#and this p.e. teacher sort of fit

[masterofiodine]

bbc ghosts modern au!!

making up their outfits was really fun (especially kitty and thomas, he would look great in skirt)

[darlingofsatoru]

—HEARTSTRINGS UNBOUND (intros)

A Sukuna/reader smau— In which you fall for the stereotypical bad boy in high school, who just happens to be a friend you made in middle school.

YOUR FRIENDGROUP:

[Name] Gojo

-Dubbed most horrible taste in boys in the group.

-Horrendously down bad for Ryomen Sukuna, a boy who you met in middle school and never got over.

Nobara Kugisaki

-A shopping obsessed teen who always manages to get her friends to pay for her clothes and bags.

-Your friend who you met in p.e, where you both did nothing the whole lesson and somehow grew into best friends.

Megumi Fushiguro

-A stoic and quiet boy with a knack for getting into drama despite his avoidance of it.

-Nobodies sure how he joined the Friendgroup, Yuji just sort of introduced him one day and.. bam.

Maki Zenin

-The girl everyone goes to for genuine advice or opinions.

-You met at the start of highschool at lunchtime, where you were both sitting quietly next to each other. You spoke up & you’re most definitely two of the closest in the group.

Toge Inumaki

-Looks shy but is secretly a HUGE gossiper.

-Met you through Yuta & connected with you by getting milkshakes together a few times, which is now a habit.

Yuta Okkutsu

-An awkward boy who is merciless to those who insult or hurt his friends, despite his smiley or scared nature.

-You met him whilst Maki was talking to him & you just sort of became friends over time from continuously seeing each other.

Yuji Itadori

-An often very happy teenager who has a surprising talent for sporty activities yet struggles greatly with academic activities.

-You ran into him one day and he felt bad at the books dropping on your head, so he insisted on taking you to the nurses office just in case.

Panda

-A sarcastic yet cheerful student.

-Met him through Gojo, a senior who introduced Panda into the Friendgroup (who was happily accepted & fitted in well).

HIS FRIENDGROUP:

Ryomen Sukuna

-An extremely well known student, both for looks and fear.

-You met Sukuna in middle school, being the only one who bothered to give him a pen. From there on, you’d stop by his desk and eventually end up sitting together at lunch or parks as you got older.

Kenjaku Geto

-A calm and calculating boy who’s related to an older student; Suguru (who just happens to be your brother’s best friend).

-You met him very briefly when you had to do a test in the same room thanks to both of you missing it but haven’t really met elsewhere.

Uraume

-A quiet yet often borderlining rude person.

-You met many times, with Uraume finding your presence almost enjoyable in the rare study sessions and small talk.

Mahito

-A loud and proud teen who is often in detention for silly things & is hated by nearly half of the school for his antics.

-You haven’t met him but he’s seen you because of Yuji’s presence, might wanna watch out for him..

Dragon

-A curse only really in the group because of Jogo but liked by Hanami & Mahito anyway.

-You’ve yet to cross paths.

Hanami

-A lightly gentle yet also extremely opposite person who dislikes most but their friends.

-You’ve never spoken or glanced at each other.

Jogo

-An arrogant, irritable yet intelligent boy.

-You’ve sat next to each other in maths one class, when a substitute teacher rearranged the seating & had no further interaction.

EXTRAS:

Mai Zenin

-A classmate of yours who’s known for snarky comments & her distantness with her sister.

-You met when you first joined the school and are chill, who knows, you could always become friends?

Satoru Gojo

-Resident popular boy who’s two years older than you.

-A good older brother who is usually never at home despite that fact, being at parties or simply friend’s houses.

Suguru Geto

-A responsible popular boy; best friend of Satoru.

-You met him whilst you were about 10 and he was 13 because of Satoru. You’re not hugely close but he’s welcoming and you text each other about your brother occasionally.

One | two | three

[roseofithaca]

Ten Questions For Silver

(Transcript of Alison interviewing my ghost oc for the Button House Archives)

Alison, recording/writing: Ten Questions For Silver. Okay, this isn't officially the first one but, I gotta ask it anyway, why the name change?

Silver: Two reasons. One, I always hated the name Louise. Bullies at school used to call me Louis or Lewis or, my favourite, Loo Face.

Alison: Fair enough.

Silver: Second reason, when I got into Wicca all the books said it was common to choose a more 'witchy name'. Silver is my favourite metal and corresponds with the moon. Robyn - with a y - because Robin Hood was always my favourite Disney hero as a kid.

Alison: Did you fancy the fox?

Silver: I might have fancied the fox, I think we can all admit to that.

Alison: No comment.

Silver: Plus the birds are pretty. No relation to a certain annoying caveman, just a coincidence. And Ravenstar because...it honestly just sounded cool.

Alison: Gotcha. Okay, onto the real questions. Where were you born?

Silver: Under the sign of Pisces, on a waxing moon evening-

Alison: I meant, like, geographically.

Silver: Oh. Colchester General, Essex.

Alison: And how did you die?

Silver: Julian keeps telling everyone I O.D'd on magic mushrooms, which is obviously a lie! It was a brain aneurism. Honestly, I just think he likes to make it clear he wasn't the only ghost who was high as a kite when he croaked.

Alison: *snigger*

Alison: Favourite food?

Silver: I was a bit of a chocoholic in life. Galaxy, Thorntons, Milky Bars, Munchies! Thank the gods my uncle was a dentist.

Alison: Hmm.

Silver: Ooh, if I had to pick one, it would be Echo bars!

Alison: I remember them. They got discontinued!

Silver: Noooooo! That's the saddest thing I've ever heard!

Alison: Sorry! Moving on then, favourite drink?

Silver: White Russian vodka. It was my first proper cocktail on my sweet sixteenth.

Alison: Nice. Favourite song?

Silver: Bring Me To Life by Evanescence. Which is kinda ironic, the more I think about it. Do you remember them?

Alison: Yeah, I was more a Girls Aloud sort of kid.

Silver: Oh. Plastic.

Alison: Sorry?

Silver: Nothing!

Alison: Uh huh. Favourite sport?

Silver: *long, drawn out groan* I guess...telling my teacher I was on my period to get out of P.E.

Alison: *snigger* I did that too.

Silver: Unless it was trampolining! That was pretty cool. And really hard to lose at.

Alison: Biggest regret?

Silver: Never getting to kiss a girl.

Alison: Aww, you died before your first kiss?

Silver: Oh no, I kissed loads, but they were all boys and...it was like 'meh'? I started realising I was more into girls but...never got the chance to 'test drive' if you get me. Fuck, that sounded misogynistic. I need to spend less time with Julian.

Alison: Well, you never know. It could still happen in your afterlife.

Silver: That's what Mary said. Don't suppose you happen to know any fit queer girls you could bring here and...?

Alison: What? Murder?

Silver: In a nice way! Painless and all that.

Alison: Is that not against your whole Wiccan code of not harming anyone?

Silver: Not if you do it.

Alison: Right. Well let's just stick in a pin that idea for now and I'll think about it, okay.

Alison: Fondest memory?

Silver: Oh, that's hard. There's a few from when I was alive, visiting Stone Henge with my dad, the first time we brought home my dog Jess when she was a puppy. But I guess I'd have to go with Winter Solstice 2009.

Alison: What happened there?

Silver: Well because of the whole, y'know, sleeping curse thing, I often miss out on major events, including holidays. Even the Sabbats, my pagan festivals. But that Yule fell on a full moon so I got to be awake. Even better, the guys all joined in with me and Robin to do our ritual! Even Mary got involved. She made herself to penance for weeks after but she joined in that night for me and...shit, I'm getting a bit teary now. I just never imagined I'd have friends like this, you know?

Alison: Aww! That is really sweet. Maybe I can join you guys on the next one?

Silver: That'd be cool. Fanny did the math and said the next full moon on the Solstice is...I think she said, 2038?

Alison: ....I'll set a reminder. And until then we can just have a little mini Christmas when you wake up around that time.

Silver: Yule. Not Christmas. Though it's basically the same, the Christians stole everything that's fun from pagan traditions. The tree, the wreath, even Father Christmas, they're all from Norse and Celtic culture, did you know that?

Alison: Yes, both you and Robin went on a very long rant about it when I was putting up the mistletoe.

Silver: That was mainly to keep Thomas away from you.

Alison: Oh! Then thanks for that.

Alison: Worst Trait?

Silver: I've been told that I can be too opinionated and that I also 'infodump' my interests to people when they're not interested, but I honestly think people just need to try to have more of an open mind, if they just tried to look outside their own bubble they'd be surprised what they could learn, I mean look at Mary, when she first met me she had all these preconceived judgements and misinformation about witchcraft but when she took the time to listen I went into all the history-

Alison: (Author's Note: my wrist began to cramp from attempting to write this answer down so I let Silver continue talking while I quickly washed the dishes, did the ironing and sorted mine and Mike's dinner for the evening before sitting back down with her).

Silver: -and now she understands that the devil of her religion and the Horned God of my practice are two separate entities, and that was just another lie spread by the church to make us seem evil when we're not.

Silver: Sorry, what was the question?

Alison: Oh you already answered it, it's fine.

Alison: Final question. Do you have any words of advice?

Silver: Don't do drugs.

Alison: That....makes sense.

Silver: Nah, I'm just kidding. Uh, to quote my favourite other dead person; "speak as you finds and don't lets any man-one take away thy voice."

Alison: Wow. She really was special, wasn't she.

Silver: (a/n: she nods, suddenly quiet and staring at her hands)

Alison: You okay?

Silver, smiling: Yeah, I'm just...still really bummed about those Echo bars, you know?

Alison: Yeah, I miss them too. Thank you, Silver.

Silver: Thank you. Blessed Be and Merry Part.

Alison: ....Indeed.

[fshoulders]

Incredibly true. I went through 10 years of compulsory Physical Education at school and all it did was make me miserable and contemptuous of fitness and anyone who pursued it. The President’s Tests, getting picked last, my chronic asthma: a boring litany of humiliation — the first few years of it set to the A and B side of one single mix-tape (no wonder I still have trouble liking 80s pop.)

Past a certain point, of course, my bad attitude didn’t help. I remember walking the compulsory mile without running at all as a sort of dumb-insolence protest. Running in particular was absolute misery and even after my asthma diagnosis, no one understood (least of all me) that even when I didn’t have any attacks, I was walking around with 50% large airway occlusion and was not faking being devastatingly (excuse me, “over-dramatically”) winded after one or two laps.

Whenever I actually enjoyed something (obstacle course, hurdles, climbing wall, racquet sports) the teachers seemed bemused. When I got too involved in flag football or basketball and ran myself into a wheezing mess, I don’t remember any support or advice. Gods help you if you “whined” to a female P.E. teacher that you didn’t feel up to running because you had bad cramps.

I now know that if I watch my lungs and my heart rate, I can take short breaks and return to running, and if I do that over time my asthma — not just my performance, but my 24/7 experience of small lung capacity — is improved. I now know that moderate aerobic exercise and calisthenics can reduce the knock-on muscle tension and gut problems that come with cramps, and if done regularly can actually reduce the cramp pain. None of that was ever taught to me in P.E., even when I went to a posh high school with a class size of around 15.

I don’t have an Education degree and I don’t know how P.E. classes should be taught to make them not a smelly echoing hell of social cruelty: but I know it would do a lot of good. P.E. should teach kids how to listen to their bodies and find things they like and are good at to pursue lifelong; teach them how exercise can benefit them and their happiness and health.

Instead, it put me off the entire topic so much it’s a wonder that at age 24 I randomly felt like running one day. I scraped some shorts out of a drawer and put on my high school junior varsity tennis team shoes and ran until I was tired, then stopped and rested, the ran again. I got to stop whenever I wanted. I got to decide when to turn around and go home. No one was looking at me and jeering. When I took a puff of my inhaler, no one was examining me for signs of malingering. It was an immense yet stupid revelation, and one I absolutely shouldn’t have had to bumble and wheeze into by myself.

more people would exercise if this culture didn't make it absolute hell

[krmangalamworldschool]

The Importance Of Physical Education In Schools

With more technological advancements, the lack of physical activity has increased a lot in recent years. This is why the importance of physical education in schools has increased a lot as almost one-third of a child’s day is spent at school where physical activities can be integrated in a much more effective and engaging manner. So in this blog, we’ll dive into the importance of physical education in schools and how schools can integrate physical activities to improve the health of their students. 

What Is The Importance Of Physical Education In Schools 

The most important thing in the world is to have a healthy body and mind that can get you through any situation you face and regular physical education is the perfect gateway to that. Through multiple physical education techniques like sports, dance, exercises, etc. students can be taught the benefits of physical activity.  

What Are The Benefits Of Physical Education In Schools For Child Development 

Physical education has always been an integral part of the curriculum in schools like K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali where physical fitness is valued as much as academic excellence. Here are some of the mental and physical benefits of physical education in schools: 

Improved Physical Health 

Increased physical activity fosters many physical health benefits that include enhanced muscular strength, improved quality of sleep, better resilience, and better overall fitness. For better physical health, schools often incorporate activities like walking, sprinting, exercises, aerobics, strength training, and multiple sports that enhance the immune system while improving the physical health of students. The earlier these activities are introduced, the quicker you can see the physical benefits. 

Mental Wellness 

It’s not just physical health that improves when you train your body but also your mental well being. With increased physical activity, a significant improvement in cognitive skills can be noticed in the long run. Incorporating physical education with academics can also be a great way to destress from the built-up mental stress which can divert students from all their anxiety and uplift their mood, creating a positive attitude and helping with their emotional stability. 

How Does K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali Integrate Physical Education For Students 

At K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali, we have ensured that physical education is given as much priority as academic excellence by integrating physical activities, sports, and, projects into our curriculum. Through sports like table tennis, yoga, skating, cricket, martial arts, etc. K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali, ensures that the students get involved in some sort of physical activity to keep themselves mentally and physically fit. 

Here, we have dedicated P.E. Teachers, trained professionals, sports facilities, equipment, and high capacity grounds to ensure there are no hurdles in the physical education aspect of our school. 

It’s A Wrap 

Physical education has become an important aspect of the modern day education system where most people are leading sedentary lifestyles. Schools like K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali, have already noticed the importance of physical education in schools and are doing their best to make their students physically and mentally healthy by integrating physical education into their curriculum. 

