#also I have so many asks rn if they keep coming I might just close the askbox until I can catch up

[onesidedradiostatic]

I was rewatching ep 2 and i noticed the trxt that appears on vox's face when he glitches during Stayed Gone isn't just code and it's actually got little insukts for alastor interspersed across it

Here's what it says, in case it's difficult to see:

"A PROBLEM HAS BEEN DETECTED AND VOX HAS BEEN SHUT DOWN TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO HIS SYSTEMS.

THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE CAUSED BY THE THE FOLLOWING FILE: ALASTOR.EXE

VOX.EXE_CRASH_ERROR_EAT_SHIT_ALASTOR

CHECK TO MAKE SURE ALL ((fucking 1930s looking ass)) HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE IS UP TO DATE AND PROPERLY INSTALLED. ASK VOX FOR ANY VOXTEK UPDATES YOU MIGHT NEED.

IF PROBLEMS CONTINUE, ((fuck you alastor)) DISABLE OR REMOVE ANY ALASTOR(S) FROM THE GENERAL VICINITY. IF YOU NEED TO USE 'UNSAFE MODE' RESET YOUR VOXTEK DEVICE PRESS F5 AND SELECT 'ADVANCED STARTUP OPTIONS' THEN SELECT 'UNSAFE MODE'

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

*** STOP: ALASTOR.EXE ((old timy prick radio)) *** "

I find it kinda funny that vox tries to insult him by calling him '1930s looking ass ' because yes, he is from the 30s, like that's such a weak insult to state an obvious fact.

Also, it's interesting that it says it says to stop vox from malfunctioning, you'd have to remove (kill) alastor using 'unsafe mode' which is why I believe that vox might actually try to murder alastor in season 2 which would be very funny to watch him fsil to kill Alastor AGAIN (based on what I think was implied by something val saud near the beginning of Stayed Gone) and I think Alastor's too important to be killed off.

Or maybe I'm reading too much into it lmao

I am an avid one-sided radiostatic shipper who has watched stayed gone multiple times, needless to say I've known about the bluescreen text for a while JSDGKLHLKSFGKSD even stated in a previous ask before

I never read that much into it I figured he just needs like. as it says. alastor out of the vicinity to function properly LMAO. (which is actually very true, alastor's very existence deleted his braincells the moment stayed gone started) but either way vox wishing death on alastor is kinda.... not news to anyone. I mean he literally says "I'LL DESTROY YOUUIUDUU!U!#@UU%^U^UUU#U@UU!#$%" in stayed gone, val specifically says "killing alastor is your kink" and we uh. saw how that went in episode 8! (I guess val was serious when he said that)

[waves-against-a-cliff]

The brain worms are wiggling at the speed of sound rn- I think Farah and Alex would absolutely destroy you. This came straight from my pussy.

Content Warnings - threesome, fingering, orgasm denial, bondage, squirting, breast play, pussy slapping (like two times)

In a sexual way obviously but also in a spar which you might as well count as foreplay.

Bucking your hips up and throwing your head back against the sheets of hotel bed you are currently tied to as a magic wand continues to torture your clit. Your sweat slicked skin glistens in the lamp light of the room as you pant and moan, eyes squeezed shut from the pure overwhelming sensation. You feel like you've been like this for hours. The sweet duo you met in the bar have been traded out for demons and when you peak your eyes open you see a blonde head of hair between your legs.

You try to pull back but can't and your thighs twitch as your cunt clenches on nothing. You should've cum by now but it's like the woman had a sixth sense for it because every time you even get close the stimulation is pulled away or changed. You have tears running down your cheeks and let out a ragged moan as the man's tongue, Alex you vaguely recall, pushes into your drooling cunt. He lets out a groan when he feels you clench around the wet muscle.

You let out a loud whine when the bronze skinned woman, Farah you think, pulls the magic wand away from your clit. "Please." You beg. "Please please." Alex's big hand pushes down on your hips to keep them from bucking away. A choked sob tears its way from your throat when Farah's palm makes stinging contact with your twitching clit.

Farah clicks her tongue in disapproval and wipes away the tears rolling down your face. It's a pointless effort, more tears just replace them. "Come on pretty thing, you can handle it." You whine but don't disagree as she looks down at you with those brown eyes that had drawn you in back at the bar. "Alex." Alex responds with a hum that makes your hips jerk from the stimulation. "Come here." Alex lifts his face from between your legs. His well groomed mustache soaked with your slick as he looks to Farah.

You try to clench your thighs together as Farah brings him into a kiss. No doubt tasting you on his tongue, she hums into the kiss and pulls away. "I want a proper taste." That is your only warning before she settles herself between where Alex had been. They trade spots, Alex standing over you tweaking your already sore and reddened nipples as Farah licks and slurps up your slick. Her nose catches onto your clit as she messily eats your cunt with all the savagery of a starved woman.

Her tongue dances between dipping into your pulsing hole and lapping at your clit as Alex leans over and sucks one of your overly sensitive nipples into his mouth. You keen at the feeling of his hot mouth engulfing your perked bud. His other hand squeezes at your other breast.

"P-please." You beg, "I-I can't." The knot in your stomach is wound so tight you don't know how much longer you can stand it. They've brought you to the peak so many times but haven't pushed you over and it's on purpose. Mind numbing pleasure over and over again until it hurts.

"You can't handle it anymore?" Farah asks, her voice teasingly cruel as she pulls her head from between your thighs. Alex doesn't bother to respond to your pleas. He just switches breasts. You feel two fingers prod at the entrance of your pussy and a breathy moan leaves your lips as they circle. "Come on, ask nicely and I'll give it to you." Farah coos but the words are heavy on your tongue.

You're sure your brain has leaked out of your ears and onto the pillows cradling your head. Your wrists burn from the ropes and each suck from Alex makes you stumble over any attempt to speak. Farah brings her hand down on your clit again and that finally makes you speak. "God please Farah. Please make me cum, please please please." Farah smiles and it's predatory. Not that smile she had given you at the bar just a few hours ago when she had locked eyes on you after you bought them a drink.

She pushes in both of her fingers, your cheeks warm as a loud squelch emanates from your soaked cunt. Alex chuckles against your breast and your back arches as Farah begins to move her fingers at a brutal pace. You already know you're not gonna last, the pleasure is painful. It burns you from the inside out and it's delicious. You cry out and moan, unable to keep yourself quiet as more tears roll down your cheeks. You moan Farah's name and squeal when Alex finally stops torturing your breasts and instead gathers up the slick leaking out from between Farah's fingers on his own finger pads. Your thighs are shaking and tensing up in a way that foretells a cramp.

Alex places his fingers on your clit and begins to rub in tight circles. That's all it takes, your entire vision goes white as your full body jerks against the feeling and liquid gushes out of you. Your mouth hangs open and you gasp like the wind just got knocked out of you. Your thighs twitch and shake as the aftershocks roll through you. Your head hits the back of the pillow as Alex and Farah undo the ropes around your wrists and ankles. Alex presses delicate kisses to your wrists and Farah massages the red lines around your ankles.

But when you try to curl up Farah stops you. "You didn't think we were done did you?"

[3seven-gambler]

#⌁꒰Cowgiɾl Bɑɾbie! ɾeɑdeɾ x RG! Ken dɑting heɑdcɑnons꒱

⋆ w𝗈𝗋𝖽 𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗇𝗍: 631

⋆ g𝖾𝗇𝗋𝖾: fluff, SFW

⋆ a/n: not proofread!

ken lives in my head rent free rn- also this is my first writing in a long time so this might not be the best sorry-.

⋆ When he first saw you arriving to Barbie Land was with your beautiful sparkly horse.

⋆ He thought you looked so good on your outfit! He wanted to go and put on his cowboy outfit so bad.

⋆ One time, he saw your striking horse standing alone, no sight of you near it. He took the chance and waited for you there while petting your horse.

⋆ -“Well, hello there, Ken” you said while walking closer to him, giving him a bright smile.

⋆ - “Hi Barbie!” he said with his characteristically smile and excitement in his sweet voice, while still stroking your horse softly.

⋆ You took notice of that -“You like horses?”

⋆ -“Horses are AMAZING” he said even with more excitement.

⋆ -“I see” you laughed softly because of his attitude. 

⋆ He looked at you with the softest eyes you had ever seen, like if they carried so much love and care.

⋆ And you had an idea then. -“Hey, would you like to go to my dream farm house, I got more horses there, and I could use so help to feed them all”.

⋆ He felt like if all his wishes had come true, or at least some of them.

⋆ He gladdly accepted, and so you got on your special horse and he sat behind you, hugging your waist.

⋆ You rode out of the city and got to a big farm with a stunning mansion and a big stable.

⋆ He finally had a real best day ever, before all he nedeed was a look from Stereotypical Barbie; but then when he met you, everything just felt even more right.

⋆ Months went by and the two of you become super really close. Every other Barbie, Ken and also Allan took quick notice of that.

⋆ You two had a thing going, at least you thought that. You knew, from what other Barbies and Allan told you, about Ken’s big crush on Stereo Barbie, but how she didn’t feel the same way. But did he keep having those feelings towards her?

⋆ Hopefully, when you were hanging out with Ken one day he asked you out, making all your worries go away.

⋆ The two of you were on a date he planned with all his heart, he wanted this to be THE perfect date. He told you to get Starry, your ultimate spacial horse, and guided the two of you to a super special location on the beach. After a while, with all of his courage asked you -“Would you like us to be girlfriend and boyfriend?” while closing his eyes and crossing his fingers. When you said yes, he asked for permission to kiss you, and you answered by graving him softly by his cheeks and giving him a sweet long kiss.

⋆ He plans the best dates ever. Picnics, horse rides together, beach days, and many cute things.

⋆ He’s literally such a sweetheart. Whenever he’s with you -which is all the time now-, he makes sure to have all your favorite things at hand and also things for Starry.

⋆ He spends a lot of time in your house; he visits you every day now that you are together.

⋆ He helps you out feeding and taking care of the horses, and of course you have a great time as well since he’s really good at it and he’s a great company as well.

⋆ He makes sure to have matching outfits with you, always.

⋆ He cried hard when, after a while, you asked him to move in into your ‘farm’.

⋆ He took a full sense of responsability to take care of the house and the horses.

⋆ He just wants to show you how much he appreciates what you have done for him. After all, you gave him all he could wish for: love, a place to call home, and horses<3.

❥ 𝖱𝖾𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀𝗌 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗐𝖺𝗒𝗌 𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗂𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽. || 𝖣𝖮 𝖭𝖮𝖳 𝖱𝖤𝖯𝖮𝖲𝖳/𝖳𝖱𝖠𝖭𝖲𝖫𝖠𝖳𝖤.

[celabi]

Okay but how would scummy scara react when his darling is on the time of the month? Like would he take care of his darling well even if she screams and cries like a sweet boyfriend should or he's more the type "I can make it disappear for the next nine months Bae"? I'm just on those days and I'm in a lot of pain rn </3

-🌙

Scummy Scaramouche and the blood devil! (lol) ☆彡

Hope you feel better :( drink lots of water and rest!! <33

You could be screaming at the top of your lungs— kicking your legs and swinging your arms at him in frustration— and the only thing he will do is take it. He knows you don’t mean it, and it’s just your hormones taking over— so he doesn’t hold it against you at all, in fact, he holds nothing against you, because everything you do is automatically correct in his eyes amen 👍. No matter how many times you actually manage to land a hit on him, he’s not actually going to listen when you tell him to leave, because even if his poor body is begging for a break due to all of your uh, affection— he tells himself that you were obviously in more pain then he was, and how he should just toughen up for once and be a man, a man who could take care of his girlfriend and help her when she so very clearly needs it.

Tbh, he probably already knew what a period was before he met you. Duh, his mother has a girlfriend, and when she comes over, they talk so damn loud that Scaramouche might as well occasionally listen in and maybe learn something new. So he’s got the basics down; she bleeds from the vagina, it’s hurts like a cramp but worse, she will want lots of food and many stomach rubs, don’t make her angry. Yeah, he can do that no problem— so he comes over to your house not even five minutes after you send a text saying you need him. Uh, while yes, he may of misunderstood what you meant by that, that doesn’t mean he’s going to leave his sweet little girlfriend in pain as she rolls around on the floor, covering her stomach while whining for him to help her— so he gets right to it.

He’s quick to crouch down next to you and try to haul you up into his arms— and even though he’s not the strongest man in the world, he has no troubles doing so, before carrying you towards your bedroom and plopping you softly down onto your bed. He’ll fluff up your pillows and tuck you under the covers, a cute little kiss to your forehead before asking what kind of soup you would like— all while he’s flicking through channels on your television until he lands on your favourite show, a means to try and keep you occupied, and distract you from your aching cramps. Even though he cannot cook for shit, it’s be more meaningful to received a home cooked meal rather then some fast food take out, and soup really can’t be all that hard to make, right? I don’t know, he knows his mother has a hard time with it.

I think he enjoys rubbing your stomach more then you do. The feeling of his hands running all over your body, kneading at your warm and smooth skin— as well as the satisfied sounds you hum when he rubs over that one spot… he just can’t stop the way his chest races in excitement. It’s such a small little act of kindness, but he can’t help but feel accomplished by making you feel a little better then you did. He likes having you lay on his chest as he rubs circles onto your back, and stuffing his face into your hair while also trying to smooth you with sweet nothings. “You’re doing so good, baby, it’ll all be over soon.” (No it won’t, there’s 4 more days left but he doesn’t know that) “does it still hurt? Would you like me to run you a bath… i-I can join you, If you’d like.” (Pls say yes pls say yes pls say yes) “you won’t feel anything is you sleep.. so close your eyes, rest.” (You’re trying to, but he’s shuffling around and trying to constantly look at your face) (he thinks you look cute sleepy and wants to see) 😔

He hates seeing you in so much pain, so much so that he looked up on the internet if there was any methods out there that could permanently stop periods from visiting every month. The only thing that came up was pregnancy, and that was only for nine months… yeah, he blushed red from that and couldn’t stop the thoughts from running wild in his head. He wonders if maybe you were desperate enough to… no, he really shouldn’t be thinking like that. He’s young and broke, and babies are hard work… but, he thinks you would look so heavenly with a cute little baby bump… he also heard that being pregnant can make your breasts bigger…. 

“Uh, my love? If you’re really in so much pain, I have a solution… if you’re up for it.”

Scaramouche is a “what’s a warriors sword if not bloody” kind of man, you cannot change my mind 🤒 sorry

[merridelicious]

I’m moving into college in 3 weeks have you got any tips :0

yes!! quite a few actually. :) *for mutuals outside of the u.s., this advice is based on a U.S. American university experience, so some of it may not apply to you.

PLEASE SEND ASKS if you have specific questions, and I’ll either speak from my own experience or give information from other friends in university rn!!

packing:

You don’t need to bring ALL your stuff. (Really, it’s okay. Also, you have limited space.)

A quick Google search of “college packing list 2023” will yield many results. It’s up to you to decide what “essentials” are actually essential, but suffice it to say, think about the things you use on a daily basis and then think about what you don’t have at home that you’ll need in student housing.

Apartment or dorm, unless you’re really lucky—you’ll be sharing living space & appliances with other people. Yes, that includes showers. If you can get toiletries cheaper locally than in the location of your university, save yourself the time and money. Shower shoes are an absolute must, because those showers can get disgusting.

If you have a meal plan that lasts the entire year, you don’t really need to pack a bunch of food (or go grocery shopping a ton during the school year) but it can be nice to have dry goods & snacks on hand. (I keep rice, macaroni & cheese, crackers, & some type of dried fruit around, if nothing else. Whatever tastes strike your fancy, feel free to add/substitute.) If you’re cooking all your own food, you’re going to need at least a cooking pot, frying pan, spatula, dish sponges, and dish soap, as well as some resealable food storage containers and cheap cups and bowls (I got most of that at Target. They tend to have back-to-school sales and bowls & cups go for less than a dollar each.)

Laundry is going to be a pain in the ass, unless again, you luck out and have a washer and dryer in-unit. Ditto for dishes (unless your space comes with a dishwasher). Do yourself a favor & get a huge bin of Tide pods, pack of laundry sheets, & at least two paper towel rolls so you don’t have to run out every week to replenish cleaning supplies. (I personally despise having dish towels to wash, so if you don’t mind them take the paper towel advice with a grain of salt.)

