#What Are Some Exercises To Grow Taller

[johnbrand]

Right Kind of People

Dalton and Eli ambled into the locker room, exhausted after their workout. They had been coming to the gym for a few weeks, so while they could feel they were making progress, they could not yet see it. The couple had made a pact to start exercising more seriously before their wedding, hoping to have the best bodies possible by picture time.

“Hey, has this mirror always been here?” Dalton asked, pointing to the subject in question. It was a full floor-to-ceiling mirror, nothing extraordinary about it beside its size. 

“I read something in the monthly email,” Eli replied, rubbing some water on his face before coming over. “They're trying to class up the place to ‘lure’ in the right kind of people.”

Dalton scoffed, posing obnoxiously. “I bet the people they’re 'luring' for are some more obnoxious hetero gym-bros.” At about average height and a little pudgy, Dalton’s flexing appeared silly and foreign to his body.

Eli laughed at the joke, twisting his cap around to add to his fiancé's bit. “I’d need a sweet flow to grow out underneath this hat and then we’d be set.” Eli was the shorter and skinnier of the two, but otherwise there was not that much difference between them. They looked pretty similar, and dressed alike too. Even now they wore matching baggy tanks and shorts that went just past the knees.

“Yeah, we’d need like uh…some more poses too,” Dalton attempted to add, occupied by his reflection in the mirror.

“Sure,” Eli chuckled. “That way we could flex for our narcissistic selves even longer, right?”

Eli paused for a confirmation, but received nothing. He glanced at Dalton, noticing he was still flexing.

“Dalton?”

It took Dalton a moment to break from his haze, although not entirely. He was still making eye contact with himself when he replied: “...what? Oh, sorry bro.”

“Bro?” Eli questioned, now a little confused. Scanning over his partner, he began to feel even more uneasy. Were Dalton’s arms always so…carved? They appeared huge. And those legs too, the peaks and valleys of muscles appeared to be inching up the shorts. It was almost like Dalton was growing taller before his very eyes, the bottoms now barely reaching past half the upper leg.

“You gonna stop checking me out, dude?” Dalton grumbled, his voice a little deeper.

“Huh?”

“Look at yourself, bro,” Dalton nodded his head forward, insisting for Eli to flex in the mirror as well. Having no reason not to, Eli followed Dalton’s instruction. He made eye contact with his small body, which next to Dalton appeared like a baby brother rather than a boyfriend. Speaking of Dalton, Eli could have sworn he had buzzed his hair less than a week ago. Now however it had fluffed out in the front like one of those douchey TikTokker cuts.

“Bro, stop pissing around and check your own gains,” Dalton grunted, his baritone now aggressive. Eli complied, and to his surprise, found he was looking a little more built too. His calves were looking meatier, filling out into diamonds with carpets of hair dusting them. They appeared longer too, but that may have been because he was wearing some slutty short-shorts. Nothing too faggy, but just enough to grab the right kind of attention.

Eli blinked, trying to process where that slur had come from. But for some reason, it just felt…right? Like, correct. Like how his smoking abs displayed underneath his tight pecs. Or how his structured frame stood just a little taller than Dalton, both of them over six feet. Or the curve of his bis and tris always visible, even when not flexed.

Although when they were, you could get a real good whiff of his pits. Eli snook a sniff…yeah, real manly funk with just a hint of Old Spice. Once he pulled his nose away from his pit, he was able to check out his sick flow and how it perfectly curled out beneath his backwards cap.

“Yeah bro, this pump was insane!” Dalton guffawed. “The chicks are gonna love us.”

Eli’s head was momentarily pulled away from self-adoration. Why was Dalton thinking about hooking up with girls? Weren’t they…bros…? Yeah, they were best bros. And the thought of sucking on a girl's juicy tits right now made his big ole dick hard. Eli smirked to himself, growing hard while continuing to flex in the mirror. He could go for some pussy right now. Pussy was just meant for his cock…

After a notable amount of time still displaying themselves for themselves, the newly-minted straight douchebags left the gym. They had hookups ready before they even made it back to their cars.

Although it was a mirror, Dalton and Eli would have never known it was only one-way. Behind the glass was a massive television displaying hypnotic tracks and visuals 24/7. One only needed to gaze in the mirror for a few moments before becoming captured. And unfortunately for the former gay couple, Dalton had got it right; the gym was trying to lure in their perfect market: obnoxious hetero gym-bros.

[bunniesanddeer]

Hi! I hope you’re having a wonderful day or night.

I saw your asks are open and I had an idea. What if it’s a protective Alastor x Reader who is the daughter of a protective Lucifer? Maybe she kept in contact with her dad so they are closer and she is older than Charlie. When Lucifer comes to visit the hotel him and Alastor cause some drama

Thanks!

W.P💚

I hope this is what you were looking for? I am very new to doing things like this!

Daddy's Girl

Pairing: Alastor X Lucifer's Daughter! Reader

Tags: Sisterly love, some sexual connotations, spoilers, some angst maybe? idk, swearing, Mimzy.

SPOILERS FOR "DAD BEAT DAD"

Word Count: 1,775

The hotel was eerily quiet when you awoke, so you made your way downstairs to see if anyone was awake. All you could hear as you made your way down the stairs was your quiet footfalls and weird murmuring. As you turned towards the sitting area, you realized the muttering was coming from your younger sister, Charlie.

Charlie was pacing back and forth in front of a pin board covered in colorful papers, and strings. She tugged at her hair, her muttering growing more frantic. As you took in the scene, you realized there were a few people standing and watching her. Niffty was bouncing on the couch, her face full of a strange glee. Husk and Sir Pentious were watching with mixes of bafflement and curiosity.

“Hey, Char Char? Are you ok?” You asked, walking around the couch to get a better view. You saw Angel and Vaggie approach from your peripherals as Charlie whipped around frantically.

“Nope! No. Not really! Haha. Hah…” Her false smile falls as she rips a page off the board. “I have been up all night trying to figure out why the hotel isn’t working! We’ve done every single trust exercise and arts and crafts project I could find! We’ve talked about our feelings and… nothing is working!”

You frown. You knew that things taking so long would eventually get to her, but it was sad to see just how severely. She needed more help. 

You walk up to your sister, and set your hands on her shoulders. “I think…”

Her expression collapses. “Please don’t say it.”

“We should call dad. And ask for his help.”

She winces. She clearly doesn’t want your dad’s help. You can’t exactly blame her, either. The two of you were raised a little separate, and it had affected her relationship with Lucifer pretty badly. Although, you were older, and it had afforded you time with Lucifer before Lilith had started to separate herself from him. Charlie had only had a handful of years before their relationship went south. It showed in her anxiety with him, and Lucifer’s inability to talk to Charlie openly. It made you sad, but you weren’t sure how to fix that rift.

“He’s the reason the extermination happens to begin with! He just let it happen! He doesn’t even like sinners! Why would he help me?” Charlie hugs herself, looking off to the side. “He’s always preferred you anyway.”

You hear some audible winces from the audience by the couch, but you ignore them. You pull her into a tight hug, her taller frame putting you at her collarbones. “You know I would change that if I could, honey.” You squeeze her tightly and say, “We can at least see if he can get you a meeting. Anything to give you the advantage, Char Char.”

She sighs, and hugs you back. “Yeah. I guess we can at least try.”

You pull back. “I think you should call him. I bet he’s dying to hear from you, even though he sucks at showing it.”

Charlie rubs her arm and nods. “Alright. I’ll do it!”

As she struggles to start the phone call, Husk makes comments about her having ‘Daddy Issues’, and you blanch. How rude! (Even if it was true). The others make comments about meeting Lucifer, but you and Vaggie just keep your eyes on Charlie. She seems so nervous, and it makes your stomach twist in knots. 

She finally calls. It rings three times before a faint, “Heyyyy bitch!” rings out on the other end of the line. You facepalm. Good going Dad.

When all is said and done, Lucifer announces he is visiting within the hour, after much cajoling and guilt-tripping on Charlie’s part. Although, from what you could hear, he seemed excited.

Charlie is excited, and so is everyone else in the hotel. You cheer for her, and then the realization hits you. 

Alastor. Fuck.

As the final touches are finished, you sidle up to Alastor with a small grin.

“Please, please don’t start shit. Charlie needs this to work. And I need this to work for Charlie,” you murmur to him. 

He barely glances at you. “Worry not, sweetheart! You know I would never do anything to risk the reputation of the hotel! Charlie will get the help she needs!” His arm wraps around your shoulders, and he squeezes you into his side. For just a moment, his head ducks down, and he whispers into your ear. “Just need to make it clear whose little girl you are now.” Then he perks right back up like nothing happened.

Your face burns hot. How dare he! But you don’t get to do anything in retaliation, because Charlie is opening the door.

“Chaaaaarlie!” Lucifer exclaims, immediately pulling her into a tight embrace. Your sister’s face is full of shock, and you just want to laugh. Ha! You were right! He continues talking to her in the slightest baby voice, and you can’t help but let some giggles escape you. Your dad could be just so silly! “Oh, it’s so good to see you!”

He lets go of Charlie as she welcomes him to the hotel. He spots Keekee first, and pets her. Then greets Razzle and Dazzle. You watch from the sidelines with a small smile. It was nice seeing your dad outside the home. He had been holing himself up for so long… You look up at Alastor, who hasn’t moved an inch since your dad came in.

You elbow him gently. “You okay?”

Alasotr’s expression is tight. His eyes flicker to you for a moment, before landing back on your father. He merely hums in response, making you frown. How odd… You knew the two wouldn’t get along, but for Alastor to dislike him already?

 Then your dad spots the bar. “Oh! What in the unholy Hell is that?” 

Alastor immediately shadow-walks to the other side of the room, and you know it’s time to intervene.

“Oh! Just some of the renovations we’ve made.” Alastor gestures with his mic, before continuing. “Adds a bit of color, don’t you think?” 

You wince, and make your way to Alastor’s side. 

“Hey, Dad,” you say, trying to prevent your dad making any further comments on the decor. That's a good way to piss off Alastor.

“Sweetheart!” Your dad runs up to you, and tries picking you up. You laugh at the tights squeeze. “How’s my girl?” His hands squish your cheeks, making it hard to respond.

You giggle through the ministrations, and finally push his hands back so you can respond. “I’m doing great, Dad. Figured I should introduce you to Alastor here.” You gesture to Alastor, who looks the closest to not smiling that you have ever seen. It makes your stomach feel like lead, as you keep talking. “He’s our facilities' manager, and my…”

Your voice trails off, and you look at Alastor, as if hoping he has the word you are looking for.

“I’m her lover!” Alastor exclaims, quite loudly. His static drops for a moment and then bursts back up in volume, making you wince. Great. He just announced that to everyone in the room. The ‘everyone’ being everyone who didn’t know. You can hear Charlie ‘whoop!’ in the background, and several variations of ‘what the fuck’. “She’s quite the darling. I just couldn’t resist this sweet face!” Alastor grabs at your cheeks, similar to how your dad did, and squishes them. “See?”

You risk a glance at your dad. He looks ready to kill. Fuck. This is absolutely not how you wanted to tell your dad. He nearly killed the last partner you had for ghosting you. You can see your dad’s horns growing, and you push Alastor back.

“Haha! Yeah. Uh. Sorry. I would have told you before now, but we’re kind of new! We were trying to keep it on the down-low for now but…” You glare at Alastor, but he just has this shit-eating grin on his face, and you know he doesn’t care. 

“Right.” Your dad continues glaring at Alastor. You wince, and decide to go over by the snack table. Angel is just giving you this look, and you know he will be asking about Alastor’s dick, which you have not seen, later. Husk seems disappointed in you, and you absolutely know why. You just give him an apologetic shrug, and watch as Alastor and your dad seem to start a pissing match. 

It ends with Alastor in his face saying, “Fuck you,” and your knees nearly give out. Holy shit. 

Charlie finally intervenes, and Lucifer, after some more glaring at Alastor, get her to introduce him to the rest of the residents.

Alastor lays a hand on your shoulder as your dad greets both the guests and the staff. You can feel his thumb rubbing back and forth, and it sends shivers down your spine. You look up at Alastor, but his gaze is still locked on your dad. Annoyed, you roll your eyes with a huff, and look back to the meet-and-greet. Your dad is looking back at you, his frown deep, and a barely audible growl making its way to your ears. Your dad is fucking growling at Alastor. What the Hell?

A rumble builds up in Alastor’s chest, and you can feel it against your back. This one sets heat back up to your face. Gosh, this man needed to get his shit together. No need to start stuff with your dad! Alastor’s hand tightens on your shoulder, before he lets go and stalks back towards Charlie, who is trying to convince your dad to help her. 

And then they’re singing. Because of course. Alastor joins in, saying some things that seem to really piss off your dad, but you can't hear much over the blood rushing in your ears. Sometimes these two could be so embarrassing. When your dad pulls out the golden fiddle, you nearly die laughing. (He still wasn’t over losing that one time!) Everything comes to a head, with the two men yelling insults in each other's faces, when suddenly-

“It’s ME!” A woman barges in through the lobby doors, yelling and calling herself Mimzy. She’s blonde, and dressed like a flapper. Alastor seems to recognize her, so you don’t worry. 

