#couldn’t decide between witch or fairy so now he’s a fairy witch

[mag-loopy]

Venti doodle~

[straykids-97]

Blurry

Day Five of Spooky Week!

Blur the lines of conformity.

Warnings: Incubus Han/ Felix, witch reader, mxfxm, anal sex, unprotected sex, Switch! Han, Soft Dom Felix, choking, hair pulling, multiple orgasms, dirty talking, hickeys, biting, lmk if I forgot anything

Word Count: 2.1k

You sink back onto your calves, frowning at your spell book. “What the hell?” You grumble as the flames of your candles start to die out. You look between the words on the page and the small sigils on the ground. 

It should have worked- the words were right, and your incantations were perfect. Why didn’t anything appear? Huffing out a defeated sigh, thinking that nothing could have heard you, you stand up and clean up the summoning circle. 

Your friend put you up to it anyway, trying to summon a sex demon to keep you satisfied since your sex life was… well… lacking. You made sure to tell your friend in the morning that it didn’t work and that she needed to redo her spell. You tuck your candles away in the small box they belong in and place your book back on its holder on your altar. 

Puffing air through your cheeks, you leave your sanctum room and head to your bedroom. You decided to take a shower and head off to bed since you were not going to be getting any visitors anyway. You gather a set of pajamas and head to the bathroom, going in and turning the shower on. You place your clothes on the vanity and realize that there are no towels. 

Huffing out an annoyed sigh, you leave the bathroom to go to your dryer on the opposite side of your house. You flip on the light in your laundry room and grab two towels from the dryer. Shutting the light off and going back to the bathroom, you pass the door to your sanctum and freeze. 

The door was open. 

You slowly take a few steps toward it, pushing the door open and finding nothing inside. “Hello?” You whisper, before clearing your throat. You heard something solid hit the floor behind you, causing you to yelp in shock. 

Whirling around, you see an apple roll into the hallway, followed by two more, a third stopping in the doorway.

Something was in the kitchen. 

You slowly creep down the hallway toward your kitchen, peeking around the corner to find your cabinets open. Just as you flipped the light on, something popped its head over the island counter. You let out a scream, the creature screaming back, dropping the bag of chips in its hand. You both stand there, staring at each other. 

The man had a bare chest, an amulet of a moon resting between his collarbones. He had soft dark hair and glowing pale eyes. He giggles sheepishly, “Uh- sorry.” He gathers the chips from the floor and puts them on the counter, “I was hungry.” You stare at him as he comes around the corner, and instantly put your hand up, “Whoa- holy-” you stutter at his nakedness. “I didn’t mean to spook you. But we couldn’t find you when we came through and I was starting to get hungry.” 

We? When the creature says that you instantly start looking around for the other creature who could be lurking anywhere. “We- what do you mean we?” The creature grins, revealing small sharpened canines, “We came through at the same time, so we both stayed.” He shrugged, “You’ll like him.” He winks, closing the distance. You back away, “Listen, I don’t know what you are-”

“You know exactly what I am,” he corrects, wagging his finger at you. “You summoned us. And we can’t leave until we fulfill our end of the summoning.” You take a few steps back and now you standing in the doorway of the bathroom to find a second creature. 

Calling them a creature was an understatement; they appeared as men, but you knew they weren’t. 

The second creature had longer dark hair, and silver earrings decorating all the way up his earlobe. He made you think of a fairy, as he turned to you, his light blue eyes also glowing slightly. 

“Ah, there she is. Good job, Han.” The man spoke, his deep voice catching you off guard. The first man appeared at your side, throwing an arm over your shoulder. “Thank you, Felix.” 

Han dropped his arm and dragged you into the bathroom, making you stutter, “Whoa- I think we should-”

“Just shut up and fuck?” Han teased, making Felix laugh, “I think that sounds perfect.” Felix purred, coming to stand in front of you. He wrapped his hands around your neck, pulling you in for a kiss. The second his lips hit yours, your mind became mush. 

A second set of hands danced up your sides, pulling your shirt over your head. “Oh, nothing underneath?” Han giggled, kissing your back. You hiss, pressing into Felix who groaned, “One less thing to remove.” He held his balled fist out to Han, who bumped it with his. “You two seem to know each other?” You pant as both of them pull your pants down your thighs. “Oh, we do… Very well.” Felix chuckled, making Han join in. 

“I call back,” Han says as he palms your ass cheeks. You gasp, holding onto Felix’s shoulders. “Deal.” Felix doesn’t protest as he pulls you into the shower, the warm stream soaking the three of you quickly. 

Felix gropes your front while Han gropes the back. “Lift your leg.” Felix demands softly, his hand going to your thigh and holding it as Han holds your ass. Felix rubs against you, his cock running along your folds. A sharp gasp comes out of your mouth and you throw your head back onto Han’s shoulder, who wraps a hand around your throat. “This is my favorite-” Han starts to say as Felix pushes into you, a hot moan escaping both of their lips. “Shit.” Felix curses, nails biting into your skin as he sinks into your warm depths. 

You tremble as Han pulls away, his cock pushing at your ass. You clutch Felix’s shoulder who’s pushing in and out of you slowly. Your mind was spinning as Han pushed into you, making you cry out. You hadn’t done this in a while- anal. And Han could tell. 

He bites down on your shoulder as he starts to slowly roll his hips, Felix finding a lazy pace in tandem with Han. Your mind was reeling; fuck it felt great. 

You lean forward, pushing your ass towards Han as Felix picks up his pace, holding your ass cheek. “Fuck.” You whimper, not sure where to put your hands, on Felix or on Han. Han whimpers, “Shit- Lix.” Felix chuckled huskily at his partner, “What? Can’t handle a tight little hole? You should feel her pussy.” His dirty words make your mouth fall open, earning a chuckle from Felix. Han whimpers behind you, his hips meeting your ass in quick, sharp thrusts. “Fu-fuck. Lix, you have to try this.” He moans, his sharpened nails digging into your hip. 

Felix chuckles, rolling his hips into you, causing you to gasp. “Holy shit-” You didn’t realize how close you were to an orgasm until it was right there. You shudder, almost losing your footing but somehow don’t. 

“Awe, already going weak in the knees?” Felix purred into your mouth as he wrapped his lips around yours. “Seems she needs an extra hand, Han.” After Han came out of his dazed orgasmic state, he bobbed his head, “Of course.” You felt Han’s hand wrap around your other thigh, lifting you completely off the floor.

Now you were completely depending on them to keep you up, Felix holding on to your front and Han holding onto your midsection and thigh. “Fuck!” You cry out, holding onto Felix but leaning into Han now as Felix chases his own high. Han bit and sucked on your neck, surly leaving lovebites all over your skin. You watch as Felix’s eyes slowly turn black, his mouth hanging open as he pounded into you. “Fuck-” You pant, a second orgasm washing over you as he groans, leaning against the wall for balance. 

“Fuck- fuck.” He grunts, spilling into you and slowing to a complete stop. Han still moved behind you, moaning as he built up another orgasm. “Fuck, I’m gonna come again.” Han moaned, groping your body as he sped up. Felix’s eyes returned to normal and a salacious grin appeared on his face as his thumb began to rub circles around your clit. You gasp, jerking at the sensation, mind completely going blank as he began to fuck into you. 

“Let’s come together, Han.” Felix pleaded, chuckling at Han’s whine. “Can’t- so close.” Felix growled, “You can and you will.” Han whined, grabbing onto one of your breasts as he slowed, shuddering as Felix pounded into you. You let out a loud moan, an orgasm washing over you. Tightening around Felix only urged him faster, another orgasm threatening to rip through your overspent body. “She’s getting tired, Felix.” Han panted, “We can’t keep going. We’ll hurt her.” Han reminded his partner. 

“I know, but she can take one more, don’t you think?” Han chuckled darkly at Felix’s words. “I think so, can’t you baby?” You didn’t know how to respond, but you managed a single nod. “See? I told you.” Felix grinned, kissing you as his hips began to pound into yours. You let out a shrill moan as Han started fucking you harder, matching Felix’s brutal pace. 

Your bathroom sounded like the filthiest porn video ever created as you became nothing but a mixture of moans and sobs as you came over and over before finally, Felix and Han came into you one last final time. 

They held you as they slid out of you one at a time, helping you stand up on shaky legs. “Awe, poor baby.” Han steals a kiss on the lips, making you mewl. “Fuck,” he groans, pulling your hair. “Keep that up and we won’t leave.” You bite your lip causing Felix to chuckle, “Hole swap?” 

This time, Han yanked you out of the shower, “Bedroom.” Felix trailed behind the two of you as Han pulled you into your bedroom, tossing you on the bed. You yelp, feeling Han crawl up your body. He laid on his side, slotting a leg between yours and wrapping a hand around your throat, “Someone has an appetite.” He grinned, before kissing you. Your mind spins as he rubs his cock against your pussy. You whine, holding onto his bicep as you feel Felix slip into the bed behind you. 

“Good. Can’t leave her hungry, now can we?” Felix chimes in, pressing the tip of his cock against your ass. They both hold your leg up, Han entering your pussy easily from the mixture of cum that leaked out of you. You moan, Han was girthier than Felix, but Felix had length. You feel Han wrap a hand around your hair, moaning into your neck as he pounded into you. 

Felix couldn’t help but chuckle, wrapping a hand around your throat to pull your head back for him to kiss you. “Poor baby, you’re gonna be so sore tomorrow… But part of me thinks you won’t care.” You bite your lip as he pushes into you, his eyes watching your face carefully. He sits still for a few moments before his hand that held up your thigh with Han went to your clit again. 

You moan, trapped between the two of them again. Han is lost in the moment, eyes dark as he only cared about chasing his own high. Felix chuckled, “Poor man, he’s all pussy drunk for you.” Felix began to fuck into you, his hips starting to meet the pace that Han had set. “I feel for him.” Felix panted, nibbling your neck. 

You woke up to the sound of your alarm blaring. You start to roll toward it, but your body catches, making you yelp in pain. You groan, sliding toward your phone and turning off your alarm. Or so you thought. 

It was actually your friend calling, but in your dazed state, you thought it was your alarm. You sit up, stiffly walking over to your mirror as your phone rings again. Your eyes are wide; there are bruises all over your body in the shape of their hands. Your neck was littered with lovebites on both sides, one side from Felix and the other from Han. 

You stumble slightly as you go back to your phone, answering. “Hello?” 

“Girl, who’d you get? Tell me it worked.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“The spell I gave you could have summoned any of the big 8. Tell me it worked-” 

“I got two.” There was silence. “TWO?” She bellowed. “Who? Please tell me you at least got-” 

“I got Felix and Han.” There was a slight beat before she went on. “Holy shit you got Han? They say his stroke game is phenomenal. And I’ve never had Felix either… But, I have heard he does give incredible head.” 

“I didn’t get any. They were too occupied doing other things…” 

“Fuck. I’m jealous.” 

“They marked me up pretty good-” You heard a soft gasp come from your friend. “They MARKED you. Girl, they’re definitely coming back.” 

Thank you so much for reading! ©���straykids-97

Tag list: @kaitchan @artisticbirb @queenmea604 @aaasia111 @imastraykidsfan @kpopsstuffs @1dont43 @ener-energy @fawnpeaks @noodlesimp @dwaekkisses-1 @bangchans-angel

[evita-shelby]

Strawberries and Cream

I have been visited by the smut fairy and this is pure filth

No minors 🔞

Cw: mentions of past substance and alcohol abuse, some truama, unhealthy coping mechanisms, inappropriate use of strawberries, outdoor sex, cunnilingus, p and v sex, cum eating, food play(i think?)

Gif by @violaobanion

Inspired by this post by @zablife

Jack x eva taglist: @justrainandcoffee @thegreatdragonfruta @emotionalcadaver

1916

Instead of her aunt in Mexico City, it had been decided that Eva must be sent to her Uncle in New York.

At 20 years old she is a wanted terrorist in two countries, but one is willing to forget all she did against them in exchange for money.

The witch has not been the same since the last of her siblings died. She began to hate wearing color, developed an unhealthy attachment to Francisco’s fiancée and coped with her terrible luck with booze and drugs.

She was clean now, only did those last three things recreationally, but black has become her favorite color.

It is out of place here in a brunch hosted by her aunt for a business associate and his stepson.

Kennedy and his 22-year-old stepson were from South Boston, involved in some illicit businesses with her uncles while swimming in riches thanks to the legal ones.

Kennedy was upper class, a failed politician who controlled his party like a modern Kingmaker and would leave it all to the young man devouring a strawberry like she knows he’d devour her pussy.

He is not what they call lace-curtain Irish like the man seated beside him. John ‘Jack’ Nelson had grown up poor, born to a widow and a man plagued with visions of his own death, he knew hunger, cold and that sometimes what you must do is take the weapon in your hands and make sure you don’t miss.

She wants him.

But she cannot let him know that yet. No, right now, she is to make him feel like he’s losing his shot as he ignores the men talking business and her aunt asking him about his studies in Harvard.

The witch wants nothing more than to put his skills to the test.

Once the men leave to resume business, Eva puts her scheme into motion.

Sunbathing in gardens away from prying eyes and where he will come to in his boredom. He may be the heir to Patrick’s fortune, but he is still not privy to all the older man’s secrets. He said he’d go on a walk in hopes of finding her and find her he shall.

Her aunt is away taking care of something or the other with her younger children, Eva’s eschewed the corslet under her dress because the infinite number of hooks are not sexy and she is sure her lace panties are soaked by now.

She lays on the picnic blanket, a naughty book in her hand and the other brings the juicy red strawberries she eats and discards with a performance whores would envy. The witch hates being wasteful and the stickiness of the stems and juice on her bare thighs, her chin and even the perfectly calculated line from her bottom lip to the valley of her unrestrained tits would invite bugs sooner than later, but it’s worth it.

Jack grins when she spreads herself to show him the promised land. Her invitation couldn’t be any clearer and the rising star of Boston is joining her on the blanket faster than mercury.

“So wasteful, some people are starving and you’re here leaving them half-eaten.” He plucked a half-eaten strawberry from her thigh and finished it as he knelt between her legs.

“I recall you leaving a few half-eaten earlier.” The witch tossed her book aside and pulled the burly man by his shirt up to her face.

He tasted of whiskey and cigar smoke and strawberries as he took the hint and began to kiss her like there’s no tomorrow. Jack followed that trail of juice down her chin, her neck and pulled the top of her sundress to reveal her tits.

Jack buried his face into her breasts and wasted no time in leaving a love bite on the underside of her breast. He’ll leave her covered in hard to explain marks by the time he leaves.

“Bet your pussy tastes like strawberries, doll.” One hand bunched up her skirt and the other kneads the breast he hadn’t been servicing with his proud mouth.

“Why don’t you tell me, Mr. Nelson?” the witch ran her hand through his now disheveled hair as he went lower and lower until he reached his goal. She doesn’t mean to pull his hair when he kissed and bit her inner thigh as he set down to business, but the groan vibrating through her cunt has her pull harder to make him do it again.

She wants him. Not just for today, she wants him to be hers forever.

If anyone heard or saw this, they’d be forced to marry to cover up the scandal.

And yet the sounds he has her make, the vulgar sound of him eating her out spurs him on. Eva can bet he’s hard as oak underneath those trousers of his.

As the witch cries out louder and louder as he goes deeper with his fingers and tongue making her buck against his face, she knows she can live with that.

The gangster doesn’t stop finger fucking her even after he’s lapped up all of her cum, no, he wants more just as badly as she does.

Jack kisses her, savors the taste of her pussy along with her like the gentleman his stepfather wants him to be.

“I think, “ Eva’s barely recovered the ability to say more than his name and with a smirk she tells him exactly what she wants from him. “ I think I prefer strawberries with cream.”

“Your wish is my command, Mrs. Nelson.” If they’re already going to end up doing the time might as well do the crime.

The witch leans back on her elbows and enjoys the show as he undid the buttons on her trousers and sprung free from its confines. It’s hard, already sporting some pre-cum at the head and ,if Jack hadn’t prepared her, the witch would say it looked like it would hurt.

“I want them to hear in their office how good I fuck you, how much of a whore you are for daddy. Ignoring me all morning and now they’ll see how you’re begging me to fill you up with a bastard.” His words contrast how he takes his caution to keep from hurting her, she knows it won’t take long for him to jackhammer into her and have her forget who she is.

“Is that a threat, daddy.” She used to find that type of sexual play odd and strange, but it spurs him on to hear her call him that. And who knows, Eva may end up making him a real daddy after this.

That thing of his doesn’t look like it’s capable of missing it’s mark.

“Not a threat, doll, a promise.” He punctuates his words by throwing her leg still sticky with strawberry juice over his shoulder and making her see stars with this new angle.

Jack could ask her to kill the president with a shoestring and she’d agree if he kept hitting that sweet spot inside her while playing with her clit.

They are sticky with sweat and strawberries when he comes with her name in his demonic mouth. A harsh kiss as he settles beside her and the hand on her clit leaving it to grab one of the remaining strawberries in the porcelain bowl and rubbing the fruit where his creamy seed spills from inside her.

They laugh in between kisses and she greedily consumes the cum covered fruit with a moan.

She wants to do this every day for the rest of her life, and she tells him so as they lay there fucked out and as good as married.

“Give me a second and I’ll make sure they have no choice but to get us hitched.” Jack pulled her to her side and chased the taste of his own cum as a prelude for what was to come.

Its to no one’s surprise that Miss Eva Smith is pregnant when she walks down the aisle wearing white like a virgin.

[thewatercolours]

King's Quest Ficlet: "At a Standstill" (Collab with GerbilofTriumph)

Not too long ago, @gerbiloftriumph had a really cool idea for a collab, and we buddied up to brainstorm a story with yet more fun for the goblin and woes for our favourite king (she came up with most of the good stuff. ;-) Once the initial ideas were in place, I turned them into a bullet point story, and she created an illustration which you’ll be able to find on her blog! Go check it out! I'll never stop praising Gerbil's amazing triple threat creative powers to the skies (an incredibly engaging writer, a wonderful visual artist, and magic powers at inspiring creativity in others.) It was great fun working together on this together, my friend! And now, without further ado, the ficlet.

---

(Daventry castle) 

Grandpa has a terrible sore throat and a hacking cough. He’s driving the royal physicians up the wall with how poorly he sticks to their advice. They tell him he must be quiet and go easy on his lungs - he must rest his voice. So of course he talks twice as much as normal. 

Valanice shakes her head fondly and suggests Gwendolyn help him pass the time with stories. But just this once, he’ll be the one to listen, not tell. She hands her granddaughter a grand leather tome with a slick blue ribbon and a cover cracking about the edges. It was recently sent as a peace offering from the goblin realm. Naturally, it’s a volume of old fairy tales.

Grandpa settles in as Gwendolyn reads aloud through a handful of familiar ones - “Rapunzel,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” and so on. It is indeed a soothing way to pass the time, and Grandpa soon starts nodding off. Gwendolyn smiles smugly that the scheme to get him to rest quietly is working, and decides to read on just a little further to ensure he’s sound asleep by the time she leaves. 

She turns the page to a fairytale she’s never heard of - “Jorinda and Joringel.” She reads it softly, almost under her breath.

“Once upon a time, two young lovers, Jorinda and Joringel, stumbled upon a castle deep in the forest. What they did not know was that the castle belonged to a witch of fearful power, who did not take kindly to being disturbed. In her fury, she laid curses on each of them. Poor Joringel was enchanted to stand still as a statue. He could only watch as the witch turned his beloved Jorinda into a nightingale and carried her off to a cage in the castle, to be her pet and sing for her. Joringel couldn’t lift a finger to help her until the witch finally tapped him with her wand. With many terrible threats, she warned him to never return. Now -”

“What? Graham interrupts, cracking an eye open. “Tapped him with her wand?”

