#but u see her birthday is quite far away

[flyingmishmeshincognito]

Uuhhhh here have a snufkin or something (???)

Glitter pen snufkin...

[daenysx]

Hi, thank you for you answer I have this idea for a Aemond x reader.

Reader is pregnant with Aemond first child. On a ball our a birthday, comes to an accident and the reader going into labor. Aemond tries to protect his wife, but its to late and he can do nothing except to hold her hand am and prey.

I hope u can understand what i mean, english is not my first language c:

thank you for this request, i hope you like it!

requests are open!!

my masterlist

come back to me

an accident leads to an early labor and prince aemond never lets go of your hand.

your prince looks quite bored as he watches the bright lights and people dancing with each other. his hand stays on your thigh, rubbing circles, comforting both you and himself. he's never liked these events, there are too many people and he has to engage conversations with them even if he despises them. he doesn't like the act of pretending, doesn't like the loud voices.

your hand stays on your swollen belly, a habit since your belly started growing. you are carrying your first child. the baby is perfectly healthy as the maesters told you and will be born in two moons. you hold aemond's hand, resting on your thigh. you try to comfort him with soft fingers and a reassuring smile. he looks at you, his lips curved into a little smile.

it's the king's name day. even though viserys targaryen is not present all the evening, he was there at the table for a few moments until he felt tired. the feast still goes on; people dance, eat, and drink. aemond is bored and doesn't want to see his mother's teary eyes, helaena's absent smile, and aegon's scandalous behaviours. his brother keeps drinking like there's no tomorrow and doesn't hide his greedy eyes towards maids.

you bring your face closer to aemond's ear, "would you like to leave, my prince?"

he gives you a worried look. "are you alright, my love?"

you nod, "i am, but we can always use my pregnancy as an excuse to retire early."

he smiles slyly. he loves how you feel his discomfort and try to make it better for him. he would love to leave now, go to your shared chambers and help you sleep with his kisses. he nods, "let me tell my mother."

he stands up, goes to talk to alicent. you stand as well, take a few steps to the stairs connect the royal table with other tables that other people are seated. as you see aemond approaching you, you turn your head to alicent's way and give her a little smile. you turn your direction back to the stairs and walk slowly.

then comes the moment of aemond targaryen's worst nightmare.

you can't even recall how, but your foot slips when you are on the stairs and you lose your balance. your hand immediately goes for your belly but you can't stop yourself from falling.

a sharp pain. that's all you feel. your head feels heavy and your legs don't seem to remember how to carry you. aemond isn't quick enough to catch you from the distance he stands. he goes to your side, sees your face covered in the look of pain and desperation. his hands stay on your body, checking if you are alright.

"my love...talk to me, please."

you sob, everyone is there, too crowded and there is no air. pain. between your legs. the ground is shaky. everything is blurry.

"aemond...our baby-it hurts."

alicent screams for the maesters. her voice is not clear in your ears, your hands never leave your belly. they carry you to your chambers, far away from people. aemond is there, his heart beats too loud, he can hear it. the distance between his eyebrows close as he yells at people around.

you are on the bed now, the pain is there. you hear aemond's voice, explaining what happened to the maester impatiently. the maester tells him that the birth might be started.

"aemond- too soon- too soon. do something, please!" your eyes are slightly open as you beg your husband. you fear of losing your baby. you don't even consider your own life, but your husband does.

aemond would burn the city to the ground if you die.

"the princess must give birth right now, my prince."

you try to reach for his hand. he is there by your side. he looks like he is in pain, he kisses your hairline and holds your hand. "stay calm, my love. we will be alright."

your prince is a rational man. he knows he should keep you calm and strong. he can endure this pain, he can even get used to it. if he wants you to stay healthy and alive, he should ease off your worries. the birth is earlier than it would be under normal conditions but that shouldn't mean the baby and you will be in a certain danger.

"i know the birth is early, but you shall be alright. you are my strong wife, remember? try to stay calm for us, for me and for our baby, please. i'm right here with you."

his voice is an anchor. you try to breathe steadily and even though your head hurts with the feeling of imbalance you do not wish to care for it.

the maester and your handmaids are in the chamber. they are in a rush, all devoted to you and your prince. you can understand that aemond's presence and his stern voice helps little for them to complete their duties.

you hear the maester's desperate voice. "my prince, you shall not be in here."

your husband answers with the coldest tone. "if any of you ever dare to tell me to leave my wife, i will make sure of your painful deaths caused by vhagar."

the maester accepts his words unwillingly. you care little for it. you are too tired, you don't know what to do, you don't want to die here. aemond stays next to you, holds your hand and caresses your hair with his free hand.

"you will not leave me. did you hear that, sweet wife? everything will be fine."

you blink slowly. you try to hold onto that warm tone of his voice. you feel the maester's hands on your body, he keeps telling you to push. you spend all your strength but it feels impossible. it feels like death and you are more scared for your baby than you are scared for yourself. with a little conscious you pray for your baby. for your husband. let them be fine.

aemond is terrified. there's no other word to describe how he feels. he is scared. he keeps thinking about the endless possibilities. he tries to look strong but this is harder than all the battles and duels.

alicent is in the chambers too, watching her son with worried eyes. she fears for your life, she prays and prays and prays. she sees how aemond tries to create a safe space for you. how he tries for you to focus on the birth instead of the fear of death.

"once more, princess."

you scream. you are sure the entire keep is covered with your screams. you lost the count of time. how many hours have passed, is it morning yet? you don't know. then you feel a sudden relief. your baby leaves your body and all your muscles shakes at the feeling.

"a son, your grace!"

you try to see your baby but you don't have the strength to lift your head enough. a boy. a beautiful boy. you wait to hear his cry but there is no voice. aemond stays frozen, he doesn't let go of your hand, his tears are ready to fall.

then the most beautiful sound you've ever heard fills the room.

your son cries and the maester smiles. "there is nothing to worry now, my prince. the little prince looks quite healthy. "

aemond smiles and looks at you. he knows how tired you are but you manage to give him a smile anyway. the relief of your son being healthy and safe is too strong to resist and you close your eyes.

the maids clean the baby and wrap clean, white clothing around him. aemond reaches to hold his son. his son.

the feeling is quite strange for the one eyed prince. he still fears for you but holding his baby in his arms is a relief. he holds him for what feels like an eternity. he memorises the baby's facial features, all the same with his, only with the shape of your mouth. he watches, mesmerised and happy.

alicent approaches closer to her son. aemond looks at her and puts the baby in her arms securely after pressing a little kiss on his forehead. alicent smiles to her grandson, proud and relieved. her worries lessen when she sees how healthy the baby is even though he was born two moons early.

aemond sits on the edge of the bed. your handmaids clean the bed, there is no blood now. you are in a clean space, your eyes closed and your hair messy. he brushes his fingers on your cheek gently, prays to the gods to give you back to him. he prays for you to find your balance again, to be happy now that your son is here. he prays for you to wake up, to tell him you're fine, to ask him about the baby's name. he wishes for you to tell him all your name choices and decide what's your desire to call your boy. he just wishes for you to come back to him.

he keeps stroking your cheek when you open your eyes. your eyes are unfocused for a moment, then you see him. he looks exhausted but when he realizes you open your eyes, he cups your cheek. "my love?"

"aemond, our son-" your voice doesn't feel like your own. you can't complete your clumsy sentence.

"he is alright. a perfect boy, healthy and safe. how do you feel, my lady?"

you sigh in comfort when he tells you about your son. "i'll be better."

"yes, you will. you will be better. than we will choose a name for our boy, hmm? would you like that?"

you nod. "yes. it would be lovely."

your prince takes a deep breath. the experience was terrifying but you survived. he leans and kisses your forehead affectionally. "you have done perfectly. i love you."

"i love you. thank you for never leaving, my prince."

he shakes his head. "i will be by your side until the end of my days."

[animeomegas]

New Things and Misunderstandings - Naruto Omegas x Alpha!reader

A/N: Happy birthday @omeganronpa !!!! I can't write more because ow, but yay, it's your birthday! I don't know what this post is, I just picked a few of your favs and wrote about misunderstandings lol, but I hope you like it anyway lmaoooo ❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜🤎🖤🩶🤍

Warnings: Just some innuendo lol. And me thinking I'm funny, that needs a warning.

Naruto

*Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto having a drink together*

Sakura: It's your birthday soon, right Naruto? Do you have anything special planned?

Naruto: Uh, not much. Work is crazy, y'know?

Sakura: Ugh, you don't have to tell me. I haven't got my birthday off from the hospital in four years.

Naruto: Yeah, it sucks. I'll probably just spend the evening at home with my alpha. I was thinking of asking for a quickie or something.

Sasuke: *grimacing* Tmi, dobe.

Naruto: What? I've never had one before, so I thought it'd be cool to try.

Sakura: Naruto! No one wants to hear this.

Naruto: Why? You don't like quickies? I always thought they looked tasty. I mean, they aren't ramen of course, but I always get birthday ramen from Ichiraku, so I can't ask my alpha to make it.

Saskue: ...

Sakura: Naruto, spell quickie.

Naruto: Um, okay? I think it's Q-U-I-CH-E.

Sasuke: 🙄

Sakura: 😠

Shikamaru

Alpha: *in the middle of a chat with Kiba* -and Shikaku was so hot yesterday, it's kind of crazy, y'know.

*Shikamaru suddenly walks in, home from work, overhearing*

Shikamaru: What 😐

Alpha: Shika! You're home!

Shikamaru: What 😐

Alpha: We were just talking about how the aircon has given up in the jounin headquarters. You must have heard about it. The common room wasn't too bad once everyone opened the windows, but I was just saying that your father was suffering a lot in his small office.

Shikamaru: *visibly relaxing* Oh, I see. Yes, for once I've been grateful that Naruto keeps me in Hokage tower most of the time.

Alpha: Yeah, I bet!

Shikamaru: Okay, I'm going to take a shower upstairs, I'll be back in a bit. *Shikamaru leaves*

Kiba: ...

Alpha: ...

Kiba: Good save.

Alpha: Thanks 😅

Lee

Lee: *sighs sadly*

Alpha: You okay, baby?

Lee: I... Do you think I'm intimidating? To our fellow Konoha shinobi I mean.

Alpha: I mean, I would hope that they have a healthy respect for your abilities, but I don't think people find you unapproachable. Why do you ask? Did something happen?

Lee: I overheard some people talking in the jounin common room. They were saying that they could suffocate in my thighs... But I would never hurt them like that, even in a spar. Do you think they're... afraid of me? 🥺

Alpha: ...

Lee: ...

Alpha: Oh, baby, no.

Shino

Shino: *visibly relieved* Alpha, you're back from your mission!

Alpha: Yes... Is everything okay?

Shino: No... it's Shihori. I'm... I'm worried about her, but I didn't know what to do and you were away and I was scared I'd make it worse so-

Alpha: Woah, slow down. What happened? Is she okay?

Shino: She's... been drawing things. Horrible things. I don't know where she's getting it from, I didn't want to ask in case I made it worse! What do we do??

Alpha: Deep breaths, what sort of things has she been drawing?

*Shino anxiously opens a drawer and pulls out a stack of drawings. They depict large, scary creatures. A brown bear, a purple rabbit, and a yellow chicken. You immediately remember hearing your fellow parent shinobi complain about the latest horror video game trend that became popular with children*

Alpha: Ah. It's Freddy.

Shihori: *overhearing from the living room* YOU KNOW FREDDY, APPA?!?!

Alpha: Of course. And Bonnie. And Chica.

Shihori: 🤩🤩

Shino: 😧

Itachi

Alpha: Oh, hey, you're back from reconnaissance. Did you catch them doing anything suspicious? Pein seemed really sure there were our guys.

Itachi: No. Unfortunately, they both kept entirely normal schedules for the day, as far as I could tell.

Alpha: Damn. So we came all the way out here for nothing?

Itachi: Not quite. While their conversation was mundane, I believe they may have been using a code.

Alpha: Seriously?

Itachi: Indeed. They mentioned at one point that their compatriots had been 'sixty-nining' each other. I believe that might have been code, although I am not sure of it's meaning.

Alpha: ...

Itachi: What?

Alpha: ...

Itachi: You recognise the code?

Alpha: *suddenly remembering that Itachi had no friends as a teenager and parents that taught him how to dismember people instead of teaching him anything about sex*

Alpha: ...I'll explain on the way back 🫠

[kurishiri]

epilogue . . . happy birthday, darius! ˗ˏˋ🪽´ˎ˗

— this translation may not be 100% accurate or may contain creative liberties for characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost or claim these as your own!

— please note this entire story is told from darius’ point of view!

— cw: invasion of personal space.

I had taken her to be far too honest, and a bit of a fool too.

Someone who Crown seemed charmed by——just another human.

And also how she had by chance happened upon a place where they had passed judgment.

That was all there was to it, and yet Crown seemed quite attached to her.

She was important to them, and they held her dear in their hearts.

And seeing her surrounded by them like that, it very much resembled a ‘robin’ within a birdcage.

Lightning didn’t strike thereafter.

It was as though the raging weather up until now had all been a lie as I turned to the stars that showed themselves in the sky.

(You lucky girl, you.)

Having come to her senses, she looked as though she had barely escaped from death,

and yet, she also somewhat seemed as though she was unsatisfied by something.

Darius: Now that’s quite unfortunate, seeing the sky ended up clearing.