Later that night, when your dad has finally agreed to help your sister get that meeting, you all settle onto the couches, making a game plan. Alastor sits beside you, one foot resting on the other knee. You lean over and ask softly, “What did you say during that song, anyway?”

Alastor’s grin sharpens, and he presses his lips near your ear, again. “Charlie calls me dad, and your eldest calls me Daddy.”

If you nearly choke on your own spit, you refuse to admit it. 

[zenlesszonezero]

[writing-rat]

Gym Crush

Pairing: Sam Carpenter x Reader

Warning: Just fluff!

Summary: Sam is a gym trainer when you join her classes. Soon enough you become friends and go to Sam's house...

WC: 1180

It was your first day of going to the gym, and you were nervous. You hadn’t gone to a gym in New York before, scared of the people who would be going, but you knew you needed to get back to working out soon. So that is when you decided to look at gym classes, where you found one you liked. It was functional strength, and it was a small class with a name you recognised. Sam Carpenter. One of the Ghostface victims. You knew her from the news when you first moved in when the incidents were happening. You knew she was innocent however, the news said so with proof as well as Gale Weathers, known for the books that spurred the people that wore the Ghostface costume on. Out of intrigue (and because of the class size), you thought you would join. You were lucky you did that due to it being the last spot available and you were excited. The class size was 6 people so you were grateful for that. The first classes you would be going to would be tomorrow, so you decided to get your workout clothes sorted. Grabbing an old faded hoodie and a plain shirt, you put them in a pile then grabbed your favourite sweatpants. You were going to be prepared, and glad you could work from home once a week.

-

It was officially the next day, and it was an hour before your class which was at 4 pm. You made sure you had your water bottle ready as well as having the correct clothes on. You checked the train times before deciding it would be better to walk to the gym. It would be good for exercise too anyway. As you were walking, you were looking around the city since you were still new there, having moved there months ago. 

Eventually walking into the gym, you showed your booking to the receptionist. “Just go down this hallway where there are the classroom gyms and it is the second right. The room is marked with Sam’s name too,” the receptionist said with a smile. “She is a good trainer. She wants to warn people who join however to not mention Ghostface or the allegations whatsoever. She will kick you out quickly if not,” the receptionist spoke, looking at her. You nodded, understanding. “Thank you,” you spoke before walking over to the room and entering, being the first one there. You were 30 minutes early after all. Sam looked up after putting some weights down and smiled.

“Hey! Y/N right?” she asked. 

“Yeah! That’s me,” you confirmed, looking around. “You can put your drink in one of the cubbies. I am Sam Carpenter, your new trainer. I will be helping you to achieve your goals and also make you stronger. You worked out before?” Sam asked, seemingly done with the set-up. “Yeah, but not for a few months. I just recently moved to NYC,” you confirmed, smiling at her gently. Sam was nodding. “Good, good. Well, I can’t wait to see how you improve,” Sam spoke. You nodded, eager to please her. Little did you know what would happen in the future…

-

It was 8 months after you first started lessons, and you were growing a crush on the taller girl. You looked up to her, metaphorically and literally. Hell, you even befriended Sam, having been in her classes the longest and communicating with her if you would be late or would not be able to make it to the lesson. Hell, Sam even started driving you to the sessions and sometimes home. You were thankful for that as you could save money than then go on the train every day. You even talked to Sam more personally, which led to a friendship becoming her best friend. She was still a strict coach with you though during lessons. 

You were currently at the Carpenter-Weather’s house, Gale cooking dinner with Tara while you were leaning against Sam, curled up after a long session and watching a movie with her. You were both watching The Addam’s Family Values, wanting a relaxing film. You felt comfortable in the strong woman’s embrace, leaning more and more into her neck. You weren’t even aware you were doing that as you were more distracted by the film. Sam meanwhile was rubbing your sides as she kissed your forehead, making you smile. You were about to speak when Tara entered the room. “Dinner’s ready!” she spoke, before going back to the kitchen. Sam groaned, stretching before she stood up, holding her hand out for you to take. You smiled, taking it as you got up, shocked that Sam kept holding it after. Your cheeks did heat up a little bit at that action but you didn’t say anything. Tara and Gale just looked at each other with a smirk for some reason that you didn’t know but you just decided to not care about it.

“Thank you, ma’am, Tara,” you spoke, nodding politely. Gale just smiled. 

“Oh please, call me Gale. Ma’am makes me feel old,” Gale just chuckled in response. Nodding in shock, you smiled as you sat down next to Sam. On the plate there were burritos. You were content with that as you started to eat while thanking both Tara and Gale for cooking. 

“If you want to stay over, you can!” Tara happily responded. Sam just widened her eyes and then glared at Tara, but you didn’t know why again. You decided to shrug it off again. “Sure, but where would I stay?” you asked, confused as you tilted your head confused. 

“Sam’s bed?” Tara suggested. Sam nodded. 

“I wouldn’t mind,” she admitted. Gale just smiled, seeing how Tara was being a wing-woman for Sam. 

-

That night, you had decided to stay over. That made you both go to sleep at 1 am, both of you going to her bedroom silently due to the other occupants sleeping. Sam just smiled at you before she kissed your cheek, making you even more flustered as you realised she was being more touchy. She was cuddling you, holding your hands and kissing you. “Are you flirting?” you asked quietly, shaking from nerves admittedly. Sam blinked before she thought then sighed and nodded. “Yes, I am. Is that… ok?” she asked. You just grinned and kissed her, before nodding. “Now let’s cuddle and sleep, I am tired,” you admitted. Sam just grinned and smiled before she went to the bed and was big spooning you. You just cuddled into her neck, glad your feelings were returned. 

The next morning, you woke up early, confused as to why before you heard the shutter of a camera. You looked up sleepily, then saw Tara in the room holding a Polaroid and putting it on the side. “Morning, Gale is happy for you. Now you can go back to sleep,” Tara spoke quietly before leaving. You smiled, shaking your head before quickly falling back to sleep. You didn’t miss the faint kiss of your forehead though. You sighed in happiness.

[greekmocha]

HEIGHT ORDER

General height order from tallest to shortest among the big / original six sibling gods in Greek mythology (+ additional ones at bottom).

1. Poseidon: (Ocean is so many meters tall- and different zones of the ocean, so I figure there would be more growing room, thus— Tallest brother. Also wasn’t in the stomach as long as Hestia and Hades in my hc anyway. Also additional note: there’s the Hadal Zone at the bottom of the ocean, for a fun idea, what if that was where Hades and Poseidon met sometimes to hang out? :)

2. Demeter: (Once again, the distance between the earth to atmosphere is pretty damn big, and I know while she deals in the harvest mostly- I’m also saying she probably deals in trees, and one of the biggest is around 116M in height. So I figure she’d only be second to Poseidon.)

3. Zeus: (Sky is pretty large, obviously, so I figure his height could alter, going from small -> big -> large. So can switch around. And his growth was never stunted or hindered due to having never been swallowed).

4. Hera: (Same as Zeus’s honestly, also because due to my general hc for birth order (Hera as second to youngest) she wasn’t in the stomach as long as the others, so her growth wasn’t as stunted + She was also fostered during the Titanomachy with Oceanus in the ocean, so her thing is a bit similar to Poseidons—

5. Hades: (I know some would probably see him as one of the tallest- considering the earths inner core is absolutely large. And technically he is.) His true form is the biggest in my mind, but like the forms they go around in? I like to say his is one of the shorter ones. He’s used to being small in the stomach, it’s natural. I also thought of dwarves somewhat, like live below the earth, height smaller to fit in caves and what not.

6. Hestia: (Similar to Hades’s reasoning, was in their the longest- and was used to being small to fit in places when trapped. Also due to the idea that a flame is smaller without oxygen. So this can also alter like Hades’, her true form would probably be one of the biggest too depending on where she is? In Olympus, larger then life- filled with so much, and not constrained. Though also somewhat angsty idea is: could be a good reason for an au on why she doesn’t visit the Underworld too much, she’s limited.

ADDITIONAL MENTION:

3.5 Persephone: She’s the child of one of the two tallest gods of them all— and most spacious places on Gaia, the earth and sky. She had plenty of room to grow, and considering her mother is the god of harvest and agriculture (was likely always well fed, and given proper nutrients) so peek condition. Id like to imagine that she’s a head or so taller then her husband in the more mortal forms. Also additional hc: she has muscles from working on farms. That’s my take. G’day.

3.5 Ares: Generally same reasons as Persephone, two of the tallest gods- and sure they don’t have genetics, but this is headcanons alright? Anything goes. Gets plenty of exercise and activity (combat, training, war, etcetera). So those two are probably around the same height. I also like to see him as the eldest son in one version of the Heph myth (With Hephaetsus being born after Athena) while where Heph is thrown off the mountain as an adult, he’s either the second or first son of Zeus and Hera.

0.5 Aphrodite: She did come from the sea (place of all life and rather large), and cut off man bits of Ouranos- So she’s the aunt of the big six technically. I figured it’d be good that she was taller than all of them.

[homunculus-argument]

Is five hours per night enough sleep if you physically can't make yourself sleep more?

Like I am tired all the time, and regardless of whether I'm regularly exercising or not, and what kind of food I'm eating, not to mention all the sleep hygiene rules*, my sleep schedule is the same: I fall asleep at 1 am and wake up somewhere between 5 and 7 am with no alarm. I am tired at all times, but nonetheless no matter what I do, my body snaps awake at 5 in the morning like "alright, I've had enough, when are we getting up?"

No matter what other factors get tweaked, that seems to be consistent. I'm aware that I'll probably develop some serious brain issues when I'm older (or within the next 10 years) from the lack of sleep, but I cannot will myself to get more sleep any more than I could will myself to grow any taller. My body just refuses to do that. I'm tired and feel like crap all the time, but the part of my brain that's in charge of how many hours of sleep I'm getting flat-out refuses to accept any more of it.

So would it be more sane and healthy to just accept that five hours is enough and the constant-feel-like-shit is unrelated, or should I be figuring out some way to get myself drugged unconscious for eight hours every night to make it look more normal?

*mandatory addition: Do not cite the deep magic to me, witch. I know the sleep hygiene rules better than you do. You cannot suggest anything that I didn't already know, that I wouldn't have tested, and know for myself whether it works for me or not.

[zaceouiswriting]

The little brother

Character: Reggie Mantle and Male Reader older brother

Universe: Riverdale

Warnings: Just a little violence

Why did you have to agree to this? Why did you let your parents drag you into something like this? Why couldn't you just stay in Cambridge where your parents couldn't reach you? But no, you had to crawl back as soon as they called. Your father knew full well that you still sought his approval after all these years, and he pulled on your heartstrings until you agreed to return to their home and look after your brother for a few weeks. Because he apparently wasn't doing well at school.

But nothing was as it seemed. When you entered the house you called your childhood home, there was not the little boy who always wanted to be near you, but a moody teenager, almost of age, lying half naked on the couch, showing off his perfectly sculpted upper body.

The moment Reggie saw you, his face contorted with anger.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" he asked with a harsh tone, very different from the loving voice he had used towards you as a child.

Already done with this shit, you drop your bags to the floor still at the front door. Eye rolling, you closed the door behind you and went to your lazily sitting brother.

“Our parents thought it would be good for me to come here and look after you while they are away. They hope I can jog your walnut-sized brain.”

Your brother mocked you dismissively. After which, he stood up from the couch and walked towards you. The two of you were at the same level, staring into each other's eyes. He became noticeably taller, and you couldn't miss how wide he was getting. Football seemed to be good for him. You never liked team sports, mostly because you were a cowardly child who hated exercise.

Reggie suddenly tried to push you, but you stood your ground, your eyes glowing fiery. You, too, have become stronger thanks to the gym.

“Oh, I see. You’re trying to mark your territory like a dog? Or do you want to test who the man in the house is?” you asked him, grinning widely as his face turned into hatred.

You could see the movement of his arms before he even tried to hit you. You duck away with ease, only to give him an uppercut. He flew onto the couch. But somehow, he quickly got back on his feet. In the meantime, you got yourself into position, already prepared for your stubborn brother to jump back to his feet.

“Trust me, baby brother, this won’t be a good idea.”

You tried to get him to stop his stupid behavior you really tried, but he didn't listen. He thoughtlessly tried to attack you again, but you knocked him down even faster than before. You weren't the best boxer, but you learned quickly.

With just two hits, you knocked out Reggie. Looking down at your brother, you could only sigh. Was he always so hateful? Or is he still angry that you up and left when you were sixteen?

Your brother was obviously an early bloomer. He was already goddamn handsome. It took you years to get anywhere close to it. If you were honest, you were pretty jealous of it. You were almost twenty-three, and your little shitter of a brother was barely seventeen, and yet he looked just as good as you. Maybe a few more hits could help?

