#college doodle from last year *shudders*

[suchscary]

[bnhabadass]

Pairing: Hawks x Reader Warnings: N/A Genre: Fluff Word Count: 4.5k Synopsis: You're surprised when your best friend tells you she's dating pro hero Hawks. As you get to know him throughout his frequent visits to the tea shop you work at, your uncertain despisal of him may just turn into romance. 

When your best friend told you that she was dating the number two hero you laughed in her face. “It’s true!” she pleaded. Her eyes gleamed against the hanging lights in your kitchen. She looked as if she were a lovestruck middle schooler doodling hearts and writing her initials in the margins of her notepad. But you knew her like the back of your hand and you were well aware of her habit of compulsive lying.

You spent the following week teasing her relentlessly for making up such an outlandish lie. Yui Nakamura, your best friend in the world. She was an up-and-coming actress who claimed that she was slowly taking Japan by storm.

“I guess I just caught the number two hero’s heart from my last film,” she told you. It was all she could talk about for a solid week, leaving you rolling your eyes and sticking your tongue out in a fake gagging motion every time his name was brought up.

It wasn’t until she brought him into your place of work that you finally realized she was telling the truth. The small jingle bells tied to the doorknob of the shop rang as you were crouched behind the counter, sorting loose tea leaves into their respective jars.

“This is my favorite place to get an iced tea in this hot weather,” her sickeningly sweet voice cooed.

Your ears perked up. Grabbing one of the jars of tea leaves, you stood up with a big smile on your face, ready to greet your friend. That smile, however, didn’t last long. Instead it was replaced with a punch in your gut and a ringing in your ears as you saw the person standing in front of you holding hands with your best friend was the number two hero in Japan.

You should have known something was off when the few people sitting in the leather chairs and at the counter looking out into the street had gone silent. Everyone’s jaws were slack in amazement at the hero before their eyes. A few people whispered about how much more handsome he looked up close or how they didn’t realize how vibrant his wings actually were.

The only person who didn’t look shocked or happy that he was there was the number two hero himself.

“(Y/n)!” Yui exclaimed. “How’ve you been?”

“Um, good,” you managed to choke out. Your eyes never left the winged hero.

“I see you’ve noticed my boyfriend,” she giggled. Her happy-go-lucky smile never left her face. It seemed as though her biggest wish had come true. It’s no secret that she had been pining after the hero for years, playing back footage of his rescues and showing them to you over and over again. She would always cover her eyes when watching his fights because she “couldn’t bare to see his beautiful face get hurt” and you would have to tell her when the scary parts were over.

“Hawks,” you spat out.

His golden eyes dug daggers into you. “Yes?” His tone was uninterested and very clearly bored. It left a sour taste in your mouth.

“I, um, well I, ya know, I didn’t–”

Yui cut off your stumbling with a fluttering laugh, the kind of laugh they romanticize in a shoujo manga. “(Y/n)-chan didn’t believe me when I told her you were my boyfriend,” she said in a sing-song voice. “Now come on, Hawky, what do you want?”

Hawks visibly cringed at the nickname she had given him. Hawky, like the sport but spelled like the bird. Even you could admit that it was pretty bad.

“I think I’ll have the iced hibiscus tea,” she said. Her hands fumbled for her wallet.

“I’ll take a small sencha.” You never expected the winged hero to drink tea. It seemed so unlike him. He seemed much more of a coffee kind of person, needing the extra energy to fulfill his hectic life.

“All right, your total is 540¥,” you said. As you brewed their tea, you couldn’t help but keep an eye on Hawks and the little things about him. Sure he was attractive, but was that really enough to satisfy your friend? He didn’t seem very interested in her as she tugged on his sleeve like a little kid clinging to their parents.

As you called their names with their orders in hand, you were surprised when neither of them went to grab their drinks. Instead, Hawks sent two of his feathers to grab them out of your hands. They were so delicate yet so strong.

Yui smiled as the feather fluttered around her before presenting her drink in front of her.

“Let’s go,” Hawks said, still with a look of boredom plastered to his face, but maybe there was more to him than you thought.

You got to know Hawks a little more during the next few months. It’s true that when you first met him he was not your cup of tea. He and Yui would come into the shop and as Yui chatted your ear off about all the sweet nothings he would tell her, Hawks always seemed to zone out or lose interest in the conversation relatively fast. From the outside it looked like he didn’t care about her and that made your blood boil. But there had to be more to it, right? You’re sure that Yui wouldn’t bother with someone who didn’t seem to care about her.

It was at the end of summer when Yui told you the exciting news. She was cast as a major role in a new film and would be flown to Yakushima Island for the shoot. As she told you the good news, her smile never faltered. It was as if all her dreams were coming true and the different pieces of her life were being put together like a puzzle.

“I’m really happy for you,” you said while pouring hot water over a tea bag with oolong in it. “I can’t wait to see the film when it’s released.”

“I can’t wait for you to see it too! It’s going to be rough being away from Hawky for so long but I think we’ll both manage.”

You turned around before she could see you rolling your eyes at the ludacris nickname. You’re not sure how it managed to stick throughout the months, and every time you hear the words pass her lips it triggers a shudder to run through you. “When do you leave?”

“Next week. You have no idea how excited I am, (Y/n).”

You were happy for her, you really were. Yet part of you felt like you were being left behind, stuck in the mud. While she had her handsome top pro hero of a boyfriend, you spent your nights alone and as she went off to chase her dreams of being one of the most famous actresses in Japan, you were still pouring hot water over tea leaves as you have been for the past two years. It didn’t seem fair, but you would never let her know that.

The next week went by quicker than you had hoped and Yui was off to the airport. She, of course, stopped by for one last cup of tea before she left.

Once she was gone the leaves began to change. Red, orange and yellow leaves fluttered through the air onto the ground and gusts of wind would push them across town, occasionally dropping them off in front of the tea shop’s door.

This time of year was always your favorite. The smell of cinnamon and spice floating through every tea, pastry and coffee shop always made you smile in delight. A new shipment of pumpkin tea had just arrived and you couldn’t resist ducking down to stick your nose in the box and smell the leaves through their packaging under the counter.

The homey smell ravished your senses. Your mind was instantly filled with wonderful fall memories. Jumping in piles of leaves as a kid, drinking hot tea by the window and watching the rain outside trickle down the gutter of your childhood home. Carving pumpkins and dressing up in inappropriate halloween costumes back in your college days. It all came back.

“Do I even want to know what you’re doing?”

The all too familiar voice of Hawks startled you, and as you leapt up out of shock, you hit your head on the counter top. “Ow,” you croaked. Reaching for the fridge next to one of the display cases of teas, you grabbed an ice pack from the freezer and placed it on your head. “Hi.”

“Hello to you too.” There was a cocky grin on his face, unlike what you’ve seen of him before.

“Yui’s out of town.” Why was he here? There was no reason for him to be if his girlfriend was gone. Since he started showing up with Yui, the shop had gotten much more traction. More people had shown up asking when the pro hero was coming next or which seat he sat in. You were sick of it all.

“I know. Doesn’t mean I can’t get a cup of my favorite tea from my favorite barista.” His cheeky smile grew and you beat yourself up for blushing at him compliment.

“What’ll it be then? A small sencha?” You grabbed one of the small to-go cups in preparation.

“Nah let’s switch it up a bit.” He eyed the list of teas up and down, ogling the glass containers with delicate tea bags placed inside. “What box were you sticking your nose in just now?”

You looked down at your feet in shame, cheeks heating up at the memory. You had hoped he would forget about what he just saw or at least wouldn’t mention it out of pity for you. “Pumpkin tea. It’s a new shipment that just came in.”

“Huh,” he pondered. “Is it good?”

Your head shot up. “Seriously? You’ve never had pumpkin tea before?”

“Nah the commission doesn’t really like it when I eat or drink things that aren’t in my diet.” He wove his hand through his blonde locks, pushing them back out of his face. “They’ve been a bit more chill about things since I started dating Nakamura, but I’m still on a pretty strict food regiment.”

The fact that he referred to your best friend by her last name almost made your heart ache. For how much she doted on him he barely seemed to care. “That sucks,” you said. “Do you want to try it?”

He chuckled a bit. “Yeah, let’s give it a whirl.”

You heated the water and poured it out in a hot stream over the tea bag. “Here you go. That’ll be 280¥.”

He slid the coins over to you and held the piping hot to-go cup up to his nose, breathing in the heat and letting it run through him. A soft smile overcame his features and he pressed the cup to his lips, letting the brew hit his tongue. His eyes shot open. “Wow. That’s incredible.”

You couldn’t help but laugh. “Isn’t it really good?”

“It is!” He smiled up at you and you couldn’t help but drink in every detail of it. It was a happy and relaxed smile, one that a child would give after tasting candy for the first time. His eyes grew brighter than the sun as the tea coated his taste buds and pulled him into euphoria.

“Um, excuse me?” a small voice croaked from behind Hawks.

He moved to the side, revealing a small young woman holding hands with a little boy. He was chewing on an action figure and as he pulled the head out of his mouth you could see the bright flames of Endeavor coated in a layer of thick saliva.

“Hey there,” Hawks said. “I’m sorry, do you need to order?”

“No no no!” The rosey cheeks of the young woman deepened as chills of embarrassment filled her. “My son here is a really big fan and, well, we were hoping we could get an autograph.”

You weren’t sure how something like this would play out. You’ve seen the stares and the hushed whispers people give when watching Hawks and Yui in the shop. They almost look too scared to approach him, yet this flustered woman came out of nowhere.

“Yeah of course!” Hawks’ cheeky smile widened. He squatted so he was eye level with the boy. “What’s your name, little guy?”

The kid slid behind his mother’s hip, unsure of what to do or say.

“I see you like Endeavor. You have good taste. He’s one of my favorite heroes too.”

You watched in awe, jaw slack as if you had been slapped in the face, as you watched Hawks laugh and ruffle the kid’s hair. He signed a notebook that the kid’s mother gave him and just as he was about to say goodbye, the kid shot his arms up in Hawks’ direction. You could feel yourself melt on the spot as he picked up the giggling boy, spinning him around. It was so unlike him to do that, but at the same time it was everything you had ever imagined in the stories that Yui would tell.

That was the first time that you realized you were beginning to fall for your best friend’s boyfriend, and after that nothing would be the same.

Hawks came in and out of the shop more and more frequently, only now ordering a small pumpkin tea. As the days went by, the weather grew colder. Chilly winds howled past the store and jingled the chimes out front.

Hawks sauntered in, giving you the grin and nod he was now accustomed to.

“Small pumpkin?” you asked, gripping your scarf and holding it closer around your neck.

“You know it,” he winked.

You hated how every time he walked up to the counter your breath would hitch and your heart would skip a beat. The little wink he gave you definitely didn’t go unnoticed by you. You hid the flushed feeling by burying your face up to the tip of your nose in your scarf.

“So what’s been going on in tea land?” he asked. His fingers danced across the display of cup sizes and tea cakes to the side of the register. They stopped, resting on the side of the jar labeled “TIPS” in a fat black marker over bright colorful construction paper.

“Same old,” you replied. “How’s hero work?”

“Same old.” The two of you had grown comfortable with minimal conversation, almost finding it endearing that the two of you could communicate so much with so few words.

“And Yui?”

Hawks took a moment before answering. You looked up from the tea you were preparing but averted your eyes the second you realized he was staring at you. “I’m thinking of breaking up with her.”

You couldn’t pay attention to what he said next. All you could hear was the ringing in your ears at hearing his words. He was breaking up with her. The recent nights you had spent fantasizing what it would be like to be the one held in his arms at night seemed more in your grasp. The thought scared you a little.

“Hey, are you listening?”

“Huh?” He snapped you out of your thoughts. “Sorry, I think I zoned out a little.” You could feel your face heating up. “Why are you breaking up with her?”

“It’s been about four months,” he said, still toying with the rim of the tip jar.

It bothered you a little how he kept looking at it. Either put in a tip or leave it alone, you wanted to yell at him.

“Four months,” he repeated as if he needed to double check. “That’s when our contract is up, at least.”

You were confused. What was he talking about? “What do you mean?” The skepticism on your face made you look like a puppy being taunted with a bone.

“Heh, you’re cute when you’re confused,” he said. “Our relationship,” he trailed off in thought, trying to find the right words. “It was never real, I guess. Never has been.”

As Hawks spoke about the contract the two of them were under, that her agent and the people working at the commission made them sign, your jaw became more and more unhinged.

“Why did they force you to date in the first place?” The shrill of your voice was hard to tame.

“Her agent knows my people well,” he admitted, referring to the commission. “And they thought this would be good for her publicity. They were right since it got her the big movie she’s working on, but they told us if nothing happens after four months we can end it.”

“I see.” You were still trying to put the pieces together in your mind. “So you never really loved her.”

He couldn’t help but bark out a laugh. “I thought that was pretty obvious,” he admitted. “Look, I know she’s your best friend and all but she’s kinda hard to be around and to get along with at times.”

Deep down you knew he was right, but hearing it come from someone that you knew Yui loved and trusted made your blood boil. What made you feel even worse was the growing hope within you that if Hawks didn’t like someone like her, he could possibly fall for someone like you.

He looked down at his phone to check the time. “Shit, I have training with my intern in ten minutes.” As you slid his drink towards him he fished into his wallet to pay. Taking out an extra bill, he folded it up and put it in the tip jar. “Promise me that when I break things off with her you’ll be there to comfort her?”

The question took you off guard but you nodded anyway.

He smiled a deep and genuine smile that showed so much more emotion than could be understood by the human brain. “Thanks. She’ll need a good friend like you to keep her company.” And with that, he dashed out the door quicker than your eyes could follow.

A week went by and you heard nothing. Hawks didn’t come into the shop to tell you how it went and Yui hadn’t texted you with any of her usual updates for how the movie was going. It wasn’t until you were locking up shop on a Friday night that you received a FaceTime request from Yui. You texted her, assuring her that once you got home you’d call her back. You knew that he did it and she needed to hear from you right now.

Snuggled into the plush fabric of the side-of-the-road sofa in the middle of your living room, you called her back. It only took one ring before she picked up. Her face was blotchy and red and the makeup she wore on set was streaking down her features.

“What happened?” you asked, fully aware of the situation.

She explained in detail everything that had happened, from the warm tea she was holding in her dressing room when he called her to break things off to the way his eyes shimmered with both sadness and relief as he told her what was on his mind.

You tried to reason with her as she blew her snotty nose into tissue after tissue. Phrases like “I’m sure he doesn’t hate you” and “You’re better than him anyway” often came up. Truth be told, you were only paying attention to her side of the story half the time. You slipped in and out, mind wandering over to where Hawks may be and how he must be doing.

“Maybe he had a reason for doing it,” you finally said once she had started to calm down.

“What?”

“Do you think he, I dunno, wasn’t happy?” You shrugged a bit. Your eyes traced the rhombus patterns on your carpet as they avoided Yui’s saddened expression. “Maybe he just wanted to be a free bird is all.”

You looked up from your carpet and came face to face with Yui’s eyes. Once doughy and glossed over with a thick layer of gelatinous tears, they now held a form of anger and hurt that you have never seen from her. “How could you say that?” she asked. “How could you even think of taking his side?”

“I’m not taking a side, I–”

“Yes you are!” Her face was turning red and as much as you wished to defend the man you had caught feelings for you also wanted to be there for Yui. “I don’t know how you could defend him right now, you guys aren’t even friends.”

Hearing her say that hit you deep in the chest. Of course she didn’t know how often Hawks had swung by the shop. Of course he wouldn’t tell her.

“You barely know him, (Y/n), so why are you defending him?”

Why were you defending him? Even with Yui out of the picture, there would still be a slim chance that Hawks actually felt the same way you did. He’s the number two hero, an icon in more ways than one. His fangirls pooled at his feet constantly. Why would you, just a simpleton working at a tea shop, have a chance with him?

“I can’t even talk to you right now.” She was looking down, refusing to make eye contact with you through the small screen.

“Yui, I–”

“No. Just,” she trailed off. “Call me when you know whose side you’re on.”

And with that she hung up and you were left alone. You felt terrible, like the worst friend in existence. You needed something to calm yourself down after the shitshow you had a feeling would be your last conversation with her for a long time.

Your shaky figure got up off the couch and went into the kitchen, putting up the water for a cup of tea. Your hands visibly calmed down once you gripped the hot mug with the pumpkin tea bag swirling inside.

“Hey baby bird.” As you walked into the living room, the person lounging on your sofa startled you. You let out a scream and the hot tea sloshed out of your mug and hit your chest, the thin material of your shirt and the knit sweater you dawned doing little to nothing to stop the burning sensation. “Ah shit.”

Hawks ran up to you and pressed the sleeve of his hero costume against your chest. “I’m sorry. Are you all right?”

The wince you gave him let him know his answer. “What are you doing here?” you managed to croak out once the heat subsided. “And how the hell do you know where I live?”

“Followed you home,” he said like it was nothing.

“So you stalked me.”

“I like to call it stealth training.” The grin on his face resembled a snarky cat and as pissed off and angry you were about him and Yui and everything, you couldn’t help letting out a laugh.

The aura between you two was both friendly and awkward. It seemed as though you both wanted to say something but didn’t know what. As Hawks kept rubbing his sleeve against your damp clothes, his eyes trailed over your face and tried reading into what you were thinking.

“I talked to Yui,” you finally let out. “She’s mad at me.”

“So I heard.” He stopped moving and rested his arm on your shoulder. “You deserve better friends.”

You looked away. “No. She does.”

He let out a laugh. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You, (Y/n), are kind, compassionate, care about your customers and you actually take time to listen to others. And I know Nakamura would say the same thing.”

Somehow the use of your friends last name didn’t bother you as much as it used to. What did cause you to blush was the sound of  Hawks saying your own name. The sound of it leaving his lips had an imprint on you like no other.

“And those,” he continued, “are some of the many reasons why I started to fall for you.”

You felt a sting in your cheeks as they grew hot from his words. He liked you? Did you hear that correctly? He fell for you? The same way you fell for him? The only thing you could think to do was let out a “huh?”

And Hawks let out a toe curling laugh. “I like you. Have liked you for a while now.”

You didn’t know what to say. You were so overwhelmed with emotion. All you could even think to do was stare at him with your mouth agape.

“Hello?” he waved his hand in your face. “Earth to (Y/n).”

You shook your head and the rest of your body, getting any jitters out. “Um, yeah.”

He barked out another laugh. “So, do you got something to say to me or are you gonna leave me hanging?”

You took a sharp inhale. “I think that I might also like you,” you said. “A bit.”

“Now was that so hard to say?” He took a step forward, raising a hand to cup your face. He wasn’t ready, however, when you stepped away, shielding yourself from him. “What’s wrong?”

“Yui is what’s wrong.”

It dawned on him how difficult and confused you must’ve been feeling, especially if you’ve liked him for as long as he’s had feelings for you. Yui Nakamura is your best friend so of course having feelings for her boyfriend, her ex boyfriend, would make you fall into a pit of despair.

“I’m sorry.” You turned away, walking back to your kitchen.

Even though you clearly wanted to be left alone, Hawks followed you and stayed in the door frame as you put up water for another cup of tea. “You remember when I caught you sniffing the heck out of that box of Pumpkin tea?”

You made a disgruntled noise of agony as you buried your head in your hands.

He chuckled. “That’s when I realized I had feelings for you. When did you know you had them for me?”

You sighed. “Look, Hawks. I really wish that things were different and that Yui wouldn’t be mad at me, but–”

“It’s a simple question, baby bird.” He reveled in the nickname.

Your eyes wandered over to the kettle and the soft heat that rose from the stove. “I think it was when I saw you give that kid and his mom and autograph and, I don’t know, you’re just...really good with kids is all.”

“Is that really all?” His cocky smirk struck you and you couldn’t help but hit him playfully.

“Shut up, asshole.” The kettle went off and you grabbed two mugs, placing pumpkin tea bags in each. “I like you, but I love Yui.”

“So I’m assuming that it would be inappropriate for me to kiss you right now?”

You handed him one of the now full mugs, your face lowered to hide your subtle embarrassment. “You are correct.” The two of you stood there in the middle of your cramped kitchen, neither darring to take a sip. “But,” you started. “We can maybe cuddle on the couch a bit and talk, if that’s something you want.”

His golden eyes brightened. “Yeah, baby bird. I’d like that.”

[insomni-snacc]

Particle Physics for Beginners

This one is straight up smut. You’ve been warned. (18+ only)

Featuring one Russian Don by the name of Zhuk.

You had a lot of high expectations for your college experience: make the Dean’s List, go to parties, meet a cute person to hook up with, maybe join an a cappella group -- you know, the basic college movie experience. And you did those things (minus the a cappella group, no one wanted to be your Barton Bellas)

The one thing you didn’t think to add to that list of expectations was climaxing while face to face with the cover of Particle Physics for Beginners.

No, you hadn’t picked up some weird fetish for physics. Rather, you had just so happened to be browsing through the science books in the library when your professor caught up to you. You’d been working with him for a handful of weeks, though you were well acquainted with him by the time your assistant-ship had started. He had been your favorite professor Freshman year, and it wasn’t because you were so enamored with Political Science. Rather, you found yourself increasingly enamored with him. Good thing your schoolgirl crush had gotten two semesters to cool off before you were assigned to be his assistant.

“And how is my favorite TA doing?” He asked, sidling up beside you and leaning against the shelves. You stepped back, afraid they might fall.

When they didn’t, you smiled at him, plucking a book out from next to him. “I’ll be doing great once this Biochem final is over. How are you, Professor Shoggoth?”

