#Seriously what are those stripes under his eyes

[randomtheidiot]

Hate it when Pokémon character designers go all out for a disguise scene but they don’t do anything to cover up the very obvious lightning bolt shaped stripes under Ash’s eyes. That’s the most obvious feature of his that isn’t an article of clothing like a hat or jacket. He’s the guy with the weird stripes under his eyes.

I know there’s a popular theory that the stripes aren’t really part of his body and it’s just stylized dirt/blush/generic youthful features because that’s supposedly a popular design trend in Japanese art, but even if they used to be, they clearly aren’t anymore. They’re the only thing that’s stayed relatively consistent with all the different iterations of him. He’s the only modern character with those markings and we’ve seen dirt, blush and youthful characters in the anime. Not one character outside of some Indigo League one-off randos have those stripe markings. It’s just him.

Besides…

when James dresses up as Ash, he draws the stripes on with makeup, so the stripes are obviously not stylized dirt or blush like everyone says they are. They’re a part of his face and he just looks like that. If Ash were a real person made of flesh, he would have those marks under his eyes.

That being said, if I were in disguise and I had a very weird and very obvious birthmark, I’d do everything in my power to cover it up or hide it. Pokémon has never actually called attention to the weird markings under his eyes (at least to my knowledge) but it would be cool to at least see some sort of reference to the fact that one of the lead characters has a weird fucking anime bullshit birthmark. It doesn’t make any sense that they’d go out of their way to buy new outfits and wigs for disguises but not makeup to hide his eye stripes.

If not with some sort of concealer, then just put a scarf on him or something. Give him a bandanna or a face mask or literally anything else that covers up the marks under his eyes. Otherwise, the gig is up the minute someone makes eye contact with Ash and thinks “Wait a minute, didn’t that other guy from before have the exact same weird birthmarks?”.

[velvetcrimsonkisses]

EAT ME OUT!

(Gojo, Geto, Toji, Nanami, Choso, Sukuna, Higuruma, Ino)

☆ Gojo ☆

“Keep your legs open for me baby… Just like that.”

One thing Gojo took seriously was pleasing you. He would never give up a chance to be in between your legs, placing kisses on your plush thighs that lead up higher and higher towards your heat. His hot breath sending tingles up your spine only making you more needy for him and his skilled tongue. You find him still pressing kisses to the side of your thighs, before finally licking once through your panties, grinning at the way your body reacts to him.

“She loves me huh?” He teases you with a soft laugh.

He tries so hard to keep his cool but once his mouth is finally on you, the poor guy is whipped. Babbling complete and utter nonsense into your cunt. His needy whines against your cunt send shivers up your spine. His long fingers work in tandem with his tongue, circling around the sensitive bundle of nerves. He loves watching you writhe under his tongue, only picking up the pace when he notices your legs attempt to close on his head. Strong hands hold your legs open as you finally reach your climax and he never wastes what you give him.

☆ Geto ☆

“No-no look at me, keep those eyes on me…”

Geto loved to make you struggle while he ate you out. The things his tongue does to you always has you fucked out but he’s adamant you keep eye contact with him. Wanting you to watch every swift movement his tongue or fingers do. Oh yeah he could close his eyes all he wants and indulge in you but you can’t. Using his large hands to grope your thighs tightly everytime you close your eyes, forcing you to keep them open.

“Look at you… you’re dripping”

His thick fingers come to your folds, spreading them wide open to get a better look at your heat. He licks a broad stripe up your slit, savoring everything you give him. And you didn’t think he could bury his head deeper into you until he pulls you closer towards him, once again making out with your cunt. You try to push his head away, the feeling growing too much for you to handle. But you fail as he finally makes you squirt all on his face just like he intended from the start. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he parts from your cunt, satisfied with his work

☆ Nanami ☆

“Fuck you look so gorgeous like this…”

It's so important to Nanami to praise you for everything you do for him and what’s better than him doing it while eating you out. Pressing soft kisses all over your body, that eventually comes to a chaste kiss to your core, taking in your sweet scent. He loves keeping his eyes on you, wanting to see every face you do because of him. His gaze is intense as he begins to worship you with his tongue. He devours your cunt, only pulling closer towards him. He didn’t want this to end.

“Cum for me darling… please..” He mumbles against your clit.

He is eager to chase your orgasm. He strives to make you feel good, and he only will know he did when you cum for him. Your hand cards his soft blonde locks, pushing him deeper into your sweet cunt. Only responding with a groan, he continues, wrapping his arms around your thighs, as he senses that you're close. He gazes up at you with sultry narrowed eyes and just like that you're like puddy under his touch. His eyes roll back in complete bliss at the taste of you, his chin dripping with your slick, and a smile plastered on his perfect face.

☆ Toji ☆

“Are you sure you’re ready, princess?

He hooks his hands under your knees, pulling your legs up and over his broad shoulders. He was making himself comfortable, he planned to be there awhile. How could he not, when the sounds you made for him were like a drug. He gives you a stupid smirk before he blows cool air onto your cunt. Sending shivers up your body. He nuzzles his face into your slick folds, his lips parting to tease your entrance with the tip of his tongue. He licks slowly at first, savoring the taste before exploring deeper, swirling his tongue around your clit.

“All this f’me huh?” He grins, coming up from your pussy, a string of saliva connecting both of you.

His lips glisten with your juices as he gazes up at you. For a moment his expression is feral, before returning back to your cunt. He could feel that you were close with the way your clit throbbed. His efforts double as he grows desperate for you to cum. With two thick fingers entering you, your back arches on the bed. His free hand comes to support you as you ride out your orgasm on his tongue. He watches you come undone with a satisfied stare, smiling against your pussy.

☆ Choso ☆

“Am I doing a good job, baby?”

Choso is always so determined to make you feel good. He could spend hours between your legs if you let him. He just can't get enough of that sweet scent. He's always nervous at first, his shy tongue darting out, making gentle contact with your clit. He traces slow and deliberate circles around it, careful because he’s worried he might hurt you, not quite understanding the concept of overstimulation yet. But it’s not long before he gains the confidence to make you cum over and over again with his mouth.

“Y-you taste so good…” He whines, obviously grinding his hips onto the bed, hoping you won’t notice.

He eagerly sucks on your clit, wanting you to keep moaning and telling him how he was doing. He needs you to cum against his face just one more time. And once you start pulling on his chocolate locks, he starts whining like a poor puppy. Pathetic moans leave his lips as he continues to gnaw at your clit and you don’t know who's closer. But it becomes clear, when his boxers are warm with his cum and he whispers a string of “I’m sorry’s” into your pussy. Giving you his real apology when you cum for the nth time that night.

☆ Higuruma ☆

“Just sit on it, sweetheart”

Hiromi refuses to eat you out, if you don’t sit on his face. He can’t explain to you why he enjoys it the most. Maybe it’s the way your weight feels so good against him or how you almost suffocate him but, he never complains. So you have no choice but to comply with his wishes. You hover your bare cunt against his face but it's not enough for him. He grabs your thighs and pulls you fully onto his face.

“Fuck… that’s it…” He mumbles against your heat, resulting in you arching your back.

Calloused hands run up your ass up to your back, his hungry touch only arousing you more. His eyes roll back in ecstasy as he laps at your cunt, his humped nose digging into your clit. He opens his mouth, parting his lips to allow your slick folds to run over them before he sucks on them. You can only look down at him and think how handsome he looks under you. He increases his efforts once you both make eye contact. Sliding a finger inside you to only stimulate you more. He strives to make you feel good, to hear you scream his name in the immense pleasure he provides you.

☆ Ino ☆

“Please… please just one more time…”

It was obvious Ino lacked experience in eating pussy but boy was he enthusiastic. Finally being in his first relationship, he was eager to learn all the ways to make you feel good. Which indirectly also made him feel good. Without fail no matter how many times he’s seen it, he gasps at the sight of your glistening cunt. Falling to his knees, ready to please you however you tell him too.

“Such a good job baby…” your words turn into moans as he continues his attack on your cunt.

His cheeks flush at your praise. A boost of confidence filled his body, making him lose all control and tempo he had. He messily eats your pussy, not caring that his face is now lathered in your slick. He’s just so happy to be between your legs, if he could he would just live there. He feels his cock twitch and he only gets more embarrassed because he knows he's about to cum untouched but, how could he help it when he makes you feel so good. He picks up his pace, finally slipping two fingers inside you to hit that perfect spot. The spot you taught him that makes you cum undone all over him. And he can’t wait to beg you so he could do it all over again.

☆ Sukuna ☆

“I’m not done yet…” He growls, with a heavy smack on your hip.

In contrast to his rough demeanor, Sukuna is the opposite when it comes to eating you. It is a rare occasion but when he does he takes his time devouring you, savoring you. Sharp nails digging into your soft things, your legs resting on his shoulders, and his crimson eyes burning into you. He finds joy in making you feel so good that you weep. Tears falling down the apples of your cheek, red irritated eyes and out of breath is his favorite way to see you. You couldn’t take it anymore as you tried to pull away from him.

“Isn’t this what you wanted? Why are you trying to run away huh?” He snarls, you were no match for his strong arms as he only pulled you closer.

He dives his tongue deeper inside you, the way he talks to you may be rough but he’s pleasing you so well you forget all about it. He admires the way your fingers pull on his hair, your desperate pleas begging him to let you cum again, the way your thighs envelop his face. He thinks to himself that he should do this more often, he wouldn’t mind watching you come undone over and over again with his tongue.

Masterlist

Discord

[sharkinthetoilet]

The main 4 (without or with Cartman) + Butters and Creek (poly with those two,) x GN Reader,

Like how would they try to get their lovers attention? And reader pretends to not understand they want attention

The main trio + butters and creek, trying to get their s/o's attention

yayay, not being put thru the horrors of trying to write cartman as an appealing boyfriend

Gender: neutral

Warnings: tiny amount of paranoia

☆-stan:

Stan is that kind of person that makes weird noises to get your attention

You'd be sitting next to him, scrolling through social media and all of the sudden he meows at you

Now if you give him the attention, he wants, he'll do whatever he needed your attention for and then give you a sweet kiss on the cheek

If you don't, though, he'll keeping making the noise he's annoying you with

Louder. and. Louder. Each and every time

If you still don't give him his attention, he'll text you

"Hey babe, look @ me, thx"

if you still won't give him attention, he will ignore you for the next 20 minutes too

he acts like you betrayed him

in his eyes you did

if you want him to go back to normal, just give him a kiss or something

☆-kyle:

kyle is a very busy, so he does respect you for not always giving him attention

but if he notices, that you're purposefully ignoring you, that's a different tale

kyle is naturally hot-headed, so expect him to just blow up if you ignore him

goes to the 5 stages of grief in under 3 minutes

then he'll try everything to get your attention

would probably also do weird noises like stan, cuz stan always does it towards him

if you still won't soften up, he'll dramatically leave the room

will seriously be hurt, if you don't follow him

no, but seriously, kyle is pretty insecure, you ignoring him scares the ever living shit out of him

just give him your undivided attention for the rest of the day, please

☆-kenny:

my man needs attention all the time

definitely touches you a lot to get your attention

a biter

seriously, he'll bite you

if you ignore him, he'll slide his hands all over your body, acting all seductive

not necessarily in a sexual way, that's just how he is, touchy

he's super duper annoying, neither stan nor kyle can compare

"babe, babe, baby, bubu bunny, honey, sugar buns, babe, babyyy, love, darling, my oh so beautiful lover, dear, BABEE"

if you won't give him his 'deserved' attention, he'll sulk in the corner

the second you give him attention, he'll be at your side again, acting like nothing happened before

honestly doesn't mind you messing with him

☆-butters:

butters is such a cutie 😭

if you ignore him, he'll always be to 100% sure you're just busy

sits there patiently, waiting for you

if he feels like you ignored him have been busy to long, he'll get you some water and snacks, must be important what you are working on

will ask you, if you may want to take a break

hope you feel bad for ignoring him

please just 'take a break' and spend some time with him

he deserves it

☆-creek:

tweek and craig are polar opposites

craig actually has no problem with you ignoring him for a bit, he's quite fond of silence

sure, if he actually wants your attention, he would be a bit upset, if you ignore him

not that you could see it

but he won't be mad or anything

tweek on the other hand

he can't handle being ignored

can and will freak out

"HAVE YOU GONE DEAF?!; AM I DELUSIONAL?! ARE YOU REAL, AM I EVEN TALKING RIGHT NOW?!"

yeah no, don't ignore him

craig will be mad too

and with that you lost stripe privileges for the next 2 weeks

god they are so chaotic

[syrupfog]

The first time Penguin sees him, it’s in the auction house at Sabaody, standing on the opposite side of the room. He’s hard to miss; tall and imposing, a mess of blond hair and a LOUD polka dot shirt. 

He leans over to Shachi. “Does this boiler suit make me look cool?”

Shachi smacks him upside the head. “No,” he says. “Stop making eyes at the enemy.” 

“He can’t even SEE my eyes,” Penguin sulks.

The second time Penguin sees him, it’s in Wano. And it’s, like, a whole thing. There’s a lot going on, and Penguin’s a bit BUSY, honestly, he’s got some other things to deal with. 

But he notices that the guy’s, like, seriously bulked up. It would be hard not to notice, really.

Penguin flexes his own muscles. He can’t see much of any change. Especially under the boiler suit. 

Shachi squints at him. “What’s wrong with you?” He asks. 

Penguin smacks him. “Shut up,” he says. “And give me those binoculars back.”

The THIRD time Penguin sees him, things are a bit different. 

And by a bit different, he means “SHIT SHIT SHIT FUCK SHIT WHERE DID BEPO GO? SHACHI— FUCK WHERE IS SHACHI—“ 

It’s HOT on this island, boiler suit stripped down and tied around his waist and Penguin is still sweating buckets as he runs down alleys and side streets with the sun beating down on his back. There’s only about twelve people running behind him, yelling angry-sounding things that Penguin doesn’t bother deciphering because WHERE THE FUCK IS EVERYONE?

The bundle in his arms isn’t helping the heat stroke quickly approaching either. He’s gonna need Law to give him a rehydrating IV or something after this and then he’s going to be in trouble for wasting resources. 

Racing around a corner leads him to a crowded market street — a good sign, maybe he can get lost between the stalls. Or maybe not— the angry mob behind him seems to be gaining and they’re yelling honestly very rude things. WHERE the FUCK are his CREW— 

That’s when he sees him. HOW they ended up on the same island is a mystery, but—

“Hey! Oi!” Penguin yells, making a beeline straight for him. 

Killer, of the Kid pirates, is at a stall perusing mangos. He looks up, blue and white stripes zeroing in on Penguin. GOD the guy has some wide shoulders. 

“Yeah, you!!” Penguin yells. “Offense or Defence??”

“Uhhhhhhh,” Killer says, tilting his head. Very calm for a guy who MUST see the mob behind Penguin. “Depends on the game.” 

“Now!!” Penguin shouts, getting within throwing distance. He can practically SEE the question marks popping above Killer’s head. 

“…Defense?”

“Then CATCH” 

Penguin throws the bundle at him and turns on a heel, skidding into place mere feet in front of Killer and facing down the approaching mob. He sticks his hands deep into the pockets of the boiler suit and draws out two brass knuckles, because god these outfits are NOT good for hiding larger weapons in. 

“Uhhhhh,” says Killer behind him, voice echoey under the helmet. “Maybe I should be offence, actually.” 

“TOO LATE,” Penguin yells, charging toward the mob that has been quickly thrown into confusion now that their target has turned around.

Honestly, there’s not even any burning pitchforks or anything. It’s just a dozen or so citizens with sticks up their asses (and in their hands), and Penguin, well, he’s had to fight Clione for the last ice cream bar. 

He comes away with one nasty scrape to the cheek and a bunch of blood splatters on his outfit that Law will enjoy testing for STDs. When he finally shoves the brass knuckles back in his pockets, he turns around to find Killer still standing in front of the mango stall (although the seller has long since run for it)

And the bundle squirming around in his hands. 

“You good?” Killer asks. 

“Are you holding her upside down?” Penguin asks. 

Killer looks down at the bundle in his arms. He flips it over, and the squirming stops. A head pops out. A small child with an unnervingly large mouth full of triangular teeth, and a head of shockingly blond hair in two messy tails, is looking bright eyed at Penguin. 

Penguin gives the small child a thumbs up. 

She giggles, showing off her many unnerving teeth. There’s a second set behind the first.

“So,” says Killer, conversationally. “She yours?” 

“Oh god no,” Penguin says. “Found her chowing down on some offering to a local god and the townspeople were getting all angry at her.” He walks over, picking up a mango and holding it up to her. She neatly bites through half.

“Cool,” says Killer. 

“You got parents, kid?” Penguin asks. 

The small child shakes her head, mango juice dripping from her mouth. 

Penguin frowns. “Family?” 

The small child shakes her head again. She doesn’t seem sad. She probably didn’t know them.

“Aww,” says Killer. Penguin looks up at him. He’s oddly expressive for a man in a helmet. 

A chill runs up his spine, though, and he turns away, recognizing the feeling of conquerors haki. Sure enough, the captain of the Kid pirates is walking through the center of the now deserted market street. 

“Killer!” He yells, stalking over to them and ignoring Penguin entirely. That’s fair. Penguin likes it that way. “What’d you fucking do??” 

Killer tilts his head. With both hands he holds up the fishchild. “Got a baby,” he says brightly.

Kid blinks at the child. “What the fuck,” he says. 

Killer lowers the child and then points with one hand at Penguin. “His baby,” he says. 

“Well,” Penguin hedges. 

“What the fuck,” says Kid.

“I’m keeping it,” says Killer. 

“Her,” says Penguin. 

“That makes you a grandpa,” says Killer. 

“FUCK no it doesn’t,” shouts Kid. 

The child laughs. 

“You can’t have a BABY with the ENEMY,” Kid yells. 

“Well,” says Penguin. 

“You can’t tell me what to do, Mom.”

“Fuck you,” spits Kid. 

“She has her father’s eyes,” says Killer. 

Penguin’s not sure which of them is supposed to be the father. 

“My hair, though.” 

Ah, Penguin is the father. 

“We’ll have to work out custody agreements,” Killer continues. 

“I’d like a date first,” Penguin says

Honestly it’s fitting that that’s the first full sentence he gets out, somehow. 

“You can’t date my second in command!” Kid yells. 

“I mean, we have a kid together,” Killer points out. “You’re a bit late.” 