Before you could demolish his face out of jealous reflex with your fists, you shook yourself out of these thoughts. Instead, you placed one arm under his upper back and one under his legs. With some effort, you lifted your brother into your arms.

“Shit, you’re heavy,” you said through gritted teeth.

Carrying your brother upstairs to his bedroom, you carefully lay him down on his soft bed, breathing a sigh of relief as his weight was lifted from your arms. Even after years of training in the gym, you couldn't have carried him any longer than this.

You gently put the blanket over him and check his pulse to be on the safe side. Feeling like everything was fine, you looked around.

With a growing headache, you knew you couldn't leave his room in this chaos. He was such a clean freak as a kid, but now he's grown into what you were as a teenager: a hurricane.

You took out hidden fast food rappers, something your parents wouldn't allow their star athlete son to eat. Some dishes that could almost walk, and of course clothes. His room smelled like a high school locker room. You didn't mind the smell since gyms don't smell much different, but it unsettled you inside. For just a second, a fleeting moment, you imagined your brother in an inappropriate way that shocked you to your core. You never thought you would think of your brother like this. To be fair, the asshole has grown into one hell of an attractive guy.

After you cleaned his room in record time, you stared at his sleeping silhouette for just a moment. He still looked as sweet as ever. You walked close to him. As you stood in front of him, you gently brushed some strands of hair out of his face and placed a tender kiss on his forehead. A bedtime ritual you had when you were both younger.

“Sleep well, little shit,” you murmured against his head with a big smile, hoping he wouldn't remember anything the next day.

As you moved away from him towards the door, a sudden grab on your arm turned you around, only to be pulled into someone, your brother. In his sleep, he somehow managed to grab you and pull you into him. As you lay on his bed, he immediately laid his head on your chest, wrapped both arms around you and one leg as if you were a big pillow, and just slept.

Initially, you were stunned by the situation but soon found it amusing, to the point where you almost busted out laughing. However, you managed to stop yourself just in time. Instead, you placed your right hand on your brother's head and gently stroked it. You knew Reggie was a deep sleeper, and it was unlikely that he would wake up anytime soon. So, you prepared yourself for a long day ahead of you.

[Masterlist]

[blackjackkent]

Letter prompts - any or all!

Minsc to Hector

Lae'zel to Gale

Rion to Karlach

Shadowheart to Isobel and Aylin

Nine Fingers to Jaheira

(Letter fic prompts!)

TY as always for the prompts, friend! <3 Sorry it took a bit to get them done, but I did all of them bc I loved the ideas so much. XD

-----

(Minsc to Hector - a note scribbled on a crumpled piece of parchment with one corner slightly chewed off. Left on Hector's bedside table in the Elfsong, three hours before dawn on the cold, rainy morning before the battle with the Netherbrain.)

My friend! 

Do not fear to find Minsc’s bunk empty when you wake; know that I have gone ahead to clear the path! The sewers that stand between us and our wrinkly foe are well known to Minsc and Boo, and we shall see to it that they are well-scrubbed of evil that might hinder us in our final journey. A fine tale it would make for us to travel towards a battle for the world's fate and be delayed by a passing bandit!

Should we have no further time to speak before all is chaos, Boo wishes you to know you have been a fine companion, a hero to rank high among all those he has traveled with. And Minsc would say the same, though Minsc does not juggle words with Boo’s skill. 

Boo and I have traveled across many years in an instant, and much has changed. We did not think to find a company with which we could feel heroes again, not least after Minsc was made a puppet of the Absolute’s worm.  With Jaheira, with you, Minsc has remembered what it is to be alive, to fight for goodness, and this city's every shadow trembles to know it. 

Though evil brings the brain, Hector and his friends shall bring the brawn! And Minsc is proud to be among them!

(signed with the letter M and a very small pawprint in ink)

-----

(Lae'zel to Gale - a note carved in the spiraling gith script into a large flat rock, lacking the fine materials of true githyanki slate, written in camp deep in the Underdark.)

When you can read this, you may consider yourself a true scholar worthy of the secrets of githyanki magic. Until then, cease your inane questioning of matters far beyond your appreciation; my time is better spent in recuperation than in the education of overambitious istik.

A note is attached to the rock, written in Common in careful, precise handwriting: Ever so sorry to disappoint you, my dear sa’varsh, but my inane questioning shall continue unabated. I do, however, thank you for the opportunity to reacquaint myself with Comprehend Languages! I so rarely get a chance to turn that one out for a bit of exercise.

Below these words on the note is scribbled a considerably less meticulous tir’su spiral scrawled in ink: That is *not* what I meant, and you know it, kainyank.

-----

(Rion to Karlach - a note sent by standard post to the Elfsong, several days after the party's visit to Elerrathin's Home.)

Karlach,

You're kidding me - you're Pluck Cliffgate's kid? I carried messages for him now and again; he talked about you plenty, and I did see you once, maybe seven years old, darting all over the Wide like a little hurricane. Small world, I guess. Odd to think that I’m more or less the same and you’ve shot up to be taller than I am. Elf blood’s a funny thing.

I know you’re hoping for exciting stories about growing up with the High Harper but the truth is I don’t have much to offer. She wasn’t any kind of “heroic adventurer” to me - she was just Mother, and she never much liked to talk about the past, not even about my father. I heard more about her from bards in taverns than I ever heard from her own mouth - and some of it I wish I could scrub back out of my brain. 

You ever hear a bawdy called “The Harper’s Head”? Yeah, now imagine that was your mum they were singing about. Awful.

She was good to us, though, in her own way. I know you saw me bite her head off and her bite mine right back; that’s just how we’ve always been. But she saw to it I grew up strong, that I knew how to fight, and how to keep my head down when the time called for it. Harper things, mostly, even though I don’t think she ever wanted me to be one. 

She taught me how to take no shit, too. Her mistake, because now I don’t take hers either. But I think she’d rather that than otherwise.

After a while, the other kids just started drifting in - first for a meal here or there, then a bed, then before you knew it, this was their home. Another one in the pack. It’s strange, really. I always knew deep down - even when I was a kid who didn’t have words for it yet, just knew it was confusing and it hurt - that part of her really wanted to be back on the road, not tied down with us in this mess of a city. But somehow every time one of us moved out, she’d found another to bring in, almost like clockwork.

I think she’s been looking for something, all this time. But I don’t think she knows what it is, any more than I do, or what she’d do with it if she found it. 

Not an exciting story, like all the tales you’ve heard. But it’s truth; I can tell you that much.

It probably won’t surprise you that I haven’t had a message from her since you left. But you can tell her I’m off to the refugee camp in the morning. We’ll hold our end of things, and see they’re taken care of. Take care of that bloody brain, and maybe I’ll find a better story to tell when you’re done.

Rion

-----

(Shadowheart to Aylin (and Isobel by proxy); several conjoined messages by a series of Sending spells, dispatched from somewhere on the edge of Waterdeep) 

> Aylin… your mother's house is beautiful. I never imagined such a place. It's… foolish, perhaps, but I wanted to let you know I've seen it. 

> I still carry the spear with me. Once dark, now light. Like me. Still surprised you didn't crack us both across your knee like Lorroakan. 

> You gave me a second chance. I hadn't earned it; I wanted to kill you. The great difference between Shar and Selune. Cruelty versus mercy. 

> A lot’s happened since then. I found my parents. Shar's last joke at my expense. You were right about everything. That I had to act.

> So I'm free now. Of all of it. One day I will think of a way to repay you both for your kindness. Your wisdom. 

> I don't know what plans call you now, but should you travel near Waterdeep in the next fortnight-- OW! Yes, yes, I'll tell her, calm--

[a slight pause] 

> Please also tell Isobel that Buddy says hello. The morsels she used to slip him in camp have purchased her a permanent owlbear friend. 

-----

(Nine-Fingers to Jaheira - a note left in a dead drop at Danthelon’s in the middle of the night.)

Jaheira. You’ve GOT to call off the Rashemaar. He’s driving us all insane trying to teach us the good path; on all the gods, either I’m going to beat the hells out of him or someone else will. I don’t care what you do - take him on an adventure, lock him in the cellar, turn him into a statue again, hold the hamster for ransom. But something. Fuck’s sake.

He listens to you. Starting to think you’re the only one he does listen to. Like a pup with one master. It’d be cute if it wasn’t so infuriating.

We all want the same thing - this city safe and strong. But he’s got to learn that we don’t all go about it the same way, or sooner or later there’s going to be trouble.

Astele NF

[mysteryshoptls]

SR Epel Felmier - Apprentice Chef Vignette

[Kitchen]

Master Chef ― Epel Version ～ Let’s Make Stew 1～

Ghost Chef: ―The dish we'll have you make today is a stew.

Epel: A stew… Whew, I'm glad it's not some fancy-sounding dish I'd never heard of before.

Epel: I've made a ton of stews and other dishes like it back home, so I think I might be able to do this!

Ghost Chef: Alright, then let's get started. First, let's cut up the ingredients.

Ghost Chef: Make sure to cut each one up evenly into bite-sized pieces. First let's tackle the potatoes.

Epel: Got it! They've already been well washed, so I'll leave the skin on.

[chop, chop, chop, chop…]

Ghost Chef: Oho, not bad. Only, these are a little too large to be considered bite-sized…

Epel: Eh!? Oh, now that you mention it, I guess the stuff in the stew we eat here in the cafeteria is a bit smaller…

Epel: We usually have super chunky fillings in the stew back home, so I just chopped it up thinking of that.

Ghost Chef: I see. Well, if we cut them in half once more, they'll be a little too small… Let's just cut the other ingredients so they match the potatoes then.

Epel: Got it. Okay, I'm gonna cut up all the rest of the potatoes.

Epel: I've finished chopping up the onions and potatoes.

Ghost Chef: Good, the onions are cut perfectly into wedges. And you've even rounded the edges of the potatoes. Well done.

Epel: Mah gran… My grandmother taught me while I was helping her prep food back home.

Ghost Chef: Your grandma really knows her stuff. Did she also teach you how to handle a knife?

Epel: Ah, well, I can use a knife probably 'cause I've practiced carving a ton, I guess?

Epel: We're a family of apple farmers back in Harveston, and there's always a ton of damaged apples in our bushels…

Epel: But if I could carve some patterns or pictures into the apples while taking out the damaged parts, they become worth something again. That's why I've worked hard to learn how to do it.

Ghost Chef: You mean you sell them? That's amazing, I'd love it if you'd show me what you can do.

Epel: Hehe, sure. If I was to choose out of these stew ingredients… These carrot slices would probably be the best choice.

[slice, slice…]

Epel: Here you go, I'm done!

Ghost Chef: Ooh, you've carved a beautiful flower design into the carrot! You really are quite skilled.

Epel: Hehe, thank you. Want me to add decorations to the rest of the carrots too!?

Ghost Chef: Eh, no you don't have to… Wow, you were just raring to go, huh!

Ghost Chef: You're making me feel a little bad for throwing these beautifully carved carrots into the soup…!!

Epel: ―Stir flour in with the sauteed ingredients… Okay, this seems mixed enough, I think?

Ghost Chef: I think so too. Next, we'll add milk, water, and consommé, and let is simmer. You'll want to stir from time to time so the flour doesn't burn.

Epel: Got it!

Ghost Chef: While it's simmering, let's go over everything we've done so far. Do you have any questions?

Epel: Yes, sir! Please tell me of any foods that'll help me grow taller or more muscular!

Ghost Chef: Eh? There's nothing that screams "eat me and grow" like that. After all, the most important thing to think about is nutritional balance.

Epel: Really!? And I took this class hoping that I'd get to learn about ingredients that'd help me get bigger…

Ghost Chef: Epel-kun, you said your motivation for taking this course was to learn how to control your nutritional intake to help shape your body, right?

Epel: Yes. I want to grow taller, and gain more muscle than I have now!

Epel: Everyone back in my village said that if I ate a lot, exercised a lot, and slept a lot, I'd grow big and strong…

Epel: And still, I never got any good results. That's why recently, I've been trying to eat even more than usual…

Epel: But my Housewarden scolded me something fierce, saying that my nutritional intake was completely off.

Epel: He also said, "figure out what you yourself need and choose the right food to eat," too...

Ghost Chef: Ah, so that's what this is about. I understand. I'll make sure to go over the perfect ingredients and nutrients that you need, Epel-kun.

Epel: Please and thank you! Ah, but wait one moment, I need to get out a notepad!!

Ghost Chef: ―And there you have it. Do you see now that the stew we're making now also has a ton of nutrients that's good for you?

Epel: Yes, thank you!

Epel: There were so many new words bein' thrown my way that my brain's overloaded… This whole nutrition thing is a lot harder than I thought…

Ghost Chef: Alright, here we go, Epel-kun, let's do the finishing touches. Put the chicken and broccoli into the pot and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes!

Epel: Got it! I'll throw in the pre-cooked chicken and broccoli and… There we go.

Epel: Oh yeah, by the way, we're making a savory stew today, but… does the cafeteria menu ever have sweet stews?

