#Warm little cat paw be upon ye!!

[somegrumpynerd]

I pet cat!dream over 500 times

I love how cute he is

Oh my god??? Bro you weren't kidding!!

It never fails to blow my mind how much people love petting these kitties, I'm really glad <3

And Dream cat loves you too anon! He is imbuing you with a warm feeling of joy, also you're holding hands now

[benkeibear]

『 Their hand slips 』

☼ synopsis: Their hand (almost) slips and puts a strain on your relationship

☼ characters: Toji, Yuuta, Inumaki

☼ wc: 4.3k

☼ cw: dark content! fem!reader, Toji being a good husband and almost snapping, getting pushed by Rika and slapped (accidentally during a playfight with Inumaki), Toge using his technique on you, overall sogginess, hurt to comfort

☼ notes: I am by no means glorifying domestic violence - this fic is not about this topic. If you or a loved one experience abuse in a relationship please reach out to the police or a qualified counselor / hotline for help!

ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹ Toji:

Being with Toji has always been a rollercoaster of emotions but you never doubted his love for you, despite him being rough around the edges. Yes, he might disappear for days, sometimes weeks after a fight but he never once lifted his hand or indicated that he would physically hurt you. If the fight was over something dumb you would usually end up in the bedroom to get his anger out in a fun way while making up again.

You don't even know what started the fight today, was it the dishes he didn't do? Perhaps he left the laundry in the laundry machine? All you know is that you've been screaming at each other for well over an hour, your throat already sore but you wouldn't stop now. Toji was just beyond annoyed at your little tantrum, at least that's what it was to him. “I said I'll take care of it, didn't I? The day isn't over yet” he tried the calm way at first, his jaw clenching in frustration when you screamed back how tired you are from work.

Things carried on like this for a while, Toji losing his cool after you screamed at him right away and he started to scream back until you were only throwing around profanities. At least until you said something you shouldn't have “No wonder your last two wives left you, you live like a damn pig”. It wasn't too bad but it was a sore topic for him and his hand raised… simply staying up in the air without ever connecting to your face but it was enough for you to flinch away. Toji's jaw tensed up further, his teeth almost cracking from the pure pressure when he realized what he almost did - crossing a boundary that should never be crossed and you looked at him like he's a monster now. Perhaps he was and you were right, make it three wives, it's deserved now that his hand almost struck you.

Ever so slowly he brought his hand down from its spot up in the air, trying not to startle you further when he reached to cup your cheek, the anger in his eyes turning to desperation. Out of reflex you flinched from his touch, your body still in flight mode from almost getting struck by him and Toji recoiled his hand quickly while nodding to himself. The anger flamed up behind his eyes once again upon realizing just how bad he had fucked up. Anger rose up and he couldn't contain himself any longer “FUCK” he roared, making you stumble backwards just to get away from him before he punched a hole into the wall. You barely recognized the man in front of you since he'd never been this violent around you or directed at you. The thought of drawing a single breath of air scared you with him raging around and you simply held your breath, your entire body shaking like a leaf in a heavy storm, but before you found your voice again he stormed out of your shared home, grabbing his coat on the way out of the front door.

Relief was the first thing flooding your mind when you finally felt like you could exhale once again, the air less tense with him out of the room and upon looking around your usually tidy kitchen, you saw the battlefield he'd left behind. The hole in the wall gaping and your favorite candle holder, the one he gifted you simply because you thought the cat warming its paws looked so cute, now on the floor and shattered into hundreds of small pieces. You didn't care much for the cushions laying around or the chairs scattered across the room but you cradled the severed porcelain head of the small cat to your chest as you fell to your knees when the first wave of shock wore off. Toji had left. He's gone now and given how both of you crossed boundaries and he almost hit you, didn't give you much hope for his return. A bitter laugh crossed your sobs when you thought of the small candle holder scattered and how it represented your broken relationship.

After what felt like an eternity on the floor you had the courage to get up once again, slowly putting things back to where they used to stand before picking up each and every piece of Tojis present. You needed to get your mind off of his departure, he sure would return - latest when he had to get his things- you told yourself, trying to calm the mess that was your head. Dedicated you brought he pieces to the living room where his show was running as always, your favorite background noise in your daily life and piece by piece you glued the little candle holder back together until it looked somewhat what it used to and it gave you hope - perhaps you could do the same to your relationship?

Once the distraction wore off you found yourself sitting on the unusually empty couch, sitting on his favorite spot and the silence was deafening, the show stopped playing a while ago, Netflix asking you if you're still watching and the tears started to form in your eyes once again. Perhaps he will be back soon? Your hope wore thinner with every hour that has passed, only hoping that he will come back eventually one day at this point. Sure, you've had worse fights with him but it never got physical, this one felt much more charged and intense than all the others before so perhaps he's sick of the constant fighting, sick of you…

Slowly you sunk your face into the pillow on the couch and brought your knees to your chest as you wept, his show now playing once again to bring you at least a little comfort as you drifted off into a restless slumber, the moment where he almost struck you replaying in your head over and over again.

Toji wandered around the Block at first, contemplating to get drunk out o his mind and simply disappearing out of your life forever since he has nothing to offer to you but his heart and body, but now he wasn't sure if that was enough - if he was enough and he hated these thoughts. He could have any woman he wanted so why is he so damn attached to you? Answers didn't come by as he sat down in the park and gulped down a cheap beer but the longer he sat there the more reasons he found just why he was with you and how you made him feel things no one managed to ignite in so long. It was clear to him that he would need to go back, that he would need to fix things with you, for his own sake because he'd be lost without you once again.

By the time Toji got up from the old bench at the park it was almost morning already, the bird chirping softly in the trees and he took a deep breath in, preparing himself to lose you once and for all since he couldn't force you to forgive him after ever but he would promise to be better, he vowed to be a good partner and later on to be a good husband to you and not once did he make you regret trusting him since he was always nothing but good to you. His posture was slightly slouched when he entered the apartment, ready to find the mess he left behind in the kitchen but it looked as if nothing ever happened here - aside from the hole in the wall that felt like a plow to his guts. That could have been your face, realization setting in once again over what happened and how badly he damaged the trust in this relationship with his cowardly reaction.

Shaking his head at his thought he made his way back to the front door, only to be met by your weak voice somewhere behind him. “Toji?” was all you asked, your voice sounding tired and so fragile from hours of crying and he flinched, dreading your next words. “Don't leave… please,” You continue and sit up now to look at him. “I'm just here to get my thi- you want me to stay?” He sounded rather surprised that you didn't send him out, cussing him and his entire bloodline out as he got his things. Toji was so prepared for rejection he didn't even consider you would want him to stay, but you did, so he dragged himself over to the couch where you sat, waiting to face him. Your bloodshot eyes shocked him, have you been crying all night over him? Over the situation or perhaps the divorce you'd surely want?

“I'm sorry,” was all that he croaked out, his ego crushed and the confidence that usually radiated off of him was entirely gone, he was nothing but a miserable pile in front of you in this moment. It took you a minute or two to fully register his words - his apology and you simply nodded, knowing he wasn't great with words and especially apologies. Silence fell upon both of you once again, unsure how to go on from here, both of you uncomfortable with the situation. You were the first to find your words again, having spent the night thinking about what you wanted and ultimately what you will say to him but right now this was all thrown out of the window when you looked at him and reached out for his hands, trying to show that you're no longer scared.

“Listen to me. If you ever raise a hand to me again, Toji Fushiguru, I will cut out your heart and eat it for breakfast, do you understand me?” You asked with a much more secure voice and it almost scared him because he knew you took that threat seriously, but a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips now. “That's my wife,” he chuckled a little, wondering if he extinguished your flame with fear but you weren't one to crumble, not from him or his foolish actions.

Unasked Toji whisked you up into his strong arms and carried you to the bedroom, refusing to let go of you for even a second as he smothered you between his arms and chest. Things weren't okay and they won't be for a while but at least you knew that he was willing to work on himself and you were willing to stay, so things could be alright again one day.

ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹ Yuuta:

You were always Yuuta's first priority and he never failed to make it clear that you knew that there's no one and nothing that's more important to him than you. Yet he had to save the world as usually, exorcizing a curse here, helping out there and more often than not you found yourself alone in your shared home, talks limited to texts and phone calls. He tried his hardest to make sure you're always on his mind even if he's not physically with you, especially then but you slowly felt like this wasn't the case. It felt like he was running away from home, from you to be alone, to be with Rika rather than you for the old days sake.

This gut wrenching thought became especially painful when you ran into him in the grocery store when he claimed to be on the other side of the world and not in fact in the same grocery store or even the same city. You didn't want to cause a scene, not there out of all places so you abandoned your shopping cart and walked out, ignoring the hurt puppy look from your boyfriend. Dropping the chocolates he held previously he charged after you “Wait, please. Let me explain!” he called after you and caught up with your rather fast pace but you didn't pay any attention to him, fearing the worst.

And sometimes your own mind can be the worst enemy as you now convinced yourself that Yuuta was leading some sort of double life, a secret life hidden away from you and you didn't want to see his face for a second longer. When the young man held onto your wrist to get you to stop running from him it felt as if your skin was burning, quickly tugging your hand out of his grasp and glaring at him. “Stop causing a damn scene, Okkotsu” you hissed under your breath and Yuuta knew he was in trouble by the way you only used his last name, so much venom behind your words. All he wanted to do was surprise you with your favorite flowers and some sweets since he was home almost an entire week earlier and he didn't understand the tantrum you were throwing at that moment. Yes, he did lie to you and told you he won't be home for at least another 5 days but he was already on his way back to you, his home. Was he wrong that he wanted to surprise you just to have you jump into his arms five days earlier than initially planned?

The walk home was awkward and silent, the air around you two charged with strong emotions and unspoken words - words none of you dared to speak until the front door to your apartment was closed and you whipped around, facing him with an expression full of anger and hurt. “Why did you lie to me? Am I not good enough for you anymore?” You immediately asked, letting your inner fear take over instead of trying to think rationally but Yuuta immediately shook his head. “It's not like that, I promise!” His voice was rather submissive, hating to have fights with you, especially out of the dumbest reasons but you couldn't contain your anger, your presence alone making him take a step back. He knew you would never lay a hand on him but the air around you was so thick he feared to suffocate if he couldn't keep some distance. “Don't come at me with that bullshit, Yuuta. You promised not to lie to me and here you are… avoiding me despite being back. Do you have someone else? Do you miss Rika so much you can't bear to be with me?” You questioned, taking steps towards your boyfriend despite his silent plea to keep distance. It's unfair of you to bring Rika up in this situation, both of you knew this but you didn't care. The way he was always talking about her started to gnaw at your heart, slowly building a deep insecurity that you're just someone he settled for because he couldn't have the one he wanted. Perhaps he found a better replacement? That was your initial thought when you saw him smiling to himself at the grocery store. Little do you know he was thinking about your gleeful smile when he came home early.

Yuuta barely opened his mouth after what felt like an eternity of silence when he reached for your hands, hoping you let him explain, hoping you calm down enough to start thinking rationally. “Please, just listen, okay?” He started, his voice small since he didn't want things to escalate, fearing to lose you as much as you feared the same. You were his anchor, his safety vest out in the ocean that kept him afloat when everything was against him. He made the mistake of touching you, trying to get closer to you when you were so charged and it made you feel crowded, pushing him off of you so he let go of your wrists. He would have let go if only you asked, showing him he made you uncomfortable but before he could stop it, it was already too late.

Rika pushed you away from him, much harsher than he would have ever allowed and he recoiled, backing away from your curled up body after you were sent flying against the wall, several feet behind you.

The sight of your body on the floor and the little noise you let out upon the collision shattered his heart. Sure, Rika just wanted to protect him from harm but you would have never seriously hurt him and he was in shambles, trying to figure out what to do now that one of his biggest fears became reality. It took you a few seconds to realize what had just happened, just sitting up and blinking at Yuuta who looked paler than usual, his body frozen to the spot as he watched you with wide eyes. The way you looked around made him aware of how dizzy you must feel since your head hit the wall - at least there was no blood on your hands when you checked the back of your head reluctantly.

“Yuuta?” You asked him as you teared up, knowing that it was just an accident. The young man snapped out of his trance-like state upon hearing your voice, softly asking him for comfort but he couldn't give that to you, not if he was the one who hurt you in the first place.

His head snapped around, looking for a way out of there, perhaps he could jump out of the window or would it be too high? The sound of his heartbeat picking up was deafening, the only thing he heard in that moment and it only fueled the anxiety further. But it was your utterly desperate voice calling out to him once again that snapped him out of his fight or flight reaction, panicked eyes finally looking at your teary ones and his body reacted on its own. Without a further moment passing he dropped to his knees beside you and cradled your body in his arms, holding you close. You knew he didn't hurt you and it was just a reaction of Rika so you weren't angry, but your body still hurt as you wept into his embrace, body trembling with each sob that wrecked through it. “I'm so sorry my love” kept falling off his lips like a whispered mantra as he gently rocked you back and forth in his arms in hopes that it's enough to calm both of you down - even if it's just a little bit.

Hours later and neither of you had moved. You were still cradled in Yuuta's lap, arms wrapped securely around you and he still looked at you as if he just broke the most valuable thing he ever owned. “I’m sorry that I made you angry,” you eventually broke the silence that just felt heavy to you but he quickly shook his head “don't… it's not your fault I lost control,” he began and kissed your temple, his lips resting against your delicate skin for a moment before you felt them move as he continued to speak. “I should have told you I'm home earlier, the flowers would have been a surprise regardless, I'm sorry I made you doubt my love for you.” He whispered against your temple, earnest regret in his voice. Yuuta knew he was gone too much lately and if the roles were reversed he would have had doubts as well so he couldn't blame you.