Penguin is halfway to a genius response of some kind when he sees  blue light wash over them. It’s all he can do to mime “call me” at Killer before he’s shambled back to the ship. 

“You’re late,” Law tells him. 

“I’m an unwed mother now I think,” Penguin says. 

Law sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I don’t want to know.

[weebsinstash]

Suprised you havent mentioned what Val wears in episode 6(he's maybe wearing the same in ep 8?)

Like those fucking boots and the fact he's wearing a skirt makes me think he does it for easy access.....👀

I think it probably is the same outfit! I'm thinking the whole "moth shaped boob window" little black dress is like, the default one he keeps under his coat? He also has a different hat in that scene (no stripes, heart button)

Ughhh I just noticed that even though he isn't talking to or looking at her he's still engaging Gasmask Girl in the conversation or she's part of his recruitment because he has his hand on her hip like that 😩❤️ also isn't it SO diva of him that he already has forearms that become black further down but he'll still put on black gloves with this dress. I guess because his black dress shirt has sleeves and this dress doesn't and he just prefers that fashion wise? Idk

I wonder how often he prefers the pants and how often he prefers the dress? True Valentino simps know he's BEEN hoein' in these streets for a while but I'm still a little surprised they made him dressing gnc a canon thing. I wonder if in season 2 we'll ever see Angel in drag or anything since that's something he enjoys?

Just like. UGHHHH I can SEE him being such a catty bully to force Reader to dress/present themself how he wants them to look. OR he'll manipulate your insecurities and try and be your ""friend"" to get closer to you that way, helping teach you how to 'look nicer' (and some of it IS helpful stuff like say makeup or certain styling tips but 8 times outta 10 he's using you like a doll). He's complimenting you and calling you pretty and he DOES mean it but it's partially because in his mind you're already his property and thus he wants his arm candy to be nice n pretty looking their best. You two are showing up to show out at any event Val drags you along to.

Shit happens like Angel gets a text from Valentino to bring him some food "because I'm busy so chop chop babe" and Angel walks in with the grub and Val is just... sitting there, very obviously definitely not busy, and in fact, he's doing your makeup, applying your eyeliner all sing song and playful, "i swear to Lucifer, mami, if you keep tearing up and ruin all the hardwork I just did on your eyes again, Daddy's gonna have to punish yooou~" and he just glances up to Angel with the most disinterested, "oh, hey. You can set that down and go"

Anthony is over here, having a SOUL CRUSHING MORAL CRISIS, because he's wished and hoped for Valentino getting a new favorite toy FOR SO LONG, but now? Angel's deathly afraid that Val's new favorite to play with might be YOU because Valentino's over here suddenly having you spend your whole shift where you're usually serving drinks to the Overlord now instead just, sitting cuddling up to him, or sitting so close to him your sides are touching and he puts his hands on your sides and waist...

Also um. On the subject of Val's dress and episode 8 and all that can we talk about Vox having the strength to be able to dip this man and how Valentino has hands large enough they can fully wrap around Vox's thigh

Look at these evil WHORES, and the way Val stroked Vox's face, like... UGH I can just see Val making Reader cry and he forces you to look at him, stroking your cheek and cooing about how it's good he got you waterproof makeup this time so that you "can stay nice and pretty and still look so cute while you're whining like a little bitch" like seriously I definitely see Valentino and Velvette as sadistic possessive yandere who would even get off on you crying and all the Vees are seriously the best of the worst 😩❤️

[steddieasitgoes]

“Babe! It’s about to start,” Steve calls from his spot on their couch.

Their living room has been taken over by the Party, but unlike twenty years ago when they all would have fit crowded but comfortable in the space, they’re like a can of sardines now. Bodies on top of bodies. Some share dining room chairs, others sprawled out on the floor so they don’t block the TV.

It’s rare they’re all together like this now, just the original Hawkins gang, no kids, no outside significant others, just them.

It needed to be like that.

At least for this.

“Thirty years ago, a small town in Indiana was plagued with a series of misfortune tracing back to government mishandling. Or so the residents were told. While many in the town believed the government story, others became skeptical.

“For the first time ever, we’re talking with a group of citizens who claim to be intimately involved in the events that really happened in a once quiet Indiana town. Stay tuned for a special showing of The Truth Revealed: Hawkins Turned Inside Out.”

“Oh, they were so close,” Dustin chuckles.

“Dammit, Eds! Where are you?” Steve calls again, throwing his body over the open couch cushion as Max tries to claim it.

“The show is starting and he’s not here, so it’s mine now,” she says, pulling on Steve’s arms to get him to move.

“You have Lucas’s lap to sit on!”

“And Eddie has your lap to sit on. Now move!”

Steve’s about to give in when Eddie comes racing down the hallway. The sudden absence of his thunderous footsteps is the only warning sign before he throws himself over the back of the couch and crashes down on Steve’s back as if he’s still a twentysomething year old and not a fiftysomething year old.”

“Seriously, Eds?” Steve groans under the weight of Eddie.

“Aw, baby,” Eddie croons. “Thought you loved being under me.”

The room erupts into a chorus of mock gagging and outrage. It brings Steve right back to the summer of 1986, when he and Eddie’s relationship was new and shocked the kids. They couldn’t even peck each other on the cheek without one of them wanting to gouge their eyes out. In a fun way, of course.

“We still got it,” Eddie laughs, leaning forward to free Steve.

“You guys are disgusting,” Robin laughs from the chair she’s currently sharing with Robin. Bodies pressed so close together they’re practically intertwined. She’s one to talk.

“What are you wearing, babe?” Steve asks, glancing over at Eddie for the first time since he made his dramatic entrance.

Eddie beams. His cheek dimples so big and deep, Steve’s pretty sure he could bury his entire pinky nail into them.

“Thought I’d dress for the occasion,” he shrugs. “What do you think?”

Steve blinks, really taking in Eddie. He’s wearing an old Hellfire Shirt. It’s not the same one he wore during Spring Break 1986 — that one went stayed behind in the Winnebago — but it’s the same design. A leftover from the hoard of shirts Eddie made for his club all those years ago.

It’s a snug fit. The logo stretched taunt across Eddie’s well-loved belly. The bottom of the shirt barely covers his navel, rolling up at the hem. The sleeves still fit though. Nothing’s changed too much about Eddie’s arms, aside from new ink to cover some of the scars.

Eddie’s left no detail unturned. From the black jeans that aren’t as baggy as they used to be, to the chain and bandana in his back pocket. He’s even got his old rings on. The only detail out of line is the missing skull ring he used to wear on his left ring finger. A black band with a gold stripe through it sits there instead.

“You should have told us you were dressing up,” Dustin wines.

“Yeah! I would have found dug mine out of storage,” Mike adds.

“If I told you it wouldn’t have been a surprise!” Eddie smiles, tipping his head back in that satisfied way of his.

“And now it’s time to learn what really happened in Hawkins, Indiana in the 1980s,” the announcer says.

Her booming voice is met with a chorus of shushing and chants to turn it up, all of which are listened to as they settle in to watch themselves reveal what really happened all those years ago.

Of course, it doesn’t stay silent for long as they all chime in with comments, laughter, and even some tears. They may be thirty years removed from the events, but the wounds are still fresh for most of them.

On the final commercial break, Erica checks in with social media on her phone. Shaking her head and mumbling curses under her breath.

“They don’t believe us,” she fumes, typing violently on her phone. “Those idiots. It’s just the facts!”

“We knew we weren’t going to convince everyone,” Lucas says, trying to placate her.

“It was never about them,” El nods. “It was about telling our truth. So we do not have to lie anymore.”

“I know,” Erica groans. “But it’s still annoying. They’re still going to think we’re freaks.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Eddie says.  

They all nod in agreement as the final segment of the show begins. It’s quiet as they watch the final minutes of their own interviews play out on television. They all get asked the same question:

“If you could go back and relive those years without any of these events happening, would you?”

To no one surprise, they all answer no.

But it’s Steve’s answer that gets everyone choked up.

Especially Eddie.

“Absolutely not. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the shit we went through. I never would have met my platonic soulmate. Or the love of my life. And I would probably be stuck in a miserable cookie-cutter family, instead of the found family I have because of those events. I’d take a thousand more hits to the head or bites to my chest if I had too to keep them around.

“Besides, being normal is overrated. Being a freak is so much better,” on-TV Steve says, winking directly into the camera.

Eddie leaps at Steve, smothering him with over-the-top kisses until the kids are groaning and gauging so loud it drowns out any of the trauma that the documentary might have brought back up.

“I’m changing my answer,” Dustin groans. “I’d go back and make sure you two stayed mortal enemies!”

“Too late, Henderson,” Steve sings. “You already said you wouldn’t go back. It’s immortalized on TV!”

[dnpanimationstudioclone]

Meet Valentino🦋☠️

Meet my take on Valentino! This one took the longest for me to get around to.

Made him a Monarch Butterfly!🦋 I love the whole reverse Predator and Prey thing going on with him and Angel so what if he was a creature that would normally be considered Prey, if it didn’t have its own trick up its sleeve. Poison! ☠️ plus butterflies are often depicted as sweet and pretty, which would really lean into how he puts on a sweet face to hide his true colors.😈Though who’s to say he even is that(wink😉). Made his wings a warm gradient, added some sparkle ✨ and allude subtly to a split heart with the lines and dots💔 @the-burd-lord also pointed out they give off tears💧😢

Gave him a more bug like head, mouth, eyes and only has three fingers.

Gave him heart bent stripes like Angel Dust(@a-sterling-rose shared a cool idea that an overlord can change their contracted souls) wanted it to allude to bee stripes(bees love flowers and make sweet things) and other…striped insects.

Leaned with 70’s, DISCO !!!!!!!🕺🪩💃 Bell bottoms, matching top, PLATFORMS! The whole works! I figure it fits with his timeline a lot and with what he’s usually wearing. Plus he’s def into the club scene.

Replaced his top hat with a heart shaped fedora hat! Adorned it with all kinds of different flowers!!!!! Stuff like roses, Bleeding hearts, milkweed and the big flower he’s wearing is meant to allude to the Cattleya Orchid(Colombias national flower and symbolizes fertility and virility) roses are also very popular there! They even have a holiday around flowers called the “festival of the flowers”!🌼🌹.

For his sleeves wanted to allude to another Colombia flower “devils breath” highly toxic flower and in the same toxic family as the “Angels Trumpet”. Also a street term for the dangerous drug, scopolamine which is derived from the seeds of Borrachero trees, primarily found in South America like Colombia! 🇨🇴

Kept the heart buckle belt his og had but made it hollow. Hollow heart.

Gave him a cane that’s also a disco heart 🪩❤️which may not be able to squeeze out toxic gas and other tricks.

For his color scheme, @the-burd-lord suggested I'd go with RGB theme, colors on display screen(Vox is the leader and a screen) Ngl I was conflicted what colors to go with for the vees(Primary, Red blue purple etc). But then I realized when u mix those colors u get those other colors and then I decided to give the Vees two main color themes for each. One for show, the other their true colors! Val likes to use tropical warm welcoming colors(gold luxury), def still uses red for its sensual vibes….but those kinda colors are also color of many dangerous insects…warning colors⚠️‼️☣️☢️☠️☠️☠️

Made his Heart shades butterfly wing shaped like @lovesart23 did with her Val! Seriously LOVE IT!!!!!!!.

Added a heart on his chain with his initial. Was a gift from Angel Dust💔

Also wears black and white since he’s already very colorful and to appear clean with the white…the darkness often hiding under. Has some green for the leaves and thorns(every rose has its thorns) like how Velvette still wears gold colors for accesory!🍃🌿

My Valentino’s Colombian 🇨🇴 back in the 70’s a lot was happening with Drug trade(Cocaine trade) plus it’s in the warmer area of South America, where many butterflies can be found🦋🦋🦋Monarchs migrate to the south! Also great place for flowers🌹🪻🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼💐🪷

with the flowers also lowkey trying to allude with 60’s-70’s Flower power(he def likes to seem all peace and love) was also the time of the psychedelic era😵‍💫U know he def got that stuff.

Rewrite🦋☠️

Compared to OG he’s def more sly and smooth talking, often Make him ironically the more level headed of the V’s. Have him be able to keep a cool head more, try to covert his true nature, keep things under control. Play into how he likes to try a more pragmatic approach, relying on manipulation and pacifying first before getting violent if he feels like he’s not in control. They say u attract more flies with honey than vinegar afterall. he’s able to put on the charm and sweetness well enough. You do NOT want to get on his scary side…He relies a lot on manipulation but when push comes to shove, he can mess you UP☠️!!!!!!!

Leaning with the poison theme way more!☠️💊🧪.

He doesn’t just do Adult Entertainment, but also a huge drug supplier for Hell, especially for Angel💊. It’s been implied and supposed scrapped ideas and concepts have shown him feeding Angels drug addiction.

Have him be Angels main supplier and often uses his addiction to keep him under his wings, depend on him, likes to feed into it despite how much harm it does for him. He’s basically the embodiment of toxicity/addiction, things that can poison people, can become dangerous addictions and mess people up. He’s basically one of Angel’s most dangerous addictions, the toxic abusive boss/partner☠️

I honestly want him to want NOTHING with Vox’s whole revenge plan with Alastor and his new project…until he also realizes the Princess not only actually wants to help Angel but that Angel ACTUALLY might want to try to QUIT! Than he gets more involved with Vox’s schemes.

Gets his main poison from a special flower from Hell. Similar to how Monarchs get their poison from a certain plant(milkweed) as well as play into how Butterflies feed on nectar🌺🌸 perhaps has the flowers growing all throughout his studio…especially around and maybe even in Angel’s dressing room…

What do u think? How would u redesign Val if u wanted to? I’d love to know💖 I’ve also made the 🌈Hazbin Gang🌈 and his fellow VV’s, Vox & Velvette📺🧶

Oh one more thing…He’s not actually a monarch butterfly. Here’s some totally unrelated pics of wasps(one like the executioner wasp that can be found in warm places, like monarchs, spider wasps(not friendly to spiders) and….some more parasitic types)Warnign scary wasp pics) @the-burd-lord suggested the mandibles for his face(broken heart 💔)

[bonny-kookoo]

Jungkook: By Chance

In which Jungkook, simply by chance, meets the soulmate he didn't even believe existed.

Tags/Warnings: Soulmate AU, Idol!Jungkook, angst, fluff

Length: short

Additional Content: Short 1

■▪︎━━━━━━━━━••◇••━━━━━━━━━▪︎■

'Jeon Jungkook, the Idol without a Soulmate...'

'Fans suspect to have found Jungkooks soulmate, company responds...'

'The truth about BTS' Jungkooks soulmate-curse...'

Every article seems to be the same these days.

It's true that a lot of people call his soulmate bond a curse, and he himself sometimes believes it is as well. Because he's not only unable to see color until he looks into his soulmate's eyes, he also has a mark on his wrist, suspected by specialists to be a bond. A red line reaching out for his future partner and lover. It's essentially like a thin blood vessel that sits so high under the skin it appears bright red, and it develops in teens at around 15 years old.

The only issue?

His line looks more like scribbles. It's scrambled, chaotic, broken, doesn't reach anywhere. Research and multiple doctor's visits had only given him the most dire answer there could be.

A broken bond.

His soulmate had passed away before he'd ever gotten to meet them.

For a long time, It hurt. Knowing the only one who could love you fully wasn't alive.

He tried to maybe move on, but falling in love with a person that's not your soulmate is nowadays almost impossible. It's just not the same, and it's always stressful and bound to end in bad blood. It's been seen numerous times before, from celebrities and 'normal' people as well.

Jungkook has simply accepted it.

There's no use in crying over what he can't change, so he rather throws himself into his work and deals with it by distraction rather than daydreaming. He'd done that enough as a kid.

Fans always dream of being his soulmate, and he can understand that. He himself yearns for a partner just as much, so if his existence can give them a bit of a soothing feel, then he's happy to provide it. They won't ever have to deal with watching him find someone that's not them, after all. So he just calls himself everyone's soulmate.

It's him until they find their own.

It's dark tonight, windy, snow still on the streets, making everything a bit slippery, dangerous. He wonders how many people must've fallen at this point. He hopes no one had been seriously injured yet.

Just as he thinks that, something is heard in front of him, and he can only helplessly watch as a short girl slips and crashes onto the concrete, bag of groceries spilling out. "Oh God, are you alright?" He asks eagerly, forgetting for a moment that he shouldn't be seen out as an Idol, rather occupied with trying to attend to you, who's still shaking on the ground, holding your knee. Your black and slightly sheer tights had clearly ripped, stripes of broken fabric already decorating up to your thigh and down your shin. "Hey, let's get all that back into the bag yeah? Did you hurt yourself?" He wonders, because you're clearly crying.

Or are you? Because that sounds suspiciously like laughter.

"Oh my God!" You clearly laugh out now, head thrown back, cat-shaped earrings dangling freely as you cringe with closed eyes for a second. "What a waste of eggs." You giggle, looking at the few broken eggs already spilled out.

"A few are still okay. Is your knee alright? Anything broken?" He asks, a but relieved that you're not in too much pain it seems.

"Yeah yeah, just scratched. AND I can throw those out." You huff, pulling on the broken fabric now before letting it snap back against your skin. Your hands are bloody, just a bit, but it doesn't seem to bother you. "Thanks. God how embarrassing, I hope it's caught on CCTV at least so someone's got a good laugh out of that." You grin, slowly getting up to brush your clothes off of any dust and dirt.

He smiles to himself, putting all your things back into the paper bag- but it's ripped. There's no way you can carry all that on your own. "Uhm.." he says, showing the broken brown paper to you, and you whine bitterly.

"Oh come on!" You complain, crouching down next to him. "Maybe.. ugh I don't know. God I was looking forward to eating that shitty lasagna." You mumble bitterly, probably contemplating what to leave behind.

"I could help you carry some stuff?" He asks, and you look at him for a second.

"Really?" You grin, and he looks oddly frozen now. "You- huh?" Now you notice it too. Then your gaze falls down to the ground. To the orange light from the streetlamp. The green of the bell pepper, and the red packaging of the lasagna.

That's color.

"Holy shit." You gasp out, before you hear Jungkooks quiet voice.

"Thats.. not possible." He almost whispers. "My soulmate is dead." He murmurs more or less to himself.

"I-what? No, I'm clearly alive! Okay a bit scratched up but hey, damaged goods are still okay?" You joke, but he seems genuinely confused. He shows you his wrist, his oddly shaped bonding line, and you compare it to yours.

