#( also Erik stop being so tall )

[xnecromantia]

“ if i were to kiss someone, it would be you. “ (from Erik? Totally okay if you're not feeling it!)

A Hundred Kissing Prompts II Accepting

"Did you know that today marks another century of us knowing each other?" The Wytch mentioned happily, his arm linked through Erik's own as they walked alongside a riverbed. "We are older than this very river, and yet you look exactly the same as when I first met you." A laugh escaped him as he looked up at the other male; neither a wrinkle or grey hair to evidence the passage of time. His features remained soft and his eyes retained the kindness that instantly soothed a troubled soul. It was no wonder the deceased trusted him. Although his own appearance never changed with age, Mortis' heart had -- sorrow taking hold and revealing itself in the form of tired lines underneath his eyes. It was an impossible change for an immortal - to be affected in such a human way - but the events of Shademarsh had altered him.

Coming back to Erik and the sanctuary he offered had helped to mend the wounds he received from that night, alleviating the darkness and bringing light back to Mortis' soul. Patience and reassurance made it easier for the Wytch to smile each day, to laugh and engage in conversation; a gradual healing process to retrieve who he once was. And he was forever grateful for that.

"I wanted to commemorate our friendship by making you a gift." Since Shademarsh, his desire to create had disappeared -- but now he had somebody to create for. A chance to express his affection in the form of handmade jewellery. His coven often gifted pieces to those they cared about, taking months to make with how intricate they were. No two designs were the same, making them highly unique and custom to the person they were made for. Pausing in their walk, he retrieved a small pouch from the pocket of his hoodie and held it out for Erik to take. Tipped over, a silver ring fell out; a series of overlapping bands that twisted into a beautiful pattern. Between the bands, glass was set and contained a whirlwind of colourful specks. "Wait -- look," he added enthusiastically as he gently tapped the ring, which caused the specks to shimmer and dance. "I infused a bit of magic into it, so it will never dull." He explained, pausing as he allowed the other to try it on.

"I wish I could give you more, but I hope this token shows how much I appreciate you, Erik." Mortis continued, reaching out with both hands to hold one of his. Drawing it towards his own cheek and resting against it, he smiled up at the fairy. It was the same hand where the Wytch had placed a Mark of Friendship on Erik's little finger many centuries ago, mirroring the same place he had his. "Even after our time apart, it was like I never left. You gave me sanctuary without hesitation. I was hurting, but you made everything better. You mean a lot to me, cara--"

'--if I were to kiss someone, it would be you.'

The words were clear as day, spoken inside his mind. It was a moment or so before he comprehended what happened, and when he did, Mortis huffed out an amused laugh. Did he mean to share his thoughts with him? "I heard that." He squeezed Erik's hand lovingly, eyes aglow with gold. All he could do was smile, chest feeling fit to burst. Placing both hands on Erik's shoulders, the Wytch gently pulled him down until they were level. "If I were to let someone kiss me..." he started, before leaning in and pressing their lips together. It was short - sweet - but the message was there. "...it would be you."

[osferth]

confessing

request: She is the sister of Uhtred and she’s a total badass in combat. Maybe that Uhtred sees how Osferth looks at her and when he says something about that he gets all flustered.

pairing : osferth x reader

@unleashthelion im so sorry its been so long 😭 u might not even be into tlk etc anymore but take this anyway

You were only a baby when Bebbanburg was usurped by your uncle Aelfric upon the death of his brother and its heir, Uhtred, captured by the Danes. As a result, you grew up in the fortress never knowing your brother, only anecdotes from Aelfric and your mother Glenna - the former dismissive, the latter loving and wistful. 

Glenna was your one saving grace during your time at Bebbanburg. Having been married to Earl Uhtred after his second wife passed away following Uhtred’s birth, she became his stepmother and loved him as her own. She spoke often of the days following your own birth with fondness in her eyes, describing how Uhtred was a permanent presence by your side - how he had loved his little sister more than anything. 

It was Glenna that inspired your desire to meet Uhtred again, but for years you never got the chance. 

For your safety, she never once voiced her anger and disapproval over Aelfric’s usurpation until you were together in private. He was never fond of you to begin with, and you learned early on that had you been born a boy, you would not have been allowed to live for very long. 

She was the only true protection you had, and when she sadly succumbed to illness you knew, even at the age of eleven, that until you found Uhtred you were totally alone. 

The year following Glenna’s death, you accompanied Aelfric, his priest Aidan, and his army of 200 men to Eoferwic, to meet with King Guthred and march on Dunholm. The infamous brothers Sigefrid and Erik were also there, but that hardly registered. After being told rather gleefully by Aelfric that Uhtred was dead, you were in little mood to do anything except passively go along with everything… until the Northmen inexplicably revealed that your brother was still alive. 

You successfully hid your joy while Aelfric raged and planned to leave upon the advice of Gisela, Guthred’s sister. With little love or need for you to begin with, your uncle left you in Gisela’s care, perhaps hoping that some misfortune would befall you and rid him of his unwanted niece. 

Recognising your neglect at Aelfric’s hands, Gisela led you from the meeting and promised to keep you safe. The two of you escaped Eoferwic together and found sanctuary in a nunnery, where you spent the next three years in relative peace. Understanding your desperation for any information about your brother, she revealed her knowledge of him and described everything - how he had grown up and found a family alongside Danes, his appearance, his personality, his love for her, and the words he spoke of his beloved sisters: blood and adopted alike. 

When the nuns could protect you no longer and your uncle’s priests arrived to forcefully marry Gisela to him, you feared losing the only constant you had found in your life - until you were joined by four more people. 

At once, your eyes locked on the man that angrily strode forward. Though he had grown tall and his hair now long like a Dane’s, you knew that this was your brother. 

Too stunned to speak, you could only watch as Uhtred ordered the abbot to release Gisela’s hand. Although he did, he refused to stop repeating the fact that she was married to Aelfric despite Uhtred persistently telling him to stop - which resulted in him killing the man, and it surprised you less than you thought it would. Glenna had always told you what an impulsive boy he had been, after all. 

After reuniting with the man she loved, Gisela beckoned you over, and it was only then that your presence was even recognised. 

“Who is she?” asked Uhtred as you stood before him. 

“Your sister,” Gisela replied, beaming at you. “Y/N.” 

“Hello,” you mumbled shyly, unsure of what else to say. 

Uhtred stared at you for a moment, his eyes wide. “You are certain?” 

“Your uncle left her in my care three years ago, just after you were taken.” 

You could see the tears swimming in your brother’s eyes before he swept you up in an almost bone-crushing hug. 

“I missed you, ástin mín,” he whispered. “I wish I had been there to see you grow.” 

You were crying too, but your tears were those of joy. “Mother told me all about you. All I wanted was to find you, but I never thought I could.” 

“You are here now,” he said, “and I promise I will never lose you again.”

~~

Uhtred was a man that kept his word. He brought you to live with him and Gisela in Coccham, where you stayed as a family. You had always hated feeling so powerless, and so you requested your brother to train you as a warrior - you had only been foolish enough to ask this of Aelfric once, but you knew Uhtred was nothing like him. 

He agreed at once, jumping at the chance to bond with you at the same time as improving your ability with a sword. 

Under the tutelage of your brother and his friends, you quickly grew into an adept fighter. As the years passed, you became a worthy opponent in sparring matches, your skill nearly as refined as those who had taught you. 

Despite the upward turn your life had taken, there were things you still wanted. As much as you loved Uhtred and his friends, you needed someone your own age - a companion you could spend your downtime with. 

Just as you were on the cusp of becoming a woman, your wish appeared to be granted when Osferth entered your brother’s service. Although Uhtred was sceptical of his potential, you couldn’t care less - Osferth was the same age as you and would surely improve with time, just as you had. 

His gentle manner and soft-spoken words were such a vast difference from the brusqueness you were used to that you instantly took a liking to him. He was always careful to address you as ‘Lady’ until you insisted he used your name instead - which was a slow change, given that he would often accidentally revert back to the term of respect. As much as you jokingly scolded him for it, you never truly minded - he was so sweet that you could never be annoyed with him for long. 

You trained alongside Osferth and saw him through Beamfleot, the first taste of battle either of you had ever had. It was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, and it brought the two of you closer than ever. 

Although battle, maturity, and time spent with Uhtred’s friends had greatly improved Osferth’s confidence, there was only one prospect that rendered him as nervous and shy as the day he had first asked to join Uhtred. 

You. 

Although the two of you were close friends, he had long wanted something more. His heart had yearned for you since the day he first laid eyes on you, and every day after that. He loved everything about you - your laughter, how you fought, the way your hand slotted perfectly in his, the cheeky grin that often graced your features… he could go on. 

He wished you knew the truth, but he could never bring himself to admit it and risk ruining the friendship you had. 

One afternoon, you were sparring with Sihtric while Osferth sat close by with Uhtred. 

He watched you parry a blow with a deftness that made it look ridiculously easy, and smiled fondly. You were incredible in combat, and he both adored and envied you for it. 

His gaze was solely on you which, unfortunately for him, was soon noticed by your brother. 

“Enjoying the view?” Uhtred teased, nudging him a little. 

Flushing, Osferth quickly averted his eyes. “I don’t know what you mean, Lord,” he mumbled. 

“You have all the subtlety of a nun in a brothel, Osferth.” 

“Lord!” 

Uhtred snorted. “Well, your affection for my sister has hardly gone unnoticed.” 

Osferth’s head shot up at once. “She knows?” 

“I meant amongst the men. As far as I know, Y/N has no idea.”

“Oh.” 

An amused Uhtred watched his shoulders visibly sag. “I’ve never seen someone look so disappointed and relieved all at once.” 

“I don’t know what to do,” Osferth sighed, his gaze returning to the sparring match before him. You had just managed to knock Sihtric to the ground, laughing as you helped him back up. 

“You could try talking to her,” Uhtred suggested, a wicked gleam in his eye. 

Osferth looked at him sideways. “I am not you, Lord.” 

Your brother hummed. “No, you are not.” 

When he said nothing more, Osferth rolled his eyes. “Well, I’m going inside-” 

“No, you are not.” 

Huffing, he sat back down. “Why, Lord?” 

“You will talk to her,” Uhtred decided. “You’ve been yearning long enough.” 

Osferth frowned. “And what if it goes wrong, or- or what if she doesn’t like me? I can’t ruin our friendship, Lord. It’s not something I want to lose.” 

“You have a choice, Baby Monk. Either you take a risk and maybe get somewhere, or you can remain silent and get nowhere at all.” 

Before Osferth could respond to that, you and Sihtric approached the two of them.

“Did you see me knock Sihtric on his arse?” you snickered, leaning on your sword slightly. 

Uhtred smiled. “I did, ástin mín.” 

You looked across to Osferth, but his gaze remained fixed on the ground for some reason. 

“Do you two want to come to the alehouse with me?” you suggested, hoping Osferth would respond, but your brother spoke up first. 

“I think I’ll miss it today,” he said. “I’m going home to my wife.” 

“And I’m going to mine,” Sihtric added, but you already knew that. 

“S’pose it’ll just be us, then,” you smiled at Osferth, “unless you’ve also got a wife that I don’t know about.” 

Finally, he looked up at you and returned your smile. “Lucky for you, I haven’t.” 

~~

The alehouse was bustling when you arrived, but you managed to wangle a small spot in the back corner, half-hidden by a wooden beam. It was cosy enough, and neither of you minded one bit. 

As you sipped on your ale, you quietly observed the man before you. Every time your eyes dropped to your mug, Osferth’s gaze would find itself back on you - although he was trying to be subtle, you noticed, and it amused you to no end. 

“You’re awfully quiet, Y/N. Is something bothering you?” 

Osferth received a grin in reply, one that made his heart flutter in his chest.

“Not at all. I was just waiting for you to say something. I’ve realised I talk far too much, see, so I thought you might like a turn first.” 

“You don’t talk too much,” he said at once, his expression hardening. “I don’t mind. Why, has anyone told you that you do?” 

“No,” you assured him. “Just some introspection, I s’pose.” 

His features softened at that. “Perhaps you should do a little more of that, then,” he smiled, “if that’s your conclusion.” 

“Perhaps,” you chuckled. 

After a moment, he took a rather large swig of his drink. “You fought really well today,” he said, his gaze meeting yours. For the first time, you felt you saw something else in his eyes, something beyond his usual fondness for you, but you could not be certain. 

“Thank you,” you replied, beaming at him. “You… did see me knock Sihtric on his arse, didn’t you?” 

“Of course I did,” he answered, “and I thoroughly enjoyed it, too.” 

Both of you laughed then, only breaking eye contact to take another well-needed sip of your drink. Your heart was starting to beat uncomfortably quickly, and you suddenly felt the need for a little extra confidence just by sitting across from him. 

“You and Uhtred seemed deep in discussion about something,” you pointed out. “Was it something important?” 

Osferth exhaled before answering. “It was - it is. It’s really important.” 

“Care to share?” 

He frowned into his cup before finally answering, refusing to meet your gaze once again. “I like you.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Well, I’d hope so.”

Despite whatever he was seemingly wrestling with, his eyes momentarily shot up to give you an exasperated look. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Sorry. Go on?”

“What I meant was…”

He trailed off for a moment.

“Yes?”

“Y/N,” he groaned. “Give me a second.”

You grinned. “Alright. Sorry.”

Although you were being as patient as you could, the time he spent poring over his drink was beginning to feel like an eternity. Above all else, you did share Uhtred's blood... and your brother wasn't exactly famous for either his tact or his patience.

"D'you have feelings for me or something?"

His head shot up at this but, despite what you had expected, he didn't deny it. Instead-

"Yes. I do."

And for once, it was your turn to be silent. You felt incapable of saying or doing anything except staring at him.

The silence that descended upon the two of you stretched on for an uncomfortably long time as you processed the news with wide eyes. Osferth was beginning to fidget uncomfortably, his eyes fixed on his mug of ale - this silence could not bode well for him, surely-

“So do I.”

At once, his head shot up again, and if this moment was not so serious, you might have laughed at the comically shocked expression on his face. His eyes were wide and his lips parted, as though he truly had not expected such an answer from you.

“For you, I mean,” you added stupidly. “Not - not me, obviously.”

Why on earth would you say that?

Osferth stared at you for a moment, an unreadable look in his eyes, before he started laughing. Soon, you joined in, the two of you in fits of giggles, perhaps brought on by happiness or sheer relief that your feelings were mutual.

When they eventually subsided, you regarded him with pure fondness… though there was a gleam in your eye, too. At once, he picked up on it and raised an eyebrow.

“What?” he questioned, his lips quirking up into a smile.

You grinned at him, reaching across the table to take his hand. You didn’t miss the faint dusting of pink on his cheeks when you did so.

“Let’s get out of here.”

Laughing, he obliged at once and stood up to walk home with you. And for once, neither of you let go of the other.

[jeanmoreautemple]

A hard task: Rank the AFTG characters by attractiveness!

Hi nonny thanks for coming

Hard indeed, I hope you meant by how attractive they are in-universe, cause I’m going with that:

Allison. As per the extra content, Allison is straight up objectively beautiful, the kind of beauty you stop and gawk at in the airport according to Nora. She also has all the products and clothes money can buy so she’s always looking flawless. Neil doesn’t mention anything about her looks other than her design clothes but Neil is Neil.

Kevin. Narratively speaking, Kevin should be extremely attractive, as his character is meant to follow the tropes of The Ace and Always Someone Better. The comments Nicky makes about him suggest that he is indeed hot and it is a well known fact, as Erik seems to agree. But he is said to be “handsome through careful grooming”, meaning he needs to make an effort to look that good. His nice appearance is very deliberate. Jean calls him beautiful too, but he also calls Renee a pretty face , when Nora has said that she looks mostly normal, so it might be a sentimental statement.

Jeremy. Another good combo of being naturally good looking + being an athlete + putting all the money and effort he wants into his looks. He’s a rich guy living in LA and we know he goes to the hair salon. Nora said he has befriended 90% of his rivals worldwide and I think great part of that charm comes from his looks. Jean seems to be down for him since before meeting, just from looking at his game broadcasts and articles.

Jean. Jeremy and Laila comment on it first thing meeting him in person, even with Jean’s crooked nose and unevenly cut hair. A bad nose and a bad hair game would usually ruin someone’s appearance, so it says a lot about Jean’s looks. And he is putting 0 efforts as he believes he’s worthless. Jeremy mentions: raven haired, tall, all coiled strength, long limbs—you get the idea. And again narratively speaking Jean should be good looking: it’s depressive but most outside the nest so easily believing the rumours follows the So Beautiful It’s a Curse trope. Two contemporary characters with SA storylines heartbreakingly similar to Jean are Finnick from The Hunger Games and Genya from the Grishaverse, both also beautiful and SA’d since little in front of everyone. Both easily dismissed as seducers.

