#are you serious you have three guys could transform now

[thekittyokat]

you ever just have a lot, a LOT of feelings all at once about a character and not even remotely enough words or brainpower to FORM the words to describe everything you're feeling. so it feels like you may explode. yeah

[igotanidea]

Coke and disappointment: Jason Todd x reader

Warnings: SMUT MDNI!, friends to lovers, bad date on reader's part

Summary: when a date goes wrong, who's better to talk to if not a best friend. Even if that best friend happens to secretly have feelings for you and the complaining may actually push him over the edge...

A/N: sorry for the typos and mistakes, no time to proofread :D I'll fix it later :D

***

He was a fool.

A stupid, idiotic fucker who was too stubborn to speak up.

Too scared to tell the girl he liked that he liked her.

And now he was about to lose her.

Jason let out a shaky exhale, feeling his heart shutter at the thought she was about to move on with her life and leave him alone. Again. And then he punched the wall in a poor attempt at transforming that sadness into rage.

Rage was easier and he knew how to navigate it.

He took in the surroundings of his apartment, a little cluttered and shabby, but still it was the place he called his. Just last night she was casually lunging on his couch, texting on her phone with that stupid smile that always made his heart melt.

She was texting him. That other guy who obviously did not deserve her.  HE could have been the prince charming himself, be a gentleman with the look, but in Jason’s opinion he did not deserve her.

She was so close on that stupid couch.

So close.

All he had to do was take one step forward, take the phone from her hands and fucking tell her how he felt.

And then she jumped in the air, laughing and spinning around, proudly announcing she had a date.

And suddenly she was not so close anymore. Almost like those three words made a mountain grow between them.

A mountain, a sea, a valley and a desert.

His words died in his throat and he just smirked, throwing his usual meaningly funny comment and shut his heart once more.

And now he was spread on the same couch she was yesterday, with a bottle of beer in his hand, thinking stupid thoughts.

***

“Are you drinking without me?” the door swung open and Y/n walked inside like she owned the place, almost immediately heading towards the fridge and grabbing herself a bottle of cola zero.

“The hell Y/N? The hell you’re doing here?!”

“Can’t I just pop in at my friend’s place?” she raised an eyebrow and took a sip of her drink.

“Oh, no, you know what, by all means come in at any time. What if I was with someone?” Jason hissed in response, moving on the couch to make space for her.

“Well then, if so, you should remember to close the door.  As much as I wouldn’t mind the show, I’m pretty sure the girl you’ll be taking advantage of would not be delighted with an onlooker.”

“You’re disgusting Y/N.” Jason sighed with a hint of a smirk.

“But I’m not wrong, am I?” she grinned and poked his ribs playfully.

“No. No you are not.”

“Yeah…”

That yeah coming from her was supposed to be said in a funny tone, but came out a little desperate, the silence that fell after only added to that sensation.

“Hey Y/n/n?”

“Hm?”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“About what?”

“You know what.” Jason frowned and cupped her chin making her look at him

“That little failure of something that I already romanticized in my head before?”

“Yeah. About that.”

“Actually, yes, let’s talk about it. Maybe you can tell me what is wrong with today’s men.”

“Oh, shit talking the fucker that clearly made you upset. I’m game.” Jason stood up gathering another beer and coke from the fridge, getting ready for the long conversation. “Do tell.” With the force he jumped back on the couch, Y/N flew a few inches in the air.

“He came late.” She started and Jason booed “he was dressed as if it was a beach or something. And then he took me to the park—”

“Hopefully those punches and moves I taught you helped?”

“Right, cause we were fighting squirrels.” Y/N rolled her eyes “come on, be serious, it was the middle of the day in a public place. Using those punches will only make me get attention to myself. I settled on the good old kick in the groin.

Jason laughed. It was obvious the meeting did not go well.

“He was only talking about himself. Like all the time. Never once asking a thing about me.”

“You could have started talking yourself. I’m pretty sure the fucker had to make breaks for breathing?”

“Actually, I’m starting to believe he’s that one parasite that scientists discovered and that does not.”

“A parasite huh?”

“Pretty much so.”

“So, he took you to the café?”

“Nope.”

“Nope?”

“Nope.”

“Wait, you’re serious!?” Jason turned abruptly to meet her eyes. “So the hell were you two doing?”

“Walking in the park?” Y/N raised an eyebrow “just told you?”

“For two hours?! How big was this fucking park?”

“Well….” Her gaze traveled lower and she started fidgeting with her fingers.

“What else?”

“Nothing.”

“What else, Y/N?” Jason almost groaned in frustration.

“At some point we took a turn and had to literally bush-bash.”

“No!” much to her surprise Jason started guffawing

“Hey, stop laughing! It was not funny! I had a dress!”

“Oh, poor little you.” He cackled even harder. “You don’t really want my opinion on that so-called “date” do you?”

“Of course not. I’m not exactly blind to red flags. I just wanted to vent.”

“You can be blind to red flags sometimes.” Jason muttered, quickly drowning the words with the sip of a drink.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“You’re spending time with me, instead with one of your girlfriends.”

“I don’t have girlfriends and your red flags are the reason why you are my friend and why there would never be anything else.”

Ouch. That was like a punch to the guts.

“What if there was?” he blurted without thinking, only because the bottle turned out empty and he couldn’t swallow the bile.

“What--?” with a broken word and the way her eyes focused on his face, Jason knew there was no going back. It was now or never.

“What if there was Y/N? What if there was something more…?” with a gentle touch he grabbed her coke and put it on the nearby table, instead intertwining their fingers. “What if—”

“Jason, don’t—”

“Don’t tell me to stay in the shadows while you keep dating men that can’t even take you for coffee!” he yelled and it made her stumble backwards, letting go of his hands. “Fuck! Why can’t you see it?!

“See what…?”

“You deserve –” he started, but she cut him off.

“No. No, don’t you dare tell me that I deserve someone better. I don’t really see men lining up for me” Y/N chuckled dryly “I’m not a teen anymore, soon my expiration date will come and –“

“Shut up!” he hissed, in a blink of an eye finding himself on the other side of the couch, his eyes boring a hole into her face, his hands aching to do so many things… “You deserve more than a mindless stroll in the park, not that the walk itself is a bad thing. You deserve to be spoiled and –“

“Please don’t…”

“If anything more, you at least deserve a good orgasm.” He groaned, unable to control himself anymore, eyes filled with lust and unspoken promises of pleasure.

She was so close. Once again. Only now, he wasn’t going to cross the line. It was her choice. If she wanted to walk out and close the door on him – fine. This would hurt like hell, but eventually Jason would get over it.

But it was her choice and there was no way he would take advantage of her.

As if making her hot and bothered with the look in his eyes, the closeness and the heat from his presence and words was not taking advantage.

***

Y/N was lost only for a second.

It’s been so long since she’s been touched. So long since she felt anyone in that way. And her body needed it.

God knows she needed it.

And she had no power to swim against the tide, grabbing the front of his shirt and kissing him.

***

Jason reacted instinctively.

His strong hands moved to her waist, pulling her on top of him, starting to grind against her, even through their clothes.

He was going to make her feel so good.

So fucking good, taking her to the places she’s never been before.

Only for her. Just for her.

Her.

Now not only in his thoughts and crazy fantasies, but in flesh and bone in his arms, on his couch, pliant and needy for attention.

“Jason….” His lips moved from her lips to her neck, brushing over her pulse point.

“Jason…” his hands rolled her dress up until it was on her waist.

“Jason…” the word became hoarse and breathy when he lifted her up so she was now straddling him.

And he was only just beginning.

Teasing her with one finger, pulling her panties away, feeling the wetness already seeping on his jeans. She was so ready for him just from a few touches. How touch starved and neglected she must have been if just a little foreplay was enough?

“You’re mine tonight…” he groaned into her ear. “Mine. Say it Y/N…”

“Yours…” she whimpered, shuddering at the way his index finger inched closer to her heat.

“Yeah. Mine.” For Jason it felt just right to call her his.

“Please….”

“Not yet baby.”

“Don’t be mean… You promised me—”

“A good time. And that’s exactly what you’ll get. But not like that.”

“Then what—Ah!”

Her cry of surprise tore the air as he grabbed her by the waist, lifted her in the air and carried towards the bedroom, miraculously avoiding all the stuff on the floor. Once in the room, with one hand around her, he threw the cover alongside every little thing on it onto the floor, making quite a noise. But what was a little background mess in comparison to the passion they were both experiencing right now.

They were clearly not friends now, but it was not important.

All the labels, unanswered questions and doubts left their heads as fast as their clothes started flying in all the directions. Bra on the lamp, boxers on the bedpost, shirt on the floor, a mess of clothes in the foot of the bed.

They didn’t care.

All that mattered at that moment was his lips on hers, her hands in his hair, the way his fingers kept pumping in and out of her prepping her for what was coming and the smell of her arousal in the air.

And those moans of pleasure that hit his ear made him hard enough to drill through the concrete.

“So wet…” he muttered

“So good!” she cried out arching her back, turning into a wanton, a bitch, not caring in the slightest about losing control. It felt good to just let go.

“Yeah?” he breathed out pulling fingers out of her, now coated with her juices. “Good?” Jason made sure to trace them up her body, spreading wetness on her stomach, her breasts with those deliciously pert nipples just begging to be abused and finally on her mouth. As if knowing she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from licking those plump red lips in a motion that was both innocent and obscene. “I'll show you good…”

With a groan, almost losing control, he spread her legs, hovering over her, leaning so close that his breath was hitting her face and his chest pressed against her breasts creating unbearable friction.

“Jason… Jason, please…” she squirmed, arched, begged and pleaded.

“I’ll give you everything you need…” he promised, leaning on forearms, slowly pushing inside her, mindful of every expression on her face. Only upon making sure she was feeling the pleasure and not the pain, his eyes moved lower, watching his cock disappear in her.

The dirty look that once again shuttered the fundamentals of his self-control.  

“More!” she cried out, closing eyes, grabbing his shoulders, earning a groan from him.

“Fuckin more!”

There was no interim between bottoming out and adjusting to his size and frenzied pace of lovemaking. They just went from 0 to 100 in a blink of an eye.

He was gripping the headrest, too scared to touch her body In fear he’ll break her from the force. His forearms were straining from the power in those strong arms and Y/N knew he could snap her like a branch. Instead, somewhere deep inside that lust filled brain, he was still focused on her well being and safety.

Not that she could say the same about the way his cock was thrusting. Pulling in and out of her like she was made out of a rubber, shaping her to his girth, making sure to leave the memories of that night not only in her brain but also gouging the flutes on her pussy. For she was his.

Crying out his name

Touching him.

Letting him feel that tight wetness groping him like a vice.

So fucking tight only proving the point that she didn’t get nearly enough sex as she deserved.

“Tell me-“ he gasped, leaning his forehead on hers with sweaty hair clinging to it “How many times before you’ve came-“

“I – I don’t – I can’t-„ she cried out when he lifted her hips, changing the angle hitting deeper, harder, more intensely, effectively silencing all the thoughts. All she could focus on then was matching his pace, keeping that delicious stretch going, igniting the friction, running hands all over his back, holding him tight enough to not fly out into space right away.

“Tell me baby. I need you to say it.” He muttered between ragged breath, feeling his own release knocking at the door more and more stridently.

“Ne- never!” she cried out “Please!”

“Cum for me sweetheart.” He whispered in her ear with the silent promise of catching her and keeping her safe.

And he knew she believed him when her sobs, cries and gasps of climax filled the room, completing the scent of sex with the sound of pleasure.

Perfection incarnated in the form of a sin.

***

“Go on a date with me…”

Once they both came out from their high, laying side by side in the bed-

Once he dared to let out that soft side of his feelings, tracing circles on her sensitive body –

Once the arousal and horniness was gone-

There was no regret. No oh-my-god-what-have-we-done moment.

In fact, in some crazy way, it all seemed natural. Like both Jason and Y/N knew that it was bound to happen and their sex was not an accident or a mistake.

But a date?

“I’m serious, Y/N. Go on a date with me.”

“You don’t owe me—”

“It’s not about owing, baby. I want it. To be able to hold your hand in public, to beat to pulp every single guy that comes too close to you. To kiss you under the moonlight. To walk you home after and come upstairs just to cuddle on the couch together.”

“You sure?” she teased, laying her upper body on top of his, looking into his eyes with a happy smile “that would ruin your reputation as a cold and heartless motherfucker.”

"Some people are worth sacrificing like that…”

“Must be someone special.” Y/N whispered, her heart fluttering at the sensitivity Jason was expressing now.

“She is. A one in the million.” He tangled fingers in her hair, unable to tear his eyes from her naked form next to him.

The happiest fucker in the universe.

And to think she came to his place only to have a coke and complain about a bad date.

Coke and disappointment turning into a chance at a relationship.  

[r-aindr0p]

"magical boys"

*BREAKS DOWN A WALL AMD CHUCKS MINI ROLLOS TO ANYTHING IN SIGHT*

WHERE?!

*visibly shaking* I am normal about this reversal trope of magical girls. I can definetely be trusted to not squeeze this mozarrella with a bowl cut to death. *mini rollo definitely being squeezed to death*

No idea if it's three anons or one but that's really sweet ✨ pls beware depending on which guy you plan to eat some of them give food poisoning or hallucinations (thinking abt some as those small colorful rainforest frogs)

I love magical girl animes very much, grew up watching tokyo mew mew (and somehow managed to watch wedding peach all on youtube a long time ago, i did not understand the english subtitles at all lmao, rewatched it years later and loved it), so imagine my surprise when I stumbled accross the first (if you ignore saint seiya) full on magical boy anime in 2015 and ever since I wanted to draw my own, and now I have my musketeers :)))

A lot more magical boy yapping under the cut because I love this trope so much

Anime I'm talking abt is 'Binan Koukou Chikyuu bouei-bu love' btw ! It's on the parodic side but not as much shitpost-ish as 'magical girl ore' for example. It takes itself "seriously" in it's own way. (and the ending song talks about 2 characters of the show that drifted apart and how there's 3 meters only separating them but it's enough for one to miss the other and aughhh my heart I could yap about this for ages)

LOOK AT THEM (couldn't find a decent pic of the season 1 clothes, this is season 2 and the pic is still low res augh)

Like, I was ?? idk in my last year of middle school maybe when I found this ?? fantastic discovery. Pink wombat mascot with the voice of an old man gives cute bracelets to 5 guys to save the earth. They have to say "love making" and kiss their bracelet to transform, I'm crying And here's the villains of season 1 and season 2 (twins) (silver haired bowl cut annoyed guy is my favorite, what a familiar description....)

There's 3 seasons in total to this anime and season 3 has a new cast of guys but years later at the same school !

Scenario is basically the same as season 1 but with different guys and villains, but omg the otter..... I love that yellow otter so much..... (look they have magical ace and deuce ) Villains of season 3 are called "edelstein knights" or something (ince again an angry guy with ridiculous bangs considered a villain, my beloved)

Other legit magical boy I love a lot is 'Fairy Ranmaru' !! It takes itself more seriously than binan koukou, in it's own scandalous way I'd say. They went ham with the fanservice during transformations it's crazy-(especially uruu's transformation) def +16 at least They do try to talk about serious matters and feelings/emotions in general. I cant' really tell if it's well written since I'm really an easy audience, I should watch it a second time... It's a visual experience at least if you're into that kind of designs

Blue guy my beloved.... Not showing any more, you can find the transformations on yt crunchyroll literally published them

Alright one last "magical" boy/girl, it's not even exceptionnal but it's a fever dream shitpost that has a special place in my heart : 'Classicaloid' So a girl's father created humanoids with the memories of classical composers and went to get milk, leaving them all. The classicaloids eventually decide to squat at the girl's house. They have magical powers called "musik" and have a small transformation animation. So to a certain extent I do consider this a magical people anime.