Ghost Chef: Sweet stews?

Epel: Yeah, it's got stuff like apples and nuts in it… It might feel a little like it should be a dessert, but it's not too sweet, and it's got a great flavor.

Epel: You can eat it hot or cold, so whenever I got sick, mah gran… my grandmother would make it for me―

Epel: Or…? Maybe it's not really a thing…? Maybe gran just came up with it…

Ghost Chef: A dessert-like stew, hm. I feel like I may have come across in some small village before… I'll look it up later.

Ghost Chef: It may be interesting if we were to serve it as promo dish in the cafeteria. I'm sure it would be delicious if we used the apples from Harveston.

Epel: Hehe, and 'cause the apples from Harveston are super delicious, it'll quickly become a popular dish, no doubt.

[Kitchen]

Master Chef ― Epel Version ～ Let’s Make Stew 2～

Epel: That smells good… I think this stew came out amazing!

Ghost Chef: I agree. You did a good job cutting the vegetables and stirring the pot. All those times you helped out back home really came in handy.

Ghost Chef: Now, plate the stew and let's head out to the judging venue.

Epel: YES, SIR! ALRIGHT! AH'M GONNA WINNIT!

[Cafeteria – Judging Venue]

Riddle: A pleasant aroma is wafting out from the kitchen… It seems my food will be served soon.

Epel: Sorry to keep you waiting. This stew must have been what you ordered, Riddle-san.

Riddle: Why, hello there, Epel. You must be taking the elective this time around.

Riddle: I am still in the midst of my own studies when it comes to cooking… But as I was selected a judge for this, I shall make sure to give you my sincerest assessment.

Epel: Urgh, feels like you'd be super strict, too… Please take it easy on me…

Epel: Once more, I present to you the stew you've ordered.

Epel: It's still hot, so take care not to burn your tongue.

Riddle: On closer inspection, I see that there is a design carved into the carrots. How wonderfully intricate.

Epel: Hehe, thank you! I'm actually pretty good at carving, so.

Riddle: As for the ingredients in the stew… These seem to be a little larger than the ones normally served in the cafeteria.

Epel: Hehe, don't you think that makes it worth eating?

Riddle: Perhaps, but they do seem a little too big… These are bigger than my spoon.

Epel: Yep. I bet it'll really fill you up!

Riddle: R-Right, okay. I shall dig in, then.

[bite, chew, chew…]

Epel: …

Riddle: …Mm, delicious. I was a tad worried, since the vegetables were cut a little large, but they've been perfectly cooked through.

Epel: Thank you very much! And this stew isn't just tasty, it's also chocked full of nutrition.

Riddle: Chocked full of nutrition…? Could you elaborate further?

Epel: Sure! Uhh… One second.

Epel: Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, while potatoes are rich in Vitamin C.

Epel: The broccoli has a ton of fiber. The onion has an anti, uh… antioxidative effect? Yeah.

Epel: Chicken has a ton of protein. And the milk used for the stew has a ton of calcium!

Epel: There's a lot of other nutrients that are good for the growing body…

Epel: Uhh, so basically… Stews are the perfect dish to help you grow!

Riddle: I was a little startled because you suddenly brought out a notepad, but… Did you write down all the nutrients of all the ingredients you used for this dish there?

Epel: Yep! I can't remember things just from hearing it once, so I took notes as the Chef taught me while we were cooking.

Epel: I wanted to figure out what kind of nutrition I need for my own growth, which is why I took this course.

Epel: I was writing everything down real fast, so there's some parts I can't read, but…

Riddle: …There's no point to taking notes if you cannot read them back later.

Epel: Urgh… Yes, you're right. I'll make sure to check with the Chef again later…

Riddle: That being said, I think it's spectacular that you are attempting to further your own knowledge in order to reach your goals.

Riddle: Just as you say, it isn't only about the appearance or taste, but also the nutrients that go into it. I shall also take this moment to learn something.

Ghost Chef: We always make our dishes while thinking of that nutritional balance, so it's lovely to see Epel-kun this invested.

Epel: I-It's a little embarrassing to hear you say that, but… Thank you for your kind words!

Epel: It's much more fun to learn about nutrition through cooking rather than reading through a musty book…

Epel: I'm gonna keep on learning about nutrition and get me a super muscular body!!

Ghost Chef: I don't think you'll be able to get muscular on your diet alone, but… I'm glad to see you so motivated.

Epel: Alllright, I'm gonna work even harder! Chef, I'm looking forward to some more of your instruction!

Requested by @dida-books.

[katierosedreams2]

Tootsie Roll

My heart was racing as I talked to Malisa, it felt like it was going to explode. My hands were so clammy and were literally shaking. I almost thought I was going to faint! It’s not like I haven’t talked to her before, we’ve known each other from when we hung out a few times with some mutual friends over the summer. She was so pretty, and always dressed kind of sexy, at times, down right slutty, and her make-up and hair were always almost too over done, flirting with the line of making her look like a total bimbo. But she was such a bombshell, and she totally pulled it off! She has a perfect hourglass figure. She's both skinny and shapely and has a perfect face. It screams femininity and beauty.  She was the most sexist girl I’d ever seen! She’s bubbly, kind, fit, flirty, and outgoing but in a reserved way. She’s a dream girl! 

I’m kind of shy, dorky, I’m also on the smaller size for a guy, in every way. I thought for sure by the time I was 21 I’d be a little taller. I’m the same height as most women, including Malisa, unless they’re wearing heels, then they’re taller. I’m only 5’4”, but I’m also pretty skinny, I hardly weigh one hundred pounds, I’ve always been pretty small for a guy. I still have to shop in the boys' section most of the time. Both my trainer and my doctor think I might have a disorder, which is why I can’t seem to gain muscle mass and hold onto fat. My doctor said to just exercise more, which is why I got the trainer in the first place. I try to work out, I run and lift weights, but I can’t seem to grow much muscle, except for my butt. My trainer jokes that it’s a bubble butt. And my hips and chest are where my fat likes to stay, no matter what I do. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I have big boobs or anything, it’s just soft there. With a shirt on you might think I have some small pecks, I hope, not small boobs. And the fat on my hips doesn’t help the fact that my pelvis is a little wide. I always seem to be more of a pear shape, which isn’t common for a guy, my hips seem to be just slightly wider than my shoulders. Not that either are very wide. I hate to admit it, there are times I catch my reflection in the mirror out of the corner of my eye as I’m getting in the shower, and I’d jump because I thought I saw a girl. But then I’d do a double take, and it was just me, but that definitely bothered me too. 

I struggle with growing any body hair. Hell I don’t grow any body hair, just a few armpit hairs, and they just look silly, I can literally just pluck right out with my fingers, it dosnt even hurt! Add to that the fact that I know I’m quite small down there and my balls never fully developed. I’ve never had much self-confidence when it comes to girls. I’ve never even been on a date, let alone kissed a girl! I’ve always gotten along with them just fine, they are super friendly, but I’m always immediately in the friend zone. They seem to treat me just like another girl. And guys have always been weird around me. I don’t know why, but they don’t treat me like they do other guys. Most don’t seem to respect me. Some are nice though, and some just look at me in creepy ways. 

I had very few friends growing up, which didn’t help me be any less awkward, but it improved a little in college. I befriended a nice group of girls and a few guys who seemed to be plugged into what was going on. They got me out of my room and to parties or events, even just to get a cup of coffee or a cocktail. I think they could tell I was a bit of a lonely guy who could use some friends, and I truly appreciated it. I moved away from home for college and didn’t know anyone. I shared classes with most of them. How they all knew each other to begin with I’m really not sure. You see I’m going to school for business, but also cosmetology. OK, let me explain, my mom owns a very successful small salon chain and makes very good money from the business. She cut hair to pay her way through college where she majored in business and started her own salon. The rest was history. I’ve always grown up with plenty of money and a pretty nice house as a result.

When I wasn’t in school, I spent a lot of time with her in her salons. Going from one to the other, knowing very well the ins and outs of hair, makeup, and nails. More than most of the girls in my classes, I also had better skin and long pretty black hair that was always perfectly styled. My mom made sure of that, she’s always told me my whole life that my hair represents her business, it HAD to be long and pretty at all times. And it worked too, so many ladies loved my hair, and then they went to one of my mom’s businesses. I’ve always had long girly hair and always styled like a girl, as a result, but I’m so used to it that it didn’t bother me. I agree it is pretty, and I guess I’m willing to put in the work to help the family business. I have toned it down a little since I left home though. It’s still a feminine cut, but I style it kind of neutral. 

I’d also learn a lot about business too. I grew up just assuming I’d get to work with my mom as a partner in her work, and so did she. But at the start of my junior year in high school, she told me that I could only partner with her if I got a formal education in both cosmetology and business. She'd paid for it, and it seemed like a good idea, so I agreed. I met most of the girls I have become friends with in my cosmetology classes and most of the guys in my business classes. I think this whole group was formed by the two of them, who are brother and sister. They are in almost the same situation I’m in, the sister is in my business classes and the brother is in my cosmetology classes. I think he’s gay and loves to cut hair, he’s really great at it too. His sister just likes getting her hair done, she hates cutting it, but seems to have a perfect mind for business. They were going to make an incredible team! 

All the other 4 guys in our group were gay, but that’s just fine with me. The whole group was pretty even from the two schools, and somehow we all just clicked. There seemed to be an unspoken role not to date anyone in the core group. We didn’t want to ruin this great friendship with the drama of people breaking up and dividing the group. That’s where Malisa comes in. She’s not a core member of the group. She is in one of my cosmetology classes, but it’s her minor. Her major is in fashion. She jokes that she’s just at college to party and wants to graduate with a perfect Mrs. degree to then become some rich guy's trophy wife. And she could easily have any guy she wanted. I was thinking about what she was saying the other day and this huge urge overtook me. I should ask her out. I thought I was crazy at first. But hey, she seemed to really want money and my mom already had a ton, with her and me combining and growing the family business, it would be an almost unlimited supply! It would seem silly not to!! I’ve spent my whole life seeing beautiful women, but none of them have been as pretty as her. I may never meet someone like her again! And we got along great, we clicked so well. So I made up my mind the next time I’d see her, when the time was right, I’d ask her out on a date. Just the thought alone made me so nervous! I’ve never asked a girl out before, and I’m starting with the prettiest girl in the world! I trembled at the thought, but I couldn’t not take this opportunity.

And here we were, both early to meet our friend again. Last time we ended up having this amazing conversation as our friends were over an hour late to show up, something that’s not at all uncommon for them. We were talking and having a great time, and I could feel this emotion welling up, almost like I was going to be sick! And then, it just happened, like word vomit, I kind of sheepishly blurted out. “Umm so Malisa would you umm, ever want to go out on a umm, like umm, do a thing together some time? Umm, like just the two of us?” The world seemed to freeze, even the air stood still to respond to my question. All I could hear was my heart beating so rapidly I could physically feel it moving my whole body with each quick pulse. “Like on a, DATE?” She sweetly but confusingly replied. The confusion was clear on her face and in her voice. I felt like I was made of stone. I was so frozen with fear. Oh god what had I done?!? All I could manage was a small nod and a whisper of a "yes". She could see the fear and distress on my face, and all over my whole body. She didn’t bother to hide that she felt kind of bad for me. “Aw, that's so precious. You're so cute. Sure, why not, I guess.” She spoke with empathy. I almost couldn’t believe what I was hearing!! “I could make some time tomorrow, I was going to get some brunch and then do some fall shopping, we can just see where it goes from there, how does that sound?” I almost fell out of my seat, still in shock that she said yes! I was a nervous mess and hardly processed what she said. “Sounds great!” I nervously squeaked. It didn’t sound like much of a date, but I guess it’s a start! She told me when and where to meet her for brunch and shortly after that our friends started to arrive. We didn’t talk about it again until we were parting for the evening, and she said, “See you tomorrow.” With a bubbly tone, it filled me with so much joy I thought I could fly. All night I was wondering if she’d change her mind that I hardly talked to any of my friends. 

Our brunch was great, and she looked amazing. She was in a very pretty dress that was mostly black lace, very fall, very sexy yet still elegant. Her makeup and hair were styled to perfection, still flirting with the line of looking like a bimbo. Her six inch "fuck me" pumps only added to that. As a result, she towered over me. I was dressed in a nice but casual button-down long sleeve shirt and nice pants and shoes. I don’t own a lot of clothes. I don’t care that much about men’s fashion, it’s all the same. We had a wonderful time together. We are both light eaters but love coffee. Our time shopping was great! She and I have the same taste in fall decorations, and when we ended up going to clothing stores, I think I impressed her with my knowledge and style in women’s clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. You don’t grow up in a salon or constantly shopping with your mom without learning a few things, I guess. She would joke around and hold stuff up to me to see how it would look on me and tease that I should try it on or that we are the same size. It was embarrassing, but I didn’t want it to show, although I knew my face turned a little red, and she seemed to enjoy that. At one store, we even went through the lingerie section, and she had me help her pick out something sexy. It felt like a test almost, so I tried my best to impress her. I think I passed, she put it in her bag after all! I think she was impressed and grateful that I paid for absolutely everything. It was a date after all, and she is after a guy who has some deep pockets. Overall, it wasn’t a cheap day, but I’ve seen my mom spend ten times that much on a whim. I don’t buy much, almost ever, so I have a lot of money from my monthly allowance saved up, but I do get a lot every month too. I know it’s crazy to say, but my mom gives me 10k of “walking around money” every month! And that’s after she pays all my bills!