“Oh, please, no need for the formalities, dorogoy. The students aren’t here, you can call me Zhuk.” He chuckled, forcing your grin a few millimetres wider. “Or, if it pleases you, lyubovnik will suffice.”

You laughed, “And what does that mean?”

“I’ll tell you tomorrow, after class.”

“Alright… How are you, Zhuk?”

“Kakoy krasivyy zvuk, malen'kaya ptitsa.” He leaned towards you, glancing around conspiratorially. “To be honest, I’m a bit troubled.”

“Oh, that’s no good. What’s the matter?”

“Well,” he pulled a tattered old notebook from inside of his jacket, “I found this old notebook. I believe it’s from one of my old students. It has some very important notes in it.”

He flipped the book open, landing on a page littered with doodles of, well, him. There were a few incriminating scribblings in the margins, as well. Things like ‘I’d have a much easier time understanding Marx if P. Shoggoth would stop being so damn attractive.’ and ‘Fuck me like you fucked us over on the last test.’

It was, unmistakably, your handwriting.

“They seem to have been in your class, back when you were just one of my students. You hadn’t become my favorite TA just yet.” He winked, pushing himself away from the shelves and towards you.

You took a step back, finding yourself pressed up against the wall. “I don’t… recognize the handwriting.”

He was closing in on you. “Oh, is that so? Tell me, kiska…”

In one hand, he still held the damning evidence of your crush. The other slammed into the wall beside your head. His face loomed over yours, so close you could feel his breath on your cheeks.

“If I were to, say, look through the notebook you left on my desk this morning, would I not find any similarities in the handwriting?”

“I-I uh… No, I don’t think so.”

He lowered his head then, lips trailing over your earlobe. You shivered at his touch. “You know, I don’t appreciate being lied to, not even by my favorite TA. Now,” he bit down on your earlobe, pressing his body against yours. You could feel him hardening against your abdomen. “Answer me, moya milaya malen'kaya shlyushka, and don’t lie to me this time.”

You swallowed hard, eyes frantically searching the area for any signs of lookers on. Thankfully, the library was almost entirely empty this late at night. The only other person you’d passed on your way in had been another Professor by the name of Scarafaggio.

“Y-yes, l-loo… lyubov… nik.” Your Russian was clumsy, but you hoped your attempt might win you some points on his good side.

“Oh,” he crooned, pressing his hard member into your stomach and rocking his hips slightly. “Are you trying to sweet talk your way out of this?” You were silent, only gasping as you felt him against you. He growled, sinking his teeth into your neck.

“Y-yes!” You yelped, hands reaching around his back of their own accord. You gripped helplessly at the back of his jacket.

“I don’t think you’re going to get out of this.” He dropped the notebook to the floor with a clatter, snaking his now free hand under your waistband, dipping inside to tease you. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted you, dorogoy? How many times I nearly bent you over my desk, just like in your little doodles?” He gripped your underwear and pulled hard, leaving you exposed to his thick fingers as they ghosted over your most sensitive areas. “Ah, and you want me, still. You’re so needy, shlyukha. Do you want me to continue?”

You panted wordlessly, grinding your hips into his hand in your desperation for more friction.

“Answer me.” He commanded, biting down once again on your tender neck.

“Yes! Yes, I want you. Please, Zhuk, I need you.” You almost forgot to whisper, getting too caught up in your need for him to care who heard. You’d needed this for so long, and here he was, like a gift from Heaven or a curse from Hell, right in front of you. Heaven and Hell aside, you were going to take everything he could give you.

“That’s right. You’re mine, aren’t you?”

Without warning, two thick fingers plunged into you. The heel of his hand pressed up against you as he wiggled his digits inside of you, giving you just enough friction to see stars. He gave your neck a break, sucking at the skin instead of biting it, leaving a trail of bruises along your collar.

“Yes,” you gasped, “yours…”

This elicited the most delicious growl from Zhuk. He was growing impatient. The time for long, beautiful nights of love making could wait, he needed you now. He removed his hand, an action which you met with a plaintive whine, and roughly pulled you from the wall. He pushed you face first into the book case, right in front of a copy of Particle Physics for Beginners, and placed himself behind you. You heard the telltale sounds of his belt coming undone, then his zipper, then fabric being pushed hastily over his hips. He pushed your pants down and…

You moaned in unison; yours a needy keen, his, a feral groan. Both were quiet, restrained by your current predicament. You damned his choice of setting for this encounter, eager to hear how he’d sound when he really let loose.

Still, the feeling of him inside of you was nothing short of incredible. He held back, inching his way in slowly to allow you to adjust to his girth. Once you had, though, he showed no mercy. He babbled incoherent, but most definitely filthy things in Russian in your ear as he pounded into you. Your walls stretched around him as your hips bucked into his.

“Moya lyubov', moya supruga, ya sobirayus' …” He growled, shaking his head. “I’m going to cum… please…?”

“Oh, yes!” You begged, the needy tone in his voice nearly sending you over the edge. “Please, Zhuk, please.”

He picked up his pace, his hot breath ghosting over your neck as he shuddered and gasped and growled. You felt yourself being filled, and just when you thought he’d finished, you felt even more gush inside of you. You were so impossibly full. He held himself inside you as he softened, continuing to grind into you.

“Thank you. Thank you, darling.” He kissed your neck, reaching and hand around your waist to rest on your sex. He rubbed it gently as he rocked his hips.

You were on edge, just a little more and you’d--

As if on cue, his other hand reached for your chest, pulling your sweater away to expose your pert nipple. He teased it with his fingers.

“Zhuk…. Ah! I’m close, lyubovnik.”

“Pravil'no, dorogoy. Pozhaluysta, day mne uslyshat', kak ty konchish' dlya menya. YA tak dolgo etogo zhdal.”

He rubbed your sex harder, quickening his pace. You came undone in an instant, still feeling so beautifully full. You came down from cloud nine with him whispering praises into your ear. He pulled out, his cum leaking out of you, leaving you feeling satisfied, but cold. He quickly saw to it that you continued to feel just as cared for and warm as you had felt a moment before, cleaning you up with his handkerchief and pulling you into his embrace.

“You were beautiful, moya supruga.”

“And what does that one mean, Zhuk?”

“I’ll tell you someday,” he laughed.

[stansrichie]

how do you sleep when you lie to me?

summary: reddie soulmate au where when you write on your skin, it’ll show up on your soulmates skin as well so eddie started wearing long sleeves… until one day, he doesn’t.

read it on ao3 here! :]

pairing: richie and eddie

words: 3.3k

warnings: eddie is big dumb, mild angst, mainly pining/fluff, college au, soulmate au, they’re like 19

a/n: i haven’t written in a while so PLEASE bear with me i tried- i also didn’t prooread this yet so ignore typos its 5am :[

Eddie had just drifted to sleep when he felt a faint tingle on his arm; his soulmate writing something.

Sitting up in bed, he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and turned his head to look at the clock on his desk. “Are you fucking kidding me?” he mutters frustratedly to himself, flopping back down on his bed and curling further into his comforter, trying to be as quiet as he can since Stan was sleeping less than 5 feet away from him in their shared college dorm. “Why the hell is he up at 4 a.m. when we have class in the morning?”

Eddie had always been a light sleeper, so it was at times like this when he was awoken at the ass-crack of dawn, watching silently as Richie wrote on his arm, waiting and hoping for a response; a response Eddie was, quite frankly, too afraid to give him.

It had only been a few days after he turned 18, the age where you can finally start seeing and writing messages on your skin to your soulmate, that Eddie figured out Richie was his soulmate.

It was their senior year of high school and they were sitting in English class, zoning out while as the teacher continued rambling about some summer reading project they were supposed to have done, when Eddie felt it. He was wearing a sweatshirt, so he lifted the sleeve a little, watching as his soulmate started doodling what looked like an intricate rose.

He smiled as he watched for a few minutes, thinking the flower was beautiful, and moved to tap Richie on the arm to show him the design but paused as soon as he started. His breath hitched as he looked over his shoulder and saw Richie drawing a rose on his arm. The exact same rose that was currently being drawn on Eddie’s.

Up until that point, Eddie had never written a message back to his soulmate, afraid of saying something stupid, and after figuring out it was Richie, he knew he could never write anything back at all. At least not until he figured out what the hell he could say to him because, in reality, what was he supposed to say to his best friend that has shown no romantic interest in him before? ‘Hey, Richie, it’s me, Eddie. I know you’ve said a thousand times that being around me makes you nauseous because I constantly smell like my mom’s cheap perfume, but maybe that’s karma because we’re kinda soulmates. Life comes at you fast, huh?” Absolutely not.

Not only could Eddie not convince himself to tell Richie, but neither could the rest of the Losers. Not Bill, who sat Eddie down and held an impromptu intervention with Mike after Richie had come to them a hundred times, crying about how his soulmate probably hates him already since they never respond to him. Not Stan, who nearly decked him in the face for running away when he was given the perfect opportunity to fess up when Richie asked him why he had drawn the exact same smiley face he had on his hand. And not Beverly or Ben, who cornered and sat him down just last week after his last lecture of the day, telling him it had been almost a year since he found out and had yet to talk to Richie.

Now here he was, lying in bed at 4 in the morning, curling tightly into his comforter as he tried to ignore the guilt he felt in the pit of his stomach and watching Richie write what was probably the fourth message he had gotten today.

I’m sorry if I’ve been annoying you for the past year. Part of me hopes I’ve been writing on the wrong arm this whole time and you’re just not right-handed, but I know that isn’t really it. Just please say something, anything, so I at least know you’re out there and I’ll stop. I promise.

More than half of his forearm had been covered. He could only read over the message once, feeling tears well up in his eyes before shoving his arm back under his blanket and shutting his eyes as tightly as he could. He hated that he was hurting him, but he was scared. He was so scared. Scared that Richie would hate him by now. Scared that Richie didn’t return the same feelings for him that he’s had since freshman year. Scared that this will ruin their friendship if Richie doesn’t. He’s so scared.

“Eddie, it’s the middle of September. It’s like 600 degrees outside. Why the fuck are you wearing a jacket?” Richie asks, furrowing his eyes brows and staring at the smaller boy in front of him, his head slightly tilted as he waited for an answer.

After locking the door to his and Stan’s dorm, Eddie pushes past Richie, nearly knocking the boy over, and throws his backpack over his shoulder as he leads them down the hall and out of the building. This is what they always did. Richie woke up early, got dressed, walked to Eddie’s room, and waited for him outside so they could walk to class together. That’s what best friends do, right? “Because I’m cold, Richie, why else would I wear a jacket, dumbass?” he retorted, tugging the jacket tighter over his body. Ever since Eddie started wearing long sleeves around him, Richie asked the same thing all the time, and got the same response every time. Only this time, it really did feel like it was about 600 degrees outside, and Eddie could already feel his forehead start to get damp as they walked, yet he had no intentions of removing the jacket.

“Whatever, weird ass. I feel like I’m fucking melting out here, and you’re still dressing like there’s a blizzard barreling down on us. Are you okay?” Richie asked, his previously sarcastic tone of voice turning to one of genuine concern, catching Eddie completely off-guard with how fast he switched up.

“Y-yeah. I’m okay. Just been feeling weird. I’m fine, though,” Eddie tumbled over his words, keeping his eyes on his feet as they walked. “I didn’t get to ask you earlier, but how was the trip?” he asked, peering up to meet the same pair of concerned eyes he had been avoiding the entire walk. Over the weekend, Richie was forced to go to some art museum two hours away with his class for an exhibit, and instead of making it a day trip, they left Saturday morning and didn’t return until Sunday afternoon.

Richie knew good and well that Eddie wasn’t as okay as he was telling him, but they were best friends. He told Eddie everything and Eddie told him everything too. If he wanted him to know, he would tell him. Why would this be any different? “It was alright. Kind of boring, but it was required. I know it was only one weekend, but I missed you,” Richie replied nonchalantly, shoving his hands in his pockets. It wasn’t until a few moments later that he realized what he’d said, and frantically tried to backtrack and save himself. “You guys. I-i missed you guys. You know… it was weird not hanging out with you all. Like... all of you. Not just one,” he chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the nape of his neck, and Eddie noticed a faint red tint had taken to his cheeks that couldn’t have been from the heat.

“Yeah…y-yeah. I got it,” Eddie stuttered back, feeling like the combined heat the jacket and the heat from his own cheeks were about to suffocate him. “I bet it was. Didn’t have anyone to fuck around with and call ‘itty bitty Ewok” the whole time you were there.”

This pulled a loud laugh from Richie, who completely stopped in his tracks to grab his chest dramatically at the nickname he had coined for Eddie. “Come on, Eds, if anything you missed me calling you that,” he replied in-between chuckles, wiping a single tear from his eye.

“Fuck you, Richie, you already know I’m insecure about my height and Ewoks are actually pretty badass. They could kick your ass in a heartbeat just like I ca-” Eddie stops himself, sighing and shaking his head as Richie had only been probed to laugh harder. “Fuck you,” he spat, squinting his eyes at the other boy before speed walking ahead. However, he didn’t get very far before he felt himself being tugged backwards into a hard chest.

“I’m sorry, Eddie. I was just kidding, I promise,” Richie grinned down at him, though Eddie wasn’t paying much attention to what he was saying. What he was paying attention to, though, was the hand on his waist that was pressing him firmly against Richie’s body, only separated by his backpack. “Forgive me?” Richie whispered, leaning right down to Eddie’s ear and making him shudder a bit at the feeling of his breath fanning his skin.

“Whatever,” Eddie breathed out, shoving Richie away and fixing his bag on his shoulder, continuing to walk ahead as he heard Richie continuing to chuckle behind him.

They walked in silence for a few more minutes, getting closer and closer to their classroom building before they finally arrived. It wasn’t until Eddie pulled the door open and held it for Richie that he spoke again.

“Is that something your soulmate wrote?” Richie asked, pointing to the marks peeking out from Eddie’s jacket that had slightly risen up on his arm as they walked inside.

At the question, Eddie’s eyes widened, and he immediately pulled the fabric of his sleeve down, averting his eyes from his best friend. “Yeah… yeah, it’s nothing important. Just a doodle or something,” he mumbled, shrugging his shoulders and silently praying that Richie would accept his answer and change the subject.

“Must be nice. I don’t know what I did to my soulmate or--or if I even fucking have one at this point, but I can never get a response. I’m starting to think that maybe I should just…give up? I mean it’s almost been a year now and all I’ve gotten is radio silence. I can’t keep begging for nothing, you know?” Richie asks, looking over at Eddie with dark, heavy eyes as he finished. His shoulders were slumped in defeat and his head hung a little lower as he walked.

“Yeah. I-I’m sorry, Richie. You don’t deserve that… you really don’t,” Eddie replied, fidgeting nervously with backpack straps and quickly glancing at Richie before focusing back on the ground and walking into the classroom.

He hadn’t been lying. After a while, the messages on Eddie’s arm started coming in slower and slower before stopping altogether.

There were times when he thought Richie had started trying again, feeling the familiar tingle on his arm, only to look down and see a grocery list or a homework reminder.

By now, it had been nearly two months and there hadn’t been a single message from Richie for him to read. Richie had also become a little quieter when they all hung out. Acting a little out of character for his usual self, and the entire group noticed. They also knew Eddie was the one that could fix it, and they’d threatened him at least 3 times this week to tell Richie before they did. To say he felt guilty was an understatement. He didn’t think it would come to Richie completely giving up he just¾he just needed more time, was all. More time to come up with something to say to him.

Eddie was just about to sit down and start on his homework when he felt it again. Writing on his arm.

Study group for comp sci in library @ 6

He stared at the note on his arm for a few minutes before looking at the time on his laptop. It was 3:45 now, so he only had a little bit of time to decide if he would show up or not. This was the first time Richie had written a complete sentence, whether it was for him or not, let alone with something as specific as his afternoon plans. It would be the perfect time to reveal himself to Richie, but he couldn’t help but doubt himself. “Jesus fuck, I’m gonna need a Xanax after this,” he muttered to himself hiding his face in his hands and exhaling loudly.

It was currently 7:30pm and Eddie was standing outside of the library entrance, looking like an absolute idiot. He had gotten to the library over 30 minutes ago, but every time he made the move to walk inside, he walked right back out.

He peered through the glass doors of the library entrance and saw Richie packing up his bags at a table in the back corner of the bottom floor and waving goodbye to a few other students. Panic started to rise in him because it was literally now or never, and he didn’t even use his time standing around outside, let alone the entire year he’s kept this secret, to think of what the hell he’s supposed to say when he walks up to him.

His body starts moving before his mind can get it to stop, and he suddenly finds himself pushing through the front doors and walking right up to Richie, who was seconds away from leaving.

“Hey, Richie,” Eddie called as he neared the table, internally cringing at how awkward and nervous he sounded. Richie looked up from shoving his last book into his backpack, his eyes widening in surprise and his mouth opening to say something before Eddie cut him off. “H-how did your study group go?”

“How did you know I had a study group? I never mentioned it to…” Richie trailed off mid-sentence as he took in Eddie’s appearance. He was shifting nervously from one foot to the other. A faint blush was set on his cheeks, tinting them a pretty pink color over his freckles, and he was completely avoiding Richie’s eyes. Other than that, there was nothing significantly different about Eddie that caught him off guard; that is, until he noticed Eddie’s shirt. For once, he wasn’t wearing anything long-sleeved, and Richie noticed a few familiar scribbles on Eddie’s arm from afar.

Stepping away from the table, Richie started moving closer to the other boy and Eddie felt like he couldn’t breathe. He stood completely still, frozen in place, as Richie stopped right in front of him and took his arm in his hand, holding it up so he could read what was written.

“Study group for comp sci in library at 6,” Richie read out loud quietly before looking up and meeting Eddie’s eyes, causing Eddie to meet his gaze for the first time. They were both silent for no more than 3 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. Eddie was still barely breathing, waiting for Richie to react, and Richie was looking at the message on Eddie’s arm again that was identical to his as if everything was hitting him at once.

Eddie had just looked away from Richie’s face when he spoke up again.

“Why?” he asked, his voice laced with a mixture of hurt and desperation. “W-why would you …hide this from me for so long, Eddie?”

When Eddie looked up, he realized just how upset Richie really was. His eyes had already begun to water, and he knew he was completely overwhelmed with the situation. He felt terrible once again; not that he didn’t deserve to. “Richie, I-”

“Do you realize how hard I tried? Eddie, I didn’t even know if there was someone out there or not. I-I waited so long hoping to get a response, and you--you were there the entire time? You knew the entire time?” Richie cut him off, looking like he had been completely defeated.

“I-I’m sorry. I just- I didn’t know how you would react. You’ve never shown any real interest in me and I didn’t want to ruin anything I-I was just scared of… of losing you,” he replied, feeling his own tears start to slip down his cheeks. “I know I’m the fucking worst and I had so much time to say something but I couldn’t-”

“Are you fucking kidding me, Eddie? Like are you bullshitting me right now? This entire time, you haven’t stopped to think even once that I might have feelings for you? That I might have been in love with you since we were prepubescent 13 year-olds in high school? Not once?” Richie continued, shooting questions at Eddie every chance he could. “Not when I asked you to prom senior year, even if I did try to play it off as a friend thing? Not when I kissed you that one time when we went to the drive-in? Or not even now when I wake up early every morning to walk you to class, even when I don’t have the same classes? Not once?”

Eddie was speechless. Absolutely speechless for at least 2 minutes before his mind finally started working again after that confession. “I really am sorry, Rich, I know I should’ve said something a long ass time ago I was being stupid… I had no idea you felt that way, but I-I feel the same,” he replied nervously, peering up at Richie through his eyelashes, his bottom lip between his teeth. “And to be fair, you told me the kiss was accidental and that you only did it because you were trying to wipe butter off of my lip and slipped-”

But he’s cut off when he feels a pair of lips against his, and he barely has time to react before Richie’s pulling him closer against his chest and deepening the kiss. Eddie feels like his entire body is fire, and even though they’re kissing in the middle of the library, it feels like they’re the only people in the room, as cheesy as that sounds. It was a fairly chaste kiss, but it was desperate and needy, something they’ve both wanted for years, and they were both breathless when they pulled apart.

Eddie’s lips were red and a bit plumper, and when Richie’s eyes flickered down to them and noticed, he couldn’t help but pull Eddie in for another quick kiss.

“That one wasn’t an accident,” Richie finally spoke after a few moments of them trying to catch their breath, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You’re such an idiot,” Eddie chuckled breathlessly. He felt like a thousand weights had been lifted off his shoulders. His insides felt like jelly, like he couldn’t believe that had just happened, but it felt good. He felt good.

“Yeah? Says the one that kept being my soulmate away from me for an entire fucking year,” Richie countered, squeezing Eddie’s hip and making his breath hitch.

“Not an entire year just…close,” Eddie murmured under his breath, hiding his face in Richie’s neck.

“Too long,” Richie replied, his voice slightly muffled as he pressed his lips against the side of Eddie’s face.

“M’sorry,” Eddie responded, which he’d probably said a thousand times tonight. But he meant it. He meant it every single time.

“I know. I’m just glad you’re here now,” Richie sighed in content. Of course, they’d talk more about the situation later, but for now he was just happy he had found out who his soulmate was. Even better, it was Eddie.

Eddie knew it too. Knew he’d have a lot more explaining to do, and a lot more apologizing to do, but for now he wanted to stay just like this for a little while longer because he wasn’t afraid anymore. He didn’t have to be; he never had to be, and he wished he could’ve convinced himself of that earlier because being in Richie’s arms felt like the safest place he’d ever been in his life.