It's tiny. Barely there. Just a single, short line.

"Oh, I think I get it now." You say.

"Huh?" He wonders, looking at you. His heart is beating out of his chest.

"I had an accident when I was younger, around 11 or 12. They had to resuscitate me four times. I was basically dead for like, I don't know, really." You explain. "Maybe that fucked up your bond? I'm really clumsy, sorry." You laugh, and suddenly, he laughs too. Because One look at you, and he knows.

Not just because of the colors-

But because he would've fallen in love with your smile anyway.

♥━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━♥

[frannyzooey]

Those arms 👀 Those palms rubbing his eyes 🥺 Definitely need a drabble 😌

Weeknights Frankie x f!reader

Rating: Explicit

"Oh my god, I didn't think he would ever go to sleep," Frankie groans, letting himself fall back onto the couch.

"Him, or her?" you ask, joining him. "I think I read her like, four books or something."

"These dang kids." The statement is said quietly, laced with affection with his arm still thrown over his eyes and you smile, scooting closer to him on the couch.

"Getting too old for it, baby?"

He moves his arm, looking over at you. "Yea, I am." He says it seriously, following it with a quick grin and you lean in for a kiss. It starts as a chaste one, one meant to convey a wordless thank you for putting the baby down tonight, but his lips linger on yours for a fraction longer.

You break the kiss, pulling back with raised eyebrows and his eyes are hooded - both with exhaustion and emerging interest. He reaches for you, cupping your cheek to pull you back towards him.

"Where you going, baby?" he murmurs, his lips brushing against yours. "I'm not done yet."

"I don't know," you reply softly, meeting his mouth again, again. "I thought maybe you might be too tired or something."

"I'm never too tired for you." His voice has a husky rasp to it, his body shifting to guide you back down against the cushions and he follows you, settling his weight between your thighs. His mouth immediately seeks yours out, his hand reaching down to curl around the bend of your knee, tugging it higher on his hip. It then shifts upwards, spanning the side of your torso, sliding up, up, up until he palms your breast, playing with the peak of it through your shirt and bra.

His thumb catches against the nub, and he circles it slowly over and over. Until it pebbles through the cotton, until you're aching into his touch.

"This okay?" he breathes, his mouth moving to the line of your neck as his hand still teases. He knows you're more sensitive after the baby, sometimes touched out but you nod quickly, covering his large hand with your smaller one.

"Yea, it feels good."

He leaves it, moving to slide his hand underneath the hem of your shirt and when the warm weight of it settles over your breast after he tugs the cup of your bra down, you moan softly, bringing his mouth back to yours.

You are tired and so is he, but you can't stop kissing each other. Your bodies move as one on the couch, low sounds of contentment, of savor to match your higher pitched sighs and soon the shirt and bra are off, and his mouth has replaced his hand. He teases your nipple with his tongue, a mirror of what he usually does between your legs.

"We should go into the bedroom," you sigh, your fingers threading through his soft, dark curls and he hums, his tongue laving a stripe over your sweet skin. He latches onto your nipple, and you hiss in pleasure, your thumb fitting into the hollow of his whiskered cheek.

He pulls back to answer you, his eyes staying on the glistening, wet flesh of your breast. "I want to, but I'm scared to walk past their bedroom doors....what if they wake up?"

You laugh and he remains serious, which makes you laugh even harder. He eventually smiles, his dimple deep in his cheek.

"I'm serious, baby," he grins. "It took me so long, I had to sit and rock him for ages and he kept fussing and --"

You press your hand over his mouth, stopping him and he kisses the pads of your fingers, giving the crease of them a little lick. You giggle under him, and you see the edges of his eyes crinkle with a smile.

"Come on," he coaxes, leaning his face away from your hand to bend his head back down. His lips press delicate against the plane of your chest, against the swell of your breast, brushing against your collarbone. He breathes his next words warm into your ear.

"Just lemme eat your pussy on the couch, okay? Then I'll take you to bed."

You close your eyes with a frown, taking in a shaky breath and he gives you another kiss on the edge of your jaw, another just below your ear. He looks down at you for consent, his dark brown eyes with their beautiful, long lashes waiting.

You nod, and he grins, shifting slowly down.

[stxrshxpxd]

"i'm not your trophy" || uni damon

pairing: 90s/uni damon albarn x reader

word count: 1.008

warnings: smutish

prompt: damon and reader have known each other forever but never got along. at last they have ended up in bed together.

* * *

Three loud knocks shook my brain awake. One thin stripe of sunlight nearly blinded me as I tried to open my eyes, and a thicker one was drenching my bare shoulder in warmth.

“Yeees,” I grumbled into my pillow and an arm suddenly moved from on top of me to lay next to my face. Shit. Every little detail of last night flashed before my shut eyes in an instant. I moved my head from the sunlight and tried again to open my aching eyes.

“It’s nearly 10! Do you want breakfast or not?” my best friend Cassie shouted rhetorically through the door. Two more knocks and I propped myself up on my elbows, my breasts nearly exposed to Damon next to me. He too had opened his eyes and was glancing at me smugly. I shifted slightly under the covers and came to the conclusion that I was fully nude.

“Stay here.”

“I want breakfast!” he introjected way too loudly. I hushed him immediately but Cassie was already giggling on the other side of the door.

“Is that Damon?”

“Fuck me,” I muttered and shoved my face into my pillow again. “Don’t!” I said and lifted my head again, stopping Damon’s inevitable comment.

“Come onnnn,” Cassie shouted between giggles and she knocked again.

His palm pressed against my rib cage and his lips refused to leave mine, shoving me into my dormitory back first. The sharp corner of my desk pierced into the side of my hip suddenly, but all I could do was laugh into Damon’s mouth. The last two shots had ensured my pain receptors were completely out of order for the next hour or so.

I spotted the bruise in passing as I shimmied past my full body mirror to my left, my duvet draped very poorly over my body. I rummaged through my underwear drawer desperately and managed to slide a pair on, just as I noticed my t-shirt from last night that hung off the top of my dresser.

Damon’s fingers tugged on the stretchy fabric and pulled my t-shirt over my head swiftly, only leaving my lips for a second. He tossed it across my small room somewhere behind him and seconds later I was on my back with my cool pillow against my neck. His hand had already found the button of my jeans.

“Don’t break tradition!” Damon protested and threw his own t-shirt at me. I looked down at the grey shirt by my feet and remembered all the girls that had paraded around in his baggy shirts and smug smiles all around the refectory during breakfast.

“I’m not your trophy,” I stated and slipped my own shirt on instead. It was closely followed by pulling my jeans on as well.

“Okay. Maybe I’m your trophy.”

I didn’t know what to say to that, and then Cassie banged on the door again.

“If I tell you it’s boring news you fucked Damon, will you come out? They’ll seriously close the kitchen in 5 minutes.”

“Oh, shout it a bit louder, would you?!”

”Can we- Can you-” I stammered and failed to finish my sentence, as I watched him squeeze into an oversized top of mine. It fit him tightly over the chest and the deep cut of the neck left his collar bones exposed.

I was sat on top of him, my knees digging into my soft mattress on either side of his bony hips. My lips were attached to his left collar bone and his soft pleased grunts fell into my tangled hair as I sucked a bruise into his skin.

I stared at the dark red spot for a second too long, while Damon slipped into his blue jeans again.

“Sorry, you have a few of those too,” he grinned. He wasn’t really sorry. I spun around to study the visible parts of my body and found two large hickeys down the side of my neck.

“I feel about 15,” I muttered and rolled my eyes as I turned back around.

“I feel hungry.”

Damon made a quick decision and dragged me with him, firmly gripping my wrist, and unlocked the door. On the other side of it stood Cassie with a massive smile and a giggle on its way out.

“This didn’t happen,” I stated and waved my hand around in the air between me and Damon.

“I think Damon’s been wanting this since year one, have you not?” Cassie laughed, stepping into possibly risky territory. Cassie didn’t know Damon very well, apart from having been dragged into multiple drunken arguments between the two of us. Damon and I had grown up together, always known each other but never gotten on. It wasn’t until we began going to the same parties, especially the uni ones, that we really began talking to one another. And those talks were always heated discussions to say the least.

“Been wanting this since I was twelve,” Damon singsonged jokingly and Cassie and him giggled in unison.

“Been wanting this since I was twelve,” he had drunkenly breathed into my ear, while his one hand clasped my two wrists, pinning them down above my head. Not a single giggle could be heard.

We paraded into the half full refectory and gained a few looks. I saw the whispers but couldn’t hear them over the rest of the loud rumbling of conversation.

I slid away to an empty table nearby and sank down with a heavy sigh. The hangover was catching up with me. Cassie gave me a questioning look and Damon copied it.

“I’m not hungry,” I said with a steady voice.

“I fed you enough last night, huh?” Damon said with an intentionally loud voice and some of the other voices died down around the room as a reaction. The silliness of the purple low cut top hugging his torso teamed with his smug grin made me exhale another deep sigh and roll my eyes.

“Plenty,” I settled and nodded my head reluctantly as I sank down further in my seat.

[authorautumnbanks]

Stranded With A Demon Lord and the Strongest Sorcerer (5)

Read Chapter 1 ; Read Chapter 2 ; Read Chapter 3 ; Read Chapter 4

Kagome bites her tongue to stop the sigh from escaping past her lips. The plan was to get kidnapped and taken to the same building as the other women and children.

But...

"Dance for me," the ogre says, reclining on his mountains of pillows. There are no beds or cots. Just pillows, dirt, and a beam in the middle of the room that looks sketchy at best.

His bottom tusks jut out from his thin mouth. His eyes are black and small. His nose is just as small as his eyes, but flat. He looks like a Pekingese. All he needs is some hair to complete the look. Instead, his head is bald and gleans green.

Kagome presses her lips together and glances at the door flap.

"Female," he barks out. "Dance." He pounds his fist on the ground, creating a small crater.

Kagome swallows the curse words and plasters a smile on her face. Getting upset will not help the others. She sways her hips and rolls. The ogre leans forward. His mouth parts. If only she had some cymbals to complete the dance. Any beat would do, instead the only sounds are the ones coming from the ogre, who should get his breathing checked out.

What she needs is some kind of opening. Maybe she can get close enough to knock him out or somehow convince him to take her to the others. Then she can put up a barrier and flare her energy. Sesshomaru and... maybe Satoru can do the rest.

Light spills into the room and another ogre, slightly stockier than the one in front of her, enters.

"What're ya doin!" he bellows. "All females go together."

"This one's mine," the other one snaps back. "Look at her. She dances fer me."

Kagome rolls her eyes. Okay. This isn't working. Getting kidnapped to be their plaything was not a part of the plan. She needs another plan. Maybe those two will continue to argue and someone higher up the ladder will take over?

The flap lifts and Sesshomaru and Satoru walk in. Kagome nearly falters but doesn't lose her rhythm. She rolls her hips, keeping the movement isolated.

Seriously? She has everything under control. And they look silly in their disguises. Satoru's eyes widen. There's dirt smeared across his face and arms. Gone is his dark uniform and replaced is some leather strap across his chest like armor. They look like barbarians. How Satoru got Sesshomaru to go along with whatever the hell they are doing is beyond her. Not that she is complaining. Sesshomaru's markings are on full display. Kagome eyes the stripes that curve around his hips.

"Oi! Wrong hut, yer asses!" The ogre stands and points a meaty finger at the flap. "Damn idiots can't tell they asses from their noses." He advances toward her and wraps his tongue around one tusk.

Oh boy. Time to de-escalate the situation.

"Quiet the tongue you got there," she purrs.

The ogre stops and his mouth splits right open. Kagome's eye twitches. Lovely. Now she's covered in purple blood and guts. She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand and glares at Sesshomaru.

"I had it under control."

"That beast was never going to take you to the other women." Sesshomaru glances at the other ogre by his feet. At least that one isn't all bloody, but his neck is twisted all wrong. Did Satoru do that?

Satoru strides over and grabs her arm. "Change of plans. Let's get to that building before more of them come in here."

Kagome looks at his hand and then points to herself. "I'm covered in blood."

"We wrangled you back in," Satoru quips.

"You want to wrangle me in," she teases. Satoru's hold on her loosens. "You're gonna have to be more aggressive than that if you want this to work."

Sesshomaru looks up at the ceiling.

Huh? What's with him?

"Whoa!" Suddenly she's looking directly at Satoru's ass, and what a nice ass it is.

Focus, Kagome. Focus.

"Sorry," Satoru says, palming her ass. "Is this better...to sell the image?"

Kagome presses her lips together. She's gonna do it. It's only fair.

" Kagome!" Why, Satoru sounds flustered. Kagome snickers. Messing with Satoru may be her new favorite pastime.

"Move your hands a little lower."

"Give me the priestess."

"What? No. I got her," Satoru replies. "Just lead us to the building. You can sniff em out, right?"

Kagome doesn't need to see to know Sesshomaru is glaring at Satoru. "You want me to pinch your butt later?"

"This Sesshomaru would prefer a massage."

"So needy," she jokes. Kagome lowers her head as they head out of the hut. She wants to look around, but that might draw more attention, so she settles for staring at Satoru's ass. "Gotta say I'm digging the loincloths. Really brings out your legs." Kagome turns her head and sighs. She wants to peek at Sesshomaru too.

Wait... are they wearing underwear? Scratch that, is Satoru wearing underwear? Sesshomaru doesn't wear any.

"What business do you have here?" Someone questions.

"We re-captured the female," Satoru responds, lowering her to her feet. He grabs a hold of her and keeps her back flush against his.

Oh. He's not.

Kagome bites her tongue. She needs to take this seriously.

"Take the female or we will," Sesshomaru barks out. The ogres startle and look at one another. With a nervous chuckle, they step to the side and let them through.

"Drop her in and then get the hell out, or it'll be yer heads."

How grumpy. Kagome keeps her mouth closed as they enter the building. Centaur females huddle together in a corner with the children in the middle. They glare at Sesshomaru and Satoru. To the side, two goblin females and a child huddle together. Kagome frowns. Even in a dire situation like this, they can't put their differences to the side?

"A human female?" A voice says, slinking out of the shadows. Ah, that must be the banished dude. His back is arched like a humpback. His fingers are long, and his nails are tipped black. "You have done well," he praises as he walks over to her. "A little dirty, but with a little work, I bet she'll shine real pretty." He rubs his hands together and leers at her.

"Do we have a buyer?" Satoru asks.

The banished dude tilts his head back and squints. "There are always buyers for human females. Which division did you say you were from?"

Sesshomaru sprays poison in the goblin's face and then catches him before he lands on the floor. The females shake. Some cover their mouths. "A barrier, priestess. We will take this one back to the village."

Kagome nods. "Should we bind him?" She looks around and pouts. There's nothing in here to be of use.

"Is he even alive?" Satoru steps on the goblin and rolls him around.

"Well, if you keep that up, he might wake up," Kagome admonishes. Satoru pauses and removes his foot. "It's fine. I'll put one up around this building, so he can't escape even if he tries." She waves them away and turns to face the other females. Kagome smiles and clasps her hands together. "Okay, don't mind the blood. We're going to get everyone out of here and back to their villages." She puts up a barrier as soon as Sesshomaru and Satoru head back out of the building.

Should she have made it soundproof?

Shouts and screams reverberate throughout the building. The centaur women stand to their feet... err hooves, and create a tighter circle around their young.

"You tell lies," One centaur says with long red hair.

"Not a lie. Argol told us that some of you have gone missing." Kagome looks over at the goblins. "He attacked the goblin village, but they were able to put their differences aside." She hooks her thumb behind her. "This dude was banished from the village and might be the mastermind?"

"Slozz," one goblin female speaks up. "He was the banished one, though he goes by a different name now." She stands and clenches her fists at her sides. "He was preparing to sell us off, but he didn't have enough to make the trek."

Kagome clucks her tongue. She outta kick this Slozz in his side. "Gotcha, well, don't mind the noise outside—"

AHHHHH!

Kagome rolls her eyes. How rude. "As I was saying—"

"HELP ME!"

Kagome sucks her teeth. She should have made it soundproof. "We're going to return everyone back to their villages. Whatever information you have, please share it when we get there."

They all nod. The children peer around the others and smile at her. Kagome smiles back and gives a small wave.

Crash!

What in the world are they doing out there? Kagome pushes her bangs back and then grimaces. Ugh. She forgot about the blood. What she needs is a soak for at least two hours. Satoru's energy pushes against her barrier. It's dark. Twisted. Overwhelming. Kagome swallows and then drops the barrier. Satoru strolls in a moment later with a crazed smile on his face.

"You didn't tell me Sesshomaru turns into a giant dog," he says.

"I said he's a dog demon," Kagome squints at him. Of all the things to get excited about. "We all ready to go then?"

Satoru nods. His eyes sparkle with mischief. "It would be faster if Sesshomaru transported everyone..."

"You want to build a sled and hook it up to him?"

He flutters his long eyelashes at her.

"Alright, but you'll have to move fast because we don't have time—" Kagome blinks at the spot where Satoru was. She turns around and addresses the other females and children. "Okay, don't be alarmed, but there's a giant dog outside and he's going to transport everyone to the goblin village. Argol and the others are there as well, waiting. So don't freak out. You'll be back in no time."

They stare at her as though she has another head on her shoulders, but no one complains. The children look giddy, so she takes that as a plus.

Satoru flashes in front of her and Kagome laughs, playing off how her heart skipped a beat. "Hey, you can keep the interior of the building from collapsing, right?" At her nod, Satoru continues with a huge smile spread across his face. "Okay, we got some rope and chains that we can wrap around the building. You'll just put up a barrier and Sesshomaru is going to pull the building." In his arms is clothing. Oh. Sesshomaru and Satoru's clothing. On his back is her yellow bag, and it looks like he grabbed her bow and quiver, too. Satoru stuffs his and Sesshomaru's items into the bag and dusts his hands.

"You're really excited about this."

"I'm gonna ride on top." He waggles his eyebrows.

"You like being on top?"

His nostrils flare. Satoru leans over and whispers in her ear. "I want you to ride my face. Tonight." He pulls back. "Sesshomaru can watch or join if you want."

If she wants? Does Sesshomaru want that?

Kagome takes a step closer to him and places a hand on his exposed chest. The strap of leather does not count. Frankly, she does not get how that counts as armor, but whatever. Slozz groans and shifts on the floor. Kagome sighs. "You should get going. We don't want him to wake up before we get there." She could keep him in a barrier, but mainly, she doesn't want him to wake up and scare everyone.

