in its ethereal glow, adding magic to the moment.

Jel's fingers threaded through her hair, gently pulling her closer as he savored the taste and feel of her lips against his. Each movement, each touch, conveyed his feelings for her. It was a kiss that spoke of admiration, affection, and a burgeoning love that felt both new and timeless.

As they slowly pulled back, their foreheads resting against each other, they both opened their eyes, gazing at each other with wonder and joy. Seraphina's cheeks were flushed, her magenta eyes shining with happiness.

"That was... incredible," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Jel smiled, his thumb gently stroking her cheek. "You are incredible," he replied softly, his voice filled with awe. "I feel like the luckiest person in the world right now."

Seraphina's smile widened, her heart swelling with emotion. "And I feel the same way," she said, her eyes never leaving his.

They stood there for a moment, lost in each other's gaze, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing second. The night air was filled with the promise of new beginnings and the magic of a love that would only deepen with time.

Finally, Jel spoke again, his voice gentle and sincere. "Shall we continue our walk?" he asked, his hand still holding hers.

Seraphina nodded, her smile warm and radiant. "I'd love to," she replied.

Hand in hand, they continued their walk along the shore, the connection between them more profound than ever. As they shared stories, laughter, and quiet moments of reflection, they knew that their journey together was just beginning, and it was one they would face with hearts full of love and hope.

Thank you so much to the amazing @fresadoodles for this STUNNING commission of my OC, Sofia, with loveable Sunny Day Jack :) You're truly an amazing artist!

A Symphony of Healing : Part 2

The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. The light brought the dawn of a new day, gently nudging Sofia and Shaun out of their slumber. Sofia stirred first, her mind emerging from sleep, slowly noticing the warmth beside her. As her eyes fluttered open, she realized her head was resting against Shaun's, their proximity closer than usual friendship.

For a moment, she lay still, absorbing his comfort and peace. Then, as the reality of their situation dawned on her, a blush crept up her cheeks. She carefully lifted her head, trying not to wake Shaun, and took a moment to observe him. In sleep, his features were relaxed, a softness to him that she rarely saw when he was awake.

His dark complexion and the unique texture of his locs, interwoven with streaks of blue, framed his face in a way that highlighted his gentle expression. His black mesh top and rose-patterned shirt, now slightly rumpled, added to the distinct and comforting aura he always carried. His presence had always been a source of strength and comfort for her, but now, she found herself seeing him in a different light.

Shaun, feeling the shift beside him, slowly woke. As he opened his dark brown eyes, he was met with Sofia's gaze. A moment of shared understanding passed between them, a silent acknowledgment of the unexpected intimacy of the night.

"Good morning," Sofia said, her voice a soft whisper.

"Morning," Shaun replied, a hint of sleep still in his voice. He sat up, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Did we... fall asleep like that?"

Sofia nodded, tucking a strand of her silver curls behind her ear. "Yeah, I guess we did."

There was a brief pause, the air filled with unspoken questions and faint stirrings of deeper emotions. Shaun cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "I hope you slept well. I didn’t mean to..."

Sofia cut him off, a gentle smile on her face. "It’s okay, Shaun. I… actually, I slept better than I have in a long time."

Shaun returned her smile, relief evident in his eyes. He glanced around the room, now bathed in the soft light of morning. "I should probably head out, let you start your day."

Sofia stood up, stretching her arms. She was wearing a black crop top and red plaid pants, a casual yet stylish outfit that highlighted her tan complexion and made her look effortlessly chic. "You're welcome to stay for breakfast if you like. It's the least I can do for the company and... for everything."

Shaun considered her offer, his heart quietly yearning to stay, to prolong the time spent in her company. "Sure, breakfast sounds great."

As Sofia and Shaun transitioned from the soft familiarity of the couch to the sunlit kitchen, the atmosphere shifted from quiet introspection to a more active engagement. Sofia, with a renewed sense of energy, moved around the kitchen, gathering ingredients for breakfast. The morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the countertops and reflecting off the surfaces, brightening the room.

She decided to make something simple yet comforting—scrambled eggs, toast, and freshly brewed coffee. As she cracked eggs into a bowl, her movements were fluid, a rhythm regained after days of neglect. Shaun leaned against the counter, watching her, an unspoken gratitude in his eyes for this mundane yet intimate moment.

"Do you want to help with the toast?" Sofia asked, her tone light, a hint of her usual playful self peeking through.

