#I feel like I just threw up all over the page but hopefully you can see the kernel of actual thought in there

[timetoddddavis]

Top 5 secondary Riders ^⁠_⁠^

HM. This is a surprisingly hard question! ...Also this got very abstract very quickly, like about their story or their place in the narrative, but this is why they are my favorites. Ok, so, kinda sorta in 1-5 order, but don't quote me on that:

Birth: Date Akira/Shintaro Gotou

Ok I know this is two guys but, to me, ‘secondary rider’ means you have to look at the suit, and who’s in the suit, and the story that goes into that suit. It’s not my top 5 favorite secondary characters in Rider, it’s secondary RIDERS, right? So we have to get into the whole ‘official categorization’ thing, and the Secondary Rider™ in OOO is Birth. And Birth is these two guys (and Satonaka in a bonus). AND FURTHERMORE you cannot separate these two’s character arcs, they do not work alone, they are linked! Narratively! And it’s a good narrative. It’s about being broken down. It’s about not believing in yourself and being told you’re enough and having to come to believe it. It’s about keeping distance so you can burn it all down but not being allowed to. It’s about letting love in. It’s about realizing you are not right all the time. It’s about growing from self-righteousness and savior complexes and realizing that you just have to do what you can. It is so neatly tied into the themes and arcs of every other character, and THE THEMES OF THE WORK AS A WHOLE.

Zeronos: Sakurai Yuuto

At the end of Episode Red I had to lay on the floor for 15 minutes. My wife put a blanket over me. Yuuto is. Important. Yuuto is about memory, and loss, and having to fill very big shoes. Yuuto is about sacrifice, and that deep pit in your heart that used to be a person you knew, a long time ago. He’s tragic and he’s hopeful and he’s beautiful. He takes the themes of the work and paints them with a harsher brush. And also he is a bratty teen boy who loves his demon bird mom from the future.

Cross-Z: Banjou Ryuuga

It’s about the story. It’s about being a scrappy little featherweight in a world of monsters and what war makes you, and choosing love. Banjou is so full of love, it burns and burns until he’s overflowing. All he wants is to see someone smile. All he wants is to brand the love he feels onto one other person until that person sees himself the way Banjou does. He punches monsters in the face with a roll of quarters* in his fist. *The lingering feelings of someone who loves him. HE PUNCHES MONSTERS. WITH LOVE**. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING. **The dragon fullbottle

Garren: Tachibana Sakuya

Do you know how hard it is to decide who you count as the secondary rider of Blade?? Blade isn’t really… about that??? It’s very weird to say with any strength in my voice that Tachibana deserves the title more than Hajime. But he is the guy on the official merch?? SO. OK. IT’S THIS WET CAT. I already wrote a whole huge rant about this character. I feel like my feelings are known. This man is a TRAGEDY. Like it’s fun to talk about him in terms of wet cat and meow meow and blorbo and guy who did it the worst it’s ever been done. And it’s true! I know we all say that with earnest love and affection. But, seriously, I find him so fascinating. He inarguably makes terrible choices for the whole show, but the choices don’t feel forced, to me. Tachibana makes sense, a horrible, sad, painful sense. Tachibana’s choices come from a place of misguided desire to do The Right Thing, and his idea of what that is differs from everyone else. His Right is organization, and status, and structure. He doesn’t know anything, because he relies on people more powerful than him to know better. He doesn’t see worth in his own choices, he sees himself as an enforcer. Tachibana is a soldier, and it’s killing him, and even then he can’t break out. Even when he knows he’s wrong. Even when he tries over and over and fails every time. He makes one choice for himself, and it’s right at the end, and it’s beautiful, and powerful, and sad, and it’s important, to me, that he makes it. Even if you don’t win, the will to change, the letting yourself finally admit you are wrong… Even if you only do one good thing at the end, it matters that you did the one good thing. Also I have a nuclear-hot take about Tachibana that I’m not going to share here.

Gatack: Kagami Arata

I feel so weird putting Kagami in as a secondary rider. He’s the main character of the show, the guy who has to grow and change, the guy who the Stuff Happens To. But he is, officially, the secondary Rider. I love him. I cheered so hard for him. They don’t give this guy a win every episode but when he gets a win he’s earned it through so much grit and straightforward rage that it’s palpable through the screen. And it FEELS. SO. GOOD. Just great setup and payoff, the pacing in Kabuto can be insane but like, this stuff? The way it makes you wait for Kagami but never leaves you unsatisfied? Kabuto is the good shit. Every show should make you wait for someone to become a rider like this. This goes the same for Gotou, and to a lesser extent Banjou. You have to make it MEAN something. Also he is a normal man beset upon by the weirdest guys in the entire cosmos, he lives in something like a harem anime but most of these guys are not trying to date him, they are just trying his patience. What is not to love about that setup?

[l0ve-bug-m1les]

Miles Morales x Male reader

When the reader has dyslexia and has trouble with spelling certain words or just forget how to spell the most simplest words ever gets insecure about their learning disability and then falls into a depressive episode (which is just them distancing themselves from other (Miles) for weeks)

First off please let me know if i got some things wrong. I myself don’t have dyslexia, so please correct me on anything. And I hope you’re okay if you’re feeling this way. Sending love and Miles Morales your way! <33 But seriously if you need to talk I’m here, okay? I hope you enjoy!

————

Distence Distance

Miles Morales x Male!Reader

Summary: When it has once again been made apparent spelling isn’t your strong suit, your mind spirals out of your own control.

Warnings: Swearing

Your brow furrowed. Is it tom—orrow? Or tom—morrow? This shouldn’t be this hard. It’s a word. A simple word. But despite your best efforts, you can’t get it. Defeated, you lean over and quietly tap your finger Miles’ arm. He knows about your dyslexia, and helps you whenever things get a little tough. He’s never made fun of you, and has never acted like he was annoyed with you asking him how to spell things. This is quite a common occurrence, but recently, nothing seems to click. It can go from constantly spelling a word wrong, to forgetting how to spell completely. Miles tells you all the time to not worry about it, but what does he know! He doesn’t ask his boyfriend how to spell tomorrow every night!

"Hm? Oh, what’s up?” He looks at you, finishing whatever word he was writing. Your finger drags over to the roadblock on your paper as you mumble a small “Is this right?” Miles takes a look at your paper for a moment before softly shaking his head. “Ah, no, there’s only one m,” your shoulders slump, “but—uh—everything else was right!” His hands wave a little bit, trying to cheer you up. His eyes dart over you, searching for a reaction. A breath escapes your lips as you quietly thank him.

———

A few weeks later, Miles is proofreading your science paper. He’s got a red pen, and is occasionally writing his thoughts or correcting something. That’s to be expected, essays are about trial and error so of course it’s not gonna be perfect on the first try. What you don’t expect, is to find the pages covered with spelling corrections. You can’t even keep up with how many there are on the first page. As you look through, all you can see is what you got wrong. “Replace the i with an e”, “Erosion has one r”, “Con-VEC-tion, there’s a c”, “Don’t forget the—“. You quietly stop reading and get up to grab your things. Your thoughts are cloudy, even as Miles pulls you into a warm embrace to hopefully soothe your anguish. It doesn’t help.

“I gotta go,” you push away, “see you tomorrow..” Your feet lazily carry you out of his dorm room. Miles doesn’t protest. He knows sometimes being practically slapped with how much your disability affects you, doesn’t do you well. So he lets you go, knowing he’d see you tomorrow.

He couldn’t be anymore wrong.

———

Well he wasn’t entirely wrong. He did see you, but you had no intention to see him. Every glance he threw your way went unnoticed. Every time he tried to speak, your headphones went in. He saw your smile wasn’t there, and your usual glow was gone. All of these things worried Miles but he didn’t know what to do. His thoughts were focused around you for the whole day, and how he could help. In the end, he decided it’d be best if he just texted you. Maybe you just didn’t want to speak in person because of yesterday.

Yeah, that’s it. He’ll text you, comfort you, come over to your dorm, and cuddle and comfort you some more. A foolproof plan! Now all that’s left is to get through today.

———

You don’t respond to the first text.

You don’t respond to the second text.

You don’t respond to the third text.

You don’t read any of them. And he knows your read receipts are on.

Miles is frantic now. Where could you have gone? He knows you’d tell him if you were gonna be busy, and he knows he’d catch any signs of you thinking about….No. He wouldn’t let himself think about it. Maybe you just needed some space. It’s normal for a relationship, especially one as new as this. He decided to give it a day or two.

You’d come around eventually.

———

You didn’t come around.

It had been two weeks and Miles still hasn’t heard from you. You were still coming to school, but you arrived before everyone else, and somehow managed to get out before everyone left. If he tried to call you, it’d cut off immediately. If he texted you, it would stay on delivered—read if he was lucky—and if he tried to get into your room, you wouldn’t open the door. Even if your roommate was there, he’d always say: “Oh, [name]? Yeah he’s not here. Sorry.” Then the door would shut. Every day Miles tried. And every day Miles failed.

He’d spend his nights racking his brain for any clue, and reason for you to go a-wall like this. It’s not like you. Whenever something’s troubling you, he’d be the first to hear about it. For the millionth time, he tries to call your phone. And for the millionth time, you pick up. Just like he thought—

Wait what.

Miles sits up and hears quiet sobs on the other end. “H-hello? [Name]? Please answer me.” After a quiet moment you speak up. “Mhm?” Your voice is weak on the other end, but nonetheless, it’s your voice. Miles jumps out of his bed, already putting on a jacket and shoes. “Are you still in the dorms? Where are you?” He opens the window, waving to Ganke who’s woken up. “Please, love.”

“The park. The one we always go to.” Your voice is hoarse and hiccups are breaking through. “Alright. I’ll be there. Wait for me, okay?” He hops out the window and swings through the streets, keeping you on the line. At this point in time, Miles is a great swinger and has almost perfected the art. But tonight, he’s going faster than he’s ever gone before. Faster than his common sense would normally let him go. Even when making an escape, he’s careful to watch his speed just in case. Not tonight though. This is you. He’d risk everything for you.

In a matter of minutes, he’s at the park already looking for you. “[Name]? I’m here,” his eyes dart in every direction, “where exactly are you?” He jogs over to a nearby tree, catching a glimpse of a light from a phone screen. You’re silent for a few more moments as you can tell he’s the cause of those footsteps coming in your direction. So you just keep scrolling on your phone. Miles catches up to you, and before a word can be said, he’s fallen to the ground and pulled you into a hug. Possibly the tightest he’s ever hugged someone. And that’s the crack that sends the dam crumbling.

You break down and sob into his shoulder, clawing the fabric at his sides. The world no longer exists and it’s just you and him. You and the person who cares about you. You and the person who came for you. Miles’ grip tightens around your shoulders as stray tears escape his own eyes. “What happened? Why were you gone for so long?” He asks.

“I was tired of being stupid,” you manage to get out, “tired of being a burden.”

“A burden?!” Miles pulls away and cups your cheeks. “Now who told you that?”

“Don’t you understand, Miles?!” You shout. “I’m probably the dumbest person on this planet!!” He starts to object but you cut him off, “And don’t give me that “Oh but it makes you, you!” Bullshit.” You stand up and begin to pace around. “You can’t possibly wanna deal with me!” Your breath quickens and tears are still falling. “Couldn’t-couldn’t possibly wanna actually spend your life dealing with some who can’t spell for shit. Who’s always asking if he spelled—fucking i don’t know—Wednesday right.” You finally stop and stand in one place, hugging yourself tight. “I fucking hate it.”

Miles makes his way to you and pulls you into another hug. He doesn’t try to convince you otherwise because this isn’t the time. It’s time for you to let it all out, and for him to listen for as long as you need him to. He’s got you back and that’s all he needed. And right now you don’t know, but you needed him just as much if not more.

You two stay in the park and talk for what feels like hours. After two weeks of radio silence you’ve got a lot to say, and best believe your boyfriend is gonna take note of all of it.

🌸~~🌸 🌸~~🌸 🌸~~🌸

A/n: OMG HOLY SHIT WHY DID THIS TAKE SO LONG OMG. @babyqueen17 HERE YOU GO IT’S DONE!!!

[thebrainrotsreal]

Invincible Fic Recs

Also bored as hell so here's Invincible fic recommendations because I can, in no particular order. This fandom's weirdly small (from what I can see) but there are people making fics and I will treasure and cherish them until the sun explodes. Thank you fanfic writers, I love you fanfic writers, doing incredible work, fanfic writers <3 Maybe you've read all these already, or hopefully you can find a fic to adore! TBH a lot of Mark-centic fics because I am biased <3 Feel free to add on!!!

 something better, pushed right back by umanta | Word Count: 13k | Tags to Note: PTSD, Homophobia, Racism, Child Abuse | Oneshot

Being invincible has less to do with the body and more to do with the soul. Mark's friends use the power of teenage shenanigans to help him find his feet again.

