#SHE'S SO SUAVE AND CONFIDENT ITS SO GOOD

[dewdropdinosaur]

White Gold Glitters Too

ALASTOR x READER SMUT Summary: Lucifer takes too much of a liking to Alastor's wife and he seeks to claim her and prove his dominance. Fucking her for Lucifer to hear sounds like a good option. Warnings: NSFW/18+. MINORS DO NOT ENGAGE. You are responsible for your own media consumption. Oral Sex, Reader has a Vagina, Heavy Sex, C*m, Implied P in V Sex, Jealous Fucking, Mention of Restraints, Tentacles I have never written smut before...so I am sorry. REQUESTS OPEN

Alastor, the infamous Radio Demon from Hazbin Hotel, was known for his charismatic yet enigmatic presence. He ruled over his domain with a devilish grin and a penchant for blood. But beneath his charming facade lay a heart that beat fiercely for one person: his beloved wife, Y/N.

Y/N was the epitome of grace and beauty, with a kindness that melted even the most hardened of souls. She had captured Alastor's heart as soon as they had entered through the doors of the hotel, and he would do anything to keep her by his side. Having been newly wed, Alastor’s possessive nature seemed to rear its head often when it came to his bride. 

However, trouble brewed when Lucifer, the fallen angel and hellish king himself, began to take an seeming interest in Y/N. His smooth words and suave demeanor drew her attention, much to Alastor's dismay. Alastor’s confidence was shaken when Lucifer Morningstar began to show a keen interest in Y/N. Despite her loyalty to Alastor, Lucifer's suave demeanor and irresistible charisma stirred a jealousy deep within Alastor's demonic heart.

It has begun innocently enough, with Lucifer's smooth compliments and flirtatious gestures towards Y/N whenever they crossed paths. Then it turned to a hand atop hers or brushing hair out of her face while she worked on fixing up the hotel. At first, Alastor attempted to suppress his jealousy, masking his feelings with his trademark grin and witty remarks. But as Lucifer's advances towards Y/N became more pronounced, Alastor's facade began to crack.

One fateful evening, as the flames of Hell danced in the distance, Alastor found himself unable to contain his simmering jealousy any longer. He watched from a distance as Lucifer flirted shamelessly with Y/N, his patience wearing thin with each passing moment.

His once cheerful demeanor turned dark as he became increasingly passive-aggressive, making evil eyes at the short king(yes my dears, narrators can make a joke occasionally.) But still, Lucifer persisted in his advances, seemingly unfazed by Alastor's silent warnings. Y/N, momentarily stepping away at Charlie’s call for some assistance, left the two men alone in the lobby. 

“Well, well, if it isn't the charming Lucifer. Quite the show you're putting on tonight”

Lucifer smirked, “Ah, Alastor, always a pleasure to see you. And might I say, your wife looks positively radiant this evening. You picked a good one.”

Alastor forced a smile, a natural habit of his that was wearing on him. “Why, thank you, Lucifer. She does tend to have that effect, doesn't she? Though I must say, your interest in her appearance is unexpected.”

“Oh, Alastor, there's no harm in appreciating beauty when it's right in front of you. And your wife is truly a sight to behold.” Lucifer leaned closer, using his elbow to nudge Alastor in the ribs playfully; unaware of the brewing violence in the red demon before him. Or maybe he did know and elected to ignore it. Lucifer did get terribly bored. 

Alastor spoke firmly through clenched teeth “Indeed, she is. But I must warn you, Lucifer, my patience wears thin when it comes to matters of the heart.”

“Just engaging in some harmless conversation. Does that bother you?

“Of course, how silly of me to assume otherwise.” Both men quipped back and forth so sarcastically it could've been considered the eight deadly sin. 

Returning from aiding the princess, Y/N resumed her place by Alastor’s side and back into the conversation. Unable to contain his jealousy any longer, Alastor put a hand on his wife’s shoulder and looked towards Y/N with a forced smile plastered on his face. "Darling, would you care for a stroll?" he offered, his voice dripping with false sweetness.

Y/N, oblivious to the turmoil raging within her husband, nodded with a smile and waved goodbye to Lucifer. As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of Hell, Alastor's mind seethed with anger and resentment. 

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Alastor halted abruptly and turned to face Y/N. "Tell me, my dear, what is it about Lucifer that captivates you so?" he demanded, his words laced with bitterness.

Y/N's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden change in Alastor's demeanor. "Alastor, what are you talking about? Lucifer is just being friendly," she protested, confusion etched on her face.

"Friendly? Yes, that's one way to put it. Though, his friendliness seems rather... focused, wouldn't you say?"

Y/N glanced at Alastor, sensing the tension in his voice. She attempted to defuse the situation with a reassuring smile.

Y/N: "Alastor, there's no need to worry. You know where my heart lies."

Alastor's smile tightened, his grip on Y/N's hand becoming just a tad too firm.

Alastor: "Of course, my dear. I'm well aware. But it's amusing, isn't it? How Lucifer seems to find you so... intriguing."

Y/N shot Alastor a puzzled look, sensing the underlying resentment in his words.

"Alastor, you're being awfully aggressive. Is something bothering you?"

Alastor's grin widened, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes as he turned his gaze back to Lucifer.

Alastor: "Bothering me? Not at all, my dear. Just finding it fascinating how Lucifer can't seem to keep his eyes off you. Quite the dilemma, wouldn't you agree?

Alastor refused to be swayed by her words. With a fierce determination, he pulled Y/N flush to his chest and pushed her back against the wall, his grip possessive and demanding. Peering down into her eyes, his own glowed with a dark green hue. 

"I'll show you who the better man is, my dear," he growled, his crimson eyes blazing with intensity as he slammed his lips to capture hers. Moaning into the kiss, Y/N slowly brought her hands up to find themselves tangled in Alastor’s red locks. 

Trailing his hand up to her waist, Alastor gave it a tight squeeze that made his wife squeak. Chuckling at the reaction, both their lips remained interlocked for what seemed an eternity. Deciding she had enough teasing, Y/N grabbed hold of Alastor’s cane and used its shadows to transport them to their shared bedroom. Taking the hint, Alastor walked their bodies to the king sized bed and laid down on the red silken sheets. Now with back flush against the mattress, Y/N wasted no time in relocking her lips back to her husband's. 

Nimble fingers traced up her waist, tugging softly on the waistband of her shorts before suddenly ripping them off of her body. Exposed to the cool air, Y/N let out a gasp of surprise that was quickly replaced with a lewd moan as Alastor traced a knuckle up her clothed core. 

“Darling, tsk tsk. We haven’t even begun and you are drenching my fingers through these clothes.” Continuing to drag his finger across her pantie-clad slit, Alastor mumbled the words into the base of her neck. 

“Stop–fuck–stop teasing Al.”

“Oh but dear, that’s half the fun.” Despite his words, he obliged her request by removing the offending garment from her body.​​ Working his way down, his face ended between her thighs. His eyes widened at the glittering white gold slick that painted her hole. 

“Gorgeous darling, glittering gorgeous.” Diving in, his tongue lapped up all the juices that spilled from her needy cunt. Sucking softly here and there while delving as deep as his tongue would allow(he would not admit to using magic to make it longer), Y/N let out wanton moans and lewd hisses of pleasure. Gripping the sheets beneath her as her eyes remained shut in ecstasy. To make matters worse, or better depending on who you ask, Alastor inserted his finger into her while continuing to feast. He could see her holding back some of her noises, desperate to control her lust.

"Darling, do not hide from me."

"But normally you don't want people to hear--"

"That does not apply today. Let all of Hell and that filthy king know you are mine."

Stretching her open, he added another finger; scissoring her wide. Y/n’s eyes rolled into the back of her head and her body involuntarily shifted away from the overstimulating assault. Taking his other hand, Alastor placed it on her hip and held her in place. 

“Unless you would like to be restrained, I insist you remain in place.” Perking up at the thought, Y/N gulped. Being restrained by Alastor’s slick tentacles, forcing her legs open so he could do as he pleased; letting him use them to fill every hole piqued her interest. Perhaps for another time. 

The thoughts and stimulation from Alastor’s mouth and his fingers nearly had her cumming, mumbling incoherently for just a bit more to push her over the edge. Smirking, Alastor brought a third finger into her hole, its walls squeezing onto him for dear life. Using his thumb to rub against her clit, the stimulation was bearing nearly too much. 

“Go on Y/N. Tell me….tell me how I can only make you feel this good. That even the King of Hell couldn’t make you cum just from his fingers.”

That’s what did it, Y/N felt the coil in her stomach snap as she cried Alastor’s name. Surely, the whole hotel had heard her by now. Just as Alastor wanted. Cum now coated his fingers and the bedsheets below as her high overtook her senses and she saw stars. 

Drawing his fingers slowly out of her and bringing them to his lips, Alastor sucked on the white gold juices. Both parties covered in a layer of thin sweat, panting heavily and overcome with arousal. Walking his hands forward till both of his arms caged her in on the bed and she could feel his growing bulge against her thighs, Alastor whispered darkly. 

“Now dear, feel like letting Lucifer know how good round two is about to feel?”

[p1utofairy]

PAC: your upcoming relationship 🎀🫧🎆

pile 1 🧸 —

ok so i immediately heard let the light in by lana del rey ft. father john misty! this is a very passionate relationship pile 1 wow. your person is very patient, attentive and willing to put you first no matter what. the dynamic will be similar to allie and noah's but minus the toxicity…there's a push and pull but just enough to keep each other engaged and entertained. i'm hearing a lot of witty playful banter, you grinning until your cheeks hurt and not being able to keep eye contact because they give you butterflies. i'm feeling some gemini influence in this pile hmmm communication will be really important between the 2 of you. i think you both are very similar when it comes to your interests and values but have a different approach to how you handle your feelings and express your emotions. you may be a bit more hesitant or resistant to sharing how you feel in hopes of keeping the peace but i feel like your person will encourage you to speak your mind instead of bottling it in. this goes for any scenerio as well, they want you to be able to step into your power and not dim your light for anyone or anything. your person could have prominent water/cancer/or 4h placements because they give nurturing vibes. i just heard "I JUST WANNA SEE YOU SHINE, CAUSE I KNOW YOU ARE A STARGIRL." you mean everything to them. even if you two were to have a disagreement, they'd probably be a bit moody at first but at the end of the day they'd want to talk it out and make up with you. (and i heard make it up to you) they'll never want you to go to bed angry at them or vice versa, this person is very mature and doesn't like to cut corners when it comes to their relationships. this person has an "all or nothing" type of mentality, when they commit themselves to you that's it. all they see you is pile 1, awww it's so sweet. you're gonna have lots of fun with this person.

pile 2 ⭐️ —

love you like a brother, treat you like a friend, respect you like a lover. OOOO pile 2 your person is very suave, they know exactly what to say and when to say it. i feel like they light up every room that they walk in & could definitely charm the pants off of anyone. it might be hard to take them serious at first or you may question if they're serious about you because they seem to be very friendly or more experienced. but i'm hearing that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, because although this person may give player vibes they’re actually a sweetheart at the core. i can see this person having a really bright smile, they'll love to make you laugh and put you in a good mood. you will bring a good balance to them, they need stability and you're exactly that. they're very confident and extroverted but deep down they feel like no one really sees them except for you. i'm hearing infrunami by steve lacy so maybe some of you already know this person. it honestly does give a good friends to lovers vibe. i can see you two texting a lot, going on little dates and having random/deep conversations about any and everything. maybe lots of discussions about movies? i'm hearing some of you really love cinema. i think you'll definitely see this person in a different light as you get to know them, compared to your first impression of them. it’s like when andie was putting ben through all those hoops until they went to visit his family in staten island…and once she saw him in his element/who he truly was at the core she realized her feelings for him. yeahhh this is super cute pile 2, i dig it.

pile 3 🍬 —

heyyy pile 3, right off the bat i keep hearing the word CUTE. like maybe this is what people will think when they see you and your person together? you two are absolutely made for each other, i think your inner child will really come out when you're around this person. i can feel the excitement, the giddiness and anticipation you two will exude when you're in each other's presence. i heard "like a kid in a candy store" lol that's adorable. power trip by j. cole ft. miguel is playing…yeah it's very much THAT. i feel like you both will pinch yourselves thinking is this real??? your person is gonna make you feel like you're on cloud 9 hehe i see them getting you flowers, writing you cute little messages on sticky notes and gifting you thoughtful things that you may have mentioned in passing but didn't expect them to remember. i feel like you (and maybe even your person) have been waiting/yearning for a connection like this for very a long time, i get an almost lonely energy. like you've been single for a long time and now you feel whole/complete. the intimacy between you two >>> not even just sexually but intellectually and emotionally! you're gonna feel so safe and comfortable with them. your person is very sentimental and they will never take a moment shared with you for granted. i see polaroid/photobooth pics of you 2 being all close and cutesy :) this person might be a little lowkey/reserved in nature but you definitely bring them out of their shell. the scene where jenna says “arrivederci” and is so giddy when matty responds back with “au revoir” is coming to mind. AH y'all are gonna be so goneeeeee pile 3 i love it for you.

