#because she likes most of everyone and is one of those scientists who cries thinking about their chosen field

[harpalion]

basically the relationship between harpalion and muka is like they are so in love with eachother that it’s actually a little sickening even if you aren’t a hater. harpalions pyramid of things she cares about are like Muka (almost the entire pyramid) and strategy games like chess and mancala (tiny line at bottom of pyramid). well she likes biology but only because muka is a biologist really. harpalion does not especially care for anyone beyond muka… she tolerates ameqran (mukas best friend and caregiver), and respects tafrara (gigantic dragon), and she actually has a strong code of honor and morality. but she doesn’t particularly like anyone, besides muka who is the center of her universe. yuri is real

[akesdraws-blog]

Finding one of the turtles asleep on the couch

Version: 🎞️TMNT Bayverse🎞️

Who hasn't fallen asleep on the couch at some point? It happens to all of us, it could even happen to turtles.

⚔️Leonardo🍵

Like Donnie, it is very strange to see him asleep on the couch, but not impossible.

But for what you want, don't walk near this turtle if you see him collapsed on the couch.

Maybe you will say, why?

Well, Leo usually falls asleep on the couch only when he had a specifically heavy patrol and was also punished in the Hashi, and maybe you will say, What's wrong with that? Well, Leo ends a a little more tired than normal, which causes him to fall asleep, but also his reflexes to take over.

That's how it is.Walking near Leo when he is like this will probably only cause some accidental bumps. (Almost all in the abdomen and legs)

Casey was unlucky to find out after spending almost half an hour writhing in pain on the floor while he hugged his aching stomach.

Only Splinter is able to wake him up to go sleep in her room. (He is the only one with enough reflexes to avoid a blow)

Another thing, although it may not seem like it, Leo would be the guy with a very heavy sleep, Mikey could be playing his drums with all his energy, Donnie could be using one of his loudest tools, even Raph could be using the blender to prepare his protein shake, no one knows how Leo can sleep like that, but he'll wake up practically right away if a little bit of light hits his face.

🥊Raphael🧸

He is one of those most likely to see you asleep on the couch.

Maybe there was a “Fast and Furious” movie marathon.

But everyone will know he's in the room by the loud snoring that echoes through the sewer.

No matter how hard you try to wake him up, it's just not possible.

Raph will just say 5 more minutes and he'll fall asleep again.

Although he is also an honest grump.

You could ask him anything and he'll grumble back at you.

And he will literally say anything you ask him.

Last time Mikey asked if he loved him (at first he just wanted to see him frown and take a picture), and in response he received an honest reading of how much she adored his little brother, no matter how many times she made him angry. (Mikey almost cried after that)

While asleep he is so honest that sometimes his brothers use him as a kind of psychologist.

Leo even apologizes for the times they have fought, Donnie sometimes lets out some insecurities, Mikey just wants to hear his brother say that he loves him.

But changing the topic.

If you want to wake up this big turtle, just move one of his weights and he'll be there in a second.He does not like the weight to be modified or altered if he has not been notified beforehand.

Do it and he'll be checking every weight he has for about an hour.

⚛️Donatello ⚗️

Seeing him asleep is practically a miracle, because this adorable mad scientist doesn't sleep unless his body screams it at him.

So when you enter the lair and discover that the one on the couch is none other than Donnie, it's a huge surprise.

Of course, that also comes with certain caveats.

1. Don't try to wake him up or tell him to go to bed. (If you do, the thought of going back to sleep won't cross his mind again.)

2. Don't try to prank him when he's in that state. (Everyone learned the hard way that they shouldn't do it, and I'm talking about EVERYONE, even if you are their partner, revenge will come to you if you dare to do it)

3. Do not touch anything that has been left lying around.

The last one is the most important. Don't try to tidy it up, don't try to pick up the trash, don't even think about moving that plate with a half-eaten slice of pizza on it.

For heaven's sake, don't do it.

Because when Donnie wakes up and notices something different, he'll spend a full hour complaining that it wasn't a mess, it was a materialized brainstorm.

That's right, it seems that the empty soda can that Leo had thrown over had a purpose.

So if you don't want to have a dramatic Donnie, don't move anything around him.

🎉Michelangelo🍕

He is the one we will always see asleep on the couch.

Most likely, he tried to defeat a final boss from his most recent video game. (Courtesy of April)

So sometimes you could see his fingers move.

Donnie discovered that it was a combo that Mikey creates in his head and he writes it down so when Mikey wakes up he applies it. (And he copies it for when he wants to have an advantage)

But you should be careful if he stayed up late because of a horror movie marathon.

Because at any moment you can hear him screaming as loud as his lungs allow... and then he falls asleep again.

That's something everyone has experienced when Mikey is asleep after a horror movie.

Leo almost always loses his balance due to his brother's unexpected scream, but in the end he considers it as involuntary training for his reflexes.

Raph ends up breaking his comic book, or his water bottles burst from the force with which he crushes them in surprise.

Donnie ends up breaking his keyboard, or an experiment explodes.

°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•~°•

Hello everyone!, here returning from the lowest of my emotional state.

But here we are!

Tags: (Because it hasn't been tagged for a long time)

@turtle-babe83 . @dilucsflame33 . @thelaundrybitch . @scholastic-dragon . @leosgirl82 . @tmnt-tychou .@little-bunny-in-space . @happymoonangel . @lazyafgurl . @kikithedreamerwriter .@androidships007.

[lemonboywriter]

Chapter 1:Escape

Tang’s POV

Alarms were ringing throughout the halls. Everything lit by a red light because of it. Tang could hear himself panting as he ran through these halls with a metal pipe. He just needed to get to his lab, where the expirements he cared for were. The groaning sound was getting louder. Almost, he’s almost there, just let him reach it in time!

Tang got to the door, scrambling for his keycard in one of his many pockets in his lab coat. Thankfully he opened the door just as the creatures were turning the corner. Tang slammed the door closed when he got inside. He slumped down against the wall, trying to catch his breath. 

“Mr. Tang…?” A boy’s voice sounded through the lab, Tang looked over to one of the rooms with a single long glass plane to look at the experiments. The boy was sixteen years old with brown hair that went down to his shoulder, it was a “failed” experiment, they were supposed to be a person with monkey features, yet none of the experiments conducted on the boy worked. Meaning Mr. Tang was stuck with the sweet boy. His name was Qi Xiaotian though everyone else called him MK.

“Hi.” Tang greeted as he stood up, his legs trembling. “Everyone else asleep?” MK nodded, “What’s going on? Why do you have a metal stick?” he asked, his voice shy and barely audible.

“Not important right now, wake up the others.” Tang said as he pulled out his card and unlocked the door that held all the other experiments. Mainly because Tang couldn’t ever think about separating all the experiments under his care into giant rooms all alone. They were experiments taken from birth to when they were eighteen. Tang was one before, he managed to escape and get an education before deciding he wanted to help others escape as well. MK got all the others up quite quickly. 

Sun Wukong, a name he told everyone, only his younger brother, Xiaotian, knew his name was originally Shihou before changing it in a spur of the moment. 

Tang always had questions, but never bothered to ask, after all, he himself never answered anyone’s questions about himself. 

Then there was Nezha and Red Son (they mainly called him Red though), both held the ability of fire, taking forms differently, Nezha in lotus flowers that burst into flames when making contact with something, while Red’s flames are more destructive. They thought of themselves as siblings as far as he could remember when he came back to the lab. 

There was Pigsy and Sandy next, Pigsy was as the name implied, a pig demon while Sandy more of a water one. There was also Mei who was experimented on to look like a dragon but was left to rot when she apparently failed. Tang managed to get her into this room without anyone noticing. Most of them were silent, rarely ever talk. 

“We need to go! C'mon!” Tang hissed at them

Everyone took the hint and rushed out, everyone had seen Tang panicked, but not this panicked. 

Tang opened up another door in this room, it opened up a hallway. They ran out, the little ones being held in the teens or someone else's arms, Tang led the way. They haven't encountered any of those creatures yet. That was good at least.

Tang saw as other scientists and researchers were escaping. He could hear the clanking of chains, Tang glanced and saw a black furred monkey experiment that was muzzled, maybe the same age as Wukong. The others looked at the experiment. Tang shivered at the glare the monkey sent at him, but he didn't care.

Tang went into the room, he was lucky that the key he has was the same for all the chains around here. He unlocked them, “C'mon! We have no more time!” He hissed, grabbing the monkey's arm and dragging him out before all of them continued to run.

The monkey had a look of surprise on their face, their golden eyes widened.

They were almost to the exit, until they met themselves with scientists reaching up from the basement floor, “Please! Help us!” they cried.

The experiments stiffened at the sight of them, Tang had no clue what to do…

[katakosmos]

btw u r like the only person allowed in this whole fandom to not make pandora a real scientist bc u can actually write her to be interesting and stand on her own despite that

🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

i feel an inexplicable connection with pandora, i carry her in my bones. she's there asking to be in everything i write and everything i do. she's literally my muse, because she can be anything and nothing at the same time, and every situation is made for her to be there and try to live it.

if you think about it, pandora is like a bible character in a painting. saints or apostles have specific elements with which they're always painted to be recognized by the public, and the fandom does the same thing with pandora, in the way she's written and perceived: in every universe, she always has the same personality. she's always the slightly crazy, strange, always calm girl, always the friend who gives great advice and helps everyone without ever thinking about herself. and if she's a rosier, then she's always the forgotten daughter, always the twin who lost her other half.

in all the fanfictions, characters are put in the most diverse and inexplicable situations, in places they would never be. but pandora, if she can't be something that recalls a fairy or a witch, simply isn't there. what a waste honestly!!!! she has so much potential and no one sees it!!!!

i've seen people say that making her a rosier makes her dependent on evan, and again devalues a girl in order to focus on writing a male character. but instead i believe that she can be the greatest only when she's a rosier. because imagine a girl who has spent her whole life sharing every moment with her twin, who had a beautiful childhood until evan at 13 became a monster. she stopped asking herself what she likes, and only asked herself what evan liked, what would not make their precarious comfort collapse. and, suddenly, she's alone in the world. her brother is dead, her family too, she has no friends, she has no one left. she cries because she has lost everything. she cries because she's finally free. those are tears of joy darling!!!

and now she can do whatever she wants! she has everything to try! LET HER TRY. let her be sweet, let her be mean, stupid, adventurous, shy. make her study science or philosophy, make her try cooking, sewing, singing idk!! make her try. make her fail. make her succeed. she has to try everything because she deserves it!! and she doesn't even have to be perfect. she can suck because in the past she was mean to others and didn't care about them. what a bitch! she can suffer (because after all, who is going to have a loving husband and a wonderful daughter? HER, so she wins either way).

isn't she perfect???

[ruminate88]

Inner Child Wounds: plus toxic relationships 11/08/24

First of all you’re not crazy and whatever happened to you or was told to you as a child is real OK? So I was labeled in school with a “learning disability” and of course, my family was not receptive of that and worked very hard to get me out of that. My mom understood the label, but she worked with me to get beyond it. My dad didn’t really work with me at all. He just treated me like nothing was wrong with me and would get frustrated at me when I couldn’t do quick math or when I cried not to go to school! It’s like my dad wouldn’t accept that school was hard for me…

my brother was probably the most gentle with me as he had a big heart and felt bad for me because he didn’t have any of those struggles. My brother barely tried and STILL got good grades plus he was popular in school.. I was the complete opposite of my brother 😫 I do believe in overcoming labels, but when you’re such a young child and your brain is still developing, and you’re growing, to be told that you are basically “stupid” that really impacts you in a great way there’s no denying that!

The problem is throughout my teenage and adult years, often times I get triggered when people would do or say something that causes me to look or feel stupid… often my mom would trigger me when she would want me to do something, and I felt like I couldn’t do it. I know it was frustrating for her all this time because no one wants their child to struggle.

same with my relationships; dating these toxic men who treat me like I’m 100% stupid 🥺because I’m such a nice person and back then I was pretty naïve too. I didn’t know anything about toxic relationships and I thought when you told somebody you loved them that it was serious. 🧐 I didn’t think it was a joke. The joke is on them because I have a loving heart despite any struggles either of us had and I’m not stupid I knew that things were not altogether right with them especially the way my ex Andrew got angry when I found his mom’s Facebook…. 😳 I felt like he was clearly protecting his mom and I didn’t know why, but I wasn’t born yesterday….

