#contract me again you won't you cowards

[centeris2]

Has the quality of SSO’s articles, social media posts, and thumbnails always been this bad? Or is this a new thing in recent months? I feel like it’s new to the last few months.

It’s not abysmal, and it’s not every single post or news article. But it feels like they aren’t proofreading things anymore? Or they aren’t being double checked. Like misspelling Morrigan’s name in their podcast posts, and more recently calling the Sylvan Unicorn “Sylvain” in the thumbnail of the video. (Honestly that’s why I’m not listening to the podcasts or watching their videos, if they don’t care enough to look for mistakes I doubt the content will be better, and I don’t want to support a company putting out poor quality stuff.) There have been dev blog posts that have weird fragments, run on sentences, and awkward phrasing. And of course the social media posts with typos (the wrong whose vs who’s, the wrong peak vs peek, etc). It’s not differences in American and British English, and SSE has been an English first company for ages now, as in they write everything in English first so it’s not a translation issue (even then, you pay translators to not make those mistakes). 

And the news articles have had incorrect or confusing information? Or weird formatting and spacing? Like the information about the blizzards is just wrong, and was not corrected. 

I just do not understand what is going on. Did they decide to save money by getting rid of Grammerly? Did they fire their proofreader? Does the team literally not have enough time to proofread or double check anything? (I mean that one is quite possible...) Or has this always been a problem that I’ve only just started to notice in the last few months...?

[marvelfilth]

Break your heart in two

Pairing: Jenna Ortega x f!reader

Warnings: no warnings

Summary: She had obligations, a contract she couldn't break. You were ready to wait for her. Ready for sleepless nights just so you could hear her voice for a few minutes. Ready to fly across the world for a few days in her company. You were ready for it all. But it wasn't enough.

A/n: it's short and a bit painful :)

Masterlist

“It's good to see you.”

The words are barely audible behind the faint buzz of the crowd of Emma's Christmas party, but you catch them nonetheless, clinging to the familiar voice like it's a lifeline - you've dreamed about hearing it again for so long, after all.

You stop breathing for a second, closing your eyes and savoring the moment, your heart hammering in your chest. You can feel her eyes on you, wide and earnest and so, so unsure, so hesitant. It makes your entire chest burn.

Yet you can't speak a word. You can't even turn around, can't make yourself look at her, because you'll fall apart if you do.

She steps closer, releasing a deep breath, and stands behind your shoulder, shuddering from the cold. It's only then you realize your fingers have grown numb from standing on the porch for too long, with snow clinging to your lashes and landing on your shoulders.

You nod slowly, shoving your hands into the pockets of your coat, and lean against the railing. “You, too,” you whisper at last, wincing at the scratchiness in your throat.

“You won't… you won't even look at me?” Her voice wavers, and you want to kick yourself for being a coward.

But you can't blame yourself for protecting your heart.

“Why are you here?” you ask, and she tells you that Emma invited her, tells you how long it took her to accept the invitation, how hesitant she was because she knew you'd come. She didn't want to hurt you. More than she already has, at least.

“No, Jenna, why are you here?”

She falls silent at that, and you see puffs of steam from her breathing as she inches closer. She finally stands beside you, and it's only when you realize that she's not even wearing a jacket that you turn - whip around, really - to face her, shaking off your coat and putting it over her shoulders.

You notice the tears right away.

“I wanted to see you,” she sniffs quietly, blinking away the glistening in her eyes.

“Why?”

“To tell you how sorry I am.”

You sigh deeply, finding grip on the wooden beams of the railing, grounding yourself. “Jenna-”

“I know,” she interrupts, all choked up, “I know.” She takes a deep breath, gathering herself. “I know, but I can't- I can't go on like this. I thought… I thought I was doing the right thing, I thought it would be better like this. Easier for us, for you, so I-”

You want to scream, but all that comes out is a croaked whisper. “Left me. You left me.”

She lets out a shuddering breath, looking impossibly ethereal in the warm glow of fairy lights, so fragile and broken. “I did. I left even though I didn't want to. I thought- I thought you'd be better off.”

“Jenna, I don't- I don't want to talk about it.”

This is too much, all of this - her voice, her tears, the words you've yearned to hear from her for months. You need to get away. You turn around sharply, ready to run for your car.

“Please don't go,” she sobs, “I love you. I love you so much it hurts.”

Love is not supposed to hurt, you want to tell her.

Your heart aches, thundering in your chest. She left you. She chose her career. Her face was carefully blank that fateful night when she broke up with you, not a tear in sight, only resolve. She had obligations, a contract she couldn't break. You were ready to wait for her. You were ready for sleepless nights just so you could hear her voice for a few minutes. You were ready to fly across the world for a few days in her company. You were ready for it all.

But it wasn't enough.

You square your shoulders. “You've said you're sorry, now what?”

You hear snow crunching under her feet as she takes hesitant steps to you.

“I want you back,” she breathes out, and you can hear the strain in her voice, knowing how much effort it takes her to keep herself from crying.

How ironic.

You dip your head, looking at your trembling hands. “You want me back? How long until you have another project that's more important than this?” Your tone is biting, making her flinch.

She thinks she deserves that.

You hate the way your torn heart yearns for her touch. You hate the way it screams for you to take her in your arms.

You suppose it makes sense - she owns it, after all.

“It might not seem that way, but nothing is more important than you,” she says with a conviction that makes you face her again. “That’s why I left. Because you deserve so much better than a girlfriend who can't even answer your calls. You deserve someone to be there for you, by your side, and I- I'm on the other side of the world for the better part of the year. You deserve everything that's good in this world and I…” she trails off, and you see the telltale shadow in her eyes that tells you more than her words ever could.

“Jenna…”

“I know I'm selfish and fucked up, but I can't do this anymore.” She hides her face behind her palms, sobs wrecking through her body. You close the distance between you in three steps, pulling her into your chest, letting her bury her face in the crook of your neck, her cold lips brushing against your skin. She clings to you, nails digging into your sweater as she pushes herself into you. “You're my life, you're all that matters,” she cries, shaking in your arms. “I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry.”

You let out a shuddering breath, blinking back tears. “It wasn't your decision to make. It was supposed to be us against the world.”

“I'm sorry,” she sobs, “I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I- I'll do anything, whatever it takes to get you back.”

You take a deep breath, and for the first time in months you let hope blossom in your chest. She whimpers, soaking you in her tears. You swallow, looking up at the dark sky.

There's a shooting star. You think it might be a sign. A sign of something good.

“Please don't leave,” she whispers, her breath hot on your neck.

You shush her, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. “I won't. We'll figure it out. Together.”

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

your answer made me tear up too, i don't think anyone has cared enough to ask how i've been in so long. i feel like the bad days are permanent, they seem to appear so often i just can't bear it anymore. i try to hold out hope but maybe i'm just kidding myself. i've been so sad for so long, i don't even remember how to be happy. and that makes me so sad. that the thought of passing away seems so much more of a relief than to continue living. i know for a fact i failed my exams which means i'll either have to drop out or redo my exams. which also means i won't get to do placement. and if my family knows of this, i don't think i can go through that again. i can't. the pain was way too much last time, i suppressed those memories. i'm not stong enough to go through that again. i know death is the easy way out. and i'm a coward for wanting to take it but i'm so desperate. i don't want to feel the pain anymore. the numbness, the anger, the guilt, the sadness, i can't.

i'm sorry, you feel so much more comforting than my own big sisters. i don't think they even deserve that title truthfully. but thank you for letting me rant, you don't even have to post this. i don't mind. i truly hope your day today was much lighter than mine. i hope you experienced some form of happiness today. i hope you're well. love you more than words could ever say, thank you for letting me spill my words on here. please don't feel pressured to post this. i'm sorry for how weird this ask is. i'm sorry for unloading it all on to you 💕