Here's everyone from season 1 (untransfromed) Beethoven and Bach (maybe mozart too tbh) are the most recognizeable but good luck to guess the others :') (Liszt and Tchaikovsky are genderbent) They are all so whacky together I love them so much, bach only speaks in musical terms "andante, pianissimo etc.." Chopin is the looser of all times, Mozart is.... Mozart, and Dvorak (season 2) became a pigmy hippo for literally no reason The animation is nice but the ending song illustrations ??? dang

First two pics are from season 2 endings, they all represent an important location for the composers or something related to them (for example Chopin's is the père lachaise cemetery in paris where irl one has a tomb) Really I'm amazed by all the ending art pieces, I can't put more than 10 pics per post, I would've showed them all otherwise eeee) On the thrid pic you actually see mozart in his musik outfit ! An in one ep he even lets his hair loose ahierjh

(takt:op is absolutely in my watchlist)

If you made it this far thank you for listening to the yapping, wether it was interesting or not ! :)))

[flamingspud]

"I wonder if she'll stick around this time," Mumbo, a gentleman in a late, Victorian-era suit pondered. "I hope not, she was a bitch," Scott, a man in a striking blue regency era suit and silver mask commented.

When Lizzie and her husband inherit a mansion in the middle of nowhere after the death of her great-aunt, it’s like a dream come true.

The catch? The house is haunted.

After an accident leaves Lizzie with the ability to speak to the dead, she finds herself helping to solve their problems, both serious and ridiculous.

Based on the 2021 version of Ghosts.

Chapter under the cut

Eight figures were gathered around the bed's occupant, a very elderly woman, as she took her final breaths.

"I wonder if she'll stick around this time," Mumbo, a gentleman in a late, Victorian-era suit pondered.

"I hope not, she was a bitch," Scott, a man in a striking blue regency era suit and silver mask commented.

"Hey! She was my great granddaughter I'll have you know," Mumbo informed him, getting an eye roll in response.

Their bickering was disturbed by the old woman taking an ethereal form. "Who are you?"

"We're ghosts, and we-" Mumbo began, but a shaft of blinding light that filled the room interrupted him.

"And there she goes," Scar, a guy in a superhero costume with an arrow sticking out of his chest said. "Getting sucked off right away."

"Take me with you," Cleo, who wore a neon workout suit pleaded, reaching up where the old home-owner had gone through the roof.

The room was dim once more.

"I wonder who'll get the house now?" Martyn asked. He was the one in pirate attire.

"Maybe they'll be interesting people for once," Pearl suggested, donning a red cloak and black masquerade mask.

"That'd be nice," Impulse, who donned a black vest tied over a puffy sleeved shirt agreed.

"Or they could be a pain," Grian suggested. He wore a simple red tunic and trousers.

"I'm sure only distinguished people could afford this place," Mumbo assured him, not noticing the doubtful looks some of the others shot each other.

"All we can do is hope..." Scott said. "...does anyone want to go take a look at the birdbath?"

"Oh, I'll catch some birdbath action with you," Impulse responded cheerily.

***

"Woah... look at this place!" Lizzie exclaimed, not even taking the time to close the car door as she got out to marvel at the house.

It was the grandest thing she'd ever seen, an old mansion with faded bricks that was three storeys tall. There was no way that she and Joel would've been able to afford it on their own, but turns out Lizzie had some aunt that passed away, and the house was left to her in the will.

"It sure is big," Joel agreed, getting out and closing both doors.

"We have to go explore!" Lizzie said, bounding up the driveway to the house. She stuck the key in the door, and it swung open with a loud creaking noise. "We can probably oil that," she assured her husband.

They stepped into the foyer, a grand staircase leading to the second floor on the right and various rooms on the left. The marble floor could do with being mopped, and there were cobwebs in the corners, but all in all, the place was pretty nice.

Unbeknownst to Lizzie and Joel however, they weren't the only people in there.

"They're here!" Scott called up the stairs, and ghosts started coming from all different rooms in the house.

"A young couple!" Martyn mused from the upstairs landing, before sliding down the rail.

"That's sweet," Scar said.

"Let's look at the kitchen!" Lizzie decided, pulling Joel along.

"This kitchen looks older than the house," Joel remarked, unimpressed.

"I'll have you know that that kitchen is the best that money can buy!" Mumbo stated, affronted.

"You do realise it's been over a century since that was the case?" Cleo asked.

Mumbo bristled at that statement.

"Well, we can upgrade it," Lizzie said, "it can be the greatest kitchen in Lifeville!"

"I doubt there'd be much competition," Joel muttered.

"Hey-" Lizzie gently grabbed her husband's chin so that he was facing her- "there definitely won't be any once we open the B&B and become the biggest hotspot in the area!"

The ghosts erupted into exclamations of outrage at this statement.

"A B&B??" Mumbo demanded, "do they have no respect for the dead?"

"Just think of all the litter," Grian said, cringing.

"I don't want anyone sleeping in my bed!" Scott exclaimed.

The ghosts were too busy to notice Joel's unsure expression.

"Well, why don't we look upstairs?" Lizzie suggested, unaware of the uproar she had caused.

"Sure," he agreed, letting his wife excitedly drag him up the stairs.

"Well, we can't just sit pretty and let them ruin our afterlives," Martyn decided, rallying the team, "we need to take a stand!"

"But how? We're dead," Impulse reminded him.

"Isn't it obvious?" Cleo asked. Everyone gave her puzzled looks. She sighed. "We need to scare them away! Haunt them, it's what we're known for!"

"Like in the movies!" Scar agreed.

"I still don't fully get what that is," Pearl commented.

"I guess that's my signal," Martyn declared, "one helping of lights on the fritz coming right up!"

As the ghosts schemed, Lizzie and Joel explored the master bedroom.

When Joel made a face, Lizzie was quick to reassure him. "With a little paint, this place will be a home in no time-"

"Lizzie!" Joel interrupted, "stop, just stop!"

Lizzie blinked.

"I know you have all these dreams and ideas of opening a B&B in the countryside, but I can't- this place is falling apart at the seams and quite frankly I don't want to move to the middle of nowhere!"

"Oh." Lizzie slowly turned away.

Joel sighed. "Look, I'm sorry-"

"No, it's fine... I need a minute." She quickly walked out of the room.

The lights flickered in the hallway as Lizzie walked across the landing towards the library. Great, another problem with the house. Just what she needed.

"Seriously? How do you not react to that?" Martyn asked.

"Alright, stand back everyone, I've got this," Grian announced, stepping forward and stretching his fingers out in front of him.

The others watched as Grian crouched next to an end table, and pushed his finger against the vase that sat atop it. His face scrunched up in concentration as he put all his focus into his finger and the vase.

After an agonisingly long moment, the vase fell off of the table and hit the carpeted floor with a quiet thud.

Lizzie slowly turned around, the confusion written all over her face as she looked at the vase. She did a quick once over of the landing, trying to spot whatever knocked the piece onto the ground.

She found nothing, and walked over to the vase, gingerly picking it up. She looked over the railing to the floor below. "Joel? Did you knock this vase over?" She called.

Before she got a response, the biggest spider she's ever seen crawled out of the vase and onto her hand.

Lizzie screamed, throwing the vase away from her as she stumbled back, trying to shake the monster from her hand.

The ghosts then watched in horror as she toppled backwards and tumbled down the stairs.

Grian's eyes went wide, quickly looking around the group to gauge their reactions.

"Oh my god..." Cleo said.

Impulse's hand was over his mouth.

Scott's jaw hung open.

Pearl and Martyn leaned over the railing to get a better look at their murder victim.

"Grian!" Mumbo exclaimed, nervous laughter escaping through his lips.

"Don't look at me!" Grian shot back.

Joel ran out of the master bedroom. "LIZZIE!"

The rest went by in a blur, as the paramedics showed up and brought her out on a stretcher, Joel staying by her side.

The house was empty of life once more.

"...At least the B&B won't be happening anymore," Mumbo said into the silence.

"Mumbo!" Scar scolded.

"What, can't I look for the sunny side of things?" He asked innocently.

"When you were alive you literally thought everyone was out to get you," Scott reminded him.

"Ah, well..." Mumbo tried to come up with an excuse.

***

The ghosts gathered at one of the second-storey windows as Lizzie and Joel's car pulled up once more, a few weeks after the spider incident.

“I thought you said we were going home," Lizzie said, looking up at the house.

"Sure," Joel replied.

Lizzie's eyes narrowed. "You said you didn't want to move…"

Joel took her hands in his, and looked into her eyes. "Yeah, well… when you were legally dead for five minutes, it had me thinking; I love you, I want to be with you, and I don't care where that is, whether that's in a cramped apartment where you can reach the fridge from the bed or a decrepit old mansion in the middle of nowhere."

Lizzie smiled. "That was so sappy."

Joel chuckled. "Yeah, well that's all you're getting from me, so come on!"

The pair got out of the car together, and Lizzie marvelled as a bunch of contractors pulled up and got out of their vans and trucks.

Inside the foyer was chaos, as people rushed around with wood and paint and other supplies.

"Come on, come on, come on!"

As Joel excitedly ran up the stairs, Lizzie noticed a guy standing amongst the builders who wasn't running around to get odd jobs done. He was dressed sort of oddly too.

"Cool shirt, I like the sleeves," Lizzie commented, before following Joel up the stairs.

Impulse blinked. Was he dreaming? He could've sworn she was talking to him, but if that's true, then that means-

He ran from the room, almost tripping over his feet. "Guys!" He called out, "Lizzie's a witch!"

"What, did she use the toaster? We already went over this-" Cleo began as Impulse nearly ran into them.

Impulse quickly shook his head. "No! She could see me, she spoke to me!"

Cleo suddenly began treating this more seriously. "For real?"

Impulse nodded.

"Show me."

***

"Voilà."

"Woah," Lizzie said, admiring the master bedroom.

No longer were the walls covered in peeling wallpaper, as they were now a bright yellow.

"Jim and I painted the room while you were asleep," Joel explained.

"I wasn't asleep, I was in a coma," Lizzie reminded him.

"Yeah, right; anyway, he picked the colour, said the piss yellow called to him for some reason."

"Piss yellow?"

"Well technically it's canary yellow but y'know-"

Joel kept talking, but the next words out of his mouth flew over Lizzie's head as the man from earlier stepped through the door, and by through I don't mean via opening it, but through the wood, as if it didn't exist.

"What the-"

Another ghost followed him, one with firey orange curls who was dressed like she came out of an eighties workout video. Lizzie could've swore she had blood on her clothes.

It wasn't long until the room was full of people who could walk through walls, people in masquerade masks, a superhero, a pirate, a knight out of armour-

"Lizzie?" Joel asked from far away.

"By the gods she can see us," the pirate said in awe, looking at her like he'd never seen anything like it before.

"Who are you?!" Lizzie demanded, her voice shaking from fear. What the hell was happening?

"We are the ghosts of this house," a moustached man in a suit that didn't quite look new explained.

"Lizzie, are you feeling alright?"

The last thing Lizzie remembered was opening her mouth to scream.

[solar4seekstron]

Better shooter than me Part 1

Tf4!Crosshairs x Cybertronian!GN!Reader Oneshot

Part Two

Content: 16+

TW/Tags: Mostly fluff, Crosshairs is falling for reader hard, Love my angry green boi, Hound is a good pal of reader, basically just building up the next chapter, y’all know how i write lmao. That should be all.

Introduction Movie Oneshot Masterlist

You were always with the Autobots. But ever since the humans came after you and the others. Forcing you all to go into hiding since the end of the decepticons. Things haven’t been any easier.

You always stood up for Optimus. Being one of his oldest friends and all.

Always by his side. But that doesn’t mean you didn’t trust his judgement. You’ll admit you doubted his thoughts and words towards the humans. But said nothing.

You’re not even sure why even now. Ever since you separated from the others. You were able to get a signal from a few other bots.

You realized it was from your old friend Hound.

You and him both friends before you all separated when coming to earth. Though you weren’t expecting the two colorful bots with him.

You and drift immediately having a playful beef that isn't that serious. It being you both use swords. Though you use one. The green one being crosshairs didn’t seem that too impressed.

Until Hound mentioned that you were a former weapon specialist and could easily build a gun from nothing but scrap. Something he learned about you throughout the years of war.

While Crosshairs worked with a different group of Autobots and Drift was a decepticon still at the time.

And so the four of you stayed close. Staying in your alt modes most of the time during the day until you all can find a new place to hide from the humans.

The chance of getting a signal from Optimus or any other bot seems to only wore thin with each passing day. One day when hiding in a garage ka bunch of teen boys walked around. Spray painting the walks and such.

Everyone can tell Crosshairs was getting anxious. Luckily for him. Because you alt mode was a Porsche truck. Which apparently is seen as boring to kids these days.

They start insulting your alt mode. Patting at the side and getting ready to spray paint the hood. Writing “shit” on it. They barely got to the “I” when Crosshairs and Drift transormerd and basically traumatized the kids.

After they left Hound made the call for them to leave. You all driving to another location far enough from them.

Once far enough after driving for an hour. You and the others were able to transform and stretch you arms and legs. The three mechs looking at your chest.

The words “Shi” sprayed on your chest with yellow paint. Hound tried to not laugh as drift just side.

Crosshiars not saying much as you tried to take off the paint. Crosshairs was the one who suggested you have a new alt mode. And so you got one. Getting rid of the paint as a new color covers your body.

That’s when you guys finally got the call. You being in your alt mode when changing vehicles.

You all then made your way to this desert in a line.

———————————————————————————-

You all got closer and closer. Soon driving alongside Bee who also got Optimus call.

Soon enough Crosshairs was the first to transform when by Optimus. You doing the same he Optimus stopped near you. You transforming as drift got close as well.

Crosshiars tried to not stare. Drift being the one ot hit his arm with a smirk. The other speaking as they take turns. When Optimus transformed he had a new look.

You looked up at him and smiled. Crosshiars seemed to notice and grew a bit jealous.

You didn’t speak much when the humans were out. You standing next to bee unbothered as Hound and Crosshairs grew mad about the humans.

You and Optimus taking a moment to speak as the others investigate the humans.

Crosshairs to be glancing at him. Until hound grabbed his helm making him look down as e chuckled. “Watch it kid.” Crosshiars was annoyed and let out the groan as bee poked at the female.

You and Optimus speaking about not trusting the humans and more. Later he announces he’ll find the person who is hunting them down. Later you and the others watch the video of one of your comrades being attacked.

You looked away unable to watch.

Optimus standing and placing his cervo on your shoulder as comfort. Crosshairs glaring before looking away. A little more jealous.

Later that morning when at the abandon house Crosshiars spoke to Optimus. You were transformed and watched.

You’d then transform as Crosshairs left. Optimus still stood there. He’d then look at you. His frown gone when he saw you. Having a small smile as he spoke.

“Watch him. Make sure he doesn’t get into trouble.”