My dorm was weird and had a sink in it. If you’re responsible for cleaning your own sink it will get nasty quickly. Either take turns with your roommate(s)/housemate(s), or figure out who the designated sink cleaner is.

friends/socializing:

Your first friend group in college will likely not be your last, nor will it last. This group is usually composed of people close in proximity to you aka convenience friends. You might realize three or four months in that these are not your people and you don’t like hanging out with them. This is perfectly normal and okay! You’ll find people who you do vibe with. I encourage you not to limit making friends to your specific university, although if you go to a small one like I do that can be tough.

Universities often have events with free stuff, including free food. Take advantage of these events if & when you can. They’re usually very laid back, and if you’re not in the mood to stick around, you can grab food and then dip.

Orientation events & icebreakers within your first week are to be expected. Try to remember a fun fact about yourself (which is what you usually get asked, along with your intended major, name, pronouns—sometimes, & hometown).

Your RA(s) aren’t cops, but they also aren’t your friends. They’re required to report sketchy shit that happens. My RAs had a rule that if they didn’t hear, see, or smell anything suspicious, it was like nothing happened, but try to get a feel for what yours look out for.

It is more than okay to need/want therapy. You’ve just gone through a massive change in your life and you did it mostly, if not all, by yourself. Your university counseling services (if applicable) are generally not the best place to go for therapy, though. This is especially true if you’re worried about your privacy. I don’t think I’ve heard of student discounts for therapy, but some therapists have this policy called sliding scale where you pay what you can. Find a person you can talk openly with and who is experienced with your mental health concerns/practices the right kind of therapy for you. (CBT, DBT, & EMDR are a few examples.)

dating, love, etc.

First and foremost, if this section doesn’t apply to you because you don’t participate or aren’t ready to in college, please feel free to skip!

If you’re still here, obviously I am not the expert on your love life—you are. That being said, without getting too personal, here are some things I’ve picked up through trial and error.

If you’re starting college, and haven’t yet dated anyone, it’s okay to feel behind. What isn’t okay is being patronized or taken advantage of for your lack of experience. I wish I could say it’s just common sense, but it’s crucial to figure out what your boundaries, limits, & standards are before getting into an intimate situation with somebody. (I myself learned this the hard way.)

simply put: It is okay to be picky! (Read that again.) Or not—what works for one person won’t work for everyone. Some people date & hook up just for fun, especially during college when a lot of changes are happening, and that suits them fine. Some people want stronger, longer connections, and that works for them. Some people focus on friends over partners and refrain from the entire dating & hookup scene. All are valid and healthy. (As long as you stay safe, sane, & consensual, and get tested.)

school stuff:

Please do yourself a favor and don’t schedule 8am classes five days a week. I don’t care if you could do it in high school—chances are you’re going to need to wake up way beforehand to get ready OR your roommate will do something ridiculous in the middle of the night that will wake you up. In this more than likely event, you won’t want to wake up and go straight to class. If you’re not a STEM major, this advice is easier than if you are (and if the first applies, my condolences and much love).

You need sleep no matter what—if that means midday naps, go for it. I don’t recommend skipping class to nap unless it’s an emergency though.

Re skipping class: some professors take attendance and your grade can suffer if you don’t attend. Aside from mental health days, skipping class for fun can be a slippery slope at some universities. (At some, Cs get degrees and grades don’t matter as much, especially if you aren’t looking to go down the postgrad path.)

[lazyflan]

Hi!! Can i request some jealousy hcs for Riddle, Azul, and Vil when MC keeps getting confessions from RSA students (but ofc MC rejects them politely). Em hella thirsty for some jealousy stuff :'00

...Hi

Please don't kill me for dissapearing from the twst scene for almost a whole year?

But I'm back on my bulshit, so for anyone who remembers this blog, welcome back, if y'all are new, the masterlist and rules are on my profile ;)

Rn I'm centering on not nsfw stuff bc I'm mostly writing at my uni and I'm no /that/ shameless yet, but feel free to drop some requests,

Anywayyys, this is wayyyy too late, sorry about that, but if anyone is still craving jealous bois here I am back ;)

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Riddle:

-He may think he is above being jealous, but the moment he sees someone confessing to you it’s over for him.

-He usually sees the NRC vs RSA feud from afar, he would rather not involve himself with it, but the fact that its specifically RSA students confessing have him considering his stand on the matter.

-The breathing exercises he was taught after his overblot is the only thing stopping him from raging and offing someone’s head.

-Might try to keep you close to scare everyone else who dares to even think about confessing.

-May pout a little, maybe be a little cold to you after witnessing some confessions, but he rationally knows it’s not your fault, give him something sweet (preferably your own cooking or Trey’s) and he will just huff and take your hand shyly.

Azul:

-Our boy may put a tough front, but he is still very insecure about your relationship, expect small gifts to start appearing around, he wants to make sure you know he loves you.

-He might start taking you out more often to dates, both to consent you and to show everyone that you already have a boyfriend.

-Make sure he knows you love him too tho, unless you want a sad and pouty octopus in your hands.

-He also may use his contracts to prevent more people to confess.

-And if there are many boys asking you out, expect the tweels to make an appearance as personal guards thanks to Azul.

-The RSA as a whole may suffer a little bit thanks to Azul scheming, only enough for those RSA guys to stop coming.

Vil:

-On one side he is proud, of course everyone is falling for you, your natural beauty has to be adored.

-On the other side, he is slightly jealous, he knows you love him, and he will not shy away of loudly proclaiming you dating status with him but seeing the amount of people who confess despite knowing you are already dating gets on his nerves.

-Those RSA boys are not even in your league, how do they dare to even try?

-He will make sure to spend more time with you and shoo everyone who dares to try to get close if needed.

-And if Rook is tasked to hunt the people Vil misses, well, only both of them will ever know about it.

[jinkookspencil]

maple story and syrup mornings | ksj

a morning with your fiancé, the week he's finally home for good after two long years

tags: jin x reader (f) / ~2.5k words / fluff / slightly suggestive / established relationship, they're engaged! / slice of life / banter! / idol!jin but all it has is mentions of hybe, namjoon, jin returning from the military, a mention of his promise to live stream for army the day he comes back - nothing about "idol life" and it isn't mentioned if yn is an idol or not / also includes: naked seokjin, mentions of his new bulked up physique, swear words, mention of yn gaining weight in the past and that she had been nervous to have sex with jin but it's just a mention, she's pretty confident and happy here :)

note: this was originally supposed to be a very short drabble of only a few hundred words, but.... i got carried away :3 i might post the original one day / i can't believe this is my first jin fic in a while, so many just stay in the drafts and he's always on my mind. i actually have a couple i thought i posted but they're sitting there waiting to be uploaded!!! this can basically be considered a jin version of comfortable, bare, and hungry. i miss jin so much, i'm at a low place rn and thinking of him is bringing me so much comfort. imagining this made me smile when i first thought of it so i hope it does the same for you!! i hope you guys enjoy!! as always, feedback is always welcome! <3

It’d only been a week, but you’d already gotten used to waking up next to Jin again, as you always had. The empty space beside you shook you to your core for half a second as your half-asleep and delirious self feared the worst - that he’d still been in service - and that the past few days were, in fact, a dream. But the faint, familiar sound of his favorite video game, coming from somewhere in your reality, brought you back. He was home.

It’s only when you crawl out of the covers that you realize that you’d still been naked and sweaty from the night before, even aching all over as a result of the hours of passionate lovemaking after so long apart, as well as Jin’s new, bulked up physique. Both the regular sex and his new body would take long to readjust to, especially considering neither of you could keep your hands off of each other, forgetting you weren’t still running on limited time instead of just another day in the rest of your lives together. It brought you comfort to see that, even after spending so much time away from home, Jin was just as he always was and definitely still the man you were more than ready to marry.... even with his typical hobby of gaming, hours before the sun had fully risen. It didn’t make too much of a difference if it happened before or after sleep. Awake too early and still on military time, Jin’s already-enthusiastic gaming commentary was loud and clear, and you listened closely and happily as you slipped into a silky pink pyjama set - one of the many new lingerie and nightwear sets you’d been too naked to wear the past few days...

The early dawn light crept through from below the curtains, lighting the way as you make your way to the living room where your fiancee crouched in the dark facing the television with the controller in his hands and, unmistakably, the same damn sweatsuit he’d been wearing for seven days straight.

“You’re up!” he exclaims before biting his lip for a moment and once again facing the screen in concentration. “My pretty girl. Just a turn, a second,  and… BAH! Okay, I can pause this for a moment. How are you, my love?”

“Jin…. you need to stop wearing Namjoon’s clothes.”

The day he was discharged from the military, Jin had gone straight to Hybe and livestreamed a prepared special celebration for ARMYs on the group’s eleventh anniversary, as he’d promised, before finally returning home to you in clothes that weren’t his own.

“What are you wearing?” you asked him the next morning over breakfast, only realizing his outfit when he re-wore it then... considering you discarded his clothes with close to superhuman speed the second he got home the day before.

“Namjoonie’s clothes. I, uh… didn’t fit into the clothes the stylist prepared for me, so they just gave me this set. It was the only thing left at Hybe that fit him right before he enlisted, considering he'd been bulking up for so long then, too. Nothing in my closet fits either, so….”

Your fiancee had gone red at his explanation, and first vocal admission that he’d obviously gotten much, much bigger while he'd been in service…. He'd always denied it and acted more humble than he should, so you showed him just how much you loved it by taking the clothes off of him in an instant yet again, and spent many, many hours together. The sight and feel of his new body were incredible, to say the least.... but it's been days, and he really didn’t have anything else to wear.

“We already bought new clothes online! It’s not my fault they haven’t arrived yet!” he protests. “And the rest of Namjoon's clothes at Hybe are too small for me - wow, I never thought I'd say that. I can still kinda smell his cologne on it, which is nice, considering how much I miss him, you know?”

“I know, Jin. I can smell it too! And considering you’d been away for so long, I’d rather my fiancée smell like himself instead of his best friend.” You cross your arms over your chest, stepping towards Jin and bending down to bring your face up against the fabric. Not bad, but not your man. A wince was clearly on your face, followed by a pout to match the one on his.

“Honey, I bet you could fit into one of my t-shirts or sweaters and smell like me, the love of your life, instead,” you snark, wondering if he’d ever missed you and your scent all the time you’d been away from one another.

“My love… I tried. Nothing… nothing fits. Besides,” Jin shakes his head, standing up and towering above you before nuzzling his face in the crook of your neck. “I’m devouring you as much as I can.”

Jin's kisses brought you immense pleasure... but the smell was all too distracting. “I love you, honey, but I'm starting to get jealous of you and Namjoon’s shared boyfriend sweater…. Plus, it's beginning to reek.”

Jin wastes no time pulling the sweater off his torso, chucking it somewhere behind you. “Problem solved.”

Your hand quickly finds his nape, pulling at his hair there and almost losing yourself to his touch once again. “Jin… baby, let's shower."

"Mmm," he quietly grumbles against your skin. "I already did, boo, sorry."

"I told you I was looking forward to shower sex with you, Jin!" you protest, pulling away and pouting.

"I'm sorry, my love! I just got so used to working out and showering first thing... Next time," he smiles, pulling your head towards his chest. Feeling his buff chest against your head, you suddenly have no complaints if you had to wait a little longer... it might be nice that Jin is trying to maintain this physique.

"Tell you what," he says, pulling away. "You go shower and, since this is bothering you so much, I'll get the laundry going and throw Namjoon's clothes in. Not only that, I'll make breakfast too. Our signature choco-chip and banana pancakes. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good," you say, smiling and rolling your eyes as you give in.

"Go," he laughs, slapping your ass when you finally pull away.

-

"Honey, is that you? Breakfast's ready!" you hear him call.

Done with your shower and haircare, you forego your pyjamas or any other item of clothing, merely wrapping yourself up in a silk robe. Jin had looked too delectable already - you'd be naked with him again in no time.

You didn't expect it to be this soon.

Walking into the living room, you find your fiance, once again, crouched in front of the television and playing his game intently... naked.

"Oh, hey gorgeous," he says upon looking at you. "Let’s eat.”

“Jin.... fucking hell, why are you naked?!" you yelp, taking in the way the streaming sunlight highlighted his body.

"What?" he yelps. "I told you I don't have any other clothes! Let's eat, honey - I'm starving."

"I'm starving too! And I will not be able to eat if you're naked."

“What? A man can’t be naked in his own home?” Jin questions, genuinely confused.

"Not if he's you, looking like that!"

"Honey, I was just as naked hours ago in bed with you. We were both naked right there in the kitchen after lunch yesterday."

"And that was the last time we ate, Jin! Go wear… something. Let’s eat something besides each other, please I'm fucking starving, and you look like a whole ass feast. Jin your...," you stop, licking your salivating lips and proving your point. "There's one thing I want in my mouth right now."

“Baby,” he laughs with a flushed face, almost choking on the bite he’d taken of the banana that had adorned the dish. “I can’t be dressed, and I can’t be naked? Those are a person’s only two options! You’ve seen and felt… all of this…so many times. It’ll likely happen again very soon, and nothing fits! Can’t I just-”

“Are you hungry? Or can we fuck?” you interrupt him angrily, unwrapping your robe and letting it fall to the floor.

“Oh,” Jin moans, melting at the sight of you. “Oh, let me eat you out - that’ll fulfill me.”

“And what about me?” you say with raised brows and a hand on his chest when he wraps his arm around you.

“There’s sixt-“

Before Jin can finish, a loud rumble echoes from his abdomen. Your stomach lets out a similar noise in turn. 

“I’ll get dressed. We’re fucking later.”

“Good. Go." you teasingly push Jin away from you, catching the smile on his face as he reluctantly walks away and towards the bedroom... where he stays for far longer than expected.

“Seokjin-ah?” you call out from the kitchen, dressed in your robe again. “You okay?”

“Don’t you dare laugh.”

The door to your bedroom swings open, and Jin stands by the doorway in a floral skirt of yours paired with one of his regular old Disney t-shirts, so snug on his body like a Y2K babydoll tee and cropped right across his abs.

It was impossible to fulfill Jin's command, and you howl right on cue.

"No. No, you do not get to laugh. You said I had to change. I told you barely anything fits," he says, walking straight up to the dining table while holding back a smile behind his pout, and he finally lets it appear on his face when you inadvertently let out a snort. "Let’s just eat, you dorky, beautiful brat."

The cutlery clangs as you and Jin eat from the same plate, your preferred toppings messily intermixing around the plate. The pancakes were as good as you expected them to be, but it didn’t quite fulfill your appetite. Judging by Seokjin’s silence as he ate, you wondered if the same could be said for him. It was hard to savor any bite you'd taken, as it was just as hard to push away the thought that though he sure looked goofy in his mismatched, oddly fitting clothes... the Kim Seokjin magic was too damn real. With his growing hair sticking to his forehead, abs peeking beneath the shirt, and concentrated expression... he looked delectable as he licked off the fork in his hands. His plump lips are covered in chocolate.... and all you want to do is lick and kiss it off.

“What do you want to do today, Jin?” You'd asked him this question every day, checking in to see if he ever wanted to see anyone else or do anything different. Besides a quick family reunion, he hadn't left the apartment. After years of living on borrowed time, the lifetime you had in front of you together as husband and wife suddenly felt too short. You remember selfishly hoping to spend almost every waking minute with the love of your life while knowing his hobbies, friends, and commitments... and here he stayed.

“Today? Well, I worked out and showered already - might repeat that this evening for your sake, princess. I'll game. Watch a movie with you later? One of the ones I missed in cinemas while in the service. Dinner. You know... I want to do 'at-home-with-my-future-wife things' and continue this domestic bliss.. forever...” he says, finally looking at you. “Is that okay? Anything you want to do?”

“You,” you smirk, and Jin almost chokes on the bite he’d taken. You’d resisted licking that glimpse of his abs all throughout the meal. No more. "I'm disappointed not to hear the same on your list."

"Honey, sex and kisses were a given, but... even now?" he giggles, pointing to the clothes he had on.

"Even now, Mr. Worldwide Handsome.... This is unforgettable, hilarious and still adorable.... but you probably could've just stayed naked."

“I told you. Come here, baby,” he finally chuckles, and you listen, taking the two necessary baby steps to get to him and quickly help take off the clothes he had on. Ignoring the returning ache in your legs in the process, you straddle his naked body on the chair and loosen your robe to give him a full view of your chest and stomach before placing the plate between your two bodies, taking turns feeding one another the final bites of breakfast. 