[fatphobiabusters]

Hi, I recently had a friend participate in the trend of saying "haha why is our P.E teacher fat (derogatory)". And was wondering what you can even respond to that.

Some ideas off the top of my head:

I would be surprised if weight was part of the job requirements. That would be kind of messed up.

Maybe we don't actually know the teacher's abilities just by looking at their body?

I'm pretty sure outward appearance isn't a receipt for a person's entire medical, health, or fitness history.

Does someone's appearance tell you all of their life's experiences? Maybe the teacher has a lot of experience with this subject? It would be a shame to immediately assume they don't just by how they look.

Has someone ever assumed you can't do something before because of your appearance too? (This can especially be applicable if your friend is also part of an oppressed group that causes them to be judged for how they look.)

So you're okay being denied a job in the future based on your appearance then? I thought it wasn't legal to deny someone's application due to their body's characteristics?

Why does that matter?

Haha, why is our friend being a jerk? (This is using the same structure of their own comment to point out how terrible they're being. I've also been writing these responses as if your friend made this joke while with your friend group if they're a part of that.)

Do you know how to teach this class?

Do you have 20 years of teaching experience or a degree in education?

I don't know, maybe you should go ask them why their body doesn't meet your standards?

You're thin, are you athletic/fit/good at sports/active? Then maybe you're not in a place to judge. (This is if the person is thin and is being hypocritical when they can't even do what they're claiming your teacher can't do. This is similar to when fatphobic people say it's "unrealistic" for fat people to be represented in a video game since they claim fat people can't do things like scale buildings even though most thin people in real life can't do so either.)

Have you ever personally seen the teacher not be able to do something?

Hey, I don't want to keep talking about this. It doesn't feel right to judge someone for their body.

I don't feel good judging someone's body. It feels mean.

I'm not going to participate in this.

I don't think you understand what you're doing right now.

We don't know anything about our teacher's life except what they tell and show us in class.

I don't think being fat is as bad as being a jerk.

Let's talk about something else.

I think the teacher is nice and doesn't need to change.

You're making me feel bad about my own body. (This is more so applicable if you also are fat.)

Hey, how would you feel if someone made these kinds of comments about you behind your back? Maybe we shouldn't do the same to other people.

I don't believe fatness and fitness are mutually exclusive. If they were, then there wouldn't be so many fat weightlifters, wrestlers, shot-putters, and other professional fat athletes.

I mean, there are fat people in the Olympics so...maybe there's more to being good at sports than body type?

These sorts of comments are what make it hard for our fat classmates to feel comfortable in this class. Imagine how awful it would be to attend a class and know everyone is mocking and judging your body? It's hard to even try a sport while constantly being judged. Even if you don't care about the teacher, let's at least make this class safe for our fat classmates to participate in.

This makes me uncomfortable.

All of these options are very soft, subtle, and not very confrontational since you said this is your friend, so you might not feel comfortable being more forward about the topic with them. Especially since most people don't understand fatphobia or unbiased weight science, and it is a lot to ask of you to educate them on such a big topic and defend fat people's right to exist in a single interaction. These suggested responses can be changed to be more confrontational, upset, or harsh depending on what you feel comfortable saying, like swapping "jerk" for a harsher word. Phrasing your response using words like "I," "I think," "We," etc. helps make it less confrontational as well, which also might have a better chance of creating positive change depending on the situation.

You can always give a couple sentence gist of fat activism, like saying "Weight doesn't equal health" or "Fat people are just as capable as the rest of us" or "Fat people experience a lot of oppression, and we are doing that to our teacher right now." But again, that can be difficult to do since your friends might not be understanding or might try to debate you about it, and debates aren't easy if you're anxious and haven't prepared for the debate even when your side is right.

Some of these responses should also only be used if you're okay with your friend possibly responding to what you said, like the suggestions that are questions. If you prefer to just end the conversation/jokes, being direct and saying you're uncomfortable should be enough. And saying you're uncomfortable even without explaining why or defending fatness explicitly will imply that what they're saying isn't good and might still make them think.

I hope these suggestions are helpful! Hopefully your friend won't make a comment like this again in the future.

-Mod Worthy

[togglessymposium]

Reminded, distantly, of a reading program my (public) school had in 5th grade. The deal was this- you'd read a book from the school library, then answer a short quiz about it. In retrospect this was a fairly amazing feat, I have no idea how they wrote a quiz for most of the books in their library, but they almost always had one. If you could demonstrate reading comprehension with the quiz, you got a certain number of points, and the points could be spent on concessions and prizes.

At the low end this was the sort of eraser/pencil/sticker stuff you'd expect, but at the high end they offered days off from school. It took around 10-15 books' worth of points, but every six week period they'd load up a small bus with whichever kids bought the prize, take them to the mall, buy them pizza, and set them loose in the arcade all day.

(This is at least a third of the reason why I'm still so fond of the Redwall book series.)

Anyway, the point is that I think many challenges faced by schools these days follow not from the multiplicity of functions they serve or the tension between those functions, but from the fact that everyone is devoted to the polite fiction that they're purely educational, and that all this other stuff is secondary. Most of the times I was happiest in school- and, indeed, the times I felt most seen and respected in school- were when the teachers and powers that be acknowledged that they didn't really have much to teach me, and offered a safe, comfortable space to hang out, explore my interests, and make friends. A universal program of education means that some kids are simply going to exhaust the utility of the school's education mission almost immediately, and every kid is going to experience the classroom as basically Procrustean, and it's basically fine to fill 20% of the classroom with a pile of pillows and a bookshelf as an overflow plan to accommodate these differences.

If we decide that prison-for-kids is basically a socially desirable thing, then I suspect we'd be in a much better place if we collectively acknowledged that education is one of the things that this institution does, instead of trying to smuggle in all these other important functions while pretending that everybody needs the same six hours a day to reach competency in writing or mathematics. By all means, set minimums on educational attainment and make sure each cohort is capable of meeting specific milestones- and even provide parallel tracks for students and families that want to fast-track academic and technical careers- but don't treat 'down time' as the enemy either. We bow to this a little bit already, with e.g. recess periods, but those are currently framed as a sort of lunch break from school.

Instead, something very much like recess (though not just outdoor play, with indoor game and toy rooms as well) seems like it should be the default at 'the thing no longer quite called school', with that kind of unstructured play being interrupted by structured learning periods. Instead of torturing the definition of 'classroom' enough to make 'P.E.' a thing, just actively encourage sport, have official teams in a variety of games, and include physical fitness checks as part of the kids' yearly progress assessments. Get comfortable with field trips not just to museums, but also to places like public pools or even movie theaters, for no other reason than that they're fun. You can certainly construct this environment in a way that's slanted towards high achievement and personal growth, without needing to point towards education as the sole source of legitimacy. If you're gonna make a public institution designed to collect and safeguard kids during their parents' working hours, to prevent them from being economically exploited during crucial developmental periods, to provide a check on abusive home environments, to provide them cross-cultural socialization experiences, then by all means- but build that in to the foundation of the thing.

Oh, boy! It's Education Theory o'Clock again!

...I have a lot of thoughts on this topic. At some point, when I'm less busy and tired, I should probably try to write them up. Natively, I'm one of the school-is-a-nightmare-prison people, like so many others in this little discourse-sphere -- but I'm married to a middle school teacher, so I regularly encounter both the good arguments from the other side and the facts on the ground, and those things have altered my perspective somewhat.

But I am, in fact, busy and tired. So for now I'll just content myself with saying:

School is an institution that serves many, many, many purposes at the same time. A lot of those purposes are load-bearingly important. (A couple of years ago, I wrote this about college, and...it's double-plus true for primary and secondary schools.) If you don't try to account for all of that stuff in your theory of What School Is and How School Works, you will generate incoherent garbage thoughts. If you have a New Concept for school entailing top-down design that is optimized for a single function (like "increasing test scores" or "causing kids to love learning" or whatever), you'd better have a plan for how you're going to do all the other important things that schools do. And even if you think that some of those things aren't actually important or necessary, you'd better have a plan for dealing with all the people who disagree. Because...

-----

...school, as it exists today, is an inherently political institution. Both in the "soft" sense that everyone has strong opinions about what it's supposed to do and how it's supposed to work, and in the "hard" sense that it is actually controlled by democratically-accountable governments. (This is double-plus true in the US, where it is controlled by local governments, and therefore doesn't even have the protective insulation of a massive bureaucracy.) Everything about the way schools work is a compromise brokered amongst ideologues and self-dealers. Everything about the way schools work involves a lot of decision-makers trying not to get yelled at by the yelliest people around. If you're looking for elegant purpose-driven top-down design, you won't find it. You could probably make a case that any elegant purpose-driven top-down design would be better than the thing we actually have, but getting there would require finding a way to remove the political element.

-----

Most importantly: public schools are (1) compulsory, (2) universal, and (3) for children. [People who are legally children, anyway, whether or not they are actual children in whatever sense matters to you.]

This means that they cannot let students leave, and they have to keep control of all the students that they aren't allowing to leave.

In the most literal not-a-judgment-but-a-fact sense, they are indeed prisons. They are coercively keeping people inside. They have to do that thing, as per their most fundamental mandate within the current system. The alternatives involve letting kids run around unsupervised, and/or failing to give some kids even the most cursory kind of education, and those things are absolute non-starters under present conditions.

All the normal institutions-for-adults operate on the principle of -- If you really don't want to be here, you can leave, and deal with whatever consequences there may be for leaving. This is not an option for schools, and that fact accounts for...everything.

Classroom structure is built around the necessity of keeping the most-hostile, least-engaged student in the class present and supervised, and then trying to prevent him from disrupting things for everyone else. Because the obvious solution that any other institution would use -- "just cut him loose, he doesn't want to be here and we don't want him here" -- isn't available.

(I once talked to my wife about the rationed bathroom access thing, which is one of the most flagrant nightmare-prison aspects of the school experience. Her response was, "If you let kids use the bathroom whenever they want, as much as they want, then you don't have mandatory universal education anymore. Some of them will never return to the classroom, because they don't want to be there." Which is...obviously true.)

So you have something that replicates many of the features of prison, because it has to accomplish the same basic tasks that prison accomplishes. Yay, Foucault.

[ray-ray-writings]

Hey. Hey you. Idea time.

Teacher aus, not enough. Like after the whole Mr. WasTaken stuff where Dream was acting like a teacher and everything!? Just imagine a whole school Au!

Techno teachin English and he adores his kids but he’d be damned before he admits it. That one teacher who’s like “learn from history before it repeats itself.” Hates being forced to do a Shakespeare unit.

Sapnap teaching P.E. And encouraging even the less athletic kids to at least do something physical in his class. You know he pulls a prank with the Fitness Gram Pacer Test more than a few times.

George being a history teacher, I don’t know he just super fits the vibe of that one teacher you always adore who’s like “don’t worry too much about this class.”

Bad boy halo as a science teacher, man’s is the kind of teacher to give candy out to the kids who answer the questions so he can encourage attentiveness. (He teaches physical science and Skeppy teaches geoscience across the hall)

And like, much much much more, but the most important part here,

Could you totally do a reader x Dream where Readers an English teacher and Dreams a Maths teacher? :)

With all the love- 🌻 strikes again.

🌻 you have my whole heart. All of it. Because you literally have requested my dream au (pun sort of intended). Literally like this is going to be so self indulgent because I love this with my whole heart and the amount of times I have fantasized about this (especially with me studying to be an English teacher and Dream with his statistics and stuff) is too many times to count. So you literally have given me an excuse to be hella self indulgent on my own blog and I could kiss you on the mouth for it. This is a few like headcanon type things and a little bit of plot at the end. 

I do have my own ideas of what role everyone has in the school and if anyone is interested I will definitely post those too! But for the main part, you just need to know the reader is an English teacher and Dream is a Math teacher. (But also completely agree with our beloved’s ideas about some of the other boys here and I definitely have assigned everyone their own subject haha)

We’re going to just start out with this general note: Everyone in the school ships you. Teachers, Staff, Students, Principal Philza, all of them want to see you and Dream end up together. You two hang out and playfully flirt all of the time. 

Dream is almost late to school every morning. He has a horrible sleep schedule and so it causes him to wake up 30 minutes before he needs to be at school. You know this and so every morning you bring Dream coffee and something for breakfast. A donut, fruit, oatmeal, scone, just a little something to help him get until lunch. He is very grateful for it and always accepts your offer. When you first started doing it, he always felt really guilty about it. But you kept doing it and refused to take his money and so he came up with a new way to pay you back. 

You two share the same prep period. Prep period, if you didn’t know, is a free period that teachers have where they don’t have a class to teach and they can use it to lesson prep, prep materials, grade papers, or just relax. So your prep period is two classes after lunch and so you always get a little bit snackish around this time and so in order to pay you back for you bringing him breakfast, Dream brings you a little snack every day. Something small, bag of chips, granola bar, some crackers, just a little snack to get you through the rest of the day. You two also spend your prep periods together. Sometimes you chat about your days, students, lessons, standards you have to meet. Sometimes you two just work in silence on your respect tasks. Usually if a student wants to talk to you during your prep period and they can’t find you in your room, they immediately check Dream’s right after because that’s where you would be. And the same for him and his students, if they need something and he’s not in his room, he’s definitely in yours. 

You two also have lunch duty together. You two are in charge of monitoring the cafeteria and making sure that there are no fights breaking out, no food fights, just making sure everything is okay. So often times, you two take a walk around the cafeteria and just watch all the kids until all have been seated, and then you two grab some lunch for yourselves and eat together. Sometimes, kids will come over to where you’re sitting and chat with you, a lot of the time when that happens they’re trying to push you two together. You just roll your eyes and laugh them off. 

You two crash each other’s classes all the time. For random reasons too. It started when Dream had left a few copies of a worksheet on the printer and you just so happened to print some things and pick them up. His classroom was on the way to yours and so you decided you would be a good co-worker and drop them off for him. So you did, not bothering to knock before you enter. All eyes snap to you as you walk into his classroom. Dream is in the middle of teaching. His arm is extended as he points to something on the blackboard. His emerald eyes meet yours and he looks shocked but he smiles. “Teacher Y/L/N… Is there something I can help you with?” You smile back at him and hold up the worksheets, “Sorry to interrupt. Left some on the printer Mr. WasTaken,” you tell him, walking over to his desk and setting the papers down. “Ah. Thank you, I appreciate it.” You give him a small shrug, “Of course. Have a good class. Pay attention!” You call to the class cheerfully before heading out and heading to your own classroom. 