Notes: Literally one of my fav Invincible fics of all time. They're just teens and I love all of them so much.

me and myself by avisisisisisissss (joyfuldreamlandcheesecake) | Word Count: 4.6k | Tags to Note: AU, Torture, Evil Mark, Dimensional Travel | WIP!

Mark is dealing with Angstrom's death and the stains of blood on his hands. Meanwhile, Mark has been captured by Cecil, who is torturing him to get him to answer to him. ...It's complicated. Or, when his evil version from another universe ends up in this dimension, Mark starts to feel like someone threw gasoline in his dumpster fire of a life.

Notes: Me biased? Pshhh, not at all. But AU based on a post of mine, please read it, it's really incredible already :)

in the end, you're all i have by orphan_account | Word Count: 1.4k | Tags to Note: Post-Season 1, Hugging, Emotional Hurt/Comfort | Oneshot

Amber’s incredulous look is only brief before she reaches over and grabs the book, opening it to the last page that she was reading. Mark’s eyes are fluttering before she even makes it through the first page; his body goes slack against her, breathing lulls, attention wavers. But she keeps reading the words on the pages, brushing her hand through his hair until she hears soft snores whistling through his nostrils and he finally succumbs to his exhaustion.

Notes: I love Amber and Mark and this is such so soft and good. Truly lovely.

Architect of Your Own Demise by Marzi | Word count: 7k | Tags to Note: AU, Role Reversal, Canon levels of violence, | Oneshot

A lot of his dad's stories were about a beautiful wizard saving a prince from a tall, lonely tower. His dad had a whole series of adventures they went on once the prince was rescued. Though he still seemed to get into plenty of trouble, the wizard always helped him escape. Finding out the stories were true had been thrilling. His mother did save his father when they first met, but she hadn't used spells. She was an alien. She was a superhero. And one day, Mark would be too.

Notes: In all honesty, Marzi writes so many epic Invincible fics, it's had not to list them all, please check them out if you somehow havent' already??? I am weak for Role Swaps though and this is does it so well.

Cold Snap by Marzi (series) | Word Count: 11.9k total | Tags to Note: what if debbie was also allowed to make bad choices, possession, potentially disturbing mutilation based impulses | WIP!

The edge of her mouth twitched again, like it was caught on some hook. She was smiling. She was laughing at him. That wasn't his wife. He moved forward, hand outstretched and on her throat. He had her pinned against the counter before he finished blinking. "What are you?" She leaned into him, unconcerned with the threat against her. It also clearly didn’t care about hiding anymore. "Think you have time to find out?"

Notes: Another Marzi fic because I love Debbie. POSSESSED DEBBIE LIKE HELLO??? I had to share.

Spill the tea boy by mandaree1 | Word Count: 1k | Tags to Note: Set After "It's Been A While", | Oneshot

Mark is visited by friends on Thraxa.

Notes: Crying sobbing begging for more GoG & Mark interactions like these. They heal me ok, thank you, op.

all the things left behind by cadastre | Word Count: 28K | Tags to Note: AU, Captivity, Forced Cohabitation, Aftermath of Torture, Survivor's Guilt, Nolan Grayson's A+ Parenting | WIP!

Mark is invincible. When the world ends, that becomes William's problem.

Notes: Omg fucked up Mark and William interactions??? HELLO? Yes PLEASE? No one is having a good time <3 I haven't seen a fic quite like this so please read!

from a body that used to be yours by thislittlebagofdreams | Word Count: 30K | Tags to Note: Angst, Self Hatred, Alien Biology, Binge Eating, | WIP!

After his dad reveals the truth, Mark returns home to find half the silverware missing. Or: After his dad reveals the truth, Mark reminds his mom too much of his dad.

Notes: I haven't seen an alien bio fic either for this fandom and this is STELLAR! I love the change that Viltramites can't cry, that's such a epic idea???

All Alone Now by YingYangKay | Word Count: 2k | Tags to Note: Solitary Confinement, Dissociation, | Oneshot

Imprisoned and alone, (Evil) Mark has plenty of time to self-reflect and think about his life choices.

Notes: ILY EVIL MARK! I just adore his POV as he reflects, entrapped, and alone. Angst my beloved.

Again, feel free to add on! :D I hope someone finds a new fic to read and adore!!!

[helplessautomaton]

hi can I do 8 with Poe for the event? :3

8 ("someday I wish to eat your heart and maybe then we'll be together in eternity.” )

giggling, Poe is such a creature and i wish to study him more

-WC 631 // valentines event open!! TWs, obsessive behavior, stalking implied (kindaish?), Poe being Poe

You like to tell yourself that the current situation you’re in is better than being in a book where you can not escape nor die. It helps lighten your mood even if it's just as helpful as a grain of sand. It was the only thing that was preventing you from attempting to get away, either you stay in the real world or be subject to being a book for how long in pure insanity. It held power over you and you couldn't feel more angered by it, but you suppose it's better the way it is currently. Even more rash actions, you held back however you can't deny the urge to rip up some of the letters you got from your captor, Poe. full of his obsession leaking off every letter and staining the perfect page that could’ve been used for something else. You were very aware at any moment Poe could use his ability with those letters, the threat was still very there. Yet when the letters are given to you, Poe stands away in the corner waiting for your reaction patiently. Hes calmer when he's close to you, no one else in the way, perfect with just you and him (sometimes Karl as well).  

You were afraid if you accepted his presence more than tolerating it, things would only intensify and get worse with his already lovehigh obsession. Alongside the letters you would get random trinkets, however you would rather throw them out than accept even that, the crows would do better with them. 

Today, Poe was just a little closer, looking over at your shoulder, staring into your eyes that had not once taken in his existence within the hour. The tension was noticeable, Poe inching just a little bit closer, his fidgeting was the only thing worth acknowledging. His hands also held a book, thankful it wasn't about you just for someone else. He then proceeded to shuffle closer to where you were sitting, forced into thought to avoid the man himself. Took one just step closer behind you, unsure what to do, he wants to touch and feel your touch. Eyes staring in at your nape with your hair flowing gently down along your frame completely unmoving. With just one hand he moves the hair closest to your shoulders down with the rest of your hair that aligns with your spine. The touch makes you shiver unexpectedly, you didn't want his touch, you didn't want him near you. Yet there he stayed, unmoving, in complete awe of you, even if your focus was somewhere else. “...someday I wish to eat your heart and maybe then we'll be together in eternity.” 

A gentle hand was placed on your shoulder while you tensed up at the words you just heard. You wanted to plead denial but ultimately knew Poe wasn't joking, hopefully that day is long away. Poe’s slender hand started to pet your shoulder with the utmost care and gentleness, it felt so disgusting. You wish you hadn't met him, had not seen what you weren't supposed to even if the room was all of you. From regular pictures to some old hair you’d cut off, even older school photos along with old phones you threw out. Somethings that went missing you found in that room with everything else as you stood in horror, so did another pair of eyes join you but for the wrong reasons and sealed your fate. 

So here you sit, Poe up close to you, hand on your shoulder, gently caressing you while your mind repeats his words from earlier. Would it be that hard to let him do it? But you just wanted him away from you, he didn't honestly believe that you two would be together in eternity right?

[valeriefauxnom]

Scaling the Walls of a Mystery Masterpost!

As we approach the end of Scaling the Walls of a Mystery (even if we have several chapters left), I'd figured I'd start to assemble a mostly comprehensive collection of things related to it, -to be updated, of course, -so anyone stumbling/searching on this in the future doesn't have to sort through like a year+ of things all throughout this place to find things!

That being said, hopefully this is of some use or interest to someone looking back in the future, and/or if anyone decides to try Scaling because of this.

Since this thing was and is a lot to both my heart and just in general, though, there's a lot to cover and thus under this nice read more!

As for general info for 'what the heck even is that', Scaling the Walls of a Mystery (or Scaling, as I shall refer to it from here on out), is a really big fanfic for Dragalia Lost that I first posted a chapter in February 22nd, 2023! I'm just gonna merge the two summaries that are out on its corresponding AO3 pages for a description beyond that:

A post-canon exploration of Dragalia Lost, wherein Euden finds himself alive somehow, despite all odds... but with no one save his original pactwyrm Midgardsormr remembering him, he's left to look at the recreated world and those he knew in it plagued by shadows of relationships only he knows now. Unfortunately for him, he strays a bit too close, too often to the royal castle of Sol Alberia where he was raised as the 7th scion, and captures his family's attention as a strange outsider that resembles them uncannily well, and who knows far too much for an innocent 'commoner'. What's more, just because the world has been restored to a more harmonious state does not mean all is well for Euden, now trapped under the microscope of his siblings' pertinent questions. Though he might try to keep everything bottled up- the emotions, memories... an entire life's worth of feelings and thoughts is not something so easily dismissed. And while Euden is stubborn, all glass can shatter under pressure. ---

In truth, none of them were entirely sure how things ended up like this, a strange commoner waltzing ever-steadily into their house and hearts. They did not know this 'Euden' before, but he integrated like a crucial cog in their chaotic-and-yet-orderly machine. Meanwhile, Euden had expected to die with the last remnants of the previous worlds, erased from existence so others could live on. But he found himself made anew, as a nobody in some nameless field. Nobody else seemed to have heard of him. His was a free existence. And yet, when Zethia, now living happily alongside his family and Nedrick rightfully restored as her twin, keeps dragging him into the castle of Sol Alberia, he struggles to pull away. To not try to be there with his family, happy and so much more harmonious in this new world. Fate has other plans for his attempts at anonymity, though, despite his best efforts. The Royal Family of Alberia would not rest until this latest enigma was solved, after all. With all of them being as stubborn as they are, though, it may take a while to get there.

That being said, it's a 250k+ word monstrosity that I've worked on for over a year! T-rated, which for me means more mature subject matter can be on the table but nothing graphic, etc, and Scaling hardly touches much of that to begin with. It's more of a dram-com-suspense thing, honestly, than anything to warrant even that vague warning of Mature Subject Matter. Just a bunch of siblings and their father struggling to figure out life and their relationship with this weirdo that they stuck in their admittedly big home!

Now, for the actual meat!

Chapters with links to individual chapters (you can probably tell where naming chapters became hard and I threw in the towel of following that exact pattern!):

Scaling the Walls of a Castle:

Scaling the Stairs of a Tower:

Scanning the Shelves of a Bookstore:

Scrutinizing the Mind of a Mystery:

Scaling the Railing of a Balcony:

Signaling the Start of an Era:

Starting to Shape an Idea:

Surviving a Spiel of Speeches:

Scampering Away from a Savage:

Stealing the Scales of a Scion:

Supping With a Side of Discomfort:

Setting a Course to a New Path:

Starting to Narrow Down Some Ideas:

Writing the Epitaph of Some Enigmas:

The Walls Closing on a Mystery:

Scaling the Walls of a Mystery (I):

Scaling the Walls of a Mystery (II):

Scaling the Walls of a Mystery (III):

Seclusion:

Spent:

Scolding:

Scrying:

Space:

Sweets:

Stillness:

Settling:

Scaled (I):

Scaled (II) [FINAL]:

Illustrations:

WillofWinnie, for whom I will be forever and indescribably grateful, has produced quite a lot of things for Scaling, including the bookcover thing at the top of this post! All chapters also all have their own illustrations, which I will assembled in this illustration masterpost since I have other things to show here!

Video: That's right, WillofWinnie also produced a short animation for Scaling off of an event in the first chapter!

Extras:

For anyone who is interested, "Lost Scales" is an adjacent fic that compiles some segments of Scaling that were discarded or otherwise not used for whatever reason. You can find it here!

As I say in the summary, while it may be 'non-canon' by default to the fic, but in segments there might be little headcanons or ideas that are passively maintained in my head in the fic even if they never saw the light of day.

A Spot of Tomfoolery:

Scaling also has had much joking about it between me and WillofWinnie, so here are just some of the silly little posts/memes about this thing since it's certainly not all doom and gloom in the fic either.

https://www.tumblr.com/valeriefauxnom/750144720418865152/a-certain-scene-in-ch21-scaling-framed-a?source=share

With all that being said, I would like to thank everyone who has chimed in with comments, critiques, questions, and more about Scaling!