When the plate is empty save for the disgustingly sweet combination of all your toppings, Jin calls your name to ensure he has your attention as he dips his three fingers into the untouched, decorative mountain of whipped cream before licking it off in one fell swoop, his eyes staring into yours all the way through. Quickly, you wrap your arms around his neck and finally begin to nibble at Jin's chocolatey lips, guiding his hand to your breast while the other is at the small of your back. The forgotten plate between you loses its balance and drops of the syrupy liquid make their way onto your thighs. Jin jerks as you, and he's quick to set the plate back on the table and wipe away the syrup. Though simple, the action makes your legs twitch, and the ache returns.

“Honey… Does it still hurt? I caught you limping." Jin quickly licks his finger clean before gently grazing your thighs as he begins thinking aloud. "If it hurts... should we start taking it easy? I want you, but if you're in pain... Maybe I should skip my morning workouts. If it’s making me rougher-”

You interrupt Jin with a kiss, tugging at his lower lip hard when he tries to pull away.

“Mmm, ow,” he mumbles.

“Want me to stop doing that?”

“Fuck no,” he says, licking his lips. "But it's different, I-"

“It'll just take getting used to, is all," you say, grazing Jin's chest.

"Do you remember what you told me when I gained weight? And I was scared to have sex with you? You told me that if I hurt you, you'd tell me. And you told me you loved my body no matter how it looked like. That's still true, right?"

You confidently ask the question with Jin's head in your hands, knowing the answer.

"Of course, my love. What are you saying?"

"The same goes for you, honey. Don't keep up or get rid of this physique for my benefit. If you want to skip your workouts, skip it. If you want to keep it up, that's fine too. If it hurts too much, if you’re too rough, I’ll tell you… And we keep promises in this relationship, right?"

Jin nods, his gaze fixated on your lips.

"As you said, we can always find another way, too,” you whisper, brushing the hair away from his forehead to place a kiss upon it and pushing your body closer to his. Feeling his length harden underneath you, you kiss him on the lips once more and undo your robe entirely, letting the silk fall down your back and rest bunched up over his thighs. Jin takes in the sight before quickly discarding the silky garment.

“Oh, my love,” he exhales with a tightening grip on your hips. “I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you... just like this."

[theforgottenmcrmy]

Honor~ Part 1/2 (Ser Harwin Strong x Reader)

᯽ Please note that this is an overall part 8 of the series “Growing Strong”, the masterlist of which can be found HERE ᯽

Pairing: Ser Harwin Strong x Tyrell! Female Reader

Warnings: GOT typical sexism, canon divergence, suggestive themes, violence

Summary: Honor was subjective; it meant different things to different people. That was one of the most difficult concepts you’d ever had to come to terms with, but that didn’t mean that it wasn’t a lesson worth learning.

A/N: Happy Halloween! 🎃 👻 I hope you guys are having a much better day/night than I am, cause your girl is going through it rn🥲 *handing out tissues* so, how are we feeling about the season finale, everyone?🥺 … on that note, I regret to inform you that these next two chapters will have some angst. I just ask that you hold off on throwing tomatoes at me until you’ve read it all. Part 2 will be up on Thursday 11/3.

As always, thank you all for the love🖤 eat all the candy you want today/tonight/whenever, you deserve it!🖤

Ser Laenor Velaryon was many things.

He was kind; he’d never laid a hand on Princess Rhaenyra. He’d been knighted at a young age, and had proved to be an asset to the Crown during the war in the Stepstones. He was daring; he’d claimed Seasmoke, one of the more nimble and faster dragons that the Targaryens boasted.

But, like all others, Ser Laenor also had his shortcomings.

As you purposefully entered the banquet hall you’d been directed to by a chambermaid, you frowned immediately at the sight that you were met with.

Ser Laenor was seated upon one of the tables in the middle of the room, apparently having decided that a chair was not suitable for such a purpose. His most recent companion, Ser Qarl Correy, was seated upon the table as well, right beside him. The pair talked loudly about something you couldn’t quite pick out the specifics of amongst their inebriated babblings.

You continued to watch with dissatisfaction as Ser Qarl raised a goblet of wine to you as a poor form of greeting before handing off said goblet to his drinking partner.

A few servants waited in the periphery of the scene, ready to jump in and assist the prince consort with whatever he may require at a moment’s notice. The looks on their faces ranged from neutral to weary.

“My Lord.”

Ser Laenor flinched at your bellow, but regained his composure fairly quickly. “Good morrow, Lady Tyrell!” He took another gulp of wine and before wiping his mouth with his sleeve. “How fare thee? Ser Qarl and I were just breaking our fast.”

The near empty plates beside and around their seated rear ends had gone unnoticed initially. You’d been far too distracted by the notion of Princess Rhaenyra’s husband and his companion already indulging themselves at such an early hour of the morn.

Ser Laenor inquired curiously, “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“I was told the Princess’s labors are drawing to a close,” you informed him neutrally. “Perhaps you might be a bit more… coherent, when you go to her?”

“... Ah, yes, yes. Of course.”

Despite your increasing irritation with the situation, you knew better than to show it. You bowed your head and gave the pair a strained smile before excusing yourself without another word.

Ironically, Ser Laenor Velaryon’s degree of interest in his family was like the weather over the sea: constantly changing with the seasons and tides.

And, for all the many things that he was, Ser Laenor Velaryon had never been a particularly attentive father- a fact that had cultivated a dangerous situation for you and the ones closest to you over the past decade.

As you made your way through the halls of the Red Keep, headed back from whence you’d come, you realized with dread that the castle had begun to awaken for the day.

You were not naive; cruel whispers had never been foreign among the halls of the Red Keep. But it appeared that the vipers had only become more venomous over time.

And those brazen whisperers had not spared you as a subject of their poisonous words.

Though… you had hoped they might have.

You were the Lady of House Tyrell, Mistress of Highgarden, Defender of the Marshes, Lady Paramount of the Reach, and Wardeness of the South. In the ten years you had taken up your family’s seat, you had come to live up to both your father and brother’s names. With your husband’s unwavering support, you worked tirelessly to ensure that you earned your right to the family titles that King Viserys had declared belonged to you. Sleepless nights preparing contracts for the crops trade, countless hours of council meetings regarding the issues facing the noble and common people, and thousands, perhaps even millions of gold dragons invested back into your homeland and the people who lived and worked there had finally begun to pay dividends.

Most of your time throughout the year was spent in the Reach, as was what you deemed necessary to adequately fulfill your obligations. You were well respected there, with only some, though plainly, expected, dissension… primarily from the likes of those who resided over in Oldtown.

You’d have been content to stay in the Reach, but your loyalty and friendship to the Princess had repeatedly called you back for visits to the capital. At first, you had been regarded with the respect you had earned over your years of service to the Reach and the Crown.

But with each passing year, the esteem the other lords and ladies placed upon you slowly began to diminish. And now, most of your noble peers did not hesitate to reveal exactly what they thought of your… circumstances.

In passing, most of them only seemed to offer you one of three looks: a look of pity, sympathy, or disgust.

Pity, for how could you have “failed to keep” your husband’s attention?

Sympathy, for how could you be held responsible for your husband’s lustful “wiles”?

And disgust, for how could you have “allowed” your vows to each other and before the gods to have been soiled so easily?

If only they knew…

…

You must have had the gods’ favor that morning, for you managed to make your way through the Red Keep without happening upon too many others. That was just as well; you’d gotten hardly any sleep the night before, and if you had to tolerate another single pitiful look at that moment, you might not have been able to properly mind your tongue.

And that would be an awful slip that neither you, your husband, nor Princess Rhaenyra could afford.

As you entered princelings’ chambers, you were pleasantly surprised to be greeted with the voices that had been suspiciously absent when you’d awoken that morning.

All four of the boys had their backs turned to you as they played in front of the fire with their miniature knights and dragons. They were so consumed in their games of pretend that your sudden reappearance had gone unnoticed.

But you hadn’t gone unacknowledged by your husband.

Harwin, who had been ever so carefully watching over all four of them, saw you enter immediately. As you walked further into the room, he rose from his crouched position and gave you a soft smile. 

You watched the boys in silent amusement for a few moments before finally deciding to make your presence known. “There you are. I had wondered where the four of you might have wandered off to this morning.”

Just a few hours before, you’d been given a bit of a start. Right before the sun rose, you’d stirred from a less than pleasant sleep to find yourself alone in the room, despite having succumbed to your dreams sometime in the night to the sound of animated whispers of four young boys filling your ears. But you’d known there’d been little cause for panic; Prince Jacaerys and Prince Lucerys seldom made a move without eyes upon them. And wherever the young princlings went, your own sons were never too far behind.

Upon hearing your voice, all four of the boys turned and lifted their heads in your direction. They smiled and rose, before bounding over to you with excitement.

“Has there been any news?” Prince Jacaerys, or Jace, as Princess Rhaenyra had nicknamed him early on in his life, asked. He was the Princess’s oldest son, and nearly ten years of age. Though being third in line for the Iron Throne would have deemed him worthy of such attention regardless, additional interest had been placed on him shortly after his birth. Prince Jacaerys had been born with dark hair and eyes; he blatantly stood out in the sea of the other Targaryens he lived amongst.

“None yet,” you answered him truthfully. Upon seeing the disappointed look on the boy’s face, you quickly promised, “But soon.”

“We went to the dragon pit this morning!” your oldest son informed you enthusiastically, coming to stand beside Jacaerys.

Derrik, despite having been named in homage to your predecessor, bore little of the physical characteristics that had been passed down through generations of House Tyrell. At nearly ten years of age as well, just a few months younger than Prince Jacaerys, you imagined that he was a spitting image of what Harwin must have looked like at that age. His grandsire, the Lord Hand Lyonel Strong, had frequently made such a comment to that extent. Derrik was already the tallest of the four boys, and had even begun to encroach upon your own height. In addition to all the other traits he took from his father, he also shared Harwin’s dark curls. But his eyes were your own, as was his generally agreeable temperament.

Upon your oldest son’s admission, you looked at Harwin with surprise and mild concern. “Did you, now?”

“Look, Lady Y/N!” Prince Lucerys bid, running to the table beside you. You hadn’t noticed the sizzling pot upon it until the youngest of the Princess’s sons called your attention to it. But you knew what it contained, even without the young boy having to remove the lid.

“Jace let me pick out the egg!” Prince Lucerys, or Luke, beamed up at you. The youngest prince was over seven years old, though closer to eight. Like his older brother, Lucerys also had dark hair and eyes. But there’d never been any doubt as to who his brother was, nor his mother- his smile mirrored Princess Rhaenyra’s perfectly.

You returned his familiar smile with genuine ease. “I see that. Well, I am certain that your little brother or sister will be very grateful, Your Graces.”

It had become a custom during King Viserys’ reign for all newborn Targaryen children to have a dragon’s egg placed in their cradle. While you were wary of Princes’ safety whilst they underwent whatever necessary to secure the egg before you now, you were relieved at the thought that Princess Rhaenyra would be spared a trip to the dragon pit. Though she was likely to be exhausted, the Princess’s stubbornness had not diminished in the slightest over the years. Both of her older son’s eggs hatched in their cradles, and there was no doubt that she would wish the same for her next child.

While the Princes smiled to each other at your praise, you almost lost your footing when the fourth boy, your youngest son, threw his arms around your waist in an impromptu hug.

The boy looked up at you with wide eyes pleadingly. “We’re sorry we didn’t wake you when we left, Mother.”

Your resolve faded; it was extremely difficult to be cross when such a look was being given to you.

Selwin, the youngest of your boys, was a few months Prince Lucerys’ junior. He had been named after Harwin’s grandsire. Despite this, and in contrast to that of his older brother, not many physical traits of House Strong were made apparent in him. In fact, your youngest son resembled your late brother Derron so greatly, you found it to be unnerving at times. Selwin, though also tall for his age, was more lean and slender than Derrik. His hair matched your own, but he had your husband’s hazel eyes. Like Harwin, it seemed that he had inherited a bit of a fiery temper… which had been discovered fairly quickly after the boy was old enough to spend time in a training yard. But, also like Harwin, Selwin treated his family and those he cared about very sweetly, and never showed them anything but the utmost kindness.

You patted Selwin’s hair soothingly as silent acceptance of his apology. In the gaggle of young babbling boys surrounding you, you had failed to realize your husband had made his way over to join you.

Harwin, dressed in his armor and gold cloak, gave you an apologetic look.

Your family’s recent trip to King’s Landing had become less of a visit, and more of an extended stay. As he usually did, upon your return to the capital, Harwin had resumed his old post as a captain within the City Watch.

But through extenuating circumstances, the Commander of the City Watch had been forced to resign recently, and King Viserys had appointed Harwin in his stead… A perk of being the son of the Hand of the King, and retaining a close friendship with Princess Rhaenyra, you supposed.

It had been an unexpected appointment, but Harwin took it in stride. Though your family would eventually depart King’s Landing, he was determined to serve dutifully until that time came. In fact, just the previous evening until early that morning, he’d been out in the city, on patrol. Despite the tiredness that you could see lingering in his eyes, you knew he’d never let it show in front of the children.

Now that the boys had greeted you, their attention quickly returned back to their games. The boys fled back their miniature knights and dragons, but you remained where you were, watching them fondly as Harwin took another step towards you.

“When I returned this morning, you were still asleep,” he explained quietly. “I thought it might be best to let you rest whilst I escorted them to the dragon pit myself.”

Before Princess Rhaenyra had begun her labors the previous evening, she had asked you and your children to keep her sons company in the princes’ chambers. She wanted Jacaerys and Lucerys to be comfortable, and more importantly, kept distracted. Your sons, who had become close companions to the princlings throughout the course of their lives, fit the bill. You’d never spoken of it with her, but you suspected the fate of her late mother was never too far from her mind. Watching over her sons while Princess Rhaenyra labored was a small price to pay for ensuring that she had some peace of mind.

You gave Harwin a small but appreciative smile. “I am surprised the boys were already awake,” you confessed. “They were talking and playing well into the night.”

All of the boys, but particularly the Princes, were ecstatic with the idea of another addition to the royal family. At some point past midnight, you’d given up on encouraging them to get some rest. They would fall asleep wherever and whenever their bodies told them too, and not a moment sooner, you had realized in defeat. While the boys had engaged in another spirited game of pretend, you had drifted away on one of the sofas.

“Well, the Princes and Derrik were awake,” Harwin recalled, somewhat hesitantly. “I may have had to stir Selwin a bit…”

You gave him a mock look of disapproval at this revelation.

“In my defense,” your husband added hastily, “He was sleeping at a rather odd angle. I feared his neck would ache and pain him this morning, if I continued to let him lie as he was.”

On the contrary, and comically so, your youngest son briefly caught the room’s attention by breaking into an energetic sprint about the room, maneuvering a toy dragon to soar through the air as he did so. Prince Lucerys was just a step behind him, flying a dragon of his own.

“Although, he certainly doesn’t look to be in any discomfort,” Harwin observed bewilderedly, letting out an amused chuckle. “... Come to think of it, I don’t believe there is much at all that is able to truly dampen his spirits.”

You accused teasingly, “He gets that from his father, you know.”

“Funny,” Harwin exhaled, looking down at you with an amused twinkle in his eyes. “I always thought he got it from his mother.”

A comfortable moment of silence passed between you. Only the sound of the children’s laughter and the crackling of the fireplace was able to be heard.

It was an oddly peaceful moment that made it so very easy to forget that there had been any strain at all between you and Harwin as of late.

A knock on the door shattered the moment of calm.

You gave Harwin a forlorn look as you went to answer it. You opened it slowly, revealing one of Princess Rhaenyra’s handmaidens. She reported the information she’d been tasked to relay, excused herself, and you shut the door once more. When you turned around, all five of the room’s other occupants looked at you expectantly.

You announced, “The Princess has had a boy.”

All four boys broke out into cheers.

“A brother?” Lucerys exclaimed with a smile.

Derrik asked, “Is he healthy?”

“Is Mother alright?” Jacaerys added on.

Selwin demanded, “What’s his name?”

You held your hands out in a gesture you hoped would calm all of them. “I was told both the Princess and the young Prince are well. And, as for his name- I do not believe he has one yet.”

“Be patient, lads,” Harwin encouraged the Princes upon seeing their fallen faces. “I am sure your mother and your brother will join us in a few hours.”

“In the meantime, perhaps we might call for some food?” you suggested then, immediately piquing the group’s interest. “After your trek across the city this morning, I dare say the five of you must have worked up quite an appetite.”

The boys agreed, and after a servant had been called to request the meals be brought up, they returned to their games once more.

None of them noticed the uneasy look exchanged between you and Harwin.