[enbyleighlines]

Wangxian - Hidden Tattoo

Okie dokie, can do! Thank you for the drabble request! I hope you like it~

—

It takes exactly three days for Lan Wangji to regret asking Wei Wuxian and A-Yuan to move into his spacious, three-bedroom studio apartment.

Lan Wangji keeps the master bed and bath, and little A-Yuan gets the small corner bedroom. That leaves Wei Wuxian with the mid-sized guest room, which is an unfortunate distance from the only other bathroom with a shower.

Any respectable human being would choose to bring their change of clothes with them while they bathe. Wei Wuxian, as Lan Wangji so intimately knows, is not a respectable human being.

Instead, whenever he finishes a shower, Wei Wuxian comes out of the bathroom with naught but a towel tied around his waist. And then he walks down the long stretch of hallway, right past the living room, where Lan Wangji is sure to be enjoying his evening, nose buried in a book of poetry.

The worst part is the ink.

Now, Lan Wangji had known Wei Wuxian for almost a decade, since they first met freshman year of high school. They had been close friends the majority of those years. And yet, not once in all those years, had Wei Wuxian ever mentioned getting or having a tattoo.

Lan Wangji wants to ask about it. But he suspects it’ll sound too much like a confession.

Wei Wuxian’s tattoo is on his lower back.

A tramp stamp. Lan Wangji vaguely thinks he heard that term before. He doesn’t remember where, and honestly, he doesn’t care to know.

It is on the third night of sharing the same apartment that Lan Wangji first notices Wei Wuxian’s nightly habit of strolling the hall shirtless. It’s when Lan Wangji catches the first glimpse of ink on Wei Wuxian’s skin, still flushed and damp from the shower. It’s when Lan Wangji first regrets making the offer that led to this current predicament.

Lan Wangji doesn’t know what the tattoo is, or how Wei Wuxian got it, or if he has any other hidden tattoos. The state of not knowing keeps him up the rest of the night. He lies in bed, still as a mummy, staring into the shadows on the walls of his room.

Dumbly, Lan Wangji considers his situation.

First, the man he has been in love with for nine years has moved in with him.

Second, this man has brought along a toddler, A-Yuan, who Lan Wangji had agreed to foster.

Third, the only man he has ever loved was just walking around their shared apartment half-nude. There is no reason to believe that that would be a one time offense.

Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, the love of Lan Wangji’s life has a secret tramp stamp, and he does not know what it depicts.

Lan Wangji is so very screwed.

—

A-Yuan wakes up first. His high pitched cries pierce through the heavy walls of the apartment building as though they were made of paper.

Lan Wangji acts on pure instinct. He has never cared for a child before, even if he’s read many child-rearing books front to back in preparation for this very moment. In the face of his first foster parent challenge, Lan Wangji forgets everything he’s learned. He just rolls out of bed and scrambles like mad to get to A-Yuan’s side.

Apparently, Wei Wuxian has had the same idea. They nearly collide in the hall, before tumbling together into A-Yuan’s room.

The toddler is sitting up in his small race car bed, sobbing wetly into an oversized teddy bear. He does not seem to register their presence.

Lan Wangji gets to him only a split-second before Wei Wuxian.

“A-Yuan,” he says, carefully cupping the child’s curved back. The onesie is slightly damp and stuck to his skin, as though he had been heavily sweating. His breaths seem far too big for his little body, his shuddering rib cage pushing back against Lan Wangji’s palm. “A-Yuan,” Lan Wangji tries again, “Slow your breathing.”

“What’s upset you, boo boo?” Wei Wuxian, who has more experience with babysitting A-Yuan over the years, seems far more composed. “Did you have a nightmare again?”

A-Yuan nods and hiccups. “Nightmare,” he confirms, “There were— there were zombies...”

Lan Wangji heaves a sigh of relief. He feels all the tension leave him. A-Yuan is not hurt or in danger. He has not failed the child so early into their tentative arrangement.

“Aww, that’s no fun,” Wei Wuxian coos, and scoops A-Yuan up to sit on his bent knee, “Maybe that movie last night was a little too scary for you...”

Lan Wangji whips his head to glare holes into Wei Wuxian’s skull. “You let the child watch a horror movie?”

“No!” Wei Wuxian frowns, “Not even I’m that dumb! It was on the kid’s cartoon channel. Some animated halloween flick. I don’t think it was even meant to be scary.”

Lan Wangji relaxes again. He feels bad for snapping at Wei Wuxian, but too drained to say anything at the moment.

And then, he realizes that Wei Wuxian is shirtless.

Lan Wangji instantly stands up. “I’ll go start making breakfast,” he offers, hoping his voice doesn’t crack.

Wei Wuxian nods absentmindedly. He is exclusively focused on comforting A-Yuan. He bounces the kid and shushes him soothingly, wiping away his tears.

Lan Wangji is about to leave. He really plans on it, but—

He can’t help it. Lan Wangji makes it as far as the threshold. Then he stops to peek at Wei Wuxian’s lower back.

The tattoo is partially concealed by the hem of Wei Wuxian’s sweatpants. Even so, Lan Wangji recognizes the image immediately.

There, nose to nose, is a pair of bunny rabbits. Their squished noses form a vague heart shape.

Lan Wangji knows that image because he’s seen it doodled in his notebook before. Back in high school, Wei Wuxian had amused himself with pulling many pranks, most of them at Lan Wangji’s expense. One of the more harmless ones consisted of Wei Wuxian stealing Lan Wangji’s notes and returning them with the untouched margins swarmed with cartoon scribbles. The nose-touching bunnies had been a particular favorite of Lan Wangji’s. He is sure he still has a copy of that one in a scrapbook somewhere.

As Lan Wangji reminisced, though, Wei Wuxian took notice of the man’s sudden silence. “What are you—?” He begins to ask, before he traced Lan Wangji’s gaze from point A to point B. Then, Wei Wuxian explodes into laughter.

Caught red-handed, Lan Wangji could do nothing but stand there, flushing.

“Oh right,” Wei Wuxian says once he stops his giggle spree, “You don’t know about my tramp stamp, do you? I got this in college. I was piss drunk at the time. Do you like it?”

Lan Wangji gives no response.

“I can’t really see it myself,” Wei Wuxian continues, hugging the now much calmer A-Yuan to his chest, “but I’ve heard it’s cute.”

“It’s cute,” Lan Wangji’s traitorous mouth confirms.

Wei Wuxian beams his characteristic sunny smile — the one that makes Lan Wangji believe in miracles and other such lovesick nonsense.

Lan Wangji resolutely says nothing to further incriminate himself.

“I know it’s a pair of bunnies,” Wei Wuxian assures him, “like those ones I used to draw inside your notebooks all the time. God, I really was the worst back in high school. Lan Zhan, do you remember me doing that?”

Some deep, hidden part of Lan Wangji begins to shine. It was a part of himself he had long since locked away, a part of himself he thought he had forever lost.

It was hope. Hope, that somehow, Wei Wuxian could one day return his feelings.

“Yes,” Lan Wangji answers, his heart in his throat, “I remember.”

[aelysalthea]

The Secret Lives of Neil Josten

Chapter 3: Dan's Academic Pursuits

Dan was bored already. Bored when it wasn't even the end of her first class? It made for a long semester to come.

Mathematics wasn't really a choice she'd wanted to make. Even Introductory Statistics was so far out of her realm of expertise that it would be a struggle, regardless of how often Matt preached that it was "only a first-year subject". Dan wasn't a math person.

Unfortunately, that didn't mean she wouldn't take it. It would be useful, she knew, just as she'd known that Introductory Mathematics would be to her benefit in the long haul. It would. Hopefully. Surely her arduous struggle two years before couldn't be for nothing.

The first class of Statistics wasn't setting a good precedent for successive lectures, however. The lecturer was a younger man, thin and plain, unremarkable but was a remarkably boring voice which he used to make a dull subject seem even duller. He spoke at the room rather than to the students and seemed to forget for the better part of the class that he had an audience at all. That, and that the words he droned and the solutions he detailed were in perfectly legible font on the screen overhead.

There wasn't a need to read it out when Dan was fairly sure that everyone in the class could read. Almost one-hundred percent sure.

"This was a bad idea," Kelsey muttered at her side exactly fifty-four minutes into the lecture. Professor Drone-A-Lot looked to be only contemplating the prospect of wrapping up. "A really, really bad idea."

Dan nodded in heartfelt agreement. She and Kelsey weren't really friends, just as she wasn't really friends with Thomas at her other side, or Jackson another chair along. She didn't even know the girl who sat on Kelsey's other side but to recognise her as a fellow athlete. They tended to group together these days, and especially the seniors. Juggling a sports-life and college studies was nothing short of a circus act.

If Dan had her choice, however, she would have sat with one of her Foxes. Even a freshman would have been better than Kelsey the netballer or Thomas, who played - what did he play again? Hockey, was it? She couldn't remember. Unfortunately, a quick glance around the enormous, ominous, mostly full lecture hall when she'd first stepped through the doorway hadn't spotted any of her own. That in itself was strange, because Dan could have sworn she had one. A valuable one, too. Neil was reportedly good at math, or so Matt had claimed the previous year.

The professor was still droning, still dictating what was already written on the screen over his head, by the time Dan's watch ticked onto the hour. As if to the sound of a bell, motion rippled through every student. No one spoke, not a one interrupting the professor, but unspoken agreement sounded the end of class. A sidelong glance saw the boy at the end of Dan's row slink into the aisle, twisting in place to scuttle up the stairs and through the door in short order. He wasn't even the first one to leave.

"Should've picked a spot closer to the door," Thomas murmured, and Dan nodded again. A shuffle behind her signalled more escapees, and though the professor seemed to be making an attempt to wrap up the session, she didn't wait for him to properly finish. Her notes were minimal at best, and she hadn't written a word for the past twenty minutes. Scooping her bag from beneath her feet, Dan swept pens and books within and was scooting along the line of seats in Kelsey's wake before she'd even zipped it shut.

"Don't be the last one in," Kelsey's friend whispered over her shoulder, teeth flashing in a grin. "I heard from Monica that this guy sometimes tries to keep lecturing to anyone that gets caught behind if they hang around."

Kelsey gagged and Dan gave a shudder that wasn't wholly theatrical. Snickering with the rest of her not-quite friends, she hastened up the stairs in then thickening stream of escaping students - only to pause at the top. Thomas nearly ran into her from behind with a muted yelp.

"Dan," he scolded, but didn't wait for a reply before skirting around her and making through the doorway. Dan barely noticed. Hitching her bag over her shoulder, she slipped instead down the line of desks and seats along the back row, the chairs already emptied, and paused alongside the only one that still held an occupant.

"I thought I remembered seeing you'd picked statistics this semester," she said, not bothering to dampen her voice anymore. The ruckus of escapees had climbed to careless abandon, drowning out the vestiges of the professor's words. "I didn't see you come in."

Neil started slightly, snapping his attention from his notepad up towards her. He blinked owlishly for a moment, as quietly disconcerted as he always was when someone 'crept up' on him, even if he did seem to be getting better with it these days. When he realised it was only Dan, he eased immediately, shoulders releasing their tension.

"Hey," he said, sitting back in his chair and dropping his pen onto the notepad. "I came in at the last second."

"I'll say. I thought I was cutting it close and you got here after me." Dan propped herself against the desk alongside Neil's. "You're sitting with me next time, though."

Neil cocked his head. "Hm? Why?"

"Because you're good at math."

"I'm not that good at math. I just enjoy it."

"Bullshit. And that's weird."

Neil shrugged. "It's fun."

It's scary that he's not even joking, Dan thought with a mental roll of her eyes. Once, she probably wouldn't have been able to discern Neil's blank-faced humour from sincerity, but it was a little more apparent these days. In this instance, he was definitely being honest. "So weird," she said, shaking her head. "Come on, though, throw me a bone. I'm in my last year and could use all the help I can get."

"If you're not good at statistics then why did you pick it?" Neil asked.

"Because it'll be useful."

"I suppose. For you."

"I'll do a trade with you," Dan offered, turning against the desk to drop her elbows onto the back of the chair instead. "You're taking psych this semester, right? I'll give you my notes and even help you read my scrawl, and you can -"

Gesturing at Neil's notepad, Dan waved an indicative hand. It wasn't for lack of necessity that her words died, however. Her offer abruptly sidelined, Dan straightened and peered at Neil's paper. "What is that?"

Neil followed the line of her gaze. "What is what?"

"That." Dan pointed at a square of the page, barely post-it sized and covered in arching lines of pen. "Did you draw that?"

Neil shrugged, shoulders regaining some of their tension, but Dan barely noticed. She was more concerned with the pictures in black ink that the bleached the paper, making a mockery of the blue lines and disregarding any notes that Neil had taken above it.

It was difficult to discern just what it was that she was looking at, for it seemed a part of something larger. Like a jigsaw puzzle piece isolated from its kin, what appeared to be a landscape image in immaculate detail and various intensities of shading consumed the square piece. The outline of a tree trunk, gnarled knots at its base and twisted branches extending higher. Tufts of grass stretched from its roots, and debris surrounded its base. Foliage and stunted bushes, a shrivelled flower and a misshapen rock. Something that looked like the shadow of an animal – a fox maybe? – and something else that looked far more sinister but less discernible.

As Dan drew her gaze across the picture, she shook her head slowly. It was… unexpected, to say the least. She couldn't have withheld the wondering smile that grew on her lips if she'd tried.

"Neil, you drew this yourself?" Dan asked without really needing an answer.

"It's just doodling," Neil said.

Dan ignored that uncomfortable edge to his tone. She reached for the notepad, fingers trailing over the surface made bumpy by the footprints of the pen. "This is really good."

"What?"

"Yeah, it's - Neil, you're a really good drawer."

"Not really."

Dan shot him a glance. "Don't tell me I'm wrong. You suck at school work in everything that isn't math or, like, Spanish or whatever else you and Andrew decided to take up at the moment -"

"It's Russian, actually," Neil said.

"Whatever. What I'm saying is that I know you suck at things, but this," she tapped the picture with a finger, "does not suck."

Neil shrugged tightly again. His face bore the kind of closed blankness of discomfort that Dan knew so well of him, and the tension in his shoulders bespoke it even more. Why he should find such a thing uncomfortable Dan didn't know, but she'd learned a long time ago not to ask. It would be an unkindness when the answer could potentially dredge forth bad memories. Neil had a lot of those, and they were often sparked by the most unexpected triggers.

Straightening, sparing a last glance for the artistic spread of penmanship, Dan forced aside the urge to explore it further. "Well, whatever," she said. "It's not like it's relevant, just kind of cool. You won't be completely distracted doing drawings in every statistics class, will you? Because that would be a problem if I'm planning to mooch off of you. And if you actually want to pass."

When Neil slowly shook his head, Dan gave a short nod. "Good. That's good then." Another nod pointed towards the doors, almost vacated of fleeing students. "Let's go, then. We don't want to get trapped by Professor Mitchell, right? Apparently he has a tendency of doing things like that."

Dan didn't wait for Neil to agree. She barely waited long enough to be sure he was packing his gear away and rising to follow her. Leading the way from the lecture hall, Dan shrugged the incident aside, even if she did stick a mental pin into the reminder.

Neil had been, and likely always would be, something of an enigma. It seemed that, even without trying to hide it, he had a wealth of secrets buried just beneath the surface. Dan found herself smiling as she cast a glance over her shoulder at Neil, his chin tucked and head bowed in utter contrast to how he usually held himself on the court but nothing if not typical of what she'd seen of him in the college hallways.

Always secrets and accidental revelations. Dan doubted they'd ever stop coming, though if they were as curiously unexpected as this latest discovery was, she found she didn't mind finding them out piece by piece. Not anymore.

***

When Neil returned to Fox Tower that afternoon, the room was silent. Such wasn't uncommon, both when it was empty and when either of his roommates were present; more often than not Kevin would be sprawled on his bed with headphones on and oblivious to the world, or Andrew at a window deliberately ignoring anyone around him. Neil didn't care. He was just as often blotting his surroundings out himself.

Dumping his bag at his desk, he dug through its contents briefly before disregarding delicacy and upending it and tipping the contents out. As he flipped through his books, the door opened behind him and he glanced over his shoulder.

"Hey," Neil said as Andrew entered, gravitating towards his own desk to offload his shoulder bag. Its thud was surprisingly heavy given Neil knew he rarely carried books with him, though he'd never asked just what Andrew filled it with instead.

Andrew tipped his head in an acknowledging nod before turning towards the kitchen. "I'm hungry," he said.

In anyone else, Neil probably would have ignored such a comment. When it came from Andrew, there was question, offer, and suggestion wrapped up in the two simple words. Flipping through his extracted notebook, Neil followed after Andrew.

"There's mac 'n' cheese on the bottom shelf," he said.

"You don't like that," Andrew said, turning to the pantry.

Neil shrugged. He wasn't hungry anyway, and even if he hadn't a taste for the goop, Andrew liked it. "I don't care."

Andrew crouched before the shelves as Neil dropped onto his own haunches before the fridge. He rearranged the collection of magnets, crumpling a couple of brochures Kevin had stuck up, a receipt that Kevin said was important but definitely wasn't, and tore the sheet of his statistics notes from the book.

"You hid it," Andrew said behind him, shuffling through tins and boxes for the admittedly hidden box.

"Kevin would have tossed it otherwise," Neil said.

"Asshole."

"He's kicked up his game on dieting this season for some reason."

"We have diet plans already. Let him suffer alone. He shouldn't inflict his poor life choices onto others."

Neil snorted as he rearranged the fridge magnets, adding his paper to the motley collection. He could agree with Andrew's sentiment, if only in part. Without a dark cloud hanging over Kevin's head that year, he seemed to have launched himself into the life of a committed athlete with a vigour that put his previous attempts to shame. That meant monitoring every mouthful, and not only of his own meals but frustratingly those of every teammate. He'd nearly gotten his throat cut when he threatened to throw out Andrew's tub of ice-cream barely two weeks before.

Rocking back onto his heels, Neil glanced over his shoulder to where Andrew was pulling pots out of the cupboard before turning back to the mosaic on the fridge. The collection of paper pieces, torn slips in some instances and larger chunks of pen-lined paper in others, consumed most of the lower half of the fridge door, overriding what had once been cluttered with Kevin's choice of 'relevant' content in the form of pictures, newspaper clippings, and loud advertisements. In Neil's opinion, what took its place was distinctly better.

The image hadn't rhyme, reason, or intention behind it, but somehow each picture-piece contributed to the whole. What had started as an offhanded doodle, something sketched mindlessly in the boredom of a classroom, had expanded into something more. A crevasse in a tree that evolved into the entirety of that tree, had produced a branch, a root, and then the shadow of another alongside it. The arch of a hill scattered with clumps of dirt, pawprints, and grass flattened by a departed foot.

What had started as an offhanded glance over Andrew's shoulder, a simple request and a chipped magnet to hold it in place had expanded. Hours of mindless scratchings in the back of classrooms when he could have been prepping for the end of year exams, sitting in silence and barely attending to the movements of his pen, unintentional but subconsciously deliberate nonetheless. The result was an expanse of fragmented but somehow continuous depictions in lead or ink. To look at it, Neil could determine in an instant which scraps of paper and sketched images were his own and which were Andrew's. It was somehow satisfying to see them all click together.

He didn't know why Andrew drew. He didn't know if he even liked to do it or if he simply… did it.

Neil didn't know why he drew, either. He couldn't have said if he liked it, or if he was good at it as Dan had suggested at the end of their earlier class. He just… did it.

"That's the third one," Andrew said from behind Neil.

Neil cocked his head, arms folding as he glanced over the mishmash pieces of the picture they'd unintentionally made. "Third what?" he asked.

"Fox."

Neil eyed Andrew sidelong. Andrew was regarding his latest addition with his usual hooded, nonchalant gaze. It was difficult to get a read on him sometimes, still difficult even after over a year of knowing him, but Neil thought he knew. In this instance, with the beats of silence and staring, Neil thought he knew.

He shrugged. "So long as you're okay with it," he said, turning towards the cupboard to extract a pair of bowls.

"I didn't say I liked it."

"Neither did I."

"It's a little obsessive if anything."

"Yeah, well, it's typical of me. Right?" When he turned, Neil found himself the focus of Andrews attention. He stared back silently, expectantly, but Andrew only rolled his eyes, returning to his mac 'n' cheese. Neil followed behind him. "Your turn next," he said, just as he always did as an unnecessary reminder.

"Whatever," Andrew replied. "If I can be fucked. The entire pastime is growing increasingly pointless."

"So you agree it had a point at least at some time?" Andrew didn't reply but Neil shrugged anyway. "Then I guess it doesn't matter."

Andrew still didn't reply, didn't confirm, but though Neil had never partaken in the betting habits of his teammates, he would confidently wager there would be another addition before the end of the week.

[your-high-lady]

Realisation

Summary: This story is about Feyre. She has a couple of small dreams she wants to achieve but turns out it isn’t as easy as she imagined it would. Trust me, the story is better than the summary. Modern AU. Feysand.

Chapter 1  Chapter 2   Chapter 3   Chapter 4  Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I don't anything except for the plot. All credit goes to Sarah J Mass. That woman is fucking amazing.

Chapter 6: First Glimpse

Art History. Remind me again, why I chose this class. Oh, that's right. Because I thought it'd be interesting. How wrong I was. I shake my head at my own thoughts before crossing the threshold that would lead me into my next passage of life: college.