“Grandpa! Remember what the doctor said. Now, Joringel had heard of a certain beautiful rose that could break spells with a single touch of its petals, so he journeyed far to fetch it from - ”

Grandpa comes wide awake and slams his hands down on the quilt. “SO THAT’S WHAT THEY WERE DOING!” he cries hoarsely. “THEY WERE TRYING TO GET ME TO STAND STILL! The slime - the ropes - it all makes sense now!” He is absolutely gobsmacked, and going back and forth between slapping his forehead in frustration and chuckling. “If only I had known! I thought I knew every old story in the book! Is this an actual fairytale?”

It seems this tale has provided Grandpa with a missing piece, making sense of something that happened to him in his youth, while he and his friends were captives of the goblins. And you can practically see the excitement levels rising in his eyes - if he weren’t old and sick, Gwendolyn has no doubt he’d be jumping off the walls in another two seconds.

He can’t do that, but of course he can tell his granddaughter the whole story. She tells him off, grinning. “Grandpa, that’s exactly the opposite of keeping your voice quiet!”

But when has anyone ever been able to stop an excited Graham? The purple mists of the mirror part, and the memory begins shining over the glass

(Goblin caves)

Young Graham discovers the glowing garden amongst the upper passages of the goblin prison. He is struck by the carefully tended beauty. It seems strange to him that the goblins, so violent and instinct-driven, and clueless to the fact their prisoners are starving, could cultivate something like this garden. But never mind that. He’s got people to save. And look! Roses! Just what the Hobblepots need him to fetch for their recipe! He plucks one, but gets distracted by a noise deeper into the garden. He decides to investigate.

There he sees a group of goblins setting up for their next fairytale, fiddling with hastily stitched costumes and clumsy props. One goblin is trying to get a little clockwork nightingale to work,  but is having some trouble with the mechanism. 

They spot Graham, and go crazy with joy when they see he has a rose in his hand. They shove him into the middle of their staging area and begin acting. One goblin in a tattered but sparkly gown grabs his hand and strolls with him, laying its hand on its heart and sighing exaggeratedly.

Graham has no idea what story this is. He makes some lame, vague guesses, but no good. “Um, okay. So, you’re definitely in love with me. That’s a thing. Am I… the prince in ‘The Little Mermaid?’ Maybe ‘Sleeping Beauty?’ You, because, love? I guess? Um… ‘Three Little Kittens Who Lost Their Mittens?’ No, no.”

 When the witch goblin arrives in its jaunty pointed hat and waves its hands around ‘mystically” and tosses some handfuls of glitter powder,’ all the goblins turn to Graham expectantly, anticipating he’ll go along with freezing into a statue by standing still.But Graham, of course, has no idea what they want. Everyone’s looking at him, clearly needing him to do something. So naturally, he moves - waves his arms, strikes a pose. And they get frustrated with him. They smack him to make him smarten up and get with the program, but of course this communicates nothing to him. A couple try grabbing him, to force him to stand still, but Graham’s already a bit wary of goblins grabbing him, and takes off, full tilt.

He manages to evade them, ducking through the brush and shining mushrooms, and slips out of the garden door when everyone’s safely off searching for him at another end of the garden. He makes his way to the Hobblepots, and triumphantly produces the rose from his cloak. But alas, the rose has already wilted. Who knew it would be so delicate? He’ll need to fetch a fresh one. 

Hoping to avoid the goblins, Graham mentally plans everything else he can do toward saving his friends in the meantime. The next rose can be the last item on his to-do list, and hopefully the goblins will have cleared out from the garden by then.

A few hours later, Graham creeps warily through the door. He scopes out the garden, but all seems clear, besides the little tinkering goblin, still working on the nightingale. But he’s just kind of doing his own thing, and barely seems to notice Graham. So far, so good. Graham nabs a rose and heads out. 

But, surprise - the goblin troupe are coming in the door just as he’s coming out! They’re overjoyed to see him again! Whoops and rejoicing! They confiscate the rose and carry him off on their shoulders to another part of the caves, where they’ve set up a whole scene with clumsy props and a crude castle backdrop. The play begins all over again, with much hand squeezing and kissy sounds. But Graham’s eyes are drawn upward to a weird conglomeration of ropes hanging from the ceiling, full of strange knots and loops. And just a foot away, directly in the path his lover girl is leading him, is something that looks suspiciously like a tripwire.

He makes every attempt to avoid it - “No, no, I insist. You go first, my lady! No, ok. Well then, I’ll just step very carefully over this, um, hunter’s trap…”

The goblin kicks him in the back of the knee. The wire is tripped. Goblins cheer! Ropes descend! Limbs are snagged! Flying lines crisscross and snag and pull his arms and legs tightly in place. If he doesn’t shake free immediately, he won’t be able to move and inch.

With some reckless shimmy, diving, and use of the chopsticks (who knew?) he manages to get free. With every movement, the goblins became more frustrated and frenzied, as they try wildly to trap him again. A wild chase ensues (cue the soundtrack!) at first resembling an obstacle course, as Graham skids limbo-style beneath descending ropes, does an entire double dutch skipping rope routine, and of course there’s a grand finale that resembles nothing so much as trapeze and tightrope walking. 

Graham ends up climbing one of the ropes and finding himself in a little crevice in the ceiling just big enough for him. He unfastens the rope from its stalactite so the goblins can’t follow him up, but immediately regrets it. How is he going to get down now? 

The goblins throw a tantrum and shake their fists, and one stomps Graham’s rose with its stone boot. Once they’ve worn themselves out, they sit down. At first Graham fears they mean to wait him out, but they are distracted by the sound of a gong off in the distance. They dash away. 

Possibly a dinner gong, Graham reflects sadly, thinking about his friends, starving in their cages. The thought puts new resolution into him. He can’t possibly stay up here. He has to get down, and soon, before the prisoners lose even more strength. And, you know, before the goblins think to come back with a ladder or something.

But what on earth is he supposed to do? He’s a fair distance up, and simply jumping would almost certainly mean a broken back or neck. None of the stalactites hang very far down, so sliding down one wouldn’t help lessen the fall enough to matter. Has he got anything in his pockets he can use? He rifles through them, but nothing comes to hand that could be useful.

But slowly, a reckless plan forms in his mind. He only discovered recently that he can fit an entire person in one of his pockets, and that the cloak moves just the same when someone is inside it. Would it be crazy to scoop himself into his pocket, and let the cloak flutter to the ground? After all, fabric lands lightly. But would he? He has no clear grasp of the physics of these pockets, and it’s very possible that this would be just as bad as ordinary free fall. But he hasn’t got a better idea, so he grits his teeth, leaps, and sweeps himself up into the cloak as he falls.

The impact is no worse than when you think there is one more step on the staircase, but it turns out there isn’t, and your foot just lands awkwardly heavily. Graham breathes again, crawls out of his pocket, and sets to planning.

What is he going to do? He needs that rose. He could wait till tomorrow, but every day is so, so precious. He decides to hide near the garden door among some tall rocks. There he can stake the doorway out to be well and truly sure there are no goblins about. 

A couple of minutes in, the garden door creaks open, and the goblins shamble out and head further up the passage. He ducks low to be certain they don’t see him. Once they’re out of sight, Graham gives it a good twenty minutes to be sure they’re not coming back, and stands up - only to hear gasps and shrill gibberish behind him. 

He wheels round to discover that the goblins must have circled round to this chamber by another entrance. They have set up a stakeout only fifteen feet behind him, among the other tall rocks. They were watching for him, but couldn’t see him because he was hunkered down.

He sprints for all he’s worth. They pursue, and this time with a frightening new trick up their sleeves. Goblins with buckets of foul-smelling slime take aim at him. One splash of slime coats his foot, sticking him to the floor and hardening rapidly. He tries to yank his boot free, but it’s stuck as firmly as if the very rock of the ground had grown up round it.  He manages to swivel his foot out of his boot and run for it, running off half-shod, knowing what a disaster it will be if he gets coated in the slime anywhere else on his body.

He ends up running a complete circle, and dashes into the glowing garden, slamming the door behind him and barring it with the sword frying-pan. He has his doubts about how well it will hold, but what else is he supposed to…

He’s not alone.There’s someone else in here. 

Oh no. Of course. The tinkering goblin with the nightingale.

But It hardly pays him any attention. It’s struggling frantically with the mechanism. It’s become more and more agitated because it just can’t get the clockwork going. With a snarl of frustration, it hurls the nightingale against the rockface wall. It smashes to pieces. The horrified goblin throws its hands in the air, and falls to its knees among the springs and screws. Choking back a sob, it grabs for the nightingale’s head and wings, and turns them round and round. It falls silent, then begins blubbering and snuffling, pressing the pieces to its heart. Afraid of alarming the creature, Graham closes the gap between them slowly. The distraught goblin barely seems to notice. By now it’s rocking back and forth, snuffling wetly and cradling the broken toy close.

Graham kneels, and holds out his open hands. 

The goblin stops. It slowly raises its head to look at him. Then it stares back down at the nightingale, and back to him. Graham nods. The goblin swallows back its tears, and with trembling fingers lays the pieces in Graham’s hands.

It’s not actually so difficult to fix. Graham used to like to fiddle with clockwork toys when he was a boy, taking them apart and putting them back together. Or maybe it’s easier with human fingers. Whatever the case, it doesn’t take long for Graham to get it properly working. The little goblin was so close to a breakthrough. 

But it’s a very different kind of clockwork than Graham has seen before - like someone invented clockwork separately and it developed along a different track. And just from the look of it, Graham surmises that this toy was not stolen from the upper world. This is very clever goblin work. And strangely beautiful. How can something crafted by these little kidnapping monsters be beautiful?

He winds it up, and it sings.

He’s surprised by how sweet it is in its own way, and what craftsmanship went into it, and how he hadn’t really given the goblins credit for being able to make something so lovely. And yet, isn’t that what he was thinking about earlier, when he first saw the garden? Their love of stories led them to cultivate a beautiful fairytale garden. To build a theatre full of cheer. To invent a shining full moon underground. To fashion glass slippers and clever spinning wheels and magic tricks just to delight everyone. And as messed up as this whole situation is, there’s something endearing about it. Maybe more than endearing. Maybe it is beautiful.

Graham’s realizing  in a way he hadn’t before how important these tales really are to the goblins. How their love of fairy tales causes a lot of trouble, and man, does he know it. But most of it is harmless, and now and then, just now and then - it’s something really good. This goblin doesn’t want to hurt him. They can’t speak each other’s language, but they got through to each other through this shared moment.

The power of story - of making something fascinating and beautiful just out of what you have available - connection in the strangest of circumstances. Maybe - maybe this approach is something he can use?

Suddenly something lightly taps him. A wand. Held in the fist of one of the goblin crowd. He was so lost in thought he didn’t notice them coming in by the same back way through which they carried him to the “ropes course.” All the goblins cheer as he spins around at the touch of the wand! And now they are more than glad for him to have the rose - one even hands a new rose to him gallantly. 

He walks as slowly as he can out of the garden to take the rose to the Hobblepots, wondering what on earth even happened just now that they were so nice this time. But he’s not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. It’s only a matter of time, of course, before the goblins come up with some new shenanigan to torment him, but for now, he’s got what he came for, and he…

(Daventry Castle)

Grandpa finally loses his voice completely, and has to give up on the last details of the story. Gwendolyn teases him, and they watch the final moments of the story playing out silently in the mirror, as young Graham wanders off into the gloom of the tunnels, rose in hand. 

Gwendolyn reads the last lines of the fairytale aloud. “With the flower to help Joringel, the witch’s magic could not hold. The curse was lifted, and he freed not only Jorinda, but all the other captives the witch held in her power. They made their way far from the darkness of the castle, and stepped gladly back into the light.”

“Good night, Grandpa. I hope you have a nice, quiet rest.”

[logically-asexual]

Ladybird

summary:

Cat Noir faces Dream Fairy, an villain that puts sleeping children into a spell so they won’t wake up. Ladybug can’t help him so he has to find someone he trusts to take her place in this battle. If you follow me you can guess who it will be.

Could happen during season 4.

notes:

leave a comment if you want!! just no season 5 spoilers please, i’ve only seen the first half ^-^

Read on AO3

word count: 3,613

Cat Noir smiled as he felt the fresh night air of Paris against his face. It was late and everyone else was asleep, his suit blended into the sky, and no one would tell him what to do. He knew he shouldn’t use his powers for personal reasons, but he hadn’t been able to get any sleep, only tossing and turning in bed for hours. Besides, he had agreed with Ladybug that they would patrol the city once per day, and nobody specified it had to be during daylight hours.

He was about to break his record of leaping over four buildings in one jump when a flashing light in the distance caught his attention, followed by the sound of loud cackling. His expression dropped. So there would be work to do, after all.

He used the repeating flashes to track the villain and follow after them. Once he was close enough, he heard her yell “None of you little brats will be able to interrupt my sleep ever again!” as she shot bright rays of light into every window along the street.

He was able to tackle the person (an exhausted mother, maybe?) while she was distracted, crashing both of them into the sidewalk.

The villain, dressed in an extravagant costume that reminded him of Maleficient, recovered from the hit quickly. “Cat Noir!” she scowled, “You know what time it is? Children like you shouldn’t be roaming the streets! But don’t worry, Dream Fairy will fix that soon.”

She pointed her staff at him, which had a green glowing orb at the end. He managed to move out of the way before the magic shot got him. The akuma was surely in that staff, but he needed to wait for Ladybug to destroy it so she could capture and de-evilize it before it flew away. Deciding to stall her as he waited for his partner, he jumped away and ran through the city, the witch close behind him.

He landed on a windowsill and tried to call Ladybug, but she wouldn’t pick up. While he was distracted, it was the villain’s turn to crash into him and send them both falling into the house. He found himself in the middle of his own foyer.

“I smell a little brat lives here!” Dream Fairy turned towards his, well, Adrien’s bedroom door at the top of the stairs. “But he’s not asleep like he should…”

Cat Noir tried to get a hold of her staff, but she was too quick. On the corner of his vision he saw Nathalie struggling with the crutches to run out of her room.

He shielded himself from the rays of light with his own staff, and said “Don’t worry ma’am! I’ve got everything under control!”

Ironically, at that same moment the villain slipped away and made a run for Adrien’s bedroom, only to be faced with Nathalie now blocking the way and swiftly evading every attack, even with her limited mobility.

Cat Noir distracted the woman again and attempted to lead her out of the house. The battle continued, until Tikki was suddenly next to his face holding Ladybug’s earrings. He kept sparring with the villain as he spoke to her.

“Tikki? What’s going on? Where’s Ladybug?”

“We have a problem! My owner is asleep and I couldn’t wake her up! She seems to be under some spell. I tried to find someone else to use her powers today but all our other allies were the same!”

“We need Ladybug to capture the akuma,” he said between strikes, “there’s no way I’m making it without her!”

Wearing the earrings himself wasn’t even an option, he had no experience wearing two miraculous at once, let alone the most powerful ones! He leaped away right before being hit with a magical ray, which gave way for the villain to run back towards the stairs.

Nathalie, still guarding the bedroom door, didn’t waste any time punching Dream Fairy right on the nose, knocking her out. Cat Noir looked at her in awe. He had an idea.

He grabbed Nathalie’s hand and pulled her into her bedroom, with Tikki following after him.

“Nathalie, right? I need your help.”

“Wait—“ she tried to get back out, but Cat Noir stopped her, saying that he had already made sure Adrien would be safe. He was touched by her worry and her eagerness to protect him, but he had no time to waste.

“Nathalie Sancoeur, here’s the miraculous of the ladybug, which grants the power of creation. You will use it for the greater good.” He held eye contact with her and noticed that her stare grew panicked while he spoke. “Once the—“

“Me? No, you don’t want me, I can’t even walk properly!”

“Don’t worry! The suit enhances all physical abilities! And I saw you fighting just now, you’re awesome already! I need someone strong, intelligent, and trustworthy, and—“

“No,” she interrupted, “you don’t want to trust me.”

Nathalie couldn’t believe she was this situation. She knew Gabriel would want her to take this opportunity and finally get what they were both after this whole time. The jewels he so desperately wanted were right in front of her, being handed to her on a silver platter, and she, of all people, would be the one giving them to him. Everything in her knew that she should take advantage of this, even if she had to defeat Gabriel’s akumatized villain first, but there was a voice in the back of her head that forced her to hesitate, only made louder by the kind look on the superhero’s wide green eyes.

“You’re Gabriel Agreste’s executive assistant, right? If he relies on you for his work then you must deserve this honor. You are the most trustworthy person I kno— I mean— here!”

Cat Noir smiled at her, and something in his eyes reminded him of when Adrien was little, begging for her not to tell his mom that he had stolen a cookie from the kitchen, not afraid, but hopeful, because he knew she would cave in eventually. She always did, as she did now.

She would end up disappointing the boy either way, sooner or later. Might as well get something out of it.

She took the pair of earrings, switched them with her own, and attentively listened when Cat Noir explained the basic information about her powers, all of which Nathalie was already aware of, but he didn’t know that. Soon, they were ready.

“Tikki, spots on!”

Her glasses and crutches were gone, leaving only a magic suit and mask behind. Her suit wasn’t very different from the girl’s apart from the fact that the colors on Nathalie’s were inverted. Her hair didn’t change a lot either, with her bun now higher up and two red strands of hair hanging loose next to either side of her face.

“A pleasure to meet you…” Cat Noir waited.

“Ladybird,” she completed. The word felt foreign on her mouth, but it was all that came to mind.

Cat Noir opened the door for her and led the way to the villain, who was now standing from the place on the floor where they had left her.

It took a few minutes to get the hang of her weapon. She was skilled when it came to self defense, but her aim had never been great. She found that her power and her enhanced vision improved it somewhat, once she got familiar with the shape and mass of the object she was throwing. She was able to use it to block the rays from hitting Cat Noir and to distract Dream Fairy, who had forgotten about Adrien and was now giving them her full attention.

Cat Noir insisted on being the one at the front, leading the battle while she supported him any way she could. They knew they had to get to the staff, but Dream Fairy was too agile and avoided them with ease.

Growing frustrated, Cat Noir suggested for her to summon the lucky charm. She followed his instruction and stepped away to call the power. In her hands now was a… a DVD copy of Solitude, with Emilie on the cover. Was this some kind of joke?

The black cat struggled defending himself while she stared at the movie. She remembered that Gabriel had his own copy in the safe behind his wife’s portrait, which gave her an idea. She called for the villain’s attention offering her the miraculous and ran into Gabriel’s office.

Dream Fairy ran after her, trying to hit her with her staff but missing every attempt. Nathalie walked backwards into the room until she was in position right next to the painting.

“Cat Noir, your cataclysm!” As she spoke, the villain attempted to take her apparent distraction as a chance to strike, but was met with a perfectly-timed hit in the face with the frame of the painting. She stumbled backwards before Nathalie slid the DVD case across the floor so the woman slipped on it. “Now!”

In the fall, Dream Fairy let go of her staff, which Cat Noir was able to get mid-air and destroy. As always, the dark butterfly flew out of the object. Nathalie went through the famous following motions, de-evelizing the creature. Then, she picked up the movie and threw it upwards and said, “Miraculous Ladybird!”