Unsure how to answer, you nod softly and your hands clutch onto him just a little tighter. “We will make things better,” you eventually mumble, reassuring the both of you that despite what has happened, things will be okay again and you can work past this accident.

ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹ Inumaki:

You never felt scared or threatened by Inumaki, he was always more than sweet to you and despite his cursed speech you never feared anything. He fell in love with you the day he found out you learned sign language for him and hasn't left your side ever since. You two were inseparable to the point of his friends automatically speaking of the both of you instead of just an individual and it was you who understood his few words better than anyone.

Laughter echoed through his small apartment when he pinned you to the bed with just one hand, the other traveling down to your sides to tickle you. Your laughter was one of his favorite noises, your smile his favorite sight and he wished he could tell you, scream out how much he loves you but he would never dare to say such things out loud, scared it manipulates you somehow and you're with him against your will. That was his worst nightmare, one that often haunted him at night and he woke up distressed while frantically searching for his phone. It's the same over and over again “You're with me because it's what you want, right?” He texts and awaits your answer as he picks the skin on his fingers anxiously. “I’m with you because my heart chose you” you tell him every time before his phone even unlocks - already knowing what plagues his handsome head.

Your sweet giggle brought him back to the little play fight you two just had and the way you were trying so hard to overpower him despite knowing you would never succeed. This thought never scared you, since you knew he would never use it against you or hold you down when you wouldn't want it. It was all just playful banter until he wanted to catch your wrist after you freed it but miscalculated, sending his hand right against your cheek with such strength the slap echoed off the walls followed by your whimper. You didn't need to push him off of your body, Inumaki got up right away, the tears that started to form in your eyes causing him to panic slowly. He frantically tried to sign “I'm sorry it was an accident” over and over but it felt like his hands knotted up by the speed and you didn't look at him, turning away as the tears started rolling down your cheeks. You weren't mad at him, knowing it was an accident but it still hurt you - the tears only a reaction of your body to the stinging pain that traveled through your face.

But the way you refused to even look towards him frustrated the young man and despite his efforts to get your attention you simply rose from the corner of the bed and left the room. Of course he was chasing after you, tapping you, holding your wrist, whining… he tried so hard to get just a sliver of your attention when you clearly didn't want to give that to him right now and he felt wrongfully punished. “Stop crying and come here” these words slipped past his lips with such desperation, he couldn't even stop himself before saying them out loud and his hands slapped over his mouth the second he realized what he'd done.

No matter how hard you tried to stop yourself, your body acted on its own accord as the tears dried and your feet walked over to him. Your face was one of utter shock and betrayal that he would do this to you, accident or not.

Inumaki pulled your body close and held you in a tight embrace despite every fiber in his body screaming not to do it, it felt so wrong to him but he needed you to forgive him, for accidentally hurting you, for putting you through manipulation. When he pulled back he was met with your face full of hurt and anger, which he deserved. “Please hit me back. We can be even” he signed once, twice… but you looked away, pinching the bridge of your nose as you took a step back to put some space between the white haired man and yourself. You wanted to scream, to explode at him but you collected yourself and looked at him with a cold expression. “Can you just stop?! I don't care that you hit me,” you started but lost your cool quickly and it came out more snappy than intended “we were play fighting, it happens. But you can't just crowd me and demand me to do things… and you surely can't fucking manipulate me!” Your voice rose in volume at the last part since this hurt you more than the accidental hit to your face.

Inumaki looked at you like a kicked puppy, eyes big and his face sinking into the collar of his sweater further so he can hide. He was beyond ashamed for his actions and didn't want to speak, the desperation clouding his mind and forgetting for just a split second that his words have immediate consequences and despite his best effort of not speaking, he can mess up.

With trembling hands he started signing apologies, begging for your forgiveness over and over until his shoulders started trembling and in a last effort he signed words unclear but you knew what he meant “please hold me” You whispered as he signed it and sighed. Realizing that he's more affected by this than you were and that he really had no malicious intentions you pulled your lover close, comforting him and yourself as his arms wrapped around you tightly, hands clutching to the fabric of your shirt. “Love” he mumbled out aloud, knowing this one word won't make you do anything but it was the first time you heard him say that he loves you out aloud. “I love you too” you whispered back, cheek still aching from the way his hand slipped but right now your heart needed healing from the betrayal of getting manipulated. Both, you and Toge were sure that this was a cut in your relationship but the bond you shared will act as a bandaid and you will be okay again, especially since he will be more careful now.

Networks: @pixelcafe-network @interstellar-inn @houseofsolisoccasum

[thelovelylolly]

Joel Miller/Tommy Miller x Reader where she finds an old Sphynx (hairless ugly thing lol, but so affectionate) cat and carries him in her hoodie to keep him warm. Joel wonders why she's being shifty/what she's hiding. And isn't impressed when she finally shows him.

-

This is super random but I would miss my adopted Sphynx sooo much if I was thrown into the last of us universe 🙈😭 he's too domesticated to live as a stray lol he wears clothes (even legwarmers 🤣) and sleeps in my bed or inside my hoodie all day 🤣

Hope you're well x

Can We Keep Him?

Summary: You find a Sphynx cat while traveling with Joel, who doesn't want it. Warnings: post-outbreak, not proofread bc my own cats kept me up last night and im tired, let me know if i missed anything! Notes: i. love. cats. thats it thats the note

You and Joel stumbled upon an abandoned gas station and strip mall while making your way to your next trading spot. You two decided to split up and raid the abandoned buildings so you wouldn't waste too much time. You went into the gas station while Joel looked through the other buildings. It was already pretty picked over, but every once in a while, you would find something useful or just interesting.

You were walking through the dirty isles when you heard a crunch from the back. You immediately turned around, but saw nothing. You grabbed your flashlight and pistol, readying them as you two slow steps towards the sound. Another crunch and a rustle come from the back. You got closer and closer, pausing for a moment before turning the corner to prepare yourself. You didn't want to deal with infected.

You quickly turned the corner and aimed your flashlight at the noise. Two blue eyes stared back at you as you lowered your gun and flashlight. A Sphynx cat was just munching on some random food that was left, and probably expired.

"Aw, hey little guy," you cooed, putting your pistol in your waistband and crouching down in front of the cat. You carefully stuck your hand out to him, letting him sniff at your hand before rubbing his head against your hand. You gave him some scratches on his wrinkly little head as he walked closer to you.

"Will you let me take you?" You asked him when he put his front paws on his knees. He meowed at you and you picked him up, standing up with him in your arms.

You carefully opened your hoodie up and he instantly hopped in, happy for the warmth. You giggled and he stuck his head out, licking your chin.

"You gotta hide, buddy. I don't know if Joel will like you," you said, gently pushed his head back down. You made sure he was comfortable, then left the gas station to regroup with Joel.

----

Joel knew something was off with you. As you two continued on your way, your arms stayed wrapped around your torso and you didn't take your hoodie off, no matter how hot you were getting. He tried to ignore it, but he couldn't. So, he stopped walking and turned to face you.

"What's going on?" He asked.

Your eyes widened and you quickly looked away from Joel. "Nothing, why?"

"You're acting weird."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"Joel, I'm not, okay?"

He stepped closer, his hands going to his hips. "You really wanna do this?"

You sighed and rolled your eyes. You opened your hoodie up and carefully took the Sphynx cat you found out, cradling him in your arms. Joel was, at first, shocked you were able to hide the little guy so easily, then disappointed. Of course you picked up a stray cat, a hairless, wrinkly one at that.

"Where did you find that?" Joel asked.

"The gas station," you replied. "He was just too cute to leave and he immediately started to love on me, so..."

"Okay, first, he is not that cute. Kinda ugly, to be honest. Second, why on earth did you pick up a stray cat? You don't know what kinda diseases he has."

"I don't care, and he is cute! Can we keep him? Please?"

"No," Joel answered sharply.

"C'mon, Joel. Can you really say no to this face?" You replied, holding the cat out to Joel.

"Yes, I can. He's not a cute cat."

"He is! Plus, where are we gonna leave him that's safe?" You added. "Please, Joel? Just until we find a better place for him?"

Joel took a deep breath and grumbled something as he ran a hand across his face.

"Fine. We can keep him, but when we find a good place to leave him, that's it," he said before turning and continuing on your path.

"Yes!" You cheered quietly as you quickly followed Joel. "Now, what should we call him?"

"Dear lord," Joel grumbled, already regretting letting you keep the cat.

[theriverspath]

Ineffable May 2024, Day 4: Disaster Puppy

Rated General Audience

Dog stood on the edge of the cliff overlooking his kingdom. No, that wasn’t quite right. Kingdom was the word that humans used. What would the Appointed Hound of The Great Beast rule over? His Alphadom? Ugh, that didn’t work either. Domain? Yes! That’s it! Dog’s Domain!

Below the Ruler of All He Sees, a valley lay in shadow. The piteous mewls of downtrodden and defeated cats echo against the walls. Nowhere in the depths of the barren gorge could they find a patch of grass warmed by an afternoon sunbeam. Nor were there plates of cream* or bowls of crunchy kibble. In a moment of benevolence, the Will of the Son Made Manifest had provided them with an abundance of small creatures to chase. However, the little weasels and moles and rats could never be caught. No matter how skillfully the feline hunters stalked their prey, no matter how precisely they pounced, their quarry would always escape at the last second. A minute tuft of fluff caught under a claw would be their only reward.

The Chosen Eternal Companion looked out upon his works, and saw that they were good. Or, bad? Either way, they were pleasing to his sight. The wind on the cliff ruffled his fur and brought the satisfying scent of sad cat to his nose. He breathed in deep, enjoying it.

Wait.

There was something else there, too.

The air shifted, coming at him from his back. A feral, musky odor pricked his danger sense. A raspy growl drowned out the distant meows. Dog twirled around, his hackles raised to scare off whatever had snuck up on him. A white face with two strong, vertical lines stared back at him. It was the badger from the field next to the apple orchard! The larger animal curled its lips, revealing two rows of menacing teeth. Dog returned the gesture, preparing to defend his domain.

The rat-a-tat-tattle of a falling pebble sounded from the cliff face just behind him. Unwilling to turn his back on the threat in front of him, Dog glanced over his shoulder. Two triangular ears crested the rim, followed by a pair of bright green eyes and a whiskered muzzle. A smaller one appeared beside it, its little nose wiggling and tiny squeaks sounding angry.

Dog glanced from the approaching badger to the crowd of cats and rodents emerging from the rift, and knew that there was no winning this battle. Even a Goodest and Bravest Boy of the Most Highest Order understands the value of a tactical retreat. Terrier-sized legs propelled him across the field, narrowly escaping snapping jaws and grasping paws. Dog ran, but inside he vowed to return to his domain one day and claim what was rightfully his once again.

“Oh look, he must be dreaming. Isn’t that cute, Arthur?” Mr. Young managed a monosyllabic affirmative noise from behind his morning paper. Deirdra smiled as she shook her head and turned to her son. “What do you think he’s doing, Adam? Maybe chasing a rabbit?” The boy looked down at the little dog gently kicking his back paw in his sleep. Calmly, he answered his mother.

“No, definitely not.”

-

*Please don’t give dairy to cats.

-----

Want to play along? Check out the prompt list from @blairamok.

[sparklespriggs]

Confessions of a Cat

Square: E2 - Creature: Feline Title: Confessions of a Cat Rating: T Wordcount: 1803 Ship(s): Dream/Hob Warnings: None Additional tags: Canon Compliant, Fluff, First Kiss, Touch-Starved Dream of the Endless | Morpheus, Actual Cat Dream of the Endless | Morpheus Summary:

“Y’know,” Hob mused, his hand pausing in its motions and moving from the cat to help him type more quickly. The cat clearly disapproved of this. It shifted even closer to Hob, lifting its head up to rest on top of his arm and nuzzle against his hand. Hob chuckled, losing his train of thought as he twisted his hand around to continue petting the cat. “You’re a needy one, aren’t you? For a cat that kept hissing at passersby, you’re really enjoying the attention now.”

If Hob didn’t know any better, he’d say that the bloody cat huffed at him. Regardless, it didn’t stop snuggling into him and purring like an engine.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/44837083 (written for @dreamlingbingo <3) Fic posted under the cut!

Hob stared at the guest relaxing by the door to the New Inn.

The cat stared back impassively.

“Um,” said Hob intelligently. On occasion, there would be the odd cat that hung around the back door of the New Inn hunting for scraps. Never in Hob’s life had he seen a cat like this, though. It was a massive creature, all thick, sleek black fur and piercing eyes. He felt like it was staring directly into his soul as it licked the back of its paw. Something about the cat was strangely familiar, but he couldn’t quite place why. “Hello?”

Perhaps against his better judgement, Hob held out his hand to the cat. It was massive, yes, and a bit intimidating. That didn’t mean it wasn’t friendly. After all, it looked well-groomed and taken care of, so maybe it belonged to one of the houses in the area.

To his surprise, the cat rose from where it had settled itself beneath one of the outside picnic tables and, with a big stretch, leapt on top of it so it could bump its head against Hob’s hand. Hob grinned. As he scratched behind the cat’s ears, it let out a rumbling purr, pushing further into Hob’s touch like it couldn’t get enough of it.

“Oh, aren’t you lovely? Such a handsome cat,” Hob cooed, stroking down the cat’s body. He’d always had a love-hate relationship with cats in the past. As cute as they could be, you could never quite predict what their next move was. One minute they could be purring up a storm, and the next they could be scratching you and bolting away before you had time to blink. He hoped this cat would continue to be kind. It was beautiful and regal, its fur so soft and silky that Hob wanted to gather the cat up in his arms and hug it tightly (which, in past experiences, he knew would be a recipe for disaster).