Neil. Good looking enough for Nicky and Andrew to take notice from the beginning, and for Allison to immediately try to flirt with him to make Seth jealous, even though he’s like 5’3’’ and Seth was like 6’1’’. And everyone thought he was trailer trash lol. His face card must be insane. He also puts absolutely 0 effort into his looks.

The rest all look normal according to Nora, but shoutout to Matt who gels his hair into spikes and is (at least) 6’4’’. I personally thinks he’s super hot.

[new-tella-us]

I’ve had this mofo drawn for so long but I keep on forgetting to post his story.

The entity, Sam edition

Waking up in a thick forest, Mika lays on a bed of hibiscuses with no idea where she is or how she got there. She looks up to see the sky almost completely covered by the leaves of the trees that surround her. What little sky she could see is slightly warped by a glass roof squared off and connected by metal glazing bars. Every entity inhabits an infinite space, for this entity, that is the greenhouse.

As Mika stands and wanders through the greenhouse, she takes notes of the flowers, both the ones that look familiar and the more supernatural ones. She spots an odd looking daisy; it was green, iridescent and translucent like glass. That, however, wasn’t what made it notable; it was what was on the flower. A familiar dog tag hangs limply on the flower, it had the same S engraving on it. Is Sam here too? Mika takes the dog tag, now concerned for the safety of her incubus. Her search becomes more focused, no longer gazing at the flowers but instead, trying to find Sam and make sure he isn’t hurt.

Unbeknownst to Mika, someone was following her from a fair distance. He stares at her curiously as she searches for Sam. Eventually though, he got too close and Mika caught the vague smell of burnt daisies. She turned around too quick for the entity to hide and caught him red handed. This man was visually indistinguishable from Sam. Wearing a veiled sun hat, his face is obscured behind the opaque veil save for the eyes glowing a soft red. His hands clasped and his stand regal and demure, it was clear that this wasn’t Sam. They didn’t hold the same energy even if they shared the same body.

Mika backed away, now afraid. Sam is tall and muscular, if he wanted to hurt her, he could do damage. Sam wouldn’t but there was no telling if this entity was the same. “Sam” seemed to sense Mika’s fear but instead of attacking or even approaching, he held his hands up and slowly sat down as if to come off as less intimidating. Mika calmed a little, still shuffling back a good distance but no longer afraid of immediate danger. Maybe they could talk, even if “Sam” didn’t seem like much of a talker, having not said a single word to her this entire time.

Over the course of a short conversation (or more like, Mika conversed and “Sam” answered her questions with a nod or shake of the head) Mika would learn a few things about “Sam”. He didn’t seem to know who her Sam was by his human name, she wasn’t going to say his true name. He also may not actually resemble Sam but rather this area they were in was twisting their perception. He was, in fact, a demon. Possibly a royal one too seeing how he carried himself. And through a joke question, she learnt that this entity has two children, a son and a daughter. Interesting…

Their game of questionnaire had to come to an end however as something approached where they were. The flowers wilted at the Threat’s presence. Mika hid in the bushes as the dead leaves and flowers slowly started to weave around each other, forming a man. Mika immediately recognized the dark brown hair and tall frame. James? It seemed to be, though he looked angry as he passed by, red cape floating behind him. “Sam” stood to the side and bowed his head at the threat. It took only a blink for “James” to change into “Erik” then “Matthew” then “Damien” the only consistent thing being the angry scowl and the red, blood stained cloak.

As the threat passed by the bush Mika was hiding in, she hid deeper only to stop hearing the footsteps of the threat. She took a second to peek and see if he was gone and was met with nothing but sharp eyes staring back.

She jolted out of her sleep, sweat pouring down from her face. She was back in her bedroom, her Sam sleeping right next to her. Thank god… it was just a bad dream..

[bronzeandsage]

DWC 2024 - Day 3 - Morose/Strength

Fire and smoke were becoming all he knew as the tunnel vision continued to set in, so the idea of something coming out of the flames was both a surprise and terrifying concept. As far as the orc had been aware, he was all that was left to die on the sinking ship. Maybe luck was a lady tonight?

A tall figure passed through fire with ease, his robes not even singed in the least from the flames. As he drew closer the tunnel began to focus more on the person, especially as the shoulders widened and the face narrowed with a clean white beard.

Not a lady.

Skin of dark purple and ears far to large for the normal human's also stood out with soft glowing golden eyes. An elf. Not at all what he had hoped or expected. The thought of sighing in frustration could only be that as the sucking stab wound in his abdomen continued to bleed. Belly wounds truly were the worst.

Blinking once, the figure was 10 feet. Blinking twice, now what he assumed was five. Blinking again, but a few inches from him as he leaned down to regard him with a surprisingly calm and welcoming face. To further his lack of surprise, the voice carried the same gentle cadence expected of their face. But from the set of his jaw and intensity of his gaze there would be no lack of strength.

"Ishnu-alah, Sevlaz."

@daily-writing-challenge

The vulpera leaned over the counter of his cart to his most frequent customer, what he figured a welcoming smile reminded Sev too much of mischief yet to come. Stereotypes weren't applauded but couldn't be ignored.

"Biggrin," Sev replied finally as he eased himself onto a low stool to sit more eye level with Erik who raised his oversized hands in mock forgiveness.

"Sorry?" The fox replied with that same half open mouth that was supposed to be a smile.

The orc would adjust himself a bit on the stool as he answer. "It was Biggrin, that's what they used to call me."

"Oh well, that makes some kind of ironic sense as far as I've known you, the idea of you being happy seems kind of farfetched," came the chipper if not blunt reply as the vulpera busied himself with dicing some vegetables.

"As if you could tell, Erik."

Erik'red gave a guffaw of a laugh as he swept up the onion and tossed it into a bowl before grabbing another to chop. "I got a nose for these kind of things."

"You got a nose for sure."

The knife in the cook's hand tapped his cutting board as he let his toothy grin shut just as much as his eyes narrowed at Sev. "This how we're gonna be today? Cause if it is, you can just mosey on back the way you came."

Sev raised his hands in surrender to placate the shorter creature. "Alright alright, I'm sorry."

"No you're not."

"No, I am not," Sev replied quickly before resting his hands on the wood counter. "But I am the customer, and as they say I'm right."

"No, the customer is always an asshole, which we both know you are," Erik returned to his chopping with a heavy clops of his knife. Despite the antagonistic nature of the conversation, the vulpera's tone never jumped or followed the direction of the banter. People would joke about the optimistic views and attitude of the fox-folk, but in world of demons and giant swords the world could use a bit of optimism.

The thief would snort before reaching up to scratch at his whiskers and eye the steaming work behind Erik. "What's good today?"

"Well," Erik stopped chopping to look up in thought as he listed off his menu today. "Got eggs, an omelet, and a mystery dish."

"Mystery dish?"

"Coming right up!" Erik replied cheerfully as he turned to start into his makeshift kitchen and stove top.

"Wait! What I didn't order that!"

"Yes, you just did."

"It was question."

Erik would tilt his head slightly as he stared at the orc. "No that was a choice, so now you get it."

"But I don't even know what it is!"

The vulpera rolled his eyes and spoke over his shoulder as he went back to his cooking. "That's why it's a mystery. Some times, Sev. Some times."

The orc thief glowered before rubbing at his face as he did his best to guess what was coming and decided it best not to. His thick hand would reach into belt to pull out a faded blue wallet, unfolding it to reveal a cushioned clay pipe. Stem and bowl screwed gently together before digging into a side flap for some of the dried silverleaf he had been smoking since he came to that wretched swamp. He'd pinched some from a couple of footman that had been left into the muck after the Blackrocks had wasted them. An ugly mess with a supremely wonderful result.

"What you got to drink Erik?" Sev called over the flames and sizzle of what he assumed was meat, the stench of fish overpowering much else. The pipe put between his teeth before peeling a bit of wood from the counter to use as light from a hanging lantern, the silver smoke flowing up around his mangled green face as he watched the vulpera's back.

"Uh, I got water, the grog, and some troll sweat," Erik called over his shoulder again as he grabbed a couple of skewers and began to slide on the meat before tossing it back on the flames.

"Troll sweat?"

"It's not actual troll sweat," Erik replied as he wipes his oversized hands on his apron. "Least I'm pretty sure it's not."

The red eyes narrowed in a concern and confusion at the lack of assurance he felt from the fox's reply. "Give me the grog."

"You got it," came the quick reply as he reached under the counter for his pony keg. A click and heavy rush of liquid from below before the clay cup nestled gently on the top. "There ya go, the 'bobs' will be ready in a jiffy."

Sevlaz tried not to show his contempt of the phrase 'jiffy' before hanging his pipe a moment for a full pull of the warm amber drink, feeling the clay scrape his upper teeth and clicking his tongue a moment. "Not bad this time."

"I try only my best," Erik wiped his hands again in to his apron before eyeballing the frying supposed meat behind him, tail switching back and forth as he watched the fires lick it. "How ya want it?"

"How do you serve it?"

"Hot."

Sev sighed and took another long drink.

[beanibon]

My turn now! Gimme a story of Eriks with a reader who works as a baker whose shop Eriks frequents as they slowly fall in love >:)

I'll do you one better Ember 💜

~ Part 1 ~ Part 2 ~

Eriks x Baker!Reader - Prequel

Mondays were your slowest days, not even many regulars came in on that cursed day that signalled another week gone by. At least it offered you time to experiment, trying out new flavours, or just simply seeing what new things you could add to the menu.

You were displaying some pastries when the door swung open, a familiar face entered as you greeted Lina, back turned before you could see the company she had.

Lina was certainly a rowdy customer, but the kid had heart. Normally she came by to buy this week's bread, or to occasionally treat herself to a sweet or two.

"What can I do for you today, Lina? Who's your friend?"

As you turned back towards the young girl, startling at the sight of the tall blonde standing behind her, bent like child trying to hide behind their mother. It was certainly something you weren't expecting, and you didn't have a clue who this man was.

"Apologies {name}, this is Eriks, he's new around here," Lina introduced her new friend, gesturing to the man known as Eriks, who gave you a shy wave. "Granny and I are looking after him, do you think we could pick up some extra bread?"

You quirked a brow up at the man, who despite his hunched over form, still towered of Lina. His gaze drifted between you and the assorted box of donuts that you sold, acting childish as he leant over to whisper something in his companions ear.

"Also throw in a box of donuts, please." Lina grumbled, side eyeing Eriks.

"Of course, just be lucky you pick up on Mondays, otherwise I wouldn't have any extra loafs around this time." You huffed, disappearing into the back as Lina shouted a "thank you!".

Once you started packing Lina's bread order, you overheard Eriks speak, eavesdropping as you selected the extra loafs of bread.

"She seems a little scary."

"Ms {name} is always harsh towards strangers, she much prefers the quiet of her regulars. Don't worry, once you come around more often she'll warm up to you." You didn't appreciated them clearly speaking behind your back, but at least it wasn't anything overly negative. That you could let slide.

"Along with the extra loafs and box of donuts, that brings your total today to $25.95." Placing the box of bread down, you turned to grab a box of your signature donuts before getting stopped.

"If you wouldn't mind, can I get that box actually?" Eriks pointed to another box, shyly laughing as you gave him an unreadable stare before ignoring his question.

"You'll get what you're given."

"So cold." Came the wounded tone of the blonde, who now had tears streaming down his stubble covered face.

"The hell's his problem?" You asked as Lina paid for the items.

"He's weirdly sensitive, would you mind grabbing that other box? I'd rather not deal with his whinging."

You wanted to deny her request, just like you'd done with Eriks, but one look at that pathetic excuse of a man, something had you swapping those boxes. That's when you officially met Eriks, leaning back when this sunshine man beamed a blinding smile your way, thanking you profusely for just simply switching a box of donuts for another.

He was odd, not to mention completely weird. But if Lina trusted him, you suppose you could too.

A couple of weeks passed since meeting Eriks, and he'd now become a frequent regular of yours. He mostly came for the donuts and some calming tea, sitting at a spot you associated as his now. Occasionally his order would change, and Eriks wasn't the type to shy away from trying your experimental pastries. He was always polite, but terrible at lying, so you'd catch on if he liked something or not.

Over all you didn't mind the guy, finding his company enjoyable when he wasn't being a complete moron. Hell, the guy made you laugh a few times.

"Morning {name}! How's everything this fine afternoon?" Eriks greeted excitedly, cheeks flushed when you turned to greet him, pushing a plate his way. "What's this?"

"Creme Broulee donut." Came your simple response, boiling the kettle to make him his tea.

"Oh! Experimenting again, are we?" He quipped, happily taking the delectable pastry, admiring the sugary coating that hardened on top like glass.

"Creme Broulee is my favourite dessert, plus you like donuts, so I thought combining the two would be a good idea." You shrugged like it wasn't a big deal, but the sound of sniffling had you groan.

Eriks was all teary faced, dramatically sobbing as he held the donut. "That's the most sweetest thing someone has ever done for me, you're too kind {name}."

As much as you wanted to deny that it wasn't for him, you simply couldn't. That annoying voice reprimanding you for trying to push Eriks away, when in reality you gained a soft spot for him in that walled up heart.

Eriks excitedly took a bite of your donut, whimpering as more happy tears streamed down his cheeks. Guess that was a yes on that experiment.

"You haven't ascended to heaven yet, moron." You laughed, sliding the tea over to him.

"I feel like I'm in heaven, are you sure I'm not among angels right now?" He sighed contently, taking another bite.

"Positive, they refused the hit I placed on you." Eriks whined, leaning over the counter pouting.

"So mean, what happened to that sweet girl from before? I gotta say I much prefer her, she doesn't bully me." Your eyes rolled at his antics, scoffing in mock offence.

"Just shut up already, I already tolerate you enough with the trouble you get into," Again Eriks whined, making it clear he found this bullying unfair on his part. "But it's not to say I don't enjoy your company."

Eriks gave you a bright smile, this time you could sense the genuineness behind it, unlike his usual polite smiles that held no emotion. It was refreshing to see, and you couldn't help but give one back, cheeks dusted with a light pink.

"You're rather beautiful when you smile."

"Wha- huh!?"

"I said-"

"I heard you the first time, where the hell did that come from?" You spluttered, flustered by the sudden tenderness his voice held.

All Eriks gave was a small chuckle, leaning forward to place a kiss against your forehead. The small action had you red faced, mouth agape in surprise.

At first the blonde thought he'd done something wrong, maybe took it too far, but those thoughts were all swept away the moment you grabbed his shirt, pulling him into a heated kiss.

Both Eriks and you moaned into the kiss, using the counter between you two to balance as the kiss deepened. The moment you pulled away, panting heavily, Eriks was already moving to come around the counter.

"Can I do something? I've wanted to do this for a while now, but I was scared you'd chase me out with a rolling pin." He sheepishly rubbed his neck, staring at you expectedly.

"Depends, might still do."

Another smile full one genuineness, Eriks now lowered onto his knees, hands rubbing the back of your thighs.

"I think you'll like this."

[dross-the-fish]

How specific can we get when describing doodles or drabbles for anon?

You can go as far as giving me a prompt such as "Anon asks X for a dance" and even provide some context for the scenario but don't get so specific with it that you're full out directing the scene.

I would also request that you don't tell me what expressions to give my characters or ask me to change details of their design. I have had an Anon come in and ask that I draw anon interacting with AWL musical Erik instead of my version of the character. I won't even answer these asks, I'll just throw them out and move on to the next one. You can ask for anon to be short or tall or plus sized and even specify fem or masc body types. You can specify their pronouns but nothing more detailed than that please.

Prompts that are ok: Tall masc anon sitting with Adam under a tree together and enjoying a book (he/they pronouns). <- Detailed enough that I know what you want but the bulk of the scene and how Adam would react are still left up to my interpretation.

Prompts that are not ok: My character is a tall, dark haired man with piercing blue eyes and full lips that twist into a haughty scowl, he has a long scar going down his face and his name is Aaron, he is sitting next to the Hallmark movie Adam, listening to him read with a contemplative expression, Adam glances up from his book to meet Aaron's eyes with a blush. <- that's your OC with someone else's Adam and that's so much detail that there's no room for me to really play with the scene.

That's the point where it stops being fun and starts being work and if you ask me to draw your specific OC I will ask you to pay me because we're in commission territory.