Don't worry, you can always rant to me. Sometimes we just need to let it out, to get it off our chests because too often we don't have anyone trustworthy to talk to openly and many wouldn't understand it either. I wish I could help you through this, I'm having similar struggles too. I actually blew up my professional life a week ago because I panicked. They wanted to give me the residency I asked for after fighting with them for months and when they gave it to me I ended up not accepting (for reasons listed bellow but also because they bind you contractually for life). I just spent the last year not even living but surviving, working nights so often I didn't feel human at all and I barely saw my family (my younger niece barely knows who i am), I don't even have friends anymore because everyone kind of just gave up on me. They didn't understand how tired I was from work, I just didn't want to do anything after work. I went from a packed covid unit to urgent care back to infectious diseases and it's been so exhausting both mentally and physically and my chronic illnesses have all gone havoc in this time and I've come to realize that even though the pay is better when you work nights and on calls, my health and general well being have no price. So when my contract is up this March I'm going to be unemployed for a bit until I find a job as a GP and that's scary as hell and no one quite understands why I left a higher paying job in a hospital 20 mins away from me by foot that I lowkey dreamed about and wished for my entire life. Guess they were right when they said be careful what you wish for...I got my wish and it cost me everything else and I was miserable. If I had the option I'd leave healthcare altogether, but my background is basically a nursing degree and then a doctor's degree so I'm stuck with it...unless I marry a richy rich dude 🤣 (can I get Charles Leclerc pls) but yeah, I understand what you're going through. Life is so fucking hard all the time and most people just have to stay up float and that's it, but people like you and me are constantly swimming against the current with chains pulling us under. (There's a song by The Pretty reckless called Under the water, I recommend you listen to it, kind of like a soundtrack to this whole thing). I refuse to believe it won't get easier one day (despite my year starting with a firework going off in my face followed by a terrible case of chicken pox that made me miss a weekend trip to Austria, making my skin awful, and now a flare up in my condition), IT HAS TO GET EASIER. Until then, please reach out to me whenever you need it. It's not a burden. Hell it's like group therapy, we can commiserate together over shitshows of the day. Can even be fun? Either way, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere yet. I'll keep fighting and I really hope you will too so that one of these days we can talk about the good things we get to see and live. I'm hoping everything happens for a reason and one day that reason will be clear. 💕

[metalhead-brainrot]

Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, where I live. My local one has got to be less than a mile from the corporate office. Let me pile on these cowards.

For starters, they've locked up almost all valuable products (literally shampoo and shit), because the stupid fucks think shrinkage is the main threat to their business. They only do that in the cities, not the white suburbs.

Secondly, the company is a total fuck-up. A joke I share among friends is that "Target is the store you go to when you want to not find the only thing you came in for." If they carry whatever essential you wanted to find, it's almost exclusively out of stock. Once again, the same city as the goddamn headquarters.

Finally, I had the misfortune of going to business school here (don't do it, there's no valuable information, tremendous waste of money). Target recruits heavily from here, which means I got insight into their internal corporate practices. It's the Zion of Minnesota grade inflation. I saw which of my classmates got hired at Target: the people who pay for college and still don't do homework, the useless business casual leeches who tanked group projects. Target snaps them up in droves, presumably to be little Vice Executives of Denim Marketing and Associate Coordinators of Petroleum-based Effluvia.

And the university knows they suck. The only time they were mentioned as a subject matter was to dunk on their botched expansion to Canada. CANADA. While Walm*rt is on it's way to owning the globe, Target fumbled the bag on its first international expansion, to the country directly fucking adjacent to the state its headquartered in. And when they did, they welched on all their contracts to hire university grads (hence the U's grudge, they only care about their own numbers). I must have had six classes where we mentioned how colossal their fuckup was. My Canadian grandma still won't let me hear the end of this.

So yeah, it's no grand surprise that they're cow-towing to Facebook Amerikkka. Can't wait to see them at our Corporate-approved Pride Parade (TM) this June. They better hope I don't catch them on the streets earlier, though why they'd leave their ivory towers in Edina I can't imagine.

Oh, cool. Cool cool cool.

So... we're heading for an era of extreme reactionary backlash.

The question is it going to be like 1980's style or 1930's style.

We shit on rainbow capitalism (as we should), but it is a good indicator of social acceptance of LGBTQ people. When brands are loud and proud about how much the support gay people('s money), it means the social conditions have moved in our favor and the potential backlash is weak.

Right now, the power is shifting back to the fascists. That's bad.

[hotheadrednecksimmer]

Vault Tec Legacy

A couple hours later .....

Trigger warning: Domestic Violence.

Jameson: Mabel, you're awake!

Mabel: Jameson?

Jameson: Yes, I'm here. Alexia and Saylor were here earlier, but they left a little while ago.

Mabel: I'm so sorry J. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry.

Jameson: Shh, shh, it's not your fault. Please don't take the blame for whoever did this to you.

Mabel: I should've left him before the bombs. I was too scared. I was a coward.

Jameson: Did Cornelius do this to you?

Mabel: Yes.

Jameson: You will never have to worry about him again. We'll take care of it.

Mabel: What are you gonna do?

Jameson: Don't worry about it. Worry about getting better and healing. How are you feeling?

Mabel: A little sore.

Jameson: Let's get you back into bed.

Mabel: Wait, thank you for taking care of me.

Jameson: Of course, I love you.

Jameson and Mabel quietly staring at each other.

Mabel: I love you too.

A little while later in the hallway of the Medical Bay.

Alexia: How is she doing?

Jameson: In pain, but she's blaming herself for what happened.

Alexia: It's not her fault. We need to surround her with love.

Ben: Breathe in, Breathe out

Saylor: If you tell me to breathe out one more time, I'm going to lose my mind. Jameson does she need any meds. Oh god, here comes a contraction.

Ben: Maybe in a little bit, but please focus on having your baby Saylor.

Saylor: yeah yeah, EUGHHHH

Alexia: I agree with Jameson, focus on your babe. What are we going to do about Cornelius? How can we make Mabel feel safe, and honestly every Vault Dweller here feel safe. We can't have someone who beats women in the Vault. I won't allow it.

Ben: We could use his body for fertilizer for the crops.

Alexia: Ben????? No, we aren't killing him. We could release him into the wasteland and leave it at that.

Jameson: Has anyone seen Cornelius since before Mabel got attacked?

Everyone stays quiet.

Alexia: Once we find him, put him in the jail cell. Once Mabel feels better, we can let her decide what she feels is right. We still have to think about Branson. Cornelius is still his father.

Jameson: Father or not, he needs to pay for what he's done.

Saylor: Down with the woman beater! EUGHHHHH. I think the baby is coming soon.

Ben: I won't pass out this time babe!

╭┈◦•◦❥•◦ First | Previous | Next

[nymessis]

⚡Elvis Ask Game!⚡

First of all thanks @alienelvisobsession for sending this to me! ♡

♡ When and what was your first exposure to Elvis Presley?

I was ten years old and I've never heard of him as I can recall. Maybe I had a very vague idea, but I've never seen a picture of him or heard any songs.

Anyway, I had this tradition of watching movies at night with my parents, and one night they told me: "Hey Laura, do you want to see an old movie?" I loved classic movies and I still do, so all excited I said yes right away. It was Jailhouse Rock.

You can picture me there, as a little girl, seeing Elvis Presley for the first time in my life, having my biggest romantic awakening. I had childhood crushes before but man, I was obsessed. It lasted a few months for me, the obsession faded away but since then I always had this appreciation over him.

Then the Elvis 2022 movie came out, and because I LOVE Freddie Mercury and Elton John and I LOVED both biopics, I had to see this one too! I couldn't help but fall in love all over again with Elvis.

The long time ago forgotten crush and obsession of my childhood came back in a flash, and I couldn't help it. And now here I am, and I'm afraid this time won't fade away that easily ⚡

♡ And what was your first impression?

Well you can imagine! I saw him on Jailhouse Rock and the first thing I thought was that he was super handsome. Then hearing him sing in the singing scenes made me fall even harder like, "he can sing too?? this man is perfect!!! I mean, he is handsome and sings like that??" And not only that, but the movie has romantic scenes with him. It was romantic awakening all the way for me ♡

♡ Lace shirts or jumpsuits?

Lace shirts for me, but the jumpsuits are iconic!!

♡ You can steal one of Elvis/Austin’s outfits, what’s it going to be?

So hard to pick, the man had style and there are so many outfits I love. This is not necesarilly my favourite, but pink suits him a lot and I love this picture ♡

♡ C’mon, we know you’ve been watching/reading old interviews and random footage of the man, so what’s your favorite random Elvis quote?

As I love his sense of humour here it is:

“What are you laughin' at? This is my first guitar, I was little. I told you. Little bitty cat tryin' to get people to listen to me.”

♡ Did you find Austin Butler’s lips distracting despite them being in a movie about the King of plush upper lips? (Be honest now)

I loved Austin in the movie, and I found him handsome obviously, but not necesarilly distracting.

