#2 of the sheep share a nickname with me

[cats-and-hydrangea]

😴💭🐑🤍👨‍❤️‍👨

[steventhusiast]

STWG prompt 2/6/24

prompt: coming out

pairing/character(s): steddie, Dustin, Lucas, Mike

. . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

Eddie fucked up. Big time.

See, he's truly embraced his freak status at Hawkins High. Meaning he doesn't exactly shy away from his queerness. He doesn't confirm it, not for people he's not friends with. It's just useful. Being gay is the kind of 'freak' that makes the popular kids steer clear from him, just in case they, you know, catch the queer from him.

But with his fellow freaks? They know he's gay.

In fact, they know he has a boyfriend.

He never shares who said boyfriend is, or the fact that he used to be nicknamed The Hair, because Steve doesn't want anyone to know. He's.. private about his sexuality, to say the least. And Eddie gets it. Hawkins is in the middle of nowhere, it's not exactly gay-friendly like some parts of bigger cities. So his friends don't know who his boyfriend is.

They won't until well after Steve's come out to his own friends, which he hasn't said he's ready for yet. Eddie's letting him go at his own pace, he doesn't even bring it up to him. He doesn't want Steve to feel pressured. Steve doesn't have a Wayne there to support him through everything, after all.

Anyway, despite him being anonymous, Eddie always gives everyone an update on his boyfriend before they start the session of DnD each week. It's kind of a bit for everyone involved at this point.

And in the first session that Eddie's newest fresh sheep attend, he refuses to shy away from it. Either they'll be bigots (unlikely) or they'll be fine with it! It's a risk he's willing to take for his pride.

So he gives the update.

"How's your boyfriend, Ed?" Gareth asks with a teasing grin, and Eddie's closest friends lean toward him with giggles.

"Well, my sweetheart has had a great week. Remember that job I told you he'd applied for?"

"Assistant basketball coach for a kids team?" Jeff checks, and Eddie points at him like he's just scored a point.

"That's the one! He got the job! It's a bit of a drive but it sure as shit beats the minimum wage bullshit he was doing before. I swear, his manager actually hates his guts for no reason."

The existing Hellfire members all cheer at the news, whilst one of the new recruits, Henderson, makes an inquisitive noise and chuckles.

"That's crazy, because my friend Steve called me yesterday with super similar news! Small world, huh?" He says it so casually, looking down straight after to fiddle with his dice.

But Eddie feels like the world stops, his hands freezing in the middle of unfolding his dungeon master screen. Fuck. Henderson is one of Steve's kids.

Maybe no one has actually caught on yet. A sneaky glance to his friends reveals nothing but confused frowns on their faces.

"You guys might have known Steve, actually. Steve Harrington? Used to be a mega asshole through most of high school." Wheeler says in a way that somehow sounds simultaneously fond and like he despises Steve.

"He's great now, though! Like, totally reformed. Such a mom." Sinclair adds on.

Eddie nods passively at their words, and feels Gareth, Jeff and Paul's eyes on him. Right, he's still frozen in shock. He forces himself to relax, and finally finishes setting up the DM screen.

"Haha, what a coincidence." He manages, clearing his throat in the middle to clear up an unfortunate voice crack.

That voice crack gets all three of the kids to tilt their heads at him, and then their eyes light up like they've just won the lottery.

Shit shit shit. Hopefully they haven't put two and two together.

Somehow, he manages to make it through the session without revealing anything else, but as he draws it to a close his heart starts beating faster. He doesn't know how he didn't put it together before that these kids are Steve's kids. Steve is literally going to be late to their date night because he has to pick them up from an afterschool activitiy.

What other club meets up on a Friday but Hellfire?

He shakes his head and starts speeding through packing up his stuff. He's going through in his head ways to apologise to Steve in case the kids have figured it out, heart beating out of his chest as he zips his backpack up and leaves the room. The group of newbies run out after him, though.

"Eddie, wait up!" Henderson shouts after him, and he winces but stops.

"What's up?" He says with what he hopes is a smile but is probably a grimace.

"It's so funny how you're Steve's secret boyfriend." Henderson says with a giggle after he's checked no one else has left the drama room yet.

Wait, what? Eddie frowns at him, mouth open. Before he can question anything Sinclair nods along in agreement.

"We've been guessing for weeks now. You can't tell him we found out through you, I want to win our bet."

"If we figure out who his boyfriend is by the end of the month he's taking us to that tabletop RPG store in Indy." Wheeler adds on.

Eddie gapes at them for another second.

"Wait, Steve- he came out to you? When?" He manages, and the three boys tilt their heads at him.

"Like, since a month ago?" Sinclair guesses after a moment of thought, and Eddie lets out a quiet 'huh'.

"What, do you guys not talk about that shit?" Henderson asks, and Eddie shakes his head slowly, thinking back on if he had been told and had just forgotten.

Then it clicks. Just under a month ago, Steve had started to bring up the topic of coming out, and Eddie had gently insisted he didn't mind if Steve never came out and that he loves him anyway and he doesn't want him to feel pressured. And Steve had smiled fondly and let it go.

Had Steve been trying to tell him he came out to his kids?

He lets his head drop and takes a few deep breaths, trying to slow his heart rate. Thank fuck. He hasn't just accidentally outed his boyfriend.

"He's actually waiting for us in his car. I would say come with, but..."

"We're serious about this bet."

Eddie nods, and waves his hand in their general direction.

"Yeah, of course. Sure. You- you go win that bet. Jesus christ."

He hears them walk away and lets out an incredulous laugh to himself before he hears the drama room door swing open again, the chatter of Jeff, Gareth and Paul cutting off when they see the state he's in.

"You good, man?" Paul asks, and Eddie just lets out a sigh.

"Totally fine. Just thinking about wooing my sweetheart." He says, like they've walked into a joke he's set up.

They all groan, but continue walking toward the school's exit, and Eddie stays there, recovering from that shitshow.

[phantommaws]

My Hange Zoë HC’s

The man, the myth, the legend. The 14th Commander of the Survery Corps and eccentric Titan lover, Hange is my favourite character from AOT and is pretty much my absolute comfort character, so I just wanted to share some very random headcanons which I have come up with while working on my fanfics. Some are canonical information that I have expanded upon, some are inspired by others that I have seen, and some are completely original. (All I ask is that you please don’t attack me for any that you may disagree with)

Feel free to ask me any questions about these.

1) AFAB, mainly uses gender neutral pronouns but also comfortable with feminine and masculine ones.

2) They are pansexual and genderfluid, and I also hc them as somewhat polyam as I ship them with Moblit, Levi, and Pieck (kinda controversial, I know)

3) Zoë Avery Hange is their full legal name, but they prefer to use just Hange because it’s more gender-neutral. They dislike their middle name.

4) Hans is a nickname given to them by their Father who was killed by an abnormal on a scouting expedition while they were little. It came from Hange’s difficulty with saying their surname as a child as they would say their surname was Hans.

5) A few years after their father’s death, their mother remarried; it was their stepfather that made Hange run away to join the Cadets.

6) Forced to live as a girl when they were young as their stepfather accused their mother of “enabling” Hange’s “delusional behaviour”

7) They have very little regard for their own safety because of their stepfather not caring about what they were doing.

8) Has younger half-siblings who are the golden children of the family - Hange is the black sheep in their stepfather’s and half siblings’ eyes.

9) They had a girlfriend in the early days of being a cadet and the pair were incredibly close, but their partner died on an expedition. Moblit was the first person who they loved afterwards.

10) After Moblit’s death, Levi caught them during a depressive episode and was able to stop them from doing anything stupid. He was there for them through the grieving process and it only made their friendship stronger, and it progressed into a full-blown romance.

This is all I have for the time being. I’m still coming up with more of these as I write, and I’m hoping for the first chapter of my post-rumbling LeviHan fic to be published soon too.

I will most likely be making a part 2 of this in future.

[forabeatofadrum]

Happy Wednesday. Happy Heartstopper Eve. Thank you @aroace-genderfluid-sheep, @wellbelesbian and @blackberrysummerblog for the tag. It is my last Wednesday in Italy. Buttered Scone #2 is accompanying me on this fine evening by sitting next to me.

I have learned from past mistakes and I am writing this directly into the notes app, so that I don't lose it in case the Internet gets fucked again. It is appropriate that Buttered Scone #2 is here, because I came up with some fic. This is Simon's POV:

My cat isn't actually called Buttered Scone. When I adopted her, the ad at the shelter said that her name was Agatha. It is a fine name. It just happens to be the name of my ex.

Penny lamented that I should rename her, but that feels wrong. Buttered Scone probably had a home before. So I decided to give her a nickname. When I told Penny, she said she understood and then she suggested I should name Agatha after something or someone I do truly love (unlike Agatha, she implied) (painfully blunt, but true).

So I nicknamed her Buttered Scone.

The absolute moment I finished writing that down, Buttered Scone #2 got up and left. I didn't even get a cute picture to share.

And now, the weather: @quizasvivamos @blurglesmurfklaine @coffeegleek @esperantoauthor @otherworldsivelivedin @caramelcoffeeaddict @sillyunicorn @bazzybelle @dragoneggos @raenestee @tectonicduck @nightimedreamersworld @urban-sith @thnxforknowingme @captain-aralias @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @justgleekout @tea-brigade @ivelovedhimthroughworse @moodandmist @whogaveyoupermission @bookish-bogwitch @confused-bi-queer @ionlydrinkhotwater @1908jmd @special-bc-ur-part-of-it @larkral @chen-chen-chen-again-chen ​ @cutestkilla ​ @artsyunderstudy ​ @martsonmars ​ @facewithoutheart ​ @shrekgogurt @boyinjeans @rockitmans @bitbybitwrites (welcome to the CO madness!) @whatevertheweather @cerriddwenluna

[vertumnanaturalis]

i finished drawing, cirrus, connie, stratus, cumulus, nimbus, nena, chino, ves (one of my favorites!! they look so cool.), misu-misu, kelvin, mac, pan, whimsy and praline for the first time.

im trying to get stuff set up to do more detailed designs!!! :D

i was also wondering if i could get some notes on the characters? right now im only drawing them once and not really doing much with them, but when I color them i want to know what you imagine them to be. also, for the newer post, it doesn't have the full names. could I have those, too?

this is a lot of fun to do, so thanks again for giving me the permission to!

I'm so excited to see it!! I made you some more detailed notes on Nem's little brothers (below the cut) and got some basic colors for the rest of them, so while it's not everything I hope this is good for now ^^,

and as for names and such, here you go! The bolded information is whats pulled from canon, the rest is my interpretation

Cirrus - He/Him - 6 at landing (turns 7 before Sol wakes up) - Anemone's little brother, one of the triplets

Stratus - He/Him - 6 at landing (turns 7 before Sol wakes up) - Anemone's little brother, one of the triplets

Cumulus - He/Him - 6 at landing (turns 7 before Sol wakes up) - Anemone's little brother, one of the triplets ; Kid with an animal tail augment (fennec fox)

Nimbus - He/Him - 3 at landing - Anemone's littlest brother, explicitly not one of the triplets

Nena - Nectarine - She/Her - 5 at landing - Photosynthesis augment ; A possible death if the bomb goes off during Glow 18

Chino - Maraschino - He/Him & She/Her* - 2 at landing - Firestarter augment

Ves - Effervescence - He/Him (& They/Them post-Helio) - 5 at landing - Nocturnal vision augment

Misu Misu - Mistletoe - She/Her - 6 at landing - An orphan from the wormhole crash now being raised in the creche ; Attempts to sneak out through one of the drainpipes as a child ; Sorrel and Thicket’s baby sister

Kelvin - He/Him - 6 at landing - A kid with a family who's still being raised in the creche ; Attempts to sneak out through one of the drainpipes as a child

Pan - Panache - He/Him - 2 at landing - Kelvin's brother, who is notably not being raised in the creche ; A possible death during the Glow 14 attacks

Mac - Macaroni - She/Her & He/Him* -1 at landing [design reflects age 2+] - No pain augment

Connie - Contrivance - He/Him - 1 at landing [design reflects age 2+] - Shark tooth augment ; A possible death during the Glow 14 attacks

Whimsey - She/Her - 0 at landing [design reflects age 2+] - Kid with an animal ear augment (sheep ears & horns) ; An orphan from the wormhole crash now being raised in the creche

Praline - She/Her - 0 at landing [design reflects age 2+] - Kid with an animal ear augment (goat ears & horns) ; An orphan from the wormhole crash now being raised in the creche

Benji - Benzodiazepine - He/Him - 0 at landing [design reflects age 2+] - Kid with an animal tail augment (dog)

Ena - Enigma - She/Her - 1 at landing [design reflects age 2+] - The last child born in space, just a short while before coming through the wormhole

(* a child named Maraschino with the nickname 'Mara' and 'she/her' pronouns is listed in the games files, but the Maraschino encountered in-game is called Chino and referred to with he/him pronouns. I decided to take them both as canon and have Maraschino use both freely from a young age, a trait I also gave Mac. For consistency, I usually use he/him for Chino and she/her for Mac.)