A few people stopped by the door as they came and went from the inn to see what all the fuss was about. Upon seeing the cat, they would gasp and stretch out to stroke it. However, instead of accepting the pets, the cat would raise its hackles and hiss at them until they left it alone.

The weirdest thing was that it would then turn back to (an understandably wary) Hob and nuzzle back against his hand, demanding more attention.

What a strange cat, indeed.

Eventually, Hob was brought back to reality when a particularly chilly breeze sent a shiver down his body. Right, there was a warm flat and a hot drink waiting for him upstairs after his frosty walk home (and, less appealingly, the unfortunate necessity of having to spend the evening grading essays).

He gave the cat a final pat on the head and dropped his hand, trying not to feel guilty when it looked at him in what almost seemed like disappointment. “Sorry,” he said to the cat, immediately feeling stupid at apologising to a cat of all things. Well, it was probably for the best. They could be vengeful little buggers. “I should be getting inside now. You should go home.”

Hob wandered over to the door to his flat at the side of the inn and unlocked it. As soon as he began to push it open, he felt a large, fluffy body weave through his legs and watched, slack-jawed, as the cat trotted up the stairs without looking back. For a moment, he glanced around helplessly, unsure where to go from here. It wasn’t his cat! He shouldn’t just be letting random cats into his flat, right?

Any thoughts of kicking the cat out vanished when he entered his living room and found the cat curled up amongst the cushions on his sofa. His heart melted. With how cold it was outside, he didn’t blame it for seeking out the nearest warmth. Since it had been nothing but friendly with him, Hob decided to let it stay for the evening, at least.

Hob left the room to hang up his bag and coat and get changed into more comfortable clothes. Then, after brewing himself a cup of tea and grabbing his laptop, he returned to the living room and plopped onto the sofa next to the cat. It lifted its head from where it had been resting on its paws to blink at him slowly. Its eyes were unusual, upon closer look. Dark as obsidian with pinpricks of light glinting in its dilated pupils.

As he mulled that thought over, he booted up his laptop and opened up the folder of essays to begin marking. His free hand drifted to the cat at his side, absentmindedly scritching at its head. Its deep purr was even louder in the quiet of Hob’s flat, rolling thunder a gentle vibration against his leg as the cat pressed itself closer to him.

“Y’know,” Hob mused, his hand pausing in its motions and moving from the cat to help him type more quickly. The cat clearly disapproved of this. It shifted even closer to Hob, lifting its head up to rest on top of his arm and nuzzle against his hand. Hob chuckled, losing his train of thought as he twisted his hand around to continue petting the cat. “You’re a needy one, aren’t you? For a cat that kept hissing at passersby, you’re really enjoying the attention now.”

If Hob didn’t know any better, he’d say that the bloody cat huffed at him. Regardless, it didn’t stop snuggling into him and purring like an engine.

“What was I saying before?” Hob hummed. When the cat looked up at him again with that intense gaze, it came back to him in a rush. “Oh yeah! That’s it. You remind me of a friend of mine, if he was a cat. Kind of, at least.” He paused to consider, scratching underneath the cat’s chin. “His eyes are so much like yours. The kind of eyes that look like a night sky. Jesus Christ, I could only dream of him being this affectionate though.” Caught up in his ramble, Hob didn’t notice the way the cat stiffened slightly, its purrs tapering off. “Sure, he’s been less elusive since I finally saw him in the summer and he told me his name, but I can never tell what he’s thinking! He just turns up whenever he pleases – which is every other week or so now, so I can’t complain too much – and we go out for a drink or food or whatever and have a good chat whilst I try to work out if he’d let me hold his hand, then before I can ask him if he wants to come back to mine or if he’d class these outings as ‘dates’, he just fucks off again!” He sighed heavily, head flopping against the back of the sofa. “Ugh. Why am I venting to a cat of all things? I swear to God, Dream is driving me fucking insane.”

“I didn’t realise you felt that way about me, Hob Gadling.”

Hob let out a very unmanly screech, shooting to his feet and toppling his laptop and the cat off from where it had climbed half into his lap onto the floor.

“The fuck? Dream?”

To Hob’s horror, the cat hopped back up onto the sofa, levelled him with an all-too-familiar stare, and spoke. “Yes, that’s me. You were saying?”

Hob gaped at him. “You’re a cat?”

“To some,” said Dream, sounding a little more impatient. Had Hob not been in such a state of shock, he would have chastised him for yet another vague answer to his questions. “Perhaps you will find this conversation less baffling if I transform back into my human body.”

There was a flash that caused Hob to automatically shut his eyes, and when he opened them again, Dream – the tall, handsome, human-shaped being Dream – was now sitting where the cat had been.

“Now, might you elaborate on what you were saying before in regards to our meetups?”

“Well, I, uh–” Hob spluttered, before getting a hold of himself in a sudden burst of agitation. “You know what! No! How about you tell me why you were slinking around my home as a cat demanding my attention and affection?”

Dream pursed his lips, eyebrows furrowing into a frown. He’d clearly not expected that response. Hob delighted in watching the cogs turn in his brain to figure out how to reply without revealing too much.

“Is it true that you wish for me to be more affectionate with you?”

Hob threw his hands up in the air, defeated. He collapsed back onto the sofa beside Dream. “Guess I did say that, didn’t I? I’d like that a lot, yeah. Though as nice and soft as you are in cat form, I’d like it even more if you were in this form.”

“And, you want us to go out on… dates?”

Hob closed his eyes briefly and took a breath to contemplate his life’s choices up until now. “Yes, Dream, I want us to go on dates, if you would be interested. But it’s fine if you’re not.”

Glancing over at Dream, Hob found him looking somewhat thrown off guard. When he took too long to respond, Hob decided to gently press him further.

“Dream, why did you come here?”

“I wanted…” Dream trailed off. “I wanted the same as you, I suppose. I just didn’t know how to ask for it.”

“So you’re telling me that you barged your way into my flat and cuddled up to me pretending to be a real cat because you didn’t know how to ask me to, fuck I don’t know, give you a hug?”

“And more. I want more than that.”

“Yeah?” Hob raised his eyebrows, not suppressing the grin that was beginning to creep onto his lips. He leant closer to Dream – just a little – and was pleased when Dream leant towards him too. “What else do you want?”

Something flashed in Dream’s eyes. “This.” With no other warning, Dream framed Hob’s face with his hands and pulled him into a bruising kiss. Hob’s surprised noise was muffled against Dream’s lips, but he quickly sank into it, clutching at the front of Dream’s shirt like a lifeline. When they eventually broke apart, Hob could feel the warm blush on his cheeks.

“Yeah, I want that too,” Hob murmured, smiling under the heat of Dream’s searching gaze. “For as long as you’re willing to give it to me.”

A purr rumbled in the back of Dream’s throat as he nudged his forehead against Hob’s. “Then, you’ll find that we’ll be together for a very long time.” Hob’s smile only grew bigger.

“Sounds good to me.”

[hardonyx]

"Hey there, my good little pet.~ What game are you playing there?"

"I love that game! Looks like that match you're playing is pretty... heated.~ Would suck if someone were to... I dunno, interrupt it because they were hard and needy or something like that.~"

"Whaaaaat? Who said I was gonna do that, huh? I just said it would suck, that's all. You can get back to your game, pup.~"

I reach my tan paws down and grab both sides of your waist and lift you onto my lap, my tail swishing playfully as I do.

"Just... checking something.~" I say as I surreptitiously slip my hand up your pretty purple plaid skirt, playing with your needy hole. "That's a good pup.~ Keep playing your game."

I gently slip your panties off at a rate that is barely distinguishable from your focused leg movements while you continue playing your game. When a round ends, you look down to find my hard, throbbing, barbed member resting beneath and between your thighs.

"See something you like down there, pooch?~ A pinecone or somethin'?" I ask with a knowing smirk on my face. "Another joystick perhaps?"

I lift your legs so that they are at your sides and your needy pussy is exposed. I gently slip my needy cock in.

"What? Never heard of cock warming?" I smile mischievously as you feel it gently fill your tight pussy.

"Of course you haven't. You're just my dumb little puppygirl. Why would I expect you to know anything except sit, stay, obey, and suck cock? Go back to your game, girl.~"

About an hour passes and the heated matches finally end. You end up at the very top of the leaderboard.

"Very good! Good girl! You're my good girl!" I praise you enthusiastically as I lovingly scratch your head, a soft pleased purr leaving my lips. "You're making this cat very proud. I think you deserve a present.~"

I begin to rock my hips, thrusting into your tight, wet, and needy pussy. My claws involuntarily unsheath and dig into your sides as I do, but you don't mind at all. My tail waves back and forth in rhythm with my thrusts.

"Y-you're... ngh-- s-such a good puppygirl...! Such a good, dirty little puppygirl!~ I love the way your tail wags for your o-ol' reliable tomcat.~" I whimper and grunt as I begin to thrust faster into you.

"Y-yes! Just like that! So g-good... ngh! I-I'm so close already..." I whine in pleasure as I can feel the familiar climactic build between my legs. "O-oh!~ I-I think I'm--"

I yowl in pure, unadulterated pleasure as I fill you up with my seed, pulsating rope upon hot rope of cum into you as I feel you tighten around me in reciprocal climax. When my barbed cock comes out, little trickles of slick, yummy puppygirl cum and traces of blood spill out of your used hole.

"Ah, sorry." I smile sheepishly and scratch the back of my neck awkwardly. "I sometimes forget that it's... uhm, not smooth. I didn't hurt you too bad, did I?"

It seems like you don't mind all that much.

"Okay, good. Just making sure."

"So, uhm... you up for another round, pooch?~"

[sotcwcrp]

SECRETS OF THE CLANS, JANUARY OPENING!

In celebration of our January 14th - January 28th opening, we're going to be highlighting each of the clans, to give you a better idea of what they're like / how different they are from the books!

Last and certainly nor least, our clan is...

RiverClan

ART CREDITS: carnationcarnivore on discord!

A chorus of joint laughter rings in your ears, betrayed by paws who couldn’t grip on the slippery stones, a flushed face erupts from the burbling water - though an embarrassed snicker escapes your throat, you immediately shake out that drenched pelt and relish in the playful shrieks of those same Clanmates who were giggling earlier. Almost spurred on by the whimsical river, having hunting patrols turn into splash fights was a common occurrence here.

To be your eyes into RiverClan Territory, Granitewish a Riverclan waterweaver is here to interview some of her clanmates! Take it away Granitewish!

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅�� ──

"Tell me a bit about RiverClan territory!"

 "RiverClan territory? It's awesome, filled to the brim with unique fish, beautiful flowers, and...water! So many streams, ponds, pools, and rivers. I love to just forget everything and swim in the calm waters. Even though we don't have many trees, we can still cool off in greenleaf! It's refreshing to get soaked after a hot, sunny day." — Cloudfish

Just as the river flows through the veins of every Riverclan cat, the waters that give the clan its name are the lifeblood of the land it calls home. Follow along the riverbend and you'll be greeted by a plethora of breathtaking sights; vibrant flowers warming their faces in the sun, shimmering waterfalls that glow in the moon's light. You could take a trip to the hot springs to warm your aching muscles and enjoy some tea with your clanmates, or maybe you'd prefer a relaxing swim in the harmonic creek? Whatever you decide, Riverclan has enough to offer to keep anyone busy the whole day through; from the bustle of fish-filled waters to the brush of luscious foliage against fur, its territory is a bright space alight with life. Some even say the land itself is alive, and if you keep quiet enough, you can hear its gentle breath in the trickle of the river.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“What's your favourite spot in RiverClan territory? Could you tell me a bit about why?”

"Hmmm... My favowite spot in the tewritory? Well, I think it has to be the healer's den... It's the first place I saw when I arrived in WiverClan! I still go there often to see Cypwesswatcher!" — Goldfishpaw

Duck through an archway of sedge, and you'll be greeted by the den in which Riverclan's Healers do their work. An abandoned burrow at the base of an ancient tree, it isn't remarkable upon first glance. But, stick your head inside and you'll be greeted by rows upon rows of carefully cultivated herbs hanging from the walls, with rows of nests resting beneath - that is, if Cypresswatcher's piercing gaze doesn't catch your eye first. Riverclan's Healers have dedicated their lives to the health of their clanmates, and it isn't a position they take lightly; so, if you ever find yourself injured or sick, then be sure to pay them a visit! (And yes, this includes that scrape you've been ignoring...)

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“What's a favourite memory you have that's taken place on RiverClan territory?”

“My absolute favorite?? Aw that’s hard I love so many memories.. uhmm… ok ok I got one! My favorite memory is when Ebonhaze and I went to the siren’s cove together, and we left our paw prints in some of the mud. We’ve been doing it since we were apprentices and it’s like a little visual reminder in the world of our lov- I mean our friendship! Ahem- uh next question please." — Kiwiheart

The siren's cove is a perfect spot for Riverclan's romantic melodies, in a secluded cave surrounded by the river, echoes against the walls give promise to any yearning warrior who wants to perfect their courtship harmony. Both romantic and platonic love are deeply valued in the hearts of Riverclan cats, and a large variety of customs are enough proof to back this! Family dens, woven together with moss, reeds and brambles host a variety of loving relationships, from a couple and their kits, to platonic soulmates, their shared den is decorated to celebrate their interests and mutual affections. Specific courtship rituals, similar to that of the songs in sirens cove-- go into flamboyant and earnest declarations of romantic confessions, a bouquet of flowers to be woven into one's nest to announce the start of a relationship followed by the finding of a smooth rock from the river to commit to an engagement, there's no limit to how passionate a Riverclan warrior can be.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“What's one thing you'd like others to know about RiverClan's culture?”