You’d nod and transform. Following him. From there you followed him back into he desert. Staying behind a mountain as he transformed. He started practice shooting with his weapon.

Putting up small cans he found on the ground at times. After a few moments he yelled. “You can come out. I know our oh so great leader sent you.”

You walked from behind the mountain with your cervo on the handle of your sword.

“Apologies, I am his most loyal soldier after all.” You responded as you got closer. He only scoffed as he looked over his gun. Responding as he doesn’t look at you.

”Of course. One of Optimus lap dogs doing his bidding.” You raised an optic ridge as he spoke. He seems to be struggling with his gun and trys shooting again.

But before he can pull the trigger you grabbed the top of it. Stopping him. He spoke. A bit mad as he turned to you.

”Are you bloody mad?” You let out a chuckle before taking the gun. Turning away as he stands there.

”I’ve worked with guns more times then you can probably count.” You start working on the gun.

Crosshiars looking over your shoulder watching as you fix up his gun. He was surprised as you soon spinned it them started shouting the cans flawlessly.

He stared at the cans before looking back at you as you had a grin on your dermas as you hand his gun back.

”Now try it.” He took the gun and started shooting.

Testing out the gun. He was surprised and looked back at you. You didn’t notice the way his optics stared at you as they soften. You looking at the fallen cans with your cervo on you sword handle once more.

“Thanks…” He said quietly, causing you to look at him. “You’re welcome.”

Crosshairs just smiled at you as you walked away.

Taking a seat on a big rock against the mountain as he continues. Later bragging about his weapons and how he learned to build weapons himself.

You two of you even flirting a bit before being called back to the empty house to the others. Something told you that you both are going to be good pals after dealing with your current enemy.

Oh BOY! Can’t wait to post part 2! This was a lot of fun to write and I cant wait for part 2 to release and post. It was hard not writing in scenes that I plan to add in my bayverse series. Which might be a while from now since this is in the fourth film. I wanted to write in interactions for the future couple goals.

I hope you guys still liked it. I love interacting with people who ask about my work and all. Lol.

As always a repost is appreciated and and I’ll see you guys in Part 2!!!

[anon-sect]

Request Part 1C

Hi, I love your stories, and I was wondering if you could make a transformation story about socks and/or underwear based on these images here.

deviantart.com/sebleloot/art/Handsome-men-in-socks-1097214222

Ten minutes later, Alex saw the stranger walking out of the restroom just like before, all alone. Jason wasn't with him either. He could sense something wasn't right about the situation. Both of his friends had chatted with him and disappeared. He decided he needed to know where his friends went.

Alex walked over to the stranger. "Where are my friends?" He directly asked him without a single introduction. He had no intention of falling for whatever he did to Blake and Jason.

"Oh, they are somewhere." Tayon spoke looking at Alex's serious and angry look on his face. "I am sure they will turn up sooner or later." He added, smiling back.

"Cut the crap. Where are my friends? Both were last seen chatting with you and then they are gone." Alex demanded back. He wanted the guy to know he was serious. He didn't even bother to get his name.

"Okay, perhaps I know where your friends are, but I won't tell you here. We have to go somewhere else." Tayon spoke with a raised eyebrow.

Alex didn't know whether to trust him or not, but he was his only lead to where his friends are. "Okay, lead the way, but no funny business." He followed the guy outside and to his car. Once at his car, he was running out of patience. "Now where are they?" He demanded an answer from the guy.

Tayon pulled a pair of socks out of his pocket. "Right here." He held them in front of Alex, looking at this reaction to the strange truth.

Alex was confused and perplexed. The guy was holding up a pair of socks. There was no way possible his friends were a pair of socks. He saw the guy then show the toe end of the socks. One had Blake stitched in it and the other had Jason on it. The more he tried to refute what his eyes were seeing the more he couldn't believe the stranger did. "Is this permanent?" He asked still in slight disbelief about the pair of socks.

"No and yes. No, it's not permanent. I can change them back to normal if I please. Yet yes this is their permanent fate, because I have no intention of getting rid of such nice socks." Tayon put his socks back into his pocket. He looked directly at Alex. "But I could use special pair of boxers for my new pair of socks. You look like you would fit perfectly." He spoke, smiling devilishly at Alex.

Alex suddenly felt strange. He couldn't move or speak. He saw the world around him began to look larger in size including Tayon. He realized that he was shrinking rather than the world changing. He saw Tayon smiling down at him.

Tayon reached down and grabbed the underwear on the ground. He sniffed the fresh scent. He was pleased with the night. He went to the club to hang out and end up going home with new socks and underwear. He placed the underwear on the seat and drove home. He couldn't wait to try on his new socks and underwear.

Alex screamed for help, only for no one to hear his mental thoughts. He knew now that the socks he saw literally was his two friends. Whoever the guy was, he was now their owner. All three were his personal property and clothing.

TO BE CONTINUED....

[xjulixred45x]

I was watching Coraline and out of nowhere this idea came to me...

Platonic yandere! Kenjaku for Geto's child.

like, Geto had a child with Reader (anyone) and everything was happiness in a certain way, Geto and Reader loved and cared a lot about their baby, and the family loved them, they taught them the "proper" way of seeing the world, everything was fine until the events of the JJK0 Movie. Geto dies, Reader may even suffer the same fate.

and poor (child's name) is devastated, but they is taken care of by Mimiko and Nanako (their dear older sisters) and everything goes WELL, not great, but good.

but then Kenjaku possesses Geto's body. Consequently, he finds out about the existence of (child name), and since the child could inherit Geto's cursed ritual, he decides to see if this is the case to see if it is worth it.

What he didn't expect was to start to care in some way about the child, maybe it was because of Geto's body, but he definitely started to have some interest in the child apart from their possible usefulness.

stalking them became a normal ritual for him, in a way taking note of certain "important aspects" that he said would help him if the child came under his wing (which was really just making sure the child ate well or if they was physically healthy), things they were allergic to, he even searched Geto's memory for things they liked and didn't like, all to have a profile of the child.

So, when Mimiko and Nanako appear to him, he KNOWS that (child's name) is nearby, and decides to take the chance. He disappears in front of them and they quickly realize what he was trying to do and go to look for (child's name). but when they find them, they are running straight to their ""father"" and Kenjaku says goodbye to the twins with his shit-eating smile.

The girls yell at (child's name) something, but they're is so happy and glad that somehow their father is alive after a year of anguish, but then they realizes something, the way he hugs them, how he refers to them, and when they look at him and see THAT scar...they realize that they made a big mistake.

that THING is not their father....

Kenjaku is still smiling, but he is in "character" and asks them if they are not happy, but they turn away (or try to) and say the OBVIOUS...he is not their father.

Now, what does this have to do with Coraline? well, precisely the scene in which the other mother transforms for the first time.

Something similar would happen with (child's name) and Kenjaku, who continues to treat them as if they were father and child, introduces them as such to Mahito, Jogo, Hanami and Choso, talks to them like Geto used to do, makes them participate in the games he has with his colleagues, etc.

and (child's name) IS FED UP. Fed up with this man-thing holding them against their will, using the body of their ACTUAL FATHER, ripping them away from the twins and the Family that REALLY loved them, and they feels this is a twisted game for Kenjaku.

So he goes and tells him exactly that, that they are FED UP OF HIM, that they want HIM TO LET THEM LET GO, THAT THEY WANT TO RETURN TO THE TWINS AND THEIR REAL FAMILY.

Now, even after everything, they were never "mean" to Kenjaku, mostly out of fear and uncertainty of the situation, so Kenjaku is a little shocked by this change of attitude, but he's definitely a little irritated that make HIM look like the bad guy when it was THEY who ran into his arms (manipulation there, eh, manipulation).

So he gets more serious, and tells (child's name) that "That's no way to talk to your FATHER."

And (child's name) is like "YOU'RE. NOT...MY. FATHER"

(Mahito, Jogo and Hanami look like a surprised pikachu)

AND KENJAKU "APOLOGIZE....AT ONCE...(Child's name)"

"NO"

Kenjaku is losing his patience, and although he loves (child's name) very much (something like that) he stops, stands in front of them and gives them one LAST CHANCE to apologize for their lack of respect.

"I'm going to give you up to the count of THREE"

"ONE..."

"...TWO..."

"....THREE-"

and using his Curse Manipulation, he throws (Child name) a bunch of small curses that while "harmless" are definitely terrifying. The poor child is screaming and crying in horror and Kenjaku leaves them like that for a while so that they can "learn to be a good child"

and when he decides they have had enough, he destroys the curses that tormented them and returns to his normal patient self. When (child's name) goes to him, all scartched, they lets out an almost inaudible "I'm sorry" and Kenjaku just gives them a Headpat and tells them that "we all tend to have bad mood days" and gives them a cookie.

(bastard).

(I also imagine he uses gravity manipulation to make (child's name) go directly to him, or force them to come and give him a hug.)

I imagine that Mimiko and Nanako are constantly not only trying to kill Kenjaku, but also to find out where he is holding (child's name) captive and save them (let's pretend they don't die, please) along with the family.

I think they would only have a chance in the Shibuya arc, when the twins go to claim him for Geto's body, they also claim him for (Child's name), but obviously Kenjaku doesn't comply with either of them.

but fortunately since Dagon is killed, (Child's name) manages to get out to the outside world, asking for help from whoever, that is, Nanami, Maki and Naobito... until Jogo roasts them and tries to grab them.

(Child's name) runs away, but Jogo is hot on their heels, fortunately they manages to run into the twins and SUKUNA (they is not so lucky, the Twins survive! With horrible scars that Sukuna left, but survive).

While Jogo and Sukuna fight, the Twins take (Child's name) away, happy to see them safe and sound again.

although of course, when Kenjaku realizes it, he won't be happy at all.....

(^his live reaction when he found out that (Child's name) run away)

NEXT PART

[apomaro-mellow]

King and Prince 23

Part 22

It was story time again. The kids were chattering as they got settled in on the couches and chairs. Eddie sat in his own special chair at the head. Steve almost didn’t come tonight. He had a lot to think about after the talk in the forest. He sat down at the end of a couch, Dustin, Will, and El acting as buffers between him and Eddie. A few times they caught each other’s gaze anyway, quickly turning away when they did.

There was a moment…they locked eyes and didn’t look away. The children’s chatter fading in the background. Eddie had his hands clasped in front of him, knees up as he perched on the chair like a gargoyle. He wondered what Eddie was thinking, what did he see when he looked at him? A spoiled, naive prince? Someone who needed constant watch? Someone he liked to see getting fucked?

What were they to each other?

Lucas snapped his fingers in front of Eddie’s face, bringing him back to the present and making him start the story. Eddie gave a quick recap of where they left off and then the kids had all of his attention. That left Steve able to stare unbidden. He was able to watch him gesture with his lovely hands, always adorned with at least three rings. His eyes, wild yet kind. His hair, that he knew was soft but didn’t know how it might feel between his fingers.

Steve knew the feeling spreading through him but was hesitant to call it by its name. The man before him was putting on a squeaky but commanding voice as he pretended to be a mouse knight to assist the adventurers on their journey. He was the same person who had transformed right before Steve’s eyes into a beast with fangs and claws. He had dispatched a bear and then let Steve pet him in the same moment.

When the story reached the end of tonight’s chapter, Steve didn’t linger. Instead, he walked out as the kids trudged, sticking close to Dustin. 

“Hey, can we talk?”, Steve whispered, keeping it between them.

“Can it wait until morning?”, Dustin asked, admitting he was tired by rubbing his eyes.

“No”, Steve pulled him into a random room.

“What’s the all about?”, Dustin plopped onto a chair. A fire was already going in this room and Steve wondered if somebody had just left it.

“I’ve been thinking recently about the things you said. About Eddie.”

“What about Eddie?”

Steve sighed. “About how I should start seeing that Eddie might have different sides but they’re all him. He is capable of great feats of power but…” he sat down next to Dustin. “He is also the kind to let you run over him.”

“So you guys are officially friends now?”

“I think it might be more than that-”

“Are you serious right now?”. Robin interjected, book in hand as she stood in the doorway. 

Dustin and Steve looked at her like children caught in the act. The fire roaring in a room with no one in it made more sense now. Robin came in, closing the door behind herself, arms crossed now.

“You two are having a midnight heart to heart about Steve and Eddie without me? Does that make any sense to you?”

Dustin held his hands up. “I was just dragged here. Technically it’s my bed time.”

Steve rolled his eyes. “Don’t pretend to be responsible now.” Then he gave his attention to Robin. “I didn’t know you were so invested.”

“I just think it would be really funny if the man who wanted to kill our beloved king turned out to fall for him. I didn’t realize Eddie was sooo charismatic and charming.”

Steve’s face got warm and he covered it by walking over to the fireplace. He hadn’t really thought of those words in regards to Eddie before. He’d met many a flirtatious person. People who tried their best to woo him. People who knew which lines to use, just how much to touch without being pushy, and knew how to let their eyes linger on certain body parts without appearing lecherous.

Eddie had never purposely come onto him and yet Steve was longing all the same. Longing for a man he could never have.

“Even if I did think he was charming, what could come of it?”

“Probably flowers and poetry, right?”, Dustin said.

“Knowing him, really flowery poetry at that. And poetic flowers”, Robin added.

“You two are forgetting something though”, Steve said as he came back over to sit. “Eddie isn’t just Eddie. He’s a king. A king of a country I’m meant to fight at that.”

Robin groaned and sat on Steve’s other side, dropping the book onto the table. “I thought you let that go.”

“I have!”, Steve said quickly. “I have. That doesn’t-that doesn’t matter to me the same way anymore. But the world isn’t just the two of us.”

“What’re you saying? Are you worried about the rest of us?”, Dustin asked. “We might rib you but if you actually like Eddie, we’re not gonna string you up for it.”

“He has an entire kingdom to care for. And I don’t think the rest of that kingdom would be so kind as to forgive me and allow me to court their ruler.” Even if Eddie reciprocated, the announcement would make such waves that civil unrest was all but promised. And Steve couldn’t do that. He couldn’t risk that. Maybe if he still had his full status as a prince they could spin it as a political alliance. But at this current time, tying himself to Steve would have no advantages. 

“I think you’re imagining things”, Dustin said.

“I think you’re over exaggerating them”, Robin said. 

Steve had talked about it all he could and sent Dustin off to bed before going off himself, leaving Robin to her fireside reading. Eddie wasn’t an option. He just wasn’t. And to remind himself of that, Steve kept going out to meet lovers in town.

-----------------

Eddie curbed the jealousy in his gut when he saw Steve ride out to town. He didn’t own the prince, nor was he entitled to his affections. No, the problem wasn’t when Steve went out. The problem was how he pushed the curfew later and later. But the real problem didn’t start until the night Steve didn’t return at all.

Part 24

Taglist

@thesuninyaface @only-evanescent  @snakeorsquid  @ignoremyworld  @theclichefortunecookie 

@goodolefashionedloverboi  @just-a-tiny-void  @0body0disphoria0  @cinnamon-mushroomabomination  @samsoble 

@jamieweasley13  @y4r3luv  @xtkxkrzrizir  @un-knownperson  @greekgeek24 

@justdrugsformethanks  @potato-of-the-lord  @notaqueenakhaleesi  @swimmingbirdrunningrock  @queenie-ofthe-void 

@nebulainajar  @lil-gremlin-things  @nicememerino  @robininblue  @hornedqueenofhell 

@anne-bennett-cosplayer  @moomkin77  @here4thetrama  @bookworm0690  @autumncrocusandladybug

@lil-gremlin-things @littlebluejane @puppy-steve

[bloopitynoot]

Reading TGCF: Chapter Three

For those who don't know, I am reading TGCF for the first time and sharing my thoughts!