We had such a wonderful time. We made plans to go on another date a couple of days from now. I couldn't wait, and I struggled to focus on my school work. I pretty much jumped at my phone with every text that came in. It was always wonderful to talk to her and I quickly realized I was really starting to feel something special for her. Our second date was lovely, a nice dinner out and then talking late into the night at a quiet bar. It was very personal and deep. I've never had such a stimulating one on one conversation with someone before. As the night grew close to an end, I noticed I was sitting closer and closer to her, maybe it was the drinks, but I felt compelled to kiss her. I leaned in, and she pulled back slightly, looked at me with pity in her eyes, and then met my lips with hers. Her lips were so soft and sweet! I couldn't believe it. I felt electricity pulse through my brain to my whole body, I felt myself get hard as my heart fluttered. I can't believe it!!! I FINALLY KISSED A GIRL!! She didn't seem to mind the kiss, I did feel like it was a little more one sided, probably a pity kiss. After all, she had come to learn that until her, I'd never even been on a date. She was very nice, and seemed to care about me in at least some way. That night was the happiest of my life! And at the end of it we agreed to meet for a third! I couldn't believe it! What luck I was having!

She wanted to go on another shopping day, and wanted me to join her, and then we would get dinner afterward. I was excited just to see her again and happily agreed. She picked me up at my house at ten that morning. I was so happy when I got into her car. She looked stunning in a very short black leather mini skirt, a cute fall brownish orange top, a leather jacket and black leather thigh high 6 inch heels.

I noticed a small black shopping bag in the back seat and casually ignored it. Little did I know this was the day my life was to change forever. 

I complimented her on how good she looked and thanked her for picking me up. I had no clue where we were going, so we stopped for some coffee and drove downtown where all the best clothing stores were. It was fun to walk around with her, she looked so sexy in her outfit, and I was grateful to hide my constant erection with the clothes she kept handing me to hold. Once again, she asked me for my opinion and had me be very involved with the selection of clothes. She was going for very sexy stuff, so I didn't shy away from it. And once again she kept teasing me by holding up the clothes to me, joking how good I would look in it or that I should go try it on. How we were both the same size and how pretty I'd be in this or that. At one point when we were shopping for sexy heels, she even convinced me to try on a pair. I was so embarrassed I could hardly stand it, she thought it was so funny that even our shoe size was the same and that I could wear all of her clothes. I was so embarrassed, and just when I thought I couldn't end, she humiliated me by joking with the sales lady at check out that the heels were for me as I paid for them. I paid for everything that day. I was happy too.

 Despite the teasing, I really was enjoying my time with her, and I could tell she was truly enjoying it too. I was so happy to have her in my life at that time. We had to make three stops at the car to drop off arms full of shopping bags! We must have spent 3 thousand dollars shopping! We totally filled her car and I joked that she wouldn't have enough room in her closet for all of this. She joked back that it's not a problem because it's going in my closet! I laughed but she didn't seem like she was joking, but obviously she was. At some point, she convinced me to put in very girly dimmond hoop earrings. I was hesitant, but she was very convincing, saying that my hair would mostly hide it. She said it would be fun and make her happy. I was embarrassed but couldn't say no. I was even more so when she convinced me to wear a girly anklet, but I figured she was just messing around and having fun. I didn't want to be a party pooper, so I went along with it. She had picked out this very cute little place for dinner, very quiet and nice.

It was kind of romantic, and I was having a lovely time, and so was she. She drove me home and outside my door we kissed again and, just like the first time, it was electric and completely amazing! She asked if she could come in. I was happy to let her. I opened a bottle of white wine, and we started to drink. It was lovely. She admired the simplicity and great styling of my house. She said no straight guy she had ever met had such a nice home. It seemed like a weird thing to say, but I took it as a compliment. We engaged in some small talk as we drank and walked through my apartment. She kept saying compliments like that, she admired how clean it was too. This is just how I was raised, I kept saying. She noticed I had a huge walk-in closet that only seemed larger because of how few clothes I own. She seemed to think that this was wonderful, she muttered something about how this is enough space. I’m not really sure what that meant. Maybe she was going on about that joke from earlier that those clothes were going into my closet. She noticed how nice and well-made the bed was and started kissing me out of nowhere. It was very passionate, and I loved making out with her! 

As things got a little more heated, she took my hands and motioned for them to explore her body. I was so turned on I could almost cum just from this! I'm 21 years old, a virgin, and I’m not only making out with a girl in my apartment by my bed while she lets me grope her, but she’s also the hottest girl I have ever met!! What luck! Her body felt amazing as I slid my hands over her leather skirt. She stepped back and seductively took her top off and then slowly slid down her skirt, revealing the lingerie I had picked out with her on our first date. She looked so sexy in the black lace lingerie and black leather thigh high heels as she towered over me. I was as hard as I could get and on the edge of cumming already! She then kissed me some more and then slowly removed my shirt. I was starting to feel a little self-conscious, butm the wine helped me push past that. She ran her hands over my bare body and across my chest, stopping and holding my chest as if she was cupping boobs. “Mmm-hm” she hummed to herself as if to confirm something. She then unbuttoned my pants and carefully pulled down my zipper. She then stepped back and looked at me, her sultry look and seductive tone calling to me ” Drop your pants and underwear, all the way down. NOW!” I was almost frightened by the sudden demanding shift. I did as I was told, grabbed the top of my pants and underwear and pulled them all the way down to my ankles, and then stood there naked on full display.  

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

She burst out laughing, clearly unable to contain herself. I was shocked and immediately humiliated. And then FLASH! She took a picture!! Where did she get her phone from so fast?!? I couldn’t believe it! I reached to pull my pants back up as I started to fight tears in my eyes. “DON'T YOU DARE!!” She yelled sternly, but yet still laughing. “I’ll show this photo to everyone you know! You just stay still and do as you're told! Do you understand?!” I nodded my head as I tried to look away to hide my shame and embarrassment. She laughed some more. “Oh my god you are so small!!! Like I expected it to be little, but look at it!! Micro is too big of a word to even describe it!!! And your balls are so small it's like they aren't even there! Did they ever drop?!” she laughed some more “What the hell am I supposed to do with that!!! It's almost as big as my clit!! HAHAHA OH MY GOD IT IS A CLITTY!!!!” she laughed more as I started to cry. “Is that as hard as it can get!! It's like the size of a Tootsie Roll!! Oh my god, wait!” 

She ran off to her handbag, her heels clicking loudly on the tile floor. My heart sank as she came back holding a tootsies roll in her fingers. She started to laugh so hard she was crying as she held it next to my penis, “OH MY GOD A TOOTSIE ROLL IS BIGGER THAN YOUR TINY LITTLE CLITTY!!! IT'S SMALLER THAN A BABIES DICK!!!” she almost fell over laughing as she took another photo comparing the sizes.  “I was going to sleep with you because I felt pity for you, you're so pretty, girly, and nice, but I couldn't even get that little clitty in me! It's completely useless! No girl would ever want that thing!” I was truly crying now as the tears rolled down my cheeks and hit the floor loudly. “And look at you, not only do you have a clitty, your body's a perfect girl's body! Hell you look just like mine! You even have little boobs and a nice “fuck me harder daddy" ass! Look at your hips! Exactly what a guy wants to hold as he rams his huge cock deep inside you! Making you scream like a little girl as he uses you to make himself cum!” she said, laughing so hard as she stood next to me to compare our bodies, taking a selfie as she did. She was right, we looked so similar, I looked just like a girl. I didn't know what to do. I just stood there and cried.

“Don't worry girly, I’ll just move onto the next stage of what I had planned, because I'm definitely not going to fuck you, that's not even possible! You're going to be a little virgin forever, so it doesn't even matter what comes next!” She said laughing as she walked over to her handbag and pulled out the small bag I saw in her car this morning. “I was going to let you have one pitty fuck before I locked this on you, I already knew your be some little dick loser, but I wasn't sure how small, so I brought a few options, I almost didn't buy this one, but NOW I think it's the ONLY option!” She returned into the room holding what at first looked like a small flat metal disc. I noticed it had an inside disc and an outside ring, but the whole thing was very flat. She had a very wicked smile on her face when I asked her “wh-what's that?” 

She giggled again at the sight of my penis. “It's a chastity cage. But this is a very special one. You see I've always wanted a little doll to play with, to dress up and make do whatever I wanted for my entertainment. And when I met you, this girly boy, I knew right away you had a very small dick, and when you asked me out I felt bad for you. I thought that by asking you to go shopping you clearly turned that down for something else, but you accepted, and that started the gears turning in my head. And when you were so girly with your movements and your fashion choices, your vast knowledge of makeup, nails and hair, I started to think I might actually be able to "convince" you to be my little dolly. I went online and started looking up things about feminization and learned about these cute little devices. Some were just for play, but some were very, very real. I learned that it HAS to be smaller than your member for the desired effect. I bought a few, because I wasn't sure how small you'd really be. As I said, I almost didn't buy this one. I couldn't believe anyone would be this small! But look at you!” she laughed some more just from looking at me again, “this might actually be too big!” she laughed hard as she held it near me. The inner disc was a bit bigger than the circumference of my little dick. 

“Put it on.” I looked at her and the serious sternness in her voice matched was matched in her eyes. “Put it on, or I will show these photos to everyone, including any girl you will ever even have a single thought of liking, let alone ask out. Do I make myself clear?” It was hard to see through the tears as they rolled down my face, I knew I had no real choice, so I took the device from her pretty, soft hands. “Put the outer ring over your clitty and your very tiny excuse for balls.” she commanded as I followed her instructions, feeling like I was signing away my fate. “Good! Now take the other part and put it over your clitty, use the special tool to put in the screw. Perfect!” she laughed again as I screwed the small screw into place. The whole thing was perfectly flat and left nothing there. There was a small hole in the front of it that looked like I could pee from, but there was no physical way to touch myself. I looked flat, like a girl.

“How long are you going to force me to be like this?” At this point I was truly sobbing. She clearly found this amusing. “I don't know if you noticed that goop on the screw, but that was thread locker that has already hardened by now. It would require over 250 degrees to heat it up enough to become liquid again. So unless you are willing to horribly mutilate yourself, I guess you’ll be permanently locked in that chastity for the rest of your life!” she was laughing so hard, as my knees went from under me and I crumbled to the floor from the news. “It’s not too far off from what I had in mind for you though. I was going to give you pitty sex and then lock you up and tease you with the promise of a release, but in reality I was going to throw out the keys. We just skipped the nasty part, so I guess now you’ll be a little clitty virgin forever!” She laughed more as I struggled to hear her words. “I’ll give you time to adjust while I bring in your new wardrobe.   

I struggled to even wrap my head around what was happening to me and the humiliation I had just gone through. How could this have even happened to me?! Why would she do this!? She didn't seem to mind me as I laid there in a pile of distressing deviation and went about walking past me bringing in the bags of clothes I had bought with her all day into my house. I was too busy dealing with myself to have the awareness of what exactly was happening. If I had realized she was further ruining my life and destroying every article of male clothes I owned and filling my closet with the clothes I thought I had bought for her, I would have tried to stop her. But I was emotionally in pieces from the things she had said, so much I knew in the back of my mind, but I always tried to downplay it, convince myself it wasn't as bad as I thought. Now I know it's far, far worse. I can't believe I'm smaller than a Tootsie Roll! I looked down at the chastity again. I saw nothing but the thin flat disc of metal, making access to my “clitty” completely impossible. 

My shock and horror was interrupted by something hitting me in the face. “Put this on bitch!” she commanded, along with the assault of fabric. I looked down at it as it was a matching bra and panties with stockings. I looked up at her with confusion just in time to see her taking scissors to the clothes I was wearing that day. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” I yelled in desperation. “I'm destroying the last of your silly boy clothes. Now be a good girl and do as you're told, or else I'm going to show everyone just how tiny you really are! You got it you stupid slut!?” she was getting visibly upset with my slow reaction to her commands. “Don't you get it, I fucking own you now, you will do what I say, or ill make your life even worse! This can go the hard way or the easy way, but either way it's MY way, so what will it be?” she stood over me pointing the scissors at me in a slightly threatening manor. I could tell she was very serious, and if she was capable of doing this to me, I couldn't believe what else she could do. As the tears fell heavily from my eyes, her victorious smile beamed from her face as she watched me slowly pull the panties up my bare legs.