That day you opened a door you couldn’t shut. Every once in a while now, while you’re in the middle of teaching, the door will swing open and Dream will waltz in with a paper or something in his hand and go over to your desk before giving you a wave and a wink and heading back out. So you decided to do it too, even if you have nothing to give him. Students look forward to your classes now because they never know if the other one of you will make an appearance. One time, Dream walked in and you were so engrossed in teaching that you didn’t even notice. He walked over to your desks and took a seat and just lost himself in watching you teach. About 10 minutes later there is a knock on your door, startling everyone out of their focus. The door opens and there’s Tommy with a wicked grin on his face. His eyes immediately find Dream and he smirks, “Mr. WasTaken… Would you like to join the rest of us in class?” Dream manages to keep the blush off of his face, but he is internally dying. To save some embarrassment he says, “Yes I’ll be there in just a moment. I had a question for Teacher Y/L/N and I didn’t want to interrupt. Go back to class Tommy.” Tommy rolls his eyes but complies. You rush over to Dream and duck your head near his and speak in a low tone, “I’m sorry. I didn’t even realize you came in, what was your question?” Dream is a little baffled and thrown off, because he doesn’t have one. “Oh. I’ll just come back later and ask. Sorry for the interruption.” And before you can say anything else, he’s out the door. 

You and Dream often charapone school dances. You two, much like when you have lunch duty, patrol around and make sure everyone is having a good time but is also behaving themselves. Students are always trying to push you two together during this, asking Mr. WasTaken if he’s going to ask you to the dance or at least ask you to dance. He always laughs and says no, no he’s not. Until one time he does. 

He definitely gets his students in on it. He buys a bunch of flowers and has the students line the hall making a path from the entrance doors to his room. So when you arrive in the morning and begin your usual path to his room to drop off breakfast, you’re surprised to find a line of students offering flowers to you. You carefully take each flower and make your way down to Dream’s room. When you get to the end you find Dream standing there with a cheesy grin and an even cheesier sign. ‘I would love it if you could say that you was taken to the dance by Mr. WasTaken.’ You can’t help but let out a laugh and nod at the sign. “Yeah?” Dream asks to confirm. “Yeah. Yeah, I’ll go to the dance with you Mr. WasTaken… by the way, it’s you were taken to the dance,” you tease him lightly, reaching out and giving him a small hug before handing him his breakfast. He takes it, rolls his eyes, and hands you the sign. “English teachers.” 

The day of the dance comes and you and Dream arrive together. He picks you up from your house and brings you a bouquet of flowers, red roses and sunflowers. Your outfit would match his and you would look stunning. It would literally take Dream a few tries to snap out of the trance you put him in. But he’s the perfect gentleman, opens the car door for you and closes it before getting in and driving to the school where he does the same thing, opening the car door and helping you out before closing it. 

You two would have arrived a bit earlier before the dance actually started to make sure everything was taken care of. You two would definitely jokingly get your photo taken by the professional photographer that they hired for the event. It was a joke, but the picture came out so good and was just too good to pass up. 

You two don’t leave each other’s side the entire night. You two just stick side by side the entire night, just watching the kids. You two join the students sometimes on the dance floor, vibing to the fast pace songs they played. Every time a slow song came on, the students tried to push you together and get you to dance together. “Who asks someone to be their date and doesn’t slow dance with them?” But you two just ignore the students and shoo them off to dance with each other and stuff. It’s not until they announce the final song of the night does Dream actually finally get bold enough to ask you to slow dance with him. Your face heats up at the extended hand and the hopeful look on his face but you accept it and the two of you dance. You somehow manage to end up in the middle of the room and even though there are plenty of people slow dancing, all eyes are on you two. You don’t care though. At some point, you lean forward and rest your head on Dream’s chest. You could very clearly hear his heart racing faster than you would think possible and you can’t help but wonder if it’s because of you. 

As the song ends, you manage to pull your head away from him. You look up at him and find him already staring at you. You two just stare at each other for a few moments before Dream makes a bold move. He carefully leans forward and presses his lips to yours. You immediately kiss back, ecstatic that your feelings were returned. Around you, the entire gym bursts into cheers and applause and “FINALLY!!!!” 

You pull away from Dream, giggling a little bit at the reaction of everyone. Dream doesn’t let you get far though. He tilts his head forward and connects your lips once more. “I just got you, I’m not letting you get away from me that easily.” You just giggle at that and kiss him back. 

You two don’t pull away until the song is completely over. When you pull apart and look around, you find everyone staring at you. Some students even have their phones out and were recording you. The two of you just laugh and roll your eyes. “Dance is over… Get out,” Dream jokingly calls out to everyone causing waves of laughter to rumble through the crowds as everyone snaps out of their trance and begin to move. You and Dream stay to help clean up a bit after the dance before the two of you leave, this time hand in hand. 

Dream would drop you off at home. He walks you to your front door and waits as you unlock the door. It’s quiet for a moment as you two try to figure out the next step. Dream finally clears his throat and offers you a sheepish smile. “I’ll see you Monday then?” You almost immediately answer with a ‘yep sounds good’ but stop yourself. “Actually… If you weren’t too busy, do you want to come in and watch a movie or something?” Dream grins at the offer and nods. “I’d love to… Thank you.” 

The two of you head inside and just hang out for a while. You watch movies and cuddle on the couch. It gets to be really late and you refuse to let Dream drive home this late so he sleeps on your couch. The next morning you have a nice breakfast together before Dream tells you he really should get going, he still has some tests to grade. You of course understand that teacher grind and so you walk him to your door. Dream gives you a kiss before heading out and telling you he would see you tomorrow. 

Walking back inside, you find his suit jacket laid over the couch. You decide to hold on to it. You’ll see him tomorrow anyway, you’ll just give it to him then. So the next morning rolls around and you arrive at school, the suit jacket adorning your shoulders. It makes everyone stop, look, and smile. You don’t even notice really. You make your way to Dream’s classroom, walking right in as normal. Dream glances up to see who it was before looking back to his work but he immediately looks back up in a double take. And he just stares. You extend the breakfast out to him and he doesn’t take it. Just stares. You’re confused. 

“Dream?” He extends a finger and points at you, “You’re wearing… that’s my… that’s mine.” he manages to stutter out. You look at your shoulders and realize. “Oh. Right. Sorry. Here,” you say, trying to shrug off the jacket and hand it to him, but he stops you. “No, no, no. It’s fine… It’s better than fine. It looks good. Keep it on… Please?” He sounds so genuine that you pull the jacket back on, over your shoulder. “Okay… I’ll see you at lunch?” You ask, heading toward his door. He gives you a grin and a nod, “It’s a date.” Well that’s new…. But not unwelcome. “It’s a date.” 

You two begin dating shortly after that. You also find out that there were two betting pools going on. One between teachers and staff and the other between students. The teacher that won? Techno. The student? Tubbo. Had you found out sooner, you probably would have been offended but now it just made you laugh. Your new relationship didn’t change anything really. You still did all of the things that you usually did, you just now could kiss each other. You definitely didn’t do PDA in front of the students for obvious reasons, but you two couldn’t be happier.

Thank you again so much for letting me do this  🌻 anon. This was very self indulgent and just thank you :)

[earthstellar]

Wholesome Humanformers G1 1980 AU - Small Town Struggles 

The Autobots run a locally owned and operated community centre; They provide resources, social care, various educational services, and other activities in their neighbourhood, which historically had been a fairly successful industrial town until the steel, automotive, and mining industries all dried up. 

The area hasn’t really economically recovered since then, and seeing a need for mutual aid, a handful of locals stepped up to fill the gap. 

“Cybertron” is the name of the old disco venue which shut down, which they eventually turned into their community centre hub before it could be demolished. They kept the name because it’s locally identifiable, and they had to keep some of the cheesy 70s interior decorations because it was too expensive to re-fit the entire place, so it works out fine! 

The team, which consists of social care support workers, tutors, and local volunteers, were dubbed “The Autobots” based on the very first community service they opened: Free Thursday afternoon mechanic and auto repair lessons with Richard (Ratchet), a retiree who used to work at the now-closed auto factory.

Opie (Optimus) was a teacher before so many families moved away due to the collapsing local economy; The school he worked for shrank so much that it was absorbed into a neighbouring education district, and he decided to take more direct action and arrange a community centre and local support for the few remaining people. 

Peter (Prowl) is an accountant who used to balance the books for one of the steel mills in the area, but once that shut down, he ended up doing bank telling for a while and he hated it. Now, he helps manage the community centre budget and helps set up fundraisers to secure funds so that they can keep providing much-needed support to those left behind in a dead job market.

Elisa (Elita-1) is Opie’s wife, and used to be a secretary at the local education district before it was dissolved due to low student numbers. Now, she runs the majority of the community centre’s daily operations, but once she started getting further along into her pregnancy, she’s since hired Alice (Arcee) to come in and help her with some of the administrative work. 

Richard (Ratchet) was forced into an earlier retirement than planned, and now provides mechanic and automotive engineering lessons to younger people remaining in the area, with Sam (Sideswipe) and Stephen (Sunstreaker) being his star students-- When they aren’t lighting cans of WD-40 on fire in the parking lot, anyway.  

Jerrick (Jazz) used to teach P.E. at the same school Opie used to teach at, and when he was offered the opportunity to provide sports education and support some basic physical therapy sessions at the community centre, he was happy to jump ship and join the team. 

Mandy (Moonracer) formerly worked at the local public library, until its funding collapsed as a result of not enough residents remaining to contribute to the public service taxes that kept the doors open. She salvaged as many books as she could, and has set up a decently sized community library with story telling events for the younger kids and a book club for the adults. 

Martin (Ultra Magnus) maintains the buildings and premises, acting as a sort of unofficial security guard since he’s always around. Opie is his brother, and they both have a fierce pride in their small community. Martin is often called in to mediate in conflicts amongst the younger kids, as they all respect (and mildly fear) his no-nonsense but fair approach to nearly everything. 

Bobby (Bumblebee) is one of the local kids that frequents the community centre, taking advantage of every opportunity he gets-- No matter what it is! Sometimes his willingness to jump in to any task at hand gets him in trouble, but generally he’s managed to endear himself to everyone around him. He doesn’t realise that the adults around him consider him to be one of their few sources of hope for the future. 

[horansqueen]

Stuck With You - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 : Suffocate (it’s 3am i’m drunk again)

🡪chapter 1

College Enemies To Lovers AU

characters // masterlist // instagrams // mood board 

So when you think you're all alone No one's help to come around Drop like flies and improvise And I know now that I will someday And I know that I will suffocate

                       I felt extremely lucky that we had a window. Not only was the sight interesting, but sticking my head out to feel the cool air from the night always made me feel better. I kept the lights closed, even if I normally don't particularly like to be in the dark, and lighted a vanilla and rose candle, making the smell invade the whole room. I didn't know if it would bother Niall or not, but he said he would probably not sleep here so I didn't worry for too long and just enjoyed my alone time until I heard a knock at the door. It was soft, almost timid, and the thought that it could be Niall's girlfriend, the girl that I had met a few hours before, made me hold my breath. I didn't want to answer but I finally got up and unlocked the door, opening it only slightly. I met Louis' eyes and my lips immediately curled.  He dived his hands in his pockets and moved his shoulders up in an embarrassed but cute way.

"Hey, you." he just said in a gentle tone. "Am I disturbing?"

He was, but I didn't care. Suddenly, the will to be alone all evening was replaced with the need to be with someone, someone like Louis. I had no idea why but somehow, I felt connected to him even if I had met him only a few hours ago.

"Mm no," I admitted, letting the right corner of my lips move up. "Are you drunk?"

His face scrunched up in grimace and I chuckled low. "Tipsy, more like." he confessed. "I was about to get in my room, saw your door, and here I am. I don't know why I knocked."

I let my eyes roam down on him then back up in his eyes. "Wanna come in? I'm alone."

He nodded and I moved away to let him in before closing the door behind him and locking it. I felt safer now that he was there but I was so used to lock the doors that I didn't even think about it. I showed my bed with a hand movement and he sat on it as I sat in front of him, leaning my back on my pillow. We stared at each other for a while and I licked my lips.

"So, how was the party?" I finally asked in a low tone, tilting my head a bit.

"Meh, boring." he admitted with a chuckle, turning around and leaning his back on the wall. "I knew you were alone, I saw Niall with his hands in some girl's pants. Can't remember her name to save me life. Hell he probably doesn't know her name either."

For some reason, his words made me laugh. "Why am I not surprised? He sounds like a total jerk."

Louis' smile turned into a sad one and he looked away, the back of his head pressed on the wall, and then looked back at me. "He's not a bad guy, trust me."

i didn't know Louis much but I did trust him... except with it came to my new roommate. Okay, maybe Niall was a good guy, I honestly had no idea. All I knew was that he irritated me to the point of wanting to jump on it and hit him in the face. The thought was violent and I would never do something like that, but Niall made something stir in my stomach, and not in the good way. I didn't hate him, I just wanted him to be as far as possible from me at all times.

"How did you two meet?" I just asked, making Louis' eyebrows raise. "He's your friend, isn't he? You seem to know him quite well."

The truth was, I could hear the affection he had for Niall in the tone of his voice and in the choice of his words. I was normally quite good to know how people felt. Was it nostalgia?

"We met when we were teenagers, became inseparable and both played for the football team of our school." he finally admitted, before sighing. "Then he busted his knee and I went professional. Sort of. That brought us apart, I guess."

I stared at Louis, a bit shocked that he would spill all of this to me because after all, he barely knew me, but somehow, it made me think that perhaps, he felt the same connection for me that I felt for him. Or maybe he was just drunker than he wanted to admit.

"Why are you here if you could make a career out of it?" I asked gently, trying not to be rude about it.

"Got in a bad place mentally." he replied after a while, staring in front of him without really looking at anything. "Then literally hurt myself physically."

I remained quiet, knowing it was probably a touchy subject, and waited until he blinked a few times and turned his head to me again, leaning it back on the wall.

"I'm sorry." I just whispered, making him smile sadly again.

"Don't be, love." he quickly replied in a low tone. "I'm good now, and I've always wanted to be a teacher anyway. Kids are cool. I have plenty of younger siblings so I know how kids work."

"Let me guess, P.E. teacher?"

