An Unexpected Welcome

It’s another autumn morning in a town unknown, a crisp breeze washes through the air and sunlight pours through the open windows of any and all houses to signal the coming of daytime. On this fine day a single dream dragon lies completely unbothered by the sunlight peeking through the corners of their unopened curtains, the morning song of the birds falling on deaf ears as even despite the day almost reaching noon the dragon lays unstirred in the slightest.

Their name is Nemurin, someone who despite sleeping so comfortably should be the last to do so right now. As they lay snuggled up in their room grasping one of the many plushies that lie next to them in their bed in a fetal position… A friend is waiting for them who they made plans with a week in advance, hours late as they lie there without a care in the world. Having a pleasant dream and mumbling to themselves all they can think about is how they wish to remain in that euphoric state for as long as they can. A selfish and natural desire they cannot truly control and have… for a while been one to particularly let control them instead. “Mmph… No Tart… That’s mine…” They mutter tossing and turning in their bed.

As for the dream? A land of sweets as far as they could see was all it took to completely make them forget about any worldly matters, a pleasant scene of devouring whatever confectionaries they conjured with a mere thought. Happily prancing away in cotton candy fields laid out with chocolate and graham cracker paths, it was a place that was essentially heaven on earth for them. Just taking a bite out of whatever they wished without a care in the world. Simply humming to themselves as they did so, even in their dream completely oblivious to the grave mistake they made.

If it were any other person who was their friend, this would already be the end of their hangout. Poor planning on one’s part completely ruining everything and a nice day such as today being completely wasted in bed due to the dream dragon’s somewhat lax nature. However, that wouldn’t be the case this time whatsoever.

“Jeez of course he did this again, if i stay away too long Estelle is going to come to nab me as an excuse!” A strange cat-like bunny creature grumbles to themselves while looking past those roads of confectionaries and the pastel pink sky. An outsider of the dream and someone who was actually the person they were supposed to meet today. With a bit of a groan they hesitantly look onward for their friend, not amused by the situation but more tired and used to it if anything due to past experiences. Their name was Tart, a rare species known as a carbuncle that was known for its rare ability to traverse dreams. Not too dissimilar to Nemurin who’s own powers had a striking resemblance, it was only natural the two got along due to such a strange talent.

He was here of course for his friend, to fetch them out of this place and bring them back to reality where he and one other person were waiting for them. As he roams about the strange plains he finds himself looking at the place with a bit of an amused chuckle, “Still though.. As expected of Nem, it shouldn’t take long to find em if I know particularly what they do in situations such as these~” With a smirk he continues onward and particularly begins to try and pay attention to any noises around him, his ears twitching a bit as to pick up even the slightest decibel of noise. Eventually with a nod he’d end up hearing what he expected. “Gotcha~”

A carefree hum ringing out throughout the strange place from a distance was all that Tart needed to hear to find his friend, after looking about his surroundings he’d finally find them without much effort whatsoever! Nemurin sitting down currently with a bit of chocolate in their hand they tore from the ground itself, “There you are you little…” Tart’s voice is a whisper as they creep from behind the violet colored dragon, their own tail swaying from behind them in anticipation till inevitably… “AHA GOT YOU!” “BWA?!” Tart is unable to control themselves and promptly tackles the dragon to the ground in an instant, although not exactly… the heaviest of people it’s the surprise that promptly makes the dragon fall onto the thankfully soft ground as they’re pinned by their friend.

“Do you know how long I've been waiting for you! AGES I tell you!!! AGES!!!” Saying that they bark down the poor dragon’s ear, Nemurin only able to wince and look away with a bit of a whimper. Completely caught off guard as they try to plead with Tart, “Please please I’m sorrrrry!!! I don’t know what I did wrong but I'm sorry!” As he pleads and looks away his body is practically shaking, Tart hearing his words that immediately change his demeanor from upset and a tad peeved to almost confused. “...Eh? You don’t know…?” “I don’t know anything mister! Please just let me go and don’t hurt me!!!” As they plead they realize one thing about Nemurin, bless their soul but god are they oblivious when panicked! They didn’t know at all that it was… Tart talking to them.