"Keep him in a barrier... actually, I'll just take him and tie him up now. He can hang up on the roof with me. I'll flare my energy when we're all set."

Satoru grabs Slozz's ankle and drags him out of the room.

Hm. Satoru and Sesshomaru are in some kind of sync. Sesshomaru doesn't make friends easily. Maybe she can convince Satoru to just come with them? Kagome gives herself a mental shake. No, that wouldn't be fair. Satoru has people who love him and are probably worried about him. She can't ask him to give up his world and do what? Frolic around with her and Sesshomaru? Going wherever the wind leads them? No, she can't do that to him.

"Is he your mate?" The centaur female with the red hair asks.

"Satoru? Oh, no." Kagome laughs. "I don't have a mate."

"So, he is free?"

The laughter dies out with a croak. "No."

"... I see." She juts her chin out and looks down at Kagome. "Then I challenge you for the right to claim him."

Kagome blinks and then laughs, so hard tears cling to her eyelashes. Challenge her? "Good luck with that. Satoru isn't someone you claim." She stares at the redhead. "You should be more considerate, considering we came here to rescue you." Kagome motions to the group. At the feel of Satoru's energy, she puts up another barrier. "Came here to rescue you from another trying to claim you," she finishes. Kagome turns her head and frowns. Okay, so she's more attracted to Satoru than she thought. That's fine. Lying to herself isn't a hobby she's fond of, so now what? Take him up on his offer?

She's not a prude, but should she take him up on it? There's a high chance that they might be stuck together for longer than any of them wants. Kagome blows out a breath. It's too bad this building doesn't have any windows for her to look out of. She would like to see how fast they are traveling.

Satoru flares his energy again. She drops the barrier and throws open the door right as Satoru is reaching for the knob.

"Human," the centaur female calls out. "I wish to take you as my mate."

Satoru coughs. "Not interested." He gives Kagome a what the fuck look, but she just shrugs. How was she to know that the centaur chick would be so bold?

"Because of her?"

Satoru raises a brow. "Yeah, because of her." He pulls Kagome to his side and smiles at her so sinfully that her insides turn to mush.

Oh, no. Satoru is far more dangerous than she thought.

"Stop flirting with the priestess," Sesshomaru says. "This Sesshomaru tires of this village."

"You just want that massage." Kagome winks. Sesshomaru should go shirtless more often. Not like he gets cold.

His eyes darken.

Oh boy. Kagome bites her lip. There must be something in the air.

"CHOSEN ONE! YOU HAVE RETURNED!" Argol shouts as he rushes over, nearly trampling a goblin in his haste.

"Argol!" The centaurs cry. They rush out of the building. Satoru pulls her closer to his side.

The goblins rush over to Ebeelx and weep.

Sesshomaru steps closer to Kagome and Satoru. "We are leaving."

Kagome looks at his loincloth and then at his face. "You just wanted to show off your markings to Satoru."

Sesshomaru's nostrils flare. "He has an impressive length for a human."

Kagome's mouth parts. "What did you do to Sesshomaru?"

"Me? I haven't done anything." He smirks. "Yet."

Kagome hums. Nothing like some bloodshed to bring the boys together. "Well alright. I need a bath."

"Wait!" Ebeelx holds out a hand. "Please, you must return for dinner. We will celebrate." He motions to Argol, who crosses his arms with a proud smile on his face. "We will all celebrate. And we must deal with the banished one." Ebeelx glares at Slozz, who is crumbled on the floor. His skin is a lighter green than it was earlier.

Did Sesshomaru give him another dose of poison? Or did Satoru do something to him?

"No." Sesshomaru flicks his hair back. "This Sesshomaru cares not for your celebrations, nor what you wish to do with that one." He strides into the building and returns with her bag, bow, and quiver. "We are leaving. Pick up the priestess before she tries to stay."

Kagome rolls her eyes. "I can wal—whoa!" She blinks at the sudden change in view. Satoru's hands grip her thighs. "Can you even see if you hold me like this?"

He chuckles. "Yeah, I can see."

Kagome waves goodbye to the others and then wraps her arms around Satoru's neck. It's certainly different. Being carried like this. "So, I'm going to assume you aren't wearing underwear... unless you like thongs?"

Satoru snaps his attention to her. "You danced for that ogre."

"Jealous?"

"A little." He nods his head at Sesshomaru. "Do you dance for him?"

"Only when I feel like being silly."

"The priestess is always dancing."

Kagome leans back and glares at Sesshomaru's back. On second thought, she does not care for this newfound camaraderie between the two.

Satoru inhales sharply.

"What's with you? Need me to walk?"

"No, it's nothing."

Yeah, she believes him. Not. Kagome rubs her tongue over her teeth. Messing with Satoru really is her new favorite pastime, and since he doesn't seem all that flustered at the moment, she should fix that, so she leans forward, brushing her breasts against him as she murmurs in his ear. "Want me to dance on your cock?"

"Stop pawing at one another," Sesshomaru says. Kagome blinks. When did Sesshomaru get right in front of them? He sniffs. "You're not in heat and yet you act like it."

Kagome groans. "Don't you start—hey!" Sesshomaru plucks her from Satoru's arms and carries her over his shoulder.

"Carry the items," he instructs Satoru. "Priestess, stop moving."

"No!" She gasps. Her ears burn and her ass stings. "Harder." She wiggles for good measure, just to mess with him. It's not like he'll actually do it.

Slap.

She bites back the whimper. Sesshomaru must be over the games today.

***

A/N: Looks like the smut chapter will be from Sesshomaru's POV.

Since JJK is ending next month, How To Tame will probably wrap up sometime next year though I'll still do the side stories. Plan is to wrap up Accidental this year.

"Is the wildflowers bit chosen one stuff or Satoru falling in love?" - That was nature being drawn to Kagome since she's a priestess, though to the 'people' of this world, it's because she's the chosen one.

"How does she know Sesshomaru knots?" - She knows Koga knots from experience and probably asked Sesshoamru if he knots as well.

"Will the bathing suit survive?" - Lol no.

Hope you are having an awesome week! Take care of yourself! Get plenty of rest and make sure to stay hydrated.

[return-of-a-space-cowboy]

Eagle under the lion's paw pt 4

The next morning you nearly screamed in pain as you tried to get up. The pain of your injury flaring up again. You stumbled towards your desk where the painkillers were and took them. You then grabbed the water jug and poured yourself water. You drank your water before hearing a knock on the door.

“Who is it?” You asked.

“It's me” you heard Dimitri's voice. Oh no, you couldn't come out in this state. You'd never hear the end of his apology if he saw you in this much pain.

“Hold on a bit, I'm not decent right now,” you told him as you hobbled over to your drawers pulled out some clothes, and hastily tried to put them on without making any pained noises.

Once you were done you made your way to the door and opened it to see Dimitri standing in front of the door with flowers in hand, red carnations with white stripes.

“I'm so sorry for what happened yesterday, I don't know what overcame me,” he told you as he handed you the flowers.

“Dimitri, it's OK… I know it was an accident” you told him.

“I know but I still hurt you and I can't forgive myself for what I did,” he told you as he held his head in his hand.

“I forgive you, stop beating yourself up over it. I know it was an accident ” You told him as you pulled his hand away from his face. You hissed in pain as you did so.

He was grief-struck. He knew that if he'd used any more force, he could have seriously injured or even killed you.

“I promise I'll make it up to you,” he said. There was clearly no way of talking him out of it like this. What more could you tell him?

You walked back into your room to put the carnations in an empty vase and fill it with water.

“did you want to walk into town with me?” You asked him. Of course, you knew that was his plan after his insistence to replace your lance. Perhaps you could get his mind off of what happened yesterday.

He'd taken you immediately to the armory and asked you to pick out a new lance. Instantly a brave lance caught your eye. You'd heard Ferdinand sing constant praise of how great the brave lance was. Strong yet light, great for manoeuvrability but it came at a steep price.

As much as you wanted it you didn't want to burden Dimitri with such a hefty cost.

“Could I please get the steel lance?” You asked Dimitri.

“Of course” he replied with a smile before talking to the shopkeeper. You saw him talk and then hand them a satchel of gold before they took the Brave lance.

“Dimitri I asked for the steel lance” you stuttered as you got closer to him.

“I know you're trying to be considerate but I know this is what you want. After all, I have to make up for yesterday,” he told you before handing the lance to you.

“But it costs so much” you retorted.

“Have you forgotten that I am also royalty? It is not a great deal to me” he responded with amusement.

The rest of the day you two walked around the monastery. You arrived back at your dorm in the afternoon. You sat at your desk to finish a mock test Manuela had given you in preparation for your test to become a paladin.

“Hey (Y/n), you doing ok?” You could hear Dorathea's voice from the other side of the door. You got up from your desk and opened the door to see her with a teapot and cups in hand.

“Hi Dorathea, Manuela gave me some medicine to deal with the pain so I'm alright,” you told her.

“You don't mind if we have some tea, I just thought I'd offer you some,” she said.

“Of course not, come in,” you said before grabbing out the the second chair.

“Who gave you those?” She asked as she pointed to your vase with carnations.

“Oh Dimitri came over this morning to apologize for what happened at the battle of the eagle and lion” you explained.

“Weird flower to apologize with,” she remarked and she placed everything on the coffee table and sat down.

“How so?” You asked as you looked back at the flower.

“Every flower has a different meaning. Typically carnations are associated with motherly love but red carnations with stripes are for longing” she told you.

“You've told him? Right?” She asked.

“No I haven't” you replied.

“Then tell him, you need to draw a line otherwise things could get messy,” she said.

“But what if he doesn't feel that way, then it sounds weird” you replied.

“(Y/n) Trust me, it's better you set your boundaries. That was the mistake I made when I started off at the opera company. Men got too close, I didn't know how to set boundaries and It led to some incidents” she explained.

“Ugh, maybe I'm overthinking everything… it's just I don't want anything happening to you. Dimitri seems far too polite to ever cross a line. Besides flower language isn't as popular nowadays, I only know about it because I was surrounded by people far older than me” she rambled.

“Just try to keep safe and if anyone gives you trouble let me know”

🦅🦅🦅

“Beating those bandits was a piece of cake, wish we got sent on missions like what the blue lions get” you heard Casper talk about yesterday's mission to some of the other classmates. You hadn't attended due to a medical exemption.

“The mission they had was at Remire village. I heard some of the knights say that it got out of hand” Ferdinand spoke. You packed up your books and left to get ready to go to the training ground.

When you did arrive at the training ground you couldn't see Dimitri, even after waiting for quite a substantial amount of time he didn't show up. You left the training ground and looked around the monastery before seeing one of his classmates, Mercedes.

“Good afternoon Mercedes, do you know where Dimitri might be?” You asked her.

“Oh hello. I haven't seen him today. The professor did say that he was feeling unwell so he's probably resting in his dorm” she explained with a warm smile on her face.

“Thank you, I just wondering why he hadn't shown up to training” you thanked her before leaving. You didn't see him that night either.

The next day you hadn't seen him again so you decided to buy him a pastry from the Bakery and head to his dorm. You knocked on his door.

“It's (Y/n), I just wanted to check in since I heard you weren't doing too well. I also brought you something to eat” you explained. Soon the door opened and revealed Dimitri. He looked disheveled, his hair hadn't been combed and he was only dressed in his undergarments. A small but shaky smile took shape on his face.

“(Y/n)... I'm so glad to see you” his voice was but a whisper.

“Dimitri, you look awful. You should be back in bed” you told him.

“I am well aware of that… May I ask you to keep me company?” He asked you.

“Of course” you replied as you followed behind him and closed the door. He pulled out the desk chair for you before sitting on the side of his bed.

You handed him the bag with the pastry in it and he muttered a thank you before you set down.

“Have you seen Manuela about this?” you asked. He shook his head from side to side.

“No, it is no ailment… in truth, it's something I've had to deal with for many years, with recent events I feel it's only getting worse,” he told you.

“Then what is it? You look like you're at death's door” you asked.

“You'll listen to me… won't you?” He asked as he reached out for your hand.

[diazheartsbuckley]

Fuck it Friday

Tagged by my lovelies @giddyupbuck @daffi-990 @wikiangela and @thewolvesof1998 💗

I can’t really call this a mini series anymore cause we’re going on week 4 now lol

Anyway, here’s a continuation of When Hearts Collide (Can I Take Your Hand?) and it’s with a little bit of ✨spice✨

List of previous parts:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

(Story under cut)

Weeks after sharing their first kiss, Buck and Eddie had shared so many more, finding it harder and harder to keep it a secret from those around them.

They didn’t want to reveal anything too fast because despite knowing each other so well, figuring out what it meant to be romantically involved was proving to a minor challenge for them. Surely, it wasn’t news that they already knew how to talk about their feelings and how to deal with them but things had changed between them. For the better.

They also hadn’t figured what to call themselves just yet. Were they boyfriends? Friends with benefits? Expect there hadn’t really been any benefits. Unless heavily making out on Buck’s couch was called a benefit. Then there had been plenty of benefits

Buck was straddling Eddie’s thighs, his fingers buried deep in the soft tissue of his shoulders and Eddie was looking up at him with warm, brown eyes, pupils slightly dilated.

Firm hands had made their way under Buck’s shirt, gently tracing circles over his hipbones and his lips were parted so prettily, inviting Eddie’s tongue in.

The second that their tongues connected, Buck couldn’t stop from arching against Eddie, a weak moan escaping his mouth.

Buck’s moan sent shockwaves down Eddie’s spine and back up to his cock, feeling it reacting instantly. It was almost embarrassing how quickly it happened but Eddie was already half hard for the taller man sitting in his lap.

It wasn’t the first time that his body had reacted to Buck this way (like seriously how could it be?). And his reaction only made Buck press his hips up against him, slowly moving them in a steady rhythm.

Without even thinking, Eddie’s hands moved to the front of Buck’s pants and unbuckled them with ease, slipping them carefully down Buck’s hips and halfway down his ass.

“Is it fine?”

Eddie’s voice was hoarse and the look in Buck’s eyes gave it away. So did the reaction from his body; his hands moving into Eddie’s hair and gripping onto it gently.

“Oh it’s more than okay”

Buck breathed out against Eddie’s neck, licking a stripe from the base of it up to the side of his jaw. It elicited a moan from Eddie, his fingernails digging into Buck’s ass and it only urged Buck to go on.

His hands trailed down Eddie’s sides and he traced his fingers from his hips and to the front of his pants, cupping his semi-hard cock.

The movements became more firm and Eddie could feel himself aching to be touched, his cock trapped underneath his clothes and his moans grew louder as Buck slipped a hand into his pants, his eyes rolling to the back of his head.

“Feels good?” Buck panted out against his neck, feeling his own cock leaving with pre-cum.

“So fucking good”

Eddie could barely get the moan out as Buck traced a finger over the head of his aching cock.

“I-.. I want to ask you something”

He was almost writhing underneath Buck’s touch yet somehow his mind still wandered.

“Fuck, Eds, anything you want” Buck breathed out, his hand moving steadily up and down Eddie’s thick cock.

“God, Buck. I-… oh my fucking god”

Buck’s nails dug into Eddie’s back, their muscular chest moving in sync and Eddie leaned his head back, barely able to focus on anything else but the fact that his best friend was stroking his dick so good that he was going to come way faster than he wanted to.

“What are we?”

The words finally managed to escape Eddie’s mouth and Buck’s movements slowed down, almost to a halt, eyes widened in surprise.

“You’re seriously asking me that right now? When I can feel how close you are to coming? You wanna know what we are?”

Buck’s chuckle was breathless as he met Eddie’s wide eyes and combed a hand through the sweaty hair on the back of his neck.

“Y-yes, I do”

It wasn’t the time or the place to have this conversation but Eddie didn’t really care. Or maybe he cared a little because Buck’s hand was still on his dick, stroking painfully slow.

“What do you think we are, baby? What do you want us to be?”

Buck questioned and pressed a warm kiss against the corner of Eddie’s wet mouth, letting the tip of his tongue trace along his bottom lip before he sat back a little again.

“I want us to belong to each other. I want us to be a couple. That’s what I want”

Eddie was getting slightly more clear headed as Buck stopped moving his hand entirely.

The way that Eddie spoke was so clear and so affectionate that Buck couldn’t help but to smile, chuckling a little.

“Then I’m yours, Eddie. For as long as you’ll have me” Buck said before kissing Eddie firmly, deeply and passionately, not able to help the smile on his face.

“Now do you want me to finish what I started?” He whispered into Eddie’s ear, feeling the shorter man shifting beneath him.

“Yes… please”

Eddie sounded almost desperate for release as Buck started to move his hand again, this time a bit more eager and with a thumb that stroked the head of Eddie’s cock every time that he got the chance.

It didn’t take long for Eddie to come apart into Buck’s hand, moaning and panting his name like he needed it more than air, than he needed to feel Buck against him to feel alive.

“I’m yours too, Buck. Fuck, I’m yours”

He managed to breathe out as his body slowly started to relax again, Buck’s chest pressed against his.

“I know” Buck grinned as he moved his hand out of Eddie’s underwear, licking the cum off his hand.

Tagging!! @wildlife4life @theotherbuckley @forthewolves @wikiangela @jesuisici33 @watchyourbuck @eddiebabygirldiaz @eddiediaztho @honestlydarkprincess @callaplums @criminally-obsessed @disasterbuckdiaz 💗🦋

[yunarim]

ಇ. broken melodies | chapter 2

⇢ ⁺ THE SLIGHTLY CHIPPED FULL MOON ˖ Yuu realizes that Neige has something in common with Snow White and gets alarmed.

— PREVIEW (read for tags and synopsis) — MASTERLIST (open to read previous chapters) — AO3 ⁺ w.c : 12k+ this chapter contains mild usage of obscene language !

A sportswear designed for RSA remained in blue-and-white color scheme with a few additions of golden shades here and there. In contrast to the school uniform with dark blue trousers she wore yesterday, the sports outfit did a flip between top and bottom of the outfit, the pants being white with golden stripes and the t-shirt was dark blue this time, leaving a white jacket remaining optional. Yuu preferred the jacket being pulled on at first, but then, leaving Ambrose’s office and spotting Luan wearing it tied around the waist, she followed his example, tying it around a bit clumsily. She wasn’t really familiar with how it should look, always under the impression all the clothes she wears should look neatly on her, never leaving a room for a leisurely touch Luan seemed to possess.

