#HECS-HELP

[frogwhispererer]

Please sign and share!! the current HECS system is a steaming heap of shit!! It is entirely likely i will never pay off my HECS debt in its current system. A single trimester of study - 3 subjects- is $6251 AUD, and it will increase every year due to soaring inflation rates. HECS also impacts the ability to borrow money needed for purchasing houses - an already impossible task for a lot of Australians.

Education should be FREE and ACCESSIBLE to anyone who wants it - no matter what field of study.

The australian government collects more money from HECS than it does from the fossil fuel industry.

Something needs to change

[lokh]

girl u KNOW it's bad when u consider going back to studying

[irisfixation]

anyways you can probably tell but we got high last night

[chaosoftheages]

*sighs in annoyance because I go ANOTHER story idea that I have a 70% chance of hyperfixating on*

[blackjackkent]

Hector, obv.

Maple leaf / See-no-evil / Masks

And then Rakha, which I know is harder!

Green heart / Shooting star / Crayon

(OC Emoji Asks)

Wheeeee :D

Hector

🍁 MAPLE LEAF - what is their favourite season? why?

I think Hector is a fan of spring. I suspect that winters in the monastery were probably a cold, depressing slog and that, especially when he was younger, it was always a huge relief to come out of it and see plants blooming again. (He's not super outdoorsy - or wasn't before the game adventures at least - but the monastery had a beautiful garden maintained by some of the monks that would blossom into a whole rainbow of colors in the spring.)

🙈 SEE-NO-EVIL - whats a side of your oc that they don't want to show other people?

This feels like something of a standard answer for Hector at this point but he really doesn't like showing when he is scared - which is a lot of the time once he's out in the real world. He was raised for stoic self-discipline and self-sacrifice and is pretty hard on himself for the (numerous) times that the terrible shit he goes through in-game overwhelms that.

He's also not entirely proud of his late-game tendency to steal all the valuables from jerks in the city and wouldn't necessarily want that on his tombstone even if he Robin-hoods most of the money. XD

🎭 MASKS - do they act differently around certain people? what's different between the way they act around friends, family, strangers, etc.?

To a certain degree this ties into the previous question - Hec definitely feels more comfortable admitting his fears and lapses in emotional control with people he grows more comfortable with. He can also, frankly, be pretty scary to people who manage to properly piss him off (ref. his intimidation checks on people like Arfur and the lady at the kennels, off the top of my head), but it takes a lot to get him to that point.

The most obvious answer tho is that he shows a lot of himself (emotionally, though also physically I suppose) to Karlach that he doesn't show to anyone else. With her he feels safe in the full range of his emotions - fear, yes, but also a goofy humor and deeply romantic streak that really only comes out with her. <3

Rakha

💚 GREEN HEART - what things make your oc feel comforted? hugs, kisses, food?

Wyll! XD

More generally speaking, Rakha is comforted by answers. She is almost always running at an informational deficit and it almost always makes her uncomfortable and frustrated, so anything that helps build up her picture of the situation around her will help ease that anxiety and make her feel calmer. And ultimately this is how she first started connecting with Wyll, because he is made it clear right from the beginning that he would answer any questions she had and help explain things that confused her.

And at this point now he doesn't even have to say anything bc deep down she feels comforted just knowing he's there.

🌠 SHOOTING STAR - if they could make any wish with no repercussions, what wish would they make?

This is another one that might change as I get deeper into the game. But as of right now - the thing that compels her most (besides answers and violence) is the internal tranquility that she's experienced in fleeting doses from the guardian and Spaw and channeling the Weave with Gale. She's pretty much made it clear that that feels like a drug to her and the possibility of getting it influences her decisions tremendously. So I think her wish would be to have that all the time somehow.

🖍️ CRAYON - what advice would you give to them?

XD Whether Rakha would listen to me about anything is a tossup. But I would probably say something like - "You're not defined by your past. You can choose who you want to be now. Don't let go of your friends; they have qualities worth emulating."

At which point I think Rakha would just grunt and mutter "I know." And she does, really, but deep down she would appreciate being reminded. XD

[brian-mccann-and-jesus]

Should I text my ex ????

[windchimesofglass]

My special skill is going to random events and then window shopping degrees relating to it.

Last month's flavour of choice: sound design

This month's: heritage conservation

Next month's ....? I dunno - bee-keeping?