[l0serloki]

First Kisses!

(Chamber, Phoenix, Reyna, Iso)

You get your first kiss with some of the Val agents!

masterlist

Chamber :

Chamber was shocked. You two had been flirting for quite a while but when he had never expected you to tell him you had never had a kiss. 

“You want me to believe someone as gorgeous as you has never been kissed?” He laughs it off at first, taking in your blushed splendor.

“Never.” You confirm with a little laugh. His hand makes its way across your cheek.

“May I fix that for you darling?” His voice is suave and his eyes shine through his glasses. Always so calculating. 

You could feel your heart beat out of your chest. It took everything in you to even mumble out a quick ‘yes’.

“I’m honored I am your first.” Chamber whispers in your ear before he leans in, his lips meeting yours. It was everything you had ever expected it to be. His lips were soft and moved gently as you learned the pace. By the time he had pulled away you were left breathless.

"You are a fast learner." He smiles as his thumb rubs at your cheek.

"And you are a good teacher."

Phoenix :

Phoenix and you were talking about random things from your guys childhood when the topic came up.

“I had my first kiss when I was thirteen.” He laughs and your eyes widen. You knew you were in the minority of people who hadn’t been kissed but.. thirteen?! That seemed so young!

“What? When was your first kiss?” He poked at you and you could feel the tension start to rise.

“Uh…” You sigh and a wicked grin appears on his face.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never had a kiss.” His smug look turns into one of shock when you slowly nod your head no.

“Right.. Well I think we gotta fix that.” He huffs as he reaches his hand out for your waist. “May I?” He wiggles his eyebrows and you can’t help but chuckle.

“Go on then.” You roll your eyes but you can’t help but feel pleased. If you wanted to have your first kiss with anyone it would be Phoenix. You trusted him and knew he wouldn’t do anything to make you uncomfortable.

His lips pressed against yours as his warm hand rubbed lightly at your waist. As soon as it started it left, leaving you almost.. disappointed?

“Want another?” Phoenix grins at your look and cocks his head. Sly bastard.

Reyna :

“Let me give you a little kiss.” Reyna teased as her hand wiped at the crumbs on your lips. You could feel yourself grow nervous at the implication. You liked Reyna a lot. But you had never crossed that line with her. Frankly, you had never crossed that line with anyone.

“Y-you don’t have to.” You stutter out and she only coos at your embarrassment. 

“Do you not want one?” She asks and you don’t know how to respond. You do but if you tell her this is your first will she think you were childish?

“I do I just..” You stop yourself as you grow even more nervous.

“This is your first?” She grabs your hand and rubs it soothingly. You only nod as her smile grows.

“Then let me teach you how to kiss. You’ll like it, don't worry.” She breathes out as her lips meet yours. It’s a feeling like none other. You feel your body light up as she cradles you softly. 

“Just a few more, hmm?” She muses as she moves back in.

Iso :

You were listening to music together on his bed after a long mission. He had never played this music before and it almost felt like he had curated the playlist for you. You stared up at the ceiling with him as the melody continued to play. You could feel his gaze on you and you turned.

His eyes bore holes into your head and you suddenly felt nervous. It felt like he could see everything.

“Y/N, I don’t want to ruin our friendship but I really like you.” He says confidently and your eyes widen. You had liked him for a while but never dared to say anything.

“I like you too.” You choke out and a smile appears on the mans face. 

“Can I kiss you?” He asks and you could feel yourself squirm. If you thought too much into it you would back out.

“Do it.”

He takes your word and pulls you closer to him, his lips melting against yours. You close your eyes as you let yourself relax at the new sensation. You had finally had your first kiss. And with Iso for that matter.

You two finally broke the kiss to come up from air. His hand stayed against your arm as he just smirked.

“You’re a good kisser.” He whispers out and you feel pride fill your body.

“Thanks, it's my first time.” You grin and his jaw drops to the floor.

“What?!”

[f6bron]

pocket healer.

pairing : chamber x gn!reader

notes : established relationship, possessive!chamber and he's jealous, kinda suggestive at the end ?

The mission had gone off without a hitch, but that didn’t mean it was without its casualties. You were busy tending to Deadlock’s injuries, carefully wrapping bandages around her waist. Your focus was on her, making sure your actions didn’t cause any unnecessary pain.

“All is good?” you asked, your voice soft, full of concern.

Deadlock gave you a small smile, nodding. “I’m fine, Y/N. Thanks.”

Meanwhile, from across your view, Chamber was supposed to be participating in a post-mission briefing with Brimstone and Cypher, but his attention had long since wandered. 

He couldn’t stop watching you, the way your hands moved so gently, the way you spoke with such care. Every detail felt like a dagger in his heart, but what infuriated him most was how close you were to Deadlock. 

The way you were treating her so tenderly... it should be him receiving that attention. Not Deadlock. Not anyone else.

Deadlock noticed the intensity of Chamber’s gaze, the way he was glaring at her. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen that look from him. She knew he was protective of you, maybe even possessive. She finished adjusting the bandages herself, giving you a knowing look.

“I think the wrappings are all fine, Y/N. I’ll fix the rest of it.” she said, trying to ease the tension she could feel building.

“But I’m not–”

“Don’t worry about it,” Deadlock interrupted, her tone gentle. She then tilted her head towards Chamber. “Though, I think someone else needs your attention.”

You glanced over your shoulder, following her gaze to see Chamber standing a few feet away, watching you intently. You hadn’t even noticed him there, too caught up in your work. He excused himself from the conversation with Brimstone and Cypher as you approached, that familiar cheeky smile tugging at his lips.

This guy...

“I told you to stop glaring at people I talk to.” you scolded, arms crossed over your chest.

“To be exact, mon amour,” Chamber replied smoothly, “Deadlock was flirting with you.”

“No, she wasn’t! I was just helping her with her injuries!—”

“Then, I’m injured too.” Chamber lifted his hand, revealing a bleeding cut, his expression unfazed.

You sighed, knowing exactly what he was doing. He was trying to sway you with that disarming smile of his, and unfortunately for you, it always worked.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” you grumbled, pulling him by the hand to a quieter corner where you could tend to his wound in peace. 

“I told you not to hide things from me, Vincent Fabron.”

Ouch, his eyebrows shot up at the sound of his full name. You only used it when you were really annoyed. He watched silently as you prepared the med kit, your movements quick and efficient.

“Vin…” he muttered under his breath.

“What?” you responded, tilting your head innocently.

“You usually call me Vin…” he pointed out, his pout almost comical.

“That’s not the point.” you huffed, rolling your eyes, but before you could continue, he cut you off.

“I don’t like it when people get touchy with you. Only I can do that.”

You wanted to argue, to tell him he was being ridiculous, but his puppy eyes made it impossible. 

“Hey now…”

“You can only tend to my injuries, okay, Y/N?” he insisted, his tone leaving little room for disagreement. “The others can go to Sage, but you... you’re mine.”

Chamber tilted his head, his eyes never leaving yours as he waited for your response.

"Chérie?"

You sighed again, defeated. “Okay.”

Chamber’s smile softened, and he leaned in to press a kiss to your lips. It was rare to see him this vulnerable, this possessive, but you knew it was just another way he showed how much he cared. 

His personality always seemed to shift when you were around, going from the suave, confident agent to the affectionate, slightly clingy boyfriend.

As you cleaned his wound, Chamber rested his head on your shoulder, his breath warm against your neck. He took in your scent, his comfort in the midst of all the chaos.

“Vin, we’re still in public…” you whispered, your hands trembling slightly as you tried to concentrate on his injury.

“Je m'en fiche (I don’t care),” he murmured against your skin, his lips brushing against your neck. “I want to show them what’s mine.”

He looked up at you with those soft brown eyes, his gaze full of adoration. “You’re so pretty…”

You blushed under his stare, feeling your resolve weaken. Chamber’s face nuzzled into your neck, his kisses turning your body to jelly.

“Vin, I can’t focus,” you mumbled, your voice breathy.

Chamber chuckled softly, noticing how flustered you’d become. He loved seeing you like this.

So vulnerable, so irresistibly cute. But he had more in store for you, a plan for when you both returned home.

That night, you and Chamber lay curled up together in your room, his arms and legs wrapped tightly around you like a baby koala. He always found comfort in your space, the room filled with the scent of Trudon candles and the faint hint of your perfume. It was his sanctuary, away from the endless projects and the pressures of his work. 

Here, he could just be with you, and be himself.

Your phone dinged, pulling you out of your sleepy haze. It was a message from Brimstone, another briefing scheduled for the night. You sighed, not in the mood for more discussions.

Chamber peeked at the screen, his eyes narrowing. “You’re not leaving, are you?” he asked, his voice laced with a hint of desperation.

You hesitated, knowing you really should go, but then Chamber tightened his grip, his face buried in the crook of your neck.

“Don’t leave,” he mumbled, his voice muffled by your skin. “Just stay here with me, okay?”

His words were so gentle, so pleading, and you could almost see the imaginary puppy ears on his head, trying to charm you. You sighed, knowing you didn’t really have a choice, not with him being so clingy.

Then, Chamber began to nibble on your ear, his lips trailing kisses down your neck. You whimpered, the sensation sending shivers down your spine.

“Hey—”

“Shh,” he whispered, his breath hot against your skin. “Forget about the briefing. I missed you, mon amour.”

And with that, you knew there was no way you’d be leaving his embrace tonight.

masterlist.

[starhvney]

Heyyy I just found your account and I adore it!!! If requests are still open could I request a Travis x reader where they just moved to the street and travis has been trying to woo them (and its highkey working). And one night theres this huge storm and the lower goes out while theyre at travis and dantes and Travis claims they need to “cuddle for warmth” (Dantes off somewhere idk) and its just really cute and he confesses his feelings and is a huge dork? Sorry if thats too specific, thank you so much and I hope your day has been lovely 💖

𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: mys travis x reader

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: a power outage at a very inconveniencing time happens to be just the push you need to 

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒: fluff, sharing a bed, travis being a dork, he wants to be suave so bad, like no sweetie you’re just cute, anyways yeah, you both smooch at the end hehehe he likes youuuu

𝐂𝐖: none? a small innuendo i suppose

𝐀/𝐍: i love travis my cutie schnookims! anyways i slightly changed the plot but it’s basically the same? i hope you like it regardless! Have a good day :)

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

it was time for one of aphmau’s annual parties, and the girl had enthusiastically made a point to include you with her friend group to join in on their celebration. from the way she described it, it sounded like it would be a fun time, and as the new girl in the neighborhood, you definitely couldn’t reject the generous notion. 

especially when you found out that most of your neighbors had already been friends with each other since high school. it was really intimidating, to be thrown in a place where everyone around you already had a bond. how did they all even manage to find these nice houses next to each other?

you were grateful that they all were really friendly and seemed really open to letting in new people into the group. one had been especially friendly—a certain man with white hair and charmingly bright green eyes. you couldn’t lie he was attractive, and honestly one of the funniest ones in the group, but with his overly confident “womanizer” attitude you couldn’t help but obliviously ignore his advances on you.

it wasn’t that you weren’t interested. but you wouldn’t be easy against his rather brazen pickup lines and… dorky charm. he’d have to work for it. besides, it was kind of fun to watch him chase after you like a lost puppy.

that’s what brings you here, in your kitchen, the night before the party with travis himself. after all, you hadn’t accepted his flirtatious moves, but you most definitely hadn’t rejected them, either. everyone volunteered to cook a dish for the party in the group chat, and conveniently he happened to once again be loitering in your house—a habit he had started after you made it known he was welcome—as everyone discussed what they’d bring. he’d suggested for you both to hang out and cook your dishes together, and you couldn’t let down that hopeful glint in the man’s eyes.

“travis, now why in the world would you think mustard is scary. you have got to be messing with me right now.” you scoff, leaning back on your counter.

“i’m not!” he defends with his hands up, snickering at the unimpressed face you shoot him. “a lot of people get unnerved by random things for no reason! like mushrooms, and lots of holes, and even just a drop of blood!”

he points up as the window flashes with light, a loud thunder strike from the storm raging on outside cracking right after. “and thunderstorms!”

“okay, drama queen. i’d say being scared of thunderstorms and blood is a lot more justifiable than a condiment.” you scoff, before frowning as the wind howls and aggressively throws thick pellets of rain into your windows. “speaking of which, i’m not scared of storms but i don’t know if walking or even driving back down the street to your house would be safe 

travis’s eyebrows raise, pretty dark eyelashes brushing along his cheekbones as he blinks at you in surprise. a second later he’s leaning onto the counter with a goofy-looking smirk on his face.

“so, you want me to stay?—”

crack!

“oh!” you startle, not missing how travis also jumped in place too. “i’m surprised the power hasn’t gone out yet…”

“don’t—” travis starts only to be interrupted by another loud crash of thunder from the sky, the both of you getting sent into complete darkness. “…jinx it.”

for a moment the both of you stand in your kitchen in silence, listening as the heater powers down along with the gentle whir of your household appliances. if you could see each other in this moment you imagine you’d both be awkwardly standing with your arms by your sides. another flash of lightning briefly lights up the room to show your assumption was correct, and you burst into giggles after seeing travis’s pressed lips and wide eyes.