Just like that, I let go of her, and she went for the door in a haste to make more distance, but——

Kate: U-umm...

For some reason, she turned around and raised her voice, her trembling hands gripping her skirt.

Kate: Happy birthday!

Darius: ......... [surprised]

Kate: And good night.

I could only stare at her retreating figure from the open door for a while, dazed.

But then, I started to feel things have really started to get interesting, and laughter escaped me thereafter.

Darius: That’s the first time I’ve seen a human like her.

There wasn’t any human like her in Germany.

(But even in this country, it seems that fairytale keeper is one of a kind too.)

(That just goes to show how there are some odd humans, I suppose.)

I took out the handkerchief from my pocket, pinching it between my fingers, so the moonlight illuminated its embroidery.

Darius: Well, I already could see what she was going to choose.

I saw how she had been setting her sights at what she was going to choose from outside the shop.

And also how she had taken that handkerchief first, before all else.

Darius: It’s the first I’ve heard handkerchiefs being used as a charm, though... is it like wishing upon something, maybe?

Such as wishing not to get hurt, or to come back safe and sound.

For a long time now, humanity has entrusted their wishes on objects.

Darius: If that’s the case, though, I think this would find much more use in your hands than mine.

If someone who held no power whatsoever, such as herself, accompanied Crown on missions as fairytale keeper...

(The least you could do is make a wish on this that you can come back without getting hurt, no?)

But——

Darius: It is pretty interesting seeing a human like her worry over us Cursed ones.

In the beginning, I was wondering what type of human this fairytale keeper was, seeing Crown all around her...

(But I sure didn’t expect her to be the one to approach me first, so I didn’t even need to probe any further to know.)

She did seem perplexed, to be sure, but in the end she said that she had fun,

and while my words clearly scared her, it wasn’t as though she had run away either.

Darius: All that talk about celebrating with me forever was meant to be a joke, but now I’m starting to think a bit otherwise.

Realizing that my reflection in the window was smiling, I placed my hand on the corner of my mouth.

Darius: Which means it’s about time I start thinking about turning Crown’s little robin into Vogel’s.

D: If I do that, then I really can have her celebrate my birthday.

Holding the handkerchief, I turned on my heel.

Strangely, I didn’t feel any disgust.

Darius: Always and forever, until I draw my very last breath.

A few days after my birthday——

Suddenly, I heard reserved knocks from the door, and I raised my head, turning my attention to the one at the other side of the door.

Darius: Come in, miss fairytale keeper.

When she opened the door, surprise was on her face.

Kate: How did you know it was me?

Darius: I just took a shot in the dark.

D: But it looks like I hit the mark.

(Well, actually, I knew because you’re the only one who knocks the door the way you do.)

I had ended up remembering how she knocked, seeing as the servants and maids knocked in a completely different way.

Kate: Are those... milk puzzles?

She looked down at the milk white pieces scattered about the desk.

Darius: We chatted about doing these together sometime, didn’t we?

Paying no mind, I continued putting the pieces together.

Darius: So would you like to do it? They’re a bit harder than normal puzzles though.

D: It’s more fun to put together a pure white piece rather than some plain old scenery.

Picking up pieces that had fallen to the floor, she handed them to me.

Kate: Of course, beautiful sceneries are good, but I also think having no picture at all like a milk puzzle is a wonderful thing too.

K: There isn’t a single stain to be seen on the single colored scene, so if you put it up somewhere, it’ll catch the eye, I would think.

(There wasn’t a single doubt in my mind that she’d say she preferred puzzles with a painting on them, but...)

My hands stopped where they were when I heard her response differ from what I had thought it would be.

Kate: But, it seems like it’d be harder than I imagine to actually do.

K: So, I wonder if I’ll be able to do these?

Her eyes seemed to sparkle at the half-done puzzle,

and so I handed her a smaller puzzle that I was going to do next.

Darius: This one has fewer pieces, so I imagine even you’d be able to do it, no?

Kate: Huh...? Is it alright?

Darius: Think of it as a thank you for celebrating my birthday.

Kate: T-thank you then.

Hugging the milk puzzle in her arms, she seemed quite happy, and I tilted my head at that.

(Is it really something to be that happy about?)

Kate: Uhm, actually, there’s something I’d like to give you today...

She set the box she had been hiding behind her back down on the desk, and when she opened it——

Darius: A berry tart?

In the box was a tart with an assortment of colorful berries on top.

Kate: We didn’t have a birthday cake, so I was thinking of celebrating once again, with this...

K: See, I gathered a lot of different types of berries, and prepared something elaborate!

Seeing her holding out candles, I couldn’t help but laugh.

(As I thought, she really is earnest, honest, and a tad bit foolish.)

It was as though she had forgotten all of what happened yesterday as she looked straight this way——

Darius: Is it okay to eat it now?

Kate: Of course! And since I brought these over, too, let’s put the candles in too.

From beyond the flickering flame of the candles, I could see a full smile play on her lips as she softly sang the birthday song.

(I’ve had my birthday celebrated a great many times up until now, but strangely...)

This time seemed infinitely more pleasant than any of those birthdays.

I heard her blow out the candles and clap her hands...

Kate: Happy birthday, Darius.

(...Just what is this feeling, I wonder?)

It was the first time I ever felt this way, so unable to put a name on it, I tilted my head.

Kate: Let’s eat it together.

She held out a fork to me, causing me to come back to my senses. I reached my hands for the tart——

And taking it as I pleased, I brought it to my mouth.

Kate: Ah...

The part of the tart that didn’t reach my mouth fell on top of the milk puzzle,

staining the pure white pieces a purplish red.

I tried to wipe the fruit juice that dripped from my mouth with the back of my hand, but…

Kate: You’ll get dirty...

In a panic, she reached out to do the same, and so I brought out the handkerchief from my pocket.

Then, I placed it in her hands...

Darius: Wipe it with this.

And gripping the handkerchief, she came in closer with a deliberate movement, her hand reaching out toward me.

(See, she’s approaching me without even a moment’s hesitation.)

Seeing her without an ounce of caution, I grabbed her wrist.

Kate: Wh...

Just like that, I pulled her toward me, and her body tumbled down in response. I then grabbed a berry in my other hand, and...

Kate: mngh——

I pressed it against those small lips.

The berry now crushed, those pink lips were stained a purple-red color, and a drop of its juice traced down to her chin.

(It looks like blood.)

My eyes felt awfully drawn to that, and using my fingers, I went on to stain her cheeks with the berry juice.

Darius: Indeed, ‘dirty’ sounds right.

(The milk puzzle, me, and you...)

Darius: You’ll wipe it all, won’t you.

The color called Kate, who had fell upon the pure white that was myself, was more lovely than I had ever thought it to be,

and, even still, I wanted to keep my eyes on that very scene.

← main story fin. letter →

full masterlist 🪽🍰 ╱ ko-fi

END NOTES: i feel like there’s just a lot to unpack with the tart scene. or just through this story in general, i’m really starting to understand what his voice actor, shigematsu chiharu, meant when he said when he mentioned how he found it charming that how he is very human-like himself despite sort of resenting humanity. i feel that tart scene really shed light on his own ‘humanity.’ or how he is clearly capable of feeling the same way other humans can feel, but is unable to put a label on it because with her, it’s the first time he’s felt the way he did… or even just the way he was confused or taken aback by this and that because of kate, you know.

overall there’s just a lot of this sort of dissonance to be had with his character, and i’m definitely curious about him and am excited to sort of get to the root of all this, like sort of finding out why he is the way he is and all that.

anyway, yeah, i’m thinking a lot about his character, but it’s a bit hard to form it into words maybe, haha. i hope you enjoyed the story!

[mirukosbitchywife]

dabi x reader | huggles mc'cuddles

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DABI!! ITS FINALLY HERE!!! i got a request for a dabi x reader cuddling fic and that is exactly what this is. just pure fluff. completely sfw it's literally just what the title suggests. this is also FOUR THOUSAND WORDS. this is my first proper fanfiction ever so it probably isn't the best but i worked really really hard on it so please be nice! i am not an actual writer i do this for funzies, constructive criticism is appreciated though! if this seems out of character for him just know i'm holding a gun from the abyss right behind him the whole time forcing him to be soft and have feelings. also there's a lot of himiko in this can u tell i love her... ive got a himiko request coming out soon! also tysm to my friend @ko-konutty for helping me edit this!! thank them for all of the capitalization and correct punctuation lmao

It's movie night at the league. The main TV is set up in the living room and the tables are filled with pizza boxes along with various snacks catered to everyone's individual tastes (Like the blood pouches Himiko demands). It's finally your turn to choose the night's movie. And you, naturally, pick your favorite. It results in some groaning over having to watch it again, which you so diligently ignore.

Quickly pressing the play button, you all start grabbing your food and get settled into your seats to watch. The arrangements end up with you and Dabi on a couch together, Toga and Twice squeezing themselves onto one chair- and Shigaraki, who claimed an arm chair at his own corner where he played with his switch. Not even pretending to pay attention to the movie since he's seen it at least three times already. Spinner and Magne are sat right next to him on two bean bags, which are actually facing the TV. And lastly, sat further away from the group, are Kurogiri and Mr. Compress. Chatting in low voices. You can see as Kurogiri makes Sako a drink at the bar; making an effort to not disturb anyone who is paying attention.

Really, everything should've been fine. You're surrounded by the people you dare call friends, with food and snacks along with your favorite movie playing. But you just can't help but be stuck in a bad mood.

Your entire month had pretty much been shit. Well- your entire year really. And you just. Really really needed a hug right now.

As much as you tried to pay attention to your favorite movie and try to eat your meal before it got cold, you just couldn't focus for a second. Normally, you'd be eating and chatting with everyone else. You're typically giving commentary on the movie and/or reciting lines, but this time you just couldn't drown out your thoughts.

As a matter of fact, you'd been so deep in your own head that you didn't even notice the concerned glances thrown your way from multiple members of the league over the fact that you've been quiet throughout the entire movie.

Hell, you didn't even notice the curious bright blue eyes burning holes onto the side of your head from the opposite end of the couch. Not 'til a rough voice startled you from your thoughts.

"You alright?" Dabi asked lowly.

He had leaned closer. You had never been so close to the man before- his face just a few inches from yours in order to not be heard by anyone else, giving you the illusion of privacy. You could clearly see the concern in his eyes while asking, despite the rest of his face seeming blank.

He'd never admit to concern. But in all honesty you'd all been getting quite closer these past few months together. And you knew he actually cared about everyone in the league.

Especially you.

Who so far has been the most resistant to the "Family bonding time" as Himiko liked to call it.

Despite him asking you a question- you couldn't stop yourself from admiring just how pretty he was. Especially this close up. His beautiful blue eyes, his facial piercings, the little frown he sets when he's trying to put on his blank expression.

He watches as you start to zone out in real time, but just before you can get completely lost in your thoughts again- he snaps his fingers in front of your face.

“Mmmmhmm" you hum.

You're still distracted looking at the staples lining his skin, not paying much attention to his words. Surveying the room in order to continue to not make eye contact- you easily spot two heads already peering back at you. Making both Himiko and Jin freeze while they were 'sneaking' you concerned glances from their shared chair.

Ignoring them for now, and having let the silence stretch a little too long, you eventually bring your eyes back up to meet the intense blue ones of the man at your side. You watch as he huffs at your lack of an answer, flopping back on the seat he claimed as his own.

He wants to let it drop there, it's clear you don't want to talk about whatever's bothering you with him. He should just go back to watching the movie. So, that's what he does. … For a few minutes.

But he just can't stop the concern he feels over your odd behavior tonight. He's debating on whether or not to question you again- only to notice he's been unconsciously bouncing his leg. Deciding to just bite the bullet, he chooses a different approach.

Making sure he catches your eye this time- he asks again. "Seriously. You alright? You're completely out of it today."

And as soon as the words leave his mouth, he can literally see the cogs turning in your mind. It's as clear as day you want to ask him something, it's written all over your face. And in a surprising act of patience- he stays quiet. Allowing you time to fully form your thoughts.

This turned out to be the right move as you start speaking after a moment of silence.

"Could you.... could I get a hug?" you ask hesitantly.

Looking up at him from under your lashes, fidgeting with your hands, clearly nervous about his answer. But trying to appear unaffected. He can't even focus on your face though, because as soon as you asked, his eyes blew wide, his heartbeat picked up, and he was speechless. He's absolutely floored by your question as people don't tend to just ask him things like that.

At his silence you were starting to feel disheartened. Opening your mouth to quickly backtrack and apologize for asking but he interrupts that train of thought with a soft sigh before you can get the words out.

"You...want a.. hug?" He asks in a voice you've never heard from him before.

He's unable to look you in the eye to hear your answer- even if he's sure of what it's going to be since it is what you asked afterall. But It doesn't change the fact that his heart is racing just at the thought.

Lifting his eyes up to keep them from going back to your face: He spots Himiko and Jin on their shared chair. Right behind your head to his view on the couch. Both vigorously nodding their heads along to your request- encouraging him to agree.

…

As if he would deny you anything.

You may have only known each for a few months, but he's developed quite a soft spot for you over that time. This fact goes unnoticed by you, but not the rest of your friends as he's frequently teased about it by Himiko damn near daily. The teasing often leading to him storming out of whatever room he's in with a light pink blush dusting the healthy parts of his face, only to get teased by other members as soon as he's spotted fleeing Himiko.