Keep your asks pg-13. Don't request anything graphically violent or explicitly sexual.

That in mind have fun. I enjoy doing these as a way to practice art and writing and I'll continue to do them as I have time and energy.

[maximummusesarch]

[Truth serum!] The boy can't be more than four, but talks like he's six, and moves like a pinball pinging around it playfield: ping! Zip! Zoom! He skids to a stop five feet away from Erik, a little cloud of dust at his feet. Is he holding a purse over one shoulder? Yes. Also, he has a few bugs caught in his white-and-brown hair.

"Hi." Caution. Curiosity. Stranger Danger. "I'm Max." He squints, and then all at once, "my codename is Fastmanslaughter. Doyouhaveacodename?"

Ping! Zoom! Now he's behind Erik, taking an action figure out of his purse that looks like--oh, yeah, that's Tommy Shepard in his Speed uniform. "This is my cousin Tommy, exceptnotreally--" He holds up the toy, and then--zip! He's off to one side, never quite bridging the distance between them.

"Mymomsaysyou'remygrandpa. Do you know my mom? Her name's Woolfbutnotliketheanimal--"

Zip! He's very close to Eric then, his gaze wide and frank before poof! He's sitting with his legs crossed underneath him, making his action figure 'fight' with a battered Batman toy. Now, he's not even looking at him. (Pow! Pow! He cracks the plastic figures against each other.) "And! I have two sisters. Do you have any sisters?"

Zip! Where did he go?? Max... Fastmanslaughter is up in a tree, still regarding Erik with that air of wariness even if he keeps coming back. "We're all goingoutforHalloween--" His words run together like water. He's perpetual motion.

Ping! Right back to Erik, close enough to touch his hand. He stares up at him, eyes large and dark in his brown face. "What's your favorite candy? I like Snickers, but Mama says we have to be careful of the 'Big Sugar Train'. She doesn't like candy."

He holds his arms out on either side of him as if to ask, 'WHO DOESN'T LIKE CANDY?!'

As he does so, a brick falls out of his purse, very nearly landing on Erik's foot.

Finally, blessedly, he takes out the Speed action figure and holds it up almost timidly, head tilted back to look upupup at him. "You're really tall." 'Fastmanslaughter' squints against the sunlight. "Do you want to see my Speed toy?"

TRUTH SERUM TIME ! 

All of... this takes Erik back, for the first time in a long time. He can only imagine that this is what it was like to raise Pietro when he was young, and Erik finds himself glad that it wasn't him who was responsible for raising a young Pietro. He can't imagine how he could have handled Pietro even with Magda, much less as a single father.

"Max," he repeats to himself, instantly aware of where the name comes from. It's the same name his mother and father gave him. The same one he swore he would never use after the war, because it had become too painful to use it. He is glad that the name has survived in his family. His alias could use some work, though. "My name is Erik, though friend and foe alike know me as Magneto."

He strains his eyes, keeping track of his grandson. For as difficult as this is, he imagines that Pietro being able to keep up with him makes this easier. As he lists question after question, Erik knows that he cannot reasonably decipher and answer all of them, so he focuses only on what he deems as the essentials.

"I am indeed your grandfather, your father's father. And I had a sister once. She... passed, when I was young. Before you father was born." When the boy is older, Erik will show him the numbers tattooed on his arm, and explain what he has endured to make it here, and how Ruth really perished.

"I have only met your mother a few times, I'm afraid. Your father and I aren't as close as I'd like." But maybe it will change soon.

When Max pauses with the toy, Erik studies it with his eyes before gently taking it. "Thank you." Is that... when did Tommy have a toy made in his likeness?

[mistwraiths]

3 stars

I really enjoyed Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis and I even liked her Love On The Brain despite it being almost exactly the same story with characters having different names but the same basic personality. So if you like her formula, these novellas will be for you!! I found her formula to be nice but tiring. There's absolute nothing unique or special about these and she doesn't turn anything on it's head. Take them for what they are. Short stories written for a trope.

Under One Roof was actually my least favorite despite it being the one where the characters knew each other and were around each other the longest I think. Mara is basically Olive and that MC in LotB. The guy... Liam I think??... is the same quiet, hard to read, very tall, big man with a big dick. And yeah, that's about it. I actually think there's less science stuff in this one than the others.

Stuck with You is probably the fastest pace one and also the one that I liked the problem of. The relationship between Sadie and Erik was SO INSTANT LOVEY it was ridiculous, especially since they barely know each other for 24 hours before things are ruined. I wouldn't actually label this as miscommunication, but as wrongfully assuming things because of things lining up badly and taking it without knowing the other side. I usually get annoyed when characters automatically assume the worst but I understand WHY she did and believe it to fully believable to assume it.

Below Zero, I liked the idea and trope of it, but didn't really care about the execution or characters or romance. I'd prefer if she had gotten more injured. Hannah was actually completely different from all of Ali's FMCs so far being the little cold, not friendly person. I liked the space stuff. But again, the romance was just not it and Ian was barely memorable.

Also, don't worry, Ali's ability to write the MOST awkward sex scenes you'll ever read is still there!!

At this point, I think she really needs to shake things up. Give us actual different characters that feel different. Give us POV of the love interest. Stop with the oh he's so big and tall, I'm so small; etc.

They are still enjoyable though. It's like eating candy. A small sweet slice where you don't have to do much but mindlessly read.

[erikdragon]

Whatever may come, your heart i will choose ���

When: October 26th, 2024 Notes: The wedding.

The last 24h until he walked down that isle were the most nerve-wracking and exciting that Erik had ever lived. His mind was in overdrive, overfilled with love and anxiety and all of the plans for the future, for that ceremony, for that night. He went to sleep wrapped around Seth, in what had grown to be their nest of blankets and pillows in the overgrown ballroom. Ever since they started dating, that was where they gravitated towards, it was special, it was theirs. The dragon knew, though, that it wasn't be for long. 

Seth had no idea about it, but he had arranged for a surprise upstairs, the place that was still somehow referred to as "Erik's bedroom". It was never theirs, upstairs. Seth had always been too polite and too mindful of Erik's space, he wouldn't put his own clothes in their closet until Erik told him it was okay. The dragon was set on making the angel feel like this was home, the whole mansion, every inch of it was Seth's now, officially. So he had arranged to move their things upstairs, electricians would come over in the morning, after Chris had rightfully kidnapped Seth to get ready - since apparently it was bad luck for the groom to see... the other groom, the day of the wedding - and they'd change the lighting fixtures in the bedroom, installing dimming lights, much warmer and cozier than the bright ones he had before. That was most of the reason why they stayed in the ballroom in the first place - it had a soft, diffuse light, thanks to the tall windows, and they could see the overgrown garden outside. There were also new plants being moved upstairs, his favorite vines that sneaked up the glass outside were repotted and moved to the balcony, so they could still see the greenery first thing in the morning. 

And then there was Chris's wedding gift.

When Erik reached out to the young wolf asking him to kidnap his holy groom and make sure Seth didn't come to the mansion until the ceremony, Chris asked why - because of course he did. And Erik might've been a bit too eager to talk about his plans, and the wolf was eager to listen, so the 30 minutes that followed were filled with quick hand gestures and squeals from the boy. Erik mentioned the only downside of moving upstairs was losing the view of the stars at night, and Chris asked why not set up a projector onto the ceiling. After explaining to the dragon what in hell's wide land was a projector, Erik was set in the idea. Chris, ever the thoughtful though, asked if he could make a "special projection" as a wedding gift. Confused, Erik agreed. 

That's how, in the afternoon before his own wedding, the dragon was standing in the middle of his bedroom, the lights off and projector on, looking up with tears streaming down his face. Somehow - by technological witchcraft, he was certain - Christopher managed to emulate the perfect view of the sky back when he was first awake, 600 years ago. Erik recognized it right away, there were three times more stars, the sky was clear and bright, and he recognized some that weren't visible nowadays anymore. 

This was home.

The idea that he was going to get to share it, all of it, with Seth made his heart beat so loud in his chest that Erik was certain Seth could hear it across town. 

The hours that followed were a true test of his friendship with both Jason and Warren, since the dragon couldn't seem to stop talking. He did a last round, checking on the staff- 

"Is the ballroom ready?" "Yes, sir." "What about the painting I told you to-" "Hung by the catering table, sir." "Did the gardeners finish-" "Yes, the overgrown is groomed to a respectable amount, sir." "Good. But did the cake-" "Already conditioned as to Master Seth's orders, sir." 

And once Erik seemed to be either satisfied with the answers or ran out of questions, he moved to get ready. Having the Alfa werewolf of the Hollows Creek pack and war incarnate standing side by side in a room commenting about his hair was an experience, for sure, and Erik was glad they kept the eye roll count to a minimum every time he asked. 

He could see the sun threatening to come down when Erik nodded one last time to his mirror, swallowing hard. The dragon pocketed the rings - of the purest of golds, forged from one of his scales - and his vows - scribbled in a selection of thick napkins, because it was way too early for him to have thought about bringing his notebook when inspiration struck, when he watched Seth open up shop in a random Tuesday that his employee called in sick - and he was texting Seth, with the stupidest grin on his face. 

"Ready to be my husband?"

Seth never imagined this day would come. Since his first moments on earth he wondered what it would be like to fall in love or to find someone to spend your existence with but he had made his peace with the idea that it was not something he would be destined to experience. That, until Erik appeared in his live and now he was the happiest he never imagined he could be. 

Now, here he was, getting ready at his best friend's place for his wedding. HIS WEDDING! He couldn't stop smiling thinking about it. He was fresh out of the shower when his phone vibrated with a message from his soon to be husband. Which was quickly answered. 

"I am! I cannot wait anymore. I have to admit I would have rather very much to have woken up beside you this morning, though."

If he chuckled like a schoolgirl with a crush when he checked his phone, Erik didn't care. Not today. "I know, but it's said to be bad luck for me to see you - and you see me - before the wedding ): BUT HEY, in an hour or so you'll get to see me again (:"

Seth pouted to his screen when Erik said it was bad luck for them to see each other before the ceremony, "You don't believe that, but okay, I will have to wait one more hour to see you. Are you nervous?"

That made Erik laugh "True, I don't" he texted back "But I don't want to give fate any chances to be mean to us. I don't think I'm NERVOUS, I'm more ANXIOUS. Waiting is hard. What about you?"

Seth smiled at the answer, "You are right. It's better if we do not tempt fate to mess with us." The Grigori took a deep breath before answering, "The wait is almost over. I'm a little nervous but it is the good kind of nervous! More like excitement."

"Fate wouldn't dare 😛 " Erik texted back, his heart swelling in his chest when Seth talked about being excited to marry him. "I love you" was the only words his brain could think of to type, then he added "I should finish getting ready. You see, I have to meet this gorgeous fiancé of mine by the beach in a few"

Seth's smile now seemed permanent whenever he talked to Erik and his dragon always reassured him, "I hope so." Those three words had become the angel's favorite since the first time he heard them, "I love you too, Erik, very, very much," he answered quickly. "I suppose I should stop distracting you then. I will see you later at the beach. I will be the one in blue with a boutonnière."

Erik was lucky Jason and Warren had grown used to his stupidly in love self, if he was still back on the ship, there would've been tons of cat calls and whistles because of his ridiculous grin "Right, I'll make sure to find you. I'll be the one in front of the crowd, at the end of the isle" he answered, then added " ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 "

Seth was unable to repress a sigh at the text while his smile was still in place, "I know I will find you. I will see you soon ❤️ "

With one last smile, Erik pocketed his phone, moving onto the last of the preparation. Soon enough, he was making his way to the beach. Halfway down the hill he could already see the people finding their seats around the isle, most of them talking excitedly, smiles all around. Followed by Warren and Jason, he walked through the isle, nodding along to the people who greeted them, until they stopped under the archway covered in flowers. "Your boy is late" he smirked at the wolf, knowing full well that was expected. Chris had many great qualities, being on time had never been one.

Jason was feeling a little emotional. He hadn’t been at many weddings after Val and even less after his last relationship went down to the drain, but he was happy for Erik and Seth. He moved to adjust the lapels on Erik's jacket and chuckled, "He's not late. Sebastian is already there, they're probably just taking a minute and here he comes," he said shaking his head as he saw the young wolf come down the side of the ail to take his place on the spot for Seth's groomsmen, "Now put yourself together," he winked as he smiled and stepped to a side just in time for the music to start and everyone got to their feet, waiting for the other groom to make his way down the aisle.

Seth could feel his nervousness raising when the time got closer. He pulled Chris in for a hug, thanking him for all his help and then turned to Trevor; there were so many things he wanted to say to the Nephilim. Just the mere fact that he was alive because of him was something he could never thank him for enough and that was why he had asked him to please be the one to walk him down the aisle. With a deep sigh he reached for the taller man and gave his hand a soft squeeze, "Thank you for everything. Nothing of this would be possible without you, Trevor, and for that, you will have my eternal gratitude for as long as I live," his words were honest and filled with emotion.

Trevor was flattered when Seth visited him at the store a few weeks ago only to ask if he would like to be the one giving him away to Erik down the aisle. There was no way for Trevor to say no to that honor and now the day had come and the falling Grigori's words moved him, making his expression soften, "to me, you are another brother, Seth and nothing makes me happier than doing this for you," he smiled, "now, it's time to get you married," he grinned and offered his arm to Seth. As soon as the music started, he walked his older little brother down the aisle as a radiant with love dragon was eagerly waiting for him.

Nothing could've prepared him for the sight of Seth walking towards him that moment. Between a sea of faces, Erik only had eyes for Seth and his bright smile mirrored the angel's. His mouth was dry when he muttered a sincere "Thank you" to Trevor when the half ling offered him Seth's hand and the dragon accepted it, not letting it go for the rest of his life. "Ready?" He whispered conspirationally to his still fiancé, as the music faded, and people sat back down.

In the past, Seth had believed nothing would bring him more happiness than heaven and his holy duties. He had been sure that was the maximus level of happiness he would ever get to experience, but today, this very moment when he was walking towards Erik to promise each other a life of love and companionship, this was the truest happiness in his existence. As soon as he reached for his dragon's hand, all his nervousness vanished. He gave Trevor one last thankful look before his eyes were set on the love of his life, "I have never been readier," was his murmured answer as they both turned to look at Warren in front of them.

The ceremony went by faster than he thought it would, but it was like the dragon's mind was burning every moment to memory. The knowing look on Warren's eyes when he wrapped the band loosely around their joined hands, the how he could feel the people, their friends and found family, wishing them happiness through their wet smiles. The ceremony itself wasn't religious - because he would never give Seth's absent and vengeful father the satisfaction of having their fate in his hands again - but it followed the old traditions, of when Erik was first hatched. Chris and Jason, the best men, crowned them in white flowers as Warren talked about two souls finding each other against all odds and uniting as one once more. They thanked the earth and the tides, Erik ignited a candle as an offering to the fire and Seth blew it out, offering his breath to the wind. The moon and the sun were both in the sky blessing their union in a twilight of color when Warren said they could say their vows.

The ceremony was beautiful and not one he had ever imagined. He was not old enough to have witnessed the old traditions Erik and apparently Warren had lived by, but he would be forever thankful with his dragon for finding a way to make this day so special even with the absence of a part of him he had lost. He stopped thinking about it and was now ready to embrace these new beliefs. It was uncommon for Seth to be nervous to speak in front a crowd, but these words were too especial, and he could feel a soft blush adorn his freshly shaved cheeks. After a deep breath, he smiled and locked eyes with Erik's, "Today is the joyous day of my existence because I get to join my life to yours, not simply as your husband, but as your friend, your lover, and your biggest supporter. I promise to love you for who you are, and for who you are yet to become. I promise to be patient and to remember that all things between us are rooted in love. I promise to nurture your dreams and help you reach them. I love you with all my heart. You're my love, light, and soulmate. You're the one who never fails to make my heart sing, the one who keeps me smiling, and laughing as I never imagine possible. I promise to share my whole heart with you and to remember to show you how deeply I care for you, no matter the challenges that may come our way. I promise to love you loyally and fiercely—as long as I shall live."

Seth could've said a recipe of instant noodles and Erik would've loved it, yes, but he wasn't prepared for the words he heard. It was a rare sight, but halfway through his short, heartfelt speech, tears were rolling down Erik's cheeks and he squeezed the angel's hand, under the embroidered band that tied them together. Some parts could've seemed nice to the onlookers, but went much deeper when they reached Erik's ears, especially when he mentioned sharing Seth's heart. That was it. It was the proof that loving wasn't losing part of his heart. He was giving his own to Seth and getting the angel's in return. 