He laughed and nodded, making me nod too and lick my lips. If there was one thing I hated in school, it was the gym class. I've never faked sick more than to miss this class and I didn't regret it one second.

"I hate sports." I admitted, raising my nose up. "Are you the type to work out and eat healthy and go to the gym 6 days a week?"

His face twisted in a grimace and I laughed louder than intended.

"No fucking way. I sort of had to when I played but now I just... no." I chuckled and we remained silent for a while before his lips curled into an other smile. "What about you, love? What are you studying in?"

"Art." I replied. "I pretty much do everything but painting is what I prefer. I know I won't be able to be a great artist and pay the bills with it but, I guess I'd like to work in museums. If you can't become an artist you can at least live surrounded by art."

"Why so defeatist?" he frowned, playing with the cigarette behind his ear. "You could as well live from it."

How could I tell him that I lost all hope and that I was too tired and scared to get back on my feet and try again? How could I tell him that I felt like a failure so obviously, everything I created felt like failures, too?

"Do you know many painters that made a living out of it?" I asked, raising my eyebrows, a bit amused. "Before their death I mean."

"To be honest, love, I don't know any painter." he laughed, making me laugh too.

"And I don't know any footballer."

His face lighted up and I pressed my lips together. "Well, I guess we have a lot to teach each other, don't we?"

I nodded and chuckled, still looking at him. It was weird to think fate had put Louis on my path and I felt so lucky that a sensation of warmth grew in my stomach. I've never thought that I could have a sister soul ever in my life but if I had to guess. i would say Louis really fitted the description. Of course, it seemed pre-matured to feel something like that for someone, but isn't that what sister souls were all about?

"So tell me darling, why did you change school in the middle of the year?" he said, asking the question I dreaded and making me look down immediately. I started playing with my fingers and licked my lips but he kept talking before I could answer. "You have to expect that question a lot, you know."

I looked up in his eyes, knowing he was right, but I just raised my shoulders. "It's a long story."

"You don't have to tell me." he quickly added, moving his upper body a bit closer to me.

"No, I don't mind, it's just-"

I could feel my heart beat harder knowing I was about to tell someone I barely knew everything that had happened to me in the past two years, as embarassing and pathetic asit was, but I didn't have time to talk : the door opened so roughly that it ended up hitting the wall in a light thud despite the doorstop. Louis and I both quickly looked up as Niall staggered in, pushing the door again to close it. He walked in the room slowly, lurching until his legs hit the side of his bed, and let himself fall on it before a laughter boomed out of his lips.

"Neil, you okay?"

"Stop fucking calling me that!" my new roommate let out.

Louis got up and walked to his friend as I watched, trying not to move at all. I didn't want to get involved in this and mostly, I didn't want Niall to notice me, I knew he was not happy to share his room with someone, especially not a girl, and I felt like getting his attention would remind him of how annoyed he was.

"Niall, come on, let me help you." Louis argued, trying to take off his friend's shoes as Niall moved one of his legs.

"Mommy Louis, I can do this myself." he groaned low, grabbing one of his pillows and throwing it. It passed between Louis and I, not even close to hit either of us, and Niall started laughing again. "What are you doing here anyway, Lou?"

I was surprised at how well he could express himself despite being so intoxicated but I remained silent as I watched Louis take Niall's shoes off and let them fall on the floor next to his bed.

"I was keeping company to your new roommate."

I held my breath as Niall turned his head to look at me. We stared in each other's eyes for a few seconds and once again, I felt like he could read me in a way no one else could and it made me swallow hard.

"Oh yea, I almost forgot about her." he let out with a chuckle. "Hello Devon, how was your evening?"

In his mouth, my name sounded dirty, almost smutty, and I felt a shiver run up my spine. This guy clearly knew what he was doing, even when he was drunk, and it bothered me.

"Did my best friend Louis make you feel better about yourself? Less alone? Did he mend your little broken heart? Did he-"

"Niall, shut up." Louis cut him with a sigh.

"Did that stupid girl you were with enjoy your tiny cock?" I just threw at him.

A silence fell as they both stared at me, eyes wide and an expression of surprise on their face, and at the same time, Louis' lips curled and Niall burst into laughter.

"Told you she was a cheeky little thing!" Niall let out, glancing at his best friend before laughing some more.

He finally sat up and I frowned as I looked at him and after a few seconds, he got up, wobbling slightly on his feet. It's only when he undid his belt that I realized what he was trying to do and so did Louis who simply pushed him back on the bed, making Niall laugh even harder.

"She doesn't want to see your willy, mate."

"Maybe she needs to see it." Niall argued, making Louis shake his head.

"Sleep." Louis replied, ignoring his comment. "You need it. We'll talk about this tomorrow."

Niall groaned and moved his hand near Louis' face to tell him to leave before turning around on the bed, now facing the wall. I watched the scene and when my eyes met Louis, he was rolling his. He walked up to me, bending down in front of me and licked his lips.

"Are you gonna be okay, love?" he asked in a whisper. "I can bring him in my room if you prefer."

I breathed in and stared at him for a few seconds. I had no idea why Louis was so nice with me but it was such a good change that I decided to just take it all in. I decided to accept his kindness and let it get to me, even if I knew it could easily turn against me and hurt me.

"No, it's cool. It's his room, too." I finally breathed, licking my lips. "I'll be alright."

Louis nodded a few times. "If you need anything, i'm not too far, don't hesitate."

I nodded and he sent me a smile before getting up and walking to the door. My gaze followed him and when he turned around, he winked at me and closed the door behind himself. I spent a few minutes just watching Niall's back and finally got up to lock the door and get changed. I tried to be quiet but when I finally lied down in bed in my sweatpants, Niall had turned around and was smiling at me. I felt my heart skip a beat, anticipating what he could say to me and I just pressed my lips, holding my breath.

"What?" I finally asked in a low tone after a few intense seconds of staring.

"Nothing. You're just... intriguing."

My eyebrows raised and my heart twisted in my chest at his words. Intriguing? What did that even mean? I always felt like a pretty ordinary person. An average girl who was not really good at anything. At some point in my life, I thought I was good at painting and not so bad at photography but then everything changed and the truth hit me right in the face. I was average and I would always be.

"Intriguing?"

"Yea. Why are you here? Who the hell are you?" he let out with a small frown. "And why do you..." he stopped himself and shook his head, leaving me wondering what he was going to say.

After a while, I filled my lungs with air again and blinked a few times. I was getting used to the darkness and could see the traits of his face quite well, even from so far.

"You're not gonna throw up, are you?" I just asked.

For some reason, I didn't want this discussion to end. Niall was right, I was lonely, and the presence of someone, even someone as annoying as him, was comforting. At least for tonight.

"Don't worry darling, I can hold my liquor. I'm irish."

"Oh yea. It shows." I let out sarcastically.

"Oh babe, you have no idea how much I drank." he chuckled. "Plus, I'm not even that drunk."

"You could barely stand on your feet when you walked in."

His nose raised up and he groaned. "I could walk on a straight line, want me to show you?"

"No!"

He laughed a bit and finally, his smirk turned into a small smile.

"Welcome to your new school and your new room, Devon Eaton."

---

I groaned when I woke up the next day and rubbed my eyes, turning around in my bed and throwing the covers over my head. I had forgotten to close the curtain and now. the sun was invading the whole room. It was sunday and I had planned to visit around if only to make sure I could find where I needed to go for my classes and not be late on the first few days. Now that it was time to do it, I didn't really feel like it anymore.

After a few minutes and a long sigh, I pushed the covers and sat up but when I turned around, I jumped, noticing Niall was staring at me. He started laughing again and I closed my eyes, trying to get my heart to beat at a normal speed again.

"That's fucking creepy."

"You snore." he pointed out with an amused smile. "Not very loudly but it's still quite disturbing. Has anyone ever tell you that you're annoying?"

"Me?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. "Unbelievable." I added under my breath.

"What's your plan for today?"

I looked up at him as he kept his eyebrows raised, waiting for my answer. I didn't want to tell him what I had really planned and I had no idea why he even asked me. There was no way in hell that he really cared. I thought about the conversation we had only a few hours earlier, when he was drunk, and it made me realize that he didn't even seem hungover.

"Staying as far as possible from you." I just replied, getting up and grabbing some clothes.

I could still hear him laugh after I closed the door to the bathroom and leaned my forehead against it to calm myself. I knew having a roommate wouldn't be easy but I didn't think it would be that bad.

I dressed up quickly, hoping that he would be gone when I was done, but when I opened the door again, he was still sitting on his bed, holding himself with his arms behind him and once again, that position made my eyes linger on him for a bit too long. I was expecting him to mention it but he didn't. Instead, he got up and walked up closer to me, passing his hand in his hair.

"Look, I'm sorry for almost showing you my cock last night."

"It's okay, no harm." I just replied, a bit taken aback that he would actually apologize.

He let his eyes roam on my face, studying me and I couldn't help but do the same. The blue around his pupils was so light I couldn't help but admit to myself that he was pretty, and I hated it.

"Perhaps, having you as a roommate will be entertaining." he added with a low chuckle. "More than I expected at first."

His lips curled more and he took a few steps back to reach the door. I wanted to answer something but nothing came up. My mind was blank. I didn't want to be entertaining to him or to anybody, really. I just wanted to stay under the radar, the way I couldn't seem to stay at my old uni.

"I'll see you tonight, maybe?"

He didn't wait for my answer and just left. That was the good thing about this : i knew I would have to put up with him only at night time, at least, most days, and I could completely forget about him when I was in class or with friends, if I could just make some. The thought started stressing me and Louis' face came to mind.

I stared at the door, staying in the silent room for a few more minutes before grabbing my phone. I didn't want to be annoying but I decided to just text Louis and ask him what he was doing today. Quickly, his answer popped up and made me smile.

'Spending the day with you, f'course!'

[vortahoney]

I dare you to answer every question in the last ask game you reblogged

Okay

1. coffee mugs, teacups, wine glasses, water bottles, or soda cans?

Coffee mugs because they fit nicely in my hands

2. Chocolate bars or lollipops

Chocolate bars with caramel specifically

3. Bubble gum or cotton candy

Neither next question

4. How did your elementary school teachers describe you?

Intelligent but problems with attention and talking

5. How do you prefer to drink soda?

Glass bottles all the way

6. Pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal, or sportswear?

Goth or grunge bc that’s just how I dress

7. Earbuds or headphones?

Earbuds because headphones make me feel silly

8. Movies or tv shows?

Tv shows because I like having a LOT of content

9. Favorite smell in the summer?

Chlorine pools (:

10. Game you were best at in p.e.

I was insanely good at dodgeball

11. Average breakfast?

Fruit smoothie

12. name of your favorite playlist?

“I don’t care HOW butch you are…”

13. Lanyard or key ring?

Key ring

14. Favorite non chocolate candy?

Hi chews

15. Favorite book you read as a school assignment?

I know we’re all expecting a classic and I do LOVE classics but it’s gotta be this sort of middle grade-y novel called The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

16. Most comfortable sitting position?

Laying down

17. Most frequently worn pair of shoes?

Rose pink vans

18. Ideal weather?

Slightly chilly rain or snow

19. Sleeping position?

On my stomach with one arm up under the pillow

20. Preferred place to write?

In my closet, I do better in small spaces

21. Obsession from childhood?

History of Circuses

22. Role model?

From my life: my ninth grade English teacher

From just the world: Kazuo Ishiguro

23. Strange habits?

I hopscotch from the tile in my kitchen to the carpet in the hallway

24. Favorite crystal?

Aventurine without a doubt

25. First song you remember hearing?

Something by Adele I don’t remember the name of

26. Favorite warm weather activity?

Tubing :}

27. Favorite cold weather activity?

Sitting around a fire (inside) and drinking hot chocolate

28. Five songs to describe me?

I like giants- kimya dawson

Valerie- Amy Winehouse

Friday I’m in love- the cure

Tunnel Vision- Grumpster

L-O-V-E- Nat King Cole

29. Best way to bond with me?

Be willing to listen to a rant about something I like/be willing to rant about something you like

30. Places you find sacred?

Hospitals and Libraries

31. What outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names?

Old ZZ Top shirt black skinny jeans and combat boots

32. Top five favorite vines?

Road work ahead

Country boy I love you

Ah Fuck I can’t believe you’ve done this

whO want lasagna

Look at all those chickens

33. Most used phrase in your phone?

No but yeah

34. Advertisements you have stuck in your head?

You know what makes me thirsty?

35. Average time you fall asleep?

Eleven on the dot every night

36. First meme you remember ever seeing?

I don’t remember anything about except it was that baby doing a fist bump

37. Suitcase or duffel bag?

The correct answer is backpack

38. Lemonade or tea?

Both in the same cup

39. Lemon cake or lemon meringue pie?

Lemon meringue pie <3

40. Weirdest thing to ever happen at your school?

Someone stole a bus for the devious lick challenge

41. Last person you texted?

My best friend ever

42. Jacket pockets or pants pockets?

Pants pockets because they’re so much more secure

43. Hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket, or bomberos jacket?

Hoodie!!

44. Favorite scent for soap?

Mango shea butter or vanilla

45. Favorite genre?

Sci fi!

46. Most comfortable sleeping outfit?

Sports bra/no shirt, shorts

47. Favorite type of cheese?

Gouda! Preferably with red pesto

48. If you were a fruit what kind would you be?

Strawberry because I’m sweet and also have tons of inconvenient seeds

49. What saying or quote do you live by?

Every day give yourself a present from twin peaks

50. What made you laugh the hardest you’ve ever laughed?

Oh god I don’t remember but it was something @mixedmediahmm said in my car. Either that or “damn girl your pussy tastes like werther’s originals” which is a thought that I had about a certain character from a certain show that I am currently watching

51. Current stresses?

My final semester of high school is going to be a very difficult one and I am STRESSED

52. Favorite font?

Cambria!!!

53. What is the current state of your hands?

Dry because it’s cold

54. What did you learn from your first job?

Tell people about your allergies

55. Favorite fairy tale?

The Ugly Duckling

56. Favorite tradition?

My family’s Christmas Eve cribbage tournament!