He only meets your gaze again when he sees Himiko miming stabbing him if he refuses.

Turning back to face you- he sees your face is fully lit up by the TV. Bringing his attention to the dark circles under your eyes. He's honestly unsure of how he hadn't seen them before. Now that he's paying attention, he also sees the exhaustion in your body language. You've slumped into yourself, looking incredibly tense. He has no clue how long you've been like this without any one of them noticing.

But in their defense, you're not particularly close to anyone here. Always staying on the sidelines, always by yourself- Even when invited to hang out by the more friendly members of the league, You've made sure to keep your distance from them, your walls built up high around you. They can see it though. The way you're hurting yourself more by keeping a distance from them, refusing to get attached to anyone. They can see how you're suffering alone.

They see it so clearly, they've all been in your exact position. They WERE in your exact position right before they found the league. And they know that as much as they want to- they can't just force it. They can't force you to open up to them and be part of the family they’ve made. They have to wait for you to be open to reaching out. To want to form bonds again. And- here you are. Finally starting to break out from the hard shell you have around them, seeking comfort.

And you're asking for it from him of all people?

"Yeah.. if it's okay with you? You're just.. really warm." You explain in a soft voice, afraid of him denying you after you barely managed to find the courage to ask in the first place.

"Uhh.. Yeah. Sure. Of course." He rambles nervously, heart racing in anticipation at the idea.

He's quick to move. Settling fully on the couch in a position that'll be comfortable for the both of you. As soon as he's found it, he opens his arms in invitation- making it so that his lap is completely free for however you want to place yourself.

Despite his easy acceptance, when you easily slide yourself onto his lap- he can't help but tense up. He's reeling over being the recipient of such attention; despite him having expected it. However, he's no where near uncomfortable with the closeness.

You clearly already had an idea of how you wanted the hug to go before asking him as you wasted no time situating yourself over his lap to face him, chest to chest. Your knees bracketing his hips on the couch and wrapping your arms around his waist. You slump forward against him, hooking your chin over his shoulder, and nuzzle into his neck slightly before settling down. Completely comfortable on his lap now.

Once you're still; you feel hands that are almost too hot wrap around your back, pulling you forward the last bit so you're both pressed flush against each other. Those hands then move around your waist to form a light hold.

He's been tense the entire time. That is until you snake your hand up to the top of his head- lightly running your fingers through his soft white hair. Gently scratching his scalp with your nails. The sigh he lets out as he melts into your touch ruffles your hair, but you pay no mind to it.

What you do pay attention to is the fact that this is the first time you'd ever been this close to him. Hell, this is the closest you've been to anyone in years. And the main thing that captures your attention is his surprisingly nice scent. You can easily smell the scent of smoke and nicotine that clings onto him at all times, but even beyond that- you notice the smell of the strawberry shampoo Himiko uses. Along with the faintest scent of snow. You never would've guessed it but somehow it fits now that youre smelling it on him.

Being chest to chest with him you also note how warm he is. You've already known this but being this close? It makes it entirely different. You can just feel the heat seeping into your bones. Relaxing your muscles even further. The thought of seeking him out again after a fight to use him as a personal hot pack crosses your mind briefly and you huff a laugh into his shoulder at the thought.

He didn't even feel it, since unknown to you: Dabi's mind has been running wild since the moment you asked him for the hug. And in all honesty, he didn't really know what he had been expecting after asking if you were alright. But this situation definitely was not it.

Still, he's stuck on one thing, he just doesn't really understand why you chose him to request a hug from. Sure he was questioning if you were alright and was right there next to you, but if you just wanted a hug- Why not approach Himiko any of the times you saw her this week? Or even Jin or Spinner? Hell, maybe even Compress!

They're the more welcoming members of the league. Not him. He's not exactly what he'd call approachable. People are usually so scared by his appearance; or at the very least put off at first. He's not really a person most people would look to for a hug. Yet here you are- cuddled up on his lap.

He's not exactly a stranger to being hugged- everyone in the league is aware of Himiko's clinginess after all. But the fact that he was your first choice? Now that added a lot more impact. It's not as if you deny hugs from the other members, you've just never initiated them like you did with him.

That's never happened to him.

He's never been picked first for nearly anything, let alone comfort.

He's not even anyone's first choice of comfort in the league. It's not like he holds it against any one of them, but they all do have members they're closer to than him, and he's fine with that. He's content on his own most of the time, even if he does secretly treasure when the entire league is together the most. Even despite acting as if he didn't enjoy their company.

But, here you are. Taking a wrecking ball to everything he's used to and making him feel warmer than he has in a while. And not in a way relating to his quirk whatsoever. The revelation hits him hard as he unknowingly started to grip your shirt tightly in his fists, balling up the material, but you don't feel it. Already having fallen into a sleepy half asleep state against his shoulders- completely unaware of the way you've made his thoughts race.

You're enjoying the comfort from him as much as possible, especially since it's been over half an hour since the hug started and he still hasn't pushed you off. You're determined to stay here as long as he'll let you. You want to see if he'll let you stay on his lap long enough for you to fall asleep. You're fine sleeping right here, you just want to see if you'd finally be able to sleep for a whole night without nightmares if there's someone with you while you rest, craving just one night with a full 8 hours of sleep.

He only snaps out of his thoughts when he can physically feel Himiko glaring daggers into his head. To put it simply- If looks could kill, he'd be dead. Confused as to what he did, he looks down at you and sees you. Struggling to keep your eyes open, lightly rubbing your face against his shoulder. You had moved to rest your cheek on it instead of your chin, facing his neck, while he was zoned out. He was so out of it he hadn't noticed the soft breathing against his skin until just this second.

Having now been roused from his thoughts, he looks at the time. Taking note of the way you're quickly losing your fight with sleep- he moves for the first time since you climbed on his lap. He's intent on bringing you to your bed, as he doesn't know if he'll have the heart to wake you if you fell asleep on him, and he doesn't want to pick you up while asleep either, in order to not disturb you. He doesn't know how light of a sleeper you are and he's not willing to find out.

He also didn't want you sleeping on the couch anyway. Especially now that they finally have a hideout where everyone gets their own rooms; therefore you have your own perfectly fine bed. Which is much better than a couch. He easily slides his hands under your thighs to lift you up, making it so that you won't have to detach from him until you get to your room, and allowing you to rest against him for a little longer. You let out a quiet yelp in surprise, making a couple members look over at you two when he stands. But- other than Himiko sticking her tongue out at him when he passes her- there's no reaction from anyone else when he starts walking towards the hallway that'll lead to your room, with you, of course, still in his arms.

Your door is unlocked, as it always is because even if you're not close to the league, you trust them. That makes it much easier for Dabi to get in without needing to move you or put you down. Walking in, he can't help but notice the somewhat sparse decorations in your room.

He's not the kind of guy to snoop, but he's interested to see the parts of your personality that he'll be able to pick up from your room. He is the first person you've ever allowed inside afterall. And looking in just from the doorway- he notices a couple posters on your walls. Mainly musical artists and video games from the swift surveying glances he gives them. He also notes one poster ripped at the corner, but keeps walking until he passes your vanity, where he stops for a moment, he sees pictures scattered across the mirrors borders, some having people cut or scratched out of them. He also takes note of the little things you have there on the surface, like the necklace you made with a bead Mr. Compress gave you, along with your collection of makeup, some of which he knows you use in costume, some of which you got from Magne.

Not wanting to spend too much time looking about, making you question why he stopped. So, he continues on towards your bed where he admires the fairy lights you've set up. On your pillows he also spots the bunny plushie Himiko gave you when she found out they're your favorite animal. In all honesty- seeing you having so many gifts from the other members makes him feel a little jealous. He didn't even know you were friendly enough with some of them to receive gifts from.

He wants to give you something that you'll keep with you too, the issue is: He has no idea how to pick out gifts. Maybe one day he'll suck it up and swallow his pride for you to ask Himiko. He knows she'll help him- he just doesn't know if he could take the teasing that would come.

Dismissing that line of thought with a quick shake of his head, he approaches your bedside, bending over it slightly so that you'll fall over it when you release your hold on him.

Except-

instead of releasing and getting into bed, you surprise him for a second time that night by gripping his middle tighter and whining softly. He freezes in place as soon as you do and you start to tense up, worried that maybe you pushed too far by doing that, but before you can move, he speaks up. However, all he does is whisper quietly to you:

“Y’sure you want me to join you, Sweetheart?”

and you can swear you heard his voice break in the middle of asking that, but you don't point it out. You're too embarrassed over your request to actually verbally ask for him to stay with you until you fell asleep, so you just nod against his shoulder, hoping he'll take that as your answer and you won't have to speak up.

Thankfully for you, after that confirmation, he silently stands back up, with you still hanging onto him, and begins to shuffle into your bed, getting the both of you under your plush comforter, one arm wrapped around you the whole time he's moving. He doesn't say another word, he just lies on his back, with you now straddling his abdomen.

Still slightly embarrassed about the situation despite his easy acceptance to your request, you choose to not say anything for now. All you do is readjust yourself and get comfortable. Since he got in bed with you still on top of him, you assume it's alright if you don't get up from where you are.

Because you really don't want to end the most comfortable hug of your life so soon, that's the main reason you didn't want him to leave. But you'll also secretly admit to yourself that you asking him to stay was a bit selfish, as youve wanted to spend more time with him as well. Even if you haven't talked much to each other tonight, this entire ordeal has been a big experience for you. Tonight is the first time you've let your walls down even the slightest bit around another person in years. But what you're not anticipating is the fact that this move is also the first step to joining the makeshift family the league has formed. .

The family they've been trying to bring you into for weeks.

You're lying on top of him in a very similar position to the one y'all were in in the common area. The only real difference now is how you've fully stretched out your legs, and that your face is pressed into his neck instead of his shoulder, fully facing him now.

Once you're done moving about, his arms come back up around you to rest his warm hands against the dip of your back, which makes you release a sleepy sigh. Fully content to surrender to the darkness calling you to rest; there's something bothering you, keeping you from giving in yet. There's one more thing you need to do before you fall asleep. Moving your head up so you can make eye contact with him nstead of his neck, you mumble in a low voice:

“Thank you for this… G’night Dabi."

He doesn't give a response, he just hums and tightens his arms around you. But he doesn't need to say anything, as you're fully asleep within a minute after having said your parting. The heat of his body was making the call of sleep even more irresistible, and now that you said what you wanted to, you were able to give into it. As you fall asleep, you've started to unconsciously grip Dabi’s shirt tightly, curling the fabric around your firsts; as if subconsciously afraid he'd leave you right after you drift off. But of course he doesn't do that.

He would never do that to you.

Instead, he waits until he's sure you're deeply sleeping, listening to the soft sound of your even breathing against his skin, before his eyes find your face. Soaking up every detail he can make out in the low light of your bedroom, he lets himself appreciate your beauty. The only light in the room being from the string of fairy lights within the room; but that's enough for him right now.

In the stillness of your bedroom, with the only movement coming from you contently sleeping over him in your huddle, he finally allows his tears of blood to fall from his eyes. The ones he's been holding off ever since you let him into your room. The urge had only increased as you continued to cling to him, then shocking him by allowing him on your bed with you, to provide you the comfort you've been craving through the night. It had all become too much for him to hold back now that you're unable to see him.

The show of trust hits him hard as he lies there, crying silently as he grips you tighter, as if you're the only thing keeping him from floating away. The fact that he's the first person you've ever let into your room, and probably the first person to hold you like this in a while, if ever, makes his heart beat erratically in his chest. Your show of vulnerability to him of all people is doing something to him. He didn't even realize how cold he had grown until he was shown the lightest bit of sunshine and immediately began to thaw.

You choosing him to be vulnerable with already has him craving being vulnerable back. Already considering how he might initiate the hug next time- desperately wanting this to become a common occurrence.

And under the bed of night, as crimson tears still flowed, he whispered back to your sleeping form.

"Thank you too.. Goodnight.." as he places a kiss to the crown of your head.

For the first time in maybe his whole life, he doesn't fall asleep in pain or to the deafening noise of his thoughts screaming at him, which are filled with intrusive thoughts that sound suspiciously like his father. No. Instead, he falls asleep under you, feeling truly appreciated and wanted for the first time. The smile that spread across his face before falling victim to the lull of your gentle breathing stays on his face the entire night, never even once interrupted by the nightmares of his past he typically deals with every night.

[adracat]

G Witch episode 17 thoughts

The one where everything goes wrong (but I like angst so we're cool gwitch, I luv u)

It's late, I'm braindead and emotionally everywhere with this episode but that's just an average Suletta Sunday. Let's go!

We saw this coming a mile away but it's still tough to watch Mio fall right into Prospera's machinations, even if she's aware. She just loves Suletta so much and wants her free, striking a deal with this metaphorical devil to do it. But faustian bargains never come without a heavy price.

Already posted some of my thoughts about this on twitter but there's more room to ramble here so you all will suffer for it. It's so clever and painful for these two to be having two separate convos happening at the same time; a common theme with them like we see in ep10. Mio seems resigned but still checks if Suletta will voluntarily cede Aerial without a duel. Suletta, believing she's being tested after their previous conversation, states firmly she won't. Her desire for Mio''s approval is so blatant, with the added subtext of 'Yes, there are precious things I can't give up.' Aerial is one of them, and I think we'll see Mio is the other. Her little shy looks at Mio are so cute ;-;

Shaddiq is being... Shaddiq. I am wondering what his end goal for gundams will be considering as far as we know, Aerial is the only one that doesn't take a pilot's life. Is he so convinced they're the future for Earthian liberation? It's a quick but interesting bit of intrigue.