“huh? why are you laughing?” travis asks, though the amused warble in his voice gives himself away before he starts laughing with you.

it wasn’t freezing cold outside, but it most definitely wasn’t warm enough to get away with not having the heater on in your house. the immediate lack of hot air rushing through the vents sent a small chill against your skin, even through your warm pajamas.

your laughter stops as realization of your situation seeps in with the cold. not only was your heater off, but so was your fridge and your…

“oh my god our food is ruined.”

there’s a dreadful pause for silence—and now that your eyes are adjusting to the dark—you see travis whip his head to look down at the oven, where your dishes were only halfway cooked inside.

“…damn.”

“that's all you have to say, travis?” you chide.

“what? i mean, there’s nothing we can do about it, right?”

a disappointed sigh leaves your lips before you reach over to your phone, the screen lighting up to show the late hour it already was. there’s no telling how long the power would be out, and this was enough for the wind to blow out of your sails. you can’t be bothered to try and figure out a way to fix this.

a full-body shiver wracks your body as you stare blankly at your screen.

“hey, i can help you remake everything tomorrow morning if it’s ruined by then.” travis suddenly says. 

his voice is a bit closer, and you realize he’s moved right in front of you, part of his face now also glowing in your phone’s dim light. the look on his face is genuine and he seems almost worried, his own lips mimicking your own downturned expression. it makes you sigh, dropping your tense shoulders as another rumble of thunder vibrates through your house.

travis gently sets his hand over yours and your phone. “why don’t you sleep and i can come back in the morning?”

“come back?” you repeat. “no way you’re going back in this weather, that’s so dangerous! plus you’ll get sick.”

travis stares down at both of your slippered feet, then over to the kitchen windows, then back to you. “okay, i’ll stay if you want me to.”

you shiver again as you nod, crossing your arms to conserve the heat from escaping your body. you’re surprised at how calm and passive he was being. it’s not like he was always overbearing with his flirting and jokes, but it seemed to always be a part of his personality—not whatever this… soft, quiet version of him was.

“cold already?” he asks, rocking on his feet himself as he clenches and unclenches his hands.

“yeah… i didn’t know i needed the heater running that much, but i guess the storm made it even colder…” you mutter.

you catch his smirk through the dark. “well i know one way we can warm each other up—”

ah, there he is.

you’re about to swing a slap wherever it would land in the dark, though you stop when the suggestion clicks in your brain as an opportunity to give in to his advances—but with a perfect excuse.

“oh yeah! we can do that!”

travis’s eyes blow wide open as he takes a step back, a few startled coughs leaving his lips from inhaling too suddenly.

“wait, what?!”

“we can cuddle.”  you simply return. “since there’s no heater!”

he deflates his tense shoulders, nervous laughs leaving his lips. “oh, yeah! right, yeah. cool cool cool. that’s what i meant.”

turning on your phone flashlight you grab his hand, guiding him through your house while trying to hold back the urge to laugh at his flustered state. you wish the lights were on only so you could see whether he was blushing or not.

your bedroom was already a bit chilly compared to the kitchen, since it was at the far end of the house away from the main flow of your ac system. it makes you pull travis closer as you speed up your steps to your bed, finally letting go of him to rip open the comforter and dive into the sheets.

shimmying over to make room for him, you wave him to you through the dark to get in himself. you watch him rock back and forth on his feet before leaning over, crawling in right next to you and keeping just an inch of distance between the two of you.

“you sure you’re okay with this?” he whispers to you.

“yeah, of course i am.”

this seems to set off a green light for him, his arms circling around your waist and pulling you practically on top of him. you feel his feet kick next to yours, squeaking out a tiny “yay!” in celebration. the act was insanely adorable for the grown age he was at.

you can only quietly giggle at his antics, unable to nonchalantly play it off as usual. you hug him back, tucking yourself under his chin, and you feel his chest swell in a happy inhale. 

“i love you.” he sighs, a dopey smile evident in his tone. 

it makes your heart stutter in your chest, eyes wide open as they stare at his chest in the dark. 

“…what?”

his arms tense around you, breath hitching like he just realized what he said and beginning to stutter out an excuse. “um… i mean… not like…! oh my—i’m so sorry—”

“you really like me?” you ask, pulling back enough to make out his face in the dark. his eyes are wide and round, face in shock and embarrassment as if he had just slipped and fell in front of a whole crowd.

“i… i mean… isn’t it obvious?” he whispers sheepishly.

“well, you flirt with a lot of people. i didn’t know if you meant it with me or not.”

“no, not anymore!” he lurches himself closer to you. “didn’t you notice i only do that with you now?”

you blink as you try to recall a recent time you’ve seen or heard travis trying to use a pick up line or even staring at another one of the girls, and you honestly can’t recall it.

“…i guess so.” you mutter, and he squeezes you to him.

“so i do mean it with you! i know i can be really stupid and a little annoying, but—”

“you’re not annoying, travis. the things you do are a little stupid sometimes—”

“hey!”

“—but i think it’s cute.”

his jaw drops and mouth opens in shock. “you…you do? wait, do you…?”

you nod. “i like you.”

there’s a beat of silence, before he pulls you tight against him. a second later he rolls you around with him very similarly to how a crocodile rolls their prey, though the taller and heavier man thankfully keeps his weight from completely crushing you.

“travis!” you laugh, groaning at the sudden movement as you’re captured and thrown around like a rag doll. “how do you have this energy right now?”

“really?” he squeals, giggling like a schoolgirl. “you like me?”

“yes! now release me! please!” you breathlessly laugh.

he at least stops the rolling at your pleading, though he keeps you in his bear hug as he holds you on top of him.

“so, does this mean you want to date me?” he eagerly asks, still breathing heavily from the death roll he just made you endure.

you rest your forehead on his chest, quietly laughing to yourself in a bit of shock of what you just admitted. how did you give in so easily? you were hoping to drag this out for at least another month!

“it’s so late. why don’t we talk about this in the morning?”

he deflates and audibly pouts with a dejected sigh, and despite his dramatics clearly being played up you can’t help but still feel a bit guilty. rising up to your elbows you lean over him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek and another on his lips.

"you dork." you chide under your breath.

his eyes are so wide you can see the whites all around the dark green of his irises. suddenly his hands are cupping your cheeks, and he’s bringing you down for a longer kiss. he pulls away a few moments later, seeming much more satisfied than he was a few moments ago.

“okay… we can talk in the morning.” he agrees breathlessly, staring up at you like he’d been locked away in a cave all his life and you were his first glance at the stars in the sky.

it makes the smile on your face impossible to fight, and you don’t think you care to anymore.

“good night, travis.”

“good night, hon.”

©starhvney, 2024. please do not steal or repost my works as your own.

taglist: @wasting-away-on-the-internet

[jamdoughnutmagician]

Cherry on Top (Robin Buckley x Fem!Reader) Fluff

When the pining between Robin and the cute customer who comes into Scoops Ahoy becomes too much for Steve to bear, he hatches as plan to give them then gentle push they both so desperately need.

Word Count:1,184

Masterlist // Robin Buckley Masterlist

It was just a summer job Robin thought to herself. It's not forever.

Even so, working at Scoops Ahoy wasn't all that bad, sure the uniforms were silly, and slightly scratchy against her skin, the pay wasn't all that much, and sometimes customers were straight up rude. However, despite its ever-stacking list of cons, there were a few pros; such as staff discounts on ice cream, and working alongside Steve Harrington, who had surprisingly grown up a lot since high-school. Proving that he actually wasn't all that bad like she had been led to believe.

However Robin found herself unable to tear her eyes away from the cute customer who came in every Saturday, just to order the same thing she orders every time. One single scoop of chocolate, rainbow sprinkles with a cherry on top. 

Robin watched on from behind the crack in the serving window as the girl's eyes sparkled, and her smile beamed. No doubt laughing at Steve's attempt at flirtatious banter. 

Not that she’d ever tell him, but Robin was jealous of Steve. Jealous of the way the girl's eyes lit up when she looked at him, jealous of the way she laughed at every single one of his stupid jokes. How Steve seemed so effortlessly cool and calm, almost suave, around the girl that made Robin’s heart race annoyed her to no end.

“Hey Steve!” you cheer as you skip into Scoops ahoy on a hot Saturday afternoon. It was oddly quiet in the parlour today, save for a few people sitting in the booths

“Hey y/n! Same as usual?” he chirps back with his boyish smile.

“You know it!”

“Alright then, one scoop of chocolate, rainbow sprinkles and a cherry coming right up.” he smiles as he twirls his ice-cream scooper around with his fingers.

“So..Uh.. Steve, i-is Robin here today?” you ask him, your voice stuttering slightly with nerves.

“When are you just going to bite the bullet and ask her out already?” 

“Keep your voice down will ‘ya, Harrington, jeez” you whisper-shout as you shush him, looking around to see if anyone heard him.

“What? So you don’t want to take her out on a date and make out with her then?” he teases, as he hands you your ice-cream.

“I didn’t say that…” you drawl out, as you hand Steve over your money.

“Look, you think she’s cute, she thinks you’re cute, I don’t know what more you’re waiting for?” He softly laughs with a shake of his head.

“Wait…Robin thinks I’m cute? Did she say something to you?” you splutter at this revelation.

“Just leave it with me, alright? Think of me as your wing-man.” Steve says all too confidently. 

You eye him slightly, but ultimately decide that trusting him would be in your best interest, especially if it scored you a date with his best friend.

“I’ve got two tickets to see Footloose, c’mon Rob, don’t you wanna go with me..” Steve pleads down the phone.

Robin rolled her eyes at her friend. She could just see his floppy hair and dumb puppy-dog face in her mind, begging her to go with him.

“You’re actually asking me to go with you to see a musical? Steve, I thought you hated musicals? You told me you hated how unrealistic it was, and that ‘nobody bursts into song like that in real life’.” Robin teases with her impression of Steve. 

“Yeah, I know but you love ‘em, besides I’ve heard good things about this one.”

Robin rolled her eyes at her friend, but she’d already made her mind up that she was going to go, Steve was her best friend, and she’d do anything to make him happy. 

“Alright, what time is the movie?”

Robin Strolled up to the movie theatre, where Steve was already waiting for her outside.

“Hey! Robin!” Steve waves. “Over here!”

But as Robin got closer she could see the cute girl from the ice cream parlour.

“Hey look who I bumped into.” Steve smirked.

“Hi, Robin!” you wave cheerfully.

“Hey, yourself!” Robin replies, trying her best to play it cool. “So, what are you here to see?” 

“Oh I was just about to buy myself some tickets to see Footloose. Truth be told I have a soft spot for musicals.” you explain.

“Hey, why don’t you just take my ticket?” Steve offers, raising his eyebrows at you. This was his plan all along. He’d told you as much, explaining what was going to happen before he even phoned Robin. He was going to bail at the last minute to give you two some time alone together. It’s not that he didn’t love spending time with Robin, but the way she pined over you was beginning to become unbearable, so Steve took it upon himself, as your wing-man and Robin’s best friend to give you both the push you needed.

Robin looked at her friend like he had two heads. What was he doing leaving her alone with the girl she had been crushing on so badly that she’d barely spoken two whole sentences to her? 

“Oh Steve, you don’t have to do that!” you worry, before he assures that it’s no worries at all. 

“No, honestly, I insist. Dustin called me up earlier, said he needs me to pick him and the rest of the boys up from their little nerd club.”

“Well if you're absolutely sure” you say as you take the ticket Steve offers you.

“You girls go ahead and have fun without me!” He smiles triumphantly. 

Steve goes up to give Robin a hug before leaving, pulling her close enough to whisper in her ear.

“Enjoy your date, Dingus.” Steve whispers, pulling away from the hug with an affectionate smile.

You and Robin both sit through the movie, a shared bag of hot buttery popcorn sits between you both. Your hands grazing against each other a few times as you both reach for the bag at the same time, with a couple of mumbled apologies whispered to each other in between the music coming from the big screen.

The film draws to a close and you both exit the theatre with match smiles on your faces.

“I-I had a great time hanging out with you today.” Robin mumbles, her eyes looking down at the floor, because if she dared to look you in the eyes she would not be able to speak to you without fumbling over her words.

You tilt her chin up under your fingers, wanting to look at her properly.

You lean in close to her before pressing a soft kiss to her cheek, your lips brushing against her flushed features.

“I had a great time too!” you smile. “Perhaps we can do this again sometime, like a proper date?”

Robin beams at your suggestion, elated that this had gone well enough that you were willing to go on another date with her.

“Yeah, I’d like that. I’d like that a lot, actually.”

Robin was going to have to give Steve the biggest thank you hug ever when she saw him next. 