“I think Riverclan places a lot of importance on its history, and sharing that through songs. Of course, not everyone can sing like a nightingale, but no one really minds that. At least I don't.” — Flopfeather

Riverclan is rich and deeply felt, taking artistic leaps into the depths of their culture. Song is not only for the romantic heart, but a tied connection to the very start of the clan. Tunes and lyrics are woven together to memorialize their history, passed down from generation to generation. Their admiration for the finer things continues to the bright blossoms across their territory, flowers of all types have meaning for more than den decoration and visual appreciation-- but flower language is often a hobby across waterweavers and shorekeepers a like, tied into their marriages, courting and formal attires. Territorial appreciation is not only carried to the rivers, but in the stars that reflect above. Riverclan has their own array of constellations, telling the story of the mighty Riverstar and even controversially-- starcrossed forbidden lovers.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“What's your opinion on your council?”

"Camelliastar is a really good leader, you can tell just how much he loves his Clan. Sunrise is a really fun cat to be around. And I spend so much time hanging out with the healers. One of them, Larchbounce, is even like a mother to me." — Ebonypaw Riverclans council over the last couple moons have seen much change and development from where it once was, but do not let that fool you- they are just as devout and just as willing to serve in any way that they can! Every day they work tirelessly to aid their clan and do what they must to keep riverclan going each and every day. That said at the head of the helm lies Riverclans own Camelliastar, taking leadership after Mudstar's (now Mudstorm's) retirement, he leads the clan in a different angle than most. Followed by his deputy, Sunrise, a boisterous and bashful cat. He often can be found jesting around camp and hyping up his clanmates with his bellowing height and voice. That said, riverclan follows their rule happily, happy with them in charge. That said, the healer team is also one of the most notable parts of Riverclans ranks. After all! Like all the healer teams, Riverclans are just as devoted to their work and helping their clan, and through and through have an utmost duty to their work. Though! They aren’t sticklers either! More rather than not, you can find them doing what any Riverclan cat might, sunbathing, hunting, and even weaving and other crafts! Making them cats, had you not known they were healers? You might have mistaken them for just another part of riverclans eclectic ranks!

[jasperyourmutt]

oh, my poor dear. :-( i’m sure you’ll be able to relax soon. i, too, have been going through a bit of brain fog, but i took a nice warm shower and that seemed to help, if only a little bit. perhaps it’ll help you, as well.

but, despite your claims of normalcy, you sound very interesting. very intelligent, too. i’ve never been an artist, i’ve always loved art, but i’m just not very good at it. i would love to see yours. i’m sure you’re the most talented pup.

(it does baffle me how you draw with paws! what a mystery. hehe.)

you say you enjoy music? what are your favorite songs? the last song i listened to was landslide by fleetwood mac, which is coincidentally my favorite. i also enjoy the band ghost quartet, the artists lucy dacus, amanda palmer, and the band florence and the machine.

do you know any of these? have you listened to them? if not, you should. i believe you would like them.

your idea for dinner sounds absolutely lovely. you’re making me hungry — sadly, i’ll have to settle for leftovers tonight. if only i had a handsome puppyboy to make me dinner. sigh.

and stop with all this “i don’t deserve it” nonsense. you’re absolutely perfect. after all, my taste is exquisite, and i enjoy you. you wouldn’t insult my taste by insulting yourself, now, would you?

before i sign off, a poem (not written by me) for you.

“it's funny to think that we're strangers and you're sitting in some other room in some other house

maybe even in some other country thinking about things that won't even cross my mind.

it's funny to think that you're out there dreaming and loving and wishing upon the same stars that i look up at when night falls like a curtain over the horizon.

it's funny to think that someday you will love me but today you have no idea who i am.

p.s. when the time comes, i will love you too.”

i find it particularly fitting. <3

- yours truly, lavender.

Woooof standing in a hot shower sounds amazing actually. Think I’ll do my nightly stretches and take one arf arf arf

Ahhh, I’m flattered 🥺 I uploaded a page of sketches about a week ago, it’s, uh, quite different from my usual subject matter haha but I had a lot of fun with it and I love how it came out. Check my jasperbarks tag and it should be in there!

(Also.. a whole lot of tape haha wag wag wag!)

Favorite song is a hard question, but The River by King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard has to be in my top 10. Bit of a long one, but I love a jam sesh songs. King Gizz has to be one of my favorite bands, but I’ve also been listening to a lot of Hozier (to someone from a warm climate / first time), Covey (skittish cat), and Orville Peck (roses are falling).

Dudddde yes Lucy Dacus and Amanda Palmer are awesome! Hot & Heavy is a banger. Florence and The Machine has some good hits too. You’ve got great taste wag wag wag!! I haven’t heard of Ghost Quartet but I listened to starchild and I like it!

Ahhh h h, my apologies, you’re absolutely right, I would hate to insult someone as sweet as you. Shy puppy ears 🥺 I take it back.

Hrrmfff I am um. Blushing very much this is a very sweet poem 🥺 thank you for sending it. I will be reading it 20 times.

Look at the moon tonight, lavender, I’ll be looking at it too <3

[sedge-and-sanctuary]

Interlude - 17 Moons Ago

Coniferfrost - 12 moons - Medicine Cat Water murmurs over the stones, echoing and overlapping ‘til it sounds like voices, speaking just outside of hearing range.

Coniferfrost pauses, at the edge of the Moonfalls, and takes a breath.

The grotto is warm– muggy, in the height of Greenleaf, and thick with kit-soft mosses. The pool within flashes, now and then, with the bodies of silver fish, and the reflections of moonlight.

Coniferfrost picks his way down, carefully, across slick stones, following the path of a spring, where it bubbles down to feed the covered pool. The water mutters gentle welcome, frothing down in brief and lovely falls, which spit up spray into the Greenleaf air. 

Two other springs trickle in, from other openings; one stream for every clan, all feeding the same, deep pool. Featherclan’s falls- the highest- bubble from the south. Finclan's foam in from the west, raising a cool spray above the water; silvery with moonlight, so the air takes on a misty, glowing quality.

And from the north- Furclan’s river pours into the cave, breaking into smaller streams before rejoining to go fizzing down the rocks. Back along that stream, the trees bristle with needles, more than leaves. The ground goes silvery with frost.

Perhaps, Coniferfrost thinks, he will go in that direction. Sickness always seems to fester, in warm air; maybe the cooler climes of Furclan- of the territories beyond- will keep it back.

His next breath has the memory of rot on it; bodies growing worms, in the greenleaf heat. The stench of  fever-sickness on hot breath, in panting mouths–

He shakes himself.  Yes. Definitely north.

He pads up to the edge of the pool, and sees his own reflection in its surface. His face distorts, as one of the grotto’s eyeless fish flashes past, and Coniferfrost hooks it deftly from the water.

He pins it, flailing, beneath one paw, and closes his eyes in reverence. “Starclan, I offer you this bounty. May we share prey, and tongues, beneath the moon.”

The words are rote, familiar. Coniferfrost bites into the fish, and as he swallows the star-touched flesh- he drifts away.

Starclan forms around him, silver and misty as the grotto. Cats pad out of the fog; silent figures, watchful. Familiar.

The fish lies at his paws.

The eyes of the dead fix upon it.

So many, lost in recent moons; Coniferfrost swallows. It is said the dead feel no pain, in Starclan– no hunger, or thirst, no sickness or exhaustion. But the living cats who visit must be exempt from this rule– because Coniferfrost’s chest aches. 

Little Gullkit and Starlingkit are the worst, huddled behind the paws of older clanmates. Their parents still linger in the living world– though Coniferfrost thinks their mother will not be long behind them. He can still hear Quailquil’s breathing, thick and laboured. Can still see the bloody mucus dripping down her chin, and caking in the fur of her chest.

Lost in thoughts of Featherclan’s overburdened medicine den, Coniferfrost doesn’t notice, at first, when one cat breaks from the crowd, and snaps up Conifrrfrost’s offering. A lean, long-backed brown tabby, white markings spreading in splotches from his belly. The fish crunches between his teeth, its red blood strangely vivid in this silver place.

Coniferfrost snaps out of his daze, at the sight of it. “Cooperstar. You made it to Starclan.”

“I did.” The lean tom dips his head. “I am sorry to have left the clan in such a state. It is a heavy burden I have left you with.”

It is, rather. Cooperstar’s deputy had died of the mysterious plague, too– just before Cooperstar had. The leader, in the throes of fever-sleep, had not been lucid enough to name a replacement. No leader, and no deputy. For medicine cats, only Coniferfrost- only just out of apprenticeship- and little Lizardpaw, who had been called to the medicine den in desperation, when the more experienced Sparrowfur had died. Warriors failing, kits sick, elders dropping like flies. A heavy burden, indeed.

But Coniferfrost only says, “I know you would have stayed, if you’d been able. If– Sparrowfur had been alive, when you fell sick…” “Sparrowfur could not have done more for me than you did.” Cooperstar’s voice is warm; sincere. “She taught you very well– and speaks highly of you even now, watching from beyond.”

“I suppose.” Coniferfrost hunches his shoulders. That was kind– but where is Sparrowfur, then, if Cooperstar is telling the truth? Why hadn’t she come to see him? 

“Come now,” Cooperstar nudges Coniferfrost’s shoulder; a cool contact. Impossible to ignore that he’s no longer among the living. “Coniferfrost. Look where your loyalty- your determination- has brought you. You’ve come to speak with us on behalf of Featherclan, have you not? You have done- you are doing- all you can, for them.”

Coniferfrost swallows, hard; an almost painful gesture, like eating fishbones whole. He almost loses his nerve–.

But only almost. The kits bolster him. The little blue-eyed kits, with stars in their pelts, and chubby paws they will never grow into. Gullkit and Starlingkit, dead, and their clan racing to follow, as if in some great game of chase. “I would like to do more,” Coniferfrost says, the words rehearsed. “To heal them all– to save them. But if the sickness comes to me… I fear for Featherclan’s future. I’ve taught Lizardpaw all I can, but he’s so young– he can’t bear it alone.”

“No.” Cooperstar’s eyes cloud with sadness. “I know he can’t. But Starclan’s power is not limitless– I cannot shield you from the plague, much as I wish to. I cannot send you a cure.”

Coniferstar’s heart is a frantic thing, beating in his ears. This is it. Surely it will work. It has to. “I know.” He fights to keep his voice level. “But you can send me time. More time, to help them. To train Lizardpaw. More lives.”

Cooperstar’s eyes widen, just a fraction. “You want me to make you leader.”

Unreal, to hear it said out loud. What’s been, ‘til now, only a fantasy inside his head. Something brewing, growing, rooting, since Cooperstar had died.

Coniferfrost ducks his head. Takes a breath. And then– “yes.”

There– it is in the open. He’s said it.

There is a silence. 

“Persuade me,” says Cooperstar.

Coniferfrost sags with relief– that’s good. That isn’t a no. “The clan has sent me, to ask for Starclan’s guidance on our leader; I’d like to come back with it resolved. They’re so frightened. So uncertain. They look to me already for suggestions with the sickness. They follow me. But–.” He makes an effort, and meets Cooperstar’s eyes. “If I fall sick, and die, there is no one left to lead Featherclan in matters of the plague. No one even to consult with Starclan. If I fall ill- fatally ill- the lives will allow me to outlast it. Not forever. But I hope long enough…”

“Yes,” Cooperstar says. “I see.”

There is a pause. Coniferfrost’s breath is hard in his chest; It is all he can do to keep from trembling. “Then–”

Cooperstar sighs. “Then– Coniferfrost. To die is no easy thing; even with nine lives. To die nine times of the same sickness… It is a torment I wouldn’t wish on any cat. And you’re so young…”

That won’t be a problem, Coniferfrost thinks. But of course– he doesn’t say it. Only fights to hold eye contact, to keep his voice from shaking. Almost. Almost. “Younger cats already have been killed by this.” He looks past Cooperstar, to little Gullkit watching him with wide, blue eyes. “I know you would keep any cat from suffering, if you could. You were a good leader, Cooperstar. A great one. But–”

“But even the best leader can’t prevent a plague.” Cooperstar sighs; he seems old, suddenly, though he had still been in his prime, when he had died. “And I fear I wasn’t that. So many things I could have done differently…”

He trails off. Starclan is silent around them, except for a murmuring of voices; very like the noise of water at the Moonfalls.  Coniferfrost waits, his heart hammering. The only thing still living, here– and soon to join them in the afterlife, if he doesn’t succeed. 

At last, Cooperstar lifts his head. “Very well. Name your deputy as soon as you return to camp. And their successor, too. Bring our clan back from the brink.”

Coniferfrost blinks. He almost says– just like that? It had worked– it had worked. “I will,” he says, from very far away, his mind racing to catch up. “I swear it.”

“Then step forward, Coniferfrost, and receive your first life. I give you one for courage. May it never fail you.”

[divider]

Coniferfrost- Coniferstar, now- is still shaky, as he crosses the border into Furclan.

His legs don’t quite want to hold him– or. That’s not quite right. His pelt doesn’t quite want to hold him; there’s so much energy, so much life, buzzing beneath his skin, it feels like it might split at any second, and go spilling all of him out into the balmy air.

Some cousin to adrenaline, magnified a thousand times.

He can barely make himself stand still long enough to scent the air. There is no trace of Furclan– thank the stars. Coniferstar might shake apart, if he had to hide and wait for them to pass.

Was it like this for Cooperstar, after his ceremony? Or–

A thought, at last, stills Coniferstar, in full. That boundless, burning energy sputters, cold. Dies out.

Or does Starclan know, somehow? What he plans to do? They must see he’s heading away from Featherclan territory. Are the lives he’s gained rebelling, at his plan? 