A public copy of my npc list is 99% ready to share, I just need to make a quick opening page and it'll be ready to go, so hopefully I'll be posting that later today.

And the more detailed notes for the brothers

[thepachy]

A group of 5 men from the resistance tried to attack a cult outpost or what they thought was one, not even knowing the mistake they made.

They were all standing there in front of the building inside the walls, surrounded by Jacob’s elite hunters, any move and they were shot straight in the head. They could see the chosen with some judges and far away the prisoners in their mediocre cages where they will end if they were lucky enough, and right in front of them, him.

The oldest brother, smirking at them. they knew they were done and how stupid their idea was, they were gonna die or forced to join, both were bad endings.

After a long silence, Seed finally stopped his little grin and spoke: "only a little group of 3 men from the whitetails militia to come here ?" they all looked surprised. They were 5 not 3, why would he say that ? As they stayed fixing the Soldier closely, Jacob glanced at one of the young men and as he started another devilish grin, in an instant the young man took his knife and slit the throat of the other man in front of him.

5 - 2, 3, just like he said, it was so quick that they didn’t even had the time to understand that all this had already been planned. The 3 men turned to their traitor, they were so taken by surprise that they were like frozen after the terrible act.

"You’re weak, he said, and so easy to lure" the man then took his shirt off and walked towards Jacob, revealing his sins carved on his skin, he was one of them. They couldn’t believe the one they trusted and had helped planned this for weeks was one of them. A hunter brought back a leather jacket and gave it to the man, on the back was painted this damn cross and a deer skull.

Seeing this, one of the men thought of some rumors concerning a member of the cult, discreet and rarely seen by outside members, his nickname sounded something like "the deer", was it him ?

"Wh- why ?! One of them shouted at this betrayal

-I led the little herd of sheep into the wolf's trap" said the man with a grin mimicking Jacob’s one and adding with a little chuckle like if all this was nothing more than a joke "that my purpose".

They knew it was the end after that masquerade, they just put their weapons on the ground and knelt down. Again the Soldier won and showed that he had the control over everything and everyone. They were trapped in the claws of the wolves. How could have they been fooled so easily ?

How could they have known that the frail-looking deer among them was actually hiding wolf teeth ?

Jacob watched the despair in their eyes as the chosen pushed them to the ground, keeping them for later…

The deer lured the herd, as it was his purpose

_________________

Ok so ! Sorry it took me ages because of school but I’ve been tagged by @la-grosse-patate and @cassietrn for some wips but i wasn’t feeling like sharing my little sketches and it’s technically the first time i put something out of my mind and i wanted to just write like a little introduction for Eric

Also sorry i had to ask some friends to correct it but i hope you stil liked

somehow

[skiplo-wave]

tagged by @trekkitkat and @sullxo (✿◡‿◡)

What book manga are you currently reading? Pumpkin Night, imagine Carrie but in Japan but more fucked up, extremely gory, and batshit insane

What's your favourite movie you saw in theatres this year? Only movie I saw in theaters' 2022 was Black Adam :/ very mid movie. I can't remember any movies I watched last year damn.

What do you usually wear? Well if I'm not at work which is 5/7 days of the week lol, graphic t-shirt, ripped jeans, and a hoodie. But I live in georgia so sometimes it's spirit jersey and black jeans :)

How tall are you? 5'7"

What's your Star Sign? Do you share a birthday with a celebrity or a historical event? Pisces. Emily Blunt (nice share b-day with a Milf >:3), that sheep that got cloned also national banana bread day :D

Do you go by your name or a nickname? On here usually skip. IRL my name is said in different ways depending on person

Did you grow up what you wanted to be when you were a child? Kinda. I wanted to be an artist, so got degree in graphic design....yeah.

Are you in a relationship? If not, who is your crush if you have one? Idk :/ there's was guy I was talking two we meet twice in person and now he's kinda M.I.A I was told to let me try ask me out on date since I did it first 2 times. Y'all relationship folks give me some advice or should I just drop him?

What's something you're good at vs something you're bad at? You ask me about movies I'll infodump shit out you! Bad uhhh procrastination

Dogs or cats? Doggies! I have AJ but I really want another dog now but mom sick so unless I move out no new dog :(

If you draw/write, or create in any way, what's your favourite picture/favourite line/favourite etc. from something you created this year? I write so much fanfic here look at my chainsaw man fics

What's something you would like to create content for? One day write fic of my ocs but only when I'm not hyperfocus on a fandom :'D

What's something you're currently obsessed with?

What's something you were excited about that turned out to be disappointing this year? Going to Legoland Orlando and yeah saw more flaws than good at this thempark aimed for 12 year olds smh

What's a hidden talent of yours? Your guess good as mine lol

Are you religious? Kinda. Hate going to church because I want sleep in

What's something you wish to have at this moment? Good ass cooked meal at home but I'm fucking lazy so probably eat bag of cheeots before bed :'D

tagging: @peacesmovingcabaret @werewolf-cuddles @drumcorpshero @thottiehardy @shiggy-stan

[magnolia-rhodes]

– character inspiration: serena van der woodsen (gossip girl), elle woods (legally blonde), emma woodhouse (emma by jane austen), kitty scherbatsky (anna karenina), karen smith (mean girls), meg thrombey (knives out), amy march (little women), madicken (madicken by astrid lindgren), daphne (scooby doo), anneliese (barbie as the princess and the pauper), sansa stark (asoiaf), rachel green (friends), rory gilmore (gilmore girls), trina vega (victorious), phoebe borehall-blaxworth (you)

{ SABRINA CARPENTER, 19, CISWOMAN, SHE/HER } Is that MAGNOLIA ‘LOLA’ RHODES? A FRESHMAN originally from CHARLESTON, SC, they decided to come to Ogden College to study CLASSICS. They’re the SPOILED SWEET on campus, but even they could get blamed for Greer’s disappearance.

the basics.

full name: magnolia faye rhodes nickname: lola, mags, lia birthdate: 2 july 2003 birth place: charleston, sc big six: cancer sun, leo moon, sag rising, gemini venus, cancer mercury, pisces mars gender: ciswoman orentiation: bisexual

the context. 

parents: george rhodes ( managing director for a hedge fund 🤢 ) & athena rhodes ( née dowell,  stay-at-home-mum ) siblings: fox (28), aspen (26), dahlia (25), heather (23) & bluebell rhodes (22) 

lola began her existence as a happy accident. after the birth of their fifth child, george and athena rhodes had decided to throw in the proverbial towel. five kids were more than enough, thank you very much. one more and they’d have to start travelling in two different cars. and yet, for all their rationalising and self-affirming nods that served to underline five as the magic number, there it was. that bright red plus, almost staring back at them. turns out it hadn’t been that magic after all.

george and athena had met during their college days, the sort of relationship where the sparks are instant and unquestionable. and perhaps the initial zing of puppy love had faded with time, or perhaps it had grown with them, but the love remained all the same. unconditional, unwavering, undeniable. and as the family grew, so did the love. morphed and changed and made place for the rest of them. 

she grew out without a want in the world - love, opportunities, material goods, attention. the sort of doting upbringing that, while well-intended, makes monsters of teenagers. the sort of upbringing that is sorely lacking in boundaries. in learning to be challenged. the sort of environment that never teaches a child about the realities of being rejected. as a result, magnolia has managed to float through life without ever coming into contact with real conflict - loving home, straight into the popular crowd at school. which means she’s made it all the way to college with absolutely no life experience. 

the person.

+ soft-hearted, effervescent, engaging, free-spirited, magnetic - self-centred, ditzy, inconsiderate, gullible, indecisive, passive primary trope: spoiled sweet secondary tropes: it’s all about me, princess classic, sheep in sheep’s clothing, dumb blonde, nice girl, horrible judge of character,  secret-keeper, in love with love, never my fault, team mum, upper-class twit

there’s maybe something about the way she looks, or the way she carries herself, that makes you think she’s a bitch. maybe it’s the meticulously done nails, the perfectly coordinated outfits, the tendency to travel in a pack with other girls. she’s the archetypal mean girl, right down to the blonde blow-out. only, there’s one crucial component missing: she’s not that mean. and does it not make some sort of strange sense, for a child who was so fervently showered in love and affection to have an abundance to share in return?

she’s a bubbly, social thing – always in conversation with someone, always looking for ways to connect. more than anything, she’s well-intentioned. the type to offer a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand. to remember your birthday. to notice the little things. to go to extreme lengths to make you feel seen. 

having lived a somewhat socially sheltered existence, there is a quite noticeable disconnect with the way she relates to others. it’s not intentional, but she has a habit of putting her foot in it without noticing. saying the wrong thing, not considering the implications her actions may have on others. and because the idea that she means well is so deeply encoded in the way she sees herself, she has a genuinely hard time recognising when she’s in the wrong. 

on top of that, she’s incredibly conflict averse. meaning she may pay lip service to whoever she’s speaking to, just to stay on their good side. without really noticing that that’s what she’s doing. 

[yourself-coach-blog]

From Setbacks to Comebacks: Harnessing Failure as a Catalyst for Personal Growth

| Unlocking the Transformative Power of Failure: 3 Key Values You’ll Gain! |

Before diving into my personal insights, let's narrow in on three powerful values you can anticipate gaining from reading my post, which will serve as essential tools in your journey towards achieving your own goals. By engaging with this content, not only will you uncover the essence of resilience, but you will also learn how to leverage your setbacks as stepping stones to success, ensuring a traumatic return in investment for you and equitable compensation for me.

Now, here’s what you can expect:

1. Enhanced Self-Reflection: You'll learn how introspection can elevate your self-awareness and decision-making.

2. Strategic Resilience: Discover the methods that enable you to bounce back from setbacks with renewed vigour.

3. Empowering Accountability: Understand how taking responsibility can transform your path to success.

Intrigued? Let’s delve into my experience! I won’t speak on anything I have not experienced. Truth be told, I initially had three alternative topics ready to blog about today, but when I stumbled upon your question, I got so fired up that I cancelled all three to focus on this. Why, you might wonder? It’s because I live for this! I share more on topics like this in my blog, which you can find linked somewhere in this answer; I know you will find it enlightening. That being said, this is a deeply personal topic for me, and I speak from a place of clarity.

Let me paint a clear picture for you: Picture a chilly evening beneath a cold, clear sky. I was around five to eight years old, living in a family dynamic with my father, mother, and siblings. In those days, I remember what I chose to call “amazing grace."” I observed that while my parents and siblings faced their bad days, they seemed to excel in life bizarrely and calmly. To me, life resembled a battlefield, with victorious skirmishes sometimes interrupted by vacation-like stretches. As a child, my imagination ran wild with the idea that life was an adventure.

Yourself Coach Blog

However, as I grew older, life took a turn that I never expected. Even before my first independence, while still dwelling under the same roof as my parents and siblings, I felt stagnant in my accomplishments. In fact, it felt as if I was going in the opposite direction, earning the nickname “black sheep of the family.” This realization gnawed at me. I was the polar opposite of my siblings, and oh, how that bothered me! The deeper I delved into my life's journey, the more pronounced that frustrating question became, “Why can’t I be as good as my siblings?”

This persistent inquiry haunted me, squeezing my confidence and self-worth like a vice. Just like any of us, I tried to fight it back. Unfortunately, it felt like life was delivering one punch after another, constantly mocking me. Despite different motivation strategies through external resources, from videos to quotes, I'd feel energized, only to crash again when life slapped me down to the ground. Each time I tried to pick myself up, I felt cynically encouraged by the idea of nearing my goals, only to be thrust back into despair when life knocked the wind out of me.

Life had effectively defeated me. But lucky for me, I wasn’t done yet. While grappling with my overwhelming sense of defeat, I found those external resources calling back to me. This was my moment. Unlike before, when I focused on their motivation, I now faced the truth: I had to change what I was doing.

Here’s where the theory comes into play: instead of relying solely on external validation, I started having sincere conversations with myself. Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." These conversations became essential.