♡ What’s an aspect of Elvis’ character you wish more people appreciated?

His sense of humour please! He was always willing to laugh and trying to make others laugh. He used to say that laughing is pure freedom, like being a child again. I wish people were more aware of this side of him

♡ You meet Col. Tom Parker for the first time, forewarned with the knowledge of what a scumbag he is, what do you do?: A) nothing, you’re a coward who doesn’t care about abused golden-hearted men B) you give the Colonel a stern telling off C) you encourage Elvis to leave him and break the contract D) you slap a legal document against that fat suit and declare “Mrs. Claus is bringing you a lawsuit” E) you waste no time with formalities, it’s a letter opener to the juggler for that piece of trash

I get so nervous when there's conflict around, so I tend to avoid it. But if someone harms a person I love, then I always try to stand up for them. I would first go with C, trying to convince elvis to break all contact with the Colonel, then I would go with D, but if that doesn't work… well i think you know what is next 💀

♡ What was your favorite aspect/scene from the Elvis 2022 movie?

I loved the movie in general, but I enjoyed a lot the Hayride scene and all the young elvis part of the movie, as that era is my favourite

♡ You can choose only one song or piece of media to convince someone to become an Elvis fan, what is it going to be?

It's so hard to choose!! But I'll stick into reality and say what I actually chose to show to my best friend about Elvis: His performances of Don't be Cruel in the Ed Sullivan show. There's just something about those performances that I can't help to love. His charisma, goofiness, and how he makes all her fans crazy just by making a simple gesture

♡ How many children would you give Elvis Presley from your own -or theoretical- womb? (listen to the beast in ya, your feminism won’t serve you here)

Well I have to be realistic here. I'm not so much into kids and I don't want to have any, so I guess I wouldn't give him any… But I wouldn't mind trying 👀

♡ Where are you hanging out with EP, his bedroom with the teddy bears, Club Handy, his private jet or Graceland?

His bedroom with teddy bears!! 🐻♡

♡ What is the peak Elvis era? warning, this says an awful lot about you…

Again hard to choose ugh... I will say pre-army/army Elvis, and 68' Comeback Special Elvis!

♡ How long have you been an Austin Butler fan (be honest now, God is watching)

I knew he existed, but until I watched the Elvis movie I didn't even know his name lol

♡ What kind of Elvis chick are you? -a 1950’s prospective wife material that he’s already sampled, a 1960’s filmset fling or a Vegas torrid backstage affair?

Can I be Ann-Margret please? 🥺♡

♡ Is Austin Butler an honorary southerner now? Answer options: A)hell no, California can keep his sweet cheeks. B) hell yes, he’s practically been possessed by the soul of the King of the South

B. Hell yes, now there's no turning back for him!

♡ Pick your poison in the fan-fiction realm: angst, fluff, smut, fluffy smut, angsty fluff, angsty smut?…or is reading about Elvis Presley an acknowledged health hazard?

I dont read a lot of fan-fiction but if I had to choose I would stick to fluffy smut, it has the best of both worlds

♡ Spit or swallow for this man? 🤫

♡ Would Gladys approve of you? (this should not be right in line after that last question but here we are)

Well I don't really know since I dont want any kids and marriage. I'm sure that she wouldn't like that part of me. But I'm a sweet and caring person, so maybe she would appreciate that

♡ Which of Elvis’ cars is your favorite?

Right now I'm reading June Juanico's book, and she mentions how in their first date he picked her up with his black and pink 1955 Ford Fairlane Victoria. That's my favourite!!

♡ What are your odds for besting this man at karate?

I mean I was in a karate academy when I was a kid, but I quit because a little girl 5 years younger than me hit me in the stomach. So there you have it lol.

♡ If you could meet Elvis and have enough composure to tell him something, what would it be?

Well after I dramatically faint a couple of times… I would make him see how much loved he is all around the world, how he inspires and bring joy to a lot of people even after all of this time. How he will never be forgotten because after all he made history ⚡♡

♡ What’s a hobby or pastime of yours you wish you could share with Elvis/Austin!Elvis

I think we would share our love for music and cinema. And I'm a very open minded person in mystical matters too, so I'm pretty sure we would've shared that too, specially astrology, as I'm super interested in it

♡ What’s the Elvis 2022 quote you’ve been mumbling to yourself ever since you heard it?

"If you're looking for trouble… you came to the right place" lol I just couldn't stop saying this all the time

♡ What are your top 3 go-to Elvis songs?

I can't choose just three, omg. It depends on the day so these aren't necessarily my favourites. Today I'll say "Love me", "Don't be cruel" and "You'll never walk alone"

♡ If you could spare him one tragedy what would it be?

The death of Gladys. I feel that her death was definetly what ended up breaking Elvis, he felt so lonely without her. If she was alive she would've kept him safe and loved

♡ Is there a modern artist that sorta scratches for you the itch that Elvis’ absence leaves?

Well my 3 most loved artists are Elvis, Freddie Mercury and Elton John. I feel like the fact that Elton is still alive and making music makes me feel more at ease with that ♡

♡ How did you react at the end of the movie when In the Ghetto started to play? A) I got up and fixed a snack because I have no soul B) I left feeling alarmingly horny C) I was impressed but didn’t realize how affected I was until days later when it was still with me D) I cried buckets they had to bring in a mop E) I may have appeared emotionless but in fact my soul was leaving my body and I don’t think it’s returned quite yet

Well I was crying and sobbing like a baby long before it started to play so I'll stick with D lol

♡ If you’ve got a favorite gif or photo insert it here and bless us all

I have so many favourite pics sorry 😆

[feralreason-a]

( Dayshift at Freddy's ) Starters

As the norm, change whatever you like as needed. I myself tweaked some to make them more starter-friendly.

❝ I am going to ask outright; was it me you were looking for? ❞

❝ Is this how you get your kicks? ❞

❝ You're a fucking IDIOT. ❞

❝ Remember the company motto. ❞

❝ All I needed to do was make him hope. ❞

❝ Can you do this for us? ❞

❝ You signed the contract. ❞

❝ *kissy face* ❞

❝ Ex-fucking-scuse me? You think you can talk to me like that? ❞

❝ My lie worked. ❞

❝ You chose this. ❞

❝ This is what you wanted. ❞

❝ No... Never met the guy. ❞

❝ I got something to tell ya! ❞

❝ If I'm heartless and you're soulless, he's the devil incarnate. ❞

❝ You own this fuckin' place! ❞

❝ Go take a bath, stinky! ❞

❝ My GOD- What are you DOING?! ❞

❝ I know, bro. You're a good guy. ❞

❝ You could fix all of this- I-I'm trying to help you! ❞

❝ You were the only person who's ever seen me for what I am- A person. ...and tried to help me. ❞

❝ It's time to stop fighting. It's time to rest. ❞

❝ But, one thing was missing. You. ❞

❝ Oh, so NOW you feel remorse? Now that you know who I am? ❞

❝ I knew you wouldn't leave me. Let's go home. ❞

❝ Finish your monologue in three sentences, or GET OUT. ❞

❝ He died like he lived. A coward. ❞

❝ I'm so sorry... That I had a part in all of this. ❞

❝ See you in your dreams! ❞

❝ I hope you can find peace with what you've done. ❞

❝ I want to know why you keep doing this. ❞

❝ See? I'm useful! ❞

❝ I could've saved you, but I chose not to. ❞

❝ I prefer to use honesty, whenever possible. ❞

❝ I mean this from the bottom of my heart... I hope you burn in hell for what you've done. ❞

❝ This place sucks! It's nothing like I remember it. ❞

❝ I'm sorry, but... We're going to have to leave you here. ❞

❝ Who has time to eat in these busy times? ❞

❝ You're... scaring me. ❞

❝ I want to offer you immortality. ❞

❝ You ARE a star. The greatest star this earth has ever seen! ❞

❝ Family doesn't lie to family. ❞

❝ This is our dream. And you have to kill for what you love. ❞

❝ You're free to run now and never return to this place, if you'd like. ❞

❝ You know what he did to her, don't you? ❞

❝ I guess I'll just go- Cry in the garbage... Alone. ❞

❝ Go lay down in the ground and become a skeleton, dummy. ❞

❝ You look adorable. ❞

❝ There, you look fantastic! ❞

❝ I'm not strong enough to go alone. Not again. ❞

❝ We're a family, and we won't ever lose each other. ❞

❝ I think you just killed the fuckin' concept of childhood. ❞

❝ I'm not happy like this... Why would I presume that you'd be? ❞

❝ You are a complete, and utter weirdo. ❞

❝ Get an apartment or some shit! ❞

❝ Make sure you know which side you're on this time. ❞

❝ I've been operating a functional business for five months, and actively avoiding you the ENTIRE time! ❞

❝ You say that, but you're in too deep at this point. ❞

❝ Every night, I searched the halls of that maze, looking for you. ❞

[townofcadence]

"I-- I know. We are. And I don't want to leave anyone behind. I want to help them too and-- and figure this out. How to stop it from happening and-- hurting anyone again." His shoulders dropped and he turned his head further. Ugh. The shadow creatures had thrown him off and he'd gotten so focused on getting Steph out, that he'd lost sight of why they should be here. Now Steph probably saw him as coward, trying to run away. But the danger is why he should be doing this alone. Whatever happened, he could survive, could handle it, could push through. But Steph was--- he wasn't fragile exactly, but he was so enthusiastic, so happy. What if.... what if it was like Eevie? What if he did something or was--- maybe forced to. What if it broke him?