@sunnythespookyghost @penguinsandpotterheads @xxhellfirebunnyxx @onegirlmanytales @mrsjellymunson @reidsbtch

[fortheloveof-sebastian]

Ineffable Charm, Good Looks, and Deft Fingers

Pairings: Sebastian x F!Reader

Summary: Sebastian has a solution to the stubborn piece of hair distracting you from studying.

Warnings: fluff, Sebastian being suave

Word Count: 750

A/N: At this point, I’m no longer in control. Sebastian is. I think I made myself blush.

Also, in this scenario, Reader has long hair.

The whisper of pages being turned filled the library, along with the low chatter of the first years sitting besides you. Normally you would’ve exercised some of your seniority in the matter — there were millions of other places to talk — but you were focused instead on the stubborn piece of hair repeatedly falling into your face.

You huff. The hair shoots up, then falls limply back into place. Right in front of one eye.

It wouldn’t have bothered you, but considering that you were bent over a book, there was no way to avoid it unless you held the book over your head like a maniac. Partially tempted, you debate it in all seriousness, but a familiar voice interrupts you before you have the chance.

“Well look at you,” Sebastian chirps. “For once not in the Restricted Section. I didn’t know that you realized there were other parts of the library.”

You glare at him. “I’m surprised that they even let you in here.”

“It’s my ineffable charm and good looks. No one can resist it, not even ole Scribner.”

You open your mouth to respond but the same offending piece of hair falls, and sticks to the corner of your mouth. Sputtering, you grab for it. Sebastian, rolling his eyes, leans across the table and brushes it away. The touch of his hand on your cheek, so close to your lips, creates an intense burning sensation in your chest.

“Do you need a hand with that?”

You frown, pushing the hair away. “With what?”

Sebastian makes a gesture that encompasses your entire being. “Your hair.”

“Oh.” Nervously, you shake your head. “It’s fine.”

“Clearly it’s not.”

Sebastian edges around the table. His expression is so genuine and earnest that it temporarily subdues you, enough to let him move behind you; until his fingers start running through your hair, and you’re afraid you might literally fall out of your chair. You grip onto the edges of it.

“What are you doing?” You ask.

You can’t see him, but you can feel him moving. His actions are swift, confident.

“I’m braiding your hair,” he tells you.

Skeptically, you ask, “You know how to braid?”

“Mmhm,” he says, focused. Sure enough, he begins to smooth your hair away from your face and pull it back.

The first years stop whispering to watch this new development, and you feel your cheeks growing hot. “Where did you learn how to braid?”

Sebastian takes his time replying. You’re nervous that you’ve offended him somehow, but he eventually replies, “After Anne got sick, her hair got in the way a lot and she was too weak to move it. She didn’t want to cut it off. Our…our mum always preferred it long.” You hear the swish of his robes, and know that he’s shrugging. “So I learned how to braid.”

“That’s awfully kind of you, Sebastian,” you say after a moment of collecting your thoughts.

Whether he’s too busy or immersed in memories, you’re not sure, but this time he doesn’t reply. A few moments pass, and then his tone changes, transforming from melancholic back to its usual cheerfulness. “And done!” He exclaims.

Playfully, he flicks the braid over your shoulder before sitting down besides you.

Your hands fly up to the braid, and you stroke it, absurdly like one might a horse’s mane. You’re conflicted — it was an impressive braid, but you wished desperately that he hadn’t had to learn how to do it. You didn’t know any other fifteen year old boys who could braid hair.

“Thank you,” you mutter.

A flicker of sadness crosses his face but it’s gone as quickly as it comes. He smiles. “I hope you know I’m charging you next time. I won’t allow you to take advantage of my braiding prowess and my ineffable charm.”

“And good looks,” you add.

You’re aiming for a taunt, but you basically just admitted that you agree with him.

Sebastian’s smile grows wickedly wider. Instead of capitalizing on the moment, though, he grabs the bottom of your chair and effortlessly scoots you closer to him.

Merlin’s beard, was there anything he did that didn’t make you feel as if a hippogriff was taking flight in your stomach?

“Now that your hair is — quite literally — out of the way, let’s see what we have here. I’ll have you know that on top of my deft fingers, charm, and good looks, I’m also devastatingly intelligent.”

[mysticstarlightduck]

Writemas Day 6!

Thank you for the tag, @an-indecisive-nerd (here)! And thanks for adding me to the original taglist, @agirlandherquill!!!!

I'll go with a snippet from Crash Stardom! for this one too!

Prompt Chosen: Broken

"- Sorry to barge in." A slow, melodic voice broke through the buzz of the comms, and it wasn't a good one. Fabian stopped in his tracks, turning around slowly as if he'd just seen someone get possessed - the others, Juni, Dassian, Noah, they had all practically the same expression etched on their faces. Something about this made it very clear that whoever had hacked their hardware wasn't actually 'sorry' to interrupt anything, that this person was really enjoying this, but that was the least of their worries.

The chuckle that followed those words dripped with mockery, and though it was somewhat garbled by the machinery it still held a strange lilt to it. One that made the hairs on the back of Fabian's neck stand on edge, his eyebrows crinkling. Shock and confusion twisted in the air between the group, as if they had all fallen into a pot of thick jelly that had stuck them in place.

Except for Kit. No. His eyes told a different story. Fabian could see that, he knew his friend well. And judging by how wide those usually calm ember-infused slits around Kit's pupils were, whatever that 'story' was, it wasn't a good one.

It dawned on him like a bucket of ice - the recognition in Kit's eyes, the way his usually confident and suave posture had completely faltered, how his mind seemed to be somewhere else entirely. Kit knew this voice. And recognition, at this point, sounded like the worst possible scenario when it came to a reaction to the mystery woman who'd just chuckled ominously on the other end of their line.

Fabian spared a glance at rest of the team, and they did the same, glancing at each other with wary concern. It was clear that they were all thinking similarly to him, if with varying degrees of comprehension. He was just opening his mouth to ask Kit - their friend, their usually brash and unflappable leader now turned into practically a statue stuck in time - what the fuck was going on, to seek an explanation for this mess. But it was not like the Universe was feeling like 'playing nice', now was it?

Because before he could, the voice, that same creepy, taunting sound that had jumped in uninvited in their personal line of communication, spoke again. "Well, well. If its not our favorite pussycat! Come to play the game of 'get your friends killed one by one' again, Lovota?"

Well. That was all the confirmation Fabian needed.

"What the hell's going on, Kit?"

He snapped before he could hold it back, fear making his harsher than he'd intended and making himself flinch, but there it was, the words they'd all been meaning to ask for almost a minute now.

But Kit didn't respond. His eyes were fixed on the floor, flitting around so fast they looked like a glitch. On top of his head, his fluffy grey, usually triangular ears were pinned all the way back, very much like a feral cat with its hackles raised. Kit took a stumbling step back, breathing ragged, almost as if this person were standing right in front of him. He didn't seem to register Fabian's words. In fact he didn't seem to see any of their team at all.

Fabian didn't know what to say, or even what to do. This section of the warehouse was unguarded, for now, but that did not mean the rest of this facility wouldn't have security. Patrols were bound to come looking for them, sooner or later. They couldn't stay here like this. But Kit wasn't moving, and making even more of a commotion would make things twice as worse.

Beside him, Fabian saw a familiar head of purple streaked hair pop into his view of vision, hand outstretched tentatively. Juniper, taking a cautious step closer to Kit, looking over her shoulder anxiously as if she too was expecting guards to come bearing down on them at any second now. "Kit, what's going on?! You're being weird. And i-its not exactly reassuring."

As if on cue, Kit's eyes finally snapped up, blinking hard as if he'd been punched back into reality. His gaze flickers from each of them, between Fabian and Juniper, then to Dassian and even Noah, chest still heaving up and down in unspoken, uncontrolable dread. When he spoke at last, his words were a hushed whisper, barely present or audible, even in the silence. "... No. No, no, no, no, no."

His breath quivered, hand shakily pushing back a handful of his silver hair, as if it could ground him. Kit looked around, then his hand hovered over his comm, as if considering throwing it out. He looked at Fabian, and as much as Fabian tried to, he couldn't make much sense of his best friend's pleading words, as Kit gestured frantically at the path they'd taken into this place, "We all...We need to get out of here."

Fabian felt the whole world falter around him, if only for a moment as the words began to sink in like quicksand, "What?!" He shook his head, staring at Kit in disbelief, and then back at the team, "But Arden's still in there, we can't just- "

"Fabian, stop!" Kit's voice rose to a sudden boil, while he leapt forward, grasping Fabian's shoulders with shaky hands, locking them in a stalemate of anxiety. The way finality mixed with panic in the Veltha's words made Fabian's stomach churn, but his friend wouldn't let go of him, "Our cover's blown, it's over. If we stay she'll-.... she'll tear us all to shreds. I've seen it before. Arden's still got a chance to escape. We don't. She's here...fuck, she's here, Fabian!"

Fabian pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to keep his own hand from shaking at the concept of what this might imply. For Kit to be this scared, willing to leave one of their own behind, Fabian's own cousin at that, this was more serious - and worse - than it appeared. He was still trapped in place by Kit's hands, his friend's claws digging slightly through the fabric of his tactical hoodie while Fabian tried to mentally make sense of this mess and failed miserably.

Something had broken here and Fabian wasn't sure if it was his trust on Kit's planning abilities, his hope for a peaceful mission or his friend's sanity. Maybe all of the above.

"Who is 'she', Kit?" Fabian asked, trying to take a step back and eventually having to wrench himself free of his friend's hold, "What are you talking about?!"

Instead of answering, Kit just shook his head, grabbing Fabian by the sleeve of his hoodie and gesturing for the others to follow as he began dragging them towards the exit, trying to run "Doesn't matter - what matters right now is we need to leave. Right now - !"

His words were cut off by that voice. Her voice, apparently. Except this time, it didn't come from only their comms. Oh, no. It echoed through the walls of the warehouse from some sort of hidden speaker system, like a a siren song seeping into every crack of reality.

"Run, run, run, little lynx-y. Always running away from the past, never quite making it out. Shame, really." The voice paused, then there was a strange, sudden click, and it continued, drier and colder than ever - no longer the almost 'baby-talk' tone it had up until that very moment, "I see you're still the same coward I remember, Lovota."

It was only then that Fabian noticed the smoke.

My taglist: @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab,

@littleperilstories @thelovelymachinery

@winterandwords, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@agirlandherquill, @anoelleart, @ray-writes-n-shit

@writernopal, @anyablackwood, @forthesanityofstorytellers, @finickyfelix

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid,

@thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3,

@memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams

@wyked-ao3 and OPEN TAG

[crguang]

sweet reliable women 🥺 i'm excited to meet her!

if you had to pick your favourite 3 hsr and genshin women, who would they be and why? i think i could take a crack at guessing two of the star rail women you'll pick, hah

-💙

GSHDHSJSJFJF im unfortunately very predictable…. and my type is so obvious😭

for genshin my favourites are:

- ningguang. we go years back her and i, i love women in high positions of power who have to put on a performance for the world and have a softer, hidden side to them. i admire her composure, strength and the fact that she can navigate any social situation… people have a lot of misconceptions of her because of her ambitions but she’s a good person who knows when to be ruthless and i love her lots for it

- yelan. my little adrenaline junkie… shes just so fun?! she hides behind so many disguises, lies as she breathes, is a masochist and a secret intelligence agent. they made her for ME!!! her and ning are canonically partners in crime, she’s part of the reason why ning is the tianquan and is her most trusted friend. plus she’s sexy and smart and i need her in my bed

- arlecchino. my type to a T, she fits all of my attraction criteria— powerful, diplomatic, astute and sexy with a side of her no one really gets to see. she genuinely cares for her children despite her upbringing, wants to bring a change to the way the house of the hearth functions, is a little weird and off-putting… i love that its unexpected for her to be so chill because shes so intimidating 😭 like wym the 4th fatui harbinger loves watching insects in the wild and having barbecues with her kids

my fav hsr women are (unsurprisingly):

- kafka… KAFKAAAAA what an annoying, irritating, lying little shit im obsessed with her. i initially thought she was going to be a little like yelan (she kinda is… they’d get along fast) but she’s just an arrogant little shit who lies for fun. she’s cocky and confident and the worst part is that her bite matches her bark. i cannottt help but be attracted to her, she’s a jack of all trades and it makes her deliciously unpredictable. PLUS they made her a violin player!!!!! thats my favourite musical instrument!!!!! i listen to classical music every day. her design is also one of my favourites— i love that she’s completely covered and still the sexiest character in the game. people went insane just seeing her SHOULDERS, like we all turned into Victorian men catching a glimpse of a woman’s calves for the first time when she took off her coat😭

- black swannnnnn❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ just stunning. no notes. 10/10 design. that suave personality and charm makes me melt and every time she comes on screen so do i— i mean… i find memokeepers in general very interesting, but what’s better is that since they forego their mortal bodies and become memetic entities, they don’t really have human emotions other than what’s felt through people’s memories. but black swan does, a little; that primal fear she feels in acheron’s memories, her preference for warm, wistful memories… it’s just so interesting. i also love how consistent and transparent she is, some memokeepers steal or erase memories but she doesnt. she has morals (aesthetics of memory, as she says) and she sticks to them until the last resort. she’s supposed to be inherently objective, and she isn’t. i love that a lot. also, because shes very good at what she does her presence is so reassuring, her smooth, low voice just adds to the feeling i need her to hum me to sleep

- JINGLIU. that voice alone gets her in my top 5 but her LORE… the fact that she’s doomed by the narrative???? that she pushes past her limits, rises when she should have fallen, out of spite and hatred to fight her own inevitable end???????? incredible. she’s above material things and immaterial concepts like status and fame because she only lives for one thing: to kill a god. and as she pursues her goal, she becomes a little like them, indifferent and ruthless. she’s a woman who’s lost everything and who refuses to lose her mind despite it being inevitable. her will is incredible. i love her design (tho she shouldve been wearing pants or actual armor😒) the moon is my favourite entity and she embodies it. i’m one of those people who go “omg look at the moon” every night, they made her for meeee

[pumpkin-the-girlie-girl-vixen]

❤️Crazy Stupid Love❤️

My Favorite Movie, Couple, & The Romance Involved

There are certain movies that leave an indelible mark on our hearts, and for me, "Crazy Stupid Love" is one of those cinematic gems that I can watch over and over again without ever getting tired of it. This romantic comedy beautifully intertwines humor, heartbreak, and the complexities of love, making it a film that resonates deeply with me. But more than the plot, it’s the incredible performances from the cast, particularly Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, that truly elevate this movie to a cherished favorite.