If you have not read it, there will be spoilers! Consider this a warning.

Also- if you want to follow along, I am aiming to post updates daily. You can find all the posts in the tag Bloopitynoot reads TGCF. You can also check out the intro post for context on my read BUT if you followed along with my SVSSS read, the rules and vibe are the same.

Today's tea: lady grey with milk and sugar.

This is totally fair warning. In this read I tried to guess some plot and you all get to watch me guess horribly incorrectly like 14 times LOL. Please enjoy watching me slowly breakdown through all the stages of grief across three pages of notes as I continuously watch my theories fall apart.

Let's go chapter three!

Yesterday I took back my theory that the brides were disappearing willingly because her head fell off. BUT, now that I know that the head was actually a wooden puppet body, bets are off. I am reinstating my theory. p67

Shit. Ignore me. LOL. It was intentionally a fake wooden puppet. I should have read like 1 more paragraph before getting excited. p68

I am still keeping the theory. AND! I think that torn-skirt-girl is in on it. Like not plotting or maliciously, but she knows what's up. p69

Good for Xie Lian! That guy deserves to be hit! What an asshole! p71

This is so funny to me. Mu Qing has serious FOMO and just needs to be involved in everything. He's just constantly hanging out in the communication array for no reason (the reason is FOMO). Bro really doesn't want to miss anything. p72

I am loving this monster threat level system. Wrath seems kind of intense though. p73

Yes yes! Let's get that bride xie lian agenda! Such a little honorable cutie. Is his disguise good? Nope. But it is workable! p74

I'm WHEEZING why is this so funny. Xie Lian, DRAG; "No, miss, please don't misunderstand, this isn't a hobby of mine". p77

This entire drag situation is even funnier because he did not need to be made up, he literally could have learned some transformation magic. But nope, this man is like; but drag though?

I am losing this battle. Okay, it is indeed a monster. BUT I'm not set on if it only takes disgruntled brides or what. p82

I love how Xie Lian is having the best time in this bridal sedan, "I've been smiling ever since I mounted the bridal sedan" p82

Respect because as a concept, the binu is very cool. But also, horrific as a scavenger. pp84-85

WOAH! WAIT! His wrist wrap is sentient?? What the heck! I love this so much. p95

ah okay! The anticipation!!! I need to know who/what this wrath/evil threat is! p88 (clarity: this was me in response to the handsome gentleman helping Xie Lian out of the carriage).

As evil as this guy might be, he seems so sweet!!! pp92-93 (see clarity above LOL)

oooo, the butterflies are back! p93

Okay so reading a bit more I am so excited! I am assuming we just met the other protagonist/love interest?? That did not feel like the evil wrath level threat.

weird, weird. The plot thickens! Why a suppression/stealth array hiding a temple to Ming Guang??? p95

OMG. 17 zombie (not really but i'm calling them that) brides! I have officially decided to respectfully toss all of my "theories". LOL these brides are very dead. p96

I hate this man so much (xiao-Pengtou). You know what, if he were to die here I wont even be mad. p99

Oh dang another cliffhanger!!! I hope the wrath level threat is not torn-skirt-girl! I really like her. p102

I thought the opening of this book would be a little mystery

But ofc not because it is MXTX and every sentence has meaning. It feels like so much foundation was dropped in this chapter! I need; more butterfly man, xiao-pengtou to meet his inevitable end, to meet the wrath threat level!

[suivyfx]

So you heard everything?

Mirage x f!reader

you were a bit of a mechanic, and whenever noah’s car got wrecked you’d usually help him fix it up, until you find out it’s an..Alien car thing??

includes ✧ fluff, slight x Noah

◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤ ◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤

“Jeez, Noah. This car is a beauty for sure but maybe you shouldn’t get such an old car.” You rolled out from under the car with a wrench in your hand. “Haha..maybe I should do my research next time.”

You and Noah had known each other for around two years and were pretty close friends. He had recently bought a Porsche, silver with blue stripes down the middle. Of course you were happy for him, he even took you on joyrides! It’s just that you hadn’t expected him to be able to..afford it? Not saying that’s he’s poor but Porsches are mad expensive, you chose to mind your business though.

After you finish up, your phone starts to ring. “Sorry Noah, gotta take this.” Once you exit the garage, his gaze immediately fixates on the car. “Cmon! Can’t we just tell her already? You torture me every time I have to stay quiet during our joyrides!” Mirage whined. “I just don’t wanna scare her, Mirage. I mean your a giant machine!” Hearing this, Mirage gasped. “Giant Machine?! We’ve been through thick and thin and that’s what you call me? Besides, didn’t you try to beat me with a pipe when you first met me? Sure she’ll be freaked but someones there to reassure her this time, cough cough, you.” Even though they were currently communicating through the radio, you could still hear the sass in Mirages voice.

Noah thought about it, and he couldn’t deny that Mirage was right. Besides you would find out sooner or later anyway. “Fine, let’s wait for her to get back.” Hearing this, Mirage cheered. “Woohoo! I can’t wait!”

.

.

“I’m back, sorry that took a while.” You smiled as you came back in the garage. Noah looked a little timid so you asked him if he was alright. “Yeah, yeah I am. I just uh- need to show you something. Please don’t freak out too much..” Hearing him say this made you nervous. Noah barely acted like this, so he might be very serious. And ‘please don’t freak out?’ What the hell was this man about to show you?

As you were looking at Noah, you began to hear shifting noises from the Porsche. Once you looked over, you saw a machine guy. Wait wtf? “What the fuck..” Eyes widened, jaw almost on the floor..what were you looking at right now? You subconsciously began to back up. “Listen I know he looks like a bad guy but trust me, he means no harm!” “Bad guy?! What’s up what all these names you’ve been calling me man? Not cool dude, not cool.”

The both of them looked at you, who was still visibly shaken. In attempt to befriend you, Mirage walked up to you and kneeled to your level. “The names Mirage, I already know who you are.” He smiled. You were pretty scared at first, but after seeing his friendly attitude you loosened up a little. “Okay..yeah, I’m Y/n.” Mirage grinned and patted your head as he stood.

“See? That went great! You were worried about nothin’!” Mirage looked at Noah who had a relieved look on his face. “Wait a minute, if you’re the car does that mean..you heard, everything I said?” You asked, praying the answer was no. “Yup!” fuck. “Humans have the most interesting stories.” You glare at Noah, him just smiling looking in the other direction knowingly.

Before you could scold Noah, you begin to hear that same shifting noising. You look in amazement finally being able to see Mirages transformation. “Now that I can talk, what’d you say we go on a joyride? The three of us? You can sing your heart out just like you always do.” Noah walks up to passenger side and opens the door for you, gesturing you to get in. “M’lady?” He teased, knowing you were embarrassed. “I’m so gonna kill you for this, Noah.”

.

.

“I think I’m gonna vomit..what part of that was a ‘joyride’ to you?!” You say, wobbling out of the car. “You’re gonna have to get used to it, trust me.” Noah said, glaring at Mirage. “What can I say? I gotta go fast! Haha, get it? Cause it’s what Sonic says?” Mirage joked, resulting in no laughter “Anyways im going to get some food, want me to bring you back some, Y/n?” Noah asked heading towards the door. “Ah, sure.”

Once Noah left it was just you and Mirage. “Well well well, just the two of us sweetheart! Y’know I don’t think we got to properly get to know each other, so why don’t we talk a bit about ourselves, yeah?” Blushing a bit at the name, you agreed. “Sure, why not?”

.

.

About an hour past and you realize how much you enjoy talking to Mirage. He’s so enticing, nothing like the last men you’ve been with, literally. “You listenin?” Mirage asked, noticing your daze. “Oh, uhm, yes sorry, what did you say?” After a few seconds of silence, Mirage chuckled. “Ohh, I get it. You were so mesmerized by my dashing looks, huh? I knew you’d fall for me.” Your eyes widened, face heated. “What?! D-don’t get cocky..”

Mirage moved closer to you and lifted your chin with a single finger. “Cmon..just admit it. I have an affect on you.” His optics bored into your orbs. “…fuck it.” You leaned forward and pressed your lips to his. He was kinda surprised, but quickly reciprocated. Mirages lips were like nothing you’ve kissed before, so smooth yet metallic, nonetheless very pleasing.

After a few seconds you two pulled apart, an immediate smirk plastering his face. “I guess Love at first sight really is real, huh?” You smiled up at him and leaned closer. “I guess so, wanna prove it?” And with that you both locked lips once again, a new relationship emerging.

◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤ ◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤

i hate this. i might make a smut with mirage

[tf-boi]

Maybe a story of a guy transforming his boyfriend into an almost completely inanimate mannequin, renting out his body to store while he takes his boyfriend's head and junk home, the only parts of him that are animate.

(Finally after being in my inbox for a million years~)

"Sign here . . . and here . . . aaaaaannndd here. There we go thats everything!" A medium build man wearing some square glasses (Tom), standing by a slightly taller man (Andy). "My boyfriend is yours for two weeks." the smaller man says with a smirk.

"Babe you gotta stop saying that when you rent my body out." Andy said sighing.

A girl passes the clipboard back to Tom and giggled "Oh don't worry we'll take great care of him~". The girl walks away and returns with a box of clothes. "Just get changed into these and you'll start right away!"

Tom and Andy walk into a changing room as Andy starts stripping. "grrrrowl. . . " Tom said admiring his boyfriend.

Andy blushed "You have to be in the room while I change?"

Tom chuckled "Well we don't have too much fun when we do our thing so why not take it all in while I have you?"

Andy sighed "That's true I guess, but renting our our bodies to these popup stores does making ends meet easy. Plus the after pick-up sex is amazing too."

The two college students embrace and kiss. As Andy and Tom walks out of the changing room, the popup store manager eyed Andy and gave a nod of approval. "Okay you'll be in the front of the store soooo lets get to posing!" The three make their way to the front of the store as Andy strikes a few pose, they eventually settled on a neutral pose.

"Alright, perfect! Lets go home~" Tom said as holds Andy's hand. Andy's body started to turn a shade of grey and blue his body started shining a nice glaze like a fine plastic, his joint's becoming like a doll's. This spread until it reaches Andy's head. Tom then reaches up and puts his hands on Andy's head, that has remained the same, and gives it a nice tug as it pops off his body. "Ahh, babe!" Andy exclaimed. "Ahhh sorry don't know my own strength~" Tom chuckled, "well we can't forget this!" He reaches down Andy's pants and gives another tug as he pulls off Andy's unchanged manhood.

"Thanks for renting, we'll be back in a few weeks!" Tom said walking off.

"Hey feel free to come back if you want to loan us your body too!" The manager waved at them.

Tom and Andy make their way home, Andy's head under Tom's arm, getting a few stares from people. Some thinking its a realistic head commenting on it, but the others who are in the community looking at it lustfully. Renting out their bodies for these stores was a convenient way for them to make some money and good way for them to make new friends. As they entered Tom's apartment, many other mannequins could be seen around the apartment. Some of them are their exes, most of them willingly gave their bodies to them.

Tom set Andy's head on the bed as they both lie there watching TV. It was an awkward silence for a bit before Andy spoke up "What's up babe?"

"W-what? Nothing!" Tom stuttered.

"Please, you were quiet on the way back and you are quiet now. That only happens when something's on your mind."

"Ughhh fine. . . you always know how to read me. Remember what I said at the store? About not having fun while one of our bodies is being rented out?"

"Mhm?" Andy said interested.

"Well what if . . . we changed that?" Tom said blushing.

Andy looked intrigued now "Ohhhh what did you have in mind?"

Tom said "Well . . . well . . ." "You know what? No need to ask, just do babe. My powerless head is under your control~" Andy winked.

Tom gulped but knew Andy was serious. Tom dropped his pants and picked up his blonde prince and put his mouth against his rock hard cock. Andy knew what to do and started out with a whiff of Tom's cock. Tom's dick was smaller than Andy's but his nerdy brunette boyfriend was still packing a decent size. "Ohhh . . ." Tom moaned as Andy started to suck Tom's dick. "mmmm . . . mmmmm . . ." Andy moaned as he savored Tom's cock in his mouth. Andy suddenly felt his head being moved forward and back as Tom started to fuck Andy's head. "Ahhh ahhh" Tom moaned as he let out his inner beast. For years he's been the bottom but now he finally found a boyfriend to let him be on top. He laid face down on the bed, Andy's head still sucking on his dick as he pound's Andy's head. He moves faster and faster but couldn't hold back as he lets out a load into Andy's mouth. Andy moaning as he slurps it up. The cum flows into his head but out of his neck soaking their bed. Tom's cock retracts out of Andy's mouth and he lies next to his boyfriend.

Andy gasped for air. "That was pretty good, but I wish it could have lasted a bit longer . . ." He said with a pout.

Tom looked a bit embarrassed "Sorry it was my first time topping . . ."

"But you were great with your cock, it felt so good and hard . . . when we get my body back, this time you're definitely topping!"

"really?" Tom grinned.

"Yup . . . but first round 2" Andy said lustfully.

"But I'm out of cum . . ." Tom said confused.

"Oh you are but, my cock is ready~ And by the way babe, its my turn."

Tom was shocked by the sudden request but walked into the living room to retrieve Andy's dick. He walked back into the bedroom and gulped. Tom lied next to Andy as he used his power on himself. His body having a nice plastic sheen as he detached his dick and replaced with Andy's massive cock. He winced a bit at how much more testosterone he had as it fills him up. He was tempted to fuck his boyfriend's head again but decided to follow through with his command. Tom put his hands on his body and popped his head off placing it next to Andy. The two share many kisses as Tom's hands reaches for Andy's head and places it onto his neck stump. Instantly Tom lost control of his body as he see's Andy feel his new body.

Andy felt up his new body admiring every inch.

Tom blushed "What are you doing??"

" Just admiring my new self. Having all my muscles is great but sometimes I want to try a slimmer body you know? Besides this is the first time I had your body while you are awake."

"Awake?? How many times have you done this?"

Andy ignored this question and picked up Tom's head and started making out. Their tongues wrapped together as they moaned into eachother's mouth. Tom suddenly felt his head get pulled away as it is placed in front of Andy's rocket. Tom started to suck Andy off wrapping his tongue around Andy's meat. "Ohhh babe you know all the good spots..." Andy moaned as Tom's head serviced him. Just like Tom, Andy started to use Tom's head as a fleshlight stroking his rock hard dick with him. Tom loved being used by his boyfriend and it even aroused him knowing it has his body being used. Tom gladly played the role of a toy and pleassured his boyfriend.