Swarms of ladybugs flew all around them, fixing the broken window, the dented frame of the portrait, and the staff, now turned into a flashlight. The disoriented woman who used to be Dream Fairy tried to stand up, but soon lost balance and dropped back to the floor, sleeping peacefully at last.

Ladybird felt relief for the poor woman, who must have been awake for one-too-many nights in a row. Her attention then was brought back to Cat Noir, who was holding up a closed fist at her, offering the victory gesture the heroes always did. She looked down at his hand, the ring on his finger was blinking.

Through his shared vision with the akuma, Gabriel knew that Cat Noir and someone had just defeated his villain in his office before losing contact with them, so he would probably wait a while to come out, to avoid being discovered. Nathalie was on her own. It was now or never.

“Sorry,” she muttered. In a blink, with a flick of her wrist the yo-yo flew around Cat Noir and immobilized him. All tied up, he lost balance and fell over with a soft thud. His alarmed eyes shifted from side to side, but he didn’t get enough time to figure out how to escape before she took the ring from him.

Ladybird took the ring from his hand and wore it in her own, ignoring the green light of his transformation on the edges of her vision. Still looking down at the miraculous, she took a deep breath. She would be clear with the wish, making sure the life that would be taken in exchange wouldn’t be anyone else’s but her own.

“Tikki, Plagg, unif—“

“Nathalie, no!” the boy interrupted.

She finally looked up gasped, stumbling a few steps back. The world froze for a moment, the air in the room suddenly cold enough to make her body tremble as she saw who was laying on the floor in front of her.

“Adrien,” she barely whispered.

“Wh— Why are you doing this?” He appeared to be on the verge of tears, a state she would probably share soon, not yet believing this was real.

“That's… that’s impossible.” Her head turned between him, Emily’s portrait, and the ring on her finger. Not enough air was getting into her lungs, maybe she had hit her head and she was currently the one on the floor and this was all her imagination, product of a concussion. Maybe she had dreamed this entire night and the sound of her alarm clock would wake her up at any moment.

A part of her brain registered a shift in the air behind her. Then, two hands yanking away her earrings fully brought her back to reality. Every last drop of strength left her body along with the magical suit, causing her knees to buckle and she came crashing down. It was as if the exhaustion and pain she had avoided during the fight had accumulated and now she had to take it all back.

Nathalie couldn’t make out the fuming words of the girl who must have been the actual owner of the ladybug miraculous. She could see she was wearing a gray and white costume and sunglasses as she put on her earrings. She argued with the ladybug kwami, and Adrien chimed in a few times. It surprised her to see him standing up, before her mind caught up with the fact that her powers were gone, and so was the yo-yo and the string that had been restraining him.

Nathalie tried to discern more details of the situation but her vision was fogging up and she felt like everything was crumbling around her. She was about to lose consciousness when a bright light forced her back. Ladybug left through the portal she had just opened carrying the de-akumatized person as Adrien ran to Nathalie’s side.

He helped her sit up and explained what he had discussed with the superheroine. She couldn’t understand much of what he said at the beginning, but slowly she was able to take in less shallow breaths and comprehend more of his speech. She gathered some general ideas. He had said that he didn’t tell Ladybug everything that had happened to protect his identity, and that he had asked her to leave them alone and let Adrien and Cat Noir manage things.

Then, she realized he was asking her a question. She blinked at him for a couple seconds before registering the words. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she answered. She tried to give him proof of her statement and managed to stand up, but she couldn’t bring herself to take a step forward. The shaking of her legs convinced her that she would fall if she tried. “You should get back to bed.”

“Wait.” He moved to stand in front of her, as if he would be the only thing blocking her from leaving the room. “Please tell me, why did you do that?”

She bit her lip. She was in no condition, physical or mental, to have this conversation. What could she say that would reveal just enough to satisfy his curiosity, and not too much to raise any more questions?

A part of the truth should be good enough. “I wanted to make a wish.”

“You know about the wish?”

She swallowed. “Uh, yes. I’ve seen the news, I’ve heard about it.”

The sadness in Adrien’s eyes pierced into her own. This shouldn’t be happening. She should be the one protecting him. Still, his voice was full of kindness. “I know it sounds like an easy solution to any problem, but it’s more complicated than that. The balance of the universe has to be maintained, which means every wish comes with a price. If you wanted to cure your illness someone else would have to fall ill in your place, and that’s… well… it’s not fair.”

Nathalie knew about the price of the wish. He was right. Things were more complicated than they appeared, but she couldn’t explain the real reason why to Adrien. It was neither the moment nor the place. It wasn’t even a job for her to do, it was his father’s. “That’s… not what I wanted,” she muttered. It bothered her that he could think she would do something so selfish.

“It’s okay, I didn’t know that at the beginning either. Now you know you see, it’s better this way.”

As offensive as it was, she would have to let him believe that he guessed the wish she intended to make correctly, and hopefully he would forgive her and not interrogate further.

Adrien smiled at her, and she couldn’t help but smile back, until he extended his hand to her and she remembered today’s discovery.

The ring was in its disguised form, all silver, just like Adrien had worn it the entire time. As she took it off and held it between her index and thumb, it turned back to black and the green paw appeared in the center. She should have known it, and yet not even now could she fully believe it.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” he said, “I do think you’re the most trustworthy person in the world, but we had to keep our identities a secret from everyone. You’re… not going to tell father, are you?”

Memories came to her of all those moments when both Mayura and Hawkmoth had faced the heroes. Focused on their goals and thinking of the superheroes as nothing but obstacles to them, it was easy to attack with no restraint or care for the children behind the masks. Now everything was different. It had been Adrien, all this time. The girl behind the red spotted mask might be infuriating, but she was someone’s daughter, too. Why had it taken all this for her to actually acknowledge it? Was ruining these children’s lives really worth it?

All her experiences up until this point were altered under this new perspective. She wondered if Gabriel would feel the same if he knew. Would he stop if he did? “I… don’t think I can lie to your father.” She had to tell him. What if Hawkmoth chose to fight in person again? What was Nathalie supposed to do then? She closed her fist around the ring. “I also don’t think I could stand to keep watching you get hurt.”

Adrien went on a long speech defending himself, arguing that the suit made him nearly invulnerable, that he and Ladybug always had each other’s backs and always came up with a solution, that he was never more worried about the akumatized villains injuring him than he was about Hawkmoth harming his victims as they were used for his nefarious purposes.

If only he knew, Nathalie thought. If only he knew why his father was doing this. But, as usual, it wasn’t her place to speak, so she just frowned at him, not yet persuaded.

“Please,” he was now begging, “if my father finds out he will never let me out of the house again! I don’t want to be a prisoner for the rest of my life! It’ll be even worse than before I went to school.” He grabbed her from both arms, almost pouting. “I know what I’m doing, just trust me. You don’t have to lie to him, you just have to keep doing everything the same way you did up until today. Please!”

As he dragged on the last word and looked up at her with the same puppy eyes that had convinced her to take the magical earrings earlier, she felt once again cornered. No truth was more universal than the fact that when an Agreste wanted something from her, they would get it. She simply sighed and handed over the ring back to him.

He immediately squeezed the air out of her in a hug, which she returned to the best of her ability. She had promised Emilie that she would protect Adrien, but she never expected that to be such a difficult task. However, that didn’t mean that she would simply give up.

After a minute the boy pulled away. She had been leaning some of her weight on him, so he noticed her effort to stay upright after losing his support. He called for his transformation with a wide smile. Looking into those green eyes now, she couldn’t believe she ever thought they belonged to anyone else but Emilie’s son. He held an arm around her, and carried her back to her bedroom.

Cat Noir thanked her and hugged her one last time before leaving to find Ladybug and explain his version of what had happened earlier. Luckily, all the girl knew was that her kwami had left with the earrings to find a temporal holder and she figured out she would find them at the Agreste Mansion once she followed the villain’s signs of destruction on the streets. She probably assumed Cat Noir had hidden once Nathalie had taken his ring and the secret of his identity was safe.

Nathalie watched from her window as the boy jumped from one rooftop to another, disappearing into the night. Before bed she would delete the footage from the cameras in the house, then she would sleep, and then… that was to be determined.

She would have to think carefully about what she would do about Gabriel now. Adrien didn’t know the scope of the burden he had put on her. She didn’t know how the man would react if he found that his son was Cat Noir, but she was sure that if Gabriel ever found out that she had known Cat Noir’s identity and hadn’t told him, he would be furious. If she was honest, sometimes Nathalie was just as scared of him as Adrien was.

Unfortunately, she had no choice now. The matter was delicate so her actions should be the same. She would have to thread carefully until she could find a solution that hopefully didn’t end with Gabriel losing his mind, Adrien getting hurt, and her being fired. For now, she’d have to act natural, while she pretended her world hadn’t been shattered around her and completely differently rebuilt in a single night.

[boomiburst]

“You only married me so you could have a child.” 

Jonathan stopped cradling the baby. As his wife’s words pierced through his heart, he painfully put his baby in the crib. His body was still so little, and his pink hand was clutching onto his father’s finger even as he tried to pull away. The baby’s other hand was now holding the hem of Clara’s skirt, as if he knew too that he was their child.

Jonathan fell on the armchair. His head was throbbing with pain. He didn’t know if it was from the brutal accusation from the love of his life or if the fairy was finally planning his death. He took a deep breath and leaned forward, his eyes locking on Clara’s. 

“You know I love you.”

He was not used to saying it with a clench in his throat. Not with so much nervousness. Not even when he was on his knees in front of her, asking her to be the one he spends the rest of his life with. 

And Clara– she wasn’t used to hearing those words from him without them making her smile. The usual light in her eyes was gone. 

Regardless, Clara let out a bitter chuckle. “I should have known it was a bad idea.” 

She remembered the time her instincts and the people she loved had told her to “marry the guy who falls for personalities, not faces”. But she was sure that getting prettier would make her crush fall for her. They could worry about personalities later.

But neither of them had prepared for the day to finally pay for their wishes. 

It had already been two weeks since the baby was born. The fairy and the witch were fighting amongst each other as to who would take the child. The witch had proposed to cut the baby in two pieces, but the fairy had told her that it wasn’t how it worked. So they were now trying their lucks at figuring out who could make the couple abandon the baby first. And they had decided to pay both of them ‘a visit’.

The little fairy had flapped her wings and sat on Clara’s nose as she told her all the gossip about Jonathan; from his desire to be wealthy to him agreeing to sell his firstborn for wealth (any father would tear out his greedy heart for that). But he could always produce a new child, couldn’t he?

Was Clara innocent? No. Before Jonathan had kicked out the pesky witch out of his house, he saw in her crystal ball the interaction between her and his wife. She too had not thought of the possibility of getting attached to an unborn. And now the baby was born, she had to sell it to that witch. The witch was ancient, and the deal was broken. The possibilities were endless.

But now, both of them knew two things. Their love wasn’t fake, and the child had to be saved.

Your mother sold her firstborn to a witch in exchange for beauty and your father sold his firstborn to a fairy for wealth. Today you are born.

[lillywillow]

Birthday Wishes

Summary: Bucky wants to plan the best party ever for his young daughter

 Word Count: 2430

 Square Filled: Free Space

 Pairings: Singledad!Bucky x Female Reader/ Steve x Peggy

 Warnings: None really

 Written for @star-spangled-bingo

Ever since the mother to Bucky’s daughter passed away when she was a baby, he had been totally devoted to her and every year on her birthday, he went all out trying to make it the best one ever.

 About a month ago, Tony’s daughter Morgan had a mermaid themed party; complete with a woman dressed as a mermaid. Bucky’s daughter Rebecca had totally raved about it and with her own birthday coming up, he made a note to take one of the business cards with him.

...

 The moment Bucky walked into the building, he was in awe. The front of the store was full of costumes, dolls, plushies, pirate treasure chests, fairy wings and wands... every kind of fantasy item a child could possibly want and a lot of it looked handmade. Out the back, he could hear squealing and laughter. A party in progress, perhaps?

 “Good afternoon, welcome to Childhood Dreams. How may I help you?” the receptionist asked.

 “Hi. I’m looking to book a party? It’s for my daughter...”

 “I see. Well, before booking a party, you’ll need to make an appointment with Y/N. She likes to customise her parties to the client. She’s currently doing a performance but if you’re happy to wait, she’ll be done soon...”

 “I can wait...”

 “Great. Follow me please...”

 Bucky followed the receptionist into the back. There was a pirate party taking place with all the children dressed up as pirates. There were props and decorations keeping in tone with the theme and an incredible cake. On the stage up the front was the same woman who had played the part of the mermaid at Morgan’s party, this time she was a pirate, enacting a mighty swordfight with another actor. She really put her all into the performance.

 Bucky watched her for a moment before the receptionist pulled him along and guided him to an office along the side. The inside of the office was just as cheerful and childlike as the rest of the place. The desk was lined with small trinkets. Along the walls were various photographs of the woman in different costumes. A princess, a fairy, a friendly witch... there was a costume for every occasion. Bucky was in the middle of admiring them when the door opened and the subject from the photos stepped in.

 “You must be the gentleman wanting a party,” she smiled, taking off her hat and eye patch before sitting at her desk and encouraging him to take a seat. “I’m Y/N.”

 “Yes, that’s right. My name is Bucky and I’m looking to do a birthday party for my daughter Rebecca,” he said, getting his phone out to show her a picture.

 Y/N smiled at the photo of the little girl who was dressed as a princess.

 “Tell me about Rebecca. I take it she’s a princess fan?”

 Bucky’s face lit up as he spoke about his little girl. Everything that she loved about princesses and fairytales, down to her favourite colours, animals and mythical creatures.

 “I’m probably rambling now...”

 “No, no, I think it’s sweet to see a father so dedicated to his daughter. Let me show you a few of our packages,” she smiled.

 Y/N logged into her tablet to show him a few of the princess themed parties they offered. Bucky looked through the options before deciding on a fantasy type one with princesses, wizards and all things in that vein.

 “Will you be having the party here or elsewhere?”

 “I think home would be best... unless... here would be better? I don’t know...”

 “Some children feel more comfortable on home base and some like going out. It’s really up to you. My job is to give your child the best possible experience...”

 Bucky nodded slowly and thought.

 “She might like a party in her own backyard...”

 “That’s totally fine. I’ll need to visit ahead of time just so I can work on a setup. Now, will you be providing your own cake? If not, I can recommend an excellent bakery.”

 “A family friend agreed to make the cake,” Bucky replied.

 Y/N nodded and jotted down a few notes.

 “What about food?”

 “Yes, we’ll be making our own food too.”

 Y/N nodded again and wrote down a few more notes. After agreeing on a price, a date and time to meet, his address and the date of the party, Bucky started heading out the door.

 “One more thing...”

 Bucky turned to look at her.

 “I like to ask our clients how they found out about our business...”

 “A while ago, you threw a mermaid party for a friend of mine’s daughter. Rebecca couldn’t stop talking about it for days after that...”

 Y/N smiled fondly.

 “I see... well, I guess I’ll see you when I come to do my inspection. Goodbye, Bucky.”

 “Bye.”

 As Bucky left the office, he could feel his heart fluttering like it hadn’t done in a long time. Ever since his wife’s passing, Bucky hadn’t even looked at another woman. Well, he had looked but he had always been so busy taking care of Rebecca, he didn’t really have time to be pursuing women. Sure on occasion, he would go on a blind date now and then and Steve would babysit but that would be the extent of it. Bucky thought for sure his dating life was over but talking to Y/N just now... it gave him a lot of hope.

...

 Time went by and eventually the day arrived when you went to meet Bucky at his place. Bucky greeted you at the door with a smile and ushered you inside. Smiling, you looked around the place. Pictures of Bucky’s life lined the walls and shelves. Photos of him with friends but most of them were of his little girl. One thing you noticed was the lack of pictures of the girl’s mother. There were a few of her before having the child but not many after.

 “So, um... what do you need to see?”

 “You mentioned a backyard?” you said, referring back to the interview you had a few days ago.

 Bucky nodded and showed you the way. First, you scoped out the best place to conduct your performance then took out your measuring tape to size up the props you might need. As you worked, Bucky could see the gears turning in your head.

 “Do you go out to different locations a lot?” Bucky asked, trying to strike up a conversation.

 “Not a lot but it’s always fun when we do.”

 “How long have you been in business?”

 “It’s taken me about ten years to get it off the ground. It’s only been gaining popularity in the last year or so...”

 “Wait, so you own Childhood Dreams?”

 “Sure do. You see, I always believed childhood should be about fun and games before going onto the drudgery of adulthood. And I help out local business in the process. Most of the items available for purchase were made by local artists. I’m always willing to lend a hand when they need it. That’s why I ask about food. There’s a small bakery a few blocks from the building we’re located who does the most beautiful cakes...”

 You suddenly were interrupted by something brushing up against your leg. Looking down, you saw the most adorable white cat.

 “Why, hello there. Aren’t you a cutie?” you cooed, bending down to pat the snowy feline.

 “This is Alpine. Rebecca is just crazy about her. She’s been a really big help ever since...” Bucky paused, feeling a lump in his throat and tears well up in his eyes.

 Alpine trotted over to him and purred as he picked her up.

 “Sorry. It’s just... ever since my wife passed when Rebecca was a baby; I’ve wanted to give her the best life possible. I try to give equal amounts of time between her so she can look up to me and work so she has the best things in life...”

 You went over and gave him a hug.

 “You’re a good man, Bucky. I’ve been in this business long enough to tell the devoted parents from the off-standers. Just by spending a few minutes with you, I already know that you love your daughter and think the world of her. Just make sure you spend a few moments taking care of yourself, okay? It doesn’t have to be much, just enough so you feel good too.”

 Bucky gave you a soft smile, knowing that you were right. Everyone had told him as such but sometimes, it’s harder to take advice from the people closest to you.

 “Can I get you anything to drink?” he offered.

 “Actually, I should get going. I’ve got a children’s charity event I need to get ready for. It’s been really nice seeing you again, Bucky. I guess the next time I see you will be for your daughter’s party.”

 “See you then,” Bucky smiled.

 He couldn’t wait for the party.

...

 Finally, the day of Rebecca’s birthday arrived. Bucky had spent the night before busily transforming his humble home into a castle fit for a princess. He wanted everything to be perfect for his little girl’s special day, buying the most glittery, ruffled princess dress for her to wear, complete with a sparkly tiara. Bucky himself hired a prince costume and even managed to obtain a kitty sized dragon costume for Alpine.

 Bucky spent the morning cooking, starting with a plate of pancakes for breakfast before moving onto the finishing touches on the food for the party. He had most of it prepared already but some of it needed heating.

 The first to arrive was Wanda with her twin boys who were both in costume. The boys instantly ran over to play with Rebecca while Wanda was left holding the cake she had made along with her purse and the present she had bought. Bucky rushed over to help her with the items and after exchanging greetings and pleasantries, she showed his the cake.

 It was everything Bucky could have ever hoped for and more. The cake was purple with ice cream cones decorated like castle turrets, topped with little princess and unicorn figurines and the words ‘Happy Birthday, Rebecca’ written in icing along with the age she was turning. Little pink flowers were piped along the sides.

 “Thank you so much, Wanda. Becca’s just going to love it.”

 “You’re welcome,” she smiled, giving him a hug.

 Soon after Wanda’s arrival was Steve and Peggy with their child followed by Tony, Pepper and Morgan, Sam with his kid and it wasn’t long before all the party guests had arrived. The adults all mingled while the children played together happily. Right on time, Y/N arrived with her scene partner in full costume. She was wearing a knight costume while her partner (whom she introduced as Phil) was dressed as an ‘evil’ wizard. Bucky settled the kids in front of the makeshift stage and let the performance begin.