Let’s talk about Ryan Gosling first. There’s something utterly captivating about him as an actor. Whether he’s playing a brooding hero or a charming ladies’ man, Ryan has a unique ability to draw you in with his charisma and depth. In "Crazy Stupid Love," he plays Jacob, a suave and confident bachelor who becomes a transformative figure in Steve Carell’s character, Cal's life. The way he effortlessly embodies the role, mixing charm with a hint of vulnerability, is nothing short of mesmerizing. I can't help but admire his ability to deliver both comedic and heartfelt moments with such finesse.

Then we have Emma Stone, who has long been one of my favorite actresses. She’s a breath of fresh air on screen, always exuding a delightful mix of charm, wit, and authenticity. In "Crazy Stupid Love," she plays Hannah, a character that embodies the complexity of modern love. Emma’s performance is not just about romance; she brings a relatable quality to the character, making her struggles and triumphs in love feel genuine and heartfelt. Her chemistry with Ryan is electric, making every scene they share together a joy to watch.

What I adore about their relationship in the film is how it evolves from a chance meeting to a meaningful connection that defies the odds. The chemistry between Ryan and Emma is palpable, and you can’t help but root for them as they navigate their feelings amidst the chaos of love and relationships. Their playful banter and tender moments reflect the beauty of falling in love, capturing the essence of what it means to take a chance on someone.

One of my favorite scenes is when Jacob teaches Hannah about confidence and self-acceptance, helping her realize her worth. Their interactions are playful yet profound, showcasing the balance of humor and sincerity that makes "Crazy Stupid Love" so special. Watching them together reminds me of the magic that can happen when two talented actors unite, creating something that feels authentic and real.

Both Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have a unique ability to embody the characters they portray, and together, they create a dynamic that is simply irresistible. Their performances complement each other so perfectly, and it’s a joy to witness their chemistry blossom on screen. It’s no wonder that they have become one of my favorite on-screen duos; they make love look effortless and exciting.

Beyond their individual talents, what I love most about "Crazy Stupid Love" is how it emphasizes the unpredictability of love. The film showcases various relationships, each with its ups and downs, reminding us that love is never straightforward. Whether it's Cal's mid-life crisis or the budding romance between Jacob and Hannah, every storyline weaves together beautifully, creating a rich tapestry that celebrates love in all its forms.

In conclusion, my love for "Crazy Stupid Love" goes beyond just being a fan of a good romantic comedy; it’s a celebration of the artistry of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Their performances have left a lasting impression on me, reminding me of the beauty of love, no matter how crazy or stupid it may seem at times. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. It’s a delightful journey that will have you laughing, crying, and ultimately believing in the magic of love. Thank you, Ryan and Emma, for bringing such unforgettable characters to life and for giving us a film that we can cherish forever! 💖🍿

💋

[anime-owo-kage-san]

Past Overlord Husk in the show

I've said this before, and I'll say it again--If we ever get a glimpse of an Overlord Husk past, I want him to be an ABSOLUTE shitty person in the show. Maybe not the worst person, considering that there are worse overlords and characters in general already. But I want him to be the kind of character that, once fans have dug up everything about who he used to be--they start comparing him with who he is now.

To be the type of character that receives controversy, because some fans couldn't handle nor couldn't imagine a suave wise bartender, being a total dick.

Something like the Pink Diamond plot twist (Steven Universe has been around for years, I'm sure there's no need for a spoiler warning, right?)---Most fans that I've seen couldn't handle a complex woman like Rose Quartz, that there were flat reviews of her character being straight up evil and a bad mother. (Okay, she kind of did leave her son with trauma. Even though she didn't mean to, she's just as responsible as everyone else in the show.)

But the point is, she received so much controversy because her redemption arc was shown backwards.

Order from Present-Past:

Literally almost every Disney mom (Sweet, loving, elegant, wise, and dead)

Rebel leader and war criminal

Was originally one of the antagonist, and a colonizer (was also a bit of whiney bitch back then)

If you arrange her arc by its timeline, then the real order is "3, 2, 1".

......

Okay back to Husk, it would actually be pretty cool if his character development was shown in reverse too.

In my opinion, he's already a decently developed person with who he is in present time right now. The only problem is being a drunkard (and still kinda addicted to gambling), but he's probably overall the most matured sinner in the hotel. He's been humbled down from his high horse, and gives good advice, through his own experience. (Sound familiar? --That's literally Rose lol.)

So if the show ever gives us some overlord Husk lore of before being shaped into the man he is now, I want him to be the opposite of how he usually behaves.

I want him to be irrational. I want him to be angry. I want him to be cocky, and overly confident.

But of course with some personal strength and silliness here and there. (He can't be a gamble-focused overlord if he has shit control of his tell. And you can't expect him to be evil all the time when he likes magic tricks; he'd probably be a silly magician once in a while, performing on his casino stage, blocking his own performers of the spotlight.)

And then, along with this shitty (yet hilarious) person, his downfall comes to get him; Maybe a man child tantrum when he isn't viewed or respected like the other overlords because gambling is luck based, and not always a guaranteed business. And Husk's business is pretty small. ---In fact, I want a flashback scene of him yelling at another overlord (I'm picturing Carmilla for this because it would be funny if it was) for refusing to trade or sell a piece of their territory that they haven't even touched in years;

Husk: *slams his fist on the table* "I don't get, why the fuck you won't sell it?! I know very well you've only rose in ranks to keep your little brats safe. Your own home is secure enough, that you barely bother with your other obtained territories! Why keep that single chunk of land to collect falling exterminated corpses, when you can hand it to someone who'd actually make use of it! Hoarding bitches like you are the reasons why people like me can't expand their business!"

Carmilla: *slams giant-ass hands on the table * "Maybe I don't want to hand it over to an immature manchild and a sorry excuse for an overlord! --It's true that I own plenty of land that I barely make use of, but here's the thing Husker... I earned it! I've worked to get my hands on what I have and could give to my family, rather than harrassing other overlords to hand over their property! I apologize, that you seem to be one of the lower ranks. But if you want to be treated like an overlord... start acting like one."

*Cue rage quitting scene when Husk gets back to his casino.*

......

Okay this is awkward, idk how to end this post. I'm sure you all get it anyway.

[demogordon]

Lovecats

PART ONE

Pairing: Steve Harrington/GN Autistic!Reader

Wordcount: 2.4k

Summary: Steve Harrington has hit rock bottom. His girlfriend dumped him, he didn’t get into any universities, and to top it all off, he’s stuck wearing this stupid sailor outfit every day. He just cannot seem to catch a break. Cue “Meet Ugly.”

Category: Fluff, Slow burn 

Warnings: language (duh), very light blink and you’ll miss it mentions of Stancy

Notes: Reader in this story is based very strongly off of my own experiences with neurodivergence. Autism is a broad spectrum, and what is lived experience for me may not be for you and vice versa. 

----

Steve chalks it up to his hair’s lack of its usual luster because Farrah Fawcett’s hairspray line has been discontinued. Girls just aren’t into him the way they used to be, and with every poorly hidden laugh or eye roll, he withdraws further into himself, the certainty he’d once had dwindling rapidly. After the astronomical failures of the morning, he needs a win. He’s ready to get back out there, in motion, but he’s got nothing. No future, no confidence, no “King Steve” persona. He’s not Mr. Cool or Mr. Funny. He’s bullshit, bullshit, bullshit, why wouldn't other girls see that too? 

When a girl he recognizes from school, Shirley Something-or-Other comes in, wearing a powder pink shirt and a knee-length skirt, and a fluffy half ponytail, he allows himself to have some hope. His head floats away, envisioning Nancy again, in such a Nancy outfit, with such Nancy hair. The interaction goes disastrously. He tries to pull out the suave guy who used to get dates, adjusting his posture and giving her the classic Steve Harrington smile: boyish and a little lopsided.

“Ahoy,” he says. The girl just stares and blinks at him, rapidly batting eyelashes clumped with thick blue mascara. 

“Ahoy,” she replies, raising her voice at the end as if she’s asking it as a question. 

“What can I get for you today? A scoop of Strawberry Sails? Chocolate? Sprinkles? Maybe some good company? My number?” He wiggles his eyebrows at her, to invite her to laugh. 

Instead, Shirley does that smile, saccharine but taunting, and the way she arches her eyebrows as he talks tells him that she’ll be telling all of her friends about this later.

Steve catches his first glimpse of you as she speedwalks out of the shop, cone in hand. He’s never seen you before. He’d definitely remember it. You’re sitting on the edge of the decorative planter outside of Scoops Ahoy with giant, clunky headphones on, legs and feet curled under you at an odd angle. In your hands, you have a thick book, but he’s much too far away to make out the title. Two children, much younger than you, run around wildly around you. He assumes they belong to you in some way, because of how much the three of you look alike. 

Robin comes up behind him, too close, and leans over him, resting her chin on his shoulder. Breathing against his ear, she mumbles, “Whatcha lookin’ at?” 

Steve wriggles away in annoyance.

“God, haven’t you heard of personal space?”

“Nope,” she says, ignoring his escape attempt, opting instead to follow him and obnoxiously crack her gum right next to his ear.

“What is wrong with you? Like, actually?” he snaps, scalp prickling with sweat as heat floods through his skull. It’s bad enough working here with stupid flimsy uniform shorts, a stupid sailor hat, sticky ice cream all over his hands, and being too hot and too cold at the same time without Robin breathing down his neck, laughing at him at every opportunity. It’s humiliating is what it is. 

Robin hops up onto the counter and kicks her filthy converse sneakers up dangerously close to the open containers of ice cream. She squints, peering down her long nose at him. Her face softens, almost imperceptibly. Pretending like she hasn’t been making fun of him all morning, she says, gentler than usual, “You okay?” 

Steve huffs miserably and drops his head down to stare at the ground. 

“Is that so, big guy?” she says. Steve tries to blow her up with his mind.

“Oh, shit, twelve o'clock,” Robin exclaims suddenly, leaping off the counter. Steve realizes that you’re walking toward the Scoops entrance, guided by two very eager children. As you walk, you’re rummaging through your bag, and when you pull your hand out, you’re clutching a few dollars in your fist. 

Steve leans across the counter as you fold and unfold the bills in your hands. You have giant, clunky headphones on, covered in funky smelly stickers. It’s kind of rude that you don’t take them off, he thinks, but you are cute, and besides, you’re probably listening to a great song. 

He wonders briefly what sort of music someone like you listens to. The Cure, maybe. He can imagine you, flat on your back under the sun, listening to Robert Smith’s airy vocals, eyes closed, half asleep in the summer heat. Daydream you stretches backward like a cat, back arching off of the grass, arms spreading up and reaching above your head. He likes you there, in a park, maybe on a picnic. 

Image in mind, Steve quirks his usual charming smile, the one that used to score him dates in high school but you don’t seem to really be looking at his face, just at the money in your hands. Once again, it’s something he might think was rude, except you seem nervously focused on your hands. You’re shy. It’s cute. 

“What are you listening to?” He asks, only to be met with a furrowed brow. You look

confused like you have no idea what he could possibly be talking about. He points to his own ears, feeling the blood rush to his face and begin pounding in his head over the mall’s synth soundtrack. 

“On your headphones,” he clarifies, feeling less certain and more embarrassed by the second. You’re still not quite looking at him, but your eyes are piercing, making his underarms and the small of his back prickle with sweat.

“Oh, they don’t do music,” you say, offering no further explanation of their purpose. You shift back on your toes, carrying most of your weight there and you frown a little. 

“Could I get two cones? Um, one-scoop ones?” Your gaze drops to your feet. 