[fleurn1igh1]

Misunderstanding [Yandere Harry Potter]

T.W :- None Synopsis:- He Misunderstood <3 Note:- Hello, this the new account of @aestheticpluto since my last account got deactivated, I don't even know why (T_T), but yeah this is my second account, I hope I can regain everything I lost anyway, This is the rewrite of "Love [yandere Harry Potter]

"Look what do we have here" you said walking in the empty potion class which was almost empty expect the golden trio who were studying "Go away, L/n" Ron hissed gripping his quill tighter "Don't you have anything better to do?" Hermione glared at you "Not better than this" you shrugged and sat a couple seat away from them "I like seeing this scumbag struggle" you said with an artificial smile, before Ron could bite back, Harry stopped him "Leave them, Ron, they won't give up" he looked at you in the eyes with a sigh that sounded of disappointment, you scoffed and got up "jerk" you said before leaving, unknown to you, you failed to notice the light pink dust on his face.

You have always been envious of favoritism towards Harry, and since your parents were also in Gryffindor so you being a Slytherin didn't sit right with them, always comparing you to The Harry Potter.

You were in Slytherin common room when you heard someone approaching you "Y/n" you looked up and saw none other than the chosen one himself "What is it?" you said with bored expression "What's your problem with me?" you scoffed in response "everything" you said going back to work, he frowned and snatched the quill out of your hand "Why do you hate me?" you stood up glaring at him "you're the most obnoxious person I came across, everything you do is get praised even if it's wrong, Students those who paid the same equal price never get treated the same which gets on my nerve and why all that? just because you're 'special' jeez you make me gag, because of you I have to always live in a pressure to match your pace, always being compared to you which drives me crazy" you said in one breath whatever you were thinking while glaring at him "So it's because lack of love?" you tilted your head "What? No?--" before you could even finished he pulled you in a hug "Potter-- what the hec--"

"Harry, you can call me Harry" your confusion only got deeper as he keeps his arms around you, his arms tightly wrapped around your torso, holding you against his chest. "You're getting this wron-" you were cut off once again "It's okay from now on, I'll give you all the love and affection" your eyes widen as you tried to push him off "I'm sorry, but from now I'll give you the world" "No, Potter-" "Harry" he said once again this time firmly, it came out more of a warning.

"Harry we were looking for you-- Bloody Hell" Ron walked in and saw his best friend and his enemy hugging? Hermione followed Ron and was just as stunned "Mate?" Ron asked with his eyes widen "care to explain?" Hermione said with her stern expression, you finally pushed Harry off and fixed your uniform "Nothing is going, don't think anything gross" you said with a glare before going to pick up your stuff "And leave as quick as possible, besides It's not good to stay at Slytherin's common room for too long" you instructed and walked out of the door

"See you at Breakfast, dearest!" Harry said with a smile while Hermione and Ron shared a look "What? I'm just trying to help" he shrugged and smiled to himself.

[thehusbandoden]

You Flinch During an Argument -Shigaraki Tomura x Reader

A/n: This is a bit shorter than I'd like but it is what it is. If you'd like a longer or angstier version just shoot me an ask or comment <33

Fluffier than some of em

Slight angst to fluff/comfort | 455 words

Warnings!: Dusting things, taking anger out in unhealthy ways, and flinching. Please let me know if I miss any <3!

Dabi | Hawks | Todoroki Shoto | Bakugo Katsuki | Midoriya Izuku | Shigaraki Tomura | Aizawa Shota | Amajiki Tamaki | Kirishima Eijiro | Shinso Hitoshi

As Tomura's hand reached towards you you flinched back, causing the tramautized man to pause. Did you... think he was going to hit you?

All he was planning on doing was grabbing your chin to force you to look him in the eyes. Would it have been rough? Yes, yes it would have been, but he wasn't going to hurt you.

"Tomura.. I'm just going to go." You whisper, moving to leave the gamer's sloppy bedroom.

"But wai-" Tomura was interupted by the closing of his door, causing him to curse as he kicked a pile of dirty laundry, which tangled his foot and caused him to loose his balance and fall onto the floor.

Curses strung from Tomura's mouth as he dusted the pile of clothes. As the last shirt disintergrated Tomura felt a small stroke of calmness wash over his emotions, causing him to let out a little sigh. Looking around, Tomura decided he wanted to entirely calm down and knew exactly how to do it.

~~

After Tomura dusted every thing but his bed, tv, gaming console + controllers, and tv stand, Tomura sighed. Instead of the blazing anger he felt earlier he felt entirely calm, and ready to talk to you.

~~

Storming towards your room, Tomura didn't bother tearing open the door and walking in, glaring at Dabi who was snickering at his display of desperation.