 Y/N started by introducing herself as a knight dedicated to Princess Rebecca.

 “That’s me!” Rebecca squealed in delight, jumping to her feet and clapping.

 Y/N knelt down to be level with her, crossing her right arm over her chest in a salute.

 “I vow to protect you from the evils of the kingdom.”

 Suddenly, Phil jumped out of his hiding place.

 “Mwa-ha-ha! I am an evil wizard and I am here to change all the cakes into broccoli!”

 Bucky thought he was laying it on a little thick but there was a wave of horrified gasps from the kids.

 “Not so fast, evil wizard! We will defeat you! Kids, if I’m going to beat him, I’m going to need your help...”

 Y/N and Phil made an amazing pair. While Y/N encouraged the children and even a few of the parents to join in, Phil played off their reactions until he was ‘defeated’.

 “You win! I will change my evil ways and use my powers for good!” he dramatically cried.

 The children all cheered and clapped. The two actors took a bow and started to pack up as Bucky announced it was time for cake. The kids all raced over to where the cake was being brought out.

 “Would you two like to stay for cake?” Bucky offered.

 Phil looked at Y/N for permission, a hopeful glint in his eye.

 “Sure. We have some time before our next appointment,” she smiled. Phil gave a big, childlike grin.

 Once everyone had sung Happy Birthday to Rebecca and she had blown out the candles, the cake was served out. Steve approached Bucky.

 “Hey, man. How are you doing?”

 “A bit tired but seeing the smile on that little girl’s face makes it all worth it,” he softly sighed.

 Steve followed Bucky’s gaze to where Rebecca was talking animatedly to Y/N. He could tell the smile on her face was genuine and not just for show. This was a person who loved their job and loved children.

 “Is that the same Y/N you’ve been going on about all week?”

 “I haven’t been talking about her that much...”

 Steve gave him an incredulous look.

 “You know, it’s okay to like her. Why don’t you ask her out?”

 “What about Rebecca?”

 “Peggy and I can look after her while you go out on date. You deserve to be happy too...”

 Bucky thought about it for a while and headed over to Y/N and Rebecca.

 “Daddy, daddy! Y/N was the mermaid at Morgan’s party! She’s magical...” Rebecca was absolutely smitten with the woman.

 “I see... Can I talk Y/N alone for a minute? Then you can open presents,” he smiled.

 Rebecca giggled and hugged his leg before running off to play with her friends.

 “She’s a darling,” Y/N warmly smiled.

 “She is... Listen, Y/N... I was wondering... if you’re not busy tomorrow night... if maybe you’d like to have dinner with me...”

 “Like a date?”

 Bucky’s face flushed.

 “I mean, if you want it to be...”

 Y/N kissed his cheek.

 “I’d like that. How about 7:00 at the restaurant around the from the Childhood Dreams building. They do an amazing meal...”

 “Sounds perfect,” he smiled.

 This was one the best days of Bucky’s life. Not only did he pull off the perfect party for his daughter but he took a step back into the dating world with an incredible woman who somehow stole his heart.

[thegremlincrowsnest]

Beauty and the Beast

Another Collab with Citrus Dome! Please check out the rest of the amazing first made in the Storybook/Fairytale AU Collab

Divider made by @firefly-graphics

The beautiful individual is: @/aneutrallife on instagram

CW: mothman, mentions of pussy, mentions of ovi, monster fucking,

Only a Beast could love something like you.

That was something you were told since you were small. 

You were always the odd one in the town you lived in. 

Different. 

Obscure. 

An Anomaly.

All because you were a witch. You had always been intrigued by the usage of herbs and crystals. Cartomancy was a specialty, and you were known for your creation of oils and ointments. The townspeople avoided you and only asked for your services in secret. It began to take its toll on you as you grew older. 

Feeling ostracized and wanting to be forgotten. 

But that was when He found you. 

Apparently, he’d been watching you for some time now, and on that cold fall night, he decided to make his move. You were out in the woods, collecting ingredients you needed to refill on. You ended up finding yourself in the garden of what seemed like an abandoned castle. You were curious about how such a great place could be hidden since you knew the royals lived quite a ways away. Nevertheless, you took your time as you gently tended to the plants. Taking what you needed but still making sure the plants will grow healthy. You froze in place when you heard the crunch of leaves under large feet. You slowly placed a hand on the scissors you used to trim the plants. Turning slowly, to looked up to see a sizeable form towering over you. Covered in dark brown and black fur with light stripes of soft blue. Two sets of rather strong-looking arms were folded across its chest and abdomen. His wings draped over its shoulders like a cloak, but you couldn’t get a good look at the intricate designs of the wings. Your eyes were locked onto his face. His face was worn and scarred, locks of light blue hair cascaded down his head like spun silver. 

“I knew you’d find your way here, human. I would be angry if I wasn’t already intrigued by you,” he said. You were taken aback by its rather deep raspy voice as it held out a hand for you. Grabbing it tenderly, you stood, only coming up to his chest. With one set of hands, he held your face to look up at him. Enamored by the scarlet eyes looking back at you, you were surprised when a pair of fluffy antennae brushed against your face. “Yes. I knew it was you.” He said as he lifted you up in his arms, carrying you into the castle. 

On that day, you had met the beast known as Tomura Shigaraki and started your new life. 

He had apparently been watching you for a few months before then. He had been exploring the forest and came upon you helping a small fawn out of a trap, tending to its wounds before letting it free. He thought you were a curious one, not at all like the other humans in the town. You were sweet and soft, treating them all with a level of care he felt they did not deserve. The day he knew he wanted you for himself was when he had accidentally stumbled upon you bathing at the waterfall further into the forest. 

He could recount how you looked as if it was that same day. 

Your skin an ochre color, similar to the mellow-brown light that had bathed the forest that warm afternoon. You glimmered like amber, and he could only kneel in the brush near the bank or else his knees would give. You were absolutely beautiful. Your hair was thick and dark like calla lilies, curls framed your freckled face, and oh,  what he would give to be able to kiss every freckle. Climbing out from the river, you dried yourself off, and he thanked every god above for the sight of your dripping from panting and sighing from how relaxing your bathing was. 

He jerked off to the memory of that day for many moons after until the fateful day you wandered into his territory. 

That was about a year ago, and since then, you two had become close. Hesitant at first, you were terrified you were to be devoured. Hearing terrifying stories about the beast since childhood. But over time, you learned that he was a gentle creature, he had a temper, yes, but you stood your ground. Slowly you were able to coax more out of him, his family, and how he ended up like this. It had turned out he was the son of the king that ruled over your land. His father had challenged a powerful fairy who cursed his mother to giving birth to a monster. Though his parents did love him, and when his younger brother was born, the love did not falter. They had to send him away. The townspeople and some of the aristocrats did not like the idea of a beast being king. 

You wanted to challenge it; King Toshinori would never do something...would he? You knew how the townspeople treated you, and while you weren’t a monster, you wouldn’t be surprised if they rioted. 

You two had slowly started to bond, Tomu, as you affectionately called him, was intrigued by the herbs and crystals you gathered and used. He never forced you to stay with him, but you liked the idea of living with someone who wanted you to around. You told him you could find a way to reverse the spell and make him human, as a way of saying thank you for letting you stay in his castle, but he refused. Saying he would rather die than try to assimilate to their standards. You were silently happy he had refused. 

You started to fall for him at that time and couldn’t imagine him without his extra appendages. Especially his wings, when spread out, you could see the intricate patterns on them. A mix of light browns, black, and specks of blue as bright as lapis lazuli decorated them. Although his eye held no pupils or irises, you could see the emotions they expressed. How they softened whenever he thought you weren’t looking or how they darkened when you would wear something more revealing. His eyes would glimmer like rubies whenever you praised him or showered him in affection. 

You two had been together for two years at this point; you cleaned out your house and moved in with him. Not surprised when you saw that the townspeople burned it to the ground when they noticed you left. You did not cry, no sight of anger in your face, but you felt hurt nonetheless. You sat at the windowsill, looking out at the forest while the summer sun shined brightly. Tomura had noticed and went to make your favorite tea; you had followed him, however, wrapping your arms around his waist and burying your face in his back. “Y/n? Is everything ok?” He asked, concerned. You nodded silently; he turned and let you nuzzle your face into his pecks. One set of hands lifted your face up, with the other set wrapped protectively around your waist. His eyes softened at the sad expression you held. Brushing one clawed thumb against your cheek as he smiled softly. “I...Wanted to wait until the full moon to ask you this, but...I feel this might be better.” He started, your eyebrows furrowed together as he continued. “I would...like to mate with you, Y/N.” He stated with the softest of a blush, dusting his cheeks. Your face warmed as you processed what he was telling you. 

That night you both prepared. Well. It was more, so Tomura prepared you. He put you in a bath of milk and rose petals, rinsing your hair like you had shown him before going to prepare the ‘nest’ as he called it. Bringing in sheets and pillows, sweet-smelling oils and cloths he felt were soft enough. Bringing you out of the bath, he dried you off and brought you to the nest, laying you onto your back. He couldn’t help but get lost in your beauty; your dark hair framed your face as he let his eyes linger. Your full chest and thighs, wide hips, and soft squishy stomach made his wings vibrate. He chirped and purred as he nuzzled you, letting his hands gently caressing your hips. “Sweet-smelling mate, so soft, so good to me.” He said as he moved your legs apart to allow him to settle in between them. You moaned softly, feeling his claws brush against your skin. He kissed and licked down your neck, pausing to suckle on your full breast as he felt his cock unsheath. His long thin tongue wrapped itself around your nipple, stroking it gently as he brought a hand up to your other nipple. The room slowly started filling with a sweet scent; it filled your nose and made your core ache with arousal.

 Tomura continued to kiss down your body until he reached your core, kissing your mound, and before he could go lower, you tugged at his hair. 

Your face was hidden behind your arm; you softly said, “I…. I don’t like my pussy being licked…” 

He nods and smiles empathetically. Deciding to suck on his fingers gently before sliding one thick finger into your entrance, mesmerized by how your hole quivered and stretched. He went at this for what seemed like hours. 

Adding another finger and another until he felt you were prepared for his cock. Sitting up, he stroked himself to your form, yes glazed over and skin hot to the touch. You could only stare in amazement at how large he was. His cock was like no humans you’d ever seen, ribbed down the underside, the tip pointed more like a dog than anything. “Tomu...You’re so big.”You said as you gently reached out to stroke it. He smiled proudly at how your reaction. Pushing you back down, he gently wrapped your legs around his waist. Pressing the head of his cock gently into your entrance, he held back a whimper at how wet and wanting you were. Your entrance sucked him in, almost refusing to let him go if he pulled back. Finally, he was able to press his hips against yours. His cock head pressed snuggly against the entrance of your cervix as your back arches, your nails dig into his shoulders. He whines and ruts against your cervix for a moment before pulling back, beginning a slow rhythm. Now it’s your turn to moan as you beg for him to go faster.

“Do you think you could handle it, little one?” he asks as he looks down at you. You nod and plead, begging for more as you rub your clit. “Then your wish is my command, my prince~,” He says as he begins to thrust faster, pushing your thighs back as his nails dig into them; his wings spread and flap as he feels himself grow closer to completion. His soft whimpers turn into snarls and growls as he pounds into you. Flipping you over, he holds you close to his chest; one set of arms hold you up by your thighs as the other focuses on your body. One hand grips your throat while the other plays with your clit. Thrusting up into you, he can’t stop the stream of praises. 

“Such a pretty boy, so soft and sweet. Look at how well you’re taking my cock. I can’t wait to see how you look filled with my eggs.”

His hips stutter, and he holds you in place; you feel his cock pulse as he fills your hungry womb with his cum. You howl and moan out as you squirt, legs shivering as you look down to see his cum drip down his cock. Whimpering softly, you felt him purr in content; he nuzzles into your neck as he lays down with you. Cock still pressed firmly into you as you both slowly fall asleep. Entangled in each other.

[fijiangecko]