But why does Art History have to be the first class I ever took in college. Couldn't it be something like yoga, which I also happen to enjoy?

After almost an hour and a half of the balding male professor droning on and on, the rustling of students and scraping of chairs being pushed back awakened me from my half-unconscious state and I stood up to pack my bag. The next class, Visual Art was the total opposite. I found what the teacher was saying so interesting and barely two sentences into the class, and I was hooked. As I doodled—Miss Berger, a middle-aged woman who had a very good sense of style, light brown hair and huge glasses covering most of her face, had given us free time after explaining what we'd be learning over the semester and what our syllabus was—I thought about it all: I hadn't really known what I'd wanted to do during the first couple of months in Year 13, and I'd started getting a bit worried. And then the rape happened. Exactly two weeks after the incident, it had randomly hit me. I'd just been painting random things on a spare canvas I'd been able to salvage from my mess of a closet when I realised what I wanted to do. I wanted to teach. I wanted to teach people how to paint. Specifically, people who were mentally disturbed due to some incident in their life. I hadn't painted at all during the last couple weeks and today was one of the first times I'd even tried putting something onto a canvas. I didn't want that to happen to other people. I wanted to help them channel their grief into their painting, to create something new. I wanted to see if I could teach them to heal through their art, rather than stopping it altogether, as I had even it was only for a short time. I wanted to make my own business that did exactly that. And that is exactly why I took all the classes I had.

After Visual Art was over, I decided to go for a short walk. I had an hour before my next class, which was with Mor. Business—my only class with her. I was glad I had the class with her, but there was also the fact that Rhys and his friends were in that class too. The thought instantly brought butterflies to my stomach. Mor had messaged me halfway through Art telling me to come ten minutes early so that she could introduce me to him and his friends. Reading the message had immediately brought a picture to the front of my mind. A picture of Mor's cousin and his friends, who incidentally were also friends with Mor. The thought of seeing them made my skin crawl. It wasn't that I didn't want to see them. I was just a bit nervous. I'd only recently started getting used to the presence of men—though, I still shuddered and got all sweaty if I noticed someone with particularly golden or dark features—but I knew that the second I saw them, I would go back to square one where I was still a quivering mess. They were just so handsome. All three of them. As if God himself had handpicked each of their features and carefully put them together to create the closest thing he could to someone as overpowering as he was himself, in every sense. Plus, all of them had features that reminded me of that night. Rhys's dark blue hair reminded me of the shadows that had been in that dark alley; Cassian's golden skin reminded me of how beautiful and smooth Tamlin's had been under his clothes; and Azriel's hair, though not holding the same darkness in them, was still black. Too much like Dagdan's. Just thinking about them gave me a cold sweat so I quickly kicked all the horrid thoughts out of my head and started imagining the type of car I might want to get, and before long, I was swapping my art diary for a couple of textbooks and heading off to Business.

—

After having nearly asked ten people where my class was, I finally found it. And there they were. The class was half full, some people looking down at their phones or books while others chatted among themselves. But no one was as loud as Mor. She was practically shouting. But then my attention went towards the most beautiful man I'd ever seen. Rhys. Sensing my gaze, he turned to look at me, and I blinked in astonishment, a silent gasp escaping my mouth. I took a couple of steps back, wanting to run away but then Mor turned her head, following Rhys's gaze, and exclaimed, "Feyre, you're here!" She jumped out of her seat, grabbed me by the wrist and dragged me back into class. I was pretty sure at least one of my ankles were sprained judging by the number of times I tripped over my own feet as Mor dragged me in, by the time we reached Rhys and his friends. Moving to stand behind me she pushed me forward before standing on her tippy toes and peeking over my shoulder. "Guys, this is Feyre. Say hi." Mor drawled. Strangely Rhys just stared at me but, thankfully, Azriel replied before he could say anything. "Hello, Feyre. I'm Azriel." He stuck his hand out, and I stared at for the shortest second.

In that second, a hundred things went through my mind: the rape, the emotions I went through afterwards, me flinching at my father's touch, me promising myself that I would stop that. Azriel's handsomeness. Because he was handsome. All three of them were. But each of them was also so different in their own way. Azriel's face was straight and void of any emotion—though a small smile lit up his face, every time he looked at Mor—and he was tall and mysterious with his black hair and hazel eyes. His skin was tan, the planes of his face elegant. Peaking above the neck of his long-sleeved t-shirt I could see a swirling mass of night-blue coloured tattoos. If I was being honest with myself they were a big intimating but despite that, strangely enough, he made me feel… safe. As if he would protect me no matter what. It gave me some solace because I had always trusted my gut. And right now my gut was telling me that he was good. So I shook his hand.

And then it happened. I flinched.

Thankfully it wasn't big enough for Azriel to notice, but it still made me angry. Why didn't my body understand that I was safe now, or at least as safe as I could be? Tamlin was back in Auckland. Far, far away from here, from me.

Taking a couple of subtle deep breaths, to calm myself down, I took my hand out of Azriel's and moved my eyes to look at Cassian. Whereas Azriel made me feel safe, Cassian made me feel…happy. It took a couple of seconds for me to realise that but when I did, I knew that that was in fact what I was feeling. Happiness. It was something so foreign to me now. But it was impossible to not feel happy when I looked into Cassian's hazel eyes and saw humour and laughter and happiness. His rough-hewn features that reminded me of wind, earth and fire had been twisted into a giant smile. His black shoulder length hair brushed his shoulders on which I could also see tattoos similar to the ones on Azriel's body. A quick glance at Rhys told me he also had the blue swirls. Maybe they'd gotten them together at the same time?

Cassian gave me a wave in greeting, his smile widening. "Cassian." He said, in introduction. I waved back, forcing my mind to stop thinking about the flinch. But it was impossible. I turned to find Rhys's hand outstretched. Ignoring it, I looked up at his face. His eyebrows raised slightly as I took in his heartbreakingly handsome face, my eyes widening a little. The pictures I'd seen did him no justice at all. None. His hair was a strange shade of blue and black, cut short. They reminded me of a raven's feather. His violet eyes had flecks of silver in them making it seem like stars in the night sky. He was also tan like the other two, though unlike Cassian and Azriel, there was a tightening in his muscles. I could see it in the ways his shirt tightened around the shoulders. Other than that, lines also made his otherwise-perfect face, a little flawed, though if I was being honest to myself, even the lines made him handsome.

I don't know why I noticed such an odd and minuscule thing, but it bothered me. Someone like Rhys shouldn't have lines caused by months, if not years, of stress and grief marking his face. Someone cleared their throat, and I blinked, then quickly shook my hand with Rhys which was still expectantly waiting. But I hadn't thought about it. And because I hadn't thought about it, I flinched. Harder. Not much more than before, but enough that he noticed. A line formed between Rhys's brows and his head tilted a little to the side in silent question. I shook my head just enough so that he noticed, but the others didn't. I slipped my hand out of Rhys's and Mor started babbling about things that passed right over my head, though I did hear a few words like "art", "passion" and "own business". I guessed that Mor was telling them about me as a person. But even as Mor was talking, I could feel a set of eyes on me. I turned to look at Rhys, who was staring at me. In those stunning eyes of his, I could see it as he'd written it across his forehead. His eyes told me that he was surprised by the flinch and would not let it go. I cursed at myself silently, for letting the flinch get through my defences. Soon the professor came in, and we all took our seats.

But still, I felt those eyes burning two giant holes into the back of my head. I tried convincing myself that I was just imagining it, that he had no reason to stare at for me for so long, but when I turned around to look, I found them. Every single time. And each time, I whipped my head back around, blushing. It made me think: Rhys had no reason to be staring at me; what was he thinking about?

But running along with those thoughts, were also the thoughts about how he made me feel. Physically. Because, though I don't want to admit it, he made me feel… hot. Right down there, in my core. I'd never thought I could feel something like that. Not after what Dagdan did to me. Yet here I was, flinching at the surprise of feeling aroused.

But then, of course, I was.

—

The professor released us, and as we were packing our bags, Cassian suggested we hang out on Saturday. Mor piped up with, "Ooh, ooh, can we go to that mini golf place that stays open really late? We can have dinner somewhere, first, and then go there! Please, please, please?" She says turning to Rhys, and she brings her hands together as if praying and jumps up and down in excitement. He smiled, nodding causing Mor to squeal and give her cousin a tight hug.

—

"But I don't want to go!" I whined. Mor shushed me and strutted a couple of steps ahead of me before turning around to look at me. As she walked backwards, she said, "But why don't you want to go? Give me one good reason. Just one." And damn me, I said nothing, just breathed deeply in and out of my nose. I shook my head, defeated and she smiled at me before linking her arm in mine and skipping sway, dragging me along with her.

The truth was, I did have a reason. I just couldn't tell her. It was Rhys. I just knew he was going to do something that would either annoy the heck out me, offend me, or in worst case scenario blow my cover. Nobody knew about my flinching problem other than Dad and Rhys, and neither of them knew why. And I wanted to keep it that way. But something told me Rhys wouldn't let that happen.

Ugh.

AN: I really, really hoped you like that. Did I describe the boys properly? Do you like them? Are you happy? Do you have any feedback or advice for me? Tell me everything. I love it so much when you write to me telling me what you think of my story. It really makes my day and also motivates me to keep writing. Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you again.

Thank you again. So much. XOXO

[a-black-pegasus]

Written Love

Part 1

Because Tony Stark deserves love and here it is. Soulmate Au with Tony Stark and borrower Reader

______________________________________________

Tony wrote out an equation on his forearm. Only about two years ago did his "sign" come up, signaling that the freaking universe has suddenly decided he was allowed to have a soulmate.

Yay.

The thing with soulmates was not everyone had one. You never knew knew when, or if a sign would show up on you, or not. People said that if they did appear, that it meant you were destined for something special.

But lots of people who didn't have a sign accomplished amazing things all the time! And up until recently tony had thought he was one of those signless greats.

The pattern on his wrist seemed to scream the opposite. It was a vine, twisted around a needle layed on what could only be his arc reactor.

Whatever, a sign didn't make you anymore special than anyone else. Save for one small thing....

As he wrote out a formula for one of his smaller, more public projects on his arm, question marks began showing up. His soulmate, whoever they were, never had a single clue as to what his notes meant!

Stark loved it! He loved the idea that someone, somewhere was staring down at their arm completely baffled at the meaning of his notes.

He laughed out loud, and grinned. "Well, not everyone can be a genius." Tony shrugged.

The thing with soulmates was that once the sign showed up, whatever you drew on your skin showed up on the other person in the same location, and his soulmate was an artist! They had to be, judging by the things they drew. Flowers from odd perspectives, millions of dotted stars in a few inches of skin, smooth swirls that slowly transformed into cats or birds as he watched...he had to wonder if they were maybe a tattoo artist.

"Love you..." He murmered as he wrote it out on the back of his hand.

He waited a few minutes, and then words came up! Excitedly, he lifted his hand higher, and waited for the message to fully appear.

"...You think you do."

Tony frowned, and wrote back. 'Of course I do, I would even more so, if you told me where you were.' He scribbled out with a black marker.

'...I can't. I'm sorry.'

'Why do you always say that? Why not?' Tony wrote back, a weight growing in his chest.

It was several moments before more words came up, Tony almost thought he had annoyed them away— but then...

'Because it's for the best, and I don't want to talk about it'

Tony wrote back quickly, not wanting them to leave. 'Ok ok, we don't have to talk about it'

Sometimes if Tony pressed the issue to hard, it would be weeks before he heard from them again.

More words showed up. 'Thank you. I'll talk to you later, I have to go.'

He sighed, 'Alright.' and drew a messy wrench. Within seconds, a pine tree grew besides it. At least this means they weren't annoyed.

His father, his grandfather—hell, even his great grandfather, none of them had soulmates; but he did! It was incredible, and amazing! If only he could see, or talk to them face to face. He would just have to be patient.

One day he would find them.

***

You sighed as you read the writing, and finished up drawing your pine tree. Your soulmate was a human! It was almost unbelievable.

Within days of your mark showing up, enough words and equations to fill a book had spread over your body! It was ridiculous! Numbers wound around your arms, and comments spread down your legs, questions dotted around your torso— even a few doodles covered your face!

(You quickly, and rather irritatedly put a limit on where he could write after that)

What gave it away were the words he wrote. They were things only a human would ask.

'Whats your number? Did you go to college? Whats your favorite type of coffee? Do you like the beach? Did you see the new movie trailer for Jurassic world? Hey, wanna meet up and go biking?

His name was Tony. No last name, just Tony apparently. He seemed to be a math teacher, or some sort of engineer if the math jumbles scrawled out on your arms were anything to go by.

You almost wished you could meet up, just to see what he looked like, but the best you would have to settle for would be writing or drawing to him.

You had to admit you were getting good at it. You had never been a big talker, so you tried to put some effort into your scribbles. It was mostly just flowers, stars, or animals you escaped from on an almost weekly basis.

But putting that aside, It was time to borrow some much needed things; Having recently moved indoors due to the coming cold seasons, you needed to make stores of things like food, water, and bedding. Really anything you could get your hands on.

As you exited the hole, you looked around to check if the coast was clear. Hopefully this place would have fewer animals than outside.

Once you deemed the room clear, you ran out from the wall. The hard wood floor felt alien against your bare feet, and without the grass to offer cover you couldn't help but feel exposed, as if you were already seen.

Suddenly the very ground rumbled. Stumbling, you whipped your head around to look for the source. The ground never shook outside! Unless their was....

A human!

The smooth floor trembled more than any dirt ground! It was a struggle just to make it under the couch in time. Once there you let out a sigh of relief.

You were safe!

***

Tony's jaw dropped.

Had he really just seen....? No. He couldn't have! Could he? Clearing his throat Tony spoke.

"Um,... Friday. Am I drunk? Or did I really just see a tiny person running under the couch?" It was a bit early in the day, but hey! There were worst things he had done.

"Yes boss" Friday confirmed. "Do you want me to replay you the security footage on your tablet?"

"Huh, and they say seeing is believing." Stark waved his hand. "Ah no. No that's not necessary." He said, stepping over to the couch. Getting on his hands and knees with a sigh he looked underneath.

"Whoa..."

***

You shrieked, and reeled back. His face filled up the space in front of you. You drew your needle.

"Stay back!" You demanded shakily. "I'm warning you don't come any—Ah!"

His arm reached out, and grabbed you! You plunged the needle into his knuckle, but he didn't let go.

He gasped in slight pain, and winced. Standing to his feet he went over to a bar, and grabbed a cup. You could tell where this was going.

"N-no...No! Pl-please!" You cried.

"Calm down." He said putting you down. You scrambled to run away, and slammed into glass after only a few steps.

"Look," he grunted, pulling out the needle. "I'm gonna go make sure this doesn't get infected, and then uh... we'll talk. Name's Stark by the way. Tony Stark. Welcome to my house." He said sarcastically before putting a heavy ceramic bowl on top of the cup, and leaving you alone.

***

"No...no, no no no no!"

Tell leaked out of the corner of your eyes as you slumped against the glass. You curled your legs up tightly as you waited.

On your hand words formed.

'You'll never guess what happened. I just got stabbed with a needle!'

You could have laughed at the irony. Digging around in your bag, you took out a felt marker tip, and unwrapped it.

Rolling up your sleeve, you wrote. 'Wow, I literally just ran into Tony Stark' You waited for him to write back 'haha' or 'seriously?' To which you would have replied that you were just kidding, but that's not what happened.

Instead, Tony Stark came running back into the room, and slid to a stop in front of you. Wiping away your tears, you shoved your marker back into the bag.

"Show me your arm." He demanded.

You quickly rolled your sleeve back down rebelliously. "Why?"

Tony moved the bowl off the cup, and lifted the cup. You toppled back, but before you could even stand to your feet, Tony pushed you down flat against the counter with his fingers. Holding your arms out on each side as you struggled, he pushed your sleeves back.

"L-let me go!" You nearly screamed, trembling. What did he want? What was he doing?

Imediately his eyes widened as he read the tiny words on your arm, and saw the tree. Letting you go, he backed up, and ran his hands through his hair, mumbling under his breath.

You pushed yourself back till you bumped into the small counter rise. Frantically you looked for an escape as Stark rambled incoherently to himself.

After some moments he turned to look at you. "It's you..." Tony said loud enough for you to hear.

"M-me?" You stuttered.

Tony's hand darted out, and wrapped around you, bringing you closer to his face. You threw your hands up to protect your head only to feel something soft and somewhat prickly pressed against your side briefly.

Cracking your eyes open you saw his lips, and a peppered beard....did he kiss you?!

"I can't believe it! You're my soulmate.... you're... It's you!" He said absolutely ecstatic.

You flinched at his loud voice. "Wh-at? No. Not you! I..." Your voice trembled. This couldn't, not him! A million thoughts raced through your head of the things he could do to you for money, more fame, or I the name of science.

Tony couldn't keep the hurt from his eyes. "Not me?" He thought. Then he saw your face, you weren't just shocked or surprised, you were terrified.

Of him.

Gently, he set you back down, and let you step back. "I... I'm sorry, I just.. I just had to see if, and then you were— and I was so happy to finally meet you. Your Y/N right?"

You nodded. You had given your name on a whim way back, and now you wished you hadn't. "What now?" You questioned wrapping your arms around yourself protectively.

"What now? Er... Well." Tony scratched his beard. "Well now I, I can make you a place to stay if you want...where do you even live?"

Shuddering, you shook your head ignoring his question. You didn't want this. You didn't want to be some prisoner or pet.

"What? Well, well what do you want to do?" Stark asked.

"I..." You bit your lip. How were you going to escape? "I'm hungry." You lied. The last thing you wanted was food, you didn't even know if you could stomach it right now, but it was all you could come up with.

"Food?" Tony tilted his head. "...Yeah, yeah of course. I can do that. What do you want? Chinese, pizza, I can get you whatever you want. Anything at all."

"Do..." You had to think about it, a way to gethim to leave. "I saw someone making soup or something... It smelled good. C-can I have—"

"Yeah of course!" Stark cut off. "That was Happy's chili. But I warn you." He said with a slight chuckle. "It has some kick. You sure you want some?" Tony saw your quick nod. "Right. I'll be right back."

As soon as he left the room you took out your hook, and began climbing down. He was still gone when your feet hit the floor, and as you ran back to the hole.

Free! You were free! And you were never going to see Tony again if you had anything to say about it!

***

When tony came back with a small bowl of steaming chili, you were gone. Completely disaperared!

A stone settled in his chest. They left him.

Wiping his eyes he took a breath. He had only himself to blame after everything he did. Of course they would want to run.

Guilt and fear racked him. Did the universe make a mistake? Was he not compatible with them? No. He had seen the mark on their wrist, and the words on their arms. It was the same as his.

He could find them, He would just have to be patient for a little longer.

______________________________________________

@sammigruber @sammie-skele-turtle @gatlily @nightmarejasmine @misfitsgalaxygt @obwjam @bee-wrecker @nerdqueenkat @tinyliltina @nini116 @queenofconspiracies @dc41016 @jasper-jazzle-zazzle @tiefling-trickery Cross out means it wouldn't find your blog sorry

[dailythranduilproject]

Username(s) we can find you under: 

TheMirkyKing - @themirkyking

> What Media do you create?  

Writing, Drawings-pencil and occasional colored pencils/pens, and some edits.

> Where can we find your work?  

A03 and tumblr .  I have a DeviantArt account(under different name) but that is just to look at all the wonderful art out there.

> What would you say you are best known for in the fandom?  

Umm…not really sure as I don’t think many know me…I would have to say for my writing??  LOL

> Do you have a favorite pairing?  

Too many! But my true love is Barduil, then Thrandolas.  Thranduil and Elrond, Sigrid and Legolas (Looking right at @Moonofmorrigan for sucking me into that one!)  And Elrohir and Ela (OC of @damnitbarduil)

> What other fandoms are you part of?  

Yuri on Ice, Avatar the Last Airbender, Game of Thrones, more as a spectator.

> Any advice/words for others in the fandom?  

Don’t shame/troll/hate anon others for what they enjoy, write and create.  There is enough ugliness out there, don’t add to it.  I know it sounds Pollyanna, if you don’t have anything good to say then say nothing- there is REAL person on the other end.  Creative criticism is fine, as is disagreeing with someone, but do it in a constructive way. And if you are thinking that your writing, art or anything sucks, so what?  If you enjoy doing it then do it.  We all have different skill levels and talents- explore them and grow.  Have someone you chat with read or look at them and get their feedback- most people are their worse critic’s, so get that other opinion! Respect others works-no stealing- everyone deserves their work credited! HAVE FUN!  There are so many wonderful people out there, ready to share their joy of this fandom.  :D

PERSONAL > Favorite color?  

Not fair, I like almost all colors but I would have to say greens and blues draw me.

> Favorite Book? 

Really unfair!  So many books have a special place in my heart.  Two Towers- J.R.R. Tolkien; American Gods-Neil Gaiman; All Creatures Great and Small- James Herriott;  Dragonsinger- Anne McCaffrey; Dune- Frank Herbert.  Just a few ;)

> Favorite movie?  

Again- So hard to single out one so here are some of my faves- Singing in the Rain; Spanglish; Howl’s Moving Castle; The Secret World of Arrietty; To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar; Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.

> Do you have a pet peeve? 

Aside from the usual; rudeness, ignorance, intolerance; it’s people who chew their mouths open-shudder!  (Only children are forgiven…barely.)

> What country are you from?  