When Princess Rhaenyra entered the room some time later, you were pleasantly surprised to see that she was accompanied by her husband. Ser Laenor looked vastly more coherent then when you last saw him. That was much to your relief, considering he was holding the newborn prince in his arms.

Harwin, who had indulged the children by participating in their most recent game, stood tall, and you rose from your seat on the sofa nearby.

Upon noticing their parents' attention had been diverted, Derrick and Selwin also rose to their feet, and quickly bowed to Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor.

You couldn’t help but smile at them, happy that despite the commotion, their manners had not been forgotten. For all the shame you had felt as of late, your two sons had never made you feel anything but pride.

“Mother!” Jacaerys greeted, swiftly rising and rushing over to the door. The other three boys were quickly on his heels. When he reached the table near the door, he removed the lid of the pot sitting atop of it, revealing the dragon egg. Crackles of embers filling the pot in the effort to keep the egg warm filled the room.

“We chose an egg for the baby,” Lucerys explained to his mother.

“Ah,” Princess Rhaenyra mused, flinching as she carefully took a step towards the sofa. “That looks like the perfect one.”

It was obvious by the Princess’s voice that she was still in great pain. You immediately grabbed two nearby cushions, fluffing and putting one upon the seat of the sofa, and the other up against the back of it. Harwin came up from behind the both of you and offered her an arm, which she took gratefully, before cautiously lowering herself down onto the sofa.

Jacaerys lightly swatted his younger brother’s curious hands away from the egg, and your own children leant closer to it as they tried to get a better look.

“Not everyday an egg leaves the dragon pit, Princess,” Harwin informed her. “I thought it best to escort the lads.”

Princess Rhaenyra smiled at him genuinely. “Laenor and I thank you, Commander.”

“Another boy, we heard,” you chimed in. You lowered yourself onto the sofa beside the Princess slowly, so as not to disturb or cause her additional pain. “Congratulations, Your Grace.”

Princess Rhaenyra looked at you with a veiled expression and gave you an appreciative nod. She was clearly tired, and in decent discomfort, as was to be expected. But there was still a sheen layer of sweat upon her face, meaning that either the midwives had not bothered to wipe her brow, or something else had happened more recently that had caused her to strain herself further.

You suspected the latter.

“Might I?” Harwin asked Ser Laenor, his eyes darting downwards towards the babe in the prince consort’s arms.

Princess Rhaenyra turned away from you. To her husband, she said, “Ser Harwin wishes to be introduced to Joffrey.”

Joffrey.

You took care to hide any facial response you might have had to the announcement of the newest prince’s name. A well enough name, you supposed, but it was greatly unlike the names of his older brothers. It didn’t take much thought to surmise who the responsible party must have been. Come to think of it, the name sounded awfully familiar…

Ser Laenor nodded understandingly. “Of course.”

Harwin gently took the newborn prince from the other man’s arms. Despite everything, as Harwin smiled down at Prince Joffrey and began to bounce him lightly, you couldn’t help but feel warmness begin to stir in your heart. Seeing Harwin with a babe in his broad and protective arms reminded you very much of when your own children were that young. It was a sight which you were unsure if you would ever witness again.

“Father?” Lucerys asked Ser Laenor, “Please, may I hold Joffrey?”

“No, no, no,” Ser Laenor said, patiently, but firmly. As the second-born prince made grabbing hands at the babe in Harwin’s arms, Ser Laenor had little choice but to calmly redirect him, and his elder brother, towards the door. “Back to the dragon pit for you two, before they send out a search party.”

The Princes grumbled as they were led out of the room.

You looked at Derrik and Selwin, and asked them both pointedly, “It is about time you both reported to your tutors for the day, don’t you think?”

Your sons also grumbled in protest. Thankfully, your husband caught on to your not so subtle hint at once, and he gently deposited Prince Joffrey back into Princess Rhaenyra’s awaiting arms.

“Come now, lads,” he beckoned Derrik and Selwin, before placing guiding hands on their shoulders. As he led them towards the door, he continued, “Let the Princess rest. We shall see your mother later.”

Harwin’s eyes lingered on you as he closed the door. You gave him a grateful look before he disappeared from view.

Once you were finally alone with the Princess, your focus was able to be solely put on her and the babe.

“How was it?” you dared to ask, though you knew her answer.

Princess Rhaenyra deadpanned. “A perfectly pleasant experience, as it always is.”

It was quiet for a moment, before you both let out a few hearty laughs. But when Princess Rhaenyra abruptly hissed in pain, you sat up straight.

“What is it?” you demanded worriedly, reaching out to support her hold on Prince Joffrey if needed.

The Princess gritted her teeth. “‘Tis nothing,” she attempted to dismiss your concern. “... It seems I have simply overexerted myself.”

“Then let me take him,” you offered readily, glancing down at the newborn prince in her arms. “Or, I can call for the wetnurse, if you’d prefer.”

“No, no,” the Princess insisted. “It is not that.”

“Then what is it?”

Princess Rhaenyra’s eyes never left the babe when she spoke next. Perhaps it was in an effort to keep herself composed. In the years since you had both become mothers, you had noticed it was nearly impossible for the Princess to be in a foul mood whenever she was around her sons. She loved them deeply. They gave her great joy, and, to put it simply, she was completely devoted to each of them.

“The Queen requested that Joffrey be brought to her at once.”

You blinked. “Now?”

“No. After. Laenor and I have just come from her chambers.”

Your brows furrowed. “... Surely you do not mean-”

“But I do.”

“Gods.”

The thought of Princess Rhaenyra, minutes after giving birth, being forced to walk the halls of the Red Keep to present her newborn son before Queen Alicent was appalling. You wanted to believe it was a joke, but you severely doubted that Princess Rhaenyra would ever jest about such a thing. And the hardened look in her eyes confirmed to you that it was anything but.

You leaned closer to her, attempting to get a better look at the babe you had yet to hold. “Why in the Seven Hells would she-”

Prince Joffrey fussed slightly, causing the blanket he was wrapped in to shift. The fabric around his head fell, revealing a crown of dark brown hair.

You fell silent.

Princess Rhaenyra quickly adjusted the blanket, covering the babe’s head once more. But the damage had been done.

“... I suppose the blood on his father’s side runs strong,” you found yourself commenting tactfully, referring to Princess Rhaenys’ brunette locks.

Princess Rhaenyra laughed once, shortly, and looked thankful for having been offered an out. But she said nothing further after that, choosing instead to focus back on the squirming child in her arms.

A very uncomfortable silence took over the room, and the pair of you had no choice but to endure it.

Later that night, you laid in bed, wide awake and restless, staring blankly up towards the ceiling of your chambers as your own thoughts tormented you.

…Another princeling born bearing little resemblance to that of his father… more fuel for the fire… those reprehensible whispers that you now knew would never cease…

The only person in the world with whom you wanted to talk to about your thoughts and feelings was lying right beside you. But he was fast asleep, and despite everything, you did not have the heart to wake him.

If sleep claimed you that night, you do not recall it.

…

Little did you know, Harwin had not slept that night, either.

Like you, his own thoughts only ever came back to two things… the third princeling born with hair and eyes unlike either of his parents… and the cruel rumors swirling about the Red Keep that he knew would only become more twisted because of it.

The following morning, you found both of your sons awake in their chambers.

You entered without announcing yourself, genuinely curious about the scene that awaited.

Selwin was already dressed and sporting his training armor. As he fought an invisible enemy with an invisible weapon of his choice on one side of the room, Harwin was assisting Derrik with securing the last few straps of his breastplate on the other side.

Once Harwin was satisfied with his work, he looked at the armor appraisingly. Your son looked up at him patiently, and somewhat timidly, waiting for his father’s opinion.

“It looks as though you’ll need some bigger armor soon, at the rate you’re growing,” Harwin decided, causing Derrik to smile widely. The pride was very evident in your husband’s voice. As Selwin suddenly ran past them, Harwin fondly rustled his hair in passing, and added, “You too, lad.”

You couldn’t help but beam at the scene.

Harwin had taken to fatherhood like a duck to water. He’d always been fiercely protective of his younger brother and sisters, and when it came to you and your children, it was no different. He’d been hands on with their learning and training since the day they were born, as had you. It hadn’t always been easy, but you had no doubt that there was no other man in the Seven Kingdoms that you would have wanted to raise your boys with.

Though initially you’d both been nervous at the prospect of parenthood, it was later proved that neither of you had any need to worry. Your children loved you as much as you loved them; and in turn, they’d always been decently behaved. In due time, they’d make fine lords in their own right.

“I can’t wait to take on Prince Aemond!” Selwin declared excitedly.

You weren’t sure why he had called out that young Prince specifically, but you made a mental note to speak with him about it later.

Derrik countered with a disapproving frown, “Prince Aemond is several years older than you.” He was right. Prince Aemond was closest in age to Jacaerys and himself, but even so, the Queen’s second son was still older than both of them.

“But we’re about the same size. I’d be more than a fair match!” Selwin argued lightly. He looked up at your husband with pleading eyes, giving him the same look the boy had given you the day before. “Please, Father? Can I spar with the Prince?”

Harwin sighed, and shook his head regretfully. “Sorry lad, but you know the rules. You are to sit and watch- and only watch- until the Princes’ training is done. I’ll work with the both of you after that.”

“But we’ve trained with Jace and Luke before!” Selwin protested.

“Aye, and that is only because the Princess Rhaneyra gave you permission to do so,” Harwin reminded him patiently. “The Queen has not given you such permission. Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond are to have more attentive instruction… as they deserve.”

Selwin did not look too happy, but he relented nonetheless.

“Besides,” Derrik said to his younger brother then, “You know Mother doesn’t like us sparring with the Queen’s sons.”

“She worries too much,” Selwin denounced.

“Come now,” Harwin frowned disapprovingly at the boys. “Your mother has every right to worry about you, as do I.”

Derrik and Selwin looked up at their father, slightly taken aback by the seriousness of his tone.

“What I am about to say is not meant to scare you, but it’s about time that the two of you hear it,” Harwin cautioned them. He let out a small sigh as he visibly contemplated his next words. “... Those around you, especially those here in the Red Keep, may treat the two of you with respect, but that is only because your station commands it. Some of them may even be pleasant enough to you… But that does not mean that they will have your best interests in mind, or that they are able to be trusted.”

Though he had prefaced his warning, your sons still looked alarmed by the gravity of Harwin’s words. You didn’t relish in the fact that they seemed scared, but it was necessary.

The plot against you the night before your wedding; the scheme devised to swindle your birthright out from underneath you… Ten years had passed since both had occurred, and you had no more answers now than you did back then. Over the years, you’d wondered if your brother Derron had been able to uncover any more information into either of those matters, particularly in regards to those who may have been orchestrators…

But if Derron had discovered anything, that knowledge had died with him.

With the exception of the gossip swirling about the Red Keep, neither you nor Harwin had been the target of any further conspiracies since then. But just because an enemy was dormant, that did mean that the threat was at bay. You had children now, and the reality of the situation was that you and Harwin were more vulnerable now than ever before.

Noting the sudden fear on the boys’ faces, Harwin placed one hand on each of their shoulders comfortingly. “But you can always trust that your mother and I will look out for you,” Harwin promised them, smiling softly. “And that is why we worry. That is why we want you to study, so that you might become wise, and be one step ahead of anyone else who may target you. That is why we want you to train, so should the situation ever call for it, you will know how to defend yourself.”

Derrik and Selwin looked up at their father with large eyes as they clung on to his each and every word.

“Do you understand?” he coaxed.

The boys nodded eagerly. “Yes, Father.”

You decided that that was the best time as any to make your appearance known. You stepped further into the room, putting a smile on your face as you did so. “Good morning.”

“Mother!”

You braced yourself, and smartly so, as your boys rushed over to hug you. You laughed and patted their backs lightly; the metal of the small armor was still cold to the touch. “Look at the two of you… You look as though you're ready to go man the Wall!”

“We’d never go that far away, Mother!” Derrik corrected quickly.

“Good,” you affirmed. “I’d miss you both terribly.”

“Run along to the training yard, lads,” Harwin suggested then, his eyes locking with yours. “I’ll be right behind you.”

Derrik and Selwin gave the pair of you knowing smiles before promptly heeding their father’s suggestion.

“Be careful!” you called after them cautiously, though only half-heartedly.

The sounds of the boys’ laughter slowly dissipated the further they ran down the corridor. When it was just the two of you left in the room, you turned to Harwin expectantly.

You weren’t sure what look you anticipated him to have, but it definitely wasn’t the one upon his face at that moment. Sadness lingered in his eyes… or perhaps guilt.

“Might we talk?” he asked, nervousness and uncertainty plain in his voice. It reminded you faintly of when you’d first met him, “Later, I mean. Over supper, perhaps?”

You did have a great deal to talk about. “Of course… That sounds quite lovely, actually. I’d like that very much.”

Relief visibly washed over Harwin’s face at your agreeable response. He nodded firmly once, though it looked like it was more to reassure himself than to confirm anything to you, and went to leave.

You stood still, expecting him to walk by without another word to follow your sons to the training yard, as promised. But instead, Harwin came to a halt beside you. You looked up at him curiously, your guard slightly raised.

Harwin leaned down and placed the lightest of kisses upon your forehead. Any emotional shield you tried to craft crumbled at the simple but extremely meaningful action. Despite his gentleness, you could feel the emotional depth behind it. Your heart lurched at the feeling of his lips upon your skin, and you found yourself feeling remorse when he slowly pulled away.

“I shall see you tonight, My Love.”

And with that, he left.

It was only when the room was quiet and still that you breathed out your response, despite the fact that there was not a single soul around to hear it.

“Until tonight, Dearest.”

A/N: Thank you for reading! Part 2 will be posted this Thursday, 11/1. If I remember, I’ll try to post a link to it here. Either way, I’ll make sure it is added to the masterlist. I hope you all have a wonderful week!🖤

[short-black-diamond]

NOOOOOoooooooo.....

UHMMMMMMMMMM, I’m alive, haven’t posted in a while and i’m sorry, anyways, here’s a thought that crossed my mind! 

Hope y’all like it! BTW, no good ending for deku, like, Reader ends up with Bakugo n shit. 

Um Um gender neutral (They/them/their), no name called, like (Y/n), I didn’t write (Y/n), annnnd, yeah. 

Um, so it’s actually mutual pining, but...yeah, i dunno.  READ!

---

Bruh, imagine one sided love with Deku. 

You, who has known Midoriya Izuku all their life, who has been there for him when he found out that he was quirkless, when he got made fun of by Bakugo, when he didn’t feel his best.

So...

Why?

Why is he doing that to you? 

Why is he going towards Uraraka and not to you, with your outstretched arms, ready to hug him when he fucked up throwing the ball in the first test they had with the whole class on the first day of school? She only gave him a pat on the shoulder. 

Why was he trying to talk to Todoroki when the latter one didn’t want to have to do anything with the green haired boy? Why did Izuku care so much?

Why didn’t he talk to you as much as he did when it was just you two against the world?

Then it hit you. 

You loved him, but he only liked you. yeah, that’s it. Nothing more. 

anger, sadness and pain filled your whole body and soul the more you thought about it, and before you saw it coming, you spent the rest of the holidays alone, training to become a better person. 

Not once, ever since Deku met All Might, did you get a message other than ‘can’t srry’, ‘’m training rn’, ‘Maybe next time?’, or read on your phone from that freckled boy.  

Heartbreak. 

that’s what it was, yes...

You were so stupid. Why didn’t Deku tell you about his quirk that he had after all? Why was Uraraka the first one to witness it? Why was Bakugo the first one to find out about it? Why are Todoroki, Iida, Uraraka and Deku suddenly close friends with each other?

Why?

Is it because you’re somebody he knows already? Someone he thinks is boring? didn’t he like you anymore? Is that why he barely talks with you, too busy blushing whenever Uraraka touches or smiles at him?

You wanted to puke. You wanted to rip your heart out. Bang your head against a wall, fall down a building, drink poison, anything to stop those fucking butterflies erupting in your stomach whenever you thought about your ex bestfriend. 

Stupid feelings...!

...

...

...

It’s Sero, who notices your absence and lack of optimism first. Knocking swiftly on your door before opening it slowly, he is met with you pushing yourself up with your arms on a bar, in a handstand. 

“Whoah, you alright there?“, he asks, cautiously stepping closer and sitting down on your bed. a soft matress welcomed his ass as he sat down, and he sunk down a bit because of his weight.  

You didn’t hear the scotch tape dispenser and kept up with your training, sweat forming on legs, arms and neck, as well as on your forehead, rock music blasting your eardrums. your eyes were trained on the ground as to not loose your balance. 