Artair swallowed, once and then again. At least Steph was right about another thing-- they could look after each other. And while he hoped Steph couldn't keep his promise, he knew the safest space for Steph right now was by his side, if he stayed. He didn't want him to, but he just--- he reminded him so much of her. And he could never say no to her, either.

Fuck.

Artair tugged at the back of his hair, glancing out over the boardwalk. "I.... Okay. I think a ring might be able to be deactivated temporarily by disrupting the circle. If you want to cut it off completely so it can't be reactivated, there's more steps, I think? I haven't done it before." He answers first, trying to keep a handle on the bubbling, bouncy, soda-pop shook to high hell feeling Steph is bombarding him with. "As for the other stuff, I guess realm or pocket space is a good descriptor. It could be a real physical space, but that tends to handle differently. You don't usually wake up somewhere else. As for the rules, it depends on what we're dealing with. But the circles makes me think fae, which I do know about some."

He held out a fist, and as he ticked a rule off, he raised a finger. "Basics with fae. One, don't offer your name. They get power from it. Don't say it if you can, maybe go by an alias you have some connection to while here but that doesn't feel like your 'true' name. Also, if anyone asks to 'have your name', don't answer. You have to pay attention to wording with some of the fair folk. Some won't fit the old stories, but some will, and they are very tricky. In this case, asking to have your name, if you gave it, they could take it from you, in a more literal sense. It's best to answer in a way that negates the trick. Like 'i am called--- whatever you pick'. Stuff like that.

"Two, don't eat or drink anything that you didn't bring with you, yourself. If you eat or drink, then you 'owe' them. It's like-- a silent contract, almost. An unspoken one, that partaking in their food links you to their realm. And once they get their hooks in, it's--- incredibly hard to get them out. By coming in, we've already breached a contract by 'intruding' which puts us in trouble a little....but there's a lot more wiggle room right now, than there would be if we...for example, ate any cream, or anything." He gave Steph a look, a solemn one, as if trying to allow the gravitas to sink in.

"Three. Be careful about words. I said it before but--- really. Really really be careful. Don't make any deals with a fae, period, if you can. If you met one that's malicious and didn't know it, they can really screw you over. And they 'accept' verbal contracts, which means-- definitely watch what you say. No promises, no 'i owe you one's, no nothing like that. In the wrong hands that stuff could also get you stuck here or-- trapped in servitude or something. No deals or contracts. And if your brain says something like 'surely i'll be the exception that outwits the fae this time'..... please do not listen. Maybe you're right, but a lot of people who disappear think that, too. It's not worth the risk."

Artair's fingers found his neck now, instead. "That's-- that's the basics at least. Sorry. I know it's a lot. But those rules are... kinda a good rule of thumb for most beings, honestly. Outside of that, it depends on the space. I'm sure there's a penalty for intruding, which is why we were in acts like we were.... but I don't know what the cost is, exactly. Or if there's any additional rules we should be worried about."

"Dangerous is a big part of what we do, Arthur." His voice is bright but softer when he says it, a rare moment from someone so loud and so much all the time. "I know that. We're paranormal investigators! At the very least we're at risk of serious mold related sickness or tetanus most of the time." He laughs. "But we do what we do for a reason. We find answers, and sometimes, like now, that can mean helping people, too! I dunno if we'll find all of those missing people here or not, but I've got a really good feeling we're gonna find out something nobody else ever has about what happened to them." He squeezes Arthur's hands while he still has them. "And hey! We're not doing this alone, right? We're both here so we can look out for each other if anything happens! I'm not gonna let anything bad happen to you. That's a promise."

He releases his companion with ease, using his hand to rub at his cheek-- is that more of that cream stuff? He uses both hands to fully wipe his face off, then makes sure there was none in his hair or on any of his clothes. "Ohhhh okay, that makes sense! Is a ring something that can be disrupted and kinda deactivated then, if it's made out of natural stuff? Like can we move the shells or would the magic just keep them in place?"

His gaze follows Artair's gesture and he can't help the sparkles in his eyes as he looks out at the lights and the sights stretching out before them. His chest is so full, he feels so happy, and just so so so excited he can barely even contain it. Finally, after all this time, everything he's been looking for could be within tangible reach. He bounces excitedly on his heels, his regular beam returned to his face. "Okay! So, we're in a different... realm, or dimension, and there are rules to follow! That doesn't seem so bad, what are the rules?"

[on-a-lucky-tide]

The thought of veterinarian Eskel out on a date with his mechanic boyfriend where both he and Lambert just spend the time complaining about their clients, and Lambert always has oil under his fingernails and thinks Eskel won't want to hold his hand but Eskel reminds him that his job regularly involves extremely close contact with any and every bodily fluid that comes out of animals and wow I can't stop thinking about all of this 😭🥺

Well, Non... You're in luck.

Eskel is a veterinarian that specialises in large animals and his clientele are mostly farmers and horse breeders. He lives a solitary existence, with only six dogs and fifteen chickens for company, until Geralt sets him up on a blind date. Warnings: brief mention of veterinary practices (cow butts), but not explicit.

"I think it would do you good," said Geralt, running his palm over the cow's neck as she shifted her weight. "When was the last time you spoke to another human being besides me?"

"I'm a little busy tryin' not to get kicked in the bollocks here, Geralt," Eskel grunted as he armed his sixth cow of the day. Geralt was expanding his dairy herd, hoping to net himself a contract with a big supplier. Vesemir had always stayed local, feeding into small wholesalers, and the farm had stayed respectable, but small. With a new hand on the wheel, it was set to expand rapidly. Eskel wasn't foolish enough to think it was Geralt in the driving seat though; this expansion project had Yen's fingerprints all over it. Not that she would ever get her hands dirty. Hell, she only took a ride on a tractor every now and then to appease Geralt's desperate desire to please.

It didn't matter, though. Yen was best suited for the white collar side of things, with her finance degree and cut throat business acumen. Geralt, on the other hand, thrived in the freedom of the countryside, surrounded by healthy animals, with the woodlands to the south and the orchard to the west. They had known each other since they were kids, and Geralt had always seen his destiny in the nutrient rich soil of his father's farmstead. Eskel hadn't seen his shoulder deep in a cow's arse, but that was how everything had panned out.

"You're in luck," Eskel said, pressing his fingers into the cow's rectal walls to confirm. "Got another pregnancy."

"Ah," Geralt beamed and patted his cow on the neck. "Good girl."

Eskel withdrew his arm slowly, ignoring the slip of bodily fluids that followed, and hummed. "Fourteen to go." They were starting small. It was Geralt's first time breeding en masse and he was understandably anxious about it.

"You're just gonna avoid the subject, huh?"

"It ain't gonna happen." Eskel removed the plastic glove from his arm and grabbed a fresh one for the next animal. Geralt slid along into the next stall and slung his arm over the cow's back.

"Coward."

"Realistic," Eskel growled, arm sliding into place. The cow shifted her footing and he winced; it wouldn't be the first time his shoulder had been popped out of place by an uncomfortable patient, but he was kind of hoping for a cool beer in the garden tonight rather than a trip to A&E. The dogs needed walking too, which always meant rambling a good few miles through the hills to make sure all six of them got some attention and ball-throwing time. "You show him a picture of me?"