“It’s… me, Tart.” “...Ah.” And just those words alone make his face grow a deep red, flushed with embarrassment as he looks towards them only for a moment before going away once more. “I… forgot again didn’t I.” Saying those words with a bit of a sheepish tone all Tart can do is simply nod in response. “Oh I see… W-well… Hmm… I-is it too late this time?” “Nope but ya do gotta stop doing these things you know? I may be patient with these things but we have another person involved too! Don’t know if he’ll be as lenient and it IS a first impression.” With a bit of a guilty chuckle Nemurin would nod in response, he did feel a bit bad but it was something that no matter how hard he tried he honestly couldn’t help. It was practically in their nature, it was something they’ve dealt with their entire life and it’s always followed them. Funnily enough the only reason Tart even felt anxious about such an outcome to begin with is because of someone else entering the equation who wasn’t exactly as in the loop as the carbuncle. If it weren’t for that he wouldn’t have cared much at all and shrugged the entire thing off.

“You don’t need to feel so bad though, I understand already that this isn’t really in your control.” “I know… mm… That does make me feel a bit better but just you know i’m going to make it up to you Tart!” With a chuckle Tart would nod to their friend’s response, those words of theirs picking them right back up as a beaming smile goes across the face of the dream dragon. “Heh if you say so, it’s not necessary anyway though- Ah.” Before the carbuncle can continue they seem to shiver for a moment and perk up, as if they’d just felt something was off and needed tending to. Sweat beading across their face as Nemurin only looks on in confusion?

“Is… something the matter?” “Y-yeah, seems I overstayed my welcome. I already did what I sought to do and now I gotta go. If I… stay any longer I don’t know what’ll happen. Jeez I can hear the excuse right now, can sense they’re planning it now. Oh I needed all of the bed so it was only necessary I a-'' Before they can continue muttering to themselves in a bit of a peeved voice, they promptly stop themselves at the end. Letting out an abrupt cough as if to signal for the dragon to forget anything they said, “Anyway, I need to go. I shouldn’t say more, you already know how to get to my place right?” “Y-yeah-” “Good!!! I’ll see you there then! Will be making you some sweets for when you come over bye byeeee!!” And just like that, before the dragon can even finish their words the carbuncle disappears in an instant. Turning into nothing more than dust before their eyes before going off into the wind, back to the real world leaving the dragon even more confused than before. “Just… why was he rushing so much…?”

Letting out a sigh Nemurin looks around his surroundings once more, a frown on their face and a drooped tail as they realize the call of responsibility beckons them forth too. He’s… been here a lot longer than he should’ve but it’s because of that he’s so hesitant to leave. “Mmph… I suppose I’ll see this place another time… Shouldn’t keep him waiting…” He looks down towards the graham cracker roads and next towards the pastel pink sky. It was a wonderful place for sure but maybe another day such a beautiful sight can be enjoyed. “When we’re both not busy maybe…. Gah what am I talking about, let’s go.” Just like that he disappears and the fabric of the dream begins to unravel as its owner slowly begins to stir.

Not long after he finally arrives back once more in reality, although quite the rude awakening to say the least. Slowly opening their eyes towards the scene in front of them, just the mere ray of light coming from the mostly closed curtains causing them to let out an audible irritated groan in response. Tossing to their side away from it all as if rejecting reality they hear Tart’s words echo throughout their head almost berating him, “Hey!!! You said you wouldn’t go back to sleep!!! Come on!! You don’t want to disappoint our new guest do you?” “Gahhhh… I don’t but I'm just so tired…. I can’t help it!!! And mm… it’s so comfy I feel I can practically melt in the softness…” “Humph, suppose you won’t be having any sweets then!!!” “W-wh!!! But!!! I can’t miss those for the world!!! Fine….”

With a groan they begin to slowly sit up on their bed, rubbing their eyes and looking around their surroundings with a groggy expression. Although Tart wasn’t really there or said anything at all funnily enough that internal voice of theirs of their friend was more than enough to break them out of their stupor and possibly even going back to sleep. “Mmph.. I hope they made those blueberry tarts again…” Saying that as they begin to drool the dream dragon quickly shakes their head to dispel any more exhaustion, letting out a huff soon after as a strangely determined look begins to go across their face. “There’s only one way to tell!! I have to get there and see him!”