After a moment too long, Erik recomposed himself, murmuring under a wet chuckle "I'm so glad I wrote this down, damn, I wouldn't be able to form coherent thoughts after that". After wiping his cheeks with his free hand, he reached into his pocket, grabbing a napkin with the logo of Seth's bakery. "It's a bit long, so please bear with me" He used the text just to be sure he wouldn't forget anything he wanted to say, but in the end Erik said most of it staring into Seth's eyes. 

"I never believed in miracles before I met you. Or believed in love, for that matter. I learned from the start that I could never let someone take hold of my heart, it'd leave me too vulnerable, it felt dangerous and violating. So when I met you, I had my heart safe, locked into this chest buried where no one could reach." 

"But you did. You did and it was scary and thrilling and everything I never thought it would be. I craved your touch, I starved for your smile, I longed to hear every word that left your lips, and I thought once I had heard them all, it would end, and I'd find peace again." 

"But it didn't." 

"And it doesn't." 

"And I don't think it ever will." 

"Instead, I've found my peace with you. So I could promise you the moon and the stars and make all of these vague allusions about loving you when you're sick or in health, but I won't. Because that's not enough for me."

"So I promise you, Seth Winfred, that I'll do my damn best every single day to be your peace. I'll respect you as my equal, I'll cherish you like a sunny day, and I'll support you with every last spark of energy in my body." 

"I love you, and I'm going to keep on loving you until far beyond my last breath, Seth." 

"Under the gaze of infinite pantheons I promise you this, and under the sight of the gods of old I humbly request the blessing of the ones who wish for our happiness." 

"May our paths never wind far from one another, and may your hand always find mine in the dark, for mine will be searching for yours too."

Seth was never one to cry, but halfway through his vows when he saw those tears of happiness in his lover's eyes, his voice quivered, and he did reach to wipe a couple of tears that rolled down his cheek. But how, how unprepared he was for the dam that it was about to break when Erik said his bows. He smiled at the initial request, "Always, my love, always," his answer as honest as ever but as the beautiful words progressed, more and more tears rolled down his face. 

It was common to hear angels were miracles to humans, but hearing Erik call him his miracle was one of the sweetest things he had ever heard. It all made sense, and it came to a full circle; one where they both understood and shared with the world that love was such a selfless act that only implied completing each other. Being what your partner needed and loving every single moment you got to share together. Seth swallowed hard and smiled through the tears, murmuring a soft "I love you," at the end of Erik’s vows.

It was really hard to watch Seth cry without comforting him, so when he finished Erik put the napkin back onto his pocket and reached out to cup his cheek, wiping tears away and muttering "I love you" in return. People clapped and Erik took that opportunity to step closer and go against protocol, pressing a kiss to Seth's forehead. Warren then unwrapped their hands and proclaimed that they could now share tokens of affection. Back in the day this was when they signed treaties and united kingdoms, it went from gold coins to scriptures of land and pieces of clothes with the shield of the family. Nowadays though, Erik knew people valued rings. "I'm going to need that hand, just a second" he murmured, playfully letting go of the angel's hand so he could use both of his own to open the tiny box from his pocket. Carefully, Erik picked up the ring inside, an intricate wine, made of the purest gold from his own scales, he was sure Seth could feel it once it touched his skin. This way humans would know Seth was cared for and every other being would know the fury of a dragon would rain upon them if they hurt Seth. "May I?" He asked, gently grabbing Seth's hand to put the ring in place.

Seth smiled at the soft comforting kiss and let out a breathy soft laugh when Erik said he needed both hands for a moment. The ring was beautiful, and he just knew it was literally a part of Erik and what it would mean wearing it. There was another smile and a nod when his dragon asked if he could put the ring on his finger. He could feel Erik's love through the gold band around his finger, confirming his thoughts of it been made of his lover's scales. 

A while ago, Seth had given Erik one of his feathers, long before they turned black and now he was wearing one of Erik's scales , in the most beautiful exchange that clearly symbolized the exchange of their hearts. Moving forward with the ceremony, Seth let go of his beloved dragon's hand to turn to Chris to retrieve the ring he had chosen for his soon to be husband. It was a golden ring with two wings forming a heart, symbolizing Seth giving his everything to Erik, "May I?" he asked back with a teasing smile and right after the ring was on the dragon's finger, Seth pulled his hand to his lips, pressing a kiss over the ring to seal the promise they had just made.

Very few things in the world felt right, but sliding his ring onto Seth's finger was certainly one of them. He chuckled when Seth asked him the same question back "Of course" he said offering his hand, a gentle tug on his heartstrings when he noticed the engravings. He still had it, Seth's feather, Erik wore it every day around his neck, in a delicate bottle. Now humans would know he belonged to someone as well. A soft warmth covered his face when Seth kissed his hand, sure they this kind of gentle affection had never happened around other people. Still, contrary to what he'd think a few decades ago, Erik didn't feel belittled or vulnerable. It felt right, Seth loved him, there was no question. 

With one last prayer to whatever deities who were listening, who cared about their happiness, Warren proclaimed them wed, and with the widest of grins, Erik pulled Seth by the waist, one hand on his cheek as people cheered and his lips touched for the first time his husband's.

This was it. This was the moment they both had been waiting for. When Warren said they could finally kiss and be announced as husband. Seth closed his eyes at the kiss and smiled into it, his left hand now with his wedding band on, pressing over Erik's chest right on top of his heart and in that very moment, everything was perfect in their own little world.

[angelseth]

Still I find you next to me.

Erik makes the most important question of their relationship so far. When:  August 16th, 2022 Notes: written on Discord with @erikdragon

Their nest was by far Erik's favorite spot in the whole mansion, also the only place he wouldn't let anyone else inside. Apart from Toothless, of course.

In the middle of what was once a great ballroom with the front wall and ceiling made of glass, there was the softest of mattresses. A king-sized and tall one, with no bed underneath. The black silken bed sheets contrasted with the pale skin of the man lying beside the dragon, both wrapped in cozy fluffy gray covers, limbs tangled into a comfortable mess after much rolling around. A black ball of fluff purred sound asleep by their feet and Erik watched a flock of birds flying over the sea in the distance, the steady heartbeat of the angel mixed with the sound of distant waves providing a soothing soundtrack to the picturesque moment. A smile sneaked its way to his lips when he felt the angel stir awake and Erik ran gentle fingers up the skin of his back, arm safely wrapped around him, keeping their chests pressed together with the angel on top of him. "Good morning, my love."

Emotional roller coasters had never taken a toll on Seth before his fall started. Feeling too much had never been a problem for him, and not it was not a problem per se, but it felt like his heart was too full of love, especially at a moment like this. Waking up had never been such a blissful moment as now. The warmth from Erik’s skin, in addition to the soft sunshine through the glass wall, got the Grigori stirring awake slowly.

“It’s still early,” his words came out as a sleepy mumble as he angel hid his face in the crock of Erik’s neck, letting out a happy sigh, moving his hand to rest right on top of Erik’s heart, “why are you awake already?” the voice still heavy with sleep even if Seth was not that tired anymore. It was that peaceful state of calm lasting a few minutes as soon as you woke up. Just before worry set deep into his bones, causing him to pull away enough to look at his lover, “Is everything okay?”

A sleepy Seth was one of his favorites, Erik has come to know. The smile on his lips widened at the complaint and he chuckled, playing with the unruly strands of his hair. "I was thinking, that's all" he said simply, offering a smile when the angel looked at him "Actually, I was wondering something, thought I'd check with you first" the dragon said conversationally, still caressing his back "Will you marry me, my love?"

The touch of those fingers in his hair served as well as the most effective relaxant Seth had ever known, and it helped a lot to stop his running thoughts and worries. His heartbeat steadied as his dragon assured him, he was merely thinking about something in particular, but little did he know that the next words would make his heart skip a few beats.

It was impossible for Seth to stay in that comfortable position as soon as the question reached his ears. With a speed that was probably not considered human, the Grigori sat up and looked at Erik with a shocked expression. While the thought had crossed the angel’s mind, he had imagined this question would be presented by either of them in the years to come, “Are you being serious?” was the only thing that came from Seth’s lips, still unsure if he was awake or still dreaming.

A month ago, Erik would have freaked out over the surprise, any reaction that wasn't an immediate yes would be enough to trigger some alarms in his head. Now, however, he was so certain of his choice that he just felt at peace. So, with a chuckle, the dragon sat up as well, facing him "Is that so surprising?" Was his answer. Then he figured he'd better elaborate.

"Well, I was just thinking about how months ago I gave you my heart, yeah, but lately I've come to realize just how deep is your hold into my being." He said, reaching out for his hand, gently playing with his fingers, as earnest eyes found blue ones. "Somehow, ever since I first saw you, you managed to capture my attention in a way nothing else ever did. You seemed so interesting and alluring and I think my heart recognized you as part of itself." His smile softened, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink "And yes, I hear how cheesy that sounds, but I don't really mind right now" the dragon chuckled "But then I gave you my heart, my most prized possession, but I don't think you realize everything else that came with it. Because you see, my love, you're not just the owner of my heart, you are also the sole owner of my thoughts every day, of my worries, my best laughs and my worst jokes. You have my attention, my appreciation, my trust and my devotion and I'd be lying if I said that the prospect of waking up beside you every day for the rest of my life didn't sound like the most soothing of thoughts." Erik took a deep breath, heart threatening to burst out of his chest.

"I love you, Seth, with everything I am." Erik pulled his hand to his lips, kissing his knuckles "I love every single spec of star dust that was once meshed together to create you." He smiled, not mentioning God or fate. Because it didn't matter how or why they were here, all that mattered was that they were "And I'd be honored if I was ever able to call you, my husband."

A pause as he watched the gears turn inside angel's head, a sure smile on the dragon's face "So, you know... Will you marry me, Seth?"

Being speechless was not something Seth was used to, even if Erik had accomplished putting him in that state more than once. Now, his lover had taken it to a whole new level as the Grigori sat there, looking at his dragon with a shocked expression, gapping, unsure of what to say, “It is not the question what caught me off guard,” his admission came in a whisper, “it is the timing and that you beat me to it,” a slow smile making its way to his lips.

With a nod and a squeeze of his fingers over Erik’s, Seth listened carefully, entranced by every word from his lover’s lips. At that moment, Seth was confident there had never been love as pure as theirs, and in a small part of his soul, he hoped this was the reason why he had been sent to earth. That loving someone and being loved like this was the goal of his whole mission and that perhaps, God had let them have this. It was impossible to tell when the tears started, but he could guess they probably shed the moment Erik mentioned the first time he saw him. The dragon probably had no idea how crucial that moment had been for the angel. How Seth’s whole world changed axis as their hands touched, and perhaps, he was being cheesy too, but it was how it had felt. There were no words that could match Erik’s speech. What could he say? How could he explain that in over a hundred years, Seth had never been happier than now Erik was part of his existence?

With trembling fingers, Seth wiped away the tears from his eyes and nodded eagerly, still unsure if there was anything he could say that could explain how his heart was about to burst out with happiness, “Yes, Erik, I will marry you,” and with no hesitation, he threw himself to his lover’s arms, hiding his face in his chest, holding him tight, engraving this moment in his mind and skin as the happiest of his now mundane life.

Erik chuckled at that, a warm bubbling in his chest at the idea that Seth was planning to propose. Or at least that he thought he'd do it before Erik had the chance to.

As if.

Erik never knew what being moderate was. He was intense and moved through life in bursts of passion, but he wasn't dumb. He followed his impulses, yes, but his mind worked in a tightly knit plan. The moment Seth's piece clicked into place; it was like he had always known. The dragon was worried when he saw the angel started crying, but he could see they were happy tears, so he let himself end before reaching out to wipe his tears away, the same way Seth had done to him the previous night. The thing was, he didn't get the chance to, because as he reached out, Seth all but tackled him back into bed and Erik laid back down right away, arms wrapped around Seth's waist. A bubbly laugh of pure joy escaped his lips at the answer he got, and Erik hugged his boyfriend, no, fiancé tightly. "Well, in that case, that was all, you can now go back to sleep, my love" he chuckled, biting back a smirk. This is why he carried his heart in his chest for, for moments like this. Now Erik understood when people talked about hearts swelling.

The laugh Seth got from his now fiancé was the most heartwarming sound he had ever heard, so pure and infectious that the Grigori started laughing too, “There is no way you expect me to go back to sleep after that, Erik,” his words softly murmured against the warm skin of his dragon’s neck, quickly followed by a soft kiss.

Reluctantly, the angel popped himself on his elbows on top of his lover, looking at him with pure adoration in his blue eyes, “you are unbelievable, Erik. Whenever I think there is no physical way I could love you more than I already do, you go outdo yourself with something like this,” the fake annoyance clear on Seth’s words, “Every second that brought me to this moment has been more than worth it now I know I get to share the rest of my days with you,” it probably sounded sad knowing Seth will not be immortal anymore, but in his heart, the angel knew he would always chose this than an eternity without Erik in his life. “Do you realize now we do not only have a birthday, a Halloween party but a wedding to plan?” his expression no short from pure happiness.

The dragon laughed at that, shrugging slightly "Welp, I had to try. Can't have my fiancé going around saying I am messing up his sleeping schedule, now, can I?" He teased with a proud smile when the word left his lips. It was like he couldn't wipe the smile off his face. He was a smirky person, but this smile, the honest, true one, was Seth's. He reached out to run his fingers through the angel's hair, clicking his tongue "Yeah, damn, I just pushed myself into a corner, didn't I? Don't know how I'll outdo that now, maybe I'll buy us an island or something " he teased with a chuckle. The mention of the last of his days didn't bother Erik now, not when he knew there might be a way for Seth to be with him forever now with Trevor's help. So, he must bit back a knowing smirk and leaned up to kiss his lips lovingly - a very effective way for the dragon to shut himself up. The annoyed joke made him laugh though "Technically we could mash then all together, but I refuse to rush our wedding plans and make it in a month. Nope, I want to cherish this" he ran his fingers down Seth's cheek, fondly "Besides, a Halloween wedding would be weird as fuck. Can you imagine our best men in Halloween costumes? Or us?" He laughed "Specially when I have a tendency of being mostly naked with mine, I'm not giving them a show like that. Nope, that's for our honeymoon alone." Erik finished, a wondrous smile on his lips as he liked them.

“You have been messing with my sleeping schedule for over year in so many ways, Erik,” the words came out with a dash of playfulness and the blush on the Grigori’s face probably added to the meaning of his words. The offer of having an island for them would be more appealing if Seth hadn’t grown to love this little town so much. It had been the only real place where he had felt at home and where he had found purpose and love, “I do not believe we need an island when we can escape to our own little world here between the sheets,” Erik was probably aware of how their next was one of Seth’s favorite places in the world.

The prospect of having a Halloween wedding did not sound too appealing for Seth, “I would rather our wedding to happen in a different day if you are okay with it. I would like it to be a special day to be remembered just as our wedding and no more,” there was some nervousness on his voice at the request. The falling angel wasn’t used to voice his requests but this time he could not help himself. There was a light blush and a smile when his dragon reminded him of his love for being naked, “I would also prefer to keep that glorious nakedness for our honeymoon. I am not feeling keen on sharing my fiancé anymore,” the playfulness was more than clear when he leaned close to press their lips together making his intentions clear.

Erik chucked at that, an arched brow "Look at your being all sexy and coy" he teased, gently poking his ribs to make him blush "I really did corrupt you, huh? You're even making sex jokes! Who are you and what have you done with my sweet, sweet Seth?!" He was laughing now, one arm propped behind his head to lean closer to him.

It was silly, but his eyes were lazily burning that picture to memory, how the sunshine hit his brown hair, how it made Seth's freckles more evident, how bright his eyes were shining. He was marrying the most beautiful man in the planet, that much Erik was certain. "Our wedding should become a holiday in town, my love" He hugged Seth close "A special day just to celebrate us. To celebrate you." The dragon pressed a kiss to his forehead and a grin appeared on his lips when they pulled apart "Your fiancé, huh?" he echoed, pecking the angel's lips as he gently rolled them over so he could place a kiss down his neck "It sounds really nice, doesn't it? This is Seth, my fiancé" He mumbled against his skin "Oh no, I'm waiting for my fiancé. Ah yes, we have reservations for me and my fiancé."

It was impossible for Seth not to blush at his dragon’s words, “Yes, you did, but it was in the best possible way,” this time the Grigori did not feel like hiding the blush. He felt so happy and, in a way, free to feel the way he did and to love Erik openly. In a completely unexpected reaction, Seth rolled over to lay on top of Erik’s body, “I can be sweet and make sex jokes, but only for my fiancé,” the smile on the angel’s face was one of the brighter he ever had.