United States

> Who do you think you might have been in a past life? 

Depends on what time period, but some sort of household staff member- like maid or kitchen help.  Or a squirrel…yeah, probably a squirrel.

>What do you like to do in your spare time other than create the media you work on?  

I enjoy cross stitching, gardening and reading.

>When did you join the fandom?

I have been a Tolkien fan since I was 10 but didn’t really join in the fandom stuff till 2015.

Followers Questions

@mewardy:

1- How long have you been writing?  

I have always enjoyed writing, my mom still has stuff I wrote in elementary school (so embarrassing), but didn’t really start writing and posting after I discovered A03 and Tumblr.  It was great knowing that there was a place to share my stuff.

2 -Why fantasy - especially Thranduil?  

I have always been drawn to fantasy/sci-fi.  I find it more freeing- the options are limitless.  While I usually write modern AU’s there is still an element of fantasy.  Thranduil just drew me in. I liked Legolas in LOTR, but nothing like Thranduil.  While I didn’t really like PJ’s vision for Thranduil, I did love Lee Pace’s portrayal of the Elven King.  For me, Thranduil sparked my imagination- he comes off as cold and arrogant.  He is, but there was more to him, just hiding it.  That is what I enjoy.  Exploring his private life.  He allows for so many different versions and I love writing him and reading how others see him.

3 -Where are you from?  

United States- Seattle.

@sweetfairy1:

1 - How did you develop your super cute drawing style?  

First off- thank you!  I like Chibi styles so I kind of base my stuff off that style.  A mix of Chibi/Shojo??  I think of my stuff as cartoonish.

2 - When you drew Thranduil and/or Bard the first time, did they look similar than they do now?  

My first drawing was Thranduil, and I think they look similar, just a few changes.  And it really depends on what I am trying to draw.  Some I do just as portrait drawings, then the cartoon type and every so often, I try for the more realistic style, as in Manga style-lol

@eldritchmage:

1 - I enjoy your artwork very much, so would like to know how long you have been drawing?  

You are so sweet!  I have been doodling and drawing since I was a kid, nothing serious, I only took a calligraphy class in school and then one art class in college.  I keep thinking of going for more formal learning cause I would like to have a stronger skill set then I have now.

2 - What prompted you to start?  Drawing Bard and Thranduil??  

I saw a chibi Thranduil and I loved it.  Thought, hmmm…lets see how mine would look.  That was it, now I have notebooks, scraps of paper, sketchbooks filled with them.

3 - Do you have other favorite subjects as well as Thranduil and Bard?  

I usually just draw random figures.  I tend to do portrait, and I struggle with full figure- my other half is always at me about drawing whole figures, especially the feet!  And not to draw on lined paper!  LOL

4 - Also, how did you come to develop your distinctive style?  

I really like Manga so that is a big influence.  Then the usual culprits of seeing other artist styles, animated films and such, then wanting to incorporate and explore it in my own fashion.

@bellevox:

1 - Can you tell us about your family and your country?  

I have two older siblings, a sister and brother, but I was the surprise baby so I pretty was ignored by them, unless they needed a punching bag-lol.  My parents are still feisty and active at 80 plus.  I have been cohabitating with my wonderful mate for 23 years, one day he will make an honest woman out of me ;) I was born in the United States, currently live here, but lived in Australia for 2 years- enjoyed it very much.   I like to travel when I can, work permitting.  Over all, I live a pretty quite life, enjoying time with family, going to good breweries and playing games, nothing too exciting. :D

@moonofmorrigan:

1 - What do you consider to be the most challenging thing to write? (Like angst, fluff, etc.)  

ANGST!  I love reading some good angst but I find that the hardest to write.  There is a fine line with it and I just don’t know if I have the skills!

2 -We've worked on a couple of writing projects together. What is your favorite part so far of our current story?  

What I enjoy most with writing with you is the unexpected turns that the story takes.  How I will have a whole course of action planned for Bard and then- WHAM- Thranduil goes in a direction that surprises Bard and now a new course needs to be followed.  I just love that!   Case in point- when Thranduil fell ill and almost died…. I loved the mystical elements that took place.  Of course I would be lying if I said I didn’t like the more nsfw moments, cause those are a lot of fun!

3 - What kind of stories would you like to see more of in the fandom?  

I would love to see more Sci-Fi Au’s.  I am a sucker for elves in space!

@floranocturna:

1 - what is your dream destination to travel?  

Lord, everywhere!  I would really love to be able to travel the world, spend months at a time in a country, getting to know the area and people.  Nothing fancy, just kicking around and seeing more then just the “famous cities”.

2 - If you could change one thing about Thranduil's outfit, what would it be?  

My least favorite of his was that robe he wore in his private chambers!  It was so shapeless, like some frumpy housecoat!  I would have loved to see him dressed in the greens and browns, like how I imagine him before he became King.

3 - Are you an organised writer or do you just write and sit down when the inspiration strikes?  

Soooooo disorganized!  Inspiration with hints of structure.  My notebooks are a mess with hastily written stuff!  Arrows and bullet points everywhere, change this, add that, oh here- he says this!  And my crazy short hand- even I sometimes puzzle over it!

Thank you Mirky, for this great interview.

[withlovekth]

Darkroom (Part One)

Pairing: Taehyung x Reader Genre: artist! taehyung, best friend! jimin, college au, fluff, smut, light angst Contains: swearing, self-toxicity, alcohol (future chapters) Word Count: 1k

Author’s Note: I haven’t updated anything in months but here I am now trying my best. I started to think about this story after having a weird dream about Taehyung and Jimin. And after listening to Panic! at the Disco on repeat for the past week, I was inspired by a bunch of lyrics to start writing again.

A community college kid. Only enough credits to be considered as a second year when it feels like it’s been a billion years. Okay, it’s only been three. But it feels like forever since all I’ve been taking are elective classes. Undecided major, no goals or aspirations. I’m stuck. I’m stuck. I’m stuck.

Click.

The shutter of my borrowed film camera goes off. My best friend glares at me as I mindlessly watch him through the viewfinder.

He frows. “Y/N, I’m trying to study.”

“What?” I smile at him. “I can’t help it. You look so good. The lighting in the library is perfect.” I put the camera down onto the table. “It emphasizes the blonde.” I lean over the table in an attempt to ruffle his hair, but he leans back out of my reach with a smug look on his face. I plop back into my seat. “Too bad this is black and white film.

“You can take my picture later.” He slicks his bangs back. “I’ll make sure to look even better for you.” He winks.

I shudder. “Nah, I want those candid photos.”

“We can take those too.”

“No, no. You can’t know I’m taking your pic. None of that fake candid shit.” I grin.

He rolls his eyes then laughs. “Whatever you say.” He turns his attention back to his laptop.

I rest my chin in my palm as I watch him focus. “It must be nice...” I see him raise an eyebrow without looking away from his notes. “To have a declared major. I guess.” My voice feels small. “Knowing what to do with you life. Knowing where to go.”

He reaches over the table and grabs my hand. “I may have a major, but I have no idea what I’m doing with it or my life.” He thumbs the back of my hand. “It’s okay to not know what to do. None of us really know what we’re doing.”

I interlock our fingers, bringing his hand to my cheek to playfully nuzzle it. “God I love you,” I jokingly bawl, trying to lighten up the mood I had created.

He rolls his eyes again. “I know you do.” He laughs as I continue to dramatically sob into his hand.

Click.

We look at each other. I turn to the source of the sound to find a boy with the same film camera I had held up to his face.

“Jimin,” the boy lowers the camera to reveal a boxy smile.

“Not you too, Taehyung,” Jimin exhales from his nose.

“Oh! You’re that girl who sits in front of my photography class.” He pulls up a chair next to me, brushing off Jimin.

“Mm. I guess that’s why you look kinda familiar.” I try not to make it obvious that I’m trying to analyze his face.

Counting the little moles scattered. His charming uneven eyelids. That square grin. Messy hair. He’s cute.

“Sorry, I don’t really look around the class. I kinda just keep to myself.”

He has such a strong presence. How have I never noticed him before?

“I don’t blame you. You’re always asleep during lecture anyway.”

“Damn Y/N. Called out,” Jimin chimes in.

“Oh, you’re the infamous Y/N, huh? Nice to meet you,” he sticks his hand out. “As you know, I’m Taehyung.”

I grab his hand and shake it, side eyeing Jimin. “Infamous?”

“I’m kidding.” Taehyung shoots me another charming grin. “Jimin’s told me so much cool things about you.”

“Weird. He’s never mentioned you.” I raise in eyebrow.

“He doesn’t?” Taehyung pouts. “Why not Chim Chim?”

Jimin shrugs. “You just never come up in conversation...”

“Oh? But you never stop talking about Y/N—”

Jimin hastily covers Taehyung’s mouth with his hand. “Shut up.”

Taehyung rips Jimin off his mouth. “Hey Y/N, tell me. Does Jimin close the curtains whenever you’re over at his place?”

“Now that you think of it, they usually are. But I don’t know if that’s just a coincidence? Why do you ask?”

“Just wondering...” He gets up and gathers his things. “Anyway I’ll see you in class,” he points a finger gun at me. “See ya later, neighbor.” He waves to Jimin before leaving.

“And don’t develop that picture Taehyung!” Jimin calls out to him. We watch him wave again without turning back around.

I wait for him to disappear behind the double doors. “He’s your neighbor? Since when?” My head snaps to Jimin. “And he calls you Chim Chim? Only your mom calls you that! How long have you known Taehyung?”

I don’t know why I’m suddenly so curious about him, but now I can’t stop thinking about him. I want to get to know him.

“He’s lived next door for as long as I can remember. Our parents are friends so we used to have playdates all the time. He just went to the other schools so that’s why you’ve never ran into him.”

“And you’ve never mentioned him because?”

“Because he’s bad news.”

“You say that about every guy I meet.” It’s my turn to roll my eyes.

“This time is different, okay? I know him personally. There’s a reason I’ve never introduced you two.”

“Aw, are you scared he’s going to take me away from you?” I tease him, pinching his mochi-like cheeks.

He holds me by the wrists to rip me off him. “Hey! That’s already happened with that asshole, toxic ex of yours—”

“We don’t talk about him. He’s dead to me.” I cut him off.

He just stares at me.

“Okay I get it.” I put my hands up in defeat. “But what’s so bad about Taehyung?”

“There’s nothing really wrong with it, but he just sleeps around, alright?”

“What? Do you think I’m just going to have sex with him? He’ll have to wine and dine me first,” I smirk.

“Y/N...”

“Okay. Okay. But what else?”

He pauses, his lips forming into a line. “He’ll just hurt you then make art of you when he’s done with you. He uses his flings as art inspiration. I don’t want you to just be another sloppy painting or a doodle in a sketchbook. Just don’t get too close to him. Got it?”

Side Note: I’ve been writing for a creative writing class but I finally found the time to write for fun/myself. Hopefully this story isn’t as toxic as (the now deleted) The Last Train. I hope writing this story doesn’t trigger me and drag me to hell and back. I’m trying to be better to myself.

[thelittlestkitsune]

Mid Semester; chapter two.

A/N; This chapter is trash, so I do apologise. I hope you guys enjoy the surprise guest. ;) Enjoy! Love Lau xoxo

Pairing: ScottMccallxProfessor!Reader

Author: thelittlestkitsune

Warnings: none. for now.

Word count: 4,083 

Listen to me.              Mid Semester Masterlist               Let me know?

WEDNESDAY.  

“Are you guys comfortable?” You asked as your students looked back at you, dumbfounded at your question. “You guys got snacks?” You asked another question as brows knitted over eyes, chatter of what the fuck is going on as you sank into your chair, pulling it in front of your desk. “‘Cause it’s rant time. You know this is my favourite part of the week.” You chuckled as they all breathed a sigh of relief, the chatter dying down until silence lay heavily over the room. You pretended to crack your neck, a slight shudder rippling through the students as you sat back against the pleather seat. “Can anyone guess what I’m bitching about this week?” You threw the question out there as you waited for someone to bite. “Student loans?” Audrey, the quiet girl in the back row spoke, her eyes avoiding yours as you shook your head. “I mean that’s a whole different pot of tea. But any other guesses?” A chorus of concentrated humming washed through the room as you got yourself comfy in your seat, wrapping your scarf around your shoulders.  

“The government.” Audrey tried again, her voice clearer this time. Nice of you to finally join in the conversations. Good for you boo. A smile played on your lips as you shook your head, her hands falling flat against the wooden desk as she sighed. “Okay but surely you have complaints, I mean the way the president-” Cat started before quickly stopping, taking a steadying breath as she plastered a fake smile on her pink cheeks. “-Never mind, this isn’t the place to talk politics.” She sighed, her breath shaky as you gave her a small nod, her cap flopping back down over her eyes as she slid down her chair further. “So what are you going to bitch about?” Maddie asked, her hair bouncing around her face as she turned back to you. “Well none other than our buddy, our pal, the massive cockend that is Zeus.” A collective cheer vibrated through everyone as you smiled, enjoying when you could teach through pure hatred of a certain myth. “What did he do this time?” Kenzie asked, her elbows leaning on her desk as she propped herself on one arm. “Oh honey, you’ve got a storm coming.” You started, before launching into “WHY ZEUS IS THE WORST PART TWO.”  

“-And that’s why Zeus is the biggest fuckhead in history. Mythological or not, he shaped alot of pop culture these days.” You finished, taking a moment as you let everyone jot down notes. “Wait, lemme get this straight-” Cat started, pulling the cap from her head as she ran manicured fingers over her forehead, her green eyes pooling with confusion. “-So, Zeus decided to test this nefarious daddy Lycaon by visiting him looking like a homeless dude? The dude with 50 sons? And when Lycaon literally straight up murdered his own son and fed it to Zeus he got hella pissed and turned Lycaon into a wolf?” You pressed your lips together in a thin line as you stretched, standing up from your seat. “In not so many words yeah!” You summised, your head cocking to the side as you processed the information. “Now not to be a traitor in this class or anything? But like, doesn’t lycaon sound like the fucking worst?” Kenzie piped up, her lips caught between her teeth as you turned sharply. “Look, I have so much to cover about Zeus that Lycaon? Kinda looks like a martyr, a saint, the best pal a gal could have until he knocked her up!” You laughed as half the class snorted in reply.  

“Why are we even talking about Zeus again? Doesn’t the syllabus say that we should be discussing werewolves?” Todd piped up as you scowled at him. “You need to know the history. God, do you have no flair for the dramatic, I was building to it. You ruined it now.” You faked anger as you turned to the board, revealing your masterpiece. Art class paid off. A full size werewolf head graced the blackboard as you brandished towards your works. “This is being dramatic. Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your butts, we’re diving into the shit show myth that is-” You mocked a drum roll on your desk, holding your breath for even more dramatic effect. “-Werewolves.” Laughter echoed through the small room as you stood up straight, taking your scarf off from around your shoulders, the room warmer than it was when class began. “What kind of werewolves are we talking about? The pop culture ones or the scary old wives tale?” Kenzie asked as she chewed on the tip of her pen, your shoulders shrugging as you perched on your cluttered desk.  

“Well that’s the thing. We’re going to talk about both and do a comparison between the tales of yonder and the effect they have on our pop culture today.” You explained, lacing your fingers together over your knee. “So, we’re talking little red riding hood and twilight?” Em asked, speaking up for the first time in a while. Her eyes flickered between you and her notes as you nodded. “Yeah, well the myth surrounding werewolves goes a bit further than the Grimm brothers. We’re going to explore 4 myths associated with shape shifters; from the Armenians to the Slavic to the French. Of course we’re going to discuss the greeks though. Let’s start with the Armenians; you know, the ones who thought women that sinned were forced to walk as a wolf for seven days and seven nights. Not like they already had enough to deal with-”  

THURSDAY.  

“Cami, where are you? I thought you wanted to meet for coffee? I only have so long before I need to be at my office?” You spoke into the receiver of your phone, balancing it on your shoulder as you scribbled in your notepad. “I won’t be long, I’m like not even two minutes out?” She breezed, a smile in her voice. “Tell me you’re not coming straight from a meeting with Thomas. We all know what those meetings entail!” You laughed as you doodled in the margins, your thoughts distracted once more. “Shut up you, you wish you were taking meetings.” You could almost hear the air quotations as she giggled. “Low blow, that’s cold. You owe me a coffee for that.” You joked, a small frown on your lips as she clicked off the call, leaving you to your devices. You stared at the stack of papers in front of you as you sat in the student coffee house, soft music playing as people chattered around you. “Excuse me, can I borrow this seat a moment?” a dark voice interrupted you, a familiar face coming into view.  

You turned, your mouth hanging open in shock as you gaped, words catching in your throat. “Derek?!” His name finally escaped your lips as you recognised the green eyed guy in front of you, his face much unchanged in the past 6 years since you saw him last. “What are you doing here?!” Derek asked, his fingers still gripping the seat next to yours as he flashed his oh so famous smile. “I’m a professor; believe it or not!” You laughed, tucking your frizzy hair behind your ears as you smiled. His lips mimicked your own as he nodded, pulling the chair out before sitting in it, his tall frame barely fitting in the plastic chair. “I don’t believe that for a moment. I’m just here visiting an old friend and you’re here. What kind of fate is that?” His eyes twinkled as you swallowed dryly, forgetting what a beauty he was. “A twisted sense of fate. 26 years old and still in college, I mean I teach it-” You laughed, looking down at all the papers you had to grade.  

“Yeah, well at least you went!” He joked, his hands running through his thick dark hair. “Look, I’m gonna be in town for a while, staying with my friend, I was wondering if you wanted to get a coffee-” He paused, licking his lips as he looked over you, his eyes lingering on your open shirt for a second too long. “-or dinner sometime. I’ll give you my number, I finally caved and joined society. Gimme a call and we’ll sort something out okay?” He stared at you as you nodded meekly, his lips curling into a smile as he stood. “It was really good seeing you y/n, catch you later.” He winked as you pressed your lips together, trying to stop them from gaping open. “See you later Derek.” You waved shyly, looking over his handwriting as you heard a seat nearby scratch over wooden flooring. “Who in the hell was that?!” Cami exclaimed as she fell into the seat, her hair bouncing as she caught her breath. “An old friend. I’ve known him since middle school, I never thought I’d see him again, he kinda fell off the map when we got to high school.” You stared at the spot he’d sat in as you tapped your fingers on the table in front of you.  

“You don’t just drop off the map if you look like that.” She dropped her phone into her open bag, flicking her hair over her shoulder as she pressed forwards. “You got his number right? Y/N you’d be crazy not to get his number.” She babbled as you nodded, pointing to his scrawl on your notepad. “You need to ring him right now and set up a date. Right now, cause honey if you don’t then I will.” She demanded as you stuck your hands up in protest. “Look I can’t date right now?! I have too much to do!” You tried to defend yourself as her arms crossed across her chest, her brow quirked high above her hazel eyes. “You were complaining about not getting enough dick like last week?” You burst into laughter at her blunt comment, strangers turning to look at the noise that just erupted from your mouth. “Thanks for telling the world I’m sexually starved Cami, it’s just what everyone wanted to hear.” You sniffed, holding back chuckles as she gave you a shy smile. “What? It’s true! Let’s be honest, he looks like he’s hung like a horse.” She mocked a scale, her hands getting further and further apart as you shook your head and laughed. “I don’t think Derek likes me like that.” You smiled, tucking your hair behind your ear again as you looked at the number once again.

“Well then he’s blind. Certifiably insane. Lock him away. In a sex dungeon of course.” she winked as you laughed, your lungs aching as you looked at her. “What would I do without you?” You smiled, looking at one of your best friends. “I dunno, die probably. Pay for your own coffee? Speaking of-” She trailed off, standing to her feet as she grabbed her purse heading off to order the two of you coffee. Maybe I should date? Might stop me being so distracted by certain guys that are so off limits it’s stupid. You gripped your pen in your hand as you searched your coat pocket for your phone, typing in Derek’s number. I’ll just send him a message, tell him it was great bumping into each other. You drafted the message, Cami interrupting you before you could send it. “So, what’s this I hear about you having boy troubles?” Cami’s words brought you hurtling back to reality as you let your phone fall from your hands.  

“Ugh, I guess Mal told you about Scott.” She nodded as she handed you a latte, her eyes sympathetic as she bundled herself into the small chair. “She did, we’re worried about you!” You smiled, your lip caught between your teeth as you thought of your situation. “It’s just so complicated, but it’s also so fucking simple. I feel so stupid even thinking that I could just do this job and there would be no complications.” You sighed, circling over the rim of your mug. “Before you judge me, I know I shouldn’t pursue it. I won’t because it’d be mortifying! He’s not interested in me. Maybe he is but he doesn’t show it at least-” You rambled, your mood plummeting as you dreaded your tutoring session in a few hours. “Y/N, stop it. I’m not judging you for it. You really think you’re the first person that wants one of their students?” She spoke quietly, the din of the coffee house muffling her words as she leaned closer. “You know Thomas was a student just a couple of months ago?” She admitted as you furrowed your brow in confusion.

“You two have been dating for like a year?!” She looked at you as you processed what she told you. “Cami! You didn’t!” You mock slapped her arm as she leaned back a small smile on her face. “I did. I regret nothing. Fuck it, you’re young and he’s hot! I say go for it. I mean what have you got to lose?” She asked, picking up her mug as she sipped at the piping hot liquid. “I mean nothing but my morality, my job, any sense of dignity I had.” You joked, cupping your mug as you sighed. “As I said, he’s not into me that way. I’m just his professor.” She laughed, her head tipping back as the noise carried through the small room. “Yeah, cause guys don’t have teacher fantasies. You’re so naive; it’s like you’ve never seen any porn. Ever. So sheltered. Either way, it’s set okay? If he shows he likes you, go ahead and ask him out. Discreetly of course, if not then you have to leave your options open.” Her eyes connected with yours as you nodded, knowing there was no way you could argue with her. “Fine, you win. If he shows any interest then I’ll ask him out.”  