Coniferstar closes his eyes. His new clan can never be allowed to speak to Starclan. They can never be allowed to come near the Three Clans’ territories.

No. It will be a fresh start– healthy cats. Good air, untainted by the smell of rot. Coniferstar will not die, choking on his phlegm, not die shivering and feverish, not cough until his lungs give out. Perhaps he won’t have to be a medicine cat, at all– won’t ever watch another clanmate waste away.

A cool wind blows. Coniferstar lifts his nose, to it. Fresh, sharp air; bright with the smell of salt. Yes– North. Past Furclan, and beyond. Through the rocky hills, afroth with wildflowers. To find some cleaner place.

Coniferstar shakes himself, and waits a moment, until the pelt settles smooth across his back. The manic energy has faded, but his legs are sure, and strong, and feel like they might carry him for hours, yet.

He sets off, into the wind–

–And in the medicine den, in Sedgeclan, Harebolt wakes up, with a jolt.

[residents-of-the-darkforest]

From A Storm Comes Blood -- MOON 0

“Where did you find those kits?”

Gasps of surprise came from the waking warriors. The deputy, Clearbubble, had trailed off while assigning the patrols and now stared at Dovewave and the medicine cat, Minnowfur, who stood just past the entrance, a newborn kit dangling from both of their jaws.

Dovewave set the kit he held gently onto the grass before raising his head to speak. “We need to get them somewhere warm. Where’s Rosenewt? She can feed them.”

Rosenewt had a kit of two moons. She had been laying outside of the nursery while her daughter, Tuftedkit, batted at her tail. Upon hearing her name, Rosenewt rose and hurried over. “Where did you find them?” she repeated Clearbubble’s question, sniffing at the pair. “Why are they wet?”

Minnowfur set his kit down as well, laying with it with his paws wrapped around its body. “There was a flood at the edge of the territory. I don’t know why she tried to cross it when she did, but we….The mother was already dead when we got there. We found her on the shore, she was still holding the kits…the least we could do was keep them safe, as she had given her life to do.”

Snailstar, who had been in his den until he heard the commotion, pushed past the growing crowd. He leaned down to inspect the kits. “How…small,” he commented. One of the kits felt the wave of air from his breath and mewled in response. He straightened. “What of the mother? Did you bury her?”

“There was no time,” Minnowfur explained guiltily. “The kits’ safety was of utmost importance. But now that they’re here, we can go back–”

“Don’t bother,” Snailstar grunted. “You said yourself there had been a flood. The banks are slippery and it’s still raining. I won’t risk my warriors for the foolish decision of someone already dead.” 

Minnowfur looked at his paws, dipping his head.

“But..what about…?” Dovewave began to ask.

“The kits may stay,” Snailstar told them. “They could make for good Clanmates one day. Raise them yourself if you want,” he added with a knowing gaze flickering between Dovewave and Minnowfur that made Dovewave’s fur burn up. 

“Come on,” Rosenewt said. She picked one of the kits up by the scruff and carried it to her nest inside the nursery.

“Who’s that?” Tuftedkit questioned as Dovewave followed with the other.

Rosenewt gave the pair a questioning look as she settled onto her side. With the kits set down by her belly, they instantly latched on, purring as they drank.

Dovewave and Minnowfur looked at each other, then at the kits. 

“Flintkit,” Dovewave decided, gesturing at the little tom.

“Gladekit.” Minnowfur touched the top of the she-kit’s ears. 

“Why are they so small?” Tuftedkit asked, standing on her hind-paws while she leaned over her mother. “I was not that small!”

“They will grow,” Dovewave replied. He crouched low so that he was level with the two bundles of joy. He and Minnowfur had left the camp that day expecting only to spend time together, and they returned as fathers. It was their moral duty to take care of any kits, regardless of where they come from, but it could have stopped there. They could let Rosenewt raise them. 

But watching the two as they wriggled about…he could see no other path for them. They were their kits. “Oh, little ones,” he murmured, “what wonderful warriors you will be.”

==========================

--YES ANOTHER MOON THING

I do these for fun, so if that means starting yet another storyline, why the hell not!

Of course, like the others, I'll continue the other storylines.

For this one, it'll be a short story once a moon. Some might be a lot shorter.

--They are in the 'medicine cats can't have mates' era, but because Minnow and Dove are males, no one bats an eye too much. They don't say out loud that they're mates, but it's obvious to everyone. Kind of a hush-hush thing.

--Snail is bloodthirsty, hence the mean reaction.

--Since both parents are toms, I decided to assign the youngest kit as Rosenewt's daughter and have her as a wet nurse.

[tallfairytales]

Fragments of Thoughts Baldur's Gate 3 Snippets None of this is technically canon to Faeriebell overall, but an attempt to take a first shot at practicing NPC voices and thinking about them in the world.

"We have a word in drow that comes to mind when I hear your name." Minthara stands at the edge of the docks where Faeriebell lights upon one of the jutting out logs. "Faerbol. A term meaning approximately a magical item. Rather apt for you, if one thinks about it for more than a second."

Pale eyes catches the drow's visage, and blinks long and slow.

"I suppose not item, but Faer itself means magic." Minthara hums. "A thought. You are far more than that faerbol that is embedded within the wizard's chest, do not forget it. Tomorrow use that to fell our enemies."

"Hah, a woman of words that one, no?"

Gaze turns upward and Faeriebell tips their head. "They are pale red violets cracking into copper, powder blues at other times."

Jaheria does not lean against the stone railings, but allows her body to tip just so to keep her sights on the colourful figure. "Yes, yes, you are an artist of the poetries, little trouble. Still, it is not that she is without point. You are explosive with the right time."

Fingers bloom and lift in the air, sparks flying between them. "Boom."

"Indeed." - This second prompt hinges on the fact that I imagine Faeriebell signed Raphael's contract as Sir Fluffington. They are some part fey in their nature, and even if they only spent their very early formative years in the Feywilds--they'd still never sign their true name to anything.

"You speak in crimson plush words, darkened to black where they come together so close, but for a flicker of light to let the colour pop out. Playful little things--thoughts of cats and mouse. But you should well know by now I am neither cat or mouse."

Raphael frowns at Faeriebell. "Pretty little words for someone so small. You are right--you are but a thorn in my paw."

Magic breaks along their veins, butterflies gather at the edges of their form. Fingers tighten as they reach forward out into the air, breath. Their voice drifts slowly and wanders. "Thorns, shards, fragementary things--what is identity, but something you put a name to and claim a shape to you. Each letter binding and bounding you. Strange then when you call yourself so many names, so many letters--the true one cannot filter in. If there ever even was one to begin with. Perhaps you should read the signatures of your contracts more carefully…"

Jaheira's laughter warms behind them, as Minthara's blade twists and whispers against the air. Shadowheart hides the small noise behind her spear of Selune.

"Enough of this farce!" Flames rise, and the fight begins.

[poweratourpaws]

Shining Stars — Power At Our Paws One Shot

pairing: minnowstar x pearlstar

summary: former riverclan leader, pearlstar, comes to visit minnowstar in the waking world—her childhood love.

a/n: found this in my old quotev account and it wasn’t too bad! decided to share it here.

word count: 719 words / 4,228 characters

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Minnowstar's paws grazed the soft blades of grass below her, taking a swift glance at the stars glimmering above. The dark sky was blanketed with stars, and if she were being honest with herself, she found the sight beautiful.

    "Admiring the stars, are you?"

    A voice, merely above a whisper, came from her left. The voice made her ears twitch, knowing this voice all too well. Turning her head, she gazed at the star-pelted leader sat beside her.

    "Pearl.. star," Minnowstar murmured, shifting her claws among the dirt. "And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

    Settling down, only inches away from her, Pearlstar took in a little breath. "I was only visiting you. To check in," Her green gaze was laced with something else. Something she was hiding, "So.. how are you?"

    "I am well," Minnowstar fixed her gaze back upon the stars, her blue eyes reflecting the glimmers above. "WindClan is well. We have new kits.. we have good prey, and there has been no bother of twoleg's since we traveled to the lake.."

    "I’m happy to hear it," Pearlstar murmured, gazing at the diluted calico she-cat beside her. Inching ever so closer, her white pelt brushed against her flank.

    ".. Pearlstar," Minnowstar's gaze whipped onto her. Slowly, she inched away once more. "You know—you know that we couldn’t do that. Even now."

    ".. Minnowstar," Pearlstar mumbled, her green gaze pleading. "You know how I feel. You know how you feel. There are no clan borders in StarClan, there is nothing between us, I—" Pearlstar shuffled her forepaw toward the she-cats paw, gently brushing it. Minnowstar let out a defiant hiss, rustling away. "—If you are going to be honest with yourself for once in your life, Minnowstar, please let it be now."

    "I—" Minnowstar muttered, gazing down at her paws. The former RiverClan leader was right; never once had she been honest with herself. Not even with her clanmates, half the time. Maybe she was right. Maybe—now that she were leader—it was the time to do so. "I realize you are correct, Pearlstar. And I would.. like to be honest with you," Settling back down, she shifted against the leader, her pelt brushing hers. "Since that first moment we met in that gathering hollow, I have loved you. But.. being from different clans, I could not accept it. But I can now."

    "Mm," Pearlstar hummed, a warm smile spreading across her expression, "And I you, Minnowstar. You know how I feel, I have been quite blunt with you," A warm chuckle came from the former RiverClan leader, a purr rising in Minnowstar's throat. "I didn't care what anyone thought. But I respected you, and respected your decision. Though what stood between us does not stand between us now."

    "Besides.." Minnowstar muttered, resting her paw against Pearlstar's.

    "Besides that, yes, of course," Pearlstar heaved a sigh. "I know. But one day, my darling, you will join me. And I will be there to welcome you, front and center, I promise you."

     Minnowstar stretched up, licking the starry she-cats cheek, "You will wait for me, than?"

     "Of course I will, you have my word." Pearlstar rose to her paws, "I must go now, though. Before Squirrelstar comes to chase me down. She really doesn’t like when I come and visit you cats down here. She says it’s not smart, or whatever her excuse is that time."

     Minnowstar chuckled, "That sounds like the strong-willed deputy I knew."

     "We never really do change, do we?" Pearlstar's whiskers twitched.

     "Though.. must you leave right this second?" Minnowstar mewed, her voice just above a whisper. "I mean.. uh.. a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt, would it..?"

     "I’m sorry but even that much with make her chase me down," Pearlstar took a pace forward. "I will come and visit, my love. Don’t be upset I’m leaving now."

     "S-sorry," Minnowstar's voice shook, tears bubbling in her eyes.

     "It’s okay," Pearlstar muttered, brushing a paw across her face, wiping the tears from her blue eyes. "I'll be with you at all times. Just look for the shining star above and I’ll come to you."

      Minnowstar stretched her neck out to nuzzle the white she-cat, "If you say so. I love you, Pearlstar."

      A purr rumbled in her throat, "I love you, Minnowstar."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[quickdeaths]

They resisted the urge to tell Sonia that she was redeemable, if even she needed redeeming in the first place. Though Shinobu believed wholeheartedly that Sonia and her friends were victims themselves, first and foremost, and needed forgiveness and care most of all, she doubted that Sonia wanted to hear that sort of message at the moment. Instead, it was all she could do to hold Sonia's hand, and hope that some of her feelings might be understood.

"Thank you, Miss Nevermind." She was thanking her for going along with her request, yes, but for everything else as well - allowing her to be at her side most of all. "I'm sure it isn't easy, but please do lean upon me as you need. I want to support you as best I can." She couldn't force Sonia to rely upon her, of course. That would be up to her, and her ability to accept it. Still, they could make the offer, and try to impress upon her that their affection for her, and their desire to comfort her, or carry what small portion of her burdens they could, was not conditional.

Shinobu was about to say that she thought love was, perhaps, hopefully, still possible for Sonia, though the words never left her lips, turned as the conversation was towards the second kitten. As they leaned to the side to get a better look, a soft expression settled onto Shinobu's face. "How cute," she murmured, even as as the little cat fumbled around. To Shinobu, it looked more like some sort of rodent than a cat, with its slicked fur and closed eyes, claws splayed out on paws a bit too big for its body. Well, that was cute, too.

"You know, that's a Western superstition," Shinobu said, still regarding both Sonia and the cat with a relaxed, faintly warm look upon their face. "In Japan, black cats are quite the opposite - they can be a sign of good luck, or other positive omens." Once she'd finished taking a look, she returned to her chair, to give Sonia and the collected cats whatever space they might prefer. "Have you seen the lucky cat figures in Japan? Often holding an amulet, and with one paw raised up in the air to beckon?"

For how traditional her family was, Shinobu couldn't remember ever seeing one around her house. Perhaps her father found them a bit too gaudy or colorful, or it might have been the case that anything too wrapped up in luck and fortune offended his sensibilities. There was one in the window at Anzu's old Tokyo theater, though, welcoming in guests with a promise of good fortune and a good show, and there had been a few strewn about Miss Uesugi's family estate, all carefully calculated for maximum impact.

"They're all good omens, but they have different meanings, depending on color. The black ones are said to ward off malevolent spirits." Anzu was still lingering at the window, so perhaps that was as much a superstition as the belief that they brought bad luck. "I suppose most things, or perhaps even all things, are rather a matter of perspective." After all, she'd been told to regard Sonia and the rest of the remnants as dangerous murderers fully culpable for all of their crimes, and yet she could see them only as sad, broken individuals who deserved more gentleness than the world, or Future Foundation, was providing them. The remnants killed and were monsters for it, while Shinobu killed and had been hailed as a hero. Differing perspectives, even as they felt the stains of blood on their hands as keenly as any other.