Theory 1: Self-Reflection: Engaging in self-reflection can lead to greater self-awareness, as noted by psychologist Dr. Tasha Eurich, who says, "Self-awareness is the ability to see ourselves clearly and objectively through reflection and introspection."

Theory 2: Asking the Right Questions: A powerful tool for self-growth is asking the right questions. Socrates famously claimed, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” This became my guiding principle.

The key moments for me were recognizing my life's lows—moments when life knocked me down—and asking myself, “What was I doing in the timeframe just before this blow?” This process illuminated my journey more than once.

Theory 3: Accountability: I applied the concept of accountability, which Harris J. Kelsey describes as “the cornerstone of building trust with ourselves and others.”

My approach transitioned deeper into clarity and direction, enabling me to resist the clutches of self-doubt. I became selective in my external resources. I recognized that it was no longer about hastily grabbing whatever self-help material was trending. Instead, I sought guidance I truly needed.

Theory 4: Selective Learning: Dr. A. H. Maslow explained that “If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” I learned more about intentional resource selection.

My progress was measured in conscious steps, which echoed the following wisdom from Lao Tzu: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." However, failure still listened closely in my new adventure. This time, when I stumbled, my mindset shifted. Instead of spiralling into self-pity, I asked, “Why did this happen?”

Theory 5: Growth Mindset: Dr. Carol Dweck emphasizes that adopting a growth mindset means seeing failures as opportunities for development, not as indicators of inadequacy.

Theory 6: Psychological Resilience: According to psychologist Dr. Martin Seligman, “Resilience is not just about bouncing back; it's about profound changes that make us stronger.”

In conclusion, the clearer question I learned to ask instead of “What should I do when everything is working against me?” was "What is the opposite of what I’ve been doing all my life?

Yourself Coach Blog

I came to understand that every challenge presented an opportunity to break through my self-doubt. In the process, I discovered great significance in enjoying the journey itself rather than solely focusing on the destination.

I’d love to hear from you!

What steps are you taking next?

What's your fear?

Any questions for me?

Empowered by Divine Strength | Your journey matters, and you’re not alone!

[satangcrush]

an ode to nicknames pt.3 <3

✦ CAST: simeon, solomon, diavolo, luke, barbatos ✦ WC: 1.8k ✦ SUMMARY: f! reader, what nicknames (or lack of) will the cast use for you! established relationship (simeon and solomon), diavolo (more than friends), luke (familial) and barbatos (start of program) ✦ WC: 4.4k✦ WARNING: spoiler for OB!SWD for simeon’s part

[PART 1] | [PART 2] | [PART 3] | MASTERLIST

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Simeon thinks you’re an actual saint for putting up with the demon brothers and calls you ‘angel’ somewhat as a joke at first but now thinks you actually can be one. He also regularly calls you ‘sweetheart’, ‘darling’, ‘doll’, and ‘love’. He loves referring to you by a nickname but unfortunately or fortunately (however you see it), he has the vocabulary of a friendly old lady. (Spoiler for OM!SWD in Simeon’s part)

.

“Angel.”

“Yes?” Simeon was insistent on using the nickname despite you telling him not to. At first, you wondered if this was some kind of weird coping mechanism of his but he had repeatedly assured you that it wasn’t. Thus, over time you have now fully embraced the weirdness of the ex-angel calling you… an angel.

“I overheard this today while manning the cafe. What does a sheep in wolf’s clothing mean in the human world?” His gaze lingers as he looks at you sprawled on the table over a book. The chair beside you made no noise even as it was pulled out for him to sit gently.

“I believe the saying goes something like a wolf in sheep’s clothing instead.” You huffed out a laugh, making a move to close your book to meet Simeon’s curious expression instead.

“How did you even overhear that conversation? Like, what’s the context?” You propped a hand up on the table that you were reading on, raising an eyebrow thoughtfully. 

He pursed his lips, clearly racking his head to search for the answer. “Honestly… I forgot. I only heard the ‘sheep’ part and was reminded of when you turned into a sheep during our initial stay in the Devildom. You were very adorable, and I regretted never getting the chance to cuddle you back then.” You stifled a laugh, knowing that he wouldn’t appreciate you laughing at him. He was so cute, you don’t even know if he noticed that he was pouting right now.

“Well, too bad.” You said teasingly. “I’m pretty sure the brothers cuddled me enough for your share too.”

“Maybe I should ask Solomon if he has a spell to turn you into a sheep temporarily,” Simeon winks at you, tone inked with hope. 

You hit his shoulder playfully and shot him a glare. “Respectfully, that would only give Solomon too much power. And in case you forget, I’m a fully-fledged sorcerer now too.” Simeon gave you a kicked-puppy stare, and you could swear you almost saw imaginary puppy ears on him.

…Maybe you should ask Solomon to start teaching you about transformation spells.

“Ah right, back to your original question. I could be wrong but I vaguely remember the term deriving from a fable by Aesops. But anyway, the phrase is used to express someone who deceives others by pretending to be harmless when they have evil intentions. It’s not a positive expression.” You shook your head slightly, heart squeezing at the sight of Simeon’s frown deepening at your explanation.

“I thought it would be a different explanation in the human world, but I guess it’s the same everywhere, huh?” Simeon sighed, arms folding across his chest, “I was hoping that it might be a cute expression.”

“I guess not. The Devildom uses something similar too right?” You turn in your chair, flicking your finger on his forehead gently. “Come on, we should start on dinner. Should we cook or eat out today?” You hesitate to get up from your chair when you notice the pondering look on Simeon’s face.

“What if I change it to an angel in human’s clothing? Wouldn’t that refer to you?” You tilt your head, not knowing if you should say something or just let it be. It was ironic coming from the mouth of an ex-angel.

As you froze in your movements, Simeon grabs your hand to pull you into his lap, and you go without question. His lips lay on the crook of your neck and you fondly stroked the top of his head, the repetitive motion soothing your heart. His breath was warm against your neck and then suddenly, a cold flash of teeth and tongue drifted along your neck like he was tracing stars into your skin. You wonder if he could hear your pulse beating deep within you. But it’s not like he would care. You’re certain that if you put your ears to his pulse, his heart would also be beating to the same rhythm as yours.

A sharp sensation of teeth punctured the nape of your neck before he quickly swiped his tongue over the skin. You pulled on his hair, watching as the spit connecting the both of you together broke. “Simeon!” You admonished him with a laugh, “Why did you bite me?” You trace the indentation on your neck, glancing at the sheen of spit that came away with it.

“Disgusting.” You whine, “Come on, let’s eat. Aren’t you hungry from working?”

“Mm. Give me a minute,” He muttered, burying his face in your chest. “Let me have this for a little while longer,” His arms tightened around your waist and you nodded to yourself, steadying your hands on his shoulders.

“Thank you, love.”

Your heart swelled at his declaration as your hands interlocked behind his shoulders. It wouldn’t hurt to rest another five minutes, you supposed.

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One would think that Solomon’s experience with his 500 wives and various other relationships would mean that he has at least learned how to act like a proper gentleman. Sincerely, this man lives purely based on menace and instinct. He would address you by all sorts of nicknames but his particular favourite is calling you his dear apprentice, student, and maybe even his other half. Your master-student relationship is the one thing that the two of you shared that the brothers are unable to take part in. With you, Solomon treasures the quiet moments when he can steal you away from the rest.

.

The apricot-skied evening blooms before your eyes and when you look up, the vast stretches of wilderness expand rapidly and you couldn’t help the gasp that hitched in your breath. It was… ethereal. You would love to take in all of the scenery peacefully… except for the fact that you are currently hanging upside down with all the blood rushing to your head, thousands of feet in the air.

“WAH! SOLOMON! Let me down! You stupid wizard boy! I’m going to curse you!” Tears blotted your vision as you buried your head deeper into the curve below Solomon’s ear. You can feel his chest shaking in laughter as he heaves your legs higher around his waist, steadying you. As frantic as you had sounded, you were still clinging on for dear life to him. 

“MC… you know you don’t sound threatening in the slightest, holding onto me like that.” He murmured, lips brushing the tip of your ear softly. Solomon hummed lightly as he recited another spell, to levitate the both of you up a few feet higher. You chanced a glance to look at the ground and immediately regretted it. You could practically feel bile coming up your throat and you quickly squeezed your eyes shut again.

How in the three realms is he okay suspended mid-air while being flipped upside down??

“Dumb old man! Stupid wizard! This is not what I meant when I said I wanted to fly!” You hissed, fearing for your life as your grip on the back of his neck turned tighter. You should have known something was up when Solomon had asked if you had a fear of heights and you cursed at yourself for mentioning that you wanted to freefall after watching that stupid movie with him last week. Your face contorted into a grimace; survival instincts kicking in as you pressed yourself against him as if you were climbing a tree.

“My dearest apprentice, you need to relax. I can’t focus on the spell if you keep yapping beside me, you know.” There wasn’t even the slightest hint of irritation in his tone, you could clearly tell he was enjoying your panic to the fullest. “Also, do you really want me to let you down now? We’re so high up. Though, if you wish for it, I could make your dreams come true.” 

You felt his fingers, which has been firm around the plush of your thigh, loosen a little. “N-no! If you let me go, I’m breaking up with you, you ass!” You threw out your words venomously, as your grip tightened into an iron grip. If you were any less scared, you would have worried about his ability to breathe with the amount of strength that you were putting around his neck.

Solomon tsked at you, the corners of his mouth turning up at your ultimatum. His hands slid from under your thigh to the back of your waist and pinched the skin there. “Well, we can’t have that, can we?” You could practically envision the stupid smirk he must be wearing but you couldn’t be bothered to reply, fear choking your windpipes.

“Don’t worry darling, we’re reaching the fun part now. Be a dear and hold on tighter to me, kay?” His voice took on a simpering tone and before you knew it, you could feel the magic that was holding you and Solomon up, disappear.

There was no way you weren’t going to murder Solomon the moment you touched both feet on the ground.

You couldn’t even let out a yelp as the air was stolen from your lungs as you felt the wind and your hair whip past your face. Solomon caged you with his body, the sound of his laughter lost in the air. The only thing that you could do was to hold onto him while shaking like a leaf, breath forced out through your burning lungs.

You honestly think you must have passed out on the descent down because the next thing you knew, you were on the ground staring up at the darkening sky, though your limbs were still entangled around Solomon.

“There, there, MC. See, that wasn’t so bad, wasn’t it? You just needed faith in your master to take care of you,” He soothed you, grabbing your hands from around his waist to entwine them together as he planted a kiss on your forehead.

You found it concerning that he was still wearing that stupid smirk on his face as if the both of you didn’t just have a near-death experience. Your mouth gaped open and closed, reminiscent of a fish out of water, as you intended to berate him but the words died on your tongue as you realised that the scratchiness in your throat was preventing you from speaking a word.

“W-water.” You managed to squeak out, face red in embarrassment. Solomon quirked a curious eyebrow at you as he placed a finger on your chin to bring your head up, “...Did you lose your voice?” He could barely fight the grin off his face, fingers now trailing down the curve of your neck. 

You glared at him, resolutely not breathing a word. His face seemed to be utterly insufferable today, and you would just love for the opportunity to punch that pretty smirk off his face.

“Well, it seems you’re just in luck, my dear apprentice. It’s about time for our dinner reservation, I’ll teleport us there now.” He mused, drawing his phone out of his pocket to check the time.

“You’re paying for the dinner, you slimy bastard.” You mouthed at him bitterly, while he just laughed your frustration off. “Don’t I always pay? Come here, don’t be angry anymore. I apologise for my wrong-doings,” He cooed at you gently, smoothening the wrinkles in your forehead out with his fingers, as he cupped your cheek.

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Diavolo is a certified loverboy, honestly. However, due to the importance of needing to keep up his reputation, he uses your name in public. (Though, he has ‘slipped up’ and addressed you by ‘love’ a couple of times.) Around people he trusts or when in private, he calls you his ‘love’, ‘beautiful’, ‘princess’, and even ‘queen’. He is such a romantic that he even made Barbatos research the trendy nicknames that humans use so that he can impress you.

.

Diavolo suddenly leans forward in his chair, “MC, I’ve been recently researching human nicknames and I would like your opinion on them.” His eyes sparkle as he angles his body towards you.

You pause in your journey to reach out for another dessert, one of Barbatos’s famous pastries that Luke has been singing praises about. You considered his question for a bit and somehow, you were almost sure you knew exactly where this conversation was going to go, but the allure of the delectable pastries was clouding your judgment.