Huh, pretty cozy in here., Sero thought.

Just now, the black haired boy realised that he has never been in your room until now. 

Sero looked around. He counted two pots of plants by the balcony, three little aquariums on your bookshelves, a big, little house like cage for Koda’s and your bunnies, which they rested in peacefully (yes, Koda canonly owns a bunny!) and as to not disturb them, you heard music with your earphones and tried your best to keep quiet with your groans. 

On the floor were some lost leaves for the bunnies, a few slices of carrot on the old fashioned nighttable, and lots of pet toys. but, there were also many pillows. A few people could make a pajama party here. 

And that became Sero’s idea. He smirked while watching you as he dialed Denki’s number, who then contacted the whole group. 

Soon, the loud people met your sweaty body and Sero looking at your form. They looked around, everyone thinking the same thing. 

They’re not as intimidating as they look. 

Suddenly, your feet met the ground, but you didn’t make a noise. you panted slowly as you stood up, but your sould nearly left your body when you saw the five people in your dorm room. 

“What the fuck? What are you guys doing here?!“, you whisper-yelled, not wanting to wake the furry pair in their nice little home. 

“Sero chatted us!“, mina cheered silently. 

“You looked down a little, so I thought we could chill a little.“, Sero gave back, speaking quietly. 

You locked eyes with Bakugo, and to your utter disbelief, he gave you a look of concern.

“You okay? You seem...dried out.“, he rasped, eyeing your body which was covered in sweat. 

You didn’t know what to say. 

Was THE Bakugo Katsuki asking about your wellbeing???!

“I...need a shower. Don’t be loud or touch anything.“, you then commanded upon seeing Kirishima, Denki and Mina play with your fishes. 

...

...

...

After about twenty minutes with a cold shower later, you were met with the sight of the five people having widen out your bed and everyone laying on it in a tangled mess; Mina was sleeping on Sero, Sero’s legs were on Denki’s stomach, Denki’s back was on Kirishima’s back, and Bakugo has somehow managed to sleep next to them without them touching him. 

You chuckled quietly and struggled to find a place to sleep on without laying your body parts on somebody else’s, when Bakugo pulled you flush against his chest. 

You blushed furiously while trying to escape from his vice grip, but he only pulled you closer. “Um...Bakugo-”

“Let’s stay like this. Tell me. Why are you behaving like that?“, he whispered. The soft snores of your loud friends signaled that you and Bakugo were the only ones awake at this hour. 

And that gave you time to think about your answer. 

“I...well, it’s about Izu- Midoriya.“

“Ouch, what did he do to make himself land on last name basis with ya?“

You laughed a little, your nervousness about being so close--too close--with your childhood rival, fading a little. 

Huh, it’s pretty nice with him. 

Only now did you feel his chiseled hand trail up and down your body, relaxing you. comforting you. 

“I don’t know. First thing I know, we’re besties, it’s me and him against the world, and the boom. Suddenly he has all those other...those better people around him...“

Bakugo listened to what you whispered. He didn’t say anything. 

“...He is friends with Todoroki, son of the number one pro hero. With Iida, son of a rich family. With Uraraka, whom he must have a crush on...!

I-I mean, look at her! She’s so much more than me..! She is so nice! While I’m trying to be intimidating and shit. She has a nice, high voice, while mine is grotesquely deep. she can make things float! And what can I do with my quirk? No-“

A pair of soft, caramel tasting lips touched yours tenderly. He pressed them on you, very slowly, cautiously, as not to ram into you. His lips were made to fit against yours it seemed. 

he breathed out a sigh, and you, being completely shocked and surprised, calmed down a bit after a few seconds. Then you closed your eyes and cherished the moment. 

After a little more moments of that sudden intimacy, you guys broke the kiss. 

You still had your eyes closed, still feeling the explosive boy’s lips on yours. When you opened your eyelids, you caught him looking at you with a little smile. 

“Please don’t think so lowly of yourself. If you want to know, ‘m havin’ a hard time catchin’ up with ya. Yer more than that floaty bitch, y’know? And about that damn nerd...I’ll handle this. a’ight?“

Unable to say anything - then again, what could you say? - you nodded. 

And then, you saw Katsuki avert his eyes, his cheeks changing their colour and he stuttered something. 

“...w-would you like to... go out ...with me or somethin’?“

at that, you smiled. “Sure, why not?”, and you snuggled into his tits. chest.

Securely, you fell into a deep slumber in the arms of your former enemy. 

But...that didn’t seem to be so bad now. 

...

“Oi, you ready or nah?“, your boyfriend sneered, standing in the doorway. you were putting on a jacket to your school uniform. “Katsuki it’s cold.“

“I am hot.“

“I know, now put on this hoodie.“

“No.“

“...Why not?“

“It’s-“ - “Put it on.“

“Okay.“

You felt a pair of eyes staring at you when you left the UA building to go hiking with Katsuki and when you turned around, you saw Midoriya looking at you with a sad expression. 

Why was he looking at you like that? He has Uraraka after all! And his new best friend Todoroki! And the little brother of the Pro Hero Ingernium! 

since you had no feelings for the green haired guy anymore, you gave him a look of disgust before turning around and looking forward to the date your boyfriend wanted to take you on. 

... 

...

...

“why...?“, Izuku asked himself, after you gave him stank eyes and fucked off with his childhood friend. Hand in hand. Ouch. 

Uraraka grabbed her chance to confess. 

“well, maybe they like Bakugo more? And don’t worry, you’ll find somebody better soon!“, she cheered.

But Izuku was having none of that. 

“No, I’ll talk to them. I can’t believe they’d date Kachan! I don’t want to believe it!”, soon, tears blurred his vision and he retreated back to his dorm room, leaving the floating girl in the common room. 

In his room, Izuku took off all the posters. Yes, the All Might posters. 

...

“we’ll be heroes together! Okay Izuku?! Kachan?!“, you yelled giggling, and your two best friends cheered. 

“Yes! I’ll be the number one pro hero!“

“No, I will be!“

“Jeez, why do you guys always need to be number one?! Being a hero isn’t about who is the best, it’s about saving the innocent and fighting the evil!“

“Oh, they’re right!“

“Then we’ll save as many people as possible and fight the bad guys as good as we can!“

“Yes!“

“Yeah!“

...

that memory came when Izuku found a photo of you, him, and Kachan as little children in his drawer. He didn’t remember when he put it there, but it always made him happy. Now his heart broke. 

He saw another photo underneath the first one, and his heart nearly shattered upon seeing the next flashback. 

... 

“Wow, Mido, you really planning to buy all these posters?“

“Yep, I wanna have all of them!“

“Well, talk about hurting the environment.“

Izuku and you were in your thirteenns, you were looking edgy and you were popular, while Izuku was just a simple loser nerd, but still, you hung out with him. 

He was holding many plastik sticky posters in his hand, in a plastic bag, and you were buying eco friendly books in your cotton bag. 

You were angry at him, to say the least, but you couldn’t let him know. 

After all, you wanted to become an intimidating hero. 

But, Izuku knew you, and your sarcastic remark didn’t really soothe his nervousness and guilt around you. 

What could he say? He was a sucker for emos and goths!

“W-well, I will hang them in my room for a long time! Until they fall off alone!“

“...I sure hope that for you, Mido.“

at your nickname, he blushed, and quickly followed you to the cash register. 

...

Now, he was ripping the All Might posters with all his strength, and he scraped the walls a little, but not that he cared. 

Izuku was crying so hard as memory after memory of good times with you and him came crashing down on him and it was tearing his heart apart.

Now, after he even broke the big poster on the ceiling and stuffed all his all might figurines into a carton, he sighed, his chest heaving, and he sniffed. 

Then, he took his phone which he let fall onto the bed carelessly and texted you. 

‘Hey, where r u rn?‘

‘Is everything ok?‘

‘Wanna meet up?‘

No answer, every single message he sent you wasn’t even on read. 

five minutes passed, nothing. 

He tried doing homework. 

Nothing after 30 minutes. 

Three hours later, he looked at his phone again. 

You did read his messages. But you didn’t answer. 

Izuku wrote again. 

‘R u good?‘

‘are you feeling ok? Should i come ovr?‘

‘pls answer...‘

you read them on the spot. 

And this time, you were writing- No, a voicemail?

After said voicemail, ten seconds, appeared, he pressed on the play butten and quickly put it right next to his ear, a hopeful smile on his lips.

“Izuku. Stop writing me. Stop thinking that we’re friends after you’ve fucking ghosted me for nearly a fucking year. And don’t you ever fucking talk to me again. ever.“

...

You sighed, a tired look on your face, as you layed down onto Katsuki’s bed after you gave said owner your phone to place on the nighttable. 

He chuckled before swiping your hair to the side and softly kissing your temple. you moaned contently and smiled as you closed your eyes. 

“You did a great job, y’know?“

“Yeah, feels nice to finally tell someone to fuck out of somebody’s life. Also, can we go hiking again? I haven’t been so close to nature in ages...!“

“Sure, love.“, he whispered before cuddling you with his sweaty hands, but you didn’t mind wet hands. 

---

HEY 

HOW ARE YOU:DDD

HOW WAS THAT

SORRY I AM SHIT AT WRITING ANGST :(((

[lixenn]

Wound repair

@dreamieparadise ask and you shall receive! (@myrmyrtheorca the buddy tag because pallid flame shenanigans)

(I haven't found an image that appeals to me in that book so I'm back to square one might as well share my knowledge)

Like I mentioned in the tags wound healing is a very complex process and I'm in no way an expert on it but here a brief summary from yours truly (with some talk about scars because that was super interesting).

You can section the wound repair into three parts: inflammation, tissue formation and tissue remodeling, keeping in mind that there is some overlap with these processes. In biology most things often happen in parallel it's a bit messy and complicated tbh but if it works, it works!

Inflammation:

A wound is often connected with destroyed blood vessels aka you bleed all over the place. Which not great, no matter what the local bloodthirsty psychopath says. So your body goes right to fixing it and this starts with platelet aggregation. Platelets, with red and white blood cells as well as other stuff, are part of the blood cocktail and when blood vessels are damaged they aggregate aka they stick to each other and built a clot. It's a quick way to establish homeostasis and close the wound temporarily (so that you will stop bleeding all over the carpet). Platelet aggregation also leads to recruitment of immune cells which is where the inflammation comes in. I'm not gonna list all the details about the immune response because otherwise i will still be here next week but the gist: activated platelets recruit different immune cells to the wound. Once there, immune cells will do their job of cleaning up foreign particles bacteria etc etc.

Tissue formation

Hours after you accidentally cut yourself during mealprep got the wound reepithelization starts. Basically your epidermis (top most layer of the skin) is broken and that ain't cutting it Chief. You need that epidermis intact so you don't die of infection or waterloss or lots of other nasty shit. So epithelial cells from around the wound wander to the damaged part of the skin to reestablish the epidermis. There's also some differentiation shit going on if the wound is big but I'm not touching this it will makes things even more complicated. In general that section went over my head so just know that the epidermis gets restored because again, don't wanna die of sepsis and all that.

Okay so sorry but i continued to skim over the stuff rn and it's so fucking much i really don't know how to summarize all this in a coherent manner OTL

Basically you have platelet aggregation, immune cells cleaning up the site (and doing lots of other stuff too), migration of epitehial cells. Formation of granulation tissue? i checked out on that part tbh, but i think that forms at the base of a wound to fill it up (involves fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) again i don't really get that part). Then you have angiogenesis which means formation of new blood vessels. annnnd after that i really didn't have the spoons to read pages about signaling pathways and stuff. (so many cytokines.... and growth factors...)

Let's skip to scars because I've read that part so I can deliver scar facts 🫡

A wound needs to be deep enough for scar tissue to form quoting the book I'm reading:

For example, human dermal injuries must reach at least 0.51 mm from the epidermis for a noticeable scar to be observed 28 weeks later

Scars are different to normal skin tissue because of their collagen structure. In normal skin tissue collagen I is structered in a basket-weave pattern. With scar tissue however, collagen I is arragened in parallel bundles. This explains why scars have less tensile strength and flexibility than healthy tissue because the basket-weave pattern allows for more flexibility. Also scar tissue has no elatin in it which contributes to the stiffness as well.

Scars look different compared to healthy tissue mostly because of melanocytes (which give skin its colour) and because lots of different dermal structures can't be regenerated from scratch so the wound is filled up with collagen and ECM instead.

Othewise another cool scar fact: Scarless healing in humans is possible but only in fetus and oral mucosa, which i get the fetus but I didn't know about the oral mucosa so that's neat. Again quoting my book here:

In adult humans the oral mucosa can heal with insignificant scar as well. This tissue has some similarities to fetal tissue in which the environment is consistently hydrated, experiences little mechanical stress, and has a stunted inflammatory response.

So yeah that's it from my side 🫡 I hope this was somewhat understandable also sorry for just giving up halfway through but i didn't have the spoons for so much non-fiction reading OTL

[boxwinebaddie]

hi uncle nina! sorry if this is kinda overbearing, but you havent posted anything today so i just wanna check in and make sure youre doing okay! <3

oh my god, sweetheart!!! this is not overbearing AT ALL! this is extremely thoughtful and makes me feel extremely validated. <3

i'm sorry for causing concern, but ty for being concerned about me.

because the school year is coming to a close, things around me at work have been pretty intense, so i've been tossed around like a ragdoll the past week and haven't had much time to write as a result. i also haven't been sleeping very well and rush a lot in the mornings, so i've forgotten to take my mood stabilizer the past couple of days which makes me v sluggish, zombie-ish and unpleasant in general. :/

...when i am like that, as a weird way of sparing you, i suppose, i try not to post on here too much because it feels quite shitty indeed for you to get a notification for my blog just to watch me bitch n moan.

however, i have taken my medication today and feel bad for fumbling kyle week...as we know i'm not really good at holding myself accountable or making deadlines. oddly enough, it's not that i don't want to answer my questions, it's just that other than not being able to really find the time recently, i just can't find the right...words?

( this ask is long and irrelevant, but read if you wish. ilysm. )

or, rather, i don't feel knowledgeable enough the subjects to answer? specifically in the areas of my tsot/tfbw styles and ncuniverses, i feel a little insecure because i don't know sp or the games as well as many other people do, so i'm trying to speed watch episodes/watch speed runs of the games online so i can at least keep some canon intact?

i also am finding that creating and understanding how high fantasy universes work is...difficult? lmao? also because i did crazy stuff with mutations and science and politics in my tfbw ncuniverse, that's also complicated and out of my wheelhouse...tldr: i have big ideas, but i'm not very good at backing them in fact or doing analytical stuff.

but...iiiiii need to, lmao. mental illness, but if i make a universe it has to be fully realized, it has to all make as much sense as possible, echo the canon, enhance it, feel real and be fluid...so if i'm not around too much it's because i'm trying to bolster myself with my sp knowledge ( ik, i'm a fake fan ) and watch/read/research high fantasy concepts and superhero/scientific fiction/dystopian stuff...so if anyone has any recommendations for me to watch or learn from in those realms, i'd appreciate it. again, this is intense...but i care a lot about my craft.

and specifically crafting something worthy of all of you, that makes sense, lives and breathes, reflects the show we love & is interesting.

ANYWAYS!!!! with that said, i got a cool ask about whether or not i have a gunslinger kyle? which? not yet? BUT YOU'RE A GENIUS BABY I AM SOOOOO ON IT!!! please let me cook and watch some things because actually, oh my god, i am very down. i'll update you. i might make a board to gather ideas, omg, omg, it'll be SPICY.

i got an ask about princess kylie, which, bless you, i am also still developing her character, i am going to pour over the books, watch some GOT, do some mapping out, watch some intricate dnd play throughs...and have some answers for you very soon: hang on, baby.

( she's little, bitchy, prissy and does need to be babysat, i'm afraid. )

got some on jersey i'm excited about! sorry for writing that ask meme about the sour skittles like that, again, writing has been trying for me lately and i had a concept that i wanted to share but wasn't sure how to express that. if you guys are alright with getting my asks in the form of notes some times i would appreciate it! anyways, keep your eyes out for some of those...if kyle week runs into next week, sorry.

idk...this is so long. all this to say...i'm really sorry? i haven't been a very solid creator lately, but i'm a little unstable rn. but i am working on it and i hope to be back on the horse by tonight and share my notes at least and show you guys how my brain is working.

in the mean time, please direct as many questions as you would like in the direction of riley, teri and ana who not only are epic writers but have been an epic support system/helping me get back into things.

thank you for caring, thank you for reading...keeping up with this blog and the questions and creating constantly is sometimes challenging, but very rewarding. i promise that i am not neglecting my asks or all of you because i don't care, its actually because i care very much and only want to give you stuff that is awesome and cool and well researched. so, again, just give me a second to get my barings and while it kind of eats at my bad bpd brain i might try and share stuff with you guys that's half baked because the feedback might help.

tldr: i love you, this made no sense, i'm a mess, but i am fine.

miss you and love you. happy kyle week.