They turned their attention back to the little black cat, the movie, and the conversation of love and marriage, temporarily forgotten. "Still, you seem more like a sign of good fortune than bad, to me." All of the cats, truthfully, if only for allowing her to be here for Sonia when she was needed. "It's quite a bit to live up to, and I'm loathe to put any pressure upon you, but, please do your best." It was more than a little silly to be speaking with a kitten, but perhaps Sonia would appreciate the moment with a bit less focus upon herself. Or, perhaps she would find something of value in Shinobu'd admittedly heavy-handed reasoning.

But it hadn't occurred to her to even ask about Yaguchi's family. Sonia assumed she had one, everyone did, whether they were whole and happy, depressed and fragmented, or somewhere in-between. No, she'd assumed for as much of her time and effort that Yaguchi gave to the former Class 77-B that they had all gone the way of her former Hope's Peak class: perished, probably by the hands of either herself or her friends. It gave Sonia the smallest bit of comfort that her own atrocities were entirely localized to Europe, and therefore Yaguchi's family could have only been caught in her crossfire if they'd ended up in the continent.

"I'm sorry that those are the memories you have of home," She told her sincerely. The sentiment seemed out of place considering what was currently unfolding on TV: a boy with shaggy hair singing a pop song in the stands of a sports field, something lighthearted and silly and maybe even romantic. While they talked about Shinobu's disheartening family life. "It feels unfair to me, in a way, that despite killing both of my parents I still am in possession of good memories of them. But it allows me to always keep a reminder that I will never be redeemable, if just for taking the lives of people who loved me."

Beside them, Miss Kitty had begun to fret, panting quickly and letting out a yowl before Sonia reached out her hand to brush her cheek. But after a few pets, it had been otherwise occupied: by Yaguchi, who had taken both of Sonia's hands in hers to ensure she had her full attention. She was so used to being numb to everything, and yet the arrival of a pregnant cat had set off a rollercoaster of emotions: worry, anticipation, reflection, regret. And now, with her hands enclosed in Yaguchi's warmer ones, Sonia felt the roller coaster on the fourth island would feel more steady and relaxing than her hands being held, paired with tender words and something resembling a smile.

Frankly, barring Naegi and on occasion Asahina and Hagakure, she thought everyone on the island was incapable of it, herself included. Something about Yaguchi making an attempt had an unsettling air, like she knew something about Sonia that Sonia didn't. That fit the theme of Jabberwock Island, of never being fully in control of her thoughts or future decisions.

"Okay," She uttered. Perhaps the most feeble and unbecoming answer for a queen, but it wasn't as if Sonia felt particularly regal anymore. A queen was to provide leadership, guidance, and sympathy and yet all she could provide were questions. How could I have possibly made your time here better? Why would you want to be friends with a known mass murderer? Why are you wasting your time on someone like me, who can't even stay here for long, much less everything else wrong with me?

But if there was one thing she could remember from her time as a princess, beyond all of those good memories of her family that served only to antagonize her with regret, it was keeping her emotions in check. Unless the contribution was a constructive one, it was better, for her reputation and the good of the country, to remain silent.

"I will try."

She didn't have time to consider if that would pacify Yaguchi in the conversation. A combination of wistfulness towards their time as teenagers plus a yowling pregnant cat provided a suitable distraction. "I can understand that," She offered, resuming Miss Kitty's petting. If she could provide the cat a little comfort as the next kitten began to crown, she would. "The arranged marriage, that is. It might not be as specific as a singular man, but the list of respectable choices for royal consort was short even back then. Even shorter now, and I have less freedom to be picky about it. I wanted to fall in love on my own back then, I remember that, but it is less of a possibility now than it even was then-OH!"

As she'd been lamenting over the fact that she'd need to choose from a handful of men with noble blood or financial or political success, the next kitten had been born: all black, with eyes squeezed shut and loud, pitiful cries. Miss Kitty had gotten to work, licking and licking the new arrival until the sac had broken and the kitten fumbled around blindly on the towel, searching for a free nipple to nurse from.

"How sweet, an all black one!" Sonia cooed as the mother lay on her side, allowing herself a moment of respite before she began straining again for the next kitten. "I never understood why they were always perceived as bad luck. They are so beautiful."

[warriorgardener]

March 7th

Once upon a time, in a prosperous seaside town full of bright wonders, there was a clever and charming sorcerer. There also happened to be a less clever, but very handsome artist who had traveled from a faraway land and had since made his home in the town. How the two happened to cross paths and under what circumstances the sorcerer fell in love at first sight are stories lost to time, but the story of how the sorcerer was married was such a ruckus of an affair that it remains in the town’s history to this very day.

It began one fair summer day when the sorcerer marched into the market plaza and called for attention with a grand show of magic. Golden peonies made of pure light blazed forth from his hands, dancing in the air overhead. The cobblestones sung with music beneath the feet of all who gathered in front of him. Embroidered animals on jackets and skirts leapt to life, chasing themselves in circles on sleeve cuffs and hems. Even those who doubted the sorcerer’s true power could not bring themselves to call the spectacle a mere illusion.

Soon the sorcerer had gathered a large crowd. He cleared his throat gently and then spoke in a pleasing, well-mannered tone quite unlike the bold performance of his magic. “I have decided to marry.”

This alone sent a titter through the crowd. A tall, handsome man in white standing at the edge of the crowd now nudged himself a bit closer, murmuring a few apologies to those he passed by.

Jin Guangyao raised a small golden key pinched between his fingers. His dark eyes sparkled and a pair of adorable dimples added a boyish charm to his smile. Even with his silly sorcerer hat that added several inches to an otherwise unimpressive height, few could deny that he had the good looks to make a fetching bride. “This is the key to my home. Whoever takes it from my cat can simply let themself in and I will be theirs to wed.”

He cast that smile across the whole crowd, though it seemed to linger at one corner in particular. Then in a flash and a puff of misty smoke that smelled faintly of incense, he disappeared. In his place was a small black cat with a gold key around its neck. It delicately licked its paw and washed behind its ear. Then, giving the onlookers a rather disdainful look, it sprinted down the street. Several suitors yelled out in shock, realizing the trick at play, and pushed through the crowd to give chase.

The rest of the crowd slowly dispersed, filling itself with enough gossip to raise a hot air balloon into the sky. Soon only the man in white remained in the market square. He picked his easel and paints off the street corner and slowly walked the other way, a contemplative look on his face.

The next day, Lan Xichen was putting the finishing touches on an intricate painting of two seagulls fighting over a croissant when a little black cat rubbed against his leg with a purr. Black hair immediately covered his white pant leg, but Lan Xichen did not seem to mind. He leaned down and scratched under the cat’s chin where the gold key dangled.

“I didn’t know A-Yao had a cat…” Unless, perhaps, he didn’t? Transforming into a cat was surely an easy task for someone so talented.

It was hard to resist scooping up A-Yao and giving him a little kiss on the forehead, but Lan Xichen restrained himself and respectfully inquired after his day. “You must be tired from running around town. Would you like a piece of croissant?”

The cat meowed, but Lan Xichen was not sure if it was a yes or no. Then A-Yao started climbing his leg. “Ow! Oh! What sharp…good claws you have.”

Lan Xichen sat on the ground so that the little cat could curl onto his lap without further demonstration. He stroked its silky fur, warmed by the afternoon sun. After great hesitation, he said, “You must have great trust in me, to think of me as a resting place.” No response. He sighed. “Only a great brute would go so far as to chase you down and take the key. Are you sure you want to marry such a person?”

No matter how Lan Xichen tried to wrap his head around it, he couldn’t understand why someone as smart and wonderful as Jin Guangyao would resort to such a method to find a spouse. Furthermore, he had not even hinted at wanting marriage during their late night talks. All of this was truly too sudden.

“I’m taking you home,” he decided. “It’s not safe for you to run around like this alone. And then perhaps we can talk properly.”

Mrrp, said the cat, waking as he scooped it into his arms. Lan Xichen almost gave in and kissed his forehead, but resisted a second time. He kept away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets, but a few townsfolk still recognized the pair and made faces of surprise, dismay, and delight in turns. Lan Xichen did not notice much of it.

He voiced his growing list of concerns as he walked up the hill to a little cottage. “A-Yao, I don’t think you should get married. Not like this. Even if you are too smart and too clever to be caught by anyone you didn’t really like, I just feel terrible thinking about you getting married. It would be like losing a…a brother, maybe. Oh, I don’t know. You’re just so little. You’re too little to get married without me, A-Yao. I’ve always wanted to paint you and I never got up the nerve to ask, but if you get married I’ll be too embarrassed to ask you.”

He reached the yellow-painted door, knocked and waited. Belatedly he remembered the key. “Pardon me,” he said, untying the ribbon from the cat’s neck. He opened the door and gently set the cat down, not wanting to be so rude as to enter first in A-Yao’s home when he had not technically been invited.

The cat bolted as soon as it was set down. Lan Xichen was not sure what to do next when a kettle whistled from the kitchen. Fueled by the innate sense of urgency only a screaming kettle can provide, Lan Xichen rushed to fetch it off the stove. However, Jin Guangyao had beaten him to it. He poured the hot water into teapot. The table was set for two.

He smiled at Lan Xichen. “I hoped it would be you.”

The feeling that washed over Lan Xichen was like a flame of relief touched to a sparkler of joy, burning bright in his heart. He rushed to Jin Guangyao and held his face between his hands. At last he kissed that sweet little forehead.

Something rubbed against his leg. Lan Xichen looked down to see a familiar little black cat. “What? But I thought—“ He could not even voice what he thought, it was so terribly incorrect.

“What did you think, Er-ge?”

“Is that not you?”

Jin Guangyao could handle even the most stupid question with utmost poise. He took one of the hands still cradling his face and kissed Lan Xichen’s palm. “Tiger? No, he’s adopted. Though I can see where you might find the resemblance.”

“I’ve been talking to a cat,” he confessed pitifully. His ears burned with embarrassment.

“Oh? And what did you tell him?”

“Not to get married.”

“That’s a shame, because I dearly wished to be married to you, actually.”

Lan Xichen was gobsmacked. “Me?”

“You took the key from my cat, didn’t you? A deal is a deal. Have a seat, my dear, you look like you could use a cup of tea.”

He really could. Lan Xichen sank into the wooden chair and looked up at Jin Guangyao serenely pouring the tea. Although he seemed as composed and hospitable as ever, the flow of tea from the pot wavered slightly with the trembling of his hands.

“You really can’t turn into a cat?”

“I could if it would please you.” Despite his lighthearted tone, Lan Xichen could see the strain of practice behind his little smile.

“I am pleased!” he blurted. “A-Yao wants to marry me, how could I be anything less than pleased?”

Jin Guangyao finally took a seat, raising his cup of tea. He blew on it softly. The cat leapt onto his lap and began to knead, though the sharp claws did not seem to bother him. “I’m glad you feel that way, because there are still two other trials you must face.”

“I’m ready,” Lan Xichen said gravely.

“…I’m joking. Goodness, you really are inclined to believe anything.”

Lan Xichen shook his head, unable to take his eyes off the radiant, mysterious, utterly lovable person before him. “Not quite. Just when it’s you.”

Jin Guangyao’s eyelashes fluttered with surprise. He looked away from him quickly. His dimples gave away the smile he hid behind his teacup. It was his most unpracticed smile, the one Lan Xichen had tried to paint several times already—it had always been too fleeting to capture in his memory, never mind on canvas. Now he knew with a great soaring happiness that the chance would come to him again and again. That beautiful smile would become engraved in his mind’s eye at last. Soon he could show A-Yao what magic looked like to him.

[wolken-himmel]

Halloween Special 2022

In which (Y/n) falls asleep in the library on the day of Halloween, only to awaken to an entirely different universe.

In this universe, all the students the prefect previously knew seem to have the opposite personality.

Disclaimer: This was just a little crackfic for fun! Have a happy Halloween!!

"Wake up, (Y/n)! Wake up~"

A soft poke to your side stirred you out of your sleep, and you slowly regained consciousness — however, you didn't want to. In your dazed state of mind, you lazily swatted away the soft paw that continued to jab your shoulder.

"Just five more minutes, Grim..." you grumbled under your breath. "I'll be with you soon..."

Much to your dismay, the poking never stopped. Even worse, you felt something wet being dragged across your face. The texture was rough — and together with the sloppy wetness, you let out a disgusted whine. At once, your eyes fluttered open while you automatically pushed the assailant away from you. Your fingers dug themselves into a soft pelt of fur. Together with that scratchy voice... This must have been Grim.

After you had blinked the blurriness out of your eyes, you spotted tufts of grey fur. Yes, this couldn't have been anyone else but your trusty old cat monster.

"No, you need to wake up now," Grim continued and shook you awake energetically. "You can sleep in your nice and comfortable bed when we're back at Ramshackle Manor."

You immediately shot up, wide awake and senses all focused on your surroundings. The cosy, warm air that inhabited the library attempted to lull you back to sleep, as did the soft cushions of your chair — but you remained strong and awake. A flabbergasted expression appeared on your face. "Wait, did you say nice and comfortable? Since when is anything at Ramshackle nice and comfortable? It's one large dusty ruin!" you cried out and rubbed your ears in confusion. Perhaps you had heard him incorrectly.

Grim let out a series of barking laughter. "In what universe do you live, master?"

The flabbergasted frown on your face intensified even more. "Did you just call me... master, Grim?" you asked and turned to him in confusion.

"Woof, of course!"