She was called to the headmaster’s office early in the morning because of two reasons: to get her sports uniform and to get notified that the clock tower’s keeper would come and check it today. Ambrose, though ever so thoughtful and cordial, didn’t mention what the keeper is like. Yuu didn’t even notice herself she was quite attached to creating little scenarios in her head, and, following this habit, she still seemed unaware to imagining their meeting going from normal (meaning she won’t get kicked out of here, that would be normal from her perspective) to extreme (where she not only get kicked out but also get identity revealed and—).

In any case, Yuu spotted Luan and waved to him, corners of her lips rising slightly. A warm aura 

around him made her wash off the worries for some time, and when Luan reciprocated the smile she pulled, Yuu greeted him politely.

“Good morning, Luan,” Yuu caught up with him and they moved towards the sports ground.

“Morning…” Luan yawned and Yuu saw cute little fangs he clicked right after closing his mouth. The hair on his head resembled a bird's nest, he rubbed his eyes with his fists and made an intensified attempt to open his eyelids with his fingers, sighing heavily.

Her smile widened, seeing him being so effortlessly adorable, and returned her gaze to the hall. 

“Not a morning person?”

“Meh,” he shrugged. “Not that early morning, ‘kay? How in the world do you get up so early?”

“Mornings are magnificent,” Yuu started as they walked out of the main building. “The way sun rays feel on the skin resembles taking a bath with liquified gold…”

“Woah chill,” Luan said, astonished in a way with her highfalutin epithets. “It’s literally just morning. A good one though, since we’ve got a PE as a first class today, given I already overslept and missed the training with my personal trainer… Ugh.”

“Trainer?” Yuu repeated, but Luan just hummed mysteriously, nodding to her words. 

“Uh-huh, he’s a toughie. Reasonable tho, you would like him too. Not to mention I highly recommend you to exercise from time to time.”

“That’s why you look so sporty,” Yuu noticed, her gaze sliding down his hands, average for a boy his age and yet quite muscular if tensed. 

“You bet!” Luan’s beaming smile made Yuu giggle. “Even though you look like you might crumble just by a wind blowing. Seriously, are all of the Valley of Thorns girls that thin?”

“Valley of Thorns?..” Yuu repeated weakly when she noticed there were fewer people than in the main building. 

“Not from there? You just have to see Dawnshine Savannah women one day. Hope you won’t get a cultural shock or something.”

Yuu’s head was about to spin with all the new information received. Apparently those were the names of the continents? Countries?.. Yuu wasn’t sure if she should have pushed it further to get to know more without looking suspiciously, so she just chuckled and then suddenly gasped as they entered the sports field.

The sports field was not something as grand as the main building, however, a huge forest looming before her eyes with a carpet of fresh greens lined on it and a forest stretching in the distance fascinated with its beauty.

The air was so hot that Yuu could see it melting into inert, lazy waves, and while Yuu didn't like hot weather, she wondered what PE had in store for her.

She observed the territory, noticing new faces she hadn't seen yesterday, which was a bit strange, given their class was all present (when Luan finally came in the middle of the day), and as for now, Yuu saw unfamiliar individuals, wondering what was the deal. 

“Hm,” Luan said. “Guess we’re having joint classes today.”

“Joint?” She echoed.

“Yea, like, some of these people are second years. I don’t know why we’re having classes today with them, but who actually cares, right? It’s fine as long as it's fun.”

“I believe you’re right,” she agreed, not really following the concept of school as a whole, but accepting nevertheless. Moreover, Luan was definitely right about one thing — she hoped it would be fun.

Yuu talked with Luan for some time before a teacher finally made an appearance. Yuu felt how a gentle breeze came with him, tickling her nostrils and carrying a fresh aroma of green tea leaves, making her mind settle for a moment. Luan caught up with her, following her gaze when she looked somewhere near the gate, and noticed a new arrival.

“Oi, xiaohaizi! Good morning!”

Yuu gasped in amusement when the teacher summoned a broom, jumping on it and rising straight in the air, making a flip around his axis, and flying straight to the group of students gathered in the centre of the field. His long pitch-black hair was tied up with a red ribbon in a high ponytail. Yuu, following her inner beaming inquisitiveness, couldn’t tear her glare off his clothes, which reminded her of hanfu. His eyes of charcoal were slightly laughing at her unconcealed pry, and his child-like, almost pure features created an impression he was quite young.

He didn’t say anything about her curious mind, letting it be, and jumped off the broom he was riding, his hair cascading shoulders beautifully, resembling sea waves gently embracing a shore. 

“First of all, sorry for today’s inconsistency in the curriculum. You might have noticed there’s two classes today,” he said, fixing an unamenable strand of his hair and tacking it behind his ear. “It was overlapping, so we decided it would be best to just let it be. Second years, you’ll have lessons according to the schedule next week, okay?”

Nods of understanding and little ‘okay’s were heard here and there as a response to his words.

“Well then, good,” he nodded, smiling slightly. “Now first years! Let me introduce myself. Come a bit closer, hm?”

Everyone did as he said, and right after Yuu noticed how first years outnumbered second ones, but quickly returned all her attention to the teacher.

“My name’s Xiao Qian. I’m your PE teacher, but we will meet during social sciences classes as well. Let’s get along!”

Yuu bowed politely out of habit, when others just remained silent or at least nodded, and stared back at Qian who found her reaction quite amusing. 

“Where I’m from we appreciate those gestures of politeness,” Qian addressed to her, replying with a little bow as well, releasing Yuu’s nervousness. “Well then, let’s begin the lesson!”

Qian arranged the students in several rows. Yuu ended up in the first one on the left side, separated from Luan, who was standing at the very end on the right side. He winked at her as she hurriedly turned her gaze to him, and she smiled back, returning to stretching exercises.

Qian, who spoke to everyone in an absurdly friendly tone just a couple of minutes ago, turned out to be a rather serious teacher, whose gaze became stronger, if not even more severe. He carefully glided over each student, noticing the slightest movements, and alternately indicated which exercise was not performed accurately enough.

“Now off to the flying part,” Qian said, nodding when everyone finished stretching, ignoring heavy sighs of exhaustion, mostly let out due exaggeration. “Second years, I’m starting with you. First years, watch them closely.”

Yuu watched as a group of nearly 20 students came closer, making a row. She noticed how drastic the difference was between them and the second years, whose bodies looked obviously stronger, their eyes clearly beaming with a huge amount of experience. She was ready to peer into their movements with respect, extract something for herself, becoming a sponge, absorbing knowledge, but suddenly noticed one young man, slightly out of the crowd.

His pale coral hair, reminiscing sweet meringue, shone in light waves of curls under the bright sun, revealing the gradient of his locks, and light pink, weightless, almost transparent tips framed his delicate pale neck.

Yuu felt as if an otherworldly force caused her to peer into his eyes, riveting her gaze to his long eyelashes. His huge eyes, carved from two aquamarine crystals, endowed him with innocence, and his slightly parted plump lips as well as hummingbird-flutter of his eyelashes betrayed him, revealing his frustration. A fresh scent of salty sea waves embraced his only presence, putting Yuu’s mind at ease instantly. 

Yuu felt something wasn’t right with how otherworldly he looked, which was fun and absurd for her to point that out subconsciously. 

As other students demonstrated their skills, this boy nodded to the teacher and took the broom, taking a deep breath. He grabbed the broom, giving Yuu an impression he would break it with how strong his grip was, but he closed his eyes. Two seconds after, he flew the broom a couple of meters into the air, crossing his legs around the base of the broom, and glanced at the teacher, who smiled approvingly at him.

“That was a nice one,” Qian said when the boy came back to the ground, and thanked him. Yuu shivered at how sweet and gentle his voice sounded. 

She followed him with her curious gaze and parted lips slightly when she noticed a little tremble covering his legs.

Serene voice of pureness, huge spellbinding eyes and trembling legs?.. Think harder, Yuu said to herself quietly when it was their turn to practice broom-riding. Her gaze lingered on the boy, a scent of sea foam and salt was radiating stronger now that she noticed, and when he turned, his eyes met her own, wide and full of realization, to which the boy tilted his head curiously. 

“Ah!” She gasped, drawing the attention of those standing at her left and right, and quickly covered her mouth with hands. 

“Something the matter?” Qian asked, but she shook her head from side to side.

Actually, there was. All those features he possessed reminded her of merfolk she met in Ariel’s realm once or twice when she was far younger. Yuu was fairly hesitant to make an assumption based on just those little features, but, unaware of her own current place in the world she happened to enter, it tempted her to find out. 

As much as curious and eager to grasp the information she was, it would be unwise to do as she pleased, especially taking into consideration she didn’t know the boy. Her surroundings, this school, the people here, her own situation—all those appeared to be unanswered questions, and Yuu wasn’t sure if there was a way to figure out if she could receive answers at all. 

The boy did an enormously great job to conceal his trembling limbs, with how everyone seemed to not care at all. Maybe they knew, indeed, and yet they didn’t seem like it was the case, so there was a possibility the boy was trying to hide how hard it was to just stand with those legs on land, mention of flights remaining unnecessary. Yuu admired him for that, but before she could push her thoughts any further, teacher Qian asked her to try riding a broom.

And that was another issue to be solved. Yuu chuckled nervously, taking a broom from the teacher's hands, carefully observing it. 

“Have you ever tried flying before?” Qian asked, withdrawing a fan from his huge loose sleeve, and covered half of his face with it. 

As a matter of flying, yes, Yuu definitely has tried. Not to mention, she was outstandingly skillful with her flying abilities, but riding a broom? Fairy Godmother hadn’t taught her that, and why would she? There was no particular use in brooms in the first place, so she had no idea how it should have been done.

“... No,” she answered in the end.

“That’s okay,” Qian answered, closing his eyes for a moment. “Flying is a difficult matter. One can be an extremely talented magician but can’t ride a broom for life… Not under my watch though.”

He was right. As much as Yuu could fly, she wondered about broadening her horizons and widening knowledge she possessed. Moreover, she couldn’t fly long distances with her own magic, so broom-flying seemed fascinating enough to try.

“Alright then,” Qian looked strictly at Yuu. “No spell needed to ride a broom. Visualization is the key here. Imagine the broom flying, then put some wind magic in there to make it work. And always keep in mind that making a broom fly is not the main task here.”

“What is?” Yuu asked, making sure to remember all the processes he explained.

“Keeping your balance is,” Qian said. “Consider the streamlining of the broom you use, the way aerodynamic properties change depending on how you ride the broom and how strong wind currents are. Shifting your weight forward will bring the handle down and so make it descend, and also leaning forward and putting some weight in it will make you speed up and… Oh, I’m getting carried away. The main task for you for now is to keep your balance midair and to not fall. Try it. I don’t take ‘I can’t’ as an answer. There’s no option other than to do your best on the battlefield anyway.”

Yuu felt how heavy his last sentence was. Teacher Qian was speaking from experience and Yuu wasn’t sure if she was feeling to find out what kind of experience it was.

Yuu stared at the broom, arranging the information on the shelves of her mind. Technically it was the moment she would reveal her magic to everyone, but at the same time it was okay. The only thing remaining was to try finding out how exactly she needed to perform the right magic arrangements.

Qian mentioned wind magic. Even though Yuu’s magic did divide into elemental types, but it didn’t include wind. She took a deep breath, hurriedly trying to remember if there were any analogues of wind magic despite the flying spell itself, but Qian said it was all about visualization, not spells casting magic.

“I understand it’s your first time practicing, but please do hurry up,” Qian said.

“I’m sorry,” she replied.

He was right. If exposing her magic was dangerous to the point she would be handed out to the government, then trying to make a simile of wind magic could be postponed to the later. Yuu sighed and parted her lips slightly, deciding that for now she should just try combining two magic types together and relying on luck. She placed the broom almost in a horizontal position so she could sit on it, still holding the handle with her bare hands.

“Oh faila maira súrë, á ortëa ni ana the orwa fanyarë.” 

Yuu whispered so that no one could hear her, and recurrented wind flow to the broom, realizing she flew up slightly, her legs being on the same level as teacher Qian’s eyes. 

“Not bad for a rookie,” Qian noticed, smiling approvingly at her. “Try rising a bit.”

Yuu nodded, wondering how in the world did it work and how she remained steady. Still holding the handler tightly, she pointed it up, and the broom followed the direction she noted, making her rise almost half higher than before.

“Good, but you moved a bit further. That’s okay for the first try, but next time try adjusting it so you’ll go just vertically up, okay?”

“Yessir,” Yuu answered, pointing the handle down and going down, then jumping off the broom.

“I see you’re not afraid of heights,” Qian noticed. “Good job. You can come here after 4pm to practice if you want.”

“I appreciate your help,” Yuu said. 

The rest of the class went relatively in a calm manner, reminiscent of a lecture rather than a PE lesson. Qian added more details to how flights worked and then dismissed everyone. Yuu couldn’t manage to notice where Luan went, so she decided it would be okay for her to head out to the next class alone.

First she needed to change her clothes. Even though Ambrose said that it’s all arranged and she can be late for 5-10 minutes for the lessons because there were no places where she could change comfortably within school facilities, leaving the clock tower the only option remaining. Yuu appreciated the thoughtfulness, but decided she would never be late nevertheless, so she hurried back to the ‘dormitory’.

She quickly passed the forest she happened to enter yesterday where she met Neige. Memories flashed in her mind at once, bringing Yuu to recall the sad smile he wore that evening, wondering what could be the reason. Would he be okay with seeing her again?

Yuu never was a person to easily initiate a dialogue, let alone with a person who was apparently quite popular. Neige seemed like he didn’t want other people to know about that scene she appeared to become a part of. Yuu had no intention of telling anyone else—there was no person she could have anyway. And even so, Neige reminded her of a gentle light, leading a moth, that would be Yuu, to it, alluringly bewitching her and making her follow him. That was a fun, if not absurd comparison, given she was the one who possessed a ‘Butterflies’ friend’ title. 

Speaking of which, Yuu made sure no one was around and summoned a pink butterfly that eagerly greeted her, dancing around her face, and fluttered its wings in a joyful way.

“It’s nice to see you too, little one.”

Butterfly followed her to the clock tower, where Yuu summoned her magic wand and quickly changed her clothes with a magic touch, then made the wand disappear, and hurried back to the main building.

A tantalizing aroma of something sweet and baked tickled Yuu’s nose when the class ended and she went out of the auditorium, making her way to the cafeteria. 

Entering a familiar place, she allowed herself to stop for a second and enjoy the pleasant aroma of a pie filled with honey—it’s been a while since she last tried honey cake!—and hurried to gargoyles. 

“Good afternoon, Vittorio,” she greeted the gargoyle, smiling at him slightly. 

“Afternoon,” he confirmed. “Anything you’d like to try?”

“Ah, hmm…” Yuu observed today’s assortment and decided she’d go for avocado salad with cottage cheese as a main dish. “That one salad, please. And one slice of honey pie.”

“Coming right up,” Vittorio said, placing everything she ordered on the tray. “You should try the chamomile tea we’re serving today.”

“If it won’t be hard to serve for me, then I’d be glad to.”

“You sweet child,” Vittorio chuckled and poured hot water into the cup. “Drop the honorifics, kids here don’t use them nowadays. Here you go, enjoy your lunch!”

“Thank you very much!” Yuu ignored the ‘honorifics’ part and still bowed nevertheless, deciding where she should sit today.

She noticed the table she was occupying yesterday during lunch was already taken by someone else, as well as the majority of tables on the second floor. She frowned, trying to find another table for at least two with no one around, and succeeded — a table for three right next to the window. 

Yuu took a seat, enjoying the tea aroma floating in the air, and started consuming food, being quite impatient to try honey cake. She couldn’t be referred to as a sweet tooth, but sugary and honey flavors were still fairly tasty and could be enjoyed once in a while. 

Once Yuu finished the salad, she finally took a bite of honey pie, watching honey slowly flowing out of the cake, soaking the layer even more. She seemed to be out of the process for a moment, staring at the golden liquid absentmindedly, and immediately thought of Neige’s eyes. Would they remind her of honey under the sun rays, shining brightly? Or would his eyes, two precious agates, remain still with an elusive presence of loneliness? 

Yuu knitted the brows, sighing. He was so mysteriously enchanting, that Neige. Yuu hoped everything was alright, but a bitter feeling of something dubious was following her even now. How strange, indeed.

“Man, who would have thought that Neige would do another ad so soon.”

Yuu winced. For a second she thought that her thoughts had materialized out of nowhere and everyone could hear what she was thinking about so hard. She turned to her left, noticing a group of students taking the seats and discussing Neige, and as much as she valued privacy, it couldn’t be helped with how good and accurate her hearing was.

“You don’t say,” another student replied. “Dude’s amazing. No matter how hard we try, there’s no way we can reach his level.”

“To be able to study in the same academy as Neige…” Another boy added. “Sometimes I think I got too lucky.”

“Same here. I kinda think he’s unreachable.”

“Right?” The first to speak student nodded. “But imagine making so much money.”

“Must be funny in a rich man’s world,” a student answered, sighing dreamily. 

As far as Yuu remembered, it never was. People tended to be greedy in princesses’ worlds, but since she couldn’t grasp the main idea of money itself, she was as much from relating to these students talking. She has learnt it’s important to appreciate those who worked and earned money, other people’s effort and mentality for being that strong, but she also never worked for money herself. The word itself was vague and abstract to her, and when her Godmother told she should always pay back, it wasn’t necessarily money. Valuable things were far from just gold and banknotes, but what exactly?..

“Don’t you kinda think his play was overrated in the last movie though?”

Yuu’s ears twitched.

“Huh? Now that you said it… maybe it kinda was, yeah…”

“Doesn’t he like, always smiling and giggling here and there?”

“Hey, it’s not to that extent… Bet if they’d put you into it, you would resemble a robot.”

“Yeah, your acting is extremely lame dude, no offense.”

“Hey!!”

“Hey,”

Why… would they talk about him behind his back? Yuu frowned, drowning deeper in her thoughts. Neige was someone she saw once in her life, and even if he pulled an act during their first meeting, was he really such a hypocrite, yearning for money? Or was his play really that bad as they just said? No, she shouldn’t judge his character just by that and—

“Hey~”

“Oh?”

Yuu raised her gaze and saw Che’nya holding a tray with food with one hand, another one resting on his hip, his tail wiggling cheerfully. Yuu smiled a bit subconsciously, unaware of genuineness beaming from her. 