The End of It All

Vampire!Katsuki Bakugou x Witch!Reader

WC: 6k+

Warnings: Cussing

Angst - breakups and makeups

A/N: I wrote this over two years ago and just found it. If I decide to edit it I’ll post that one on my AO3, or if people ask me to post it here I can <3

~~~~~~

The idea of a calamity had never even crossed their minds until a couple of days ago. Everything seemed to be harmonious between the humans and the supernaturals, but never in a thousand years could they guess just how wrong they were. In a matter of days, war had broken loose between the few humans who knew of the other world, and the extremists of the supernatural that wanted only bloodshed. The Negotiator was notified immediately, and brought a group of friends onto the scene. It only spiraled from there.

Mina and Uraraka sobbed into one another as it dawned on them that very soon everything they loved could be eviscerated, while Kaminari and Kirishima attempted to soothe them as the night went on. Midoriya and Iida ran around searching for books that could possibly lead to a solution, but there was no manual on how to fix the destabilization between the supernatural world and the human one. Todoroki sits in a chair by him lonesome, contemplating if he should leave, while Katsuki has the same thought on the opposite side of the room as he leans against the doorframe.

“Do you think we should try (Y/N) again? She might pick up this time,” Iida flips through a tome as he speaks, eyes glancing at Midoriya.

“I don’t think we should. Last I heard from her she was going to visit the harpies, and if her phone went off during that meeting then we could be royally screwed. They could have a solution, so I think it’s better if we just have faith and-” “Have faith?! That’s your shitty advice?!” Katsuki growls from across the room, a deep scowl decorating his features. “We all know damn well that (Y/N) could have ditched us and left the world for dead! She’s a fucking witch and doesn’t give a shit what happens to the rest of us as long as it doesn’t fucking bother her!” His fangs started to grow as he spoke. During his little outburst he had walked over to the table and slammed his hands down, putting more emphasis on the cuss words than anything. “She. Doesn’t. Give. A. Shit. About. Us.”

“You shouldn’t say that about her, Bakugou. We know you have a past with her, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to forget about the rest of the world. She’s not that petty.” Iida is calm as he speaks, making sure not to make eye contact with the vampire, as it could set him off even further.

“You see her as a friend, and I see her as a lover. She’s a completely different person, I can promise you that.” A low growl had escaped Katsuki’s lips after he spoke, but his ear twitched as he sensed movement outside. Looking out the window, he saw no branches move, but a bright light shone through it.

Todoroki gets up and inspects the outside of the estate, careful to not move the curtains too much. He didn’t want any uninvited guests knowing what room they were in. As he stared outside the glass, he could see an alchemy circle burned into the grass with your figure lying in the middle of it. Your body is in a fetal position, as if trying to protect something. Upon seeing this, Todoroki bolts out of the library without saying a word and goes out into the cold night. Katsuki runs after him to see what was going on with the rest of the party in tow.

The stream of people watched as Todoroki made no hesitation to pick you up bridal style from the ground and carry you back to the house. In your hands is an old book; its sides were ripped apart and there was a lock preventing it from being opened. The bind had decorative gold inlays, but no title. As of now, Todoroki did not care for the book, but the girl he carried in his arms.

“She’s breathing,” he looked to Uraraka, “and will most likely need medical attention.” With nothing left to be said, he walks briskly into the house and finds the nearest couch. Uraraka follows him and starts to check on you and perform a series of healing spells.

Kirishima, Mina and Kaminari walk back inside and sit near the other three, but make no move towards them.

“Is there anything we can do?” Mina’s quiet voice pierces the thick coat of silence around them.

“Right now I don’t need anything, but stay put just in case there is an emergency,” Ochako’s eyesight don’t leave your figure once. The party of four sits behind nod silently and watch as she works..

Outside, Iida and Midoriya are trying to figure out what the alchemy circle means. Not everyday does someone use such powerful magic to teleport, let alone a witch who prefers not to use alchemy at all. They carefully examined the etchings in the ground, the symbols older than anything they’ve had the chance to work with. Katsuki stood a couple of feet away, also trying to figure out where the fuck (Y/N) teleported from.

“Well this symbol means ‘ancient’ and this one over here means ‘creature’, but there’s one in between…” Midoriya pulls out his notebook and starts to sketch the symbols down.

“This is definitely from a different plane of existence, but I’ve never seen it. Is this from her personal dimension?” Iida spoke.

“No, it’s not. Her sigil phrase would be ‘nisi rogatus non transient’ and her keyphrase is ‘fiducia’. Plus there aren’t enough swirls in the alchemic circle to fit her personal taste,” the blonde grumbled. His eyes fixed over the old text, but this language was way before he turned into a creature of the night.

“Did (Y/N) use alchemy way back? I haven’t seen her use it in decades,” Iida ponders out loud.

“Doesn’t matter. Shouldn’t you be fucking figuring out what this shit means?” The two nerds nod and walk quickly back into the library where they begin a whole new search. The vampire slowly approached the living area where his once lover was lying on the couch with a fairy over her form. A glow erupts from Ochako’s hands as she tries to wake you up. Again, Katsuki leans against the door frame, eyes carefully watching what was happening.

He couldn’t help but feel concerned; he never truly got over you, no matter how poorly he acted. Remembering everything you had, everything you lost and the times he wished he had spent with you only caused his cold heart to clench in pain. What if I had been there when she asked? Would things be different? Does she still care? His mind raced with a thousand different thoughts. This was, afterall, the first time he had seen you in almost a century after one of the worst breakups to ever exist. 

Long story short, he was more focused on hunting rather than your relationship, so you decided to give a dangerous alchemic spell a shot after having no one to talk sense into you. Bakugou doesn’t know what kind of spell you were trying to cast, but he does know that it caused some sort of damage to your magical force. He wasn’t there during the ritual, but showed up at your hut months after the disaster. You had looked sick, as if death’s grip was starting to drag you down into hell, and before letting him speak you told him to leave, and never come back. After hours of screaming and bickering, he left. Not once did either of you try to speak to the other, but you both knew you were in the wrong. Katsuki wasn’t there for you, but you blamed him for your dangerous actions, which was in no way his fault. 

Nothing brought him joy after that; not the hunt, not the warmth of another. Nothing. For almost a century he felt empty. Katsuki wanted nothing more than to embrace you in his arms once again. Take you away from everyone and keep you to himself, but he knew that it simply wasn’t going to happen. He knew he had fucked up and is now trying to find a way to fix it. Not in a century had he been this close to you, and it was slowly taking away his life force. For all he knows, you’re in a coma caused by the harpies and have no way to save the world - or you found a way to save the world and sacrificed yourself. Either way, someone has hell to pay.

“Bakugou!” Ochako breaks his train of thought, her eyes screaming concern. “I need ice, her ribs are broken.” Standing up straight, he swiftly walks to the kitchen and retrieves the ice, taking a plastic bag and some paper towels.

“Thank you,” the round faced girl was sweating at this point, tired from healing but knowing that she couldn’t stop anytime soon.

“Guys! We found out what (Y/N) was doing!” Midoriya races into the lounge, holding several books within his arms. “She was trying to make contact with the Great Ones!” He flipped open some of the books, showing different languages and sigils.

“Why the fuck would she do that?! Wasn’t she going to see the harpies?” No one needed to look to understand who was speaking.

“I contacted the harpies, and they said she did speak to them, but only for a short time. They didn’t have anything that could help, so she left in a hurry.” The green haired male put his books down on the nearest surface and flipped through a particular book. “They did say that she bought some mandrake liver, which is odd considering it’s very expensive and very hard to come by, but I guess if she made contact with the Great Ones it makes sense. No one has been able to talk to them in years, not after they cut themselves out of the supernatural. If (Y/N) actually talked to them, then she is the first person in a millenium to ever see or speak to them. It’s a miracle she’s even alive.”

“Yeah, they almost fucking killed me.” You start to rise from the couch, rubbing your temples as you do so. “Think I could get a glass of water, my throat is fucking killing me.”

“You’re up! And so quickly!” Izuku stared in amazement at the girl who not only escaped death, but talked to some of the oldest beings in the universe.

“Yay, lucky me.. Can I just get some fucking water? Don’t mean to be rude, but I can feel my broken ribs and my dry ass throat so a little help would be appreciated.” Dry as ever, you spoke to no one in particular as you lean back into the couch and press the ice bag into the ribs that are broken. “Could someone grab me some rat tails, lavender powder and milk from the toad? Should fix these ribs real quick…”

“On it,” Mina hops up from her seat and runs off to gather what you asked.

“How are you feeling? Besides the ribs and headache.” Ochako reaches for your hand, taking it into her own.

“Pretty good, actually. Great Ones offered some knowledge, albeit for a price.” Peeking an eye open, you gaze at your peers. 

“Did you find the answer?”

“What ‘price’?” The negotiator and the vampire spoke at the same time, both asking valid questions but concerned about different matters.

“Cool your jets, besties,” fangs bared, Katuski growled at the thought of being “besties” with a fucking nerd, “I need to heal up before I start spilling the details.” Just then, Mina runs back into the room, all three ingredients in hand along with a mortar and pestle. 

“I got the stuff! What do I do now?”

“Now, you hand it all over and watch a witch work her magic.” Your greedy hands swipe the contents of a healing elixir and begin to mash everything together. Tediously, your fingers throw components into the mortar, then pressing them together with the pestle makes a liquid in which you drink in one big gulp. The group watches as your ribs emanate a sickly light, making the room glow in a mysterious manner. After about five seconds, it stopped and you stood up to stretch.

“Much better, now how about we go into the library so we can examine this,” you wave the torn book, “and figure out how to save the world.” Moving forward, you give them no time to answer. It gave them no choice but to follow you.

“Would you at least answer my damn question?” Katsuki remains in the doorframe, unmoving from his comfy position..

“How about you move out of my fucking way, and go to the library like I said? Maybe you’ll get your answer there, huh?” You shoulder check your way out of the lounge and into the library.

After everyone takes their places in various spots around the library, you begin to speak.

“I want to apologize for being so late, after I said I was only going to the harpies. Turns out, they don’t have much more information than mine and Midoriya’s libraries combined. Right as I was about to leave, Tokoyami said there might be one more group I should go see. He pulled me into his private room and gave me the liver of a mandrake as well as a page from his personal grimoire. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, but it was the alchemic way to reach the Great Ones. We talked for a short time after it about how to approach them and what would happen if they did or did not decide to help. Knowing we’re getting short on time, I did the ritual right there in his room, and low and behold I was taken to a dimension far outside our normal planes of existence. It was cold, dark and dank with a stench that rivaled the odors of giants. My senses were being attacked in the most foul of ways, but that was the least of my concerns as I was met with the eyes of not one, but three of the Greats.” You shudder at the memory. “When they spoke it was deafening. I felt like I was going mad, or at the very least I was losing all sense of control. They knew why I was there, and decided that it would be more beneficial to help me, as what is going on now also affects them.” You cast your gaze downward, whispering the next sentence. “They agreed to tell me what to do only if they were given a sacrifice-”

“EXCUSE ME?!” Bakugou roared from the other end of the room. “YOU TOLD THEM YOU WOULD SACRIFICE SOMEONE?!”

“Kacchan-”

“YOU DON’T GET TO SPEAK, DEKU. SHE IS GOING TO SACRIFICE SOMEONE! SHE DECIDED TO TRADE ONE OF US OFF FOR THE ‘GREATER GOOD’! THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU ASK A GOOD FOR NOTHING WITCH FOR HELP! I TOLD YOU IT WAS A MISTAKE TO ASK HER FOR HELP!”

“I NEVER SAID IT WAS GONNA BE ONE OF YOU.” The commotion stops. All eyes are now on you. “I never fucking said it was going to be one of you, I didn’t even finish what I was saying…” Your eyes look down at the shaking in your hands. 

Todoroki reaches forward and takes your hands in his own, stopping the tremble that has overcome you. “Go on.”

You take a deep breath in, “Like I was saying, they asked for a sacrifice of a magical being, but one of great power so the balance in the cosmos would be right. I tried to ask them what the requirements were for ‘great power’, but I received no answer. Instead, this book,” you put it down on the table, “appeared in my hands. Next thing I knew, I was on the couch…”

“So you don’t know how to unlock the latch on the front?” The green haired boy slides the book to himself, examining it with a sense of importance.

“No, but I have a feeling I’m the only one that’s going to be able to open it.”

“Why is that?”

“I mean, I’m the first person in forever to even see one of the Greats, let alone live from an encounter with them. If I’m not able to open it, then no one can.”

“Okay, well are there any keys that you have on you now? Maybe it’s the same one as your house key or lab key?” You shrugged and pulled out a set of keys from your pocket. Immediately you noticed one that hadn’t been there previously.

“Or the one that just happened to appear…” Inserting the key, and twisting it releases the metal strap on the bind of the book. It makes a soft clicking noise as it opens. Greedily, you opened up the pages to see what they held, only to find them blank. “What the fuck?” Aggressively, you flip through the whole thing until you find one page where a plethora of information was held.

“Is that it?” Iida was peaking over your shoulder. In fact, the rest of the party had gathered around the table to see what was going on. Well, everyone except the blonde haired, red eyed vampire.

“It has to be. This is the only marked page.”

“Well, it seems to be in celestial. Can you decipher it?” You cock your eyebrow and turn to Iida.

“Is that a question?”

“Hey, less flirting, more reading,” Kaminari spoke.

“That wasn’t flirting, but not like you would know.” He jolts back at the sudden attack, feigning a hurt look. Small chuckles could be heard around the room, but they died down as everyone anticipated your analysis.

“It’s a ritual with both alchemic and abjuration magic,” your eyes continue down the page, trying to make sense of all the scribbles, “but it looks like there’s only one ingredient.”

“Let me guess, a sacrifice.” Red eyes bore deep into your figure as Katsuki spoke.

“...yeah.”

“And where the fuck are you going to find some ‘great magical being’?” His teeth are showing as he scowls once more. It may have been years since he’s seen you, but he knows what you’re thinking.

The knuckles on your hands start to turn white from the frustration that was building in your chest. You weren’t intending on telling everyone how you were going to let yourself be sacrificed in the name of Great Ones. You wanted to keep it a secret from them, but Katsuki could see right through you.

“I don’t know.”

“FUCKING LIAR!” He crosses the room with lightning speed and wraps his hands around your neck, crushing you into a nearby bookcase. Your vision is white for a split second, but returns to see a face with nothing but disgust across its features. Gasping for air, you attempt to pry his hands off of you, but it wasn’t worth trying as you knew the kind of strength Katsuki possesses. “I know what you’re planning to do! You want to kill yourself because some old ass supernaturals want you to, but I’m not gonna let that fucking happen.” He slams you into the bookcase once more after seeing your eyes start to drift off. “Do you hear me?!”

“Bakugou, get your hands off her now!” Iida, Todoroki, Kaminari, Kirishima and Midoriya run over to the scene and start to restrain Katsuki. They struggle to pull him back, but after a few seconds of letting you go, your whole body drops to the floor and your lungs start to gasp for oxygen. While you are coughing, Mina and Uraraka latch onto your sides and help you up. Now sitting down, you cough trying to catch your breath.

“What the hell were you thinking dude?! You didn’t even let (Y/N) fucking speak?!” Kirishima’s speech was a low growl, his eyes turning from the normal black color into a more yellow, dog-like eye.

“I’m not going to let her fucking die because she thinks she is self righteous. She’s not more important than any of us, and if she thinks so I’ll kill her myself.”

“How do you know that?! How do you know that she wants to sacrifice herself?! How do you know that she thinks she’s better?!” Kiri stops, waiting for an answer. When none presents itself, he continues his rant. “You don’t know what is going in her head! So stop assuming you know stuff that we don’t!”

“Kiri, stop before you make a fool of yourself.” Gently, you put your hand on the shoulder of the raging werewolf. His eyes fade into the black abyss they once were. All eyes were now on you, “Katsuki’s right. I was going to sacrifice myself…” several gasps were audible in the thick silence, “but not because I think I’m better than anyone here. We all are powerful in our own regard, but I’ve been alive for twelve hundred years. If anyone of us is going down, it’s going to be me.” Scoffing, Katsuki barges out of the room, unable to deal with the level of bullshit he just heard. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe he was powerful, or anyone else in the room (he wouldn’t say it outloud), but he couldn’t believe that you were willing to give up on yourself to save the world. Did you not see how important you are? Whether you knew it or not, he cared about you and he didn’t plan on letting you die anytime soon.

The tension built itself around the room as the still airwaves remained unchanged. Not even breathing could be heard. Standing up from the table, you put the chair back into place and made a grab for the book, but someone stopped you. 

“No,” green eyes bore into your own, “you’re not taking it. We’re locking it up. There has to be a different solution.”

“There isn’t! We’ve talked to everyone we possibly could have and no one else thought of anything! For fucks sake Midoriya, I had to talk to some ancient beings to get a hold of this spell and almost died because of it! I’m taking what’s mine!” With both hands, you yank it from his grasp.

“I said no (Y/N). We’ll find another way. There has to be another way-”

“There’s not! What is so hard to understand! The clock is ticking and it’s only a matter of time before it all turns to shit, might as well fix it now and get it over with!”

“(Y/N), just give me the grimoire. Don’t make this any more difficult than it needs to be. No one here wants you to die, and we’re not going to let you! Just pass it over.” Conflicted, your white knuckles loosen on the rough leather and place it down on the table. Without looking at anyone, you make your way to a spare room and sit on a bed, thinking about what else there was to do.

Hours passed as you thought about the end of it all. There is no other way for this to end. The fucking Old Ones said that this way the only way possible, so it has to be right? We exhausted all other resources: the scripts from Alexandria, my personal collection, Izuku’s personal collection and the harpies. None of us had anything. Your foot was tapping against the floor anxiously. If I could just get the pages from the book and get back to my place then it could all be over. None of them would have to worry anymore. It’s been a couple of hours… maybe they’re asleep. If I take it now and make a run for it, I’d have at least a couple hour head start. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about someone trying to stop me…

With a gameplan in mind, you stealthily make your way out of the room, creeping around as silently as possible. Passing a few other rooms, the snores of several companions reassure your suspicion. Now was the time to strike. Trying your damnedest not to make the floor creak, you tiptoe through the house to the library. You’re assuming it’s still there, but they could’ve removed it. Too busy focusing on trying to make a sound, you didn’t realize the pair of blood red eyes that closely follow.

Upon reaching the library, your eyes land on the old leather cover that lies exactly where you last remember. Swiftly taking it from its place and reaching for its key, you took the latch off and ripped the single page from its binding. As you did so, a knocking noise was heard from the entrance, but looking at it didn’t give you an answer. Everything was where you left it, but the uneasy feeling of eyes on you causes a thought to cross your mind. Am I being followed? Shoving the spell into your pocket, you glanced around one more time to make sure no one was there. 

“O custos revelare,” voice barely above a whisper and clutching the necklace of the triple goddess, the knowledge of Katsuki’s watchful eyes on you entered your consciousness. Great, just what I needed. How the fuck am I supposed to leave now? Maybe if I trapped him somewhere that he can’t be heard, or if I place a silencing spell? No, he’ll still be able to get someone’s attention. Best shot I got is to lure him out of earshot from the others and place a trapping spell, but that requires time… Fuck! What the hell am I supposed to do?!

Quickly trying to recover from the stream of thoughts, you make your way to the attic. This should be far enough from the others. If he screams up here they shouldn’t hear him, especially with all the fabric. Now how do I get the circle in place? ...goddamnit why the hell can’t my brain think of something? Abjuration? No, that’s later. Conjuration? No. Divination? No. Evocation? No. Necromancy? What the hell, no! Transmutation is a no go as well. That leaves alchemy, enchantments and illusions. Alchemy takes too long, so that’s out of the question, and Katsuki can easily overpower my enchantments. So illusions it is.

Katsuki watches as you stumble your way up a couple flights of stairs, trying so hard not to alarm anyone of your presence. He couldn’t help but feel amused at your little act. You just look so cute acting like a rogue trying to steal their first jewels. On the other hand, he couldn’t believe that after the outburst he had and Deku’s own freakout you still were going through with your plan. Do you not care about him? Do you seriously not realize just how important you are? Of course he’s gonna stop you; the minute you stormed off he knew there was a plan being formulated.

Shattering glass littered the stairwell as the nearest window blew inward. Immediately, Katsuki checks for intruders and looks down the stairwell to see that the other windows have been broken in as well. Peering up, he doesn’t see your figure any more and begins to panic. With his enhanced speed he runs downstairs and starts to sniff out anything suspicious.

Leaving the crystals in their place to keep the illusion going as long as possible, you could care less about making much noise. Bolting up to the attic, you shut the door behind you and took out a pocket knife, working on a trap, or abjuration, spell. The intricate carvings were taking longer than you thought, and the panic of being caught was causing you to slip up.

“Shit! Fuck!” There’s no time left! Once again grabbing the necklace of the goddess, you start reciting a simple fire spell and start to burn the lines into the wood floor, being careful not to burn the house down.