Getting out of bed soon after they turn their gaze towards the mostly closed curtain, amber light filtering through the opening with Nemurin letting out a nervous chuckle. “...It is a bit late, maybe I'll have lunch and dinner at their place instead.” Although they look down soon after to an almost on cue groaning stomach the dragon can’t help but shake their head to dispel any thoughts of having food at the moment. It.. does hurt a bit from having slept just a tad bit too long, unintentionally starving themselves a bit of any real food but…

“I can’t have them wait any longer!!! Besides, I think Tart specifically mentioned that it wouldn’t just be me this time over!!” That was right, they couldn’t let down this guest and be even later now. Thoughts such as those coursed through their head as they steeled themselves for the road ahead despite their hunger and made their way down the stairs and towards the door outside of their home. “Alright.. It’s time to go…”

Just like that they begin to open the door, immediately overwhelmed by the sudden invasion of the incredible light from the sun into their eyes. Naturally averting their gaze as their exhaustion was still quite prevalent, still practically forcing themselves to move forward simply for Tart’s sake. Letting out a groan they begin to turn their gaze downward and slowly make their way truly outside.

“It shouldn’t be too far away at least…” Nemurin says with a bit of a sigh, slowly making their way past the cold city streets, letting out a light shudder as a cool breeze makes its way past them. Brushing past all sorts of creatures as the hustle and bustle of the outside didn’t help with their groggy attitude at the moment, still waking up as the sounds of people seemed to ring through their ears. It didn’t exactly help that Tart’s house in particular was in one of the more lively parts of town, having to get past the majority of the shopping district to get to him. A strategic move on their part as they did love to cook and as such would make regular visits to the market. As for Nemurin though…. “This is just too much guh. Their voices are ringing… I could never live here…” It was far too much.

They were particularly lucky in one particular aspect however and that was that the place wasn’t too far, although quite exhausting at least it was a mere walk away. It gave the dragon to think about the situation a bit, there was one thing that still was on the forefront of his mind. It was only natural such a thing would make him so curious. “Just who is the person Tart wants me to meet?” He says that to himself as he walks the city streets, alone with his thoughts and a bit of a clearing headache.

They never did tell him much about just who this person they were meeting was apart from one important key detail, “He’s actually my beloved, I'm sure you’ll absolutely adore him!!” Those particular words stood out to him in a conversation they had not too long ago. The reason he felt so guilty about even being late was particularly because being introduced to someone so important to their friend felt almost like a crime, he couldn’t help but feel a bit bad even now even with Tart’s reaffirmations. Thinking about this meeting made his heart pound a bit, not just because this was someone new that could be a possible friend but because if they knew Tart and had his seal of approval he believed they could get along! “I’m sure it’ll go well yeah…!” Their tail wagged a bit from behind and a smile widened across their face as just thinking about it was able to make them feel just the slightest bit distracted from the noise that overwhelmed them.

It wouldn’t take too long thankfully to make it past the market district of the town, passing the various cobblestone streets and maneuvering past crowds of people along with makeshift stalls that lined the block. It all was over faster than they thought and soon enough Nemurin would realize they were getting close. As the loud clamorings of the crowd began to cease they were reaching the particular neighborhood that Tart had decided to settle in after quite a bit of effort on their part. It was one of the more quiet and wealthy neighborhoods in the town, giant ornate houses stretching across the road with their own fancy architecture such as incredible gates hiding whole gardens from within along and statues carved in the liking of various figures or creatures.

To say the least it was a sight to see and honestly Nemurin couldn't even begin to fathom how much it all cost the little carbuncle. He knew the little guy was most definitely one of the better off people they knew, particularly due to their own efforts and a little sweets business that they tell the dragon about all the time.

Either way it wouldn’t take long for them to find the carbuncle’s house, a towering mansion with a beautiful courtyard with well-tended lilies and other various flora. A gate sealing the sanctuary off adorned with beautiful statues of doves on the top, thankfully left unlocked they wouldn’t have any trouble getting in. Seeing the mansion itself though… It was a grand site indeed, made with dark oak and polished ivory along with shining violet glass. It truly felt like a far cry sometimes to someone so pleased by simple things such as Tart, if anything Nemurin can still remember it like yesterday when his friend lived in a far less extravagant abode.

“Seems I'm finally here… Will they answer this late?” Approaching the door shyly they look back towards the sky, still a brilliant orange mixed with twilight with the sun slowly disappearing over the horizon. A reminder of just how late it was already, soon enough it’d become nighttime, just hours away as the majority of the day had already escaped him. Although it makes them feel almost discouraged to be here now he can’t help but shake his head to dispel those negative thoughts, taking a huff and ringing the bell right next to the strangely giant double doors.