“Che’nya-san, good afternoon.”

“Good nyafternoon,” he grinned, taking a seat in front of her without asking, but Yuu didn’t seem to mind at all. “Whatcha doin’?”

“Just having a meal. What are you going to have, Che’nya-san?”

“Mmm~ Can’t you tell?”

Yuu threw a quick glance at his meal, recognizing fish in breadcrumbs and sour cream sauce in a small gravy boat. He resembled a real cat so much it was starting to be funny. 

“Fish,” she said. “I was expecting that at some point.”

“Right~” Che’nya consumed a small bite, chewing the food in a cute way as Yuu smiled at him adoringly. “How’s your day going?”

“Pretty much okay,” Yuu nodded, realizing she wasn’t uncomfortable sharing some information with him about herself. It felt good that he asked. “PE was fun.”

“Hmm~” Che’nya hummed mysteriously. 

He stopped talking for some time while eating as Yuu was watching people walking here and there, but when she returned her full attention to Che’nya and turned to him, she found him scrolling something with his finger on a strange device Yuu had no memory of. 

Asking Che’nya wasn’t the best decision. Was it something everyone had in the property? A small little box-shaped thing with purple stripes on its edges, plastic cat ears… Yuu was extremely curious. Is that… machinery?! Yuu felt her fingers trembling slightly in excitement. The box radiated slightly blue light and something Che’nya was looking at was running somewhere far away so fast that even Yuu’s vision couldn’t catch at least something. There was… text? Yes, it was some kind of text. But what exactly? And where did it go as Che’nya scrolled down?? 

Yuu watched closely, thinking the text Che’nya scrolled was coming out of the box, dissolving in the air while she didn’t see. But how? What kind of magic was it?

“O’nya~” Che’nya said, amused by her reaction and widened eyes. 

“C-che’nya-san,” Yuu stumbled, realizing she became too curious, and coughed. “Please don’t mind me.”

“Hm-hm~” He hummed, returning his glance to the thing Yuu thought was a box. “As you say.”

Yuu couldn’t follow Che’nya’s eyes fixing on her own, their roles switching, and now Yuu reminding him of a cat following a trembling sunbeam. And Che’nya didn’t seem to mind at all, quite enjoying her amusing reaction. 

“Oh,” Che’nya suddenly said, stopping his finger scrolling the pages (or what it was) as his smile dropped. 

“Is something the matter?” Yuu asked.

“Hm,” his eyes lost their sparkles for a moment. “I don’t like it…”

“Yes?..”

“Oi, Yuu! Hey!”

Yuu turned at a source of someone calling her name and spotted Luan at the entrance. She smiled at him when he approached their table, the aroma of freshly cooked meat and some herbs—she instantly recognized basil, green onion and a small hint of cilantro being mixed—lingered in the air as he bent down to look right into Yuu’s eyes. 

“Let’s eat together next time!” 

Yuu never realized his smile was that contagious until the corners of her own lips went up. It was the smile that couldn’t be concealed at all costs, Luan revealed his teeth and giggled softly, bright lapis of his eyes shining joyfully. 

“I don’t mind,” she said before thinking. “Even though you were the one to leave early today.”

“Damn, you’re right,” he gasped. Yuu wondered about the very first word he said, the ‘damn’ one. What was that?.. “Sorry ‘bout that. Oh.”

Luan finally spotted Che’nya glancing his way all this time and put his tray on the table before stretching out his hand. 

“I’m Luan!” He greeted his upperclassman. “And you?”

“Nya-ce to meet you, Luan. I’m Artemiy Artemiyevich Pinker. Che’nya for short~” He shook Luan’s hand, and Yuu noticed just now how strong his grip actually seemed. “Come sit.”

Luan followed his words and took a seat at Yuu’s right, still staring at the upperclassman. Apparently he wasn’t agast to his name.

“Which class are you?” As expected, Luan dropped any honorifics from the very beginning, his tail waving slightly as his ears twitched. 

“3-A, nya.”

“THIRD— Yooo bro you don’t even look like my upperclassman.”

“Luan, I don’t think it’s polite to—”

“Who cares?~” Che’nya reassured you it was okay. “As long as you’re having fun, everything’s nya-kay.”

Yuu blinked twice, awestruck by their similarity in enjoying fun things, but preferred to refrain from saying anything at this point. 

“You seem like a cool guy,” Luan nodded to himself. “Add me on MagiCam.”

“Sure, gimme your phone.”

Luan casually fumbled in his pockets and fished out another box-like device, larger in size than Che’nya’s. It was now decorated with a black-colored shining case with a pattern resembling claw marks and Luan’s name was written in giant impressive letters, and Yuu spotted how fancy and shining his box was, unlike cracked and dented Che’nya’s one.

But at least she could catch the name of the device! That was a phone. Yuu wondered what that little thing could do despite dissolving text in the air after letting it out of the device. She also had yet to find out what ‘MagiCam’ could be… 

“Oi Yuu,” Luan turned to her. “Gimme your MagiCam acc ID too.”

“Uhm…” She frowned. Now it was obvious that the phone was a thing that at least two of them possessed, and according to his words, Yuu obviously should have had it too. 

Even if she hadn’t.

“What’s the matter?”

“I, um,” she smiled sheepishly. “I don’t have a phone.”

Luan blinked at her, showing no emotion for a second before giggling.

“Lmao I almost thought you’re for real,” he laughed. “Ok now gimme your ID.”

Yuu threw a quick glance at Che’nya, thinking he would help her escape this peak of embarrassment, but he only leaned up to them, resting chin on his hands and grinning slyly. 

“No way,” Luan grabbed her by the shoulders. “You can’t be real!”

“I’m afraid I can…”

“Damn…” Luan mumbled and pulled quite a theatrically dramatical facial expression, covering his mouth with hands. “Valley of Thorns is wilder than I thought.”

Again that Valley of Thorns. Yuu started to await geography lessons the next day with quite an eagerness. 

Luan scrolled down the pages on the box—ugh, phone—and suddenly stopped just like Che’nya did not so long ago. Was there something frightening? 

“I guess some people just have a lot of free time,” he said, clicking his tongue. “So lame.”

“Right you are,” Che’nya said, drawing Yuu’s attention.

“Did something happen?” She asked as Che’nya gave her his phone and pointed to a message. An article?.. 

She needed some time to get used to the way text was written and how drastic the difference with a book was, but then checked the content closely and gasped.

↳✉ Neige is so annoying

↳✉ How tf did he win again

↳✉ Pathetic

↳✉ He’s just all about his youthful looks, he’s got no skills

↳✉ He should never play again lol

↳✉ This brat

↳✉ Wasn’t it revealed that his fanbase just bought 20k votes?

↳✉ I fucking hate him

Yuu covered her mouth with a hand, fixing her worried gaze on Che’nya who wasn’t smiling at all and seemed rather annoyed at what he read. Even though she didn’t understand half of the words—brat? Votes? What kind of votes? Also what is fucking?..—she could grasp the gist. The hate was spreading, and the words were surely venomous. 

“Some of Vil’s fans are sure crazy,” Luan exclaimed indignantly. 

Vil? Yuu didn’t know this name but decided not to interfere yet.

“There’s no denying,” Che’nya confirmed. 

Yuu bit her lip. Weren’t people… letting themselves too much to say? As she understood, Neige seemed to be quite popular, someone who was recognized at least within this school quite well. Well enough for people gossiping and saying terrible things. 

“He’s only a burden in the theatre club…” Luan quotted someone, as Yuu presumed. “Huh, there’s also people from this school hating him, too? Gonna give a good old punching.”

“Now now,” Che’nya calmed him down. “Creating more problems for him would be unwise. There’s another road to take…”

“Road?” Yuu echoed, meeting her his deep eyes glimmering with an emotion she couldn’t read. 

Yuu watched Luan’s fingers fly over the phone, a red button appearing on it saying ‘Report and block’, and even if Yuu didn’t fully understand how phones worked, she believed Luan did the right thing to do.

“Come to think of it, were you two introduced to the club system in the academy, hmm?”

“Clubs?” Yuu asked, wondering what was that.

“Yeah, I kinda heard of them. They say club presidents will hold somethin’ like an open day two weeks later to get new members, right?”

“Correct,” Yuu saw his striped purple tail waving cutely. “Is there any club you want to join?”

“I definitely want to, idk which one though. We’ll see,” Luan said, taking a huge bite of the dish he brought, and turned to Yuu. “Oi Yuu, what do you think? Have you found something suited for yourself?”

According to what Luan said, there was a theatre club. And that was the only information she received so far, making it difficult to say anything yet. Then again, what if everyone already knew which clubs existed within the school facilities, and she would look uninformed and even ignorant to the point of stupidity? 

“I’m not sure as well…” She decided to go with the safest option for now, catching Che’nya’s cheeky smile.

“Anything you’re interested in?” He asked her.

Yuu immediately frowned, knitting her brows together. Interests? It’s not like it was a matter of interests and her own preferences when it came to rescuing. Fairy Godmother taught her it was important to be a perfectionist, good in everything and especially in reacting fast when the situation could go under her own control. 

She tried going further to the shelves of her mind, observing them carefully and trying to pick at least something that could be interpreted as an interest or an activity she would genuinely enjoy and be good at. A block, the same as on the mirror she tried to cast, covered her memory. There was no clue. Nothing that could be attached to her, creating a certain characterization and attribute about her own personality. Her as a person.

“Yuu?” Luan looked straight into her eyes, slightly putting a hand over her shoulder. “You ok, buddy?”

“Buddy?..” She floated out of the ocean of her thoughts, taking a deep breath of fresh air when her classmate’s reassuring tone comforted her. “Oh, please pardon me.”

“Damn it sure hit you hard, didn’t it? Come on, you still have two weeks and even more time to think it over. We’ve got to see all the clubs nevertheless. You never know what you could find, right, Che’nya?”

“Indeed,” his tail wiggled, reassuringly reaching for Yuu’s hand and tickling it slightly, and Yuu noticed only now how closely they’ve been sitting. “There’s a way of applying for your own club if you feel like there’s no clubs fitting you.”

Yuu smiled weakly, but appreciated their help. 

Was it even right for her to think about such matters as clubs and interests? Certainly there was a princess, or maybe a prince to be rescued, and it was urgent. Once she rescues them, there will definitely be a way for her to return back home, so Yuu closed her eyes, letting her mind sponge the atmosphere of sweet happy school days and making friends. She must appreciate it while it is available, and once it is not…

She must do her best in order to not get attached.

Something ticklish was echoing within her head, causing Yuu to remember Neige again. Apparently he was a part of the theatre club and an actor himself, from what she heard. Yuu knew almost nothing about acting, but she encountered the consequences of being popular. Being watched. 

Princesses and Neige somehow seemed to have many things in common, and the major one was their popularity. Princesses were seen, there was no room for resting as someone was always watching them. Neige seemed to have minor differences compared to them that Yuu couldn’t confirm for now, such as was he a part of royalty or not, but nevertheless—he was being seen, and to the point of a viscous menacing trace following him. 

Figures of authority, princesses and popular people—indeed, if Yuu would pick the word to characterize all them, it would be ‘limits’. They may pretend well enough it was alright, to pull the masks of genuineness and happiness, as if nothing really happened when it actually did. Harvest of the popularity couldn’t be seen from the very beginning, it all started with seeds, which were growing within society not rapidly, but step by step, leaving the hints of their presence in people’s hearts and minds. Then they would grow, lingering in conversations and rumors, the leaves of rottenness falling everywhere, pollinating minds with already unconcealed hate and desire to see more. 

People tend to crave for more, they always have been, and they surely won’t stop. Yuu swallowed with disgust as someone walked behind her, saying something about Neige again.

And maybe… maybe it was Neige who she needed to rescue all along?

A pink butterfly was flowing around, following Yuu’s unhurried walk to the clock tower. Yuu breathed in a vespertine coldness and freshness, enjoying it after surviving under the hot sun in the morning, and hummed to herself as sea waves enveloped the shore, blowing around salty yet gentle marine fragrance. 

The clock tower was located on a separate from the other land cliff, making it a small island, which was connected to the main one with a stone bridge. Yuu came closer to the main door and stopped for a moment, a butterfly following her stumbling into her back. 

🗒 ➛ The building is currently being on maintaining checking. 

“Ah, so the person came,” Yuu nodded to herself, feeling her heartbeat going a bit more rapidly than before. 

Even if the person was the one who was checking this building for an unknown to Yuu amount of time, she thought of them not as the keeper, but as her guest she needed to welcome cordially. 

She went straight to the small kitchen, not even thinking about changing clothes, and pulled two cups out of the cabinet, then brewed jasmine tea. Gasping at the lack of appetizers, Yuu panicked for a moment. 

“It’s not right to serve tea without anything…” She mumbled, coming up with an idea.

She snapped her fingers, and a virid butterfly appeared. It gently tapped on Yuu’s nose and flew around with a pink butterfly, which was still there.

“Hello to you,” she greeted a butterfly, pointing at a small flower pot on the windowsill. “Would it be okay for you to grow a small rose? I need some petals.”

The butterfly danced around approvingly, and a cloud of green sparkles surrounded the pot. After making its job, the butterfly disappeared with similar sparkles, leaving a big bright red rose. 

“Great,” Yuu smiled. “Now to the fun part.”

She took a handful of petals and summoned a magic wand. All she needed now required a little visualization and creativity, so Yuu hummed joyfully, holding petals when with a dim light sparkles petals became caramelized and sugary.

“That would do,” she nodded to herself, the magic wand disappearing in the air. “Now I wonder where the keeper would be.”

She put two cups of tea and a small plate of caramelized rose petals on the tray, carrying it with one hand, and decided to go up to the top of the tower, right where the clock was located. 

Yuu saw a figure of a man bent over papers with astrological drawings and notes, and hesitated to approach him, who looked so unbelievably ethereal and unreachable. 

And before she could take at least one step towards him, a strange aura conveying his silhouette leaning over papers refrained Yuu from coming any further. It felt as if chains shackled her body, holding her in one place.

“Good evening.”

Yuu winced slightly. A low, velvety timbre, devoid of emotion, but nonetheless attractive and endearing, vibrated in the air, ricocheting off the walls and echoing around the room.

“Now that you’re here, I can go back,” he said, gathering his things before he straightened his back. “I’ll notify you next time I come. Stay safe.”

“W-wait!”

Yuu outstretched one available hand and tried to stop him with a gesture, and the keeper actually stayed.

“I brought some tea,” she said, pointing at the tray she was holding. “Would you like to share it with me?”

“... Alright. Would you like to have a chat then? Tea is the best when shared with someone,” he fell silent for a moment before chuckling slightly. 

Yuu smiled and finally came closer, still having a strong presence of… lack of the presence itself.

She came closer, putting a tray on a small table when the keeper offered her a chair she took right after him. 

“Is there anything you’re worrying about? Your pupils have been trembling since you stepped into the room.”

Yuu jolted slightly and looked straight into his eyes.

The keeper of the clock tower turned out to be a handsome-looking young man, despite the fact that in Yuu's imagination, he should have been respectably older. Porcelain skin on a pale face was adorned with a scattering of freckles, and yet despite such a childish perky detail, his light blue eyes betrayed an absolute emptiness in him. There was no patch of reflected light shining in them, and Yuu could not see the pupils, as if his eyes were made of void, revealing the fact that the artist had forgotten to finish this detail for him.

The unruly, light curls of his raven-colored hair cascaded over his chiseled cheekbones, and his thin lips were closed in a single line.

However, the most prominent feature was undoubtedly his left arm. The steel mechanism with painted floral patterns and perfectly machined hinges that replaced the original limb looked unequivocally impressive, but not intimidating.

And yet Yuu was frowning, trying to get deeper into his soul, to feel if it was warm or cold, was he radiating gnawing sadness or piercing happiness—he was empty, a bottle with nothing in it. 

As if he was dead.

“You look like you have a question.”

“Yes, that is correct, though I’m not sure if it would be okay to ask…”

“Let me guess… You wonder what I am,” he said so calmly it was startling. 

“I’m sorry for being rude—”

“You aren’t,” he noticed, his voice balancing between steady and emotionless but also cheeky?.. Was it even alright for her to describe his voice that way? “I’m sorry for confusing you.”

“Oh, no, that is alright… Please, enjoy the tea and the appetizer I prepared.”

“Appetizer?” He asked, taking a petal and observing it, a ghosty hint of curiosity appearing in his eyes for a mere moment. “This petal?”

“Yes, I’ve made it myself. It’s caramelized rose petals, they’re sweet but not too much. I hope you’ll enjoy it…”

“Thank you for your cordial welcome,” he bowed to her politely, receiving the same gesture from her. “Well then, my name is Prospero.”

“My pleasure to meet you,” Yuu replied. “I’m Yuu.”

“The pleasure’s mine. Ah,” he said after taking a bite of the rose petal and shifting his gaze to Yuu, his eyes softening slightly. “This is very much enjoyable, you did a good job. Not to mention you’re quite a creative little lady.”

“Thank you!” Yuu answered cheerfully, happy that her work was acknowledged. 

“To answer your curiosity from before,” he continued after sipping tea. “I’m this clock tower’s keeper, the shop keeper as well as an appointed school psychologist and a teacher. Remember well the psychologist part. If anything happens and you’ll feel like anything is too much, please come to me. I’m here to help with any problems you might encounter while studying. School life can be rather harsh sometimes. Especially given you’re the only female here… Seriously, what was Ambrose thinking.”

“N-no, that is alright!! The headmaster gave me a place to live, considering my situation. How could I ask for more…” Yuu mumbled.

Prospero drew a mechanical hand to his chin, humming to himself in a nagging way but not really saying anything, to which Yuu wondered what that could mean, and stared at his hand. Floral patterns shone beautifully in the dim lights of the clock tower, but now that she took a closer look, the steel part appeared to be fairly scratched?.. 

“Apparently you wonder what happened to my arm, right?” He asked, noticing how she winced and shook her head awkwardly. “No, that’s okay, it’s natural. Don’t worry, I just had… rather difficult past.”

“I hope it’s better now…” Yuu said quietly, catching sight of little emotion she couldn’t read at the moment. He was pretty hard to analyze in general. “If I can be of help, then—”

“Children must stay children as long as they can,” he said, spotting how her ears twitched. “No need to age so early. Even though I don’t really know how you faes age.”

“H-huh? You’re aware?”