“Yeah, sure, what flavor?” You turn to the children accompanying you with raised eyebrows like you’re not prepared for the question, which surprises him. You duck down a little to let the children communicate with you more clearly. Your listening face is intent and serious and you do little nods of your head to the rhythm of your quick blinking. When you stand back up, you shoot to your full height like a projectile before immediately ducking your head so you can avoid eye contact. Steve wonders if he smells bad or something. 

“Two strawberry, please.” 

“I’m sorry, we don’t have ‘strawberry.’” He realizes immediately that this was the wrong joke to try to make when your face falls. You look legitimately distressed. Steve backpedals immediately. 

“We only have Strawberry Sails.” Your face doesn’t relax. Your eyes have stretched wide, and Steve wonders what he possibly did to make the universe hate him so much that it sent him someone who would be this alarmed by his teasing. Annoyed is better than stressed or concerned or whatever emotional journey it is that you’re on. He resigns himself to the third You Suck tally of the day and sighs deeply. 

“I’m joking, that’s just what we call it here. At Scoops Ahoy. It’s regular strawberry.” You let out a series of deep breaths that probably count as laughter. Steve pivots on his toes to go fetch the cones and get you out of the shop as quickly as he can to spare himself even more embarrassment. What happens next is inevitable, a combination of rushing about in a tiny space and attention to detail instantly results in disaster. In his hurry, he bumps his hip against the ladle stuck in the chocolate syrup and sends it clattering to the floor. The trajectory of the launch sends a spray of it across his chest and stomach and the front of his shorts. Shit. He pointedly does not look back your way as he scoops the ice cream. 

“Alright, two single scoops of strawberry, that’s two-fifty,” Steve says, reaching over the counter to hand the cones individually to the children. You make no move to grab them, just hand him three crumpled ones that you’ve been desperately trying to smooth out. He reaches for the money but you interrupt. 

“Oh, you’ve got something,” you say, and he goes to brush it off. “No, on your nose. No, other side.” 

It’s a smudge of chocolate, of course, and since there's no saving his uniform from tonight’s wash, he wipes it off of his thumb onto his shirt. You’re smiling, so broad and big. It squishes up your eyes and crinkles your nose. You have a pretty smile. Steve wishes he didn’t get to see it for the first (and probably last) time after he’d already made a total fool of himself.

“Did I get it?” Steve asks, hoping that maybe he hasn’t and you’ll reach across and rub it off for him. No such luck: you shoot him a thumbs up. He exchanges your three one-dollar bills for fifty cents in change, which you deposit into the tip jar before turning and exiting stage left. 

A sarcastic slow clap starts up behind him and he peeks over his shoulder to watch Robin presenting her whiteboard through the employee breakroom window. She takes her red Expo and adds three additional tallies to the YOU SUCK column. Steve protests vehemently. 

“No. No, no! That wasn’t worth three! It wasn’t that bad!” 

“It was absolutely that bad, but I can do a breakdown of where it all went wrong.”

“Please,” Steve sighs, intending it sarcastically. Robin is more than delighted to comply, either deliberately ignoring his facetiousness or ignoring it entirely. 

“Well, first, you didn’t get a yes or a number. So that’s one YS. YS stands for-”

“You Suck. Yeah, I got it.”

“Two, you spilled chocolate sauce all over yourself. So now we have two YS points. And three, you scared our poor patron to death with that whole ‘we don’t have strawberry thing.’ What was that? So our total is now three.” Robin puts on a fake deep voice as she quotes him and she settles down enough to admire her board. Then Steve opens his mouth and only digs the hole deeper. 

“You forgot that they laughed. After I spilled the chocolate.” As soon as he says it, he wishes he hadn’t. Robin’s eyes sparkle with mischievous (read: malicious) interest. 

“Did they laugh?”

“Smiled, actually, but- You’re adding another tally aren’t you?” Steve whips around and Robin yelps, attempting to hide her board, which is difficult to do because of her position, half-hanging out of the window. 

“No! I am not-” The argument devolves into a wrestling match over the board. Robin is surprisingly quick but Steve is stronger. Later, he insists that the only reason that she got it back from him was that Mike Wheeler decided that right then was the perfect time to start relentlessly dinging the bell on the counter for service. He’d actually let go of the board on purpose but Robin didn’t need to know any of that. 

Mike stands at the counter, lips pursed and fingers drumming impatiently. Lucas, Will, and Max accompany him, which tells Steve that not only do they want a favor, they want it immediately. As he opens up his mouth to speak, Mike cuts him off. 

“What happened to your shirt?”

Robin pokes her head back out of the employee window, feeling confident enough after her retreat to go back to making fun of him. 

“We had a cute customer. Stevie here got distracted,” she crows excitedly. There is no need to fill in any of the gaps even though it’s not an entirely accurate recounting of the story. The boys giggle amongst themselves. 

“Got distracted? What are you, five?” Lucas teases, only to immediately wilt under Max’s disapproving stare. “I mean, nothing.”

“You know,” Steve says, studying his fingernails as though the children are boring him, “I don’t have to let you guys into whatever movie it is this time.”

“Rambo Two,” says Max, easily the most excited by the prospect of an R-rated movie. She shoots stern looks at her companions, silently warning them that if they lose their privileges with Steve, they’ll be in for it with her, a far more serious consequence than Steve being pissy for about thirty minutes before he forgives them. “They’re sorry, aren’t you guys?” 

Their mumbled agreement, one apologetic, the other disingenuous, is good enough. Steve guides them through the Employees Only door with an eye roll. As he holds it open and the group file in, ready for their espionage mission, Max stops. 

“I happen to think it’s romantic to get distracted, just by the way,” she says and then scurries off to catch up with the others, who have already started loudly complaining about her lagging behind in the space of two and a half seconds. She’s a good kid, Steve thinks. She’s his favorite, though he’d never tell Dustin that. 

“Yeah. You’re a regular Don Juan.” Robin’s sudden voice in his ear makes him nearly jump out of his skin. He brushes her off and whips around to finish out the shift so he can sit in his car in silence and wait for the kids to leave the movie so he can drive them home. There’s no way he’d ever let them walk home by themselves in the dark. 

When he’s finally home hours later, he strips his sweaty uniform off, cringing as the damp fabric sticks to his back, and walks down to the laundry room in the basement in his briefs and socks. His parents aren’t home, it’s not like anyone will see him. Steve spends a few minutes scrubbing at the chocolate stains before giving up and just tossing it into the washing machine. You probably won’t come around again, he thinks to console himself. He’s never seen you before today, so hopefully, it’s a one-off because, God, as cute as you are, you are difficult to flirt with.

For the next few days, he’s right. You don’t come by, you don’t sit on the planter, and he doesn’t spill chocolate again. Until his Saturday morning, when you come in again, this time without headphones on. He notices that your gait is a little clumsy and awkward and you hold your hands curled in like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Okay, so, you are here, to stay, by the look of it. Maybe you won’t remember him. 

“Oh, hi! You got the chocolate off your shirt.” Fuck. 

[nellie-elizabeth]

Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road (2023 Christmas Special)

Ahhh welcome Ncuti Gatwa to the role!!

Cons:

I'm not sure if I want to call this a "con" or not, more just something I noticed. We saw Ruby's life with her mom and grandma as being pretty perfect in terms of emotional fulfillment. Yes, they're poor and just barely scraping by, but it's the cheerful kind of poverty where the warmth of their connection sees them through and the house is full of love. We then see the version where Ruby was never taken in by her mom or adopted, and was instead captured by the goblins, and in that version, her foster mother is unhappy and kind of unfeeling, only taking in an occasional foster kid when she needs the extra money. So I guess my issue is more something I wish they could have done to add a bit of nuance. What if we saw some real hardship, some emotional friction, between Ruby and her family, instead of just good nature and teasing and joy? And what if the Ruby-less life was a little less 100% depressing? Like, maybe the foster mother does take in fewer kids, but she still puts them up on the fridge and has a connection to them? What if the lesson is that Ruby finding that family made things better, but not necessarily this enormous shift from totally depressing to totally wonderful? I like the idea that Ruby finding this family was the right thing for her and for her mom, but there's something a little over the top about her presence being that dramatic of a shift.

The one little bit of business with the Doctor's character that I didn't enjoy? His weird Sherlock Holmes moment where he deduced that the random cop was going to propose to his girlfriend. It felt like something out of BBC's Sherlock only this time the detecting is done benevolently instead of cruelly? The moment seemed to be in there just to help establish the character of this new Doctor, but I'm not sure it added anything that we needed, and it felt very strange and random to include.

Pros:

Okay, let's get into it: the main thing I wanted to get out of this episode was, am I going to like this Doctor, and am I going to like Ruby Sunday? And the answer is... yes! Absolutely! I loved them both, I found their performances so genuinely charming and cute, and they immediately sparkled with chemistry that makes me want to watch them together more. I haven't felt this way about the natural affinity between a Doctor and companion in a very long time, and I loved it so, so much.

Gatwa's version of the Doctor is so... charming and funny and confident, I feel like the appeal of Ten and Eleven was very much "this is a lovable nerd" and Gatwa brings a bit of that nerd energy to him but he's also legitimately suave, in a way that feels very fun and sexy to me. I love that instant connection between him and Ruby, I honestly hope they go a romance route with them a little bit. I know it's tired and played out for the Doctor to have a romance with his companion, but after Thirteen deprived us of anything real in that arena, I honestly wouldn't mind adding that element back in. These two were so cute.

I also love that we're getting that darkness of the Doctor's past in here early. He remarks that he's also adopted and was abandoned by his people, and that he "has no one". These heartbreaking words are interspersed with typical Doctor-esque whimsy and high energy and saving the day, but these moments of gravity (or should I say mavity), really grounded the performance and the character from the get-go.

The main conflict in this one is that a bunch of goblins want to eat an innocent baby, simply because of the power of coincidence/luck. We're given to understand that there might be more behind this than we've been told so far, and I love the idea of exploring these themes of fate and destiny vs. random chance, as the season progresses.

I also really loved the musical number. It was silly and indulgent and darkly hilarious in the way this show can be when it really leans into its more fun and family-oriented side. I loved the incongruity of the music, and when the Doctor and Ruby started singing as a form of distraction, I was smiling so big. Also, just all the banter during their rescue mission of the baby, was really great. I particularly enjoyed "I am learning the language of rope!"

The Doctor being able to rescue Ruby with time travel was very sweet, and the moment when he saw a woman, ostensibly Ruby's mother, walking away, and chose not to follow... that was powerful. It's not his place to discover, and it's something that Ruby will likely have to confront later on, now that she's made friends with a time traveler. I did love that Ruby put the pieces together on her own and went running after the Doctor, and that he was waiting for her, having realized that she might be a good friend to have around for a while.

I'll leave it there for now. We have a wonderful introduction to our new leads, a fun story, and some emotionally resonant plot hooks left dangling. Ruby and the Doctor, two orphans abandoned by their original people. And the additional dangling hook of Ruby's neighbor Mrs. Flood, who seems to know a lot more than you might think. "Never seen a TARDIS before," she says, and this sinister and intriguing line is how we close off our Christmas Special!

I'm so excited for more Ncuti Gatwa in the Spring!

9/10

[thisisvoided]

I'm bored so here are my thoughts on the current IDW Characters.

Tangle: She's interesting in that she's reckless and impulsive yet sees things for how they really are, or how they really are to her. Even when the chips are down, she has a seemingly unending well of optimism and empathy, although being comforting during emotional situations isn't exactly her forte. She's also evidently not used to trauma as a subject, seeming to have only a surface-level understanding of it due to Whisper's presence in her life. All-in-all, she's an interesting character. She also has a good design.

Jewel: Despite her not having as many appearances as other original characters in the franchise, I can say without a doubt that she's found a permanent place inside of my heart. She's different from other mainline characters in that she isn't a fighter and has doubts about whether her mind can make up for her lack of physical prowess, but when her confidence is up she's a natural-born leader and planner. Also, she owns a museum full of a ton of different types of minerals which I think is pretty epic. I like her design, it matches her personality and gives you a sense of who she is.

Lanolin: Fairly obvious PTSD which I'm hoping the comics will delve into more at some point. She's interesting and a well-written character, overall extremely consistent in her development. She also has obviously negative feelings towards the Chaotix and I'm hoping they might address that at some point as well. Her design is definitely one of my favourites, what with its practicality concerning her job and immediate distinguishability. Plus she looks like a badass.

Whisper: She's an intriguing character, what with her gray/ambiguous sense of morality and general history. I like the direction the comics are going with her, although the team name section I feel could've used some work. But I understand if the writing team wasn't allowed to do certain things regarding that. I like her a lot, especially when her mercenary past comes to light in certain actions and situations. It reminds readers of the fact that she isn't as much of a "hero" as people believe her to be. Good character design.

Mimic: I don't have much to say about him, honestly. He's a good villain; he's well-written, consistent, and there's seemingly no remorse from his side about the situations he's set into motion. Also, his character design is dope.