LMAO GET WRECKED 5LAN. This was hilarious and a long time coming. I was getting really sick of his predatory antics. Looks like he well and truly burned any lingering fondness. Interesting he lets slip he's not the same Elan though. I wonder if she caught that? Guel coming in clutch for the save was a neat callback to ep1

Too bad for Guel, Suletta is completely down bad for short sassy girlbosses. This convo was quite endearing though since Guel accepts her rejection without a fuss. He even seems to support her feelings for Miorine and vice versa, as we see later. I suspect it's this exchange which prompts Miorine to bargain with him; her support of Jeturk/hand in marriage in exchange for his company backing. It was a tough decision for her to make, returning to a man she despised over love, but the Guel here is very different from ep1 Guel.

GOD, If this doesn't sum up her motivations in a nutshell. She wants Suletta free and happy. Away from her manipulative mother, from gundams, from Benerit; everything Mio does is for Suletta, including trading her own freedom in return and marrying a man she doesn't love. There's something to be said for her martyrdom blinding her to the truth that Suletta loves her just as fiercely. I imagine Mio thinks she's doing what's best for Suletta, that she can move forward without her. Of course, we know the truth. I'm weak for them ;-;(There's also a deep irony when you realize she's effectively doing the same thing as Delling)

I was wondering if Guel would have ptsd after earth, and the answer is OH YEAH. He was a mess. War does a number on you, even if logically you know this is just a duel. I felt bad for him, but I'm glad the show depicted this.

THIS. WAS. SO. RUDE. You can't just reveal Suletta was daydreaming about their future wedding while the godforsaken BIRTHDAY SONG plays. I had to watch that multiple times because of the sheer audacity. And Mio's shaking hands as Suletta basically proposes?? It was too much but hurt so good.

This was interesting though. Before Mio cuts Aerial's power, Eri apologizes. Did she know and was complicit? We read in Cradle Planet Eri wants Suletta to be free of Prospera's revenge, so did she allow this plan because it would give Suletta freedom? I like to think so, tragic as it is.

I knew that visor had something to do with GUND. Something tells me this will be the catalyst to getting Miorine an eye implant. (The ED told me)

Utena parallels aside, this moment was telegraphed from the first conversation between them this episode. I've seen many malign Mio over this, completely ignoring she's making what she *thinks* is the best decision for Suletta.

Is it hypocritical? Unfair? Sure. But it's hardly nonsensical or sudden. She's overly harsh because she believes it'll free Suletta from her entirely. Suletta won't fight for her if she thinks Mio never cared. We the audience know she's being played - Mio knows it too - but she still thinks this is the only way to sever Suletta from her mother. She was faced with a terrible choice and is deciding to be selfless. My heart aches for them both.

This was masterclass in heartbreak, gotta admit. She was twisting that knife. I understand the anger somewhat, but look at the bigger picture here. We can still see Suletta return cool-san, maybe on one knee?

I can't wait until next week when... whaz tha? you say it's TWO WEEKS?! 🫠🫠🫠

[popcornfairy28]

Writing patterns ✨

rules: share the first line of your last ten published works or as many as you are able and see if there are any patterns!

Tagged by @ligercat, thanks for that! I will also be doing the last line, but a few of these are still ongoing fics so I've just got the current last line lol.

50 Ways to Not Die

First line: Arthur was dead.

Last line *(so far): Well, that went easier than expected. Now just to reveal his magic.

Best Secret Keeper Ever

First line:

(Happy Birthday, Isabella)

Unknown number

hi Stacy, it's me, P the #[ ]"> just thot Id text & see if u had any ?s about what happened

Last line:

Stacy

I guess since Vanessa figured out the accounting error, MM no longer knows the meaning of a budget?

Never Really Fit In

First line: Ealdor was a small, simple farming village nestled along the border of the kingdoms of Camelot and Essetir, where life was interminably consistent. Even when going through tumultuous times, it was predictable.

Last line: They left again after a couple days. The village had well grown accustomed to it. Some people never really fit in, after all.

***This is where I'm skipping over The Crystal of Neahtid because it's first line is from 2020 lol and I'm taking last ten to mean most recent, which this is not I just happened to update it this summer (I say that while being pretty sure that the previous fic's first line was also written in like 2020 😂)***

Perry the Teenage Spy: Extra Scenes

First line: SLAM!

Last line *(so far cuz ho boy this is by no means gonna be the last line lol): Well, Candace better not go into nursing. Limping from the bandage being wrapped so tightly, he hobbled over to the nearest lair entrance and struggled into it. Time to do it properly .

Lightsaber Golf

First line: Perry really should have seen this coming, after he'd started taking Phineas and Ferb to Ben Kenobi's for weekly "Jedi" lessons. He knew they wouldn't quite understand the gravity of the situation, and while they would take it seriously, they were still very young at 7 years of age and utterly innocent. They actually liked living on Tatooine, and nobody liked that! Well, at least nobody that Perry hung around.

Last line: “Oh, yeah, right,” Stacy said sheepishly. They walked back to where their siblings and their friends were waiting and continued playing, but Perry stayed alert. It would only take one slip-up, and Perry wouldn’t be able to make good on his promise should Candace ever return.

The Chesterton Challenge Prompts

First line: It was the anniversary since the old king and queen of Vesulia had both tragically passed, several years ago, and their children Queen Bridgette, Prince Aden, and Princess Sasha had a tradition to remember their parents. It wasn't a sad tradition, as they didn't want to remember their parents only in their grief, but instead it was a light-hearted one.

Last line *(so far): “Not the kind you're supposed to brag about, apparently,” Sasha laughed at her brother. He scowled back at her. 

Playing Dead

First line: "Okay, so what are we doing?" Stacy asked after Candace dragged her to the living room, where Perry looked like he was trying to take a nap. He must have been tired after his mission. It was sort of hard to reconcile that this adorable napping creature was a butt-kicking sentient secret agent.

Last line: There was her answer.

OWCA's Fools

First line: On April 1st, Perry spied his team loitering about in a random center at HQ, so naturally he had to investigate.

Last line: There was a reason he usually stayed away from HQ, especially on April Fools’.

Baby Brother

First line: On February 29, 2000, it was an overcast day in London, England, and nearly 7 year-old Perry Fletcher was waiting anxiously in his Grandpa and Grandma Fletcher’s cottage. His parents had left him there as his mother was in labor with his baby brother, which was exactly why he was waiting anxiously. He was pretty sure that Grandpa and Grandma were also anxious, but perhaps they were better at masking it. 

Last line: “I think we should call him Ferb.”

The Princess and the Pulverized Pea

First line: Once upon a time there was a princess who had been traveling all over the world, searching for a prince who she could love. She'd met plenty of lovely princes, but none that she could truly love. There was always something about them that was not as it should be.

Last line: Over the next few days, the prince and princess grew rather close as they waited for her company to find her. When she left to return to her kingdom, they started writing letters to each other everyday. Always believing she was a real princess, the prince would eventually take her as his wife, and when they became the king and queen, they swore never to place peas in their guests’ beds.

I guess the common link is that most of the time I like to have boringly informative openers 🤣. And by that I mean I don't usually have dialogue in my openers or endings (with the obvious exception of chat-fics). Idk, you tell me what you feel like the common link is.

6 of them are Phineas and Ferb, 2 are BBC Merlin, one's a fairytale retelling, and one is original work (all on AO3!).

Thanks again for tagging me! Actually kinda encouraging to post this lol, reminding me that I have indeed published things this year haha!

Open tags I guess!

[fluxweeed]

Unfinished Friday

ahhh @tackytigerfic what a pleasure it was to get a peek at some hot unreleased tacky words! i'm so intrigued! ron's visions! temporal magic! underground brewing! sad boy dracooooo 🥺 delicious teasing perfection!!!

u were very kind to tag me!! i have a few fics that i know in my heart will never ever see the light of day; my favourite is a longfic that is my take on the classic auror partners trope. it's never getting done. i do not have it in me to write a 100k mutual pining casefic. i know this. we all know this. tragically i think it is also my favourite thing i've ever written – but perhaps that isn't so tragic, bc it means i get a chance to share some of it here now!

quick set-up: harry and draco are paired together on a case, which is going nowhere fast. in an attempt to bond w draco, bc their relationship can be described as awkward at best, harry invites him to his birthday drinks. instead, draco gets drunk and bonds with ron about how funny they think harry is (draco will regret this hugely when he's sober again). this is the immediate aftermath of the pub night.

“He can Floo from mine, the walk might clear his head a little bit.”

“My head is fine, Potty,” Malfoy insisted, tilting alarmingly sideways. Harry grabbed him and ducked under his arm.

“Or he can sleep in one of the spare rooms,” Harry amended.

“Probably for the best,” Hermione said, eyeing Malfoy. She was prevented from saying anything further by Ron planting his face directly into her hair.

“You’re my girlfriend!” Ron told the back of Hermione’s head, his voice muffled. Hermione patted him absently on the shoulder.

“Sure you’ll be all right, Harry?”

Harry thought he had it pretty lucky, actually, as Ron was, as far as Harry could tell, attempting to bury his entire self in Hermione’s hair. Hermione had a large volume of hair, but Ron was a very tall person. Harry didn’t think Ron was going to fit.

“Sure you’ll be all right?” Harry countered.

“Hermione Granger is my girlfriend!” Ron said into Hermione’s neck.

“Where is Weasley going?” Malfoy asked.

“We’re all going home,” Hermione said decisively. “Come on, you silly lump,” she told Ron, who whined when his attempt at nesting in Hermione’s hair was thwarted.

“I don’t want to go home,” Malfoy grumbled. Then he seemed to notice Harry propping him up. “Potter? What are you doing there?”

“I’m making sure you don’t fall flat on your face, you dickhead,” Harry said, trying to steer Malfoy out of the door.

“Oh,” Malfoy said. “That’s… oh.” He fell silent, frowning. Harry didn’t mind, as it left him compliant as Harry half-dragged him out onto Charing Cross Road.

Malfoy stayed quiet as they bade goodnight to the others, and stumbled along without complaint. It was quite a long walk back to Grimmauld Place. Harry usually enjoyed the journey, but it wasn’t long before his shoulders started to ache from hauling a stumbling Malfoy along. He briefly considered the Underground, or maybe a taxi – but Malfoy refused to put his wand away. Harry was hoping that at least if they stayed outside, nobody would notice or care. At least Malfoy wasn’t actually using it.

Harry huffed and shifted under Malfoy’s arm so he could get a better grip. He wished he could cast a feather-light charm, but with Malfoy in the state he was in, a sudden change in gravity wouldn’t do either of them any favours. And anyway – the last thing they needed was for Harry to make the charm too strong (he still wasn’t fully sober, himself) and have Malfoy go floating off over central London.

As they made their way further north, rowdy pubs and clubs gave way to sleepy rows of shops and flats. The difference in atmosphere was startling, and Harry found his ears were ringing from the lack of noise.

“Whatzat sound?” Malfoy demanded.

“Oh, awake, are you? Want to let your feet know?”

Malfoy ignored him and made no attempt to support himself. Instead, he frowned over his shoulder, his neck twisting awkwardly where Harry’s head was in the way. “Your back is screaming.”

“No s’not, that’s just my ears ringing,” Harry said, then realised how stupid that was. “Wait. That’s not right, is it?”

“Potty Potter.” Malfoy snickered. “I think there’s a pixie in your bag, Potty.”

Now it was Harry’s turn to awkwardly twist his neck, but with Malfoy’s arm still slung over him, it was quite impossible to turn his head at all. “He said there wouldn’t be any more pixies,” Harry mumbled, thinking of Seamus, but now Malfoy had pointed it out, Harry realised the noise was indeed coming from behind him.

Harry looked around and spotted a nearby lamppost he could lean Malfoy against while he dug through his bag. Buried under his work robes wasn’t a pixie, but instead –

“Izzat a Sneakoscope?” Malfoy asked. “Why do you even have that? They’re rubbish. Absolute tat.”

“Not this one,” Harry frowned at the twirling top, screaming its distress out of the palm of Harry’s hand. “Hermione charmed it for me. It only reacts to things related to cases I’ve been assigned.” He straightened and looked up and down the quiet street, half expecting to see a swirl of robes, hear the echo of Pansy Parkinson’s wicked laugh.

But nothing waited for him except shuttered shopfronts and closed blinds. Harry held the Sneakoscope up one way, then another, trying to figure out which direction made it wail louder. But his foggy brain was having trouble focusing on anything through the piercing noise. He shook his head to try and clear it.

“Should we call it in, d’you reckon? Get someone to come down here and take a look?”

“What, wake Robards up because someone kicked your bag at the pub and broke your trinket?” Malfoy wrinkled his nose. “It’s four in the morning.”

It was only just gone midnight, but Malfoy had a point nonetheless. “But if something is happening, and we miss it…”

“Look around, Potty!” Malfoy spread his arms dramatically, and nearly lost his balance. “There’s nobody here! Everyone is sleeping! Helloooo, Muggles!” he called.

“Shut the fuck up!” came a muffled yell in response.

The Sneakoscope was still whirring loudly. Harry wrapped his robes around it and stuffed it back in his bag. Unfortunately, silencing the Sneakoscope’s screech didn’t clear Harry’s sluggish thoughts as much as he’d wanted it to.