“Yeah? What kind of nicknames have you come across?” You said, mid-crunch through the flaky croissant, and you internally melted at the taste. If only you had a butler like Barbatos, you would put the demon to work every day just so you could have a taste of this heavenly (devil-y?) flavour. He should be competing in all three realms with his talent, it was indeed a waste to keep it hidden.

Hands, big and burly, catch your attention as he plants them on the table. “I’ve heard humans call their partners or friends… ‘pookie’.” Your eyes had honed on his fingers, now drumming on the table, as the words flew past your head before you registered it with disbelief.

Sometimes, you wonder if the next-in-line for the throne has a screw (or multiple, maybe) loose in his head.

You frowned up at him, embarrassment suffocating you into silence. For an agonising few seconds, he holds eye contact with you before he tilts his head, silently prompting you to give him an answer.

You clear your throat as you wipe your hands on the provided tissue placed on the table, “Um… I believe yes. But, I don’t know much about the term if you require an explanation,” God, you hope the floor would open up and swallow you whole. You don’t understand why you were chosen to discuss such a topic with the ruler of Devildom.

“Ah well, that is fine. I was hoping that I could refer to you as ‘pookie’. I’ve heard that a sign of closeness for humans is to start using nicknames.” 

Your distaste for the term must have been unfiltered as Diavolo immediately leans back after seeing your expression, thighs spreading wide against each side of the chair. “If you are unhappy with the name, you may tell me so.”

Honestly, you were at a loss. This seemed like a lose-lose situation no matter how you see it. It wasn’t like you could reject the Prince of the Devildom. (I mean you could, but you dread the scolding that Lucifer would give you once he found out.) 

And if you allow Diavolo to call you ‘pookie’... you could almost envision Solomon rolling on the floor, dying of laughter. Even worse, you shudder to think of him calling you by that in front of the whole RAD. Suddenly, you very much regret not letting Belphie make a second attempt on your life.

“It’s not that I am unhappy with the name,” You start slowly, “I just believe that a nickname should be more personalised like… I can call you Dia!” You hurriedly blurt out, waving your hands frantically in front of you. 

Diavolo says nothing, and your eyes quickly skim his expression which remains startlingly neutral. For a second, you wondered if you had overstepped your boundaries. Maybe Dia was too chummy of a nickname for you to use?

Before you can continue spiraling, his face breaks out into a wide grin. “I hadn’t even considered that! What a wonderful idea, as expected of the human exchange student that Lucifer chose. I will come up with an appropriate nickname accordingly as well.” He gushed, “As expected, it seems that my knowledge about human world customs seems to be lacking. I will need to brush up on them.”

You scooted back in your seat while laughing politely, heart jumping to your tongue. You had definitely avoided a red flag but somehow… it felt like you had triggered another, which was now waving frantically in your face. You tapped the side of your thighs anxiously, you do hope that you make it out of this interaction without any further embarrassment. You don’t think that your heart could take another shot.

“How about cuddlebug? I’ve also heard that it is popular amongst humans.”

“...Sorry?”

You were going to need someone to sedate you so that you can forget this interaction once you were home.

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Similar to Simeon, Luke also calls you an ‘angel’ and he is convinced that you have been born in the wrong world. He believes that someone of your character should have been up in the Celestial Realm. He also tries hard to come up with all sorts of nicknames using your actual name, be it shortening, or even substituting your name to something similar. (He had always wanted to give you a nickname but was too shy to. However, he learned that the demon brothers had been using nicknames and he felt spurred to do so as well.)

.

“MC!” You spun just in time to see a mess of blond hair barrel into the side of your body as you grabbed onto their shoulder to steady them.

“Woah, hey there.” You gently ruffled Luke’s hair, ignoring his complaints, knowing that he secretly enjoyed it. After all, he had once made a sleepy confession that he found the motion reassuring, and ever since, you always made it a point to do it.

 “Did you need me for something?” 

He started twiddling his thumbs, looking up at you with a hesitant pout. “What is it? Did you get bullied?” You lifted his jaw with your hand, scanning his face for any physical altercations. After checking that there was none, you let go and took a step back to give him a onceover.

“No! It’s nothing of that sort, MC. I…I just-” He cuts himself off, before looking down at his feet sheepishly, “I want to use a nickname for you too,” He mumbles under his breath, voice only slightly louder than a whisper.

You furrowed your eyebrows, “Sorry Luke, you need to speak up. I can’t hear you,” You said apologetically, a small smile playing on your lips. The expression on Luke’s face could only be described as ‘deer-in-the-headlight’ as he shifted side to side. He mumbled again, an embarrassed flush at the tip of his ears.

This time, you waited for him to look up before pinning him with a questioning glance. He sighed before taking in a deep breath, “I SAID…I WANT TO MAKE A NICKNAME FOR YOU!” After shouting his request, his face immediately turned red. “I-if you want! I will make you my special cupcakes if you say yes!” 

Your heart swelled up with affection, “Aw Luke, you don’t need to bribe me to say yes. Of course, we can use nicknames. I’ll call you…” You placed a hand on the top of his head and thought carefully. “Puppy?” No matter how you thought about it, ‘puppy’ was the only adjective that you could think to describe him, even more so now as he was looking at you with big shiny eyes.

“MC…” He whined, looking at you with a disapproving stare that eerily reminded you of a certain angel. It was endearing how his actions resembled Simeon at times, it just showed how much Luke admires him.

 “But it’s so cute… You can come up with a nickname for me too,” You said encouragingly to him with a hint of amusement.

“Angel. I’ll call you angel! You’re so nice like one,” He said animatedly and your heart fluttered at his visible show of excitement. It seemed like he already had a nickname in mind when he came bounding up to you.

“...Sure.” You knew you had taken a second too long to respond when you caught his worried glance, “Do you not like it, MC?” Luke’s face started to fall as you quickly placed your hands into an ‘X’, “No! I love it! It’s just that I can’t help but think it could be a little offensive if other angels hear you calling me as… one?” You questioned, scratching the tip of your nose bridge in awkwardness.

You didn’t want to get into trouble with the Celestial Realm, after all. Being an angel is a tall order in your opinion.

“No, they won’t! Once they meet you, they will definitely agree with my nickname too!” He said with so much conviction that you didn’t have the heart to correct him.

‘Well, it’s meant with good intention… So it should be fine,’ You mused to yourself as you nodded at Luke, giving him the go-ahead to use it.

“Well, if it makes you happy then. I’ll think of another nickname for you since you bestowed such an honor on me then,” You said teasingly, “I will also take you up on your offer about those cupcakes. Shall we head to Purgatory Hall? I’ll stay and bake with you today.”

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Barbatos is another one in the cast who will exclusively refer to you by your name as he shows his affection through acts of service. However, if you ask him to use nicknames, he will, but it won’t be of his own accord. 

If he does use a nickname of his own accord, Barbatos will call you little sheep to tease you. Barbatos could easily kill you with a single strike (as does everyone but he is most aware of it) but treats you like a puppy (or sheep) that he leaves alone as he feels bad for you. 

(He smiles gently at you but there is not an ounce of care behind it. It is just for politeness's sake.)

.

“It is surprising to see you here so early, MC. Did the brothers not give you any trouble today?”

“Eh, no. I came from RAD.” Your natural response was to talk informally to Barbatos as you still have not gotten a grasp on the custom here.

“Sorry, I meant to say that I came straight from class. Pardon my rudeness.” You apologised, still feeling unsettled in the Devildom.

“It is alright, MC. However, the young master is still in a meeting and will presumably not be out anytime soon. Would you like for me to serve some tea and pastries first?” 

“That would be great. Do you need any help?” Despite your obvious apprehension, you still weren’t beside your manners to ask him.

Caught up in your conversation with Barbatos, you hadn't even noticed that he had led you to the guest room. “Please take a seat here. I will prepare the refreshments for you.” Barbatos replied in a gentle tone, firm in not letting you do any work.

“Ah, could you please prepare cold water for me instead?”

“...I understand.”

After Barbatos had left and you were alone in the room, you did a cursory glance and quickly covered your face with the back of your hand to sigh. The problem was that you still weren’t used to the Devildom and you jumped at every single thing that moved and that butler scares you. His mouth may be curled up into a polite smile but you could not feel any warmth behind it.

‘...Urgh.’

The best scenario now is just to survive the school year without dying since it seems that going back to your realm is impossible.

“MC?”

You quickly straightened yourself and smiled at Barbatos, hoping that he did not notice your worries. 

“Ah, thank you.” You took a sip from the cup that Barbatos had brought over and instantly your face scrunched up into a frown as you took in a deep inhale.

“Is this lemonade?”

“It is lemonade, the Devildom version of it. I thought it would help you feel more refreshed.”

You remember telling him to prepare cold water yet he still chose to exert more effort to bring over a cup of cold lemonade. You feel anger bubbling up but squashed it down in fear of the sly butler, who was now looking over at you with a pleasant expression that was telling you to enjoy your drink.

God, you never had an issue with lemonade but it seemed that the Devildom version was much sourer than what you were used to.

You continued to drink the lemonade.

“Thank you for the drink. It was perfect.”

“I’m glad to hear that, MC.”

Barbatos’s cordial and gentle smile sent chills straight down your spine and you subconsciously clenched the glass tighter. As a human, you can only trust yourself.

“Barbatos, please continue with whatever you were doing before I came. You don’t have to be around me, I can take care of myself.” You wanted this butler who gave you the creeps to quickly go away as you didn’t want to see his face, but he refused to leave.

“MC, it is my duty as the young master’s butler to attend to his guests when he is not here to do so.” 

You inwardly clicked your tongue loudly after seeing Barbatos flash another smile at you, his teeth glinting in the light. You wanted to throw a tantrum but you shuddered at the possible repercussions, so you opted for another method instead.

“Well, why don’t you sit down and enjoy these pastries with me? It’s a little too much for you to be hovering over me and not eat anything.” Despite your best attempts to not let your sarcasm bleed into your words, your tone had taken on a complaining whine in the end. You took a quick peek at Barbatos, who was standing there with a stiff expression.

…Should you not have said anything?

Before you could regret anything, the screeching sound of the chair being pulled made your head quickly turn up to see Barbatos sitting down opposite you, back straight with perfect posture.

“I will fulfill your command then, little lamb.” Barbatos chuckled, and despite yourself, you found yourself letting out a huff of laughter as well.

You decided right there and then that you would treat Barbatos better following the next interaction. The way he was smiling at you right now just made you feel plain uncomfortable.

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a/n▸ my apologies if barbatos is OOC, he was especially difficult for me to get a read on seeing as I don't play through any of his devilgrams. Thus, i feel that MC would have been very awkward with barbatos initially bc all his actions/words were due to his sense of duty. I also think its funny to see barb fkin w mc LOL Personally, i think its hilarious to characterise MC as jumpy because man, all of these characters are sus as hell, ik i wld be getting heart palpitations every minute #solomon is a menace, the movie they were watching was How to Train your dragon LOL, i was rewatching it and i wondered how it wld be like to freefall

[maddiwrites]

Secret Lives

Pairing: JJ Maybank x reader

Summary: You and JJ never got along so your friends trap the two of you on a boat in the middle of the marsh to work it out. Only it doesn’t go as planned.

Note: Hi guys! This is my first writing piece. I tried not to do a two parter for my first one but it ended up being so long. Sorry! I would love to hear your feedback so feel free to leave me a message! Part two will be posted soon. Also I have completed a rewrite of the show with a JJ x Routledge sister pairing so keep an eye out for that! Also wanna shout out @skiesofthesketchy​ @malfoyfarms​ @collecting-stories​ because they were some of the first masterlists I read and I loved them and it inspired me to write my own. So thank you!

Word Count: 5.3k

Warnings: Language, angst, very slight mentions of abuse

Part 2

Y/N Y/L/N. That’s you. Or as some like to call you, Hannah Montana. You live the best of both worlds, living it up on Figure Eight and wearing hundred dollar dresses to fancy dinners and parties, sneaking expensive mimosas to brunches with your friends, and getting biweekly mani pedi’s with your sister. Meanwhile, when you’re not rolling around in the luxuries of Kook Life, you’re rolling around in the dirt with your Pogue friends, baking in the sun on a dirty small boat while drinking the cheapest beer one of the boys’ could get their hands on. Most Kooks hated you even when they wanted to be you. And most Pogues didn’t trust you even as they tried getting in your pants.

One of them being JJ Maybank.