They've really meant a lot, and I can't say I'd have been quite as gung-ho in pecking away at this thing without all the support! It's absolutely baffling to think that Scaling is now the most kudos-ed non-crossover Dragalia fic in such short time, since it really did start as the mad, probably hyperspecific indulgences of myself imagining a potential post-canon for Dragalia's... unclear ending.

[greenfuls-secret-chambers]

Warning: Smut, minors DNI

Not another Lupin Fanfic!

Chapter One

This was it. Your last year of being a Hogwarts student. Fumbling around, throwing your robes on, you looked into the mirror and sighed.

Leaving Hogwarts was something you were dreading. Your home life was a mess. To put it nicely, you parents were pieces of shit. All they give a damn about is drinking. You can’t even think back to a time when everything was alright. Hell, just last week before leaving, you dad had blacked your moms eyes and the neighbors had alerted the police. It could have stopped there, but your mother refused to press charges, just like the last couple of times.

On the bright side you had received a decent amount of job offers from the ministry. So at least you could get to work as soon as you’re graduated, hopefully finding a place you could finally call your own.

The only issue is the ministry was all over the place recently. With Voldemort returning, so much propaganda was being put out that Harry was just lying out of his ass. Seeing all the crazy shit happen first hand, you knew what the truth was. All of it just frustrated you. We are at the beginning of our demise and no one seems to give a shit.

So, as you finished putting your hair up, you ran out the door making sure not to be late to your first class.

Running down the hall you heard someone call your name.

“Hey y/n!” As you look behind your shoulder, Fred was rushing through the halls to walk with you. “

“You’re headed to potions right?” He asked.

“Sadly yes.” you responded, “Hopefully Snape isn’t such a pain in the arse this year,” You pinched the bridge of your nose, “I don’t think I can deal with him much longer.”

“Y/n come on now, this is Snape we are talking about, Merlin could strike him and he’d still be a dick afterwards.” Fred laughed.

…

For being your first day, it kind of dragged. Potions was insufferable as always, Snape was going on about what he expects from his students in his monotone voice, basically saying he’s not taking any shit this year.

Draco had threw his mandrake at Neville causing him to faint in Herbology. That little weasel would get his one day and you couldn’t wait to see it.

Then there was McGonagall’s class. Luckily for you, it always come naturally, it was always an interesting subject in your opinion. So you didn’t sweat when she had assigned a 2 page essay.

Now, half way through your day, seated in the great hall for lunch, you started to feel overwhelmed. Everyone was catching up with their friends from last year. Because of the noise it was hard to keep up with the conversation in front of you.

“… Y/N! “

Well that snapped you back.

You turned to look at Hermione. “Huh? What did I miss?” You cocked your head to the side, waiting for her to respond.

“Are you’re okay? You don’t seem like your normal self.” She asked.

“It’s just the noise. I’ve dealt with enough screaming over summer break.” You groaned.

Ron spoke up, “Y/N, my mother already said you are welcome anytime. So just come bunk with us next break.”

Thank god for the Weaslys. Ever since you had met Fred and George in your first year, they had become your second family.

“Honestly Ron, I think I’m going to take you up on that offer.” You smiled.

You looked around, noticing someone was missing.

“Hey guys, where’s Harry?”

“Oh, Harry’s still with the Dark Arts Professor. Apparently he knew his parents and had some questions.” Hermione stated.

Next thing you knew, everyone started to get up and make their way to their next class.

You stood up from your seat, “Well it looks like I’ll catch up with you guys later, I’m off to defense against the dark arts.”

The three of you said goodbye and made your way out of the great hall.

…

Walking into the classroom, you noticed the smell of warm tea and chocolate. It smelled so much better than when Lockhart had occupied the classroom. It had always smelled of cheap cologne and aftershave when he had taught. It was so pungent you could swear it burned all of the hairs in your nose.

You quickly took you seat and waited for everyone to gather in and do the same. Suddenly you see a very tall man run down the from office in a hurry.

“Hello everyone! I’m Professor Lupin, I will be your defense against the dark arts professor. I look forward to teaching you everything you need to protect yourself, if the time ever called on it.” He smiled.

He was handsome and you took notice to it very quickly. From the way he looked to how he spoke, you were instantly infatuated. For the entirety of the class you couldn’t take your eyes off of him with his messy hair and bright smile. You could have swore he had caught you staring a few times.

After class you made your way to the second-floor girls lavatory.

During your third year you had stumbled into this one by accident and never really used the main one again. The main reason, no one ever used it. The only downside being Moaning Myrtle, but after a few months of going back and forth with her, she had just decided to give you your privacy.

As you drew your bath, you could help but think back to your last class. Professor Lupin was something. It didn’t even embarrass you that you were already picturing yourself under this man. All you could do is just blush and let your mind wonder.

You climbed in the huge tub and let your thoughts take a hold of you, slipping your hand down to your core.

“Maybe one day.” You sighed as you sunk down into your bath.

….

A few months have gone by. You’ve had no problem settling into your classes. This was your 7th year after all , so it was easy to get into the routine you had known so well.

Homework on the other hand was rully. Between Snape and McGonagall, essays where piling up. Transformations was still your favorite class but just the sheer amount of work was stressing you out.

Potions on the other hand has never been your strong suit, just today alone you had mixed up your notes and brewed Dizziness Draught.

Now this wouldn’t of been a problem but you had gotten a wif and fell right on your arse. Snape being the asshole he is, gave you a weeks detention. But the rest of your day went rather well.

DADA was your last class of the day. It always went quickly, or at least to it did to you. You always made sure to finish your assignments early just so you could sit and watch Professor Lupin grade papers. The way his arms would flex while moving his quill made you get lost in your thought. What you wouldn’t give to have his hands around your neck, calling you filthy things in your ear.

As if he could read what was on your mind, he looked up and smiled at you.

….

Later that night, you began walking down to the Snapes classroom. You decided to leave early so you wouldn’t be late. Knowing him, he would tack on another week if you were.

Counting the tiles beneath your feet as you walked, your mind started to wonder to a place it had visited often. Your favorite past time had been fantasizing about you and Lupin. In your mind the scenes played over and over again. Him bending you over his desk, thrusting into at a speed you couldn’t fathom.

As your turned the corner, you collided with something very tall and sturdy, knocking you on your behind and out of your thoughts.

“Y/L/N! I’m so sorry!”

As you looked up, your face became as red the hair on a Weaslys head.

Lupin was standing right in front of you with his hand out.

“It’s alright, that’s what I get for not paying attention.” You said, taking his hand and pulling yourself up.

“I was actually looking for you.”

You’re ears perked up at this. Why was

this devilishly handsome man looking for you.

“It looks like you’ll be spending your detention with me as Professor Snape has had something to attend to this evening.”

Without thinking you quipped “I hope he’s having the stick removed from his arse.” Your face felt like it was set ablaze. “Professor I apologize for saying that, please don’t take any house-“

“You know Ms. Y/L/N, if only that was the case, It would serve all of us well. He is rather uptight.” He interrupted you with a chuckle.

“I’m glad the students aren’t the only ones who feel that way.” You smiled.

You were shocked with how comfortable he seemed to be around you. He definitely wasn’t like the other professors.

“Now let’s hurry along, it seems we have already cut into your detention by 10 minutes .”

The both of you made your way to the classroom. As you walked in, you took a deep breath smelling the warm aromas around you. This is so much better than spending your time in the dungeons scrubing cauldrons.

Lupin spun around on his heals “So what exactly did you receive detention for?”

“I had gotten my notes mixed up and completely brewed the wrong potion.”

“A simple mistake it seems, I wouldn’t except a good girl like you to do anything to drastic.”

That definitely got your attention. Immediately your face turned to the brightest red from the praise.

Noticing your blush and quickly correcting himself. “You are a star student after all, your teachers speak highly of you.” With that he spun back around and made his way to his desk.

You took a seat in the first role waiting for instructions.

“Well I would have you help me grade some of the other students papers, but it seems I had finished them earlier…” he trailed off.

“Well since I have nothing for you to do, would you some tea?” He asked.

“Sure, tea would be lovely.” You responded.

Never would you have thought, you’d be having tea after hours with Professor Lupin. This was a god send.

You watched as he whisked his wand. A cup was sat in front of you, along with some sugar and milk.

You happy made your cup to your liking and began to drink.

“So, this is your last year at the castle, what are you plans afterwards?” He smiled, trying to make small talk.

You tilted your head up to look at him

“Well if I’m being honest, I really don’t know. The ministry has sent me a few job offers but I just don’t really like the direction it’s headed.” You shrugged.

“That’s completely understandable. Do you have anything else in mind?”

If this was completely different circumstances you would have said, ‘WELL I would like to spend the rest of my days under you for 24 hrs a day if you’d let me.’ But sadly this wasn’t the time nor place.

So you shook the thoughts out of your head and sighed.

“Honestly Professor, I just want to do something that actually matters, ya know, be the change I want to see.” You huffed

He smiled, “Ms. Y/L/N, you’re a bright witch. I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll become something great.”

You blushed at the compliment and finished the rest of your tea.

[v-septiceye]

Egotober Day 6: Pillow

Y'all get a really fluffy one today!! It's extra long to, hopefully, make up for the fact that I skipped so many days. XD

I also had two wonderful and amazing helpers proofread this so credit to them as well: @jellyfishdoodler @itsonlyparker I owe my life them lovingly.

Preview: Jackie has a fear of thunderstorms and will never admit it. Luckily, Chase can see right through him and helps me feel better. ♡♡

Boom

Jackie tried his best to allow himself to sink into the new comic he got a few days ago, trying to ignore the loud thunderstorm outside his window. Curtains being drawn shut, his TV playing some random show in the background, but nothing could stop him from shaking and clenching the pages in fear at the sounds outside. A crack of thunder roared overhead, making him flinch. He let out a small whimper as he threw his comic to the side and curled into himself, covering his ears. He hated being scared, especially of something so childish. He's a hero! He's not supposed to be scared of anything. He's supposed to be brave when others aren't. Yet he's curled up on his bed, trembling at the flash of lightning that lights up his room for a moment, and fighting the urge to scratch at the sprawling, but faded scar under his shirt. 

Knock Knock

Jackie shoots his head up at the sound of someone at his door and immediately hops to his feet, getting himself to look put together. He dusts himself off, opens the door, and peeks out, hoping the person on the other side doesn’t notice he’s shaking. "H-hey! What's up?" Jackie put on the fake confidence like a mask once he saw Chase standing in the door frame.

"Hey, Jackie!" Chase says, greeting Jackie with a smile, holding a bunch of blankets. "Do you know where we keep the… you ok little brother?" Chase noticed, and his face softened.

"Little?! I'm literally older than you" Jackie mocks, trying to sound brave until the next crack of thunder lights up the studio apartment, and the hero can't help but clench his fists tight leaving behind marks on his skin. Chase is quick to wrap an arm around Jackie's shoulders, lowering his voice when he realizes his brother is scared. 

"Hey hey, it's ok" Chase started, using that tone he used to bring out whenever one of his kids were upset or scared of something under the bed, "You're okay, Jackie. The thunder ain't gonna get you in here, okay?" Chase soothes, rubbing circles along Jackie's back. 

"It's humiliating though," He spits out, words muffled by hiding his face in Chase's shoulder. "I'm a grown man! Hell- I'm a superhero!! I'm not supposed to be scared of some fucking storm," He spits out annoyed, feeling embarrassed that he's scared in front of one of his brothers. He wants to just brush it off and say he's fine, but he knew wouldn't be able to. Chase knew him too well. Another crack of thunder and lightning roars overhead and Jackie wraps his arm tightly around his brother, hiding his face deeper into chase. He just chuckles and hugs Jackie tighter.

"Everyone is scared of something dude, that doesn't make you weak! You may be a hero, but you're also human.. I think you forget that sometimes," Chase whispers, still holding his big brother. As Chase speaks, he can feel Jackie immediately loosen up and hug him tight, almost bone-crushing, but he doesn't mind. "...Thank you, Chase."

"Anytime, bro." Chase says, pulling away from the hero, "And hey! I have something that'll make you feel better!" Chase beams, leading Jackie out of his room to the living room. "What is it?" 

When both egos make it to the living room they are greeted by a big  pillow fort, taking over the space. Chase beams with pride as Jackie stares in awe. The autumn themed blankets and pillows with all the Halloween plushies make it extra cozy looking and the string of fairy lights are the perfect cherry on top of it all. The hero smiles gratefully and crawls inside the fortress of plush and comfort. Inside, the warm fairy lights twinkle sluggishly as the blankets surround the TV like a grand stage curtain. Jackie notices a few bowls of snacks and bottles of soda sit off to the side as Chase scoots in beside him, pulling out Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse for them to watch. As the movie played, the brothers allowed themselves to be quiet as the movie drowned out the world and its scary noises around them. Locking out their fears and sad memories of the past, the two men watch the animated movie in the sanctuary of their pillow fort, forgetting of the rain beating on the windows outside.