After I put on the lingerie, I had pretty much given up at that point and did as I was told. I sat at my desk chair as she commanded how she wanted me to do my nails and makeup, staring at my now very feminine looking closet, hardly listening to her and her plans for me. I didn't think it was a benefit that I already was an expert at make-up and nails outside my future career, but I guess it is now. I had spent time applying makeup on others much more than myself. With her demands leading my choices, I couldn't believe just how pretty of a girl I made. I haven't had full glam makeup on my face since I was a kid and my mom was teaching me. It made me sick just how unmistakable from a girl I resemble. 

“Time for the cherry on top!” she said as she produced a belly button piercing. I knew what was coming next and just laid down on my bed without saying a word, trying not to cry from the further humiliation and ruin my makeup. Oh my god, why did that thought come to my mind?! I shouldn’t give a shit about my makeup and looking pretty!!! She’s destroying my life!! Why the fuck do I care about being pretty right now?!? This bazaar internal struggle took over as she pierced my belly button, permanently adding to my girly appearance. I felt helpless, devastated, and had no idea what to do.

She then had me stand as she got on her knees in front of me, she took the Tootsies Roll, placed it on my flat chastity, and started to rub, and gently suck it as if it was my dick. Giggling as she tried to be sexy. “I bet you wish this was your liitle clitty, after all, its bigger! But I bet you wished I would be pleasing it and making you feel so good. But that pathetic micro clity won't ever get any pleasure for the rest of your life, at least not like a boy.” she then pulled out a small vibrator. “I guess you'll even have to please yourself like a girl too!” she giggled some more as she tuned it up full and placed it on my chastity. It vibrated my clitty hard, and I hate to admit it did feel good. In a short time, I started squealing like a little girl and wiggling all around as she kept it relentlessly pressed against my cage.

I hate to admit it, but I could actually feel an organism building. How could I be letting myself get turned on right now!? Then suddenly she stopped. She looked at me with so much pleasure, “Wow, you were actually getting horny from that! Look how red you are! Well, I'm so glad you liked it! If you're a good girl and do as I say, I might actually let you borrow this in a few weeks to cum, but you have to behave yourself! Right now I want a cute picture of you!” she took out her phone and started to instruct me just how she wanted me to pose. “Perfect!” she exclaimed as she snapped her pictures. “I'm going to have so much fun playing with you!” I knew my life was forever changed, and this was just the beginning.

-KatieroseOgCap

[konigsrose]

🌸🌿🪴🌹Well, I’ve started a little slow burn for Gardener König! 🌹🌿🪴🌸

Unsure whether I’ll keep going with it, it’s very much going to be a side piece to my current WIPs but we shall see…

A snippet below 👇

“Can I help you?” A soft, nervous voice, spoken with a heavy accent - German, perhaps? - came from behind Esme’s shoulder. She whirled around, feeling embarrassed. The voice had come from a man, probably around her age. He was huge. Esme was only five foot two, but this man towered over her, well over a foot taller, and with huge, broad shoulders and thick muscular arms, almost bursting from the shop’s uniform polo-shirt he wore. Despite his size, he looked sheepish and a little afraid. He also looked handsome, not just because of his muscles, but his piercing blue eyes, and dark hair which was cropped close on the sides, but flopped into his face a little at his forehead.

“I um…” Esme hesitated, wondering how honest to be; she didn’t want to sound like a fool, but at the same time, this man surely would have some answers for her. “I’ve just bought my first house, got my first garden and… Well, I haven’t got a clue what I’m doing. How hard is it to kill a lavender plant?” She smiled as the man huffed a soft little laugh at her question.

“That depends. They are quite low maintenance, if you’ve got sunlight and soil that drains well, and is not too acidic,” he smiled, as if in reassurance.

“There’s definitely sunlight,” she said, her brow furrowing a little in concentration. “How would I know if the soil drains well? Or isn’t acidic?”

“What kind of plants are there at the moment? That might help work it out.”

“None,” Esme rolled her eyes, “it was all fake grass and paving slabs, but I’ve ripped it all out and dug down to actual soil again.”

“You did this yourself?” The man’s eyes briefly roamed over Esme’s body. She was short, yes, but plump, too, and didn’t exactly look the type for hard manual labour.

“Couldn’t afford to pay for someone else to do it,” she shrugged. “Most exercise I’ve done in years, I was aching in places I didn’t know I could ache!” Esme grinned, and saw the man’s cheeks go ever so slightly pink as he grinned back.

“Impressive.” He glanced around nervously, before pulling a little card out of his pocket. “I am not supposed to advertise at work, but if you need anything else, I do landscaping and things when I am not working here. If you would like, I could come and help you make a plan, free of charge. You would only need to pay if you want me to labour for you, or for materials.”

Esme read the card. It was simple, a little Austrian flag in the corner and the words “König - Gardens fit for a King” followed by a phone number. She smiled.

“Is König your name, or…?”

“It is a nickname, but everybody calls me it. When I first came to England my colleagues used to call me the King of Austria, and it stuck,” he shrugged and gave Esme a shy little smile. “Of course, you do not have to call, but if it would help…” he trailed off, nervously.

“Thanks König, I think I might. For now, maybe I’ll just have some herbs in pots to grow on the windowsill,” she grinned. “Until you’ve assessed the garden and given me your expert opinions, anyway.”

[kumeko]

A/N: For the “I am Ferdinand Von Aegir” zine! I love how much Ferdie needs to get Edie’s approval, it’s such a good trope, especially when he gets it and doesn’t know what to do.

…

…

…

…

Ferdinand knew Edelgard’s figure like the back of his hand. Tray in hand, he stood at the threshold of the strategy room, foot hovering over the line dividing them. As usual, Edelgard didn’t notice him, her attention utterly focused on the scale model of Fódlan before her. Her posture was perfectly regal, back straight, shoulders square. For someone so short, she cut an imposing figure. This had been true in their childhood, having bested him in every competition. This had been true in their school days when he was barely taller than her and her eyes were set on a horizon he couldn’t see. And it was certainly true now, long after the war, long after their world had flipped on its axis.

Sensing his stare, she turned around. “There you are. I thought you had gotten lost.” When he didn’t reply, Edelgard raised a brow. “Ferdinand?”

It was enough to jerk him out of his daze. Shaking his head, he crossed the threshold. “I just wanted to make sure we had some tea. I am certain you have not eaten since morning.”

Edelgard glanced at him, then at his tray. Laden with bergamot tea and blueberry scones, it was more of a snack than a meal, but it was better than nothing. Ferdinand wasn’t sure when he had taken over part of Hubert’s duties. Probably when Hubert realized he couldn’t hold a candle to him in the art of tea.

When Edelgard hesitated, her stubborn pride rearing up as usual, he gently added, “The war is over. Surely, we have time for a small break.”

“That does not make our task any less urgent,” Edelgard replied bluntly, but her shoulders relaxed nonetheless.

Half-filled inkwells, towering stacks of proposals, and scattered pens crowded the large oak table, leaving barely any room for him to set down the tray. “No, I suppose not, but we do have time to think about it.”

“Thinking without action is pointless.” Edelgard picked up a small soldier off the map, rolling it on her palm. “I doubt we will run into any major problems reforming Faerghus. The Kingdom is similar enough to our empire—full of stubborn old fools clinging to power and misguided values—that we can just replicate our efforts here. No, the issue is the Leicester Alliance.”

Ferdinand paused, smiling wryly as he remembered his old classmates. “They are a very free people.”

“Same pride as our own, but less rigidity in their rules.” Edelgard set down the piece, turning to him. Her robe brushed his arm, and it was funny how natural it felt to be this close to her. Close enough he could see the bags under her eyes, the tight line of her jaw, the small scar on her neck from a nearly fatal fight.

She looked up, her eyes boring into his as she asked, “What do you think, Ferdinand?”

It was a simple question. He had heard it many times before: in the middle of a classroom, at the start of training exercise, across the table as he struggled to find a tactic that would save the most people with the least casualties. The words never failed to stir up a sense of competitiveness—he had chased Edelgard’s shadow for years, and even now he found himself automatically turning toward her, watching for her reaction.

Only, he wasn’t seeing her from the back.

They stood side by side. Equals. Her eyes on him instead of an invisible goal.

Standing a little straighter, Ferdinand studied the model of Fódlan. During the war, their units had covered the map, entire armies positioned as they predicted their enemies’ moves. Now emptier, the map was mainly filled with pieces marking nobles as Edelgard moved them around. It was like the final stages of chess, the cleaning sweep before a checkmate.

And one piece still in the way was Gloucester.

Once upon a time, back when there were no differences nor borders of country or house alike to compare so drastically as now, two men—students, really, for they were hardly grown into their armour back then—shared a simple moment of respite among the gardens of a now crumpled school. Ferdinand lowered his eyes. It was not something they could do again. Yet, he had learned enough through their chats to know the way forward.

“We should talk to them,” Ferdinand finally said, turning to Edelgard now. “Not just to the remaining nobles, but to the local leaders. They value their freedom and ability to choose. If we present them with options, even ask for their ideas, they will find the right path.”

Edelgard said nothing, her gaze returning to the map. A silence fell over them. Ferdinand shifted his feet. Had he suggested the wrong thing? He peeked at the map, taking in the pieces once more. Short of tyranny, there weren’t many options available.

Just when he couldn’t take it any longer, her lips curled into a half-smile and she nodded. “That is a viable solution.”

A sense of pride filled him. “The best solution,” he added, unable to help himself.

“I would not go that far,” Edelgard replied wryly, though her smile remained. She picked up the teacup, taking a deep breath. “Would you mind going?”

It took him a moment to realize what she meant. “To Leicester?”

“It was your idea.” Edelgard took a delicate sip of her tea. “Quite honestly, there is no one else I would rather entrust this to.” She looked at him over her cup. “Negotiation is your strength.”

It was an acknowledgment. Far different than the ones he had aimed for as a child, trying to better her—no, this was worth far more than those worthless praises he wanted. Ferdinand smiled. “Then I will take that duty proudly.”

“I am sure you will.” Edelgard chuckled lightly, finally relaxing now that they had a plan. “I suppose the meetings around here will go smoother without your arguments.”

It was as close to teasing as Edelgard ever got and Ferdinand laughed. “Your ideas will be weaker without me to fix them.”

Edelgard looked at him seriously and he flushed. “They certainly will.” She took another sip and closed her eyes. “I am not sure what I will miss more, this tea or our small chats.”

Ferdinand didn’t reply, not sure how to take her words. His almost confession, months ago, echoed in his mind, and he wondered if that meant the time was now. If that meant, she might be looking at him the way he had looked at her.

It was funny. For all that had changed, some things remained the same. While he might have stopped chasing her shadow, he certainly wasn’t done chasing her.

[ppscrmnctprt]

[!Warning!] Rogue Legacy 2 Spoilers

Fuck it, here's some headcanons

One of the reasons she wears a veil, besides religious and sentimental significance, is because she hates it when people stare directly into her eyes. She doesn't like it and others don't like doing it either. It's said that her stare is almost ghostly

Besides moral implications, Naamah can't stand meat in general. Her senses are very delicate, and any hint of a meaty taste will make her sick immediately. On top of that, she hates the smell of metal and blood

Naamah doesn't like being around people much, preferring a company of plants. Wanting an escape from society, she often found herself in the forest as a youth, where she got a lot of her knowledge on botany as a result. Although she oddly quite enjoys social occasions, she'd rather stay in the back each time they occur

Naamah has quite a strange way of communicating. Sure, she acts with all the poise of a proper noblewoman, but the way she speaks almost feels a bit alien, there are small details in the flow of her conversation that seem somewhat off. Naamah often mumbles the words she wants to emphasize under her breath repeatedly, like a weird grandma

She didn't like working around the farm much. Not because of the physical demands, but because of how much restraint it put on animals and plants living and growing there. Thankfully, her family allowed her to own a pet goat of her own, which she let roam freely around the village. It sadly died during the invasion

Naamah was tolerated in her community, but not very popular due to being a stubborn weirdo who let her goat walk all over the place The religion Naamah follows wasn't very popular with the people of Genesis, as it was brought from the region which she used to call home long time ago. With said region being conquered and her influence spreading, it soon took a relevant place within the population. So she's a sort of big shot in terms of faith as well. She is also faily superstitious

She used to be strong, but has mellowed out. Still, she is taller and more powerful than Enoch

Extremely organized and a neat freak

A good baker and an amazing dancer. Particualrly likes making baked goods for her close ones, given that she's got the time and energy, of course

The reason Naamah doesn't wear a ring is because it will get dirty from all the work and may even get lost

Has quite a strained relationship with Lamech. She can never forgive him for what he did, even if she knows he was only fulfilling his duty. Still, she recognises that he wants to make up with her and on one occasion has gifted him a potted plant as a way to help him get rid of his boredom as well as exercise his ability to take care of others

Naamah quite enjoys tea ceremonies. She once invited Maria over for tea and pizza after a delivery. It was quite an odd occasion

[p41]

some ender wiggin headcanons

He likes to take baths — he would love a bubble bath! (He doesn’t like showers, I wonder why!)