Kiara introduced you to her group of friends right after freshman year. The two of you were the black sheep of Kook Academy. Both your families have money, sure. But you weren’t jerks about it. You enjoy a little pampering here and there, but you’re not tone deaf and superficial like the rest of your peers. You were so grateful that your science teacher paired you two together for that year’s science fair. You instantly clicked with the curly brunette and spent most of the class talking about whatever came to mind instead of actually brainstorming project ideas. After working together for months on a science fair project with a shared passion of wanting to help save the environment, Kie finally introduced you to her best friends.

John B and Pope immediately made you feel like one of the group. Sure, they were curious about your life but you never felt like you were being interrogated with questions. They included you on inside jokes and even gave you the nickname ‘Sassy’ after proving to them that you can hold your own in a verbal fight.

Thanks to JJ.

From the start he claimed to never like you. He hated where you were from, who your parents were, and that you never had a job. He hated that you didn’t even have to try to get people to like you. In his eyes, everything was handed to you on silver platter. You had a picture perfect life and all you had to do was bat your eyelashes and show off your pearly white teeth. He couldn’t stand you.

Yet, he was dangerously attracted to you.

He loved the way your hair shined against the setting sun, he loved that you didn’t wear makeup every single day like every other Kook on the island, he loved how your white jean shorts perfectly shaped your curves, and he loved how your temper was as equally as short as his because it made you fighting with him that much hotter.

Last night was no different than every other night with you and your friends. It was quiet, spent around a bonfire in John B’s back yard. You sipped on cheap beer from the can while the smell of JJ’s marijuana smoke wafted through the air. Kie lightly strummed the strings of her ukulele while Pope and JJ bickered about the pros and cons of smoking weed.

This was your family. You had friends on the other side of the island too but you weren’t as close as you were with the Pogues. You would do anything for the people surrounding you. Even JJ. You tried to tell yourself you hated him just as much as he hated you, but you couldn’t help but feel like every other girl on this island, falling for his ocean blue eyes and golden locks. His wit and his charm. His loyalty and protectiveness of his friends. How he looked with his shirt off. How he would wink at you when he caught you staring. You wished you didn’t, but you loved him.

“Hellooo, Y/N?” John B waved his hand in front of your face. You hadn’t even realized you’d been staring.

“I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

John B smirked but didn’t say what he was thinking. He always thought you and JJ were acting dumb when it was clear as day that the two of you were attracted to each other. He always caught you two staring at one another when the other wasn’t looking. You two would always ask about the other person when they weren’t there even if it was just to throw a sharp jab behind their back.

“I asked you what you were up to this weekend.”

“Oh,” You shrugged. “Probably run some errands, babysit my neighbor’s kids...”

Just like Hannah Montana, you also lived a secret life. Your life wasn’t as perfect as everyone thought it was, but you’d never admit to it. Your mother would be crushed, your friends would find you stupid and pathetic, and you would hate yourself even more than you already did.

“Good. Sunday we’re going to check out the surfing competition on Seasill Beach. JJ’s trying to qualify for it next year.”

Your smile immediately dropped. “Sunday. Oh.”

“Already got a spa day planned, Princess?” JJ smirked from across the way.

“I, uh,” You tried your best to fake a grin. “I’m sorry. I can’t go. I already have plans.”

You held you breath as you waited for someone to respond. This was the third time this month you flaked on your friends without a good explanation. You never knew what to tell them, only that you had plans. You were afraid if you said anything else, they’d find out you were lying.

“Again?” Kie stopped playing her ukulele to look at you. “Seriously. Is there some secret boy we should know about or something?”

You scoffed. “No.”

You felt the most guilty lying to Kie. After all she was your best friend. The one you were supposed to be able to share everything with, even the stuff you couldn’t tell your parents.

“Kie’s right. You bailed on us last week last minute too,” Pope said.

You opened your mouth to say something, but your head wasn’t working fast enough to come up with a lie.

“We all knew this day would come.” JJ’s smirk was gone. He flicked the butt of his joint into the fire and claps off the ash from his hands. “Hannah Montana dips her toes into the wild life. She feels free and independent long enough to decide she’d rather go back to her cookie cutter life and live with all the privilege that daddy has to offer.”

The word ‘daddy’ physically made you flinch. Your eyes narrowed in a tight glare as you dug your fingernails into the palm of your hand, hating that this was the way JJ thought of you.

“J...” John B tried to warn him but JJ didn’t listen.

“No, seriously.” JJ stood up. “I bet the reason she’s not telling us what all her ‘plans’ are is because she knows you’ll all be disappointed. Me? Well, I couldn’t care less whether you hung out with us or not. In fact, I’ve been praying for it. So tell us, Y/N, what are you doing that you won’t tell us? If it’s not some dude, then maybe you decided you’d rather be a Kook. Are you going to fancy lunches and riding yachts across the ocean? Maybe you’re spitting in the faces of the people who work to make your life easier. Maybe -”

“JJ!” Kie yelled.

You stood up, your vision turning red and your skin going hot. Usually you could take JJ’s insults. You were use to JJ throwing your family’s money in your face, trying to make you feel bad for something you can’t control, but this was too much. Because now he was calling you out on your loyalty to your friends. And he was so far from the truth.

“You would like that, wouldn’t you?” You said. The other three stood up when you took a step in JJ’s direction. John B stood close to you. He didn’t know what you were going to do, but he’s never heard your voice so low and threatening in a long time. The other time was with a Kook who was giving JJ shit. Ironically. “For me to just leave.”

“I didn’t stutter, did I?”

“Well I hate to break it to you, but I’m not going anywhere. In fact, because I’m such a nice friends, I’m going to give you some free advice. First, the last thing you want to question me about is my loyalty to the people who’s lives I would put before my own. Second, I would suggest removing that stick up your ass because it seems like your way too uptight to handle it.”

JJ glared at you and didn’t move to respond. A part of you was surprised he didn’t have anything to come back with and the other part of you was relieved.

The thick tension between you and your friends was suffocating. Your night had been effectively ruined by a simple question. But the sad part is, you didn’t even know who to blame. JJ, or the other man causing most of your guilt and grief.

“Y/N/N...” Kie tried stopping you as you gathered your stuff to leave.

“I’m out of here.”

You stormed out of the backyard and into your car. There was only so much you could take until you broke. And you were not going to give JJ Maybank the satisfaction of seeing you break.

                                            ***********************

You couldn’t fall asleep last night. JJ’s words kept replaying in your head like a bad song stuck on replay. You wanted to hate him. You wanted to blame him for not trusting you. But instead, you hated yourself. Because you’re the reason he can’t trust you. Cause you have secrets you don’t want shared.

Your thumb hovered over his contact. Not JJ’s. The man who’s made your life a living hell for the last sixteen years. You wanted to scream and cry and slap him in his face. But instead, you stayed frozen in fear. Like the little pathetic girl he says you are. And you hated yourself more for proving him right.

Your attention was taken away when someone busted through your bedroom door out of breath. Kie immediately went to your drawers and pulled out the first bathing suit she could find and threw it at you.

“Kie -”

“We need to go,” She said. “Get dressed.”

“Why? What’s going on?”

“Pope and John B ran out of gas doing grocery runs for Heyward. We need to get them with the HMS Pogue.”

“Where’s JJ? Why can’t he help you?”

“He’s working,” Kie said quickly. “Come on.”

                                           ***********************

You and Kie found Heyward’s boat stranded in the middle of the marsh like Kie said it would be. John B and Pope were waiting for you on the back and thanking you both for coming to help. You hold the gas as they helped you onto the boat. They directed you to the tank while they helped Kie.

As soon as you made your way to the front of the boat, you heard the engine of the Pogue rev and take off. You dropped the gasoline gallon and sprinted to the back of the boat where they left you. John B and Pope waved back to you as Kie drove them back to the Chataeu.

“What the hell?” You yelled at them to come back.

“You and JJ need to work your shit out!” John B yelled back to you.

“What...” You mumbled to yourself before you heard the sound of heavy footsteps running towards you. You gasp in surprise when a sweaty JJ passed you to glare at the boat that’s getting smaller and smaller by the second.

“What the fuck?” He screamed.

“There’s food and blankets in the cabin!” Pope yelled back.

“We’ll come get you in the morning,” Kie said.

You clenched your teeth together with frustration. JJ looked just as pissed off and small part of you was disappointed with that. He turned around, cursing to himself and hitting random shit in his way.

This was going to be a long day.

                                           ***********************

After four hours, you and JJ still hadn’t spoken to each other. He took over the cabin while you laid out on the back of the boat. Your head was running with different thoughts. Should you try to make up with JJ? Should you just continue to ignore him? Should you tell him why you can’t go to the surfing competition tomorrow?

You didn’t know what to do but you knew you couldn’t sit here in silence anymore.

You reluctantly stood in front of him with crossed arms. He was smoking a blunt and looking out into the setting sun. If you were friends, you would take a picture of him right now. The pink sky painted his skin perfectly.

“What?” He said without looking at you.

“Seriously?” You raised one brow. “We’re asked to do one thing on this boat and that’s all you have to say?”

“I’m not sorry for what I said last night.”

“Neither am I.”

“Fine.”

You rolled your eyes. The problem with both of you was that you’re both stubborn. But if the problem with JJ couldn’t be fixed today, you didn’t know how much longer you would be able to put up with his rude remarks and assumptions about you.

“What the hell is your problem?” You said.

“My problem?”

“Yeah. Your problem. You’ve been treating me like shit ever since Kie introduced me to you. What could I have possibly done to make you hate me so goddamn much?”

JJ shook his head in annoyance. “I’m not doing this.”

He got up and walked to the back of the boat where you were sulking not even five minutes ago. You followed him like the stubborn person you were and you continued to grill him.

“I’ve tried so hard to be your friend. I’ve bought you drugs, I’ve even done yours and JB’s laundry. I put in a good word to the tourons who ask about you at boneyard parties. I laugh at your jokes, even when they’re about my friends. I try so hard to be on your good side and you still want nothing to do with me!”

“Because you’re a Kook!”

“So?”

“You have everything. Money, family, friends, a future. I don’t trust you because I don’t know what the hell you want with us. What do we possibly have that you can’t get on Figure Eight? Hm? Are you trying to prove a point to your mom that you don’t need her? You trying to prove to your dad that you’re a tough girl and don’t need his money or protection to keep you safe? Huh?”

“You know what your problem is? You don’t listen! I’ve told you time and time again that I don’t care about any of those things. I hang out with you guys because you are my friends. I have a good time when I’m with you. Why is that so hard for you to get?”

JJ scoffed. “Please. You don’t think I see you constantly checking your cell phone? Making sure no one can see who you’re texting? If we’re such good friends, why won’t you tell us what you’re doing tomorrow? You always have ‘other plans’ and then you never tell us what they are.”

“Because that’s none of your business!”

“If my friends are going to get hurt because of some lying bitch then it is my business!”

You were breathing so heavily, you were basically panting. Your blood felt like it was boiling under your skin and your head felt fuzzy with lack of thoughts. You didn’t know what to say, truly lost for words.

JJ took another step closer to you. You’re so close to him, you can feel his breath on your face and see every mark on his skin. You never knew he had a scar right above his brow or a freckle under his ear. He smelled like weed and sun sunscreen and his breath like mint. Had you not been fired up with rage, you would have thought he looked hot and maybe even made a move.

But now it was the last thing you wanted to do.

“I’m sick and tired of you spoiled brats getting everything you want. You’re nothing but a spoiled rich kid who doesn’t even know the kind of privilege she has if it hit her in the face. You can’t relate to anything we have to go through. You don’t have to get dirt underneath your fingernails to make a buck. You don’t have to wonder where your next meal is coming from. You wouldn’t last a week on the Cut because you’ve never known what it’s been like to live the life we do!”

“You don’t know anything about me!” You snapped. The heart in your chest felt like it was being shredded to pieces by a rapid wolf. You felt like you were being torn apart one by one with each insult he threw in your face. Little did he know, he was wrong.

“I know enough to never want to see you again. I will never accept you into our group of friends. Don’t you get that? So you can stop playing the nice girl act around me and go back to Sarah Cameron and the other Kooks that you still hang out with despite knowing everything they’ve done to us. To Kie!”

Bringing up the fight between Kie and Sarah was a low blow and JJ knew it. It was something you always struggled with because you continued to be friends with both of them separately. At first, they were both mad at you but then accepted your friendship when they came around to loving the idea that you would fight for both of them. You tried getting them to talk and make up, but both of them refused. Maybe you should just stick them on a boat in the middle of nowhere and force them to work it out.

Although, clearly your experience with it wasn’t going so well.

“That’s not fair.”