LATER ON THAT DAY.  

A knocking on your door pulled you from your slumped position at your desk, your eyes streaming as you tore your eyes from your computer screen. “Come in!” You called, readjusting yourself as Scott walked through the door, a smile plastered on his cheeks. “Hey Y/N!” He chimed as you smiled, inviting him to sit down. “Hey Scott, you got that good shit for me?” You asked as he nodded, digging through his bag for the album he’d promised to bring this week. You reached across the desk, your fingers brushing against his as you took the album from him, your touch lasting longer than it needed to be. “You know I always deliver!” He joked, a smile playing on his lips as you quirked your brow. “Oh is that so? If that’s true where’s your paper?” You asked as his eyes widened, a dry gulp echoing in the small room. “About that, um, would you mind if I had an extension?” He asked, his puppy dog eyes batting together as he smiled.  

“Sure, you get a day! But only cause you get me the best albums.” A grin broke out over his face as he dug in his bag, looking for his trusted notepad and pen. “So, what treasured myth are we savaging today?” He asked, his pen gripped between his teeth as he continued to look for his notepad. “Werewolves.” You spoke triumphantly, excited to finally be covering the lesson with him. He paused, nervously licking over his lips as he sighed. “Werewolves?” He asked, a little hesitation in his words. “Yeah, do you believe in the myth?” You asked, turning the fan in the corner off as you shrugged off your cardigan. “I guess you could say that? It’s pretty common talk in my town.” He laughed, the noise awkward as he produced his notebook finally. “Where abouts do you come from Scott? I’m assuming Washington?” You asked, genuinely intrigued to know about him more.  

“California actually, I’m from a town called Beacon Hills? It’s a couple of hours away, it’s quite small.” Your mouth dropped open at the coincidence as a laugh fell from your mouth. “Fuck all the way off. You’re joking right?” He looked at you with confusion in his eyes over your outburst. “Please tell me you’re joking. I mean I don’t believe in fate but this is too rich to even be real.” You continued to laugh, doubled over as you dry heaved, tears forming in your eyes. “What’s so funny? How is it fate?” He asked, worry crossing over his face as he surely thought you’d cracked and gone insane. “I’m from Paradise! It’s like a town over or something right? I went to Devenford back in the day.” You smiled as he leaned back in his chair, pen dropping from his mouth. “No fucking way.” He breathed as you grinned. Well that’s a strange turn of events. “So you know about Beacon Hills? Everything?” He eluded to something grander as he spoke. “I know what you’re hinting at Scott. Yeah I know the myth isn’t a myth. Why do you think I teach this shit? It’s easy to teach something so abstract that actually exists.”  

Scott looked at you like a light had just been shone on you, his face glowing as his eyes tracked over you. A sigh left his parted lips as he flopped his arms down. “How do you know?” He asked, more intrigued with you as you shrugged. “It’s not exactly a secret. I knew of an alpha and his pack constantly saving the town from doing something or other. When the facts are laid out in front of you, you kind of have to add things together.” You knitted your fingers together as you twiddled your thumbs. Scott looked slightly pained, like something was on the tip of his tongue but he couldn’t quite bring himself to say it. “Do you know who the alpha was?” He hurried the words as you shook your head. “No clue, why? Do you?” He shook his head, tapping his foot as he looked at you. “My friends and I had an idea but-” His words caught in his throat as he stopped talking, looking at you with a glint in his eye. “Can you keep a secret?” He asked in a low hushed voice, his eyes darting about the room. “Yeah, I keep a lot of secrets. I have two best friends so that constantly keeps me on my toes.” You laughed as he stood up, heading over to your window as he shut the blinds, his posture straightening as he turned around. “Scott?” Your words were shaky as he turned, something different about him.  

His eyes. Your eyes tracked over him, always returning to his usually brown eyes, however even in the low light of your office you could see them almost glow; red piercing through the dusty air. “You’re the alpha aren’t you?” Your words were a whisper as he blinked, the glow gone as he crossed the room, taking a seat opposite you once again. “Guilty as charged.” He admitted, his cheeks burning bright pink. “I thought you’d be scared of me cause i’m a monster or something and I trust you-” He rambled, his voice small as he looked downwards. “Why would I be scared? You saved Beacon Hills so many times from so many fucking things? You’re not a monster, and even if you are; not all monsters do monstrous things.” You reassured him as he gave you that sunshine smile, his eyes crinkling as he looked at you. “You’re not the first person that’s told me that.” His tongue darted over his lips as you found yourself reaching for his hands. “Well do you believe it?” You asked, your fingers finding callouses on his knuckles, your skin smoothing over his.  

“I believe in a lot of things, I’ve met humans that are darker than the other side of the moon and I’ve met so called monsters that weren’t monsters at all.” His nose twitched as he scooted closer to you, his warmth radiating through you. This is risky. You caught your breath as his hands covered your own, his fingers tracing the lines on your palm as his head dipped. “Some people aren’t born with the monster inside of them, some are just so affected by others darkness that they slip into it themselves-” Something in his words felt off as you furrowed your brow. “I don’t know if you know of what happened a few years ago? The fights?” He looked at you as you shook your head, your lip caught between your teeth as you listened to him talk. “There was this woman. As ordinary as anyone out on the street; but she was pushed to her limit because of my friends and I. She lost her mind and announced war on everyone that was deemed to be unnatural or as she called us mon-” He choked on the words, tears welling in his eyes. “Monsters?” You finished for him, your skin leaving his as he nodded. “Her name was Monroe, she’s the reason I didn’t come here years ago. She’s the business I had unfinished. If it weren’t for her I’d be a vet by now.”  

“Well, that was in the past wasn’t it?” You asked as he nodded slowly, his head lifting as he smiled, unsure of himself. “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.” You quoted, his lips pulling back in a grin as he shook his head, a light laugh filling the air. “Did you seriously just quote Rafiki from the Lion King?” You nodded, biting back a laugh as he shook his head. “You’re awesome you know that right?” You nodded, crossing your arms over your chest as you leaned back in your chair. “Oh yeah, I’m aware.” You joked, your body jarring slightly as you fell sideways. Clutz. Scrambling to your feet you brushed yourself off, sitting back in your seat before clearing your throat. “Before we get into the actual lesson I just want to thank you for protecting Beacon Hills. I don’t think many people would thank you, but I want you to know that I’m grateful.” He gave you a half smile as he mouthed a thank you. “But that’s enough about werewolves, lets talk about, um shit, werewolves.” You laughed off your own stupidity before turning to your laptop. “Sure, sounds fake, who’d believe in something like that?” He joked as he settled back in his chair, one leg resting against the other as you stopped yourself staring. This is going to be one long semester.  

AFTER THE SESSION  

That was too close, you got too close. You sat at your desk long after Scott had gone, replaying the moment you had held his hand in your head. You’re making a mistake. You need to push him from your mind. You need a distraction. Before you knew it you were typing in Derek’s number, lifting the handset to your ear as blood rushed through your eardrums. It’s just a crush, crushes go away? Especially when they see you as nothing more than a friend.  

“Hey Y/N? What’s up?” Derek spoke as you clammed up, instant regret pooling in your stomach. “It’s not too late for me to be calling is it?” You asked, your lungs flooding as you finally took a breath you didn’t know you were holding. “I like the night time remember?” He breezed as you nodded, locking up your office for the night. “Oh yeah, how could I forget? Sorry, it’s been a really long day.” You rubbed over your tired eyes, trudging your way out of the building. “I was just wondering if you wanted to go for that coffee?” You asked him, your heart slamming against your chest as you waited for an answer. The question hung in the air for a beat before he spoke, his voice like silk through your speaker. “Sounds great Y/N. How about next thursday?” He asked as you thought over Scott, your resolution clear. “Sounds great, text me about it?” You spoke softly, barely audible over the wind. “You got it, goodnight Y/N” You huddled into your jacket as you clicked off the call, your mind racing a mile a moment.  

I just need to get Scott off my mind.  

Tag List: 

@thisrandombitch @honeymoonmuke @sincerelystiles @sammyrenae68 @fillthevoid-stilinski @5sospoplikerock @lovefilledtragedy @ellie-bee242 @cobrienkai1972@dumbass-stilinski @maddie110201 @rememberstilinski @sweetmisseddreams2002@random-fandom-fangirl2112 @obrosey-af @sammwhiches @mf-despair-queen@7e6205 @stilinski-stydia-obrien @wydobrien @we-are-like-a-timebomb @dylan-trash-tbh @lydia1524 @minhosmeanhoe @redstringlovers @werewolfmutant @itsall-inmy-head @susybird @hirafth @all-alone-he-turns-to-stone @girlwiththerubyslippers @fan-child @sarasmismyonlydefence @cuillere @vixsyncynco @sumcp@fuckwhateverfuck  @itsbilescallmebiles @relentlessgame @ninja-stiles @sumcp@teenwolves-ahead @skepticalstilinski @sarcasticallystilinski @apollogirl13 @savage-stilinski @montanagirlatheart @alexhmak @cathobs @blairscott

[feelsgood-anon]

Eros - Bar AU Chapter 7

DISCLAIMER: THIS PIECE IS A MYSTIC MESSENGER AU.  IT IS HEAVILY INSPIRED BY THE AMERICAN SITCOM CHEERS, A SHOW CENTERED AROUND A BOSTON BAR CALLED CHEERS AND IT’S REGULARS.  EVEN THOUGH I HAVE TRIED TO KEEP AS MUCH OF CANON PERSONALITIES WITH ALL THE MYSTIC MESSENGER CHARACTERS JUST REMEMBER THAT IT IS AN AU AND A FEW THINGS MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN IN GAME OR YOUR HEADCANONS. THIS HAS BEEN FUN TO PLAN AND I HOPE YOU FIND A BIT OF JOY READING IT!  

PG13+ FOR SWEARIN’ AND BOOZIN’.

CH.1 PT.1 | CH. 1 PT. 2 | CH. 2 | CH. 3 | CH. 4 | CH. 5 |  Ch. 6 | Ch. 7 | Ch. 8

Eros was slower than normal this evening. Only a few customers other than the regulars had trickled in and out which was concerning as it was a Friday night. It had been like this for a week or so and it was worrying everyone save the owner.

 “Yo bro, can I go home? I’m tired and there’s no one here. Sunny can take care of this by herself.” Cannon had been doodling on his notepad for twenty minutes, only stopping to refill any beer mugs from the patrons at the bar top. “I feel like I’m losing precious brain cells by just standing around.”

 “What would you do if you went home? Waste brain cells watching TV? At least you’re getting paid here,” Red chimed in as he had set himself the task to shine every bottle of liquor, “You never know, a huge influx of people may come! Then what would Sunny do?”

 “She’d deal with it,” Cannon hissed, “Where is she anyway?”

 Red looked up and scanned the interior, “Not sure. I asked her to go find the supply order list but that was like twenty minutes ago.” He nodded towards the office, “Go check on her, Cannon. She may have been swallowed by the mess in there.”

 Cannon rolled his eyes but pushed off to walk towards the office. He swung the door open and stared at Sunny who had been rummaging through stacks, things seemingly in certain places. “What...are you doing?” He asked.

 Sunny jumped a bit at the voice, turning around to smile towards the man, “Oh, hey! Well, I had a hard time finding the supply list so I am going to clean his office! This must be so dangerous for him, who knows how many times he’s tripped!”

 He smirked a bit as he leaned against the door frame, “You just really want to get him mad again, don’t you? Are you a sucker for punishment? I don’t mind, I kinda like it. You could have just said so, I would have obliged.”

 Her cheeks flushed wildly causing her to turn back around, “N-no! It’s not like that! I just want to help him out! I’m going to label everything and get it off of the floor. He’ll be more calm if he’s in a clean office! I’ll just explain why I did it and he’ll understand.”

 Cannon shrugged as he let the door close, “Whatever you say, Sunny. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. He’s going to be pissed.” Leaving her pouting in the room he walked back to the bar top to grab his notepad as a couple had stepped inside, “She’s cleaning his office, Red. Prepare for maximum rage when he gets back.”

 “He won’t yell at her, will he?” Duckie asked as Cannon walked off, “Sunny is so nice, how could anyone get mad at her?”

 Red cleared his throat as he refilled the blonde’s beer glass, “Everyone has their limits, even the great Zen.”

 Duckie shrugged and took the now full glass, tapping his fingers along the surface, “I guess. Hey, it has been a bit slow in here these past few weeks. Isn’t Sugar going to be on his case about that? Zen has been so cool to all of us, we should try to find a way to get more people in.”

 “I think the problem is the new bar that opened down the street. It’s supposedly very classy. My assistant manager went with her fiance and told me the drink prices were ridiculous but they had entertainment so it ended up being fun. We’d have to compete with that place! Duckie, we can’t let them win!” Joe chattered excitedly, a slight competitive side of her emerging, “Zen has the best bar in town!”

 “Yes! Let’s give back to him! We can’t let him lose the bar this way!” Duckie was now riled up, pulling out a notebook from his backpack along with a pen, “So, ideas? What could we do here to bring people back?”

 Red leaned against the bar top as he listened to the two go on, “Guys, Zen isn’t going to lose the bar. We’ve had slow times before and we have come out just fine. New bars come and go and even if people want to try something new they always come back.”

 “That might be true, but it wouldn’t hurt to get more people in! The more money you guys make, the faster he can pay Sugar back and be fully in charge of this place. Any way, it would be fun to have a few events here, change things up a bit!” Joe said as she pulled her phone out, “We have specials at my coffee shop all the time so people don’t get bored going there and they always do well.”

 “How about, a karaoke night?” Duckie suggested, “Or a costume party! Oh, what about a ladies night where they wrestle in jello? Winner gets to go out on a date with Zen?”

 “No.” Both Red and Joe replied in unison to his last suggestion. “This isn’t a fraternity house, man. We can’t have stuff like that in here!” Red chided him, “Just imagine the disaster of Zen just joining the girls in that jello instead. It would become a mad house!”

 Duckie shrugged in disappointment, “I was just making suggestions. I don’t see you coming up with anything!”

 “How about we try to find some live music?” Jaehee interjected,  “Maybe we could have it twice a month, or weekly. We had a local college group play at the coffee shop once and it brought a lot of customers. I’m sure that’s something Zen would enjoy since he loves music.”

 “Great idea!” Duckie exclaimed, “That would bring people in! What if we could get someone famous? So many people would be in here!”

  Jingle~!

 “Hello Everyone.”

 “Sugar! Clicks!”

 Clicks smiled and waved towards the few, walking towards the bar top, “Slow night, Red?”

 “I like to call them relaxing nights. What can I get you, bud?” Red immediately pulled at a wine glass to begin filling it, placing it in front of the stool Sugar normally sat at, “The usual?”

 “Scotch on the rocks, of course. Relaxing indeed.” Clicks plopped onto the barstool next to Sugar whom automatically sat in front of the wine. “Will it be one of those weekends?”

 “It’s been like this for a few weeks, what have you all been doing to drive customers away? I’m slightly displeased.” Sugar mused as he swirled his drink around, taking a sip, “If I didn’t know any better I’d be concerned since surely the new bar down the street has been pulling customers from here.”

 “Don’t worry, Sugar! We are thinking of ways to get people back in! We’re going to find a live band to play so people want to come here instead!” Duckie announced proudly.

 The raven-haired man stared in his direction, “You don’t even work here, why would you put in the effort?”

 Duckie frowned slightly, “Hey, I want to help! I don’t have to be employed to do that. I just want to be nice!”

 Clicks laughed a bit, “That’s awfully kind of you, and I think having live music would be wonderful. Have anyone in mind?”

 Duckie looked down as he doodled on the page, “No...I could ask around campus and see if any bands are free. I don’t really know anyone though...maybe it could be an open mic night? Where’s Sunny, she normally has good ideas. She’s on some sort of committee at school that arranges events for the students.”

 Red thumbed towards the office, “Apparently she’s cleaning the place up. I would go warn her but she already glossed over Cannon’s words.”

 Sugar looked over towards the room, taking his glass to walk over, “I’ll make sure she isn’t doing anything to upset Zen.” Once he got to the door he opened it carefully, seeing Sunny sitting on the floor amongst papers and folders. She had been humming to herself slightly off-tune which normally would make him shudder but coming from her it was endearing. He entered and closed the door behind him before sitting on the couch. She still hadn’t noticed him as her attention was fully on sifting through papers. He watched every movement she made: a finger passing over the dates, putting pages neatly in their stacks and adjusting the edges every time, saying words here and there under her breath. “You’d do well working at my company with your attention to detail.”

 Sunny yelped as a flurry of papers sprinkled into the air, her head turning sharply towards the voice, “Sugar! Goodness, you scared me! When did you come in?”

 “A few moments ago. You seemed so focused on your work I didn’t want to disturb you. I apologize for the fright.”

 She took a few deep breaths to try to calm herself, reaching around to collect the mess she had made, “It’s alright, I wouldn’t mind the company as long as you don’t lecture me for cleaning.”

 Sugar sat back to relax as he continued to watch her, “The only reason I would have a problem with this is if Zen asked you to clean his office. I’ve been harping him to do it for so long but he’s been lazy. If you are doing it on your own volition then I have no objections.”

 Sunny smiled at him, “He didn’t ask me to do it, don’t worry! I just want to do something nice for him. He’s got so much stuff in here and I’m sure he’ll appreciate things being in order.” She pulled a box from one of the corners to slide over towards his legs, “Hey, you’ve known Zen for a long time, right? I found these things stashed away under a few things. Do you know what this is?”

 He looked towards the pile, eyes darting around the words on the pages, “Hmm.” His free hand reached to pull out the newspaper article on top, frowning deeply at its contents, “You should just leave this alone. He’s had things in here for months, perhaps a year. They hold no importance except for using them to safely pack glass bottles.”

 “I thought the same thing since he has a lot of newspaper lying about but these are all cut out specifically about this music group. And that one!” She pointed to what was in his hands, “That’s from two weeks ago! It’s no big deal if he just really likes this band. I was just wondering. Also,” Her hands pulled at a medium-sized envelope, “He has a lot of pictures of the lead singer. Isn’t that odd?”

 Sugar pursed his lips and took the envelope from her, placing everything back in the box, “Sunny, I honestly advise you just tape this box up and leave it be. He has a right to some privacy even if he can be a bit of a twit about things.”

 Sunny let out a huff, “Why does everyone keep things from me? Anytime I ask about him it’s either ‘oh ask him yourself’ or ‘we don’t talk about that’. And he wonders why I can be insensitive or say things that offend him! I’m constantly walking on eggshells!”

 “Don’t talk about his past unless he brings it up. That’s really the only thing that may send him spiralling. He’s had a lot happen to him and he still doesn’t know how to deal with it. Everything else is fair game even if he pouts. He’s not that terrible of a person, he just doesn’t know how to deal with certain emotions.”

 She shrugged, placing the box to the side, “I wish he would talk to me! I am going to school to help people, you know. I could help him sort things out or give him resources to where he could-”

 Sugar cleared his throat to interrupt, “I strongly advise you, once more, to just drop it. I think it’s a lovely idea that you want to help him but we are already doing what we can to sort things out. I’ll leave you to your work, then. You are doing a fine job.” He stood up as he took the last drink from his glass but before he could walk away he felt her hand grasp at his pant leg. His head turned downwards to take a glance at her, swallowing thickly as he noticed how her big brown eyes sparkled as she stared at him. “Yes?”

 “You’re doing what you can? So even though all you do is bicker with Zen you still help him? That’s fairly noble of you.”

 He shifted slightly, bending forward to place a hand on top of hers, “Just because we are constantly at odds now doesn’t mean we’ve always been like this. He’s been a friend of mine for a long time-”

 “You guys are friends?” She exclaimed, “I would have never guessed, honestly. He gets so irritated when you are around and goes out of his way to pester you!”

 “Of course he does, and I go out of my way to return the sentiment. That’s just how we interact. Is it really that odd?”

 Sunny took his hand as she continued to stare at him, “It’s not that! It’s just fascinating! Would you mind if I studied you two? I think it would be great experience to see how your personalities manage to coexist!”

 Sugar gently took her hand away and set it in her lap with a deep chuckle, “I don’t mind if you observe me and I’m sure Zen would relish in the attention. Just be careful of how you go about it. If he figures out you are looking at him from that perspective he may get upset.”

 She nodded slowly as she went back to digging through pages, “I’ll be careful, thanks Sugar. And don’t worry! I’ll do whatever it takes to get him to open up. Although he kind of flew off the handle that one night I understand if he has things he’s dealing with. I just wish I knew what it was.”

 “You’ll find out soon enough if I can a few things off,” He opened the door to exit the office, “Good luck in this mess.” Before she could ask anymore questions he left, walking back towards the bar to sit next to Clicks once more.

 Clicks nudged him slightly as Sugar had occupied his spot once more, “Did you talk to her?”

 “Yes, and I do believe there is an understanding. She is to simply organize his office and that’s it. I’ll deal with the backlash when Zen sees it, I know he will be frazzled.”

 Red instinctively grabbed a wine bottle to refill Sugar’s now empty glass, “Yeah, thankfully he has the weekend off so she at least has a few days to survive.”