"Yeah."

"And?"

"Said you were hot."

"Then he's got a scar fetish or some shit. Dealt with creeps like that before." Eskel rummaged around as gently as he could, adding a little more pressure but coming up empty. "She didn't take. Try again next weekend." Geralt nodded, and they moved on. There were six more pregnancies in Geralt's herd; the mother's were healthy, bright and only a little irritated at having a largely built vet shove his arm up their arses. Good natured animals. Well, of course they were. They belonged to Geralt and he would have raised them from calves.

"At least go out for a drink with the guy. He's got one hell of an attitude on him, but he's whip smart.. you know, keep you on your toes."

"Don't take much. Ciri keeps me on my toes these days." Eskel stripped the last plastic glove off and began to pack his supplies away. In addition to the cows, Geralt wanted him to take a look at one of the goats. She'd been on antibiotics after getting caught in some fence wire.

"C'mon, you can't mope in that old house forever. Got to give yourself a chance, Eskel. Even if it's to make another friend."

Geralt shoved his hands deep into his Barbour jacket, rubber boots squelching through the damp mud as they drifted into another barn. There was a large sow with six suckling piglets in one stall, a second filled with four goats and a third containing only one. She was sure to show Eskel her displeasure when he stepped inside by headbutting the side of his knee. She remembered how much the antiseptic stung. "Oi, you little git, I come in peace." Bleat. He pulled her close, wrestling her squirming little barrel of a body under one arm, and checked the wound. The weight of Geralt's gaze weighed heavily, but it wasn't a scrutiny of Eskel's veterinary expertise. He was waiting for an answer. His desire to do good, to make people happy, to please, bled over into every part of his life. "What did you say his name was?"

"Lambert," Geralt said brightly, sensing a victory. "Here, I'll put his number on your phone."

"Hey, I didn't say…"

"All done." Geralt had known Eskel's passwords since they had first been old enough to own a phone. "Want me to send the first text?"

"You touch my texts and I'll throw you facedown in that heap of crap outside."

"Fair." Geralt handed the phone over when Eskel left the stall. "She all good?"

"Yeah. Put her back with the others tomorrow morning. Bit of company will improve her mood."

"My thinking exactly," Geralt said ruefully, his look both soft and pointed at the same time. "Promise me you'll give it an honest go. No self sabotage, no cancelling. And don't put it off."

Eskel sighed. Geralt knew him too well. His patterns of behaviour had always been the same. His relationships had been fleeting and somewhat shallow. Eskel was always too worried about showing his soft underbelly, and his partners too impatient to wait for him. In fact, the last one had been personally affronted and the split had been messy. Five years ago. Fuck. Had it really been that long? The loneliness had become habit. He didn't even notice the time passing. "Fine. I'll… send a text."

Geralt nodded eagerly, slapped him on the back of the shoulder, and they headed up to the farmhouse for dinner. Vesemir always insisted. Despite not seeing eye to eye all the time, particularly around more archaic farming practices, Vesemir considered Eskel to be his second son and fed him up accordingly every visit. "If he's an arse, I'm texting you to come rescue me."

"Just like old times."

Eskel smiled. "Yeah."

[frogtanii]

hi! noah anon here again, um ahaha, i may have been inspired to write a part 2 to my previous atsumu hurt/comfort drabble, i hope that's okay! ive been living for protective!y/n ever since they fought meiko for suga, so i wanted to sort of portray that!

-

from the way atsumu's breathing had evened out, you assumed he'd finally fallen asleep. exhaustion from the rough night he had taking over as he laid in your bed, wrapped up in your comforting embrace. atsumu's forehead rested in the crook of your neck and his nose pressed up against your collarbone, soft breaths tickling the sensitive skin. his arm laid across your stomach, keeping you close. for the first time since he walked into your room that night, he looked peaceful.

you on the other hand, were pissed; still stewing with rage over the events of the night. the main target of your aggression being none other than miya osamu himself. how could someone be so cold to their own twin?

the more you thought about it, the more restless you got, a pit of frustration growing and twisting uncomfortably in your gut. laying still was starting to prove a difficult task. with all of this frustrated energy you just needed to move — do something, before you went insane. so as carefully as you could, you slipped out from under atsumu, gently pushing a pillow under him for support.

shutting your door as quietly as possible you padded your way into the kitchen to grab a glass of water and an aspirin for atsumu. he'd probably need it for when he woke up, and it was the perfect excuse to get up and move around. however, as you neared the kitchen, you noticed a figure searching through the snack cabinets, grey hairs poking out into your field of vision. of course now of all times you'd run into the object of your current frustration. did you universe hate you or something?

just ignore him, you thought to yourself, no sense in getting into a conflict tonight.

as quietly as possible, you pulled a glass cup from the cabinet and filled it up with water. you had asprin in your room, so there was no need to grab any from the common area. your next objective was to exit the kitchen as quick as possible before your urge to punch osamu in the face increased any more. at this moment, his mere presence was enough to up your anger levels.

however, the second you spun on your heels to leave, osamu was also making his way out of the kitchen, causing the two of you to almost collide. luckily osamu reacted quickly, stepping back and preventing anything from being spilt.

"fucking watch it!" he spit out, expression twisting into one of contempt.

you scoffed at his outburst, ready to hit him with a few choice words, but by the time your lips parted he was already storming out of the kitchen and into the living room. a high pitched voice could be heard when he entered, sending another wave of fury coursing through your veins. "thank you 'samu, you're the best!"

"of course baby," osamu responded, "now let's start our movie."

the noise of some cheesy romance movie soon filled the living room and all surrounding areas, way too loud for this late of an hour in your opinion. it only added to your irritation, and without even thinking you were marching yourself to the living room with conviction, glass of water left behind on the kitchen island.

usually you never sought out trouble, and you weren't too fond of confrontation when it could be avoided. in the beginning of your time in the hyper house, maybe, but as time passed you soon learned nothing you said would change anything. so to save some sanity you resorted to short quips and just plain ignoring your housemates, once your contract was up none of it mattered anymore anyway. but after holding atsumu for an hour while he sobbed, and osamu's entitled attitude, something in you snapped. fuck being the bigger person.

so with your shoulders back and head held high you stormed into the living room, snatching the remote from coffee table to pause the movie playing.

that certainly grabbed their attention.

"the fuck is yer problem?" osamu vetted, standing to square up to you, fists clenched at his side and jaw tense. meiko followed suit, but took her position slightly behind osamu, nimble fingers gripping his bicep.

"my problem? hmm let's see, maybe my problem is the fact that i just held your brother as he cried himself to sleep while you were out here cuddled up on the couch!"

meiko snickered from behind him, and you had to stop yourself from lunging at her. how dare she laugh at his pain?

"'tsumu's fine, he'll get over it. now leave so we can watch our movie." your eyes went wide at osamu's response. did he really not care?

"he's your brother, and you hurt him." the annoyed expression on osamu's face fell slightly at your statement, but he quickly recovered, expression morphing into one that could kill.  "don't act so innocent, you were probably in there twisting his mind with your little lies. you know everything that's happened between us has been your fault? you're the one that turned him against me!" his voice was gradually increasing him volume and malice, you obviously getting under his skin.

"oh please, you're still telling yourself that?" you inched closer to the pair, chin lifting up to meet osamu's steely glare, your attempt at intimidation working only on the small woman behind him.

"'samu, shes scaring me, please make her leave," meiko whimpered. Osamu placed a protective arm around her, pulling her into his side, "don't worry baby, i won't let her near you." you rolled your eyes at meiko, her feigned fear sending your patience over the edge.

"oh shut up, meiko," you snapped, causing her to coward further into osamu.  "hey, don't talk to her like that!" he shot back at you, eyes darkening as he towered over your form, but you refused to back down.

"i'm texting iwaizumi, he can make her leave." meiko began typing furiously on her phone.

you chose to ignore her, prioritizing getting in your final words before iwaizumi could come to their resuce. "you've got your head completely up your ass if you think anyone but yourself is to blame for your broken relationship with 'tsumu!"

"you have no right to—"

"what the hell is going on here?" iwaizumi stormed into the room, large arms crossed over his chest as he placed himself between you and your victims.