People take your kindness for weakness. Also people invalidate you when they ignore your struggles. I’ve even had an Aunt tell me before that basically I am a genius that school mislabeled me and that the reason I struggled so much in school is because I have a different way of learning that only a genius would have which lol 😂 it is sweet and kind of funny but kind of weird too … if anything, I’m a visual and hands-on learner. I’m not a textbook learner. School tried to tell me that I was an audio learner and maybe I was when I was little, but I’m definitely not now. If you read a book to me out loud, it’ll go in one ear and out the other I need to see the pages for myself.

in overcoming labels, you do have to get to the root cause of all of it, which school labeled me and now that I’m an adult, I realize the most important things in life is: love, your family, knowing how to do simple math, and pay bills, knowing how to cook and clean and basically take care of yourself. Those are essentials for adulthood. The only way I would ever need advanced algebra or calculus is if I was some kind of rocket scientist!! I don’t know lol I don’t know what math is used in that 😝

At the end of the day, I can lay my head on the pillow and know that I have tried to treat people rightly, and that not everyone understands or relates to you… you know I never felt good enough as a child because of how school labeled me so when my ex Andrew kept telling me he’s “not good enough”, I laughed out loud because I feel the same way but yet I accepted him and that’s what hurt me sooooo much is that not only did I get it and accept him BUT then for him to turn around and be so cold to me like bro I’m on your side. It’s not even cool for you to treat me this way. Are you seriously gonna find another girl that will try to relate to you and care about you in your darkest moments? It’s your loss, not mine. (Think he just wasn’t ready back then to be so serious with me)

I’m growing every day and I’m becoming self-aware of ALL these childhood things that I need to heal and I’m working on myself every day, but I’m not perfect. No one is. Don’t hate my ex and I’m not trying to judge him. Whatever he needs in life, I hope it comes to him with ease ❤️‍🩹 I hope he FINALLY feels good enough 🙏🏻 God please no matter how bad he hurt me; I want him to be ok with you and to be well in his soul healthy and strong.

don’t give up on people just because you don’t believe or have hope. Hope is always there but you gotta hold onto it. Not hope to reconnect or be “lovers” again… just hope that the person who hurt you can become a better person for themselves.

[scarlettaagni]

deep into season 2 of G1 Transformers. miscellaneous thoughts:

my favorites thus far are Starscream, Bumblebee, Jazz, Mirage, Beachcomber, and most surprisingly, Rumble

he simply delights me

Jazz gets better with every appearance and I'm delighted he gets focus even after a ton of new characters are introduced

literally who liked the original S1 Transformers theme enough for it to become iconic and even bring it back

the singing is off-tune, the song is missing a line to space it out well, and everyone rushes like they spent too long on a lyric or ran out of breath but the music follows them which means someone intentionally wrote it like this and they should answer for their crimes against the concept of sound

this show literally invents new animation errors on the fly

my mom was born in 1974 so she grew up with G1 and she told me this was all they had in a slot on Saturdays so I'm convinced this show just tricked kids into liking it via Stockholm syndrome

it almost got Sage

but I saved them

but the S2 theme slaps and I vogue to it

I would like it if Warpath shut up forever

I also would like it if Seaspray shut up forever

this show feels like they have characters and several episodes after their first appearance, only then decide on what their personality trait and voice is (Skywarp and Thundercracker)

sometimes they do it even after they decide what their Thing is (Warpath)

I would like it if Huffer shut up forever

he literally has nothing good to say ever. except those two or three episodes where he was weirdly chipper for no reason

Ravage kity

Megatron and Starscream take turns with the one braincell between them

Hoist's legs look horrible

also he is dating Grapple but here I am stating the obvious

I AM BLOWN AWAY BY THE COMPETENCY OF THE FEMALE CHARACTERS. THEY'RE ALL CRAZY AND I LOVE THEM

Grimlock gets to be Grimlock and then there's my terrible son Fuck. why

I am a Constructicon apologist, I fully believe they wanted to build Grapple's solar tower just out of love for their field regardless of alignments and made up the ulterior motive when Megatron caught them. they were all extremely cute

will Starscream and Skyfire ever Catradora again

HEY IN THAT EPISODE THEY JUST HAD DON'T FEAR THE REAPER PLAYING IN THE BG? THEY TOOK THE GUITAR CHORDS

where is Frenzy you fucking cowards

is Wheeljack bowlegged? they kinda. just have him standing like that in wider shots sometimes

I wasn't expecting to see Chip so often after his first episode, I'm glad he's a mainstay

if Autobot Spike was about Carly the conflict would be she doesn't want to be human again

Reflector can go fuck himselves

I dunno what pronouns to use for characters that have different genders in Earthspark cause it feels wrong to he/him Frenzy and Skywarp

do you think Starscream was this insufferable and maniacal as a scientist or he won a fight and that defined his life goals for eternity

I just want to hug so many characters. they're all so huggable. they need hugs. I almost cried when Optimus held Bee like a cat and then hugged him.

I also almost cry when humans or Autobots get pat on the head by other Autobots

you know everyone talks about that episode where Megatron removes Lincoln from his monument and sits on his chair but no one ever mentions this is the episode where they discover Atlantis, the telepathic frog-fish-reptile Atlanteans form an alliance with the Decepticons, it rises to the surface and they fucking invade Washington DC

THE LINCOLN MONUMENT THING IS THE MOST NORMAL PART OF THAT EPISODE

Starscream lives because God hates Megatron

[atopearth]

Norn9: Last Era Part 5 - Masamune Toya Route

Yayy Masamune time! Considering how The World is basically made up of scientists, it's to be expected that anyone who isn't a scientist would be looked down upon but it's kinda sad to think that Masamune is basically weird and useless to them but got chosen as an esper. Honestly, I'm not surprised that previous journeys would have failed after espers were told what the purpose of the journey actually was, I wouldn't blame them, but yeah there's no real win-win situation here. It's interesting to see things from Masamune's perspective, because I remember understanding Koharu's feelings of being a burden to Masamune because she never seems to do things 'right' but when you look at it from Masamune's perspective, she's definitely one of the only ones trying to even get things done properly lol, and definitely the only one who truly wants to ease his burdens. Doing this route again really makes me remember how much I enjoyed the first half of Masamune's route, it was honestly everything I wanted, and then the cookie happened lol. Anyway, it's actually really sweet to know that Masamune really enjoyed the study sessions with Koharu because he felt like he could be himself and not have to don the persona of a member of the World or as an esper. Even though I don't like the cookie thing, I can understand the stress Masamune goes through. On the Norn, he's seen as the dependable big brother that knows most things, is mature and takes care of everyone, but truthfully, he doubts himself and his "usefulness" because of how he was brought up and seen as throughout his life. He questions why he's an esper as someone deemed "lowest" on the hierarchy on the island, and because he knows about the Reset and everything, he also can't help but question the World's choices and the choices he should be making.

Even from Masamune's perspective, I'm annoyed with him when he apologises about the kiss and wants to stop being partners lol. On the other hand, it's hilarious seeing how gloomy Masamune is drinking alcohol with Ron and Itsuki🤣 I love how Itsuki doesn't let Masamune live it down and makes him thoroughly understand that what he did was wrong even if he could empathise. Love it when Sakuya lays it down to Masamune that he's already laid his hands on Koharu and can't just run away now saying he never intended on having a relationship on this ship. Considering how weak hearted Masamune can be, I was really happy to see Masamune actually go against his uncle's orders and seem to want to follow Aion's wishes rather than the island's. Okay, excuse me but Koharu jumping up and stealing Masamune's glasses off his face and putting it on hers was the most adorable thing ever. And I loved that she did it because she wanted to monopolise being the only person knowing how Masamune looks with glasses which makes her 1000x cuter than she already was. No one can resist her cuteness haha! It's nice to see that Masamune did question his uncle's/The World's methods but just felt powerless to go against them. Anyway, it's so silly to force the espers to experience war so they can have a "fair" view of whether they should do the Reset or not since living peacefully on the Norn will make them think the Reset isn't necessary.

I've always hated how Sakuya dies in Masamune's route, because it's so sad😭 Sakuya may not have regrets and be "happy" that he could protect Mikoto but he also could have had a happy future with Mikoto and that breaks my heart. It was pretty painful to see Koharu from this perspective just keep smiling in front of Masamune and keep worrying about his health while neglecting her own. When Masamune saw a flashback of Koharu's past, I just cried. It was short but simple and clearly showed what kind of pain Koharu had to go through and why she didn't want to use her powers, so you can clearly understand that all this time all those smiles she had were forced and just her trying her best to help everyone despite hating and being fearful of her own powers. Usually, I'm all for characters fulfilling their duties but for Masamune, I definitely agree with running away because The World is terrible and Koharu and Masamune shouldn't be shackled by them when they don't even particularly agree with them. Even though it was cruel to erase Koharu's memories, I can understand Masamune's reasons for it much better this time around and considering how time sensitive their escape is, there really wasn't much time to convince Koharu when she's obviously still feeling very guilty towards Sakuya's death and having to protect Mikoto for forcing her to fight and in the end causing him to die. The only solace is that Masamune can "return" her memories later on.

I love seeing Masamune work so hard learning how to pilot and maintain an airship from Natsuhiko. I'm also really happy to see them get along because I think they would have been great friends if they never went their separate ways. Anyway, Koharu really is the cutest. Her trying her best to fill in that love survey and then kissing and saying she loves Masamune was so adorableee! I know Masamune always says why is she so cute blah blah and it's repetitive but I have to agree with him every time he says it because how can Koharu be so cute and innocent every single time!? Hahaha, I love her. Masamune asking if he can keep the survey was the cutest thing ever, who wouldn't want to when it's filled with Koharu's earnest feelings haha! I have to agree with Setsu though, I'm so sad that Masamune and Koharu will be leaving Natsuhiko's airship, it was fun watching them bond. But it is exciting to see Masamune and Koharu establish a life for themselves too I guess! Especially with all the effort Masamune made in learning things that are not his expertise. I should have expected it considering all the other routes but I was still blind sided when Koharu so innocently went to get a drink from the nearby village for Masamune only to realise it was her hometown filled with the people that hate her and sent her far away because of her powers. I'm so glad they made a CG for Koharu reuniting with Mikoto and Nanami because they definitely deserve it! Honestly, seeing how happy Koharu is makes me partly agree with Mikoto that Koharu doesn't need her memories back, but really, she's slowly recovering them anyway so it's probably best for her to remember it all, even the stuff the original her had forgotten.

I felt so bad for Koharu having to fend off Masamune's uncle trying to influence her into leaving with him and then being forcefully kidnapped, the poor girl. It was terrible having to watch them all want to rescue Koharu and Masamune going no matter what but not allowing himself to ask Natsuhiko because he knows that Natsuhiko is the only hope left against The World and they can't risk him getting caught along with Koharu and Sorata since he can fix Aion. Honestly though, it breaks my heart that everyone hates Koharu, first Natsuhiko in the original game and now Yahiro can't stand her, she can't catch a break from "supposed villains" disliking her. I feel so terrible for Koharu, being stuck alone in a dark room is pretty scary, especially right after Yahiro scared her like that. Also, I completely forgot how ruthless Yahiro is supposed to be since he's part of the division that goes around dealing with traitors and those against The World. Seeing Masamune with a gun did catch me off guard even though it's understandable, but what hurt was when he said if he had a choice, he didn't want to rely on something that killed his friend, and that just broke my heart again thinking about Sakuya's death and how Mikoto had to come to terms with it. I'm very glad to see Ron there to help Masamune but lmao at him saying he's good at killing people, what a guy🤣 I'm very curious though, does this Ron that's with Nanami actually have his memories? How did their relationship work out? Because I would have preferred this alternate route haha! It was obvious that Natsuhiko wouldn't abandon Masamune but it was still sweet to see it happen.

Koharu reminiscing of her memories of Masamune to give her the will to go on was heartwarming because you can really see how much love Masamune gave her. No matter how busy he was, he always made sure to spend time with her, never letting her feel lonely or unloved. He always clearly showed how much he loved her and she in turn showed the same, and that's exactly why I understand Masamune would give up everything and anything to save her. The way Masamune so naturally said that their birthdays are close (his is 4 January) because she can't remember hers but keeps track of the years to know her age (😭) so her birthday is basically 1 January just made me swoon. He's such a great guy🥲 Koharu is the best too, I love how she told him to stand three steps down on the stairs to reverse their heights so she could pat his head. Why are they both so precious? This is exactly why I love them and can't get enough of them. It was so like Koharu to be happy that as long as Masamune is alive, it doesn't matter if he really betrayed her, not that she believes Yahiro's lies that he would. It was obvious that Motohisa (Masamune's uncle) wanted to destroy the island with Koharu's powers but the question is why. Revenge for what happened to Itsuki's sister? Sick of The World's ways? Just crazy? I feel bad for Koharu, she must be at her physical and mental limit being locked, mentally tortured, and then having Motohisa try to brainwash her, it's such a stressful situation all around. Yet, despite everything, she is able to stand her ground and remember the things Masamune has said to her. She is strong and kind, someone I will always can't help but love. I'm not surprised that Aion closed herself off after she found out that The World killed Itsuki's sister. She was the one who chose her to wield that power and yet because she was so good at it, they killed her. Honestly, I feel bad for Motohisa. He's probably felt so empty all this time with no closure from Itsuki's route. He thought by doing all this, he could show that he loved her so much he was willing to destroy everything for her, but in the end couldn't accomplish it and now he's back to not really knowing how he wants to live his life anymore. I'm kinda disappointed we didn't get to see more of Sorata especially the finale of this grand escape with Natsuhiko etc but I guess it's not thaaat important, but I'm still sad.