 Sugar nodded as his drink was replenished, “As long as she doesn’t question the things that are in there, he will get over it. He’ll appreciate it once he realizes it’s one last thing for me to nag him about.”

 “He’ll be fine, I’ll speak with him as well. She is doing it out of the kindness of her heart and he’ll understand that.” Clicks mused as he finished off the drink he’d been nursing the entire time, “Ah, Sugar. While you were gone they were trying to figure out who to invite to perform at the bar. You have a lot of connections. Have any recommendations in mind?”

 “I do, actually,” Sugar replied as he focused his gaze on the wine glass, “I will make a few phone calls and see what I can do. If anyone is to perform here I would only want the best. Amateur acts won’t do if this place is to compete with the new bar. When will Zen be back?”

 Red chewed on the inside of his cheek as he thought on the question, ‘Monday. You know he can’t stand being away from this place for very long. Even three days makes him anxious.”

 The raven-haired man nodded as he now scrolled through his phone, “That gives me very little time. If you will excuse me.” He stood up again and walked to a more secluded area of the bar, sitting at a vacant table as he dialed a number. “Yes, hello? Ah, I’m glad you picked up. Sorry if I’m disturbing you, I’m not actually sure where you are at the moment and if the time zones are...oh, that’s good to hear that you have made it back into the country safely. I had two questions for you if you would entertain me for a few minutes.”

 His hand carefully ran over the glass of wine, the expression on his face softening towards whatever voice was coming through the other line, “I saw a few newspaper articles about this rumor...they aren’t true? Fantastic. Hmm?...No no, I wouldn’t be disappointed if they were true. In fact, I would be happy for you. This brings me to my second question. How would you feel about performing at Eros?...Yes, Zen is still the owner...No this is my idea.”

 He took a sip as he listened, his head nodding as if the person he was speaking with could see his movements, “I understand your concerns but I would like to ask you this as a personal favor. I’m worried...it’s nothing serious but I’d like to stop anything from getting out of hand. Just say yes and we can talk about the details later...you will? I appreciate it greatly. I’ll call you tomorrow morning to speak more candidly, I am not currently at my office. Yes of course, thank you. Sleep well, it’s good to hear from you again.”

 Sugar returned to his spot, this time relaxing into his seat for the first time that evening, “Duckie, don’t worry about the band, I’ve taken care of it.”

 Duckie perked suddenly with a big grin, “Really?! Wow, thanks Sugar! If it’s someone you found then they will definitely be good and will bring in a lot of people! Zen will be so happy!”

 “I wouldn’t exactly say he will be thrilled, but he’ll deal with it.” Sugar smiled a bit to himself, proud of what plan he had in his mind, “I’m working out the deal tomorrow morning as I will personally take care of their payment for performing. Once things are set I will let you know the date.”

 Clicks turned his head to look at his friend, his brow furrowed as he noticed the cheeky look on his face, “What are you up to, Sugar? That look you have is suggesting something borderline evil.”

 “Don’t worry, you’ll approve. Once I smooth things out I’ll let you know.” Sugar spoke confidently as he reached into his jacket pocket, throwing a quarter towards Duckie, “Go put something good on, Duckie. I’m in a surprisingly good mood.”

tags: @illneverrecover  @zenscrotch @suzunesays @serensama

[presumenothing]

past time

aka I have too many AUs, and also the Kaito & Shiho tag now has one (1) work on AO3 now, yay

People never think to look up, do they? (Or: two conversations, years apart.)

(AO3) (FFN)

.

The rustle of leaves catches Shiho by surprise.

That in itself is unusual - she’s always alert to her surroundings, and perhaps it might’ve been excessive for anyone else, but in her case it really isn’t.

So when an unfamiliar figure swings up onto the tree branch opposite to the one she’s sitting on, it takes her a moment to register that he’d said something. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know there was someone up here, I’ll just – ”

The boy (a year younger than her, probably Japanese descent, Shiho estimates automatically, trying to calm her racing heartbeat) is about to jump back off the branch before she speaks, startling both of them. “No, it’s fine, you can stay.”

“Really?” He gives her a blinding grin when she nods, and settles in - with enviable ease, Shiho can’t help but think. The trees lining the grounds have made a passable sanctuary for her thus far (people never think to look up, not even in a school ostensibly for gifted children), but even then she’s always wary of falling.

She almost regrets the decision not half a minute later, though, when he speaks again. “Enjoying the afternoon sun?"

“Not particularly,” Shiho answers anyway, leaning against the tree trunk. “You?”

“Nah, I’m definitely a night person. Just needed some fresh air after all those classes, you know?” He tugs at the collar of the school uniform with a faint grimace.

Shiho doesn’t, actually – her schedule is far from the usual even here, most of it taken up by research and graduate lessons with the professors.

“Right, I forgot to introduce myself! I’m Kuroba K – sorry, Kaito Kuroba, I should say?” he continues with a sheepish grin, apparently unoffended by her silence. “Still getting used to that, my name sounds really weird in that order.”

“It’s an adjustment period,” she says noncommittally, because - well, it’s not as if she has much experience in the matter. Codenames don’t exactly differ across the world, after all. “I’m Shiho Miyano.”

“I know,” comes Kuroba’s answer, and that’s unexpected. “We’re in the same class for organic chemistry, right?”

Shiho pages through her memories quickly - she isn’t taking the class herself, of course, only helping her supervisor with it as part of her PhD qualifications. “You transferred in recently?”

“Yeah, a month ago. My mum wanted me to come to the States with her, and this school was recommended by a good friend of hers.” He pauses briefly. “Also, I’m quite sure my old school was just about ready to kick me out after I blew up the chemistry lab twice.”

Shiho does look up at that one. “Twice,” she repeats, half in disbelief – she remembers seeing Kuroba’s work in class now, and it had consistently been above average if one ignored the haphazard doodling in the margins and occasional creative answers. Certainly well above catastrophic-lab-incident standards, if she were to judge.

“On purpose,” he clarifies unhelpfully, a glint of mischief clear in his eyes. “Well, mostly on purpose. I was bored, and it wasn’t anything permanent at any rate... well, except for the glitter. I’m not sure Komoe-sensei ever completely got that out of her hair.”

Glitter? she thinks, but silently this time, because she’s not quite sure she wants to know the story behind that particular statement. “Well, I don’t think boredom will be an issue for you here, given the flexibility of the curriculum.”

The sudden excited grin on Kuroba’s face suggests that he does, in fact, agree. “Yeah, I definitely haven’t been bored so far - I mean, some of the teachers are boring, but I guess that’s the same everywhere. Though I could use some help with linear algebra, if you’re taking that class?”

“No, I’m biochem,” Shiho answers shortly – she knows the subject well enough, of course, but the last thing she needs is someone poking around in curiosity. “You’re engineering, I assume?”

Fortunately, he takes the hint to change the topic. “No, I want to be a magician! I’m working on a card gun for design class now, actually, although the mechanism keeps refusing to work out right.”

“Card gun?” she asks, interested despite herself.

“Yeah, you’re supposed to be able to shoot cards with it, but – ” there’s a crinkle of paper as he takes a sheaf of paper from a book she could’ve sworn he hadn’t been holding earlier, “ – here, I have the drafts if you want to take a look?”

“I wouldn’t be much help with that, I’m afraid,” she says before he can hand over the blueprints, and nods at the book instead. “What’re you reading?”

He holds out the book to her, and it takes her several seconds to make the mental switch to Japanese. “Lupin versus Holmes?” she reads from the cover, raising an eyebrow.

“Arsène Lupin versus Herlock Sholmes, actually, but Holmes is overrated anyway,” he quips with a grin. “Do you want to borrow my copy? It’s worth the read, I promise.”

Shiho hesitates – it’d be good practice for her Japanese, which she’s rarely had the chance to use for the past few years since coming here, but on the other hand –

Three things happen almost simultaneously in the next moment: the bell rings, Kuroba visibly startles, and the book reappears on her lap with a puff of smoke.

“Right, that’s my cue,” he says with a glance at his watch, while she’s still mute with surprise. “The professor’s gonna kill me if I’m late for physics again, I think.”

He’s already jumped down from the branch in one nimble movement that would’ve easily sprained Shiho’s ankle (or worse) before she finally manages to respond. “Wait, your book – ”

“Don’t worry about it, you can return it next time we meet! I’ve practically memorised it by this point anyway.” He waves at her with a cheeky grin. “See you around, Miyano!”

Kuroba dashes off around the corner of a building before she can figure out a reply, but - well, Shiho has never been one to say no to a good book, much as she hasn’t made time to read for longer than she can care to remember.

Then again, she’s free for the next two hours while the maintenance crew deals with the spill in an adjacent lab that’d sent her out here in the first place, so she opens the book and begins to read.

On the eighth day of last December, Mon. Gerbois, professor of mathematics at the College of Versailles, while rummaging in an old curiosity-shop, unearthed a small mahogany writing-desk which pleased him very much on account of the multiplicity of its drawers…

. 

(He’d been overly optimistic, of course - she finishes the book quickly enough, but doesn’t get the chance to return it when she’s called back to Japan that very weekend.)

–––

Two muted voices echo faintly as Ai heads down the corridor, snatches of conversation from beyond the slightly ajar doors of the Kudo library.

“ – already told you to be careful – ”

“ – like to see you try piloting a hang glider in this weather, tantei-kun – ”

Both fall suddenly silent when she pushes the door open. (Honestly. She’d already deduced what was going on several heists ago, did they need to look so surprised?)

She walks in anyway, shaking her head with a sigh. “Here, I brought some extra medical supplies for – ”

Ai’s thoughts are abruptly derailed as she gets a proper look at the third person in the room, and the name slips out without her realising it. “Kuroba?”

And the Kaitou Kid, face unobscured by the shadow of a hat brim for once, blinks. “…Miyano?”

(…so, okay, Ai had known that Edogawa was helping Kid, but she clearly hadn’t figured out the whole truth. Though, judging from the look of shock mirrored on the thief’s face, she hadn’t been the only one.)

Edogawa freezes mid-movement, and Ai has the rare privilege of witnessing his complete, utter confusion. “You two… know each other?”

“I thought you looked familiar, but I figured that it must’ve been some weird coincidence. I mean, what were the chances?” Kuroba - who happens to be the Kaitou Kid, apparently, she cannot even believe her life right now - gives her the same blinding grin she remembers from a lifetime ago. “Guess I should’ve known better, huh?”

“Well, I wouldn’t have taken kindly to you asking, at any rate.” Ai takes a page from his book, and doesn’t bother answering Edogawa either - the detective can afford to stew for a while longer. “Still a Lupin fan, I see?”

The familiar top hat appears in Kuroba’s hand in a small puff of smoke, and he tips it at her theatrically, still with that look of amusement on his face. “I always wondered how that book ended up back in my room afterwards.”

“There was a reason I was sent to that school specifically.” Ai shrugs as she strides forward, placing the box she’d been carrying on the table between the pair. “I returned to the labs nearby several times, it was more a matter of finding an opportunity to slip away. Though I suppose I owe you one for taking that long to return it.”

Kuroba appears to think over that for a moment, before glancing to where his sleeve has been cut neatly away to reveal a gash across his upper arm. “Patch me up, and we call it even?”

Ai considers the wound - bullet graze, relatively large caliber, probably matched the deleted reports of snipers that she’d helped to track down previously - before nodding. “Get me a basin of warm water, would you, Edogawa-kun?” she asks, finally glancing over to where the detective is still opening and closing his mouth like a fish.

(Unbeknownst to her, a certain magician thief shudders for reasons he is not completely sure of.)

“Don’t worry, tantei-kun, the answer probably isn’t half as sinister as what you’re probably imagining,” Kuroba adds airily, just as Edogawa looks like he’s about to protest. “Though I’ll leave it up to the ojou-san here to decide whether to tell you.”

Edogawa gives them both a vaguely disgruntled look as he leaves, and Ai gets to work, picking up the tweezers she’d brought over.

“So I take it that you - ” Kuroba hisses sharply as she removes a piece of debris lodged in the wound, “ - are the scientist that tantei-kun mentions every now and then?”

“I would assume so, yes,” Ai quips dryly. “Better than ‘great white flying target’, if you ask me.”

“Hey, I volunteered for this job before I even met tantei-kun,” Kid objects, sounding mildly offended.

“Which is a testament to your soundness of mind, I’m sure,” Ai mutters under her breath.

Kuroba has the temerity to chuckle at that. “Seriously, I even told you about the card gun, I can’t believe it took you this long to put the pieces together. Though I got carried away with the customisations and ended up submitting my modified smoke bombs for class in the end.”

“Even if I’d realised the connection, I would’ve just assumed that both you and Kid had taken inspiration from a common source.” Ai reaches over to tilt the table lamp so she can see better. “And you’re certainly one to talk, given that you already know who Edogawa-kun is.”

“True,” Kuroba says with a wince - whatever painkillers he’d taken earlier were probably wearing off, Ai thinks.

They both fall into silence after that, until Ai straightens, satisfied that she’d removed all the debris. “Besides, if you’d actually gotten as far as showing me the prints, I’d probably have told you to patent the design, and then where would Kaitou Kid be?”

Kuroba is still laughing at that when Edogawa returns with the basin of water and two clean towels, a confused expression on his face.

.

(“I was lying, you know,” Kuroba tells her as his gaze flicks over the wall of screens in the surveillance van, showing various exits of the hideout they’re planning to raid. “Before.”

“Oh, for…” Shiho shakes her head as she checks the barrel of the Glock that Agent Jodie had lent her. “Do we really have to discuss this now, Kid?”

They all use the moniker when he helps on these missions, but it’s very much Kuroba that grins back up at her - there’s a distinct difference. “I’ve never had problems with linear algebra, although I don’t like it much.”

“So what, you were planning to play dumb if I’d agreed to help you?” A glance at Kuroba’s expression confirms her hypothesis - or possibly that he just hadn’t thought that far. “And you already knew I was up that tree, I assume.”

“Guilty as charged,” he answers in a singsong tone, card gun appearing in one hand with a quick movement. “Shall we go, then?”

“Thought you’d never ask,” Shiho says, deadpan, as she ducks out of the van’s door ahead of him. “And I wasn’t actually taking that org chem class, if you must know.”

She hears him pause briefly at that one, and there’s a note of realisation in his voice when he replies. “Don’t tell me you were the one who deducted five marks for handwriting on my assignments?”

“No, that was one of the other grad students.” Shiho heads over to where Kudo is talking to several FBI agents, though she does wait for Kuroba to catch up before continuing. “I would’ve deducted ten, at least.”

Beside her, Kuroba splutters in indignation.)

.

.

as far as I can tell, the Japanese translation does actually have the title as ルパン対ホームズ, literally “Lupin vs Holmes”, unlike both English and the original French.

not terribly alternate as far as AUs go, though I leave the details up to your imagination – Mystery Train goes somewhat differently in this universe, of course, but otherwise the DC timeline thus far remains mostly similar. on the MK side of things, Kaito presumably returned to Japan for high school when he learned about Toichi being Kid, and while he did keep in contact with Aoko while overseas, their relationship would likely (and unfortunately) not be as close as in canon, leaving him freer to act as Kid. (if it wasn't obvious, the school was recommended by Vermouth – ostensibly to keep Chikage and Kaito safe from Snake and co., but who knows when it comes to her, honestly...)

and allow me to yet again link two stunning pieces of relevant art from aoi/aonosubete, because this artist owns my soul by this point, seriously

[tristikovart]

A Retrospective of Role

Or “It really took 15 years to get from that, to this?”

If you’d like to share in my cringe have a look at my progress as an artist, then grab a beverage and a snack, because this is gonna be a looooooooong post.

So to go back to the beginning, I have always liked to draw; in particular I’ve always liked animals, so it isn’t much of a surprise that some of my earliest “original characters” were based on my team in Pokemon Yellow. However, it was another Game Boy game called Dragon Warrior Monsters which provided what turned out to be a lasting inspiration. It also only allowed for 4 letter names.

- 2002 -

If I recall correctly, I was on vacation at a lake in New Hampshire with CerebralZero, when I drew my first ever pic of Role:

She also apparently had scaly forearms and a distinct beak here too; those didn’t stay, but she did keep the wings for some time. 

Given the context of DWM (monster battling), Role didn’t have a lot of background at the time... Though I did have some running gags with my friend Alex who also played the crap out of DWM, I only drew some of our monsters later on in a single rough sketch.

The first continuity I had after Pokemon. [shudder] This shit is really going back in time for me. Note that Role’s outfit makes no fucking sense; but surprisingly, while Sela at the far right looks like some DeviantArt sparkle-bird abomination, she actually is about as ridiculous as the Rain Hawk DWM monster she was based on (I think in-game she actually ended up in part of Role’s lineage because Rain Hawks learn the MEGA MAGIC skill, and thus she would pass it on to Role through monster husbandry.)

- 2003 - 

For a while I gave her some kind of SWAT uniform thing. I’m pretty sure I intended her pistol to be the Enforcer from Unreal / UT Classic. She also went blonde for a while.

Using my sick dial-up internet connection at the time I found out that digital coloring was a thing, and I asked my folks to get me Photoshop Elements 1.0 at our local Staples. I also got a scanner, which ushered in an exciting new world of not being aware of the multiply setting, layers, or cleaning up line-art.

However, Role proved pretty good at rocking out in front of crappy jpegs BGs

- 2004 -.

During this time, I went through a bunch of character designs and continuities (itself amusing to look at; perhaps I’ll make a future post for the truly bored.)

All things considered, when I stuck to pens and prismarkers, I don’t think the result was too terrible. Note the blonde again.

IIRC her outfit above is based off of a pinup wallpaper of Jo from Altermeta gen 1. HOW’S THAT FOR DATED?

ARRGG back to the horrendous digital coloring. I actually did much worse coloring a little bit earlier, if you can believe it. Some basic digital art tips would have a gone a long way back then. Anyway, it was about this time that Role transitioned to a new continuity with one of the several iterations of Gyr, who was my go-to character for a few years. Note Role’s design stabilized around this time with the garish fuchsia eyeshadow, t-shirt, and brown “hair”.

BONUS ROUND: Ryhs Rhys (took me a while to get it straight) is also really fucking old! However, she disappeared for a time, while I kept drawing Role. This cast of characters stuck around for a while, and I drew quite a bit of them, including a number of silly comics, frequently involving my friend’s avatar, Raze, inducing mischief by being a self-important douche.

I certainly drew a lot of pinup art of Role; this habit hasn’t really changed… 2004 had a particularly productive stretch due to me going on vacation to Vermont, again at a lake (similar to where I drew her first pic) and having ample free time to occupy.

This trip was also officially commemorated with a 5 page comic about just that.

- 2005 -

I think this pic was actually late 2004, but either way I still think it stands out as pretty cool for the time. Note Role’s “hair” has transitioned to actual hair from its previous feathery styling. Note the lack of wings too. Also, IIRC the only time she was drawn with closed-toe shoes.

Otherwise 2005 is kinda light on dated pics of Role; probably because I had started drawing Ress more often (another good topic for a retrospective) and had also developed Maru and other equine characters.

- 2006 -

Check it out! Some signs of progress at last! The 2006 iteration of this cast focused on these three (and ditched the wings across the board), as well as folded in the other equine characters to some kind of mid-2000s city life continuity. Role’s shirt also gained a big 01, and might have been her old softball jersey or something.

Around this time, CowBunny, a fellow artist on DeviantArt, also drew me some really cool fanart! CB, if you’re out there, I hope you’re doing well!

I also drew the first (and a little slim) Oktoberfest Role picture, replete with god-awful shift-clicked mouse lines. Note the braids here.

- 2007 -

I had started school at this point, and IIRC I drew this sketch during my first semester, while riding the D-line from Brookline Village to Riverside, on my way back to my school’s temporary dorms at Regis College.

- 2008 -

Doodles of Role (and Maru and Ress in the upper middle) done in various notebooks from school. Note during this time she also developed a bit of a cleft beak for some reason. You know, I still don’t know why despite having one in the original drawing, I always drew her without a defined bill since then (until 2017.) Inspiration from depictions of Chocobos, perhaps?

- 2009 -

Beergirl Role is back! And dammit if this doesn’t hold up pretty well (which I should be glad of, given that I purposely designed this pic to have tattooed on my side!)

- 2010 - 

At this time I was preoccupied with graduating college, and then involved in my first job, so while I have a nice picture of Ress from this time, I didn’t get to Role until the following year.

- 2011 -

But hey, she looked pretty good, so I’d say the wait was worth it. Note that I finally got rid of that fucking eyeshadow. Like, it finally occurred to me that I could use other colors. Or Kelly might have just told me it looked like shit.

- 2012, 2013 -

Didn’t draw Role much (if at all?) during this time, as I started another job, started collecting firearms, and chiefly: Started the modern period of Avania! (The history of how Avania came to be is yet another retrospective topic I could go into detail on, if there are interested persons out there.)

- 2014 -

Well, 2013-14 sucked because the start-up I worked for had gone belly-up and money was tight, but never the less I brought Role into the “present” with the third beergirl drawing. Her hair is lighter in this version, but she kept the braids even when not in fraulein-mode, and apparently I liked the way she looked with glasses in that old sketch. 

Otherwise I spent most of this time making 3D models of most of the Avania characters to play in Unreal Tournament 3. I even made a model of Role, though I didn’t iron out all the rigging issues, and she was rather out of place among all the other characters I had modeled.