Once again Tom felt himself pulled away as a new sensation filled his head. Andy had slid his cock into the bottom of Tom's neck hold and started fucking him. Tom wanted to moan but Andy's cock filled his throat. His mind went blank as he eatches his boyfriend fuck him through the neck. Tom tightened his throat to squeeze Andy's cock. From the corner of his eye, Andy saw Tom's disconnected dick had gotten hard again and he picked it up and shoved it into Tom's mouth. "Mmmmmmm mmmmm mmmm" Tom moaned as he sucks his own dick. As Andy kept fucking Tom's head Tom came into his mouth, the streams of sperm lubing his throat for Andy's still hard member. Wanting this to continue, Tom got his cock hard again and kept sucking himself off. He came several more times until he felt it. Andy's cock releasing his love juices into his throat. The sensation made him cum once more as pools of cum pour out of both ends of his body. As they finished cumming Andy leaned back on the back of the bed a bit too hard and his head pops off Tom's body landing next to his boyfriend covered in their cum.

"That was amazing babe! We should definately do this more often." Andy said.

Tom didn't respond. His mind completely blanked out.

Andy still in control of Tom's body picks himself up and reattaches himself to Tom's body. "Well guess we went a little too hard..." Andy picks up Tom's head by the hair. "I guess its me and his body for the next couple of weeks."

Andy stared in their closet filled with their exes petrified bodies. "Well maybe I'll give our exes' body a spin too so it won't just our cocks being shoved in you~" Andy says picking out a body for round three.

[the-bigger-fish]

You know, I'm not normally the type of guy to post this sort of thing but I really want to get it off my chest....

I really enjoy Viv's shows and general works. Like, for some weird reason Helluva Boss (and to a lesser extent, Viv's body of work as a whole) has become a show i hyper fixate on the likes of which haven't been seen since I was a Transformers Prime and MLP fan back in 2010.... BUT that being said, I also find myself also very critical of her works for a lot of reasons as well. (Not as a hater, but as someone who loves the show and wants to see it improve.)

Which then leads to the reason why I wanted to get this off my chest... Stolas is a good character, heck he might even be a GREAT character..... On paper, that is.... Like, he has all the elements for what could be a really interesting and nuanced character and antagonist of the show (Antagonist meaning "Someone who contends with or opposes the Protagonist, not necessarily meaning he's evil...) Like, having a well meaning, but sheltered, privileged, and ignorant man make a mistake in the throws of passion that causes not just turmoil in his family whom he loves dearly, but also with his friends and many others as well and thus tries to make things up to everyone? That's genuinely an incredibly arc for a guy to go through and honestly quite fitting for a show that aspires to ape plays and theater so much, too. It's just that... The show never really seems to be interested/able to show him going through this arc it seems? Like, I'm not sure if it's a production issue given that animation is hard, a monthly-ish web animation is probably even harder and you can't cover everything you would want to realistically in the show proper. (Which honestly makes me wish we had side comics or prose to compliment the episodes and shorts as well, because it genuinely feels that we missed a chapter or three at times...) But like, it feels like we're told Stolas is one thing (Kind, loving father, ignorant and delusional yes, but does try his best to make things up when he realizes he's screwed up.) and then shown an entirely different character instead. (Coercive, airheaded and easily distracted to the point of forgetting important things like his daughter and the like, classist, and more than a bit obsessive towards Blitzo and way to stuck in his own world to actually be able to right his own wrongs.) And as we all know what Rule 1 of storytelling is, ESPECIALLY visual storytelling like animation:

SHOW, DON'T TELL

Now, I'm not saying Stolas has to be perfect (in all honesty, the fact he's so deeply flawed makes him farm ore engaging in a "Greek Tragedy/Shakespearian type of way fittingly enough) it's just, it feels like the show wants us to view characters and plots in general as one way, while showing us something completely different from what we've been told. (And honestly, that just might be the result of general teething issues regarding the show's hard switch from "Dark comedy where Logic and consistency need not matter as long as the joke lands" to "More serious character drama where actions do have consequences, no matter how far fetched they might be.")

Which isn't to say I'm blindly bashing the show or hating on Stolas or Viv, I think both the show and him has a lot going for it and that some of the more vocal critics take things way too far when it comes to criticizing Stolas and the show, it's just I'm saying this from the bottom of my heart as a fan what my biggest problem with some of my favorite aspects of the show are and hope they can be improved upon because dang it, I really wanna see this show be as great as i know it can be! Same with my birdy boi, too!

(P.S. Stolas totally got his fortune paving the entirety of Hell's roads with his good intentions. That's just facts right there.)

(P.P.S. If this does well enough, maybe I might write more writing critiques and general thoughts as a whole. Let me know what you guys think.)

[seersnake]

A Bird Amongst Griffins

Here's part 2 for you guys, hope you enjoy it as well. Again, I do not yet have a beta reader for things like Grammer so if you see anything, I apologize in advance.

The storm the night before had been a really bad one. The entire Rescue Team had spent all day bouncing from area to area, trying to clean up the damage. From a knocked over tree in the school yard, to roads covered in too much mud to drive through, to downed electrical wires, and everything between and beyond. Chief Burns pinched his brow, trying hard to will away the headache he was getting. He didn’t know if it was exhaustion from being constantly on rescues for the past seven hours or if it was that he hadn’t had anything to eat or drink in that time, too busy to even stop at a store for something.

Chase turned on his internal screen, keeping his voice low as he questions, “are you becoming ill Chief Burns? If you are, we can go back to the Fire House and get you some Soup. Dani says that soup is very good when one is sick.”

With a sigh, Charlie removed his hand from his face. He manages to force a small smile while closing his eyes to block out the light, “I'm fine Chase, I'm just not a spring chick anymore is all.”

“Whoever called you a coward is severely mistaken Chief Burns.” Came the immediate reply from the agitated police cruiser.

Before Charlie could ask Chase what he meant by that, the radio crackled to life, drawing both their attention. It was Graham’s voice that came through the line, sounding just as tired as Chief felt, “we’ve got a Big emergency near the North Cliffs. Mr. Bunty said he was out on a walk with his Lobster and saw a boat washed up on the shore. He said he didn’t go near it but it looked like there was a body on the beach.”

Now that sends alarm bells through everyone’s heads. There’s a chance someone needed serious medical help on the beach. Chief opened up the radio, cutting the worried chatter from his other three kids, “understood. Everyone, head for the North Shore. Dani, Blades, be ready to airlift any injured people to the hospital.” When he gets an affirmative from all of his children, including Cody who has been flying with Dani and Blades for the past two hours, he relaxes just a bit. Everything was going to be fine. Chief Burns couldn’t help but sigh in worry anyways over what they may find.

Dani, Blades, and Cody got to the beach first, finding the wreck after only a few minutes. Dani radios in, “we see the boat, I don’t recognize it though. I think I see a body near it, but there’s nowhere around here we can land. I’m heading to the East side of the beach to find a place to land.” The trio fly back towards where they had come from, landing just as the other members of the rescue team arrived.

All four bots quickly transformed and Cody pointed to where the wreck was, “it’s up that way and it looks pretty bad. The whole ship’s on the beach and it’s in a ton of pieces!”

With a nod, they all hurried in the direction of the wreck, calling out for anyone who may have been a part of it that could hear them that help was on the way. It took the Rescue Team nearly ten minutes to get to the wreck so they could inspect it, and it was bad. The entire ship had been broken in two, there was wood and metal scraps from the broken ship all over the beach, as well as broken glass, soaking wet books, and a completely shattered laptop. There were tons of pieces of electronics that were scattered across the beach, nearly to the tree line, that were unsalvageable due to a mixture of water damage and impact damage. Though, despite having seen it less than 15 minutes before, the body on the beach was gone.

Blades scratched his head and motioned to where the steering wheel of the boat lay on the sand, “it was right here, I swear! They were wearing dark clothing, a big dark cape, and they were really pale! You saw it, right Dani??” The pilot could only nod confirming, “yeah, it was just here. Where did they even go, and why did they go? They would have been able to hear us yelling about help being on the way!”

Her elder brother shakes his head at his sister’s seeming naivety, “Sis. What if that’s why they ran? Who knows who that person was or what they’ve done! They could be a criminal on the run and our yelling scared them off and now they’re just on the island somewhere!” Though jumping to conclusions like this made Kade’s gut twist in an unpleasant way, the possibility of someone dangerous being on the island was too great a risk to ignore. Especially if it was someone who could endanger his family.

Dani shook her head as she shot his idea down, “Kade, whoever they are, they’re likely hurt and in pain. They could have a head injury that makes them unable to understand us, or for all we know, they might not even speak English. It’s likely they heard us yelling and saw the Bots before we could see them and they panicked and ran. I mean, most humans would be pretty scared of robots their size if they’ve never met them before.”

It was a good point, especially with all the stories from the mainland about people like Lex Luthor and Doctor Silvana using giant robots to attack towns and cities. Who knows what this person could have lived through or even just heard of before crashing on the island.

As the rest of them bickered about what could have happened to the stranger and why they would run away, Cody noticed drops of blood leading away from the puddle soaked into the sand. He glanced in the direction they headed, up towards the woods, before turning his eyes back to the trail and following after it. The indents in the sand made it look like whoever was there was stumbling, lending more evidence to them being seriously wounded.

Graham noticed his younger brother heading away towards the woods and called out worriedly, “Cody! Where are you going? Now isn’t the time for exploring.”

The blond simply pointed to the ground in front of him, “there’s more blood over here. I think whoever it was headed into the woods up there.” With that, the boy didn’t wait for his family to catch up, simply following after the drops on the ground.

When they catch up to him, Chief grabs his youngest son's shoulder before he can go into the tree line, pulling him back, “no way kiddo, we don't know if this person is hostile or not. Kade, Heatwave, head into the forest and see if you can track them down. The rest of you, head back to the wreck and see if you can find anything that could give us ideas as to who our mysterious guest is.” he patted his eldest on the shoulder with a small nod before heading back for the wreck.

Heatwave grumbled as he began trying to squeeze himself between the tightly packed trees of the forest without knocking any over, Kade not even bothering to hide his laughter as his partner managed to get himself stuck within minutes.

[umlewis]

lewis hamilton, p2 p1, is interviewed during the post-race press conference, belgium - july 28, 2024 (transcript under the cut)

Interviewer: "Lewis, let's come to you now. As George says, you drove a great race today. Just how do you sum up your run to P2?" Lewis: "I think it was great. George did a fantastic job today. Obviously I'll re-watch the race and… But yeah, fantastic effort to go the one-stop. And it was pretty smooth sailing, to be honest. I was fully in control, I had plenty of pace and tires, and [laughs] just didn't end up as planned." Interviewer: "Plenty of tires. Did you consider the one-stop?" Lewis: "I mean, I kept… If you listen, you could have heard what I said to the team most of the time. But yeah, I think the tires were pretty good. I still had plenty of tires and I was going quicker. I didn't want to stop." Interviewer: "Tell us about the transformation in the car, because on Friday both of you guys… I mean, to quote Toto Wolff, you were nowhere. How much better was the car today and where was it better?" Lewis: "It was literally night and day different today. On Friday it was pretty disastrous for both of us and really struggling with balance, and then today just the car came alive and I was really surprised to, firstly, get into the lead, and then be pulling away from everyone and not… Yeah, as I said, it felt fully under control and I've not had that for years, and so that's why it was also a bit strange way to finish it. But it's great to go into the summer break with the one-two. The team really deserve it and did such an amazing job." Interviewer: "Lewis, can you just tidy up one more thing? You came on the radio at one point and said, 'Something's moving between my legs' What was that, and was it an issue later on?" Lewis: "I just had… There was something as I was going through the corner. Something kept rolling underneath my left leg." Interviewer: "Not a serious issue, then. Okay." Lewis: [shakes head] Interviewer: "Lewis, very well done. Thank you."

[time jump] Journalist: "Dan Lawrence, Motorsport Monday. Question to Lewis: This season's been ultra-competitive. We're seeing three teams, at the moment, constantly fighting for wins; a fourth team that has won this season, as well. It almost harks back to the years of 2012 and 2010, which obviously you experienced. So how does this season compare to back then in your mind? And from a psychological standpoint, when you put the helmet on, does it just give you that extra layer of motivation, knowing you've got so many rivals that you've got to defend against and attack against?" Lewis: "You must be new here. I don't have a good memory, so I don't remember back then. [laughs] But what I can say is, it's great. It's really fantastic, I think, for the sport to be having such close teams and drivers, and the pedigree of drivers at the top today are really elite and… Yeah, we didn't expect to be competing with the McLarens or the Red Bulls at this point in the season, with how we started off, so for us to now have closed up and be… It's going to be one hell of a second half of the season, for sure." [time jump]

Journalist: "Phil Duncan, PA. Lewis, you said you didn't want to stop for the second time. Did you say to the team that you only wanted to do one-stop, and obviously how much does it hurt not winning today? Because you looked odds on to win for much of the race. And just to George, Toto called you the tyre whisperer, so how much was this down to you actually driving those tires, saving those tires, or just the strategy?" Lewis: "Nope. I just said that the tires were fine. And I'm happy. Looking forward to going to the summer break." [time jump] Journalist: "Niccolo Arnerich, F1 Analisi Tecnica. Question for both of Mercedes drivers. Which is the main areas to improve right now on the car, on the W15, and which are the main areas you feel that you have done a big improvement in this last month?" Interviewer: "Who wants to start? Lewis." Lewis: "I mean, just overall the car is… We're more comfortable in the car. The balance through low to medium to high are all much more in line with what we had targeted. Yeah, that's really about it." Interviewer: "George, anything to add?" George: "No."

[aloeaceae]

Together, Apart

Together

“Look at the time, dude!”

The second Riven shut the door behind him, Sky was already standing in the middle of the room, arms crossed, like a mother about to scold her son. “What were you doing this late?”

“Who,” Brandon said from across the room in a matter-of-fact voice, barely glancing up from his phone.

“What?” Sky turned to his friend, momentarily losing focus—just enough time for Riven to march past him.

“You should be asking who he was doing instead,” Brandon smirked. “Though, it’s not much of a mystery. Damn, just look at that neck!”

“Shut up,” Riven spat out, sitting on his bed, half his shirt already off, enough to reveal a long trace of red bruises stretched from his neck all the way to his stomach.

Brandon whistled, swiftly prompting Riven to throw the freshly taken-off shirt into his face. “Fun night, huh? How was it?”

Riven smiled, surprising his roommates with an emotion other than his usual frown. “None of your business. Tuck in; it’s bedtime for little boys.”

Sky bit down on his fist, trying to stifle a laugh. “Look at this guy—gets some action for the first time and suddenly doesn’t know how to act,” he whispered to Brandon.

After quickly taking off the rest of the clothes and properly tucking in, Riven unlocked his phone, a candid photo of his girlfriend greeting him as his screensaver. The time showed two in the morning, way after the curfew. No wonder Sky had been so mad—if Riven got caught, both him and his three roommates, Sky, Brandon, and Timmy, would be punished. His phone displayed a new message.

D: Made it home okay?

R: Yeah, I’m in bed.

D: Good boy. Sleep tight.

Riven smiled. He only met Darcy about a month ago, but he could already confidently say that she knew him better than everyone else. She was the first person he truly clicked with. Most importantly, she never made him feel small or inferior—a feeling far too familiar. Were they moving too fast? Maybe. But honestly, Riven didn’t care. He had nothing to compare it to. This was his first real relationship, and that made it feel right, no matter how rushed it seemed.

“Turn your brightness down,” came a grumble from the next bed.

Riven didn’t respond, locking his phone and setting it down on the bedside table.

Fairies

“What are you doing, Stella? Hurry it up!” Fairies and specialists were standing in the middle of the swamp, their patience thinning as they tried to coax their blonde friend into rejoining them.