57. The three biggest struggles you’ve overcome?

Insecurity about my identity, coming out, and my anger issues

58. Four talents you’re proud of having?

My writing, my skill with dogs, gardening/foraging, and my ability to pick up languages

59. If you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be?

“Howdy howdy!” Or “I watched this documentary…”

60. If you were an anime character, what kind would you want it to be?

A cooking one or one in space

61. Favorite line from a book/movie/tv show?

Again, the every day give yourself a present line from Twin Peaks

62. Seven characters you relate to?

Diane Nguyen- Bojack Horseman

Klara- Klara and the Sun

Ezri Dax- Star Trek: ds9

Gregor Samsa- The Metamorphosis

Adaine Abernant- Fantasy High

63. Five songs you would play in your club?

Something to Say- Michaela Jaé

Juice- Lizzo

XS- Rina Sawayama

Bubblegum Bitch- Marina and the Diamonds

Boys Don’t Cry- the cure

64. Favorite childhood website?

GirlsGoGames!

65. Any permanent scars?

One on my face just under my mouth from a really bad butter burn, and one from sewing my hand to a pillow in home ec

66. Favorite flower?

Any kind of pea

67. Good luck charms?

My pocket knife Lorraine!

68. Worst flavor?

Frozen octopus

69. A fun fact you don’t know how you learned?

Coconut water can be used in emergency blood transfusions when no blood is available

70. Left or right handed?

Right

71. Least favorite pattern?

Polka dots

72. Worst subject?

Biological sciences

73. Favorite weird flavor combo?

Grapes and cheese (idk if that’s weird though) also popcorn and whipped cream

74. At what pain level do you have to be at before you take ibuprofen?

5-ish

75. When did you lose your first tooth?

Eight I think

76. Favorite potato food?

Potato soup!!!

77. Best plant to grow on a windowsill?

Thyme!

78. Coffee at a gas station or sushi from a grocery store?

Coffee from a gas station

79. Which looks better, school id or driver’s license?

School id

80. Earth tones or jewel tones?

Earth for clothes jewel for decorations!

81. Fireflies or lightning bugs?

Fireflies??

82. Pc or console

I do not have either nor have I ever had either

83. Writing or drawing?

Writing :)

84. Podcasts or talk radio?

Podcasts, I find them more accessible

85. Barbie or Polly pocket?

Barbie!

86. Fairy tales or mythology?

Mythology!! Especially Norse mythology (my dad got me into it)

87. Cookies or cupcakes?

Cupcakes <3

88. Your greatest fear?

Losing control of my body/mental state

89. Your greatest wish?

To be a published author!

90. Luckiest mistake?

Once submitted a story to the wrong contest but won nationally!

91. Boxes or bags?

Bags are easier to carry

92. Lamps, overhead lights, sunlight, or fairy lights?

Sunlight all the way

93. Nicknames?

My dad calls me chicken but that’s it

94. Favorite season?

Autumn

95. Favorite app on your phone?

My solitaire app or Dropout

96. Desktop background?

Ummm no desktop

97. How many phone numbers do you have memorized?

Two

98. Favorite historical era?

Ummmmmmmmm pirates

[dyaz-stories]

Screaming Color — A SessKagu One-Shot

“The rest of the world was black and white... but we were in screaming colors”

Tagging: @shinidamachu @sailorbabydoll92 @sweetchcolate @clearwillow @zelink-inukag @cstorm86 @digital-art-monster @danycontreras90 @redflamesofpassion @lost-amidst-the-stars​ @eternalnight8806-3 @desiree239 @keichanz @ashleys-canvas​ @mustardyellowsunshine​ @meggz0rz​ @contacting-u​ @ramen---boi​ @superpixie42​ @kazeinori​

Also available on Ao3 and ff.net.

Prom night. Balloons suspended around the school gym in a desperate attempt to make it look a little more dreamy, not-so-dazzling lights, the one mirrorball the school owned, which had probably been purchased at the peak of the disco era, considering its looks, glitter on the floor, and bad music. Girls dressed to the nines and boys, well, making an effort, at least. Smiles, heartbreak, epic highs and lows of teenage romance.

And, standing by the drinks table, bored out of her damn mind, Kagura Kaze, art teacher in her thirties, chaperoning.

To say this wasn’t Kagura’s dream night would have been a complete understatement. See, when Onigumo, the school director had approached her to give her that job, she had had a moment of hesitation. It had lasted a second, if not less, as memories flooded her mind. When she’d been in high school, she was way too cool for prom, so she had never experienced it, and it made her— it made her somewhat curious, you know? Made her want to know what all the fuss was about.

Of course, the thought quickly vanished from her mind. Obviously, she couldn’t experience it as a teenager again, and while it might have been fun back then, though she seriously doubted it, there was no way she would enjoy it even the tiniest bit now.

But because of her hesitation, she’d lost her way out, and that was how she found herself, well, here.

“I’m standing right here, Manten.”

The teenage boy seemed genuinely surprised to hear her talk, and almost dropped the bottle of alcohol he’d been about to pour in the punch that was available for all students to drink from.

“Yeah, I know, I just—”

He just hadn’t thought she’d say anything. She’d heard that a lot tonight, and she didn’t know whether to be flattered or offended. It definitely confirmed that she was the ‘cool teacher’, a title she’d earned because she was, by far, the best dressed teacher in school, because she actually had some renown in the art world and also because, if she dared to say so herself, she was an a-fucking-mazing teacher.

That would have come as a surprise to anyone, including her own self, just five years ago, when she’d gotten the job. She’d thought that would be the nail in the coffin of her creativity and of her already dying art career. She’d thought, and everyone around her agreed, that she would murder one of the young imbeciles she’d have to look after after just one day, and end up in jail, and if that didn’t happen, she would certainly die a long and boring death in the small high school of a small town, miles away from the city and everything she loved.

But, as it turned out, that had not been the case. She could, in fact, live without Starbucks, and she didn’t need to go shopping at high-end clothing stores every week-end.

Not that she could afford it these days.

As for teenagers, they were horrible, stupid, and hormonal, but some of them, sometimes, were also interesting. Those, she did her best to help. After all, Kagura liked talent. She took pride in her ability to spot it, even in its rawest form. She had thought it would make her bitter, to see these talented teenagers, with all their lives still ahead of themselves.

It didn’t. It just made her want to help them, and if that meant she had to do her damnedest to find scholarships they could apply to, well, she’d do that.

Other students didn’t complain about her class, either. It gave them an outlet for all sorts of emotions, and if there was one thing no one had ever said about her, it was that she was boring.

So it didn’t exactly surprise her, to hear that Manten had thought she’d let him spike the punch, but on the other hand— how did he dare? Did he really think she was that irresponsible? She wasn’t going to let teenagers get wasted on her watch.

“Give me the bottle, Manten,” she sighed, extending a perfectly manicured hand.

“But…”

“And tell your brother to come here and give me his,” she added, eyeing Hiten, who was watching the scene carefully, and who, of course, had sent his brother do his dirty job for him.

“Oh, Hiten would never—”

“You heard her, kid,” a deep voice growled from behind him. “Get it done.”

Manten immediately seemed to shrunk and disappear, which could have been a pretty funny sight, in different circumstances. The look Kagura gave to Inuyasha Taisho, P.E. teacher, was not amused.

“I was handling it,” she said dryly.

“Yeah, and I got it done faster.”

She had to resist the urge to snarl at him. Inuyasha was an alright person, but what an asshole he could be.

”Hey,” he said, clearing his throat awkwardly, clearly unaware of the less than charitable thoughts that were going through her mind, “you wouldn’t have happened to see—”

“I’ll tell you where she is if you get Miroku and Sango back from their break,” she interrupted him. “I want to take mine, and we need someone by this table.”

She didn’t add that they were probably making out. Miroku had taken two bottles she’d gotten from kids who also wanted to spike the punch — which showed that there was no coordination there and was very irresponsible of them, because what if they’d all succeeded, that would have been a disaster — and winked at her before leaving with the perpetually unimpressed Sango. Thinking back on it, she probably should have stopped him then and there.

She’d high-fived him instead.

“Sure,” Inuyasha shrugged, not realizing what he was probably opening himself to seeing. “So?”

“She took a group of lonely kids to the library.”

“Keh. Of course she would,” Inuyasha scoffed, but his dumb, soft smile betrayed his feelings. That was how he’d been tricked into being here tonight, too. Because, of course, ‘she’ had also volunteered to watch over the dance.

Another day, another time, Kagura would have loved to meddle in the slow-burn developing between him and the literature teacher, the lovely Kagome Higurashi, because they were so damn entertaining, definitely her favorite couple among the faculty, but if she stood there one minute longer, she was going to spontaneously combust or something.

“Good. I’m off.”

“Hey, wait a second—”

“Hiten, here!”

The teenage boy begrudgingly handed her a bottle of what she knew at a glance was a very, very nice wine. Those kids really had too much money and too little supervision for their own good, which wasn’t something she could fix. Wasn’t her job, either, but sometimes, it disappointed her a little. Gave her heart an unpleasant squeeze. Every year, how many of those kids graduated, about to jump headfirst into a shitty life that would never get better? How many of them had she failed?

That wasn’t something she ever thought about, before starting to work here. It wasn’t a pleasant thought by any means, but she didn’t hate it, either. It felt— needed. It felt like it was something she should have thought about before. Then maybe she could have made a difference sooner, maybe she would be doing a better job.

On the other hand, if she didn’t think about it, maybe she wouldn’t need a drink so bad right now.

“Mrs. Kaze,” a calm, even voice, called from behind her as she was just about to leave the gym, “may I ask where you are going?”

Kagura froze, closed her eyes a second, then turned around, a charming smile on her lips.

“I was just taking my break, Mr. Taisho,” she said, ignoring the way her heart was hammering in her chest, as it always did whenever she talked to him. “Care to join me?”

Sesshomaru Taisho rose an eyebrow at her offer, and she had to remind herself not to hold her breath waiting for an answer. She wasn’t one of the teenagers she was supposed to chaperone, dammit!

That was all his fault, by the way. He had no business looking this good. He hadn’t dressed up, exactly, but he was wearing a fitting white shirt, which underlined a nicely chiseled chest, and black pants, and that was enough to create the illusion. She knew, from the looks he was getting, that she wasn’t the only one feeling that way. His long white hair, which he usually tied into a ponytail, were falling over his broad shoulders, and she would have killed for that hair, but that wasn’t what got her attention.

No, she was entirely focused on his face. He had the type of face she would love to paint someday, and that was the first thing that had struck her about him, when she’d first met him. He was beautiful, sure, but beauty could be boring. With him, it wasn’t. It wasn’t just his sharp jaw, thin lips, straight nose and high cheekbones. He was much more than the sum of his parts, but Kagura was convinced that even without all of that, if she had met his golden eyes, if she had seen the intelligence behind it, she would have been irremediably lost, regardless of anything else.

Sesshomaru glanced behind him at Inuyasha, who was sullenly watching over the drink table where she’d abandoned him. The two of them were brothers, but you would never have guessed it from the way they acted with one another. There was a rather painful story behind that, which Kagura had heard from Miroku, but she knew better than to bring it up with the brothers, so she kept her mouth shut.

“I suppose I could,” he finally said. “Inuyasha knows better than to let Rin get in trouble.”

Another subject it was better not to speak on. Sesshomaru’s adopted daughter was the apple of his eye, and he was, perhaps, just a little overprotective. Some had tried to point it out to him, but they’d learned that he didn’t take kindly to comments on his parenting, something no one in school ignored, at this point.

Unfortunately — for herself —, Kagura had never been really good at not speaking her mind, and there was only so much she could hold back in one night, especially for the same guy.

“Rin’s perfectly capable of getting in and out of trouble if she chooses to. I doubt there’s much Inuyasha could do to stop her from doing that.” I doubt there’s much you could do to stop her from doing that.

Sesshomaru glared at her in silence for a few seconds, but that wasn’t nearly long enough for Kagura to regret speaking her mind.

“Why would Rin want to do that?” he finally asked.

“She’s sixteen,” Kagura shrugged. “She might want to… experiment.” Like with that Kohaku kid I’m positive you don’t know about. “Are you coming or what?”

Sesshomaru looked over his shoulder one last time, sighed deeply, then nodded. Kagura deemed to be an absolute win. He was by no means talkative, after all, and this conversation had gone well enough, considering who it was with.

“Let’s get to my room,” she said, tilting her head towards the door. “Yours is depressing.”

By that, she meant there was a plain, black board — because Sesshomaru refused to change it to a white one — and nothing else. Evenly spaced desks, one larger one for him, no books, no posters, no nothing.

“And yours is too full of useless things,” he replied, frowning ever so slightly. “You should throw them out as soon as you’ve finished that project.”

Kagura let out a horrified exclamation. She could never do that. She knew what it felt like, when someone threw out something you’d poured your heart into, and she didn’t see the need for her pupils to experience that just yet. Of course, she couldn’t keep everything, and at the end of the year, she did have to throw away things that were left, but it had never crossed her mind to do that during the year.

“My room,” she argued as the two of them walked through the silent hallways, “is pretty and the students are happy to come here. I doubt you can say the same thing.”

“I’ve never heard anyone complain.”

“That’s because they’re terrified of you!”

In the dimly lit hallways, she missed the half-smile that curved Sesshomaru’s lips while the two of them argued. Even if she’d seen it, she would probably have assumed she’d imagined it, and yet, it was there. Sesshomaru was enjoying himself.

With a frustrated sigh, she pushed the doors to her room and let him in, turning on the light to reveal a place she was genuinely proud of. On the walls hung finished products, on the tables, paintings were still drying, and on the shelves were the results of that time they had tried pottery. Inuyasha probably hadn’t been happy that she had used his ex’s contact information to find a teacher for that, but he hadn’t said anything about it.

He’d just hidden in the gymnasium all day.

“There,” she said, satisfied with the scene. Esthetically, maybe it wasn’t the most pleasing sight, but she could see all the efforts poured into this work. She knew what belonged to which student, by name. She knew which themes had felt the most personal to whom, she knew…

Ugh, she was getting all mushy now.

“Let’s drink,” she said, pulling out the two bottles she’d gotten off of Hiten and Manten earlier.

But Sesshomaru wasn’t listening to her. Instead, he stepped closer to one of the walls and examined it in silence. Kagura narrowed her eyes at him. What exactly was he… Ah.

“Fractals,” he said, a hint of surprise in his voice.

“Yeah, well, an assignment that was inspired by fractals,” Kagura said, rolling her eyes. She started tapping her fingernails on the wood of the desk she was sitting on. This was more embarrassing than she’d thought it would be. Not that she’d thought about it much, actually, otherwise she probably wouldn’t have done it. “Are we drinking or what?”