A pleasant and honestly quite loud chime echoes from right behind those doors, although no one opens at first the sound of what appears to be rushing footsteps becomes apparent. “Coming!” A voice calls out that Nemurin is able to immediately tell is Tart, quite hurried in tone as only after a couple minutes the door is finally opened. Tart grunting and pushing it open as they peek through the opening, signaling for them to follow. “Come in come in! It’s great you’re finally here!”

With Tart’s approval Nemurin would slowly make their way into the mansion, sheltering themselves from the cold as almost immediately looking at the place left them absolutely awestruck. “Even if i’ve already seen it once before, it still takes my breath away…” In a hushed voice they say that, looking around the place in all of its majesty. Even bigger on the inside the place the living room danced with all sorts of paintings that actually seemed a bit out of place due to the theme being more particularly of photos of friends and family instead of standard classical or fancy art pieces, none of the people in them really people they knew too well apart from hearing about them from time to time only one stuck out to them. “I don’t think I've seen that dragon before!” He says looking at one of what appears to be Tart and a strange azure dragon in a field for a picnic, their appearance looking uncannily similar to the broad description he heard once before about someone. Just who was that person? “Hehe don’t worry, you’ll meet them soon enough~”

He didn’t quite understand exactly what their friend meant by that and if anything would simply nod in response, continuing to admire the mansion’s living room as the place’s design felt almost captivating to look at. The beautiful carpets of violet and gold that laid the floor like a brilliant tapestry and the well cared for flowers kept in vases and used as decorations for the various tables and drawers. Of course the place although looking quite fancy, would have a couple of Tart’s own signature touches, the various black couches dancing the room having little heart shaped pillows along with a couple of plushies to accompany them. It was certainly a strange choice of design with the mix of ornate along with a sort of cutesy aesthetic but something about it felt all the more charming because of that to the dream dragon. Not being able to help but smile before being brought back to their senses by their friend.

“Heyyyy earth to Nem! I know this is only your second time but still!!! As a guest you should know it’s rude to stare!” Being tugged a bit by the hand from Tart would make Nemurin jolt back up as he looked towards them once more, a bit embarrassed and giving a rapid nod. “Oh y-yeah sorry about that!” The carbuncle couldn’t help but give a bit of a resigned sigh in response, looking down at the ground before looking towards them once more. “It’s fineeee. Look, you just stay here and I'll get you something to drink. Once it’s ready I'll go up to introduce you to “them”” “Mm that sounds fine! You should already know what I like, right?” “Mhm mhm! Don’t you worry~”

And with that Tart begins to head off into the kitchen just out of sight, with a bit of pep in their step Nemurin simply lies down on the couch and closes their eyes. A content sigh being exhaled as they simply wait for their friend to come back. Many thoughts swirl through their head as curiosity begins to overwhelm them, “Just what is this person they want me to meet like…?” “One can only wonder eh?”

“...Huh?” In an almost confused voice Nemurin says that, a strange voice they don’t recognize having broken their train of thought. Somewhat mischievous and almost impish sounding as they knew practically immediately that it can’t have just been in their head, not because of the voice though but because of the strange deep breathing they could feel that rushed through their entire form almost like a humid storm. Slowly opening their eyes and jolting back from the source of the noise, they’d let out a startled yelp as they found what had caused it all. An absurd sight that consumed their entire being, all they could see being an illustrious white and blue mane and what appeared to be two beautiful ocean blue eyes staring down at them. “I- Wh- You’re..” It was unmistakable what the type of being towering over them was, just barely fitting in the room was a gigantic dragon. The very same dragon they saw in those paintings and the very same one that matched the description Tart gave about someone they had met.

“You’re the person adorable Tart wanted me to meet? Is that what you were going to say?” Saying those words with a bit of a chuckle they draw near and promptly swipe the poor little dragon in their tail before they have any time to react, coiling them up completely all except for the head just barely poking out. Their grasp is firm enough to stop any and all attempts to escape yet still gentle enough to not cause any harm to little Nemurin.