[shiny-jr]

Is Grimm going to be in the fairytale au? And if so is it he gonna be like a Side kick for Mc?

I believe I answered this before, but Grim will not be present. If MC is technically already the sidekick, it'd be a little strange for the sidekick to have a sidekick. Especially since he wouldn't really have a role while MC does. Anyways, I'm gonna be studying like crazy these next few days, but I plan on sacrificing an hour or two of sleep for writing time. Last night I managed to get out of that little writers block, and I wrote like two whole pages for Riddle's result. So it's currently at around nineteen pages. Just to be clear, each of the guys will have some sort of relationship with MC. I won't say what yet, but I want to make them all distinct and unique, you know? So technically while the result will be labeled for the dorm leader, the MC will have a scene with each character from the dorm. It will play out in a sequence of events in the plot.

So for example, I just finished writing Ace's part last night. He'll have a scene in the beginning with the MC. Then I started writing Deuce's part. And later I'll get to Riddle's part, which will be towards the end. With Cater and Trey being more towards the middle.

I think I want each result to be around thirty pages, so in all with all seven results, you can expect over a little about 210 pages plus the questions. That's why I said this project will take time, but I will have time off after my exams so hopefully then I can get a lot more done. I have no idea when this will be complete, but hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

Anyways, here's a sneak peek at Heartslabyul's result because I literally have no restraint and should not be showing this much so early yet here we are.

Abruptly the doors flew open, nearly causing you to shriek. But you managed to hold your tongue as you quickly placed your crown back on and clutched your staff. When your eyes focused on the door, you were surprised and almost relieved to see the figure of a short young man that had slammed the doors open. He was... rather adorable, actually. It caused you to tilt your head, endeared by his appearance.  The young man had hair that shamed the red roses, and wide gray eyes. As soon as his eyes landed on you, however, his face grew flush and his expression twisted into one of rage. Immediately he slammed the doors shut behind him, stomping up to you, his heels violently clicking against the tiled floors. When the short young man was in your face, another horrible realization dawned on you. With that crown on his head and his wondrous red garbs, this could only be the queen. Or at least, someone meant to be the red queen.  “You knave! Where have you been lurking?!”  “I…” You were at a loss for words. What were you supposed to say? What was the king even doing before you got here? Most importantly, how would you avoid this queen’s wrath?  At your lack of a response, he only seemed to grow more frustrated as he threw wild accusations, “You–– You’ve been sneaking about, seducing the men of my court, haven’t you?! I shall have your head––!”  “Wha–– N-No, I haven’t!” You blurted out. The king was originally beheaded because the queen was jealous and thought she would lose him to others. So if you could assure him that your heart belonged to him, well… survival just might be possible. Although acting wasn’t necessarily your strong point, you could only try for the sake of living another day. Nervously you smiled, throwing aside your staff as you lifted your hands to gently hold his fist he had been angrily waving near your face. Thank god he didn’t have a knife or anything of the sort, or you feared he may have tried to stab you out of raging envy. “H-How could I ever dare to throw my loyalty to you away…? You are amazing…! I apologize sincerely if I haven’t been able to express my love for you properly. Sometimes it feels like you’re really too much for my heart to handle, you in all your… glory…!” Oh god, this was going terribly. All you could do to give the messy act a bow to top it off, was lean your head down and hesitantly kiss the back of his hand.  Miraculously, that seemed to work. Almost. The queen’s face was no longer as flushed, but his gray eyes gazed down at you through his lashes as you lingered at his hand. Suspicion was still evident in his eyes. “How do I know?”  “H-Huh…?”   “How do I know you aren’t lying? How do I know you won’t leave me as well? How do I know that you still love me? Prove it to me.” Those gray eyes of his watched you carefully, seemingly unhappy with your lack of a response. After about five seconds of no answer, his face scrunched up and he bellowed, “Guards!! Gua–– mmph!”

[photogirl894]

hey bestie

Congrats on your milestone, and I think I have a fun request for you. How about taking a page out of the showrunners' book on Season 2 and having Wrecker deal with his biggest weakness. I think “Don’t let me go.”/”I never will.” might pair well with this idea if you wanna give it a whirl. Let me know if you need anything from me and congrats again <3

Thank you so much, bestie!! 🥰 I've been looking forward to seeing what you'd request!

Poor big guy needs a break! Hopefully this is to your liking 😊 and because I just love them so much, I of course must do this with Wrecker and Rina 🥰🥰

"Great Heights"

5. "Don’t let me go."/"I never will."

Pairing: Wrecker x fem OC (Rina Caska @l-lend 's OC)

***

"Wrecker, Rina, get out of there!"

Kimber's voice cried out on their comms as Rina and Wrecker were running from some Imperial troopers chasing after them through some corridors in an Imperial base.

"Yeah, what do you think we're trying to do?" Wrecker shouted into his comm as he ran.

"We're doing our best!" added Rina into her own comm.

Then they heard Tech's voice come in, "There is an exit on your upcoming right. Head to the landing platform, we'll meet you there."

"You heard the genius," stated Rina to Wrecker as she threw her rope dart and knocked a trooper in the head. "Let's go!"

The two of them made the turn at their next right, activated the door ahead of them and quickly ducked through, the wind whipping at their face, as Wrecker shot the console on the wall to help keep the door shut. However, when they turned around, they found themselves outside the compound and with only a long, very thin bridge with no railings between them and the landing platform across the way.

"Oh, not again...!" he groaned nervously as his fear of heights kicked in.

Rina moved herself in front of him to the opening of the bridge. "Don't worry, big guy. We can get across this no problem," she tried encouraging him.

He peered over the edge and then immediately backed up. "I have a bad feeling about this," he moaned.

"Hey, look at me. Look at me, Wrecker," she told him. When he looked up at her through his helmet, she held out a hand to him. "You've got this. I'm here and I'll help you across, okay? Just take my hand."

Having her there with him already made him feel a bit more at ease, but his fear was still prominent. He hesitantly reached out, but stopped short. "Don't let me go," he said in a scared tone, almost pleading.

She reached out farther and assured him, "I never will." Then she offered a soft smile to him, one that only he ever had the privilege of seeing.

With that reassurance, Wrecker took her hand and let Rina lead the way carefully across the bridge. He could feel his insides churning from anxiety being at such great heights. He wanted to throw up, cry, run; anything to just get off the bridge. He didn't want to be there...but Rina was with him. Her presence alone made him feel safe, like he would make it across without any problems and his fear couldn't touch him. He grasped tightly onto the smaller hand in his own large one, making sure not to squeeze too tight and break her fingers. The warmth of her hand was a soothing balm for his terror, which he sorely needed.

"We're gonna be okay...we're gonna be okay," he kept repeating in his mind.

All of a sudden, they heard the distant sounds of engines nearby and for a second, they thought it was the Marauder, but then realized they were Imperial troopers on speeders coming towards them.

"Incoming!" yelled Wrecker. He pulled his hand from hers so he could hold up his heavy blaster and fire at the incoming speeders.

"Don't shoot! Just run!" cried Rina, already taking off to the platform.

Wrecker listened, ceased fire and ran after Rina as fast as he could. Though, the Imperials tried to cut them off and shot at the bridge between the two of them. Wrecker went to jump back, but was too late. As the shots from the speeder made contact, the floor beneath him gave way and he suddenly dropped, crying out as he did.

"Wrecker!" shouted Rina, leaping to the edge, throwing her hands out and reaching to him through the Force, halting his descent in mid-air.

She ducked low, trying to avoid the shots from the speeders, but just in time, the Marauder came zooming overhead and started shooting down the speeders.

"We've got the Imperials. Get to the platform," she heard Kimber order over comms.

Rina used the Force to pull Wrecker back up to the edge of the destroyed bridge, where he collapsed to a knee with a loud gasp.

"I told you I'd never let you go, big guy," she said with a grin.

Wrecker pushed his helmet up to sit on top of his head and grinned back at her. Through heavy breath, he replied, "I can always count on you, cutie."

With that, the two of them sped off to the platform and made it just as the Marauder came down, hovering just above the ground. The ramp lowered and the two of them leapt inside to safety, ready to get away.

Photogirl894's Fluff/Romance Prompts

Photogirl894's 1,000 Followers fics

[dzamie-oc]

Named and Forgotten

Y'know, I don't write my ocs very often. Time to change that. Local Mary-Sue bothers his rival specifically to show off how medium-aware he is. This cat causes problems on purpose.

#

Kenneth could barely keep himself from burying his head in his hands. "Alright," he said to the cheetah-colored mistake of reality he considered his rival, "casting aside your "Fictional Relativity" nonsense, why should I believe you that we're fictional, too? I feel pretty real, after all."

"Well, I figured you might enjoy being correct about something for a change," Dzamie replied. Kenneth glared at him, hoping that maybe, this time, the katul would simply suddenly die and stay dead. Instead, he just shrugged. "But I figure you're asking for proof, so how's this?"

Dzamie snapped his fingers, and a green, three-ring binder appeared in his hand. "This," he gestured at it, "is a list of the named and forgotten." When he set it on Kenneth's desk, it kicked up a small gust that nearly blew off a few papers. "I suppose I could magically automate its update, but, honestly, it's more fun to catch the narrative looking away and do it manually before it comes back."

Despite himself, Kenneth reached for the binder, flipping it open to the first page. It was filled with names and short descriptions, in handwriting neater than he had expected. Strangely, the first few entries were listed as being meerkats. Normal meerkats. "You've been hanging out with Eris too much; her chaos has infected your brain." He turned the page. "���hey, wait, I recognize some of these names."

"Your old katul-hunting gang, right? The ones you razed my home village with?" The clearly-insane cat spoke as though discussing tomorrow's weather.

"Yeah. Huh, I wonder what happened to them."

"No clue, hopefully died. No offense taken, by the way."

"Unfortunate, I wish you'd taken some and left. So, how does this prove your point?"

Dzamie summoned a chair, gave it a second thought, then instead turned himself into a massive, blue snake - presumably, Kenneth thought with more than a twinge of annoyance, to rest in a way that would bother him the most. "Read some names out," he requested.

Kenneth raised an eyebrow, but looked back at the paper and read aloud all the names of his old buddies.

The snake shook his head, slowly. "Try again. Choose one name, and read for me the entire entry. Starting with the name."

"I don't see what this is supposed to prove. I'll start with-" Kenneth stopped, strangely. He knew the guy, he'd spent months, maybe years with him slaughtering the furred pests before, admittedly, mellowing out.

"The guy's name is-" and again. It wasn't like he couldn't read; the letters were perfectly legible, to the point where he almost envied his rival's penmanship.

"What? I know we've not talked in awhile, but c'mon, I know-" Kenneth worked his jaw. Did his old friend get himself cursed?

"Alright, then, I'll skip him and move onto-"

"Er, how about-"

"Okay, last one! Really simple Joe-Schmo type name! Right there, on the page! His name is-"

Kenneth slammed the binder shut, and he threw the thing at the katul. "Alright, you do it, then! Whatever the hell is wrong with this thing, anyway?!"

The blue snake rubbed his snout where the binder had hit against his coils, then turned back into the bipedal cheetah that Kenneth knew and loathed. "Oh, I can't directly say their names, either," he admitted, picking up and de-summoning the binder. "I just like knowing things that the narrative doesn't. Bit of a reversal, for once."

"And this is proof?"

"It's strong evidence. Unless you think someone individually cursed every single person in there not to have a name you can directly acknowledge. Including the meerkats."

Kenneth finally gave into the urge and planted his face directly into his hands. "Y'know what? I do not care. Please tell me you came here for something other than philosophy? I just cleaned and I'd prefer not to get your blood over everything."

Dzamie waved a hand dismissively. "Like you could land a good hit. Oh, that's right! I initially stopped by to mention that HM finally made good on his idle threat to eat an entire orphanage."

"By Fyoor's fire, why do you even-"

"Anyway, good luck with whatever politics stuff arises from that! I'm gonna go be literally anywhere else!" With a snap of his fingers, Dzamie was gone just a split-second before dozens of magical blades zipped through the space he used to be. Kenneth reinforced the soundproofing spell around his office, gripped his head tightly, and screamed.