"Sure," Shaun replied, finding the bread and slipping slices into the toaster. The familiar scent of coffee filled the air, mingling with the sizzle of eggs in the pan. He watched as Sofia skillfully stirred the eggs, her silver curls catching the morning light, creating a halo effect around her.

They worked in a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts but acutely aware of the other's presence. The kitchen became a dance floor of sorts, with Sofia and Shaun moving around each other effortlessly, a testament to their years of friendship and understanding.

Once the eggs were ready, Sofia plated them carefully, garnishing them with a sprinkle of herbs. Shaun took care of the toast, buttering it while it was still hot. They set the small dining table, the simplicity of the meal masking the complex emotions that lingered in the air.

Sitting down to eat, they faced each other, the morning light casting soft shadows across the table.

Conversation flowed more freely now, touching on memories, shared experiences, and light-hearted topics. Laughter came more easily, serving as a soothing balm to the remnants of last night's emotional intensity. In these moments, Sofia and Shaun found a comforting familiarity, a reminder of the strength of their bond.

As they sipped their coffee, the warm mugs were comforting in their hands. The unspoken words and lingering glances conveyed more than any conversation could. It was a breakfast that marked not just the start of a new day but perhaps the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship—a step towards understanding the depth of their connection and the possibilities that lay ahead.

Shaun smiled as he took a bite of his toast and said, "You know, this reminds me of our college days. Late-night study sessions fueled by coffee and takeout."

Sofia chuckled, sipping her coffee. "Oh, those were the days. Remember the all-nighter we pulled before the finals? I still can't believe we made it through that."

Shaun nodded, finishing his toast. "Yeah, and you aced it, as always. I was just glad to pass." He paused, glancing at her. "Speaking of acing things, have you read any good thrillers lately?"

Sofia’s hazel eyes lit up. "Actually, yes. I just finished this book with the most unexpected plot twist. The villain turned out to be the narrator’s own—"

"Don't spoil it!" Shaun laughed. "But that sounds like your kind of twist. You always did have a knack for guessing the ending." Shaun took a bite of his eggs and asked, "So, any upcoming songs you’ve been working on? I remember how you used to hum melodies while studying."

Sofia smiled softly, stirring her coffee. "Not really, been out of tune lately. But I’m hoping to get back into it soon. How about you? Any new projects on the horizon?"

Shaun nodded, his eyes turning thoughtful. "A few ideas here and there. Trying to find something that resonates, you know?"

Their breakfast continued with light-hearted banter and shared memories. The clinking of dishes and the aroma of coffee created a cozy atmosphere that felt almost like a step back in time. As they cleaned up, Sofia said, "Thanks for coming over, Shaun. It was nice having some normalcy again."

Shaun smiled warmly, his dark eyes reflecting genuine affection. "Anytime, Sofia. It's always good spending time with you." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "By the way, I'm staying at a hotel nearby for the next few days. I wanted to make sure I'm here if you need anything."

Sofia, putting the clean dishes away, looked up in surprise. "You're staying at a hotel? That must be expensive. Why didn't you just crash here?"

Shaun shrugged, smiling sheepishly. "I thought about it, but I didn't want to impose. Plus, it gives me a place to work on some ideas without disturbing you."

Sofia smiled, touched by his consideration. "Well, you're welcome here anytime, you know that. But I'm glad you're close by."

Shaun nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment. "It's good to be here, Sofia. And hey, if you're up for it, maybe we can explore the city a bit, like old times? Grab some dinner, see a movie?"

Sofia's face brightened at the suggestion. "That sounds great. I'd love to."

As Shaun headed for the door, Sofia walked him there, the light from the kitchen casting a warm glow on their path. He turned back to her. "Alright, I'll text you later about plans. Take care, Sofia."

"Thanks, Shaun. See you later," Sofia replied, a genuine smile on her face. She then leaned in and gave him a warm hug, feeling the comfort and support he always brought her. Shaun's arms wrapped around her, returning the hug with a gentle squeeze. He closed his eyes briefly, savoring the closeness before they slowly parted.

After Shaun left, Sofia felt more uplifted than she had in weeks. The prospect of spending time with Shaun, exploring the city, and enjoying each other's company was something she looked forward to. It was a reminder that despite her heartache, there were still moments of joy and friendship to be cherished.

Shaun walked back to his hotel with quiet anticipation and nervousness. Being so close to Sofia and spending time with her in a city filled with memories brought excitement and uncertainty. His feelings for her, though carefully guarded, grew stronger with each moment they spent together. The next few days promised not just a rekindling of their friendship, but perhaps the uncovering of deeper emotions that had long simmered beneath the surface.