“C’mon, girl, we’re on our final stretch!” yelled out Brandon, gesturing dramatically from across the muddy terrain. “Just fly over!”

“I can’t!” Stella yelled back. “Look, I don’t have enough magic left to transform, and if we get sucked into the mud, there’s no saving us. Plus, these are brand new!” she pointed at her boots.

“By the damn stars, Stella, we are in the swamp!” exclaimed Tecna. “Of course, there’s mud all around!”

“So dramatic,” Bloom muttered under her breath, only to suddenly lose her balance, stepping into the mud with a loud squelch. “Whoa!” she yelped, nearly toppling over before Sky caught her by the arm.

“See that? I’m not moving,” Stella hissed. “You people need to get an ounce of self-preservation.”

“You know what, fine,” said Sky, throwing his arms up in defeat. “We’ll take the long way around. Let’s move.”

“What?” Riven spun toward him, unable to believe what he was hearing. “Sky, are you serious? The aircraft is right there!” He pointed at a red dot in the distance. “You can literally see it!”

“It’s okay,” Sky muttered, “We’ll take the longer path. It’s safer this way. Let’s focus on getting everyone across in one piece.”

“It’s not okay!” Riven shot back, his voice sharp with frustration. “You can’t be serious right now.”

Morons. Every single one of them. It was in times like this when Riven felt that he was never truly a part of the team. God forbid Stella gets her outfit dirty.

“Please, not you too,” Sky sounded almost tired. “Not everything is about efficiency; sometimes it’s about keeping everyone comfortable.”

Riven groaned—tired from lack of sleep, exhausted by dragging a goblin prisoner for a good mile and annoyed with Stella’s diva act, he was nearing his tipping point. Five more minutes of walking (granted, across the muddy swamp), and they could’ve been back at the aircraft on their merry way to Red Fountain.

“Fuck this,” Riven spun on his heels and, without another word, marched straight toward the ship, leaving the others behind.

“Where are you going? What about the prisoner?” Brandon called after him.

“Stella can carry him,” Riven shot back, raising a dismissive hand without bothering to turn around.

***

“What an asshole!” Exclaimed Stella. “I can’t believe he just left us all there.”

“And I can’t believe you’re still going on about it,” Bloom teased, giggling.

Flora, Tecna, Musa, Stella, and Bloom were nestled on the oversized couch, bundled up in fluffy blankets with cups of tea in hand. Unwinding together after their chaotic school days was a tradition they developed during their short time as roommates.

“I can’t help it!” Stella huffed, leaning back dramatically. “The more I think about it, the more heated I get. And my shoes? Totally ruined now,” she whined, wiggling her socked feet. “If he stayed and did his job, Sky wouldn’t have made us help carry that stinky goblin the rest of the way!”

Tecna, sipping her tea, gave a thoughtful hum. “Musa sure has a peculiar taste.”

Musa raised an eyebrow. “What does that have to do with me?”

“Well,” started Flora, “You did look at him an awful lot today…”

“That’s to put it lightly,” Stella smirked, “I could practically see the drool coming out of her mouth.”

“Stella!” Exclaimed Musa, her face rapidly turning red. She turned to Tecna, looking for some kind of support, only getting a shrug in response. “I did not!” Musa insisted, pulling the blanket to her face, trying to cover her burgundy face.

“It’s okay to like someone,” Tecna reached to rest her hand on Musa’s lap. “Riven’s attractive, I don’t blame you. But be careful. The guy’s bad news.”

“True,” Stella chimed in, twirling a strand of her golden hair. “You do you, girl. But just saying—you might want to take your eyes off his body and look at what’s inside. I’d never let any boyfriend of mine treat my friends the way Riven does.”

“We’re not dating,” Musa muttered. “I have no right to tell him how to act. And besides… you know, he’s had it rough growing up.”

“How do boys even put up with him?” Tecna asked, her analytical mind clearly puzzled.

“Brandon says it’s just how Riven is,” Stella replied, rolling her eyes. “He’s gotten worse lately, but maybe he’s going through one of his weird phases. Whatever it is, I’m done.” She turned her attention to Bloom. “What do you think, Bloom?”

The redhead didn’t answer right away. She had been quiet for most of the conversation, her gaze distant as if she were somewhere else entirely.

“Bloom?” Flora nudged her gently, noticing the tension in her friend’s posture.

Bloom blinked, startled out of her thoughts. “Huh? Oh, sorry, I…” She paused, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I think I’m just going to head to bed. I’m exhausted.”

Before anyone could respond, Bloom set her mug down and slipped out from under the blanket, retreating to her room. Musa watched her leave, suspicion flickering in her chest. Bloom wasn’t the type to zone out like that—especially not during a gossip session with her girlfriends.

“Whatever,” Stella said, tossing her blanket aside as she stood. “I’m over it. I’m not wasting another second of my breath on him.” She shot a glance at the others. “I mean it. The next time he acts up? He just might get slapped across the face.”

“Agreed,” Tecna said simply.

Flora sighed, her gaze shifting to Musa. “Maybe we should be more understanding of his circumstances, but… I get it.”

One by one, the girls excused themselves, leaving the common space to head to their rooms.

Musa remained, slumped on the couch with her tea cooling in her hands. She stared into her half-empty mug, her thoughts swirling.

The others might be done with Riven, but a part of her couldn’t shake the nagging curiosity about what made him the way he was—or why she couldn’t stop thinking about him.

Timmy

If Timmy could name Riven’s one best quality, it would probably be his discipline. No matter the weather, every day before dinner Riven could be found at the practice ground—not the big one everyone used, but the one behind the school, tucked away from prying eyes. Timmy was not much of a fighter, but from time to time, he would stop by to keep Riven company. Sometimes, he would read, sitting on bleachers, other times, he’d act as an opponent for particularly intricate maneuvers Riven was trying to master.

Not having talked since yesterday’s swamp debacle was weighing hard on his mind, and before Timmy knew it, he was standing at the grounds and watching Riven. It was always like this—something happens, and Timmy is the one approaching Riven in the aftermath. But it was okay with him, they had been through a lot together, and Timmy didn’t want to let go of the friendship they had built.

He and Riven had been roommates since pre-specialist training camp. They were both introverts, but in different ways—Timmy shy and antisocial, Riven more of a lone wolf. Unlike Sky and Brandon, who were a year older and more like friends of convenience and proximity, Timmy genuinely cared about Riven, probably the only person in this school who understood him.

“Hey,” Timmy said cautiously. “A spear, huh?” In Riven’s hands was a weapon he hadn’t seen him use before.

“About time I learned something new.” Riven wiped the sweat off his face, casting a quick glance in Timmy’s direction.

“Codatorta won’t be too happy about that,” Timmy muttered. It wasn’t surprising that Riven hadn’t mentioned yesterday’s incident. Riven was like a sponge, soaking up grudges until they all spilled out at once in an explosive episode.

“I don’t give a damn about him.” Riven swung the spear, thrusting it sharply into the training dummy. “He should be happy I’m bettering myself.”

“It’s better to be good at a few things than mediocre at everything,” Timmy said thoughtfully.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Riven snapped, irritation flaring.

“You’ve changed, Riven,” Timmy said carefully, choosing his words. “Ever since… you know.” He paused, hesitant. “Since you met You-Know-Who.”

Riven barked out a laugh. “Darcy? What are you getting at?”

“She’s not helping you. She’s telling you all those nice things, everything you want to hear, but—”

“But what?” Riven interrupted, tension creeping into his voice.

“That’s not what you need,” Timmy insisted. “Ego, overconfidence—those aren’t your strengths.”

“Oh?” Riven raised his eyebrow, putting the spear away and finally turning to face Timmy. “The first person in my life who praises me, and suddenly it’s a problem?”

“She’s treating you like you have no flaws!” Timmy’s voice grew louder in frustration. “That’s not real!”

“As opposed to you lot, who treat me like all I have is flaws?” Riven’s voice rose, anger seeping in. “I’m not loaded with my parents’ money. I can’t afford to be weak. Tell me something, Timmy—what’s your plan after graduation?”

“Huh?” Timmy blinked, caught off guard by a sudden question. “I’ll probably become a Royal Guard on Zenith or something.”

“Probably?” Riven chuckled bitterly. “And what if that doesn’t work out?”

“I don’t know, Riven!” Timmy threw his hands up in exasperation. “Why does it matter?”

“It matters because you have choices,” Riven said, walking slowly towards Timmy. “You can afford to slack off, you can afford to be uncertain. ‘Don’t compare yourself to anyone, Riven! It’s better to be good at one thing, Riven!’ Well, guess what. I don’t have Mommy and Daddy’s money to get me through this damn school, and I sure as hell don’t have time to waste figuring out what I want to become. If I don’t get a job on Melody, that’s it. And neither you nor any of those other idiots seem to understand that. Nobody does.”

Timmy was silent, taken aback by the intensity of Riven’s words.

“I’m not your enemy, Riven…” Timmy finally said, his voice pleading.

Riven shook his head, his expression hardening. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Timmy standing there, alone and frustrated.

***

Riven was not the first, and certainly not the last Red Fountain student to date a witch, and Timmy wondered if his personal opinions would really warrant losing a dear friend. Yet Timmy couldn’t shake the nagging unease that came with Darcy. Maybe it was her air of authority as a senior, practically a queen of Cloud Tower alongside her sisters, or the way her presence made him feel like someone was rummaging through his thoughts.

“Hi, Timmy.”

Timmy spun so fast at the sound of the familiar voice behind him that he nearly stumbled. “Darcy? What are you doing at Red Fountain?”

“Visiting my boyfriend,” she said with a smile.

Darcy looked at him with an unblinking gaze. Timmy, even at a time like this, couldn’t help but admire Riven; Darcy, all her wickedness aside, was a gorgeous-looking girl. Not in the same way as Stella’s radiant beauty or Flora’s delicate charm. Darcy was all sharp angles: her cheekbones were high, her nose long, her lips slim, and her cupid’s bow so distinctive it formed an M shape at the top. The uniqueness of Darcy’s features had come together so organically that no one would even think to call her anything other than beautiful.

“Look,” Darcy began, stepping closer, “I know we didn’t get off on the right foot. But I want to fix that. We’re going to be seeing more of each other, and I’d like to get along. I like Riven, and I know you care about him too. We both want to see him happy, right?”

Timmy felt a pang of unease as she took his hand. Her touch was soft, but her grip had a strange firmness to it as if she wasn’t going to let go until she got what she wanted. “I’m really not sure about that,” he muttered, his gaze shifting anywhere but her eyes.

“Riven told me a lot about you, you know,” she continued. “He talks about you all the time. You’re his closest friend, the only one who really knows him. I want to understand him better, too. You know how he can be sometimes, all secretive and unapproachable,” she chuckled to herself.

Timmy felt a pang of surprise coupled with guilt. Things with Riven had been tense lately, and he hadn’t thought his friend would be speaking about him at all. “I suppose we could talk next time,” he said awkwardly. “I really have to get to class right now…”

“Just a quick chat,” Darcy interrupted sweetly, tugging him toward a nearby bench before he could escape. “You don’t want to keep me waiting, do you?” She handed him an apple. “Here, picked it up for you on the way.”

“Thanks,” Timmy smiled uncomfortably, accepting the offering. Reluctantly, he sat down, taking a big bite to avoid speaking.

“I don’t know what to tell you, Darcy,” he started, feeling the pressure to start a conversation. “I just don’t think he’s going in the right direction,” his words muffled by the chewing.

“What direction is that?” Darcy raised her eyebrow.

“Well, Melody’s not the wealthiest planet,” Timmy admitted, scratching the back of his head. “If you’re not royalty, it’s hard to make enough to get by—especially to raise a family.  Riven needs to focus on one thing, something that’ll guarantee him a future. Otherwise, he’s just burning himself out.”

“Is that so?” Darcy raised her head, her curiosity peaked. “Did he struggle a lot back home?”

Timmy froze, realizing he might’ve said too much already. “You’re better off asking Riven about that.”

Her lips curved into a knowing smile. “Oh, I will. But I want to hear your perspective first. You know him better than anyone.”

“Darcy, I really don’t think—” Timmy started.

“He never opens up to me,” she cut in, ignoring his protest. “He acts like nothing bothers him. But I know he’s been through so much. Please, Timmy. If you care about him, help me understand. I just want to help.”

Timmy hesitated, his fingers tightening around the fruit. Darcy’s expression softened, but her eyes were intense as if she wouldn’t rest until she had her answer.

“She couldn’t do it,” Timmy sighed.

Darcy frowned. “Who couldn’t do what?”

“His mom.” Timmy’s voice dropped, and he glanced around to make sure no one else was listening. “She couldn’t stand being poor. She told Riven’s dad she’d come back once she figured out a way to make more money. But she never did. She just… left.”

Darcy’s expression softened as she leaned back on the bench. “That’s awful,” she murmured.

Timmy risked a glance at her, noticing how her head was slightly bowed, her expression contemplative. “I think it really changed him, you know? Nobody deserves that.”

“Nobody does,” echoed Darcy.

***

“I talked to your friend,” Darcy turned to Riven.

She was perched on the bed in her dorm room, wrapped snugly in a thick gray blanket that draped over her like an oversized cocoon.

“Who?” Riven asked, confused, stopping for a moment from drying his damp hair with a towel. It was almost an unspoken rule not to mention Darcy’s sisters or the specialists when they spent time together.

“Timmy,” Darcy replied with a small, knowing smile. “He’s so worried about you.”

“Timmy?” Riven repeated, his frown deepening. “What did you two even talk about?”

“He’s concerned, Riven. He doesn’t want you to go down the wrong path,” Darcy chuckled. “It was like talking to a worried mother. Oh, speaking of, he told me about her. I’m sorry about what happened.”

Riven froze, his towel slipping from his hands as he threw it haphazardly onto a chair. His jaw tightened, his temper rising at the mere mention of her. “What the hell did he tell you?”

“That she left,” Darcy said evenly, her tone laced with a hint of curiosity. “Was it supposed to be a secret? I mean, I would’ve much rather heard it from you.” She tilted her head, studying him. “But I think he told me because he wanted me to understand you. He thinks it made you particularly…” She stopped, looking for the right word. “Sensitive.”

“Sensitive?” Riven asked in disbelief.

“Seems like he really pitties you,” Darcy replied, a smile tugging at her lips. “The way he begged me to leave you alone—it was almost amusing to observe. I think he’s taken on the role of your caretaker.”

Riven stiffened. “Is that what he thinks of himself?”

“Not in so many words,” Darcy said with a small shrug. “But it’s written all over him. Poor Timmy, so worried about his fragile little friend. Doesn’t want you getting in over your head. He made it sound like you can’t handle anything on your own.”

Riven’s hands balled into fists, his nails digging into his palms. He hated this feeling—the idea that someone saw him as weak. “I don’t need anyone looking after me,” he muttered through clenched teeth.

“Of course you don’t,” Darcy replied. “You want to know what I think? Just don’t get mad at me,” Darcy patted a spot next to her, urging Riven to sit next to her.

“Why would I ever get mad about that?” Riven sat down and looked into her eyes.

“It might not be something you’d like to hear. I think that Timmy… No. I think all of them, the specialists and their fairy friends, keep you from realizing your potential. It’s convenient for them to keep you weak. And they for sure don’t want you to realize how much stronger you are without them around.”