“Gghh… What are you doing…!” The smaller dragon says that with a grunt, struggling to push themselves out of their grasp but to no avail. They were practically like an ant compared to them in strength after all. All their struggles warrant is a chuckle from the giant as they look towards them with a malicious smirk, “Awww what’s all the fuss over? I’m just greeting my new guest!” Trying to act innocent all Nemurin can do is let out a meek whine as they realize how powerless they are in the situation, simply looking away. “You are quite sweet looking too, I'll give you that. Suppose it’s only fair considering you’re his friend~ Though don’t worry so much i’m not going to hurt you, I just… want a closer look at you is all~”

Although those words have quite an aura of ominousness, Nemurin seems to feel a bit soothed by them as their rapidly beating heart begins to slowly calm down. “...You’re sure?” Nemurin says that in a hesitant voice as he slowly raises his head back towards the sight of that giant head of the dragon staring them down and a mere exhale from those nostrils washing over them. “Well of course, I wouldn’t want to hurt an esteemed guest! Especially one my beloved has gushed quiiiite a fair bit about~” Giving a bit of a giggle upon thinking about the carbuncle, Nemurin perks up a bit at the word “beloved.” A bit of anxiety beginning to be replaced with curiosity as they look towards them in wonder, “Beloved? Are you the person that Tart wanted me to meet then…? Are you Tart’s… Boyfriend?” With a bit of silence to their question, a smirk would begin to make its way on their face as they slowly nodded soon after.

“Well I did allude to it earlier so yes indeed I am. You must be Nemurin right? My name’s Estelle~” Saying that with a bit of a chuckle they lean in towards the dream dragon and give a light lick across their face with their light blue tongue, Nemurin shuddering in response to the feeling of that although light and gentle motion which was still quite overpowering due to their size. “B-blugh… Well it’s nice to meet you Estelle… I will say I didn’t expect you to be so big though…” They give a bit of a smile in return to them, looking towards them with awe with how they practically tower over them. Although most would feel fear in this situation, funnily enough he seemed to feel the opposite. The only thought swirling through his head being “If they’re Tart’s then I should be fine.” “Well you can say that Tart… Is a bit of an oddball to say the least heh~ The reason he particularly decided to buy this mansion was just because it was the only place that could fit me comfortably, it wouldn’t be exactly very fun if I slept outside now would it?” “I see…”

“Anyway though, let’s move past the introductions. There’s something… Else I feel I want to do… To get to know you~” Estelle’s words sound with a bit of mischief and ominous intent, staring down the smaller dragon before them as they slowly lick their lips before them. That strange motion making Nemurin feel somewhat uneasy as they push their head a bit back to the best of their ability. “And… what would that be…?” Their voice shaky and a bit nervous they ask that, seeming to actually worry a bit about the answer they’ll receive. Only getting a bit of a shrug in response along with quite the smug smirk on the giant beast’s face, “Oh nothing TOO bad, I just want to see… what you taste like is all~” As they lean in closer Nemurin begins to break out into a cold sweat, trying to struggle once more in their grasp but to no avail. That tail was far too strong for them and all they can do is watch as they approach agonizingly slow. “T-taste…?” “Well of course, someone as sweet as Tart is bound to have just as sweet friends! It’d be fun to keep one of them all to myself, make them feel right at home you know~? It’s only fair I make you feel welcome as a host~” “You can’t just- I’m fine and feel welcome right out here!!!”

With those words the dream dragon immediately is able to tell their intentions, no wonder they had tied them up so hard in that tail they knew that he’d try to escape if he knew what they were planning! He was practically a sitting duck now, as they looked around frantically at their surroundings for anything to help them get out of this situation they found practically nothing. Their body beginning to shake as they realized the gravity of the situation and from the looks of it? The time for discussion was over.

Right before them that giant dragon begins to open its gaping maw, towering over them a sea of light blue flesh and hot breath washing over them like a torrent making them avert their gaze. Seeing down that pulsating gullet in the back of their mouth they already know how eager it is to claim them, all he can do is hopelessly whine as the outcome has already been set. “N-no…!”

That is until… “Hey Nem, I got you the drink you wan- Estelle!!!!” Tart comes into the room, immediately shocked by the scene before them as they shout at their beloved to get their attention. An inaudible “dammit” being said by the dragon before they snap their jaws shut and look towards the carbuncle from below. Seems they came in just a nick of time and as such Nemurin lets out an incredibly deep sigh of relief.

“Oh hello dearrrrr, didn’t expect you to be back so soon! Doesn’t it take you longer to brew that signature sweet tea of yours?” They slur their words and try to sound innocent to the quite grumpy Tart from below but to no avail as he simply shakes his head disapprovingly from already knowing what was going on. “Hmph! It doesn’t take THAT long to make! Besides that’s off-topic, what were YOU planning to do to Nem huh?” Crossing their arms they give them a bit of a glare and all they receive in return is a light chuckle with a little paw to cover their mouth. “Oh nothing muchhhh, I was just getting to know your friend a bit… “closer” is all! You know… nothing more than that~ I’ve taken a real liking to them you know~” “Yeah I can definitely tell!!! It sounds more like you were planning on “keeping” them if you know what I mean! Thought you were only supposed to do that to- I MEAN you shouldn’t be doing that at all! Looks like you've scared the guy half to death! Nem, are you alright????”