“Adolebitque imperium.” A small flame danced around the floor, as if following a line of gasoline. It wasn’t even a flame, but looked like the end of a stick of incense. The small embers made their way around the room, carving out sigils and words. Trapping a vampire was tough enough, but with Katsuki’s strength and will it was going to be even worse.

Back downstairs, Katsuki stalks the main floor, careful not to alarm something that could be in the house. His nose isn’t picking up on anything out of the ordinary, but he got the feeling that it was all a ruse. Looking around more only confirms his suspicion as he noticed no other windows were broken, and when he got back to the stairs those windows were put back.

“That sneaky little-” his feet pound on the ground as he makes his way to your location. “I can’t believe she- what a little- UGH!” He fells dumb. He knows your magic, but he couldn’t even figure it out on first glance - not like he used too, that is.

Reaching the top of the stairs and closing the door, he tries the doorknob, but to no avail. 

“(Y/N) open the door.” No response. He waits a few seconds until he tries again. “I swear to fucking God (Y/N), open the goddamn door or I will break it down.” Pressing an ear to the door, he listened to double check he was in the right area. After hearing some shuffling on the other side, his fists pound against the door. “I can fucking hear you, you know!” When no response came, again, he grabbed the door knob and snapped it off like it was a candy cane. “I’m coming in so don’t fucking attack me!”

You stand by an opened window, wind softly blowing through your hair and the moonlight highlighting your face in all the right ways. If only someone had a camera, this shot could make “Time” magazine. Katsuki’s breath was taken away at the scene; you looked so serene and just as beautiful as the day he met you. Although his heart wasn’t supposed to be beating, he felt as though it might leap out of his chest and run into your arms. You turn slowly, to face him with the ripped pages gently folded between your fingers.

“Hand it over. We both know I’m not letting this happen.” He inches closer in the room, about a foot away from the carvings on the floor. You just need to provoke him further, but the look in his eyes was killing you. They weren’t like anything you’d ever seen come out of Katsuki; even in the most intimate of moments. They screamed desperation but remain firm.

“It’s the only way, and you know it.” Eye contact hasn’t broken once since he bust the door open, but it only intensified as you speak.

“I don’t fucking care if it’s the only way. You are not dying for this, for these people! We both know what kind of shit the world puts us through and you want to put your life on the line for them. For those BASTARDS!” Screaming, he moves another few inches forward, eyes pleading for you to give in. “WHAT HAS THE WORLD EVER DONE FOR YOU?! BESIDES PUT YOU DOWN AND BEAT YOU TO THE CURB?!”

“It showed me you. Didn’t it?” The question startles him. You were the calm to his storm, the yin to his yang and yet… he didn’t want to admit that the world actually did him good.

“No. I gave myself to you. I wanted to be with you. I loved you. I still love you. Can’t you see this is fucking killing me?! Can’t you see that I just want to be with you?! CAN’T YOU SEE THAT I WANT YOU BACK?! THAT I WANT TO WAKE UP TO YOU WITH ME EVERYDAY?! WHY THE FUCK CAN’T YOU-” He didn’t realize he had closed his eyes with rage, and that you had made your way across the room to him. In the middle of his rant, you placed your soft hand on his cheek, caressing his face. Instinctually, he presses his cheek further into your touch, opening his eyes to meet yours. It felt like he had just had a sip of water after a centuries-long drought; this was something he didn’t acknowledge that he needed so badly, but now that it was happening he only wanted more.

“That day that you left, I was broken. For years I was only half the person I once was, and it was because I didn’t have you. I thought that you hated me, and never wanted to see me again…” 

“I could never hate you,” he grabbed your wrist, “not after everything we’ve been through. Not after our sleepless nights of talking, the years of moving around and the fact that you’re the only person I’ve ever been myself around.” He sighs, the whole ordeal becoming emotionally taxing. Not once did he ever open himself up to anyone; not after you. It was hard enough for you to crack him, but once you two were through, he built up walls of steel. “I never stopped loving you. You are the only one for me. You’re the only person willing to put up with my bullshit and able to control my temper. Even if you are a damn witch, you’re my damn witch.”

Tears start to haze both of your visions, but you give in, letting them cascade down your cheek. Heart clenched, ready to burst, you enveloped yourself in his scent, embracing him like your life depended on it. He quickly returns the gesture and places his head in the crook of your neck. The two of you stayed like this for a moment before gently rocking back and forth. Slowly, you inch him closer to the abjuration spell.

Goddess, what have I done to deserve this? Why do I have to be the one fucking person he loves but also the one person that can save everyone from certain doom? Why am I just getting him back now, right before the end? Crying harder, you push yourself further into his chest. He didn’t take this as “out of the normal” because he thought you were still crying over him; that’s not saying you weren’t, but other thoughts were on your mind. Your body still moves closer to the circle, pulling Katsuki with you. What the fuck (Y/N). You could’ve just placed the circle and left, but no. You had to stick around and make everything 1000 times harder.

The sound of wood burning turns Katsuki’s attention to the ground, where he sees the sigils recarve themselves into the floor. He was flabbergasted, the breath knocked right out of him.

“(Y/N)...?” His voice was weak as he spoke, as if pleading for this to be a dream and not the hell he was about to go through.

“I’m so sorry. I wish there was another way but there isn’t and I just-” He releases your hug, his body going rigid as he starts to piece it together.

“You tricked me… after everything I said and did, you trapped me. You’re gonna fucking kill yourself and you trapped me here so I can’t stop you.”

“There’s no other way. The Greats said that it had to be a powerful magic user, and we both know Izuku, Iida, Todoroki and Uraraka don’t make the cut. The harpies don’t have anyone as powerful as me either and it doesn’t look like we’ll be finding anyone powerful within the next couple of days. I can end this now. The panic, the worry; it could all be over with tonight.” You step out of the circle, grabbing the instructions from your pocket and holding them to your chest.

“You decided that instead of staying with me, you’d rather die. Am I hearing this correctly? YOU WOULD RATHER NOT EXIST THAN BE WITH ME?!” He ran up to you, but the invisible barrier holds him from reaching your body.

“Don’t. Don’t make this about you. This is about more than just us and it is definitely about more than what we had forever ago. I’m fucking sorry neither of us got our acts together in time, but the balance of nature needs to be set anew. If I had known that you still loved me, that you still cared for me, then yeah, this whole situation might’ve turned out differently. But the fact that it took us almost 1000 years to get our shit together and talk to each other says a little something. Maybe we’re both too headstrong to be in a relationship. Hell, that’s how the last one ended! So don’t you dare make this about you, because there are so many other people that I love and want to look out for than just you. The world is counting on me because if I don’t do this, then the world as we know it won’t be in existence within the next few days.” You turn to the window, taking a deep breath and slowing your rapid heart rate.

As you approach the window, you mutter “revertetur in terram suam” and the forest around the house transforms into the inside of your bedroom. Once more, you took a deep breath to ease the pain of leaving everyone behind.

“Tell them I love them, and I did it for the best.” You walk over to Katsuki and rip off your triple goddess necklace, offering it to him. “I know you’re not religious, but it’s a piece of me. So you don’t forget.” Reluctantly, he reaches out and takes it, examining it with a furrowed brow.

“I would never fucking forget…” it was barely audible, but it made your heart flutter.

“I love you, Katsuki. Even if it seems like I’m betraying you, I want you to know that I hope you find someone who loves you and can crack that barrier over your heart.” Walking over to the portal, you utter one last sentence, “Please take care of yourself,” and then you’re gone.

[ninamitoo]

YOURS•AND•ONLY

CHAPTER 2 - Consideration

Pairing: Talbott Winger x Fem!reader (as adults)

Timeline: after Hogwarts, different universe

Summary: The first meeting between you and the man who introduced himself as Talbott. 3rd person POV!

Wordcount: 1471

My masterlist

YOURS•AND•ONLY masterlist

Trailer, chapter 1, chapter 3, chapter 4, chapter 4.5, chapter 5, chapter 6, chapter 7, epilogue?

Also thank you SO MUCH! @whatwouldvalerydo for your kind words and reblog of my last chapter! You made my day, truly😍

Dark haired man sat on one of the branches looking down on the inhabitants of the forest. A quiet rage penetrated to his bone, while his red eyes continue watching the witch wander around his home for several days in row. To the uninitiated observer, he seemed impartial, unbothered. However, his stiff shoulders and upright back revealed how annoyed he really is.

When he first saw her, he didn't pay much attention to her. Yes, it was uncommon for someone to come so deep into the forest, but sometimes it did happen. Most of the time, however, it didn't last long, and the same evening the visitor came they also disappeared. But she... She was here even the day after and the next day too, staying the whole night. It was four days ago since he last zigzagged in the air between the trees. He missed his freedom. He missed flying. It was his joy; it filled every cell of him with pure bliss. The inability to fly freely for several days in a row so as to not reveal his existence to a stranger was a suffering for him.

He couldn't figure out what the young woman wanted to do in the middle of the forest, where daylight would shine through the trees only for a few hours a day. She seemed to be looking for something, but he wasn't sure what that something was. One day she picked up one of his fallen feathers, the next day he saw her feeding the Thestral, the next day she discovered Niffler's residence and the day after she brought him silverware and a watch. She played with him for the rest of the day.

She was kind to every creature she came across. Even the shy and fearful fairies liked her. A thorn of jealousy pierced him when he saw how easy it was for her to befriend them - they ignored him even after a month of giving them endless treats.

He didn't know why, but he enjoyed watching her. Maybe it was because he hadn't seen a person in a long time, or because he wondered what she really wanted. But it was definitely not because he liked her carefree smile and her playful nature. 

Or maybe that was exactly why he decided to help her.

He noticed the manticore long before she did. He tried to warn her discreetly with the cones he was throwing to the ground, but she didn't seem to react. She continued to hum a melody that had been playing in her head for several hours. Frustrated, he grabbed one of the branches and aimed directly at her head. He heard her grunt in pain as she started stroking the painful spot, but it served its purpose. She turned around her axis, trying to see the culprit, who dared to throw a branch at her so shamefully when she saw the hungry beast lurking behind her.

He thoughtlessly pressed the woman to his chest and carried her to the safety of his home. Only when he released her from his hold he did realize what a serious mistake he had made; now she knows where to find him, where he lives. And he has no idea what she's going to do with this information.

His heart was furiously pounding in his chest as he watched the scene unfold below. The young woman tried to pull her wand out of her robe, but she was unable to do so in a sudden surge of fear. With his predatory eyes from the height of the trees, he watched her eyes widen in horror as she realized she was completely defenseless. She stumbled over her own legs as she tried to escape the hungry creature. But it was useless to her - the manticora catching up with her in one long step, its claws running down the girl's back, trapping her on the ground under Its heavy paw.

Before he realized what he was doing and could stop himself, he bounced sharply of the branch he was standing on and plunged headlong into the manticore. He buried his claws in its exposed back, leaving deep bloodied grooves. The manticore wailed in pain, but before it could take revenge on the young man with its tail, he was long gone.

He learned not to trust people, especially to wizards such as yourself. He did not intend to make the same mistake as his parents once did and pay for it with his life. But before a wave of grief and rage swept over him, he forced his memories back into his subconsciousness. Instead, he decieded to focus on you.

You were dressed in a tight-fitting black cloak, your hair was pulled back by a tall ponytail, and you were holding your wand in a shaking hand. Your dilated pupils reflected the faint light of the stars, and you stared straight at him. He wanted to hide from your piercing sight.

“Are you done staring?” He asked you, but you didn't seem to notice his words. Instead, your eyes darted all over his body and he began to feel uncomfortable. He straightened nervously and cleared his throat loudly, hoping to divert your attention from his appearance to his words.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” Your eyes were focused on something behind him, he thought: probably on my wings, but his voice caught your attention.You looked at him, for the very first time really at him, your eyes wide and magnetizing like two wells, stared straight at him. And then you spoke; he heard your voice for the first time, and yet it seemed as if someone familiar had spoken to him.

“I’m Y/N. And for your second question... Circumstances at work brought me here.“ You are hiding something, that much he could tell. But he wasn't one to pry when you clearly didn't want to say more. “And what is your name?” You asked the curiosity evident in your voice. In the interest of his own safety and peace of mind, he should not answer your question, yet some incomprehensible force in him forced him to open his mouth. He wanted you to know. Was it because he wanted at least one person to remember him before he disappeared? Maybe yes.

“Talbott.”

“Nice to meet you. Thank you for saving me back there. If it wasn’t for you...” Your voice broke at the end of the sentence, but you still gave him a gentle smile. He didn’t know how to answer so he stayed quiet.

“So...” He began, rubbing the back of his neck and peering at you with those magical deep iris of his.

“So?” You smiled at him. He could feel the corners of his mouth rising to mirror your smile, but he resisted. Instead, he proceeded to noisily clear his throat, avoiding your gaze. You stared at him confused but at the same time utterly mesmerized.

“Do you have a place to stay? Or did you decided to live here like a homeless girl that lost everything?” His words were crueler than he had originally intended, but he can't just take them back.  With a discomforting feeling in his stomach he watched your smile fade. Despite being hurt a little bit you held his gaze.

“I have some free time on hand so I walk around here until I have to move on. I don’t live nearby so in the meantime I am staying in Hogsmeade.” 

Talbott nodded in understanding and looked down where the manticore was walking in circles around the tree where his home was. It still did not accept the loss of its prey. 

“Maybe you should stay here for a little bit... At least until it’s safe to go.” He says calmly but his entrails contracted uncomfortably. You go stand next to Talbott to lean over the railing and you look down as he did a few seconds ago. There you saw the beast roaring in anger looking up at you. Your tender scent attacked his olfactory cells, and he couldn't resist the urge to lean over and inhale your fragrance.

“I don’t want to be a burden.” You shook your head yet you didn't tell him you were hiding a broom in your bag that you could easily summon with accio and fly to Hogsmeade at any time. At the bottom of your heart, you secretly hoped that you could stay with the mysterious young man a little longer.

“You aren’t.” He asnwered a bit too soon. Your eyes widened in surprise and you felt how the blood rushed into your face. One sheepish smile mirrored the other one skittish behaviour.

After the awkward silence he invited you inside and this time, to his relief, you didn’t refuse.

To be continued

[imkylotrash]

Meet Me In The Hallway (5)

Pairing: Sky x reader

Summary: You confront Stella asking her to let Sky go one last time but she refuses, leaving you with no other option. You have to tell him the truth yourself. 

Tagging: @bitchwhytho @music-of-melody @grey-girl @intoanothermind @artsyle​ @kaii-ya​

Series Masterlist

A/N The secret is something I made up entirely to add to the drama and is in no way part of the actual series. 

You wake up sweating. Sky has completely engulfed you with his body and adding the duvet in the summer time is just asking to get a heatstroke. Carefully, you untangle yourself needing a glass of water in order for you to cool down. When you return, you notice he’s awake. 

“I thought you might have left,” he said holding out his arms for you to come back and join him again but something stops you. There’s still a massive secret between the two of you and you’re worried it might tear him from you. 

“I needed some water,” you smile but you don’t return to bed. You know if you get back into his arms your resolve will fade away and you won’t talk to Stella today but you need it to stop. Either she backs off or you’ll tell Sky yourself. 

“I have to go do something today. But I’m hoping it’ll make things better,” you say probably confusing him more than explaining. But you’re hoping he won’t have to know what happens today even though your brain tells you that your hope is feeble. Once you’ve changed and promised Sky that you’ll return soon, you head out to find Stella. It’s not hard to find the princess of Solaria but it is hard to get her attention. She’s making a point out of ignoring you instead talking about right up until you grab hold of her wrist letting just a little ice freeze her skin. 

“What the hell?” she yelps forcefully ripping her arm out of your grasp. Her skin has gone pale where you held on but you know it’ll only take minutes for her to get warm again. 

“I need to talk to you.” At least she excuses herself from the group of fairies following you to a more private setting.

“What do you want?” she asks inspecting her nails to appear unbothered but you know your little magic trick back there rattled her. She’s not used to other fairies standing up to her having lived on the respect for her title as princess for a long time. 

“I want you to forget what that file said about me and let me be with Sky. You gave it your best shot but it didn’t work. Let him go. Please.” You’re ready to do some begging and grovelling to make her comply but you quickly realise that it’s futile. 

“I’m sorry, you don’t really have any leverage here. And you certainly don’t get to decide when it’s over between me and Sky.” She has that sickly smile plastered on her face that you have no doubt her mother made her perfect when she was a child.

“But Sky gets to decide that. He doesn’t want you. Why are you trying so hard to stay with someone who doesn’t want you back?” You know this isn’t the best approach but you feel like you’re going insane even having this conversation. You can’t force someone to love you no matter how much you love them.

“Sky doesn’t know what he wan-”

“He wants me!” you yell not even caring who hears you at this point. You know there’s no going back from this. She’s going to tell the school about your parents and all you can do is make sure you tell Sky first. 

“Careful, Y/N. I already blinded one girl.” Her hands glow with light orbs but you’re not worried. One flick of your wrist and her hands will be too frozen to even perform magic. Defensive magic at its best and Stella knows that too. 

“You know what? I don’t care. You want to tell the school? Go ahead.” You turn your back to her and walk away. All the way to your room fairies point fingers and whisper all because you’re a changeling and you imagine it’ll be much worse tomorrow. Sky is right where you left him though this time he’s freshly showered. 

“Did you do the mysterious thing?” he asks you with a smile closing the book he’d been reading while waiting for you to return. You’re not sure how to start this but you pray he won’t be disgusted by you when you’re done. 

“I need to tell you something,” you whisper and he turns serious instantly. You walk over to sit on the edge of the bed without so much as look in his direction. You’re not sure you’ll be able to look at him at all once you start talking. 

“My parents gave me up. That’s how I became a changeling but the reason they gave me up is because they decided that the fairy magic wasn’t enough. They turned into witches. Dark, evil witches.” You take a deep breath to steady yourself thankful that Sky stays quiet until you’re done. Because admitting to your parents being witches isn’t the worst thing you’ll have to admit to. 

“When I say evil, I mean really evil. They started a coven so they could go to war against Solaria. We read about it last year, remember? The Great Fall. That was my parents. They killed a lot of good people that day,” you say finally looking over at Sky. You search his face for any sign that could indicate how he feels but he keeps his face blank like a canvas. 

“How long have you known?” You have to stop yourself from laughing because you’ve just told him that your parents gave you up in order to take over the Otherworld as witches and do horrible things to fairies from all the realms but he’s concerned with how long you’ve known?

“A couple of years now. Dowling helped me do the research when she found me.” You wish you could read his mind and figure out what he’s thinking. Is he scared? Does he want to run away? 

“My father was killed in battle but my mother was captured. She’s still alive as far as I know trapped in a maximum-security prison in Solaria. They say she’s gone completely insane.” You’re terribly ashamed of the family you come from. If you could’ve gone through life without anyone knowing where you came from, you would’ve been fine with that. You don’t want people to know because you wish you didn’t know yourself. 

“So, you’ve known this about yourself for years but you never told me? Not after we said I love you? Not after I bared my soul and shared my deepest thoughts and memories? You were just keeping that piece of information to yourself?” Now he looks angry but you’re not sure what he’s actually angry about. You’re about to say something but he isn’t done. 

“Did you not trust me? Maybe you didn’t think to bother because this thing between us wouldn’t survive anyway.” 

“No! That’s not why I didn’t tell you,” you exclaim confused as to how he even came to that conclusion. Does he not understand the kind of shame that comes with something like that? His father died a hero, he’s never had to deal with these kinds of emotions. 

“Then why didn’t you? You could’ve trusted me. I would never tell anyone.” That’s when you realise that he’s not angry, he’s hurt. Hurt that the one person in the world he thought kept no secrets was keeping a massive secret from him. 

“Stella found out and threatened to tell the entire school starting with you. And so I tried to hide it and stay away but I couldn’t. I had to tell you so that you heard it from me and not her.” He’s quiet for a second processing what you just told him.

“So, the only reason you’re telling me this now is because Stella found out? You would’ve lived your entire life not telling me and feel fine about that?” He’s looking at you like you’re a stranger and you can’t blame him. He’s right. He’s been nothing but honest with you admitting every thought he’s ever had and here you are hiding a huge part of your history. The worst part is that you can’t even argue against what he’s saying because you can’t in good conscience say that you would’ve told him if Stella hadn’t forced your hand. 

“I need some air.” He gets up and grabs his jacket before heading for the door. 

“Sky, please stay. Let’s talk about this,” you plead hoping he’ll turn around and tell you everything is going to be okay. 

“If I stay, I’m going to say things I regret.” 

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

I request a fluffy F!MC x Lavinia fic, where Lavinia visits F!MC at night for some reason. F!MC was unable to fall asleep and Lavinia ends up helping her fall asleep and they cuddle. Thank you in advance

Written by: @blue-is-the-coolest-color