[pink-booty-butts]

🍥🍙🍠🍱

Btw, you're absolutely incredible!! You write my favourite fanfics and I appreciate you and your friendship so much! You deserve so so much appreciation ♥

Omg Mari you're the sweetest!! thank you so much!! I appreciate you and our friendship so much too!! I am hugging you mentally rn <33

🍥 What's your favorite fic you've written?

Omg this is such a hard one! I feel like my favorite fic is always the one I'm currently writing haha (which rn is a william fic that's taking me ages lol).

But if I had to pick from ones I've already posted, probably Pranked! Normally I try to think more about what other people would want to read, or I try to think a lot about how to make the Reader more relatable to people besides me so people can insert themselves more easily(btw idk if i'm successful, but i always try my best to consider these things!). But for that fic I threw all of that out the window and basically just wrote it for myself haha :P

🍙 Is there a fic you wish had gotten more attention?

If I had to pick one, probably Say Yes!

Honestly, I don't think it's my best work so I'm not upset about it. I think I'm only slightly disappointed because I wrote that fic when I was having some feelings™ and at the time I kinda wanted someone to support me like Chris does in that fic and thought maybe other people would too, but I think it was probably too depressing haha.

Also it probably didn't get as much attention because I don't write him in character well enough, so I probably need to watch Spy again so I can write better fics about him for you guys!! <33

🍠 How long does it take you to write one of your fics or a chapter/part?

Ooooooh man not to be basic, but it depends! If I'm super duper focused I can bang out a fic from blank page to edited and posted in a couple of hours.

But unfortunately I'm a super restless/hyper person irl, I feel the need to get up and lowkey run a lap around my house like every 10 minutes so sometimes it takes a lot longer than that, and because of that it's really hard to give an accurate number of how long it actually takes me to write something sadly! (Maybe I should try timing myself when I'm actively writing bc I'm kinda curious now lol) With the fic I'm currently writing, I swear it took me like 5 hours to write a single paragraph cos I couldn't sit still hahahaha. I kinda wish I wasn't like that so I could get more fics written for you guys, but on the bright side I always get my steps in! :p

🍱 Do you read your own fics?

NO NEVER EW LOL, literally cringe every time I've reread one of my fics

Lmao jk! Tbh I do sometimes reread them when I'm writing a fic for a particular character and I want to check if I've written something similar already because I worry about my fics being too similar to each other. I know to some extent it's probably inevitable because I'm writing them, but I do sometimes skim over previous fics to check I'm not writing the same exact scenario or using the same language or words to describe something. I still cringe when I do that, but I suffer through it to make the fic I'm writing at that time better (hopefully) haha

Thank you so much for your questions btw!! <3 You're the best!!

[hobgoblinsandpeachfuzz]

2 or 4 for sula?

I'm gonna shake things up, make some interim codex entries for between Inquisition and Dreadwolf. Sometime during the comics and Absolution probably! :D

(Thank you for the ask! <3)

2. a letter written by your OC’s family member

A letter collected by Agents looking for more information on the Inquisitor’s weaknesses. For some reason, The Dread Wolf threw these out, and refused to engage with our tactics here. I’ve preserved what I could in case the Dread Wolf changes his mind.

My dear Kadan,

Your little one is smiling brightly these days. It pains me that you do not get to see these smiles. She does not walk yet, but she is attempting. Every day she grows stronger, and every day I can see that stubborn resolve your husband has given to her. She looks just like you did at that age, but I suspect much of her spirit is Rainier. That is what your Grandmother says too. You were gentle and sweet baby, my Ursula, always reaching for your family, wanting nothing but to be held and to hold back. Little Gwenyth is independent. Perhaps she has learned that from you as well, with how you have changed these years. 

I know your work is important. I know too that the Inquisition, though no longer, is not truly done. I simply wish that you could leave it to someone new. That you and your husband could return, stay with us in Kirkwall, or take Gwenyth back to your home, and rest. All I wish for you is rest, my Kadan. 

Your siblings have taken to protecting Kirkwall with all their heart. They follow in your footsteps. I know you always thought yourself a follower, but you have your father’s spirit. Just like your daughter does. With a smile, and warmth, you lead by example. I am proud, so proud. But it does make my heart ache. 

When you can. Come home. Grandmother is saying the old prayers for you every night. Aunt Kassaranda joins. I think I will too.

Be safe, Kadan. 

Your mother

4. a letter from your OC to their love interest

A letter collected by Agents looking for more information on the Inquisitor’s weaknesses. For some reason, The Dread Wolf threw these out, and refused to engage with our tactics here. I’ve preserved what I could in case the Dread Wolf changes his mind.

Thom,

You know I hate to send you away. You know I hate all of this. I want us to go home, back to the cottage, you, me, Jenny. But we can’t. And I know you know we can’t. I’m almost saying this more for me than you at this point. To remember–exactly what you said this morning when we said goodbye.

“For Jenny.”

I think you are worried about me. I know it’s foolish to say don’t. I worry about you too much to tell you to do any different. But I did lie this morning when we said goodbye. I’m sorry for that. I didn’t know how to say it. But you were right. The dreams are getting more frequent every day now. Whatever is coming, it’s close. We’re nearing the end of these long years of preparation, and I think the battle is on its way. That’s why I need you with the Wardens. That’s why I need to head to Tevinter. 

This section is crossed out violently. It continues afterwards in a more steady hand, though the page is stained with tears.

It hurt so much to send you away. I don’t know why, but this one feels… Like it may be the last time.

I love you, Thom. I could be not be what I need to be without you. I could not do any of this alone. I am sorry to ask so much of you, but I will remember what you said and hold it close to my heart. Please know I would fly to you if I could.

For Jenny. We’re doing all this for Jenny.

Hopefully it will all be over soon.

Love,

Sula

[tumblybumbly7]

"Excuse me everyone" atch said as he walked back to the mouth of the cave, and promptly threw up.

Atch was an odd man, a kid, younger than most of them, and not nearly numb enough to death and misery for their comfort, he was a fine leader, one better than any of them remember, but they were concerned.

They all stared in shock at his retching, they were all even more concerned when what came out of atch's lips wasn't just bile, but blood.

Styx stared ahead, wordless, he could sympethize with his leaders retching, last loop was particularly vicious, he still felt the phantom hands twitching around his neck, and felt a little sick at the thought himself.

"Atch, you gonna be alright lad? We can postpone the mission?" Glyde asks hopefully, even through all the loops she was smart, and always seemed to know when something was wrong, of course its easy to see something is wrong when a freind of yours vomits blood.

"N- no- no i *hkk* im fine, don't worry, just a spot of nausea, we'll be good to go soon, promise" he said, before getting a book out and opening to a page marked in styx's name, and crossing another line into it.

Claire, the groups potion maker, went over and handed him a potion that would clear it, he thanked her and slipped it into his robes, no doubt until someone else needed it a week later.

They had all joined up with atch a few months ago, and the boy seemed to not be a fan of letting go, whenever one of them fell in battle, the day would restart, atch's body warping and twisting as the world turned to dust and reformed.

This mission was proving to be a particularly frustrating endevour, and styx was thinking of just telling everyone about atch's efforts, since the boy was getting more and more harrowed with each jump back.

Atch caught his breath, this mission fucking bites, but that doesn't matter, he finally found the perfect strategy to make sure no one dies, all he has to do is kill all of the spiders in the cave himself, walk styx over to every hidden door to unlock them, have glyde rage on the skeletons guarding the treasure, and have claire coat his hands in acid to break the solution holding the treasure in place, easy, easy, easy.

It wasn't fucking easy, goddamnit it wasn't easy, everything had been going perfectly, and then suddenly as they were escaping, a new boss had appeared, some sort of skeleton, it launched red attacks that hurt, always managing to catch glyde, or claire, sometimes styx, and he would be forced to die and restart, or just launch his way into the skeleton's attacks for a quick death, and the pain seemed to stick through the next couple of loops too, what a fucking miracle.

"Alright, i need to take five, i'll be right back everyone, please wait here." Atch said, and then walked further into the dungeon, he was done, he would just do everything himself until he could figure out the skeletons patterns, he didn't care anymore.

"Soo... somethings wrong with the lad." Glyde said.

"Im afraid for the boy, he's hypercompetent to the point of misery." Claire responded.

"I've been meaning to say for a while, but do you two ever notice atch feeling, particularly tired?" Styx posed the question, trying to ease them into the truth, when they heard a scream from the dungeon, they ran in, and saw atch distorting, warping, like his whole body was becoming undone.

"W-what the fuck is happening?!" Atch yelled at the figure before him, trying to hold his body together.

The figure walkec into the light, it was but a simple skeleton, with red eyes and tattered armor "no more" it said, and then styx realized its armor looked familiar.

Atch had one other member of the group he had failed to save a way's back, a paladin known as trice, the paladin was loyal and headstrong, and shared something with styx, he could remember the loops, he had always taken it upon himself to help atch through particularly bad days, holding him as he cried into his arms, or being there to lean on when atch had nightmares, until one day they had gone against a soul strider, a mage that can devour someone's soul to use as weaponry.

Trice had thrown himself in the way of a blast meant for atch, and it was like he had ceased to exist, his body turning into ashes and dust, atch had screamed for hours, and even more so once he looped and realized something, trice didn't come back with them.

Now here atch was once more, brought back as a revenent, and he seemed to want atch to stop.

"T-trice is that you?" Atch's distorted voice rung out, tearful.

Trice slowly walked up to atch, and leaned down, until they were eye to eye.

"I did not die for you to destroy yourself" trice's voice echoed out onto the cavern, cold and emotionless.

Suddenly trice plunged his hand into atch's chest, and atch's body stilled, the distortion focusing on the point trice had touched, something popped out, and trice held it up, it was a symbol of the god eras, the god of time, embedded into atch's chest.

"N-no No No, PLEASE I NEED IT, PLE-" atch tried to plead, only for a wet cough to exit his lips, and a torrent of blood to stream out, his body hunched over and shaking.

"You will split the difference" trice said, and crushed the symbol, the biggest of the peices flew back into atch's chest, and his shaking seemed to subside, the other peices flew towards himself, styx, glyde, and claire, and they couldn't avoid it as it made contact and sunk into their skin, the world warped white, and suddenly...

Atch breathed deeply, gasping as a hand swung to his back, patting it.

He looked around wildly, and saw it was the night before the mission, surely that couldn't have all been a nightmare? Surely not.

He looked at the hand patting his back, and his eyes widened, it belonged to trice, who was still a skeleton, but he saw that trice also had a tent and a bedroll out, like he had never died.

"Hey atch, i think its time we had a talk about how little you value your life, that you would sacrifice yourself so much for others."

"How many times?" A voice spoke out, and atch's heart grew heavy, it was glyde's voice, and she seemed to remember the last loop, suddenly incensed.

"It doesn't mat-"

"1325" styx said, his voice betraying no emotion.

"Just for this one mission?" Claire sounded devastated.

Styx suddenly burst into laughter, mad and wild.

"Nonsense, he could do this since we met him" styx whispered, no mirth in his tone.

Glyde and claire's jaws hung open, any anger replaced by intense sadness, how many times had atch died so they would live?

"Listen it doesn't matter, i would die for each and every one of you, and the fact that i mean that shouldn't concern you it should fill you with pride to have a leader ready to follow his convictions."

Atch's eyes glowed brighter with a quiet rage, he slapped atch, then hugged him, holding him close.

"You've killed yourself before to save us you goddamn moron, you've thrown yourself into the jaws of death, just to get us back, how fucking terrible must this be for you to see death as a comfort, how bad?" Trice's voice sounded the most like his living self it had since he died, and it was because he sounded close to tears.

Atch tried to reassure him, but was quieted by glyde suddenly scooping them both into a hug, quickly joined by claire and styx, and atchs demanour shattered, he tried to tell them he was fine, but could barely stutter a single lie out before he devolved into tears.

They all remembered now, though glyde and clair only noticed the most recent loop, and even with just that, it proved any and all claims styx and trice made, the claims of atch's slowly growing suicidal ideations concering them greatly.

"What did you do to me?" Atch asks after a while of silence.

"I've now limited your power, any time your power starts to overwhelm you physically, it will lock out, and you won't be able to use it again until you're healthy.

Atch started panicking at this

"B-But what about if you guys are hurt?! What if someone dies before the limit is up?!! What if one you gets hurt to the point of disabeling levels of pain?!!!" Atch grew more incensed with every question, until trice shushed him.

"You once broke your own neck because glyde's arm broke in the middle of combat, and you were so convinced it would lead to someone's death that you killed yourself to save us a potential bad fate, you have grown so reliant on this power its become a get out of jail free card, do you not see why i'm so concerned for you?!!" Trice answered back, his voice vitriolic, though the tone was tempered with concern.