-uncle nina

[gallant-basilisk]

HEY, HELLO I wanted to ask if you can do and todobakudeku x Yandere!reader but if you have done this already plese tag me in it and also, I love your writing <3

TodoBakuDeku X Yandere!Reader

(First time writing yan reader, apologies in advance)

Here's a quick heads-up! I'm only finishing this half finished fic and I'm not doing any editing to what was already written, therefore you may come across grammatical errors and a sudden change in story-telling.

.

"Good morning Momo, Uraraka!" You ran up to the two, tackling them in a hug. "Good morning, Y/N," Uraraka yawned and her lips tugged into a tired smile. "You seem unusually excited today. Did something happen?" "Ah, well.. no.. not yet, at least." "Ooh!" The brunette exclaimed with new found energy, "something's gonna happen today?" "I presume it's something good..?" Came Momo's addition and you pondered for a moment—what to say, exactly. "I actually have something to ask from you guys.. can we--" "Alright problem children, settle down already.." Aizawa's sudden voice made you jump slightly, and everyone quickly ran to their seats.

A few seconds after taking your seat you felt your phone buzz and checked it cautiously.

— - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - —

The three musketeers GC

Momo

I'm sorry about earlier. But we can resume the conversation after class...?

Uraraka

There's nothing happening rn, lets just talk here. It seemed like you wanted it to be private anyways @Y/N

You

Yeah, ur right. It also feels more comfortable over text.

Is that okay @Momo?

Momo

If it's that important, then I can't argue. I want to make sure everything's alright with you, since you're my dear friend.

Uraraka

Aww, Momo!

You

Thanks Momo, Uraraka ❤️

Uraraka

Alright, shoot the question bestie

You

😂 Alright, alright

So the thing is..

Ilikesomeonebutidontknowbowtogjfabkuttconfessing

Momo

Uh..

Uraraka

You like someone?? 👀🎉

You

Well, yes

Multiple someones, actually

Momo

I'm not trying to insult you, but what happened?

Uraraka

Come on Momo

They're flustered and just speed wrote 🤭

Momo

I wasn't aware there was something like that 🤔

By the way, @Y/N

You

Yes?

Momo

Who are you talking about? Are they in our class?

You

.. perhaps

Uraraka

OoOoOO

Don't forget any detail!

You

What detail?

Uraraka

Who they are, how many, do you want help choosing between them, etc

You know, what friends usually asks dear friends

You

You guys really like the term dear friend, huh

But I don't want to choose between them

Momo

Y/N I hope you're not thinking about something bad

Uraraka

Huh, wym Mom?

Mom*

Mom*

MOMO

GEEZ

Oops, i mean geez

😵

You

Lol

Momo

Are you.. okay? 😅

Uraraka

Yes, just autocorrect :/

Sorry

Where were we?

Momo

Right

So what did you think about doing Y/N?

You

Ever heard of polyamory? 😐

Momo

How do you know these someones would be polyamorous? Btw, yes, I had

You

That's why I wanted to talk with you guys

You are close to them

Uraraka

Alright, but WHO

You

.....

@Momo

Momo

We can't exactly help if you don't tell us.. 😅

You

😄

Uraraka

😶

Momo

I don't mean to pressure you or anything, just...

You know

Help us help you

You

😥

Fine

Uraraka

Finally!!!!!

Momo

😅

You

So it's kinda awkward, but there's 3 guys

Just um.. don't judge , ok?

Itsmidoriyaandbakugoandtodoroki

Momo

Please type one word at a time

Or space them

It's hard on the eyes

😐

Uraraka

Um

Momo

"It's Midoriya and Bakugou and Todoroki"

Uraraka

OH

Oh.

oh..

Are you sure??

You

Yeah, very 🙈

Momo

Well, I think Midoriya and Todoroki might agree to a polyamorous relationship if they like someone, but I don't know how they feel about you

no offense!

on the other hand Bakugou....

🤔

Well, tbh I don't know him that well

Uraraka

Balugou def not gonna agree

He's the type o guy who keeps his partners for himself and "doesn't like sharing"

Momo

Especially not with those two, yeah.

But @Y/N

You

Hoo boy, here we go

Momo

What?

Yk whatever not gonna question you anymore

But how come you like them all?

I mean, they're.. kinda different, personality and appearance wise. 🤔

You

Yeah, but it's not like I have an exact type either

Momo

Do you ?

I don't remember ever getting involved with your love life

Prior to now, that is

You

Cause I didn't feel this type of intensity before now

🥰

Momo

I see, well

How can we help

...

Speaking of we, @Uraraka

Smth happen?

Uraraka

What no

Y?

Momo

You just acted a bit off

Uraraka

How?

Momo

You didn't bombard Y/N with questions

Uraraka

Still haven't thought of one

It's so sudden

I never even noticed y/n liked someone...

Momo

Well, you have plenty of time to think about questions to ask

But we should help Y/N now

Uraraka

How? 😅

It's not like i or you have any experience, especially with more than one person

You

Ouch 😔

Momo

😅

We can still think of something

No?

Uraraka

If you say so..

I'll chat with you guys once I thought of something

Momo

Alright..

You

Thanks, again

This means a lot to me guys

❤️

Momo

Np 🥰

Uraraka

Yeah

😅

— - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - —

IRL

You turned off your phone and briefly glanced at Uraraka and Momo. The latter seemed to follow through the lesson without fail after turning her phone off, while Uraraka played with her hair anxiously and chewed her lips. "Heh.." You couldn't help your lips tugging up into a small smirk at the sight of her—hopelessly thinking. Just the sentence "I have a crush on Midoriya" threw her off so much, you wonder what would happen were you to go further.

But it's enough for now.

For now.

~

"Y/N.. Y/N..." "Mmm.. yeah..?" You murmured softly—with your head nested on the desk and covered by your arms—, and, after recognizing the oh so familiar voice, you sprung up from your seat so quickly you knocked your chair back. "Midoriya! Hi!" The words left your mouth in the form of sharp breaths. "Ahaha, hi." The flustered boy scratched his face and you quickly apologized for the jumpscare, even going as far as to bow down. Which earned you an embarrassed chuckle from said boy. "I didn't mean to bother you either, just wanted to ask for your help with.. something." Midoriya averted his eyes and you took this chance to quickly scan the classroom, only to realize it was only the two of you in the room. You were happy, but also a bit disappointed that no one could witness Midoriya's adorableness and flustered state, though you'll definitely carve out every bastards' eyes who stole a glance when you finally get the chance to. But your top priority right now was the flustered boy in front of you, with his soft locks of green-black hair partially covering his eyes that glanced up once in a while and an awkward smile resting on his face. The sight of him made you feel as it always did—you could barely suppress the urge to pull him into your chest and pepper kisses on every. single. freckle on his body. The way he'd whimper and needily grab onto you, starving for your touch just as much as you do. You wanted to spoil him, to spoil ALL of them. The way all three boys would gaze up at you with glossy eyes, impatiently waiting for your return when you leave. When they finally realize how much you mean to them they'd throw away any silly dreams or thoughts, like wanting to be the No.1 hero. They don't need to work to gain the fake appreciation of those good for nothing members of society. So long as they--

"As expected, it's unreasonable from me, huh.." What?- Oh, for god's sake, you got lost in your fantasy. Again. Now look at the boy—that adorable pout on his face that makes you want to cup his face and force his mouth open to-- alright, Y/N, get your head out of the gutter. "I'm sorry if I upset you." "No, no no no no no!" Before you could regain your composure, your hands shot out to hold Midoriya's. "..?!" Midoriya's sharp gasp was the one thing that pulled you out of your daze as you kept rubbing his hands, which were unlike his face—rough, scarred and full of experience. There's definitely no way you'd be able to take him on in a one-on-one combat. "So-sorry!" You blurted out, but still didn't let go of his hands. "It's-it's just that--that, you know--you have verynicehands!..." "Um." "I-I.. I'm sorry--that sounded incredibly weirdbutididntmeanitinaweirdway or anything--notthatithinkyoucansaysomethinglikethatwithoutsoundinglikeacreep--but-but--you get it right??" "To-to be honest, you were talking a little bit too quickly. Can you repeat it?" Midoriya flashed an innocent smile making you feel as if a thousand butterflies would burst out of you at any. moment. You sighed, and regretfully, let go of Midoriya's hands, already missing the rough texture of his skin against your own.

"Nevermind. To be honest..." You began, looking at Midoriya—staring back at you with a heartbreaking look on his face. "...It's--I'd love to--that, yes... I'd love that..." You cursed yourself mentally for not having the heart to admit you weren't listening to whatever he was asking you and can only pray that it's something you're actually capable of doing. You'd rather die than to disappoint him. But that can wait, you'd rather try to engrave Midoriya's beaming face into your memory. The way he squeezed your hands. The muttered "thank yous" and that warm laugh that classified more as childish giggle will forever be a cherished memory to you, only overwritten with even more intimate moments with him.

"Really, Y/N, you're really nice— I'm sorry for involving you in something silly like this." Midoriya bowed to you and, before you could say anything, ran off through the second door. And as soon as his footsteps faded away, the first door of the classroom slid open—Uraraka held the door with her head dipped so low she might as well been bowing down to you.

"Uraraka-chan!" You called out in a sweet voice, expecting a giggle or smile from the naive girl. "What's wrong? Do you need me to help with anything, dear friend?" Instead, she raised her head and glared at you—god, that annoying baby face really doesn't work in her favor, but it sure as hell makes your blood boil. The mere fact that she was here, most likely expecting to find Midoriya all on his own, to take him away from you even when you told her already how much you yearned for him, for Katsuki, for Shoto—It's obvious!— you are the only one who can have them. Yet, despite making it so clear to her, how they all belonged to you, she still can't give up on Izuku?

"Y/N." Now what, does she want to play the victim—to make you out to be the bad guy?

Probably...

"Yes?" The word escaped through gritted teeth wishing to brutally rip her throat out, maybe that, that would make her curse-like presence perish.

She gulped audibly and took a confident stance as if she was facing a fucking low-worth criminal.

The nerve in her..!

"Wait, no, before you continue..." You raised a hand and continued shortly after, "for how long did you eavesdrop on us? What exactly did you hear? If what you heard was the reason why you're... Mad at me, then you have no right to." "Wha--" "YOU were not a participant in OUR conversation, at the most, you were just stalking me or (my) Izuku and only happened to hear it—that does NOT equal being part of it. So if--" "SHUT UP!!" Uraraka shouted and held her head, tears prickling the corners of her eyes.

!?

"You knew it already, didn't you?" You cock your head, "what could you possibly be referring to?" Her lips form a straight line and the hurt in her eyes sells her out. "Oh, it's Midoriya. Well, I would've probably guessed that sooner or later." "You're so heartless.."

"You should stop, before something happens."

But she didn't.

"Seriously--"

/ Whack /

It stings... Your cheek stings and your ears are ringing..

Did...

Did she really...

She just slapped you...

SHE. SLAPPED.YOU.

You truly didn't expect for the dumb bitch to be this dumb. Not a single ounce of courage, merely stupidity.

"Oi." You slowly raise your head, only to meet with a truly horrified expression—all the blood left her face and she, mouth parted, made shallow breaths almost as if forgetting how to breathe, like a fish stuck on land. "I-I.." She stammered, robotically raising her hands in a defensive way, probably afraid you'd hit back.

Which you really wanted to. A lot.

But, alas, nothing goes according to your wishes.

Momo steps into the classroom with Todoroki by her side, and, judging by their expressions, they probably were witness to Uraraka's uncharacteristic melt down.

"Uraraka-san." Todoroki called out, but she didn't turn to face him nor Momo. "Y/N, are you okay?" Momo ran up to you and held your face in her hands, examing the red handprint that slowly formed on your cheek. Truth to be told, it wasn't anything more than a faint uncomfortable feeling and it's most likely gonna disappear after a while.

But.

"Hnn..Momo, did," you sniffled as small droplets of clear liquid trailed down your face and rolled down Momo's hands, "did I do so-something wrong??" "No, you didn't!" A golden opportunity was presented to you. She turned towards Uraraka, "We might've not been here the whole time, but I know that you wouldn't do anything bad intentionally. And so wouldn't Uraraka." Huh? "And I'm sure we can talk this out, right, Uraraka, Y/N?" "Momo..!" Uraraka smiled at Momo with shiny eyes, but you, on the other hand... You should just get rid of them already. They're only obstacles and they never helped you in any way. "Are you okay?" Todoroki's voice tore through the red clouding your eyes. Right. "I don't know why Uraraka-san would shout at and hit me." "That's--" "Why did you hit them?" Todoroki cocked his head and raised a brow, ever so slightly at her. "I..." Uraraka gulped and looked at Todoroki, then Momo. Then you. No. "Y/N's lying about me." "What?" Momo looked at you and Uraraka, a puzzled expression evident on her face. This is not. "Lying about what? You hit me! EVERYONE SAW IT!" "Y/N." Your name fell out of Todoroki's mouth, like a whisper. No. You hadn't prepared for this situation. And you're losing it. They're all looking at you. As if you're not the victim. And truth to be told, you weren't ever really good at acting, especially not under stress. This... THIS ISN'T RIGHT. What should you do...

"Is... Is this about our chat?" You put on your best pouty face and cling to Todoroki, peeking at Uraraka from behind him. "You're mad at me because you like... Midoriya?" "--Nnh...!" She grit her teeth and averted her gaze to the floor, clenching her hands so hard the nails dug into her skin. "Uraraka?" Momo stepped forward to stand before her. "Is what Y/N said true?" "No, I don't like him... I love him! But they knew!..." "Eep!" She pointed at you with a glare and you quickly hugged Todoroki from behind in an act of terror. He turned his head back, checking on you and smiled reassuringly. Aww, how cute. So caring. You almost feel as though you should get rid of Momo and Uraraka right now, before either of those idiots hurt Todoroki. But that's not right. Not yet. "Thank you, Todoroki." You try your best to put on a sad smile, but it's just so difficult when you're so happy. Even with the way things are, it doesn't matter as long as he only has you before him. Not those... Things.

But God does it piss you off how you can't just wrap your arms around him. Can't lock him up or tie him to you... Just yet.

Just a little more.

"This is a sensitive topic to both of you (I assume), so let's talk things out when we're back at the privacy of our dorms." Momo glances around worriedly and presents an uncertain smile, probably with the intention to lighten the mood. "Is that okay with you two?" Uraraka agrees to the suggestion without much hesitation, she trusts Momo's ability to find a solution for everything, after all. You, on the other hand, swallow every venomous word attempting to escape past your lips and begrudgingly nod along.

Your fingers twist the fabric of Todoroki's uniform tightly in anger, but the boy seemingly misinterprets it as fear— he turns towards you slightly and smiles. His hand twitched, contemplating whether he should comfort you with a reassuring touch, but to your disappointment he decided against it and settled with just a smile that turned awkward with uncertainty.

Momo releases a breath of relief and puts a hand on Uraraka's back comfortingly, and slowly leads her out of the classroom. But not before shooting a strange look to Todoroki that you can't quite understand, but you can guess it meant something along the lines of 'lets separate them' or... something, because the next thing you know Todoroki's walking out (in a different direction from the girls) and you instinctively follow him, still clinging to his uniform.

You don't say anything during the walk, and you only stop when you arrive to the entrance of the dorms and Todoroki turns around— forcing you to let go of him— and scratches his neck. "Y/N." "Yes?" You answer immediately, but it doesn't divert his attention from your intense staring. Though he doesn't comment on it. "...You like Midoriya?" "No! Yes– wait, um... This is a little more complicated than it seems." You huff and massage your temple, contemplating lying. Todoroki irks a brow, but doesn't speak any further.

Should you come clean? Todoroki's a rational person, plus he wouldn't judge you, right? Maybe telling him your feelings might provide a better solution than... Well, it's still a plan B, but you shouldn't jinx things just yet.