Did midnight snacks help her sleep when she was having one of those nights where sleep feels impossible? No. Did Annisa find herself in the kitchen at one in the morning anyway due to lack of sleep? Yes.

Thankfully the rest of the house was asleep, or at least they were quiet enough to hopefully be asleep. She didn’t need a lecture from her brother about how bad late night snacking was. Besides, she grabbed a fruit so that makes up for snagging her secret stash of cookies that Lucas can’t know about.

Annisa grabbed her snacks and stealthily made her way back to her room, making as little noise as possible to not disturb the rest of the house. For a moment, she thought she had succeeded in being noticeable, until she went into her room to see a very familiar devious silver haired witch lounging on her chair, flipping through a book and looking rather at home.

Annisa sighed, closed her door and waited a few moments until Lavinia noticed her presence, looking up and flashing her signature cheshire cat grin.

“You’re up late.”

“Look who’s talking.”

Annisa dropped her snacks onto her side table, opening a box of cookies and walking one over to where Lavinia sat. The Ice Queen accepted the offering and put the book she had been flipping through down. Annisa noticed it was one of her many copies of Rapunzel. A leather bound special edition book her mother had gotten her the birthday before her parents left for California.

“What are you doing here?” Annisa decided to ask first, biting into her own cookie as she waited for Lavinia to answer.

“I saw your light on,” Lavinia explained, “so I thought I’d pay you a visit.”

“Not that I don’t appreciate the visit,” Annisa grinned, “but what were you doing out this late?”

“Taking Ezra for a walk,” Lavinia replied smoothly, her signature grin in place, “He doesn’t like being indoors for long.”

Annisa shook her head, resigning to the fact that she wasn’t getting a straight answer from Lavinia, yet for some reason, she was okay with it. Lavinia’s late night visits were starting to get more frequent, and Annisa couldn’t say she minded. She even started to look forward to them, staying up a little later every night to see if the queen of snow would grace her with a surprise visit, just for her.

“Are you having trouble sleeping?”

Lavinia’s voice is more concerned, her grin faded into a more serious expression as soft blue eyes took in Annisa’s appearance. Annisa smiled at the change in tone from Lavinia.

“Yeah, I’ve got a lot on my mind, with the curse and school and all kinds of boring things.”

“Tell me about all the boring things.”

Annisa couldn’t help but giggle at the dorky tone. Lavinia flashed her a fond smile at the sound before getting up and moving to sit at the foot of Annisa’s bed, patting the space next to her. Annisa rolled her eyes a bit before clicking off the light and moving to sit beside her.

“Something Lucas patrols, if he sees the light on he might come in,” Annisa explained as she sat beside Lavinia, “then we’ll both be in a lot of trouble.”

“I’m always in trouble.”

“More trouble than usual,” Annisa clarified as she nudged Lavinia with her shoulder, “now I thought you wanted to hear about all my boring thoughts.”

“Think away,” Lavinia offered as she turned a bit to face her, “what’s on your mind?”

Annisa hesitated, suddenly a bit shy under Lavinia’s steady gentle gaze. She wanted to avoid talking about the curse, or about fairies, or about any other serious topic that stunned her sleep. She had the opportunity to just talk to Lavinia without some threat hanging over them, for now. Lavinia patiently waited for her, soft against the moonlight that now filled the room.

“Do you ever think about what would happen if your world didn’t exist?” Annisa blurted out without thinking, quickly going into a rant at Lavinia’s confused face, “like if you and everyone else had been born here instead and lived normal lives here instead of in a world of magic?”

“I’m… not sure what you mean.”

“Yeah, sorry, it was a weird question,” Annisa looked away, face growing a little warm in embarrassment. She felt Lavinia shift a little next to her.

“I’m not sure that would work. We may not have been born at the same time, since…”

“Since you’re kinda old.”

It was meant to be more of a joke, but the flash of hurt and shame that passed through Lavinia’s eyes made Annisa feel worse about saying it.

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry, that was uncalled for,” Annisa sighed and covered her face with her hands, “I’m being dumb, you talk for a while. What’s your favorite thing about this world?”

“You.”

Annisa’s face burned at the quickness of Lavinia’s answer. Her hands pulled away from her face so she could look at Lavinia, seeing the witch had opted not to look directly at her, but more towards the opposite wall of the room.

“I’m really glad I got to meet you.”

There felt like a million other things she wanted to say, held captive by dark lips and icy tongue. The comfortable silence that followed blanketed over them like freshly fallen snow. The newfound calm held a unique warmth that only Lavinia seemed to carry. Annisa let herself soak in the moment, to just be and enjoy the presence of the usually icy woman next to her.

The newfound peace pulled a small yawn from Annisa, she leaned a bit more toward Lavinia, resting her head on the girl’s shoulder. She felt the other woman chuckle, arm brushing against Annisa’s back as her hand traveled upward, playing with the ends of Annisa’s curly hair.

“Have I bored you already?”

“Shut up, my head’s just heavy.”

“I’ll try to compliment you less then.”

Annisa pulled away for a moment, swatting Lavinia in the arm before leaning back up against her. She could feel the lingering laughter as Lavinia’s body shook a bit with the suppressed giggles leaving her lips. Annisa smiled at the sound. Her eyes closed as she felt Lavinia’s fingers play with the ends of her hair.

“What’s that?”

Annisa looked over at Lavinia, noticing her head tilted upward before following her line of sight to the ceiling.

“Oh, that was one of my lonely projects. I recreated the night sky on the ceiling with glow in the dark star stickers,” Annisa explained as she caught the dull glow of the faded stickers. “I tried to recreate all the constellations, starting with the bears above the bead and circling around them. It kept me busy when it was just me here.”

“Bears?”

“Yeah, right there. That’s ursa major and minor.”

Annisa started explaining the various constellations and lore of the skies. Somehow the two ended up on their backs next to each other, Lavinia’s arm trapped under Annisa’s head. After a few seconds, Lavinia raised her free hand, creating a little bear out of light to float about the room. Annisa chuckled as she watched the little ball of light for a moment before it faded.

Annisa couldn’t figure out when, but her eyelids had gotten heavier between her vast tales of the sky and Lavinia’s light shows of creatures running through the air. She felt Lavinia shift next to her and next thing she knew, she was being lifted into the Ice Queen’s arms. She wavered in that space of half sleep as she felt Lavinia place her in bed and drag the blankets up to her shoulders. In her half-dazed state she willed herself to move, catching Lavinia’s sleeve before she could pull away.

“Stay, please?”

“I don’t want to get you in trouble,” Lavinia’s voice is soft, but her eyes seem to completely give in when Annisa tugged her sleeve, flashing her sad puppy dog eyes until Lavinia sighed dramatically. She stood up straighter to shrug off her black cardigan before laying on the bed next to Annisa, over the covers rather than under them.

“Fine, but only because I hate when you give me that look.”

Annisa curled herself as close to Lavinia as she could, arms wrapping around her torso and head resting against her shoulder, breathing in her peppermint scent. She felt Lavinia’s arms wrap around her in kind, one resting across her waist while the other wrapped around Annisa’s shoulders, fingers resuming their dance through her hair. Annisa let out a low hum, smiling at the feeling as it pulled her closer to sleep. She listened as Lavinia’s breathing slowed, the hand in her hair slowing as sleep seemed to be close to claiming her as well. She let herself enjoy the steady feeling of Lavinia’s breathing, pretending for a moment that she’ll be able to wake up with the girl still there.

She imagined a morning where she could wake up next to her. Have breakfast together. Without the illusive woman having to slip away in the dead of night or early in the morning just to avoid her friends' backlash at finding her there.

Annisa pushed the thoughts aside, settling against the body next to her willing sleep to swallow her whole.

But only after she’s memorized this feeling.

[comfortwriting]

Never Alone - The Marauders

Masterlist, Posting Schedule, Requesting Rules, Writing Prompts, navigation

The Marauders x Fem Reader x Marlene McKinnon

A/N: As someone who was bullied in highschool for my sexuality and slandered by members of my family, this was somewhat therapeutic yet hard for me to write as I’ve never spoken about it. If you need a helpline, etc please scroll to the bottom of my navigation <3

Requested/About: The reader is dating Marlene McKinnon, once their relationship is made public, other students decide to be openly homophobic towards her. Her cousin, Sirius Black and his best friend James Potter find out, going after the students and comforting her. 

Warnings: Homophobia, Homophobic Slurs, Mention of conversion, Swearing.

“Are you sure you want to, you know, go public?” Your girlfriend Marlene asked.

You felt your heart speed up, sweat already forming in your palms, you sighed.

“Yeah... just give me one more day” you swallowed hard and looked into her starry eyes “I’m tired of hiding who I am, I’m tired of hiding us - but I’m scared.”

Marlene smiled sympathetically from ear to ear, talking your hand in hers.

“It’s never going to be easy, Y/N, but we’ve got each other and that’s all that matters”

You nodded again and held onto her hand tighter, squeezing it as you often did when you were nervous.

Sharing a kiss, the two of you stood up and walked across the school grounds.

Before you could reach the doors to be engulfed by the delicious mouth watering meals, you heard foot steps behind you.

Two boys in the year above you in Raven Claw had closed in on you, they were glaring but the corners of their lips curled up slightly.

“I never would’ve thought Marlene was a dyke—“

“Leave her alone!” You hissed and the taller student, pushing yourself in front of your girlfriend to shield her.

The two boys shared a glance and started laughing.

“You’d think that being a witch you would fix yourself, make yourself normal.” The other boy spat at you.

Your throat went dry and started to feel tight, boiling blood flowed through your veins and you felt like you could throw up or faint, you wanted to scream, to say something back but you couldn’t.

Tears filled your eyes and your vision went glassy, every noise around you turned into muffled nonsense, you were trapped in a vice with your own thoughts and the disgusting comments from other people, torturing yourself and toying with your mind.

Why can’t I be normal?

Am I disgusting?

What are my family going to think?

Sirius won’t be able to look at me

Whilst drowning in your thoughts, Marlene pushed herself out of your shielding and stood up to the other students, arguing back, yelling and getting out her wand.

“You talk a lot boys, why don’t we settle this another way?”

But Marlene wasn’t as good as she thought, the two boys simply laughed at her, disarmed her and walked away, threatening to spill the truth to whole of Hogwarts.

“Y/N?” Your girlfriend called out softly “Y/N”

Blinking away the tears, you slipped out from your vice and felt as if you had been thrusted back into reality.

You looked up at Marlene and felt ashamed for not doing something.

“Marlene, I’m sorry, I love you.”

She shushed you softly “hey, it’s okay.” Her fingers traced your scalp, holding you in her arms “I love you too... let’s just get ourselves sorted out and head off for dinner.”

Wiping away your tears with your sleeve, the two of you walked into the great hall.

You cousin Sirius waved and ushered you to come over to sit with him and his friends.

James Potter and Lily were away with the fairies, giggling.

Remus Lupin looked a lot better than the previous week and the scratches on his face were starting to heal nicely.

You sat next in between your cousin and Girlfriend. Staring at your plate, too scared to say anything incase the boys had already blabbed to them.

“Well, aren’t you going to eat something?” Sirius asked, taking a sip from his goblet.

You nodded “right, yeah” and stabbed some turkey, piercing it with your fork and stuffing it into your mouth.

“You aren’t usually this quiet” James butted in as Lily left to go to the toilet.

Marlene gave James a sad look and started to eat, hoping the subject could be dropped.

“He’s right, Y/N.” Remus said softly “is everything okay?”

You could hear the intrusive thoughts and comments rise in your head again, the vice getting tighter.

You put your head in your hands and started to cry, you wanted to stand up and run but you were too afraid, you were terrified people would make a big deal and would end up finding out the truth.

“Nothing is okay” you wailed.

Sirius wrapped his arm around you and bent his head next to your ear.

“Can you just try your best to explain what’s happened?”

You shook your head even more and continued to cry, wanting to throw up the food you had worked so hard to chew down and swallow.

Marlene sighed and asked Sirius to come over, Sirius got out of his seat and crouched next to Marlene.

Marlene looked at you, the two of you making eye contact, emotions spinning in the air, your hearts running a marathon, this was it - you couldn’t hide anymore.

“Please can I tell him?” Your girlfriends eyes were pleading more than they ever had in their life.

You nodded and cried even more, holding onto her hand for support.

Marlene let out a shaky breath and looked into your cousins deep eyes “me and Y/N, we’ve been together for awhile now and it’s been kept secret but” she sighed again, her voice wobbling “two boys from Raven Claw spotted us and—“

“They think it’s okay to just toss out a homophobic slur like it means nothing, they think it’s a choice and that magic will make me normal” you wailed, too scared to look your cousin and his friends in the eyes.

James’s eyes widened and Lupin looked horrified, he stood up and walked over to your side of the table.

Sirius had never been so infuriated in his life, his veins were bulging out of his skull, his eyes burning with fury, his teeth gritted.

“Who” he growled.

Marlene looked across at the Raven Claw table and pointed at the two lads who were whispering to one another, grimacing and laughing.

Sirius stood up with his hands balled into fists “James—“

“You don’t need to tell me even once.” His best friend replied, pushing back his glasses.

Lupin pulled you into his arms, Marlene still holding your hand.

“I don’t want them to get in trouble—“

“They can’t get away with this, Y/N” Lupin replied softly “it’s bang out of order.”

Sirius stormed over to the Raven Claw table with James, both of them focussing on one lad each. In synch, they pulled the lads up by the back of their collars, dragging them out of their seats.

“Think you’d get away with it, did you?” Sirius seethed.

The lad stood up and stared Sirius down “want to take this outside?”

Sirius didn’t budge, James still holding back the other student.

“Don’t see why I would” Sirius spat “Homophobes don’t deserve to kept in the dark - protected. You disgusting scum bags shouldn’t be allowed here at Hogwarts!”

“And you expect your cousin to be accepted for who she is?”

The professors got up from their tables and hurried over to the unfolding scene, you could hear the rising in whispers and chatter from the other tables around you.

“It’s going to be okay” your girlfriend reassured you.

“You have nothing to be ashamed of” Lupin said softly “you’re perfect the way you are.”

Dumbledore glided over, staring at James and holding Sirius back from launching at the boy. He knew what James and Sirius were mischievous, yet good natured and kind hearted - he knew the was a reason behind this outburst of rage.

“Can the four of you make your way to my office”

James let go of the other student and followed behind Dumbledore.

“Only if you make that dyke normal—“

Sirius turned around and socked the student in the face, causing him to fall on the floor with a bloody nose.

You hid your face into the crook of Lupin’s neck, everyone now knowing your secret.

“Everyone get out!” Dumbledore yelled, everyone instantly leaving the hall in a hurry.

Dumbledore flashed Lupin a look and nodded.

The three of you were sat in the empty great hall for what felt like hours, your stomach doing flips and you couldn’t stop shaking, Lupin and your girlfriend constantly reassuring you and trying to cheer you up.

Sirius and James walked back into the hall, Sirius ran over to you and picked you up into his arms, the two of you crying.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

You shook your head “no but I will be.”

“You don’t ever be ashamed of who you are” Sirius cried “it doesn’t make you any less of the person you are, we all still love you.”

“Are you okay, what happened, I—“

“Those two pricks have been expelled, they’re packing immediately” James smirked, rubbing your back.

You felt part of the weight on your chest had been lifted, James engulfed you into a hug while Sirius talked to your girlfriend, thanking her for being there for you and for treating you nothing short of perfect.

Dumbledore called out your name, asking to speak to you in his office.

James and Sirius smiled and nodded towards Dumbledore, you swallowed another forming lump down your throat and followed your head teacher.

Sitting down in his large and warm office, your eyes were glued to the gorgeous Phoenix sat in-front of you, batting its eyes at you.

“Sirius isn’t in trouble is he?”

“Not at all.” Dumbledore replied “Y/N, I want you to know, you will always be accepted here at Hogwarts and we won’t stand for Homophobia or discrimination of any sort.”

You let out a sigh of relief and nodded, thanking him, not knowing where to look you continued to stare at the Phoenix.

“You shouldn’t be ashamed of who you are but I can understand it takes time, it took me awhile too.” Dumbledore smiled softly.

You looked through his half moon spectacles and into his eyes.

He nodded his head, and held out his hand for you to hold.

“You are never alone, Y/N.” His eyes filled with tears, the two of you finally feeling free.

[linkspooky]

This is kinda random, but what is your top 10 favorite otps?

Sure.

#1 of All Time SPUFFY

Spuffy, it wrote the book on both beauty and the beast archetypes, and enemies to lovers. For me the most important thing in a ship is the character development it brings about. Spike's redemption doesn't work without Buffy, because it's meeting the one person who expects better than him and won't put up with his selfish crap, that forces his character arc. Buffy's development is also nothing without Spike, it's meeting Spike that makes Buffy confront her dark side, and realize that being a good person isn't something you are, but something you work towards for the sake of your loved ones. The ideal ship should inspire this permanent character development and chane (Unless it ends tragically), they should be an inseperable part of each other's character arcs.

#2 Kumagawa / Ajimu

This is what I was talking about when I said "unless it ends tragically". Sometimes you ship two people who should never end up together, because they probably won't accept their differences. However, even in a failed relationship, two people can be important to each other. There's not really a hapyp ending for Ajimu and Kumagawa, despite their similiarities when they're together they just seem to make each other worse. In Medaka Box they are the anti-Zenkichi and Medaka. However, for Ajimu Kumagawa represents her only human connection, and for Kumagawa Ajimu represents the first person to be "good" to him even though their relationship soured at one point. Therefore I find the ship interesting because despite the fact that they are permanently separated they are still an incredibly important part of each other's identities and who they are now.

# 3 Matsuda / Junko

Basically for the same reason as what I said above. There is no universe where Junko and Matsuda end up in a happy relationship, as long as Junko is still Junko. However, Matsuda and DanganRonpa Zero as a whole add so much to Junko as a character. As long as Matsuda exists, Junko's more than just a black hole that only cares about despair, and I think together the side materials like IF and Zero show that Junko actually is capable of caring for people outside of her natural tendency to want to throw everything into despair, however, humanizing Junko in this manner doesn't actually make her a better person. She can have feelings like romantic, and familial love, and she still chooses to destroy those things and the people in her life. It just adds so much to Junko as a character, which is what I like ships as, an extension of characterization through character interaction.

#5 UIHAI

I love Ui and Hairu because it's like a broken fairy tale. It was a love that could have saved Hairu, but it didn't, because for Ui he always realized his feelings too late to save anyone. Hairu was obsessively chasing after Arima for the smallest amount of approval, when Ui was right there, and already in love with her. They seem like the perfect couple that could never get together, because Hairu is too fixated on Arima, and Ui is too fixated on his job. They are perfectly suited to giving each other what they wanted, and even in lots of side materials and sketches they seem like a pair, or Ui's feelings for Hairu come across as pretty clear but it never came to be in canon.

#6 ZACK / AERITH

Once again for the same reasons as above, it seems like a fairy tale romance of a knight, and a girl he wants to protect, but it fails completely to live up to that story. Zack and Aerith is a tragic story of first love for both of them, and it's also really formative for who Aerith is now as a character. Zack tried to be there for her, and he tried to be a hero to Aerith, only to very consistently not be there for her, and then disappear from her life all together. Much later on, Aerith is incredibly isilated, unable to fall in love with the real cloud without projecting Zack onto him. It's a relationship where in a better world they could have been there for each other, but also the failure of the relationship develops them as much as characters as them getting together might have. Zack and Aerith are one of those relationships that seems ideal on the surface but they are very different people with different wants, Zack wants to be a hero, Aerith just wants to be a person first.

#7 LINK / MIDNA

The best zelda ship period. Once again the most important part of a ship interaction is the change that both characters inspire in each other. Midna begins not caring about Link at all, never referring to him by name, only seeing him as an object, an old legend, a hero to be used instead of a person. Midna's a manipulative freak, and Link breaks through to her because he actually isn't interested in being the hero of legend, he just wants to save the people closest to him at the village because he feels indebted to them, and Midna inevitably becomes one of those people. Link and Midna's partneship makes the game, because it's Midna who pushes him and makes him into a hero, but it's Link through his unfledging acceptance of her who inspires her to be a person once more, and not just the twilight priness.

#8 Morrigan / Warden from DRAGON AGE ORIGINS

This and Spuffy are like the only two on this list who actually end up together, so let me just have this. Once again my favorite aspect of a ship is the transformation the relationship brings baout in a character. The warden is a non-character, but for Morrigan herself, her relationship with the warden is what allows her to escape an abusive household, and beyond that decide not to repeat the cycle of abuse with her new family. What made this ship an all time fave was in witch hunt when the Warden gets to ask her what she wants, and she's just completely confused. Even with her mother dead, Morrigan is still a tool of her mother's ambitions, it's still all about her mother wants. It's her love with the warden, either through friendship or romance that awakens Morrigan to the fact she's allowed to exist as a person with wants and needs outside of what her mother wants her to be.

#9 Kaine / Nier

It's the Most Humanizing Ship Ever Between Two Mass Murderers. As a story, I think Nier is about finding the life, and love, in a story that is ultimately, fatally doomed. Nier only worse and worse as the game goes on but that doesn't mean there was never any love in his life. For every bad thing Nier does, he was not bad to every single person, specifically Kaine, it was Nier's love and belief in her that allows the wounds in her heart to start to heal. As Nier and Nier gets worse, Kaine's own shadow self says, that her feelings in her heart are no longer hatred, or even revenge, there's just a pure white light of love left. In a game where everything only rots, Kaine has healed to the point where she can love again when she never thought it was possible. It's why I like ending D the best, because it's Nier knowing he can never escape his own sins, but he can use his last action to heal Kaine fully all the way and allow her to live on a few more years.