As marvelous as it sounded, Seth merely shook his head, “No, I would rather it be private. Ours,” the blush was still evident on his cheeks, “I have never been selfish, but there are things that I would like to have only for us,” it was a new feeling. Especially when it came to not feeling guilty for wanting things. It probably meant the Grigori was losing more and more of his grace and turning more human. “Yes! I am only trying the words and see how it feels,” and before he could say more, his lover was rolling them over, and the angel found himself under his dragon’s body, “It does. It is the best title I have ever had, so far,” his eyes falling closed at those kisses as his hands explored Erik’s back.

Erik didn't know what caught him more off guard, if it was Seth suddenly straddling him like that, if it was him taking about making sex jokes or if it was him calling Erik his fiancé. Oh, he loved that word.

With a smile on his face, Erik slid his hands over the angel's thighs "Fair enough. You get to be selfish too. You get to be anything you'd like, my love. Even mine" he grinned.

Once he was on top of Seth, he couldn't help himself, one arm propping him in place while the other caressed his leg, lips brushing against the delicate skin of his neck. "Just you wait for when it changes" he slid his lips towards his ear, whispering "When I get to call you my husband"

"But I am already your, ain't I?" There was a playful glean in his blue eyes, "being yours is everything I ever wanted, Erik. I think my life started for real when I met you," the Grigori confessed.

How could this be wrong? How could loving like this was the reason of his fall? It made no sense in his head. This was the happiest the angel ever felt, and God decided he didn't deserve it. The smile was back on his face when Erik rolled them over and laid on top of him, causing the eternal blush on his face to come back, "Husband sounds heavenly," his answer came out like a soft moan, "I love you," the angel sighed before cupping Erik's face to press their lips together in a deep kiss.

[eristic-kaleidoscope]

Hey Hey Hey || Byrne || Trial 1-3 || RE: AIRika, Erik Azr, Ae-ra, Eureka, Arakiel, END

Byrne winced as Eureka's plate shattered, staring at the surface of his podium as if nothing was going on behind his eyes for a few moments. The shouting, the arguing, the...

He held his breath. 5 seconds. Out 5 seconds. We're good. Everything's fine. Relatively, at least.

He got it, really. He understood why everyone was upset. There was so much riding on this, and he sure as fuck didn't want to die, nor did he want anyone else here to. The situation was teetering like a tennis ball stuck on the edge of a rooftop in a wind storm. He just. Wanted. Everyone to breathe.

"Hey... Let's just... stop and think about the other side of the equation. As some folks have already said, skirting around an accusation when you don't have solid damning evidence yet is respectful. I think no one was goin' at it since... Jamming an accusation down someone's throat out of nowhere when you aren't sure is cruel. And I get it, Ae-ra, wanting to protect someone you care about. That's honorable, yeah? I'd never fucking diss that. I just think... We can talk about it first before jumping to insults and yelling. That much applies to Azure, too."

He was telling the truth, after all. He didn't scold Kaguya for wanting to protect someone, either... Just the method in which it was done. The bravery and will to protect someone was a strong and precious thing that shouldn't be snuffed out. It was the makings of a good friend, after all.

He breathed again, unsure if he was even going to get through to anyone like this, or if he was preaching to a crowd of rowdy kittens who didn't speak human.

"I also get wanting credit for ideas you came up with, Eureka. If I pick something up you said I'll point it out in the future, but... don't break any plates next time, yeah? It's loud and escalates shit. Accident or not, that kind of thing can be taken as a threat in the wrong context. I'd rather not have a fistfight breaking out in here."

In reality, Byrne himself was most likely the main source of concern when it came to fistfighting, though. Just... lower the amount of fighting words. That's all he wanted to do. The problem is depending on how far he went here, he might come off as patronizing, right?

"This shit isn't fucking fair. None of it is. We're not private eyes or lawyers or anything, y'know? No one wants to be the reason someone else dies right now. Try to be understanding of that if you can. If you need to yell for a bit, you can yell into the robe if you want? It's fucking soft as hell."

He held up the spa robe he brought, shaking it in the air as if it were an enticing item, rather than just... a spa robe, really. And nothing more than that. He once again draped it over the side of his podium in the meantime, trying to get his brain back in gear as to what was going on.

Byrne opened his mouth. As soon as it seemed like he was going to move on, Arakiel had to open his damn mouth.

"... Goddammit, Arakiel." He sighed. "Listen, Angel, if he actually gets to the point of nearly harming you, come to me."

For all Byrne knew, there was a chance that was an empty threat.

The problem with actually thinking was, he was coming up with a lot of nothing. So much of this was hard to keep up with, especially with so many theories and alibis hopping around.

"Mmm... so. Wait. Can anyone with a better memory get me a list of who all is cleared by testimony? I know we've got me and Erik A, and it sounds like Ae-ra and Arakiel are in the clear, but uhhh who else is completely out of the running? As Nacho Deluxe said, people who are tall? So doubly me and Arakiel, but also Kenshin annnndd.... Nacho Deluxe."

He mostly remembered his own and the one that stuck out the most for being anger-inducing. Thank you, Arakiel syrup incident. He'd DEFINITELY missed some clears there, but that probably wasn't much of a surprise with what he'd mentioned about his schooling to some.

"I also wanna say Erika... As in single name Erika, has to be out of the running because I can confirm she's got better first aid skills than whatever was going on in the spa. Plus, not too sure if she'd fit the robe, either."

Byrne sighs, doing some mental math with what he had left.

"Just thinking it might be easier if we narrow this down like this. I probably missed some people but that's already 7 out of the running, right?"

Byrne, however, didn't seem to interfere with the clothing check Arakiel was up to, though. Despite Byrne not actually being called on, he took off his black jacket just in case. As he did so, a full sleeve tattoo on his right arm came to view and some smaller tattoo on his left wrist was visible. He held the jacket up, shaking it around to show that no damage had been made to it. Before sliding it back on over his arms.

"My black fabric's in-tact if it's damage you're looking for, but whatever was left behind there was big enough to be immediately visible from anywhere in this trial room. Did anyone bring the cloth with them?"

[henneseyhoe]

Erik takes readers virginity

Killmonger X BLACK!FEM!reader

WARNINGS: SMUT, heavy daddy kink, oral, unprotected sex, mentions of virginity, Bestfriend!Erik, slapping.

SUMMARY: reader gets tired of being a virgin and asks her bestfriend; Erik to be the one to do it.

Ps. Don’t let !!anyone!! pressure you into giving away your virginity. It should be YOUR choice on when and how you wanna do it and who you wanna do it with. don’t let anyone shame you for being a virgin no matter your age, there is NOTHING wrong with being a virgin or saving yourself or whatever the case may be. This is fiction and strictly for fantasy, it does not depict how losing your virginity actually is, simply because it’s different for everyone…and also because this is fiction lmao. Okay, enjoy<3

——

“And you sure you wanna do this? Cause once I get goin’, ain’t no turning back” Erik asked . He had a slight smirk on his face as his tall frame towered over me, making me look up at him and nod. “Yes. I just wanna get it over with” I responded timidly, fiddling with my hands behind my back.

Me and Erik had always been friends since the third grade. He was sort of a bully, but he also protected me all throughout our school years, so I always stood by him. It wasn’t a secret that I had a small crush on him either, and he always made it known that he knew by poking fun at me getting shy any time he’d compliment me, or when he’d hug me as a greeting and sneakily snake his hands down to my lower back just to make me tense up and push him away.

Because of my shyness, this is also what landed me being a virgin at age 20. Since me and Erik were best friends, I told him everything, so he knew that I was still a virgin and made fun of that anytime we’d talk about anything sexual, no matter if it was a joke I giggled at or just a simple conversation in general. Saying things like “why you talkin’? You don’t know nothing ‘bout this” or “virgin Mary over here laughing but I doubt she get the joke”.

It wasn’t like I lacked simple sexual education or anything, I just never did anything. I tried porn, but it got boring fast. I tried masterbation, but I could barely rub my own clit for more than 8 minutes without feeling an odd sensation that made me stop. I understood that it was most likely an orgasm, but the feeling felt like l was ascending to god himself, my entire body becoming too sensitive to ever finish.

When I told Erik about that, he bursted into laughter, almost shedding tears as I explained to him how I didn’t understand how to finger myself correctly either. I probably shouldn’t have told him anything, but in my defense he asked if I ever “stuck a finger up there”, so I just came clean, which was a mistake. And let’s not forget the on going joke he made up with our entire friend group with how he would be the one to take my virginity.

Everyone laughed, including me at one point, thinking it was a joke. Difference was, when he laughed, he was dead serious. Secretly he’d been plotting since senior year when back to school started and I suddenly came back with a little weight that went straight to my ass and thighs, switched my bifocals out for contacts and learned how to lay my edges correctly.

Not only that, but even with all the changes in my appearance, I never switched up. I never decided to fuck with some popular niggas cause they was all barkin’ at me, I never went off an pretended like I didn’t know nobody after the slight boost I got in socials after my ass got fatter, and that just made it better for Erik.

It eliminated all of the niggas that could have potentially broken me off and made me a freak before Erik could get his hands on me, but he knew it’d take some time for me to get on his level.

“So…is this the part where I get naked?” I asked awkwardly, rocking on the heels of my feet. Erik chuckled and shook his head “look, I’m not just gon’ fuck you like that and you don’t get nothin’ out of it. I wanna teach you a lil sumn while we at it” he admitted, crossing his arms, making his muscles press against his fitted black shirt.

“Are you-..are you flexing?” I raised an eyebrow as my eyes trailed to his biceps, the man taking his finger and lifting my chin so I was looking back up at him. “You off topic. Get on your knees”

A shiver ran up and down my spine as he spoke and touched me, a second heartbeat appearing between my legs.

-

If you told yesterday me that I would be on my knees in front of my bestfriend of ten years, with his dick down my throat and his hands on the back of my head to hold me down till my I was begging for air, I would have laughed in your face and walked away. Maybe even would have called you delusional.

“Move your hands and use your mouth” Erik grunted while thrusting his hips into my mouth shallowly, my hands being wrapped around the rest of his shaft, prohibiting him from going any further.

“What did I just say? Move your damn hands”

His gruff voice boomed to show he was serious, making me clench my thighs together tightly. He spoke with a new tone, a tone that had authority and control. An authority and control that I’ve never heard in this instance before. It turned me on.

He tugged at my box braids, making me wince and hesitantly remove my hands, slowly placing them in my lap.

“Good girl. Now open that pretty mouth up for daddy. Just a little wider”

I moaned at his self given nickname and tried to follow his instructions, opening my mouth wider while he slid deeper down my throat. I gagged strongly as he touched the back of my throat, my shoulders shrugging and drool dripping from my mouth whilst he retracted himself a little before easing back in, repeating those motions.

“Breathe through your nose and relax that throat, baby”

he removed one of his hands from my hair and placed it under my chin, helping me gain control of my gag reflexes that decided to be completely against me at the time. I let out a sigh through my nose, finally figuring out how to regulate my breathing as he touched the back of my throat once again, this time pulling back out quicker than what he did before.

“Oh shit”

he gasped quietly, lifting up his shirt and leaning back against the wall behind him as I allowed him to throat fuck me, my spit now dripping into the valley of my titties that were semi covered by a cropped spaghetti strap shirt.

“Just like that, ma. Get this dick wet”

He grunted. I opened my mouth wide enough so my teeth wouldn’t scrape against him again, the man laying a small, painless smack on my cheek any time he’d feel them rubbing against him.

“fuuuck, you finna make me nut all in that throat, baby” He moaned and gripped my hair tighter, his thrusts getting rougher by the second.

I hummed a ‘no’ with violent chokes slipping out of my mouth as he made me go down all the way, my mind racing steadily as I imagined what it’d be like to have him do anything of the sort.

“I didn’t give you a choice” he choked out while his stomach tightened, his abs suddenly becoming more detailed and prominent.

Tears trailed down my cheeks, my brown foundation being mixed in with the salty liquid. He continued his assault on my poor throat, only to stop abruptly and force my head down until my nose touched his stomach. Suddenly I felt a warm sensation trail down my throat, a taste of bitter sweetness lingering on my tongue as he pulled out with strings of my spit mixed with his cum dripping from the tip of his dick.

He used his hand and tilted my head up, forcing me to look up at him again. “Swallow”

he demanded, my head shaking rapidly as I held the remanding bit of him under my tongue.

“This is your first time, so don’t make me say it again and make this night more eventful than it already is, Y/N. I hate going back on my word, but I hate being disrespected more than that”

he threatened, my eyes widening with wonder as to why he said that and what he’d do if I had spit.

Taking no chances, I decided to save my curiosity for another day, building up the courage to finally swallow, licking my lips after. He tilted his head at me and squeezed at my jaw, opening my mouth. Humming in satisfaction, he slid his thumb into my mouth, my lips immediately closing around it and beginning to suck while looking at the man, my watering eyes gleaming in the apartments bright lights as if glitter was placed under my lids beforehand.

“Damn..”

he murmured and slowly pulled his thumb out, replacing it with his tongue as he bent down and laid a soft kiss on my lips. I melted into his touch, my pussy beginning to throb once again with him simply just wrapping his hands around my throat and arm, pulling me up from the floor.

My legs felt weird from being on my knees for so long, my throat feeling weirder from the constant pressure it just endured. He then picked me up bridal style and began walking us down the hall and into my room.

softly laying me onto my bed, he started to pull all of my clothes off one by one, leaving me naked.

I subconsciously covered myself up, and stared at him, most of my focus being on how he was gonna fit inside. He noticed my staring and chuckled while taking his clothes off. “You’ll be fine. I’ll make it fit” he spoke as if he read my mind. “I don’t think it will…” I began closing my legs, the man only gripping my thighs and prying them back open.

“I promise if it hurts I’ll stop”

“Promise?”

“Promise” he reiterated and bent down, kissing up my thighs. Shivers went up my spine as he got closer and closer to my pussy, his breath and mustache tickling my skin. He took his middle and ring finger and spread my lips apart, my juices already starting to leak out from the prolonged playing.

“Look…She already so damn wet for me”

He looked up at me and licked a long stripe up from my entrance to my clit, a moan leaving my lips.

“She sweet as hell too” he smirked before going in, his tongue making love to my pussy as he swirled and flicked it over my clit with a quickness, his middle finger now spreading my juices around my entrance before he slowly eased and slipped it inside of me, making me let out a louder moan.

He began humming and shaking his head from side to side as he closed his lips around my clit, adding suction while attempting to slip a second finger inside of me. I winced and bucked my hips up, my walls clenching and unclenching around his fingers involuntarily.

“I can’t!”

His eyes traveled up my torso until they met mine, a blank look on his face as he disconnected his lips from my clit.

“How do you expect me to fuck you good if this pussy can’t even take two fingers? Don’t tell me you backing out now”

He taunted and licked his fingers clean, a grin growing on his face.

“I’m not! I just…I wasn’t ready right then”

I lied, being scared of him literally ripping me in half in reality.

“You sure?”

He asked teasingly and kneeled onto the bed, gripping his shaft with one hand and rubbing his tip up against my entrance, the tight muscles clenching just from the light touch. I nodded, looking down to watch his actions. He began rubbing his dick through my folds, my juices making every inch and vein he had shine underneath the mood lights in the room.

“You see that shit? That pussy just beggin’ for me, baby” he let out a grunt as he attempted to push into me again, my hand immediately flying to his stomach to stop him. “Wait!…promise it won’t hurt?” His head tilted, his face reading a ‘seriously?’ Look.

“I can’t promise you that. But I promise if you want me to stop, I will”

I stared at him for a while, thinking about my decision. I couldn’t really come up with a reason not to continue other than fear, but I knew he wouldn’t intentionally hurt me.

I slowly moved my hands and Erik took that as a sign to continue, attempting for the third time to push into me, only this time the tip of his dick successfully makes it in, a sigh erupting from my throat.

He watched my face contort as he continued to slide inside of me until our hips were touching.

“Fuck…” I mumbled, taking a deep breath. a moan seemingly interrupted everything else I did after that point, every move of my hips making my clit jump and throb, the pain that was once there before now withering away. He soon began to rock his hips into me, his hands slithering up my body and holding my bouncing titties in place. The stretching felt unbearable for a few minutes, my juices seemingly making it both better and worse.

Better by making the thrusts go smoother, but worse because he was getting deeper by the second, so deep that it felt like a bulge had appeared in my stomach, stopping right under my belly button when he thrusted in completely. I know that it was impossible for him to literally be in my stomach but that’s how it felt. And it started to feel good. Really good.