“I still think we should look into it,” he said doubtfully.

“It’s four in the morning!”

Still wrong, but they were hardly in the right state to be investigating. “Tomorrow, then. We’ll come back.” If Malfoy’s yelling hadn’t stopped the Sneakoscope whirring, it probably wasn’t reacting to the presence of a person, who surely would have Disapparated at the noise.

Malfoy shrugged, the movement somehow still elegant despite his drunken leaning. “If you like.”

Harry hesitated for a moment longer, but temporal inaccuracies or not, Malfoy was right: dragging Robards out of bed in the early hours of a Saturday morning because of a broken Sneakoscope was too great a risk. They’d come back tomorrow and take a proper look around.

He cast a tracking charm on the nearest shopfront – Mickey’s Motors – so they could find their way back tomorrow and stood, hoiking the bag back onto his shoulders. “Come on, then,” he said. “Let’s go.”

Malfoy held an arm out imperiously, and Harry rolled his eyes before ducking under it and letting Malfoy lean on him again.

“Where are we going?”

Harry snorted and hitched Malfoy’s arm more comfortably around his shoulder as they set off towards Islington again. “Where do you think we’re going, Malfoy?”

“I dunno. You’re doing all the walking.”

“You’re bloody right I am,” Harry grumbled. “We’re going back to my house. Lucky for you. I could have been taking you anywhere, you daft bugger.”

“I trust you,” Malfoy said distractedly. “We’re going back to… your house?”

“Yes, idiot.”

Malfoy hummed, and tilted his head so it was resting against Harry’s. “You taking me home, Harry?” he murmured. Harry was forcefully reminded of the Cupboard Incident; Malfoy’s voice was suddenly as low and silky as it had been then. Its effect on Harry hadn’t changed, and he shivered despite the warm evening.

They were a few streets away from Grimmauld Place when Malfoy finally piped up again. “Why have we been walking for hours? I’m hungry.”

“We’ve only been walking for ten minutes since we stopped,” Harry grouched. His back ached from the extra weight of a floppy pure-blood slumped over him. At least Malfoy was talking again, which made Harry feel as if he was slightly better than the lamppost outside Mickey’s Motors, but Malfoy hadn’t yet found it in himself to walk properly. “Although, again, you’re not doing much of the walking, are you?”

“You’re saving me,” Malfoy said, and dissolved into snickers. He didn’t stop giggling – nor did he make any effort to walk unaided – until they stopped in the middle of Grimmauld Place. Harry ducked out from under Malfoy’s arm, but kept a firm grip on him, just in case.

“Wotzat?” Malfoy said. “Are we here? Do you live in a park, Potter?” He looked at the gardens across the road and scrunched his nose.

“I don’t live in a park, Malfoy.”

“Then why are we standing in the street? It’s dark.” He raised his wand as if to ward off any would-be attackers.

Harry couldn’t help but grin. Malfoy was still unsteady on his feet, his hair a mess – hardly an intimidating sight. “I have to tell you something first,” Harry said, automatically glancing around for eavesdroppers. “C’mere.”

Malfoy’s eyes widened and he dropped his arm as Harry leant in to murmur, “I live at number twelve, Grimmauld Place.”

The light from the streetlamp glittered in Malfoy’s wide eyes. “Oh,” he breathed, “I live at number twenty-eight, Ennismore Gardens.”

A snort of laughter burst from Harry. “My house is under Fidelius, you prick.” He nodded his head towards number twelve. “Look.”

Malfoy turned to look at the front steps of number twelve. To Harry, they were as immobile as always, but he remembered how the house had squeezed itself into existence when he’d first seen it. “I’ve never been told a Fidelius secret before.” His voice was hushed.

“Well. I’m honoured to be your first.” Malfoy shot him a look and Harry cleared his throat. “Shall we?”

as ever, i have no clue where anyone else is at re: having done/not done this! please do take this as a sign to share ur hidden gems if you'd like, and if u do pls tag me so i can inhale them!!! ❤️

[akihabara-division03]

ARB Birthday Special: Makina Setsukura

~ September 1st ~

“Lost is a lovely place to find yourself.”

Login Lines

“Hah… the day hasn’t even started and I’m already tired of adulting… can I go back to being a teenager…? No… can I go back to those days before everything happened?”

“Hmmmm guess not, who am I kidding… well happy birthday to me and anyone else who’s celebrating today…”

Voice Lines

“Hello? We live? Hmmmmm ok ok, good to see everyone again— especially now that my birthday’s rolled around again. I know, I know, we’re at that point already. Time, slow down, already, I don’t wanna get older. Hm? ‘Keep it up and you’ll be an old hag soon’? I’m getting my mods in here and I’m banning you for five minutes, you take that back.”

“We’re gonna aim for a 24 hour stream. I’m running on thirty minutes of sleep, but I’ll be streaming all day today— Ah… but I think Anika did say she wanted to at least meet up with the tomato head for dinner, so I’ll be gone for a bit… but I guess you’re stuck with me all day, chat. Ah… I saw all the fanart earlier this morning and I’m seeing lots of “happy birthday’s” in chat… that’s nice of you guys… WHAT THE HELL YOU GUYS, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE DONOS AND SUBS BUT QUIT SPENDING YOUR MONEY ON ME!!!!!! … WHAT IS WITH YOU GUYS?!?! YOU’RE TAKING IT TOO FAR, TOO FAR, I SAID!!!!!!!!”

“Oi… it’s too early for your bullshit… so what’d you want? Oh, you remembered it. Hah? My birthday is easy to remember? Oh, right, we have the same birthday… Hey, Anika, maybe today’s not the day to— U-Uh huh…”

“Kay? So what is this? They’re two cute bunny figures to me? Cable holders? … I’m starting to notice you only gift me things you just want me to have so I can be out of your way… Tch. Shrewd old hag. Hey, Anika? … No, it’s nothing. I said it’s nothing.”

“Oh, Shian. You’re here. Why do you sound like you’re threatening me… Ew, never say shit like that again.”

“What the— how in the hell did you lug that thing in here, it’s as tall as I am?! What even is this? A gaming chair? And it’s Kuromi and My Melody-themed? I mean it’s cute and all, but I have a chair already? Ehhhh… I don’t wanna hear that from Ms. “Old Hag with a shrimp back because of her cow udders”… OW! You punched me?! This is child abuse, dammit!!! Then assault! Didn’t you say that shit’s illegal?! Tch. Fucking corrupt bail lady… Argh I said nothing!”

Anika Lines

“Morning, Makina~ What do you mean, ‘how’d I remember?’ Your birthday specifically is kinda hard to forget. But! That’s a problem for future-us! For now, this day is dedicated to you and you alone~”

“Hehe! That’s what they look like but they’re cable holders! That way, you’re not just leaving your cords and cables all over the place and no one has to keel tripping over them! Ohhhhhh? I have no clue what you mean~ I can still lip-read, dipshit. What the hell, then don’t act like you’re gonna say something to me if you’re gonna take it back…”

Shian Lines

“Damn, well ‘happy birthday’ to you… Excited to see me, I see. Look, this is the one day I can’t tell you off, so enjoy your special day while it lasts. It’s not a threat, I do mean it. You’ve always been so miserable, so just enjoy this one day, kiddo. Shut up and just open your present.”

“I have my ways, now just look. Your bean bag chair doesn’t count, you can’t keel using that to stream. You’ll have the back of an old lady before you turn twenty at this rate. … “What’re you talking about? You’re technically an adult now. Sure, just try. We both know I’ll get away with it, anyway. Hah? You tryna tell me something?”

[rainofthetwilight]

"I love her your honor I could ramble nonstop about this girl for days lmao" (<- from ur post abt hoor)

may i request some more rambles about her? :3 it can be literally anything abt her u want, idrc :)

ohhhh casey you don't know what train of thought you just started rn lmao

I hope you enjoy my long rambling abt my blorbo <33

okay, so, she's ambidextrous but has a prefrence for her right hand! she does most things with it, and barely uses her left hand sometimes.

her birthday is on 15th april! I'd say she's around her early-mid twenties in DR, not sure about her and bahr's age yet

compared to bahr, her arabic accent isn't that strong when she speaks ninjargon, meanwhile his accent is strong strong compared to hers

she and bahr lived in the same villiage (which was also the same villiage cole lived in), and they'd spend probably the entire day playing together outside ,but everything got gloomier when he left, which made hoor the saddest she'd ever been, she didn't know where he went either so it was even harder to process

hoor is also a fashion obsesser, and posts alot of her own outfits online and is pretty popular for it! she has alot of hijabs, some she doesn't even use, but she keeps them 'just incase' lol. she really likes styling them in different ways, and each outfit can sometimes get different styles, she gets reallyyy picky when picking colours tho

when she gets bored, she likes to embroider (which she is not quite good at yet) and likes to write!

other than being popular for her outfits, she's actually a journalist too! she has a love-hate (mostly hate) relationship with her studio, the only thing making her job fun being some of her coworkers at that point, but she doesn't hate the job itself at all

she's an absolute sucker for pasta, no matter what kind, she'll eat right away like she hasn't eaten in days 😭 she wishes to one day make some on her own, but with her awful cooking skills she'd probably burn the whole kitchen, she'd just head straight to her mother if she doesn't wanna eat from a restuarant

speaking of that, she lives in an apartment flat that's not so far from her mother's, but close enough so they could be able to visit and see eachother, and to also make sure the other's okay when there's danger. when she first moved in her own apartment, hoor would sometimes stay with her mother for a few days because she didn't like how lonely she felt, she preferred staying with someone than staying alone, so it took a while to get used to (fun fact: hoor's mother's name is tamara :D). hoor also doesn't own a car, but she doesn't see why she should because everything she needs is close to her in the street she lives at (except her studio, which is like, an hour away)

hoor loves to get nicknamed, and her mother knows that well, she calls her "hooriyati" (my freedom), "roh qalby" (soul of my heart), "qalby" (my heart) and every adorable nickname you could think of, bahr would also call her "hoora" or "ruru" as kids, and he still calls her ruru now sometimes

her father, mekawy, had died a few months before her birth, so she didn't know anything about her father other than his pictures and his handwritten notes (some of them being sappy letters that were meant for her mom), she knew he was a good man from the stories her mom would tell her

also, forgot to mention she's another fan of the ninja, and is actually mutuals with cole on chirper! she had the heart attack of her life when he followed her back, it's her biggest flex lmao (she and cole would also speak arabic to eachother in threads and no one would understand what they're saying [and yes, I hc cole as arab, it's real trust me on that 👍])

I think I should stop before this post gets too long lmao 😭 tysm for letting me ramble about my blorbo I love her <333

[hollowslantern]

How is is Gideon treated by the narrative? because I feel like fandom treats Gideon as their hot butch sex object and IDK if it's just people thinking u can't sexually harass butches because we're mascs or if TLT actually treated Gideon like Harrow's sex object

oh well quite frankly whatever fans you've been seeing are fucking insane and should probably be put down.

just to get this straight out of the way before i get to the narrative bit, i want make sure we're all on the same page here: gideon and harrow are barely adults. in the first book, gideon is 18 and harrow is 17. gideon never lives long enough to see her 19th birthday, and harrow turns 18 about halfway through the second book. I was literally shocked when I found out their ages because the way fans talk about them made me think they were in their 20s. so yeah I think that talking about them and sexualizing them as if they were grown adults and not the age of like, high school graduates, is at the least extremely uncomfortable.

onto the narrative itself. once again these people you have seen are insane. the first book is from gideons pov and, though the second book is from harrow pov, she doesn't.... actually remember that gideon exists. so we don't see a lot of gideon from harrows pov. regardless, gideon isn't like, sexualized by the narrative. she makes references to her porn magazine collection, she thinks some of the women from other houses are hot & mentions her appreciation of their legs or whatever, she makes thats what she said jokes. that's about as far as it goes. pretty light stuff. harrow is far more reserved when it comes to her attractions, and besides that she's only starting to tolerate gideon in the first book, after hating her their entire lives. not a lot of room for ogling in there.

I think this got a bit away from me but yeah it's not like that people are just weird. in my opinion.

[jj-hayes]

PINTEREST BOARD || CONNECTIONS

CHARACTER INFORMATION

FULL NAME: Jacob James “JJ” Hayes

FACECLAIM: Ben Barnes

GENDER: Cis-Male

PRONOUNS: He/Him

AGE + BIRTHDAY: 36 + August 20, 1986

LENGTH OF TIME IN FAIRFORD: His whole life

HOUSING: Coral Coast

OCCUPATION: Attending Pediatric Surgeon at Elite Wellness Collective

PERSONALITY: Positive Traits - Caring, Responsible & Family-Oriented. Negative Traits - Stubborn, Pragmatic & Competitive. 

DIGGING DEEPER

“What’s it like, living in Fairford? Did you ever picture yourself settling down here or did you always know this would be your home?”