#10 SATOSUGU

Once again, there's no universe where they end up together, and yet still on opposite sides of a conflict they remain each other's closest friends. The most important thing about a ship is the character development it leads to and Gojo would not be who he is today without Suguru. I generally get the sense that Gojo's idea of a good person isn't himself, but rather who Geto used to be before he broke. Gojo actually relied on on Geto for a lot more than he realized, considering it was the one connection he had that seemed to humanize him. Geto provided the chosen one who can do literally anything in the world with his powers, support and guidance. He was the jade, and the foundation of their two person friendship, and then the jade broke.

Gojo and Geto's broken relationship is not only the most emotional thing in the series to me, it's also an incredible part of who they are ten years after the fact. Gojo straight up didn't bother to make friends for ten years later after the fact even though he could have, Geto still told his daughters that Gojo and him were best friends, they just had a fight. He couldn't comperehend in Volume Zero that Gojo would still regard him as a friend after everything that they had done.

It's like one of those "Can't live with them, can't live without them" pairs. They want to be each other's one and only but it just won't work because they don't understand each other, and neither of them is willing to compromise. They are also each other's perfect yin / yang complement. Gojo is the opposite of Geto, and still carries a part of Geto within him, and Geto even after becoming the enemy of the sorcery world while Gojo is the savior, still carries that friendship with Gojo inside of him as well. While their relationship is a failed one, it's also a past I hope that the next generation Megumi and Itadori both learn from, even if Geto never truly comes back.

[guesst]

some of the best fantasy au fics for bnha that i've read

i decided to make a fic rec list of one of my favourite aus/fusions. mostly midoriya-centric, there are some crossovers (with hp), and a lot of different ways in which the authors have taken them - so it could be Quirks, ghosts, outright fantasy aus, spirits, witches etc etc. there isn't a specific order and there aren't a tonne (these are the ones i could find buried in my bookmarks lol), but the ones on the list are all really well written i love them.

i've tried adding relevant information, the summary (shortened if it's pretty long) and just. adding some random tags that may be important. not all of them though. obviously this is not a complete list and there will most definitely be more fics out there, if there are some really good fics that you know that aren't on this list, feel free to tell me, i'd love to read them!!!

i hope someone enjoys these!

Faith Becomes You by SugaSuga

oneshot | gen dfo, quirkless midoriya summary 'There's a tiny shrine in Musutafu that's overgrown with kudzu vines between Izuku's apartment and his middle-school. There may very well still be a god inside it. There may be nothing but the myth of a man from when Quirks were first emerging. Izuku hides in its walls for a while and ends up tending to the forgotten shrine. All good deeds have their impact, don't they?'

Of Mythos and Men by Oceanbreeze7

oneshot | gen spirit animal au, kinda summary (shortened) 'When he was young, Midoriya always wondered what his mythos would be. The matching half to his quirk, the ancestry of its power. Mythos were strange things, not linked genetically like quirks seemed to be. [...] Midoriya hadn't met his mythos. Even in UA. (In his dreams, something called to him, 'Chase me!')'

what a lion cannot manage by LadyLiterature

multichapter | ongoing | f/m, m/m kitsune au, female izuku, future bakudeku summary (shortened) 'She wants to be a hero. Wants to save everyone she meets and even the people she hasn’t. [...] A smart fox avoids fights. A smart fox does not seek them out. A smart fox does not fight for everyone. A smart fox, when they absolutely must, only fights for themselves and what is theirs and nothing else. Izumi, for all that she tries to be, is not a good fox.'

My Magic Academia by Kiterou

series | oneshots and multichapter | ongoing | gen HP crossover, wizard midoriya, platonic bkdk, some ocs summary (shortened) ' [...] In which Midoriya Inko is a witch and Izuku a wizard and even after 150 years of quirks taking over the world, Izuku still couldn't tell Kacchan that he isn't worthless and that he still could become a hero all on his own.'

A Lonely Windchime Makes No Sound by Musecookie

multichapter | ongoing | multi reader/shinso, total fantasy au, very wholesome summary (shortened) ' [...] You enjoy visiting your slightly creepy local library. When you accidentally befriend the elusive owner's familiar, he begins to appear more and more when you visit. You don't really mind, and he doesn't seem to hate you, even when the two of you become tied up in each other's fate as you pursue the secret to reviving a magical species of flower. Soft Strangers to Friends to Lovers type beat with lots of fluff and naps! Sleepy cuddles included.'

The grapes of friendship by Gentrychild

oneshot | gen crack, dfo, vampire izuku summary 'Izuku, a dhampir hiding his real identity as he goes to UA, the best wizard school in the country, spends the day with his friends. None of them are aware of it.'

Yesterday Upon the Stair by PitViperofDoom

multichapter | complete | gen less supernatural, izu's quirk lets him see ghosts, he still has ofa summary (shortened) 'Midoriya Izuku has always been written off as weird. As if it's not bad enough to be the quirkless weakling, he has to be the weird quirkless weakling on top of it. But truthfully, the "weird" part is the only part that's accurate. He's determined not to be a weakling, and in spite of what it says on paper, he's not actually quirkless [...] Not that anyone would believe it if he told them.'

sum of all (and by them driven) by Elemental

series | multichapter | ongoing | gen dadzawa, spirits give quirks, izu sees these spirits series summary 'Quirks aren't what you think they are.' first part summary (shortened) 'Midoriya Izuku is medically quirkless, not technically homeless, perpetually exhausted and doing his damned best despite it all. He also sees spirits, which might be cool if not for the fact that a) no one else does, b) they really don't like him very much, and c) he's pretty sure the heroes now think he's a villain working for the League [...]'

The Struggles of a Modern-Day Vampire by miraculousemily47

oneshot | gen crack, 1-a shenanigans, vampire midoriya summary 'After Midoriya Izuku is turned into a vampire towards the end of his first year at U.A., he decides he wants to tell his classmates about his condition. The only problem is that he can't physically say the words, and his classmates are fucking idiots.'

Lights in the Dark by FrostKitten

series | oneshots | ongoing | gen supernatural au, izuku can see demons etc, quirkless/magic au summary (of first part) 'Midoriya Izuku, like most young kids, knows there are monsters. They live in closets, under beds, and occasionally in the park. As he grows older, his friends stop seeing them...but he still does.'

Hand in Unlovable Hand by jumbletea

series | oneshots | ongoing | gen vampire midoriya (and aizawa), dadzawa, toga n dabi n mido being siblings summary 'A collection of stories surrounding a not-quite-human Izuku and everyone he meets along the way.'

Simply Superstitious by CryCaladrius

multichapter | ongoing | gen lots of folklore and yokai and stuff, 'quirkless' magic user izuku, decent dad hisashi too summary (shortened) 'Izuku Midoriya’s father is a Hou-ou — a Japanese phoenix. For some reason, this means yokai have a standing invitation to pester Izuku with their existence. Birds assemble choirs for his birthday. If there’s no cedar leaf under the welcome mat, the amazake babaa that lives two apartments over will be knocking on their door by evening. His yokai-purifying excursions get mistaken for vigilantism far too often. [...]'

Cuckoo Bird (anonymous author)

multichapter | ongoing/maybe discontinued | gen it may be discontinued but theres lots of fae folklore, deku is a changeling, deals etc, plus some platonic shindeku building up?? summary 'There's something off about Midoriya Izuku. (change·ling /ˈCHānjliNG/ noun a child believed to have been secretly substituted by fairies for the parents' real child in infancy.)'

tread softly as you go by IceEckos12

oneshot | gen if you read any fae au please let it be this! has faeries but mido is not one summary 'Humans used to be good at the old ways. They used to know how to bait the trap, to spin a web of words and lies that would ensnare even the most wily. Humans used to be able to twist deceptions around knots of iron and turn them into weapons of power. They forgot a long, long time ago. A boy unwittingly makes a deal with one of the fae, severing his ties to humanity. However, he finds that the fae world is far more strange and complex than he ever could have imagined.'

Hell is just a shoujo manga by supercrunch

multichapter | complete | f/m fantasy au, bakudeku, fem!izuku, isekai, dekusquad stuff, also some iidachako summary (shortened) 'Izuku wakes up crushed under a statue, trapped in the body of a princess who doesn't exist. Turns out she's a demon, which is weird. What's even weirder is the déjà vu that surrounds Kamino palace, reminding her of the events of this one manga she used to love. [...] But that's probably just a coincidence. [...] The problem here, obviously, is that Izuku's the demon princess. Ergo, she's a villain. And that means she's going to die at the end of this manga. Again.'

hold your breath as you cross by cassiopeia721

oneshot | gen dadzawa, another 'quirks are from spirits au' (expect more of those actually), mido is sad :( summary 'As the bridge between the world of guardian spirits and the quirk users who are blessed by them, Izuku's duty is to clean up the mess his predecessor left. It's taken what feels like an eternity worth of work, but Izuku's finally finished, and he's ready to rest at last. Unfortunately, the pro heroes who just watched him take down the Scourge of Kamino have no intention of letting him just wander off, and he finds himself stuck in an interrogation room with a bunch of humans who he's sure will never believe a word he says.'

To See with Eyes Unclouded by CrazySatan

series | oneshots | ongoing | gen witch au, witch midoriya, quirkless mido, bkg is not a good friend series summary 'Midoriya Izuku is a witch. A powerful witch. And even though he doesn't have a quirk, and magic doesn't Work Like That, Izuku ends up a hero. Somehow.'

Demons and Darkness by wolfsrainrules

series | oneshots | ongoing | gen dadzawa, shinso and mido and bkg are becoming friends, they can see monsters/spirits/bad things summary of first part 'Izuku has believed in the things that go bump in the night since he was small. That means he can see them, and almost everyone he knows....can't. So he decides he's going to be the shield humanity needs, no matter what. Eventually, he finds others that See too.'

know what i've made by the marks on my hands by simkjrs

multichapter | ongoing/maybe discontinued | gen dadzawa, quirk spirit au (this inspired most of the others on this list), also eri summary (shortened) 'Midoriya Izuku just wants to lead a quiet, peaceful life. This is foiled by the fact that a) he can see spirits, b) his good nature demands that he help anyone he sees in trouble, and c) he, by all rights, should not exist. [...]'

Izuku haunts class 1-A by Artistic-Gamer

series or multichapter whichever floats your boat | incomplete (hiatus) | other there are some triggering themes! such as suicide, blood, body disfigurement! please take care of yourself and avoid reading if this will hurt you! in other news: so much dadzawa, so much friendship, hurt mido summary (of first part) 'Class 1-A is rumored to be haunted, only the residents are aware it’s more than just a rumor..'

U.A's Resident Ghost by BeyondTheClouds777

multichapter | ongoing/maybe discontinued | gen ghost midoriya, dadzawa, friendships!!!! summary 'There is a ghost at U.A. Not haunting U.A. Not even hanging out at U.A. There is a ghost. Enrolled. As a student of U.A. And it's just Shouta's luck that he has everything to do with it.'

and now, the weather by xylophones

oneshot | gen CRACK, paranormal/ghost hunters au, dekusquad stuff summary 'Izuku runs a fictional horror radio show. Because ghosts aren’t real. Right? (“Holy shit, ghosts are real,” Izuku whispers. Then, with the smugness of a sixteen-year-old who just won a decade long bet, “I knew it! Kacchan owes me five hundred yen!” “Midoriya,” Todoroki sighs, “this ghost is trying to kill us.”)'

U.A Unsolved by handcrusher(ameliafromafairytale)

oneshot | gen (it's a fic of a fic, so if you've read yesterday upon the stair then you'll understand better) izuku can see ghosts thats his quirk summary ' "Hey there, ghosts," Midoriya says, "it's me, ya boy." The dorms are haunted. Shenanigans ensue.'

The Haunting of Class 1-A by BritishRobutt

multichapter | ongoing/maybe discontinued | n/a ghost midoriya, vigilante au, crack, the ghost bit is izu's quirk summary 'Everyone always told Izuku he couldn't be a hero, so when he dies and discovers his quirk, he becomes a vigilante out of spite. Whoops. After becoming Spectre, Japan's most wanted vigilante, Izuku realizes he can just fulfill his dreams of going to the top heroic school- after all, who can physically stop him from attending UA when he's a literal ghost?'

Caged by SternStunde

oneshot | gen tododeku, fantasy au (todo is a dragon, mido is a princess), genderbent deku (fem deku) summary 'Then she held up one of the books and smiled. "Want to learn an ancient language with me?" She was kind of a nerd, and she really hoped the dragon was too.'

Magic Runs Deep by draconicschinx

multichapter | ongoing/probably discontinued | gen mido has a quirk and he can see mythical creatures. summary '"Midoriya Izuku has always been good at making friends. Not human ones, really, but they are good friends nonetheless. " Izuku can see and talk to and interact with mythical creatures. It's not exactly the quirk he was hoping for, but he's going to use it to help humans and his non-human friends all the same.'

[mossharpy]

Do u know any TOH fics where it focuses on human culture/Luz being different? I can't find any :(

i've got two! but then this prompt took me by the hands and i ended up writing my own little drabble.

from ao3:

crossing paths by Vikingfangirl23 | 2991 Words | One-Shot | Summary: Luz deals with bullies, Owlbert's been following her longer than she realizes.

It's Just Hair by foolish_snail | 1889 Words | One-Shot | Summary: Luz is tired of getting bullied for her hair. May as well do something about it.

from me (under read more):

Willow and Gus were avoiding her. It was frustrating; all day they’d been skirting around her questions and attempts to confront them about their unusually skittish behavior. They told each other everything—why was this time different? Luz had briefly worried she’d done something to upset Willow, who tended to still be sore about how much time she was spending with Amity.

Luz understood where the witch was coming from, she’d be upset if her best friend started dating her ex-bully too. But, if that was the case, why was Gus avoiding her? Gus was brutally honest about his feelings; he wore his heart on his sleeve. Willow was more closed off, but Gus was always willing to play middleman if a miscommunication occurred. Even worse, when she’d asked them about wanting to sit together at lunch, the two came up with some on-the-spot excuse about having detention. Luz loved her friends, but they were terrible liars.

But she didn’t push. Luz let them go.

The human poked her PB&J, sighing. She didn’t like being ignored.

Fridays were usually her favorite day of the week. She loved Hexside—don’t get her wrong—more than she’d ever loved school, but on Fridays, as soon as school let out, Willow and Gus would follow her back to the Owl House. There, they’d begin their usual ritual of eating far too much junk food and watching crappy Boiling Isles reality TV. It was fun, it was their chance to put aside all their worries, about school, about magic, about getting home, and let loose.

Their distance made Luz think her friends weren’t willing to hang out that night.

A plastic tray gently found a place next to her, and Luz let her eyes wander upward to land on the face of her girlfriend. She smiled, worries abandoned, and focus turned toward Amity, who nervously pulled a string of lavender hair from her face, a pale blush creeping over her nose and tinging her face.

“Are Willow and Gus joining us?” She spoke formally, a trait the witch often defaulted to when trying to hide how flustered she was.

The question made Luz frown, and she let her head fall against the lunch table. “They’ve got better things to do.”

Amity nodded, taking Luz’s hand under the table, and hesitantly letting their fingers intertwine. “I guess they would be busy, what, with the party, they’re planning and all.”

“…Party?”

The purple-haired witch made a small face, “You didn’t know? Gus has been talking my ear off all day about it.” She conjured her scroll to show her girlfriend, gesturing to the dozens of unread penstagram messages she’d likely chosen to ignore.

“The two of them have been insufferable today, how am I supposed to know the difference between Pep Ph.D. and Dr Fizz? And what in Titan’s name is a clown.” She threw up her hands, irritated, before resigning to letting them sit crossed over her chest.

Luz shrugged, still staring at the number of messages, “Pep tastes kinda like barbecue sauce if it was carbonated, Dr Fizz is sweeter, bubblier, and by far the better soda. And clowns are a staple of every good party.”

Amity looked slightly baffled, like she wasn’t expecting Luz to have an opinion either, then gently took her scroll back to rapidly text a message to Gus.

“…What’s the party for?” The words came out muffled, and slightly anxious. She wanted to help, she was a great party planner—Willow knew that, Gus knew that, why were they leaving her out?

“Oh,” Amity was stilly texting, “I think Gus’s birthday is coming up.”

“WHAT?” Luz slammed her hands on the cafeteria table, startling Amity and bringing the attention of the rest of the lunchroom to both of them, various Hexside students glaring or staring, judgingly.

Amity gently brought her hands to Luz’s shoulders, pulling the human back into her seat and nervously laughing. Said human leaned in, close, raising a hand to her mouth to whisper.

“What do you mean Gus’s birthday is coming up?” She was his friend; she should be an expert in these kinds of things! No wonder he and Willow had been avoiding her, they probably didn’t want to break the news to her that she had forgotten one of her best friends’ birthday.

“The party is this weekend,” Amity supplied, mimicking her girlfriend’s hushed tone. “They’ve been sending out invitations on penstagram all day.”

She turned her scroll toward Luz again, this time, a fun-looking, brightly colored invitation with a doodle drawing of Gus throwing confetti, sprawled across her penstagram dashboard. The specific details were cut out, but she could see that Amity was right—the party was this Saturday.

A small knot formed in Luz’s stomach. She couldn’t get a scroll—they were too intertwined with witch magic, and without a bile sack, it was hard to get one. Normally, if she really wanted to see what was going on, she’d ask Eda to borrow hers, but she didn’t have one of her own. Gus knew that, so did Willow. Did they not want her there? Why wouldn’t they give out invitations in person? Why were they hiding this from her?

She slumped onto the table, burying her face in her arms.

“I guess, well—” Amity faltered, catching up on her girlfriend’s sudden deflation, “It is his thirteenth birthday.”

Luz cringed.

“No, no,” Her girlfriend continued, “It’s his thirteenth birthday, Luz.”

She stared, blankly. “I don’t get what you mean. Why are you saying ‘thirteenth’ like that?”

“Oh shoot,” Amity face-palmed, a pointed ear twitching, “Of course you wouldn’t have the thirteenth, I forget how fragile humans are.”

“Hey,” Luz dragged out the word, scowling, “We’re not fragile, we’re just not meant to digest fairies or survive boiling water.”

Her girlfriend snickered, “Like I said, fragile. Anyways, when a witch turns thirteen, you have to go through some… trials.”

“I like trials,” Luz mumbled.

Amity smiled, fondly, then grimaced, “They’re not fun trials, Luz. A witch’s thirteenth birthday is said to be cursed; you have to spend the day with bad luck, and if you manage to survive, at the end of the day you can throw a party, celebrating your ability to wield magic and become a real witch. It’s a rite of passage.”

She ‘oohed’, “That sounds cool. Why wouldn’t Gus tell me about it?”

The purple-haired girl made a face, “I’m not sure. You’re perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, even if you are… squishy. I’m confident in your ability to survive the death threats of a thirteenth.”

Resting her chin in the palm of her hand, Luz grumbled. “Thank you.”

She moped the rest of the school day.

When her final class came, and the last bell screamed, Luz sulked, taking her time to put away her spell books and potions, slowly zipping her bag and slowly tucking away her pencils. She wasn’t looking forward to walking home alone.

Her feet felt heavy, footsteps echoing down the bustling hallway as other students excitedly talked about their weekend plans. She tried to ignore every whisper of ‘party’, flipping her cowl up to hide her face. Normally, Luz didn’t mind people staring. At home, she got enough of it already, but in the Boiling Isles being the only human made her feel… important.

She didn’t feel important right now.

Her hand gently pushed the front door of the school open, light momentarily blinding her as her eyes got adjusted to the outdoors.

“Luz!” An excited voice called her name, forcing her head to instinctively turn toward the offending noise.

Suddenly, two bodies were tackling her, and Luz found herself toppling to the ground.

“Ohmigosh, are you okay?” A very frantic Gus clambered from their pile of entangled limbs, pushing himself and Willow off of Luz.

“Wha—Gus? Willow? What are you guys doing here?” She blinked a few times, rubbing at the arm she had stupidly hit on the stone ground. Dumb human arms, always getting injured. “I thought you would’ve been getting ready for the party.”

They both cringed.

“Oh… you found out about that?” Willow fiddled with the hem of her skirt, looking away from the human’s face.

Luz felt her face get hot. She was not going to cry about this. Absolutely not. “Of course, I found out! What I wanna know is why my two best friends decided I’m not cool enough to go to their really scary thirteenth birthday party? I know Gus has to go through dangerous trials, and like, prove himself and whatever, but I’m tough! I can take it.”

Gus looked between her and Willow, as if debating whether he should say something. A beat of silence passed.

“Of course, I want you at my party,” the younger witch finally spoke, “actually, that’s what we were coming to talk to you about—”

He scratched the back of his neck, pausing briefly.

“Eda told us that humans don’t have bad luck rituals on their thirteenth birthday, so we—well—we may have—”

“It’s a double party!” Willow interrupted, face quickly turning bright pink. “Sorry, sorry! I’ve been dying of anticipation all day.”

She pulled a rolled-up parchment from her bag, unfurling it to show Luz an edited version of Gus’s party invitation. This one included a small doodle of Luz as well as Gus, both donning matching party hats and throwing confetti. At the bottom, the date and time were clearly listed.

Saturday, 9:00pm, The Owl House.

Luz’s eyes widened, a large grin forming on her face.

“You guys!” She d’awwed, pulling them into a group hug.

“We didn’t want you to miss out, and Eda said you’d be able to handle all the bad luck just fine, and King’s okay with it as long as we bubble-wrap you, and we didn’t want to miss your birthday in case you had to go home before we can celebrate—” Gus cut his own rambling off, taking a breath.

“We got a clown!” Willow laughed, excitedly clapping.

Gus nodded enthusiastically, repeating her, “We got a clown!”

“Is this why you were texting Amity all those weird questions?”

Her friends both gasped, Gus especially offended, “I wanted to be as accurate as possible, the party is human-themed after all. Amity wasn’t supposed to tell you about it! That’s the point of a surprise party.”

“Eda was setting up pre-birthday decorations at the Owl House for tonight’s sleepover.” Willow added.

“Sleepover?” Luz repeated, awestruck. “Oh, my Azura, you guys are the best.”

The three kids hugged again, laughing about their birthday schemes. Human or not, Luz should’ve known better than to think her best friends would exclude her like that.

This was going to be the best Friday ever.