Diamond Cutters (Smithy, Slinger, Claire): Good characters overall, good designs too. Not much to say besides that the comics gave them a good amount of depth to give you a sense of loss when they died without overloading you with too much information.

Belle: Another one of my favourite characters. She's so interesting and distinct compared to the rest of the cast; she was created by Mr. Tinker to be a source of good, to rebuild and fix broken things and make people happy, but also to be her own independent person. She's so unlike the rest of Eggman's creations---while Orbot, Cubot, Metal, etc. were built to serve his every will and command like a robot would, Belle was built to be a person with her own thoughts and feelings. She's just so intriguing to me, and I really like where they've gone with her. Also, her design is really good.

Clutch: Another good villain. I think he works really well with Rough & Tumblr and I'm excited to see what the new issues have in store for him. He's got a sort of suave confidence to him which I enjoy, not to mention he's a surprisingly relaxed person despite being a criminal. All in all, there's not much to say about him besides that I think his character and personality are fascinating and I can't wait for what the new issues have in store for him. He also has a really great design and I love the big puffy coat for him---the size helps add to his imposing aura but the fluffiness makes him seem more innocuous which matches his energy of being more than meets the eye.

Rough & Tumble: Unironically my favourite villains so far. They're silly and ridiculous but also so interesting to me because there's so much story potential for these two---like what happened to Tumble's tail, how would they work with certain characters, and what's going on with these two and Clutch? Despite how little we've gotten for them I already love them so much, there's just something so special about these two that I can't properly explain. They feel like so much more than just comic relief, and I'm genuinely really excited to see where these two go. They also have a lot of possibility for redemption so I'm hoping we might see that start to happen in a future issue. Design-wise a bit plain in comparison to others but no less distinct or enjoyable.

Starline: A very good villain for the time he was here. I think he's definitely the cruellest antagonist we've gotten, moreso than Eggman himself, and the fact that his own hubris is what got him killed in the end is certainly fitting. I've seen a lot of hope that they'll bring him back, but honestly, I feel he fits better as a ghost that forever haunts the people that he broke and re-made into his own vision than as some sort of Tommy Turtle knock-off. His storyline was coherent and consistent without being predictable, and his design was enjoyable and caught my eye.

Surge & Kit: Both are very enjoyable and well-written characters. Not only is their current story extremely interesting to learn about, but their history and pasts are also an object of fascination and theorizing for me. They both have obvious childhood trauma from before Starline's experiments, and I'm hoping that the comics delve deeper into the psychological effects that the two deal with. I'm also hoping we get to see a sort of redemption arc for the two of them since that seems to be the path that the two are set to be on. Both of their designs are distinct and appealing without being too much and provide a layer of information about them without having to say anything. All-in-all, extremely good characters and antagonists.

Nite & Don: Not much to say besides that I think they're a really good pair and I liked the stories they were in. They work well as friends of the Chaotix, and I hope we get to see them again. The designs are pretty good, too.

Ron: His storyline was immaculate and heart-wrenching and made me more emotional than I'd like to admit. Despite his side character status, he's definitely in line to be a mainline character, and I hope we get to see more of him soon.

Just kidding! But I do really like him, solely based on the one scene he was in and his cool design. You will forever be in my heart, Ron the chilli dog vendor, and may you rest in peace in one-off character heaven.

[earnestlyegos]

Rank your fave mark egos, and why

-🗡(not part of the qnapp I just felt like asking)

this one. took awhile. also this isnt a list that like,, shows which one i hate?? i love, all of them! just some a little less, but if i had to rank em, this is how id do it! So this is more of a “most favorite to i still like them, but i like these guys more!!”

(1) Yancy

i like him the most honestly because hes just.. he means so much to me?? ive got no clue as of why i attached to him so hard, but something about the way he sings and dances, his daddy issues, his past, the way he smiles and just how dramatic he is. he makes my heart soar, i want to give him all he deserves. hes an amazing person to me.

(1.5) Wilford Warfstache

literally couldnt pick one favorite. warfstache was the first ego i fell in love with, due to his complex character and lore!! i love how in WMLW hes sincere with abe, and i love how kind he is before he goes “insane”. i love how hes a loyal man as william J barnum, and hes just AUGHHHH!! hes got so much to him and i love him so so so so much!! hes SO cool!! LIKE SPACE!!!

(2) Eric Derekson

eric is a hot and close second. i love how timid and nervous he is, and i love how he canonically comes back, and somewhat gets over that!! i LOVE characters with a tragic past, which is why yancy and wilf are first!! i love eric sosososo much, i wanna kiss his head and hold him, he deserves the world!! hes only second cause yancy and warf are some of my BIGGEST hyperfixations.

(3) illinois

ironically loved him and now i unironically love him. i love the confidence and the stupid fucking suaveness, it makes me laugh! i also headcanon hes a genuinely nice guy, and often teaches at the prison because he works with a program and such!! i like to think he genuinely loves his job, and is maybe (100%) is autistic over archaeology. i love his energy!!!

(4) Damien

i love him. i just, i do! i love how sincere of a man he is, how soft and serious he is, BUT HE CARES SO FUCKING MUCH FOR WILLIAM AND IT HURTS!!!! i hc him as such a nice man, who is genuinely doing his best to make everybody happy. he also deserves the world.

(4.5) THE JIMS!!!!

I FUCKING LOVE THE JIMS I LOVE THE HCS THAT PEOPLE COME UP WITH I LOVE READING THEM IN FICS!!! they are SOSOSOSOOO silly!!! devilish little bastards, rats!! rats in my walls!! I LOVE THEM.

(5) Head Engineer Mark

hes a stupid brat man child and i love him. hes such a smart guy, and yet so dumb and adventurous, i love his energy, and i love how hes basically captains puppy???? he really comes in close with damien for me, but we dont get much of his character in ISWM, so honestly its hard to form a solid opinion on him! otherwise i think hes absolutely fucking hilarious and i adore him and his personality.

(6) Darkiplier

i love you. i have the hc of him being edgy and evil, but hes also doing it mostly all for show. i love how its literally all out of spite because he fucking hates actor, and i love how hes just there to fuck up his plans. i love thinking hes just— HES A CAT, MAN. A SNARKY LITTLE SHIT, I LOVE HIM, HES GREAT. i also love the hc that he goes by most pronouns!! mostly he/they, but sometimes she/her and im absolutely fucking here for it. slay girliepop!!!!

(7) Bing

do i. do i have to explain? hes a douche! i fucking love him! over confident idiot, who looks epic?? dude, thats just me!! i just fucking adore his vibe, love how you see him interact with google in fics and shit, i just, THERES JUST SOMETHING ABOUT HIM THAT MAKES ME LAUGH IN SUCH A GOOD WAY!!!

(7.5) Actor Mark

hes a dumb egomaniacal asshole and i love it. hes fucking stupid and greedy, is also a man child, and i can absolutely see him pouting and stomping his foot when upset. HE ALSO KILLS HIMSELF FOR FUNSIES I JUST THINK THAYS FUCKING HILARIOUS??? literally dies and says to damien “hey i want you to be my villain, bye!!” and RUNS OFF TO MAKE ANOTHER UNIVERSE?? HELLO??? also hes evil and im here for that, slay king, fuck things up!

(8) King of the Squirrels

hes funny as fuck and ive read a few fics with him. love how people think he interacts with Bim and the jims, i also think he would be good friends with eric, considering they both LOVE animals!! love his outfit too!! hes just silly, and i like to think hes this nice energetic guy whose just really passionate over squirrels :)

(9) Bim Trimmer

show host. thats it. cannibalistic show host. love it. its me core, i love him. i like to think hes a nice guy, but also has manic undertones and a slight sinister feeling about him and OH BOY AM I FUCKING HERE FOR IT. im a sucker for the over dramatic show host type, and its a reason why i actually love spamton too! i love the “always have a professional smile even though im clearly extremely angry at you, so ill just be as passive aggressive as possible, haha!!” GOD I LOVE HIM

(9.5) Dr. Iplier

OF COURSE I THINK HE MATCHES WITH YHE HOST!!!!!!! their dynamic is so cute in fics dont even fucking get me STARTED. anyways, i love how much of an asshole he is in the skit(s??), but i also love how people write him as this caring and hardworking man. he would get along well with eric, dark, and the host in my eyes! maybe even yancy, because theyre both kinda a reserved character in my mind!

(10) Google

hes cool!! i love that hes a sinister sentient AI, and is always a fucking smartass. i love smartasses that are always serious and always follow the rules. Tenya iida core, iykyk— uh, love the guy!! again, love how hes an asshole, yet i still hc he cares about the others and alla that, he just doesnt show it and blahblahblah. also love his design, its something so simple yet, it really pops!! love the art people make of him, and i also love the asshole confidence hes got—

(10.5) The Host

hes also sosososooooo neat!! again, seen him in fics, i love how some people write him. he deserves love and care, and i think that him and yancy would really connect, considering theyre both outcasts in their own ways! hes a sweetheart who is trying his best and you literally cannot fucking convince me otherwise.

(and then all the others i dont know/care about)

lots of ties, though, hoped you enjoyed this long and VERY autistic ramble about the egos i like-

[idleworkshop]

Hogtober Day 7

The Undercroft

The dusty tome slid into its notch along the shelf perfectly, pulling itself from Thea’s fingertips. The sensation of inanimate objects moving on their own volition still unnerved her, but research was research and she shook her hand to rid it of the feeling. Feeling restless, she had poured herself into her Potions homework, now quite confident of the differences in Wolfsbane and Deadly Nightshade.

Her real objective, though, was scouting out the Library. Madame Scribner was a terrifying creature, lurking through the shelves like a wraith in search of miscreants; mostly, it was just students with one too many books on their table than she was satisfied with. Even if Thea knew where the Restricted Section was, it was doubtful she could sneak in without Fig’s accompaniment. Even as a Professor, it seemed you needed a damned good reason to go inside.

Sighing, Thea plucked her knapsack from the chair, being sure to slide it back into place under the table, before purposefully leaving through the main atrium. Students milled about, killing their time before dinner, making it easy to blend in as she tinkered with various astrolabes and compasses displayed on the short shelves. Madame Scribner’s desk sat abandoned off to her right, and she slowly sidled up to it, gazing around nonchalantly but opting to see some hidden passageway or door nearby.

“Can I help you,” a nasal voice hissed behind her. Thea spun around with a squeak, Madame Scribner’s small, round spectacles sliding down her nose as she sneered.

“N-no ma’am! Sorry!” Thea stammered, her heart racing. “I’m just.. still in wonder of it all.”

A pale eyebrow arched suspiciously. “If you’re finished ogling, the exit is that way.” Scribner jabbed a finger towards the door and Thea wordlessly scurried off.

She absolutely hated feeling so weak, but the woman was terrifyingly similar to the witch that presided over the orphanage she grew up in. She may not have been an actual magical witch, but she was cruel in the Muggle understanding of witches. Growling in frustration, she shoved through the oak doors, resigning herself to waiting on Fig’s achingly full schedule.

Thea stepped down onto the last landing of the wide staircase that led into the antechamber outside of the Great Hall. Dinner was calling her name, and the memories of her childhood begged to be assuaged; years of scant meals were now being replaced by hearty portions, and her uniforms were noticing, warranting another trip to Hogsmeade soon. She also wanted to check in with Natty to see if she had heard anything from her mother, a professor, about the Ashwinder presence. Fig hadn’t gone into detail about his meeting, and between classes and errands for the headmaster, Thea hadn’t shared more than a few frustrated smiles at mealtimes over the past week.

Taking a moment to gaze over the ever-crowded central hall, she spied two familiar boys in green talking animatedly as they ascended the stairs. Watching them, she wondered what had Suave Sallow so worked up as to be throwing his arms about in such a manner. Hecat constantly paired them together during classes, and she had rather enjoyed getting to know him, nearly convinced to join the ‘unsanctioned’ dueling club he kept on about. His open flirtations paired with a sweetness of temper made him quite a pleasant person to be around, but despite this happy new addition to her circle, her eyes constantly sought his friend. She was rarely met with more than mild indifference as he listened to their banter.

She could barely see Ominis’ face from her position, his face turned toward Sebastian as he listened, but its hardened line of his mouth told her that he was unhappy with whatever was being said. Curiosity, and perhaps a desire to hear Ominis’ voice, had her feet carrying her towards them instead of the food she so dearly craved. They were nearly at the top of the stairs now, and she wracked her brain for a reason to interfere without being obviously intrusive.

If she had been able to come up with one, it would surely have flown out of the window as Ominis halted suddenly, his head slowly swinging in her direction. His pale, unwavering gaze brought her steps to a slow halt.

Sebastian finally looked up, his angry scowl melting into cool appraisal. “New girl,” he called in his usual flirtatious candor as he started towards her. “How’s it going?”

“Drop it Sebastian,” Ominis growled as he pushed past him, knocking Seb back a step. He muttered as he passed Thea, “Talk sense into him.”

Confused, and slightly startled that he had spoken to her directly, she watched Ominis cross the hall and disappear through the great doors on the other side. How is he so graceful? She thought absently before turning to Sebastian again. “Is everything alright?”