Atch looked away, cowed, but then he muttered that the loops still fixed things.

Styx's eye twitched.

"You once had us fight a dragon, and when it was about to burn me, you jumped in the way, reset, and when the reset finished, your arm was still on fire, i had to put you out, and glyde had to fucking sit on you to prevent you from trying to fight the dragon again."

Atch looked even more embaressed, and then remembered what they were to do the next day.

"What about the quest we were on? That treasure's important." He said, as if he had a point.

The problem being that he did have a point, the treasure was a nexus, a warpkey that can let them set up camp in a pocket dimension whenever they needed, it was a valuable piece of kit, and atch had his eyes on it ever since they accepted the quest for it.

"Damn the quest, you are to rest, and trust us, and after you are well rested and in good health, then we can get it." Trice said, his tone brooking no argument.

Atch tried to protest again.

"Glyde sit on him again, i'm force feeding him a sleep potion" claire said, already reaching for her satchel.

"Alright! Alright, i'll stop and take a break." Atch responded, sweating slightly at the apperent threat.

"Good, no more resetting at the cost of yourself, you hear?" Styx bellowed out, ready to turn in for the night, eager to see how long atch could go without putting himself in harm's way for someone.

Atch nodded, despondent, and they all forced him into his tent, and went to their own.

Atch stared up at the ceiling of his tent as he lay there, he couldn't help but panick quietly too himself, he knows that the looping might have been hurting him slightly (coughing blood isn't slight) but he didn't want his teamates to die, he supposed he'll just have to deal with this in the morning, and have to try staying in tip top shape to get around the restriction.

He closed his eyes and drifted off, a feeling of intense dread leading to a squirmy and restless slumber.

Player keeps reloading trying to save every ally in a mission, one of their allies remembers every attempt.

[xexiar]

Keep Watching. 23

Ch22 Ao3 FFnet

——

As Kacchan went off to start his match, I happened to catch Uraraka sticking her tongue at him. What was that about? After that interaction, Uraraka was talking with Asui. I then tried to write down my observation of Todoroki's quirk quickly in my notebook. Before I could turn my attention to the viewing monitors for the next match.

As I watched Kacchan's match begin, I took note of how he was using Sero's tape quirk. Leave it to Kacchan to be creative with whatever situation he's in. I took that moment to write down not only how he used the tape but I also wrote a few side notes about Sero. I wonder what his tape was made of and how long the sticky lasts. Maybe this match would answer a few of these questions I had. And hopefully, I could ask him after the match. Then again, would Kacchan tell me what he noticed about Sero's quirk?

I also couldn't help but admire how Kacchan moved through the enclosed hallways of the building. It was incredible to see him move so easily. At that, he didn't even use his quirk to run. And when he was on the same floor as Ida and Ashido, he avoided them effortlessly. Every motion flows into the other. There was no snag or hiccup as he ran from one staircase to the other.

I could watch this all day. It's just like when I watched Kacchan parkour at the playground. When he effortlessly went from the mountain climbing wall and swung into the monkey bars. I missed those days of just watching Kacchan showing me all these cool moves he has been practicing. Even more so when he was stronger than most kids our age. He's so smart and strong and such a joy to look at. It's thanks to him I picked up parkour so I don't miss a moment of his greatness.

Watching Kacchan now had me speechless. Compared to many new heroes that had been popping up, he can easily rival many of them as he is now. But I know Kacchan can only improve from here. And I'm grateful I get to continue watching him up close. Now that I think about it, maybe my moves during my match were a bit sloppy. Would I ever be able to catch up to Kacchan in my current state? How can I make my moves flow as easily as him? Will the gym help with that?

"What are you writing?" I looked over to my right and saw that Uraraka was there. At that, she was a little too close. But for some reason, I wasn't feeling uncomfortable this time. How strange. I then looked at my notebook and panicked. It was still on Kacchan. So, I quickly turn the pages about Sero's quirk.

"Just writing about what I have been noticing during matches." I hope Uraraka didn't notice. Telling from her face I wasn't too sure. "Do you agree with All Might's thoughts on our match?" Maybe if I changed the topic, she wouldn't say anything about my notes.

"I still don't get why he talked about how I should have planned things better with my traps. Going on and on. But funny enough, it just sounded like an old man was talking about the old days. So, I may have zoned out."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Same. He did draw it out too long and didn't get to the point. At least Aizawa cleared things up. As great as All Might is, his old age was showing there." At that, we both laughed. It was nice to talk with someone instead of just myself.

We soon were sharing funny videos of our favorite VTubers. That was until I felt something violently turned me around. To my shock, it was Kacchan. "Did you tell the extras it was my birthday?" Oh. No wonder Kacchan seems angry. He hated when other people knew about his birthday. Especially what happened in 5th grade with our new teacher. She threw a surprise party for Kacchan, and it didn't end well. "Answer me, nerd!"

I suddenly remembered where I was. I tried to get Kacchan off, but it was no use. He just was too strong. "I didn't say anything, Kacchan. I swear."

"Don't lie to me." I braced myself when I saw him raise his hand. But he was quickly pulled back by Kirishima. "Deku!"

What should I do in this situation? How can I make Kacchan believe that I didn't say anything? At that, it wasn't fair to everyone else to see him like this. He looks so hurt about this. No! I don't like it when he's hurt. I then recalled how I told him I wasn't going to be a pushover anymore. Maybe this is a good chance to follow up on that promise. Keeping calm, I walked over to him. "I didn't tell anyone anything. I know how you feel about your birthday. So, why would I do something so stupid behind your back?"

He got away from Kirishima and stood over me. But I didn't back down. I'm not afraid anymore. In fact, I was kind of upset that he would accuse me of something. Especially when he should know I would never do anything he didn't like. "If you didn't tell anyone, then how do the idiots know?"

I tried to push him away since he was a little too close. To my surprise, I was able to. As I made sure we could clearly see each other in the eyes, I stood my ground as I spoke. "How about you ask them!" That's when he tried to punch me, and to my surprise, I caught his fist. At that, I couldn't help but notice that Kacchan was shaking. But none of that matters. Because now I just had it was Kacchan's outburst on something I didn't do. "Back down."

It was still surprising to witness Kacchan actually back down when I told him. The way his eyes shook while trying to look away was not missed. While he went over to Kirishima and Ashido, I happened to notice how Kacchan's shoulders flew. Did I hurt him? But it couldn't be helped. His outburst was uncalled for. If he is going to accuse me of something, he needs to have his facts right. At that, it somewhat felt nice to put Kacchan in his place. Like a strange type of rush.

As much as I was enjoying this weird rush, I wondered what caused it. Was it the fact I stood up to Kacchan? Or the fact he actually listened to me when I told him to back down? Maybe it was both. But I also didn't like the fact that I had to be mad and hurt Kacchan. I wonder if there's another way to feel this rush again without hurting Kacchan.

At the end of the day, I saw how everyone was talking to each other. I wonder what that was about. But I didn't pay much mind to it as I tried to finish packing my book bag. I even made sure to leave a note on my phone to finish filling out the paperwork. Then I quickly texted Sydney to see if there was anything I should look forward to on Friday. "Hey, Deku."

I looked up to Uraraka. "What's up, Uraraka?"

She held out her phone. "We just finished making a class group chat. Want to join?" I couldn't help but smile as I added my number to the group chat. Let alone exchange numbers with Uraraka. "Maybe we could hang out this weekend."

If what Sydney told me yesterday is anything to go by, I might not be free this weekend. "Not this weekend. But maybe next time." I happened to see her frown for a second before she smiled again.

"Sure thing." With that, I left class and saw that Kacchan had already made it to the shoe locker. I tried my best to get past him to my locker, but I couldn't move. I felt frozen in place as I looked at him. Something about the way he currently looked had me just staring. But I quickly snapped out of it as I went to change into my sneakers.

On the way home, it was quiet between us. Thoughts about our earlier interaction played through my head. Was Kacchan angry at me for standing up to him? Or was he still angry thinking I told people about his birthday? But when I looked at Kacchan, he didn't seem angry. He seemed like he was in deep thought. I wonder what about.

While we walked from the station home, I couldn't help but stare at Kacchan's back. My thoughts ran through with his match today. With how amazing he was. Besides filling out the gym paperwork, I have a lot to write about in my hero notebook. Especially about what I learned about our classmates. But I was even more excited to add to the binder I had just about Kacchan. Maybe I could cross analysis some of the things I wrote back in 6th grade. Today's moves seem similar to some of his 6th-grade parkour moves.

"Spill it, nerd." I looked up at Kacchan in surprise. Did I do something wrong? Why was he upset? Was he upset about earlier? Or maybe… maybe he's upset I didn't get him anything for his birthday this year.

Before I could say anything, he got up in my face and made me look at him. Should I stop him from doing this? It's not like I mind it. Just that sometimes it would be nice if he wasn't so forceful when doing so. I looked at him as I tried to stay calm. "I'm sorry."

"For?" At that, I looked at him, and he seemed confused. But he did back away a bit. I let out a deep sigh as I straighten my back. No point in trying to seem small when it comes to him. That part of me is no longer needed. If I'm supposed to be a hero, I eventually have to learn to stand strong. So, why not start now?

I stared at Kacchan and kept my head high as I spoke. "I'm sorry I didn't get you a gift this year." There. I said it. Maybe now he wouldn't look so upset. But to my surprise, Kacchan shook for a moment as a smile tried to show itself. Yet that quickly stopped as he turned his head away from me. He then blinked as he looked back at me. Not to mention looking as if he was angry. So I was right. He was upset about not getting a present this year.

"Well, you better not do that again." There it was. I was right, but I'm glad he forgave me.

I couldn't help but smile as I relaxed a bit. "I promise, Kacchan. Is there any way I could make it up to you right now?" The way a pink shade crossed over Kacchan's cheeks was a sight. Especially with how that pink followed to his ears. He looked away from me. Which is then I noticed he kept making fists and releasing them. I wonder what he was thinking that had him reacting this way. It didn't help the fact I had the strangest urge to poke his nose. But I had to control myself.

"Just this once, I will allow you to give me birthday punches." I was taken aback by Kacchan's response. Only Kato and Saito ever gave him birthday punches. What if I hurt Kacchan with my punches? Then again, I wasn't sure how hard I could punch without OFA. Maybe this was a bad idea. I should ask to make sure.

"Are you sure about this?" Kacchan looked back at me. It was then I felt my face start to burn up. I had never seen him have that kind of face. From the way he seemed to have a slight pout and his cheeks puffed up. Sure, he seemed somewhat angry. But this was nothing like his typical angry face. In fact, it was much cuter. I can't wait to write about this in my notes. Kacchan's new face! I did my best to try to remember every last detail. From the way, his face puffed to the pout and softness of his eyes.

"Either you do it, or you have to get me two gifts next year." From the way Kacchan's voice was slightly higher in pitch was just cute. Even more with how it almost sounded like he demanded I choose. I don't get why I'm finding this side of him to be so cute. But I'll question that another time. I can always give him birthday punches and still get him two gifts next year.

"Ok." Kacchan then turned to give me his left arm to punch. I gave him one more look before I went in for the first punch. Trying my best to hold back was harder than I thought. But somehow, I managed to give him 16 birthday punches. I then stepped back and looked at him. There were a few tears that slid down his face, but he didn't say anything. "I hope I didn't hurt you too badly."

The way the corner of Kacchan's lips curled into a smile before quickly turning to a neutral state. Was confusing, but I won't push it. "You call those punches. A baby could do better than that." I did try to hold back, so I guess he's right. Then again, I did see him tear up. And he almost smiled. So, I'll take it as he was happy. Which got me smiling as I looked at his face one more time. Sometimes Kacchan, your words don't match up to your face. And for that, you will never be able to deceive me.

Without a word, I went off home. But I just couldn't stop smiling. Kacchan was pouting at me. At that, he almost smiled at me. Today I not only stood up to Kacchan but witnessed many new faces he could make. It makes me so happy. In fact, there were a lot of new things Kacchan did. From the way he used Sero's quirk to his advantage. Or how he didn't attack the hero team and stayed to a being defensive. It was so unlike him to do so. He's more of an offensive type of fighter. Kacchan, you'll never stop impressing me.

When I got home, I could hear that mom was on the phone with someone. I walked past the kitchen and tried not to hear anything. Once in my room, I dropped my book bag by my desk. Then I went about pulling out the paperwork and homework from my bag. Making sure everything was on my desk and that I had my hero notes out. I then went to check if mom was done with her phone call. Which, to my somewhat surprise, she was still talking. But from what I could faintly pick up, it sounded very formal.