"iwa, thank god! me and 'samu were trying to watch a movie when y/n just came in here and started attacking us! it was so scary, please make her leave!"

you scoffed at meiko's fabricated story, but before you could even begin to defend yourself iwa spoke, "y/n, go back to your room before im forced to take action." despite his dagger sharp gaze, you refused to shrink. you were going to get your point in regardless of any threats iwaizumi threw your way. so shooting him a quick and dismissive glare, you turned your attention back to osamu and meiko to get in one final blow.

"look, i don't know what your problem with me is, and frankly i don't care. but leave atsumu the fuck out your sick little games." the venom in your voice was enough to strike real fear into meiko, who was now completely hiding behind osamu for protection. even osamu's intimidating demeanor faltered at your protectiveness over his brother.

iwaizumi was the first to break the tension, "y/n, go—"

"yeah yeah, i got it, im leaving." your cut him short, giving osamu one last glare before exiting the living room, stopping to grab the glass of water from the kitchen before heading back to your room.

in your frustration you'd completely forgotten atsumu was asleep, accidentally shutting your door back with a little too much force. "angel?" atsumu's sleep drenched voice pulled you from your stewing thoughts, and you felt any and all anger melt away when you locked eyes with him.

"where'd you go off to?" he asked, rubbing at his eyes and sitting up. you snatched a bottle of asprin from your night stand and extended it to him along with the glass of water, "figured you'd want this when you woke up."

the corner of his mouth lifted up into a lopsided smile as he accepted your offer, downing a pill and half the water in one go, "yer too good to me, angel."

you offered up a soft smile as you took the glass and pill bottle back from him and set them on your nightstand. you took a seat on your bed next to atsumu, pushing back his disheveled hair back with one hand, prompting him to let out a content hum.

"i'm sorry for waking you," you whispered, letting your hand trail down the side of his face before coming to rest against his jaw, "how are you feeling?"

atsumu leaned into your touch, "much better, thanks to you. but, can we lay down again?"

you nodded, falling back to a laying position with atsumu following suit. however, this time he pulled you into his chest, holding you in his arms. you sunk further into him, finding it much easier to sleep this time as his warmth surrounded you and calmed your nerves.

-

i got a little carried away and this ended up a little longer than i intended, oops, oh well! i hope you like it!

— noah anon

hhhh,,, BESTIE OMFG UR SO SO SO TALENTED WTF???? do u have a blog cs if so sharty drop the @ ahaha (jk only if u feel comfy!!) i just mean WOW WOW WOW WOWIE

[twstdaydreamer]

“Ocean of Tears”

Fandom: twisted wonderland

Word Count: 1,175

Pairings: azul ashengrotto x childhood friend!fem reader

Genre: romance, angst, prepare for tissues

TW: none

ahoy, matey! This is the third blow for the angst train from Sora~ man, this honestly took long enough to write lol.

“once upon a time, there was a young boy who fell in love with a girl. A girl who has everything; beauty inside out, a heart of gold, intelligence...everything. She was one of the kind and she meant the world to him. He wanted to give her anything at all cost and protect her from any harm. And tonight, that boy is standing in front of you, Y/N...”

“Come on~ will you really let her go? Just like that?” Floyd whined.

That’s what she desired, that’s what I’m giving her.

“It's been years, Azul.” Jade seconded.

Who am I to stop her?

"I can't believe you! You're being a wimp again!"

Azul could only sigh in resignation and let the twins trash talk him for being a coward. Their voices just flying out of his head as he berated himself. They were right, though. He was nothing but a coward. He was a coward for refusing to acknowledge his feelings and confess and now, he was being a coward to not try to stop you from leaving.

RSA has always been your dream school, you told him as much when you were children. He knew the longing gazes you threw at the merfolks who attend that academy and how much you anticipate the time where you could study there yourself.

And now that the time arrives, who was he to stop you from reaching your dreams? Azul wanted nothing but to see her happy, just like what she did to him when they were still kids. You stayed with him, no matter what form he takes, no matter how ugly he perceives himself to be. You were his anchor...his will to live...and yet...

...yet...

"I will miss you, Zul." 

How can you say something like that to him? Just by uttering those simple words to him, you were making his heart clench in a surprising yet wonderful way. He assured himself that he can survive even without a glimpse of your beautiful smile...or not seeing you completely. Its just for four years! He can do it...he definitely can.

But as he looked at your retreating form, Azul realized that he was just not a coward, but a fool in love.

~

Two years had passed since that day, Azul was staring at the piles of papers on the desk of his office in Mostro Longue. Then his tired gaze landed on his phone. He was dying to call you. Were you alright? How was your studies? Do you need any help? Who among your peers he needs to rope in a contract for bullying you?

Azul wanted to see you so badly, and yet...

"Just call her already~"

"Floyd!" He hastily stood up from his chair in panic, cradling his phone like it was a rare treasure when the taller among the twins pressed the call button.

What in the name of the Sea Witch must he do? He's dying in anticipation to hear your voice, but not like this! He's not prepared!

"Azul! Oy!"

Ah, this voice...

Azul couldn't help but to slip a small smile. He missed your voice so much! How did he manage to tolerate living without you by his side again? God, he felt like he's going crazy!

"I hate you! Why didn't you call me earlier?"

It's you. It's really you. He wanted to see you badly now.

He cleared his throat, wishing that you won't notice how much he missed you with how excited he was. "My, do I really need to be the one who would initiate everything, y/n?"

He knew you were pouting now. "Ah...that's...well, uhm...uwaaah! You...!"

Azul chuckled at your response. Jade smiled at him before dragging Floyd out of his office, giving you two enough privacy to talk. 

He wanted to talk so many things to you, many things to catch up, yet he didn't know where to start. Where are his smooth words of all times?!

"How's RSA? Did they finally kick you out?" He started, then fake a gasp. "Don't tell me you have a boyfriend already?"

You went silent.

Wait, don't tell me...no...that's impossible...she won't...ugh! I shouldn't say that!

"But of course that would be impossible. You weren't even a girl." He managed to choke a lame joke.

"Azul!"

...but, is it really impossible?

That's probably the reason why he decided to visit her in RSA, even though he had the feeling that he's already too late.

"Eh? Prince Rielle?! He's not my boyfriend!"

You said that, but he's not buying it. Especially during the way you spoke the prince's name, your eyes shine the brightest.

Its always him! Why of all people, it should be him? Again?

Azul smiled at you politely. "Next week, let's meet at (place). I have something I mean to tell you for a long time now."

He won't let this chance slip by. This would be his only chance. 

That day, he would finally confess to you. 

~

Everything was prepared.

The moment you would walk inside, a song would play in the background, dim lights opened as the rose petals scattered on the ground. He was supposed to stand up and walk towards you, smiling as you smiled back at him. He would ask you to dance and tell you how much you're so perfect tonight, like how much he always appreciates you by his side. After that, he'll escort you to have dinner while the fireworks lit the skies.

And he will tell you how much he loved you. And hope you feel the same way as him.

That was what was supposed to happen. That was the plan, and yet...

Azul forcibly tore his gaze away from you and Rielle. He heard the fireworks showers the skies, prompting his feet to walk away. He's late, isn't he?

Once upon a time, there was a young boy who fell in love with a girl. A girl who has everything; beauty inside out, a heart of gold, intelligence...everything. She was one of the kind and she meant the world to him. He wanted to give her anything at all cost and protect her from any harm. And tonight, that boy is standing in front of you, y/n...

And to think that it should have been me in his place.

...seeing you in somebody else's arms, kissing him under the fireworks that lit up the skies. 

Y/n, it should have been me.

Azul dragged himself out of the place. He can't take it. He can't stand seeing you with someone else. 

If only you remember to come, if only you choose me, if only...

You didn't choose him after all.

He respects your decisions, yet knowing that doesn't stop his pain.

"Azul..." Jade and Floyd were waiting for him.

"I don't want to be desperate, but could it be me?" He sobbed, letting it out to his companions. "Could she choose me instead?"

He didn't want to cry like a pathetic heartbroken teenager for the sake of his dignified image of a dorm leader, but he couldn't help it.

"I was there, Jade..."

He was standing there when you chose Rielle over him. He was there when you accepted the prince's confession and he saw them kissed. Azul was there all along. But you didn't choose him.

He knew very well.

He knew that even if he cried an ocean of tears, you still won't choose him.

[barelyaware]

Chapter 3 of Purely Political is up ~

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Ao3

(rated M)

It's a little awkward between them for a few days. But soon enough, they're back to finishing eachothers’ sentences and laughing about everything and nothing.