Nemurin looks towards Tart and gives a slow nod back to them nervously, Tart letting out a deep exhale in exhaustion as his voice shows signs of exasperation, “That’s good then! Jeez… I have the feeling I'm going to have to worry about you doing this to everyone I end up showing you Estelle…” “Dawww I wouldn’t say just that! You think too low of me, I can control myself more than you think.” With an eyeroll the carbuncle doesn’t seem to buy their words in the slightest, quite funny that despite the size difference between the two the carbuncle had the gall to do such a thing. “Yeah sure, that stomach has a mind of its own at times. Anyway thoughhh, you should be able to let them down now right? I DID prepare some sweets for the both of you after all!”

“Hmmm… That sounds good but I don’t think I will.” With those nonchalant words from Estelle, Tart goes silent for a moment. A bit stunned as he looks towards them and sees quite the smirk on top of their face, seems… They had something planned. All Nemurin can say in response to that was a meek and barely audible “wha” as he begins to feel fear creep up on them again. “What do you mean you don’t think you will? I already have some sweets I prepared for the occasion. Surely you’re hungry right?” Tart asks that as a genuine question and in turn the giant dragon does nod, giving a singular pat to their belly as it on cue lets out an incredibly loud gwwwrrrrrgggg~

“Yes I am but you see… I’m craving something a bit more squirmy right now. And between you and me? I see only two choices to satisfy THAT craving~” Giving them a bit of a chuckle Tart turns away with quite the flushed face, seeming to have not expected that in the slightest as it was clear that coupled with the embarrassment of having something like that said in front of a friend… he didn’t mind it all that much either. “So… What will it be? You or your friend here~?” Without giving them much in the room of choices they look towards them with quite the satisfied look on their face, Tart only feeling the pressure more as Nemurin promptly begins to look their way as well with a pleading look on their face.

“P-please Tart, help me get out of this…” Nemurin says that in a weak voice, practically pleading with them for mercy as that grip around them only tightened as to ensure the poor guy didn’t escape. Tart’s answer? “...It should only be for a little while, you’ll be fine. I don’t belong in someone’s stomach.” He decides to save himself with a pout, Nemurin’s hopes crushed in an instant as with a simple nod in response from the bigger dragon his gaze is fixed back onto Nemurin.

“Well with that answer… I suppose I shouldn’t hold back anymore should I~?” Estelle says with a giant smirk on their face, their tail promptly being held right over their head as the gaping abyss is opened once more before them. That light blue flesh lighting the way below as that gullet is now a straight shot if they get dropped in from their current angle, they were at the complete mercy of Estelle and from the looks of it with Tart’s betrayal their fate was already sealed. He naturally averts his gaze from the hot breath coming his way with a whine and tries to flail about but as always it does absolutely nothing, his energy was already spent from before after all and their grip on him was absolute. As he stares down he’s forced to see those strands of saliva that drip from every corner of the mouth and stretch almost like a spider’s silk, indicating their hunger and although he was quite small compared to them they’ll do quite nicely for the appetite of such a ravenous beast.

“Please you can’t-” He tries to plead with his captor but before he can even finish what he was going to say.. “Oops seems I lost my grip~” He’s dropped right on in, not even given time to react he promptly falls splat onto that slimy tongue of the dragon, the outside world fading away with a SNAP as he’s forced into slimy darkness from all around. Struggling to get up he suddenly feels the world around them shift, tilting their head up already he starts to feel gravity slowly bring him closer and closer towards the gullet. The slimy abyss that threatens to consume his entire being, something he knows that he won’t be able to recover or even get back from. And yet… All he can do is watch on fruitlessly as his body slowly slips towards its inevitable destination. “N-no anywhere but there! Come on, this can’t be happening!!!”