Thankfully I didn't have to wait long, as mom finished her phone call. The way she just stood there and did not look over at me was troubling. What could possibly be the conversation she had? At best, why did she look shaken up about it? It's then mom looked up at me and had tears running down her face. I braced myself for whatever horrible news was bound to come out of her lips.

"I know this is all too much and last minute. But I just got off the phone with your school." Why was she calling UA? I hope she wasn't trying to get me out of the school without telling me first. Waiting for her to finish speaking was making my anger rise. What the hell did my mother do? I could feel my fist tightening and my body shaking. But what I didn't realize was that I had walked over to her.

"And? What did you talk about?"

It did not faze me how my mother shook before me. "I was informing them you won't be able to go on Monday. Since that's when your father's funeral service is being held." At that, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. My shaking body and heavy shoulders didn't make the situation any better. Especially with how angry I still was. I can't believe I'm going to miss a day of class for this nonsense. "Please forgive me, Izuku. I tried speaking to the company that was taking care of your father's service. But they kept insisting that we do this as soon as possible. I'm sorry, baby. I'll make it up to you."

And just like that, the numbness took hold. I plastered that one smile and stared at my mom. "It's ok, mom. I know you do your best. I'll be ok. Well, I got homework to do." I then went about hugging her. But all I felt was the cold nothingness. I knew she was in my arms and that she was crying. But I, like many times, became mute to it all and just went through the motions. With that short exchange, I went to my room.

[arnoldjaime13]

Blog Tour- SONGS FROM THE HEART by @YsReffitt With An Excerpt & #Giveaway!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the SONGS FROM THE HEART by Y.S. Reffitt Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

  About The Book:

Title: SONGS FROM THE HEART

Author: Y.S. Reffitt

Pub. Date: February 14, 2023

Publisher: Y.S. Reffitt

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 348

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

After living with heart disease and depression the last five years, Rayna is ready to crack open the protective shell her parents created for her. While she is trying to live life to the fullest, she meets Nick, the singer/songwriter for a local band. Electricity ignites. Rayna will not let her heart failure determine her life. But will it change the path she chooses to take when her world comes crashing down?

  Book Trailer:

Excerpt:

One 

“Rayna I can’t believe I let you do that?” Anna said as she  ran her hands through her hair and shook her head. I laughed. “Like you could have stopped me.” I took my bag  from Anna and dug for my wallet. 

“I just know that your mom would freak out if she knew I  went along with this.”  

I put my money and ID back in my wallet and threw it in my  bag.  

“Do you see my mom?” I looked around the perimeter.  “You didn’t go along with anything. I made the decision  to go parasailing and I’m glad I did. It was exhilarating.” I  wrapped my arm around Anna’s shoulder and smiled at her as  we walked. The soz sand under my bare feet energized me. 

“Why would her mom be mad at you?” Dave looked over  at Anna as he raised up from grabbing a shell from the sand. I drew my eyes down at Anna and shook my head. “Because  my mom is a worry wart, she pleads with Anna to keep me  safe.” I laughed hoping that Dave wouldn’t ask more questions. 

“So what was it like being up in the air like that?” Anna  asked.  

At least she was trying to change the subject.  

“It was awesome” Dave said with a grin.  

“It was Anna. You should try it with us next time.” “Hot a chance.” Anna said.  

Be all laughed and continued our short walk back to the  house.  

“So how was it?” Rick asked when we made it to his beach  spot. 

“Awesome” Dave and I answered in unison. Be both  laughed. Rick laughed at us for answering together. “You’re back.” Travis said as he walked down the steps from  the house. he smiled at us more at Anna but he looked at all  three of us. His eyes glistened when he smiled at her.  It warmed my heart and made me smile seeing these two fall for each other hopefully one of us could live happily ever after. 

“Come on Rayna you’re my partner” Dave said. he pulled  my hand toward a setup Jeld in the sand. 

“What do you wanna play?”  

“Bucket ball. That’s what they played while we were gone.  Rick and Jeff are undefeated. We have to beat them” “And you think we can do that?” 

“You said you played sports in high school. Bell this is just  like basketball and beer pong put together.” Dave picked up  a ball. 

“You just toss this ball down there into one of those buckets.  If you get the ball in the bucket the other team has to remove  the bucket. Just like beer pong.” 

“I’ve never played beer pong.” 

“What?!!” Dave looked at me like I was an alien. “What do you mean you never played beer pong? Didn’t you just  graduate college?” 

“I did, but I did most of it online. Remember I told you I just  moved out of my mom and dad’s and moved in with Anna.” 

“So you never went to parties?”  

“no, I didn’t”. I took a breath and braced myself for his  laughter. ,e didn’t laugh. ,e just looked confused. “Let’s get this game started” Dave yelled. 

Dave didn’t pry. I liked that about him. I wasn’t sure what  to expect when I met him a few days ago. ,e made me feel  comfortable. 

ffe2 and Rick hurried over to their buckets and picked up  the balls. 

“Losers first” jeff yelled. 

“I’ll show you loser” Dave said. “Go ahead Rayna.” I tossed  the ball and missed. Dave tossed his and missed. Rick and ffe2  harassed us. The game went on for a while. Sut in the end  Dave and I beat them.  

“Who is the loser now?” Dave chuckled. 

Jeff flipped Dave the bird and walked toward the house.  Dave laughed again and put the balls in the bucket.

“Guys we need to get ready if we’re gonna play the show  tonight.” Rick pointed at his watch. 

“Always the slave driver.” Dave shot back at him with a grin. Be gathered our things and started for the house. “Five me that stuff.” Dave threw his towel over his shoulder  and took my bag from my hands. 

“Thanks.” Food looking and a gentleman. I locked arms  with Anna as we followed the guys up the steps to the house. The guys quickly showered and dressed.  

“Be need to get the equipment set up and do sound check  so we’ll see you later” Rick yelled as he opened the front  door.  

I stuck my head out of my room. “Okay see you there.” “Bye Rayna. I’ll see you in a few hours.” Dave waved at me.  I waved back."

I showered and dressed. Anna’s music blared from her  room. She was making the final touches to her makeup when  I walked in. 

“You look fantastic! That leather mini skirt shows off those  long tanned legs. I love it! You’re gonna give someone a heart  attack looking like that!” Anna said.  

I smirked at her and did a little spin. Dressing up in sexy  clothes did make me more optimistic. “Thanks.” I grinned at  her. “You look kinda fabulous yourself.” 

“Thanks! I hope Travis thinks so too.”  

I shook my head at her and smiled. “Let’s go see Travis.” I  joked. 

Anna put her mascara down and grabbed her purse from  the sink. She followed me out the front door to the car. I  drove almost a mile. 

“We could have walked you know. My heart won’t fail from a little walk.” I gave Anna a disapproving look as I locked the car doors. 

Anna grimaced at me. “Walk in heels and break a sweat after  all the hard work on our hair and makeup? HeverN4 A look of  astonishment on her face. 

I laughed and locked arms with her as we walked across the  street toward the club. My phone rang. 

“It’s my mom Anna. Hold on a minute. Hi mom.” I held up a Finger to Anna. 

“Rayna! You didn’t call me back.” 

“I know mom! I’m sorry. Anna and I lost track of time and almost forgot about the show tonight”

“Rayna be careful being out with only Anna.”

“Mom! We are here with Rick and his friends, we aren’t alone. I have my mace.” I smiled at Anna. “Remember, you  raised a smart girl.”

“I know Rayna. I worry too much I guess. Your fragile condition doesn’t help my nerves. I will always worry. Text when you get back to the house so I know you are in. Be safe and I love you. Enjoy yourself.” 

“I will. I love you too mom. And tell dad I love him.” I hung  up the phone and put it in my small leather purse. I grabbed  Anna’s arm and gave her a big smile. “Let’s go have some fun  girl.” 

The club was nearly packed. We paid the cover charge and pushed our way through all the young faces toward the stage to find Rick. People were everywhere. Some played pool while others gathered around the bar or tables causing a sea  of unrelenting chatter. You could hardly hear yourself think.  After looking for a few seconds I spotted him. 

“Hey Rick!” I yelled over the music coming from the juke1 box. he glanced over his shoulder and waved us over to the side stage. 

“I wondered where you two were!” Rick said. He continued  hooking up cables and wires to speakers and lights. “I thought  maybe you got lost!” Rick teased. “The band is gonna start in about ten minutes. I reserved a table for us up front.” He yelled  over the noise and pointed to a table close to the stage. 

“We had to make ourselves beautiful, Rick” Anna grinned at Rick. 

“And you both are. I’ll fetch you two beautiful ladies a soda,  be right back.” 

“I can’t wait until the band starts. I’m so excited for you to  see them. You should have gone with me when I saw them a  few months ago!” Anna stated. 

“I wanted to! But you know I wasn’t up to par then, and when I’m fatigued, it’s hard to force myself out of the house. My  doctors figured my medicine out now. And that helps with the  fatigue. I’m ready to start having some fun before it’s too late. I mean, all that money my grandfather left me, I need to spend  some right.”

“Hey! We’re not going to talk about sad things tonight. We’re  gonna have a wonderful time tonight and the rest of the week.  When Seer starts playing, you’ll be ready to get your groove on and be free of all the worry,” Anna said. She sounded like  she was barking orders to me. But I understood she only  volunteered encouraging words. 

The band took the stage and started to play an interesting  guitar riff, my attention was perked. I enjoyed rock music and  loved to lose myself in the rhythm. And Anna was right. The  guys looked amaWing6 all of them.  

“Woooooooo!” Anna yelled and clapped her hands. I could feel the drum and the guitar pounding in my chest.  Anna always gave off incredible vibes. I gave her an evil grin  and she knew I was ready to have fun. 

The band finished the first song and the singer, Dave’s brother that I hadn’t met yet, introduced the band members. His voice came out low and sexy when he sang. You wouldn’t think that deep raspy sound would come out of such a young  looking face. He was cute, but the drummer Dave was the best looking in my opinion. Dave’s skin tone was the same as the  singer’s, but Dave’s hair was shorter. The singer’s eyes were darker and when he smiled, he exposed straight white teeth.  Anyone could tell they were brothers. 

“I see that smile. I told you the band was awesome?” Anna smirked. “And we get to spend the entire week with those fine looking guys.” 

I smiled at Anna and raise my glass of coke to give her a toast as the band started playing a slower tune. It sounded just as  amazing as the first song. The band played a few more songs  and I grabbed Anna’s arm and dragged her to the dance floor with the others that decided they liked the music. I felt free and young instead of the old grumpy cat I had become in the  last few years. I enjoyed this carefree experience. Anna and I slowly moved to the front of the stage as we danced. We  danced to every song. 

As I glanced up at the band, I made eye contact with the  singer, Nick. Hs deep brown eyes were shockingly intense.  When our eyes locked something happened that I’d never experienced before. It was like I had known him all my life. I couldn’t pull my eyes away. A magnet kept pulling my eyes  to his. 

I thought I’d given up on guys because of the heart break with the last one, but if he would step on the stage right at that moment and asked me to leave with him, I would have.  I never believed in love at first sight, but I thought I might be  experiencing it right there in the club in front of hundreds of people. I continued moving to the music, but I sensed I was in a trance. Nick turned his eyes away and released the trance  he pulled me into. He had some kind of power over me. 

The band finished the song and the crowd roared.  “Thank you everyone for hanging out with us tonight!” the singer said and took a bow. “We’ll be playing on the other side  of town in a few days if you want to come join us again.”  I brought my thoughts back to reality and glanced at Anna.  She was looking at me with a confused expression. He walked  over to our table and stood by our chairs. I had never been drunk, but I bet it felt something like this. 

“RaynaC are you okay? You look goofy,” concerned, Anna  examined my face. 

I kinda smiled at her not knowing if I was okay. “I’m not  sure. I’ve never experienced that before. 

“What! What haven’t you experienced before?” Anna demanded as she squeezed my arm. 

“This instant attraction to someone, like I would follow  them around the world.... like I have known them for years.  Like....” 

“Your soul mate? I saw you two lock eyes. I knew something  was happening.” Anna let go of my arm. 

“Sssshhh, they’re coming over here,” I whispered to her.

Anna gave a little squeeze to my hand with a big smile on  her face. Rick led the group of guys. They all walked toward  us with immense confidence and huge smiles on their faces, except the singer Nick. His face showed annoyance. Travis walked directly to Anna and stood by her. Dave chose the spot beside me and Nick beside him. Rick did formal introductions. 