Katara starts attending meetings about trade and international relations. She slips him notes when the council is being particularly stubborn and talks in his ear between discussions. She whispers to him the plans she's made for that day’s tea, new scrolls she’d like to share, or where she'd like to take a stroll after dinner.

Zuko finds himself happier than he can ever remember. Just her presence is enough to soothe his nerves.

The days go by quickly and the night of the roomshare finally arrives. While he's a little on edge, he knows that there isn't actually anything to be nervous about. After all, he knows nothing is going to happen between them.

Katara is already in bed by the time he enters his room and he makes sure to position himself on the very edge of the bed when he joins her. He's thankful he's had such a long day, otherwise there'd be no chance of him being able to sleep with her this close.

But it's not long before he's drifting off.

That night, Zuko dreams of Katara. He dreams of warm skim. He dreams of his hands pulling through luscious curls. He dreams of her mouth on his.. and then not.

When he wakes up, he notices two things at once. First, he's holding Katara, who's clad in nothing but sarashi wraps, against him in his arms. Second, he has a very stiff situation that's currently pressing against her backside.

Zuko is still groggy with sleep as his hips stutter forward against her on instinct before he can think to stop himself. He hears a high-pitched gasp in response and he can feel his blood run cold.

“Z-Zuko?”

Shit shit shit shit shit

He releases her at once and rolls as far from her as he can without toppling off the bed.

“Zuko, it's okay.” Her voice is full of compassion as she reaches for his arm, but he dodges her touch.

“No it's not! Nothing about this is okay!”

“Zuko, you need to calm down.”

“I DON'T NEED TO CALM DOWN! I NEED ..I need to leave.”

He can hear Katara start to say something, but he ignores her and storms out as quickly as he can.

...

Zuko doesn't mean to avoid her. At least, not at first. Meals have been awkward since that night. He doesn't know how to explain himself and Katara is still upset, based on her shortened sentences and clipped tones.

After a week of this tense atmosphere, he feels like he's losing his mind.

Then, a new set of tariffs is being introduced by the Earth kingdom ambassador and suddenly Zuko is drowning in paperwork. He takes dinner in his office that night so he can continue working.

The next day he tells himself that he’s taking his meals alone because there's still so much to do. After a couple days he finds it impossible to keep lying to himself about what he's doing. So instead, he tells himself that he’ll stop this childish evasion just as soon as he can find the words to tell her… to tell her what exactly?? I have feelings for you and I don't know how to stop them because I have no self-control. I long for you so ardently that I can feel my blood swimming in the veins of my heart everytime you hold my hand and I also cant stop thinking about pinning you against a wall and having my way with you..Fuck.

He only sees her in meetings and soon he finds himself appointing one of his advisors to take his place when he knows she'll be in attendance.

He's never felt like such a coward.

Without her near, time passes too fast and too slow. It’s now the afternoon before the night of their second roomshare, and he's banging his head against his desk trying to rattle together any coherent thoughts for how to apologize and explain himself . He's interrupted, though, by a few hard knocks on his office door.

He quickly fixes his hair and readjusts his robes to look somewhat presentable. “Enter.”

The doors swing open and there is Katara. Her eyes are red. It looks like she’s been crying and the sight makes his heart clench.

“Are you planning on avoiding me tonight too?”

“Katara, I'm not—”

“—don’t lie to me!”

“I'm sorry.” Zuko sighs, resigned. “I have been avoiding you and I’m sorry.”

“Do you not want me here?”

“No! I like having you here, I swear.” Zuko puts up his hands in surrender to her, trying to think of how to clear up this mess. “I’ve truly come to think of you as a friend.”

“A friend?” Her voice is dripping with emotions he cannot name.

“Was I being presumptuous? I’m sorry, I know we haven’t talked lately and I know it's my fault, I just—“

“I'm your wife, Zuko,” her voice is low and shaking slightly.

“I know that..”

“I'm your wife and we're meant to have a child and you don't even see me as a woman!”

Oh .

“Katara, we don't have to worry about that right now. No one is expecting that right away. The roomshare is part of the marriage contract, but it's really just tradition. We don't have to actually do anything.”

“You're being obtuse!” He doesn't like the way she folds her arms and looks at him like she knows something he doesn't.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he snaps.

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing!” She’s starting to storm out and this is not what he wanted at all.

“Katara, wait! .. I do! I do think of you as a woman.” The words start to tumble out of him and as they do, they feel like they're burning a hole in his throat. “ Of course I do. Almost too much. I mean, wasn’t it obvious? I just.. I don't want to make you uncomfortable. I didn't mean to touch you like that and I'm so sorry, I mean, I know we didn't marry for love or anything and I don't want to mess this up.” She pauses and turns around, her expression softening ever so slightly. “But the last thing I want is for you to think that I don't like you being here. I'll control myself so please, just..don't feel uncomfortable around me and don’t feel like I don’t want you with me.”

Katara pauses for a moment, processing his words. Then she smiles softly and reaches out to grasp his hand. “I'm not uncomfortable. Not at all.”

Agni , how he's missed her hand in his.

…

Zuko has already laid himself down when Katara enters from the bathroom and drops her embroidered blue silk robe to reveal her sarashi wraps. His eyes linger on the bare skin in between them before he forces himself to look away. As she comes closer, he can smell the scent of jasmine on her and he swallows roughly as she joins him in bed. Her face is glowing in the candle light and he can feel his heart pounding.

“Goodnight Zuko.”

“Goodnight, Katara.”

“Umm, Zuko.. could you take out the lights?”

“Oh! Of course.” He extinguishes the flames around the room with one smooth gesture, just quickly enough to hide the flush of his cheeks.

Somehow, the room feels quieter in the darkness.

He probably won't get any sleep tonight, he thinks to himself. He can hear the clock on the wall ticking, painfully slow in the dark silence. But he can hear her gentle breaths even as he tries to focus on the nothingness.

And then she shifts, turning to her side. When she does, her body leans back into his. Her back is now brushing against his chest and he can feel a spark light up his upper body. A familiar heat he knows he’ll have to focus on to keep under control.

Then she shifts again.

Her body is flush against his. The heat starts to overwhelm him and he doesn’t even know if she’s awake.. but no, she can’t be—

“Zuko..,” Katara sighs as she leans her head into his shoulder and the sound shoots through him like lightning. His whole body stiffens up.

“What—what are you doing, Katara?”

She turns her head to meet his eyes over her shoulder.

“Zuko? I thought you wanted—”

Zuko puts a hand on her shoulder, trying not to jolt at the electricity he feels through her skin.

“Katara, I thought I was clear. We don’t have to do anything that would make you uncomfortable.”

Katara turns around to face him fully, a new ferocity in her eyes. “I’m not the one who’s uncomfortable, so stop using me as an excuse just because you are!”

Zuko tries to breathe like normal but realizes he’s forgotten how and he feels his exhales come out weak and unsteady instead.

“..It’s not that I’m uncomfortable.”

Katara reaches out carefully and holds her hand to his chest.

“You’re not?” Katara breathes in and out and he can see her chest rise and fall in the moonlight. “Do you just..not want me?

“How could I not want you?” The words are out of his mouth before he can think about what they mean.

“I want you too.”

He pinches his arm beneath the sheets cause surely he’s — Ouch ...so he’s not dreaming.

He can feel his eyes glazing over as he starts to give into the fierce heat rushing through him. He wraps an arm around her and holds her back firmly to his front.

His lips find the shell of her ear and he whispers, “You’re sure?”

He can feel the shiver down her spine and relishes the husky undertone of her voice as she replies, “I’m positive.”

...

Zuko wakes up the next morning holding a naked Katara, her head nestled into his bare chest and his arm around her with his palm splayed on the smooth skin of her lower back.

He tries to take stock of how he’s feeling but his thoughts are jumbled.

The only thing he can settle on is how wonderful she feels beside him at that moment.

She wanted him.

He still can't believe it. But he has no idea what this means beyond that or, he thinks to himself somberly, if it actually means anything at all…

[chalmogsico-college]

The witch Mint, the wizard Tortoise, and Luara who hadn't found her style quite yet, carefully made their way through the dark pine forest just outside of the school grounds. The perpetual frost that clung to the cold soil crinkled under foot as a sharp wind rattled the branches above them. The three mages were warm in their enchanted robes even as their breath fogged the air infront of them.