Riven let out a bitter laugh and lay down, placing his head on Darcy’s lap. “You know,” he said, his voice low,” I placed first on my Red Fountain admissions exam. Sky, Brandon-all the sophomores were there. They never saw me as a friend, just some competition to keep from outperforming them. Timmy and I were thrown into the same dorm as them; they must’ve brainwashed him, too.”

Darcy’s hand moved gently through his hair, her touch soothing. “I’m sorry, Riven. It always sucks to realize you don’t have any real friends.”

Riven chuckled dryly, though his eyes betrayed the hurt behind his words. “It’s fine. I’m used to betrayal.”

“Do you remember how we first met?” Darcy asked softly, her fingers lovingly tracing along the edge of his jaw.

“Yeah,” Riven smiled. “On the Day of the Rose. I would’ve completely lost it if it wasn’t for you.”

Darcy’s lips curved into a smile. “Maybe it was fate. I’ll be everything you need—your friend, your mother, your girlfriend. Whatever you want me to be.”

For the first time that night, Riven let out a genuine laugh, though it was faint. “You’ve got quite a resume.”

Darcy leaned down, brushing a kiss against his temple. “And I take my job seriously. But…” She glanced at the clock. “You have to go now. It’s getting late.”

“Can I just stay with you here?” Riven murmured, his voice almost pleading. “You said your sisters aren’t coming back until the next morning.”

Darcy shook her head, her expression firm. “I’m a senior, Riven. I can’t risk expulsion. Not when I’m so close to graduating. Go on, get dressed. I’ll walk you to the gates.”

Musa

The dim glow of Musa’s spell lit the jagged stone walls around her, casting eerie shadows on the tunnel walls. She shivered, clutching the manuscripts tightly to her chest. Something about the gloom, unlit space set her on edge. Maybe venturing down into the tunnels hadn’t been the best idea, even if helping out meant cutting her work shift in half.

Musa wasn’t one to scare easily, but librarian Barbatea’s offhand remark about “possible monsters” had lodged itself in her mind. The stillness pressed against her ears, amplifying every sound. Then she heard it—a faint rustling in the distance. Her heart jumped.

“Who’s there?” Musa called out, her voice echoing louder than she intended. She gritted her teeth, hating how scared she sounded. She tightened her grip on the glowing magic swirling at her fingertips. “Hello?” she tried again, but the tunnel swallowed her voice.

Before she could call out again, a hand clamped over her mouth, yanking her backward. She let out a muffled squeak as an arm wrapped securely around her waist, pulling her against a solid chest.

“Shh,” a quiet voice hissed into her ear. Warm breath tickled her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. “Stay still.”

As if agreeing with the voice, a low, guttural growl reverberated through the tunnel. Musa’s panic spiked as she froze, listening to the creature’s heavy steps shuffle closer. The arm around her waist tightened, pulling her further into the shadowy alcove of the wall. The growling faded as the creature’s steps shuffled past them. Only when silence returned did the grip on her loosen.

“I’m going to let go,” the voice said. “But you stay quiet. Deal?”

Musa nodded against his hand. Slowly, it withdrew, and she twisted around, spell at the ready, to face her captor. Her magic dimmed when she saw who it was.

“Riven?” she whispered. Her voice betrayed her relief, though her body was still tense. Seeing his face so close to hers made her heart pound, heat spreading to the places where his hands had been. She stepped back, trying to compose herself.

Riven straightened, his sharp features partially obscured by the dim light. His gaze darted past her to the darkness beyond, alert. “What are you doing down here?” he asked in a low voice.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Musa whispered back, scared to attract another creature.

“I’m on a task,” he replied matter-of-factly, his tone clipped. “The specialists were called in to check these tunnels. Didn’t your librarian warn you it’s not safe?”

Musa grimaced, guilt flashing across her face. “She might have,” she admitted sheepishly. “I volunteered to grab some books from down here; I figured having more people helping out would save some time.”

Riven let out a quiet, exasperated sigh. “You’ll have plenty of time when you’re dead. That’s enough bravery for one day. Go back to the library before you attract something worse than me.” He turned, his cloak shifting as he prepared to disappear into the shadows.

“Hey, wait!” Musa reached out and grabbed the edge of his cloak. Her fingers curled into the fabric instinctively, and she hesitated when he stopped. She didn’t want this interaction to end, and so her mind worked frantically to come up with an excuse to keep Riven from leaving.

Riven glanced over his shoulder, his expression sharp. “What is it?”

“I’m sorry about the other day, I know Stella can be a handful,” Musa said, quickly letting go of the piece of fabric.

Riven’s lips curved into a smirk, though his eyes were wary. “A handful? That’s putting it lightly. She’s a moron.”

Musa frowned, her earlier determination hardening into indignation. Stella’s voice echoed in her mind, reminding her to never let anyone insult her friends. “A moron? That’s a bit uncalled for,” she shot back. “She’s not any less capable than the rest of us.”

“That you’re right.” Riven smiled, his tone sarcastic. “She’s just as dumb as some of your other friends. Bloom, for example. Nearly got me killed last month.”

“What?” Musa’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Didn’t she tell you?” his voice sharpened. “Figures. She gave me a defective helmet before the Day of the Rose race. I wiped out—badly.”

Musa’s stomach churned. Back at the dorm, Bloom had avoided mentioning Riven altogether. Now Musa could see why. Still, it didn’t add up. She knew Bloom. She would never deliberately hurt someone.

“Maybe It was an accident?” Musa offered tentatively, but Riven wasn’t going to budge.

“Look at you,” Riven said bitterly. “Defending your idiot friends when you weren’t even there to see what happened.”

“Well,” Musa hesitated. “It’s only natural that I want to hear both sides,” she said thoughtfully. “What if someone talked badly about your friends? Timmy, for example? Wouldn’t feel too good, right?”

Riven’s jaw tightened, and his eyes flashed with irritation. "If I did have any friends, that rat Timmy certainly wouldn’t be one of them. All he’s good for is running his mouth.”

Musa blinked, caught off guard. “What? He’s always been nothing but nice to you."

"Nice?" Riven scoffed,  "Spare me. All he does is pretend he knows everything about everyone. Like he’s got some kind of moral high ground."

Musa crossed her arms. "Or maybe he’s just a decent person who cares about people. What’s so wrong with that?"

"Sure, he cares,”  Riven’s voice rose slightly. “Right up until he decides to stick his nose where it doesn’t belong. I don’t need his pity, and I definitely don’t need him acting like a doting mother."

“What’s your problem? I’m just trying to help.” Musa’s tone grew firm, cutting through his rant.

"What do you want, a reward?" Riven sneered, shifting his weight and leaning against the cold stone wall.

"Why are you being like this?" Musa demanded, frustration bubbling in her voice. “You’re impossible to have even a simple conversation with!”

"Just saying. Staying out of other people’s business is basic decency, something that wouldn’t hurt for others to learn," Riven crossed his arms, a smirk still on his lips.

“Don’t pretend you’re some superior being,” Musa snapped. “People aren’t perfect, and cutting them off for having one bad quality is childish, especially coming from someone like you.”

“You just don’t get it, do you?” Riven’s smile vanished, replaced by a steely glare. “I guess I was stupid to think you were different from the rest of your little friends,” he said, his voice low and cutting.

Musa’s chest tightened. “At least I have friends,” she snapped, her voice ringing through the tunnel as she didn’t care to stay quiet anymore. “You know what? Everyone was right about you!”

She shoved past him, her shoulder colliding with his as she stormed toward the library. Riven stayed behind in the shadows, his expression unreadable, as her footsteps faded into the distance.

Specialists

Riven walked up to the dorm room, hands shoved in his pockets, just as Sky and Timmy’s hushed voices carried through the cracked door. He lingered outside, listening.

“You know I love Bloom, but this engagement is bigger than me,” Sky said, his voice low but edged with frustration. “I can’t exactly march up to my parents and tell them I want to break it off.”

Timmy’s tone was quieter, firmer. “You can’t keep Bloom in the dark either. How would you feel if she came up to you saying she has a whole other boyfriend on Earth?”

“That’s different.”

“Not that different,” Timmy countered. “I’d even argue having a fiancée is worse…”

There was a beat of silence before Sky scoffed, clearly done with the conversation. “You wouldn’t understand, Timmy, I have a duty,” he muttered, brushing past him and heading for the door.

Riven stepped back just in time for Sky to walk straight into him. Sky looked irritated, but Riven’s smirk didn’t waver.

“Why are you getting so worked up about Bloom?” Riven said, tilting his head with mock interest. “The little flirt doesn’t deserve half the attention she gets.”

Sky’s shoulders stiffened as he turned to glare at him. “Why do you even care? I doubt your relationship is any better.”

Riven’s smile faltered for only a second before he recovered, his eyes narrowing. He wanted to hurt Sky. He needed an outlet. “At least my girlfriend doesn’t sleep with every guy she meets.”

The words hit their mark like a knife.

Sky’s face darkened, and before Riven could blink, Sky’s fist connected with his jaw. The force sent him stumbling back, and he straightened up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, grinning through the sting.

“That all you got, Prince Charming?” Riven taunted, taking a swing of his own.

The fight spiraled out of control in seconds, fists flying and the sounds of scuffling echoing through the dorm hall. Timmy’s panicked voice rang out, “Guys, stop it! What are you doing?”

As if on cue, Brandon walked into the room, still in his training gear, sweat-damp hair falling into his face. He grabbed Sky by the arm, pulling him back. “That’s enough! Are you guys crazy!?”

“Thank the stars,” Timmy sighed with relief, grateful that he didn’t have to be the one to break up the violent fight.

Brandon turned to Sky with concern. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Sky wiped the blood trailing down from his split lip.

Brandon extended his arm to Riven, who was sitting on the floor, breathing hard and glaring daggers. “What about you, Riven?”

Riven shoved off Brandon’s hand, standing up on his own. “Screw off.”

Brandon took a step back, his expression dark. “You know, you’ve become a real pain. We’ve been trying to be understanding, but I can’t stand by and watch anymore.”

“Brandon’s right,” nodded Sky. “Can’t you see that witch is just using you? Take this as a piece of advice and get away from her. Cloud Tower girls are not our friends.”

“And who are my friends?” Riven barked out, “You people?”

The question hung in the air like a challenge, thick with resentment.

A heavy silence fell over the room until it was shattered by a commanding voice. “Shouldn’t you boys be getting ready for the Exhibition?”

Headmaster Saladin stood in the doorway, arms crossed, his sharp gaze scanning the scene.

“Yes, sir,” Sky and Brandon answered immediately, straightening up like soldiers at attention.

Saladin’s eyes settled on Riven, unimpressed. “I don’t hear you, Riven.”

Riven clenched his jaw, the anger still simmering just beneath the surface. “Yes, sir.”

“Very good. I advise you to start getting ready; everyone is already outside.”

The tension in the room didn’t dissipate as Saladin turned and left. Sky shot Riven one last glare before brushing past him and heading to the staircase. Brandon followed suit, shaking his head as he passed.

Timmy hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on Riven as if he wanted to say something—but then he too walked out without a word.

Riven stood alone in the now-empty dorm, staring at the mess they’d left behind. His fists curled at his sides as his chest tightened with something he couldn’t name—something heavier than anger.

“Friends,” he muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The word lingered, mocking him as he turned away.

Darcy

Darcy approached her dorm, her heavy bag tugging on her shoulder as the tiredness that accumulated throughout the day finally started to weigh her down.  She was exhausted—drained by endless lectures and never-ending homework, challenging and long—reflecting her senior status. Her mind wandered to the thought of a warm bath, the way the hot water would melt away the tension in her muscles. Maybe she’d even light a candle and finally have a moment of peace to herself.

She pushed open the door to her room, already planning the music she’d play, but the space, usually filled with the constant noise of her sisters, was eerily quiet.

Icy was sitting on Darcy’s bed. Her legs were crossed elegantly, her posture unnaturally still, like she’d been waiting there for a while.

Darcy froze in the doorway, her tired brain scrambling to catch up. “What’s going on?”

Icy looked up, her sharp blue eyes locking onto Darcy’s. “Well, hello to you too,” she offered a smile—a fleeting, hollow thing that vanished as quickly as it appeared, “you got a minute?”

Darcy’s grip tightened on the strap of her bag. “What is this, some kind of intervention?” she said with a half-chuckle, hoping to break the strange tension.

“Don’t be silly,” Icy replied, her smile stretching into a frightening, overly sweet grimace. “I just have a quick little thing to discuss.”

Darcy blinked, uneasy. The exhaustion she’d been feeling a moment ago was replaced by a slow, crawling dread. She knew this side of Icy—the calm before the storm. And she didn’t like it.

Before Darcy could say another word, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Darcy let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, grateful for the interruption. She turned slightly, already reaching for her phone. “It’s Riven, I just need to take this—”

“Don’t pick it up,” Icy said flatly.

Darcy paused, her thumb hovering over the screen. “It won’t take long. I’ll—”

The sound was sharp and sudden. A crack echoed through the room as an icicle shot from Icy’s outstretched hand, hitting Darcy’s phone squarely. The device flew from her grasp, clattering to the floor, where it landed face-down. A spiderweb of cracks spread across the screen.

“Now, where were we?” Icy smiled.

Darcy stared at it, speechless. “What the hell, Icy? Was that really necessary?” Her voice trembled with equal parts disbelief and anger. “You just broke my phone over a stupid call!”

“Whatever, you’ll get a new one,” Icy’s tone dismissive as she waved a hand. “A more important question would be, why are you so invested in this dumb relationship? All that was asked of us was to break that ridiculous friend group apart. Not to play house with one of them.”

“Why does it matter? I—” Darcy started, but Icy cut her off.

“There’s no I in Trix, Darcy,”  Icy snapped, her voice cold. “Look how far the three of us have come. How much Stormy and I have sacrificed for this. Are you willing to ruin everything for a teenage boy with anger issues?”

Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “Are we really doing this? You just can’t let me make a decision for myself.”

Icy’s expression hardened, her mask of icy calm giving way to something darker. “I’m reminding you of what’s important, that’s all.”

“No,” Darcy shot back. “You just can’t stand to see me happy on my own.”

“We’re so close to the source, Dars,” Icy said, her voice softening but losing none of its edge. “I want us to use it together. There’s no time for distractions.”

“I’m not distracted,” Darcy insisted, crossing her arms.

“Is that right?” Icy’s voice dropped to a low, dangerous tone as she stood, taking a slow step closer. “Then tell me—what day was yesterday?”

Darcy hesitated, caught off guard by the question. “Uh… Tuesday?”

“Full moon,” Icy said, her words sharp and deliberate. “Last night, while you were busy, Stormy and I were charging our amulets. And where were you?” She let the question hang in the air, her icy blue eyes narrowing.

“I…” Darcy’s stomach twisted. The crystal-charging ritual was an important monthly event—critical for replenishing their mana vessels—and she had never missed one before. “Icy, I swear to you, it totally slipped my mind…” she stammered, backing away until she felt the cold press of the wall behind her.

“Did it, now? What about last Thursday, when you bailed on our debriefing? Or the night before that, when you skipped our training session?” Icy’s voice rose with each accusation.

“I already apologized for that!” Darcy protested, but her voice was shaky, her confidence eroding under Icy’s glare.