There is a pause in JJ’s  step as he ponders his answer to this question. His brows furrowed in all seriousness as he tried to fathom his thoughts in regards to how he feels about his hometown. Where could he even start? What could he even say? How could he possibly describe how much he loved this town? “It’s… home.” A small smile tugs at the corner of his lips, the squint in his eyes bringing out the crows feet that were barely visible; he really was getting old, wasn’t he? “My grandparents moved out here in the fifties in hopes of settling down, and starting a family. I mean, it was mostly because Granddad got a job as a doctor here at the hospital, and Nana was just tagging along. But they made it work somehow. They had my dad, and then my aunts… they saw this town for what it was, a great place to raise their kids. I think they really enjoyed the suburban life, if I’m being honest. I mean, of course they did. It was the fifties.” A laugh, and he shakes his head. “It was the same with my dad though. Even though he moved away for college, he always saw himself coming back to Fairford, working at the same hospital where Granddad had worked for decades. He met mom in college, and managed to convince her to move here… so there’s that. I’d say that the love for this town runs in the family.” Not that there was much to be ashamed about that. “Me? Unlike my father, I decided to stay home for school. Seattle U for Pre-Med, and then University of Washington for med school. Seattle wasn’t that far of a commute from Fairford, and I lived at home… saved a lot of money, and I lived off of mom’s cooking..” He admits with a soft chuckle. “I liked being home. It made me feel safe. I don’t think I can complain.” Of course, there had been many instances when JJ could have left Fairford for good. But he could not see himself leaving this town; it held a lot of history, and he had strong emotional ties to it. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else, if I’m being honest. I never wanted to leave. I’m happy to be a third generation medical professional being employed by the Elite Wellness Collective, and… I live by the coast, so that’s always fun. A really nice view of the beach. Plus, now I get to raise my daughter in this town… let her make her mark on it, just like the rest of us Hayes’.”

“If you could recommend one hidden gem around town everyone should try, what is it? What makes it so special?”

JJ stifles a yawn before he brings his hand to rub at his eyes–bloodshot, a sign that he had not been getting much sleep lately. “There’s this little nook between the bookshelves at the far end of the National Memorial Library… it’s between the history book section, and the newspaper archives. Best place to take a nap.” He cannot help the chuckle that escapes his lips as he says that, and he takes a rather generous sip of his coffee from the travel mug in his hand. “I’ve taken quite a lot of naps there when I was a med student… late-night studying sessions, exam season, you know how it is. But now I’m a full-time surgeon, and a single father to an eight-month old, so sleep is just… non-existent.”

“What’s your family like? Are you still close, or have you blocked all their numbers?”

“Where do I start?” The hearty laugh that bubbles out of his lips is loud, and he shakes his head before he lets out a sigh of what seems to be contentment. “Us Hayes’ are a tight-knit bunch. Of course, there’s mom, dad, and CJ–Connor James, my kid brother.” He points out, followed by a nod of his head before he runs his hand through his hair. “After Granddad and Nana passed away, my dad stayed close to his three sisters–my aunts… and with them came my uncles, and so many cousins.” It was true. Though the Hayes family tree was not as large as any one of the ten founding families of Fairford, their branches were widespread. “But of course, I have to mention my family’s newest addition–Amelia Jane Hayes, my adoptive daughter.” The smile on his lips becomes  wider when he brings up his daughter. “Being a single dad, I don’t think I could do it without my family’s help… They've supported me through this whole adoption process, and I’m so happy that Mia gets to have such a big, loving family.”

“We’ve all had our fair share of shit hit the fan and moments in the sun — tell me about a defining moment in your life, good or bad.”

A sigh escapes his lips as he recalls the moment that changed his life forever, though a smile finds its place across his features soon after. “The day I met Mia–the day my entire life took a turn for the better. Eight months ago now. It was a typical day at the hospital, you know? I had been working since dawn, and I had just gotten out of surgery. I was paged down to the Emergency Room for a consult, so I went down there, as one does… and there she was.” JJ could not deny that the day had been etched into his memory, and he shook his head as the scene of the wailing infant being rocked in the arms of a firefighter played in his head. “Her birth parents had left her outside of the fire station–a safe surrender, they call it. The firefighter brought her into the ER to get her checked out. She was less than a week old at the time, and one of our ER doctors found a heart murmur. They had me come in for a surgical consult, and of course–I operated on her heart. She’s a fighter, my little Mia, even then.” “Since it was a safe surrender, there was no point in looking for her birth parents. Besides, it was impossible to find them… it  could have been someone visiting, or passing through Fairford for all we know.” He explains with a shrug of his shoulders. “It doesn’t matter though. The state assigned a social worker as her legal guardian for the course of her stay at the hospital, and then she was meant to be put in foster care.” 

“But after her surgery, I noticed that Mia was all alone in the NICU. She had no visitors, no one to sit with her… no loved ones to care. Just a state assigned social worker who could not give a crap. That wasn’t so fair, was it? So, I started sitting with her whenever I could. I sat with her every night for two months, whether I was on call, or not, I was always at the hospital. I was just watching her… holding her hand, talking to her, singing to her. I just didn’t want her to be alone, you know?” Another smile appears on his lips, and though it was small, it was genuine  nevertheless. “I think that’s when I knew… I just knew that I was meant to be Mia’s dad.”

“It’s the little things in life; tell me three things that bring you a great deal of joy or put a smile on your face.”

“Three things that bring me a great deal of joy…” JJ pauses again for a moment to gather his thoughts. “Surgery, that’s a big one. I love seeing the little kiddos I’ve helped thrive once they leave the hospital. Mom’s cooking… of course, no need to explain that one. And the third thing that brings me joy? I mean… Can I say Mia? I’ll say Mia. She’s my little bundle of joy.” And if that smile on his lips says anything, it was that his daughter really was his little bundle of joy. 

BIOGRAPHY

It all started in the summer of 1953, when Dr.  Conrad Hayes, and his wife Betty-Jane Hayes packed up their life in the Big Apple, and moved across the country to Fairford, Washington. Dr. Hayes had just landed himself a job at the local hospital in town, and had not been sure at first if his wife would agree to the cross-country move. But Betty-Jane had always dreamed of having a small town life, and felt that the move would be right for them as they were about to start their family. 

Conrad, and Betty-Jane settled down in the suburbs of Fairford, and had four children. Ronald, the oldest, had followed in his father’s footsteps to become a doctor as well–a neurosurgeon, to be specific. He left home at eighteen to attend Columbia University–Conrad’s alma mater. There he had met the woman who would eventually become the love of his life. Celia Dumont had moved to New York with big city dreams of her own–go to college, become a doctor, and fall in love. Thankfully, her dreams had all come true when she had met Ronald Hayes in her first year human anatomy class, and the rest was history. 

Just like Conrad, and Betty-Jane had left New York to settle down in Fairford, their son Ronald had brought Celia to his hometown that summer in hopes that she would also want to raise their family there. Needless to say, Celia had fallen in love with this town from the moment she had arrived. She was putting down her roots after agreeing that they would live there after they married. Between applying for the residency program in obstetrics, and gynecology at the local hospital, and planning her wedding with the help of her soon-to-be mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law, it was only a matter of time before she had managed to see Fairford as her home. It was where she wanted to get married to the man of her dreams, and have a family of their own. 

Ronald, and Celia married that following summer in a rather intimate ceremony, and settled down in the suburbs of Fairford–just a short walk away from Conrad, and Betty-Jane’s house. They had put off starting a family until the end of their residencies, considering that they had both been keen on getting their careers to a good place before having any children. 

Jacob James “JJ” Hayes was born on August 20, 1986–the third generation Hayes to call Fairford his home. He had been loved so dearly by his parents, his grandparents, and his three aunts. He could not have asked for a better family than the one he’d got. 

JJ’s childhood had been one that could only be described as idyllic. Despite the fact that he had been raised within the walls of a hospital, loneliness had never been his well-known companion. As a toddler, he was adored by all of the nurses who worked at the hospital. They all knew him as Conrad’s grandson, or as Ronald, and Celia’s son–either way, they saw him as one of their own, and passed him around from one to another whenever they were busy, and keeping an eye on him. He never bothered them when they were working though, oftentimes sitting behind the reception desk, and coloring. A well-behaved kid, they had called him. He felt right at home at the hospital, even then. 

By the time JJ had started school, it had become clear that he was quite the studious kid. He excelled academically, whether it was the second grade spelling bee, or the fifth grade science fair. He was winning prizes here, and there, and getting straight A's in all of his classes. The Hayes', and the nurses, could not be more proud of him. 

He had also spent most of his time after school in the Pediatrics Ward, playing with the patients there, and keeping them company as they battled whatever illness that had landed them in the hospital. While he could not entirely understand the struggles that were faced by the friends he had made, he had wanted to help them feel better somehow. Not that he had ever thought about what he might want to do in the future–despite what his parents, and his grandfather had done–but he saw it as a possibility. Helping children–little did he know. 

But JJ’s childhood had not been entirely spent between the walls of the school, and the hospital. His weekends were spent riding his bike around the town with his cousins, and his friends. Riding from his parents’ house, to his grandparents’ house, and then to each of his aunts’ houses. Playing basketball in the driveway, and breaking several windows in the process; having all of his cousins congregate in his bedroom when his parents had gifted him a stereo system. His childhood had been spent with lots of love, and laughter. 

JJ was fifteen years old when his parents had sat him down one day, and told him the news that would forever change his life. They were having a baby. A surprise pregnancy as a result of the trip they had taken to celebrate their twentieth anniversary. Of course, JJ did not particularly mind that little detail. He had been old enough to understand that his parents had loved each other even after all of these years, and knowing that he would be having a younger brother after being the only child in the family for far too long… he could not wait to be a big brother. 

While he had initially panicked about the timing of CJ being born–JJ would be leaving for college soon, and he did not want to leave his parents alone with a baby to raise in their forties–he could not convince himself to go to Columbia like his grandfather, and his parents had done. He wanted to stay close to home, to be a part of his brother’s life so that he could teach him all of the little things he could–crawling, walking, riding his bike. 

JJ decided to stay in Fairford, living at home while he attended Seattle University for his undergrad in biology, and then the University of Washington for medical school. Of course, he knew that he could have left town if he wanted to. But life in Fairford had been far too kind to him, and he could not imagine leaving all of that behind. His grandparents had moved to this town in order to have a home, and his parents had done the same. He could not see himself giving all of that up. 

After graduating from medical school, he completed his residency in Pediatric Surgery with the Elite Wellness Collective–working as a doctor in the same hospital that raised him, alongside some of the doctors, and the nurses he had known since he was a baby. His parents could not be more proud.  

Now at thirty six years old, JJ works as an attending pediatric surgeon, and lives in a lavish beach house by the coast. A self-proclaimed workaholic who also has a reputation among his cousins for being chronically single (and dodging all of their attempts at matchmaking), his whole life changed when Mia came into his life. While he had always believed that he could not hold down a relationship–he was a full-time surgeon, and his patients would always come first–he did not think he could ever find someone who would understand his need to focus on his work. But he had not felt so discouraged about being a father. Perhaps it was the fact that he’d had such a loving, happy family life that he had been so certain about giving his adoptive daughter the same. And so far, he had not been wrong about that choice he’d made. 

While the Hayes’ time in Fairford had not been as long as the founding families, they had still made their own marks in the town that they now called home–four generations in. 

[cuethemulti]

ik this is probably too much to ask for but can I please have a little story of Henry and Carrie White being besties ^^? I barely see any content of their connection character wise and that makes me sad -Lammy/Carrie

You are so right so let’s change that :)

Summary: AU where Carrie and Henry had known each other in their childhood but the beginning of their true friendship wouldn’t start until they meet again in unexpecting circumstances. In this story, Carrie ends up running away after the events of the prom. (As always I ended up writing more than I thought lol) Thank u the request and hope you like it <3

God’s Plan

Carrie wanted to go home.

The small girl stood outside of the church, wrinkling the fabric of her brown plaid dress between her small fingers. (Carrie was never allowed to wear anything red; it was the color of sin, her mother always told her.)

Mass was over, and Carrie listened to Mama chatting with another woman who she had just met outside the church. She was pretty with her blonde-styled hair and pearls that looked quite expensive. Although her mother was chatting politely to her now, back at home Carrie would later get a lesson about the sin of the day: vanity.

“We always attend mass at least four days of the week,” Mama was bragging to the woman. “ It's one of the few things I will miss from this town. Of course, God will follow us wherever we go.”

“Very true, Ms. White.” The woman nods with a polite grin, showing off her pearly white teeth. She reminded Carrie of one of the dolls that she wanted to get for her birthday, but her mother preferred to get her miniature angel figurines.

“My family and I attend church whenever we can as well.” The woman turns to someone hiding behind her. With her hands on his shoulders, the woman brings up a boy to join them. “This is my son, Henry. His sister must have gone somewhere with her friends. He is the shy one.”

Henry was just as neatly dressed as his mother, but not as chirpy. He says nothing, keeping his hands in front of him.

“Oh, but solitude is a good trait to have, Mrs. Creel,” Mama nods encouragingly. “Makes kids stay out of trouble so that they can spend more time learning about the Lord. Just like my daughter.”

The mother smiled a little and looked down at Henry. “Yes, that's what we are hoping for. Aren’t we?” The boy did not reply, maintaining eye contact on the ground.

The woman’s face faltered at Henry for a second before looking up at them again with her same bright expression and comments, “What a shame that you and your daughter are moving away so soon. Perhaps these two would have gotten more time to become friends.”

Carrie’s mother pursed her lips together before putting on a tight smile. Carrie knew that no matter which boy it was, Mama wanted them all to stir far away from Carrie. “I suppose so, but everything goes according to God’s plan, Mrs. Creel, and we must abide by it.” Mama holds her cross around her neck as she assures her. “If He wants something to occur, it will happen however we least expect it.”