"Tomura what the hec-"

"Shut up and listen." Tomura growled, climbing on top of you, much to your dismay.

"Tomu-"

"I said to shut up and listen!"

After you stopped talking Tomura sighed, resting his head on your chest as he played with your hair, thinking about what he was going to say next.

"Listen I- I didn't mean to scare you.. I wasn't going to hurt you . I promise you I wasn't.

"I know Tomura."

"Will you be qui- you do?"

"Yes.. I do. I mostly wanted to get out of there to avoid furhter conflict because I know how hot headed you get when you're angry and no matter what I do or say you won't listen.

"Hey-"

"Tomura.. I'm sorry about my part of things. I didn't mean to annoy you with my teasing. I was just having a fun time and didn't realize how ganged up on you felt."

"And I'm sorry for freaking out on you instead of trying to understand your point of view."

Giggling, you peck Tomura's forehead, moving to tangle your hand in Tomura's hair.

"I love you Tomura. So much."

"I love you to goregous."

~Bonus~

Hey Tomura?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm going to have to get you more clothes and furniture.. aren't I?"

"Mhmmm"

Simply sighing, you get back to playing with Tomura's hair peacefully.

Reblogs help spread and support my work, therefore they help me immensely but any support is appreciated <33

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Tips <3

Do not copy, repost, nor plagiarize my work. Ask before you translate or use my work in any way minus reblogging.

[twisted-king]

Hi! Hello! I was wondering if you wrote any platonic hecs in twst? If you do, can you write gn!mc always finding a away to mention/talk about her home world? Maybe add a little bit of homesickness for angst👀.

Platonic hcs with the first years pls:>

Btw I really love you writing style!♡

AAAA oh my gosh thank you so much! I have no idea what im really doing aha...

Absolutely!!! here's a key:

Epel Ace Deuce Sebek Jack You

First year friend group + Reader who talks about home

They love you

they REALLY do

But this is excessive.

"Back at the farm we used to drink hot cider after a long day out in the snow, actually one time we-" "Heh.. like how my mom and I used to..." "Used to what?" "Oh its nothing... Just a tradition. We'd get together every Tuesday and go for bubble tea" "Oh..."

Epel understands feeling far from home, and he wants to try and relate with you but he doesn't know about half the stuff you're saying.

"hahah I got a higher score than you this time. Mayeb you shoulda studied a bit harder like lil ol me~" "Shut up Ace! It's a difference of like... two points!" "Two more points than you!" "oh you-" "My friends and I used to compare scores all the time, she always asked for help studying but.. haha she always got better grades than me."

They feel SO awkward when this happens

Deuce almost feels like he's showing off in some kind of way. He wants to be an honor student AND a good friend to you, so he's trying to creatre new memories with you, he's just having some trouble.

"Hey! I uh- I learned out to make one of Trey's tart! The one from the unbirthday party you liked so much?" "Oh thank you Deuce! It's kind of funny actually-" oh no,,, "My sibling and I used to bake for each other to say sorry."

Ace on the other hand is curious, but he kind of wishes you could be with the group sometimes.

"And then Lucius was like-- On top of Deuce- get this- while he was STILL sleeping" "No way..!" "Seriously?" "Hah- how pathetic, I NEVER fall asleep in Trein's... admittedly dull, lessons." "I used to have a dog, he could sleep anywhere"

And suddenly, it's quiet again...

Jack tries to keep your mind off things

He takes you out on relatively silent runs, he invites you to track meets, you can join or just watch him and Deuce! You've been looking a little down recently so, this makes sens to Jack, Deuce enjoys having you watch him run too, his friends give him extra motivation to beat his last personal best!

But... now you're crying?

Ohnowhatdoido.jpeg

Ace, Epel, and Sebek are on their way too, they wanted to do something nice for you and suprise you and -oh no...

They drop everything.

Your friends rush toward you, maybe you're hurt? you like... NEVER cry around them.

And suprisingly, Sebek can get you through the worst of it

"You're sad. and far from home. and that is hard. Especially for a pu ny huma-" "Sebek!!" "Right, uh... But we are here with you now. And we care for you."

"You're our best friend, I don't think anyone would be 'round here if it weren't for you."

"I don't feel as alone, riding solo just... wasnt it."

"'Sides, class isnt nearly as fun without you in it?"

"We really care about you, Prefect. You're our friend."

They gather around you, peacefully letting you cry after they let you know how muhc you mean to them.

"I just... I miss home so much..!"

[adabird]

Hii, can I please request Hecs of Monoma as your bf?