“Yeah, well life’s not fair sweet heart. But you wouldn’t know about that.”

You thought the fight last night was bad. But this one took the icing off the cake. You wished so desperately that Kie had just trapped you both in a locked room, so at least you had the chance to break out and run away from the darkness that was clouding around you.

You were most upset that this was how JJ thought of you. You didn’t know if you would have the same devastating reaction if someone else had said these things to you. You wanted so badly to be friends with the blonde Pogue. You saw the way he interacted with his friends and you wanted to be a part of that small circle so badly, you would almost do anything to be in it.

But you didn’t think you could last another second of being belittled and tormented with JJ’s outspoken feelings towards you. You wished there was a rewind button so you could go back to bed and hopefully never wake up and you’d lock your door so Kie couldn’t break in.

You swallowed back the tears that threatened to fall and admit your defeat. You wanted to find the nearest corner and crawl into it and escape the murderous glare of JJ Maybank. JJ was wrong. You didn’t have everything. Because in this moment, you still wanted him. And you were just realizing that you never will.

“You judge me by the surface. You’ve never once tried to get to know me. You don’t ask. You just assume that I’m like every other kid on Figure Eight. You don’t know where I’ve came from. What I’ve been through. What I live with. You don’t know my plans for the future or my hobbies or even my favorite color because you didn’t ask!” Adrenaline pushes through your veins like a wave of energy. You’ve never felt so powerful but so small in your life.

“All right. So tell me,” JJ said. “Tell me whatever story you can think of that will change my mind about you.”

You paused, standing there face to face with someone who will never accept you. You were suddenly overcome with so many emotions you didn’t know which one to choose from. Anger, sorrow, fear, confusion, shame.

You couldn’t believe you even thought about telling JJ your story. A story that you haven’t even told Kie. The story about how you were actually born and raised on the far end of the south side. How your dad use to abuse your mother right in front of you before she managed to escape when you were eight. For six months you lived in her car before she got a job as a housekeeper at a cheap motel used mostly for hookers and their cliental. Her employer let you live rent free if your mom accepted a cheaper pay check. During one of her shifts, your mother ran right into Andrew Y/L/N. No, he wasn’t one of the hooker’s clients. He was actually on the property looking to buy out the place. Even though he was a Kook, he looked through the housekeeper’s uniform into my mom’s heart and loved everything about her. He took her on a couple dates, then less than a year later, married her. You changed your last name to his because you didn’t want any relation to your father anymore. You thought the man was scum and deserved to rot in hell for everything he put your mom through. You hated him and even wished for him to die. Sometimes you even thought about doing it yourself. But then you saw him again. At a gas station in the middle of The Cut. You couldn’t believe he recognized you and you were even more shocked he had the audacity to talk to you. And you listened. He told you how sorry he was. How he never meant to hurt your mom. How he missed his baby girl and wanted to be in her life again. You fell for every word because a part of you you didn’t know existed missed having a biological dad.

That was your biggest mistake.

He didn’t change. He was still the same bastard he was eight years ago, using violence and threats with people much weaker than him to get what he wanted. He loved guilting you with your new luxuries. How you now had everything right under your fingertips after you left him to wither away with nothing. He said you owed him. Because you were his daughter and you were supposed to love him unconditionally. And you fell for it every time. He never hurt you like he hurt your mom. A few slaps here and there but nothing to leave a mark to get your mother questioning.

So now you were trapped - trapped in his world and in his life. Using your own money that you actually worked for, little did JJ know, to pay for his bills, his drugs, and sometimes, even his bail.

You didn’t tell anyone about this secret life because you didn’t want anyone to make you feel any more pathetic and weak than you already felt. And most importantly, you didn’t want to hurt your mother by telling her you’ve been supporting the one person she’s been trying to protect you from.

And you were about to risk that by telling someone who probably still wouldn’t care about you even after hearing what you had to say. You are who you are. If JJ didn’t like you now, he shouldn’t like you after telling him your story, anyway.

“No.” You shook your head.

“No?” JJ scoffed. “I’m finally asking you tell me something and you’re saying no?”

“Because you don’t care, JJ! Not really. You think knowing my sob story is going to get you to like me? I don’t need a pity friendship. I am who I am because of shit I’ve had to overcome. And this is me now. So if you don’t like it, then fine. We’ll do it your way and call it quits.” JJ didn’t say anything as you turned around to find somewhere to pass out in hopes of getting morning to come faster.

You found a blanket deep into the cabin and pulled it over your body, shielding yourself away from the world. You hoped the darkness would sweep through your head so you wouldn’t be plagued with torturous thoughts about your past or what’s going to happen to tomorrow. You cried - you cried because even after JJ ripped into your like a zoo animal, he still hated you.

JJ was wrong. You didn’t have everything. Because you didn’t have him.

                                           ***********************

Surprisingly, the sun rose sooner than you expected it to. Sleeping on the swaying boat wasn’t as awful as you thought it was going to be. In fact, it was kind of peaceful with the stars above you and the sound of moving water right under you.

The morning wasn’t so calming. You were slapped in the face with memories of the night before. Your stomach twisted at the thought of being face to face with JJ again. You knew what you had to do and thinking about it made you sick and depressed.

You pushed yourself up and checked the time on the radio. 8:03. Anxiety instantly flooded through you. You only had two hours to get home to be ready in time to run ‘errands’ with your dad.

You looked out to the back of the boat where JJ was looking into the horizon, probably waiting for your friends to come.

Fresh set of tears pricked your eyes at what’s to come. You loved your friends and you even loved JJ. But you couldn’t stay with the Pogues. You didn’t want to make JJ any more uncomfortable than he already was and you were afraid the constant fighting would push your friends further apart. You didn’t want to be the reason for that.

You pulled the blanket tighter around your shoulders and walked next to JJ. Without a word, you looked out in the same direction he was looking and admired the morning sun.

Surprisingly, JJ was the first one to speak. He looked at you and instantly felt guilty all over again. He tossed and turned all night contemplating on whether he should wake you up to apologize or just wait until morning. He knew he wasn’t being fair. You’ve done nothing but tried to earn his trust since day one. You accepted him for all his flaws and he couldn’t do the same for you. Yeah there was the phone thing and not telling the others what you’re up to, but it wasn’t like you were constantly in his business. If you see him with unexplained bruises, you don’t pester him about it. If he comes back to the Chateau in a pissy mood and blames it on a fight with his dad, you try to make him forget about it with a distraction instead of making him tell you what the fight was about. Why couldn’t he give you the same respect?

Truth was he wasn’t so much worried about his friends getting hurt as he was getting hurt. He liked you more than a friend should which would make your departure from your friends that much more heartbreaking for him. He never felt this way over a girl, let a lone a Kook and he tried so desperately to hate you. But it didn’t work. Instead, it made him feel like the biggest asshole in the world. He wanted to fix what he broke. He told himself he still had time left. His friends weren’t back yet to get him.

“Listen, Y/N -”

“It’s fine, J,” You sniffled. This time you couldn’t stop the tears from running down your cheeks. You tried blinking them away which only made them fall faster. You hated crying in front of people. Your dad always said it was a sign of weakness and you believed him. You wouldn’t be surprised if JJ laughed in your face right now and called you a loser. “It’s done.”

“What are you talking about?”

JJ’s heart physically broke when he saw your tears. He had never seen you cry. Not even out of joy. He couldn’t believe he was the cause of this. That he had made someone as beautiful and as kind as you actually feel bad about herself. He wished he could take back time and start over. He wished he gave her a chance from the beginning. He wished it wasn’t too late.

You both looked up when you heard the engine of the HMS Pogue. In the distance, you could hear your friends laughing and calling out to you, not yet realizing their plan went to shit. You had to make this quick.

“The last thing I want is to get between you and your friends. You don’t have to worry about me hurting anyone, especially Kie. I’ll back off.” You said, making JJ’s brows furrowed in confusion and his heart raced with worry. “I’m giving you what you want. I’ll stay out of your life.”

JJ couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t believe he drove you to do the one thing he actually never wanted you to do. “Wait. You’re leaving?”

You looked JJ in the eyes and he wished you didn’t. Because for the first time, he didn’t see the light behind your eyes or the little crinkle in the corner when you smiled. They were dull and lifeless, making him sick to his stomach.

“I didn’t stutter. Did I?” You used his words from the other night and it felt like a stab in the heart to JJ.

JJ was left speechless which almost never happens. He wished he could say something, anything, to make you feel differently, to tell you he was wrong and sorry. But nothing came out. He could barely breathe.

“Hey you crazy kids,” Kie’s voice pierces the air, jokingly and airy. If only she knew that wasn’t how you were feeling.

“Missing a key or something?” John B joked alongside her.

“You should have called us sooner!” Pope added.

When the boat came closer to yours, they finally got a look at the two of you. They were shocked to see you silently crying and looking like all the life had been sucked out of you. JJ looked mad but they couldn’t tell whether he was mad at you or them or himself.

The three of them went sick with anxiety, suddenly wondering if this was a bad idea. Kie tried to get you make eye contact, but you wouldn’t look at her. You couldn’t look at any of them - afraid you might actually break completely if you did.

“Y/N/N...” Kie said softly.

“You guys okay?” John B asked wearily.

JJ helped Pope tie The Pogue to Heyward’s boat and hopped on right after. Pope traded spots with JJ and came up beside you and stood there awkwardly. He didn’t know what to do either.

You looked up at him before he could come up something probably stupid to ask. “Can you drop me off please?”

Pope glanced back at his friends and nodded. “Uh, sure. John B will probably get you there faster though if you -”

“No, it’s okay,” You said. You didn’t think you’d be able to handle being in an enclosed space with JJ for another minute. You just wanted to go home and forget the past two years ever happened. “I’ll stay here.”

Pope shrugged at his friends when you trudged back into the cabin and curled yourself into the corner. You didn’t know what the next few weeks would be like, but you hoped they go better than the last twenty four hours did.

[peachyysugaa]

sloth and sheep

― yang jungwon x gn!reader

your best friend is acting weird, what seems to be the cause?

genre: fluff, school au, best friends to lovers

warnings: some teasing but it's jungwon what do you expect

wc: 1.3k

a/n: done with my last final! as a gift for being so patient, i wrote this while i was studying and to give myself motivation LOL i'll return with blood castle soon!! ^^

♞──────────────────────────♞

the scribbling of pencils hurriedly rushing to finish their last markings is all you can hear as your teacher counts down. everyone is quickly trying to jot down their final words for the essay.

"3... 2... 1... and stop!" your teacher shouts. some students groan at their inability to finish whereas some let out a sigh of relief. "pencils down, pass your papers to the front please. after that, you're free to go! have a nice summer, everyone!"

you pass your paper to your classmate kim sunoo in front of you. a smile graces his face as he takes it and continues passing the stack. you're packing up your supplies with a steady heartbeat before you hear footsteps approaching. you don't need to look up to know who it is.

"hurry up, y/n!" best friend!yang jungwon whines. you simply roll your eyes at him. the zipper of your pouch is followed by the shuffling of your satchel and the tapping of his feet.

"yah, yang jungwon, don't rush me," you scold.

"i wouldn't have to rush you if you weren't so slow," he continues whining, drawing out the vowels in "so" and "slow."

sighing, you get up and throw your bag over your shoulder.

"finally! i thought i was going to have to leave you!" the brown-haired teenager teases.

"you would never, wonie," you say as you stick your tongue out at him.

"watch me!" jungwon shouts before bolting towards the door and taking off. "last one to get there has to pay for the winner!"

"h-hey!! no fair, you got a head start!" you tell after him, scrambling your feet.

going at his own pace, sunoo shakes his head at the pair of best friends. "ugh, they're so in love it's almost cute."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

you're not able to keep up with jungwon, who could literally run a marathon from his rigorous taekwondo training, so when you reach the shop, you're almost breathless and lucky that the shop is close by the school. the chime of the doorbell welcomes you as you push the door open, the staff greeting you with warm welcomes.

jungwon is already ordering his chocolate ice cream and another one while you hurriedly find your wallet. surprisingly though, he nonchalantly hands a cone over to you with your favorite ice cream flavor and pays for it himself.

"but i thought you said...?" you stiffly mumble out.

"your ice cream is melting, slowpoke," he simply states. your eyes widen as you quickly go to lick the sugary liquid before it can drip onto your hand. he's calmly watching you in amusement while enjoying his own dessert. "let's walk back, yeah?"

you're curious as to where his energy went, he's usually more playful with you, but you follow him out the store nonetheless. "sure, just tell me why you're acting so weird, wonie."

as the two of you start walking back on the road home, it's oddly silent. usually your way home (a/n: haha txt song) is filled with laughter and inside jokes, so the silence is extremely uncomfortable and feels much longer than the 3 minutes it actually is.