Sesshomaru looked at her over his shoulder.

“I do not think that is a very good idea. We need to look out for the students. We cannot do that drunk.”

Why did he have to be so reasonable all the time?

“Why fractals?”

Kagura pushed herself off the desk with a sigh and walked to his side.

“Well, I was looking into some geometrical things,” for no reasons whatsoever, “and I thought fractals were… an interesting theme. Most kids went for a mirror type of thing, but some took more interest in the snowflake shape and others on…” She sighed, but couldn’t quite contain her amused smile. “The Triforce, I guess.”

Sesshomaru watched her as she spoke. Kagura was always passionate about things. When she cared about things, it was obvious in her voice, in her attitude. Right now, her eyes shone as she examined her students’ project, her lips curved into a smile he knew she couldn’t quite control. She smirked, a lot, but she always looked like she was caught off-guard when she realized she was genuinely smiling.

“That isn’t a bad idea to get them interested,” Sesshomaru conceded, voice perhaps softer than it usually was. “To pick things they can— have fun making, I suppose.”

“Well, we don’t all have that luxury,” Kagura grinned, shooting him a wink. “You’d have trouble doing that, wouldn’t ya?”

Sesshomaru rose an eyebrow, and took a step towards her. Kagura tried to step back, only to realize her back was already against the wall. She swallowed as the tall, white-haired man leaned towards her, towering over her even though she was wearing high heels. Curse him and his stupid height…

“Is that a challenge, Kagura?” he asked, and God, his voice was doing all sorts of things to her.

She didn’t think he’d used her name before. She found she quite liked it.

“Might be,” she replied, lifting her chin defiantly. “I’m pretty sure even if you tried, you couldn’t get your students interested.”

Something dark briefly lit up in his golden eyes, and Sesshomaru sighed.

“You’re an impossible woman,” he said, possibly for himself more than for her.

“Yeah, I kind of pride myself on—”

Sesshomaru kissed her. At first, it felt brusque, his lips crashing against hers but remaining immobile, his body so completely tense against hers.

Kagura reacted immediately. She didn’t try to understand it, didn’t stop to consider whether or not that was a good idea. Before she could have any form of cohesive thoughts, she was pushing herself against him, her hands were in his hair as she pulled him down against her. If that took him by surprise, he didn’t show it. In a second, he’d pulled her away from the wall and lifted her onto a desk, where she promptly wrapped her legs around his waist.

She’d thought about this for years, wondered of what he’d taste like, how his body would feel against hers. His warmth, seeping through his clothes, was almost surprising, opposed to his  usual cold demeanor. His large hands, his long fingers, moved slowly, up her legs, then on her waist, as he took his time to discover her body. It was the clash of her passion, her impatience, and his slow deliberateness.

When he pulled away from her, she let out an annoyed whimper, but didn’t try to hold him back. Instead, she took in the sight of him in that moment, and it made her smirk. She liked the way he looked right now. Disheveled, shirt all creased,  tie half-undone, hair a mess. She liked the way his lips parted as he tried to steady his breathing. She knew that in a second, he would look as tidy as ever, but for now, she enjoyed a sight she doubted many people has set their eyes on before.

He cleared his throat and averted his eyes, and her smile widened. It only lasted a second before he did compose himself again, and when he looked back at her, it was gone.

“I think it’s time we go back. Shall we?” he asked, offering her his hand.

Kagura took it and jumped from the desk, quickly smoothing out her skirt. It wasn’t her first rodeo, and she knew she could make herself look perfectly presentable before she walked back into the gym.

“You should give that back to Hiten’s parents,” Sesshomaru added, pointing at the bottles she’d abandoned by the door. “He probably took it from them.”

She rolled her eyes. He just had to know everything better than everyone else, didn’t he? Fine. She would. Because, of course, it was the right, smart thing to do. It was just very annoying. Ugh. The things she was doing because she liked him…

She grabbed his tie and took to straightening it, and he went very quiet. His face didn’t express any emotion, but he didn’t have to for her to be able to read him. Pulling him forward, she planted a quick kiss on his lips.

“Watch out, professor,” she whispered huskily, “you have some lipstick there.”

Then she took a step back, winked at him, and disappeared through the door.

Sesshomaru spent long seconds there, regaining control of his breathing. He couldn’t explain to himself what was different about Kagura. Everything about her was fascinating. The way she moved, the way she talked, the was she smiled. She brought color to his mostly dull, black and white world, something only his adopted daughter had been able to do before. He had never really considered acting on — whatever it was he was feeling, until tonight.

Now he couldn’t stop thinking about when to do it again.

It was a shame the year was ending, but they’d both still be here for the next one. At the thought, his lips curved into a smile.

He would be looking forward to it.

Hiii, thanks for reading! I’m tentatively coming back on Tumblr so you might see more of me in the next days. I don’t think I’ll be engaging with any content from the sequel, at least for the time being though. Hope you enjoyed this piece I wrote while I was gone!

[ericsonclan]

Bugging Out

Summary: An event causes a misunderstanding between Marlon and Sophie.

Read on AO3:

Marlon couldn’t wait for lunch time. He nervously tapped his foot against the classroom floor which some of the other monsters found obnoxious but he didn’t care. He just wanted to get through whatever lecture Mr. Everett was going on about and stretch his legs. That and spend lunchtime with Sophie like he promised. He felt his cheeks heating up at the thought of her. How he had gotten a tall, beautiful harpy to be his girlfriend he had no idea but he enjoyed every day that he got to spend with her. He was excited to see her again at lunchtime. If this stupid clock would move faster, Marlon groaned internally as the seconds dripped by slowly. The words of the lecture all blended together to form an incoherent buzzing sound in the dullahan’s ears. But after a while time seemed to be on his side and the bell rang loudly throughout the hallways, signaling that class was done and that lunch had finally arrived. Marlon rose up from his spot, tossing his books haphazardly into his backpack and was about to walk out to find Sophie when all of the sudden Mr. Everett spoke up.

“Marlon, could you stay back for a few minutes?”

Marlon glanced back at his teacher, a mixture of worry and annoyance bubbling within him. He had a pretty good idea of what he was going to say.

“I just wanted to go over your last history test since it seems like you didn’t do so well,” Mr. Everett slid forward the paper, revealing the poor grade of 43 on it. Marlon felt her heart drop at the sight. His parents were going to be so mad when they saw this. Mr. Everett could see the different emotions battling inside his student's mind. “If you’d like, we can look over it during lunch and with an extra assignment I may be able to raise up your grade.”

Marlon’s eyes shot up and locked with Mr. Everett’s. “Really?” A hopeful smile appeared on the dullahan’s face. “I’d really appreciate that, sir.” This was great. If he got up this grade then his parents wouldn’t be upset with him and make him spend all his free time on the weekends studying. This way he could maybe buy some time before getting a tutor and wouldn’t miss out on any fun dates with Sophie. The realization hit Marlon in an instant; he’d promised to have lunch with Sophie. “Would you mind if I quickly found someone? I promised I’d meet them during lunch and I don’t wanna reschedule with you.”

“Sure, but be back soon,” Mr. Everett took a seat back at his desk and got out some papers to grade and a sandwich to nibble on while he waited. Without another word the dullahan ran off, awkwardly trying to run through the halls without letting his head slide off.

“Sorry, sorry.” Marlon apologized as he bumped into some other monsters. “Shit, sorry!” He called back to a gryphon before sprinting outside. Knowing Sophie she was mostly likely with Minnie, Renata or Violet. Marlon’s eyes scanned the area and quickly picked up on the werewolf who was busy eating her lunch with Prisha, Louis and Clem.

Louis looked up, his eyes brightening when he noticed his best friend, waving excitedly over at the dullahan and patting the empty spot next to him. “Marlon, got a seat for ya!” Louis smiled over at his friend.

“Sorry, can’t, gotta find Sophie.” Marlon waved back, flashing an apologetic smile before sprinting off. He continued to look around the campus until he decided that maybe his girlfriend was hanging out by the woods nearby. Sprinting forward, he slowly began to make out the shape of Ericson’s most mischievous huldra who seemed to be chanting something and pumping her fist while Sophie had her head lodged in a tree. It seemed bizarre but then again nothing was normal here at Ericson High. He just needed to drop by and tell Sophie he couldn’t have lunch with her.

“Sophie!” Marlon cupped his hands over his mouth to get his girlfriend’s attention. The harpy’s feathers twitched as she popped her head out of the tree, turning around and revealing a mouth full of bugs. Sophie tried to say something but nearly choked on the bugs in her mouth. Renata chuckled while whacking her best friend on the back. A flurry of bugs flew from Sophie’s mouth and landed on the ground, scurrying away to safety.

Marlon looked shocked for a moment. He didn’t think harpies could fit that many bugs in their mouths. In fact, he’d never seen Sophie go bug hunting until now. Before he said anything, he glanced down at his watch and swore frantically. It was already cutting deep into his time to look over the test with Mr. Everett. He was getting so anxious about it, his head started to slide off again. “Fuck, shit.” Marlon stumbled around, trying to snatch his head. Letting out a relieved sigh when he caught it, the dullahan gently placed it back over the ghastly vapors whispering from his body. “I can’t have lunch with you today!” Marlon yelled before sprinting off.

It wasn’t until he was back inside the building that he realized how that had sounded. It had probably come across more harsh than he had intended, especially since he had totally blanked on telling Sophie the reason why. He couldn’t go back and fix it now though. He’d have to wait until he ran into her again and explain that he was just meeting with a teacher. With that thought in mind, Marlon walked briskly through the hallways back to the classroom where Mr. Everett was waiting.

-----

Sophie felt her heart drop while she watched her boyfriend sprint off. Probably to get as far away from her as he could after he saw that. He was definitely grossed out after seeing all those bugs in her mouth. “Shit,” Sophie coughed sharply, causing a final bug to shoot out of her mouth. “I’m so stupid. Why did I agree to a bug eating contest?” A small, sad tweet escaped the harpy’s lips.

“Don’t worry, Soph,” Renata placed a hand on her friend’s arm, a confident smile on her face. “I’ll allow a redo. So the hefty sum of zero bugs won’t be your final score.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” Sophie replied with a pout. Slowly she flew up and embedded her claws into one of the tree’s branches. Allowing her body to swing upside down, she used her arms to hide her face, hoping that the feathers would mask her emotions.

“Sophie,” the huldra poked her friend’s feathers. “Are you upset that Marlon caught you snacking on bugs?”

“Yes!” Sophie chirped. “He probably thinks I’m some sort of freak! You saw how fast he ran away.”

Renata tilted her head. “Well, I mean his head falls off so he’s weirder than you. Besides, bugs are tasty! So I don’t think it’s a big deal!”

Sophie peeked her head out from behind her feathers and looked at the bright smile of the huldra. “It’s not a big deal for you because you’re dating someone who eats bugs too!” Sophie twittered sadly. Letting her talons release her grip, she landed on the ground. “I’m not hungry anymore. I’m gonna just get ready for P.E.” Sophie didn’t bother to wait for Renata to say anything. Instead she flew off towards the school.

-----

“Are you still sad about yesterday?” Minnie glanced over at Sophie who scratched her talons across the ground as they walked to school.

“Yes,” Sophie mumbled “I’m allowed to be.”

“That’s true.” Renata added, her teeth poking out slightly. “But it’s more fun to focus on the positives.” The huldra’s hand that held Minnie’s swung back and forth happily. “Like this!” The huldra held up a large container. “Omar helped me make lunch for the three of us!”

Sophie glanced over, an excitement dancing in her eyes when she noticed the fried worm sandwich in the container. But it quickly faded away.

“It looks amazing,” Minnie smiled over at her girlfriend who beamed at the praise, her tail curling around her leg.

“Thank you! I do have some hidden cooking talents of my own!” The huldra declared proudly before pausing. Her eyes grew large for a second. “Oh! I forgot I promised to meet up with someone before class. I’ll see you in fourth period.” Renata got up on her tiptoes and gave Minnie a quick kiss on her cheek, giving her hand one final squeeze before sprinting off.

A happy crow escaped Minnie’s lips, her feathers standing up from the sheer electricity of the romantic gesture. “I can’t wait for fourth period!” She smiled over at her twin who still seemed down in the dumps. “Come on, Soph,” Minnie grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her inside. She could tell this was going to be a long day.

----

“Who would want to date a big bird?” Sophie faceplanted on the picnic table. A sad chirp emitted from her flat face.

“Well, first off the correct term is ‘harpies’,” Renata placed down the container filled with lunch on the table in front of her, pulling out a rabbit panini and taking a large bite from it. “And I like dating a harpy.” Renata looked up, a warm smile on her face when she noticed Minnie walking over. “It’s the best.”

“Hey,” Minnie slid into the spot next to her girlfriend, grabbing a fried worm sandwich. “I’m so hungry.” She took a bite out of it and let out a happy tweet. “Holy shit! Omar can fucking cook! Gotta get this recipe from him.”

“I made some cookies for dessert too.” Renata did a drumroll before revealing a small bag full of cookies.

Sophie lifted up her head, her stomach growling at all the great food in front of her. “ Can you pass me a sandwich?”

Sure!” Renata tossed over a fried worm sandwich which Sophie caught in her mouth, munching on it with a content smile. She still felt down but she wasn’t going to let that ruin lunch. Happy chirps and excited twitters emitted from Sophie while she devoured the entirety of her sandwich within seconds.

All of a sudden Marlon sat down across from her. The air around the table instantly changed. Sophie felt her mind spin with doubts and was about to get up to leave when Marlon spoke up.

“Sophie, wait!”

The harpy paused and looked over at Marlon wondering what he was possible going to say or do. Slowly and without a word, the dullahan opened up a bag of gummy worms and shoved a bunch in his mouth. After a few seconds of chewing he swallowed the gummy worms with a smile. “Slimy yet satisfying.”

Sophie could tell that Marlon was trying to show he didn’t mind that she ate bugs. She immediately perked up at the thoughtful gesture.

“I’m sorry, Soph. I was meeting with Mr. Everett and I totally gave you the wrong impression. I wasn’t freaked out or anything by you eating all those bugs.”

“Really?” Sophie smiled over at her boyfriend.

“Really?” Renata’s voice caused the others to look over at Renata who had a mischievous smirk on her face. Her tail curled into a question mark. “Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is!” The huldra’s hand rummaged through the lunch bag and revealed another fried worm sandwich. She tossed it in front of the dullahan. “Eating gummies is easy but why not try worms!”