Monoma Neito -Cannon Boyfriend Headcannons!!

All characters are aged up!

Boyfriend Monoma- That insists to have sleepovers in his dorm, every. single. friday.. And if you have plans he’ll be joining you. He has no problem joining you on ‘girls night’..

Boyfriend Monoma- Who loves to have ‘Spa days’ with you.. He loves it whenever you dress up in robes, clad in face masks and freshly painted toes..

Boyfriend Monoma- That loves coming back home to see you dressed up in his hero suit, a hitting all his cannon poses with a bright smile on your face..

Boyfriend Monoma- That’s secretly motivational to you, and is your BIGGEST fan EVER. He buys all your company’s products, and proudly shows them off..



Boyfriend Monoma- Who buys you gifts constantly!! Like everyday you come home or wake up to some special gifts, ranging to jewelry to little nicknacks.. 

Boyfriend Monoma- that starts the relationship off as enemies to lovers.. but starts to compliment you without realizing it, and soon you two start to openly flirt with each other..

Boyfriend Monoma- That refuses to keep your quirk, because he feels like it would just be wrong..

Boyfriend Monoma- That has a very powerful relationship dynamic.. The two of you are always extremely powerful together..

Boyfriend Monoma- Who insist on taking you out on candle lit dinners at least once a week, and will shame himself if he misses it..

Boyfriend Monoma- Who prides himself on making sure you two have great milestone-celebrations, making sure they are all memorable and sweet!!

Boyfriend Monoma- Who makes it a point to let you know how much he admires you by getting you a promise ring, to show you his devotion and strong feels for you (a perk being, letting other men know you’re taken 😺)..

Boyfriend Monoma- Who insists he’s not jealous, even though his chest, cheeks, and shoulders are pushed out.. He also look like he’s on the verge of Bakugou-ing out..

Boyfriend Monoma- Who takes you shopping constantly, and makes sure you don’t have to pay for anything..

Boyfriend Monoma- That is comfortable talking to you whenever you have a weird period craving, or pain..

Boyfriend Monoma- Who’s actually really protective, and always sits in the seat that faces the door in case any issues come up..

I hope you liked this one!! Neito is really one of my favorite characters, even though he’s really underrated!

❗️I have a few new works coming in within the next few days so be prepared❗️

The requests are really helping me out, so thank you! If ANYONE had ANY requests just message me! I don’t judge!

Again let me know if you want any new characters or specific scenarios you want to see! Just message and you wish will come truee!! (low key cringy, but bear with me)

-Onie out!

[thisismeracing]

King of my heart | MS47 | Part. 21

― Pairing: Mick Schumacher x Hamilton!reader (she/her) ― Warnings: curse words, Twitter environment, mention of food, not proofread, etc, etc. Minors DNI! ― Summary: After the Qata GP Yn and some friends decide to go on a mini vacation before the next racing weekend, but different from other times she keeps her phone close and makes sure she’s sharing how things are happening through her lenses. ―  A/n: none of the pictures used are mine, they are all from Pinterest and other apps. Everything else is made up by me, and I do not allow it to be published on a different platform. I would appreciate it if those things could be taken into consideration 💛

⁕ part 20 | series masterlist | part. 22 ⁕ my masterlist | my taglist here ⁕ Support my writing by reblogging, and leaving me a message 🤍

theofficialyn

liked by pierregasly, gina_schumacher, and others

theofficialyn qatar dumpppp 💙

view all comments

russellsaint yes, babe, but you're really gonna ignore the make-out pics?

⤷ schumini47 omg leave her alone!!!! 🙄🙄

lewishamilton I look good 😙

⤷ landonorris yeah and I look awful, what in the hec, yn??!

⤷ theofficialyn I am still learning, lan!!!!! 😔

swiftleclerc it's so weird seeing her and lando, like out of all the drivers she included lando on her dump?!

⤷ princessyn they're friends, she posted about him while in Miami too, there's nothing new. plus, he was on the podium

⤷ keepupwhamiltons lando is close with lewis too, I think they're friends way before we know 🤷🏼

tracklimitss IS THAT CORINNA ON THE LAST PIC??

mickyn in my head the second pic is mick, let me live in delusion, bye

sainzfrance those shoes are fireee 🔥

masoncity no signs of mase on the likes 👁️👁️

⤷ chelseablues this is so weird, get a life (I'm curious too, lmk if he shows up)

mickshoemaker I am so relieved to see she's posting, for a second I thought she would deactivate after those pap pics

franciscac.gomes linda! 💗

mickschumacher

liked by lewishamilton, jackdoohan, and others

mickschumacher been ridin' harleys in Hawaii lately

view all comments

gina_schumacher I look cute 🥰

⤷ theofficialyn you’re always cute 🩷

⤷ pierregasly franciscac.gomes where are you to comment I look cute too?