"So, let's say hypothetically I have a "crush" on Midoriya," you fiddle with your hands and avoid looking at Todoroki for fear of exposing yourself, "but at the same time— I have a crush on an another person too..... And one other. Hypothetically saying!" He doesn't say anything, but he doesn't seem to want to leave just yet, though you're still afraid from looking up and meeting his eyes, so you can't be sure. "What would that make me?" "... I don't know." He answers thoughtfully. "You like three people?" "Hypothetically only, it's a hypothesis! Like a "what if" question." You blurt out hastily, whipping your head up and finally meeting Todoroki's gaze. Fortunately or unfortunately, he doesn't seem to have an opinion formed, or he just doesn't show it with the stoic expression he's wearing.

"Okay." He says with a bit of a pause. "I'm sorry, I don't know what answer you want." "It's not– nevermind. Let me reword that— say, hypothetically, if you were the one I had a crush on... What would you do?" "One of the three?" "Y-yeah." You sigh and carefully examine as he raises his hand to his chin in thought, seriously contemplating your "hypothesis". "...What would that mean?" "What?" "If you had a 'crush' on me, what would that mean?" "That I like you? I really don't know what you're asking."

"Then I would say thank you." "....That's it?" "Yes... Was there something else?" "Sometimes I forget how annoying it can be to talk about certain topics with you..." You grumble under your breath, but you also know that no matter how dense Todoroki can be, he's still someone you genuinely love. Even if your love may be a little too intense..... sometimes.

"No, thank you for answering my hypothetical questions. But I have to go back to my dorm now, so see you later." You say dejectedly and wander into the building, and you feel a slight pang in your chest as you consider that Todoroki may be easier to convince under different circumstances.

~ At night ~

It's about time the bakusquad leaves for their respective rooms (and Bakugou will be alone), so you use your quirk to transform into a small cat and climb into his window to wait.

"...What are you talking about?" Your ears perk up to the sudden change in atmosphere, and you try your best to eavesdrop without being spotted. "Midobro! He told me he's dating someone." Kirishima exclaimed, flashing a toothy smile to Bakugou. "No way!!" Mina screeched, but even that ear-piercing noise couldn't deter your thoughts from wandering from what the redhead had said. "Are you sure it wasn't just a prank or some kind of test from the teachers??" "Kamibro, he was blushing and rambling the whole time we talked." Kirishima turned towards Bakugou for support, but didn't receive any. "The nerd's always blushing and rambling to everyone, besides, there's no idiot stupider than him who would date him." He grumbled, briefly raising his head from his phone, and quickly returned to it. "Man..." Kirishima groaned and looked out the window— you quickly ducked to the side, hoping he wouldn't see you—, then he looked around the room once more. "So you guys aren't interested in who's Midobro's date? Not even a little bit?" "No, dumbass. Because he doesn't have one. Tch!" Bakugou commented, not raising his head this time. Kirishima turned to the other two, receiving unsure grins. "I guess we should go to our own rooms already, it's getting pretty late anyways..." He pouts, and the trio leaves files out of the room, saying a brief "good night" to the blond, now laying on his bed and leaning against the wall.

"Mreow~" You quickly seize the opportunity and paw at the glass until Bakugou notices you, and opens the window. "You're early.." He says thoughtfully as you trot towards the soft bed, and curl yourself up next to the pillow. It's something you've been doing for a few weeks now, taking on the form of a small cat and hanging out with Bakugou late at night— the first time you were impatient, thus careless, and you almost got caught in your original (human) form inside his room. But a few days later, when you were on a walk you saw a young kitten and you got an idea— and to your delight, that idea worked out well and Bakugou allowed you inside his room, even petted you and allowed so many more things that would've been considered weird, or even creepy if you were to do it as a human. (Since then, you've also began visiting Midoriya and Todoroki in their rooms when they were alone, and when morning came you took something from there as a keepsake, of course being careful not to make them too suspicous).

He plops down next to you, but this time he lays on his back and pats his stomach. You happily climb onto him and nuzzle into his neck, purring and kneading as he gently strokes your fur. His lips tug into a small, silly smile and he sighs. You know how relaxing it is for him to pet you and you'd be lying if you said this isn't one of your favourite things to do. But in a few hours, after you made sure he was asleep you'd go to visit your Izuku and Todoroki, as you've been doing for the past few weeks.

Otherwise, how could you sleep peacefully, if there was a chance either one of them could be hurt or even worse... So you have to make sure they are safe, every night, even if they don't know, even if they never thank you.

— - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - —

I really don't want to make this too long. I really didn't know how to end this, so this may seem abrupt.

Ps. I wanted a build-up, but it definitely turned a little awkward. I just didn't want to write the typical (and cringy) yandere falls in love and is immediately killing everyone who even looks at the subject of their love.

I might write another Yandere!Reader x The trio fic (that would be a 100% better) sometime in the future, but right now I'm just glad I got this one off my shoulders. Thank you for reading! ':)

[theambitiouswoman]

hey,

idk if i should ask this but there's things really messed up for me and i really need some advice and get out of this.

*i always see many different kinds of posts about self improvement and self care and after seeing that i make many goals for myself that i will implement all of these. But i just dont know how to do these and how to start and what to start i just want to do all of the things in one day which i will never do.

*i am a high school student, this is my last year of school and also it is really important and this is the only very long vacation i got and i am very weak in studies also i have very less knowledge about many things (like i am just dumb?). My school is gng to reopen on 28 august and when my school is closed i planned various things that i will improve to do to improve myself and become a completely different person (like have a glow up). But i did nthng for like whole one month and just watched kdramas and stuff. i also have many things to study and complete stuffs.

*i jst dnt knw hw to do like planning and stuffs and do my works according to it. bcz i tried making notion templates regarding everything and do all the stuffs in one day and bcm a wonder women in one day but i did nthng. and then i deleted my whole notion page bcz i jst dk hw to do. i also tried bullet journaling that didn't work s well. i jst dk wht do everything is jst messed up.

*also i feel so embarrassing talking to someone verbally in english bcz idk i jst start saying nonsense words like i realy dk hw to speak english even though I've been speaking since i was 4.

*i am just struggling with all the aspects of my life. and idk hw to just start.

*also like i jst be scared to talk to someone or even speaking in class or anything i jst stand there being embarrased and getting weird looks from everyone in my class. no one even asks me anything bcz they know tht idk anything and everyone looks down at me like my own parents too.

*and my sleep schedule is also a mess rn. and like the whole day i jst keep making fake scenarios in my mind tht i dnt feel like i am in the prsent my brain jst gets numb and i dnt feel any thing in the present its jst like yea the prsenet is somewht gng on but i hv no idea wht is gng on i jst forget everything. this is gng on since many years. evn at school i jst dont listn to any lecturs bcz of this. i think my thinkinh capabilities has also gone. i jst forget things very easily.

*i wanna workout to remove my leg fat but i end up planning many thiings in one day like focusing my whole body this and that and then i give up that toooo.

i hope i get a reply from you :(

Hey! Just saw this part of your question.

I get what you're going through. You want to make things better, but you're not sure where to start.

If planning tools like Notion or bullet journaling don't work for you, that's fine. Try making a list or using your phone's notes section. That's what I do.

When it comes to talking in English, it's okay if you feel scared or mess up sometimes. You're being tough on yourself and caring too much about what others might say. This is something many people go through. But let's shift our attention away from others and focus on how you can handle this feeling of not being sure about yourself.

Are you truly putting effort into improving yourself, or do you give up as soon as things get tough? This matters a lot because you need to make a real commitment. If not, you'll just keep going around in circles of negativity. If you want to exercise, then go ahead and exercise. What is stopping you? Think about it? Just yourself. That is quite literally it.

If your sleep schedule is messed up and you feel disconnected, try setting a routine for sleep and doing things that help you stay present, like meditation or going for a walk.

I can tell you're feeling pretty down and everything seems gloomy right now. I understand, and it's not a good feeling. But there will come a time, and it looks like you're getting there, when you'll need to stand up and take charge of your life again.

If you really want to work on all of these things, you need to cut/stop doing all of the negative things you are doing now and only focusing on the version of you that you want to identify with. Change might feel tough, but staying stuck in one place is tough too. You get to pick which kind of tough you want to deal with.

I am going to teach you right now what you need to do if you really do want to work on yourself.

Write down things that make you feel not so good that you want to change.

Next to each item, write down how you can make these things better. For example, if you're not exercising enough, you could start taking short walks every day.

Forget the old version of you exists. Imagine you used to eat a lot of junk food and that made you feel tired. Decide that you won't go back to eating junk food even when you feel like it. You need to really have a vision for yourself and who you want to be. This is important because it will be how you motivate yourself.

Keep finding new ways to make your situation better. If you're trying to be more social, maybe you could join a club or group where you can meet new people.

Exercise and incorporate more healthy meals into your diet. Exercising will not only make you feel good but it will also help you look good.

Take care of your appearance. When you look good you feel good and vice versa. You will become more motivated and confident.

Stop procrastinating. Set realistic and achievable goals. This will help you boost your confidence as well as increase your levels of productivity and discipline.

Get hobbies. Learn new things, figure out your passions and pursue them. Live a life of purpose so you don't continue to feel like you are just floating through life.

Avoid negative content or really anything that no longer aligns with the version of you that you want to be. You want to change your life? You want to be a different version of yourself? What does that person look like? How do they act? What do they do? Your whole life should be consumed with those examples and those examples ONLY.

Learn a new skill and practice it daily. This will help you grow as a person. Develop critical thinking skills. You learn new things and become smarter. It will make life more interesting and exciting for you.

Keep promises to yourself. If you don't take care of yourself, who will? People will treat you how you treat yourself.

REPLACE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS WITH POSITIVE ONES. Pay attention to how you talk to yourself because you are listening and your mind is normalizing these ideas.

By doing these things, you can feel better, be more confident, do well in your tasks, try new stuff, have good relationships, make good choices, stay positive, and be someone others trust. It helps you have a happy life where you learn and grow while being kind to yourself and others around you <3

[cinamun]

Hey fren! I have a ton of questions. Lmk if I’m being too intrusive or nosey lol.

I love your story, I always have to give you your flowers when I write you!! All hail the Queen 🙌🏾🙌🏾💐💐💐

Ok my questions:

For starting out posting and editing, do you keep a schedule for yourself to stay organized? Rn I’m finally posting on my simblr after 3 years but I find myself just constantly taking screenies instead of posting and organizing the story. It feels chaotic lol the only organizing I’ve done just for game play in general is shopping for CC every other day (it’s an addiction)

A question I wanted to ask for a while is, if you are commissioning someone for poses what are the average prices you pay (or better yet, what do you think a good price is to pay for pose commission)? Sometimes I have these perfect poses in my head and when I’ve searched for hours I normally just end up giving up.

Lastly, I noticed your post from yesterday said you had 25 photos loaded in photoshop. Do you have all the art board (or images) side by side to edit them consistently and simultaneously?

Thank you if you answer!!

Good morning bestie!! Let me just go on ahead and adjust this crown right quick lol THANK YOU and I got you!

I'm chaotic and impulsive but I have a little bit of a routine. Follow me under the cut!

Okay, SO!! For the first question about posting and editing.... I usually have an idea for the next scene while working on the previous one. So when I go in-game for story updates, the idea is already there and I'm just setting up shots and making the scenes look good. I don't have a schedule other than my posting schedule, so when you mention last night, I was editing pics that I had taken earlier in the day or the day before. So my schedule is usually sitting in photoshop all night the day before I post.

For pose commissions, I've only done that twice. I've had real good luck over the years finding poses or animations for anything I've needed. I would say make an offer to donate to them if you know their shit is dope and move anywhere between $5 to $10 USD. For the poses I commissioned, they weren't released publically so that's extra special (tip them more!). Also keep in mind if you're asking for accessories to be used, how many sims are in the pose, etc. For pose searching, try to be as vague as you can. "ts4 cleaning poses" and then see what comes up is one example and don't shy away from animations! They work with pose player, most without WW and can make for some great screenshots.

I load up all the pictures in Photoshop plus whatever templates I'm using (like the texting one or the dust overlays), and edit in order of sequence. This is where all the dialogue happens so sometimes I edit out of order if I know the dialogue for one scene already and maybe not the others. I hope i'm making sense lol. I spend a lot of time on this part because the words might change given which picture I've decided on (some scenes I take multiple screenshots of and multiple angles and then decide later which one to use). I go pic by pic, doing editing and adding dialogue individually then saving them, closing them and moving on to the next one. Once I'm completely done then I flip through them a few times as if I were the reader to try and catch any typos, etc.

This got really long but let me know if that helps or if I can elaborate more!!

[melodygatesauthor]

Weekly Update - 05/18/2023

Hey all! I think I'm going to start doing weekly updates since I have a lot going on and a lot of fics in the works! I want you to know what I'm currently working on (WIPs) and I'll also toss some life updates in here as well. I'm also going to mention requests I have in the pipeline and when I'm expecting to complete them. Maybe your request is in there! (It probably is)

Going forward the updates will be on Sunday, I'm just doing this now because I have ADHD and it's on my mind today lol.

Since I've been really following the winds of inspiration lately, I want to keep doing that so I'm just putting this here so you know where the winds are blowing lmao.

I'll also mention if I think my current longfic is going to be delayed or anything here as well.

Gonna cut it up into sections to keep it consistent and easy:

Long/Chaptered Fic Updates

Currently I'm working on A Bit Dodgy, as many of you know. There will NOT be an update this Monday (05/22/2023). Though I will be working on it this week for @welcometostayingawake to edit and I'll have it to post by 05/29/2023 (that's the goal). If it's going to be pushed back again, I'll let you all know the Sunday before (05/28/2023).

Mini-series Update

Worth the Risk Part 3 should be out this week. That's the goal anyway. I have a good chunk of it done but there's still a lot to do. <- Still hoping to have this out this week but we will see (05/22/2023)

Uploading The Fractured Moon Part 2 (either tonight or tomorrow yay) Continuing to chip away at The Fractured Moon Part 3

There's a top secret fic series coming out HOPEFULLY this weekend, but it may be next weekend instead depending on how quickly I can get it finished. I'm losing my mind over it. (It's a 3 parter and all 3 parts are coming out at the same time teehee) <- Editing that today 05/22/2023. Hope to be done with it by tonight!

In June there's a writing challenge for Pride that @flightlessangelwings is putting on and I'm working on my fic for that so I'll be announcing more for that fic once I have the details better outlined!

Fool Me Twice should be getting a part 2 soon. I'm hoping I'll feel inspired to at least start it this week but maybe not. <- Taking this off the list for this week. Focusing on ABD and requests (05/22/2023).

Still considering doing 2 other parts for The OJ Problem but honestly, it's not that exciting to me rn. Since it's more of a Valentine's Day fic I might consider just doing those next year. <- Taking this off the list for this week. Focusing on ABD and requests (05/22/2023) will probably just put this on for next year for valentine's day.

Requests

I still have a sizeable amount of requests. REQUESTS ARE STILL CLOSED CURRENTLY. If your request is in blue, that means I'm going to try to work on it this week (05/21-05/27). If it's in pink, I'm going to try to work on it a different week. It's taking me a while to get into the headspace for some of them so thank you for your patience. Green means it's done I'm just working on editing now. They are posted in no real order, just working on them as I feel inspired to.

Blue Jones X f!Reader requested by @saraicus

There are 2 prompts in particular that I liked from the list you sent so I'll be doing them. - His eyeliner running down as he’s banging you against his desk - You’re a new patient and he just grows overprotective towards you. Doesn’t want you to meet other men and keeps you in solitary confinement for his jealousy sake.

Moon Boys X f!Reader by @ravenz-hope

Gamer reader and the boys getting angsty over her being too obsessed with the game (most relatable thing ever) <- Haven't had the time to set up the post but this will be coming out very soon. Need to finish editing as well (05/22/2023)

Moon Boys X f!Reader by @simpforbritgents

Asking for something like Feeling Flustered where the moon boys are doing guided phone sex.

Moon Boys X f!Reader by @mercuryrosesixx

Moon Boys w/ a f!Reader w/ nipple piercings. <- Started working on headcanons (05/22/2023).

Marc Spector X f!Reader by @blueflowerhat

Marc shower sex based on AI prompt.

Steven Grant X f!Reader by Anon -

Steven and Reader are both virgins. Marc is guiding/coaching Steven.