"alright, yang jungwon, you've been way too quiet. what are you planning, you sneaky bunny?" you give in, making a stop in your tracks. the streets are quiet as the sun begins to set and the once-in-a-while car whooshes past. he turns around with his wide doe eyes staring back at you rather earnestly.

"wh-why are you looking at me like that?" you unconsciously stammer out. jungwon suddenly takes a few steps closer, making you walk backwards into a wall. his hand come forward and encases you between the wall and his body. you can't help but take in the scent of detergent that surrounds you when he traps you, his brown hair that reminds you of a chocoball, and his eyes staring back at you. "w-what—"

you're cut off by a pair of fingers flicking your forehead before you're holding it in response to the pain. "ow! what was that for?!"

"you're keeping us from getting home! i want to watch movies, but you're being slow, y/n," he states before releasing you and walking briskly towards your shared street. "hurry up, or you're not sleeping over tonight."

"h-hey! you can't do that! it's our tradition to do ice cream and movies on the last day of finals!" you scold, rushing after him. when you catch up, you latch onto his back, jungwon's reflexes immediately kicking in and catching you and your legs as your limbs wrap around him. "if you're going to call me slow, i'll just hang on you like a sloth!"

the teenage boy laughs joyfully. "you already were one! sloth y/n, sloth y/n," he chants.

"i'll approve of this sloth y/n agenda only because you're carrying me like you're my moving branch."

"sure, sure. that's my new contact name for you, by the way."

"huh? what was it before?" you ask. you tilt your head forward to rest on his shoulder. the scent of coconut from his conditioner fills your nose as you do so.

"just dummy," he replies coolly. "what's yours for me?"

"first of all, i'm not a dummy," you pout. "second, remember that time you dressed up as a sheep for student council?"

"nooo!" he groans out as if he knows what's coming.

"yess! it's sheep garden to match your contact picture," you tease.

"then i'll dress you like a sloth to match your nickname."

"i thought you had most of our shared brain cells, wonie. sloths are too hairy to dress up as."

"not my problem, get hairy then." you slap his back as his reply. "yah! i'll file best friend abuse against you!"

"go ahead, no one else will deal with your whiny heinie."

"i'm dropping you because you said that."

you gasp. "you wouldn't."

a smirk appears on his face before he says, "try me." and he does it, making you yelp as he lets you fall to your butt on the grassy lawn of his house. "who's a whiny heinie now? pay the uber fees, sloth."

"yea, i'll pay alright," you mumble.

he doesn't catch it and looks at you curiously. "sorry, what d—whoa!!"

as he's talking, you pull his arm and cause him to come down to the ground with you, except the plan didn't end much like how you intended. you definitely didn't intend to be in a compromising position with jungwon hovering over you and trapping you like he had done earlier.

once again, your eyes are locked with his seas of dark brown, searching for some kind of sign, some kind of reason to act on the skyrocketing pulse of your heartbeat. you're too caught up in your thoughts that you don't hear him say, "you know what? screw it."

when his lips press against yours, you only have a few moments to realize and return the press before he's pulling away.

"wonie..." you breathe out. breathless is all that can describe you as your brain wraps around the fact that not only did you have your first kiss, but your first kiss was with yang jungwon, your best friend and crush. the two of you start to sit up, not really saying anything else with your legs intertwined.

it's him who breaks the silence. "i like you, y/n."

and it's you who reached forward to pull him into a hug. he's frozen as your arms take place around his neck and your lips go towards his ear to whisper, "i like you too, jungwonie."

his cheerful giggles that you've come to love and adore erupt out as he wraps his arms around you. knowing the two of you liked each other didn't change the way you acted together, but it made the time you two spent together even more special, now that you can hold hands and rub circles or cuddle while watching movies: doing the same traditions felt brand new.

[notagaybastard]

Let's fucking go

SO when i was on kindergarten I had a really cute friend, I was a very lonely child and we would sit alone and eat bread with chocolate his mom sent him. When we moved to third grade he went to another school and I forgot about him.

IN JULY THIS YEAR, I moved to a new school and I looked at him and though "hmmmmmm I know him but I can't remember who he is... damn he cute 😳"

Weeks later I remembered and my crush on him intensified, but he's that kind of puppy-eyed extroverted full of friends and would never pay attention on me. RIGHT?

2-3 weeks ago we made a project together for geography class and we didn't ended up being really friends, but we interacted and accidentally touched handshegsishs AND HE DID CUTE THINGS LIKE HOLDING A SHEEP PLUSH AND MAKING IT KISS MY CHEEK, AND GAVE A NICKNAMEBDKDBEIEGEJSV

AND, last week he started sharing his drawings with me, they are just some beginner anime fanart but now I'm helping him with advices and tips and yesjaja

Friday I was drawing alone in class and he silently came and scared me putting his hand in my shoulder, while calling me by the nickname he gave jage8eheowgwkwvw I'm fucking in love he's so cute I wanna hug him and pet him like a dog I hope he's into consensual cannibalism

[comfortwriting]

Ashtray - D.M part 1

Masterlist, Posting Schedule, Requesting Rules, Writing Prompts

Draco Malfoy x Fem Gryffindor Smoker Reader

Part 2 , Part 3

About: After years of bullying the reader, Draco catches her smoking, at first he doesn’t care and doesn’t think much of it. Draco suddenly finds himself crushing on the reader, realising how bad smoking is and freaks out.

Warnings: mention of cancer, heart disease, lung disease, the word mudblood.

“He’s staring at you again” Harry muttered.

You, Ron and Harry were standing in the court yard, Hermione with her head stuck in a book. You looked across to see the platinum blonde haired boy that hated your guts, sitting in a tree, Crabbe and Goyle making him laugh. 

“Just ignore it Harry” you said softly, “you’ve got enough on your plate this year”

Harry didn’t answer and continued to stare down Draco, squinting at him through his glasses.

Sighing you turned around and checked sneakily in your bag for your cigarette packet, unfortunately you had left it behind the in dorm room. Your fingers were itching for a smoke, you hated not being able to sneak off for one between classes, especially on sunny days like these when everyone was outside.

“It’s a bit odd that he has it in for you” Ron spoke up, shoving a jelly slug in his mouth “I mean - you haven’t given him a reason to.”

Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head, pulling herself out of her book “it’s because she’s with us, you idiot”

“no” you replied “even before I joined you lot, Draco’s been unpleasant.” 

Speaking of the devil, Draco and his two stocky sheep strutted over to you, each of them smirking and laughing at you. 

Your heart pained for a moment, Draco had to be the most gorgeous lad you ever laid eyes on during your time at Hogwarts, but unfortunately he was also the rudest and most arrogant of the lot. 

You couldn’t explain why you were so into him, you only know the bad parts of him - yet baffling enough, you wanted to see the good parts of him more than anything and funnily enough, Draco only knew the good parts of you, yet he yearned for the bad in you. 

“Look what we’ve found here boys” Draco smirked, stopping in his tracks “a peasant, a mud blood, an orphan and..” he paused, his eyes searching you. 

“a tosspot?” you answered for him, smirking back “you’ve got to do better than that, Malfoy.”

Draco’s face dropped and the same old frustrated look splashed across his face.

This was the first time he couldn’t think of something on his feet, you had caught him out in front of both his friends and yours, you would relish making him look stupid for the rest of the school year. 

Draco stepped out in front of you, Crabbe and Goyle waiting behind him. You stepped out from your shield of friends and stared the blonde down, Ron could barely contain himself.  

Draco didn’t know why he hated you, well, part of him did - you’re a Gryffindor, you’re best-friends with the people he hates most and worst of all, you could outsmart him. But the other part of him didn’t feel that hate or maliciousness towards you, he didn’t like you or dislike you - he was only forcing himself to hate you. 

He had to think of something, the longer he stayed silent the more stupid he looked. 

“You’re ugly and you smell like a filthy ashtray” he spat at you, turning around  he walked away with Crabbe and Goyle pretending to laugh to make him feel better. 

You burst out laughing and flipped him off. 

“Ugly, wow.” you breathed.

Ron couldn’t help but laugh “it’s alright for you isn't it? ashtray - some insult that, you sure you don’t fancy him or something?.”

You slapped his shoulder playfully “don’t talk crap, Ron.”

‘He isn’t entirely wrong though’

 You glanced at Harry and Hermione “Are you two okay?” you asked, feeling bad about what Draco said and for not defending them. 

The two of them looked at one another and back at you, nodding. 

“We’ve got an important exam to prepare for, you coming with?” Hermione asked.

You shook your head, your fingers now unbearably itchy and your head desperately pleading for a smoke.

“nah, I’ve got some homework to do, see you later?” 

Waving and walking away, you went to your dorm, your head filling with thoughts of the blonde. 

“so stupid” Draco cursed under his breath, pacing around the empty Slytherin common room. 

No matter how many times he tried, he couldn’t rid the pictures of you flashing in his head: the sound of your laugh, your voice answering questions in potions, the scent of your hair, your smile, the way you walked across the Quidditch pitch - Draco found himself drowning in a sea of confusion. 

‘I can’t fancy her, father will see rage’

He shook his head and pushed his soft blonde hair back, he couldn’t be developing feelings for you, no way - you must have put a spell on him, hexed him even. 

Finally lighting your cigarette, you inhaled, pulling it away from between your lips, holding it between your index and middle finger, the inside of your mouth warming up. Looking out at the great lake, you admired the beautiful reflection of the sky and beaming sun waving in the water. 

Draco left the common room and searched the entire school grounds for you, he finally approached the great lake and felt satisfied when he saw you. 

Getting ready to scold you and disarm you, he stopped in his tracks, your beauty stunning him. Although you were smoking, this didn’t bother Draco, it made sense for the nickname he gave you, but even when breathing in toxic chemicals, nothing could stop his heart from racing.

He wanted to pull you into him for a long and loving embrace, to share an intense kiss flowing with the pent up feelings the two of you were hiding, he wanted to make you his - he wanted to protect you. 

Managing to pull himself out of his trance, he continued to approach you. 

Exhaling, you heard a familiar sharp voice pop out from behind you. 

“Tell me what you’ve done, ashtray!” 

Turning around, Draco stormed over to you like he did earlier on, his hair and robes blowing in the wind. 

Noticing the cigarette resting between your fingers, you started to choke on the smoke out of panic, instantly dropping your cigarette onto the floor and stamping on it in a hurry - but he had already caught you. 

“Done what?” you breathed out, coughing even more into your fist.

“You know exactly what you’ve done, trying to mess with my head!” he hissed. 

You stared at him like he had two heads.

 “Malfoy, sort yourself out, will you? I’ve got no bloody idea what you’re talking about. Get lost off if you’ve got nothing better to do!”

Draco scoffed and pointed at you “if you don’t give me an explanation by tonight I’ll do you in for smoking.” 

the sun beams outlined Draco as if he were an angel, he turned around and strutted off, you watched him leave and searched your packet for another cigarette, cursing yourself for putting a full one out without needing to.

Feeding your bad habit, you pondered around trying to figure out what Draco was talking about.

‘Messing with his head?’

“Where have you been?” Pansy asked, relieved to see Draco entering the  common room.

Draco stared at Pansy for a moment, Crabbe and Goyle sitting down.

He couldn’t allow them to figure him out, his undying crush on you, he had to keep this act up, he needed to protect himself. 

“If that ashtray doesn’t confess by tonight, she’ll be out of this school.”

Pansy grunted “let her continue to smoke, Draco. She’s killing herself by doing so.”

Draco got a sinking feeling in his stomach, he didn’t really want you gone from Hogwarts and he sure as hell didn’t want you dead.

Draco pondered whether or not it would be worth addressing and accepting his feelings so he can confess and move forward, he hated keeping the truth to himself and lying about it.

“What?” He stared at Pansy.

Pansy yawned “cancer, heart disease, lung disease, let her put herself at risk to all that.”

Draco didn’t know much about cigarettes, they never appealed to him but he now hated them within seconds. The beautiful images of you were replaced with sickly ones, the sound of your laughter replaced with your wheezing and croaky voice.

The platinum blonde haired boy couldn’t sleep that night, he tossed and turned, his head screaming at him to approach you, to stop you from damaging yourself, even if nothing happened between the two of you.

Creeping around the school in your pyjamas, you silently tip toed past the great hall, praying to get outside for your last smoke of the night.