⤷ charles_leclerc pierre looks cute too!! ☝🏻

⤷ grandmonza they're so funny omg complete chaos LOL

pophamilton SOFT LAUNCHING YN FINALLY!!!!

mickandyn I prayed for moments like this

mercmick I love how it's really a dump, there's no color aesthetic behind, just the pictures ❤️

lewishamilton out of all the pictures?

⤷ theofficialyn shut up, I was the one who chose it 🥺

⤷ moonsainz OMG SHE CHOSE IT WDHSKJHKLSDFHJKJHF

ferrarihoax where are the girlies who were saying Yn was dating mason?? LOL

franciscac.gomes wait for meeee, I'll get there tomorrow 🫠

⤷ theofficialyn I'll include you on my dump, kika 💗

⤷ tsunodaalpine I love how she's interacting with every comment as if it was her own post

mercedesamgf1 see you guys on Thursday! 🫡

malibucyrus I understand the fuss with yn and mick, but can we also appreciate how yn and gina are close? mickyn is literally my fav ship because you can see how there's so much love their families can't help but fall too ❤️

mickschumacher

liked yb charles_leclerc, normani, and others

mickschumacher through my eyes 🤍

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estebanocon ❤️ really happy for you, mate!

mercedesamgf1 finally!!!! 😍

⤷ alpinepierre LMAO

theofficialyn thank you for loving me the way you do 🤍

⤷ mickschumacher thank YOU for letting me love you ❤️

minimacher47 the way she’s looking at him in the second pic, that’s what we’ve been talking about. It must have been so hard for them to hide it 😭

monzaart mick, share more pics with the class, I beg you

albonno he’s such a simp

mercciado it’s over for us bitches

marvelmercedes the hold he has on her jaw, I- oop 🫦

georgerussell63 I’m gonna pretend I’m surprised ❤️

⤷ rodeoricciardo he‘s such a little shit, I love him lol

danielricciardo mick.jpg when?

theofficialyn

liked by lilyhme, landonorris, and others

theofficialyn through my eyes 🤍

view all comments

lewishamilton luv u, guys ❤️

⤷ hammertimme if they have Lewis’ blessing who are we to be against?

franciscac.gomes I’m so happy for you!!! You deserve all the love 💕

mickschumacher ❤️ you and me, always

⤷ theofficialyn always ❤️

⤷ 1dferrari crying, shaking, giggling, throwing up, grinning like a devil

landonorris 🧡

mclatas him with angie, him holding flowers, him napping omg thank you for your service, Yn!!!!

norrissza he’s really boyfriend material, I have the proof, I have it printed! *toto’s voice*

gina_schumacher 😍😍😍 officially family yayy!!

⤷ zendaya44 wdym officially? Are they’re about to marry?

⤷ charleslepole idc, whatever gina says its the law. If she’s saying Yn’s oficially family she is!! 💋

lewissunshine I can’t wait for this Sunday!!!!!!

lilyhme so precious 🩷

charles_leclerc I was so scared I would spill it by accident, finally!!!

⤷ pierregasly SAME!

charles_leclerc I love you two btw

roscoelovescoco I’s approvess 🥰

⤷ braziliangp I wonder if this was Lewis or Yn who typed it LOL

taglist: @sachaa-ff @ferrariloverr @mickslover @fdl305 @mishaandthebrits @iloveyou3000morgan @crimeshowjunkie @saintslewis @carojasmin2204 @chaoticevilbakugo @wondergirl101ks @shhhchriss @smiithys @f1kota @lunnnix @leclercsluv @baby-is-crying @karmabyfernando @crashingwavesofeuphoria @v1naco @elliegrey2803 @he6rtshaker @therealcap @mehrmonga @thatgibbsygirl @the-depressed-fellow @cixrosie @darleneslane @buckybarnessweetheart @minkyungseokie @nichmeddar

⁕ my masterlist and my taglist

©thisismeracing do not copy, steal, or translate my work. do not repost on a different media platform.

Don’t forget to reblog and leave me a comment 🩷

[blood-starved-beast]

I still can't over Eris deciding to roadblock Melinoe's journey to Olympus. The way Mel absolutely loses it if you lose to Eris the first few times (or not even lose, she's still pretty pissed all around). Like there's this immense buildup for Mel to climb Olympus and help the gods there and Hermes sort of rushing you and what not to unlock the path. So the whole thing's all serious and stuff.