“And yet it is~ Goodbye Nemurin, see you on the other side~” With those teasing words and a little nudge from the tongue, Nemurin goes down with a deep slimy glrrrrmmmphh~ Leaving only the slightest of bulges as a single hand traces them down as they make their way down towards the stomach. Tart being forced to watch the entire thing, seeing nothing more than a lump descending their throat and being none the wiser of the struggles Nemurin faces on the way down.
“So… he’s really gone huh?” With a meek squeak and a bit of a flushed face Tart says that, soon seeing that bulge disappear into the stomach as it lets out an on cue gurgle in response. Likely quite happy with its current meal. “ Indeed~ It’s where he belongs after all, little adorable dragons like him deserve to serve greater dragons~” Saying that as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world Estelle gives quite the satisfied chuckle along with a hefty slap is given to their gut.

“Buuut you should know what happens now right~?” Slowly coming closer to Tart the carbuncle instinctually backs up a bit confused, from the look of Estelle’s eyes along with that drooling mouth and groaning gut it indicates that they still want more. He knows already what they want but still he decides to feign ignorance as his body begins to sweat from anxiety, soon finding himself backed up against a wall in seconds. “W-what are you talking about? You already got your meal!” “I think you mean my FIRST meal, you were choosing which one of you went first! Nothing more than that you know~”

As he hears those words along with soon seeing that gut face to face with him, his voice begins to stammer and his face begin to go quite red. Promptly having it pushed against their weak body he lets out a yelp, those cauldron-like sounds echoing from within and along with it… something else. Little paws pushing out against that mass just barely, he can tell immediately what’s going on. He can even barely hear them from inside too. “H-help! Lemme out!” Their voice is unbelievably muffled and just barely audible but it’s absolutely unmistakable, it was Nemurin from inside. “Don’t you want to join them~? I’m sure they’re having a great ol time in there, it would be even better spent with a friend don’t you think~?”

“Mmph! T-that isn’t fair! You never specified that at all! You’re just being greedy so you can get us both! Come on dear you wouldn’t do this right!!” Tart says trying to bargain with the giant dragon, pushing away that sloshing gut with a grunt but because of it not realizing the paw coming down to reach and grab them. He was completely powerless, his little form not able to stop himself from being grabbed without much effort at all. Just yelping in response from the suddenness of it all as he’s forcibly brought up to their face, staring down their giant boyfriend with a flustered yet at the same time panicked look.

“Come on… You already had your meal! A-and if you’re still hungry I still have those sweets I made!” The carbuncle tries to squirm out of that dragon’s grasp but to no avail, their grip far too strong despite from the looks of it them not really having to try at all. All Estelle does in response is chuckle and shake their head, “Oh but where’s the fun in that? My love you’re the sweetest possible dessert I could ever have! I wouldn’t prefer anything else~” Soon after a giant lick is given across the poor carbuncle’s body, nice and slow as that slimy flesh lathers them in a thick layer of dragon drool and practically saps all of their energy out in the process. Suffocating them for mere moments as they take their sweet time with it. After it all he’s left panting and gasping for breath, his head looking towards the ground as he tries to speak in an exhausted voice. “That’s nice and all but you still can’t do this! P-please…?”

Giving pleading eyes towards their boyfriend Estelle rolls their eyes and lets out a sigh, “I can’t win with you, seems I won’t ever get you to admit it.” “Yeah exactly! Glad you’re finally seeing that. We can put this beside us then and you can just let out Nem later.” Giving a warm smile Tart seems a bit relieved by Estelle’s resignation, them seeming a bit peeved but from the looks of it still listening now. “...Eh I’ll do it anyway.” “Wha-” Or… so they thought.

Before Tart can say anything more he’s casually tossed into the mouth of Estelle like nothing more than a mere candy, not seeing any of it coming as in seconds his world is sealed in darkness and flesh. Falling splat on that slimy tongue and having his body drenched in drool, hot breath going over them in waves that make him unbelievably weak. “W-what are you doing!!! I-I-I thought you were going to let me go!!!” His voice stammers as he begins to panic and rapidly tries to rush towards the entrance of the mouth but…. Before he can even try to do that, just like Nemurin they tilt their head back and with a single glllkkkk~ he finds himself descending into darkness. “I suppose it’s only fun if you’re squirming on the way down~”

“This… can’t be happening…” Nothing more than a lump they find themselves sliding down that throat, those tight walls constricting their form as rhythmic and slimy tugs drag them closer to the stomach. It was too much for them to handle, agonizingly slow as they’re forced to hear those groans and growls of that stomach grow louder by the second, almost calling to them and wishing for them to fill them. That humid heat coupled with it that only grew by the second, making their body even weaker and not even able to push out against those walls around them as a result for the slightest amount of reprieve. Although that moment lasted only a minute at most for Tart it felt like an eternity.