My mouth was stuck open, letting out pathetic whimpers.

“I’m hittin’ that spot, huh?” Erik spoke suddenly, caressing my jaw softly while looking deep into my eyes. I nodded slowly, my hands reaching up to grip the plush headboard above us.

“Unt, Unt. Talk to me, baby. Tell me how that big dick feel”

he groaned, giving me long strokes that had me feeling delusional.

“Yesss, it feels good, daddy—oh my god!”

My words slurred as he suddenly switched his pace, the clapping noise becoming more obvious. He leaned in on my body and wrapped his hand around my throat, adding light pressure while giving me life rendering strokes, my body shaking under him just that quickly.

“I feel it, princess. That pussy squeezing daddy so tight. Tight ass pussy”

he laid a harsh smack on my thigh and I yelped, my hands flying to his arms and my French tips scratching down his brown skin. I don’t know how he knew, but it felt like I was about to explode, my legs clamping around his hips before he let go of me and spread them back open, using them for leverage to thrust into me deeper, if that was even possible with how he was doing me now.

“FUCK!”

I shouted, my back arching and falling against the bed. He watched as my pussy creamed around him, leaving a white coat of it around his dick, just how he liked it.

“There you go, baby. Get that nut”

He smiled and began rubbing my clit. It felt like electricity was running up and down my body, my eyes rolling far back into my head as I moaned louder.

“Nah, look at me, I don’t want you thinkin’ of anything else but this good dick”

He used his other hand and put it behind my neck, pulling me up a little so that I was slightly folded, forcing me to keep my eyes on him.

looking at him felt different than looking away, as if the feeling intensified. It was like he was stealing my soul with just the glare of his eyes on me.

I felt weak and powerless, my last orgasm taking all of my energy. I couldn’t lie and say I didn’t like it either.

Knocking me out of my thoughts, I felt Erik’s hips snap into me, this time it was harder, one stroke taking all of the air out of my lungs as I gasped, holding my breath in my throat.

“Right there—“

I managed to choke out, my eyes trailing down to where we connected, watching him work his magic.

“What was that?” He asked cockily, thrusting into me all the way and swirling his hips. My eyes shut tightly, taking all of him in.

“R- right-..FUCK!”

I tried to speak, but only curses seemed to do me any good. My pussy was filled to the brim with him, my walls gripping him tightly. He rolled his hips with such skill, the shaft of his dick rubbing up against my gspot with the tip of him reaching the back of my pussy.

Him having a slight curve upwards only added to the pleasure, the curve helping him reach places that only he now knew existed.

He smiled at my response, thinking that he would ‘deal’ with my incomplete sentences later.

“I want you to tell daddy how good this big dick is. Explain to me how this dick make you feel again, princess”

He cooed, his tone becoming sweet which completely contradicted his strokes, his hips speeding back up.

I could barely talk, drool pooling into the sides of my mouth with tears leaving my eyes again.

“I- I-“

“Come on. Say it”

He taunted.

He knew I couldn’t, pressure in my stomach beginning to rise again. If he asked me what my name was in that moment I probably would have had to genuinely think before answering.

“This dick got you dumb, huh? My dumb little slut”

He mumbled, his words sending me over the edge completely. My body thrashed around as I squirted all over his dick, some of it getting on his stomach and chest. The force was so strong that it pushed him out, his heavy dick sliding right on top of my clit.

“Gahdamn, baby” he watched the rest of my juices drip onto the sheets, his dick now jumping from sensitivity.

“I-I’m done”

I breathed heavily and closed my legs, the two limbs shaking as if I had been freezing for hours.

“Nah, you getting the full experience, ma. Turn that ass around”

He grabbed my hips and flipped my limp body onto my stomach, earning a cry from me. He sat on top of my thighs and squeezed my ass with his hands, spreading my cheeks apart before spitting down onto my second hole, taking his thumb and spreading it around before slowly easing it inside of my ass.

I choked out another cry, the strange new found sensation making my eyes roll back painfully, my pussy clenching around absolutely nothing.

After a few seconds passed, he was back to his original pace, pounding into my pussy from the back while slowly thrusting his thumb into my ass, the feeling giving me goosebumps and sending a shock to my clit as he smacked on my ass with his other hand before shoving my head down into the pillows under me, muffling my screams.

He leaned down, getting closer to my ear while somehow keeping up his pace, his dick now twitching inside of me more frequently, showing he was close to cumming if the constant dirty talk didn’t already do that, saying things like

“Imma be the best nigga and the only nigga to ever beat this pussy up like this”

“This good pussy all mine? Yeah? Imma lucky ass nigga”

“She so wet for me, baby. She practically droolin”

“Keep grippin’ like that, you gon’ make daddy nut”

he grunted, smacking my ass harder as he dug into me deeply, my toes curling painfully. My pussy was now drenched, my juices spreading around my inner thigh and lips, more of my cream spilling out onto his dick. I was so wet that I couldn’t even feel him rubbing up against my walls anymore, now only feeling when he hit the limit of my pussy, the ‘wall’ not allowing him to go any further.

“Daddy, please”

I begged, the pillow making it come out in a hushed tone. My pussy felt so filled and overwhelmed, my clit getting so sensitive with the sheets rubbing up against it as I laid flat on the bed, letting Erik do his worst, or what I thought was his worst.

“Fuck—…That’s it, baby, lemme use this lil pussy” we both moaned in sync, the man letting my head come up from the pillow for air.

“SHIT!- I’m about to nut!”

He shouted, his thrusts becoming more sloppy and reckless, wet slapping sounds filling the room, accompanying the sounds of the headboard banging against the wall the faster he got, one of the picture frames on the wall falling down along the line. He pulls his thumb out of me and grips my ass harshly, softly biting the top of my ear.

“Keep squeezing, baby. Just like that”

He hums, kissing my cheek softly and pausing his thrusts, grinding his hips into me.

“Erik-“

my bottom lip quivers and he smacks my ass, making me whimper and drop my head into the pillows, shaking my head.

“Now try again” he adjusts himself on his knees again, scratching his neatly trimmed and glossed nails up the sides of my thighs, swollen red stripes following after.

“Daddy—“ I cried out as I felt him ram his entire length into me once more before filling me up with a harsh sigh and a jerk of his hips.

“Fuck…”

he groans and leans up. Slowly pulling his dick out, he watched as some of his cum follows after him, spilling out of me and sliding down to my sensitive clit, my pussy clenching.

—-

“Damn…is that how sex is for everybody?” I asked. It was about an hour later and I was laying there limp as Erik chuckled, grabbing a baby wipe out of my drawer and wiping me off, my hips bucking once he swiped over my clit with the baby wipe. “Nope. But if you stick wimme, I promise it’ll be like that” he kisses my back “every” another kiss. “single” another. “Time” he smacked my ass, causing me to pull my ass up into the air and whimper, my hand reaching back to rub the spot.

————

Hopefully the person that requested this likes it, I didn’t know if they were down with the kinky shit but most of my other work looks like this so fuck it lmao.

[happer08]

player interactions!!

Okay so this is the whole list of people ive met and the brief interactions. 

Kurtis Macdermid: his is very quiet, and kinda shy. He so so nice and will remember your name if you tell him. Ive met him a few times and hes always giggly and laughing at things people are saying. The last time i met him was right after he shave his beard into the full mustache he had going for this birthday and he pulled out of the lot with devon and rolls the passenger side window down and says my name then strokes the stache and says 

“You like the stache?” 

So hes a giant teddy bear and i adore him. Also his car smells good. 

Devon Toews: this man is whole comedian, making jokes and making everyone laugh every single time ive met him. Usually in the car with Kurtis, (devon drives). He also sticks his whole head out of his window for pictures which is fun. Hes funny and super sweet to the kids especially. 

Andre Burakovsy: this man drives the nicest car ive ever seen in person and he is kinda quiet but always sweet. Has apologized on multiple occasions for not having the time to stop and take pictures. The first time i met him (it was on his birthday) there was a small patch of ice near where i had been standing and i had my room resting on top of it and when he walked out and i heard his voice i shifted my weight wrong and almost slipped on the ice. He laughed at me and told me to be careful. 

The most recent time i met him he walked down the lot till he got to where a few of us were and just stood and sighed and talked for a while. His accent is precious and he smells super expensive but like intoxicatingly so. 

Cale Makar: I am convinced this man is an angel, like not joking at all. He stopped to sign for an old man that was in town to get something avs related for his wife (i will sob) and he drove out and took a ton of time talking and signing for this man and being extremely sweet before doing the same for everyone else. So here is how our interaction went. 

*I walk up to his window and introduce myself*

“Hey how are you?” He was SMILING. 

“Good good cale thank you so much for stopping” “Yeah no worries, by the way, your name is super pretty” *Me fully about to die* “thank you, i like it” *he laughed, we took a picture and he looked at me* “It was nice to meet you cale” “Yeah nice meeting you” DID YOU KNOW IM IN LOVE WITH HIM?!?

Erik Johnson: hes quiet and nice, signs and leans all the way out of his car to talk and take photos. Super sweet and you don’t feel like you are in a rush to get to him or get done. He feels very very familiar? In the weirdest way possible?? Like it felt like ive known him for a long long time??? IDK?? So we took a picture and he said “Hey that looks pretty good” and i laughed because god bless that man is HOT and as he was about to pull away after checking to make sure no one else needed anything i looked at him and said 

“EJ please buckle your seatbelt before you pull off” He locked eyes with me grabbed his belt “promise” then BUCKLED HIMSELF IN AND LEFT. 

Alex Newhook: Newy and i have met a few times and he is just like such a dude? If that makes sense? Like he doesnt give off hockey player vibes at all, he gives off college best friend vibes which is sick. Sometimes he rides with a Bo or Nak which is fun because they are funny together. The first time i met him i was just hanging out on his side of the truck he drives while people were talking and taking pictures with Nak and we were just talking and i asked him where his favorite place to go was during the season and he said boston and then asked if i had ever been. I told him no because the farthest east i have been is chicago and he looks at me and goes 

“We should go” HUH?!?  

Then the most recent he got out of his car and hugged me and remembered my name and brought up going to boston as a joke. 

This is the sweetest child alive i SWEAR. 

Josh Manson: big. Thats it. Just big. He asked me how tall i was when i was standing next to him, then called me short in a super sweet joking away. Accidentally matched his shoes to the color of his pants and didnt notice till i pointed it out. Hes super cool and like has puppy energy and laughs at just about everything you say and i adore him so so much. 

Logan O’Connor: another one that was just super sweet and charming. made a few jokes a out his car and how messy it was. i told him his hair looked soft and he like half offered to let me touch it but i definitely did not. then after i walked away i was talking a few others about him being “boyfriend material” and he heard me and half leaned out his window and goes

“thanks!”

Nico Sturm: very cute accent and kinda had nate like features. i met him the first home practice after the calgary game when he almost got hurt and i had my hand on the window sill of his car and just told him he scared me and i hoped he was okay and i swear this man put his hand over mine and said “i’m good are you okay i don’t like scaring you”

Mikko Rantenan: okay so i havent met him fully yet but he yelled at telling me he was hungry and not stopping because he wanted Chipotle? because hes a big hungry boy? that was the funniest part of my day?

Nathan Mackinnon: this one is a lot. I kinda blacked out? Like just a little? He has the bluest eyes iver ever seen, the are as clear blue as you could ever ever imagine and he tries HARD for eye contact. I complimented his car and he like rubbed over the steering wheels and goes “thanks i just got it washed” (dork) 

When i walked up the his window he goes “Nothing to sign?” And i just shook my head and said “not today just wanted to grab a picture or two” 

“Okay that works” After taking them he asked for my name and when i told him he just nodded which i think is weird but whatever. So i thanked him and walked away and he goes 

“Nice to meet you” and used my name. 

Everyday i regret every second of that interaction (fml)

[randomshyperson]

The Scarlet Witch Prophecy - The Second Year

Series Masterlist ||  Read on AO3

Summary: As the youngest daughter of Howard Stark, you have ordinary expectations for your years at Hogwarts. Little do you know what adventures await you when your destiny is intertwined with the legendary Scarlet Witch.

Warnings: +16. Adaptation of the Harry Potter Saga, Magical Thematic, Prophecies, Mentions of Violence, Torture and dark magic, Language (swearing and minor/major offenses), manipulation of will, Underage kissing, insinuation of smut with minors, Smut (overage), descriptions of death, aggression, obscurity, angst, fluffy, soulmates analogies.

Tag list ( let me know if you want to be tagged or removed idk haha) @mionemymind​ / @abimess​ / @stephanieromanoff​ / @yourtaletotell​ / @tomy5girls​ / @justagaypanicking​ / @thegayw1tch​ / @idek-5​ // @myperfectlovepoem​ // @helloalycia​ // @ENSORCELLME // @AIMEZVOUSBRAHMS // @imapotatao​ / @aimezvousbrahms​/ @ensorcellme​/ @helloalycia​

//-//

You missed the train in your second year.

You and Tony overslept after staying up late watching a television series, and Jarvis mentioned that he had to pick up some packages from your father at the Ministry of Magic, so he wasn't home to wake you up or take you two to the station.

It was already half past eleven when you both woke up.

"You lost your mind." You said to your brother as you watched him put your school luggage into the trunk of the muggle car your father had bewitched. Tony laughed, ignoring your protests.

"We can drive there, and then I'll charm the car to come back. No one will know."

"We could wait for Jarvis to come back too." You retort but Tony denies it.

"Jarvis will be at Mystery all day, you know how bureaucratic these orders from daddy are." He argues. "Come on, it'll be all right."

Things were not all right.

Tony couldn't control the car after you guys arrived on the Hogwarts grounds, since the magical barrier destabilized the entire muggle structure of the vehicle.

"That shouldn't happen." He grumbled as the car began to vibrate and its image became almost frosted before it returned to normal. 

"Tony, we're falling." You said, and your brother tried to pull the steering up, but the car did not obey.

A loud noise later, and you two landed hard against a tall tree. The Whomping Willow.

"I should have known that the Starks would think they can do anything in this school." Said Professor Erik Lehnsherr as soon as you were rescued from the top of the Willow, and taken to Principal Harkness' office.

"We're sorry, Professor Lehnsherr" You asked while your brother just clenched his jaw at the provocation. You nudged him in the ribs and he crossed his arms, apologizing afterwards.

"Sorry I'm late Erik, we're having some problems in the greenhouses" Principal Harkness said as she entered the room, she smiled at you and your brother, her posture was friendly and good humored, very different from the other man in front of you. "What was the immeasurable problem that you mentioned?" she scoffed lightly and Erik cleared his throat before speaking.

"The Stark siblings arrived at the castle in a magically enchanted muggle car, Headmistress." He narrated and Agatha blinked in surprise. "They broke at least three hundred laws of the institute of International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, and on top of that, they caused the damage to the Whomping Willow, which has been at the school since before they were born!"

"Wow, that's pretty serious." Commented the teacher, and Erik frowns in surprise at her tone. "Tell me, what spell did you use?"

Tony blinked in confusion, the principal was not angry. She was just curious. Before he could answer, however, Professor Erik let out an exclamation.

"Agatha, they broke the law and..."

"Are you the principal, Erik?"

"I... No, but..."

"That's what I thought." She interrupts with a sharp smile. "Give them some punishment, I don't know, a month's detention, those things we do here."

"Agatha, I think..."

"That's all, Erik, thank you."

Professor Lehnsherr looked as shocked as you. The principal waved with a smile at you as you left the room in company with the professor.

"Starting tomorrow, boy, you will be in detention with me every day." Announced Erik sternly to his brother. "And you, girl, I will discuss the conditions of your punishment with the head of your house and you can be sure I will tell him everything that happened in that garden." 

You and Tony swallowed dryly, intimidated by the menacing posture of the adult in front of you.

"To your dorms immediately." He ordered, and you walked side by side to the stairwell.

//-//

"I can't believe you did that!" Gamora impressedly remarked as soon as you joined her at the Slytherin table the next day, Nebula and Mantis by her side.

"Everyone is talking about it now." Nebula added as she ate some cereal. You felt your cheeks heat up as you looked around. There really were curious looks being cast at you.

"It was an accident." You said. "The car wasn't supposed to break down."

"It was dangerous and irresponsible." Rebutted Nebula without looking at you. "Typically Gryffindor, so my opinion is that you are walking around with Quill too much."

You rolled your eyes, laughing lightly.

"Hey, soon I'm going to start thinking you're from Slytherin, punk." Announced Tony as he approached the table, Steve and Bucky behind them. 