Then Eris blindsides Mel for some fun. If you lose it's funnier cause that means Eris destroyed Mel's run for shits and giggles and Mel races over to Eris's corner of the Crossroads to yell traitor at her and Eris baits her like the jester baiting the hounds artwork. It does not stop Eris.

Funnier is that if Eris shows up at the Crossroads before you reach her at the end of the Rift of Thessaly there's this convo Eris says something to the extent that she doesn't go up top when Melinoe asks her about it cause she'd get in the way:

Me when I lie.

That or Melinoe asking her about it gave Eris the idea to head up top to stop her. Which is just as funny cause that means Mel inadvertently dug her own grave. Just like she did with Scylla and the Sirens actually. She didn't need to have beef with them. Nor did she need to have Eris up top. Unfortunately, Melinoe's situationship drama finally caught up to her and now she has to have fights to the death with her not-crush cause Eris thinks having date nights with Trouble kills two birds with one stone.

And Mel can't do anything about it. She tells on Eris to Hecate Hec's all like "well sorry show her up next time :/." Or getting shit on by Nem for always giving Eris second chances and whatnot. Cause no amount of complaining about Eris stops Mel from running over to Eris's neck of the bog to give her a nectar. Cause lowkey Mel does appreciate the fights. Or rather, doesn't deny it when Eris asks about her feelings about them. Literal circus clown hours all around.

[1000sunstudios-blog]

Get your tickets and quick, for they will sell faster than Noblestalk in Baldur's Gate! Premiering live at the Rondeau Ceremonial Ampitheatre: Chromatic Panic, featuring songs and ballads from across the realms.

- Lucretious, Ringmaster of the Circus of the Last Days, speaks of a famous, interplanar, all-dragonborn band of performers and their upcoming concert debut.

Cast and Crew: Michael Galladion, the Gentleman (My OC); DUrge (a.k.a.: Jah'Qen Viserys), the Showman (Re-imagining of the BG3 Dark Urge); Eligar, the Pleasureseeker (OC of @predninja); Nadaar, the Professional; Zeri, the Diva. (Last two are OCs of Discord server friends).

-----

A crack art idea I've been piecing together for the past, what, 2 weeks now? Courtesy of @predninja for giving me the showerthought, as well as a few key art techs that helped put the piece together. (Has anyone ever told you that dragonborn kissy-face with the BG3 detailing is heccing HARD AF to get to look right? Like, holy hell the amount of redraws just to get something not derpy was pain.)

I won't lie, getting back into drawing again - especially with good people there to provide support - has been nice. Can't wait to see where the muse takes me next.

Was particularly proud of the pearl nails on Zeri - for some reason (I think it's because the effect carries through extremely well and the color matching was just perfect). Got some minor details I'd want to practice again in future sinc ethey came out a touch jank, but otherwise I'm pretty satisfied with the result.

[blackjackkent]

Prompt fill for @thedarkstrategist from this ask meme: [ 🛁 ] - running them a bath, Shadowzel.

-----

“She is in pain,” Lae’zel says, pacing back and forth before the bar on the Elfsong’s bottom floor. The ale Karlach purchased for her sits undrunk on the wood bartop; she seems to have forgotten its existence. “And it is a pain I do not know how to soothe,” she growls. “It is maddening.”

“Yeah,” Karlach says, watching Lae’zel’s quick, restless movements with an air of sympathy. “Fucking sucks, when someone you care about is hurting. And this kind of hurt… whoof.” She breathes out, rattling her lips heavily. “I lost my parents, back before the Hells, but at least they went… normally, y’know? Bad fever, overturned cart. Things like that happen to people. This, what she had to do… that’s a whole different ball game…”

“This is not helping,” Lae’zel says curtly.

“I’m commiserating,” Karlach says with a slight shrug. “I don’t really have an answer for you. ‘s not the sort of thing you fix.”

Lae’zel comes to an abrupt halt and turns to face Karlach directly. “There must be something,” she says. “I--” She breaks off abruptly and scowls down at the battered slats of the floor. “You know of these things,” she mutters. “I do not. I must have your help.”

“These things?” Karlach cocks her head slowly to one side.

A pause. Lae’zel flushes, her jaw working with frustration at the struggle to articulate her own feelings. “Romance,” she finally says carefully. Another pause, then suddenly rapid, “No. Not romance. Something more. The gentleness that comes with it. I feel the need for it, but do not know…” She falters, her ears flushing a deep olive. “I do not know what to do.”