After both mothers gave their final goodbyes. Henry leaves with his mother, never uttering a single word.

X

Carrie opens her eyes, meeting the blue sky above her. She is walking in the middle of an empty road. Carrie rubs her eyes until she feels the blood that is still smeared on her hand. She blinks rapidly, her senses coming back to her. Carrie’s feet sting from pain as her high heels step on the hard concrete. She has been walking without any sort of direction since last night, dozing off every couple of minutes, but only had one particular dream.

Carrie has no idea why she remembered the church boy now after all these years. Perhaps it is her mind wanting to escape the reality of her life, the part of Carrie wishing to be a little girl again like her mother always wanted her to be.

A tickle in her throat makes Carrie cough. Her drenched dress is making her feel colder. Shortly after Carrie sees a pile of trash bags piled on the side of the road. They must have fallen off someone’s truck. It was like, dare she say, a work of a miracle. Carrie stops to search through the bags until she finds an old blanket. She uses it to wipe the blood off her face and hair before wrapping it around her waist. She shivers as she continues to walk.

The road is still far ahead of her. Everything is quiet. The only thing Carrie can hear is her growling stomach with one demand.

Apple pie. Last time she had told Mama she didn’t want any because it flared up her pimples. But Carrie could really go for some right now.

Carrie continues walking, her eyes closing every few seconds. Her hunger and sleepiness were weighing her down, but she somehow still has the strength to keep going. She thought she would walk forever until a few minutes later, the gray clouds moved just enough for the sun's rays to peek down and brighten her path. Carrie stops in front of the familiar sign that reads “Welcome to Hawkins.”

Carrie’s heart jumps. This was far too much of a coincidence. She somehow made it back to her childhood town without even knowing, just when she had just dreamed it. Was this perhaps a literal sign from heaven?

Carrie continues walking down the road, wondering if Hawkins still looks the same as it used to before. However, she knew better than to go out into the main streets looking like this. So instead Carrie steps out of the road and goes towards a crowd of trees, leading her into the forest.

The sound of a crow croaking echoes down the path. Not being able to take the pain in her feet anymore, Carrie takes off her high heels, tossing them aside and walks barefoot on the grass. She needs to find somewhere to rest. Her legs felt like they were going to fall off.

A few feet away in the middle of the grass is a pile of firewood. Another miracle! She thinks. Carrie quickly goes over, kneeling next to it as she puts her blanket aside. The wood hasn’t been used yet. Carrie had never made a fire before. She rubs the pieces of wood together several times, but not a single spark appears. She continues getting more aggravated with every failed attempt, wishing that her powers could have included the fire element.

“Hey! What are you doing to our wood?”

Two men surround Carrie. She jumps to her feet, quickly grabbing onto the blanket to cover her bloody dress. Carrie’s heart hammers when she notices the shotgun that one of them carried.

This isn’t a miracle, it was a trap.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know this was yours.” Carrie’s voice quivers as she steps back.

As the men got closer, they scan her up and down with disgusted looks.

“Holy shit. What slaughterhouse did you come from?” One of them snickered.

“I'm warning you.” Her voice was quiet but losing the gentleness from before. “Leave me alone.”

“Calm down, girl.” The man holds the shotgun close to his side. “All we wanna know is how you got here.”

His friend whispers next to him, “Isn’t that the crazy bitch in the newspaper? The one who set a high school on fire?

Carrie keeps backing away and looks behind her. Seeing that there is no other way of escape, she takes a deep breath as she lets the blanket drop from her hand. Carrie swore she wouldn’t do this again, but she is growing tired of these men. They were making her stomach curl and her head buzz, just like how she felt at prom.

Carrie remembers that she also swore to herself that she would never let anyone humiliate her ever again.

Her hand was about to move when suddenly, one of the men yelled as he was lifted into the air, dropping his shotgun to the ground.

“W-what the hell?!” The other man backs away as he stares up in horror. His friend was frozen in the air with his arms stuck to his sides, struggling to scream. From the trees on their left, Carrie sees a young, blonde boy approach with his hand stretched in front of him. He sternly stares at the man in the air who gasps and wheezes, like he was being choked.

Carrie’s mind is still struggling to understand what was happening. It wasn’t until the other man got behind the boy, the gun now in his hands, his hands shaking as he pointed that Carrie finally felt the pressure on her body force her to act.

“No!”

With that, the gun‘s direction is pointed up at the sky, and with a bang, the man’s friend lands on the floor with the bullet through his chest.

The boy turns towards the remaining man. Before he could react, the man is thrown against the tree. When he attempts to run away, Carrie makes his neck simply snap, making him fall on his knees before sprawling onto the grass.

Carrie breathes heavily, still feeling adrenaline of her powers burning through her body.

The boy turned to her, looking a lot calmer than she was. “I assume you must be Carrie White?”

Carrie whips out her hand again as a warning. “Who are you?”

Henry blinks. “You really don’t remember me?”

Carrie thinks her suspicion was impossible, but she whispers, “Henry?”

The boy from her church, the one who she had just dreamed about, stood there a lot taller than before, but it was his same neatly kept blonde hair and the monotonous expression shadowing his blue eyes that confirmed it.

Henry nods. “I’m sure it was my mother who made the biggest impression on you that day. She tends to do that to everyone. Yours did as well, I’m sure. ” Henry talks like they were having a normal conversation that wasn’t happening next to two dead men.

Not letting her guard down, Carrie circles around him, her hand still up. “What are you doing here? And how did you . . .” her voice trails off as she struggles to sort out her jumbled-up brain. The only coherent thought that comes across is when Carrie notices blood running down Henry’s nose.

“You’re bleeding.”

For the first time, Henry smiles a little before wiping his nose. “I think I’m not the one whose bloody appearance is concerning.”

Carrie mumbles, “It’s not my blood.”

Giving a short nod, Henry looks down at her dress. “I figured. It must have been quite a party.”

Carrie narrows her eyes at him. “I’m not in the mood for jokes,” She finally drops her arm and starts walking away from him, but Henry gets in front of her. “What do you want?” She barks.

“I heard about what happened. Our towns aren’t so far away from each other.” Henry explains, paying no mind to Carrie’s glare. “I wanted to help a friend.”

“Friends? We never even talked.”

Henry shrugs. “Whatever you want to call it. Either way, we both murdered these men, and I think that makes us something. Accomplices, at best.

“I didn't need your help.” Carrie huffs. She runs her hands through her hair, feeling the anxiety and anger still knotted in her chest. It wasn’t until she got overwhelmed that she sits under a tree. “I don’t know what’s going on,” she mutters, rubbing her head. “Everything is out of control.”

Henry stands next to her as he looks around the forest. “I would say this situation got under control a lot better than it would have.“

“No, you don’t get it,” Carrie digs her fingernails in the dirt. “I’ve done terrible things, Henry. Awful things.” The sobs that Carrie had buried are now swelling in her throat. “My mother was right. I-I’m the devil. So many people are gone, all because of my sins!” She buries her head into her hands. “All because I disobeyed-“

“Hey, stop.” Henry puts his hand on her shoulder. When she doesn’t listen, he kneels in front of her, grabbing her arms and forcing Carrie to look at him.

“Stop. Crying.” Henry’s voice is firm but gentle. “It’s not going to get us anywhere. Take a deep breath.”

Carrie closes her eyes and inhales deeply before exhaling a couple of times. After a minute, Carrie feels calm enough to acknowledge the reality of who this boy was.

“You’re like me. “

“Yes.” Henry lets go of her and sit down. “I’m guessing your powers developed as a child too.”

Carrie looks at the grass. “Not until later. It just happened one day in school and. . .” She brings her knees up to her chin, not being able to say anything more without feeling the burning shame of the day when she first got her period, humiliated in front of everyone.

“My mama said I was born from sin,” she adds quietly. “That is the reason why I am like this.”

“And do you believe that?” Henry stares at Carrie.

“I don’t know . . . I don’t know what to believe in anymore,” Carrie turns over her red hands as she looks at them. She thought she had all the answers when she first got her powers, but now Carrie is just as lost as before.

“My mother used to tell me that too.” Henry picks up a small spider that is crawling on the bark of the tree. “She was a hypocrite, calling herself a Christian, yet she kept hiding away from her own sins.” Henry settles the spider on the grass. “What a surprise it was for her,” he says with a dry smile, “for a child to destroy the lie she’s been living in.”

Carrie stares at the spider crawl away as she remembers how her mother has raised her. The way she made Carrie recite the several passages worth of prayers, hitting her every time she wanted to do something that she wanted for once, and locking her inside the closet for hours until Carrie was begging for forgiveness, and it was all done in the name of being good for God only for all of it to be destroyed in a high school dance.

Suddenly, an odd feeling starts to rise from Carrie’s chest. It was something that Carrie didn’t think she would ever do again until everything that has occurred clicked together.

Carrie bursts out laughing.

Henry actually looks startled as Carrie falls to the grass and cackles loudly, making herself be heard everywhere in the forest. The tree seems to shake from the vibration.

“What’s so funny?”

Carrie’s cheeks are bright red as she tries to catch her breath. “It’s just hilarious don’t you think?” she sputters as she gets up. “How hard our mothers tried to do everything to keep us down the “good” and “holy” yet everything still went straight to hell!” Carrie’s fist hits the tree, her strength causing a large tree branch to almost fall over them, and she wheezes more laughter.

Henry watches as Carrie gets to the center of the forest, spreading her arms out dramatically. “Of course, none of it works. People like them are the devil. That’s why none of it mattered!” Breathing deeply, Carrie’s eyes lowered to the ground. “None of it mattered,” she states, quieter. “We were damned from the beginning.”

With that, Carrie slowly goes back to where Henry is. She sits down under the tree, turning away from him as she leans her head back against the tree. Carrie’s stomach aches from the intensity of her laughter. She becomes quiet again as she regains her composure, the familiar emotional numbness settling on her once more.

“You’re looking at it wrong.” Henry finally says. “This isn’t damnation, it’s redemption.” Carrie can hear him lean forward. “We both have a gift, and if we work together, we can be our own saviors. You’ve already proven it.

Carrie slightly snorts. “I don’t think there’s anything heroic about destroying my high school prom.”

“It’s a start.” She knew Henry was smiling. “We both can learn from each other. I can even learn to teach you more about how to keep your abilities more stable.”

Henry leans away when Carrie sits up and sighs through her nose. “How do I know if I can trust you?”

Henry shrugs. “You don’t. But your options are limited, and you don’t really have anything more left to lose.”

Carrie’s eyes meet Henry’s again, and she sees a childlike determination in him that Carrie finds comforting. She barely knew Henry, yet Carrie felt closer to him than anyone she’s been with. They both were the only people in the world who understood each other. Carrie needs that the most.

Henry gets up to his feet. “But we’ll have to get you cleaned up first.” He points across the forest. “There’s a lake close by here. I can bring you some clothes and from there we can find a place to stay. “

Henry offers his hand down at her. When she still hasn't moved, Henry looks away, his face falling slightly as it seems the answer was no.

Instead, Carrie says. “Only on one condition.” Henry looks at her again, slightly raising his eyebrow.

“Can we get some apple pie afterward? I’m starving.”

Henry smiles. “Sure.”

As a new sense of hope grows for her, Carrie grins and takes Henry’s hand.

Perhaps it was all part of God’s plan after all.

[swynlake-rp]

Do you remember? The 21st night of September?

OTMS

MUN: P! Quite a few of our members wanted to shout P out for jumping right in, even after being away from the RP game for a while. We couldn’t agree more! We loved to see P embracing the chaos of the PanDEMONium event, even giving Bruno a major injury in his first event. And we always appreciate P’s friendly check-ins on main. 

CHARACTER: WILLOW! Willow took some big steps in her journey this month, and we loved to see her epic battle against the demons and how it affected her relationship with Amity. We’re not crying, you’re crying!!

THREAD: THE DARLINGS/ALICE ELFHAME ARC! The Darlings and Alice’s battle with the faery queen and its resulting fallout came to its epic conclusion this month. There were tough goodbyes, there were beautiful new beginnings, and there was not a dry eye in sight :’)

Honorable mention: EVERYONE’S DEMON BATTLES! We loved to see how game members were to jump into the action, and a big shoutout to Belle and Snow for bringing it all about. We’re excited to see what’s next!

TASK: ASHLEE’S LAST SUMMER IN SWYNLAKE! This was such a beautiful tribute to Ashlee’s journey and a great way to celebrate her growth. As one member put it, “She's come so far and seeing that made me incredibly emotional.”

BOARD UPDATES 

THE FOREST IS CLOSED: No one may come and go from the forest without a permit, or you will be charged a fine. Permits can be requested through the mayor’s office. If you would like your character to illegally enter the forest, please contact the admin.

NO BOARD ELECTIONS: This is OOC for now, but just a reminder as discussed in the original Irontown plot pitch: there will not be Board elections this year, while the Board is under review. More information will come shortly. Your characters don’t know about this just yet! We will have a condensed election season in the new year, if your character is interested in running. 

APPLICATIONS FOR SHERIFF: As many of you saw, our sheriff has skipped town, oh no. It will be up to the interim mayor to find a new one with the help of the Board. In the meantime Errol Woolf will act as interim sheriff. If you are interested in having your character apply to be sheriff, please just message the admin! Character must be 25+ and a Mundus (closeted Magicks also may apply). Applications close at the end of September. 