“There was another sandwich!” Sophie’s eyes grew large. “Wait, Marlon, you don’t have to eat that.”

“No, it’s fine.” He took a half of the sandwich and with a deep breath took an enormous bite of it, hoping that it would prove how serious and heartfelt his words were. A loud crunching sound emitted from the sandwich as the dullahan took his time munching down on the bite in his mouth. A contemplative expression appeared on his face while he swallowed. “Hey, these aren’t half bad. But you’d probably enjoy it more than me.” Marlon handed over the remainder of his sandwich to Sophie who gave an excited crow in response.

Lunch continued on with happy and light conversations until the school bell rang. Sophie hopped down from her perch, flying over and landing beside Marlon and taking his hand. “Thanks for being cool about everything.” The harpy placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. The dullahan looked shocked for a second until his vision was thrown off by his head slipping backwards. Luckily Sophie was able to catch it in time. The couple looked at each other and laughed.

“It was nothing. I’m just glad I cleared up that misunderstanding.” Marlon’s hand swayed in time with Sophie’s. “So, ready for English?”

“Yep! Lead the way!” Sophie and Marlon walked together, talking about what Ms. Sarita would teach today. Both of them smiled and talked animatedly, happy to be spending some time together and glad to have the silly misunderstanding cleared up.

[rimmers-swimming-certificate]

Red Dwarf fanfic - Comatose (9/16)

part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 |  part 6 | part 7 | part 8

This was a stupid idea. Lister hadn’t even wanted to do the jigsaw in the first place. Not really. It had just been something to fill a bit of time. When he had found it too frustrating, he had given up. Now, he was sitting on Rimmer’s bunk, watching with increasing frustration as Rimmer now gave it a go.

“That one,” Rimmer said, pointing at one of the pieces scattered on the table. He moved his pointing finger to a gap at the edge of the partially completed jigsaw. “Put it there.”

There were two skutters at the desk, one on either side of Rimmer. The skutter on his left reached down with its claw-like hand, and tried to pick up the jigsaw piece. It slipped from its clumsy fingers back to the table.

Lister folded his arms and sighed. “Forget it, Rimmer,” he said. “It’s just a stupid jigsaw. It doesn’t matter.”

Ignoring him, RImmer addressed the skutter. “No, you dim-witted excuse for a robot. They had more sophisticated machinery than you in the 21st century. Maybe even the 20th. Watch me, and try to copy what I do.” Rimmer reached out and placed his finger above the jigsaw piece. He slid his hand towards himself, leaving the piece where it was, and mimed picking it up as it teetered on the edge of the table.

The skutter tipped its head to the side like a dog observing its master, then tried to copy. The jigsaw piece slid across the table, off the edge, and landed on the floor.

Rimmer gritted his teeth in barely concealed frustration. He pointed to the other skutter. “Now you,” he said. He pointed to another jigsaw piece. “This one. Just like he did, only don’t drop the smegging thing on the floor. I know you won’t, because you’re nowhere near as stupid. In fact, you might be the best skutter we have.”

The second skutter moved itself rapidly from left to right like a dog wagging its tail. It slid the jigsaw piece to the edge of the table, clutched it between two of its three fingers and held it aloft triumphantly.

RImmer turned to look at Lister, and Lister nodded. He had to admit, that was better than he’d managed to get them to do, and faster too. “So, how about getting them to put it down in the right place?” he said.

“Ah,” said Rimmer, “well, that’s a tad more complicated, but here we go.” He turned back to the skutter. “Right,” he said, he pointed to the part of the jigsaw where the piece belonged. “Put it there, try to make the picture match up with the parts around it.”

The skutter hesitated. It moved its arm so that the jigsaw piece hovered just over the jigsaw, and then let go. It fell to the table, bounced, and landed upside down.

Rimmer pushed the palm of his hand into his face, then turned to look at Lister. “See what I mean?” He turned back to the first skutter. “Now you,” he said. “This other skutter’s useless, I can already tell that you’re so much better.”

Lister sighed. “Honestly Rimmer, give up. If it takes this long for every piece…”

“It doesn’t,” Rimmer told him. “Or, it won’t, anyway. They are capable of learning, eventually. Once they know how to do it, they’ll do it on command.” He paused, then shrugged. “Well, for a while. Eventually they’ll forget and you need to do it again, but with a bit of persistence you’ll get a good couple of weeks out of them.”

Lister got to his feet, crossed the short distance between the two of them, and clapped Rimmer on the shoulder. Rimmer flinched in surprise, still not used to physical contact, then turned to look at him.

“Thanks, Rimmer, really. But don’t worry about it. I get the idea, so I can try it sometime if I get really desperate for something to do, but it’s just a kids' jigsaw puzzle, don’t waste your time.”

Rimmer frowned. “Really?”

“Really. I don’t even like jigsaws that much. It’s just something to do that’s not too much effort, and when it takes this much work…”

He was interrupted by Holly appearing on the viewscreen. “Alright?” she said.

Lister turned to look at her. “Hey, Holly. What’s up?”

Holly frowned. “Er…” She hesitated, trying to remember what she needed to say. “Oh yeah, Kryten wants to see you down in the medibay. Says he’s got news.”

Lister’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected this so soon. A spark of hope ignited in his chest and he turned to look at Rimmer. “Think I’m getting better?” he asked.

Rimmer didn’t answer. Lister spun around and raced out of the door.

   *****       *****       *****       *****       *****       *****       *****       *****     

The medical unit was louder than normal. The bleeping of the heart rate monitor was at least twice its normal speed, while the display monitors were updating information every few seconds. The body on the bed looked exactly the same as it always had, despite the hive of activity around it.

“What’s up, Kryten?” Lister said as he entered the room. “Am I better?”

The mechanoid was wringing his hands in a very upset-looking way. Lister came to a dead stop, and was almost bowled over by Rimmer running full-pelt into the back of him. He stumbled, but managed to right himself.

“No, sir,” Kryten said. “You’re… he’s…”

Oh smeg. Lister swallowed and glanced behind him at Rimmer, trying to gauge his reaction.

Rimmer looked tense, his mouth pressed into a thin line. “Spit it out,” Rimmer said to Kryten. “He’s what exactly?”

Kryten stuttered for another couple of seconds before he managed to engage his vocabulary circuits again. “You’ve taken a turn for the worse,” he said. “You had a seizure. It’s finished now, as you can no doubt see. Still, I thought it pertinent to inform you.”

Lister stared blankly at the mechanoid, trying to force himself to process the words that he was hearing. The bleeping of the heart rate monitor was slowing now, and the machines around him were changing their displays less often. “What do you mean I had a seizure?” he asked.

“Well, sir,” Kryten told him, “in basic terms, I mean that you suffered convulsions; you had a fit. You…”

“Yes, thank you Doctor Bogbot,” Rimmer interrupted. He stepped forward, placing himself directly between Lister and Kryten and folded his arms. “Somehow, I don’t think he was looking for a list of synonyms.”

“Oh. No. Of course…” Kryten floundered a little, then fell into silence.

Lister tried to rephrase his question, but for some reason, his mouth was refusing to work properly. He opened it and tried to speak, but the sound that came out was more like a squeak than actual words.

Rimmer spun around at the sound of the squeak, grabbed Lister by the arm and pulled him toward the nearest chair. “You, sit down,” he told him. He applied downward pressure to Lister’s shoulder until he gave in and collapsed into the chair. “You,” he said, rounding back onto Kryten, “Give a sensible answer this time, please.”

“I’m sorry, sir.” Kryten said, addressing Lister rather than Rimmer, “I assumed you were unfamiliar with the term, so I sought to clarify.”

Lister shook his head. Now he was seated, he felt like he could think again. Sort of. “I know what a seizure is, Kryten. What I want to know is why? And will it happen again?”

“And what does it mean for his recovery?” Rimmer added.

Kryten looked at them both. “I’m not sure,” he said. “On all counts. The medicomp is running diagnostics on you, and at this point all I can do is wait for the results. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Absolutely fine. Nothing to worry about at all.” He began tapping the medicomp nervously, increasingly quickly.

Lister leaned forward and rested his head in his hands. He nodded. “Good, okay, so how long will it take to get the results?”

“Just another few minutes, sir.” Kryten tapped the medicomp again, so fast now that his hand was a blur, the sound of the nervous tapping only added to the noise level of the room. “Just try to stay calm,” he said, in a very not-calm tone, “nothing to panic about.”

Lister took a deep breath. A few minutes. He could cope with that. Although, he could probably cope better if Kryten would stop his furious tapping. “It’s definitely going to be okay though, right?” he said. “I mean, I had a friend at primary school who used to have fits, and it never did him any real harm. A couple of times a year he’d just collapse in the middle of P.E. and start flopping around like a fish out of water. Scared the smeg out of me the first few times, til I figured out what was going on.”

“That he had epilepsy, you mean?” Rimmer said.

Lister shook his head. “No. Well, yeah, he did, but the meds took care of that. Turned out he just didn’t like playing cricket, so whenever he saw the teacher go in the cupboard where they kept the bats and the wickets, down he’d go. Then he’d get up, say he felt a bit woozy and go hang out in the nurse’s office for the rest of the lesson. Nobody ever questioned it, because why would they?”

“Well,” Rimmer said, “that’s fairly despicable behaviour. Imaging exploiting a disability like epilepsy just to get out of a P.E. lesson.”

Lister shook his head. Rimmer was probably just jealous because he hadn’t been able to do the same thing. “He got his comeuppance in the end though,” he said. “Got a job at a bank, last I heard he was on the management track.”

Rimmer frowned. “So?”

“So? So he probably ended up a bank manager. Poor bastard.”

“Sir, the results are coming through now,” Kryten told him.

Lister looked up.

“Oh,” said Kryten.

“Oh what? Is that a good ‘oh’ or a bad ‘oh’?” It was a bad ‘oh’, he was sure of it...

Kryten read the information again. “It’s good. It’s… good-ish, anyway.”

Lister glanced at Rimmer again, trying to decide how to interpret that. Rimmer shook his head, equally baffled. “Kryten, ‘good-ish’ is not a diagnosis. What is going on?”

“It’s... inconsistent,” Kryten clarified. “I think it was probably just a blip; one of those things, but the medicomp needs to run more tests to be sure. In the meantime, why don’t you go and relax? I’ll tell you as soon as I have any news. Which will be good, I’m sure.”

One of those things? Lister shook his head. “Relax? After this? How the smeg am I supposed to relax?”

Kryten shrugged. “I don’t know, sir. I noticed a jigsaw puzzle in your quarters the other day. Maybe you could work on that?”

(next)

Thanks to @norwegianpornfaerie for the beta, and the advice on writing Kryten :-)

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes pt6: A slow morning

Summer:.......

Shiva:*smiling* Aren’t you going to invite me in?

Summer:How is this happening?

Shiva:Come on, your are weak but not stupid. I’m sure you already have a few ideas. *skipping to the bed*

Summer:.....I’m still sleeping aren’t I?

Shiva:Bingoooo!!! *flops on bed* Gods I forgot how soft this bed was! It’s been ages since I layed here; reminds me of the real deal. Can’t wait to lay in it again.

Summer:*glares* Fat chance....

Shiva:Oh wipe that ridiculous look off your face and take a breather. No way I’m fighting you in this place. I just wanna talk.

The young woman layed back up and crossed her legs elegantly as she stared down Summer who was still in the door way. The smug smile that she wore was nothing new to her condescending attitude but it held a certain light hearted feature to it. Summer could tell that Shiva was telling the truth, so why did that only make her more anxious?

Shiva:There’s enough room in this bed for two you know?

Summer:I’m perfectly fine standing here. *tensing up*

Shiva:Whatever makes you less scared. Just when I thought you were getting more assertive. I guess it’s just desperation that made you steal those vials.

Summer:How....I was warm with that happened.

Shiva:Yeah but you’ve been thinking about it nonstop and obviously you’re cold enough for all this to happen. It’s only natural I find out; does natural even apply to us. Huh, something to ponder for later. Right now I’m way more interested in what exactly do you hope to accomplish. I tried digging deeper in that pretty head of yours but I can only get so deep, or maybe you’re winging it. *stands up*

Summer:Like I’d tell you. Just know your days are numbered.

Shiva:Funny, took the words right out my mouth. If anyone knows just how big the difference is from creating plan and executing it properly, it’s you. How many times has it been I wonder, since I left you freezing to death in your own mind? By now your friends and family have to be really tired of dealing with you.

Summer: Their problem is with you, not me!

Shiva:Now now Summer, do you really want to yell at me?

A chill ripped through her suddenly as her feet were frozen in place. The air itself started to get cooler to her discomfort. Despite her efforts, Summer started to shiver a little as Shiva walked closer. A piece of Summer really wanted to scream but refused to. The urge slowly growing though as her captors hand reached out to her. Nimble fingers on her left cheek caused the poor girl to nearly jump out her skin. Something told her that speaking wasn’t a good idea at the moment.

Shiva:That’s better, I really like this room the way it is. As I was saying, you’re nothing but a burden. The one’s you love wouldn’t be tired of me if you were strong enough to get rid of my from the start. Maybe then mommy dearest wouldn’t have a cute little scar that runs across the first one at the bottom. Man can she dodge like nobodies business. I wanted to leave a much bigger reminder of our meeting. If memory serves me well then it was diamond dust that caused the reaction and the whole apartment. History re-

Summer:*grabs wrist* That’s never happening again. You’re not catching anyone off gaurd by a long shot. We’ve learned many things in six years and you’ll feel like nothing but a bad dream in six more. My family will be just fine.

Shiva:Ah, there’s that little fire in your eyes. Always ready to come out whenever someone threatens mommy, daddy, or big brother. It’s the only time you are actually interesting. I wonder if it’ll keep you warm against me, or you’ll burn yourself by clinging to it?

..............

Shiva:Hmph, well I think I’ve had enough fun for the moment. I suppose I should let you rest while you still can; it’s only fair.

Summer:*lets go* Gee how thoughtful....