"You wish." You teased lightly. Noticing the quidditch uniforms, you bit the inside of your cheek. "Do you have practice now?"

"No, we' re just going to play a little bit." He says. "There's really nothing to improve here."

Steve and Bucky laugh at Tony's cocky statement, and you roll your eyes, smiling a little.

"You're so full of yourself, aren't you, Tony?" Steve says afterwards.

" That''s just facts." He retorts, reaching out to steal one of your toasts. "See you later, kid."

After they leave, Gamora looks at you.

"Did you tell him you're going to try out for the team?"

"No." You reply with a chuckle. "I want it to be a surprise."

//-//

The following week, tryouts for the quidditch team were being held at the stadium, and all the team captains, including the Flight teacher, James Rhodes, were present. 

He arranged the students in rows, and when Steve Rogers saw you he smiled encouragingly, waving. Tony walked over to you, equally excited.

"Pesty, why didn't you tell me you were going to take the test?" He asked as he hugged you quickly, and you felt your cheeks heat up as your classmates looked at you two with curiosity.

"It was a surprise." You retorted smiling and Tony messed up your hair before walking back with the other captains.

"We'll start with trios among everyone, and then separate you by houses." Announced Professor Rhodes with a smile. "Good luck everyone."

Your first trio were two students from Gryffindor that you didn't know. You would have liked to have taken the test with Peter, but he took the test with Pietro Maximoff, who had a wicked grin on his face, and almost knocked Peter off his broomstick when they were flying together. You grimaced angrily, and Wanda Maximoff glared back at you, as if daring you to do something against her brother. You rolled your eyes, and tried to pay attention to your own test. 

"Hey, could you try to stop that bludger for me to throw?" Asked the short boy who was from the trio you were facing. He was from Hufflepuff, and his name was Peter Parker, but you actually never met him, and you only knew his name because the blond Ravenclaw girl in the stands was cheering him on.

"Sure, i got it." You said waiting for the bludger to arrive. You blinked in surprise when the object changed course in the air. The bludger wasn't going to mess up your test, or hit any of your friends, but on that course, it was going to hit Pietro right in the back. You sighed, hesitating. Then you shouted, "Yoy, Maximoff, look out!"

Pietro blinked in surprise at your warning, and managed to duck at the last second. You didn't look at him again.

Next, your partner was Peter Quill, thank goodness. He smiled charmingly at you riding beside him, and you nudged him slightly.

You were going up against two other students who looked older, but neither you nor Peter were intimidated.

"Come on brat, you don't want to embarrass your brother, do you?" taunted one of the boys as you prepared to hit back the bludger coming from Pietro's direction. You barely thought about it, and shot back, hitting the boy who had provoked you right in the chest.

He let out a sharp exclamation of pain, and fell backward. You blinked in fright, and dove in with the broom, grabbing him by the cape just moments before he hit the ground. You let go of him next, the boy had a pained expression as he massaged your chest. But he looked annoyed at you next.

"Pay attention to your surroundings." Said someone next to you. You looked up to notice Professor Rhodes looking at the two of you seriously. You swallowed dryly, flying away afterwards.

You made it to the Hufflepuff team. Your brother smiled contentedly, waving to you as he greeted Wanda, who also made the Slytherin team.

After the Quidditch tryouts, you had a few classes, and then your first detention.

You were going to help the elves with the castle services, and were almost glad to know that you didn't get the same detention as Tony: cleaning the greenhouse.

In the second week, one of the elves asked you to seek a special concoction from Professor Lehnsherr, so you walked to the potions room.

"I am so disappointed with you, girl." You heard a male voice say from inside the room, the door ajar. For some reason, you hesitated to enter. "I told you before, you can't lose control. That puts everything at risk."

"I'm sorry, papa." Mumbled a female voice, almost tearful. "It won't happen again."

You raised your hand to knock, not wanting to be nosy. But the door opened in front of you. Professor Erik Lehnsherr had his hand outstretched in the air, and you swallowed dryly, feeling your cheeks flush.

"What do you want?" he asked angrily and you shifted your weight between your feet, recognizing Wanda in the room. 

"S-sorry to interrupt professor." You said. "I am looking for the cleansing potion for the elves. You know, for my detention."

Erik let out an impatient sigh.

"Maximoff, you can go." He said to Wanda. She nodded, ducking her head as she turned around. She glanced quickly at you as she left, but looked away when you stared back at her.

You left the room several minutes later. A package with several potions in it lay on your arm.

Whistling softly, you tried not to be intimidated by the dank, dimly lit corridors of the dungeon, but you were quite disturbed when you heard a noise.

You bit your lip, deciding if it was worth investigating. Leaving the package in the corner of the hallway, you drew your wand, walking toward the metallic sound.

As you turned the corner, you froze. A few meters ahead of you in the hallway was a troll. Metal chains on its hands and feet, the sound of them echoing down the hall.

But he was quiet, practically motionless. His reddened eyes sent shivers through your body.

You looked down and gasped.

Wanda had her arms raised in the air, and you saw her standing behind the creature, red magic escaping from her hands.

"W-what?" you found yourself whispering in confusion and then the monster's eyes flashed and he roared, the sound echoing loudly in the halls.

Wanda fell to her knees next, her hands returning to normal. You moved as the monster reacted again, enraged.

He was slow, so you dodged his attack easily, turning around. Before you could cast any spells however, there was a magic field around the monster.

"Return to your dormitories immediately, girls." Ordered Professor Lehnsherr with his wand raised. "I will control the creature." He was facing the troll, focused on his containment spell. You were annoyed because he didn't even look at his daughter.

You ran to Wanda, helping her to her feet. She blushed at the gesture, then thanked you. You took one last look at the monster before walking out into the hall.

"Hey, are you okay?" You asked once you and Wanda were alone.

"Yes, I... "She started and then widened her eyes, turning to you and pushing you by the shoulders. "You can't tell anyone what you saw!"

You frowned in confusion.

"Easy, there!" You exclaimed pushing her hands away, "You don't have to hit me."

Wanda sighed, running her hands through her hair.

"Just...please don't say anything to anyone." She ordered, in a much calmer tone now. 

"Merlin, it's okay." You retorted putting your hands in your pockets. "I don't understand why you don't want to tell something this cool, but okay."

Wanda blinks in surprise.

"Cool?"

You smile shrugging your shoulders.

"Sure. You did magic without a wand, that's amazing."

Wanda looks after you for a moment, her cheeks reddening.

"Don't you think it's scary?" She asks and you frown.

"What, of course not!" you assure her. "You can make as many pranks as you want and no one will ever prove you did it." 

Wanda smiles shyly at your joke, and then looks away.

"I promise I won't say anything, Wanda." You tell her and she sighs, nodding.

"Do you have any idea where the troll came from?

"No." She says. "I was walking back to my dorm, and I ran into him. There was no one else in the hallway." 

You make an understanding noise with your mouth, not quite understanding how the creature escaped from the castle dungeons.

You walk in silence to the corridor leading to the Slytherin dormitory.

"Well, here we are... I'll see you tomorrow" You say half-heartedly. Wanda smiles as she waves goodbye and you walk back to your common room.

None of you notice the figure hidden between the shadows and the purple light around the walls.

//-//

You begin to notice new things after your short conversation with Wanda.

The way the students at school talk about her is one of these things.

In a single day, you hear at least ten cruel comments about how quiet, mysterious and scary Wanda was. A lot of people at school thought that she and Pietro were some kind of evil twins, because nobody ever saw their mother, and there were rumors that maybe Professor Erik Lehnsherr had made them in one of his cauldrons. 

You didn't tell your friends what you saw that day, but you tried to bring up on the rumors you heard, and Gamora let out a giggle.

"People make a lot of things up here" she said while you were in pairs in Herbology class. "As far as I know, the Maximoff's mother is a muggle and that's why so many people in our house treat her that way."

You couldn't tell why these things were bothering you, since Wanda wasn't even your friend, but you guessed it was because you had always learned to hate the whole blood purity thing, since your father was a pureblood, but he married a muggle, and suffered a lot of hatred from the witch community that called him a blood traitor for years. You had a certain natural sympathy for Wanda now.

When Halloween came around, you ate too much candy, and your stomach hurt. All your friends were the same, and you decided to bet on a ghost race, a mixture of catch one, catch all and hide-and-seek through the castles.

You were being the ghost when you saw Peter Quill sneaking down one of the corridors, and you rushed to follow him, but then you heard a whistle, and you stumbled to hide quickly, and ended up falling on someone.

"Sor-Wanda!" You started to apologize but when you realized who you had bumped into, you exclaimed the witch's name awkwardly. "S- sorry" You hurried to say, feeling your face flush when you noticed her gaze on you. You stood up quickly, reaching out your hand to help her up. "Everything okay?"

"S-sure." She said smiling, and then she looked down. Your hands were still together and you quickly let go as soon as you noticed, feeling your face heat up.

"Err... you didn't see a Gryffindor boy walking by here did you?" You asked trying to lighten the mood, and looking around."I'm playing Ghost Race."

"This is a children game." She teased with a smile and you looked at her in surprise, blushing even more.

"I... I’m...."

"I'm just messing with you." 

"Oh, right." You sigh laughing lightly as Wanda follows you. The sound of her laughter makes your stomach turn, and you don't understand why, so you clear your throat and say you needed to get back to your friends.

"See you around, Hufflepuff." She says as she says goodbye. You try to focus on finding Peter after that.

//-//

Quidditch is as fun as it is stressful.

You eventually discover that Steve Rogers was extremely competitive when playing against your brother.

Slytherin's game with Hufflepuff was scheduled in three weeks, and he was already making the whole team practice the rehearsed plays daily.

After another exhausting practice, you sighed as you flew toward the empty bleachers, four seats occupied only by your friends.

"Do you have to chew so loudly?" Complained Nebula to Peter Quill as he ate a piece of apple pie that he probably saved from lunch. The boy made a face, shrugging.

"I can't wait until we can go to Hogsmeade." Gamora commented a moment later. "We saw the third year kids go out last weekend, when you were playing explosive snap with all those older gang."

You smiled as you took off your Quidditch gloves.

"That "gang" are Tony's friends, Gamora." You explained and the girl shrugged, looking almost jealous that you had other friends, making you smile.

"That Romanoff is scary." Mantis added and your friends nodded, making you laugh.

"Natasha may seem threatening when you first meet her, but I assure you she is a sweetheart." You hit back and then steal one of the mini apple pies that Quill brought. "By the way, I wanted to invite you guys over for Christmas. Tony is calling all his friends."

Mantis and Quill seem excited about the invitation, but Nebula and Gamora exchange a look.

"Look, I'm happy with the invitation, I really am." Gamora began. "But we can't accept it."

You look at them with confusion, finding it amusing in the seriousness.

"Why not, girls?"

"It's just... Your family..." Gamora mumbles trying to find the right words.

"They are blood traitors." Nebula adds seriously. Quill and Mantis both widen their eyes, and Gamora lowers her gaze in shame. You feel your stomach turn in irritation.

"I beg your pardon?" you retort angrily, but Gamora puts her hand on her sister's forearm, asking her to shut up.

"We like you, Y/N, you are our friend." She says. "But our father, he would never allow us to go to Howard Stark's house, not after what he did."

You let out a short laugh.

"And what exactly he did?" you retort, already gathering your gloves and broom from the bench. "What a horrible crime to fall in love with someone isn't it?"

"Please, we didn't mean to upset you..." Gamora starts but you huff in irritation, riding the broom.

"I can't believe you were thinking that about me and my family all this time." You interrupted angrily, shaking your head in disbelief. You flew away the next moment, toward the ground, intending to return to the castle.

//-//

You hadn't talked to Gamora and Nebula for a week. It was weird eating at the Hufflepuff table again, but at least Mantis and Groot kept you company. Quill seemed torn about choosing a side, but you teased him that he could stay with his girlfriend without thinking that you would no longer be friends, and he turned red as he walked over to the Slytherin table for coffee.

At the weekend, the quarterfinal game of the Quidditch championship took place, and you could barely eat properly at breakfast in anticipation.

Mantis wasn't much into quidditch, but she dressed in your house colors and knitted a little yellow sweater for Groot as well.

"Ready to play with me, kid?" Teased Tony as soon as you stepped onto the field, the Slytherin team on the opposite side. You smiled confidently, nodding.

"Attention, players, I want a fair game." Warned Professor Rhodes, who was also the judge of the match. "Mount your brooms and ascend into the air please."

In the air, your gaze met Wanda's, and you smiled slightly, but she just glanced away, appearing upset. You didn't understand why, but you didn't really have time to ask.

And then the whistle for the start of the match sounded.

Being a beater was especially tricky on cloudy days, because you couldn't see the ball clearly with the dark background of the sky, but you had enchanted your glasses before you set up, so you were doing a decent job.

It was during the second half match that you almost died.

Loki Odinson was the seeker, and he was almost reaching for the golden snitch when you looked at him. Your job as a beater was to keep the bludger away from your teammates, and to precisely prevent Loki from catching the snitch. You aimed the bludger at Loki's broomstick, to destabilize him, and it worked. But he didn't take it very well. 

Flying toward Erik Killmonger, the Slytherin beater, he grabbed the stick out of the boy's hand, and glared at you angrily before firing the incoming bludger right at you.

You managed to dodge it for a second, frowning as you looked back at Loki. But he had a mean look on his face, and before you could understand what happened, something hit you hard in the head, and you fell off the broom.

As you fell, your eyes grew heavy, and the last thing you saw were emerald eyes, accompanied by Tony's scream.

//-//

Your head hurt a lot when you woke up in the nurse's office.

Healer Cho smiled gently at you when she gave you some water as soon as she noticed that you had woken up.

And then you noticed the other curious faces around you.

"Will she get a cool scar?" Quill asked excitedly only for Gamora to slap his arm next. 

You fiddled uncomfortably with the bandage on your head. Tony looked at you worriedly.

"Damn it, don't ever do something like that again." He complained and you looked at him with confusion.

"It was your mate who shot the ball at me." You retorted and he sighed.

"Yeah, Loki is an idiot." He retorted angrily. "If Thor hadn't interfered, I would have broken his nose."

Then you found out that as soon as you fell, the game was stopped and everyone went down to the field. Tony tried to fight with Loki, but Thor stopped him, and all the teams almost started beating each other. You were taken to the nurse, and Professor Rhodes disqualified the Slytherin because Loki used non-verbal magic to bewitch the bludger to attack you. Even though you were angry, you were impressed that a twelve year old boy could do such advanced magic.

"Good thing Wanda reached you before you fell." Tony added after telling all. You felt your face heat up, and Gamora noticed and looked at you curiously. You decided to change the subject quickly.

"What are you two doing here anyway?" You asked snidely looking at them. "Since when do the health of blood traitors matter to you?"

Tony blinks in confusion, but Gamora takes a step to the side of your bed.

"We wanted to apologize for that." She says. "Our father is the one who thinks those things, okay? You're our friend, and we don't think that of you. Or your family"

You looked away from Gamora to her sister. Nebula nodded in agreement a moment later, and you bit one inside cheek before sighing.

"Right." You said trying to smile. "Can I go back to eating with you two then?"

Gamora laughed, agreeing. When you tried to laugh, your head hurt and your exclamation of pain attracted Tony's attention.

"You know what, I forbid you to play Quidditch forever."

"Shut up, you idiot." You retort, smiling.

//-//

Thanos won't let Gamora and Nebula spend Christmas with you, but that's okay. You ask Iron to deliver the gifts to her house with the pseudonym "Apple Pie" in the name, and received their response in thanks a few days later.

All of Tony's friends come to your house during the holiday.

Bucky goes on a joke saying that his brother spread all those mistletoes around to get some action, but you don't understand what he means.

There is a new kid named Sam Wilson in your brother's group of friends, and he becomes one of your favorite people quickly. He is very funny, and makes everyone laugh during dinner.

Quill almost knocks the tree to the ground when Bucky agrees to charm his shoes to fly, and everyone laughs when he gets hung up on the decorations. 

Your father arrives just before you cut up the turkey.

He is covered in soot, and looks exhausted. But he smiles and kisses you and Tony on the forehead, saying he will clean himself up before joining you.

"Can the little guy eat food?" Howard asks when Groot walks around the table. Mantis seems shy about explaining anything to your father, making you chuckle.

During the gift exchange, you giggle when Tony and Bucky start playing wrestling and Bucky miscalculates the punch time and hits your brother in the nose, who behaves like a crying baby, even though he has no mark on his face.