- 2015, 2016 -

I started a new job late in 2014 and I’m still there, so things are looking pretty good. However, I had been working on the Avania comic, and any side art had pretty much been exclusively with those characters. Several times I had thought about adding Role into this now all-consuming continuity, but with one of my design choices being limiting the setting to three sentient races, it meant Role as she was wouldn’t fit neatly into the setting, and so I held off on incorporating her.

- 2017 -

However, early this year I decided that it was high time I found a place for my oldest, continuously drawn character in a setting that I have set out to make a fancy, published (at least digitally) comic out of.

I’ve already been posting sketches of her new design, but say goodbye to the old, and hello to the new Role!

Her old design will always be with me (and I mean literally, given the tattoo) but I’m very happy to actually give her something to do now besides get drawn looking pretty. I’ll probably do some finished art of her new design at some point, and maybe even remake her model for my next Avania UT3 release (though it might end up being UT4 at this point--another project somewhere on the distant horizon.)

2018 UPDATE: Role’s latest incarnation now has a fully rendered pinup! This is her design for the Avania comic (launching summer 2018) so be sure to stay tuned if you’re a fan!

Though her previous designs haven’t had much in the way of military themes, I wanted to keep her overall look recognizable. As such color color scheme has remained the same, and I figured her braids would continue to be appropriate in the new context. As she no longer has a lion’s tail, I decided to braid that as well so as to keep the tufted and ribboned look. One other thing that has evolved is her personality; though she past wasn’t ever particularly defined, Role always seemed fairly happy, friendly, hard-working, and a little flirty. In light of her new history growing up in dire times and serving during the final days of her country, her old personality has matured to one of responsibility and self-sacrifice, but has not been entirely overwhelmed!

I’ve really enjoyed Role’s evolution over the years, and I’ve especially enjoyed her recent iterations and the depth that I’ve finally got around to developing for her character and backstory.

If you actually read this incredibly long-winded exploration of my artwork, then I hope you enjoyed it too! If that’s the case, let me know if you’re interested in seeing more posts like this exploring some other long-running characters, or all the early concepts that went into making Avania.

It has been a pleasure sharing my drawings with the internet at large, and I look forward to continuing the habit; cheers!

[airoasis]

"Rock a Hula Ted" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 7 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/rock-a-hula-ted-father-ted-series-2-episode-7-dead-parrot/

"Rock a Hula Ted" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 7 | Dead Parrot

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Gyarados and any individual at the door mrs.Doing mrs. Doyle good day there good Imelda you are a beautiful lady even though I hear you had a bit of unhealthy luck dicy your dog was once knocked down with the aid of a auto and killed no no that is that is my father it says here that your 22 19 correct and also you were born in could oh that is a beautiful a part of the sector ten doc and it says right here that you’re a black belt in karate now so so what would you do if I got here I let you know what as you seem to my notes and discontinue on any style of expertise that’s simply genuine Sam instructed me your name yet father in theatres well there doodle McGuire very well this can be a great residence I rather love the crude religious imagery yeah y’all right there hold your breath breath your breath is it comfy if you have a breath it can be no longer too tight is it however that you could loosen it if you need take it off bathe go on Brasilia come T normally i will make the tea and you’re taking your brow oh is not that bob geldof yeah yeah you are aware of it so beautiful bit whoa clearly the last university mullion that quite very thing i am not certain whether it is Bobby sufficient cling on there a 2nd excuse me are you a job all correct now going for walks oh seem at them they are very very have a beautiful Park careful they’re headed that myself into ghettos find it irresistible of path they all have it on absolutely and mrs.Doyle is the one who makes the tea and he or she goes here simply make the tea what mrs. Doyle makes turkey anyway I better just inform you the purpose i’m here i am watching for a house around the discipline and that i fairly particularly like this one your sandwich exceeds the desired six entries and wit and that suggests it’s between a different and Mary in the beautiful lass tiebreak nor right here you’re nothing off i will have to let you know a shaggy dog story so right here we go this is my Robin Williams impression ok right here we go that is the funny story now okay secretary Sir the Invisible Man is in reception that bus tell him I can not see him rapidly I ought to say a Mendes lap is nicer i am sorry Mary that implies Amanda is the winner certificate of loveliness and of direction you have been going to dinner the next day to come in craggy Islands top secret rest on the Thai cottage and who will you be inviting to dinner I do convey my mom just have a different for such one more I can be inviting you quality yeah anything anything show up so thanks the winner of our beautiful girls 1996 it’s a letter there you’re up it how does it on full of life competitors come brilliantly good and as is the tradition I get a free dinner the next day to come night high-quality it’s a quitter oh god yeah Wow you particularly not Michael Hutchence unconscious welcome anyway some thing happened while I was once away no cannot suppose of something anyway oh you are one Nev Connolly known as Nev Connolly what did you say to her do not worry Ted it was pleasant I simply took your recommendation about speaking to garrison of his floor she’s upstairs now she’s still here yeah actually I suppose she’s in the toilet oh good day again and that i was once simply telling Ted you have been in the toilet hiya there father Ted Crilley you ought to be leave out Connelly well feel that sexist be aware of to name a young woman omit i am sorry too late for me to change my approaches that you could instruct an old canine new tricks good it is getting kind of late very well good I I won’t preserve you Faisal bye goodbye father yes goodbye k that is the opposite factor I so go away the residence really I simply gave it to her wait a minute he’s gonna turn it right into a studio she mentioned we will have all of the recording time we want well no wait now not you game of the condominium wait honey wait a 2d where are we gonna live leave out Connelly omit Costas has been a horrible misunderstanding here look I have to record a duet over the cellphone with Peter Gabriel so hope you do not mind but Nigel Antonio Michelle yeah well i’m sorry however we’re not going anywhere proper i am no longer staying right here to be insulted by you come on dude we’re desiring i would not say this learn how to supply me a million pound wait a minute what did I say there I understood please supply us again the house what did I say why can we outside stated the place are we going to reside God Almighty Dugan i am going away for a few hours and you might have managed to present away the condo I mean take me sewers again what precisely occurred I was just sticking to your room head and quantity one be your self no no no no be your sensitive whatever individuals say never be yourself with ladies not ever never by no means what then well i attempted to make a extra at ease like you mentioned sure so I asked her to take off her bra we come again to that one mr.There would you supply away the house what concerning the Golden Rose head continuously supply them what they need no no that is the silver rule the golden rule is that anybody who’s ever speaking to you again suppose about what you’re announcing and then do not say it and then just run away someplace correct all right this is a lengthy shot however it’s our most effective hope i’ll go away this paper and pencil here and expectantly within the morning God may have written down what we should do ok that could be a lengthy shot their handiest hope Google come on God ah what is it see God correct back no I failed to bollocks anyway correct i am gonna have to manage this myself sincerely the item is the condo it fairly wasn’t Google to present away that sort of be gracious we might provide it again to us I consider it would be intriguing the variety of labor we’re doing right here we’re an extraordinarily progressive parish i hope it’s now not some type of hideaway for pedophile clergymen that housing disgusted me good depart we’re no longer all like that I mean say if there is 200 million clergymen on the planet and and 5 percent of them are pedophiles that’s nonetheless simplest ten million so what we desired to create right here used to be a global freed from intolerance and hypocrisy particularly stable yes yes there’s one factor I hate it is hypocrisy I imply that sexism farling yes sure god it gets my goat we’re very specific right here in craggy Island we do not like all of that sort of them factor ah kid who is that this lovely Carol now Ted you’re only purported to decide on one you understand comeon beautiful girl I’ve offered 20 million documents plus ha ha ha ha Eddie reject what you think this one are this one you realize i love this one well that is a great one title all proper – no but I like the color of this one oh I just have no idea good laughs they are each excellent i am certain whichever one you opt for it’ll be just beautiful thanks Ted see good style of alternative lifestyles catered for you we’re a refuge for clergymen like a father lean the place else would he give a sermon even as dressed like a Joan Crawford sees leave please don’t take her a apartment please don’t stop our excellent work right here you already know I ought to say father I had no suggestion that monks might be worried in such just right work you most often have that historic-usual view of the drunken or Netra scream like the stereotype is lengthy long gone I enjoy each of it goodbye father Billy would be Manohar Maura historic-style priest he likes to pop round for him you recognize good ancient bitch once in a even as he came from upstairs yeah he’s like hiding across the condo so he can spring a subject matter on me however perhaps he’d be hiding within the rest room and i might go to the bathroom and he abruptly jump out and say ladies clergymen and that i just consider very fast and say i am in desire of them anyway the primary factor I wanted to assert needeth we’re enormous gigantic fanatics of yours right here i’d say we have to have every album you ever made would you love me to signal them for you oh that does not be satisfactory might you sure of course you must stay here so there’s a sign the album so provide the keys again what i’m going to simply go and get the report thank you thank you Cheers record can be like mr.Don don’t care father I completed digging that drainage ditch ordinary dimension now i do know you wanted me to wash these rooms late tonight y’all be aware of don’t know hard to could do them tomorrow when there may be much less risk of me falling off and being killed and then sting fell down the steps just right father may also be feeling nature he has to stay house so mrs. Greenback Kumar the one purpose I gave him the residence again one night time off a week from mrs. Dyle might be I should just pour in shechem little bit yeah we’ll come on let’s revel in ourselves sister no man around we are able to do it fairly is that mate pleasure nonetheless have endurance No you

[batterymonster2021]

"Rock a Hula Ted" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 7 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/rock-a-hula-ted-father-ted-series-2-episode-7-dead-parrot/

"Rock a Hula Ted" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 7 | Dead Parrot

I am society from ancient India have been ruled via women fairly my guys weren’t allowed around females with out license and have been put in the car and told off for being sexist anyway you are going to do a track from you to me new album for us now God what an agent she’s under no circumstances completely happy until she’s complaining about something oh you are correct there take I believe this new song is in regards to the Catholic Church oh here she goes it is about how the church in eire ordinarily had plenty of potatoes in the course of the famine they usually hit the pendulum the pill and that i fell to my storage as expertise fare holes closed down a variety of the factories that were making the potatoes and turned them into prison for children God on my cheek without doubt this existed was anything sinister certainly I mean wow the main issue with she appears to be taking the entire Catholic King somewhat severely Ted sure I imply it is just a bit of amusing stop talking and it’s simply whole radical feminism lack to quite get my purpose what this proposal that the Catholic Church is a few sort of bad perspective to women k she’s doing a tune Candace what you smash air hole cramps or you love them what what you’re making of all these items you failed to come to the church is somewhat sexist Oh God no father I’ve invariably known the church very aware of my views I imply I don’t forget one time I was having horrible troubles at house and the church manner aid then i do know a different we wish to roam the church down however I acquired a load of house owners extra more lon thanks for asking father but no no I haven’t any complaints at all yeah Oh No sorry goes mad if i’m a 2nd days with this drink drink you know you will have to rather get a haircut he’s constantly got too some distance down that Bob Geldof position oh that is a nasty avenue it is indeed Google i would like you have got long gone down as there isn’t a coming again as Bob himself or Kenya what did you pay for the cabinets Ted Dada i don’t rather take into account him these is not going to last you look at that she might speak that into comment down well there is plenty of first-rate on to know provide us a name Oh God okay i will be able to suppose it we did it kid ah appear at that picture it is falling apart have a bit cup of tea Liam reasonable ample so am what you want to talk to me about oh sure now you were planning i’m going to d’lovely garyun competition this 12 months we’re mature oh yes I I by no means missed the lovely girls that is my absolute favorite time of year well I was once this lovely lady 1995 doing Aragog Ted we had a stripper of her title Oh God why we discovered she’s been in a movie called stallion Sam I heard us was a bit impolite anyway i’m chairman of the organizing committee this yr and i used to be questioning in case you wanted to judge it shudders what cuddly would now not too hot and there’s the dinner afterwards in there oh sure sure you’ve gotten the dignity of taking the winner out for me and that i consider who pays for it is not me did I hear that somewhere oh you suck alternative we introduced that in a couple of years in the past you’ve the glory of taking her off for me and she had been on roti how much fuck stereo this sort of backtest about 100 kilos I would have obtained your grace and probably after carefully anyway you were pronouncing oh sure now whilst you take the lovely lady out to dinner could you ever persuade her to put on considered one of my Mami’s dresses she could use the publicity right how’s the industry going oh satisfactory she bought one last week what number of is that purpose this yr that might be one you see and sincerely factor we inspiration is be a little bit of an ass getting a priest to evaluate it this yr additionally it eliminates any sexual part to the red or and that i mistaken friend i’m hoping you is not going to be tempted through all those beautiful women or there isn’t any danger of that toilet considering we have now had problems with that sort of thing before you no no no Ted we quite have a challenge of that possibility all correct you do not have to worry there limb correct at the off due with the aid of limb how much duplex the door Ted i don’t understand it came with the condo oh hi there they are a bunch of homeboys prime god there she is again now not everywhere the place lift power what does that imply don’t know I knew a father Clint energy penis is having a go at him what is the interview like I failed to quite read so much of its head she’s gone around the nation on the second I feel she needs to purchase a house on an island and reside in it and she had their eye on some godforsaken position off the west coast really did it point out what island she had a Ryan Clady Island in position for me I see it as being a dependable haven for individuals who desire to flee their party on the mainland so god I want to create a world free and affection and devout intolerance no no no no no that terrible information correct sincerely we simply have to stand our ground if she’s on the island and bound upon Peter I simply inform her the people of crayons will not stand ahead freed from sexual and religious intolerance no manner Jose correct whether the room will have to be ok now I who had been the upstairs and i did the Attic prime to backside i have oh yes sure and i washed your car additionally I consider to look at green hearse beside the carriage that we are free today Oh mrs.Toys have any risk of preserve your two favorite trees it’s handiest a letter how do you do no I need to get away early to the beautiful ghosts competition for DES Moine going myself but i do not consider i do not want to say to a beautiful lady god doogal there is no end of things you would speak about you could ask them what their father does for a dwelling you probably have a boyfriend clothes and to do with clothes and fragrance essentially closes simplest for the reason that men have been close however we do not put on perfume get additional larger except for the biggie anyway should you ever meet a lady i’m definite you’ll be able to maintain us simply be yourself viable be yourself make them suppose secure and the golden rule constantly need to have that approach it’s simpler ultimately anyway I higher be off it only keep these beautiful ladies waiting be your self is it cool if I you can be their father oh we get me later bald eagles oh we do not get into any mischief oh you know the spanner I do and that’s the drawback not on impersonations of all opposes all those different line made individuals think Peter Gabriel and Queen and the other bands that went on prior within the day and what about Phil Collins flying all of the solution to Boston Sagi workmanship that’s what it is okay for proper now so will you quit this the camera for stead lovely forever you know sorry college actress judgement song whats up lovely Gyarados and any individual at the door mrs.Doing mrs. Doyle good day there good Imelda you are a beautiful lady even though I hear you had a bit of unhealthy luck dicy your dog was once knocked down with the aid of a auto and killed no no that is that is my father it says here that your 22 19 correct and also you were born in could oh that is a beautiful a part of the sector ten doc and it says right here that you’re a black belt in karate now so so what would you do if I got here I let you know what as you seem to my notes and discontinue on any style of expertise that’s simply genuine Sam instructed me your name yet father in theatres well there doodle McGuire very well this can be a great residence I rather love the crude religious imagery yeah y’all right there hold your breath breath your breath is it comfy if you have a breath it can be no longer too tight is it however that you could loosen it if you need take it off bathe go on Brasilia come T normally i will make the tea and you’re taking your brow oh is not that bob geldof yeah yeah you are aware of it so beautiful bit whoa clearly the last university mullion that quite very thing i am not certain whether it is Bobby sufficient cling on there a 2nd excuse me are you a job all correct now going for walks oh seem at them they are very very have a beautiful Park careful they’re headed that myself into ghettos find it irresistible of path they all have it on absolutely and mrs.Doyle is the one who makes the tea and he or she goes here simply make the tea what mrs. Doyle makes turkey anyway I better just inform you the purpose i’m here i am watching for a house around the discipline and that i fairly particularly like this one your sandwich exceeds the desired six entries and wit and that suggests it’s between a different and Mary in the beautiful lass tiebreak nor right here you’re nothing off i will have to let you know a shaggy dog story so right here we go this is my Robin Williams impression ok right here we go that is the funny story now okay secretary Sir the Invisible Man is in reception that bus tell him I can not see him rapidly I ought to say a Mendes lap is nicer i am sorry Mary that implies Amanda is the winner certificate of loveliness and of direction you have been going to dinner the next day to come in craggy Islands top secret rest on the Thai cottage and who will you be inviting to dinner I do convey my mom just have a different for such one more I can be inviting you quality yeah anything anything show up so thanks the winner of our beautiful girls 1996 it’s a letter there you’re up it how does it on full of life competitors come brilliantly good and as is the tradition I get a free dinner the next day to come night high-quality it’s a quitter oh god yeah Wow you particularly not Michael Hutchence unconscious welcome anyway some thing happened while I was once away no cannot suppose of something anyway oh you are one Nev Connolly known as Nev Connolly what did you say to her do not worry Ted it was pleasant I simply took your recommendation about speaking to garrison of his floor she’s upstairs now she’s still here yeah actually I suppose she’s in the toilet oh good day again and that i was once simply telling Ted you have been in the toilet hiya there father Ted Crilley you ought to be leave out Connelly well feel that sexist be aware of to name a young woman omit i am sorry too late for me to change my approaches that you could instruct an old canine new tricks good it is getting kind of late very well good I I won’t preserve you Faisal bye goodbye father yes goodbye k that is the opposite factor I so go away the residence really I simply gave it to her wait a minute he’s gonna turn it right into a studio she mentioned we will have all of the recording time we want well no wait now not you game of the condominium wait honey wait a 2d where are we gonna live leave out Connelly omit Costas has been a horrible misunderstanding here look I have to record a duet over the cellphone with Peter Gabriel so hope you do not mind but Nigel Antonio Michelle yeah well i’m sorry however we’re not going anywhere proper i am no longer staying right here to be insulted by you come on dude we’re desiring i would not say this learn how to supply me a million pound wait a minute what did I say there I understood please supply us again the house what did I say why can we outside stated the place are we going to reside God Almighty Dugan i am going away for a few hours and you might have managed to present away the condo I mean take me sewers again what precisely occurred I was just sticking to your room head and quantity one be your self no no no no be your sensitive whatever individuals say never be yourself with ladies not ever never by no means what then well i attempted to make a extra at ease like you mentioned sure so I asked her to take off her bra we come again to that one mr.There would you supply away the house what concerning the Golden Rose head continuously supply them what they need no no that is the silver rule the golden rule is that anybody who’s ever speaking to you again suppose about what you’re announcing and then do not say it and then just run away someplace correct all right this is a lengthy shot however it’s our most effective hope i’ll go away this paper and pencil here and expectantly within the morning God may have written down what we should do ok that could be a lengthy shot their handiest hope Google come on God ah what is it see God correct back no I failed to bollocks anyway correct i am gonna have to manage this myself sincerely the item is the condo it fairly wasn’t Google to present away that sort of be gracious we might provide it again to us I consider it would be intriguing the variety of labor we’re doing right here we’re an extraordinarily progressive parish i hope it’s now not some type of hideaway for pedophile clergymen that housing disgusted me good depart we’re no longer all like that I mean say if there is 200 million clergymen on the planet and and 5 percent of them are pedophiles that’s nonetheless simplest ten million so what we desired to create right here used to be a global freed from intolerance and hypocrisy particularly stable yes yes there’s one factor I hate it is hypocrisy I imply that sexism farling yes sure god it gets my goat we’re very specific right here in craggy Island we do not like all of that sort of them factor ah kid who is that this lovely Carol now Ted you’re only purported to decide on one you understand comeon beautiful girl I’ve offered 20 million documents plus ha ha ha ha Eddie reject what you think this one are this one you realize i love this one well that is a great one title all proper – no but I like the color of this one oh I just have no idea good laughs they are each excellent i am certain whichever one you opt for it’ll be just beautiful thanks Ted see good style of alternative lifestyles catered for you we’re a refuge for clergymen like a father lean the place else would he give a sermon even as dressed like a Joan Crawford sees leave please don’t take her a apartment please don’t stop our excellent work right here you already know I ought to say father I had no suggestion that monks might be worried in such just right work you most often have that historic-usual view of the drunken or Netra scream like the stereotype is lengthy long gone I enjoy each of it goodbye father Billy would be Manohar Maura historic-style priest he likes to pop round for him you recognize good ancient bitch once in a even as he came from upstairs yeah he’s like hiding across the condo so he can spring a subject matter on me however perhaps he’d be hiding within the rest room and i might go to the bathroom and he abruptly jump out and say ladies clergymen and that i just consider very fast and say i am in desire of them anyway the primary factor I wanted to assert needeth we’re enormous gigantic fanatics of yours right here i’d say we have to have every album you ever made would you love me to signal them for you oh that does not be satisfactory might you sure of course you must stay here so there’s a sign the album so provide the keys again what i’m going to simply go and get the report thank you thank you Cheers record can be like mr.Don don’t care father I completed digging that drainage ditch ordinary dimension now i do know you wanted me to wash these rooms late tonight y’all be aware of don’t know hard to could do them tomorrow when there may be much less risk of me falling off and being killed and then sting fell down the steps just right father may also be feeling nature he has to stay house so mrs. Greenback Kumar the one purpose I gave him the residence again one night time off a week from mrs. Dyle might be I should just pour in shechem little bit yeah we’ll come on let’s revel in ourselves sister no man around we are able to do it fairly is that mate pleasure nonetheless have endurance No you