It's so cool to see the CG of that treehouse library, that's so cool! I like how even though both Masamune and Koharu enjoy reading books, they're different readers with the former liking a good story and pacing, whereas the latter enjoys experiencing the same emotions as the main character and seeing things from different perspectives of the characters. Personally, I'm more like Koharu because I can deal with an average story but I can't deal with average boring characters. Lmao at the old man giving over the library to Masamune because he thinks they would appreciate and love it in comparison to the other adults. OMG, he's even giving them their house! What a nice guy lmao, I need someone to give me free property while I'm taking a stroll to the library too🤣 Honestly, when we first started this library thing, it felt a bit boring, but seeing Masamune and Koharu so happily clean the place up and make it more enticing and welcoming to all the villagers made me smile, it's just so wholesome and such a Masamune and Koharu thing to do. I'm sure it must have been very sweet and peaceful for the Librarian and his wife to maintain that library together. I thought it was really touching how the wife's dowry was all these books and since the Librarian was a carpenter, he built this library to store all her books for her. I can't imagine how much pain he must have felt when she passed away from illness. One thing I felt really sad to read was one of the villagers' reactions saying that unlike kids, they're too busy to read and I have to undeniably admit that a part of me feels like that too. Ever since I started full time work, I don't have the same amount of time to read as I used to, and in the end to prioritise gaming amongst other things, I didn't end up continuing to read the books I used to enjoy so much. I do want to pick it up again, but it's difficult when I enjoy reading through visual novels and otome games much more now. I wonder if the loan cards could help the villagers remember the books they once read before and enjoyed? Maybe that idea of reading a beloved book back in the day will also reignite my love for reading? I agree with the Librarian that what's most important for a book is it's ability to spark emotions from a person and that's why I enjoy games so much, they just make me feel all sorts of feelings haha. Is the Librarian's friend Heishi's grandpa?! He's a very good looking old man I gotta say!

I'm so glad the Librarian helped organise the wedding for Masamune and Koharu. Masamune was so focused on planning the "perfect wedding" for Koharu, he forgot about what makes Koharu the most happy and what she truly wants. She's not a fancy girl, as long as Masamune is by her side, she'll be happy. I kinda wish Nanami and them could have been here to see it though. It was so funny to watch Masamune wake up to Koharu in a wedding dress telling him it's apparently their wedding day though hahaha! The wedding CG was super adorable and made me super happy for them too. I think one of the reasons why I always felt some sort of connection to Masamune (other than liking him for the big brother type he is!) was because just like him, my kindness is "fake" because I have nothing I've ever really wanted, and I'm willing to sacrifice myself because I don't see any worth in myself that I can see in others. However, unlike Masamune, I don't like to be involved with others. It was so nice to see Koharu finally recover her memories and thank Masamune for carrying her burdens and worries all this time. I'm kinda sad we never got to see more of Koharu's past and village considering it appeared but I guess it's fine.

Overall, I liked Masamune's route, it was pretty good. I'd say Sunburst wasn't as strong considering how great Moonlight was but I think it showed what it wanted to show well, which was a peaceful life of happiness with Masamune and Koharu, and they did it by establishing one for themselves and I liked that. In the beginning, I wasn't sure how I would like it because I wasn't too on board with the erasing memories thing, but after reading it again and going through this route, you could really see how mentally fragile Koharu was and how important it was to erase those memories for her to establish her footing as herself again otherwise she would lose herself in self-hatred and guilt. But yeah, honestly, Moonlight was so good that even if Sunburst didn't exist, I would have been fine lol. I enjoyed how we got to see how great of a relationship Masamune and Koharu has, where they both communicate openly and clearly, do their best for each other and are so caring for the other that I can't help but love them. I loved how the kidnapping to the island was such a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone and it really portrayed well how important they both were to each other and how their existences solidified their reasons for living. Sunburst helped them establish a life for themselves and even though it might have been slow, it was beautiful to watch over them create a peaceful environment for themselves like they've always wanted. I guess the only thing it makes you question is that, Natsuhiko painstakingly taught Masamune how to pilot a plane and everything but they're just going to land and live in a random village forever haha! I'm sure Natsuhiko would be happy for them though.

[flame-nova]

Chapter 1: Beginning

My name is Berwick. I came from a family of powerful demons. My father was a respected scientist, my mother was a well-known botanic, and my grandfather was a fearsome fire mage. When I was born, it seemed that I had inherited the ability of my grandfather as I almost gave my mother a fourth degree burn if she didn't know anything about healing magic

Growing up, I was seen as a monster. Demons the same age as me didn't want to hang around me. Because I had a bad temper. If I lose control of it, I'd burn them alive. My family saw it as a gift, but I view it as a curse. Knowing that my power could harm those around me, I spend my days as a loner. But in result of that, I became socially awkward and quiet.

My grandfather was especially proud of me. At the age of 7, I was send to the most expensive academy in Granadia to learn how to control my fire magic. There, I met Rosetta, a mage who was equally good at magic, but she was talented in water magic. In contrast to mine. She was also quite the bookworm, always had her nose buried in a book and she was often the class representative. She was the only one who was willing to talk to me and approach me. I don't know why, but she particularly enjoyed teasing me, to which I find irritating.

There was also another girl at the academy to which I had a vague memory of. I think her name was Leone and she was said to be the princess of Granadia, the next in line of the throne. But to me, she didn't seem all that special. She was shy, very timid and said sorry a lot. She also annoyed me to a certain degree but not as much as Rosetta does.

I graduated from the academy when I was in my early twenties. I was quite young and arrogant, always confident in my own power. I would often look down on those who couldn't surpass me. On the outside, I was that one brat that everyone disliked. But no one knew how lonely I was deep down.

Everything changed after the day I met him.

It all started on a normal day. As usual, I would often leave and go to a secluded area to practice my fire magic. I even named one of my arts Flame Nova. While I was at the academy, I took an interest to astronomy and it fascinated me of how elegant their names were. So ideas came and I named the art Flame Nova. I was having trouble with one of the arts I was studying until I heard noises coming from the far distance. I was curious of what it was, so I snuck over. I made sure that no one could spot me before I peeked out to see what the ruckus was about.

By the riverbank, I saw a group of 3 fighting against each other. One of them was a girl. They had weapons in hand and the sounds I heard was the clang of the blades. They seemed to be sparring as they were careful not to hurt each other. I was amazed by the power they displayed in swordplay but none was as fast and graceful as one. He stood out so much for me to the point I couldn't move my eyes off of him. He had ocean blue hair, his amber eyes focused on the demon before him as he tried to parry the other demon's attack.

"Quick Draw: Brilliant Blade!" He cried as streams of water formed around him. My eyes opened wide as I saw his wounds and scratches were slowly healing as he dashed toward the other demon. He seemed to be caught off guard as he stumbled backward. Without warning, the water demon unarmed him.

"Man, your art is as powerful as ever Vox." The defeated demon wiped his brow as he laughed. "That was a tough battle for me to be put up against."

"You'll get better Duke." Vox said as he went to pick up Duke's boulder breaker and handed it over to him. He thanked Vox and left to take a break.

"Hey captain, duel me!" The girl pipped up, standing from the rock she had been sitting on. In her hands were two axes. "Riviera, you should really train on your stamina before you duel me you know?" Vox shook his head helplessly. Looks like stamina had been this girl's weakness. To which I can relate since I also have poor stamina.

"Besides," I heard Vox again. "Queen Juno may need you two at her palace. I believe she had something planned for you and Duke to do. You don't want to keep her wait."

Duke and Riviera nodded before taking off. I was about to leave as well, but something made me stop in my track. The water demon picked up his blade, got in a fighting stance and waved his sword in the air. No wonder why he was so strong, he continues to train himself even when training time was over. I marveled with admiration. He truly was fitting to be the captain of the Juno Templers.

That was when a wild thought popped in my head. I want to join the Juno Templers. I want to be part of the special guards that protect this kingdom. I know I was capable of it. My fire magic was exceeding that of my grandfather's.

I was going to come out of my hiding place, but I noticed that it was getting late and I should probably head back home now. I sighed with disappointment. Hopefully I'll get to talk to him tomorrow if they do come by again. I stood up, snuck away from my hiding place as quiet as I was able to and left the riverbank. On the way home, the path was dark and it was getting hard to see. I ignited a small flame on the tip of my index finger as a mean of light source for me to get a better idea of where I was going. A few feet away from me up ahead, I saw some eyes glowing in refection of the light. I groaned. Looks like I'll have to kill some monsters before I can enjoy my peace and quiet again.

I took a deep breath and kneeled on the floor. Small swirls of flame begin form around me. I waited for the monsters to approach before I unleashed my art.

"Flame Nova!" I yelled. A pillar of fire tornado rose up in front of me and soon, the monsters screamed before the flame swallowed their demise.

Since Flame Nova takes time to charge, I had to use small magic attacks in between. By the time Flame Nova was ready again, I unleashed another powerful blow on the monsters.

However, more of them appeared and my poor stamina was starting to slow me down. Pretty soon, I had no strength left to use another Flame Nova. As more and more monsters closing in on me, my life flashed before my mind. Was I going to die here? Heh, of course I am. I was born alone, and I will die in the same way.

I closed my eyes, waiting for my fate. But it didn't come to me. It never did. Instead, I heard a male's voice yell "Quick Draw: Brilliant Blade!" Before I fade into unconsciousness.

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

Author's Note

Hey hey hey! Thanks for reading this to the end! I really appreciate it!!!

Okay, so you might have noticed that Thetis was not in here. Well, I was told that he joined the Juno Templers after Berwick so I don't know. I haven't been a GS player for that long. I joined during the Shaman King crossover and Berwick was my first KoB unit. He had been super helpful to me and I grew attached to him. So yeah, you can see now why my name is Flame Nova XD

Also a few minor diffences. You might think it's strange that Berwick knows Leone and Rosetta before he became a Templer. I've heard older players say that they used to be in the same magic school learning magic together. I don't know if this is a fan canon, but I honestly think it makes sense.

Anyways, I think that's all I have to say. If you have any questions or anything you'd like to add, you're welcome to comment in the comment section. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed chapter 1 so far!!

[simpscripts]

Drunk in Love (Viktor x F!Reader)

Prompt: Jayce invites you to one of his fancy rich parties, with an open bar. Stuck in purgatory pining for someone who has pushed you away and rarely even notices you, what else is there to do but drink?

Jayce had abandoned me long ago, running after councilor Medarda like a puppy the second she arrived to the party. I could care less, I headed straight to the bar the moment we arrived and refuse to move unless I pass out or get dragged out by security.

My eyes squinted at my glass, body feeling like it was sinking into a goopy pile on the floor. Am I draped pathetically over the bar? Maybe. Do I care? Not really. Its hard to care about being observed or noticed, when the one person I wanted to recognize me won’t give me the time most days.

Speaking of the scientist is that him? Across the room I swear I could see his mop of brown hair, the curve of his back, those long arms. It was him, it had to be! Vision blurring as I exerted what little muscle strength left in my jello bones. I would tell him to his smart, dumb, beautiful face just how rude he is being ignoring me!

“Viktor!” I slurred out with as much force as I could.

“Hey Y/N” Jayce mused while passing before stopping in his tracks. “Woah Y/N, ok that’s enough alcohol for you.” I could feel his arms wrapping around my waist and pulling me away from the blurry vision of Viktor.

“Jayce let me go” The words jumbled with dizziness.

“Oh no we are getting you home, I just have to say bye to Mel.”

“Ooh beautiful Mel, well lucky you, bragging to everyone” Pffft how did Jayce get Mel and I can’t even get a hello or goodbye from Viktor.

“Ok weirdo don’t worry you’ll sleep this off and laugh about it tomorrow.”

I started tuning out, I didn’t want to go home and if I did go home nothing would be waiting for me. I think I heard Jayce talking to Medarda but I was too busy burying my head into his back angrily.

“Sorry but I have to get her home, Viktor would kill me if he knew I let her get this drunk.” My ears perked up at the scientist name.

Before I could even speak up my feet were back on the move, being dragged along with Jayce’s long strides. With enough trip ups he paused to pick me up in his arms bridal style.

“Ngh put me down, I’m not your girlfriend.” I slurred at him while trying to pound pathetically against his chest.

“Oh no, I am not missing another da- I mean meeting with Mel because Viktor is lecturing me on why you have bruises from falling.”

“Viktor doesn’t care, fuck him.” I am going to stop caring about him right after I give him a piece of my mind.

“Huh yea I bet he’d love that.” Jayce huffed under his breath barley registering through my minds fog.

“Jayce take me to him right now, I am going to fight him!”

“Oh no, I am not getting in trouble for this and besides Y/N, you know its not nice to fight a man with a cane.” He laughed loudly adding to my rage.

“You take me to him right now or I’ll tell Mel about that thing I walked in on with you and your hammer!” Pounding on his chest with loosely clenched fists.

“You wouldn’t!”

“MEL!” After one shout he started shushing me loudly trying to drown out my drunken cries.

“Ok ok fine, but you better protect me from him if he gets angry.”

“Mmhm sure big guy, you gots it.” With my small victory I settled against his chest, gaining some sleep to rest up for the fight I was dead set on having.

My mind pulls back to the time when we were all friends. Viktor didn’t always ignore me, in fact I would consider us to be best friend once upon a time but seemingly out of nowhere he started adding distance. Distance that felt like miles and chasms being pushed away from the one man I wanted to spend all my time with.

Heels clicking against the grand marble floor, watery sounding heartbeat pumps muttered through layers of flesh and muscle, little hums and huffs from my lips as I try keeping focus. The last drink I pounded at the bar was sinking in fully, sending me to an even foggier state of mind. The chest under my face tenses as the sound of his back hitting the door thuds out.

“Hey... Vik?” Jayces voice rang out quiet even to my own ears next to him.