“Oh.” Karlach would be tempted to smile, were it not for the fact that Lae’zel looks so terribly agitated. “Well, I’ll let you in on the first secret I know,” she says, “which is that we’re all making this the fuck up as we go along. I certainly am.” She nudges the barstool next to her with her boot toe. “C'mon, sit down."

Lae'zel sits abruptly, a soldier obeying orders. Karlach studies her for a moment thoughtfully. "Y'know," she says slowly after a little while, "sometimes when my engine's real bad, Hec'll just... do things for me. Just so I don't have to. Get my dinner served up, or clean out my armor, that sort of thing. And it helps." She rubs at her jaw. "I think, with this sort of shit... it's not about fixing. Not really. It's about... just being there, and holding some of the weight. Helping her keep living, while she sorts it all out."

Lae'zel considers this with narrowed eyes. "Yes," she says slowly.

Karlach's teeth flash in a cautious grin. "We've got a proper bathroom in our rooms upstairs now. You could draw her a bath, bring her dinner after... give her a night not having to think about anything."

Lae'zel nods. "Yes," she repeats. Her whole body is stock-still except for her fingertips which fidget almost imperceptibly against the floral-carved edge of the bar. 

Karlach's smile softens. "The way Hec tells it - it'll make you feel better too," she says gently. "Maybe feel a little less like your head's eating itself alive." She claps Lae'zel on the shoulder. "Look. We're gonna make this happen," she says. "And I'll help. She likes night orchids, right? I'm gonna go right now over to Bonecloaks and shake that woman down for every blossom she's got, and then Jaheira and me'll take the boys off on an adventure for a while. Leave the rooms upstairs all yours till, say, ten o'clock?"

She doesn't expect thanks - the whole crew, by now, is well aware that Lae'zel doesn't tend to say it out loud. What she does get, though, is a sudden tight grip on her forearm from the gith's long-fingered hand; a gesture of camaraderie - or perhaps the clinging of a drowning woman to a driftwood life raft. "That is... generous," Lae'zel mutters.

"Just doing my part to make love bloom," Karlach says airily.

Lae’zel flinches, her color deepening again. “We have not spoken of love,” she says stiffly.

Karlach lifts her eyebrows innocently. “Oh, are we not saying that part out loud yet?” she asks.

“Kainyank…” Lae’zel grumbles, rolling her eyes - but Karlach notices she doesn’t argue the point.

-----

Shadowheart sits on the bed, leaning against the window, her knees drawn to her chest. She’s dimly aware that the others haven’t come back from dinner yet, but it’s hard to muster the energy to care. Ever since the House of Grief, she’s felt drained, empty, surrounded by the shattered pieces of a world she doesn’t know how to reconstruct yet. She feels broken.

There’s the soft sound of a footstep up the stairs. Rustling movement in the center of the shared floor of their lodgings. The sound of running water from the magical taps in the bathroom. Shadowheart ignores it all, focusing her eyes on the progress of a fly climbing up the outside of the window glass. 

Then-- “Shadowheart?”

Something in her heart loosens just a little, hearing Lae’zel’s voice. It’s astonishing, given how they began, the way that Lae’zel has come to mean protection, and understanding, and calm. Lae’zel is safety in a way that none of the others are, because Lae’zel too has had her life taken apart, and the two of them have built a new one out of the ashes. “Yes,” she says softly, forcing herself to stir and lift her head. “I’m here.”

To her surprise, she finds that Lae’zel is standing watching her with a bundle of deep blue flowers in one hand. The gith shifts awkwardly and then sets the plants down on the nearby table. “I--” she says haltingly. A pause, and then she presses on doggedly as if expecting a burst of laughter from some corner at any moment. “All day you have sat here alone. I have drawn you a bath. Will you come?”

“A bath?” Shadowheart tips her head, mildly bemused.

“Yes.” Lae’zel shifts her weight slowly from one foot to the other. Then she adds, almost sheepishly, “Karlach said it would help.” A pause, then so low Shadowheart almost can’t hear it, “Let me help. Please.”

A sudden tight lump settles in Shadowheart’s throat, making it hard to speak. “Lae’zel--”

“I said I would protect you,” Lae’zel mutters. “But there is no enemy to strike. There is only this. These small things. It is not much, but…” 

“No.” Shadowheart slowly uncurls herself from the tight ball in which she has spent the last few hours. The barest hint of a smile pulls at her lips for the first time in days. It’s not about the bath, not really - she didn’t need or even really want one. It’s the reminder that there is more around her than the impenetrable shadow Shar has draped over her world. That Lae’zel is driving it back with both fists, even when she doesn’t think she knows how.