“As everyone here among the school staff is aware of your situation. Don’t worry, no one will use it against you. Speaking of which, I don’t hide my own being, but would be much appreciated if you don’t blabber about it everywhere. I don’t really want to deal with an extra headache. By the way, I feel like you’ve been wanting to ask me about that all this time, correct?”

How do you even ask if you’re alive or not, Yuu thought, slightly annoyed, and took a deep breath.

“I won’t tell anyone,” Yuu said. “But you’re right about that, I want to know who… or what you are. Oh, forgive me for being rude—”

“Worry not,” he reassured her. “As to your question, I’m a puppet. Bonus points for you if you’ll manage to guess correctly from what material I was made. Don’t forget to visit my shop later on.”

“Puppet…” Yuu echoed.

No wonder his presence wasn’t felt at all. He’s no human, he has no soul or anything that could be counted as one.

Yuu dared to look at him, seeing he didn’t really mind her closer observation, and lost in thoughts and concentration. She had some experience in guessing people’s true beings—she was exceptionally good at finding merfolk—but neither human nor a magical being? Presuming objects’ properties wasn’t her best part, but Prospero wasn’t an object in the first place, though how he should be called if so remained unknown. 

His steel arm was out of place, but Yuu somehow was sure it’s not it. He didn’t smell like steel, there was almost nothing metallic in him, but a slight hint of something sylvan, carrying fragrant herbs aroma alongside with oak bark tickled Yuu’s nose.

“You’re,” Yuu raised her head and looked straight into his eyes, sure of her guess. “Made from wood.”

And with that being said, Yuu winced at her own assumption. Wait a moment, if was a wooden puppet, or rather a doll, then could he be?.. 

Pinocchio. He had a strange, absolutely absurd and unbelievable relation to Pinocchio.

Prospero chuckled and started clapping quietly. 

“Correct,” he grinned, and she wasn’t sure how this emotion felt. He was smiling, but what was the feeling within his chest? Was there anything at all? “I must say, I’m pretty much impressed. People think I’m a porcelain puppet.”

“You look like one,” Yuu admitted. “I was confused at first.”

“My master had outstanding skills. Anyway, as I’ve mentioned, I’ll guarantee a discount for you next time you visit. And please do remember my psychological services require no payment.”

“Oh,” Yuu muttered. “Right, you’ve mentioned that… kind of job?”

“I see you haven’t yet happened to visit a psychologist,” Prospero said. “Which is neither bad nor good. Even when we think we’re okay, it might be that we don’t. If you feel confused or anxious, or maybe even too giddy to the point it’s alarming, let me know. I’m here to help, alright?”

“Thank you very much,” she said, even knowing that there won’t be any need for that. Appreciating his good intentions, yet realizing she will leave soon, Yuu smiled at him and bowed. 

“Don’t mention it.”

The rest of the conversation went quite well as they discussed Yuu’s adjusting to the school and Prospero’s shop. He suggested she visit him tomorrow, at least to take a look at where he works and where to find him if something happens within the clock tower’s walls.  She nodded, thinking that she will definitely need to observe his relation to Pinocchio later on in the library.

And so she decided to do it the next morning before going to the lessons. 

RSA was an enormously large school. Yuu knew schools exist but no to the extent of knowing their average sizes, thus RSA felt grand and majestic in its own way. Every time Yuu walked within the facilities, she was being under an impression that the world is huge, blossoming in its glory and magnificence. 

Princesses' worlds had never been that large. 

What was strange to Yuu is that this world seemed to know no boundaries, whilst whenever she would try traveling in a Princess’s world, she would definitely meet a dead-end. A black wall full of nothing but void, symbolizing its end. At first Yuu was terrified, thinking it was some sort of an obstacle, but somehow Princesses couldn’t even see it, asking Yuu where she would go and for what reason. 

Fairy Godmother told her that their realms had limits and barriers that Princesses weren’t aware of. Which was quite puzzling to Yuu—didn’t it mean she needed to erase them, make Princesses free and enjoy the world they live in? And yet… 

They would giggle straight at her face, calling her cute and silly. Why would they leave when they met the Prince of their dreams? Why travel and broaden horizons? Indeed, they achieved what they needed and wanted, justice was settled, and Yuu’s work finished. 

Their worlds might have resembled big bubbles, very well imitating a real world with its spacious sceneries, but in the end it was nothing but a cage. And Yuu was fascinated with how lively and real this world seemed, given she only has been here, in the Academy, and didn’t know if there is anything else beside it, but the landscape opening out of the window in her room shown an endless sea shimmering with bright sparkles under the moonlight, giving her a ray of light ghosty hope.

She didn’t notice how she made it up to the Prospero’s shop. A small, quaint hut, nonetheless in keeping with the local architecture, appeared before her. Yuu made sure that it was open, and knocked thrice before she heard distant ‘Come in!’ somewhere from the shop, said in Prospero’s deep voice.

As soon as Yuu took a step inside, the wooden floorboard creaked. Had she been taller, she would probably have run into the hat hanging on the rack at the entrance. Fanciful paintings hung on the wall near the hanger, as well as framed dried rare flowers. Directly ahead of them was a cylindrical vendor's counter, behind which Yuu spotted Prospero rummaging through the merchandise. 

Behind him was a spiral staircase. To the right of the vendor's counter, there were many shelves and racks filled with various gear, flasks, boxes, containers, and other amusing crafts. Behind the stairs were racks filled with ordinary food, as well as flower pots randomly placed on the shelves. The crystal elongated hexagon chandeliers shimmered in pale pinks and dull yellows, giving the shop an air of mystery, as if Yuu had walked into a witch's stall.

“Good morning, Prospe— Oh?”

Yuu went further, curious and absolutely spellbound about every little thing in here, but before she could greet the clock tower’s keeper, she almost stumbled upon something… or rather someone?

“Hmph, watch where you’re going!!”

Yuu lowered her gaze and spotted… a dwarf?! It’s been a while since she last saw them!! Yuu stared at him, who was sweeping the floor, and then knelt down, looking straight into his steel gray eyes, fixing the unruly lock of his crimson hair and causing him to shrug her hand. 

“Oh, I’m deeply sorry… Are you alright?”

“What do you think you’re doing?! I’m not a child!!”

“Yes, I know,” Yuu smiled at him, wondering why his eyes would widen so suddenly. “You’re around 17 or 18 years old. Am I correct?”

“Hmph, you fool.”

“Grum, it’s impolite to answer like that.”

Yuu turned around to see another dwarf walking down the stairs and carrying some books. Unlike Grum who appeared to be the dwarf Yuu was talking to, he had ash-colored hair, brown eyes and was wearing glasses, a gentle apologetic smile plastered on his face. 

“Good morning!” He greeted Yuu before standing on tiptoes, and barely reached the shelf, but Yuu quickly ran up to him, helping to place the books at the right height. “Thank you, young lady! Please don’t mind Grum for his rudeness, he’s actually flustered you guessed his age right.”

“Oh!” Yuu gasped. “So is it 17 or 18?”

“We’re 17,” he said, outstretching his hand for Yuu to shake, so she did. “I’m Dominic. And you would be?..”

“I’m Yuu.”

“Here to buy something, Yuu? I can help! What do you need?”

“Oh, no, I was just curious…” She smiled sheepishly. Grum went upstairs, still sulking, as Dominic chuckled. 

“Which is also great!” He exclaimed. “You can pick anything eye-catching, and I’ll tell a story about the item. Or I can also pour some tea.”

“There’s no need, but thank you for your cordial welcome,” Yuu couldn’t help but pat his head, seeing Dominic’s tender smile. They weren’t children, but a child-like appearance made it impossible not to pat them and spoil a little.

“Dominic, look! Maybe this thing could help Neige?!”

Another dwarf came from upstairs, causing both Yuu and Dominic to switch their attention to him, blond strands of his hair were pulled out from under clips in the shape of musical notes.

“Don't run up the stairs,” Dominic nagged softly, but it appeared the dwarf didn’t really care as much. 

Yuu tilted her head curiously. Did he just mention Neige?..

“And before anything, greet the customer.”

“Oh, sorry!~” The sunny cheerful-looking dwarf finally noticed Yuu standing here all along. “Good morning!”

“Good morning indeed,” Yuu smiled. “What is your name?”

“Hop,” he smiled proudly. 

“I’m Yuu, nice to meet you, Hop.”

“So what did you want to show me?” Dominic came closer to Hop, taking a bottle with a soft lilac liquid in it and examining it before frowning. “Hop…”

“It says ‘sleeping pill’!! If Neige can’t sleep, then we must make him!” 

“Hop, no.”

“Why no…”

“I can’t give you that without a prescription,” Prospero said, materializing out of nowhere behind Dominic. “There’s only one person on the campus who can anyway...”

So Yuu wasn’t mistaken, they really have been talking about Neige. Somehow Neige and dwarfs in one sentence sounded extremely familiar to her, but she decided to not rush it yet, and then another dwarf with short jade green hair and hazel eyes wearing an eye sleep mask on his head came from upstairs.

“Dominic…I think… I found something…Useful…”

Dominic chuckled, tilting his head and asking what exactly he found.

“This,” another dwarf said. “Neige plays such a… terrifying loud music at night… Can’t sleep.”

Terrifying loud music?.. Somehow Yuu wondered if that could be true, given his image seemed rather tender and warm, but she shrugged those thoughts, knowing prejudice wouldn’t help. 

Another dwarf gave Dominic two cylindrical things that look like pills?.. Yuu bent over to take a closer look, but this device was unknown to her.

“Earplugs,” Dominic sighed. “Well, if it could help you, Shelpie… How much for earplugs, teacher Prospero?”

Prospero, starting walking upstairs, sighed, closing his eyes, and the next second his voice became dim and slightly annoyed. 

“For you? Nothing. It’s just plugs.”

“But we can’t—”

“Yes, you can,” Prospero already went up, and a loud thud of the boxes he carried was heard. “Timmy, help me out there.”

Timmy? Apparently there were more dwarfs than Yuu saw in the span of last five minutes. 

“I can’t just let him spoil us with so many things already…” Dominic mumbled, returning Yuu’s attention to him as Grum returned to the place where he was sweeping the floor and throwing a glance at her. 

“Do you perhaps work here?”

“We’re part-timing, you’re correct,” Dominic said, fishing out of his pockets a small amount of coins and placing them on Prospero’s desk while he didn’t see. “We sweep the floors, help arrange the goods, wipe the dust... You can see for yourself, although the shop is small, there is always a lot of stuff.”

Yuu looked at the bright red brooch on his jacket—come to think of it, other dwarfs had them. too—she also saw it on Neige that evening, wasn’t it symbolizing they belong to the same dormitory… As far as she remembered, Che’nya said it was called Edelwiese.

“You must be working hard,” Yuu said when Dominic took another broom and joined Grum, who  was still sweeping the floor. “Please remember to take some breaks from time to time.”

“You’re very kind, Yuu,” Dominic smiled at her. “Please don’t worry.”

She observed the shop for a while, carefully taking stuff in her hands, examining it and wondering how in the world did Prospero manage to find all those. Yuu also appeared to be lost in thoughts while observing things and noticing they were fairly… old, so to say, if not ramshackle. Useful even still, but old in any case. Which was strange, Yuu thought, switching her gaze to the shelf with snacks on it, which looked quite modern and unfamiliar to Yuu. What a strange shop it was, indeed.

There were even curious artifacts, enchanted jewelry, rare herbs, and gems that Yuu would love to acquire, but for lack of local currency, there was no point in doing so. Besides, after rescuing the princess or the prince, she must return home anyway, so, overcoming her curiosity, she shook her head and said goodbye to Prospero and the dwarves as she left the shop.

“Good afternoon, everyone.”

Emery ascended the tribunal, checking out if there was anyone absent, and starting the lesson right after.

“Today we’re going to discuss magic properties and to which types it divides,” Emery said, grabbing a chalk. “But before that, tell me which magic type you think you’re pretty much confident in. It’s alright if you’re not sure, just remain silent then.”

Yuu placed her chin on hands, watching Luan start fidgeting slightly in excitement. 

“Is there magic you’re confident in?” She asked him quietly.

“You betcha,” he giggled before raising his hand.

“Yes, Luan?”

“Wind magic!”

The way Luan smiled, raising his chin up, and giggled, reminded her of someone… Was it because of his youthful appearance and cheeky yet playful attitude?—

“Great,” Emery nodded. “Yuu? Maybe you have something?”

Yuu bent her brows, thinking hard. She was, indeed, quite a talented sorceress, but in terms of this world’s magic? It was risky to reveal, not even knowing the types the magic divided. Hearing Luan’s one helped her a bit, meaning it still divided at least on elemental types, but to what extent? Yuu first threw a quick glance on Luan, whose tail was wagging in anticipation, and decided to go with the safest assumption.

“Flora,” she said almost weightlessly. 

“... As expected,” Emery grinned in a mysterious way, which Yuu couldn’t really decipher. As expected?..

“You definitely look like a flora mainer,” Luan chuckled, explaining. “I’m afraid we’re not compatible in our types.”

“And you’re wrong,” Emery sighed, causing Luan to sulk a bit. “I said ‘which magic type you think you’re pretty much confident in’, not ‘you sure are confident’. We’ll see if it’s your best one, moreover, there’s not only one type. Not to mention you most definitely can combine wind and flora together, the one thing remaining is learning how to do it in a correct way. Now, let us continue.”

“Woah chill, you killjoy,” Luan giggled, knowing exactly well that Emery did hear him, but decided to let it slide for this one, continuing the lesson, while Luan earned a reassuring smile from Yuu.

“First of all, I see there are a lot of wind magic users,” Emery said, nodding to himself before turning around. “Or you think so. Next we’ve got fire users.”

Yuu heard a strange noise from Luan, seeing him knitting his brows together, wondering what this reaction could mean. 

As Emery started making simple diagrams and patterns on the blackboard, Yuu was following him, writing down the notes while Luan started swinging his leg under the desk casually, though still listening, quite interested in the subject.

“All in all magic divides into two groups, the first one falling into four elemental types, which are: fire, water, flora, and wind. The other one is the void element, which can be divided into dark and light types of cosmic magic.”

Yuu listened carefully, making colorful well-structured notes. 

“Woah, girl,” Luan bent over to peep into her notebook. “Your notes are so neat.”

“Thank you, it’s nothing,” she shrugged sheepishly. 

“Mine are a mess,” he chuckled, showing her a notebook full of his scribbles done in not so neat handwriting, but surely unique. 

“Does it really matter as long as you understand everything you wrote?”

“Right?? Thanks for saying that, Yuu.”

“Don’t mention it?..”

Yuu continued to listen to Emery from then on. 

According to him, magic could be performed in forms of combining elemental types altogether, or mixing both elemental and void elements. Every magic type had its own properties and features, for instance, water magic had major healing properties, whilst fire was supposed to be mostly damaging. 

Magic studies could be compared to any science — it was developing with time passing. Properties weren't too one-sided anymore, and even if main features remained, it didn’t mean there was no place for creativity and experiments. 

As Emery has mentioned, it didn’t mean that flora and wind couldn’t work together. Depending on the magic spell casted and incantations said, they could perform wonders, just like a fire-water pair and others. 

Yuu noticed that her magic didn’t really differ much. The only problem was, undoubtedly, the way she casted it. With Emery’s demonstration of a very simple wind spell, it appeared to be rough, quite raw and very concentrated. And most importantly, it was a wind swirl itself.

Even if she didn’t possess wind magic, she had other elemental type ones, but in any case her way of casting spells could create great problems, given she didn’t produce magic in its raw, bare form, but in butterflies. 

Moreover, she lacked a void element. Her butterflies could do much more, but she also didn’t really have an idea of what a void element could do in the first place. Not to mention it was yet to be seen if her butterflies and the local magic were equal in power, or did something overpowered one another. 

And the question was, how to convert her butterflies into raw magic forms. 

“Beside elemental and void magic, there is also another type called Unique Magic.”

“Unique?..” Yuu mumbled to herself.

“Some of you might have already discovered your own, but others are yet to do that, if at all. If you haven’t, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad magician. Not to mention some of those can be terrifying to the point you’d rather not use it at all.”

Emery sighed, putting a chalk piece on the desk and wiping his hands with a towel before twisting a strand of hair around his finger.

“Unique magics aren’t based on elemental or void types. They can, but it’s not necessarily. The most difficult and terrifying ones have something to do with a human's condition or mind. Please be especially careful when dealing with those or possessing your own.”

Yuu shivered. Their magic could do something like that?

“They can’t be unambiguously assigned according to a certain system or properties. Unique magics can deal with mind, can deal high damage or, on the contrary, have healing properties, can serve as a conductor, and many many more…” Emery seemed to be deep in his thoughts. “For example, mine is…”

“Excuse me, teacher der Licht,” Yuu suddenly said, raising her hand.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Is it alright for you to reveal one's unique magic?”

“Good question,” he nodded. “You might keep your own magic secret to your classmates, but it is obligatory to let the school staff know. In case something happens, we can take appropriate action and help if needed. As for school staff, our unique magics are open for you to check. Go visit the teacher's room if you’re interested. We also reveal our magics during the lesson, like I was about to do a minute ago. Now, if I answered your question properly, I shall continue.”

“Thank you.”

“So, as I was saying, my unique magic is called ‘I See the Light’. It allows me to declassify one’s own unique magic, so I’ll know how it works and what the conditions are, and cancel it after pronouncing an incantation.” 

Yuu gasped and shivered, eyes widening in shock. Unique magic could do even THAT? But did that mean—

“If you haven't discovered your unique magic yet, I won’t be able to see it.”

Alright, maybe there still was a way for Yuu to create an undercover for her own abilities. 

“And now let’s get back to the magic properties. Oh and please, those who know their unique magic, come to me right after the lesson ends, I’ll register them.” 

“Tch, pain in the ass,” Luan mumbled, scribbling something in his notebook, to which Yuu chuckled softly.

“It appears you already have one,” she whispered to him when he turned to her, smiling proudly.

“Yep,” he pressed a finger to his lips and winked at her. “But it’s a secret~”

“O-okay!” Yuu nodded.

She had her own secrets after all.

“Ugh… I’m… sorry… Are you alright?”

Yuu coughed, holding onto her magic wand and tightening a grip on it, watching a giant swirl of butterflies of different colors dissipating and covering her body, fluttering their wings with a genuine worry.

“Ha-ha, I’m okay, don’t worry about me.”