A scream escaped your lips upon finding a grey dog monster sitting in front of you. Just like your trusty cat monster, blue flames flickered in his ears, and he wore a collar with a bow on it. Yet, it was a dog that stood in front of you, not a cat. And that fact was what led you to jump onto your chair in panic. "You're not Grim! You're a dog!" you exclaimed fearfully. "And you're nice! Where is my snarky cat monster? This is some sort of Halloween prank, isn't it? Ace and Deuce set you up to this?"

The adorable dog tilted his head to the side. "Ace and Deuce would never do anything that would compromise their status as model students. They're like the most responsible people I know on campus, much unlike their dormleader," he explained and continued laughing, the sound of it more akin to a bark.

It took you a little while to calm down your breathing, and once your eyes had shrinked to their normal size again, Grim took your hand with his paw and carefully helped you off the chair. You let him do as he pleased, but never ceased to eye him from head to toe suspiciously. "What? That's just outlandish— impossible," you muttered under your breath while he led you out of the library. The absurdity of the situation, however, soon drew a bout of laughter from your lips. You shook your head in disbelief.

"You're behaving strangely today, (Y/n). It's so unlike you to smile and laugh like that!" Grim shot you the happiest smile you had ever seen, and it was adorable how his tongue hung out at the side. "I like this side of yours, though. You should laugh more often."

"I'm laughing because all of this is so funny," you said and wiped a tear from your eye. There still was some part of you that wanted to deny this whole otherworldly experience. "Just tell me where the real Grim is and who set you up to this. If it wasn't Ace and Deuce, then probably Lilia? Yes, Lilia the mastermind." You seemed so confident in your guess.

"No, that's very unlike Lilia. He's the strictest student I know! He has no sense of humour and always complains about the youths. As if that old grandpa would play pranks at all..." Grim rolled his eyes in frustration.

Your laughter increased tenfold. Yes, someone really was playing a prank on you, and they were putting a lot of effort into it, too. "Alright, this is getting kind of spooky now. Consider me frightened out of my socks." Your laughter faded away into a distant echo, and you tried to remove your hand from the dog monster's paw. A disappointed sigh escaping your lips, you begrudgingly muttered, "I'll need to go now, though. My nap was way too long already. I need to study some more at home."

"If you don't believe me, then let's take a tour around campus! You seem like an entirely new person than the prefect I know, master." Again, Grim took a hold of your hand and dragged you away. "Come on, let's go! I wanted to meet up with Ace and Deuce, anyway. It's so hard to hang out with them nowadays... They're always so busy studying and doing extra-curriculars."

"I really wanna see this now." A little grin adorned your face as you trotted along beside him.

"Great, just follow me, master!" Grim chimed enthusiastically and let his tail wag.

You furrowed your eyebrows at the word 'master.' Never had you thought that you would hear that word from his maw, but now that you did, it still felt unreal. "That needs some getting used to..." you muttered under your breath, huffing. "Why have you stopped calling me henchhuman?"

"Henchhuman? That's so disrespectful!" Grim let out a gasp of disbelief and cried out, "You're the one who provides me with a roof over my head and food. I wish to show my gratitude and respect towards you."

"The next thing you're telling me is that you don't like tuna."

"It's not that I despise tuna... I'm just more fond of vegetables."

That was the last straw! None of this was real... perhaps just a fever dream that had gone on for too long already. You pursed your lips and merely laughed the absurdity off. "This can't be real! The Grim I know never eats his vegetables..." Chuckling to yourself, you casually strolled past a row of bookshelves. Through a few holes, however, you managed to spot two familiar students. Curiosity befell you at once. "Wait, who are these guys over there?"

"Those are the brightest and most hard-working students on campus: Kalim and Leona."

Your jaw fell to the floor. "That's not what I know."

"Leona is very nice! He's also very helpful with whatever you need — perhaps you need tutoring sessions?" Grim rambled on quietly, somehow talkative in this strange universe. "Kalim, however... isn't all that outgoing, and he's also very stingy with his family's fortunes. You should see Azul, though! Azul throws parties all the time and buys himself all sorts of unnecessary luxury items."

Just then, Kalim turned around and shot you two a glare that could almost kill. "Hey! Keep your voices down in the library!" the Scarabia student yelled. The rudeness of his tone almost made you faint, especially so when his neighbour chimed in.

"Kalim, no need to shout," Leona reprimanded and shot you an apologetic smile. "That's rude."

At once, you walked away as quickly as you could, by then practically dragging Grim along with you. He needed a little bit of time before he managed to match your pace, and only then did he notice the ghastly expression on your face. "Yeah, this turns everything upside down..." Now that you had seen that everyone really seemed to be the opposite of their real self, you grew giddy. A little grin appeared on your face as you eagerly chimed, "But look, Deuce and Ace are over there."

The two of them looked strange on a closer look; their hair was gelled back neatly. The strange sight caused you to stare at their hairdos in fascination, only snapping out of your trance when Ace began, "Prefect! It's so nice to see you, and you're smiling." He had his lips pursed in surprise. "Oh my, are you feeling unwell?"

"What are you doing out here? You rarely ever leave the Ramshackle Manor," Deuce continued in disbelief. "I thought you disliked spending time with us?"

A gasp escaped your lips, and you stepped forward to ruffle their hair, unable to hold yourself back anymore. "How did you get to that conclusion? You're like my closest friends on campus..." you said before playfully punching their shoulders.

Ace and Deuce gave each other concerned glances before they turned to you again, smiling in delight.

"Someone must have replaced the prefect we know, Ace."

"Strange, huh? But this is a welcome change!" Ace chimed politely. "Would you mind helping us with assisting our dormleader? Riddle is such a clumsy ditz sometimes... I swear, he wouldn't get anything done without us!"

At once, you clapped your hands in delight. "Yes, you needing my help is familiar now! Of course I'll help you."

"Wow, since when are you so willing to help?" Ace asked. "You usually don't want to hear any of our problems..."

Deuce waved him off at once and pushed him away. "Shh, don't question it! Let's just get back to the dorm." Without another word, each boy grabbed your hand and dragged you off into the direction of the Mirror Chamber.

°

°

°

Upon entering the Heartslabyul dorm, the stench of burnt food entered your nostrils and caused you to scrunch up your nose. The further you ventured, the worse the smell became. Eventually, you were forced to pinch your nose with your fingers, unable to bear it any longer.

"Ew, what's this smell?" you asked in disgust.

A shiver ran down Ace's back as he woefully explained, "That would be Trey and his visitor Jamil cooking again... They do this all the time." He motioned for you to stay down and increased the pace of his walking to near run. "Stay low and try not to inhale the fumes... It's not good for your health."

"What?!" you whined in confusion. "But Trey is usually great in the kitchen, Jamil as well!"

"You don't want to try their cooking, believe me..." Deuce muttered and feigned to gag. "But if you want really good food, you should go to Lilia from the Diasomnia dorm. That guy can be quite boring with his no-fun attitude, but his food is amazing!"

As you hurried past the kitchen on your toes, two figures suddenly emerged from the black smoke that shrouded the kitchen. There, in all their glory, stood Jamil and Trey, equipped with baking gloves and a large baking form.

"Hey guys, wanna try our newest creation?" Jamil asked chipperly. "It's supposed to be apple crumble... but it didn't turn out the way we wanted it to." He broke out into laughter entirely uncommon for him, and Trey joined in. Their laughter was loud and carefree, as if they hadn't just destroyed the Heartslabyul kitchen.

"Oh no, they spotted us!" Ace yelled in panic. "Run for your lives!" He grabbed Grim and you by your hand — well, paw in the dog's case — and pulled you past the kitchen as quickly as he could. Luckily for you, Trey and Jamil made no attempt to follow you.

Once you had created enough of a distance to the destroyed kitchen, you slowed down again, all of you out of breath — not only because of the running, but also because of having inhaled perhaps a little bit too much smoke. At last, you had arrived in the common room, where you would be safe from the smoke. However, a little frown decorated your face, and you couldn't help but complain, "Hey, that was mean." You pursed your lips in guilt.

"If you had stayed one more second," Ace said, "you would have died on the spot, believe us."

Suddenly, a little grumble could be heard from a couch in the farthest of corners in the common room. You watched curiously as an orange mop of unstyled hair peeked out from the back lean. "Shh, can you cause a ruckus somewhere else, please?" the student complained before returning to whatever he had been reading previously.

"Huh?" you asked after you had left the common room. "Who was that guy earlier?"

"That's Cater, I don't know much about him, though. He's not all that outgoing," Grim began.

"He's a third-year. He reads all day long and rarely ever goes out," Deuce continued. "He's nice, though— and not afraid to speak his mind. If you need someone to talk to, he's your guy!"

Ace nodded along, then added, "He's also one of the few people on campus that don't have Magicam, can you believe that? I think he and Lilia are the only ones too old-fashioned to even have a phone. Idia is pretty bad with technology... but at least he tries his best?"

"Oh my..." You gulped your shock away. "What happened to Cater..."

When Ace and Deuce came to a halt in front of you, you almost crashed into them. Luckily, you managed to stop yourself before such a thing could happen. Grim remained by your side, curious when the other two turned around to face you.

"Well, (Y/n)," Ace asked seriously. "Are you ready to face our dormleader?"

His attitude somehow instilled a sense of unrest in you, and you suddenly didn't feel prepared at all to handle the Heartslabyul dormleader. Thousands of scenarios flooded your mind... What if he was even worse than the Riddle you knew when you had first met him? Even more rules? Even more strictness? Just as you were about to turn around and run for your life, Deuce began laughing at your terrified expression.

"Please tell me that Riddle isn't that scary," you begged with folded hands.

"Scary? No, our dormleader is the complete opposite of scary," Deuce explained and punched Ace's shoulder for having scared you so much. "He's the most relaxed and fun guy around here! Although... he can be very lazy, and you can never trust him to be reliable when it comes to projects and managing the dorm."

"It's basically Deuce and me running Heartslabyul right now," Ace explained, a soft sigh escaping his lips.

That sounded stranger than you would have liked to admit, but at last you had no opportunity to voice your disbelief. Not wasting any time, Ace grabbed the door knobs and twisted them to the side. The door swung open easily, revealing an unimaginable scene of chaos in the dormleader's room. Papers were strewn everywhere, as lay all sorts of clothing items on the floor. The scenery was very, very unlike the Riddle you knew.

What shocked you the most, however, were the flamingos that walked around in his room. Weren't they supposed to be kept in their shed in the garden? In this universe, apparently not.

"Guys! Come right over," Riddle exclaimed between wheezes of laughter. "Wanna join me in building the world's largest flamingo tower?"

Just as he had said, the flamingos were standing on each other's shoulders. Two or three were already managing to stand on top of each other, barely even keeping their balances. Next to the beginnings of the tower stood a ladder that the dormleader had climbed. In his arms was the next flamingo he intended to place on top to further increase the height of his tower.

"Those poor flamingos..." you said and winced when the lowest flamingo lost its balance. Thus, everything toppled over, as well.

"Perhaps we will help with the flamingos another time, dormleader," Ace said, deadpanning. "You need to do your homework first! We know that Professor Crewel is very lenient... but you can't always slack off like this."

"Fine..." Riddle crossed his arms like a small child after he had climbed off the ladder again. "I'll do my homework if that will make you happy."

The two first-years hummed in satisfaction, then turned to you, smiling. "We'll have to stay here, so that he doesn't break any of the Queen of Hearts' rules," Deuce said while guiding Riddle over to his desk. "But you have a fun time around campus on such a special day as this!"

"And come visit us again sometime, (Y/n). We like this version of you much more," Ace added with a wink.

"Huh, okay..." A queasy smile on your lips, you waved at them one last time before Grim dragged you out of the room again.

"Let's leave! Ace and Deuce will have their hands full..." Grim announced in excitement. "I'll show you around campus! How about the botanical garden next?"

"Sure..."

°

°

°

The sound of birds chirping and the smell of the flowers that decorated the large flower beds brought some much needed sense of normalcy back. Today had been a strange day — and your friends here at Night Raven College had been behaving especially strange. The small break allowed you think: why were you here, how had you even gotten here, and how would you be able to return to your own universe?

There were hundreds of questions, of none you had the answer.

The panic that would have otherwise already taken over your senses was warded off by the peaceful atmosphere that the botanical garden brought you. Perhaps you should enjoy this little encursion. There was no benefit in going mad, was there? And, this could be a lot of fun, too.

A soft sigh escaped your lips as you trotted down the cobbled paths alongside your dog companion. "At least the botanical garden is still as beautiful as before..." Your closed eyes fluttered open when your ears noticed the sound of soft snores not too far away. After a while, your searching gaze found a curled up figure in the shadow of a large tree. You tilted your head in curiosity. "Who's that napping by the tree? Leona?" you asked the dog monster.

He, however, shook his head vigorously, as if you had just said the most outlandish things ever. "No, that's Ruggie's special napping place. He's pretty lazy and sleeps all day long— never worked a day in his life. He doesn't really believe in hard work, similar to Jack... That guy always bullies me and inflicts all kinds of injustices upon unfortunate students!"

"That's really disturbing... Jack would never do something like that," you muttered and shivered in discomfort. The confused look on your face disappeared at once upon spotting a familiar pair of twins in the distance. Even from here, you could see their pearly white yet sharp teeth in their mouths. You gulped audibly and tried to pull Grim behind a bush. "Oh no, Floyd and Jade are approaching us—"

"No worries!" Grim said, not budging. "Calm down, they're really nice."

Deciding to trust him, you remained where you stood despite your instincts telling you to run for the hills. The eel twins approached you slowly, a carefree swing to their walk. Only once they stood in front of you did you notice that their blue hair was much longer than you were used to. Even stranger, their lips were twisted into genuine smiles.

"Yooo— peace be with you, brother," Jade said and extended his hand towards Grim for a high-five. Once his palm was hit by a paw, a little chuckle escaped the merman's smiling lips. "I hope you've been well."