TASKS

REQUIRED AUTUMN PAIRED THREAD: The air is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and we’re bringing back paired threads, this time with an autumn theme! Some ideas to get you started: the start of the school year, raking leaves, carving pumpkins, PSL season, the annual fall carnival! Getting this thread started is REQUIRED if you would like a new character this month. 

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT: Your character is assigned to read, annotate, and give a presentation on a poem or a passage of writing for school. For this task, write your character’s annotations of the poem or passage, OR share their slideshow presentation that they gave the class (or do both, if you’re looking for a challenge!) Minimum 200 words + graphic. 

EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 6-13: FRESHERS WEEK PARTY! Kick off the start of the university fall semester with an epic rager!!!!!!! Let’s go! Canonically on Sept. 8

SEPTEMBER 10-16: FALL CARNIVAL! Swynlake’s annual fall carnival is back! Rides and games and treats, galore! Happening on Discord – but also we encourage dashboard shenanigans. Canonically runs through the same dates.

SEPTEMBER 20-27: BOARD MEETING! Are you upset about the forest closing? Concerned about the pause in elections? Let your voice be heard! Canonically on Sept. 21

SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 4TH: BUILD A BRAND NETWORKING EVENT: In line with their mission to connect Pride U students with their dream careers, Phineas and Pip are hosting a networking event with lots of prospective employers invited. Canonically October 2nd 

BIRTHDAYS

Characters:

Gregory Eeyore – September 1

Dian Morey – September 3

Vishaka Chakraborty – September 8

Lucian ‘Lucky’ Doyle – September 12

Anastasia Tremaine – September 13

Kiig'nc 'King' La'ornh – September 14

Babette Durand – September 20

Su Qin – September 20

Mazhar Morey – September 21

Alana Triton – September 23

Willis Tibbs – September 29

PLOT ROUND-UP! 

DnD Arc featuring Mirabel, Dipper, and Eilonwy: Mirabel, Eilonwy and Dipper are putting a DnD party together! Eilonwy teaches Mirabel about DnD and helps her build a character. They ask Dipper to DM. Eilonwy has also suggested getting a few more friends involved... 

Tiana and Hatter try to invent a new food that Seb can eat! featuring Tiana, Hatter, and Sebastian: Ever since Tiana found out that Sebastian Morey can only eat an extremely limited number of foods, Tiana has been on a mission to invent an allergy-friendly version of one of her restaurant's dishes. She's enlisted the help of Hatter, a kitchen witch, and while their first attempt was unsuccessful, they're committed to keep trying!

Catfish Cyrano featuring Tanya, Penny, and Jenny: All summer, Penny has been messaging Tanya as "Charlotte," her online alter ego that she uses to escape the assumptions people make about her as a famous actress/pop star. When Tanya wanted to see a photo of her face, Penny panicked and sent Jenny's face— creating a very complicated love triangle! Tanya has fallen for Penny, but only as "Charlotte," and with Jenny's face, who's just trying to help out and be a good friend. After the showcase, it looks like it all may come to a head….

In The Dark Of The Night featuring Holley, Gil, and Clayton: The RAS saved an owl bear… but Holley got shot in the leg! In a moment of clarity, Gil decided to go and save her instead of chasing down Clayton, so Clayton got away…

[bella-daonna]

Rivals Au 2.0 - Character Backgrounds / Prologue

in the discord i was wildin a lil about my cool pride and prejudice inspired au [LOOSELY inspired]

i was asked to elaborate and totally intended to do this by giving a summary of the plot points and such but... well, that didn't happen and this happened instead. here u are!

Once upon a time, Siobhan Doherty, a noblewoman of good name but meagre fortune, found herself attending the theatre. There, she happened to meet a young man by the name of Akinyemi Adedayo. He was tall, strong, charming and handsome, and he had fortune aplenty due to the business he had inherited and continued to build. Unfortunately, his name was not one that would spur expressions of recognition in the circles that young Siobhan’s family preferred to keep. His charm and generosity captivated Siobhan, and her fiery nature and rebellious streak drew Yemi in like a moth to a flame. Their love was strong enough to defy their families’ thoughts on the matter, and they wed. Yemi took the Doherty name in order to appease his beloved’s family, and considered it a small thing if it allowed him to be with the love of his life. In any case, the Adedayo name lived on in the name of his mercantile company. The couple were deliriously happy together, and in time, they had a beloved daughter named Callan.

Cal had her father’s taste for adventure, and her mother’s stubbornness. It is not altogether clear from where exactly she got her impulsiveness, but Siobhan insists that it is nothing to do with her. Having grown up with rather more freedom than her peers would be accustomed to, Cal would grow up to be something of an anomaly amongst other children their age. They would insist upon accompanying their daddy to visit his ships, and it was not an uncommon sight to see her hitching up her dress to scramble up the rigging or climbing over barrels while her father conducted meetings and laughed heartily at her antics. She learned to embroider (poorly), to sing (passably) and to dance (very well). Unfortunately, she was also subjected to lessons in etiquette from her governess, although these became fewer and further between as she learned how to better evade them. The final nail in the coffin, however, was on the eve of her fourteenth birthday, when the young Lady Doherty learned what a marvellous thing it is to kiss someone. She was never the same again.

Meanwhile, somewhere not so very far away in time or space, a gardener and his wife had a little boy. They were not rich, but they were happy, and they had what they needed. The boy’s name was Keagan, and he grew up bathed not in luxury, but at least in happiness. He supposed that he would follow in his parents’ footsteps, and so that is what he learned to do. But simultaneously, he taught himself the art of charm and persuasion, he studied business and mathematics and history and anything else he could get his hands on. He was a very bright child, and even as a boy he had great ambitions.

The gardener worked for a powerful noble family, and served well, and was trusted and liked by the man of the house, who also had a boy Keagan’s age. The young heir to the family name and fortune was called Damán. He learned to hunt and to shoot and to ride, and (begrudgingly) to do sums. Occasionally he would spend time with Keagan, but the boy was far too serious and – to be quite frank – far too boring for him. Keagan was, however, the only boy Damán’s age who was less than a carriage ride away, so despite the wishes of both, Damán and Keagan spent rather a lot of time together as they grew.

Yet another household welcomed a little bundle of joy of their own. She was born with a golden spoon in her mouth, surrounded by maids and servants and attendants, and grew to have long locks of beautiful golden hair. Her parents named her Penelope, and raised her to be the epitome of a woman of society. She learned to embroider, and to dance, and to play the pianoforte and the harp and to sing. She learned etiquette and manners and feminine wisdom, and she was raised to be the perfect wife to a man of good name, breeding and fortune. Perhaps even a Duke! The possibilities were endless.

There were, of course, a great many other children born to rich and poor alike, but if we listed every one of those then we would be here all day, would we not?

[grelleswife]

Mey Rin’s heartbeat thundered in her ears.

Oh, she should’ve known this was a terrible idea, yes she should!

“U-um…um…eh…”

Twitching fingertips drummed together in an erratic rhythm as she dithered on the spot, chest tightening til she could scarcely draw a breath, let alone offer a coherent reply.

But Sebastian gently grasped her by the shoulders, no hint of condemnation in his tender, reassuring gaze.

“Forgive me for alarming you, my love. You’ve done nothing wrong. Amy pointed it out to me a few minutes ago, and I was just curious, that’s all.”

Though blushing furiously, the maid relaxed beneath his touch, and breathing came easy once again.

“Y-yes…that was me, it was,” she squeaked. “Y’see…I wanted…to…”

Sebastian waited patiently while Mey Rin fought to get out the words which had lodged themselves in the back of her throat.

“I wanted to surprise you!” she burst out at last. “On account of it bein’ our first Christmas together…s-since we started courtin’, I mean…”

A flush appeared on the butler’s alabaster visage, along with a shy—and utterly delighted—smile.

However, the maid shook her head in bitter self-reproach.

“But I can’t help but feel torn up inside about it, because Agni isn’t here with us. I know he an’ Prince Soma celebrate different holidays than us, they do, but…not havin’ him be part of it…it just doesn’t feel right, somehow. Like I’m leavin’ him out,” she whispered dejectedly.

Of course, the London townhouse wasn’t that far away from the manor, but it might as well have been the moon for how keenly the separation gnawed at Mey Rin. Although she and Sebastian regularly corresponded with their beloved khansama when young master required them to be here at the country estate, mere words could never substitute for the ripple of laughter shared around afternoon tea, or the silverly gleam the moonlight cast upon a lover’s skin.

Or the sweet, ephemeral warmth of a kiss.

The maid’s vision swam, and she desperately blinked back the tears which stung at her eyes.

“Oh, Mey…” Sebastian murmured.

His right hand moved up to softly cup her cheek.

“I know you miss him terribly. As do I. But Agni wouldn’t want to see you wracked with guilt over something that’s beyond your control. Besides…who’s to say that we might not reunite before the year is out?”

The maid sniffled, “W-what d’you mean?”

“Remember his last letter? Prince Soma’s been complaining—quite vociferously, from what I gathered reading between the lines—about how long it’s been since he last saw the young master. He’d seize the flimsiest pretense for a visit, and both our little lord’s birthday and the Christmas festivities afford him ample justification to do so.”

Mey Rin’s face brightened as she caught Sebastian’s line of reasoning.

“An’ if Soma does come callin’, he’ll bring Agni in tow, yes he will!”

“Precisely right,” smiled the butler. “And what better place to give our sunshine a proper welcome than under the mistletoe?”

We’ll ravish him, yes we will, thought Mey Rin, coloring slightly as she imagined herself reclaiming Agni’s lips in the heat of a passion which neither time nor distance could ever subdue. If the scarlet gleam in Sebastian’s eyes bore any indication, similar musings must be crossing his mind.

“In the meantime, dearest, shall the two of us put that mistletoe to its intended use?” he purred.

Transfixed by his beguiling smile, the maid simply nodded, and her lover dispensed with the petty formalities of mortal ambulation, instead drawing on his power to whisk her away to the kitchen…

Whose doorframe now stood devoid of the mistletoe with which Mey Rin had adorned it…and from whose vicinity Amy Michaelis, president of hell, was conspicuously absent.

"BROTHER!" Amy cried, catching the butler alone one evening and stomping up to him as if she's on a serious mission.

"You must explain to me all these.. "Christmas" things, Brother. From what I've gathered so far, it-it's completely ridiculous!! And unnecessary!! one story about celebrating Jesus Christ, the other about.. Santa Clause.. am I to believe these humans are implying to still care about that.. BISHOP?! WHAT the hell is going on!!"

The little president of Hell finished by flapping her hands about in frustration. Clearly she's had a confusing time coming back here around Winter.

Sebastian gazed down at his sister with a condescending smirk.

“Surely you understand the importance of keeping abreast of human customs. How can we devils ensnare our prey’s souls without a thorough knowledge of their habits?”

Amy puffed out her cheeks and put her hands on her hips.

“Unlike a certain DUMB SIBLING of mine who’s stuck babysitting a puny mortal brat here on Earth, I have presidential duties to fulfill!” she snapped. “And you didn’t answer my question.”

Her barbed retort wiped the deprecating grin off Sebastian’s face, and his eyebrow twitched in irritation at this affront. But he saw all too clearly the tongues of flame which were beginning to flicker ominously around Amy’s silhouette. If he didn’t satisfy her curiosity, his sister’s pique might reduce the manor to a funeral pyre. Between her volatile temper and Bardory’s perennial misadventures with his flamethrower, risk of a conflagration to rival that which destroyed the original estate seemed ever close at hand.

“How often must I remind you to control your hellfire on the young master’s grounds?” he scolded.

Amy rolled her eyes, but, after heaving an exaggerated sigh, quenched her flames, which shrank and retracted into the young demon’s form.

“Would you just get on with it, brother?”

Clearing his throat, he stiffly replied, “Ahem. As I was about to say, humans have devised numerous quaint and curious customs around the holiday in recent years. There are indeed a pious number who commemorate the birth of the holy infant in Bethlehem—only to disregard the season’s message of peace and goodwill towards their fellow men for the other 364 days of the year.”

His lips twitched into a disparaging sneer at the thought of mortals’ boundless hypocrisy.

“As for how they managed to turn St. Nicholas of Myra into a jolly old fellow clad in red who dispenses gifts and rides about in a sleigh drawn by reindeer…”

The butler’s voice took on a pedantic cadence, as though he were tutoring his young master on the fussy particulars of British history.

“Of course, human legends tend to warp and blur with time; unlike ours, their memories are neither as long nor as sharp as they would like to believe. The fiction of ‘Santa Claus’ can also serve as a means for parents to persuade naughty children to behave themselves. According to some versions of the tale, only well-mannered younglings may expect presents from Santa, while those inclined to mischief receive naught but a lump of coal in their stocking.”

“But if the parents are the ones actually buying those toys, don’t all the children get presents in the end?” blurted Amy, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“Right you are, little sister,” he smoothly continued. “Which brings me to the reason why I believe Santa Claus has truly taken hold within the popular imagination—greed. Christmas presents must be bought from somewhere, and the vendor capable of supplying them can turn a handsome profit. My own young master lined his coffers with sales from a limited edition set of Funtom Rabbits exclusively produced for the holiday…”

Amy’s eyes had started to glaze over.

“Okay, okay, I get it!” she interrupted. “But what about other traditions? Like…hanging branches of mistletoe over doorways. Is that some idiotic human method for warding off evil spirits?”