Doctor Marc Spector X Patient Reader by @burnincrown

Role Reversal (sort of) of Not a Doctor - Marc is the doc, reader is the patient and he takes advantage - Dark Fic

Nathan Bateman X f!Reader by @campingwiththecharmings

This is the prompt that hit me like a Nathan-shaped mac truck! -> “if you don’t like my teasing why are you moaning”

Nathan Bateman X f!Reader by Anon

Cam girl reader x Nathan - Nathan turns to a cam girl, he's been kinda stalking her. (Excited hehe)

That's it for right now. I'm a busy lady as usual but I like having a few different projects going at once! More coming soon! Thanks for always being so awesome and supportive. Love you all!

[cafeinthemoon]

Ruins - Chapter VI

Chapter 6

Wordcount 3,5 k

Title Part VI

Fandom Shuumatsu no Valkyrie / Record of Ragnarok

Pairing Hades X reader

Previous chapters

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5

Symbols ⭕ . ➕ . 💛

Warning (s): none

Tagging @darling-imobsessed (if you want to be tagged in any of my stories, just send an ask or a message 😉)

N. A.: So I've been trying to deal with a creative block at the precise moment when y/n-chan was supposed to finally connect the dots and figure out the god's identity, which made me so insecure about this chapter that I almost gave up on posting it to rewrite it from the first line, but I decided that the way she ends up solving the mystery matches what is expected from a fairy tale or a myth, where most things happen by coincidence or by a superior force's will. The complete line of thought that led her to the solution will be revealed in the next two chapters if everything sets as planned, but for now I hope you enjoy how things are going rn :)

The days after the party’s announcement passed like a dream, blended in just one big, vague memory of excitement, anxiety and countless activities. All the girls had much work to do, but they were never seen tired or complaining: the cleaning of the spaces that were going to be used as dining room and dancing hall; the decoration; the rehearsals for the presentations and in which order they should happen… there were so many things to worry about that the few hours of free time were used only to rest and cheer. 

You, on your part, were excited as well, but other things occupied your thoughts.  

Days have passed since Hermes stopped you on your way to the Library. You’ve been following his advice about analyzing your conversations with the mysterious god as best as you could, but no matter how you recalled them, nothing came to your mind in order to help with the enigma. And, despite not being able to make an exception and allow you into the Library, he could have at last brought you a book or two, right? As far as you knew, there were no rules against it. But it was like he wasn’t willing to move a finger in this sense. You were starting to think that Hermes was the one who didn’t want you to figure out the truth. But what would he gain by acting that way? 

As if I’d be able to understand... 

One day, after lunch, you were so tired that you almost gave up on going back to the room where you’ve been assigned to work just to stay alone for a moment. You lied on your bed and closed your eyes, sighing.  

This way, I'm not going anywhere. I won’t be able to keep my word and give him the answer when we meet again.  

The day of the festivity was the deadline you established for yourself, for you were sure the next encounter would happen during it: from the Gardens to the corridors, the kitchen, the rooms and everywhere you girls were allowed to stay at, there was no sign of him; it was like he was waiting for this occasion as well. 

Unsurprisingly, Hermes was keeping silence about his disappearance since that day at the Library’s corridor, but though you didn’t talk to him concerning the case anymore, he kept an eye on you as he’s been doing since the start, always checking if you were eating and sleeping well just as he did to the other girls. 

Speaking of them, you also noticed that none of the apprentices seemed to know about the god’s existence: you’ve heard no conversations about a man with his description or anything that might have had the slightest connection to him; your little meetings also seemed to be known only by you and Hermes-sama, and you were never questioned about your lonely wanderings. Yes, you’d certainly hate to invent stories to maintain your privacy or to tell the truth and become the perfect target to gossip, but the man’s invisibility didn’t make it less strange. 

On the other hand, you couldn’t say you didn’t have your cheering moments: many times – more than you’d like to admit – you caught yourself wishing to see the party’s day finally coming, the moment you would enter the decorated room, observing the people around you, the talking, the laughter, the smells of the food and the drinks, and among all these elements confusing your senses you would find him, his beauty, his calm, deep aura taking over his surroundings, attracting eyes of surprise and fear as he would make his way to you… or he would be faster and appear behind you, greeting you with one of his gentle smiles, but having fun watching your startle. Yes, you were even eager to see the other girls’ reaction when they would first see him, hear his voice, sense his power; you found yourself giggling at the idea. 

But, regarding your connection, what was going to happen after you give him the answer? Would he be willing to continue the sequence of light, polite talks you started just a few days ago? Or would he be just interested in seeing if you were wise enough to decipher this mystery, and wouldn’t mind leaving you aside in case you didn’t match his expectations? No, it couldn’t be. It didn’t fit him, didn’t it? 

You smiled to the air. 

It’s so funny how I’m suddenly full of certainties when it comes to him. 

Was all of this right, or even healthy? You weren’t sure, but for a girl raised with other people’s wishes and expectations tossed at her regardless her will, thinking of this as the only wish you wanted to carry with you was tempting, enjoyable. Thinking of him was like granting yourself permission to feel safe. 

It’s not bad. So that for now, I’m giving in to it. 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

The day of the festivity came at last, but no insight came to you with it. Your deadline was almost over, but you still had no answer to the god’s enigma. 

In the morning, most of the girls were out of their beds a few minutes after the sun rose up. However, even when they left the rooms after that, they didn’t let the others sleep for a little more, for they came back right after breakfast to give the news: each girl was going to receive a jewel to wear during the event, accessories specially designed by Weland, Athena (who apparently wanted to reestablish her connections to Valhalla) and Vulcan as a request from the girls’ divine tutors. 

You were one of those who stayed in bed for a little longer and despite choosing to not participate in the conversation, you couldn’t help paying attention to it. 

– Hermes-sama said that each jewel was made according to our preferences and personality – a girl sitting on the bed on the right side of yours was explaining to the one lying on it – Even the colors were carefully selected! 

– And they’re of many types! – a second apprentice replied from the door – Some of them are necklaces, and others are earrings! 

This excited the presents, provoking loud and multiple replies. 

– Really? I love earrings! 

– Do you think our master chose a jewel with a purple stone for me? I remember mentioning purple as my favorite color once… 

– I think our group will receive matching jewels. What do you think? 

Many other questions of this kind were made and repeated until you understood you wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep, so you stood up and went to take care of yourself. 

In the bathroom, Amalia, the girl who slept in the bed at the left side of yours and who also couldn’t find a tutor, told you additional details about the jewels that she heard at the kitchen. 

– Apparently, we who have not guardians will receive jewels as well – she was saying while brushing her hair – But ours will be in the form of hairpins or something like that. Honestly, I prefer hairpins. What do you think, y/n-san? 

You couldn’t care less about wearing a jewel on your hair or neck, but in respect to Amalia you replied with honesty. 

– I don’t have specific preferences, because I’m not used to jewels, but I’m sure they will send us beautiful things – you finished drying your face – So I’m happy with this. 

Amalia laughed at this answer. 

– Sometimes you sound so modest that I can’t believe a word you say! 

And that was your turn to laugh. You didn’t see yourself as this modest; you just thought you were conscious about your own limits. This attitude might have stolen the fun from you in some occasions in the past, but saved you in many others, and you believed you could live with that. 

And with such challenge under my responsibility right now, my limits are as clear as day. 

 

 

 

*** 

 

 

 

The room was as crowded and as noisy as a lodge for dozens of girls getting dressed to a big party could be that evening. The elves who served at Valhalla have brought the clothes, shoes, make up and many other necessary items earlier, and now everyone was occupied in using them to become the best version of themselves among the sounds of rustling skirts, the regular noises of high heels being tested as their owners walked between the beds, little screams, laughter of excitement, gossip spreading across the space and exclamations of anger and frustration for makeup and hair styling mistakes that were promptly fixed. 

The girls without tutors, as expected, were given dresses that resembled each other as if they belonged to the same category – and maybe it would work as a strategy to make them easy to identify among the gods – but each piece was still unique, especially due to the variety of colors. 

You, on your part, received a long, flowing dress with a high collar and a discreet front with no cleavage, but loosen sleeves that would leave your shoulders at sight, and an elastic stripe at your waist’s height. The fabric was of a soothing shade that you would describe as dusty, old pink. You looked at yourself in the mirror while brushing your hair and ended up satisfied with what you were seeing: it was impressive that, though you were never invited to have your measurements taken, they made everything your exact size. 

They must have spent an abnormal amount of time studying us. 

The sound of firm, regular knocks on the room’s large doors caught the attention of all the girls, who stopped what they were doing as one of them went to answer the call. By the rhythm of the knocks, all of you knew who was waiting on the outside. 

– Hermes-sama! – the girl who opened the door to the god took a step behind, as to open the way for him. 

Hermes walked in with a cheerful smile to greet you. 

– I can see you’re all doing your best to look presentable, children – and passing his eyes all over the room – As you can suppose, I came to call you to receive your gifts. 

The girls let out exclamations of joy, understanding that he was talking about the jewels. 

– I’m going to call you individually or in groups, according to the number of disciples of each deity – Hermes explained – Then, an elf will lead you to the room of the festivity, where the gods are waiting. Now, the ones who are ready, please, take a step ahead! 

The girls elevated their voices in approval, and the Olympian began to call the groups according to their guardian, starting by the most important ones such as Shiva, then passing to the minor deities, nymphs and elves that inhabited Vallhala. Hermes would indicate the place where the apprentices should meet their guide and receive their gifts, then come back to the room and call the next ones. The girls without guardianship would be the last ones and would be called in groups. 

That was a long process since the room you were lodged were one of the most crowded that year, so some of the girls took the chance to give a final touch to their looks. You were ready, so you sat on your bed and took a moment to take one last look at your notes. Your fingers trembled upon the pages. 

I’m sorry, my Lord. But I guess I won’t be able to keep my promise. 

The girls who were under the minor gods’ wings had more time to take care of the minor details on their looks, but as time passed, they grew impatient, so that mistakes were made. 

By the time Hermes came to call the last group – so that only you and the others without guardians were left – two girls were in front of a mirror trying to fix one’s makeup: apparently, an asymmetry was noticed in the eyeliner of the girl who was sitting in the vanity by her friend and this latter offered herself to fix the problem, but the excessive use of water caused an accident that made the other desperate. 

– I told you it was too much water! – she was crying out – Now look at my state! I’ll never conquer anyone with this appearance! 

You were close enough to hear the conversation and to observe the girls, and one look at the weeping one convinced you that the mistake was not impossible to be fixed, but you doubted that she would listen in case you said that out loud. You were still with your notebook open on your lap, but forgot it for a moment as you paid attention to the girls’ interaction. 

The girl managing the water recipient, standing beside the vanity, wasn’t the type who just listens to complains in a passive way. 

– If you stood still when I told you so, that would never happen! – she was scolding her friend – Now, stop screaming and let’s try again! 

And after the other’s reluctant agreement, she restarted her work. 

– What if Hermes-sama calls us first? – the girl with the messed make up asked with genuine preoccupation. 

– In this case, we can simply ask him to call us later. There must be no problem in this. We’re all going to receive our jewels, right? – she sighed, speaking more to herself than to her partner – Please, stand still… Heavens, will you never learn? 

You stared at the small bowl full of water as those last words echoed inside your head. 

Learn… When was the last time I thought about this? 

The water was stirred when the girl put the wiper on it again, and you remembered the conversation at the secret garden. 

When I was a child, our house was near the coast. I used to sit at its entry and observe as the ships would come and go… 

Why looking at the water should make you think about your house by the sea? You didn’t know, but decided not to interrupt the stream of thoughts. 

There are… so much knowledge I want to gather… 

You said that to him. You said how much you wanted to learn, to live an exciting life just like the people who traveled on those ships. Because the more one would learn, the more they would grow. 

Grow? 

A scary, sudden idea cracked inside your brain at that word. 

You looked down at your notes again. According to the enigma, the third brother’s domain inspired love and fear, and through these feelings it educated humanity. What were the exact words used by the god on this part? You searched for them with a nervous finger slipping through the paper. They were… 

Through it the men will grow. 

Yes, those were the words! Through his domain. Through… 

Water! 

So, the third brother ruled above water… above the seas! Of course! Traveling through them has led men to expand territories, gather knowledge and reach prosperity. The sea has made men grow in many senses, but while men loved the water, they knew that perils and tragedies were waiting for them in it, leading to a justified fear. Love and fear were united in the human heart when it came to the sea. And who was the Lord of the Seas? 

Another Olympian, known by Hermes-sama. 

Poseidon-sama! 

And in this case, the other brothers should be… 

Zeus-sama, Lord of Heaven, where only a few were allowed. Adamas-sama, God of Conquer, who doesn’t possess a physical domain, but it was publicly known that he lived with one of his brothers in his kingdom. And this brother... 

The advice you received from Hermes the day you showed him your notes emerged at that moment. 

I know there are precious details you can recall from your encounters with him. 

Your conversations then came back to you in shattered pieces, as to prove him right. 

This place… is the same of my own dreams… And it is part of Hellheim... 

The soil of my domains is not appropriate for the species... 

A way to soothe my yearning for these lands… 

Yes, you’ve studied about this once. The Greek pantheon has four ancient brothers whose power is unparalleled, and you have met the fourth, the eldest one. The god with the most terrifying of the divine domains under his command. One to where the men will always go, sooner or later. 

Right when they die. 

You closed your notebook suddenly and startled, having to gather all your strength to not scream, not only because of your discovery, but also because you heard your name being called from the door, maybe not for the first time. 

You raised your eyes to the room’s entry and felt your face burning in embarrassment. 

– You seem a bit distracted tonight, Y/n-chan! – Hermes was saying with his usually calm, modest smile – I understand your anxiety, but can you please collaborate and come to receive your gift? 

Your response was to give him a clumsy apology and hide your notebook in a drawer under your bed, then approach the door with trembling hands. A quick exchange of looks between you as you passed the doorway and both of you knew that something was about to happen. 

Only after leaving the room, you realized how strange it was being called separately instead of accompanying the other girls without guardians, but you didn’t question your guide about this: he might know what he was doing. 

Instead of leading you to an elf as he did to the previous girls, Hermes walked with you to another corridor, out of the other girls’ reach, and put a small, black box with fine, delicate ornaments in silver and red stone, in your hands; he pressed a little button to open its cover, and the interior revealed a hairpin made of noblest, polished silver that would end in a splendid couple of two flowers – narcissus – with the same reddish stones of the outside as petals. The leaves around them, also made of silver, had a sharpness on their edges that made you think they were gathered to form a weapon more than a hair accessory. 

Your eyes widened at the sight of the object, and even knowing it was made for you, you didn’t try to touch it. 

– It’s... beautiful beyond description, Hermes-sama… 

The man giggled. He has been observing your reaction since the start and, apparently, was having fun with it. 

– An appropriate gift… don’t you think? 

You raised your eyes to him, not taking long to understand. Hermes put in words what you didn’t dare say: 

– Yes, he sent this to you. Unlike the other jewels that were made by the Artisans, he made this himself. He personally collected the silver and the gems formed in the caves of his domain and used his abilities to create a replica of the narcissus you saw on the fields of Valhalla. 

So... he still remembered the brief chat you had about Valhalla’s narcissus and why they were in bloom regardless the season and created a version of them using precious materials. 

Silver and gems… from Hellheim. 

You didn’t reply to that. Hermes took the hairpin from the box and went behind you to do your hair. Only then you gathered courage to speak about your discovery. 

– Hermes-sama. 

– Yes? 

– The enigma. I solved it. I figured it out. 

You sensed when his hands stopped moving for a second before he replied. He wasn’t as surprised as you expected. 

– I see. It happened moments before I called you, didn’t it? 

– Yes. 

He finished his work, taking a moment to observe the result, making small adjustments here and there. 

– Perfect – he spoke more to himself than to you. 

You closed the box in your hands and gave it back to him when he took his place before you again. 

– So… are you ready to go, Y/n? 

You nodded, but gave him no verbal response. He frowned in preoccupation. 

– How are you feeling? Are you alright? 

– Yes, yes, I am – you shrugged – I just don’t know exactly what I’m feeling, and I fear what I’m going to feel once I… 

Hermes smiled. 

– Once you see him and give him the answer? 

You made an affirmative gesture. He thought of it for an instant. 

– Hm… In this case, allow me to tell you a secret – and lowering his tone as to be heard only by you, – He is eager to meet you again and to have your answer. The last time I saw him today, he was anxious as yourself. 

At heat came up to your face when you heard that. A god – an ancient, powerful god like the Ruler of Hellheim – was anxious to meet you? Could you believe that, or was Hermes just being dramatic? 

He might have noticed your disbelief, for with a giggle, he offered you his arm and held the box with the other. 

– Allow me to lead you to the festivity’s place, child. Hades-sama is waiting for you.

Part VII