When that eternity would end though they’d find themselves pooling into the slimy sack of the stomach, falling splat onto the ground mixed with various stomach fluids to greet them. Hearing those groans and growls reach their peak as they became practically deafening to them now, it only made sense considering they were now at the source. He’d have quite a hard time picking himself up due to it all, just staying there absolutely exhausted till he hears someone call his name.

“T-Tart!” It was Nemurin and as he notices his friend having fallen down with him they decide to try and help them get up. Tart letting out a bit of a grunt they slowly find themselves back on their feet, although quite exhausted as they seemed to be panting. The insufferable heat of the stomach not seeming to be of much help at all, practically making them sweat bullets as they weakly look towards Nemurin. “Blugh… C-can’t believe I found myself here AGAIN.” He says those words with a bit of a whine as he looks towards his surroundings, the incredibly spacious sack surrounding them from all over that was honestly the only reprieve they got in this situation. Strange juices dripping and lubricating the walls around them as those walls rippled and kneaded across their form.

“...Well you did kinda deserve it.” The dream dragon says that under their breath but the carbuncle is still able to hear, perking up almost immediately with a flushed face and saying, “H-hey!!! What do you mean by that!” “Well… You’re the one that gave me up! I thought you would’ve chosen yourself!” Tart hearing that can’t help but huff and look away pouting, his face an incredibly deep red as they put him right on the spot. “W-well!!! Humph I’m not food so I don’t belong! You’re probably a better snack for them anyway!” “Sureeee! Not like I heard them talking from the outside about how “you’re the sweetest dessert they could ever have.” No wonder you two are in love with each other.” “Wh- What do you mean by that?!”

As the two began to bicker and argue from within Estelle lets out a sigh of relief, having already lied down they decide to give a nice pat to their stomach with a smirk across their face. Quite pleased with themselves indeed as they lick their chops once more to remove any remaining traces of the two’s flavor. “Easy there you two, you’re BOTH delicious. Heck I can hear your bickering from all the way here!” He can’t help but chuckle from the whole thing, having a bit of a clue the reason behind the their argument. Not really caring much either as all it simply did is make for better movements inside, just feeling like an internal massage that hit all the right spots.

The voices inside would grow even louder as they heard their predator begin to let out satisfied deep growls, being all the while forcibly squished inside with them kneading into their soft malleable gut with both hands. Pushing deep into that dough-like dome as those groans and churns began to grow even louder. A cacophony of gwwwrrrrggg~ and glrrrrrrrkkk~ that one can only imagine how loud is for the poor prey inside. It would continue to last a while as flustered and upset whines were heard just barely from inside those thick insulated walls of fat, not even paid any mind as all Estelle was focusing on was their own enjoyment.

“Ah… That feels so gooooood…. Hurk! Seems somethin is coming up too…” As they say that, that cauldron begins to gurgle even louder than before. Rumbles being felt around that soft dome and little paws continuing to rise and fall across that surface. Their little struggles from all that movement causing quite a bit of ruckus as air begins to rise as a giant lump up the throat, although the dragon tries to resist… With all of the movement and how overwhelmed they feel they’re unable to hold it in “HWUOOOOAAARRRRPPPP~” A giant belch echoes throughout the room, practically shaking the place to its very core, chandeliers beginning to shake and birds from nearby flying away. If any passerby outside were near the mansion they’d tilt their head towards the source in confusion and awe. As that single act rings through signifying the true claiming of a meal, that gut begins to let out a low gurgle. Gwwwrrppp~ Those struggles from before had died down with that perfectly rounded tum no longer facing any barrages of squirms or pushes against the surface, too muffled to be heard from inside the only sound that wrung through was the quiet settling of the stomach.

As Estelle picks their teeth with a sly grin still on their face, they close their eyes and put a single paw and squish into that dough-like stomach. “Seems you two will be staying for the long haul, better get comfy~ Because I won’t be letting you go ANY time soon~”

Bwuhhhh it's been a MINUTE since i've wrote anything due to college, finally finished this comm for  Shadowdust and think I did a pretty decent job. Dragons have always been a crush of mine and if anything the one thing I wish I could change about the piece is just the name pfft. I fuggin SUCK at coming up with names, none of mine make sense =w=