“Jayce.” The other voice in the room sounded panicked, footsteps and another softer thud echoes close to us. “What.. did you do?” Damn my alcohol ridden brain sending shivers down my spine at his deep growl highlighted by his accent that rang through my core.

“I’m sorry, I think she had one too many at the bar, she asked me to bring her here. Although she may have said something about trying to fight you.” You whined out and pushed against Jayce as the two men shared a soft laugh.

“Alright come bring her over to the couch, and please be careful with her.”

The two of them started chatting softly overtop my head somewhere. I was drifting in and out of the moment, floating through an empty space as voices popped in around my head every once and a while. I managed to pick back up on Viktors voice and anger sparked through my body giving me just enough energy to pop up randomly.

“I am going to fight you Viktor!” With my voice ringing out I made out some surprise yelps from my sudden movement. “I’m going to fight you, you beautiful bastard!”

“No you need sleep, lay back down darling.” His hand on my shoulder started pushing me back down but the warmth from his touch and words sent more jealously and anger coursing through me.

“No you can’t say things like that. You cant tell me what to do. Especially when you don’t even notice me when I am around!” The words were slurred but the message got across clearly. The hand on my shoulder flexed.

“Y/N I-“

“No why wont you notice me?” My voice trembled as whimpers threaten to spill out. “Why do you hate me Viktor, you were my best friend.”

“I am gonna give you guys some alone time..” Jayces voice floated out of the room as he disappeared. The alcohol fueling every emotion kept bottled away instead of burying them deeper like I had hoped, tear spilling over my cheeks irritating the skin. My very own truth serum releasing the floodgates I have carefully locked away behind painful barbed wire bars.

The room was filled with an suffocating silence besides little gasps and whimpers from myself. Shivers shoot down my body as I feel his hand move to my back and run soothing circles over the skin.

“Oh darling...” His voice trailed off sadly as my mind is left reeling from the emotional whiplash. This is the most I have heard him speak to me in a long time.

“I didn’t want to hurt you, I just wanted to give you space to spend more time with Jayce, among other things...”

“Jayce? What does he have to do with anything?”

“You’re so happy everytime he is here, I didn’t want my silly little feelings to get in the way.” His hand pulls my head up to meet my eyes. “The only thing I care about is your happiness little firelight.”

The anger is bubbling up even more, frustration clouding my head and leaving all secrets out in the open.

“But I love you! Ive always loved you! If you don’t want me tell me! Don’t just push me away!”

His face is twisted in pain and I am wrapping what little brain function I have left into deciphering it. He is disgusted, that must be it. Disgusted, repugnance, and abhorrence must be burning through him right n-

Silence, my mind is swirling in nothing by warm silence as he cuts off my internal monologue with a kiss. Its a bit sloppy and he is putting in most of the work but its still him and his soft lips. Despite my heart yearning for more I try pushing him away and he reluctantly pushes back.

“I don’t understand.”

“I am sorry my dear, I have been working through my own emotions. Taking out my jealously on Jayce and pushing you away in the process. I never thought it would hurt you this much, I promise I will make this right.” He rested his forehead against my slightly sweaty one with a deep sigh. “I love you little firelight.”

I couldn’t help but melt into his embrace, we can go over everything once I was fully present and sober but for now I was just happy to be in his arms after all this time.

“You still going to yell at Jayce?” I murmured against him, fighting off sleep.

“Mmm probably, you still going to fight me?” He chuckled against my hairline as he held me close.

“Mmm probably, well more like wrestle you underneath of me.” Sighing and snuggling in closer, feeling his muscles tense as he no doubt got flustered.

“Well in that case I might want to buy Jayce a present.”

[sciderman]

Was going through some old writing files (of which there are hundreds!!) and stumbled across a high school AU I was writing a while ago! (an actual one! not a tantalising dream-sequence involving cheerleaders, though we all know I love those...) 

I don’t know if I’ll resurrect it, but there’s a bit of fun to be had - Peter’s anger issues are something that I’d like to see explored more in spideypool fic, and I just... I love high school AUs okay... 

Read some of it under the cut! 

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

“What’re you in for?”

“Something stupid.” Peter grumbled.

“Love it.” The boy said, grinning. Peter noticed a missing tooth. “I hid a frog in the student counsellor’s desk. You should’ve seen him scream.” 

Peter was quiet, but his lips quirked. 

“Immature”, he eventually said. 

“The guy’s a dickhole. And,” the blond rocked on his chair, buzzing, “technically, I saved a life.” 

Peter raised an eyebrow. 

“Saved the frog from one of the labs. They were gonna slice him open. Imagine you’re just sitting on your lily pad one day. Chilling. And then some jackass scientist scoops you up and cuts you open. Starts prodding inside you. Gross.” 

“Okay, yeah, gross.” 

“My name is Wade, bee-tee-dubs.” 

Wade. Peter remembered. He’d only joined the class at the beginning of last semester, and sat near the back of the class. He hadn’t recognised him by his face because he’d always had his hood up. Not that Peter had ever paid enough attention to his peers to remember them by face anyway.

“Uh.” Peter said, eyeing the hand he was being offered as a greeting. He didn’t return the handshake, but he responded with a simple “I’m Peter.” 

“Cool.” Wade nodded, looking at his feet, heels bouncing off the linoleum floor. His shoes were scuffed and worn. 

A moment of silence passed. Both boys turned their attention to the floor, as though it were suddenly the most interesting feature of the room. 

Peter side eyed his company, in the moment of quiet. There were shallow craters on the boy’s face, Peter noticed, like chickenpox scars that hadn’t fully healed. Wade definitely seemed conscious about it, with his hood being nearly always drawn, and his shaggy hair that often covered his face. 

“Peter Parker.” The principal called, peering through the door at the boys. The principal glared at Wade, who put up his hands in response. Clearly Wade was a regular. 

A wave of smugness came over Peter, who leant in close to Wade. 

“I broke Flash Thompson’s arm.” Peter whispered, before standing up to enter the principal’s office. For a second Peter saw Wade’s face light up, like that was the coolest thing he had ever heard. 

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

“Mr Parker, I recognise you’re going through a tough time – And I’m sorry.”

Peter sank in his chair, eyes fixed on a hole puncher sat on the desk.

“I understand you must be going through a lot of emotions at the moment, but you,” the principal wrung his hands, “you hospitalised one of your classmates. Eugene Thompson –” 

The principal’s voice faded in and out of Peter’s attention. As usual, he stood alone on Planet Peter Parker. 

He thought about Aunt May. Her eyes, pink and puffy. Thin hands trembling as she held them by her mouth, recounting all she remembered about that night to the police. The police, who with empty looks, mechanically took down notes. Jaded. Like a family hadn’t been just destroyed. Like a good man hadn’t just been murdered in cold blood. 

Peter's uncle was a humble man. Simple, but good. He wasn't ambitious, or gifted, or clever. But he was wise. 

Clever. Wise. Peter hadn't understood there was a difference between the two. 

He took him for granted, Peter admitted to himself, as he cried that night, and the days following. He cried for the first time in months. Months of distancing himself from the world, before the world decided to stage a head-on-head collision with him. 

“Peter? Peter, are you listening?” 

Peter at last looked up, and with the movement, a tear managed to escape his eye. He brought the heel of his palm up quickly to wipe it away. 

“Look, son, I want you to see the student counsellor tomorrow.” The principal said, taking down a note. Peter scowled at the pen, as it scribbled. “It will help, Peter. I want you to see the counsellor every Tuesday and Friday, last period. We’ll keep track of your healing process.” 

Peter took the note when it was offered to him, and pocketed it without a word. He turned to leave.

“Peter. I didn’t dismiss you.” 

Peter sighed, turning back, red-eyed and tired. 

“I’m sorry about your uncle. But when Eugene returns, you will apologise.” 

Peter swallowed, voice quiet when at last he spoke. “I didn’t mean to hurt him.” 

Whether that was true or not, Peter was still undecided on. 

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

The school day dragged at an excruciatingly slow pace. Peter couldn’t hear the teacher. All he could hear, all day, were the whispers amongst his peers. Right now, Peter wished the walls he built to keep the world out were soundproofed. 

“Did you hear? He put Flash in the ER.” 

“Puny Parker? No way.” 

“He’s an absolute freak.” 

“He’s probably really screwed up right now, guys. I think his like, Uncle died or something.” 

Peter snapped his pencil. 

“Can I be excused, miss?” 

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

Peter ran as fast as he could out of the school doors, gasping in air as deeply as he could. He was at his breaking point. If everyone in class saw him crying, he’d really never hear the end of it. He’d be seeing the school councillor until he graduated. 

The air was cool but his face was scalding hot, tears streaming down his cheeks. He buried his face in both hands and screamed. With all the effort he could afford he tried to steady his breathing. In and out, in and out, until he started to feel lightheaded. 

He could’ve broken the school doors off its hinges. He could have slammed his fists so hard on the walls, until they crumbled, or he did. 

He threw a kick so hard on a nearby trash can that it flew across the courtyard.  

He hated this school. He could’ve tore it down right where he stood. 

“Dude.” 

Peter turned so fast his head nearly knocked off his shoulders. Wade stood, back against the wall, casual as anything. He had a cigarette in hand. 

“You’re an animal, dude.” Wade said, blowing out a cloud of smoke. 

Peter’s mouth hung open, finding it difficult to find words. He brought up a sleeve to wipe up his face. 

“I, just. I –” 

Peter swallowed the lump in his throat.

“I hate this place.” 

Wade nodded, a calm demeanour about him that almost served to calm Peter by osmosis. 

Peter Parker was always a very rational boy. Quiet. Reserved. He never lost it like this. He’s never –

“I heard – about your uncle.” 

Peter’s eyes were exhausted from crying, he couldn’t afford anymore tears. Peter’s entire body felt it was going to sink through the earth. And Wade could see it. Wade could see it on Peter’s face. He looked to Wade for mercy. To let him fall off the planet’s surface. 

“Listen, if it were me I’d – I’d kill him. I’d kill whoever did it.” 

Peter was quiet. Wade’s words felt like an electric jolt, sobering him up. 

All the hollow words of consolation had left him numb, but this rang through Peter’s ears. 

Eventually Peter found his voice again. 

“You’d kill him, but you’d save a frog?” 

“Yeah.” Wade said, as if it were obvious. “The frog didn’t do anything wrong.” 

Silence followed. Peter couldn’t look up from the ground. His hands formed fists at his sides. 

All the way home, Wade’s words replayed in Peter’s head. I’d kill him. I’d kill whoever did it. 

The police were apathetic. Crimes go unsolved. And that made Peter’s blood boil hotter than it ever had. The thought that someone – out there – would be getting away with it. 

That Aunt May might always carry that hollow, broken look in her eyes.  

Later that night, Peter threw on a red hoodie, pulling the drawstrings tight. He snuck out his bedroom window, like he did every night. 

News reports tell of an escaped robber cornered in a building downtown.

[theramenbandit]

27 and 41 (supercorp) for the prompt please!!!

From this post here

Describe how I’ll combine them: Like so.

-

Kara is bleeding. Kara’s not supposed to be bleeding.

Fear was not foreign to Lena. In fact, in all of Lena’s years, she has found that fear was quite the constant. It has become something of an annoying neighbor: loud and obnoxious, always unwelcome, never invited. Potentially dangerous to confront, but may also, if you ignore it for long enough, go away on its own.

Fear came around again today. But something about today was different.

Today, Fear clouds her vision, clamps down like a vise grip on her chest, sends her heart plummeting to her gut. 

Kara is lying flat on her back, motionless. Her breathing is shallow, and the pool of dark, dark red around her grows as the gash on her side weeps profusely. 

“Supergirl!” Lena yells, half hysterical as she rushes over to the heroine. She kneels next to Kara, frantically assessing the damage, applying pressure to the wound with both hands. It oozes some more when she does, and her panic threatens to overtake her. She growls into her comms for a medic.

Concrete slabs and large chunks of debris surround them, the aftermath of an all-out brawl. Her suit was compromised early in the fight, and the Kryptonite had already begun to leak in. By the time Kara threw herself in front of Lena to shield her from a piece of cargo ship hull, she was already sluggish, exhausted, and decidedly not indestructible.

“Lena,” Kara whispers hoarsely, “hey.” 

“Hey, hi. You’re going to be fine, okay?” Lena fights to keep her voice level and calm, even as her pulse thunders, seeks to beat right out of her skin.

“Okay.” Kara tries for a smile, but only manages to grimace. In the next moment, she's coughing up blood, and then her eyes roll back and she falls unconscious. 

“Kara? Kara! Where is that goddamned medic?”

--

Two full days pass. Two full days of anxiety and impatience and sleeplessness. Two full days of not knowing when, if Kara would wake up. Lena spends both of those days outside of the medbay. She couldn't bring herself to look at Kara, couldn't even stand to be anywhere near her, but she also wanted to immediately know of any change in her status, so she’d claimed an entire bench for herself and did the only thing she could do: wait. 

It’s the most torturous two days of her life.

--

The moment Kara regains consciousness, the entire building is ablaze with activity. Everyone is crowding her, checking vitals, administering meds, hugging her, and just being there with her. 

But not Lena. 

Lena is still outside on her bench. 

Alex walks over to tell her that Kara is mostly recovered enough to be sitting up now, but there remains the matter of bandaging her hand.