He sticks to military standards in terms of dress, cleanliness, body language, etc. With a couple exceptions: he doesn’t like to shave (doesn’t like looking himself in the mirror too long) and grows his facial hair out a bit. And he goes through a (mercifully short) phase of growing his head-hair out and braiding it.

He can imitate accents very well and picks up on slang easily, but he has trouble reading and writing. Even in his native language he is prone to misspelling or mispronouncing words.

If you’ve read Pact, I envision him similar to Blake Thorburn: handy, appreciates art but is not artistic himself, appearance sometimes scares other people even though he thinks he’s acting normal. Willing to go for long periods of time just eating oatmeal.

He has light brown skin, dark hair, dark eyes!

He has a bad habit of over-exercising and sometimes will faint after going to the gym

But he doesn’t lift weights cause he heard that stunts your growth and he still wants to get taller

His favorite type of movie is nature documentaries

He has type AB positive blood just like his mom

He has problems with his heart exacerbated by spending so much time in space. He doesn’t live long enough for it to become an issue but he can feel something is wrong. Give me a couple weeks to review the medical literature and I can diagnose him hehe

He also has crooked teeth and an overbite that is never fixed — he doesn’t like doctors or dentists. also like what dentist would be willing to maintain his braces. And he would hate the idea of being sedated and having some professional poke around in his mouth

[riacte]

@treebarkweek 2023 Day 3: Saplings / Puppies!

(Probably biologically inaccurate and many creative liberties taken, but a really fun exercise nonetheless!)

One day, years and years after the Fall:

A young, spirited dogwood sapling emerges from the damp spring soil. It cautiously inspects its feeble, thin stalk and bright green leaves. "Well, not bad," it says. "At least winter's over, and spring's arrived."

The sapling doesn't know much, but it instinctively knows spring is the time for rebirth and growth. And so it likes the spring. But not much happens next— the ground is defrosting and it's quiet, but that's it. The sapling is alone, and it starts getting bored.

And then a persistent voice, small and desperate and coming from beneath the sapling:

"Helloooo? Is anybody freakin' there?! I'm so lonely down here!"

The sapling sways, pleasantly surprised. "Oh! Who are you?"

"I'm a rose seedling!" the voice says. "Erm, are you that tall, thin stick next to me? I can't see you!"

The sapling's tiny leaves rustle. "How rude!" it exclaims. "I'm a dogwood sapling, not a stick!"

"Whoops. Sorry." The seedling chuckles awkwardly. "Didn't mean to upset my only neighbour."

"Nah, it's okay. I'm in need of some company, actually."

There's a pause, then the seedling cries out, "Oh high and mighty sapling, at thou great height, do you see any others that may become our friends?" It ends with a hopeful tone.

The sapling feels pretty pleased at being called tall, but unfortunately it can't see anything from its height. "There's a grey stone wall next to me, but it seems to go on forever."

"Oh, really?" The seedling sounds sad. "That's all there is?"

"I guess it's just you and me in this world," the sapling says.

"Just you and me," the seedling echoes dramatically, and the sapling is amused.

"Just you and me, together forever."

"Forever!" The seedling sounds content.

The days pass. Sunshine peeks out from the clouds and covers them with a layer of warmth. Raindrops roll off their leaves and into the ground. It's still very quiet, but the sapling and the seedling talk whenever they can. They're both growing in the spring season, but the sapling grows faster, and is always taller than the seedling.

"I don't like this," the rose seedling declares one day. "I'm anxious! I'm respirating from places I shouldn't be respirating from! You're gonna become so tall that you won't be able to talk with me! You'll leave me, dude!"

"I mean, it's not like I want to!" the dogwood sapling responds. "I'm a tree. You're a bush. That's the way we are, dude."

"I don't like it," the seedling continues stubbornly. "I want to become a tree too. I wanna grow tall and grow old with you, my brother from another sapling."

The sapling holds back a sharp "that's not how it works at all" and indulges the seedling.

"By the way, if you're really a rose, why don't I see a single speck of red from up here?"

"Exsqueeze me?!" the seedling demands. "Art thou questioning my noble character? I'm just an innocent seedling! I haven't grown into a bush yet, let alone grow flowers, geez!"

"Well, one day, I'm gonna become a dogwood, you're gonna become a rosebush, and that's just how nature works," the sapling says briskly.

"And since you're a dogwood, are you gonna grow so tall that you'll be far far away from me?" The seedling sounds sad.

As silly as the rose seedling may be sometimes, the sapling has to admit it likes having it around. "I mean, I don't want to go far away. But it's my nature as a sapling. I have to go up, as high up as I can, get all that good sunshine, and survive. That's what we plants are meant to do. Survive."

"Well," the rose seedling says skeptically. "How about, y'know, making sure our leaves are shiny and our flowers are pretty? And attracting bees and making new friends?"

The sapling considers this. "That's nice, but in order to do that, we've got to survive. That's harder than it seems. You'll see."

The rain and the wind come in one dark night, and both the sapling and the seedling shed leaves. Thankfully, their stems are still strong and intact.

The days pass. They get their energy from the sun, their water from the ground. The sapling sprouts more and more leaves and stretches itself towards the sky.

"I wanna get my flowers," the rose seedling whines. "I wanna look pretty instead of having these ugly thorns and leaves."

"Hmm. You're always pretty to me," the sapling says to comfort its friend.

"Well, thank you," the seedling says eventually. "That's nice. I-I like that you think I'm pretty."

The sun sets, the sun rises. The dogwood sapling and the rose seedling spend their time chatting and enjoying the sunshine. The sapling is pretty glad that despite being close to the seedling, they aren't competing for nutrients with their roots. It'll be a pretty bad thing if their roots intertwine, it supposes.

"Have you ever wondered where we came from?" the rose seedling asks. "I've been thinking about that a lot lately. Y'know, the secrets of the universe."

"We obviously come from seeds," the sapling says, but now it's curious too. "Tell you what, one day I'll be taller than the stone wall, and I'll see what's outside of it. We'll make our theories when that day comes, okay?"

"Promise?" the rose seedling asks, a little pathetically.

The sapling's leaves sways in the wind. "Promise," it says in reassurance.

They both lose track of time. The sapling gets greedy and wants to get taller and taller. It marks its growth by every stone brick it reaches past. Nutrients are less abundant now, and it becomes a bit of struggle.

"You can have some of mine," the rosebush (not a seedling now) offers. "You need it to grow strong and tall, and I don't think I'll be growing flowers anyway."

Once upon a time, the young dogwood might've stolen from the rosebush, but that was back when it was a wee sapling. The rosebush is the dogwood's loyal (and only) companion. They're good friends. Good friends don't steal from each other.

"Take it," the rosebush insists. "I wanna know what's beyond that grey wall. I'm a useless bush anyway."

"You're not useless," the dogwood says, but finds itself unable to refuse the rosebush's offer. The dogwood thinks it won't ever be able to refuse the rosebush— the dainty, silly, but still wholly sincere rosebush.

So the rosebush shrivels up, and the dogwood flourishes. The dogwood doesn't like seeing its beloved friend suffer. The dogwood drops down its leaves as fertilizer for both of them.

"Stop shedding your leaves," the rosebush says, concerned.

"Then stop giving me your nutrients," the dogwood retorts.

Day by day, the dogwood and the rosebush grow apart. Despite that, they still manage to talk, although their voices grow smaller and smaller from the distance. The dogwood passes brick by brick, and it would've felt more pleased with itself if it could bring the rosebush with it.

One day, the rosebush screams excitedly, "I got a rosebud! I'll finally be pretty!"

"Congrats, dude," the dogwood says from above. It's sincere. "I think I can see it. A small, pink little thing. I'm proud of you."

"And I'm proud of you too. You have to be close to the end of the wall now."

"Yeah." The dogwood's not there yet, but it can see where the grey vanishes and becomes the blue sky. "Remember the pact we made when I was a sapling and you were a seedling? I'll tell you what I see beyond the wall when I reach it. It'll be any day now, I'm sure."

"And we'll magically figure out where we come from. But, y'know, I'm worried."

"About what?"

"That when you're taller than the wall, you'll be too far away to speak to me. Will that be worth it?"

That completely stops the dogwood in its tracks. Its leaves stop moving. "Err. Y-you're making me reconsider my entire life, dude."

"Umm, ignore me then. Don't respirate about it, dude. Keep on growing."

The rosebush gains more rosebuds. The dogwood is getting closer and closer to where the wall ends, its own white buds brimming on its branches. It's exciting, but also weirdly melancholic. The dogwood's life mission is about to be achieved. What will they see beyond the wall? What wondrous sights will they be greeted with?

"I think today's the day," the dogwood announces solemnly. It's a fully grown tree now, handsome and strong, and one of its branches is about to peek over the wall.

"Today's a good day for me too," the rosebush declares. "I think I'm going in full bloom mode, dude! I'm a happy rosebush!"

"Yeah, I think my flowers are ready too," the dogwood says, but it's mostly preoccupied with taking care of its branches. It can't afford to look pretty. The dogwood's branch is about to cross the previously insurmountable stone wall.

"I'm gonna do it," the dogwood promises. "I'll muster up my energy, and I'm doing it."

"Let's go! Ohh, I'm so freaking happy for you, dude. I'll hold your branch in support if I can. We're gonna find out what else is in the world!"

The dogwood's leaves tremble, and then it pushes its branch across the wall—

And nothing.

Nothing at all.

Well, it's not completely nothing. It's just— patches of untamed grass. Some wildflowers. Rocks. And the beautiful blue sky above them. Nothing they haven't guessed already.

The dogwood stares. And stares. When it finally turns back, it stills in complete shock.

Because from above, the dogwood finally sees where it and the rosebush came from.

Two skeletons, half buried by the soil, one plant emerging from each skeleton. The hands of the skeletons are intertwined. Hand in unlovable hand, still together in death. Down there, the rosebush is gazing up at the dogwood, its petals as red as the blood that was once spilled upon the soil that it grew from. The dogwood begins to bloom, soft white petals unfurling, as pure as the colour of snow.

In the dogwood's furious race to grow taller, it neglected to look down and see the whole picture. It didn't realise they were born from the remnants of two humans.

The dogwood wanted to see beyond the wall. The dogwood and the rosebush thought the wall was their ultimate obstacle. But no, they're wrong.

Because the stone wall protects them. What the dogwood wanted to see was within the walls all this time. And what the dogwood actually wants is within the walls.

Because within these walls is the dogwood's home.

And the dogwood's home is where the rosebush is.

-

Well, that was a fun if not wholly scientifically inaccurate writing exercise. Forgive my grammar mistakes because it's late at night haha.

Dogwood sapling Martyn and rose seedling Ren are so precious. I've grown attached now. This is some fantasy plant reincarnation AU I guess.

Thanks for reading! Anyways the dogwood and the rosebush live together happily ever after in the ruins of Dogwarts <3 <3

[cami-stuffs]

Pushing Towards You

Chapter 1: Back to Nevermore

Calista was in the middle of a meeting when a message came in. It was from her ex-wife, Gaia.

"G: Hey. I have some news. Let me know if you are free to have dinner with us tonight"

By us, she means her and your teenage daughter, Ártemis. Before you can answer, Ártemis texts you as well.

"A: Hey, mum. Mumma G wants to have dinner with us tonight. She said she had big news to share. I hope you can make it. Love you."

"C: See you later, babe. Miss you and Love you." You answered to your daughter.

Only then do you remember to reply to Gaia.

"C: Hey. It settled. I'll be taking the dessert. See you."

Calista was a pharmacist. She is a professor at the University of North Carolina, where she graduated and received her doctorate. She was also an outcast, although her colleagues didn't know about this part of her life. It took a bit of effort to hide what she was since telekinesis was a power that came to a hand sometimes. Nevertheless, Calista was aware of the relationship between normies and outcasts. That was a constant subject of discussion with Gaia, who never missed the chance to express her thoughts about how normies are arrogant and prejudiced.

Gaia was a botanist whose powers involved mimicking plants' essence and features as long as she was in contact with them at least once. For that, she had a free spirit and mind. This freedom included the speech of her thoughts and her feelings toward people no matter what. Calista admired her ex-wife for being so herself, but this wasn't enough to keep the marriage going. Over the years, the differences became too apparent. For the sake of their daughter, they decided on a friendly divorce and maintain a healthy relationship. 

Consequently, having dinner together weekly became a tradition, especially when one had something to share with the other two. Tonight was no different, and Calista was heading to Gaia's apartment with the promised dessert. Ringing the bell, she heard a yelling from inside.

"It's open! Come on in!". Gaia was in front of the oven, finishing what looked like a Spaghetti Carbonara.

"Hey, you!" You greeted her. "Hmm...That smells delicious." You simply loved good pasta.

"Well, since I was the one who sent the invitation, I felt the need to spoil my two Italian girls!" Gaia said, smiling at you.

"I'm not your girl anymore, but thank you anyway." You replied.

"Yeah, yeah... Sorry about that. It's just a habit." Gaia said, blushing lightly. 