“This is Nick Perry, our singer and Dave’s brother. Nick, these beautiful ladies are Anna Cass and Rayna Taylor.”

“Hi,” Anna and I said at the same time. 

“Hi,” Nick repeated as he threw his hand up to wave. He moved his eyes away quickly not acknowledging me. He leaned on the table with one elbow and glanced around  at the crowd. his white tank top showed off his dark skin and defined biceps and shoulders. The soft hairs on his chest stuck out of the top of his shirt. I glanced at him again, but he still  wouldn’t meet my eyes. I felt as if I had a stupid little girl crush  on someone that didn3t even know I existed. Maybe he was pretentious. 

I could sense Nick looking at me and I peeked up and  smiled. he forced a smile and looked away again. Everyone  talked and laughed around the table, but my mind was elsewhere. My stomach churned with those butterflies and my skin rippled with electricity having Nick so close to me. I  wanted to reach out and touch his skin. Touch the tattoo of a  cross on his shoulder. 

“We better pack this stuff up and get it in the van,” Nick said.  “I’m not feeling so good.” He chugged his water, turned, and hopped back into the stage to begin the tear down. 

“Yeah, let’s get this stuff together and head back to the house where we can relax and hang out. It has been a long day.” Travis said. 

Travis, the lead guitarist, and Anna hadn’t stopped talking since the band finished playing. 

“I better help.” Dave winked at me as he stood up to go to help take stuff down. 

Dave had the same dark mysterious eyes as Nick, but I  noticed every detail in Nick’s face. It was so beautiful. He  tucked his long, shaggy, brown hair behind his ears. Even though he didn’t smile but once, I couldn’t stop looking at him as he worked to clean the stage. 

“Let’s help them load up.” Anna bought me out of my hypnotic state. 

Anna and I wound up black cords and carried them out to  the van. Nick was already in the van packing things. He took the cords from me and our skin touched. The electricity from our skin touching was too much. He jerked the cord from my hand in haste. Our eyes locked again. I wanted to jump into the van and press my lips against his. He made me nervous, but it didn’t matter. The way I felt around him was intoxicating.  It was different than anything I ever experienced. I couldn’t figure out what this feeling was. It scared me. 

“Thanks,” Nick said. I blinked out of my trance. He quickly looked away. He didn’t smile this time. he appeared annoyed. That’s when I bolted and almost ran back into the bar. I finally desired someone again. A warmth rose through my body so intense it scared me and he barely said more than one word to me. It must have been wishful thinking  on my part because I had been out of the dating loop. Why did he act like I was just any other girl; like he wasn’t interested in me? I could have sworn some kind of connection was between us. I bumped into Anna as I walked stupefied across  the wooden door of the club. 

“What’s up Rayna? You seemed dazed.” Anna said as she  gave me a confused look. 

“He ignores me….like I don’t exist!” I said. My frustration must’ve been obvious. 

Anna took my arms and led me to the table. She pushed me to my seat.  

“Nick avoided my eyes and he only said like one or two words to me. And these butterflies won’t stop dancing in my  stomach.” 

“I knew it. You both had a weird expression on your faces.  Like you are entranced,” She swooned. 

“I’m not......... entranced with him,” I stuttered, “just dazzled.”  I scrunched my nose and grinned. 

“Remember when we were little and Johnny liked you? Remember when he used to annoy you and we figured out he  was just trying to get your attention?”  

I shook my head yes remembering. 

“Older boys act goofy too when they like a girl, instead of annoyance, it’s avoidance. Get to know him a little more  and you’ll see. I can tell that he likes you. You make him uncomfortable. That’s why he’s avoiding your eyes,” Anna said.  She did make me feel a little bit better. 

We followed the guys back to the house in the car and  talked about it some more. Anna kept coaching until she had  me smiling again. When we walked into the kitchen for a  drink, we saw the guys outside on the deck goofing around.  It looked as though they were giving Nick a hard time.  

Anna and I walked out onto the deck. The sound of the ocean filled my ears. The waves beating on the shore were one  of my favorite sounds. The ocean breeze blew my hair around  my face. I looked over at Nick while he stared out at the dark ocean. He resembled a Greek god standing there. I wanted to  walk over and touch him. But he seemed unapproachable and untouchable, far away in his own world. 

“Hey guys, you got here quick,” Anna said. They all glanced up and smiled at us. Everyone started talking about the night  and how amazing the band played. Nick said few words. “I’m gonna head to bed.” Nick said. 

“What?” Dave and Rick said. They looked at Nick in shock. “I’m not feeling well. I must be tired from the plane and  playing tonight.” Hick said. 

“Catch you in the morning?” Dave -questioned. “Yep, goodnight everyone.” Nick wave his hand and hurried  into the house. 

“He’s off tonight man,” Travis said. “He hasn’t acted right since the middle of the show when I played that long riff. What’s the matter with him?”

“He usually is the last one to bed and the life of the party.”  Dave said. “But tonight, he was just plain goofy.”

“He’s probably just tired. He told me he wrote an entire song on his plane ride down here. Hopefully tomorrow you  girls will see the real Nick. You’ll love him.” Rick explained. I thought I already did. The guys just told me what I guessed. He was acting strange. This made me feel even bleaker. “Did you like the band tonight?” Dave asked. He took a drink of his beer. 

“Yes, you all did an awesome job. I love all the songs.” I said. I gave him a reassuring smile. 

“Nick writes all of our music. When he was still in the Marines, he had already written a lot of the lyrics. When he  got out, we had lost our lead singer and we asked him to sing  for us.” Dave said. 

“How long has the band been playing?” I asked as I watched  Anna laugh while she listened to Travis, Jeff, and Rick talk  about something I couldn’t hear. 

“We’ve been together for about a year now. Be made an album with help from some of our friends about a month ago.  It turned out amazing.”  

“I wanna buy one.” I smiled 

“I’ll find you one tomorrow morning.” He grinned.

“Sounds good.” 

“Rick said you just graduated from college too. What did  you study?” 

“I studied journalism. I hope to find a job in editing. I love books.” I gave him a frivolous smile because most people think  I”m crazy for liking books so much. 

“Maybe I could market some of your books that you edit. I  graduated with a marketing degree. Maybe it can help with  marketing the band.” Dave laughed. 

Even though I thought Dave was the best looking in the  beginning and he was giving me quite a bit of attention, I  couldn’t stop my mind from thinking about Nick. I looked at my watch and saw that it was midnight. I excused myself and went into the house to put myself and my crazy mind to bed.  As I got dressed for bed, I still couldn’t figure Nick out and couldn’t drive the way he affected me out of my head. Just thinking about him lying down in a bed on the floor above me gave me goose bumps. I dozed off to sleep with Nick hanging  onto my dreams. 

    About Y.S. Reffitt:

Author of Songs from the Heart. Her debut novel is set to be release on February 14th, 2023. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Master of Arts in Reading. She works as a Reading Specialist. She lives in West Virginia with her husband and two sons.

Sign up for Y.S.'s newsletter (Scroll to the bottom of the page)

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

  Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC courtesy of Rockstar Book Tours, International.

Ends February 28th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

2/13/2023

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

2/14/2023

@jael_and_jenessa_reads

Review/IG Post

2/14/2023

Book Reviews by Alison

Review/IG Post

2/15/2023

Books and Kats

Excerpt

2/15/2023

Read Dog Reviews

IG Post

2/16/2023

The Momma Spot

Review

2/17/2023

iamjustanothersoul

Review/IG Post

2/17/2023

Books With A Chance of Traveling

Review/IG Post

 Week Two:

2/20/2023

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

2/21/2023

@thrillersandhistoricalfiction

IG Review

2/21/2023

@carlysunshinebooks

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic

2/22/2023

@traceyreadsandrambles

IG Review/TikTok Post

2/22/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic

2/23/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

2/24/2023

Emily Ashlyn

IG Review/Facebook Post

[ventrue-in-control]

“yeah that is probably for the best, sir it is.” He hummed it in a way that would hopefully hide the slight crack of his ego. No matter what he had tried so hard to fix his accent but alas. At least the man didn’t seem to have taken any actual offense. Goddamned Britain. “You aren’t the only one and probably not the last one to tell me. This accent simply sticks to you as much as the britts stick to things that aren’t theirs.” He chuckled leading the way downstairs. Making sure he was holding the curtains open for his guest.

The downstairs it self was a bit darker than the the other 2 floors. There were paintings on the wall all over. some modern some old. There were rows of cabinets with drawers the size of kitchen tables. Jackie threw his sketchbook upon his desk, which already had a chair for him and Melchior ready. “It is easy to be excited about ones job if the job is something you truly love. And sir I can promise you, theres nothing in the world that makes me as happy and energized than being able to share my art with others.” He sat down on his chair pulling one leg up to make himself comfortable. “truly, the honour is all mine. It is rare that I may welcome those of the clan of the dragon within my humbly abode. I appreciate it really.” As he was shifting through the pages looking for the correct ones, there were flashes of sketches of all sorts of things. Most of course were of clothes but a keen eye would be able to see some of his dog daisy, of henry, of Antonia. Just small portraits of his friends. Of places he had been and things that captured his eye.

“ah! There it is.” He stopped his flipping and landed on a page with a whole bunch of scribbles and scratched through sketches. He pointed to one of the outfits he had sketched. “This right here is actually based on a prototype I made that turned out to be too expensive to make for production and not haute enough for haute couture. However, I believe with some adjustments it may actually be an interesting look for you.” The sketch itself was of a man that looked somewhat like Melchior though there were some artistic liberties at play.

The outfit it self seemed rather simple in nature, a combination of a leather jacket long black pants and boots. The devil was in the details however. The close ups of the jacket showcased the spine had an embossed design of that of snake bones. When seen from the side this embossed design seemed to have a strong 3d effect making it seem like the spine had actual leather bones sticking out slightly. There was a piece of test fabric stitched into the paper showcasing thick black leather yet when moved in the light it showcased, a slight barely visible shimmer kind of like wet ink. It showcased the lorem ipsum poem in jackies perfect typewriter hand writing. “of course this could say anything you want.” The pants at the end were flared and this too had a piece of test fabric stitched into the paper. It was not a jean texture, it was closer to a thick canvas. The fabric was embroidered with an off black thread color and a very very dark red. It formed patterns of flowers feathers and of course snakes that wiggled themselves in between it all. Clearly Jackie had studied traditional polish embroidery and tried to grab key elements of it and adjust them for the palate and style of the outfit. The side of the pants were stitched together in the same dark red colour that was used in the embroidery. “of course this would all be done by hand. It’s the only way to ensure complete and total perfection. That and I feel like one should pay some homage to the original inspiration of the design. Even if that can take a bit longer.” the undershirt had several test fabric pieces most in black but some in a dark red that matched the pants. One in white. Some of the pieces had a slight hint of glitter in it and one had an almost oil spill type quality to it. Jackie however didn’t hang too much around it. instead pointing towards a belt design. The belt was made of a similar leather as the jacket and had a dark sterling silver design of a snake that kept it all together.

 “Now this is of course only a sketch do you’re gonna have to use your imagination a little still sir. But I tried my best combining things I believe you’d enjoy together. But this is all subject to change and-“ He flipped a few pages further where a bunch more sketches were. “I of course have variations of this also.”

The two window displays that framed the entrance of his boutique had been lit up dimly against all the other lights of the London streets. However the inside did not need much more. The black panther statues that had made their home inside the displays were reflecting all of the lights from the outside making their skin seem to glitter like the galaxy. Around their necks was a spiked collar whose leash was held by 2 mannequins posed in such a way that it looked like they were being dragged along by the panther. The outfits that they wore were perfect opposites of each other in black and white patterns. Both spotting the SALMON logo of the ventrues brand.

the inside in which Jackie had been cleaning the little counter again had several levels with the upstairs showcasing more mannequins and ready to wear outfits while the downstairs seemed to be hidden by curtains. The ground level however had a few glass displays with small accessories like bags, necklaces, chokers and shoes. Around it was a small catwalk with lights and mirrors all around. At the very end of that corner of the room were giant pillows and couches. All neatly put together at least 11 times in the past 30 minutes.

Really Jackie didn’t know why he was nervous. Maybe its because it isn’t often that he gets to meet tzimisce in the flesh. In fact he had never actually met one. They weren’t one for travels and Jackie couldn’t blame them. However he knew this was kind of honour. Atleast to him it was. He fixed up his own outfit again making sure his leather gloves were fitted perfectly and that his hair was put up correctly and that his little crown was standing up straight. For 2 whole seconds he was satisfied till he realized he had only cleaned his glasses 29 times and clearly that needed to be 30.