“Disagreement,” he answered tightly, running a hand through his already messy hair. Thea could see the strain on his face, resisting the urge to smooth down a stray tendril that poked up sharply on his head. “I’ve been doing some research, but he thinks it’s too dangerous to pursue. But I can’t just sit by.”

Thea took in his agitated state, coupled with Ominis’ anger, and felt a pang of jealousy. She had never had such a relationship with someone before, never allowed herself the freedom to do so. Professor Fig had become almost a father figure, but he was her professor and mentor; the professional relationship must be maintained. The bond she sensed between Sebastian and Ominis, however, ran deep. Natty and she were growing closer, but these boys felt like brothers, so she did what she usually did when she was curious. “Want to talk about it?”

His pacing stopped as he looked at her, indecision warring on his face. Thea knew he was clever, and could almost see the cogs in his mind weighing every option and consequence should he decide to confide in her. “If I do, it stays between us,” he warned, the threat of repercussion flashing in his eyes.

“You have my word,” she held her hand out. In a society where nothing filled your pockets, integrity was gold. It was all she had for so long. He hesitated before shaking her hand firmly.

“I have a twin sister,” he said immediately, surprising her. In the nearly two months they had shared classes and stories, he had never mentioned her ( neither had anyone else , she thought strangely). “She isn’t here this year. Over the summer, a horde of goblins attacked our village and cursed her. I didn’t even know they could do magic. Since then, she’s been in excruciating pain with no cure.”

Thea stared dumbfounded. Ranrok was raiding villages? Is he searching for me? She dispelled the idea quickly; this had taken place before their confrontation in Gringotts, before he knew of her existence. The conversation in Hogsmeade and Ashwinders in the woods revealed he knew where she was now, but that thought was no less comforting. If she was safely behind castle walls, what then was he doing in the countryside? Was he trying to draw her out?

“That’s horrific, Sebastian,” she said, placing a hand on his arm. “There’s nothing that can be done?”

“Do you know goblin magic?” He replied darkly, before closing his eyes and taking a calming breath. She understood the sentiment. “Sorry, it’s just.. my uncle, who we live with, has completely given up on her. Hasn’t even bothered to figure out what this is! How we can fix it!”

“He’s done nothing?” She asked incredulously.

Sebastian exhaled sharply. “We took her to St. Mungo’s right after it happened. That’s a wizarding hospital,” he clarified. “Nurse Blainey tried as well as some Curse Breakers from the Ministry. Nothing. And Solomon has simply decided to let her live like this.” A muscle twitched angrily in his jaw. “To watch her die.”

Thea could taste his bitterness on her tongue, and she shared his sentiments. No one should be left to simply die an excruciating death; they were witches and wizards for goodness sake! Surely , there was something that could be done. She narrowed her eyes at his tense expression, wondering if he had found something and that’s why he was arguing with his friend.

“Why is Ominis upset?” She asked calmly, hoping to turn his focus back to the strained relationship with his friend.

His lips hardened into a line. “I found something in the restricted section.”

“You got in there?” She gasped quietly, the wheels in her own mind cranking to life. So a student can get in there, she realized with glee.

���Have been for years, love,” he winked, his playful demeanor back. “Let me know when, and I’ll take you there.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she chuckled, rolling her eyes but definitely planning on taking him up on such an offer. “What did you find?”

“I’m not sure, yet,” he replied slowly, regarding her indecisively again. “But there’s a heavy chance it has to deal with dark magic, which Ominis refuses to touch with a Quidditch post.”

“Can’t really blame him,” she muttered, recalling the large rings she had flown through with Imelda. Her experience with the dark wizards had been less than ideal up to this point. Did Sebastian even know about the Ashwinders? Did any of the students? “Dark Magic is dark for a reason.”

Sebastian didn't answer right away, shoving his hands into his pockets and rocking back onto his heels. “Well,” he huffed, “any information is better than none. A little knowledge never killed anyone.”

Thea swallowed thickly, imaging George once more. Someone knew they had the key to that vault. Rookwood knew she was in Hogsmeade that day. Rannrok knew she had something to do with ancient magic, and he wouldn’t hesitate to murder anyone in his path for information about.. whatever it was he was searching for. Information could be deadly in the wrong hands.

“Why are you convinced that Dark Magic is the cure?” She inquired.

His face scrunched up as if the answer was obvious and she was foolish to not see it. “Dark Magic cursed her, so Dark Magic can un-curse her.”

“I don’t know if that's how it works,” she shrugged, “but I’ll ask some of the teachers, see if any of them would answer a curious, innocent witch’s question.”

He slowly smiled, a dimple appearing in his cheek. “I’d appreciate that,” he said sincerely.

“Of course,” she returned his sweet smile, blushing slightly when his brown eyes dipped pointedly to her lips. She’d never been kissed before, but now she wondered what his lips would feel like against her own. At some point she realized she had been staring at his mouth for an awkwardly long time.

He cleared his throat. “Can I show you something?”

Thea chewed on her makeshift dinner, having swiped some food before allowing Sebastian to lead her along one empty staircase after another. Her curiosity wasn’t greater than her hunger, and Sebastian reluctantly allowed her to grab some roast and a few yeast rolls now sandwiched together inside a napkin as she picked it apart, assuring her housemates she simply had more homework to complete. It wasn’t a farfetched idea, most of them knew of her extra assignments. Amit in particular was tutoring her in Astronomy.

Eventually, they entered into the common space outside of their DADA classroom. Its current desertion was haunting, echoing their footsteps as they crossed the dimly lit room. Sebastian’s form was silhouetted by the setting sun shining through the windows as Thea watched him whisper an incantation to a tapestry on the wall. With heavy thuds and clicks, it soon swung open and his eager eyes peeked out from behind it. Slowly approaching, Thea took a minute to study the intricate pattern woven into the tapestry before following him inside.

“Welcome to the Undercroft,” Sebastian murmured over his shoulder, eyebrows bouncing suggestively as they descended a short staircase. Thea took a moment to gaze around the cavernous room, sparsely decorated and with a decided chill that crept underneath her skin. Something within the space called to the ancient magic within her, a static charge racing under her skin. Her eyes once more landed on Sebastian, who was biting his lip in eager anticipation.

“I swear, Sallow,” she leveled him with a look, “If you brought me here to make a move, I will ensure no one finds your body.”

His barking laughter echoed inside the chamber as he doubled over. “I have no doubt,” he laughed, “but as beautiful as you are, that isn’t why I brought you here.” She eyed him dubiously. “This is a secret chamber. No one in the school, not even the teachers, know it exists except for myself and Ominis. And now you.”

“That still doesn’t explain why you’ve brought me here,” she quirked an eyebrow.

He shrugged. “We come here to practice spell work and do homework. Ominis doesn’t really like a lot of noise, but I figured you would enjoy the room as well.” He gazed around fondly. “First time we tried the confringo spell, we singed our eyebrows off. Anne gave us hell for weeks.”

Thea allowed herself to take detail of the spacious cavern; tall, stone arches held the ceiling aloft. Intermittent torches softly illuminated the stack of crates and discarded furniture littered about the corners. A couple of tidied desks and a cold fireplace stood on the far side of the room; and she imagined the Slytherin boys discussing their homework while the fire crackled.

“How did you two find this?” She asked curiously, immediately warming to the idea of solitude.

“Actually, we didn’t find it,” Sebastian answered, looking around as if seeing it for the first time. “It’s been a well known hideout to the Gaunt family for generations. A family secret, if you will.”

The statement struck a chord deep inside her, washing away any warmth she had felt; Sebastian had brought her to Ominis’ secret chamber, not his own. The image of a roughly hewn hole set into the bricks of a bridge over the Thames rushed to her mind, along with the countless hours she had spent there, hiding from thugs and life. She would have been furious if she had found another in her hideaway, her peace shattered by another’s knowledge. Thea slowly turned back to Sebastian, her jaw clenched. “Does Ominis know I’m in here?”

Wide, guilty eyes stared back at her. “No,” he said slowly.

“Sebastian!”

“I'm sorry!” He panicked when her wand was snatched from her pocket. “I’m sure it’ll be fine! But just in case, let’s keep this between us.”

Thea’s head fell back with a groan. He had shared everything with someone since the moment he was born, Sebastian didn’t understand the sanctuary of hidden places. “This wasn’t your secret to share,” she lamented. “Ominis barely tolerates me, and this won't be helping anyone!”

“I think he more than tolerates you,” he mumbled.

“ Sebastian!”

“Alright!” He conceded, holding his hands up in surrender. “If he finds out, I’ll handle it.”

“Oh, he’s going to find out,” Thea poked him in the chest. “Because you’re going to tell him. And then, you’re going to apologize.” He scoffed in annoyance, and she raised her wand at him again.

“Fine!” He whined, rolling his eyes for good measure. “I’ll tell him.”

Sighing heavily, she pocketed her wand. “You wouldn’t understand,” she muttered. “I don’t want to be here if he comes looking for you. How do I leave?”

Begrudgingly, Sebastian walked her over to the mass of ornate locking mechanisms on the backside of the door. “ Alohomora, ” he muttered, each lock clicking into place before swinging open to the moonlight beyond. “After you,” he extended his hand, following her.

“I’m not angry with you, Sebastian,” she murmured softly as she began up the stairs. Despite everything, she still needed him to access the library. “I’m sorry for speaking harshly.”

“S’alright,” he shrugged. “I’ve endured worse from Ominis when his tea has grown cold.”

The thought made her chuckle, but her laugh froze in her throat as she rounded the door. Soft, red light emanated from a wand gently bobbing down the last few steps, Ominis silently descending behind it. She pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance, knowing better than to have expected anything less when Sebastian beckoned her on this little adventure. She had half a mind to cast a concealing charm over herself, but doubted it would elude Ominis’ sentient wand.

Sebastian bumped into her back, “Why have you stopped-oh.”

His voice, although quietly spoken, sounded like a scream in the silent room. Ominis’ head immediately swiveled in their direction, relief and annoyance mingled on his face as he started walking towards them. Thea attempted to breathe as shallowly as possible, taking minute steps away from the door and towards the corner, hoping he wouldn't hear her.

“I thought I’d find you here,” Ominis muttered, a small smile pulling at his lips. “I know we don’t always see eye to eye, but there was no reason to skip…”

He trailed off, eyebrows scrunching slightly as his wand swept slowly in Thea’s direction. The smile evaporated from his face and he desperately tried to decipher who he was talking to. Her eyes squeezed shut, knowing she was caught; any hopes of pretending this room didn't exist were over.

“I’m over here, Ominis,” Sebastian called, hoping to distract him from Thea’s tense form. She caught his eye, the subtle shake of his head sealing her lips shut, but not before glaring at him.

“Yes, you are,” he replied slowly, the red light disappearing as he readjusted his grip, wand aimed right between her eyes. “But who is this?”

“Shit,” she breathed, scared to move lest he curse her. His pale eyes, glinting silver in the moonlight, widened in recognition and her stomach dropped. It was not a happy expression.

“New girl?!” He exclaimed, rounding on Sebastian. “You brought her to the Undercroft?!”

“I have an actual name,” she grumbled.

“You won’t when I'm done,” Ominis growled over his shoulder. “If this is some sick form of retribution over the scriptorium..”

“It’s not,” Sebastian snapped. “I thought she’d benefit from a private area to practice.”

Ominis’ voice dropped dangerously low. “It wasn’t yours to share.”

Sebastian’s eyes cut over to Thea, who gestured to Ominis. See? She mouthed, apologize! Rolling his eyes, he relented, sounding anything but apologetic. “I’m sorry alright? I was out of line, but I can’t take it back now. She won't tell anyone, Ominis.”

“That’s not the point, Sebastian.” Silver eyes turned back to her. “You better not breathe a word of this to anyone,” he snarled. “My family is connected with the Headmaster, and I won't hesitate to exploit that connection.”

Sebastian scoffed. “Relax, Ominis, our secret is safe with her.”

“I didn't realize it was the Sallow Vault,” Ominis snapped. “The Undercroft belongs to my family Sebastian, not yours.” His breath came in short spurts, anger infused in every word as he turned back to Thea. “I should obliviate you.”

“I have no idea what that means, but please don’t.”

“ Ominis , we can trust her,” Sebastian whined, only serving to fuel his friend further. Thea nearly groaned, knowing Sebastian was only digging a grave for them both.

“You barely know her!” He shouted. “I’m beginning to question if I can even trust you!”

“I would never tell,” she reassured him, cutting off whatever stupid thing was about to spill from Sebastian’s mouth. Ominis’ angry scowl returned to her softly spoken promise. Unlike Sebastian, she knew the importance of such a secret. She held plenty of her own that she was decidedly not going to share with a certain classmate. “Goodnight.”

With a parting glare at Sebastian, Thea hurriedly left the room.

“I need space,” Ominis grumbled.

Mirroring her actions, Sebastian was left to watch his friends leave as he leaned against the large bay windows. “Cut from the same cloth, those two,” he muttered, slamming the Undercroft shut.