“Apologies don’t cut it,” Icy hissed, extending her hand. Before Darcy could react, ice crackled in the air, forming a collar around her neck. Darcy gasped, feeling the freezing chill biting deeper. “I’ve given you plenty of time to play around, but enough is enough.”

“Icy—please—!” Darcy choked, her hands fumbling uselessly against the frost’s grip.

Icy leaned in close, her face inches from Darcy’s. “Do you have any idea what we’re risking? How much you’re endangering us?”

Darcy’s resolve crumbled. She didn’t dare fight back; Icy was the eldest, the strongest. In the unspoken hierarchy of their sisterhood, any resistance would only make things worse.

“I—” Darcy’s voice faltered, tears stinging her eyes.

“We’re at the brink, Darcy,” Icy whispered, her voice poisonous and low. “The power we’ve been chasing for years is finally within our reach. But you? You’re too busy playing girlfriend to keep your eyes on the prize.”

“I’m sorry,” Darcy sobbed, her voice breaking. “Please, Icy, I’ll fix everything, I promise!”

Icy’s expression didn’t soften. With a sharp movement, she ripped the icy collar from Darcy’s neck and backhanded her with her other hand, sending Darcy stumbling to the floor.

“This is your last warning,” Icy stated before slamming the door behind her. Darcy listened to the fading clicking of her heels as she buried her face in her knees.

***

Darcy shivered, noticing her hands slowly turning blue. With a flick of her fingers, she quickly cast a warming spell, feeling warmth creep back through her hands. Cloud Tower's mountainous perch made for brutal winds, especially at the high elevation of the balcony she occupied. She could go back inside, but it had been so long since she’d allowed herself to be alone with her thoughts. She braced against the railing, gazing at the swirling clouds below, and let herself feel the rare weight of solitude.

"Busy?" A familiar voice cut through the wind—quiet but unmistakable.

Darcy glanced over her shoulder. “No,” she replied, her voice clipped as she turned to face her sister.

“Listen, Dars, I heard about what happened earlier,” Stormy sidled closer. “We both know how she can be.”

“Nothing new,” Darcy forced out a weak smile.

Stormy studied her for a moment, then moved closer to the railing, her eyes on the mountains in the distance. “Look,” she said, “I know Icy can push too hard, but you get why she’s doing it, right? What we’re after? It’s what we’ve always wanted. Think of the power we’ll have when we’re done.”

“What does that have to do with Riven?” Darcy countered, her jaw tightening. “Don’t you think she’s being unreasonable?”

Stormy scoffed, gripping the railing. “We can’t let ourselves get distracted—not when we’re this close.” Her words hung in the air for a moment before she turned to Darcy, her expression serious. “But if you really think Icy’s the problem, maybe you should take a look at yourself first.”

Darcy’s brows furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Stormy gave a bitter chuckle. “You’ve been isolating him, Darcy. Twisting him to fit whatever it is you want from him. He’s your toy, nothing more. Don’t act like you’re better than us just because you’re in a so-called relationship.”

“That’s not… I didn’t…” Darcy trailed off, her voice catching. Icy had the whole school under her thumb. Stormy had Icy. Was it really so wrong to want someone of her own?

“The boy is messed up to even realize what you’re doing, is that why you’re keeping him around?” Stormy sneered. “It’s only a matter of time before it all blows up in your face.”

Darcy didn’t respond; her gaze fixed back on the clouds.

“Tell you what, how about writing a little something to mom, like you used to do back in the day? Here,” after rummaging through her pockets, Stormy handed her a crumbled piece of paper and a dull pencil. “I’m no good at this consoling thing, so here.”

Darcy stared at the shabby offerings, hesitant. “I’m not a kid anymore.”

“Just take them.” Stormy practically shoved them into Darcy’s hands. “You’ll feel better,” she insisted. “Let it out. You can’t let this drag on much longer, anyway.” She turned toward the door. “I’m going inside. This weather’s no joke.”

Darcy sighed, watching her sister disappear. The paper felt rough between her fingers as she pressed it flat to smooth out the wrinkles. After a long, shaky breath, she began to write.

Hi, mom.

It’s been a while. I don’t even know if I’m doing this right anymore, but I need you more than ever. Something’s happened. I met someone—a boy from Red Fountain. He’s… cute, I guess. He’s nothing like the people I’d usually go for, but somehow, he got under my skin. At first, I thought maybe he was your gift to be, but if that’s true, you’ve got terrible taste.

He’s a mess, and I’ve been cutting him apart, piece by piece, trying to make him fit what I need. And the worst part is, I don’t know if I even care. Sometimes I feel like it’s not me talking to him—it’s Icy. Or maybe I’ve just been her all along, and I never wanted to see it.

I think about you all the time. Every choice I make, I wonder what you’d say if you were here. Would you tell me to stop? Or would you tell me to keep going, to do whatever it takes to hold this family together? I don’t know anymore. All I know is that I’m tired, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep pretending.

Darcy’s hand shook as she finished, her vision blurring. A bitter ache twisted in her chest as she tore the letter into ragged pieces and threw them off the balcony, desperate to make her confession disappear. She pressed her palms against the railing, gripping the cold metal, a knot forming in her throat. Her chest heaved, and a scream clawed its way up, tearing free into the night air, raw and anguished.

“Mom…” she whispered, her voice splintering. Her shoulders shook, and as she buried her face in her hands, the sobs she’d long held back poured out, racking her body. She slumped to the ground, the weight of her isolation pressing down, leaving her exposed to the unrelenting cold.

The wind caught the shreds of paper, swirling them away into the darkness. Alone on the balcony, Darcy let her tears fall until there was nothing left.

Apart

“It’s been so long since we hung out like this,” Stormy said, stretching back in her seat with a satisfied groan.

“It sure has,” Darcy replied with a small smile.

The three sisters were nestled in the corner of a café in Magix City, surrounded by the faint hum of chatter and the clinking of mugs. The shopping bags at their feet—most of them Darcy’s—were proof of the day they’d spent spoiling her. Icy had practically emptied her pockets on new clothes, and for once, she wasn’t barking orders or throwing snide remarks. She’d even apologized, like she always did when she went too far, fussing over Darcy in a way that made her feel… loved.

Darcy sipped her drink, feeling both pampered and a little smothered. She knew the “attentive” phase wouldn’t last, but she didn’t mind soaking it in for now.

“Don’t get too used to this, by the way,” Icy said with a grin as if reading her mind. “I’m not made of money, and Stormy spent half the trip whining about how tired her feet are.”

“Hey!” Stormy objected, flicking a sugar packet at Icy. “You try keeping up with you two.”

Darcy chuckled, swirling the last of her drink. A rarity of moments like these made Darcy appreciate them even more.

“On that note,” Stormy began, her tone turning serious, “it’s about time we moved forward with the plan.” She shot a sharp glance at Icy before continuing, “No more games with this Red Fountain tool. It’s time to make him useful, like you promised from the start.”

The mere mention of Riven made Darcy sigh in exasperation.

Icy nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. This whole relationship has been nothing but trouble, Dars. He’s the one who caused the cracks between us—he almost tore our family apart.” Icy’s voice softened momentarily as she reached for Darcy’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Think about today. It was perfect, we had so much fun—just the three of us. But he nearly stole that from you, from us.”

Stormy leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. “You said you’d make him useful, remember? That was the whole point of this. You play with him, get what we need, and then toss him aside. You’re letting him mess with your head, and it’s making you forget why you even bothered with him in the first place.”

Darcy hesitated, but only for a moment. Then, she nodded. Riven might’ve been what she needed, but he was not worth breaking her and her sisters apart. “You two are right.”

Stormy looked pleased, a grin spreading across her face. “You’ve let this game go on long enough.”

“It’s nothing personal,” Icy chimed in, calm but cold. “It’s finally time to make him useful. If you don’t get him under control, he’s going to start slipping through your fingers.”

Darcy looked down at her cup, running her finger along its rim. She could feel her sisters’ eyes on her, waiting, expecting. A small part of her still wanted to argue—to defend him—but the urge passed as quickly as it came. They were right.

“Okay,” Darcy said. “I’ll handle it.”

“How about you put your shiny new phone to good use?” Stormy nodded at the device. “I’m sure he’ll come running the second you ask him to.”

Darcy picked up the phone, “What do I even say to him?”

“I don’t know. Something about the Red Fountain exhibition that took place the other day?” Icy suggested, waving a hand dismissively. “Tell him you thought of him while you were there. Play the doting girlfriend – boys are easy to bait.”

Darcy didn’t argue. The words came to her easily, even if they felt hollow:

Hey, baby. Can you call me? I’d really like to see you now.

She hit send and set the phone down.

“There,” she said, her tone even. “It’s done.”

“Atta girl.” Stormy grinned, pleased.

Darcy forced a small smile, leaning back in her chair. Her sisters were already moving on, rambling about new clothes. But as Darcy sat there, staring out the window at the bustling streets of Magix, the realization settling over her like a shadow.

She didn’t regret it—at least, that’s what she told herself.

***

Riven hesitated before opening the door to the dimly lit café. This was indeed the address Darcy had sent him. Over the phone, she'd sounded strangely urgent, her voice lower and silkier than usual. He half-jogged from the bus stop, now breathless and unsettled, hoping she was okay, though something in him knew better.

“There you are,” Riven heard a familiar voice call from a shadowed corner. Darcy had chosen a small table in the back, away from prying eyes. “I got you a drink,” she said, nodding to a large mug waiting for him. The place felt eerie but lively: from what Riven knew, it was one of the few cafes in Magix city owned by a witch, making it highly frequented by students of Cloud Tower.

“Why’d you ask me to come here?” he asked, glancing at the setup in front of him.

“What do you mean?” Darcy’s tone was light, teasing. She reached out, her fingers grazing his across the table. “This, my dear, is a date.”

Riven raised an eyebrow, taken aback. “I thought you were above going on dates.”

“Oh, come on,” Darcy chuckled. “You’re making me up to be some kind of villain.” Her lips flashed a smile, but her eyes were sharp, studying him intently. “I can enjoy an occasional outing with my boyfriend.”

“Sure,” Riven said, leaning back on his chair, his lips stretching in a smirk.

Riven’s sharpness was one of the qualities Darcy liked most, and it wasn’t that he was incorrect in his suspicions, but at a time like this, it was really getting in the way.

“Fine, you got me,” She said, playfully raising her arms in defeat. “Maybe I have an ulterior motive.” She leaned back, crossing her legs as her eyes locked onto his. “I wanted to talk to you about something very important.”

“Go on,” said Riven, intrigued.

“My sisters and I went to the Red Fountain Exhibition the other day,” Darcy began. “You looked so impressive—I had to drag them with me just to brag about you.”

“You were there?” Riven sounded surprised. He hadn’t invited her, convinced she’d never show up.

“Yes, and you were incredible out there, Riven. It was… inspiring.” She paused, her voice growing lower. “I’ve told you so many times before—you deserve so much more. You’re smart, resilient. I can’t just sit here and watch your ambition go to waste. What would you say if I asked you to join us?”

Riven blinked, puzzled. “What do you mean, ‘join you’?”

“I’ve told my sisters so much about you, they love you already. Now that you’ve ditched that pathetic group, you should make some more powerful allies. We need you too, we’ve been looking for someone clever, someone strong.”

“You want me to make friends?” Riven's confusion was reflected on his face.

“Not quite…” Darcy leaned on her palms. “We’ve been devising a plan, Riven, one that could finally give us unlimited power. Think about something you want, anything. With that, no wish will be out of reach.”

“Does that kind of power even exist?” Riven raised his brow.

“Yes, and trust me when I say many people want a piece of it. But as my boyfriend, you’re first in line. You deserve it like no other. You’ve never had the same advantages as any of those spoiled Red Fountain brats have,” Darcy murmured. “And yet you’ve fought your way to where you are. Growing up with so little, feeling like everything was just out of reach... but it doesn’t have to be that way anymore.”

Riven looked away, jaw clenched. She’d hit a nerve, and she knew it. It was true: he’d never felt truly seen by them. Not like he did with Darcy.

Riven looked down, the tension in his shoulders loosening as her words resonated in the quiet space between them. Darcy gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I want to help you rise above this mediocrity. For us, all that matters is knowing that we can count on you, the rest will come all by itself.”

She took his hands into hers, watching him carefully, her voice now lilting, hypnotic, almost as if casting a spell. “Stay by my side, Riven, and I can show you the world the way it was meant to be seen. We could be unstoppable. Bound by magic.”

Riven’s breath hitched as he felt a strange pressure build in his mind, her words weaving through him like an intoxicating fog, making it hard to think. Bound by magic.

He didn’t have to respond; Darcy already got her answer. Her hand tightened on his, and as he met her gaze, he could almost feel her essence merging with his, closing around his thoughts, sealing his fate.

[flower1622]

"The Goddess not so ordinary"

(Chapter 1)

A long time ago, the daughter of Zeus and Hera was born: Selena. She had dark hair and brown eyes. All the gods were gathered on Olympus to celebrate her birth. Together they gifted her a portion of their powers each. Well, they knew that the chance of the hero of the prophecy to turn against them was very big. They needed a savior. Everyone was happy, except for a specific person. 

After Aphrodite, Éris was considered the most beautiful goddess, with her dark hair, white skin and light eyes. She looks exactly like another version of Snow White, but more cruel. Éris has the power to seduce people and manipulate their minds. She can't understand all this fascination towards the new baby. 

I don't know what they see on that stupid baby - Eris thinks. She watches the other gods admiring the baby while it giggles at the center of Olympus.

- Well, I want to thank you all, especially Hades, for coming here to celebrate this special day.Selena will be a hope to us in the future. My daughter is very special. She will be the goddess of the moon, a light in the darkness - Zeus declares.

- Well, even though we have our problems, Selena is still my niece. And, for the first time, I can agree with you brother. There is something about her that connects me with - Hades says.

- She may have been born just now, but I already want to protect her with my life - Ilithia says.

- Selena is so chubby and cute! She may make mistakes in the future, but will neve be swayed to the dark side or fight us. I can see that her love is more powerful than anything - Aphrodite completes.

- Are you guys fucking serious?! - Eris yells. 

Everyone is looking confused at Eris now. The only ones who didn' t like the tone of her voice were the big three, Hera, Ilithia and Athena.

- Language Eris! I won't accept this behavior during your sister's birth - Zeus yells furious.

- What is so damn special about her? Have you ever thought that, just maybe, we are making a mistake here? Giving our powers to someone that could easily hurt us. I'm telling you guys! This disgusting creature is dangerous! - Eris says pointing to "the thing" , who is also looking at her confused.

- How dare you say that, witch? First of all, Selena is not disgusting much less a creature. What is the problem saying baby? She is just a baby! And second, don't you ever try anything with her or I promise you Eris, that Tartarus will look like a paradise to what I would do to you - Ilithia says angry.

- Silence! - Zeus orders

- No, I won't! You are all fools! I'm the only one here who isn't blind. Just don't run after me apologizing when everything goes to Hell. It'll be already too late - Eris says while standing up from her throne and walking away.

Everyone was shocked by Eris' reaction. Usually she can control herself. They are worried about her outburst and wondering what may have caused it.

- That was an awesome meeting! - Hephaestus says happy.

- Indeed it was! - Ares laughs

- Now, I think the underworld doesn't seem so bad after all - Hades contemplates while the others were staring at them, with not so much friendly faces. 

Eris

(Before her transformation by Hecate)