Alex insists that Lena do it, much to the brunette’s annoyance and bewilderment. She'd just watched several medical staff walk out of the room, why should she be the one to do it? She opens her mouth to protest, but Alex gives her a look that leaves no room for questions. She accepts the supplies with an insolent huff, then puts on her coldest, meanest business face and strides towards Kara. She starts dressing the wound in complete silence.

“Lena?” 

The brunette ignores her and proceeds to wrap the gauze around the heel of her palm.

“Lena, please say something--”

“You shouldn’t have done that,” Lena says sharply, trying to inject enough venom for it to sting. “Why the hell would you do that?”

Kara startles at that, and her face conveys nothing but abject confusion as Lena finally breaks down, going from stoic to outright screaming and crying in the blink of an eye. 

“Goddammit, you could have DIED, Kara. I could have lost you that day and I only just got you back. Do you even have any idea what kind of hell that would be? Knowing that you died because… because of me?”

She’s given up on her task now and is covering her face with her own trembling hands.

“Hey, hey.” With her uninjured arm, Kara tugs Lena closer, holds her tightly to her chest. 

“I had to,” she whispers into her hair. "And I'd do it again in a heartbeat." 

“I know that. I do.” 

She does. It's just who Kara is. And she knows that even if it weren't her who was about to be killed at that moment, Kara, sweet beautiful selfless Kara, would still have jumped in and taken the blow. 

“And it’s so stupid. You’re so stupid.”

Lena Luthor, genius scientist with several degrees and quite possibly all the business savvy on this Earth, is reduced to a blubbering mess with the vocabulary of a four-year-old. It’s embarrassing, really. But she's had a rough couple of days and Lena can’t muster the energy for anything more than to desperately cling to the woman in front of her. Such was Kara’s power over her, and if she were being honest with herself, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

After what feels like a minor eternity, Kara gently pries Lena’s hands away from her face and settles them in her own, half-bandaged hand. With the other, she wipes the tears from her eyes. She tucks a lock of dark hair behind her ear, trails her fingers along her jaw, and gently tips Lena’s face up to meet hers. 

Kara’s so close now. So close that they’re breathing each other’s air. So close that Lena sees, probably for the first time, just how otherworldly the blue of Kara's eyes is, belatedly notes how her heart skips four beats entirely when those eyes wander towards her lips.

-

Alex, Kelly, Brainy, and Nia are on the second floor, watching the security feeds. 

“Well, are you gonna kiss her or not?” Nia complains very loudly around a mouthful of chips.

“Which one are you talking to?”

“Both of them.”

Kelly chuckles as she chews on a pretzel. Alex grabs a handful from the bag in Nia’s hands. 

“You know, I wouldn’t be sitting through this if I didn’t have any money riding on it.”

“It’s twenty bucks, sweetie,” Kelly says reasonably. 

“Twenty bucks and a hundred points at game night,” Alex corrects her.

Kelly is shaking her head in fond amusement when the one other person in the room catches her eye. 

“Clearly, the suspense is killing him."

Brainy is standing in stony silence behind Nia’s chair, his fingers steepled together, watching the monitors with rapt attention.

“Well, yeah. The bet was his idea.”

-

Ever so slowly, Kara leans in. She’d yearned for this moment for so long and now that it was finally here, Lena is equal parts elated and scared. She thinks she might be daydreaming, or that maybe the drugs are still coursing through Kara’s blood and this is merely a trip. But the hand on her face is very warm, very real, and Kara isn’t hesitating, so she closes her eyes and allows herself to hope that, whatever this was that she was feeling for Kara, Kara was feeling for her, too.

Her lips part of their own accord and she waits for Kara to utterly devastate her.

She doesn’t.

“Hate to ruin the moment,” Kara whispers, a hair’s breadth from her lips, “but apparently Alex and the gang have a bet going on who’s kissing who first.”

“Heathens. How much?” 

“Twenty bucks and a hundred points at game night,” Kara replies, still so close, still breathing her in.

“A hundred points will put them in the lead over us.”

“Can’t have that.”

“No, we can’t.”

-

“Oh no… No, no, no, no!”

“Wait, no. No, don’t-- Ah, fuck.”

-

She could hear the cries of agony all the way down here, but Lena could not care less. Kara’s mouth is intoxicating, and the way her arms wrap around her waist has her feeling weightless and tethered at the same time. Her heart is roaring in her ears, mingling with the sound of her breath being snatched from her lungs. It felt like drowning, it felt like floating, it felt like coming home. 

When finally Kara releases her lips and touches their foreheads together, whispers I’m sorry, Lena knows she’s not apologizing for saving her. She’s apologizing for the anguish that her decision had caused. 

Lena shakes her head. Understanding, accepting. She kisses Kara softly. “We’ll be alright.”

“Okay, now they’re betting on which one of us is... proposing?”

Lena laughs, free and easy, and kisses Kara again.

[tokoyamisstuff]

Scandal Ch. 6 - Loki x Reader

Summary: In that most crucial moment, how will Loki decide? If he doesn’t take this last chance your husband will be beyond redemption.

Warnings: Violence, Death, Mentions of Torture (just the same amount as in the original movie)

Words: ~1300 sorry it’s so short

I Story Masterlist I General Masterlist I

Taglist: @catlover092402152, @hi-there-x, @haloangel391, @misssilencewritewell, @babayaga67, @accioremuslupinn, @mochimommy2002, @just-someone-who-likes-to-write, @damalseer, @bethanystan, @loser-alert, @star017, @nina1800, @queenariesofnarnia, @n1fangirlsblog, @vengefulsokovian, @lunamoonbby​, @freyagallileaevans, @emmojoy​, @literate-lamb​, @aninnai​, @justsomerandompersonintheworld @spicy-avocado​ 

“You have your mother’s eyes...”

Even in the face of destruction, Loki could not avert his gaze from the little being in his arm. It had been way too long since that fateful night - and this time, your husband wanted to imprint every little detail of his son’s face into his heart.

“Liam...” his name was a sacret prayer on his lips, “Yes, she chose your name well. You will grow to be the strong warrior that protects our new kingdom.”

The baby took a hold of his father’s finger, making him gasp in awe and adoration - this was everything he had wished for. “How could I ever doubt my love for you?”

Loki took firm steps onto the balcony of the Stark Tower, as if the death and destruction he caused was not still happening, right there under his feet.

Countless screams and cries were unsucessfully dringing to his ear, yet not his mind as he invested himself with what he thought most important.

“Your mother and you will have everything you need and more” he cooed confidently, gesturing towards the flames igniting the city. “Out of the ashes, I  will create a new kingdom. I promise to make our wildest dreams become reality, to care for and protect you for all eternity!”

"Don’t fucking touch my child with your filthy hands!” Startled by the familiar voice, Loki finally managed to look up from his son’s face. “Take your hands off of him!”

“Oh, my...” he uttered, his trademark grin decorating his face. Just a small bit of magic was needed for him to teleport Liam a safe distance away, holding the sceptre in his hand now. “What a foul mouth you developed, my love. You sure have stayed on Midgard far too long.”

You had only awoken mere seconds ago, broken by the dramatic scene unfolding right in front of your very eyes, with your husband blissfully unaware of those consequences of the atrocities he was committing.

And if only you knew that he had stabbed Thor out of jealousy for taking his place, just before throwing him down the tower...

“Look around you, Loki!” Even though your tone was full of anger, you never stopped believing that your husband could still have a change of heart. “Wake up from that unjust dream! This is madness!”

You grabbed his shoulders, shaking him ever so slightly. “Please, can’t you see how the people are suffering? Is this a world in which you want Liam to grow up in?”

“Why can’t at least you understand me?!” your husband now shoutet at you, and you would never get used to seeing him like this. “Together, we can make a better, greater world! Where no one has to go through the same misfortune that we had to! These sacrifices are necessary!”

However, just as he was voicing his reasons, a sole tear escaped his eye - and when he blinked, that same shady blue was shining in his irises.

“Snap out of it, Loki! I beg of you!” Frantically, your lips found his, hoping for your healing aura to reach through to him. “Do it for us, your family!”

“If you fail, there will be no realm, no barren moon or crevice where he can’t find you.” Just when Loki was about to win the battle he was fighting inside of his heart, the words of Thanos and his cruel torturer shot through his mind like a painful lightning stike. “You think you know pain, Odinson? He will make you long for something as sweet as pain...everyone you love will die right in front of your eyes, in the most gruesome deaths imagineable -  starting with that woman and her child!”

“I-I cannot stop, Y/N!” His voice was shaking, struggling internally if he could really doom so many people just to know you safe. “I want- no, need to do this, for Liam and you!”

“That’s just your fear speaking, Loki! Your mind is betraying you!” You clung onto him for dear life, trying to make him understand. “Whoever did those unspeakable things to you so you’d work for him, we can beat him! Together!”

“It’s not that easy!”

“Can’t you for one damn time trust me?!?” Every syllable of that sentence hit his heart like daggers “I do, Y/N, but-”

“No!” Never before, no matter how sad or frustrated you were with him, you had raised your voice - but now you were practically screaming on the top of your lungs. “If this is your final decision, then do it: Take me under your spell. Because I couldn’t live with myself if I’d allow this to happen.”

You grabbed the handle of the staff, pressing your chest against it’s tip. “The Avengers will defeat you, and take care of my child. At least them I can trust!”

“And this is where she is right.” The voice was Tony, god knows just how long he was listening to that scene from behind the bar. The Hulk had appeared outside of the building as well, while the other Avengers were still busy evacuating the civilians.

“Y/N, I would never...” Loki completely ignored the threat at hand, still devastated by your declaration. “Be sure of my unconditional love, at least!”

“He’s slipping!” you yelled towards the team, waving for them to come over. “Loki is only doing this due to the Tesseract manipulating him! We need to destroy it!”

“Easier said than done, sweety” Iron Man scoffed, “It’s leading this army towards humanity. We’ve been onto it this whole time.”

“Enough!” Loki threatened, baring his teeth! “We are gods! No one talks to my wife like that! And I will not be bullied by-”

At long last, the Hulk interrupted the Trickster God’s speech through sheer violence, and you could only cover your eyes at the sight of your husband being thrown around like a ragdoll without him making an attempt to fight back.

“Stop!” You screeched, sobbing as you ran towards the beast. “Please, he’s willingly getting beaten up! We yield, so stop!”

You fell onto your knees, gently putting your wheezing husband’s head onto your lap as you tried to tend to his wounds. “It’s over, Loki.”

“Ha...” he laughed weakly, “I knew you still cared for me.”

“Of course, you insufferable fool!” Tears of yours dripped down your chin onto his face, and you placed a forgiving kiss on his forehead. “Welcome back, my love.”

“The...the device-” you wanted him to spare his strenght, but he insisted that it was important. "All this time, I don’t know what happened, but- it was like being in trance...yetw I managed to slip a subtle order to that scientist, Erik Selvic - to make it imperfect. The machine can be turned off or even destroyed. It’s not too late, go!”

“I won’t leave you alone!” With your whole essence, every fibre of your being, you would swear. “Never again! We won’t get separated, no matter what follows!”

While the other Avengers were assembling again, ready to stop the apocalypse, you held your husband tight. His mind was still messed up, like waking up after being in a dream-like state - but he would pull himself together and stay strong, for you.

Yet subconscious, he had always been present that whole time. "Everything I have done, I-I don’t know where to start. Someone like me doesn’t even have the right to apologize.”

“I think you have wallowed in your own pity long enough, am I not right, my love?” you scolded him harshly, yet still with a hopeful smile on your face.

Carefully helping him back up, Loki would collapse right into your welcoming arms once again. “Will it really turn out to be alright?”

“Yes. We will figure everything out, and then you will continue living - so you can apologize to me, Liam and everyone you have hurt every single day. Do you understand?”

[intheticklecloset]

What You Miss (Dr. Stone)

Summary: Gen decides it's high time Senku got something that he misses from the old world to repay him for all he's done.

A/N: I AM SO EXITED TO SHARE THIS ONE!!! My first Dr. Stone fic!! I love this anime so freaking much and I can't wait to write a whole bunch more for it! For now, please enjoy my full-length fic debut into this fandom! Enjoy!!

Word Count: 2,013

@skribblz for convincing me to give Dr. Stone another try and for all of the amazing fanart she's drawn for me recently!