“No,” she repeats softly. “That sounds perfect.”

[platonicreaderinsertfanfic]

Was Your Friend About to Quietly Go Rogue?

Word count: 820 “You’re going with Naruto?” you asked, searching Kakashi’s one visible eye for how much trouble this would cause. He nodded. “Yamato is coming as well. If anyone asks about us, can you help cover for our absence?” “Sure, although I’m far from a brilliant liar.” "I know." Kakashi almost chuckled as he stood casually in front of the card table you were using to chop vegetables. Hands shoved into his pockets, partially silhouetted in the opening of the sturdy military tent, he may as well have been talking about visiting your family for a game night, instead of a personal mission which sounded dangerously like insubordination. Even with his headband covering his left eye, and his cloth mask covering the lower half of his face, it was easy enough to read his smile. Perhaps he was about to do something uncharacteristically stupid, but he looked the same as always, wearing a green flak vest and holster pouch. With the village destroyed and construction constantly ongoing, you had been assigned to peel and chop a sizable pile of potatoes, each of which you dropped into provided buckets of water once it was in quarters for easy boiling later. “Why all the secrecy?” He shrugged. “I doubt Danzo would approve of our journey.” “The new Hokage?” Usually Kakashi was more aware of the political ramifications of people’s actions than you were, but this seemed unwise. Although, you obviously didn’t know all the facts about the situation. Civilians rarely did. “The temporary, unconfirmed Hokage, yes.” 

While you knew almost nothing of the man, it was clear Kakashi didn’t approve of this arrangement, so it seemed likely you would not care for the new Leaf Village leader either. Resuming peeling a potato, you wondered how serious this self-appointed mission of Kakashi’s was? And yet, even if he was setting out on a suicide operation, he would likely be talking to you with his hands in his pockets and ever-calm demeanor, just like he was now. You knew that from personal experience. Sighing, your shoulders slumped as you planted your hands on the tabletop and leaned forward. “If you’re doing something the new Hokage doesn’t like, how many rules are you breaking?” “I’m not sure of the exact number. Maybe I’m technically not breaking any.” You stared at the tip of your knife, which rested on the cutting board. “Worst case scenario?” “You used to be an optimist.”  “I’m a realist who hopes Providence has my back. Answer the question.” After a long, slow exhale, Kakashi rocked back on his heels. “Danzo gets back from his trip, discovers Yamato and I left the village with Naruto, and decides to make an example of me. So I might be facing a demotion. Maybe a short prison sentence, if he’s feeling particularly harsh.” Your stomach twisted at his words, but your face didn't flinch as you continued staring down the tabletop. “Very well.” Leaning forward into your line of sight, Kakashi gave you a thumbs up, his right eye squinting almost closed as he smiled at you. “I hope you’ll visit me in prison if it comes to that, right?” He teased. Still clutching your vegetable peeler, you raised your fist and brought it down on top of his head playfully, squashing his spiky silver hair. “Idiot.” Pulling your hand away, you grinned back. “You’re my friend. Of course I’d visit.” Better than him not coming back at all, which was how you assumed your friendship would end one day. Of course, he had died right here in the village not long ago, so there really wasn’t anywhere safe, for either of you. “Don’t worry.” Your friend’s voice was quiet but reassuring.  “Kakashi?” Captain Yamato stuck his head into the tent. “I’ll be seeing you.” Your friend raised a hand in a wave, and then he was gone. Picking up another potato, you muttered. “I hope so. I really hope so.” Ever since Kakashi had rescued you nineteen years ago, back when both of you were still children, you’d always known his ninja world was dangerous. Heck, your younger brother had commented that he didn’t know how you had the courage to befriend ninjas when you knew how likely they were to one day shatter the friendship by dying. You thought you had grown accustomed to the knowledge, accepted the future pain in exchange for a handful of interesting friends who could manage feats a civilian like you could only dream of. But this felt different. Political problems at home couldn’t be solved with force. If Kakashi got himself in trouble with the Hokage, there would be little to do but watch it unfold. You snorted as you quickly quartered a potato with two violent strikes of your knife. Honestly, why worry about this? Nothing you could do would change events, at most, you might attempt to alleviate the pain of unwelcome consequences if they came to pass…

Author's note: This is my first attempt at writing anything for a Naruto character. So if you've got feedback, then I'm interested to hear it. (But you don't have to say anything.)