"That's ok. And where is Ártemis?" You asked, changing the subject.

"In the shower. She just came back from the gym. I guess all these exercises are making her feel better. She seems so relaxed!" Gaia pointed out. Ártemis had a bad year at school. Turning fifteen brought some unpleasant changes in her point of view, but expected ones in her mothers'.

"That's awesome. It makes me glad to see her feel better about herself. But I've been thinking, and I guess it's time for us three to consider Nevermore an option for her education. After all, we both studied there. It is the right place for outcasts. I know is far away, and we will miss her,  but..." Calista was interrupted by her daughter entering the room.

"Hey, mumma C! How are you? Who are you going to miss?" Ártemis asked, embracing her mother from behind.

"Hey, my precious. I was just saying to your mumma G about sending you to...Wow!" Turning around to face Ártemis, Calista was startled by her height. "I swear that you look higher since the last time I put my eyes on you, and It's been what? A couple of days?" Ártemis was indeed taller, and that growing-up speediness was one of the reasons why she felt so uneasy lately.

"Yeah...Well, I am taller, ��yes. But, as you can see, I am also stronger!" She said playfully, exhibiting her muscles.

"I can see! My pretty little monster!" You replied, laughing at her.

"So...what were you two talking about?" Ártemis asked, sitting on a stool in the kitchen.

"I was just telling your mother that maybe It's time for you to study at Nevermore." Calista said, looking from Ártemis to Gaia, seeking support. 

"Wait...are you serious? Oh my goodness, thank you!" Ártemis jumped out of the stool and held her mother close in a tight hug. Calista searched for Gaia's great green eyes, waiting for her to say something. "Are you both aware I would be almost a thousand miles away from home? By my own! Is it okay?" Ártemis asked, stepping back.

"I was saving all this conversation for after the dinner, but you two are in a hurry to discuss this. So, I called you both today to announce that I am the new Botany Professor at Nevermore Academy!" Gaia was beaming in joy. Returning to their old school was in her life plans after graduation, but marriage and Ártemis made her delay it. 

"Heeey... What a great news, mom! Congratulations!" Ártemis hugged Gaia.

"Well done, G! What an achievement! A whole life dream. I'm proud of you!" Calista cheered her ex-wife, indeed. 

"Thank you for the support. From both of you! I was interviewed by the deputy headmaster last week after I applied for the position. And today, the big news came!" Gaia was beyond happiness. "That's why I wanted to talk to you. As a member of the school staff and a mother, Ártemis has a vacancy there. And I agree with you, Calista. Nevermore is the right place for her, for all outcasts, in my opinion." Gaia completed.

Dinner time passed smoothly. Calista decided to go on vacation to help Gaia and Ártemis move to Vermont. Ártemis was thrilled about going to a school for outcasts. She wanted to know all about the school. Her two mothers happily fulfilled such a task. They told her about the school, the events Nevermore held, and their outcast fellows. When they mentioned their friends' powers, Ártemis became quiet and with a distant stare.

"Temis, darling, what is going on?" Calista was worried about her daughter's sudden change in mood.

"Do you think they gonna accept me? Me and my powers?" Ártemis asked Calista and Gaia. The mothers exchanged glances. 

"I must admit that we haven't met any shapeshifter back in our time, right, Calista?" Gaia reached for her ex-wife.

Calista has met a shapeshifter at Nevermore. Larissa Weems, her teenage crush. But Larissa made Calista promise never to tell anyone about her, so Calista never did. Including now. Seeing her daughter and her doubts about herself made Calista heartache, but Calista kept the promise. Shapeshifters were not well accepted, including among outcasts. Exposing one on behalf of the other was no use for Calista. But she came up with an idea. Maybe Larissa, wherever she is, could help Ártemis find herself and understand her powers. Making a mind note, Calista decided to call Larissa at another moment and ask her for assistance.

"Shapeshifters are rare. But we are very supportive at Nevermore. Rivalry and fights occur for common reasons, as with the normies. Powers are never used as a form of bullying. I am pretty sure you're going to fit in. Besides, if you don't feel confident enough to tell your friends about your powers, just don't. Take your time." Calista reassured her daughter. "In my opinion, you should be worrying about having your mother as your botany teacher." Calista joked. Ártemis bulged her eyes, suddenly remembering this "tiny" detail. 

"Oh my goodness! Mumma G, will you take it easy on me, please?" Ártemis pleaded with puppy eyes. 

"Have I ever taken?" Gaia smirked. 

"Not that I can recall." Ártemis seemed defeated.

"There you go, your answer, child. But I feel you won't need any help from me or anyone. " Gaia winked affectionately at her daughter. 

"Good luck with that, babe." Calista wished to Ártemis playfully. The dynamic between the two was very well-known for Calista. Gaia was stern to Ártemis. Ártemis was clever and skillful, but her low self-esteem stood in her way. She didn't trust herself. So Gaia tried hard to make Ártemis see her greatness. Sometimes, Gaia tried too hard. Keeping the balance between them was a role played by Calista. And now, with their departure, all she could do was wish good luck to both.

"Well...I think we call it a day. Tomorrow, I'll ask for my vacation and be free to help you guys pack." Calista declared. "Now, bed!" She pointed out to Ártemis.

"Can I have a hot chocolate before bed?" Ártemis required. 

"Hot chocolate? Really? After this marvelous dinner and a panna cotta for dessert?" Calista exclaimed incredulously. "I am still trying to figure out where this taste for hot chocolate comes from. It's not from me. I am sure." Calista pointed out. 

"It's a cozy drink, almost an affectionate one. I don't know why." Ártemis said dreamly.

"A whisky is a cozy drink for me," Gaia whispered. 

"Can I try it? Maybe I'll change my cozy drink." Ártemis asked, half playful, half expectant.

"Of course not! You're fifteen. I'll make you a hot chocolate, and then, bed!" Calista finished that strange conversation about cozy drinks.

Later, at home, Calista decided to call Larissa. It's been a while since they last spoke. She dialed the numbers and anxiously waited for Larissa to answer. 

Larissa Weems' answering machine: "Hello, you've reached Larissa Weems. I'm unable to come to the phone right now. Leave your message, and I'll return your call when I'm free. Thank You."

"Hey, Larissa. It's me, Calista. Calista Cos'Anto, by the way. It's been a while. Guess what! I have a daughter who is coming to Nevermore Academy this year. Can you believe it? Well, I'm calling to ask you for some help. I know I have disappeared since the last time we've seen each other, but only you can help. Ártemis, my daughter, is a shapeshifter, and you are the only shapeshifter I've ever met before her. Don't worry, I still keep my promise. No one knows about you. But Ártemis has trust issues and doesn't know how to control her powers. I was wondering if you could help her. I don't know if you are back in England or still live in the US. Call me back if you feel you can help me. I hope you are doing great. See you. Bye."

Well, that was it. There was no turning back. Calista's mind was spinning. Too many emotions for just one day. Her beloved daughter was going away; she had just sent a message to her former crush, and now she was returning to Nevermore, even if it was just for a few weeks.

She could barely wait to see her old school again and make sure it would be a home for her daughter as it was for her.

Chapter 2

[phosphorescentspaceman]

a second sick fic in as many days? yes - xeph & honeydew fic

“Xeph? Friend, you look paler than usual, an’ that's saying something because you glow in the dark.” Honeydew could see it clearer as they hopped off the carriage, making their way back to the shitty cave they’d made home over the past year. It was worse for wear after Israphel had blown it to shite, but it’d been the only place they called theirs after the final battle. Still, the semi-regular trips into the slowly recovering Mistral were doing great things - both for Honeydew’s ability to eat something not terrible and for Xephos to be around people. A weird sort, that one - so self conscious and snippy but faded away without people to talk to. He’d been entertaining some nosey children with a dramatised (and sanitised) tale of one of the earlier legs of their adventure and they’d been near clambering all over him - touching the golden buttons of his coat and his leather scabbard. He’d borne it all with surprising grace - Honeydew hadn't known he’d even liked kids until the first little bugger had tugged at his coat with sticky fingers, doe eyed and shy. 

The drive back in the carriage no one would let them pay for had taken around 2 hours, and Honeydew hadn’t been overly surprised that Xephos had dozed off, but the fact he looked far worse after his nap was what had him worried. Xephos blinked at the question, seemingly needing a second to process what he had said. 

“Ah, sorry friend. I’m well enough.” 

Well enough - well that was a red flag and a half. He thanked the driver and grabbed their crap from the back, not letting Xephos take anything before walking the last of the way to their home. Xephos trailed behind him, each stumble sending more alarm bells ringing. When Xephos almost collapsed onto the bed after what couldn’t have been more than an 8 minute walk, Honeydew was really concerned. 

He walked over, noticing how Xephos was burying himself under the quilt despite the warm day, the exercise and his own thick coat. Ah. He rested a palm to the taller man’s head and was startled by just how high his temperature already was. Xephos melted into his cooler palm with a soft noise of relief. 

“Xeph? When did you get sick, you silly nonce.” Xephos tugged his hand away, replacing it with the cooler one that hadn’t yet been warmed by his fever. 

“One of the kids, I think.” Honeydew frowned. 

“Already? That was - fuck maybe 5 hours ago at the most.” Xephos nodded against his palm. 

“My immune system’ll be shit. Didn’t think about it.” 

“Immune system? You’ve never got sick before.” 

Xephos laughed, soft and tired. “I didn’t - didn’t grow up here. You know how you’ll get something as a kid and then never again?” The connection formed in Honeydew’s mind. “And then, it was just you for a while. And then we didn’t really see anyone, or we kept dying, and it wasn’t a problem, so I forgot about it.” Xephos hadn’t sounded so dazed since he’d been last concussed. 

“That doesn’t explain why you’re so sick already, though.” Xephos went to swap his hands again, and let out a whine when it hadn’t cooled enough for his liking. Honeydew grabbed a clean washcloth and dipped it in some water, laying it across his head. Xephos shivered, grabbing Honeydew’s hand anyway. 

“It’s - complicated. Head hurts ‘dew.” He let Xephos whine for a bit before prodding him to keep going. “It’s - evolution - if it killed your Dad you wouldn’t be here. And then there is some stuff with maternal antibodies and -” he let out a huff, tugging at Honeydew’s hand. Following the guidance of his near delirious friend, he let himself be dragged onto the bed, his hand placed firmly in Xephos’ hair. He hadn’t known how needy Xephos could get when he was sick - it was cute. 

And then the implication hit. 

“Wait - this could kill you?” he nearly shouted. Apparently that was far too loud and Xephos cringed away from him painfully, shivering. “Ah, shite, sorry, sorry.” He adjusted the cloth back and gently pet his hair, feeling the slightly clammy texture of his friend's skin as the fever sweat started to kick in. He was starting to panic now. “It could kill you?” whispered, taking in the grey cast and the dulling of his freckles.

“Maybe - or not. ‘Dun know.” He shivered pathetically, pawing unhappily at the blankets he’d only just clambered under, trying to wriggle out of his coat and pants. “Saw it - they didn’t give the field tech PPE, she didn’t make it.” There were too many words in that mess that Honeydew didn’t understand, and the ones he did painted a horrid picture. “But I’ll be back - so. ‘S ok.” He kind of wanted to shake his friend, but settled for gathering more cloths and a basin of water. 

“Of course it matters if it hurts, Xeph. And -” neither of us have died from sickness, he thought, what if it's different. He thought better about saying that out loud. If Xephos wasn’t well enough to consider the option when he was the one of them that catastrophized - well. He didn’t need the stress making it worse.

It only got worse as the night wore on. Xephos slowly stopped being able to hold a conversation, stopped being able to tolerate the gentle touch of Honeydew’s hand in his hair as the fever made everything painful. The worst part was the sickening wheeze he picked up when late night moved to early morning. He looked grey, the tips of his fingers were near black, and the only noises he was capable of making were soft moans of pain whenever Honeydew had to replace the cool cloths across his forehead and arms. Honeydew wouldn’t have thought he was capable of sleeping in a state of stress like that, but he blinked and awoke with the mid morning sun peeking in through the windows. The bed was empty, but the smells of illness lingered. Something like horror crept into his chest and he ran outside, Xephos standing hale and hearty in the yard, shovel in hand.

There was a freshly turned over mound of earth next to him, 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. 

“Oh, friend - thank you. Sorry about last night - I just. I thought I’d set things to rights before you woke up.” There was a smudge of dirt across his nose, the image charming but the implications horrific. 

“Xeph -” Honeydew didn’t know what to say. ‘Why didn’t you wake me?’ was childish and the ‘I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix it.’ was too much, stuck in his throat like a barbed hook in a fish’s mouth.

“Friend?” 

Honeydew bit everything down and shot his friend a tired smile that rang utterly false. “Sorry Xeph, I’m still frazzled. We have pastries from town inside, and I can set the fire if you want a cuppa.” Xephos smiled brightly, leading him back inside. 

“Sounds delightful, friend!” There was dirt under his fingernails.