You fall asleep with a smile on your face on the carpet in the living room next to all your friends. 

Without having any clue about the worried look your father exchanges with Jarvis a moment after everyone falls asleep in the living room.

//-//

When you return to Hogwarts, there are many new announcements on the bulletin board that catch your attention.

You are not sure if you will really have the time, but decide to sign up for the dueling club with your friends.

This is how you end up in the main hall after the last potions period. The wooden tables had disappeared, and in the center you would find a large golden stage. Professor Stephen Strange was beckoning students to spread out across the room when you arrived.

"Come on dear, come closer" Professor Stephen asked the crowd, standing on the stage. "Can you all see and hear me? Good."

Professor Stephen spent the next five minutes explaining that the club was back in activity after some teachers had talked with Principal Harkness, and also spoke about the basic rules for participating and dueling correctly. Soon the students were all divided into pairs. As the crowd organized itself, you noticed the Maximoff brothers in the back of the room, and you looked away quickly when Gamora, who was your partner, caught you staring.

"Let's practice the disarm spell." Announced Stephen next.

It was easy because you already knew. Your father, in the few moments he was home, taught defensive magic to you and Tony. Spells were not your brother's strong suit, but he didn't mind helping you practice.

Gamora smiled impressed when you approached her to demonstrate correctly how to make the movement with the wand.

Your colleagues, however, didn't seem to be making much progress, so the teacher interrupted their practice with a whistle.

"I will demonstrate how to use the disarm spell correctly." He says as he takes the stage again. You exchange a look with Gamora when by your proximity, you hear him mutter that if the students paid attention to his lessons they would know how to duel correctly. "Please, Erik, could you assist me with this lesson?"

Professor Lehnsherr had been quiet throughout the practice, watching the students from afar. He did not smile as he walked on stage, his silver wand in his hand.

"Pay attention, please." Strange asked noticing the buzz that arose as soon as Erik took the stage. "Thank you, Erik."

The two professors got into a dueling position, and then Professor Stephen made a motion with his wand. A white glow escaped through the air towards the other man, but Erik made a quick movement with his own wand, and it was as if he absorbed the spell. You recognized the blocking spell easily.

"It is important that you know how to defend spells during a duel." Professor Stephen then spoke, smiling quickly at Erik, who did not reciprocate. "That could save your lives in a situation where you don't know which spell has been cast on you.

"It might be wise to teach the students some counter attack spells, Professor Strange." Added Erik with a slight challenge in his voice. Professor Strange didn't seem to mind however, smiling at the crowd.

"Great idea, Erik!" he said putting away his wand. "I need two volunteers, please."

A lot of people raised their hands, making Strange give a chuckle.

"I think it's best to choose students who won't turn the other one into a frog during the duel, professor." Lehnsherr commented bitterly, and Stephen sighed, running his gaze around. He smiled when he looked at you.

"Stark, would you like to join in?"  He asked gently, and you felt your cheeks flush as all eyes in the room went to you. Nodding shyly, you stepped onto the stage. "Who could your opponent be..."

"May I suggest someone from my own house, professor?" Interrupted Erik next, and without waiting for an answer, he turned around, "Wanda, come up here please."

The crowd erupted in hubbub as soon as the words echoed in the hall. But Wanda didn't hesitate, rushing to obey. You swallowed dryly, stepping forward.

"Great girls, let's start then." Said Professor Stephen smiling standing between you and Wanda. You didn't understand why she was looking at you so seriously. "Let's try the finite Incantatem, shall we?"

You and Wanda nod in agreement and the professor smiles, patting you two on the back to get you moving.

When you reach the dueling position, you raise your wand and wait for the teacher's order.

Wanda attacks first when he signals. And you just defend, which makes Professor Stephen give a little smile.

"Stark, remember to counter attack instead of defend, okay?" He asks and you nod, ignoring the stares at you. Wanda has a neutral expression as you get into a dueling position again.

A bright red spell comes at you as Wanda attacks again, and you have a second to think about fighting back, but hesitate, blocking it again. The crowd lets out a chorus of disappointment. 

Professor Stephen looks ready to say something, but it is Erik's voice that fills the room.

"The Stark girl is clearly hesitating to fight back the spell, Professor Strange." He says, and you feel your cheeks heat up, looking down at the floor. "Perhaps she should try to attack Wanda first instead."

Stephen exchanges a look with the other professor, and then turns his head toward you.

"Is it okay if we do it this way, Stark?"

You glance at Wanda quickly before nodding, feeling very nervous all of a sudden. "Let's get started then."

Raising your wand again, you take a deep breath. Wanda also gets into a dueling position, her eyes watching your movements. You swallow dryly, and think of the least offensive spell you know. And you say the words.

Nothing happens. 

Your wand lets out a small golden sparkle, and you frown in confusion. Some of your classmates laugh, believing that you have failed to cast a simple spell, and you feel your face heat up.

"I..." You start to say, wanting to apologize.

Professor Lehnsherr steps forward next to his daughter, looking at you curiously, but his tone is severe when he says.

"Again."

You ignore the stares and try again. It doesn't work. Your wand simply doesn't obey you. Feeling frustrated, you repeat the spell again. And again, louder this time. Your classmates seem as curious as you are.

Professor Erik moves around the stage, stopping a few feet in front of you.

"Try it against me now."

"Professor, I don't..."

"Now."

You swallow dryly, and aim in his direction. Ignoring the tremor in your hands, you repeat the same incantation. The magic immediately escapes, the golden glow rushes forward. Erik blocks it masterfully. A mixed look of curiosity and displeasure.

You immediately lower your wand when he takes two steps toward you.

"I don't know what happened, professor." You begin to explain quickly. "I don't..."

"Erik." Warns Professor Strange placing himself in front of you. All eyes on the three of you. Professor Lehnsherr forces a smile, which brings chills down your entire spine. 

"I'm just curious, Stephen." Said the other man, putting his wand away and raising his hand to smooth the professor's cloak in front of him. "Just innocent curiosity."

"Let's continue tomorrow night, please. " Professor Stephen announces in a loud voice afterwards. The students begin to move quickly in the hall. You want to ignore the feeling that everyone is talking about you as you come down from the stage. Your gaze immediately seeks Wanda, but she has her head down as she joins her brother, leaving the room quickly.

Gamora is very impressed when you join her.

//-//

"And then nothing came out of her wand!" Gamora told your friends impressed as soon as you were all together at breakfast.

You woke up feeling especially tired that morning, and were eating your cereal lazily.

"That's so weird." Nebula commented. "Do you have any idea why you can't bewitch Wanda?"

You deny it, eating a little. You got a lot of looks this morning, and you were getting pretty upset about the whole thing.

"Maybe it's because you like her." Gamora suggested a moment later, and you choked on your cereal.

After Mantis helped you, you took a deep breath, your cheeks flushed.

"Where did you get that from?" You asked annoyed. 

"I just meant that you seem to like her." She said with an insinuating smile. "Like a friend."

Gamora's tone clearly suggested something more, and you grumbled, turning your attention back to your cereal.

When your friends began to theorize about what the whole thing could possibly mean again, you stopped paying attention.

//-//

Tony laughed when you told him.

"I've never heard of anything like that, kid." He said as he took the scarf off his neck and threw himself on the couch in common room.

Technically, you couldn't be here. But it wasn't like people respected those rules anyway. 

You didn't come to the Slytherin common room much, because it was cold and empty, and Slytherin students weren't very welcoming to visitors. 

But Tony had many different classes than you, so you would only find him in the commons room by the end of the day. After you dismissed a free-flying session with Quill, you went to tell him what had happened at that morning.

"If you had joined the club, you would have seen it." You said straightening your position on the leather couch. Tony laughed.

"As if I was going to be a part of that." He scoffs. "I hate charms, you know that."

"You know it's one of the most important subjects, right?" you retort wryly, and Tony shrugs.

"I won't need that when I study Magic Mechanics with Dad."

You sigh, not wanting to talk about it again. Tony wanted to be like your father. A respected mechanical witch inventor. You didn't like the idea because it meant that Tony would be as absent as your father.

"Hey, why don't you try to figure something out in the reserved session?" He suggested next and you looked at him wryly.

"You're an example of a brother, you know that?" you teased making him laugh.

"Hey, if you're careful, no one will know you were there." He retorted and you sighed thoughtfully. "If you get caught, I'll say I dared you to do it."

"I doubt it." You retorted with a smile. 

Tony invites you to a game of wizard chess, but you tell him you need to get back to your dorm before some prefect comes to question you.

On the way out, you bump into someone who shouldn't be there either.

"Sorry." You say immediately, and Pietro looks at you curiously.

"Are you here to talk to Wanda?" He asks snidely, but although his tone is accusatory, his eyes are warm.

"What?" you reply confused, "No, I...I came to see my brother."

Pietro doesn't seem to believe you, crossing his arms.

"What's your deal with my sister, anyway?"

You frown in confusion.

"I don't know what you are talking about." You say uncomfortable with the conversation. 

Pietro stares at you for a few seconds, and then his expression lightens quickly and he smiles amiably.

"I'm just messing with you, kiddo." He mocks. "By the way, I never thanked you for that day at the Quidditch test. If you hadn't warned me, I wouldn't have made it as a seeker."

You blink in confusion and then smile awkwardly.

"No problem, Maximoff."

You nod in farewell, walking back toward the Hufflepuff dormitory, not noticing that Pietro continues to stare at you until you turn the corner.

//-//

The next morning, after your spell class is over, you tell Mantis to go ahead, because you want to talk to the professor.

"This is about the dueling club, isn't it Stark?" Professor Strange asks abruptly still with his back to you as he fiddles with his desk before you say anything. He turns around then, his expression slightly concerned. 

"I was just wondering if you have any idea why my magic didn't work, sir?" You say with your hands in your pockets. "Everyone at school is talking about it."

Stephen sighs, and he seems to hesitate about something. But then his expression softens, and he smiles.

"Don't worry about it so much, okay?" He says. "Maybe it's just the similarity of the core of your wands. If the material is the same, maybe your wands are sisters and won't harm each other."

You believe this for the first two seconds, but then frown.

"But Wanda was able to cast spells on me sir." You say and Stephen widens his eyes slightly, as if he has been caught lying. He clears his throat quickly, amiably smiling at you as he nudges you out of the room with him. 

"I'm sure there's a good explanation for this, but I don't have the answers right now, Miss Stark." He says and you have a frown as he is turning around, walking away down the hallway. "See you next class!"

You sigh, realizing that maybe your best chance to know what happened is Professor Erik.

//-//

Your next potions class isn't until midweek, so you try to do a little research in the library as Tony recommended you to do.

There is almost no material on magic connections in the library's common session, and you figure it's because it's an advanced and dangerous kind of magic.

"You know you could end up expelled if you try to take anything from the restricted session, right?" Gamora comments as you are sitting in the library, dozens of books around you as she helps you investigate. 

"I'll try for a permit first." You say with your face propped up in your hands. "If no teacher is going to tell me why this is happening, I'm going to have to figure it out on my own."

No teacher allows you into the restricted session. They justify that a second-year student has no reason to read such advanced magic, but you just feel that they all seem willing to stop you from finding out what is going on.

You plan to sneak in then. After the last period on Tuesday, and as soon as the library is empty, you ask Gamora to help you distract the librarian, and while she does so, you sneak between the shelves.

You look back to check that everything was all right as you enter, and almost fall backwards in fright when you bump into someone. Your heart races with fear when you observe Principal Harkness right in front of you, a curious look on your face.

"P-professor?" You exclaim. "I'm sorry! I was just..."

"Sneaking in." She completes with a smile. You feel your stomach sink, but the woman makes room for you to enter. "Come on honey, you don't need that. Make yourself at home."

You hesitate for a second, but then step forward, your curiosity for answers getting the best of you.

Following in the way the head master points, you end up deep in the library, many books you've never seen around you, their covers dark, and mystical, some of them moving on the shelves as if they were trying to break free.

"I heard about your little accomplishment at the dueling club." The principal comments beside you as you run your fingers through the covers. You shrug. 

"Nobody wants to tell me what's going on."

"Does that make you angry, dear?"

You blink in confusion, looking at the woman behind you. She looks back as if she was evaluating you.

"N-no, professor." You say putting your hands in your pockets.  "I'd just like to know what's happening."

Harkness blinks and then looks away. She makes a flick with her fingers, and there is a book flying toward you. It has a dark, medieval cover, and there is a magical shadow shrouding the entire book. It 's mainly scary.

"I found a lot of information about magic connection incantations, dear." She counters. "But it's nothing a second grade girl could understand, you know? Advanced magic for even the most experienced witches."

You frown, wanting to say that if she explained it properly, you could understand it perfectly, but being the director, you thought it best to just add:

"Please, professor. I just want to know what's going on."

Agatha smiles, and then puts the book back on the shelf, her eyes have a purple glow that makes your body chilly.

"Don't you understand, dear?" She starts by stooping down to your height, her hand caressing your cheek lightly. "You came in here, and flipped through the books. So many words you didn't know. You found nothing." She says and you see flashes in your head, her words taking shape like a memory. "And when you left, it just stopped being important."

Agatha smiles at you as she rests her hand on your shoulder for a moment, and you face her back. Giving her one last look, you walk in the direction you came from. 

When you leave, you only remember what you have been allowed to.

//-//

In potions class, you feel a tingling behind your eyes when you see Professor Erik. 

You have the feeling that you want to ask him something, but can't remember what it is.

Gamora mentions that maybe you wanted to know about what happened at the dueling club, but you smile as you deny it with your head, telling her that that story wasn't really that big of a deal.

She frowns slightly, but doesn't insist, believing that you had lost interest in the subject as well as the rest of the school.

//-//

You don't do very well on your Transfiguration test.

If you had to find an excuse, you would say that you haven't felt very well since the dueling club. Your magic has been difficult to shape and control. You don't want to think about it, though, so you just study until everything is back to normal again.

Professor Rocket gives you an "Acceptable" though, and you grumble slightly when the results arrive at your house during the vacations.

You write to your friends over the summer, sharing the results of your assessments. Gamora did well in everything, her grades as perfect as Nebula's. Mantis failed in Charms, but got Brilliant in Herbology, and surprised no one by that. Peter had at least three "troll" grades, and Gamora sent him a chocolate cake to make him feel better.

The week before last, there was a big commotion at the Ministry of Magic, and your father was away from home for three days.

Jarvis didn't let you and Tony run to hug him when he arrived, and before you could protest, you noticed that he had apparated in the house garden accompanied by two other wizards you didn't know.

No one seemed willing to tell you what was happening, and when the wizards left, your father locked himself in his office for the night.

Tony was very upset, and said he wanted to be alone in his room. 

"Jarvis, will you tell me what's going on?" You asked the butler when he put you to bed, worried that you were going to stay up waiting for your father. Jarvis sighed, sitting up with you. 

"Miss Y/N, there are many things that are not concerns for children." He begins, and you sigh impatiently. The man smiles gently at you. "It may not seem fair, but innocence is a privilege of the few."

"I just want to know why dad and Tony are upset." You complain with your arms crossed, not understanding the man's previous words. Jarvis fluffs your pillows, pulling the blanket to waist height. "Please, Jarvis, tell me."

The butler sighs.

"Just know that there are people in our world who don't have the best of intentions." He explains mysteriously, causing you to frown. "But that's not something for you to worry about, because the adults have taken care of everything. Now, go to sleep miss."

Jarvis reaches out to turn off your lamp next and stands up. You sit in the dark for many minutes before you decide to fall asleep.

[dross-the-fish]

Given how off-putting Adam is in appearance, how long did it take for characters of the gang to get used to him and stop seeing the uncanny valley? Were they more likely to stare or avoid looking at him? (I apologize if that sounds harsh. I like Adam and know it’s not fair, but people tend to act that way, even good ones.)

Watson is an army doctor and the partner to the world's greatest detective. He has seen some shit and he's got a pretty strong stomach. He didn't turn a hair when he saw Adam.

Quincey is more sheltered so he struggled to look Adam in the eye at first but got over it pretty quick.

Hyde was unmoved. Jekyll is also a doctor and while Adam is unusual and kind of horrifying it's not more than he can handle.

Selma is a monster hunter, she's seen worse.

Theo is a little frightened, tiptoes around him at first until she's sure he's not going to hurt anyone. Adam found that annoying but let it go.

Erik is afraid of him. Adam didn't understand how or why given what Erik himself looks like but Erik wasn't prepared for an actual 8 foot tall zombie to exist. Eventually Erik will get over it.

Larry is to wrapped up in being a werewolf and feeling horrible about it to actually care