@giggly-squiggily for the major Dr. Stone writing inspiration! Check out her stories; they're amazing!

~~~

“What is it, Senku?”

The question surprised the scientist, who turned just as Gen came up on his left, watching him with that soft smile and mischievous glint in his eyes. Senku quirked a brow at him. “Nothing. I’m just resting my shoulders. They hurt sometimes when I work for too long.”

“No, I mean…what is it you miss?”

Senku stared at him, waiting for an explanation.

Gen looked out over the water and the village. “You’ve worked so hard to bring back so many things that modern society has lost. You make cola for me, and all those crazy things that don’t seem possible for the villagers. But you never make anything for yourself. Isn’t there anything you miss?”

“Heh.” Senku rolled his left shoulder with a slight groan. “I don’t care one millimeter about material things I’ve lost. My only concern is bringing back what humanity worked so long to create to make a better world.”

“Then what about non-material things?” Gen asked, eyeing him closely, curious. “Your father?”

The words stopped Senku for only a moment before he switched to rolling his right shoulder. “My father is long gone. Nothing to be done about that now.”

“Come on. Surely there’s something you really wish could be brought back from the old world. What is it?”

Gen was persistent, Senku had to give him that much. He paused for a long moment, deciding to consider the question seriously. Finally he sighed and put his hands on his hips. “Honestly, Gen? I miss laughing.”

That certainly wasn’t what the mentalist had expected. “Laughing? But you laugh all the time.”

“No, you know what I mean.” Senku’s eyes softened as he looked out at their view of the village. “I mean watching a video that’s so absurd you can’t help but bust a gut. Watching your classmates make simple chemistry mistakes that literally blow up in their faces. Humor. Real laughter. I don’t get much of that out here.” Senku smirked. “I don’t remember the last time I really laughed at something. I guess that’s what I miss, if I had to choose.”

Before Gen could reply, there was a loud crashing sound from somewhere behind them, causing them both to turn and look just as a cloud of dust rose up in the air behind the observatory.

“Well,” Senku said, turning to walk towards the ruckus, “I’d better go see what that was.”

But Gen stayed put, watching him, already thinking of a way to pay Senku back for everything he’d done for this stone world.

*

Some weeks passed, and Senku forgot all about his conversation with Gen, losing himself in his work as he always did. He didn’t notice the subtle looks he got from the mentalist every now and then, or if he did, he didn’t let on. He simply went on as usual, working and directing and gathering materials for the next project to tackle.

Then, one night – when he was particularly exhausted and ready for bed – Gen pulled him aside.

“Senku,” the mentalist said, “I have something for you.”

“Okay?” Senku yawned. “What is it?”

“It’s a surprise, so I need you to put this on.” Gen held up a strip of cloth that was meant to serve as a blindfold.

Senku hesitated. “The last time I wore one of these, you surprised me with an observatory for my birthday. I hope you haven’t done anything quite that extravagant again.”

Gen put a hand to his chest in mock offense. “Extravagant? Me? I would never.” Then he smirked and held it out. “Just take it. Trust me.”

The scientist waited only another moment or two before taking the offered cloth and tying it over his eyes. “At least I can put it on myself this time.”

“It will make the surprise that much more surprising.” Gen took his arm and started walking. “This way.”

Senku could tell from where they’d begun their path and the trajectory of Gen’s leadership that they were headed to his lab, though for what he couldn’t begin to guess. It didn’t help that he was tired. All he wanted to do was crawl under his covers and pass out for the night. But he didn’t resist as his friend helped him find the table and sit on it.

“Now, keep that blindfold on for just a bit longer, Senku,” Gen instructed. “Positions, everyone.”

So there were others here. Senku could hear the shuffling of a few pairs of feet – probably four or five, probably consisting at least of Chrome and Kohaku. He couldn’t tell who else. Then – without warning – he felt hands grabbing his arms and legs, gently but firmly pulling him down so he was lying on his own lab table, his wrists and ankles pinned to each of the corners.

Suddenly he grew nervous. “Whoa, wait a minute here. What’s…?”

Then he felt another set of fingers sporadically poking up and down his ribs, making him gasp aloud. He tried to curl up, but his other friends (presumably) were holding him too firmly for him to do more than squirm. He gritted his teeth against the traitorous snickers that threatened to bubble up out of him.

“W-What is g-going on here?” he managed, sounding strained even to his own ears. “Guys—”

“You said you missed laughing, Senku,” Gen said sweetly from somewhere above him seconds before he felt a weight settle on his hips, further trapping him. “We’ve all decided this is the best way to go about helping you with that.”

“This w-wasn’t what…I’d had in mihihind.” Senku pressed his lips together, really struggling to hold off his mirth against the light tracing along his sides. He breathed rapidly through his nose as though hyperventilating, limbs shaking.

“Ugh, you are so stubborn.” Gen huffed. “Time for some drastic measures, everyone. You know what to do.”

Suddenly there were fingers everywhere – from his underarms to his stomach to his knees and even his feet – and Senku gave up the fight. What was the point? They already knew.

“Nohohohohoho,” he giggled helplessly, submitting to their hold but squirming all the same. “Guys, come ohohohohon…”

There was a huge smile in Gen’s voice. “There we go! Just took a little coaxing, didn’t it, Senku? Now, to really get you laughing.”

“Thihihihis is chihihihildish,” Senku protested, jerking when Gen squeezed his sides harder. An actual laugh slipped out of him, and the knowing hum his friend gave him in response sent a shiver up his spine. He could feel heat rushing to his cheeks. Was he blushing? Senku didn’t blush. Another squeeze drew another bark of laughter, followed by a warning and pleading, “Gehehehehehen!”

“Just testing~” Gen giggled. To whomever held his arms he said, “Try some spots up there. See how he reacts.”

“W-Whahahahat is this?” Senku sputtered, grinning despite himself. “An expeheheheriment?”

“Of course! A ticklish experiment, to learn where our dear Senku is most sensitive. That way we can make you laugh all the time!”

“Thihihis ihihisn’t what I meheheheant and you knohohohow it.” Senku tried pulling his arms down to protect his armpits, but whoever had him held him tight, not allowing him any leeway.

“I know. You two at the bottom, try some spots. I’m pretty sure I’ve got a good one right here…” He squeezed Senku’s sides again, earning a surprised yelp and even more helpless giggles. “…but we’d better cover all our bases.”

Someone squeezed at one knee and someone scribbled under the other knee; Senku could tell it was two people because of the difference in hand size and roughness.

“Guys, quihihihihihit teheheheasing me,” Senku grumbled as best he could through his snickering.

“Oh? It is rather surprising you haven’t asked us to stop yet,” Gen observed, kneading his thumbs into Senku’s ribs. “Is it because you like this?”

“I alreheheheady said I m-mihihihihiss lahahahauging. And you seheheheheem determined to p-puhuhuhuhull it out of me by fohohohohorce, so why wahahahaste time? I’m tired. Just gehehehehet it over wihihihihihith.”

Gen chuckled. “As you wish, Senku~”

Some silent cue must have been given, because the next thing Senku knew there were hands all over his most sensitive spots, digging harder than before, drilling with purpose, and finally he lost the battle against his own laughter. It burst out of him in a surprised cry, followed by long strings of genuine cackling.

“GAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! WAHAHAHAHAHAIT, NO!!” He squealed, jerking the hardest when his sides became the focus of their ruthless tickling, unable to see any of them to know who exactly was seeing him so helpless like this. Not that he really cared. It was no secret he wasn’t the strongest person among the villagers. Even some of the children were stronger than he was. Still, he doubted any of them had been subjected to this kind of childish play for so long before.

“There you go!” Gen encouraged, and for the first time the scientist could hear some giggling that undoubtedly belonged to Ginro, followed quickly by a shushing Kinro. So now he at least knew who his attackers were. “Doesn’t it feel good to laugh again? You said you missed this, didn’t you?”

“GEN!!” Senku cried, going steadily crazy from how defenseless he was against the purposeful squeezing of his sides. He even snorted once in his hysterics. “GEN, STAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!!”

“But you like this, don’t you?” Gen teased, messing with him just because he could now. “You didn’t say stop until all of us were tickling you. Can’t take so many people going for your sensitive spots at once?”

Senku had to admit, the laughing was making him feel tons lighter than he’d felt since waking up in this stone world. For once it felt good to not be in control, to actually laugh rather than just smirk or chuckle at something. He’d really, truly missed this simple pleasure.

Still, one more squeeze along his sides broke any further resistance down. He couldn’t take much more of this. “STAHAHAHAHAHAP!! PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEASE, GEN!! I’VE HAHAHAD ENOHOHOHOUGH!!”

Gen hummed thoughtfully, then released him. “All right. I believe you.” Moments later the other hands released him as well, and Senku went limp on the table, gasping for breath and still giggling lightly, shakily reaching up to pull his blindfold from his eyes.

Thankfully it was after dark, so he wasn’t blinded by the sun upon being able to see again. Still, he could see the beaming smiles of four of his friends, whom he had all guessed correctly: Chrome, Kohaku, Ginro, and Kinro. And of course, Gen at the head of the pack smiling at him as he climbed off and stood nearby with the others.

“All of you,” Senku managed, “are pulling double duty tomorrow for this.”

“What?” Ginro whined. “That’s not fair! It was Gen’s idea—”

Kinro shushed him quickly. “Enough, Ginro. I’m pretty sure he was joking.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Senku groaned as he sat up but couldn’t wipe the smile from his face no matter how hard he tried to. “Don’t think you suddenly have permission to tickle me all the time. This was a one-time deal, got it?”

Chrome grinned. “You got it, Senku.”

“But it was great to hear you really laughing for once,” Kohaku added, smiling and winking at him.

The others agreed before the scientist waved them off, and all of them left beaming and chatting with one another as they retired to bed for the night.

Senku finally got his own smile under control and leveled a stare at Gen, who looked back at him innocently.

“Are you mad at me now?” the mentalist asked breezily, though a hint of nervousness underlined his tone.

Senku watched him for a long moment, then smiled again. “Nah.” He hopped off the table, unsteady on his feet for only a moment before he straightened with the help of both the furniture and his friend. Then he, too, left the lab, calling a soft, “night, Gen,” over his shoulder as he went.

Gen swelled with pride, vowing to make sure Senku never missed laughing again.

[nocturna-starr]

Intentional Creation

Prompter: @phantomphangphucker

Prompt: Danny created Phantom intentionally and knew full well what he was doing, the first time.

Words: 1508

In Danny’s totally unbiased opinion, his parents were naive. They were creating a portal to another world! Did they not expect said inhabitants from said world to make an appearance in the living realm? Or did they believe that somehow the very creatures they wanted to study wouldn’t be curious themselves?

“Don’t worry Danno! No ghost would dare cross through Jack Fenton’s portal!”

Sure.

“Danny, your parents are the experts, right? Just leave it to them! Everything will be okay!”

Yep… Nothing to worry about…

“Ghosts aren’t even real!”

Was everyone around him actually this stupid?

He should be playing the newest update for DOOM or studying for Mr. Lancer’s test on the Merchant of Venice. He should not be studying his parents research to make sure they didn’t blow up the house or contaminate him and Jazz again like they did the last time Jack and Maddie Fenton tried to invent a green energy source.

Suddenly Danny heard a knock on the door.

“Danny, it’s Jazz. Aren’t you going to get some sleep? We have school tomorrow!”

“Just looking over some papers.” Danny called. He heard his sister huff, but fortunately she didn’t push the issue forward. No doubt she herself would be up all night studying some new psychology book she had found in the library.

And she said that she was nothing like their parents.

He found himself glancing at the numbers. Math may not be his best subject, but to his untrained eye the calculations his mother made had no mistakes. The machine they were going to finish would certainly rip a hole into another dimension.

Then his dad would tell anyone and everyone who would listen that he would protect them from the threat he himself had created. His dad would go up against the wrong supernatural creature and…

Despite how much his father annoyed him, Danny loved the man. He couldn’t imagine a world without Jack Fenton. His mother, a former cop, might be able to handle the situation slightly better, but even she would become overwhelmed by the ghosts eventually. They needed someone who was on the same power level as the ghosts and who would protect humanity rather than harm it.

Didn’t his parents say that someone had gotten ectoradiation due to their naivety the first time they had built s portal? What was his name again… Paul… Chad? It didn’t matter. Maybe it was possible to replicate something like that! But instead of being contaminated, maybe one could fuse with the ectoplasm.  But who could he convince to give up their humanity for the world?

Danny put down the papers. Didn’t Sam say she wanted to make a difference?

xXx

“Whoa! I can’t believe it dude! Your parents actually made a real portal.” Danny’s best friend Tucker Foley gawked at the expensive machinery in the wall.

“Yeah, if only it worked.” Danny eyed the knobs at the side of the portal. Everything was still in position fortunately. His dad for once in his life had decided not to fiddle with something he had not done.

“It’s actually pretty cool, even not working. Imagine the worlds that are barely out of reach.” Sam sighed.

Danny smiled. Sam was still innocent. He hoped that her optimism, despite being a ghost, would remain. It would suck if he had to repeat the experiment all over again. Tucker wouldn’t be as powerful a ghost. Anyone after that would be a malicious ghost that Jack Fenton would have the honour of destroying.

The goth gently touched the portal, as if it were something sacred. It was like she knew her place of death was here. Tucker snapped a couple of pictures. Danny watched them, noting each soft smile or excited look sent his way. Would they feel this way when the portal took everything they knew in a couple of minutes?

“Wanna look inside?” Danny asked. He felt his heart begin to race. This was the moment that would forever change humanity. In the future, kids would be talking about the origin story of Sammy Geist or Tucker Ghouly. Would they see him as a good person, or a mad scientist? Would they understand why he did this and not judge him only on his actions? Or would they allow his name to fade to time because no one would ever know that the accident wasn’t an accident?

“Sure Danny!” Sam grinned. Without a second thought she walked inside.

“I’m good dude. I’d rather not be inside, and the thing click on.” Tucker didn’t look up from his PDA.

Maybe he should have tried to get Sam to dress in a Hazmat suit. The extra protection could have led her into a false sense of security which would allow for mistakes to occur. The Hazmat suit also could have acted as a disguise. Sam Manson, Amity Park’s most famous goth, would never have been caught dead in one of those.

“What are all of these wires for? What about all these buttons? Tuck you’re the tech guru, you should really come inside.” Sam called.

“Actually Sam, I think you should get out.” Tucker warned. Did Tucker suspect something? Danny had never even written his thoughts down in a journal let alone share them with anyone else! How could his best friend even know?

Why did he suddenly feel so guilty?

“Just a sec Tucker!” Sam called. Her hand grazed a large red button. Danny wanted to tell her to push it or to startle her and cause her to “accidentally” press it. Yet the words refused to come from out of him. Why did he feel so terrible for wanting to save the world? What was one life to billions? It wasn’t like she was actually going to die!

Why was his life more important than Sam’s?

“Hey Sam, I want a turn to see!” Danny found himself calling. He watched as she safely exited the portal. He grabbed the suit his father had made especially for him and put it on.

Sam grinned, ripping off the picture of his dad’s face that he insisted on putting on everything. “You aren’t going in with that on, are you?”

“I guess not.” Danny tried to smile.

“Nervous? Just think of all the cool worlds that this portal can connect to.” Sam grinned.

He nodded, hoping to disguise his dread as minor fear. He took a step in the portal and began walking towards the button that Jack and Maddie Fenton in their infinite wisdom had chosen to keep. Time seemed to slow the closer he got to it. He could hear his own heart beat and feel every breath he took. Once he was transformed, would he miss feeling of breathing?  There was no going back. If he chickened out now, Danny knew he would never build the courage to do this again. Then the world would be doomed.

Once he was close enough, Danny “tripped” and pressed the button. His walk of death couldn’t compare to the absolute freeze in time that occurred just after he pressed the button. The youngest Fenton swore he heard the phrase “All is as it should be…” before the light engulfed him into a world of agony.