Yuu stood up slowly, her eyes meeting a majestic starry sky upon her, only glassy cover of the tower separating her and that magnificent scenery. 

Almost fifty butterflies were flying around, their wings reflecting in a dim light of the clock tower, and Yuu sighed heavily. How many hours have passed since she returned here, practicing and trying to adjust her own magic to the local one? She tried converting butterflies into spells, but all in vain — butterflies would just dissolve or scatter, frightened away. 

“Oh, little one, there was no need…” She said when an iridescent butterfly tapped on her hands, causing her to put the magic wand away and heal her fingers, lacking strength and grip. 

“Ouch,” Yuu giggled when a pink butterfly sat on the tip of her nose. “Alright, alright, I’ll take a break! Stop lecturing me~”

Yuu snapped her fingers, and all of the butterflies dissolved midair with a wave of sparkles, and took a deep breath.

All her efforts went in vain, but to her fortune, practical magic lessons will start only next year, so she had time. Which was also a trivial aspect due to her leaving soon right after a princess or a prince will be rescued. 

And there will be no more fascinating magic study. Again.

“It’s late but I wonder if the library is open…”

She took the jacket and threw it over her shoulders, then went out, meeting an exceptionally fresh and even slightly cold evening air, enjoying the way stars shone brightly in the anthracite night sky. 

Entering the main building, Yuu questioned if it was okay in the first place — an insinuating darkness covered school halls, clatter of her heels echoing and ricochetting of the walls. Everyone seemed to be sleeping as they should. Yuu couldn’t really feel the flow of time, orienting on the way sun rays flickered in the morning and how cold the air became at night. The clock she saw on her way to the library announced that it was already one past midnight and hummed, wondering if she should try adjusting to a human's sleeping schedule. 

Yuu opened the door to the library and peeked into it to make sure no one was there. Good, Aell seemed to be absent. She apologized to herself for intruding and went straight to the informational desk, checking out the section she needed. 

She then went upstairs, passing by the shelves with many intriguing books on them, but Yuu, mentally fighting with her own curiosity, swallowed it and came right to the section she needed to study magic adjustment. 

“That could be of help…” She mumbled to herself, choosing books. “And also that. And that also may… Hm?”

She felt a familiar presence somewhere at her left and turned, noticing none other than Neige sleeping at the desk, surrounded by piles of books scattered around his angelic features. Yuu parted her lips, not sure if it was right to come to him, but decided to take a moment to observe the situation.

But before she actually could do anything, she spotted another fairly familiar person approaching the table Neige was sleeping at. 

“Sleeping in the library again, hm?” 

The boy who she encountered at the clock tower on her first night here, the one she also saw here in the library the other day when Che’nya interrupted her! 

Come to think of it, she couldn’t comprehend that during their first, uh, ‘meeting’, but the boy appeared to be really tall. His hair reflected in a moonlight, the blue glow of his eyes looking majestically enchanting. 

He came closer to Neige, who still was sleeping, and bent over him, placing a bottle with something Yuu didn’t know what since the bottle was quite opaque, and smiled rather bitterly as he left. 

Yuu found herself lost in thoughts again, pondering if it would be alright for her to approach Neige and observe him, or maybe to at least check what was in the bottle. She turned around, making certain Che’nya wasn’t here like last time he prevented her from coming closer to the boys she saw, and chuckled to herself.

“Just what am I thinking,” she smirked and shook her head. 

No, it wasn’t right. He was sleeping, and despite him looking absolutely extraterrestrial and lovely, he was obviously tired. Yuu quietly made her way to a separate desk, placing the books on it and opening one of them, deciding to wait. She, unlike humans, had a lot of time.

Silence. There was nothing but silence. 

Yuu broke the silence that hung in the air by flipping pages, and even the muffled sounds of nature outside the window fell silent humbly, giving her a feeling of complete concentration and attentiveness.

Luckily to her, there was a way to modify one’s magic properties so they would take on a different form and shape, but that also meant the powers of the wielderer would change. It doesn’t necessarily mean they would go weak—history has known cases where it would increase greatly—but to make it work required a lot of experience from a magician. 

Yuu sighed, pressing fingers to her chin and tilting her head. Fairy Godmother has always been saying there’s no need for her to dwell on magic study that hard. Yuu knew some attacking and defensive spells to deal with evil powers in Princesses worlds, but nothing much further than that. The mere fact she discovered her magic was casted in a form of butterflies was rather terrifying at first since she thought it was forbidden and she’ll be punished for experimenting. Turned out it was alright but only if she didn’t push it, letting things remain as they were. 

Yuu took another book and was about to dwell on it harder, but heard sweet little mutterings, raising her head and meeting Neige’s sleepy eyes.

“Ugh… Huh? Yuu?..”

She smiled at him, waiting for him to awake fully, and took the books, coming closer to him.

“Is it alright if I sit here?” She asked, receiving a nod in return. “Thank you!”

“Good evening. I must apologize, you saw me in such a pathetic state…”

“That is absolutely okay,” Yuu shook her head. “I’m rather worried you’re having a bad time sleeping… Are you alright?”

Neige saw a bottle placed on the table and opened it. Sweet and gentle black tea aroma lingered in the air, and Yuu caught the notes of chamomile in there. 

Neige ripped off the small sticker Yuu didn’t notice that was stuck to the bottle. He giggled softly, sticking a sticker on one of the pages of his notebook, a ‘Cheer up! 🤗’ in a small handwriting was written down there. Yuu wondered if Neige knew the boy who brought the bottle.

“Please do not worry much,” Neige replied, taking a sip when Yuu looked at the books around him, all about math, history, alchemy, magic… What a vague choice. “Moreover, is it alright for you to be here that late? You should sleep well…”

“Thanks for your advice, but I’m alright.”

A brief silence hung between them. Neige opened one of the books, math one if Yuu wasn’t mistaken, and rubbed his eyes. 

“Um…” She broke the silence, meeting Neige’s lovely but exceptionally drained gaze. “How's the rabbit, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Ah,” he smiled gently. “It’s doing quite well. Dwarfs have been looking after… Ah, you might not know them yet…”

“Dwarfs!” Yuu smiled at him brightly. “I’ve met Dominic, Grum, Hop and, hmmm, Shelpie, was it?” 

“Oh, so you know them!” Neige giggled, his eyes filled with bright sparkles of genuine care and happiness all at once, his cheeks dusting with soft pink, and Yuu caught herself on a thought that the sound of him laughing warmly suited him like nothing else. “Actually, there are seven of them, ha-ha… They took care of the rabbit quite well while I, um, was busy.”

Yuu winced at the word ‘seven’. Seven dwarfs and sweet and kind Neige, possessing a lovely voice and a beauty she has never seen before… Huh. Somehow it didn’t sit right in her.

“Yuu?” He asked her worryingly.

“Sorry,” she shrugged. “I’m glad that the rabbit is okay. The dwarfs are surely thoughtful!”

“They definitely are,” he smiled.

Yuu frowned, still lost in her extremely ridiculous and absurd theory, but decided to try proving it in the most vague way possible.

“Do you perhaps live together? I’ve noticed you all have bright red brooches,” the way Neige didn’t lose his composure but was obviously not so comfortable with answering right away made Yuu to clench a piece of her clothes under the desk. She didn’t want to push him, but could he… could he really be a prince in distress she needed to rescue? If so… “I’m just living all alone in the clock tower since well… You see that my case is rather odd. That’s why I don’t really know about the dorms’ arrangement.”

“Oh!” Neige exclaimed, smiling away all the worry from before, which put Yuu on guard. He surely was genuine and cheerful, but now it was more suspicious and alarming than just carrying an image of an always happy person. “Right, you must be confused. Yes… We live together in one room. Though I must mention our case is rather odd, just like yours. It just… happened to be like that.”

“Is that so…”

The theory of Neige resembling Snow White herself started to sound not so preposterous as it was. Yuu decided she needed solid confirmation. She quietly snapped her fingers, and a pink butterfly appeared. Yuu pointed with her finger at the window, sending a butterfly there. A tingling feeling in her stomach made her frown with worry, but she proceeded to distract Neige.

“Are you perhaps a second-year student? Dwarfs said they’re all seventeen years old,” Yuu grinned.

“I am 17, too,” he answered gently. “What about you?”

“Oh, I am a first-year. As for my age…”

Yuu swallowed her worry when a butterfly flew over to their table. Neige gasped and stretched out a finger, welcoming the butterfly which danced around him. Yuu was sure she didn’t tell the butterfly that it must fly straight to Neige. It’s as if he was spellbinding every nature creature around himself… 

Just like Snow White did.

“What a curious color,” Neige whispered. “I’ve never seen a butterfly like that.”

“Curious indeed…”

A fae couldn’t lie. Yuu couldn’t too, deciding it would be for the best to not comment on that. Moreover, she confirmed her theory, looking straight at Neige and observing his features. Pitch-black hair, eyes shimmering like gold, lips red as blood… 

There was no denying.

“It’s already late,” Yuu said suddenly, gathering the books. “I should get going. I also suggest you go to sleep, Neige. Staying so late is bad for your health.”

“You’re right,” he nodded, seeing the butterfly flying away to the window and watching it with a glimpse of sadness in his eyes. “But I must stay a little longer. Don’t worry, I’ll go back soon.”

“As you say… Well then, see you later.”

“Good night, Yuu.”

She hurried away out of the main building and met the butterfly she sent near the garden. 

“He’s related to Snow White,” she dropped, a genuine worry plastered on her face. “I don’t know in which terms, but he definitely is.” 

The butterfly fluttered its wings rapidly, agreeing with Yuu. 

And if he resembled Snow White, then it meant he was the Prince she needed to rescue in order to return back home and do her duty as a Princesses rescuer. 

It will be a long sleepless night full of connecting the facts she had and making a plan to help him.

★﹒﹒NOTES ✧˖ 小孩子 (xiaohaizi) — little children. ✧˖ Oh faila maira súrë, á ortëa ni ana the orwa fanyarë — “Oh generous splendid wind, rise me to the high sky”. I genuinely hope I understand Quenya grammar right— ✧˖ As I've promised, here's some explanations about word formation used in RSA dorm names! — Pandora Charm (actually we just came up with that and called it a day lmao) — Kifurijua : Royal — kifalme (Swahili) Pride — Kiburi (Swahili) Sun — Jua (Swahili) — Merheronelle : Sea — Mer (French) Hero — Hero (English) Nelle — Just an addition — Huriirada : Freedom — Huriya (Arabic) Will — ‘Iirada (Arabic) — Edelwiese : Gems — Edelsteine (German) Meadow — Wiese (German) — Dýnamieisos : Power — Dýnami (Greek) Heaven — Parádeisos (Greek) — Florevel : To Bloom — Florere (Latin) Vel — Just an addition. — Sidhery : Elf — Sid (Irish)  Ery — An ending from the word ‘Fairy’ in English.

© yunarim 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲, 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧.

[smellsliketeen-cringe]

Beautiful Boy

Contains: body image insecurities Ship: Patrick x Billy, aka kingrove Word Count: 682

They're lying comfortably on Patrick's new bed studying for Mr. Mathison's history exam when Billy shuts his textbook with a loud sigh. Patrick cocks a curious eyebrow at his boyfriend. "What's going in your head, babe?"

"Nothing." Billy always looks stunned whenever he gets called "babe." It's the same face he makes when Patrick kisses him. "I was just thinking, that's all."

"Don't be a stranger. Come back to Earth with the rest of us."

Billy squeezes out a choked wheeze. "You don't wanna hear my shit."

Patrick scoots closer to him with the ghost of a smile. "Wouldn't have asked if I didn't wanna hear it. I'm all ears."

Billy hesitates before he mutters, "Team weigh-ins are next week. It's no secret that living with you and your Aunt Rachel has gotten me all ... soft."

Patrick stays silent, listening intently. There's a definite truth to what he's hearing. Auntie Rae is a great cook, and with Billy now working as a taste tester at her girlfriend Cheryl's bakery, it's not exactly a surprise that Billy's sturdy frame has been pleasantly filling out little by little.

However, the way he says “soft” suggests that he doesn’t view these changes as a good thing. Patrick’s got to tread lightly here. 

“I’m gonna get cut from the team.” 

“Coach would be crazy to do that. You’re one of our best players.” “Not now that I’ll be huffing and puffing when I’m running around the court. I doubt my uniform fits anymore.” 

“You’re still in shape.”

“Round is a shape, isn’t it?” Billy grimaces, poking at his pudgy stomach. 

“I’ll still love you if Coach kicks you off the team.” Patrick tries again. 

Billy sends him a smile that doesn’t meet his somber eyes. 

So Patrick decides to be bolder.

He slips his hand under Billy’s turquoise sweater, and the other boy immediately tries to suck in. “I love you.”

Billy breathes out as Patrick’s hand rubs his chubby side. 

“And I love this.” 

“C’mon, seriously, you don’t have to-” 

"You've never looked more comfortable. More relaxed. This may sound stupid, but I'm happy I get the privilege of seeing you like this."

“A privilege, huh?”

“Yeah. So if eating makes you happy, then don’t stop.” “You don’t think I should cut back or anything?” 

“It doesn’t matter what I think.” 

Billy clears his throat and starts to tug nervously at his collar. 

“What I want is for you to keep being happy. And I really, really think... no, I know ... you’re beautiful.” To back up his words, Patrick begins to headbutt his way under his bashful boyfriend’s sweater. 

“There’s no space. It’s a little snug,” Billy says, bowing his head like it’s something he should be ashamed of. 

“Then why don’t I take it off?” 

“You won’t think it’s nice to look at.”

“It felt nice. Your tummy.” 

“That’s-that’s different!” 

“Your tummy’s gonna be beautiful."

“How do you know that?”

"'Cause it's the rule."

"What rule?"

“Humor me.” Patrick withdraws his hand from Billy’s stomach. For all his disdain towards it, the freckled boy whines at the loss of touch. “You don’t have to take it off if you don’t want to-”

“You can do it. I’ll just shut my eyes.” 

Patrick nods, rolling the sweater up until it rests under Billy’s padded chest. Billy stiffens, holding his hands over his eyes as Patrick admires his lovely, plump stomach. Tiger-like stripes decorate his sun-kissed skin. 

As if he’s reading Patrick’s mind, Billy mutters scornfully, “They’re stretch marks. I look-”

“Just as I thought. Beautiful."

And he kisses each and every one of those lovely marks until Billy stops sucking in.

"Quit squirming."

"I can't help it! Your mustache is tickling me. Damn you, Pat!" he laughs his terrible, perfect laugh, his ocean eyes lighting up more and more with every kiss.

When Auntie Rae comes in to tell them that supper’s ready, Patrick mouths that they’ll be in the dining room soon, just give them five more minutes. 

Fifteen minutes later they stumble out of Patrick’s room with their clothes inside out.

[hinacu-arts]

Finally started on

Beloved Bi Crisis - The Fic

So here's the first 700 words of draft one, as a little treat for all of those who followed me here on tumblr. ❤️

.

Casey woke up with a groan. He pushed himself up off the cement only for his arms to give out and drop him right back down.

“Uhh, guys? I think he’s waking up.”

How did Casey get here again? Where was here? And why did his body feel weak? Oh yeah, some new mutant got ahold of some kraang portal tech and was ranting about alternate counterparts and timelines and a bunch of other things Casey didn’t really understand. He remembers the mutant snuck up behind them and managed to kick Donnie and Mikey into the portal. There was some fighting and… oh that’s embarrassing. Casey tripped on some cables and fell into the portal. There was colors everywhere and the feeling of a vacuum and the sounds of Casey’s screams. And now he’s kissing pavement. First order of business, come up with a story that leaves him with some dignity by the end. Second, sit up.

“Hey, buddy, you okay? You kinda fell out of the sky and landed pretty hard-”

“Dude, you belly-flopped on the concrete. It was like something out of a cartoon. Oh, Donnie, please tell me you somehow recorded that-”

“Guys, focus. Leo, did he hit his head? Does he have a concussion?”

Casey had managed push his forehead into the ground and pull one of his knees up and in like some kind of inchworm. He was currently trying to scrunch his other leg in.

“I mean, probably? He fell like sixteen feet.”

“Leo.”

“What?! How would you like it if some stranger started giving you a medical exam before you’ve even fully woken up?”

There was a groan. Casey ignored them and slipped his forearms under the space he’d made before successfully pushing himself into a half sitting position. He moved his head the rest of the way to see… mutant turtles?

They were on a rooftop. The rooftop and the buildings surrounding it seemed to be purple instead of boring old gray. There was one shelled figure standing up on the ledge, facing away from Casey and looking down to something in his hands. There was a huge turtle, like seriously huge, his arms were thicker than Casey was wide, dragging his hands down his face and looking up to the sky like God could help him. Next to him, lounging like a moviestar on an old pool chair, was a much smaller turtle with colorful markings or paint on his skin. Last was the smallest turtle, who was flittering around Casey like he wanted to help but had been told couldn’t get to close. He was also covered in colors. Everyone was wearing wrappings up their arms and legs, similar to how the guys and Splinter did, but these wraps were black. Everything they wore was black except for colored cloth that was wrapped around their heads… colors in almost the exact same shade as Casey’s friends.

“Who are you?” Casey’s croaked out. His voice was hoarse and quiet, probably from all the not-screaming he had just done, “Some kinda wanna-bes?”

The big one gestured at him, “Good, he’s awake now. Now check if we need to drop him off at a hospital or something.”

“Geez, geez,” Stripes hopped off the chair and walked to Casey before dropping down to kneel next to him.

“Wait!” The colorful one called out.

Stripes froze, “Why?!”

“Dee said not to touch him until he was sure he wasn’t radioactive or anything.”

All the turtles looked to the dark figure on the ledge. Casey shifted into a more comfortable sitting position, his body no longer trembling under his weight.

“Thank you Angelo, at least someone listens to me,” The figure turned and stepped down to the roof before walking into the light. Casey rubbed at his eyes. Now that he was regaining his senses, he couldn’t help but notice this turtle was wearing, and rocking, thigh highs. Casey glanced around and took note at how humanoid these turtles looked. Maybe they were humans turned into turtles? Instead of turtles turned into humans like Casey’s friends?

“He’s clean. There’s dimensional energy from his world and any worlds he may have passed through, but it’s harmless to us. If my scans are correct, and they usually are, we are looking at dear Casey’s alternate universe counterpart.”

“What, like, Spider-Man multiverse stuff?”

“The exact same!”