Feeling a hand grab you, you clamped your hand over you mouth, silencing your screams.

The taller person who had taken hold of you had his finger against his lips, his eyes burning into you with not hate.. but love and a slight hint of concern.

Your hand fell beside you “What are you doing?” You hissed lowly at him.

Draco noticed the cigarette packet in your other hand, he snatched them from you and stuffed them into his pockets.

“Draco, I didn’t do anything I for Merlins sake!—“

Draco couldn’t take his brain screaming anymore, his heart pining, he couldn’t ignore the images of you, the sound of your laughter - he wanted you, he wanted it all.

You didn’t call him Malfoy.

Smashing his lips against yours, he silenced you with a long, meaningful kiss.

Draco felt relieved, the heaviness coming from the bricks sitting on his shoulders had tumbled off, his thoughts finally silenced, his heart finally lighter and the best thing of all - he got reassurance; you were kissing back.

The taste of green apples filled your mouth, instantly making you nervous if all he got in return was more ashtray. 

Your heart skipped beats, the butterflies in your stomach flapping their wings and taking flight, fireworks exploded between your lips. 

Draco pulled away and his soft expression turned hard, you stared at him trying to figure out what the hell had just happened.

“You’re stopping smoking” Draco ordered quietly.

Looking around for Mr Filch and Mrs Norris, you turned your attention back on Draco.

“Why do you care? I’ve given you an answer and you’re going to do me in anyway—“

Draco sighed, his words coming up like vomit.

“Wait, why did you kiss me?” you asked, your fingers running over your lips.

“I don’t want you to put your health at stake, Y/N!” Draco took your hands in his.

“I don’t even know why I’m doing this, I don’t know why I’m so attracted to you but for as long as I do have feelings for you - you’re not doing this to yourself.”

You looked into his beautiful gleaming ice grey eyes, chewing on your lip nervously “You have feelings for me?” you began to smirk. 

Draco put his head in his hands “I just kissed you didn’t I?” 

You nodded and pursed your lips, this whole encounter going from awkward to cringe, yet so sweet and innocent. 

“Well I kissed back”

Draco gave you the ‘no shit sherlock’ look “I had no idea, ashtray mouth” 

You slapped him playfully like you did Ron this morning, the two of you starting to laugh quietly, your heart fluttering at his smile, his perfectly pearly white teeth. 

“I have feelings for you too, Draco”

“No..” Ron squealed under the invisibility cloak.

Trying to step out and batter Draco, Harry grabbed Ron by the back of his jumper, holding him back. 

“shut it, will you!” Harry hissed. 

Ron gave him a look “she’s sleeping with the enemy!”

Harry wanted to slap his best friend around the head “they’ve just kissed, look I’m not happy about it either—“

“I thought Hermione was bad enough with Krum-” Ron whined.

[ratigan-in-the-wall]

Obey Me! on the brain

Since my brain is rotating this game on loop I figured I’d share my MC’s nicknames for the brothers (and themselves) and why. These are very self indulgent so feel free to ignore.

Before getting too far into this my MC is a gay ace and a masc presenting enby with little interest in relationships. Most/all of these nicknames are meant to be read as platonic

My MC: Sheep/Rat because animals. Sparkplug is a nickname given to them in the human world and they brought it with them to the Devildom. Also doesn’t mind being called Baby Boy by certain people. Levi calls them Player 2 so that they have matching nicknames for each other.

Lucifer: No nicknames for Lucifer yet, at least none they’d dare say to his face or out loud. In Sheep’s head Lucifer is the cat from Cinderella or Ink Cap, which happens to be their favorite mushroom from the human world.

Mammon: Mams or Pretty Boy ar Sheep’s go to nicknames for Mammon. Once Sheep called him Pyrite (fools gold) because they were annoyed but they don’t use it often.

Leviathan: Player 1/ Bab-Buddy. They bonded over video game and anime talk and Sheep designated him their official info dump friend. They can go back and forth with each other for hours.

Satan: Sheep calls him Bookworm and only gets away with it because they have the exact same reading habits.

Asmodeus: Mo or Sass. I don’t actually have reasons for these ones, they just feel right…

Beelzebub: Beezle, this one occurred after having consistent difficulties processing Beel as their brain keeps autocorrecting to Beezle. They liked it so it stuck. Sheep also calls him Sweet Pea or Big Boy without thinking sometimes.

Belphagor: Stinky(Affectionate). I use this to address my friends in real life and they do the exact same to me. Sheep started calling him Mr. Murder-Britches after lesson 16 because they think it’s funny.

If anyone wants to see my MC’s nicknames for the other characters let me know and I’ll do it later.

[ushiwakatrash]

On your knees, King! (Part 3)

Bakugou x reader, Todoroki x reader

Fantasy AU

!Warnings!: Swearing, betrayal, lil dash of angst, shitty writing, abuse, physical harm

Synopsis:

Bakugou is the esteemed King of the Kingdom of Barbarians and because he succeeded in ruling the lands that were once governed by the Yuuei Kingdom, an offering must be made for the peace of the people. As the so-called ‘black sheep’ of the royal family, the King of Yuuei a.k.a. your father, offered you–naming you the most precious thing he could give; but you know the truth behind his words.

PART III

← Part 2           Part 4 →

Things started to get hectic in both the Yuuei and Barbarian kingdoms for only a few weeks were left until the wedding. Seeing the decorations being put up only meant a reminder for both Shoto and (Y/n) that it was real, it was happening-- but it was happening too fast for them to comprehend.

The princess was in a daze during her meal time with the only family she had left, her father. Ever since her mother passed away, things turned into hell.  Before fully agreeing to give their daughter away, the queen stood her ground in protest and resisted the King’s order. 

Blinded by rage, he threatened his wife with a sword but still, her gaze was firm and decision never wavered. The last string of patience the king had snapped and he swung his sword towards the woman, slicing her deep from the chest to her abdomen. 

In his state of shock, he stood there, hands shaking. His lover was no more and all because of the stupid Barbaric king, all because of his useless daughter, he lost more then just his kingdom. He had lost his wife.

 It took a long while for the king to come to terms with the thought of his diseased lover but he channeled all his pain into making another’s life miserable. 

Out of everyone, he had to choose his poor daughter, who he had blamed for everything.

“(Y/n)! I expect you to be on your best behavior and for once not be a failure to this family. Am I clear?” A tired nod was all she could answer. The king quietly stood up from his seat and hastily made it to (Y/n)’s side. A loud smack resounded in the room.

“I am a king here and I expect you to treat me like one, you useless bitch! When I ask you a question, answer me properly!” This was the king nobody from outside knew about. Only the people inside the palace knew about the true nature of this ‘kind’ king.

“Yes, your majesty. I have made a mistake.” The old man just scoffed and retreated to his room, leaving his daughter alone to dine. Because she is the Princess of the commoners, people from the palace were often enraged to see her being treated poorly by the only real family she had.

With no words being said, a cloth with cool water was handed to her by one of her most trusted maids, Ochako. “Milady, it is to avoid swelling.” (Y/n) gratefully took it and dabbed it over the reddening spot on her cheek.

“Now that my father is away and in his quarters, won’t you maids join me for my meal? Let’s leave some for the guards standing in the doorway as well.” This occurrence happened frequently. They knew it was no bribe from the princess, but pure genuine kindness. She was a far better ruler than her damn father.

“But ma’am...” the princess slouched in her seat to get comfortable “Oh come on, we’ve been doing this for quite some time now! I don’t wanna eat alone” she unleashed her puppy eyes and the maids couldn’t refuse any longer.

Her hand maid ushered the rest of the servants in the room to take their seats and they joyfully shared stories over the table. See, (Y/n) was really interested in the commoner life not to compare to her own, but to get to know the ways of her people. 

This is why even if the king treats her badly, the servants in the palace would never turn against her and if they had to take sides, they would all go to princess’ aide. 

“Milady, how are things with your fiancé?” the bold maid named Mina asked. “M-Mina?! You can’t just ask things like that!” The head maid Momo scolded. “No it’s okay Momo, guys you’re my friends just drop the Milady shit and call me (Y/n)”

Mina gave a victory smile to Momo and the the latter just sighed. “I haven’t met him yet in all honesty, but I think we’re going to their castle in a few days, or maybe tomorrow. I didn’t really listen to what that stupid old fart told me” 

They held their laughter at the nickname the king’s daughter had for him. “I hope even if he is one of those Barbaric bastards, he treats you fairly” Ochako had a sad smile on her face. The princess already had enough of her father’s torturing so having a bad husband would only continue her hell.

“In all honesty, I thought you would be wed to Prince Shoto. You were such a good match! I’m sure you would be happy with him” “Yes, Jiro that was the plan but it seems that fate had decided to push us apart. I’m sure I would have been happy but I’m not closing my doors to the thought of the new King as a husband. Maybe he can entertain me.”

“You can hunt together or maybe go on horse rides to lakes to watch the sunset!” (Y/n) knew this was too good to be true. Her soon to be husband was a brute, it would be weird if he was indeed that romantic. “Hah. I doubt he even has a romantic bone in his body. Anyway, I’ll be leaving first, girls. Ochako would you be a dear and please prepare my bath after you’re done eating. Do not worry, you can take your time and rest. Goodnight to all of you.”

“Sure thing princess!” “May you rest well.” “Nighty, (Y/n)”!”

-- 

“Oi hag, what kind of woman is she anyway? If it’s just some pissy girl I’d rather decapitate her family.” The older blonde smacked hiS HEAD. “Watch that stupid mouth of your brat! I’m sure she’s the perfect match for you. When has your mother been wrong?” The former queen smirked.

“She better not be weak. I don’t want my reputation to plummet because of some woman. I’m leaving with Kirishima to go hunt!” “Bring me a fat boar while you’re at it!”

--

Kirishima flew freely in the skies with Bakugou sitting snug on his back. At the same time, (Y/n) went to the woods after eating to let off some steam. Every time she thinks about her stupid father, rage fills her head. Nothing was her fault so why was she treated so badly.

The special spot (Y/n) and the friend who gave her necklace was her safe place. It was also the best spot to hunt boars, pigeons and if you’re lucky, deers.

She brought a bow and a sword with her and began to position herself to be hidden from her preys. Her sharp gaze caught a healthy fat boar in sight and the same time her arrow hit, a blade fell from the sky.

“Who’s the fuck did this to my fucking boar?!” A big gust of wind blew and standing before her was a huge red dragon, scales as red and as shiny as rubies.

“That’s my boar fuckface! Look for your own!” A blonde muscular man hopped off the dragon’s back. The Princess had put her cloak on to seal her identify, the man had a hood on too but his muscles were out for the world to see.

“You deaf, boy?! If you weren’t flying so high, you could have seen that my arrow had already pierced it before your dull blade could. Hands off my catch!” The man pulled the sword out of the boar and pointed it at the princess.

“No way, it’s mine! If you want it, fight for it!” (Y/n) wasted no time as she unsheathed her own weapon from it’s scabbard and went in for an attack. The blonde was surprised at the sudden movement of the woman but blocked her sword nonetheless. 

“You got spunk woman, but can you even handle my strength?” “Hah please, I can take you on any day, dandelion!” Their sparring took quite a while and Kirishima just sat at the back with a slight worried look on his face.

The girl took notice of the dragon’s structure and thought maybe it was hungry, but in fact Kirishima was just getting bored. When she managed to push her opponent back a little, she ran towards the boar and threw it at the dragon.

“Here boy, catch!” the smell of meat made Kirishima quickly respond and at the end of the duel, it was the red dragon who immersed victorious. 

(Y/n) laughed at the face the man made when their loot was snagged by the dragon. “Oi Kirishima! Why’d you eat it?!” The dragon just huffed in response. The girl went close to the dragon to try to pet it and because of the treat given by her, Kirishima bent his head to get the pats he loved. 

She then directed her attention to the male with a huge scowl on his face. Digging through her pouch, she handed him a loaf of bread and cheese. “Here, take it. I enjoyed our spar. I would have loved to ask for your name and to spar another time, but I think it’s impossible now.” she smiled sadly.

The blonde on the other hand only got curious “Why?” “I’m getting married soon. I can’t just hang around guys freely.” The sun was starting to set and people may have started to look for her in the palace.

“It’s time for me to go. If we see each other again, let’s exchange names, dandelion. I hope you can take me to the skies some time Kirishima! Have a safe journey home”

She didn’t wait for their response as she fled the scene quickly. 

Taglist: @the-sander-fander @cathwritestragediesnotsins @emilymikado @itsmysticalmystery

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