"I'm sure he's fine," Mint said, his arms crossed tight across his chest and his voice shaking just so slightly, "Hell, he was probably just running late. I bet he's already at the class room and we're going to be in trouble for not being there."

"No way," Luara replied, as she pushed onward towards the small cabin they knew was somewhere around here, "Professor Van Shamanov is never late, and you know how weird hes been acting over the last few weeks,"

"He's been acting weird because you keep trying to talk him into summoning a new familiar," Tortoise rolled their eyes, "Let the old bastard grieve,"

"Grieving is one thing, but his familiar has been dead for like a hundred years? He needs to move on, and like, its obvious he's capital L Lonely," Luara turns on her heel to follow a different path through the woods, hopeful that This would be the right one. She doesn't worry about getting lost, worst case scenario Mint's insane sense of direction would save them.

"Yeah, I'm going to side with Luara on this one, Tort," Mint nodded as Tortoise gasped in mock offense, "You heard what Headmistress said, the man's getting to the edge of what The Viper will allow. He shouldn't be all alone in the end, and you know he won't just make a friend or something. Too much of a loner,"

"Nope! He won't make new friends because his trio is broken," Luara said,

"And how would you know that?" Tortoise quirked a brow, "Been snooping on our favorite GILF?"

Luara stopped and turned to glare at them, and to their credit, Tortoise managed to not flinch or look away for an entire ten seconds, "He isn't a GILF because that would imply one of us wants to fuck him," Tortoise intoned like a scolded child as they dropped their gaze.

"Good neither." Luara turned to set back on their way as Mint snickered.

Eventually they did find their way to the rotting cabin, a full two hours after class was supposed to have started. Luara took the old brass knocker in hand and thunked it down hard against its strike plate three times.

A moment passed with no response.

Luara raised her hand to knock again as the door swung open on screeching hinges.

Professor Van Shamanov's impressive bulk filled the doorway as he stooped down to glare at his visitors from below the head jamb.

His eyes softened as he saw his startled students, bending to step out of his home and closing the door behind himself as he spoke, "Hello," his voice was rough with too many years spent in fire warmed rooms, "I suppose I'm a bit late for class aren't I?" He untied his robe from around his waist to put it on properly as he started back towards the college.

"Yes sir," Luara never thought of herself as short until she was having to jog to keep pace with their frankly giant teacher's strides, "We were worried about you, its not like you to be late,"

"Yes, I know I've been out of it lately," He nods before changing the topic, "Did you three complete your assignment? Gathered all of your components for today?" he holds out a hand and whistls to call his staff to him, the gnarled thing shot out of the woods like a torpedo but he caught it with practiced ease before it could splinter itself against the trunks of one of the trees, "And are you positive the components you chose are the ones you want to use? The difference could very well change the course of you lives."

Mint fussed with the bundle in his pocket before nodding. Tortoise pulled theirs from under their hat and smiled as they held it up proudly. Luara pulled two from her coat, one wrapped in the yellow she preferred for her spell work, one in the soft lavender Van Shamanov did.

"Yeah, and I brought one for you two," Luara chirped as non chalantly as she could.

To all three students surprise the professor actually held out a hand for it, "I'm curious what you think I'd put in that circle," he huffed good naturedly.

Luara handed it over and giddily tossed a smirk over her shoulder at the others as Van Shamanov undid the bindings to open it up.

A moment later she crashed into him as he stopped dead in his tracks to turn towards her. Luara staggered a step back, "Everything okay professor?" She asked nervously.

"Who told you? I assume Katy, but Headmistress might have known as well," his gaze was focused on the items in his palm, a dried orchid bloom, a nickel ring, and a wishbone.

"Dean Deane ," Luara said with an averted gaze, it wasn't like the professor to show such open anger, "She thinks you need to summon a new familiar, and that if you had the same components you did for your first it might be easier for you,"

"Please do not snoop like this again." Van Shamanov said firmly before turning back on his path, "We will be quiet until we get to class," he commands.

---

The other two trios that made up their summoning 833 class perked up as Van Shamanov entered.

"My apologies for being late. Is everyone ready to begin?" He pulled a tarp from his desk drawer and tossed it into the air. It straightened itself out and settled ready for use in the clear spot in the center of the room.

He waits for the murmurs of agreement to die down before starting on his spiel, "I trust that every last one of you has put the necessary time and thought into what will be happening today. A familiar is a life partner, they will be at your side through thick and thin and will be entirely reliant on you for the magical energy that sustains their like. They will aid you in every way they can and do whatever it takes to help you as long as you return that favor. They are powerful and temperamental creatures of contract, harming or betraying them will be the last thing you do. If any one of you has any hesitations about this, any second thoughts, anything other than Full confidence in what you are about to do, what components you have chosen, or what you will say to them once they are listening, leave. You are not ready yet, and I say that without judgment, I'd rather see you leave today than with a disloyal familiar tomorrow."

He stood infront of his class, head held high as he finished his final warning and reminder and waited to see if any of his students would flinch. When he was met with only eager eyes and nervous smiles he grinned from beneath his beard, "Very good," he turned to who he has decided will go first, "Tortoise, you're up," he finishes firmly as he steps back towards his desk

"Wait, Why?" Tortoise hesitated to get out of their seat.

"Because I'm upset with Luara and I know she wants to go first. By asking you to go first I am acknowledging that as directly as I am ethically allowed to." He takes his seat at his desk as Luara pouts.

"Why not Mint?" Tortoise looked to his friend who blanched at the suggestion, "Never mind, I forgot he was a coward," they sighed and pulled their bundle of components and their wand from beneath their hat as they stood to go to the edge of the circle.

The bundle was dropped in the center of the interlaced runes. The room was near silent beside the soft crackle of the torches. With everyone's attention on them Tortoise knelt in one of the smaller warded circles that surrounded the larger summoning circle.

Their instincts told them to just start pouring magic into it, a show of power to attract an equally powerful familiar, but Professor Van Shamanov had warned them against doing that. Power and Impulsiveness were not a good mix. Besides, they were a wizard, without structure their magic would fizzle and drain too quickly for them to really get anything going.

So, they took a deep breath and reached out to the warding line, pouring magic into it to set it glowing and active. Familiars didn't tend to turn violent with their summoners even if they declined the offer, but it never hurt to be cautious. Then they found the connecting line, the one that wrapped around and around and around the circle, that conected it to the other they'd be reaching into to try and coax a familiar across the boundary from one universe to another. Finally, they found the call line and pushed a surge of power through it, along with the promise of their favorite dice set, a bell they found in the sand outside their childhood home, and a bracelet their little brother had made for them before he passed away.

Speaking the meaning of the offerings was not a necessity, but Tortoise always struggled with the ephemeral and passing concepts along a line like this was definitely more a witch's skill than a wizard's.

"I offer you a dice set with the blessing of The Raven, she's my patron and she could be yours as well. A bell I found when I was young, I carried it with me on a chain around my neck for many years, it doesn't ring anymore but it holds more memories than I could speak, and a gift from my little brother, he didn't know about magic, but he told me that it would protect me. And well… I haven't died yet? So, I assume it works," they take a breath to find their center, "I am called Tortoise and I ask for…" They paused, this was the part that even with the years they had had to think about it, he could never decide on, "I ask for a friend. Someone who's sturdy and who I can rely on."

A hushed moment passed as the candles flickered and the smell of ozone filled the room. At first a fine mist formed within the summoning circle, it glittered like a frozen fog as it passed from its world and into ours, though soon it was thickening around the offered items and taking a solid form.

Tortoise couldn't help but choke out a laugh as a galapagos tortoise took shape before him. Its dull grey shell alone was bigger around than the circle Tortoise knelt in,

"What am I called?" the tortoise asked with a smooth water thin voice,

"Wizard," Tortoise responded with the name that formed heavy in their mind as soon as the tortoise had taken shap. They grinned and stood and let the magic fade from the circle, to set Wizard free of the bindings on it that trapped her within it.

"I look forward to being your friend, Tortoise," Wizard said as she made her way out of the circle with the slow elegant confidence only a fey shaped like a tortoise could muster.

The rest of the class clapped and jeered, Mint shook their shoulder as they took their seat, and Luara clapped and half jumped out of her seat to take her turn before Professor Van Shamanov could call on someone elsee.

Tortoise couldn't stop smiling after Wizard got comfortable next to them, nor could they focus on their friend's turn. They had a familiar and they looked forward to being her friend.