Floyd shot you the calmest smile you had ever seen on his face. "Oh? And the prefect! May your life be full with peace and happiness." A little bit concerned, he waved his arms around, as if to ward off the bad aura that surrounded you. "You look so shaken. Just chill— Don't let the bad energy weigh you down."

"Your vibes are really not it right now," Jade said and furrowed his eyebrows. Then, he joined in on warding off the bad vibes. You had to suppress your laughter as the twins continued to flail their arms around you in a form of some ritual. After they were done, they looked at each other and nodded in satisfaction. "Let's go see how Rook is doing!" Jade chirped and pranced off into the distance. "That boy needs some of our positive energy in his life."

Floyd remained behind to give you a wave. "It was super nice to meet you, prefect! Remember to always chill~" he stressed and patted you both on the head. "Choose the way of the pacifist!" Then, he followed his brother into the distance, an eternally satisfied smile on his lips.

This was the strangest thing you had seen all day, and you could no longer hide your shock anymore. Your jaw basically laying on the floor, you cried out, "What. Was. That." Your eyes were still as wide as saucers as you slowly turned your head to the dog monster.

"Those were the hippie brothers!" Grim explained, as if nothing was wrong. "Very nice, like I said."

You shook your head in horror and buried your face in your hands. "Let's just go somewhere else... I feel creeped out now."

"Sure, would you like a snack at the cafeteria?"

"I feel faint... so why not."

°

°

°

The cafeteria was fairly quiet at this hour, much to your delight. Having met such a strange version of the Leech twins had somehow put you into a strange state of mind. You were disturbed, to put it lightly. But after a little snack from the kitchen, you felt much better already. Still, you wished to get back to your real world where things weren't as hauntingly strange and unnerving.

It was like the creator of this universe had taken one singular trait of these complex characters and twisted this one singular trait into the opposite, disregarding everything else. Thus, the complex and diverse personalities of your friends had been turned into flat and one-dimensional caricatures of themselves. This probably was what made this entire universe of opposites so scary.

The only good thing you got out of this whole experience was that, in retrospect, most of the counters had been genuinely funny. But more importantly, you felt like you had grown to appreciate your friends more now. Perhaps it was good that Riddle always insisted on order. Perhaps it was good that Trey and Jamil could cook...

Your gloomy thoughts disappeared when you finally recognised another familiar face. You poked Grim's side until you had his attention and pointed to a table full with mouth-watering food. Two people occupied the table, a blond and a lavender-haired boy. They seemed to be talking with the camera that stood on the table, as well.

A sigh of relief fell from your lips. "Oh! Finally, someone I recognise! That's Vil and Epel, right?" you asked in amusement, though a sense of dread befell you. "You better tell me that Vil is still some sort of mentor to Epel, and that Vil is still famous and pretty."

"Yes, all of that is correct!" Grim nodded between snickers.

Yet, the smile of relief dissipated at once when you took a closer look at the table: there lay a massive quantity of food. You gulped nervously, a little bit scared when you asked, "Wait... what are they doing? They're not eating all of that by themselves, right?"

"Didn't you know? Vil is famous for eating lots of food in his live streams. What do they call it again? Hm... oh yes, mukbang! He's a mukbanger."

Then and there, you wanted to pull your hair out. The other things had been funny... but this was a little bit too bizarre to be entertaining. You felt plain out horrible, and you had to avert your gaze from the massive quantity of food. "No, no, no. That's so unlike him! That's not true!" you cried out in despair. "Vil always makes sure to have a balanced diet. This amount is definitely not balanced..."

"Look! Over there, we have another streamer," Grim said and pointed to another table with a camera. "That's Idia and his little brother Ortho."

You were baffled when you saw with your own eyes that he was smiling into the camera, talking in a chipper and cheerful way. "Wait, Idia is outgoing enough to be a live streamer?" you stammered out in disbelief.

"Yeah! Malleus, Vil, and Idia are like the most popular people on Magicam right now." Grim let out a little chuckle when he noticed Idia fumbling with the controls of his computer. "Although... Idia is really bad with technology, so his little brother Ortho always helps him out."

"Wait, how do I end the live stream, Ortho?"

"Just press the 'end live stream' button, brother."

You broke out into laughter as well. "Oh man, and Malleus knows how to use technology?" you asked with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah! He always posts about all sorts of parties he's attending."

"What kind of universe is this..." you asked yourself in amusement. This was funny, you had to admit. Your laughter grew even louder, by now catching the attention of the live stream stars in the cafeteria. "Let's go outside. I think we're disturbing them."

"Sure, I could use a breather, too!" Grim chimed and led you outside to the courtyard.

The fresh air managed to cool down your warm cheeks and soothe the aching of your face from all the laughing. Your eyes soon fell on a hunched over student by the other end of the courtyard. Seated on a lone bench, he seemed to be scribbling away in a notebook. You couldn't see his face though, his deep-black bangs covered his face.

"Who's that emo kid with the bob cut over there?"

"That's Rook. He's always had such a pessimistic outlook on life!" Grim warned, looking like he wanted nothing more than to turn around and walk away from him. "Don't talk to him, or else you'll become depressed in seconds, as well."

"No way that this is the Rook I know," you muttered under your breath, and against his warnings, you stepped forward and decided to approach him. The Pomefiore student didn't react to you until you stood right in front of him, your shadow looming over him. "Rook, is that really you? Are you alright?"

When he raised his head, you were indeed graced with the face of the usually optimistic hunter. However, this version of him had bags beneath his fox-like eyes and an unusual scowl on his face. "Oh prefect... My feelings? Don't worry about those, nobody does anyway," Rook said bitterly. "This world only brings you pain, only pain! It's full of ugly and dangerous things! There is absolutely no beauty left. But it's not as if you could ever understand me, nobody does!"

Alarmed by his sudden breakdown, you raised your hands into the air and stepped backwards. "Sheesh, you were right, Grim," you muttered once you were by your loyal companion's side again.

Just when you thought you had seen one of the weirdest things today, you noticed two figures approaching you from your right. Upon closer look, you soon recognised them as Sebek and Silver. The former especially walked at the speed of light — towards you.

A calm smile graced Sebek's features as he wrapped his arms around you. "A human... I love humans," he said and stroked your head gently, like you were a costly artifact. Then, he hummed in satisfaction and turned to his second-year friend with hopeful eyes. "Can I keep this one, Silver?"

Silver shook his head in embarrassment. "Shh, don't just go around hugging people, Sebek— I told you that it's creepy to treat humans like pets."

"Silver, you're wide awake?" you asked in curiosity. "How strange."

"I'm always wide awake," Silver replied matter-of-factly.

Yes, this was the very last straw you could take. A sense of panic made itself evident in your chest after you had freed yourself from Sebek's embrace again. You stumbled over to the dog monster and cried out, "Grim, I need to get out of here—" You couldn't take it anymore; this was all too much. All you wanted was to go back to your real friends with their real personalities.

"Why? You should stay here!" Grim whined and pawed at your blazer. "Everyone likes this version of you. The prefect from this universe is always grumpy and hates helping people — the opposite of you!"

A sigh escaping your lips, you rubbed your temples in exhaustion. "Hey, I don't smile 24/7... I'm also grumpy when I'm stressed out." Though, you pursed your lips and insisted, "I'm not from here... I want everything to go back to normal."

"Wake up," distorted voices suddenly said. "Wake up. Wake up."

You snapped your head around to find the sources of these voices, but nobody else aside from Grim stood in the courtyard with you — Rook, Sebek, and Silver had already disappeared.

Suddenly, Grim in front of you chanted, "Wake up, (Y/n)."

At once, you shot up from your table. Your back ached, as did your bottom despite the cushioned chair you had been sitting on. Your head snapped around you, and you soon realised that you sat in the library. Next to you stood none other than regular looking Ace and Deuce — as well as a cat monster!

"W-What happened?!" you cried out, still startled.

"You've been asleep for a while now, henchhuman," Grim explained and rolled his eyes. "We were worried about you! But at least you chose to fall asleep in the library..."

Upon hearing him call you 'henchhuman,' you extended your arms out to the cat and picked him up. Despite his squirming, you squeezed him close to you in delight. "Oh, Grim! Grim, my dearly beloved— I had a horrible nightmare! Everyone's personality were switched to the exact opposite— They were basically opposite, one-dimensional caricatures of themselves. It was like someone took just one character trait and twisted it into the exact opposite extreme. It was horrible! Everyone was so scarily flat... You guys were barely even human anymore, more like caricatures."

Deuce furrowed his eyebrows in concern. "Huh? Poor you, (Y/n)."

"The nightmare made me realise how much I love all of you — with all your strengths and flaws," you said, a bright and relieved smile on your lips. "There's nothing about you I would want to be different..."

"Wow, so the nightmare was that bad?" Ace asked, grinning.

You nodded, a shiver running down your back. "Let's just say I got a hell of a spook for Halloween..."

[kudossi]

you will lift his body from the shore

Blood mars the water as far as RiverClan’s shore, gleaming a sickly crimson in the feeble, dying light. Leafpool isn’t quite sure how much of the effect is sunlight and how much of it is an actual, garish swath of blood, but the meaning is the same. Blood will spill blood, she thinks. She wonders, vaguely, if she’s in a little bit of shock. Her paws are tacky with drying blood, her father slumped behind her with a scar freshly cut around his neck; Brambleclaw and Shrewleap, farther back, support most of Firestar’s weight as they move away from the lakeshore. Squirrelflight has, at some point, come to sit beside her, but she doesn’t know when. Doesn’t know when all this happened. Doesn’t quite know where she is.

Hawkfrost is splayed in front of them, tail dragging almost idly through the lake’s gentle waves; a horrible puncture wound in his neck still leaks blood, only partially tapered by the stake shoved through his throat and straight out the other side.

“Mothwing told me to follow my heart,” Leafpool says aloud. “As if she wasn’t my heart, once.” And this is where it leads, she doesn’t say. She sits stalwart instead, watching Hawkfrost’s empty, vacant eyes. Just days ago, they’d gazed into her own, warm and soft and happy, and now… now he’s dead in the water, mouth open and slack, fur drenched with blood and strewn with detritus.

Squirrelflight is silent for a long, long moment. “I know,” she says eventually. “I’m sorry.”

“Are you?” Leafpool asks sharply. “You warned me about him. Me and Brambleclaw. You warned us, and we didn’t listen.”

“And now he’s dead,” Squirrelflight finishes. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“I loved him!” Leafpool hisses. “Of course it matters.”

Squirrelflight looks taken aback. “I know it matters,” she says seriously. “You loved him and you matter, so it matters and he mattered. But he’s dead. It doesn’t mean anything that you didn’t believe me. Not anymore.”

Leafpool’s head dips toward the gritty shore, ears flattening. “Oh,” she murmurs, ashamed of herself. “I’m sorry.”

Squirrelflight nudges her with one bright ginger shoulder. It’s not a playful motion, as it had been all the times she’d done it before; no, now it’s an assurance, a reason for being. Then, as if by unspoken agreement, Squirrelflight stands up. Ever so gently, infinitely careful in the way her sister never is, she drags Hawkfrost’s body from the waves, laying it out on the shore. She tucks his paws by his chin, obscuring the terrible wound, then closes his once-bright icy blue eyes forever with a soft, careful paw. Then, softly, hesitantly, she speaks. “Did he love you?”

Leafpool knows what she’s asking. Had grief blinded them after Mothwing had fallen, after she had told them to live through lips stained with blood? Had they fallen in together out of duty to a dead cat, out of the desire to find something, anything good? Was Hawkfrost’s goal to wrap her around his paw, to gain an advantage with ThunderClan so he could one day attack it? Did he love Leafpool, really, or did he just wish to use her? To leave her as soon as he had what he wanted, to destroy her from the inside out in pursuit of his father’s terrible goals?

For a moment, Leafpool feels a flicker of doubt, sparking unhappily in her chest and winding bitterly around her heart. But then she remembers him as he was in life — yes, brooding; yes, ambitious; yes, headstrong, but sweet and caring and kind when he didn’t have to be, a cat who would save a stranger from another Clan without thought, without ulterior motive; who had looked into her eyes and promised her every bit of him, so long as this was real. And it had been. It had been the realest thing Leafpool had ever done, running away to distant shores. To the sun-drown-place they had been once before, where they could live far away from the shadows cast so heavily down upon them, away from Mothwing’s spectre and their love for her, so different and yet the same. “No,” she says at last. “He was the one who wanted to leave. He… wanted, so badly, to leave his heritage in the past. To… move on and away, to where Tigerstar couldn’t reach him.”

Squirrelflight stares solemnly down at the body. “What happened?”

“We came back,” Leafpool says simply. “Hawkfrost—oh, Hawkfrost—he tried so hard. He would’ve tried so hard, Squirrelflight. I don’t know why he did what he did today. I can’t…” she trails off, her mind a whirlwind of emotion and confusion and the knowledge that Hawkfrost is dead dead dead, body cooling rapidly even in the warm night. “...I can’t imagine why he’d do this.”

Silently, Squirrelflight tucks Hawkfrost’s tail up and away from the creeping water. Leafpool is absurdly grateful for her: she can’t watch his blood stain the waves, but she can’t touch him, either. Dead, dead, dead. Both of the cats she’d loved, lost. Was this her punishment for loving? Had StarClan taken them away because Leafpool had strayed from their sacred plan, after all they’d done to push her to follow her own path? After choosing her as a prophecy cat, after putting salt on her tongue and wanderlust in her heart? After putting spun gold and ice blue in her way, after sealing eight cats together as forever-friends, only to take one away? Two, she thinks heavily. After taking two away.