He was glad that he didn’t force his best friends to experience it. His essence was ripped apart then sewn back together again. His heart raced before falling into a slow and steady rhythm. He was Danny Fenton, then he was nothing. He was human, until he wasn’t. Everything became dark.

He saw flashes of his life slip by and flashes of the future. He heard the screams of the dying and cries of those who were living for the first time. He felt sudden felt a weight that he had never known fall off of his shoulders. The freedom was only felt for a couple of seconds (or was it years?) before a much heavier weight was flung onto him.

He felt himself begin to walk. A light and a voice beckoned him forward. He felt something grabbing his leg, trying to keep him away. He knew he had to fight against it. If he stayed, then there would be no one to fight against his parents’ mistakes.

As he moved forward, the thing clutching his leg felt heavier and heavier. His steps became smaller and smaller. Maybe it was best if he stayed behind? Just as the it seemed that the thing would win, he broke free. He raced to the light, determined to not be trapped again.

“DANNY! DANNY!” Her heard a woman cry.

As he came closer, the light became a doorway. He smiled and stumbled across.

“Danny is that you?” Sam cried.

It worked?! Danny grinned. Everything would be fine now. Tomorrow there would be problems, but now there could be solutions. Ghosts would attack and he would be right there to stop them. The lack of sleep the previous night and the exhaustion of the portal claimed him. Danny fell into his last peaceful rest.

[restlessfandoming]

“the president and the troublemaker” (part 10) (chilumi fic)

“Lumine is the student council president and Childe is the school’s number one troublemaker. They cross paths more than they’d like. Especially when Childe finds out Lumine’s big secret. Highschool AU à la Kaichou wa Maid-sama.”

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [part 6] [part 7] [part 8] [part 9]

[Fic Masterlist] // [AO3 Link] // [Main AO3]

the president and the troublemaker (part 10)

Lumine should have known the instant she saw those blue highlights and mischievous grin that the new student was going to be trouble. Not as much as a certain ginger, but trouble nonetheless.  

He was playing his ukulele and singing about himself as his introduction, and the teacher wasn’t even stopping him. It didn’t help that their classmates were encouraging him with their words of praise and loud cheers. 

Lumine stood from her seat. “Great introduction—Venti, was it?” she said, keeping her voice as cordial as possible. “But we don’t allow personal instruments during class time. You can put it away in your locker later.” 

Venti’s face scrunched up sheepishly. “Ehe, sorry.” He tilted his head at her. “Wait, who are you?”

Lumine gave a polite smile. “I’m your student council president.” 

Venti shrugged. “Oh, okay,” he said. He turned to the rest of the class. “Sorry, looks like I’ll just have to play for you guys later.” 

There were utterances of disappointment as the new student sat in his seat, and Lumine sighed. “Rules are rules,” Lumine said to the class. 

Within the next few hours, as she led him through a tour of the school, she realized that everyone who met him, instantly liked him. Lumine had no idea what it was. Perhaps it was his cheerful and carefree disposition, kind with some sass—and of course his constant playing of his instrument as they roamed the halls. 

“Could you stop playing your ukulele, Venti? I’m afraid it’s a bit distracting to the other students who are in class,” Lumine said. It was the fifth time she had asked.

“I think we would all be better off with some light music in our lives, don’t you think, Madame President?” Venti replied with a light giggle. 

A tiny group of students had gathered around the two of them, and Venti happily played for the crowd. Lumine sighed, as it meant they would have to stop their tour again. 

“Oh, hi, Lumine!” Xiangling said, approaching from the crowd. “What’s going on?”

Lumine leaned against the wall. “New student causing a scene. He keeps playing his little ukulele, even though I’ve told him to put it away. Many times.”

Xiangling closed her eyes and listened for a second. “Wow, he’s pretty good!” 

“Not helping,” Lumine said as she rubbed her forehead.

“Where’s he from?” the chef asked. 

“Not sure,” the blonde answered. She turned to the new student, in attempts to stop him from playing, and asked, “Where did you say you were from again, Venti?” 

Miraculously, the bard stopped his music. “From the outskirts of Mondstadt! The countryside,” he answered with a smile.

“Ooo,” Xiangling uttered excitedly. “Why’d you decide to come here, to the city?” 

An even brighter smile. “Well, I actually lived here a long, long time ago, but I had to leave because a family member of mine got really sick. He passed away recently.” 

The whole hallway stilled, the mood expectantly dampened as Venti shared his past. 

However, his expression never changed; he kept smiling, blue highlights glowing in the sunlight. “And now, I’m back here to find my first love!” 

Everyone blinked at Venti for a second. Then, the crowd erupted into swoons and whoops as questions upon questions were thrown at him: What’s her name? How did you two meet? Where is she now? Is she cute?

“She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen!” Venti gushed. “She was always so kind to me, even when others bullied me. Oh, and she always made me the most delicious grape juice ever!” He perked up. “She knew I really loved grape juice.” 

“How romantic!” Xiangling squealed. (Well, of course; her love language is food, Lumine thought.) “But how do you know if she’s still here or not?” 

“Right,” Lumine agreed. How could he be so tiringly optimistic? “What if she moved away while you were gone?” 

Venti thought for a second, before shaking his head. An endearing fondness washed over his face. “Then I’ll just keep searching.” 

His teal eyes met Lumine’s. He gave her a smile, one not as cheeky as before—softer, more bashful. “After all,” he said, “I promised Lumine I’d always come back for her.” 

…

???

LUMINE?!

Lumine. 

As in me?!

She felt like she had been tasered right in the chest, her whole body locking up as eyes shifted towards her, whispers breaking out in the crowd—“But isn’t that…?” 

Venti, his head in a world of its own, nearly skipped down the hallway, humming to himself, oblivious of the reactions around him. 

“I wonder if she’ll hear me if I sing loud enough?” he wondered aloud as everyone saw him head outside. The gathering of students all followed him out the door.

Xiangling looked at the president, still frozen, with wide eyes. “Uhm, Lumi? Are you okay?” 

Lumine nodded stiffly, her head reeling as she searched her memories for anyone who looked like Venti. 

“Is that true?” her blue-haired friend asked. “What Venti said? About you...being his first love?”

Then it hit her. 

Lumine and Aether did play with a kid named Venti all the time as children. They played pretend as princesses and knights and dragons; the twins would giggle and laugh at Venti’s silly songs all the time; and Lumine would peel grapes and mash them up with sugar for everyone at the end of a long day of running around. It was a child’s simple recipe for “grape juice,” but Venti genuinely thought it was the greatest drink in the world. 

She would even scare off his (and Aether’s) bullies. Venti’s family wasn’t around much, so she took it upon herself to look after him: making sure he did his work, tending to his injuries, cheering him up when he cried. 

It felt like an eternity ago, those memories of happier, more innocent times. 

Lumine’s hand flew to her head, slowly pushing back her blonde bangs as the realization dawned on her. “Oh my god,” she whispered. “Tone-deaf bard,” she said, her old nickname for him ghosting off her lips. “I-I knew him. Me and Aether, we used to play with him all the time.”

Xiangling’s eyes grew wider, if possible. “It’s true,” she whisper-yelled. “You are his first love!” she yelled, louder. 

The two stopped their conversation as they heard loud singing coming through the window. They peered outside, where Venti had climbed the tallest tree in the courtyard, and was serenading out to the entire school. 

Lumine’s jaw dropped, and she quickly ran out the door as well, Xiangling hot on her tail. “That idiot! He’s going to fall!” 

She made it to the foot of the tree, where she now clearly heard Venti shouting, “LuLu~! Where are you~?” 

LuLu…

That was definitely him. Venti was the only one who ever called her that nickname. 

“Venti! Get down here right now before you fall!” Lumine shouted up at him. 

He stuck his tongue out at her, and strummed his ukulele. 

As he started singing, drowning out Lumine’s demands for him to come down, Lumine felt the familiar irritation she felt so long ago, when she had to care take of him, despite all the stupid decisions he made. 

She grit her teeth. “Get down here right now, you tone-deaf bard!”

Venti stopped strumming, his head snapping to where Lumine stood. 

There was a brief moment of silence. Then, he jumped down. 

Lumine felt all the air rush out of her lungs as she gasped in shock, her feet carrying her to catch him before her brain could even think about it.

But as he fell, Venti tucked and rolled, gracefully landing on the ground, standing up straight in front of Lumine. 

“You,” he said, his tone the most serious it had been all day. “What’s your name?”

“Lumine,” she answered. She quickly added, “But I’m really different now; I’m not like I was back then—”

Venti leapt on her, arms wrapping around her in a tight embrace. His ukulele was even forgotten, dropped on the floor nearby. 

“LuLu!” he cheered breathlessly. He spun her around, breaking into giggles. “I’m finally home!” 

As the students around them broke into outbursts of shocked gasps and encouraging cheers, Lumine glanced at them, awkwardly patting Venti on the back. The bard was oblivious to her stiffness, ignorant of the craze he had just caused, the consequences that would follow his little public confession. 

Lumine could only imagine it now, all the gossip and questioning that would surround her within days, hours even. 

Please let this blow over quickly. 

* * *

“Venti…,” Childe muttered. At least he had a name for the little twerp. 

His posture slouched as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, dark eyes watching the scene unravel below with Lumine and the new kid. It was his first day, and yet, he was already causing a wave of news around the school. 

From the open window he stood by, Childe had heard everything. Venti was a childhood friend from Lumine’s past, and he had returned to her because she was his first love. 

To everyone else, this new student was an immediate favorite. Childe, on the other hand, felt acid pulse through his veins as Venti called out Lumine’s name, and he nearly jumped out the window when the two were embracing. 

Venti definitely wasn’t a fighter, right? It would be so easy to dispose of him—

Childe let out a sharp sigh, running a hand through his hair. 

What was this? Why was he feeling threatened by this new kid?

“Wouldn’t it be much easier for you to make it official?” someone said next to Childe. Looking to his right, his eyes met Albedo’s.

“You and the President, I mean,” Albedo continued, his piercing blue eyes trailing down to the courtyard. 

“Astute observations as always, Albedo,” Childe said. “What do you know about me and the Pres?” 

“I know that what the President told me was a lie,” the scientist answered. “There is definitely a sort of romantic chemistry between the two of you.”

“Oh? How do you figure?”

Albedo loosely crossed his arms. “I specialize in observations. Stolen glances, affirmative body language, rising body temperatures—habits indicative of romantic interest. For the two of you, it’s mutual.” He paused. “I don’t plan on telling anyone. I’ve kept it to myself, if you were wondering.” 

“Don’t scientists share their findings with the world?”

“I’m more interested...personally. I’d like to see how it plays out.” His blonde head tilted slightly. “Though, why you two haven’t started dating baffles me.” 

A tiny scoff escaped Childe’s lips. “Why’s that?” 

Albedo put his hand to his chin, thinking. “It would surely benefit the both of you. You would stop receiving those weekly confessions from every girl in school, and the President wouldn’t have to continue her tiring charade of acting like she doesn’t know you. It looks painful for you both.” Below, there were cheers from the students surrounding Lumine and Venti. “And you wouldn’t have to be silently fuming from up here while the President is being reintroduced to, quite possibly, her first love as well,” he added. 

Childe clenched his jaw. He hadn’t even considered that possibility. 

He started walking to the stairs without a second thought. 

“Interesting observations, Albedo,” he said as he walked away. “Do me a favor and use those skills of yours to find out anything about Venti for me.” 

He left the scientist mulling over his request while he headed straight to the courtyard. 

* * *

Lumine had managed to shoo the gathering of students back into their classrooms without too much of a fuss; Venti was a lot harder to get rid of, however, as he was currently glued to her side, his arm linked with hers. 

“Okay, Venti, it was nice catching up, but you have to go to class now,” Lumine said as they walked down the hallway. 

“Just like old times! You’re still trying to get me to be more responsible.” 

“And just like old times, it doesn’t work.” She unhooked her arm from his, putting her hands on her hips. “Seriously, Venti. You need to go to class. I’m not saying this as your friend; I am saying this as your student council President.”

“Aw, I forgot how scary you could be, LuLu,” he responded sheepishly. “Hey, what do you say we go to that old café by your house? Do you still live there?” 

Lumine rubbed at her temples as she rounded the corner. Thankfully, Venti’s classroom is closeby.

She stopped in her tracks when she looked up and saw Childe there, leaning against the wall as if he had been waiting there for her. 

“Ah, so you are alive, Pres,” Childe said. “I was beginning to think you were dead. Or were you just ignoring me?” 

Lumine gnawed on the side of her cheek. Of course he would show up right now.

“It’s a busy time for the student council. We’re planning our class trip,” she replied curtly. 

“LuLu, is this one of your friends?” Venti asked, teal eyes lighting up. He held out his hand. “I’m Venti! How do you do?”

“This is Childe,” Lumine interjected, gently pushing the bard’s extended hand down. “He’s a delinquent. Don’t associate with him.” 

The delinquent in question gave her a strained smile. “Ouch. I’d say my ways are quite reformed now, don’t you think?” He peeled off the wall, coming a bit closer—completely ignoring Venti. He continued, “In fact, I’ve saved you a few times, haven’t I?” He flashed a grin of faux-innocence. 

What was he doing? Was he really about to reveal all their secrets in front of Venti? 

“Venti, go to your class. I’ve got to deal with Childe,” Lumine said, desperate to get her old friend out of there. When Venti started to protest, she clenched her teeth. “Now.”

Venti let out a shaky laugh, his eyes shifting from Childe and Lumine, then disappeared into a nearby classroom. Childe’s eyes seemed aflame as he tracked Venti leaving. 

Lumine let out a heavy sigh. “What are you doing?” she asked, voice dropping to a whisper. “Do you want the entire school to know about us?!”

A smirk. “There’s an ‘us?’”

Now Lumine’s face completely burned. “Look, I’m sorry I haven’t been coming to training, but I really have been busy with the student council.” 

Childe didn’t respond, and just stared at her. “Who is he to you?” 

“...Who? Venti?” She pursed her lips. “He’s a childhood friend. We used to be close, I guess. But I haven’t talked to him in years.” 

“Did you ever love him?” 

“Wh-What kind of question is that?” Lumine sputtered. 

Childe pressed in closer. “Just answer the question, Lumine.” 

She took a step back. We’re at school, idiot! If a student decided to walk out of a classroom at that very moment, their secret would be out. 

“I don’t know,” she answered. “I honestly can’t remember that much right now.” 

Childe’s lips tilted into a frown. “That just won’t do, Pres.” His voice had lowered. “Aren’t you going to save me?” 

Lumine’s heart rate sped up as she recalled the two of them, on the beach, whispering promises to save one another. 

“Save you from what? Be serious, Childe,” she said, annoyed. 

“Loneliness.” He flashed a quick smile. “Let’s go on a date.” 

Lumine stumbled back from Childe as if she had been electrocuted. “I-I don’t have time for this right now.” She turned on her heel, stomping away. “Go back to class!” 

She finally relaxed when she found an empty classroom to clear her head. Thankfully, Childe hadn’t followed her. 

He liked her. She liked him. So why am I still being like this?

Even with her limited knowledge of romance, she knew the next logical step would be for them to start dating, right? 

The prospect made her antsy. 

It was a complete unknown. There were too many ways it could go wrong, too many ways it could end in pain and ruin everything. To chalk it up, she was scared. 

She and her family had been absolutely heartbroken when her father had left. She witnessed firsthand what a broken relationship could cause, the damage it did to everyone involved. 

And yet, knowing all this, having all her fears festering within, she still insisted on seeing him. Childe. 

He made her feel normal, even with her secrets. He made her feel welcomed and safe. So she didn’t push him away. She wanted to stay with him. 

DING!

Lumine jolted from her thoughts, and pulled out her phone to check. It was the student council group chat, all wondering where she was, needing her to be present for another meeting about the upcoming class trip to Liyue. 

She sighed, pocketing the phone, quickly making her way to the council room.

I don’t have time to think about that stuff right now, she thought with a frown. 

Just get through the class trip, and then I can worry about that later.

Lumine glanced outside the window. Gray clouds had gathered in the sky. A storm was brewing. 

She stopped, and prayed for a smooth trip to Liyue.

* * *

[part 11]

[sassyhobbits]

16. "I can't believe you're making snow angels at a time like this!"

and here we have the ONS christmas special!! my last xmas fic this season and i hope you all enjoy! have a great holidays everyone!! <3