Shiva:Goodbye little one. I’m gonna enjoy this bed. *puts cover on the floor*

Summer:What are you-

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Her body jolts violently as her eyes open. The right side of her body aches and feels like it’s on something way less soft than she is used to. Slowly her senses come back and notices that she’s currently on floor next to a knocked over heater. Shiva’s surprise appearance started to make sense; just another precaution to add to the list. The dim light hit Summer’s face from the bedroom window told her it was still early. As much as she wanted to move back to her bed, all the strength she had was put into placing the heater back up right. Then she pulled the cover down to the floor with her and went back sleep.

xxx

Year round, Atlas always looked like a work out art at a museum in Nicholas eyes. Freshly fallen snow in the beginning of Winter though, that’s when Atlas becomes the center piece of it all. Crisp air tickles his nose as he walks down the quiet streets with two coffees in hand. Behind him the sound of snow crunching in his previous foot steps gets louder. He raises the coffee in his left hand for it to be promptly grabbed.

Valerie:Five sugars!?

Nick:With a small amount of cream for good measure.

Valerie:Man if there’s one thing I miss about school mornings, it’s this baby right here.

Nick:*chuckles* You do realize you could’ve gotten one of those at anytime you wanted right?

Valerie:Nah, they’re reserved for this moment every time or it feels less special. Coffee on the way to school is our thing; don’t want to abuse that.

Nick:If you say so. What happens when we eventually graduate then.

Valerie:I’ll get it once in a blue moon and remember all the good times of combat school.

Nick:Do good times and combat school even fit together like that?

Valerie:Now you sound like your sister. Speaking of which......

Nick:Doubt she’ll show up today.

Valerie:Such a shame. One of these days a teacher is gonna blow a fuse. I don’t even think the Prince of Atlas could stop them from expelling her.

Nick:They will as long as I make the school look good and please don’t call me that. “A prince is nothing compared to knight that chooses to defend him.”’ I’d rather be the knight.

Valerie:I don’t see why you can’t be both. Your parents might as well be kickass King and Queen but I digress. Can’t really blame Summer for wanting to skip the P.E. physical.

Nick:*eyes widened* Gods I’m stupid,m. Of course that’s why she’s not here. It skipped my mind the two of you have that today.

Valerie:Not surprising, you don’t wittiness the crap that goes down. One of these days I might just fight half the girls in that locker room.

Nick:That bad huh?

Valerie:It’s not like they’re even saying much either, but the way all of them stare. Silently judging and forming opinions about her scars makes me wanna drop kick all of them. *aggressively sips coffee*

He couldn’t help but smile at his oldest friend’s remark. Valerie definitely was never one to put someone in their place. She was typically open and blunt just like her mother. Frankly it was hard to tell if any of Ren’s mannerisms or genes; especially with her hair being short. He sort of missed seeing it long if he was honest with himself. She’s kept it short since the day she decided to start “exploring.” Nicholas took a long sip of his drink to avoid making a frown. Both of them would do anything for Summer; that’s his sister and Valerie is her closest friend as well, but he knows that friendship probably isn’t what compels her to help. He’d have to be naive to believe it was.

Valerie:Hmmm? What’s wrong Nicholas?

Nicholas:Nothing, just thinking about the test is all.

Valerie:Nice try, that’s not a “I’m afraid of a test look.” You’re way to smart and study hard. I bet that expression doesn’t even exist. Something else is up.

Nick:Well maybe this is the first time I’m worried about a test so you finally see the expression? *sips loudly*

Valerie:*pouts* I hope you know that you can tell me anything right? We’re best friends remember. *nudges him*

Nick:Yeah I know?(That’s the problem....)

Valerie:*smiles* So be straight with me instead of giving me the run around.

Nick:I just really want you to lo.........

Valerie:To....?

Nick:To....keep an extra good eye on Summer for the upcoming weeks. Classes are starting again, tournament preparation, the usual bullies, etc. It be a bit overwhelming for her in the beginning. Look after her if she needs any help.

Valerie:Of course! I’ll always be there for Summer!

Nick:Trust me, I know you will.

Valerie:That goes the same for y-

Nick:VAL!!!!. *grabs her arm*

He yanks her left arm to pull her in close to him The sudden movement causes her tense up as they see a car swerve onto the sidewalk at high speed before taking off moments from where she just stood. Her head is still processing the events that unfolded as her body is being held tightly against Nicholas’s shorter and slightly smaller frame. His body shaking with adrenaline. He began shouting at the car angrily.

Nick:LEARN HOW TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW DUMB ASS!!!!

Valerie:Wow, that was.....close.

Nick:*lets her go* Are you okay!? Nothing clipped you?

Valerie:......

Nick:Valerie!?

Valerie:*shakes head* Sorry, I’m alright. That was just ummmm, wow that was close. Lucky you were here. I guess it’s officially that time of the year again.

Nick:The only down side of all the ice and snow. Tsk, I gotta a deal with a whole season of this again. You sure you’re okay?

Valerie:*rotating shoulder* Yeah I’m good. Wasn’t expecting that yank but it’s better than a tire on my chest.

Nick:Oh, sorry about that. Guess I went full force.

A bluish bruise was left where he grabbed her arm. While he frowned at it, Valerie was actually a bit surprised and a bit impressed. Seeing Nicholas that serious outside of a match is a rare sight. Forever he’s cool, collected, and isn’t one to show up that much. She could count the number of times that he’s actually caught an attitude with somebody. Soon her aura kicked in and erased the bruise all together.

Valerie:Look, all better in no time at all. Also no need to apologize for saving my skin. *smirking* Been awhile since I’ve seen that level of pissed off from you.

Nick:*red* Well can you blame me!? Almost had a tragedy today.

Valerie:Oh but we still do...*points to the snow*

Both of them watch the white snow become dyed brown and melting from their spilled morning brew. Sadly they pick up the trash and continue to walk.

Valerie:Better the drinks than me but still a shame.

Nick:Sigh, Maybe I should’ve stayed in bed today too. Tomorrow let’s just ride the bus.

Valerie:*giggles* You’re the boss!

The two of them walked twice as fast to school until they ended up in front of the school. Nothing amazing about the building really. Just the regular combat/high school. Half the size of Beacon or Atlas maybe which makes since considering there’s no dorms. Just plenty of class rooms, a huge cafeteria, and a massive space in the back filled with multiple area’s designed for different sports. All in all the back had to be a least a couple of acres give or take but it’s mostly for the track and plenty of open space. They’ve arrived before most students even though they walked. Winter break must be making everyone a bit sluggish. Thes shiny white and gray hallways should have tons of people struggling to remember their locker combinations right now.

Valerie:Looks like most people are following your sister’s lead about school. Oh well, that just means science might be quiet for a change. Only one way to find out. *walking away* If I see you in between classes I’ll give you the inside scoop on the test.

Nick:I’d rather you just make sure you pass so all that studying wasn’t for nothing.

Valerie:Deal! Consider it my way of thanking you from earlier.

Nick:......

Nick:I don’t wanna be that guy but that gift doesn’t sound worth it.

Valerie:Hehehe, I guess you’re right. Give me some time to think about it. Love ya! *runs off*

Nick:.....Sigh, not the way I wish you would.

Valerie:(Hmmm for second I thought he had something in mind. Oh what to do? Maybe Summer can give me a couple ideas later; possibly even make a whole day out of it!) *grinning* Pfft wouldn’t that be nice?

Nick:*opening Locker* (Okay, Take notes in history for two, Ace a science test, lunch, free period, and then help organize the tournament. Should be a calm day.)

P.A. System:Would all members of the student council please meet in the auditorium during first period? Thank you...”

Nick:Okay, no notes I guess. I can always use free period. Still a calm day. *closes locker*

He turns around to see a middle aged black man dressed in a stylish black suit with a cyan tie and a black fedora with a ribbon around it that matches the tie. The man smiles at Nicholas who displays a neutral face that slowly turns into one of exhaustion, even though the day just started.

Nick:Hello Mr. Coal.

Flynt:Hello Nicholas, shall we talk in the courtyard or my office.

Nick:The principal’s office always has candy so I think you know my answer.

Flynt:Let’s mosy on then.

Nick:Sigh, I wish I still had my coffee.

Part 5

[joyful-voyager]

Today’s Storytime

So. When I was in 9th or 10th grade -- 14 or 15 years old -- I had to take my P.E. credit during summer school so I could fit in other electives during the school year. This wasn’t unusual in my hometown; summer school was not punitive so much as it was a way to fulfill low-key requirements like Phys Ed, Driver’s Ed, Health & Wellness, etc. Most college-bound kids took at least one summer school term in high school so that there would be time for more academic electives during the school year.

Consequently, Phys Ed in summer school was always packed. I think there were probably 50 kids in my course, split pretty evenly between boys and girls. Summer Phys Ed was also WAY more fun than the in-school version. The class was two hours every day for six weeks. We got to be outside a lot, and we did fun units like Archery and Bowling and Martial Arts -- things that sometimes required a bus ride and couldn’t be done during the regular school day.

We also did a two-week Swimming unit in the high school pool at the end of the six weeks. The teachers split us up by skill level for that unit, so a small group of kids got basic swimming lessons from a couple of local swim teachers, the majority got water safety training from lifeguards, and the rest of us, the most skilled swimmers in the group, got to do basic lifeguard training with a Red Cross instructor without having to pay for an actual lifeguarding class.

I was/am a really good swimmer. We spent most summers of my childhood in northern lower Michigan and we had a boat, so my folks made darn sure we were all strong swimmers from a young age. I started swimming competitively when I was 7 or 8 years old and did so all the way through high school. There were two or three other Swim Club kids in my P.E. class that year, including one really unassuming guy who would go on to swim in college three years later.

At the end of the Swimming unit, the P.E. teachers decided we should have a simulated swim meet on the last day. Everybody got assigned to an event or two. Some of them were just for fun and geared toward the least experienced swimmers. Simple things like retrieving a weight from the deep end of the lap pool, which was only six feet deep. (We had a separate 14-foot diving well.) There were also traditional races for those of us who were good swimmers. I think I did a couple of those, probably 50-meter butterfly and 50-meter freestyle, which were two of my regular club meet events. The last event on the schedule was a 200-meter freestyle relay, with each of four kids doing a 50-meter leg.

Now, I have to backtrack here to say that also in my P.E. class that summer, there was a handful of campus jocks. You know the type: The three-sport athletes who wear their jerseys and letter jackets to school every day and are revered by the student body and the faculty alike. I grew up in central Indiana, so the most revered of those boys were basketball players, but the football guys were right behind. That handful of boys had dominated the P.E. class that summer. Just owned every contest, every game, every match. It was tiresome. Very, very tiresome. Some of us were a little better at the obscure sports, like Pickleball and Badminton, but one of these guys had never picked up a tennis racket in his life before and still won the tennis tournament at the end of the unit.

It was dead irritating. 

So we got to the end of the Swimming unit, which was the last unit of the summer, and the 200-meter relay rolled around. I looked at the relay teams that the P.E. teachers picked, and realized that they put the best of these campus jocks all on one team ... but there was also a team that had two really good swimmers on it, including the guy who went on to swim in college. I watched that guy, we’ll call him “Rick,” come to the same realization at about the same time. He sized up the competition, saw that the jock team captain, let’s call him “Eli,” had set himself up as the anchor on the jock team, and quickly refigured his own team so that he would swim the anchor against Eli. 

The other club swimmer on Rick’s team swam the first leg of the race. He got out to a respectable distance, which the two middle swimmers squandered because they weren’t strong swimmers to begin with. When the third swimmer headed into his turn, Rick climbed up on the block. He turned to Eli, who had also climbed his block, and Rick, this quiet, nondescript guy, turned to Eli and winked. Eli sort of flinched, and then they were both off.

It was a thing to behold.

For six solid weeks, Eli and his cronies had dominated everything we’d done in that stupid class, and done it with a smirk and a swagger that drove everybody kind of insane. My buddy Rick couldn’t throw a baseball or shoot a free throw or catch a football to save his life. But man, could he swim.

He did the first 25 meters on one breath. By the time he kicked into his flip turn, he was two body lengths ahead of Eli, who was spluttering and slapping at the water. Rick could have floated back to the finish line on his own wave momentum and won the race, but he went all out. He put his head down and cut through that water like a knife. Then he touched the wall, popped up and sat on the deck to watch that asshole Eli flail to a distant second place finish, while the rest of us cheered and jeered. When Eli finally touched the wall, he stood up and stared at Rick like he’d never seen him before. Maybe he hadn’t. Maybe it took getting blown out of the pool by this kind of nerdy kid to make him actually see anyone other than himself in an athletic context.

And the point of the story is this: Just because you’re good at one thing, it doesn’t mean you’re good at an adjacent thing that requires a different skill set. And if you’re particularly young or inexperienced or stupid, or especially unaware of your own stupidity in a Dunning-Krueger kind of way, you might not understand that until it hits you in the face.

Eli and his buddies thought the years they had spent throwing and hitting and kicking and catching balls had made them skilled athletes rather than just good at their respective sports. That they could dominate anything that had anything to do with athletics in general. They were naive, to be sure, and inexperienced. It never occurred to them that someone who couldn’t throw or kick or catch could be a champion in their own right. They didn’t respect the work that Rick had put in in that very pool since he was five or six years old. They didn’t realize that his years of honing his skills in the water were just as rigorous as their years of honing their skills on the fields and courts. 

This is true in life, of course.

I worked in magazine publishing for a long time. Once my company brought in a CEO who came from the credit card industry and didn’t know anything about publishing. The first thing she did was try to push all of our subscribers into credit card auto-renewal. Those of us who’d been in publishing for decades knew it wouldn’t work. We’d tried it. Our subscriber base was very resistant to it. But because this woman had had amazing success in the credit card industry, she thought she was a skilled businessperson, not just a good credit card executive. She nearly drove the company into bankruptcy thanks to her ignorance.

So why am I telling you these stories?

Because we’re watching this play out on the global stage, and people are dying as a result.

The occupant of the White House and his dipshit followers are convinced that because someone has a bit of business success (and in his case, even that is debatable), they’re good at everything having to do with business. That’s why the moronic task force to open the country again is populated with sports owners and big business executives. Our idiot president thinks that success in one realm means that someone must be good at adjacent realms. It’s probably why he called Alex Rodriguez for business advice. A Major League shortstop (WHO CHEATED) must have business acumen, too. “Successful” means worthy of adulation and successful in all things, not just within the narrow confines of the field of success.

And this is why we’ve got all these people who want to treat government like a business. They’re too ignorant to realize that governing and business are two entirely different things, requiring different, narrowly focused and honed skills.

Just like throwing a 90-mph fastball, and swimming a blazing fast 50-meter free.