~~~

Aelin Galathynius loved Yulemas.

She loved the smells, the sights, the foods. She relished in spending time with her closest family and friends, giving them gifts she knew would make their faces light up. She loved laying by the fire and reminiscing.

This was Aelin's third Yulemas with Rowan. She fell more in love with her husband everyday, and always enjoyed spending the holiday with him. The only thing that she could have wished for this year was that their daughter had decided to join them.

Aelin was heavily pregnant. Their daughter was about a week late and Aelin wanted her out, out, out already. It wasn’t only that her feet were always swollen or her back ached constantly, but also that Rowan had become terribly overbearing. There wasn't a single thing Aelin tried to do that her husband didn't attempt to do for her before she could. At the beginning of her pregnancy, she enjoyed it. She liked when Rowan would grab the remote or get out of bed to fetch her slippers if she asked. But by now, it was beginning to lose its charm.

It was Yulemas eve. The palace was filled with their friends and family. They had even invited some of Rowan’s cousins to Orynth. Arlene and Isolde were excited to enjoy their first northern Yulemas. 

They had all spent a few hours lounging in the parlor, indulging in wine and other spiced holiday drinks. Aelin sipped on a hot chocolate, cuddled into Rowan’s side, his hand a steady weight on her belly. It had all been wonderful, but after a while Aelin began to feel a bit warm with the fire and the bodies stuffing the cozy parlor

"Hey, Ro?" she whispered to her husband.

"What is it, Fireheart?"

"Will you take a walk with me?"

He smiled and nodded. "I'd love to."

He helped her off the couch, grabbing her boots and her coat and helping her slip them on. No one noticed when they ducked out of the parlor, walking down the halls towards the entrance to the gardens. 

They had become a wintry wonderland in the recent days, covered in a fresh blanket of soft snow. The night was silent, the sky clear and beautiful. Aelin held Rowan’s arm tightly as they meandered slowly over the snowy path. 

Suddenly, Aelin hissed in discomfort, placing a hand over her huge stomach as their baby girl fussed.

“Is everything alright?” Rowan asked, brows knitted in concern.

“Fine,” Aelin assured him, not wanting him to go full mother hen mode. “She’s just making herself comfortable, apparently.” 

Her husband sighed heavily. “It seems she likes it in there.”

“Well, it’s cold as hell out here so I don’t blame her.”

Rowan released a bark of laughter. “I was hoping she’d be with us by now.”

“Me too.” Aelin pouted down at her belly. “I had some adorable little Yulemas outfits for her.”

“I know you did, love.”

They continued their trek through the gardens, admiring the lights that had been strung up and other holiday decorations. Aelin always enjoyed decorating the palace. It was one of her favorite parts of the season. 

The princess was just about to suggest they go back inside when she felt something strange. A sensation she had never endured before; a little pop followed by something decidedly wet between her legs. Aelin didn't have to be a rocket scientist to realize what, exactly, that feeling was.

"Rowan?" she rasped, tightening her grip on her husband's arm.

"Hm?"

"My water just broke."

"Your water just what-?!"

Rowan’s head whipped towards her, eyes wide in shock. In his bewilderment, her normally graceful husband wasn't watching where he was going, stepping on a slick piece of eyes. His feet flew out from under him, tumbling back into a fresh bank of snow.

Despite herself, Aelin released a laugh. Rowan leaned his head upwards, flakes scattered in his slicer hair, arms spread on either side of him like a star.

“I can’t believe you’re making snow angels at a time like this!” the princess cried playfully. “We’re having a baby!”

Rowan blinked once, a slow smile spreading on his lips. “We’re having a baby,” he repeated in a whisper. “We’re having our baby!”

Aelin could only grin.

…

It didn’t take long to head back inside and gather the things they needed to make the trip to the hospital. Aelin had thought Rowan was being ridiculous earlier, but it was nothing compared to his actions now. He was everywhere at once, not allowing her to pick up anything or even open a door for herself. Yet, Aelin was too nervous to even really scold him about it. 

She and Rowan were already getting into a car in the garage by the time they let their other friends and family know what was happening. Before she knew it, they were on the way to the hospital.

Aelin knew that she likely still had a fair share of time before things would get serious, but her mother had faced many complications when giving birth to her. Aelin’s entire family had agreed to play it safe. 

There was a private, secure suite waiting for Aelin by the time they pulled up to the hospital. She was only just starting to feel the first of her contractions when she slipped into the shapeless hospital gown. 

Aelin spent a few hours speaking with nurses and doctors, getting poked and prodded and questioned. She spoke with her friends and family over the phone, convinced Rowan to read to her even though her husband seemed much more nervous than she did. 

As the night wore on, Aelin’s contractions grew stronger and more frequent. A little after one in the morning, the doctor came in and informed her that it was time to start pushing. It was then that Aelin felt those first twinges of fear. 

“Rowan?” Aelin squeaked, looking to her husband who was seated beside her.

He reached out, brushing a strand of her hair from her sweaty forehead. “What is it, Fireheart?”

“I’m scared.”

His lips tightened a fraction of an inch, grabbing her hand and giving it a firm squeeze. She could see in his eyes that he was frightened too, but he would be strong. Strong for both of them, and the little girl they were waiting to meet. He leaned close and kissed her flushed forehead. 

“I’ll be here every step of the way, Aelin. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

…

The birthing process wasn’t easy, though no one was expecting it to be. Aelin felt as though she was being torn in two, her throat raw from screaming in pain. Even through the haze of the agony, she could tell that Rowan was beyond stressed and seeing her like this was likely shaving years off his life. It was a good thing his hair was already silver, because this experience probably would have turned his hair gray anyway. 

Still, he was nothing but supportive: whispering words of encouragement, letting her grip his hand as tightly as she needed, dabbing her sweaty forehead with a cool cloth. 

It was the wee hours of Yulemas morning, the sky turning a buttery yellow as the sun rose above the jagged peaks of the Staghorns. Aelin was beyond exhausted. She had been pushing and screaming for hours. All she wanted to do was sleep.

A ragged cry tore from her throat before slumping back on to her pile of pillows, tears streaming down her cheeks. 

“I’m so tired,” she sobbed, voice hoarse and crackling. “Ro, I’m so tired.”

“I know you are, love. You’re doing so good. You’re almost there.”

“I don’t know if I can do it.”

“Yes you can, Aelin.” Rowan squeezed her hand tightly. “You’re the strongest person I know. Just a little bit longer. I know you can do it.”

“He’s right, princess,” the doctor said from his position between her legs. “Your daughter’s nearly here. Just one more big push. Can you do that for me?”

Aelin clenched her jaw and nodded. She had survived much worse than this. She could do anything. The princess sucked down one last deep, bracing breath, preparing herself before giving a mighty push.

Aelin wailed as she put everything she had in her into this last push, sure she must have been breaking the bones in Rowan’s hand with how hard she was gripping it. 

And, where one cry ended, another began.

A shrill shriek that did not come from Aelin filled the air just as her own voice failed her. Her strength left her body, collapsing against the pillows just as she saw the doctor hand a screaming, bloody, wiggling thing to the nurse.

Her daughter. That was her daughter. 

Aelin forced herself to sit up straighter as the nurses carried a bundle of pink blankets towards her before carefully placing it into her arms.

The tears wouldn’t stop flowing as Aelin held her daughter in her arms for the first time. Her face was red, and her little face was pinched up as she cried, but she was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. 

“Hi,” Aelin rasped, giving another tiny sob. “Hello. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Rowan was a warm presence at her side, looking down at his daughter in wonder. “She’s beautiful. She’s perfect.”

“I’m so in love already it doesn’t feel possible.”

The doctor smiled at the little family before them. “Have you picked out a name for the little princess yet?”

Aelin nodded, tracing the shape of her daughter’s nose. “Eliora. Her name is Eliora.”

The doctors and nurses took a few steps back, giving them a bit of privacy as they grew acquainted with one another. 

“Happy Yulemas, Eliora,” Rowan whispered to the newborn. 

“It is Yulemas, isn’t it?” Aelin asked. She had lost track of time during the birthing process. “It looks like we’re gonna have to wait to do presents.”

“No offence, Fireheart, but I don’t think you can out do yourself now.” He ran his fingers over Eliora’s silvery-blonde hair. “This is the best Yulemas gift I’ve ever could have asked for. Thank you. I love you. I love you both so much.”

Aelin looked up, beaming and kissing Rowan quickly, scooting over so he could sit beside her on the hospital bed. He perched himself on the corner, tucking Aelin under his arm and holding both her and their daughter close.

Now Aelin Galathynius had another reason to love Yulemas.